December 20, 2008

NEWS |

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Kings show mixed effort in dropping a pair over weekend ..................... »26 THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

Taking a natural approach with baby

»22 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 50

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2008

www.ObserverXtra.com

Time of year when Christmas comes first Municipal politicians use the break to enjoy an assortment of traditions that make the holiday special

IT’s aBoUT CHRIsTmas Ten-year-old Emma Martin (inset) won a family stay at the Hilton Homewood Suites and an ultimate Webkinz prize pack from Elmira Gift Outlet in the Observer’s Spirit of Christmas contest. Visit www.observerxtra.com to view all of the entries.

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MARC MIQUEL HELSEN It’s in the still quiet of the night when no one is stirring – not even a mouse – a grandfather clock ticking away the minutes before the big rush. It’s in the crisp crackle of a flame, a fire around which the whole family is gathered sharing a laugh over some chestnuts. It’s in the adoring carols and rich melodies booming at a crowded midnight mass or church service. And it’s in the soup kitchen, where some warm food is accompanied by an even warmer smile, offering sweet respite from the bitter cold. The spirit of Christmas is in all these situations and many more, as the yearly celebration means many different things to many different people. Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, is a very significant celebration for Christians around the world, second in importance only to Easter. But it is also a very important cultural tradition for people who don’t consider themselves religious – for them, the holidays are synonymous with family, friendship and generosity. “I enjoy the family get-together and that closeness that Christmas brings,” says Wellesley Coun. Jim Olender, noting that for his family, a typical Christmas involves plenty of dinners at home and at the homes of his siblings. “I look forward to the family get-together – not the presents,” he quips, noting that as a child, the idea of a gift-bearing Santa was, naturally, a big deal. But even then, Olender saw more in the holidays than See THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT page »10

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THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

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» NEWS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

“When I had the free time, I thought ‘what better way to give back to the community?’” Joan Moyer

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meeTInG THe neeD Barb Taylor and Laurie Grundy were busy wrapping gifts for Woolwich Community Services’ Christmas goodwill program Wednesday afternoon. They were among more than a hundred volunteers who fill the pHOTOS | JONI MILTENBURG hampers with food, clothing and gifts for those in need. Below, Kim Hendrick sorts food into hampers.

An annual display of goodwill

Army of volunteers moves with precision as WCS program works to ensure a better Christmas for all

JONI MILTENBURG This week, Lions Hall in Elmira looked like a satellite office of Santa’s workshop. People were busy assembling hundreds of cardboard boxes, sorting thousands of groceries into the boxes and wrapping the presents stacked on a table running the length of the room. Woolwich Community Services’ Christmas goodwill hamper program is run with military precision, and it takes an army of volunteers to make sure Christmas comes to less fortunate families in Woolwich. “It’s a well-oiled machine,” said volunteer Joan Moyer.

EE RY FR IVE L DE

“From year to year it just seems to flow.” Moyer looks after matching recipient families with sponsoring families. She’s been coordinating the sponsors for the past six years, but before that she was a shopper and packer and gift wrapper. She started volunteering after she retired from teaching at Park Manor Public School. “When I had the free time, I thought ‘what better way to give back to the community?’” She has cut back on her volunteering slightly in the past few years, making time to spend with her two grandkids, now three and five. But from the beginning of November, she spends 15 to 20 hours

a week entering data into the computer and matching families. For her, this week is the culmination of all that work. “This is my week about the goodwill program,” she said. “My family knows that this week I’m not available to them. “It forces me to get my Christmas done prior to this goodwill week because next week there’s not enough time. Which is a good thing, because I’m a bit of a procrastinator.” Kim Hendrick is another volunteer who sets aside a few days this week for packing hampers. She first volunteered three years ago, and she’s been back each year since. “I always make sure I allocate time for this,” she said.

W • O • O • L • W • I • C • H

“It makes you appreciate Christmas more.” “A lot of times you see the same people come back every year. It’s nice to see familiar faces. We see them once a year and it’s at this event, so it’s

nice.” On Wednesday, Hendrick was busy packing cans and boxes into the food hampers that will go out to each family. Sorting the food, a huge task in itself, was done before she and her fellow packers arrived. “There’s all sorts of food, and all the soup has to go in one area and all the pasta in one area. It’s amazing just to watch them organize all that.” Gazing over tables crowded with boxes, Moyer said she has no idea how many items flow in and out of Lions Hall during the week. “I couldn’t even begin to guess,” she said. The Christmas hampers are See WCS page »14

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4 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

» FROM THE EDITOR | STEVE KANNON

Advice to government: don’t keep doing what doesn’t work In the spirit of giving that comes with Christmas, many people are offering advice to Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Much of it involves his resignation, a “gift” that will certainly be re-

turned unopened. Still, I’m happy to offer my two cents’ worth to help the cause. Above all else, Harper values his hold on power. His grip, tenuous given his minority government status, got a whole lot looser with the threat of the opposition forming a coalition. If he wants to hang on to the job longer than it takes to table a budget, he would be well advised to use the Christmas break and the prorogued parliament to get a grip on himself. All but the most ardent of party supporters know that he’s been lying to Canadians. The reason is clear: the aforementioned desire for power at all costs. In the span of two months, he went from denying there was any reason to worry about the economy to not ruling out the possibility we’ll have a depression. The timing is illuminating. Harper’s don’t-worry-be-happy approach coincided with the election campaign – the one he said he wouldn’t call, but did in order to beat the arrival of the recession he said wasn’t coming – telling us all was well as we headed to the polls. Immediately afterwards, he started changing his tune. A slowdown was

coming. The “R” word (recession) slipped out. The “no bailouts” pledge became $75 billion to the banks in order to free up credit. Now the Detroit three are being considered for $3.4 billion. The change of course has been nothing short of incredible, almost as incredible as Conservative claims the new stance reflects a changing economic outlook the government never saw coming. Except when they claim they knew about it a year ago, claiming the GST cuts were part of a stimulus package. Note to Harper: You can’t have it both ways. Speaking of the GST, there are rumblings the government is considering another cut to the tax as part of its economic plan, the one to be unveiled when the House of Commons finally resumes sitting Jan. 26. Harper would be wise to give that one a wide berth. The government has already given up $12 billion a year in revenue with its two-percentage-point cut to the GST, reductions that served only a public relations function, the difference having been absorbed into the pricing of all but a few businesses. Even if the entire tax was scrapped, how many of us would proceed to run off to the stores to save a whole five per cent? I know that would have absolutely no bearing on my decision to purchase anything beyond what I’ve already planned. Economists roundly criticized the GST cuts at the time, calling them both ineffective and ill-timed, coming when the economy was already going strong. Better, they say, to have cut income

taxes, which would put more money in people’s pockets. That divide will certainly be under discussion as the Conservatives work on a budget that will almost certainly reflect input given by the opposition parties, all the better to allow Harper to survive the confidence vote that will follow. New Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff has indicated he’ll wait to see the budget before making a decision on whether the coalition will continue. If I was to put money on it, anything short of a colossally bad budget – not outside the realm of possibility – will have the Liberals voting to let the government live another day. While many Canadians became excited at the prospect of removing Harper, there are lingering reservations about the coalition (based, in part, on Harper and his followers misleading Canadians about the nature of our parliamentary democracy and on his divisive rhetoric aimed at anti-Quebec sentiments). Ignatieff appears wary of the long-term impacts of a decision that would bring short-term gain: his ascension to the

» ABOUT FACE

prime minister’s job. My guess is that Ignatieff will choose to work on rebuilding the party’s base, forming a more forceful opposition to the Conservatives and keeping the coalition option in his back pocket to keep Harper in line. Political maneuvering aside, however, Canadians are more worried about the impacts of a faltering economy. This is where Harper needs to put aside partisanship and do what’s best for the country. That includes telling the truth, and avoiding hyperbole: the state of economy is in part based on public perception, so bouncing all over the place and then mentioning a depression only serves to darken the mood. Belatedly coming to the realization some deficit spending will be needed to soften the blow, Harper – and indeed all politicians – should be prepared to adopt the full Keynesian prescription: yes, prime the pump when times are tough, but squirrel away money when things are going well. Just the opposite of the spending spree the government adopted before the boom went bust.

ANNOUNCEMENT Branch Manager, Elmira BMO Bank of Montreal Rick Bolzon, Personal Banking Area Manager, BMO Bank of Montreal, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kathy Duncan as Branch Manager of BMO Bank of Montreal’s Elmira Branch.

Kathy, who previously managed the Glen Forest Branch in Waterloo, brings over 17 years of banking experience with her. Kathy lives with her husband and two children in the village of Conestogo. Her office is located at the Elmira branch at 53 Arthur Street South. Kathy can be reached at 519-669-5446 or Kathy.duncan@bmo.com.

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Kathy has a passion for excellence in customer service and leads a team of employees committed to serving the Elmira community and making money make sense for customers everyday.

Don James

Assigning officer, KW Basketball Officials Association

How long have you been refereeing? 42 years. At university I did it as a part time job when I was 18. Loved it, kept at it. It was an easy way to make a few bucks. What do you do when you’re not refereeing? I taught for 25 years here in Elmira and I supply teach. I assign all the referees [in the KWBOA]. There’s 125 referees; we cover from here to Goderich. We do high school, we do men’s leagues, we do YBA which is youth basketball,

we do OBA which is all-stars. 5000 games.

What classes do you supply teach? I used to teach phys-ed. Usually they try to get you for phys-ed, but if they can’t get someone, it can be anything. Last week I had food class. What about family? I have a wife, Yvonne, and three kids – three girls. What’s your best basketball memory? When our university won the championship, led by [LA Lakers coach] Phil Jackson. I went to the University of North Dakota on a hockey scholarship. We were a small school playing a big school and Phil Jackson got 42 points.

NEWS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

Wellesley Township council gave the green light Tuesday night to a zoning change on a proposed development in Bamberg. The property, located on the west side of Moser Young Road, north of Weimar Line, is owned by Dieter and Rosalind Kays. Council approved a zoning change from agricultural to settlement residential to potentially allow development of five residential lots on the property. At a public meeting in August 2007, other Bamberg residents had expressed concern about poor water quality in the area and the potential impact on an adjacent wetland. A report from staff indicated those concerns were allayed by a hydrogeologic study and 15-metre buffers required outside the proposed residential lots. With the zoning hurdle cleared, the applicant can proceed with submitting consent applications for the five lots.

Hockeyville countdown The countdown is on for Woolwich’s entry in CBC Television’s Kraft Hockeyville contest. A CBC crew was in Elmira this week filming a segment for the contest, which plans a Top 10 show for Jan. 14, after which voting to determine the Top 10 communities begins. The Woolwich entry can be found at www.cbc. ca/sports/hockey/hockeyville/ communities/DanSnyderMemorialArena.html.

Chamber backs auto assistance

The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce has added its voice to those calling for government assistance to the ailing auto industry. The organization joined a group of Ontario mayors looking to the provincial and federal governments to provide assistance. Waterloo Region is now home to Canada’s most manufacturingintensive economy, with one of every four local jobs in the sector. Furthermore, within manufacturing, one job of four is in either automotive parts or assembly. “Inaction is not an option at the present time,” said Joan Fisk, the chamber’s president and CEO. “The choice is between supporting the auto industry with repayable loans so it can lead Canada out of the economic downturn, or denying assistance and severely impacting hundreds of communities and thousands of jobs.”

Correction

In a story about the EDSS volleyball teams Dec. 13, Lynsey Herron was incorrectly identified as Emily.

» COMRIF FUNDING

Feds, province promise more municipal infrastructure money Schuett Bridge opening serves as springboard for discussion of priorities in time of economic downturn; municipalities looking for stable funding from upper tiers MARC MIQUEL HELSEN The opening ceremony of a bridge in Woolwich Township Monday – the product of joint federalprovincial-municipal funding – served as the focus for what has become a ubiquitous talking point: infrastructure spending. Such projects are expected to be the cornerstone of a stimulus package aimed at restarting a faltering economy. Representatives from all levels of government converged on the Schuett Bridge outside Winterbourne Dec. 15 to highlight their respective governments’ contributions to infrastructure renewal projects in Waterloo Region. Upper tier officials were quick to assure municipal politicians that, despite hard times, more money is on its way in 2009. “We constantly hear about the need for infrastructure funding. The $33 billion dollars that our government has announced [over] seven years – this is the largest infrastructure commitment that has been made since WWII – recognizes the needs there; by

MARC MIQUEL HELSEN Police investigators probing a house fire in Wellesley last week discovered a quantity of marijuana and some equipment related to the trade. Following a suspicious blaze Dec. 9, police ex-

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working in partnership with municipalities and provinces, we’re moving ahead to address those needs,” said KitchenerConestoga MP Harold Albrecht in an interview following the ceremony. The $33 billion will come as part of Building Canada, the federal government’s seven-year infrastructure renewal plan providing funding to municipalities across

the country. Municipalities will be able to apply for projects under different categories, so that those seeking money for recreation facilities projects will not compete against other municipalities petitioning for more pressing projects such as water system upgrades or bridge repairs. In 2009, Ontario municipalities qualifying for

the “community” component of Building Canada should see approximately $724 million, which will be funded by both provincial and federal governments. In total, of the $33 billion, Ontario will see approximately $6.2 billion. Woolwich Township has applied under the communities component of Building Canada for repaving of Arthur,

Brubacher and Second streets, said Woolwich chief administrative officer David Brenneman. Wellesley Township has applied for road improvements including paving portions of Steffler Road and Broadway Street in Hawkesville. It’s an estimated $1 million project for 3.8 kilometres of new pavement. Wellesley’s public See BRIDGE page »06

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MULTI-LEVEL COOPERATION Politicians from all levels of government converged on the outskirts of Winterbourne on Monday to celebrate the completion of the newly renovated Schuett Bridge. There was talk about recent infrastructure upgrades throughout the region as well increased funding in the new year. From left: Wellesley Coun. Paul Hergott and Mayor Ross Kelterborn; Woolwich Coun. Murray Martin, Mayor Bill Strauss and Coun. Mark Bauman; Kitchener-Conestoga MP Harold Albrecht and Wilmot Township CAO Grant Whittington.

Police seeking two men in Wellesley blaze

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ecuted a search warrant for 1020 Molesworth St. in the village. There, investigators found and seized “five containers” of marijuana as well as items that are typically used in the marijuana extraction process, whereby chemicals and heat are applied to marijuana plant material for

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ing from their clothing. They extinguished those fires by rolling around in the snow and then fled the scene, one suspect in a dark-coloured pickup truck, the other on foot. “What we have is two individuals who were seen leaving the house at the time of the fire; we’ve See FIRE page »14

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whether those tools may have played a role. Investigators also continue to search for two individuals who were seen fleeing the scene shortly after the fire broke out. Two men emerged from the Molesworth Street duplex at the onset of the fire, both with flames com-

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THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

Bridge: More funding on the way in 2009

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works director, Will McLaughlin, is hoping to hear back within the next few months. “What we’re looking for is, of course, sustainable funding. This is great; there’s no denying it. But what we and what all municipalities are looking for, that I’ve spoken to, is a constant sustainable funding so that we know where we’re going and it’s not like a lottery,” said McLaughlin. “We’ve been very lucky … but it still would be easier to manage and easier to plan for if we had sustainable funding every year.” Albrecht also highlighted several other sources for infrastructure funding in 2009: the government has already agreed to double the annual federal gasoline tax funding for 2009 to $2 billion. Projections based on the population of the Waterloo Region translate into some $14 million through the gas tax fund, said Albrecht. Of that, Woolwich can expect to see approximately $591,000; and Wellesley $304,000. Though the GST rebate initiative depends entirely on what municipalities spend, a rough estimate projects that Woolwich will receive $233,000 and Wellesley $120,000. Albrecht noted that ailing infrastructure is a growing problem across the country and is confident that the federal-provincial ini-

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tiatives should be ready to get things going early in the new year, helping address both infrastructural and economic needs. In the face of “trying economic times infrastructure investments are essential” to create jobs and create links between communities and regions to help generate jobs for the future, he said. “There is a deficit in the aging of our infrastructure, that’s number one. But then what’s compounding it now is we’re saying ‘well, we need to get a stimulus package out to help our economy.’ my point is: if there are projects that have already had engineering and environmental studies done on them, and the municipality has the methods of getting ahead and actually getting the shovels in the ground, then I would be asking for levels of government that are partnering with them, provincial and federal, to say …. ‘let’s speed this up, let’s get the funding

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in February or March so they can actually get working at it this year instead of waiting until maybe the end of the year.’” That said, the Conservative MP cautioned against throwing too much money too quickly into the construction sector. “At the same time I think we need to remember we can’t just shovel tons of money and expect that every municipality is ready to move. And even if they were ready to move, will we have the wherewithal that construction companies are actually in a position to bid and get the work done? And will it be at a reasonable cost or will there be an escalation of prices simply because of the overwhelming demand? There has to be a common sense approach to this as we move forward, and our municipal partners understand that well.” Albrecht was among a number of local politicians who took part in an

official ceremony marking the completion of the Schuett Bridge near Winterbourne Dec. 15. Representatives from all levels of government converged on the Maryhill Road structure to celebrate a number of projects throughout the region which were funded by the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF), including the completion of the bridge in Woolwich and the reconstruction of four roads in Wellesley Township (reconstruction and resurfacing of Deborah Glaister Line, Ament line, Maplewood Road and Herrgott Road). Wellesley Mayor Ross Kelterborn, taking part in the ceremony Monday, said he was thankful for the upper level funding. But he also stressed the importance of securing more sustainable funding models for the future. “We’ve got to start looking that each of us becomes self-sufficient, and it can be done. It can be done in rural municipalities like ours by recognizing the wonderful agricultural land that we have.” The Wellesley mayor has long advocated revamping the tax system so that agricultural land be taxed the same as industrial land, with the province – not the farmer – assuming the difference and allowing for more money to be pooled for infrastructure upgrades. “That would help us rather than begging for the money …”

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NEWS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

» GOOD SAMARITANS

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Dinner plans for those alone at Christmas

CCC’s Veronica MacDonald happy to direct those to restaurant providing dinner in spirit of the season JONI MILTENBURG Veronica MacDonald would love to tell you about a pair of Good Samaritans in Waterloo. Last year the two women and their families served a full Christmas meal to 40 people from the region who would otherwise have spent Christmas alone. They decorated their restaurant, cooked a delicious meal and sent their guests home with small ornaments and gifts before sitting down to their own Christmas dinner. This year they’re doing it again and serving 60 people. MacDonald would love to tell everyone who they are, but they insist on remaining anonymous. “It’s really the true spirit of Christmas,” said the executive director of Community Care

Concepts. “It’s the family that does it, they do the cooking, they do the preparing, they do the cleaning up. They want no recognition, they’re not staffing it out, and then they enjoy their dinner afterward.” The dinner isn’t restricted to people living on low incomes. It’s for those who will be alone at Christmas: adults with disabilities, people whose spouses have died or couples whose children won’t be around for Christmas. “It has nothing to do with income. What it has to do with is the fact that they will be alone over Christmas,” MacDonald said. The only group that they’re not serving is children and youth, a group that is already well served by other organizations. “That’s really well served in the community by Woolwich Community

Services. They’re fabulous at that type of service, so they take care of the children’s programs.” MacDonald joined them for dinner last year, and said it’s a wonderful meal: the restaurant is decorated, Christmas lights are on, and there are carols playing. “It really is beautifully cooked, well-presented. I think they must have had half a dozen different

types of dessert last year.” MacDonald can’t give out their names, but people interested in joining them for dinner can contact her at CCC. MacDonald said the only glitch in the whole plan is transportation. Staff at CCC don’t work Christmas Day, and their volunteers are enjoying their own Christmas dinners. “Transportation in a ru-

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8 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

Wellesley staff moves into newly renovated admin building MARC MIQUEL HELSEN Wellesley Township staff members finally have a workplace to call their own. After some seven months of construction – long months spent in the cold, cramped portable buildings on site – administrators finally moved into their newly revamped administration building on Lobsinger Line in Crosshill. Eagerly anticipating the move-in date last

week, they were quick to praise the bigger, more environmentally friendly and accessible structure. “This building is an amazing improvement over our previous working conditions,” said chief administrative officer Susan Duke. “We’re hoping that the public will feel that it’s a welcoming and warm place to come to do their business.” Budgeted at roughly $800,000, the facility doubled the size of its

predecessor by adding 3,200 square feet. It now features, among other things, a basement beneath a portion of the extension that that will be used for storage. But there is much more than just size to this new building. “We’re hoping that it will be a standard for development in the future,” said Duke, noting that a number of green technologies were implemented in the design, including a geothermal heating/cooling system,

the use of natural lighting, with low-energy lighting to augment it, and insulated concrete forms that offer a high R-rating. The changes, in addition to benefiting the environment, are also meant to benefit taxpayers in the long-run. Operating the former propane-powered heating/cooling system cost the township some $7,000 to $8,000 each year; those high costs will be eliminated with a geothermal heating/cooling unit

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with Disabilities Act, so now includes accessible washrooms, low-rise access, and automatic door openers. Last summer the township received a $65,000 grant under the province’s Municipal Eco Challenge Fund to help offset the costs of the building project. The new project also saw some old materials removed, including fixtures containing mercury components. It’s been a long journey, See MOVED page »09

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that will have a very low energy consumption cost associated with electricity, and which should be “recouped within a short period of time.” Throughout its building process local trades people were relied on heavily, including members of the local Mennonite community who were instrumental in the demolition process, woodworking and roofing. The building was also planned and built according to the Ontarians

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NEWS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

Singing-a-long in West Montrose

JONI MILTENBURG Inflatable pools deeper than 30 inches will require a building permit and protective fence the same as permanent structures, Wellesley Township council decided this week. The decision follows a review of the fence bylaw, which states that any pool deeper than 0.8 metres must be enclosed by a fence a minimum five feet high, with lockable gates. The issue first surfaced at council in July, when resident Kim Ruthig

asked council to return the $125 building permit fee he paid to install a permanent pool, noting other residents had simply gone ahead and erected theirs. At the time, council was unable to decide whether temporary pools such as inflatable pools should be included in the bylaw and referred the question back to staff. In his report to council, chief building official Rik Louwagie noted that the danger of drowning is present with any pool, regardless of type, and it would be easier to ensure the fence require-

Moved: Warm and toasty in new home » From page 08

but one that was worthwhile, said Duke. “We have been intricately involved in every decision that has been made with regard to the methods used and the materials used and the labour used and the selection of the companies that have done the work for us and we have been

very much involved in that process, so, it’s been an evolution as opposed to a finite, final kind of end result.” Though now open to the public for business, the building will see an official open house in the new year – likely by the end of January or early February – once minor details are ironed out.

ments are met if a permit is required. He also recommended a public information program to make residents aware of the requirements. Coun. Herb Neher questioned the wisdom of requiring someone to get a permit for an inflatable pool that can easily be moved. “He has to get a building permit? He’s not building anything there. If I put up a tent in my backyard for a few weeks, I don’t need a permit,” Neher said. “I just think we’re inviting government more and more into our backyards with some of these bylaws. Are we going to say next that all limbs on trees have to be cut down in case a child climbs the tree and breaks its neck?” Mayor Ross Kelterborn said he supported including temporary pools under the bylaw. “I still feel from the safety point and the need to work within the bounds of the budget that this fits what we need.” In the end the motion passed on a 3-1 vote, with Neher opposed.

PHOTOS | JONI MILTENBURG

Inflatable pools subject to Wellesley fence bylaw

SOUNDS LIKE CHRISTMAS Florence and Darrell Jantzi joined the carolers gathered on the West Montrose covered bridge Dec. 15. Top, Andrew, Katie and Owen Weber were well bundled against the cold. At right, Rachel MacDonald had a good view of the assembled singers from atop dad Derrick’s shoulders.

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9

10 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

The Spirit of Christmas Present

» From cover

gifts appearing magically beneath a tree. “I used to enjoy when my great aunts used to come – they were unique; I just enjoyed that get-together.” Indeed, that generational gap is bridged during the holidays, making for a special time as grandchildren and grandparents, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles visit each other. For Wellesley Mayor Ross Kelterborn, family time is the highlight of the season. “One of the big things for me now is to watch the young children, my grandkids, and try and make Christmas meaningful to them, like our parents did for us – that doesn’t mean necessarily from the gift buying perspective,” says Kelterborn, as he reminisces about how as a child he and his family would gather around the radio during Christmas time to listen to the Queen’s address and to get in touch with St. Nick. “Santa Claus would come on the radio, and I can remember putting our list of things we would like to have for Christmas; we would write it on a piece of paper and then put it in the stove and it was supposed to go up the chimney,” recalls Kelterborn with a chuckle.

A WELCOME TIME OF YEAR Woolwich Coun. Sandy Shantz looks forward to spending time with family during the holidays. She’ll also be opening up her doors to her neighbours for a potluck, and volunteering to help those less fortunate.

For many adults the magic of Christmas, the anticipation leading up to the big night or morning, and the wondrousness of waking up to a tree laden with gifts, of course, dissipates with the years. But it comes back once children – and grandchildren – are born. “We have young grandchildren, now, which makes (Christmas) all the more fun,” says Wa-

terloo Region Chair and Elmira resident Ken Seiling. With a fouryear-old, a two-year-old, and an eight-month-old baby with whom to share Christmas, the Seiling household will be a joyful place during these holidays. They say that the way to anyone’s heart is through his or her stomach, and without a doubt the Christmas season is a time for forgetting

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about diets, ascetic eating, and counting calories. Instead, it has all to do with traditional family recipes. “My mom … makes this really, really good dressing,” says Wellesley Coun. Shelley Wagner, of a recipe that has been handed down through the generations. This holiday season her siblings have decided to compile and put on paper all the recipes made

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famous by their grandmother. Wagner is hoping the Christmas turkey recipe will be among the offerings. For Seiling, the Christmas favourite is of a sweeter persuasion. “I like Christmas cake; it’s one of my weaknesses. Christmas fruitcake is one of my favourites,” he says, before confessing that his sweet tooth really isn’t too discriminatory. “I have a weakness for Christmas baking.” In addition to Christmas treats, Seiling has a soft spot for the music of the season. Until three years ago, he played the organ at his church and directed

its choir. Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without the music. “I look forward to getting together with family; I very much enjoy the music of Christmas,” he says. Having played the keys and directed church choirs in a fulltime capacity for some four decades, Seiling often misses the big performance on Christmas Eve. To keep sated during the season, he listens to CDs in his car or at home, and plays piano and sings with family at home. “I can sing but I’m not a good choral singer; I directed choirs for 40 years but I wouldn’t call myself a good singer, but I miss playing the organ.” He also attends choral concerts at area churches and in the city whenever he gets a chance. A passion for music is shared by Woolwich Coun. Ruby Weber. “It’s not Christmas for me if I don’t get to hear the Messiah (by Handel) at least once over Christmas, and there are generally some really great concerts to attend,” she says, noting that a slew of choral concerts as well as time spent around the piano singing along with extended family is one of her favourite things to do this time of year. While caroling at church, eating and spending time with family are at the top of Woolwich Coun. Sandy Shantz’s list of favourites during the holiday season, she finds it See FAVOURITES page »11

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SOUNDS GOOD The holiday season just doesn’t seem right without music for Woolwich Coun. Ruby Weber. She looks forward to attending Handel’s Messiah and singing by the piano with family.

NEWS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

Ask For It At Your Local Pharmacy or Drug Store.

IT’S ABOUT FAMILY Wellesley Mayor Ross Kelterborn and wife Jean are looking forward to spending quality time with a large family spanning several generations.

Favourites: Using the break to enjoy some yuletide traditions » From page 10

important to spread the cheer. Volunteerism is a big thing for the Elmira resident, and not just in a local setting. Just recently, she and her husband sorted food for House of Friendship in Kitchener. In addition to this, Shantz has plans to continue a neighborhood tradition of inviting neighbours over for a potluck dinner. “Christmas is a neat time of year, I guess through the story, but also for the feeling that people get of helping each other and it’s nice that we focus on that, we should focus on it more all year around,” says Shantz, noting that time is a great gift. Too often, the realization of this is lost in the consumerist hubbub of the season.

“It gets busy; we’ve cut way back on the gift giving this year and we’re going to do more donations and that kind of thing because you just get a little too caught up in the buying and it’s more stressful and it’s not that we really need things – we’re just buying because,” she says. Shantz’s colleague on council, Murray Martin, shares a similar belief. “I always look forward to Christmastime,” he says. While Christmas involves spending quality time with family and friends it also means bringing cheer and merriment to the neighbourhood, riding with the Optimist Club of Winterbourne and Conestogo on an annual sleigh ride; it also

means doing things for others. After all, for Martin, that’s “what Christmas is all about.” Helping others in need is and should be a crucial part of the yuletide spirit, he says, noting that in thinking about their own families, people often forget those friends, acquaintances or strangers who could use a little help. “That’s in the spirit of Christmas, it’s what we should be about … there’s a whole lot of people we forget about, and to put a smile on somebody’s face that’s neglected is a whole lot better than spending hundreds of dollars for one of your own kids that doesn’t need a thing. I really think we need to get back to what Christmas is all about.”

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It’s warm and dry inside for this garden

DIGGING IN FOR THIS PROJECT Christmas was worlds away inside the EDSS greenhouse, where the Grade 11/12 workplace science students planted a cactus garden last week. Josh Dobson, left, Kevin Greig, Cody Bates, Aaron Tobey, Domenic Totera and Mark Johnson were some of the students who planted more than 20 varieties of cacti and succulents.

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12 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

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NEWS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

White Christmas a lock, suggests weather guru

13

Sugar and spice sure is nice at EDSS

MARC MIQUEL HELSEN Local residents won’t have to dream of a white Christmas: As far as Canada’s foremost weather guru is concerned, it’s already in the bag. “It’s a done deal; go to the bank on it,” said David Phillips, senior climatologist with Environment Canada. “It will be nice and white and fresh so kids opening snow saucers or toboggans or sleighs or skis at Christmas will be able to use them right away; there will be none of this looking out and wishing they’d got videogames instead of the snow stuff,” said Phillips, hours before the region was to get yet another big helping of snow. A week before Christmas Day, Phillips noted that no threatening weather pattern capable of melting the snow was on the horizon, suggesting that residents can plan on waking up to a

cold and snowy morning Dec. 25. “It’s a pretty sure thing.” By Dec. 18, Waterloo Region had already seen 56.6 centimetres of snow, on par with last year’s count. Between Oct. 1 and Dec. 19, 2007, the area accumulated some 55 cm of snow. This year, the region got a head start in early December only to have warm and wet weather melt away the snow earlier this week. An ensuing drop in temperatures in the latter part of the week, however, saw the snow count replenished – about eight centimeters of snow fell before the weekend. Cold temperatures are expected to hold well into next week, said Phillips. While snow typically hits the ground in the region as early as November, an early snowfall is not a surefire indication that snow will stick until Dec. 24 and 25. Last year’s white Christmas

followed 2006’s green season: that year, only 10.2 cm were recorded between Oct. 1 and Dec. 19. In general, the Waterloo Region has a 66 per cent chance of a white Christmas – about two out of every three years. In fact, this year might mark the first nationwide White Christmas in decades. “I’m going to bet a few loonies on the fact that Victoria and Vancouver will have a white Christmas,” said Phillips, noting that St. John’s, Newfoundland is likely the only city in the country that looks set to get some wet and warm temperatures in the near future. “This year … it may very well be for the first time in maybe 35 years that we will see a white Christmas from coast to coast to coast.” Even Vancouver, which on average gets one white Christmas every 10 years, should see some of the white stuff this season.

photos | joni miltenburg

No risk of a quick thaw before Dec. 25: Phillips

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS EDSS foods students spent the week making gingerbread houses. Above, Jessica Hymers decorates her gingerbread house with candy. Top, Ben Lubberts adds a layer of sweet snow. At right, Becca Belskie carefully assembles her house.

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14 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

Canadian Foodgrains Bank, which includes operations in the townships, is providing 9,100 metric tonnes of food to people in Zimbabwe in response to growing need in that country. The $7-million project includes 6,927 metric tonnes of maize,

1,385 tonnes of pulses, 405 tonnes of oil, and 392 tonnes of corn soy blend, all purchased in southern Africa. Approximately 120,000 beneficiaries will receive rations to sustain them for five months, until the next harvest.

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Fire: Police look for info about drug op. » From page 05

not connected them to the fire, we are just interested in them for two reasons: one is because there is a potential they were injured … we want to check on their well being; secondly they’re potentially witnesses to the fire since they could have been there in the house at the time,” said Heinzel. Firefighters from all three Wellesley Township stations arrived on scene at approximately 8:20 p.m., finding a 28-year-old woman who managed to escape the blaze. She was taken to the hospital and treated for smoke inhalation. Emergency personnel were told that other occupants were still inside the building. They conducted two searches

WCS: Satisfaction comes from helping » From page 03

The Circovirus Inoculation Program provides eligible hog producers with financial assistance to offset costs related to testing, diagnosis and treatment of hog herds for Porcine Circovirus Associated Diseases (PCVAD2). Diagnostic testing/clinical diagnosis • Hog owners or herd managers whose herd(s) have had a certified diagnostic test for PCVAD2 since March 1, 2006, can receive up to $150 per test, up to $2,000 per fiscal year, and up to $4,000 for the duration of the program. • In the absence of a certified diagnostic test, a clinical diagnosis must have been performed by a veterinarian between March 1, 2006, and November 15, 2007. Vaccination

but found no one; they did, however, rescue two pets. It appears two other cats, however, perished in the blaze. Damage to the structure was pegged at $200,000. The two men seen leaving the scene may have been there at the time. It appears they were not residents of the duplex. Wellesley, St. Clements and Linwood stations were all called in when the structure fire was confirmed, and battled the fire for up to five hours. Fire reached into the attic, making it difficult for firefighters to extinguish it quickly. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Division 1 detective office at (519) 650-8500, ext. 4438, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

the single biggest program offered by Woolwich Community Services. Every year they hand out between 120 and 130 hampers to individuals and families in need. The hampers include groceries, a turkey or ham, toys and clothing for the children and a small gift for the adults. Organizer Kelly Christie said they have between 125 and 150 volunteers who put in 800 or 900 hours of work. For the coordinators, hamper week means 12-hour days. Mary Haight, taking a

moment to rest her tired feet, said it’s all worth it when it comes time to distribute the hampers. “Getting to Thursday is long and tiring, but Thursday is just the most euphoric thing. You realize why you do it.” Moyer, who greeted people at the door on Thursday, checking them off the list, said the service isn’t taken for granted by those on the receiving end. “They’re all so glad and appreciative. I go home greatly satisfied that I’ve been able to participate in it.”

Hog owners or herd managers whose animals were part of a herd that tested positive for PCVAD2 can receive up to $1 per piglet and up to $7 per gilt, sow, or boar.

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NEWS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

» LAW & ORDER

15

Not buying what they’re selling December 10

Several residents of the area of Stillwater Street in Elmira reported to police Dec. 16 that two males were going to door-to-door in the area claiming to sell some magazines. While one of the males would engage the residents, the other would circle around the side of the house, seemingly casing out the home. Some witnesses said the suspects looked fidgety, bouncing up and down as they talked. Officers came to the area but found no one. Police would like to remind residents to exercise caution when opening the doors for strangers. The first suspect was described as a white male in his late teens to early twenties about six feet tall with an average build and wearing a tan colored coat with the letters DCI on it. The second suspect was described as a white male in his early 20s and wearing dark clothing.

»»

December 11

1:00 PM | A Pentax camera was taken from an unlocked vehicle while it was parked at Arthur Street and Park Avenue in Elmira. 3:34 PM | A driver was charged with ‘careless driving’ as a result of a collision at Sawmill Road and Arthur Street near St. Jacobs. A vehicle had been stopped at the roundabout when it was rear-ended by another. There were no major injuries and moderate and light damage to the vehicles.

»»

December 12

11:00 PM | Police received a report of a hit-and-run on Northfield Drive at North Gate Drive in Waterloo. The complainant’s vehicle was hit while parked on Northfield Drive. The driver, however, didn’t realize that it had been hit until on the road to Wingham. There are no suspects 1:35 PM | A collision occurred at Nafziger Road, near Maple Leaf Street in Wellesley Village. An 87-year-old local

woman was southbound on Nafziger Road when she attempted to turn into a business parking lot and instead of hitting the brakes stepped on the gas, lost control of the vehicle and struck the front of the building. There was moderate damage to the vehicle and some damage to the foundation of the structure. The driver suffered minimal injuries. She was charged with ‘careless driving.’ 4:30 PM | A red Chevy Impala was southbound on Herrgott Road when the driver lost

PHOTO | JOE MERLIHAN

Roads tax area drivers

OFF ROAD Poor driving conditions saw three vehicles slide off the road on Line 86 near Macton Dec. 13. There were no major injuries reported.

control of the vehicle, crossed the center median and struck another vehicle head-on. No major injuries were reported. One driver was charged with ‘failing to stay in a marked lane.’ Roads were slippery at the time of the collision.’ A 71-year-old woman suffered minor injuries.

»»

December 14

2:35 AM | A business in the area of Arthur and Mill streets in Elmira had its front windows smashed, but nothing appears to have been taken. An alarm was triggered, notifying police. The front window was broken and blood was found on scene. 4:30 AM | A collision took place on Floradale Road, where a silver-grey car skidded off the roadway for some 28 metres before crashing into a hydro pole. There were no injuries, but the Drayton driver was charged with ‘careless driving.’ Waterloo North Hydro was called in to check the pole. 1:00 PM | Firefighters and police found a Ford F150 engulfed in flames in the area of

Walked away from head-on collision

PHOTO | JOE MERLIHAN

»»

6:30 PM | A wallet was lost at No Frills in Elmira. It contained a number of ID cards.

IN THE AFTERMATH A driver who lost control of their vehicle due to icy conditions collided head-on with another vehicle Dec. 12 on Herrgott Road. There were no serious injuries, however. The driver was subsequently charged with ‘failing to stay in a marked lane.’ Roads were slippery at the time of the collision. Weeby Place near Conestogo. struck from behind by another area of Arthur Street North The vehicle had been stolen vehicle, a 1998 Ford pickup, when a deer ran into its path, from the Town of Vanessa towing a livestock trailer that was struck and killed. There prior to the fire. No suspects was occupied by a cow. There were no injuries to the driver were found at the scene, but were neither human nor animal or the three children in the car, witnesses were able to offer injuries as a result of the colli- though the latter were a little up a suspect description. It ap- sion. Both vehicles incurred shocked initially. The vehicle pears that the vehicle had had moderate damages. The driver suffered moderate damages. two occupants at the time of of the pickup was charged »» December 17 the incident, one of which was with ‘careless driving.’ 3:48 AM | Police received some described as a white male be»» December 16 reports that a male was seen tween 40 and 60 years. Two people were seen leaving the 3:00 PM | In the area of West prowling in between some area in a black Ford F150 at a Montrose, an 80-year-old man tractors at a dealership on who was lost and apparently Line 86, near Floradale Road. high rate of speed. confused went to a local resi- Police arrived on scene and 1:30 PM | Police received a dence asking for some direc- found a jerry can in the area report of a vehicle theft from tions to an address in Kitchen- beside some farm equipment Parkside Drive in St. Jacobs. er. The male left in a vehicle. and a garden hose. Through A GMC bearing the plate 747 Police were alerted by the the investigation, police deter4MS was taken from the parkconcerned resident and started mined that a white, early 90s ing lot. The charcoal grey searching for the vehicle. Sur- Ford tow-truck with black or truck has an extended cab rounding police services were green stripes on the fenders with a black tonneau cover also notified and the male was had been in the area. Footand Denali rims. listed on the national com- prints led police to believe puter system. The individual that the prowling suspect may »» December 15 11:57 AM | A two-vehicle colli- was eventually located by po- have been picked up by somesion brought police to the area lice, who then spoke with the one in the white truck. The investigation continues; anyone of Arthur Street and Listowel man’s family. Road in Elmira. A vehicle 8:08 PM | A Chrysler PT Cruis- with information is asked to stopped for a red light was er was northbound in the 2424 contact police.

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16 | COMMENT & OPINION

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

» CARTOON Published Saturdays since 1996 by Cathedral Communications Inc. Publications Mail Agreement No | 1004840

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CIRCULATION The Observer is an audited controlled circulation publication. Canadian Media Circulation Audit calculates and prepares The Observer circulation reports | 14,942.

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SUBSCRIPTIONS Annual subscriptions are available at a rate of $37.10 (includes GST) for delivery within Canada. Contact the office or email sales@woolwichobserver.com for further details. All issues from 2006 on are available online free of charge. ASSOCIATIONS The Observer is a member of the Ontario Community Newspaper Association [OCNA], Canadian Community Newspaper Association [CCNA], Ontario Press Council, and The Greater KW Chamber of Commerce.

LETTER POLICY The Observer welcomes letters to the editor on topics of interest to our readers. Letters may be edited for brevity, grammar, and legal considerations. All letters must be signed and contain the writer’s full name and telephone number for verification purposes. Unsigned or anonymous letters will not be considered for publication. If you have a legitimate concern and cannot sign your name to a letter, please contact the editor to discuss alternative means of resolving the issue. This newspaper declines announcements, poetry and thank-you letters in the opinion section. Maximum suggested length is 500 words.

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» EDITORIAL

The most wonderful time of the year Christmas, it seems, is a little less merry than it used to be. Oh, not necessarily in absolute terms, but anecdotal evidence shows we’re sharing fewer greetings of “Merry Christmas” or even the more neutral “Happy Holidays.” Perhaps even fewer incidences of meeting “smile after smile.” Maybe this can be blamed on political correctness: People are afraid to offend, so they say nothing. If that’s the case, we’re certainly taking the shine off a holiday like no other. There’s the crux: Christmas is not just another day off from work or school. No other holiday even comes close in terms of the goodwill and anticipation engendered by what occurs each 25th of December. It transcends even religion, as witnessed by how we celebrate Easter, a more significant holiday on the Christian calendar, yet it doesn’t generate the same reaction. Even if you’re not religiously inclined or of another faith, there’s still something delightful about Christmas – the one time of year where we live up to our potential as kind, considerate human beings. We

like ourselves better for it, but seem unable to carry it through more than a few weeks. Yes, those of the Christian faith celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. And in recent years that has sparked a certain amount of controversy, as the unimaginative deem the holiday incompatible with a multicultural society. That is, of course, piffle supported by a few blowhards, including some of the majority culture who feel they must act as apologists for our traditions. None of these people realize the magic of the season extends far beyond the religious aspects. Those who decry the commercialism of Christmas would say it’s simple greed that makes us enjoy the season, but that’s too simplistic. Christmas shows us what we could be, if only we’d embrace our potential. If asked to describe what they love about Christmas, even the most devout Christians would go beyond the religious to tell of the glow and warmth that comes with being near to family and friends at Christmastime, a feeling unrepeated at other gatherings throughout the year.

» VERBATIM “I think human behaviour drives recessions and recoveries, and confidence in the future drives human behaviour. Especially during difficult times, leaders have to inject confidence and hope into their citizens and Stephen Harper has done precisely the opposite with these comments.” MP John McCallum, a former chief economist at RBC, on Harper’s statements

There’s an indefinable charge in the air, as if something is compelling us to be more attuned to the world around us. We’re driven to be a little nicer (hopefully more than a residual desire to stay off of Santa’s naughty list) and to be a little more generous to others – at least in situations outside of the mall, where it can still be every man or woman for him/herself. While some will argue Christmas is simply for children, they may be missing the point that it’s a chance for all of us to be kids again, to try to recapture some of the innocence and sense of wonder. If the Christmas spirit is on the wane today, it’s because we let business, stress and political correctness intrude on the holiday – much as they do on our lives as we progress from childhood into adulthood. The goal, then, is to recapture some of that zest, that anticipation and wonder that came with the Christmases of youth. At the same time, there is the need for an adult appreciation of what a timeout from the “real world” can mean for the soul. That’s the real magic of Christmas.

» THE MONITOR Canadian stock prices fell significantly during the third quarter of 2008, resulting in a 3.2% drop in household net worth, making us collectively poorer by $191 billion. This was the largest percentage drop since the third quarter of 1998, when stock prices fell in response to the Asian financial crisis. Statistics Canada

COMMENT & OPINION |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

» HARD TALK | RAFE MAIR

17

Naysayers have it right: Vancouver Olympics a fruitless waste Chris Shaw of the University of British Columbia, outspoken critic of the Winter Olympics from the outset, was probably right about the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. We should have, albeit gracefully, refused the honour. These games run from Feb. 12 to Feb. 28, 2010, 17 days in all including opening and closing ceremonies. Chris and others opposed these games for many reasons, not least of which dealt with the Sea-to-Sky highway and real estate development. I, on the other hand, swept up in the massive municipal masturbation, didn’t listen to Chris and now see his nightmares coming true. Being a resident of Lions Bay on the Sea-to-Sky, I should have listened to the boo birds. But, here’s what the highways department said about the project: “As part of Highway 99, the Sea-toSky Highway winds its way through the spectacular Coast Mountains, linking communities from West Vancouver to Whistler. British Columbia’s Ministry of Transportation has initiated the $600 million Sea-to-Sky Highway improvement project to increase this road’s safety, reliability and capacity. In addition to meeting the area’s future traffic needs, the upgrades will also enhance economic development opportunities in communities along the highway and in the province as a whole.

“During construction, project staff is working hard to ensure the improvements are carried out safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption to the public. These efforts to keep traffic running smoothly will continue until the project is completed in 2009, in time for the 2010 Olympics.” It’s difficult to believe that this amount of horse buns could be crammed into two paragraphs. There can surely be no one except the chauffer-driven minister, Kevin Falcon, who could read that crap and keep their dinners down. As one who totalled a car and damned near killed himself and his wife, I can attest that especially after dark, this highway is a death trap. In my opinion, those working on the road have not implemented enough procedures to ensure safety. In Lions Bay, we hear sirens from our ambulance and police several times a day. The road markings, if they exist at all, are confusing in the extreme. At night you have to pray that both you and oncoming cars are on their proper side of the road. Signs are misleading, potholes abound, and safety supervision nonexistent. As to “minimal disruption,” those words are stomach turners for those of us who play go-go-stop every day. We who live along this recipe for disaster have had enough. The environmental impact, especially at Eagleridge where Minister Falcon, rather than building a safe, relatively cheap tunnel, chose to wipe out crucially important wilderness, was all the more important because of its closeness to human habitation. There is a big plus for Premier Gor-

don Campbell the autocrat and his toadies. All along the highway there are new developments built by Liberal supporters. As Kevin Costner’s character was told in Field of Dreams, “if you build it, they will come.” Within a few years, the Sea-to-Sky will be as busy as or busier than ever before. Now we see that the traffic patterns in Vancouver, on the major bridges as well as Highway 99 and the Seato-Sky, will all but end normal use of our streets for a stretch of 17 days. Evidently those of us who live on the Sea-to-Sky will have residents’ passes, while the rest of non-Olympics traffic will have to stay home. Actually, this might not be a bad idea after all. Perhaps this could be made permanent so that only people whose permanent residence is on the highway would be able to drive it, exceptions being deliverers of beer and other staple products. As for the raving lunatics who kill and maim us, as well as themselves as they try for new speed records to Whistler and back, surely they could be trained to join Canasta clubs, or go lawn bowling or stay home with the kids and the pooch. But Rafe, you surely ask, aren’t you excited at the prospect of all those world-class athletes coming to our village by the rainforest and plying their trade? Why, you’ll be able to watch things like the biathlon, bobsleighing, curling, ice hockey, luge, skating and all manner of skiing. OK, let’s have a peek at that biathlon. We’re told it’s “A demanding combination of exertion and precision, the biathlon combines cross-country skiing

and rifle shooting. It was originally devised as a means for hunting.” Am I, then, to don my trusted snowshoes and tramp along the trails shouting and clapping my applause? Frankly, I just don’t give a damn about the biathlon, so scratch that from my list. Actually, I don’t give a fiddler’s fart about bobsledding and luge, either. C’mon now, how many of you can name anyone who does this? Lots of Canadians love skiing. In my case, along with bungee jumping, hang gliding and free falling from a glider, etc., it’s on my list of ways I’m not going to die. Curling? Right up there with watching paint dry, as a spectator sport. This leaves skating and ice hockey, but somehow I don’t like them so much that I’m prepared to pay the charge for admission. Let’s be brutally frank here. A majority of events you can’t see in person and must, surrounded by the comforts of home, watch on the telly. Only a small per cent of you will actually go to the skating or the hockey. What we have here, then, is a public spectacle of events, which will be seen by the vast majority on television. And this is worth all that money? Ah, you cry, got you there, Rafe. This is all about “showcasing” (a dreadful word dreamt up by ad men) Vancouver and Whistler. I say, “dream on.” Vancouver in February is not all that showcase-able and Whistler is already well enough known to wealthy offshore skiers. Wendy and I have carefully looked See MAIR »21

» INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS | GWYNNE DYER

Democracy a thing of the past as old Thailand returns The political crisis in Thailand is over, and so is the 10-year experiment with democracy. The rich and the comfortably off have risen in outraged revolt against equal treatment for the poor, and it’s back to the bad old days of shaky coalitions and bought-andpaid-for politicians. The misleadingly named People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) has won. It was the PAD’s yellow-clad protesters and street-fighters who occupied government offices, and eventually both of Bangkok’s airports, in a nonstop campaign to oust the People Power Party (PPP) from power. (The yellow was to signify their allegiance to the revered 81-year-old king of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, although it was never clear if he shared their goal.) The government had to be overthrown by street demonstrations, not by a legitimate vote in parliament, because the People Power Party actually had a majority in parliament. The PPP’s crime, in the view of the PAD, the army, the police, the Bangkok middle class, and perhaps even the royal palace, was that the wrong people had voted for it: the rural poor. The PPP was the descendant of Thai Rak Thai (Thais Love Thais), the creation of Thaksin Shinawatra, the

telecommunications billionaire who turned to politics in 1998. It was a new style of party for Thailand, appealing directly to the urban poor and the rural majority of Thai voters over the heads of the political bosses who had traditionally bought up their votes. Thai Rak Thai won the 2001 election, delivering Thaksin to the prime minister’s office, and he actually kept many of his promises. Development funds flowed into the rural areas, his “30-baht” scheme for universal health care brought medical aid to remote villages for the first time, and farmers got cheap loans. It alienated the urban elite who had previously got the biggest share of state spending, but Thaksin’s popularity soared even higher in rural areas. He was the first prime minister ever to complete a four-year term, and in the 2005 election his party won an absolute majority of the seats in parliament – another first. Even more importantly, the political godfathers who used to buy and sell the rural vote flocked to his banner, giving him a virtually impregnable political position. For a moment there, it looked as though Thaksin had succeeded in transforming Thai politics. He was quite autocratic in power, seeking to punish media outlets that criticized him and authorizing an anti-drugs campaign that resulted in many illegal killings, but his popularity was

unquestionable. And then it all fell apart. The counterattack by the old guard came in the form of street demonstrations against Thaksin’s new government that were used as the excuse for a military coup in 2006. The courts, which have not been exactly impartial in this affair, then ordered Thai Rak Thai disbanded because of alleged election irregularities (doubtless true, but equally true for all the other parties). Thaksin’s party was immediately re-founded as the People Power Party, but he was not so easily able to evade a court judgment finding him guilty of conflict of interest over the purchase of land in Bangkok. The amount of money involved was paltry for a man of Thaksin’s wealth, and other Thai politicians have gone unpunished for far graver offences, but he ended up fleeing from Thailand in order to avoid a jail sentence. The military then reckoned that it was safe to hold another election, but Thaksin’s renamed PPP won again last year: the poor knew who was on their side. Thaksin stayed in exile, but his close ally Samak Sundaravej became prime minister in his stead – and immediately faced the same legal vendetta. Early this year the courts got him for conflict of interest. The charge? He was moonlighting as the host of a television cooking show. In this struggle, no pretext is too petty.

Samak was replaced as prime minister in late September by Thaksin’s brother-in-law Somchai Wongsawat. The PAD then launched non-stop demonstrations that gradually paralyzed the government. Three weeks ago they seized control of both Bangkok’s airports, shutting down the tourist trade that accounts for six per cent of Thailand’s economy. And last week the courts came through for them again, ordering the disbanding of the PPP and two allied parties for electoral fraud. That was the final blow. The regional godfathers, recognizing that Thaksin is finished, have begun selling their services to the old-line Democratic Party again. It won’t even be necessary to carry out the PAD’s project to take the vote away from the rural population – they were proposing a parliament that was 70 per cent appointed and only 30 per cent elected – because the regional bosses will go back to brokering the rural vote in the good old-fashioned way. It is a sad outcome, but not a surprising one. Relatively few Asian countries are openly run as dictatorships nowadays – China, Vietnam and Burma are the main exceptions – but the urban elites and the big land-owners really still call the tune in most of the so-called democracies. Thaksin had his faults, but he was trying to break Thailand free from that model. Unfortunately, he failed.

18 | COMMENT & OPINION

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

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COMMENT & OPINION |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

MAY YOU TAKE A MOMENT OR TWO... during the holidays to reflect on the reason for the season, and enjoy this special time with family and friends.

Thinking of you... and hoping your holidays are trimmed with every happiness.

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20 | COMMENT & OPINION

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

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9 CHURCH ST. E., ELMIRA

519-669-8362

Here’s hoping every happiness comes your way throughout this holiday season and beyond.

Sulco Chemicals Limited 60 First St. E., Elmira • 519-669-5166

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

Mair: Olympics best seen in front of TV » From page 17

this situation over and have concluded that all we would ever see of the Olympics would be on the idiot box, and that we can do that just as well in Auckland, Maui or Cape Town, bathed in warm sunshine, as we can in Vancouver during the monsoon season.

So, fellow suckers, enjoy our tax dollars being frittered away on overweight gentlemen with blazers and the Olympics logo and on athletes you’ve never seen before and will never see again. Wendy and I are off to balmier climes and, frankly, I won’t care if our room doesn’t have a TV set!

COMMENT & OPINION |

» OBSERVER Q&A What do you want for Christmas?

“A fire truck.”

“I don’t really know … a doll that fits baby clothes.”

“A Playmobil lighthouse ... I just have the mini light house … I want the big light house.”

“A [toy] car.”

»» Nolan Williamson

»» Georgia Perry

»» Jack Ribble

»» Emma Landry

» LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Demolishing our past To the Editor, Today I watched from my window another Elmira landmark being bulldozed down at 10 Park St. W. I had met the owner of this century home when we moved to Elmira a few years ago. The owner told us stories of “Elmira and how it used to be.” My children and I loved to hear these stories about different people in the community as she pointed out the actual home they lived in or a building they worked in. My children could relate to her stories because they have travelled through Europe visiting historical sites and actually seeing what they read about in their history courses. I remember the day the owner of the old home told me how her grandfather had planted the large maple trees that grew on our property. She thanked me for keeping at least the stump that stands on the corner of Park and Hampton streets when the tree had to come down. People then could be reminded of Elmira’s past, as it had

stood majestically across from Gore Park. Now as I watch her house, a part of history is being quickly dismantled: the windows hanging loose on their last hinges, the roof tumbling as the attic is no more, the cozy side porch where she watched me garden as the evening unfolded. As the last shrubs and trees are uprooted, a final end comes to a structure and a place that holds many memories for many people. Its meaning is clear as I see people drive by to take photos, and neighbours gather to reminisce. History is something that weaves our lives together and makes our communities strong. Nowadays, the younger generation will not have the evidence to learn from the past so easily. I hope we can keep some of the old buildings of Elmira as we continue to expand as a community. The younger generation could learn much from such a practice.

» THE VIEW FROM HERE | SCOTT ARNOLD

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ALL THE LITTLE ELVES BUSY PUTTING TOGETHER ANOTHER ISSUE OF THE OBSERVER.

Heather van der Meijden Elmira

Raceway lands also a boon To the Editor, Your Dec. 6 article notes the 8.6 million reasons Centre Wellington has to celebrate with the fifth anniversary of the Grand River Raceway moving from Elmira to the Elora area; I would like to add three reasons why Woolwich should also celebrate: Sugar King Drive, Brookmead extension, Anna Street and Raising Mill extension are a few of the streets built on raceway lands, filled with new houses inhabited by tax-paying citizens of Woolwich Township who now consume various goods and services here in the township. A fabulous new recreation complex is being built on the very land

that once was occupied by the Elmira Raceway. A brand new athletic field and track for our local high school is now also part of the former raceway lands. I have in the past, am doing so presently, and will continue to in the future, challenge the Observer to focus on the positive outcomes Woolwich was able to achieve with this land. To simply say we lost $8.6 million in revenue is simply untrue. We have gained a fantastic redeveloped land area that will benefit the health of Woolwich citizens and the township coffers for year to come. Trevor Bauman Elmira

M ay the com forts ofhom e, the love offam ily and the m em ories ofholidays past renew your hearts this season.

SPO N SO R N A M E

Best Wishes to you and your family this Holiday Season from staff & management 3031 Lobsinger Line, Heidelberg 519-699-4590 Mon.-Wed. 8-6; Thurs.-Fri. 8-8; Saturday 8-5 See us WEEKLY at the Waterloo Farmer's Market and visit us online at www.stemmlermeats.ca

SANYO CANADIAN

MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED

21

22 | BUSINESS

»

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

BUSINESS » MOTHER OF INVENTION

Keeping it au naturel with baby

Conestogo’s Baby Charlotte emerges from mother’s search for organic and chemical-free products One-year-old Charlotte Muller was entertaining herself Tuesday afternoon by pulling baby bottles out of a cardboard box in the new store in Conestogo that bears her name. Baby Charlotte opened its doors this week, selling organic and chemical-free bottles, clothing, diapers and skincare products for babies and new moms. On Tuesday, Carla Muller was unpacking the last boxes and putting the finishing touches on the store. The idea for the store was conceived when she was pregnant with Charlotte, her third child. “I started hearing some pretty scary things about what was in everything. Everything from your shower curtain could kill you to your rubber ducky was the worst possible thing to put in hot water,” Muller said. “It seemed that every step I took with her I was hearing that something I was using for her was bad. So I stopped buying from the drugstore altogether and started sourcing out natural products.” But natural products don’t come cheaply. A bottle of phthalate-free baby powder costs $15, after shipping and import duties.

PHOTO | JONI MILTENBURG

JONI MILTENBURG

BRINGING UP BABY Carla Muller holds her daughter, Charlotte, in the newly opened Conestogo store that bears her name. Baby Charlotte offers organic and chemical-free products for babies and new moms.

Thank you to all our customers this year. The staff and management of DUB-L-E wish you all a very merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years!

“I don’t make enough to support that habit, and I bet a lot of moms feel the same way,” Muller said. Muller decided to start her own business offering natural products at more affordable prices. It was originally going to be a web-based business, but she discovered that a lot of distributors wouldn’t sell to her unless she had a brick-and-mortar store. So Muller now has square footage on Sawmill Road in Conestogo, and will be launching the web side of the business in the new year. The store was scheduled to open in early December, but delayed shipments and a leaky window pushed things back. Muller has sourced products from around the world. She has merino wool snuggle suits from New Zealand, natural rubber soothers from Denmark and handknit clothing from Scotland and Australia. The store carries organic and natural fibre nursery furnishings, natural wood toys, BPA-free and phthalate-free breast milk pumps and chlorinefree, biodegradable diapers, among other things. Charlotte is the store’s namesake, and she’s also its chief quality control officer – or its chief guinea pig. Muller said she doesn’t sell

Witt’s

"We have seen His star in the East, and have come to worship Him." Matthew 2:2

anything she hasn’t tried herself. “I get to be the seller and I’m my own target audience. So I look at something and say, would I buy that? And then I try it and think, am I happy with this? And if the answer to both is yes, then I get it for the store.” Baby Charlotte also carries bath and body products for moms and dads. Muller realized if she was going to use natural products on her daughter, she should be using them on herself as well. “She’s up on my shoulder, and any of those fragrances that have the scary things in them, she’s going to be breathing if I use them. So to really make sure she’s going to be safe, I had to switch to them too.” This is Muller’s first venture into owning her own business. Most of her relevant experience comes just from being a mom, she said. But she also worked for many years at a pizza place where she handled everything from making pizzas to bookkeeping and hiring. “As funny as it sounds it was the best experience because you had to learn how to do a million things at once,” she said. “I think any job you do is a juggling act. If you know how to juggle, it doesn’t matter if you’re juggling pizzas or bath products.”

Merry

Christmas

May Your Holidays be Merry & Bright from all of us at:

DUB-L-E SERVICE CENTRE 390 Arthur Street South, Elmira

519-669-2015

5158a Ament Line, Linwood

519-698-2060

STORE HOURS: Mon.- Fri. 8-6; Saturdays 8:30-5:30, Sundays Closed

1070 Industrial Cres., St. Clements | TEL: 519.699-9496

BUSINESS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

A U M A N P R I N T I N G (FAX: 519-669-3451)

4 Herbert St. 519-669-2540

DO EVERYBODY FAVOUR THIS CHRISTMAS

CREATIVE DIGITAL IMAGING Serving the community for over 100 years. www.stjacobsprintery.com

CRANE

& EQUIPMENT LTD.

14 Ton boom truck 35 ton mobile crane 519-664-9999

INCOME TAX FOR INDIVIDUALS & SOLE PROPRIETORS, PARTNERSHIPS ETC.

519-669-0003

D

ORTLIEB

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

dwitmer@witmercac.com

rink in moderation and monitor the amount of alcohol you have consumed. Designate a sober driver at the beginning of the night and give that person the keys. If no one is capable of driving, have some money ready for a taxi home. It is better to leave your car behind and come back for it than to have it totaled in a collision.

#HURCH 3T 7 %LMIRA s 519-669-5565

Listowel Clifford

ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE FOR SMALL - MEDIUM SIZED BUSINESSES

519-664-2263

Mon.-Wed. & Sat. 10AM-6PM Th., & Fri. 10AM-9PM Sun. 12PM-4PM EXTENDED SUNDAY HOURS: Dec. 21 12PM-5PM

Drayton Elora

If you are drinking at a friend's home, ask for a place to sleep until you are sober. By staying at that friend's house, you will limit their liability should you choose to drive and cause a collision. Ontario has, arguably, the toughest drinking and driving laws in North America. The federal laws and provincial laws combine to significantly impact on peoples' lives when they are investigated for, charged with, and convicted of a drinking and driving offence. It is important to realize that there is a potential impact on people in Ontario upon being investigated for a drinking and driving offence. The police have the power to issue 12 - hour license suspensions to drivers they find having alcohol in their system; usually as a result of a person blowing a “Warning� on a roadside screening test device. When you go for your next drink, just remember that you're not the only one that may pay the consequences for your decisions.

SOEHNER INSURANCE C.H.

Established 1925

F , ÊUÊ " ÊUÊ 1/" /9Ê‡Ê " ,

LIMITED

519-669-1661

soehner@soehnerinsurance.com www.soehnerinsurance.com

“BE SURE - INSURE �

SANYO CANADIAN MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED

33 Industrial Dr. 519-669-1591

ELLIOTT COACH LINES STC Elmira Division School Buses Available for Charter

175 Union St. s 519-669-5198

519-821-4475

)NDUSTRIAL $R %LMIRA s 519-669-1631

DUB-L-E

Elmira Insurance

s '!3 s $)%3%, s 02/0!.% s 4/5#( &2%% #!2 W!3(

45 Arthur St. S., Elmira s 519-669-5484

519-669-5040

390 ARTHUR ST. S., ELMIRA (Hwy 86 & Road 21)

519-669-2015

4OLL &REE )N #ANADA s &AX 7EB WWW MARTINMILLS COM % MAIL INFO MARBRO COM

“Proud to be part of the community.�

9 Mill St. 519-669-5161

PO Box 130, Elmira s 519-669-5171

23

24 | BUSINESS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

Merry Christmas Season's Greetings to all our friends & customers. May you find love, laughter and good times this Christmas.

We're reaching out to all our good friends To wish you a season of joy without end!

ADVANCE MILLWRIGHTS INC.

Thank you for warming our holidays with your friendship.

Clare Weber's Fabricating

3044 SAWMILL RD., ST. JACOBS

519-664-3711

21 Howard Ave. Unit 3 Elmira, Ontario N3B 2C9

519-669-4200 FAX:(519) 519-669-4659 TEL:TEL: (519) 669-4200 FAX: 669-4659 www.advancemillwrights.com EMAIL: adv.mill@rogers.com

merry christmas & a happy new year 315 ARTHUR ST. S., ELMIRA 519.669.5403

Advance Millwrights Inc. is an established millwrighting company in Elmira involved in the feed mill, fertilizer and bulk food industries. Due to increased sales, applications are being accepted for self-motivated and experienced

MERRY CHRISTMAS • MERRY CHRISTMAS • MERRY CHRISTMAS FITTER/WELDERS ring in the new year.

May your Christmas be filled with music and song, and God’s special blessings the whole season long. ~from the staff at

Lloyd Frey’s Garage Ltd. Dennis, Durrell & Merlin

519-669-8818

We offer a competitive benefit package in a growing company. Please submit resumés in confidence to: adv.mill@rogers.com or fax: (519) 669-4659 Helping Our Clients Achieve Their Business Objectives.

McCarter Grespan Beynon Weir l.l.p. barristers & solicitors 675 Riverbend Drive, Kitchener | 519.571.8800

It’s the happiest time of the year, and it’s customers like you who make our work worthwhile. Thanks so much for your generous support.

Kleensweep Carpet Care COLLEEN s #ELL 519-581-7868 Call 519-669-2033 “A Good Job Done Every Time” 2%3)$%.4)!, s #/--%2#)!, s 0%23/.!,):%$ 3%26)#% s &2%% %34)-!4%3

HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS

PLEIN DISPOSAL INC.

Merry Christmas and sincere thanks to our customers and friends this holiday season.

Christmas Comes But Once A Year Hope yours is forever filled with the gift of faith, family, and friendship

PERSONAL INCOME TAX PREPARATION s 3ELF EMPLOYMENT s 2ENTAL 0ROPERTY s 4RUCKING

WISHES ALL OF YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

DENISE WITMER

1-84 HOWARD AVE. ELMIRA, ON, N3B 2E1

dwitmer@witmercac.com

519-669-5136

519-669-0003

Elmira Ontario

519.669.5040

SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS Chateau Gardens Elmira Assisted Living Centre

8 Snyder Avenue North Elmira, ON

Call 519-669-4111

Bonnie’s Chick Hatchery Ltd. 18 Arthur St. N. 519-669-2561

Seasons Greetings to you and yours

THOMPSON’S

AUTO TECH INC. www.chartwellreit.ca

21 Howard Ave, Elmira 519-669-4400

BUSINESS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

Âť FOOD FOR THOUGHT | OWEN ROBERTS

25

Farmers choose science over serendipity Farmers figure there’s already ample opportunity for bad luck to bite them in the derriere, without adding more problems to the list. Naturally-occurring woes such as bad weather, pests and disease are enough to make them chronically wring their hands. Mix in jittery, aging and confused consumers, plus an uncertain future with our biggest trading partner, and even more reasons arise for their collective backs to be against the wall. So when they perceive a threat to science, one of their biggest allies, they come out swinging. They create infrastructure, such as Ontario Agri-Food Technologies, an organization designed to connect the products of science with farmers and processors. They get behind imaginative initiatives such as Soy 20/20, dedicated to finding advanced uses for one of Ontario’s most lucrative cash crops, soybeans. They support linkages to areas of great potential for agriculture, especially health and the environment, through avenues to urban Canada such as Mars Landing. And sometimes they bring them all together under one roof, such as the new Ontario agri-technology commercialization centre which opened in Guelph last month. But their drive to reduce obstacles and open doors to greater profitability is never done. As a society, we’ve decided we’re going to pay as little as possible for food. That’s not a very helpful posi-

tion to those we entrust with keeping our plates heaping full with healthy food. And it means that if farmers are going to stay in business, they have to squeeze as much efficiency as they can out of their crops and livestock. To do that, they turn to science. It gives them, their crops and their animals a fighting chance. Science provides defense against profit-robbing, debilitating disease and illness. It enhances health-related traits and environmentally friendly production approaches that appeal to consumers. It’s an intrinsic part of our drive to keep food safe. Farmers have repeatedly chosen science over serendipity, and support major investments in research, such as the research agreement between the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the University of Guelph. A study released at this time last year showed the annual return on investment to Ontario from that agreement is more than $1.15 billion. So farmers are touchy when they sense decisions pending that will affect their access to science. And right now, they’re on the ceiling about the way they think the province’s aggressive stance against pesticides will affect farming. For the record, the province has said farmers will not be under the same constraints as consumers, who are losing access to cosmetic pesticides. But everywhere, the same question keeps coming up: If pesticides are unsafe for flowers, how can they be safe for food? Farmers think that’s an unfair comparison, and led by the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, they’re mounting

a campaign to tell their Members of Parliament they’re not pleased with the government’s direction. Farmers say the criteria used to determine the suitability of certain products has not been spelled out. In other words, farmers want the province to base its decisions about pesticide use on science. “Ontario farmers depend on science to test our soils for nutrients, our milk for protein content, the effectiveness of ventilation systems in our livestock buildings, keep our animals healthy – just about everything that is critical to our success as farmers,� says Don McCabe, a federation vice-president. “The process being used by the govern-

ment would appear to close the door on new product innovation in Ontario, and that’s not good for agriculture and that’s not good for Ontario.� This polarizing argument is bound to grow. The province will need to be increasingly supportive of agriculture as it looks to farming to pull it out of its economic doldrums. It can’t be encouraging and discouraging at the same time. But it also has to listen to public sentiment about what consumers consider acceptable. Once again, the need for greater communications is apparent. Where’s the middle ground? We’ll find it by talking and listening, not shouting from opposite corners.

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3LUMPING GREENBACK DRIVES UP LOONIE

4HE FALLING 5 3 DOLLAR SENT THE LOONIE ROCKETING UPWARD THIS WEEK WITH THE LOONIE EDGING TOWARD CENTS AS THE YEAR DREW TO A CLOSE ITS HIGHEST LEVEL IN A DECADE 7ITH DElCITS TAKING A TOLL ON THE GREENBACK ANALYSTS ARE NOW CALLING FOR THE #ANADIAN BUCK TO REACH CENTS IN THE NEXT YEAR

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Serving members of Mennonite, Amish and Brethren in Christ churches across Ontario.

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26 | SPORTS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

SPORTS » JUNIOR B HOCKEY

Rough weekend hands Kings another pair of losses Tough battle against Guelph Dominators followed by drubbing from first-place Brantford Golden Eagles The Elmira Sugar Kings continued their roller coaster season last weekend, this time on a downward plunge, dropping games to Guelph and Brantford. The Kings allowed 17 goals over the weekend, losing an 8-6 decision to the Guelph Dominators Dec. 13 and going down 9-1 to the Golden Eagles the following day. Coach Geoff Haddaway called the weekend’s results “extremely disappointing.” “You lose two games, especially the way we did on Sunday, and you certainly can’t be pleased.” A stronger defensive effort was needed, he said, from every player on the team – forwards, defence and goaltender. Despite outshooting Guelph 55 to 33 and converting on four of 14 power plays, the Kings couldn’t hold off the Dominators, who came hungry for payback after the 7-4 drubbing the Kings handed them the week before. Kyle McNeil, Trent Brown and Jon Jutzi scored power play goals and Philip Teri added a shorthanded goal to give the Kings a 4-2 lead in the

PHOTOS | JONI MILTENBURG

JONI MILTENBURG

TOUGH OUTING Nic MacEachern carries the puck up the ice during the Sugar Kings matchup against Brantford Dec. 14. Inset: Brent Freeman takes a faceoff in the first period. Freeman scored the Kings’ only goal of the game. first period. In the second frame, Guelph came back with four unanswered goals to make it 6-4 before Bill Terpstra added another power play goal for the Kings. The Dominators piled on two more points in the first minutes of the third period. As the clock wound down, Teri scored

his second of the game but the Kings couldn’t make up lost ground and the game ended 8-6. On Sunday, the Kings faced off against Brantford, the team currently leading the league with 59 points. The Kings got off to a tough start against the Golden Eagles, allowing four goals in five minutes.

Luke Van Moerkerke notched all four goals – one of them on a power play – with assists from Brock Smith and John Szasz. At that point Haddaway sent Jake Williams between the posts in relief of Brandon Wysman. Brantford scored once more in the first frame, with Justin Prittie (Van

Moerkerke, Szasz) notching a fifth goal at 12:24. The Kings peppered Brantford’s Dan Savelli with shots in the first, especially on a five-on-three power play, but didn’t climb on the board until the last two minutes of the period. Brent Freeman finally scored on the power play, knocking the puck in on a feed from

Josh Ranalli and Kyle McNeil. The team headed to the dressing room down 5-1 at the end of the first. Brantford racked up three more goals in the second period, starting with Ryan Moore’s power play goal at 10:25. At 14:11, Prittie scored his second of the game, and Matt Mascarin bagged another power play goal less than two minutes later. In the third period, Matt Garbowsky capped things off with a shorthanded goal at 13:35, making the final score 9-1. “There were large stretches of the game on Sunday where I thought we controlled the play,” Haddaway said. “From about halfway through the first to late in the second, we were competing with them evenly. Then we gave up a bad goal and that seemed to demoralize us again.” “We were too easy to play against the other night. We have to get back to the way we do things. We’re a team that has to focus for 60 minutes; we can’t get away from our game plan at all. When we play our game we’re successful.” The Kings will be looking to get back on the upswing again when they face off against Listowel Sunday in Elmira. The puck drops at 2 p.m.

Merry Christmas LISTOWEL

CYCLONES

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21

Blessings of the Christmas season to you and all your loved ones.

to you and your family.

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SPORTS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

» THE NOT-SO-GREAT OUTDOORSMAN | STEVE GALEA

27

Some shopping advice: it’s never the thought that counts Your next mistake would be not worrying about it. The prudent thing to do would be to spend the rest of the day in a frenzied state of shopping, elbowing your way through crowds of last-minute shoppers, most of whom are people just like you who have also found unexpected presents under their tree that very moment. It’s certainly not a pleasant place to be. Each person you make eye contact with has that worried, deerin-the-headlights look. The general mood is suggestive of cattle trapped on a sinking ship in the middle of a raging storm. As a result, poor decisions are made. The worst gift I ever bought in a situation like this was a filleting board. Deep down, I knew that my wife would never use it; but I panicked, grabbed it, and ran to the open cashier. I was suffocating and wanted out of the store and it was one of the few things within reach – a very important consideration when you are my height. In the end, this lack of effort cost me. With that in mind, here are 10 things you should never buy your husband or wife: 1. Deodorant. 2. New dish towels. 3. A snow shovel. 4. A wood splitter. 5. A toupee or blond wig 6. Anti-wrinkle cream. 7. A wheelbarrow. 8. Support hose. 9. A Weight Watchers membership. 10. An “I’m with stupid” T-shirt.

If you want peace on earth and goodwill towards men, do not even think of purchasing any of these items for your loved one. Oh, I know everyone says it’s the thought that counts. Which is why your spouse will give you a look that says, “What were you thinking?” when she opens a package only to find a new fish scaler or monogrammed thong

underwear. So what’s a person to do? How can you find just the right gift for that special person in your life? Especially, if you are not an accomplished mind reader? Well, I’ve got this filleting board that might help. It’s never been used, and I’ll sell it to you cheap … Merry Christmas.

Atom B girls lend a hand at WCS

PHOTO | SUBMITTED

With Christmas just around the bend, many people are finding themselves between a rock and a hard place. They fear shopping for their spouse, but they fear not shopping more. That’s part of the magic of the season. Let’s face it, this is the time of year when the pressure is on. Nothing says I love you like a well-thought out, personalized Christmas present. Sure, there are those people who think that they can get away with not buying a gift – I met one the other day – but those folks are living in a dream world. Typically, they are young, gullible, and inexperienced in the nuances of the festive season. My buddy’s exact words were, “My wife and I made a pact not to buy each other anything this year. Christmas is going to be just for the kids!” Upon hearing this, I blanched and my jaw dropped. He had fallen for the oldest trap in the book. Invariably, after a pact like this, you are going through life just fine when suddenly, on the morning of Christmas Eve, you wake up and find that there’s a present under the tree from your spouse to you. You ask about it and remind her of the pact. She says something like, “Don’t worry about it. I don’t need anything.”

HELPING’S THE GOAL The Atom B Woolwich Wild girls’ hockey team got together last weekend to make donations to the WCS Christmas goodwill program s in place of their secret Santa gift exchange. Back row: Emily Willms, Michelle Christie (Woolwich Community Services), Dana Colombo and Michelle Wang. Front row: Taylor Rempel, Erika Morrison, Jaimee MacDonald, Megan Lair, Meghan Martin, Megan Chapman and Caitlin Pickard.

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28 | SPORTS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

Merry Christmas

HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Season’s Greetings T

he holidays are a time for celebrating special joys, like the continued loyalty of customers like you.

Yuletide Wishes For a

season filled with caring and sharing with those near and dear to your heart

Nothing is more important to us than the trust and confidence you placed in us this year. As the holidays approach, we extend our thanks for this special gift. It’s been a pleasure to serve you.

W ishing you the season’s best! C.J. BRUBACHER LTD.

TEL: 519-669-8511

TEL: 519-669-3362

ELMIRA SERVICE CENTRE 16 Church St. E., ELMIRA 519-669-8502

K&K LIQUIDATION Kathy, Kevin and Staff would like to thank you for your patronage throughout the year.

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& AUCTION LTD.

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SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS

GOOD AUTO PARTS YOU’LL FIND IT AT

CARQUEST!

May faith be your guide during this holy season.

We appreciate the good faith you’ve shown us this year.

M&G MILLWRIGHTS LIMITED Elmira 3 Wyatt St. 519-669-1533

Fergus 390 Beatty Lane 519-843-1620

Erin 4 Erinville Drive 519-833-9785

R.R.#1, Reg Rd 19 (1540 Floradale Rd.) ElmiRa 519-669-5105

Blessings from afar This Christmas we hope that all of your prayers are answered and your days are filled with the gifts of the season.

Snider Bros. Furniture 19 Arthur Street, Elmira - 519-669-5077

SPORTS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

» HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

29

A rebuilding year for EDSS boys’ basketball Teams struggle for wins as coaches look ahead while replenishing the ranks this season The EDSS senior boys’ basketball team pulled ahead early in their game against Galt Collegiate Tuesday afternoon. In one brilliant play, Scott Albrecht nearly levitated over the end line to throw the ball back in bounds. A quick pass and it was in the hands of Chad Frey, who drained a three-point shot from the top of the arc. But Galt wasn’t going down so easily; the team cranked up the heat in the second half of the game, eventually winning 57 to 35. Coach Brian Carter said frankly that the Lancers aren’t out to win the championship this year. Only three or four players returned from last year’s team, and this will be a rebuilding year. “It’s a young team as far as experience, so they’re just learning the game,” Carter said. “It’s tough playing in a league where we’re playing against some pretty experienced players.” Frey and Albrecht are two of Carter’s key players this season. They’re easy to pick out on the court; they – and fellow starter Mark Bauman – are the ones wearing the knee-high socks in Lancer colours, one white leg and one green leg. Frey is the team’s point guard, and a natural leader on the floor, Carter said. Albrecht leads the team in scoring, with 60 points to his name so far this season. Another key player is the other

PHOTO | JONI MILTENBURG

JONI MILTENBURG

HOLDING COURT Chad Frey, right, looks for an open man in the senior boys’ game against Galt Collegiate Tuesday. At left, Andrew Brubacher, top, and Brandon Seip are two of the three returning players to the junior boys’ team. starting forward, Eric Alder- it’s still an area they have to players who’ve been playing dice. focus on. for 10 years. The senior Lancers have yet “This is a tough league to “I think they realize that to win a game this season; join. I commend them for they’re not as strong as the their best result so far is a taking something on where other teams but they’re actu64-56 loss to Eastwood. Cart- you’re playing basketball for ally eager to learn and they do er said the team’s defence is the first time in your life and try to get better every game. improving every game, but then having to play against And that’s all I can ask for.”

The story is much the same with the junior squad, where only three players returned from last year. Those three returning players – Brandon Seip, Scott Shea and Andrew Brubacher – are the core group Finnie is looking to for leadership on a young team. “Some of our Grade 9s from last year aren’t on the team for various reasons, so we’ve got a lot of players that are playing basketball for the first time,” said Finnie. “Like the seniors, we’re trying to work on fundamental skills and learning, teaching the basics of basketball. They’re a very athletic group and once they get the fundamentals down, they can put that all together and compete.” The juniors have one win under their belts, which was a huge morale booster and showed the players their hard work can pay off, Finnie said. It’s also an improvement over last year’s performance, when the junior team went winless all season. Finnie noted that it will take some time to build up the basketball program. “Our program’s one that’s hurting right now … A lot of kids are playing hockey instead of playing basketball because that’s what kind of rules around here. It’s tough when you’re losing a lot to have the motivation to keep coming out, but they’re a great group of students who are eager to learn and they’re working hard … hopefully they can see that progression over the year.”

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Wishing you and your loved ones all the trimmings of a spectacular season.

With You In Mind At

Christmas Time With You In Mind At Christmas time. May you and your family enjoy the many blessings that give true meaning to the holiday season. We feel privileged and blessed to have you as our customers. Seasons Greetings from: Ken, Bev, Gary, Dan, Chris, Tim, & Tony.

3 Elora St. S, Alma www.buehlerauto.com

Happy Holidays! We’re counting our blessings this holiday season, and your kind friendship is among them.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

With thanks and best wishes from our family to yours for a very merry Christmas and a healthy, prosperous new year.

LINWOOD

VETERINARY SERVICES 3860 Manser Road, LINWOOD PHONE: 519-698-2610

Toll Free (In Canada 1-888-569-8843) • Fax: 1-519-669-5982 Web: www.martinmills.com E-mail: info@marbro.com

PO Box 130, Elmira • 519-669-5171

30 | SPORTS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

Merry Christmas Wishing you a... Festive Christmas Celebrated with Family and Friends.

happy holidays from |

BUY ONE MAIN ENTREE GET THE SECOND FOR 1/2 PRICE ANY SUNDAY-THURSDAY Please present coupon when ordering Not valid on daily specials or take-outs.

We wish all our customers all the best for 2009 BIRDLAND PLAZA

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Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

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346 Arthur Street South, Elmira

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Thank you for your patronage. 3006 Lobsinger Line, Heidelberg | 519.699.4413

MERRY CHRISTMAS • MERRY CHRISTMAS • MERRY CHRISTMAS May the Christmas lights and decorations brighten your spirits and bring joy to your heart. We consider ourselves very lucky to have you for a customer. SYD SNIDER

OWNER/MANAGER

100 Bonnie Crescent, Elmira, ON N3B 3J7

519-669-1949

Thank you for brightening our holidays.

Syd, Cathy & staff

May the heartwarming joys of family, home and Christmas be yours now and throughout the New Year.

Prince of Peace This holiday season, let us remember the true meaning of Christmas — the miracle of a babe, born in a manager. May his love ring out to the world. Peace on Earth, good will towards men.

Hatchery Ltd. “Quality Chicks in Brown Egg Breeds”

35 Howard Avenue, Elmira

519-669-3232

80 Northside Dr., St. Jacobs • 519-664-2291

HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS Best Wishes for a Safe and Happy Holiday Season from all of us at the Sip & Bite Restaurant!

HAVE A

HOLIDAY HOURS: Dec. 24 : 7:00 am - 2:00 pm Dec. 25-26 : CLOSED Dec. 30: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm Dec. 31 : CLOSED Jan 1 : CLOSED

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

FROM

CHRIS & ANNA PALESHI AND STAFF

39 Arthur St. N., ElmirA • 519-669-1666

Sip & Bite

Hanukkah y p p a H , a a z n a w K y z Kra Christmas Randy Ramadan, CFoezstyivus! And a FrolickinIng Mind the “One” who Matters.

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Car Rentals at Rudows 519.669.4981

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SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS

Happy Holidays!

As this year holiday season is upon us we would like to wish all of our clients, friends and family the very best for the new year.

Wishing you a festive season filled with good friends, good times, and glad tidings. Thanks for making it all worthwhile!

from ONTARIO LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE

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Season’s Greetings!

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SPORTS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

» JUNIOR D HOCKEY

31

Overtime heartbreaker for Jacks Losing streak extends to 10 despite Wellesley outplaying rivals from Tavistock The Wellesley Applejacks put up a valiant effort against the Tavistock Braves Dec. 13, but suffered a heartbreaking defeat with five seconds left in overtime. “It’s frustrating, there’s a bunch of frustrated players in there,” said general manager Dave Litt, gesturing to the dressing room after the game. “I feel we were the better team out there tonight; I thought tonight was going to be our night.” The Jacks are struggling to snap a losing streak that now extends to 10 games. The team has forced overtime periods three times and a shootout once, but hasn’t been able to emerge with the win. On Saturday, Wellesley built up a two-goal lead in the first period, only to see Tavistock whittle it down to nothing. Matt Snyder led off the scoring on a power play five minutes in; Chris Armstrong and Read Shantz notched assists. At 11:37, Rob Bolger made it 2-0 for Wellesley on a feed from Ryan Kuepfer. The Jacks then ran into penalty trouble, as the Braves capitalized

PHOTO | JONI MILTENBURG

JONI MILTENBURG

WATCHFUL EYE Applejacks goaltender Kent Stoltz has his trapper ready for an incoming puck during the Jacks game against Tavistock Dec. 13. The Jacks earned one point in the 4-3 overtime loss. on two of three power plays during the period. Evan Hebebrand (Marcus Yantzi, Devin Berg) logged the Braves’ first point at 13:59 and Adam Renkema followed it up with a second goal less than two minutes later, on a feed from Yantzi. In the second period,

the two teams hacked back and forth, but neither was able to find the mesh. The Jacks were sluggish around the Braves’ net, firing a meager five shots to Tavistock’s 16, and the only close chance bounced off the crossbar. “Second period we

took the period off, that was a terrible period,” Litt said. The teams headed to the dressing room still locked in a 2-2 tie. With eight minutes left in the period, the Jacks thought they had scored the tie-breaker, but the goal was called back

because a player was in the crease. Instead it was Tavistock that took the lead at 14:24, when Dan Kalbfleisch potted one on a feed from Mike Davis. After sitting on the edge of their seats most of the game, the hometown crowd

erupted when Wellesley tied things up with three minutes left in the game. After a blitz of shots, Chris Givlin (Ben Jefferies, Dan Berwick) finally dumped the puck in the net. Neither team could secure the win and they headed back on the ice for five minutes of overtime. With 1:15 to go, the Jacks were handed a penalty, ensuring they’d be down a man for the rest of overtime. The focus shifted to killing the penalty and forcing a shootout, and Wellesley was on the verge of pulling it off when Renkema (Mike Davis) scored with five seconds left, crushing the Jacks’ hopes. “It’s a tough loss,” Litt said. “They scored three [goals] on the power play, so that hurt us.” Litt said he remains optimistic that the team will eventually get some breaks and turn things around. “We need to play 60 minutes of hockey consistently,” he said. “We’ve got to work hard for 60 minutes and get some breaks.” After facing off against Thamesford Friday, the Jacks are back at home against Ayr tonight (Saturday). Game time is 7:30 p.m.

The son is born! “‘For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’” - Luke 2:11

Call to Order

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519-698-9930 • 519-698-2213

May the holidays find you surrounded by the warmth of good friends and the love of family members, and may your faith be renewed by the many miracles of the season.

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r ay fo w l u ou.” derf won “I love y a t Wha to say God Your total home improvement contractor! Renovations | Additions | Windows Doors | Siding | Decks | Railings

3585 Ament Line. RR #3 Wallenstein | 519.699.4236 Web: www.waymar.on.ca | Email: admin@waymar.on.ca

32 | SPORTS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

Merry Christmas

HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS Leeanna Pendergast , MPP Kitchener-Conestoga



Best Wishes   for the Holiday Season

from my family to yours! Community Office 1170 Fischer-Hallman Road, Suite 230, Kitchener, ON N2E 3Z3 T - (519) 571-3276 F - (519) 571-8660 lpendergast.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org

www.leeannapendergast.onmpp.ca

Christmas is a time when we all remember what it was like to be a child: the fresh-baked cookies, the fresh scent of the tree, the twinkling lights...

... may you and yours create warm memories this holiday season.

ay the beauty of the holidays shine for you and your family. Season’s Greetings from all of us. Wil Lichty, Mark King, Lee Clemens, Ruth Sponsor N am e Norris, Kerry Mullen

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SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS - Serving Your Community -

From our Family...to yours... A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ! May His divine spirit warm and watch over you and your flock this holiday season.

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SPORTS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

» KINGS ALUMNI

33

Victory for the Wild

Former Sugar King netminder named AHA rookie of the month Dan Morrison posts 3-1-1 record for Canisius in November

See GOALIE »36

PHOTOS | SUBMITTED

Former Elmira Sugar Kings goalie Dan Morrison was named November’s rookie of the month by the Atlantic Hockey Association. Playing for the Canisius College Griffins, Morrison posted a 3-1-1 record during November with a 1.77 goals against average and .939 save percentage. The London, Ontario native opened the month by making 32 stops in the Griffins’ 4-1 victory over American International College. He followed that up with his first collegiate shutout in a 6-0 win over Connecticut. Morrison, who was league MVP when he played for the Kings, said it was nice to get the rookie of the month honours. “I had a good month,” he said. “I got in some games and got some wins and everything seemed to go my way.” Morrison is currently in fourth in the league in both goals against average (2.58) and save per-

PHOTOS | JOE MERLIHAN

JONI MILTENBURG

RETAINING HIS FORM Former Sugar Kings goaltender Dan Morrison, now a member of the Canisius College Griffins, was named the Atlantic Hockey Association’s rookie of the month, poasting a 1.77 goals against average and a .939 save percentage.

SKATING AWAY WITH IT The Woolwich Wild Atom girls’ houseleague team beat the Kitchener Badgers 3-2 in Kitchener Dec. 13. Top, Jaycee Kaufman (right) skates away with the puck. Above, Hannah Weber keeps an eye on the puck as an opponent closes in.

Merry Christmas

Here comes

May the holidays bring plenty of friends and family to your fireside and happiness and humility to your heart.

Christmas! As we deck the halls and trim the tree, we just want to share with you how much we appreciate your business and look forward to working with you in the future.

It is time to rejoice and honour the miracle of Christmas, and to reflect on the teachings of our Saviour. We want to wish a Holy Christmas to all of our friends and patrons who have been so loyal throughout the year.

It has been our pleasure to serve you.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Brian L. Shantz

All the Best in the New Year.

Blessings to You and Yours.

Ltd.

BUILDING CONSULTANTS • SITE PLANNERS PHONE 519-747-2280

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34 | SPORTS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

Merry Christmas

HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Season’s Greetings to you and yours W o o d s, Clemens & Fletcher Law Office

Christmas Blessings! Rejoice as we celebrate the birth of our Saviour. Wishing the happiest of holidays to all our friends and neighbours.

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SCORECARD MINOR PEEWEE A

Dec. 13

Dec. 2

Woolwich 7 Tara 4 Goals: Rachel Ament x3, Amanda Poole x2, Steph Thomas, Tabitha Horst (Steph Thomas x3, Shelley Shantz, Amber Bauman)

Hespeler 4 Woolwich 3 Goals: Adam Jokic, Harrison Clifford, Jason Gamble (Greg Huber, Alex Uttley, Scott Martin, Grant Kernick x2) Dec. 6

Woolwich 2 Guelph 2 Goals: Alex Uttley, Adam Jokic (Matthew Leger x2, Alex Uttley) Dec. 9

Woolwich 3 Burlington 0 Goals: Jason Gamble, Adam Jokic, Harrison Clifford (Luke Brown, Cole Conlin, Matthew Leger) Shutout: Jared Wilson

WOOLWICH ATOM LL #2 Dec. 3

Ayr 3 Woolwich 2 Goals: Chase Mooder, Ryan Diermert (Jared Beacom, Tyler Martin) Dec. 6

Woolwich 2 New Hamburg 0 Goals: Tyler Martin x2 (Alex Turchan) Shutout: Dylan Creelman

BELLE RINGETTE WOOLWICH LIGHTNING

Submit your sports scores to Joni: jmiltenburg@woolwichobserver.com

lor, Nick Berlet, Tanner Horst (Nick Berlet, Bret Kaiser, Austin Horst)

dasz (Ryan Ament, Stephen Kardasz, Weston Morlock, Jake Kernick)

Dec. 14

Dec. 13

WOOLWICH MAJOR ATOM A

St Jacobs 3 Twin Centre 0 Goals: Austin Horst, Colin Hartwick, Tanner Horst (Tanner Horst, Nick Berlet, Troy Brunkard, Cole Burkhart) Shutout: Aalt Morris

Guelph 6 Woolwich 3 Goals: Nathan Playford, Justin Schlupp, Adam Brubacher (Ryan Ament, Clinton Dechert, Matt Schieck, Stephen Kardasz)

Dec. 12 – Game 1

Dec. 13

Woolwich 4 Clarington 0 Goals: Mathieu Fife, Connor Runstedler, Connor Goss x2 (Mathieu Fife, Liam Dickson, Jayden Hipel, Danyal Rennie) Shutout: Connor Duench

LL#2 2 LL#1 1 Goal: Jackson Hale

Oshawa tournament

Dec. 13 – Game 2

Woolwich 5 Oshawa 0 Goals: Mathieu Fife x2, Garrett Schultz, Connor Bauman, Connor Goss (Connor Runstedler x2, Liam Dickson, Tyler Moser, Kelby Martin, Danyal Rennie, Blake Doerbecker, Mason Buehler) Shutout: Evan Courtis Game 3

Woolwich 4 Belleville 1 Goals: Greg Huber x2, Connor Goss x2 (Liam Dickson, Connor Runstedler, Connor Bauman, Tyler Moser, Garrett Schultz)

WOOLWICH MINOR NOVICE LL#1

Dec. 14

Woolwich 5 Ayr 1 Goals: Ryan Elliott x2, Bradley Hale x3 (Connor Bradley)

WOOLWICH ATOM B GIRLS Dec. 8

Woolwich 1 Mitchell 0 Goal: Erika Morrison (Emily Willms, Rachel Weber) Shutout: Dana Colombo Dec. 13

Woolwich 6 London 1 Goals: Emily Willms x2, Taylor Rempel x2, Erika Morrison, Megan Chapman (Erika Morrison, Rachel Weber, Meghan Martin, Marlee Kernick x3, Taylor Rempel, Jaimee MacDonald, Caitlin Pickard)

Dec. 14 – semi-finals

Woolwich 5 Guelph 0 Goals: Megan O’Hara x2, Barb Huegle x2, Rebecca Walker (Lara Bisbee x2, Megan O’Hara, Barb Huegle, Kelly Barnes)

Walden 3 Woolwich 2 Goals: Mathieu Fife, Greg Huber (Liam Dickson, Connor Goss, Connor Bauman) Dec. 17

Dec. 13

Dec. 13

Woolwich 8 Hespeler 1 Goals: Mathieu Fife x3, Connor Runstedler x2, Kelby Martin, Brant McLaughlin, Connor Goss (Greg Huber, Danyal Rennie x2, Brant McLaughlin x2, Connor Runstedler, Blake Doerbecker, Liam Dickson, Garrett Schultz)

Paris 2 Woolwich 1 Goal: Ryan Belanger (Joseph Boehm)

BELLE RINGETTE WOOLWICH REDHOTS Dec. 9

Kitchener 7 Woolwich 2 Goals: Steph Thomas, Nikki Bisbee (Jenna Petker, Nikki Bisbee) Dec. 10

Woolwich 5 Guelph 2 Goals: Steph Thomas x2, Jenna Petker, Amanda Poole, Shelley Shantz (Tabitha Horst, Rachelle Ament x2, Shelley Shantz, Steph Thomas, Amanda Poole) Dec. 11

Woolwich 6 Guelph 3 Goals: Amanda Poole, Michelle Poole, Tabitha Horst x2, Steph Thomas, Christina Wilkinson (Michelle Poole, Amanda Poole, Shelley Shantz, Steph Thomas x2, Rachel Ament x2, Michelle Lee)

WOOLWICH GIRLS ATOM HOUSE Dec. 13

Woolwich 3 Kitchener 2 Goals: Mikayla Weber x2, Abby Ziegler

WOOLWICH MINOR BANTAM A Dec. 14

Hespeler 7 Woolwich 6 Goals: Kyle Bauman, McKinley Ceasar, Evan Buehler, Eric VanGerwen, Kaitlin Doering, Jake Moggy (Zac Smith x2, Matt Townsend x2, Evan Buehler x2, Kyle Bauman, Matt Schiek, Matt Bannon, McKinley Ceasar)

WOOLWICH NOVICE LL#4

Dec. 14

Woolwich 4 Ayr 2 Goals: John Wang x2, Josh Martin, Ben Lenaers (Joseph Boehm)

WOOLWICH MAJOR NOVICE Woolwich 7 Guelph 0 Goals: Liam Hartman, Keanan Stewart x5, Kyle Bruder (Keanan Stewart, Austin Whittom, Tyler McBay, Riley Runstedler x3, Jordan Lee, Cole Altman) Shutout: Mathew Turkalj, Ethan Wilkie

TWIN CENTRE ATOM C HERICANES Dec. 10

Twin Centre 6 Waterloo 2 Goals: Erika Lebold, Pam Hammer x3, Meagan Esbaugh, Laura Weber (Meagan Esbaugh x2)

WOOLWICH MAJOR BANTAM A

Dec. 13

Burlington 3 Woolwich 2 Goals: Weston Morlock, Stephen Kar-

Dec. 12

! w o n S t i Let

With each passing cold winter’s night, may your spirts be warmed by the company of good friends

Game 2

TWIN CENTRE MIDGET BB GIRLS

Dec. 13 – Game 3

Dec. 11

Waterloo 2 Twin Centre 1 Goal: Emily Sanderson (Ainsley Smith)

Woolwich 5 Grimsby 5 Goals: Bo Uridil x4, Wes Martin (Matt Lair x3, Alex MacLean x3, Wes Martin)

Dec. 14

Semi-finals

Twin Centre 2 St. Thomas 0 Goals: Ainsley Smith, Melanie Freeman (Brittany Straus, Melissa Kaleta, Kailey Esbaugh)

RUSSELL WOOLWICH PEEWEE AE

Woolwich 3 Waterloo 0 Lize Schuurmans, Erin Graham, Emily Schuurmans (Jessica Townsend, Brooke Davenport, Kendra Yantha, Leslie Quinn) Shutout: Sarah Brunkard, Carrisa Truax

Stayner tournament Dec. 13 – Game 1

Woolwich 2 TNT 1 Goals: Zeke Schneider, Troy Nechanicky (Chris Wilson) Game 2

Barrie 1 Woolwich 0

GRAND RIVER NOVICE LL#5

Game 3

Dec. 12

Woolwich 6 Stayner 2 Goals: Troy Nechanicky x2, Ryan Devries x2, Zach Goetz x2 (Troy Nechanicky, Nathan Dowdall)

Tavistock 3 Grand River 2 Goals: Riley Shantz x2

WOOLWICH NOVICE LL#3

Game 4

Dec. 13

Woolwich 7 Paris 3 Goals: Nolan McLaughlin x2, Zac Pickard x2, Brady Brezynskie, Evan Pogue, Mackenzie Willms (Ethan Young x2, Keaton McLaughlin x2, Brady Brezynskie, Nolan McLaughlin, Justin Uhrig, Justin Taylor, Mackenzie Willms) Dec. 14

Woolwich 3 Embro 1 Goals: Nolan McLaughlin, Justin Uhrig, Emmett Bartley (Justin Taylor, Brady Brezynskie, Evan Pogue)

WOOLWICH NOVICE LL#2 Dec. 13

LL#2 2 LL#1 1 Goals: Austin Cousineau x2 (Isiah Katsube, Blake Roemer) Dec. 15

Woolwich 4 Paris 2 Goals: Hunter Schmitt x2, Austin Cousineau x2 (Kieffer Beard, Isiah Katsube)

WOOLWICH MIDGET LL#1 Dec. 12

LL#1 6 LL#3 1 LL#1 goals: Brandon Lamers x2, Darrin Brubacher x2, Zach Bauman, Trevor Cummings (Zach Bauman x2, Scott Shea x2, Justin Weber x2, Trevor Cummings

Listowel 2 Woolwich 1 Goal: Zeke Schneider (Ryan Devries)

WOOLWICH MINOR PEEWEE A Dec. 13

Woolwich 6 Hespeler 3 Goals: Grant Kernick x3, Luke Brown, Cole Conlin, Nicholas Pavanel (Nathan Schlupp, Cole Conlin, Cole Lenaers x2, Evan Martin x2, Harrison Clifford) Dec. 14

Woolwich 5 Centre Wellington 2 Goals: Harrison Clifford, Cole Conlin, Alex Uttley, Grant Kernick x2 (Grant Kernick, Jason Gamble x2, Alex Uttley, Adam Jokic, Cole Conlin and Harrison Clifford)

WOOLWICH MAJOR PEEWEE Dec. 11

Woolwich 7 Centre Wellington 1 Goals: Cody Petrosino x2, Adrian Gilles, Brady Erb, Wes Martin, Johnny Clifford, Bo Uridil (Alex MacLean x3, Adrian Gilles, Matt Lair, Wes Martin, Adam Cook, Timmy Shuh) Oshawa tournament Dec. 12 – Game 1

Woolwich 3 Char-lan 2 Goals: Bo Uridil, Cody Petrosino, Wes Martin (Bo Uridil x2, Adam Cook, Brady Erb, Alex MacLean)

Woolwich 3 Bradford 2 Goals: Timmy Shuh, Cody Petrosino, Alex MacLean (Tristen White, Adrian Gilles, Matt Lair, Brady Erb)

Burlington 1 Woolwich 0 Dec. 13

Woolwich 4 Dundas 4 Goals: Andrew Stoltz, Drew Hoffer, Owen Griffiths, Jordan Shantz (Alex White x2, Jordan Shantz x2, Drew Hoffer Dec. 14

Woolwich 8 Flamborough 7 Goals: Owen Griffiths x3, Ryan Schinker x2, Joseph Dubue, Andrew Stoltz, Spencer Inglis (Bradley Mathieson, Nigel Baldin, Alex White, Cameron Ferrante, Andrew Stoltz x2, Calvin Cressman x2, Spencer Inglis, Kyle Arsenault, Bradley Mathieson) Dec. 16

Woolwich 3 Arthur 3 Goals: Andrew Stoltz, Calvin Cressman, Owen Griffiths (Owen Griffiths, Nigel Baldin, Calvin Cressman, Baily Nickel)

RUSSELL WOOLWICH ATOM AE Dec. 13

Woolwich 2 Hespeler 0 Goals: Gareth Rowland, Mathew Uhrig (Brant McLaughlin) Shut-out: Chace McCallum Dec. 15

Woolwich 6 Acton 3 Goals: Aaron Weigel x2, Sheldon Metzger x2, Gareth Rowland, Nathan Schwarz (Gareth Rowland x3, Jacob Dubue x2, Sheldon Metzger x2, Aaron Weigel x2, Alex Taylor)

LLFHL WOOLWICH BANTAM B GIRLS Dec. 11

Woolwich 3 Twin Centre 2 Goals: Melanie Schwartzentruber, Jasmin Frtiz, Jessica Shantz (Sarah Church, Maggie Arai, Meghan Hovey) Dec. 15

Woolwich 5 Twin Centre 2 Goals: Shoena Hinsperger x2, Lindsey Bauman, Melanie Schwartzentruber, Kayla Wilging (Jessica Shantz x2, Maggie Arai x2, Jasmin Fritz, Jennifer Norris, Lindsey Bauman)

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35

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Woolwich 2 Twin Centre 0 Goals: Emily Schuurmans, Lize Schuurmans (Kendra Yantha) Shutout: Carrisa Truax, Sarah Brunkard

Dec. 11

WOOLWICH PEEWEE LL#3 ST JACOBS LIONS St Jacobs 5 Paris 1 Goals: Colin Hartwick x2, Brendan Tay-

WOOLWICH GIRLS PEEWEE HOUSE LEAGUE Dec. 13

Dec. 10

Woolwich 6 Elora-Fergus 1 Goals: Rebecca Walker x2, Kelly Barnes, Barb Huegle, Kristen Kent, Megan O’Hara (Rebecca Walker x2, Kelly Barnes x2, Barb Huegle, Kristen Kent, Megan O’Hara, Nikki Kutchaw, Caroline Strenzke)

»

SPORTS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

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36 | SPORTS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

P L A C E S

O F

F A I T H

• WORSHIP • FAITH • SPIRITUAL • COMM OWSHIP UNIT L L E F Y LOCAL CHURCH

HEARING ASSISTED

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

SERVICES DIRECTORY NURSERY PROVIDED

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Trinity United Church Elmira Sunday School During Worship

Join us

sundays

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

at

Christmas Eve Worship at 6:00 AND 8:00 pm

10:30am & 6:30pm

Visit our new website on: www.wondercafe.ca “Our mission is to love, learn and live by Christ’s teachings”

Welcome to

Calvary United St. Jacobs

Upbeat Family Worship & Sunday School 10:00 am

290 Arthur St. South, Elmira • 519-669-3973

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

“Making Faith Live”

40 Memorial Ave, Elmira 519-669-8309

Shirley's Window Creations

• HAPPY HOLIDAYS •

Sunday Worship 9:15 am - 10:15am

Wheelchair accessible • Nursery Care provided • Hearing Assisted

Faithsteps 10:30am - 11:50am

48 Hawkesville Rd. • 519-664-2311

2 First St., Elmira • 519-669-5030

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

Sunday, December 21, 2008 9:15am & 11:00am

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

St. Teresa

Kids Christmas Presentation “The Miracle of Christmas” 200 Barnswallow Dr., Elmira • 519-669-1296 Check out our website www.woodsidechurch.ca

THE WARDROBE: EXPERIENCING THE SUPERNATURAL IN THE ORDINARY

SUNDAY, DEC. 21, 2008

Catholic Church

No God, No Hope; Know God, Know Hope! Celebrate Eucharist with us Mass times are:

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

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

building relationships with God, one another and the world

From Leroy & Donna, Kendrick, Maynard, Brad, Gavin and Kirby

Sundays, 8:30 & 11:00am & Wednesdays, 7:00pm

Thank you to all of our customers for your support this past year. We look foward to seeing you in the new year.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE: 7:00PM Sundays @ 10:30am John Mahood PS

5 First St., Elmira • 519-669-1459

Pastors Steve & Beth Fleming

850 Sawmill Rd, Bloomingdale 744-7447 www.kcf.org

www.elmiracommunity.org

God is close Christmas Eve 5 pm

Christmas Eve Services Wednesday, December 24, 2008 5:15 & 7:00pm

Family Communion 11 pm Midnight Communion

Submitting Sports Scores has never been so easy

56 Howard Avenue, Elmira Phone 519-669-1082 Fax 519-669-3084

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Check out our website www.woodsidechurch.ca

Thank You for your support in 2008

3 Different Ways to Submit

1. Online www.ObserverXtra.com 2. Email jmiltenburg@woolwichobserver.com 3. Phone Joni @ 519-669-5790 ext. 101 Visit us online at:

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DAN MORRISON

Goalie: Coached by former Elmira player » From page 33

centage (.917). Last season, Morrison backstopped Elmira to victory in the Cherrey Cup, posting a record of 24-4-6 during the year. He led the league and set team records with a goals-against average of 2.21 and a save percentage of .938. “Dan has come in and really established himself as a guy that can play right away,” said Canisius head coach Dave Smith, himself a former Sugar King. “He’s earned his time in the net, that’s for sure.” Smith said Morrison had to go through the same transition as all new college athletes – balancing academics, sports and social life – but his on-ice performance has been solid. “He’s definitely not a finished product yet but he knows that and he has good self-evaluation. I think he’ll continue to improve.” Morrison said the main difference in playing at the collegiate level is the amount of preparation that goes into each game. “We only play a certain amount of games, so every game is more important. Every game is well prepared for, that’s for sure.” The marketing student is headed home for Christmas after a pair of games against Mercyhurst College. “We’re trying to keep going and end the year with a sweep at Mercyhurst. And then hopefully end up two or three in the league and anything can happen in the playoffs.”

»

ENTERTAINMENT |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

ENTERTAINMENT

Something to help build Christmas Spirit

37

Registry Theatre presents seasonal fare, then follows the holidays with Nonie Crete concert A big fan of Christmas, he’s been touring with his yuletide show since the beginning of If the snow and festive lights the month – “you really can’t haven’t quite yet succeeded in play Christmas music too early, getting your Christmas spirit in maybe a few songs at the end of top gear, the Registry Theatre November” – and is building up has a few last-minute presen- to the big day with the show in tations that should help do the Kitchener. “The closer it gets, the more trick. This weekend (Friday and Sat- magical it can get,” he said of urday), singer/songwriter Ja- the music. Following Moon’s shows, the cob Moon and an assortment of musical guests will be perform- cast and crew of Don’t Panic ing Christmas music galore. Productions will move into the Then on Monday and Tuesday, a theatre, preparing to stage A group of young actors will stage Christmas Carol, presenting that quintessential holiday fa- the classic story with a twist, explained Liz Gagier: Actor and vourite: A Christmas Carol. Moon’s two-day stint at the director Jack Babb’s adaptation Registry is shaping up to be- is very much based on the tracome something of a tradition ditional version, but with a bit itself, this being the third year more humour added in for good for his Christmas show there. measure. “We previewed this week at This year, the sound will be bigger than ever, as Moon, his band Suddaby School [in Kitchenand string quartet will see up er], and they laughed at all the to 10 performers on stage. The right places – the kids got it, so combinations will make for a the adults should too,” she said with a laugh. real mix. This version is set in the Vic“It’s kind of like a variety show,” he said in an interview torian period and features all from his Hamilton home. “I like the characters set out in Dickto mix it up – it’ll be a diverse, ens’ now-beloved story – from Jacob Marley right through to eclectic night.” On tap is an assortment of tra- the three spirits of Christmas ditional carols and his Christ- that visit Ebenezer Scrooge. A cast of 14 young actors, mas songs. As well, his guests will perform their own rendi- ranging in age from eight to 17, tions of seasonal music. You bring the story to life, primed can expect a variety of styles: by the classic 1951 film verfolk, celtic, rock, classical and sion starring Alistair Sim, she noted. even some soul. “It’s just the thing for the holi“There’ll be some traditional music, and some nice discover- day spirit.” Once the big day has passed, ies that people will make,” he explained, noting that his own on Dec. 27 the Registry will be songs have a traditional feel to the place where Fergus-based them – “I wanted to make them singer/songwriter Nonie Crete Scene It Ad:Layout 1 02/12/08 10:59 AMwill Page be1 Coming Home – the contimeless.”

PHOTO | SUBMITTED

STEVE KANNON

SONGS OF THE SEASON Jacob Moon and the Welcome Christmas Orchestra present “An Enchanted Evening of Carols & Holiday Songs” at the Registry Theatre Dec. 19 and 20. The venue then hosts a production of A Christmas Carol leading up to the big day.

cert to celebrate the album of that name. There will be no Christmas music, she said. Instead, the performance will feature tracks from the new CD and favourites from the seven discs that preceded it. “I’m happy to give them some new music – it’s all my music.” With Coming Home, there are tracks with a Cajun flavour,

some blues, some country, folk and a celtic feel at times. “I always have a little bit of everything,” she explained. The album takes its name from some songs, including the opening track “Home to Georgian Bay,” that draws on her roots in Penetanguishene. There’s also an ode to the railsto-trails effort around Fergus and Elora, and one to the Grand

River, bringing it closer to where she now calls home. This concert, for which she’ll be joined by a variety of musical guests, has extra meaning, as it’s a rescheduled gig from one originally set for September. But that was before she suffered an aneurysm, which she was lucky to survive. Better yet, she’s doing well today and expected to make a full recovery – she’s already resumed much of her extensive performance schedule around the area. “I’m almost back to who I was – I’m one of the 17 per cent who make it without any [lasting] problems,” Crete said. On her Myspace page (www. myspace.com/noniecrete), she’s included a song, “Colours of Me” about the support she received after her medical emergency. “This concert is a celebration of sorts. I’m thankful to still be in the game.” Jacob Moon and the Welcome Christmas Orchestra present An Enchanted Evening of Carols & Holiday Songs Dec. 19 and 20 at 8 p.m.. Tickets are $20, available at The Gospel Lighthouse or at www.ticketwindow.ca., or $25 at the door. A Christmas Carol will be performed Dec. 22 (2 and 7 p.m.) and Dec. 23 (7 p.m.). Tickets are just $5, available through the Centre In The Square (www.centre-square. com) or at the door. Nonie Crete’s Coming Home concert is set for Dec. 27 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $17.50 in advance, available at Shaw Music in Fergus, Elora General Store, 12th Night in Waterloo; $20 at the door.

38 | ENTERTAINMENT

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

h s i W We You a

y r r e M

s a m t s i r h C us f o l l from a bserver... O e h t at

The weather outside may be almost as frightful as the political wranglings going on, but Christmastime is delightful enough to let us put that all aside while we celebrate the yuletide season. Everyone has something to reflect warmly on as we wind down the year, and there will be plenty of bright spots in 2009. The Observer will be right there with you, publishing the timely, informative and entertaining stories you’ve come to expect from Woolwich and Wellesley’s number-one newspaper.

The Observer office will be closed December 23 at 3 p.m. and will reopen on January 5.

IN PRINT. ONLINE. IN PICTURES. IN DEPTH. WWW.OBSERVERXTRA.COM | 519.669.5790

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HOLIDAY SEASON! Thank You for your patronage over the last year.

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR.

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TRAINING & LESSONS FOR SALE

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Give the Gift of Music New Mattress Sets! All Elmira

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Stove Works this Christmas! Guitar & sizes- from $298/set/tax- wood insert in excellent Bass Lessons, Musical In- es included. Call about condition. Black with struments & Accessories. our free sheet offer. Foot- brass accents. Also, king Gift Certificates available. wear, household, toys, bed frame. Call Rob at baby items, and much 519-669-3163. Call 519 -669-5885. more. Nearly New Centre, Linwood, 519-698-0088. PETS CHILD CARE Tues. - Fri. 9-5, Sat. 9-3. F/T & P/T position avail- We can deliver. Megamutts Dog Trainable. Nutritious meals, M o t o r o l a W a l k - ing - Gift certificates availweekly themed units. Near ie Talkies. Range 3-5 able for 2009 classes. Catholic school and on kms. Only used twice. Next session starts Jan. Public School bus route. Work good. $45 for set. 21. www.megamutts.com 519-210-0080. or 519-669-8167. 519-669-5388.

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39

Elmira’s LARGEST selection

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CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

THIS PACE

apt. in village core. One + bedroom, controlled entrance, includes 5 appliances, ensuite laundry, A/C. 1,064 SF. Rent $1,200 per month (utilities extra). Available immediately. Steps away from excellent shopping, restaurants, theatre, nature trails. 519-664-2293 ext. 322.

COMING EVENTS

B E A U T I C O N T R O L

last minute gift shopping, men & women, Sat. Dec. 20, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. 30 Stillwater Street, Elmira. Snowflake & Brown Sugar gift sets, your skincare for your healthy holiday & New you! glow, free gift. 519-998-7315.

HOW TO PLAY:

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once. Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. REMEMBER: you must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box. Find the answers to this week’s puzzles on page 31. Š2008 Cathedral Communications Inc.

AD RATES | Residential 20-Word Ad $7.50 Extra Words 20¢/word | Commercial 20-Word Ad $12.00 Extra Words 30¢/word | Bold Headline Add $1.00 /line | Display Ads are quoted individually. PLACING A CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENT | Classified ads can be obtained in person, by phone | fax from Monday to Thursday 8:30am-5pm or Friday 8:30am-4pm. Email queries to classifieds@woolwichobserver.com 24/7 - email will be replied by next business day. All classified ads are prepaid by Visa | MasterCard | Debit | Cash | Cheque unless on account. Deadline is Thursdays by 10am.

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

40 | CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

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

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

TEL: 519-669-1647 or 519-664-2613 FAX: 519-669-1820

AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY: 519-575-4504

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING Tuesday January 13, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Township Council Chambers (2nd Floor) 24 Church Street West, Elmira Regarding Empire Communities (Riverland) Ltd. (Zone Change 1/2009 and an Amendment to Draft Approval of Subdivision 30T-97008) and Arrigo Trevisan (Zone Change 2/2009) The Township of Woolwich will hold a Public Meeting, under Sections 34 and 51 of the Planning Act, for the following applications to consider the following zone changes and to amend the conditions of draft approval for a subdivision plan. No decision 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. Empire Communities (Riverland) Ltd. (Zone Change 1/2009 and an Amendment to Draft Approval of Subdivision 30T-97008) Subject Lands The Township of Woolwich has received a zone change application and a request to modify the conditions of draft approval from Empire Communities (Riverland) Ltd. concerning their plan of subdivision (Riverland – Breslau) on lands located between Woolwich Street South and the Grand River, south of Dolman Street in Breslau (see Map 1). The plan (30T-97008) was draft approved and zoned for 475 residential units on full municipal services extended from the City of Kitchener. The subdivision is being developed in two phases, of which Phase 1 has been registered and is being developed, while Phase 2 is currently unregistered. The lands are designated Residential and Ancillary Use.

Please Note: Subdivision If a person or public body that files an appeal of a decision of the Council of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo in respect of the proposed plan of subdivision does not make oral submissions at the public meeting, if one is held, or make written submissions to the Council of s 0ARCEL FROM 2ESIDENTIAL n -IXED (IGH the Regional Municipality of Waterloo before Density with Design Guidelines (R-5A) to the proposed plan of subdivision is approved Residential – Multiple with Design Guide- or refused, the Ontario Municipal Board may lines (R-7A) for the purpose of developing dismiss the appeal. four townhouse units. The original R-5A If you wish to be notified of the decision of the zoning had allowed single family units. Council of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo The applicant is also proposing to amend in respect of this proposed plan of subdivision, the draft approved subdivision plan as it you must make a written request to Sylvia applies to the Phase 2 lands to implement Rafalski-Misch, Planner, Regional Municipality the proposed rezoning and to reconfigure of Waterloo, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, certain lots and blocks on Andover Street, Ontario N2G 4J3. s 0ARCEL FROM 2ESIDENTIAL n -ULTIPLE WITH Design Guidelines (R-7A) to Residential – Mixed Medium Density with Design Guidelines (R-4A) for the purposes of developing five single family units. The original R-7A zoning had allowed for the development of a sixplex apartment building.

Trowbridge Street, Norwich Street and Shallow Creek Drive. The proposed changes to the draft plan and zoning would increase the total number of residential units in the entire development from 475 to 485 (additional 10 units). Arrigo Trevisan (Zone Change 2/2009)

The Township of Woolwich has received an application from Brian Ferris on behalf of Arrigo and Francesca Trevisan for the The lands subject to the Zone Change applica- property described as Waterloo North Condo tion includes: Plan 183, Level 1 Unit 6 and located at 1600 s 0ARCEL n SQUARE METRES DESCRIBED King Street North, St. Jacobs (see Map 2). as Block 217 of Plan 58M-456 (Phase 1) The property is designated Industrial Land and located on Norwich Road and Reading Use Area in the Township’s Official Plan and Street; is zoned General Industrial – Dry (M-1). The s 0ARCEL n SQUARE METRES DESCRIBED property is developed with an Industrial Mall as Lots 162 to 164 inclusive and located on and associated parking. Trowbridge Street within the unregistered The purpose of the application is to amend portion of the Plan (Phase 2). the M-1 zoning with a site-specific amendPurpose and Effect MENT TO ALLOW A (EALTH #LUB FACILITY WITHIN The applicant is proposing to rezone: the existing Industrial Mall.

Thursday and the hour of 7 o’clock a.m. of the following day (unless the following day is a holiday);

The by-law states that: No person shall operate a motorized snow vehicle within any settlement area within the Township of Woolwich during the following hours: a) between the hours of 11 o’clock p.m. of any Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or

the hour of 7 o’clock a.m. of any Saturday, Sunday or holiday.

b) between the hour of 1 o’clock a.m. and

No person shall operate a motorized snow vehicle in or upon public parks, playgrounds, walkways or cemeteries. No person shall operate a motorized snow

If you wish to be notified of additional Township public meetings or Township staff reports regarding these applications you must make a written request to Engineering and Planning Services at the Township of Woolwich at the address shown at the top of this advertisement.

Zoning Amendment If a person or public body that files an appeal of a decision of the Council of the Township of Woolwich in respect of the proposed zoning by-law does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the Council of the Township of Woolwich before the proposed zoning by-law is adopted, the Ontario Municipal Board may dismiss all or part of the appeal. Additional information pertaining to these planning applications is available for review at the Township of Woolwich Municipal Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. If you cannot attend the meeting, you can express your concerns/comments about the proposed change in writing to the Township of Woolwich and the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. Any comments received on or before Tuesday, January 6, 2009 (Note that this date is before the public meeting) will be included in a report prepared by Engineering and Planning Services and presented at the Public Meeting.

MOTORIZED SNOW VEHICLES BY-LAW #8-94 The Township of Woolwich has in place a by-law to regulate, govern or prohibit the operation of motorized snow vehicles in the Township.

Any comments received after the Public Meeting, but prior to Council making a decision on the applications, will also be considered.

vehicle along a sidewalk situated on any road. Anyone found violating the by-law will be fined. To report a motorized snow vehicle please call the action line of the Municipal Law Enforcement Division at 519-669-1647 extension 6106 and leave a message. Please see the Township website for more information on the by-law including set fines at www.woolwich.ca.

OVERNIGHT PARKING BAN Effective December 1st to April 1st, parking is prohibited on all Township roads and streets from 2:30 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. This is to allow snow plow operators to clear the roads. Vehicles found parked overnight on Township roads during the parking ban or on Regional roads at any time will be ticketed. For further information, please call 519-669-1647 Extension 6009 or 6005.

CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

Puzzle answers, games, opinion polls and much more at:

www.kidscoop.com

Have a friend give you each type of word to fill in the blanks. Then read the story aloud!

The elves up at Santa’s Workshop work hard all year making toys for children all around the world. When the work is done, they play! We visited the North Pole to get what for years has been a top-secret selection of Elf puzzles and games!

My family celebrates the holidays in a rather unusual way.

The grid below is filled with pictures of symbols of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Match each group of symbols on the right with the same four symbols, in the exact same position, on the large grid below.

We always decorate a ________ with lots of ________________ ________________ . Then we go from door to door, singing songs about _______________ ________________ .

Can you find the reindeer drawing Ellen Elf created? Her drawing has all of these features: round nose curvy horns 7 bells big smile full moon short tail

Sometimes, the neighbors will

A flower from Mexico has become a traditional holiday decoration in the United States. In Mexico it is called, the “Flower of the Holy Night.” Write the letter that comes BEFORE each of the letters below to find out what it is called north of the Mexican border.

______________ along with us.

My mom will wrap several _________________ and place them under a _____________ . My sister and I bake some tasty ___________ _____________ How many snowflakes can you find on this page in 60 seconds? Have a friend try. Who found the most?

and sprinkle ________________ on them.

The day ends with everyone opening their _______________ Santa wants the elves to fill his bag as full as possible. But one silly elf has tinkered with the order sheets, scrambling the digits in the numbers. Help the elves by rearranging the digits in each number to make it as large as possible.

Look at the front page of today’s newspaper. Find and circle each letter of the alphabet. Can you find all 26? Connect the letters with lines and color your design.

_______________ . Then we _____________ upstairs to bed, thinking back on what a _______________ day we had and looking forward to New Year’s Eve, when our celebration

Which ornament would you get by putting the broken pieces together?

FESTIVE BAGGAGE FULL ELF MEXICO DIGITS NOSE SANTA NIGHT SYMBOL CURVY KWANZAA GRID MOON MANY

Find the words in the puzzle, then in this week’s Kid Scoop stories and activities.

gets really _______________ !

J S A A Z N A W K T M A N Y N O O M Y N E V I T S E F E L F Z N G D I R G X D L A O H K Z A A I C O L S T O G J G C U B L E V G K I

S O R M

U A A L T R I B V Y F B W S A N T A Y S

Share your favorite winter holiday jokes and riddles with your friends and family.

41

»

42 | CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM

HOME HUNTERS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

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

519-669-1544 24hrs 17 Church St. W., Elmira www.thefreyteam.com

THE FREY TEAM

Len Frey

Mildred Frey

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BROKER**

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Wendy Taylor BROKER**

wendy@thefreyteam.com

BROKERAGE

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Mary Lou Murray SALES REP*

marylou@mmrealestate.ca

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

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

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

BERT MARTIN, BROKER

“To all my loyal clients and friends, thanks for your support. You are appreciated. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.” RED

RED

UCE

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$239,000

COUNTRY BUNGALOW! Good home on large lot with mature trees offers three bedrooms, country kitchen with custom cabinets, family room, recroom, detached garage/ workshop and paved double drive. MLS.

$127,000

GREAT STARTER! Great home in small community offers main floor family room, three bedrooms, formal dining and living rooms, renovated bathroom, some new windows, hi/eff gas furnace. MLS.

$1,450,000

FARM! Square 100 acres, 90 workable, cash crop and hog operation with finishing and nursery barns, drive shed, older livestock barn, 1500 s/f 3 bedroom bungalow with new kitchen and attached double garage. MLS. Call Bert to View.

D

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

$249,900 - ELMIRA. Better than New! Approx 1,414 sq. ft. Newly fin. Basement, Basement, eat-in kit, maple cabinets, main floor hardwood& ceramics. Ceramic backsplash, updated light fixtures, master bdrm ens., 3 bths & rough in basement. Walkout from gr. rm. to deck w/ pergola shed and privacy fence. MLS. CALL WENDY** TO VIEW.

$209,900 - ELMIRA | GREAT DEAL. Perfect for first time buyer needing lots of space. Nice open kitchen with large dining area. 3 bedrooms, 1 in finished basement, rec room, gas heat stove and moveable bar w/fridge. MLS CALL MARY LOU** TO VIEW.

MAPLETON $399,900- Lovely 2 storey home 3+1 bedroom home on just under 5 acres. Wooded lot. Secluded, appliances included, basement finished, w/ extra bathroom, except carpet on balance of Floor. If your looking for country within 30 min of waterloo, don’t pass this one up. MLS. CALL MARY LOU TO VIEW

ELMIRA $299,900- Large lot with mature trees. Presently being used as 2 units with sep. metres, furnaces & hot water tanks. One unit has some updates. 2nd unit has unique older fixters. (ie) cookstove with pipe to chimney. Carpet free. Roof replaced 2006. Main floor laundry & cold cellar. MLS CALL WENDY TAYLOR** TO VIEW.

ELMIRA $349,900. Remodelled century home on mature street. Updated dining room, pocket french doors, garage/studio, 2 gas fp., new f/r addition. Lots of wood and wide baseboards. Cedar deck at rear. MLSCALL WENDY TAYLOR** TO VIEW.

MAPLETON $299,900- Approx. 1/2 acre in the country backing to farmland. 3 + 1 bdrm, 2 bth in small rural community. Renovated kit w/island. Newly finished basement with stone fireplace. Walkout to deck, fenced yard and inground pool. MLS. CALL WENDY TAYLOR** TO VIEW.

Your referrals are appreciated! ELMIRA REAL ESTATE Independently Owned & Operated, Brokerage SERVICES

519-669-3192

Call your realtor now!

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

For your business and your friendship we are deeply grateful and wish you all a Very Merry Holiday Season!

NEW HOME (to be built) 1521 NEW HOME! w/walkout bsmt! sq.ft. MLS. $269,900.

MLS. $355,000.

DRAYTON - SPACIOUS 4-level COMMERCIAL Bldg. approx. 3450 sq. ft. MLS. $289,900. back split. MLS. $234,900.

INVESTMENT PROPERTY A DRAYTON BEAUTY! - MLS

well maintained 5 plex MLS. $509,000.

$439, 900.

Coach House Realty Inc. Brokerage

OFFICE PHONE: 519.343.2124 *SALES REPRESENTATIVES: BONNIE BRUBACHER Broker of Record

SHANNA ROZEMA Broker.

DARREN ROMKEY Sales Rep.

LAURIE LANGDON Sales Rep.

DALE KELLER Sales Rep.

MONIQUE BRUBACHER Sales Rep.

LEON MARTIN

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

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Edith McArthur * 519.638.2509 Marg Sorensen * 519.343.4489 Kathy Robinson * 519.343.4816

THIS WEEK'S FEATURE PROPERTIES HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

$249,900 | DRAYTON | A gorgeous

home on a large lot; main floor laundry; patio/deck; backyard play set included; central air and vac; seperate dining room; loads of family space; 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. MLS.

HERE IS YOUR CHANCE TO BUILD YOUR OWN ESTATE on 36 acres of land, will make a great horse or hobby farm, only 35 min to Waterloo. Creek runs through property, surrounded by trees. Building permits available. MLS

ELMIRA ALMOST NEW BEAUTY

$337,000 | This home features quality upgrades throughout. Oak staircase, gorgeous kitchen, vault ceilings, 6 appliances and basement needing finishing touches. NEW MLS.

PET LOVERS Business opportunity for a person that wants to work from home. Very good income, website included Havanese dogs. $70,000 MLS

MODEL BUNGALOW

$320,000 | Base price for this amaz-

Minto Twp Country bungalow only 13 years old on an acre of property. Three large bedrooms, good sized kitchen and dining area, open concept. $254,900. MLS.

ing open concept plan. The gorgeous kitchen with dream breakfast island/ bar offers amazing space. All mainfloor conveniences. Call to view. EXCLUSIVE.

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

ADDRESS: 4-B

Arthur St. S., ELMIRA • EMAIL: leonmartin@remax.net • OFFICE: 519-669-5426

DIRECT: 519-503-2753

DRAYTON COME SEE! COME BUY THIS...Spacious home on big lot 81’x159’.

3+2 bedrms, 3 bathrms, spacious kitchen w/ pantry & inviting eating area, separate diningrm, gas fireplace in livingrm, finished basement, central air & vac, dishwasher, water softener, walkout to deck. Call Marg Sorensen to view 519.343.4489 VENDOR WILL INCLUDE the Black Yamaha Piano, dining room suite and exercise equipment with firm offer received before Dec 31 08.. MLS 0847252. $369,900. NEAR DRAYTON

Outstanding log home on 3.32 acres. Must be seen! Words can’t describe this beautiful property. Spring fed stocked pond. Hardwood bush w/walking trails. Gorgeous 3+1 bedrms, 2 baths, 2000 sq. ft. home. Cozy wood stove in livingrm, beautiful log staircase and railing, dishwasher, breakfast bar, air exchanger, central vac & air, hi-eff propane furnace, window coverings, water softener, patio, deck, garden shed. Wow! MLS 0847238. Call Edith McArthur 519.638.2509 $459,900.

CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

43

FAMILY ALBUM Santa Claus to make » ST. NICK ON PARADE

Telephone....................519.669.5790 Toll Free .......................1.888.966.5942

stop in Alma as big day draws nearer

Fax...............................519.669.5753 Email............................ads@observerxtra.com

BIRTH NOTICE

ANNIVERSARY

Marv and Judy Diefenbacher thank God for the gift of a baby girl Tamara Grace born Dec. 14 2008 7lbs. 6oz. A sister for Jessica, Carissa, Travis & Tiffany

Optimists like to keep event close to Christmas MARC MIQUEL HELSEN It’s getting close to Santa’s big day, but the jolly old elf will be making a stop in Alma tomorrow (Dec. 21) for the 29th annual parade. The man in red will be in town no matter what the weather: rain, sleet or snow. What’s up for conjecture, however, is how, exactly, Santa will arrive. “Santa Claus, you never know how he’s going to arrive; one year he was pulled by eight John Deere tractors,” said Alma Optimist Club volunteer Sharon Grose. In past parades, St. Nick has ridden into town on a combine, a fire truck,

and on a sleigh. It’s always a surprise. Tomorrow’s parade will kick off at 2 p.m, and is the last local parade before Christmas Eve. It will feature all kinds of floats, unicycles and friendly horses. Unlike other communities that feature their parades in mid-November or early December, the Alma event takes place as close to Christmas as possible, making the anticipation less challenging for all the well-behaved girls and boys. “We don’t want the kids to have to wait too long for Santa to come,” said Grose. The local parade also has another claim to

fame. “We claim our parade is longer than our village,” said Grose, noting that Santa Claus, the last man in the procession, typically heads out by the time the first parade float is returning to Alma Public School, the starting point of the parade. In any event, the longstanding tradition is bound to put a lot of smiles on a lot of faces, she suggested. “This is a fun event; we try to get the community involved – if you’re not in it you’re watching it on the sidelines. “We just hope everyone comes out and has a wonderful day.”

Storytelling is all about keeping their attention focused

FAMILY ALBUM

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF MARRIAGE

December 23, 1983-2008 Harold & Sharon Paisley “...to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish...” BIRTH NOTICE

PHOTOS | STEVE KANNON

BIRTHDAY

GET THEM LAUGHING Author Eric Walters delighted students at Conestogo Public School Wednesday with the stories behind the stories in his books, interspersed with a card trick or two.

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BIRTHDAY

Happy 30th Birthday!

Floyd and Lindsey are pleased to announce the safe arrival of Cameryn Michael Martin. Born on August 17, 2008 at 11:56 am, weighing 8lbs 2oz. and 19 in. tall. Proud grandparents are Brenda and Richard Sokolowski of Elmira along with Erma and Cleason Martin of Floradale. Looking down from heaven is big brother Landyn. Special thanks to Dr. Ross and the 4th floor nursing staff at G.R.H.

ALL THE NEWS THAT’S FIT TO PRINT PLUS A LOT OF XTRA STUFF TOO.

e that Tell someocnare you

HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY

JOYCE FREEMAN & JIM MARTIN Surprise Open House Dec. 27th 4:30-7:00 pm Hawkesville Mennonite Church

~Love and Best Wishes Mary Joyce & Jadrian THANK YOU We would like to thank everyone in the community for your support and continued support and prayers given to us over the past year. “Thank You” is not enough to express our heartfelt gratitude. Merry Christmas to each and ever one. Stan & Ruth Usick and Tasha & T.J. Ferguson

THANK YOU

I would like to thank Brent and Kim Battler and family for all their kindness shown to me when I fell on the ice, and also during my stay at Grand River Hospital. It is nice to know there are such kind people in this world. Thanks again and God Bless you. ~Anne Evans

44 | CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM

WORD-UP

SOLUTION FOUND ON PAGE 31

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CREATED EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE OBSERVER

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THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

ACROSS 1. “My ___!� 5. Jam 9. Computer info 13. 20-20, e.g. 14. Kosher ___ 15. People person 16. Putting off to a future time 18. Air freshener option 19. African antelope 20. Year of the Dolphin 21. Cup holder 23. Favor 25. A strip of pleated material used as a decoration 27. Live wire, so to speak 28. Computer architecture: reduced instruction set computing (Accro) 29. ___ Today 30. Certain fur 33. Lighter, more able to allow passage current 36. “Bye� 37. British Commonwealth member 38. Change 40. Chutzpah 41. “___ say!� 42. Heavy, durable furniture wood

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AUTOMOTIVE

AUTO CLINIC

44. Domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age 48. Chickweed 51. Not a professional person 53. Express audibly 54. Big ___ 55. Quote, part 3 56. Fragrant oil 57. Nervous 60. Apprehensive 61. Bad look 62. A coffin along with its stand 63. Blows it 64. Open wide 65. Bikini parts

AFTER HOURS

RUDOWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CARSTAR COLLISION CENTRE 24 Hour Accident Assistance

1-800-CARSTAR

Body Maintenance

WHERE TIRES

RUDOWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CARSTAR COLLISION CENTRE

SPECIALTY, NOT A SIDE LINE.

at

ARE A

Call Us At

519-669-3373

519-669-3373

33 First Street, East Elmira, ON

33 First Street, East Elmira, ON

&ARM s !UTO s 4RUCK )NDUSTRIAL s /N 4HE &ARM 3ERVICE

35 Howard Ave., Elmira

519-669-3232

CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

Âť STRANGE BUT TRUE | BILL & RICH SONES

45

Chances are fallacy trap will lead to wrong choice at casino

Q. How exactly do boxing gloves make boxing safer? Safer, yes, but... A. In earlier bare-knuckle days, injuries and deaths were more likely, says Jearl Walker in The Flying Circus of Physics. A glove not only softens the blow, but serves to spread the force out over a larger area, making injury to both fighters less likely. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Still, especially in heavyweight boxing, the force delivered by a powerful fighter can be severe, even lethal.â&#x20AC;? A skilled fighter knows to â&#x20AC;&#x153;roll with a punchâ&#x20AC;? by moving his head backward; moving into the punch, of course, only makes things worse. The most dangerous time in a fight comes during later rounds when both men are tired and unable to anticipate a punch and to respond to it effectively. Most dangerous is a chin or forehead punch that rotates the head backward, compressing the brain stem and

shearing the brain (one part slides past another) as it undergoes damage by crashing into the skull. Blood flow is disrupted and the brain surface is abraded. Additional damage occurs on the side opposite the punch as the skull pulls away and the fluid pressure in the space between the skull and brain drops, causing capillaries to rupture. With repeated damage, the fighter has trouble thinking, remembering, speaking as he becomes irreversibly â&#x20AC;&#x153;punch-drunk.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The sport may be an adultâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s game, but it can reduce the capabilities of a participant to those of an infant.â&#x20AC;? Q. If thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a winner of a way for testing a new medicine that humankind has already stumbled onto, just what might it be? A. Randomized controlled trials form the basis of modern medicine, and for good reason: They are the only trustworthy way of evaluating whether interventions have worked or not, says New Scientist magazine. The randomization removes the potential for bias and tries to quash the everpossible placebo effect. Double-blind

SERVICE PROS HOCKEY

PAINTING

Â&#x2014; F^TgX F[TecXa\aZ Â&#x2014; AXj HfXW F^TgXf Â&#x2014; Fg\V^ F^TgX EXcT\ef Â&#x2014; 8dh\c`Xag 48 Arthur St. S., Elmira | 519-669-8799

free estimates

interior/exterior painting wallpapering & Plaster|Drywall repairs

519-669-2251 36 Hampton St., Elmira

Mon-Wed. 9-6, Thurs, Fri. 9-8, Sat. 9-5, Sun. Closed

SELF STORAGE

SEPTIC

PLUMBING

PLUMBING

PLUMBING & HEATING SPECIALISTS!

C.J.

BRUBACHER LTD. 19 First St. E., Elmira

519-669-3362

Steve Co.

CLEAN â&#x20AC;˘ DRY â&#x20AC;˘ SECURE

Call

519-669-4964

Waterloo Region â&#x20AC;˘ Wellington County

519-648-3004

100 SOUTH FIELD DRIVE, ELMIRA

SIGNAGE | VINYL & DIGITAL

graphfix ltd. Signs & Banners

www.remingtongraphfix.com

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

BILL SCHENKEL

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

ST.JACOBS

FAST, FRIENDLY SERVICE AT COMPETITIVE PRICES!

or

For all your Plumbing Needs. 24 HOUR SERVICE Steve Jacobi

ELMIRA

519-669-3652

Have your skates sharpened with us four times, and the fifth oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FREE!

JOHNS TOWING AND RECOVERY

CASH PAID

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

519-568-8666

TRANS IT! VEHICLES

s 4ON #URTAIN 3IDE &LAT "ED LONG WIDE s #ARGO 6AN s 0ASSENGER !STRO 6AN 7ITH X TRAILER s #AR

PHONE 519.503.0888

°

519-747-2708

Visit our Website at www.riepersalt.com

THIS SPACE FOR RENT Call Donna at ext 104

Knife and Scissor Sharpening See store for details.

519-896-7700

TRUCKS

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

WINTER PRODUCTS AVAILABLE

service

22 Church St. W., Elmira

Tel: 519-669-5537

www.biobobs.com

TOWING

Softener Salt & Ice Melts

RESIDENTIAL â&#x20AC;˘ COMMERCIAL â&#x20AC;˘ INDUSTRIAL

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

Âť

Taking Salt to Peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Basements Since 1988

Plumbing and Maintenance Inc.

SHARPENING

Septic Tank Cleaning

(Send STRANGE questions to brothers Bill and Rich at strangetrue@compuserve.com)

SALT

ELMIRAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SHARPENING

Various sizes & rates

says Michael Shermer in Scientific American magazine. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s say youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re playing the roulette wheel and hit five reds in a row and now wonder whether to stay with red because youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on a â&#x20AC;&#x153;hot streakâ&#x20AC;? or to switch because black is â&#x20AC;&#x153;due.â&#x20AC;? Answer: It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter because the roulette wheel has no memory of the past, whether hits or misses. Yet gamblers notoriously employ both the â&#x20AC;&#x153;hot streak fallacyâ&#x20AC;? and the â&#x20AC;&#x153;dueness fallacy,â&#x20AC;? much to the enrichment of casino owners. Another folk innumeracy to watch out for is the Sports Illustrated â&#x20AC;&#x153;jinx,â&#x20AC;? supposedly affecting athletes featured on the cover. But this is really just â&#x20AC;&#x153;regression to the average,â&#x20AC;? with a poorer performance naturally following a top one. Then thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the â&#x20AC;&#x153;law of large numbers,â&#x20AC;? where improbable events are bound to happen every once in a great while. Even extraordinary events do not require extraordinary causes: Given enough time and opportunity, they can happen by chance.

EXPERT ADVICE | QUALITY SERVICES LOOK UP A PROFESSIONAL.

YOUR

20 years experience

ELMIRAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HOCKEY HEADQUARTERS

drug studies, where neither patient nor researcher knows whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taking the real medicine and whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taking the â&#x20AC;&#x153;dummy,â&#x20AC;? are a scientific standard. Often interventions donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work at all but the problem is getting the researchers to admit the failure. In fact, policies of all sorts -- economic, social, political -- would benefit from random testing. For example, does teaching abstinence-only really reduce teen pregnancy? Does drivers education cut accident rates? There are two distinct issues here: Are these desirable goals and do the programs help? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Science can never tell us what a societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aims should be. But once weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve decided on these aims, science is the best way to find out which policies will help achieve them.â&#x20AC;? Q. At the casino, did you hit a â&#x20AC;&#x153;hot streakâ&#x20AC;? or were you just â&#x20AC;&#x153;dueâ&#x20AC;? after so much betting? A. Our ancient evolutionary environment has given us intuitions that can be useful in dealing with other people and social relationships, but often fail us in probability environments,

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

TRUCK REPAIR

519.669.5790 | 1.888.966.5942 www.ObserverXtra.com window coverings

Qualified Licensed Mechanics Ready to Serve Your Needs. OPEN Monday-Fridays 6am-6pm Saturday 6am-2pm

270 Arthur St. N., Elmira, ON TRUCK & TRAILER REPAIR & MAINTENANCE

Mobile Services | CAT and Cummins Diagnostics Government Emissions Testing | Air Conditioning Aluminum and Steel Welding | Hydraulics Government Safety Inspections

raperies & Blinds â&#x20AC;˘ Curtain Hardware Custom D

40 Memorial Ave, Elmira CALL KIRBY, Service Manager | 519.669.8420 After Hours Cell: 519.577.1459

519-669-8309

EVENTS CALENDAR Âť

46 | CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM

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

Kleensweep Carpet Care

West Montrose, ON

T. 519.669.2033 Cell: 519.581.7868

Truck & Trailer Maintenance Cardlock Fuel Management

COMMERCIAL 24 CARDLOCK FUEL DEPOT HOUR

â&#x20AC;˘ Design â&#x20AC;˘ Installation â&#x20AC;˘ Custom Fabrication

MILLWRIGHTS LTD.

519.669.5105

P.O. BOX 247, ROUTE 1, ELMIRA

24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

TOTAL HOME ENERGY SYSTEMS

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

YOUR OIL, PROPANE, NATURAL GAS AND AIR CONDITIONING EXPERTS

11 HENRY ST. - UNIT 9, ST. JACOBS

519.664.2008

SANYO CANADIAN

MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED

Allen Morrison Insurance Inc.

FOELL, Lois (Mrs. Don) â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

Investments

25 Industrial Drive, Elmira, ON N3B 3K3

Group

3435 Broadway St. Hawkesville

519-699-4641 www.freybc.com

DECEMBER 21

 Rejoice In The Birth Of Our Saviour Carol Sing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sing-a-long as Rev. Robert leads the congregation in an evening of Christmas Carols and shares the stories behind the carols; 7 p.m. Free-will offering. Waterloo North Presbyterian Church, 685 Highpoint Ave. Wheelchair accessible. For information 519-888-7870.  Country Christmas â&#x20AC;&#x201C; wagon rides, carol singing, visit with Father Christmas, 1-4 p.m.; $7, $5 students/senior, $4 child, $18 family. Doon Heritage Crossroads, 10 Huron Rd., Kitchener. 519-748-1914.  Alma Santa Claus Parade, 2 p.m. You can enjoy the parade from your car or by standing along the main street of Alma.  New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve Gourmet Take Out â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Gale Presbyterian Church from 5-7:30 p.m. Roasted red pepper and tomato soup, three appetizers (one of each), croissant, cantaloupe and blueberry salad in a white wine and vanilla bean sauce, breaded pork tenderloin medallions in a white wine and mushroom sauce, served with buttered noodles and maple ginger roasted baby carrots, chocolate truffle cheesecake with raspberry coulis, topped with whipped cream, fresh raspberries and chocolate curls. Tickets $20. Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meal â&#x20AC;&#x201C; chicken fingers with plum sauce, oven roasted home fries, maple and ginger carrots and gummy worm pudding $5. We deliver or you pick up at church. For tickets call 519-669-2852 or 519-669-3827. JANUARY 8

 Storytime for children ages 3-5 at Linwood Branch Library. Join us for stories and fun activities on Thursday afternoons from 2-2:45 p.m. from Jan. 8 to Feb. 26. Pre-registration is required by calling or visiting the library, 519-698-2700 or e-mail linwdlib@region.waterloo.on.ca.

Bus.:519.669.2632 Fax: 519.669.4282

Business

FREE CONSULTATION

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

Farm

â&#x20AC;˘ Total Denture Care Travel

Email: allen_morrison@cooperators.ca

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

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

$%.452%

DENTURE Vinolea Jahandari DD

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

519.669.1535

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

Wonderful 519.669.1535 ELMIRA

15 Memorial Ave., Elmira

Wines

A Fine Wine Establishment

(Behind Bank of Montreal) KITCHENER

519.744.9770

29 Church St. W., Elmira

519.669.0799

 Elmira Sugar Kings Hungry Manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Breakfast â&#x20AC;&#x201C; serving from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Elmira Canadian Legion, First St. Elmira; $5 per person. All you can eat. JANUARY 13

 Storytime for children ages 3-5 at St. Clements Branch Library. Join us for stories and fun activities on Tuessday afternoons from 1:30-2:15 p.m. from Jan. 13 to Mar. 3, or Wednesday afternoons from 1:30-2:15 p.m. from Jan. 14 to Mar. 4. Pre-registration is required, space is limited. Call or visit the library, 519-745-3151 or e-mail stclemlib@region.waterloo.on.ca. JANUARY 14

 Storytime for children ages 3-5 at Bloomingdale Branch Library. Join us for stories and fun activities on Wednesday afternoons from 1:30-2:15 p.m. from Jan. 14 to Mar. 4, or Thursday afternoons from 1:30-2:15 p.m. from Jan. 15 to Mar. 5. Pre-registration is required, space is limited. Call or visit the library, 519-745-3151 or e-mail bloomlib@region.waterloo.on.ca.  Storytime for children ages 3-5 at St. Jacobs Branch Library. Join us for stories and fun activities on Wednesday mornings from 10-10:45 a.m. from Jan. 14 to Feb. 18, or Thursday afternoons from 1:30-2:15 p.m. from Jan. 15 to Feb. 19. Pre-registration is required, space is limited. Call or visit the library, 519-664-3443 or e-mail stjaclib@region.waterloo.on.ca

s %LECTRICAL 3UPPLIES s .EW 6ACUUMS s 6ACUUM 2EPAIRS s 0ARTS !CCESSORIES s !LL MAKES AND MODELS 9 CHURCH STREET EAST, ELMIRA

519.669.8362

JANUARY 21

 Storytime for children ages 3-5 at Elmira Branch Library. Join us for stories and fun activities on Wednesday afternoons from 2-2:45 p.m. from Jan. 21 to Mar. 11 or Thursdays 10:15-11 a.m. from Jan. 22 to Mar. 12. Pre-registration is required, space is limited. Visit the library located at 65 Arthur St. S., Elmira. Submit calendar listings to info@observerxtra.com

Passed away peacefully, with her family at her side, at the London Health Sciences Centre, on Sunday, December 14, 2008 at the age of 61. OTTMAN, Gloria-

Peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, December 16, 2008, at Heritage House, St. Jacobs, in her 86th year.

We do not need a special day To bring you to our minds, The days we do not think of you Are very hard to find. Each morning when we wake, Wonderful We knowWines that you are gone, And no one knows the heartache, As we try to carry on. Our hearts still ache with sadness, And secret tears still flow, What it meant to lose you, No one will ever know. We hold you close within our hearts, And there you will remain, To walk with us throughout our lives, Unitl we meet again. Loved and missed always, Viola, Jennifer & Serge, Craig & Lori, Lyndon and grandchildren

New to the Community? Do you have a new Baby? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to call your Welcome Wagon Hostess. Elmira & Surrounding Area

EASY

ÂťSUDOKU SOLUTIONS

SHARON GINGRICH 519.291.6763

elmirawelcomewagon@sympatico.ca

Be Prepared For Winter!

519.669.2884 21 Industrial Dr., Elmira

NANCY KOEBEL

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

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

7 ( $ 5 2 6 (

$ % & : $ 5

1 $ 8 6 ( $

( 1 7 ( 5 6

Âť CROSSWORD + ( ' * ( '

Bus: 519.895.2044 ext. 217 Home: 519.747.4388

HARD

MEDIUM

JANUARY 18

JANUARY 20

(nee

LICHTY Willard - In memory of a loving husband, father, and grandpa who entered his eternal rest, December 21, 2007.

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

MURRAY, Linda Charboneau)-

in memoriam

KITCHENER

 Toddler Tales is for children 24 to 36 months old and runs Tuesdays 10:3011:15 a.m. from Jan. 20 to Mar. 10 at Elmira Branch Library. For more information, visit the library at 65 Arthur St. S., Elmira. RETAIL STORE STORE RETAIL

Following a difficult but hard fought battle with cancer, Lois passed away peacefully, with family and friends by her side, on Friday, December 12, 2008. Lois (Wylie) Foell in her 54th year of Glen Allan.

JANUaRY 11

 In Concert â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Hank & Janet Sonnenberg. Lifting his name in song; 7 p.m., Waterloo North Presbyterian Church, corner of Northfield Drive and Westmount Road. Free-will offering; 519-888-7870. 33 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.1591

Allen Morrison, Agent/Owner

Passed away peacefully, at his home in Kitchener, on Thursday, December 1l, 2008. Richard was born in Linwood on March 25, 1931.

Life

DECEMBER 31 MATERIAL HANDLING & PROCESSING SYSTEMS

HERGOTT, Richard â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

Of Cambridge, on Friday, December 12, 2008, at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, in his 87th year. Local relatives are son Michael Dinn and his wife Fran of Elmira.

DENTURE

Auto

DEATH NOTICES DINN, John Michael-

Since 1987 - DentureTech Since 1995 - Denturist

Home

Rugs and Upholstery

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

COLLEEN

Skilled cra ftsmanship. Quality materials. CONSTRUCTION STARTS HERE.

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

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CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

Family

Your Independent Choice Since 1958

Thank You For 50 Wonderful Years!

Is anything more special at Christmas time than the love and warmth we get from spending time with friends and family? And this year more than ever we are humbled by the support we feel from our family of customers. We just want to say thank you, and from the Forbes family to your family, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

FeedAssure

HACCP

Have a Blessed Christmas!

FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS... MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Fairest in Salesâ&#x20AC;Ś Finest in Service Since 1948

www.wfs.ca 165 Weber St. S., Waterloo | 519.742.4463 | 1.800.387.5337

47

519.669.5143 | 1.800.265.8858

Mon - Thu: 9:30 am - 9:30 pm

Fri. 9:30 am - 11 pm

Sat. 9:30 am - 9 pm Sun. 10 am - 6 pm

T:10.25”

48 | BACK PAGE

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 20, 2008

! e n o y r e v For E

JEEP LIBERTY

DODGE GRAND CARAVAN

CHRYSLER 300C

T:14”

DODGE RAM 1500

JEEP WRANGLER

DODGE AVENGER

JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE

JEEP COMPASS

DODGE CHARGER

DODGE DAKOTA

JEEP PATRIOT

DODGE RAM 2500 HEAVY DUTY

DODGE CALIBER

Receive Total Discounts † $ up to 14 ,711! Mopar Emergency Kits Available! See your local Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge retailer. Take a closer look at your favourite model now. chrysler.ca

jeep.ca

dodge.ca

V I S I T Y O U R N E I G H B O U R H O O D C H R Y S L E R , J E E P® , D O D G E R E T A I L E R

INCLUDES 1 YEAR PREPAID SUBSCRIPTION

Wise customers read the fine print: *, † These limited time offers apply to retail deliveries of selected new and unused 2008/2009 models purchased/leased between December 2, 2008 and January 2, 2009. At participating retailers only. Offers subject to change without notice. See participating retailer for specific pricing details and conditions. * Employee Price Discount offer applies to all new and unused 2008 and 2009 models excluding only 2008/2009 Dodge Sprinter and Challenger and 2009 Dodge Journey models. Employee Price Discount offer can be combined with other retail incentives including Consumer Cash, Delivery Allowance and/or subvented purchase financing rates. Excludes CAW negotiated ER Bonus and select targeted bonus cash programs. 0% purchase financing offered on approved credit by Royal Bank of Canada or Scotiabank to qualified retail customers on the purchase of 2009 Dodge Charger, 2009 Chrysler 300 or 300C models for up to 84 months. Some conditions apply. Offer is subject to change without notice. See participating retailer for complete details. † Total discounts include Consumer Cash, Employee Price Discount and other incentives which are deducted from the negotiated prices either before or after taxes. Maximum $14,711 total discount is for 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel. See participating retailer for complete details. ™ SIRIUS and the dog logo are trademarks of SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc. ® Jeep is a registered trademark of Chrysler LLC.