August 12, 2021

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Vaccination bus makes a stop in Elmira JUSTINE FRASER Observer Staff

THE NUMBER OF DAILY DOSES administered trailing off from last month’s peak, Waterloo Region officials are looking to boost participation rates. To that end, they’re making it easier to get the jab, rolling out buses as mobile vaccination clinics that last week made stops in locations such as Linwood and Elmira.

Some 84 per cent of Waterloo Region residents over the age of 12 have

Cameron Eaton of Grand River Hospital was in Elmira Aug. 5 with the mobile bus vaccination clinic. Justine Fraser

had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine; 74 per cent have been fully vaccinated.

The region has partnered with Grand River Transit to bring mobile clinics to rural and underserviced locations. That was the case in Elmira August 5 in conjunction with the downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA).

The mobile vaccine bus parked in the lot behind Kitchen Kuttings during the BIA sidewalk sale. → VACCINATION BUS 2

Woolwich eyes plan for broadening housing mix, boosting affordability STEVE KANNON Observer Staff

A FLEDGING PLAN TO PROVIDE a broader mix of housing, including affordable options, will see Woolwich develop options for some township-owned land, including the Kiwanis House site in Elmira.

Meeting Tuesday night, councillors got the ball rolling on declaring the land at 28 South St. W. as

surplus, with an eye on eventually seeking proposals for the development of affordable housing on the site.

That idea was part of an in-depth report on increasing housing options, including promoting more rental units, presented by manager of planning Jeremy Vink.

Looking at its own property, the township is also considering housing options for 25 Kissing

Bridge Dr., at the corner with Church Street West in the Lunor subdivision.

Currently, most developments in the township involve single-family homes, along with some semi-detached units and townhouses.

“Providing a full range and mix of housing options for all income levels to meet the needs of the community is an objective in the Woolwich strategic plan and official

plan. However, what has been provided in the township through development applications is almost entirely market-based housing (i.e., housing priced based on the market), and much of that is in the form of single, semi-detached and row townhouses,” said Vink.

Denser housing such as apartment buildings aren’t plentiful in the township, where there is a dearth of rental properties in partic-

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Provincial policies call for a mix of residential types, including single-detached, additional residential units, multiunit housing, affordable housing and housing for older persons in addition to employment, institutional, recreation, park and open space, and the like, said Vink, noting Ontario’s Places to Grow strategy demands that municipalities move in → HOUSING 2

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ular, he said.

His report calls for a wider range of options, including the likes of boarding houses, as well as the development of mixed communities where people aren’t dependent on cars.

Some of that is encapsulated in provincial regulations for land-use planning, which demand higher densities and less traditional suburban sprawl.

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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, August 12, 2021

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No appointments were needed and they offered first or second doses to anyone 12 years of age and up.

Cameron Eaton, a support specialist at Grand River Hospital, has been helping the community out by leading a few of the mobile vaccination bus initiatives in Elmira and surrounding areas.

“It’s a lot easier for people to come out here.

It’s difficult for people to always come out to the mass immunization clinics, so I signed up because this is more of an outreach – it’s one way for us to get out there and assist those who can’t get to clinics in Cambridge, Kitchener or Waterloo,” said Eaton.

Within the first 15 minutes of setting up downtown last week, they

had about 15 to 20 people lined up waiting to get their jab, more than at some of the other vaccination bus stops, he noted.

“We have been at St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market – I’ve been there twice, and yesterday we were at Conestoga Mall, and today we’re here. Other ones (clinics) are going out to other areas where we can reach out and assist,” added Eaton, referring to the mobile vaccination bus at Linwood Community Centre.

Eaton and his team were assisting anyone who came by with getting vaccinated from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., they were happy with the turnout in Elmira.

“One is better than none,” added Eaton.

Many residents were able to get time off so they

could stop by the mobile vaccination bus and get their first or second jab.

Peter Menkveld came out to get vaccinated in Elmira last Thursday to help stop the spread of COVID around the community.

“It was important to my family, since some of them are at risk, and today was a good opportunity since the bus made it very convenient, and my work was flexible enough to give me a break to come do it,” said Menkveld.

“I probably would’ve waited for my appointment in September that they booked for me already but this made it a lot more convenient for me,” he added.

Upcoming stops in the area include the Linwood Community Centre today (August 12) and next Thursday (August 19).

HOUSING: Woolwich to look at options for Kiwanis House → FROM 1

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that direction.

“A Place to Grow goes further to note that many communities are facing issues of housing affordability, which are being driven primarily by sustained population growth and factors such as a lack of housing supply with record low vacancy rates,” he said in his report.

“A Place to Grow helps to address this challenge by providing direction to plan for a range and mix of housing options, including additional residential units and affordable housing and, in particular, higher density housing options that can accommodate a range of household sizes in locations that can provide access to tran-

sit and other amenities.

What is also noted is that there is a need for stakeholders to work collaboratively to find opportunities to redevelop sites using more age-friendly community design.”

Woolwich has long been focused on traditional suburban development, falling behind on rental options, with studies showing the township’s stock of such units is off by some five per cent.

“We do have some variety of housing, but probably not the percentage that we should have.

Hopefully in the next year or so we can get a little better handle on what exactly our needs are, and how we can look at some of these other types of housing and incorporate

them in other places,” said Mayor Sandy Shantz of the direction set out by Vink’s housing report.

For Coun. Scott McMillan, labels such as affordable or attainable housing are more than just terms, spelling out a different approach.

“We need to think of affordable housing as not just subsidized housing,” he said, noting there are many people, from young professionals to retirees, who can’t afford the current market rates.

“If we’re going to have low density – just semis, single and towns – in our small towns, we’re not going to have affordable housing. Those types of properties aren’t going to be affordable going forward.”

THE OBSERVER | Thursday, August 12, 2021 | 3

Page Three

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Elevated housing prices

From the archives

In July, the average sale price for all residential properties in the Kitchener-Waterloo area was $755,681, an 18.2% increase over July 2020. The average price of a detached home was $907,192, up 21.9% over a year earlier. A total of 611 residential homes sold last month through the MLS system of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of Realtors, down 17% from the previous month.

Woolwich Township terminated water services to two Elmira residents this week, the first use of its new get-tough policy for water and sewer customers in arrears on their payments. The measures, a first for the township, were adopted last spring as council looked at ways to collect some $125,000 in delinquent payments.

From the Aug. 10, 2002 edition of The Observer

Where have all the flowers gone?

JUSTINE FRASER Observer Staff

BARB SMITH, A VOLUNTEER WITH the Woolwich Gardeners, noticed last week that a small pathway of flowers in the garden bed at Gibson Park in Elmira had been mysteriously dug up. Not just dug up, in fact, but carefully removed – no other plants were stepped on and no roots had been left. It appears the bandits might be gardeners themselves given such perfect plant removal from the bed.

Reminding Barb of a classic 1960s song, ‘Where have all the flowers gone,’ the incident and just what happened remain a mystery, as she has never seen anyone take flowers before in her 10 years of volunteering with the organization.

The Elmira and District Horticulture Society takes

care of about 10 township flowerbeds and planter locations with the help of 15 volunteers.

“When I got back from the long weekend, there were four holes in the flowerbed where four of our big annual plants had been; not all of them are gone, just these four,” said Smith of her August 3 discovery.

The average price of the missing flowers, New Guinea impatiens, is between $3 to $5.

“We’ve never had any problems other than there might be some garbage thrown in there, or something got stepped on accidentally or a ball went in and broke it, but this was just bizarre. There were other plants around that they had to step over to get these – they didn’t damage them at all. So they were very neat and very careful, →FLOWERS 4

Barb Smith, long-time volunteer with the Woolwich Gardeners, at the scene of the crime in Elmira’s Gibson Park.

Justine Fraser

More communities slated for high-speed internet connections STEVE KANNON Observer Staff

SOME 2,200 RURAL HOMES IN the area are among those targeted in the latest round of internet-connectivity funding from the federal and provincial governments.

Among those on the list are Crosshill, Dorking, Elmira, Hawkesville, Heidelberg, Linwood, Milverton, St. Clements and Wellesley.

Together, some 280,000

Ontario residents will have access to high-speed internet connections following the latest round of funding, which supports large-scale, fibre-based projects that will provide access to all corners of the province by 2025. The partnership between the province and the federal government sees an equal investment totalling more than $1.2 billion.

The funding provides an incentive from private

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companies to extend services to rural areas where it would otherwise not be economically feasible to carry out the expensive infrastructure expansion needed for high-speed connections.

“For a company to go out and expand the infrastructure that might only connect, it could be five houses or can be 10 houses, there’s not really an incentive there for those companies to go ahead and invest the

millions of dollars it takes to set the infrastructure up. And then it could take them 50 years to recoup the cost. So that’s where the government partnership comes in,” said Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris of last week’s funding announcement.

“We’re looking for them to try and get this done as quickly as they can—as fast as possible, trying to pick areas that are very underserved, or have just drastically reduced

service,” he added, noting service levels can drop off even fairly close to urban areas.

The push for connectivity has been ongoing for a few years, but the pandemic that saw many people working and learning online during the lockdown really underscored the importance of highspeed internet services.

Those connections have become essential, says Harris, providing more opportunities for people

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and businesses, and in turn generating more economic activity.

The latest funding will move Ontario about 40 per cent of the way in its plan to achieve 100 per cent connectivity for all regions in the province by the end of 2025.

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investments. At the end of March 2021, 175,000 rural and remote households had been connected to high-speed internet under projects supported by the Government of Canada. By the end of this year, over 435,000 households will be connected.

“Broadband is critical infrastructure, and the pandemic has made this more apparent than ever. Reliable high-speed internet allows us to learn, attend school and work remotely, and it allows small businesses to serve

customers,” said Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland in a statement about the latest funding.

“But too many rural communities still do not have access to high-speed internet. Broadband access is critical for our country’s economic growth and recovery, and our government is committed to making sure no community is left behind.”

An expansion of the internet infrastructure is essential given our dependency on the technology, said Harris.

“There’s certainly no going back, and the pandemic really has shone a glaring spotlight on some of the inadequacies with many things across the province. We want to make sure that we’re trying to do our best over the next few years to be able to right some of those wrongs and make this investment where it needs to be made.”

Other communities slated for high-speed service include Gads Hill, Hesson, Millbank, New Hamburg, Newton and St. Agatha.

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The flowerbed at Gibson Park is maintained by the Elmira and District Horticultural Society.

FLOWERS: Horticultural society looking for volunteers → FROM 3

but still it’s wrong,” noted Smith.

She and her friend Dianne have both volunteered their time to make Elmira and the surrounding area blossom with colour.

They have been taking care of the flower bed together at Gibson Park for more than a decade; this year they wanted to try something new, with some unique flowers.

The Woolwich Gardeners take care of the town plantings such as the welcome signs, downtown Elmira’s planters, parks in cemeteries and garden beds in community parks, among other areas.

“It is very strange and when you’re volunteering you’re doing this of your

own time, out of the goodness of your own heart, and then somebody comes along and just spoils it for everybody. It’s very upsetting,” added Smith.

Planted at the end of May, the stolen flowers were blooming bright pink flowers, similar to the New Guinea impatiens still planted in the garden bed at Gibson Park.

“This is the first time we tried these, and they are amazing.”

At the end of May, Rockway Gardens in Kitchener reported $20,000 worth of damage from vandalism.

Some of the stonework, trees and flowerbeds had been broken purposefully, many of which were dedicated as a memorial to a lost loved one.

The garden bed at Gibson Park is located in front of the parking lot, boasting tall pink flowers as well as now four holes where the stolen flowers used to be.

“It made me really sad to think somebody would think that was an OK thing to do, and it made me mad because it’s wrong no matter how you look at it.”

The Elmira and District Horticultural Society has been a member of Ontario Horticultural Association since 1900, making it one of Elmira’s longest running volunteer organizations. They are currently in need of more volunteers, anyone interested can email them at woolwichgardeners@ gmail.com.

Thursday, August 12, 2021 | THE OBSERVER

COMMUNITY NEWS | 5

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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, August 12, 2021 | 6

Opinion

Verbatim

The Monitor

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

“The Governor General should reject any snap election call by Prime Minister Trudeau because it is illegal, dishonest and goes against the will of Parliament, in the same way the British Supreme Court rejected the British PM’s shutting down of Parliament as an illegal abuse of power.”

Connect: observerxtra.com/staff

Duff Conacher of Democracy Watch on the prospect of a snap election.

From April 2020 to June 2021, 30% of employees aged 15 to 64 had performed most of their hours from home. In contrast, about 4% of employees did so in 2016; 45% of dual-earner salaried couples in the top 10% of the earnings distribution had both spouses working from home, nine times the rate of 5% for those in the bottom 10%.

When local news matters ...

Statistics Canaa

OBSERVER EDITORIAL

There's no good reason for Trudeau to call a snap election

I

f a federal election were held today, the Liberals would be returned to power. Polls show the party has a seven-point lead over the Conservatives – 36 to 29 per cent. They also continue to show Justin Trudeau ahead of NDP leader Jagmeet Singh and the CPC’s Erin O’Toole as Canadians’ pick as who would make the best prime minister.

The numbers might make it tempting for Trudeau to call a snap election, especially if the party sees the opportunity to regain a majority position. There’s no call for that, however, as the country has a fixed election date – the next is due in October 2023 – and there’s really no appetite for a campaign nor for going to the polls during an ongoing pandemic.

A Nanos poll, for instance, shows just 26 per cent of Canadians would want a fall election.

Democracy Watch has launched an online petition asking new Governor General Mary Simon to say no to any snap election call before the next fixed election date. The organization says a snap election call would be illegal, dishonest, and unfair and dangerous for many voters.

Under the current rules, voters would return to the polls on the set date unless a confidence vote caused the government to fall. There’s little chance of that, as neither the Conservatives nor NDP are in a position to run a campaign – finances aside, the poll numbers aren’t good, and neither O’Toole nor Singh have gained much traction. (The same is true of Green leader Annamie Paul, who’s support isn’t solid even within the party, though a recent move to oust her fizzled out.)

O’Toole’s unknown status is likely to be a factor in reducing the likelihood a quick election precipitated by the opposition. Finances are a concern for all parties just two years since the last election, especially for the NDP. For the Conservatives, they’d certainly like more time before throwing O’Toole into the fray given his inability to resonate with Canadians. The Liberals might like to take a shot at a return to majority status, taking advantage of the goodwill their handling of the pandemic might have engendered, but an election in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis should make that unlikely. (Pandemic-weary Canadians may be less inclined to reward incumbents just now.)

We need only look to the south to see what kind of wrench the coronavirus situation has thrown into the electoral process. There’s no way we want to go down that road if it can be avoided. Canadians certainly have more pressing priorities than dealing with an election campaign, virtual or otherwise.

That said, Elections Canada has been preparing should we head back to the polls. The agency has put together an internal task force to ensure the voting remains "accessible, safe and healthy" for electors and workers. That’s likely to include more voting by mail, though Elections Canada has never handled anything on a large scale.

Officials will certainly want to avoid having voters stand in long lines, increasing the risk of transmitting the virus.

Mail-in voting eliminates that kind of risk, with other measures such as additional polling stations spread out over a wider area also serving to lower the risk. There are also options for more advance polls and/or voting at Elections Canada offices. The agency says it is exploring a range of options, though some may require changes to the Canada Elections Act, which falls to the House.

Ideally, this will be a non-issue, at least until the pandemic has passed. In the absence of a move to unseat the minority government, Canadians are scheduled to vote again on Oct. 23, 2023 Trudeau has recently denied rumours he was going to call an election. Reversing course wouldn’t be a first, but it would indicate both bad faith and bald-faced opportunism.

ANALYSIS OF CURRENT WORLD EVENTS

The conquest of Mexico: some history is inevitable

F

riday the 13th is the 500th anniversary of the Spanish conquest of Mexico. The capital of the Aztec empire, Tenochtitlan, fell to the invaders after a long siege, and became Mexico City instead. It was a major historical event, still mourned by millions and celebrated by millions more five centuries after it happened. But was it actually inevitable?

Laurent Binet doesn’t think so. The French writer’s novel ‘Civilisations,’ which started winning prizes as soon as it was published in 2019, has now been translated into English and offers an alternate history in which the Incas and Aztecs conquered Europe. It’s fiction, of course, but it makes you think.

Binet starts 1,000 years ago with the Viking voyages to ‘Vinland’ (Newfoundland), an interesting historical fact that had no known impact on the rest of the world. But in Binet’s version a single band of Vikings sails all the way down the coast and up the Amazon River, finally conquering and intermarrying with a native Amerindian group.

This is the key plot device, because this stray Viking group not only gives the locals the

GWYNNE DYER

Global Outlook on World Affairs

technique for making iron tools and weapons. It also gives the native Americans all the Eurasian quick-killer diseases: smallpox, cholera, influenza, bubonic plague, typhoid, etc.

The first generations of local victims die in swathes, but by 500 years later their descendants have all the same immunities as Europeans. So when Columbus shows up in the Caribbean in 1492, the local people are as well armed as his crew, they don’t fall ill, and they eat the European explorers for lunch (metaphorically, of course).

Then an exiled Inca ex-monarch in Cuba has his men reverse-engineer Columbus’s ships, builds some of his own, and sets out to Europe to see what he can conquer or steal.

There follows a picaresque story in which a band of 300 Inca ‘conquistadors’ first overthrows the King of Spain and then, modestly reinforced by other Inca adventurers, takes over Italy, Germany and the Netherlands as well.

England’s King Henry VIII,

despairing of getting the Pope to annul his 24-year marriage to Catherine of Aragon so that he can marry Anne Boleyn, abandons Christianity and declares himself the local representative of the Sun God. France is conquered by the Aztecs instead, and everybody lives turbulently ever after.

There’s plenty to amuse the casual reader. Francisco Pizarro, conqueror of Peru in fact, becomes the personal fixer of the Inca king Atahualpa, ruler of most of Europe. The Aztecs are horrified by the way that the Christians burn their human sacrifices (the heretics) alive rather than just cutting their hearts out like sensible people do. And so on.

The message seems to be that native Americans, given the opportunity, would have been slightly nicer and more enlightened imperialists than the Europeans who filled that role in the real history. Which may be true, but is not very relevant, since the whole scenario is entirely incredible.

Not much in history is inevitable, but the conquest of the Americas was. It might have been done by the Chinese or the Muslims rather than by the →DYER 8

Thursday, August 12, 2021 | THE OBSERVER

OPINION | 7

Demographics and growth don’t mix, though Ponzi would approve

F

rom global problems such as climate change to the local battle over a gravel pit near Maryhill, our obsession with growth has got us where we are today.

Billions of people consuming an ever-growing amount of goods are the basis of anthropogenic global warming and a host of other ills. A microcosm of that is local development that relies on resources such as gravel, fuelling the financial aspirations of the few behind the Maryhill application.

The growth mantra is at the root of many of our problems, only the symptoms of which are addressed – see, for instance, the unwarranted light rail transit in the region – and never the root cause.

Nowhere in the plans of any government is there an argument for curtailing growth. Instead, we have policies that favour an ever-increasing number of people flowing into the region (and the province and the country). Scheme such as the LRT itself requires a huge influx just to meet the optimistic – but still low – ridership numbers and to justify the spending of massive amounts of money.

Unable to get a handle on responsible financial management, governments rely on a growing number of “tomorrow” residents to pay for the spending of the past and present. That’s true not only of capital spending projects that will benefit people tomorrow. The real harm is not the mortgage, but using the credit card for today’s groceries before paying off yesterday’s, day before’s and last week’s, last month’s and last year’s.

Even long-term liabilities such as pensions and old-age programs rely on future workers to pay for former ones,

STEVE KANNON Editor's Point of View

fueling that portion of the Ponzi scheme that is our economic system.

The end game is a situation that stands to diminish the quality of life here, no matter what.

The mantra of growth trumps all.

It’s what been called Ponzi-scheme economics on more than one occasion, here and elsewhere. That’s true of every government action, municipal, provincial and federal. That we have to have more growth – more people, more consumers, more everything – is taken as gospel.

That such a model is impossible to sustain never enters into the equation.

It’s just another example of the short-term thinking that defines politics based on grasping power,

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with fears of financial decline, Ponzi demography is basically a pyramid scheme that aims to make more money for some by adding more people through population growth (i.e., natural increase and immigration),” he writes in a piece for The Hill earlier this year, reacting to alarmism about slowing population growth in the U.S., China and elsewhere.

“The underlying strategy of Ponzi demography is straightforward: privatize profits and socialize costs incurred from increased population growth.

“When confronted with environmental concerns such as climate change, global warming, environmental contamination, pollution or shortages of water and other vital natural resources, promoters of Ponzi demography typically dismiss such concerns as alarmist or argue that such concerns

are best addressed by a growing population.”

The U.S. population increase of 7.4 per cent from 2010 to 2020 was the second lowest rate of growth since the country’s first census in 1790, and half typical growth rates since 1790. Only during the Great Depression of the 1930s did U.S. population grow more slowly, by 7.3 percent. However, even slower rates of U.S population growth are expected in the coming decades, Chamie notes in a recent research paper with Joel E. Cohen, professor of populations at The Rockefeller University and Columbia University in New York and author of “How Many People Can the Earth Support?”

China’s population grew 5.3 per cent in the decade ending in 2020, the lowest decadal growth rate since the catastrophic famine of the late 1950s. India proj-

Having the kids at home comes at a cost. Sending them back to their classes comes with another.

Founded in 1996.

JOE MERLIHAN

a private sector focused on quarterly profits, and, to be honest, our own desire for immediate gratification.

Much of the thinking stems from population growth in general and immigration policies in the West specifically, which fuel the growth mantra.

But what we’re doing is unsustainable, as experts such as Dr. Joseph Chamie, who’s been warning for years about what he calls “Ponzi demography.”

Chamie is a former director of the United Nations Population Division, former research director of the Center for Migration Studies and editor of International Migration Review and now an independent demographer and author of “Births, Deaths, Migrations and Other Important Population Matters.”

“While it is often disguised in economic jargon and accounting spreadsheets coupled

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ects for 2011-2021 its lowest decadal rate of population growth, 12.5 percent, since its independence.

“Some public handwringers maintain that a large population size aids the United States’ competition for economic and geopolitical dominance with China. But the mercantilist view that there is strength in numbers alone is obsolete by centuries. A large or rapidly growing population is hardly necessary or sufficient for prosperity,” they write.

“Finland, ranked the happiest country in the world, has an average number of children per woman per lifetime of 1.4, compared to the U.S. rate of 1.6 children per woman, South Korea’s 0.8, Singapore’s 1.1, Italy’s 1.3, Japan’s 1.4, Norway’s 1.5 and Denmark’s 1.7. China currently has an average 1.3 children per woman per lifetime, markedly fewer than the United States.”

That some country’s are both less obsessed with growth and are home to contented populations goes against the unchallenged, unexplained and inexplicable growth mantra we see even here in Canada.

According to Ponzi demography, population growth – through natural increase and immigration – means more people leading to increased demands for goods and services, more material consumption, more borrowing, more on credit and of course more profits.

Everything seems fantastic for a while – but like all Ponzi schemes, Ponzi demography is unsustainable, Chamie argues.

He recommends population stabilization and an end to the growth mentality, akin to the calls for change by the likes of →KANNON 8

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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, August 12, 2021

8 | OPINION

Learning to deal with the basics in stink

O A 23 hazing incident at Elmira District Secondary School involved ten students, black markers, duct tape and Saran Wrap. One student was duct taped to a tree while another was Saran Wraped to the KFC sign pole downtown Elmira.

Playing professional soccer since 213, Elmira’s Tyler Pasher first made the Observer pages as a nineyear-old soccer phenom. He currently plays for the Houston Dynamo in Major League Soccer.

On the original wish list of amenities for the Woolwich Memorial Centre included public steam rooms, a hot yoga studio and an underwater sound system in the pool. ↆ LAST WEEK: Less than half of online readers were able to identify the lie last week. A Woolwich Township bylaw was not introduced in 2009 that took aim at street performers and outlined distinct rules for balloon artists, magicians and bagpipers.

The smallest full-grown stallion in the world standing at 18 inches high and weighing just 41lbs was Peanut. The Observer and Picard’s Peanuts sponsored a photo op for kids at the last ever Elmira Raceway event in Elmira.

Hit with snow and ice and less than half the attendance for the 2003 Elmira Maple Syrup Festival, organizers didn’t turn a profit and community groups received no support funding.

You can play online by reading any online post at www.observerxtra. com. Vote for the lie and be notified if you are correct immediately.

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ne of the classic rules of dog behaviour is that a dog follows its nose.

Otherwise, it would always be walking backwards.

The concern here is that a dog’s nose generally leads it to things most people would prefer not to smell – or watch a dog smell.

Take, for example, the other morning when I woke up and took my dog outside off-leash. I immediately noticed that Rosie ran towards an area of the front lawn that had been dug up in the night.

When I got there, I looked at the carnage with mixed emotions. On one hand, thanks to the unsightly holes and pulled up turf, there was less lawn to mow. On the other hand, it was clear that this was the handiwork of a skunk – the one my English springer spaniel was now hot on the trail of.

The skunk was not in sight, but judging from the

STEVE GALEA

Not-So-Great Outdoorsman

joyous body language of my pup, it wasn’t too far off either.

Since this was very early in the morning and I did not want to wake up the neighbours, I whistled at Rosie. This is a recall signal she heeds 99 per cent of the time. The other one per cent of the time, she is trailing a skunk.

So, instead of heeling, she shot me a look that said, “I know you want me to return to you, but this is a really neat smell and, if we are lucky, I’ll catch up to the beautiful creature that made it. You want me to thank it for making less lawn to mow?”

Rosie gets me, I’ll give her that.

At that point I did the only thing I could do, I gave Rosie the hand signal to

sit, which she did. Then I walked up to her, threw on a leash and escorted her home.

It was a very near thing, judging from the fact that even I could smell it.

An incident like this reminds a hunting dog owner that there will come a time when you will be driving home with your dog from a late-November hunt. It will be in the middle of a blizzard, when a howling crosswind and frigid temperatures descend upon the land and the stench inside the vehicle will force you will think it is a good idea to keep all the windows wide open until you get home – and maybe for a few hours after that.

Sometime on that drive home, however, you will also come to realize you have two choices: to let the sweet, merciful cold take you to your maker or to close the windows and turn

up the heat and live with the unbearable stench of whatever your dog rolled in.

It’s not an easy decision.

By the way, if you are wearing your regular cologne, your dog will probably want to roll on you too.

The good news is, if you get pulled over on the way home, the officer will let you off with a warning and perhaps even an admonition to get as far away from this place as quickly as you can – speed limits be damned. And when you get home, your spouse will probably offer the same advice.

Fortunately, if you do things right, within a couple of months the smell will be gone from your vehicle. But there is bad news too. You might just have gotten used to it.

Either way, the solution is simple. Stop wearing that cheap cologne.

KANNON: Growth mantra at the root of most problems, but it persists →FROM 7

economists Herman Daly and Joseph Stiglitz and physicist Joe Romm.

A former World Bank economist, Daly knows firsthand the failings of traditional economic thinking. At its root, the currently-accepted viewpoint sees growth as something infinite on a

finite planet. That’s just not possible, especially when we’re using up the planet’s stored capital of resources at a breakneck pace, polluting our environment every step of the way.

His works outline a new way of economic thinking, one that moves away from a growth pattern that can’t go on indefinitely.

DYER: Some level of inevitability →FROM 6

Europeans, but whichever of the older Eurasian civilizations reached the Americas first was bound to supplant the local, younger civilizations.

The problem was the sheer biological vulnerability of ‘New World’ populations to people coming from the ‘Old World,’ and Binet’s device of having Greenland Vikings accidentally bestow immunity on the New Worlders 500 years before Columbus just doesn’t work. The then new Greenland settlements were so far from Europe, so small, and so rarely visited that they lacked lasting immunity themselves.

Moreover, their explorations in Newfoundland and around the Gulf of St. Lawrence were undertaken in the hope of finding some valuable resource that they could trade with Iceland and Norway in return for all the things they could not produce themselves.

As soon as the Greenland Vikings found something that filled the bill closer to home – walrus and

narwhal ivory from Disko Bay on Greenland’s northwest coast – they shut the Newfoundland base down and stopped sailing westward. The idea that they could ever have reached the Caribbean, let alone the Amazon, is preposterous.

The New World’s population in 1500 was probably around 50 million people, mostly living in the big but relatively new mass civilizations. That population fell by about 90 per cent in the following century.

So many farms were abandoned that the global temperature dropped (the ‘Little Ice Age’) as the forests grew back and absorbed enormous amounts of carbon dioxide.

What killed those 45 million missing people?

Maybe one million died at the hands of the European invaders, but the vast majority fell victim to the Eurasian quick-killer diseases. If the Chinese had crossed the Pacific and reached the Americas first, the result would have been exactly the same. Those civilizations were doomed.

And one the separates good economic activity from undesirable activity, something not done in traditional use of gross domestic product (GDP) figures, which give equal weight to the financial impact of a new lifesaving technology and the costs associated with a natural disaster. Both generate economic activity, but we would prefer much more of the former and less of the latter (though we’re likely to see more disasters, however, as climate change cashes in on the IOU we’ve been writing to the planet for the last two centuries).

The growth economy is failing. In other words, the quantitative expansion of the economic subsystem increases environmental

and social costs faster than production benefits, making us poorer not richer, at least in high consumption countries, he argues.

This last bit is in keeping with what municipalities here have been experiencing for a number of years: growth costs more than it contributes to the local economy. The expansion of hard services such as roads, water and sewers and schools and the resultant maintenance costs, coupled with social services, policing and fire protection outstrip the benefits of new development.

And that’s just in direct dollars, never mind the environmental and quality of life impacts, neither of which is beneficial.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

 What have we learned from the pandemic?

To the Editor, The fundamental societal balance is right and responsibility. As we have seen in the measures to gain control of the COVID19 virus and its variations, the greater challenge has been responsibility. Some countries mandate and penalize, we attempt to persuade, incentivize and hope.

Our interconnected world has been given a pause. Regardless the ramblings of opportunistic politicians, we will not

return to the ‘good old pre pandemic days.’ What have we learned?

We must become gatekeepers to our health, nationally provincially and locally. National jurisdictions have long required appropriate vaccinations for entry. The province of Quebec will soon require proof of vaccination to access non-essential indoor services. This only makes sense.

Does anyone really believe that our changing world will not ‘cough up’ another, perhaps more serious, pandemic?

John Kolb WATERLOO

THE OBSERVER | Thursday, August 12, 2021 | 9

Business

Leading the way.

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

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The holiday spirit

Funding for research

Kindred Credit Union will be recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30. All Kindred branches and head office will be closed on this date and will reopen for service on Oct. 1. A new federal statutory holiday, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was included as part of the Calls to Action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's final report in 2015.

In an event that included Kitchener-Conestoga MP Tim Louis, the federal government this week announced a $10 million investment from FedDev Ontario for the University of Waterloo, in partnership with Western University, the City of Kitchener and Medical Innovation Xchange, to establish a health tech innovation hub in the region with partnerships across southwestern Ontario.

New funding for farmers collaborating under one digital roof Feds provide $71,000 to Open Food Network Canada, founded by St. Agatha farmer Theresa Schumilas JUSTINE FRASER Observer Staff

AN ONLINE MARKETPLACE FOR FARMERS has started growing in Ontario. Its roots took hold five years ago in St. Agatha, thanks to Theresa Schumilas, founding director of Open Food Network Canada.

Schumilas has been a farmer most of her life, she also studied sustainable food systems at Wilfrid Laurier University, she came upon Open Food Network during her studies, which at the time only operated in the UK and Australia. With the help of Laurier’s Centre for Sustainable Food Systems, she began operating the not-for-profit in Canada.

Open Food Network Canada is a digital platform designed to help communities create and coordinate local food initiatives as well as secure access to sustainably produced food.

“We have about 800 producers who are on the

platform. There’s a very large food hub here [in Waterloo Region] called Bailey’s local foods and they sell on the open food network platform – they have probably 80 to 85 different farmers who supply that hub, and almost all of them would be from around here. So there is a pretty big hub in this area that local farmers sell through,” said Schumilas.

“It’s hard for a farm to just have their own online store. Well, it’s easy to have a store, but what we hear from farmers all the time is, ‘OK, I have a store and now nothing’s happening.’

Well, that’s because cyberspace is actually a really busy space right now, so it’s not likely that anybody’s going to find you. We try to help people link together into marketplaces because consumers still want a more of a one-stop shop experience – they still want to go to one place, even though it’s an online place, order from multiple suppliers at once, and pick up

that order in one place, or get it all delivered together instead of visiting 10 or 12 separate farms. Just having a farm store doesn’t really get you to that. For us, the important thing is linking these into marketplaces,” she explained.

To help the organization with its efforts, the federal government last month pledged $71,000 for Open Food Network Canada under the Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF), a $50-million program aimed at community-based, not-for-profit organizations that are helping to reduce food insecurity.

The funding will support updates to Open Food Network Canada’s digital platform by adding new features to make food more affordable, adequate, available and accessible to food insecure populations.

“The goal going forward is to increase the amount of food that’s accessible over what it currently is Theresa Schumilas of Open Food Network Canada, at her farm near St. Agatha.

→ OPEN FOOD NETWORK 10

JustineFraser

Cash, the cringe factor and meatless meat OWEN ROBERTS Food For Thought

Meat is one of the most expensive items in the grocery cart.

But it won’t be easy.

Meat and livestock production is a well-oiled system. Conventional meat producers have been working for decades to keep their quality up and costs down. The research and distribution system to help them is solidly in place.

Feed is livestock farmers’ biggest cost. So they work to breed livestock that are the most efficient at using it, while growing or buying feed that makes their animals as healthy as possible or their way to reaching market weight.

Some people like the fact that the meat they’re eating is raised on pasture, eating grass, then supplemented with hay or other natural feed ingredients when the seasons change and pasture is no longer available.

Meat companies like

to portray this idyllic farm scene to consumers, particularly given how marketing features such as local, natural and homegrown strike a chord.

That’s a stretch for plant-based meat, and pretty well impossible for lab-raised meat.

Which leads to the second factor, whether people will eat the stuff.

The Illinois researchers say it’s estimated 25-30 per cent of consumers have said they’ll give meatless meat a try.

They’re more willing to substitute plant-based meat than lab-grown meat for conventional meat.

Meatless meat products are hardly yet available on the market, so uptake studies have relied on hypothetical choice scenarios. That’s led to wide variations in consumer willingness estimates, especially for lab-grown meat.

One study from 2019 found that only five per cent of consumers would opt for lab-grown meat → ROBERTS 10

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kind that can be grown from animal cells in a lab without sacrificing the original source.

Taking the 30,000-foot view, University of Illinois researchers in a new study that the meatless meat industry’s success depends on two factors.

First is the cost. The rising price of food is a worry, everywhere.

Meatless meat production companies must drive down their costs enough to make their products competitive.

It’s an opportunity.

r St

ome people cringe at the thought of an animal being sacrificed for human food. Others can overlook that aspect of meat production, and cringe at the thought of meat being anything other than animal muscle.

So who’s winning? Fast food companies with huge public profiles and advertising budgets to match continue developing vegetable products that look and taste like meat. And researchers are making some progress with cell-based meat, the

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10 | B U S I N E S S

ROBERTS : People are generally more accepting of plantbased meat subsitutes than lab-grown meat → FROM 9

when given the choice between beef, plant-based beef, lab-grown beef, or no purchase.

Factor in costs, and the figures drop again.

Marketers have their work cut out for them.

The researchers cite studies showing that exposure to brand names, such as Certified Angus Beef, compelled eight per cent of consumers who thought they might switch to meatless meat, to switch back to beef.

They say marketing

attempts to change consumers’ opinions about the “naturalness” of lab-grown meat would be futile. A European study said that the main roadblock to greater acceptability of lab-grown meat is that consumers perceived lab-grown meat “as unnatural and therefore disgusting.”

So here we are, polarized again when it comes to meat.

Probably, there’s room for conventional meat and meatless meat to coexist. If meatless meat was

more affordable it could be used institutionally, perhaps substituted for traditional protein the way other protein sources are used in some booster drinks.

In response to COVID19, both Beyond Meat and Impossible Meat lowered their prices to make them more competitive. They’re typically about a dollar more than conventional beef.

That’s not out of sight.

I’ll try one in time. But lab-based meat? Unlikely.

At any price.

OPEN FOOD NETWORK : Feds providing suppport as pandemic shines a light on issues of food insecurity → FROM 9

in these areas, but also to increase local food that’s available. So, in that sense, to also improve livelihood of small-scale farmers and manufacturers, food processors, etc,” said Schumilas It’s a key piece of enhancing food security, says Kitchener-Conestoga MP Tim Louis.

“COVID-19 has intensified food insecurity of the most vulnerable people, but it is also having an impact on the operation of organizations working to improve food security.

[The] investment will help Open Food Network Canada reach people and communities in Kitchener-Conestoga and across Canada. Not only are we supporting the Canadians who rely on these programs, but we are supporting our local heroes working tirelessly to address food insecurity,” he said.

“This is great news for Open Food Network Canada, and the community food enterprises that we support across the country. During the COVID-19 crisis, communities across Canada have used the Open Food

Network platform to coordinate agile and responsive community food projects that have helped to secure regional food security in a time of widespread supply chain disruption. With this infusion of new funding from LFIF, we’ll be able to develop a new suite of platform features and short supply chain programs tailored to the needs of food-insecure Canadians across the country,” said David Thomas, projects manager at Open Food Network Canada.

Schumilas currently runs Garden Party Flower Farm, which began operating in 1990 but changed its name and concept in 2018 to focus on cut flowers. The flower farm uses Open Food Network to connect with other flower farms and sell all in one digital place. The platform enables her to connect with designers around Toronto, who are constantly needing new inventory. She noted that since using the platform, it has quadrupled her sales.

“I came at all this from an environmental perspective, and the idea that food is a unique way to accomplish environmental change, whether it’s

greenhouse gas reductions or improving water quality - that was my initial motivation, and I was not a technically oriented person at all. So I didn’t come at this from a technical developer background – for me, I had been doing my doctoral research in China, and looking at local food systems there, and I was totally blown away by how digitized the systems were. What we would call peasant farmers were using handheld mobile devices to not just market food but to help them manage their crops. We were not doing that at all – we’re working on paper – so that was my initial question, why aren’t we digitizing like other people are?” said Schumilas.

Online platforms for food have seen an increase in sales since the pandemic started, and many farmers have been happy to have an online platform to sell on that collaborates with other farmers since produce can vary week by week, said Schumilas, adding that she and the team of volunteers at Open Food Network Canada are eager to see it expand further across the country.

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Ontario is committed to a new 4 lane Highway 7 and replacing Woolwich’s Glasgow St. Bridge and Wilmot’s Bridge St. Bridge. GO Service has increased by over 100% on the Kitchener Line and more news on Two-Way, All-Day GO is coming soon.

A $7M electrophysiology lab has opened at St. Mary’s and another $7M will expand local community paramedicine. Over 600 new and upgraded long-term care beds are being built in the region, including nearly 200 spaces at Nithview Community in New Hamburg and free dental care is now available to low-income seniors.

A bright future for our kids 5 more schools are coming to Waterloo Region, including Breslau’s new St. Boniface School.

An improved apprenticeship system and support for skilled trades at Conestoga College will make training more accessible.

Ontario is also increasing local university funding.

Live, work and play Wellesley Township is getting a new recreation centre thanks to $16M from Ontario. Upgrades are coming to the Woolwich Memorial Centre, Nithview Trail, West Montrose Bridge, and G2G Trail. An $11M investment is bringing reliable broadband to over 3,000 rural households and businesses.

*for first three months

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Thursday, August 12, 2021 | THE OBSERVER

B U S I N E S S | 11

Waters, Hastings g & Grainger ger Professional Corporation

75 Arthur St. South, Elmira, ON N3B 2M8

LET US HELP YOU WITH YOUR SUMMER

Visit our Pharmacy today!

We offer many services that may benefit you

• Medication management • Seasonal flu vaccine (Blister pack) • Over the counter • Free Prescription delivery delivery available (Elmira and local area) (Minimum $50 before tax order required) • Ostomy Supply • Compression Stockings

• Incontinence products

• Travel Vaccine administration service

• Prescription Transfer to our pharmacy just like 1-2-3

Monday - Friday Saturday

9:00am - 6:00pm

REAL ESTATE DEAL!

FEATURE ITEM: MAPLE BROWN SUGAR AND MAPLE CHIPOTLE

3.99

MARINATED $ PORK CHOPS DELI SLICED

PASTRAMI

8.99 /lb

$

10:00am - 3:00pm

Sunday

2065 Floradale Rd. Elmira, ON.

Closed

Tel: (519) 669-5655 Fax: (519) 669-5595 Raj Patel Pharmacist / Owner

Our plant is 100% Gluten Free

PHONE: 519-669-2300 TOLL FREE: 844-669-2300

“Don't follow any advice, no matter how good, until you feel as deeply in your spirit as you think in your mind that the counsel is wise.”

Joan Rivers /lb

Reg.$5.89 /lb

Reg.$11.19 /lb

HOURS: Tuesday - Friday 8am - 6pm Saturday 9am - 3pm Sunday CLOSED

Call us for a

FREE quotation and legal review of your transactions!

Cynthia L. Hastings BA (Hons) LLB Scott A. Grainger LLB Brent Wiancko B.A (Hons.); M.A. (History), M.A. (Public History), J.D. Michelle Barbosa-Macedo Licensed Paralegal

Friendly, Experienced & Passionate legal representation with high integrity from your local, full service law firm

Former Assistant Crown Attorney

21 Arthur St. S., Elmira | 519-669-1641 | whglaw.ca

Advertising Feature

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS BE PREPARED FOR THE UNEXPECTED WITH SERVICES FROM THESE HELPFUL LOCAL BUSINESSES

519•669•1611 www.josslin.com

POWER OUTAGE? BE PREPARED Waterloo North Hydro makes every effort to minimize outages, but unforeseen circumstances such as weather and accidents can lead to power outages.

Keep you and your family safe during extended outages: Prepare an emergency plan with your family Prepare an emergency kit and store it in an easy to find location. Check it regularly to make sure it is in good working order Stay at least the length of a school bus away from downed powerlines and call Waterloo North Hydro immediately at 519-886-5090 Don’t use barbecues or home generators indoors

Visit www.wnhydro.com/outages for real-time updates on outages Find more emergency tips at www.wnhydro.com/beprepared

THE OBSERVER | Thursday, August 12, 2021 | 12

Classifieds

Advertising

Placing a classified ad

Seven days.

One paper.

Please call or email for display advertising quote for Help Wanted, Auctions, Real Estate, Public Notices and Obituaries.

A bestseller every week.

Please talk to our ad dept for pricing and to order a Pro Services Directory.

All classified advertising is prepaid. Ads will be accepted in person, email, or phone during regular office hours. Deadline is Wednesdays by 10am. Order online at: observerxtra.com/classifieds.

Phone: 519-669-5790 ext 104 Email: ads@woolwichobserver.com Job Listings: jobs.observerxtra.com

Help Wanted

Family Album Announcements pricing and info can be ordered online at: observerxtra.com/order-family-album.

Help Wanted

Residential:

$9 per 20 words (20¢ per extra word)

Commercial:

$15 per 20 words (30¢ per extra word)

Help Wanted

NOW HIRING Elmira Pet Products has a reputation for producing high quality pet food for both mass merchandise and niche markets. As Canada’s largest private label dry pet food manufacturer, we produce a full range of products to meet the needs of our diverse customer base.

Now is a great time to join our team! We offer competitive pay, benefits, bonuses, steady shifts, training, and opportunities for advancement. If you enjoy doing your best work and having fun at the same time, consider applying for the following positions: • Packaging Operator • General Labourer • Material Handler For more information, please visit the “Join our Team” page on our website at www.elmirapet.com

Part & Full time available

Cafe & Catering business Customer service, Food prep & serving, TOWNSHIP OFduties, Flexible shifts, Cleaning Join a young, dynamic team that keeps growing!

Free staff meals

WELLESLEY

Woodland Horizon Ltd designs, manufacturers, finishes and installs high quality custom cabinetry and solid wood stairs. Our shop and showroom are located in the town of Drayton. At Woodland, one of our core values is Respect. Respect for our team members and respect for our customers. Continuous improvement is also a big part of who we are. We are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to make our team members jobs easier and more efficient. If this sounds like an environment that you would be interested in being a part of, please contact us.

We are looking for a full time, permanent

Edgebander Machine Operator

Help Wanted

Woodworking Craftsman Join a young, dynamic team that keeps growing! Woodland Horizon Ltd designs, manufacturers, finishes and installs high quality custom cabinetry and solid wood stairs. Our shop and showroom are located in the town of Drayton. At Woodland, one of our core values is Respect. Respect for our team members and respect for our customers. Continuous improvement is also a big part of who we are. We are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to make our team members jobs easier and more efficient.

We are looking for a full time, permanent

Kitchen Cabinet Installer to join our team. In this position you would be working with one of our install teams installing high quality custom kitchens and stairs. In this position you would be reporting to our Install manager.

Required skills • Respectful • Ability to read blueprints • Cabinet building experience will be an asset • Cabinet install experience will be an asset • Motivated and enthusiastic • Courteous and friendly • Dependable • No post secondary education required This position is full time, with benefits after probationary period.

If you are interested in joining a vibrant and growing company, please send your resume to laverne@woodlandhorizon.com or call 519.638.5961 to set up an interview.

Only those receiving an interview will be contacted. Thank you.

FROM PAPER TO PRINT

at

RiverSong

632 Hawkesville Rd., St. Jacobs

519-500-1715 | chef.bduff@gmail.com

Help Wanted

TOWNSHIP OF

WELLESLEY Parks & Recreation Department is accepting resumes for

You would be responsible for setting up, running and daily maintenance of our CNC Edgeband machine.

This is a high tech German built machine and is an integral part of the kitchen cabinet manufacturing process. You will work closely with our machining and production managers to ensure that parts are edgbanded as needed by our assembly team.

Required skills • Respectful and team focused.

• Motivated and enthusiastic.

• Courteous and friendly.

• Dependable.

• Ability to read blueprints.

• Capable of lifting 50 to 75 pounds.

• No post secondary education required.

• Previous wood working experience will be an asset.

• Previous Machine operation experience will be an asset.

FACILITIES OPERATOR AND CASUAL ARENA OPERATOR Please visit: www.wellesley.ca for job description requirements

Help Wanted

Full time permanent positions available at our apple processing plant in Elmira.

Forklift Operator, Machine Operator & Line Worker openings on afternoon shift Monday to Friday 3pm - 11pm

Experience: • Machine Operator: 1 year (preferred) • Woodworking: 1 year (preferred)

Shift premium & benefits

Please send resume to: hr@martinsapples.com

This position is full time, with benefits after probationary period.

Word ads Continue on page 13

If you are interested in joining a vibrant and growing company, please send your resume to laverne@woodlandhorizon.com or call 519.638.5961 ext 104

Notice

Only those receiving an interview will be contacted.

Observer photographs online or in print are all available for purchasing a reprint. ads.observerxtra.com/reprints

8x10 $15

2nd Print only $7.50

5x7 $11

2nd Print only $5.50

4x6

$9

2nd Print only $4.50

IN THE AUGUST 5 EDITION OF THE Obsever, the Open For Business Ad contained a logo for MCC RePurpose Centre. The MCC RePurpose Centre is no longer operating.

Help Wanted CABINET/FINISHER ASSISTANT. WE ARE looking for a quality oriented person to join our team. A year experience in a woodworking shop is preferred be we would train the right person.

This person should have a sharp eye for detail and have a good work ethic. Competitive wages and benefits. Email resume to: barry.ekb@bellnet.ca

E

Thursday, August 12, 2021 | THE OBSERVER

C L A S S I F I E D S | 13

Help Wanted

Help Wanted PART TIME EVENING CLEANERS NEEDED for commercial and office buildings, as well as post-construction cleaning during the day. 519-501-9114

Mill Cleaner Full Time Day Shift Position Wallenstein Feed & Supply Ltd. is accepting applications for a Full Time Cleaner. This position works 10-hour days Monday to Friday and is responsible for cleaning in an industrial environment and basic maintenance.

The successful candidate will be a hard-working individual with good attention to detail and have the ability to lift heavy objects. Pay range for this position is $18.50 to $22.50/hour, plus group benefits and a company RRSP. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, and thank all applicants in advance.

Accommodations are available during all stages of the recruitment process.

If you are interested in a rewarding work life, please submit your resume via email to recruiting@wfs.ca.

Officials urge go-slow option for reopening of economy JUSTINE FRASER Observer Staff

WHILE THE NUMBER OF COVID-19 cases has remained steady in the past week, public health officials are pushing for higher vaccination rates – at least 90 per cent – to stay ahead of the highly contagious Delta variant.

“We are seeing a slight increase in our cases, both in our region and provincial case rates are reflecting that as well. That’s why it’s so important to continue our work in maintaining public health precautions and continue to increase our community level protection by increasing our vaccination rates,” said associate medical officer of health Dr. Rabia Bana at the August 6 weekly pandemic briefing.

“These simple acts such as wearing face coverings, physical distancing and staying home when you are feeling unwell and getting fully vaccinated are helping to keep our community safe – our actions have consequences and the power to protect our community and save lives. Let’s continue to make responsible decisions before we choose to engage in an activity – if you haven’t been fully vaccinated and are eligible to receive a second dose, please do so as quickly as you can,” added regional Chair Karen Redman.

About 74 per cent of residents over the age of 12 have been fully vaccinated; some 84 per cent have had at least one shot.

“Our goal needs to be, to

have the highest number of vaccination rates that is really going to be our key in order to reopen safely and gradually as we move forward. We continue to monitor things as [we] start to reopen and monitor our case rates. That, in conjunction with vaccination rates, is really going to determine what types of measure we need in place going forward,” said Bana.

The rural northern part of Wellesley continues to have the highest COVID case rates in the region, as well as north Cambridge and southwest Kitchener.

Close contact and community transmissions remain to be the highest virus transmission type. Travelling remains the lowest level of transmission type in the region.

At midweek, there were 143 active cases of COVID19 in the region, with officials monitoring outbreaks at 11 locations.

Waterloo Region currently has 143 active cases, on Thursday (August 4) the region logged 16 new COVID cases. Three people succumbed to the disease in the past week, bringing the total to 285 since the pandemic began.

Those numbers indicate the need to be mindful of circumstances despite the provincial reopening plan, say local officials.

“From a business perspective, the business organizations all across this region are more on the side of being cautious.

Just because we can go out in stage 3 doesn’t mean we should, most people are concerned with cautiously reopening, staying open

is the prime objective.

Racing ahead and having to have another lockdown in September or October would be devastating for businesses, so we’re encouraging our members to take advantage of chambercheck.ca, screening kits, masks, get vaccinated, take advantage of the ambassador program, so that you can open safely and stay open,” said Ian McLean, president of the Greater KW Chamber of Commerce.

“Safely and cautiously reopening is more important than opening fast.”

The numbers are significantly lower in neighbouring Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph, though the midweek total of 39 active cases was up from 21 a week earlier.

There have been a total of 126 fatalities since the pandemic began, unchanged over the past three weeks.

The province continues to see growth in the total number of cases, and at a higher rate than in recent weeks, with the tally now at 553,000, up about 2,000 in the past week.

There have been 9,409 deaths attributed to the virus – up 60 over the week before – representing a mortality rate of 1.7 per cent. The ministry reports 541,222 cases (97.8 per cent) have been resolved.

The latest numbers from Health Canada show 12,052 active cases nationwide, up about 4,500 from a week earlier. The cumulative total of confirmed cases now stands at 1,442,087, with 26,678 related deaths, a mortality rate of 1.8 per cent.

For Sale CHINA CABINET, LIGHT OAK. Measures 80"w x 80"h. Excellent condition. $250. Call 519-577-2352.

For Sale

Farm Services

GMO OVEN READY ROASTERS. COMING BAGGED PINE SHAVSept. 3. Call for pricing INGS AGRICULTURAL 519-664-3007.

Spray Lime, 22.5kg. bag; feed grade lime, LAWN FERTILIZER AND 25kg. Delivered. Call LAWN SEED - CALL George Haffner TruckGeorge Haffner Truck- ing, 519-574-4141 or ing, 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045.

519-669-2045.

KILN DRIED CORN & Produce CORN SCREENING FALL HARVEST FARM Delivered by EinwechSEASONAL MARKET. ter. Minimum 15 ton lots. Call George 1011 Gerber Road, Haffner Trucking corner of Moser Young 5 19- 5 74 - 4141 o r and Gerber. Closed Mondays, Tues Fri. 10 - 519-669-2045.

DRESSER - 5 D R AW E R S $ 1 0 0 .

Coffee table $20. 6, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10 - 5.

OAT & PEAS FOR 519-585-7992.

226-791-7601.

F O R AG E C OV E R CROPS - Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141 or Auction 519-669-2045.

LIVE AUCTION SALE Of Tractors, machinery, few household goods and miscellaneous items, to be held at 6105 Buehler Line, Wellesley Twp. (approx. 1 ½ miles southeast of Dorking or 3 miles northwest of Linwood), for Verna Sauder, on

SAT, AUGUST 28TH @ 10:00 A.M.

MACHINERY: McCormick MTX 120 diesel

tractor, 4wd, 100hp, 20.8 X 38in. duals (80% - selling separately), front weights, Rops, air seat, good LED lighting, 4120 hours, 1 owner. Ford 6600 high arch tractor, 2wd, rebuilt engine 700 hours ago, good. CIH 685 diesel tractor with 2255 loader, bucket, bale spear, 4wd. Ford Jubilee, new rubber. CIH 4000 swather, 12ft. draper head. Kongskilde 5 furrow semi-mount plow, hyd. rest, manual variable width, good. Kongskilde 26ft. cultivator with 5 bar harrows. MF 33 seed drill, 16 run, fertilizer, grass seeder, hyd. lift, good. CIH DC132 – 13ft. discbine, centre pivot, steel rolls, good. Kuhn 9 bar, 3ph rake.

Wideman 84HD crimper. NH 575 baler with thrower, hyd. tongue, serviced yearly. Dion 16ft. self-unloading forage wagon, left hand, c/w new double reach Horst gear. Bale King 30ft. steel big bale wagon, lights, 445/50R 22.5 tires, good. Hagedorn 18ft. steel bale thrower rack on Horst double reach gear.

Ebersol 40ft. enclosed elevator. 12ft. crow foot packer. Lucknow 8 ½ ft. snow blower, hyd. hood, big single auger, good. 2 - CIH 600 forage blowers. CIH 1250 mix mill c/w hyd. swing auger. 4 section harrows with pole.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS: Winco 50kw

pto generator - good. Agro Power 25kw generator. Gravely ZT48XL zero turn mower, 48in. cut, 682 hours, 1 owner, serviced this fall. JAY LOR A50 self-propelled mini mixer.

11hp pressure washer c/w 75ft. hose.

AC welder. Air compressor. ATV 25 dump trailer. Buhler quick tach. Light bar. 10 – 7 ½ ft. plastic culverts. Approx. 100 concrete blocks. Quantity of cow mats. Scrap metal plus 2 wagonloads of farm related items.

HOUSEHOLD/ANTIQUES: Bonnet chest.

Sideboard. Hutch/buffet, china cabinet.

6 matching press back chairs. Bedroom furniture. 2pc. sofa set (sofa bed). Love seat, small household goods, list goes on!

NOTE – A clean lineup of shedded, field ready equipment. See www.gerberauctions. net for photos. Proprietress and auctioneers not responsible for accidents day of sale.

TERMS – Cash or cheque with I.D. (no cards).

SALE ORDER – wagonloads, household,

balance of miscellaneous items, machinery.

Where possible, one member per family & interested buyer’s only. Use proper social distancing at all times as per regional policy.

PROPRIETRESS – Verna Sauder (Ray 519-998-7664)

AUCTIONEERS:

Gerber Auctions Ltd. 519-699-4451 or 698-0138

2827 Hutchison Rd., RR#1 Millbank (Crosshill)

Wanted STILL BUYING ALL OMEGA'S, ROLEX, I . W. C . , B r e t l i n g Tudor, etc. All American pocket watches running or not. Silver coins or gold coins; jewellery diamonds and silver cutlery. 30 + yrs experience, have mask will travel. Fair honest pricing. Terry @ 519-242-6900 anytime or gallamore@golden. net Confidential quick results. Cash if wanted.

Trades & Services RON'S DRYWALL AND RENOVATIONS. OVER 35 years experience. Please call 519-496-7539 or email ron.spncr@gmail.com

Coming Events KARATE! IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL CLASSES AVAILABLE SCHWEITZER'S

MARTIAL ARTS. Self-defense, Self-discipline, Self-confidence.

GROUP CLASSES FOR AGES 4 TO ADULT. Taught by Renshi Becky Schweitzer, 4th Degree Black Belt and 5X World Karate Champion.

Location Heidelberg Community Centre 2915 Lobsinger Line, Heidelberg. FALL EARLY BIRD SPECIAL ONLY $100+HST FOR 10 WEEKS Special ends Aug. 30. Regular price $120+HST. Register at the Heidelbe rg C o mmu n i t y Centre Aug. 30 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. or Call 519-580-1418 or e-mail becky_schweitzer@ hotmail.com

Rentals THREE BEDROOM MAIN FLOOR APARTment in Inverhaugh. $2650/month plus utilities. One bedroom basement apar tment with laundry. $1650/month plus utilities. No pets, nonsmoking. Contact 519-588-3576.

Word ads Continue on page 16

Auction

Kurtz Auctions Inc. ESTATE AUCTION SALE

DATE: Sat. Aug 21, @ 10:00 am

LOCATION: 5461, Hwy 86, 1 km N. of Guelph Auto Mall PREVIEW: Friday, Aug.20, 1-4 pm and sale day 9 am COVID-19 NOTES: Please FOLLOW COVID-19 PROTOCOL, PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND MASK OR FACE COVERING ARE REQUIRED. Hand Sani�zer will be provided. If you have been experiencing cold or flu likesymptoms or been out of Canada the last 14 days, we please ask you DO NOT a�end in person.

Please call to leave a bid.

FURNITURE& ANTIQUES: Drop leafMaple Round Table & 4 chairs // 2pc Maple Hutch // 2-matching Oak Curio Cabinets(18”Wx74”H)//6pc Oak Bedroom suite c/wTriple Wing Mirror//2-Pride Electric Li� Chairs(his&hers)// 3-pc Sofa set c/w storage o�oman//DutailierGlider// 3-pc Metal Nes�ng Tables// Good Selec�on of Misc. Occasion Tables, Chairs & Collectables // Office Chair & Printer//50” Samsung TV with remote &stand//Stereo Systems//Casio Electric Organ model: CTK-810//40 pc Ceramic Dog Collec�on//Tupperware Collec�on.

TOOLS & MISC.: Quantum 6000HD Mobility Scooter c/w Charger & extra ba�ery// Invacare Walker & Commode Chair//TSC Aluminum Truck Tool Box Fits in most trucks// A pair of 6’ Folding loading Ramp//New Shed-in-a-Box 6’x6’x6’//2- Aluminum Whirldy Bird Air Vents// Mastercra� cordless drill//New 60pc Socket Sets-4”& 6” Grinding Wheels & Filter Wrenches //Power tools//Quick Draw Self Erec�ng Tent//Garden Tools//Oreck XL Air Purifiers// Sleep Apnea Machine ResMed//4’ Wood Planer//Cordless 24V Yardworks weed Eater// Lots not men�oned.

Terms: 10% buyer’s premium. Cash and/or Debit.

Cheque with proper ID. Any announcements day of sale take precedence over ads. Auc�oneer, Auc�on company or proprietors not responsible for accidents, injury, damage or loss of property on sale day.

Kurtz Auctions Inc. / Auctioneer:

Brian S Kurtz (519)836-0342 | Email: kurtzauctionsinc@gmail.com See www.kurtzauctionsinc.ca and https://facebook.com/ brian.kurtz3950 for photos and update on new items.

THE OBSERVER | Thursday, August 12, 2021

14 | C L A S S I F I E D S

ↆ LO CA L ↆ

PR O F E SS I ONAL

SERVICES

GENERAL SERVICES

CALL TO BOOK! TODAY.

VAN, MINIBUS & WHEELCHAIR LIFT BUS TRANSPORTATION “Specializing in small group charters”

519-669-5557 Visit our website! countrymilebl.com Elmira, ON ↆ

IN-STORE SERVICES

MarCrest Backhoe Visit our website

www.biobobs.com or call today!

519-648-3004

or

• Window & Screen Repairs • Glass & Plexi Cutting • Key Cutting • Knife & Scissor Sharpening • Lawnmower Blade Sharpening • Paint Colour Matching • Interior Design Consultation • Bike Repair

Septic Installations · Tile Repairs Small Footings · Silo Footings

Maynard Martin 2512 Kressler Road RR1 St. Clements, ON N0B 2M0

800-232-6396

Tel. 519-699-0507

GENERAL SERVICES Thorncreek Farms

Poultry Barn Pest Solutions

Visit us online to see our entire rental lineup.

Poultry Pest Management Pest control with residual built in

Various sizes & rates

CLEAN • DRY • SECURE Call

519-669-4964

519-504-2698

Serving KW and surrounding area

100 SOUTH FIELD DRIVE, ELMIRA

ↆ

WHERE TIRES ARE A

SPECIALTY, NOT A SIDE LINE.

Farm • Auto • Truck Industrial On-The-Farm Service 35 Howard Ave., Elmira

519-669-3232 ↆ

ↆ

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

TIRE

519-669-0524 www.woolwichrentals.ca 100 Union St, Elmira, Ontario

THOMPSON’S

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

519-669-4400

HOME IMPROVEMENT

John Schaefer Painting FREE ESTIMATES Interior/exterior Painting, Wallpapering & Plaster | drywall Repairs

519-503-6033 (CELL) 519-669-2251

30 ORIOLE PKWY. E., ELMIRA

36 Hampton St., Elmira

- Design and build -

AGRICULTURAL | RESIDENTIAL FRAMING • ROOFING RENOVATIONS • EAVESTROUGHS

www.marwilconcrete.ca

Wayne Martin | 519-504-2016

519-577-0370

darwayconstruction@icloud.com | Alma, ON

HOME IMPROVEMENT COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

ST. JACOBS

GLASS SYSTEMS INC.

INC

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

Randy Weber

ECRA/ESA Licence # 7000605

www.rwelectricltd.com TEL:

18 Kingfisher Dr., Elmira | 519.669.1462

AMOS R O O F I N G

1553 King St. N., St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0

• Residential • Commercial • Industrial

ↆ

Driveways • Sidewalks • Curbs Patios • Finished Floors • Retaining Walls • Steps • Decorative/Stamped and Coloured Concrete

• Specializing in residential re-roofs • Repairs • Churches A Family owned and operated business serving KW, Elmira and surrounding area for over 35 years.

WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED

CALL JAYME FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE.

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

519.501.2405 | 519.698.2114 In Business since 1973 • Fully Insured

HOME IMPROVEMENT Since 1998

•Final grading •Lawn repair & complete seeding well equipped for large stoney areas •Spike Aerator/Overseeding •Natural & Interlocking Stone •Retaining Walls, Walks & Patios •Help for Top Water & Drainage issue

Murray & Daniel Shantz

ALMA, ONTARIO | PHONE: 519.846.5427

DESIGN CENTRE

• FLOORING • Custom KITCHENS • BATHROOM VANITIES • SICO Paint • Custom WINDOW BLINDS

KITCHEN, BATH & WINDOW FASHIONS

Blinds, shades, drapery & more • Custom cabinetry made in Canada Free In-home consultations • Our experienced designer will help you work within your personal taste and budget

Call someone you can trust - your local Home Hardware Popular Brands Available

BLANCO, MAAX, MIROLAN, STEEL QUEEN

www.LetUsFloorYou.ca

Hours: M-F 8:00 - 5:00 & Sat 9:00 - 3:00

Evenings By Appointment

1011 Industrial Cres. Unit #2 | TEL: 519.699.5411

Tel:

22 Church St. W., Elmira 519-669-5537 or 1-844-866-5537

STORE HOURS: MON-SAT 8-6, SUN Closed Find and follow us on FB and Instagram

Thursday, August 12, 2021 | THE OBSERVER

C L A S S I F I E D S | 15

“PROUDLY REMEMBERING OUR PAST; CONFIDENTLY EMBRACING OUR FUTURE.”

Community Information Page COVID-19 Woolwich Township Update Township Office – Open for select services The Township office is open to walk-in public traffic, with staff working a mix of in office and from home. It is recommended that you use our services offered online or phone to book an appointment before visiting the office to ensure we are available to assist you.

There is a drop box located at the side of our building along Maple Street, which offers a contactless option for dropping off payments, building permits or documents. The following services can be accessed through our website: • Tax & Water Bills can now be paid online: www.woolwich.ca/taxes • Building Permits can be applied for and paid online: www.woolwich.ca/buildingpermits • Parking Tickets can now be paid online: www.woolwich.ca/parkingtickets • Report Issues or Service Requests (By-law Enforcement, Potholes, Signs, Streetlights, Trees, Winter Maintenance, etc..) online: www.woolwich.ca/reportit For current information on facilities and services, please visit www.woolwich.ca or call 519-669-1647. For health information, call the Region of Waterloo Public Health 519-575-4400.

To stay informed on the township’s response to COVID-19, visit: www.woolwich.ca/COVID19

Council Meetings – Remote For registration, help or alternative participation options, call 519-669-6004.

Recreation Programs and Facilities The Township of Woolwich indoor recreation facilities are closed except for the Woolwich Memorial Centre. All rentals within these indoor facilities are cancelled pending continued monitoring of provincial regulations.

Outdoor recreational amenities such as the Bolender Park splashpad, skate park, tennis/ pickleball courts, basketball courts, off-leash dog parks, playgrounds, outdoor parks, baseball diamonds, soccer fields and recreational areas are open. Please note that park amenities are not sanitized, and users should have personal hand sanitizer on hand.

Township of Woolwich facilities and programs have started to reopen to the public. For more information, please check the Township website or call 519-514-7000.

P.O. Box 158

24 Church St. W. Elmira, Ontario N3B 2Z6

Phone:

519-669-1647 or 877-969-0094 Fax: 519-669-1820

After Hours Emergency:

519-575-4400 www.woolwich.ca

We ask for the patience and understanding of residents as we recall and retrain our staff in order to open in a safe & responsible manner. For more information, please check the Township website or call 519-514-7000.

Residents are still encouraged to stay active by getting outside and enjoying the outdoors or by visiting our website at www.woolwich.ca/stayactive for games, virtual fitness and other activities to keep you engaged this summer.

Woolwich Seniors Association: Older Adults 55+ are encouraged to stay active and connected from home. Free, virtual programs are offered. Check the website for updates at www.woolwichseniors.ca or email contact@woolwichseniors.ca.

Local Business Resources FREE masks: if your business is located within Woolwich and has 50 or fewer employees, order your free supply of masks online at https://forms.woolwich.ca/Small-Business-PPE-Mask-Request.

FREE screening kits: The workplace self screening program offered by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo and Cambridge Chambers of Commerce is only available to businesses in the Region of Waterloo . Visit www.chambercheck.ca to learn more and to schedule your pick-up.

COVID-19 Small Business Ambassador Program: Free program for small and medium sized businesses in the Region to minimize COVID-19 risks and boost staff and customer confidence. Get a window decal to show you completed the program.

Sign up at www.regionofwaterloo.ca/ambassador Businesses grants: https://reliefwithinreach.ca/waterloo-region/ Have you seen the Woolwich Patio Map? Check out www.woolwich.ca/patios/ to find all open patios in Woolwich!

Visit www.shoplocalwoolwich.ca to buy gift cards and to list your business! For more information about government programs and other business supports call Jenna Morris at 519-669-6020 or email: EconomicDevelopment@woolwich.ca

Regional Face Mask By-law Face coverings are required in transit, taxis, ride sharing and enclosed public places. Children under five and people with certain medical conditions or disabilities are exempt. Please be kind to those unable to wear a face covering. To make a complaint, call 519-575-4400.

Woolwich Memorial Centre

Public Health Information

The Fitness Centre & Walking track use will be available for drop-in use Monday – Thursday, 9 am – 8 pm and Fridays 9 am – 4 pm.

The WMC aquatic facility is reopening for pre-registered programming on Tuesday August 3, 2021. The WMC is offering Aquatic Leadership courses once again for those working towards their lifeguarding certifications. To view the pool schedule and aquatic leadership courses visit www.woolwich.ca/swim

Walk-ins welcome for first and second doses! It’s easier than ever to get your second dose.

Walk-ins will be accepted for both first and eligible second doses as long as sufficient vaccine is available.

For clinic information, visit regionofwaterloo.ca/VaccineClinics To book your dose today, visit: regionofwaterloo.ca/VaccineBook

In print. In Depth. Online. ↆ LOCAL SERVICES ↆ GENERAL SERVICES

RK COUNTRY BUS LINES 519-502-8262 Elmira, ON

ↆ P U Z Z L E

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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, August 12, 2021

16 | C L A S S I F I E D S

ↆ F A M I L Y

A LB UM

Anniversary

Birthday

Obituary

Obituary

GERBER, Barry Allan

Happy 50th Donna and Terry!

Love Jenn, Tim, Alex and Ben

In print. In Depth. Online.

Obituary Bowman, James Peacefully passed away into the presence of his Lord and Saviour early on the morning of August 7, 2021 at Freeport Hospital at the age of 60 years, 9 months, and 16 days. Born on October 22, 1960 to the late Emanuel (2016) and Annie Bowman. He was united in marriage to Vera Bowman on October 6, 1992 in Woolwich Township. They lived together for 28 years, 10 months and 1 day. They were blessed with a family of eight children; Nora (John) Gingrich of Palmerston, Jason (Kathryn) Bowman of Arthur, Elsie (Jon) Frey of Mount Forest, Earl Bowman, Elaine Bowman, Bernice Bowman, Calvin Bowman, and Arlen Bowman all at home. He is fondly remembered by his three grandchildren; Kendrick Gingrich, Jessica Gingrich, and Kyler Bowman.

Survived by siblings Mervin (Erla) Bowman, the late Cleason (2018) and Leona Bowman, Harvey (Elsie) Bowman, Nancy (Edgar) Martin, Earl (Arlene) Bowman, Mary (John) Weber, and in-laws Arnold (Selina) Bowman, Paul (Leslie) Bowman, Andrew (Giselle) Bowman, the late Orvie (2021) and Heather Bowman, Nora (David) Reist, Elsie (Clarence) Brubacher, and Martha (David) Martin. James was a member of Calvary Conservative Mennonite Church. The family wishes to thank their church family for all the support over the years as James battled cancer. As a family we are very grateful to God for allowing James to outlive earthy expectations, be with us on family trips, see children married, and have grandchildren. James had a real love for the outdoors, and we were blessed that he was able to enjoy our 2021 family trip. Outdoor walk past visitation was held from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, August 9, 2021, and from 1:30-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at the home of John and Nora Gingrich, 8631 Concession Rd 12, Palmerston. Funeral was held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at Countryside Mennonite Fellowship, 3745 Herrgott Rd, Wallenstein. Interment followed in Calvary Mennonite Cemetery. ❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

Suddenly as the result of an accident on July 28, 2021 in Elmira, Ontario.

Jay was the loving husband of Heather Lalonde (nee) Donaghan. Dear and proud father of Amie Lalonde of Banff Alberta and Matthew Lalonde of Elmira. Sadly missed by his sisters Monique Boucher ( Rey ), Pierrette Lalonde and his brother Paris Lalonde.

Jay will also be remembered by his mother-in-law Jean Donaghan. Jay was predeceased by his parents Marcel and Emmielline Lalonde. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Graham Giddy Funeral Home 617 King Street N, Waterloo (519-888-7700) on Saturday August 7, 2021 from 11 p.m.

-1 p.m. A Catholic Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Father Peter Meyer officiating. Please register your attendance by contacting the funeral home, wear a mask and respect social distancing., Cremation has already taken place. For online condolences and to register or to leave a donation to the charity of your choice, please visit www.grahamgiddyfh.com

Following several health challenges, at the Stratford General Hospital on Sunday, August 8, 2021, Barry of Stratford in his 59th year. Beloved son of Allan Gerber and Merle (nee Brenneman) of Wellesley. Dear brother of Bonnie Mensch (Hans), Roger (Judy), Brad (Kim), Randy (Jayne) and Lori Douglas (Daryl). He will be sadly missed by his nieces and nephews; Ryan (Nicole), Brock, Nolan (Catrina), Ashley (Justin McLean), Matthew, Taylor (Taylor Wood), Kelsey Douglas and Tyler Douglas. Great uncle to Owen, Brayden, Blake, Colton and Nash. Predeceased by his niece Megan Gerber. He will be remembered by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Barry was an avid hockey and ball player and worked at Patz Farm Equipment until a tragic accident at the age of 18 that left him a quadriplegic. He did not let his disability get in the way of living life to the best of his ability. He was involved in the management of a local hockey team, taught himself many computer applications, lived independently and travelled to Cuba, Jamaica and multiple times to Florida. In Florida, he enjoyed ‘screening’ the up and coming Blue Jays team and letting the sun shine on his face. He was also one of the first Quadriplegics in the province to drive a van which allowed him additional independence. No one will argue his love for the Montreal Canadians.... he was probably their biggest fan.

The family would like to thank Drs. Peirce and Haddad and the nursing staff on the medical floor at Stratford General Hospital for their kindness and compassion shown to Barry during the multiple hospitalizations and recent admission. Thank you also to the staff at Cheshire who provided Barry with the opportunity to live independently for so many years.

We are forever grateful for providing Barry with that life experience. Barry will be missed but not forgotten...we were all blessed with his wonderful personality, humour and love. Friends may call at the FUTHER-FRANKLIN FUNERAL HOME, 1172 Henry Street, Wellesley on Tuesday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Due to Covid restrictions, only a limited number of people will be allowed into the funeral home at any one time and all visitors must wear a mask and social distance. A private family service will be held at the Tavistock Mennonite Church on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at 1 p.m. followed by interment at East Zorra Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Stratford General Hospital, Tavistock Mennonite Church or Cheshire for Independent Living (Stratford).

❖ www.grahamgiddyfh.com

❖ www.futher-franklinfuneralhome.com

Happy Birthday Tyler Hallissey!

Obituary

SADOWSKY, Joe Born in Waterloo, March 26, 1928.

Long-time resident of Waterloo and Elmira, passed away in Fort Erie, ON, July 24, 2021.

Obituary

Lalonde, Jean Pierre Roger ( Jay )

FROM PAPER TO PRINT

REED, James Howard The family of James Howard Reed regretfully share the news of his passing, on August 2, 2021, at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital, in Bracebridge, Ontario. He was the beloved father of Adam-James (Zoey), Branden, and Christopher.

He was the doting Grandpa to Soleil, Kyleigh, and Aubree.

Jim was born October 15, 1961, in Guelph, first child to Howard and Margaret Joyce (Flewelling) Reed. He is survived by his brothers Michael (Tina), and Jeffrey (Tammy) and his sister Kimberly (Tim). He will be dearly missed by his many nieces and nephews, also by his ex-wife and dear friend, Jody Spears. He was predeceased by his parents and a nephew.

Jim was the owner of J. Reed Trucking and Moving. He was a successful businessman and wise investor, who worked hard and planned for the future, able to retire to Kilworthy, Ontario in his early 50’s. He was a generous man who touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed.

His faithful companions, Maverick and Electra, also mourn his loss.

In keeping with James’ wishes, cremation has taken place. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared at www.reynoldsfuneral.com. ❖ www.reynoldsfuneral.com

Death Notices EISENMENGER, GLADYS MARIE - PASSED AWAY ON AUGUST 6, 2021 AT DERBECKER'S Heritage House in St. Jacobs at the age of 83.

KIESWETTER, BERTHA S. - PASSED PEACEFULLY AT UNIVERSITY GATE LTC, WATERLOO on Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at the age of 93 years.

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Aug. 14, 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. Some furniture, Storage bedding, dishes, carpenters tools, mitre OUTDOOR RV TRAILER power saw, table saw STORAGE AVAILABLE. and nails. Small wheel- Waterloo Rod & Gun barrow. Something for Club, 1075 BoDe everyone at 3976 Line Lane St. Jacobs.

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FRIDAY AUGUST 13 4 - 8, S AT U R DAY August 14 8-2. Parking at corner of Charles and High St. in Elmira.

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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, August 12, 2021 | 17

Living Here

It's about all of us.

Leading the way reporting about the people and places of home.

Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com

Water quality booster

KWCF community grants

The Grand River Conservation Authority’s (GRCA) Rural Water Quality Program (RWQP) offers a per acre incentive to farmers in the watershed. Applications for the cover crop program can be submitted now for payment in spring 2022.

The Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation this week announced $633,656 in grants to support 30 charitable organizations in Waterloo Region. The funding is being directed towards initiatives that will provide services to marginalized people across our community. Recipients include Bring on the Sunshine, Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony and Bereaved Families of Ontario.

www.grandriver.ca

Report it: observerxtra.com/tips

Adolescents and gynecologic health DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My daughter is 14 and her pediatrician recently reminded us that she should get the HPV vaccine because it can help prevent cervical cancer.

That got me thinking about gynecologic health for my daughter. Are there conditions and issues that I should talk to my daughter about?

ANSWER: Taking time to discuss gynecologic issues with your daughter is a wonderful step to educate her about maintaining good health and wellness as she grows.

I applaud you for being proactive.

As you may already know, most cervical cancers are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection.

HPV is extremely prevalent, and up to 80% of sexually active adults will be exposed to the virus during their lifetime. The immune system normally clears HPV on its own, but occasionally the infection can persist and cause precancerous changes on the cervix.

The HPV vaccine, which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2006, can prevent cervical cancer, as well as vaginal, vulvar, penile and anal cancers. In addition, the vaccine covers the HPV strains that cause genital warts.

Use of the vaccine has reduced cancer rates. The vaccine is most beneficial when given before the patient is exposed to the virus, so it is recom-

▢ The Mayo Clinic

Professional Clinical Health Advice

mended for girls and boys to be vaccinated between ages 9 and 14.

Research shows that maintaining a healthy diet and exercising can reduce one's risk for cancer later in life, as well as decrease risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. Make sure she is active, spends time outside and eats a varied diet with appropriate portion sizes.

A daily multivitamin also can help. Although your daughter is still young, spending time to instill good habits is an important step to help her remain healthy as she grows. It's also important to stay on top of yearly well-child visits with your pediatrician or family care provider.

It is just as valuable for her to know that she can talk with you about any concerns or issues, including mood changes and trouble sleeping, which may be common at her age.

Be sure to speak to your daughter about menstruation if she has not already begun to have her period. Also, remind her that until her cycle is regulated, breakthrough bleeding may occur, but she should not panic.

Bloating or cramping may occur, as it is common for adolescents, but it is not usually a reason for concern at her young age.

If your daughter has not → MAYO CLINIC 20

Brock Scheifele’s latest little canoe project started its voyage down the river by the dam in St. Jacobs.

Justine Fraser

Setting out on another Grand adventure Brock Scheifele launches a second little canoe, in tribute to his mother’s memory JUSTINE FRASER Observer Staff

A TOY CANOE HE SET loose in the Grand River was found in Cayuga and returned to him eight years later. Last week, Brock Scheifele repeated the launch to mark the fifth anniversary of his mother’s passing.

The event along the banks of the Grand River in St. Jacobs helped him pay his respects to the woman who introduced him to the 1941 children’s book Paddle-to-the-Sea, which inspired his first launch eight years ago.

In Paddle-to-the-Sea by writer and illustrator

Holling C. Holling – later made into an acclaimed National Film Board short film in 1966 – a young Indian boy carves a little canoe with a figure inside and names him Paddle-tothe-Sea. Paddle’s journey, in text and pictures, through the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean provides a geographic and historical picture of the region.

Eight years ago, Scheifele made a small canoe and released it into the river. The canoe, which features a small treasure chest and an Indian man, had his phone number engraved on the bottom.

In May, he got a call from a

man who’d found it.

While the first boat didn’t make it past Lake Erie and into the St. Lawrence system, Scheifele says he’s hoping that the new one will travel farther still.

This latest hand-carved small canoe features his mother’s nickname on the side alongside the day she passed away. He said he’d like this one to make it all the way to the ocean, noting he hopes people will see the small canoe and wave as it floats by.

“Maybe people might give it a push to help it get down the river, help it get over the rocks,” said Scheifele.

His main hope is to get another call from someone down the line, letting him know how far his little boat reaches.

“I think my mom would be happy I’m doing it – it’s a nice way to remember her,” he added.

Scheifele is no stranger to building canoes. He used to build real canoes out of cedar trees when he was younger. He was inspired to create the little canoes after a viewing of the Paddle-to-the-Sea film, which planted the idea in his mind. The film tells of a young boy who sees a native man in Algonquin Park in a canoe. → TOY CANOE 20

Fun Fact!

Do you find your fuel mileage is higher than normal?

Check your tire inflation! Underinflated tires can really reduce fuel efficiency.

If you are ever concerned with your tire pressures or would like us to check them for you feel free to stop by!

AD SPOT - NON PRINTING

We include a visual inspection at every appointment, which includes checking your tire pressures! The reason for this service is to make sure you leave our shop confident and not worrying about any vehicle surprises.

Schedule your appointment with us today! https://www.leroysautocare.net/contact-1 | 519-669-1082

Two locations in Elmira to serve you better

20 Oriole Parkway E. | 47 Industrial Drive

Tel: (519) 669-1082

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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, August 12, 2021

18 | L I V I N G H E R E

ↆ C O M M UNI TY

E V E NTS

A satisfying summer treat

CAL ENDAR

F “A GOOD JOB DONE EVERY TIME”

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Truck & Trailer Maintenance Cardlock Fuel Management

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NANCY KOEBEL

Bus: 519.744.5433

Freedom 55 Financial is a division of The Canada Life Assurance Company

FRIDAY, AUGUST 13 ▢ Elmira Legion Cold Plate Dinner. Serving from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. $15 per person, take-out only.

Includes 2 meats, 3 salads, deviled eggs, roll and dessert. To order call Donna at 519-669-5894.

MONDAY AUGUST 23 During Easing COVID Restrictions. Are you feeling awkward, uncomfortable, excited or dowright scared with easing COVID restrictions? Join WCHC as we expolre ways to address social & health anxiety, doable steps to re-connect & engage socially, communication & boundary settins. Registration is required for this virutal event, email gberihun@wchc. on.ca for your Zoom link.

WOOLWICH RESIDENTS SUPPORT FUND: On April 4, 2020, Woolwich Mayor Sandy Shantz launched the Woolwich Residents Support Fund (WRSF) on behalf of Woolwich Township Council.

The WRSF will initially address the anticipated unprecedented needs that many Woolwich residents will experience due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the WRSF will continue to address ongoing needs experienced by Woolwich residents long after the pandemic has ended.

In general, the fund will provide one-time financial support to an applicant. However, we realize that no two cases are the same. Unique situations may require further support that otherwise would not be accessible for the ongoing needs of the individual.

Prior to an applicant drawing from the WRSF, the Fund Review Committee will access other community services and funds that may be able to support and/or provide for the individual.

While eligibility practices and an application process are in place, it should be noted that in unique, complex, crisis and acute circumstances funds may be provided at the discretion of the Fund Review Committee, assuming the core criteria of the fund are met.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Individual life insurance, mortgage insurance, business insurance, employee benefits programs, critical illness insurance, disability coverage,

Access to the Fund is available by contacting:  Community Care Concepts of Woolwich, Wellesley and Wilmot  Woolwich Community Services  Woolwich Counseling Centre  Woolwich Community Health Centre

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RRSPs, RESPs, RRIFs, LIFs and Annuities.

Vacuum Sales,

• Volunteer Opportunities • Projects & News • Sub-Committee updates

Rigorously tested recipes that work.

factor in our slush-tastic drink? Sugar. The sugar in the limeade prevents it from freezing completely in the ice cube trays. And the slightly soft cubes are easier to blend into a slush!

Lily, our 11-year-old recipe tester says this drink is "perfect for a hot summer day outside."

Quality & Service you can trust.

Frozen Limeade ▢ 7 limes

▢ 4 1⁄2 cups cold water

▢ 1 cup sugar

21 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.2884 | martinselmira.com

Education and Treatment

1. Cut 1 lime in half through both ends.

Lay lime halves, flat side down, on a cutting board, then cut each half crosswise into thin semicircles.

519-669-9919

2. Add lime slices and sugar to a large bowl.

Use a potato masher to mash sugar and lime slices together until sugar is completely wet, about 1 minute.

SANYO CANADIAN

3. Cut the remaining 6 limes in half crosswise. Squeeze lime juice into the bowl with the sugar and lime slices. Pour water into the bowl and stir the mixture until sugar is completely dissolved, about 1 minute.

Your First Step to Better Hearing

charlene@bauerhearing.com 25 Industrial Drive, Elmira

33 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.1591

Woolwich Township Ward 1 Councillor

4. Set a fine-mesh strainer over a large

How can I help you?

519.514.6051

pitcher. Carefully pour the mixture through the strainer into the pitcher. Use a rubber spatula to stir and press on limes to get out as much juice as possible. Discard the lime slices in the strainer.

5. Carefully pour half of the lime mixture into two ice cube trays.

Freeze until solid, 2 to 3 hours. Place remaining lime juice mixture in refrigerator.

6. When limeade cubes are frozen, transfer to a blender. Pour the remaining lime juice mixture over top.

Blend until smooth, 30 to 60 seconds.

Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

ↆ For 25 years, confident cooks in the know have relied on America's Test Kitchen for rigourously tested recipes developed by professional test cooks and vetted by 60,000 at-home recipe testers. See more online at www. amercastestkitchen.com

ↆ S U DOKU

ↆ The Community Events Calendar is reserved for non-profit local events that are offered free to the public. Placement is not guaranteed. Registrations, corporate events, open houses and similar events do not qualify for free advertising. See complete policy online. All submissions are to be made online at observerxtra.com/event-listing/.

Healthy Communities

519-669-8362

▢ America's Test Kitchen

Email: elmiravacuum@gmail.com

MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED

Fund Administrator: Woolwich Community Services Fund Review Committee: Kelly Christie – Executive Director, Woolwich Community Services Cathy Harrington – Executive Director, Community Care Concepts

The place to get involved.

9 Church St. E., Elmira

or this recipe we wanted a drinkable frozen treat like Del's Frozen Lemonade. We found that the best way to create a slushy frozen drink texture was to freeze half of our limeade mixture in ice cube trays and then blend it with the rest of the chilled liquid. Blending solid cubes with some liquid helps the cubes break down faster and create a slushy consistency.

Another important

pmerlihan@woolwich.ca

www.merlihan.com

healthywoolwich.org

Thursday, August 12, 2021 | THE OBSERVER

L I V I N G H E R E | 19

ↆ X-WO R D

OPEN 8am - 9pm | 7 DAYS A WEEK

DELIV SER ERY AVAILVICE Call fo ABLE rD

etails

315 Arthur St. S., Elmira | 519-669-5403

ↆ FA IT H

www.elmiramennonite.ca 58 Church St. W., Elmira • 519-669-5123

WOODSIDE

for whaling

31. ___ vera 32. Demureness 34. Makes a graph 3D 36. Prepare to surf, perhaps 37. Part of cremation 38. Forward delete 41. Effort 42. Ogle 45. "To Autumn," e.g.

47. Pick, with "for" 48. Adverb 50. Only hopeful companion 51. Hello 54. Our "mother" 57. Cis gender male

DOWN 1. Bad lighting?

2. In ___ of 3. Bakery product 4. Accused's need 5. "Amen!"

6. "Jo's Boys" author 7. Multi-headed nuke 8. Break 9. Connected 10. Often displayed

on a pole 11. Small triangular shawl 14. "Bye now"

pronoun

COVID-19 Vaccine

Mobile Clinic

D IR ECTOR Y

Elmira Parables of Jesus Mennonite The Unproductive Fig Tree Church Jonathan Brubacher Preaching

16. Song and dance, e.g.

17. Doctor's order 19. Informer 21. Japanese-American 23. Kosher ___ 25. Plaintive piece 27. __ __ the hills 29. Vessel adapted

Join Us Online Each Sunday

woodsidechurch.ca/live

Don’t miss this opportunity to get vaccinated.

COVID-19 Vaccination Bus

Pfizer (age 12+). No appointment needed.

of Woolwich, Wellesley and Wilmot

Helping Seniors and Adults with Disabilities to Live Independently in Their Own Home

519-664-1900

|

1-855-664-1900

ted

For information, services or support contact Community Care Concepts

are not vaccinated.

• Serious illness may result in hospitalization and death.

• The vaccine protects you, your Te am W family and your neighbours.

V a c c in e • Vaccination will stop the spread of COVID-19 in your community. #

Meals on Wheels • Transportation Day Programs • Homemakers • Maintenance Friendly Visitors • Community Meals • Social Programs Transportation from Hospital to Home FREE Community Exercise and Falls Prevention Classes FREE Short Term Home Support

COVID-19 is still a serious risk to Waterloo Region.

• Most people who get COVID-19 vaccina

Talk to a real person 24/7 in over 200 languages: 519-514-1499 Deaf and hard of hearing (TTY): 519-575-4608 regionofwaterloo/COVID19vaccine #TeamVaccineWR

R130230 08/21

Community Care Concepts

Location: Floradale Public School 35 Florapine Road, Elmira Date: Friday, August 13 Time: Noon to 4 p.m.

R

Disney princess) is one 15. Tall tale teller 18. Printing flourish 20. Money substitute 21. Button material 22. Offer more money 24. Fertility clinic stock 25. A fraction 26. Dead to the world 28. Birds in barns 30. Red-white-andblue inits.

31. To me, as are is to you 33. Klumsy person 35. Cobbler's stock 37. Slog 39. Preposition 40. Slowly, to a conductor 43. Alpine call

44. Slyly 46. Maja painter 49. Country dance 50. First-aid item 51. Aspirations 52. Restraint 53. Badger Den 55. Affirmative vote 56. Café alternative 58. Unnamed ones

Get

ACROSS 1. Place to exchange rings 5. Sweet potato 8. Blow 12. Iranian coin 13. Scuttle (A friend of a

20 | T H E B A C K PA G E

VINYL

MAYO CLINIC: Transitioning through the teen years →FROM 17

begun to menstruate by age 15, further evaluation may be needed. This is why it is important to talk about menstrual cycles and development during your daughter's well-child visits.

By the time your daughter reaches age 15 or 16, you may want to consider transitioning her to a gynecologist. The benefit is to provide educational information and guidance about reproductive

health, as well as alleviate fears of the gynecology office. The gynecologist will review menstrual history, pubertal development and birth control options, and discuss safe sex. Many times at an initial visit, a pelvic exam is not necessary, unless there is a specific concern that needs to be addressed.

Screening guidelines are updated frequently, so whether you visit a gynecologist or another

health care provider, it is valuable to talk with your daughter's provider about what tests may be timely, such as such as HPV tests and Pap smears for cervical cancer.

By the time your daughter reaches 21, she should have her first Pap test, which is an important screening exam that's used to check for abnormal cells on the cervix that could indicate earlystage cervical cancer or precancerous cells.

TOY CANOE: Inspired by Paddle-to-the-Sea, and the adventure of his first launch that paid dividends → FROM 17

seasons of weather, it would’ve froze several times during the winters and thawed back out again in the summer, for that little boat to make it through that, and someone finds it, it was crazy.

He said he found it just along the side of the river – the guy thought it was just an old log at first, than he picked it up, saw my number, called me and told me he had my boat,” said Scheifele of his first launch.

To keep the boat weighted, he used several quarters joined together in the middle, noting he hopes they will remain

Wanting his own canoe but without the means to afford it, the boy carves a small canoe out of wood with a little wooden man inside of it, and sends it down the river, a message on the bottom reading ‘Please return me to the river.’

On the bottom of Scheifele’s boat can be found his phone number, that way people can call him and let him know they found it or push it back downstream.

“When you think about what the first boat went through, eight years on the water – that’s eight

THE OBSERVER | Thursday, August 12, 2021

there to keep the boat afloat. The second small canoe was made from the same cedar and pine material as the first.

The boat completed, Scheifele and his father set it adrift on Monday afternoon near the dam on Three Bridges Road in St. Jacobs. He knelt down to release the little boat into the water and away it went. After only a few minutes it was out of sight, floating quickly with the current down the Grand River.

His parting words for his creation, short, and concise: “Goodbye, little boat.”

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