February 6, 2020

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A launch to celebrate Black History Month People. Places. Pictures. Profiles. Perspectives.

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FEBRUARY 6, 2020

R E G I O N O F WAT E R LO O

Township residents to feel most of the 3.84% increase in 2020 budget

BY STEVE KANNON skannon@woolwichobserver.com

Township residents are on the hook for the bulk of a regional budget that will again outstrip inflation this year.

The Region of Waterloo last month passed a budget that hikes taxes by 3.84 per cent, adding $78 per year to the average household’s bills, based on an assessment of $394,000.

This year’s tax increase includes 2.46 per cent for regional services and 1.38 per cent for the police budget.

While exempt from the cost of some services available only to the region’s cities, and in particular the debt servicing and operating deficits of light rail transit, township residents will still see large increases in the regional portion of their tax bills, which now claims 63 cents of every dollar.

In Woolwich, for instance, the impact of the tax hike will be 3.04 per cent, or $61.74, while in Wellesley it’s 3.12 per cent ($63.38). North Dumfries is also at 3.12, while Wilmot’s increase is 3.42. Residents of the three cities – Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo – will see their regional BUDGET | 03

Neighbours Felix Munz, Henry Streicher and Jim Mundt take issue with some of the practices at the regional works yard behind their Heidelberg homes.

[STEVE KANNON]

Looking for peace and quiet

Heidelberg residents would like region to solve noise issues at its works yard adjacent to their properties

BY STEVE KANNON skannon@woolwichobserver.com

The noise complaints of a group of Heidelberg residents whose properties back onto a Region of Waterloo works yard have so far fallen on deaf ears, they say.

In the past, talking with the site supervisor used to suffice to resolve issues of excessive revving of trucks and use of back-up

beepers, the residents are no longer getting a response from that quarter, said Jim Mundt, whose Arthur Road home backs onto the facility.

A retired truck driver and instructor, he said he routinely sees questionable practices carried out on the site, including excessive idling, often for more than an hour at a time, and inefficient movements around the

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yard, particularly when it comes to backing up and activating high-pitched beepers.

“They don’t have to be reversing all the time,” he said, noting the issues at the yard are a fairly recent resurgence.

Mundt has lived in his home for more than 40 years, and has seen the practices shift over that time. In the past, complaints were typically addressed in short

order.

“It was just consideration, common courtesy.”

In recent years, however, that’s no longer the case, some of his neighbours agree.

“We’re not asking for the world. We’re not asking them to move their yard or to stop running their trucks ... only to change their behaviour,” said HEIDELBERG | 02

TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020

02 | C O MMUNIT Y NE WS

 HEIDELBERG: Where complaints used to be dealt with, issues raised by neighbours now seem to fall on deaf ears FROM 01

Felix Munz, who says the back-up beepers and lights are particularly problematic when there are crews dealing with snow-clearing operations.

Henry Streicher, whose yard backs onto the area of the site where the diesel pumps are located, says the trucks are often left running, lights on, while refueling.

“Isn’t that a problem that they should be looking at?

Doesn’t the region have rules about that?” asked Mundt. “It’s an issue that should be addressed, and

the region should be taking responsibility for it.”

Mundt said he’s complained about the issues to regional employees, Wellesley Mayor Joe Nowak and even MPP Mike Harris’ office.

For its part, the region says it has not received any formal complaint on which to act.

I am not aware of any concerns raised recently by adjacent residents.

When we receive concerns we will respond to them appropriately,” said director of transportation Steve van De Keere in an email.

“Region staff do their best to address all public concerns. That approach is inherent in the region’s mission statement and corporate values.”

But having talked with Mundt, Emil Marion, the region’s manager of transportation operations, said the message has been heard.

“Keeping in mind this is a public works yard in a now-built-up area, there are some things we have tried to do to minimize noise over the years, however we cannot eliminate it,” he said. “ There is a

newer staff up there so we have reminded them of the noise concerns and are trialing a new back up alarm system on equipment to eliminate the loud beeping, which can be annoying.”

The public works yard and its salt dome is the base for five snowplow routes, hosting five trucks, a grader, a sweeper, loader, and misc number of smaller pieces of equipment and vehicles at any one time, said Marion.

“There is typically up to 20ish people assigned to that yard, however these

people are spread out among two different shifts throughout the winter.

At any given time, there could be approximately 10 people there for each shift through the winter but that number can vary,” he said in an email. “Summertime numbers can vary, but I would suggest up to 10-20 people could be working out of that yard depending on the various operations.”

The facility predates the adjacent subdivision, a fact the neighbours acknowledge but dismiss as an excuse for the current complaints.

“It hasn’t always been a problem,” said Mundt of the yard’s issues, noting something has changed only in recent years.

He said that the yard was already in place doesn’t mean residents simply have to put up with anything that happens at the site.

“We’ve tolerated it long enough,” he said.

“It’s not that we’re after anything unreasonable – the yards were here before we moved in. We’re just looking for simple solutions that would cut down on noise,” added Munz.

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

BUSES ROLL AGAIN Creating community connections starts and ends with our readers.

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Townships talk collaboration on service delivery

Buses began to roll again in the region Saturday after the Region of Waterloo approved a 40-month agreement with UNIFOR Local 4304 representing Grand River Transit/MobilityPLUS operators, dispatchers, fleet mechanics and service attendants. The new deal, which runs Jan. 1, 2020 to Apr. 30, 2023 provides a six per cent increase for all employees. The agreement also gives an additional $3 per hour increase for mechanics and a $2.25 per hour increase for part-time employees over the life of the agreement.

Pending a decision on a casino in the region, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) will continue to operate a slots facility in Elora having reached an agreement in principle on a new lease.

Grand River Raceway this week became the 11th of 14 hosts of the slots-at-raceways program to reach a new lease deal with the OLG. The agreement is subject to approval by the Grand River Agricultural Society, owners of the track, and the provincial agency.

From the Feb. 9, 2013 edition of The Observer

CONTRACT TALKS CONTINUE TO FLOUNDER

Township mayors meet with MPP to discuss cooperating, finding efficiencies

BY STEVE KANNON skannon@woolwichobserver.com

Mayors from the region’s four rural townships met January 31 with Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris, discussing ways the municipalities can work together to find efficiencies and save money.

The townships had last year agreed to hire a consultant, KPMG, to help them find ways to find common ground on five areas of interest: fire services and emergency management, library services, information technology and corporate communications. The $100,000 cost was to be split four ways, drawn from money provided by the province under its Municipal Modernization Program.

Earlier last month at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference , Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark pledged an initial sum of $2.6 million to help municipalities identify opportunities for shared services and modernize service delivery. The province is providing funding to 27 joint projects that will help some 130 small and rural municipalities.

“We’re really happy to see that Waterloo Region has been chosen to be part of this,” said Harris this week.

Harris met last Friday with the four rural

mayors – Sandy Shantz (Woolwich), Joe Nowak (Wellesley), Les Armstrong (Wilmot) and Sue Foxton (North Dumfries) – at the Woolwich administrative building in Elmira.

“Taxpayers need their local government to deliver modern, efficient services that show respect for their hard-earned dollars. The service modernization funding will help our rural municipalities in Wellesley Township and will help improve how we deliver services and reduce the ongoing costs of providing those services,” said Nowak in a statement following the meeting.

“The funds allow us to explore opportunities for collaboration, partnership and innovation in the areas of fire services, emergency management, communication and information technology,” said Shantz.

While the conversation about joint services began among the four townships before the province announced its regional review, funding for the cooperative venture was provided by the province after it decided to drop any prospect of amalgamation talks.

In endorsing the joint services review last summer, the townships said they’d hoped to demonstrate efficiencies can be found without reducing the region to a single-tier government from the current system.

An increasingly common sight, teachers were out of their classrooms and on the streets in Elmira Tuesday.

[JOE MERLIHAN]

 BUDGET: Regional service mix a little different in the townships FROM 01

taxes rise by 3.93 per cent.

“The tax impacts for the townships differ from the tax impact in the cities due to the two ‘area-rated services,’ namely library and transit. The cost of library services is levied only in the four townships, while for the most part the cost of transit services is levied in the three cities,” explained Craig Dyer, the region’s chief financial officer, in an email. “Tax impacts also differ by township as a result of varying levels of transit service provided in

each township.”

The extension of conventional Grand River Transit buses to Woolwich and Wilmot townships explains the higher increases in those two townships, while residents in all four townships must pay for specialized mobility transit and for the Region of Waterloo Library system.

All other regional services, including police, are billed to every resident.

“The bulk of it will apply to residents here,” said Wellesley Mayor Joe Nowak of the tax increase.

On the capital side, regional roads that run through the townships are typically the big-ticket items, though many of those projects have been pushed back or scaled down in recent years as the region struggle with escalating light rail transit costs. Projects such as Church and Arthur streets in Woolwich have been delayed for some years, for instance, though there are plans to go ahead with work on Sawmill Road in Bloomingdale.

In Wellesley, there’s

just one major project this year, Kressler Road. The township sees the need for more improvements, however.

“We have a list of road work we’d like to see done, but they keep putting them off,” said Nowak, pointing to stretches of Nafziger and Queen’s Bush roads.

Ongoing infrastructure deficits afflict the township, as is the case in every municipality, he added.

“It’s certainly a challenge.

There’s pressure on the township, but also at the regional and provincial levels.”

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O BS E RV E R X TR A. C O M | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020 | 04

THE MONITOR

VERBATIM Keep the conversation alive on topics of relevance to the community; write a letter to the Editor.

Deadline: Tuesdays 4pm

“If companies were forced to stop using encryption, or weaken it, all our electronic devices and online accounts would become significantly more vulnerable to hackers and oppressive governments.”

OpenMedia’s Rodrigo Samayoa calls for strong, backdoor-free encryption, opposing push by police-state advocates such as security agencies

Last week’s Let’s Talk Day raised $7,719,371.25 in new mental health funding, as Canadians shared a record 154,387,425 messages of support for the cause. Bell donates five cents for each communication. The effort has raised $108,415,135 over its ten years.

Online: ads.observerxtra.com/letters

O U R V I E W | E D I TO R I A L

Pipeline approval should mean end of subsidies, higher fees

T

Alberta to the B.C. coast. That the western-most province isn’t keen on the project will undoubtedly still play a part. B.C. has more voters, and Alberta is a Conservative haven, so that will figure in the equation – all issues are matters of short-term political gain rather than the long-term public interest.

Even more practical, the federal government has billions tied up in the deal – it bought the existing pipeline for $4.5 billion in 2018, and estimates put the amount sunk into the venture at up to $10 billion. Given its runaway spending, Ottawa is unlikely concerned about the money, but the optics would be really bad.

Turning on the Alberta oil taps also provides a national unity benefit, easing the always simmering discontent in the Prairies.

All of that pales in comparison, however, to the profit that

hat the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project will ultimately get pushed through seems an almost foregone conclusion given both the undue influence of oil-industry lobbyists and the sparking of western alienation, particularly in Alberta.

The controversial project got another boost this week as the Federal Court of Appeal rejected claims from Indigenous communities that they weren’t adequately consulted in the process.

The federal Liberals, accused of both dragging its heels on the project and toadying to the oil industry, are in a no-win situation here. Pragmatically, they can point to the minimal impact Canada has on global greenhouse gas emissions, the somewhat disingenuous “jobs” issue and the financial impacts as reason enough to push through a pipeline from G LO B A L O U T LO O K

will come from extracting and transporting tar-sands oil. The oil lobby has been incessant, with the employment prospects being a big carrot dangled before politicians.

And the government stands to rake in billions of dollars, despite notoriously poor royalties and low taxes on the industry – corporate tax revenue alone has been estimated at $500 million per year. Though Justin Trudeau has pledged to direct earnings towards green energy projects, the details remain up in the air.

Studies have shown that the project, which will give Alberta oil an outlet to the B.C. coast (capacity will be almost tripled if plans go ahead), is rife with hazards to the environment, but the benefits outweigh the risks, say officials.

No matter what, the decision was always going to be thus.

A pipeline to funnel more tar

sands bitumen to refineries may not be in keeping with plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the wake of climate change. And the inevitable spills will be harmful to the natural ecology along the pipeline corridor, which a major event potentially catastrophic.

Those opposed to fighting greenhouse gas emissions often cite economic reasons, saying we’d kill the economy by cutting back on energy production and manufacturing. Again, it’s the dollars that matter.

The industry claims pipelines are still the safest way of transporting oil. That’s true. It would take millions of trucks or railcars to move the oil, each providing numerous opportunities for spillage. But that doesn’t mean there’s not room for improvement, as problems occur far more frequently than we hear about.

Supporters essentially tell us that the spills are the price of doing business, the business of feeding our oil addiction.

As long as we’re so reliant on oil, we’ll be taking it out of the ground and moving it around in large volumes. Oil offers us many advantages, which we may or may not choose to enjoy over the many negatives. While we use the stuff, we’re all complicit in the pollution, habitat destruction and increased cancer rates and other health problems that come with that arrangement.

If the pipeline is built as a concession to the industry, the federal government’s next move must to remove all corporate welfare from the industry, dramatically increase royalties and ensure the notoriously dodgy sector pays its taxes – that would be fairer to Canadians.

T H E V I E W F R O M H E R E | S C OT T A R N O L D

Overstepping Erdogan vs. the world

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urkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is not an ‘Islamist,’ in the extreme sense of the word. He doesn’t wear a suicide vest, he doesn’t behead people, he doesn’t even go around holding one finger up in the air to signify his hatred of those who fail to acknowledge the One True God. But he certainly does like the Islamists a lot.

In the heyday of the ‘Islamic State’ in northern Syria and Iraq, it was Erdogan who kept the Turkish border open so that thousands of foreign fighters and their families could go to join that terrorist proto-state, which was a descendant of Osama bin Laden’s original Al-Qaeda organization.

GWYNNE DYER GLOBAL AFFAIRS

More recently, he has stationed Turkish troops in Syria’s Idlib province, the one remaining rebel-held part of the country, where Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, another offshoot of Al-Qaeda, subjugated all the other rebel organizations last year and now rules unchallenged.

Unchallenged, that is, except by Syrian army troops backed by Russian airpower who are gradually winning back control DYER | 05

JOE MERLIHAN

PUBLISHER Ext 107

STEVE KANNON

EDITOR Ext 103

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NIK HARRON

REPORTER Ext 101

PATRICK MERLIHAN

CASSANDRA MERLIHAN

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Letters to the Editor: editor@woolwichobserver.com | ads.observerxtra.com/letters The Observer is the independent community newspaper serving the communities within Woolwich and Wellesley Townships in Waterloo Region. The Observer is published every Thursday. The Observer is located in Elmira and was founded in 1996.

Politicians conveniently disregard cumulative impact, just like they ignore that runaway spending compounds yearly.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020 | THE O BSE RVE R

C O M M E NT & O P IN IO N | 05

LO C A L V I E W P O I N T

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Poor governance erodes the public's faith in the institution

here’s nothing like tax season – income tax filing, property taxes notices – to bring out your inner libertarian.

It’s one of the many times we hate governments, but the timing also lends itself to thinking about why it is we pay taxes.

Libertarians would argue taxation is theft. From a certain perspective, it is. You either pay your taxes or risk having your property and your liberty stolen from you by the state. That’s true whether you don’t believe in the state or if you simply object to how some of your money is used (you may see the constant waste, entitlement and poor decision-making, for instance).

The big-picture view would take in a debate between the free-market libertarianism of philosopher Robert Nozick, for example, and The Social Contract of Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

Where politics are involved, there are plenty of reasons to be upset about paying taxes: governments of all stripes waste considerable amounts of our money. Incompetence, patronage, graft and outright theft still exist. From ORNGE and the gas plants to municipal hiring and the LRT, from robocalls to the endless stream of federal propaganda spending, there are no shortages of examples at all levels of government.

In looking at those kinds of expenditures, paying your taxes becomes hard to stomach.

That said, the bulk of the tax money collected by governments goes into providing us with services. From roads and bridges to health care and education, these are things we opt to pay for collectively. That’s not the kind of thing we hear from politicians, especially those in never-ending election mode where the goal is one-upmanship.

The reality is we need to pay taxes. Even the most extreme libertarians see some kind of state function, typically for policing, the legal system and national defence – all of which require taxation.

Taxes allow us to pool our resources so that we can afford to have things that would be impossible if we had to pay as individuals. If only those families with kids currently in school paid for the education system, for instance, the costs would be prohibitive. Multiply that by a host of government services, and it’s clear that we’re better off acting collectively.

Too often, however, “tax” is used as a dirty word in political debates. Each of us feels overburdened by taxes, and there’s some merit in that. Each of us can find examples of programs and services we’d rather not fund, making it easy to gripe about wasted tax money. Truth is, we’re generally much better off for what our tax dollars buy us.

That’s not to say things can’t be improved. Plenty of our money is genuinely wasted and funnelled into the wrong pockets. And politicians must be disabused of

STEVE KANNON EDITOR'S MUSINGS

the notion that taxpayers are a bottomless well. That’s especially true given the huge infrastructure deficit, the funding for which has been given short shrift ... other than lip service.

Hundreds of billions will be needed to repair and replace crumbling water systems, bridges, electrical grids and a host of other hard services we take for granted. That means more of our tax dollars will have to be directed that way at a time when an aging population will be demanding ever-more health-care and related services. Tough decisions are coming, the kind we’ll have

to keep in mind while reviewing both spending and tax policy.

We’re going to need more, not less money. Some programs will have to go. New spending plans may have to be scrapped. And, most importantly, tax giveaways and the shifting of the tax burden to individuals, largely in the middle class, will have to stop.

There’s one big problem, however: we don’t trust politicians.

We don’t trust them with our money. We don’t trust them to be ethical. We don’t trust them to do what’s right for us. In that vein, surveys find that most of us – at times 95 per cent – feel politicians are disconnected from the wants, needs and goals of average Canadians. Not surprisingly, such polls find the majority of us don’t trust elected officials. And, in keeping with this thread, most of us feel we’re paying too much for too little, not getting value in return for our taxes.

Yes, we expect much from our

L E F C O U RT L A N D | JAC K L E F C O U R T

government, all the while not trusting that they’ll do actually do it. At least not without making a mess and lining their own pockets at our expense.

Therein lies a conundrum.

Nobody appreciates paying taxes, but we do enjoy what the taxes bring us. We want all kinds of services, so we have to pay for them. Reasonable people recognize that fact. But what we want to see is good value for our money, which means focusing on what’s essential, and not using our money to benefit a few.

By that I don’t mean just outright corruption and financial boondoggles – though we don’t want those either – but jacking our taxes simply to pay more to themselves and the wider public sector or spending on their own pet projects, not on what the public wants.

Such misuse of funds – clearly on display from local municipalities and the region right on up through the provincial and federal governments – not only destroy faith in governments, but add valid ammunition to ideologues who would smother governance and regulation for the benefit of those who already make out like bandits under the current unfair system.

Every time there is no accountability for corrupt and incompetent governance, we move one step closer to yet more of those very things.

Politicians – complicit, ignorant and bits of both – are quite happy to go on promising us the world, while simultaneously claiming to reduce taxes ... and to be fair and honest. We know all of that’s a fairytale, yet we do nothing about it, even at election time. Like we know we should eat better and get to the gym, we’re sure we deserve better.

But it’s easier to sit on the couch while the weight gets packed on ... and the opportunists are clearing out the rest of the house.

Still, we’ll pay our taxes, grumbling all the way. Knowing full well the public good ain’t what it used to be.

 DYER: Erdogan's latest ploys are evidence he's no longer competent, just another megalomaniac doing his thing FROM 04

on the province in a slow, grinding offensive that last week captured Idlib’s second-biggest city, Maarat an-Numan. So it’s no surprise that the Turkish army in Idlib is now firing directly on Syrian forces.

The story is a bit muddy, with Turkey claiming that four of its soldiers in Idlib were killed by Syrian shellfire on Sunday. But the Turkish government said it had killed 35 Syrian troops in retaliatory fire, and Erdogan added: “Those who question our determination will soon understand they made a mistake.”

He also warned Russia,

Syria’s ally, “not to stand in our way.” The Russians will take this seriously, since Erdogan deliberately set up an ambush in 2015 and shot down a Russian plane that strayed into Turkish airspace for only 17 seconds. But Moscow won’t back down, so Erdogan is now playing with the prospect of a shooting war with Syria and Russia.

That would be enough on his plate, you might think, but he is also intervening in the civil war in Libya. He backs the Islamist-dominated government in the capital, Tripoli, against the rebel army led

by General Khalifa Haftar

that controls most of the country, and he has just sent troops to support it.

The troops are Syrian Arabs, part of the same Islamist puppet army that Erdogan used recently to invade the Kurdish part of Syria. His intervention in Libya puts Turkey into a potential confrontation with France, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, all of which back Haftar. So does Russia.

Not daunted, Erdogan is spouting the same toughguy rhetoric over Libya. So there’s a few more potential enemies for Turkey.

His plate is getting rather full.

But Erdogan’s not finished yet. He has also militarized a dispute with Greece and Cyprus over seabed oil and gas reserves, to the extent that Turkish fighter planes are now violating Greek airspace almost daily. And he has demanded that Athens demilitarizes 16 Greek islands that are close to the Turkish west coast (making them permanent hostages, totally vulnerable to Turkish invasion).

France has now sent warships to the eastern Mediterranean, and President Emmanuel Macron has explained that “Greece and France are pursuing a

new framework of strategic defence.” ‘Defence’ against whom? Turkey, obviously.

Who else could it be?

Turkey is still formally a member of NATO, so technically France and Greece are its allies, but Erdogan doesn’t seem bothered by that. Neither was he bothered by the fact that the United States is also a NATO member when he invaded northeastern Syria last October to drive the Kurds, America’s key allies in the war against Islamic State, from their homes in the border region.

He got away with that: the Kurds had served their purpose and Trump just

abandoned them to their fate. But is he really wise to take on almost everybody else at once?

One reasonably small and successful war might actually benefit Erdogan by mobilizing Turkish nationalism, but three at once? Against Russian and Syria on one front, France and Egypt on another, and Greece plus France and perhaps other NATO and European Union members on a third.

He used to be a fairly competent strategist, but he has been in power too long (17 years) and he has finally lost the plot. This is megalomania.

O BS E RV E R X TR A. C O M | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020 | 06

KINGS' MILESTONES

GIRLS IN SPORTS The week marks the 34th annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). This celebration inspires girls and women to play and be active, to realize their full power. Woolwich is marking the day with a “Stick & Puck” event Thursday afternoon (3:304:30) at the WMC in Elmira.

We're keeping score about local kids in sport in our communities. Submit your team results and photos online.

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With his sixth shutout of the season, netminder Greg Brassard had broken the Elmira Sugar Kings’ all-time single-season record. In other milestones, the team has noted that captain Mason McMahon reached 100 points as a King, and Hunter Dubecki scored his 200th point in the GOJHL.

Deadline: Tuesdays by 4pm

JUNIOR B HOCKEY

Another weekend, another pair of wins

Kings win 6-1 on the road in Brantford Saturday, returning home Sunday for a fight-filled victory over Brampton DAMON MACLEAN For the Observer

Officials were kept busy Sunday afternoon as fighting and rough play abounded as the Sugar Kings defeated Brampton 8-3 at the WMC.

lead they’d never relinquish, but a pair of “head contact” penalties in the first period set the stage for what would be an increasingly aggressive match.

Dubecki opened the scoring at 4:17 on a power play, with assists going to Toms and Goodwin.

Less than a minute later, it was Jakson Kirk (Black, Lennon) making it 2-0.

Matt Tolton (Way, Leblanc) extend the lead to three at (9:14), followed by a goal from Leblanc (Black, Azzano) at 15:21 to make it 4-0 at the first intermission.

Brampton goalie Diego D’Alessandro appeared to be flustered, he received four penalties himself within the first period, all of which were for head contact. Two of the goals scored in the period came with Elmira enjoying a man advantage.

Head coach Rob Collins said he was happy with the results of the first period.

“We took control of the game early got off to a good start with a 4-0 first-period lead,” said Collins.

It was apparent that the Kings quick and strong lead

[DAMON MACLEAN]

was upsetting the Bombers as both teams exited the ice for intermission. On returning, the aggression on the Bombers end intensified, though they managed to do some damage in the offensive zone, scoring twice in the middle frame on just four shots.

Brampton’s first goal came at 2:04, almost immediately followed by a reply from Goodwin, assisted by McMahon and Dubecki.

The Bombers found the back of the net at 8:24, the 5-2 score holding through the rest of stanza, where

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Niki Molson), and then completing the hat trick at 19:46 on the power play, assists going to Black and Lennon. The final score was 6-1.

Shots were 40-20 in favour of the visitors, who were 1-7 on the power play, while the Bandits were 1-3.

There was a completely different tack taken the following day back in Elmira, where the 427 in attendance were treated to some less-than-sportsmanlike play in a penalty-filled match.

The Kings took an early

Wa lke

A pair of wins over the weekend was somewhat routine for the Elmira Sugar Kings. The brawl and endless parade to the penalty box in Sunday’s home game was anything but.

The February 1 game in Brantford featured a 6-1 victory and 18 penalties between the teams. The next day in Elmira, the Kings and the Brampton Bombers racked up 60 offenses, many of them for head contact, roughing and fighting, as the home side skated to an 8-3 win.

The Kings were in Brantford Saturday to take on the Bandits, scoring twice in the opening period and never looking back.

Mason McMahon got things rolling at 8:38, with assists going to Carter Lennon and Jeremey Goodwin.

Five minutes later, Jacob Black (Harrison Toms, Hunter Dubecki) made it 2-0 after 20 minutes.

In the second, Kings’ goals bookended the sole reply from Brantford.

Goodwin scored at 3:11, assisted by Brody Leblanc and Robbie Nelson Jr., with the Bandits capitalizing on a power play to make it 3-1 at 12:41. But just 16 seconds later, Keaton McLaughlin (Brett Allen, Cooper Way) restored the three-goal lead, which is where the score remained heading into intermission.

Goodwin scored two more times in the final frame to round out the scoring: at 10:38, assisted

by Anthony Azzano and

tensions continued to mount.

“It got a little chippy – that happens,” said Collins.

“It’s a game of emotion and I’m sure Brampton would have had some frustration losing like that. Some guys acted out, so it was what it was.”

That acting out would only intensify heading in the third period.

Elmira put up three more goals in the final frame, while Brampton managed just one. Much more notable was the constant string of penalties, however.

On the scoreboard, Goodwin needed just 53 seconds to make it 6-2, with assists from Dubecki and McMahon. Half a minute later it was 7-2 courtesy of Leblanc (Molson, Way).

That Brampton scored on the power play midway through the frame didn’t soothe their tempers.

Goodwin’s hat-trick goal at 15:08, assisted by Toms and Dubecki, seemed to add some fuel to the fire.

Fights broke out frequently as the tenacity of the Kings seemed to provoke the ire of the Bombers. Two of the altercations turned into brawls, keeping the officials even busier.

Eventually, the match came to an end, an 8-3 victory for the Kings, who outshot Brampton 25-16.

This weekend, the firstplace Sugar Kings (33-7-04) are in Cambridge Saturday night to take on the Redhawks (27-12-1-3) before returning home Sunday to welcome the Stratford Warriors (26-15-1-2) at a 7 p.m. match.

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N OT- S O - G R E AT- O U T D O O R S M A N

The lost art of getting lost

I

bought a handheld GPS last week to replace my old one, which finally gave up the ghost in December. Getting a new one was a very difficult decision.

I’m not referring to choosing which model, although there is a great deal of variety in features and price tags on each. No, the decision was difficult because possessing and

knowing how to use a GPS removes any chance of getting lost ever again.

Call me sentimental but I miss getting lost. Worse still, I truly believe that, if we are not careful, future generations of outdoors enthusiasts will never learn how to get lost properly.

I know what you are thinking. Getting lost is easy.

Well, yes. But getting lost properly is a different matter altogether.

To get lost properly, you first need to begin with a statement such as, “I’m just going to leave my map and compass in the car because there’s absolutely no chance of getting lost here and I don’t feel like carrying the extra gear...”

Jacks win two more to wrap up regular season Wellesley now shifts to playoff mode, with first-round series opening Friday

BY STEVE KANNON

skannon@woolwichobserver.com

The Wellesley Applejacks won their final two games of the regular season last weekend, finishing second in the South Doherty Division. They open the Provincial Junior Hockey League playoffs Friday night against the New Hamburg Firebirds.

That Jacks (28-6-2-4) finished just two points back of the Tavistock Braves (30-6-3-1) in the race for

the top spot in the division despite defeating their rivals in penultimate game of the season. That game on January 31 was something of a barnburner, as the teams combined for 13 goals, Wellesley ultimately emerging victorious by a score of 7-6 on the road.

Tavistock went up 2-0 before the Jacks scored late in the opening period, a goal from Conner Bradley, assisted by Kyle Fischer and Matt Caskanette. It JACKS | 14

THE SCORE Due to space restrictions this week's scores will run in the next issue.

STEVE GALEAN NOT-SO-GREAT OUTDOORSMAN

That’s a good start.

You can also begin a proper getting lost by telling someone, “I’m actually not sure how to use this compass, but if we need it, we’ll figure it out.”

Those are certainly tried and true, but, as somewhat of an expert, I feel it is my duty to pass along a few advanced methods.

My favourite one is what I call, “That guy told me there’s a brook trout lake

over there” technique. In this technique, you park your car at a non-descript location along a back road and walk over at least one ridge. Then you look around for a lake. Several hours later, you, the guy you’re are going to introduce to fishing and 12,000 black flies stumble towards the sound of a distant chainsaw and, after talking to the man using it, walk down the road back to your car and drive to the boat launch of the lake you were searching for.

Next in line is the, “If I recall correctly” technique.” This one begins with you saying those words in association with others such as “when I was a kid there was a beautiful

duck pond over there” or “this guy in a bar told me...” or “you make a left at the poplar...”

Another tried and true way to get lost is the “I know a shortcut” method.

To do this, you leave a nice well-groomed trail or logging road because you think that cutting cross country will allow you to “shave” almost a kilometre from your hike and get there earlier – which probably would have worked if not for a bog, two impassable rivers and an angry cow moose.

What I have described are the primary ways to get lost properly, but of course there are other ways too, such as saying, “Don’t worry, I have a fantastic sense

of direction ...”

The point I am making is that, with modern handheld GPS units, future generations are never going to know the unbridled joy that comes with finding a person who knows where they actually are, or the feeling of elation that accompanies stumbling onto and kissing a road that seems to lead to civilization or just being able to tell your social media friends you picked up 12,000 new followers yesterday (they don’t need to know they were black flies.)

None of these things will happen if you learn how to use a GPS – unless, of course, you are bad at replacing batteries. Don’t ask.

Kate’s Kause beneficiary of upcoming Kings charity game/auction

BY STEVE KANNON

skannon@woolwichobserver.com

When the Elmira Sugar Kings take on the Listowel Cyclone February 16 at the WMC, they’ll be sporting special sweaters reflecting the recipients of this year’s charity game: Kate’s Kause.

The game-worn jerseys will be auctioned off after the match, with the proceeds going to the charitable group’s latest project, accessible washrooms in Elmira’s Gibson Park.

Just what those sweaters look like remains a closely guarded secret at this point, however.

“Even the players don’t know until they take to the ice,” said club vice-president Scott

Basler.

The special event later this month extends an annual tradition that has seen fundraising done for the likes of Elmira District Community Living (EDCL), Friends of Hockey, Woolwich Counselling Centre and the Woolwich Thrashers sledge hockey program. The game and auction typically garner north of $5,000 each year.

For this year, Kate’s Kause was chosen as the recipient given their local work and the push for its latest project.

“The timing worked out really well – it’s a good fit,” said Basler of coordinating with Kate’s Kause.

“It’s such a cool idea that they do those special jerseys,” said the charity’s

Kelly Meissner, whose daughter Kate has Angelman Syndrome, a rare neurogenetic disorder characterized by a severe global developmental delay.

The washroom project will enhance the experience of the adjacent accessible playground, Kate’s Place for Everyone, that was the group’s initial project back in 2012. The $200,000 fundraising goal is now within sight, said Meissner.

“We are super close.

We’ve had some huge success with grants,” she said, noting the group is eager to proceed. “We love to be able to provide awesome services for our community.”

Having accessible

washrooms nearby means families can stay longer to enjoy the park rather than having to leave to deal with the bathroom situation.

On the day of the Sugar Kings game and auction, Kate will be dropping the puck. Kate’s Kause will also have a display table set up with information about the charity and its project.

“A friend is also making angel cookies for sale that day,” said Meissner. “It’s going to be a great community day.”

“It will pretty much revolve around Kate’s Kause that day,” said Basler of the February 16 event. “It works out that it’s on the Family Day weekend, so it should be a great day.”

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GEN Z AT WORK

Ontario’s economy created 210,000 net new jobs in 2019, the largest increase in the level of employment on record. The annual unemployment rate remained at 5.6%, unchanged from 2018, and the lowest rate since 1989. The province’s strong labour market was accompanied by sustained growth in average wages, and an increase in the proportion of Ontarians participating in the workforce for only the second time in the past 10 years.

When it comes to the value Gen Zs bring to the workforce, older generations don't see the opportunities – beyond learning how to use digital and social platforms. Gen Z feels they can teach older colleagues open-mindedness (53%), creative problem solving (45%) and how to have fun at work (44%). However, less than one third of respondents in older generations think they can learn these things from Gen Zs (32%, 29% and 29% respectively).

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Capitalizing on the food movement New program from the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre focuses on food-based entrepreneurs, and those who want to be

BY STEVE KANNON skannon@woolwichobserver.com

The rise of the foodie movement has certainly shaped the modern culinary landscape. Now, that extends to the offerings of the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre, whose first speciality start-up program focuses on, you guessed it, food.

The Starter Company Plus – Food Venture provides training for prospective new entrepreneurs and for young businesses within three years of launch. Like the centre’s other venture programs, it provides help with formulating a business plan, product development and mentoring, but this time with an emphasis on the food industry.

Focused on the food industry, it excludes restaurants, though it is open to catering businesses. The

F

target is those looking at businesses that process food or package it, explained small business advisor Rob Clement.

“The target is food that’s going to be packaged for sale,” he said.

The Waterloo Region Small Business Centre is accepting applications for the 12-week program until February 18, with those who are approved to be notified February 25, ahead of the March 3 start date.

Those chosen to participate have a chance to apply for a provincial grant of up to $5,000 to start or expand a food processing, manufacturing or catering business.

The new program has a capacity of 20 to 25 participants. While organizers aren’t sure what to expect in the way of applicants given that it’s the first intake, the general program typically accepts about a third of ENTREPRENUERIAL | 09

Rob Clement is a business advisor at the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre, headquarted at the Kitchener city hall.

[STEVE KANNON]

Forks up to farmers on well-timed Agriculture Day

ebruary is not the most obvious time to celebrate agriculture in Canada.

But that’s exactly why the timing couldn’t be better.

People need constant reminders that agriculture is at their service 24-7, not just when they pop into the grocery store or stop by a restaurant for food. Farmers – particularly livestock farmers – never stop. If they’re not producing food, they’re planning on how

they’ll do it next season.

Or with growing frequency, they’re working off the farm, or on a side project, to supplement waning farm income.

The fact that most of us have no shortage of food is a reminder in itself of agriculture’s contribution to our lives. Farmers everywhere,from many nations, keep us fed. But it’s local farmers who have the most skin in the game and provide the lion’s share of what we eat. That’s a key

OWEN ROBERTS FOOD FOR THOUGHT

reason why they deserve our support.

Tuesday, February 11, is officially Canada’s Agriculture Day, the fourth year it’s been recognized as such. A social media cam-

paign is underway, asking Canadians to take a “forks up” selfie with Canadian food, and share it with the hashtag #CdnAgDay. Farm Credit Canada (FCC), the country’s biggest agricultural lender, is releasing a video as part of its campaign to help consumers understand and appreciate Canadian food.

Expect to hear messages like there’s only one degree of separation, if that,between consumers and the people who produce their

food, and that the safest and highest-quality food is grown only a few kilometres from the city where they live, or processed and distributed in a plant that employs their friends and neighbours.

Good stuff.

Farmers and others in agriculture believe Canadians care. FCC points to the survey by Guelph-based Canadian Centre for Food Integrity that showed three in five Canadians are interested in learning more

about agriculture and modern farm practices.

That’s encouraging, let alone critical, because more than 90 per cent of those surveyed said they know hardly anything about it.

Here’s another message that you’ll hear: consumers want information straight from the individuals who grow food. In the food integrity centre’s research, farmers were viewed ahead of other trusted sources ROBERTS | 10

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applicants, said Clement.

“Historically, we’ve had to turn people away from the generalized program.”

While this is the first of their starter programs that’s geared towards a specific industry, there are plenty of similarities to other offerings, he added, as the program will cover some of the basic startup issues, as well as early development – the program is available to established businesses up to three years old.

On the provincial grant front, Clement notes about half of program participants receive funding.

The centre has already received queries and applications at this point.

Applicants to the general program tend to be above the age of 30, and about two-thirds are women, he said, though it remains to be seen how the numbers look this time around.

What is known is that the centre’s assistance does seem to boost new companies’ fortunes. After two years, about 80 per cent of the businesses are still in operation, he estimated.

Even after the program, the centre can provide ongoing support, including mentorship – the help

doesn’t stop at the end of the course time.

“We are absolutely available to them, and we reach out to them periodically,” said Clement of ongoing assistance.

That formula applies to the Starter Company Plus – Food Venture program, where participants will be encouraged to explore prospective food business ideas from many angles, and arrive at a plan to get the idea off the ground.

The agricultural aspects of the townships make them a likely source of food-based business ideas.

Something as simple as taking a booth at a farmers’ market is a good option to try out the marketability of products, for instance, Clement suggested.

“It’s a good way to test proof of concept.

“We definitely have some people who have done things out at the St. Jacobs market,” he said of entrepreneurs who’ve passed through the centre’s programs. “It’s a good way to find out if there’s actually some traction out there.”

More information about the new program, and the centre in general, can be found online at www.water-

PROVINCIAL BUDGET CONSULTATIONS IN ELMIRA

Provincial Minister of Finance Rod Phillips (middle) was at the Elmira Legion Wednesday morning to host a public consultation for the 2020 budget. He was joined by Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, North Dumfries Mayor Sue Foxton, Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris, Wellesley Mayor Joe Nowak, Cambridge MPP Belinda Karahalios and Wilmot MayJOE MERLIHAN or Les Armstrong.

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– health professionals, researchers and government officials among them – in providing information about food and food production.

So, the door is wide open for farmers to talk to the public.

The problem is, there are almost 38 million Canadians ... and about 193,000 farms. So agriculture needs a well-oiled communications machine to connect with consumers and explain how food is produced. Presently, despite sincere regional efforts, that simply doesn’t exist.

We know the federal government is planning a Buy Canadian campaign, which is a good start. But a sustained effort is vital.

Why? As FCC points out, supporting Canadian-produced food and food products means consumers are supporting the local and Canadian economies. The sector has been growing at an average of three per cent over the past five years, a full per cent stronger than Canada’s overall manufacturing sector over the same period.

The figures are significant. FCC says that in 2018, Canada’s food and beverage manufacturing sector

– which includes meat and dairy processing, grain and oilseed milling, and fruit and vegetable preserving – produced goods valued at over $117 billion, accounting for roughly 250,000 jobs nationwide. Many of those are in rural areas.

But stories – not figures – are what pull at consumers’ heart strings. I believe Canadians want to support farmers in this country, know them better and develop a deeper understanding of agricultural practices.

That will require a constant, concerted effort by agriculture.

Forks up to farmers.

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Wellesley and Woolwich Community Consultation Thursday, February 13, 2020, 10:00am – 12:00pm Focus on business and the economy: 10:00am – 11:00am Focus on community services: 11:00am – 12:00pm St. Clements Recreation Complex, 1 Green St, St. Clements ON N0B 2M0

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For its latest performance, the VOC Silent Film Harmonic’s members will provide live musical accompaniment to Dragnet Girl. The 1933 gangster film tells the story of family, love, and redemption as a gangster and his girlfriend deal with the consequences of their actions. The screening takes place Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. at the Registry Theatre in Kitchener.

The Elora Community Theatre production of “Mom’s Gift” by Phil Olson opens Feb. 14 at the Fergus Grand Theatre. In this comedy with heart, Mom has been dead for 11 months and shows up at her husband’s birthday party as a ghost with a mission. Like Clarence in “It’s a Wonderful Life”, she has to accomplish a task to earn her wings.

www.registrytheatre.com

www.fergusgrandtheatre.ca

M U S I CA L T H E AT R E

A no-nonsense group? Nunsense, they say

Upcoming production of the beloved off-Broadway tale of the Little Sisters of Hoboken is a fundraiser for Conrad Grebel College

BY STEVE KANNON

skannon@woolwichobserver.com

Behind the habit, there are hopes and dreams proving that nuns are just like the rest of us. Some of them even love to sing and dance and tell jokes.

Well, at least that’s the case with the Little Sisters of Hoboken, as portrayed in the musical comedy Nunsense, a Conrad Grebel University College and Aha: Productions show set for later this month.

Created by Dan Goggin, the Nunsense concept started as a line of greeting cards featuring a nun offering tart quips with a clerical slant. The popularity of the cards prompted Goggin to develop a caberet show, eventually expanding it to a musical that has since spawned six sequels.

Nunsense opened off-Broadway in 1985 and became the second longest running off-Broadway show in musical theatre history (3,672 performances), winning Outer Critic Circle Awards for Best Book, Best Music and Best Production.

All the acclaim is well deserved, said director Lisa Hagen of its catchy tunes and the variety of musical styles at play, including jazz, tap and swing.

“The show is just one of those popular shows that everyone seems to love,

The Conrad Grebel production of Nunsense, which runs Feb. 20-23, is a fundraiser for the college's Fill the Table campaign.

whether they’re musical theatre lovers or not.”

And she should know, as this marks the sixth production of Nunsense with which she’s been involved.

Nunsense begins when the sisters discover that their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God, has accidentally poisoned 52 of their fellow nuns, leaving the survivors in dire need of funds for the burials. The sisters decide that the best way to raise the money is to put on a variety show, so they take over the school auditorium, which is cur-

rently set up for the Grade 8 production of “Grease.”

Here we meet Reverend Mother Regina (played by Vicci Taylor), a former circus performer; Sister Mary Hubert (Tracy Weber), the Mistress of Novices; a streetwise nun from Brooklyn named Sister Robert Anne (Sarrah Scott); Sister Mary Leo (Heather Agnew), a novice who is a wannabe ballerina; and the wacky Sister Mary Amnesia (Alison Enns), the nun who lost her memory when a crucifix fell on her head. What follows are the

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vaudevillian antics that is their fundraising effort.

The fundraising aspect also extends to the Conrad Grebel show itself, as proceeds from Nunsense will go to the college’s Fill the Table campaign, which is raising money for the expansion of its kitchen and dining room facilities.

The upcoming production features plenty of participants with connections to Conrad Grebel, from the cast through to current students, alum, staff and board members, said co-producer Alison Enns,

[SCOTT WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY]

who in addition to being part of the cast, is also on staff at the college.

Everyone is on board with the fundraising effort, said Enns, a veteran of community theatre following 10 years in opera.

All of the cast members have extensive experience, some if it with professional theatre groups, notes Hagen.

“This group of nuns is highly intelligent actresses,” said Hagen. “We’ve got the cream of the crop.

“We have five natural comediennes milking it,”

she added with a laugh.

The cast is very funny just on their own.”

Behind the scenes, there are veteran theatrical types as well, including choreographer Jennifer Hishon Wright and a three-piece band providing live accompaniment.

The experience of those involved help provide some of the visual comedy that makes this production their own.

“We have a very unique movie presentation, a funny take on a famous movie about nuns, with local references,” said Hagen, refraining from providing too much detail ahead of time.

Five performances of Nunsense run February 20-23 in the Great Hall at Conrad Grebel University College, 140 Westmount Rd. N., Waterloo. Tickets are $40 for general admission or $20 for students, available through the Grebel website: www.uwaterloo.ca/grebel/nunsense.

Lisa Hagen is the director and Alison Enns is both a co-producer and cast member in the upcoming production [STEVE KANNON] of Nunsense.

O BS E RV E R X TR A. C O M | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020 | 12

Help Wanted, Auctions, Real Estate, Public Notices, Obituaries and Family Album Announcements - Please call for a quote.

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20B Arthur St. N., Elmira 519-669-5790 Ext. 104 519-669-5753 ads@woolwichobserver.com

Deadline: Wednesdays by 10am AUCTION

HELP WANTED

Municipal, Police, Fleets & Others

VEHICLE AUCTION to be held at

BRESLAU AIRPORT ROAD AUCTION COMPLEX 5100 FOUNTAIN ST, North, BRESLAU (Kitchener)

Sat Feb 8th 9:30am

Nieuwland Feeds Elora

2015 Subaru Forester AWD ... Sheriff’s Seizure 2014 Hyundai SANTA FE 2016 CHARGER Hemi-AWD 2- 10/11 SPRINTER 2500 C/V’s 2014 TAURUS AWD 2009 Ford E150 EXT C/V 2- 2014 FOCUS SE’s 2000 Ford f 150-XL T 4x4 Ext 2- 09/11 CALIBER SXT’s 2008 GMC 6500 24’ Truck 2011 CROWN VIC Propane 99 Freightliner TA 26’ Reefer 2011 SCION 4dr 91 IHC 46’ Bucket Trk 2007 Mercedes C230 TA Equipment Trailer 2007 Saturn ION MF 1705 Diesel 4x4 Tractor 2003 V W Beetle TOI 5 - 8hp/10hp Snowblowers 2 - 2019 VESY E-Scooters

has an opening for a

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We require a valid DZ license.

We offer competitive wages, benefits and Monday to Friday schedule.

Email your resume to:

info@nieuwlandfeeds.com or apply in person to Cliff at:

7460 County Road 21, Elora

PARTIAL LIST ONLY - CHECK WEBSITE for Updates

Vehicle Pictures posted as they arrive!

HELP WANTED

No Buyer’s TOWNSHIP OF Premium or Penalty!!!

WELLESLEY

CHECK WEBSITE for Up to Date Lists & Pictures!

VIEWING: Friday Feb 7th, 2020, 1 pm to 4 pm TERMS: $500 Deposit on Each Unit, or as announced

M.R. Jutzi & Co

Listowel • Elmira • Mildmay

Exciting New Career Opportunity

SERVICE MANAGER Are you looking for a new and exciting career in Agriculture? Stoltz Sales & Service is looking for an individual that is ready to lead our busy and progressive service department. We need a person that has excellent communication, organizational, multi tasking and technical skills.

Agricultural experience is an asset.

Please apply to rjewitt@stoltzsales.com or in person to Robson at Stoltz Sales and Service, 6805 Line 86 west, Elmira.

Division 658347 Ontario Inc.

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519-648-2111

HELP WANTED

TOWNSHIP OF

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Commercial: $15.00 per 20 words (extra words: 30¢ per word) Order Online:

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Observer advertising rates, policies and specifications are available at: www.observerxtra.com/media-kit

AUCTION

FARM SERVICES

CLEARING AUCTION SALE Of tractors; machinery; tools; and miscellaneous items held at 5307 Perth Rd 107 Milverton for Joyce Kuntze on:

Saturday February 15 at 10:00 AM TRACTORS AND MACHINERY: New

Holland TV140 articulating tractor 4wd with loader 3200 hours; JD 2355 4wd loader tractor with 245 loader 5600 hours with bucket; pallet fork and bale spear (to be sold separate); Reist 8ft heavy duty single auger snow blower with hydraulic shoot; Oliver 3pth 3 furrow plow; NH 166 hay merger; flat rack wagon full of firewood; 8ft 3pth disc.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS: hydraulic log splitter; buzz saw; cement mixer; 75 kilowatt pto generator on wheels; JD X320 22hp 48” deck riding lawnmower with bagging system; White 8hp 26” snow blower; JD lawn trailers; lawn roller; Patz stable cleaner unit; diamond harrows with pole; homemade trailer; pressure tank and pump; truck racks and loading shoot; T-rail fence stakes; extension ladder; dog run; various sizes of steel farm gates; roll of wire; Mastercraft air compressor; chop saw; grinder; Lincoln welder; heavy duty vise; PTO shafts; table saw; pipe wrenches; pipe cutters; barn jacks; old insulators; drill press; CNR lamp; variety of lawn and garden tools; shop vac; child’s wagon; sausage stuffer; shop tools; equipment; and wagon load of miscellaneous items.

NOTE: Farm is sold, well maintained equipment. Be on time as this is an approx 2 hour auction.

Requires three (3)

Grounds Keeping Assistants from approximately

April 27th to September 4th 2020 Please visit www.wellesley.ca for job description requirements.

AUCTIONEERS:

Jantzi Auctions Ltd. Wellesley | 519-656-3555

Custom Maple Syrup Boiling John M. Martin 7224 BLIND LINE RR 4, Elmira N3B 2Z3 Or buy your sap • Write or contact me AUCTION

AUCTION SALE At the St. Jacobs Community Centre (29 Parkside Dr. St. Jacobs) on:

Wednesday February 12 at 9:30 AM PARTIAL LIST ONLY: maple double bed

with new mattress; corner computer desk; captain single bed; office chair; coffee and end tables; microwave; washstand; pine coffee table; dehumidifier; arm chairs; magazines table; drop leaf table; oil lamps; hoosier glass jars; crocks; jugs; other pottery; T-Eaton fur jacket; variety of art glass; wood boxes; stenciled boxes; coffee grinder; brass miniature pieces and other brassware; cast iron banks; beer steins; Trish Romance prints and other artwork; Royal Daultons; wood TV tables; folding chairs; occasional table; chrome step stool; metal shelf; exercise equipment; students desk; older tools; primatives; old washboard; large quantity of older glass and china; crystal; depression; kitchenware; dinner sets; bedding; linens; vacuum cleaners; bird feeders; planters; plant stands; work table; variety of lawn and garden tools; hand and power tools; and the list goes on and on.

NOTE: 10% buyers premium. Cash, Cheque, Visa, Mastercard, and debit.

www.JantziAuctions.com

AUCTIONEERS:

Jantzi Auctions Ltd. Wellesley | 519-656-3555 www.JantziAuctions.com

CLASSIFIED LISTINGS HELP WANTED

NOW HIRING AT SCHNURR'S GROCERY or The Corner Store Linwood. 3 full days per week. Call 519 - 8972600.

FOR SALE

COUNTRY LANE FABRICS SPRING SALE February 10 - 22. 10% discount on all fabrics, quilt batts, table flex, hosiery, gloves, boxed cards and rubber stamps.

Clearouts at half price.

PART-TIME HELP 519-664-0701.

WANTED. EXPERIenced farm helper needed, to maintain small MATTRESS AND BOX orchard starting April SPRING, NEW, NEVER 2020. Farm in Milton, used, still in sealed bag. one hour from Elmira. Sacrifice $195. Delivery Paid each day in cash, available $35. 519-635$400.00 per day. 3 bed- 8737. room house available.

Telephone No. 905-876AUCTIONS 2606, fax no. 905-819WED. FEB 12 AT 9:30 8379.

AM - CLEARING AUCWORK WANTED tion sale of furniture; household effects; CLEANING LADY antiques; tools; at the AVAILABLE. 519-664- St. Jacobs Community Centre in St. Jacobs 29 3007 Parkside Dr. Jantzi Auctions Ltd. 519 656 3555 www.jantziauctions.com

SAT. FEB 15 AT 10:00 AM -CLEARING AUCtion sale of tractors; machinery; tools; and miscellaneous items; at 5307 Perth Rd 107 Milverton. Jantzi Auctions Ltd. 519 656 3555 www.jantziauctions.com

FERTILIZER AND SEED GRAIN - AT COMPETItive pricing. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519574-4141.

ICE SALT & ICE MELT - ICE SALT COMES IN 20 & 40kg's, Ice melt comes in 20kg bags. Call MONDAY FEB 17 AT George Haffner Trucking, 11:00 AM - TOY AUC- 519-574-4141 or 519tion of approx 350 toys 669-2045. including farm; precision; cars; First Gear; banks KILN DRIED CORN & and much more at the CORN SCREENING St. Jacobs community Delivered by Einwechter. centre in St. Jacobs (29 Minimum 15 ton lots.

Parkside Dr.). Jantzi Auc- Call George Haffner tions Ltd. 519 656 3555 Trucking 519-574-4141 www.jantziauctions.com or 519-669-2045.

FARM SERVICES

BAGGED PINE SHAVINGS AGRICULTURAL Spray Lime, 22.5kg. bag; feed grade lime, 25kg.

Delivered. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-5744141 or 519-669-2045.

gold jewellery, diamonds, clocks, cash waiting. Call Terry at 519-242-6900 or email gallamore@ golden.net Fair, honest prices.

AUTOMOTIVE

FOR SALE: 2009 FORD350 9-PASSENGER bus in good condition.

Equipped with a wheelchair lift and air conditioning. Only 126,000 km.

Asking $7,500 or best offer. Call 226-384-9182.

plus master bedroom with ensuite. 2 full baths, formal dining room, complete finished basement. New roof 2019. $649,000. Call for more info: 519-656-9053, 519588-7083. No Sun. calls.

SMALL ADS, BIG IMPACT. THE OBSERVER CLASSIFIED ADS

TRADES & SERVICES

RON'S DRYWALL AND RENOVATIONS. OVER 35 years experience.

Please call 519-4967539 or email ron. spncr@gmail.com COMING EVENTS

KARATE!!! SESSION 3 BEGINS FEB. 10TH AT SCHWEITZER'S MARTIAL ARTS. Self-defense, Self-discipline, Self-con-

fidence. No experience needed. Beginners welcome! GROUP CLASSES FOR AGES 4 TO ADULT Taught by Renshi Becky Schweitzer, 4th Degree Black Belt and World Karate Champion. Location at the Heidelberg Community Centre \ endash 2915 Lobsinger Line, Heidelberg. Our 10 week session $90+HST. Call 519-580-1418 or e-mail becky_schweitzer@hotmail.com

RENTALS

WANTED - FRIENDLY FAMILY LOOKING FOR Elmira house rental. 3+ bdrm, 1.5+ bath. Yard WANTED space, kitchen appliancBUYING ALL OLD es, washer/dryer in unit.

POCKET AND WRIST Call Joel 905-379-8716. watches Illinois, HamilREAL ESTATE ton, Omega, Rolex, Bretling, Tudor etc. Silver & HOUSE FOR SALE. SINgold coins, early paper GLE FAMILY DETACHED money, rock records, in Wellesley. 3 bedroom

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020 | THE O BSE RVE R

C L AS S IF IE D N OTIC E S | 13

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

THOMPSON’S

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

GENERAL SERVICES

CALL TO BOOK! TODAY.

TIRE

WHERE TIRES

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

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Various sizes & rates

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

Farm • Auto • Truck Industrial On-The-Farm Service

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CLEAN • DRY • SECURE Call

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GENERAL SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT Since 1998

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

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THIS SPACE IS FOR RENT

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SKATE SHARPENING

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PER PAIR Stay Sharp This Winter!

22 Church St. W., Elmira

519-669-5537 STORE HOURS: M-F 8-8, SAT 8-6, SUN 10-5

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES 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 TEL:

We Support Our Community

$25 donation to Woolwich Community Services with equipment purchase Call us for details

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

519-577-0370

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

AMOS INC

R O O F I N G

- Design and build -

AGRICULTURAL | RESIDENTIAL FRAMING • ROOFING RENOVATIONS • EAVESTROUGHS

Wayne Martin | 519-504-2016 darwayconstruction@icloud.com | Alma, ON

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

DESIGN CENTRE

John Schaefer Painting FREE ESTIMATES

KITCHEN, BATH & WINDOW FASHIONS

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

Interior/exterior Painting, Wallpapering & Plaster | drywall Repairs

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Tel: 519-669-5537 or 1-844-866-5537 STORE HOURS: M-F: 8-8, SAT 8-6, SUN 10-5

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Visit our website

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CONSTRUCTION INC. info@trappconstruction.ca www.trappconstruction.ca

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

• • • •

Stamped Coloured Concrete Demolition Bin Service Machine Bases

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TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020

14 | C LAS S IF IE D NOTIC E S

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

Community Information Page

P.O. Box 158

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

TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH

MUNICIPAL CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Structure 400172 - Greenhouse Road NOTICE OF STUDY COMMENCEMENT The Township of Woolwich,Fax:through their After consultant GM Phone: 519-669-1647 or 877-969-0094 519-669-1820 Hours Emergency:

BluePlan Engineering 519-575-4400 www.woolwich.ca

Limited, is undertaking a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) to study the structural and physical deficiencies associated with Structure 400172 on Greenhouse Road. The purpose of the study is to determine the need and short and long term plan for the crossing.

Several alternatives will be considered for the bridge as part of the study. Preliminary alternatives for the bridge include closure, removal and replacement.

The project is being planned as a Schedule ‘B’ Project in accordance with the “Municipal Class Environmental Assessment� (Municipal Engineers Association, October 2000, as amended in 2007, 2011 and 2015). The Class EA process includes public and agency consultation, an evaluation of alternatives, an assessment of potential environmental effects of the proposed work and identification of reasonable measures to mitigate any potential adverse impacts.

An integral component of this study will be consultation with directly affected stakeholders, agencies and the general public.

In the spring of 2020, a Public Consultation Centre will be held to present the project details and to collect community feedback. The meeting date and details will be advertised in the Woolwich Observer and on www.woolwich.ca. Meeting notices will also be circulated to neighbouring residences and businesses.

Public input and comments are encouraged. If you have any questions or comments about this study, or would like to be contacted about future public events associated with this study, please contact: Darryl Schwartzentruber, C. Tech.

Township Project Manager Township of Woolwich 24 Church Street West, P.O. Box 158, Elmira, ON N3B 2Z6 Tel: 519-669-1647 ext. 6047 E-mail: dschwartzentruber@woolwich.ca

Matt Scott, P. Eng. Consultant Project Manager GM BluePlan Engineering Limited 650 Woodlawn Road West, Block C, Unit 2 Guelph, ON N1K 1B8 Tel: 519-824-8150 Email: matt.scott@gmblueplan.ca

Information will be collected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal information, please note all comments will become part of the public record.

This Notice first issued January 31st, 2020.

NOTICE TO RESIDENTS TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Township of Woolwich intends to adopt the following 2020 budgets as required by section 290 of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended: • • • •

Tax-supported operating budget; Capital budget; Water budget; and Wastewater budget;

at the regularly scheduled Council meeting on February 11, 2020, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers, Municipal Office, 24 Church Street West, Elmira.

Richard Petherick, CPA, CMA Director of Finance & Treasurer

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

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FREE-THROW CONTEST WINNERS

The annual Maryhill Knights of Columbus basketball free-throw competition was held January 30 in the gym at St. Boniface school. Top, the winners were awarded certificates; back row: Steve Kuntz (chairman event), Justin Matesa, Ian Horvath, Kelsey Treutlein, Tim Vegh; front row: Domink Kunka, Sam Silva, Ella-Ann Fluit, Hailee Kuntz and Hannah Maric.

Bottom, some of the Maryhill Knights of Columbus basketball participants with helpers Elmer Zettel, Tom Runstedler, Melanie Van Alphen, Sandra Zinger and Diane Strickler. [SUBMITTED]

ď Ž JACKS: It's all about the playoffs as second-seeded Wellesley takes on seventh-place New Hamburg FROM | 7

was 2-1 as the teams went back to the room for the first intermission.

The second saw the ice tilted in favour of Tavistock, who ran the score to 6-1 before Wellesleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Troy Vandenbussche scored an unassisted shorthanded goal with just a minute left.

Down 6-2 to start the final frame, the Jacks might have been forgiven for mailing it in, but with an eye on first place and pride on the line, Wellesley stormed back to own the third. Power-play goals from Carson Wickie (Austin Cousineau) and Bradley (Cousineau, James Ranson) early on made a game of it. With less than four minutes to go, the Jacks found another gear, getting goals from Koby Seiling (Shaun Pickering),

a another shortie, Daniel McCutcheon and Zach Ribeiro (Justin McCombs, Ranson), who scored the winner with just 11 seconds left on the clock.

Shots were 46-40 in favour of the visiting Jacks.

It was a different story the following night at the Wellesley arena, as the Applejacks lead from start to finish against the team that will be their firstround playoff competitor, the Firebirds.

McCombs, assisted by Vandenbussche and Pickering, scored a power-play marker at 13:40. It was the lone goal of the first period despite Wellesley putting 19 shots on goal, with New Hamburg getting 11.

The second period was far more active for the home team, with Cousineau (Vandenbussche)

scoring just 21 seconds after play resumed. Wickie made it 3-2 with an unassisted effort at 7:16, followed by a Pickering goal less than two minutes later.

Keegan Saunders picked up an assist.

The Jacks took a 4-0 lead into the second intermission.

New Hamburg got on the board in the third, potting a pair of power-play goals, but it was too little, too late at that point.

The regular season now in the books, the Jacks now shift to playoff mode, opening the best-of-seven series against the Firebirds Friday night on home ice.

The action shifts to New Hamburg Saturday night, then returns to Wellesley on Feb. 12 for game three.

All games get underway at 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020 | THE O BSE RVE R

C L AS S IF IE D N OTIC E S | 15

R E A L E STAT E S E RV I C E S

Alli Bauman

Sue From

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

226-750-9332

519-577-6248

suefrom17@gmail.com

allibauman17@gmail.com

Solid Gold Realty (II) Ltd., Brokerage

BROKERAGE

Independently Owned and Operated

Listowel This all brick bungalow has a lot to offer! The recently updated kitchen has solid cherry cabinetry with granite counters including a breakfast bar. Attached to the kitchen is a cozy den, which can also be used as a dinette to create an eat in kitchen as well as a separate dining room for all of your guests to gather. Enjoy good sized bedrooms and bright newer windows on the main floor. The finished rec room has a gas fireplace as well as a wet bar creating the perfect space for gathering. Families will love the fully fenced back yard with a 20x10 deck and hot tub! With loads of parking and nice finishes, this house just might be perfect for you! Book your showing today.

MLS 30784728

D L O S

$389,000

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

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

SELLING? CALL US FOR A FREE MARKET EVALUATION.

®

Luke Shantz

REAL ESTATE BROKER

3 Arthur St. S., Elmira | 519.669.5426 | Direct 519.584.4400

OPEN HOUSE

Sat & Sun (Feb 8,9), 2-4pm 49 Arena Drive, Milverton

INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

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

BRAD MARTIN Broker of Record, MVA Residential Res: 519.669.1068

JULIE HECKENDORN Broker

Cell: 519.588.7562

LET OUR 60+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WORK FOR YOU! 7223 LINE 86, WALLENSTEIN

Dale R. Keller

519.747.0231 (Office)

Sales Representative

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

www.KellerSellsRealEstate.com | dale@kellersellsrealestate.com

$996,000 | Near Drayton

$439,000 | Drayton This large brick Grand home has many potential uses.. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, FOUR sunrooms, attached garage with a work room out back, high ceilings, natural woodwork, a key hole stained glass window and a huge lot with possibilities. A great family home, or B&B. MLS Call Dale Direct

Milverton. 3 Bed, 2.5 Bath. This home shows like new! Open concept main floor. Stunning white kitchen w/ slow close cabinets & Stone counters.

Scratch resistant vinyl flooring. BACKS ONTO GREENSPACE! Come see for yourself. MLS.

519-669-2772

Backing onto present farmland, updated bungalow is sure to impress! Maple kitchen w/island. Gas fireplace in L.R. Main flr office, master bdrm with cheater ensuite and walk-in closets. 2 other bdrms on main flr. Large rec room w/ gas fireplace, 4th bdrm and bathroom.

Covered porch overlooking rear yard. Triple garage and huge concrete yard with ample parking area. MLS

45 BOBOLINK PLACE, ELMIRA

519.500.1865 (Direct)

I.3 acre beautifully landscaped Cape Cod home with a grannie flat/1bedroom apt. 3+1 bedrooms, 4 baths, 20 x 38 hobby shop, large garden shed pool, on a paved road. The rooms are spacious, great room w fp and soating ceiling, open concept kitchen and dining. Totally finished basement. MLS Call Dale.

$514,900 MILVERTON – Beautiful 2 story, 1848 sqft. home in

Office:

$749,900

REALTY LTD., BROKERAGE

luke.shantz@outlook.com

R.W. THUR REAL ESTATE LTD.

$2,250,000 | 3rd Concession (Lebanon) Farm 3rd Concession. Quality land only 15 months from organic certification.

Farm is fully fenced. 2 Weather All outbuildings. 17 acres bush. Beautiful custom built home (ICF) construction, open concept. finished basement, 3+1 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, Numerous features. MLS Call Dale Direct

$789,900

Location location!! Sought after court on a 110 x 220 lot. 2349 sq. ft. Four bdrm, 4 bath home. Large family room w/walkout. Main flr laundry. Livingrm w/wood burning fireplace. Lots of hardwood floors. Maple kitchen w/granite.

Lots of parking. MLS

83 B ARTHUR ST. S., ELMIRA Prime commercial space available for lease in downtown Elmira on Arthur St. S. 1,105 sq. ft. Ideal for office or medical related businesses.

2-piece washroom. Front & rear access. Available immediately. $13.00/ sq. ft. Exclusive.

CALL FOR YOUR

FREE MARKET EVALUATION

For a free, no obligation, consultation on Buying or Selling, call Dale direct at 519-500-1865.

REALTY LTD., BROKERAGE

Len Frey

INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED

Office 519-669-1544

Contact us by email: mildred@thefreyteam.com

Sales Representative Call or text

Mildred Frey Broker

www.thefreyteam.com FOR LEASE 5158 A & B Ament Line, Linwood $8.50 per sq. ft MLS # 30775472 The building has a great store front with street parking. A wide variety of uses in the core of downtown Linwood. Great open area with office overhead if needed or convert to retail. This unit is now vacant and can be viewed at any time. Call listing agent.

FOR LEASE

1,821 SQ.FT. $10/SQ.FT.

W

PR

IC

E

4-112 Oriole Pwy, Elmira: Large open space will allow for new tenant to make divisions as needed.

All shelving has been removed.

Owner is obtaining quotes to paint, remove half walls and finish the floor. MLS #30681168

NE

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

Call or text

Cell 519-741-6368 Cell 519-741-6970

519.747.2040

moniqueroes@royallepage.ca

Follow me on Instagram @soldbyroes

February 8, 2–4PM 48 MAIN ST, EAST DRAYTON OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY NEW LISTING!

$399,900 Stunning 1928 sf townhome.

Spacious foyer w/porcelain tile, 10' ceilings, hardwood floors, sunken living room, & eat in newly renovated kitchen w/breakfast bar, backsplash & SS appliances, updated 2 piece bathroom.

Second floor offers 9' ceilings, original hardwood flooring & some laminate, newly renovated 4 piece bathroom. Windows/2017, furnace/2017, central air/2018. Insulated single detached car garage offers hydro.

Lot size is 32.5 x 330 A MUST see!

Before You Sell or Buy, Call Frey.

519-590-0835 • mbeisel@royallepage.ca

Call or email today.

100% LOCAL NEWS

700 Square feet of Upstairs office space - Unit could be used as 2 offices and an open space ... or one office, Board room and open space. A second office, (approx. 130sq �) is available to lease if needed. Private entrance available.

Parking available. MLS # 30788162

$399,832

3 Murray Court, Milverton

Welcome to Southside Estates’ community of Milverton Meadow's. This Luxury, 1135 square foot, 2 bedroom, 2 bath, semi-detached home, features a gorgeous kitchen with granite counter tops, including a breakfast bar. A�ached garage, appliances are all included, (Fridge, Stove, Washer, Dryer and microwave). Premium quality vinyl Windows and exterior doors. All of this Located in quiet town with all ameni�es including high speed fiber-op�c internet availability. Some Interior op�ons s�ll available for you to add your own personal style . MLS # 30786180

ADDRESS: 3 Arthur St. S., ELMIRA | DIRECT: 519-503-2753 EMAIL: leonmartin@remax.net

BUSINESS FOR SALE $79,900

#7-112 Oriole Parkway, Elmira Scrubbles Laundromat including everything.

Washers and dryers are in great condition.

The laundromat is kept very clean. Has several heavy duty fresh co machines to clean hockey gear. The space at the rear leaves enough space to install take out dry cleaning. Contact for more info.

63 Union Street, Elmira Rent $875/Month

7A-180 Northfield Drive, W., Waterloo, Ontario N2L 0C7

$839,900

Melanie Beisel

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

ROOM FOR EXTENDED FAMILY It’s the quiet country life you’ve dreamed of, 15 minutes from KW. Over half an acre lot including an inground pool and lots of space for all your toys in the 3 car garage.

This expansive home enjoys 4bdrm and 4 baths and plenty of space for an inlaw suite.

Looking for a new home?

We're your #1 source for local real estate.

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TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020

16 | C L AS S IF IE D NOTIC E S

F A M I LY A L B U M BIRTHDAY

IN MEMORIAM

The Moser family & friends would like to wish John Moser a Happy 93rd Birthday

OBITUARY

In Loving Memory of a dear husband, great Dad and a loving Son & Brother.

Brent Kurtz

September 15, 1960 – February 7, 2019 “Come With Me” God saw you were getting tired A cure was not to be.

So he put his arms around you And whispered “Come with Me.” With tearful eyes we watched you And saw you fade away.

Although we loved you dearly We could not make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating Your tender hands at rest.

God took you home to prove to us He only takes the best.

Forever loved & missed- Gina & Megan and the entire family.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

OBITUARY

Celebration of Life

Taylor, Dr. Margaret Jean (McKay) Glen Birmingham 1948 - 2020

Margaret passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at Hospice Wellington, Guelph, at the age of 95.

A celebration of Glen’s life will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2020 from 2-5 p.m. at the Elmira Legion.

Margaret was predeceased in 2005 by her husband, K. Denton Taylor. Margaret will be greatly missed by her three children, Ken Taylor (Rene), Sherrill Knight (John), and Marylu Pentelow (Lawrence), eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and various others who came to call her “Mom T.”

www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com IN MEMORIAM

Brenda Meng - Bacon 1952 - 2018 Those we love Are never really lost to us We feel them in so many ways through friends they always cared about And dreams they left behind, in beauty that they added to our days... in words of wisdom we still carry with us, and memories that never will be gone.

Those we love are never really lost to us, for everywhere their special love lives on.

Bert Elaine Meng - family, daughters Amanda - Kate IN MEMORIAM

Walter Kieffer

Margaret was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, but a key focus of her life was her volunteer work for the Presbyterian Church in Canada. As a focused leader and chairwoman of a range of initiatives and groups, including the Ewart College building campaign, boards, Presbyterian Congresses, Administrative Council, and special committees, she made her mark through her vision, logic and persuasion.

She also served a three-year appointment to the federal Canadian Advisory Council on the Status of Women. For her life-long service to Presbyterians, she was awarded two Honourary Doctorates of Divinity, one in 1983 from Presbyterian College, McGill University, and a second in 2016 (at age 91) from Knox College, University of Toronto.

We are grateful for the professional care Margaret received at the Egerton Community of Winston Park Village, Kitchener, before that at Parkwood Mennonite Seniors Community in Waterloo, and most recently Grand River Hospital and Hospice Wellington, Guelph.

The family wishes to express appreciation for the prayers and support during the last few weeks.

At Margaret’s request cremation has taken place. There will be no funeral home visitation. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. at Gale Presbyterian Church, 10 Barnswallow Dr., Elmira. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gale Presbyterian Church, Knox Theological College, Hospice Wellington, or the charity of your choice.

Feb. 11, 2007

www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

Dad No one knows how much I miss you.

I have suffered since I lost you.

Life has never been the same.

In my heart your memory lingers, Sweetly, tenderly, fond and true.

There is not a day dear father

Need a gig that actually pays?

Check out our help wanteds!

That I do not think of you.

Love, Your daughter & family and great grandson

K IN FIND WOR

VER THE OBSER

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Dorothy Anne Lichti [nee Cressman] March 13, 1942-January 30, 2020 “Dot” passed into the arms of Jesus after her courageous battle with cancer, in the comfort of her home surrounded by love at the age of 77. Her presence is already missed by her adoring husband of almost 50 years, Wayne. Dorothy’s pride and joy was being a Mom to her children Christine, Juanita Ogilvie [Brian], Roger [Sue], Randy [Chris], Tania Leis [Ryan], Charmaine Stulp [Andrew]; being Nana to her grandchildren Cameron, Sonya, Ashley, Nick, (Brooke), Rachel, (Matt), Taylor, Morgan, Brady, Bobby, (Nikki), Emmy, Mikaela and Anderson; and most recently Great-Nana to Seaton. Dear sister to Elizabeth Cressman [William Gardner]. Loved by many brothers and sisters-in-law, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Remembering those who have gone before: her first love, Raymond Lichty, her parents Clare and Mary [Brubacher], her brother Dennis Cressman, parents-in-law Lorne and Laura (Schmidt) Lichty and David and Fannie (Bender) Lichti, her sisters-in-law Doris Lichty, Elsie Lichti, Linda Lichti, Joan Miller, and brother-in-law, Harold Lichti.

“Live, Love, Laugh” was a motto for Dot and she carried these words out to their fullest potential. As she fought her battle with cancer, she lived with it rather than dying from it. She loved to serve others most commonly by using her culinary skills to cook incredible meals for her family and friends and by writing encouraging cards and letters. Music poured out of her as she sang, directed choirs and danced to Elvis in the living room. Dot’s faith in Jesus was her Firm Foundation and Rock throughout the various trials in her life. Family and friends are encouraged to come visit with the family, Friday, February 7 from 2-4 and 7-9 at Woodside Bible Fellowship, 200 Barnswallow Drive, Elmira. Her Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 8 at 2pm, also at Woodside.

Dot was a vibrant woman...she has asked for bright, joyful colours to be worn rather than all black. Shine up your shoes, put on your jewellery and get ready to worship and praise her Lord! If desired, memorial donations can be made to Compassion Canada or Woodside Bible Fellowship-Church Plant. Cremation has taken place.Condolences online at www.grahamgiddyfh.com 519.888.7700.

www.grahamgiddyfh.com OBITUARY

Martin, Sidney H. Passed away peacefully at his home, RR 1, Elmira, on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at the age of 85. Husband of the late Velina (Martin) Martin (2004).

Father of Mary and David Weber of Floradale, Eileen and Amsey Shantz of St. Jacobs, Ornan and Miriam Martin of Elmira, Verna and Amsey Martin of Elmira, Naomi and Eli Martin of West Montrose, Lena Martin at home, Ellen and Eli Brubacher of West Montrose, and Edna Martin at home. Survived by 50 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and sister-in-law Almeda (Mrs. Alvin) Martin. He was predeceased by his parents Levi and Selina (Horst) Martin, a grandson, brothers Alvin and Ammon (Lovina) Martin, and sister Melinda (Henry) Metzger. Visitation took place on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 from 6-8 p.m. and will take place on Thursday, February 6, 2020 from 1-5 p.m. at the home, 2974 Northfield Dr. E., RR 1, Elmira. A family service will be held at the home on Friday, February 7, 2020 at 9 a.m. then to Elmira Mennonite Meeting House for burial and public service.

Are you planning something special?

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O BS E RV E R X TR A. C O M | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020 | 17

MAKING THE GRADE Be involved in community activities, events & support local initiatives. Tell us about what's happening and about the people in your neighbourhood.

Looking to replace a high-use grader that’s now 12 years old, Wellesley council this week approved spending $409,000 for a new unit, awarding a tender to Brandt Tractor Ltd. of Cambridge. A review of the replacement had been carried out for the past couple of years.

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MAKING HISTORY Marking Black History Month, the Canadian Mint has issued a silver coin commemmorating the moment Fredericton-born Willie O'Ree became the first black player in the NHL, stepping onto the ice at the Montreal Forum on Jan. 18, 1958 as a member of the Boston Bruins. In that vein, Canada Post has a new stamp celebrating the all-black hockey teams that competed in the Maritimes in the late-19th and early 20th centuries.

M A K I N G I T TO P O F M I N D

Shining a light on the contributions of black Canadians

Exhibit, speakers raise awareness at Waterloo Region Museum event to kick off Black History Month

BY LORI-ANNE LITTLE For the Observer

February being Black History Month, the Region of Waterloo welcomed it in Saturday with a celebration of the achievements of black Canadians.

Among those gathered at the regional museum in Kitchener on February 1 was Lannois Carroll-Woolery, president of the Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo (CCAWR), who said the event “is a way to make the community aware of African-culture and African-heritage right here in the region.”

“Canadian’s of African descent: going forward, guided by the past” is the theme this year’s Black History Month, the 25th year it’s being marked. The idea behind the theme is to bring to light the achievements of black Canadians and their contributions to Canada that may have been overlooked in the past.

The event that took place at the Waterloo Regional Museum, organized by the CCAWR, shone a light on the inventions of black Canadians such as the stethoscope and the butterfly technique, which is used by hockey goalies.

Inventions created by black Canadians and the stories of the people who created them covered the tables that lined the room.

“We could have filled the room with tables of inventions made by black Canadians, but we had to work with the space that we had,” said Carroll-Woolery.

There were booths covering all sorts of topics,

Guests got up to dance as the Starlight Steel drum band played music during the event Saturday at the Region of Waterloo Museum.

including a book club focused on the literary works of black authors, a group bringing attention to HIV and AIDS awareness, and BASE, the University of Waterloo’s Black Association for Student Expression.

Kitchener Centre MPP Laura Mae Lindo made a speech that many of those in attendance said hit home for them, reminding them that while there has been social progress, there is still much work to be done.

“Black students are still being pushed out of our ed-

ucation system. Black community members are still not receiving the healthcare that they deserve and that they need because of the colour of their skin. Black community members have come to my office as recently as yesterday with a background in tech and cannot break through to the tech-sector right here. We have so much work to do, but there’s hope,” said Lindo in her speech.

Coming together as a community to help those who are less privileged was something that all the

speakers said helps make an impact on the battle for equality.

BASE president Ola Idri said “it’s really hard existing every day as a black person but then you come to a community like this where you’re meeting people who have had beautiful achievements and are willing to help you learn how to get to where you want to go.”

Event organizers said that they were happy with how the event turned out and the number of guests that came to join the cele-

Most people tend to avoid vehicle maintenance and repairs because of the surprise expense and inconvenience they cause.

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To do so, we create a maintenance and repair schedule specific to your vehicle and budget.

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[LORI-ANNE LITTLE]

bration.

“Waterloo Region has been so welcoming of people of different parts of the world and I think it makes us stronger as a communi-

ty … this is just our way of saying to the community come and celebrate with us were going to have a party for the month of February,” said Carroll-Woolery.

Kitchener Centre MPP Laura Mae Lindo shared a story with guests about facing racism as a privileged person of colour.

Two locations in Elmira to serve you better

20 Oriole Parkway E. | 47 Industrial Drive

Tel: (519) 669-1082

www.leroysautocare.net

TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020

18 | L I VI NG HE RE

C H E F ' S TA B L E

COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

A soup from where they know about romance

I “A GOOD JOB DONE EVERY TIME”

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8  MARYHILL KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS AND CWL VALENTINE Supper at Maryhill Heritage Park Community Centre. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. There are two seating's, 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Rolled ribs, ham, mashed potatoes etc., followed by coffee tea and dessert. Tickets are $20 per adult and $12 for children 5-11 years old; 5 and under free. Advance tickets only. Mike Runstedler 519-648-3394, Doug Zinger 519-6482939, Jackie Peacock 519-823-5194.

Kleensweep Carpet Care

Rugs and Upholstery

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

 TRIVIA CHALLENGE PRESENTED BY WOOLWICH Community and Mosborough Busy Busy Lions. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Prizes, cash bar, snacks. Advance registration only by Feb. 4. 19 yrs or older. $20 per person/$160 team of eight. More info or register wclctrivia@gmail.com.

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.

A

A

A

A

www.mgmill.com

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17  FLORADALE FAMILY FUN DAY AT FLORADALE MENNONITE Church. Fun for the whole family from 9 a.m. to noon, featuring a live animal show by “Hands on Exotics” at 11 a.m., bouncy castles, balloon animals, games and more!

Free admission.

NANCY KOEBEL

Home: 519.747.4388

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

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

RRSPs, RESPs, RRIFs, LIFs and Annuities.

652 Waterbury Lane, Waterloo 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

TOTAL HOME ENERGY SYSTEMS

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

YOUR OIL, PROPANE, NATURAL GAS AND AIR CONDITIONING EXPERTS VERMONT Castings

11 HENRY ST. - UNIT 9, ST. JACOBS

519.664.2008

 WOOLWICH GARDENERS PRESENTS JANET COX (JOHN'S Nursery) "Organic Landscaping and Gardening for the Birds + Bees + Me" at Trinity United Church, 7 p.m. Please bring in-door footwear. Non-members $5. Public welcome!  SNOWSHOEING ON THE GRAND VALLEY TRAIL AT 11 a.m. (family day.) Join Lisa for a snowshoe hike on a section of the Grand Valley Trail. Meet at 550 Ebycrest Road. We will gather there and head north to the trailhead. Parking is suggested on the side of nearby Hopewell Creek Road. This hike should be about 1 - 1/2 hours. If weather does not permit snowshoes, we will plan to hike. This trail is single track, not gravel. It is not suitable for strollers. Children are welcome but should be able to hike trails with roots, hills and icy sections. There is no rain date for this hike. Please contact Lisa at 519-648-9675 to confirm meeting time and location.

9 Church St. E., Elmira

519-669-8362

elmiravacuum@gmail.com

Monday - Friday, 9am-5:30pm

Elmira & Surrounding Area

SHARON GINGRICH 519.291.6763 | psgingrich@hotmail.ca

Saturday, 9am-3pm

you can trust.

21 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.2884 | martinselmira.com

Education and Treatment

Your First Step to Better Hearing

519-669-9919 charlene@bauerhearing.com 25 Industrial Drive, Elmira

SANYO CANADIAN

MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED

33 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.1591

Woolwich Township Ward 1 Councillor

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

It’s time to call your Welcome Wagon Hostess.

•

Quality & Service

 FAMILY DAY AT THE WELLESLEY ARENA. ENJOY A FREE Family Day skate courtesy of Mike Harris, MPP KitchenerConestoga 2:30-3:30 p.m.

New to the Community?

Do you have a new Baby?

Service Se

All Makes & Models

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13  EVERGREEN FOR SENIORS, 10:30 A.M. AT WOODSIDE Church Elmira."Country Clem" Stand-Up Comedy and Music: Don Vair. Devotional thoughts: Claude Martin. Suggested donation of $7 includes lunch.

 NEW HORIZONS AT MARYHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE, 10 a.m. Natalie Stevanus and Jane van Peit, photographers will be guests at New Horizons. Their topic: Photography is a Way of Feeling, of Touching and Loving. Admission $2.

More info jehaid@netflash.net.

519.669.5105

Bus: 519.744.5433

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12  SENIORS' COMMUNITY DINING AT CALVARY UNITED Church, St. Jacobs. Community Care Concepts invites you to join us at noon for lunch, fellowship and entertainment.

Call 519-664-1900 by noon Feb. 10 to sign up.

Repairs

 SENIORS' LUNCH CLUB AT BRESLAU COMMUNITY Centre. Community Care Concepts invites you to join us at noon for a light lunch and fellowship, $7. Call 519-664-1900 by noon Feb. 10 to sign up.

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9  MOONLIGHT HIKE ON TRAILS IN THE SANDY HILLS Regional Forest, 6 p.m. Join members of the Woolwich Trails Group as we explore some of the many trails in the Sandy Hills Regional Forest after dark, for approximately one and a half hours. Come dressed for the conditions.

Feel free to bring a small flashlight but hopefully we will not need them. Please RSVP nancy.stayzer@gmail.com if you are able to join us.

Vacuum Sales,

How can I help you?

519.514.6051

n the spirit of showcasing a seasonal recipe, I thought it better to skip to Valentine’s Day, as everyone must be bored with all the groundhog recipes from the past weekend.

Any homemade soup will already warm your heart (and stomach), but not only is this one red in colour (the colour of hearts in love) but is also French in origin.

France is of course famous for great cuisine but is also known to be in the company of Spain and Italy for being the top three countries for lovers!

In North America we make “French Onion Soup,” but in France they just call it “onion soup.”

The Canadian/American version is typically made with onions, red wine and beef stock.

The “real” French version is a little more interesting, however.

The Provençal area of France is towards the south, along the Italian border and extending onto the Riviera and was one of the first provinces of the Roman empire. The cuisine of this area is based more around fresh fruits and vegetables that grow there, artisan cheeses and, of course, fresh seafood, than the Parisian high butter and cream.

A Provençal recipe often contains things like fresh tomatoes, herbs and garlic.

Provençal herbs are typically a variety of things like rosemary, oregano, marjoram, thyme but with the uniqueness of lavender to round it off.

The secret of any onion soup is the patience in cooking the onions to a deep amber colour which not only creates the colour for the whole broth, but also mellows and sweetens the typical harshness of the raw onion.

CHEF'S TABLE

Provençal Onion Soup 2 lb onions, sliced 1 medium carrot 1 bundle leeks 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1/4 cup sherry 1 can whole tomatoes 1 litre beef stock 1 litre chicken stock 1 Tbsp. molasses Salt, cracked pepper, Provençal herbs, nutmeg 1 baguette 2 cloves garlic minced 1/2 lb butter Emmental de Savoie cheese Parsley to garnish 1. Heat soup pot, add oil and continue to heat until oil starts moving.

2. Add onions, sear and continue stirring until browned all over.

3. Add carrots, leeks, seasoning and cook for additional 2 minutes.

4. Add sherry and other liquids and bring to a boil.

5. Reduce to a simmer and allow to cook until tender.

6. Slice bread, 1/2-inch thick, spread with garlic butter and toast in 425 F oven until slightly dried and browning slightly around edges.

7. Cover with cheese and return to oven until melted and bubbly.

8. Ladle soup into bowls and top with cheese croutons.

Chef Bruce Duff is the operator of “Chef Duff at RiverSong” Banquet hall, Café and Culinary Centre just outside of St. Jacobs, which hosts private events, banquets, team building and cooking classes and also run breakfast and lunch in the café from Wed. – Sat; info@chefduff.ca.

PLACES OF FAITH WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

pmerlihan@woolwich.ca

www.merlihan.com

CHEF DUFF

NURSERY PROVIDED

SUNDAY SCHOOL

9OU !RE )NVITED 7//$3)$%

9OU RE )NVITED 4HIS 3UNDAY 35.$!9 3%26)#%3

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Woolwich

Healthy Communities healthywoolwich.org

The place to get involved.

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

Elmira Mennonite Church

Worship: 9:30am God Questions –

What is that in your hand?

Fred Lichti preaching

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

HEARING ASSISTED

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020 | THE O BSE RVE R

L IV IN G H E RE | 19

O B S E R V E R C R O S S WO R D

The Observer Crossword looks to challenge you and get your brain firing on all synapses. This crossword is only published in The Observer handcrafted exclusively for our audience. Happy word-smithing!

BRAIN FOOD

ACROSS 1. 45 to a single 4. Georgia neighbor 11. To greatly horrify 16. Three Latin 17. To devour voraciously, like a blackbird 18. Your super power skill 19. While I agree, I still argue irregardless 21. In the liquid phase 22. How most make a sweater 23. What Milo shares with the silo 24. Often lost in revolution 25. Lawful detainment without a badge 31. Preserve in a respectful form 34. Being for many 35. Bitterly regret the day 36. Old-timey yay!

37. Surveillance culture put on the shelf for kids 38. Unoriginal and trite, often of ideas 41. From ergot, makes a vitamin with UV 44. The pig digs 45. How the English sleep cheap 46. Elderly ne'er-do-wells

48. Charity for the poor 52. A lake in France 55. How the Earth wobbles 58. Withers away 62. "There can be only ___!" -Highlander 63. Moving drawings with this mate 64. Irish terrorists or freedom fighters? It's complicated.

65. On the head for good behaviour 66. Potatoes, turnips, for example 68. Popular Italian tree 72. Equivalent to 100,000 BTU 73. First thing to do because you may die tomorrow 74. Sadly, self-pityingly 78. Make up for your transgressions 79. Conferring nobility 83. Confine 84. Olympics no-no 85. Enemy 86. "You ___ kidding!"

87. Say no to a past haircut 88. Explosion standard, a ton at a time DOWN 1. Where hockey really

happens 2. Subatomic particle 3. Car, skirt 4. I don't know much about it, but I know what I like 5. "Well, ___-di-dah!"

6. Fifth, e.g.: Abbr.

7. Central american country's largest city has same name 8. Anoint the dying 9. Quark-plus-antiquark particle 10. Paper propositions 11. Conducted inward toward something (biology) 12. Icy region, but for how long?

13. Nice-nellyism, disapprovingly 14. Under debate 15. Electricity goes one way and light comes out 20. To burn or carve in 24. Pays attention 26. Frustrations 27. To fight against windmills 28. Deduce 29. Amniotic ___ 30. Famous internet talks 31. Checked out 32. Famous fiddler

33. Declines 38. 24 in a day 39. On the safe side, at sea 40. Hawk nestling taken for training 42. Chief Norwegian port 43. Lasso 47. Ice cream measure 49. Statistician to Twain 50. One-sided sound 51. Barber's cut 53. To become obvious, allegedly 54. Quark flavor 56. Carbon compound 57. Moss stalk 58. Afflict 59. Horse 60. Make a point forcefully 61. It had better be short 66. Helicopter supports 67. Jam 69. Neighbor of Nigeria 70. Yiddish busybody 71. See-through surfaces 75. Hit the road 76. Unknown authour 77. Editor says leave it alone 78. Eureka!

79. Spooky powers 80. Sartorial snake 81. What the barber cuts 82. Old-timey Tokyo

Technology means space may be the next locale for outsourcing Q. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Space is open for business,â&#x20AC;? and some companies are planning to use the International Space Station (ISS) as a manufacturing hub.

What technologies might carry the â&#x20AC;&#x153;made in spaceâ&#x20AC;? label?

impossible to print on the ground.â&#x20AC;? Here, tissues printed with runny bioink collapse under their own weight, but in microgravity, pure bioink could be used.

Also hard to make on Earth is a kind of fiber-optic cable called ZBLAN made from fluoride glass. Typically, when molten glass is stretched into thin fibers and cooled, tiny crystals may form, weakening signals. Made in space, quality ZBLAN would carry more data over longer distances.

For metals and other elements, microgravity allows them to mix together more evenly, and â&#x20AC;&#x153;magnesium alloys for medical trans-

A. Organs, fiber-optic cable, metal alloys and meat might justify the expense of being made in low-Earth orbit, since it costs a few thousand dollars to launch just a kilogram (2.2 lbs.) of stuff, says Prachi Patel in â&#x20AC;&#x153;IEEE Spectrumâ&#x20AC;? magazine.

For example, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the heart, with its four empty chambers and highly organized muscle tissueâ&#x20AC;Ś, is virtually OBSERVER SUDOKU

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. Numbers are preplaced to get you started.

between their auditory systems and emotion-related parts of the brain.

plants have especially high potential.â&#x20AC;?

Finally, a food-tech startup that grows connective tissue, blood vessels and fat cells to make beefsteaks (they â&#x20AC;&#x153;look and taste like the real thingâ&#x20AC;?) has already created its first tiny piece of meat on the ISS. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a huge technical advance, but it could feed astronauts on long-term crewed missions, as well as future space settlers as they set up a permanent base.â&#x20AC;?

Q. Worldwide, what natural resource is second only to water in the amount we humans use?

A. It is sand, a key component of cement, asphalt and glass, reports â&#x20AC;&#x153;Scienceâ&#x20AC;? magazine. And with a construction boom in Africa and Asia, the demand will likely increase. According to a recent United Nations report, the insatiable appetite for sand poses â&#x20AC;&#x153;one of the major sustainability challenges of the 21st century,â&#x20AC;? requiring â&#x20AC;&#x153;improved governance of global sand resources.â&#x20AC;?

Not only must ways be found to reduce demand for new sand but also policies need strengthening to discourage sand miningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s harmful environmental impact. Additionally, since sand is a natural resource that transcends national borders, the report en-

BILL&RICH SONES STRANGE BUT TRUE

dorses developing a more traceable sand supply chain through better monitoring and international information sharing.

Q. Imagine the sound of nails being dragged across a blackboard.

Almost makes you cringe, doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it? Now imagine having such a reaction â&#x20AC;&#x201D; or even worse â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to hearing ordinary sounds like a person chewing or tapping on a table.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a name for this: â&#x20AC;&#x153;misophonia,â&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;hatred of sound.â&#x20AC;? What do researchers know about it?

A. Also known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;selective sound sensitivity syndrome,â&#x20AC;? misophonia was first described in 2000, reports the University of California, Berkeley, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wellness Letter.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;In sufferers, innocuous sounds trigger feelings of anxiety, disgust and anger. But they typically arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bothered by sounds made by themselves â&#x20AC;&#x201D; or children or pets.â&#x20AC;? Not much is known about what precisely the condition is, or what causes it, though one theory is that sufferers have abnormal connections

Common features include feeling discomfort at the sounds others make that quickly leads to strong unpleasant emotional states; a tendency to avoid situations where these sounds may occur; and feeling embarrassed by oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reaction. Researchers are looking to develop better

treatments for misophonia, but two promising ones are masking the offensive sound by using active noise cancellation or adding inoffensive background sounds (often called â&#x20AC;&#x153;acoustic perfumeâ&#x20AC;?) such as white noise.

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

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