Skip to main content

March 3, 2012

Page 1

Re-Discover Your Back Yard at

www.marthasmixes.com

50lbs SUNFLOWER $28.95 1 Union St., Elmira • 519.669.1115 marthasmixes@rogers.com HOURS: Mon. - Sat. 9:30am - 5:30pm

03 | 03 | 2012 VOLUME 17 | ISSUE 9

BROTHER'S MAKE JOURNEY TO HAITI WITH MOM IN MIND FEATURE PAGE 20

COMMENT PAGE 10

Allegations of election fraud can't be dismissed

Kings draw first blood in opening round of playoffs

Elmira’s St. Teresa school to see $1.8-million expansion

COLIN DEWAR

New classrooms part of project expected to start in July and run through rest of the year STEVE KANNON An expansion is in the works for St. Teresa elementary school in Elmira, with $1.8 million earmarked to provide new classrooms, administrative offices and change rooms. Already making use of portables, the school expects to see increased enrolment as Elmira grows, with demand for space likely to exceed capacity by 100 students within a decade. Since the Waterloo Catholic District School Board had plans in place to add another kindergarten room thanks to $430,000 in provincial funding, trustees last month decided there were savings to be had by combining all of the additions into one project, committing another $1.4 million. Dave Bennett, the board’s senior manager of capital planning, said work is expected to get underway in July. Everything is in place for the kindergarten expansion, and he hopes to have the details sorted out for the larger portion of the project in time to start that construction on the same date. Work on the kindergarten portion is expectst. teresa | 2

www.OBSERVERXTRA.com

Elmira’s Brett Priestap celebrates his second goal against the visiting Listowel Cyclones at the Dan Snyder Arena on Wednesday night. The Kings defeated the Cyclones 5-2 in the opening game of the playoffs. [colin dewar / the observer]

In the first period it looked as though The Elmira Sugar Kings were going to have a hard time against the Listowel Cyclones in the opening game of the first round of the playoffs, as the host team was missing four key players, Clayton Greer, Riley Sonnenburg, Lukas Baleshta and Michael Hasson. Elmira, however, easily skated away with a 5-2 victory over the Cyclones Wednesday night at the WMC. Brett Priestap provided the heroics, scoring two goals in the second period to give the Kings a two-goal advantage. Listowel was first on the scoreboard, catching Elmira off guard and tallying a goal just 12 seconds in. The visitors went on to post a 2-1 advantage after the first 20 minutes. The atmosphere was electric once game time arrived at the Dan Snyder Arena and the Kings wanted to keep the raucous environment alive. The game was fierce and physical in the first period as both teams tried to establish themselves in that department. After Listowel's first goal there weren’t many excellent scoring chances early on. But at 7:53 Listowel scored

20% OFF

WINTER

CLEARANCE 54 YEARS IN BUSINESS

ALL IN-STOCK SNOWBLOWERS, SHOVELS, SNOW BRUSHES, SCRAPERS AND DE-ICING PRODUCTS

1205 King Street, N., St. Jacobs | 519.664.2226 | 519.664.3400 | Fax: 519.664.3889 www.fairwaylumber.ca | Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:30; Sat. 8-4; Sun. Closed

kings | 15

SALES ENDS

March 17th FREE DELIVERY


99

Page 3

ST. TERESA (E) CONCEPTUAL FLOOR PLAN

2 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

st. teresa: School community "very excited" about the coming changes from | 2

ed to be completed by September, with the rest done by year’s end. “It’s always a juggling act, but we’d like to complete it as quickly as we can,” he said. “We’re excited about this – it’s been a while since we’ve been able to do anything in Elmira.” Two new kindergarten rooms will be created by expanding one existing classroom. The existing kindergarten room will become a dedicated special

St. Teresa school in Elmira will see its first expansion since 1968, with a project that includes the addition of four new classrooms. Work is expected to get underway in July and run through to the end of 2012.

education room. The rest of the expansion features a four-room classroom extension, the addition of a new administrative suite, and change rooms and gym storage. The board has designated the school as “severely deficient in administrative and resource space.” The main office, deemed small, is located at the opposite end of the school to the parking area. The principal’s office has been created by partitioning a portion of the existing library. The former principal’s office serves as a resource room, the staff work room and the only meeting space in the

school. That space, however, will no longer exist once the full-day kindergarten addition is completed, as the space will be converted to a mechanical room. The new administrative area would locate all of the administrative functions in one place. The existing gymnasium, though small, is considered sufficient for the needs of the school population. There is an existing stage attached to the gymnasium and the staff lounge doubles as a servery for events in the gymnasium. However, there are no change rooms and students must currently change in the washrooms located on the other side of the school. The proposed renovations would demolish a small storage room at the rear of the gym and add new change rooms and gymnasium storage.

The planned changes have captured the imagination of principal Sherry Peeples, who’s eager to see the project get underway. “We’re very excited. We have something wonderful to look forward to,” she said, noting that the school’s motto is ‘Be the change’ – “We’re definitely going to be living our motto.” The entire school community is charged up by the expansion, with parents planning to launch a fundraising drive to create a new playground and green space – a naturalized teaching area with trees, shrubs, rocks and the like – to go along with the renovated building. On a practical level, the additions will take kids out of the portables and provide more room for everyone at the school “It will be nice to see

them gone,” Peeples said of the portables. “It makes the sense of community stronger, getting everyone in the building.” While she expects some inconvenience next fall, it will be well worth it. With construction beginning in July, she said she hopes the biggest mess will be out of the way over the summer, allowing for less disruption and a safer environment when the children return. This will be the first addition to the school in 44 years. St. Teresa of Avila Elementary School opened in 1964. The gymnasium and two classrooms were added in 1968. Since that time, the school has been home to a varying number of portables, depending on enrolment; there are currently three, though there have been as many as five at times.

DAIRY MEETING INVITATION & AGENDA SHARPE FARM SUPPLIES LTD.

On behalf of Sharpe Farm Supplies, we would like to invite you to attend our Annual Dairy Producer Meeting. It will be held on: Thursday March 15, 2012 At: Elmira Lions Hall From: 10:00 am to 3:30 pm

• 10:00 am • 10:30 am

Registration & Coffee Dr. Larry Martin – George Morris Centre Supply Management & Future Challenge • 11:15 am Alex Venne – Diamond V TMR Research Study • 12: 00 noon Agri Brands Purina Robot Milker’s and Nutrition Opportunities • 12:30 pm Lunch After lunch, we will leave for Carl & Sharon Eby’s for our annual dairy barn tour. So join us for an informative day.

Please call or contact us at 519-669-5502 to let us know how many are planning to attend and if you will need transportation.

Freelton

905-659-3341 234 Freelton Rd.

Fergus

Guelph

DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY. SEE AN IMAGE IN THE OBSERVER THAT YOU LIKE? DON’T WORRY, WE DO PHOTO RE-PRINTS! VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR SIZES, PRICING AND ORDER FORMS.

Elmira

519-837-0510 519-669-5502 7707 Mill Rd. 10 Maple St.

519-843-2451 285 Beatty Line

Moffat

905-854-2242 234 Freelton Rd.

“Committed To Our Customer’s Needs”

Purina®Chow® and the checker brand design are licensed trademarks of Nestlé Purina Pet Care company

www.OBSERVERXTRA.com


NEWS | 3

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

Township unveils plans for accessible playground Proposed location in Gibson Park has some neighbours concerned about proximity to their homes JAMES JACKSON After more than a year and a half of successful fundraising efforts and community engagement, it seems that the Kate’s Kause universal playground project has hit its first snag. On the evening of Feb. 23 the Township of Woolwich hosted an open-house meeting to give residents the opportunity to see a very preliminary plan for the universally accessible playground that is to be built in Elmira’s Gibson Park. Of the approximately 55 people who attended, there were a handful of residents who voiced some concerns over the location in the green space on the west side of the creek that runs through the middle of the park. Originally hoping to raise $250,000 over five years, Kate’s Kause found considerable public support, collecting $265,000 in just 15 months. Given the response, the goal is now $500,000, which would allow for a larger facility, including a splash pad. “There were some people that offered suggestions to look at the other side of the creek, the east side of the park versus the west, which we certainly will look at,” said Karen Makela, the township’s director of recre-

ation and facilities, adding that “95 per cent of those who attended were overwhelmingly in support of the project and location.” The residents who did voice concerns said they were under the impression that the new park would be built closer to the existing playground equipment as a way of enhancing the existing structure, and that the green space would be left untouched. While the township had it in mind to build the playground and splash pad adjacent to Lions Hall, near the Woolwich Memorial Centre, that site was deemed unsuitable due to space constraints and the lack of tree cover for shade. Makela said she did have some discussions with residents who shared those concerns, and all who attended were provided with comment sheets to fill out to ensure staff was aware of the concerns before moving forward. The rec. director emphasized that the diagram presented to the public at the meeting was very preliminary, wasn’t to scale, and the township hasn’t even had the site properly surveyed yet. Rather, the diagram was to provide a rough idea of where the proposed playground equipment and splash pad might

The preliminary plans for the Kate’s Kause universally accessible playground proposed for Gibson Park. The drawing is not to scale, and the placement of the park has raised some concerns for local homeowners. they don’t” with regards to where the park ends up, as moving it on the east side of the creek would mean that many mature trees would need to be cut down to make space for the equipment, and that portions of the existing playground structure would need to be removed. “The reason we looked at that location was primarily because it was flat and al-

go once construction gets underway. “We didn’t want to put any money in until this has been approved as the selected site, and we weren’t at that stage yet.” The township must now find a way to balance the concerns of the few with the many endorsements that they received. Makela said that they are “darned if they do, and darned if

ready open,” she said of the green space. “If we go to the other side and start taking down trees, we’ll be having people screaming at us for that, so you really have to weigh the comments of one or two.” Another sticking point is the fact that two of the grants Kate’s Kause received have time limits attached to them: a $60,000 grant from Aviva Insurance has to

be put to use by year’s end, while a $25,000 grant from The Keg has a June deadline, meaning a decision needs to be made sooner rather than later in order to get shovels in the ground by spring. Makela said that she has a team working on reviewing the material collected during the open house and will be delivering a report to council soon.

GRCA approves stand-pat budget for 2012 JAMES JACKSON In this era of belt-tightening budgets, the Grand River Conservation Authority has decided to stand pat on their 2012 budget, calling for a slight reduction in total spending. Passed by the GRCA board on Feb. 24, the 2012 budget will be $32.8 million, slightly lower than 2011’s budget of $33.6 million. The board consists of 26 members appointed by

municipalities across the watershed. “As we were going through draft versions of the budget at the tail end of last year and the beginning of this year we were getting a lot of feedback from our municipal representatives and municipalities throughout the watershed, saying that the closer to a minimal increase the better,” said Cam Linwood, communications coordinator at the GRCA.

HOW TO REACH US

EE RY FR IVE L DE

penditures, coming from residents of the watershed through their local property taxes or their municipal water bills. The total cost to each resident works out to about $10.05. The GRCA also collects about $13.8 million in selfgenerated revenues from camping and other service fees, as well as land rentals, hydroelectricity, payments from school boards for educational programming, and donations to the Grand

Much of the reduction in the budget is the result of the scheduled reduction in provincial grants for the Drinking Water Source Protection Program. Last year the province contributed $3.2 million to the project, and that number will fall to $2.6 million this year. The charges applied to municipalities will rise by approximately three per cent compared to 2011 with about $9.75 million, or 30 per cent of total ex-

River Conservation Foundation. Government grants account for about $7.1 million and cover core programs such as flood warnings and dam maintenance, and the remainder of the budget (approximately $2 million) comes from GRCA reserve funds comprised of money set aside in previous years. Despite the drop in funding, the GRCA still has numerous projects on tap for 2012, including the recon-

struction of the Drimmie Dam in Elora, scheduled to cost $1.1 million with the province contributing half and the Township of Centre Wellington paying $200,000. Other projects include restoration programs at Conestogo Lake ($110,000) and the Luther Marsh Wildlife Management Area ($178,000) and the design if an emergency spillway at Conestogo Dam grca | 4

Phone 519.669.5790 | toll free 1.888.966.5942 | fax 519.669.5753 | online www.observerxtra.com

W • O • O • L • W • I • C • H

• Compounding • Compliance Packaging • Free Blood Pressure Check

P

H

A

R

M

10 Church St., Elmira

A

C

Y

• Free Blood Glucose Monitor & Teaching • Ostomy & Home Health Care

519-669-8282

CATHY DIAMOND PHARMACIST

SAMER MIKHAIL

PHARMACIST / OWNER

OPEN: Monday to Friday 9am-7pm; Saturday 10am-5pm; Closed Sundays


4 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

Maple syrup producers optimistic good season on tap JAMES JACKSON A mild winter across North America may be prompting some concerns about the maple syrup season this year, but there is still plenty of time for the weather to turn around and produce a bumper crop. That was the message delivered as part of the Waterloo-Wellington Maple Syrup Producers Association’s annual first-tap ceremony on Feb. 24 at the farm of Dale Martin, just west of Elmira. “The winter’s not as important as the next fourto six-week period,” said Martin as he stood inside his new sugar shack behind his dairy farm on Balsam Grove Road. The farm has been in the family for nearly 100 years after his grandfather, Moses, settled in the area, and the maple trees on the property have been producing syrup off-and-on for pretty well that entire time, he said. Dale has also been in partnership with his cousin, Paul Martin, for the past 19 years, and together they run about 9,000 taps on 90 acres of bush spread out in

Kitchener-Conestoga MP Harold Albrecht had the honour of drilling the ceremonial first tap Feb. 24 at the farm of Dale Martin. [james jackson / the observer] three different counties. Last year they produced about 10,000 litres of finished syrup, and hope for much the same this year. “Anything more than that is a bonus,” Paul said. Yet some producers are concerned that sap produc-

tion could be down this season after an abnormally warm winter with very little snow cover. They like to see about an inch of snow cover in their sugar bush when they start tapping, along with below-freezing nights and days with tem-

peratures touching four degrees above zero. This year, though, many syrup-producing areas have seen the sap start to flow a few weeks earlier than usual, raising concerns that if the trees bud too early, the season will be shortened and the sap will either be of a lower grade, or unusable altogether. Yet the Martins don’t share those concerns. They say that they’ve seen warm winters like this one in the past, and as long as conditions during the six-week window of production are ideal, the season should be a good one. “I remember one around 30 years ago we were tapping and there was absolutely no snow in the bush,” said Paul. “We were tapping in our shoes, no boots, and we ended up with a decent year.” For resident maple syrup historian Albert Martin, it’s often best to take a waitand-see approach at the start of maple syrup season rather than start worrying right away. “It just depends now what the weather will do,” he said, adding that his father always said the last Friday of every month often served as a good barometer for how the next month will unfold, and that the few inches of snow and cooler temperatures the region experienced the night before the tapping ceremony should be a good omen for the rest of the season. “I’ll give you one example,” Albert said. “It was 1957 and the weather was

GRCA: No

drop in quality of service expected, as agency's parks are funded by user fees

The warmer-than-usual winter has generated some concern among some sap producers about the quality of syrup this season. [james jackson / the observer] warm and mild in March, and the sap wouldn’t run. At the end of the week we got some rain, and then we got some snow and cooler temperatures, and the following week the sap ran like ever.” The long-term forecast for Waterloo Region should help set producers’ minds at ease, as temperatures for the next ten days are expected to range between -6 at night and +7 during the day – ideal conditions for

sap to run. At the tapping ceremony Feb. 24, Kitchener-Conestoga MP Harold Albrecht had the honour of drilling the inaugural first tap, and as the sap began to drip from the spout, Paul and Dale were busy preparing their brand new evaporator for its first boil of the season. “It’s a real adrenaline rush when that sap starts coming and you start boiling,” Dale laughed.

Doug Cassie, past-president of the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association, was on hand to help cook up some sausages and pancakes. [james jackson / the observer]

Have fun while it lasts

from | 6

($150,000). The GRCA is also confident that visitors to the parks will not experience any drop in service, and upwards of a million paid visits are made to GRCA parks throughout the year. “The parks are selffunded. They don’t receive any fees from levees,” said Linwood. “They are 100 per cent user pay, so any person who is visiting a park won’t see a decrease in quality or level of service.”

Ryan Brubacher and Cole Harth, Grade 1 students at St. Teresa in Elmira, build a snowman during recess on Thursday. Temperatures across the region are expected to rise over the weekend, perhaps melting away early accumulations of snow. [COLIN DEWAR / THE OBSERVER]


NEWS | 5

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

Closing in on the sap festival With the sap soon to flow, Woolwich council last week agreed to its long list of road closures for the 2012 Elmira Maple Syrup Festival. On Mar. 31, from 1 a.m. to 8 p.m., most of downtown Elmira will be closed to vehicular traffic: portions of Wyatt Street, James Street, Hampton Street, Park Avenue, South Street, Walker Street, Dunke Street, and Mill Street. Although under regional control, Arthur Street will also be closed for the duration of the festival. The festival will also have an impact

on the municipal parking lots on Mill and Wyatt streets, as well as on the lots at the Woolwich Memorial Centre and Lions Hall.

Wind to blame for power outage

As many as 200,000 people were affected by a disruption in Waterloo North Hydro service on Wednesday afternoon. Around 2:30 p.m. winds damaged a high-voltage Hydro One transmission line outside of Orangeville that supplies Waterloo North Hydro and southern Wellington County. The

subsequent disruption in service saw outages impact residents of Arthur, Fergus, Breslau, St. Jacobs, Elmira and Guelph. Power was eventually restored to almost all customers by 9 p.m. Wednesday night, and a Hydro One spokesperson said its crews were able to reroute power around the damaged line.

Airport gets noise bylaw exemption There will be a little more noise coming out of the Region of Waterloo International Airport this spring. Just

how much, and for how long remains to be seen. Planning for all contingencies, the airport last week got a exemption from Woolwich’s noise bylaw to allow for construction work to proceed 24/7 if needed to complete the reconstruction of runway 08-26 and the installation of new guard lights. Much of the works is expected to take place between Apr. 23 and May 12. Whether or not the work needs to go around the clock will depend on the progress made by construction crews, which can be dependent on the weather, said Frank Kosa, the

Gold medal for FaithLife supports St. Teresa team counselling centre A team from St. Teresa elementary region’s senior project manager assigned to the work in Breslau.

Woolwich Counselling Centre was the recipient last week of $1,000 from FaithLife Financial. Elmira resident Hugh Weltz presented the cheque to Mary Wilhelm, the centre’s executive director. “On behalf of FaithLife Financial, we are most pleased to assist in the very worthwhile work done here in our community,” said Weltz during the presentation.

Buggy destroyed in collision with pickup

POLICE BLOTTER

Police seeking help with theft from Elmira convenience store

8:45 AM | Police were called to a hit-and-run in the parking lot of the Elmira Donuts & Deli on Church Street West. A 2007 Toyota driven by a 26-year-old North York man struck a 2003 Mercury owned by an Elora man. The Toyota drove away but not before witnesses managed to record the license plate number, allowing police to track down the man. Minor damages were sustained by both vehicles. 11:30 PM | A 28-year-old Elmira woman contacted police after she when into labour at her

1:30 PM | Owners of the Community Care Concepts building on South Street in Elmira contacted police about a break-and-enter. An unknown suspect tried to pry open the front door of the building and damaged the weather stripping. The suspect did not gain access to the building. The investigation continues.

residence on Duke Street. When police arrived they found the woman and her baby boy. An ambulance arrived shortly after to help along with the woman’s midwife. Both mother and baby are fine.

5:55 PM | A 36-year-old Kitchener woman was pulled over after driving 133km/h along William Hastings Line, near Manser Road, where the speed limit is 80 km/h. The woman was charged with ‘race motor vehicle’ and had her license suspended for seven days. The 2000 Dodge Caravan she was operating at the time was seized by police.

February 2 3

8:00 AM | A tractor-trailer operated by a Waterloo man was slowing down for traffic at the roundabout in St. Jacobs when a silver 2004 Acura pulled along side the truck. The driver of the truck did not see the car and hit the vehicle when it merged into the lane. No charges were laid and no injuries

Basics Beauty & Beyond

were reported. The car sustained serious damage. 12:00 PM | A farmer contacted police about the theft of diesel fuel from his property on Ament Line. Unknown suspects pumped $50 of fuel from the farm’s tanks. Police are continuing to investigate.

A theft occurred at the Elmira Mini Mart on Oriole Parkway about 9 p.m. on Feb. 25. Two teenage boys entered the store, asked for a case of pop and, when the clerk went to the back of the store, one of the teens grabbed a pumpkin Hookah off the counter valued at $35 and fled. The boys are described as white, 16 year olds, one wearing a black-and-white checkered hoodie with a medium build and brown hair. The other wore a black hoodie, was slim in build and had brown hair. Police ask anyone with information to contact the Elmira detachment.

February 2 2

school in Elmira was the winner of the gold medal in the Grade 7-8 Technology category at the Waterloo Region Technological Skills Elementary Competition held Feb. 23-24 at Conestoga College in Kitchener. The competition offered five different technology challenges for students in Grades 4-6 and 7-8. The Waterloo Catholic District School Board saw 25 teams from its schools win gold, silver or bronze.

No one was injured when a runaway horse pulling its buggy run into the path of a pickup truck travelling on Arthur Street north of Elmira on Feb. 24. The horse was also unharmed, making its way back to its owner after the collision. [Joe merlihan / the observer]

police | 7

DID YOU KNOW?

THE EAR AND HEARING CLINIC HAS 6 AUDIOLOGISTS ON STAFF!

Bauman

LASER & ELECTROLYSIS HAIR REMOVAL

WEEKLY SPECIALS

Trust Juliane Shantz, Doctor of Audiology and Associates with all your hearing health needs! Call for appointment

519-669-0237

Call for appointment

March Madness! Do 4 photofacials and receive the 5th free! 35 Arthur St. N., Elmira

eed ou nent y s i ice en serv conv . Then one cation i lo

Store Made, Sweet Pickled Pork

Cottage Rolls

Cottage Rolls

3.19

Ib. /$7.03kg.

Fresh 6-8lb avg.

Roasting Chickens

519-210-0327 519-210-0411

Store Made, Smoked Pork

$

Gift Certificates Available

Call for appointment

Specials from Mar. 5 - Mar. 10

Locally & Private Ownedly

ined Comb ave h e w ars 80 ye ience! r e p x of e

2.59

$

Call the Elmira office today!

EAR & HEAR HEARING CLINIC Elmira Wellness Centre, 24B Arthur Street South, Elmira, www.earandhearingclinic.com

519.669.4425

Ib. /$5.71kg.

Store Made, Deli Sliced

Corn Beef or Pastrami

5.99

$

Ib. /$13.21kg.

2.79

$

Ib. /$6.15kg.

Store Made, Pepper, Apple Cinnamon or

Montreal Smoked Bacon

4.99

$

Ib. /$11.00kg.

Do you suffer with "Steak Deficiency" or "Costly Beef" problems? We can help!

3031 Lobsinger Line, Heidelberg 519-699-4590 Mon.-Wed. 8-6; Thurs. - Fri. 8-8; Saturday 7:30-5 visit us online at www.stemmlermeats.ca


6 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

Elmira kids' skills a gold effort Park Manor students shine at Skills Canada competition held at Conestoga College in Kitchener COLIN DEWAR It came down to a little improvisation and some creativity for two Skills Canada teams from Park Manor PS in Elmira as they claimed gold in the regional competition. The competition was a joint effort between the public and Catholic school boards, with students competing at Conestogo College Feb. 23. The school sent five teams to compete in five different categories including designing at catapult, Lego robots, Lego mechanics, constructing a desk organizer and film editing. “The teams had a lot of fun building and competing against other schools, it really brought them together as friends and classmates,” said Betty Bouw, the school’s science teacher. It was in film editing and construction where the Grade 7 and 8 students from the school took top marks and walked away with the gold medals. In the film editing category, Grade 7 students Nathan Bowman and Nick Martin had to edit together a video about whether or not fighting should be allowed in hockey, showing both sides of the issue. The boys had an older version of an editing program that would not accept the uploaded Skills Canada hockey clips and had to improvise using still images and recorded

Mhari Reid (left), David Minielly, Quentin Mayer, Cassie Martin, Nathan Bowman and Nick Martin were part of the gold-medal teams Park Manor PS sent to the Skills Canada competition. themselves speaking to the camera about how fighting affects the sport. With just four hours to complete the project, the boys were under a lot of pressure but managed to come up with a creative solution. “We used a lot of comic relief in our video and used ourselves more in the video than actual NHL clips of the hockey fights because we felt it would add a personal touch to the video,” said Bowman. “We had to

use what they gave us but what they gave us would not work on our computer so we had to think fast and came up with our idea to use ourselves instead of the clips and it worked out to our advantage.” Across the hall, Grade 8 students David Minielly, Quentin Mayer, Cassie Martin and Mhari Reid were busy working on the construction of a desk organizer. The team came up with the general design before

the competition began. With five hours to build the organizer they were well on there way when it completely collapsed and they had to start over. “We didn’t know we could bring our own cardboard, we thought that would be provided but it wasn’t and that was a bit of a struggle for us because we needed that for our design,” said Reid. The team acted quickly and used the juice boxes

from their lunches and a French duo-tang to act as a cardboard substitute. “We had to work really well as a team, especially when it fell apart,” said Minielly. “We just knew what our strengths were, we didn’t get stressed out or started yelling at each other we just went to work and it turned out better than we originally had planned.” The finished organizer was multi-layered, built

St Jacobs Naturopathic Clinic Health Care For The Whole Family

Lisa Clements BSc, ND Naturopathic Doctor

Raza Shah BSc, ND Naturopathic Doctor

Tricia Brubacher RMT Massage Therapist

1-9 Parkside Drive, St Jacobs 519.664.1050 Call for a 15 minute Free Consultation

with a docking station for a Blackberry playbook and contained two functional speakers. “All the students were pretty independent with the training and came in quite a bit on their own time for a good month,” said Bouw. “These students are incredibly strong problem solvers and independent workers and they follow through well which showed with the results they achieved at the competition.”

“meeting all your health & wellness needs”

Naturopathy, Massage Therapy and Reflexology

Our services are covered by most health insurance plans

[colin dewar / the observer]

Registered Massage Therapy General Contracting Agricultural Residential New Buildings Commercial Renovations www.stirtonconstruction.ca 8012 8th Line.RR #2 Drayton, ON | 519-638-5462

• 6 THERAPISTS AVAILABLE • EVENING APPOINTMENTS • DEEP TISSUE, RELAXATION, SPORTS INJURY, PRENATAL MASSAGE, CRANIO SACRAL • REFLEXOLOGY • HOT STONE MASSAGE

Krista Sandelli (McLeod) & Associates Gift Certificates Available.

ELMIRA WELLNESS CENTRE

24-B Arthur St. S., Elmira | 519-669-4425

MARTIN’S PHARMACY PROUDLY SERVING OUR COMMUNITY FOR OVER 10 YEARS.

STORE HOURS: Monday,Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm Wednesday & Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Services Available

• Home Healthcare Supplies • Diabetic Supplies • Blood Glucose Monitor Training • Free Blood Pressure Test • eFill Prescription Reminder

MARTIN’S PHARMACY • 10 Parkside Drive, ST. JACOBS TEL: (519) 664-3785

FAX: (519) 664-2170

FREE DELIVERY TO RESIDENTS OF ST. JACOBS, ELMIRA, WOOLWICH TOWNSHIP & NORTH WATERLOO

Alan S. Martin B.Sc. Phm Pharmacist / Owner

(Located behind W.C. Brown & Sons)

ST. JACOBS


NEWS | 7

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

Heifer sale raises $220,000 for MCC COLIN DEWAR It was more of a social event than business at the 31st annual heifer sale in support of the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), but a considerable amount of money was raised nonetheless. “We have a lot of support from the community and it really generates a lot of excitement,” said John Brenneman, committee secretary. “We draw some really big crowds and everyone really gets into it.” The event helped raise $220,000 for the MCC, as cows prized for their milk production and pedigrees were sold at auction. The sale has collected more that $4 million since its inception in 1982 through the auctioning off of more than 3,600 heifers and other donated items. Brenneman said farmers and volunteers across the region donated their time and livestock to make the event what it was. The sale took place at David Carson Farms and Auction facilities in Listowel and included 126 donated heifers, semen and embryos and other donated items such as woodworking and a hand built threshing machine.

Every year brings new donors to the auction, including 30 this time around. The annual sale draws a bigger crowd than usual auctions, from prospective buyers to retired farmers. More than 400 farmers, buyers and businesses attended this year’s auction in support of the relief work “People really get behind it and we have some farms that have never missed a year.” Local businesses also participated in the sale, both donating and buying. Several bought cows and donated them back at the auction. Heifers with good pedigrees go on to compete in shows to show off their exceptional form. Topping the sale this year was a heifer named Fradon Armstead Autum at $4,100, donated by Murray

Gerber, Ken Erb and Norman Roes and purchased by Skipwell Farms Inc. Another heifer, Fradon Sid Mel, donated by Roy and Joe Snyder and Clarence and Marilyn Diefenbacher, was sold to Nelson Weber for $4,050. The auctioned cows brought in $196,000, another $16,000 came from miscellaneous items and cash donations pushing the total raised to $220,000. That is $54,000 more than last year’s event. “People tend to gravitate to our cause because they know that our organization does some very good work at home and abroad,” said Brenneman. “This is an excellent opportunity for farmers and agribusinesses to support MCC programs.” All proceeds go to the MCC for its relief, development and peace work around the world.

Woolwich Community Lions offering $500 bursary for EDSS students The Woolwich Community Lions Club is providing a $500 bursary for a graduating student at Elmira District Secondary School who is moving on to post-secondary studies through a community college, university or apprenticeship program.

An essay-style application is required to be completed and submitted by May 25, 2012. All submissions will be reviewed. The bursary will be provided to the recipient in October 2012. Information is available through the club or the high school.

Police: Be wary of driving conditions from | 5

7:30 PM | A 55-year-old Elmira woman driving a 2009 white Hyundai was heading south on Union Street in Elmira when she failed to stop at a stop sign and collided with a 2005 Ford pickup operated by a 47-year-old Elmira man travelling west on South Field Drive. Both vehicles were destroyed and the woman was taken to Grand River hospital with minor injuries. She was subsequently charged with ‘fail to yield.’ February 2 4

9:45 AM | A 51-year-old Ariss woman lost control of her 2004 Ford pickup as she travelled west on Crowsfoot Road in Woolwich Township, striking a tree. Her vehicle sustained moderate damage. No charges were laid. 10:30 AM | Police received a call about a Jeep swerving along Barnswallow Drive in Elmira. The vehicle was found in a driveway on Aspen Road. When police approached the vehicle they found a 39-year-old woman asleep

inside. The woman was arrested for impaired driving.

median and drove through an open field. The vehicle suffered moderate damage. No charges were laid.

3:00 PM | An runaway horse pulling a buggy collided with a 2011 Ford pickup on Arthur Street near Seiling Road. The driver of the pickup, a 37-year-old London man, was not injured in the collision and neither was the horse. The buggy was destroyed and the pickup sustained severe damage.

1:50 PM | A hydro line on Park Avenue near Duke Street in Elmira was knocked down by a transport truck. When police arrived the truck had left the scene. Police ask for any witnesses to contact the Elmira detachment.

February 2 5

February 2 8

1:40 PM | A 39-year-old Kitchener woman was charged with ‘drive while suspended’ when she lost control of her green 1997 Dodge Caravan on St. Charles Street West near Maryhill due to bad weather and icy road conditions and struck a pole. The woman was taken the Guelph General Hospital with a bump on her head. Damage to the vehicle was moderate.

10:45 PM | Police were contacted by residents on Pine Creek Road near St. Charles Street in Woolwich Township about gunshots being fired in forest area. When police arrived all the shooting had stopped. Police are continuing to investigate the matter.

6:40 PM | A 21-year-old Elmira woman lost control of her 2003 Chevy Malibu while driving along Arthur Street near Scotch Line, south of Elmira, crossed the

February 2 7

Needlework for those in need

The Elmira Needlesisters Quilt Guild held a sewing workshop on Jan. 23 to sew more than 125 pillowcases. These cases were donated to Anselma House, Elmira District Community Living, and the pediatric oncology clinic at Grand River Hospital on Feb. 27 at Elmira Mennonite Church. Guild members Charlotte Vines (left) and Laney Campbell presented Julie Martin of EDCL (centre), Cindy Culp, and Margaret Bauer (right) of Women’s Crisis Services – Anselma House with their pillowcases. [JAMES JACKSON / the observer]

FREE! S E M I N A R

S E R I E S

Thursday, March 8 Waterloo Rec Centre (Community Room) 7-9 p.m. Xeriscaping - Learn how to create beautiful, low maintenance landscapes with Aileen Barclay Sunday March 18 Sheridan Nurseries, Kitchener 1-3 p.m. “Vertical Veggies” with Ken Brown Saturday, March 24 Meadow Acres, Petersburg 10-12 p.m. “Dazzling Plant Combinations” with Ken Brown Saturday, March 31 St Jacobs Country Gardens, St Jacobs 10-12 p.m. “Think like a plant” with Evelyn Wolf Wednesday, March 28 99 Regina St., Waterloo (Room 508) 7-9 p.m. “Retire Your Lawnmower” - Front Yard Alternatives to Grass with Sabrina Selvaggi Sunday, April 1 Cambridge Centre for the Arts, Cambridge 1-3 p.m. “Starting from Scratch” Creating a landscape oasis from a blank slate with Evelyn Wolf

And NEW for 2012! Webinar: Saturday, April 14th 11-12 pm: Online “Top 20 Drought Tolerant Plants” with Aileen Barclay Please call 519-575-4021 to register or email watercycle@regionofwaterloo.ca. Reserve early as space is limited.

February 2 9

11:00 AM | A black and silver 21-speed men’s Sport Tech mountain bike was found on Spruce Lane in Elmira. The bike can be claimed by its rightful owner at the Elmira police station.

~ www.regionofwaterloo.ca/water ~


8 | COMMENT

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

JOE MERLIHAN PUBLISHER STEVE KANNON EDITOR

COMMENT

DONNA RUDY SALES MANAGER

JAMES JACKSON REPORTER

COLIN DEWAR REPORTER

PAT MERLIHAN PRODUCTION MANAGER

LEANNE BORON GRAPHIC DESIGN

JON SARACHMAN GRAPHIC DESIGN

PUBLICATION MAIL AGREEMENT NUMBER 1004840 | ISSN 12039578

Our view / editorial

The VIEW from here

Harper needs to take fraud issue more seriously Scandals are nothing new for the Harper government – they’ve been messing up since day-one. What would be new, however, is seeing something stick. If public reaction to the voter-suppression fraud is any indication, we might just be getting somewhere. Thanks to last week’s revelations that voters in some ridings received phone calls purporting to be from Elections Canada informing them that they’re polling station had been moved – sometimes to spots miles away – increasingly numbers of people are coming forward. The net is being cast wider. Guelph appears to have been a hotspot. Other area ridings, including Kitchener-Conestoga, were also home to victims. Targeting Liberal and NDP supporters, the so-called robo-calls meant to discourage voter turnout for opposition parties. Beyond that, the supporters of parties other than the Conservatives received annoying, repeated or late phone calls purporting to be from Liberal campaign offices, for instance, though that was not in fact the case. The goal again was to weaken opposition support. So far there has been no direct connection to the Conservative party, though there’s ample circumstantial evidence to warrant an investigation. Stephen Harper maintains his innocence at this point, employing his customary deflection and pointing everywhere but back at his party. Internal reviews have been initiated, but that’s not enough. An independent inquiry is in order, as even an RCMP investigation cannot be considered impartial, as the in-and-out scandal and other wrongdoings have shown. The government appears to be using the same tactics it employed with the in-and-out scandal: deny, deflect, delay. That case, you may recall, already ended in a conviction of breaking electoral law. Elections Canada declared that the Conservative party violated spending limits in the 2006 election by moving money into accounts held by 67 individual candidates, then using that money in the national campaign. Phony invoices were subsequently submitted to earn reimbursements for election expenses. Last year, four senior Conservatives, including two senators, were charged in connection with the incident. The issue was allowed to drag on for five years, long enough apparently for Canadians not to punish the party for breaking the law. We’ve seen these tactics in other questionable activities: Maxime Bernier’s classified documents, Peter MacKay's propensity for military taxi services, Bev Oda’s “not” sleight of hand, “Gazebo” Tony Clement’s handling of border infrastructure money, and the list goes on. Though all serious, it’s the possibility of election tampering that should be setting off alarm bells. Our democracy is already challenged by voter apathy, corporate interference, negative advertising and a host of dirty tricks, we don’t need to add outright fraud to the list. Again, judging from the comments and reaction in the media and online, others are of the same opinion. The whiff of things Nixonian is most unpleasant. This is a problem that deserves more than the usual flippant responses coming from the government benches. If the officials in power are as clean as they maintain, then they should be pushing hardest for full disclosure (think Paul Martin and the Gomery inquiry). We thinks they doth protest too much ... and act too little.

Used to tapping taxpayers' wallets, politicians have a little problem staying on target at a ceremony marking the beginning of maple syrup season. WORLD view / GWYNNE DYER

Red? In Calcutta they want to paint the town blue WORLD AFFAIRS I am not making this up. They’re going to paint Calcutta blue. Some firm of public relations consultants has persuaded the West Bengal state government that all official buildings and assets in Calcutta, right down to the lane dividers on highways, should be painted light blue. Taxis and other public services that require licenses will also have to get out the blue paint, and owners of private property will be asked to do the same, with tax cuts for those who comply. It’s all about branding, really. West Bengal got a new government last year, after 34 years of Communist rule, and the state’s new rulers decided that the capital city, Calcutta, needs a new colour scheme. As Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim told The Indian Express newspaper, “Our leader Mamata Banerjee has decided that the theme colour of the city will be sky blue because the motto of

the new government is ‘the sky is the limit.’” Well, why not? If the state of Rajasthan can have both a “pink city” (Jaipur) and a “blue city” (Jodhpur), why shouldn’t Calcutta brand itself as “the other blue city”? However, Jaipur is naturally pink because of widespread use of terracotta, and in Jodhpur the residents got out their paintbrushes voluntarily, whereas the West Bengal state government is spending a reported 800 million rupees ($16 million) on the blueing of Calcutta. Calcuta’s leading newspaper, the Telegraph (in which this column has long had the honour of appearing), was so swept away by the wonderfulness of the concept that it wrote a fulsome editorial about it. “Finding the right colour combination is undoubtedly the crucial first step in making a city safer, healthier, cleaner and generally more user-friendly for its inhabitants,” the newspaper wrote, tongue firmly in cheek. “(Painting Calcutta blue) could, with as little doubt, sort out its core problems chaotic health care, inabil-

ity to implement pollution control norms, arsenic in the water, archaic sewers and garbage disposal, bad roads, killer buses for public transport, an airport falling apart and beyond dismal, priceless paintings rotting away in public art galleries, to name a few.” One wonders why more cities are not doing the same. Maybe they couldn’t afford the right consultants. I yield to practically everybody in my esteem for the overpaid consultants who are employed by unimaginative governments to “improve their image.” There is a better way for Calcutta to overcome its reputation for chaos and decay. By all means spend most of the available money on sewers and garbage disposal, roads and buses, pollution control, art galleries and the airport – but also restore the city centre. Calcutta was the capital of British-ruled India for two centuries. For much of that time it was the second-largest city in the British Empire, only surpassed by London. So the centre of the city was full of Georgian and Regency buildings that reflected the

city’s power and wealth at that time. Most of them are still there. Calcutta was poor for a long time, so it hasn’t had the money to erase its past in the brutal way that is happening in most other Asian big cities. Almost all Chinese cities have already destroyed their architectural heritage, and beautiful cities like Hanoi are working at it full-time. But Calcutta’s wonderful buildings are in dreadful shape, and soon it will find enough money to start destroying them wholesale. It doesn’t have to end like that. Fifteen years ago I was walking up Bentinck Street, surrounded by the chaos of cars and trams and the crumbling buildings festooned with washing lines and movie posters. I came round a slight bend in the road ... and saw a miraculous sight. It was an four-storey townhouse restored to all its former glory: the stucco replaced, the balconies repaired, the whole thing repainted in the mustardyellow colour that was fashionable in the late 18th DYER | 10


COMMENT | 9

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

Their view / question OF THE WEEK

Since the Toronto Maple Leafs are fading fast, what should their next move be?

»»Shane Stride

»»Matt Lorentz

Brian Burke has done enough and Ron Wilson They should fire Ron Wilson is hot and cold, I think they should get rid of everyone and bring in new leadership.

»»Ryan Lorentz

»»Mackenzie Sanders

»»Devon Decopte

The Toronto Maple Leafs need better players

They need new and better players, that is how I think they should fire Brian Burke. Do what they are going to win the fans want.

"In my mind, I picture every one of Canada's MP's rising in rage demanding that those responsible be rooted out ..." PAUL MARROW | Page 11 HIS view / STEVE KANNON

Excuses abound, but there’s no justification for Sansone fiasco EDITOR'S NOTES The justifications and excuses flying about in the wake of the Jessie Sansone affair is a perfect illustration of the bureaucratic mentality I recently discussed in a column about Parkinson’s Law. The 26-year-old Kitchener man was arrested last week after his daughter, 4, drew a picture of a man holding a gun: her daddy, who uses it “to shoot bad guys and monsters.” That precipitated a sequence of events worthy of the golden age of slapstick comedy, if what happened wasn’t the farthest thing from funny. A teacher going to a principal, who in turn involves the police and Family and Children’s Services. The father is arrested at the school when he arrives to pick up his three children. He’s strip-searched and interrogated. Possibly under duress, he agrees to let police search his home. There are, as one might guess, no guns. Well, there is a plastic

toy gun, the kind found in millions of households. Sansone was eventually released and given an apology. Only after going through the traumatic ordeal, however, was he told why he’d been arrested for possession of a firearm: the picture and explanation of a four year old. Not surprisingly, he’s talking to a lawyer about compensation. Equally unsurprising is the response of all of the agencies involved: we’re just following policy. No one is admitting culpability or responsibility for what was clearly an overreaction of epic proportions. Everyone by now will have been advised by lawyers to maintain the party line: admit nothing, plead innocent. For the rest of us watching from the outside, Sansone has clearly been wronged. He deserves compensation and, more importantly, we need to replace existing policies with a more common sense approach. The little girl’s use of the word “monsters” should have been a clear giveaway that no one in the house

HOW TO REACH US

behave so rationally. Nor are they spending their own money: it’s the taxpayers that are on the hook. It would be nice to think the costs would be extracted directly from those involved – payroll deductions, perhaps, or commensurate cuts to budgets – but that’s dreaming in colour. The money will come from taxpayers rather than holding anyone accountable. More pressing, however, is making sure this kind of thing doesn’t happen again. In this instance, we have policies that clearly go against the public good: the unreasonable excesses that followed the child’s drawing can’t be defended on any grounds. Those involved had trotted out the “if it saves just one child” argument in defense of what happened, but that doesn’t cut it. That line of reasoning is insidious, glossing over a multitude of sins with what sounds like a rational argument. After all, who’s going to say a child shouldn’t be protected? Well, as Public Safety Minister Vic Toews’s recent arguments in favour

of stripping away the rights and privacy of Canadians – siding with the government or with child pornographers – clearly indicates, there’s no stooping too low for those who would take liberties with our, well, liberty. We can, hopefully, assume all of the officials and bureaucrats involved meant well, but you know what they say about the road to hell? Good intentions don’t excuse what happened. At a minimum, there was a lack of due diligence. It would be an understatement to say drastic measures were taken in the absence of credible evidence. And it wouldn’t be overstating things too much to say the child-safety card being played in defense of those measures should be countered by the words of Thomas Paine (1737-1809): “The greatest tyrannies are always perpetrated in the name of the noblest causes.” It’s no coincidence that some of the most memorable quotes about rights, freedom and democracy come from a time when

they were in much shorter supply. Take, for instance, writer and abolitionist Wendell Phillips’s (18111884) reminder that “eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.” Today, when we have far more liberties, at least on the surface, we have given up our vigilance. As a result, our freedoms are being eroded. I’m not talking about just the actions of a federal government that has been undermining democracy as its standard operating procedure – from proroguing Parliament and using closure to limit debate, from the G8/G20 fiasco to stealing away your privacy – but about a wider misuse of power by governments and bureaucracies. While what’s coming out of Ottawa these days is malicious, many of the problems stem from rather misguided notions, self-serving tendencies or outright incompetence, fueled by public apathy and the assumption that those “in charge” have both the public’s interests at heart EDITOR | 10

Phone 519.669.5790 | toll free 1.888.966.5942 | fax 519.669.5753 | online www.observerxtra.com

ADDRESS 20-b ARTHUR ST. N., ELMIRA, ON N3B 1Z9 Letters

was running around with a real gun or leaving firearms strewn about the house in reach of the children. The teacher could have easily followed this up by talking to the principal, who in turn could have contacted the parents for an explanation. No fuss necessary. No trampling of anyone’s rights. Instead, we had the fiasco that unfolded. The Sansone family has undergone a trauma. The institutions involved all have black eyes. And the public is worse off, taking a hit in the wallet and in its freedoms. One thing we can count on is that this is going to cost us a lot of money. It already has if you measure the staff time and expenses racked up in the wrong that was done, from the school itself through the police process. Yet to come are legal bills – everyone will be lawyering up – and costly reviews of existing policies. Then there’s the issue of compensation. Costs could be reduced if the family is offered a settlement rather than dragging it out, but bureaucracies often don’t

Letters to the Editor should be exclusive to The Observer. Include name, address and daytime phone number. Unsigned letters must contact Editor for publishing consideration. Keep letters under 350 words. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. This newspaper declines announcements, poetry and thank-you letters.

Editorial

Advertising

Production

Publisher

519.669.5790 EXT 103

519.669.5790 EXT 104

519.669.5790 EXT 105

519.669.5790 EXT 107

editor@woolwichobserver.com

ads@woolwichobserver.com

production@woolwichobserver.com

publisher@woolwichobserver.com

Copyright The entire contents of The Observer and online edition are protected by copyright. No portion thereof is to be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the specific permission of the publisher. Reproduction rights can be obtained from ACCESS COPYRIGHT located at 1 Young St., 1900, Toronto, ON M5E 1E5 | 416.868.1621

Press complaints & associations The Observer is a member of the Ontario Press Council which considers complaints against member newspapers. For more information contact www.ontpress.com. The Observer is a member of the Ontario Community Newspaper Association [CCNA], Canadian Community Newspaper Association and The Greater KW Chamber of Commerce.


10 | COMMENT

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

Dyer: It'll take more than paint

National view

to make real improvements Continued from | 8

century. It was in a row of other 18th-century houses that were still rotting, and suddenly I realized what central Calcutta used to look like. It made the hair rise on the back of my neck. The same evening I went to a dinner party in south Calcutta, and found myself sitting next to the architect who had done the restoration. (Small world.) She explained that she had got municipal money to fix the house up, on condition that the existing residents (poor people, of course) would not be displaced by the high-rent crowd. The point, of course, was to inspire other property owners to do the same thing. I don’t know if that

particular house has fallen into disrepair again (Google Streetview has its limitations), but I do know that the example did not work. I also know that it could work. It would cost more than a vat of blue paint, but labour isn’t that expensive in the city, so it’s cheaper to restore than to destroy and rebuild. If Calcutta started now, it could have a city centre that is the envy of Asia in 10 years. Alternatively, the West Bengal government could push the blue business a bit further. After all, nothing exceeds like excess. Why not paint all 14 million of Calcutta’s inhabitants blue, and declare that they are all avatars of Vishnu? That would get everybody’s attention.

EDITOR: Freedom likely to die

a death of a thousand cuts Continued from | 9

and the ability to do what’s right. History, of course, tells us otherwise. Wising up the fact that things will get worse unless we make them get better – starting with a proper overhaul rather than butt-covering in the Sansone case, for instance – is the first

step to protecting ourselves from creeping erosion of our rights. As James Madison (17511836) notes, “I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedoms of the people by gradual and silent encroachment of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.”

The MONITOR

THIS WEEK IN HISTORY

VERBATIM

The Conservatives hold 166 seats, 11 above the 155-seat requirement to form a majority government; 6,201 is the combined margin of victory across the 14 most closely contested Conservative ridings in Canada, with 6,215 being the number needed by the nearest parties in the race to have won these seats by one vote.

" We don’t just want to freeze the grid: we’re going to fix it for the long term."

More than 50 people gathered in Elmira's Gore Park Feb. 24, 2001 in a ground-breaking ceremony for the Fountain of Memories. The monument marks the untimely passing of young residents, sparked by a string of traffic accidents that claimed the lives of nine young men over the previous year.

inbox / letters to the editor Letters to the Editor should be exclusive to The Observer. Include name, address and daytime phone number. Unsigned letters must contact Editor for publishing consideration. Keep letters under 350 words. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. This newspaper declines announcements, poetry and thank-you letters.

»»The Council of Canadians, noting that the voter-suppression »»Ontario Education Minister Laurel Broten, advocating a pay issues is now linked to at least 34 ridings.

send to: editor@woolwichobserver.com

freeze for teachers, notes increases and changes to the grid provided many teachers with an 8.5% annual pay increase.

THE NEW KID IN TOWN IS A LIVE MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO

SOME OF LIFE’S TOUGHEST CONVERSATIONS HAPPEN WeOVER careCOFFEE. about

THE EAGLES

YOUR PRECIOUS CARGO. When was the last time you had that conversation about Life Insurance?

Talk to me today about your life insurance needs.

We know passenger safety is important to you. That’s one reason Jeff Watkin, Agent State Farm® co-founded InsuranceDrive Institute for Highway Safety, 151theFrobisher which helped Waterloo, ON develop N2V 2C9safer air bags, fuel Bus: tanks519-886-4470 and child restraints. jeff.watkin.icjk@statefarm.com

This 5 piece group combines raw talent, natural showmanship, and a love of all music, to generate an infectious energy every time they take to the stage. When you encompass the timeless hit songs of The Eagles (including solo top 10's fro Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh, and Don Henley) with the signature guitar sounds and sweet harmonies of these accomplished musicians, you end up with Canada's best tribute to the American super group .

Jimmy Yorfido is part of this fine group,

and it will be great to have Mr Johnny Cash in the mix !!!!

For a brochure on auto safety, see me.

SUNDAY MAR 11  2:30 PM

Jeffery A Watkin, Agent 151 Frobisher Drive Waterloo, ON N2V 2C9 Bus: 519-886-4470 jeff.watkin.icjk@statefarm.com

TICKETS:

$15

FOOD AVAILABLE

COMING SOON! Sunday May 27th- Grand Ole Opry Star George Hamilton 1V and The Weber Family. Sunday June 10th- Hank Williams Live "1952" with Joe Matheson (Jersey Boys)

BOOK EARLY FOR THESE GREAT SHOWS AND DON’T BE DISSAPPOINTED LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOUR, STATE FARM IS THERE.® State Farm International Life Insurance Company Ltd -™Head Office: Aurora, Ontario - statefarm.ca® statefarm.ca Available only in Ontario, Alberta and New Brunswick

P02782CN

State Farm Insurance Companies • Canadian Head Offices: Aurora, Ontario

»»From the Mar. 3, 2001 edition of The Observer.

9/05

COMMERCIAL TAVERN 1303 MARYHILL RD., MARYHILL

Book NOW for BEST SEATS! 519-648-3644

• DRAINAGE TILES & REPAIRS, CATCH BASIN, ETC. • RETAINING WALLS • FOUNDATION REPAIRS

• SPECIALIZE IN SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEMS • INSTALL & REPAIR SEPTIC TANKS HOLDING TANKS & WEEPING BEDS • SEPTIC TANK PUMPING DENNIS KUEPFER - MILLBANK - (519) 595-4362


COMMENT | 11

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

Lefcourt returns to cartooning, renewing longtime link with The Observer THE OBSERVER Q & A | INTERVIEW WITH JACK LEFCOURT, POLITICAL CARTOONIST | KYOTO, JAPAN

After taking a break from cartooning – and moving to Japan – long-time Observer contributor Jack Lefcourt is once again providing his unique perspective on editorial matters. It was only natural, then, that his first appearance be back on these pages, in conjunction with the redesign we launched this week.

Q. How long have you been in Japan?

A. I’ve been in Japan for almost six years. Q. What do you do there?

A. For most of this time, teaching English for a large Osaka-based language institute, as well as running my own (much smaller) school in Kyoto. More recently, have begun working as a writer and editor of curricular materials. Q. What was the big-

cartoons?

A. That’s a tough one. I guess if you just spend enough time with news stories, juggling them around in your head, allowing them to produce imagery, funny stuff inevitably comes out. Q. You draw on Cana-

dian subjects. How do you stay plugged into that while living in Japan?

A. Of course I manage to stay informed of things for the most part online. But also, I do know, and work with, a number of Canadians living here in Japan, and we talk. Canadian and U.S. politics, along with Jack Lefcourt tries his hand at a (self-) portrait of the artist as a man with a grainy webcam in Kyoto from 14 hours in the future. [jack lefcourt] gest adjustment between Q. What made you get life in Canada and life in back into it? Japan? A. I had been thinking A. Not having (or needing about getting back into it for that matter) a car. for a while. More specifically, I was inspired, and Q. How long have you rather surprised, by the been on a break from carunexpected appearance of tooning? an old Bill Clinton cartoon A. It’s been a six-year of mine in a recent PBS break from editorial “American Experience” cartooning in Canada, aldocumentary. Kind of though for about a year and prompted me to put pen to a half, I did do some carpaper again. tooning for an Osaka-based monthly called “Kansai Q. Where do you draw Scene.” your inspiration for your

Your view / letters to the editor

Robo-call scandal undermines democracy To the Editor, In the last federal election, residents of Guelph and KitchenerConestoga among others received ‘robo calls’ purportedly from Elections Canada informing them falsely that their polling

Government intent on stripping away your privacy To the Editor, Despite being very outspoken on the question of crime, Prime Minister Stephen Harper seems far from eager to discuss the “lawful access” legislation, Bill C-30, that will allow invasive online spying without a warrant. The proposed legislation will force every phone and Internet provider to allow “authorities” to collect the private information of any Canadian, at any time, without a warrant. This will

location had changed. This is a clear case of election tampering, an activity that strikes at the very heart of the concept of democracy and is usually associated with third world dictatorships and emerging nations. In my mind, I picture every one of Canada’s Members of Parliament rising in rage at such activity, demanding that those

responsible be rooted out and punished to the full extent of the law. In reality, my MP Harold Albrecht (Kitchener-Conestoga) had a staff member announce that Mr. Albrecht would not comment on the issue. What a terrible indictment of what politics has become in Canada.

create legislation that is: Warrantless: a range of “authorities” will have the ability to invade the private lives of law-abiding Canadians and our families using wired Internet and mobile devices, without justification; Invasive: the laws leave our personal and financial information less secure and more susceptible to cybercrime; Costly: Internet services providers may be forced to install millions of dollars worth of spying technology and the cost will be passed down to you. Canada’s Privacy Commissioner, Jennifer Stoddart, has

voiced her concerns about online spying repeatedly, and has called for strengthened oversight and privacy safeguards in the bills. Any proposals to expand telecommunications surveillance must be based on a clear need for new powers, which must be demonstrated by verifiable evidence. And these new powers must include comprehensive internal controls, clear oversight, meaningful deterrents, and a system of enforcement. Visit www.stopspying.ca to learn more and sign the petition.

Paul Marrow | Winterbourne

Oliver Cardoza | Waterloo

any newsworthy stories making their rounds provide constant fodder for our conversations.

next day to return it. Q. What do you miss most about life in Canada?

Q. Do you see yourself

A. What I miss most of all is the wide open space. Japan is about 130 million people living on a plot of land the size of California. Space is at a premium. And it bears on the nature and appearance of infrastructure. Everything is condensed and small. Many residential neighbourhoods seem almost to have been built at 4/5 scale, like Disneyland’s magic kingdom. Coming back to Canada, everything seems enormous, and spread out.

returning to Canada at some point?

A. Definitely. Likely within the next couple of years. Q. Is there a facet of

Japanese life that really stands out as an improvement over life in Canada?

A. In Japan, if you lost your wallet on the subway, it would be surprising if you didn’t get it back. The police would likely be knocking on your door the

2.4 million thank-yous This month we are sharing a record $2.4 million of earnings with our members. That’s a whole lot of thank-yous! Sharing our earnings makes us different than most other financial institutions. Members with loans or deposits get a return on their business. With a $150,000 mortgage at 4% interest Wendy would receive $267* - effectively reducing her rate to 3.8%. WOW! We’re grateful for our members’ ongoing commitment and deep loyalty. Sharing our earnings is just one way we can say “thank-you.” If you’re interested in membership, call us today to learn more about the MSCU difference.

Wendy Koch

ber

MSCU mem

MSCU just gave me $267! Sweet!

Since our beginnings in 1964, MSCU has shared over $24 million in earnings with our members. * We respect our members’ right to privacy; all amounts are for illustration purposes only. Wendy is a real member, and the exact amount she received is her business.

www.mscu.com | 519.669.1529

A Mennonite financial cooperative serving communities of faith across Ontario


12 | SPORTS

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

SPORTS wellesley/ jr d

national STAGE/ boxing

Elmira boxer competing at national championships james jackson

For any young boxer heading to his first national championship, it helps having a Pan American champion and Olympic hopeful in your corner. That’s just the case for 13-year-old Elmira resident Terrell Piper, who competed at the Junior and Youth Canadian National Championships in Ste. Hyancinthe, Quebec from Feb. 28 to Mar. 3. For the past three years, Terrell has been training at the Waterloo Region Boxing Academy in Kitchener, where one of his coaches and training partners is none other than 24-year-old Mandy Bujold, a seven-time national champion and winner of four Pan American gold medals. She is also training to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England. Terrell’s father LeVar – a former boxer himself, as well as trainer for Terrell and Mandy – notes that seeing his son go to the national’s is an exciting step in Terrell’s boxing career, though he admitted he was a little nervous. “It’s pretty nerve wracking,” LeVar said prior to their Saturday morning workout last week. “The national’s, it’s a pretty big stage – but he’s a good fighter and I’m sure he’ll do

well.” Terrell fights in the 48 kg weight class, and qualified for nationals after a strong showing at a training camp held in Niagara Falls last month. Each province is allowed two representatives per weight class, and Terrell impressed enough at the camp to earn a berth. He was also bumped up from the Junior B boxing class to Junior C, and will be fighting boxers between the age of 14 and 16 – making Terrell one of the youngest competitors at the tournament. “I’m excited and pretty nervous that I’ll be boxing people that are older than me,” said the soft-spoken fighter. Despite the age difference, LeVar said his son will be a strong competitor because of his ability to think during the match and find openings in his opponent’s defenses, and his conditioning is phenomenal – a result of his impressive training regimen. During non-competitive training Terrell is at the club four days a week, but when he is preparing for a tournament he trains six days of the week, or about eight to 10 hours. That includes sparring on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and boxing and

Jacks fall behind in opening round After knotting things up 1-1, Wellesley drops a pair to fall behind 3-1 versus Ayr colin dewar The Wellesley Applejacks are up against the ropes. It’s do or die time for the Jacks as they lost two games last week and are now down 3-1 in their first round playoff series against the Ayr Centennials. After rebounding on Feb. 18 to win in overtime, the Jacks hit the road to visit the Centennials at the North Dumfries Community Complex but were unable to keep their momentum moving forward, losing the next game 5-0. “(Ayr) played very well defensively and shut us down all over the ice; we never had a really good chance at scoring a goal and we never really got near their net the whole game,” said Kevin Fitzpatrick, head coach of the Jacks. Centennials’ forward Tyler Gauthier drew first blood scoring on Wellesley netminder Josh Heer five minutes into the first frame. It would be his first of three on the night. Ayr would continue to attack keeping the puck in Jack territory for the remainder of the period but Heer managed to keep

Elmira’s Terrell Piper headed to the Junior and Youth Canadian National Championships this past week in Quebec. One of his sparring partners is Pan American gold medalist and Olympic hopeful Mandy Bujold. [james jackson / the observer]

boxer | 14

jacks | 16

woolwich/ girls’ hockey

Event aims to get more girls playing hockey in Woolwich COLIN DEWAR Just over two years ago Canada’s women’s hockey team beat the United States in the gold medal game at the Olympics in Vancouver. Since then, women’s hockey has enjoyed a considerable upswing across the country. It’s estimated that more than 80,000 girls now play

the sport. In Waterloo Region, girls’ hockey has enjoyed growth, too, as the sport has been open to more girls. “It’s not like the boys’ hockey,” said Jacinta Faries, team manager for the Atom local league girls’ team in Woolwich and a member of the Wild executive. “Lots of parents think the girls are hitting and checking one

another; that is not the case – it is a non-contact sport. A lot of parents don’t know that and we are trying to change that impression of the sport.” Faries is organizing the second annual “Come and Try Girls’ Hockey” event, a day for young girls aged 4-12 to come and play hockey for the first time at the arena in St. Jacobs on

Mar. 18. “We had such a great event last year with over 80 girls on the ice that we thought we should hold it again,” said Faries. “Our numbers grow year after year and we are really trying to keep the bottom end filled with new players. We started 10 years ago and those girls that started with us are about to leave us and

we want to make sure that we have another generation of girls who enjoy playing the sport.” The day begins at 1 p.m. for girls aged 4-7 who will get a chance to spend an hour on the ice skating and participating in on-ice drills and will finish the event with a friendly scrimmage game. At 2 p.m. girls aged 8-12 are invited on the ice to

participate in their portion of the event. “We broke it up into two different age groups and have added an extra hour of ice time this year,” she explained. “Last year it was just too much and we want the girls to have a better experience and more fun.” Skaters are required TRYING IT OUT | 14


SPORTS | 13

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

The score

Playoff time in the OMHA

Goals: Harrison Clifford,Josh Kueneman, Connor Peirson Assists: Luke Brown, Ryley Cribbin, Troy Nechanicky, Nicholas Pavanel

Midget: LL #1 Woolwich Wildcats

Tyke: Minor Novice Select

St Thomas Tyke Classic Game 1 Feb 24 vs Buffalo Woolwich: 1 Buffalo: 5 Goals: Ian Speiran Assists: Sebastian Garrett Game 2 Feb 25 vs Erin Hillsburgh Woolwich: 3 Erin Hillsburgh: 1 Goals: Mitchell Hartman, Mitchell Young, Sebastian Garrett Assists: Ian Speiran x2, Sebastian Garrett, Adam Pauls, Tyler Brezynskie, Jocelyn Pickard Game 3 Feb 25 vs Brantford Woolwich: 3 Brantford: 6 Goals: Ian Speiran x2, Mitchell Hartman Assists: Sebastian Garrett x2, Sam Goebel, Shelby Rempel, Carter Rollins

Novice: LL #1 Feb 25 vs Woolwich LL #2 Woolwich #1: 3 Woolwich #2: 2 Goals: Ben Fretz x2, Coleton Benham Assists: Zach McMurray, Ben Moyer, Nolan Williamson Feb 26 vs Woolwich #3 Woolwich #1: 4 Woolwich #3: 0 Goals: Mac Benham x2, Ben Fretz x2 Assists: Corbin Schmidt, Zach McMurray, Coleton Benham, Logan Beard, Nolan Williamson Shutout: Connor Dingelstad

Novice: LL #2

Perry Game 4 Feb 19 vs Cumberland Woolwich: 4 Cumberland: 2 Goals: Lucas Carson, Liam Eveleigh, Patrick Perry, Carter Cousineau Playoffs Feb 25 vs Woolwich LL #3 Woolwich LL #1: 3 Woolwich LL #2: 2 Goals: Patrick Perry x2 Assists: Carter Cousineau Feb 26 vs Twin Centre Woolwich: 1 Twin Centre: 1 Goal: Patrick Perry Assist: Lucas Weber

Goals: Simon Zenker Assists: Matthew Thaler Shutout: Liam O’Brien

Novice: LL #4

Atom: Minor AA

Feb 26 vs St George Woolwich: 3 St George: 2 Goals: Dustin Good x2, Simon Shantz Assists: Owen Hackart, Jackson Dumart, Oscar Ftich, Daniel Kelly, Sam Siopiolosz, Lucas Radler, Nolan Karger, Thomas Ring-Hill, Tanis Uhrig Novice: AE

Feb 28 vs Burlington Woolwich: 3 Burlington: 4 Goals: Danny Soehner, Kody Lewis, Andrew Weber Assists: Kody Lewis, Danny Soehner, Andrew Weber, Tyler Brubacher

Novice: Major A Feb 26 vs Centre Wellington Woolwich: 1 Centre Wellington: 8 Goals: Nolan Steringa Assists: Kyler Austin Feb 28 vs Centre Wellington Woolwich: 4 Centre Wellington: 3 Goals: Spencer Young, Tyler Martin, Owen Lee, Kyler Austin Assists: Brett Moser, Jake McDonald, Kyler Austin, Owen Lee, AJ Mitchell

Atom: LL #4 Feb 19 vs Woolwich LL #2 Woolwich #2: 5 Woolwich # 4: 2 Goals: Jesse Martin, Ryan Martin Assists: Benjamin Witmer, Dante Del Cul Feb 25 vs New Hamburg Woolwich: 2 New Hamburg: 5 Goals: Cameron Martin, Benjamin Witmer Assists: Benjamin Witmer Feb 24 vs Tecumseh Woolwich: 2 Tecumseh: 3 Goals: Mitch Lee Feb 25 vs Tecumseh Woolwich: 1 Tecumseh: 5 Goals: Blake Roemer Assists: Isiah Katsube Feb 26 vs Tecumseh Woolwich: 3 Tecumseh: 2 Goals: Isiah Katsube, Dawson Good, Keaton McLaughlin Assists: Mitch Lee, Blake Roemer, Keaton McLaughlin

Atom: Major AA Feb 26 vs Centre Wellington Woolwich: 1 Centre Wellington: 1 Goals: Austin Cousineau Assists: Brody Waters, Griffen Rollins Feb 26 vs Centre Wellington Woolwich: 4 Centre Wellington: 0 Goals: Josh Martin, Eli Baldin, Griffen Rollins, Brody Waters Assists: Sam Davidson, Kayden Zacharczuk Shutout: Riley Demers

Oshawa Tournament Game 1 Feb 17 vs Richmond Woolwich: 6 Richmond: 2 Goals: Patrick Perry x3, Lucas Carson, Liam Eveleigh, Carter Peewee: LL #1 Cousineau Feb 11 vs Tavistock Atom: LL #3 Game 2 Feb 18 vs Caledonia Feb 25 vs Embro Woolwich: 3 Tavistock: 3 Woolwich: 2 Caledonia: 3 Woolwich: 2 Embro: 5 Goals: Devin Williams x2, Liam Goals: Patrick Perry x2 Catton Goals: Sullivan Keen, Ian Game 3 Feb 18 vs Reading McGregor Assists: Matt MacDonald, Chad Woolwich: 1 Reading:Card 5 Ad:Layout M&T Business 04/03/09 Page 1 Feb 26 vs1 Woolwich #1 10:22 AM Hoffer, Alex Metzger, Liam Goals: Lucas Carson Catton Woolwich #3: 1 Assists: Coleson Sellars, Patrick Woolwich #1: 0 Feb 12 vs St George

Feb 24 vs Plattsville Woolwich: 3 Plattsville: 5 Goals: Dan Faries, Zack Goetz, Alex David Assists: Tyler Martin x3, Alex David, Lucas Bauman Feb 25 vs Tavistock Woolwich: 6 Tavistock: 1 Goals: Joel Cairney x3, Alex David x2, Lucas Bauman Assists: Joel Cairney x3, Zack Goetz x2, Josh Simpson x2

Midget: Major A Feb 23 vs Oakville Woolwich: 3 Oakville: 0 Goals: Weston Morlock, Dalton Taylor, Sebastein Huber Assists: Justin Neeb, Matthew Schieck, Mckinley Ceaser, Brayden Stevens, Weston Morlock The Minor Atom AA Woolwich Wildcats take a break after the second period during their OMHA playoff series game 5 against Tecumseh. The Shutout: Blake Ziegler Wildcats would go on to win 3-2, scoring in the last 40 seconds of the game. Woolwich will now face Oakville in the semi-playoffs starting Saturday in Oakville. The team is back at the Dan Snyder Arena on Sunday, with the puck dropping at 1:30 p.m. [SUBMITTED] Woolwich Woolwich: 2 St George: 1 Assists: Mike Devries, Noah Berlet, Brad Mathieson Harrison Clifford Wild Rawlinson, Dylan Smith, Max Goals: Noah Scurry, Devin Feb 26 vs Plattsville Assists: Grant Kernick x2, Cole Bender Novice: LL #1 Williams Lenaers, Matthew Leger, Ryley Woolwich: 01 Plattsville: 07 Cribbin Feb 25 vs Twin Centre Peewee: AE Assists: Walker Schott Goals: Nick Berlet Feb 16 vs Centre Wellington Feb 19 vs Hespeler Woolwich: 3 Twin Centre: 4 Feb 23 vs Plattsville Woolwich: 3 Woolwich: 2 Hespeler: 3 Goals: Julia Doerbecker, Ella Woolwich: 1 Plattsville: 2 Bantam: LL #2 Centre Wellington: 1 Campbell, Maddie Goss Goals: Benton Weber, Matthew Jan 25 vs New Hamburg Goals: Liam Catton Goals: Matthew Leger x2, Ryley Uhrig Assists: Bethany Hebbourn x2, Woolwich: 3 New Hamburg: 0 Assists: Hayden Fretz, Sam Cribbin Maddie Goss, Amy Dueck, Julia Assists: Brett Henry, Earl Sabean Goals: Jeff Talbot, Isaac Doerbecker Assists: Cole Lenaers x2, Grant Schwarz Fishbein, Nathan Schwartz Feb 26 vs Twin Centre Kernick x2, Josh Kueneman, Feb 25 vs Dundas Peewee: LL #2 Assists: Dylan Arndt x2 Jason Gamble Woolwich: 1 Twin Centre: 0 Bob Black Tournament in Woolwich: 4 Dundas: 1 Shutout: Noah Taylor Feb 20 vs Centre Wellington Oshawa Goals: Julia Doerbecker Goals: Cade Schaus x2, Brett Feb 18 vs Ennismore Woolwich: 6 Assists: Teesha Weber Henry, Mathew Uhrig Bantam: Minor A Centre Wellington: 1 Woolwich: 2 Ennismore: 0 Shutout: Bethany Hebbourn Feb 25 vs Brampton Assists: Nick Campagnolo x2, Goals: Grant Kernick x2, Goals: Austin Whittom, Nathan Earl Schwartz, Riley Shantz, Alex Woolwich: 4 Brampton: 1 Bantam: C Nicholas Pavanel, Luke Brown, Horst Turchan, Mitch Rempel, Jonny Goals: Ryley Cribbin, Colby Feb 22 vs Waterloo Matthew Leger, Ryley Cribbin Martin Assists: Max Bender, Ryan Bond, Greg Huber, Tyler Moser Woolwich: 3 Waterloo: 0 Assists: Troy Nechanicky, Connor Diemert Feb 26 vs Acton Assists: Kelby Martin x2, Goals: Emily Schuurmans x2, Peirson, Pavanel, Leger, Harrison Woolwich: 5 Acton: 2 Shutout: Alex Harnock Mathieu Fife, Connor Goss Erika Morrison Clifford, Josh Kueneman, Goals: Cade Schaus x2, Matthew Feb 26 vs Hespeler Feb 18 vs Twin Centre Assists: Cassidy Bauman, Brooke Cribbin, Jason Gamble, Scott MacDonald, Brett Henry, Benton Woolwich: 4 Hespeler: 3 Woolwich: 6 Twin Centre: 0 Mulder Martin Weber (OT) Goals: Austin Whittom x2, Ryan Feb 23 vs Centre Wellington Shutout: Alyssa McMurray Diemert x2, Max Bender, Nathan Assists: Daniel Gallant x2, Tim Goals: Colby Bond, Connor Goss, Woolwich: 5 Mayberry x2, Aaron Logan x2, Horst Garrett Scultz, Ryley Cribbin Twin Centre Centre Wellington: 7 Matthew MacDonald, Benton Stars Assists: Greg Huber, Ryley Assists: Ryan Diemert x2, Goals: Grant Kernick x2, Weber, Mitch Rempel Cribbin, Garrett Schultz, Jayden Matthew Leger x2, Harrison Nathan Horst, Tevin Piper, Max Novice: LL #1 Hipel Bender, Dylan Smith, Alex Berry, Clifford Feb 17 vs Woolwich Emmett Bartley, Tegan Schaus Bantam: LL #1 Assists: Ryley Cribbin x2, Josh Twin Centre: 3 Waterloo: 0 Feb 22 vs Tavistock Shutout: Alex Harnock Bantam: Major A Kueneman, Matthew Leger, Goals: Ben Belcourt x2 Connor Feb. 26 vs New Hamburg Woolwich: 3 Tavistock: 3 Feb 12 vs Centre Wellington Jason Gamble Doerbecker Woolwich: 2 New Hamburg: 3 Goals: Connor Bauman, Brad Feb. 25 vs Centre Wellington Woolwich: 3 Mathieson, Alex Taylor Centre Wellington: 4 Goals: Austin Whittom, Ryan Woolwich: 3 score | 16 Assists: Jacob Cornwall x2, Nick Goals: Jason Gamble x2, Centre Wellington: 3 Diemert


14 | SPORTS

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

not so great outdoorsman / STEVE GALEA

Invention of transporter would take the pain out of waiting for da’ bow OPEN COUNTRY As I might have alluded to briefly in my last column, I ordered a long bow from a place down in the U.S. last week. This, in itself, is not a big deal. But, let me tell you, the wait is killing me. I’m not saying that they’ve been slow with the delivery process, because they haven’t by the standards of today. Nor am I, as my partner suggests, “obsessed with this bow.” I’ve merely

monitored its travel route via the courier’s website from Gainesville Florida to Orlando to West Columbia, South Carolina to Roanoke, Virginia, to its most recent departure point in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, which was scanned at 7:01 this morning. Far from obsession, this merely makes me a responsible bow owner and gives me something to talk about when the courier finally knocks on my door. I’m guessing that they like that kind of thing. OK, so I’m excited. If this wait has taught me anything, it is that mankind needs to put some serious effort into creating

a transporter unit, just like on the old Star Trek series. Had we put our efforts here, instead of into weapons research or robo-calls, I wouldn’t have to endure this intolerable wait and you wouldn’t have to endure this column. Would it have killed our scientists to do this? Look, this is not just about me and my bow – although, let’s face it, that’s probably reason enough for some up-and-coming scientist to take on a project like this. No, think of the other good things that would happen if only we had transporter units at our

disposal. It would be easier to transport patients from hospital to hospital; we could deliver international aide quickly; we could reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and cars; we could help trapped miners better; we could provide quick disaster relief for isolated locations; pizza places would never have to give away free pizzas again just because the delivery boy got caught up in traffic and was three minutes late, and we would never have to wait at the back of the line again. Sure it would change a few things. Yes, we’d have to re-jig the world economy

and find work for all those people whose jobs have been rendered obsolete. But I think you’ll agree that this is a small price to pay for the smile you would have seen on my face had my bow arrived seconds after the company processed my order. No matter. This isn’t the case and so I have to wait a couple more days – which you’d think would be easy for a guy who can sit in the woods for hours on end waiting for a deer. But, as you might have guessed, it isn’t. This is a different kind of wait. It’s the kind that kids at Christmas know all too well: the

boxer: Determination and dedication are key on the road to success

slow torturous kind. Still, I’ve tried to be patient. And, I’ve even busied myself in preparation of the big day. My shooting glove, quiver, and arrows are by the door. I’ve re-read two books that supposedly tell me everything I need to shoot a long bow well. I’ve practiced my shooting form with my other long bows and I’ve set up an impromptu range in the yard. Heck, I’ve even picked out a dozen really nice carbon arrows that are tailormade for this bow. I’m ready to order them, too. Now, can somebody build me a transporter?

Accolades for Kings at banquet The Elmira Sugar Kings laid claim to several awards at the annual Junior B awards banquet in Stratford on Monday night. The Kings took home the team goaltending award, as starter Nick Horrigan and backup Justis Husak combined to post a 2.63 goals against average in Greater Ontario Junior League Hockey action this season. Andrew Smith, who led the team in scoring with 44 goals and 34 assists in 49 games, took home the award for outstanding contribution to one team. Smith was also named a first-team all star. Second-team all-stars included captain Colton Wolfe-Sabo and forward Riley Sonnenburg.

from | 12

conditioning classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. LevVar said that Terrell has really benefitted from Bujold’s years of experience, and the Olympic hopeful is confident that Terrell will fare well in the ring against the other fighters. “I think it’ll be good for him. He’s been working hard in the gym, he has very good technique and he’s smart,” Bujold said, adding he does need to increase his intensity in the ring if he

OUR POLICY — YOUR PROTECTION

LEE CLEMENS Registered Insurance Broker

HOME | AUTO | FARM | LIABILITY | COMMERCIAL

the next generation of female hockey players in Woolwich

[james jackson / the observer]

from | 12

wants to be successful. “He’s got to want it, though. This is what everyone trains for all season, so he’s got to deal with the pressure and perform when it really counts.”

BEAT RUSH the

PRE-SEASON TUNE UP We repair ALL MAKES of Mowers, Tillers, & Tractors

FREE Elmira Insurance Brokers Limited

45 Arthur St. S., Elmira | 519.669.5484 lee.elmirains@bellnet.ca

TRYING IT OUT: Developing

Terrell has an intensive training schedule, and spends up to 10 hours in the gym each week and his father, LeVar (top, right) is one of his trainers.

4790 Herrgott Rd., Wallenstein,

519-669-2192 www.efsaudersales.ca

to have skates, a CSAapproved helmet and face mask, a stick and gloves. Anyone who doesn’t have the equipment is asked to contact the organizers about making arrangements. There will be handouts for parents with information on the registration and fees for next year’s season.

Faries said there will be members of the executive present to answer any questions parents might have, in particular parents who have never played hockey themselves or have not had another child play. The event is free. For more information, contact Jacinta Faries at (519) 6698625 or check out the website at www.woolwichwild. com.

WEEKLY

B I NGO 7:00 P.M.

THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 8, 15, 22 THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 12, 19, 26

ELMIRA’S LIONS HALL

40 SOUTH ST. WEST, ELMIRA, ON. All Proceeds go to support the many projects of the

LIONS CLUB OF ELMIRA For more information call 519-500-1434


SPORTS | 15

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

Kings split final pair to end the season Loss a good thing, says coach, who was happy to see players get grounded before heading into the playoffs COLIN DEWAR The Elmira Sugar Kings split the weekend ending their regular season, winning at home over the visiting Stratford Cullitons Sunday but losing a tightlyfought game the night before in Brantford. That, however, is exactly what head coach Dean DeSilva was hoping for. “Honestly, it was probably the best thing that could have happened. The way I look at it is that we had won 10 games in a row and, as a coach, I wanted to go into the playoffs with at least one more loss just to ground us,” said DeSilva. “I know it was important to get first place but I am alright with our result this season. During the year we won a number of games in a row and we got too high and I really wanted these guys to be grounded going into the playoffs.” The Kings (40-9-2) in fact finished the season in third place in the Midwestern Conference behind Stratford (41-9-1) and the first-place Brantford Golden Eagles (41-7-3). The weekend got rolling with a visit to Brantford Feb. 25. The Kings got on the board first when Andrew Smith scored during a powerplay that had Eagles’ forward Brett Appio in the box for crosschecking. “We had an outstanding first period. We played really well, but we lost all that after the second and we became undisciplined and took some

Elmira’s Andrew Smith is knocked to the ice by Culliton defenceman Mike Pleon while heading to the net during first period action Feb. 26 at the Dan Snyder Arena. The Kings emerged 4-1 victors over Stratford. [colin dewar / the observer] penalties and sat back a little bit,” said Desliva. “At the end of the first we were up 1-0 and by the end of the second we were down 2-1.” The second frame was all Brantford as they outshot and outscored the Kings. Eagles’ forward Mike Riley would find the back of the net six minutes into the period to tie the game, with Brantford’s Mike Rebry scoring the second of the frame as time wound down. The Kings opened things up in the third, scoring the tying goal in the last minute with netminder Nick Horrigan on the bench in favour of an extra attacker. With the game tied at two apiece the teams played through OT then headed

to a shootout that saw both goalies put in strong performances, but the Eagles came away 3-2 winners. “It was good game and the guys played well. The bounces could have gone either way and we will learn from it and go forward from there,” said DeSilva. The next night the Kings played host to the Stratford Cullitons at the Dan Snyder Arena, skating to a much easier 4-1 victory in front of 1,254 fans. “We want to play tough at home and make it a tough building to play in – it was important to bounce back from the game the other night,” said DeSilva. “We have been telling the guys that everything has been like

a playoff series for the last couple of weeks. We had an emotional game one night and you have to play the next night how are you going to react that is going to make the difference. I want my guys to react to that kind of thinking. That is the kind of mentality that we have been trying to prepare for the playoffs for the last two weeks.” Stratford drew first blood when forward Brock Reynolds beat Horrigan with a chip over the glove at 4:48 but it would be the last of the night for the Cullitons, as Elmira would score four unanswered goals. Elmira’s Lukas Baleshta tied in the first when Will Cook picked up the rubber

at the blue line and send a beautiful pass to Scott Nagy who was skating to the net only to pass to Baleshta at the last second and catching Cullitons’ netminder Taylor Dupuis off guard. Returning in the second Elmira was on the scoreboard early when Brad Kraus beat Dupuis with a one-timer giving the Kings a 2-1 lead. Cass Frey and Nagy collected the assists. The remainder of the period would see both teams with good chances only to be denied by the goaltenders who mustered up both skill and luck to keep the game close going into the third. Kings forward Patrick McKelvie gave the boys in green a 3-1 lead just over four minutes into the third frame when he beat Dupuis on the stick side.

Smith made it 4-1 when he scored during a man on advantage that had Culliton Calvin Thomson in the box for crosschecking. With the regular season over the Kings prepared to face the Listowel Cyclones in the first round of playoffs that started Wednesday night. DeSilva knows it’s a whole new season when it comes to the playoffs. “Over seven games anything can happen. It is learning to play through that adversity, learning to deal with unexpected moments like referees missing calls – we are going to make bad plays but we just have to keep the bus in the right path and not get off,” said DeSilva. “We will be prepared for them and I am confident if we play our game we will do just fine.”

INDIAN RIVER DIRECT

ELMIRA ST. JACOBS CITRUS TRUCKLOAD SALE

SAT. MAR 10, 12:30pm - 2:30pm New Apostolic Church (First & Arthur Streets)

THURS. MAR 15, 10:00am - noon St. Jacobs Antiques Market (Beside Mark’s)

25.00

20lb Box of Florida Seedless Navel Oranges $ OR Ruby Red Grapefruit

PER BOX

kings: Team overcomes a slow start, missing players to post

a 5-2 win over Listowel Cyclones to get the playoff ball rolling from | COVER

second when defenceman Sam Patterson stripped Elmira defender Mac Clustsam at the side of the Kings’ goal. Patterson put a shot on goal that produced a rebound his linemate Caleb Cameron lifted over netminder Nick Horrigan’s left pad. Elmira finally got on the board when team captain Colton Wolfe-Sabo, off a feed from his linemate Brad Kraus, fired a onetimer from the blue line that squeezed past Cyclone goalie Michael Pesendorfer. “Listowel did what we thought they would, they came out flying. We had a little bit of jitters, but that is to be expected: we have some young guys that have never gone through this before and four very key guys out of the lineup. I am not sure any team in the league

could have those players out and still compete as hard as our guys did,” said head coach Dean DeSilva following the game. Returning to the ice after the first intermission the Kings went back to their game as Listowel stuttered, allowing the Kings to score three unanswered goals in the period. Brady Campbell got things rolling, beating Pesendorfer with chip over the glove at 7:26 to tie the game at two. Three minutes later Brett Priestap would break away down the ice from deep in the Kings’ zone during a Cyclone powerplay and score a shorthanded goal to give Elmira the lead for the first time. “I managed to intercept the puck and blew past the defenceman – I chipped it ahead and got a breakaway and managed to score. I was

pretty fired up about the goal,” said Priestap after the game. Priestap would end the period notching another goal, giving the Kings a 4-2 lead heading back to the room. “I was actually trying to pass to (Andrew Smith) when the puck bounced off the defenceman’s stick and through the goalie’s legs, so I got lucky on there – I didn’t plan on that one,” said Priestap. “We are just excited to be playing playoff hockey. Some the guys went all the way last year to the Sutherland Cup and perhaps we got just a little too excited at first, but we settled and focused on our game plan.” The Kings hit two posts early in the third period and were unable to squeeze the rubber past Pesendorfer until defenceman Brodie Whitehead fired a wrist shot

from just outside the crease beating the tender high to the right side and giving Elmira its fifth goal of the night. “In the playoffs, things are going to happen; we can’t control the bounces but you have to stick to what your game plan is and not panic, and that is what our guys did tonight. The leaders lead and lead by example. Guys like Priestap, Campbell and Scott Nagy lead by example and the rest of the guys just followed in and we stuck with what we had to do,” said DeSilva. Up 1-0, the Kings head to the Listowel Memorial Arena Friday for game 2 of the series. DeSilva expects to be able to put a full and healthy team back on the ice for the Kings’ next home game at the Woolwich Memorial Centre on Sunday, when the puck drops at 7 p.m.

Come and try girl’s hockey Would you like to try girl’s hockey to see if you like it?? Then come and play with us…

Where: Date: Time:

St. Jacobs Arena Sunday, March 18th, 2012 Ages 4-7 at 1:00pm (on ice at 1:30pm) Ages 8-12 at 2:00pm (on ice at 2:30pm) What to wear: CSA Approved helmet & face mask, skates, stick and gloves If you do not have this equipment, please contact us at the number shown below.

We will do some skating and hockey drills to start and finish up with a scrimmage game for fun! For additional information, check out our website (www.woolwichwild.com) or contact Jacinta Faries at jfaries@rogers.com or 519-669-8625.


16 | SPORTS

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

The score

jacks: Team finds itself up against the wall going back

to Ayr for game 5 of opening-round series of SOJHL playoffs from | 12

from | 13

Assists: Hayden Foster Shutout: Tyler Rose Feb 26 vs Woolwich Twin Centre: 1 Woolwich: 1 Goals: Connor Doerbecker Assists: Blake Wolf

Woolwich: 2 New Hamburg: 2 Goals: Nate Brideau, Jack Wolf Assists: Jack Wolf, Will Edwards

Twin Centre Hericanes

Novice: LL #4

Novice: LL #1

Feb 19 vs Paris Woolwich: 7 Paris: 1 Goals: Simon Shantz x6, Lucas Radler Assists: Sam Siopiolosz x2, Jackson Dumart, Daniel Kelly, Oscar Fitch, Owen Hackert, Nolan Karger, Thomas Hill-Ring, Tanis Urhig, James Berti, Lucas Radler Feb 23 vs. Plattsville Woolwich: 3 Plattsville 0 Goals: Simon Shantz x2, Dustin Good Assists: Dustin Good, Daniel Kelly, Simon Shantz Shutout: Tanis Uhrig

Feb 25 vs Woolwich Twin Centre: 4 Woolwich: 3 Goals: Marlee Fraser x2, Kara Dietrich, Cloe Hislop Assists: Halle Murray, Marlee Fraser

Atom: LL#1 Feb 25 vs New Hamburg Woolwich: 2 New Hamburg: 3 Goals: Ryan Parrott, Matthew Brubacher Assists: Kyle Deyell, Jake Good, Ryan Parrott Feb 28 vs Embro Woolwich: 1 Embro: 4 Goals: Andrew Kieswetter Assists: Matthew Deyell

Atom: LL #2 Feb 25 vs New Hamburg Woolwich: 1 New Hamburg: 3 Goals: Dawson Stevenson Assists: Jack Wolf Feb 18 vs New Hamburg

Atom: LL #7547 Feb. 26 vs Grand River Twin Centre: 2 Grand River: 0 Goals: Caitlin Livingston, Tyana Bruns Assists: Emily Whitney x2, Tyana Bruns, Caitlin Livingston Shutout: Kylee Zacharczuk

Midget: B Feb 26 vs Waterloo Twin Centre: 1 Waterloo: 1 Goals: Jasmin Fritz Assists: Victoria Horst, Jenny Norris

Midget: LL #1 Feb 26 vs Cambridge Twin Centre: 4 Cambridge: 3 Goals: Janessa Heywood x3, MacKenzie VanBargen Assists: Emily Detzler, Brittany Wagner, Holly Lorentz, Jessica Dunbar, Callie Churchill, Samantha Haid

how to submit your scores online: Please submit your weekly sports scores using the online submission form available on our website, observerxtra.com. Deadline for submission is Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. To submit team photos, please email jjackson@woolwichobserver.com.

them at bay and the Jacks returned to the room only down by one. It was a different story after the first intermission as Gauthier tallied two more to give Ayr a 3-0 lead. Gauthier came out flying, slipping one past Heer in the opening minute of the second period, with Adam Brubacher and Jay Fried collecting the assists. Two minutes later he potted another to record the hat trick. The third period saw the Centennials add two more to the total as Jordan Eby scored at 11:54 and Patrick McKelvie put the final nail in the coffin just two minutes later at 13:57. Heer finished the night with 23 saves on 28 shots, while Centennial goaltender Lee Doherty had to make only 15 saves for the shutout. Feeling the sting from their last game the Jacks were looking for revenge at home ice on Feb. 25, wasting no time in scoring first when James Mildon, who skating past the blue line, fed Rob Hinschberger who fired a one-timer past Doherty. The Jacks would continue with the pressure only to be denied by Doherty as he made outstanding plays to keep his team within one heading into the first intermission. The second frame would be all Ayr as they potted two goals to take the lead, with Jordan Witt scoring at

Defenceman Chris Bauman and goaltender Josh Heer keep their eye on the puck as Centennial forward Alex Richard closes on the net during the first period of last Saturday’s game at the Wellesley arena. Ayr defeated the Jacks 4-3 to go up 3-1 in the playoff series. [colin dewar / the observer]

2:45 and Philip Durnford scoring at 13:27. The third period opened with Ayr scoring their third when Declan Kaster beat Heer with a beautifullytimed shot over the goalie’s stick. Down 3-1 the Jacks continued to keep the pressure on the Centennials and were rewarded with a powerplay goal when Ayr’s Eby was sent to the box for slashing.

With the man advantage the Jacks potted their second of the night when Chris Bauman fed Connor McLeod who in turn fired it past Doherty at 9:04. Just over four minutes later the Jacks would be deep in the Centennial territory when Matt Sovereign picked up the rubber and skated in behind Ayr’s net, finding Mark Hamilton on the left who would beat one Centen-

nial player before passing to Tyler Eckert as he chipped the puck in behind the pads of Doherty to tie the game and send it into overtime. The Jacks seemed lost when they returned to the ice during the extra period and Ayr took full advantage, scoring the winning goal off the stick of Alex Richard during a scramble in front of the Wellesley net. “We didn’t even know they scored, the only one who saw it was the referee, and I am not sure the puck really went in,” said Fitzpatrick. “Ayr didn’t celebrate, they didn’t think it went in and the referee didn’t signal it right away and we actually put the next line on the ice before the goal was given.” The Jacks are still dealing with injuries and sickness and that was evident during Saturday’s game when the team only had 13 players ready to go. “It is so frustrating and I feel so bad for the team,” said Fitzpatrick. “We have a great goaltender that is keeping us in the game but the injuries are starting to hurt the team. I have never coached a team over the last 30 years that has had this many injuries all at the same time.” Game 5 of the series was Thursday evening in Ayr, with results unavailable before press time. Game 6, if needed, sees the teams return to Wellesley on Saturday night , with a 7:30 p.m. start

2012 Registration February 28th • 6:30pm-7:30pm March 1st , 6th & 8th • 6:30pm-7:30pm

10:00am - 12:00pm

KIDS 14 AND UNDER 2 Full Hours Of Bowling!

Woolwich Community Centre (Beside St. Jacobs Arena) | Back Entrance - Downstairs

$5

/KID

SPONSORED BY ELMIRA OPTIMISTS RESERVATIONS A MUST - NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINK ALLOWED.

Elmira Bowl “Maker of Champions”

Season is set to begin week of May 7 thru July 14 (weather pending)

15 First St. E., Elmira | 519-669-2833 | www.elmirabowl.com

DIVISION

FEE

Blast Ball (3 years) Tee Ball (4-5 years) Rookie (6-7 years) Junior (8-10 years) Senior (12-14 years)

$40.00 $50.00 $60.00 $75.00 $75.00

LOCATION St. Jacobs St. Jacobs St. Jacobs St. Jacobs, Conestoga, 3 Bridges St. Jacobs, Conestoga, 3 Bridges

NIGHTS Wednesday Wednesday Monday Mon/Wed Tues/Thurs

2011 Registration Fee Includes:

Shirts, Pictures and Year End BBQ and Celebration For more information please contact: southwoolwich@gmail.com Jasmine Roth (Blast Ball/T-Ball/Rookie Conveyor)

519.669.4450

Pete Moore (Jr/Sr Conveyor)

519.885.5353


17 | VENTURE

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

Venture food for thought/ Food Owen Roberts owen roberts

New business / breslau

Topping things off in Breslau A family-run business, Pizzeria Napoli sees opportunity in growing Breslau community colin dewar The prepared food industry is booming as consumers increasingly rely on quick and easy meals to accommodate their busy schedules. Pizzas, one of the most popular prepared foods, can be tailored to fit numerous tastes and has become a staple for many across the region. For Nada Ristanovic, pizza has been a part of her family for the last 26 years. Ristanovic owned and operated a pizza parlour in her home town of Gorazde in Bosnia before she moved with her family to Canada in 1995. For the last seven years she worked at a franchised pizza joint until she decided to take the risk and open her own pizza palour, Pizzeria Napoli. Ristanovic based the name of her restaurant on the city of Naples, Italy, “the birthplace of pizza” she said. Opening a pizza shop is not difficult if you have a good business plan, said Ristanovic, who is using her experiences to help her establish Breslau’s only family-owned pizzeria. “We have had a great response from the public so far, and a lot of them are telling me it is great that Breslau has a place like this for the residents,” said Ristanovic standing at the front counter of her restaurant. “Breslau is growing and I wanted to be a part of that, offering good food that I know how to make.” The 800-square-foot store located at the plaza at 10 Dolman St. offers a dining area for customers, even though take-out pizza by the slice or the pie is the main choice for customers. Ristanovic uses an old family recipe for both the dough – available in both white or whole wheat – and the sauce, saying she only uses natural ingredients with no additives or preservatives. “It is important to me

that the food not only tastes great but is healthier for my customers as well,” she said. “For the business to grow and continue we are going to have to offer the best food we can with the best taste. That comes from using quality ingredients, and a good sauce that people enjoy. It also helps that we keep our prices reasonable.” Every day, Ristanovic arrives early to start prep, making the hand tossed dough and adding the special secret ingredients to her sauce. Pizza is not the only staple at her shop: they make handmade panzerottis, subs and ovenroasted chicken wings. She says the key to her success will be the stone ovens she uses in the restaurant. “I make everything in the oven, pizzas, panzerottis and chicken wings. Everything is cooked in there and everything is fresh. It may take a little longer than the bigger pizza joints, but I am making sure everything is cooked well. I will not have my pizzas come out undercooked and raw in the centre.” Ristanovic has the timing down perfectly, knowing it only takes 10 minutes to cook a pizza in the oven and chicken wings take around 15 minutes. As for the wings, she prepares them herself, buying raw chicken wings and adding the spices and batter and does not fry them in oil but bakes them serving them mild, hot, BBQ or honey garlic style. Pizzeria Napoli is a three-person operation with Ristanovic’s husband and their 16-year-old son, Jovan, helping on the weekends. Currently the pizzeria is take-out or dine-in, but Ristanovic has plans to add a delivery service once she feels the venture is more established. “As with everything it

Zero production limits food choices at markets FIELD NOTES

Nada Ristanovic prepares pizza dough using her family’s recipe at the recently opened Pizzeria Napoli in Breslau. [colin dewar / the observer] is going to take time. I am building this one step at a time, making sure everyone likes the products I am making and then I will add more to the restaurant,” she said. “It is very exciting to be a part of the community and I am looking forward to being here for a long time serving pizza.” The shop opens at 11 a.m. every day and closes at 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday

and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The busiest time for the pizza parlour is between 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. when Ristanovic says she is basically run off her feet filling orders. “Pizza is a lot like a business: while toppings may get all the attention, it’s the crust on the bottom that holds it all together. The stuff on the top may add flavor and pizzazz, but

without the bottom stuff the whole thing just falls apart and no one wants that.”

VENTURE PROFILE BUSINESS: Pizzeria Napoli LOCATION: 10 Dolman Street, Breslau PHONE: 519-648-2333 OWNER: Nada Ristanovic

A fascinating debate is percolating over food choices and farmers’ markets. In the wake of a dramatic and well-publicized remark recently by Canadian grocery magnate Galen Weston questioning the food safety of farmers markets, a new school of thought is emerging now that wonders also how food is chosen for farmers’ markets. This school questions whether farmers’ markets are inclusionary or exclusionary – not whether the food sold there is safe, but rather, whether markets broadly represent the tastes and consumption traits of a breadth of Canadians. Some may wonder how this can be. After all, farmers’ markets have always been a sort of vox populi, the voice of the people. They mirror consumers’ zeal to know more about their food. They’re a destination, a place where consumers go to make a social and perhaps agricultural statement. Farmers markets reflect their patrons’ lifestyles. Consumers are zealous in their patronage, visiting these markets to develop relationships with vendors, to have some fun, to connect with producers and to get unique products. But are the products being offered to market patrons “old school” – apples, maple syrup, root vegetables and the like – or reflective of the new face of Canada? That’s a big question says a University of Guelph research team looking into all facets of what’s called Roberts | 18


18 | VENTURE

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

ROBERTS: Farmers only slowly recognizing the potential of growing ethnocultural market from | 17

ethnocultural vegetables – their production, consumption and marketing. With support from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural

discovered Ontario farmers were missing out on a $61-million-a-day market by not growing the kind of vegetables certain new Canadian cultures crave – bitter melon and okra, among them. Now, they’re looking at a Catch-22 situation. Despite the amazing opportunity to cash in on the ethnocultural market, Ontario farmers are only planting a smidgeon of what they could sell to those who consume those kinds of vegetables. It appears farmers don’t understand it and don’t realize its potential. Not surprisingly then, they’ve had little interest in connecting with it. And that means these vegetables’ availability – at

Affairs and the Knowledge Translation and Transfer program, the team, led by rural extension specialist Prof. Glen Filson, broke ground and made headlines last year when they

Right for me or right for anyone? Work with an Advisor who’ll take the time to know you.

As a dedicated professional I strive to provide a high level of service and expertise for all my clients. I can offer in-depth market understanding to help build stronger portfolios and an investment strategy that’s right for your life. Contact me to discuss.

least as supplied by Ontario farmers – will be limited everywhere. To me, that’s neither exclusionary nor elitist, nor a situation restricted to farmers’ markets, at least not intentionally. Rather, that’s an opportunity for the ethnocultural sector to get together with the ministry on initiatives such as offering short courses on ethnocultural vegetable development and production, and on supporting further research to determine how to best to get farmers onside. Filson and the Guelphbased research team have made great strides. Their findings have been widely quoted (if not attributed), and they’ve made head-

way understanding the retail sector’s response to ethnocultural vegetables, which led them to farmers’ markets. So far, they know the retail sector is complex, relational and at times prices are arbitrary. Out of the ethnic stories, Chinese markets have the best selection of fresh ethnocultural vegetables. As far as price goes, there’s no standard – it depends on seasonality and availability. But as far as freshness goes, there’s no question in Filson’s mind Ontario farmers could blow away the competition if they set their minds to it. Imported ethnocultural vegetables, even given our modern transportation systems, are

generally not up to par. But even if they were, there are still issues with transportation and food security. So if you want to look at it that way, until there’s domestic production, ethnocultural vegetables will be exclusionary at a lot more places than farmers’ markets. But to me, that’s not farmers’ markets’ fault. Meanwhile, checkout the discussion on http://evcontario2011.blogspot.com.

About the author Owen Roberts teaches agricultural communications at the Ontario Agricultural College and is the director of research communications for the University of Guelph. Owen has been involved in journalism for three decades and named one of Ontario’s top columnists by the OCNA.

Countdown to

N’ ‘ELMIRA’S OW Tomatoes

Joyce Reimer BA, FMA, CPCA, PFP Vice President, Senior Wealth Advisor 53 Arthur St. West, Elmira ON

NEW CROP

GRAPE

Tel: 519-669-4622 joyce.reimer@nbpcd.com

TOMATOES

Picking Now!

NEW CROP

BUY THE NUMBERS.

TOMATOES

Make sense of advertising when you see the numbers. Don’t be fooled

BEEFSTEAK

Picking Now! Juicy, vine-ripened, summer fresh flavour, ready SOON!

® “BMO (M-bar Roundel symbol)” and “Making Money Make Sense” are registered trade-marks of Bank of Montreal, used under licence. ® “Nesbitt Burns” is a registered trade-mark of BMO Nesbitt Burns Corporation Limited, used under licence. BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. and BMO Nesbitt Burns Ltée are indirect subsidiaries of Bank of Montreal. If you are already a client of BMO Nesbitt Burns, please contact your Investment Advisor for more information.

2191 Arthur St. N., Elmira 519-669-3154

Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund

• CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY • CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY • CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY • CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY • CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY •

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY Pancakes & Popcorn • Door Prizes Parts Specials • Farm Safety Instant Draws • New Case IH Tractors

TUESDAY, MARCH MARCH 16 13 TUESDAY, 10:00am - 4:00pm Stoltz Sales & Service ELMIRA LISTOWEL | March 14 MILDMAY | March 15

ELMIRA:

Line 86 West 519-669-1561 / 1-800-665-1561

LISTOWEL: Hwy. 23 North 519-291-2151 / 1-800-665-2151 MILDMAY: Hwy. 9 North 519-367-2672 / 1-800-829-2672 ®2005 CASE CORPORATION

*Help Stoltz’s support the local Food Bank. Non-perishable donations welcome.

Visit us on the World Wide Web at www.caseih.com Case IH is a registered trademark of Case Corporation

©2010 CNH America LLC. All rights reserved. Case IH is a registered trademark of CNH America LLC.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY


FEATURE | 19

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

Two years after their mother Yvonne was killed in the devastating Haitian earthquake, Terry and Luke Martin travelled to the impoverished Caribbean nation to understand what brought her there

Luke and Terry Martin observe a moment of prayer with Marilyn McIlroy at the site of the destroyed guesthouse in Port-au-Prince where their mother died. [submitted by terry martin]

JAMES JACKSON

Some nights Luke and Terry Martin still dream about their mother. They dream that the retired nurse and grandmother of 10 is alive and well in Haiti, continuing the work that she loved – helping those who needed it the most and offering them a kind smile and gentle hands of comfort. Those ghost-like dreams always end the same way for the two brothers, however: waking up to the reality that their mother, Yvonne, is gone and is never coming back. In January, two years to the day of her death, Luke and Terry finally visited the spot where their mother's body was found following the Haitian earthquake. They went to understand why she returned to the impoverished nation time and time again, and where her love for the Haitian

people was born. “We were all a little surprised when she said she was going to Haiti for the first time, but once she came back it all made sense,” said Terry, whose mother first travelled to Haiti in 2007. “It wasn’t her entire life, but over those four years it was an important part of who she was.” On Jan. 12, 2010 the small Caribbean nation was struck by the island’s worst earthquake in more than 200 years. The epicentre was about 15 kilometres southwest of the capital city of Port-au-Prince along the fault line that divides the Caribbean and North American tectonic plates – enormous slabs of rock that fit together like a giant jigsaw puzzle over the entire surface of the Earth. Yvonne, an Elmira resident, had landed in Haiti earlier that day as part of a church mission group. It was her fourth time in the country, but at 4:53 p.m. local time the earth trembled beneath her feet and the guesthouse where she and the other missionaries were staying collapsed on top of her. The magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck just 90 minutes after the

Crosses like this one cover the mass graves throughout Haiti. Written in Creole, this one has the date of the earthquake and says, “Let us remember those that go before us on the journey of life.” [terry martin] seven women from Waterloo Region had landed in the capital. Three of those team members – Marilyn McIlroy, Deb Paton and Lois McLaughlin – were standing on the third-floor balcony of the Wall’s International Guesthouse when the earthquake struck, while three others – Marilyn Raymer, Alice Soeder and Laura Steckley – were tossed back and forth in their deck chairs as water slopped out of the pool and soaked their legs. Unsure of what was happening around them, but realizing that

they were in danger, the women moved away from the building and met outside, only to find that the seventh member of their team was not with them. It was then that they realized that Yvonne, who had gone inside to get changed just moments earlier, was buried in the rubble. Terry got a phone call later that night while he and his wife Melanie were about to head out to a basketball game. It was Melanie’s mother on the phone asking if they had heard about the earthquake.

“At the time we hadn’t, but we didn’t think too much about it,” said Terry. “We went to the basketball game and then I got a call from my dad, and he had a brief message saying, basically, that mom was missing.” Across the continent in San Diego, Terry’s brother Luke was at work when the first scattered reports of the quake began filtering out of Haiti. California was three hours behind Haiti, and at first Luke was relieved, thinking that his mother hadn’t yet arrived. “I was aware that she was travelling but I wasn’t keeping in mind the time change, so as soon as I heard that the earthquake had hit I thought ‘thank goodness, she hasn’t arrived yet.’” About an hour later Luke’s father, Ron, called to tell him that he had received a text message from Raymer saying that Yvonne was missing. After getting the news, Terry and Luke started scouring the Internet for flights to Haiti so that they could go search for her. Information coming out of the disaster zone was sparse at best, as local television and radio staHAITI | 20


20 | FEATURE

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

Location: Western one-third portion of the island of Hispaniola, shared with the Dominican Republic. Population: 9,801,664 (2012 estimate) Language: French (official), Creole (official) GDP: $12.44 billion (ranked #145 in the world) Agriculture: coffee, mangoes, sugarcane, rice, corn, sorghum, wood Industry: textiles, sugar refining, flour milling, cement, light assembly based on imported parts

Because the coat of arms is only used for national and military flags, whereas the civil flag consists solely of the two unaugmented horizontal bands, it was found at the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympics that Haiti and Liechtenstein were using the same flag. This led to the addition of a crown to the design of the flag of Liechtenstein.

Haitian Earthquake by the numbers $4.5 billion: amount of money pledged for the rebuilding process $2.38 billion: amount of money delivered for the rebuilding process by January, 2012 $220 million: amount of money donated by Canadians to charities in support of Haiti and matched by Canadian government 3 million: estimate of number of people affected by the earthquake 316,000: estimate of number of people killed 58: number of Canadians killed

HAITI: Martin brothers see firsthand what drew their mother to this impoverished country FROM | 19

tions were left without power in the aftermath. Raymer was the family’s only source of information in those early hours through her text messages, but with no means of recharging the device she tried to conserve power, meaning her messages were few and far between. It was on his way back from the passport office the next day that Luke got the call from his dad saying that Yvonne had been killed. “I was utterly stunned and couldn’t believe the words when they came out of my dad’s mouth. I was in shock.” He boarded a Toronto-bound flight an hour later and joined the rest of the family at their farm near Elmira that evening, and what followed were an agonizing couple of weeks in which the family tried desperately to communicate with the Canadian embassy in Haiti, and to get their mother’s body back to Canada. “There were lots of doubts about where mom’s body was, and then lots of frustration as far as trying to confirm it from here and trying to get it home. We just didn’t realize how overwhelmed the city was,” explained Luke. A funeral was held on Jan. 20 and mourners packed the Waterloo Mennonite Brethren Church to pay tribute to Yvonne. Yet without a body the service lacked a sense of closure for the family, and it would take weeks for Yvonne to be returned to Canada and arrive at her final resting place in a cemetery just west of Elmira. Gradually time passed and life began to take on a new form of normalcy as family members adjusted to the death of Yvonne, yet Terry and Luke always had the sense that they needed to go to Haiti to see where she died and where she had worked. To that end, Terry and Luke finally boarded that long-awaited flight to Haiti, two years after they first began scouring the web in a desperate bid to join the search for their mother. The brothers planned to meet in Port-au-Prince on Jan. 11, where they also met McIlroy, who would act as their guide for the trip. Their other brother, Dean, decided that he did not want to join them. They traversed the congested streets of the still-recovering capital city amidst the crumbling walls and leaning buildings. Tent cities and ramshackle shacks still dominate the landscape, and the entire city was coated in a thick layer of dust. They spent that first evening

talking with the six men who had dug their mother out of the rubble with their bare hands, took the time to carefully wrap her body in a sheet, and drove through the chaotic streets of Port-au-Prince to deliver her to the Canadian embassy. Yvonne was one of 58 Canadians killed in the earthquake, and hers was the only body recovered from the guesthouse that night. It was through the efforts of Nicholson, Veniel, Samuel, Jean, Lucien and Jean Jonel that her body even made it back to Canada rather than ending up in the mass graves that were dug to dispose of the more than 300,000 people estimated to have died. “They were working with whatever they could to move the stones and debris. I wanted to get pictures of their hands and their faces, and to hear their stories of how overwhelmed they were,” said Terry. “If they hadn’t done it that night I’m sure mom’s body wouldn’t have got home.” “What surprised me was that I don’t think I really believed that people knew her,” added Luke of his discussions with the drivers and vendors who had worked with his mother before she died. “She was just one nurse out of however many NGOs and development organizations and medical missionaries pass through, but they remembered her clearly and had a relationship with her.” The next day, Jan. 12, Terry, Luke and Marilyn participated in memorial services across the city, and stood at the same spot where Yvonne had been found. The section of the guesthouse that collapsed still has not been rebuilt, and all that remains is the brown tile floor. “How do I come up with a word for that?” Luke asked. He paused for a moment before adding, “It was very meaningful. Where my feet were was exactly where her feet were when they found her. It was like visiting a grave.” Yvonne may have died in Portau-Prince, but she was very rarely ever in the capital. It was where she and the other missionaries would arrive and depart, but little more. The heart of her work was located in the mountainous region east of the city, in the plateau region near the border with the Dominican Republic, and that was where Terry and Luke headed next. On Jan. 13 the brothers climbed aboard a small plane and took a 20-minute flight to the village of Henche. It was there and the outlying villages of Malary, Savane Cajou and others where the brothers were able to

The brothers spent several days visiting the smaller outlying villages where their mother had worked. Top right, Luke (left) and Terry enjoy a drink from some coconuts, and they also distributed toys to local children. Terry also wanted to take photos of the hands of the men who helped dig their mother out of the rubble after the quake. More images available online at www.ObserverXtra.com. [terry martin] see and hear the true impact that their mother had on the Haitian people. After touching down at an airport which was little more than a dirt landing strip, the group had to travel through the forest and along the rocky terrain, often riding in the back of a pickup truck or even on foot on roads that were barely passable. The thought of their 67-year-old mother making those same trips filled them with admiration. “She always said she would keep going until her body couldn’t do it anymore,” Terry said. They were surprised to learn that the villagers remembered her so vividly, and the Haitians cried as they recounted their annual visits with Yvonne. The memories of her were still as fresh in the minds of the Haitian people as they were in the minds

of her own family. The men heard countless tales of how their mother had helped distribute food and medical aid, and cared for the sick and the injured – particularly the children. “That made total sense to us, because that’s what mom was always fixated on – children,” said Terry with a smile. At the end of their six-week mission trips each year, Yvonne and the other women enjoyed travelling north to the 19th century citadel that was about 17 km south of the coastal town of CapHaitian. After climbing to the top of the fortress, the group would unwind by spending a few days at the beach on the coast. Luke and Terry had seen photos that their mother had taken during her trips to the citadel and the beach, and they knew the site had a special place in her heart so

they travelled there as well. “Mom always described it as what she imagined Haiti used to look like. It was beautiful, with lots of trees,” said Terry of the beach. Luke and Terry left Haiti on Jan. 19, and have spent the past several weeks trying to sort out their feelings for the nation, the people, and the stories about their mother – as well as the horrors of the day she died and the impact it had on their Christian faith. “The earthquake hit and my first thought was ‘how could this happen?’ and I think that’s a pretty normal response for people who go through something like this,” said Luke. “I’m not one of those people who think that everything happens for a reason. No, this was the wrong time and the wrong person.” “The earthquake happens and you think ‘what better place for my mom to be, she’s a nurse and she can help,’” echoed Terry. “Ever since coming back from Haiti, though, I have a better understanding of life and what things are important. We don’t understand everything – it is way bigger than us here and on the island of Haiti.” In an effort to keep her legacy alive, the family established the Yvonne Martin Memorial Fund through the Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada, which helps offset some of the costs associated with training medical personnel in Haiti. There are currently three students receiving funding, and for every year they are supported they must spend one year working in the same plateau region where their mother worked. The family continues to cope with Yvonne’s absence, and their personal experiences with their mother before her death continue to shape the complexity of their grief. She used to visit Terry and his family almost every day, and her death has left a void that still remains. For Luke, living in San Diego for nearly a decade meant the visits with his mother were always much rarer, but he still misses the letters and the phone calls, and those feelings will likely never wane. They also believe that there is still a lot of work to be done in Haiti to rebuild, and their journey there has helped them understand why that work needs to be done. “This trip wasn’t so much a goodbye for me, it was just to gain a better understanding of what she did,” said Terry. “But, you know, I still dream about mom all the time.”


THE ARTS | 21

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

THE ARTS Live music / jazz

Running hot and cool Larry’s Jazz Guys will herald the trumpets of jazz during Mar. 9 show at Kitchener’s Registry Theatre steve kannon Miles. Chet. Louis. The names conjure up the sweet, hip sounds that follow the placing of lips against trumpet. Cooler than cool. For Larry Larson, they’re icons of the jazz he loves to listen to and perform. On Mar. 9, he and his band – Larry’s Jazz Guys – will fill the Registry Theatre with their music in a performance dubbed Hot & Cool: The Trumpets of Jazz. The show is aptly named, as it was the coolness factor that drew Larson to the trumpet in the first place. Not that of Miles Davis, Chet Baker or Louis Armstrong, however, but the slightly older cool kid that lived in the Chicago neighbourhood he moved to in the fifth grade. “He was really cool. He played the trumpet, so I wanted to play the trumpet,” he laughed. Supported by an encouraging music teacher, Larson stuck with it. “I knew at a pretty early age this was what I wanted to do.” As a grade school student, however, he really didn’t think about the details of making a living as a jazz musician. He simply kept on playing, eventually studying music at Chicago’s DePaul University. It was there that his jazzy life took a sudden change: exposed for the first time to orchestral music, he became enthralled, shifting into classical music. After graduation, his search for orchestral work

brought him to Canada, first at Orchestra London, followed by a stint with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and then with K-W Symphony, where he’s been the principal trumpeter since 1993. Over the years, he’s worked with a variety of other orchestras, including performances with the backing orchestras for Diana Krall, Brian Wilson, Jann Arden, Holly Cole, Anne Murray, Dennis DeYoung, Roger Hodgson, and Yes. In addition to performances of the classical repertoire, Larson has developed nine critically-acclaimed Pops programmes for orchestra with conductor/trombonist David Martin. He is in frequent demand by Toronto recording studios for his work on motion picture soundtracks and commercial jingles. Larson is happy to be busy, knowing that versatility is what it takes to maintain a professional musical career. It beats the alternative. Dormant, the jazz bug never left him. After an absence of 20 years, he got back into jazz about a decade ago, renewing his love affair for the genre. Out of that sprang Larry’s Jazz Guys, with Larson joined by David Martin (trombone, tuba, vocals), Paul Shilton (piano), Kevin Muir (bass) and David Campion (drums).

Dr. Adam Keech

ways the exact opposite of his day job with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. Where classical music

demands strict adherence to a composer’s notes and arrangements, jazz is all about improvisation. Play-

Since 1929

B.A., N.D.

SPECIALIZING IN:

• MOVING | RECOVERING | REFURBISHING • POOL TABLE SALES & SERVICE • SUPPLIES & ACCESSORIES • DART EQUIPMENT | SHUFFLE BOARDS • ACCESSORIES | LIGHTS • PING PONG TABLES | BALLS & MORE

NOW OFFERING:

Dr. V. Hinch PHONE:

Happy to have his fingers in many pies, Larson savours the jazz performances, which are in many

DOCTOR OF NATROPATHIC MEDICINE

Optometrist Optometrist

Larry Larson, principal trumpeter with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, will be taking part in one of his side projects Mar. 9 at the Registry Theatre when Larry’s Jazz Guys salute some of his musical heroes in Hot & Cool: The Trumpets of Jazz [submitted]

Rebecca Cannon

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

PHONE:

519-669-0012 519-669-0879 Evening appointments Available

63 ARTHUR STREET S., ELMIRA

ing jazz adds variety to his life. “No piece has to be the same every time – and it shouldn’t,” he said in an interview this week. “Jazz is a side adventure to what I do week in and week out here at the symphony.” Job, of course, is a very subjective term – Larson says none if it really feels like toil. “I don’t consider it work very often. It’s an absolute kick to do my job, and I enjoy it. “If I’m not enjoying it, what’s the point?” Next week’s show will be long on enjoyment, drawing on his trumpeting heroes, including Baker, Armstrong and Davis, as well as New York’s Tom Harrell, who, while not a household name, has been a major influence on many players. “It will be a mixed bag of tunes that I know the audience will be familiar with, along with some other less-familiar stuff for them to appreciate,” he said, adding he’ll be putting his own take on some of the standards. That, after all, is what jazz is all about – putting the moment into the music. Hot & Cool: The Trumpets of Jazz is set for Mar. 9 at 8 p.m. at the Registry Theatre, 122 Frederick St., Kitchener. Tickets are $22, available at the Centre in the Square box office by calling 578-1570 or toll free 1-800-265-8977 or online at www.centre-square.com.

• Hair Analysis • Hormone Testing • Allergy Testing • Cholesterol Testing • Glucose Testing

Quality care available for all ages and all health conditions. 26 Centre St., ELMIRA

T: 519-669-2405

Ping Pong Tables

Billiards Tables

Celebrating 10 years of service to Elmira & surrounding communities.

MON.- FRI. 10:30-6

Shuffleboard Tables

SAT. 11-4

103 ONTARIO ST., KITCHENER

Dart Boards

519.745.4053 FREE PARKING


22 | FARM SAFETY - SPECIAL FEATURE

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

canadian agricultural safety week | march 11-17, 2012

Stress farm safety, then be well As many farmers manage one or more employees, wellness issues are a bottom line concern and a necessary part of a farm’s operational safety and business plan. Besides training an employee to operate equipment, producers need to encourage everyone living and working on the farm to regularly visit a doctor for a check-up, eat a balanced diet, follow a fitness program and manage stress. To help producers manage stress, a farm management tool called Difficult Times: Stress on the Farm has been developed by the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA). A free download of the booklet is available at http://casa-acsa.ca/content/difficulttimes-stress-farm . The Difficult Times: Stress on the Farm booklet supports the theme Plan • Farm • Safety, a three-year focus for the Canadian agricultural safety campaign. In 2012, emphasis is on “Safety” including assessment, improvement and further development of safety systems. Last year, the focus was on “Farm” including implementation, documentation and training. In 2010, the campaign promoted “Plan” fand eatured safety walkabouts and planning for safety. The yearlong “Safety” campaign will be launched with Canadian Agricultural Safety Week (CASW), March 11 to 17. The Canadian Federation of Agricul-

ture (CFA) and CASA deliver CASW in partnership with Farm Credit Canada (FCC) and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through Growing Forward, a federal, provincial, territorial initiative. “Recognising there is a problem is half the solution,” says Ron Bonnett, President of CFA. “People are the most important asset that a farm business has, so it is imperative for everyone living and working on the operation to take care of themselves both mentally and physically.” Stress is the body’s response to the demands placed on it. Causes of stress may include weather, debt load, long working hours, or machinery breakdowns – the list of potential stressors on a farm is endless. Physically, prolonged stress can result in headaches, stomach problems, chest pain, racing heart and fatigue, among other symptoms. Mentally, stress alters the way one thinks and can lead to frustration, paranoia, negative thinking, and depression and reduces our tolerance levels which can lead to difficulty handling anger. Behaviourally, stress may show itself with overeating, increased smoking or alcohol consumption, poor sleep, lack of concentration, forgetfulness, emotional withdrawal and short temperedness. Unchecked stress spirals downward quickly. Each person is unique in his or her ability to handle stress. What may be

tolerable to one person may be insurmountable to another. The key is to be aware of stressors and accept that some are out of your control. Then concentrate energy towards problem solving and coping with stressors that are within your control. Stress management is good life management. Identify priorities and deal with them; acknowledge and accept that there is not enough time to do everything.

Five easy steps to help keep stress in check are: • Take breaks regularly and relax at least 20 minutes each day. • Talk about your stress with someone. • Eat three meals a day at consistent times while comfortably seated. • Prepare for known stressful events well in advance. • Strengthen relationships with others and regularly make time to have some fun!

FLORADALE FEED MILL LIMITED Finest in feeds and service for over 50 years! FLORADALE FEED MILL LIMITED Finest in feeds and service for over 50 years!

Discover the many reasons to choose The Co-operators as your farm insurer. From insurance plans made especially for farmers to 24/7 claims service, protect your life’s work with the right coverage for your farming operation. Call us today!

Bus 519.669.5478 • Toll Free 1.800.265.6126 www.ffmltd.com

Allen Morrison Allen Morrison Insurance Inc. 25 Industrial Drive Elmira, Ontario allen_morrison@cooperators.ca (519) 669-2632

www.cooperators.ca

The Co-operators is the leading Canadian-owned multi-product insurance company.

Home Auto Life Investments Group Business Farm Travel

premierequipment.ca

“Your Independent Choice Since 1958”

Feeding Success www.wfs.ca

1-800-265-8858

519-669-5143

Local & Long Distance Flatbeds • Sliding Tarp Systems • 53’ Stepdecks R.R.#1 West Montrose

519-669-3388 • 1-877-711-9677

ELECTRIC MOTORS | GENERATORS | AUTOMATION CONTROL

519-669-1842

95 Southfield Dr., Elmira | FAX: 519-669-2031


FARM SAFETY - SPECIAL FEATURE | 23

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

canadian agricultural safety week | march 11-17, 2012

Tractor rollovers leading cause of farm fatalities No time to think. No time to react. It takes about three-quarters of a second for a tractor to rollover. Accounting for one in five deaths, tractor rollovers are the leading cause of farmrelated fatalities in Canada. Equipping tractors with a rollover prevention system or ROPS and ensuring the operator wears a seatbelt has been proven to be 99 per cent effective in preventing death or serious injury in the event of a tractor rollover. Do all of your tractors have ROPS? Rollover protection is one of the safety strategies in a new farm management tool called the Canada FarmSafe Plan developed by the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA). A free download of the core Canada FarmSafe Plan is available at www. planfarmsafety.ca . The Canada FarmSafe Plan supports the theme Plan • Farm • Safety, a threeyear focus for the Canadian agricultural safety campaign. In 2012, emphasis is on “Safety” including assessment, improvement and further development of safety systems. Last year, the focus was on “Farm” including implementation, documentation and training. In 2010, the campaign promoted “Plan” featuring safety walkabouts and planning for safety. The yearlong “Safety” campaign will be launched with Canadian Agricultur-

al Safety Week (CASW), March 11 to 17. The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) and CASA deliver CASW in partnership with Farm Credit Canada

(FCC) and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through Growing Forward, a federal, provincial, territorial initiative. “New tractors come with ROPS

installed but virtually all makes and old models of tractors can be retrofitted with ROPS,” says Marcel Hacault, CASA executive director. Male tractor operators aged 50 and older account for the highest number of rollover fatalities, reports an article published in the June issue of Chronic Diseases and Injuries in Canada. The report says this is likely because many older operators use tractors that were made before manufacturers routinely installed ROPS, thereby increasing their likelihood of a fatality during a rollover. “Having ROPS is only half of the equation,” explains Hacault. “The operator must also be wearing a seatbelt to stay in the safe area and not be thrown in harm’s way.” The most common cause of a sideways rollover is driving too close to the edge of a ditch or steep slope. Always drive at least 1.5 metres away from the edge of a ditch or steep slope. Backwards rollovers usually occur when pulling-out or towing machines, dragging logs or implements, or removing stumps or trees. To avoid backwards rollovers, never hitch a tow chain above the draw bar of the tractor. When it comes to farm safety, ‘use ROPS and wear a seatbelt’ are words to live by.

Eldale Veterinary Clinic Serving you for over 100 Years 1145 Printery Road, St. Jacobs, Ontario T 519.664.2263 | F 519.664.3369 www.stjacobsprintery.com

Providing Emergency and Preventative Health Care for your Horses, Pets and Farm Livestock

7293 Line 86 Wallenstein Phone 519-669-5176

150 Church St. W | Elmira | Phone: 519-669-5672

Bonnie’s Chick Hatchery Ltd. The Quality You Demand, the Service You Deserve.

“Serving Agriculture Since 1938”

Day-old chicks • Started pullets Broilers • Ready-to-lay Turkeys • Ducks • Geese

GRAIN MARKETING • Quality Livestock Feed Grain Available • Sell Us Your On-Farm Stored Crop

CROP SUPPLIES • Seed • Fertilizer • Crop Protection • Reliable Recommendations

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

35 Howard Ave. • 519-669-3232 Always lower a portable grain auger before moving it.

LOOK UP! to Check for Overhead Wires

18 Arthur St. N. • 519-669-2561

-A complete line of quality feeds for Dairy, Beef, Swine, Poultry and Horses. -Animal health products -Custom nutritional programs

Conestogo Tel: 519-664-2237 Mount Forest Tel: 519-323-1880 Tavistock Tel: 519-655-3777 Toll Free: 1-800-265-2203

Guelph / Marsville

519-821-1018 519-928-1101 1-800-461-1018

• Quality Drainage Systems • Backhoe Service

A family tradition since 1921

Wallenstein • 519-669-1440


24 | FARM SAFETY - SPECIAL FEATURE

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

canadian agricultural safety week | march 11-17, 2012

Farm Safety, Workers have responsibilities too Health and safety is a shared responsibility. Farmers have an obligation to provide safety orientation, training and a safe workplace for their employees. But ultimately, it is up to each employee to work safely. To help farm workers gain a better understanding of the importance and need for farm safety, Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) has developed a new farm management tool called the Canada FarmSafe Plan. A free download of the core Canada FarmSafe Plan is available at www.planfarmsafety.ca . The Canada FarmSafe Plan supports the theme Plan • Farm • Safety, a threeyear focus for the Canadian agricultural safety campaign. In 2012, emphasis is on “Safety” including assessment, improvement and further development of safety systems. Last year, the focus was on “Farm” including implementation, documentation and training. In 2010, the campaign promoted “Plan” featuring safety walkabouts and planning for safety. The year-long “Safety” campaign will be launched with Canadian Agricultural Safety Week (CASW), March 11 to 17. The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) and CASA deliver CASW in partnership with Farm Credit Canada (FCC) and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through Growing Forward, a federal, provincial, territorial initiative. “Employees are a key element to the

safe and successful running of a farm enterprise,” says Ron Bonnett, CFA President. “The more they understand about the relationship between safety and the role they play, the better it will be for everyone working there and for the business itself.” It is the responsibility of employees to understand and follow health and safety standards set out by their employer or required by legislation, including following standard operating practices at all times. Workers should never operate machinery, tools, or handle chemicals

or livestock without having completed appropriate training. Knowing how things should be done is not enough – safety practices need to be implemented to reap the benefits of a more efficient, safer working environment. This includes using safety equipment, machine guards, safety devices and personal protective equipment whenever they are needed. Likewise, employees need to make it their business to immediately report unsafe situations, tools, machinery, and gear to their supervisor so that cor-

rective action can be taken. If an incident or near miss occurs, these too should be immediately reported so that appropriate corrective or preventative action may be taken. Near misses are free warnings. By examining these types of incidents you can learn your safety lessons and prevent a tragedy before it happens. “Employees play a key role in their own safety and the safety of others on the farm,” says Bonnett. “By working together, we can ensure everyone returns home safe.”

WATCH FOR POSTED SAFETY SIGNS!

Hatchery Ltd. “Quality Chicks in Brown Egg Breeds”

80 Northside Drive St. Jacobs, Ontario N0B 2N0 www.freyshatchery.com Tel. 519-664-2291

Fax 519-664-3491

519-669-1561 1-800-665-1561

6805 Line 86 W Elmira, Ontario

One Kilometre south of Winterbourne on Waterloo Regional Rd. 23

Regional Rd. 23 • 519-664-3701

Mar-Dale

Transport (1985) Ltd. Order Buying of Stockers Livestock Trucking 669-3392 Floradale, ON

Licensed Grain Elevator Crop Inputs and Services Pioneer Brand Products R.R.#1 Waterloo

519-744-4941

CLEAN FIELD SERVICES INC.

519-638-5870 Phone : 519-638-5870 7055 Wellington Rd. 12 Fax : 519-638-5380 RR2, Drayton, Ontario N0G 2P0

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

Nutrient Management Plans Seed-Fertilizer-Custom Spraying R.R. #2, Drayton, Ontario | N0G 1P0

Tel. 519-638-3457 | Fax. 519-638-8966 | Cell. 519-498-3306

Drayton Elora

Listowel Clifford

519-638-3008 1-800-263-9818


CLASSIFIED | 25

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

The Most Newspapers, In mailboxes Than anyone.

CLASSIFIED HELP WANTED

Period.

HELP WANTED

Auctions Sat. March 3 at 10:00 AM Auction Sale of forklift; metal fabricating equipment; shop tools; welders and miscellaneous items to be held at 644 Colby Drive Unit 3 in Waterloo for Universal Maintenance (Dan and Dolly Gallows). Jantzi Auctions Ltd, 519-656-3555. www.Jantziauctions.com

Our St. Jacobs Custodial Office currently has the following opportunity...

Office Custodian

Why look anywhere else?! We have everything from part time, to full time, local, long haul, direct hires, and short haul. No touch freight. 1 Year verifiable AZ Driving experience, clean abstract, CVOR and criminal search.

Call us today at (519) 650-6006 or fax resumes to (519) 650-7007 HELP WANTED

You will provide custodial functions in assigned areas of the St. Jacobs office including mopping, scrubbing, vacuuming floors, and operating buffing equipment. Garbage and recycling collection, washroom maintenance, and cleaning/dusting furniture will round out your duties. Able to work with minimal supervision, you are physically fit and have the ability to work occasional additional hours. Experience in industrial or commercial cleaning is an asset. We offer a competitive salary and great working conditions. If you are interested in becoming part of Home Hardware, please submit your resume quoting Office Custodian by Monday, March 7, 2012 to: Dayna Weber, Recruitment, Human Resources Department, Home Hardware Stores Limited, 34 Henry St W, St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0 Fax: 519-664-4711 Phone: 519-664-4975 E-mail: hr@homehardware.ca (Microsoft Products Only)

HELP WANTED

Business Opportunities

Part Time Help Wanted Established business in St.Clements is looking for a young energetic individual who is able to work Wednesday through Saturday. The position is for the assembly of merchandise. Mechanical aptitude is a definite asset. Some heavy lifting is involved. Please forward resumes to k-kliquidation@bellnet.ca or 519-699-5709. HELP WANTED

2012

we’re renovat in’ it

MAINTENANCE WEEKDAYS

FULL TIME-NIGHT SHIFT We are looking for someone to fill the night-shift equipment set-up and cleaning position. Benefits are available. If you are interested in applying please do so at worksforme.ca or drop off resume at 45 Industrial Dr., Elmira.

Help Wanted Rosendale Farms Ltd. is a local licensed grain elevator /cash crop operation located just outside of Waterloo. We are now accepting applications to fill the following position: Part time DZ truck driver Reqiurements: -Valid AZ/DZ license -Forklift training and previous experience in agriculture are definite assets The successful candidates must be able to function well in a team setting and be motivated to provide exceptional customer service in this agriculture business. Please fax resumes to 519-578-5168 or email to bryan@rosendalefarms.com Only Applicants to be interviewed will be contacted.

HOW TO REACH US

We are now hiring for the position of Pallet Repair. Applicants must have manufacturing experience or farm experience. Hours will average 16 to 20 per week and may lead to full time. Please contact Rob at 519-664-3688.

Child Care Mother of 3 Year old wanting to stay home. Looking to babysit 3 full time, possible part time openings. Also before and after school available . In Birdland area. Please call Jennifer 519807-1099.

Health Care Pain In The Neck, arms and shoulders? Backaches? Pain going down legs? Trouble sleeping? Winter blues? Call today: 519-5773251. Grant’s Hands On Therapy. Elmira office or house calls.

Salon Chair for rent in a busy uptown Elmira Salon. Please email kirkland_strauss@ hotmail.com for more information.

For Sale Hilltop Fabrics Spring Sale. March 5-10, open 9-5 and every day that week. 4785 Perth Line 67, Milverton, Ontario. 519-5954344.

Luke Daniel Brubaker

Sat. March 10 at 10:00 AM Property auction of a 2 storey red brick house renovated with new kitchen; bathrooms; updated electrical; plumbing; situated in a high end and desirable area of Kitchener near Victoria Park to be held at 36 Heins Ave in Kitchener for Longin Peciak. Jantzi Auctions Ltd, 519-656-3555, www.Jantziauctions.com

Grandma Twila Brenneman joyfully announces the birth of her second grandchild. Grandpa Cliff would be so pleased with his first grandson! Granddad Myron and Grandmother Jane Brubaker in South Carolina can’t wait to meet their fourth grandchild! Luke was born to Daniel and Rebecca Brubaker on Sunday, January 22, 2012 at 8:44 p.m. and weighed 7 lbs. 2 oz and was 19.5” long. We thank God for the safe arrival of Luke to our family!

BIRTH NOTICE

Sat. March 17 at 9:30 AM Clearing auction sale of brand new building supplies; woodworking equipment; tools; tractor; small farm machinery; household effects; antiques; and miscellaneous items to be held at 8190 12th Concession Maryborough Township (approx 4 kms northwest of Drayton) for Ingrid Ohls. Jantzi Auctions Ltd, 519-656-3555, www.Jantziauctions.com

Here I am !!!

auctions

Proud new parents, Justin and Melissa Gutz (Downey) are pleased to announce the safe arrival of their daughter McKenzee Rose. Born February 2, 2012 at 4:35 a.m. weighing 7lbs, 1 oz.

Police, Municipal, Bankruptcy, Fleets & Others

Monthly PUBLIC Vehicle

AUCTION

for sale Spring Sale At Hillcrest Home Baking Feb. 28 -Mar. 10. 519669-1381. 10% off all fabrics. Up to 35% off selected fabrics. Selected cottons $2.99 yd. 10% off books, dishes, housewares, tablecloths, towels, underwear, hosiery, hot paws gloves. Clearance Items - socks, knee hi’s $.50 each. Grocery Specials: Higgins & Burke Teas $3.50; 200g Maxwell House Coffee $7.25; 1 kg Jello Powders $6.39; Oatmeal - Quick-Cook $1.40/ kg; 2 kg Becel Margarine $11.95; 2.84L Heinz Ketchup $6.25; 2 kg Cheez Whiz $9.55; 3.78L Miracle Whip $12.39; 591 ml - 850ml Palmolive $2.69; 2.8L Javex $2.79; 3 kg Arm & Hammer So Clean $5.59. Bulk Cheerios 875g Multi Grain - $8.99 822g Plain $8.65. Christi Crackers Ritz, Veg. Thins, Wheat Thins $2.65. While supplies last.

BIRTH NOTICE

Auctions hr@homehardware.ca

AZ DRIVER REQUIRED

FAMILY ALBUM

So cuddly and sweet, from head to feet. We love you!

to be held at

Breslau Airport Road Auction Complex

5100 Fountain St., North, Breslau (Kitchener)

Sat

Mar 10

th

9:30am

9 - 01/04 ASTRO/SAFARI Cargo Vans 2009 Crown Victoria 2009 Allure 2007 Lucerne 2005 Santa Fe 2005 Jimmy 4x4 2004 Impala 2002 Sonata 2002 Rendevous 2001 Trooper 4x4

2-05/07 Ford F150’s 2006 Ford F150 XLT 4x4 2006 Caravan SXT 2006 Navigator awd 2001 Chev 1500 P/up 2-2000 Ford F150 S/C’s 2000 Chev Crew Diesel 4x4 Dump 99 Chev Crew Dually Service 3-98 Dodge/Ford & Chev P/U’s

2-01/02 Harley Davidson Police M/C’s www.mrjutzi.ca - Website is updated daily as vehicles arrive!

PARTIAL LIST ONLY!!! No Buyer’s Premium!! INDOOR - Heated Building!!! VIEWING: Friday Mar 3th 2012, 1 pm to 4 pm TERMS: Min $500.00 Cash Deposit on Each Vehicle or as announced

M.R. Jutzi & Co

PROFESSIONALS IN THE ORDERLY LIQUIDATION AND APPRAISALS OF COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, CONSTRUCTION, MUNICIPAL EQUIPMENT & VEHICLES 5100 FOUNTAIN ST. NORTH, BRESLAU, ONTARIO, N0B 1M0

www.mrjutzi.ca

519-648-2111

auctions Sat. Mar 17 at 2:00 PM - Property auction of a one and a half storey vinyl sided house with nice private backyard; situated in a sought after area of Waterloo (Westmount area) to be held at 202 Forsyth Dr in Waterloo off Westmount for Ailene Brown. Jantzi Auctions Ltd, 519-6563555, www.Jantziauctions.com Wed. Mar 21 at 10:00 AM -Clearing auction sale of household effects; furniture; antiques; woodworking tools; and miscellaneous items to be held at the St. Jacob’s Community Centre in St. Jacob’s (23 Parkside Dr.) for Elwood and Nancy Yantzi Kitchener and a Waterloo estate with additions. Jantzi Auctions Ltd, 519-6563555, www.Jantziauctions.com

SEE MORE FAMILY ALBUM ON PAGES 26 & 30

auctions Fri. March 23 at 4:30 PM Auction sale of approx 350 toys including farm toys; complete CIFES collection including the JD 5020; tractor trailers; precision; American Muscle cars; to be held at the St. Jacob’s Community centre in St Jacob’s (23 Parkside Dr) for the Ted Deroit estate with additions. Jantzi Auctions Ltd, 519-656-3555, www.Jantziauctions.com find more classifieds on page 26

Phone 519.669.5790 | toll free 1.888.966.5942 | fax 519.669.5753 | online www.observerxtra.com

ADDRESS 20-b ARTHUR ST. N., ELMIRA, ON n3b 1Z9

CLASSIFIED ADS

Display ads

519.669.5790 EXT 0

519.669.5790 EXT 104

ads@woolwichobserver.com

sales@woolwichobserver.com

Residential cost $7.50 /20 WORDS EXTRA WORDS 20¢ PER WORD

COMMERCIAL COST $12.00 /20 WORDS EXTRA WORDS 30¢ PER WORD

Placing a classified WORD ad In person, email, phone or fax submissions are accepted during regular business hours. Deadline for Saturday publication is Wednesday by 5 p.m. All Classified ads are prepaid by cash, debit, Visa or MasterCard. Ask about Observer policies in regard to Display, Service Directory and Family Album advertising.


26 | CLASSIFIED

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

auctions

OBSERVER SERVICE DIRECTORY AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

TIRE

WHERE TIRES

THOMPSON’S

Complete Collision Service

Auto Tech Inc.

ARE A

SPECIALTY, NOT A SIDE LINE.

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

101 Bonnie Crescent, Elmira, ON N3B 3G2

519.669.8330

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

FAX: 519.669.3210

35 Howard Ave., Elmira

AFTER HOURS

519-669-3232

Accredited Test & Repair Facility

519-669-4400 31 ORIOLE PKWY. E., ELMIRA www.thompsonsauto.ca

519.669.8917

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

Wed. April 4 at 10:00 AM Clearing auction sale of household effects; furniture; antiques; tools; and miscellaneous items to be held at the St. Jacob’s Community Centre in St. Jacob’s for a Waterloo estate with additions. Jantzi Auctions Ltd. 519-656-3555 www.Jantziauctions.com Sat. April 7 at 10:00 AM - Clearing auction sale of a one and a half acre hobby farm or country property including a 4 bedroom brick house with barn; riding lawnmower; lawn and garden; household effects; antiques; tools; and miscellaneous items to be held at 4631 Perth Line 55 in Milverton for Henry and Mary Kuepfer. Jantzi Auctions Ltd. 519-656-3555 www. Jantziauctions.com

Pets Quality Collision Service

RUDOW’S CARSTAR COLLISION CENTRE

AUTO CLINIC 21 Industrial Dr. Elmira

24 Hour Accident Assistance

1-800-CARSTAR 519-669-3373

519-669-7652

33 First Street, East Elmira, ON

BODY MAINTENANCE AT:

RUDOW’S CARSTAR COLLISION CENTRE

Call Us At (519)669-3373 33 First Street, East Elmira, ON

CLEANING SERVICES

Injury Prevention & Canine First Aid. April 11, 1 - 4 p.m., Woolwich Memorial Arena. For more information contact Shanna, Pawsitive Canine Connection, 519-500-3594. Visit www.pawsitivecanineconnection.com for more upcoming seminars.

auctions Sat Mar 24 at 10:00 AM - Property auction of a one acre country property or hobby farm 2 or possible 3 bedroom bungalow with 30ft x 40ft barn or shop. To be held at 4065 Line 61 Poole on the eastern edge or outskirts of Poole (Milverton or Millbank area) for Henry and Tina Harder. Jantzi Auctions Ltd., 519-6563555 www.Jantziauctions.com

RENOVATION CLEAN UPS! Call for Details

Sat. Mar 24 at 12:30 PM - Clearing auction sale of woodworking equipment; shop tools; lawnmower; household effects; antiques; collectables; miscellaneous items it to be held at 15 Poffenroth Path in Elmira off Church St. near John Deere Dealership for Randy and Lori Marin. Jantzi Auctions Ltd., 519-6563555 www.Jantziauctions.com

Rentals Moorefield - One bedroom apartment furnished, laundry facilities, parking, deck, electric heat, cable TV, no pets, adult building. References. $695.00 inclusive. First & last. 519-638-3013.

rentals Room For Rent. 23 year old male looking to share clean, three bedroom house in Wellesley. $500/mth utilities included. 519-327-8530.

FAMILY ALBUM

auctions Sat. March 31 - Property auction of a 2 possible 3 bedroom home (condo) located in a retirement village (cottages of Livingstone Circle) in a great area of Kitchener to be held at 5-50 Midland Drive in Kitchener for Theresa Swartzenburg. Jantzi Auctions Ltd. 519-656-3555 www.Jantziauctions.com

Farm Services Kiln Heat Treatment Service. 519-664-3688. Certified to heat treat to ISPM#15 standards. Willow Brae Pallets.

more family album on page 30

birthday

Best wishes on your 40th Birthday

From all your family &

MegaMutts Spring Classes starting soon! Introductory lesson March 27, Elmira Library. Free for registered students. Non-registered $25. 519-6698167 or www.megamutts.com

Renovating? Let us do the clean up • 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

auctions

With love Joe, Cassandra, Nicole and Colin

BIRTH NOTICE

STAG & DOE

We Made a Wish & She Came True

St. Patrick’s Day Stag and Doe: Chris Reid & Jessie Potwarka

www.completecarpetcare.ca

ROB McNALL 519-669-7607 LONG DISTANCE? CALL 1-866-669-7607 CLEANING

Financial SERVICES

...& SMALL BUSINESS ACCOUNTING

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

SHELLY & SCOTT TAYLOR

NOW ACCEPTING

28 Pintail Drive, Elmira, ON, N3B 3G9

NEW CLIENTS

$139 FREE Gift Offer Learn More Online At...

budurl.com/SAVE139

519-669-0003

general

ORTLIEB CRANE & Equipment Ltd. • 14 ton BoomTruck • 40 ton Mobile Crane

519-664-9999

taylortax@rogers.com

ST. JACOBS

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

24 Hour Service (Emergencies only) 7 Days A Week

669-3332

Rod and Lesley Bauman are thrilled to announce the safe arrival of their precious little girl. Molly Ann was born January 30th, 2012 weighing 7lbs 7oz. Proud grandparents are Kathy Forwell and Howie & Gloria Bauman.

March 17, 2012 at Elmira Lions Hall, Late lunch, DJ and Prizes!

STAG & DOE

STAG & DOE

Stag and Doe:

Stag and Doe:

Tamara Buehler & Mitchell Burt

Jason Duskocy & Pagan Hovinga

Saturday, March 10, 2012 at Lions Hall, 40 South St. W., Elmira ON. 8pm - 1am. DJ, games, door prizes, raffles, food and lots more fun! Age of majority

March 24 at The Lions Hall, 40 South St. W., Elmira ON. 8pm - 1am. Music, games, prizes, food and good times!

Tickets available at the door. $10 each

GENERAL SERVICES

RECOGNIZE OUTSTANDING EFFORT!

FOR THE MUSIC-LOVER IN YOUR LIFE Softener Salt & Pool Salt

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

QUICK LOCAL SERVICE | 245 Labrador Dr., Waterloo

www.UniTwin.com | 519.886.2102

FREE BAG In troductor Offer y

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

Taking Salt to Peoples’ Basements Since 1988

519-747-2708

Waterloo www.riepersalt.com

We’ll transfer music from LPs, 45s, 78s and cassettes to CDs. We’ll take your favourite albums, clean up clicks, pops and surface noise and enhance the overall sound of the recording.

More Info & pricing vinylp2cd@gmail.com

519-669-0541 ELMIRA, ON

Tickets available at the door. $10 each

Tickets available at the door. $10 each


CLASSIFIED | 27

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

OBSERVER SERVICE DIRECTORY GENERAL SERVICE

While you wait! Various sizes & rates The Sharp Shop | 112-D Bonnie Cres., Elmira

519.669.5313

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

CLEAN • DRY • SECURE Call

•Ratches, Hooks, Straps, Webbing etc. •Canvas, Vinyl, Polyester, Acrylic Fabrics

Established 2000

F. David Reimer

UNDER PRESSURE TO HEAL

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

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

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

519-669-4964

22 Church St. W., Elmira

Tel: 519-669-5537

Poole, ON

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

Home improvement services

BOWEN THERAPY

READ’S DECORATING

20 years experience

SINCE 1961

...is the solution for your PAIN! Benefits may be evident as early as the first session. Treatments are safe for everyone from infants to the elderly.

Specializing in Paint & Wall coverings

Call Now!

Kevin Bartley, B.A. Hons., Professional Bowenwork Practitioner

For more information call:

60 Memorial Avenue, Elmira (519) 669-0112

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

$4.99 per pair

General Repairs

519.595.4830

100 SOUTH FIELD DRIVE, ELMIRA

www.reimerhbot.com

519-669-0220

Sharpening M

5th pair FREE.

Health services

Reimer Hyperbarics of Canada

State of the acAhinrte

Boat Covers | Air Conditioning Covers | Small Tarps Storage Covers | BBQ Covers | Awnings & Canopies Replacement Gazebo Tops | Golf Cart Encolsures & Covers

Every Body is Better with Bowen!

FOR ALL YOUR HOME DECORATING NEEDS. 27 ARTHUR ST. S., ELMIRA

519.669.3658

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

AGRICULTURAL • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

519-669-2251

PH 519-502-4679 | Fax 519-291-6624

36 Hampton St., Elmira

8632 Concession 3, RR#3 Listowel, ON, N4W 3G8

• High Quality Installation of Steel & Aluminum Eavestrough • Rugged Steel Eavestrough for Today’s Metal Roofing Systems

JEREMY MARTIN

xcountryeaves@live.ca

Home improvement services COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

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

FREE ESTIMATES

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

RESIDENTIAL & AGRICULTURAL

Driveways • Sidewalks • Curbs • Barn Renovations Finished Floors • Retaining Walls • Short Walls Decorative/Stamped and coloured concrete CALL NOW TO BOOK YOUR SPRING 2012 PROJECTS

519-638-2699

TEL:

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

Floor Model Sale On Now! Let Us Help You Get Cozy

• Residential • Commercial • Industrial

Sew Special Custom Sewing for Your Home

 Wood, Pellet or Gas?  Insert or Free Standing?  Traditional or Contemporary Styling?  Practical, Cost Effective, Top Performer?

Custom Drapery Custom Blinds

Randy Weber

Free Estimates

ECRA/ESA Licence # 7000605

519.669.1462 Fax: 519.669.9970 Tel:

18 Kingfisher Dr., Elmira

Home improvement SERVICES

In Home Consultations

www.fergusfireplace.com

Over 20 Years Experience

1871 Sawmill Rd., Conestogo | 519-664-3800 or 877-664-3802 Celebrating Our 180 St. Andrew St. W., Fergus 17th Year At 519-843-4845 or 888-871-4592

Lois Weber 519-669-3985 Elmira

Outdoor services

OFFERING A QUICK AND EASY WAY TO RECLAIM UNUSED LAND MANY APPLICATIONS:

Home Improvements

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

WINDOWS & DOORS | ROOFING SIDING | SOFFIT & FACIA | DRYWALL ADDITIONS & RENOVATIONS

Waterloo Region • Woolwich Township

MURRAY MARTIN | 519.669.9308

or

1722 Floradale Rd., Elmira, ON, N3B 2Z1

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

519-896-7700

519-648-3004

www.biobobs.com

Outdoor services

OUR EQUIPMENT CAN HANDLE TOUGH BRUSH & LONG GRASS!

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

HELPING RECLAIM YOUR UNUSED LAND!

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

SERVICE ANYWHERE IN ONTARIO For more information contact: JEFF BASLER

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

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

FREE ESTIMATES

YOUR

Steve Co.

PLUMBING & HEATING SPECIALISTS!

Plumbing and Maintenance Inc.

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

For all your Plumbing Needs. 24 HOUR SERVICE Steve Jacobi

ELMIRA

519-669-3652

One stop shop for all your needs. PLUMBING, FURNACE REPAIRS, SERVICE & INSTALLATION, GAS FITTING 66 Rankin St. Unit 4 | Waterloo

519-885-2828

C.J.

BRUBACHER LTD. 19 First St. E., Elmira

519-669-3362

we’re at your service. We specialize in getting the word out. Advertise your business services here. Get weekly exposure with fantastic results. Call us at 519.669.5790.


28 | CLASSIFIED

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

REAL ESTATE LISTINGS

Visit us at our NEW LOCATION! 3 Arthur St. S., Elmira | 519-669-5426

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

$624,000

COTTAGE COUNTRY IN YOUR BACK YARD!

West Montrose - Why own a cottage when you can buy a fabulous house with a pool backing onto green space. This home has all the conveniences! Sep dining room, main floor laundry, living room, family room & huge finished basement with built in bar and fireplace. Romantic master suite featuring wood fireplace, walk in closet & captivating spa like ensuite complete with stand up shower & corner whirlpool bath. MLS Call Paul direct.

Paul Martin

ATTENTION

BRAND SPANKIN NEW!

EMPTY NESTERS

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

CALL CALL DIRECT DIRECT

Elmira - Looking to downsize? Then don’t miss this brand new, open concept semi. All the conveniences on one floor, main floor laundry, master bedroom with ensuite, second bedroom, eat in kitchen and sizeable living room with garden door. The small yard will be easy to care for! The large garage is 17.5ft x 20ft, perfect for storage and still have room for a vehicle. Located close to downtown, walking distance to library, restaurants and banks. MLS Call Paul direct.

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

$299,900

Elmira - Perfect for empty nesters! Don’t miss out on this semi detached raised bungalow. Complete with main floor laundry, 4 piece ensuite and open concept eat-in kitchen and living room. All the conveniences on one floor. The small yard will be easy to care for! The large garage is 17.5ft x 20ft, perfect for storage and still have room for a vehicle. Located close to downtown, walking distance to library, restaurants and banks. MLS Call Paul direct.

$299,900

Alli Bauman SALES REPRESENTATIVE

CALL CALL DIRECT DIRECT

519-577-6248

www.elmiraandareahomes.com

$329,000

$453,900

Elmira - no backyard neighbours. This beautiful back split home with sunroom overlooking natural green space. Move in condition! Carpet free main floor with new hardwood and ceramic. Kitchen updates include granite countertops and new backsplash. Concrete driveway and over sized garage (1.5). Unspoiled 4th level perfect for games/playroom waiting for your finishing touches. MLS Call Paul direct.

Elmira - Meet “Olivia�, another fabulous home by Verdone. 2216sqft plus fin'd bsmnt. Many quality finishes some incl: Ceramic, Hrdwd, oversized trim & mf crown moulding. MF lndy, spacious LR, Dinette walk out to covered 16.4 x 9.4ft deck. Fabulous must see kit built for convienience, French drs to mf den. Lg master w/crown moulding, 2 walk ins, lg beautiful ens w/free standing tub & oversized glass shower. MLS Call Paul.

Elmira - Looking for your first home? Look no further! This convenient home is full of personality. Close to downtown and bus route. Many updates including: mudroom at side entrance, kitchen updates, unique ceramic tile throughout and finished basement. Single garage equipped with separate workshop room. Back slider to fenced yard with large deck and shed. MLS Call Paul direct

$675,000

$259,900

GREEN SPACE

A donation of $250.00 with any home bought or sold through Alli or Bill.

$249,900

COMPLETELY FINISHED!

FULL OF PERSONALITY

RM

BY FA

HOB

Bill Norris SALES REPRESENTATIVE

CALL CALL DIRECT DIRECT

$749,900

519-588-1348

www.elmiraandareahomes.com

SPACIOUS BUNGALOW ON 20 ACRES

Woolwich - Loc’d on 20 acres. Spacious 2400 sqft bungalow equip’d w/MF lndry, sep dr, huge fin’d bsmnt & walk up to garage. Open kit & FM w/wood fp. Master w/huge walk in closet & attractive slider to 3 tiered composite deck w/hot tub. 25x36 ft insulated, heated shop, 100amp w/bathrm & phone. 20,000 sqft 2 storey barn equipped for chickens or turkeys, currently empty. 17 acres of bush w/trail, mostly hardwood & poplar. MLS Call Paul direct.

Coach House Realty Inc. Brokerage

159 William St., Palmerston

(Across from Home Hardware)

***Broker of Record

519.292.0362

519.638.2509

coachhouse@wightman.ca I www.coachhouserealty.ca

YOUR DOLLAR WILL GO FURTHER HERE!

NEW Impressive all brick bungalow w/walkout 3 bdrms, 2 baths, 552 MAINbsmt. ST. PALMERSTON great rm w/vaulted ceilings, gas fp & mantel, rich oak kitchen w/ island, main floor laundry, central air & carpet free floors. Double garage w/basement entrance. House is maintenance free on an oversized lot with deck, paved driveway and Tarion Warranty. $349,900 Call: Edith 519.638.2509(h) 519.741.6791(c) MLS 1211587.

Impressive country & beautifully manicured 3.75 acres w/lots of trees & great view on paved rd. Minutes to town. 1750 sq.ft. immaculate bungalow w/4 bdrms & 3.5 baths w/geo-thermal heating & cooling system plus lots more. $375,000 Call: Kathy 519.292.0362 MLS 1215161.

looking for that perfect home?

Elmira - 79.5ft x 274ft Lot. Call and design this home to fit your needs and wants. Spacious bungalow on large treed lot. Stairway from garage to basement. Custom designed kitchen. Huron Homes will entertain other plans for houses on this lot. Call 519-503-9533 to have a look at the blueprints. MLS

CROSSWORD PUZZLER

EDITH MCARTHUR

*Sales Representative

WELL KEPT TOWNHOME

Elmira - This affordable 3 bedroom home is

close to amenities. The sizable master bedroom is equipped with walk-in closet. Finished basement with 3pc bathroom. Bright kitchen with walk out to fenced yard. Kitchen appliances included. MLS Call Paul direct.

OBSERVER PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

OFFICE PHONE: 519.343.2124

KATHY ROBINSON

AWESOME BUNGALOW BUILT FOR YOU!

$ 6 * 2 2 8 7 , 2 7 7 1 2 : , 1 , 6 , ) 2 / 6 . ( 0 8 1 & ( 5 1 2 (

' 2 * 0 $

2 3 5 2 5 ( 2 & 5 2 : 7 + ( 5 : $ 1 (

3 7 , & 2 5 $ / ( $ 5 7 2 ( / /

0 2 6 ) ( 1 ( ( 5 2 6 $ $ ' 1 ' ( /

$ / 7 2 5 3 $ 3 ( . , ' (

/ ( 7 6 + * , 1 $ $ 2 . ' 7 2

The big easy $ , 5 ' 8 , 2 1 ( 8 ' ( , 6 0 $ , ' 6 2 6 $ 0 ) / < , 7 ( ' % < % (

SALE

The challenge

SPRING CLEANING. is right around the corner, clean out your garage with an ad in the Observer. $7.50 for 20 words!


CLASSIFIED | 29

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

REAL ESTATE LISTINGS

Sunlight Homes ELMIRA REAL ESTATE SERVICES

Drayton Heights

VISIT US SATURDAY AND SUNDAY!

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

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

519-669-3192

BONNIE BRUBACHER Broker of Record

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

The Edge Semi-detached homes from

SHANNA ROZEMA Broker.

LAURIE LANGDON Sales Representative

MONIQUE ROES Sales Representative

FLORADALE!

TRANQUILITY

COMMERCIAL BUILDING!!

$1,100,000. Spectacular setting on 20 acres of bush property. Maturing maples border the welcoming driveway to this beautiful ranch red brick 2538 sq ft bungalow. The front wraparound porch is graced with gingerbread. The private back yard offers an award winning patio accessed by several walkouts including a private walkout terrace from basement level. MLS

$799,900. 4000 sq ft 4+ bedroom home with basement in-law suite. Entertaining in all seasons with the inground swimming pool, patio and luxury cabana and plenty of room for your very own ice pad or storage. Wood burning fireplace makes the games room/ rec room a cozy place for the family to gather for a game of pool. MLS

$229,900 ELMIRA..LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!!! Steps from the main street, lovely upper floor apartment w/separate hydro & entrance, main floor ideal for small business, onsite parking, great exposure on corner lot, many uses permitted, zoned C2. MLS

$189,990

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

$239,990 LET OUR 50+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WORK FOR YOU!

OPEN HOUSE - SUN. MAR. 4, 2-4pm

Many models to choose from

11 Victoria Glen St., Elmira

Learn More About Sunlight Heritage Homes and Our fine communities by Visiting us Today! Alyssa Henry Lisa Hansen Tribble

www.sunlighthomes.ca

SOLD ISN. 3 DAY

Sales Representative

Sales Representative

519.787.0203

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

whether you’re starting out or emptying the nest.

VICTORIA GLEN - spotless home close to Riverside school. 2bathrms. (main on recently renovated). Roof, furnace & air cond. (‘11). Rec. rm. & office. Dble. concrete driveway. Quiet street. MLS REDUCED TO $297,900.

AFFORDABLE CONDO - Why rent? 2 bdrm (extra-large master). 4 appl. Incl. Fin. rec. room & 2 pc. washroom. Private patio backs to courtyard. Well maintained bldg. Private parking spot. MLS $143,500.

SPOTLESS home w/finished walkout basement. 4 baths (4pc. ensuite). Vaulted celing in fam. rm. & master bdrm. Upper & lower decks, fenced yard. Lovely maple kit. w/stainless appl. incl. NEW MLS. $334,900.

PRICE REDUCED! Brick home backs to open space. Large oak kitchen w/lots of windows. Main flr. Fam. rm. w/woodstove & L.R. 2 baths. Gas furnace, central air. Detached garage. Covered porch. MLS $219,900.

Start your property search here.

Brokerage

R.W. THUR REAL ESTATE LTD. 45 Arthur St. S., Elmira

Brad Martin

Independently Owned and Operated 17 Church St. W., Elmira

wendy.taylor1@rogers.blackberry.net marylou@mmrealestate.ca

Broker of Record, MVA Residential

Wendy Taylor BROKER MANAGER

24hrs 519-669-1544 24hrs

Mary Lou Murray SALES REPRESENTATIVE

www.peakrealestate.com

Res:

519.669.1068

Julie Heckendorn Broker

Res:

519.669.8629

Sales Rep.

Cell:

$191,900 Great starter on quiet street, with short walk to downtown. 3 good sized bedrooms, eat-in kitchen, separate dining room, steel roof, large fenced yard, neutral decor, newer laminate flooring on main, walk out from kitchen to party deck, newer vinyl windows. Please call Wendy Taylor to view. MLS 1215038

www.thurrealestate.com

519.505.0627

OPEN HOUSE: Sat. March 3rd 1-4pm Private Sale - 71 Second Street, ELMIRA

Thinking of Buying or Selling call or email today!

$334,900 This unique country property with a log cabin feel, is located on a private, treed 1.33 acre lot. This home features a cozy, open concept mainfloor, 3 spacious bedrooms, wide wood plank floors, custom spiral staircase, 2 full baths and is located on a paved road 10 minutes N/W of Drayton. Please call Wendy Taylor to view. MLS 1214802

519-669-2772

Tracey Williams

E RIC P W NE

34 PINTAIL DRIVE, ELMIRA - $525,000

$365,000 -

Large Bungalow – large 135’x80’ corner lot, fenced yard, mature trees. Florida room, deck, double concrete driveway, large double garage. Hardwood floors, kitchen – oak cupboards, 3 bedrooms, 3 skylights, large L shaped rec room, gas fireplace, full cupboards with sink. High Efficiency furnace, central air, central vac. Call 519-669-5270.

Desirable street in gorgeous Elmira. 4 bedroom home with quality updates & immaculately landscaped. Hardwood & heated floors, fin. rec room, open concept kitchen/family room, backing onto mature trees! MLS 1144603. Miranda O'Sullivan, Sales Representative, 519-742-5800 ext. 2025. Coldwell Banker Peter Benninger Realty, Brokerage 508 Riverbend Drive, Kitchener

FOR RENT. With real investment you will see a real return. Advertise with us today.

$299,999 Excellent opportunity for family that requires a shop. Property is

Zoned C-2. House features 3 beds, 2 baths with some updates. Shop is 30x60 quonset style with 220 amp hydro, 2 pc. washroom, hoist and office area. Spring fed pond at rear of property. Please call Wendy Taylor to view. MLS 1211618

“You dream...We’ll work.” Free, no obligation, Opinions of value


30 | CLASSIFIED

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

FAMILY ALBUM obituary

obituary

Edenborough, Margaret (nee Williams)

Schumacher, Norma Irene (nee Hill)

Passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2012 at Leisureworld Care Centre, Elmira. Margaret, age 94 years, of Elmira. Beloved wife of the late Harry W. Edenborough (2005). Dear mother of Doug and Joan of West Montrose and Bob of Waterloo, and mother-in-law of Misuzu Yoshino of Japan. Also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Matthew (Robin), Joey (Karla), David, Penny (Jeff Maillette), Ryan, and by her great-grandchildren Cameron, Madeline, Joey, Chase Maillette, Katie and Tessa Edenborough. Predeceased by her youngest son Ross (1991). The family received their friends and relatives at Trinity United Church, Elmira on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 from 10 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11 a.m. In her memory, donations to CNIB would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy. Arrangements entrusted to the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira.

On Monday, February 27, 2012, at Grand River Hospital as a result of age-related illness. Born in 1925, at St. Thomas, Ontario, Norma is survived by her loving spouse of 64 years, Jerome Schumacher; four children, Paul (Lynn) Schumacher, Brian Schumacher, Mark (Janet) Schumacher, and Becky (Donald) Allison. Also survived by seven grandchildren: Christopher (Lori) Schumacher, Jonathan Schumacher, Steven, Andrew and Ryan Schumacher, Connie (Korbin) Purchase, and Julie Allison; and three great-grandchildren, Sydney, Ella and Owen Schumacher. Predeceased by her parents Harold and Flora Hill and her brother Lt. Col. Louis J. (Elaine) Hill. At the request of the family, there will be no funeral home visitation or service. A private family committal service will take place at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Community Care Access Program of Waterloo Region or The Canadian Red Cross Society may be made through the Dreisinger Funeral Home (519-669-2207).

THANK YOU

obituary

Thank You A very sincere thank you to all who attended my 80th birthday party, sent flowers, gifts, cards, called or gave donations to the food bank. It has been a great time of celebration & reflection for me. A special thank you goes to my family for doing such an awesome job of planning and pulling it all off. Thanks Becca for the super slide show & thanks photographer Matt. All your kindness was much appreciated & was very special to me. - Helen Richmond

DEATH NOTICEs CAREY, Rita Marie | On Tuesday, February 28, 2012, while visiting the Grand River Casino, doing what she enjoyed, Rita, of RR2, Baden, went to be with the Lord, in her 89th year. Local relatives are her daughter Sheila Seyler and her hasband Paul Seyler of St. Jacobs COOK, Allister William | Age 86, of R.R. 1, Stratford,

passed away at Cedarcroft Place, Stratford on Wednesday, February 22, 2012. Local relatives are his son Stephen Cook and his wife Irene of Wellesley.

www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

FEICK, Beatrice | March 11, 1927 - February 27, 2012 Beatrice Habermehl Feick was born to Albert and Martha Habermehl on March 11, 1927 at St. Jacob’s, Ontario LAUTENSCHLAGER, Lloyd Allan | (1920 – 2012) Entered into

the hands of the Lord on February 28, 2012 at the Village of Winston Park, Kitchener, with his family at his side. Local relatives are his son Larry and wife Carole of Elmira. MacDONALD, James Keith | Of Chesley, passed away at

Grey Bruce Health Services, Owen Sound on Wednesday, February 29, 2012, in his 76th year. Beloved husband of Wynelda. Loving father of Dennis (Beth Ann) of Chesley, Scott (Amanda) of Riverview, New Brunswick, Paul (Joan) of Kitchener, Vaughan (Tracy) of Elmira and

DEATH NOTICEs

cont .

Jody MacDonald of Waterloo. Cherished grandfather of thirteen grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Jim will be fondly remembered by his siblings, Cuma Brinn of Tillsonburg, Lloyd MacDonald of Corunna and Mary (Jim) MacPherson of Stratford. Predeceased by his brother Ross and his parents, Gordon and Annie (Hatten) MacDonald. Private family services will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley (519-363-2525). Spring interment in Chesley Cemetery. Memorial donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Lung

www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

DEATH NOTICEs

cont .

Association would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy. www.rhodyfamily.com SCHANER, Harold |Peacefully passed away on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at KW Health Centre of Grand River Hospital. Harold was in his 85th year, of Elmira.

Norris, Jean Passed away peacefully at KW Health Centre of Grand River Hospital on Monday, February 27, 2012 in her 88th year. Jean Norris (nee Mabb) of Elmira was the beloved wife of the late Merlyn Norris (1985). Loved mother of Sharon and her husband Alec Johnston of North Carolina, Neil and his wife Laurie of Elmira, Valerie and her husband John Thomson of Elmira, Joel and his wife Kendra of Waterloo. Loving grandmother of Matthew (Rosalia), Leanne (Wes), Linda (2011) (Ian), Douglas, Laura (Terry), Benjamin, Heather, Meryl, Erin, and two great-grandchildren Jordan and Kenzie. Also lovingly remembered by her sister-in-law Evelyn Mabb, her brothers and sisters-in-law of the Norris family and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Lizzie and Sidney Mabb, a brother James Mabb and a sister Joyce Coveney. Jean was proud to serve in the Canadian Women’s Army Corps during World War II. Friends will be received at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira on Friday, March 2, 2012 from 7-9 p.m. and on Saturday from 1 p.m. until the funeral service time of 2 p.m. at Woodside Bible Chapel, 200 Barnswallow Dr., Elmira. A Legion service will be held in the funeral home on Friday evening at 6:45 p.m. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the L. J. Thomson-Sutherland Hope and Strength Award or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario.

www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

MUNICIPAL | REGIONAL PUBLIC NOTICES

2ND ANNUAL MAYOR’S MAPLE SYRUP CONTEST Last year’s Maple Syrup Contest was a great success, this year we’re hosting it again! The 2nd annual Mayor’s Maple Syrup Contest will be held during the Mayor’s Breakfast.

 Submit a 250 mL sample of maple syrup in a glass or plastic bottle, with no identifying labels or private markings.

Maple syrup samples will be taste-tested by the local area Mayors and the Regional Chair.  Submit entry tags along with the sample. Tags must include: the contestant’s The winner of the Maple Syrup Contest will be announced after the event and will receive name, farm name (if applicable), address, telephone number, grade of maple a trophy. In addition, syrup from the winner of the 2012 Maple Syrup Contest will be pursyrup, and how long they have been making maple syrup. chased for use at the Mayor’s Breakfast during the 2013 festival. All entries become the property of the Festival and no containers or dishes will be returned Congratulations to Burkhardt’s Maple Products, winner of the 2011 Maple Syrup Contest! to the contestants. Entries can be submitted at the Township Administration Office, 1st Floor Reception, 24 Church Street West, Elmira from February 27th to March 28th beEntering the Contest is easy. To participate, contestants must: tween 9-5 p.m.  Be a maple syrup producer and part of the Waterloo-Wellington Maple Syrup For more information visit our website at www.woolwich.ca. Producers Association.


CLASSIFIED | 31

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

NIGHTINGALE CRESCENT RECONSTRUCTION WATERMAIN REPLACEMENT TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH, ELMIRA CONTRACT NO. 2012-03

Sealed Tenders, clearly marked as to contents, will be received by the Owner, at 24 Church Street West, Elmira, Ontario until 2:00 pm, Local Time, on: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 For the reconstruction of Nightingale Crescent (644m) from Mockingbird Drive to Whippoorwill Drive, including watermain, granular road base, base asphalt, concrete curbs and sidewalks. The tenders will be opened publicly in the Council Chambers of the Township Offices at 24 Church Street West, Elmira at 2:15 pm, Local Time, on the date of closing. Plans, Specifications, and Tender Forms may be obtained at the office of Meritech Engineering, 1315 Bishop Street, Suite 202, Cambridge ON N1R 6Z2 for a non-refundable fee of $100.00 (includes HST) per set, made payable to Meritech Engineering. Documents may only be picked up after 9:00 am on Friday, February 24, 2012. A Bid Bond in the amount of 10% of the tender amount must accompany each Tender.

ANNUAL DRINKING WATER REPORTS In Accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002, c. 32, Ontario Regulation 170/03, s. 11 (1), copies of the 2010 Annual Reports are to be made available to the public at no charge. The Township of Woolwich website (www.woolwich.ca) has provided a link to the 2011 Annual Reports for the following water distribution systems. Please note that the link is located under Township Services – Engineering/Public Works – MOE Annual Water Report.

 Breslau Distribution System  Conestogo Golf Distribution System  Conestogo Plains Distribution System  Elmira /St. Jacobs Distribution System  Heidelberg Distribution System  Maryhill Distribution System  Maryhill Heights Distribution System  West Montrose Distribution System

The Annual Reports provide information on the operation of the Municipal Drinking Water Distribution Systems and the quality of its water. If you wish to receive a written copy of the Township of Woolwich’s 2011 MOE Annual Reports for any of the above-mentioned Water Distribution Systems, please contact Cynthia Lean, Engineering & Planning Services ext. 6041 519-669-1647 or 519664-2613. The Regional Municipality of Waterloo is responsible for the supply and treatment of potable water. An Annual Report is also produced by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. The Region of Waterloo website (www.region.waterloo.on.ca) has provided a link to the Annual Reports. Please note the link is located under About the Environment – Water – Quality and Treatment – Annual Quality Reports. Copies of the Region of Waterloo Annual Reports are available by calling 519-575-4426 or can be picked up at the Region’s Headquarters, Water Services Division, located at 150 Frederick Street, 7th floor, Kitchener.

The successful bidder will be required to furnish a 100% Performance Bond and a 100% Labour and Materials Payment Bond for the total value of the contract. The lowest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted. Council approval is expected on March 27, 2012 and construction is anticipated to commence by April 30, 2012 pending approvals. 65 working days are allocated for the completion of the work. OWNER – Mockingbird Drive Township of Woolwich 24 Church Street West Elmira, ON N3B 2Z6 Mr. Richard Sigurdson, C.E.T. Manager of Engineering Tel: 519-669-6033 Fax: 519-669-4669 E-mail: rsigurdson@woolwich.ca

CONSULTING ENGINEER Meritech Engineering 1315 Bishop Street, Suite 202 Cambridge, ON N1R 6Z2 Mr. Norm Litchfield, P. Eng, MBA Contract Administrator Tel: 519-623-1140 Fax: 519-623-7334 E-mail: norml@meritech.ca

Woolwich WoolwichMemorial MemoriaCentre l Centre 24 Snyder Ave. S., Elmira, 519-669-1647 ext. 7001 24 Snyder Ave. S., Elmira, 519-669-1647 ext. 7001

SPRING SWIMMING LESSON CLASS SCHEDULE PARENT & TOT 6 mon. – 4 yrs 30 minutes PRESCHOOL 3 – 5 years 30 minutes

YOUTH 6 – 12 years 45 minutes Private / Semi Lessons

Mon Tues Wed 11 weeks, running Mar 26 – Jun 18, 2012 10:30 am 10:30 am 10:30 am 6:15 pm 6:15 pm 10 am 4:30 pm 5 & 5:30 pm 6:45 pm 7:15 pm

10 am 1 pm

4:30 pm 5:15 pm 6:15 pm 7 pm

1:30 pm

Thurs

Fri

Sat

FEES

11:30 am

$83.05 $72.05 – Resident Discount

5 pm 6:15 pm

8:45 am 9:15 am 9:45 am 10:30 am 11 am

$108.90 $94.60 – Resident Discount

4:15 pm 5:30 pm

8:45 am 9:30 am 10:30 am 11:15 am

$108.90 $94.60 – Resident Discount

10:30 am 10 am 1 pm

10 am 1 pm 4:30 pm 5 & 5:30 pm 6:45 pm 7:15 pm 1:30 pm 4:30 pm 5:15 pm 6:15 pm 7 pm

Are available! Please contact Dave at 519-669-6047

Spring Registration Information SPRING 2012

Adult Programs

Aquatics

P.D. Days & Day Camp

Registration Starts Mar 13 Online and Inline

Registration Starts Tuesday March 6th, 6:30 am Online and Inline

March Break: Mar 12 – 16 Registration Ongoing

Program Runs th Mar 26 – Jun 18

Program Runs th Mar 26 – Jun 18

th

Friday Apr 20 PD Day Online and Inline www.woolwich.ca/register

Ice Available at Woolwich Memorial Centre March Break MARCH 11 TO 17TH. Call 519-669-6025 or email gspencer@woolwich.ca to book

•

Event Reminders

•

Emergency Information

•

New Releases

•

Field Closures & Class Cancellations

•

Council Updates

•

Construction Notices

•

Program Updates & Reminders

•

Township Events


32 | LIVING HERE

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

LIVING HERE Chef’s table/ kirstie herbstreit & Jodi o’malley

Good works / voluntourism

It’s a jungle out there

Easy to bring a touch of exotic to your table

But this bit of business in Belize was all about cooperation and lending a helping hand to those in need JAMES JACKSON After a week of work in the hot and humid rainforest, a dozen members of Quarry Communications have gained a new respect for the hardships of Latin America and a renewed sense of teamwork. Working in the village of San Pedro Columbia in Belize from Feb. 11-19, 12 employees of the St. Jacobs company sweated it out to help build a new schoolhouse in partnership with the Belize-based Columbia River Cooperative and a North American charitable group called Students Offering Support. The school that the Quarry team helped build, dubbed The Rainforest Academy, will be vital for the long-term sustainability of the village and the people who live there. Currently there is only one elementary school in the village which serves 600 students, but if they wish to proceed to high school, they must travel two hours by bus every day. The cooperative is a nonprofit organization seeking to conserve and protect the land, forest, rivers, and people of Belize’s rural south. The Quarry team was tasked with finishing the one-storey, two-room schoolhouse that a team of 20 Wilfrid Laurier Uni-

versity students started last August. Quarry made a lump-sum donation to the project, while team members had to pay their own way and spent months fundraising for the cause. “It’s a farming region and for the kids who know they’re going to stay in the region and become farmers, there is no reason to stay in school given the time it takes to get to school every day,” said Lisa Stapleton, marketing automation strategist at Quarry and one of the team members who travelled to Belize. Stapleton said that the aim of the project was to establish in the village a high school that focuses on agriculture. The goal of the Columbia River Cooperative is to get the enrolment numbers up across the village and to spread knowledge to help them transform their lives. “It’s not a typical high school,” said Duane Wadel, the director of productivity support at Quarry and another team member. “It’s almost like a trade school because they’re specializing in agricultural techniques and sustainable farming to help them help themselves.” Wadel said that although the enrolment rate in elementary school is 100 per cent, only 50 per cent continue on to middle school,

RECIPE NOTES

Antonia Matthews (front) and Lisa Stapleton were part of a team of Quarry Communications employees who travelled to Belize from Feb. 11-19 to build a school. Here, the two women apply plaster to an outside wall. [SUBMITTED] and of that 50 per cent, only 35 per cent continue on to high school. For every 100 students who start elementary school, only about four ever graduate high school. Some of the projects that Lisa White, the director of the Columbia River Cooperative, is working on include sustainably growing and harvesting tilapia as another source of food, and successfully breeding cows that are capable of being milked in the often oppres-

sive rainforest conditions. They also want to help farmers learn more environmentally-friendly farming practices and move away from their traditional slash-and-burn agriculture, which destroys large tracts of rainforest and is unsustainable in the long term. The school was built of concrete blocks, poured concrete and plaster. For the employees of Quarry – who are typically more accustomed to sitting behind

a computer screen all day than swinging a hammer – there was help in the form of a pair of local foremen, as well as other tradesmen. Wadel said the team marveled at their ingenuity and ability to work around any problem. On the first day he broke the handle of his hammer while taking down some concrete forms, but instead of throwing it out and finding a new one, the foreman went into the jungle with a machete,

Feel like take-out without going out? Something ethnic to put a spin in your week? A fresh spicy sauce is key to this. Building up your pantry of ‘Asian-type’ condiments can be easily done from any well-stocked supermarket. And once you have them in your pantry, they keep very well and can be mixed, matched and used in a variety of different ways to add zip to any dish. Try sesame oil and soy sauce together with a little maple syrup to marinate chicken. Or a oyster sauce rubbed on steak before grilling. We’ve tossed the steak slices in cornstarch prior to cooking, as opposed to adding the cornstarch in later to make a thick sauce. This will give the beef a nice crispiness against the smooth sauce. The beef was enjoyed alongside a big pan of stirfried veggies: mushrooms, peppers, onions and broccoli. Another option is to roast your broccoli, to get similar results from a quick stir-fry: toss broccoli in a little oil and salt; spread on a baking sheet and roast in a hot (425°F) oven for 5-10 minutes, until edges begin

BELIZE | 34

Auto Care Tip of the Week Those warning lights on the dash of your car may be more important than you think! If a red light comes on, it generally indicates a problem of much greater significance than a yellow light indicates. When the warning lights turn red, stop driving your vehicle immediately! - GARY MARTIN

20 Oriole Parkway E., Elmira, ON N3B 0A5 Tel: (519) 669-1082 Fax: (519) 669-3084 info@leroysautocare.net

www.leroysautocare.net

NEW LOCATION!

CHEF | 34


LIVING HERE | 33

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012 “A GOOD JOB DONE EVERY TIME”

Skilled craftsmanship. Quality materials. CONSTRUCTION STARTS HERE.

Kleensweep Carpet Care

•Mattress Cleaning •Residential •Commercial •Personalized Service •Free Estimates West Montrose, ON

T. 519.669.2033

COLLEEN

Cell: 519.581.7868

Truck & Trailer Maintenance Cardlock Fuel Management

COMMERCIAL 24 CARDLOCK FUEL DEPOT HOUR MATERIAL HANDLING & PROCESSING SYSTEMS • Design • Installation • Custom Fabrication

Pamper Yourself For A Year Raffle

www.freybc.com

COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

E-MAIL: ads@woolwichobserver.com

Branch Library, 65 Arthur St. S., Elmira. Movie showing will be Calendar Girls. Tickets $1 each and person attending must have a ticket. Admission includes light refreshments. For more information call the Elmira Branch Library at 519-669-5477.

MARCH 3 Elmira Legion Ladies Auxiliary Cabbage Roll Dinner; 6 p.m. ,$7/person The Renaissance Singers present “Tango Cancion” at 7:30 p.m. at the Victoria Park Pavilion in Kitchener. The event is a cabaret/fundraiser, and will include Hot Sounds for a Cold Winter Evening, a silent auction, tango dancers, refreshments and a sizzling instrumental ensemble. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available from any chorister, from Music Plus or from 519-745-0675, only $20 for all.

The Caregiver Coffee Hour group meets at Chateau Gardens, 11 Herbert St., Elmira, 10 – 11:30 a.m. for a time of support and education. Our guest speaker is Michael Reid, Naturopath, who will be speaking about Stress Management as you care for someone who has Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. Call Lorraine at 519-664-3794 or Cara at 519-742-1422 for more information.

Annual Game Dinner & Bunny Banquet. Large prize table, door prizes. Tickets available at bar. Featured meats: elk, rabbit, beef. Starts downstairs at 2 p.m. Games, raffles, free snacks. Waterloo Rod & Gun Club, RR#1, St. Jacobs. 519-664-2951.

Bingo – 7 p.m. at St. Clements Community Centre sponsored by Paradise & District Lions Club. For more information contact Joe Brick 519-699-4022.

Calling all zoomers, boomers and seniors – New Horizon’s meets every second Thursday from 10-11:30 a.m. from Sept. to May at the Maryhill Community Centre, 58 St. Charles St. E., Maryhill. Mar. 8 – Christine Leyser –marginalization. Get informed, socialize and have fun. For further information please call Joan Haid 519-648-2742 or email jehaid@xplornet.ca.

MARCH 5 Making Baby Food! 1-3 p.m. Join Robin Hicken, registered dietitian and learn how to make your own baby food. You will also learn what foods are good for your baby, how to choose, make and store baby food and ways to avoid “picky eating” and nurture a “good eater”. Call 519-664-3794 for more information.

Weekly Bingo 7 p.m. at Elmira Lions Hall, 40 South St., Elmira. All proceeds go to support the many projects of the Lions Club of Elmira. For more information call 519-500-1434.

MARCH 6

MARCH 9

519.669.5105

Movie Afternoon for Adults – 1-2:30 p.m. at Elmira

H.U.G.S. Program 9:15 – 11:15 a.m. Meet with other

Draw Date March 10th, 2012.

Get your tickets soon!

parents to discuss parenting and child health issues. Topic: Serving sizes and nutritional requirements. How to read labels! Karen Reitzel, registered dietitian will present. Held at Woolwich Community Health Centre, 10 Parkside Dr., St. Jacobs. For more information call 519-664-3794.

woolwichkin.com

Woolwich Community Services has trained volunteers available to complete your income tax return. This service is offered free of charge to people with limited income. To find out if you qualify, drop by or call Woolwich Community Services at 73 Arthur St. S., Elmira or call 519-669-5139.

MARCH 11 Elmira Legion Hungry Man Breakfast with Woolwich Ringette. Serving from 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.; $6/person. All you can eat.

MARCH 8

9th Annual Mental Health Conference: Reclaim You Hope Healing Our Personal Experiences. 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Grand Valley Golf & Country Club, 1910 Roseville Rd., Galt. Questions call 519-766-4450, ext. 224 or email mcshanel@cmhagrb.on.ca.

MILLWRIGHTS LTD. P.O. BOX 247, ROUTE 1, ELMIRA

KIN KORNER

3435 Broadway St. Hawkesville 519-699-4641

Rugs and Upholstery

21 INDUSTRIAL DR. ELMIRA

519-669-2884

MARCH 13 Looking for something interesting to do during March Break? Join us for Mad Science: Slime Time! Fun for ages 6 and up; 3-4 p.m. at Bloomingdale Branch Library 519-745-3151. Tickets $3 per person or two for $5; everyone attending the show must have a ticket. For more information contact the branch hosting the show. Looking for something interesting to do during March Break? Join us for Reptile Show from Hamilton Reptiles – Touch Live Animals. For ages 5 and up. 2:30-3:30 p.m. at Wellesley Branch Library 519-6562001. Tickets $3 per person or two for $5; everyone attending the show must have a ticket. For more information contact the branch hosting the show.

CORPORATE WEAR PROMOTIONAL APPAREL WORK & SAFETY WEAR | BAGS T-SHIRTS | JACKETS | HATS

245 Labrador Drive | Waterloo

519.886.2102 www.UniTwin.com

Submit an event The Events Calendar is reserved for Non-profit local community events that are offered free to the

public. Placement is not guaranteed. Registrations, corporate events, open houses and the like do not qualify in this section. 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

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,

RRSPs, RESPs, RRIFs, LIFs and Annuities. Suite 800, 101 Frederick St., Kitchener

TOTAL HOME ENERGY SYSTEMS

New to the Community? Do you have a new Baby?

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

BE IN THE KNOW.

It’s time to call your Welcome Wagon Hostess.

YOUR OIL, PROPANE, NATURAL GAS AND AIR CONDITIONING EXPERTS

Everyone wants to know what’s going on in the community, and everyone wants to be in the know.

Elmira & Surrounding Area

SANYO CANADIAN

MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED

Advertise here.

VERMONT Castings

11 HENRY ST. - UNIT 9, ST. JACOBS

33 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.1591

SHARON GINGRICH 519.291.6763

519.664.2008

psgingrich@hotmail.ca

Wheelchair Accessible

places of faith | a directory of local houses of worship

Nursery Provided

Sunday School

Hearing Assisted

S. T

Zion Mennonite Fellowship - The Junction -

The Gospel in the OT

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

Worship Service - 10:30am

The Enemies Made Right

C C Celebrate Eucharist with us Mass times are: Sat. 5pm, Sun. 9am and 11:15am

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

Trinity United Church, Elmira “Our mission is to love, learn & live by Christ’s teachings”

Sunday Sunday Worship: Worship: 10:30 10:00 am am Sunday School during during Worship Worship Sunday School Minister: Rev. Dave Jagger Minister: Rev. Dave Jagger

rm A Wlcaome We all! to

21 Arthur St. N., Elmira • 519-669-5560 www.wondercafe.ca

Mar. 4 Building A Bridge To Your Family

Finding The Way Together 47 Arthur St., S. Elmira • 519-669-3153 www.thejunctionelmira.com

Sunday School at 9:30am

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

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

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

10:30am Worship Service 9:15am Sunday School

Pastor: Richard A. Frey www.stpaulselmira.ca

27 Mill St., Elmira • 519-669-2593

THERE ARE SOME QUESTIONS THAT CAN’T BE ANSWERED

Sunday, March 4, 2012

BY GOOGLE.

9:15 & 11:00 AM Series: Thinking Through Today’s Issues

#3 - “War” SUNDAYS @ 10:30AM Services at John Mahood Public School 5 First St., Elmira • 519-669-1459 www.elmiracommunity.org

Doug Barnes Discovering God Together

200 Barnswallow Dr., Elmira • 519-669-1296 www.woodsidechurch.ca

Keep faith alive, advertise here.


34 | LIVING HERE

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

Belize: Company hopes all of its employees gets a chance to take part in these kinds of projects from | 32

Lisa Stapleton and Duane Wadel were two of 12 Quarry employees who participated in the trip to Belize; they hope others will do the same in the future. [JAMES JACKSON / the observer]

LINWOOD BLOOD DONOR CLINIC Helen: Fighting cancer, emergency blood transfusion. Tuesday 3:30pm

Give Blood ... to save lives.

chopped down a branch, and whittled it into a new handle within minutes. “I called them the McGyvers of construction,” laughed Wadel. The team typically worked between eight to ten hours days a day in 30-degree heat with close to 100 per cent humidity, but Wadel and Stapleton said they were pleasantly surprised with the dedication and optimism shown by the team members to complete their work. “Any job that had to be done, no matter how labour-intensive or how boring, there was never a ‘no’ it was always a ‘yes’,” said Wadel. This was the second time that Quarry had teamed up with SOS for a development project in Latin America. Last February Quarry sent another team of 12 to Costa Rica to help a

group of women establish their own small business; Stapleton said their partnership will be an annual occurrence. The two groups first came in contact about two years ago when Quarry, still located in downtown Waterloo, rented office space to SOS, a charitable group that raises money through university exam review sessions at universities and colleges across North America. The money raised in these study sessions is spent creating sustainable educational projects in developing nations, and since 2004 more than 2,000 SOS volunteers have tutored more than 25,000 students, raising nearly a million dollars for development projects in Latin America. Aside from building the school, though, the trip provided a chance for the Quarry employees to get to know each other outside of

work, which should in turn benefit the company and each other. “You can never walk past somebody in the hallway in the same way if you’ve been on this trip together,” said Stapleton. “You share a bond.” There are about 90 employees at the Quarry office in St. Jacobs, and Stapleton said the aim is to have everyone participate in at least one trip in the future. The team has a blog complete with a day-byday journal of their experience in Belize, as well as many photos of their trip. Visit http://quarryoutreach. wordpress.com/ to see their blog, and for more information on SOS visit www.studentsofferingsupport.ca and http://www. columbiarivercooperative. com/ for more information on the Columbia River Cooperative and their work in Belize.

A dozen employees – along with two foremen and other local tradesmen – worked for a week to complete the project. Along the way they encountered some local wildlife, including scorpions. [SUBMITTEd]

The Next Linwood Clinic: Friday, March 9, 2012 from 2:30pm - 8:30pm at Linwood Community Centre, Linwood

South West Ontario Veterinary Service 1010 Industrial Crs., St. Clements

519.699.0600

LINWOOD HOME HARDWARE 5158a Ament Ln., Linwood • 519-698-2060

Proud to support the community effort to donate blood. 3860 Manser Rd., Linwood • 519-698-2610 linwoodvet@linwoodvet.ca

Chef’s table: Exotic need not be complicated Mon - Thurs 9 - 5 Fri 9 - 8, Sat 9 - 5

www.lwcb.org 3865 Manser Rd., Linwood • 519-698-1198

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL • POLE LINE CONSTRUCTION ESA Licence # 7000438

1025 Alfred St., Linwood • 519-698-2472

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

From | 32

to brown. The whole dish would be great with steamed rice, of course, or even egg noodles.

Stir-Fried Beef with Black Bean Sauce Ingredients 1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained; divided 4 cloves garlic, peeled 2-inch piece of ginger, peeled and chopped 1-2 red chili, or red chili paste, seeded and chopped

2 tsp sesame oil 4 tbsp soy sauce 2 tsp sugar 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar or dry sherry 2 tbsp oyster sauce 1/2 cup water 1 lb top sirloin steak, thinly sliced 2 tbsp cornstarch 2 tbsp grapeseed oil

To make sauce: place 4 tbsp of the beans in the bottom of a small food processor, or use a hand blender; Add remaining sauce ingredients and blend until the sauce is smooth; Slice steak into thin strips: a trick to doing this is to freeze the beef for about 30 minutes; Just before frying, toss

the beef in the cornstarch. If you do this too far in advance, the meat will become sticky and gummy; Heat a very large frying pan or wok over high heat; add oil and then quickly add all of the beef at once; Using tongs or a wooden spoon, quickly cook beef until desired doneness (medium is nice). Then add all of the sauce and cook for one final minute.

about the authors Chefs Kirstie Herbstreit and Jody O’Malley are both Red Seal certified chefs. Together they run The Culinary Studio, which offers classes, demonstrations and private dinners. To contact the chefs, visit their website www.theculinarystudio.ca


LIVING HERE | 35

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

Strange but true / BILL & RICH SONES Ph.D.

Leap years occur every fourth year, in years divisible by 4 2000 was a leap year since it was divisible by both 4 (2000/4 = 500) and 400 (2000/400 = 5).

WEIRD NOTES

Q. You know that leap years occur every fourth year, in years divisible by 4. Do you know the one exception? A.

Division by 4 makes 2012 a leap year, with February 29 added to the calendar, says Joey Green in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Contrary to Popular Belief.â&#x20AC;? But 2100 wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be a leap year because centenary years also need to be evenly divisible by 400 (2100/4 = 525 but 2100/400 = 5 1/4). Yet you may remember the year

A. No, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not psychic,

just algebraic, confides Colin Pask in Math for the Frightened: Let x be your original number. Now when you add 5, you get x + 5. Double this and you get 2x + 10. Subtracting 4 leaves 2x + 6. Dividing by 2 yields x + 3. Finally, when you subtract your original number x, you get (x + 3)

The big easy

Sudoku 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.

Q. What animal causes the greatest number of human deaths each year? Sharks? Alligators? Snakes? Bears? Dogs? A.

Would you believe deer, says astronomer Bob Berman in Strange Universe: The Weird and Wild Science of Everyday Life-on Earth and Beyond. Those â&#x20AC;&#x153;cute Bambisâ&#x20AC;? are responsible for some 100 automobile fatalities in the U.S. annually, amounting to about a 1 in 40,000 lifetime risk per capita. By contrast, the lifetime risk of your suffering a shark

Q. Can you cite some famous examples of overconfidence down through history? A. At its worst, overcon-

fidence breeds folly and catastrophe, says David G. Myers in Intuition: Its Powers and Perils. It was an overconfident Hitler who invaded the countries of Europe, an

SOLUTIONS: 1. LETTERS ON SNOWBOARD 2. TREES IN BACKGROUND 3. SNOWBOARDERS HAIR 4. SNOWBOARDERS SHIRT 5. GOGGLE STRAP 6. SNOWBOARDERS SHADOW 7. MISSING FINGER

LM

LB

secretarial skills or else get married.â&#x20AC;? Modeling agency, rejecting Marilyn Monroe in 1944. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You ought to go back to driving a truck.â&#x20AC;? Concert manager, firing Elvis Presley in 1954. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The horse is here to stay but the automobile is only a novelty, a fad.â&#x20AC;? Michigan banker advising Henry Fordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lawyer not to invest in the fledgling Ford Motor Company. On a personal level, Myers concludes, we would all do well to keep our confidence and optimism in touch with reality.

about the authors Bill a journalist, Rich holds a doctorate in physics. Together the brothers bring you â&#x20AC;&#x153;Strange But True.â&#x20AC;? Send your questions to strangetrue@compuserve.com

Guadalajara, Mexico

CAPTION While exploring the City Square, Michael Zenker makes sure to include the Observer in a photo. Seen here in Guadalajara, Mexico on Feb. 25, 2012. Michael told us how safe the city felt and how much he loved travelling there!

Is Your Computer Running Slow? Windows Computer Tune-Up Special: Only $39 Next Day Pick Up!

NEW ELECTRONICS STORE

Location

OBSERVER TRAVELS

OBSERVER SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

overconfident Lyndon Johnson who sent the U.S. Army into South Vietnam, an overconfident Saddam Hussein who marched his army into Kuwait. And as writer Artemus Ward put it, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t so much the things we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know that get us into trouble. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the things we know that ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t so.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;They couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hit an elephant at this dist ...â&#x20AC;? General John Sedgwickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last words, uttered during a U.S. Civil War battle, 1864. Regarding the atomic bomb: â&#x20AC;&#x153;That is the biggest fool thing we have ever done. The bomb will never go off, and I speak as an expert on explosives.â&#x20AC;? Admiral William Leahy to President Truman, 1945. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d better learn

OBSERVER CROSSWORD

attack is 1 in 4 million. Alligators are twice as dangerous (1 in 2 million), then snakes (1 in 700,000), bears (1 in 410,000) and dogs (1 in 240,000). â&#x20AC;&#x153;Deer may be charming but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re many times more lethal than all other animals combined -- even deadlier than the figures quoted.

The challenge

SOLUTION: on page 29

Q. Ready for an old party trick or puzzle: Think of a number. Now add 5, and double your result. Next subtract 4, then divide by 2. Finally, subtract your original number. Is your answer 3?

- x = 3. In other words, 3 will always be the answer, no matter what number is selected at the start. How fun is that!

NOW OPEN: DOWNTOWN ELMIRA!

We have what you need...right here in town!

Waterloo Regional Electronics

10 Church St W (LOWER LEVEL) Elmira (519) 669-0755

Church & Arthur St - at the Royal Bank Corner

Across 1. To the same degree 3. Get (something) done 5. Plugs 11. C-worthy? 14. â&#x20AC;&#x153;___ away!â&#x20AC;? 15. Introduces an alternative 16. Presence of modern mammals 17. A natural consequence of development 19. Shoreline problem 21. Contraction of I am. 22. Victorian, for one 24. In the Christian era 25. Someone from Ottawa 27. Armageddon 28. Avoid 30. Lake _ (South Sudan) 31. Linked_, networking site 32. One thousandth of an ampere 34. __ Tank, in World War II

35. A card for identification 36. Introduces a conditional clause 37. A Chinese surname 38. A radioactive transuranic metallic element 40. Denying or questioning the tenets of especially a religion 47. Fire as from a gun 50. Henry Clay, for one 52. _ and Lois, a comic strip. 53. Poorly stated 54. Number the pages of a book or manuscript 59. Brown v. Board of Education city 61. Give sanction to 62. Used in specifying adjacent dimensions 63. â&#x20AC;&#x153;O Sanctissima,â&#x20AC;? e.g. 64. Leave or strike out 65. Short for for Toronto

66. Occur, take place Down 1. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Give it ___!â&#x20AC;? 2. Former French coin 3. Ism 4. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Catch-22â&#x20AC;? pilot 5. Nave bench 6. Automatic 7. Autumn color 8. The object form of I 9. â&#x20AC;&#x153;___ momentâ&#x20AC;? 10. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Buona _â&#x20AC;? (Italian greeting) 12. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Farewell, mon amiâ&#x20AC;? 13. Bleed 18. Little bird 20. â&#x20AC;&#x153;___ to Billie Joeâ&#x20AC;? 23. A degree in nursing 25. Located at 26. Municipality smaller than a city 29. Official notice; been

fired 31. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rocky ___â&#x20AC;? 33. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Much ___ About Nothingâ&#x20AC;? 39. Of me or myself 41. Host 42. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For shame!â&#x20AC;? 43. About to explode 44. Christmas ___ 45. _&T, cell phone services 46. Bounded along 48. Tall hat; British soldiers 49. Hale 51. Autumn tool 53. Ashes holder 55. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Crikey!â&#x20AC;? 56. â&#x20AC;&#x153;___ a chanceâ&#x20AC;? 57. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chicagoâ&#x20AC;? lyricist 58. Blondeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s secret, maybe 60. 16th letter, Greek alphabet solution on page 29


36 | BACK PAGE

THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

SOMETHING IS DIFFERENT ABOUT MY OBSERVER.

It looks different. That typeface is cleaner and easier to read. It looks classic yet still contemporary. It is so ... today. They must have used some fancy international type designer. [We did.] I hate using that word ‘fresh’ when describing design layouts, but it fits. They moved some sections around and renamed them and you know — that’s okay cause I’m not great with too much change all at once. They kept all the great stuff that I � about the Observer and tweaked just about everything. No wonder they win so many awards — I hear they are up for more this year. OMG I need to TXT my BFF cause there’s another funny cartoon about the Mayor. LOL!

THE NEWSPAPER IN-THE-KNOW. WE EVEN KNOW WHAT YOU ARE THINKING. We’re pleased to deliver your new Observer.

www.OBSERVERXTRA.com


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
March 3, 2012 by Woolwich Observer - Issuu