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12 | 26 | 2013 VOLUME 18 | ISSUE 52
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! ENJOY TIME WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS FROM ALL OF US AT THE OBSERVER
COMMENT PAGE 8
GOOD TRANSIT IDEA TO BE ECLIPSED BY POOR DECISIONS
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For want of a decent meal The work of food banks more visible during the holiday season, but the need extends throughout the year ELENA MAYSTRUK It’s easier to tell the affluent from the poor in big cities: some neighbourhoods are better than others and the homeless more visible. Not so in rural areas such as Woolwich and Wellesley townships where most of the surroundings seem quaint and the residents prosperous, but there are those in need just the same. Some 3,049 visits were made toWoolwich Community Services from the start of the 2012-2013 period to October 2013. The Wilmot Family Resource Centre had 2,262 visits from Wellesley and
When Joanne Kraemer and her husband fell on hard times, the WCS was there to help. Today the organization’s responsibilities are growing to encompass more townships’ residents.
WCS volunteer Monique Roes helps with holiday hampers. Wilmot residents in 2012, of which 1,089 were local children who make up nearly half of the population using food hampers in the region. Waterloo Region’s total hunger count for 2013 amounts to 28,213 people. “People in the rural areas try to hide it because they want to fit in. If you are in the big city there’s places where you can go where there’s low-income people or you can go to a soup kitchen and
everybody sort of dresses the same, but in the rural areas people just want to be like everyone else,” said Wilmot Family Resource Centre (WFRC) executive director Trisha Robinson. Roxy Bellamy, a single mother of five from New Hamburg, came back to the WFRC after many years of making it on her own. “When I came back a couple of months ago, I was actually crying because you don’t want to come back, but I had to,” she said. Coming to the WFRC for the first time was agonizing for Marianne Irvine. She wants to raise awareness on how many people are finding it hard to survive on wages prevalent in today’s job market. “I’d never accessed [social services] until this FOOD BANK | 2
[ELENA MAYSTRUK / THE OBSERVER]
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2 | HOLIDAY EDITION
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013
FOOD BANK: Users not always happy they need to use the service, but they're glad it's there FROM | COVER
last year because of an illness that got totally out of control. I had to go on disability – it significantly reduces your income. In order to pay my rent and other living expenses I had to go to the food bank. “I was very embarrassed and feeling shameful, I guess. Shameful that I didn’t have enough money to buy food for myself, but, having used the food bank here, that made me feel comfortable. You don’t feel worse and less of a person coming here,” Irvine said. The people who get aid are a diverse tapestry of young, old, able and disabled residents who have fallen on hard times. From April to October, WCS provided 128 food hampers to residents on disability pensions, 94 to single-parent households, the same number to twoparent families and 226 for singles. Meanwhile, 47 visits were made by rural residents with full-time employment who could not afford food in the same time period, a larger group than the 41 visits by parttime workers who used the same services. The lack of public trans-
after being laid off from a new job. He has a long history of stable, long-term work. “I still feel like I have a lot to put out there, I know I do. I’m just not finished in the labour force yet but I’m not an employer's dream; there are so many younger people out there that want jobs, need jobs, have families, and I’m single. I came here because it’s comforting and if I can help in any way, I’d be glad to.” Local hunger stats are reflective of Food Banks Canada’s latest Hunger Count released in March. Though national numbers seem to be down – 833,098 people accessed a food bank that
Starting December 15 volunteers with WCS worked night and day to fill Christmas hampers at Lions Hall in Elmira. Doris Runstedler, Krysta Cronin, Gertrude Seiling, Lian McKee and Aurelie Ferguson wrap gifts. portation in most rural arthat trying to earn income eas contributes to the cost you just don’t have access of rural living and medical to that kind of money. treatment for low-income There’s no service available individuals, Robinson said. for people that are at the A taxi cab to Grand River hospital and need to come Hospital from Wilmot or home,” she said. Wellesley could cost up to David Heimpel of New $50 one way for someone Hamburg and his wife like Irvine who must make weren’t always in need. frequent trips for treatThey had a big house, a ment. She feels lucky to cottage in Muskoka ... they have friends and communi- know how fast it can all disty members who help out. appear. Twice they’ve had “When you are living on to turn to the WFRC. disability and you have an “Initially when you go to illness and you’re trying to a food bank you go ‘Huh? work around that and with What am I doing here? I Judy Meyer (left) and Nancy Cooper hold up some of the items donated to this year’s toy drive.
Holiday Hours DEC. 22, 2013 DEC. 23 DEC. 24 DEC. 25, 26 DEC. 27, 28 DEC. 29 DEC. 30 DEC. 31 JAN. 1, 2014 JAN. 2
made good money, now I don’t anymore and I’m going to a food bank?’ The first time for my wife and I, we didn’t want to do it. You want to give not take – that’s why I support staff that’s here [at the WFRC],” he said. Robinson added: “One day things seem good and the next day you’re having to use the food bank. I know some people don’t ever see a way out and to be on this side, I think it’s hard.” Frank Spitzig, another client of Robinsons’, found himself looking for help
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month – from 872,379 at the same time the previous year, use remains close to record levels, according to the organization and 23 per cent higher than in the beginning of the 2008 recession. “Doesn’t matter where you’ve been or how good you think you have it, it can happen to anybody. Even a couple of million bucks in the bank, it doesn’t mean anything. I just want people to realize: don’t look down on us, we don’t want to be here,” Heimpel added. While much of rural
poverty is often hidden, the increasing need among children, couples and single adult residents in Woolwich and Wellesley has become apparent to those who know what to look for. “Poverty is not a special holiday, it happens all year around,” said Elmira’s Joanne Kraemer. Many years ago, when her husband Dennis was diagnosed with cancer, the couple turned to WCS. Though the holidays are a designated time of giving, the need is present all year around. WCS’ hunger count of 1,691 visits in 2011/ 2012 rose to 1,987 in 2012/2013, and from April to October the organization already fed 1,062 first-time and returning food bank users. Out of difficult straits and working as a grocery store cashier in Elmira, Kraemer has seen WCS’ director of community services Kelly Christie come into her store ever more frequently, buying food for those in need. “I’ve watched Kelly have to shop more and more often for food.” Kraemer is glad to see the organization moving to a larger facility at the southeast corner of Church Street and Memorial Avenue. It’s a move long overdue, Kraemer said, and one she hopes to support as a thank-you for the help she was once given. “I was going to go to the store after New Year’s and buy this new table and chairs and then this letter came in the mail. I sat there and thought I don’t really need this new table, I just want it. I’m going to give this money to the campaign instead. [WCS] has been there for the community for 30 years. Dennis used to say: ‘If you don’t support the town, pretty soon it won’t be there.’ This is one of those times.”
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WCS holiday hampers took up most of Lions Hall as volunteers finished filling them on December 18. They were picked up by families the next day. [ELENA MAYSTRUK / THE OBSERVER]
HOLIDAY EDITION | 3
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013
NOT SO GREAT OUTDOORSMAN / STEVE GALEA
MAKING IT LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS
There's no excuse for not giving the best gift of all OPEN COUNTRY
Marilyn Hartung's Wellesley home was once again filled with the staples of a cozy Christmas as she invited friends and neigbours to collect food for WCS food hampers. Here she sits by the fire awaiting company for a Christmas feast on December 13. [ELENA MAYSTRUK / THE OBSERVER]
No need to dream of a white Christmas Best to brace for a normal winter, not the milder version we’ve grown accustomed to WILL SLOAN If you’ve had to brush the snow off your car at least several times daily, it won’t come as news that winter is upon us. And if it seems to you like the days leading up to Saturday’s official start of the season have been particularly snowy, you’re right. “You’ve had about 37cm of snow in the Guelph area already this winter, and I would say that looks like it’s certainly more than normal, and a lot more than last year. Last year at this time you’d had 10cm of snow,” said David Phillips, senior climatologist with Environment Canada. “Any of the warmth isn’t going to be record warmth – it’s just going to be a little teaser, and something that
would be quite common in December,” he added. It was heavy snow early this week, followed by moderate temperatures on Thursday and Friday. But the up-and-down weather will soon grow more consistent, Phillips warns, with a relatively heavy winter on deck for 2014. Max temperatures will likely be below zero on Christmas, Boxing Day, and beyond. “We think that the winter will come out to be normal – it won’t be warmer than normal, it won’t be colder than normal. That would make it a tad cooler than last year,” said Phillips. Indeed, several relatively mild winters may have altered our perception of what normal is. “Two years ago we cancelled winter – there was no
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winter,” said Phillips. “We had half the amount of snow, balmy conditions, no suffering, and we saved money on our home heating bills. It was the year we had the shortest winter on record.” As for last year, “Winterwas pretty much all about winter being confined to mid-January to midFebruary – it was very slow to come. We didn’t have a white Christmas, and it looks like we’re almost guaranteed a white Christmas now.” While winter was slow to act, its effects did have a tendency to linger – we all remember the ice storm that ravaged the townships on April 11. “There were some places in southern Ontario that even had a touch of snow on the long weekend in May,” Phillips laughed.
As it turns out, we may not have realized how good we had it. “Last December turned out to be a full two degrees warmer than normal. Well, this one has already been two degrees colder than normal. Given the snowfall – 37cm compared to 10cm – we’ve been dealing with more winter, but this is not a record cold or record snow. We normally would have seen 30cm of snow around December 15, so we’re a little more than normal, and certainly a lot more than last year.” If hockey and curling are our national pastimes, then complaining about the weather is an unofficial rival. Expect to hear plenty this season. “We might be the secondcoldest country in the world
and the snowiest, but I always think we’re the happiest when we cheat winter,” he said.“When I look back on the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, it seemed we were happy because we were winning gold medals, but it’s really because there was no winter!” He added, “At the end of that winter, when people were saying, ‘That’s not such a bad winter – seems about normal,’ I said, ‘Normal? You’ll never see another winter like that in your lifetime!’” In other words: grab a coat and button up, because Jack Frost won’t be leaving any time soon. “It will seem a little more like a winter,” Phillips said. “Some people are already a little fed up with winter and we haven’t even started!”
As an outdoorsman, I have received many fine Christmas gifts over the years. Rifles, shotguns, GPS units, compasses, maps (get the impression that people were trying hard to prevent me from wandering off?) – and a couple of good hunting knives immediately come to mind. All these things were, and still are, cherished. And I remain grateful for them – so keep them coming. But the best gift of all is one that has lasted a lifetime. The amazing thing about these gifts is that they are free to pass along to others and just as valuable to the person receiving them. Right now, you are probably guessing I’m going to advise you to take a kid fishing or hunting. Well, you couldn’t be more wrong. I’m already hoping that you’ve done that because, simply put, it’s just the right thing to do. What I’m talking about – essentially, the greatest gift of all – goes far beyond that. It will give those kids something they can use throughout their lives when hunting or fishing. I’m talking about the gift of a good excuse. For instance, this Christmas, I pulled my son aside and said, “Seismic Shifts.” And then I hugged him. Ryan, a young duck hunter, didn’t understand the importance of that classic statement. So I then GALEA | 5
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4 | HOLIDAY EDITION
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013
Wellesley gives itself an online update via website WILL SLOAN Wellesley’s online presence has received a makeover, as the official township website, www. wellesley.ca, unveiled a redesign this week that brought the once-stale site into the 21st century. Township councillors were introduced to the redesign at council chambers on Tuesday night, a day before the website went live. “The purpose of the redesign is pretty simple: we wanted to give the ratepayers better access to the information they’re looking for,” said Daniel Baer, who works in information systems for the township and has spearheaded the
redesign. “The way we hope to do that is by adopting current technologies, and complying with current web development standards and regulations.” The top priority was compliance with the AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act), which specifies that government websites must be accessible for the vision impaired by January 2014. To that end, the website is now compatible with screen reader software. In addition, the new site is adaptable for mobile devices (by mid-2014, 50 per cent of visits are expected to come from phones and tablets), and
is printer-friendly. Among the new bells and whistles: mobile users can now automatically dial staff phone numbers;a system will be in place to monitor web traffic; a listing of news and events on the main page; and a code on printed pages to redirect smartphones to the site. Annual costs are $15 per year for the domain name, plus a monthly $11 hosting fee. The website is unlikely to ever reach its bandwidth limit, Baer said. Baird, who will assume responsibility for moderating the site, hopes that each township department will maintain its own content. Mayor Ross Kelterborn, who said the upgrade was
“a long time coming,” noted that the website could benefit from more pictures of township places, events, and activities. Chief administrative officer Willis McLaughlin added that there are potentially thousands of photos in the township offices that could eventually be ported to the site. “In my estimation, this is a fantastic start,” said McLaughlin. “We have pictures of anything and everything around the township. … It’s a work in progress, I would suggest, but I think it’s a heck of a start.” “I mentioned that the website is finished; of course, a website is never complete,” replied Baird.
www.wellesley.ca “A well maintained website is constantly changing, constantly improving. We have a number of features
in mind already that we hope to implement in the following year.”
Building a connected, caring community
Thursday Jan. 2 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Woolwich Memorial Centre, Elmira
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OF HOLIDAY SAFETY
MAKE SURE YOU MAKE SURE YOU HAVE WORKING HAVE WORKING SMOKE ALARMS CARBON With family and MONOXIDE friends spending extra time at ALARMS your home over the holidays, it's a great time to check your smoke alarms. Replace smoke alarms if they are over 10 years old. Remember that you need working smoke alarms on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Test your alarms to make sure they will alert you and your family if a fire occurs, giving you the precious seconds you need to safely escape.
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Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odourless gas that can quickly kill you. Replace any carbon monoxide alarms over seven years old. Installing carbon monoxide alarms in your home will alert you to the presence of this deadly gas.
MAKE SURE GIVE SPACE WHEN YOU GO DON’T DRINK EVERYONE HEATERS SPACE OUT, BLOW OUT! AND COOK! Candles can set the perfect KNOWS HOW TO mood for a holiday celebration, but remember to always GET OUT SAFELY blow out candles before Develop and practise a home fire escape plan with all members of the household and make sure someone helps young children, older adults or anyone else that may need assistance to evacuate. Once outside, stay outside and call 911 from a cell phone or neighbours house.
leaving the room or going to bed. Keep lit candles safely away from children and pets and anything that can burn, such as curtains, upholstery, or holiday decorations. Be candle safe!
If you are using space heaters to help take the chill off, remember to keep them at least one metre (3 feet) away from anything that can burn such as curtains, upholstery, or holiday decorations
For more information visit: www.oafc.on.ca/public-safety
WISHING YOU A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON! THE TOWNSHIP OF WELLESLEY FIRE DEPARTMENT FIREFIGHTERS
Party-goers put their lives at risk by falling asleep while food is left cooking after nights out, the fire service says. Drink Responsibly!
HOLIDAY EDITION | 5
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013
KINGS IN THE COMMUNITY
GALEA: Generous, yes, but
it is the season for giving FROM | 3
explained that this was an excuse that he could use throughout his waterfowling career to explain literally every missed bird. He looked at me quizzically and let it sink in. “You’re welcome,” I said. I must admit that I had to stifle a manly tear. After all, this was the very same excuse that my favourite uncle gave me several decades ago. The detailed explanation behind it is that, at the very moment the hunter is lining up the duck, a subtle seismic shift, probably related to intercontinental tectonic plates grating upon each other, moved the earth the duck blind is built upon in the opposite direction of the unaffected duck. The result, of course, is a bird that was, through no fault of the shooter’s, not led enough. I mean it was. Actually, it was led perfectly, but the earth moved at the instance of the shot and everything got thrown off. Get the idea? Not to brag, but last year I gave my nephew, an avid angler, one of my favourite
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excuses. A friend of mine said that it was overly extravagant, but I like the kid. That’s right; I gave him the, “I am drying out my fly” excuse. This is something that you use to explain to a passing angler or tourist group, why the fly you were casting is tangled 30 feet up in a tree. Frankly, my friend was right. It is a little extravagant but, as I said, I do like my nephew and, having watched him cast, I thought he could use it. The point here is that Christmas is a time of giving. And those gifts don’t necessarily have to come straight from the store. Excuses like these are far more meaningful because they do, in fact, come straight from the heart – which is far cheaper than the store. Sure, there are those, like my nephew, for instance, who might have preferred something other than an excuse. And I understand that completely too. In fact, as I told him, I went to the sporting goods store to buy him a brand new fly rod. But, sadly, the store was closed. Call me generous.
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Woolwich Minor Hockey players pick up mitten donations tossed onto the ice during the Dec. 8 Sugar Kings game.
At the library to hear the Sugar Kings read, Maddison Heldmann, 3, listens to Hayden Neuman, Brett Parsons, Jayden Goetz and Alex Mutton. Inset: Brad Kobryn, Adam Brubacher and Cash Seraphim read to some kids at the Elmira branch library on December 12. [ELENA MAYSTRUK / THE OBSERVER]
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6 | HOLIDAY EDITION
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013
That time of year when ballet dancers get crackin’ Ballet Jörgen’s adaptation of that Christmas classic, The Nutcracker, comes to the Centre in the Square Dec. 28 WILL SLOAN If there’s one ballet that seemingly everyone in the world has seen, it’s The Nutcracker. From the inescapable Hans Christian Anderson music to the ubiquitous iconography to that Macaulay Culkin movie that pops up on TV every now and then, you might be forgiven for feeling a little Nutcrackered out this Christmas season. Since The Nutcracker is arguably the most popular ballet of all time, the same weary feeling can been especially prevalent among dance companies. “If you’re a ballet dancer, it’s part of your annual routine,” said Bengt Jörgen, artistic director of Ballet Jörgen, which tours annually with The Nutcracker. “It’s not considered a ‘serious’ work in many companies – they just put together some tutus and you’ve got the music, and it’s a little dismissive. In those cases, The Nutcracker can be just a chore to be gotten through with.”
For Ballet Jörgen, which returns to Kitchener’s Centre in the Square with its annual production on December 28, the secret to touring The Nutcracker year after year is to constantly keep the show fresh. “I think that the key is to make it alive every year. You want to make sure that even if someone has seen the work and they come back, even if it’s the same work they see new things they haven’t seen before.” He continued, “You have to assume that many of the people coming have seen it before; they want to see the same work, but they also want to be engaged and pleasantly surprised.” Ballet Jörgen has responded to the challenge by making The Nutcracker central to the company’s identity – not merely a seasonal crowd-pleaser to boost the balance sheet. “If it wasn’t such a strong Christmas work, it’s one that we could tour overseas,” said Jörgen. “It reflects well on the com-
pany, it reflects well on the Canadian identity. Because of that sense of artistic depth, it is a much more engaging and cohesive experience. “We have made a specific decision to make sure The Nutcracker was a work we could perform at any time if there was an audience for it. If we went overseas to Japan, we could tour The Nutcracker in June because it’s a very artistically cohesive work.” The biggest surprise in the production’s evolution came in 2008, when the setting was shifted to 1912 Canada, with enormous paintings by the Group of Seven used as backgrounds. “It’s still the same Nutcracker story,” noted Jörgen, “but now it’s a very unique production that reflects the Canadian identity. “Even though it is the same work, you always have to update,” he continued. “It’s like a sports team that gets new players: you always have new dancers, and you try to get the right
combination and you can do things a little differently depending on who the dancers are, and you can always improve every year.” And yet, with a piece of entertainment as deeply familiar as The Nutcracker, in a holiday season where people savour their rituals, making changes while retaining the spirit must be a difficult balance. “It’s completely a balance,” replied Jörgen. “You never change the context of the work – you just want to keep pushing the details. With any ballet, as the work grows you start seeing new opportunities, and as people get better at doing it, you can expand on certain parts and just make it more exciting.” The Nutcracker, featuring Kitchener’s Michael Carvalho in the title role, will hit Centre in the Square on December 28 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets range from $42 to $77, and can be purchased at www. centre-square.com or by calling 1-800-265-8977.
Kitchener's Michael Carvalho takes the title role at Ballet Jörgen's annual production.
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THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013
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OUR VIEW / EDITORIAL
Local handling of transit will sour any Toronto link
THE VIEW FROM HERE
BEWARE OF THOSE PROMISING economic benefits that will outweigh the costs of a massive investment of public money. The reality never lives up to the hype. The latest venture into this territory is a proposal from the City of Kitchener – a bureaucratic report is another red flag – that the province commit $390 million over the next decade to improve train service between Kitchener and Toronto. The idea is to enhance GO Train service between the region and GTA in order to foster more business by creating a so-called innovation cluster. The business case, entitled Innovative regional economies and strategic infrastructure: the business case for two-way urban commuter rail on the CN North Mainline, claims “an enhanced intercity transit service, from Toronto to Waterloo Region, would create a globally-competitive tech ecosystem,” with more than 12,800 companies, 2,800 start-ups and 205,000 tech employees, second only to Silicon Valley. Job growth forecasts estimate that some 37,000 new jobs would be created, generating more than $800 million in personal income tax, should rail service be upgraded. The business groups involved in the study, including Communitech, cite the benefits of improved rail service on enhancing the region’s status as a prime technology hub. And everyone’s in agreement that traffic congestion in the 401 corridor is abysmal, and only getting worse. Estimates of lost productivity range up to $10 billion a year. The business case, as with all such reports, should be taken with a large grain of salt. But in this case, they’re actually on the right track: if we are going to make an investment in transit, this is the place to start. A quick, convenient and cheap rail link to Toronto would do everything that the region’s LRT scheme most certainly will not: draw riders, reduce congestion and promote transit. There are plenty of strikes against the LRT. Too expensive. Unlikely to be used even to the low numbers predicted. A north-south corridor going against the grain of east-west growth. Inflexible, unlike the bus option that even LRT supporters acknowledge is superior from a transit perspective. The biggest factor in the region’s decision is a hope the train will reshape the urban area, prompting businesses to relocate and residents to live along the rail line, and even that idea has been problematic elsewhere. A good link to Toronto, on the other hand, would actually get people out of their cars, provided of course that it was serviceable. That means more frequent trains that run all day, arrive quickly and at a reasonable price. The opposite, then, of the current GO Train service currently used by so few as to make scrapping it a good idea. Imagine, if you will, travelling from the region to Union Station in Toronto in, say, 45 minutes (hardly high speed) for a fraction of the price of gas and parking, and without any of the delays and stress of driving on the 401. That’s a service that would prompt many to leave their cars at home. They might even take local transit to connect them with the train, a win-win for proponents. And it would have a good chance of reaching the kind of economic targets discussed in the business case, creating a viable connection between the region and Canada’s most populous city. That is such a benefit, in fact, that if any of those who endorse the study really believe in it, they would recommend scrapping the LRT project and channelling the money into making the Toronto link a reality. The inevitable failure of the white elephant dubbed ION will ironically sour residents on sinking more money into rail transit. Don’t expect anything logical, however.
"And to all, an Observer ..." because Santa says (almost) everybody's been good this year. WORLD VIEW / GWYNNE DYER
Mandela would have seen irony in funeral's pomp WORLD AFFAIRS The Catholic Church consecrates saints with less pomp and sentimentality than was lavished on Nelson Mandela during the week-long media orgy that we have just been through. We haven’t seen such a ridiculous spectacle since ... oh, the 50th anniversary of the assassination of John F. Kennedy three weeks ago. But at least the Kennedy orgy was over a lot faster – and nobody compared him to Gandhi or Christ. Pity the poor journalists who had to grind out endless stories about what was hardly a news event at all – 95-year-old man dies after lengthy illness – and inevitably ended up sounding like sycophants and fools. True, the world needed (or at least wanted) a political icon of perfect virtue, but the beatification of Nelson Mandela took much too long. The problem was that everybody in the media knew well in advance that Mandela was dying, and had time to invest millions
in preparing to “cover” the event. Hotel rooms and telecom facilities were booked, crews and anchors were deployed, and the expense had to be justified by round-the-clock, wallto-wall coverage of funeral orations, vox pop interviews, and talking heads. And of course all the world’s politicians showed up for the greatest photo op of the decade, including many who had condemned Mandela as a terrorist before he pulled off a peaceful transition from apartheid to majority rule in South Africa. But now that the babble of rhetoric has died down and just before the myth takes over completely, let us talk honestly about who he was and what he accomplished. Mandela understood that South Africans needed an icon, not a mere mortal man, as the founding hero of their new democracy, but he had a strong sense of irony. It would have got plenty of exercise as he watched the local politicos and the foreign dignitaries strew metaphorical flowers on his grave. The man whom they buried at Qunu on Decem-
ber 15 was arrested by the white minority regime in 1963, probably on a tip from the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. He was the head of the African National Congress’s military wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), at the time, and continued to back its campaign of sabotage, bombing and attacks on military and police targets throughout his 27 years in prison. If the South African Communist Party is to be believed, he was a member of its central committee at the time of his arrest. It was a different time, when U.S. President Ronald Reagan could declare that the apartheid regime was “essential to the Free World,” and the ANC’s main international supporters were the Soviet Union and Cuba. Mandela might have ended up as a man of violence if he had not gone to prison. Instead, in prison, he had the time to develop his ideas about reconciliation and persuade the other ANC leaders who were also confined to Robben Island of their value. By the time he came out of prison in 1990, he had become the man that everybody knew
they could trust – including the whites. During the next four years, when he and F.W. De Klerk, the last white president, negotiated the transfer of power from the white minority to the black majority, he really was the indispensable man. His commitment to reconciliation was so visible and genuine that whites were willing to do what had once seemed inconceivable: to hand over power before they absolutely had to. If you want to know what South Africa would have looked like if the whites had clung to power down to the last ditch, look at Syria today. But it was not only Mandela who saved the country from that fate: they gave the Nobel Peace Prize to both Mandela and De Klerk, because the miracle could not have happened if De Klerk had not had the will and the skill to lead his own Afrikaner tribe out of power. Then, after the first free election in 1994, Mandela became the president, and frankly he wasn’t very good at it. He had no executive DYER | 8
8 | HOLIDAY EDITION
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013
RIVERSIDE STUDENTS DO THEIR PART IN CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE
DYER: Right man, right time FROM | 7
experience, nor much aptitude for it. Thabo Mbeki did most of the hard administrative work behind the scenes during Mandela’s presidency (1994-1999), while Mandela greeted visiting celebrities, hobnobbed with the rich and famous, and solicited donations for various causes that included, unfortunately, his own extensive family. He was not personally corrupt, but he was involved in a few dubi-
ous deals, and he tolerated corruption in others. But he did his country one last big favour: he retired at the end of his first term rather than clinging to power. He was already 81 years old at that time, but lesser men (Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, for instance) have not let that stop them. And he even had a few good years left to enjoy his family before age began to drag him down. He was not a saint; he was just a man. But he was the right man at the right time.
Riverside PS students delivered children’s toys to Lions Hall in Elmira on December 13. Front row: Keltin Stanners, Alexis Mckenzie, Josie Brown, Hannah Beamer. Back row: Taylor Martin, Madi Seifried, Haley Martin, Olivia Aitken, Lauren Rintoul, Rylie Prentice, Megan Hume, Jamie Crawford, Kennedy Bradley, Amilya Wilson and Elena Allemang. [ELENA MAYSTRUK / THE OBSERVER]
ELMIRA BLOOD DONOR CLINIC
Sophia: Blood Transfusion Sunday 6:30am
Give Blood ... to save lives. The Next Elmira Clinic: th
Friday, Dec 27 2013 STORE HOURS: OPEN 24 HOURS, 7 DAYS A WEEK 315 Arthur St. S., Elmira • 519-669-5403
from 2:30pm - 8:00pm at Lion's Hall, Elmira
• Fabrics • Men's Wear • Ladies Coats • China • Glass Ware
Serving you for over 100 Years
Mon. Closed · Tues.-Fri. 8-6 · Sat. 8-5 2192 Floradale Rd. ~ Floradale, On.
1145 Printery Rd., St. Jacobs | TEL: 519.664.2263
FLORADALE FEED MILL LIMITED FLORADALE FEED MILL LIMITED Finest in feeds and service for over 50 years!
Finest in feeds and service for over 50 years!
Bus 519.669.5478 • Toll Free 1.800.265.6126 www.ffmltd.com
Home Baking Light Lunches Breakfast Coffee • Soups • Sandwiches Donuts •Pies • Muffins Bread • Cookies Mon. to Sat. 6 am - 5:30 pm • Closed Sunday
22 Church St. W • 519-669-5353
(519) 669-1381
• Quality Drainage Systems • Backhoe Service
A family tradition since 1921
Wallenstein • 519-669-1440
ELECTRIC MOTORS | GENERATORS | AUTOMATION CONTROL
95 Southfield Dr., Elmira • 519-669-1842
Various sizes & rates
SANYO CANADIAN MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED
33 Industrial Dr. • 519-669-1591
HANEY, HANEY & KENDALL
JOHN KENDALL Barrister & Solicitor
41 Erb St. E., P.O. Box 185, Waterloo ON TEL: 519-747-1010 FAX: 519-747-9323 EMAIL: jkendall@haneylaw.com
Direct: 519-747-1256 Ex 209
Bus: 519-698-9930 Res: 519-698-2213
RR #2 Wallenstein, Ontario
CLEAN • DRY • SECURE
The Quality You Demand, the Service You Deserve. Farm - Auto - Truck - Industrial and we have On-the-farm service
REPAIRS • MACHINING CUSTOM FABRICATIONS MANUFACTURING
100 South Field Dr. • 519-669-4964
35 Howard Ave. • 519-669-3232
100 Union St. • 519-669-1501
HOLIDAY EDITION | 9
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013
AREA STUDENTS GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT BEFORE HEADING OFF FOR CHRISTMAS BREAK
Clockwise, bottom left: Linwood PS’ Angus Burlingham (left) and Jaxon Halstead sing Christmas is Here and kindergarten teacher Krista Hesch plays as part of the teachers' Ukelele choir, on December 18. Conestogo PS’ Blake Roemer plays a Christmas violin tune while Liam Bevan (front) and Mitchell Roemer sing about Christmas cookies on December 17 while at Floradale Ashton Albertie and Trevon Weber (centre) sang to an audience of parents. [ELENA MAYSTRUK, WILL SLOAN / THE OBSERVER]
BEST WISHES for 2014
May the Joys and Blessing of the Holiday Season continue into the New Year. We thank you for a successful 2013. We are privileged to be entrusted with your dental care. See you in 2014.
77 ARTHUR ST. S., ELMIRA | PH. 519-669-1577
DR. ANH LE | DR. LINDA VO | DR. GREGORY MASON w w w. a r t h u r s t r e e t d e n t a l . c a
10 | HOLIDAY EDITION | BOXING DAY
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013
BOXING WEEK DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO SAVE BIG
EXTEN ENT | V E ALE S K EE W
WEEK SALE EVENT | G BO XIN O XIN B | G T
e v E e Sal
50
S
OXING D AY S A LE E VE N Purchase carpet for installation in 2014 and receive
Purchase any 2 window blinds and receive
FREE INSTALLATION
Visit the store for additional promotions and details!
FREE
ULTRA GOLD CARPET PAD
FREE BINDING with purchase of any carpet remnant
Quality + Value = Our Trademark Since 1995 1011 Industrial Cres., Unit #2 (Beside K&K Liquidators)
519.699.5411 www.letusflooryou.ca
STORE HOURS: Mon.-Fri 8:30-5:30 Saturday 9:00-3:00 Evening By Appointment
W.C. BROWN & SO
Uptown Elmira | 519-669-115 www.BrownsMenswear.com
BOXING DAY | HOLIDAY EDITION | 11
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013
DEALS
BUNDLED UP FOR HOLIDAY FUN
WITH THESE INCREDIBLE SPECIALS!
NDED BOXING W EEK SAL EE VE NT
ent
DEC. 26, 9-4:30
EEK SALE EVENT NG W | OXI BO X | B IN G
0OFF %
PORK & BEEF STOREWIDE!
15 35 % OFF
OFF
REGULAR PRICES
e d i w e r o t S
EXCLUDING: EXCLUDING: CHEESE, CHEESE, SUMMER SUMMER SAUSAGE, SAUSAGE, ALL ALL CANNED CANNED GOODS
*
& ADVANCED ORDERS
UP TO
% OFF
OFF
SELECTED ITEMS *In stock items only, no rainchecks
2065 Floradale Rd, RR1 519-669-2300
Storewide (Some Exclusions Apply)
Top, sisters Carley (left) and Mackenzie Cressman keep warm while watching the Wellesley Christmas Tyme Parade on December 13. Above, kids wave on the passing floats. [ELENA MAYSTRUK / THE OBSERVER]
Open Boxing Day
T | EVEN ALE KS EE W
9am-4pm
Quality Mens Apparel
Holiday Hours
Winter Coats, Leather coats, Sweaters, Blazers and Sport-Jackets, Casual Shirts, Dress Shirts, Silk Ties, Dress Pants, Suit, Casual Pants Non Iron Shirts and Much More.
Closing at 6 p.m. Boxing Day December 26, 10-5pm Re-opening December 27 at 7 a.m.
Extended Boxing Week Sale
Ends Saturday January 4th
Name Brands Include: Riviera, Gala, Platinum, Polifroni, S. Cohen, Jack Victor, Bugatchi, Nautica, Tommy Bahama, Brunn & Stengade, Enro, Leo Chevalier, Viyella, Horst, Cutter & Buck, Belika, Bugatti, Modango and Many More.
Assorted Hardwoods Wholesale or Retail Stored Inside DELIVERY OR PICKUP Joseph Gingrich
519-669-1079
BOXING WEEK SALE HOURS:
Thursday Dec. 26th 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday Dec. 27 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday Dec. 28 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday Dec. 29 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday Dec. 30th 9:00 a.m. - to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday Dec. 31st 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Thursday Jan. 2nd 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday Jan. 3rd 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday Jan. 4th 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
1296 Balsam Grove, RR#2 Elmira, ON N3B 2Z2
Newly Established Counselling Centre
December 31
Closing at 6 p.m. Re-opening January 2 at 7 a.m.
(*All Sales Final. No Layaways. Alterations Extra. )
ONS
52
December 24
FIREWOOD
COUNSELLING SERVICES FOR: INDIVIDUALS (INCLUDING CHILDREN), COUPLES, FAMILIES AND GROUPS
We Deliver! 315 Arthur St. S. PHONE:
519-669-5403
Walk-In every Thursday 1:45 – 7:00 | Last appointment @ 5:30
Specializing in Diversity Registered Play, Art & & Cultural Inclusivity Music Therapists 177 Albert Street West Corner of Albert St., W. & Seagram Dr.
519-884-0710 x4967
For a complete list of services available visit us at:
www.glebecentre.wlu.ca
12 | HOLIDAY EDITION
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013
CHEF’S TABLE/ RYAN TERRY, FLOW CATERING
FAMILY ALBUM
A tasty way to (bacon) wrap up 2013
IN MEMORIAM
Tim Borghese In Loving memory of a very special son and brother who passed away
RECIPE NOTES
December 28 2012 th
No farewell words were spoken, No time to say goodbye, You were gone before we knew it, And only God knows why. To hear your voice and see your smile, To sit with you and talk awhile, Would be our greatest wish today. So God take a message to Dear Tim up above, Tell him we miss him terribly, And give him all our love. May the angels watch over you.
With all the Christmas wrapping done, we can also wrap up the year 2013. Looking back on this past year, we have a lot to be proud of and grateful for. We feel truly blessed and grateful for our growing group of supporters who keep us striving to reach new heights year after year. Ringing in the New Year is always lots of fun, and a fine reason to celebrate. If you’re planning a party or going to one, or if you just want to enjoy some tasty bites on New Year’s Day, feel free to give these recipes a whirl. Wishing you all the best in 2014.
Forever in our thoughts and hearts Love Dad, Mom & Tina
IN MEMORIAM In Loving Memory
Harold Gabel
Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Shrimp medium-high heat. Holding a shrimp, nest a chunk of pineapple in the natural curve of the shrimp then wrap bacon around the shrimp and pineapple and secure with a wooden toothpick. Wrap and secure all 12 shrimp then add to the hot pan and cook 3 minutes on each side or until bacon is crisp and shrimp are opaque and firm.
Bacon Wrapped Chinese ShortPineapple Ribs Shrimp
December 30th 2012
When family ties are broken and loved ones have to part, it leaves a wound that never heals - an ever aching heart. We cannot bring the old days back when we were all together, but loving thoughts and memories will live with us forever. There will always be a heartache and often silent tears; but always precious memories of the days when you were here. We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain, to walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again. Love always and miss you Dad, Grandpa Jolene, Harold, Garrett and Jaeden Shoemaker
ALL THE BEST FOR YOUR FAMILIES. SEE YOU IN 2014.
12 uncooked jumbo shrimp, deveined 1/4 fresh pineapple, cut into bite sized chunks or 1 (14-ounce) can pineapple chunks in natural juice, drained 6 slices local bacon, cut in 1/2 crosswise 12 wooden toothpicks Add a twist: season your pineapple with cayenne pepper, curry powder or your favourite herb or spice
2 tablespoons oil for stir-frying 2 lbs pork spareribs, cut into 1 or 2 rib sections 1-1/2 cups water or stock, as needed 2 slices ginger, crushed 1/2 cup Chinese rice wine or dry sherry 3 tablespoons soy sauce 2-3 tbsp soft brown sugar 2 tsp five-spice powder 1 chili, chopped
At medium heat, par cook your bacon to a medium level of doneness. Remove from heat, allow to cool and pat dry grease off the bacon with a paper towel; Heat a non-stick skillet over
Heat the oil on in a rondeau (a wide and shallow cross between a pot and a pan), on high heat. Add the ribs and brown on both sides (about 5 minutes total cooking time);
Add the water or stock, crushed ginger, and stir in the remaining ingredients. Cover, turn the heat down to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the ribs are tender, adding more water or stock as needed; If desired, garnish with sliced scallions, and shredded carrot before serving. Serving tip: Can be served as an hors d’oeuvre or you can make it a main dish with some rice and your favourite side of vegetables. You can also set aside the ribs and reduce the stock until thick enough to glaze the ribs – yum!
Chinese Short-ribs ABOUT THE AUTHORS Chef Ryan Terry owns FLOW Cafe & Catering in Elmira. More information can be found at his website www.flowcatering.ca
www.OnceUponAChildKitchener.com
NOMINATION PACKAGES FOR MUNICIPAL OFFICE
WEEKLY SPECIALS
Specials from December 30th - January 4th 24 Piece Bulk Regular or Hot
Pepperettes
7.00
$
Items
PRICED AT Mon.-Fri. 9:30am - 8:00pm Sat. 9:30am - 5:30pm Sun.12:00pm - 5:00pm
JUST $1 Located in the Forest Glen Plaza 31-700 Strasburg Rd. Kitchener Kitchener |519-208-2233
Pre Cooked
Cabbage Rolls
4.39 Ib./$9.68kg.
$
TRAY OF 16
Clearance
ea.
3.99 Ib./$8.80kg.
$
Fresh Meaty
Pork Back Ribs
4.99
$
Ib. /$11.00kg.
Fresh "Cut Your Way" New York
Striploin Steaks
7.99
$
Ib. /$17.61kg.
80-85% Fresh Lean
Ground Beef
3.19
$
Ib. /$7.03kg.
Store Made Assorted
Liverwurst
2.99
$
Ib. /$6.59kg.
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
Thinking of running for Municipal Office? The Nomination Period for the 2014 Municipal Election opens on January 2nd, 2014. Nomination Packages can be downloaded from the Township website beginning on Monday, December 23rd, 2013. Paper copies can be picked up at the Township Administration Office, 24 Church Street West, Elmira on Monday, December 23rd, Tuesday, December 24th until noon, Monday, December 30th, Tuesday December 31st until noon, and daily beginning January 2nd, 2014 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Completed nomination forms can only be registered with the Clerk or designate after the Nomination Period opens, on January 2nd, 2014. More details about the 2014 Municipal Election are available on the Township website or you can contact Staff at 519-669-6005 / 519-648-2613 ext 6005, or 519-669-6006 / 519-648-2613 ext 6006.
HOLIDAY EDITION | 13
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013
CLASSIFIED
CLASSIFIED DEADLINE:
THURSDAYS BY 10AM HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
7877 WELLINGTON RD. 8 P.O. BOX 248 DRAYTON, ON. N0G 1P0
7877 WELLINGTON RD. 8 P.O. BOX 248 DRAYTON, ON. N0G 1P0
Experienced HVAC Installer
308A or 308R Sheet Metal Installer
Tri-Mech Inc. is a mechanical company specializing in Gas Fitting, Hydronic Heating, Geothermal, Furnaces, Air Conditioning and High Pressure Cleaning Systems. We service Agricultural, light commercial and residential systems. Applicants must hold a minimum G2 license, be able to work with minimal supervision, have good customer relation skills, and be willing to be on-call for emergency service on a rotating schedule with other team members. Applicants are invited to submit a letter of application or resume by fax to 519-638-3342, or by email to jobs@trimech.ca
HELP WANTED
Tri-Mech Inc. is a mechanical company specializing in Gas Fitting, Hydronic Heating, Geothermal, Furnaces, Air Conditioning and High Pressure Cleaning Systems. We service Agricultural, light commercial and residential systems. Applicants should be able to work with minimal supervision and have good customer relation skills. Applicants are invited to submit a letter of application or resume by fax to 519-638-3342, or by email to jobs@trimech.ca
AUTOMOTIVE
M.K. MARTIN ENTERPRISE. Looking to hire full-time production welders. Must be able to read & write English. Call 519664-2752, or come in with resume.
2006 FORD TAURUS, 100,000 kms, 3.2 engine V6, well maintained, lady driven. Power windows, A/C, fairly new tires. Asking $5900. Call 519-669-2563.
FOR SALE
RENTALS
SOFA & LOVESEAT, slate blue, excellent condition $300. Green reclining chair $75. Coffee & 2 end tables $30. Call 519669-2109.
BRIGHT, SPACIOUS, 1-BEDROOM apartment in quiet building. Ideal for non-smoking mature tenant. Close to downtown. Phone 519-669-3423.
HOW TO REACH US
GATHERING UP GOODS FOR THOSE IN NEED
Residents of Chateau Gardens Elmira collected 177 items (including clothing, toiletries, and cleaning products) for the less fortunate as part of their Ho Ho Hope (Helping Others For Purposeful Engagement) fundraiser. From left, Adeline Martin; Mosaic Counselling program coordinator Shirley Redekop, Isabel Campbell, activity coordinator Vicky Rau, Etta Naylor, Wilma Jamieson, Rosalia Thomson, Joan Norrs, Geraldine Hill, Mandy Holmes, Rita Brubacher, Ella Shumacher. [WILL SLOAN / THE OBSERVER]
CO DETECTORS TO BECOME MANDATORY
PERSONALS PLEASE WRITE - I would like to hear from you. I cannot contact you or call you by telephone as I do not know the number. I met you and the 3 little girls at the Oktoberfest Parade on Thanksgiving Day at the Victoria & King Street Crossing. In our conversation you said that you lived in the Winterbourne area. Do you have a little time for me? Can you make time for us to talk? I would love to hear from you. Please write to: Post Office Box #305, Breslau, On. N0B 1M0.
Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Michael Harris and Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman joined Doug DeRabbie of the Insurance Bureau of Canada Dec. 13 to deliver carbon-monoxide detectors to Woolwich fire chief Rick Pedersen at the St. Jacobs fire hall to raise awareness about the upcoming requirement to have all homes equipped with these life-saving devices now that the Hawkins-Gignac Act is law. From left, deputy fire chief Dale Martin, Harris, Pedersen, Hardeman, DeRabbie and Mayor Todd Cowan with local firefighters. [SUBMITTED]
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
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
PLACING A CLASSIFIED WORD AD In person, email, phone or fax submissions are accepted during regular business hours. Deadline for Saturday publication is Wednesday by 5 p.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.
14 | HOLIDAY EDITION
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013
OBSERVER SERVICE DIRECTORY AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES
TIRE Complete Collision Service
WHERE TIRES
THOMPSON’S
Auto Tech Inc.
ARE A
SPECIALTY, NOT A SIDE LINE. 101 Bonnie Crescent, Elmira, ON N3B 3G2
519.669.8330
Farm • Auto • Truck Industrial On-The-Farm Service
FAX: 519.669.3210
35 Howard Ave., Elmira
AFTER HOURS
519.669.8917
519-669-3232
Providing the latest technology to repair your vehicle with accuracy and confidence.
RUDOW’S
CARSTAR COLLISION CENTRE
AUTO CLINIC
519-669-4400 30 ORIOLE PKWY. E., ELMIRA www.thompsonsauto.ca
RUDOW’S
21 Industrial Dr. Elmira
24 Hour Accident Assistance Accredited Test & Repair Facility
BODY MAINTENANCE AT:
1-800-CARSTAR 519-669-3373
CARSTAR COLLISION CENTRE
Call Us At 519-669-3373
519-669-7652
33 First Street, East Elmira, ON
33 First Street, East Elmira, ON
GENERAL SERVICES “25 years in Business”
• Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning on Location
Boat Covers | Air Conditioner Covers | Small Tarps Storage Covers | BBQ Covers | Awnings & Canopies Replacement Gazebo Tops | Golf Cart Enclosures & Covers
• Janitorial
• Area Rug Cleaning Drop-off / Pick up Service • Carpet Repair & Re-Installation • Bleached out Carpet Spot Repair
•Ratches, Hooks, Straps, Webbing etc. •Canvas, Vinyl, Polyester, Acrylic Fabrics
General Repairs
• Pet deodorization • Floor Stripping
519.595.4830
www.completecarpetcare.ca
6376 Perth Rd. 121 Poole, ON
ROB McNALL 519-669-7607 LONG DISTANCE? CALL 1-866-669-7607
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
Concrete Breaking & Removal
GENERAL SERVICES PC TUNE UPS | REPAIRS : IN-HOME | ON SITE OR FREE PICK UP / DELIVERY ELMIRA AREA
MUSIC-LOVER GIFT ALERT!
COMPUTER RUNNING SLOW? From
COUNTR Y
’s 60’s / 70
HIGH SCHOOSL BAND
GOSPEL
PC/Laptop $49 Tune-Up Speedy Service!
Call Us For Pickup / Delivery ELMIRA & AREA
Cell: (519) 574-9705 24/7 MESSAGING (519) 669-0755
MarTarp
CUSTOM TARPS & COVERS
ROCK
MUSIC TRANSFERS FROM LPs, 45s, 78s, CASSETTES TO CD Your favourite albums get a whole new life on CD after we clean up the clicks, pops and surface noise.
MORE INFO | 519.669.0541 EMAIL: vinylp2cd@gmail.com
4445 Posey Line Wallenstein ON.
State of the acAhinrte Sharpening M
STORE HOURS:
M-W: 8-6, T-F 8-8, SAT 8-6, SUN 12-5
Chem-Dry Acclaim® 61 Arthur St., N. Elmira
669-3332
CLEAN • DRY • SECURE JAMES BAUMAN Craftsman Member O.G.P.T. Inc NEW PHONE NUMBER
519-880-9165
Call
519-669-4964
100 SOUTH FIELD DRIVE, ELMIRA
The Sharp Shop | 112-D Bonnie Cres., Elmira
519.669.5313
Rink Tarps Now in Stock!
519-664-9999 ST. JACOBS
24 Hour Service (Emergencies only) 7 Days A Week
WE’RE AT YOUR SERVICE. We specialize in getting the word out. Advertise your business services here. Get weekly exposure with fantastic results. Call us at 519.669.5790.
RECOGNIZE OUTSTANDING EFFORT!
TROPHIES | CUPS | PLAQUES | MEDALLIONS RIBBONS | NAME TAGS | NAME PLATES DOOR PLATES | CUSTOM ENGRAVING
QUICK LOCAL SERVICE | 245 Labrador Dr., Waterloo
www.UniTwin.com | 519.886.2102
HOME IMPROVEMENTS SERVICES
READ’S Steve DECORATING SINCE 1961
Specializing in Paint & Wall coverings
Co.
Plumbing and Maintenance Inc.
FOR ALL YOUR HOME DECORATING NEEDS.
24 HOUR SERVICE
27 ARTHUR ST. S., ELMIRA
519-669-3652
519.669.3658
Steve Jacobi
John Schaefer Painting FREE ESTIMATES
For all your Plumbing Needs.
Tel: 519-669-5537
Learn More Online At...
budurl.com/SAVE139
Various sizes & rates
$4.99 per pair 22 Church St. W., Elmira
$139 FREE Gift Offer
TUNING & REPAIRS
RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL
5th pair FREE.
• 40 ton Mobile Crane
NEW CLIENTS
SERVICES
GENERAL SERVICES
While you wait!
• 14 ton BoomTruck
NOW ACCEPTING
BAUMAN PIANO
Gravity Box, Mesh Tarps, Shelters, Tent Repair etc.
(519) 698-2754
World’s Largest & Most Trusted Carpet, Upholstery and Fine Rug Cleaners For Over 30 yrs
GENERAL SERVICES
CUSTOM SEWING AND REPAIRS ivan@aaronmartin.com
ORTLIEB CRANE & Equipment Ltd.
ELMIRA
Interior/exterior Painting, Wallpapering & Plaster | drywall Repairs
NOW ACCEPTING VISA OR MASTERCARD
519-669-2251 36 Hampton St., Elmira
WE SPECIALIZE IN GETTING THE WORD OUT! CONTACT DONNA DRUDY@WOOLWICHOBSERVER.COM TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN OUR SERVICE DIRECTORY
HOLIDAY EDITION | 15
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013
OBSERVER SERVICE DIRECTORY HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES
Sew Special
KENJI ORITA • Custom Kitchens • Custom Furniture • Libraries • Exotic Woods
TEL: +1 (519) 574-6734 oritakenji@gmail.com 20B ARTHUR ST. N., ELMIRA
• Residential • Commercial • Industrial
Custom Sewing for Your Home
Custom Drapery Custom Blinds
Randy Weber
Free Estimates
ECRA/ESA Licence # 7000605
In Home Consultations
519.669.1462 Fax: 519.669.9970
Over 20 Years Experience
Tel:
18 Kingfisher Dr., Elmira
AMOS R O O F I N G
INC
100% SUPERIOR QUALITY CUSTOM WOODWORKING
Lois Weber 519-669-3985 Elmira
• Specializing in residential re-roofs • Repairs • Churches A Family owned and operated business serving KW, Elmira and surrounding area for over 35 years.
WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED
CALL JAYME FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE.
519.501.2405 | 519.698.2114 In Business since 1973 • Fully Insured
HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES
RA HOME COMF ELMI (519) 669-4600 ORT
COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL
ST. JACOBS GLASS SYSTEMS INC.
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
1600 King St. N., Bldg A17 St. Jacobs, Ontario N0B 2N0
• Store Fronts • Thermopanes • Mirrors • Screen Repair • Replacement Windows • Shower Enclosures • Sash Repair TEL:
ehc@hotmail.ca (519)-669-4600
Home Improvements
FREE ESTIMATES
General Construction | 12 Years Experience Residential & Agricultural • Barns / Shops Decks & Railings • Poured Concrete • Driveways & Sidewalks Siding, Fascials, Soffits • Interior Renovations
Call Lawrence Metzger
519-664-1202 / 519-778-6104
(226) 789-7301
FAX: 519 664-2759 • 24 Hour Emergency Service
WINDOWS & DOORS
ROOFING | SIDING | SOFFIT & FACIA DRYWALL INSTALLATION
MURRAY MARTIN | 519.638.0772
7302 Sideroad 19 RR#2., Alma, ON, N0B 1A0
HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES
WEICKERT& MEIROWSKI Concrete Foundations Limited
YES... WE DO RESIDENTIAL WORK!
6982 Millbank Main St., Millbank 519-595-2053 • 519-664-2914
Ltd.
WOOD GAS PELLET
RESIDENTIAL & AGRICULTURAL
Driveways • Sidewalks • Curbs • Barn Renovations Finished Floors • Retaining Walls • Short Walls Decorative/Stamped and coloured concrete
www.fergusfireplace.com
CONESTOGO
www.marwilconcrete.ca
1871 Sawmill Road
519-638-2699
519-664-3800 877-664-3802
HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES
www.RobertBrown.com
Frameless Showers & Railings
Table and shelf glass Ask for a quote… we install
519-664-1435
1411 King Street, St. Jacobs
www.RobertBrown.com info@robertbrown.com
FERGUS
180 St. Andrew St. W.
519-843-4845 888-871-4592
$225.00/
pump
OUT
+H.S.T.
(1800 Gallon Residential)
Not valid with any other special offers or coupons. *Expires Dec. 31/13
519-648-3004
or
800-232-6396
www.biobobs.com
OUTDOOR SERVICES
WE’RE AT YOUR SERVICE. We specialize in getting the word out. Advertise your business services here. Get weekly exposure with fantastic results. Call us at 519.669.5790.
Outdoor
Services
> Commercial & Residential > Fully Insured > WSIB Clearance > Senior Discount
Lawn Maintenance Programs | Spring Clean-up Flower Bed Maintenance Programs Leaf Clean-up and Removal | Soil & Mulch Delivery & Installation | Snow Clearing & Removal | Ice Control 27 Brookemead, St, Elmira P: 519-669-1188 | F: 519-669-9369
kdetweiler@rogers.com
KEVIN DETWEILER
OWNER-OPERATOR
COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
T S D ISA Arborculture Certified
Storm damaged fallen trees/branches Cutting/removal
Shrub & Branch Removal & Chipping
Technical Tree Falling/Cutting/ Removal
Stumping and Grinding
Preventative Maintenance Limbing and tree pruning
Shrub & Small Tree Replacement
Call: Jeff Basler, Owner | Office: 519-669-9081 | Fax: 519-669-9819 Email: ever-green@sympatico.ca
OUTDOOR SERVICES COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
YOUR SOURCE FOR YEAR-ROUND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE SPECIALIZED SKIDSTEER SERVICE
LAWN MOWING PACKAGES
· weekly, biweekly services
FULL FLOWER BED MAINTENANCE · weeding, pruning, dead heading, planting, flowerbed edging, mulch delivery & installation
TOP DRESSING & OVERSEEDING · Triple Mix topsoil & sure start overseed grass seed
SNOW PLOWING & ICE CONTROL · Trucks, Tractors, Skidsteer
Call: Jeff Basler, Owner Office: 519-669-9081 | Fax: 519-669-9819 Email: ever-green@sympatico.ca
· Offering a quick and easy way to reclaim unused land · Our tracked skid steer equipped with a forestry brush mower can handle any long grass/brush · Trail maintenance and development · Wooded lot Thinning · Pasture Reclaimation · Orchard Maintenance · Industrial Lots · Real Estate Lots · Cottages
Just Gardens Complete Garden and Lawn Maintenance
Anita Soehner Clean Up | Mulch
Planting | Garden Design Lawn Maintenance All Your Gardening Needs
226.476.2039
Cell | 519.504.5934
rozell_soehner@yahoo.ca
Since
1998 •Final grading •Lawn repair & complete seeding •Well equipped for large stoney areas •Spike Aerator/Overseeding •Site prep for Garden sheds, sidewalks etc. •Natural & Interlocking Stone •Retaining Walls, Walks & Patios •Help for Top Water & Drainage issues •Rain Water collection systems
Murray & Daniel Shantz
ALMA, ONTARIO | PHONE: 519.846.5427
16 | HOLIDAY EDITION
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013
Have a Safe and Happy New Year! Thank you
to all our clients and friends for your continued support. It Is Because Of You That We Can Help Support Our Community $500.00 DONATION will be made with every home bought or sold by Paul or Alli in Woolwich.
D L $334,900O S BUNGALOW
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
CALL DIRECT
CALL CALL DIRECT DIRECT
519-577-6248
519-503-9533 www.homeswithpaul.ca
$314,900
Waterloo - This well cared for bungalow with detached garage is close to expressway, walking trail, schools, transit and amenities. Enjoy the bright gourmet style kitchen with skylight and French door walkout to patio, perfect for having a backyard bbq. Or when the weather gets cold bring it inside to the roomy separate dining room. Enjoy the finished basement with 3pc bathroom and recroom featuring gas fireplace. MLS 1341566 Call Alli or Paul direct.
Alli Bauman
Paul Martin
FANTASTIC KITCHEN
BEAUTIFUL QUIET STREET
Elmira – As soon as you walk in the door you will see for yourself a mix of modern & classics. From French door walkout to side deck to concrete countertops this home has been renovated extensively! Convenient mudrm off garage & completely renovated & updated kit. Open concept MF w/LR, Sep DR & kit. Partly fin’d basement w/RR. MLS 1341452 Call Alli or Paul direct.
Elmira - 3 bedroom single detached home with single garage on beautiful, quiet street. Large living room with wood fireplace surrounded by built in shelving. Formal dining room off eat in kitchen. Carpet free main floor except 2 bedrooms. Master 2 piece ensuite. Finished basement including: rec room, office, and workshop. Garage with the door to house and to fully fenced back yard with concrete patio and shed. 4 appliances included. MLS 1344680. Call Alli or Paul direct.
www.elmiraandareahomes.com
Solid Gold Realty (II) Ltd., Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated
3 Arthur St. S., Elmira | 519-669-5426
100 YEARS
49+ YEARS
SINCE 1913
Elmira Real Estate Services Independently Owned & Operated, Brokerage
519-669-3192
Home Evaluation!
Bert Martin
We support Woolwich Community Services through
BROKER
of combined service to HELP you!
90 Earl Martin Dr., Unit 4, Elmira N3B 3L4
Remax Solid Gold Realty (II) Ltd., Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated
DIRECT: 519-572-2669 OFFICE: 519-669-5426
Elmira@royallepage.ca
www.elmirahomes.ca
D L $299,900O S
Bonnie Brubacher Broker of Record / Owner
Monique Roes
Sales Representative / Owner
Shanna Rozema Broker /Owner
3 Arthur St. S. Elmira www.remaxsolidgold.biz
EMAIL: bert@remaxsolidgold.biz
“Helping you is what we do”
FREE Market Evaluation HOME with WORKSHOP!
$329,900
Older 2 story home backing to farm land offers 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 3 kitchens, possible in-law suite, 24' x 48' two story workshop. Located on the edge of town. MLS. Call Bert Martin for an appt.
Your referrals are appreciated!
NEW LISTING! $369,900 Paradigm presents this uniquely designed 4
level sidesplit, 3 bdrms, 3 baths, custom maple kitchen w/4 stainless appl., hardwood & ceramic flrs, fam rm. w/gas FP, walk-up to rear yard, ensuite. MLS
PARADIGM PRESENTS… $353,550 ELMIRA Bungalow semi in park setting!
Walkout basement! Custom kitchen, hardwood & ceramic floors, main floor master w/ensuite. Still time to pick your colours. EXCLUSIVE
$629,900 MAPLETON TOWNSHIP Picturesque natures wonderland on 13 acres. 2300 sq.ft Pioneer Log home welcoming atmosphere of warmth. Stunning great room/ kitchen offers many amenities, one will not be disappointed. NEW MLS
PRE-SELLING DRAYTON RIDGE! STARTING AT $349,900 Exclusive ... Paradigm Elmira Homes presents ...
OUTSTANDING BUNGALOW $427,500. NEW HAMBURG Exceptionally appointed
1587 sq.ft home situated in the adult community of Stone Croft. Many amenities offered for your enjoyment, rec centre, billiards, trails & more. Quality features incl, hardwood & ceramic flrs, oak kitchen & large dining area. MLS
RANCH BUNGALOW
in the village of Drayton. Beautifully appointed 1286-2046 sq ft, with loft options. Open concept- oversized double garage.
HESSON Wow! Almost ½ acre backing onto farmland in a Village setting 15 mins from Elmira. Large 4 bdrm, 2 bath home, entertainers dream basement, newly renovated with rec room & games area w/pool table, GEO thermal heating/cooling, detached 12’20’ heated shop. MLS
Call for your FREE Market Evaluation.
HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT 2013, AND HAVE AN EVEN BETTER 2014. THE OBSERVER OFFICE IS CLOSED. REGULAR OFFICE HOURS RESUME MONDAY DECEMBER 30TH.
HOLIDAY EDITION | 17
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013 “A GOOD JOB DONE EVERY TIME”
Skilled craftsmanship. Quality materials. CONSTRUCTION STARTS HERE.
Kleensweep Carpet Care
3435 Broadway St. Hawkesville 519-699-4641
Rugs and Upholstery
•Mattress Cleaning •Residential •Commercial •Personalized Service •Free Estimates
COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR
West Montrose, ON
T. 519.669.2033
COLLEEN
Cell: 519.581.7868
Truck & Trailer Maintenance Cardlock Fuel Management
COMMERCIAL 24 CARDLOCK FUEL DEPOT HOUR M&G MILLWRIGHTS LTD. • Design • Installation • Custom Fabrication
MATERIAL HANDLING & PROCESSING SYSTEMS
519.669.5105
KIN KORNER
www.freybc.com
DECEMBER 20 HAM & SCALLOP POTATO Dinner, $7. Royal Canadian Legion, 11 First St., Elmira; 6 p.m. Takeouts available - call 519-669-2932 to place order for pickup Friday. DECEMBER 21 CHRISTMAS CAN BE A painful time for some. It may be the first Christmas without loved family members who have recently died. It may be a time that has always been difficult. For those reasons, Wellesley Mennonite Church and St. Mark’s Lutheran Church are offering a community “Longest Night, Blue Christmas Service” on Saturday December 21st at 7 p.m. at Wellesley Mennonite Church, 157 David St., Wellesley. Come out and join with us in sharing and hearing prayers, scripture and music that acknowledge that God’s presence is for those who mourn, for those who struggle – and that God’s Word comes to shine light into our darkness. Everyone is welcome. DECEMBER 23 SENIORS LUNCH CLUB AT noon (doors open at 11:30 a.m). Woolwich Memorial Centre, 24 Snyder Ave. S., Elmira (community room) Cost $6. Join us for a noonday light lunch and fellowship. Call Community Care Concepts at 519-664-1900 for more information.
1540 FLORDALE ROAD
E-MAIL: ads@woolwichobserver.com
JANUARY 3 BUILDING WITH LEGO AT Elmira Library –2-3 p.m. or 3:30-4:30 p.m. Join us at the Elmira Branch Library to Build with Lego. Free. Ages 7 to 12. space is limited. Lego will be supplied by the library and designs are to be left at the library. For questions, contact the Elmira Branch at 519-669-5477 or email elmlib@regionofwaterloo.ca. JANUARY 8 SENIORS COMMUNITY DINING AT noon (doors open at 11:30 a.m.) Calvary United Church, 48 Hawkesville Rd., St. Jacobs. Cost: $11. Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for a hot noonday meal, fellowship and entertainment. Call 519-664-1900 for more information. JANUARY 15 SENIORS LUNCH CLUB AT noon (doors open at 11:30 a.m.) Wellesley Community Centre, 1000 Mapleleaf St., Wellesley. Cost $6. Join us for a noonday light lunch and fellowship. Call Community Care Concepts at 519-664-1900 or toll free: 1-855-664-1900 for more information. JANUARY 22 SENIORS COMMUNITY DINING AT noon (doors open at 11:30 a.m.) Linwood Community Centre, 5279 Ament Line, Linwood. Cost: $11. Community Care concepts invites you to join us for a hot noon day meal, fellowship and entertainment. Call 519-6641900 or toll free: 1-855-664-1900 for information.
JANUARY 26 ALL LADIES INTERFAITH EVENT, 11:30-1:30 at Breslau Community Centre. Come and build bridges and encourage dialogue between different faith groups in the region. Free parking. Complimentary refreshments, an opportunity to widen your circle. JANUARY 27 SENIOR LUNCH CLUB AT noon (doors open at 11:30 a.m.). Woolwich Memorial Centre, 24 Snyder Ave. S., Elmira (community room) Cost $6. Join us for a noonday light lunch and fellowship. Call Community Care Concepts at 519-664-1900 for more information. JANUARY 31 WOOLWICH COMMUNITY LIONS ARE hosting a new fundraiser - Trivia Challenge - Lions Hall, Elmira, 7 p.m. (doors open 6:30 p.m.). Prizes, cash bar, snacks. You and seven of your smartest friends can challenge other teams - winning teams will receive a cash prize sponsored by Elmira Pet Products. Limited space available. For more information please email wclctrivia@gmail.com or call Marnie 519-210-0252.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Check Us Out Online! woolwichkin.com
21 INDUSTRIAL DR. ELMIRA
519-669-2884
CORPORATE WEAR PROMOTIONAL APPAREL WORK & SAFETY WEAR | BAGS T-SHIRTS | JACKETS | HATS
FROM THE OBSERVER
245 Labrador Drive | Waterloo
519.886.2102
P.O. BOX 247, ELMIRA
www.mgmill.com
public. Placement is not guaranteed. Registrations, corporate events, open houses and the like do not qualify in this section.
“Serving the Community”
24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE
TOTAL
NANCY KOEBEL
HOME ENERGY SYSTEMS
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL
Bus: 519.744.5433 Home: 519.747.4388
Individual life insurance, mortgage insurance, business insurance, employee benefits programs, critical illness insurance, disability coverage,
New to the Community? Do you have a new Baby?
Grant’s Hands on therapy
• Muscles, Nerves & Stress
It’s time to call your Welcome Wagon Hostess.
YOUR OIL, PROPANE, NATURAL GAS AND AIR CONDITIONING EXPERTS
RRSPs, RESPs, RRIFs, LIFs and Annuities.
• Family Discounts • Home Visits Provided
11 HENRY ST. - UNIT 9, ST. JACOBS
SHARON GINGRICH 519.291.6763
519.664.2008
psgingrich@hotmail.ca
Grant Brubacher, Elmira ON
cell: 519-577-3251 WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
PLACES OF FAITH | A DIRECTORY OF LOCAL HOUSES OF WORSHIP
St. Teresa building relationships with God, one another and the world
Catholic Church No God, No Hope; Know God, Know Hope! Celebrate Eucharist with us Mass times are:
Sat. 5pm | Sun. 9am & 11:00am
SUNDAYS - 9:00 & 11:00AM WEDNESDAYS - 7:00PM 850 Sawmill Rd, Bloomingdale, ON N0B 1K0 (519) 744-7447 | kcf@kcf.org | www.kcf.org
www.kcf.org/academy
Worship: 9:30am First Sunday after Christmas Service of Reading and Carols
58 Church St. W., Elmira • 519-669-5123
19 Flamingo Dr., Elmira • 519-669-3387
Sunday, December 29
Thanking
God For
You
www.OBSERVERXTRA.com
Finding The Way Together 47 Arthur St., S. Elmira • 519-669-3153 www.thejunctionelmira.com
Sunday School at 9:30am
Service at 10:30am Rev. Paul Snow REACH WITH LOVE. TEACH THE TRUTH. SEND IN POWER. 290 Arthur St. South, Elmira • 519-669-3973 www.ElmiraAssembly.com (Across from Tim Horton’s)
18 Mockingbird Dr., Elmira • 519-669-1459 www.elmiracommunity.org
NURSERY PROVIDED
SUNDAY SCHOOL
HEARING ASSISTED
Sun., Dec. 29th 11:00am
Glimpses of the King Discovering God Together
Richard Haverkamp
4522 Herrgott Rd., Wallenstein • 519-669-2319 www.wbconline.ca
St. Paul’s 9:15am Sunday School Lutheran 10:30am Worship Service Pastor: Richard A. Frey Church Sharing the Message of Christ and His Love 27 Mill St., Elmira • 519-669-2593 www.stpaulselmira.ca
Emmanuel Sunday, December 29, 2013 Reflecting on God’s Guidance
SUNDAYS @ 10:30AM Services at Park Manor School
33 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.1591
Zion Mennonite Fellowship -The JunctionSunday School 9:30am Worship Service 10:45 am
11:00 AM
REACH OUT. KEEP FAITH ALIVE, ADVERTISE HERE.
SANYO CANADIAN
MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED
• Old & New Injuries
Elmira & Surrounding Area
VERMONT Castings
Suite 102, 40 Weber St. E., Kitchener
Elmira Mennonite Church
www.UniTwin.com
SUBMIT AN EVENT The Events Calendar is reserved for Non-profit local community events that are offered free to the
Speaker: Darcy Dueck 200 Barnswallow Dr., Elmira • 519-669-1296 www.woodsidechurch.ca
EVANGELICAL MISSIONARY CHURCH Worship Service
Sundays 10:45am
makingfaithlive.com
519.669.5030
9:45am Sunday School 11:00am Worship Service Hopping Thursday’s 7-8:30pm Programs for all ages 22 Florapine Rd., Floradale • 519-669-2816 www.floramc.org
18 | HOLIDAY EDITION
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013
STRANGE BUT TRUE / BILL & RICH SONES PH.D.
Your brain likely has nothing to do a headache, self-inflicted or otherwise WEIRD NOTES
Q. How much of your
time do you spend talking with people? What about time spent at a computer?
A. To answer such ques-
tions, researchers have test subjects wear on their belts Electronically Activated Recorders, or EARs, says David G. Myers in “Exploring Psychology: Ninth Edition.� In this way, psychologists Matthias Mehl and James Pennebaker obtained activity samplings at the University of Texas, going well beyond any scientific laboratory:
“For up to four days, the EAR captured 30 seconds of the students’ waking hours every 12.5 minutes, enabling the researchers to eavesdrop on more than 10,000 half-minute life slices by the end of the study.� Results: Students spent 28% of their time talking with someone compared to only 9% at a computer keyboard. One of EAR’s funnier findings, as Myers puts it, is that we humans laugh 30 times more often in social situations than in solitary situations; that’s 30 out of every 31 laughs occurring in groups. Have you too noticed how seldom you laugh when alone? Q. Is “brain pain� an apt description of a
headache?
A. It has a nice ring to
it but it’s a wrong ring. Brain operations can be done without anesthetic because the brain has no pain-sensing nerves, reports James Carlton in “Discover� magazine. But many of the brain’s attendant structures had better be well-numbed, says neurosurgeon Dimitris Placantonakis: For example, the cranial incision on the skin will require it, as will the “dura mater,� the thick membrane surrounding the brain just beneath the skull, which is filled with pain receptors. “In general, only everything underneath the dura is pain-free.� So why headaches?
“That’s the million-dollar question,� says neurosurgeon Johnathan Engh. “The common headache isn’t well understood, though it’s essentially pain in the head not caused by the brain.� As with migraines, tension headaches, etc., the dura and other non-brain structures can be irritated, as can muscles and the sinuses, Placantonakis adds. Various tumors, traumas, even frozen ice cream can trigger pain receptors in the head and neck to send signals to the brain, which it processes as “Ow!� Q. Mulling the subject of worldwide hunger, what are a few factoids that are truly food for thought?
A. Hunger pangs don’t
take long to kick in; just a few hours without food and tummy rumbling is likely to begin, says Tasha Eichenseher in “Discover� magazine. Go a few days into a fast, and your body will start feeding on its own proteins -- i.e., your stomach starts eating itself. Two billion people worldwide eat beetles, wasps, worms and other bugs for protein. Yet according to the U.S. Agency for International Development, nearly one billion people will go to bed hungry tonight, 200 million of them children. Extreme malnutrition, or kwashiorkor, can cause an extended belly as well as swelling of the liver,
with the number-one cause of death from starvation being heart failure. Some years ago, 10 fasting imprisoned members of the Irish Republican and Irish National Liberation armies lasted 46 to 73 days before dying of starvation. On the other hand, various animal studies have suggested reduced calorie intake can cut rates for cancer and other diseases and will prolong life. “So much for an appetite for life!�
ABOUT THE AUTHORS Bill is a journalist, Rich holds a doctorate in physics. Together the brothers bring you “Strange But True.� Send your questions to strangetrue@compuserve.com.
OBSERVER CROSSWORD PUZZLER ACROSS 1. Acad. 5. Sanction 11. Entices 16. Auto parts giant 17. African 18. Atlas enlargement 19. Reach the top shelf 21. Lifted, so to speak 22. Volatile oil 23. “Back in the ___� 24. “_____ Artois� 25. A large fleet 27. Thrust out 29. Grassland 30. Military parachutists 33. Trigonometric functions 36. Bull markets 37. Haberdashery item 39. Superfood 41. Dangerous biters 45. Involving two or more governments 49. Scrape, as the knee 50. Allocate, with “out� 51. Cantankerous
52. Watch chain 54. Underwriter 56. Produce synthetically 61. Babysitter’s handful 64. Reviewers 65. Large snake 68. Notoriety 69. “Buona ___� (Italian greeting) 72. Biscotti flavoring 73. Gawk 74. Make automatic 76. An officer of a court 77. Fought 78. Wrap up 79. Coasters 80. Attempters 81. At one time, at one time DOWN 1. Establish 2. Character 3. A white waxy substance from oil of the sperm whale 4. Indian semi-classical vocal music
5. Alias 6. Coelenterata 7. Aims 8. Bakery selections 9. Root vegetable 10. “Star Trek� rank: Abbr. 11. Small informal restaurant 12. Pay 13. King Mark’s bride 14. Bank clerk 15. Positions 20. “Acid� 24. “Cut it out!� 26. Imitating 28. UCLA player 31. Pillage 32. One who leads a Spartan lifestyle 34. Airy 35. “Dear� one 37. “___ the season ...� 38. Publicity, slangily 40. “Gladiator� setting 41. “Green Gables� girl 42. Disinfectant
43. When it’s broken, that’s good 44. Arch 46. Three player card game 47. Pouts 48. Be mistaken 52. Agriculturalists 53. Comply with 55. Soft-shell clam 56. Optical device 57. Avis offering 58. Do away with 59. Dreaded 60. Mint, e.g. 62. Microwave amplification device 63. Predetermined 66. Cool ___ 67. Chilled 70. Handbag 71. Harassed 74. Astern 75. Infomercials, e.g.
SUDOKU CHALLENGE
OBSERVER TRAVELS LOCATION Eastern Mediterranean cruise followed by Trans-Atlantic cruise with stops in Italy, Greece, Turkey, Canary Islands, St. Kitts, St. Maarten
CAPTION Ken and Janice Woods with friends Brenda and Dave McWaters took an extended vacation from mid-October to mid-November. They had time to take a breather in Istanbul, Turkey for a photo in front of the Blue Mosque.
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.
HOLIDAY EDITION | 19
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013
POWER OF PRESS. NEWSPAPERS HAVE PROVEN TO SUPPLY TRUSTWORTHY ADS AND SHOPPING RESOURCES. PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS WITH A PROFESSIONALLY DESIGNED AD IN THE OBSERVER TODAY.
www.OBSERVERXTRA.com
20 | HOLIDAY EDITION | BACK PAGE
THE OBSERVER | DECEMBER 26, 2013
As we wind down from the hustle and bustle of another year we take pleasure in reconnecting with friends, focusing on family and experiencing all the joys of the holiday season. We look forward to a busy and productive schedule in 2014. For now, however, it’s time to enjoy the Christmas festivities and bask in the possibilities of the New Year.
All the best of the season from all of us at the Observer! Joe Merlihan, Donna Rudy, Steve Kannon, Elena Maystruk, Will Sloan, Pat Merlihan, Jake Stallard
HOLIDAY HOURS: OFFICE CLOSED DECEMBER 20. RE-OPENS DECEMBER 30.
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