December 24, 2011

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

MERRY CHRISTMAS

THE OBSERVER

1 NEWS

from our family to yours

MichaelHarrisMPP.ca 519.954.8679 MH_ObserverAdXmas_Banner.indd 1

11-12-07 8:59 PM

All lit up for the holidays VOLUME.....16 ISSUE.........51

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2011

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> STORY ON PG.18

Santa’s Big Day

WELCOMING SANTA TO ST. CLEMENTS

PHOTOS

» JAMES JACKSON

Residents of St. Clements got a preview of Saint Nick’s arrival during the community’s annual Santa Claus parade last Saturday.

Meanwhile, youngsters – and the young at heart –are anxiously awaiting Santa’s official visit tonight, Christmas Eve. See page 10 for more photos.

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No white Christmas

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T

hose dreaming of a white Christmas will just have to put that dream on hold this year.

The majority of Canadians will wake to a green Christmas this year even though 85 per cent of the country will be covered in snow.

The snow will be contained to the most northerly parts of the country with people living in southern urban centers across the Canada only experiencing the odd flurry, said Dave Phillips, senior climatologist for Environment Canada.

In Woolwich and Wellesley townships temperatures are a little higher than normal and although the temperature for Christmas Eve is expected to be below freezing there is no precipitation in the forecast.

Christmas Day will see a high of plus one with a 40 per cent chance of flurries, but to qualify as having a white Christmas, there must be two centimeters of snow on the ground at 7 a.m. on Dec. 25.

“You don’t get a white Christmas

Opinion...............12 Business.............15

> SEE SNOW ON PG. 04 Living Here.........18 Sports...............24

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NEWS 2

THE OBSERVER

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

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TOY TIME The Waterloo Regional Police auxiliary, including Kevin Schmidt (left) and Mike Praught, were at the Walmart in St. Jacobs Dec. 17 for the annual Stuff a Cruiser campaign. The officers collected 725 new, unwrapped toys, which were delivered to the Knights of Columbus and other agencies throughout the community. The drive was so successful that the Knights of Columbus in Goderich, who failed to reach their toy drive target this year, also received some of the toys.

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THE OBSERVER

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

3 NEWS

> New tieredresponse for FD The name may be overblown – Emergency Medical Services Technology Interoperability Framework (EMS-TIF) – but the Woolwich Fire Department hopes the new provincial pilot project will streamline tiered-response calls.

Since 2006, Woolwich fire stations have been responding to fewer unnecessary medical calls, having stepped down to the “B” category from the “A” level of tiered response to 9-1-1 calls. In the case of medical calls, for instance, firefighters have been paged only if an ambulance was unavailable within a manageable timeframe.

With the new pilot project, firefighters will be notified when calls matching a certain criteria – such as heart attacks and severe bleeding – sooner than is currently the case.

At Tuesday’s council meeting, fire chief Rick Pedersen said the types of calls the department responds to will be adjusted to keep volumes at the current level, despite the change in the notification procedure. Councillors quickly endorsed the new tiered-response agreement.

Lions look to start club in Breslau

> Locals among those up for awards

A NEW OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE Dennis Lougheed, president of the St. Jacobs Lions Club and a new resident of Breslau, is trying to organize a Lions Club in the village. He invites anyone who may be interested to contact him.

James Jackson

T

he booming village of Breslau could soon be the newest home of the world’s largest service club.

The president of the St. Jacobs Lions Club and one of Breslau’s newest residents has put out a call for members of the community who might be interested in organizing their own Lions Club.

“At this point the only service club that I’m aware of that is operating in Breslau is the South Woolwich Optimist Club,” said Dennis Lougheed, who moved from St. Jacobs to Breslau in September.

“A couple people have expressed surprise that there wasn’t already a Lions Club over here, considering the community is growing so rapidly.”

With nearly 1.4 million members in 46,000 clubs and 208 countries, Lions members have sought to better their communities and their world since their founding

in 1917.

Lougheed recognizes the hard work and determination of other groups such as the Breslau Rec. Association, but noted that the scope of their work is limited to the community, unlike the Lions.

“What a service club like the Lions can do is certainly augment the Breslau Rec. Association, support their programs, even raise money for their programming, but it also has a much larger reach beyond the association and it can extend beyond the community, even internationally.”

The new club would join District A-15, which already oversees 54 clubs in six different zones ranging from Marsville to Exeter, but in order to start a club in Breslau, several things need to happen.

First, Lougheed said he needs to determine whether or not there is enough interest in the community to form a branch club.

They would need about five people to do that, and the branch would need to be sponsored by a full club – a role Lougheed hopes the St. Jacobs club could fulfill given his connection with them.

The role of the sponsor club would be to guide the branch club until the new members became accustomed to their duties as Lions and until it grows enough to be recognized as a full club.

“They would function pretty much autonomously as the Breslau club, but bureaucratically they would be under the St. Jacobs club,” he explained.

“They would carry their own books, hold their own meetings and run their own programming as they see fit, with guidance from the host club and with support from the district.”

The club would also need to fill the key positions of president, treasurer and secretary, and those individuals would be paired

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up with an experienced member of another club to provide more guidance on the duties associated with that position.

Lougheed said he has heard back from about four people who have expressed an interest in joining the club, and he hopes that after the holiday rush he will hear from a few more.

From that small beginning, he is confident the club will gain traction in the community.

“You start slowly and with each little thing that you take on and that you have some success with breeds more interest in going a little further and trying a little more,” he said.

“Each program they get up and running will draw attention to them, and people in the community will take notice and then you grow the interest.”

For more information contact Lougheed at cs@ a15lions.org or call (519) 213-1397.

The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Business Excellence Awards Gala on Feb. 16 at Bingemans in Kitchener.

This year, there are 82 nominees in 12 categories, recognizing companies and individuals that have made exceptional contributions through their community involvement and leadership within the chamber.

Those up for awards include Home Hardware Stores Ltd. in the business of the year (over 20 employees) category.

In the environment category, the Township of Woolwich Environmental Enhancement Committee (TWEEC) and Waterloo North Hydro are among the hopefuls.

The Best Western Plus St. Jacobs Country Inn is up for a hospitality/ tourism award, while St. Jacobs-based Quarry Integrated Communications Inc. is in line for an innovation award. The Township of Woolwich is one of seven candidates for the professional development and workplace training award.

> Kate’s Kause an Aviva fund finalist Kate’s Kause, vying to build an accessible playground in Elmira, is one of 30 finalists in the countrywide Aviva Community Fund competition. Up for grabs is $1 million in donations for community projects. A panel of judges is currently reviewing each of the final entries, with winners to be announced Jan. 25.

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NEWS 4

THE OBSERVER

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

Harris continues to push Pedestrian injured in Elmira collision for aggregate review LAW & ORDER

occurred at a residence in Bridgeport. A unknown suspect enter the house through the front door and stole a black 8 GB iPod Nano, a 10-carat gold ring with a ruby stone, a Playstation 3 with games and family photos. Police are continuing to investigate.

December 16 >>8:45 AM | A 24-year-old woman driving a blue Toyota Sienna van on Fountain Street near Kossuth Road was sideswiped by a transport truck. The van sustained minor damages and the transport truck did not stop. Police suspect the driver of the truck was unaware of the incident occurring. The investigation continues.

December 17 >>9:35 AM | A 51-year-old

Elmira woman was driving her 2000 Ford Windstar southbound along New Jerusalem Road when she attempted to brake at a stop sign and her shoelace was wrapped around the gas pedal

A

causing her to collide with a 2004 Cadillac operated by a 38-year-old Gowanstown woman travelling eastbound on Sawmill Road. The Gowanstown woman received minor injuries, but declined an ambulance. Damage to the Cadillac was severe, moderate to the van. No charges were laid due to the circumstances.

December 18 >>7:45 AM | A 21-year-old Kitchener man driving a 2008 red Chevy pickup truck

attempted to make a U-turn on Bridge Street when he lost control of the vehicle and hit three wooden poles along the side of the road. The vehicle suffered moderate damage.

No charges were laid and no injuries were reported.

December 19 >>2:45 PM | A collision occurred

at the roundabout near St. Jacobs when a 45-year-old Wingham man driving a white 2004 GMC van on the outside lane hit a black 2008 Mazda operated by a 34-year-old Guelph man. The Wingham man was charged with ‘improper left turn using the wrong lane.’

There was moderate damage to both vehicles, but no injuries were reported.

>>3:40 PM | While driving

northbound on Manser Road, a 27-year-old Southampton woman reached over to grab something from her passenger seat, causing her 2009 Ford Fusion to swerve into the southbound lanes. The woman then overcorrected her mistake, lost control of the vehicle and then flipped and rolled into a ditch before

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coming to a rest against a hydro pole. The vehicle sustained severe damage.

The woman was charged with ‘careless driving.’ No injuries were reported.

>>4:00 PM | Police received a

call from a resident on Water Street in St. Jacobs about a dying raccoon on her front lawn. When police arrived they dispatched the animal believed to be suffering from distemper.

December 20 >>4:00 PM | A 58-year-old

woman driving a green Ford van along Northfield Drive near Sawmill Road had to swerve to avoid hitting a black pickup truck, causing her to hit the guardrail along the roadway.

Her vehicle sustained a flat tire. No injuries were reported and no charges were laid.

>>9:00 PM | The Ministry of Labour is investigating an incident at Conestoga Meat Packers in Breslau after a 27-year-old female employee got her finger stuck in a skinner machine. The woman’s finger was badly hurt.

James Jackson

P

oliticians have been known to make and break political promises, but Kitchener-Conestoga Conservative MPP Michael Harris has one Liberal campaign promise squarely in his sights.

On Dec. 6 Harris submitted a formal request to the Minister of Natural Resources Michael Gravelle for specific details on the review of the Aggregate Resources Act, an evaluation that was promised by the Liberal party during the fall election.

“We’ve not heard an inkling about this since the election ended,” Harris said in an interview earlier this week.

“My job is to hold the government to account when they make promises. This is something that is important to the people of KitchenerConestoga – in particular the people of Woolwich Township – and my job is to rep-

resent my community, so that’s what I am doing.”

His request asked for a detailed timeline of when the review would be completed, as well as an indication of the specific areas to be examined under the review, and the expected impact the review would have on existing quarry applications currently in front of local councils or the Ontario Municipal Board.

On Dec. 19, the clerk’s office confirmed that the minister must provide a written reply to Harris within 21 legislative days, but because the legislature has now adjourned until Feb. 21, no reply is necessary until Apr. 3.

“Considering it was one of their initiatives during the campaign, I hope it won’t go that long because people are looking to know whether it or not it will have an impact.”

> SEE GRAVEL ON PG. 08

Snow: None just now, but it’s bound to make an appearance eventually > CONTINUED FROM COVER with flurries and we will not be getting the two centimeters that we would need for a white Christmas,” said Phillips. “We may have that second-best feeling when the gifts are being opened or the family is sitting down to eat turkey and those snowflakes may just start to fall outside the widows giving you the look of Christmas without the accumulation.”

The good news is that travel over the holiday weekend will be easy.

That is the offset to not having the white stuff on the ground. Those kids receiving sleighs or toboggans from Santa Claus this year will have to wait to use them.

It is unusual that so many millions of Canadians will go without a white Christmas this year, said Phillips.

“This is something that is not rare in the region as it occasionally occurs what is odd

» COLIN DEWAR

>>1:00 PM | A break-and-enter

70-year-old man was hit by a car at the corner of Arthur Street and Church Street just outside the Shoppers Drug Mart in Elmira about 11 a.m. Tuesday.

The man was taken to a nearby medical clinic by the driver who struck him to receive stitches to a minor cut he sustained. Police are investigating the incident.

PHOTO

December 14

THE ONLY WAY TO HAVE A SNOWMAN Residents of Woolwich and Wellesley should expect things to remain green for a while, with no heavy snowfall in the forecast until mid-January. is that the majority of Canada will also be experiencing a green or brown Christmas.

Across Canada we usually know by Halloween if we are going to have a white Christmas and this year that will not happen.”

Because the month

of December has been on average five degrees warmer than normal – milder that Phillips has ever seen in December – most of the snow that has fallen has melted soon after hitting the ground, he said.

Environment Canada is unable to tell when the first real snowfall will occur in the region, but temperatures are starting to cool off.

Models show warmer than normal temperatures for the month of January, but the snow has simply been postponed.

“There will be moments in late January going to February and March when Canadians will wish they were somewhere else. We could be facing a very short winter but it is still winter and there will be moments when it will seem tough,” said Phillips. “Those that love winter will just have to be patient, it will come – it always does here in Canada.”

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

5 NEWS

Waterloo North Hydro moves into new Woolwich home James Jackson

and the entire project

C

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ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE

Waterloo North Hydro CEO Rene Gatien stands in the second-floor hallway of their new $26-million facility. The tongue-and-groove wood near the skylights is made of lumber reclaimed from the barn that used to stand on the site. struction of Waterloo, who built the Woolwich Memorial Centre, received the contract for the construction, and the $26-million project began in July, 2010.

Employees began the four-day move to the new building on Dec. 3, just two days later than the company had initially planned.

The project was fully funded by Waterloo North Hydro; neither the government nor the utility’s three shareholders (Woolwich, Wellesley, and the City of Waterloo) contributed money, Gatien said.

Woolwich owns a little more than a 20 per cent stake in Waterloo North Hydro, while Wellesley owns about

six per cent.

That capital cost of the new building will be passed on to the company’s approximately 53,000 customers, and the impact on the average users bill will be approximately 75 cents per month, amortized over the next 50 years.

From the outset the company had the goal of maintaining energy efficiency wherever possible, and as a result of their efforts they have achieved a LEED (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design) silver standard.

The building is nearly 50 per cent more efficient than a similar building would be if built under standard construction practices,

finished about one per cent over budget, Gatien said.

The lights are all motion-activated, contractors made use of old wood and the concrete foundation of the barn that once stood on the site, they capture rainwater from the roof which is then used to flush the toilets, and a geothermal system heats and cools the structure as well.

Construction is not quite complete, and there are still about a dozen employees working out of the old location still, but the company is already looking into selling its old office and will have a clearer picture of those details in the new year.

For now, employees are still trying to acquaint themselves with their new surroundings and learn the new layout, and Gatien said the move was well worth it both now, and in the future.

“We’ve set up so in the future the office area can be expanded in one direction, and the operations can be expanded in the other direction,” he said.

“It’s going to be here a long time.”

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hristmas came a little bit early for the employees of Waterloo North Hydro when, after 18 months of planning and construction, they finally moved into their brand new facility.

Located at 526 Country Squire Rd. in Woolwich Township, just down the road from the new Research in Motion campus, the 105,000 square-foot office is more than double the size of the old headquarters, located at 300 Northfield Dr. in Waterloo.

“We needed more space. We had run out of room,” said Rene Gatien, the utility’s president and CEO. “People just didn’t have the room that they should have to get things done.”

Gatien said that members of the same department were spread out in various sections of the building, a situation he described as “disjointed.”

Expansion on their old site would have been possible, but there would have been limited opportunities to expand in the future.

Giving each department their own section of the building should help streamline services and make more efficient use of employee time and energy.

The company was also forced to store vehicles and equipment off-site at about half a dozen smaller municipal stations, but now, all of that equipment can be stored in one central location.

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NEWS 6

THE OBSERVER

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

Deeming land use incompatible, Woolwich to fight proposed Union Street development Council upholds planning department’s findings as Hawk Ridge subdivision heads to OMB Steve Kannon

W

oolwich officials remain unmoved in their opposition to a residential subdivision proposed for the Union Street industrial area of Elmira. In that regard, they’re backed by neighbours and environmental groups; the project’s only supporter remains the applicant, Hawk Ridge Homes.

The developer has taken the issue to the Ontario Municipal Board. In advance of a hearing scheduled for February, planning staff this week received council endorsement to

deny the subdivision plan, joining the list of opponents.

Hawk Ridge Homes hopes to build 41 single-family and semidetached homes on a 5.5-acre site, a former apple orchard fronting on Union Street. The location is adjacent to a variety of industrial uses, most notably Sulco Chemicals and Chemtura Co. As it stands, the project is not compatible with the surrounding environment, director of engineering and planning Dan Kennaley told councillors meeting Tuesday night.

Region of Waterloo planners have similar concerns, he added.

The municipalities want to see a peer review of the noise study submitted by Hawk Ridge and the worstcase scenario study carried out for the chemical companies in advance of the OMB hearing, set to begin Feb. 27. The latter is of particular importance, as the site’s proximity to the chemical plants forms the basis for much of the public opposition.

The report indicates that a release of oleum (sulphuric acid) from

ABOUT FACE

KERSTIN SAUR, Front office Waterloo North Hydro What are some of your responsibilities?

Taking payments, welcoming visitors, directing phone calls; general reception duties What is your favourite part of your job?

Dealing with customers.

What are some of your hobbies outside of work?

I’m involved with the Concordia Club, I love reading, and I am a new grandmother so I love hanging out with my new grandson.

Do you have any big plans for the holidays?

We get together with the extended family on Christmas eve.

Are you upset that it could be a green Christmas this year?

No. I appreciate green Christmases, it’s safer for driving.

Sulco or anhydrous ammonia from Chemtura could quickly form a plume that would be lethal to residents of the proposed subdivision.

About half of the homes would be located within so-called IDLH (immediately dangerous to life and health) zone surrounding the Sulco plant, for instance.

At the Dec. 20 meeting, Sulco general manager Ron Koniuch noted that risk increases with proximity to the industrial area, not just the prospect of a major spill but also chances of noise, odour and similar complaints.

He added that past measures to increase safety have reduced the risk to existing residential area, but this project would bring new homes into the danger zone.

“It certainly appears we’re letting this slip away from us,” he said of safety concerns if the project goes ahead.

His concerns were echoed by Ken Dreidger, a member of the APT Chemtura Committee, many of whose members served on the previous Chemtura Public Advisory Committee (CPAC) that opposed the project due to health and safety concerns.

“This is a dangerous place to let anyone live, let alone 48 families,” he said, noting that given the bankruptcy problems of Chemtura’s U.S. parent company, and the claims being paid out in various suits, there’s an increased chance of issues with the local operation.

“With fewer resources available to the Elmira plant, the risk of problems at this facility goes up.”

People should move into a subdivision with a reasonable expectation of safety, but that would not the case here, he told councillors, adding the fact that the issue is before the OMB does not absolve council of responsibility if anything happens.

“You’re going to have blood on your hands – if not legally, then morally.”

For Alan Marshall of the Elmira Environmental Hazards Team, problems with the proposed development extend to the checkered history of some adjacent land, the former home of Varnicolor Chemical.

He urged council to disregard claims from the region and Ministry of the Environment that the site poses no dan-

> Woolwich see good value continuing support of WRTMC Woolwich will continue to pitch in $10,000 a year as part of a region-wide tourism strategy, councillors decided this week.

The township has been supporting the Waterloo Region Tourism Marketing Corporation since its inception in 2007. An

evaluation of the group shows it’s providing good value, chief administrative officer David Brenneman said in presenting a report Dec. 20.

The WRTMC is made up of regional municipalities and businesses in the tourism and hospitality industries.

gers, maintaining that there has never been a proper assessment of the contaminants, let alone adequate rehabilitation of subsurface contaminants.

Marshall repeated earlier calls to block any development in the area until the facts are known.

“Please do not now or later approve this subdivision based upon approvals of higher tiers of government who have a vested interest in maintaining silence and confidentiality around the extent of soil and water contamination beside this new subdivision,” he said. “If you are forced to approve it by the OMB or the province, at least your objections and your conscience will be clear.”

While Woolwich opposes the project at this point, Kennaley said that stance could change if the developer is able to address the list of problems, including the safety concerns.

A meeting between the parties is scheduled for Jan. 5, prior to the OMB hearing in February, which is expected to last 10 days.

That hearing will look at the planning issues surrounding the site and the proposed subdivision. The zoning in place today allows for residential development.

The change being sought would permit higher density, with smaller lot sizes. In either scenario, a large section at the north end of the property would remain as open space due to the floodway and flood fringe designations assigned to the drain running through the land.

The plan under consideration would see the homes developed around new access points to the land, which would likely involve the extension of Bauman and College Streets, with the main entrance from First Street rather than Union Street.

THE OBSERVER

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

7 NEWS

Industrial site proposed in Hawkesville Landowner seeks rezoning of agricultural land; council defers decision James Jackson

T

he former president of Frey Building Contractors has applied for a zoning bylaw and official plan amendment for a piece of property at the north edge of Hawkesville as part of a plan to bring more jobs to Wellesley Township.

The 9.26-acre piece of property is at the southeast corner of the intersection of Herrgott Road and Geddes Street. Currently designated agricultural, the land would be rezoned ‘dry industrial’ under a plan by Bert Frey, who appeared at Wellesley council Tuesday night to make his case at a public meeting.

“The lands that I am the owner of really have marginal agricultural use,” he told councillors. “They’ve never been highly productive, they’re not in a wetland, they’re not in directly the Grand River water-

shed, [and] not environmentally sensitive.”

Frey explained that he purchased the land while he was still the president of Frey Building Contractors, with the aspiration of some day moving their headquarters from Broadway Street to the new location.

Upon Frey’s retirement from the company last year, though, the new management opted against relocating the office, and Frey received the land as part of his buyout package. He wants to establish industry at the location which would be unrelated to his old contracting business, and said it would be a big economic boost for the community.

“I think that we would agree that in order for the township to thrive into the future, there must be opportunity for economic development and for employment,” he said.

“The best way to achieve a vibrant economy is through entrepreneurial initiative and local development.”

The land in question is currently included in the Wellesley Employment Lands Strategy approved by council in September, the purpose of which is to provide an inventory of employment lands available to the township as well as a list of potential future economic development sites.

While Frey did not provide an explanation of the type of business he would build, dry industrial zoning permits a range of light industrial and secondary uses that does not require significant quantities of water, including but not limited to a gas bar, welding shop, woodworking shop, butcher shop, animal clinic or a mini storage facility.

The Wellesley Employment Lands Strategy found the town-

ship does not have a sufficient supply of designated vacant employment lands to meet the Waterloo Region’s future growth projections. The Regional Official Plan has predicted that the township will need to accommodate approximately 1,900 additional people and 810 additional jobs by 2029.

During her presentation, township junior planner Sarah Peck indicated that based on an informal survey of surrounding businesses, the proposed development by Frey could create up to 20 new jobs.

There are, however, some concerns with the land rezoning. Under the township’s minimum distance separation (MDS 1) guideline, all new development must be a mandatory distance from existing livestock facilities.

In this case, the land must be at least 212 me-

tres away from a barn located at 3832 Herrgott Rd.; according to Frey, the edge of his property is about 80 metres too close, but that issue could be easily resolved, he said.

“The matter of the minimum distance separation can be addressed by taking a corner of the property and allowing it to remain agricultural,” Frey explained.

The second issue is that the Wellesley Employment Lands Strategy has yet to be ap-

proved by the Region of Waterloo, and until that approval process was complete, the application was considered premature.

As a result, councillors elected to defer their decision until those two conditions could be satisfied, though Coun. Paul Hergott urged staff to put more pressure on the region to get moving on the application.

“It’s dragging on and on. If we keep pushing them, it might help,” he said.

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NEWS 8

THE OBSERVER

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

Some tweaks proposed as council formally backs large water rate hikes Steve Kannon

W

oolwich council’s discussion this week of water and sewer services didn’t touch on fees – large price hikes for 2012 remain in effect.

Instead, Coun. Mark Bauman suggested a few tweaks and cost-saving measures.

Addressing the issue of fire hydrants, for example, he suggested the township look at incorporating water used in fire hydrants as

part of the general levy, rather than including the cost in bills to users.

Hydrants benefit more than just those customers on municipal services, he argued, noting water used fighting fires in rural areas often comes from hydrants used to refill the trucks.

“People on municipal water are subsidizing people in the outlying areas,” he said of those instances.

The change will be looked at by treasurer

At this blessed

time of year

we would like to take a moment to say thank you to the people in the community who made donations, our customers for their continued support and to our volunteers for their endless hours of work.

Merry Christmas to you all and we look forward to your continued support in the New Year.

59 CHURCH ST. W. | 519-669-8475 CHRISTMAS HOURS: HOURS Closed: Dec 24-27, 31 & Jan 2

Open: Dec 28, 29 & 30

Thank You!

The Wellesley Christmas Tyme Parade Committee extends our gratitude to the Wellesley Lions Club and to the many generous donors and supportive citizens of the Wellesley Community.

Richard Petherick, who suggested the matter may not be straightforward – some investigation is needed to determine if the move is cost-effective.

On the wastewater side, Bauman pushed for more measures to combat cases of inflow and infiltration (I&I) whereby runoff water from rain and melting snow ends up seeping into sanitary sewers. Efforts to combat I&I problems have been ongoing in Elmira since 1994 and in St. Jacobs since 1999, and have seen new pipes installed underground, rerouting storm water from home drains away

from sanitary sewer lines. In some cases, leaky laterals were replaced. To date, tens of millions of dollars have been spent –half the tab picked up by Waterloo Region – to prevent storm water from being routed to the sewage plants, where it needlessly eats up treatment capacity.

In the last couple of years, the township has ruled out more largescale I&I work, as well as a comprehensive sump pump program in Elmira, deeming all of it too costly for the potential returns.

Bauman, however, suggested going for the

> CONTINUED FROM PG. 04 The MPP also indicated that he believes the Liberal’s may choose to renege on their promise to review the act with hopes the public will forget about it.

“All through the campaign they made promises throughout Ontario to save seats,” Harris said. “They’re known for promising a lot, then all of a sudden after the election is over you don’t hear from them.”

The promise for the review relates back to Harris’ predecessor,

Liberal Leeanna Pendergast, who twice during the election stood in front of the scenic West Montrose covered bridge – which has come under threat by a number of gravel applications in recent years – to indicate her desire to put “pits in their place.”

On June 21 she called for the creation of a plan that would also consider local agriculture, natural heritage and sustainable community development, and on Sept. 20 she announced the Liberal’s promise to review the Aggregate

Invisible.

Hassle Free.

24/7.

Again, the Malo family of Pfeifer Gallery invited pre-school children in the afternoon for Story Tyme and shared their wish list with Santa seated in his red velvet cutter. They received treat bags of donated candy and fruit. The older children (6-12 yrs) had their turn with Santa after the parade.

Thank you one and all who contributed again to the success of the 2011 Christmas Tyme Parade.

May you enjoy this Blessed Season with family and friends. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Tyme Parade Committee

Students and teachers at Wellesley Public School have been selling snowflakes over the last couple of weeks as part of a campaign to help build a well in India through the Free the Children charity. Each snowflake cost $5 and the school managed to raise $3,575 since the beginning of December. Once a snowflake was purchased they were posted on the library walls, creating a blizzard of white paper snowflakes.

Resources Act. Since then, there has been no indication that the review is moving forward, said Harris, who was a vocal critic of Pendergast throughout the election and accused her of “playing politics with pits.”

The minister could not be reached for an interview, but in an email to the Observer, Gravelle said, “We did make a commitment in the election to review the aggregate resources act. We are currently looking at ways to proceed and will do so in the near future.”

As critic of the environment, Harris said that he likely wouldn’t be involved in the review process once it gets underway; he indicated that the portfolio would fall to natural resources critic Laurie Scott.

He also noted it was important to remember that this is just a review, with no guarantees that any changes to the act will come from it.

“It’s only a call for a review. So will this review have an impact?

I don’t have those answers,” he said.

We Deliver! $15.00/cs Seedless Grapes $31.50/18lb lug Merkens Chocolate Wafers $3.99/lb California Navel Oranges $25.00/38lb case Florida Grapefruits (48s)

The Wellesley Mennonite Church presented a Live Nativity depicting the true meaning of the Christmas Season and the spectators joined the choir in singing familiar Christmas Carols.

Marg Runstedler, a former committee member, who passed away recently, would have been thrilled with the 2011 Parade which she helped organize but never got to experience.

> Wellesley PS raises $3,600

Ear & Hearing Clinic

We commend all volunteers as well as those behind the scenes, who decorated trucks, tractors, and awesome farm equipment as well as floats of diverse themes.

2011 Wellesley Idol, Ali Carroll, sang Christmas songs following the Lighting Ceremony.

$16 to $22 per year for an average household) and wastewater increases of 7.84 per cent, to $1.90 per cubic metre from $1.76 ($25 to $33 per year).

Gravel: Harris not expecting quick response

Your commitment of time, efforts and/or monetary assistance contributed to a "Merry" Christmas event for "children of all ages" on a moonlit December 9th evening.

Ron Futher, a life-long resident of the Village was given the honour of lighting the Tree of Light. The tree glowed magnificently reflecting across Wellesley Pond from the generous donations of our community assisting the Wellesley Lions Club's Community Action Plan for Children and Meals on Wheels.

“low-hanging fruit,” including checking for sump pumps draining into the sanitary sewer system (via a laundry tub, for instance) and leaking manhole covers.

Coun. Allan Poffenroth endorsed that approach, calling for an inspection program to check up on individual homes.

“I think that would be prudent,” he said of such an undertaking.

This week’s meeting saw formal endorsement of a new rate structure for next year.

Water customers will see a hike of 6.9 per cent, to $1.52 per cubic metre from $1.43 (a jump of

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THE OBSERVER

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

9 NEWS

BOXING WEEK SPECIALS

52

52

WEEKS TILL CHRISTMAS 2012

REASONS TO SHOP AT LENS BOXING WEEK 2011

WOODSTOCK 519-539-2200 GUELPH 519-836-2412 CAMBRIDGE 519-658-8182 HAWKESVILLE 519-699-6140 WATERLOO 519-743-4672 LONDON 519-686-3502 HAMILTON 905-560-5367 PORT DOVER 519-583-0800 BRANTFORD 519-752-5072

Find us on Facebook

Values in effect till closing Saturday December 31st, while quantities last #1 REASON - YOU HAVEN’T HAD ENOUGH CHRISTMAS?

#2 REASON - COLD FEET?

#3 REASON - WET TOES?

ENTIRE STOCK

LADIES / TEENS

DEAR FOAM COMFORT SLIPPERS

CHILDRENS UGG STYLE

CHRISTMAS STUFF

50

ALL

%

OFF LENS ALREADY LOW PRICE

5

$ 99

PAIR $20.00 VALUE

#8 REASON - MOVIE TIME?

#9 REASON - COOKING IN 2012

SUKO PLUSH ROBES

BETTY CROCKER KITCHEN UTENSILS/ GADGETS

LADIES

• WARM & COSY • HOODED

7

$ 99

EACH REGULAR $19.99 EACH # 15 REASON - HIDE FROM THE INLAWS?

MENS / TEENS CANADA SPORTS WEAR CAMOUFLAGE

ENTIRE STOCK

WINTER BOOTS

4

$ 99

PAIR REGULAR $15.99 PAIR #10 REASON - SORE REAR?

BATHSCAPES

PADDED TOILET SEATS • HEAVYDUTY BLUE VINYL

75% OFF

1

$ 99 EACH

U.S. MSRP EXCELLENT SAVINGS

ECOLOGICAL FIRE LOGS

OVERSIZED

3 LOGS/

# 16 REASON - IS DADDY SAD? # 17 REASON - SNOWS COMING

LADIES / TEENS

# 5 REASON - TOO MANY LEFT OVERS?

TITAN SEAL

ZIPPER FREEZER BAGS • EXTRA THICK • 10.5” X 11”

• 1-2HR BURN TIME

3

$ 99

12/

COMPARE AT $9.99

69¢

REGULAR $1.49/BOX

# 11 REASON- SUN TOO BRIGHT?

#6 REASON - ENTERTAINING? #7 REASON - WHITE OR RED?

JUMBO FROSTED GLASS SECTIONAL TRAYS

• 5 WINE GLASSES WITH MOUTH BLOWN DECANTER

EACH REGULAR $14.99 EACH

EACH REGULAR $24.99 EACH

7

$ 99

• 1 BLUE DENIM COLOUR

EACH REGULAR VALUES TO $79.99

EACH REGULAR $8.99 EACH

#22 REASON - KITCHEN MAKE OVER?

#23 REASON - ANY SPORTS?

$

24

99

FAMOUS EKOS

1

$ 99

FAMOUS EASTON

• 4 FASHION COLOURS

9

$ 99 EACH

BLOW OUT PRICE!

REGULAR $24.99 EACH # 24 REASON - MORE SPORTS

FAMOUS EASTON

#14 REASON - WANT TO LOOK GROOVEY FOR NEW YEARS?

• BEAUTIFIES AND PROTECTS • ANTI SLIP

• FULLY HOODED • ZIP FRONT - 2 POCKETS

• ASST STYLES/COLOURS • FAMOUS BRAND

OVER $45.00 VALUE

EACH REGULAR $24.99 EACH

HEAVY DUTY BLACKOUT GROMMET OXYGEN SHERPA LINED MENS / LADIES / TEENS RUBBER CAR MATS LEATHER JACKETS WINDOW PANELS WINTER VESTS

• 40”X84” • BLOCKS 97% OF LIGHT PACK OF 2

$

1999

# 18 REASON - COLD FEET?

SUPER COZY

SET OF 4

/$

1299

# 19 REASON - TIME FOR A NEW LOOK?

MENS / TEENS

7

$ 99

# 20 REASON - DATE TONIGHT?

MENS / TEENS

• BLOW OUT PRICED

• SUPER COMFORT & FIT

1

$ 99

EACH REGULAR $7.99 EACH

7

$ 99

EACH BLOW OUT PRICED #26 REASON - NEED A FRESH LOOK?

#25 REASON - NO REASON

ENTIRE STOCK

LADIES TEENS

• COMFORTABLE POLY COTTON BLEND •TERRIFIC FIT $ 99 2 PACK

3

69¢

EACH COMPARE AT $3.99 EACH #29 REASON - NEW YEARS IS THIS WEEK

• 6 NEAT VALUE • TERIFFIC SELECTION

2/$

1999

REGULAR VALUES TO $22.00 EACH

HARD COVER

#30 REASON - DON’T FORGET YOUR BUDDY

FESTIVE BAKING COOK BOOKS

• ALL THE ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR PET IN A NICE KIT FORM

COMPANY’S COMING

3

$ 99

EACH PRE-PRICED AT $24.99 EACH #36 REASON - SPRING IS COMING

45”WIDE

POLYCOTTON FLORAL PRINTS

CAT/DOG STARTER KITS

4

$ 99

KIT $20.00 VALUE #37 REASON - WE NEED NO REASON

• GREAT FOR FASHION OR DECOR YD TERIFFIC VALUE TERIFFIC SELECTION

YD REGULAR $8.99 YARD

3

#43 REASON - CLICK-CLICK- CLICK

ENTIRE STOCK

KNITTING NEEDLES

50% OFF

LEN’S ALREADY LOW PRICE

ENTIRE SIZE RANGE

3

$ 99

39¢

PREPRICED UP TO $14.99 EACH

#31 REASON - KIDS NEED NEW PJS?

#32 REASON - GETTING READY FOR 2012

#33 REASON - SCARVES ARE HOT

#34 REASON - ARE U BORED?

SUPER HERO FLEECE ELMO FLANNELETTE SUPER HERO COTTON

CHRISTMAS FABRICS

IMPORTED FANCY KNITTING YARNS

HOMELAND WOODEN CRAFT ACCESSORIES

60” WIDE

• MULTI PRINT

1

ENTIRE STOCK

• 45” TO 60” WIDE • PANELS & ALL OVER PRINTS • EXCELLENT SELECTION

EXTRA FANCY

CRAZY PRICE

PAIR REGULAR $1.49 EACH

UNPAINTED

• DOZENS OF STYLES, COLOURS & TEXTURES • YARNS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

• ASST SHAPES READY FOR PAINTING • IDEAL FOR COMPLETING THAT SPECIAL PROJECT

3

ENTIRE STOCK

EXTRA FANCY & BASICS EMBASSY BUTTONS

50% OFF

LEN’S ALREADY LOW PRICE

100’S OF STYLES

SECOND YARD

½ PRICE OF

SAME FABRICS

LADIES / TEENS

LEVI JEANS

• ALL FALL 2011 • 8 STYLES • SUPER FIT, SUPER LOOK • ONE LOW PRICE

$

1999

49¢

ASSORTED BOXED

CHRISTMAS CARDS

99¢

BOX PRE-PRICED TO $16.00/BOX #35 REASON - SCRAPBOOK TIME?

FAMOUS FISKARS

PAPER PUNCHES • ASST SQUEEZE PUNCHES • TERRIFIC BLOW OUT PRICES

1

YD REGULAR $4.99 YARD

50% OFF

LEN’S ALREADY LOW PRICE

BALL REGULAR VALUES TO OVER $12.00/BALL

EACH REGULAR VALUES TO $3.00 EACH

#38 REASON - ARE YOU A KNITTER?

#39 REASON - NEED A CHANGE?

#40 REASON - WANT TO NOT BE SEEN?

#41 REASON - SEWING SOON? #42 REASON - IS SEWING YOUR THING?

$ 99

• JUMBO 360 GRAM • BULKY WEIGHT

2

$ 99

BALL TERIFFIC VALUES

#44 REASON - CUTE AS A BUTTON? #45 REASON - SEWING ANYTHING?

#50 REASONS - TIRED WINDOW FASHIONS?

1

50% OFF

• MADE IN CANADA

TAKE R LOWEST E ANOTH TICKETED PRICE EXCELENT SAVINGS STOREWIDE

3/$ 99

#21 REASON - HOT DATE TONIGHT?

#28 REASON - GET READY FOR 2012

CHILDRENS

9

ENTIRE STOCK

SIMPLICITY PATTERNS

50% OFF

LEN’S ALREADY LOW PRICE

ALL CURRENT PRODUCTS

ENTIRE STOCK DESIGNER CURTAIN + DRAPERY FABRICS BUY YD AT LENS ALREADY LOW PRICES

TEENS, LADIES & MENS

BLOW OUT

PRICE! EACH REGULAR VALUES TO $200.00

#27 REASON - THEY WEAR THEM OUT

EACH REGULAR VALUES TO OVER $45.00

$

1999

• SUPER FIT

7999

PAIR REGULAR VALUES TO OVER $100.00

$ 99

45”WIDE COTTON ENTIRE STOCK COSY SOLID COLOURED FAMOUS RED HEART POLY COTTON SHEETING CAMOUFLAGE FABRIC SHERPA & BERBER FABRICS COMFORT YARN UNIQUE SEWING • UPTO 84”WIDE WITH SKULL-CROSS BONES • 1-5 YD LENGTHS • COSY 100% POLYESTER

$ 99

• ASST JUNIOR YZERMAN OR CARBON • TERIFFIC VALUE

$

REGULAR $8.99 EACH

SOUP LADLE OR WOOD REPLACEMENT COMPOSITE HOCKEY FRUIT OF THE LOOM BRAS PREVIOUSLY REDUCED CRAYOLA SOCKS HOCKEY BLADES • FULL SIZE RANGE COLOURS AND CLEARANCE CLOTHING • ASSORTED SPATULA STICK SHAFTS • ASST JUNIOR - ASST CURVES • MULTI COLOR PATTERNS STOREWIDE - INFANTS, CHILDRENS, • STAIN + MELT RESISTANT • SOFT TOUCH

9

$ 99

MISSES/TEENS

HANES KIMONO EXP WINTER JACKETS FLEECE THROWS HENRY COLLECTION STANFIELDS LOW • HOODED - ZIP FRONT • SASSY DESIGNS ROBES BASIC JEANS RISE TRUNK BRIEFS FLEECE JACKETS • 1 STYLE • SUPER COZY POCKET - FULL BODY STYLE • NYLON SHELL - FLEECE LINED • PREWASH BLUE OR BLACK DENIM • CDN MADE QUALITY • ASST STYLES & PRINTS • REGULAR & HOODED

WINEGLASS/ DECANTER SETS

• 15.75”X11”

# 12 REASON - DID U FORGET YOUR CAR? # 13 REASON - COLD BACK?

INSULATED

READY TO HANG

$14.99 VALUE

MENS / TEENS

#4 REASON - OUT OF WOOD?

WIDEWIDTH

• 5 PATTERNS TO CHOOSE FROM • GIRLS PINK OR TRADITIONAL GREEN

2

NOTIONS

$ 99

EACH REGULAR $9.99 EACH

ENTIRE STOCK

COATS & CLARK SEWING THREADS • ENTIRE COLOUR RANGE

YD REGULAR $4.99 YARD

99¢

YD REGULAR $5.99 YARD

50% OFF 100’S OF ITEMS

LEN’S ALREADY LOW PRICE

# 46 REASON - EXERCISE TIME

#47 REASON - WANT A REAL BARGAIN?

#48 REASON

#49 REASON - SPECIAL PROTECT?

$ 99

FACTORY OVERRUNS

YOGA MATS

• ASST COLOURS & SIZES

4

$ 00

POUND

TERRIFIC VALUE / MULTI-USE #51 REASON - WHAT’S MORE BASIC?

45” WIDE POLY COTTON BROAD CLOTH

ENTIRE STOCK

PREVIOUSLY REDUCED FABRICS (YELLOW TAGGED)

50% OFF

TAKE R E ANOTH

LEN’S ALREADY LOW PRICE

STORE WIDE - TERIFFIC VALUES

1

$ 99 YD

REGULAR $3.49 YARD

www.lensmill.com

LEN’S ALREADY LOW PRICE

FAMOUS BRANDS

JUMBO BALLS KNITTING YARNS

• BERNAT CHUNKY / BERNAT BABY PRENTEX SPORT/ BURNAT BABY BOUCLE

7

$ 99

50% OFF

CUSHION GRIP PINKING SHEERS • ADDS DECORATIVE EDGES AND PREVENTS FABRIC FROM FRAYING

5

$ 99

BALL

280 TO 400 GRAM BALLS VALUES TO $14.99 #52 REASON - MORE BASIC THAN #51

62”WIDE POLYESTER QUILT BATTING

PAIR

$20.00 VALUE

1

$ 49 YD

REGULAR $2.50 YARD

NEWS 10

THE OBSERVER

Everybody loves a parade

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

Christmas on stage at John Mahood

THE CHRISTMAS FEELING

The St. Clements Christmas parade rolled through town last Saturday afternoon, much to the delight of the hundreds of people who attended. Kitchener-Conestoga MP Harold Albrecht was among the guests invited to participate, along with Waterloo Oriental Band and jolly St. Nick himself.

PHOTOS

» JAMES JACKSON

HOLIDAY

FUN

Students at John Mahood PS put on the annual Christmas pageant Tuesday. Above Jake Code (left) and Simon Zenker sing a duet while Simon Shantz holds a Stanley Cup replica during the Canadian version of the 12 Days of Christmas and Kate Bauman (bottom right) is very excited as the concert ends.

PHOTOS

» COLIN DEWAR

BOXING WEEK SAVINGS DECEMBER 26 - DECEMBER 31

HURRY, WHEN THE YEAR ENDS...SO DO THE 2011 SAVINGS!

to 2 S ay Goodbye

011

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11-12-14 5:37 AM

THE OBSERVER

Âť Saturday, December 24, 2011

11 NEWS

Expand your social circle.

The Fab 10 plan from Bell gives you unlimited nationwide calling to 10 lucky friends.1 Plus, you get unlimited local evenings and weekends starting at 6 p.m., unlimited text, picture and video messaging, and more.2 There's never been a better time to switch to Bell .

FAB 10 PROMO PLAN

40

$

/MO.

BONUS: For a limited time, get a $75 in-store credit when you purchase a smartphone. New activation required.3

Available at the following Bell stores:

Guelph Clairfield’s Centre 519 826-0980

Waterloo Conestoga Mall 519 888-9615

Offer ends December 31, 2011. Available with compatible devices within network coverage areas available from Bell Mobility where technology permits. Paper bill charge ($2/mo.) applies unless you register for e-bill and cancel your paper bill. Other monthly fees, e.g., 911 (New Brunswick: $0.53, Nova Scotia: $0.43, P.E.I .: $0.50, Quebec: $0.40, Saskatchewan: $0.62 ) apply. One time device activation fee ($35), applies. Upon early termination, price adjustments apply; see your Service Agreement for details. 30 days advance notice of termination required where not prohibited by law. Subject to change without notice. Taxes extra. Other conditions apply. (1) Applies to local and Canadian long distance calls made to and from ten numbers chosen by the customer. Available on a 3-year or 30-day term. (2) Weeknights Mon-Thur, 6pm-7am; Weekends Fri 6pm-Mon 7am. Sent messages include domestic text messages and exclude international, roaming, alerts, premium text messages and messages sent with an instant messaging application. Roaming messages include international GSM, CDMA and U.S. CDMA messages. Received messages include domestic, international, roaming and service-related messages from Bell and exclude premium, alerts or dial-up messages. Out of bundle charges may apply. (3) With new activation on a 3-yr. term. Applies at the time of purchase on the price of the device and/or accessories in-store before taxes. Excludes iPhone, Galaxy Nexus, and voice/messaging-only devices.

OPINION 12

THE OBSERVER

OPINION

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

Indeed, religion may actually be bad for morality.

Gwynne Dyer

column on page 13

VERBATIM

W

e may have that second-best feeling when the gifts are being opened or the family is sitting down to eat turkey and those snowflakes may just start to fall outside the widows giving you the look of Christmas without the accumulation

> Environment Canada senior climatologist David Phillips says most of Canada will have a green Christmas, a big change from 85% of us having a white one most years

THE MONITOR

T

rue to stereotype, Canadians are trusting and compassionate, and the more trusting and compassionate you are, the more likely you are to give more. Donors who gave $500 or more are more likely to strongly agree it’s important to aid the less fortunate (64%) than those who gave less (49%) or nothing at all (32%).

> Innovative Research Group

EDITORIAL

Forget your troubles, just have a Merry Christmas

I

t may not look a lot like Christmas, but if you’re out doing any lastminute shopping you’ll know just how close we are to the big day. That increased level of stress is also a sure reminder, and an ironic juxtaposition to what should be the most enjoyable and relaxing time of year.

Instead, we stress over what to buy, stress over going to the mall, stress over overspending, stress over dinner plans, stress over overeating … and on and on.

Given the expenses associated with Christmas, it’s no surprise that money ranks right up there with big stresses of the season. In fact, a new poll finds that 36 per cent of us say that our money and financial situation is causing us to feel more stress this year than last year – part of the continuing economic woes.

And when it comes to our diets,

two-thirds of us say healthy lifestyles will take a back seat over the holidays – a poll shows 65 per cent of Canadians agree (18% strongly/47% somewhat) they “will likely eat foods and treats with a higher fat, calorie or sugar content than they usually do.” Guilt and New Year’s resolutions to follow.

Facts like that can easily put a damper on Christmas celebrations, much more so than the lack of snow on the ground. Some of us, like Bing Crosby, may be dreaming of that white Christmas, but that picture-postcard moment is likely to elude us this year.

Nonetheless, it’s still the season to be jolly. If it’s any consolation, snow is a rarity, if it ever shows up at all, in a good chunk of the world that celebrates the significance of Dec. 25 – a white Christmas is only the stuff of movies and songs.

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NUMBER

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Joe Merlihan, Publisher | EXT 107 jmerlihan@woolwichobserver.com Steve Kannon, Editor | EXT 103 skannon@woolwichobserver.com James Jackson, Reporter | EXT 101 jjackson@woolwichobserver.com Colin Dewar, Reporter | EXT 102 cdewar@woolwichobserver.com

> LETTER POLICY

Best to look at the upside of Christmas, with all the joy and fellowship it brings. For many of us, Christmas is a collection of childhood memories augmented with idyllic pictures of Victorian scenes or images straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Or perhaps the vision runs to the mood evoked by such classics as It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street or Holiday Inn. For those so blessed, Christmas was and is a carefree time.

The goal, after all, should be to recapture some of that zest, that anticipation and wonder that came with the Christmases of youth. At the same time, there is the need for an adult appreciation of what a timeout from the “real world” can mean for the soul.

It’s easy to get caught up in the shopping, the dinner preparations,

Donna Rudy, Sales Manager | EXT 104 drudy@woolwichobserver.com Pat Merlihan, Production Mgr | EXT 105 pmerlihan@woolwichobserver.com Jon Sarachman, Production | EXT 108 jsarachman@woolwichobserver.com Leanne Boron, Production | EXT 109 lboron@woolwichobserver.com

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the running around, and a host of other complications, but if there was ever a time for simplifying things and seeing the world through less-jaded eyes, it is now.

If the Christmas spirit is on the wane today, it’s because we let business, stress and political correctness intrude on the holiday – much as they do on our lives as we progress from childhood into adulthood.

With the approaching offer of renewal that is the New Year, Christmas is the one time of the year where we can actually believe that peace on Earth and goodwill toward others might actually be viable options – just like the message in all those movies and carols we enjoy.

With that in mind, we wish you all the best for a fun-filled, relaxing and enjoyable holiday season.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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THE OBSERVER

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

13 OPINION

The false equation: religion equals morality I

n the United States, where it is almost impossible to get elected unless you profess a strong religious faith, it would have passed completely unnoticed. Not one of the hundred U.S. senators ticks the “No Religion/Atheist/ Agnostic” box, for example, although 16 per cent of the American population do. But it was quite remarkable in Britain.

Last week, in Oxford, Prime Minister David Cameron declared that the United Kingdom is a Christian country “and we should not be afraid to say so.” He was speaking on the 400th anniversary of the King James translation of the Bible, so he had to say something positive about religion – but he went far beyond that.

“The Bible has helped to give Britain a set of values and morals which make Britain what it is today,” he said.

“Values and morals we should actively stand up and defend.”

Where to start? The King James Bible was published at the start of a century in which millions of Europeans were killed in religious wars over minor differences of doctrine. Thousands of “witches” were burned at the stake during the 17th century, as were thousands of “heretics.” They have stopped doing that sort of thing in Britain now – but they’ve also stopped reading the Bible. Might there be a connection here?

Besides, what Cameron said is just not true. In last year’s British Social Attitudes Survey, conducted annually by the National Centre for Social Research, only 43 per cent of 4,000 British people interviewed said they were Christian, while 51 per cent said they had “no religion.” Among young people, some two-thirds are non-believers.

THE VIEW FROM HERE

International Affairs GWYNNE DYER Mind you, the official census numbers from 2001 say that 73 per cent of British people identify themselves as “Christian.” However, this is probably due to a leading question on the census form. “What is your religion?” it asks, which seems to assume that you must have one – especially since it follows a section on ethnic origins, and we all have those.

So a lot of people put down Christian just because that is the ancestral religion of their family. Make the question more neutral – “Are you religious? If so, what is your religion?”

– and the result would probably be very different. There were attempts to get that more neutral question onto the 2011 census form, but the churches lobbied frantically against it. They are feeling marginalized enough as it is.

Why would David Cameron proclaim the virtues of a Christian Britain that no longer exists? He is no religious fanatic; he describes himself as a “committed” but only “vaguely practising” Christian.

You’d think that if he really believed in a God who scrutinizes his every thought and deed, and will condemn him to eternal torture in Hell if he doesn’t meet the standard of behaviour required, he might be a little less vague about it all. But he doesn’t really believe that he needs religion himself; he thinks it is a necessary instrument of social control for keeping the lower orders in check.

THE VOICE

This is a common belief among those who rule, because they confuse morality with religion. If the common folk do not fear some god (any old god will do), social discipline will collapse and the streets will run with blood. Our homes, our children, even our domestic animals will be violated. Thank god for God. Just listen to Cameron: “The alternative of moral neutrality should not be an option. You can’t fight something with nothing. If we don’t stand for something, we can’t stand against anything.” The “alternative of moral neutrality”? What he means is that there cannot be moral behaviour without religion – so you proles had better go on believing, or we privileged people will be in trouble.

But Cameron already lives in a postreligious country. Half its people say outright that they have no religion, two-thirds of them never attend a religious service, and a mere eight per cent go to church, mosque, synagogue or temple on a weekly basis. Yet the streets are not running with blood.

Indeed, religion may actually be bad for morality. In 2005 Paul Gregory made the case for this in a research paper in the Journal of Religion and Society entitled “Cross-National Correlations of Quantifiable Societal Health with Popular Religiosity and Secularism in the Prosperous Democracies: A First Look.”

Sociological gobbledygook, but in a statistical survey of 18 developed democracies, Gregory showed that “In general, higher rates of belief in and worship of a creator correlate with higher rates of homicide, juvenile and early adult mortality, (venereal

What is on the top of your wish list for Christmas this year?

“I would like a Playmobil set.” > Natalie Clemmer

“I really want a Newberry Doll.” > Reagan Williams

> SEE DYER ON PG. 14

BY SCOTT ARNOLD

“I would love to get a doll that can talk.” > Marie Martin

While trekking around the globe, Santa makes it a special point to spend some relaxing time with this area’s homemade goodies ... and its favourite source for news.

“A dog. I really want a dog this year.

I would like it to be a Pomeranian. ” > Timothy Martin

OPINION 14

THE OBSERVER

Christmas brings out our better nature

“O

nce again we find ourselves enmeshed in the holiday season, that very special time of year when we join with our loved ones in sharing centuries-old traditions such as trying to find a parking space at the mall. We traditionally do this in my family by driving around the parking lot until we see a shopper emerge from the mall, then we follow her, in very much the same spirit as the Three Wise Men, who 2,000 years ago followed a star, week after week, until it led them to a parking space.”

Dave Barry’s comedic take on Christmas certainly hits home with many of us from whom the hustle, bustle and crowds serve to put a damper on the festivities. Beyond trips to the mall, the stresses related to the season do seem to sap the energy out of all the excitement and goodwill that are the hallmarks of Christmas.

This is not an entirely new phenomenon, as can be seen in Julia Peterkin’s 1934 novel A Plantation Christmas.

“I hear that in many places something has happened to Christmas; that it is changing from a time of merriment and carefree gaiety to a holiday which is filled with tedium; that many people dread the day and the obligation to give Christmas presents is a nightmare to weary, bored souls; that the children of enlightened parents no longer

From the Editor Steve Kannon believe in Santa Claus; that all in all, the effort to be happy and have pleasure makes many honest hearts grow dark with despair instead of beaming with good will and cheerfulness.”

Those and similar sentiments notwithstanding, many of us hold the yuletide season in our hearts, if only because yuletide events are among our most cherished childhood memories, despite the impressions those old notions of Christmas have either come under attack or gone by the wayside.

For Christians, there is the significance of celebrating Christ’s birth – and all that it entails – in observing the holiday. But even among that group, Christmas has become a more secular event: the holiday we celebrate today, with its grab-bag of “traditions,” is the product of many inputs beyond the birth of a baby boy some 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem.

In the midst of all the stresses, author Donald E. Westlake has some advice: “As we struggle with shopping lists and invitations, compounded by December’s bad weath-

Dyer: Morality without religion > CONTINUED FROM PG. 13

disease), teen pregnancy, and abortion.”

Even within the United States, Gregory reported, “the strongly theistic, anti-evolution South and Midwest” have markedly worse crime rates and social problems than the relatively secular North-East. Of course, the deeply religious areas are also poorer, so it might just be

poverty making people behave so badly. On the other hand, maybe religion causes poverty.

Whatever. The point is that David Cameron, and thousands of other politicians, religious leaders and generals in every country, are effectively saying that my children, and those of all the other millions who have no religion, are morally inferior to those who do. It is insulting and untrue.

er, it is good to be reminded that there are people in our lives who are worth this aggravation, and people to whom we are worth the same.”

Of course, Christmas has become highly commercialized – some of the symbols we use today were in fact created by marketers – almost to the point of overkill. But there has always been something – a feeling in the air perhaps – that made the season lift the spirits beyond anything the so-called greeting-card holidays could ever do for us. That feeling of warmth and goodwill, no matter your take on Christmas, is tangible; in some ways, it appears on the wane today as business, stress, and political correctness intrude on the holiday – much as they do on our lives as we progress from childhood into our adult lives.

That is undoubtedly a shame.

Maintaining our childlike enthusiasm would make Christmas, and many other things, far more enjoyable.

“It is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty founder was a child himself,” offers up Charles Dickens, who knew a thing or two about Christmas spirit.

Ideally, we would really give into our younger selves: most of us knew better, if less. The holiday does tend to bring out more of our humanity, as if it were a reset button of sorts. Our compassion for others, our empathy and feelings of shared fortunes are taken out of the attic along with the decorations and leftover wrapping paper. Christmas is one step back towards our humanity, the rest of the year two steps away from it. Simple math shows how far we’ve strayed … and what we might become.

Again, Dickens observes how Christmas brings out our better natures, in contrast to other times of the year.

“I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving,

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys.”

The poet Ogden Nash had a more practical take on the season: “People can’t concentrate properly on blowing other people to pieces if their minds are poisoned by thoughts suitable to the twenty-fifth of December.”

Christmas, then, brings out our better natures. Or at least our ideal selves, seldom emerging at other times of the year. Perhaps that’s what promoted author David Grayson to offer up this thought: “I sometimes think we expect too much of Christmas Day. We try to crowd into it the long arrears of kindliness and humanity of the whole year. As for me, I like to take my Christmas a little at a time, all through the year. And thus I drift along into the holidays – let them overtake me unexpectedly – waking up some fine morning and suddenly saying to myself: ‘Why, this is Christmas Day!’” Of all the holidays on the calendar, none compares to Christmas.

It’s certainly no mere greeting card holiday; it comes with its own magic. Rather than fretting about what it’s become – a subjective take, at best – maybe we should just enjoy the season, observing it as we see fit and holding on to our own traditions.

And, if you’re still in need of a last-minute gift or two here on Eve of Christmas, you could do worse than to follow the advice of novelist and journalist Oren Arnold: “Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect.”

OBSERVER HOLIDAY PUBLISHING SCHEDULE The OBSERVER office will be closed Friday Dec. 23 at noon and will reopen Tuesday January 3rd. The Observer will not publish Dec. 31, 2011.

THE OBSERVER

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

15 BUSINESS

BUSINESS Wind power likely to grow, despite controversy Colin Dewar

W

PHOTO

» COLIN DEWAR

ind energy is relatively new to Ontario and is becoming a fast growing source of electricity generation.

There are at least five wind turbines in the region, including two models just north of Waterloo, a turbine at the YMCA Outdoor Education centre near Paradise Lake and at a couple of farms located in Baden and Milverton.

These structures with three rotating blades are churning out electrical

power for their owners. Even though the region is not known for particularly high winds attractive to wind developers, there are exceptions in treeless areas west of Woolwich.

All wind turbines operate on the same principle: when the wind blows it pushes a rotating blade which turns a shaft creating a rotating magnetic field, generating electricity. The power and energy created increases as wind speeds amplify and the most lucrative wind turbines are located in the windiest areas.

FUTURE POWER Shane Mulligan, project manager at L.I.F.E. Co-op in Kitchener, sees wind turbines as a beneficial way to generate electricity.

BABYSITTING COURSE Thurs. Jan. 5th - 9am-4pm Elmira Mennonite Church 58 Church St. W., Elmira To Register visit the website at www.kmwoutreach.ca or call 519-722-9666 For Information email kirk@kmwoutreach.ca

Wind speed is affected by the topography and increases with height above the ground, so wind turbines are usually mounted on tall towers.

“Wind is a very efficient way to capturing energy and transferring it into electricity and this can pay off financially,” said Shane Mulligan project manager for Local Initiative for Future Energy (L.I.F.E.) Co-op based in Kitchener.

The turbines have other advantages as well, he added, including environmental, economic and community benefits that go well beyond the financial returns.

“When we look at investments in wind power, we are looking at people who are interested in more than just financials and are committed to the environmental values of the long-term energy security opportunity. When it comes to community wind power [is] a community building project,” he said.

The co-op is currently working on a community project to allow local investors to co-own a wind turbine with an aim of building a two megawatt wind tower at a St. Agatha site for connection to the provincial electrical grid and take advantage of the Ontario Power Authority’s Feed-In Tariff (FIT) program rates and the economic potential of wind power.

The FIT program pays

for electricity generated by renewable sources.

Electricity generated from a wind turbine to the grid creates a credit towards the owner’s energy costs.

“There is a lot more in it than just the money,” said Mulligan. “It is a community building project which reflects the European experience where a community has gotten together around the project and it has enhanced their collective sense because they are participating together. This is what the L.I.F.E. coop is working towards here in the area. We are trying to build a community in the pursuit of this endeavour.”

Local farmers looking to have extra heat or a backup electricity supply have a prime opportunity for healthy-sized wind projects. In some areas, farmers can sell their backup power to the local hydro distribution company.

In Woolwich Township, however, farmers are only allowed to erect farm-scale wind turbines that must be an accessory

There is a lot more in it than just money... there are enviromental and economic benifits that go well beyond the financial return Shane Mulligan

> SEE TURBINES ON PG. 17 WATERLOO-WELLINGTON ONTARIO MAPLE SYRUP PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL INFORMATION DAY

to all those who helped to make “O Come Divine Messiah,” an evening to remember. It was nice to have each church share their musical talents with the community. In support of Woolwich Counselling Centre we were able to raise

$4,966.25.

Merry Christmas to all!

Leslie Esbaugh

We invite you to attend the Waterloo-Wellington Ontario Maple Producer Association Annual Information Day on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012 at the Woolwich Community Centre, St. Jacobs (located at the intersection of HWY #86 & Regional Rd. 17)

Admission is free to members $20 for non-members Registration: 9:00am Meeting: 10:00am-3:30pm Hot Meal: $13.00 For more information contact Bob Richmond 519.696.3551

BUSINESS 16

THE OBSERVER

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

A strong mind complements a strong back

F

armers where I grew up near Wallaceburg in southwestern Ontario had at least one common trait – they proudly proclaimed the name of themselves and their male heir on the sides of their barns. A half-century ago, I guess it was a sign of the times. For example, my uncle, who called his farm Ambitious Acres, had the barn painters stencil in “Don Cadotte and son,” the son being my cousin Greg.

Indeed, Greg was his only son.

But Uncle Don and his tireless wife Marie also had five very capable daughters, namely my other cousins Donna, Angela, Connie, Cathy and Michelle.

When it came to the barn, what about them?

Well, it turns out someone else from Wallaceburg, one of my oldest friends Prof. Lonnie Aarssen, has come up with at least a partial answer. Aarssen, a biologist at Queen’s University, says my uncle and others like him were given to show off what Austin Powers would call his Mini Me – that is, a biological copy of himself.

“We’re aware of our mortality,” says Aarssen, “and having copies

Food For Thought Owen Roberts of ourselves is a mortality buffer.”

Aarssen and his team asked almost 2,400 Queen’s students what gender of baby they would prefer first. Traditionally, in southwestern Ontario culture, boys were mentioned first, not only as heirs but also as built-in farm labourers and schoolyard watchdogs for their little sisters.

The researchers hypothesized that they’d see still see traditional boy-first patterns evolve. They did, to an extent – 65 per cent of boys said they want a boy first.

But they were surprised that more half of the women respondents said they wanted a girl instead of a boy. A female version of Mini Me. Fortunately, in many regards times have changed, and it’s not all about practicalities anymore.

I’d love to see this survey ap-

Rejoice!

plied to modern farms. It’s still important that labourers be hale and hearty, but as mechanization continues to advance, a strong back isn’t all that counts anymore. That’s especially true when it comes to farm management, such as choosing and purchasing crop protection products, borrowing money and hiring labour, which is becoming increasingly fine tuned. It’s not a male domain.

One of my journalism colleagues Karen Davidson, editor of the Guelph-based The Grower newspaper for the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, says the next frontier for farm women is the boardroom.

Indeed, women in farm leadership positions have been extremely high profile, such as past presidents of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture Bette Jean Crews, and Brenda Lammens of the fruit and vegetable growers. But for the most part, they’ve been directors rather than chairs.

In next month’s front page story in The Grower, Lammens says mentorship for women is missing. “The dynamics of agriculture have changed, so that many

women are now working off-farm to sustain their lifestyle,” she says. “Operations have grown in size. There’s no time to waste and women pick very carefully where they’ll invest their energy.”

I was fortunate to get a rare glimpse into the future of women as farm leaders and role models this fall when my agricultural communications students competed to represent our class at the Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture competition at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Seventeen of my 20 students were women, and the evolving role of farm women was one of this year’s most popular topics, almost as big as farm succession.

In fact, though, these topics are inseparable. It’s not just boys who are the farm successors anymore. Several of my female students who are graduating and returning to their farms are doing so with the clear intention of taking over.

Hopefully they’ll each produce a Mini Me, too – genetic copies of themselves, as leaders. Here’s to their good fortune in 2012 and beyond.

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO PASS A FEES & CHARGES BY-LAW

“For unto us a child is born”

The Region of Waterloo intends to pass a By-law to Establish Fees and Charges.

The by-law includes new fees and charges as well as amendments and/or removal of existing fees and charges. Some of the changes included in the by-law are for Emergency Medical Services, Access Permit Applications, Waterloo Regional Museum, Waste Management, and retail water and wastewater.

Isaiah 9:6a KJV

The amending by-law will be considered at the Regional Council Meeting scheduled for:

Joy, Love, and Peace

Wishing you the of the Christmas season.

We look forward to serving you in the New Year.

– Your Elmira team

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2012 7:00 p.m.

REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO COUNCIL CHAMBER, 2ND FLOOR ADMINISTRATION BUILDING 150 FREDERICK STREET, KITCHENER A copy of the proposed fees and charges will be available for review after Thursday, December 22, 2011 in the Regional Clerk’s Office, Region of Waterloo, 2nd Floor, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener.

If you have questions concerning the amendments, please contact Allan Wong at 519-575-4705.

If you wish to speak at the Council meeting, please register as a delegation with the Region’s Council and Administrative Services Division at 519-575-4420 by 12 noon on Thursday, January 12, 2012. If you require accessible services to participate, please contact the Regional Clerk’s Office at least five days in advance of the meeting.

This notice is in accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001

Your Values, Your Credit Union www.mscu.com | 519.669.1529 A Mennonite financial cooperative serving communities of faith across Ontario

www.

.com

IN PRINT. ONLINE. IN PICTURES. IN DEPTH.

Kris Fletcher Director, Council and Administrative Services/Regional Clerk 2nd Floor, Administration Building 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener 519-575-4420 All comments and information received from individuals, stakeholder groups and agencies regarding this by-law are being collected to assist the Region of Waterloo in making a decision.

Under the Municipal Act, personal information such as name, address, telephone number, and property location that may be included in a submission becomes part of the public record.

Questions regarding the collection of this information should be referred to the Regional Clerk’s Office.

THE OBSERVER

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

17 BUSINESS

New provincial report counters some of the adverse effects claimed by opponents

> CONTINUED FROM PG. 15 to the farming operation, meaning the power generated must be used as part of the farm and cannot be sold on a commercial basis.

“Right now residents that would like to erect wind turbines would run into problems with existing zoning bylaws. Although there are no laws that prohibit the turbines there are height restrictions,” said Dan Kennaley, the township’s director of engineering and planning services.

Currently the municipality is going through an Official Plan review exercise that includes dealing with changes to provincial policies that have occurred since the last update; one of the major changes to has been to renewable energy options.

“The province is certainly encouraging us to allow for renewable energy but at this point in the review we have not really grappled with issue of renewable energy,” said Kennaley.

“We are aware of the controversy that surrounds wind turbines and we will be proceeding carefully on our new policy concerning them.”

Opponents of the turbines claim there are many health concerns that surround the technology, with complaints ranging from the low frequency noise, infrasound, stress, sleep disturbance and both physiological and mental health issues.

A recent report conducted by noise, vibration and acoustics experts commissioned by the province, however, says the sound wind turbines create pose no direct health risks. The study looked at more than

100 reports from Ontario, Alberta and countries around the world.

The report found that the province's rules to control wind turbine sound are rigorous, the Ministry of the Environment said this week in releasing the report. The minimum setback is currently 550 metres from any residence, school or church with a sound limit of 40 decibels. Those limits conform to World Health Organization standards.

“Our priority is to develop renewable energy in a way that protects Ontarians. This report finds that we are on the right track by taking a cautious approach when setting standards for wind turbine setbacks and sound limits,” Environment Minister Jim Bradley is quoted on the ministry website.

The Ontario government has pledged to phase out coal-fired electricity by 2014 with hopes to increase wind, solar and biomass production.

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LIVING HERE 18

THE OBSERVER

LIVING HERE

s g n i h t g n i t h Lig s a m t s i r h C t up a

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

Staying fit and eating healthily in holiday style Get healthy Stay healthy Barney Kuntze

T

Conestogo homeowner has made growing light display a holiday tradition Colin Dewar

PHOTOS

very town seems to have one, that house that is completely decorated with lights from top to bottom for the Christmas holidays.

In Conestogo, that place is John Ziegler’s Weberlyn Crescent home.It is like a scene from the holiday movie Christmas Vacation, where Chevy Chase’s character Clark Griswold attaches more lights to his house to outdo any of the neighbours.

But friendly neighbourhood competition isn’t why Ziegler, an electrician, decorates his house: he enjoys working with the Christmas lights and it has become a part of his Christmas tradition.

“I have been doing this every year for the last 14 years and I am always adding to the look every year,” he said.

Ziegler estimates that he uses some 30,000 bulbs to decorate his home. The new addition this year is a Marty fan with more than 2,000 lights, all controlled by his home computer using a Light-O-Rama program he purchased. He already has plans to make modifications to the unit and make a more advanced fan with lights next year.

“It is always changing from year to year,” said Ziegler. “I have a lot of people coming around to see the place and now I have people who expect to see it and they ask me what I am doing this year and what

» COLIN DEWAR

E

ILLUMINATING The Christmas spirit is aglow at the Ziegler homestead in Conestogo. More than 30,000 lights are used to brighten up the house over the holidays. is going to be new. It is just part of Christmas around here now, and everyone enjoys it.”

Currently he has Christmas trees out front set to flash on and off to Christmas carols that are played by a couple of well-placed speakers close to the trees and a group of wooden snowmen carolers.

Santa Claus and his reindeer can be found in the backyard along with Mrs. Claus and Santa’s workshop.

A group of young carols, made of wood, are set up along the side of the house and every so often their heads move to the music playing out front.

Visitors to the home are greeted by

a snowman full of lights and a flashing pillar at the end of the porch.

He has never had any neighbours object to the decorations even though there are many flashing lights, music and moving parts.

All the lights and decorations are well secured and all the cords are protected in plastic in case we should see a white Christmas this season. There will be no water getting into the wires: he makes sure everything is safe.

It takes him a couple of weeks to prepare and set up all the decorations. Using a plan and grid he sets

> SEE LIGHTS

ON PG. 19

he Christmas season is a wonderful time of year: the decorations, parties, gatherings, holiday time, great food and traditions that have been in the family for years. If only we could simply enjoy those things Christmas approaches.

Instead, the list seems to be something more like this: holidays … away from gym, way too much food, stress over family gatherings, stress over the cooking you’re expected to do, stress over presents you need to buy, stress over work that piles up while you’re away from work, and the list goes on and on.

Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the season in a stress-free way, while continuing to stay healthy and in shape.

Christmas party tips: • Bring something healthy that you enjoy to your Christmas party. Then you won’t be as tempted to eat all the desserts in sight and the ‘there was nothing else so I had to eat it’ excuse won’t be necessary.

• Get a good workout in before you go. You’ll look good, feel great, and won’t feel as guilty when you do eat some of the treats.

• Use the good-bad-good strategy.

If you’re drinking or eating something that you know isn’t the best for you – just eat something else healthy first, enjoy your treat and then follow it up with something else healthy.

• Don’t eat the guilt with your “treats” if you do have them.

Studies have shown that it’s the guilt and emotional distress that is worse for you than actually just eating a little treat and enjoying it.

Cooking and baking tips for the holidays: • Buy your Christmas turkey from a local farmer. You may have to ask around a bit but there are plenty of farmers in the area, and it will be well worth it. They’re healthy and delicious, and don’t contain all the additives and pre-

> SEE FITNESS ON PG. 23

THE OBSERVER

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

19 LIVING HERE

Yorkshire pudding rounds out prime rib dinner Vegetarian Chili

I

t is tempting to look back on the past year as we ate, experimented with different flavours and, as a result, created recipes. Every week was something new, and reflective of the season. As promised last week, our final recipe of 2011 will be a continuation of our prime rib feast with the accompanying popovers, or Yorkshire puddings.

As well, we have reprinted our favourite recipe of 2011 (Vegetarian Chili), in case you missed it, and need to do some experimenting of your own over the holidays. This will be great to eat after much indulgence! Cheers!

Popovers

(aka Yorkshire Pudding) Yields 16 popovers >>2 cups all-purpose flour >>1 tsp kosher salt >>4 eggs >>2-2/3 cup milk >>1/2 cup butter, melted >>Canola oil for the muffin tins Preheat the oven to 500F; Combine the flour, salt, eggs, and enough of the milk to make a stiff batter. Smooth out the lumps with a

From The Chef's Table Kirstie Herbstreit & Jody O'Malley whisk and whisk the rest of the milk and the butter; Let the batter rest at room temperature for 30 minutes; Put the popover molds in the oven to preheat for 10 minutes; Quickly open the oven door and brush 1 tbsp in each cup. Return to oven and give one minute to heat up; QUICKLY pour in batter – using a pitcher is easiest. The batter should come ¾ of the way up the sides of the molds; Bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown, turn down the oven to 300F and bake for 10 minutes more; Serve immediately.

Notes: Pate a choux, popovers, and Yorkshire pudding contain eggs, but their ability to hold steam comes from gluten. Essential to success is a heavy pan – the heavier the better.

If using regular muffin tins, use two pans stacked inside of each other to retain the heat.

Heat a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat; add canola oil,

and then add onion, carrot, celery and pepper; cook for 3-4 minutes or until just starting to brown; Add garlic and cook a minute or so, then add all of the dried spices; cook to bring out their flavour, about 1 minute; Add lentils, tomatoes and water, just to cover. Season well with salt and pepper; Simmer about 20 minutes or until lentils are just cooked through; Now add zucchini, mushrooms and beans; add more liquid if needed, and season again with a little salt and pepper; Cook for about 10 minutes or until veggies have reached desired tenderness; Serve over cooked brown rice.

>>Chefs Kirstie Herbstreit and Jody O’Malley are both

Red Seal certified chefs. Together they run The Culinary Studio, which offers classes, demonstrations and private dinners. To contact the chefs, visit their website www.theculinarystudio.ca.

with Brown Rice

>>2 small cooking onions, diced >>2 small carrots, diced >>2 celery, diced >>1 red pepper, diced >>1-2 cloves Ontario garlic, chopped >>1-1/2 tsp ground cumin >>1 tsp smoked paprika >>1/2 tsp ground coriander >>1/2 tsp dried oregano >> Pinch (or more, depending on your taste) dried chili flakes >>3/4 cup green lentils >>1 large can of whole or diced tomatoes >>Water, as needed >>Salt and pepper, as needed >>1 zucchini, diced >>2 cups mushrooms, quartered >>1 can white kidney beans

thief in your bathroom?

Is there a

Lights: Display leaves no doubt about what time of the year it is

ON DONNER, ON BLITZEN ... A wooden Santa and reindeers greet visitors to the backyard

of the Ziegler home.

> CONTINUED FROM PG. 18 up everything starting on the Thanksgiving weekend starting with the rope lights around the windows and the icicle lights hanging off the roof and every weekend afterwards he keeps adding more lights until he finishes and turns them on for the month of December. For the most part Ziegler works by himself to make sure every bulb is working and strung up properly.

The lights turn on at 5 p.m. every night

and turn off right at 11 p.m. and the whole set up is controlled by one timer. Once Christmas is over those lights do not go on again.

“I take two weeks off at Christmas and I spend the last week taking it down, by the time Christmas is over I am tired of looking at all the lights,” he laughed. “I usually start the day before New Year’s and then I just don’t stop, I want it gone. I am not one of those guys that wait until spring to take them down.”

He stores the majority of the decorations at his shop in Elmira but a few boxes are kept in the garage, stored there for next year.

“I really like it,” said Abby, Ziegler’s 12-yearold daughter. “Except that it keeps me up at night all the flashing lights and the lights around my bedroom window.”

As for the hydro bill, Ziegler admits that it’s a bit higher this time of year but he is always prepared, the cost of a growing holiday tradition.

The thief in your bathroom is wasting precious water and money. Secure your savings by replacing this water guzzler with a Region-approved high efficiency (HET) toilet.

A family of three saves an average of 120 litres per day, or $130 per year.

The Region of Waterloo will only provide rebates for Region-approved (HET) toilets. For details, including a list of approved toilets, visit our website, or call 519-575-4021, or speak to your local retailer. Restrictions and qualifications apply.

www.regionofwaterloo.ca/water

LIVING HERE 20

Big Boxing THE OBSERVER

The

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

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THE OBSERVER

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

21 LIVING HERE

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THE OBSERVER

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

The Nutcracker is a true holiday tradition Steve Kannon

S

earching around for a last-minute gift for the family? Or maybe for something to do during the break that is Christmas week?

There’s one option that’s loaded with tradition: The Nutcracker ballet, which pirouettes into the area Dec. 28.

The Nutcracker is, of course, synonymous with Christmas. It’s often the first – and only – ballet we’re exposed to. The dancing, music and vibrant costumes and sets have made it a captivating performance for ages. Bengt Jörgen, choreographer of the Ballet Jörgen Canada production coming to the Centre In The Square next week, sees that reaction from a wide-eyed audience at each performance. The kids, in particular, are spellbound.

Realizing the place The Nutcracker holds in the pantheon of classic ballets and its enduring appeal to families, Ballet Jörgen pays extra attention to the details.

“We want something kidfriendly, something where they can get mesmerized by the story … that speaks to them. We spend a lot of time on this production so that it really holds their attention,” said Jörgen from his Toronto office Wednes-

day during an interlude between performances in Ottawa and Guelph.

As has been the case for that past few years, the show is the traditional story with a Canadian twist, drawing on the images of the Group of Seven and the Algonquin Park scenery that inspired them.

“I wanted to create a production connected to Canada and relevant to the communities we work in, beyond its traditional holiday format. Transcribing the traditional dances of the second act into dances from creatures of Algonquin Park has been particularly enjoyable and will bring a fresh look to an old favourite,” said Jörgen of The Nutcracker, a Canadian Tradition.

Choreographed by Jörgen to Tchaikovsky’s familiar score, this distinctly Canuck adaptation evolved from a collaboration with the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, which has allowed three of the great 20th century Canadian landscape artists to be featured: Franklin Carmichael (Church and Houses at Bisset, 1931), Tom Thomson (Snow in the Woods, 1916) and L.L. FitzGerald (Trees and Wildflowers, 1922).

In addition to the traditional Nutcracker characters, this version has added

loons, birches, dragonflies, beavers and squirrels, among others.

The ballet’s second act is noted for its celebration of dances (various nationalities in the original).

This Nutcracker follows that tradition, but places the second act in a Canadian summer setting with trillium flowers, raccoons, loons, dragonflies, bears, Mother Spruce, and a grand pas de deux danced by the King and Queen Birch.

“Every year we add a few little things to keep it fresh,” he explained.

This time around, a new character has been added to the battle scene, there’s some new choreography and vibrant costumes.

Ballet, he said, is always evolving – “it’s a living work of art.”

The Nutcracker, a Canadian Tradition takes to the stage for two performances Dec. 28 (2 and 7 p.m.) at the Centre in the Square. Tickets are $32-$75, available from the box office by calling 578-1570 or online at www.centre-square.com.

LET IT SNOW The

Snow Queen and the Cavalier (above) and Klara in the woods with the Nutcracker perform in front of Tom Thomson’s Snow in the Woods during The Nutcracker, a Canadian Tradition.

PHOTOS

» SUBMITTED

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THE OBSERVER

Âť Saturday, December 24, 2011

23 LIVING HERE

SUDOKU

THE CROSSWORD

HOW TO PLAY: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once. Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started.

EASY

HARD

WORD SEARCH .

2 8 5 1 ( < 6 6 ' ( 9 2

/ % $ 1 ' $ , ' ( & 8 , 3 , $

) 5 ( ( 7 & + , & $ * 2 + 1 -

Abba ABC Ace A-Ha Alarm Animals Asia Aztec Camera B 52s Band Aid Beatles Blue Cake CCR

< $ = = 1 %

6 1 * 2 , ; 9

7 : $ 0 $ * 1 8 0 ' 6 0 6 6 0

3 + = / = $ 4 8 $ $ $ ' + : '

Chicago Clout Cult Cure Dada Dakotas Darts Devo Dio Europe Fall Free Hole INXS

$ 2 7 6 $ * ' & 1 / ) 5 + + $

8 % ( 7 5 5 ( & 6 % $ 7 9 .

% < & < ( ; 0 5 $ 6 0 / / 6 2

8 ( & ; 7 + ( 0 ' 0 / & 8 / 7

) 8 $ & + 2 6 $ ; 2 1 $ . ( $

Jam Journey KLF Magnum Man Mud Nazareth OMD Phish PIL Queen REM Saxon Scandal

2 5 0 7 & / 2 8 7 .

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Slade Smokie Styx Suggs The Herd Them Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Pau U2 UFO Wham Who XTC Yazz Yes

> SOLUTIONS: Find the answers to all of the puzzles on pg. 34

ACROSS

1. A feeler; sense organ attached to the mouth of insects 6. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I ___ you oneâ&#x20AC;?

9. Wading bird 13. Someone who listens attentively 19. Dig, so to speak 20. 2004 nominee 21. Doctor Who villainess, with â&#x20AC;&#x153;theâ&#x20AC;?

22. A plural of organon 23. Surpassing any previously established record 26. Fashions 27. Having knobs 28. The property of being strong and healthy in constitution 30. Do-it-yourselferâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purchase 31. A person who stays in bed until a relatively late hour 34. Back of the neck 35. â&#x20AC;&#x153;___ Ngâ&#x20AC;? (They Might Be Giants song) 36. Baffled 39. Abominable Snowman 40. The time of day immediately following sunset 43. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes, ___â&#x20AC;?

44. Charge 45. As a result 46. A booth where articles are displayed for sale 47. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Catch-22â&#x20AC;? pilot 48. Introduces a conditional clause 49. Dirty 51. Bickering 54. Hip bones 55. ___ probandi 58. Ethereal 59. Bluster 60. A flower cluster with a central stem bearing a single flower 61. Halftime lead, e.g.

65. A state in midwestern United States 66. Aged 67. Drunk, in slang 71. Commuter line 73. 50 Cent piece 75. To assist an actor by suggesting the next words of something forgotten 76. Dreary 78. Affirm 80. â&#x20AC;&#x153;M*A*S*Hâ&#x20AC;? setting 81. Beseech 82. â&#x20AC;&#x153;General Hospital,â&#x20AC;? e.g.

83. Direct oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention on something 85. Grassland 86. A charge required as compensation for the delay of a ship

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89. Exceedingly 93. Alternative 95. Someone who plays a violoncello 98. Divine 99. â&#x20AC;&#x153;___ quam videriâ&#x20AC;? (North Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s motto) 100. Apprehend 101. Blacksmithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s block 102. Calm 103. Attends 104. Priestly garb 105. Copy

DOWN 1. A piece of open land for recreational use 2. Gulf of ___, off the coast of Yemen 3. Bananas 4. A question raised for consideration or solution 5. Europian country in the northern Balkan Peninsula 6. Sun, e.g.

7. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This means ___!â&#x20AC;?

8. Lace place 9. Bothers 10. Can of worms?

11. One of nine divisions of play in baseball 12. Any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message 13. Uncomfortable position

14. Blows it 15. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Act your ___!â&#x20AC;?

16. â&#x20AC;&#x153;the strike was supported by the union ___ ___ ___â&#x20AC;?

17. The point in time at which something ends 18. Bob Marley fan 24. Blondeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s secret, maybe 25. Sit in on 29. A long narrative poem telling of a heroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deeds 32. Affirmative vote 33. Drone, e.g.

36. Andyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s radio partner 37. Hawaiian tuber 38. Delhi dress 41. Informal term for a mother 42. Get going 50. Someone who listens attentively 52. Alpine sight 53. Wray of â&#x20AC;&#x153;King Kongâ&#x20AC;?

55. Mythical monster 56. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Uh-uhâ&#x20AC;?

57. Not diminished or moderated in intensity or severity 62. Forbidding 63. Delight 64. Icelandic epic 67. A tall tower usually on a church

68. Plural of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;?

69. Core 70. Bad end 71. Repeat an earlier theme of a composition 72. Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Key ___ 73. Gun, as an engine 74. â&#x20AC;&#x153;___ we having fun yet?â&#x20AC;?

75. Type of pain killer derivative of opium 77. Shadeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of purple 79. The capital city of Austria 80. Strong and heat resistant synthetic fibre 81. Voting groups 84. ___ el Amarna, Egypt 86. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Go ahead!â&#x20AC;?

87. Gift on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Bachelorâ&#x20AC;?

88. Brews 90. Common request 91. Ado 92. Christiania, now 94. Bank offering, for short 96. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Silentâ&#x20AC;? prez 97. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chicagoâ&#x20AC;? lyricist

Fitness: No need to overindulge at Christmas > CONTINUED FROM PG. 18 servatives that grocery store turkeys do. â&#x20AC;˘ Save your turkey bones and make a bone broth for soup.

Just put the bones in a big pot full of water, and let it simmer for 12 hours. Then strain, add spices, veggies, turkey, whatever you like, cook it a little longer and enjoy. It tastes great and is full of nutrition. (A

great way to get your calcium.) â&#x20AC;˘ When doing Christmas baking, try to come up with healthy alternatives. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re making a chocolate cake, why not try a flourless chocolate cake? Use organic, natural ingredients whenever possible.

Honey, stevia, and real maple syrup are great alternatives to white refined sugar, and they taste great. At Pinacle, we also carry Full of Beans products,

a local company specializing in gluten-free recipes, including baking mixes for cakes, brownies, scones, muffins, and more.

Our favorite cookbook is Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon, featuring dozens of great recipes, including a full Christmas dinner plan from appetizer to dessert. This is a must-have if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the one in the kitchen this Christmas.

SPORTS 24

THE OBSERVER

» JAMES JACKSON

SPORTS

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

DENIED Justis Husak stops Kitchener’s Keegan Calder for one of his nine first-

PHOTO

period saves in the Kings’3-2 win last Sunday afternoon. Husak finished with 22 saves.

Kings split home-and-home series with Dutchmen Christmas break sees Elmira team with record of 26-7-1, good enough for second in the conference James Jackson

A

fter losing leading scorer Andrew Smith to a twogame suspension Dec. 16 in Stratford, the Elmira Sugar Kings leaned on a returning player to eke out a 3-2 win over the Kitchener Dutchmen last Sunday afternoon at the Dan Snyder arena.

Brad Kraus, re-acquired from the St. Thomas Stars on

Dec. 12, had a goal, an assist, and drew a key penalty near the end of the game to help Elmira beat Kitchener 3-2.

“It’s good to be back. I missed the boys and the coaches and the dressing room and the rink,” said Kraus, who was a key contributor to the Kings on their Sutherland Cup run last season.

“Hockey is a lot bigger here than it is anywhere else.”

The game was closer than the head coach would have liked, but following the team’s 4-3 defeat Dec. 16 to the conference-leading Cullitons he welcomed the two points.

In the game against Stratford, Smith received a gross misconduct and a two-game suspension for shooting the puck over the glass, and the Kings have now lost all three

matchups against Stratford this season by a combined score of 10-7.

“After Friday night we expected a little bit of a letdown, but full credit to Kitchener they came out and played very, very hard.”

The Kings didn’t get out to the start they envisaged against the lowly Dutchmen, who had only six wins all season heading into Sun-

day’s matinee affair. Kitchener led 1-0 after the first and extended that lead to 2-0 just under a minute into the second.

With Lukas Baleshta in the box for high sticking, the Dutchmen looked to put the game out of reach but Kraus brought the crowd at the Dan Snyder arena to its feet with

> SEE KINGS ON PG. 26

James Jackson

T

he Applejacks closed out their four-game home stand last weekend with a pair of close matches, a 3-2 win over the Hagersville Hawks on Friday night and a 3-2 shootout loss to the Tavistock Braves

on Saturday.

Both games had a playoff atmosphere to them, and the head coach was pleased with his team’s performance, in particular their win over Hagersville.

“That was our best 60-minute effort all year,” said Kevin Fitzpatrick. “We were responsible in our own end, guys had great line changes, and they did everything we needed to do to win.”

The first period was controlled by the Hawks as they outshot the Jacks 15-6 and led 1-0 at the end of 20 minutes

> SEE JACKS ON PG. 29

PHOTO

Coach praises team after splitting a pair of games on home ice last weekend

» JAMES JACKSON

Jacks rewarded after giving it their best effort of the year

NOT THIS TIME The Jacks’ Corey Way avoids the poke check from Tavistock’s Corey Tuffnail but couldn’t beat his right pad in the final round of Wellesley’s 3-2 shootout loss to the Braves last Saturday night.

THE OBSERVER

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

25 SPORTS

A problem that pales in comparison to others Not-So-Great Outdoorsman Steve Galea fishing rods and firearms passed various spouses, I can totally relate.

Unfortunately, until the white stuff falls, there are not a lot of places that they can blend into.

So what is the bunny population to do?

In the spirit of the season, I’ll offer a few suggestions.

1. Hang out beside birch trees.

2. Spend time at the nearest curling rink.

3. Gather together, shoulder to shoulder, in very large groups and try to simulate a snow covered area.

4. Go to a ski hill where artificial snow is being made. Might I suggest the bunny run?

5. Pool your resources and buy fur coats from other species.

6. Arm yourselves.

7. Roll in soot.

Needless to say, of those who read this column, I doubt more than one out of ten is a varying hare. So this advice will probably fall on long, deaf ears.

Then again, I suppose that this is the kind of occupational haz-

SPEND YOUR NEW YEARS EVE WITH

ard that they are used to anyway.

After all, the same thing happens when spring comes early – and we’ve been having a lot of that of late.

The good news is that while they are often plentiful, they are not exactly the best tasting bunny we have. That honour goes to the cottontail rabbit. So perhaps snowshoe hares should consider hiring a consultant to start a marketing campaign on the wonderful eating qualities of the cottontail rabbit. It’s cold and maybe a little costly, but it could help in the long run.

If they couldn’t bring themselves to this type of immoral-

ity – hiring a consultant, I mean – then perhaps they could continue adapting.

Typically, a prey species depends on one of several ways to avoid being eaten. They can become poisonous, spray musk, learn to hide better or become very, very fast. Voles have mastered the first, skunks and guys who spend any time in deer camp the second, and husbands avoiding yard work the third.

So, if our hares want to try something else, I suggest they learn to be faster. How do they do that during these transitional times? Well, for a start, they could lose the snowshoes.

Twin Centre Midgets win in Stratford

» SUBMITTED

s I write this, there’s not so much as a flake of snow on the ground. And, while I am quite OK with thoughts of easy driving over the holidays, I can’t help but feel a little sorry for the varying hares in the central and northern parts of the province.

You see, varying hares, known to most of us as snowshoe rabbits, turn white this time of year.

If I’m not mistaken (and what are the odds?) the change in their coat colouration is triggered by the changing hours of daylight.

Normally, this is a biological advantage for the hares – nature’s way of giving this common prey species some much-needed camouflage.

But, as I’m sure you’ve already figured out, a snow white coat doesn’t help you hide if the woods are brown. As a result, right now they are as conspicuous as a politician trying to be hip. And that’s not good. It means that unless they sit still under something that conceals their glaring whiteness, just about every predator in the area – from lynx to great horned owls – will have an easier time finding them.

It must suck to be a snowshoe rabbit at times like this. I mean their whole survival strategy is based on not being noticed. As a guy who has snuck countless

PHOTO

A

ATOP THE DIVISION The Twin Centre Midget LL #1 team won their division at the Stratford

tournament on Nov 25-27. Front row: Dominique Bruns, Sarah Miltenburg, Carling Cisecki, Donna VanAllen (trainer). Middle row: Terry Cisecki (asst. coach), Sarah VanAllen, Mackenzie VanBargen, Brittany Wagner, Jessica Dunbar, Janessa Heywood, Shannon Lorentz, Emily Detzler, Lindsay Dietrich.

Back: John Miltenburg (coach). Missing: Callie Churchill, Holly Lorentz, Samantha Haid, Shannon Novak, Jill Sebben.

Peewee Hericanes find silver lining

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» SUBMITTED

• 1 Large - 3 item Pizza • 2L Pop

4

• 2 Large - 3 item Pizza • 1 order of Garlic Bread w/cheese • 2L Pop

PHOTO

GE ADDITIO A K NS C PA : 2 1

DOWN TO THE FINALS The Twin Centre Peewee B Hericanes played in the championship game at the Stratford tournament Nov 25-27, only to fall 4-1 to Ilderton in the finals. Front row: Jocelyn Oja, Sophie Jantzi, Sadie Diebold, Madelyn Jantzi, Delanie Kidnie. Middle row: Laura Ridge, Laura Weber, Deanna Mainland, Lauren Quehl, Leah Sebben, Tiffany Towns, Andy Oja (coach). Back: Mark Diebold (asst. coach), Tim Weber (asst. coach).

SPORTS 26

THE OBSERVER

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

Kings: Extended Christmas break allows team to rest up until Jan. 7 > CONTINUED FROM PG. 24

ENERGETIC Top, Will Cook skates

a shorthanded goal at 2:51.

Brady Campbell made a long pass to Kraus to send him on a partial breakaway, and he made a quick wrist shot from the right faceoff circle count to cut Kitchener’s lead to one.

The goal gave new energy to the Kings, as they dominated the remainder of the period. Campbell tallied the tying goal at 17:39 on the powerplay.

Baleshta made a pass from the corner to Kraus, who was parked in front of Kitchener goaltender Nathan Perry. Kraus was tied up by a defender and the puck sat in the blue ice until Campbell swept in and fired it top corner.

In the third period, Perry stood tall as Elmira again held the decisive edge in play, outshooting their opponents 14-4, but they couldn’t get one past the Dutchmen goaltender.

Just before the halfway mark of the third period, however, Kraus shifted the period with what he does best: throwing a big bodycheck. He hit Kitchener enforcer Brock Campbell into the boards with a clean shoulder check that Campbell took exception to. The Dutchmen forward was slow to get up and skated after Kraus to try and entice him to fight, going as far as crosschecking Kraus in the back of the head in front of the

just kept going,” said Husak after the game.

“We weren’t getting too many bounces but we did have a couple opportunities on powerplay.”

DeSilva had nothing but praise for the role that Kraus has filled since his return from St. Thomas.

“He certainly gives us a lot of depth up front and gives us a shot in the arm in terms of work ethic. He brings it every shift and has been a pleasure to add to the team.”

The Kings travelled to Kitchener for a rematch with the Dutchmen on Tuesday night, and Kitchener got their revenge with a 5-4 win. The home team tallied three goals in the third period, two of them with the man advantage, to seal the win. Brett Priestap and Riley Sonnenburg each collected a goal and an assist in the loss, while Nick Horrigan surrendered five goals on 28 shots for the loss.

The team will now enjoy a bit of an extended break and won’t hit the ice again until Jan. 7 when they travel to Cambridge for a 7 p.m. game.

They return home Jan. 8 for an afternoon match against the Owen Sound Greys at 2 p.m.

PHOTOS

» JAMES JACKSON

around a diving Kitchener defender on his way to the net during the second period last Sunday. Below, Elmira’s Rob Bennett (front) and Brad Kraus (#19) crash the Kitchener crease looking for a loose puck during second period action.

Elmira bench.

A melee ensued and Camp-

bell was given a five-minute major for head contact and

a game misconduct. He was also slapped with a two-game suspension by the league the next day.

“I think I hit him too hard and I hurt his ego when he fell down,” said Kraus of the incident. “I actually knocked the wind out of myself, so I didn’t want to fight, otherwise I probably would have.”

That decision worked in Elmira’s favour, as captain Colton Wolfe-Sabo scored a powerplay goal at 14:05 on a deflected point shot to give the Kings a 3-2 lead that they managed to preserve to the final whistle.

Kings’ goaltender Justis Husak made 22 saves in just his seventh start of the season to collect the win.

“I thought I was really calm, I thought the team played awesome and they

Young fans get a chance to Skate with the Kings following Dec. 18 win at WMC SIGN HERE The annual Skate with the Kings event was held last Sunday afternoon at the Dan Snyder Arena following the team’s 3-2 win over Kitchener. Andrew Smith (#24), Riley Sonnenburg, Will Cook, and Justin Cooke sign autographs, along with Nick Horrigan (top right), Rob Bennett and Cash Seraphim (below right).

PHOTOS » JAMES JACKSON

THE OBSERVER

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

27 SPORTS

SCORECARD WOOLWICH U12 PETITE HOUSE LEAGUE - GIRLS DEC. 14

Woolwich 5, Elora-Fergus 4 Goals: Carola Bromberg x2, Alison Schultz x2, Maddy Waters (Hannah Bettke x2, Alison Schultz, Mackenzie Beacom, Maddy Waters, Kate Martin, Megan Scheuring) DEC. 17

Woolwich 8, Waterloo 4 Goals: Maddy Waters x3, Carola Bromberg x2, Mackenzie Beacom x2, Hilary Bauman (Mackenzie Beacom x2, Jocelyn Martin x2, Hannah Bettke, Maddy Waters, Hilary Bauman)

TWIN CENTRE NOVICE LL #1 - GIRLS DEC. 17

Twin Centre 6, Waterloo 1

Goals: Marlee Fraser x3, Katie Lee x2, Avery Bender (Marlee Fraser x2, Katie Lee x2, Macoda Pitsch )

x2, Marissa Lebold, Charlotte Birrell, Taylor Hartung)

WOOLWICH ATOM B - GIRLS

TWIN CENTRE NOVICE LL #2 - GIRLS

DEC. 17

Woolwich 1, Ancaster 1 Goals: Hannah Carr (Jade Lipczynski)

DEC. 17

Twin Centre Hericanes 4, Waterloo Ravens 0 Goals: Mackenna Krulicki x2, Megan Jantzi, Nicole Hehn (Emily Krueger, Claire Higgins, Bella Kuchma) Shutout: Kirsten Livingston

DEC. 18

Waterloo 2, Woolwich 0

WOOLWICH BANTAM B GIRLS DEC. 11

TWIN CENTRE ATOM LL 7547 - GIRLS DEC. 17

Twin Centre 9, Waterloo 1 Goals: Olivia Bolender x3, Caitlin Livingston x2, Charlotte Birrell, Tyana Bruns, Blythe Bender, Taylor Hartung (Emily Whitney x2, Jordyn Torti

Mount Forest 4, Woolwich 1 Goals: Emily Schuurmans (Erika Morrison) DEC. 13

Woolwich 2, Waterloo 1 Goals: Taylor Duench, Emily Schuurmans (Cassidy Bauman, Jaycee Kaufman,

Lindsay Glofcheskie) DEC.17

Mitchell 3 Woolwich 0 DEC. 18

Woolwich 3, Twin Centre 3 Goals: Emily Schuurmans x2, Brooke Mulder (Emily Schuurmans, Erika Morrison, Brooke Mulder, Cassidy Bauman, Taylor Duench, Michelle Wang) WOOLWICH BANTAM BB GIRLS DEC. 18

Woolwich 1, London 1 Goals: Cora Kieswetter (Megan Lair)

WOOLWICH MIDGET B GIRLS DEC. 17

Woolwich 1, Norfolk 0 Goals: Natashia Runstedler

(Kayla Wideman) Shutout: Lauren Lesage

Woolwich 3, Ayr 0 Goals: Mac Benham x2, Ben Fretz (Ethan Murr) Shutout: Connor Dingelstad

DEC. 18

Woolwich 3, Brampton 0 Goals: Jasmine Fritz, Lea Olsthoorn, Natashia Runstedler (Corey Hinspberger, Sarah Church, Natashia Runstedler, Rebecca Luis, Tori Martin) Shutout: Lindsey Lesage

WOOLWICH NOVICE LL #2 BOYS DEC.11

Twin Centre 7, Woolwich 1 Goals: Carter Cousineau (Liam Eveleigh) DEC. 17

WOOLWICH TYKE (MINOR NOVICE) SELECT - BOYS DEC. 18

Woolwich 4, Burlington 0 Goals: Tyler Brezynskie x2, Reid Burkholder, Zack Bender (Sebastian Garrett x2, Andrew Gear, Mitchell Hartman) Shutout: Dominic Roth WOOLWICH NOVICE LL #1 BOYS DEC. 17

Woolwich 3, Paris 1 Goals: Patrick Perry, Andrew Buehler, Liam Eveleigh (Carter Cousineau) WOOLWICH NOVICE LL #3 BOYS DEC. 10

Woolwich 4, Plattsville 1 Goals: Cole Seabrook, Aiden Von Kannen,

> SEE SCORES ON PG. 28

ELMIRA BLOOD DONOR CLINIC

Here's your opportunity to save lives.

The Next Elmira Clinic: Friday, December 30, 2011

from 9:30am - 3:30pm at Lion's Hall, Elmira Blood and blood products are a critical part of everyday medical care, such as major surgeries and other medical procedures.

THE ELMIRA BLOOD DONOR CLINIC ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY-MINDED BUSINESSES:

ROLAN INC ELECTRIC MOTOR Sales & Repair 95 Southfield Dr • 519-669-1842

Various sizes & rates

CLEAN • DRY • SECURE

JOHN KENDALL Barrister & Solicitor

41 Erb St. E., P.O. Box 185, Waterloo ON TEL: 519-747-1010 FAX: 519-747-9323 EMAIL: jkendall@haneylaw.com

Direct: 519-747-1256 Ex 209

100 South Field Dr. • 519-669-4964

EM

HANEY, HANEY & KENDALL FLORADALE FEED MILL LIMITED “Finest in quality feeds and service.”

“Quality Farm Equipment” Since 1969

SANYO CANADIAN

Serving you for over 100 Years 1145 Printery Rd., St. Jacobs | TEL: 519.664.2263

FORAGE KING 3950 9500 Steffler Rd. Elmira, Ontario N3B 2Z3 Phone: 519-664-2752 Fax: 519-664-3695 Email: sales@mkmartin.ca

MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED

33 Industrial Dr. • 519-669-1591

• Additions • Renovations • Exterior Cladding • Insulation • Doors & Windows

ELDALE MACHINE & TOOL LTD.

MANUFACTURING SPINDLES & HUBS FOR FARM EQUIPMENT & PRODUCTION MACHINING

www.waymar.on.ca

emtsales@bellnet.ca

www.ffmltd.com

519-669-5478 • Toll Free 1-800-265-6126

3 Industrial Dr., Elmira • 519-669-5195

3585 Ament Line RR#3, Wallenstein • 519-699-4236

Home Baking Light Lunches Breakfast One Kilometre south of Winterbourne on Waterloo Regional Rd. 23

Regional Rd. 23 | 519-664-3701

STORE HOURS: OPEN 24 HOURS, 7 DAYS A WEEK 315 Arthur St. S., Elmira • 519-669-5403

Coffee • Soups • Sandwiches Donuts •Pies • Muffins Bread • Cookies

Bus: 519-698-9930 Res: 519-698-2213

E.s.t 1971

Mon to Fri 8 - 6 | Sat 8 - 4

Fax: 519-664-1505 • www.martinsapples.com 1420 Lobsinger Line, RR#1, Waterloo • 519-664-2750

Mon. to Sat. 6 am - 5:30 pm • Closed Sunday

RR #2 Wallenstein, Ontario

• Fabrics • Men's Wear • Ladies Coats • China • Glass Ware Mon. Closed · Tues.-Fri. 8-6 · Sat. 8-5 2192 Floradale Rd. ~ Floradale, On.

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22 Church St. W • 519-669-5353

Farm - Auto - Truck - Industrial and we have On-the-farm service

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CALL 1 888 2 DONATE for more information or to book an appointment. Visit bloodservices.ca

SPORTS 28

THE OBSERVER

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

SCORECARD

DEC. 19

Woolwich 6, Ayr 1 Goals: Simon Shantz x4, Lucas Radler, Dustin Good (Daniel Kelly, Jordan Wang, Thomas Hill-Ring, Sam Rawlinson, Sam Siopiolosz, Oscar Fitch, Jackson Dumart, Tanis Uhrig, Owen Hackert, Nolan Karger ) WOOLWICH NOVICE LL #4 BOYS DEC. 18

Twin Centre 4, Woolwich 0

WOOLWICH NOVICE AE BOYS DEC. 17

Milton 8, Woolwich 1 Goals: Cameron Leonard (Kody Lewis, Connor Waters) DEC. 18

Hillsburgh 8, Woolwich 1 Goals: Danny Soehner (Ethan Birmingham)

WOOLWICH NOVICE MAJOR A - BOYS DEC. 14

Woolwich 5, Oakville 1 Goals: Jake McDonald x2, Kyler Austin x2, Owen Lee (Spencer Young x3, Alex Hutton, Gavin Roemer, Owen Lee) DEC. 17

Woolwich 14, Guelph 0 Goals: Cole Slade x5, Owen Lee x3, Tyler Martin x3, Nolan Steringa x2, Alex Hutton (Brett Moser x4, Gavin Roemer x3, Weston Bradley x2, Nolan Steringa x2, Owen Lee x2, Tyler Martin x2, Cole Slade x2, Jake McDonald, Colton Schmitt, Alex Hutton) Shutout: Quinn Brown DEC. 18

Woolwich 10, Hespeler 0 Goals: Spencer Young x2, Kyler

WOOLWICH ATOM LL #1 BOYS DEC. 17

Woolwich 1, Plattsville 0 Goals: Blake Richardson (Kyle Deyell) Shutout: Cal Schell

TWIN CENTRE ATOM LL #2 - BOYS DEC. 10

Ayr 3, Twin Centre 1 Goals: Nathan Brideau (Hayden Martin, Linden Jantzi) DEC. 11

Twin Centre 5, Tavistock 4 Goals: Nathan Brideau x3, Eric Poirier, Conall Gillett (Conall Gillett x3, Nathan Brideau, Eric Poirier, Christopher Jones) DEC. 17

Twin Centre 4, St George 1 Goals: Nathan Brideau x2, Jack Wolf, Conall Gillett (Linden Jantzi x 2, Nathan Brideau, Conall Gillett, Hayden Martin, Will Edwards, Jack Wolf) DEC. 18

Paris 4, Twin Centre 3 Goals: Nathan Brideau x3 (Eric Poirier x2, Jack Wolf, Conall Gillett) WOOLWICH ATOM LL #3 BOYS DEC. 15

Twin Center 3, Woolwich 2 Goals: Simon Zenker, Matthew Thaler DEC. 17

Woolwich 6, Paris 0 Goals: Simon Zenker x3, Kyle Rintoul, Corbin Kaufman, Ian McGregor (Nathan Maier, Sullivan Keen, William Carter) Shutout: Liam O'Brien

WOOLWICH MAJOR ATOM AA – BOYS DEC. 16

Woolwich 2, Centre Wellington 1 Goals: Mackenzie Willms, Kayden Zacharczuk (Jake Code, Griffen Rollins) DEC. 18

Woolwich 4, Georgetown 0 Goals: Austin Cousineau x3, Sam Davidson (Griffen Rollins, Mackenzie Willms, Brody Waters, Jake Code, Austin Cousineau) Shutout: Riley Demers DEC. 19

Woolwich 4, Caledon 0 Goals: Joshua Martin x3, Griffen Rollins (Brody Waters, Austin Cousineau, Mackenzie Willms) Shutout: Cyrus Martin WOOLWICH PEEWEE LL #1 - BOYS

Shutout: Ryan Conrad DEC. 17

Woolwich 1 Arthur 1 Goals: Benton Weber (Riley Shantz) DEC. 18

Hespeler 3, Woolwich 1 Goals: Alex Turchan (Nick Campagnolo) DEC. 19

Woolwich 2, New Hamburg 0 Goals: Brett Henry, Matthew MacDonald (Mitch Rempel) Shutout: Ryan Conrad

WOOLWICH BANTAM LL #1 - BOYS DEC. 17

Woolwich 1, St. George 0 Goals: Alex Taylor (Trent Thompson, Matt Jessop) Shutout: Kyle Ropp

WOOLWICH BANTAM LL #2 - BOYS

DEC. 14

DEC. 4

Woolwich 1, St George 1 Goals: Alex Metzger DEC. 17

Tavistock 6, Woolwich 2 Goals: Liam Catton, Alex Metzger (Matt MacDonald) DEC. 18

Woolwich 4, Paris 1 Goals: Alex Metzger x2, Ben Lenaers, Devin Williams (Noah Scurry, Chad Hoffer, Lenaers, Metzger)

New Hamburg 3, Woolwich 1 Goals: Luke Charter (Dylan Arndt, Joseph Hanley) DEC. 17

Plattsville 5, Woolwich 2 Goals: Spencer Anderson, Luke Charter (Chris Taylor, Luke Charter, Luke De Corte, Spencer Anderson) DEC. 18

TWIN CENTRE PEEWEE REP - BOYS DEC. 15

Twin Centre 3, Tavistock 1 Goals: Troy Hemmerich, Joel Heise, Will Martin (Brett Hartin, Cole Bender, Noah Donsig, Adam Runstedler) WOOLWICH PEEWEE AE – BOYS

Woolwich 8, Ayr 0 Goals: Nathon Schwartz x3, Alex Bean, Dylan Arndt, Brodie Kean, Isacc Fishbein, Jacob Dubue (Luke Charter x3, Isacc Fishbein x2, Alex Bean x2, Dylan Arndt, Brodie Kean, William Mewhiney, Luke De Corte, Jeff Talot, Adam Elliott) Shutout: Noah Taylor

WOOLWICH BANTAM MAJOR A - BOYS

DEC. 15

DEC. 9

Woolwich 2 Erin 0 Goals: Nick Campagnolo x2 (Bruce Martin, Aaron Logan, Mitch Rempel)

Woolwich 0, New Hamburg 0 Shutout: Jayden Weber DEC. 10

Woolwich 5, Hespler 0 Goals: Jason Gamble, Greg Huber, Connor Peirson, Alex Uttley, Cole Conlin (Grant Kernick x2, Harrison Clifford, Nathan Schlupp, Nicholas Pavanel) Shutout: Thomas Vickers DEC. 17

Woolwich 7, Centre Wellington 1 Goals: Josh Kueneman x2, Matthew Leger x2, Cole Lenaers, Jason Gamble, Grant Kernick (Jason Gamble x2, Matthew Leger x2, Connor Peirson x2, Cole Lenaers, Alex Uttley, Luke Brown, Grant Kernick) WOOLWICH MIDGET LL BOYS DEC. 10

Woolwich 4, New Hamburg 4 Goals: Alex David x2, Joel Cairney x2 (Tanner Horst, Sean Wilton)

WOOLWICH MIDGET LL #2 BOYS DEC. 16

Woolwich 7, New Hamburg #1 1 Goals: Lucas Nosal x3, Shane Young, William Frank, Spencer Inglis, Blake Cabeldu (Blake Cabeldu x2, Cole Burkhart x2, Brendon Taylor x2, Trevor Bowman, Kadison Hipel, Cameron Strickler) DEC. 17

Woolwich 6, New Hamburg #2 6 Goals; Shane Young x2, Blake Cabeldu, Spencer Inglis, Cole Martin, William Frank (Blake Cabeldu x2, Kadison Hipel, Aaron Burkhart, Brendon Taylor, Trevor Bowman) WOOLWICH MIDGET MINOR A - BOYS DEC. 16

Woolwich 7, Caledon 3

Goals: Tyler Seguin x3, Wes Martin, Timmy Shuh, Bo Uridil, Alex White (Timmy Shuh x2, Tyler Seguin x2, Alex White, Adam Cook, Bo Uridil, Alex MacLean, Keaton Weiss, Wes Martin) DEC. 17

Woolwich 3, Owen Sound 0 Goals: Timmy Shuh, Bo Uridil, Tyler Seguin (Bo Uridil, Adrian Gilles, Jordan King, Wes Martin) Shutout: Quade Hunter-Rhodes DEC. 18

Woolwich 3, Georgetown 0 Goals: Bo Uridil, Owen Griffiths, Timmy Shuh (Johnny Clifford, Bo Uridil, Tyler Seguin, Jordan King) Shutout: Keaton Weiss WOOLWICH MAJOR MIDGET A - BOYS DEC. 10

Caledon 4, Woolwich 1 Goals: Logan White (Ryan Ament, Matthew Schieck) DEC. 13

Woolwich 4, Georgetown 3 Goals: Matthew Townsend x2, McKinley Ceaser, Nathan Playford (Ryan Ament x2, Eric Hanley, Matthew Townsend, Matthew Scheick) DEC. 15

Woolwich 4, Centre Wellington 4 Goals: Ryan Ament, Matthew Townsend, Jordan Moore, Mitch Kernick (Matthew Scheick x2, McKinley Ceaser x2, Evan Yantha) DEC. 17

Woolwich 6, New Hamburg 3 Goals: Nathan Playford, Jordon Moore, Sebastien Huber, Evan Yantha, Ryan Ament, Matthew Townsend (Weston Morlock x2, Sebastien Huber x2, Ryan Ament, Brayden Stevens, Matthew Townsend, Matthew Schieck)

TC Peewee squad wins in Wasaga Beach

PHOTO

» SUBMITTED

Orangeville very welcoming for Novices

» SUBMITTED

Will McDougall, Jordan Chang (Logan Frey x2, Cole Seabrook, Finn Matthews, Jonathan Horst)

Austin x2, Jake McDonald x2, Cole Slade x2, Tyler Martin x2 (Alex Hutton x2, Kyler Austin x2, Gavin Roemer x2, Jake McDonald x2, Nolan Steringa x2, Owen Lee x2, Spencer Young, Brett Moser) Shutout: Brett Strohoff

PHOTO

> CONTINUED FROM PG. 26

TOURNAMENT CHAMPS

The Woolwich Novice girls won the Orangeville Winter DS tournament from Dec. 2- 4. Players include: Charlisse Roth, Julia Doerbecker, Lexi Runstedler, Karissa Schouppe, Maggie Sabean, Delaney Keen, Maddie Goss, Ella Campbell, Payton Ravelle, Haylee Clemmer, Larissa Musselman. Coaching staff: Jason Doerbecker, Jasmine Roth, Charlie Campbell, Paul Musselman, Michele Schouppe.

THIS ONE'S OURS The Twin Centre Peewee Rep team won the Wasaga Beach Regional

Silverstick Tournament from Nov. 26 – Dec. 11. Back row: Scott Gaudet, Eric Holmes, Mitch Esbaugh, Spencer Adam, Jessica McLachlan, Brett Hartin, Brett Kraemer, Mike Ferrede. Middle: Rod Straus, Derek Wagner, Adam Runstedler, Noah Donsig, Joel Heise, Dave Freeman. Front row: Evan Gowing, Cole Bender, Will Martin, Nathan Belcourt, Troy Hemmerich.

THE OBSERVER

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

29 SPORTS

Jacks: Team is back on home ice Wednesday for teddy bear toss game

PHOTO

of play, courtesy of Jason Gadoury who beat goaltender Josh Heer with a shot at 6:56.

Wellesley fell behind 2-0 just over five minutes into the second period when Jesse Ross beat Heer with an unassisted goal at 5:14, but that goal gave Wellesley the wakeup call they needed and the team scored three straight goals just 3:26 apart to take a 3-2 lead heading into the third.

Mark Detzier put Wellesley on the board at 8:29 from Bobby Gray and Corey Way, Reid Denstedt tied it up at 10:57 from Shawn Fitzpatrick and Tyler Eckert, and Way gave the home team the lead at 11:55 from Mitch Metzger and Josh Herd.

The Jacks shut the Hawks down in the third, limiting them to just two shots on goal in the final frame as they held on for the victory.

The following night the Jacks welcomed the fifthplace Tavistock Braves to the Wellesley arena, but appeared to suffer from a bit of an emotional letdown after their high-energy win the night before.

Both teams skated to a 0-0 draw after the first period, with both goalies making

» JAMES JACKSON

> CONTINUED FROM PG. 24

IT'S A HIT Wellesley’s Tyler Eckert collides with the Braves’ Matthew Lupton after crossing the Tavistock blue line during the third period of the Jacks’ 3-2 loss Dec. 17.

18 saves after 20 minutes. In one of their own at 16:05 the second, Tavistock took when the Jacks’ Brent Vickan early 1-0 lead at 7:16 from ers squeezed a backhander Nick Quehl, who fired a quick past Corey Tuffnail. Matt wrist shot from the slot past Soveregn picked up the lone Heer’s glove into the top cor- assist. ner.

Their celebration was Wellesley responded with short-lived though, because

y a d i l o H e t a k S

Tavistock’s Charlie Malson won the next faceoff, skated the length of the ice untouched, and put a quick, low wrist shot past Heer on the blocker side just five seconds later.

The goal deflated the Wellesley bench as they headed into the final frame trailing 2-1 on the scoreboard and 31-28 on the shot clock.

In the third the Jacks didn’t let up and fired 15 more shots at Tuffnail, who was finally beaten with less than three minutes left to play in regulation.

Defenceman James Mildon took a wrist shot from the point which was deflected in front of the net by Soveregn at 17:01 to tie the game up at two.

Neither team could find the back of the net in overtime, sending the Jacks to their first shootout of the year.

Fitzpatrick said the team had made no emphasis on the shootout in practice, and it showed as the trio of Tyler Eckert, Brent Vickers and Corey Way were all unsuccessful in their attempts, and Josh Heer was beaten by the first shooter he faced, giving Tavistock the victory.

“That’s probably the best any goalie has played against

us all year. I thought he was outstanding he was the difference,” said Fitzpatrick.

“Give them credit, they played a good game. We just got beat. We had our chances and couldn’t capitalize, and when we did their goalie was there.”

After hitting the road to take on Delhi Friday, the Jacks return home to face Ayr on Dec. 28 at 7:30 p.m. Wellesley currently sit third in the McConnell Conference standings with 28 points, eight behind Delhi for the conference lead.

The game on Dec. 28 marks the third annual Hockey Night in Wellesley event. All children who participated in the Kids and Cops event on Dec. 4 get free admission along with their families, and there will be a pre-game skate from 6-6:50 p.m.

The evening also marks the Kings annual teddy bear toss game, and when the Jacks score their first goal of the night fans can throw a new, wrapped bear onto the ice which will be donated to the Stratford General Hospital and other local charities. Admission for those who did not attend Kids and Cops will be $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and students, and $2 for children 12 and under.

g n i t a k S e Fre

Nothing gives us the feeling of Christmas like Christmas Songs, Hot Chocolate and Skating — all of which will be available on Skating Christmas Party Eve.

Dec 24 9am-11am WMC - Dan Snyder Arena

Shinny Party

Dec 24 9am-10am WMC - McLeod Arena

Enjoy the holidays!

All courtesy of:

SPORTS 30

THE OBSERVER

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

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PHOTOS

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EFFORTS REWARDED Amy Knechtel was the top local swimmer at the Lisa Alexander Figure Competition in Etobicoke on Dec. 10. She brought home the overall trophy for her age category (14 yrs).

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THE OBSERVER

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More Power. Less Fuel. Great Value is a comparison between the entire current Chrysler Canada lineup and the entire 2011 Chrysler Canada lineup. Wise customers read the fine print: •, *, ♦, †, ∞, § The Boxing Week Event offers are limited time offers which apply to retail deliveries of selected new and unused models purchased from participating retailers between December 23, 2011 and January 3, 2012. Retailer order/trade may be necessary. Offers subject to change and may be extended without notice. See participating retailers for complete details and conditions. •$19,995 Purchase Price applies to 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan Canada Value Package (29E) only and includes $8,000 Consumer Cash Discount. $19,995 Purchase Price applies to 2012 Dodge Journey Canada Value Package (22F) only and includes $2,000 Consumer Cash Discount. See participating retailers for complete details. Pricing includes freight ($1,400), air tax (if applicable), tire levy and OMVIC fee. Pricing excludes licence, insurance, registration, any retailer administration fees, other retailer charges and other applicable fees and taxes. Retailer order/trade may be necessary. Retailers may sell for less. *Consumer Cash Discounts are offered on select 2011/2012 vehicles and are manufacturer-to-retailer incentives, which are deducted from the negotiated price before taxes. Amounts vary by vehicle. See your retailer for complete details. ♦The $500 Holiday Bonus Cash offer includes applicable taxes and is available on the retail purchase/lease of the following eligible vehicles between December 1, 2011 and January 3, 2012 at participating retailers: any new 2011/2012 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram or FIAT model excluding only the following: Chrysler 200 LX, Dodge Journey Canada Value Package/SE Plus (22F & 22G), Grand Caravan Canada Value Package, Grand Caravan Cargo Van (C/V), Avenger SE/Canada Value Package, Caliber SE, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, Wrangler Sport, Compass Sport 4x2 & 4x4 (base 24D, 25D, 26D & 2BD), Patriot Sport 4x2 & 4x4 (base 24D, 25D, 26D, 2BD & 28D), Ram Cargo Van (C/V), 1500 Reg Cab 4x2 & 4x4, and Cab & Chassis 4x2 & 4x4 models. $500 Bonus Cash will be deducted from the negotiated purchase price after taxes or may be used, at customer’s option, to reduce their first monthly payment or towards the purchase of Mopar accessories or service packages. Some conditions apply. See your retailer for complete details. †4.99% purchase financing for up to 96 months available on the new 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan Canada Value Package (29E)/2012 Dodge Journey Canada Value Package (22F) model to qualified customers on approved credit through Royal Bank of Canada and Scotiabank. Retailer order/trade may be necessary. Retailer may sell for less. See your retailer for complete details.

Examples: 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan Canada Value Package (29E)/2012 Dodge Journey Canada Value Package (22F) with a Purchase Price of $19,995/$19,995 (including Consumer Cash Discount) financed at 4.99% over 96 months with $0 down payment, equals 208 bi-weekly payments of $117/$117 with a cost of borrowing of $4,297/$4,297 and a total obligation of $24,291.83/$24,291.83. Pricing includes freight ($1,400), air tax (if applicable), tire levy and OMVIC fee. Pricing excludes licence, insurance, registration, any retailer administration fees, other retailer charges and other applicable fees and taxes. Retailer order/trade may be necessary. Retailer may sell for less. ∞No Purchase Necessary. Contest opens 9:00AM ET December 23, 2011 and closes 11:59PM ET January 3, 2012. One (1) Grand Prize available to be won, consisting of a cheque for the total purchase price of the new Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge or Ram vehicle purchased. A random draw will be held on January 9, 2012 in Brantford, ON. Must be a resident of Canada (including Quebec) and be the age of majority. Odds of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received. Correct answer to a mathematical skill-testing question required.

Limited to one entry per person. For complete contest rules, including no purchase means of entry, go to: www.boxingweekwinyourride.ca. §2012 Dodge Grand Caravan Crew shown. Price including applicable Consumer Cash Discount and Holiday Bonus Cash: $28,530. 2012 Dodge Journey SXT shown. Price including applicable Consumer Cash Discount and Holiday Bonus Cash: $25,530. Pricing includes freight ($1,400), air tax (if applicable), tire levy and OMVIC fee. Pricing excludes licence, insurance, registration, any retailer administration fees, other retailer charges and other applicable fees and taxes. See bottom of the ad for range of potential retailer fees. Retailer order/trade may be necessary. Retailer may sell for less. The Best Buy Seal is a registered trademark of Consumers Digest Communications LLC, used under license. ■Based on Ward’s 2011 Small Van Segmentation. Excludes other Chrysler Group LLC designed and/or manufactured vehicles. ^Based on January 2010 through August 2011 R. L. Polk sales total registrations. ¤Based on 2012 EnerGuide Fuel Consumption Guide ratings published by Natural Resources Canada. Transport Canada test methods used. Your actual fuel consumption may vary.

2012 Dodge Grand Caravan Canada Value Package – Hwy: 7.9L/100 km and City: 12.2L/100 km. 2012 Dodge Journey Canada Value Package & SE Plus – Hwy: 7.5L/100 km and City: 10.8L/100 km. 2012 Dodge Journey SXT – Hwy: 7.8L/100 km and City: 12.6L/100 km. ®SIRIUS and the dog logo are registered trademarks of SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc. ®Jeep is a registered trademark of Chrysler Group LLC.

B:10.25”

31 SPORTS

BOXING WEEK

BEST-IN-CLASS

283HP

2012 Dodge Grand Caravan Crew shown.§

∞

2012 2 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN CANADA VALUE PACKAGE PACKA CANADA’S BEST SELLING MINIVAN FOR MORE THAN 27 YEARS

19,995 •

PURCHASE PRICE INCLUDES $8,000 CONSUMER CASH,* FREIGHT, AIR TAX, TIRE LEVY AND OMVIC FEE. TAXES EXCLUDED. OTHER RETAILER CHARGES MAY APPLY.+

FOR 96 MONTHS WITH $0 DOWN

CLASSIFIEDS 32

CLASSIFIEDS

HEALTH CARE

>>Try Bowen Therapy for treatment of pain and numerous health conditions.

Daytime hours now available! Contact Kevin Bartley, Certified Bowenwork Practitioner. 519-669-0112, Elmira.

FOR SALE

>>6

>>Sale! Sale! Pre Inventory Sale. Hillcrest Home Baking, Dec. 27 31. 519-669-1381.

20 - 5-% off all fabrics; 20% off all books, toys, games, puzzles, paintings, school supplies, housewares. 10% off throughout rest of store as advertised. 10% off men’s Bomber jackets; 5% off groceries. Thank you for you patronage. We look forward to seeing you in the New Year. Closing at 4:00 p.m. on Dec. 24 & 31.

FARM EQUIPMENT

RENTALS

>>Smaller 1 Bedroom high end apartment in quiet building. Close to downtown, perfect for working professional or retired person. Please no pets and non smoking. Rent $660 + utilities. Available Feb. 1. Call 519-669-2212.

Commercial 20-Word Ad $12.00 (Extra Words 30¢/word)

PLACING A CLASSIFIED AD | Classified ads can be obtained in person, by phone (519-669-5790), fax or email from Monday to Thursday 8:30am-5pm or Friday 8:30am-4pm. All classified ads are prepaid.

Deadline is WEDNESDAYS by 4pm.

Riverside students rustle up some Christmas cheer

OFFICE/INDUSTRIAL FOR RENT

>>Industrial Office Space - Elmira South End. Immediate possession.

Ideal for a small business 350 sq ft office ground floor self contained but w/shared facilities. $400/month + hydro. Call 519-669-3192.

Foot Artificial Cabs, Christmas tree with stand, >>Tractor used only twice so in mint International, fits 806, >>Office Space. Elmira condition and still in the box. 706, 756 etc, heater $850. South End. 2nd floor, Asking $10, branches easily Case 580 Cab, heater good 1400 sq ft office space adjustable. General Electric glass $850. Tractor Chains, in professional building, Telephone and Answering various sizes $150 to $550 w/shared front access. machine, never used, both Dan Seifried Harriston 519- 6+ offices, board room reception area. Opportunity are white and caller id 338-2688. for administrative services compatible. Phone comes and furnished. Call 519with wall and table mounts, FIREWOOD 669-3192 for details. asking $10. 13 inch Citizen colour TV with VCR, black >>Firewood, delivered. in colour old style tv, mint 519-669-1836.

FAMILY ALBUM condition picture and colour, asking $30.00. 50 CD holder PETS stand, gently used, light brown in colour, no knicks > >Boxing Week Sale or scratches, asking $10.00. at Creature Comfort Pet Desk chair on wheels, no With a Family Album Ad Emporium Dec. 28 rips or tears, grey, seat and in the Observer Dec. 31/11. Up to 50% back are height adjustable, off Pet Toys, Treats and » Anniversary asking $10.00, perfect for Supplies. 1553 King St. N. » Birthday students or kids. End table, St. Jacobs. 519-664-3366. » Engagement brown in colour, gently used » Stag & Doe www.creaturecomfort.ca only 2 months, has pull out » Thank you drawer full length of table » Birth Notice for extra storage, asking RENTALS » and a lot more.... $10.00.

Entertainment For Centre brand new, has room >>1 Bedroom Apartment as little as... for TV and VCR as well as for rent. No pets, no many drawers for storage smoking. $700/mth + hydro. as well as magnetic “French 519-669-5751.

Style” style doors for more +HST storage or display, mint >>1 Bedroom Basement Call apartment for rent. $750 condition, best offer. Record stand, brown in colour and all inclusive. Looking for ext 104 on wheels, pull out shelf one responsible adult for Jan. 1.

Shared kitchen and and magnetic drawers for additional use, asking $25 entrance. 519-580-1478. or best offer, mint condition.

Set of 4 TV tables, plastic IN PRINT | ONLINE but haveBusiness crystal glass look, M&T Card Ad:Layout 1 04/03/09 10:22 AMINPage 1 | IN DEPTH PICTURES gently used but in great

Share The Good News!

23

$

519.669.5790

100% Local.

IN THE SPIRIT

Riverside PS held its Christmas concert Dec. 16 at EDSS. Grade 1 students performed the cowboy-themed “Christmas is OK” (top), the choir sang Happy Holidays to You (bottom), and Grade 1/2 students recited the holiday poem “The Christmas Humbugs” (inset).

» JAMES JACKSON

>>Give the Gift of Music!

Guitar & Bass Lessons, Musical Instruments & Accessories. Gift Certificates available. Call 519 -6695885.

condition, asking $10.00.

FREE stainless steel 2 slice toaster, great condition. Call 519-669-2666.

Residential 20-Word Ad $7.50 (Extra Words 20¢/word)

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

PHOTOS

TRAINING & LESSONS

THE OBSERVER

THE OBSERVER

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

33 CLASSIFIEDS

You are more likely to like those who are like you Q.

In a word, what is it that fosters “liking” between two people?

Strange But True

A.

LIKENESS begets liking,” says David G. Myers in “Social Psychology.” Imagine that at a campus party, Lakesha gets into a long discussion of politics, religion and personal likes and dislikes with Les and Lon. She and Les discover they agree on almost everything, she and Lon on very little. Afterward she reflects, “Les is really intelligent and so likeable. I hope we meet again.”

Experiments by psychologist Donn Byrne and others have captured the essence of Lakesha’s experience: Over and over again,

Bill & Rich Sones

they’ve found that the more similar someone’s attitudes are to your own, the more likeable you will find the person.

A study of newlyweds revealed that similar traits and values help cement relationships and predict overall satisfaction. One psychology-based Internet dating site claims to match singles using the similarities that mark happy couples. Likeness also produces liking for children and the elderly, for people of various occupations and for those

of differing cultures.

“So similarity breeds content,” concludes Myers. “Birds of a feather do flock together.”

From a Waterford, Ireland reader: “I’ve read about the Birthday Paradox where you need only 23 people in a group to have a 50-50 chance of at least two sharing the same birthday. Just how big would the group have to be for me to find MY birthday ‘twin’?”

Q.

A.

Consider that with 365 different possible birthdays (forget leap year), a group that size could in theory cover all birthdays, reported John McGervey in “Probabilities in Everyday Life.” But

Township of Woolwich Council and Staff wish you a Happy Holiday Season.

Please join us for a New Year’s Levee on Sunday, January 8th, 2012 from 2-4 p.m. at the Township Administration Office.

Council Chambers, 24 Church Street West, Elmira, Ontario

Am I required to clear my sidewalk of snow?

Yes, you may be afraid of breaking a sweat, but your neighbour may be afraid of breaking a hip! Be helpful to neighbours, all sidewalks must be cleared of ice and snow within 24 hours of a snow fall.

NOTE:

Elmira residents are not required to clear their sidewalks; a separate tax levy is collected for snow removal.

The Township’s contractor is responsible for clearing sidewalks within 24 hours after the snow has stopped.

HEARING ASSISTED

Catholic Church

No God, No Hope; Know God, Know Hope!

Celebrate Eucharist with us Mass times are:

Sat. 5pm, Sun. 9am and 11:15am

19 Flamingo Dr., Elmira • 519-669-3387

Trinity United Church, Elmira “Our mission is to love, learn & live by Christ’s teachings” Sunday Worship: 10:30 am Sunday School during Worship Minister: Rev. Dave Jagger

rm A Wlcaome We all! to

www.execulink.com/~unitedchurch/index.html Visit us at: www.wondercafe.ca 21 Arthur St. N., Church office 519-669-5560

Dec. 25, No Service casual dress | contemporary music | christian church

SUNDAYS AYS @ 10:30AM Services at John Mahood Public School A

5 First St., Elmira • 519-669-1459 www.elmiracommunity.org

NURSERY PROVIDED

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

Zion Mennonite Fellowship Christmas Eve Service - 7:00pm

No Service Christmas Day Finding The Way Together

47 Arthur St., S. Elmira • 519-669-3153 www.thejunctionelmira.com

Sunday School at 9:30am Service at 10:30am REACH WITH LOVE. TEACH THE TRUTH. SEND IN POWER. 290 Arthur St. South, Elmira • 519-669-3973 www.ElmiraAssembly.com (Across from Tim Horton’s)

Discovering God Together

519-669-2319 | www.wbconline.ca 4522 Herrgott Road, Wallenstein

Gale

Christmas Eve

Family Candlelight Christmas Eve Service at 7pm

Christmas Day

Christmas Communion

Worship at 10am Presbyterian www.galepresbyterian.com Church 2 Cross St., Elmira • 519-669-2852

Office Hours: M-TH 9-Noon & 1-3 • E galepresbychurch@golden.net

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

Pastor: Richard A. Frey

Sunday, December 25, 2011 11:00 AM Series: More Than A Story #4 - “All I Want For Christmas” 200 Barnswallow Dr., Elmira • 519-669-1296 Check out our website www.woodsidechurch.ca

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Christmas Eve 6:00pm - Punch 6:30pm - Service Sun. Dec. 25 & Jan. 1 11am to 12pm

- The Junction -

Christmas Eve:

The Purpose of Christmas

>> Send STRANGE questions to brothers Bill and Rich at strangetrue@cs.com

SIDEWALK SNOW REMOVAL

PLACES OF FAITH

St. Teresa

that’s only if there weren’t any duplicates, which there almost certainly would be. So there’s no guarantee of any birthday matches even at this number.

However, for a 50-50 chance of you finding your own “twin,” a group of 253 would do it. In a group of 1,000, your chances climb to 93.6%; at 5,000, make that 99.9998897% -- almost ready to start singing “happy birthday” and “happy birthday” again to you and your birthday twin(s).

Christmas Eve

Candlelight Service 7pm

Christmas Day

Worship Service 10:30am

New Year’s Eve Prayer Service 7pm

27 Mill St., Elmira • 519-669-2593 www.stpaulselmira.ca

Check the Observer for your local faith listings!

CLASSIFIEDS 34

THE OBSERVER

Âť Saturday, December 24, 2011

REAL ESTATE

From Our Family to Yours,

Oh, let us turn away from noise, The clamor of the day, To rest in solitude with Him; Our blessings to survey.

Oh, let our inner joy release Our carol to The King, To worship Him, to feel the touch Of Heavenly angel's wing.

May we escape the tinseled trees, The gifts that soon expire,

Oh, let our celebration be A tribute to The One Who is The Father's Gift to us, His Own Begotten Son.

To see the glory of God's way That meets our soul's desire.

Oh, let us pause to contemplate Each priceless happening; Children's laughter, tender words...

The daily "little things."

Oh, may we feel our brother's need, His inner plea for peace, Promote good will, and sacrifice God's Kingdom to increase.

The

Martin

Family

Solid Gold Realty (II) Ltd., Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated 180 Weber St. S., Waterloo

OFFICE 519-888-7110

Paul Martin

$475,000

$624,000 IMPRESSIVE HOME

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

CALL CALL DIRECT DIRECT

519-503-9533 www.homeswithpaul.ca $500.00 donation will be made with every home bought or sold by Paul in Woolwich.

Alli Bauman SALES REPRESENTATIVE

FABULOUS HOME

On picturesque setting. Only 20 min to Waterloo. Spacious grand foyer w/curved oak staircase & french drs leading you to through this exceptional home. Complete w/sep DR, MF laundry, LR, FR& fin'd basement. Master w/FP, walk in closet & captivating ensuite complete w/stand up shower & corner whirlpool bath. Sit back & enjoy the lg deck overlooking inground kidney shaped pool w/brick privacy wall & country setting.

MLS Call Paul direct.

Only minutes to Waterloo. This family oriented home is complete with 3rd flr. family rm and laundry, separate DR., 4 bdrms. Airy eat-in kitchen with reverse osmosis, breakfast bar & island, lrg LR w/gas fireplace.

Basement w/o to fenced yard. Put your personal touches on the unfinished basement. MLS Call Paul direct.

$749,900

$314,000

Woolwich - Locâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on 20 acres. Spacious 2400 sqft bungalow equipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d w/MF lndry, sep dr, huge finâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d bsmnt & walk up to garage. Open kit & FM w/wood fp. Master w/huge walk in closet & attractive slider to 3 tiered composite deck w/hot tub.

25x36 ft insulated, heated shop, 100amp w/bathrm & phone. 20,000 sqft 2 storey barn equipped for chickens or turkeys, currently empty. 17 acres of bush w/trail, mostly hardwood & poplar. MLS Call Paul direct.

Waterloo. Spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo features fabulous sunroom, 2 fireplaces, ensuite, and large walk-in closet in master. The big living room/dining room is equipped with a lovely built in sidebar. Bright dinette surrounded by windows. Convenient underground parking.

Automatic membership to Willowells Club. MLS Call Paul direct.

HOBBY FARM

CALL CALL DIRECT DIRECT

519-577-6248

www.elmiraandareahomes.com

WATERLOO LISTING

Bill Norris SALES REPRESENTATIVE

CALL CALL DIRECT DIRECT

519-588-1348

www.elmiraandareahomes.com

$303,000

QUALITY BUILT SEMIS

Elmira - This open concept, raised bungalow is currently being built by Huron Homes in mature area. Close to downtown, walking distance to restaurants & banks. Complete w/deck, MF laundry, spacious master w/lg closet & 4 pc ensuite. Double garage (17.5 x 20 ft) perfect for storage & still easily have parking for 3 vehicles. Convenient separate side entrance. MLS Call Paul direct.

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SUDUKO - EASY

SUDUKO - HARD

The #1 weekly in

the region.

THE OBSERVER

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

35 CLASSIFIEDS

REAL ESTATE

Sunlight Homes Drayton Heights

ELMIRA REAL ESTATE SERVICES

VISIT US SATURDAY AND SUNDAY!

Independently Owned & Operated, Brokerage 90 Earl Martin Dr., Unit 1, Elmira N3B 3L4

When you buy or sell your home with us, part of our commission supports women’s shelters & violence prevention programs.

519-669-3192

Elmira@royallepage.ca | www.royallepage.ca/elmira

BONNIE BRUBACHER Broker of Record

SHANNA ROZEMA Broker.

LAURIE LANGDON Sales Representative

MONIQUE ROES Sales Representative

WISHING YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! FIRST TIME OFFERED!

BAMBERG

$284,900. Bigger than you think. Four levels finished open concept backsplit semi. Generous living space, 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bath. Gas fireplace, private yard with patio and pergola. NEW MLS

$2,500,000. 61 Acres of rolling scenic farmland plus grounds in a park like setting including pond. 4 Bedroom ranch bungalow w/triple garage, amazing 4000 sq ft shop and heated work area, great for the motor home and other storage. MLS

VACANT LOT

FAMILY BUNGALOW

Have a question? Email us at: info@sunlighthomes.ca

$69,000. Glen Allan, .8 Acre scenic lot. Situated on elevated land overlooking farmland and part of the village. MLS

$369,900. Moorefield location on the edge of town. Fully finished offers 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, room for the growing family or retirement.

Picturesque wooded lot. MLS

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT HOME?

FAMILY HOME IN THE COUNTRY

VACANT LAND

A MUST SEE HOME!!!

LOVELY HOME

The Edge Semi-detached homes from

$189,990

Choose from one of our plans or let us custom build your home fully detached.

Homes starting from

$239,990 Many models to choose from Learn More About Sunlight Heritage Homes and Our fine communities by Visiting us Today!

Alyssa Henry Sales Representative

www.sunlighthomes.ca

519.787.0203

BROKERAGE

R.W. THUR REAL ESTATE LTD. 45 ARTHUR ST. S., ELMIRA

519-669-2772

Broker of Record,

JULIE HECKENDORN

TRACEY WILLIAMS

Res: 519.669.1068

Res: 519.669.8629

Cell: 519.505.0627

BRAD MARTIN MVA Residential

Broker

Sales Rep.

For your business and your friendship we are deeply grateful and wish you all a very Merry Christmas season!

$294,900. DRAYTON. This very spacious 4 level back-split in the ideal village setting is carpet free and features a large kitchen with oak cabinetry, upgraded quality laminate floor, 2-4pc baths, fully finished family room and stone patio.

MLS $299,900 ELMIRA. Single detached 2 storey backing onto greenspace, 3 bedrooms, finished top to bottom, double driveway, 1.5 car garage, gas fireplace, central air, central vac, ensuite, deck, fenced yard, immediate possession available. MLS

$249,000. This ideal property consists of 2 separate 4.5 acre lots is zoned agricultural and allows you to build a single family dwelling on each parcel. Build on one and enjoy the other or build on both and just enjoy country living! MLS

$319,900 BRESLAU. Single detached 2 storey backing onto parkland, finished walkout basement, 3 bedrooms, ensuite, all appliances included, walkout to deck, fenced yard, gas fireplace, central air, immediate possession available. MLS

AFFORDABLE backslpit semi on a deep fenced lot. Updated bathroom. Replacement windows and furnace. Newer rec. room with walkup. Deck.

Shed. Central air. Lots of storage! MLS $209,900.

NICE OLDER HOME on the edge of town. Natural staircase, pocket doors. Oak kitchen & spacious dining area overlooking the deep yard.

Family room and living room. 2 bathrooms. Some replacement windows. Detached garage.

MLS $249,900.

WOODED LOT! S p a c i o u s bungalow with full walkout bsmt. Recent hardwood on most of the main floor, 2pc. ensuite. Fin. bsmt. with lovely stone fireplace. Updated windows, furnace, & garage dr. Huge lot. EXCL $359,900.

www.thurrealestate.com

PHOTO

OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE Approx. 3000 sq. ft. Large open room. Private offices, board room and washrooms. Lots of parking.

Great exposure on a busy highway between Elmira & St. Jacobs.

MLS $2,500/MONTH.

» COLIN DEWAR

Floradale PS gets into Christmas mode with concert

SING A LITTLE, LAUGH A LITTLE Kindergarten students at Floradale Public School, including Kyana Ellis who started laughing during the performance at the school’s Christmas concert, sing Christmas carols Wednesday.

CLASSIFIEDS 36

THE OBSERVER

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

FAMILY ALBUM BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT

BIRTHDAY

Clark Daniel Boose

LOOK OUT!

Cassandra Merlihan

BOOSE, Nick & Heidi of Elmira are thrilled to announce the birth of their third child, Clark Daniel. He was born on November 21, 2011 weighing 10lbs 1oz. Clark is welcomed with love by big brother Max and big sister Norah as well as proud grandparents Ken & Grace Bott, Wendy Boose and Tim & Dani Boose, all of Elmira. Thank you so much to our family and friends for your love and support. Thanks as well to midwives Jen and Gabi and to Dr. Jennifer Schnarr.

MEMORIAMS

STAG & DOE

is turning 14!

Wishing you a very Happy Birthday.

Hope it’s one to remember!

Love Mom, Dad Nicole and Colin

New Years Eve Bash-Stag and Doe for Tiffany Taylor and

Miles Price Hamilton July 25,1992 – October 22, 2010

Steve Mander

A treasured son, an admired brother, so dearly loved and missed.

December 31, 2011 Lions Hall Elmira, 8pm-1am All night Buffet, Prizes, DJ, Casino Themed Games $15 per person Contact Heather Taylor-Gingrich 519-505-0238

With such bittersweet memories of just how much you loved Christmas,we are forever and always fondly remembering you.

Love you my dear sweet boy.

Mom (Brenda) and Dale Chloe, Kalen, Ruben and Avery

SERVICE PROS AUTOMOTIVE

In Memory Of

AUTOMOTIVE

AUTOMOTIVE

AUTOMOTIVE

TIRE Body Maintenance

at

RUDOW’S CARSTAR COLLISION CENTRE

Complete Collision Service

WHERE TIRES ARE A

SPECIALTY, NOT A SIDE LINE.

33 First Street, East Elmira, ON

24 Hour Accident Assistance

101 Bonnie Crescent, Elmira, ON N3B 3G2

519.669.8330

Call Us At

519-669-3373

RUDOW’S CARSTAR COLLISION CENTRE

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

1-800-CARSTAR 519-669-3373

FAX: 519.669.3210

35 Howard Ave., Elmira

AFTER HOURS

33 First Street, East Elmira, ON

519.669.8917

519-669-3232

AUTOMOTIVE

CONCRETE

519-664-9999 ST. JACOBS

CONSTRUCTION

budurl.com/SAVE139

6672 Ruggles Rd. Floradale RR#2 Wallenstain, N0B 2S0

275

5,000 FLYERS $ 8.5x11” Paper, Black & White, One Side

After 25 years since your passing on Dec. 23, 1986, you are still Forever loved & always remembered.

PLUS HST

Donald Alexander Klein

5th pair FREE.

“We’re here for a good time, not along time!”

22 Church St. W., Elmira

Sincerely Doris and all the rest.

Tel: 519-669-5537

STORE HOURS: M-F: 8-8, SAT 8-6, SUN 12-5

COURIER SERVICE

Design/ Build Agricultural/ Residential

Learn More Online At...

669-3332

$4.99 per pair

Everything that’s fit to print...

CONSTRUCTION

$139 FREE Gift Offer

William B. McCormick

Say goodbye to a loved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, father-in law, husband and friend. How can we?

But we are grateful for our time together and memories we shared.

Sharpening M

519-638-2699

NEW CLIENTS

Missed by your family, Bonnie, Cindy, Bill and Kim

With our Love, Your Family

State of the achAinert

CALL NOW TO BOOK YOUR SPRING 2012 PROJECTS

NOW ACCEPTING

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(Emergencies only)

31 ORIOLE PKWY. E., ELMIRA www.thompsonsauto.ca

Driveways • Sidewalks • Curbs • Barn Renovations Finished Floors • Retaining Walls • Short Walls Decorative/Stamped and coloured concrete

World’s Largest & Most Trusted Carpet, Upholstery and Fine Rug Cleaners For Over 30 yrs

Chem-Dry Acclaim® 61 Arthur St., N. Elmira

Accredited Test & Repair Facility

519-669-4400

RESIDENTIAL & AGRICULTURAL

CARPET CARE

24 Hour Service

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

Ltd.

519-669-7652

• 14 ton BoomTruck • 40 ton Mobile Crane

Auto Tech Inc.

While you wait!

21 Industrial Dr. Elmira

ORTLIEB CRANE & Equipment Ltd.

THOMPSON’S

I cried when you passed away, I still cry today Although I loved you dearly, I couldn’t make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest.

God broke my heart to prove to me, he only takes the best.

SKATE SHARPENING

AUTO CLINIC

CRANE

Helen Kershaw

AUTOMOTIVE

-Framing -Roofing -Renovations -Repairs

519-669-3082

OR

SMALL PARCELS TO LIGHT SKIDS

Plus a whole lot

1-ton van with high roof can haul up to 3000lb two standard skids anywhere in Southern ON Mon-Sat

519-575-1811

daver.reimer30@gmail.com

449

10,000 FLYERS $ 8.5x11” Paper, Black & White, One Side

Promote your business with a professionally designed flyer Call today to find out how our award-winning design team can help your business.

PLUS HST

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519-669-5790

.com

IN PRINT | ONLINE | IN PICTURES | IN DEPTH

THE OBSERVER

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

37 CLASSIFIEDS

SERVICE PROS PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

CARPET CARE

PAINTING

RECOGNIZE OUTSTANDING EFFORT!

Renovating?

Let us do the clean up

RENOVATION CLEAN UPS! Call for Details • Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning on Location • Area Rug Cleaning Drop-off and Pick up Service • Bleached out Carpet Spot Repair • Janitorial • Grout Cleaning • Carpet Repair & Re-Installation • Pet deodorization • Floor Stripping

519-669-7607

LONG DISTANCE? CALL 1-866-669-7607

MEDICAL TREATMENT

TROPHIES | CUPS | PLAQUES | MEDALLIONS RIBBONS | NAME TAGS | NAME PLATES DOOR PLATES | CUSTOM ENGRAVING

Established 2000

F. David Reimer

UNDER PRESSURE TO HEAL

Safe, effective and proven for 13 + UHMS (Undersea Hyperbaric Medical Society) Approved indications: ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Crush Injury Enhancement in Healing of Wounds Necrotyzing Soft Tissue Infections Intracranial Abscess Clostridal Myosistis and Myonecrosis Crush Injury. Compartment Syndrome Skin Grafts and Flaps

● Air or Gas Embolism ● Thermal Burns ● Acute Traumatc Ischemias ● Exceptional Blood Loss ● Decompression Sickness ● Carbon Monoxide Poisoning ● Delayed Radiation Injury + Many More

www.reimerhbot.com For more information call:

519-669-0220

56 Howard Ave. Unit 2, Elmira, ON, N3B 2E1

www.UniTwin.com | 519.886.2102

36 Hampton St., Elmira

kdetweiler@rogers.com

PIANO SERVICE

SEWING SERVICES

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

PIANO

Sew Special

TUNING

MANY APPLICATIONS:

• Industrial lots • Pasture reclaimation • Golf courses • Cottages • Trail maintenance & development • Real estate lots • Orchard maintenance • Ski resorts • Wooded lot thinning, etc.

Custom Drapery Custom Blinds Free Estimates In Home Consultations Over 20 Years Experience

Armand St. Jean

Lois Weber 519-669-3985

519-746-0162

Elmira

PLUMBING

OUR EQUIPMENT CAN HANDLE TOUGH BRUSH & LONG GRASS!

C.J.

For all your Plumbing Needs.

BRUBACHER LTD.

24 HOUR SERVICE Steve Jacobi

19 First St. E., Elmira

ELMIRA

519-669-3362

519-669-3652

CLEAN • DRY • SECURE

519-669-4964

100 SOUTH FIELD DRIVE, ELMIRA

Inspections for Real Estate Septic System Repairs & Restoration Catch Basin Cleaning

The Sharp Shop | 112-D Bonnie Cres., Elmira

519.669.5313

MON-FRI 12PM TO 6PM | SAT 9AM TO 5PM SUN 12PM TO 3PM

DECORATING

ELECTRICAL

READ’S Specializing in Paint & Wall coverings

• Residential • Commercial • Industrial ECRA/ESA Licence # 7000605

27 ARTHUR ST. S., ELMIRA

519.669.3658

or

519-648-3004

www.biobobs.com

More Info & pricing | vinylp2cd@gmail.com

519-669-0541 | Elmira, ON

•Tree Trimming & Removal • Aerial Bucket Trucks • Stump Grinding • Arborist Evaluations • Fully Insured & Certified • Certified to Work Near Power Lines

FREE BAG In troductor y Offer

> Superior Salt Products > Fast, Friendly Service > Convenient Delivery Times > Discounts for Seniors

FREE ESTIMATES

Taking Salt to Peoples’ Basements Since 1988

519-747-2708 Waterloo www.riepersalt.com

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

GLASS SERVICES

We`ll take your favourite albums, clean up clicks, pops and surface noise and enhance the overall sound of the recording.

EAVESTROUGH

ST. JACOBS

Randy Weber FOR ALL YOUR HOME DECORATING NEEDS.

519-896-7700

For the music-lover on your list we`ll transfer music from LPs, 45s, 78s and cassettes to CDs.

COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

DECORATING SINCE 1961

Waterloo Region • Woolwich Township

GIVE THE GIFT OF MUSIC

TREE SERVICE

Softener Salt & Pool Salt

Septic Tank Cleaning

• Environmentally friendly • Extremely low ground pressure • Returns nutrients back to soil • No erosion problems - leaves soil structure intact • No Burning • No harm to keeper trees

MUSIC SERVICES

Various sizes & rates

SALT

HELPING RECLAIM YOUR UNUSED LAND!

For more information contact: JEFF BASLER

SELF STORAGE

Call

Davco Forestry Brush Mower capable of mowing up to 6" diameter brush and also for mowing any long grass.

RR 1, Elmira, Ontario, N3B 2Z1 | Mobile: 519-505-0985 | Office: 519-669-9081 Fax: 519-669-9819 | Email: ever-green@sympatico.ca

SPECIALISTS!

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

OWNER-OPERATOR

SERVICE ANYWHERE IN ONTARIO

YOUR Steve PLUMBING Co. & HEATING Plumbing and Maintenance Inc.

KEVIN DETWEILER

P: 519-669-1188 | F: 519-669-9369

OFFERING A QUICK AND EASY WAY TO RECLAIM UNUSED LAND

Custom Sewing for Your Home

& REPAIR

> Commercial & Residential > Fully Insured > WSIB Clearance > Senior Discount

Lawn Maint Maintenance Main tenance Programs | Spring Clean-up Flower Bed Maintenance Programs Leaf Clean-up and Removal | Soil & Mulch Delivery & Installation | Snow Clearing & Removal | Ice Control 27 Brookemead, St, Elmira

SEPTIC SERVICES

SKATE SHARPENING

free estimates interior/exterior painting wallpapering & Plaster|Drywall repairs

Services

519-669-2251

QUICK LOCAL SERVICE | 245 Labrador Dr., Waterloo

PLUMBING

Reimer Hyperbarics of Canada

20 years experience

Outdoor

www.completecarpetcare.ca

ROB McNALL

LAWN MAINTENANCE

519.669.1462 Fax: 519.669.9970 Tel:

18 Kingfisher Dr., Elmira

GLASS SYSTEMS INC. 1600 King St. N., Bldg A17 St. Jacobs, Ontario N0B 2N0

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

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

Home Improvements

WINDOWS & DOORS

ROOFING | SIDING | SOFFIT & FACIA DRYWALL INSTALLATION

MURRAY MARTIN | 519.669.9308 1722 Floradale Rd., Elmira, ON, N3B 2Z1

AGRICULTURAL • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • High Quality Installation of Steel & Aluminum Eavestrough • Rugged Steel Eavestrough for Today’s Metal Roofing Systems

JEREMY MARTIN

PH 519-502-4679 | Fax 519-291-6624

xcountryeaves@live.ca

8632 Concession 3, RR#3 Listowel, ON, N4W 3G8

CLASSIFIEDS 38 DEATH NOTICES

THE OBSERVER

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

Klein, Donald Alexander Died peacefully on Thursday, December 15, 2011 at Leisureworld Care Centre, Elmira at the age of 80 years. Dear husband of Doris (Gingrich) Klein of Elmira. Father of the late John Klein (December 5, 2009) and Debbie Klein of Elmira. Loving grandpa of Krista Klein-Lafrance and her husband Kurt of Elmira and greatgrandpa of Alex. Brother of Stan and Rita of Elmira, Dorothy Fewkes of New Hamburg, and brother-in-law of Wilma Klein of Orillia. Predeceased by two brothers George and Roy (Bernice) and one sister Della (Doug) Schwartzentruber.

Don was an avid fisherman and hunter in his earlier years and was a retired volunteer fireman. Cremation has taken place. A private family memorial service was conducted in the chapel of Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to Parkinson Society Canada or The Canadian Diabetes Association. www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

MILLER, David With great sadness the family announces the death of David Miller of Kitchener on Monday, December 19, 2011 at his home in his 66th year. Cherished husband of Patricia (nee White), David will be sadly missed by his sons Mark (Kimberley), and Rob all of Kitchener and by his daughter Leslie (Shawn) Galbraith of Elmira. Much loved grandfather to Cody, Casey, Jacob, Nathan and MacKenzie and loving brother to Ann Weller (Louis) of Kitchener and Marilyn Mitchell (Brian) of Elmira. David was a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous for over 20 years and will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.

Friends will be received at the RatzBechtel Funeral Home 621 King St. W., Kitchener, on Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. and Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.

Funeral service to celebrate the life of David Miller will be in the funeral home chapel on Friday at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Mark Ehlebracht of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church officiating, cremation to follow. As expressions of sympathy donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario or the Arthritis Society would be greatly appreciated. Visit David’s memorial and express condolences on line at www.ratzbechtelfuneralhome.com

“A GOOD JOB DONE EVERY TIME”

Kleensweep Carpet Care

Rugs and Upholstery

•Mattress Cleaning •Residential •Commercial •Personalized Service •Free Estimates West Montrose, ON

T. 519.669.2033

COLLEEN

Cell: 519.581.7868

Truck & Trailer Maintenance Cardlock Fuel Management

COMMERCIAL 24 CARDLOCK FUEL DEPOT HOUR MATERIAL HANDLING & PROCESSING SYSTEMS • Design • Installation • Custom Fabrication

MILLWRIGHTS LTD.

519.669.5105

P.O. BOX 247, ROUTE 1, ELMIRA

24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

TOTAL HOME ENERGY SYSTEMS

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

YOUR OIL, PROPANE, NATURAL GAS AND AIR CONDITIONING EXPERTS

11 HENRY ST. - UNIT 9, ST. JACOBS

519.664.2008

>>BAUMAN, Gerald Ray- Died peacefully at his residence on Friday, December 16, 2011 in his 51st year, of RR 2, Drayton. >>GINGRICH, Magdalena (Frey)- Magdalena was born May

1, 1923 and died December 6, 2011, at age 88 years, in Red Lake, Ontario. Magdalena was baptized in the Old Order Mennonite Church in her teen years near Elmira.

>>MARTIN,

Ervin L.- In his 83rd year, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at Freeport Health Centre - Trinity Village Terrace, formerly of Floradale.

>>MARTIN, Mabel V. (nee Bearinger)- Peacefully at Heritage House, St. Jacobs, on Sunday, December 18, 2011, at the age of 98. >>MARTIN, Rebecca- Peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at Leisureworld Care Centre, Elmira. Rebecca (Bauman) Martin age 94 years, of Elmira. >>MARTIN, Ruth C.- Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at St. Mary’s Hospital. Ruth (Eisenbach) Martin, age 84 years, of Elmira.

Skilled craftsmanship. Quality materials.

CONSTRUCTION STARTS HERE.

SANYO CANADIAN

KIN KORNER

519-699-4641 www.freybc.com DECEMBER 23

>>H.U.G.S. Program – 9:15-11:15 a.m.

Meet with other parents to discuss parenting and child health issues. Topic: A visit from Santa! Christmas crafts and activities! Held at Woolwich Community Health Centre, 10 Parkside Dr., St. Jacobs.

Call Heidi at 519-664-3794, ext. 237 for more information. >>You’re invited to a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7:30 p.m. at West Montrose United Church.

DECEMBER 31

>>New Year’s Eve Dance. Royal Canadian Legion, 11 First St., Elmira. $17.50/ person, late night dinner. DJ – Sounds of Our Times.

JANUARY 3

>>The Caregiver Coffee Hour meets at Chateau Gardens, 11 Herbert St. Elmira 10 – 11:30 a.m. Our guest is a psychologist from U of W speaking about Dealing with Depression. If you are caring for a family member who has Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia please join this group.

For more information contact Lorraine 519-664-3794 or Cara at ASKW at 519742-1422.

JANUARY 5

>>Weekly Bingo 7 p.m. at Elmira Lions Hall, 40 South St., Elmira. All proceeds go to support the many projects of the Lions Club of Elmira. For more information call 519-500-1434. >>Storytime for children ages 3 to 5 – at Linwood Branch Library of the Region of Waterloo Library. Join us for stories and fun activities on Thursday afternoons from Jan. 5 – Feb. 23 from 2-2:45 p.m. Call or visit the library for more information at 519-698-2700. >>The Woolwich Caregivers meet at WCHC, 10 Parkside Dr., St. Jacobs, for peer learning and support. If you are caring for a family member and feel you could benefit from meeting with other caregivers you are welcome to join us. For more information please call Lorraine at WCHC 519-6643794.

JANUARY 8

>>Elmira Sugar Kings Hungryman’s Breakfast with the Elmira Legion Branch 469. 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.; 11 First St. Elmira.

JANUARY 10

NANCY KOEBEL

Bus: 519.895.2044 ext. 217 Home: 519.747.4388

>>MILLER, David- With great sadness the family announces the death of David Miller of Kitchener, on Monday, December 19, 2011 at his home, in his 66th year. Local relatives are his daughter Leslie (Shawn) Galbraith of Elmira.

Individual life insurance, mortgage insurance, business insurance, employee benefits programs, critical illness insurance, disability coverage,

>>WIDEMAN, Lucinda- Died peacefully at her residence in Floradale on Tuesday, December 13, 2011, in her 91st year.

Suite 800, 101 Frederick St., Kitchener

RRSPs, RESPs, RRIFs, LIFs and Annuities.

woolwichkin.com

call the Elmira Branch of Region of Waterloo Library at 519-669-5477.

JANUARY 11

>>Toddler Tales is for children 24 to 36

months – at the Wellesley Branch of the Region of Waterloo Library, and is held on Wednesdays 9:30-10:15 a.m. from Jan. 11 to Feb. 29. For more information call the Wellesley Branch Library at 519-656-2001.

New to the Community?

Do you have a new Baby?

It’s time to call your Welcome Wagon Hostess.

Elmira & Surrounding Area

DECEMBER 24

MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED

33 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.1591

Check Us Out Online!

3435 Broadway St. Hawkesville

>>Come Read With Me Family Storytime – 6:45-7:30 p.m. at Wellesley Branch Library.

An evening family storytime program recommended for parents/caregivers and children 3 to 7 years old. Tuesday evenings from Jan. 10 – Feb. 28. Read, play games and learn about literacy in fun ways. For more information call the Wellesley Branch Library at 519-656-2001. >>Toddler Tales is for children 24 to 36 months old and a parent or caregiver and runs on Tuesdays 10:30-11:15 a.m. from Jan. 10 – Feb. 28. For more information

JANUARY 12

>>Weekly

Bingo 7 p.m. at Elmira Lions Hall, 40 South St., Elmira. All proceeds go to support the many projects of the Lions Club of Elmira. For more information call 519-500-1434.

SHARON GINGRICH 519.291.6763 psgingrich@hotmail.ca

>>Storytime is for children 3 to 5 years old and will run on Wednesdays 2-2:45 p.m. from Jan. 11 to Feb. 29 and Thursdays from 10:15-11 a.m. from Jan. 12 – Mar. 1.

For more information call the Elmira Branch of Region of Waterloo Library at 519-6695477. >>Storytime is for children ages 3 to 5 years old – at Wellesley Branch of the Region of Waterloo Library, and is held Wednesday mornings 10:45-11:30 a.m. from Jan. 11 to Feb. 29 or Thursdays 2-2:45 p.m. from Jan. 12 to Mar. 1. For more information call the Wellesley Branch Library at 519-656-2001. >>Annual Maple Syrup Association Information Day. 9 a.m. registration and refreshments, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. meeting.

Admission free to members, $20 for nonmembers, hot lunch $13. Held at Woolwich Community Centre, St. Jacobs. For more information call Bob Richmond 519-6963551.

JANUARY 13

>>H.U.G.S. Program 9:15-11:15 a.m. Meet

with other parents to discuss parenting and child health issues. Topic: Kindergarten readiness – what skills does your child need to know before starting school? Jennifer Elliott, teacher and parent will present. Held at Woolwich Community Health Centre, 10 Parkside Dr., St. Jacobs. Call Heidi at 519664-3794 for more information.

JANUARY 14

>>Smart Serve Certification course being presented at Royal Canadian Legion, 11 First St. E., Elmira. 9 a.m. Cost $45. For more information call 519-669-2932. >>Please join us for “An Evening of Song” with the Waterloo Regional Police Male Chorus with special guests: The Foundation Christian School Children’s Choir; 7 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church – 30 Shaftsbury Drive, Kitchener. Admission is free. A Freewill offering will be taken – all proceeds to benefit Foundation Christian School. For more information call 519-664-0110.

JANUARY 16

>>Rise Up – 6:30-8:30 p.m. A four-week structured class room style group program that will help you manage the negative symptoms of mild depression. Classes will run Jan. 16 – Feb. 6th at the Woolwich Community Health Centre, 10 Parkside Dr. St. Jacobs. For more information call 519664-3794.

21 INDUSTRIAL DR. ELMIRA

519-669-2884

CORPORATE WEAR PROMOTIONAL APPAREL WORK & SAFETY WEAR | BAGS T-SHIRTS | JACKETS | HATS

245 Labrador Drive | Waterloo

519.886.2102 www.UniTwin.com

PRINTING & COPYING SERVICES Black and white, 8 1/2 X 11 flyers designed and printed for as low as 6¢.

Professionally designed, quick turnaround, local service. Delivery, folding and colour work also available.

Call 519.669.5790 ext 107 for details.

THE OBSERVER

» Saturday, December 24, 2011

39 CLASSIFIEDS

As we wind down from the hustle and bustle of another year we take pleasure in reconnecting with friends, focusing on family and experiencing all the joys of the holiday season.

For the Observer, 2011 was a year for the record books.

We won more industry awards than any other weekly in Ontario, in large part thanks to our readers. We look forward to a busy and productive schedule in 2012.

For now, however, it’s time to enjoy the Christmas festivities and bask in the possibilities of the New Year.

All the best of the season from all of us at the Observer Joe Merlihan, Donna Rudy, Steve Kannon, James Jackson, Colin Dewar, Pat Merlihan, Jon Sarachman, Leanne Boron

OBSERVER HOLIDAY PUBLISHING SCHEDULE The OBSERVER office will be closed Friday Dec. 23 at noon and will reopen Tuesday January 3rd. The Observer will not publish Dec. 31, 2011.

BACK PAGE 40

THE OBSERVER

» Saturday, December 24, 2011