THE OBSERVER
» Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas from the staff of
1 NEWS
Brian’s Foto Source
“Someday Your Prints Will Come” Located at 57 Arthur St., S.,Elmira 519-210-0608
Making spirits bright > STORY ON PG. 24
VOLUME.....15 ISSUE..........51
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2010
.com
www.
The reason for the season
There’s a root cause for all the gift-giving, turkey-eating and carol-singing, church leaders remind us James Jackson
C
hristmas means many different things to many different people. For some, it’s the presents and the food. For others, it’s time spent with family and friends who we may only see once or twice a year. And for others still it’s a time to think of those who are less fortunate and to help them whenever possible. While those reasons are all enviable it is easy to lose sight of what Christmas really means and the purpose of the season in the first place. For religious leaders
in the Woolwich community, this is the season to pause and reflect on the deeper meaning of Christmas. “Of course the meaning for us as a community of faith is that Christmas focuses on Jesus’ birth,” said Rev. Fred Redekop of Floradale Mennonite Church. “It’s a real challenge, I think, to continue to proclaim that message, rather than the commercial one, because we’re all part of it.” It’s easy to be concerned that Christmas has become too commercialized, Re-
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX WHAT IT ALL MEANS Rev. Hans Borch of St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church in Elmira wants to remind others of the true meaning of the Christmas season.
WEEKEND WEATHER
SATURDAY
Cloudy Periods
-5°
SUNDAY
Cloudy Periods
-5°
Opinion...............10 Business.............13
> SEE SEASON ON PG. 06
Living Here..........15 Sports.................19
Entertainment....23 Classifieds.........25
Merry Christmas! May your home be filled with laughter and fun this holiday season. Thank You for your patronage over this past year. ~
Mary Lou Murray
Wendy Taylor
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
BROKER MANAGER
wendy.taylor1@rogers.blackberry.net
marylou@mmrealestate.ca
519-669-1544 24hrs
Independently Owned and Operated
17 Church St. W., Elmira
www.peakrealestate.com
NEWS 2
THE OBSERVER
» Saturday, December 25, 2010
While Quantities Last
BOXING WEEK SALE FAMOUS BRAND BIONAIRE
FLEECE THROWS • COSY POLYESTER • ASSORTED PRINTS
• DIGITAL CONSOLE
OVER $100.00 VALUE
GREY CUP
$5.99
REG. VALUES OVER $20.00
$8.00 VALUE
REG. VALUES OVER $20.00
ROLL REG. 14.99
$29.99
MEN’S, TEENS
MEN’S, TEENS
REG. VALUES TO $54.00
REG. VALUES TO $80.00
ADULTS, TEENS FIRST RATE
HANNAH MONTANA SCRAPBOOKS
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MINIATURE CRAFT ANIMALS
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INCLUDES REGULAR PRICED, SALE PRICED AND CLEARANCE PRICED FABRICS.
YARD AT LEN’S ALREADY LOW PRICE
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OLFA ROTARY CUTTERS %
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ENTIRE STOCK
CROSS STITCH COTTONS
%
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$2.29 VALUE
ENTIRE STOCK
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OFF
ENTIRE STOCK CHARLES CRAFT
WOOD MINIATURES
FELT STRIPS
VALUES TO OVER $20.00
99¢
LEN’S ALREADY LOW PRICE
30
OFF
OFF
REG. VALUES OVER $12.00 BALL
REG. $7.99 PACK
CRACKERS FASHIONS
OFF
%
%
50 50 DOZENS OF BRANDS FANCY KNITTING YARNS
• YARDS IDEAL FOR SCARVES, HATS & VESTS
80%
50%
JELLY ROLLS
30
30
OFF
PACKAGE OF 2
$25.00 VALUE
• FULL SIZE & TYPE SELECTION
TRENDTEX
MINI SEWING SCISSORS
%
SCRAPBOOK ALBUMS %
BAGS
$14.99 REG. $25.00 LB.
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BLINDS
ENTIRE STOCK - STOREWIDE - ALL DEPARTMENTS
KNITTING YARN GRAB BAGS • ACRYLIC • JUMBO ASSORTMENT
REG. VALUE $2.99
YOUTHS’ - GIRLS OXYGEN
• HARDCOVER
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REG. $3.99 $9.99
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MANAGER’S $2.99 $2.99 SPECIALS PLAID QUILTED JACKETS
COOKBOOKS
99¢
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$12.00 VALUE
LAUNDRY BAGS
$9.99
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REG. 3.99
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GORDON RAMSEY
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RKA MEN’S, TEENS - CLEAROUT SPORTWEAR PA E UG CANADA SPORTWEAR LO CAMOF JACKETS PARKAS CANVAS DUCK BOMBERS CANVAS DUCK PARKAS
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THE OBSERVER
» Saturday, December 25, 2010
3 NEWS
Birdwatcher's delight irdwatchers in Wellesley Township and beyond received an early Christmas gift last week in the form of an appearance by the rare Varied Thrush. The bird was spotted on the property of Elmer and Bev Ewert at 3218 Weimar Line on Dec. 15. It’s only the fourth recorded sighting of the species in Waterloo Region in the past 15 years, said birding enthusiast Ken Burrell. “They show up in Ontario about three to five times per year,” Burrell said. “It’s kind of interesting, the records only go back 15 years, and three of those sightings have been in the past three years.” Burrell has been birding for about 14 years now, and is in his fourth year of environmental studies at the University of Waterloo. The Varied Thrush – which closely resembles the more familiar Oriole – is actually from the Pacific Northwest, and can be found along the west coast from B.C. all the way up to the Yukon. They typically overwinter in warmer climates, however, and migrate as far south as California, said Burrell, who believes that this bird may have been blown off course as it tried to migrate back in late October or early November. “As they’re migrating south, if they are caught in a strong weather system that moves from west to east, it’s easier for them to get blown off course,” he said, noting that it is difficult to say how long the bird had been in the area prior to being spotted last week. Elmer and his son, Trevor, saw the bird while it was at their bird feeder, and Elmer – an avid birdwatcher for about 45 years – knew something was out of the ordinary. “We both looked at it, but he (Trevor) picked up the bird book and I said, ‘Match that bird, I don’t know what it is,’” Elmer explained. When they thought they had found a match in their book and on the Internet, Elmer said he called Burrell, who came out to verify that the bird was in fact a Varied
Rare Varied Thrush makes an appearance at Wellesley site; may overwinter there
> Promotion raises $1,050 for WCS Pinacle Health & Fitness this week donated $1,050 to Woolwich Community Services’ food drive, the result of its 10 for $10 promotion. More than 120 people came into the club, which has branches in Elmira and Milverton, to take advantage of the gift offer of 10 visits for $10. More have come in since the Dec. 13 cutoff for the donation to WCS, said owner Barney Kuntze. The promotion continues through the end of the December.
> WRPS lines up new deputy chief
FEATHERY ANOMOLY
Birdwatchers were given the gift of a rare sighting of the Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius) last week, perched in a tree outside of Elmer and Bev Ewert’s Weimar Line home in Bamberg.
> SEE BIRDWATCHING ON PG. 09
As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we wish all of our customers, suppliers and friends a joyous season and a blessed New Year. - LEROY & DONNA MARTIN
» JOE MERILHAN
B
Cathy Harrington is the new executive director of Elmira-based Community Care Concepts. She fills a vacancy left when Veronica MacDonald, the agency’s founder, succumbed to cancer July 1 at the age of 54. Harrington comes to the organization from Lutherwood, a not-for-profit health and social service agency. Community Care Concepts of Woolwich, Wellesley and Wilmot runs a wide variety of programs geared toward seniors and disabled adults with the goal of keeping them in their home for as long as possible. It offers everything from assisted transportation that provides volunteer drivers to seniors for things such as medical and health appointments, to homemaking services where assistance may be provided for laundry, cooking, and general cleaning. A friendly visiting program ensures that those in need have contact with a regular guest to socialize and the inside and outside maintenance service helps fix small household problems. As well, there is a seniors’ day program, an Alzheimer’s program and Meals on Wheels.
PHOTO
James Jackson
> CCC finds new executive director
20 Oriole Parkway E., Elmira, ON N3B 0A5 Tel: (519) 669-1082 Fax: (519) 669-3084 info@leroysautocare.net
www.leroysautocare.net
Superintendent Stephen Beckett will be the Waterloo Regional Police Services new deputy chief when the incumbent, Michael Mann, retires Jan. 31. A Cambridge native, Beckett joined the force in 1980 as a cadet and eventually held positions in various investigative branches including Traffic, Drugs and Homicide. While serving in the rank of sergeant and then staff sergeant he was assigned to supervisory roles. In 2001, he was promoted to inspector. Starting in 2008, Beckett was assigned as executive officer to the chief and in 2010 promoted to superintendent.
NEWS 4
THE OBSERVER
» Saturday, December 25, 2010
LAW & ORDER
Police unable to revive man found in Tim Hortons DECEMBER 16 >>9:26 AM | Three Elmira
women were unharmed when their cars collided in a chain reaction on First Street. The first car in the line stopped, but the car following behind could not stop in time and collided with it, followed by another collision from behind. The women suffered only minor injuries. The second and third drivers were charged with ‘careless driving.’
DECEMBER 17 >>7:30 AM | A 37-year-old
Drayton man was charged with ‘careless driving’ and ‘failure to present proof of insurance’ after a collision on Arthur Street near Sandy Hills Drive, north of
P
olice were called to the Tim Hortons restaurant in Elmira about 7:39 a.m. on Dec. 16 to investigate a man who had gone into the bathroom two hours earlier and not emerged.
Police discovered an unconscious male and performed CPR in an unsuccessful attempt to revive him. The 60-year-old Glen Allan man was later pronounced dead at Grand River Hospital.
Elmira. He had attempted to pass three southbound vehicles when he lost control of his Chrysler Sebring on the slippery roadway, subsequently striking the driver’s side of a black Pontiac, driven by a Harriston man, who was forced into the ditch.
on Bricker Line near Steffler Road in Wellesley Township. The gravel road was snowcovered and slippery at the time of the accident. Waterloo North Hydro was called to investigate the damage to the pole. No charges were laid.
>>2:48 PM | A 17-year-old
>>3:51 PM | Police responded
Elmira woman lost control of her vehicle and went into the ditch and struck a hydro pole
to an industrial accident at a café on Church Street West in Elmira in which the tip of
a worker’s thumb had been cut off. The Ministry of Labour was notified.
spoke to the man and the calls ceased. No charges were laid.
>>11:54 PM | An intoxicated
>>7:15 PM | An Elmira woman man was ejected from the called police to report a prank call. The woman received a text message from an unrecognized number which said “Call me – Mum’s in the hospital.” The woman was worried and called the number and a man on the other end of the line told the woman that she was the seventh caller and had won a major prize. When the woman expressed her frustration and worry with the call, the man became rude and confrontational. London police were also notified as similar calls had been happening in their region. The male was identified as a London man with mental health problems. Police
Central Tavern in Elmira and was later located by police. The man was arrested for unruly behavior and was held until sober. He was charged with ‘being intoxicated in a public place.’
DECEMBER 18 >>12:30 PM | Nobody was charged in a minor collision between a green Honda Civic and a black Honda Pilot in the parking lot of the Short Stop convenience store on Church Street West in Elmira. Both cars suffered minor damage.
DECEMBER 21 >>4:00 PM | The door of a
woman’s red Dodge Caliber was damaged when she opened it without checking for traffic first and was struck by a passing vehicle on King Street North in St. Jacobs. The blue Toyota Corolla that struck the car was also damaged. Neither driver was injured. The parked driver was charged with ‘opening a vehicle door improperly.’
DECEMBER 22 >>11:21 AM | Two vehicles
collided at Maple and Church streets in Elmira. Neither driver was injured, but one was charged with ‘failing to yield the right of way.’ Both vehicles suffered light damage.
Local young farmers take home Waterloo 4-H awards T
James Jackson
wo local members were among the big winners as Waterloo 4-H recently handed out their annual
awards. Michaella Snyder of Breslau was awarded the most outstanding junior member award, and Michelle Albrecht of Wellesley was the re-
cipient of the outstanding senior member award at the awards ceremony held Nov. 25 at the St. Agatha community centre. The awards are hand-
ed out annually to the top junior, intermediate, and senior 4-H members in Waterloo Region who best exemplifies the qualities of 4-H in the eyes of their leaders. “As a 4-H leader, you’re supposed to observe your kids and see who most exemplifies 4-H,” explained Susan Martin, who was Snyder’s leader in three different 4-H clubs in 2010. “Our motto is ‘learn to do by doing,’ and in all three (clubs) she exhibited great leadership skills and is very friendly. “She stood out as being one of those people that is always willing to help, and is always enjoying whatever they do.” Snyder, 13, has completed 18 clubs since joining 4-H three years ago, ranging from quilting to sheep, and was raised on her family’s turkey farm just outside of Breslau. She said that winning the award – her first major 4-H honour – was a bit of a shock. “I knew I was being considered for it, but when I won I was very surprised,” she said. “4-H is something I’ve learned so much from. I really have learned by doing, as their motto says, so I am really looking forward to the
years ahead.” The most outstanding senior member award was also given to a local resident, as Michelle Albrecht took home the honour. “There are many very well-known people on that plaque, so to be able to have my name up there is a really good feeling,” she said. “My dad’s name (Paul) is on it, so I feel really honoured to have my name on this award as well.” The 21-year-old has been an active member of 4-H for the past 10 years, starting out in the Wilmot-Wellesley dairy club before moving up to the Waterloo senior dairy club at the age of 15. She is an accomplished showman as well, having been named the grand champion dairy showman at the 2009 Gencor Challenge, and won the title four times in 2010, winning grand champion showman at the Grand River 4-H show, the Waterloo senior dairy club show, the Waterloo interclub show, and at New Hamburg Fair. “She’s an absolutely lovely girl. She certainly takes on a leadership role with the other kids in the club, and she’s humble to a flaw,” said John Drummond, the leader of the Waterloo senior dairy club.
“She’s just somebody that’s always quietly in the background, but is always willing to help with anything, and just excels at everything that she does.” Albrecht was also awarded the Plowman’s award, which is given annually to the top agricultural member of the club. “Melissa embodies agriculture,” said Drummond, who was recognized for 25 years of leadership in 4-H at the awards ceremony as well. “She is a farm girl, she loves her cows, (and) she loves everything to do with cattle.” Other top awards presented at the 4-H Awards Night include most outstanding intermediate 4-H member Sarah Robinson of Kitchener, the David Perrin memorial education award to Lindsay Oxby of Moorefield and Nick Wagner of Breslau, and the Richard Lichty memorial award to Carson Wagner of New Hamburg. The 4-H program is developed to help foster the leadership and personal growth of youth aged 9-21. With projects encompassing agriculture, food, health and the environment, 4-H Ontario’s clubs, camps and conferences have a successful 95-year history in the province.
THE OBSERVER
» Saturday, December 25, 2010
5 NEWS
Trail opponents continue to press Wellesley council Katie Edmonds
A
Wellesley Village neighbourhood remains divided over the prospect of a trail running through a new subdivision. As council met for the last time this year, officials were no closer to a decision on a contentious issue that’s dragged on for months. Though development of the Bast Bush Trail is on hold, a group of residents from Schweitzer Crescent and Molesworth
Street were out Tuesday night to add to a long list of reasons in favour of scrapping the trail. While some residents have been keen to have the new trail in place, the group of homeowners present at this week’s meeting object to having the route immediately adjacent to their backyards, citing safety and privacy concerns. Now, they’re worried the lack of integrated walkways in the village will prompt trail users
to drive their cars to the area in order to access the route. “I finally realized that half the streets here in Wellesley don’t have any sidewalks or safe passage outside of walking on the roads,” said resident Paul Zepf. “Therefore there are a number of people who would have to walk on the roads, and it’s safe to assume they would use their vehicles. This defeats the purpose of having exterior trails when you don’t have an interior method
in town in which the people can safely get about.” Zepf ’s presentation on behalf of the homeowners present concluded with a recommendation to council that all trail development north of Schweitzer and Molesworth, east of Nafziger and west of Greenwood be cancelled. The proposed Bast Bush Trail has divided the village and pitted neighbours against one another ever since it was approved by the
township in June. After discussion of the homeowners’ concerns, council opted to defer decisions on trails development until it has more information. In the meantime, councillors are encouraging residents and the Wellesley Trails Association to come up with alternative trails on public lands. The township is also waiting on a comprehensive review of the Bast Bush Trail, including more public consultation and
input from the trails group. “At this particular time it is my observation that we are waiting on a proposal from the WTA, which they are working on,” said Mayor Ross Kelterborn. “And when they bring that proposal to us, there are a variety of things that we will balance this trail against. In a nutshell, that’s where I see the situation being, and until that happens, we will just have to wait for that to come.”
Weather no hurdle at Waterloo Region's airport James Jackson
W
hile adverse weather has turned airline travel throughout much of Europe and England into nothing short of chaotic, with hundreds of cancelled flights leaving thousands of passengers stranded in the week leading up to Christmas, the Region of Waterloo International Airport has seen no such delays. “We’ve actually been pretty fortunate with the snow: it seems to have been falling all around us,” said Chris Wood, the airport’s general manager. “We had one day
where it froze up pretty good and we had some rain and a flashfreeze, which caused a little bit of issue for us, but we handled it just fine. We have great crews that know what they’re doing.” The airport uses a combination of special chemicals and sand to keep the runways clear during the winter. They cannot use salt, however, due to its corrosive properties. “It wouldn’t be good if airplanes started being subjected to salt,” noted Wood. The airport rarely $ 25.99 Prime Rib sees any delays in the winter – even during Steaks
their busiest time of year. Typically only six to eight flights arrive or depart on any given day, which gives airport crews greater flexibility and more time to stay on top of any adverse weather that they may experience. “I guess one of the good things about not having a ton of scheduled traffic is we can really have some time to spend on the runways and keep them clean, where other airports wouldn’t have that luxury because they’re being used so much more,” explained Wood. The total number of
daily passengers and flights in and out of the airport does not increase much during Christmas season compared to the rest of the year, but the nature of those trips tends to change as the amount of business travellers and the number of private planes using the airport tends to quiet down around the holidays, said Wood. There is a large spike in travel on Wednesdays, though, from December through to March, which coincides with the return of Sunwing Airlines jetting snowbirds and spring-break enthusi-
asts away from the ice and snow of Waterloo Region to warmer locales. Sunwing returned on Dec. 15 for weekly flights to Punta Cana, Mexico. The airport typically sees about 300 passengers and about six flights on any given day via Bearskin Airlines and WestJet, but that number typically doubles to about 600 passengers on days when Sunwing is in service, Wood said. “(Wednesday) is
very busy. There will be 189 passengers inbound that went out last week, and then 189 going out. And WestJet is full coming in and almost full going out. And Bearskin is also having a great month, so all of our flights seem to be almost full.” Approximately 100,000 passengers make use of the airport annually. Wood expects they will be announcing more flights in 2011.
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NEWS 6
THE OBSERVER
» Saturday, December 25, 2010
dekop noted, yet that commercialization is one aspect of the Christmas season that is difficult to control – even for him. “I will often say that this year we won’t buy gifts. Well, I’m not strong enough to be able to do that,” he added with a smile. In recent years, political correctness has sought to take the Christ out of Christmas as well. We were all reminded of that struggle last Saturday when a group of about 100 people gathered in front of Kitchener City Hall in an effort to “gently remind them that Christmas is about Christ,” said one person at the rally. “They felt that people were missing the truer meaning of Christmas,” said Rev. Hans
Borch of St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church of the crowd at city hall, “and it’s tough to keep that in mind when stores start decorating right after Remembrance Day and they’re focusing on what to buy as opposed to a deeper meaning.” It’s easy to get caught up in the stresses and joys of gift-giving, and while Fr. David Lewis of St. Teresa of Avila in Elmira agrees that we can all go a little bit overboard with the gift-giving around this time of year, there still exists a clear link between the gift giving associated with Christmas, and the deeper meaning of the season. “We give gifts to one another because God gave a gift to us in the form of his son. There’s a logic to it (and) to the commercialization of Christ-
mas,” he said. “All we would hope is that the foundation isn’t lost sight of and that we get together and welcome people into our homes and gather as families and friends, and we give gifts to one another because of what has been given to us.” Lewis says that the loss of the foundation of the Christmas spirit is regrettable, but what can be done to try and revive and reinvigorate that spirit into society as a whole? “I have my work cut out for me,” Lewis laughed. “Most that come (to church each week) don’t need to be reminded of why we’re here, but it doesn’t hurt to give that reminder and to express the truth of why we do what we do at this time of year.” For Borch, the task lies within him as a re-
PHOTO
> CONTINUED FROM PG. 05
» JAMES JACKSON
Season: Despite what it's become, Christmas is still a holy day at heart
PHOTO
» JAMES JACKSON
ABOUT FACE
CHRIS SCHAEFER Owner, Creature Comfort Pet Emporium How long have you owned the pet store? For about seven years now. I am the original owner. Why did you decide to open a pet store? Initially, finding holistic alternative solutions for my own pets made me realize there was a lack of knowledge and availability in the area. Have more people begun to
give their pets Christmas gifts over the years? I think it has increased because people are more and more seeing their pets as a part of the family, and they want to return some of that love. And pets never complain about the colour being wrong, or that it isn’t Apple. What are the most popular gifts? Toys and treats are always
number one. A new bed is also a special gift, even if their pets already have a bed. And leashes and collars as well. How else are you involved with animals in the community? We do hamper programs where we collect donations for dog and cat rescue services. I worked with them before I even opened the store.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN Fr. Dave Lewis of St. Teresa of Avila Church in Elmira looks at the nativity scene inside the church as he says a prayer.
ligious leader to spread the word as much as he can. After all, he agrees with Lewis’ sentiment that those who routinely make it into church don’t need to be reminded of Jesus’ story. The real work is taking it beyond the walls of the church. “I guess the only way we really do that is to let people know that we have services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and everyone is invited to join us for that,” Borch said. “Those aren’t closed services. And making my way around the community, in coffee shops, and letting people see that there is a presence here in the community other than the person that’s trying to sell you something.” All three men agree the religious community within Elmira and the rest of the township is strong, which bodes well for the continued understanding of why we celebrate Christmas. Redekop said that his congregation, which had been steadily growing older in the 19 years he has preached there, has enjoyed an influx of young adults and their children in the past few years. The key is to get the younger generation interested in the church community by embracing different traditions than their grandpar-
ents may be used to, he added. “We do a lot of blending of ideas and listening. We try to listen to both sides because people come to worship for different reasons and we try to meet those different reasons. Some people come for the sermons and some come for the hymn singing and the music, so it’s a real challenge to make worship meaningful for all those groups.” St. James Lutheran also boasts a sizable congregation, particularly at Christmas. Their Christmas pageant this year included over 40 youth, and the church was full, said Borch. “It was wonderful. I think there was a real feeling of joy there with the children telling their story,” he said. Lewis has perhaps noticed the way the township embraces God and the real meaning for the season more than most. He is new to the town, having moved to the St. Teresa parish in July of this year, and he is astounded by the ways in which people all around town – not just in his congregation – are willing to express their faith so openly. “I find there is a kindheartedness, a gentleness, and almost an innocence in the community that’s
beautiful. I like being a part of that having grown up in the city and spending most of my time in the city, but there’s a little different atmosphere here in Elmira.” And what about those who only decide to visit church on Christmas and Easter? That is not something to be worried or concerned about, all three say. What is important is the fact that people feel that connection to God and to Jesus this time of year, because after all, that is what Christmas is all about. “As much as I would love to see them here all the time, it’s also recognized that there are other forces that come into play in terms of drawing people away,” said Borch. “Sometimes Sunday is the only time that they can actually do something together as a family, and church is not always the first answer that comes to mind.” For Redekop, Christmas is a time of celebration and renewal – no matter how many times per year a person goes to one of his services. “I can’t lament if people only come at Christmas and Easter. Let’s not lament that, but celebrate that they find this time of year inspiring for their faith, for their family, and for their journey.”
THE OBSERVER
» Saturday, December 25, 2010
7 NEWS
Wellesley splash pad needs another $25,000 to meet demanded standards Katie Edmonds
A
new policy to be enforced next summer by Waterloo Region Public Health has laid stricter guidelines surrounding a splash pad planned for Wellesley, delaying building plans for several months and adding several thou-
sands of dollars to the cost. The committee behind the build had planned to begin building this past fall but instead will be doing so in the spring. The expected opening date this summer has not changed. The changes to the
design of the splash pad came from a number of sources, including Public Health and the Ministry of the Environment. Before the committee could proceed with the development, they were asked to look at two areas of the project – water quality and en-
vironmental impact – that needed further attention. Although the upgrades have been deemed necessary, the added expense means organizers have to raise another $25,000. “We have always put our children’s safety and the environmental impact of building
the facility in the forefront of project planning, and in doing so the cost of the project is higher,” said Jennifer Kays Sommer, a member of the building committee. “The recirculation system is necessary for water conservation, but costs $40,000 more than a flow-through sys-
tem. The UV filtration system is added to the chlorination system to ensure state-of-the-art water quality and maximum safety, but this carries a $30,000 price tag.” The community group went ahead with
> SEE SPLASH ON PG. 09
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THE OBSERVER
Happy New Year Sale!
» Saturday, December 25, 2010
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THE OBSERVER
» Saturday, December 25, 2010
9 NEWS
Birding: Good etiquette suggested for visitors > CONTINUED FROM PG. 03 Thrush. Once the bird was verified it went on the ONTBIRD hotline on Dec. 17, an online list of rare bird sightings in the province. Elmer said there have been approximately 20 people at their house to try and catch a glimpse of the bird. “There are people here all the time now. They’re very excited by this bird,” he said with a laugh. “There was a van from southwest of London, a fellow and his son. There was another fellow from Port Elgin, and there was girl with the most magnificent camera lens – it looked like a five-gallon pail.” The bird appears healthy to all who have seen it, and Elmer is confident that it will be safe on his four-acre property. The house is away from the road, and has many pine trees planted around it for shelter. Elmer also has plenty of birdseed available to keep the winged visitor fed. “We buy a lot of bags of birdseed. In
fact, I think I need to get a bank loan to buy more,” Elmer joked. Burrell said that the shelter and the food is probably what attracted the Varied Thrush to the Ewert’s yard in the first place. He believes it may spend the entire winter there. “They’re pretty hardy so they can withstand cooler temperatures,” he said. “In the winter, birds will want three things: water, a good food source, and shelter. So it has shelter and food where it is now, (and) there is a good chance that it could successfully overwinter.” The Ewerts encourage birders to come by their property to see the bird for themselves, but stress that they only want those who will respect proper birding etiquette because the Varied Thrush is very skittish and easily frightened away. “If you get out of your car, it will scare it away. So stay inside your car and keep a low profile, then every one will have a chance to see it. That’s all we ask.”
UP IN SMOKE Wellesley Township firefighters were on the scene of a blaze in a 500-square-foot workshop on Hutchison Road in Linwood Thursday morning around 10:30 a.m. The building was fully engulfed when emergency crews arrived on scene, police said. Nobody was injured and the cause of the fire is unknown.
PHOTO
HOME AWAY FROM HOME Avid birders believe that the bird was attracted to the Ewerts’ yard because of ample protection and food supplies.
» KATIE EDMONDS
Fire destroys workshop
Splash: Organizers confident they'll raise funds > CONTINUED FROM PG. 07 the upgrades. Members are hoping to have their environmental permits accepted by the Grand River Conservation Authority early in the new year. The group recently received a $2,000 Ontario Youth in Recreation grant, as well as a substantial donation from William Geis construc-
tion. However, they are still about $25,000 short of the total project cost, due to UV system upgrade. Kays Sommer added that donations to the project can be made through the Township of Wellesley, which can issue tax receipts. “We are still looking for donors in the community,” she explained. “We are hoping that as people see how close we
are to this project, they will donate even just a little bit. This is the time when the $20 or $50 donations will be making a big difference.” Even as the snow flies, the splash park committee is continuing to work towards an anticipated spring groundbreaking and opening this upcoming summer. “When we first start-
ed I don’t think we really had an understanding of the scope of what it takes to get something like this up and running, but we are getting closer and closer to it all the time,” said Kays Sommer. “Our goal was always to build an amazing facility that our community can enjoy for years to come and that is still where we are headed.”
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OPINION 10
THE OBSERVER
OPINION
» Saturday, December 25, 2010
Same with the “Middle East peace process,” another old joke that is getting a bit creaky in the joints. Gwynne Dyer column on page 11
VERBATIM
P
olls show more than three quarters of Canadians support increasing Canada Pension Plan benefits. I am urging finance ministers not to abandon the best solution for Canadians in favour of the best solution for banks and financial institutions.
> Paul Moist, national president of CUPE, reacts to
Jim Flaherty's flipflop on pension reform
THE MONITOR gross domestic product increased Rineal 0.2% in October following a 0.1% decline September. Mining and oil and gas extraction was the main source of growth. Gains were also posted by real estate agents and brokers, the public sector, wholesale trade and transportation.
> Statistics Canada
EDITORIAL
Flaherty puts private profits ahead of Canadians T
o no one’s surprise, this week’s meeting of federal and provincial finance ministers produced little action on the pension reform file. Having previously said he’s in favour of expanding the Canada Pension Plan, federal minister Jim Flaherty did an about-face, hawking something he called the Pooled Registered Pension Plan. Unfortunately, the PRPP is no more than a sop for the private finance industry that will do almost nothing to help the millions of Canadians who don’t have adequate savings to fund their retirement. Rather than an enhanced CPP that would provide more benefits to future retirees, Flaherty proposes a voluntary system that employees could choose to participate in. And employers could choose to contribute to. And would be privately-administered, with all the associated fees, not
to mention the possible pitfalls of an industry directly responsible for the latest economic meltdown. Hardly something to ease the fears of the two-thirds of us who don’t have a company pension plan. There are RRSPs, but some 30 per cent of workers didn’t make a contribution last year, for instance. And of those who do have an RRSP, there’s not much solace in the fact the median value of plans is less than $12,000. Reforms to the CPP, supported by six of the provincial finance ministers, would see contributions rise. Yes, that would cost us more. It would cost employers more. But the relatively small amounts of money involved would pay dividends later, with the current payout of 25 per cent of a worker’s average annual earnings rising to at least 50 per cent, and ideally 70. Today, we have the tools – albeit
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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 Katie Edmonds, Reporter | EXT 102 kedmonds@woolwichobserver.com
> LETTER POLICY
imperfect ones – to help secure our retirements, even in the absence of a company pension. The problem is, most of us are unwilling or unable to put away enough money on our own. That’s why the PRPP plan Flaherty touts is of no practical benefit. We’d be much better off in the long wrong living with larger deductions from our paycheques – we don’t miss what we don’t see – than relying on personal investments. Many people lack the discipline to make regular contributions. Many who might do so are bombarded with a range of mixed messages, mostly marketing hype, from a variety of sources, with no clear answer for which is the best option for channeling retirement savings. That’s a significant obstacle. Of course, politicians also fear a backlash from workers who would see significant increases in CPP contributions as simply another tax
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 Lindsay Lehman, Production | EXT 109 llehman@woolwichobserver.com
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grab. That’s not the case. Unlike employment insurance, CPP is an arm’s length arrangement. Contributions go directly to the plan, and are never part of government’s general revenues. The plan is generally seen as secure, reliable, cost-effective, and well managed. Increasing the mandatory contributions would be a largely painless way to ensure a more comfortable retirement – in effect, forced savings. Because of the way the plan is administered, it would not be at risk of being squandered by government, unlike our tax payments. You can be sure that Flaherty’s flip-flop on the CPP has much to do with opposition from the financial services industry. Those who profit from the status quo in mutual funds – raking in some of the highest management fees in the process – want no part of such notions.
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THE OBSERVER
» Saturday, December 25, 2010
11 OPINION
Peace on Earth? That’s not on the agenda "
This parrot is no more,” rants former “Monty Python” member John Cleese in the English-speaking world’s best-loved TV sketch. “It has ceased to be,” he tells fellow Python Michael Palin, playing a pet-shop owner who insists that the obviously dead bird is still alive. “It’s expired and gone to meet its maker. This is a late parrot. It’s a stiff. Bereft of life, it rests in peace. It’s rung down the curtain and joined the choir invisible. This is an ex-parrot.” Same with the “Middle East peace process,” another old joke that is getting a bit creaky in the joints. The U.S. State Department, like the petshop owner, insists that the obviously dead process is still alive. “There, it moved,” as Palin says in the sketch. “No, it didn’t. That was you pushing the cage,” replies the outraged Cleese. But the State Department still gets away with it. It’s a necessary fiction. Nobody in authority will publicly admit that no Israeli government will take on the Jewish settlers in the West Bank and force through a “land for peace” deal, or that there is no unified government for Israelis to talk to on the Palestinian side anyway – that there is, in fact, no prospect of an Israeli-Palestinian peace settlement in this generation. But that is the reality; the rest is the theatre of the absurd. “I welcome this American decision. It is good for Israel. It is good for peace,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Dec. 13. Yet the U.S. had just abandoned all hope of getting Israel to freeze new building in the Jewish settlements in the occupied territories (which already control 40 per cent of the West Bank’s land) long
THE VIEW FROM HERE
International Affairs GWYNNE DYER enough to keep direct peace talks with the Palestinians going. Netanyahu had agreed to a 10-month freeze in new construction as a condition for entering into direct talks with Mahmoud Abbas’s Palestinian Authority, but the 10 months expired just after the talks opened, and he refused to extend the freeze. The U.S. even tried bribing him with a multi-billion dollar pledge to give Israel new F-35 fighters, but to no avail. Why so obdurate? “If someone says that he agrees to 10 months of freezing,” said former prime minister Ehud Olmert last month, “and the president of the mightiest nation on Earth and the friendliest nation to Israel comes to you and says ‘Please give me two more months, only two months,’ I would say ‘President, why two? Why not three? Take three.’” Did Netanyahu refuse to grant Barack Obama the extra time because he was afraid that otherwise the settler lobby, which has powerful backers in his cabinet, would bring his coalition government down? Or just because he has always secretly opposed a land-forpeace deal with the Palestinians anyway. Probably both, but we’ll have to wait on WikiLeaks to know for sure. As for Mahmoud Abbas, he only controls the West Bank and must guard his flank against the more radical Hamas, which rules in the Gaza Strip and rejects peace with Israel. Abbas had gone
THE VOICE
as far as he safely could in agreeing to direct talks while building in the Jewish settlements was frozen. Netanyahu knew that refusing to extend the freeze would force Abbas to end direct talks, but he was under great pressure from Washington to extend it. To divert that pressure, he introduced a new Israeli precondition for talks. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) long ago accepted Israel as a legitimate state; now, if it wanted the freeze to continue, it must recognize Israel specifically as a Jewish state. That’s a lot to ask of people whose parents or grandparents lost their homes and became refugees as a direct result of the creation of Israel, so that ended the risk of returning even to talks about talks. As Yasser Abed Rabbo of the PLO’s executive committee said, “The policy and efforts of the U.S. administration failed because of the blow it received from the Israeli government.” Meeting in Cairo on Dec. 15, the foreign ministers of the Arab League declared that “resuming the negotiations will be conditioned on receiving a serious offer that guarantees an end to the Arab-Israeli conflict.” By a “serious offer,” they mean a U.S.-backed proposal for a comprehensive peace settlement. No U.S. administration would dare make such a proposal: it would be torn to shreds in days by the Israeli lobby in the United States and its allies in Congress. So there really is no peace process. Most Israelis want a peace settlement in principle, but there is just no consensus in Israel on the territorial compromises that would be needed to bring it about.
What is your favourite Christmas tradition?
“Drinking eggnog.”
> Dave Roeder
“Baking Christmas cookies. It’s practically all I do at this time of year!” > Gail Kreller
> SEE DYER ON PG. 12 BY SCOTT ARNOLD
“Singing Christmas carols. We haven’t gone for a few years but that is my favourite.” > Nicole Richtaritson JON
Not all of us elves are busy making toys -- or newspapers, for that matter -but all of us wish you the very merriest of Christmases this year.
“I would have to say Christmas day itself. Giving gifts is great and when I was little it was all about Santa.” > Vince Tracey
OPINION 12
THE OBSERVER
» Saturday, December 25, 2010
If we’re sinking in debt, blame the attack on the middle class H
ave you been out spending money on Christmas gifts? Great, you’ve been doing your part to help the economy get back on its feet. Oh, wait, you may also be hastening the next round of difficulties, as Canadians are taking on record levels of debt, now standing at almost 150 per cent of disposable income. So, which is it? Both, actually. And therein lies the issue that has plagued our economy for decades. There’s been a boom in the doomand-gloom stories in the run-up to Christmas. The media reports, and the subsequent prescriptions, have done much to support the accounts found in Naomi Klein’s Shock Doctrine. To be sure, some of the recent flap is the kind that comes every December, decrying the commercialization of Christmas. We’re reminded that the holiday has become about trips to the mall and credit card debt rather than the simpler affair of Christmases past. Still, the current spate of warnings about debt levels from the Bank of Canada’s Mark Carney is symptomatic of the bigger picture, namely the erosion of the middle class. Over the past three decades, we’ve been working harder and longer while wages have stagnated. With income not keeping up with costs, we’ve turned to borrowing to bridge the gap. Now, after all
From the Editor Steve Kannon these years, we’re reaching a credit crunch. While officials bemoan the borrowing and lack of personal savings, none addresses the underlying cause. Decent jobs paying good wages and benefits would go a long way towards getting us off the debt track. Government policy has been in direct opposition to that since the days of Reagan, Thatcher and Mulroney. Not that we aren’t partially to blame. Rampant consumerism has many of us spending well beyond our means. Long ago, spending began to encompass wants and not just needs. Blame it on marketing, perhaps. Blame it on media images of lifestyles many of us now aspire to, with luxuries rather than just comforts. But our idea of middleclass living has expanded beyond what the previous generation would recognize as such. We’re also to blame for succumbing to the lure of easy credit. Banks and other financial institutions have made a killing by catering to our ever-growing desires, even as, in more recent years, credit has
The Elmira Kiwanis Club
been used to keep us afloat … in something resembling the style to which we’ve become accustomed. And as we spent more, consumerism became an even larger part of the economy, especially as good manufacturing jobs disappeared in favour of retail and other lowpaying work – Canada lost nearly 322,000 manufacturing jobs from 2004 to 2008, with more than one in seven positions disappearing. Ironically, the massive influx of cheap imported goods – particularly the ever-cheaper electronic toys we covet – helped us maintain the illusion of middle-class buying power. More ironically still, in the midst of the economic collapse caused by the financial services sector and government deregulation, we were encouraged to spend, spend, spend our way out of the recession. So, yes, we have to shoulder some of the blame for the current personal debt load. But it’s really underlying government policy – read corporate priorities – that bears most of the responsibility. Free trade. Deregulation. Outsourcing. Tax shelters. Corporate welfare. Privatization. Social service cuts. Each piece has been a step away from the kind of social contract we saw in the postwar boom years. As Montreal-based professors Yvan Allaire (Concordia) and Mihaela Firsirotu (Université du Québec à Montréal) note, much of the decline we see today is the result of
'Twas the week before Christmas in St. Clements
JOIN THE CONVERSATION.
PHOTOS
• Brubacher Shoes • C.H. Soehner Insurance • Allan Poffenroth and Paul Robb • Cross Country Concrete • Dreisinger Funeral Home Ltd. • Dundee Wealth Mgmt. John Chapman & Mark Wemp • Elmira B.I.A. • Elmira Eyewear • Elmira Foodland • Elmira Pet Products • Farmers Plus • Josslin Insurance Brokers • McKee Farm Technologies • P.I.B. Insurance Brokers • Resurfice Corp • Sanyo Canadian Machine Works • Sulco Chemicals • VHF Construction Ltd. • Calla Studio • Voisin Motors
» KATIE EDMONDS
Would like to thank the following Community minded business who so generously assisted us to make the 2010 Santa Claus Parade a Tremendous success. • Unique Coffee • Gale Presbyterian Church • Haney, Haney & Kendall • No Frills Food Store • Lyndon’s Landscaping • At The Crossroads Family Restaurant • Bank of Montreal, Elmira • Bridgeland Terminals Ltd. • Elmira Gift Outlet • Elmira Lions Club • Good Auto Parts • M&G Millwrights Ltd. • Martin Mills Inc. • McDonalds Restaurants • Royal Canadian Legion BR 469 • Shoppers Drug Mart • T.D. Canada Trust, Elmira • Waters & Hastings, Lawyers
incremental changes made in the last few decades, most of them sold to us as good for the economy, but in reality benefitting only a few to the detriment of the rest. “It is the story of how our economic system fell under the tutelage of financial markets. Misguided policies fostered by moneyed interests and the credo of market fundamentalism have produced an economic system that is unjust, short-sighted and prone to bubbles, abuses, and fiascos,” they write in their recent book Black Markets ... and Business Blues: The Man-made Crisis of 2007-2009 and the Road to a New Capitalism. “The current design of the system features incentives linked to short-term performance, unregulated markets for all sorts of esoteric financial products, constant pressure on exchange-listed companies to deliver growing stock prices, a market for mobile executive talent, a ‘winner-take-all, loserbe-shamed reward system.’” Yes, we need to get our personal finances under control. But the bulk of the blame lies with the greedy, short-term thinking that drives the corporate world and its political supporters of all stripes. Until we start reversing that mindset, beginning with more effective regulations, we’ll have a hard time halting the decline of the middle class. And our finances will continue to suffer.
FESTIVE CHEER Cheryl Bechthold and Mar Kipfer flash a smile to the
crowd from the back of the Charlie Bechthold’s Trucking float while dozens of local residents lined Herrgott Road Dec. 18 to watch the St. Clements Santa Claus Parade.
Dyer: No peace in forseeable future >
CONTINUED FROM PG. 11 Increasingly, there is no consensus on the Palestinian side either, with many people losing faith in the very idea of a “twostate solution.” The only reason that a fake “peace process”
continues is because the United States needs it to reconcile its huge emotional investment in Israel with its concrete financial and strategic interests in the Arab countries. Is this an unsustainable situation? Not at all; it has lasted
more than a decade already. It could last for several more, with occasional interruptions by further Israeli punishment attacks on south Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. It cannot go on forever, of course, but forever is a long, long time.
THE OBSERVER
» Saturday, December 25, 2010
13 BUSINESS
BUSINESS
New owners continue down the path set by Robert Cooke
READY TO ROLL Ground Force
Ground Force retains Elmira-based trucking company’s name as it deals with the transition following tragedy
project manager Kristin Kent with the newest truck to bear the Robert Cooke name.
he papers have been signed and what was once Robert Cooke Trucking is now a part of a larger environmental site remediation company, Ground Force, but new owners are hoping that customers won’t even notice the change. Robert Cooke Trucking was an Elmira-based, family-run business that provided bins for waste disposal to millwrights and other manufacturing companies for the past 20 years. Owner Robert Cooke had been in discussion with Ground Force owner Dan Forsyth about the possibility of a purchase before he died suddenly in June of this year. Cooke, 67, was directing a fork-
Everything that’s fit to print...
Plus a whole lot www.
cessful over the years, so the way it happened made it even harder.” Following Cooke’s death, the shares of the business went to his wife, who helped to ease the transition for the staff at Ground Force. Originally, the plan was for Forsyth and his company to purchase Robert Cooke Trucking and incorporate it into their larger business model. Prior to the merger, Ground Force, a company
that just started up in 2009, rented bins from a company like Cooke’s in order to transport contaminated soils or other materials from a waste site. Now, with the machinery they received from Cooke, they are able to be self sustaining with their materials. They plan to keep the company’s name for the time being. “Joining with Robert Cooke Trucking was a re-
ally good fit for us,” said Ground Force project manager Kristin Kent. “What he did was another side of the waste industry that we are in. We want to continue to provide that good service that he did and then add a few services for the customers as well.” In addition to providing bins for the removal of waste, Ground Force will implement the cleanup of a contaminated site and perform the necessary actions to get the area back to its original
> SEE COOKE ON PG. 14 » KATIE EDMONDS
T
lift at Advance Millwrights when he was struck and killed by a piece of scrap metal. “The way that it all happened was very tough,” said Forsyth of the business takeover. “Bob and I had made the deal for us to buy the company on the Friday and he passed away on the Monday. It’s already an emotional process to buy a company from a family who has built something from the ground up. They did everything they could to make it so suc-
PHOTOS
Katie Edmonds
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BUSINESS 14
THE OBSERVER
» Saturday, December 25, 2010
Cooke: With acquisition, new firm makes foray into trucking business > CONTINUED FROM PG. 13
state. With the incorporation of Cooke’s equipment and client base, Ground Force plans to make the trucks available for hire and also roll out a new, computerized system for directing the trucks to their desired locations. In the future, the staff at Ground Force hope to expand to province-wide service with an even wider range of ser-
vices for their customers. “We have always had trucks of our own to do our own services – to move equipment back and forth to job sites, to haul contaminated soil, to haul gravel,” said Forsyth. “Everything that we deal with is heavy. We have never actually been in the trucking business per se, but we have always had trucks for our own business. This is the first time we have stepped
out of that to where we have had trucks that are out for hire, which is neat.” But despite the incorporation of the trucking company into the larger environmental clean-up umbrella, the maintenance of the Robert Cooke name and reputation are extremely important to Ground Force. “Robert Cooke was well known around here. He was in the business for 20 years,” said Forsyth. “He
PUBLIC NOTICE
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WELLESLEY TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Wellesley will hold a Public Meeting on the 15th day of February, 2011 at 6:45 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 4805 William Hastings Line, Crosshill, Ontario, to discuss the DRAFT Employment Lands Strategy for the Township of Wellesley.
Big meals can lead to big waste of food Food For Thought
On November 30, 2010, the Council of Township of Wellesley accepted the DRAFT Employment Lands Strategy for discussion purposes. The findings of the DRAFT Employment Lands Strategy strongly suggest that Wellesley Township does not have a sufficient supply of designated vacant employment lands to accommodate the Township’s forecasted employment growth. The recommendations outlined in the DRAFT Employment Lands Strategy all involve the expansion of a Settlement Area or the expansion of a Rural Employment Area. Proposals for Settlement Area or Rural Employment Area expansions involve amendments to the Township’s Official Plan and can only be applied for at the time of the Township-wide Official Plan Update. The DRAFT Strategy is the first stage of the Township-wide Official Plan Update process. The purpose of the PUBLIC meeting is to discuss the recommendations of the DRAFT Employment Lands Strategy. The public is welcome to submit comments/statements related to the DRAFT Employment Lands Strategy in either written or verbal form. Staff is available to consult with members of the public as requested during regular office hours. Copies of the DRAFT Employment Lands Strategy are available at the following locations: The Township Homepage - www.township.wellesley.on.ca The Township Office - 4639 Lobsinger Line, St. Clements Hawkesville Community Centre - 3521 Broadway St., Hawkesville Linwood Community Centre - 5271 Ament Line, Linwood St. Clements Community Centre - 1 Green St., St. Clements Wellesley Community Centre - 1000 Maple Leaf St., Wellesley Wellesley Public Library - 1137 Henry St., Wellesley St. Clements Public Library - 3605 Lobsinger Line, St. Clements Linwood Public Library - 5279 Ament Line, Linwood
Dated at the Township of Wellesley this 20th day of December, 2010. Susan Duke, CAO / Clerk 4639 Lobsinger Line, RR 1, St. Clements, ON N0B 2M0 PH: 519.699.4611 FX: 519.699.4540 Please see key map showing the proposed Employment Lands of the DRAFT Employment Lands Strategy: Existing Settlement Boundary Proposed Settlement Boundary Proposed Employment Lands
was honest and that’s why we hooked up with him, because he had the same values that we did. "Bob was also really proud of his equipment, and shortly after we purchased the company we bought a brand new truck. I really wish he could have been around to see that because I know he would have been proud to have had his name right there on the side.”
Owen Roberts
I
n many North American households, the Christmas-New Year’s holiday is synonymous with excess. Sometimes that excess is right in front of us, piled high on our dinner plate. And if our eyes are bigger than our stomach, the food ends up as waste. The George Morris Centre, a Guelph-based agri-food think tank, says consumers are the major source of what it estimates to be $27 billion worth of wasted food every year. That figure is so big it equals the total amount spent by Canadians in restaurants. And that makes its authors reel. In a hard-hitting report, Food Waste in Canada, they note that like the rest of the world, Canada invests enormous resources in seeking ways to feed a growing population, through increased production. And why not? The dire warnings of billions more people on the planet, particularly in underdeveloped nations, and the need to double food production rings in everyone’s ears. It’s pushing the entire industry to consider how to feed them, or help them feed themselves. But, says the centre, far fewer resources are invested in making more effective use of the food already produced. Food that finds its way to landfill and composting creates unnecessarily high levels of carbon and methane. More effectively managing the food already being produced would significantly benefit our economy and the environment, it says. In the report, farmers are fingered for being part of an inefficient value chain. The report says risk management programs and varied marketing regulations alter farmers’ needs to respond to market signals. “Many continue producing what they’ve always produced, in the same
way they’ve always produced it,” says the report. “At the same time, many producers who wish to change how they produce and market their products are prevented or discouraged from doing so by less progressive elements of the current system, or current policies and legislation.” The report says this leads to a focus on sectors and commodities, rather than products and processes, which invariably results in unnecessary costs and waste. Food processing takes a hit, too. For example, the centre claims inefficient meat processing – inconsistency in carcass composition and production systems – adds 10 per cent to the end price of meat. When it comes to fruit, it says 75 per cent of raspberries can be lost by the time they gets to retailers, and one-quarter of all Ontario peaches. But the centre aims most of its criticism for food waste at consumers. In fact, just over half of food waste originates from items thrown away in Canadian homes. The main problem is overcooking or preparing too much, not using the food in time, and a lack of confidence to use leftovers. According to the report, refrigerated storage food is the biggest culprit: fresh or raw meat and fish, ready meals, dairy products, fruit and vegetables and pre-prepared foods. Efforts are being made to help consumers be more efficient. For example, research is underway to create a smart phone feature that would give shoppers leftover ideas right onsite. So, in the grocery store, before you bought the club pack, family pack or whatever quantity that you knew would exceed the size of your next meal, you could figure out some leftover possibilities on the spot. And if they didn’t look appealing, maybe you’d chose something smaller, less likely to rot in the refrigerator or get tossed. The bottom line is that waste in the system drives up the price. Cost is often why we buy bigger packages. But if it ends up in the trash, what’s the point?
THE OBSERVER
» Saturday, December 25, 2010
15 LIVING HERE
PHOTOS
» KATIE EDMONDS
LIVING HERE
Set the tone right this New Year Get healthy Stay healthy
including edge work, gliding and turns and then she will perform her dance solo, a routine choreographed to ‘My Heart Will Go On’ from the Titanic soundtrack. She is looking forward to the solo as the most exciting part of the experience. “I like the pretty dresses,” she said with a laugh, when asked what it is about skating that she loves.
> SEE SKATING ON PG. 17
> SEE FITNESS ON PG. 18
Natalie Stevanus practices her routine on a pond at the family’s farm near Bloomingdale. She’ll be competing at the Special Olympics Provincial Winter Games next month.
Bloomingdale skater tapped for Special Olympics Natalie Stevanus will compete in next month’s provincial winter games Katie Edmonds
N
atalie Stevanus loves to dance. Although her favourite music is by Shania Twain, basically any song with a good beat will get her to the dance floor. “When we go to weddings,” said her mother Linda from their Bloomingdale home, “She is up dancing from the beginning to the very, very end.” So it came as no surprise
to Linda that figure skating came naturally to Natalie when she began the sport nine years ago. Natalie, 26, has Down syndrome, but thanks to her perseverance and dedication to the sport, on Jan. 20, Natalie will be joining more than 400 athletes and coaches from across Ontario who will gather in Thunder Bay to compete in the 2011 Special Olympics Provincial Winter Games. A member of the Woolwich Skating Club, she
was the only skater in the region to qualify for the event. “We got a call from the Special Olympics head office and they invited Natalie to provincials,” said coach Jessica Gingrich. “We were ecstatic and she was so excited. This will be my first time at a provincial level competition too, so the excitement is contagious.” While at the competition, Stevanus will be tested on a number of skating elements
P
lanning on some New Year’s resolutions? You’re not alone. Most, if not all of us will make some commitment to ourselves when the New Year rolls around. It might take the form of, “this year I’m going to transform my personal finances,” “I’m going to join a gym,” “start a healthy nutrition program,” “lose weight,” “run a marathon” or “I’m going to become super successful in my career.” Regardless of what it is, you’re likely to pledge some kind of change. I share this from the perspective that it’s easy to simply state an “I am going to” or an “I will” – most of us have the noblest of intentions in following through with them. What I’ve found in the past five years of coaching clients to better health and wellness is that it works best to have a “theme” for the year. I’ve set my personal and professional theme again for 2011 as “Back to the Basics.” Last year, I actually had the same theme and it proved to be very successful for me – so I’m doing it again. As the great ones have always said: The way you do anything, is the way you do everything! After spending a few hours reflecting on what didn’t work very well and what worked really well in 2010, I came to this simple conclusion: it’s all about the basics. That is, the foundational principles or the core practices that we know are essential for us to undertake in order for our intentions to come to life. Life does get busy – and I know that everyone reading this can relate to that. It happens to us all: we get busy, we let life lead our decisions instead of us taking hold of the steering wheel and taking ownership and responsibility for what we would like to create with our lives. If you’re looking to get stay on track as you tackle your resolutions, I’ll leave you with
GETTING READY
LIVING HERE 16
THE OBSERVER
» Saturday, December 25, 2010
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Having a New Year’s Eve get-together? We’ve got an app or two for that I
f your plan this year is to stay home and ring in the New Year with family and friends, then chances are you need a couple of fabulous appetizer ideas to start the year off with a bang! The Beef Welly Bites can be assembled ahead of time and then popped in the oven before eating. We’ve made them using PC Frozen Butter Puff Pastry, which works a whole lot better than pastry made with vegetable shortening. The Chili-Lime Shrimp is excellent hot or cold – watch these be devoured. We use about a teaspoon of chili-garlic sauce, sometimes called sambal oelik, that can be found in the Asian section of most grocery stores. We love this sauce because it adds both flavour and heat to the dish. Both appetizers make two dozen. Happy New Year! Pre-heat oven to 425 F; Slice the rib-eye steak into cubes, about 2 cm by 2 cm; sprinkle with salt and pepper; Cut puff pastry into squares, 3 cm by 3cm, or one sheet into 12 squares; top each square with a cube of beef; Brush egg wash on the sides of the pastry and ‘pinch’ pastry together at the top; Place on a parchment line baking sheet and bake until nicely browned, 8-10 minutes; Meanwhile, prepare sauce
From The Chef's Table Kirstie Herbstreit & Jody O'Malley
Beef Welly Bites >>1 lb beef rib-eye steak, sirloin steak or striploin
>>Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper
>>2 sheets store-bought puff pastry, thawed, but cold (1 box of PC Butter Puff Pastry contains 2 sheets)
Heat oil with garlic in large sauté pan; Add shallots; sweat one minute; Add chili garlic sauce and shrimp; cook until just done (they have just turned pink and opaque); add lime juice for the last minute of cooking; Turn off heat and stir in butter and cilantro; serve hot or cold.
Chili-Lime Shrimp >>24 large (16/20) shrimp, thawed, peeled and de-veined
>>2 tbsp oil (for sautéing)
>>1 egg, lightly beaten
>>2 shallot, finely chopped
>>1 shallot, finely chopped
>>2 garlic clove, minced
>>1 tbsp butter
>>1 tsp (or more!) chili garlic sauce
>>1-1/2 tbsp whole-grain mustard >>Good splash of white wine >>1/2 cup 35% cream >>Arugula or mixed greens (for platter)
(Lee Kum Kee Brand, for example)
>>juice of 2 limes >>salt and pepper to taste >>1-2 tbsp cold butter >>1/2 loose cup of cilantro, chopped
by sautéing the shallot in butter until soft; Add mustard and wine and cook for 2 minutes; add cream and then reduce by half; Plate Beef Welly Bites on platter on top of greens; drizzle with sauce or serve on the side in a small dish.
>>Chefs Kirstie Herbstreit and Jody O’Malley
are both Red Seal certified chefs. Together they run the company YouCanCook2 and The Culinary Studio. You can also find them cooking at Entertaining Elements in St. Jacobs,where they hold private dinners for eight people. To contact the chefs, visit their website www.theculinarystudio.ca.
Skating: Excited to be headed to Thunder Bay > CONTINUED FROM PG. 15
“When we first saw a skating competition, Natalie just loved it but there was no skating in town anywhere,” said Linda. “We tried to get her into speed skating, but Natalie was having nothing to do with it; she liked the pretty costumes.” Stevanus will be competing on the provincial stage and, if successful, might also get the opportunity to represent Ontario at the 2012 Special Olympics National Winter Games in St. Albert, Alberta, a prospect that is both exciting and daunting. “I get nervous,” explained Natalie, who excelled at the qualifying round in Alliston, Ontario last year. Her family’s scrapbook is filled with skating memorabilia, ribbons, first-place results and accolades are testaments to the fact that her nerves never get the better of her when she gets out onto the ice, and that her family, friends and coaches will be supporting her throughout the process.
» KATIE EDMONDS
cials...
17 LIVING HERE
PHOTO
THE OBSERVER
HAVE SKATES, WILL TRAVEL Natalie Stevanus says she gets nervous in advance of competitions, but a long list of prizes shows that’s she’s able to overcome those butterflies when it’s time to get out on the ice.
LIVING HERE 18
THE OBSERVER
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 , & , & / ( = , ( :
/ & + 0 + ' 9 0 $ 1 * ( 5 1 %
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> SOLUTIONS: Find the answers to all of the puzzles on pg. 31
1 . , ( ( 5 8 6 $ / ( 0 6 5
ACROSS 1. Bluenose 5. A hard nonresilient rubber formed by vulcanizing natural rubber 10. Objective male pronoun, 12. Kind of kick 14. 100 qintars 15. To a higher intensity 16. Wild goat of mountain areas having large recurved horns 20. Nonprofessionals 21. A public promotion of some product or service 22. The property of having the thickness of heavy cream 24. Anita Brookner’s “Hotel du ___� 25. Flight segment 27. St. Anthony, notably 28. The dressed hairy coat of a mammal 29. Advil target 31. Free from evil or guilt 33. Ill-suited 35. Ignition of a substance resulting from an internal oxidation process 40. Freetown currency unit 41. Coordinate 42. “Dig in!� 43. “Them� 44. Actor Arnold 45. King or queen, e.g. 46. Around the bend 47. Decorated, as a cake 48. x, y or z 49. Informal term for a mother 50. Photo 51. Quip, part 3 54. A master’s degree in arts and sciences 56. Ballet move 57. ___-bodied 59. A long, long time 60. A woman’s dress, usually with a close-fitting bodice and long flared skirt, 61. Astern 62. Victorian, for one 63. “I� problem 66. Jupiter, e.g. 70. Show place 73. The continuous flow of ideas that constitute an individual’s conscious experience 80. Leg part 81. Suitable for riding
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82. Advance, slangily 83. Container weight 84. Balances 86. Male goat 88. “Walking on Thin Ice� singer 89. Soak in marinade 91. A card or badge used to identify the bearer 92. Has a traditional meal 94. A special type 95. Have the quality of being 96. ___ Dee River 97. Floodgate 98. An associate degree in nursing 99. attitude that society should be governed by an elite group 100. Caused or enabled to go or be conveyed or transmitted
DOWN 1. The use of psychological tactics to destroy the opponents’ morale 2. Backboard attachment 3. Bad day for Caesar
4. Any of various plants of the family Gentianaceae 5. “Seinfeld� gal 6. A room used primarily for sleeping 7. Expresses agreement or acceptance 8. Ask, as for aid 9. A fencing sword similar to a foil but with a heavier blade 10. Amerada ___ (Fortune 500 company) 11. Cousin of -trix 12. Leaf of the talipot palm used in India for writing paper 13. Civil rights org. 16. I am 17. A blow with the fist 18. Indigenous Canadian 19. A debt instrument issued by a bank 22. Spiral shell 23. Caribbean cruise stop 26. “Green Gables� girl 27. Amount to make do with 30. An injection of a liquid through the anus to stimulate
evacuation; sometimes used for diagnostic purposes 32. Nod, maybe 34. Cashew, e.g. 36. In the direction of 37. Objective form of “I� 38. Exude 39. Call for 44. Checker, perhaps 45. Actor Alastair 46. Breach 52. Covet 53. Harvest goddess 55. Checkers, e.g. 56. Gets smart 57. Long, long time 58. Imperfectly crystallized or coarse diamonds 63. Australian runner 64. Wound by piercing with a sharp or penetrating object or instrument 65. Connects a noun with the preceding word 66. “Nothing ___!� 67. Aims
Fitness: Have a plan in place this exercise: start by setting your theme, and then list all the benefits that you will receive by following through with your intentions. Some of my basics: Getting up between 5-6 a.m. to have some “Barney time;� remembering to “breathe deep� during the day; exercising, as it nourishes my body, three to five times per week (sometimes just walking); eating clean,
> CONTINUED FROM PG. 15
healthy, nourishing home-cooked meals; making time to write in my personal/professional journal; reevaluating how I’m spending the hours of my day. Bridge the gap between knowing and doing ‌ and then watch what happens! There’s a great Chinese quote to remember: “Before mastery, chop wood and carry water. After mastery, chop wood and carry water.â€? Stew on that for a while!
68. “It’s no ___!� 69. A contagious skin infection caused by the itch mite; 70. Cost to cross 71. Of something totally lacking in saturation and therefore having no hue 72. The 9th letter of the Roman alphabet 74. Like “The X-Files� 75. Change, as the Constitution 76. One of a series of rounded projections 77. Footnote word 78. ___ boom 79. Backgammon piece 83. Mountain pool 85. Sensation, slangily 87. Its motto is “Lux et veritas� 89. “Dilbert� cartoonist Scott Adams has one: Abbr. 90. To the same degree 93. 252 wine gallons 96. The 16th letter of the Greek alphabet
HOLIDAY HOURS
The Observer will be closed at 4 p.m. on December 23, 2010 and we will be re-opening for regular business hours on January 3, 2011.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! IN PRINT. ONLINE. IN PICTURES. IN DEPTH. www.
.com
» Saturday, December 25, 2010
19 SPORTS
SPORTS
THE OBSERVER
Comeback Kings make it three for three going into the break After strong victories in Kitchener and Listowel, Elmira showed grit in OT win over Hurricanes he Elmira Sugar Kings have something to smile about as they go into the Christmas holiday: the team won all three of their games last week. First they went on the road to beat Kitchener 5-0, and then trumped the Listowel Cyclones in their own barn 8-4, before making a major comeback to beat the Guelph Hurricanes 6-5 in overtime. The winning streak has left the Kings in second place in third place in the Midwestern Conference of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League. Tuesday night, Dec. 14, in Kitchener saw great performances by Andrew Smith, who started the game off with two goals, Josh MacDonald, who registered a natural hat-trick, scoring the Kings’ last three goals of the game, and Nick Horrigan, who stopped all 33 of the shots he faced for his third shutout of the season. Throughout the game Elmira played hard and jumped on the chances they got. The
psyche,” said coach Geoff Haddaway of the win. The Kings’ last game before the break on Dec. 19 was one for the fans. The hometown team pulled off an electric comeback from a 5-1 deficit to win in spectacu-
» KATIE EDMONDS
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powerplay as clicking, scoring three times on eight chances. The game three days later versus Listowel was a wild one, with 12 goals scored between both teams, but Elmira’s firepower was too much for the Cyclones. With an explosive first period that saw four Elmira goals, two by player of the game Spencer MacCormack, who had four goals and an assist at the end of 60 minutes. With Elmira enjoying such a large lead heading out of the first period, Listowel couldn’t catch up. They traded a few goals in the second period before Elmira went five up with MacCormack fourth goal of the night to leave the second period 7-2. The Kings played well both on even strength and with the man advantage, scoring four of their goals on the powerplay. “Listowel has beaten us the last couple of times – once in their rink and once in our rink – so for us to go up there and get two points was important for us, for our team
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Katie Edmonds
lar fashion in overtime, 6-5, against the Guelph Hurri-
canes. “From the audience’s perspective it was exciting for sure,” said Haddaway. “It was probably the best and worst
KINGS RALLY FROM BEHIND
Lukas Baleshta tries to steal the puck from a Guelph player. Baleshta finished the game with two assists as the Kings came back to win 6-5 in OT.
of Junior B hockey all in one game.” The win gave the players and the nearly 900 fans in attendance something to cheer
about as they headed off into the holidays, talking excitedly about hero performances
> SEE KINGS ON PG. 20
Jacks split final two games before Christmas
T
he Wellesley Applejacks will only get a week’s holiday from play during Christmas, but coach Kevin Fitzpatrick says it is a much needed break as a number of teammates are off the ice with injury or illness. This last week’s play saw the team lose to the Tavistock Braves 7-4 and then beat the Burford Bulldogs at home, 4-1. The game Dec. 17 in Tavistock was a wild one, with both teams combining for 11 goals. Overall, Tavistock was too much for the Jacks to handle. Other than a quick first-period goal by Wellesley’s Matt Aspden, the team was catch-
ing up for the rest of the game. Ultimately, the Braves’ effective powerplay (three goals in five chances) put Wellesley too far behind. Tavistock had more shots, more scoring opportunities, and capitalized on them more often. “It sounds like an excuse, but between illness and exams, we just didn’t really stand a chance,” said Fitzpatrick. “By the end of the game we had only 13 guys in the lineup.” By the following day, the Jacks’ luck had turned around. This game provided quite the workout for the goalten-
> SEE JACKS ON PG. 22
PHOTO
Katie Edmonds
» KATIE EDMONDS
Team can use the break to heal long list of injuries before resuming play Wednesday
STINGY AROUND THE NET A puck bounces toward the net, but Jacks goaltender Jordan Bauman keeps an eye on it during last Saturday’s 4-1 win at home over Burford.
SPORTS 20
THE OBSERVER
» Saturday, December 25, 2010
Finding your way when you really, really have to go Steve Galea to misinterpretation and therefore dangerous if they’ve had more than one cup of coffee en route. Instead, I’ll just hand them my GPS and the Quick-User Guide and tell them that all they need to do is follow the navigational arrow and preset route until they arrive at waypoint one, the washroom. From there, of course, they’ll need to use some initiative to look around and find the toilet – although because of the incredible accuracy of this thing I am considering making that waypoint two and the toilet paper holder waypoint three. I’m still debating this, however, since it is within arm’s reach of the toilet. But that’s beside the point. For the most part, because of my foresight, they will have arrived safely at the washroom – which, my GPS tells me is a 23-second trip given a normal walking pace and 12 seconds if you have consumed more than two cups of coffee. When you think about it, it’s hard to believe that we lived this long without this satellite navigation technology. I mean, the old way to
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drive to get here from her new home in the U.S. She’s also not very well versed in GPS navigation so if this works with her, I can say, without a doubt, that the system is foolproof. Still, I’m not sure how this will turn out and since my place is carpeted from wall to wall, I’m a bit worried that I might have to help her by showing her where the on button is. I’m sure that my new GPS will have other, equally important uses too. But none, half as entertaining.
Kings: Charged-up team goes into Christmas holidays on a high note > CONTINUED FROM PG. 19 from Nick Horrigan, who kept the door shut in net for the last two periods, saving 30 of 32 shots fired at him, and Spencer MacCormack, who not only provided the game-tying goal, but also the game-winner on a breakaway in overtime. The first period was dominated by Guelph. The Hurricanes capitalized on their scoring opportunities, Elmira’s giveaways, and some favourable bounces. Within the first 14 minutes of play, Guelph scored five goals, in all types of ways: one on the powerplay, two short-handed goals, and two at even strength. Being down four goals this early in the game, and with Elmira playing on their heels, it seemed like defeat was inevitable. “We thought it was important to get off to a good start but the things we focused on on Friday just weren’t working on Sunday,” said Haddaway. “We made the goalie change in the first period and it’s a little unfair to make a goalie change that early. I am not blaming Matt Smith at all, even though it looks like I am. You have to do that for the sake of the team, just to express the urgency of the situation.” A spark of hope of a comeback ignited with four minutes left in the first period, with Jarred Parent’s even strength goal which put some needed wind back into Elmira’s sails. A very active first period left Elmira with a big hole to fill, down 5-2. “If we won the second period, I thought me might have a chance,” said the coach. “I thought as the game went on, Guelph might tire a bit – it was their third game in less than three days.” The second period saw a much stronger home team determined to make a game out of this one-sided battle. With great pressure throughout the period, throwing 16 shots on net, they were able to close the gap by two more goals courtesy of Andrew Smith and Josh Woolley, bringing them within one with 20 minutes to go. The Kings took no time to tie it up in the third frame, with a powerplay goal by MacCormack making it 5-5. With lots of scoring opportunities at both ends, the goalies kept the door shut. Regulation time ended with the score still deadlocked.
» KATIE EDMONDS
Not-So-Great Outdoorsman
give directions to the washroom – and by that I mean providing a compass, roughly rendered map, and bearings – was hardly practical. And hiring a guide to get your company safely there and back was, well, awkward to say the least. No one really knew how much to tip. I can hardly wait to try this new technology on my sister the next time that she visits. She’s actually the perfect candidate, since she’s never been to my new place and has a weak bladder and a 10-hour
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hristmas round here came a bit early and – probably because Santa’s watched me fumble around in the bush – I found a brand new GPS under the tree. Quite frankly, the way I get lost, it’s lucky that I found the tree. For an outdoorsman, a brand new GPS is as good as it gets. These units help you find tree stands, fishing hot spots, duck blinds and other things you left out there that you were sure you could find again. More importantly, they help get you home again. This, of course, can only happen if you learn how to use it. And that’s no easy thing to any of us older than 30. After all, when we say digital, we’re generally referring to our upcoming appointment with the proctologist. Still, if you commit to reading the manual and practicing with the thing, you can become quite proficient with them in no time. And this practice doesn’t need to be boring or useless either. In fact, I’ve actually put my GPS to good use by marking the important locations in my house for visitors. The washroom, for instance, is waypoint one. Now, when someone comes into my house after a very long drive and asks where the washroom is, they don’t have to listen to my complicated verbal directions, which are open
IN TIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING
Josh Woolley prepares to check Guelph’s Tim Halloran into the end boards during the Dec. 19 match at the WMC. The overtime was just as exciting, as there was plenty of open ice with just four skaters aside. Eventually, a setup pass from Woolley to a streaking MacCormack gave him a clear-cut breakaway. With a great move to get the goalie to duck down, his backhand shot that went top-shelf capped the comeback story. “You don’t see Josh (Woolley)’s name on the scoreboard as much – probably not as much as he would like – but he plays such a valuable role for us,” said the coach, noting that Sunday’s game was the product of a solid team effort. “We have made up a little bit of ground in the standings but it’s tough. In our league, things are competitive and teams are playing threepoint games. With all these teams pushing it to overtime, it is tough to gain much ground but all you can do is worry about yourselves – how we play and what we do and the rest will take care of itself.” The Kings are taking a short break for the Christmas holiday and will play again on home ice Jan. 2 against Owen Sound. The puck drops at 7 p.m.
THE OBSERVER
» Saturday, December 25, 2010
21 SPORTS
SCORECARD TWIN CENTRE ATOM C - GIRLS
DEC. 19 Hericanes 1, Stratford 1 Goals: Kate Seip WOOLWICH ATOM C – GIRLS DEC. 19 Woolwich 3, Markham 0 Goals: Tegan Schaus x2, Alyssa Pogson (Nicole Snyder, Hannah Carr, Abi Burkholder) WOOLWICH PEEWEE C - GIRLS
DEC. 16 Woolwich 3, Ayr 0 Goals: Mikayla Weber x2, Nicole Merlihan (Megan Mathieson x2, Hannah Weber, Victoria Weber) Shutout: Cassie Mann DEC. 18 Woolwich 2, Wilmot 1 Goals: Hannah Weber, Taylor Duench (Victoria Weber, Morgan Douglas) DEC. 19 Woolwich 1, Zorra 1 Goals: Taylor Duench DEC. 20 Woolwich 3, Milverton Royals 1 Goals: Jaycee Kaufman, Taylor Duench (Morgan Douglas, Jaycee Kaufman) TWIN CENTRE NOVICE LL 1 - BOYS
DEC. 18 Twin Centre 10, Plattsville 0 Goals: Tyler Zyta x2, Kodie Gerber x2, Alex Kaufman x2, Devon Lee, Ben Belcourt, Sam Erb, Michael Hayes (Zach Lipczynski x4, Devon Lee x3, Tyler Zyta, Ben Belcourt, Kodie Gerber, Alex Erb, Will Edwards, Michael Hayes) Shutout: Aidan Lipczynski WOOLWICH NOVICE LL 2 - BOYS
DEC. 18 Woolwich 4, Ayr 1 Goals: Nathan Taylor x3, Ben Fretz (Matthew Yorke)
WOOLWICH NOVICE LL 3 - BOYS
DEC. 4 Woolwich 13, Ayr 8 Goals: Cameron Martin x5, Cole Seabrook x3, Patrick Perry x2, Dante Del Cul, Nathan Curtis, Jordan Dickieson (Cole Seabrook x2, Jackson Dumart, Kieren Oberholzer, Caden Sellars, Dominic Roth) DEC. 12 Woolwich 5, Ayr 4 Goals: Cameron Martin x3, Nathan Curtis x2 (Seth Horst, Jackson Dumart, Jordan Dickieson, Dominic Roth) DEC. 18 Paris #3 4, Woolwich 0
BURLINGTON NOVICE MAJOR A - BOYS
DEC. 14 Woolwich 8, Burlington 1
Goals: Isiah Katsube x3, Mitchell Lee x2, Brett Allen, Spencer Young, Blake Roemer (Brett Allen x2, Trevor Ferretti, Michell Lee, Spencer Young, Blake Roemer, Isiah Katsube) DEC. 19 Woolwich 8, Guelph 1 Goals: Michell Lee x4, Connor Bradley x2, Trevor Ferretti, Blake Roemer (Keaton McLaughlin x2, Trevor Ferretti, Lucas Huber, Connor Bradley, Brady Brezynskie) TWIN CENTRE ATOM C - BOYS
DEC. 8 Woolwich 5, Twin Centre 1 Goals: Jade Lipczynski DEC. 11 Woolwich Wild 4, Ayr 0 Goals: x2 Johnny Wang, Travis Weber, Ryan Parrott (Kayden Zacharczuk, Kyle Deyell) Shutout: Bryce Dettweiler WOOLWICH ATOM LL 1 - BOYS
DEC. 18 Ayr 3, Woolwich 1 Goals: CJ Sider
Milverton 2, Woolwich 0
WOOLWICH ATOM LL 2 - BOYS
Woolwich 5, Guelph 1 Goals: Riley Runstedler x 2, Daniel Carr, Matthew MacDonald, Garrett Reitzel (Austin Whittom x2, Nolan McLaughlin x 2, Garrett Reitzel, Cade Schaus, Liam Hartman, Cole Altman) Woolwich 5, Brampton 2 Goals: Sammy Huber, Riley Runstedler, Liam Hartman, Cade Schaus, Chase Mooder (Nolan McLaughlin x 2, Chase Mooder, Garrett Reitzel, Brad Hale, Jordan Lee) WOOLWICH PEEWEE LL #1 - BOYS
DEC. 18 Woolwich #1 4, Woolwich #2 1 Goals: Luke Charter x2, Nathan Horst, Will Mewhiney (Nick Campagnolo x3, Noah Rawlinson, Arron Logan, Luke Charter)
WOOLWICH MINOR PEEWEE A - BOYS
DEC. 18 Woolwich 3, Paris 1 Goals: Devin William x2, Hayden Fretz (Devin Williams, Jacob Wiseman, Samuel Sabean) WOOLWICH ATOM LL 3 - BOYS
DEC. 10 Woolwich 1, Brampton 1 Goals: Owen Read (Sheldon Metzger, Ryan Kieswetter) DEC. 18
DEC. 11 Woolwich 4, Ayr 0 Goals: Johnny Wang x2, Travis Weber, Ryan Parrott (Kayden Zacharczuk, Kyle Deyell) Shutout: Bryce Dettweiler DEC. 18 Woolwich 2, Tavistock 1 Goals: Hunter Schmitt, Corbin Kaufman (Nathan Kocher, Johnny Wang) WOOLWICH MINOR ATOM A - BOYS
DEC. 18 Woolwich 13, Hespeler 0 Goals: Brody Waters x3, Sam Davidson x3, Mackenzie Willms, Connor Bradley, Mitch Lee, Eli Baldin, Justin Taylor, Griffen Rollins, Seth Morrison (Lukas Shantz x3, Mitch Lee x3, Mackenzie Willms x2, Sam Davidson x2, Connor Bradley x2, Brody Waters, Jake Code, Justin Taylor, Griffen Rollins) Shutout: Riley Demers & Simon Huber
NOV. 22
DEC. 11
Paris 6, Woolwich 3 Goals: Ryan Diemert, Luke Charter, Nathan Horst (Terry Chau, Jeff Talbot, Will Mewhiney, Adam Elliot, Nick Campagnolo)
DEC. 18
WOOLWICH MAJOR ATOM A - BOYS
Woolwich 2, Caledon 1 Goals: Austin Whittom, Cole Altman
DEC. 20
WOOLWICH ATOM C – BOYS
Woolwich 2, Burlington 2 Goals: Lukas Shantz, Josh Martin (Brody Waters)
DEC. 10
DEC. 15
WOOLWICH ATOM LL #3 - BOYS
DEC. 19
Woolwich 2, Burlington 1 Goals: Riley Runstedler, Cade Schaus (Garrett Reitzel, Matthew MacDonald, Cade Schaus, Liam Hartman)
Woolwich 2, Hespeler 2 Goals: Connor Martin, Jacob Uridil (Ryan Kieswetter x2) DEC. 19 Woolwich 5, Brampton 2 Goals: Keegan Saunders, Mitch Waters, Connor Martin, Jacob Uridil, Tyson Bender (Keegan Saunders x2, Jacob Uridil, Jonah Boehm, Ryan Kieswetter, Daniel Gallant) WOOLWICH PEEWEE AE
DEC. 15 Woolwich 10, Flamborough 1 Goals: Jake Lewis x3, Aaron Weigel x3, James Cooper x2, Gareth Rowland, Alex Taylor (Tyler Martin x2, Gareth Rowland x2, Aaron Weigel x2, Alex Taylor x2, Mitchell Rempel, James Cooper, Chace McCallum, Cameron Brown) DEC. 17 Woolwich 2, Hespeler 0 Goals: Nathan Schwarz, Jake Lewis (Tyker Martin, Brett Henry) Shutout: Ryan Conrad DEC. 19 Woolwich 3, Dundas 3 Goals: Aaron Weigel, Benton Weber, Nathan Schwarz (Nathan Schwarz, Aaron Weigel, Gareth Rowland, Mitchell Rempel)
WOOLWICH MAJOR PEEWEE - BOYS
DEC. 14 Hespeler 4, Woolwich 2 Goals: Connor Bauman, Mathieu Fife (Greg Huber x2) DEC. 16 Centre Wellington 4, Woolwich 1 Goals: Connor Goss (Tyler Moser, Ryan Kieswetter) WOOLWICH BANTAM LL #2 - BOYS
DEC. 18 Ayr #1 3, Woolwich #2 1 Goals: Calvin Cressman (Jacob Cornwall, Nick Berlet) WOOLWICH BANTAM LL #3 - BOYS
DEC. 18TH Woolwich #3 4, Ayr 2 Goals: Josh Totzke x2 Austin Mole, Spencer Andersen (Jacob Dubue x2, Joseph Dubue, Austin Mole) WOOLWICH BANTAM AE - BOYS
DEC. 15 Flamborough 2, Woolwich 1 Goals: Tanner Horst (Connor Pierson) DEC. 18 Acton 4, Woolwich 3 Goals: Tanner Horst, Connor Pierson, Spencer Inglis (Evan Martin, Owen Griffiths, Nigel Baldin) DEC. 19 Woolwich 5, Dundas 2 Goals: Owen Griffiths x2, Jordan Shantz, Nigel Baldin, Spencer Inglis (Owen Griffiths, Tanner Horst, Connor Pierson, Nigel Baldin) WOOLWICH BANTAM MINOR A DEC. 18 Woolwich 3, Centre Wellington 2 Goals: Cole Lenaers, Grant Kernick, Jason Gamble (Garrett Schultz x2, Alex Uttley, Greg Huber) DEC. 19 Woolwich 2, Oakville 0 Goals: Grant Kernick, Harrison Clifford (Alex Uttley, Troy Nechanicky, Grant Kernick) Shutout: Jayden Weber DEC. 20 Woolwich 2, Caledon 0 Goals: Troy Nechanicky, Grant Kernick (Cole Lenaers, Harrison Clifford) Shutout: Carson Kyte WOOLWICH BANTAM MAJOR A - BOYS
DEC. 17 Woolwich 3, Guelph 3 Goals: Timmy Shuh Matt Lair Brady Erb (Johnny Clifford x2 Alex MacLean x3 Ryan Schinker) DEC. 18 Brampton 5, Woolwich 2 Goals: Johnny Clifford, Matt Lair (Brady Erb, Alex MacLean, Sebastian Lane, Adrian Gilles) DEC. 20 Woolwich 5, Hespeler 4 Goals: Alex MacLean x2, Alex White x2, Johnny Clifford (Alex MacLean x3, Matt Lair, Johnny Clifford, Alex White)
The EDSS girls’ hockey team was in action against the squad from Sir John A. MacDonald Dec. 16 at the WMC. Left, Lancer goalie Yi Wang gets a good look at a shot. Centre, Wang makes a save in the second period. Right, Kristen Kaster leads the attack in a second period shift.
PHOTOS
GAME ON
» JAMES JACKSON
EDSS girls take on SJAM in high school hockey action
SPORTS 22
THE OBSERVER
» Saturday, December 25, 2010
Up-close and personal with the Kings Katie Edmonds
FANS COM E IN A ft from Sug LL SIZES A tiny ar K
tot gets a li
PHOTOS
ing Ryan C
larkson.
MEET AND GREET Andrew Smith is surrounded by fans who were invited to skate with the Elmira Sugar Kings following last Sunday's home game at the Woolwich Memorial Centre.
A HEADS-UP PLAY Forward Cass Frey gets creative when
Jacks: Team on Christmas hiatus until Dec. 29 against Centennials > CONTINUED FROM PG. 19 ders at either end – both peppered with more than 40 shots. Wellesley’s Jordan Bauman stopping 51 of the 52 shots he faced. With Bauman’s exceptional play, Wellesley had the opportunity to go on the offense, converting on four of their 43 shots. The only one that got by Bauman did so eight minutes into the game. From that point forward, it was all Wellesley on the score sheet. They were able to tie up the game a few minutes later on a goal from Spencer Aspden on the powerplay. That tally was followed by one from Read Shantz less than two minutes later, putting the Applejacks ahead 2-1 going into the first intermission. Period-two was full of shots and penalties. With almost 20 shots faced at either end, both goaltenders played exceptionally well to keep their respective teams in the game. But the story of the second period was the never-ending string of penalties. With 28 minutes for infractions and two misconducts, most of the period was played with fewer than 10 skaters on the ice. The third period provided Wellesley the opportunities they needed to put this game away. Although they were outshot again, 18-15, they worked for quality, not quantity, as they capi-
» KATIE EDMONDS
finding places to sign his autograph.
fast and it was right there in front of me.” In addition to skating with the eager fans, the Kings signed autographs on game programs, hockey jerseys and helmets – staying on the ice until every fan had a chance to interact with them. “I think the event means a lot to everybody,” said Haddaway. “We get such great FACE TO FACE N support from the people in gets do etminder N wn on eye ick Horriga level with Elmira and the guys really some a his fans to n utographs. sign like being a part of the community.”
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lthough the Elmira Sugar Kings kept their fans on the edge of their seats during the course of a nail-biter of a game Sunday afternoon, some of the younger fans were itching for the match to end. Not because they were disinterested with the action, but because they knew that when the last buzzer sounded it was time for them to lace up their skates and take to the ice with the team. Some 60 children flooded the ice, eager to greet the Kings after their overtime win. Although they were still winded from the fastpaced play, the players welcomed their young fans with open arms. “I think the young people in Woolwich really look up to our guys,” said Coach Geoff Haddaway. “There is really no difference between an Elmira Sugar King and a Kitchener Ranger and a Toronto Maple Leaf in their eyes. When I think back when I was young and watching Junior hockey, those guys were ‘it’ to me. They looked so big and strong and
» KATIE EDMONDS
A
IN CONTROL Derek Lebold skates away from
Burford defender Jeremy Vanderheyden during last Saturday’s game. talized on two of their key scoring chances with goals from Josh Herd and Mark Hamilton. Those markers helped the Jacks put the game out of reach, as they were able to hold of the Bulldogs for a 4-1 victory. “We played pretty well against Burford,” said Fitzpatrick. “But none of the guys was complaining about not enough ice time. Right now we have four separated shoulders, a torn rotator cuff, a guy with torn ligaments in his ankle, a nasal infection, one with pneumonia and two with the flu. We’re ready for this break.” The Jacks play next at home Dec. 29 against Ayr. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
THE OBSERVER
» Saturday, December 25, 2010
23 ENTERTAINMENT
ENTERTAINMENT
Teen jazzes things up for Christmas
raditional Christmas carols are some of the most timeless musical pieces ever produced. For Elmira’s Maggie Wang, the songs were a natural choice for her first recording. Produced last month at AME Recording Studio’s in Kitchener, Wang’s CD, “Dreaming of Christmas,” comes in the wake of a performances that brought her to the public’s attention. Last year, at the age of 14, she was a finalist in the Faith FM Rising Star talent contest. Earlier this year, she won the Wellesley Idol singing competition. The CD is a jazz album that includes eight songs, ranging from the traditional favourites such as Silent Night and Let it Snow, to songs like How Many Kings and The Christmas Song. Wang first came to the attention of producer Andrew Horrocks after winning Wellesley Idol. “My dad took a voice recording of me singing jazz
in to Andy in November, and he agreed to help us out,” explained Wang. “I like the traditional jazz Christmas music by Diana Krall, that’s what I grew up on, so it just fit.” Unlike most albums, which are produced over a series of days, weeks, or even months, “Dreaming of Christmas” is the result of a one-day session in the recording studio. Wang, along with a five-piece jazz band, spent 10 gruelling hours in the studio to get the album done in time for Christmas. “It was fun but it was really tiring,” said Wang of her experience. “You couldn’t forget to keep drinking water. I drank about 10 or 11 bottles of water just to keep my voice fresh. “It was fun, it was tiring, but it was completely rewarding, for sure.” The result is a live album that features the feeling of spontaneity between Wang and the musicians that might get lost in an album produced over a longer timeframe.
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James Jackson
» JAMES JACKSON
Maggie Wang’s marathon recording session pays off with the release of her first CD
GIVING VOICE TO YULETIDE CLASSICS Elmira's Maggie Wang has more than just decorations to get her into the holiday spirit, thanks in large part to the release of her "Dreaming of Christmas" CD. “It was cool, because when you’re doing it live – especially with jazz – it just has a different feel. You can feel the connection between everyone in the studio. It was really cool to see.” Wang has been making a
few appearances over the holidays to spread the word about her album and to give live performances. She was at the Wellesley Tree of Light ceremony back on Dec. 10, as well as the Woodside Christmas banquet on Dec. 18.
It’s not too late to pick up a copy of her CD for this holiday season. They are available for sale at the Elmira Foodland, as well as at Elmira Sports, and you can also find her on iTunes by searching for “Mags.”
A show filled with the magic of Christmas
PHOTO
omewhere between digesting far too much turkey dinner and starting off a new year with far too much bubbly falls another holiday tradition: The Nutcracker ballet, which makes its usual Christmas week stop at Kitchener’s Centre In The Square Dec. 28. Having been well received since its introduction in 2008, The Ballet Jörgen production is set against a backdrop featuring the artistry of the Group of Seven. Those worldfamous images of the rural north make this a distinctly Canadian version of the traditional Christmas favourite. “It’s the traditional Nutcracker story, but set in a Canadian context,” explains Bengt Jörgen, artistic director of the Toronto-based company, noting the tale is versatile enough to be adapted, in this case moving from its German setting to the lakefront areas that inspired the artists who became the
» SUBMITTED
S
MAGIC MOMENTS
Dancers Hampus Gauffin and Tara Butler in a scene from The Nutcracker. Group of Seven. Klara and the Nutcracker Prince are still front and center, but inhabit a world that includes a wintry schoolhouse in Bisset, Ontario (a locale used by the artists) and the wetlands of Algonquin Park. It’s a Canadian landscape filled with snowflakes, Mounties, and charming woodland creatures. 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. “It’s a Northern Ontario feel to a very traditional ballet.” 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. For Jörgen, the production localizes the story but also makes it more compelling to audiences, especially to the children for whom the Nutcracker is their first exposure to ballet. With more action and more creatures, this version holds those youngsters’ attention. And the renowned imagery of the Group of Seven serves to captivate the adults, he notes. The Nutcracker, a Canadian Tradition takes to the stage for two performances Dec. 28 (2 and 7:30 p.m.) at the Centre in the Square. Tickets are $34$75, available from the box office by calling 578-1570 or online at www.centre-square. com.
CHRISTMAS CLASSIC
Klara and her soldier are central to the story of The Nutcracker. Ballet Jörgen presents two shows Dec. 28.
PHOTO
Steve Kannon
» SUBMITTED
Ballet Jörgen production of The Nutcracker is a local holiday tradition
ENTERTAINMENT 24
THE OBSERVER
» Saturday, December 25, 2010
The Observer office will be closed Fri. Dec. 24 and reopen on Tues. Jan. 4, 2011
20B Arthur St. N. Elmira | 519.669.5790
www.
.com
IN PRINT. ONLINE. IN PICTURES. IN DEPTH.
C
THE OBSERVER
» Saturday, December 25, 2010
25 CLASSIFIEDS
CLASSIFIEDS
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY SERVICE MANAGER ESM Farm Equipment Ltd. is seeking a dynamic individual for the position of service manager. A strong technical background, knowledge of agricultural equipment, administrative and customer relations skills are essential. Experience with New Holland equipment is preferred, however all qualified applicants will be considered. Please forward your resume in confidence to Neil Martin at the address below or email to: neil@esmfarmequipment.com Only applicants to receive interviews will be contacted. The successful candidate will be remunerated with a competitive wage and benefits package.
Requires
Requires
Drivers & Helpers
Warehouse /Yard Person
• Must be physically fit, neat appearance. • Full-time with benefits. • License required.
• Must be physically fit, able to work outdoors. • Forklift License. • Lots of hours.
Apply in person with resumé to Dan at:
Apply in person with resumé to Dan at:
66 Schaefer Street, Waterloo OR Fax 519-747-5810
66 Schaefer Street, Waterloo OR Fax 519-747-5810
“Serving Agriculture Since 1938”
P.O. Box 43, Line 86, Wallenstein, ON N0B 2S0
519.669.5176
HELP WANTED
>>D r i v e r / S h o v e l l e r.
Responsible, reliable driver needed for growing property maintenance company. Must be willing to work on call 24-7 during winter season. Competitive wages. Must have full G license with clean drivers abstract. Duties include transporting entire sidewalk crew and equipment with truck and enclosed trailer and shoveling and salting sidewalks. Must work well with others, experience in this line of work is necessary. May lead to year-round position for the right applicant. Please fax resume to 519-669-9819.
>>Looking for domestic help, 15 hours per week, for small family. Includes some cooking and laundry. For more information call 519885-0576
We get you
Results.
COMPUTERS - LAPTOPS
Sales and Service
TRAINING & LESSONS
>>Give the Gift of Music
this Christmas! Guitar & Bass Lessons, Musical Instruments & Accessories. Gift Certificates available. Call 519 -669-5885.
CHILD CARE REQUIRED
>>Live Out Nanny needed
in Conestogo. September 2011 start, Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Great kids. Call Marsha at 519664-1814 for more details.
HEALTH CARE
>>TOPS (Take Off Pounds
Come see our showroom at:
112 Bonnie onnie Crescent, Elmira r ra
519-669-5551
FOR SALE
RENTALS
>>Mattress/Boxspring, >>Apartment new, never used, still in sealed bag. Sacrifice $195. Delivery available. 519-6358737.
>>Passport Photos, Gun
licences etc. $10. Brian’s Photo, 57 Arthur St. S., Elmira. 519-210-0608.
Sensibly) Take off come help >>St. Jacobs Meat yourself feel better in 2011. Market. Custom cutting, Location Elmira Library, 65 custom freezer orders. Arthur St. S. Weigh in 8:30 No order too big or small. - 9:30 a.m. Meetings start Natural locally grown beef, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Contact pork and lamb. Wild game The #1 Weekly in Almeda 519-669-5937. in season. 33 Northside Dr., St. Jacobs. 519-664-2826. Website: tops.org Volumes December Ad:Layout 1 07/12/10 1:27 PM Page 1
the Region.
AUCTION
AUCTION
To be held at 1149 Geddes St in Hawkesville for Chris and Joy Borutskie on: Saturday January 22 at 1:00 PM Consisting of: a 3 possible 4 bedroom 1 ½ storey house situated on a large ½ acre lot with a stunning view of fields; meadows; and the meandering Conestoga River. Main floor includes: large kitchen; large living room; family room with adjoining side porch; 2 piece bathroom. Second floor has master bedroom with a large walk-in closet; 2 bedrooms with adjoining balcony; full 4 piece bathroom. Partially finished basement with walkout to gorgeous, private backyard backing onto farmland. Basement could be used as an apartment as zoning would allow home to be used as a duplex. Includes a partially finished rec room; furnace room; cold cellar; roughed in plumbing for full 4 piece bathroom; possible workshop or storage area. 200 amp electrical service; water softener; septic system; drilled well; most windows have been updated; house heated by natural gas. Note: Enjoy this large half acre lot with a stunning view (and direct access to walking trail), set in the quiet village of Hawkesville, only 15 minutes from Waterloo. A rare property with the potential of rental income.
CALL FOR DETAILS
For Rent Elmira. 1 bedroom, newly renovated building. Modern unit, no pets, no smoking preferred. $650/mth + utilities. Call 519-669-2212.
>>Bloomingdale
- 2 bedroom, 2 parking spots, deck, a/c, central vac, no pets, no smoking, in unit laundry. $900 + hydro. 519-2131123, cell 519-581-8859.
>>Bright,
Spacious, 2-bedroom apartment on first floor in quiet building. Ideal for non-smoking mature tenant. Close to downtown. Phone 519-669-3423.
PLACING A CLASSIFIED AD | Classified ads can be obtained in person, by phone, 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.
Commercial 20-Word Ad $12.00 (Extra Words 30¢/word)
PROPERTY AUCTION
COMPUTERS FARM EQUIPMENTLTD.
Residential 20-Word Ad $7.50 (Extra Words 20¢/word)
Terms: Property will be sold by auction at 1:00 PM subject to a reasonable reserve bid with a $25,000.00 down payment due at time of auction and the balance in 60 days. To view call 519-699-6176. Auctioneer: Website:
Jantzi Auctions Ltd. RR1 Wellesley 519-656-3555 www.Jantziauctions.com
RENTALS
TRADES & SERVICES
>>ELMIRA
Shop w/ Office. Earl Martin Drive, South end connection off Union Street. 1350+ sq ft. Front office 28 x 14’ + 2nd floor w/Air. 31 x 28’ Bay 22’ ceiling w/ overhead door. Call 519-748-7399.
>>CRD
>>Upstairs Office Space
>>Try
- 3 rooms available from $450 per month depending on size. Includes heat & hydro. Main floor in an active real estate office. Call Mildred Frey, 519-669-1544.
Accounting Services - Income Tax (E-File) Services. Small business accounting, payroll & gov/t filings. Chuck Downs, 95 Aspen Cr., Elmira. 519-669-1498, cell 519-569-1744. Bowen Therapy for treatment of pain and numerous health conditions. Daytime hours now available! Contact Kevin Bartley, Certified Bowenwork Practitioner. 519-669-0112, Elmira.
Going, Going, GONE. ALL ANTIQUE AUCTION ST. JACOBS COMMUNITY CENTRE (Als Auctions)
MON., DEC. 27 - STARTS AT 11
Estate out of Hamilton plus local homes. Victorian furniture ;all original reversed painted shade lamp; Arts and crafts oak grand fat. height clock; old toys jars Hamilton glass works #3 ; beehive; beavers etc; Toronto c w bottle; two fantastic Tom Thompsons hooked framed ;rare Picaso; other art and good prints ;1890s large 3 wheel tric ; rare fancy shell majolica clock; 50s upright coke rmachine; 50s juke box working ;oak hall stand and mirror ;great 1860s corner cupboard with makers history old paint; earthen crocs; earthen fancy wash bowl; Hudson Bay jacket ladies; quilts; coverlets; native american pieces; oil lamps; retro pieces; teak couch and chair; 5 Herman Miller chairs; books; glass and china; this is a brief list keep viewing pics on web right up till sale as we are still picking up. VIEW PICS thanks
AL’S AUCTIONS, ELMIRA www.4salebyauction.ca
519-669-2960 | al@4salebyauction.ca
Free plays, tickets to hockey games, prizes, contests & more!
IN PRINT. ONLINE. IN PICTURES. IN DEPTH.
ALL UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX.
CLASSIFIEDS 26
THE OBSERVER
» Saturday, December 25, 2010
FAMILY ALBUM BIRTHDAY
BIRTHDAY
BIRTHDAY
Happy 13th Birthday
Cassandra!
Happy 13th Birthday Zackory Bauman
ANNIVERSARY
Surprise Open House
Dec. 24, 2010
Happy 50th Anniversary Abner & Rosie Bauman Married December 31, 1960
Reta Ertel is turning 80! The party is a secret, she doesn’t know yet...If we keep it quiet, a surprise she will get!!!
Love Mom, Dad, Nicole & Colin.
WHEN: Sunday, January 2, 2011 WHERE: St. Clements Community Centre 1 Green St., St. Clements TIME: 2:00 p.m. - 4 p.m.
With Love, Mom, Jessica, Grandpa, Grandma, Chrissy, Shawn & Nolan.
Best Wishes Only.
In celebration, family & friends are invited to an Open House Sunday, January 2, 2011 from 2:30 - 4:30 at Woodside Bible Fellowship 200 Barnswallow Dr., Elmira, Ontario.
INVITATION TO ALL WOOLWICH YOUTH! Make your voice heard and help us shape Woolwich’s economic future.
Join us for the Youth Focus Group on January 19th
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Please join us for a New Years Levee on Sunday, January 9, 2011 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Township Office at
7pm – 9pm, Youth Centre, Woolwich Memorial Centre, 24 Snyder Ave S, Elmira (feel free to just show up or register with Laurel Davies Snyder – contact information below)
We want to know about you and what you need in your community.
Where do you currently shop? What stores would you like to see in Woolwich? What kind of services would you like to see in Woolwich? (e.g. libraries, youth activities) If Woolwich could attract companies, what kinds of companies should they be attracting? What is it about Woolwich that you like, value, and dislike? Date: January 19th, 2011 Time: 7pm – 9pm (presentation at 7pm, Break-out Groups 7:15pm – 8:15pm) Place: Woolwich Memorial Centre, 24 Snyder Avenue South, Elmira Refreshments will be served. Door prizes for participation!
Questions | Information | Contact
The Mayor, Council and Staff of the Township of Woolwich.
Get Pro results. IN PRINT. ONLINE. IN PICTURES. IN DEPTH.
Laurel Davies Snyder Economic Development & Tourism Officer T: 519.669.6020 E: ldaviessnyder@woolwich.ca www.woolwich.ca Have your customers read all about you in the Observer! Contact the Observer at 519.669.5790 ext 104. for more information.
We connect you with customers looking for professionals.
www.
.com
THE OBSERVER
» Saturday, December 25, 2010
27 CLASSIFIEDS
REAL ESTATE For all the property details visit
www.homeswithpaul.ca
$295,000
1718 SQ. FT. SEMI
Incl appliances, property taxes under $1600/yr. Attractive townhome very well taken care of. Lg master w/w-in closet. Living rm fp, finished rec rm. Close to down town. MLS Call Paul direct.
CALL DIRECT
$234,500
Independently Owned and Operated 180 Weber St. S., Waterloo
HOME HOME 519-669-3074 OFFICE OFFICE 519-888-7110
EMAIL paul@remaxsolidgold.biz ONLINE www.homeswithpaul.ca
$285,000
DRAYTON
ONLY 4 YRS OLD! Extremely well kept beauty equip’d w/4 bdrms, 3 baths, sep DR, main flr laundry, lg master w/4 piece ens. Elegant cherry kit cupboards. Most appliances incl. Dble garage, fenced yd.. MLS Call Paul direct.
$345,900
ALLI NORRIS
BILL NORRIS
OFFICE:
SALES REPRESENTATIVE CELL:
SALES REPRESENTATIVE CELL:
FAX:
HOME FAX:
HOME FAX:
180 Weber St. S., Waterloo, ON N2J 2B2
519-577-6248
519-888-7110
519-588-1348
519-669-9885
519-888-6117
1393 sqft home loc’d in great neighbour-
hood to raise your family. 3 bdrms, 2 baths, lg eat in kit w⁄bright dinette. Master walk-in closet. Sgle garage & double drive. New hrdwd in FR. Recently painted throughout. Fenced yrd. Immediate possession. MLS Call Paul direct.
$187,000
519-669-9885
allinorris@rogers.com
billnorris@rogers.com
$294,000 Beautiful family oriented home within walking distance to schools, parks and sports facilities. This spacious all brick raised bungalow is situated in the established neighborhood of Elmira's "Birdland". A perfect home for all ages and ready for immediate occupancy.
SOLD
BACKING ONTO GREENSPACE
Bright eat in kit, open to lg FR. Gleaming hardwod flrs in DR and LR. Main flr laundry. Backing onto greenspace & walkway. MLS Call Paul direct.
$359,000
ATTRACTIVE HOME Family friendly Cres. in Waterloo. Lg kit w/island, walk in pantry. Upper flr lndry. Carpet, ceramic & hrdwd. Lg new deck, fenced yrd. Spacious bdrms, master w/5pc ens. MLS Call Paul direct.
$519,900
BACKING ONTO FARMLAND Incredible location on this large lot backing onto farmland, just steps to Elmira Golf course. MLS Call Paul direct.
$215,000
BUYING OR SELLING?
Solid Gold Realty (II) Ltd., Brokerage
Each Office Independently Owned and Operated
FEATURE PROPERTY
IMMEDIATE POSSESSION
Beautiful home on quiet cres in Kitchener. This affordable home has many updates: all new windows since ‘07, roof ’10, some newer flring. Fenced yrd w/playcenter & patio. Fin’d RR w/wood burning FP. MLS Call Paul direct.
Solid Gold Realty (II) Ltd., Brokerage
$293,000
Fabulous semi, yet to be built. This 1681sqft. home is close to downtown in mature area. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, large eat in kitchen equipped with pantry, breakfast bar and slider off dinette. Large great room open to kitchen and dinette. Single garage big enough to park in. Master bedroom with large walk in closet and ensuite. MLS Call Paul direct.
ATTRACTIVE TOWNHOME
Paul Martin 519-503-9533
1681 SQ. FT. SEMI
Spacious semi, yet to be built. This 1718sqft. home is close to downtown in mature area. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, large eat in kitchen equipped with pantry, breakfast bar and slider off dinette. Large great room open to kitchen and dinette. Single garage big enough to park in. Master bedroom with large walk in closet and ensuite. MLS Call Paul direct.
25 84 0F FT TL X OT
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
You’ve come to the right place to find a home. Solid Gold Realty (II) Ltd., Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated
4B Arthur St. S. Elmira • www.remaxsolidgold.biz OFFICE: 519-669-5426
DIRECT: 519-572-2669 EMAIL: bert@remaxsolidgold.biz
BROKERAGE
BERT MARTIN, BROKER
“To all my loyal clients and friends, thanks for your support. You are appreciated. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.” GREAT STARTER
R.W. THUR REAL ESTATE LTD. 45 ARTHUR ST. S., ELMIRA
519-669-2772
BRAD MARTIN Broker of Record MVA Residential
Res: 519-669-1068
JULIE HECKENDORN Broker Res: 519-669-8629
TRACEY WILLIAMS Sales Rep. Cell: 519-505-0627
For your business and your friendship we are deeply grateful and wish you all a very Merry Christmas season!
Property offers three bedrooms, eat-in kitchen with sliders to large deck, french doors separating dining & living rooms, sun room, main floor laundry. MLS $135,900.
OFFICE SPACE
For lease in busy plaza only 10 minutes from Waterloo. 3 to 4 offices, reception area, conference room, waiting room and bathroom. Lots of parking space. Fixed rate till November 30, 2012.
www.elmiraandareahomes.com
CLOSE TO DOWNTOWN - 4 bdrm home. Formal dining rm, eat-in kitchen. Mn flr. 2-piece. Finished rec. rm. Central air. Patio and deck. Original owner! MLS $279,900.
WEST MONTROSE – Large lot w/ walkout bsmt. Backs to greenspace. Open concept. Lovely great rm. Main flr. master bdrm. Fin. lower level. All the extras you’d expect! MLS $629,900.
YATTON - country living! Don’t be deceived - nearly 2400 sq. ft. Large updated kitchen. Newer windows, doors and shingles. Upper level family room. Main flr. laundry. MLS $399,900.
COUNTRY LIVINg - outside Alma. .72 of an acre. Immaculate 3 bdrm. bungalow. Huge kitchen w/ walkout. Walkup from garage. Partly fin. bsmt. Insulated workshop. MLS $429,900.
FLORADALE- Opportunity knocks! Business opportunity or great storage. 2 bldgs w/approx. 4680 sq. ft. Lovely property backing onto GRCA. MLS $214,900
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY - 5 plex w/character. Always rented! Large 3 bdrm. unit (great for owner occupied). Lots of parking. Shows a good return. MLS $449,900.
Independently Owned and Operated
519-669-1544 24hrs
17 Church St. W., Elmira www.thefreyteam.com
THE FREY TEAM
Len Frey
Mildred Frey
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
BROKER
Your referrals are appreciated!
mildred@thefreyteam.com
1818 Sawmill Rd. Conestogo - $309,900 Renovated older home in desired town of Conestogo. Large lot with shed. Mature trees. Just updated electrical & upstairs bathroom and Master Bedroom. Finishing touches have just been completed. Must be seen! MLS Call Mildred Frey.
3 Erb St. Elmira - $585,500 Presently a retirement home operating as pilgrims provident. 8 tenants & manager in apartment. Has 20 beds. Room to expand business. Large veranda on Main Floor. Blacony upstairs. Covered Parking. Natural light windows. MLS Call Mildred Frey to view.
COUNTRY PROPERTY FOR SALE Located 8 miles N. of Listowel at the corner of Hwy 23 & Line 90
OPEN HOUSE - Wed. Dec 29 - 11am-3pm 2 Storey 4000 sq. ft. home, 5 bdrooms, finished basement, 0.6 acres, ideal for larger family, multi family or business/residence. MLS # 189508
$385,000
Royal LePage Don Hamilton R/E Ken Petrie - Sales Representative
519.292.1449
www.thurrealestate.com
CLASSIFIEDS 28
THE OBSERVER
» Saturday, December 25, 2010
Science has plenty to say about Christmas and its trappings Q.
What does science have to say about Christmas and Santa Claus? Or is science mum on such ethereal subjects?
Strange But True
A.
Not mum at all, as Roger Highfield shows in The Physics of Christmas: From the Aerodynamics of Reindeer to the Thermodynamics of Turkey. 1: What are the origins of this lovely holiday? Thousands of years ago, early humans were worried about what would happen if the sun disappeared, so they came up with rituals and symbols to magically ensure its return. People living in ancient Britain and Scandinavia gathered together for midwinter sun festivals called “Yule” or “Jol,” the origins of “Yuletide” and “jolly;” Germanic tribes of northern Europe also engaged in feasting, drinking and religious observances, and the story goes that white-bearded Odin roamed around punishing evildoers, prompting attempts to appease him with gifts. The first mention of “Christmas Day” was likely in the Roman calendar chronograpy of the year 354. 2: What was the Star of Bethlehem? A comet? A supernova? An exploding star? A conjunction of planets? A sighting of the then-unknown planet
Bill & Rich Sones Uranus? Take your pick. Two thousand years after it was first seen by the Wise Men, astronomers are still uncertain about this heavenly body. 3: “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas.” But just how do snowflakes form and what’s wrong with those pictured on Christmas cards? A single snowflake might contain on the order of 100,000,000,000,000,000,000 water molecules. As crystals fall Earthward through regions of differing temperatures and humidities, buffeted by winds, they grow with a preference for a hexagonal shape, and once large enough, fall as snowflakes. As for the snowflakes on holiday cards, they’re somewhat idealized; most in fact are “ugly sisters,” with only 1% being nicely symmetrical. 4: Who in the world is this Santa Claus character? Cultural historians say that before 1931, in popular culture he was a green elf or a somber
REAL ESTATE 90 Earl Martin Dr., Unit 1, Elmira N3B 3L4
Independently Owned & Operated, Brokerage
519-669-3192
ELMIRA REAL ESTATE SERVICES
BONNIE BRUBACHER Broker of Record
SHANNA ROZEMA Broker.
DARREN ROMKEY Sales Representative
LAURIE LANGDON Sales Representative
DALE KELLER Sales Representative
MONIQUE BRUBACHER Sales Representative
ROBSON JEWITT Sales Representative
THIS WEEK'S FEATURE PROPERTIES
FIRST TIME BUYERS OR INVESTMENT
$182,000 | Spacious century semi-detached home offer 3 Bedrooms 2 Baths, Kitchen, dining and living room. Close to downtown Elmira and park. MLS.
GLEN ALLAN BUNGALOW
$334,900 | Beautifully maintained, mainfloor master suite offers ensuite and walkout to private balcony. Open concept family/dining room. Lower level is full walkout, 2 additional bedrooms, recroom & games and full 4 piece bath. MLS
WELLESLEY BUNGALOW
$279,900 | This home is very well maintained, offers 3 bedrooms, living/ dining room and kitchen. Seasonal sunroom with walkout to deck and fenced back yard. Quiet Street location. MLS
BRAND NEW PARADIGM HOMES
$299,900 | 1500 SQ FT. Spacious foyer, dark oak railing and kitchen cabinetry with breakfast bar. Gas Fireplace in great room, 4 pc ensuite includes soaker tub. New Construction located on Knapp Road. EXCL
SUPERB FAMILY HOME
$369,900 ELMIRA | Beautifully maintained 5 yr old home with many extras & upgrades, 5 appliances included, hardwood flrs & solid wood stairs, attractive dark oak kitchen, garden doors to deck and large fenced yard, master whirlpool ensuite, newly finished basement, dbl garage & drive ++++. MLS
PALMERSTON BUNGALOW
$195,000 | WOW, a lot of house. 4 Bedrooms, mainfloor laundry, newer oak kitchen with walkout to deck and fenced yard. MLS
ELMIRA BUNGALOW
$299,000 | 3 Bedrooms, open concept kitchen/dining with newer cabinetry. Walkout to private patio. Gas fireplace in living room, 2 Baths, recroom and games room. Very well maintained. MLS
WELCOME HOME
$362,000 | The charm and beauty is most evident in this family home. Natural woodwork, original coloured glass transoms, gorgeous staircase and wood flooring to mention a few. Plus finished attic. MLS
WINTER WONDERLAND
$699,000 GLEN ALLAN | 2.5 acres nestled in a farming community. Stunning 2800 sq. ft. 6 year cape cod home offers an abundance of natural beauty, (post and beam construction, hardwood flooring, grand fieldstone fireplace, natural wood trim and doors). Geo Thermo heating/cooling and convenient in-floor heating. Full walkout basement offers additional living space. Added features included century barn, inground pool and hot tub. MLS
May this time of celebration with family and friends provide peace and joy. Elmira@royallepage.ca | www.royallepage.ca/elmira
Saint Nicholas, but this all changed that year, when Coca Cola advertisers gave Santa a makeover with a red coat and surrounded him with children and reindeer. But other academics offer a more colorful explanation: People like to ingest psychedelic toadstools, the drug of choice in parts of northern Europe before vodka was imported from the East. Thus Santa’s vivid red suit may have “honored the red-and-white dot color scheme of this potent mid-altering mushroom,” with his jolly “Ho, ho, ho” resembling the euphoric laugh of someone who has indulged. “Such was the intensity of the drug-induced experience that it is hardly surprising that the Christmas legend includes flying reindeer,” adds Highfield. 5: Where is the “real” Santa right now? Evidence points to Santa’s abode being not on the polar icecap but among Mediterranean olive groves on an island off Turkey, where Saint Nicholas, a direct ancestor of Santa Claus, may have died, probably in the mid-fourth century. Twelfthcentury Venetian seafarers called it the Island of Saint Nicholas, later a religious site dedicated to the saint. He became linked to Christmas because his Saint’s Day is on Dec. 6. 6: How daunting a task is it for Santa to deliver all those presents in one night? By one estimate, Santa must make about a billion stops on Christmas Eve to deliver presents to all the world’s children. Fortunately, he has more than 24 hours. If he travels backward against the Earth’s rotation, he can extend Christmas Eve to 48 hours. Computing this, Santa has about two tenthousandths of a second to get from stop to stop so he’ll need to fly his sleigh at maybe Mach 6,000 or more. But Santa does not generate any sonic booms during his travels, suggesting to aerodynamics engineers that he’s found a way to suppress the booms, perhaps by using “antisound” generators on his sleigh. 7: What might a reindeer doctor say about Rudolph’s shiny red nose, so bright “you could even say it glows”? Was it the cold weather, or maybe imbibing too much? An explanation that emerged from research in Norway suggests the reindeer nose provides a welcoming environment for bugs. Writing in “Parasitology Today,” Professor Odd Halvorsen noted that Rudolph’s blood-ridden membranes, warming the chill air, probably bear their “celebrated discoloration” due to a parasitic infection of the respiratory system. 8: Just how merry can a merry Christmas get, especially if your birthday happens to fall on Christmas Day? Psychologists suggest you may get off to a better start in life -- by a fascinating phenomenon called BIRG, or “basking in reflected glory.” Just as after a school’s football team wins, students will say “We won,” basking in reflected glory, people born on Christmas Day may do something similar. In fact, researchers have found that a disproportionate number of people became famous when they were born on Dec. 25 itself compared with the rest of the week and that the effect proved stronger for this holiday than for the Fourth of July or New Year’s Day. According to the BIRG interpretation, being born on Christmas Day enhances a person’s self-image, perhaps because parents believe that the child is special like baby Jesus, and this may become a sort of self-fulfilling prophecy. (Researchers Albert Harrison, Nancy Struthers and Michael Moore).
>> Send STRANGE questions to brothers Bill and Rich at strangetrue@cs.com
THE OBSERVER
» Saturday, December 25, 2010
29 CLASSIFIEDS
SERVICE PROFESSIONALS AUTOMOTIVE
AUTOMOTIVE
AUTOMOTIVE
AUTOMOTIVE
TIRE
WHERE TIRES
Body Maintenance
Complete Collision Service
ARE A
at
SPECIALTY, NOT A SIDE LINE.
RUDOW’S CARSTAR COLLISION CENTRE Call Us At
519-669-3373
Farm • Auto • Truck Industrial • On-The-Farm Service
35 Howard Ave., Elmira
33 First Street, East Elmira, ON
519-669-3232
101 Bonnie Crescent, Elmira, ON N3B 3G2
519.669.8330
FAX: 519.669.3210 AFTER HOURS
BEDS
CONCRETE
SOLID WOOD TWIN-TWIN TWIN-DOUBLE
Driveways • Sidewalks • Curbs • Barn Renovations Finished Floors • Retaining Walls • Short Walls
DRAYTON, ON
519-638-2699
226.749.3584 ELECTRICAL
CONSTRUCTION
1-800-CARSTAR 519-669-3373
Design/ Build Agricultural/ Residential 6672 Ruggles Rd. Floradale RR#2 Wallenstain, N0B 2S0
-Framing -Roofing -Renovations -Repairs
519-669-3082
Accredited Test & Repair Facility
ORTLIEB Read’s Decorating SINCE 1961
Specializing in Paint & Wallcoverings
CRANE & Equipment Ltd.
• 14 ton BoomTruck • 35 ton Mobile Crane
519-669-3658 27 Arthur St. S., Elmira
NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS
519-664-9999 24 Hour Service 7 Days A Week
World’s Largest & Most Trusted Carpet, Upholstery and Fine Rug Cleaners For Over 30 yrs
$139 FREE Gift Offer Learn More Online At...
budurl.com/SAVE139 Chem-Dry Acclaim® 61 Arthur St., N. Elmira
669-3332
GLASS SERVICES COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL
ST. JACOBS
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
Randy Weber ECRA/ESA Licence # 7000605
Tel:
18 Kingfisher Dr., Elmira
519-669-7652 CARPET CARE
CARPET CARE
CRANE
ALL SIZES NEW & LIKE NEW
519.669.1462 Fax: 519.669.9970
21 Industrial Dr. Elmira
30 ORIOLE PKWY. E., ELMIRA
MATTRESSES
• Residential • Commercial • Industrial
AUTO CLINIC
519-669-4400
MATTRESSES CONSTRUCTION
accuracy and confidence.
ST. JACOBS
Call for estimate
Willis Martin
Auto Tech Inc. to repair your vehicle with
For all your home decorating needs
RESIDENTIAL & AGRICULTURAL
THOMPSON’S Providing the latest technology
24 Hour Accident Assistance
DECORATING
BUNK BEDS
Ltd.
RUDOW’S CARSTAR COLLISION CENTRE
33 First Street, East Elmira, ON
519.669.8917
AUTOMOTIVE
AUTOMOTIVE
226.749.3584
TEL: 519-664-1202 / 519-778-6104 FAX: 519 664-2759 • 24 Hour Emergency Service
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 www.completecarpetcare.ca
ROB McNALL
519-669-7607
LONG DISTANCE? CALL 1-866-669-7607
Deadline for Submission:
Tues. Jan 4, 2011 Book Early. Email photos to: ads@woolwichobserver.com
The Babies of 2010 Call for details
519-669-5790 20B Arthur St., North, Elmira
$35
+hst Full colour photo of your little one in the January 8, 2011 edition.
Last Name, First Name Birth Date | To wn Parents Name s Actual Size: 1.5”w X 2.5”h
CLASSIFIEDS 30
THE OBSERVER
» Saturday, December 25, 2010
SERVICE PROS HOME RENOVATIONS
PAINTING
Because Your Home Is Our Business.
GLEN
BIRMINGHAM
Mike Heeley
PAINTING & DECORATING
519.835.0622
INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING • WALLPAPERING
Home Buyer’s Pre-Purchase inspection Home Seller’s Pre-Listing Inspection New Home Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Pool & Spa Inspections Tarion Warranty Inspections Renovation Inspections mike@heeleyinspections.com
www.heeleyinspections.com
SELF STORAGE
OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE!
519-669-1131 SALT
Various sizes & rates
CLEAN • DRY • SECURE
519-669-4964
100 SOUTH FIELD DRIVE, ELMIRA
TROPHY
20 years experience
free estimates interior/exterior painting wallpapering & Plaster|Drywall repairs
519-669-2251 36 Hampton St., Elmira
www.UniTwin.com | 519.886.2102
RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL
YOUR
519-669-3652
• Commercial & Residential Snow Plowing • Top Dressing/Overseeding • Lawn Maintenance/ Landscaping • Mowing Packages Available • Mulch Delivery & Installation
C.J.
BRUBACHER LTD.
24 HOUR SERVICE ELMIRA
COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL SERVICES Your Source for year round property maintenance
PLUMBING & HEATING SPECIALISTS!
For all your Plumbing Needs. Steve Jacobi
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
19 First St. E., Elmira
519-669-3362
Telephone
519-669-9081
Jeff Basler
Mobile
519-505-0985
Owner|Operator
ever-green@sympatico.ca
We call Elmira home but we service the surrounding area.
TREE SERVICE •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
WINDOW COVERINGS
TREE SERVICE
•Removal of Trees or Branches of Any Shapes or Sizes in Almost Any location
T R
QUICK LOCAL SERVICE | 245 Labrador Dr., Waterloo
Steve Co.
Plumbing and Maintenance Inc.
RECOGNIZE OUTSTANDING EFFORT!
TROPHIES | CUPS | PLAQUES | MEDALLIONS RIBBONS | NAME TAGS | NAME PLATES DOOR PLATES | CUSTOM ENGRAVING
PLUMBING
PLUMBING
SKATE SHARPENING
Softener Salt & Pool Salt
Call
PAINTING
E
CATERING
now available
•Hedge trimming
E
PRIVATE PARTIES | CORPORATE & SPECIAL EVENTS | COOKING LESSONS
Your next event should be catered by an experienced professional with a stylish approach. From traditional favourites to inspired new creations, we’ll create a menu that will exceed your expectations.
Asian Stir-Fry
~ Chef Ryan Terry
•Branch Chipping •Stump Grinding
519-669-1836 Thomas Martin
22 Church St. W., Elmira
Tel: 519-669-5537
STORE HOURS: M-F: 7-8, SAT 8-6, SUN 12-5
PLACES OF FAITH
HEARING ASSISTED
St. Teresa 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
Welcome to
Upbeat Family
St. Jacobs
10:00 am
Wheelchair accessible • Nursery Care provided • Hearing Assisted
48 Hawkesville Rd. • 519-664-2311
Sundays - 9:45 am Family Worship Service 11:00 am Sunday School for all ages
1151 Snyder’s Flat Rd., Bloomingdale • 519-745-2411 www.bloomingdalemennonite.com
Christmas
When God Messes Up Your Plans SUNDAYS @ 10:30AM
5 First St., Elmira • 519-669-1459 Services at
Church
John Mahood www.elmiracommunity.org Public School
Sunday, December 26, 2010 One Service Only at 11:00AM
“Surprised by God” 200 Barnswallow Dr., Elmira • 519-669-1296 Check out our website www.woodsidechurch.ca
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sun Dec 26th Ron Seabrooke Combined Service 10:30 to 12 Noon
Discovering God Together
519-669-2319 | www.wbconline.ca 4522 Herrgott Road, Wallenstein
“Making Faith Live” Sunday Worship 9:30 am - 10:30am
2 First St., Elmira • 519-669-5030
Gale
The Purpose of
John Mahood 6:30pm
NURSERY PROVIDED
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
Worship & Calvary United Sunday School
Bloomingdale Mennonite Church
Dec 24 Christmas Eve Service
C A F E & C AT E R I N G
10 Church St., Elmira | 519-635-0819
Worship 10:30am Sunday School during service
Minister: Rev. Dr. Linda Bell
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
7:30pm Christmas Eve 10:30am Christmas Day 10:30am Sunday Worship 7:30pm New Year’s Eve Pastor: Richard A. Frey
27 Mill St., Elmira • 519-669-2593 www.stpaulselmira.ca
Âť Saturday, December 25, 2010
THE OBSERVER
SERVICE PROS
31 CLASSIFIEDS
COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR
MEDICAL TREATMENT
“A GOOD JOB DONE EVERY TIME�
Kleensweep
Reimer Hyperbarics of Canada
Carpet Care
F. David Reimer
Established 2000
UNDER PRESSURE TO HEAL
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
â—? Air or Gas Embolism â—? Thermal Burns â—? Acute Traumatc Ischemias â—? Exceptional Blood Loss â—? Decompression Sickness â—? Carbon Monoxide Poisoning â—? Delayed Radiation Injury + Many More
www.reimerhbot.com
West Montrose, ON
25 Industrial Dr., Elmira, On.
FREE CONSULTATION Bus.:519.669.2632
3435 Broadway St. Hawkesville
www.cooperators.ca
519-699-4641 www.freybc.com
Cell: 519.581.7868
For more information call:
519-669-0220
Truck & Trailer Maintenance
63 Arthur Street S., Unit 3, Elmira, ON, N3B 2M6
DEATH NOTICES
>>STEVER,
>>BASLER,
Murray Frederick Stanley – Peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at the Walkerton Hospital. Murray was born, October 3, 1939 in Wellesley Township.
Joseph – Of Linwood, peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, December 16, 2010, in his 62nd year.
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS
Cardlock Fuel Management
COMMERCIAL 24 CARDLOCK FUEL DEPOT HOUR
CROSSWORD 2 / / $ 6
1 $ $ & 3
7 * $ $ ; 3 , $ * ( 6
% 2 5 7
7 0 $ % 5 $ 1
3 6 < & + 2 / 2 * , & $ / : $ 5 ) $ 5 (
5 , * , ' ( 0 ( 1 6 7 ( , 1 7 $ ( 2 1 0 $ 6
( / $ $ , 1 1 1 ( (
% ( ' 5 2 2 0
2 1 , 7 . 8 & 5 / 2 1 & ( 1 7 8 6 & 2 ( 6 +
( 3 ( $ ( 5 8 0 % ( $
0 ( 1 ( ( 5 , (
$ 0 ( 1 '
( * 2 0 2 ) & 8 5 5 ( 9 ( $ ' , 1 % ( 6 ( /
' 2 , 1 *
( 8 6 1 6 & , ' ( $ % 6 % , , ' 3 ( ( , 7 , 6 0
, % , 0 , 1 ) 8 1 ) , 8 6 7 7 6 , 0
/ ( $ 7 + , 5 2 8 6 1 / ( 6 / / < ( $ 7 6 / 8 6 ( 1
& ( 5 7 , ) , & $ 7 ( 2 ) ' ( 3 2 6 , 7
+ ( ( 6 6 6 6 2 2 = (
1 ( ( '
: 2 $ 3 1 6 7 6 2 1 , &
6 7 2 1 (
WORDSEARCH % $ % < 2 , & , & / ( = , ( :
/ & + 0 + ' 9 0 $ 1 * ( 5 1 %
, $ $ 3 $ 5 7 < ( 6 7 $ 5 5 1
7 5 0 1 2 6 < 5 ; 0 $ 6 ( ( 2
= ' & $ ' 5 6 5 & $ / $ $ + '
( ( 6 + ) < 7 + , 5 ' < 2 & *
4 * 0 : 6 / ( ' ( ) , 5 0 5 2
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* 8 7 3 8 7 1 < 7 2 & = 0 2 $
5 / , + & 2 1 2 / 5 $ ' 1 <
( ( / 9 ( 6 < / , ' * 7 * , (
( 6 $ / ( 6 < % : , 6 ( 0 ( 1
1 . , ( ( 5 8 6 $ / ( 0 6 5
SUDOKU - HARD
• Design • Installation • Custom Fabrication
MILLWRIGHTS LTD.
519.669.5105
P.O. BOX 247, ROUTE 1, ELMIRA
24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE
TOTAL HOME ENERGY SYSTEMS
5 7 , ' , 1 * 6 7 < + / $ ( /
SUDOKU - EASY
MATERIAL HANDLING & PROCESSING SYSTEMS
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL
YOUR OIL, PROPANE, NATURAL GAS AND AIR CONDITIONING EXPERTS
11 HENRY ST. - UNIT 9, ST. JACOBS
519.664.2008
DECEMBER 24
>>Christmas Montrose welcome.
Eve service, 8 p.m. West United Church. Everyone
DECEMBER 31
>>New Year’s Eve dance. Royal Canadian
Legion, 11 First St. E., Elmira. $20 per person – purchase ticket in advance. Hot meal, party favours. Dance at Wellesley Community Centre. Dancing, games, prizes, buffet, party favours. Tickets $25 per person. Contact Bridget Diebold 519-656-9031 for tickets.
JANUARY 5
>>Read to a Dog is for children 6 and 7
years old and will be held on Wednesday afternoons from 4-5 p.m. Elmira branch of Region of Waterloo Library, 65 Arthur St. S., Elmira. For more information call 519-669-5477.
33 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.1591
Contest from Let’s Read. Read Chocolate River Rescue with your family, and get a ballot to enter a draw to win a Grand River rafting experience. For more information contact your local library branch or call 519-575-4590.
JANUARY 6
>>Storytime
for Children ages 3-5 at Linwood branch of the Region of Waterloo Library. Join us for stories and fun activities on Thursday afternoons from 2-2:45 p.m. Space is limited. For more information call 519-698-2700.
>>Storytime
for Children ages 3-5 at St. Clements branch of the Region of Waterloo Library. Join us for stories and fun activities on Wednesday afternoons from 1:45-2:30 p.m. or Thursday from 9:15-10 a.m. beginning Jan. 6. Space is limited. For more information call 519699-4341.
Chapter of the Thyroid Foundation of Canada meeting; 6:30 p.m.
>> Speaker 7:30 p.m., Kitchener Public
Library, 1500 Block Line Rd., Kitchener. Topic: Nuclear Medicine – Thyroid Scanning/Testing. Guest speaker Dr. Richard A. Dubeau, Department of Nuclear Medicine, St. Mary’s Hospital. Wheelchair accessible, all welcome. For more information call Joan 519-7454475.
JANUARY 11
Everything that’s fit to print...
Plus a whole lot www.
NANCY KOEBEL
Bus: 519.895.2044 ext. 217 Home: 519.747.4388
Individual life insurance, mortgage insurance, business insurance, employee benefits programs, critical illness insurance, disability coverage,
.com
IN PRINT | ONLINE | IN PICTURES | IN DEPTH
RRSPs, RESPs, RRIFs, LIFs and Annuities. Suite 800, 101 Frederick St., Kitchener
JANUARY 12
>>Storytime is for children ages 3-5 years
old. Wednesdays from 2 – 2:45 pm. and Thursdays 10:15-11 a.m. starting January 13. Elmira branch of Region of Waterloo Library, 65 Arthur St. S., Elmira. For more information call 519-669-5477. Tales is for children 24-36 months and is held Wednesday mornings 9:30-10:15 a.m. Wellesley branch of Region of Waterloo Library. For more information call 519-656-2001.
>>Storytime
is for children ages 3-5 years, Wednesday mornings from 10:4511:30 a.m. Or Thursday afternoons 2-2:45 p.m. beginning Jan. 13. Wellesley branch of Region of Waterloo Library. For more information call 519-656-2001.
JANUARY 19
>>Region Of Waterloo Library Read & Win >>Storytime
>>Kitchener-Waterloo
MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED
branch of Region of Waterloo Library, 65 Arthur St. S., Elmira. For more information call 519-669-5477.
>>Wellesley Optimist Club New Year’s Eve >>Toddler
JANUARY 10
SANYO CANADIAN
DENTURE Allen Morrison Insurance Inc.
T. 519.669.2033
COLLEEN
Since 1987 - DentureTech Since 1995 - Denturist
Home Auto Business Farm Investments Life
Rugs and Upholstery
•Mattress Cleaning •Residential •Commercial •Personalized Service •Free Estimates
Safe, effective and proven for 13 + UHMS (Undersea Hyperbaric Medical Society) Approved indications: â—? â—? â—? â—? â—? â—? â—?
Skilled craftsmanship. Quality materials. CONSTRUCTION STARTS HERE.
>>The
Waterloo Regional Police Male Chorus invites men who like to sing to join us for an open house/rehearsal at 7 p.m. at Olivet United Church, 47 Onward Ave. Kitchener. For more information visit www.wrps.on.ca/volunteers/male-chorus. htm or leave a message at 519-2089326.
>>Toddler
Tales is for children 2436 months and a parent or caregiver. Tuesdays from 10:30-11:15 a.m. Elmira
for Children ages 3-5 at Bloomingdale branch of the Region of Waterloo Library. Join us for stories and fun activities on Wednesday afternoons from 1:30-2:15 p.m. or Thursday from 1:30-2:15 p.m. Space is limited. For more information call 519-745-3151.
• Total Denture Care “The RightDay Coverage • Same Service For Youâ€? on Repairs and Relines • Metal Partial - Soft Relines •Since Implants 1987 - DentureTech •Since DENTURE SPECIALIST 1995 - Denturist
Denture
DENTURE Vinolea Jahandari DD
• ELMIRA Total Denture Care • Same day service on and relines 15repairs Memorial Ave., Since 1987 - DentureTech • Elmira Metal Partial - Soft Relines 1995 - Denturist BankSPECIALIST of Montreal) • (Behind DENTURE
519.669.1535 KITCHENER
FREE CONSULTATION 519.744.9770 ELMIRA • Total Denture Care KITCHENER 519-669-1535 • Same Day Service519-744-9770 15 Memorial Ave., Elmira (behind Bank of Montreal) on Repairs and Relines • Metal Partial - Soft Relines • Implants • DENTURE SPECIALIST Vinolea Jahandari DD ELMIRA
New to the Community? 519.669.1535 Do you have a new Baby? 15 Memorial Ave., Elmira
time (Behind Bank of It’s Montreal) KITCHENER
to call your Welcome Wagon Hostess.
Elmira & Surrounding Area 519.744.9770
SHARON GINGRICH 519.291.6763 psgingrich@hotmail.com
>>Storytime for Children ages 3-5 at St.
Jacobs branch of the Region of Waterloo Library. Join us for stories and fun activities on Wednesday mornings from 10-10:45 a.m. or Thursday from 1:30-2:15 p.m. Space is limited. For more information call 519-664-3443.
>>Community Lit. – Making Sense of the
Continuum: Health and Illness Literature. A beginner-level course exploring major works in English Literature at the Elmira Branch Library, 65 Arthur St. S. Ten sessions, Wednesdays 6:30-8 p.m. Free. For more information call 519-669-5477.
21 INDUSTRIAL DR. ELMIRA
519-669-2884
JANUARY 23
>>Hungryman’s Breakfast with the Elmira Sugar Kings at the Elmira Legion Branch 469, 11 First St. E., Elmira. 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
JANUARY 25
>>Chip n’ Dip Book Club is for 10 - 12 year olds and is held on the last Tuesday of the month from 7-7:30 p.m. Wellesley branch of Region of Waterloo Library. For more information call 519-656-2001.
CORPORATE WEAR PROMOTIONAL APPAREL WORK & SAFETY WEAR | BAGS T-SHIRTS | JACKETS | HATS
245 Labrador Drive | Waterloo
519.886.2102 www.UniTwin.com
JANUARY 28
>>Kids Book Club
is for 10-12 year olds and will run one Friday a month from 6:45 -7:30 p.m. Elmira branch of Region of Waterloo Library, 65 Arthur St. S., Elmira. For more information call 519-669-5477.
FEBRUARY 2
>>Stitch and Read is for 9-12 year olds
held Wednesday afternoons from 4-5 p.m. for stitching and reading fun! Elmira branch of Region of Waterloo Library, 65 Arthur St. S., Elmira. For more information call 519-669-5477.
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.
Wise customers read the fine print: •, ♦, *, ††, § The Deck the Driveway Holiday Event offers apply to retail deliveries of selected new and unused models purchased between December 1, 2010 and January 3, 2011 from participating retailers. Retailer order/trade may be necessary. Offers subject to change and may be extended without notice. See participating retailer for complete details and conditions. •$25,995 Purchase Price applies to 2011 Ram 1500 Quad Cab SXT 4x4 (24A+AGR) only and includes $8,250 Consumer Cash Discount and $500 First Free Payment Offer. See participating retailer for complete details. Pricing includes freight ($1,400), air tax, 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. ♦The up to $500 First Free Payment Offer includes an amount on account of GST/HST (where applicable) and in the Province of Quebec, GST and QST. Customers may choose to have the up to $500 (including taxes) First Free Payment Offer applied to reduce the selling price after taxes of their new vehicle purchase, rather than to cover their first free payment. Offer is available to all retail customers that purchase a new eligible 2010/2011 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge or Ram from December 1, 2010 through January 3, 2011 (excluding only the following 2010 and 2011 models: Jeep Patriot 4x2/4x4 Sport, Compass 4x2/4x4 Sport, Wrangler 2-Door Sport, Dodge Journey SE, Grand Caravan Cargo Van & Canada Value Package, Caliber CVP & SE Plus, Ram 1500 Regular Cab 4x2/4x4 and Ram Cab and Chassis). *Consumer Cash Discounts are offered on most new 2010 and select 2011 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. ††Customer Choice Financing for 36-, 48- and 60-month terms on approved credit through TD Financing Services and Ally Credit Canada is available at participating dealerships to qualified retail customers on most new 2010 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram models (except Grand Caravan Cargo Van and Ram Chassis Cab) and select 2011 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram models. The following terms apply to TD Financing Services contracts. (Different contract terms apply to Ally Credit Canada offers. See your retailer for complete details.) Vehicles are financed over a 36-, 48- or 60-month term with payments amortized over a term of up to 96 months and the pre-determined residual balance payable at the end of the contract. At contract’s end, customers have the choice of returning their vehicle through a Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram dealership with no further obligations (except payment of a $199 return fee and excess wear and tear, mileage and similar charges), financing the remaining balance for the rest of the amortization period at then-current standard rates or paying the residual balance in full. Some conditions apply. Customer Choice Financing offered by TD in Quebec is subject to different terms and conditions. All advertised Customer Choice Financing offers are TD offers. Example: 2011 Ram 1500 Quad Cab SXT 4x4 (24A+AGR) with a Purchase Price of $25,995 financed at 2.99% APR over 60 months with payment amortized over 95 months equals 130 bi-weekly payments of $142 and one final payment of $10,260 for a cost of borrowing of $2,759 and a total obligation of $28,753.92. Taxes, licence, insurance, registration, excess mileage and wear and tear charges, any retailer administration fees and other applicable fees and charges not included. Retailers may sell for less. See participating retailers for complete details. §2011 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab (with optional equipment) shown has a higher price than the 2011 Ram 1500 Quad Cab SXT 4x4 advertised. See your retailer or go to www.dodge.ca for complete details. The Best Buy Seal is a registered trademark of Consumers Digest Communications LLC, used under licence. ®SIRIUS and the dog logo are registered trademarks of SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc. ®Jeep is a registered trademark of Chrysler Group LLC. Customer Choice Financing is a trademark of Chrysler Group LLC.
BACK PAGE 32 THE OBSERVER
THE NEW 2011 RAM 1500 QUAD CAB SXT 4X4
INCLUDES $8,250 CONSUMER CASH*, $500♦ FIRST FREE PAYMENT OFFER, FREIGHT, AIR TAX, TIRE LEVY AND OMVIC FEE. TAXES EXCLUDED. OTHER RETAILER CHARGES MAY APPLY.+
$
12 STEP UP FOR ONLY
MORE BI-WEEKLY
with Customer Choice Financing
(Includes $500♦ First Free Payment Offer)
DECK THE DRIVEWAY
• Remote Keyless Entry • 17" Aluminum wheels • SIRIUS® Satellite Radio (includes one year of service) • Temperature and compass gauges • Premium interior door trim • Overhead console • Power sliding rear window
HOLIDAY EVENT OR CHOOSE
2011 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab (with optional equipment) shown.§
THE NEW 2011 RAM 1500 QUAD CAB SLT 4X4 BI-WEEKLY
» Saturday, December 25, 2010
PURCHASE FOR
$
25,995 •
AT THIS PRICE, WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO SAY?
THIS YEAR’S TRUCK – LAST YEAR’S PRICE!
CUSTOMER
CHOICE FINANCING %†† $ @
142 2.99
FOR 60 MONTHS AND $ 0 DOWN
WITH THE OPTION TO RETURN AFTER 60 MONTHS
NO CHARGE
HEMI® ENGINE
WE’LL MAKE YOUR FIRST PAYMENT UP TO $500♦
+Your local retailer may charge additional fees for administration/pre-delivery that can range from $0 to $1,098 and anti-theft/safety products that can range from $0 to $1,298. Charges may vary by retailer.
RamTruck.ca/Offers