Observer april 25, 2009

NEWS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

1

St. Jacobs students to stage Seussical the musical.......................................»22 Cyclist athlete of the year nominee

»18 VOLUME 14, ISSUE 16

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2009

www.ObserverXtra.com

Couple talks turkey about break & enter

BIRD ON THE WING Conestogo resident Chris Phillips holds a turkey that crashed through the front window of his home last Sunday.

PHOTO | SubmiTTeD

JONI MILTENBURG Chris and Charlene Phillips nearly had turkey for Easter dinner, but it showed up a week late and not on a platter.

A friend was driving by their house shortly after noon last Sunday when he saw one of their front windows was shattered. The Phillipses were away from home at the time, and their cell phones started ringing and didn‘t stop. Charlene tried to reassure the kids that it was probably just a ball someone had thrown, but she thought immediately of a burglar.

When they got to the house, they realized with some relief that it couldn’t have been a human that broke in.

“The window was kind of broken from the top, so a person couldn’t have gotten through without seriously hurting themselves,” Charlene said. “So then it was just a matter of figuring out what it was.”

They discovered the culprit was still inside – asleep on the floor beside a decorative See TURKEY »09

Protect covered bridge and its surrounding, report urges Study by UW’s Heritage Resources Centre recommends cultural heritage landscape designation STEVE KANNON Woolwich Township should move quickly to designate the West Montrose covered bridge and the surrounding area as a cultural heritage landscape, says a new report by the Heritage Resources Centre at the University of Waterloo.

The first step would be to introduce an interim control bylaw to suspend any devel-

opment in the area while the township establishes the heritage protections, suggested Prof. Robert Shipley, who spearheaded the study.

The Heritage Resources Centre process began two years ago, looking at the prospect of establishing protections not only for the “The Kissing Bridge” itself, but for the surrounding landscape that makes up one of Waterloo Region’s most recognizable sce-

Interlocking Pavers • Research & development marry aesthetics with functionality. Quality manufacturing ensures structural strength, stability of colour and long-term wear performance backed by manufacturer warranty.

• Interlocking system allows joints to withstand freeze-thaw cycle without breaking or cracking.

• Consistent thickness allows easy & efficient installation.

• Options in colours and dimensionally compatible units give you the possibility to create custom details or accents.

• In case of oil spill or damage, pavers can easily be lifted and replaced.

nic views.

The exercise got underway when a University of Waterloo group looking to include the structure on a national registry found that although the bridge has been standing for more than 125 years and is recognized as a historic site

by Ontario’s Archeological & Historic Sites Board, it has never received a local designation.

What followed was a series of

focus groups, public meetings and online surveys that investigated the bridge and surrounding area’s significance, and the amount of public support for historic conservation efforts. Under provincial legislation, a site must be deemed both significant and valued by the community in order to go ahead with cultural heritage landscape (CHL) designation.

The university’s study showed the West Montrose site quali-

See BRIDGE»09

pavers are just pavers... until you get Creative

CREATIVE LANDSCAPE DEPOT

Creative Landscape Depot 1175 King Street, North St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0

fies in spades, said Shipley.

Findings released at Tuesday’s council meeting show 98 per cent of respondents agreed the West Montrose area meets the CHL definition, with 92 per cent saying it is of provincial significance.

Built in 1881, the 198-foot span across the Grand River is Ontario’s last remaining covered bridge. At one time a provincial responsibility,

Autorized Dealer for:

office:

519.664.0225

2 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

Users propose rerouting part of Avon Trail Want to move segment away from growing amount of traffic on Notre Dame Drive Users of the Avon Trail want to reroute a portion of the trailway that passes through Wellesley, worried about increasing traffic on Notre Dame Drive. In proposing an alternative to township council, however, they ran into opposition from owners of abutting properties.

In place for more than 35 years, the Avon Trail is used by hikers and tourists from Oxford, Perth and Wellington counties as well as hikers and tourists to the Waterloo Region, members of the Avon Trail Association told council-

lors Tuesday night.

A 6.1-kilometre stretch runs along Notre Dame Drive on the boundary between Wellesley and Wilmot townships, an area which in recent years has seen a rise in traffic volumes, leading to safety concerns for the association’s 70 members.

“This section that we’re talking about, [we want] to reroute it off the road because if you’re a hiker you know that the worst part of the trails are always the parts that are on the road. That’s a very busy road now,” said association member Barbara Wurtele.

“It’s always a better trail when it gets off the road.”

Wurtele and fellow

area residents whose properties are adjacent to the road allowance.

“I do not want a trail in my backyard, nor do my neighbours,” explained Wilhard Barth, whose entire property abuts the road allowance in ques-

member Karen Hill proposed rerouting that portion of the trail back to its “original location along the township easement bordering the municipalities of Wilmot and Wellesley.” The trail would then join the Cedar Grove Road access to continue along its current path toward Conservation Drive.

Granted permission, the Avon Trail would establish a footpath along the easement, and maintain this walkway according to standards set up by the Bruce Trail Association and Hike Ontario.

The association’s proposal met with some opposition from several

tion. A large portion of his property is designated Environmentally Sensitive Landscape (ESL) and at least half is considered wetland.

Barth’s neighbour Ed Ries backed that claim.

“So it has to go along

the road – big deal.

Sometimes you just have to put up with that, but to put it through an environmentally sensitive landscape and put that landscape at risk is a larger hazard than havSee TRAIL page »06

To school, by foot

PHOTO | jOni milTenburg

MARC MIQUEL HELSEN

TAKING A STROLL Woolwich mayor bill Strauss joined riverside P.S. students for an earth Day walk along the lions Trail, part of the region of Waterloo’s walk to school day. in the wagon are Seth and Ashton Weber. behind them, from left, are jaimee macDonald, Dylan leis, bill Strauss and judy Weber.

ANNUAL SPRING SALE May 4TH - 9TH Watch next week’s Observer for details.

ARE HERE!

1 Union St., Elmira | 519.669.3072 | www.elmiragiftoutlet.com Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:30-5:30; Saturday 9:30-5:00; Closed Sundays

LEADING OFF

» NEWS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

“I feel I’m more than a teacher. Not for one plus one only, but to reach out to people’s lives and give them hope.”

Emily Nswana

GEOGRAPHICALLY SPEAKING Emily Nswana (centre) shared her story of establishing a school in Zambia with students at Linwood PS, including Lousia Sherk (left), Chantelle Weber and Johnny Metzger.

3

PHOTO | joni miltenburg

Schooled in new challenges

Principal from Zambian school shares her worldview and perspectives with students at Linwood PS JONI MILTENBURG As a teacher at a government school, Emily Nswana had a secure, well-paid job – an important achievement in Zambia – but she wanted more.

She wanted to look after her students’ bodies, minds and morals as well as their multiplication tables.

“I worked in Zambian government schools for 20 years,” Nswana said. “In my first appointment, I thought I would do better if I had my own school, because I wanted to reach the whole child.”

So in 1993, after eight years of researching and planning, Nswana opened the Luwi International School.

Nswana spent two days in

classrooms at Linwood Public School. She was supposed to be presenting at a conference in Bermuda this week, but she could get only one Canadian entry visa. If she left the country she couldn’t return, so she ended up with a longer stopover in Canada.

Nswana stayed with friends Gordon and Heather Martin, who she met two years ago at a conference in Germany, and shared her story with the students at Linwood PS. Nswana grew up in Zambezi, a town in the northwest part of the country, and moved to the city of Chingola in the Copperbelt province when she married her husband.

The Copperbelt is the copper mining area of Zambia and was the backbone of the

country’s economy until copper prices collapsed in the 1970s. Now Zambia is one of the poorest countries in the world, with 68 per cent of the population living below the poverty line, according to United Nations figures.

On top of its economic troubles, HIV/AIDS and malaria are huge problems in Zambia.

A year after opening her school, Nswana lost her own husband to malaria, leaving her a widow with three young children. Some people told her she should move to another town, because she had lost everything, but that would have meant closing the school and starting over again.

The word luwi means “God’s grace,” and Nswana bases her life around her Christian

faith. After she was widowed, she kept thinking if it was hard for her when she lost her husband, how much harder life must be for widows who didn’t have jobs.

In 1998, she started the Luwi Community Orphan Scheme to help widows and widowers, orphans and the vulnerable. There are 16 orphans housed in an orphanage on the property, and 68 children receive financial assistance to go to school. There are also programs to support widows and widowers, teach skills to young people, and raise money for the orphanage by gardening and raising chickens.

From 80 students, the school has grown to 265. They’re in the process of building an ad-

dition to expand the school to 10 classrooms from four.

Nswana has been getting email updates while she’s away; the building has been painted, and they were putting in the windows this week.

Nswana said her biggest challenge is funding. In the beginning, all expenses were paid out of her own pocket.

Today there are other private donors and sponsors, but Nswana decided all the money from sponsorships would go to the upkeep of the orphanage, and not to be touched by the school. That makes it difficult to pay her teachers well and pay a stipend to Luwi’s volunteers.

In spite of the struggles, Nswana believes her work is See ZAMBIA page »06

4 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

» FROM THE EDITOR | STEVE KANNON

Recession sheds an even more unflattering light on unions

Many of us are reveling in a certain amount of schadenfreude over the plight of autoworkers. Along with public sector employees (see the latest fiasco in Windsor), that group is seen as giving unions a bad name, and we take some delight in watching them falter.

At the heart of this sentiment is our jealousy of others taking in more money and benefits even though we see them as less deserving. This is especially true of government employees, often tarred as underworked and overpaid at the expense of productive workers.

The recession is hammering the manufacturing sector, traditionally the heart of unionism. Instead of sympathy, we’re seeing attacks on the unions themselves. This kind of thinking can be seen in the likes of employment lawyer Howard Levitt’s column in the Financial Post last month, Unions add to recession woes.

“This is not an equal opportunity recession. While wreaking havoc in every sector, this meltdown has ravaged unionized employers with particular ferocity. That’s not a coincidence, but rather the inevitable consequence of unionization.”

On the other hand, authorities such as former U.S. Secretary of Labour Robert Reich argue just the opposite, that declining union participation rates are in part to blame for the fail-

workers, for instance, have been much less militant than their colleagues in the manufacturing sector, where declines have led to decreases in overall membership numbers.

When it comes to unionization, age plays a big role. Younger workers, particularly those under 35, experienced more pronounced declines in union membership than older workers. In keeping with Reich’s assertions, statistics show the decline in union coverage of young men has affected their pay rates, accounting for about onefifth of the 10 per cent drop in hourly wages young men experienced between 1981 and 1998, for instance.

There are two polarized views about unions and their impact on the economy. On the one hand, some argue the postwar boom was going to happen no matter what, and that increasingly greedy union demands eventually smothered the North American economy and forced manufacturing offshore. The other side sees unions leading to fair wages and a growing middle class, fueling the well-documented postwar expansion. As corporatism and right-wing politics attacked workers and the middle class, only then did

ing economy and stagnating incomes.

“Go back about 50 years, when America’s middle class was expanding and the economy was soaring. Paychecks were big enough to allow us to buy all the goods and services we produced. It was a virtuous circle. Good pay meant more purchases, and more purchases meant more jobs. … One point is clear: Smaller numbers of unionized workers mean less bargaining power, and less bargaining power results in lower wages,” he wrote in an opinion piece earlier this year.

“It’s no wonder middle-class incomes were dropping even before the recession. As our economy grew between 2001 and the start of 2007, most Americans didn’t share in the prosperity.

By the time the recession began last year, according to an Economic Policy Institute study, the median income of households headed by those under age 65 was below what it was in 2000.”

From representing more than a third of workers in the U.S. during the 1950s, unions now include less than eight per cent of private sector employees today.

In Canada, the decline has been less pronounced, falling to about 30 per cent by 2005, from almost 40 per cent two decades earlier. Blue collar workers experienced the largest declines in union membership, consistent with falling numbers in the goods-producing and distribution sectors, Statistics Canada reports.

Much of what growth there has been in union membership now comes in the service sector, industries that have been more traditionally dominated by female workers. Unionized retail

» ABOUT FACE

the economy founder.

Is there a direct link? Probably not, but the debate is in full swing during this latest recession. There is a very real fear the downturn will be used to roll back worker advances, further entrenching the stagnant wages we’ve seen for the past couple of decades.

In conjunction with the exporting of jobs, particularly good ones in the manufacturing sector, some see the opportunity for fostering the race to the bottom, that being the few-dollars-aday pay prevalent in China and other international trouble spots.

That’s a race in which there are no winners. For that reason, supporters of the local economy advise not going down that road, noting the attack on workers at the Detroit Three misses the larger picture: a political and economic culture that favours capital over people, ironically, the basis of the original union movement.

Where you come down in the debate shouldn’t be clouded by your assessment of the culture of entitlement in the CAW/UAW and public sector unions that has besmirched labour organizations, but that can be a tall order.

BUY 2 GET 1

FREE

On Selected Perennials UPCOMING SEMINARS April 25

10:00-12:00 | Alan Van Staalduinen + Allgreen Tree Services

May 2

10:00-12:00 | Two Master Gardeners

LANDSCAPE DESIGN & BUILD

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

• Custom Planter Design • Annuals & Perennials • Trees & Shrubs • Bagged Soils & Mulches • Planters, Pots & More

• Custom Designs • Garden Installations • Interlocking Pavers • Steps & Walls • Water Features

• Weekly Mowing Programs • De-Thatching & Aeration • Fertilizing Programs • Garden Edging & Mulching • Planting & Pruning

Country Gardens LANDSCAPE NURSERY MON. - FRI. 9:00-6:00 SAT. 9:00-5:00 SUN. 10:00-4:00

New

Sawmill Rd.

Conestogo

St. Jacobs

Elmira

Jerusalem Rd.

RETAIL GARDEN CENTRE

HWY 85 Waterloo W aterloo

1661 NEW JERUSALEM RD. PHONE:

519.664.0404

PHOTO | joni miltenburg

Call 519.664.0404 to reserve your seat. Space is limited.

Anneke Donkers Account manager, Royal Bank

Do you like living in a small town?

I lived in Toronto for a year and Kitchener for a year and hated it. I enjoy peace and quiet and I enjoy my space.

What are some of your hobbies?

I play baseball in the summer. I’m also running my first triathlon this year.

What’s the toughest part of the triathlon for you?

I would have to say the swimming. It’s at the start of the race so you’re nervous, and you

have essentially a few hundred people kicking and flailing.

Anything else you’re looking forward to this year?

I’m heading to England in a month. I love to travel, and I’ll be there for a week.

What’s the most interesting place you’ve travelled?

Austria. It’s a gorgeous country with a lot of history.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

People that drive with their dogs in their lap.

NEWS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

Centre Wellington Township this week got its hands on a cheque for $521,415, the latest installment of its share of revenues from slot machines at the Grand River Raceway. The payment represents five per cent of the revenues generated in the fourth quarter (January to March). To date, the township has received more than $9.6 million in non-tax gaming revenue since the operation was forced to move from Woolwich Township.

Slots at Grand River Raceway opened on Dec. 4, 2003. Since that time, it has attracted more than 3.2 million visitors.

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation issued more than $17.8 million in revenue last quarter to 23 host communities of slots at racetracks and charity casinos. To date, those communities have collected $615.3 million.

The tracks themselves receive 10 per cent of the gross slots revenue, with another 10 per cent going to the horse-racing industry.

On-farm biz looking to get back on track

The owner of a Breslau-area farm who previously operated an unauthorized butcher shop on the site is looking to make it legal. Ilija Bilogrovic is seeking a zone change on properties at 2782 and 2784 Victoria St. N. The operation at B&R Farms Ltd. had been closed down since a 2007 fire destroyed the building in which it was housed. A newly rebuilt structure now sits empty, awaiting Woolwich’s response to the zoning application.

The site-specific request was the subject of a public planning meeting in council chambers this week. There were no objections, with only Bilogrovic present. The application will be reviewed by planning staff, who will bring a recommendation back to council at a later date.

Lions offer EDSS bursary EDSS students have until Apr. 30 to apply for a $500 bursary from the Woolwich Community Lions Club.

The grant, now in its second year, is awarded to a graduating student who demonstrates continued involvement in community service work beyond the 40 hours demanded to qualify for a diploma. Applicants must maintain a satisfactory academic standing and continue with post-secondary education in the 2009-10 academic year.

Applications are available from the guidance office.

» CHEER UP

A wealth of knowledge at the home show Author David Chilton delivers keynote address to Home Hardware dealers in St. Jacobs JONI MILTENBURG Twenty years after simplifying finance with his book The Wealthy Barber, David Chilton has another simple message for Canadians: cheer up, already.

“Canadians’ national pastime isn’t hockey, it’s complaining,” Chilton told the audience at the Home Hardware spring show Tuesday. “This country has completely lost the ability to distinguish between a major problem and a minor inconvenience. A long lineup at Tim Hortons is not a major problem.”

Chilton mostly kept the tone of his speech light, sharing behind-thescenes stories of writing The Wealthy Barber and starting his own

LOOKING UP David Chilton, author of The Wealthy Barber, was the keynote speaker for Home Hardware’s spring market this week.

publishing company. He admitted he broke one of his own biggest rules,

cashing in his RRSP to print the book.

Chilton was only 25

when he started writing it, and he questioned whether anyone would want to buy a book from a 25-year-old. He nearly gave up after sending it to a trio of financial experts for review and getting bad reviews from all of them. Then he gave it to the guys on his slo-pitch team – “beerswigging, illiterate Canadians” – and they loved it.

“You’d be amazed at how many questions in the book came right from the mouths of the guys on my slo-pitch team.”

The Wealthy Barber was not a runaway hit but it built steam gradually and went on to sell more than two million copies in North America.

Chilton also described how he came to publish a series of low-fat cook-

ing books, after sisters Janet and Greta Podleski wore him down through sheer persistence. The Podleski sisters have become as successful as they are through their creativity, perseverance, and simply by being nice, he said.

“We underestimate the importance of customer service.”

Chilton is back on the speaking tour after a hiatus of several years.

While he enjoyed travelling across the country, he grew frustrated with the negativity he encountered everywhere; hence the final message of his speech.

“We just don’t see how lucky we are,” he told the crowd. “There is no better place and no better time to be alive than right here and right now.”

» GOOD FOR A LAUGH

Laughing all the way to the doctor’s office Dr. Ken Shonk, who knows the benefit of a good joke, helps WCHC celebrate 20 years MARC MIQUEL HELSEN Woolwich Community Health Centre celebrated its 20th anniversary on Earth Day with food, speeches and, perhaps most importantly, abundant laughter.

On hand to celebrate the event, held at Calvary United Church in St. Jacobs, was Kitchener’s Dr. Ken Shonk, a retired general practitioner and speaker who happens to take laughter rather seriously.

A strong advocate of the philosophy that laughter is the best medicine, Shonk was on hand to share some of his insight into the benefits of humour and on the environment, a topic of personal interest.

“He’s very funny, very engaging. I think peo-

ASPHALT PAVING

Ask about Street Print Pavement Texturing

“Asphalt that looks like brick” DRIVEWAYS | PARKING LOTS | FARM LANEWAYS | SAND & GRAVEL FREE ESTIMATES

photo | joni miltenburg

Cashing in on the slots

5

1-800-265-8764

ple always leave with a light heart and have had a good laugh following his presentations,” explained program coordinator Lynda Kohler.

While he typically talks about the history, biochemistry, physiology and the classification of humour, this week Shonk tweaked his presentation to honour two important dates celebrating the planet as well as Woolwich Community Health Centre’s 20th birthday.

An active agency in the local community, WCHC offers Woolwich and Wellesley residents an array of services such as primary health care, education and support in areas such as farm safety, nutrition counselling and other health and wellness initiatives.

WCHC endorses a ho-

listic approach to health, said Kohler, and that means addressing physical, mental, emotional and spiritual issues.

Having spoken at the centre’s opening 20 years ago, it was only appropriate that Shonk make an appearance this week. While the topic of his presentation this week varied from those of his usual talks the tone, of course, was the same.

“I’ve been telling lousy jokes for years,” said the comedic MD in an interview.

To date, Shonk, who underscores the scientific, psychological and physiological benefits of laughter, has spoken at more than 760 engagements ranging in scope from the Ontario funeral directors’ convention to Mennonite mother-and-

daughter banquets.

It all started years ago a week before Christmas. Suffering from a headache, Shonk walked into an examining room at his practice and found a mother with her agitated six year-old son who was screaming as a result of an earache.

Shonk took a look at the boy’s ears and, knowing he was upset, asked him what he had asked Santa for Christmas.

“He looked at me straight in the eye and smiled and said “a new doctor,”’ Shonk recounted.

“I went back to write up his chart and I thought, ‘I don’t have a headache anymore, I feel OK,’ and I realized that just having a quick laugh for a few seconds changed my mood completely and it can do that,” he said.

After that day, Shonk

started storing copies of the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes in his office; he’d peruse through the pages for a few minutes when in need of a good chuckle.

Psychologists and researchers are now dedicating serious study to the area of laughter, arguing that it can benefit the heart, the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, the abdominal muscles, and cause the release of endorphins and other biochemical processes.

Laughter also has positive psychological, emotional and spiritual benefits, said Shonk.

“You can’t be angry, frustrated, stressed out and depressed and laugh at the same time – you can do one or the other, but you can’t do them together.”

TREES FOR SALE Container & Field Grown Nursery Stock

EVERGREENS SHADE TREES FRUIT TREES SHRUBS [Lilacs etc] Many of our shade trees are grown in the patent “Rootmaker Product Comany’s” containers which creates the best root system.

Since 1926

P.O. BOX 40, MOOREFIELD, ON NOG 2K0

Emanuel E.M. Martin

7223 3rd Line | RR#4 Elmira, ON N3B 2Z3 (1km East of Yatton, On 3rd Line #7223)

6 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

Trail: Groups seek differing alternatives SPRING SAVINGS » From page 02

PRICES IN EFFECT UNTIL MAY 2

Royal Oak

New Colours

T-POT SETS

$9.99

BERNAT SUPER vALUE

$4.49

Regular

$15.99

Value

$6.29

New Baby

2”x3”

INFANT FRAMES

69¢

BAMBOO YARN

$5.09

Regular

$1.99

44”

Value

$5.99

Boys - Teens

POLYCOTTON CHAMPS BROADCLOTH POLO SHIRTS

$1.99

1/2 SRP

Yard

Regular $2.99 yard

Entire Stock

MAINSTAY CANDLES

1/2 PRICE

Entire Stock

CROCS

8” Terra Cotta

GARDEN

THERMOMETER

$2.49

Regular $3.99

Bakers Premium, Wilton

SPRINGFORM PAN 10” BUY 1 PAIR

GET 2nd AT 1/2 PRICE

Regular $6.49

ONLY

$9.99 8 oz.

Nascar, Sponge Bob

BOYS BRIEFS DRINKING GLASSES

$2.99 4 /$1.99 Regular $4.99

Great Value

Ceramic

BATHROOM MENS ACCESSORIES STRAW HATS

2 /$1.00

$5.99

Large Selection

6 Pc.

GARDEN NOzzLE SET

$12.99 Value $39.99

Wicker/Straw

SHEETS

INDIvIDUAL OR SETS

1/2 PRICE

Great Savings!

New Colours

PLANTING SOFTEE BABY POTS

1/2 PRICE

WALLENSTEIN

85

10

TO ELMIRA

HAWKESVILLE

X Broadway St. 17

TO LINWOOD

TO ST. JACOBS

17

TO WATERLOO

$4.69

Value $5.49

NOW OPEN Mondays to Saturdays 9:30-5:00

Closed Sundays

www.lensmill.com

ing a few people walk on the road,” said Ries, noting that the trail proposal is just a recent development symptomatic of a greater problem.

“You can see the city constantly encroaching on us and asking us for more and more services to offset the stuff that they don’t have in town: they used to dump their oil on our roads and now they’re dumping the trash,” he said Barth and Ries argued that rerouting the trail so that it passes along the road easement would threaten the fragile ecosystems native to that area.

A few years ago several Wellesley and Wilmot area landowners requested that the road allowance be closed, arguing that privatization of that land would help control its use and protect its fragile ecosystems, said Barth. Adding a trail to run through it would only make matters worse.

“Having a trail for offroaders, hunters, motorized or on foot in your

backyard is something that landowners objected to: the road allowance provides unrestricted private access or access to private land and this was and is not a policed area,” he said, noting that that area is already regularly trespassed by all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, late-night drinkers, hunters and others unloading their garbage. Private stewardship of the land, rather than public access and tourism, would offer the best way of protecting it.

“Tourism and trails are counter to the big picture and counter to small plants and creatures that need an undisturbed habitat,” said Barth. “Trails and roadways destroy connectivity; they encourage tourism, trespassing, poaching and destroy the natural resources, the natural environment.”

Ries spoke of run-ins with people using his land illegally.

“I don’t even go back there because I’m afraid for my life; I’ve had hunters ask me to get off my

own property,” said Ries.

Ries’ proposed solution would be to find an economic way to “deed that land back to the property owners that abut it and then have it cancelled out” or have some kind of a barrier installed.

People already veer off the current trail, wreaking havoc on his and his neighbours’ property.

For their part, Wurtele and Hill differentiated the members of their group from those damaging the area with ATVs, snowmobiles and litter.

“The Avon Trail is a conservation organization … we’re just hiking, we’re not out to hunt or take snowmobiles or take ATVs or anything like that,” said Wurtele.

“I have read the wetland policy and I am in total agreement with it: trails have been successful in skirting sensitive areas in Ontario,” added Hill.

Mayor Ross Kelterborn suggested the trail organization consult with individual owners and then come to council with a workable alternative route.

Zambia: A tougher school environment » From page 03

too important to give up.

She stresses the importance of turning negative into positive and raising children that that have a purpose and a goal in their lives.

“I feel I’m more than a teacher,” Nswana said.

“Not for one plus one

only, but to reach out to people’s lives and give them hope.”

The grand opening of the school’s new addition is Aug. 21, and Nswana said everyone is invited. For more information, they can e-mail the school at luwi@zamtel.zm.

NEWS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

7

Up for bid: some fun with the teachers at Park Manor MARC MIQUEL HELSEN Imagine your teacher cleaning out your locker or taking you and your friends to the mall and treating you to a dinner at the food court; imagine getting to ride with your teacher in his convertible.

A bit too much to expect?

In Elmira, these uncanny scenarios were the stuff of reality as several teachers at Park Manor Senior Public School were put up for auction as a fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Great Ride n’ Stride taking place in Elmira tomorrow (Sunday).

Students in Grades 6 to 8 teamed up and placed bids for a number of

items and services offered by their teachers.

Saving up their allowances or babysitting pay, or receiving some help from their parents, students purchased items and raised a total of $1,400 for the cause.

Among the items auctioned off were the services of a teacher cleaning out a student’s locker, several kids be-

ing taken out for lunch, and a pizza party.

A favourite option for the students saw a teacher collecting the kids every morning of the week, driving them to Tim Hortons, treating them to a hot chocolate, and dropping them off at home at the end of the day.

“It’s very cool, the kids really liked that one,” said Meghan Martin,

who organized the event along with fellow teacher Christina Neely.

One group of students bid $170 to have three teachers take them out shopping for the evening.

In return for their bid, the students were treated to a dinner at the Conestoga Mall food court and then saw a Hannah Montana movie, with the students paying for their movie tickets.

Dream or Dream home?

Join us for our Free BMO Bank of Montreal® First-Time Homebuyers seminar.

Learn more about: • What to look for in a home • Calculating your buying power • How to arrange your financing • Making an offer • How to prepare for closing day Date: May 6, 2009 Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Elmira Curling Club 40 Eldale, Elmira Refreshments will be served.

PHOTO | MARC MIQUEL HELSEN

To reserve your spot, please contact: Kathy Duncan Tel. : 519-669-5446

AND THE WINNERS ARE ... Students and teachers at Park Manor in Elmira took part in a special auction, raising $1,400 for cancer research. Two of the highest bidders included a group of four boys who forked out $170 and a group of four girls who paid $120 to get a chance to go shopping and have dinner with their teachers at Conestoga Mall. From left, Evan Buehler, Adam Brubacher, Sean Wilton, Kyle Bauman (centre), Tiffany Bauman, Anika Bartel, Emily Martin, Lindsay Letkeman. At back, teachers Christina Neely and Meghan Martin.

Learn about BMO First Home Essentials.

TM/®

Trade-marks/registered trade-marks of Bank of Montreal.

8 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

STEVE KANNON If in your travels around Woolwich Saturday you see groups of people cleaning up the accumulated mess left behind from winter’s retreat, perhaps you might be inspired to do a little spring cleaning of your own.

Under the auspices of the Township of Woolwich Environmental Enhancement Committee (TWEEC), the cleanup is being carried out in recognition of Healthy Communities Month and

Earth Day, which took place Apr. 22.

Woolwich Coun. Mark Bauman, who chairs TWEEC, said residents should feel free to tackle a few small projects of their own, even in their own yards or perhaps a common area where some trash has gathered.

“If we can all do a little bit, in the end it can make a big difference.”

The community event on today is one of about a dozen TWEEC-related activities scheduled for 2009. The work plan, with a budget of $6,000, was ap-

proved this week by township council.

Next weekend, volunteers will continue a pilot roadside tree planting on Lundy Road in Winterbourne, adding 20 trees to the 250 planted to date.

Now in its sixth year, the committee has been a successful venture, Bauman said, attracting volunteers and turning a few dollars into useful environmental initiatives.

“It’s definitely been a good value. A lot of these [projects] don’t have to cost a lot of money … to be effective.”

PHOTO | jOni milTenburg

Budget approved for TWEEC

GREENER PLANET elmira geothermal company nextenergy celebrated earth Day with a tree planting in Victoria Park. Putting the ceremonial shovels to the ground were David Drewe, assistant to mP Harold Albrecht; jennifer lorette and rick Culham of the university of Waterloo; Terry Petkau of Habitat for Humanity; Dave Hatherton, CeO of nextenergy; randal Palach, president of nextenergy; Coun. mark bauman; Fran Hatherton; and maryam latifpoor-Keparoutis of the university of Waterloo. nextenergy this week announced funding for a scholarship for a student studying sustainability and geothermal engineering at the university of Waterloo. The company is also partnering with Habitat for Humanity to donate and install a geothermal system in a Habitat house every year for the next five years.

Green Tag. Save Green.

Come to your local EFS Store Saturday May 9th, 2009 - 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

G ADDED BONUS

Woolwich Observer 1/8 pg

ff

b

!

NEWS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

» LAW & ORDER

9

Police seek suspects in theft of minivan »»

April 15

6:30 PM | A bicycle was stolen from the grounds at Elmira District Secondary School.

The bike is described as a white and green Rocky Mountain Fusion.

»»

April 16

8:00 AM | Police received a report that a Canadian passport was lost while the complainant was away at college in Otterburne, Manitoba.

9:30 AM | There were no injuries in a car-versus-deer collision on Northfield Drive near Sawmill Road in Conestogo.

A 22-year-old man was northbound on Northfield Drive when a deer ran into the path of his vehicle and was struck.

The driver was not injured and the deer bounded off. The vehicle suffered moderate damage.

1:49 PM | The construction site of the Woolwich Memorial Centre was the scene of

A blue 1995 Dodge Caravan was reported stolen from an Elmira home on Apr. 20. It was later located by police in Conestogo the following night.

The complainants reported seeing some three males near the garage a few days before. In addition to this the keys belonging to the vehicle had been stolen a week prior to the theft.

Two males were described as approximately 17 years old, of a slim build and approximately 5’6” tall. They were wearing dark clothing and ball caps at the time. One had a backpack on. The investigation continues. a break-and-enter on Apr. 14.

Three white males were seen entering the site about 10:15 that night. A tarp was cut and some drills and extension cords were taken.

9:00 PM | Riverside Public School in Elmira was the site of some vandalism. A slide in the playground was set on fire and papers and leaves were spilled on it. An adjacent picnic table was smoldering when firefighters arrived on scene.

9:20 PM | Police received a report of a collision in the area of Bo-De Lane and Three Bridges Road in St. Jacobs.

Two vehicles were involved in a rear-ender after the lead driver allegedly hit the brakes to avoid hitting a cat. Damage to the lead car was moderate; damage to the second vehicle was severe. There were no injuries and no charges. Both drivers had been eastbound on Bo-De Lane after leaving a shuffleboard league event.

Turkey: Considerable damage » From cover

wrought-iron bird. The wild turkey was quiet enough until she noticed them, when she went berserk and took off.

She flew into the glass on the back patio door (without breaking it) and fell behind the sofa, where Chris was able to catch her. They took some pictures and then she started to struggle, hitting Chris in the head with a wing, so he let her go.

After the first rush of relief that it wasn’t a burglar, the Phillipses realized they were looking at a big cleanup job.

Charlene was doing her taxes on the dining room table, and she’ll have to

sift through the papers and filing boxes for glass shards. The carpet will have to be replaced because the cleaning company can’t guarantee they’ll get all the shards out.

“There is glass from one end of this room to the other; there’s glass shards in the drywall, turkey feathers everywhere,” Charlene said.

“It’s quite a mess for a bird.”

Altogether, cleaning up the mess will cost almost $3,000.

At first their insurance company declined to pay for the damage, telling them that birds weren’t covered in their policy.

Chris had to convince them that this wasn’t the

same as having a sparrow fly into the window.

“It was a lot funnier when we first realized that it was a turkey instead of a burglar,” Charlene said. “Monday morning when you start talking about the insurance and the cost, it’s not as funny any more.”

The story has their friends and neighbours talking turkey: they’re calling and leaving message on the answering machine saying, “Gobble, gobble, gobble.”

Charlene said people are mostly surprised they let the bird go.

“Everyone’s like, ‘at least you got dinner out of it.’ And, no, we didn’t.”

Bridge: Now a planning issue » From cover

the bridge is now owned by the Region of Waterloo, and remains one of Woolwich’s premier tourist sites.

Having tabled his report, Shipley said it’s now up to the township to keep the process going if it wants to protect the bridge and its environment for future generations.

“I think we realize if we’re going to have these things in the future and if we think they’re nice and we want to pass them on to the next generation, then we need to have some rules about what can and can’t be done – it is very much an integral part of the planning process,” he said in a previous interview.

Establishing those

rules could be somewhat tricky, however, suggested Coun. Mark Bauman, who said heritage designations can place arduous constraints on homeowners inside the affected area.

He said extensive public consultations would be needed before the township goes ahead with any of the report’s recommendations, to which Shipley replied that such input is always part of the process.

“I’m not opposed to it, but have some concerns,” Bauman said in a later interview. “I’ve worked with projects in historically designated areas – which can work if done properly – but always say ‘be careful what you ask for.’”

Still, Woolwich re-

mains in the early stages of the process, with planning staff to review the report before coming back to council with recommendations for a next step. Mayor Bill Strauss, however, stated the township will be going forward – “It’s not going to go on the shelf.”

Complicating the issue, most immediately on the topic of an interim control bylaw, is an application for a gravel pit on Letson Drive, which has had neighbours out in force opposing the idea.

While noting the heritage landscape designation could have an effect on the gravel application, Shipley noted his study had nothing to do with opposition efforts, predating the bid by a few years.

»»

April 17

5:30 PM | A collision on Broadway Street near Temperance Road brought police to Hawkesville. The driver of the vehicle lost control while rounding a graduated righthand curve and ended up crashing into a 12-foot-deep ditch. The vehicle came to rest on its roof. The driver suffered minor injuries; a passenger was unscathed. The vehicle was demolished.

8:19 PM | A 16-year-old male was arrested after two witnesses confronted him when he attempted to illegally enter a Mill Street, Elmira home through a rear patio door on Apr. 16. The suspect had been wearing a ski mask at the time.

»»

»»

April 20

12:04 AM | Nothing was taken from a landscaping truck

parked on Church Street in Elmira despite the fact that a suspect was seen trying the handle of that vehicle and another vehicle nearby.

»»

April 22

3:00 AM | Police received a call that some people had been lighting firecrackers around Woodside Bible Fellowship in Elmira. Officers arrived on scene but found no one. The next morning police discovered that some 40 rounds of paintballs had been fired at the church building. Two youngsters were seen when the firecrackers were heard.

April 18

6:09 PM | A taxi driver reported receiving false pick-up calls.

Police contacted the number from which the calls had originated and eventually located the suspects. The suspects’ father said he’d reimburse the cab driver for his losses.

»»

around items in the complainant’s yard. Police arrived on scene and found one of the intoxicated males lying in the mud in the backyard. He was taken to jail. There was some minor damage to the fence.

5:50 AM | An Oakcliffe Street, Elmira resident reported to police hearing someone attempting to break into the home.

The resident dog was barking, but when police arrived they found no suspects. There was no damage.

April 19

2:10 AM | Police received a call from a Sugar King Drive, Elmira resident claiming that two very drunk young males were attempting to climb over the complainant’s fence. The suspects then started moving

The War Amps

We are many things to many people.

OPENING SOON! Watch For Details

Formerly Ruggles General Store, Floradale

21stWellesley

HOME& GARDEN April 29, 30 & May 1 | 5-9:30PM Wellesley Arena | 1000 Maple Leaf St.

Wednesday: Sausage on a bun(sauerkraut & onions) $3.50 Thursday: Chicken Leg & Thigh, coleslaw $6.00 Friday: Pork on a Bun (sauerkraut) $4 | Add fries to any meal for $2.50

Cash/Non-perishable food items for Wellesley Wilmot Food Bank

WEEKLY SPECIALS Specials from April 27 - May 2

Assorted Store Made, Deli Sliced

Salami's & Summer Sausage

5.99

$

Ib. /$13.21kg.

Store Made, Smoked

Turkey or Ball Park Sausages

3.29

Ib. /$7.25kg.

Fresh, Meaty

E-ZEE ACCESS: TEL.: 1-800-250-3030 FAX: 1-800-219-8988 or visit our Web site at www.waramps.ca Charitable Registration No.: 13196 9628 RR0001

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: 519.656.2731

Wellesley Lions Club BBQ Suppers:

$

For more information, or to order your 2009 key tags, contact The War Amps.

Door Prizes

Show ‘09

CHAMP provides child amputees with financial assistance for artificial limbs. Programs like Matching Mothers, JUMPSTART, and WEBMASTERS offer special help.

The War Amps... a legacy of “amputees helping amputees.”

FREE

ADMISSION

Back Ribs

5.99

$

Ib. /$13.21kg.

Pre Cooked

Cabbage Rolls

3.99

$

(Tray of 16) Ib. $3.59lb. /$8.80kg. $7.91kg

Store Made,

Ham Kielbossa

3.49

$

Ib. /$7.69kg.

Looking for a fast & healthy meal during the week?

Take home one of our Fabulous Fresh Fresco stirfrys!

All the meat products we make are Gluten, Lactose and M.S.G. FREE. We also have a good selection of Nitrate Free products.

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

10 | COMMENT & OPINION

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

» CARTOON Published Saturdays since 1996

by Cathedral Communications Inc. Publications Mail Agreement No | 1004840

WOOLWICH OBSERVER 20-B Arthur Street North, Elmira, Ontario, Canada N3B 1Z9

Phone: 519.669.5790 Toll Free: 1.888.966.5942 Fax: 519.669.5753

General Inquiry | EXT 100 info@woolwichobserver.com Joe Merlihan, Publisher | EXT 107 jmerlihan@woolwichobserver.com Steve Kannon, Editor | EXT 103 skannon@woolwichobserver.com Joni Miltenburg, Reporter | EXT 101 jmiltenburg@woolwichobserver.com Marc Miquel Helsen, Reporter | EXT 102 mmhelsen@woolwichobserver.com Donna Rudy, Sales Manager | EXT 104 drudy@woolwichobserver.com Pat Merlihan, Production Mgr | EXT 105 pmerlihan@woolwichobserver.com Matthew French, Production | EXT 108 mfrench@woolwichobserver.com Lindsay Lehman, Production | EXT 109 llehman@woolwichobserver.com www.ObserverXtra.com

CIRCULATION The Observer is an audited controlled circulation publication. Canadian Media Circulation Audit calculates and prepares The Observer circulation reports | 14,953.

DELIVERY Delivery concerns can be addressed by contacting our office during office hours or by visiting www.ObserverXtra.com and send us a message.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Annual subscriptions are available at a rate of $37.10 (includes GST) for delivery within Canada. Contact the office or email sales@woolwichobserver.com for further details. All issues from 2006 on are available online free of charge.

ASSOCIATIONS The Observer is a member of the Ontario Community Newspaper Association [OCNA], Canadian Community Newspaper Association [CCNA], Ontario Press Council, and The Greater KW Chamber of Commerce.

LETTER POLICY The Observer welcomes letters to the editor on topics of interest to our readers. Letters may be edited for brevity, grammar, and legal considerations. All letters must be signed and contain the writer’s full name and telephone number for verification purposes.

Unsigned or anonymous letters will not be considered for publication. If you have a legitimate concern and cannot sign your name to a letter, please contact the editor to discuss alternative means of resolving the issue. This newspaper declines announcements, poetry and thank-you letters in the opinion section.

Maximum suggested length is 500 words.

PRESS COMPLAINTS The Observer is a member of the Ontario Press Council which considers complaints against member newspapers. For more information about the Press Council contact www.ontpress.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 Yonge St., 1900, Toronto, ON M5E 1E5 FAX: 416.868.1621

» EDITORIAL

Each of us has a role in saving the planet

April, Healthy Communities Month in Woolwich, provided a plethora of examples of how to live lighter on the land, enriching ourselves and our environment in the process.

Today (Saturday) volunteers are fanning out across the township in a cleanup effort, essentially picking up after the thoughtless people who litter wantonly. If past years are any indication, they’ll find all sorts of discarded items. More than just candy wrappers and pop cans – perhaps written off as childish negligence – the long list of junk found along roadways, in parks and other public places reveals deliberate intent. A stray coffee cup or scrap of paper may have been caught in the wind, an old tire (or, more likely, 50 old tires) did not arrive on its own – somebody was bypassing the proper disposal process.

Such garbage is not only unsightly, it is potentially hazardous: people should be able to use the parks and trails without worrying about what they may step on.

Worse still, some people are not above dumping toxins such as used oil and household cleaners.

Environmental arguments aside, such dumping is completely inconsiderate.

Our shared spaces are just that: shared.

Everyone who dumps trash, even if it just that coffee cup or candy wrapper, is in fact leaving the mess for somebody else to clean up – people who make use of common areas are in essence forced to do the work.

Anyone who has ever walked along a roadside ditch, for instance, knows just how much garbage can accumulate in such places; it’s visible even from your car as you drive along, thus the need for something like the Adopt-A-Road program, whose volunteers can already be seen hard at work.

As unsightly as it is, however, such litter is only the tip of the environmental iceberg: The real damage comes from the stuff we can’t see, or collectively gather up for proper disposal.

As environmentalists stressed while we marked Earth Day this week, the numberone issue remains climate change. Canada, of course, has a poor track record on this file, promising little and doing less, arguing any targets we set would be a drop in the bucket if the big players – the U.S., China, India and Russia – refuse to play ball.

Perhaps it’s time to move past the rheto-

» VERBATIM “Heightened uncertainty surrounding the global outlook, together with declining wealth and tighter credit conditions, has adversely affected confidence levels, causing households and firms to cut back spending sharply.”

Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney sees the rough ride continuing

ric and actually start doing something.

Even climate change skeptics – those who argue the changes are naturally occurring, not manmade – can’t argue the fact we’re polluting the only home we have. Measures designed to improve the environment can only improve our own health and quality of life down the road.

Those opposed to fighting greenhouse gas emissions often cite economic reasons, saying we’d kill the economy by cutting back on energy production and manufacturing.

This stance ignores many realities. First off, resources such as oil and coal are finite – we’re going to run out of them eventually. Also finite is the planet’s carrying capacity for the pollution we generate; we used to think dumping waste into the river/lake/ocean made it go away, but we now know better (what we do to the Grand, for instance, ends up downstream in Brantford and points south).

One way or another, we’ll have to change the way we live today. Whether we choose how to do that, or the planet makes the decision for us remains to be seen.

The need for each of us to tread more lightly on the earth is the real take-away message this month.

» THE MONITOR To substantially deviate from business as usual emissions growth, developed countries must adopt an aggregate reduction target by 2020 of more than 40% below 1990 levels. They must also deliver finance and technology to developing countries to help them offset their costs.

Climate Action Network Canada

COMMENT & OPINION |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

» HARD TALK | RAFE MAIR

11

Despite all our riches, we’ve broken faith with the poor Why is anyone impoverished in a country as rich as we are? I suppose that’s because we refuse to break the faith with an uncontrolled capitalism which promises and never delivers help to the poor and the lame.

Margaret Thatcher, in supporting little regulated capitalism because it would supposedly make the money needed to look after the disadvantaged, said: “No one would remember the Good Samaritan if he’d only had good intentions; he had money as well.” No doubt that’s true. But what else is true is that he in fact gave up some of that money to help another.

How can we tolerate the persistence of poverty in our society when sports figures make seven-figure incomes

and corporate chief executives make eight figures?

Is it so wrong to tax heavily those who make huge incomes?

Can a hockey player making a couple of million a year not afford a special tax?

Can a CEO not get by on, say, a million dollars a year?

It’s said that jocks and executives get what the marketplace says is the right figure. Let’s examine that in the context of the athlete. His marketplace is fed by individuals who can afford to pay inflated ticket prices. It’s true that if you simply legislated lower salaries the owners would pocket the money. If their earnings are outrageous, sic the tax man on them.

The CEOs also live in a fixed market.

Are we to believe that if everything over a million was taxed at 75 per cent that corporations would shrivel up and blow away?

Ah, but this is socialism! We’ll have none of that, thank you very much!

But let’s look back to wars again.

Capitalist countries imposed surtaxes and excess taxes on the rich so the war could be fought. But shouldn’t we understand that we are in a war with poverty in all its forms? Didn’t John McCrae mean that the torch he was handing us was not only to “take up arms against the foe” in a military context but to make a better world? To prove that the huge losses were not in vain?

Our motto seems to be “because we cannot have a perfect society, there’s nothing we need to do.” If that is our motto, we’re saying that it’s not a good idea to do a hell of a lot more than we do now, for, as Jesus said, “the poor will always be with us.”

Such a banal, sterile philosophy, while not necessarily representing how we all think, has become what

governments practice in our names.

The mentally ill could be off the streets, everyone could be fed, everyone could have shelter. If, as the evidence indicates, we will only, as a society, help those in need inadequately and grudgingly, that day, to our shame, will never arrive.

How Zhou Survived Mao Wasn’t he Mao Zedong’s old crony from the Long March of 1934-5 when Mao and the Red Army escaped from the Chiang Kai-Shek forces, the escape that kept the Red Army intact to fight another day – that day in 1949 when they tossed out the Chiang forces and declared the People’s Republic of China?

Wasn’t he the man so close to Mao that he was premier from 1949 until 1976, working despite his quickly metastasizing cancer until the day he See MAIR page »12

» INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS | GWYNNE DYER

Class struggles behind political squabbling in Thailand Thailand’s Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was humiliated last week when red-shirted protesters overran the summit of Asian leaders that he was hosting and forced him to evacuate them by helicopter, but now he is back in control. The “reds” have been driven off the streets of Bangkok by the army, and the “yellows” who fought them last year have not come out in force either. For the moment, peace has been restored.

It sounds as arcane as the street battles of the blues and greens in Byzantium 15 centuries ago. It certainly doesn’t sound like modern politics, and indeed it is not like politics in mature democratic countries like France or India. But it is (apart from the coloured T-shirts) a great deal like 19thcentury European politics.

Thailand’s democracy is less than 20 years old, and it was the growing Thai middle class that made it happen – just as it was the middle class in European countries that made the revolutions happen there in the 1800s. In both cases, they were doing it for themselves, not for the poor.

As the history of a hundred ancient empires demonstrates, the poor and

» LETTER TO THE EDITOR The end of face-to-face communication?

To the Editor, Forget about global warming, nuclear war and asteroid strikes being frightening possibilities. There is one in our midst, universally embraced, deemed critical to our existence that dwarfs the aforementioned.

The cell phone, small but mighty, offers 24-7 contact with the outside world, ensuring that we don’t miss a trick. Before this “breakthrough” burst on the scene, we obviously suffered from information deficiency; we

the downtrodden never launched a democratic revolution. It didn’t occur to them to demand their democratic rights, because they lacked the education and the perspective even to think in those terms. Democracy only got onto the political agenda when a large and literate middle class appeared.

What the middle class were after was mainly political equality, since they were already doing quite nicely economically. But no sooner had they won it than they discovered to their horror that the poor were also infected by this idea of equality. At that point, the newly empowered middle class faced a stark choice.

Either they made a political deal that brought the poor into the system economically, or they lived forever in fear of the day when the angry poor broke into their homes. In Europe, it took most of the 19th century and a good deal of the 20th to come up with a deal that worked, but in the end various versions of the welfare state did the trick.

Most of the former colonial countries inherited the democratic system. They didn’t all make the system work, but at least they knew the rules, including how to get the poor to accept the system. Whereas Thailand, almost uniquely in southern Asia, was never colonized.

In 1992, middle-class Thais, over-

whelmingly Bangkok-based, drove the army from power in a non-violent revolution that brought genuine democracy to the country for the first time. It was an exhilarating and long overdue event, but it appears that the Thai middle class really didn’t anticipate what was going to come next.

Give a country a democratic system, and pretty soon the poor will figure out how to use it for their own purposes. Their leader and voice in Thailand was Thaksin Shinawatra, an excop from humble origins who became a telecommunications billionaire. He was a demagogue who cut as many corners in politics as he had in business, but he genuinely did represent the poor, both urban and rural, and they voted for him in their millions.

Thaksin won power in 2001, and began pushing through measures to give the poor access to cheap loans, medical care, and other things that the middle class took for granted. The poor loved him for it, but the urban middle class was appalled: they had lost control of politics, and their money was being spent on ignorant peasants.

Thaksin was overthrown by the army in 2006 and his party banned – but as soon as democracy was restored, the poor voted for his allies and the new party they formed. So the new government also had to be overthrown, a task that was accomplished last year by the

yellow-shirted supporters of the People’s Alliance for Democracy.

In many ways the PAD is typical of conservative parties seeking to rein in the demands of the poor. It is backed by the army, the senior bureaucracy and the upper middle class, but its street fighters are drawn mostly from the aspiring lower middle class. However, this being Thailand, there is one big difference: the PAD actually wants to take democracy back from the poor.

In the parts of the world that know democracy better, the notion that the demands of the poor can be dealt with simply by disenfranchising them seems crazy – and we have the history to prove it. At the moment, however, it clearly doesn’t sound like a crazy idea to many middle-class Thais.

Really bad outcomes to this impasse are possible, including a return to permanent military rule, although that would now require repression on an almost Burmese scale. But the likelier outcome is that the Thais will find some way out of their current blind alley and back to democratic normality.

The whole history of the past two centuries proves that you have to compromise with the poor. You don’t have to give them all your wealth, but if you want to live in a stable and prosperous country then you do have to share it.

were less for not being able to access home base to determine exactly what flavour was wanted at the local store: cinnamon apple or French vanilla.

We’ve returned to the security of the womb, our umbilical cord firmly reattached. The birthing process hasn’t occurred without pain, for it’s clear that many abuse this innovation, especially the young discussing cute guys they meet at the mall, what a rival is wearing or what makeup goes best with red.

But caught on the road alone during a blinding blizzard is no longer a problem, as our constant companion cries out for help. Yes, there are downsides like distracted drivers reveling in a tete-a-tete with an old friend instead of

watching the semi barrelling down in the other lane they’re wandering into.

Then again, even the horseless carriage had its detractors claiming it would spook horses, spoil the environment and require massive infrastructure spending. How wrong they were.

It begs the question: How was life possible before the cell and its forerunners such as television, the automatic washer, the airplane and computer?

Barely, many would say.

As a tool, the cell phone, like the computer, is useful. Handled indiscriminately, however, it leads to addiction and obsession. It encourages the illusion that power and control are only a palm away, that as we sit hunched

down alone in a corner sending out endless text messages, we have become the center of the universe.

We interrupt face-to-face conversations to answer its bidding, disturb surroundings by talking into it several decibels higher than normal, as if the announcement of a lottery win is incoming.

In short, it has become an infernal machine, encouraging our slide down a slippery slope away from community to solitude where the computer entertains and the cell phone provides the communications link – all we really need.

Jim Newton New Dundee

12 | COMMENT & OPINION

Mair: Deciphering the Chinese puzzle » From page 11

died?

Wasn’t he the man who, with the cunning Henry Kissinger, engineered Richard Nixon’s amazing trip to Beijing in 1974?

And didn’t he, in response to a question asking about the impact of the French revolution, reply “it’s too soon to tell”?

The answer to all the questions is “yes ... but.”

The “but” being that far from being a major mover of policy in China, Zhou was a survivor and perhaps the most successful one since Talleyrand survived three French monarchs, a bloody revolution and Napoleon.

I hadn’t intended to buy Zhou-Enlai, The Last Perfect Revolutionary for two reasons. I thought it would be the story of someone who was simply Mao’s marionette, and I noted the book had been translated from Mandarin into English and thus would be stilted prose at best. I was wrong on both counts for Zhou. While he was indeed a Mao sycophant, for that reason he is an important window through which one can examine the tumultuous years he was premier.

And the translation is superb.

In analyzing Zhou’s career it must be remembered that Mao was a murderous madman in a class with Hitler and Stalin so that nobody, least of all Zhou, was safe. This was emphatically demonstrated by the so-called Cultural Revolution, started by Mao in 1967, which resulted in young hooligans roaming the country humiliating and often killing people – including many people in high places – for no better reason than perceived lack of enthusiasm for Mao’s government. It was a horrible

time and when you read the insights into Mao’s personality it becomes little short of a miracle that Zhou survived.

Deng Xiaoping, later the force behind bringing capitalism to this communist state, lived but was exiled into oblivion while the onetime court favourite Lin Biao died in a plane “accident.”

Indeed none were safe.

I came away from the book with three conclusions: Mao was mad but, for a bloody dictator, highly skilled at the art of combining political smarts with brutality.

Zhou survived because he was the only one of the inner circle who could read Mao’s mind and know when to rat on a comrade or make a humiliating “confession of his own sins” and thus save his own skin.

While Mao intensely disliked Zhou, he seemed to understand that without Zhou’s obedience and craft he wouldn’t be able to command the heights.

Indeed, this book is as much an insight into what Mao was made of as it was about the talented lackey he had in Zhou.

Of considerable interest are the meanderings of that loosest of cannons, Mao’s wife Jhian Qing, who, as one of the “gang of four,” was purged after Mao’s death. It was no mean feat to handle the boss but the boss’s wife, whose mad crusades, taken quite independently of her husband, reminds one of the Red Queen of Alice in Wonderland. While Jhian sorely tested the already beleagured Zhou, he somehow managed to deal with her and her cronies.

The puzzle that is China of the last century has many pieces – this book is a very valuable piece indeed.

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

» OBSERVER Q&A Are you making any extra efforts to be green?

“I’m composting. I’ve got composters in the back yard – two of them, in fact. I’m composting all my kitchen waste and that sort of thing.”

“Yes, I am. I pick up garbage when we go on walks in town.”

“Yes. We use energy efficient light bulbs, energy efficient washer and drier, stove, fridge, recycle anything we can recycle – make the world a better place.”

“I actually just got a new job at Ontario Energy savings and what they do is offer green energy to people – they sell wind, solar, and water energy.”

»» Barry Levely

»» Shannon Shillington

»» Ashley Scarlett

»» Jason Horst

» THE VIEW FROM HERE | SCOTT ARNOLD

GETTING A LITTLE AHEAD OF THEMSELVES, SOME OF THIS WEEKEND’S REVELERS TAKE THE TEAR-DOWN EVENT TOO LITERALLY

Write a letter to the Editor.

519.669.5790 | 1.888.966.5942 | www.ObserverXtra.com

woolwich minor hockey annual meeting

The Safest Installs Around!

Vacation Notice We will be closed from Friday, May 1st and reopening on Monday, May 11, 2009

SYD LENNOX AUTO GLASS • STONE CHIP REPAIR • CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN [CMAGT]

346 Arthur Street South, Elmira

519-669-3000

We’re looking for a few good letter writers. Do you have what it takes?

Any opinion on a current event will do.

General Contracting Residential Commercial

Agricultural New Buildings Renovations

8012 8th Line.RR #2 Drayton, ON | 519-638-5462

TUESDAY APRIL 28, 2009 - 7:00 PM ST JACOBS FIRE HALL All parents and members are welcome & ENCOURAGED to attend. Various executive positions are open for the 2009/2010 Season. Please consider volunteering. Mark your calenders and plan to attend.

COMMENT & OPINION |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

Canadian Blood Services: It's in you to give NEXT CLINIC Destination Inn

Best Western

547 King St. N., Waterloo www.destinationinn.com

50 Benjamin Rd. E., Waterloo www.stjacobscountryinn.com

519-884-0100

519-884-9295

WHERE: Lion's Hall, Elmira WHEN: APRIL 30, 2009 2:00pm - 8:30pm Blood and blood products are a critical part of everyday medical care, such as major surgeries and other medical procedures.

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

RR #2 Wallenstein, Ontario

EM

ELDALE MACHINE & TOOL LTD.

MANUFACTURERS OF SPINDLE & HUB ASSEMBLIES PRODUCTION MACHINING emtsales@bellnet.ca

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

Specifically: • Red blood cells can be used to help accident victims, surgical patients and people with anaemia • Platelets can be used to treat leukemia and cancer patients • Plasma is effective in treating patients suffering from burns or shock • Cryoprecipitate, an additional component of blood, has been used to treat hemophilia and now other blood disorders

For All Your Tire Needs

THOMAN TIRE SERVICE (1989) Ltd.

“Doing it right for over 65 years!”

1370 King St. N., St. Jacobs • 519-664-3412

DESIGN & BUILD CUSTOM HOMES & RENOVATIONS

3575 Broadway St., Hawkesville • 519-699-4388

Millwrights Inc. www.advancemillwrights.com

21 Howard Ave., Unit 3 • 519-669-4200

JOHN KENDALL Barrister & Solicitor

REPAIRS • MACHINING CUSTOM FABRICATIONS MANUFACTURING

TEL: 519-747-1010 FAX: 519-747-9323 EMAIL: jkendall@haneylaw.com

100 Union St. • 519-669-1501

Direct: 519-747-1256 Ex 209

Serving you for over 100 Years

CLEAN • DRY • SECURE

41 Erb St. E., P.O. Box 185, Waterloo ON

• Additions • Renovations • Exterior Cladding • Insulation • Doors & Windows www.waymar.on.ca

1145 Printery Rd., St. Jacobs | TEL: 519.664.2263

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

Manufacturers of Sulphuric Acid and Sodium Bisulphite

FLORADALE FEED MILL LIMITED Sulco Chemicals Limited

www.ffmltd.com

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

3950 Steffler Rd. RR#4 Elmira, ON • 519-664-2752

Fax: • 519-664-3695

Steed and Evans Ltd. Engineers and Contractors 3000 Ament Line, Heidelberg • 519-699-4646

HILLCREST Home Baking Fabric • China • Giftware Clothing • Groceries 2192 Floradale Rd. • 519-669-1381

60 First St. E. • 519-669-5166

SANYO CANADIAN MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED

33 Industrial Dr. • 519-669-1591

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

MARTINS

Registered to ISO 9001, 14001

“Finest in quality feeds and service.”

Farm Equipment Manufacturing CNC Plasma Arc Cutting

HANEY, HANEY & KENDALL

Various sizes & rates

100 South Field Dr. • 519-669-4964

Advance

M.K. MARTIN ENTERPRISE INC.

One Kilometre south of Winterbourne on Waterloo Regional Rd. 23

Regional Rd. 23 • 519-664-3701

CUSTOM WOODWORK INC. • WOODTURNING • CHAIR COMPONENTS • ROCKING CHAIR & CHAIR REPAIRS 4725 HERRGOTT ROAD

BOX 56, WALLENSTEIN, ONT PHONE: 519-669-0111 FAX: 519-669-0087

13

»

14 | BUSINESS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

BUSINESS » NEW SITE DEVELOPMENT

Propane provider to open Elmira depot

London-based EDPRO plans to serve Waterloo-Wellington area from Union Street facility MARC MIQUEL HELSEN It won’t come in time for the summer barbecue season, but a proposed propane distribution facility is on the books for a site adjacent to the former Glenoit building in Elmira.

Based out of London, Ont., EDPRO is one of the largest propane solutions providers in the province with terminal facilities located in London, Brampton and Stoney Creek.

Construction on the Elmira plant, which will be located at Union Street and Oriole Parkway, is slated to begin on July 1, and the company is currently working on finalizing its long-term leasing and development issues.

“We have not finalized all aspects of the development at this point but we’re looking at moving forward in Elmira with our project,” said Andy Bite, chief development officer with EDPRO. When completed, the non-retail propane distribution facility will supply residential, agricultural and business customers primarily in

A NEW DEVELOPMENT Some grading work is now underway at the corner of Union Street and Oriole Parkway in Elmira, the proposed site of a propane depot to be operated by London-based EDPRO. Inset, a photo of a similar facility operated by the company. the Waterloo-Wellington area.

EDPRO Elmira will concentrate primarily on filling 33-pound cylinders for the forklift market, and filling bulk trucks destined for the residential and agricultural markets.

The company is now finalizing its arrangements with the property

The Quality You Demand, the Service You Deserve.

Call Us for Tires!

Where tires are a specialty, not a side line.

FARM • AUTO • TRUCK INDUSTRIAL • ON-THE-FARM SERVICE Monday - Friday

8am - 5pm

Saturdays

8am - 12noon

landlord, Elmira Industrial Land Inc. When completed, the leased parcel of land will measure roughly two acres, with the actual facility approximately 40 feet by 40 feet (12 by 12 meters).

The yard will house two propane storage tanks.

While new to the area, EDPRO already has connections locally, a pros-

pect that bodes well for the company and its clients, said Bite.

“We already have two associate dealers in the area … and we’ll be adding initially four employees,” he explained, noting that EDPRO plans on hiring from within the community.

In addition to this, the company intends to in-

Elllzze Elze’s E zee’s ’s Wonderful W Won onde ond der eerf rfu ful ul Wi W Wines ine in nes es

Cabernet Franc Sale

120

$

Regular Price $145

Makes 30 bottles of rich, hearty, full-bodied red.

16L, 6 Week Ultra-Premium Wine Kit (Special Price Valid April 25 to May 2)

A Fine Wine Establishment

29 Church St. W., Elmira

35 Howard Avenue, Elmira

519-669-3232

519.669.0799

crease its staff as business grows. In similar facilities EDPRO has 12 employees or more.

Elmira was a good fit for the company, said Bite, noting that while land values locally were more attractive than those in the Cambridge or Waterloo areas, there were other factors that brought the London

company to Elmira.

“We chose Elmira because it’s a strategic fit in that we have locations in Brampton and London, so we’ve developed a business space already around Elmira.

“This is an excellent point to service Waterloo, Wellington, the tri-county area,” he explained.

Elmira was also appealing because propane is “basically a rural fuel” and most of EDPRO’s business is located geographically within the area.

Locally, propane is an important energy source for the agricultural sector providing heating for residential homes, and power for farmers involved with pig brooding, poultry brooding and crop drying.

So far, Bite noted that EDPRO’s customers are pleased with the prospect of having the supplier closer to home.

“We already have customers in the area and we’ve been delivering out of London, so they’re happier that we’re closer and they’re more comfortable with the security of supply.”

PRoPERtY mAIntEnAnCE SERVICES • Full Lawn Maintenance • Full Flowerbed Maintenance • Lawn Edging & De-thatching • Shrubbery/Tree Trimming • Aerating & Fertilizing • Lawn Topdressing • Mulch, Topsoil, Garden Mix, etc.

• Manure • Excavating • Delivery • Commercial & Industrial Snow & Ice Control

WEEKLY & monthLY SERVICE PLAnS AVAILABLE OWNER OPERATED • FAST & RELIABLE • EXPERIENCED & PROFESSIONAL

For a FREE written estimate, please call Jeff Mitchell at:

519-699-9424

“No Job Too big or Small” Serving KW Area for over 10 years

BUSINESS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

» FOOD FOR THOUGHT | OWEN ROBERTS

15

Predators steal farmers’ livelihood bite by bite Homeowners get riled up when rabbits and squirrels visit their gardens.

And, sure, it’s frustrating, putting a lot of work into a project only to see it devastated by uninvited wild (or sometimes domestic) animals.

So imagine the kind of damage deer could do, tromping through the flowers and vegetables, indiscriminately munching away on whatever looks appealing. No doubt some readers have already experienced that situation.

Or worse, elk. Can you see an elk in your garden? There’d be nothing left standing.

Or how about a coyote skulking around the backyard, looking longingly at your pet, your livestock, or your child?

Well, that’s what farmers face year after year. And now, it seems to be getting worse.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture is pressing Queen’s Park to come

up with answers to ongoing wildlife predator problems. With urban sprawl, wildlife and people get closer all the time. The animals either take a stand and try to claim their traditional habitat, or they get driven out to places where they can find refuge – such as farms.

It’s a chronic problem. Nearly 10 years ago, a University of Guelph professor determined wildlife damage was costing farmers more than $40 million a year.

It gets brushed off when it happens in the country. But it’s a different matter when it goes downtown. The federation is making hay out of a recent headline-grabbing event involving a coyote that was frequenting Toronto’s desirable Beaches community. The matter went right to the top, right to the Minister of Natural Resources’ office, which declared that the animal be moved to a rehabilitation site.

That frustrates farmers. If the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs got involved in every rural coyote call, there’d be no time for anything else.

Problems are everywhere. In the near north, around Bancroft, a wellintentioned reintroduction of the elk herd has farmers reeling. Eight years ago, 200 of the animals were released into the wild. That population now exceeds 500, and has become a problem for farmers. The province is working towards a management plan for all cervids (deer, elk, caribou and moose) but the federation says it doesn’t give farmers flexibility to protect their land when it’s overrun with wildlife.

Farming is a business, and while wildlife adds aesthetics, any business needs to take a hard look at its losses and address them.

Many farmers would favour a management plan that involved them, and didn’t necessarily mean they had to eradicate wildlife. For example, no one is better at feeding animals than farmers. If the cervid population is making dinner out of farmers’ fields anyway, why doesn’t the province pay farmers a reasonable amount for the animals that are feeding for free on grain that would otherwise be sold?

It’s a reasonable question. If wild

animals were pilfering bags of garden compost and potting soil left out overnight at grocery stores, there’d be an urban outcry. Farmers get some measure of crop insurance, but they can’t be expected to stand by and watch their livelihood disappear bite by bite.

Realistically, there will always be some level of predation. That’s nature.

So farmers are looking for a combination of fair compensation and preventative measures, as well as better links with hunters – themselves a diminishing lot – to try to better control the situation.

Earlier this month, London wrestled with a deer cull because the animals were said to be damaging an environmentally sensitive area in the city. The municipal environment and transportation committee had recommended the cull, but council voted it down, prompting a sigh of relief from city administrators who didn’t want to be labelled urban Bambi killers.

No one does. But ignoring the problem isn’t working. Farmers can be part of the solution, if they’re treated fairly.

Buy Smart Buy ECHO! GT-200R

CS-310 C S-310 S310

Trimmers PLUS get a

FREE ECHO Cap!

Chain C hain S Saw aw 14 14””

$169.95

$229.95

with purchase of any tool.

PB-200

SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS

Blower

ECHO power ECHO dealer.

$179.95

ECHO was the first manufacturer to offer a five year consumer warranty on all of their products including lifetime ignition. Plus, the new Power Boost Vortex™ engine is more powerful, fuel efficient and environmentally clean.

www.echo.ca

Special pricing is in effect until May 31, 2009 at the following participating ECHO Dealer(s).

Log Splitter Model LS21160

$2099.95

3” Chipper Shredder

2.75” Chipper Shredder

Model SC3206

Model SC2206

$1499.95

$999.95

Proudly Renting, Selling & Servicing

Courtesy Warranty Repairs on Echo & Bear Cat Products

519.669.0524

sweet

100 Union St., Elmira, Ontario (Reist Industries)

.com

IN PRINT | ONLINE | IN PICTURES | IN DEPTH

5 year term

*Rate subject to change After relationship pricing

Come home to an MSCU mortgage

See www.woolwichrentals.ca for our growing list of rental equipment.

www.

15%*

25 Hampton Street, Elmira 519.669.1529 • www.mscu.com Serving members of Mennonite, Amish and Brethren in Christ churches across Ontario.

16 | GRILLIN’ TIME

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

GRILLIN’ TIME |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

Don’t Get Caught Short

e h t ForBQ B

This summer, keep your tank full and your grill in business.

All products made with OMEGA 3, drug free Roasting Chickens

Chicken Souvlaki..................$5500 CASE OMEGA Breast......................$4500 Chicken Wings......................$3000 CASE CASE Chicken Breast Burgers.......$2900 CASE Chicken Drumsticks.............$1500 CASE Chicken Legs w/backs attached...$1500

CASE (4KG)

50 PIECES/CASE

2 Drug Free Grade A Turkeys.......$239

PATIO SETS

(4KG)

UP TO

(4KG)

Chicken Breast Nuggets......$3000

36

$

Chicken Breast Fingers........

00

CASE (4KG) 150 - 160PC/CASE CASE (4KG) 85 - 88PC/CASE

OFF

/LB

519-698-9930 519-698-993 0

TRAEGER BBQ’S are used around the world

cooohkavse wh

390 ARTHUR ST. S., ELMIRA

/LB

Call to Order

or by outdo

DUB-L-E

70%

(4KG)

$ 29 AVERAGE VERAGE 5-7 LBS

TASTY TREATS!

OPANE TANKS

(4KG)

40-4OZ BURGERS/CASE

Whole OMEGA 3 Roasting Chicken........

WE RECON SELL DITION ED PR

(4KG)

msh! r a F Fre

TASTED THE DIFFERENCE

HOT TUBS

We have many different varieties of sausages for you to choose from • Chicken Garlic Sausage • Chicken Sundried Tomato Sausage • Chicken Feta & Spinach Sausage • Chicken Honey Garlic Sausage • Chicken Maple Syrup Breakfast Sausage

they are all great for the grill or bbq

(Hwy 86 & Road 21)

BBQ’s

• Natural Gas • Propane • Charcoal • Electric

RR1 St. Jacobs • 519-664-3090 www.thepoultryplace.com

519-669-2015 Choose from wicker, teak, sling & cast

STARTING FROM

$3,995

LIL’ TEX Simple to use and they won’t burn your food!

Outdoor Firepits & Fireplaces AL InstoLc Umb k rellas

h Scratc & e D nts

Unlike traditional gas barbeques, Traeger grills burn wood pellets that give an amazing flavour to whatever you’re cooking. Use them to smoke, slow cook or grill.

50% Off

EEly *FR emb

Finan cing Avail able *

Ass & very Deli

www.stemmlermeats.ca

AUTHORIZED TRAEGER DEALER HOURS Mon.-Thurs. 7-6 | Fridays 7-9 | Saturdays 8-5 | Sundays 12-5

1421 King St. N, St. Jacobs | 519-664-2905 www.homehardware.ca

396 Victoria St. N., Kitchener | tel: 519.578.9663

*See See store for details.

STORE HOURS: Thursday - Friday 9-8; Saturday 9-5; Sunday 11-4

3031 Lobsinger Line, Heidelberg Tel: 519.699.4590

Mon.-Wed. 8-6; Thurs.-Fri. 8-8; Saturday 8-5

All cold meats are free of MSG, flour, wheat and milk products.

17

»

18 | SPORTS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

SPORTS

» MAKING A NAME FOR HERSELF

She’s an athlete of the year nominee

West Montrose mountain biker Lisa Hutson’s stellar 2008 performance has her on the shortlist Kelly VanderBeek, Scott Stevens, Dana Ellis, Lennox Lewis, and this year, quite possibly, West Montrose’s Lisa Hutson.

Because of her feats as a mountain biker this season, she finds herself on a list of nominees for Kitchener-Waterloo’s athlete of the year, organized by the Kitchener Sports Association.

Hutson was pleasantly surprised when she learned of her nomination.

“I was looking at the list of past recipients … these are pretty amazing athletes that have been nominated from our area, who have been past winners,” she said.

“It [feels] strange – I don’t even know anything about this award or the nomination process, so it’s kind of out of the blue.”

The West Montrose athlete did, however, catch the attention of the volunteer organization that honours athletes hailing

from the Kitchener, Waterloo and the townships of Woolwich, Wilmot and Wellesley.

“We look at a wide and varied range of sports, and Lisa’s performance was just outstanding in 2008 in that she was the gold medalist for all of the Ontario Cup Mountain Bike series, as well the gold medalist in her category and age group for the Trek Cross Country Canada Cup,” said athlete of the year program chair Jean Howitt.

“We continued to do research: that kind of performance was just outstanding,” Howitt added, noting that Hutson’s nomination marks the first time a mountain biker is on the shortlist.

What was most surprising for Hutson was the fact that no one in her family submitted an application on her behalf.

Her efforts, on their own, merited the organization’s attention.

“We go through quite a rigorous process,” said Howitt, noting that committee members sifted

through countless newspapers and other media to come up with some 180 worthy local candidates.

Eventually, a separate committee narrowed the list to eight.

In the past, the organization has recognized a wide range of athletes, men, women, disabled, youngsters and seniors.

Nominees are judged according to specific and rigid criteria, said Howitt. Athletes must in some way (perhaps through their formative years) be connected to the local area, excel in their sport and have competed in international tournaments or tournaments involving international contestants.

Hutson, who started biking 15 years ago, had a stellar season in 2008, winning each of the seven mountain bike races she entered. The most prestigious of those wins came when she earned top honours in her division racing against 30 other women at the provincial championships in Midland last September.

See BIKER »19

WHAT A RIDE West Montrose’s Lisa Hutson finds herself nominated for K-W and area’s athlete of the year.

Her success mountain biking in 2008 has her on a list that could see her join the likes of boxer Lennox Lewis and retired NHLer Scott Stevens.

BARBEQUE SEASON IS FINALLY HERE!

Get ready for summer with a little help from these local businesses...

CHARCOAL & PROPANE BBQ’S • SMOKERS ACCESSORIES • PATIO FURNITURE CHIMINEAS • SOLAR LIGHTS • AND MUCH MORE...

Never worry about your propane tank again...

$32

Regular or Seasoned

/bag

On Ass BB emb FRE Q ly (se ’s & E es & L D tor a el e f wn ive or mo ry de w tai ls) ers

TANK EXCHANGE PROGRAM OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

GAS BARBEQUE • 56,000 BTU quad stainless steel “Dual-Tube” burner system • 10,000 BTU stainless steel side burner • 18,000 BTU rear rotisserie burner • Includes premium rotisserie kit

SKU 64210441

MARC MIQUEL HELSEN

899.97

$

Regular $1099.99

*Sale ends May 30, 2009

36 Patties

Hamburger Patties

Elmira Meat Market

61 Arthur St. S., ELMIRA

519.669.5419

22 Church St. W., Elmira 519-669-5537 STORE HOURS: Mon.- Fri. 8-8; Saturdays 8-6, Sundays 12-5

SPORTS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

» THE NOT-SO-GREAT OUTDOORSMAN | STEVE GALEA

19

Turkey hunting perils no one ever warns you about Almost every turkey hunter I know has been given advice on not moving a muscle as a turkey approaches. On the other hand, no one ever tells you what to do if you happen to be in this very situation and some small unidentifiable insect-like creature begins crawling up the inside your pant leg towards the confluence of both legs.

Though it’s rarely mentioned, believe me, the action you take at this point is what sets the amateur turkey hunter apart from the pro – or the guy with the wooden leg.

In that scenario, you are concentrating on the turkey’s body language, but also trying to recall if the leg elastics on your underwear are tight enough to keep out biting intruders, which may or may not cause horrible allergic reactions and, hopefully, swelling. If during that time, you come to the sudden realization that you are wearing boxers or have on that

old pair of briefs with the ventilated bottom, your concentration on the turkey will waver, if not fail entirely.

Needless to say, it’s one thing to have an unknown insect crawling up your pant leg; it’s quite another to have one within seconds of breaching the restricted zone. I don’t care how big that approaching Tom is, at that point you will move and quite possibly announce your move with a high-pitched, girl-like scream.

Incidentally, your perception of the size of the creature crawling up the inside of your pant leg increases in direct proportion to its proximity to your undergarment of choice. While it might only feel like a black fly when it is crawling around your ankle, it transforms into something approximating a komodo dragon when it is probing the ragged edges of your underwear, looking for a way in.

This is why it’s critically important to wear underwear that is in premium condition on a turkey hunt. No one ever tells you this, however.

I don’t care how comfortable they are,

Biker: Ceremony set for May » From page 18

Over the winter, Hutson stayed in shape training anywhere from 15 to 20 hours a week mostly indoors. With spring now in full tilt, she is eager to hit the trails and this weekend will do just that at her first competition of the

season at the Mansfield Outdoor Centre, north of Orangeville.

After a long and cold winter, Hutson is eagerly anticipating the start of yet another season of mountain biking.

“I just love it, the technical combined with the

aerobic fitness – it’s a huge thrill. With a really big competitive side, it’s a really good outlet to test yourself against other people.”

The eleventh annual athlete of the year ceremony will take place on May 13 at RIM Park in Waterloo.

if your underwear is ragged, threadbare, or has broken elastics or a hole in the fabric, save those for grouse hunting, when panicked movement is not frowned upon.

On the other hand, sometimes you have no other option than to wear them. It’s either don the old, structurally unsound underwear or not go out at all. In this case, there are two proven techniques you can use to deter the advancing pest.

The first and foremost is the one-cheek lean. Essentially, you lean off to the side and raise the leg opposite the planted butt cheek ever so slightly as if you were about to drop a rose in polite company.

This, as we all know, is a universal signal for danger. Any creature that has any survival sense at all will turn tail and

scurry back down your pant leg, where it is safe.

The other method is the silent thigh massage. You simply move your hand to the area where the bug is crawling and slowly but firmly massage your leg until you squish the interloper. You only run into a problem doing this if you are sitting next to another hunter. Sometimes that person will misinterpret your sighs of relief or how long it took you to find that bug. If so, never begin your explanation with, “I’m sorry about that; I had an itch that needed scratching real bad.”

The message here is that to be a successful turkey hunter, you need to pay attention to the details. Having said that, once you get the bugs out, a great hunt is all but assured.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT CHARGES REVIEW The Regional Municipality of Waterloo is currently in the process of reviewing its development charge by-law under the terms of the Development Charges Act, 1997. A development charge by-law expires five years after it is enacted by a municipality and the municipality is required to complete a background study, hold public meetings and enact a new by-law.

The purpose of the Regional Development Charge is the recovery of growth-related capital costs from residential and non-residential development which requires additional capital works.

Regional Development Charges fund significant portions of the capital costs associated with transportation, water and wastewater.

Public input to this review process is encouraged. You are invited to attend the public meeting which is scheduled to hear representations regarding this matter. This meeting will be held at: Regional Council Chambers Region of Waterloo 150 Frederick Street, 2nd Floor Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4J3 BACKGROUND STUDY The draft Regional Development Charges Background Study was tabled at the Administration and Finance Committee of Council on April 21, 2009. To obtain a copy of the Background Study, please contact Ramon Lontoc, Financial Assistant, Finance Department, Region of Waterloo at (519) 575-4421, or Fax (519) 575-4547.

PUBLIC MEETING Regional Council will hold the public meeting to hear representations regarding development charges as required under the Act on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the Regional Council Chambers.

Saturday, May 9, 2009 10am to 2pm Foodland Parking Lot 315 Arthur St. S., Elmira BBQ on Site (Proceeds donated to M.A.D.D.)

• 10 Minute Vehicle “Maintenance Inspection” with written report • Gift Bag for every vehicle through the “inspection” lane • New Vehicles on display • Race Car & Dragster on display • Activities for the children and face-painting

To register as a delegation for the May 20, 2009 public meeting, please contact the Regional Clerk’s Office at (519) 575-4420 not later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, May 18, 2009.

If you require further information about the Development Charge By-law please contact Calvin Barrett, Director of Financial Services and Development Financing at (519) 575-4478 or by e-mail at BCalvin@region.waterloo.on.ca.

Everyone with an interest is urged to review the draft background study recommendations and attend this meeting. The Study recommendations will be finalized, taking into consideration comments from the pubic and the final recommendations and Regional Development Charge By-Law will be presented for approval to Regional Council on June 10, 2009. The new Regional Development Charges By-Law will take effect August 1, 2009.

Kris Fletcher Regional Clerk All comments and information received from individuals, stakeholder groups and agencies regarding this project are being collected to assist the Region of Waterloo in making a decision. Under the Municipal Act, personal information such as name, address, telephone number, and property location that may be included in a submission that becomes part of the public record. Questions regarding the collection of this information should be referred to the people indicated above.

Accessibility: This event is accessible for people with disabilities. Accessible Parking is available. If you require assistance to attend or participate in this meeting, or to access information in alternative formats, please contact Regional Staff (as above) at least five days prior to the meeting.

20 | SPORTS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

Back on the pitch at EDSS

PHOTO | SUBMITTED

A silvery finish

IN THE MEDALS The Woolwich Atom AE brought home silver from a tournament in Lincoln in early April. Back row: coaches Grant Schwartz, Rob Henry, Rick Bond and Steve McCallum. Second row: Aaron Weigel, Jacob Dubue, Nathan Schwarz, Gareth Rowland, Nick Kieswetter and Cameron Rose. Third row: Brant McLaughlin, Mathew Uhrig, Sheldon Metzger, Brett Henry, Earl Schwartz, Alex Taylor and Colby Bond. Front: Ryan Conrad and Chace McCallum.

SCORECARD PHOTO | JONI MILTENBURG

WOOLWICH ATOM B GIRLS Provincial championships

GIVING IT A SHOT David Thomas (right) outruns a Preston H.S. defender and lines up a shot on net in senior boys’ soccer action Tuesday. EDSS won the game 4-0.

Apr. 17 - Game 1

Woolwich 1, Whitby 0 Goal: Caitlin Pickard (Emily Willms, Megan Lair) Shutout: Dana Colombo Game 2

Woolwich 2, Kanata 1 Goals: Cassandra Tuffnail, Marlee Kernick (Taylor Rempel, Jaimee MacDonald, Rachel Weber, Megan Lair) Apr. 18 – Game 3

»

Woolwich 3, Cornwall 0 Goals: Rachel Weber, Caitlin Pickard, Erika Morrison (Meghan Martin x2, Megan Chapman, Megan Lair) Shutout: Dana Colombo Apr. 18 – Game 4

Woolwich 4, Sudbury 3 Goals: Caitlin Pickard, Megan Chapman x2, Emily Willms (Megan Chapman, Emily Willms, Caitlin Pickard, Megan Lair x2, Taylor Rempel) Championship game

Niagara Falls 2, Woolwich 0

21stWellesley

HOME& GARDEN

Specialty • TEAS • COFFEE • DESSERTS over looking the pond

Show ‘09

THE PFEIFER GALLERY

April 29, 30 & May 1 | 5-9:30PM Wellesley Arena | 1000 Maple Leaf St.

Come Visit the Region of Waterloo Library Booth at the Wellesley Home & Garden Show.

3706 Nafziger Rd Wellesley

PHONE

519-656-1074 TOLL FREE 1-888-258-3164

oks pring bo s w e n • See or draws f • Enter d chil ren adults & paper Make a ! s id K • pet! bag pup

Go Natural with your Lawn & Garden Our natural products comply with Ontario’s Cosmetic Pesticide Ban Bio-Ag Consultants & Distributors

At all branches this summer:

1400 Greenwood Hill Road, Wellesley 519-656-2460 • www.bio-ag.com

AGENT 009 TD Summer Reading Club

See us at the Wellesley Home & Garden Show

24 HOUR

EMERGENCY SERVICE

Authorized Dealer

Jantzi Plumbing Inc. Come see our Solar Panel Plumbing • Boilers Radiant Floor Heating Outdoor Wood Furnaces

4082 Waterloo St., Millbank

519-595-7105

1400 Greenwood Hill Rd Wellesley, ON 519-656-2358

4254 Sandhills Rd., St. Agatha | 519.634.8939

at the Wellesley Home Show

Natural Allergy Relief Allergy season is coming Start prevention now Naturopathic and Chiropractic Services

Delta Prestige Condensing Boilers

www.rwl.library.on.ca

Lindsay Bast, B.Sc., N.D. (Naturopathic Doctor) John Pronk, B.Sc., N.D. (Naturopathic Doctor) Sheldon Gilchrist, B.Sc., D.C. (Chiropractic Doctor)

www.greenwoodclinic.ca

All in-stock

bras and undergarments + tax

Regular $125-$180

Positively Unique

cash or cheque only

SPORTS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

» IN THE THICK OF IT

21

Girls’ rugby team bounces back after shorthanded start With many new players joining the ranks and coaching changes, EDSS squad has tumultuous first week JONI MILTENBURG The rookies on the EDSS girls’ rugby team got a rough introduction to the sport.

Their staff coach, Rob Harvey, popped his Achilles tendon and had to step down a week beforetheir first game.

At the same time, Heather Seiling, the student teacher who was coaching, left for a work term in Uganda.

The girls played their first game on Monday with two new coaches and without 10 of the senior players, who were on a class trip to New York. The day was miserably cold and wet, and they lost 28-0 to Bluevale Collegiate.

With a start like that, there was nowhere to go but up, and that’s precisely where

the Lancers went on Wednesday, defeating Huron Heights 34-10. Tracy Weber scored two tries and kicked three converts, Sarah Van Allen added another pair of tries, and Steph Duench scored her first try, an impressive feat for a fullback.

“We did much better than we did on Monday,” said staff coach Terri Radley.

“When we only have 36 kids and 10 of them are away, it’s tough.”

The rugby team doesn’t have a lot of seniors to spare; there are only six or seven Grade 11s and 12s on the team. Fully 15 of the girls are Grade 9s or 10s who’ve never played the sport before.

“A lot of them are still learning the terms because

rugby speak is so different,” Radley said.

This will be a building year for the rugby program, but they aren’t bowing out of the season before it gets up to speed. EDSS is usually fairly competitive in girls’ rugby, and they’re hoping to make this another year they advance to WCSSAA. Tamara Simmons, who plays on the Wilfrid Laurier University rugby team and stepped in to replace Seiling, said the team has speed on its side. Tackling is another strong point, but the girls still have to work on defence.

That said, they’re picking up the game quickly, and she enjoys helping them learn.

“I like to see girls trying the sport and falling in love with it like I did.”

I WANNA BE FREE Tracy Weber (left) tries to shake off a tackle as the EDSS girls took on Huron Heights Secondary in their second match of the season Wednesday. Weber had 18 points in the Lancers’ 38-10 victory over Huron Heights.

A championship performance

Wrapping up the season

NOVICE - LL#3 MOST IMPROVED MOST DEDICATED MOST SPORTSMANLIKE SPIRIT AWARD

JOSHUA KOHLSMITH NALAN MCLAUGHLIN EMMETT BARTLEY MACKENZIE WILLMS

NOVICE - STARS- #4 MOST IMPROVED NICK RAVELLE MOST DEDICATED CYRUS MARTIN MOST SPORTSMANLIKE BEN LENEARS SPIRIT AWARD JOSH MARTIN

NOVICE - STARS- #5 MOST IMPROVED HUNTER WEIGEL MOST DEDICATED GRIFFEN ROLLINS MOST SPORTSMANLIKE RILEY SHANTZ SPIRIT AWARD CAMERON MAILETTE

PHOTOS | PAT MERLIHAN

MOST IMPROVED MOST DEDICATED MOST SPORTSMANLIKE SPIRIT AWARD

SAMMY HUBER COLE ALTMAN KYLE BRUDER MATHEW TURKALJ

PHOTO | SUBMITTED

MAJOR NOVICE A

A REASON TO BE THANKFUL The Woolwich Novice LL #1 team defeated St. George to take the championship. Back row: Mathew Dunn, Ryan Elliott, Brody Waters, Noah Scurry, Conner Bradley, Garrett Reitzel, Cole Campell and Bradley Hale. Middle row: Seth Morrison, Jackson Hale, Owen Hill-Ring, Owen Lucier, Corbin Kaufman and Jacob Code. Front: Riley Demers.

ATOM LL#1 MOST IMPROVED KURT MICHAEL MOST DEDICATED JAKE LEWIS MOST SPORTSMANLIKE RYAN SHANTZ SPIRIT AWARD BENTON WEBER

TC Novices take the title

ATOM LL#2

LEADERS OF THE PACK Coaches of the Mini 6 dished out the hardware at Li- MOST IMPROVED MAX BENDER ALEX TURCHAN ons Hall in Elmira Apr. 19. Hanna Carr, Ryan Martin, Branden Grant, Zach Verway, MOST DEDICATED Nathan Curtis, Ben Martin, Trevor Frette, Matt Thaler were singled out for their MOST SPORTSMANLIKE NATHAN HORST SPIRIT AWARD TYLER MARTIN achievements over the course of the season.

ATOM A/E MINI - WATERS & HASTINGS-YELLOW TEAM

MINI 6 - BLUE

MOST IMPROVED SHELDON METZGER MOST IMPROVED JOCELYN PICKARD MOST IMPROVED ZACH VERWAY MOST DEDICATED EARL SCHWARTZ MOST DEDICATED KJ FERGUSON MOST DEDICATED BRANDEN GRANT MOST SPORTSMANLIKE AARON WEIGEL MOST SPORTSMANLIKE ANDREW GEARI MOST SPORTSMANLIKE HANNAH CARR SPIRIT AWARD COLBY BOND SPIRIT AWARD EVAN ROTH SPIRIT AWARD RYAN MARTIN

MINOR ATOM A

MINI - WATERS & HASTINGS-BLACK TEAM MINI 6 - WHITE

MOST IMPROVED CARTER COUSINEAU MOST IMPROVED MOST DEDICATED COLE SEABROOK MOST DEDICATED MOST SPORTSMANLIKE SHELBY REMPEL MOST SPORTSMANLIKE SPIRIT AWARD SAM GOEBEL SPIRIT AWARD

MOST IMPROVED EVAN MARTIN BEN MARTIN MOST DEDICATED OWEN READ TREVOR FRETTE MOST SPORTSMANLIKE RYAN SHANTZ MATT THALER SPIRIT AWARD MITCH WATERS NATHAN CURTIS

MOST IMPROVED MATHEW FIFE MOST IMPROVED COLIN SCHMITT MOST IMPROVED MATHEW DUNN MOST DEDICATED GARRET SCHULTZ MOST DEDICATED TYLER MARTIN MOST DEDICATED BRODY WATERS MOST SPORTSMANLIKE CONNOR RUNSTEDLER MOST SPORTSMANLIKE OWEN LEE MOST SPORTSMANLIKE SETH MORRISON SPIRIT AWARD LIAM DICKSON SPIRIT AWARD SPENCE YOUNG SPIRIT AWARD CONNOR BRADLEY

HOMETOWN HERO AWARD

MINI - GOOD AUTO PARTS-GREEN TEAM NOVICE - LL#2

MOST IMPROVED MOST DEDICATED MOST SPORTSMANLIKE SPIRIT AWARD

DANNY SEOHNER MOST IMPROVED DOMINIC ROTH MOST DEDICATED BRETT MOSER MOST SPORTSMANLIKE KOLIN WEIGEL SPIRIT AWARD

KEVIN MOSER BRUCE MARTIN AUSTIN COUSINEAU HUNTER SCHMITT For more photos, visit us online at: www.ObserverXtra.com NATHAN MAIER

PHOTO | SUBMITTED

MAJOR ATOM A MINI - GOOD AUTO PARTS-WHITE TEAM NOVICE - LL#1

BY THE NUMBERS The Twin Centre Novice Rep team won the “B” championship in a three-game series against Tavistock. Back row: Coaches Dave Hartin, Brent Bender, Duane Gowing, Paul Schnarr and Jamie Hislop. Team members are Evan Gowing, Tyson Bolender, Erik Holmes, Mitchell Esbaugh, Cole Bender, Matthew Temniuk, Brett Hartin, Quinn Bisch, Nolan Hislop, Bart Sherrer and Nathan Belcourt.

»

22 | ENTERTAINMENT

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

ENTERTAINMENT » PUTTING ON A SHOW

St. Jacobs students rhyme and have a good time School to stage the junior version of Seussical the musical, featuring a bevy of favourite characters

“After all those years of being stuck on a page, did you ever think you’d see me on stage?”

There will be no question in the minds of the audience, as the Cat in the Hat struts in front of them in living colour and three dimensions.

St. Jacobs Public School is bringing to life the Cat and a troupe of other Dr. Seuss characters in their spring performance of Seussical Jr. The musical is a mash-up of the plots of several popular stories combined with Broadway-style show tunes and dance routines.

“It’s kind of like you took all the stories, put them in a pot and stirred them together,” explained music teacher Lisa Shuh.

The play is a one-act version of a Broadway show that debuted in 2000 and spawned two national tours. The original version incorporates 18 Seuss books, including Horton Hears a Who!, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Oh the Thinks You Can Think! and The Cat in the Hat. Shuh said fans of Seuss will see a bunch of their favourite characters, including Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie La

PHOTOs | DAVE FRASER

JONI MILTENBURG

WHO DO THEY THINK THEY ARE? Students at St. Jacobs P.S. are putting the final touches on their production of Seussical before performances next Tuesday and Wednesday. At left, Kaitlin Doering. Top right, Emma McGee. Bottom right, Karley Sider.

Bird, Jojo, the Grinch and of course the Cat in the Hat. The plot is loosely

P L A C E S O F FA I T H

centred around Horton, who discovers the people of Whoville living in a speck of dust

LOCAL CHURCH

and attempts to protect them.

It’s been several years since St. Jacobs PS put

on a play, simply because of the work involved. This year, the teachers felt they’d

SERVICES DIRECTORY

have time to do it and there was a group of talented students who formed the core of the cast. In total, 40 students will take to the stage and another 20 are helping out behind the scenes.

Rehearsals started in January and have been going every day of the week, during nutrition breaks and before and after school. Preparations amped up this week in advance of next week’s performances, but nobody is panicking, Shuh said.

“Everything’s on track.

It’s all falling into place really nicely.”

A fast-paced show with lots of good songs, the musical should have appeal for all ages.

“I think everybody’s a closet Seuss fan,” Shuh said.

The Cat in the Hat has his own words of invitation to the audience: “Now, imagine a curtain and what lies behind; the kind of a place you might see in your mind. ... From the page to the stage, come along and enjoy — this tale of an elephant, a bird, and a boy!”

Showtime is 7 p.m. on Apr. 28 and 29. Tickets are $7 each or four for $25. For tickets and information, call the school at 519-664-2272, ext. 8003.

HEARING ASSISTED

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

NURSERY PROVIDED

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Welcome to

Calvary United St. Jacobs

Sunday, April 26, 2009 9:15am & 11:00am

Slowing Down Sundays @ 10:30am John Mahood PS

200 Barnswallow Dr., Elmira • 519-669-1296

5 First St., Elmira • 519-669-1459

Check out our website www.woodsidechurch.ca

ELMIRA

Sunday School During Worship

Minister: Rev. Dave Jagger Sunday Worship: 10:55am

Visit our new website on: www.wondercafe.ca 21 Arthur St., North • Church Office 519-669-5560 “Our mission is to love, learn and live by Christ’s teachings”

48 Hawkesville Rd. • 519-664-2311

casual dress l contemporary music l christian church

Speaker: Gord Ahier

Trinity United Church

Wheelchair accessible • Nursery Care provided • Hearing Assisted

SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2009

“Lessons from Lot”

www.elmiracommunity.org

Join us

sundays at

10:30am & 6:30pm 290 Arthur St. South, Elmira • 519-669-3973

www.ElmiraAssembly.com (Across from Tim Horton’s)

Upbeat Family Worship & Sunday School 10:00 am

Bloomingdale Mennonite Church Sundays - 9:45 am Family Worship Service 11:00 am Sunday School for all ages

1151 Snyder’s Flat Rd., Bloomingdale • 519-745-2411 www.bloomingdalemennonite.com

“Making Faith Live” Sunday Worship 9:15 am - 10:15am

Faithsteps 10:30am - 11:50am

2 First St., Elmira • 519-669-5030

St. Teresa Catholic Church

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

Celebrate Eucharist with us Mass times are:

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

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

CLASSIFIED DEPT.

HELP WANTED

CHILD CARE

FOR SALE

»»If You Are looking for a clean, safe, and loving environment for your child to spend their days then look no further. I offer a healthy lunch and 2 snacks daily.

We do lots of activities like arts & crafts. Call 519-669-1417.

»»Hip Barn Roof (classic) 109ftx32ft, hand made truss, double wide, original 2x4, 6, 8, etc. Tobacco scaffold complete, Conklin lumber, bottom to top and 1946 plus WW2 galvanized steel needs only Our team is committed to providing paint. 1pc. move possible, professional development, coaching to move to new foundation and marketing support. Previous FOR SALE or disassemble. Must see experience not required. We offer to appreciate strength. »»Book Sale - April 29, 6-9 Also 40x60ft barn, 1934, benefits, paid training and assistance p.m.; April 30, 6-9 p.m., barn Board, beams, 1963 with licensing.

May 1, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., galvanized roof. Phone May 2, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. at 519-984-2604 Kingsville.

Discover what a career with Freedom 55 Salema Martin, 15 Snyder Ave., S., Elmira, 519-669- »»Yardmachine Riding Financial has to offer and take control of 3941. Books for all ages. Lawn Mower - B&S 17HP, your future.

Some discount items. 42” deck, “new condition”.

King James Version Life $1450.00. 519-669-3510.

Looking for individual to start May 25th.

Application Study Bible, assortment of cards. Now AUTOMOTIVE For more info email also Christian Aid Books, »»2004 Dodge Dakota Rod & Staff, Pathway. betty.krsovan@f55f.com Club Cab Sport 4X4 »»Children’s Outdoor 4.7L V8, auto trans. One Playset. Includes tow- owner, pw., pdl., tilt/cruise, er, swings, curved slide. trailer tow group, box LESSONS Built from pressure treated liner, alum. road wheels, wood. In excellent shape. keyless entry, sport plus $400 o.b.o. Call Steve group, only 49,705 kms.

519-669-3941.

Finished in silver/gray interior. $15,900. Voisin » » Clearance Centre now (LATIN DANCE-CARDIO FITNESS) open! Items priced below Chrysler 519-669-2831.

St. James Lutheran Church cost to clear. From power »»2 0 0 4 D o d g e R a m 60 Arthur St., Elmira and hand tools to house- 1500 SLT Quad 4X4 Thursdays 7-8pm (Begins May 7) wares and gifts. Located 5.7L hemi, auto, fully on the upper floor. Elmi- loaded including alum. ra Home Hardware, 22 road wheels, box liner, Linwood Community Centre Church St. W. Mon. - Fri. low kms of only 65,000.

Mondays - Wednesdays 7-8pm 8-8, Sat. 8-6, Sun. 12-5.

Finished in Atlantic blue/ Questions & Info: Carey at »»June 1, 2009 Deadline gray interior. Balance of 7 /class zumbafitness_cb@hotmail.com for Canadian Passport to yr/115,000 km warranty. enter the United States. $16,900. Voisin Chrysler www.zumbafitness.com Passport photos at Elmira 519-669-2831.

No Experience Required to Participate Photo 519-669-3456. »»1987 Ford Ranger - 4 cyl., 5 speed, converted to » » Light Beige 4’x3’ arHELP WANTED WORK WANTED borite & chrome kitch- flat bed. Lots of new parts, good condition. $2000 »»Full-Time General Car- »»Exceptional House en table, 1 leaf and 4 ino.b.o.

519-656-2251. penter for custom home/ Cleaner Available. Hon- chairs - neutral fabric seats & backs. $100. » » 2004 Jeep Gr. Cherorenovations company. Re- est and reliable. Call kee Laredo 4x4 - 4.0L liable transportation re- 519-342-6751 (Elmira 519-669-3996. quired. Must be motivated number). »»Special Buy! White economical 6 cyl. Auto and eager to work. Fax »»Experienced Men- W e s t i n g h o u s e To p trans, loaded including resume to 519-669-3948. nonite cleaning lady Mount Fridge. 18 cu. ft., alum. road wheels, roof new tires, finished »»Help Us Grow! Mo- in Elmira area. Phone sliding glass shelves, 3 rack, door racks, Sale $499; in silver/gray cloth intetivated, teachable per- 519-669-2285. save $100. Limited quan- rior. Only 88,000 kms. son required to assist Looking for tities. Elmira Home Hard- Balance of 7yr/115,000 km with growth of Financial warranty. $13,900. Voisin work? ware, 519-669-5537.

Services business. Call Chrysler 519-669-2831.

You came to the 519-489-2591.

There’s a great opportunity waiting for you in a career as a Financial Security Advisor with Freedom 55 Financial which includes access to a client base.

»

CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

ZUMBA!

$5

AUTOMOTIVE

AUTOMOTIVE

»»2006 Dodge Gr. Caravan SXT - 3.8L auto trans.

Full load including pwr. door group, overhead, console temp/comp. alum. road wheels, rear air/ heat, pwr driver seat. Only 47,000 kms. Finished in inferno red/gray interior. $17,900. Voisin Chrysler 519-669-2831. »»2008 Dodge Avenger SXT 2.7L V6 auto. PW., PDL, tilt/cruise, air, AM/ FM CD radio, alum. road wheels,previous rental, only 31,197 kms. Finished in lt. sandstone/beige int. $16,900. Voisin Chrysler 519-669-2831. »»2008 Dodge Caliber SXT/Sport - 2.0L 4cyl., variable CVT trans, loaded including alum. road wheels, keyless entry, AM/ FM CD radio, air, previous rental. Only 22,569 kms.

Finished in silver/gray int. $16,900. Voisin Chrysler 519-669-2831. »»2008 Dodge Gr. Caravan SE - 3.3L OHV V6 auto trans. All SE features plus sliding door, pwr window group, 3 zone climate group, full stow N go seating, pwr. driver seat, AM/FM CD MP3 radio, pwr quarter vented windows, supp. side curtain air bags, ABS brakes, tire pressure monitoring, block heater, keyless entry, manual driver lumbar adjust, pwr. heated mirrors. Previous rental.

Only 26,279 kms. Finished in silver/gray interior. $19,900. Voisin Chrysler 519-669-2831. »»2008 Dodge Gr. Caravan SE - 3.3L V6, auto trans, fully loaded including Stow N Go seating, rear air/heat. Pwr driver seat, finished in black. Only 30,532 kms. $18,900. Voisin Chrysler, 519-669-2831.

»»2007 Dodge Charger SE - 3.5L V6 auto, “leather interior”. PW, PDL, tilt/ telescopic steering wheel, speed control, air cond.

Only 6,600 kms. Voisin Chrysler 519-669-2831.

RENTALS

»»Looking For Female roommate. 3 bedroom townhouse with parking and laundry. Clean, respectful, fun. $400 shared utilities. Contact Nadie at 519-591-6237. »»Elmira - Very clean newer three bedroom house on Brookmead.

Single car garage. Walk out to deck, central air, fridge, stove, washer, dryer. $1,100 monthly plus utilities. Available June 1st.

519-669-3056. »»E l m i r a - U n i q u e One Bedroom in newer sixplex. Centrally located. $665/mth. Call 519-669-2212. »»1 Bedroom Apartment in century home. Laundry hookup and private patio. $640.00 includes utilities.

Available beginning of May. 519-669-0648. »»Port Elgin - on Lake Huron, beautiful, quiet, sandy beach, two bedrooms, one bath, full kitchen, sunroom, living room.

Available May, Sept., Oct. $80/day or $500/week.

Call 519-699-9449.

COMMercial RENTAL

»»Elmira Store - Main Street. 1560 sq ft. plus unfinished basement with shelving, front & rear entrances. Move in condition. $995.00/mth. plus utilities and taxes. Coach House Realty Inc. Brokerage.

519-669-5431.

100% Local.

Period.

right spot.

FOR SALE

23

Elmira’s LARGEST selection of major brand computers

COMPUTERS LAPTOPS MONITORS and SERVICE Come see our showroom at:

112 Bonnie Crescent, Crescent Elmira r ra

519-669-5551

auctions

AUCTION SALE OF CONSUMER GOODS

AT K & K LIQUIDATION AND AUCTION LTD. 1011 INDRUSTRIAL CRES. UNIT # 3, ST. CLEMENTS MONDAY MAY 4 , AT 5:30 P.M.

SALE CONSISTS OF: Ass’t Furniture Items; Ass’t. Electronics; Seasonal Outdoor Items; Watches; Swar; House wares; Kid's & Adult Clothing; Toys; Linens; Hardware Items; Vaccumes; Books; Candy; Consumer Goods; Plus a Large Selection of Other Misc. Items.

LUNCH BOOTH TERMS; Cash, Interac, Visa, M.C. NOTE: Clothes will be sold in large lots, list subject to additions & deletions. Viewing from 4:00 P.M. day of sale. Owner or auctioneer not responsible for accidents day of sale.

OWNER: K & K Liquidation and Auction Ltd.

519-699-6084 AUCTIONEERS: GRAY’S AUCTION SERVICE INC., HARRISTON

519-338-3722 REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

»»Private Sale. 30 Flamingo Dr., Unit 15, Elmira.

Why rent when you can own? Great starter home.

In unit condo, two bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, 4 appliances, walk to school and parks. $125,000.

Call 519-669-1498 or 519-210-0266.

»»2 Storey- 2200 sq ft. 3 bedroom, 2 bath house on 1/2 acre lot in Linwood. Immaculate condition inside and out. $390,000. Call for details 519-698-2464.

Continued on Page 25

$5 +tax

THE ELMIRA COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE

Saturday May 9, 2009

will get your garage sale listed on the map • 25 Garage Sale Word Ad • location listed on map Map will be published Saturday, May 2.

Deadline is Wed. April 29th by 5pm

$12 tax included

519.669.5790 | Donna ext 104 | 1.888.966.5942 | www.ObserverXtra.com AD RATES | Residential 20-Word Ad $7.50 Extra Words 20¢/word | Commercial 20-Word Ad $12.00 Extra Words 30¢/word | Bold Headline Add $1.00 /line | Display Ads are quoted individually.

PLACING A CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENT | Classified ads can be obtained in person, by phone | fax from Monday to Thursday 8:30am-5pm or Friday 8:30am-4pm. Email queries to classifieds@woolwichobserver.com 24/7 - email will be replied by next business day. All classified ads are prepaid by Visa | MasterCard | Debit | Cash | Cheque unless on account. Deadline is Thursdays by 10am.

ADVERTISING POLICY | All advertising is accepted subject to the Publisher’s discretion.

The Publisher will not be responsible for damages arising out of errors in advertisements beyond the amount paid for the space occupied by that portion of the advertisement in which the error occured. Please check your ad on the first day of publication. The Observer’s responsibility, if any, is limited to the charge for the space for one insertion only.

»

24 | CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

FAMILY ALBUM PHONE | 519.669.5790 FAX | 519.669.5753 EMAIL | sales@ObserverXtra.com stag & doe

stag & doe

stag & doe

Stag & Doe for

Erin Klassen & Robbie Jewitt Friday May 1st Elmira Lion’s Hall 8:30pm-1:00am Tickets $10

stag & doe

Stag & Doe

Buck & Doe

for

for

Leah Coburn & Ken Dunn

Destiny Rhame & Matt Burt

DJ * Prizes * Games Lunch Buffet Provided

Shorty’s 40

for

MATT SMITH & CARRIE WITT

• Music by DJ • • Lunch Provided •

Happy Birthday From your Family & Friends stag & doe

April 25, 2009 8pm-1am Lions Hall, Elmira Tickets $10 Great Music, food & raffles

STAG & DOE

YOU ARE INVITED TO A

Stag & Doe for

Derrick, Amy (Heckendorn) and big sister Sara are happy to announce the arrival of Zackery Joseph Forwell on March 23rd, weighing 7lbs, 4 ounces.

STAG & DOE

May 2, 2009 Drayton Area 9pm to 1:00am

BIRTHDAY

BIRTH NOTICE

May 9th, 2009

$8 Advance $10 at Door

St. Clements Community Centre

8:30pm - 1am

Call for tickets: Andrea 519.638.3118

Tickets $10 • DJ • Games • • Raffle • Lunch •

STAG & DOE

Zack is also welcomed by Grandparents Brian & Julie Heckendorn and Kathy Forwell.

Zack is the nephew of Mike and Stacey Heckendorn, Lesley and Rod Bauman and is a Great Grandson to Jean Heckendorn, Mike and Marion Foerster and Bert Goodwin.

A special thanks to Dr. Jones for his exceptional care.

BIRTHDAY

HAPPY 100TH

Stag & Doe for

BIRTHDAY Della

Lisa Witt & Brent Walton

STAG & DOE

Della Good-Simpson

for

Crystal Jagger & Dave Bauman Saturday May 2, 2009

Saturday May 2, 2009

8:00pm - 1:00am Elmira Lions Hall

St. Jacobs Community Centre 8pm - 1am

Lunch provided • DJ • Raffle Draws

$10.00 per ticket • DJ • Prizes • Lunch Provided •

Tickets $10.00 at the Door

STAG & DOE

STAG & DOE

Tina Koebel & Jamie Norman May 9th, 2009 Doors open at 8pm St. Jacobs Community Centre Tickets $10.00 at door

19+, games, prizes, late lunch, 2 live bands ANNIVERSARY

Wednesday April 29th Leisureworld Elmira Love Family & Friends BIRTHDAY

Happy Birthday

Stag & Doe for

Roxanne Burrows & Kyle Rank Stag & Doe

Please Join Us To Celebrate

for

Edwin & Joyce Morden’s

Kristen Hunter & Nick Dorscht Saturday May 2, 2009

60th Wedding Anniversary

Saturday May 9, 2009

8pm-1am Linwood Community Centre

8pm to 1am Lions Hall, Elmira

Tickets $10

Tickets $10.00

DJ, Raffle draws, Great Prizes, Lunch Provided

Door Prizes, Raffles, DJ, Midnight Snack

OPEN HOUSE Saturday May 9th 2009 2-4PM Upstairs Hall Royal Canadian Legion - Elmira Best Wishes Only

Friends & Family are invited to Elmira Legion Sunday April 26, 2009 2-4PM We will be celebrating Grace’s 90th birthday Best Wishes only

CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009 » From page 23

TRADES & SERVICES

»»CRD Accounting Ser-

vices - Income Tax (E-File Services), Small business accounting, payroll, and government filings. Chuck Downs, 95 Aspen Cr., Elmira. 519-669-1498; cell 519-569-1744.

GARAGE SALES

»»D o w n s i z i n g S a l e , household and garden contents, Saturday, May 2, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., 5024 Crowsfoot Rd. (at Sawmill & Katherine Street). »»Garage Sale - 1220 Geddes St., Hawkesville, Sat. Apr. 25, 8a.m. - 3 p.m.

Downsizing garage sale.

Roxton furniture, baby furniture and toys, clothing, books and dishes, exercise equipment, mountain bike, desk and much, much more!

GARAGE SALE

GARAGE SALES

»»Garage

»»Garage Sale - 7 Walker » »Multi Family Garage

Sale - Sat. Apr. 25, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

6 Thrush Crt., Elmira.

Household items, pictures, mirrors, lamps, outdoor planters. 1989 Ford Crown Victoria - Good running condition, only 98,000 kms, needs some body work, selling as is. »»Garage Sale Rain or Shine! Our annual family sale. Some brand new/ and or hardly used items, good condition. 1681 Floradale Rd., beside Elmira Golf Course. Thurs. April 23, 9 a.m. - Sat. April 25th. »»Garage Sale - Sat. Apr. 25, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. 3536 Broadway St., Hawkesville. Large family garage sale. Household misc. items, small appliances. »»Garage Sale - Fri. May 1, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sat. May 2, 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

14 Eldale Rd., Elmira.

St., Elmira. April 25, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Something for everyone. »»Mission Trip Yard Sale for Romania. Sat. April 25th, Emmanuel Church corner of First & Arthur St., Elmira. 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. BBQ lunch available. »»Multi Family Garage Sale - May 1, 12 p.m., May 2, 7a.m. Antiques, wood products, dishes, furniture. Something for everyone. Rain or shine.

162 Church St. W., Elmira. »»Multi Family Garage Sale. Fri. & Sat. Apr. 24, 25. 7:30 a.m., 4780 Herrgott Rd., Wallenstein.

3-in-1 carseat, baby items, clothing, all sizes, dishwasher, washer, dryer, fridge, couch and more.

GARAGE SALES

25

A few tips for going green

Sale. Quality bedding, household items and misc. All priced to sell.

Fri. Apr. 24, 1 - 7 p.m., Sat. Apr. 25, 9a.m. - 12.

10 Canary Crt., Elmira.

Weather permitting.

» »Multi Family Garage Sale. Sat. Apr. 25, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. 12 Florapine Rd., Floradale.

Dishes, linens, books, small appliances, some clothing, coffee table, ladies nearly new slacks.

Rain or shine.

» »Wallenstein Line 86.

Multi family garage sale, Friday April 24, 3 p.m. 6 p.m., Saturday April 25, 7 a.m. - 12 noon.

Rain date May 1 & 2.

Bedroom suites, 12 place setting china set, quilt tops, misc. antiques.

Free Online Classifieds

PHOTOS | MARC MIQUEL HELSEN

» Start Buying & Selling now! » Built-in contact form » Upload your own photos » Track favourite ads www.

.com

| 519.669.5790

Community Information Page THE TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH "Proudly remembering our past; confidently embracing our future."

P.O. BOX 158, 24 CHURCH ST. W. ELMIRA, ONTARIO N3B 2Z6 WEBSITE: www.woolwich.ca

TEL: 519-669-1647 or 519-664-2613 PLAN/ENG: 519-669-8706 FAX: 519-669-1820

AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY: 519-575-4504

TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH

TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH

TENDER 2009-12

TENDER 2009-14

Supply, Delivery and Application of approximately 12,576 Metric Tonnes of Granular “A” Gravel

ONE (1) 2009 DIESEL TANDEM SNOW-PLOW/SANDER COMPLETE 27,216 KG (60,000 LB) G.V.W.

Sealed Tenders clearly marked as to contents, will be received by the undersigned until:

Sealed Tenders clearly marked as to contents, will be received by the undersigned until:

Thursday May 7, 2009 at 12:00 p.m. EST

Thursday May 7, 2009 at 2:00 p.m.

Further details and specifications with respect to areas of application, Form of Tender and Information to Bidders, may be obtained as noted below:

Further details and specifications with respect to areas of application, Form of Tender and Information to Bidders, may be obtained as noted below:

Finance Department Township of Woolwich 24 Church Street West Elmira, ON N3B 2Z6 Fax: (519) 669-9348 Email: rpetherick@woolwich.ca

Finance Department Township of Woolwich 24 Church Street West Elmira, ON N3B 2Z6 Fax: (519) 669-9348 Email: rpetherick@woolwich.ca

Lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted.

Lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted.

NOTICE OF MEETING The Chemtura Public Advisory Committee (CPAC) Meeting will be held Monday, April 27, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers 24 Church Street West, Elmira

COMMUNITY MEETING The CWRA update and response to

Hunsberger Gravel Pit Application is taking place on

MONDAY, APRIL 27 at 7.30 pm at the Conestogo Golf Club Please attend to show your support and learn how you can help to preserve our beautiful community.

SAVE OUR TOWNSHIP

TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS Various kinds of green technologies were showcased at the Green Technology Fair Apr. 18 at the Woolwich Arena in St. Jacobs. Top, Robert Gordon shows off a model of a pyramid solar greenhouse that allows users to grow crops 12 months a year without the added expense of heating or cooling. The pyramid structure and furnace gathers heat from the interior of the pyramid all year long and stores it for use at the appropriate times. Above, Cody Bryant, a business student at the University of Waterloo, displays the Midnight Sun VIII, the school’s solar-powered racecar. The maximum speed of the vehicle is 130 km/h. On a full battery, the vehicle can travel an average distance of 400 km in about three hours. Engineering students are currently working on the Midnight Sun IX.

Âť

26 | CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM

WORD-UP

SOLUTION FOUND ON PAGE 31

CREATED EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE OBSERVER

Š2009

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

ACROSS 1. Not just one 5. Compote fruit 10. Hail Mary, e.g.

14. City on the Yamuna River 15. Flat-topped flower cluster 16. “Shoo!�

17. Revise one’s assessment 19. Norse goddess of fate 20. Confuse 21. Of or relating to the head 23. A soft whitish calcite 26. “Sesame Street� watcher 27. Churchill’s “so few�: Abbr.

30. Amber, e.g.

31. Cape ___ Islands 35. Be mistaken 36. Egg cells 38. Atomic number 2 39. Insurance against loss due to ill health 43. Sweater material 44. Beaver’s work 45. Long-jawed ďŹ sh 46. Iraqi port 47. Marienbad, for one 49. Chester White’s home 50. Faint 52. Bloodless

SERVICE PROS CARPET CARE

CONSTRuCTION

Have You Paid Enough Taxes? Call Us For Our

PAY NO TAXES SPRING CLEAN UP! Call for Details

Coupon holds no cash value. Valid March, April, May 2009.

• Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning on Location • Area Rug Cleaning Drop-off and Pick up Service • Bleached out Carpet Spot Repair • Janitorial • Grout Cleaning • Carpet Repair & Re-Installation • Pet deodorization • Floor Stripping www.completecarpetcare.ca

ROB McNALL

519-669-7607

LONG DISTANCE? CALL 1-866-669-7607

GLASS SERVICES

519-846-9066

RR#1 Elmira

fax: 519-846-9319

Concrete Foundations Limited

Custom Homes • Cottages • Additions • Shingling + Siding

GROSHAW BROS. CARPENTRY JOHN GROSHAW 7449 8th Line Drayton, ON

YES... WE DO RESIDENTIAL WORK!

519-669-5588 (cell) 519-897-6238

AuTOMOTIVE

• 14 ton BoomTruck

• 35 ton Mobile Crane

519-664-9999 ST. JACOBS

6982 Millbank Main St., Millbank 519-595-2053 • 519-664-2914

24 Hour Service 7 Days A Week

Read’s Decorating

Specializing in Computerized Dynamic Balancing

Specializing in Paint & Wallcoverings For all your home decorating needs

519-669-3658 27 Arthur St. S., Elmira

AuTOMOTIVE

Complete Collision Service

GLASS SYSTEMS INC.

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

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

57 Arthur St. S., Elmira

519-669-FILM

www.elmiraphoto.com

Over 15 Years Experience

On-Site Balancing Fans, Rotors, Armatures, Pump Impellers, Drive Shafts & Many Styles of Rotary Equipment Available

tel: 1-800-525-4022 AuTOMOTIVE

fax: (519) 653-7949

AuTOMOTIVE

PAINTING

519.669.9160

Cell: 519.998.4094

AuTOMOTIVE

TIRE

ST. JACOBS FREE ESTIMATES

E L M I R A

PHOTO

Mike

COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

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

YOU NAME IT: WE FRAME IT!

PAINTING

DYNAMIC BALANCING SINCE 1961

Âť

CuSTOM FRAMING

& Equipment Ltd.

DECORATING

CARPENTRY

CRANE

WEICKERT& ORTLIEB CRANE MEIROWSKI

GENERAL CONTRACTING

Marty Trapp

DOWN 1. Cutting remark 2. Arch type 3. Not kosher 4. Devastation 5. Afghan monetary unit 6. Australian runner 7. One way to be taken 8. Any network of nerves 9. Caught some Z’s 10. A long slender cigar 11. Missing from the Marines, say 12. Hindu garment 13. Harmony 18. Eastern pooh-bah

CONCRETE FOuNDATIONS

commercial • industrial •Pole Structures •Remodeling & restoration

22. Hang 24. ___ Bowl 25. Dolly ___ of “Hello, Dolly!�

27. Doctor’s order 28. “Gladiator� setting 29. A hand grenade (informal) 32. A toroidal shape 33. Old gold coin 34. File 37. “Go on�

38. Exclamation denoting surprise 40. Title used to address any British peer except a duke 41. Blue eyes or baldness, e.g.

42. Back talk 48. Ethereal 51. Broods 52. Cliffside dwelling 53. The fleshy part of the human body that you sit on 54. Fortitude 55. And others, for short 56. Long, for short 57. Inform or spy 59. Angler’s hope 60. Bad spots?

61. Boris Godunov, for one 64. Trick taker, often 65. Back muscle, for short

EXPERT ADVICE | QUALITY SERVICES LOOK UP A PROFESSIONAL.

CONSTRUCTION INC. • Concrete removal & replacement • Siding work up to 66’ high

54. Ring thing 58. African capital 62. Its motto is “Industry�

63. A person suffering from paralysis 66. Checker, perhaps 67. “All My Children� vixen 68. “Empedocles on ___�

(Matthew Arnold poem) 69. Berth place 70. ___ shooting 71. Merlin, e.g.

AUTO CLINIC

101 Bonnie Crescent, Elmira, ON N3B 3G2

519.669.8330

21 Industrial Dr. Elmira

519-669-7652

FAX: 519.669.3210 AFTER HOURS

519.669.8917

RUDOW’S CARSTAR COLLISION CENTRE 24 Hour Accident Assistance

1-800-CARSTAR

Body Maintenance

WHERE TIRES

RUDOW’S CARSTAR COLLISION CENTRE

SPECIALTY, NOT A SIDE LINE.

at

ARE A

Call Us At

519-669-3373

519-669-3373

33 First Street, East Elmira, ON

33 First Street, East Elmira, ON

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

35 Howard Ave., Elmira

519-669-3232

CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

» STRANGE BUT TRUE | BILL & RICH SONES

27

If you can’t believe in yourself, what can you believe? tion and identification. In studies, amplification of male genes in female transfusion recipients have shown donor DNA enduring for up to seven days. And female trauma patients receiving large transfusions showed the donor leukocytes staying for up to a year and a half.

All of these however used very sensitive donor amplification techniques.

“In studies where genes common to both donors and recipients were amplified, the results reflected the dominance of the transfusion recipient’s own DNA, showing the donor’s DNA to be a relatively inconsequential interloper.”

Q. How did a colony of New York frogs fare when flown via commercial airline to a biology lab in California, back in those “loose” security days a while ago?

A. Deciding against putting the frogs in checked luggage, the young lab assistant Bill carefully placed them into plastic bags with water and air, then into his carry-on suitcase, says Jane Riggs in Science magazine. Unfortu-

SERVICE PROS

AUTOMOTIVE

LAWN CARE

PAINTING

Lawn Rolling and Aerating

THOMPSON’S

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

Eric Plein

Accredited Test & Repair Facility

519-669-4400

519.669.3924

21 HOWARD AVE., ELMIRA

Elmira

(Behind the old Trylon Building)

20 years experience

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

519-669-2251 36 Hampton St., Elmira

SELF STORAGE

VACUUMS

wink, lie and act like us in every way.

But we will have no way of knowing whether their behavior is more than a clever trick -- more than the pecking of a pigeon that has been trained to type “I am, I am!”

We take each other’s consciousness on faith because after 2,000 years of arguing about it, no one has ever devised a definitive test of its existence. Most cognitive scientists believe that consciousness emerges from the complex interaction of decidedly nonconscious neurons, but even when we finally understand the nature of that complex interaction, we still won’t be able to prove the phenomenon in question.

“And yet I haven’t the slightest doubt that everyone I know has an inner life -- a subjective experience, a sense of self -- that is very much like mine. So what do I believe is true but cannot prove? The answer is: You!” (Send STRANGE questions to brothers Bill and Rich at strangetrue@compuserve.com)

EXPERT ADVICE | QUALITY SERVICES LOOK UP A PROFESSIONAL. PLUMBING

PLUMBING

YOUR

PLUMBING & HEATING SPECIALISTS!

C.J.

BRUBACHER LTD. 19 First St. E., Elmira

519-669-3362

roofing

Steve Co.

Plumbing and Maintenance Inc.

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

For all your Plumbing Needs.

24 HOUR SERVICE Steve Jacobi

ELMIRA

519-669-3652

»

AMOS R O O F I N G

• Specializing in residential re-roofs • Repairs • Churches Serving Elmira and Surrounding Area for over 30 years!

CallSCOTT sCottSEILING seiling FOR for your CALL YOUR free FREEestimate.

ESTIMATE. Call now and book for spring.

BOOK NOW! HAVE YOUR ROOFING DONE BEFORE WINTER OFFICE

519.698.2114 • 519.746.4544 In Business since 1971 • Fully Insured

service

SEPTIC

2

1

LE

SA

R FO

ELECTROLUX CANADA

nately, that’s where the meticulous thinking ended. As soon as the plane gained altitude, the change in air pressure caused the bags to burst.

When Bill opened the carry-on and saw what had happened, he hurriedly asked every flight attendant he could find for glasses of water so he could refill and retie the bags. Too late, of course: Out jumped the tiny creatures and soon they were everywhere, forcing attendants to track them down under seats, down aisles, etc.

“Baffled passengers looked on, trying to determine the source of the commotion.” Happily, the frogs were all eventually rounded up and transported to their new home across the continent, where they prospered for many years to come.

Q. Name one of the most important things we all believe in even though we can’t prove it to be true?

A. In the not too distant future, says Harvard psychiatrist Daniel Gilbert in What We Believe But Cannot Prove, scientists will be able to construct artificial systems that talk, walk,

INC

Q. If you donate blood for a transfusion, are you passing along your DNA “fingerprint” to the recipient?

Let’s hope the person isn’t criminally inclined!

A. Studies show donor DNA persisting for days or longer, though its presence is unlikely to alter genetic tests significantly, says Mount Sinai School of Medicine’s Michelle N. Gong in Scientific American magazine.

Redblood cells, the primary component in transfusions, have no nucleus and no DNA. Transfused blood does, however, host many DNA-containing white blood cells, or leukocytes -around a billion in one pint of blood.

Even filtered blood can have millions of these.

A process called polymerase chain reaction can amplify minuscule amounts of genetic material for detec-

KW • Woolwich • Wellesley And Surrounding Area

» FREE Pickup » FREE Air Quality Test » FREE In-home Demo » FREE Estimates

We Service All Makes & Models

“Buy Once, Not Twice”

CLIFF ROSE SALES REP

CELL: 519-212-0667 OFFICE: 519-893-7344

SIGNAGE | VINYL & DIGITAL

graphfix ltd.

Signs & Banners

www.remingtongraphfix.com

Vehicle Lettering Logos & Graphics Large format printing Decals & Safety Stickers

BILL SCHENKEL

519-664-1809 1600 King St. N., Unit #18

ST.JACOBS

FAST, FRIENDLY SERVICE AT COMPETITIVE PRICES!

Various sizes & rates

CLEAN • DRY • SECURE

Call

519-669-4964

Septic Tank Cleaning Inspections for Real Estate Septic System Repairs & Restoration Catch Basin Cleaning Waterloo Region • Wellington County

519-648-3004

100 SOUTH FIELD DRIVE, ELMIRA

BICYCLES

With an expert spring tune up

20

$

parts extra

$5 from each tune up goes to “Fit for the Future” fundraiser campaign.

22 Church St. W., Elmira

Tel: 519-669-5537

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

or

519-896-7700

www.biobobs.com

TOWING

BICYCLE SALES & REPAIRS GET YOUR BICYCLES READY

• Free Estimates •Tree Trimming and removal • Aerial Bucket Truck • Stump Grinding • Arborist evaluations • Fully insured and certified

TRUCKS

window coverings

JOHNS TOWING AND RECOVERY

CASH PAID

FOR YOUR UNWANTED SCRAP VEHICLES CARS, TRUCKS OR VANS WE PAY CASH WITH FREE TOWING PLEASE CALL

519-568-8666

TRANS IT! VEHICLES • 10 Ton Curtain Side/Flat Bed 26’ long, 8’ wide • Cargo Van • 7 Passenger Astro Van With 4’ x 8’ trailer • Car

PHONE 519.503.0888

raperies & Blinds • Curtain Hardware Custom D

40 Memorial Ave, Elmira

519-669-8309

28 | CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

SERVICE PROS ELECTRICAL

519.669.5790 | 1.888.966.5942 FAX | 519.669.5753 EMAIL | sales@ObserverXtra.com

CUSTOM COVERS & REPAIRS

SERVICE PROS

THIS SPACE FOR RENT 24 Hour Emergency Service

Call 519-505-4706 Derek Martin

Boat Covers | Air Conditioning Covers | Small Tarps Storage Covers | BBQ Covers | Awnings & Canopies Replacement Gazebo Tops | Golf Cart Encolsures & Covers •Ratches, Hooks, Straps, Webbing etc. •Canvas, Vinyl, Polyester, Acrylic Fabrics

ECRA/ESA: 7006939

contracting

General Repairs

519.595.4830

2204 Floradale Road, Floradale

Poole, ON

home renovations

EJ Lawn Care

LAWN MAINTENANCE

BUILD IT • FIX IT • DISPOSE OF IT INTERIOR & EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE

Decks • Sheds • Garden & Retaining Walls Decorative Stonework & Much More FR ESTIMEE

CALL RICK 519-210-0108 08 r-bygrave@rogers.com

Snow Plowing & Removal 27 Brookmead St., Elmira

519.669.1188 landscaping

ATES

REASON ABL RATES E

LAWN CARE

IN LAWN & SHRUB

HOLEEEER ROLL

519.669.5769

17 Aspen Crescent, Elmira

* Lawn Aerating & Rolling * Lawn Care also available

T R

E

E

J.SCOTT HARRIS ELMIRA, ON

Just Gardens

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

Lawn Maintenance Landscaping Snowplowing Ice Control

Anita Soehner Clean Up | Mulch

Planting | Garden Design Lawn Maintenance All Your Gardening Needs

519-669-9081 Mobile

519-505-0985 ever-green@sympatico.ca

We call Elmira home but we service the surrounding area.

rozell_soehner@yahoo.ca

519.669.5643

Cell | 519.504.5934

LAWN CARE

topsoil LOCNEW ATI ON

LAWN CARE & LANDSCAPING LTD. ORGANIC LAWN CARE PROGRAMS

Triple Mix • Top Dressing Screened Top Soil • Sands Gravels • Natural River Rock NEW N IO LOCAT

889 Bridge St. E. Waterloo (Corner of Bridge & McMurray)

Pick-up or Delivery

519-888-1007

MEDIUM

HARD

• Aerating • Dethatching & Verti-cutting • Fertilizing - Granular & Liquid • Weed & Crabgrass Preventer • Chinchbug Preventer • White Grub Control • Sod Webworm Control • Cranefly Control • Tree & Shrub Fertilizing • Horticulture Vinegar • Granular Compost • Soil Testing

LANDSCAPING & OTHER SERVICES

• Landscape Design • Landscape Build • Hydro-seeding • Slit-seeding • Over-seeding • Sodding • Planting • Interlocking Stone • Retaining Walls & Steps • Water Ponds • Backhoe & Skid Steer Services

ELMIRA | 519-669-1278

Complete Garden Maintenance

Telephone

Owner|Operator

• Climb with Ropes to Avoid Bark Injury From Spurs • Based in Floradale

Gardening

LAWN MAINTENANCE

Jeff Basler

• Removal of Trees or Branches of Any Shapes or Sizes in Almost Any Location

519-669-1836

519-897-8725

CARE CALL JON:

TREE REMOVAL

THE

Complete Lawn Maintenance

EASY

SPECIALIZING

CONTRACTING LTD. Clare Bauman 519.669.3495 cell 519.504.2826

519.669.5790 | 1.888.966.5942 www.ObserverXtra.com LAWN CARE

CE Framing ¡ Renovations Decks ¡ Sheds Basement Finishing

Call Donna at ext 104

BY THE NUMBERS

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.

REMEMBER: you must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box.

ÂťCROSSWORD SOLUTIONS % $ 5 %

2 * ( (

7 5 ( )

5 ( + $ %

$ 5 ( 1 $

) 5 $ * 6

* 8 7 6

( 7 $ /

0 $ ; ,

+ 3 8 $ 9 $ / 2 * & + $ $ / 2 / 7 + 2 5 $ 5 $ ' , 0 6 7 2 3 + ( , 6 3

( $ 5 6 0 % ( / 8 $ 7 ( & ( 3 / .

7 ( 9 $ + , 1 6 8 ' $ 0 6 3 $ 6 + 1 ( $ 5 $ / 5 , & $ . ( ( 7

+ 2 9 ( 5

3 $ 1 $ 7 ( / $

$ : 2 /

6 $ 5 ,

6 < 1 &

5 , 1 * 6

' 8 & $ 7

( 0 ( 5 <

$ ( 1 5 $ % $ < 7 , & ( 7 1 6 ( (

7 6 $ 5

DeATH NOTICES

IN MEMORIAM

EVENTS CALENDAR Âť CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

HORST, Sarah

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sarah Horst passed away peacefully at Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rest Home, Elmira, on Wednesday, April 22, 2009, with her loving sister, Mary Ann by her side. She was born March 9, 1924.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A GOOD JOB DONE EVERY TIMEâ&#x20AC;?

Kleensweep Carpet Care

- At Listowel Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 Mrs. Frances Lenore (Bellamy) King of Listowel, in her 81st year.

Local relatives are son Roger King and his wife Barb of Elmira.

MARTIN, Delton)

Lizzie

DETZLER, Rita Loretta (nee Detzler)

- Formerly of RR1, Mildmay, passed away at South Bruce Grey Health Centre, Walkerton on Sunday, April 19, 2009 in her 81st year. Local relatives are sister Geraldine (Clarence) Grubb of St. Clements.

COMMERCIAL 24 CARDLOCK FUEL DEPOT HOUR

REICHERT, Karl-Heinz

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Passed away peacefully at Leisrueworld Care Giving Centre, Elmira on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 in his 85th year.

SEGUIN Doreen

EVANS, Earl

(Fink/Dahms),

- On Monday, January 12, 2009, at Caressant Care Nursing Home, Harriston. Doreen was born 81 years ago on August 20, 1927, in Milverton. Local relative is sister-in-law Kay Dahms of Elmira.

- At the Woodstock General Hospital on Monday, April 20, 2009. Earl S. Evans of Woodstock in his 86th year. Local relative is daughter Carol McDougall of Elmira.

FAIRHALL Kenneth A.

-Kenneth Fairhall of Elmira. Passed away peacefully, Thursday, April 23, 2009 at Freeport Hospital. A celebration of Kennâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life will be held at Elmira Mennonite Church, Sunday, May 3, 2009 from 2-4 p.m.

STEWART, Gwen (Mrs. Harry)

- Peacefully, on Thursday, April 16, 2009, at KW Health Centre. Gwen (Klinck) Stewart, in her 79th year, of Elmira.

MATERIAL HANDLING & PROCESSING SYSTEMS â&#x20AC;˘ Design â&#x20AC;˘ Installation â&#x20AC;˘ Custom Fabrication

MILLWRIGHTS LTD.

519.669.5105

P.O. BOX 247, ROUTE 1, ELMIRA

24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

TOTAL HOME ENERGY SYSTEMS

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

YOUR OIL, PROPANE, NATURAL GAS AND AIR CONDITIONING EXPERTS

ÂťSUDOKU SOLUTIONS

519.664.2008

SANYO CANADIAN

MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED

MEDIUM

HARD

Group

3435 Broadway St. Hawkesville

519-699-4641 www.freybc.com  Niagara Casino Bus Trip, $10 per person. Leaving from Royal Canadian Legion 9:45 a.m., departing from casino 5:15 p.m.  End of An Era Event hosted by the Woolwich Community Lions Club. Say goodbye to the old arena. Family fun, memorbillia 1-4 p.m. Take a walk down memory lane 6-8 p.m. These events are free.  105.3 Retroactive Much Music Video Dance 8 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 a.m. Tickets $12/person.

Food available for purchase. All proceeds to Woolwich Memorial Complex. Tickets at W.C. Brownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Menswear (Elmira), Pampered & Polished (Elmira) or by calling 519-669-0003.  Community Clean Up Day, 8:30 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; noon. Join with others in Woolwich to help beautify your community. Call Ann for details at 519-669-6027 or 519-6642613, ext. 6027.  Giant Silent Auction 11 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 p.m., New Hamburg Arena. More than 600 new and collectible items. New this year: Pancake Breakfast 8-10:30 a.m. Live auction and entertainment, kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; events, lunch counter. Sponsored by the Lions/Lioness Clubs and Interfaith Counselling Centre. For information please call the Interfaith office at 519-662-3092. Proceeds go to support Interfaith Community Counselling.  Chicken BBQ at Gale Presbyterian Church â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4:30-7 p.m. BBQ boneless chicken breast, BBQ potatoes, salads, rolls, assorted pies, beverage. Adults $12, children 12 and under $6. For tickets, call 519-669-2852 . For takeouts, call 519-669-3827.  Knights of Columbus Spring Ham Roll 8 p.m. at Bridgeport Rod & Gun Club, 1229 Beitz Rd., RR1 Breslau. Evening of chances for quilts, grocery hampers, hams, money, etc. Penny table, door prizes. Food available. Free admission. For information call Robert Lehman 519-836-8271 or Gerry Brohman 519-745-0188.  All In the April Evening Concert â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Melodies and Verses from By-Gone Days! A musical trip down memory lane with a 50-voice choir and other performances.

St. Jacobs Mennonite Church , 7 p.m., and Sunday Apr. 26 at 1:30 p.m. Free-will offering, 1310 King St., N., St. Jacobs. Phone 519-664-2268. Ramp and elevator available.  The Wellesley Township Heritage and Historical Society invites the public to visit the Historical Room in the Old school on Henry Street in Wellesley from 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2 p.m. Come and share some of Wellesley Townshipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heritage. Free admission.

APRIL 26

 Conrad Grebel University College Chapel Choir will present a concert of choral music at Floradale Mennonite Church, 22 Florapine Rd., Floradale at 7:30 p.m.

Bus.:519.669.2632 Fax: 519.669.4282

Business

FREE CONSULTATION

After Hours Emergency Services: 1-800-465-2667

Farm

â&#x20AC;˘ Total Denture Care Travel

Email: allen_morrison@cooperators.ca

www.cooperators.ca â&#x20AC;˘ Same Day Service Disability

on Repairs and Relines â&#x20AC;˘ Metal Partial - Soft Relines â&#x20AC;˘Since Implants 1987 - DentureTech â&#x20AC;˘Since DENTURE SPECIALIST 1995 - Denturist

Denture

DENTURE Vinolea Jahandari DD

â&#x20AC;˘ ELMIRA Total Denture Care â&#x20AC;˘ Same day service on and relines 15repairs Memorial Ave., Since 1987 - DentureTech â&#x20AC;˘ Elmira Metal Partial - Soft Relines 1995 - Denturist (Behind Bank of Montreal) â&#x20AC;˘ DENTURE SPECIALIST

519.669.1535 KITCHENER

FREE CONSULTATION 519.744.9770 ELMIRA â&#x20AC;˘ Total Denture Care KITCHENER 519-669-1535 â&#x20AC;˘ Same Day Service519-744-9770 15 Memorial Ave., Elmira (behind Bank of Montreal) on Repairs and Relines â&#x20AC;˘ Metal Partial - Soft Relines â&#x20AC;˘ Implants â&#x20AC;˘ DENTURE SPECIALIST

Elzeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Vinolea Jahandari DD

Wonderful 519.669.1535 ELMIRA

15 Memorial Ave., Elmira

Wines

A Fine Wine Establishment

(Behind Bank of Montreal) KITCHENER

519.744.9770

29 Church St. W., Elmira

519.669.0799

New to the Community?

Do you have a new Baby?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to call your Welcome Wagon Hostess.

Elmira & Surrounding Area

 Fish Fry (Howellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Calvary United Church, St. Jacobs from 4:30-7 p.m. Advance tickets only. Adults $13.50; children 12 and under $6.50; pre-schoolers are free. Takeout available, wheelchair accessible. Tickets available at Kingsway Hairstyling, St. Jacobs 519-664-2675, or in Elmira 519-669-5912.

SHARON GINGRICH 519.291.6763

elmirawelcomewagon@sympatico.ca

APRIL 29

EASY

25 Industrial Drive, Elmira, ON N3B 3K3

APRIL 28 11 HENRY ST. - UNIT 9, ST. JACOBS

Allen Morrison Insurance Inc.

Investments

APRIL 25

Cardlock Fuel Management

Allen Morrison, Agent/Owner

Life

Cell: 519.581.7868

Truck & Trailer Maintenance

DENTURE

Auto

T. 519.669.2033 COLLEEN

(Mrs.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Surrounded by her loving family, Lizzie passed peacefully in to the presence of the lord on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at Leisureworld Care Centre, Elmira.

Lizzie Martin in her 97th year, formerly of RR1, Waterloo.

DeATH NOTICES

West Montrose, ON

Since 1987 - DentureTech Since 1995 - Denturist

Home

Rugs and Upholstery

â&#x20AC;˘Residential â&#x20AC;˘Commercial â&#x20AC;˘Personalized Service â&#x20AC;˘Free Estimates

KING, Fran

In loving memory of Luke, who passed away, April 25, 1996.

13 years ago you left us, your memory is as dear today as the hour you passed away.

Forever remembered and always loved

by Mom and Dad, brother Skye, Aunt Dianne and Uncle Brian and Uncle Scott and Aunt Michele, two cousins Cody and Jesse, Grandparents Irene Hamilton and the late Ken Hamilton

Skilled craftsmanship. Quality materials.

CONSTRUCTION STARTS HERE.

29

33 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.1591

 Wellesley Home & Garden Show â&#x20AC;&#x201C; held at the Wellesley arena. Until May 1, 5-9:30 p.m. More than 70 vendors. Sponsored by the Wellesley Community Centre Board. Admission is free. Donations of non-perishable food and/or cash to The Food Bank of Wellesley/Wilmot region will be appreciated. Daily door prizes.

Proceeds to fund local recreation-related improvements, mostly to the arena and surrounding area.

519.669.2884 Spring is Coming!

MAY 1

 Used Book Sale. (CDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, tapes, videoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, DVDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, magazines). St. Peters Lutheran Church, 2925 Lobsinger Line, Heidelberg; 9 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2 p.m.; May 2, 9 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; noon.

Accepting donated books, etc. April 30, 7-9 p.m. For more information please contact Erla at 519-669-5954.

MAY 2

21 Industrial Dr., Elmira

 Darrel Martin, CD launch party and song ramble with John Lee, Chris Latta, Cory Williams and many more; 8 p.m. at the Church Theatre, 1376 Kings St. N., St. Jacobs. Tickets $10. Info call 519-884-5443.

RETAIL STORE STORE RETAIL

â&#x20AC;˘ Electrical Supplies â&#x20AC;˘ New Vacuums â&#x20AC;˘ Vacuum Repairs â&#x20AC;˘ Parts & Accessories â&#x20AC;˘ All makes and models 9 CHURCH STREET EAST, ELMIRA

519.669.8362

 Spring Fling 9-11 a.m. St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church Hall, Linwood. Door prizes, penny table, 50/50 draw, mystery table draw, major draw, bake table. Everyone welcome.

Sponsored by St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Linwood and St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Macton Catholic Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s League.

MAY 3

 Hungrymanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Breakfast, $5 all you can eat. The Royal Canadian Legion, 11 First St. E., Elmira, downstairs 8:30 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1p.m. Fundraiser for local Wheels In Motion event.

Submit calendar listings to info@observerxtra.com

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

W

30 | CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM

PRIVATE SALE

Fully finished custom built 2 storey home. Top quality construction and finishes throughout. 2500 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms.

Open concept with 18’ ceilings in great room. Professionally finished basement with maple bar and built-ins. 3 gas fireplaces including see-through in master ensuite. Beautiful cherry kitchen.

Hardwood and ceramic throughout main floor. Deck and shed in fenced yard backing onto farmland.

$519,000 38 Muscovey Dr., Elmira

90 Earl Martin Dr., Unit 1, Elmira N3B 3L4

OPEN HOUSE SAT & SUN | 2-4 PM

85 OriOle Pkwy, elMirA

BONNIE BRUBACHER Broker of Record

SHANNA ROZEMA Broker.

DARREN ROMKEY Sales Rep.

LAURIE LANGDON Sales Rep.

DALE KELLER Sales Rep.

Why rent when you can own this fabulous, updated semi-detached home.

Features include, 3 bedrooms, 2 renovated bathrooms, living room, large eat in kitchen with garden door to deck and fenced yard, finished basement with cold storage, gas furnace, AC, updated windows, new flooring, garden shed, new driveway to be completed, backs onto greenspace. Call 519.574.6105 to view.

MONIQUE BRUBACHER Sales Rep.

THIS WEEK'S FEATURE PROPERTIES PARADIGM'S MODEL HOME BUNGALOW

$199,900

42 ROBERTA STREET, ELMIRA

Homes starting at $312,000. 2 storey and bungalow plans to build, open concept plans, ensuite baths, fireplaces, HRV, and more. Model for sale. Only 3 lots left.

TWIN CITY REALTY INC. BROKERAGE

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

519-669-2772

BROKERAGE

OPEN HOUSE | 2-4 PM SAT & SUN APRIL 25 & 26

519-579-4110 OFFICE

15 MUSCOVEY DR, ELMIRA

sold@clickthathouse.com

MAkE YOUR MOvE!

Melanie McNeil Sales Representative

Peri Moyer Client Care Manager

NEARLY NEW,

0 ,90 4 9 $3

OPEN HOUSE - Sun April 26, 2-4pm 143 Sugar King Drive, Elmira

With top notch finishes! Approx.

2200 sq. ft, 4 bedroom, 4 bath home backing football field and facing greenspace. Featuring abundant oak flooring, doors, stairs & eat-in kit w/island.

Heated tile floors, 2 gas fireplaces, quality finished recroom with dricore flooring, master suite with 5 pc. lux ensuite. Shows amazing!

MODEL HOME

00 9,9 2 $4

OPEN HOUSE - SAT & SUN, 1-4pm OR BY APPOINTMENT, 51 RIDGEVIEW DR., DRAYTON

00 4,9 8 $

519-669-3192

OPEN HOUSE SUN APRIL 26 | 2-4 PM

McNeil

0 ,90 4 3 $3

ELMIRA REAL ESTATE Independently Owned & Operated, Brokerage SERVICES

shanley@mantelsplus.com

Tell your realtor that the Observer sent you!

Warren McNeil Sales Representative

HOME HUNTERS »

home (519) 669-3338 mobile (519) 577-1379

OPEN HOUSE - SUN 2-4PM

TEAM

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

Model Home for sale! Priced well below replacement! Gorgeous 3 bedroom, 2 bath bungalow featuring c/air, c vac, gas fireplace, luxury ensuite, m/f laundry, sep. dining room, stunning kitchen w/pantry, hardwood & tile floors, Partly finished basement.

Unbelievable value 30 mins to K-W. A must see. MLS.

EXTENSIVELY RENOVATED

Updated century home on double lot! 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, main floor laundry, spacious principle rooms, new garage addition with future bonus room (unfinished), wrap around porch. Mature area with big yard, trees and lots of parking.

Updated windows, doors, flooring, bathrooms, insulation, wiring, plumbing, roof & furnace. A must see!!

YEAR ROUND LIVING

Totally renovated in 2004 with all new windows, roof, furnace, appliances, water heater and flooring. Newer wooden shed in back included. Freshly painted and well maintained. 3 bedrooms, 1 bath with laundry. Conveniently located close to the expressway, St Jacobs Farmer’s Market and Conestogo Mall. Shows well!

Build Your Dream

LARGE LOTS

30 MINUTES FROM WATERLOO. ONLY 4 LOTS LEFT! • 4 lots available • Model Home Available For Sale • 10 Plans to Choose from • Quality Standard Features include: 9’ ceilings on main floor, 200 amp service, Fruit Cellar, MODEL HOUSE OPEN HOUSE Ceramics, Ensuite & Main or Upper Laundry SAT & SUN 1-4PM or BY APPT.

from $299,900

www.elmirarealestate.ca

CURIOUS ABOUT YOUR HOME’S VALUE IN THIS CURRENT MARKET? CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE CURRENT MARKET EVALUATION

$329,900 | Spacious 3 bedroom home with open concept kitchen/family room; fully fenced yard; large master bedroom with ensuite and walk-in closet; patio/deck; MLS.

BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME

$64,900 | A little bit of country, on almost 2 acres, located on paved road just East of Rothsay. North West of Drayton. MLS.

BRAD MARTIN Broker of Record

JULIE HECKENDORN Broker Res: 519-669-1068 Res: 519-669-8629 MVA Residential

ALLI NORRIS Sales Rep. Cell: 519-577-6248

BILL NORRIS Sales Rep. Cell: 519-588-1348

TRACEY WILLIAMS Sales Rep. Cell: 519-505-0627

OPEN HOUSES SUN. APRIL 26th, 2-4 PM 13 WEIGEL AvE., ELMIRA

37 EvENINGSTAR LANE, CONESTOGO

GREAT LOCATION -- quiet crescent close to downtown! 3 bdrm bungalow with updated kitchen countertop & backsplash, laminate on main flr., c/a, workshop, storage shed. MLS $264,900.

MORE THAN MEETS THE EyE! 3 bdrm, 2 bath all brick home on quiet street in Conestogo! Large eat-in kitchen. Heated garage/ workshop. Fully fenced yard.

MLS $297,500.

10 EBy ST., ST. JACOBS

WELCOME HOME -lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bath home, nestled on a treed hill in the Village of St. Jacobs. LR & DR with hardwood.

Gas fireplace. Mn flr master and updated bath. Eat-in kitchen.

Finished rec. rm.,office & 3pc.

MLS $289,900.

LIvE IN THE COUNTRY

$154,900 DRAYTON | This recently

remodeled and very unique turn-of-thecentury semi detached home features 9' ceilings, original trim & moldings, new laminate flooring, newer furnace, main flr laundry and main flr master bdrm. MLS.

IMPRESSIvE TOWN HOME

$214,900 ELMIRA | Only attached by garage, large covered front porch, nicely landscaped, neutrally decorated, appliances included, walkout to fenced yard, huge master with cheater ensuite & walk-in closet, central air. MLS. BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY PROPERTY $279,900 DRAYTON | Bungalow on huge lot overlooking green space; featuring cedar deck and patio; professionally landscaped lot looks attractive in spring and summer; 2 fireplaces for cozy evenings. MLS.

CENTURY HOME

$309,000 ELMIRA | Charm and Character of original beauty is evident throughout this home. The natural cherry kitchen, updated baths & finished recroom with fireplace adding the convenience of today. A bonus is the walkup attic for future potential. MLS.

S PA C I O U S h o m e c l o s e t o downtown! Inviting front porch.

Lovely family room addition w/ gas fireplace. Cherry kitchen w/built in appliances. 3 baths.

Finished rec. rm. w/o to patio.

Shed. MLS $264,900.

ALMOST BRAND NEW

$322,400 ELMIRA | Attractive 2 Storey,

gorgeous kitchen with all the appliances, vaulted ceilings, mainfloor family room open to 2nd floor look out. Mainfloor den, 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths. MLS.

BETTER THAN NEW

$359,900 ELMIRA | Large 2219 Sq Ft.

three year old 4 bedroom home, finished top to bottom, hardwood & ceramics, bright kitchen with breakfast bar and walkout to stamped concrete patio, separate dining room, main floor laundry/mudroom, master ensuite bath + much more. MLS.

LARGE LOT IN LINWOOD - 1.5 storey, 3 bdrm home on 66 x 165 ft. lot. Ideal for handyman/investors or bldg lot. NEW MLS $129, 900 *Also available (separate parcel) 22 x 32 ft. lot w/shed. MLS $24,900.

INvESTMENT PROPERTy well maintained 5 plex, always fully occupied! Laundry in each unit.

One 3 bdrm. unit. Roof (‘05). Lots of parking. Shows a good return on your investment! MLS $499,000.

SPACIOUS 4-level back split in the quiet village of DRAYTON. Oversized kitchen, deep lot. 3+1 bedrooms, 2 baths, dble garage.

MLS Reduced to. $224,900.

EXISTING CHURCH! Seating capacity 175+. Major addition at rear in 1986, incl. full basement.

Ideal for office, lofts, etc.C-1 Zoning. MLS $649,000.

Further Information: WEBSITE: www.royallepage.ca EMAIL: Elmira@royallepage.ca

You’ve come to the right place to find a home. » More listings on page 31.

www.thurrealestate.com

CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

31

PHOTO | MARC MIQUEL HELSEN

Making picnic area accessible to all

Get a FREE Market Evaluation $500 donation to John Mahood Public School when you buy or sell in Woolwich Township with...

Paul Martin SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Solid Gold Realty (II) Ltd., Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated ADDRESS: 180 Weber St. S., Waterloo DIRECT....519-503-9533

|

HOME ....519-669-3074

|

OFFICE ...519-888-7110

M&T Card Ad:Layout 1 04/03/09 10:22EMAIL AM: paul@remaxsolidgold.biz Page 1 WEBSITEBusiness : www.remaxsolidgold.biz

FINDING JUST THE RIGHT SPOT Taposhi Batabyal and Barbara Harnock, volunteers with the Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion Elmira committee, take a break at the newly installed accessible picnic table at Gore Park in Elmira Apr. 22.

“We thought it would be nice to have an accessible picnic table in the community,” said committee member Barbara Harnock.

Funded by Wheels in Motion, and installed

by Woolwich Township, the steel table is now available for use.

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

4B Arthur St. S. Elmira • www.remaxsolidgold.biz OFFICE: 519-669-5426

DIRECT: 519-572-2669 EMAIL: bert@remaxsolidgold.biz

BERT MARTIN, BROKER

$1,450,000

FARM! Located in the Moorefield/Palmerston area this 100acre (90 workable) cash crop and hog operation offers modern finishing and nursery barns and an older livestock barn, a 1500 s/f bungalow with a new kitchen, 4 bedrooms, and attached double garage. MLS.

COMMERCIAL LEASE SPACE! Approximately 2,000 s/f with offices and warehouse located in a busy plaza with lots of parking. Zoning allows many uses. Only 10 minutes to Waterloo. MLS. Call Bert for details.

Your referrals are appreciated!

OPEN HOUSE Sun. April 26, 2-4PM

$375,000

41 HAMPSTON ST., ELMIRA

$269,900 - Perfect location!

Large lot close to downtown and new rec. complex. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, sidesplit.

This home offers newer kitchen cabinets and new laminate floor. Walkout from dining area to private yard offering loads of green thumb opportunities as well as two sheds, hot tub with heated change room behind the house.

ELMIRA 6 Bedrm plus office, hardwood & ceramic on mnflr, kitchen with peninsula, patio/deck with BBQ gasline, insulated & painted garage.

$237,000

$549,000 ELMIRA Open concept, rec rm, exercise rm, master bedrm ensuite, ceramic in foyer, kitchen & bthrms, hardwood livrm & dinrm, Double Width driveway, separate dinrm, family rm. MLS

$529,000

ELMIRA Great Starter Home 3 bedroom, ST. CLEMENTS 4 Bedroom Bungalow, 2 bath, newer flooring on main floor, Oak kitchen cabinets, cedar lined cath hallway & main bath. Patio/deck, double ceiling family room, mnflr laundry & master bdrm, Patio, deck, 616 sq. ft. heated drive with carport, side entrance. MLS workshop w/ extra circuts. MLS.

$449,000 ELMIRA Quality at every corner throughout this beautiful home, 4 bedrm, 3 bathrm. Maple kitchen, extra height ceilings, Master bedrm w/ deluxe ensuite double garage. MLS.

$239,900 ELMIRA 3 Bedroom, 3 bath, new laminate floor in living room, kitchen maple cabinets and island, large master bedroom with 4 pc ensuite and two closets, single garage. MLS.

FREE ONLINE CLASSIFIEDS AT

IN PRINT. ONLINE. IN PICTURES. IN DEPTH. IN PRINT. ONLINE. IN PICTURES. IN DEPTH.

32 | BACK PAGE

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, April 25, 2009

er

3G Novatel Wireless U727 USB modem

0

$

on a 1-yr. term 1 ($299.95 no term)

With the Bell Turbo stick, connect your laptop to Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest 3G network2 anywhere you go for as little as $30/month.

ore 3G productivity.

Available at the following Bell store:

Waterloo Conestoga Mall 550 King St. N 519 888-9615

Offer ends May 7, 2009. Available with compatible devices within Bell Mobility high speed network. Other monthly fees, e.g., 911 (75¢) and system access ($6.95) (not government fees), and one-time device activation ($35) apply. $6.95 system access fee is available with new activations and to existing customers who agree to a new committed service period (excluding corporate accounts). Paper bill service charge ($2/mo) applies unless you register for e-bill and cancel your paper bill. Upon early termination, price adjustment charges apply. Subject to change without notice; not combinable with other offers. Taxes extra. Other conditions apply. (1) With new activation on a monthly data rate plan with a min. value of $30/mo. on a 1-yr term. (2)Based on total square kms of the 1xEV-DO network vs Rogers HSPA coverage as of April 6, 2009.