December 21, 2017 by Woolwich Observer

Holiday Hours: Closed Dec 23 Reopening Jan 5 @8am

25 INDUSTRIAL DRIVE, ELMIRA

519-669-9919

charlene@bauerhearing.com

12 | 21 | 2017 VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 51

CIVIC AWARD FOR LONGTIME MAYOR BILL STRAUSS LIVING HERE PAGE 34

COMMENT PAGE 10

PUTTING TOGETHER A WISH LIST FOR

SANTA

www.OBSERVERXTRA.com

Putting on a show to welcome Christmas MORE PHOTOS PAGE4

Students from Conestogo PS were among those spreading some Christmas cheer as schools across the region offered up their yuletide concerts this week.

[ALI WILSON / THE OBSERVER]

Residents to chip in as Woolwich proceeds with drain repairs in St. Jacobs STEVE KANNON WOOLWICH IS PUSHING AHEAD with repairs to a drain running under much of St. Jacobs, splitting the costs among the benefitting property owners. For many residents, that amounts to a $40 cost. The extra assessment, ranging from $10 to the $67,790 bill Home Hardware faces, will cover the cost of repairing and replacing parts of what is

known as municipal drain #10. Meeting last week, Woolwich council approved the project and its $244,000 price tag. Most of the planned work will take place in the underground portion of the drain from a point west of High Crest Lane and Queensway Drive to King Street, plus some maintenance on the open ditch portion east of Water Street. The bulk of the cost will

be covered by the township and the most heavilyassessed property in the catchment area, Home Hardware Stores Ltd., each looking at a bill of about $68,000. The Region of Waterloo is on the hook for some $9,000. The rest of the cost will be shared by the Region of Waterloo and benefitting property owners. An assessment puts that number at 289. The original drain dates back to 1953, though much

of it was open at that time. Over the years, sections have been enclosed or taken underground as development occurred, not always carried out or condoned by the municipality. Rather than rework or replace the current drain at considerable cost, engineers have recommended simply repairing the portions now crumbling away. Much of the system still works “relatively well,” said Matt Ash of GM BluePlan,

the consultants hired by the township to investigate the drain. Some stretches are poor and others in very poor condition, particularly on portions west of King Street. The plan is to repair everything west of King Street, with some segments to be replaced and others to be relined, deemed the most cost-effective option, he explained. Responding to a question from Coun. Patrick Mer-

lihan, Ash said residents wouldn’t notice any differences with the new system, as the repairs would just ensure that the drain continues to work for another 50 to 100 years. Previous public meetings saw significant turnout by residents, largely concerned about costs and the prospect of sharing the bill. The December 12 council session was more lightly DRAIN | 4

Server $599

6 Pc. Extension Table Dining Set with Storage Leaf, 4 Side Chairs & Dining Bench Choice of 2 finishes

NO TAX on all Canadian Made Custom Orders!

OPEN 7 DAYS | 30 Benjamin Rd., Waterloo (across from St. Jacobs Outlet Mall) 519-746-0060 | FLYER SPECIALS www.furniturehouse.ca

2 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

Join us for a

free public skate!

FROM THE ELMIRA GIFT OUTLET

% 50 0 REG. PRICED

OFF

HOLIDAY HOURS DEC. 24,25,26 CLOSED DEC 27-30 9:30-5:30 DEC. 31 CLOSED JAN. 1 CLOSED JAN. 2 CLOSED FOR INVENTORY JAN. 3 BACK TO REGULAR HOURS

Sat., Dec. 23rd, 2017 | 9am - 1pm

Woolwich Memorial Centre 24 Snyder Ave S. Elmira, ON N3B 2Z6

ITEMS

Pleasure skaters young & young-at-heart, hockey players and first timers alike are all invited to bundle up, lace up and come out for a spin on the ice. Warm your hands with free hot chocolate & popcorn for the first 150 patrons.

SALE STARTS DEC 21st

THURS, DEC 28th

1 Union St., Elmira THE SHOPS AT ROXTON

519-669-3072 w w w.elmiragif toutlet.com

May not be exactly as shown. While quantities last.

REGULAR STORE HOURS:

MON-WED 9:30-5:30 THURS-FRI 9:30-7:00 SATURDAY 9:30-5:30

Don’t let your holidays go up in flames. Literally. 10 Tips to help you celebrate safely this holiday season: Outdoors: and take down your Remember to always carry your ladder horizontally to avoid contact with power lines. Do not use poles to hang lights near powerlines. Plug outdoor decorations into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) with a cover to avoid electric shock. Use proper clips to hang outdoor holiday lights. Never use staples, nails or tacks. Only use extension cords, lights and decorations outdoors that are designated for outdoor use. Read the package instructions, and never exceed the recommended wattage. Keep connections above ground and out of puddles; don’t run them across driveways or walkways. Indoors: Only your tree should have branches, not your outlets. Do not overload outlets to avoid an electrical fire; plug decorations into a power bar instead. Consider switching to LED lights and decorations, which are cooler to the touch and use less power. Watch out for frayed or old cords, and discard any damaged strands. Do not run cords under rugs or carpets. Don’t place flammable materials close to lights. These are all fire hazards. No more than three light strings can be safely connected together in most cases; read manufacturers’ instructions for directions.

Have a safe and happy holiday season from all of us at Waterloo North Hydro www.wnhydro.com/HolidaySafety

NEWS | 3

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

Police looking into adding a satellite station at Wellesley arena FAISAL ALI WATERLOO REGIONAL POLICE SERVICES are looking into opening a new “satellite” office space to be located at the Wellesley arena next year. In a presentation to township council Tuesday, superintendent Daryl Goetz explained that the satellite office space would help increase police presence in the rural areas as well as help improve response times. As opposed to a police station, the satellite office envisioned by WRPS would not be staffed. Instead, it would allow officers to do their administrative work – or even simply use the washroom at a late hour – without having to leave the township for the police stations in Elmira or Waterloo. “That travel time takes the car away,” said Goetz. “I’d rather have the car stay out here.” The other benefit to opening a satellite at the arena would be to allow police to maintain a more visible presence in the community, he said. Police could more easily promote their educational programs to the community, like the “Lock it or Lose it” campaign, which encourages people to keep vehicles and homes locked. “We’ve had some great discussions about, ‘what can we do for Wellesley?’ We don’t have a physical presence in Wellesley right now in terms of bricks and mortar,” he said. The satellite offices are an affordable alternative to full-fledged stations, which have in recent years become increasingly im-

ST. CLEMENTS WELCOMES THE CLAUSES

practical for smaller communities, he explained. Visits to rural police stations by the public have sharply declined over much of Canada, in large part due to increasing use of technology to report crimes and access services. The satellite envisioned by the police at the Wellesley arena would specifically be for police officers assigned to “rural zone 1.” As policing zones are not strictly divided along municipal boundaries, but rather by geographical barriers, the zone actually encompasses the southern half of Wellesley and the northern parts of Wilmot. Coun. Carl Schmidt questioned placing the office in the village of Wellesley, rather than in a more central location to the other communities in Wellesley Township. He suggested a location along Lobsinger as an alternative. Mayor Joe Nowak, however, agreed with the choice of location. “I think the village [Wellesley] is the only area where there’s going to be any substantial growth over the next five to ten years,” he pointed out. “I would think, even more so it would be important to have [the satellite] in the high-growth area. Coun. Shelley Wagner also expressed concerns about the satellite “going” to Wellesley. “What we’re hearing here, and Carl will also have to explain this to the people from St. Clements as I will have to explain to the people from Hawkesville, is that once again it’s something that’s going to STATION | 8

HOW TO REACH US

Santa and Mrs. Claus were the guests of honour at the St. Clements Santa Claus Parade on Saturday.

[FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER]

A white Christmas and colder weather likely lie ahead Now official, winter is expected to buck the warming trend of the past couple of years, says Environment Canada forecaster ALI WILSON WE CAN EXPECT NOT only a white Christmas, but chillier, more traditional weather as winter makes its official entrance today. Still, this won’t be your parents’ winter. And certainly not your grandparents’. The cold weather is likely to be front-loaded, with conditions getting a little milder as winter rolls along, suggest weather guru Dave Phillips. “I think December has given us kind of almost a little bit of a preview, a dress rehearsal of what we are going to see for the rest of the winter,” said the En-

vironment Canada senior climatologist. “We have had some cold days – my gosh, we have had some temperatures that have gone down to in your area minus-21 and minus-17 the next day, and right now we are dealing with a temperature above the freezing mark, so it is a little bit of back and forth. I would bet maybe even my government pension on the fact that this year, this winter, is going to be colder than the last two winters.” He points out that predicting trends days ahead is tricky enough – a white Christmas is likely in the cards – with the forecast-

ing getting even more fuzzy weeks and months out. “We have already had a taste of winter in your area – there was 12 centimeters of snow sitting on the ground – and I think there is a good, good chance of a white Christmas,” he confirmed. “Although we see some warming temperatures hovering around the freezing mark and the possibility of having some rain, so, you know, it’s always a touch and go. “It depends when it chooses to precipitate. It depends on the temperature – if it is below freezing, well, then you’re going to get the snow. If it is

above, you might get some rain, so I am going to say that we are going to have that white Christmas.” Given that we’ve had some mild winters of late, this one is going to come as a bit of a shock to the system. The past two winters have been among the five warmest of the past 70 years. “How is the next one going to be? Well, it’s going to feel like a punch in the face, but it still could be above normal. “It will overall come out to be colder than last year, but it won’t be punishingly cold – it’s not going to be WEATHER | 5

PHONE 519.669.5790 | TOLL FREE 1.888.966.5942 | FAX 519.669.5753 | ONLINE WWW.OBSERVERXTRA.COM

Wednesdays is Senior’s Day - Receive 20% Discount* W • O • O • L • W • I • C • H

FREE DELIVERY | 10 Church St. W., Elmira 519.669.8282

Always Fast, Friendly & Professional Services • Compression Stockings (Standard & Customized • Compounding • Compliance Packaging • Free Blood Pressure Check • Free Blood Glucose Monitor & Teaching Samer Mikhail Pharmacist | Owner • Ostomy & Home Health Care *See store for details.

OPEN: Mon. to Fri. 9am - 7pm; Saturday 9am - 4pm; Closed Sundays

4 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

DRAIN: Costs

SINGIN’ A SONG OF CHRISTMAS

to be assessed based on how much each property benefits from the work

FROM | COVER

attended. As at a prior meeting, however, St. Jacobs resident Dale Frey suggested the township should pick up the cost. “How many times can Woolwich come back to the well?” he asked. “I really think it should be Woolwich, right across the board.” As it now stands, residents will be assessed costs based on a formula approved by council. Property owners who take issue with their assigned portion can appeal to council, meeting as court of revision. If still unsatisfied, they may take the issue to the Ontario Drainage Tribunal, explained deputy clerk Jeff Smith. The township expects to carry out the work next summer.

With just days left before the break, the holiday spirit was running high at Conestogo Public School Wednesday morning as students performed for staff and parents. [ALI WILSON / THE OBSERVER]

STOREWIDE CLEARANCE

STARTS DECEMBER 26 FURNITURE & MATTRESS

SOFAS STARTING AT $250

Sofas · Loveseats · Chairs · Accent Furniture · Wall Art · Lamps

19 Arthur Street S, Elmira

Visit us Today Limited suites now available!* CHARTWELL ELMIRA 8 Snyder Avenue North Elmira • 519-669-4111 CHARTWELL.COM

*Conditions may apply.

NEWS | 5

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

SLIP SLIDIN’ INTO TROUBLE

Happy

Holiday

Heavy snow may have been seasonable, but it led to a collision in Elmira Dec. 15, prompting a response from Waterloo Regional Police. [FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER]

WEATHER: Colder weather up front could lead

to milder stuff later on, averaging out by spring

FROM | 3

that, nature is going to make up for getting us one of the warmest winters on record,” he said. “Last year was the fourth warmest in 70 years and the winter before was the second warmest, so we are out of practice. We have been spoiled from the last two winters.” Looking at the tail end of winter from last year, Phillips says we had weather that was typically three or four degrees warmer than normal. “We are not going to repeat that, but we still could come out to be above normal. It still could not be the winter from hell as a lot of people are saying. Is it a classic traditional kind of winter of our youth? No, we don’t think that,” he said. “Now, we think that when we look at our maps we might see in the next 30 days there is a tendency for it to be what we would describe as kind of normal to maybe a little bit below normal, so we think that

the toughest part of winter will be at the front end. “From now and then into January we think that it will be normal to a little cooler than normal, which will feel like an ice age compared to what we had last year.” Overall though, he says that when they come right down to it, averaging out the front end and back end, it still may come out to be milder than normal. “But I think that it will be safe to say it’s going to be colder than it was last year.” Looking at precipitation levels, although trickier to predict, we can expect more snow than was the case last year, where rain was more the norm. The snow that falls is more likely to stick around, he predicted. “I think we will see a little bit more snow than we normally would. Although you guys got about a normal amount, it’s just that it never stayed around because when it snowed

one day it rained the next,” he said. “What nature giveth it also tooketh away. You didn’t have to do a lot of plowing and shoveling, although there were challenges because sometimes there were a lot of freeze/ thaw kind of cycling. What you got was some of the rain froze and sometimes the snow piles were crusted with ice and so it may have looked worse than it was. But over all really you weren’t shoveling as much as you really would.” And with more fluffy stuff sticking around, Phillips says the outdoor enthusiasts will be happy. “Most people, what we will hear is that it was more of a winter. ‘I was more inconvenienced, the skiing was better, the snowmobiling was better, the ice fishing was better, but overall it wasn’t the weather of our grandparents. It wasn’t sort of a classic, traditional, punishing, face-numbing, wind-chill kind of a winter.’”

Collins Barrow Guelph Wellington Dufferin 0342 Gerrie Rd., Elora, ON, N0B 1S0

100 Gordon St., Guelph, ON, N1H 4H6

Tel: 519.846.5315

Tel: 519.822.7670

Merry s a m t s i r h C "I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." Luke 2:10

Family Owned and Operated Since 1929 Darts Dart Boards and Accessories

See us for:

• Pool Table Sales, Service,

• Billiard Table Lights Supplies and Accessories • WE DELIVER! • Recovering and Refurbishing • & MORE!

Visit us online: www.jamiesonsbilliards.com

Dart Board Cabinets with Scoreboard

103 Ontario St. S., Kitchener • 519-745-4053 Monday to Friday 10:30 - 6 • Saturday 11-4

FREE PARKING AT THE DOOR!

1187 FISCHER-HALLMAN ROAD, UNIT 624 KITCHENER, ON N2E 4H9 HAROLD.ALBRECHT@PARL.GC.CA HAROLDALBRECHTMP.CA • 519-578-3777 HAROLD.ALBRECHT.MP @ALBRECHT4KITCON

6 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

• SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS We wish you Wishing You and • MERRY CHRISTMAS • HAPPY NEW YEAR • MERRY CHRISTMAS • HAPPY NEW YEAR • MERRY a Christmas filled Your families a with the wonder of the birth of Christ. Merry Christmas

GERBER

Merry Christmas!

AUCTIONS LTD.

Real Estate • Farm • Estate • Antiques

921 Katherine St N 519.669.3388 West Montrose • SEASON’S www.grandridge.ca GREETINGS

from

Phone.......519.699.4451 or 519.698.0138 Cell............519.498.7126

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

• HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • MERRY CHRISTMAS • HAPPY NEW YEAR • MERRY CHRISTMAS • HAPPY NEW YEAR • MERRY

Wishing you and your family a happy, safe holiday season! From all of us

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from the Council and Staff at

. hankful T r e v e r Fo ateful. r G y l b i Incred d. y Blesse l b a v e i l Unbe

Merry s a Chrislltom f us at: from a

284 Union St., • SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • Elmira 519.669.5040

“PROUDLY REMEMBERING OUR PAS T; CONFIDENTLY EMBRACING OUR FUTURE.”

13 Walker St., Elmira | 519-669-0237

• HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • MERRY CHRISTMAS • HAPPY NEW YEAR • MERRY CHRISTMAS • HAPPY NEW YEAR • MERRY For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given.

Oh Come

let us adore Him. SPLINE CUTTING | LARGE TURNING KEYING (INTERNAL & EXTERNAL) CNC Turning and Milling

Same Day Service RYAN WEBER | 519.669.2198 63 Union Street., Elmira www.rytechmachine.ca

May the miracle of the first Christmas fill your heart with joy.

-Isaiah 9:6

From all of us at:

Thank you to all our loyal customers & friends for your support in 2017! Have a Blessed Christmas! From the staff Elo & Florence, Darrell & Dianne, Walter, Jordan, Frank, & Jeremy

Call Today!

519-699-1118

www.richmondheatingandair.com

1-2633 Herrgott Rd. | St Clements HIGH EFFICIENCY HEATING | NATURAL GAS PIPING | SEE US FOR GOVERNMENT REBATES ON FURNACE & AIR CONDITIONERS

4790 Herrgott Rd., Wallenstein,

519-669-2192

www.efsaudersales.ca

“Serving your lawn & garden needs since 1975”

NEWS | 7

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

Region taxes to jump 2.74%

Water woes see Maryhill petition

The average homeowner will fork out another $53 next year thanks to tax hikes by the Region of Waterloo. Council last week approved a 2.74 per cent increase for the 2018 budget, 2.27 per cent for regional services and 0.47 per cent for police services. Money will be funnelled into the as-yet-operational light right scheme and integration with other transit lines. Another driver of increasing taxes is enhancements to paramedic services. Additional funds may go to infrastructure such as roads and bridges.

Maryhill residents having complained en masse to the township about the poor quality of their drinking water, officials have responded by lowering the amount of chlorine being used in the water systems. Elevated levels appear to have caused the problem with the taste of the water, which was nonetheless safe to drink, director of engineering and planning Dan Kennaley told Woolwich councillors meeting Tuesday night. “That seems to be the reason for the complaints.”

Waterloo Region is responsible for the water used in the township’s two systems in Maryhill. They’ve responded to residents’ complaints, he added. “We have reduced chlorine levels. Whether that’s enough to reduce the complaints remains to be seen,” he said. “As soon as we knew about the concerns, we began to work with the region to deal with them.” Ward 3 Coun. Murray Martin said the extra chlorine was added after water between the village’s two water system – one treated with ammonia, the other with chlorine – was mixed, requiring a flushing of sorts. “They think within the next week or

two it will be cleared up,” he said. Initial appeals unheeded, residents circulated a petition calling for action.

Snow removal contracts in place Happy with the service of its Elmira sidewalk snow-clearing contractor, Woolwich has awarded a new three-year deal to Mitchell Property Maintenance. The company has had the contract since 2012 and has all but eliminated the complaints that dogged the program almost from its inception in 2004. “There’s been a very significant

improvement. Much fewer complaints,” said director of engineering and planning Dan Kennaley Tuesday night as councillors approved a new contract. The company was also the winning bidder to clear municipal parking lots in Elmira and St. Jacobs. While the township does not carry out blanket sidewalk clearing outside of Elmira, it does clear some stretches around public buildings such as schools. In St. Jacobs, Conestogo and Heidelberg, Beggs Excavating Inc. has a new three-year deal to carry out the work. In Maryhill, Bloomingdale and Breslau, Wright Landscaping Services Inc. now has the job.

Out for a yuletide stroll in Elmira In the mood for something Christmassy this evening (Thursday)? The Woolwich Trails Group is hosting a Family Christmas Lights Stroll through Elmira from 6:30-8:30 p.m. They’ll be meeting at the parking lot for Gibson Park (17 First St. W., Elmira), where they’ll begin a gentle stroll past houses readied for the season. Afterwards, they’ll gather again in the parking lot for hot apple cider. More information can be had by contacting Ann Roberts at the township office, aroberts@woolwich.ca or 519-465-8199.

POLICE BLOTTER

ICY CONDITIONS LEADS TO THREE-VEHICLE COLLISION

GIVE LIFE WITH THE GIFT OF BLOOD THIS SEASON. Book an appointment to Give Life now on the

GiveBlood App or on blood.ca. Elmira Clinic

Friday, December 29th — 2pm-8pm NEW LOCATION Woolwich Memorial Centre 4 Snyder Ave, S.

A three-vehicle collision near Ennotville sent three people to hospital, one with serious injuries, and closed a stretch of Hwy. 6 for several hours Monday morning.

“Ranger” among newest recruits to Waterloo Regional Police THE WATERLOO REGIONAL POLICE Service’s newest canine was officially named during a special badging ceremony in Cambridge last week that also saw seven new constables join the service. Ranger was officially welcomed to the Waterloo Regional Police Service family alongside his fellow ‘human’ recruits during the ceremony, which was held at the Cambridge Armoury. Ranger was born May 15, 2016 in Slovakia and was acquired by the regional police on May 10, 2017. He successfully completed his 16-week general service dog course on September 22, 2017. “Our service has had a long-standing partnership with the Kitchener Rangers,” said chief Bryan Larkin. “It is an honour to name our

DECEMBER 12

10:00 AM | A Wellington County OPP officer was monitoring traffic on Highway 6 near Sideroad 18, Township of Mapleton when he observed a male driving a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado at a speed that appeared to be well above the posted 80 km/h speed limit. The vehicle was locked on radar in excess of 130 km/h. As a result, a 40-year-old Woodstock man was charged with ‘race a motor vehicle’ contrary to the Highway Traffic Act and will appear in Guelph Provincial Court on January 17. His driver’s licence and vehicle were seized

DECEMBER 15

[SUBMITTED]

8:06 PM | A 42-year-old Cambridge man was driving a grey Chevrolet car southbound on Floradale Road near Yatton Sideroad when he failed to negotiate the bend in road, lost control and left the roadway before striking a hydro pole. No injuries reported and the vehicle was towed from the scene. The man was charged with ‘careless driving.’

for a period of seven days as per statute.

2:14 PM | Wellington County OPP were contacted by a victim of a fraud who had been told their Facebook account had been hacked. When this happened, the victim searched the internet for a number to contact Facebook to have it unlocked. The victim called the number located and reported the Facebook account being hacked. The victim requested it to be unlocked. The victim was told to pay a sum of iTunes gift cards to have the account unlocked. The victim bought the requested iTunes gift cards and turned over the numbers of this gift cards to the person on the phone. At this point the person on the phone advised that the victim would be required to pay more in gift cards. The victim refused and hung up realizing that this was a scam. Police warn residents to always be cautious with unsolicited email, phone calls, letters, even visitors at your door. Always be certain who you are dealing with before you ever consider sending money or sharing personal information.

DECEMBER 14

DECEMBER 17

7:45 AM | Wellington County OPP along with Centre Wellington Fire and Rescue, and Guelph-Wellington Paramedic Services responded to a report of a serious three-vehicle collision on Highway 6 near Ennotville, Township of Centre Wellington. The driver of a Ford Focus was initially trapped in his vehicle and had to be extricated by firefighters. He was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries before being transferred to Hamilton General Hospital for further treatment of his injuries. The drivers of the other two vehicles involved were transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Highway 6 was closed for several hours for the investigation.

2:54 PM | A 77-year-old Elmira women was driving a red Hyundai Tucson northbound on King Street near Farmers’ Market Road south of St. Jacobs when she attempted to change lanes, striking a red Honda Civic driven by a 53-year-old Schomberg women. No injuries were reported and the vehicles were driven from the scene. The driver of the Hyundai was charged with ‘making an unsafe lane change.’

3:16 PM | Police stopped a green Honda van being driven by a 51-year-old Woolwich man. The man was driving with a suspended driver’s licence, licence plates not registered to the vehicle, and he did not have insurance for the van. The vehicle was seized for seven days, as per the authorities in the Highway Traffic Act and towed from the scene. The driver was charged with these offences and is required to attend court at a later date.

7:51 AM | Sometime from the evening of December 16 to the morning of December 17, unknown suspect(s) entered a locked compound of a business on Boomer Line in Wellesley Township. Once they were inside the compound, a storage bin was broken into and a several tires and rims were stolen. Police are asking anyone with information on this crime to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Ranger is now on duty. newest canine member after an organization that exemplifies the true meaning of teamwork and that strives for excellence.” During the ceremony, seven recruits from Class #95 were officially sworn in and received their police badges. These recruits recently finished training at the Ontario Police College and bring a wealth of experience and skills to our Service.

Linwood Clinic

Wellesley Clinic

Friday, January 5th 2pm-8pm Linwood Community Centre 5279 Ament Line

Monday, January 1st 5pm-9pm Wellesley Community Centre 1000 Maple Leaf Street

DECEMBER 18

WEEKLY SPECIALS Specials from December 27th – December 30th Store Made Dressed

Rolled Ribs

3.99

REG. PRICE

$4.49/lb

Fresh

Prime Rib Roasts

11.99

REG. PRICE

$12.99 /lb.

Fresh 80-85% Lean

Ground Beef

3.79

REG. PRICE

$4.29/lb

Store Made Fresh

Breakfast Sausages

3.29

REG. PRICE

$3.99 /lb.

Store Made | 12 pkg

Regular or Hot

Pepperstix

4.49

REG. PRICE

$4.99 /lb.

Store Made Regular, Herb or Jalapeno

Liverwurst

3.99

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

REG. PRICE

$4.49 /lb.

8 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

Wellesley ponders changes to fees for various township services FAISAL ALI

NOTICE OF STUDY COMPLETION EASTSIDE LANDS SANITARY SERVICING ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT The EA Study The Regional Municipality of Waterloo (Region) has recently completed a Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) for the provision of sanitary servicing to the area known as the “East Side Lands”. This Class EA study has built upon the approved 2014 East Side Lands Master Environmental Servicing Plan (MESP) andthe Region’s 2007 Wastewater Treatment Master Plan (WWTMP), both of which have included extensive public consultation in the past. The Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Process The Region has undertaken this study in accordance with the requirements for a Schedule ‘B’ project under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) (Municipal Engineers Association, June 2000, as amended in 2007, 2011 and 2015). The study completes Phases 1 to 4 of the Municipal Class EA Process.

WELLESLEY IS LOOKING AT some changes to the fees it charges for various services, a review that’s part of its 2018 budget process. Meeting Tuesday night, councillors evaluated changes that include an open burn permit “rush rate,” a simplification of building permit fees, and a proposal to exempt the township recreation boards from a lottery charge. The open burn permit rush rates are being offered for people in the township who need a permit on short notice. The standard open burn permit costs $40 and takes a maximum of two days to acquire; the rushed permit can be issued during non-business hours

(evenings, weekdays and holidays) for $65. A yearlong burn permit is also being offered: the permit covers the 2018 calendar year at a cost of $150. The township is introducing a new fee for the installation and inspection of backflow prevention devices. The fee is being added in conjunction with a regional program beginning in 2018 that will require industrial and commercial customers to install the devices. A simplified fee structure for building permits was proposed by township staff. Whereas currently building permits are charged $1.09 per square foot for most residential properties, plus an additional $15.30 per plumbing

fixture, staff proposed to combine these two into a single charge of 1.16 per sq/ft. Finally, council added an exemption for the township’s boards recreation boards from the lottery permit surcharge of three per cent. A similar exemption was made for the Lions Club, which asked the township to forego the three per cent charge on its bingo games. The discussion held this week was part of the public meeting required before making changes to the fee schedule, although no members of the public were in attendance. The final decision on the fee changes will be made at the next council meeting, January 9.

KIDS GET TO SHOP WITH A COP

Study Findings Based on the study findings, a preferred solution has been identified as gravity sewers without the need for a pumping station. The gravity sewer begins at a location north of Freeport Creek, is aligned through the Deer Ridge subdivision, and ends at the inlet of the Kitchener Wastewater Treatment Plant. A dedicated service bridge for the sewer pipe is proposed to cross above the Grand River. Environmental Study Report Available for Review An Environmental Study (ESR) which documents the study process and findings has been prepared and is available on the Region’s website at: http://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/aboutTheEnvironment/MasterPlansandProjects.asp The ESR is also available for viewing during regular business hours at the following locations between December 18, 2017 to January 31, 2018: The Regional Municipality of Waterloo Clerk’s Office 150 Frederick Street, 2nd Floor Kitchener, Ontario Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Regional Municipality of Waterloo Maple Grove Operations Centre 100 Maple Grove Rd., Front Reception Cambridge, Ontario Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Backed by the Moorefield Optimist Club, Drayton United Church UCW Ladies and community donors, Maryborough Public School students and Wellington County OPP were able to stock the local food banks shelves. On Dec. 13, Wellington County OPP, Mapleton Fire/Rescue and Maryborough PS Grade 5 and 6 students participated in the “Shop with a Cop” program. Teaming students with a police officer or a firefighter, students are challenged to fill a grocery cart with $100 worth of non-perishables that they then donate to the food bank. [SUBMITTED]

Please provide written comments on the ESR to Ms. Nicole Sapeta, Region of Waterloo by the end of the business day on Wednesday, January 31, 2018, at the address provided below. Nicole Sapeta, P.Eng. Project Engineer Water Services, Region of Waterloo 150 Frederick Street, 7th Floor Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4J3 Telephone: 519-575-4400 ext. 3682 Facsimile: 519-575-4452 Email: nsapeta@regionofwaterloo.ca All comments and information received from individuals, stakeholder groups and agencies regarding this project are being collected to assist the Region of Waterloo in making a decision. Under the “Municipal Act”, personal information such as name, address, telephone number, and property location that may be included in a submission becomes part of the public record. Questions regarding the collection of information should be referred to the person indicated above. If concerns regarding this project cannot be resolved in discussion with the Region of Waterloo, a person or party may request that the Minister of Environment and Climate Change make an order for the project to comply with Part II of the Environmental Assessment Act (referred to as a Part II Order), which addresses individual environmental assessments. Requests for a Part II Order must be received by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change by Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at the following address: Minister of the Environment and Climate Change 77 Wellesley Street West, 11th Floor, Ferguson Block Toronto, Ontario M7A 2T5 Phone: 416-314-6790 Fax: 416-314-6748 Email: Minister.MOECC@ontario.ca The request to the Minister must be copied to the Region’s Project Manager. If no request is received by Wednesday, January 31, 2018, this phase of the project will be deemed as complete. This notice is being provided pursuant to the Environmental Assessment Act, the Municipal Engineers Association’s Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, dated October 2000, as amended in 2007, 2011, and 2015 and the direction of the Ministry of Environment. This notice was first issued on December 14, 2017.

STATION: Some councillors suggest the office

should be central rather than in Wellesley Village

FROM | 3

Wellesley,” said Wagner. “It is the town of Wellesley, and it’s not central for the Township of Wellesley. And for us who don’t represent the town of Wellesley, we are quite often explaining to our residents why everything is going to the town of Wellesley,” she added. Goetz said the arena was selected in large part because of the popularity of the spot. “I’m going to suggest that probably most people go to that arena, for recre-

ation or you have festivals there; you have your fall fairs there,” he said. “So in terms of best visibility to the community, that’s probably why that site was selected.” The police service remains open to suggestions, he noted. He also pointed to a separate study being done by the regional police to determine the best location from which to deploy police in rural areas. “What’s part of the next business cycle for the 2018 to 2020 business plan ... is to look at how we deploy

best for rural,” he said. “And that may or may not involve a new site to deploy from.” No specific timeline for the satellite project has been sent, but a sample contract for the arena space has been sent to the township for review. “That will come back to council in January for discussion and approval, and if council approves that then I think we could probably have something in place by March,” said township chief administrative officer Rik Louwagie.

NEWS | 9

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

PLANNING / PROTECTING FARMLAND

Province eyes expansion of Greenbelt into the townships Already protecting land in the Golden Horseshoe, plan would be extended following public consultation FAISAL ALI A PROPOSED EXPANSION OF the provincial Greenbelt, an area of land protected from urban development, casts an eye on Waterloo Region’s four rural townships. Maps included in the early stages of public consultation take in parts of Woolwich and Wellesley townships, along with larger areas of Wilmot and North Dumfries. Established in 2005, the Greenbelt currently spans some two million acres of land, mostly surrounding the Golden Horseshoe area around Lake Ontario. The belt designates large swathes of the area as farmland or other natural features to help preserve the land from development. Extending the belt into Waterloo Region would place these lands under the policies of the Greenbelt Plan, potentially restricting future development. Regional Chair Ken Seiling, while approving of the concept behind the Greenbelt, said he was concerned that the plan could potentially weaken the region’s current land-use policies. “My view has always been the same at regional council. We have a very strong land-use planning regime

here in the Region of Waterloo ... and our position has always been, ‘we want the strongest of the two positions,’” he said. “If the Greenbelt strengthens where we’re at, that’s fine. But if it weakens any of the provisions we have currently in our plans, we don’t want that to happen. So we’ll wait and see what the province is proposing, but certainly we don’t want any weakening of what we have in our planning document.” Seiling pointed to a weakening of the region’s own official plan, its overarching land-use and planning document, when the province refused to help defend the document from attacks by developers. Challenges at the Ontario Municipal Board following the 2009 release of the official plan led to six years of legal battles and a watered-down document. “We had some problems a few years ago when our official plan was challenged by developers and the province at that time, for whatever reason, didn’t defend us,” he said. “So we’d lost some of what we had in our plan ... in terms of lands to be preserved. We don’t want a repeat of that.” A spokesperson for the

Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Geoffroi Bouchard, said that municipalities within the Greenbelt would be required to conform with the rules of the Greenbelt Plan; however, he noted that the plan accommodated local policies to an extent. “In general, the Greenbelt Plan states that where local policies are more restrictive than those in the plan, they may continue to apply,” said Bouchard in an emailed statement. “With certain exceptions related to agricultural uses and mineral aggregate resources.” While the Greenbelt has received some support from farmers, Neil Currie, general manager of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, said there were lingering issues with how the plan was executed. “We had some concerns with the Greenbelt in terms of the boundaries itself and where the lines are drawn and why. Generally, the notion of protecting farmland is obviously favourable, as far as we’re concerned,” said Currie. A common sticking point, he said, was when the Greenbelt was extended to lands that were not necessarily viable farmland, restricting any other uses for the land.

Close-up of Area 1 Study Area for Potential Greenbelt Expansion Settlement Areas The province is considering expanding the Greenbelt into parts of Waterloo Region. Currie said that the OFA was still studying the maps presented by the province on the Greenbelt expansion, and could not yet comment on the proposal. But for Kevin Thomason, co-founder of the Smart Growth Waterloo Region advocacy group, the expansion of the Greenbelt into the region was unequivocally great news. While he strongly supported the Region’s official plan as sound, he said joining the Greenbelt would prevent future politicians from tampering with the protections. “We know in this era of rogue politicians, we need a second layer of support. Because all it takes is one - and we see this in many other jurisdictions, where one rogue politician is undoing years of effort,” he said. “So if we have strong

provincial protection plus good local protection, then we truly have the best of both worlds.” Thomason explained that because the land-use rules in Waterloo Region are already so robust, joining the Greenbelt would not change anything in their fields. “Unless you’re planning on giving up your farm, it’s not changing the way you grow your corn, or your soybeans, or what sort of barn you can build, or where your manure pit needs to be, or anything like that,” he said. Ultimately, while landuse laws are seldom considered by the public, they have an enormous impact on communities by directing future growth and development, said Thomason. “These are the large,

[SUBMITTED]

landscape-based decisions that only come along once in a generation. You know, we’re really defining the Greenbelt. We’re saying here, ‘what are the areas that are important to us? What do we value? What are we going to protect for the next generation or beyond? And what are we going to pave over and think nothing about?’” The province has presented a map of the expansion, but they are asking feedback from people who actually live on the lands in question. Those interested in submitting comments online can find the comment form through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs website (www.mah. gov.on.ca, under Land use planning system). Further public consultations are also planned for 2018.

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

Residential & Commercial Sales, Service & Installation

BEWARE OF ELECTROLYSIS

HAIR REMOVAL! The results are permanent.

Wishing a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to All of Our Clients & Their Families!

WISHING YOU A

Thank you for your patronage

CALL OR EMAIL FOR

FURNACE MAINTENANCE

UPGRADE YOUR FURNACE TODAY!

FREE Estimates!

Competitive Rates

WE ARE YOUR SOURCE FOR:

BOOK APPOINTMENTS ONLINE

www.koebelhcm.com

Before

• • • • •

After

& HAPPY NEW YEAR From Our Family to Yours

Advanced Cosmetic Procedures Laser • Electrolysis Microblading IPL (Photofacial) Waxing

2065 Floradale Rd. Elmira, ON.

Basics Beauty & Beyond

519-669-0237

Our plant is 100% Gluten Free

PHONE: 519-669-2300

TOLL FREE: 844-669-2300

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

10 | COMMENT

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

JOE MERLIHAN PUBLISHER STEVE KANNON EDITOR

COMMENT

DONNA RUDY SALES MANAGER

ALI WILSON REPORTER

FAISAL ALI

PATRICK MERLIHAN PRODUCTION MANAGER

JAKE STALLARD GRAPHIC DESIGN

REPORTER PUBLICATION MAIL AGREEMENT NUMBER 1004840 | ISSN 12039578

OUR VIEW / EDITORIAL

THE VIEW FROM HERE

A Christmas wish-list for ol’ Saint Nick DEAR SANTA, We know things are a little busy for you right now, but we hope you can find the time to have a look at our wish list. Some of them you’ve heard from us before, and probably from a few others, too. Just to refresh your memory, we asked only for gifts for others, as we’d like to spread the good cheer in keeping with the character of the season. We’ve pointed out how residents of the townships, region, province and even the country as a whole haven’t always got what they deserved, especially from the politicians and bureaucrats who are supposed to be serving the public. Sometimes just the opposite, in fact. Again, we ask this in the true spirit of Christmas – please note that we are not looking for anything for ourselves. We only want what is best for others. That said, here is our wish list for some of the folks who have graced the pages of The Observer – some naughty and some nice. For Woolwich council: a bit more savvy, and the backbone to use it. That way, councillors might figure out that many of the policies formulated by bureaucrats – here and at Queen’s Park – are designed against the public interest, not for the people. For Wellesley council: a bit more largesse from upper tier governments, in recognition that councillors tend to make spending decisions as if there is no bottomless well and taxpayers’ wallets actually matter. For regional council: a primer on basic economics. Oh, and a choo-choo train of their very own. For regional residents: deliverance. And not on the nonexistent but expensive choo-choo train. For MPP Michael Harris: Kathleen Wynne to keep doing what she’s doing right through election day. For Premier Kathleen Wynne: selection to the manned mission to Mars. For Ontarians: Wynne’s selection to the manned mission to Mars, starting today. For MP Harold Albrecht: a bit more style for his party’s new leader to go with the substance. For Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: a bit more substance to go with the style. Oh, and awareness that spending platitudes do not equal leadership; likewise for wasteful spending. For the people of the U.S.: a whole lot less Donald Trump. Better yet, none at all. For pundits and cartoonists: a whole lot more Donald Trump. Fish, barrel, rifle. For our readers: all the best for the holiday season. And a very Merry Christmas. Christmas is the closest thing we have to a universal holiday; even the purveyors of junk food shut down for the day. Not everyone gets a pass from work, of course. From convenience stores to essential services, some people have to toil while the rest of us get to enjoy a day off, whether we celebrate Christmas or not. It’s a time of year that should be relaxing and carefree. Many of us can count our blessings, but that’s not the case for everyone in our community. For some, the season means extra hardship as an already bare cupboard suddenly seems particularly barren. Then there’s the stress of dealing with the disappointed looks in their children’s eyes. This harsh reality does not jibe with our sense of what Christmas should be. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to do something to change reality in our little corner of the world. While response to local drives has been good, it’s not too late to make a difference by dropping off a toy, clothing item or food item in support of those who need them.

“Happy Who-lidays from The Observer.” WORLD VIEW / GWYNNE DYER

Despite ISIS’ decline, things aren’t as over as they seem WORLD AFFAIRS LATE LAST MONTH, RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin met the leaders of Iran, Turkey and Syria, allegedly to discuss a final peace settlement in the Syrian civil war. Last week he was in Syria to announce a partial withdrawal of Russian troops from the country because they had inflicted a “total rout” on the jihadist militants of Islamic State. Is the war really over? Islamic State, formerly known as ISIS, no longer exists as an actual, physical state in either Iraq or Syria. Last summer it lost Mosul, Iraq’s second city, to Iraqi troops backed by U.S. air power. Over the past four months it has lost all of eastern Syria, including its capital Raqqa, to a variety of forces including Kurdish, Syrian, and Iranian troops and American and Russian bombers. Just one year ago, Islamic State controlled a territory the size of Belgium and the Netherlands, with

7 or 8 million people. Now it is homeless, and even its propaganda output has dropped by 90 per cent as its video production facilities were overrun one after the other. Its credibility among the faithful has taken an even bigger hit. When the ISIS leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, declared the re-founding of the traditional Islamic Caliphate in the territory controlled by ISIS in mid-2014, he was claiming quite specifically that the enterprise had God’s blessing. So it’s deeply embarrassing when it loses all that territory again within 30 months to the local ‘enemies of God’ and their infidel foreign allies. The standard tactic of prophets, when their prophecies don’t come true, is to say that God is just testing people’s faith. We are already seeing some of this in ISIS propaganda, but the people who watch it are not complete fools. If they are fanatics interested in waging jihad, they will not abandon the idea, but they will look for some other organization that has a better claim to divine support. That alternative organization, at least in Syria, is

al-Qaeda. It still has credibility because it planned and carried out the 9/11 attacks, and its Syrian branch still controls most of the province of Idlib in northwestern Syria. It was never as interested as Islamic State in attracting foreign volunteers, but if you’re a Syrian jihadi, it’s now the destination of choice. The Syria branch of al-Qaeda was known as al-Nusra for a long time, but in the past two years it has changed its name approximately every second weekend in a bid to disguise its origins. It wasn’t trying to hide its loyalties from potential recruits. It was pretending to be a ‘moderate’ rebel group so that it wouldn’t get hit by American bombers. This didn’t actually fool the Americans, of course, but it did allow them to denounce the Russians – who WERE bombing al-Nusra/ al-Qaeda – as evil allies of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad who were killing ‘good’ rebels. Oh, and killing innocent civilians, too, as if American bombs never hit civilians. Al-Nusra was the Russians’ main target because

it was a bigger threat to the survival of the Syrian government than Islamic State. It was al-Nusra, for example, that controlled the eastern half of Aleppo, Syria’s biggest city, until Assad’s forces took it back a year ago with the help of Russian bombers and artillery. Remember how the Western media covered the end of that siege? They never mentioned al-Qaeda or al-Nusra, and you never saw a fighter in the video clips coming out of east Aleppo. They just ran the footage of suffering civilians without any further comment or context. It was hard to tell whether Barack Obama’s State Department was being delusional or merely hypocritical, but it insisted that there was a ‘third force’ of non-jihadi Syrians that was also trying to overthrow Assad. The U.S. was supporting them, and the wicked Russians were trying to kill them. But the ‘third force’ didn’t exist: it had been swallowed up by al-Nusra years ago. So the U.S. bombed Islamic State and nobody DYER | 12

COMMENT | 11

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

THEIR VIEW / QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What is the number one present you asked Santa for?

» Sophie Hallman

» Mills Debrieze

» Owen Hall

» Evan Hall

» Frazer Allen

“My first thing was a L.O.L. doll.”

“I want an iPad. A new iPad.”

“Xbox.”

“An Extreme Passer Pro.”

“Nintendo Switch.”

“The U.S. was supporting them, and the wicked Russians were trying to kill them.” Gwynne Dyer | 10 HIS VIEW / STEVE KANNON

Having a merry little Christmas now applies to just about everybody EDITOR'S NOTES SO PREOCCUPIED WITH DEFENDING their indefensible attachment to Donald Trump, the right-wing contingent of foaming evangelicals and truth-averse media have dialed back the war-onChristmas rhetoric this year. It’s a welcome change, even if the other topics aren’t. Moreover, the takingthe-Christ-out-of-Christmas arguments are both stale and irrelevant. Yes, we’re suffering from way too much political correctness, but likewise it doesn’t really matter if there’s a Christ in Christmas. It’s become a secular holiday, while remaining a holy day for others. Let’s be clear: this is no mere greeting card holiday. Of all the holidays on the calendar, none compares to Christmas. It comes with its own magic. Rather than fretting about what it’s become – a subjective take, at best – maybe we should just enjoy the season, observing it as we see fit and holding

on to our own traditions. The very things that make Christmas special – goodwill, time spent with family and friends, the festive atmosphere – have nothing to do with religion. Sure, the impetus may have come from a Christian holy day, but many of those trappings were co-opted from earlier, pagan rituals. Nothing we now associate with Christ-mass comes from the Bible, for instance. It wasn’t until the 4th century that Christians started emphasizing birth of Christ, rolling the narrative into longstanding solstice celebrations. Notably, imperial Rome marked Sol Invictus (invincible sun) with a feast on December 25, a celebration that included lighting candles, giving gifts and public festivals – all rolled into the Christ-centered narrative when Emperor Constantine adopted Christianity. The myths and celebrations expanded from there to embrace more cultures as Christianity spread across Europe. It’s always evolved, just as it’s doing now. Despite some vitriol, even Americans – the most

HOW TO REACH US

46 per cent who see it as more of a religious holiday than a cultural holiday and nine per cent who celebrate Christmas as both a religious and a cultural occasion. Those numbers are down from the last such survey in 2013, when 59 per cent of Americans said they celebrated Christmas as a religious holiday, with 51 per cent seeing it as more religious than cultural and seven per cent who marked the day as both a religious and a cultural holiday. “For more than a decade, conservative commentators and others – perhaps most prominently former Fox News host Bill O’Reilly – have been warning about what they perceive as a ‘War on Christmas,’ or an effort to remove religious elements of the holiday from the public sphere. Conflicts over related issues have continued this year, and Donald Trump has repeatedly said, both during the 2016 presidential campaign and since his election, that Americans will be ‘saying merry Christmas again’ during his presidency,” says the Pew Center study.

When asked directly, most respondents in the new poll say they think religious aspects of Christmas are emphasized less in American society today than in the past. But relatively few Americans both perceive this trend and are bothered by it. Overall, 31 per cent of adults say they are bothered at least “some” by the declining emphasis on religion in the way the U.S. commemorates Christmas, including 18 per cent who say they are bothered “a lot” by this. But the remaining two-thirds of the U.S. public either is not bothered by a perceived decline in religion in Christmas or does not believe that the emphasis on the religious elements of Christmas is waning. As with just about everything in the States, opinions are split on partisan lines. Take the issue of traditional Christian themes in displays such as nativity scenes on public property – 54 per cent of Republicans are fine with that, while half has many Democrats agree. Also not surprisingly, young people are less likely to get caught up in the debate,

especially along religious or political lines, meaning the secular trend will continue. That takes nothing away from the holiday. In fact, it may give a boost to all its best qualities by making it more inclusive. Many of us hold Christmas in our hearts, if only because yuletide events are among our most cherished childhood memories, despite the impressions those old notions of Christmas have either come under attack or gone by the wayside. For Christians, there is the significance of celebrating Christ’s birth – and all that it entails – in observing the holiday. But even among that group, Christmas has become a more secular event: the holiday we celebrate today, with its grab-bag of “traditions,” is the product of many inputs beyond the birth of a baby boy some 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem. Today, we decry some of what Christmas has become. Of course, it’s highly commercialized – some of the symbols we use today were in fact created KANNON | 12

PHONE 519.669.5790 | TOLL FREE 1.888.966.5942 | FAX 519.669.5753 | ONLINE WWW.OBSERVERXTRA.COM

ADDRESS 20-B ARTHUR ST. N., ELMIRA, ON N3B 1Z9 LETTERS

divided and least secular of advanced Western nations – seem to be fine with that. A report earlier this month from the Pew Research Center, for instance, finds that the religions aspects of Christmas are emphasized less than in the past, with fewer people bothered by that fact. “Not only are some of the more religious aspects of Christmas less prominent in the public sphere, but there are signs that they are on the wane in Americans’ private lives and personal beliefs as well,” says the report. “For instance, there has been a noticeable decline in the percentage of U.S. adults who say they believe that biblical elements of the Christmas story – that Jesus was born to a virgin, for example – reflect historical events that actually occurred. And although most Americans still say they mark the occasion as a religious holiday, there has been a slight drop in recent years in the share who say they do this.” Today, 55 per cent of American adults say they celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday, including

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

EDITORIAL

ADVERTISING

PRODUCTION

PUBLISHER

519.669.5790 EXT 103

519.669.5790 EXT 104

519.669.5790 EXT 105

519.669.5790 EXT 107

editor@woolwichobserver.com

ads@woolwichobserver.com

production@woolwichobserver.com

publisher@woolwichobserver.com

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

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

12 | COMMENT THE MONITOR

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

VERBATIM

THIS WEEK IN HISTORY

The survey found 28% of respondents considered smoking cannabis occasionally for non-medical purposes to be completely socially acceptable, compared to 19% for using tobacco (including cigarettes, cigars or snuff) and 56% for consuming alcohol. Some 18% of respondents who reported using cannabis in the past 12 months consumed cannabis daily; more than half of respondents (55%) reported using cannabis 3 days or less per month.

“Like Scrooge, Canada’s big businesses and banks are trying to keep all the money for themselves, and key changes are needed to close loopholes and match the average tax rate in G7 countries to ensure they pay their fair share of taxes. As well, Canada’s big banks have gouged their way to record profits again this year, and key changes are needed to stop the gouging and ensure they serve all customers fairly at fair prices.”

Don’t be looking for any post-Christmas specials at the St. Jacobs Wal-Mart next week. Green-lighted by Woolwich council at this time last year, the anchor store of the King/86 power centre was slated to open its doors Jan. 1, 2004. But stalled negotiations between developer First Professional and Waterloo Region have construction well off in the future – at the heart of the dispute is who should pay for required improvements to the bridge at Hwy. 85 and King Street.

» Health Canada 2017 Canadian Cannabis Survey

» Duff Conacher, co-founder of Democracy Watch, on the organization’s petition

» From the Dec. 20, 2003 edition of The Observer

drive to have big businesses and big banks pay their fair share of taxes

DYER: Russian election a factor

NATIONAL VIEW

FROM | 10

else, while the Russians only did that occasionally. Instead, they concentrated on bombing al-Nusra, which held territory much closer to Syria’s big cities. And Washington scored propaganda points by claiming that the Russians were bombing innocent civilians and ‘good’ rebels. Now, with Islamic State defeated, the U.S. forces will probably leave eastern Syria. (They have no legal status

there, since they were never invited in by the Syrian government or authorized to intervene by the United Nations.) But most of the Russian forces will stay, because it will probably take another year to destroy al-Nusra in Idlib province. So why was Putin in Syria to announce a Russian troop withdrawal? Because there’s a presidential election coming up in Russia, and he wanted to declare a victory and bring some troops home now. But the war goes on.

KANNON: Naturally inclusive FROM | 11

by marketers – almost to the point of overkill. But there has always been something – a feeling in the air perhaps – that made the season lift the spirits beyond anything the so-called greeting-card holidays could ever do for us. That feeling of warmth and goodwill, no matter your take on Christmas, is

tangible; in some ways, it appears on the wane today as business, stress, and political correctness intrude on the holiday – much as they do on our lives as we progress from childhood into our adult lives. That is undoubtedly a shame. Maintaining our childlike enthusiasm would make Christmas, and many other things, far more enjoyable.

Have Yourself A Very

HOLIDAY HOURS Dec 25th & Dec 26th CLOSED Dec 31st & Jan 1st CLOSED

30 Arthur St. S., Elmira 519-669-9028

from the staff of

Woolwich Physiotherapy 8 - 25 Industrial Dr., Elmira, Ontario | 519.669.2578 Serving Elmira and the Surrounding Communities Since 1 1993

w w w.woolwichphy sio.c a

519-669-8511

toll free: 1-888-669-8511 www.freysflowers.com

519.669.3362

www.cjbrubacher.com

19 First Street East, Elmira

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

COMMENT | 13

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

• SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS

This time of year brings festivities and family fun. It is a time for reminiscing and looking forward. Wishing you wonderful memories during this joyous season.

• MERRY CHRISTMAS • HAPPY NEW YEAR • MERRY CHRISTMAS • HAPPY NEW YEAR • MERRY

Blessings At Christmas During the holiday season more than ever our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our progress possible. And in this spirit we say, simply but sincerely thank you and best wishes for the holiday season and a happy new year.

www.cribit.com

From All of Us at:

• SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • 519-664-3701

GRAY’S AUCTION SERVICE INC., HARRISTON BARRY | (519) 338-3722 | LICENSED & BONDED

Fourth Line, Wallenstein | 519.698.9930 • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS7705 • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS

• MERRY CHRISTMAS • HAPPY NEW YEAR • MERRY CHRISTMAS • HAPPY NEW YEAR • MERRY

Merry Christmas

With Christmas comes faith, hope, and love. Wishing all the best for you and

May the holidays bring plenty of happiness and joy to your heart.

your family.

BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON AND OUR SINCEREST THANKS FOR YOUR BUSINESS! MAY THE NEW YEAR BRING PEACE AND PROSPERITY!

All the Best in the New Year!

Merry Christmas from PHONE 519-884-2082 FAX 519-884-0509

9 Mill Street, Elmira 519-669-5161

At This Time Of Year…

“HELPING YOU IS WHAT WE DO.”

90 Earl Martin Dr., Unit 4, Elmira N3B 3L4

519-669-3192 www.wollerealty.com

Thoughts turn to loved ones, both past and present, of happy childhood memories Unwrapping toys, helping with the baking and licking the bowl, Remembering always their kindness and love. Sweet times gone by During your time of loss and sorrow, thank you for the confidence placed in us. 1172 Henry Street, Wellesley, N0B 2T0 519-656-2880 chris@futher-franklinfuneralhome.com www.futher-franklinfuneralhome.com

• SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • MERRY CHRISTMAS • HAPPY NEW YEAR • MERRY CHRISTMAS • HAPPY NEW YEAR • MERRY

14 | SPORTS

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

SPORTS SKATING / THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Volunteers on thin ice just now Woolwich residents who build and maintain outdoor rinks continue the battle against the elements ALI WILSON

Developing strategies for enjoying winter OPEN COUNTRY

As with others in Breslau, Vicky Trendell-Taylor, community development coordinator for Woolwich Township, is waiting on appropriate weather to provide ice for the rink in the park. [ALI WILSON / THE OBSERVER]

some people skating out there.” This is the first year Trendell-Taylor has coordinated and worked with the volunteers who build and maintain the rinks. Although the township does not take the lead on the outdoor rinks, each is built on public property so staff is there to support in any way they can, whether that’s to purchase new shovels or connect volunteers with local businesses for acquiring products.

As a Breslau resident prior to her experience behind the scenes, she says she’s always admired the work the volunteers do. “I have lived in Breslau for about five years, and that rink, I didn’t know until I started working for the township, is also run by volunteers,” she said. “We have some very passionate volunteers, so we are lucky.” Spending the countless hours it takes to maintain and build the rinks, espe-

cially in this part of Ontario where the weather can fluctuate quickly, as it did this week, pays off for volunteers when they get to see others enjoying the fruits of their labours, she said. “As a resident, I feel like these people are passionate about their communities,” she said. “Speaking with one of the Breslau volunteers, the lead volunteer, he said in a day and age where we have so much conscious about mental health and physical activity, we really

need something for these kids to be able to do when it’s dark and gloomy and cold.” Trendell-Taylor has seen firsthand the work that these volunteers have done in providing the community with a place for all to enjoy Canada’s favourite pastime. “My oldest son has been going to the Breslau rink since he was probably in Grade 4 and he is in Grade

CHRISTMAS IS JUST AROUND the corner and that gets me excited for a lot of reasons. You can’t help but look forward to the gathering of family, the fantastic food and the giving of gifts. Then there is the wonderful spirit that accompanies the season, which includes kindness, charity and a renewed community spirit. All of that is fantastic. But Christmas is also the beginning of the winter outdoors season. This is the time when savvy outdoors enthusiasts gather ice fishing gear, dust off snowshoes or clean rabbithunting gear. And then when no one is looking, they hide it. For this year, we say to ourselves, we will not waste the magic of winter one bit. No, we will finally enjoy winter the way it was meant to be enjoyed – with dry socks from a chair beside the heating grate. The campaign to do so begins on January 1 – the day we realize we forgot

RINKS | 18

GALEA | 15

Thank you Elmira and surrounding areas for your continued support! From the SOS Staff Team

Church St

r St

S St Ar

We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain good health in 2018.

Wa lke

THE VAGARIES OF THE weather have made outdoor rinks increasingly difficult to maintain. Determined to keep up with a quintessentially Canadian wintertime experience, however, Woolwich has a cadre of volunteers who do their best to provide venues for fun outside. Outdoor rinks in Breslau, Conestogo, Maryhill and Elmira are all made possible with the assistance of tireless volunteers who build and maintain the facilities. “It baffles me every year how lucky we are to have the great volunteers that we have,” said Vicky Trendell-Taylor, community development coordinator for Woolwich Township. Volunteers across the township have been hard at work to get the various outdoor rinks skate ready. For some, the boards have just been set. Others have yet to be touched. And as of this past weekend, Maryhill had ice in place. “Maryhill’s is open now and they also have a very beautiful rink,” said Trendell-Taylor, noting that as of this past week it was the only one confirmed to be open. “They are all great, but they have a very nice updated one.” “I was out there on the weekend and there were

NOT SO GREAT OUTDOORSMAN / STEVE GALEA

519 •6 6 9 •1 2 1 2

w w w.sosphysiotherapy. c a

3 Wyat t

St .

ELMIR A

Jam es St

E ast

att

SPORTS | 15

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

GALEA: Finding ways to enjoy winter outings, even if you’ve got to fool yourself into believing them FROM | 14

to renew our fishing and hunting licences. This can happen to any outdoors enthusiast, of course. The real skill comes in delaying renewal. This is something I have never been able to accomplish. These days, we simply have too many options. We can phone in, go online or visit a local outdoors shop and have a fishing or hunting licence handed to us in a second.

And once we have these in hand, it’s a downhill slide from there. That is to say, once you’ve got valid licences, there’s no excuse for not enjoying winter and the frigid temperatures it brings. Sure, you can fake the flu ’til spring, but that’s probably not the best thing for your career. Although, when you weigh a demotion or loss of job against the chance to avoid a winter camping excursion, the

old flu ploy does not sound all that bad. Needless to say, there are more reasonable ways to avoid spending a lot of time outside in winter. Yes, it’s certainly not easy to make your own fake body cast, but when you consider that this will keep you from jigging for hours on a frozen windswept lake for lake trout that always fall within the slot size, it’s probably worth the effort. The problem with both

of these solutions is that every outdoorsman has an overly enthusiastic friend who loves winter camping, fishing and hunting. They also play football without a helmet. These are folks that will continually hound you until you finally give in and go ice fishing or on a rabbit hunting adventure. Worse still, their enthusiasm will make you forget things like why you dislike icicles growing out of each nostril or why blue

skin is not a good colour on you. And, before you know it, you’ll be doing something silly like peeling off your body cast and putting on a pair of snowshoes. From there on in, you will be out so often that you will actually end up enjoying winter through no fault of your own; I blame the brain freeze. It will happen grudgingly at first. You’ll somehow have a good day ice fishing – meaning there will be no hooks attached

to any part of your new snow suit. Next, you might actually snowshoe for an hour or two without doing a face plant. After that, you’ll realize the night you chose for winter camping might end up being the mildest that season. That part will be the best winter experience of all – but only because you’ll realize this from the warmth of your bed due to that darn flu. In the meantime, Merry Christmas.

HOCKEY/ JUNIOR B

Kings drop games against Guelph and Stratford They’ll be looking for redemption and positive momentum this weekend ahead of two-week Christmas break FAISAL ALI THE SUGAR KINGS ARE looking for a little Christmas magic this weekend to reverse last week’s skid. In Guelph December 21, the Kings fell 2-1 to the Hurricanes, returning home Sunday for yet another hit in the form of a 4-2 loss to Stratford. Thursday’s match against the Hurricanes saw the Kings take nothing for granted, the two teams having exchanged lopsided victories this season. They had every reason to be cautious stepping onto the ice. The game was hard fought, and while the Kings outshot the Hurricanes 30-23, it wasn’t enough to swing the difference. For the first 20 minutes of play, neither side could make a dent. It was not until the second period when, almost right from the get-go, the Hurricanes potted their first marker of the night. Guelph was up 1-0 hardly a minute into the second, but the Kings promptly answered with one of their own soon after. At 7:55, Ethan Wiseman found the back of the opponent’s net, with Kurtis Goodwin and Zack Cameron picking up assists. The game went into an even rhythm right up until the final two minutes of the period when Guelph broke the tie with their second of the night, sending them off the ice up 2-1. The final stanza of the game turned out to be just as stubborn as the first, leaving the Kings behind in a one-goal rut. Not helping, the Kings lost Wiseman to the box at 10:58 for the remainder of the game. The Kings pulled their netminder, Tyler Mazzocato, in the final minute of play, but it wasn’t enough to

make the difference, and the game ultimately ended in a 2-1 defeat. “I thought against Guelph we dictated the pace of the game, for the majority of it,” noted head coach Trent Brown. “I can think of right now, off the top, about five or six opportunities that we just didn’t capitalize on again. That we could have opened up the game wide open.” Returning from Thursday’s game, the Kings had a few days to recuperate before they were back on home ice Sunday afternoon. This time, they were facing-off against the second-place Stratford Warriors. From the start, it was going to be a tough battle, but the Kings drew first blood. Jeremey Goodwin, the team’s point leader, potted the opening goal at 11:20, with assists going to Ethan Skinner and Wiseman. The Elmira team had about five minutes of glory, however, before the Warriors answered on the power play, sending both teams off the ice in a deadeven heat. The second period was the reverse, with Stratford picking up the first goal at 9:50, followed by the Kings at 15:25. Once again, it was Goodwin who potted it, with new defensive acquisition Braydon Munn and Skinner claiming assists. “I think just working the areas that puts me and my teammates in a spot to succeed is what’s working for me right now,” said Goodwin immediately after the game of his two goals. “Hopefully I can keep doing that.” The Kings were in top form during the second period, playing fast and lean on the ice and holding KINGS | 18

Elmira’s Jeremey Goodwin gets one by Stratford netminder Ruan Badenhorst during Sunday’s game at the WMC. He had a pair, but the visitors won 4-2. [FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER]

Christmas Eve Family Service 4 & 6pm | 850 Sawmill Rd. Bloomingdale | kcf.org

16 | SPORTS

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

Wishing you the joy, love, and peace of the Christmas season.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105 2 Arthur Street S., Elmira | 519.669.8225 www.kitchenkuttings.com

From your friends at

Always In Touch

Thank you to all of our loyal customers & friends for your support in 2017.

Connecting values and faith with finances can impact the world in amazing ways! Join Kindred today and experience #BankingWithPurpose.

ALWAYS IN TOUCH.

www.dti-logistics.com

Shipping Made Easy.

For All Your Transporation Needs.

Between Canada & USA

√ FLATBED/VAN √ EXPEDITE/LTL/TL

info@kindredcu.com | 519.669.1529 | www.kindredcu.com

3860 Manser Rd.,GREETINGS Linwood | 519-698-2610 | 1-800-663-2941GREETINGS 3585 LOBSINGER LINE, ST. CLEMENTS | 519.699.5018 | 1.800.266.2671 • SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S • SEASON’S • SEASON’S GREETINGS •

• HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • MERRY CHRISTMAS • HAPPY NEW YEAR • MERRY CHRISTMAS • HAPPY NEW YEAR • MERRY

Season’s greetings! —From the team at RLB Kitchener • Guelph • Fergus • Orangeville

rlb.ca

SPORTS | 17

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

HOCKEY / JUNIOR C

Margins are close as Jacks split latest pair of games Special teams key in loss to Ayr Centennials; Wellesley hangs on in wild third period to edge Woodstock Navy Vets FAISAL ALI ONE GOAL EITHER WAY was the margin as the Jacks split the pair of games they played last week. Facing the Centennials in Ayr December 14, Wellesley fell 3-2 to the South Doherty Division’s first-place team before returning home Saturday night to edge the visiting Woodstock Navy Vets by a score of 6-5. Given the closeness of the scores, both games could have turned out differently. Of course, battling against the Ayr Centennials was always going to be tough, but the Jacks had a strong showing against them. “We have had success against Ayr this season, and the guys are playing with a different type of confidence against them this year,” said head coach Brad Gerber. “Because we know we can play with them and we know we can win some games from them.” On Thursday, the Jacks

started the game off with a bang, as Spencer Brick scored at 1:51, with Shaun Pickering and Alex Uttley providing the assists. It was a strong start, but the early lead was soon negated by an Ayr play at nine minutes, knotting the teams up 1-1 for the remainder of the frame. It was the special teams that turned out to be the deciding factor of this game, as Ayr picked up their second goal of the match on the power play, six minutes into the second. They followed that up with yet another power play marker at 13 minutes. Uttley (Brick, Greg Huber) answered back at 17:28, however, turning it back into a one-goal game again and setting things up for the final stanza. The last 20 minutes saw no scoring, however, as the Jacks tried and failed to even the game. In the final 90 seconds, the Jacks pulled goalie Ryan Hergott for some extra firepower, but to no avail. The win came down to Ayr going 2-5 on the power play while Wellesley was

0-5. “We got a little bit of penalty trouble in the second period and that was kind of the difference in the game,” said Gerber about the game. “I thought in the third period we outshout them, we out played them. We had chances to tie that game up, but the puck just didn’t bounce for us. But again, it’s all about playing 60 minutes.” Back home on Saturday night, the Jacks squared off against the Woodstock Navy Vets, inching by with a slim 6-5 victory despite an offensive burst from Woodstock in the final third of the game. It’s fair to say that the first two periods belonged squarely to the Jacks, as Wellesley put up goal after goal to the tune of a cheering crowd. Just 2:21 in, the Jacks drew first blood with Trent Lamarche (Tomas Azzano, Nicholas Bigioni) picking up the point. It was a strong start that was doubled by a second goal, unassisted, by Pickering at 7:19. That would be all the

“THIS IS MY PASSION!” WE D ESIGN AND BUILD KITCHENS • Baths • Rec Rooms • ADDITIONS NEW HOMES & TOTAL HOME MAKEOVERS

Woodstock scrum the net and Applejacks goalie Ryan Porter during Saturday’s game in Wellesley. [FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER]. With 5-1 on the board at 11-minutes. Uttley (Nick scoring for the first period, and 20 on the clock, it Mercier, Brick) potted anwith the Jacks up 2-0. seemed the Jacks all but other at 15:33. And then, “Shaun [Pickering]’s got had this game in the bag, with just 20 seconds left on a heck of a shot. We’re alright? Well, no. Because the clock, Pickering (Utways telling him to shoot call it momentum or tley, Brick) picked up yet more and use it more, and Christmas magic, but whatanother for the final goal of when he does he scores,” ever had given the Jacks the period. said Gerber. the edge in the first 40 “For 40 minutes there, The second frame saw minutes had suddenly vanwe played almost a perfect the Navy Vets recover, ished, or even swung over hockey game,” said Gerber. somewhat, with their to the Navy Vets. “We’re up 5-1. The guys first goal of the match at “We started to make poor are playing good smart 6:17. But the Applejacks hockey, they’re keeping the decisions,” said Gerber. responded in kind, hitting Woodstock took the ofback fast and often. Azzano game simple, making good choices with and without (Bigioni, Trent Dundas) JACKS | 19 the puck.” found the back of the net

3536 NAFZIGER RD. WELLESLEY, ON

519. 6 5 6 . 2 0 6 2

www.danielbisch.com

18 | SPORTS

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

RINKS: It’s the volunteers who

keep outdoor options available FROM | 14

10 now. Adults will come and the kids will come. And if the little preschoolers want to come and skate, then they will play a little game of hockey off on the side,” she said. “They are all so very conscientious and respectful of each other it is something you really don’t see anywhere else. I think they have a drive and a passion to watch our kids and give our kids a safe place to play. “It is just, it’s truly Canadian. It really, really is. I love it.” Tied to the weather, opening dates will vary and are unconfirmed – residents are advised to keep an eye out when visiting the parks. “Maryhill was open on Saturday night, but we

have had temperatures in the positives the last two days so I don’t really know – especially because I don’t know how much of a solid base they got,” she said of the weather. “There are some specifics that come into play like they have to have a certain thickness to have it open and unlocked for residents and for the public, but there are some things they have to follow – safety reasons. You don’t want a kid to get onto the ice and have their skate go through because its melted, so our volunteers will keep up on that and our maintenance guys will help out anytime that it is needed.” Outdoor rinks in Woolwich can be found at Breslau Memorial Park, Conestogo Park, Elmira Aspen Park and Maryhill Heritage Park.

KINGS: Looking for answers and wins going into the break good spots, the guys got below us there in D-zone.” The final nail in the coffin came at 17:05, when some fast footwork allowed Stratford’s Ryan Nicholson to pot on unassisted. The Kings pulled their goalie Mazzocato, but a penalty in the final minute of play forced Mazzocato back onto the ice to guard the net. “On the fourth one, [Nicholson] made a great shot. We made a terrible line change and they took advantage of it,” said Brown. “They’re a good team and when you give them opportunities like that, then they’ll definitely make you pay. “It was right off a D-zone face-off and we got possession of it, and we ran our face-off play that we wanted to,” he recalled. “We got the puck out of the zone but didn’t get it deep.”

FROM | 15

the Stratford team at a 2-2 stalemate. “Yeah, I’d agree there,” said Goodwin about their play in the second period. “For the most part, I felt that we put ourselves up for a good chance to win the game tonight. Unfortunately, we just came up short.” However heading into the third, Elmira seemed to be losing steam. They seemed a bit more sluggish out on the ice, a bit more worn, and the Warriors capitalized. Barely a minute-and-ahalf in, Stratford potted the tiebreaking goal, putting them up one over the home team; and from there they didn’t look back. “Third one, the guy got behind us again,” noted Brown. “[Stratford] were smart and put pucks to

Elmira goaltender Tyler Mazzocato fields the puck during Sunday’s game. The buzzer sounded with the final score resting at 4-2 in favour of Stratford. In the contest of the special teams, the Kings killed six of their seven penalties, but failed to capitalize on any of their six power plays. “I thought we competed really hard tonight, we stuck to our systems a lot better,” said Goodwin. “Everyone put the team

first and we came up a little short tonight, but it was a much better effort all around.” The Kings face a difficult end to the year, as after playing the secondplace Warriors (23-8) on Sunday, they’ll be taking on the first-place Listowel Cyclones (28-4) and thirdplace Waterloo Siskins (17-11-0-2) before going on a Christmas hiatus. The Kings are trailing the Siskins in fourth place with a record of 17-16. “It’s a good measuring stick for where we’re at,” said Brown of the final three games of 2017. The Kings will be playing their last two games backto-back this weekend. First on Friday in Listowel followed by a Saturday match in Waterloo. They’ll then have a two-week break before returning to the ice January 6.

THE SCORE

WOOLWICH WILDCATS

Atom: LL#3 Dec 09 vs Woolwich

Novice: LL #2 Dec 16 vs Embro Home: 1 Visitor: 6 Goals: Mason Maurice

Novice: LL #2 Dec 17 vs Twin Centre Home: 2 Visitor: 8 Goals: Grant Rintoul, Zion Shadd

Novice: MAJOR Dec 15 vs Dundas Home: 6 Visitor: 0 Goals: Zack Forwell (4), Nolan Martin (2) Assists: Evan Hall, Mason Gear, Reese Martin Shutouts: Cohen Patterson/ Cohen Hamburger

Novice: MAJOR Dec 16 vs Burlington Home: 5 Visitor: 0 Goals: Zack Forwell (3), Lucas Frey, Liam Straus Assists: Nolan Martin, Cruz Balog, Max Krasovec (2), Reese Martin (3) Shutouts: Cohen Hamburger/Cohen Patterson

Novice: LL#1 Dec 16 vs Tavistock Titans Home: 0 Visitor: 6

Atom LL#2 Home: 2 Visitor: 7 Goals: Declan Johnson, Ben Hibbard Assists: Chris Yorke, Jonah Schmidt

Atom: LL#3 Dec 12 vs St. George Generals Home: 10 Visitor: 4 Goals: Wyatt Swijters (3), Jonah Schmidt (2), Ben Hibbard (4), Declan Johnson Assists: Ben Hibbard (2), Caleb Antonello (2), Wyatt Swijters, Cruz Renon (2), Declan Johnson, Connor Airdrie (2), Evan Hori, Finn Smith (2), Carson Zinger

Atom: LL#3 Dec 16 vs Plattsville Rage Home: 8 Visitor: 3 Goals: Declan Johnson, Ben Hibbard (3), Chris Yorke, Caleb Antonello, Wyatt Swijters, Jonah Schmidt Assists: Jonah Schmidt, Lucas Moore, Ben Hibbard, Wyatt Swijters, Declan Johnson

Atom: LL#3 Dec 17 vs Hespeler

Shamrocks #1 Home: 1 Visitor: 5 Goals: Wyatt Swijters Assists: Ben Hibbard

Atom: MAJOR AE

Carson Staken, Brandon Fishman Assists: Karsten Smith (2), Josh Carson, Evan Woods Shutouts: Ayden Schaap

Dec 17 vs Center Wellington Home: 3 Visitor: 3 Goals: Haiden Wagner, Tyler Gingrich, Carter Snider Assists: Haiden Wagner, Bryson Rozema

PeeWee: LL#1

Atom: MINOR

PeeWee: MAJOR A

Dec 14 vs Halton Hills Home: 1 Visitor: 3 Goals: Sam Houston Assists: Owen MacGregor

Atom: MINOR Dec 17 vs Guelph Home: 2 Visitor: 3 Goals: Sam Houston, Luke Forbes Assists: Sam Kruschat

Dec 16 vs Twin Centre Stars Home: 2 Visitor: 3 Goals: Preston Hackert, Hayden George Assists: Matthew Ramage, Evan Yorke, Nathan Whittom Dec 11 vs Ancaster Home: 3 Visitor: 2 Goals: Joey Martin, Ryan Brubacher (2) Assists: Ethan Martin, Joey Martin, Ethan Bickerton

PeeWee: MAJOR A

Dec 17 vs Owen Sound Jr Attack Home: 2 Visitor: 2 Goals: Evan Woods, Brandon Fishman Assists: Jakob Noot

Dec 16 vs Owen Sound Home: 5 Visitor: 1 Goals: Denver Martin, Mason Spark, Liam Wood, Ryan Brubacher, Keenan Martin Assists: Will Lavigne, Jordan Chang (2), Ethan Bickerton, Liam Wood (2), Ryan Brubacher, Denver Martin, Cade Beacom, Drew Birmingham

Atom: MAJOR

PeeWee: MAJOR A

Dec 18 vs Brampton 45’s Home: 3 Visitor: 0 Goals: Owen Weppler,

Dec 17 vs Dundas Home: 7 Visitor: 0 Goals: Liam Wood, Joey

Atom: MAJOR

Martin (2), Ryan Brubacher (2), Cade Beacom, Haiden Idzik Assists: Ryan Brubacher, Haiden Idzik (3), Cade Beacom, Ethan Martin (2), Eric Hutton (2), Joey Martin, Denver Martin, Ethan Bickerton Shutouts: Ian Darroch

PeeWee: LL#2 Dec 17 vs Beverly Home: 3 Visitor: 1 Goals: Tucker Armstrong (2), Tanner Armstrong Assists: Tucker Armstrong, Katie Brubacher

Bantam: MAJOR A Dec 17 vs Halton Hills Thunder Home: 7 Visitor: 2 Goals: Carter Servais (2), Nate Snyder (2), Austin Becker, Alex Hutton, Cameron Leonard Assists: Eric Lacey (2), Cameron Leonard (2), Tyler Martin, Kyler Austin, Carter Servais, Easton Gowing, Evan Roth, Alex Hutton, Owen Lee, Michael Hayes

Jr. Sugar Kings

Dec 15 vs Halton Hills Thunder Home: 6 Visitor: 4 Goals: Cole Slade (2), Zack Bender, Lucas Radler (2), Patrick Perry Assists: Patrick Perry, Nolan Williamson, Colton Schmidt

Dec 16 vs Owen Sound Home: 6 Visitor: 2 Goals: Brad Hale, Lukas Shantz (2), Nolan McLaughlin, Riley Runstedler, Evan Gowing Assists: Payton McIsaac, Lukas Shantz, Riley Runstedler, Austin Cousineau, Kurtis Hoover, Cole Altman, Griffen Rollins, Griffin Hergott (2), Bart Sherrer, Brad Hale

Bantam: MAJOR A

Jr. Sugar Kings

Bantam: AE

Dec 16 vs Ancaster Avalanche Home: 3 Visitor: 0 Goals: Tyler Martin, Austin Becker, Michael Hayes Assists: Nate Snyder, Michael Hayes, Cameron Leonard, Easton Gowing Shutouts: Brett Strohoff

Dec 17 vs New Hamburg Home: 1 Visitor: 0 Goals: Lukas Shantz Assists: Austin Cousineau, Bart Sherrer Shutouts: Bryce Dettweiler

WOOLWICH WILD

Novice: LL#1 Dec 16 vs Guelph LL3 Home: 3 Visitor: 1 Goals: Chloe Futher (2), Bronwyn Rozema Assists: Arabelle Weiss (2), Lauren Kidd

Atom: BB Dec 16 vs Huron Heat Home: 2 Visitor: 4 Goals: Sara Forwell, Olivia Strauss Assists: Kara MacPherson

Atom: B Dec 16 vs Cambridge Home: 1 Visitor: 3 Goals: Grace Gow Assists: Peyton Gaudet

Atom: B Dec 17 vs Waterloo Home: 2 Visitor: 2 Goals: Autumn Sabila, Peyton Gaudet Assists: Grace Gow, Peyton Gaudet, Brooklyn Pope

Bantam: B Dec 16 vs Kitchener Lady Rangers Home: 1 Visitor: 0 Goals: Megan Pickett Assists: Jane Hinsperger Shutouts: Sarah Walker

TOURNAMENT

Novice: B Dec 09 vs Guelph Lady Gryphons Home: 0 Visitor: 3

Novice: B Dec 09 vs Cambridge Roadrunners Home: 3 Visitor: 2 Goals: Maya Slot (2), Emma McCoubrey Assists: Emily Metzger

Novice: B Dec 10 vs Ancaster Avalanche Home: 3 Visitor: 2 Goals: Emma McCoubrey (3) Assists: Sophia Metzger

Novice: B Dec 10 vs Orangeville Tigers Home: 2 Visitor: 4 Goals: Emma McCoubrey (2) Assists: Katelyn Snider

Novice: B Dec 17 vs South Huron Sabres Home: 1 Visitor: 1 Goals: Emma McCoubrey

WATERLOO WOLVES

Atom: MAJOR Dec 17 vs Brantford 99ers Home: 4 Visitor: 1

At Foot Foundation, we want to wish you a

11 Church St. E, Elmira, ON 519-669-3030 | info@footfoundation.ca | www.footfoundation.ca

VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR! May the love of Christ fill your hearts and home this season. Thank you for your continued patronage.

Goals: Noah Myke (2), Nolan McPherson, Onyx Spark Assists: Peyton Ahrens (2), Carson De Vries TWIN CENTRE STARS

Atom: AE Dec 02 vs Tillsonberg Home: 2 Visitor: 5 Goals: Waiden Nicholls, Blake Frede Assists: Tegan Egli, Bella Blackstock

Atom: AE Dec 14 vs Caledonia Home: 3 Visitor: 3 Goals: Peyton Ohlhausen, Heyden Doerbecker, Hunter Bender Assists: Reid Gerber, Bella Blackstock, Keenan Wilker

Atom: AE Dec 16 vs Caledonia Home: 1 Visitor: 3 Goals: Waiden Nicholls Assists: Blake Frede, Bella Blackstock

WOOLWICH THRASHERS

Sledge Hockey Dec 9 vs London Blizzard Home: 5 Visitor: 2 Goals: Jesse Chamberlain, Gideon Chamberlain (2), Josh Chambers (2) Assists: Blake Frede, Bella Blackstock

SPORTS | 19

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

JACKS: Braves roll into Wellesley Saturday night FROM | 15

fensive, peppering the Jacks’ goalie Ryan Porter with shot after shot. The final tally for shots on net in those final 20 minutes were 30-6 to Woodstock (and 50-27 over the game), and the puck was lodged firmly in the Jacks defensive zone. “We had chances to get the puck out, and even if we take an icing that’s OK,” noted Gerber. Firing off shot after shot against Wellesley’s beleaguered goalie, it’s no surprise that Woodstock potted their second goal at 4:11; and another at 11:47 and then two more within the space of 50 seconds. And just like that, the game went from a 5-1 landslide to a 5-5 slog. “When we have the puck in our end, we always say to stay out of the middle, just use the boards or the glass to get it out. And, you know, we started to go up the middle,” said Gerber. “I thought Woodstock really brought it to us, and they out-worked us, they outskated us and they got the results.” In fact, as the clock wound down in the final six minutes of play, it

After pacing themselves to an early lead, the Jacks had to scramble for a 6-5 win over the visting Woodstock Navy Vets on Saturday night. [FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER] seemed like the game was heading into overtime as neither side could get that game-winning goal. But then, with two and a half minutes to go, Zach Ribeiro (Mercier, Brady Gerber) found the back of the net, tipping the game once again in the Jacks’ favour until the buzzer rang out. “Puck went to the point, I just went to the net to see if the puck was going to get through, and then I just saw the puck squeaking through the goalie’s pad and tapped it in,” said Ribeiro immediately after the game about scoring the winning goal. “Ribeiro is a guy we liked right from the start,” noted coach Gerber. “He was at

our rookie camp back in the summertime, and we knew he was a special player then. For a rookie he’s really playing well for us, so we’re very pleased with the way he plays the game and we were very happy to see him score that big goal for us on Saturday night.” The Jacks are going to have to ride that Saturday victory into the coming week as Wellesley faces tough opposition this weekend. Friday night they’ll be up heading over to New Hamburg to take on the Firebirds, followed by a home match against second-place Tavistock Braves on Saturday. Game time both nights is 7:30 p.m.

Wishing You a Beautiful Holiday & a New Year Full of Peace & Happiness All the best from all of us at:

Wishing everyone everryone ever yone

Peace & Joy Holiday waste collection

this Christmas Season.

There will be NO WASTE COLLECTION Monday, December 25 or Monday, January 1. All collection days will change. During the two weeks of December 25 to January 6: If your collection day is: Your collection will be: Monday................................................. Tuesday Tuesday................................................ Wednesday Wednesday........................................... Thursday Thursday............................................... Friday Friday.................................................... Saturday Natural Christmas trees will be collected for composting: • January 2 to 12, 2018, on your collection day • Remove all decorations, lights and stand • Must be reachable from street level After January 12, trees will be collected as a bulky item and be garbage (not composted).

Thank you for your patronage. ELMIRA TRUCK SERVICE

COMMERCIAL 24 CARDLOCK FUEL DEPOT HOUR

www.regionofwaterloo.ca/waste

Space provided through a partnership between industry and municipalities to support waste reduction programs.

25 Earl Martin Drive, Elmira | 519-669-5377

20 | AD FEATURE | BOXING DAY

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

2017 OBSERVER GIFT IDEAS

BOXING DAY SHOPPING

Open Boxing Day 9am-4pm

W. C . B R O W N A N D S O N S M E N ’ S C L O T H I E R | 18 - 2 4 A R T H U R S T R E E T S . | 519 - 6 6 9 -115 2 STORE HOURS:

T U E S - W E D 9 - 6 | T H U R S - F R I 9 -7 | S AT U R D AY 9 - 5

FOR SOME AMAZING DEALS DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT OUR CLEARANCE MARKET PLACE

ST. JACOBS

AND APPLIANCES

OFF

ALL IN STOCK REGULAR PRICED FLOOR MODELS! QUANTITIES LIMITED • AS IS • FINAL SALE • EXCLUDES APPLIANCES SALE ON UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2017

ST. JACOBS HOME FURNITURE 1421 KING STREET NORTH DOWNTOWN ST. JACOBS (519) 664-3301 homefurniture.ca

Mon-Fri 9 to 6 Sat 8 to 5 • Sun 12 to 5

AD FEATURE | BOXING DAY | 21

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

In the heart of Mennonite Country Just minutes from the St. Jacobs Farmer’s Market

Holiday Hours: Sunday, Dec 24th Monday, Dec 25th Tuesday, Dec 26th Wednesday, Dec 27th Thursday, Dec 28th Friday, Dec 29th Saturday, Dec 30th

Closed Closed Closed 10 - 6 10 - 6 10 - 6 10 - 5

BOXING WEEK SALE!

Purchase some of the best deals of the year after Christmas!

’s Gif Look to the Observer a great local business! the perfect gift from

BOXING DAY

SALE

% 40OFF

Christmas Décor

40-60% 4 0-6 060% OFF OFF

Regular Priced, in-stock items

Some exceptions may apply

STOREWIDE

Sale effective Saturday, December 23 rd to Saturday, December 30 th

Gifts · Candles · Cards · Home+Garden Decor · Canadian Made 3585 Lobsinger Line, St. Clements

s a m t s i r h C r e Aft ff u t s e h t r o f Sales . t o g r o f a t n Sa t Ideas guide to find

Dec 27th — 29th

40 Arthur St S, Elmira | 519-210-1200 |

www.in-season.ca 519-218-2188

/loribeautyboutique

Come check out the newest pro camera in the Nikon Professional Digital SLR Family.

Lowest Price Ever!

Reg. $

64995

Kit with AF-P 18-55 VR Lens Digital SLR with new Dynamic Range Sensor Rugged Waterproof camera with 4K

with Toshiba 16GB SDHC* *Made in Japan. $16 Value

439

499

Monarch 7 8x30

00*

D3400 Accessory Kit includes Nikon EN-EL 14a battery, Khakhi Canvas Gadget Bag, Nikon ML-L3 Remote. *Accessory kit available with D3400 purchase $150.00 Value.

High-End Compact Binoculars Outstanding Contrast

409

SAVE $

12000

468 PHILLIP ST., WATERLOO, ON | 519.886.6630 | www.bjphoto.net | Open M-F 9-7; Sat 9-6; Sun 11-4 ‘til 31st

22 | VENTURE

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

VENTURE ‘TIS THE SEASON / THINGS COMMERCIAL

Poll suggests more than half of us to bust Christmas budgets Spending by Canadians on the rise, even as more of us decry the “craziness of holiday shopping”

FOOD FOR THOUGHT/ OWEN ROBERTS

Farmers will see little of rise in food bill

FAISAL ALI IF THE DEMANDS OF Christmas seem overwhelming, it may be comforting to take refuge in a common consensus. More than two-thirds of Canadians say that “holiday spending is out of control,” according to an online survey conducted by CIBC, while shopping was seen as amongst the biggest irritants of the season. Ontarians on average set themselves a shopping budget of $692 this year, up $22 from 2016; that’s in addition to another $302 set aside for Christmas season entertainment. It’s a similar shopping budget set by the average Canadian of $643, though far above Quebecers, who gave themselves $479 for gift purchases, and far below Atlantic Canadians’ $827. However, more than half of all Canadians who responded to the survey said they were likely surpass their allotted

FIELD NOTES

Nearly two-thirds of Canadians say holiday spending is out of control. spending limits. Younger Canadians were especially profligate, with 62 per cent of 18- to 34-yearolds saying they were likely

[2017 CIBC HOLIDAY SPENDING POLL]

to go over budget. That was compared with only 39 per cent of 55 years and older, who were able to keep a comparatively tighter leash

on spending. Indeed, the commercialism appears to be getting under some people’s skin, with 23 per cent of respon-

dents saying their biggest irritant of the season was “the craziness of holiday shopHOLIDAY BUDGET | 25

Bill 148 exempts on-call provisions for volunteer firefighters Woolwich and Wellesley townships would have faced huge financial burden without exemption FAISAL ALI NEXT MONTH’S INCREASE IN the minimum wage will put a strain on municipal budgets, but rural communities such as Wellesley and Woolwich have dodged a bullet with planned exemptions for volunteer firefighters.

Original drafts of Bill 148, the so-called Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, demanded payments for on-call workers, a move that could have proved crippling in the case of municipalities employing volunteer firefighters. Heeding complaints, the province exempted such positions.

Responding to action by the Association of Municipalities Ontario (AMO), an advocacy group representing most of the province’s municipalities, the Liberal government made concessions just last month that help avert a large financial hit. In less than two weeks,

the minimum wage rises to $14 an hour from the current $11.60, but of particular concern, however, were sections in the proposed legislature for part-time and on-call employees. The sections mandated equal wages for part-time employees with their full-time counterparts as well as a minimum

three hours worth of pay to employees who are on-call but not actively at work. AMO claimed that while well-intentioned, the changes came with consequences that could drive up the cost of volunteer firefighters and other on-

ONTARIO WILL HAVE AN election in 2018, and you’ll hear many campaign promises about saving taxpayers money, and how governments are going to help citizens deal with the rising cost of getting by. At some point, the focus will fall on the price of food, as it always does. Unfortunately, the ensuing discussions will be accompanied by very little perspective, such as how little of our disposable income is spent on food, and how a mere pittance of our food dollar finds its way to the people who produce the food. At some level, farmers will be implicated, made to look like they are moneyhungry villains. And that’s just not true. They are indeed business people. But if all they wanted was money, they’d choose another line of work. For example, look at where farmers stand in light of the annual food price forecast by the University of Guelph and Dalhousie University. This forecast predicts food prices will rise 1 to 3 per cent in 2018. At the cash register, that’s a little less than $350 a year, on an annual food bill that will grow to almost

BILL 148 | 23

Merry Christmas from my family to yours! MichaelHarrisMPP.ca 519.954.8679

ROBERTS | 23

VENTURE | 23

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

ROBERTS: Much of the increase in food bills comes from dining out, while farmers see little extra FROM | 22

$12,000. And there’s no question $12,000 is a lot of money, especially to people who are scraping by. But let’s put it in perspective. According to the forecast, about $200 of the anticipated $350 increase can be attributed to consumers eating out more, and opting for prepared food. That’s where they’re putting their food dollars. Farmers will get a small

bit of that $200. But mostly, it will stay with restaurants and other outlets that prepare food. Meals out have to be prepared and served by someone. That costs money, particularly in a province where minimum wage is on the rise. So if the remainder of the rise in food prices (about $150, based on the food price forecast) must be shared among the entire food chain, that doesn’t leave much to go around. Politicians need to take

note of this reality when they make policies and create standards that affect rural Ontario … because they also affect farmers. Now, I’d be among the first to say we need impeccable and irreproachable standards – not only for our own sake, but to maintain and grow export markets, a provincial imperative. It’s become clear that well-oiled export-seeking bureaucracies are using our environmental standards as a point of distinction

compared to our competitors, and rightly so. The clean, green, pristine image abroad of Ontario and Canada could hardly be a better selling point. But a prosperous economy depends on an equally prosperous agri-food sector. Research is showing us producers are under tremendous pressure in the face of a more demanding public, and that it’s a major factor in mental illness problems on the farm. It’s a real issue, and produc-

ers need help to meet the growing demands being put on them. From everything I’ve read, part of the pressure is coming from the public’s lack of understanding of agriculture. Many producers feel vilified. Current efforts to connect agriculture with urban Canada are inadequate, relegated to too few people with huge mandates and miniscule budgets. And there’s no prediction anywhere that 2018 will see a meaningful

bump in the commitment to connect rural and urban Ontario. And finally, the food price forecast says consumers are likely to take a harder look at animal welfare in 2018, prompted in part by global efforts to reduce antibiotic use throughout society. This certainly adds to the overall uncertainty consumers feel about what goes on behind the farm gate – and what they can be led to believe is the truth.

BILL 148: Salaries and wages expected to increase 6.5 to 8 per cent for recreation staff FROM | 22

call emergency workers for small municipalities that don’t require full-time employees. In a report to lawmakers, the AMO pointed out that volunteer firefighters had a very different role, and very different reason for taking on the job, than their fulltime counterparts. “The volunteer firefighter is primarily motivated to be part of a voluntary fire service as their civic duty to the community that they and their families live in, not for monetary compensation.”

In their letter, provincial ministers Bill Mauro and Kevin Flynn agreed, and offered to add exemptions for municipalities for these certain cases. The townships of Woolwich and Wellesley both approved of the announcement. “From my perspective, we welcome the proposed revisions,” said Wellesley treasurer Theresa Bisch, in an emailed statement to The Observer. “The proposals that have been brought forward would exempt an employer from providing on-call pay to an employee who was

on call, and not required to work, if the reason for the on-call shift was to ensure the continued delivery of essential public services, such as fire, utility and snow removal services.” Richard Petherick, Woolwich’s director of finance, concurred. “It would be a huge financial burden if we ended up having to pay our volunteer firefighters three hours for just being on call, and have to do that 365 days a year. And plus, to have the same wage parity as the cities, that would be a very huge burden upon the township. A financial burden,” he said,

adding that while he had not calculated the actual cost, it would likely be very significant. Currently, volunteer firefighters in Woolwich are paid a pro forma standby rate of just $250 a year; the main expense to the township is the hourly rate of $24, which is only paid when firefighters respond to an emergency call. While the proposed exemptions are welcome by the townships, the higher minimum wage presents another real, if more manageable challenge to future budgets. Under the act, the mini-

mum wage would be raised in stages. First, to $14 an hour from $11.60 as of January 1, then to $15 starting on Jan. 1, 2019. The legislation also calls for similar increases in student wages, and mandates additional rules around emergency leave pay and other potential expenses for employers. Both Woolwich and Wellesley staff anticipate that increase would have the biggest impact on staff in the recreation department, where students and part-timers are more prevalent. Most full-time staff members are paid at a much

higher rate already. In Woolwich, the extra costs for 2018 have been estimate at $110,000 to $140,000, with an additional $15,000 when the new rate kicks in the following year. The total amount budgeted for salaries and wages to Woolwich recreation staff in 2017 was $1.7 million, meaning costs would increase by 6.5 to 8 per cent A similar estimate provided to Wellesley council by staff estimated an increase of at least $12,000 in salaries for the recreation department, though the report noted it was only a partial estimate.

VOISIN CHRYSLER LTD. SALE PRICed $184

72 mths @ 5.99%

HOLIDAY HOURS CLOSED: Dec 23 - 26 & Dec 30 - Jan 1

Perfect

stocking stuffers

2014 DODGE JOURNEY RT AWD

60 mths @ 5.99%

Trademarked much more! ats  Mugs &

2012 CHRYSLER 200 LIMITED SEDAN

RT model loaded with features including All-wheel-drive, Navigation, leather seating, heated seats, heated steering wheel, power sunroof, back-up camera and much more. Finished in black. Only 33,300 kilometers. $23,995.

Local trade-in. Well equipped Limited model with V6 engine, leather interior, heated seats, power sunroof, remote start, Uconnect with Bluetooth, fog lights, alloy wheels and more. Finished in white. Only 79,700 kilometers. $13,995.

$109

$268

$222

n up 

Items such as:

2014 DODGE JOURNEY RT AWD

Enjoy the all-wheel-drive in winter. RT model featuring V6 Pentastar engine, leather interior, heated seats, heated steering wheel, Navigation, Uconnect with Bluetooth, back-up camera, remote start,19 inch alloy wheels and more. Finished in black. Has 93,600 kilometers.$19,995.

es for: Gift CertisficaOilt Changes

H

$126

72 mths @ 5.99%

Visit us for:

48 mths @ 5.99%

Car Clea

$154

2010 DODGE AVENGER SXT SEDAN

Nicely equipped with air conditioning, power driver’s seat, Bluetooth connectivity, power windows/locks/mirrors, fog lights, alloy wheels and more. Finished in dark red. Only 101,400 kilometers. $9,995.

96 mths @ 5.99%

72 mths @ 5.99%

2017 DODGE DURANGO GT AWD

Previous Chrysler company car-employee lease. Well equipped GT model with all-wheel-drive, dual DVD video, Navigation, leather interior, power sunroof, back-up camera, and more. Finished in dark brown. Only 14,900 kilometers. $43,995.

2014 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED 4X4

One owner trade-in. Fully loaded Limited package with extras including Navigation,leather interior,heated and ventilated seats, power liftgate, Panoramic sunroof,rear back-up camera,blind spot and cross path detection,forward collision warning,20 inch wheel package and more.Finished in billet silver. 106,700 kilometers. $28,995.

CALL ONE OF OUR PROFESSIONAL SALES REPS TODAY: RAY FREDERICK, COLIN KROPF, JEFF JOHNSON. All sale prices exclude H.S.T, and Lic License Fee. Fixed rates, based on bi-weekly payments O.A.C. Finance rates are only good for date of publication.

361 ARTHUR STREET SOUTH, ELMIRA • www.voisinchrysler.com

519-669-2831

UP TO

24 | VENTURE

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

ADD MORE RED THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. INTRODUCING THE REDLINE EDITION SERIES.

ONTARIOCHEVROLETDEALERS.CA

OFFERS END JANUARY 2ND. 2018 SILVERADO 1500 DOUBLE CAB MIDNIGHT EDITION

0%*

PURCHASE FINANCING FOR

FEATURES: AVAILABLE APPLE CARPLAY™ 1 AND ANDROID AUTO™ 2 CAPABILITY AND ONSTAR 3 4G LTE WITH BUILT-IN WI-FI® HOTSPOT (3GB/3 MONTH TRIAL) NHTSA OVERALL VEHICLE 5-STAR SAFETY SCORE4 AVAILABLE CLASS-EXCLUSIVE AUTOMATIC LOCKING REAR DIFFERENTIAL

60 $4,000 +

MONTHS

TOTAL VALUE

THE 2018 SILVERADO 1500 DOUBLE CAB WT BLACK OUT EDITION MODEL SHOWN

(INCLUDES $1,000 GM CARD APPLICATION BONUS)

THE 2018 SILVERADO 1500 DOUBLE CAB CUSTOM EDITION 4X4

FEATURES: AVAILABLE APPLE CARPLAY™ 1 AND ANDROID AUTO™ 2 CAPABILITY AND ONSTAR 3 4G LTE WITH BUILT-IN WI-FI® HOTSPOT (3GB/3 MONTH TRIAL) NHTSA OVERALL VEHICLE 5-STAR SAFETY SCORE4 CLASS-EXCLUSIVE AUTOMATIC LOCKING REAR DIFFERENTIAL

$195* @ 2.9% FOR 48 OFFER $ INCLUDES 4,500 BI-WEEKLY LEASE APR WITH $3,350 DOWN PAYMENT.

MONTHS

TOTAL VALUE

SILVERADO 1500 DOUBLE CAB CUSTOM EDITION 4X4 MODEL SHOWN

(INCLUDES $1,000 GM CARD APPLICATION BONUS)

THE 2017 COLORADO LT CREW CAB

0%*

PURCHASE FINANCING FOR

FEATURES: BEST-IN-CLASS AVAILABLE HORSEPOWER7,8 BEST-IN-CLASS AVAILABLE TOWING 9,10 AVAILABLE APPLE CARPLAY™ 1 AND ANDROID AUTO™ 2 CAPABILITY AND ONSTAR 3 4G LTE WITH BUILT-IN WI-FI® HOTSPOT

60 $3,000 +

MONTHS

TOTAL VALUE

COLORADO LT CREW CAB MODEL SHOWN

ALL ELIGIBLE MODELS COME WITH

CHEVROLET

COMPLETE CARE: 2

PROUD PARTNER

YEARS/40,000 KM COMPLIMENTARY

OIL CHANGES **

YEARS/160,000 KM POWERTRAIN WARRANTY ▲

YEARS/160,000 KM ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE ▲

For the latest information, visit us at chevrolet.ca, drop by your local Chevrolet Dealer or call us at 1-800-GM-DRIVE. For the latest information, visit us at chevrolet.ca, drop by your local Chevrolet Dealer or call us at 1-800-GM-DRIVE. *<Chevrolet Holiday Bonus> total value valid toward the retail purchase or lease of one eligible new 2017 or 2018 model year <Chevrolet> delivered in Canada between December 1 – January 2, 2018. Total Value consists of $500 manufacturer-to-dealer Holiday Bonus (tax exclusive) delivery credit and manufacturer-to-consumer GM Card Application Bonus (offer applies to individuals who apply for a Scotiabank® GM® Visa* Card [GM Card] or current GM Card cardholders) (tax inclusive). GM Card Application Bonus credit value depends on model purchased: $500 GM Card Bonus on new 2017 Sonic, Cruze, Malibu (excl L), Camaro, Volt, Trax, 2018 Equinox; $750 GM Card Bonus on new 2017 Equinox, 2017 & 2018 Impala, Corvette, Colorado (excl 2SA), Traverse, City, Express; $1000 GM Card Bonus on new 2017 & 2018 Tahoe, Suburban, Silverado LD & HD. As part of the transaction, dealer may request documentation and contact General Motors of Canada Company (GM Canada) to verify eligibility. $500 Holiday Bonus is applied against eligible 2017 & 2018 MY vehicles purchased during the program period. 2017 & 2018MY vehicles not eligible for this offer are: exclusions outlined under GM Card Bonuses above, Spark, BOLT EV. This offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. Certain limitations or conditions apply. Void where prohibited. See your GM Canada dealer for details. GM Canada reserves the right to amend or terminate offers for any reason in whole or in part at any time without prior notice. Void where prohibited. See dealer for details. (0/60+$4,000 Total Value Finance Offer) Eligible 2017 Silverado Double Cab WT: Offer available to qualified retail customers in Canada for vehicles financed and from between December 1, 2017 to January 2, 2018. Financing provided, on approved credit, by TD Auto Finance Services, Scotiabank® or RBC Royal Bank. Participating lenders are subject to change. Rates from other lenders will vary. Representative finance example based on a new 2017 Silverado Double Cab WT. Suggested retail price is $46,440 including $1,700 freight and PDI, $100 air conditioning charge (where applicable). $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in required. $46,440 financed at 0% nominal rate equals $774 per month for 60 months. Cost of borrowing is $0 for a total obligation of $46,440. Taxes, PPSA, license, insurance, registration and applicable fees, levies, duties and, except in Quebec, dealer fees (all of which may vary by region and dealer) are extra. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time financing offer which may not be combined with certain other offers. GM Canada may modify, extend or terminate offers in whole or in part at any time without notice Conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ®Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. $4,000 Total Value. Limited time offer available to qualified retail customers in Canada. $4,000 Total Value is a combined total credit for finance purchases on select 2017 trucks; includes: $2,000 manufacturer to dealer cash credit (tax exclusive), $500 manufacturer-to-dealer Holiday Bonus (tax exclusive), $1,000 GM card application bonus (this offer applies to individuals who have applied for the Scotiabank® GM® Visa* Card [GM card] and to current Scotiabank® GM® Visa* Cardholders) (taxes included). $500 manufacturer-to-dealer Finance Cash (tax exclusive) towards the finance of an eligible new 2017 Silverado Double Cab at participating dealers. 2018 Silverado Double Cab Custom Edition Lease: Lease based on a purchase price of $45,137 for a 2018 Silverado Double Cab Custom Edition, includes $2,000 CDA, $1,000 Lease Cash, $500 Holiday Bonus and $1,000 GM Card Application Bonus (this offer applies to individuals who have applied for the Scotiabank® GM® Visa* Card [GM card] and to current Scotiabank® GM® Visa* Cardholders) (tax inclusive). Bi-weekly payment is $199 for 48 months at 2.9% lease rate on approved credit to qualified retail customers by GM Financial. Annual kilometer limit of 20,000 km, $0.16 per excess kilometer. $3,350 down payment required. Payment may vary depending on down payment trade. Total obligation is $23,621. Taxes, license, insurance, registration and applicable fees, levies, duties and, except in Quebec, dealer fees (all of which may vary by dealer and region) are extra. Option to purchase at lease end is $37,402. (0/60+$3,000 Total Value Finance Offer) Eligible 2017 Colorado: Offer available to qualified retail customers in Canada for vehicles financed and from between December 1, 2017 to January 2, 2018. Financing provided, on approved credit, by TD Auto Finance Services, Scotiabank® or RBC Royal Bank. Participating lenders are subject to change. Rates from other lenders will vary. Representative finance example based on a new 2017 Colorado. Suggested retail price is $32,760 including $1,700 freight and PDI, $100 air conditioning charge (where applicable). $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in required. $32,760 financed at 0% nominal rate equals $546.00 per month for 84 months. Cost of borrowing is $0 for a total obligation of $32,760. Taxes, PPSA, license, insurance, registration and applicable fees, levies, duties and, except in Quebec, dealer fees (all of which may vary by region and dealer) are extra. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time financing offer which may not be combined with certain other offers. GM Canada may modify, extend or terminate offers in whole or in part at any time without notice Conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ®Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. $3,000 Total Value. Limited time offer available to qualified retail customers in Canada. $3,000 Total Value is a combined total credit for finance purchases on select 2017 Colorados; includes: $750 manufacturer to dealer cash credit (tax exclusive), $500 manufacturer-to-dealer Holiday Bonus (tax exclusive), $750 GM card application bonus (this offer applies to individuals who have applied for the Scotiabank® GM® Visa* Card [GM card] and to current Scotiabank® GM® Visa* Cardholders) (taxes included). $1,000 manufacturer-to-dealer Finance Cash (tax exclusive) towards the finance of an eligible new towards the finance of an eligible new 2017 Colorados at participating dealers. 1 Vehicle user interface is a product of Apple and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible iPhone and data plan rates apply. 2 Vehicle user interface is a product of Google and their terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible smartphone and data plan rates apply. 3 Visit onstar.ca for coverage maps, details and system limitations. Services and capabilities vary by model and conditions as well as geographical and technical restrictions. Terms and conditions apply. OnStar acts as a link to existing emergency service providers. Not all vehicles may transmit all crash data. After the trial period, an active OnStar service plan is required. OnStar 4G LTE: Services and connectivity vary by model and conditions as well as geographical and technical restrictions. Requires active OnStar service and data plan. Data plans provided by AT&T or its local service provider. Accessory Power must be active to use the Wi-Fi hotspot. 4 U.S. Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov). 7 Requires available 3.6L V6 engine. 8 Based on WardsAuto.com 2016 Small Pickup segment and latest competitive information available at time of printing. Excludes other GM models. 9 Requires available 3.6L V6 or 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine. 10 Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow. **The 2-Year Scheduled Lube-Oil-Filter Maintenance Program provides eligible customers in Canada, who have purchased or leased a new eligible 2016 or 2017 MY Chevrolet (excluding Spark EV), with an ACDelco® oil and filter change, in accordance with the oil life monitoring system and the Owner’s Manual, for 2 years or 48,000 km, whichever occurs first, with a limit of four (4) Lube-Oil-Filter services in total, performed at participating GM dealers. Fluid top offs, inspections, tire rotations, wheel alignments and balancing, etc. are not covered. This offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives available on GM vehicles. General Motors of Canada Company reserves the right to amend or terminate this offer, in whole or in part, at any time without prior notice. Additional conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ▲Whichever comes first. See dealer for details. 1 Vehicle user interface is a product of Apple and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible iPhone and data plan rates apply. 2 Vehicle user interface is a product of Google and their terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible smartphone and data plan rates apply. 3 Visit onstar.ca for coverage maps, details and system limitations. Services and capabilities vary by model and conditions as well as geographical and technical restrictions. Terms and conditions apply. OnStar acts as a link to existing emergency service providers. Not all vehicles may transmit all crash data. After the trial period, an active OnStar service plan is required. OnStar 4G LTE: Services and connectivity vary by model and conditions as well as geographical and technical restrictions. Requires active OnStar service and data plan. Data plans provided by AT&T or its local service provider. Accessory Power must be active to use the Wi-Fi hotspot. 4 U.S. Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov). 7 Requires available 3.6L V6 engine. 8 Based on WardsAuto.com 2016 Small Pickup segment and latest competitive information available at time of printing. Excludes other GM models. 9 Requires available 3.6L V6 or 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine. 10 Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow. **The 2-Year Scheduled Lube-Oil-Filter Maintenance Program provides eligible customers in Canada, who have purchased or leased a new eligible 2016 or 2017 MY Chevrolet (excluding Spark EV), with an ACDelco® oil and filter change, in accordance with the oil life monitoring system and the Owner’s Manual, for 2 years or 48,000 km, whichever occurs first, with a limit of four (4) Lube-Oil-Filter services in total, performed at participating GM dealers. Fluid top offs, inspections, tire rotations, wheel alignments and balancing, etc. are not covered. This offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives available on GM vehicles. General Motors of Canada Company reserves the right to amend or terminate this offer, in whole or in part, at any time without prior notice. Additional conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ▲Whichever comes first. See dealer for details.

VENTURE | 25

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

HOLIDAY BUDGET: Christmas spending on the rise across Canada; up 8 per cent from 2016 FROM | 22

ping.” A further 16 per cent said their biggest annoyance was “going over budget or unplanned spending,” while 10 per cent took umbrage with “feeling pressure to give gifts.” “While the holidays are meant to be a time to reconnect with loved ones, Canadians are telling us that they’re secretly frustrated with the shopping, stress and overspending that can end up eclipsing the joy of the season,” said David Nicholson, vicepresident of CIBC Imperial Service, in a release of the poll results. Still, despite the stresses of the season, a full 42 per cent of Canadians described themselves

as “modern day Santas,” saying they “absolutely love” giving gifts at Christmas. The younger 18- to -34-year-olds turned out to be the most enthusiastic, with 47 per cent taking on the modern day Santa mantle. An-

other 29 per cent of Canadians described themselves as “traditionalists,” saying they somewhat enjoyed the gift-giving. On the other hand, a whole nine per cent of respondents selfidentified as “Scrooges” when it came to exchanging presents, while eight per cent said they simply chose not to participate in the exercise. As any retailer will know, the arrival of Christmas brings with it massive spikes in demand. The toy, game and hobby supply industry, for instance, saw sales more than tripling last Christmas in Canada, from a $140-million year on average to $420-million, according to Statistics

Canada. Television, audio and visual equipment sales jumped 120 per cent to reach $460-million, as people rushed in to pick up those flat screen TVs and surround sound systems they had been eying all year. Jewellery and watch sales, likewise, doubled to $120-million, while cameras and photographic supplies saw a 177 per cent jump to reach $74-million. Of course, gifts are only one aspect of the Christmas consumption straining people’s wallets. A total of $77.6 million worth of Christmas trees were sold in Canada in 2016 from some 1,800 farms, according to Statistics Canada. Moreover, with our immense lumber stocks, Canada was perhaps unsur-

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS observerxtra.com/ads/

prisingly a net-exporter of fresh-cut Christmas trees to the world last year, sending $43.1 million worth of the product, or almost two million trees, worldwide. Customers as far away as the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, France and Australia were reportedly pining for a Canadian conifer or evergreen in their homes. Canada apparently has such an abundance of Christmas cheer, it’s exporting it around the globe. But even just looking out the window, you may notice bright shining streets in the dead of night, despite the winter solstice. A survey by Statistics Canada suggest the preponderance of Christmas lights has grown in the last decade amongst Canadians. In 2015, 41 per

cent of households said they used holiday LEDs during the season, up from 29 per cent in 2007. People are at least as keen as ever to celebrate the season in abundance, if not more so. But with Christmas seeming to be an ordeal and burden on so many people, CIBC’S Nicholson suggests it may be worth Canadians revaluating their seasonal traditions. “It’s time to reset expectations, so the holidays can be enjoyed to their fullest,” he said. “No tradition is set in stone. Take some time with friends and family to discuss new traditions that might better reflect your shared values and help to reduce the costs and stress of the holidays.”

GET THE WORD OUT IN THE OBSERVER.

Delivered to 16,500 homes in Woolwich, Wellesley & Waterloo EVERY WEEK. NO OTHER ADVERTISING OPTION AS EFFECTIVE OR INEXPENSIVE TO REACH THE LOCAL MARKET. PERIOD.

26 | THE ARTS

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

THE ARTS ON STAGE / SEASONAL FAVOURITE

STEVE KANNON THE TALE OF EBENEZER Scrooge and his Christmas Eve visitors is not only a Christmas staple, but in many ways defined how we celebrate the holiday to this very day. Our fascination with the timeless tale fuels Charles Dickens Writes A Christmas Carol, the Lost & Found Theatre production now on stage in Kitchener. While we’re all familiar with the story, this production takes a step back to look at its creation. “The audience are surprised when the play opens – it’s not Scrooge, but Dickens himself who’s on stage,” explains producer Christy Ziss. We’re first introduced to Dickens struggling with writer’s block. In his home on Christmas Eve, Dickens meets with his publisher, Mr. Hall, who’s demanding the author come up with something new instead of a disappointing current series – and he wants it by the following day, threatening to cut the writer’s salary. Drawing on the publisher’s crotchety demeanor, Dickens creates Scrooge and his overnight transformation, writing in a flurry. The audience gets to see the ideas running through Dickens’ mind as he develops the story. “There are characters literally swirling all around him,” she notes. “The audience is going along for that ride.” The story by writer Richard Quesnel takes some literary license in having the novella written overnight, in parallel with the timeline of Scrooge’s redemption, though Dickens did create it in short order, a six-week span leading up

The story behind the story Production provides a look at the origin of Scrooge and co. in Charles Dickens Writes A Christmas Carol Vince Carlin as Ebenezer Scrooge and Robin Bennett as Jacob Marley in the Lost & Found Theatre production of Charles Dickens Writes A Christmas Carol. to Christmas in 1843. The costumes, sets and Victoria Christmas carols all reflect that period, says director Terry Barna. “There’s something about that little flashback in time that people really enjoy.” The insight into Dickens’

inspirations – the story behind the story – has also made Charles Dickens Writes A Christmas Carol a key offering from Lost & Found for three years now. “People really seem to enjoy it because it shows Dickens in his life,” he explains. “It really takes a

look at his home life, the relationship with his wife and the time in which he lived.” Originally performed as a Christmas reading by the theatre group, Lost & Found’s play grew thanks to audience support and feedback.

“A lot of our shows started out as readings. We had many people telling us, ‘you need to do this as a full production.’” In play-within-a-play mode, the audience sees both Dickens’ attempts to write the book and the story of A Christmas Carol

Community Family Skate!

Thursday, January 4th, 2018

1:30 - 3:30 Woolwich Memorial Centre, Elmira

Skate with players from the Elmira Sugar Kings!

DICKENS | 27

TE EECOLA FTRCHO

BUILDING A CONNECTED, CARING COMM COMMUNITY NITY

itself. As the story takes shape, we see the genesis of Ebenezer Scrooge and the events that unfold with Bob Cratchit, Jacob Marley and those three fateful spirits of Christmas past,

O H

FREE

[SUBMITTED]

THE ARTS | 27

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

DICKENS: The author didn’t have to look too far

to see the hardships reflected in his story FROM | 26

present and future. That Dickens is drawing on real life is reflected by the same actors who interact with Dickens coming back as characters in A Christmas Carol, notes Ziss. The horrid conditions of Scrooge’s London were no fiction: Dickens had but to look around to see the misery of the workhouses, debtors’ prisons, and the impact of ignorance and want. His own father had been sent to prison for his debts at one point, forcing a then 12-year-old Dickens out of school and into the 10-hour days of working in a factory.

Already established as a journalist and author by the time he wrote A Christmas Carol, he was known for his support of the poor and the need for reforms. All of his concerns, and prodigious writing talent, were brought to bear in the story. It was an immediate hit, selling 6,000 copies in a week, and going through several printings in short order. A morality tale, the warm Christmas message was credited with much of what we think of as the quintessential Christmas spirit and trappings following a long period of puritanical sentiments in England. It’s a tradition that continues today, with the many incar-

nations of the story across film, television and stage. It’s in that vein that the theatre company continues to expand its take on the tale. “We’ve been trying to set it up as a Christmas tradition of our own,” says Barna. The Lost & Found Theatre production of Charles Dickens Writes A Christmas Carol runs through December 23, at the Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts, 36 King St. W., Kitchener. Tickets are $29 ($18 for students), available by calling 519-896-2253 or through the website at www.lostandfoundtheatre.ca.

Amie Debrone as Mrs. Dickens and Dan Payne as Charles Dickens.

ELMIRA BLOOD DONOR CLINIC

Sophia: Blood Transfusion Sunday 6:30am

Give Blood … to save lives. The Next Elmira Clinic: Friday, December 29th 2017 from 2-8pm

NEW N Woolwich Memorial Centre

LOCATIO

4 Snyder Ave. South, Elmira

This Elmira Blood Donor Clinic announcement is brought to you by these community-minded businesses

1.800.265.6126 |

REPAIRS • MACHINING • MANUFACTURING CUSTOM FABRICATIONS www.reistindustries.com 100 Union St., Elmira • 519-669-1501

OPEN 6am to Midnight | 7 DAYS A WEEK DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE Call for Details

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

CLM

22 Church St. W Elmira

519-669-5353

MODULAR BUILDINGS MOVING & LEASING

Breakfast • Coffee • Soups • Sandwiches • Donuts • Muffins • Bread • Pies • Cookies

2170 FLORADALE RD., FLORADALE • 519-669-2183

Hours: Mon to Sat 6am to 5:30pm | Closed Sundays & Holidays

• Fabrics • Men's Wear • Ladies Coats • China • Glass Ware Mon. Closed · Tues.-Fri. 8-6 · Sat. 8-5 2192 Floradale Rd. ~ Floradale, On.

(519) 669-1381

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

RR #2 Wallenstein, Ontario

SANYO CANADIAN The Quality You Demand, the Service You Deserve. Farm - Auto - Truck - Industrial and we have On-the-farm service

35 Howard Ave. • 519-669-3232

MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED

33 Industrial Dr. • 519-669-1591

CALL 1 888 2 DONATE for more information or to book an appointment. Visit www.blood.ca

28 | CLASSIFIED

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

CLASSIFIED

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE:

WEDNESDAYS BY 10AM

THE OBSERVER SPECIALIZES IN GETTING THE WORD OUT!

HELP WANTED

PLACE AN AD IN OUR CLASSIFIED SECTION TODAY! Call: 519-669-5790 or Visit: www.observerxtra.com

HELP WANTED

FOR SALE FIREBRICKS FOR ELMIRA oval + sweetheart cookstoves. Other parts available. Durham 519-369-5272. ernies@woodstoves.on.ca

8596 Road 164, Listowel, ON N4W 3G6

MILLWRIGHTS NEEDED

Dynamic Millwrights Inc. is looking to hire experienced and detail oriented licenced Millwrights to join our road crew. Experience in Construction and/or Industrial millwrighting is required. Applicants must be able to work independently as well as part of a team,hold flexible hours, and meet strict timelines as well as complying with all safety requirements. Previous welding experience is required. Experience interpreting blueprint, schematics and drawings is considered an asset.

SANDBLASTER NEEDED

Dynamic Millwrights Inc. is looking to fill a position for a Sandblaster. Previous experience in the industrial/ manufacturing industry is required. Applicants must be well organized, be able to work independently, hold flexible hours, meet strict timelines as well as complying with all safety requirements. Some general assembly and maintenance duties required.

WELDER/ FITTERS NEEDED

Dynamic Millwrights is a full-service company located in Listowel, Ontario, with extensive expertise in agricultural, commercial, and industrial millwrighting. Dynamic Millwrights Inc. is looking for fulltime welder/ fitters to join our team. Job responsibilities include: • Lay out, fit, and fabricate metal components to assemble structural forms, such as machinery frames, and pressure vessels, using knowledge of welding techniques and engineering requirements. • Tack-welds or welds components and assemblies • Inspects grooves, angles, or gap allowances, using micrometer, caliper, and precision measuring instruments. • Removes rough spots from workpiece, using portable grinder, hand file, or scraper. • Welds components in flat, vertical, or overhead positions. Requirements: • Previous welding experience an asset • Able to communicate clearly both verbally and written • Exceptional attention to detail • Able to work efficiently as part of a team, as well as independently • Ability to work with changing and tight deadlines

Seed and Field Operations Support Staff

EXPANDING PROPERTY MAINTENANCE COMPANY LOOKING TO HIRE

Cribit Seeds /Wintermar Farms is seeking a candidate to assist our Seed Production and Equipment operations teams. Responsibilities include assisting with seed packaging and shipping. Seed treater operation and forklift operation will also be an added task. During the cropping season there will be some farm equipment operating expected as well. Candidates must be able to work with others, be available for some evenings and Saturdays during the growing season, the physical ability to handle 28 kg packages, climb stairs and ladders are all job requirements. A basic understanding of math and equipment operating skills are also key assets.

GENERAL LABORER

For a more detailed job description please contact craig@cribit.com or by phone 519-664-3701 ext. 25

NEWS

SOURCE

IN THE REGION

Full and Part Time Positions available. Competitive Wages and Bonuses. Please Contact at: 1-226-751-6760 info@mitchellpropertymaintenance.com

HELP WANTED WANTED - PSW/CAREGIVER to assist family with elderly mother in her home. Primarily day shift help needed to stay over. Must have own transportation. Call 519-669-5240. WE ARE A 40 cow family dairy farm located near Millbank, milking 3x/day and are looking for someone to do the night shift from 9-11pm, 3 week nights per week. Individual must have their own transportation and be able to work independently. Experience is a plus but willing to train. Email resume to ferncrest.farms@gmail. com or call 519-577-4765.

FOR SALE 2013 TOYOTA COROLLA. Blue, 5-speed manual, keyless entry, bluetooth, AC. Spacious and fuel efficient. Well maintained, dealer serviced. Highway driven 202,000kms. Certified & e-tested $5000. Call 519-504-1176. CATERING EQUIPMENTSMALLWARES LARGE quantity like new white dishes, and plain black dishes, coffee Percs, chafing dishes, cutlery, pitchers, bread baskets, dish racks, sugar shakers, kitchen equipment, $15 stacking chairs, 5’ round tables, disposable cater trays, glassware GREAT PRICES 519-6542554, Located In Waterloo.

CHRISTMAS IS SOMETHING TO SING ABOUT

MATTRESS AND BOX Spring, new, never used, still in sealed bag. Sacrifice $195. Delivery available. Newly refurbished digital dehumidifiers, 90 day warranty, $95. 519-635-8737. ROUND OAK TABLE with 6 matching chairs, one large leaf, in very good condition. Call 519-595-3858. WALK-IN COOLER,FREEZER AIR cooled Freezer 14’9”x11’x96”H, 208 volt, 3 phase. Cooler-wood interior 19’3”x9’7”x9’5”H, 208 volt, single phase and additional 143”x 94”. Call 519-654-2554.

AUCTIONS ANTIQUE AUCTION SALE Of Furniture, textiles, primitives, pottery, and other interesting collectibles, to be held at the K.W. Khaki Club, 2939 Nafziger Rd. 2 miles south of Wellesley, for Wayne and Loree Currah, Plattsville & additions, on Saturday, January 6th @ 10:00 a.m. Gerber Auctions Ltd. 519699-4451 or 698-0138.

FARM SERVICES BAGGED PINE SHAVINGS Agricultural Spray Lime, 22.5kg. bag; feed grade lime, 25kg. Delivered. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141 or 519-6692045. FERTILIZER AND SEED GRAIN - at competitive pricing. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141. ICE SALT & ICE MELT - Ice salt comes in 20 & 40kg’s, Ice melt comes in 20kg bags. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045.

Company Beneﬁt and Group RRSP package offered.

CLASSIFIED LISTINGS

Please forward resume to info@dynamicmillwrights.com We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Just ahead of the Christmas break, students from John Mahood PS put on a jolly concert for families Tuesday morning at the Elmira school.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 33

[ALI WILSON / THE OBSERVER]

HOW TO REACH US

PHONE 519.669.5790 | TOLL FREE 1.888.966.5942 | FAX 519.669.5753 | ONLINE WWW.OBSERVERXTRA.COM

ADDRESS 20-B ARTHUR ST. N., ELMIRA, ON N3B 1Z9 PLACING A CLASSIFIED WORD AD

CLASSIFIED ADS

DISPLAY ADS

519.669.5790 EXT 0

519.669.5790 EXT 104

ads@woolwichobserver.com

sales@woolwichobserver.com

RESIDENTIAL COST $7.50 /20 WORDS EXTRA WORDS 20¢ PER WORD

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

In person, email, phone or fax submissions are accepted during regular business hours. Deadline for Thursday publication is Wednesday by 10 a.m. All Classified ads are prepaid by cash, debit, Visa or MasterCard. Ask about Observer policies in regard to Display, Service Directory and Family Album advertising.

CLASSIFIED | 29

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

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

Community Information Page COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT NOTICE OF HEARING

Pursuant to the Planning Act and Ontario Regulations 197/96 and 200/96 On January 15, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. the Committee will meet to consider the following applications. All persons interested in the applications may attend and may contact Nancy Thompson regarding meeting details or visit the Township Webpage – Township Services – Mayor and Council – Agendas and Minutes and select the applicable meeting date. The Committee will also consider submissions for or against the applications if submitted to the Township of Woolwich no later than 5:00 p.m. on January 8, 2018 (Note that this date is before the meeting). Submissions can be forwarded to Jeremy Vink at the address noted at the top of this page, by email jvink@woolwich.ca or by fax 519-669-4669. Any submissions received will be included in a comment package and presented at the meeting. Any submissions received will be included in a comment package and presented at the meeting. This information is collected and maintained for the purpose of creating a record that is available to the general public at the Committee of Adjustment hearing. Please note that while the Committee may redact some personal information such as email addresses and phone numbers, your submissions will otherwise be made public in their entirety. MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION A 1/2018 – Brian and Alicia Martin, 39 Church Street West, ZONE / USE: Residential Mixed High Density (R-5) / single detached dwelling The applicant is requesting permission to: • reduce the building line setback adjacent to Dunke Street South, as required in Section 6.10.2 d), from 6 metres to approximately 4.6 metres to the front wall of the proposed house addition; and • reduce the building line setback adjacent to Dunke Street South, as required in Section 6.36.1, from 3.5 metres to approximately 3.4 metres to the proposed unenclosed porch, in order to permit an addition to the rear of the existing dwelling. The property is located at the corner of Church Street West and Dunke Street South. An existing addition at the rear of the dwelling is proposed to be removed and replaced with the proposed 64 square metre two storey addition. MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION A 2/2018 – 229249 Ontario Limited, 122 Church Street West, Elmira, ZONE / USE: Service Commercial (C-7) (front portion of the property) and Residential Multiple with Design Guidelines (R-7A) with site specific provisions (rear portion of the property) / commercial building and two storage sheds and vacant land to the rear The applicant is requesting relief from the side and rear yard setbacks in Section 6.4.1e) of 1 metre and the buffer requirements in Section 6.15.1 of 1.5 metres, for the two existing storage sheds, as follows: Building A (westerly storage shed) • recognize the westerly side yard setback of 0.29 metres, whereas a total of 2.5 metres is required (1 metre side yard plus 1.5 metre buffer); and • reduce the proposed rear yard setback to the new lot line (Consent decisions B4/2017 and B5/2017) to approximately 1.16 metres, whereas a total of 2.5 metres is required (1 metre rear yard plus 1.5 metre buffer); and Building B (easterly storage shed) • recognize the easterly side yard setback of 1.46 metres, whereas a total of 2.5 metres is required (1 metre side yard plus 1.5 metre buffer). MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION A 3/2018 – Lunor Group Inc., Blocks 130 and 131 within Phase 3 of the Riverbend Draft Plan, 30T-07702, Elmira ZONE / USE: Residential Multiple with Design Guidelines (R-7A) with site specific provisions / vacant land The applicant is requesting relief from Section 15A.4.4 a) to reduce the required side yard setback to an external lot line, to permit the development of townhouse units, as follows: Block 130 – reduce the westerly side yard setback to an external lot line from 3 metres to a minimum of 1.5 metres; and Block 131 – reduce the westerly and easterly side yard setback to an external lot line from 3 metres to a minimum of 1.5 metres. The blocks affected are located on Isaac Street and Miranda Path, within the Lunor Development, Elmira.

P.O. Box 158

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

Phone:

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

After Hours Emergency:

519-575-4400 www.woolwich.ca

NOTICE OF THE DECISION: Within 10 days of the meeting, a copy of each decision will be sent to owners, agents, those who submit written comments, and people who sign the register at the meeting. If you wish to be notified of the decision of the Committee of Adjustment in respect to an application, you must submit a written request (to the Secretary-Treasurer – Nancy Thompson ext. 6040) or sign the register at the meeting. This will also entitle you to be advised of a possible Ontario Municipal Board Hearing. APPEAL OF MINOR VARIANCE AND CONSENT APPLICATIONS: Anyone in opposition to a decision may appeal the decision to the Ontario Municipal Board. The Board may dismiss an appeal without holding a hearing if the appellant did not make oral or written submissions to the Committee of Adjustment before a decision was given, or does not provide a reasonable explanation for having failed to make a submission to the Committee.

THANK YOU to the following businesses and organizations for their generous sponsorship of Free Holiday Swims and Skates at the Woolwich Memorial Centre: Bill Snyder Electric • Elmira Lions Club • Good Auto Parts Elmira Home Hardware • Elmira Insurance • Elmira Pet Products Josslin Insurance • Programmed Insurance Brokers/RWAM P&K Ice Services • St. Jacobs Printery • Tim Hortons Township of Woolwich Council • Toyota Boshoku Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council We would also like to thank Canadian Tire for our big, beautiful Christmas Tree! Please stop by the Woolwich Memorial Centre to pick up the holiday schedule of free skates/swims or visit us online at www.woolwich.ca

Start your new year in a healthy way at the Woolwich Memorial Centre! Get started with an annual Fitness Membership and get an additional month FREE! Fitness Memberships include full access to the Fitness Centre, and all drop-in programs (fitness, swimming and skating).

Interested? Come for a tour! 8am-8:30pm Monday - Friday & 8am-3pm Saturday - Sunday

Check out www.woolwich.ca for more information on our programs.

30 | CLASSIFIED

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

BOOK EARLY!

Babies of the

$40 +hst

! R A YE 17

Full colour photo of your little one published in the January 11, 2018 edition.

Deadline for submission & payment

Last Name, First Name

Birth Date | Tow n Parents Names

Email photos & caption information to: ads@woolwichobserver.com

Monday, January 8, 2018

20-B Arthur St. N., Elmira | 519-669-5790 | www.ObserverXtra.com | OBSERVER SERVICE DIRECTORY PRINTING SERVICES

@woolwichnews |

/ObserverXtra

CLASSIFIED | 31

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

OBSERVER SERVICE DIRECTORY AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

TIRE

WHERE TIRES ARE A

SPECIALTY, NOT A SIDE LINE.

GENERAL SERVICES

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

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

BIKE SALES & REPAIRS

THOMPSON’S

Accredited Test & Repair Facility

30 ORIOLE PKWY. E., ELMIRA www.thompsonsauto.ca

www.biobobs.com 519-648-3004

GENERAL SERVICES

We are geared to meet your timing and volume requirements

SEE US FOR

Window & Screen

REPAIRS

BLENDED TO MEET YOUR NEEDS!

800-232-6396

22 Church St. W., Elmira

519-669-5537

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

Ph: Elmira (519) 669-5219

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

AMOS INC

R O O F I N G

Various sizes & rates

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

CLEAN • DRY • SECURE Call

Blown or Pushed Off

or call today! or

PROFESSIONAL BIKE MECHANIC ON STAFF

Premium Softwood

Visit our website

519-669-4400

519-669-3232

Quality Bedding

WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED

519-669-4964

CALL JAYME FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE.

519.501.2405 | 519.698.2114

100 SOUTH FIELD DRIVE, ELMIRA

In Business since 1973 • Fully Insured

IRA HOME COMFORT M L E (519) 669-4600

“25 years in Business”

CONSTRUCTION INC. (519) 569-0772 • Commercial & Industrial General Contracting • Specializing in Concrete Work & Excavation • Retaining Walls

info@trappconstruction.ca www.trappconstruction.ca

• • • •

Stamped Coloured Concrete Demolition Bin Service Machine Bases

APPLIANCES – FURNACES – FIREPLACES AIR CONDITIONERS – WATER HEATERS SPRING SPECIAL ON AIR CONDITIONING TUNE UP $99, INSTALLED FROM $1999 FURNACES INSTALLED FROM $2499 FRIDGES $499, STOVES $399, WASHERS $399, DRYERS $369, FREEZERS $199 Come visit our show room FREE QUOTES 1 Union Street, Elmira

Concrete Breaking & Removal

ehc@hotmail.ca (519)-669-4600

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

The Right Window Treatment Can

Save you

Blinds

Steve Co.

Plumbing and Maintenance Inc.

by Elite or Mera

In home consultations Wide selection of styles & fabrics 1011 Industrial Crescent St. Clements | 519-699-5411 www.LetUsFloorYou.ca

• Residential • Commercial • Industrial

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

FREE

INSTALLATION When you buy 3 or more

Hours: M-F 8:30 - 5:30 Sat 9:00 - 3:00

Evenings By Appointment

- Design and build -

AGRICULTURAL | RESIDENTIAL FRAMING • ROOFING RENOVATIONS • EAVESTROUGHS

For all your Plumbing Needs.

Randy Weber

ECRA/ESA Licence # 7000605

24 HOUR SERVICE Steve Jacobi

Wayne Martin | 519-504-2016

519-669-3652

darwayconstruction@icloud.com | Alma, ON

www.rwelectricltd.com

ELMIRA

18 Kingfisher Dr., Elmira | 519.669.1462

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

WINDOW FASHIONS

Free in-home Consultations. Call someone you can trust. Brands You Can Trust 22 Church St. W., Elmira

Tel: 519-669-5537 or 1-844-866-5537 STORE HOURS: M-F: 8-8, SAT 8-6, SUN 12-5

SPACE FOR RENT

COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

ST. JACOBS

GLASS SYSTEMS INC. 1553 King St. N., St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0

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

Your Business Here! Advertise your business services in our service directory. Weekly exposure with fantastic results! Call Donna at 519.669.5790 Ext 104.

TEL:

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

homewindowfashions.ca

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

RESIDENTIAL & AGRICULTURAL

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

519-577-0370

OUTDOOR SERVICES Since 1998

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

519-503-6033

(CELL)

519-669-2251

36 Hampton St., Elmira

CONCRETE FLOOR/PAD BREAKING & REMOVAL SKID STEER SERVICES • ALL ATTACHMENTS AVAILABLE

CALL ABOUT OUR 28FT FLAT BED SERVICE

CALL DUSTIN AT

226-750-4532

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

Murray & Daniel Shantz

ALMA, ONTARIO | PHONE: 519.846.5427

ROLL OFF INDUSTRIAL BIN RENTALS CALL FOR AVAILABLE SIZES CALL DUSTIN AT

226-750-4532

32 | CLASSIFIED

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

REAL ESTATE

Wishing You A Merry Christmas! OPEN HOUSE Sat, Dec 23rd 1-3pm & Sat, Dec 30th 10am-Noon 7-11 Snyder Avenue North, Elmira

NEW LISTING

$615,000 Alli Bauman Paul Martin Sue Wideman SALES REPRESENTATIVE CALL DIRECT

SALES REPRESENTATIVE CALL DIRECT

519-577-6248 519-503-9533 226-750-9332 allibauman@rogers.com

paul@remaxsolidgold.biz suewidemanhomes@gmail.com

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

3 Arthur St. S., Elmira | 519-669-5426

Elmira - Stunning 2014 Claysam home boasting 2089 sq ft with 4 generous size bedrooms and ample flex space throughout. The open concept main floor is carpet free w/lots of natural light, formal dining and California shutters. The kitchen has granite countertops and new backsplash plus upgraded appliances (gas stove) all included and main floor laundry. Both bathrooms come with soaker tubs while the main bath also includes double sinks. The fully fenced, oversize upgraded lot with no rear neighbors comes with a shed and stamped concrete patio. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out! MLS.

$645,000

$349,900

Elmira - WON'T LAST LONG!!! This town house is centrally located near the brand new Riverside Public School, the downtown area and the rec centre with pool all within walking distance! The golf course is minutes down the road. Enjoy entertaining in this open feel space with a walk out to a deck for easy BBQing as well as the finished basement rec room, compete with washroom. The large master bedroom has a walk in closet with lots of space for all of your belongings. With all appliances included, you just need to move in!

Elmira - The Tristan II features an amazing Barzotti kitchen complete with Granite counter top, 9â&#x20AC;&#x2122; main floor ceilings, Hardwood and ceramic throughout the main floor. This 4 bedroom 3 bathroom is equipped with two sinks in the ensuite as well as the main bathroom. Currently being built and at the drywall stage it is available for viewings in daylight only. With a January 26 closing date and a neighborhood park behind, you will want to come and see this beautiful Verdone built home.

SELLING? CALL US FOR A FREE MARKET EVALUATION.

Â® REALTY LTD., BROKERAGE

Shanna

INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

519.500.1865 (Direct) 519.747.0231 (Office)

Dale R. Keller

Rozema

Bonnie

Sales Representative

410 Conestogo Road, Unit 210, Waterloo, ON N2L 4E2

BROKER

A portion of each sale commission is donated to The Woolwich Community Services.

Brubacher

www.KellerSellsRealEstate.com | dale@kellersellsrealestate.com

BROKER

HELPING YOU IS WHAT WE DO â&#x20AC;¦

Palmerston | $273,000 Quick Closing. This move in ready 2 bedroom home on a large 0.42 acre lot offers a park like setting backing onto the school yard. New roof and furnace. Large front porch and generous side deck. A beautiful spacious and bright home. MLS Call Dale.

Bruce Peninsula | $36,000 Really want to get away? 6.2 acre bush lot on paved Dyers Bay Road on the beautiful Bruce Peninsula, 45 minutes north of Wiarton. Build your dream retreat. MLS Call Dale.

CAR BUFFS | Near Harriston | $369,000 Don't miss the great value here. Bungalow with 4 CAR DREAM garage. New stone work, new windows, new roof, 2016. 2 + 1 bedrooms, large 0.46 of an acre. MLS Call Dale.

Numerous possibilities | Just off 401 | $890,000 This 5 acre property could have a potential in law suite with separate entrance at back. The land is zoned such as to permit dog kennel facilities. The barn currently set up for horses could also be used for many other purposes. What dreams would you have for a property like this. MLS Call Dale.

Call: 519-669-5790 ext. 104 or Email: drudy@woolwichobserver.com

EXCLUSIVE!

3/4 ACRE PIE LOT - WORKSHOP $714,900 ALMA Welcoming 3 bedroom,

appointed inside units available, freehold, standards include gas fireplace, hardwood in great room, maple ARTIST RENDERING kitchen w/island, a/c plus much more. Here is an opportunity to own in Southwood Park Estates, ELMIRA. Closing dates starting in March/18. Call today for further details.

4 bath Bungalow. 2200+ sq ft of mainfloor living space offers gleaming hardwood and ceramic flooring, lovely open concept kitchen/dinette and great room with gas fireplace. All mainfloor convenience, fully finished basement for entertaining with walk up access to the garage. 25 x 50 detached heated workshop. So much to offer.! MLS

RANCH BUNGALOW $714,000 ELMIRA

FAMILY HOME $459,000 ELMIRA

3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths with finished walk out basement. Great sized working kitchen with eat-in dinette and walk out to upper deck with access to the lower deck. Lovely hardwood flooring on the mainfloor great room. Generous sized rooms. Hot tub off the recroom. MLS.

Desirable mature wooded location on a 65' landscaped lot. 3+ Bedrooms, open concept kitchen great room plus dining and living rooms. 3 Baths, large recroom/games. 2 gas fireplaces. Plenty of space for everyone to enjoy. MLS.

ARE YOU READY TO SELL? NOW IS THE TIME! CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE CURRENT MARKET ANALYSIS.

ELMIRA OFFICE: 519-669-3192 | www.YourFamilyTeam.ca | 90 Earl Martin Dr., Unit 4 3 < 5 $ 0 , '

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

5 2 8 7 ( '

& & 5 3 8 8 + ) , ( / ( / < 6 (

2 0 $ 7 ( $ / < $ 5 ( , 2 & / , 6 $ + 1 2 + ( $ 5 $ 3 7

6 6 2 < ( 1 1 $ 3 & 5 2 : ) / ( 2 8 % , / % / 0 < 8 3 6 + 5

/ ) $ ( 2 1 2 5 0 0 2 2 ' , / < / , ( : ( $ ( 5 3 , / ( , / /

' , ( 7 8 7 8 5 ( 5 < * 2 , $ 2 1 ( ' / 2 $ < 9 , 6 ( / 7 2 5 6

6 1 ( $ . 1 , /

SUDOKU CHALLENGE

ADVERTISE IT IN THE OBSERVER! PLACE AN AD IN OUR REAL ESTATE SECTION TODAY!

PARADIGM (ELMIRA) HOMES EXECUTIVE TOWN HOME BUNGALOWS $459,900 Beautifully

CROSSWORD PUZZLER

SELLING YOUR HOME?

MERRY CHRISTMAS

May the Joy of the Season Warm Your Hearts & Homes

CLASSIFIED | 33

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

FAMILY ALBUM ADVERTISE

Who doesn’t love a

birthday? Surprise your loved ones with a notice in The Observer.

CALL 519-669-5790 EXT 104 OR

OBITUARY

Birmingham, Darlene

Starling, George Edward ‘Ted’

Passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 17, 2017 at Hospice Wellington, with her family by her side, at the age of 65 years. Beloved wife of Glen Birmingham of Elmira. Loving mother of Michael and Erin Birmingham of Elmira, Andrea and John McCall of Milton. Dear grandmother of Ethan, Drew, and Addison Birmingham; Jackson and Elliot McCall. Will be sadly missed by sisters JoAnn Maizitis, and Karen (Rob) Vincentini, brother David Reid (Marion), sister-inlaw Beverly Birmingham, brothers-in-law Gary (Connie) Birmingham, and Dennis Birmingham, and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Jack and Bernice (Calder) Reid. Darlene was a dedicated employee of Chemtura, Elmira for over 40 years. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Elmira Legion in January and will be announced at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Juravinski Cancer Centre, Hamilton, or Hospice Wellington, Guelph, would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira.

Peacefully passed away with his family by his side on Monday, December 18, 2017, at his residence in Elmira, at the age of 87 years. Ted was the beloved husband and best friend of Joan (Wilson) Starling for almost 63 years. Dear father of Bev and Paul Dietrich, Sue Starling and her spouse Greg Hastings, and Jill and Matt Torigian. Proud grandfather of Sheila Dietrich and her husband Joel VanderZee, Tina Beier-Kerton and her husband Rob Kerton, Kaitlin Beier, Nicole Beier and her partner Jake Holton, Nicholas and Tali Torigian, and great-grandfather of Marcy Beier-Kerton. Brother-in-law of Nina Starling; Gene and his spouse Marilyn Wilson. Ted will be missed by his many nieces, nephews, and their families. Ted was the last surviving member of his family, having been predeceased by his parents Charles and Irene (Clemens) Starling, brothers Wray and Paul, and sister-in-law Marion and her husband Bruce Hossack. Ted was an active member of Trinity United Church, Elmira Curling Club, Woolwich Agricultural Society, and The Mike Ludwig Hunt Club. He loved fishing on Long Point Bay, and was the manager at Beaver Lumber in Niagara Falls, Port Rowan, Rodney, and Elmira. Ted was the “unsung hero” to his many lifelong friends, and everyone within the community. The family received their relatives and friends on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, 62 Arthur St. S., Elmira. A funeral service will take place on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 10 a.m. at Trinity United Church, 21 Arthur St. N., Elmira. A reception will follow. Spring interment will take place in the family plot in Bayview Cemetery, Port Rowan. In Ted’s memory, donations to Bird Studies Canada, 115 Front St., Port Rowan, N0E 1M0 or St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation, Cardiac Care Centre, Kitchener, would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.

drudy@woolwichobserver.com

www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

FAMILY ALBUM DEADLINE WEDNESDAY BY 10 AM REAL ESTATE

Wishing All of You a Safe & Relaxing Christmas Season

www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com CONTINUED FROM PG. 28

From the Team at:

FARM SERVICES R.W. THUR REAL ESTATE LTD. BROKERAGE

519-669-2772

45 Arthur St. S., Elmira | www.thurrealestate.com

LET OUR 50+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WORK FOR YOU! 214 BROOKMEAD ST., ELMIRA

$599,900

TASTEFULLY DECORATED, open concept home offers hdwd floor in the L.R. open to the kitchen w/ island and spacious dining area w/ garden doors leading to the covered deck area. Private, fenced back yard w/shed. Main floor laundry. Large walkin closet & 4pc. ensuite off the master bdrm. Second bedroom w/lots of natural light. The lower level offers 2 bdrms. w/oversized windows, rec. room and 3pc. bath. Separate entry from the garage to bsmt. MLS.

CALL FOR YOUR FREE MARKET EVALUATION

KILN DRIED CORN & CORN SCREENING Delivered by Einwechter. Minimum 15 ton lots. Call George Haffner Trucking 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045. ORDER YOUR BUNK silo plastic NOW!! Preseason Discount on SiloStop Oxygen Barrier Film until Jan 15 2018 Also available 5ML B&W Plastic. Call 519-501-2258

FIREWOOD GERBER’S FIREWOOD SERVING you for over 10 years. Your #1 source of quality slabwood and bodywood. Delivery available. 519-656-2057.

HORSES WILL BUY OLD and used horses and ponies to go direct to plant in Quebec. Will buy all types, drug form required but will buy either way. TOP PRICES PAID. Contact Calvin Kuepfer for prices at Horizon Trail Equine at 519-272-3290.

BIRTHDAY

Happy 25th Brendan! Wow, how time flies by! From all your friends & family. (Dad will take the heat for this!)

OBITUARY

Higgs, Bryon Carl Peacefully with his family at his side, Bryon Carl Higgs, 74, of Elmira, Ontario, passed from this life into the next on December 18, 2017 at Hamilton General Hospital after a brief illness. Bryon taught high school at Elmira District Secondary School for almost all of his career and was nominated as Distinguished Teacher of the year. Bryon was an accomplished musician who played piano, clarinet and saxophone and spent many happy years playing clarinet in the Waterloo Concert Band. Throughout his life Bryon thoroughly enjoyed gardening and became very accomplished in this area. In retirement Bryon took on the role of a financial advisor, tirelessly researching the markets and very successfully managing prosperous investment accounts for family members and friends. Bryon is survived by Janet, his loving wife of 50 years, daughters Heather (Stephen) and Kelly (Blaise), son Chris (Vivian), and beloved granddaughters Maya and Elena. Bryon will be fondly remembered by many friends locally and around the world and by his former students. Bryon will also be sadly missed by his two collies: Ghillie and Brodie who he thoroughly enjoyed walking on the Kissing Bridge Trail. Bryon was preceded in death by his father, Carl Higgs, his mother, Jean Allen, and his stepmother Peggie Higgs. Bryon’s family would like to thank the Neurology Team at Hamilton General Hospital as well as the ICU East Nurses for the exceptional care they provided to Bryon in his final days and for the support they provided to the family during this difficult period. A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, December 21, 2017 from 7-9 p.m. at Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira. A celebration of Bryon’s life will be held on Friday, December 22, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. at Elmira Mennonite Church with a reception to follow. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to Mennonite Central Committee or Elmira Lions Club Memorial Forest would be appreciated by the family. Bryon’s family invites everyone to visit Bryon’s memorial website at bhiggs.forevermissed.com and to sign the electronic guest book. We would love to hear about your memories of Bryon or as he was known to his students, “Mr. Higgs”.

www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

WANTED BUYING ROLEX, OMEGA, Zenith etc, pocket watches, vintage clocks, all gold & sliver, coins, scrap costume jewellery, musical instruments, rock & roll; jazz records, military items, toys, sports. Email gallamore@ golden.net or 519-242-6900, fair honest prices.

AUTOMOTIVE 2005 DODGE GRAND Caravan. 159,000 kms, black. $1800.00 o.b.o. As is. Call 519-501-5950.

TRADES & SERVICES RON’S DRYWALL AND Renovations. Over 35 years experience. Please call 519-496-7539 or email ron. spncr@gmail.com

FIND IT IN THE OBSERVER

34 | LIVING HERE

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

LIVING HERE GETTING INVOLVED / A LONG CAREER

Bill Strauss wins award for his years of public service Former Woolwich mayor receives Jack Young Civic Award for his many terms on councils in Wellesley, Woolwich and Waterloo Region FAISAL ALI FORMER WOOLWICH MAYOR BILL Strauss is one of this year’s recipients of regional council’s Jack Young Civic Award, recognizing his years of public service. He was one of four people named at a special ceremony last week. “It was an awesome, awesome experience for me. I’m so thankful for it,” said Strauss of the December 13 honour. The civic award, named after the first chairman of the Region of Waterloo, is considered region’s highest honour. It goes out to individuals “who best exemplifies the high standards of political and civic life exhibited by Jack A. Young.” “I think the group felt that Bill had put a lot of effort and personal time into supporting the community through his political involvement, both in Wellesley and in Woolwich township,” said regional Chair Ken Seiling. “I think Bill was representative of a sort of quote and unquote folksy style of politician, who’s heart was always in the right place. [He] always felt he had a duty to represent the people that he served and I think took his work seriously,” he added. Strauss served as a councillor for the Township

of Wellesley from 1969 to 1974, and then councillor for Woolwich from 1985 to 1994. In 1997, he was elected as mayor of Woolwich, a position he held until 2010. During his 13 years as mayor, Strauss advocated the interests of the township at the region. “Well, I tell you, I enjoyed everything about being in [politics]. I had good councils to work with, I had good staff to work with ... I was very happy to serve the township that I was born in, raised in, worked in,” said Strauss. Fittingly enough, the former Woolwich mayor was nominated by the current mayor Sandy Shantz, who has in some sense taken up Strauss’ mantle. “I think that Bill was so very involved in everything in the community. I mean, I think he served on every committee that there ever was,” said Shantz with a laugh, adding, “That’s a little bit of an exaggeration.” Only a little bit, because even after coming to the end of his term in public office in 2010, Strauss has maintained his commitment to bettering the community. He just recently completed a six-year term as the chair of the Elmira AWARD | 37

CHEF’S TABLE/ DONNA GINGRICH

Christmas comes but once a year, but maybe after you’ve tasted it, this salad might come more often RECIPE NOTES CHRISTMAS IS NOW JUST around the corner – it is unbelievable how quickly the time goes. I’m sure many of you are in a flurry of preparations this week to be ready for Christmas falling on a Monday this year. Today I am making three batches of dinner rolls and some squares for special orders for friends. This salad, aptly named Christmas Salad, will be a welcome addition to your turkey dinner. You can toast the almonds, seed the pomegranates and make the salad dressing ahead of the meal. To keep the pears from browning, I slice the pears, leaving the skin on, then toss them with a little of the salad dressing. They can sit like this until just before dinner when you toss the salad. Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Waterloo Region Chair Ken Seiling (left) presented the Jack Young Civic Award to longtime Woolwich mayor and councillor Bill Strauss at a special ceremony Dec. 13 in regional council chambers. [SUBMITTED]

CHEF’S TABLE | 36

LIVING HERE | 35

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

Vacuum Sales,

“A GOOD JOB DONE EVERY TIME”

Kleensweep Carpet Care

Repairs Service Se

Rugs and Upholstery

All Makes & Models

•Mattress Cleaning •Residential •Commercial •Personalized Service •Free Estimates

Everything Vacuum

COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

West Montrose, ON

T. 519.669.2033

COLLEEN

Cell: 519.581.7868

Truck & Trailer Maintenance

E-MAIL: ads@woolwichobserver.com

519-669-8362

DECEMBER 27

DECEMBER 29

JANUARY 4

FREE HOLIDAY PUBLIC SKATE at St. Clements Arena from 11 a.m. to noon.

FREE HOLIDAY PUBLIC SKATE at St. Clements Arena from 1 p.m.. to 2 p.m.

FREE FAMILY SKATE AT the Woolwich Memorial Centre from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Come skate with the Elmira Sugar Kings. Free hot chocolate.

DECEMBER 28

DECEMBER 31

FREE HOLIDAY PUBLIC SKATE at St. Clements Arena from 11 a.m. to noon.

FREE HOLIDAY PUBLIC SKATE at St. Clements Arena from noon to 1 p.m.

Cardlock Fuel Management

www.elmiravacuumelectrical.ca

M&G MILLWRIGHTS LTD. • Design • Installation • Custom Fabrication

MATERIAL HANDLING & PROCESSING SYSTEMS

P.O. BOX 247, ELMIRA

Quality & Service

The Events Calendar is reserved for non-profit local community events that are offered free to the public. Placement is not guaranteed.

21 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.2884 | martinselmira.com

Registrations, corporate events, open houses and the like do not qualify in this section.

SPACE FOR RENT Advertise here for great weekly exposure in Woolwich & Wellesley townships.

CALL Donna to book this space today! 519-669-5790 ext. 104

www.mgmill.com

HOW CAN I HELP?

24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

TOTAL HOME ENERGY SYSTEMS

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

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

Saturday, 9am-3pm

observerxtra.com/events-calendar/submit-calendar-in-print/

1540 FLORDALE ROAD

Home: 519.747.4388

•

you can trust.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO EASILY SUBMIT YOUR EVENT:

519.669.5105

Bus: 519.744.5433

Tuesday - Friday, 9am-5:30pm

SUBMIT AN EVENT

COMMERCIAL 24 CARDLOCK FUEL DEPOT HOUR

NANCY KOEBEL

9 Church St. E., Elmira

YOUR OIL, PROPANE, NATURAL GAS AND AIR CONDITIONING EXPERTS

RRSPs, RESPs, RRIFs, LIFs and Annuities.

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

Elmira & Surrounding Area

652 Waterbury Lane, Waterloo

519.664.2008

226-266-2432 pmerlihan@woolwich.ca @PatMerlihan www.merlihan.com

SHARON GINGRICH 519.291.6763 psgingrich@hotmail.ca

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

PLACES OF FAITH | A DIRECTORY OF LOCAL HOUSES OF WORSHIP

St. James Pastor: Hans J.W. Borch Lutheran Proclaiming Christ through Church Love and Service

33 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.1591

NURSERY PROVIDED

SUNDAY SCHOOL

HEARING ASSISTED

Sunday, Dec. 24th

10:15 am: Worship

60 Arthur St. S., Elmira 519-669-5591

MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED

COUNCILLOR | WARD 1 WOOLWICH TOWNSHIP

VERMONT Castings

11 HENRY ST. - UNIT 9, ST. JACOBS

SANYO CANADIAN

PATRICK MERLIHAN

It’s time to call your Welcome Wagon Hostess.

10:00 am

The Christmas Child Speaker: Ron Seabrooke

Discovering God Together

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

Speaker: Ron Seabrooke

Service at 10:30am Rev. Paul Snow

Sunday Services

9:15 | 11:00 AM

REACH WITH LOVE. TEACH THE TRUTH. SEND IN POWER.

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

Elmira Mennonite Church

290 Arthur St. South, Elmira • 519-669-3973 www.ElmiraAssembly.com (Across from Tim Horton’s)

Zion Mennonite Fellowship

Worship: 9:30am

Fourth Sunday in Advent

Christmas Eve Service

December 24th | 7:00pm

Fred Lichti preaching

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

REACH OUT. KEEP FAITH ALIVE, ADVERTISE HERE.

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

Emmanuel EVANGELICAL MISSIONARY CHURCH

Worship Service

www.OBSERVERXTRA.com

Sundays 10:30am

ecelmira.com

519.669.5030

REACH OUT Spread the word, advertise your service here every week.

36 | LIVING HERE

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

Wellesley residents raise concerns about trees planted near popular tobogganing hill FAISAL ALI THERE’S STILL PLENTY OF room for tobogganing at a popular spot near Wellesley Pond, even as the township plants trees to help naturalize the area, says the ward councillor. Peter van der Mass acknowledges he’s received some phone calls from residents worried about the planting near the bottom of a hill at the southern end of the pond, frequently used as a tobogganing spot. Among those raising concerns is Wellesley village resident Jeanette Pretorius, who said the trees would obstruct children sliding down the hills. “We have a large hill by our pond that everybody in the wintertime goes tobogganing on because it’s the nice hill,” she explained. “It’s a nice size because it’s not too big. It’s small enough that the kids can get back up, but big enough that they used to actually enjoy going there tobogganing and tubing. “And so a group of people, [a few months ago], decided to plant trees at the bottom of our tobogganing hill.” Pretorius said she and other

Twenty-four trees were planted in a semi-random pattern near the bottom of the hill by Wellesley Pond in June. Fencing and straw bales were added more recently around the site. [FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER] parents had voiced their concerns to the township, but to little effect. “Wellesley, we offer not much. We don’t have a fancy drop-in centre; we don’t have jobs, hardly; we don’t have a bus that goes into the city. But at least in winter we had this hill, and now here’s something else that’s been taken away,” she said. Van der Mass, who has been involved with the Friends of Wellesley Pond group leading the naturalization efforts, said

Merry Christmas!

the group had carefully planned to avoid that. “When we planted it, we bore in mind that smaller kids liked to toboggan there,” he said. “Bigger kids don’t go there: they go to the arena where the hill’s a lot bigger and there’s a far larger run. So we figured there was still room for them to go down and particularly if they went a little bit to the south.” The proximity of the trees continues to raise some concerns, he noted.

Wishing You & Your Family a Blessed Holiday Season.

PRE-INVENTORY

SPECIALS

The trees and shrubs were planted in June as part of the Friends of Wellesley Pond’s larger naturalization project for the area. The plan for the tree locations was done in collaboration with the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA), which actually owns the land. “GRCA staff worked with the Friends of Wellesley Pond to pick a planting plan that worked,” explained Cam Linwood, a spokesperson for the GRCA. Both township staff and GRCA engineering and property staff approved the plan. The trees and vegetation were planted in a random pattern within the area, using native Ontario species like freeman maple, black cherry and bitternut hickory. “We hope to create a habitat for butterflies and birds,” said van der Maas of the planting project. “Some of the trees are larger, some are bushes ... [and are] randomly planted to make it appear a little natural, and still give some room in between for tending the

PICK UP YOUR COMPLIMENTARY WALL CALENDAR FOR 2018

CHEF’S TABLE:

Carpet pad With All IN STOCK Carpet Purchases

FREE

Laminate pad With All IN STOCK Laminate Purchases

FOR INSTALLATION IN JANUARY 2018

SELECTED STOCK

HARDWOODS

1⁄2 PRICE

NO HST

from $2.29 / sq. ft.

ON ALL IN-STOCK

VANITIES (over 20 to choose from)

SALE runs until noon on December 30, 2017 Tel: 519-699-5411 www.LetUsFloorYou.ca

1011 Industrial Crescent St. Clements, ON

Giving salad some extra pizzazz for the Christmas holiday FROM | 34

Christmas Salad 1 cup almonds, sliced 2 Tbsp. white sugar 2 heads lettuce, washed and chopped 2 pomegranates, seeded

grass.” The tree plantings were just one part of the broader project, which envisions an ecologically revitalized pond area. Last month, the Friends of Wellesley Pond unveiled concept drawings for a modified, more environmentally friendly pond and sought the township’s input. The concept drawings were produced by Water’s Edge, a Cambridgebased environmental firm. Some of the key changes being proposed by the group would be to decrease the size of the Wellesley pond, while simultaneously increasing the depth. The group also want to add objects like sunken trees and stone formations into the pond to act as natural habitats for wildlife. “We’d like to keep [Wellesley Pond] healthy,” said van der Maas. “We’d like to have something more than a bunch of muddy carp and non-native species in there. It would be nice if can get the trout back in there, it would be nice if kids could fish in there again. The size of the pond

will be reduced but it will be deeper and a lot healthier, a lot nicer to look at.” Van der Maas says the group hopes to take the questions and comments and incorporate them into the project, before returning to the community with any changes in the new year. He adds that they want to take their time and make sure they address everyone’s concerns on the pond project before moving forward on any major changes to the pond. While the group hope to beautify the pond through the revitalization project, van der Maas said the ecological benefit was important as well. “We also have a responsibility to the environment,” he said. “The days are gone when you could just create a vista that pleased you visually; we’ve got greater responsibilities to the environment that we’re cognizant of. Having something look pretty is not good enough. We need something that looks good but actually is good.”

1 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled 3-4 ripe pears, sliced 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated

To prepare almonds, put almonds and white sugar in a hot pan. Stir constantly. The sugar will melt and coat the almonds. Sauté until almonds are golden. Remove from heat and cool completely. Prepare remaining salad ingredients in a large bowl. Toss with dressing just before serving.

Dressing: 1 Tbsp. prepared mustard 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup vinegar 1 Tbsp. onion, chopped Sprinkle of salt 3/4 cup olive oil

For the salad dressing, put all ingredients in the blender except olive oil. Blend until smooth. With the blender running on medium speed, add olive oil in a slow, steady stream. Pour into a container and refrigerate. Keeps well.

Serves 12-14 people.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Donna is the author of A Taste of Nostalgia Cookbook, which is available by calling 519-638-5791 or email donna.atasteofnostalgia@ gmail.com.

LIVING HERE | 37

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

AWARD: Even after politics, Strauss continues to stay involved with various community groups FROM | 34

Legion poppy campaign, which in previous years raised more than $20,000. Strauss also completed six years on the board of Elmira District Community Living, which provides homes to people with intellectual disabilities in the community. He served for several years at the Waterloo Regional Housing, and still sits on the Lake Erie Region Source Protection Committee. “Right now I’m just rest-

ing, relaxing. I had a serious operation in October, but I’ve come through it and everything is in real good shape,” he said positively. As a recipient of the Jack Young Civic Award, Strauss has the distinction of being named after the formative politician in the region. In 1972, Young was appointed by the province as the first regional chair, and charged with establishing the new Regional Municipality of Waterloo. That meant pull-

From

15999 APPLE iPod 5G

APPLE iPad Air

Touch 16 GB From

13”

32 GB From

reg. $ 99

Intel i5, 4GB, 320GB HD reg. $ 99

159

339

649

Intel i3, 4GB, 250GB HD

Intel i5, 4GB, 250GB HD

Intel i5-6300HQ 8GB 1TB HD 4GB Geforce GTX-960 Video

14999 $29999 $74999 reg. $ 99

199

reg.

reg. $ 99

399

949

WE FIX ALL BRANDS! 2 Locations to serve you! 112 Bonnie Cres. Elmira, ON

December 24

Closing at 6 p.m. Boxing Day December 26, 10-5pm Re-opening December 27 at 6 a.m.

We wish all of our friends, family and customers our very best for the new year!

g n i k a M Spirits ! t h g i r B e Best h t l l A iday l o H s i th ! Season f ll o From a at: us here

519.698.2472

www.erbelectric.ca

December 31

Closing at 6 p.m. Re-opening January 2 at 6 a.m.

920 St. David St. N. Fergus, ON

Call us today! 519-669-5551 www.realitybytescomputers.com

ESA Licence #7000438

Happy Holidays

tive of the city of Kitchener, becoming its longest serving mayor; after a lengthy political career, he announced in 2014 he would not seek another term. Brewer, who passed away this August, had acted on the regional council for 32 years. She was elected mayor of Cambridge in 1988, and continued to work for the residents of Cambridge until 2014 at age 90. Gravill was police chief from 1992 until his retirement in 2007.

Holiday Hours

3785 Nafziger Rd., Wellesley 519.656.3083

reg. $ 99

Lenovo HP ProBook Dell Gaming Desktop PC 15” Laptop Laptop $

working with me and for me, and my family supported me whole-heartedly. I have a lot of things to look at that we accomplished while out there as mayor and council,” he said. The other recipients of this year’s Jack Young Award were former regional councillors Carl Zehr and Jane Brewer (posthumously), and retired regional police chief Larry Gravill. Zehr was a representa-

APPLE MacBook Pro

11999 $29999 $54999

giving this award out, and I never dreamed at that time that I’d be receiving one,” he added. “It’s a real honour.” Strauss was born and raised in St. Jacobs, and lived much of his life in the region. He is a father of five, and a grandfather now to seven. In between raising children and tending to his constituents, Strauss also operated three businesses. “My whole life has been blessed with good people

May joy, love and peace warm your hearts this holiday season.

APPLE iPads $

ing in the disparate interest of rural and city communities into a single, working whole. Young passed away in 1999 at the age of 80, but his legacy lives on today. “I knew Jack Young, well, quite seriously because as township councillor, we were involved with all the meetings of what was going to go into the new system,” said Strauss. “He got the region set up, let’s face it. “I was on regional council when the region started

We Deliver! 315 Arthur St. S.

Cell: 519-574-4141 | Office: 519-669-2045 | Fax: 519-669-3845

PHONE: 519-669-5403

Merry Christmas! We feel very blessed to have you as our customers and proud to call you friends!

2316 Floradale Rd., Floradale | 519-669-8818

Pleas e will b note we e Dec. closed 27t Jan 3 h to rd

38 | LIVING HERE

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

STRANGE BUT TRUE / BILL & RICH SONES PH.D.

We associate Jingle Bells with Christmas, but it might have had other origins WEIRD NOTES

Q. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dashing through the snow/In a one-horse open sleigh/Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;er the fields we go/Laughing all the way.â&#x20AC;? You no doubt know the opening stanza of the iconic â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jingle Bells,â&#x20AC;? but can you say whether the song was originally written A. for Christmas B. for Thanksgiving C. as a drinking song D. for sleigh races? A. We know that the song was written by James Lord Pierpont, most likely in Medford, Massachusetts, in 1850, and most likely inspired by the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleigh races, writes Dan Lewis on his web site â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now I Know.â&#x20AC;?

However, Pierpont didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t publish the song until seven years later in Savannah, Georgia. As to its purpose, all four of the above choices have been bandied about, but the largely unfamiliar subsequent verses â&#x20AC;&#x153;have references to a sleigh crash, a drag race-style rivalry with another sleigh driver, and â&#x20AC;Ś a note about galavanting with various women: Now the ground is white Go it while youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re young Take the girls tonight and sing this sleighing song.â&#x20AC;? So, despite its Christmas connection, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jingle Bellsâ&#x20AC;? most likely was a drinking song of the 19th century, â&#x20AC;&#x153;where guests at parties

would â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;jingleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the ice cubes in their glasses while they sang alongâ&#x20AC;? (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Atlanticâ&#x20AC;? magazine). Q. Calling all you word aficionados, can you say what the following have in common: â&#x20AC;&#x153;addubitationâ&#x20AC;? (questioning oneself), â&#x20AC;&#x153;circumplicateâ&#x20AC;? (to wrap around), exsufflation (blowing out) and â&#x20AC;&#x153;impotionateâ&#x20AC;? (poisoned)?

A. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all inkhorn terms (after portable ink containers that scholars hung from their belts), born out of a time in the 15th and 16th centuries when the English language experienced a vocabulary innovation, says Arika Okrent in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mental Flossâ&#x20AC;? magazine. These terms and many others eventually fell into disuse, as they were often â&#x20AC;&#x153;deliberately difficult,

OBSERVER CROSSWORD PUZZLER ACROSS 1. High school dances 5. Musical syllable 10. Fare reductions 15. Greeting for a dude or a bro 16. Reply to a captain 18. Advertising sign 19. 180, so to speak 20. Same old, same old 22. Break 24. Completes â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;eitherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 25. Yours truly 26. Bar order 27. Bolted down 28. Boast 30. ___ juice (milk) 32. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Monopolyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; square 33. Breakfast, lunch or dinner 35. Cut out 37. Hipbones 39. Expression of agreement 40. __ Software, makers of Quake

41. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yeah, ___!â&#x20AC;? 43. The x in â&#x20AC;&#x153;2x4â&#x20AC;? 44. Like composition paper 46. Seed covering 47. The Beatles, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let it ___â&#x20AC;? 48. Two of us 49. Advance 52. Sky, to the poet 53. Cross __ heart 54. Ethereal 55. Seven in Roman numerals 56. Gatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cousin 57. Pixar film about Carl Fredricksen 58. Bundle 59. Unload, as stock 60. 1/100 of afghani 61. High and piercing 62. High spots 63. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The coast __ clearâ&#x20AC;? 65. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A likely story!â&#x20AC;? 66. Driest sherry 67. Atomic number 2 68. Grassy area

crafted to reflect well on the author rather than make things clear for the reader.â&#x20AC;? But a good number more entered the language with real staying power, including â&#x20AC;&#x153;absurd,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;adult,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;ambiguous,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;articulate,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;catastrophe,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;confide,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;deduce,â&#x20AC;? dilemma,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;education,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;enigma,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;exact,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;expert,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;explain,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;frequent,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;gradual,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;hero,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;illustrate,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;imitate,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;irony,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;lament,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;map, â&#x20AC;&#x153;myriad.â&#x20AC;? From its origin as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;barbarian tongue,â&#x20AC;? unfit for philosophy, art, and spiritual matters (Latin and French were used), English came into its own once the printing press made it possible to spread ideas using everyday language, and the need for more English words became apparent. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the end, English remained Eng

70. Vegaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s constellation 72. Aug. follower DOWN 1. Downtown Elmira pizza joint 2. Channeled 3. One thousandth of an ampere 4. Harmony 6. Happening 7. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Seinfeldâ&#x20AC;? uncle 8. Last, e.g. 9. Used before a vowel 10. Directly 11. Tagged player 12. 100 cents 13. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give up!â&#x20AC;? 14. Dishonest sort 17. Chewing out 21. Oolong, for one 23. Campaign pro 25. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Le Misanthropeâ&#x20AC;? playwright 29. Annual award for excellence on the Internet

31. Gusher 32. Highlander 34. Hammersteinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contribution 36. Blondeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s secret, maybe 38. Linear unit 42. Contents of some barrels 45. Delawareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital 46. Wind instrument? 50. Afflicts 51. Common soccer score 52. French vineyard 53. Dashboard abbr. 54. Afflict 56. PC â&#x20AC;&#x153;brainâ&#x20AC;? 57. You and I 58. Circumference divided by diameter 59. Solfa syllable 64. Loafer, e.g. 65. Conversation starter 66. Brings down 69. Ball in a socket 71. Word before large

OBSERVER TRAVELS

A. The moonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s orbit around Earth is not a perfect circle but rather a slightly stretched oval shapeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;an ellipseâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;which means periodically the moon changes its distance from the Earth, says Dean Regas in â&#x20AC;&#x153;100 Things to See in the Night Sky.â&#x20AC;? The closer to Earth, the slightly larger the moon appears.

lish,â&#x20AC;? Okrent says, discarding some words with Old English roots and absorbing other new words. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This ability to try on words and accept or reject them, whether they are Latin or not, is a sign of a language being robustly alive (unlike, say, Latin).â&#x20AC;? Q. You know about full moons, half moons, quarter moons and new moons, but what in heavenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name are supermoons and puny moons?

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

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

The closest Full Moon in a calendar year is known as a supermoon and the one farthest away is a so-called puny moon. Though the naked eye canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t distinguish the moonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apparent size from one night to the other, comparing these two moons shows â&#x20AC;&#x153;the variance is dramatic. The supermoon is more than 31,000 miles closer to Earth, and consequently it appears 14% larger in diameter with a 30% larger surface area than the puny moon. That is like comparing a 16-inch pizza to a 14-inch pizza, or the size of a quarter to a nickel.â&#x20AC;?

OPEN â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;TIL MIDNIGHT | 7 DAYS A WEEK

DELIV SER ERY AVAILVICE Call fo ABLE rD

etails

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

SUDOKU CHALLENGE LOCATION

Boston, MA

CAPTION Boston was the pre-Christmas travel destination for Glen & Marg McKee and Reta & Clare Martin. Here they stand with the Observer in front of historic Faneuil Hall, decorated for the Season.

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. We have got you started with a few numbers already placed in the boxes.

LIVING HERE | 39

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

• SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS

For unto us a • MERRY CHRISTMAS • HAPPY NEW YEAR • MERRY CHRISTMAS • HAPPY NEW YEAR • MERRY child was born The Messiah who saves the world. May your Christmas be great as ever in the light of the Savior’s love!

“May you rejoice in the miracle, the gift and the promise of Christmas.”

DUB-L-E ESSO 390 Arthur St., S., Elmira

6455 Reid Woods Dr., RR#4 Elmira

INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

519-669-2015 Dale R. Keller Sales Representative 519-669-9488 | www.tubeline.ca • SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • MERRY CHRISTMAS • HAPPY NEW YEAR • MERRY CHRISTMAS • HAPPY NEW YEAR • MERRY

May Your Holiday Season Be Merry & Bright

y r r e Mtmas s i r h C Wishing You a Very

Sending our Best Wishes to our good friends

Wishing You All a Safe & Happy Christmas!

(large & small)

everywhere. from all of us at: Providing the latest technology to repair your vehicle.

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

From all of us at

Auto Tech Inc.

18 Arthur St. N., Elmira | 519-669-2561

30 Oriole Pkwy. E., Elmira | 519.669.4400

• HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • MERRY CHRISTMAS • HAPPY NEW YEAR • MERRY CHRISTMAS • HAPPY NEW YEAR • MERRY

40 | BACK PAGE

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

B OX I N G WE E K S A L E S

NO T AX! STOREWIDE!

WIDE PLANK CLICK LAMINATE from

SALES START TODAY! SALE HOURS

THURS/FRI SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY

4MM THICK CLICK VINYL

12.3MM THICK LAMINATE

DEC 21 & 22 DECEMBER 23 DECEMBER 24 DECEMBER 25 DECEMBER 26

9AM 9PM 9AM 6PM 9AM 3PM CLOSED 8AM 6PM

6.5MM THICK CLICK VINYL TILES

¢ $ 27 $ 57 $ 77

per sq ft

from

SWISS MADE

per sq ft

from

AC4 COMMERCIAL

per sq ft

AC4 COMMERCIAL 100%WATERPROOF

from

per sq ft

12” X 24” 100%WATERPROOF

PLUS NO TAX! PLUS NO TAX! PLUS NO TAX! PLUS NO TAX!

13” X 13” PORCELAIN TILE

WOOD-GRAIN TILE

MODERN HEAVY FRIEZE CARPET BERBER CARPET

¢ $ 97 $ 27 $ 27

from

per sq ft

from

per sq ft

from

NEW PRODUCT!

per sq ft

from

per sq ft

PLUS NO TAX! PLUS NO TAX! PLUS NO TAX! PLUS NO TAX!

3” X 6” SUBWAY TILES

MODERN GRAY LEDGESTONE

$ 87 $ from

per sq ft

from

97 per sq ft

HOT COLOUR!

CARPET REMNANTS

1000’S OF AREA RUGS

% $ OFF!

from

4’x6’ starting from

each

PLUS NO TAX! PLUS NO TAX! PLUS NO TAX! PLUS NO TAX!

HANDSCRAPED SOLID CLICK BAMBOO

OAK / MAPLE HARDWOOD

$ 97 $ from

per sq ft

from

per sq ft

3/4” THICK SOLID HARDWOOD

MDF PRIMED BASEBOARDS

3-7/8” starting from

SOLID OAK/MAPLE STAIR TREADS

¢ $

per lin ft

starting from

each

PLUS NO TAX! PLUS NO TAX! PLUS NO TAX! PLUS NO TAX! WWW.

.COM

1362 VICTORIA ST N. KITCHENER 519.742.9188 | T/F 9-9 SAT 9-6 SUN 9-3 M CLOSED BOXING DAY 8-6