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Elmira, Ontario, Canada | observerxtra.com | Volume 25 | Issue 51
Living Here | 28
10
Region appoints a vaccine task force, steps up enforcement Damon MacLean Observer Staff
WITH THE FIRST VACCINE APPROVED for use in Canada, public health officials are now planning how best to get supplies out to the public when the time comes. To that end, the region last week formed a COVID-
19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force, to be headed by Waterloo Region Police Service deputy chief Shirley Hilton. In the meantime, officials are dealing with an increasing number of cases while trying to keep the region in the red zone, avoiding a lockdown. While there have been
cumulative total to 4,581. Public health officials are currently monitoring outbreaks at 30 locations, including seven longterm care and retirement homes. There have now been 137 fatalities related to the pandemic. Medical officer of health Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang noted in the weekly briefing
some fluctuations in the numbers of late, there have been signs of slowing. By the end of last week, for instance, the region had dropped from the fourth-largest number of active cases in the province to 10th. At midweek, there were 468 active cases in the region, bringing the
December 11 that more outbreaks are being reported at workplaces, prompting her to issue extra precautions. “I am instructing workplace and business settings to conduct active screening of employees. Be prepared, and implement a COVID safety plan and designate a management
person responsible for implementing and monitoring compliance to the plan, ensuring physical distancing throughout the workplace, including in employee-only areas and for optimizing indoor air ventilation,” she said, directing employers to the region’s website for a full → CORONAVIRUS 11
Woolwich defers decision on fate of Peel St. bridge Council moves to explore its heritage value, allow for other options Steve Kannon Observer Staff
The roads were icy when emergency crews were called to the roundabout near St. Jacobs late Tuesday afternoon after a pickup truck slid into the ditch. Damon MacLean
A DECISION ON THE FATE of the Peel Street bridge in Winterbourne is on hold as the township reviews options, including maintaining it for its heritage value, perhaps for use by pedestrians. In the latest round of discussions about the century-old structure, Woolwich councillors meeting Tuesday night voted to defer the matter until at least February. That would give staff time to draft a new report and to consider the financial impact following 2021
budget deliberations. The heritage value of the bridge was front and center in discussions, led by a presentation from Kae Elgie, chair of the Architectural Conservancy Ontario. Citing a number of studies, she noted the bridge checks several boxes in evaluating its significance under the Ontario Heritage Act. A 2013 study by the Heritage Resource Centre at the University of Waterloo, for instance, found the Peel Street structure to be worthy of designation. “The Winterbourne Bridge is an important → BRIDGE 11
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2 | COMMUNITY NEWS
Merry Christmas! This holiday season needs to be different. The safest way to celebrate indoors is only with the people who live in your home. People who live alone can get together only with one other home. Gatherings with friends and extended family can carry an increased risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. Consider celebrating outdoors or virtually with others that are not part of your household. Know the gathering limits in your area before you choose to entertain with family and friends indoors. Indoor gatherings are not permitted in regions in Grey- Lockdown. For all gatherings with anyone you do not live with: • maintain 2 metres physical distance • wear a face covering
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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 17, 2020 | 3
Page Three
If it matters to you. It matters to us. News tips are always welcome. Phone: 519-669-5790 ext 103 Online: observerxtra.com/tips
More funding for twps.
From the archives
Woolwich will get $233,000, Wellesley $86,000 and Wilmot $204,000 as part of $20.8 million in new Safe Restart Agreement funding awarded this week to the Region of Waterloo. “This funding will provide our municipalities with the support they need to continue delivering critical services that we all rely on,” said Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris.
The conditions were perfect for the ice surfaces that will sit there one day, but perhaps not ideal for turning sod. Still, the deed was done as officials launched construction of the $23-million Woolwich Memorial Centre with a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday morning. From the Dec. 15, 2007 edition of The Observer
EDCL to receive $25,000 from ECSF KWCF to administer funds to 22 charities in Waterloo Region Sean Heeger
grant to EDCL will go towards a lending library and virtual programming for support and access to technology for rural individuals with developmental disabilities. “[This will] enable them to stay socially connected to their community, and activities, particularly during the pandemic. But it will be useful even post-pandemic, so a great program.” She says what stood out about applications from both EDCL and Woolwich Counselling Centre in the first round of funding was that they were going to provide much needed services to people within the community. “This money was very specifically intended to support vulnerable populations. So certainly, Elmira District Community Living, that’s supporting individuals that have developmental disabilities, was a great opportunity and a great need to be able to support those individuals. With regards to the Woolwich Counselling
Observer Staff
ELMIRA DISTRICT COMMUNITY LIVING (EDCL) will receive $25,000 from Ottawa’s Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF). Across the region, some 22 charities in the region will split the $410,000 doled out by the Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation (KWCF) and the Cambridge & North Dumfries Community Foundation. This week’s announcement follows more than $1 million in ECSF funding received earlier this year. “This round that we just announced was the second round and final round. The first round, finished off just prior to the summer starting, and the first round was a little over a million dollars to 29 charities. And then the remaining money came which was just a little more than $410,000 to 22 charities,” said Elizabeth Heald, president and CEO of KWCF. Heald said the $25,000
→EMERGENCY FUNDS 5
Glenn Herold is looking forward to moving the Scwhwaben Club to its new home in Breslau.
Damon MacLean
Schwaben Club makes Breslau its new home Damon MacLean Observer Staff
LOOKING TO DOWNSIZE, KITCHENER’S SCHWABEN Club found an ideal spot in the former SAVA Club in Breslau, which will be its new home. The changing demographics and shrinking membership that have been at play at many of the traditional German clubs in K-W earlier this year forced changes at
the Slovenian Association, which had operated the Oberkrainer Haus on Scheifele Place for some six decades. The same issues at play at the Schwaben Club led to the decision to trade in a hall with capacity for 700 for the 200 in Breslau. The timing worked out just fine for the German club, said president Glenn Herold. “The whole thing started almost a year ago, when
SAVA Club indicated they might be looking to move. We were actually at one of their events with a number of our youth, and they really enjoyed the fact that we had young people there, enjoying the culture and dressed up in our traditional attire and dancing. And so they asked if it would ever be something of interest for us to purchase their location. We kept in touch with each other for a number of months, and
then when they finally made the decision that they wanted to relocate, I had to bring it forward to my membership and see if that was something that we’d be interested in doing,” he explained. The new location is a good fit for a number of reason, Herold said. “In part it is the property. It is a beautiful spot with the parkland, so it’s much more family oriented,” he →CLUB MOVE 5
GRT seeks second round of public input in developing Breslau transit Damon MacLean Observer Staff
PRESSING AHEAD WITH PLANS FOR some kind of bus service to Breslau, Grand River Transit is looking for public input in the second phase of its engagement process. Rather than a conven-
use of a phone application, for instance. The first phase of public input occurred in September, with GRT receiving feedback from some 165 people, about half from Breslau, with some 40 per cent expressing an interest in the service. With the second phase,
tional bus service, Grand River Transit (GRT) is contemplating what it calls an on-demand service, in which there is no fixed route, rides are shared and levels of vehicle supply are matched to demand. Riders will be able to book a vehicle to pick them up through the
the region will be looking for more details, including support for the on-demand model, which looks to avoid having a large bus running largely empty through a regular route, particularly in a location like Breslau where usage would be light. The GRT was pleased
with the initial input, including those who would like to travel to Breslau, said principal planner Will Towns. “That would encapsulate people who work at the major employers or they’re maybe going for school [a post-secondary institute]. We heard from
the people that we wanted to hear from, which was great.” Respondents showed an interest in connecting to the transit hubs, the Kitchener GO station, and the universities and colleges in the region. Concerns expressed →GRT 6
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ↆ P O L I C E
COMMUNITY NEWS | 5
R E POR T
Police warn drivers to keep cars locked, avoid leaving valuables in sight With the holiday season in full bloom, the Ontario Provincial Police is emphasizing its “lock it or lose it” message to drivers. Criminals will prey on unlocked vehicles particularly at this time of year. These thefts are considered crimes of opportunity and thieves
DECEMBER 11 4:27 PM | Waterloo
Regional Police responded to a collision in the area of Manser Road and Deborah Glaister Line in Wellesley Township. A Milverton man was travelling west on Deborah Glaister Line when his vehicle was struck by a vehicle travelling north on Manser Road. That was operated by a Kitchener man, who was transported to hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. The other driver was treated at hospital for minor injuries. The Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Remotely
will quickly check several vehicles in a given area, most often entering and stealing from only those that are left unlocked with valuables in plain view, said police in a release. Despite the repeated education through the media and other means, people are still leav-
ing valuables including wallets, cash, parcels and cellular phones in their unlocked vehicles clearly visible to passersby. If your valuables are secured out of sight and your vehicles are locked and alarmed the chances of your belongings being stolen are significantly decreased.
The OPP encourage all vehicle owners/passengers to do simple things to decrease the risk of being victimized, such as: • Never leave a running vehicle unattended; • Lock your doors; • Alarm your vehicle if equipped • Roll up your windows;
• Keep valuables out of sight; • Pocket your keys; • Always park in a welllit area Additionally, if you see suspicious activity in your neighborhood, don’t hesitate, call police immediately. Anyone with information regarding this or any
other incident is asked to call the OPP at 1-888310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at info@csgw.tips where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
Piloted Vehicle (RPV) was deployed to record the scene of the collision. Members of Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Traffic Unit are continuing to investigate, and charges are pending. Roadways in the area were closed for several hours. Anyone who has information regarding this incident is asked to call police at 519-570-9777.
the front porch of the home. The property was believed to have been stolen between noon and 3 p.m. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477.
December 11 and 7 a.m. on December 14. Anyone with information is encouraged to call police at 519-5709777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
housed trailers loaded with tools was entered, and numerous pieces of equipment were stolen. The theft is believed to have occurred at some
point over the weekend. Anyone with information is encouraged to call police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers 1-800222-8477.
DECEMBER 12 3:59 PM | Waterloo
Regional Police received a report of stolen property from a residence on Oak Drive in Elmira. Personal property was stolen from
DECEMBER 14 8:02 AM | P o l i c e
received a report of a theft from a vehicle parked at an address onf King Street North in St. Jacobs. A work van was damaged when the suspect attempted to gain entry to the vehicle. The incident is believed to have occurred sometime between 4 p.m. on
10:42 AM | Police
received a report of a theft from a job site in the area of Greenhouse Road near Breslau. Materials were believed to have been stolen from the job site. Through investigation, it was determined that a theft did not occur.
1:47 PM | A break-in
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Centre, this was for accessible counselling services for vulnerable populations in rural areas. And it was also focused on providing accessible and affordable counselling services with a specific focus… in Wellesley and the needs of LGBTQ2S+ populations and senior populations,” Heald added. Greg Bechard, executive director of EDCL, said the grant from KWCF is indicative of the quality of community awareness and support provided to organizations such as EDCL. “After our experience through last year and through the winter months in particular with COVID, we saw the impact on the isolation, and the stress and strain of the pandemic on individuals
and their families. This is a real godsend and will allow us to implement the strategies to address those issues of loneliness and isolation – loss of pure contact is a big one. So, through Zoom and stuff, they can connect with people who they would have seen every day [and] attending day programs that are now closed. It enables us to provide services that otherwise we wouldn’t be able to have provided,” said Bechard. In an average year, KWCF provides grants to many organizations and charities within the community, usually totalling between $3.2 and $3.5 million. Heald says about 25 per cent of the grants they distribute each year are given to those who go through an application process like the one used
EDCL’s Karole McDonnell, Greg Bechard and Laurie Thomson with two decorated trees in front of the agency’s Barnswallow Drive, Elmira location. Damon MacLean
for the ECSF funding. The rest of the funding – about 75 per cent – is directed by donors. She says that donations are down, and she hopes the government will be able to step in a provide much-needed funding to help support charities. “We need to continue to advocate for additional support from the government to help support charities. This was fantastic
getting this, $1.5 million total between two rounds, but the needs are so great. Charities are being asked to do more and more with unfortunately less and less, just given how many donors and other people are affected by the pandemic. Unfortunately, donations are down, and so we do need the government to be able to provide additional funding to help support.”
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CLUB MOVE: Taking over the premises of group also seeing membership fall →FROM 3
said in comparison to the Schwaben Club’s location on King Street East in Kitchener. He noted the smaller size of the new location makes it more manageable. The move will allow the club to retain its full-time staff member, but they will still rely heavily on their volunteer core. With the building’s smaller footprint, however, the
club is currently selling off some of its equipment and supplies before setting up shop in Breslau. Club members are excited about the move, Herold said, adding he’s had good feedback from Breslau residents anticipating the relocation. “On the positive side, because of recent media coverage, we’ve actually been getting a lot of people from the Breslau
area reaching out to us and telling us how much they’re looking forward to us being there. So, I think we will be a good fit in the community.” Known for hosting a large Oktoberfest gathering, the Schwaben Club will continue that tradition, Herold stressed. “We will have Oktoberfest, that’s always the big one, but all of our cultural events that we tradition-
ally do, and then we will be having... the occasional Friday night fundraising event. We’d open it up to the local community to come in and join us for, say, a schnitzel dinner or beer night or something.” Although the exact moving date has yet to be determined, the building will be the club’s as of January when the Slovenian organization shuts its doors for the last time.
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6 | COMMUNITY NEWS
Knights of Columbus see increased demand for the toys they collect for needy kids by Damon MacLean Observer Staff
TYPICALLY BUSY WITH THEIR “NEW Toys for Needy Kids” campaign, the Knights of Columbus are seeing an even larger demand this year due to the pandemic. Having grown from 175 toys collected in the first outing back in 1996 to 25,000 last year, the Waterloo chapter expects to surpass that amount in year 24. “The program has grown because we became a much larger part of our community. And when you service the community, and all of the community, therefore, your facility, your ability to collect toys and distribute toys has to increase dramatically, as well,” said club member Martin Hickey. A wearer of many hats with the Waterloo-based not-for-profit, holding the titles of manager, facility manager and marketing director, he’s been involved with the toy drive since 2009. He’s
seen plenty of changes in that time, though nothing like the conditions we see today due to the coronvirus. The pandemic has brought job losses and financial uncertainty, a situation felt keenly at this time of year, he said. “There’s a lot more moms and dads reaching out for toys for their kids. There were situations where we got toys from schools... and then we would almost turn around and go back to some of the same schools and deliver toys to the needy kids in those schools,” said Hickey, noting the protocols also had to change, with sanitization being a key issue. “We are collecting a lot of toys this year. The Waterloo Fire Department, the Waterloo Regional Police Services where their ‘stuff a cruiser’ has just been dynamic. They understand our community and we make things work.” Unlike most toy drives being exclusive to the
Martin Hickey with some of the toys collected by the Waterloo chapter of the Knights of Columbus.
holidays, the Knights of Columbus campaign runs all year round. “We’re willing to do this 365. That’s who we are. That’s our motto. And that’s what we do.” Aside from Christmas, the organization helped many families out this year by providing birthday gifts to those that couldn’t
afford to provide their own. “When COVID first hit, one of our members, Paul Taylor, decided that he wanted to be of service to the group. So, we were able to put a birthday program together for moms and dads who couldn’t get out because the COVID, so we actually do sanitary deliv-
ery to... the houses of the birthday kids.” This year’s event also saw supporters the NoteWorthy Singers chip in to the cause creating a GoFundMe to raise $10,000 for the program. “The NoteWorthy Singers are just a phenomenal group,” said Hickey. “They started here many
years ago – I think they’re in their eighth year now – and the very first year they heard about our toy drive, they raised $605 and 82 gifts. They have graduated to the point now where I don’t know what the latest GoFundMe number is. But they’re over $25,000 in donations at this point to us through their concerts, and their own generosity and thousands of toys. The current toll of the groups GoFundMe sits at $8,520 of the $10,000, and a YouTube performance video is available to watch on the choir’s channel. Those looking to support the Knights’ efforts can find drop-off locations for toys at the group’s office at 145 Dearborn Pl. in Waterloo,the hotel in Heidelerg, Waterloo Regional police headquarters, all the Waterloo Fire Department stations and the Royal Canadian Legion on Marsland in Waterloo. Cash donations are also being accepted through paypal on the organization’s website. Hickey encourages families that feel that they may need help this Christmas to call 519-884-2060 and ask for Martin.
GRT: Planners looking for more specifics to help draft a pilot project
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ranged from costliness of using the service to having fixed stops causing more traffic in the village. Many interested said they would only support the project if it were the same fare rate as other GRT services, with others citing concerns about difficulties with using a smartphone and app interface, and no fixed stop locations. There were also concerns over the service being some kind of ride-sharing service, said Towns. “People have a skepticism... they don’t want this to be sort of a contracted, privatized Uber-style service. Does that mean we can’t use a contracted partner? No, but it is a case where we need to differentiate this type of service. There is sort of some confusion between on-demand transit, run by a public agency, with shared rides and your traditional kind of Uber or Lyft ride sharing. So, there were certainly some concerns that the service would be more, towards that end of the spectrum,” he explained. With the second data
The service area boundary depicted is still preliminary and shouldn’t be interpreted as a definitive Submitted overview of where the pilot will operate.
collection phase now underway, Towns encourages people to provide feedback on the project by participating in the online survey or by calling the question line at 519-5754400. “Tell us what you like, tell us what you don’t like and tell us things that you would change if you were pulling the strings. Nothing’s been decided at the moment. And we’re still at this sort of exploratory stage of kind of narrowing
down and getting to what a community preference is like – so any and all feedback is encouraged.” GRT has been working with Metrolinx, the provincial agency delivering GO Transit services, since last year in developing the on-demand pilot project. Right now, there is no timeline for rolling out a trial period, though it wouldn’t be before 2022. “Metrolinx is of the opinion that …’ we don’t need to rush this.’ I think
it’s taken us a little bit longer maybe than we thought to kind of figure out what an appropriate online-only consultation program would look like, or engagement program,” said Towns. “But we’re not... about compromised transit, we’re not looking to rush this, we want to launch this service when it has the greatest chance of success and use. We’re going to take as long as we need to get the service details nailed down.”
Thursday, December 17, 2020 | THE OBSERVER
WISHING EVERYONE
COMMUNITY NEWS | 7
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Season’s Greetings to you and yours Woods, clemens, fletcher & cronin Law Office
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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 17, 2020
8 | COMMUNITY NEWS
Celebrate holidays safely or risk more lockdowns, health officials advise Damon MacLean Observer Staff
THE HOLIDAY SEASON UPON US, public health officials are advising Ontarians to maintain precautions, scaling back their plans accordingly. Failure to do so may result in lockdowns, Premier Doug Ford has indicated. Holiday celebrations should be restricted to immediate household members, officials stress. The province has issued guidelines for a safer holiday season. Among the suggestions are virtual holiday gatherings or events with family, friends or coworkers; outdoor holiday activities such as building a snowman or taking a sleigh ride
with members of your household; visiting Santa Claus outdoors and taking socially distant photos with him; decorating the outside of your house with lights; and donating to your favourite holiday charity or toy drive. The guidelines discourage in-person holiday activities involving those outside your established bubble, particularly in situations where masks aren’t being worn. Locally, the same guidelines are being encouraged by medical officer of health Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang and Waterloo Region Chair Karen Redman, who have made similar suggestions as the pandemic had an impact on Easter, Canada Day and Thanksgiving.
“Just like all holidays so far this year, we all have to find different and safe ways to connect with loved ones and celebrate special days within the confines of our own homes. We need everyone to step up and do their part to have no social gatherings, the situation is too precarious in our community right now,” said Redman ahead of Diwali last month. While officials are making the same suggestions, there’s a fear there will be less compliance with public health measures. Many of the same protocols and alternatives are being suggested, but there is a belief that compliance with public health
PARADISE & DISTRICT LIONS CLUB
The Paradise and District Lions Club would like to thank the following businesses and individuals listed below who generously contributed $50.00 or more to our 13th Annual Tree of Light Campaign which was another resounding success! SPECIAL THANKS also to CIBC Staff (Debi Hartung), St. Clements Branch, Creative Hair Works, Exotic Wings & Pet Things, Father Irenaeus Koziak, inSeason Home + Garden, John Hartung, Kate’s Hair Den, Alexis Koudys, and Styles By Lori for their continuing support.
MAJOR BENEFACTORS DTI Logistics Canada Inc. Exotic Wings & Pet Things (Mark, Lisa and Emma Koenig) Heidelberg Recreation Association Herrgott Industries Limited inSeason Home + Garden Kumpfort Zone Warehousing Inc. Linwood Veterinary Services
Lorentz Farms Limited (George and Lynda Lorentz) McArthur Mechanical Ltd. Murray and Sharon Runstedler E & R Schwarz Masonry Ltd. (Richard Schwarz) Dr. Erin Walker, Dentistry
TREE TOP STAR – OVER $50 Anonymous Darlene and Charles Bechthold Douglas F. Bender Developments Ltd. Helen Brick and Family Creative Hair Works (Janet and Jeff Holland) Brian and Roza Cunningham Dietrich Plumbing & Pump Ltd. Kailey Esbaugh – K & K Liquidation and Auction Bill and Mary Haffner Hank’s Auto Wreckers Keith Hehn Ted and Diane Hennebry Fran Hergott and Family Jeffrey Kuhn and John Halpin Jim Kuhn and Family Greg Lapienes
Anne/Patty/Janet Lienhardt George and Lynda Lorentz Murray and Bev Lorentz Stephen Menich and Mary Ellen Cullen Murray and Marlene Miles John and Janet Pfaffinger St. Clements Heart & Home St. Jacobs Printery Steed and Evans Limited MaryAnn Stemmler and Family Stemmler Meats and Cheese (Heidelberg) Inc. Paul and Jo-Anne Straus and Family John and Denise Sutherland – J & J Craftsmen Jim and Judy Taziar Tiger Plumbing Inc. (Ed Van Dam) Up & Down Lifting Solutions
$50 STRANDS Anonymous (X2) Auto Fleet Services Inc. Beanzie (Brenda Brenner) Mike, Lori, Dustin and Nicole Beam Belmont Repair (Janet and Dave Robb) Diane Bender and Family Louis and Mary Bender M. Blundell/C. Weidinger/G. Tapper/A. Kuhn CMT Engineering Inc. CT Tooling Inc. Melissa Clarke Curry/Linseman/MacDermott Families Beth and Ross Drayton Empire Facility Management Inc. Margaret A. Forwell Forwell Electric (Wayne, Rose and Family) Paul and Linda Frey Heidelberg Metal Inc. The Olde Heidelberg Restaurant & Tavern Tina, Mike, Eddie, Cora and Ruby Henhoeffer Marie Hergott Mark Hergott Donna Herrgott Arlene Herteis Denise and Murray Jordan, and Deb and Dave Roeder
Jones Feed Mills Ltd. Josslin Insurance (New Hamburg) Jackie Kuhn KW Community Spirit Lions Club Rick and Beth Kumpf Joe and Renate Lehmann Martin & Mousso Renovations Inc. New Orleans Pizza (St. Clements) Joe Nowak Keelan and Martin Pinnau Richmond Heating & Air Bob and Dianne Saunders Margaret Schuller Carolyn Siopiolosz Carl Smit Paul and Brenda Stewart Dolores Straus Grandchildren Trademaster Custom Carpentry Inc. Tri Con Haid Concrete Finishing Ltd. Brian Verspagen Doug and Barb Wagner The Wagner Family (Jim Wagner) Len and Maria Wagner Connie Walser and Family Mike and Marie Weiss Wendy Basse and Brenda Bender
measures may be ignored as Canadians tune out the messaging. A recent survey from Enviros Research found that trust in government and public health officials has declined throughout the pandemic. In terms of public health officials, trust has dropped to 69 per cent from 77. For the federal government, the corresponding numbers are 48 per cent versus 59 per cent, while trust in provincial governments has dropped to 54 per cent from 64. Wang said she worries people will openly ignore or rebel against the suggestions. “I’m very concerned. We’ve seen this unfortunately play out not only in Ontario, but you look to the Western provinces right now who [did] better
in the first wave than Ontario, they’re doing worse than Ontario – it’s driven largely by people no longer complying with public health recommendations. So, they’ve also had to bring in more requirements and restrictions. And this is also what is driving our increase here. I’m very concerned and I’m just really wanting to try to make people understand, it may not affect you personally very much, especially if you’re in a younger age group, ... but it actually, in fact, affects the entire community, the entire health care system and the entire economy,” said Wang. “When COVID-19 is allowed to spread through people being in close contact with others... it spreads very,
very quickly and escalates and impacts the entire community – you will have the effects that we’re seeing now.” Even as the number of cases increase here, the spike in hospitalizations and intensive care stays are a lagging indicator, meaning we’ll see more people infected later on, she pointed out, noting the entire community feels the impact. “It affects all the businesses, all the workplaces, all the care homes. All the types of care that can be given, the health care that can be given in the community. It affects health care workers. It affects this whole system,” said Wang. “I just want people to understand that, because I’m not sure people take it seriously enough.”
Winter likely to be milder, but with more precipitation Region also likely to see a white Christmas, with some green ahead of the holidays, David Phillips predicts Sean Heeger Observer Staff
WINTER DOESN’T OFFICIALLY ARRIVE UNTIL next week, but we’ve already had a taste of the season. And a taste of the mixed bag that’s likely in store for the months ahead. November temperatures ranged from 2.5 to 3 degrees warmer than normal while also giving us a range of different conditions, including snow. The white stuff greeted December, but the weather then became milder and rainier. More of the same awaits us, predicts David Phillips, senior climatologist with Environment Canada. “My sense is that what we see is a slow beginning to winter – it’s not as if it’s paid attention to the month of December and delivered it, even though astronomically we know it doesn’t arrive until the 21st. We know that winter weather can usually arrive in November, and November was warmer than normal. I think right away we know that winter seems to be likely to be shorter this year, at least to the front end. Typically we can sometimes count November in the winter column, and we can’t this year. December is starting out to be not really Arctic-
like, but more kind of in between, and I think what we’ve seen so far is the winter we’re going to get,” he said. “Sometimes the dress rehearsal weather is kind of the pattern that we see. December, we [are] calling for it to be milder than normal and perhaps maybe wetter than normal. And then we go beyond our forecast for December [to] January, [and] February, the same thing warmer and wetter than normal,” said Phillips. He says wetter than normal will bring more moisture, but does not know if that means rain or snow. The expectation is that the weather we will see is almost going to be a dual personality, with Arctic air and warmer conditions battling it out. “We’re going to have winter, but it’s going to be quite fickle and fitful – quite unsettled, wild swings in temperature. We’re going to have Arctic air some time thinking ‘oh my gosh, I wish I was somewhere else,’ and all of a sudden you’re going to get protracted melting going on, and [then see temperatures] falling and then back into the freezing again. So it’s not going to be one character – it’s almost like a dual personality or multi personality.
There’s going to be those moments, but they’re not going to be long-lasting, so you know you can’t plan on a Monday to do something on Thursday based ... on the weather, because you know it’s going to be quite changing.” He says the milder temperatures could bring with it the risk of freezing rain. As usual, this area does run the risk of experiencing lake effect snow. Despite the winter conditions not always bringing us the frigid weather our elders used to get, Phillips says if he was going to make a bet, he would predict we will see a white Christmas in the area. “Based on what I see in the next two weeks, I would say you will have a white Christmas… I think you’re going to see a warm-up which will take away all the white (snow) that you’ve got – you’ll be starting afresh. But, by the middle of the month, things will have cooled off. And so any precipitation you get will be the white. It’s just what’s going to happen the week before Christmas, and right now it looks like it’s below normal. It could warm up, but... if I was betting, and only a loonie or two, I would say, ‘hey, I think you’re going to have one,’” he added.
Thursday, December 17, 2020 | THE OBSERVER
COMMUNITY NEWS | 9
Finding ways to boost the Wellbeing of those in Waterloo Region Damon MacLean Observer Staff
GIVEN ITS NAME, YOU CAN bet Wellbeing Waterloo Region has had its hands full this year. A collaborative effort whose members work in a variety of sectors, the group looks to promote ways to improve our collective wellbeing, which has certainly been stressed in 2020. To provide a little fun as an outlet, Wellbeing Waterloo Region is hosting two virtual improv events later this month. It’s another way to keep connected in this decidedly unconnected period. The events are scheduled for December 22 (1-2:30 p.m.) and December 30
(3-4:30 p.m.), with information about the sessions available online at www. yesunlimited.ca, while registration is at surveys. regionofwaterloo.ca. On another front, the group is also working to combat the negative slant of social media, specifically the algorithms those companies use to feed us information. The goal is to bring more joy, not less to individuals’ lives, says Kathilee Porter. “The brain is hardwired to scan for the negative, and it’s really, really good at it. And the algorithms in our social media are based on that idea. They use it to basically try to attract their attention and make us look at our various social media devices,
and so forth. And so, we thought, ‘let’s change that algorithm,’” said Porter. How the movement works is through the uploading of uplifting or fun articles, videos and photos to social media using the hashtag ‘# findinghopemovement.’ Posting on the hashtag and liking photos help rewrite the algorithms. Interactions, however, make a more considerable impact, like tagging friends, commenting and sharing posts is how the movement continues to boost forward. “I’m fascinated by the brain and how it impacts what we do and why we do it. And so, in part of that role, I was working on a podcast – The World is
Possible – about religion. The topic of the episode was around resilience. We were interviewing Dr. Michael Unger, who’s out of Dalhousie University. He’s one of the world’s leading researchers on resilience, and he was talking to me about how we build resilience in kids going through this pandemic. And one of the many things he discussed was the fact that we need to stop and recognize what kids and youth have done right during this pandemic. The sacrifices they’ve made and the good that has resulted from that. And by doing that, we help kids build up enough resilience and muscle up, so to speak to, to get through what’s coming
next,” explained Porter of the inspiration for the new wave of thinking. Porter took the conversation she had with the professor to heart and brought the findings forward to Lorie Fioze, the driving force behind Wellbeing Waterloo, who was already working on campaigns to raise hope such as the “60 ways in 60 days” initiative. Fioze embraced the idea to help rewire how we process information reducing social media sensitization, and thus the movement was born. In some ways, the movement has already exceeded some of Porter’s expectations. A partnership formed with the Immigration WR, which translated the Finding
WOOLWICH COMMUNITY FUND
Hope Movement into several languages. And one story, in particular, struck a chord with Porter when a group of Cambridge youth began a letter-writing initiative to seniors’ homes during the pandemic. Little news and feel-good stories is precisely what the movement is about. Something as simple as helping out a neighbour, say by shovelling their driveway, is a way to promote a change of pace, suggests Porter, who along with Wellbeing Waterloo Region is also involved with the Early Literacy Alliance of Waterloo Region. More information about Wellbeing Waterloo Region can be found at www.wellbeingwaterloo.ca.
Helping good people do great things December 7, 2020
2020 has changed our lives in so many fundamental ways, and some of those changes may persist for years to come. One thing that has not changed is the need to share our resources for the betterment of our community.
Jim Schwindt – Chair 519-669-5012
Ted Brough
519-669-2217
Inga Rinne With the help of Elevate Aviation and the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre, a an area youth’s wish came true as he spent a day this week taking part in aviation-related activities. Submitted
519-742-8750
Grace Sudden 519-648-2893
WMHA kicks off license plate fundraiser Sean Heeger Observer Staff
PANDEMIC RESTRICTIONS MEAN NOT ONLY less time on the ice for young hockey players, but financial difficulties for organizations such as the Woolwich Minor Hockey Association (WMHA). With no games, no tournaments and limits on parents coming out to the arena, the normal revenue streams have all but dried up. As with other sports groups, the WMHA is looking for alternative methods to raise funds as they attempt to weather the coronavirus storm. The local hockey association has launched a new fundraising effort that will not only help support its work, but also allow people in the community show their support. The group is selling license plate covers, which also has the advantage of being timely for those looking
for a gift for a hockey parent, for instance. “I was looking for something that was different and creative and [that] showed some kind of community pride and, at the same time, contributed to our fundraising efforts for the hockey association,” said Aaron Hardy, member of the WMHA board of directors. “It’s a great opportunity to show your support for our communities hockey association, and that’s probably why we do it. “I guess that would be the most important thing for me is that people understand that a good portion of that purchase goes towards Woolwich Minor Hockey and keeping kids playing hockey. Keeping our young kids in quality equipment every year, making sure our coaches have pucks, and training equipment, and all the things that as an association, we have to buy. The more successful
it is, the better the experience is for the kids that play.” Launched earlier this month, the fundraiser offers a choice of single plate covers – front or back – or a combination of the two. From each sale, $5 goes back to the organization – $10 if a combo is purchased. Hardy says they are hoping to sell at least 100 plate covers to parents and others within the community to bring in about $500 for the organization so they can continue on throughout the year. Hardy said this fundraiser is not one that has a cut-off date, instead this is something that he believes can run over and over as they can simply ask the manufacturer to continue creating license plates in line with demand. To purchase a license plate cover and support the local hockey organization, visit www.woolwichminorhockey.ca.
Thanks to our generous donors for their continued support; in particular, the firm of Rae &Lipskie Investment Counsel Inc. for giving a very large donation on behalf of community fund member, Ted Brough, upon his retirement. Our fund is now very close to $300,000 so our grants will continue to increase and provide greater support. Our focus has always been assisting children and youth in Woolwich Township and this year we granted $12,500 to: • Bring on the Sunshine – a program to explore and celebrate social and cultural diversity in our community • Brain Injury Association – support of brain injury victims and prevention of brain injury in elementary schools • Kate’s Kause – the construction of an accessible washroom at Kate’s Place Playground • Junior Achievement – work in primary and secondary schools to promote financial literacy, workforce readiness and entrepreneurship. • Strong Start – helping children ages 5-9 to learn to read
“When you give a gift to help young children learn to read, you give a gift over and over as their confidence builds and they have success in school and in life.” Machelle Denison Executive Director, Strong Start We look forward to granting again in the Spring of 2021 but we need your help. You can give to the Fund directly through our website www.woolwichfund.ca, contact a committee member of mail it directly to the address below. As an Endowment Fund, the Woolwich Community Fund will continue to grow and your financial support through Gifts of Cash and Securities will speed the process. Please help us support our young people and accept our wishes for a Happy and Prosperous 2021.
Sincerely
Jim Schwindt Chair
Donations may be sent to The Woolwich Community Fund at the address below:
The Woolwich Community Fund –
c/o The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation 260 King St. W., Unit 206, Kitchener, Ontario N2G 1B6 | www.woolwichfund.ca Phone 519-725-1806 | Charitable Registration # 13217 0994 RR0001
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 17, 2020
10 | C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
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Thi time o yea bring festivitie an family fun. I i time fo reminiscing an looking forward.
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Thursday, December 17, 2020 | THE OBSERVER
C O M M U N I T Y N E W S | 11
Region gets $3.3 million under latest round of Social Services Relief Fund Sean Heeger Observer Staff
THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT IS CONTINUING to help municipalities as they work to support vulnerable people, this time by providing more than $3 million in social service relief funding to Waterloo Region. Last week Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris and Kitchener South-Hespeler MPP Amy Fee announced $3,361,600 in funding through the Social Services Relief Fund. This is the third round of funding, with the previous two having come to the region in April and October. This new discretionary funding can be used for the improvement in the delivery of critical services, protect homeless shelter staff and residents, renovate and purchase shelter facilities, add to rent banks, create longer-term housing solutions and support plans to prepare for potential future outbreaks and/ or emergencies. “This was the third tranche of funding that’s been released through the Social Services Relief
Fund. The first round went out in April, nearly the same amount $3.3 million and change. And then in October there was the more substantial amount that was released, just over $6.5 million. And that one was a little bit more to be designed for sort of emergency shelter and looking at some ways of creating some modular housing initiatives, different things like that in the region,” said Harris. “Obviously as we were getting closer to winter and want to make sure... that our most vulnerable populations are able to kind of weather the storm with COVID, and want to make sure that we’re trying to keep everybody as safe as possible,” he added of the latest funding. He says the use of this round of funding is discretionary, with the municipality deciding how it will be spent. Some of the critical services on which the money can be used include shelter housing, food banks, rent banks, and other services to support those who are deemed vulnerable, he added, noting he sees shelters as a priority.
“I’m a big proponent of the shelter care model that we’re putting forward here in the region. There are a few pilot programs that are going to be coming to fruition over the next little while,” he said, pointing to the success of the House of Friendship and the shelter at the Inn of Waterloo, “which has seen some fantastic results earlier on during the pandemic. “It’s become a great one-stop shop for people that are vulnerable in our community, in our society, to be able to get a lot of services that they need, and three meals a day all in one place. So, I would certainly love to see some more investment to that program and programs along that vein, where you’re looking at a one-window approach. I think it’s really important for people to be able to have that.” Regional Chair Karen Redman says she is grateful to the province for recognizing the costs faced by the municipality, thanking them for the funding. She does not yet know where the money will go, but says there are lots of needs and will await parameters for how it can be spent.
CORONAVIRUS: Concerned about businesses not adhering to the rules, region steps up enforcement →FROM 1
list of requirements. Failure to comply could result in a fine, she added. On the enforcement front, regional Chair Karen Redman said education remains the priority, but some ticketing had been carried out this month. “These are some of the first tickets issued on our transit system, and the increase in enforcement comes after the last few weeks where we have shifted our focus from education to also include enforcement. This week 10 tickets were issued by our enforcement partners, including four by the City of Waterloo bylaw, all were $880 tickets for failing to obey an order, three to private residences for exceeding gathering limits and one institution in Waterloo for exceeding capacity limits and logs not being maintained. One by the City of Kitchener, an $880 tickets for failing to obey an order
to a private residence for exceeding gathering limits, ... and four by Grand River transit, $240 fines for failure to wear a mask under the region’s code of use bylaw.” In Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph, there were 232 active cases at midweek, up from 199 a week earlier. That catchment area’s cumulative total was 1,869, of which 1,596 (85.4 per cent) have been resolved. There have been a total of 41 fatalities since the pandemic began, unchanged from last week. Medical officer of health Nicola Mercer last week requested the province move the area into the red zone from orange due to the increase in cases. She called on residents to do their part to help curb the spread of the virus. “Each of us has the power to choose actions that help prevent the spread of the virus, that keep us safe, that keep our friends and family
safe,” said Dr. Mercer. “I’m asking every one of us to make those choices starting right now. Going to a dinner party or gathering right now may mean that your family is dealing with COVID-19 over the holidays.” The province is still dealing with a spike as the total number jumped to 144,396, an increase of more than 13,000 in the past week. There have been 3,992 deaths attributed to the virus, representing a falling mortality rate of 2.8 per cent. The ministry reports 123,373 cases (85.4 per cent) have been resolved. The latest numbers from Health Canada show 75,580 active cases, 3,500 more than week ago. That brings the total to 475,214 confirmed cases of COVID-19 nationwide since the pandemic began, with 13,659 related deaths, a mortality rate of 2.9 per cent.
BRIDGE: Residents offer to look into grants, fundraising opportunities to help save the historic structure →FROM 1
landmark in the rural landscape as it is the only significant double-span camelback Pratt through truss bridge in the region.” Even the township’s own heritage evaluation done as part of the current review found the structure to warrant designation, Elgie pointed out, adding that an official heritage designation would open the door to grants to help with the preservation of the bridge. The span has been closed since 2017 after being deemed unsafe. Rehabilitating it to carry vehicles would cost about $1.6 million, while repairing it to carry just foot traffic would be about $1.1 million. In both cases, another $1.1 million in today’s dollars would have to be spent in 2040, followed by $700,000 to demolish the bridge when it comes to the end of its lifespan in 2050, the township has determined. A staff recommendation calls for its permanent closure and eventual demolition. In discussions in the
past few weeks, councillors appeared to be leaning towards maintaining a crossing at Winterbourne, perhaps even a new bridge that would cost upwards of $4 million. Coun. Murray Martin has been the most vocal advocate for that option, arguing in favour of providing a service to the Old Order Mennonites in the area who are currently forced to take long detours using horsedrawn buggies. For Coun. Patrick Merlihan, however, the cost of a new bridge to serve a small number of users doesn’t make financial sense. Instead, he suggested the heritage value would best be maintained by reopening the current structure to pedestrian traffic only. “I won’t be supporting demolishing the bridge,” he said in moving to defer a decision until after the budget process in order to get a better handle on the finances. The deferral also serves Winterbourne residents who say they’re interested in exploring options to save the bridge. Some have
already been in contact with the local MP and MPP to find out about funding possibilities. That group includes Kim Hodgson, who also pressed councillors to hold off on making a decision. “If we go with removal, that goes against the heritage assessment. That doesn’t make sense,” she said, requesting additional time while residents make a pitch to raise money. “I don’t think it should be demolished before we try.” Ryan Tucker, an engineering project supervisor with the township, said the bridge can be rehabilitated – it’s not so rundown that it can’t be fixed – with cost being a big factor. In deferring the matter, councillors charged Tucker with drafting another report for February. In the meantime, the township is looking at erecting barricades at either end of the bridge to keep pedestrians off of the structure. While it’s been inaccessible to vehicular traffic since 2017, pedestrians can and do still use despite the posted signs.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! Wishing you a safe holiday season.
Thank you to everyone in our community that has worked with us during this past year. Best Wishes for the year ahead.
Stay active and connected to your community in 2021. Join us for free virtual, social, recreational and educational programs.
Office will re-open January 4, 2021
24 Snyder Avenue South, Elmira
(Located in the Woolwich Memorial Centre)
519-669-5044 | contact@woolwichseniors.ca www.woolwichseniors.ca
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 17, 2020 | 12
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“Workers without paid sick leave often feel forced to work when unwell so they can feed and support their families. Worse, many are also at risk of losing their jobs if they stay home. Going to work sick contributes to the record number of COVID cases we are seeing, especially in some of our hotspots.”
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Dr. Samantha Hill, president of the Ontario Medical Association, calls for paid sick days for all workers.
Some 57% of Canadians would support forcing large retailers to close the non-essential sections of their stores to in-person shopping out of fairness to small businesses that have had to shut down their operations, while 32% would oppose this measure. Americans are divided: 38% would support this measure, and 39% would oppose it.
When local news matters ...
Leger poll
OBSERVER EDITORIAL
Region's rationale for daycare applies to all spending
T
he region’s handling of the childcare issue made clear a number of contradictions – and outright hypocrisies – in its handling of public money. Council’s arguments for closing the centres apply to every facet of municipal government: employees are overpaid, contracts too generous and costs should be judged on how many people benefit for the amount of money spent. The region used those arguments because they were convenient in backing what was already a foregone conclusion. Not surprisingly, we’ve heard nothing of those considerations being applied to every other facet of regional spending, even though there are more egregious examples of spending that benefits relatively few at sometimes enormous cost – transit should be the first to go under that microscope ... and the scalpel. With 2021 budget deliberations underway at the region and other municipalities, there’s a case to be made for zero-based budgeting, forcing bureaucrats and their ostensive bosses (councillors) to justify every penny. Assume the budget is zero dollars, and then add from there. That’s not going to happen. Instead, we’ll get tax increases, with rationales about maintaining services. The argument that people want services will be trotted out, as it always is, regardless of the daycare decision (and the region’s own stated goal of focusing on children). We’re certain to hear more dubious justifications such as the City of Waterloo’s defense of a 3.5 per cent tax hike. There’ll be no talk of cuts to administrative costs, pay rollbacks and management layoffs to reflect both the pandemic and fiscal reality, the latter long absent from government considerations. In Woolwich, the debate over needs versus wants is already front and center with issues such as the Peel Street bridge, discussed by council again this week. With the bridge, there’s certainly merit to the “how many people benefit and at what cost” debate. A new bridge to carry vehicles would cost at least $4 million, which is too much for the amount of traffic it would carry. Nor would a bridge address the most pressing concern: the preservation of our heritage. The bridge isn’t just a crossing point, it’s a piece of history of the increasingly rare variety. As both a nod to history and to its recreational value to the residents of Winterbourne and the township, rehabiliting the existing structure for pedestrian use makes the most sense. Even at that, the township is still looking at more than $1 million in costs, which means infrastructure money. Woolwich has in fact been setting aside more money for a rainy day – i.e. the coming infrastructure storm. It’s been allocating some surplus funds to reserves, and has in place a special infrastructure levy: it’s another tax, but with the money allocated for a real need rather than being flushed away. In that vein, however, the township has done little to rein in its operating budget in order to make a real dent in the deficit rather than taxpayers’ wallets. The extra funds set aside are a good start, but they have not kept up with the growing list of projects. Even at today’s estimates – real costs are likely to be much higher, as there’s a history of being well off the mark with forecasts – the township is losing ground. Woolwich is not alone in that regard. Despite plenty of lip service, governments continue to do very little in the way of long-term planning, let alone actual follow-through. The township is somewhat ahead of the curve, even if progress is limited. At the municipal level there’s always been an expectation that senior levels of government would come through with the money to pay for the bulk of infrastructure projects. Now, with budget woes of their own – exacerbated by the pandemic– the province and the federal government have empty coffers of their own. In that light, now is the time for municipalities to rein in spending, cutting that which doesn’t directly benefit the public.
ANALYSIS OF CURRENT WORLD EVENTS
Anti-abortion laws and radicalization
“
Get your rosaries off our ovaries,” chanted the women marching in support of the referendum that made abortion legal in Ireland in 2018. Two years later the 2020 election broke the century-long stranglehold on power of the two centre-right parties, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. They got fewer than half the votes even together. Did the 2018 mass mobilization against the anti-abortion law radicalize Irish politics and trigger that shift? Probably. Another country where the Catholic Church has traditionally dominated politics, Poland, is now seeing a mass mobilization too. Abortion on demand was legal in Poland under Communist rule, but since democracy came in 1989 the Catholic Church has been steadily pushing back abortion rights. Soon after the Catholic-backed Law and Justice Party (PiS) won the 2015 election it tried to push a law through parliament banning abortions in cases of fetal abnormality, but the politicians retreated in the face of mass protests, particularly by women. So the government tried a different approach. (Americans will recognize this strategy.) The PiS packed the constitu-
GWYNNE DYER
Global Outlook on World Affairs
tional court with party loyalists, and last October the court effectively banned almost all abortions. But the country exploded in protest. Suddenly a lot of Poles are openly angry at the Catholic Church, although it is as closely linked with Poland’s identity and nationhood as it was with Ireland’s. The late pope (and Saint) John Paul II is revered as the only Polish pope and a great national hero, but a statue of him near Warsaw recently had its hands daubed with red paint. Only 35 per cent of Poles now have a positive view of the Catholic Church, and among the young it’s down to nine per cent. Will this end up reshaping Polish politics? Probably yes. And in Argentina the lower house of Congress has just passed a government-backed bill to legalize abortion, currently considered a crime in almost all circumstances. Even women who had spontaneous miscarriages have been accused of abortion and jailed for homicide. But tens of thousands of women came out in Buenos Aires last Friday to greet the
passage of the legalization of abortion: a local news website called it a ‘tsunami of joy.’ They will be out again in strength later this month to ensure that the Senate passes the new law (which it probably will) – and that will unleash a wave of demands for similar reforms all over Latin America. Most countries in Central and South America only allow abortion in cases of rape or risk to the mother’s life, thanks to the traditional power of the Catholic Church. Until now, only Cuba and Uruguay have allowed abortion on demand. But for the majority of Latin countries where most people are no longer rural peasants, the writing is now on the wall. Which brings us, naturally, to the United States, where very few people think of themselves as peasants. The landscape is quite similar, with evangelical Christians even more militantly opposed to abortion than Catholics. Yet the abortion rate among Catholic women matches the national average, and even among evangelical women it is about half that. Abortions in the United States are now at the lowest rate since the key Supreme Court decision that legalised abortion, Roe v. Wade, back in 1973, but that’s mainly due to better →DYER | 14
Thursday, December 17, 2020 | THE OBSERVER
O P I N I O N | 13
Making Facebook accountable for every word the best way to rein it in
T
raditional media also makes its money by selling “access” to its viewers. You watched TV shows for free in exchange for the advertisements. The more people there were watching a particular show, the more stations and networks could charge for the ads. But the process was one way and anonymous. The Nielson ratings sampled a few people willing to participate – no one was tracking what you watched as an individual. Facebook’s model, on the other hand, is all about watching what you do, always, and then selling that information to others, including those who want to send you propaganda and misinformation – i.e. lies – for their own ends. Unlike traditional media, Facebook and other social media companies aren’t responsible for the content they publish. Simply making them subject to the same rules as every newspaper, television station and radio station would eliminate much of the problem: Facebook would have to vet every word posted on the platform to ensure it was true, non-defamatory and not misleading. Social media companies argue that’s not possible. But it is, even if that means that some or all of them have to shut down. That would be no loss, as the negatives of social media far outweigh any purported benefits. We can hope the eradication, or corralling at least, of Facebook, Google and its ilk is the result of various antitrust and regulatory actions, but the chances of anything useful happening are fairly slim. Still, the companies are being investigated. In Facebook’s case, antitrust violations are alleged, specifically regarding the
STEVE KANNON Editor's Point of View
takeover of Instagram and WhatsApp. There’s no denying that Facebook has grown at the expense of competition. So too have Google and Amazon, which is an even more troublesome corporation that needs to be split up into much smaller parts. With the social media companies, new regulations that would make them publishers – in essence forcing them to obey the law – and to protect privacy – essentially making it illegal for them to gather and share your data – would be enough to contain them, if not drive them out of business. Anything short of that will likely be useless, other than as a money grab for the fines they’ll pay, the massive amount
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tions, endowed academic positions at top universities across the continent and helped publish industry-friendly research by other firms,” the Times notes. “While the spending is less than in the United States, the growing influence industry is alarming European Union officials who believe that Big Tech is contributing to a Washingtonization of Brussels, giving money and connections an upper hand over the public interest.” The lobbying efforts have borne less fruit in Europe, and regulators on this side of the pond would be well advised to use European policies as a starting point. “Despite the lobbying, the industry has had few major successes. European leaders like Margrethe Vestager, who oversees digital policy, have called the companies threats to
democracy and anticompetitive and have taken several steps to rein them in. Amazon, Apple, Google and Facebook either are under antitrust investigation or have already been penalized billions of dollars. In recent years, the European Union has adopted industry-opposed laws on issues including privacy and online copyright,” the Times says. Unregulated social media companies traffic in lies, misinformation and scams. They abuse personal information as a feature, not a bug – monetization is the key to everything. That’s been abundantly clear in the political divisiveness we see today, particularly in the U.S., where falsehoods abound in the political system. Beyond spreading lies, social media is rife with scams, a reality in which the companies are complicit given their fail-
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they’ll spend on donations to politicians and the hiring of lobbyists. The large tech companies are already the biggest lobbyists and major campaign contributors, their intention to draft favourable legislation and pay off any attempts at oversight. The spending efforts have paid off in the U.S., where politicians turn a blind eye to harmful practices. Big Tech has had less luck in Europe, where regulations are tougher and fines much harder. Into that environment, the industry is stepping up lobbying at the European Union, the New York Times reports this week. “In Europe, the companies are spending more than ever, hiring former government officials, well-connected law firms and consulting firms. They funded dozens of think tanks and trade associa-
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ure to reel in offenders. A Buzzfeed piece last week made clear just how lucrative that is to Facebook, for instance. “A BuzzFeed News investigation has found that in relentlessly scaling its ad juggernaut — which is projected by analysts to bring in $80 billion this year — Facebook created a financial symbiosis with scammers, hackers, and disinformation peddlers who use its platforms to rip off and manipulate people around the world. The result is a global economy of dishonesty in which Facebook has at times prioritized revenue over the enforcement of policies seemingly put in place to protect the people who use its platform,” the publication notes. Facebook and its peers have only one interest: making money. If that means scamming the gullible, funneling explosive lies to uniformed followers, fostering hate, bullying and racism, well, so be it. In fact, we’ve seen plenty of proof that divisiveness is what Facebook has in mind in using algorithms to ensure each user gets information – true or (most often) otherwise – that’s likely to lead to more time spent on Facebook, clicking more links and being exposed to more ads, all the while giving up more personal information to be exploited as part of the cycle. To social media companies, those are features, not bugs. Ironically named social media in fact undermines social cohesion, lessening the sense of shared reality … and shared humanity. As we’ve seen in the U.S., it’s possible that large groups of people have abandoned any common ground, undermining the →KANNON | 14
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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 17, 2020
14 | O P I N I O N
Climate change and the snowshoe hare
I
’ve noticed a stereotype lately that suggests only young people believe in climate change. In my experience, that is pure BS. I am on the high side of middle-age. That means I spend a lot of time speaking to older people so I can still be referred to as “the young feller.” As a result, I have discovered the older you are, the more you accept climate change. Every older person has stories about how kids these days don’t know what a real winter is. People in the older demographic remember snow-
STEVE GALEA
Not-So-Great Outdoorsman
banks so high you couldn’t see your house from the road, and they look at what passes for winter these days as evidence something has changed. Talk to the younger generation about climate change, however, and you will hear some real babble-talk. My four-yearold grandson, for instance, has no clue. He can only remember the past two winters, and they seem pretty much the same to
him. I love the kid but unless his generation gets a little more educated, I’m not holding out much hope for the future. Regardless, climate change will affect us in many ways and none of them good. But, relatively speaking, we are the lucky ones. Imagine, if you were a varying (aka snowshoe) hare. First, let’s acknowledge that these animals are on every land- and aerial-based predator’s list of healthy snacks. But the one thing they had going for them was
that their coat turned white in the winter. This superpower provides camouflage and a better than even chance of escaping from the clutches of anything that wants to eat them, including the human hunter. But, as climate change reduces snow cover and shortens winter, these animals are going to have an issue. Eventually, if the trend continues, they will stick out like sore thumbs more often at the beginning and end of each winter. This is not going to bode well for them as a species.
Hey Kids! Let’s fill our communities with plenty of snow creations this year. Everytime the snow flies have fun outside, get creative and assist Woolwich Community Services!
There’s nothing easier to spot on a snowless January landscape than a pure white snowshoe hare. Eventually, if climate change persists, hunters are going to have to create the same sort of conservation effort as the nesting box projects that saved the wood duck. I have given this a lot of thought and believe that the best way to do it would be a twofold approach. The first part is to give them a place to hide in plain sight. The second part would be to reduce their predators so they could thrive. I envision a simple project where conservationist hunters would go into snowshoe hare habitat and spray paint every hare-sized rock and stump white. That way, a white hare could just sit still among these white inan-
Canada must boycott 2022 Olympics To the Editor, I am writing to commend you on your editorial in the November
imate objects and giggle as they watch predators break their teeth, claws and beaks biting down on hard white objects they mistook for a hare. This would also provide for plenty of hilarious social media videos too. Eventually, predators would turn their efforts to something less fraught with risk – or perhaps go vegan. This simple effort would definitely help varying hares at least until they could evolve coats that are more seasonally appropriate If we don’t do something about this issue, they will eventually retreat farther north to where the snow sticks around a little longer. This would be a shame. No hunter I know wants a receding hare-line. 26 edition of the Observer. You have said it all and my hope is that every member of Parliament reads this editorial and votes against China holding the 2022 Olympic Games. Claudine Koyich KITCHENER
KANNON: Reining in Facebook is more pressing than its survival
1. Make a snow creation & name it. 2. Take a picture with creator(s). 3. Upload photo. 4. See it in the Observer & online.
→FROM 13
basic principles of democracy. That’s destructive and potentially fatal to society. Enforcing antitrust legislation is one thing, but making Facebook and the others responsible for
DYER: Even extremist parties would be well advised to avoid the issue →FROM 12
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the content they publish would do much more to slow the spread of hate, lies and propaganda. That’s the right thing to do, but money is likely to win out over decency, democracy and civil society.
contraception. Nevertheless, almost a quarter of American women (23.7 per cent) will get an abortion at some point in their lives, most when they are in their 20s. A great many of these women have abortions because of their life circumstances: threefifths of them already have at least one child, and half of them are living below the poverty line. All that would happen if abortion were made illegal is that the backstreet abortionists would reappear, and lots of women would die or end up maimed in some way. Donald Trump is gone (sort of), but he has packed the U.S. Supreme Court 6-3 with conservatives who are thought to be ‘pro-life.’ If they decide to re-ban abortion, they will certainly unleash mass
protests on a scale that the U.S. has not seen before, just like in Ireland and Poland. The ‘pro-life’ movement is noisy, but 80 per cent of Americans support abortion rights. A ban in the U.S. might even trigger a women’s general strike. The right is already radicalized in the United States, but the rest of the country is ripe for it too. Abortion is currently an issue mainly in countries of Christian heritage, and in almost every one of them there’s a majority in favour of it among the younger population. What message does this have for right-wing governments that cling to power by waging ‘culture wars’ to cobble together narrow majorities? Stay away from the abortion issue. It will explode in your faces.
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 17, 2020 | 15
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Postsecondary funding
Tourism support funds
Conestoga College, Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo will receive $12.2 million from the province to address their deferred maintenance backlog, undertake critical repairs and upgrades, and provide a modern and safe learning environment for students, faculty and staff.
Woolwich will use $20,000 from the funding it received from the Municipal Accommodation Tax Funding to support Woolwich tourism businesses, part of the Tourism Adaption and Recovery Program being led by the Waterloo Regional Tourism Marketing Corporation. The spending was approved by councillors meeting Tuesday night.
Holiday Art Market runs through Dec. 20 With changes in place, vendors turn out for second annual holiday event to help with Christmas shopping needs Sean Heeger Observer Staff
Lacey Bakker is one of 20 vendors taking part in the second annual Holiday Art Market in St. Jacobs. Sean Heeger
IT MAY BE A CHRISTMAS unlike any other, with the gatherings smaller than usual, but we’ll still be getting out to shop for gifts and other supplies – the online version hasn't supplanted all traditions. As with downtown retailers, market vendors have rolled out safety protocols along with their wares to entice people to come on out. In St. Jacobs, the market district is giving holiday shoppers an alternative to the usual gift items at the malls by bringing back the Holiday Art Market for a second year. Some 20 vendors are selling items such as pet toys, food, books, home accessories and the like. The market is offering
Thursday to Sunday for three weeks in December,” said Adrienne Carter of the St. Jacobs Market District. “[Customers who come to the market] will find unique local handcrafted artisan gifts for Christmas. Anything from fudge to dog toys. There’s baby clothes. There’s jewelry, books, masks, knitted clothing. Nice woodworking done. There’s quite an array of artisan items.” She says because the Region of Waterloo went into the red zone just before the market opened, the setup was not as elaborate as they wished it would be. Originally, they planned to create a food court outside for customers to enjoy, alongside music and other offerings that simply could not be done because of the rules put in place.
up shoppers a plethora of different items, while adhering to pandemic rules in place. This year, because of everything going on, things have changed slightly – including cutting in half the duration to three weeks from six – but the promise is that those who attend will get the same experience they expect from shopping in the market district. “Last year it was just part of the farmers’ market – so only open Thursday and Saturday – and they had vendors offer sales and decorations. They brought in cooking demonstrations, music, that kind of thing and we couldn’t have any of that this year so this year we opened up an empty space in the outlet mall and invited artisans to have booths, in an art market that runs from
→ MARKET 16
Grand River Ag. Society steps up its support for start-ups Damon Maclean Observer Staff
THE GRAND RIVER AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY (GRAS) is stepping up its philanthropic efforts, last week announcing a new partnership with RH Accelerator and committing $250,000 to help
support businesses in the fields of agriculture, food, environment and clean technologies throughout the counties of Wellington, Waterloo and Perth. Supporting local initiatives has long been at the core of the agricultural society’s mandate, with the latest step moving
the effort to phase three or “impact investing,” explained GRAS vice-president Deborah Whale. “The Grand River Agricultural Society for a long time has had a philanthropic emphasis, particularly in agriculture and the environment. We started off small, keeping
a lot of our investments and donations, in the local community initiatives in agriculturally dense, and in some good environmental work, such as river cleanups and fish habitats that kind of thing. Then we got a bit bigger, and started looking at expanding some of our investments into
the partnership. She was joined by GRAS president Garth Green, RH Accelerator (RHA) co-founder Joe Dales and GRAS marketing director Katie Giddy. The shift to impact investing was a good fit between the agricultural society and RHA, which
larger organizations,” said Whale, noting there have been some larger investments in equine health, for instance, and with organizations such as the Grand River Conservation Authority. Whale was part of a videoconference held December 9 to announce
→ GRAS 16
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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 17, 2020
16 | B U S I N E S S
Canadian farmers facing new sustainability era
W
hen U.S. president-elect Joe Biden picked California environmental champion Kamala Harris for his running mate, there was no doubt a Democratic Party victory would have implications for agriculture everywhere, including Canada. That was reinforced last week when Biden announced his choice for secretary of agriculture would be Tom Vilsack – the same person who held the post under former president Barack Obama and helped Biden fashion his rural America plan. Biden wants U.S. farmers to reach new highs in sustainability. To him, that means paying attention to their impact on climate change. He’s been listening to someone (likely Vilsack) who knows something about agriculture. For example, in announcing Vilsack as the agriculture secretary nominee, Biden said he wanted to pay farmers to “put their land in conservation… and grow cover crops.” I think he stumbled a bit on his verbiage, but Biden’s point is clear. He thinks farmers have a big role to play in decreasing global warming by covering their land in crops that reduce run-off into waterways and sequester carbon. And, as he noted, he plans to help them financially to do so. That’s a model the European Union adopted more than three decades ago, and consumers there supported it wholly. European governments wanted farmers to produce
OWEN ROBERTS Food For Thought
less grain because there was too much on the world market: prices were depressed and trade wars were being waged over it. The powers that be figured paying farmers to take land out of production and make it look like a conservation effort was the way to go. Here, we talk about removing what’s known as marginal land from production. It’s land that’s not really suited for crops, but because the price of food is so comparatively low and farmers need every cent they can muster, they’re tempted to grow crops there anyway. It’s much better if farmers grow grass on marginal land and turn it into pasture for cattle, which nature likely intended it to be in the first place. This land doubles as a wildlife refuge, because it typically has wet, low-lying areas and brush that harbours the likes of birds and foxes. So maybe Biden means something similar when he refers to farmers putting land in conservation, although livestock farmers who pasture their animals already put land in conservation. In Canada, we’re struggling with what to do about carbon. Ottawa’s approach is to tax those who produce it and use it, through a carbon tax, and offer incentives to those who reduce it, as carbon credits. Agriculture has a problem with that. Some farm-
Babies of the
YEAR!20 20
ers think they shouldn’t have to pay a carbon tax on the natural gas they use to dry their grain, a step which is often necessary for storage. In fact, they think Ottawa should take the same approach Biden is taking. They think they should be recognized, through compensation, for sequestering carbon, which they do in the crops they grow (especially pasture). They are on the exact opposite side of where the government is now. Things got worse last Friday when Ottawa announced its new federal climate plan, which further increases the carbon tax. It predicts agriculture will use appreciably more carbon in the coming years. And it says it’s trying to help slow that use down. The government dedicated money to help agriculture develop “clean transformative technologies” and help restore wetlands and grasslands in ways that boost carbon sequestration. It’s also dedicating money to biofuel development. Farm groups, however, say all this ignores the efforts they’re making right now. Under Biden, the U.S. will take a fresh look at its trading partners through a sustainability lens, and pass judgement on what it considers to be their level of their environmental responsibility. If it doesn’t like what it sees, it will do business elsewhere. Ottawa will hold out the new climate plan as being environmentally responsible. It might convince the U.S. government, but it has a long way to go before farmers buy in.
Vendors offer up a variety of unique items at the St. Jacobs Holiday Art Market.
SeanHeeger
MARKET: In just its second year, the operation has had to make some big changes to keep going through pandemic → FROM 15
“We were going to build a food court out front of the outlet mall to try to draw attention to the space… but even that wasn’t allowed as we went into the red zone, it made the public health very nervous. [Even though the farmers’ market has food vendors] they follow market rules as a food distributor. So,
because this was over at the outlet mall, it was just an added layer of complexity that public health didn’t want to see as we moved into the red zone,” she added. When customers go to the market to do some shopping, they will see things may be different from last year and will have to follow the rules in place.
Carter says all customers must wear a mask when inside, keep a social distance from others in the market, and follow the “flow of traffic” once they are inside and shopping. The market runs from Thursday to Sunday at the outlet mall in St. Jacobs (25 Benjamin Rd. E). For more information, visit stjacobsmarket.com/ holiday-art-market.
GRAS: Ag. Society has a long history of supporting new ventures, but new partnership will move it up a notch → FROM 15
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share common goals, said Whale. “The goal of RHA is to create some economic benefits to support young founders to create jobs and, very importantly, to increase the awareness in general of the agriculture and environmental industries in our local communities.” Giddy explained that the grants are aimed at startups that have already reached the point in their business journey where they are earning revenue but looking to take things to the next
level. “What RH Accelerator offers and provides is in-depth coaching, mentorship, and business advice and guides to really help the health of business to grow.” Giddy recommends those interested in applying for the grants to reach out to RHA directly. Step one of the process would be a conversation with Dales directly, and applications for the process are available on the company’s website. The parties are all excited about how this commitment will shape
the local industry. “One of most exciting things for us is that this program will allow us to tell the story of the businesses inside of our area and the great things that they’re doing. We’re very fortunate in the Wellington-Waterloo-Perth community to have lots of businesses that have a core of agriculture, food, and environment at their base. And we really just want to try and play a part of helping to put them on the map,” said Giddy. “That’s something that’s very important to Grand River Ag.”
Thursday, December 17, 2020 | THE OBSERVER
B U S I N E S S | 17
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AND WITH IT COMES THE POSSIBILITY OF POWER OUTAGES Prepare an emergency kit and store it in an easy-to find location. Check it regularly to make sure it is well-stocked and that all equipment is in good working order. For information on what should be in your kit, visit: wnhydro.com/emergencykit.
Stay up-to-date on power interruptions and outage information. You can find this information by visiting WNH’s interactive outage map at: wnhydro.com/outages
For more tips on emergency preparedness and outage safety, visit:
May your home be filled with laughter and fun this holiday season. Thank You for your patronage over this past year.
Wendy Taylor
wnhydro.com/outages 519-747-0231 Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings 24hrs 24hrs
BROKER
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Free, no obligation, Opinions of value
Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 17, 2020
18 | B U S I N E S S
For unto us a child was born The Messiah who saves the world.
Wishing You All a Safe & Happy Christmas!
May your Christmas be great as ever in the light of the Savior’s love!
from all of us at:
Have a happy holiday season from all of us at:
Providing the latest technology to repair your vehicle.
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6455 Reid Woods Dr., RR#4 Elmira 519-669-9488 | www.tubeline.ca
Auto Tech Inc.
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519-656-2460
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From allHolidays of us at: Happy ☆☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy HolidaysGreetings ☆ Happy☆ Holidays ☆Greetings Happy Holidays Season's Greetings Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Season's Mose Season’s Greetings☆ Season’s Greetings ☆ Season’s Greetings ☆ Season’s Greetings
From all of us at Richmond Heating and Air, wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
mosemartinsgarage.ca Call Today!
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Happy Holidays ☆☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy HolidaysGreetings ☆ Happy☆ Holidays ☆Greetings Happy Holidays Season's Greetings Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Season's Season’s Greetings☆ Season’s Greetings ☆ Season’s Greetings ☆ Season’s Greetings
Thursday, December 17, 2020 | THE OBSERVER
B U S I N E S S | 19
HO!
HO!
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Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas Happy Holidays ☆☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy HolidaysGreetings ☆ Happy☆ Holidays ☆Greetings Happy Holidays Season's Greetings Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Season's Season’s Greetings☆ Season’s Greetings ☆ Season’s Greetings ☆ Season’s Greetings
Your Feed and Pet Food Supplier
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SALES REPRESENTATIVE
5195006004 Call/Text
519-742-5800 ext. 2084
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Blessings this Christmas Season to You and Your Loved Ones
Happy Holidays From
5 Dunke St. N. Elmira, ON 519.669.2901
New patients always welcome Your Pet’s Home for Health Care
Bill McBay* CFP®, CEA, CFDS, CHS, CLU T.E.A.M. Financial Solutions Tel: (519) 498-8326 advisor.sunlife.ca/william.mcbay mythsandtruths.com *Mutual funds distributed by Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. The advisors at T.E.A.M. Financial Solutions are contracted with Sun Life Financial Distributors (Canada) Inc., a member of the Sun Life group of companies. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is a member of the Sun Life Financial group of companies. ©Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2020.
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Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas
Have a Wonderful
Happy Holidays ☆☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy HolidaysGreetings ☆ Happy☆ Holidays ☆Greetings Happy Holidays Season's Greetings Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Season's
Merry
Christmas
Season’s Greetings☆ Season’s Greetings ☆ Season’s Greetings ☆ Season’s Greetings
A l l t h e b e s t t h i s h o l i d ay s e a s o n f ro m a l l o f u s a t t h e O b s e r ve r
We hope this holiday season brings many beautiful surprises. Thank you for making our year a very bright one.
Holiday Hours December 24
Closing at 6 p.m. Boxing Day December 26, 9-5pm Re-opening December 27 at 8am
December 31
Closing at 6 p.m. Re-opening January 2 at 8am
Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas
We Deliver! ECRA/ESA# 7000404
315 Arthur St. S.
Happy Holidays ☆☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆Elmira Happy☆ Holidays ☆Greetings Happy Holidays Season's Greetings Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Season's | 64 519.669.1461 Howard Greetings Ave,
Joe Merlihan, Steve Kannon, Donna Rudy, Pat Merlihan Cassandra Merlihan, Sean Heeger & Damon Maclean
PHONE: 519-669-5403
Season’s Greetings☆ Season’s Greetings ☆ Season’s Greetings ☆ Season’s Greetings
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 17, 2020
20 | B U S I N E S S
WISHING YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Master Craftsmen of Fine Homes and Interiors
Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas 3575 Broadway Street Hawkesville, ON N0B 1X0 519-699-4388 clbuilders.ca Happy Holidays ☆☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy HolidaysGreetings ☆ Happy☆ Holidays ☆Greetings Happy Holidays Season's Greetings Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Season's Season’s Greetings☆ Season’s Greetings ☆ Season’s Greetings ☆ Season’s Greetings
Wishing everyone
From my family to yours,
Wishing you Peace & Joy this Holiday Season
TIM LOUIS Member of Parliament, Kitchener-Conestoga TimLouisKitCon
TimLouisMP.ca
Tim.Louis@parl.gc.ca
519-578-3777
Peace & Joy this Christmas Season.
Thank you for your patronage. ELMIRA TRUCK SERVICE
COMMERCIAL 24 CARDLOCK FUEL DEPOT HOUR
25 Earl Martin Drive, Elmira | 519-669-5377
Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas Happy Holidays ☆☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy HolidaysGreetings ☆ Happy☆ Holidays ☆Greetings Happy Holidays Season's Greetings Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Season's
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 17, 2020 | 21
Arts
Read a local best seller every week. Local stories that inspire.
Support for live music
The live stream continues
The Canadian Live Music Association (CLMA) and Kinaxis Inc. This week unveiled details of Kinaxis InConcert, a new performance series that will feature approximately 30 concerts live streamed from stages across Canada.
Musician Jacob Moon has been busy with a series of streaming per formances, the latest of which is “Live from the Woodshed,” planned for this evening (Thursday) at 9 p.m. Tomorrow (Dec. 18), he’s joined by Ali Matthews for “Live from Everynation Studios.”
www.kinaxis.com/InConcert
Phone: 519-669-5790 ext 103
www.jacobmoon.com
Report it: observerxtra.com/tips
KWS takes their Christmas spectacle online A holiday classic, the KW Symphony’s Yuletide Spectacular will be staged virtually on Dec. 18, streaming for the weekend Damon Maclean Observer Staff
THE KW SYMPHONY’S YULETIDE SPECTACULAR would normally immerse audiences in a varied musical experience inside the acoustically rich confines of the Centre In The Square. That not being an option this year, the organization will be reaching out well beyond the venue and even the region in taking the show online. The goal is to share the joy of the season, not the physical space given attempts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, when the Yuletide Spectacular takes to the virtual stage December 18. It features orchestral holiday favourites, Canadian Broadway star Chilina Kennedy performing seasonal hits, appearances
by actors Mike Nadajewski and Glynis Ranney who are favourites from Yuletides-past, Carousel Dance Company performing selections from the The Nutcracker, and the traditional carol singalong. Former KWS assistant conductor Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser returns to spearhead the effort. “What a year 2020 has been,” said Bartholomew-Poyser in a statement. “But one of the happy things to come out of all this is the new formats we’ve come up with to reach you, our audience, and the ability to share music with even more friends and family who live outside the region; with a traditional concert this just wouldn’t be possible. So, join us as we help you get into the holiday spirit and celebrate the season with
KWS violinist Allene Chomyn and principal bass Ian Whitman at the filming of this year’s Yuletide Spectacular, with a scene from a past performance. The new show will be available online this weekend. Submitted
music, special guests, and surprise appearances all around Waterloo Region.” For Ian Whittman, the symphony’s principal bass player, the Yuletide performances are a special time of the year, with the crew typically going through four performances lasting about two
hours in length. “We have hundreds of guests join us: choirs and dancers, singers, narrators; we’ve had bell choirs in the past, all sorts of things, people, community members who join us on stage and [in the] audience,” he said of the experience,
usually held in-person. “We have close to 6,000 people in the audience over the weekend, and we have hundreds of people on stage, so just the sheer number of people joining us and kind of celebrating the end of the year and the holiday season.” Originally from Edmon-
ton, Whittman has been with KWS since 2011. His interest in music began in high school when he first picked up a guitar to play some rock ‘n’ roll tunes. He decided he would switch to a more secure musician plan and play bass, aiming to join an → YULETIDE 34
Arts fund grants support two Wellesley artists Region of Waterloo Arts Fund grants doles out $270,000 to 48 area artists to support a variety of projects Damon Maclean Observer Staff
HEIDELBERG MUSICIAN PAIGE WARNER AND Wellesley artist Jackie Partridge are among the latest recipients of grants from the Region of Waterloo Arts Fund. Warner received $1,275 and Partridge got $1,600, part of the $268,341 distributed to 48 recipients in the fall 2020 awards. Having switched to a new single-stage online application process, the
region received a record 102 submissions during the latest intake period, with requests totalling $950,000. Also on the this list was Drayton Theatres Inc., with $6,000 going for the High School Musical Project, to provide mentored arts and technical training for Waterloo Region high school students, culminating in the creation of a live musical theatre production. The Registry Theatre got $5,000 for artists’ fees for development of the script
Babies of the
YEAR!20 20
for The Museum of Lost Memories, an immersive live art and performance installation by artist Zehra Nawab, composer Grace Scheele, and poet Nicole Smith. For Warner, the funding couldn’t have come at a better time as she works on a new single. “It’s good timing. During COVID, there’s not much money going around in the arts community,” she said. Like many in the arts scene, Warner’s performances had mostly shifted
Last First Name, Birth Name Date P | aren ts Na Town mes
to digital, with the occasional patio show, weather permitting. This is Warner’s third time applying for the program, and the third time has proven the charm, as it garnered $1,275 for her upcoming single, ‘Liquor.’ The grants will intend to help Warner make the new single through recording time, paying producers and photographers, and advertising. ”It really covers a pretty broad range of stuff.” Although Warner has
not said too much about the upcoming single, fans should expect a sensitive track in the coming year. In Wellesley, Partridge received $1,600 to create five canvases that will be given to local businesses, and to provide tutorials to young painters. “With my background in teaching and my experience in leading art workshops, COVID-19 impacted both my art practice and ability to instruct in-person workshops. With my grant… I plan on selecting five locations of different
Full colour photo of your little one published in the AD SPOT - NON PRINTING January 7, 2021 edition.
$4hs0 t +
landscapes in Waterloo Region to photograph. I will create five 12” x 18” acrylic paintings on canvases to donate to local businesses in my hometown of Wellesley,” she said. “I will film myself with the help of my husband, teaching beginner painters how to paint these landscapes from the Waterloo Region in a step-by-step process. After editing these videos, they will be uploaded on my new YouTube channel – Jackie → GRANTS 34
BOOK EARLY!
Email photos & caption information to: ads@woolwichobserver.com
Deadline for submission & payment: Monday, January 4, 2021
20-B Arthur St. N., Elmira | 519-669-5790 | www.ObserverXtra.com
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 17, 2020
22 | A R T S
Wishing you all the best in the New Year, from our home to yours.
Hillside
RESIDENCE
Openings Available
Assisted Living Memory Care & Retirement Living 519-648-3212 • www.hillsideresidence.ca
We feel very blessed to have you as our customers and we are proud to call you friends!
2316 Floradale Rd., Floradale 519-669-8818
Holiday waste collection Elmira Home Hardware would like to thank you for your loyal support throughout 2020. May your year be full of light and joy. From all of us at Elmira Home Hardware.
Merry Christmas 22 Church St. W., Elmira | 519-669-5537 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: Mon.- Sat. 8-6, Sun. 12-5
There will be NO WASTE COLLECTION on Friday, December 25 or Friday, January 1. During the two weeks of December 25 to January 1: If your collection day is:
Your collection day will be:
Friday, December 25
Saturday, December 26
Friday, January 1
Saturday, January 2
Natural Christmas trees will be collected for composting: • January 4 to January 15, 2021, on your collection day. • Remove all decorations, lights, stand and plastic bags. • Place tree to the curb by 7 a.m. on your collection day. • Do not place your tree on or behind a snowbank. • Cut trees longer than 1.8 metres (6 feet) in half. • Artificial trees will be collected as part of your Bulky Item limit on your garbage day. www.regionofwaterloo.ca/waste 519-575-4400, Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TTY) 519-575-4608 Space provided through a partnership between industry and municipalities to support waste reduction programs.
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 17, 2020 | 23
Classifieds
Seven days. One paper. A bestseller every week. Phone: 519-669-5790 ext 104 Email: ads@woolwichobserver.com
Help Wanted
Advertising
Placing a classified ad
Please call or email for display advertising quote for Help Wanted, Auctions, Real Estate, Public Notices and Obituaries.
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.
Please talk to our ad dept for pricing and to order a Pro Services Directory. Family Album Announcements pricing and info can be ordered online at: observerxtra.com/order-family-album.
Residential:
$9 per 20 words (20¢ per extra word)
Commercial:
$15 per 20 words (30¢ per extra word)
Help Wanted
Help Wanted Now Hiring in Linwood
Small Town Grocery Store We are looking for a responsible individual with a strong work ethic and friendly, positive attitude to join our busy workplace. A part time continuing position of 3 to 4 full days per week is available at our grocery store. We are closed Sundays. Contact us at 519-897-2600
For Sale APPLIANCES, WHITE, VERY GOOD CONDItion. Whirlpool 30" Fridge, 5 yrs, bottom freezer,$350. Maytag Stove, Solid cooktop, 10 yrs, $200. GE over range Microwave, 10 yrs, $75. Call or text 519-465-3477.
ICE SALT & ICE MELT - ICE SALT COMES IN 20kg, Ice melt comes in 20kg bags. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045.
KILN DRIED CORN & CORN SCREENING Delivered by Einwechter. Minimum 15 ton lots. Call George Haffner DECOR-REST SOFA Trucking 519-574-4141 BED, FAIRLY NEW. $500. or 519-669-2045. Maple fireplace unit. $400. 519-206-0221. Horses MATTRESS AND BOX SPRING, NEW, NEVER used, still in sealed bag. Sacrifice $195. Delivery available $35. 519-635-8737.
Hay & Straw STRAW FOR SALE - 4 X 5 ROUND BALES, chopped wheat straw. Clean, feed grade, stored inside. Call or text Kevin at 519-616-4985.
Farm Services BAGGED PINE SHAVINGS AGRICULTURAL Spray Lime, 22.5kg. bag; feed grade lime, 25kg. Delivered. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045. FERTILIZER AND SEED GRAIN - AT COMPETItive pricing. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141.
WATERLOO COUNTY CHRISTMAS HORSE Sale to be held at OLEX Saturday, January 2, 2021. Horses sell at 10 a.m. To consign or for more info call 519-595-3307.
Wanted WANTED BY JANUARY 1 OR SOONER. Family of 3 adults looking for place to rent in Elmira or area. Ground level or elevator preferable but will look at places with some steps. Inclusive if possible. Must have at least 2 bedrooms, parking, stove, fridge, and access to washer and dryer. References available. Please call 519-699-9381 or 226-791-7891. Leave message.
PARTTIME PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER The Corporate Services Department is seeking Two (2) Temporary Part-Time Parking Enforcement Officers to enforce the winter overnight parking ban until March 31st, 2021 and to support parking enforcement during declared Snow Events which may extend into April. For more information visit the Township of Woolwich website, Parking Enforcement Officers job posting at www.woolwich.ca
Rentals HOUSE FOR RENT/ LEASE. 4 BEDROOM home in St. Jacobs, available immediately. $2300/mth + utilities. Must be willing to sign lease. Email: richard@ fredeconstruction.ca KITCHENER APARTMENT. WELL MAINtained spacious garden apartment for rent. Available Feb1st. Single car heated garage, located at 78 Kehl Street. For more information call Mildred Frey at 519-741-6970.
Trades & Services RON'S DRYWALL AND RENOVATIONS. OVER 35 years experience. Please call 519-496-7539 or email ron.spncr@gmail.com
Personals
SECOND STRONGEST ADDICTION? Gambling! *Causes 30% of suicides. * loses houses, loses spouses. Gamblers Anonymous meeting, Rockway Centre, 1405 WANTED: 1 ACRE FOR King St. E., Kitchener. RENT FOR MARKET Mondays 6:45 p.m. garden. Please contact "except holidays". Najla at 416-399-9249.
Moving Tips: Pack an essentials bag. Wrap breakables in clothing, blankets, towels, etc. Label boxes clearly. Do a deep clean and paint before you move in. Pack breakables vertically to reduce pressure. Cut handles into boxes. Use suitcases, laundry hampers, baskets, etc. as boxes. Take 'before' photos if you are renting Change your address two weeks prior to moving. Schedule utilities. Feed the friends and family that help you on moving day.
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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 17, 2020
24 | C L A S S I F I E D S
ↆ R E A L
ES TATE
Announce it in the Observer.
BROKERAGE
R.W. THUR REAL ESTATE LTD. Office: 519-669-2772 | Cell: 519-741-6231 45 Arthur St. S., Elmira | www.thurrealestate.com
BRAD MARTIN
Solid Gold Realty (II) Ltd., Brokerage | Independently Owned and Operated
Broker of Record, MVA Residential
Murray Court, Milverton
30+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE YOU CAN RELY ON!
New Build, 1673 Sq Ft 2 story townhome in Milverton’s sought a�er Milveton Meadows. 3 Bathrooms, Master bedroom ensuite, Appliances, Fridge, Stove, Washer, Dryer and Microwave are all included. Premium Quality Vinyl Windows and Exterior Doors. Rough in for Basement bathroom Located in quiet town with all ameni�es including high speed fiber-op�c Internet. S�ll �me to choose some op�ons, but hurry these are selling fast!
43 Roberta St., Elmira Don’t miss out on this 2+2 bdrm open concept bungalow!Spacious eat-in kitchen w/island & quartz counter tops. Bright great room w/hardwood, F.P. & walkout to patio. Vaulted ceiling in great room. Master suite w/ walkout to patio & hot tub, 4 pc ensuite & walk-in closet. 2nd bedroom or office. Main flr laundry. Finished basement w/huge rec room with F.P. & wet bar. 2 additional bedrooms & 3 pc bath. Hardwood flooring in rec room and lower bdrms. California shutters throughout. $799,900.00 MLS 4 Brown Thrasher Court, Elmira Sought after court location on a large wooded lot! Completely remodelled inside & out. Replacement exterior siding& insulation, landscaping and windows/doors. Hardwood throughout the L.R., D.R. and 3 bdrms. Newer kitchen cabinetry with ceramic floor & backsplash. Spacious master bdrm with walk-in closet & ensuite. Walkout to 800 sq. ft deck. New 5 piece bathroom. Newly renovated rec room w/rough-in for wet bar & den with walk-out to rear yard. Laundry/furnace room with another walk-out. New paint throughout. Shows well! MLS
SOLD
CALL FOR YOUR
FREE MARKET EVALUATION
ADDRESS: 3 Arthur St. S., ELMIRA | DIRECT: 519-503-2753 EMAIL: leonmartin@remax.net
♥ Clearing up
broken glass
First, pick up and dispose of the larger pieces wrapped in old newspaper. Then carefully blot the surrounding area with a few sheets of wet newspaper – the shards of glass will stick to the damp wad of paper.
Double:
$38 per insertion
Triple:
$48 per insertion
519-669-5790 ext 104 drudy@woolwichobserver.com
100% LOCAL
“PROUDLY REMEMBERING OUR PAS T; CONFIDENTLY EMBRACING OUR FUTURE.”
Community Information Page
P.O. Box 158
24 Church St. W. Elmira, Ontario N3B 2Z6
COVID-19 Woolwich Township Update
Township Office – Open for select services
For519-669-1647 current information on facilities and services, please seeEmergency: Woolwich.ca or call 519-669-1647. Phone: or 877-969-0094 Fax: 519-669-1820 After Hours 519-575-4400 www.woolwich.ca For health information, call Region of Waterloo Public Health 519-575-4400.
Council Meetings – Remote For registration, help or alternative participation options, call 519-669-6004. The Woolwich Memorial Centre is open for pre-registered aquafit, lane, family swim, swim lessons, fitness classes, fitness centre usage and walking track. For more information visit: Woolwich.ca/swim
20
+
$28 per insertion
Please use online or phone where possible or book appointments with staff in advance. 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.
YEAR!20 $4hs0 t
Single:
Please call or email Donna Rudy:
Babies of the
BOOK EARLY!
Family Announcement Advertising: Ads will be accepted in person, email, or phone during regular office hours. Deadline is Wednesdays by 10am. Order online at: observerxtra.com/order-family-album
$459,000
Woolwich.ca/fitness Woolwich.ca/track
Last Name, First Name
Birth Date | Tow n Parents Names
Full colour photo of your little one published in the January 7, 2021 edition.
Deadline for submission & payment Monday, January 4, 2021 Email photos & caption information to: ads@woolwichobserver.com 20-B Arthur St. N., Elmira | 519-669-5790 | www.ObserverXtra.com
Check Before you Rec – At all facilities in the Region, we encourage you to Check before you Rec, to review our facility guidelines, visit: Woolwich.ca/RecCheck
Woolwich Stay Home, Stay Active Webpage – Visit: Woolwich.ca/StayActive Local Business Resources – We are excited to introduce our NEW Shop Local Woolwich Gift Card Program! Visit www. shoplocalwoolwich.ca to buy gift cards and to list your business! For business support call 519669-6020 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.
Public Health Information We, as a community need to be vigilant this Holiday Season; it is now more important than ever to: • Only go out for essential purposes • Limit social interactions to only your household • Wash your hands often • Wear a face covering • Get tested if you have symptoms In-person holiday celebrations should only be with the people you live with. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still have some fun and make meaningful memories. Find out more info about how to celebrate safely at: http://ontario.ca/page/guidelines-gatherings-and-winter-holiday-celebrations
Thursday, December 17, 2020 | THE OBSERVER
C L A S S I F I E D S | 25
“PROUDLY REMEMBERING OUR PAST; CONFIDENTLY EMBRACING OUR FUTURE.”
Community Information Page
Phone:
519-669-1647 or 877-969-0094 Fax: 519-669-1820
After Hours Emergency:
519-575-4400 www.woolwich.ca
WHY REGISTER
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
By registering staff can ensure that you are permitted access to the virtual meeting, we know which application you are commenting on and, can call on you at the appropriate time to comment if you wish to do so. As it is virtual, registering will provide a level of security that is necessary to prevent meeting disruptions.
Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. Regarding Zone Change Application 11/2020 Noah W. Martin – 1356 Tilman Road
SUBMITTING COMMENTS AND REQUESTING NOTIFICATION
N
Please note this will be a virtual meeting only and public attendance at the Township offices will not be permitted. Below is information on how you can submit comments, view or participate in the meeting. You may also contact Development Services staff by sending an email to planning@woolwich.ca or by MAP 1 phone at 519-669-6040 if you have any questions. Take Notice that in accordance with the Planning Act, R.S.O., 1990, c.P.13, as amended, the Township of Woolwich has SUBJECT received a complete application for a proposed site specific PROPERTY 1356 Tilman Road zoning amendment for lands owned by Noah W. Martin and located at 1356 Tilman Road (see Map 1), more specifically described below. This notice will also summarize the details of this application and will include a location map and site plan of the subject lands. Please be advised that Notice of a Complete Application does not indicate whether / the municipality is in support of, or in opposition to the proposal. That determination will be made at a later date. The Township of Woolwich will hold a Public Meeting, under Section 34 of the Planning Act, to consider the following Zone Change application. No decisions will be made at this meeting; its purpose is to provide additional information to the public and agencies and to receive comments and information from them. GSP Group on behalf of Noah W. Martin has submitted a site specific zoning amendment for the 13 hectare (32 acre) property located at 1356 Tilman Road to amend the Agricultural zone to permit the existing agricultural equipment sales and service business as an agricultural-related use on a 0.79 hectare area of operation on the property. The property is designated Rural Land Use Area in the Township’s Official Plan and is zoned Agricultural. The property contains a single detached dwelling, livestock barn, storage shed and a 702 square metre agricultural equipment sales and service building. WITTICK
RD
ARTHUR ST
P.O. Box 158
24 Church St. W. Elmira, Ontario N3B 2Z6
TILM AN RD
REID WO ODS DR
APPEAL RIGHTS TAKE NOTICE that if a person or public body would otherwise have an ability to appeal the decision of the Township of Woolwich to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal but the person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the Township of Woolwich before the by-law is passed, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision. AND TAKE NOTICE that if a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting, or make written submissions to the Township of Woolwich before the by-law is passed, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal unless, in the opinion of the Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to add the person or public body as a party.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE As in-person meetings are not an option at this time, you can view or participate in the Public Meeting as follows: VIEW the Public Meeting / Council meeting livestream on the Woolwich Township Youtube channel at the following link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOnLlF3Srk2gLEBjkq8pIMQ ; PARTICIPATE in the Public Meeting by REGISTERING with Council/Committee Facilitator on or before 4:30 pm on Thursday January 14, 2021. To register please: • email asmyth@woolwich.ca or phone 519-669-6004; or • visit www.woolwich.ca/delegations for more information on speaking before Council and to register through the online delegation request form. When registering you must provide your name, phone number, email and the application number you would like to comment on. Once you are registered staff will forward information on how to connect to the Zoom meeting (i.e. zoom Wi-Fi login or conference call number). If you are concerned that you do not have access to phone or internet or are otherwise concerned about the reliability of your signal please ensure that you submit written comments. Written comments do not negate your opportunity to also speak at the Public Meeting but do ensure your voice is heard should your electronic connection to the meeting not work. If you are unsure whether or not you would like to speak at the meeting but want to listen and have the option to comment on a particular application, please register with the Deputy Clerk. You will not be required to speak if you do not want to.
You can express your concerns/ comments about the proposed changes in writing to the Township of Woolwich. Any comments received on or before Tuesday, January 12, 2021 (Note that this date is before the public meeting) will be included in a report prepared by Development Services and presented at the Public Meeting. Any comments received after the Public Meeting, but prior to Council making a decision on the applications, will be considered. The personal information accompanying your submission is being collected under the authority of the Planning Act and may form part of the public record which may be released to the public. This information is collected and maintained for the purpose of creating a record that is available to the general public at the Committee of the Whole and Council meetings. Please note that while the Committee of the Whole and Council may redact some personal information such as email addresses and phone numbers, your submissions will otherwise be made public in their entirety. Questions about this collection should be directed to the Records and Freedom of Information Officer at 519-669-1647 or 1-877-969-0094 ext. 6005. Should you wish to be notified of future meetings and reports regarding the Zone Change application please: • submit a written request, noting that you wish to be kept informed, to the Township of Woolwich, Development Services, 24 Church Street West, Box 158, Elmira, Ontario N3B 2Z6, or • email your request noting that you wish to be kept informed to planning@woolwich.ca If Council approves the change, a notice will be mailed to you explaining the By-law.
MORE INFORMATION Additional information related to these applications can be viewed or obtained as follows: Schedule an appointment to view the documents at the Township Administration building located at 24 Church Street West, Elmira weekdays between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. To schedule an appointment please call 519-669-6040 or email planning@woolwich.ca Dated at the Township of Woolwich this 17th day of December 2020.
Township of Woolwich Holiday Hours
The Administration Building will be closed to walk-in public traffic from Noon on Thursday, December 24th until Thursday, December 31st, the office would then reopen to regular public access on Monday, January 4th at 8:30am. While the office may be closed to walk-in traffic, we encourage the public to book appointments with staff if they need to visit the office during that time, or to connect by telephone, virtually or online. We will be accepting water samples for drop off on Tuesday, December 29th, please call the phone number posted on the door and a staff member will assist you. The Woolwich Memorial Centre will be offering programming at a reduced level over the holidays to continue with some recreation opportunities for our residents. The facilities hours of operation will be: December 21st- December 23rd: Regular Hours & Programs December 24th- December 27th: Closed December 28th- December 30th: Open for pre-registered programs from 8:30am-3:30pm (Family Swims, Family Skates, Fitness Centre & Walking Track open for limited programs) December 31st - January 3rd: Closed January 4th: Regular Hours & Programs
St. Jacobs Business Improvement Area Annual Meeting of the General Membership
Date: Tuesday January 19th 6:00 pm Online via Google Meet, Register ahead at: www.stjacobsvillage.com/agm
Agenda: • Welcome and Introduction • • • • •
Board of Management Summary of 2020 Activity and Plans for 2021 Presentation of 2020 Budget Presentation of Proposed Budget for 2021 Q & A session
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 17, 2020
26 | C L A S S I F I E D S
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Thursday, December 17, 2020 | THE OBSERVER
ↆ F A M I L Y
C L A S S I F I E D S | 27
A LB UM
Birthday
Obituary
Happy 90th Birthday Marie Snelling!
Wishing our Mother continued happiness & good health. Lots of love from your children, grandchildren & great grandchildren.
Obituary
Obituary
Alder, Alma
Bauman, Saloma L.
Peacefully passed away on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at Cambridge Country Manor at the age of 83. Beloved wife of the late Samuel “Sam� Alder (2007). Dear mother and mother-in-law of Roy, Russell and Sandra, Mark and Kyoko, Matthew and Katherine, and the late Elizabeth (2017). Lovingly remembered by her eight grandchildren. Predeceased by her parents Herbert and Olive (Marcy) Dickson. Alma will be remembered for her exemplary volunteer work in the community, and was awarded the “Volunteer of the Year Award� for Waterloo Region in 2012. She will be missed dearly. Visitation took place on Saturday, December 12, 2020 from 7-9 p.m. at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, 62 Arthur St. S., Elmira. A private family service was held on Sunday, December 13, 2020 in the funeral home chapel. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Lisaard House would be appreciated.
Passed away on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at Grand River Hospital, Kitchener at the age of 74. Wife of Allan H. Bauman of RR 1, Millbank. Sister of Lydian (Ephraim) Martin, and sister-in-law of Edna Martin, Ina (Elias) Martin, Leah (Emmanuel) Martin, Louisa (Josiah) Brubacher, Mary (Philip) Legge, Lizzie (Ivan) Martin, Emma (Emmanuel) Sherk, Rebecca (Daniel) Martin, Lovina (Simeon) Bowman, and Henry Martin. Remembered by many nieces, nephews and their families. Predeceased by her parents Menno and Leah (Martin) Lichty, sisters Lucinda (Nelson) Martin and Ina Martin and brother-in-law Aden Martin. Visitation took place on Friday, December 11, 2020 from 2-6 p.m. at the Dreisinger Funeral Home. A family service was held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 12, 2020 then to Fair Haven Mennonite Meeting House for private burial and service by invitation.
â?– www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com
Death Notices
â?– www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com
STOHR, CAROL LYNN - Carol Lynn Stohr, 77, of Kingwood (Wellesley) Ontario,
100% LOCAL
passed away peacefully on December 2, 2020 at Stratford General Hospital with her daughter by her side.
The Observer is Open for Business, but our doors remain locked. The Observer continues to conduct business through limiting contact with the public in order to protect our staff and clients during this COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you for your understanding and contacting us through phone, email and website.
General Contact:
Advertising Contact:
Phone: 519-669-5790 Email: info@woolwichobserver.com Web: www.observerxtra.com
Phone: 519-669-5790 ext 104 Email: drudy@woolwichobserver.com Web: www.observerxtra.com/ads
P OWE R
O F
P R INT.
John started his business in 1978 known as J. Gerth Custom Toolage in Heidelberg. Then moved twice to bigger places. Sold the business in 2001. Many customers wanted him to start up again so after 5 years, he started CT Tooling in St. Clements for his sons, Chad and Trevor. He always loved going in to help “the boys�. This made him feel needed. You can take the work away from a man, but you can never take a man away from his work. His love was cottages. The first on Manitoulin Island that we had for 19 years and now McKellar Lake for the past 8 years. He loved fishing and boating especially when he purchased his new pontoon boat in 2018 that he was so proud of and that he purchased especially for Linda. John was loved and respected by his family and customers over the years and all who knew him, and he will be greatly missed. We were able to spend our 50th Wedding Anniversary in September with our children at the cottage. What a wonderful time and great memories.
â?– www.erbgood.com
Read award-winning local news | www.observerxtra.com
ↆ P U Z Z L E
It is with a heavy heart that John H. Gerth, age 71, passed away due to complications from heart surgery. Formally of St. Clements for 41 years, and a resident of Linwood. He was a gentle wonderful man, husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Linda, business partner, soulmate and who was his “rock�. Son Chad, daughter Deanna (Mike) and son Trevor (Caroline). Also leaving to mourn are his grandchildren Alex (Sydney), Samantha (Jim), Drew, Josh, Tyler and little Isla. His sister Barb McIntosh (Ian), brothers Gary, Doug (Cathy) and brother-in-law Larry Koch as well as many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his mother Lorraine LaFlamme (Daub) 2015, father Harry Gerth 1967 and step-father Bill Daub 2001 and by his parrot Simba who only liked him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo at 519-745-8445 or online.
Thank you for supporting the local news. THE
Gerth, John Harry
LOCAL. INDEPENDENT. ALWAYS
S O LUT IO NS
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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 17, 2020 | 28
Living Here
It's about all of us. Leading the way reporting about the people and places of home. Phone: 519-669-5790 ext 103 Report it: observerxtra.com/tips
GHC raises $550
Enforcing truck routes
The Grand Harmony Chorus last week held its first virtual Christmas show online and ran a silent auction benefiting the Crisis Women Services in Waterloo Region, raising $550. “As a chorus member it feels wonderful to give back to the community,” said group member Jane Stoltz.
Having received complaints about truck traffic in Breslau, Woolwich council this week passed a bylaw to make ticketing possible for those truck drivers who fail to obey the designated construction route set out with the developers of the subdivision in the south end of the village.
TLC for those receiving hospital treatment For the third year, Breslau woman spearheads volunteer effort to create “cancer caddies” at Christmastime Sean Heeger
a package of items delivered to those undergoing treatment in the hospital ward. “Three years ago, when I first did it, I had a lot of friends and family members who were going through cancer treatments at Grand River Hospital. So I decided ‘let’s try and give back to the community.’ So, I went into my customer group – which I have over 300 members and followers, I guess you could say – and I went in there and posted [to see if anyone] wants to sponsor a cancer caddy,” said Bingeman. “Basically, what they were doing was they were giving me a $20 donation towards the purchase of one of these caddies. And then I was using my own commissions, as well as my own money.” She says other moms and local businesses took up her call so she could start, creating 40 caddies in her first year. She has since grown that number each year giving out 80 caddies last year and 100 this year.
Observer Staff
SPENDING TIME IN THE HOSPITAL can be extremely difficult for those who have to undergo treatment. This is especially true for those who are spending time there during the holidays. With the COVID-19 pandemic raging on this year, hospitals have had to implement strict rules to protect staff and patients, some of which include not allowing family members to be there with their loved ones as they receive care. To help give back to the community a Breslau woman decided three years ago to find a way to brighten the lives of people spending time in the Grand River Hospital Cancer Centre. Alissa Bingeman had many friends and family who were going through treatment at the hospital, and wanted not only to help them, but others who were going through the same thing. Her initiative eventually became what she now calls “cancer caddies,”
Alissa Bingeman and her three kids helped pack and deliver 100 caddies for cancer patients at Grand River Hospital.
Submitted
→ CADDIES 36
Santa to roll through Maryhill, Bloomingdale and Breslau Sean Heeger Observer Staff
FOR 27 YEARS, THE OPTIMIST Club of South Woolwich has brought Santa to parts of the township to spread some joy for kids the Sunday before Christmas. Despite all that is going on this year due to the pandemic, the group has still managed to convince Santa to make a stop in Mary-
hill, Bloomingdale and Breslau. Starting at 3:30 p.m. on December 20, Santa will begin his trip in Maryhill, and eventually conclude his ride at the Breslau Community Centre. He’ll be led by representatives of local fire departments along the way. What originally started as an event after another club borrowed a trailer, the cruise has now picked
up steam and become a favourite for not only those who line the way to greet Santa, but also those who take part. “The whole goal for Optimists is to be friends of youth, and we want to do whatever we can for kids so that they [can have] a normal day. This would be a way of getting to the young kids and give them something to be really happy about
without leaving home,” said Graham Snyder, a member of the club and someone who’s been known to don the big red suit. In a normal year, Santa would bring with him pounds of candy canes to give out to the kids, in addition to collecting donations for the food bank. To keep everyone safe, the candy canes will not be given out as they
normally are. Instead, the big man will simply be driving by and waving to families as they stand on their properties, and donations will be collected by a second wagon that will follow. Snyder says last year the group collected about 2,300 pounds of food and they are hoping to continue with that trend. Residents will be asked to leave bags of food at the
end of their driveways for collection or at the Breslau fire hall. All items collected will be donated to the food bank following the event. At one point, the club debated the safety of continuing the event this year. However, Snyder says there were many who pushed for it to happen. He was one of them, noting he is overjoyed to → CRUISING 36
THANK YOU
To all our customers...We have always been so amazed by the unconditional support we receive from the community around us but this last year we feel extra grateful. You have continued to carry us through the uncertain crisis our world is experiencing. AD SPOT - NON PRINTING We could never do it without each one of you. As we enter the Christmas season, we want to give back where it is needed! Please contact Kenzie at mackenzie@leroysautocare.net if you need assistance or help in any way! -Leroy’s Auto Care
Two locations in Elmira to serve you better
20 Oriole Parkway E. | 47 Industrial Drive
Tel: (519) 669-1082
www.leroysautocare.net
Thursday, December 17, 2020 | THE OBSERVER
L I V I N G H E R E | 29
®ěƖNJŀţĴɑǑůƲƖɑŘðNjţɑʊɑĴðƖĔěţɑţěěĔƞɑ ǬǯDZǨɑMěƖƖĴůƪƪɑ¦ĔȬɑÛðŘŘěţƞƪěŀţɑ sɑsǨ ɑǪ®Ǩ ɑɑɑɑɑǭǩDZȬǮǮDZȬǪǩDZǪɑɑɑɑɑɑɑɑɑƞðŘěƞʉěijƞðƲĔěƖƞðŘěƞȬčð
Blessings At Christmas During the holiday season more than ever our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our progress possible. And in this spirit we say, simply but sincerely thank you and best wishes for the holiday season and a happy new year.
UśŊͯƖƌƫéƢƕôͯƱĎƄƑƨőͯƉƬƯͯŹķƘƕͯƳƞĨśƈƇͯƟƲőēƑƈưő͏ͯ ôͯ ÙŇƓƯƈéƦÙƗƈͯƥƞŲēƑƤͯŹƒƲͯÙƖͯƒƲƯͯéśƖƱƒĮƢƕͯÙƫïͯƏƒƬƨͯ Mount Forest | 519-323-1880 ąķƕƴƄŊƇͯƱƬͯőôƕƳƌįƊͯƶƬśͯƄĆƞēƑ͏ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings*ŊķƐͯƄƩĨͯƗƥƢͯoŗÙƸ͊ ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings Tavistock | 519-655-3777
7705 Fourth Line, Wallenstein | 519.698.9930
ÙŊƕƈƩĨͯΙͯ ēƄįƑƢ͊ͯ ĨķͯΙͯ*ĨķƕƈƫéƢ͊ͯ ÙĨƗƈƯ͊ͯCķŊƇƄƫ͊ͯCôŊƈƐƶ͊ͯhśőƖƈƩĨ͏
Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays
RYAN WEBER | 519.669.2198 126 Bonnie Crs., Elmira www.rytechmachine.ca
Floradale, Ontario 519-669-3392
Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 17, 2020
30 | L I V I N G H E R E
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Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays ☆☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy HolidaysGreetings ☆ Happy☆ Holidays ☆Greetings Happy Holidays Season's Greetings Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Season's ...we wish you a Merry Christmas, Season’s andGreetings☆ a wonderful Season’s Greetings ☆ Season’s Greetings ☆ Season’s Greetings New Year!
from the Council
Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas and staff☆ at Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas SYD SNIDER
OWNER/MANAGER Happy Holidays ☆☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy HolidaysGreetings ☆ Happy☆ Holidays ☆Greetings Happy Holidays Season's Greetings Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Season's West Montrose | 519-669-5219 100 Bonnie Crescent, Elmira | 519.669.1949 “PROUDLY REMEMBERING OUR PAS T; CONFIDENTLY EMBRACING OUR FUTURE.”
Season’s Greetings☆ Season’s Greetings ☆ Season’s Greetings ☆ Season’s Greetings
Season’s Greetings
TOTAL
May His Peace & Love shine on you & your family this Christmas and in the New Year
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Happy Holidays ☆☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy HolidaysGreetings ☆ Happy☆ Holidays ☆Greetings Happy Holidays Season's Greetings Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Season's WeSeason’s thank everyone for Season’s Greetings ☆ Season’s Greetings ☆ Greetings At ThisSeason’s TimeGreetings☆ Of Year… their wonderful support
Thoughts turn to loved ones, both past and present, Of happy childhood memories Unwrapping toys, helping with the baking and licking the bowl, Remembering always their kindness and love. Sweet times gone by During your time of loss and sorrow, thank you for the confidence placed in us.
1172 Henry Street, Wellesley, N0B 2T0 519-656-2880 chris@futher-franklinfuneralhome.com www.futher-franklinfuneralhome.com
during 2020. May you and your family have a blessed and safe upcoming new year. Merry Christmas from
PHONE 519-884-2082 FAX 519-884-0509
Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas Happy Holidays ☆☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy HolidaysGreetings ☆ Happy☆ Holidays ☆Greetings Happy Holidays Season's Greetings Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Season's
Thursday, December 17, 2020 | THE OBSERVER
Make this boneless prime rib your holiday centerpiece
A
beautiful prime rib roast is usually a special-occasion centerpiece, one that's surrounded by equally special side dishes. All that makes for a busy day in the kitchen, and when you add in the worry of an overcooked roast, it can be overwhelming. We're here to calm your nerves. Our method allows you to do the prep work, start the roast, and then leave it alone and, more important, not worry about it overcooking while you attend to the rest of the meal. The key? Some simple -- and we mean simple! -- math. The method involves starting the roast in a hot oven for a predetermined amount of time based on its weight, and then shutting off the oven and letting the roast climb slowly to medium-rare over the course of the next two hours in the
▢ America's Test Kitchen Rigorously tested recipes that work.
oven's residual heat. With a little elementary math, this method works for any size roast. And since it's seared in the oven rather than on the stovetop, the process is far less messy. We tinkered with this equation and ended up with three minutes of "on" time per pound for a boneless roast. So, for a 3 1/2-pound roast this walkaway method requires 11 minutes at 500 degrees before turning off the oven completely and leaving it alone for two hours. After a 20-minute rest out of the oven, the roast yielded perfectly juicy, medium-rare slices. What's more, I had two hands-free, worry-free hours to prepare side dishes to go with it. Happy holidays, indeed.
Easier Prime Rib ▢ 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
▢ 1 1/2 tablespoons pepper
▢ 1 (3- to 3 1/2-pound) 1. Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 500 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and set a wire rack in the sheet; spray the rack with vegetable oil spray. Combine salt and pepper in bowl. 2. Using a scale, weigh the prime rib. Round the weight up to nearest 1/2 pound. Multiply the rounded weight by three, then round that number up to the nearest whole number. Record that number; this will be your oven-on roasting time. 3. Pat the prime rib dry with paper towels. Brush all over with mustard. Sprinkle salt and pepper mixture evenly on all sides. Transfer to the prepared wire rack, fat side up. 4. Transfer the sheet with the prime rib to the oven and roast for the time recorded in Step 2. Without opening the oven door,
boneless prime rib roast
▢ 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
▢ Prepared horseradish turn off the oven and leave roast in the oven, undisturbed, for two hours. Do not open the oven during this time. 5. Remove the sheet from the oven and let the prime rib rest on rack for 20 minutes. Transfer the prime rib to a carving board. Slice 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Serve with horseradish. Recipe notes You can substitute other complementary spices for the pepper, if desired. It's good to use an oven thermometer to ensure that your oven truly reaches 500 degrees before starting. It is critical that you not open the oven door at all while the roast is cooking. If you do, the heat will escape from the oven and the calculated cooking time will be ineffective. Serves 6 to 8
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
L I V I N G H E R E | 31
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EVENT S
CAL EN DAR
WOOLWICH RESIDENTS SUPPORT FUND: RESPONDING TO FINANCIAL NEEDS
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. “What a great example of the barn-raising spirit that has always existed in Woolwich,” said Mayor Shantz about the Fund during her video announcement on what would have been the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival day.
Access is available by contacting: 1. Community Care Concepts of Woolwich, Wellesley and Wilmot 2. Woolwich Community Services 3. Woolwich Counseling Centre 4. Woolwich Community Health Centre Fund Administrator: Woolwich Community Services
RRSPs, RESPs, RRIFs, LIFs and Annuities.
Fund Review Committee: Kelly Christie – Executive Director, Woolwich Community Services Cathy Harrington – Executive Director, Community Care Concepts
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Donations to the WRSF may be mailed to Woolwich Community Services, 5 Memorial Ave., Elmira, ON N3B 2P6 or through the website on the WCS Donate page. 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
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How can I help you? 519.514.6051
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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 17, 2020
32 | L I V I N G H E R E
ↆ X - W O R D
OPEN 8am - 9pm | 7 DAYS A WEEK
ACROSS 1. Depiction on the
34. Practice 36. Put in light
62. "___ It Romantic?" 27. Instrument 29. Out back of old pennies fixtures DOWN 31. Annex 1. "Come again?" 5. Gumption 38. Buck passers? 32. Drift 10. Walked 40. Go__, return 2. "Catch!" 33. Honey Nut through water Cheerios, Vector, 41. "___ on Down 3. Make, as money Mini Wheats, etc the Road" 15. Get better 4. Beside 16. Going 43. Goals 5. Arrange 35. Advance 17. A car has 46. Challenged one 6. Kind of post 37. Foundation 4 of these to do something 7. "I had no ___!" 39. Come to an agreement 18. Cupid's projectile 47. Desired 8. Beethoven's "Choral" Symphony 42. A long time 20. Current 49. Early course 21. Amazon, e.g. 50. Big Apple attrac- 9. Armageddon 44. Kind of pie tion, with "the" 22. Court contest 11. Bit of physics 45. 007, for one 24. Tabby 51. Concealed 12. Measurments 48. "That's ___ ..." 25. Twister, Mouse 52. Strong Winds 13. Demagne51. Atomic number 2 Trap, Monopoly, etc 54. Be there tize, as a tape 52. Zamyatin novel 26. Hand cover 55. Beat 14. Animal house 53. Downed a sub, say 28. Campus building 56. Farfetched 19. Uncontrolled 30. "What's ___?" 58. "If all ___ fails ..." 21. Stopping point 57. Male feminists 31. Parenthesis, 59. Locale 23. Breed 59. Schuss, e.g. essentially 61. Astute 25. Stuck together 60. Gymnast's goal
ↆ F A I T H
DIREC TORY
DELIV SER ERY AVAILVICE Call fo ABLE rD
etails
315 Arthur St. S., Elmira | 519-669-5403
WOODSIDE
Woman's symptoms require evaluation with health care provider
ANSWER: It is understandable to have some reservations about discussing personal topics, such as sexual health and vaginal issues. But to safeguard your health, it's extremely important for you to have an evaluation with a health care provider to identify the cause of your symptoms and determine the best treatment. Don't try any over-the-counter remedies without consulting a health care provider first. In sexually active women, symptoms such as vaginal odor, unstable periods and pain during sex have a wide variety of potential causes. As you mention, it's possible you could have a vaginal yeast infection. This fungal infection is quite common, and it often can trigger vaginal pain and soreness. Odor is not a
â–˘ Mayo Clinic
Professional Clinical Health Advice
typical symptom of a yeast infection, however, and a yeast infection doesn't disrupt menstrual cycles. The symptoms you describe also could be due to a sexually transmitted infection. The one you mention, trichomoniasis, causes foul-smelling vaginal discharge, genital itching and painful urination. But other sexual transmitted infections, including herpes, chlamydia and gonorrhea, can cause similar symptoms, too. Sexually transmitted infections are common, and they are increasing in frequency, especially in young people. Half of all new cases of sexually transmitted infections occur in people ages 15 to 24. Even if you weren't having symptoms, you still should be screened at least once a year – and prior to sexual activity with a new partner – for chlamydia and gonorrhea. That's because these two sexually transmitted infections don't always cause symptoms in women, and they can lead to long-term health concerns, including
infertility, if not treated. In addition, having an untreated sexually transmitted infection can increase the risk of getting another one, such as HIV or syphilis, if you are exposed. Your irregular periods may or may not be related to your other symptoms. For example, thyroid and pituitary gland disorders can lead to unpredictable menstrual cycles. And irregular cycles in conjunction with pain while having sex could be caused by a disorder of the vagina or cervix, such as cervical cancer. Cervical cancer screening is recommended, beginning at age 21, for all women. Because of your symptoms of irregular bleeding, though, that testing would be recommended now. And if you haven't already had it, you should also be vaccinated against HPV because certain strains of HPV can cause cervical cancer. To sort through your symptoms and what they mean, you need to work with a health care provider who can thoroughly evaluate your condition, arrive at an accurate diagnosis and recommend treatment. In a case such as yours, it would be best to see your
primary care provider or gynecologist. Other options include a public health clinic or a clinic specializing in women's health. If your symptoms are causing ongoing problems that you feel need immediate attention, consider going to an urgent care center. If you are a college student, most college campuses have health centers where students can be evaluated for sexually transmitted infections. Or if they don't offer that service, they likely will be able to provide you with a list of resources available in the community. Although talking about issues related to sexual health may be uncomfortable, keep in mind that these conversations are common for family medicine, internal medicine and gynecology health care providers. Discussing and managing symptoms associated with sex and reproduction is an important part of their training, and they can make sure that you get the care that you need. ↆ Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. E-mail a question to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit www.mayoclinic.org.
Erv Wiens preaching
See www.elmiramennonite.ca.
woodsidechurch.ca/live
MAYO CLINIC
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I'm 19, and I think I might have a yeast infection. Or it could be trichomoniasis. My symptoms are vaginal odor, unstable periods and pain during sex. I don't feel comfortable going to the doctor about this. Is it safe to try an over-the-counter yeast infection treatment first to see if that works?
Worship: 9:30am Elmira Advent 4 Mennonite Church On the Road to Revelation
Join Us Online Each Sunday
58 Church St. W., Elmira • 519-669-5123
ↆ S U D O K U
ↆ S U D O K U
♼ Unscrewing a broken light bulb
Reuse a wad of old newspaper to unscrew a hot light bulb and prevent burning your fingers.
Thursday, December 17, 2020 | THE OBSERVER
L I V I N G H E R E | 33
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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 17, 2020
34 | L I V I N G H E R E
The lights are real, but the audience was virtual
Wellesley & District Lions make changes to ensure the Tree of Lights campaign continues this year Sean Heeger Observer Staff
CHRISTMAS TYME IN WELLESLEY MAY be much different this year, but they still lit up the tree, only with a virtual audience in attendance. For 20 years the Wellesley & District Lions Club has held the Tree of Lights fundraiser, an event that generates holiday spirit and raises money for community programs. Normally, the fundraiser would coincide with Christmas Tyme in Wellesley, which would see donation boxes put out and a tree lighting happen after the parade alongside
carolling, performances by Wellesley Idol contestants and a guest speaker who would light the tree. Because of the coronavirus pandemic there were changes this year. Because the normal parade was put on hold, all of the usual things that precede and come after the lighting are not happening. The Lions have adapted accordingly, said club treasurer Darrell Kirby. “Under normal circumstances, this year being the exception, we would put boxes out for donations. This is the first year we’ve been able to do email transfers directly. Direct deposit is something we’ve
worked out this year so that’s been bringing us to the current timeframe, so, we’re in the 21st century for gathering donations,” he said. “[Normally] on the second Friday of every of December, the Christmas Tyme in Wellesley would have the parade, which we sponsor. And then after the parade there would be a ceremony at the pond in Wellesley and we would officially light the Christmas tree – the lights would go up in early November, and then we would wait until that Friday to light the tree.” Instead, the lighting was seen on social media and donations are being
accepted by e-transfer as a way to not only ensure the event can still go on to support local programs within the community, but also to keep the public safe. The event asks people to “light a bulb” in memory or appreciation of someone special. Single bulbs can be purchased for $10, a string for $25, or a bulb on a star for $50. Tax receipts are available for donations of $10 or more. This year all money raised is going towards Meals on Wheels and the Wellesley Family Resource Fund. The Tree of Lights fundraiser runs until the end
YULETIDE: Performance includes an extensive mix of entertainment → FROM 21
orchestra. Whitman’s favourite pieces to perform annually come from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. “Tchaikovsky is a great composer. It’s great ballet music, fun to play. So I’d say I kind of look forward to playing the music from The Nutcracker every
year.” The pieces being perfect for dancing would typically see a stage packed with dancers, but this time around, the dancers’ video footage is compiled with the orchestra through editing. The symphony’s favourite piece as a whole is Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride.
A more recent staple of the tradition has been narrated stories ranging from Chris Van Allensburg’s The Polar Express to Roch Carrier’s The Hockey Sweater has been cut from this year’s virtual adaptation due to logistic issues. Whittman said he hopes people will tune in to the event to help support the
symphony, noting the organization will be busy again after the holidays. “We are currently streaming concerts every couple of weeks, and we will be continuing in the new year as well.” More information on the event and future events can be found online at www. kwsymphony.ca.
of December. Hardy says the club usually brings in about $4,000 to $6,000 each year, and they are hoping this year to hit a goal of about $6,000. He says with e-transfer now an option for donations, they hope to bring in more donations from the younger generations who do much of their banking online – and hopefully hit their goal. “We want to make sure that the village knows what the club is doing to help residents within Wellesley, who are in need of assistance. That’s what the goal of our club is basically to help the local community, as to
what we do and how we do it and why we do it, and to make them aware that it is available to them to access. The community is growing at a pretty fast pace and we’d like to be able to reach as many people as possible with this program, and then help as many people as possible,” Hardy added. Donations to the fundraiser can be made through e-transfer at wellionstreeoflight@gmail.com, by mailing a donation to Wellesley Lions Club, P.O. Box 281. Wellesley ON, N0B 2T0. Additionally, donations can be made at CIBC, Pyms, Esso, Schmidtsville, and Home Hardware in the village.
GRANTS: Program saw a record number of requests for assistance → FROM 21
Partridge Art – that was created during the lockdown this year… I plan on sharing the videos with local organizations like libraries to offer art educational support and free online art activities for people during these diffi-
cult times. I strongly believe and have seen the power of art to help improve the mental health of not only myself but my students.” To learn more about the Region of Waterloo Arts Fund and how to apply, visit the website at www.artsfund.ca.
2020
This Holiday Season ...
Shop LOCAL Eat LOCAL Read LOCAL
Local businesses and restaurants need your support more than ever this holiday season. Small businesses across our townships have come up with creative ways for you to shop safely through delivery, pickup and online.
Jaimee Battler and Maggie Sabean from West Montrose present their snow creation called "Snowpig"
Find all the information you need to make the most of your holidays in The Observer. In print you’ll find local places to shop and support, along with local news you can’t find anywhere else. We ask you to support local. And by supporting Observer advertisers, you are also supporting your local newspaper. Find local businesses to shop this holidays at shoplocalwoolwich.ca
2020
observerxtra.com
Emily Cox and Calli Friedman decided to get out of the house Sunday and literally start making some friends. Their dog Nigel approved of their fine work
Thursday, December 17, 2020 | THE OBSERVER
L I V I N G H E R E | 35
HO!
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Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas Happy Holidays ☆☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy HolidaysGreetings ☆ Happy☆ Holidays ☆Greetings Happy Holidays Season's Greetings Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Season's Season’s Greetings☆ Season’s Greetings ☆ Season’s Greetings ☆ Season’s Greetings
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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 17, 2020
36 | T H E B A C K PA G E
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take part in the event. “My year wouldn’t be complete without doing it – my heart melts when I do this every year because when we go down the street ... when I’m on the sleigh with all the noise around, I can hear kids half a block ahead calling my name.
And nothing feels better than that,� he added. “There’s just so many kids that this is a perfect fit for the community. The fire truck actually leads us, so the fire truck sounds as the lights go and sounds the sirens, and everybody knows that we’re coming. That gets everybody out [for a
visit].� For safety reasons during the pandemic, Snyder says the club is encouraging everyone to keep their distance and stick to their driveways. Santa will make his trip on Sunday; listen for the fire trucks to hear when he will be coming to your area.
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volunteers fill them with a variety of items, from toiletries to teabags and notebooks, useful to those making hospital stays. Bingeman notes everyone who helps her put the packages together is a local business from the area, which makes her especially happy that this is a community-driven event and fully supports her favourite line that it ‘truly takes a village.’ In addition to the outside help she receives to create the caddies, Bingeman says her chil-
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word find or whatever. And then my youngest daughter she picked out the little stuffed elves, so little teddies, that goes in each of the kid caddies,� she added. During this time of pandemic, Bingeman says it is especially important to give to these patients as they are unable to have family with them. While she has hopes to continue to keep growing the initiative in the future, right now she is looking to see what comes next now that she's delivered the 100 caddies to the hospital this year.
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