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Bottle drive helps support Elmira man with cancer People. Places. Pictures. Profiles. Perspectives.

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CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITIES.

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Newly minted centenarian Lillian Weiss blew out the candles on her birthday cake at the Village Manor Retirement Home in St. Jacobs on Jan. 23.

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JANUARY 30, 2020

[VERONICA REINER / THE OBSERVER]

Party's a century in the making Lillian Weiss celebrates her 100th birthday surrounded by friends at the St. Jacobs Village Manor Retirement Home

BY VERONICA REINER vreiner@woolwichobserver.com

As a Woolwich woman hits the century mark, she’s had plenty of time to reflect on her life, contributions, and secrets to longevity and good health.

St. Jacobs Village Manor Retirement Home resident Lillian Weiss

party. “I’ve been very fortunate to have good health throughout my life. I am truly blessed.”

She and her family moved south to the Waterloo Region from Mildmay, Ont., when she was just nine-months-old. Weiss attended high school in KW, where she achieved several scholarships. Eventually, Weiss landed

turned 100 on January 20. Her birthday party was hosted three days later at the home, where she was surrounded by friends and staff, complete with a birthday cake, balloons, and live entertainment.

“It’s a huge personal achievement, if I do say so myself,” said Weiss, during her celebration

a job working in Ottawa for the government as a canteen girl.

Her real passion, however, came from raising money for charities. In particular, Weiss fundraised for the Canadian Cancer Society through fashion shows in the region for about two decades. She said while things started off small, the effort grad-

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“When I first started I didn’t make very much,” said Weiss.

“Then I added door prizes, this and that, and the money accumulated more. I used to make a lot of money.”

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Old steel bridge on Middlebrook Pl. slated for removal Woolwich, Centre Wellington deem failing heritage span too costly to retain; will replace nearby concrete structure

BY STEVE KANNON skannon@woolwichobserver.com

An historic steel bridge spanning the Grand River on Middlebrook Place will be removed, Woolwich council last week deeming that the most cost-effective way to deal with the deteriorating structure.

Built in the 1930s near the border with Centre Wellington Township, the bridge has been closed since 2012. Removing it will be a one-time cost of $550,000, the recommended option in an engineering report that also looked at rehabilitating the span for $650,000, plus ongoing maintenance and repairs before the bridge would eventually be mothballed due to age. Other options such as converting the bridge for pedestrian use ($900,000, plus ongoing costs) and replacing it entirely ($3.5 million) were also dismissed.

While closing the steel bridge, a nearby concrete bridge on the same road is to be replaced at a cost of $450,000, providing ongoing access to a property wedged between the two bridges.

Both projects are to be funded equally by Woolwich and Centre Wellington.

Removing the steel bridge would eliminate one of just four remaining camelback truss bridges in Waterloo Region (another on Peel Street near Winterbourne is also being considered for a similar fate).

While recognizing there are heritage issues, Ryan Tucker, an engineering project supervisor with the township, said a review found removing the structure is the best option.

“It would get it off the township’s docket so that it’s not costing anything,” he told councillors meeting January 21.

Keeping the bridge for historic purposes would require an upfront cost of $450,000, along with $150,000 every 15 years for repairs and maintenance, the environmental assessment review found.

Though the bridge is closed, people still cross it on foot, noted Jack Turner of GM Blue Plan Engineer-

The old steel bridge spanning the Grand River has been closed to traffic since 2012 due to safety concerns about the deteriorating structure.

The old steel bridge on Middlebrook Place, one of just four camelback truss bridges in the region, will be demolished. Woolwich and Centre Wellington townships will share the cost of replacing an old concrete span just north of the river-crossing. [FILE PHOTOS]

ing, which carried out the study.

“Removal obviously removes the problem of people crossing a closed bridge,” he said.

There would be costs in some of the options presented to put in proper

turnarounds for vehicles once the bridge was closed or removed permanently.

The old concrete bridge, built in 1932, presents a cheaper option to provide access to the property north of the river. While the report recommended

repairing the structure at a cost of $300,000, Coun.

Patrick Merlihan suggested it would be more cost-effective to replace the concrete bridge today for $450,000 rather than spending $300,000 and then having to replace it 20 or 30 years

down the line.

In removing the steel bridge, the township would look for a potential buyer who could make use of the structure, said Tucker, noting the work is unlikely to be carried out in short order due to budget constraints.

Under the just-completed review, Woolwich has up to 10 years to proceed.

Meeting Monday night, Centre Wellington council backed Woolwich’s proposal to remove the steel bridge and replace the concrete structure.

O BS E RV E R X TR A. C O M | THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020 | 03

FROM THE ARCHIVES

TENTATIVE GRT DEAL Creating community connections starts and ends with our readers.

News tips are always welcome.

PAGE THREE

Phone: 519-669-5790 ext 103 Online: ads.observerxtra.com/tips

GRT buses could be rolling again by week’s end, as the region and Unifor Local 4304 reached a new tentative collective agreement Tuesday following more than a week of strike action at the transit utility.

Buses are still mothballed pending a union ratification vote set for today (Thursday), with a special regional council meeting to be called if the deal is approved by union members.

After only about a year and a half of fundraising, Kate’s Kause is nearly ready to break ground on a universally accessible playground in Elmira. This week, the charitable group learned it was the winner of $60,000 in the Aviva Community Fund competition as part of a $1 million giveaway to 12 community projects across the country. Altogether, Kate’s Kause has raised $265,000 for the playground.

From the Jan. 28, 2012 edition of The Observer

COMMUNITY SUPPORTS

Pair of charities benefit from BBQ fundraiser Proceeds from Raymond Dietrich Memorial BBQ supports Kate's Kause to the tune of $11,500 and Woolwich Sun Rays get $5,000

BY VERONICA REINER vreiner@woolwichobserver.com

The money raised at last summer’s Raymond Dietrich Memorial Barbecue fundraiser went to support two local charities, with separate cheque presentations taking place last month.

Kate’s Kause, an Elmira-based charity, received $11,500, while the Woolwich Sun Rays, a local para ice hockey team, benefitted $5,000.

“It is so uplifting to have a group of people recognize our inclusive mandate and support us like this,” said Kate’s Kause founder Kelly Meissner. “We were stunned at the amount of the donation, and it’s all thanks to the big hearts of Will Jamieson and Greg Demeuleneare.”

Kate’s Kause is aimed at raising awareness for Angelman’s syndrome

and fundraising for inclusive community projects.

Meissner said the donation money would entirely be used to help fund the $200,000 accessible washroom project at Kate’s Place for Everyone at Gibson Park in Elmira.

The Woolwich Sun Rays on the other hand, is a very personal cause for the Raymond Dietrich organizers.

The Sun Rays are an ice hockey team open to special needs participants of all skill levels.

The barbecue fundraiser and the hockey team are both named after Raymond Dietrich, a local, fun-loving, caring sports fan who lived with Down syndrome.

He passed away in 2011 at the age of 48. Raymond was the inspiration behind the Woolwich Sun Rays.

Both charities share a similar vision of creating a more inclusive and accessible environment across

Woolwich Township.

“I would like to give a giant thank-you to everybody that helps support the barbecue every year, a giant thank-you to Kate’s Kause and the Woolwich Sun Rays,” said Chris Pope, a Raymond Dietrich Memorial committee member.

“It’s Woolwich community … there was never a doubt in our minds that we would have the support, but I don’t know if we ever thought we’d get this kind of support.”

The memorial barbecue took place in August 2019 at the Waterloo Rod & Gun club in St. Jacobs. It drew in record attendance, selling out some 180 tickets at $50 apiece.

The event has grown consistently since its inception three years ago, and organizers are looking for ways to expand further, such as including live music, for their 2020 barbecue.

The funds raised from the Raymond Dietrich Memorial BBQ were doled out in two separate cheque presentations. Kate's Kause got $11,500 from the committee. Top, in Elmira’s Gibson Park are Greg Demeuleneare, Will Jamieson, and Kelly, Kate, Jeremy and Jamie Meissner of Kate's Kause. The Woolwich Sun Rays got $5,000. Bottom photo, Will Jamieson, Rick Moser, Chris Pope, Bev Evans and Robert Musselman. [ERICA BAUMAN]

Strike action to close Catholic schools Tuesday Province and elementary teachers unions resumed talks this week after hiatus

BY STEVE KANNON skannon@woolwichobserver.com

Elementary teachers hit the streets Monday, visible in downtown Elmira outside MPP Mike Harris' office.

[VERONICA REINER / THE OBSERVER]

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Catholic schools in the region will be shuttered again Tuesday (February 4) as the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) has called for a one-day strike.

Meanwhile, the province and Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) this week resumed talks that had broken off.

But most of the unions

representing teachers in the province continue to carry out work-to-rule campaigns, a list that now include Franco-Ontarian teachers who are members of the Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO), who stepped up their efforts as of this week.

Next week’s one-day strike by Catholic teachers is the second such walkout, teachers having taken to STRIKE | 04

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TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

04 | C O MMUNIT Y NE WS

BIRTHDAY: Keeping engaged, active is the key to longevity, she says FROM 01

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING Proposed Amendment to the Regional Official Plan Rationali ation of the oundaries of the ountr side Line, the Elmira and St. aco s Township Urban Areas, and the Breslau Urban Area, ownship of Woolwich The Region of Waterloo is holding a public meeting to receive comments from the community on a proposed amendment to the Regional Official Plan (ROP). The public meeting is being held pursuant to Section 17 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.P.13, as amended.

Date and Location Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2020 Time: 5:00 pm Location: Regional Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener.

Purpose and Effect The Township of Woolwich has completed a rationalization e ercise in accordance with Policies 2.B.4 and 2.B.7 of the Regional Official Plan (ROP). The purpose of this amendment is to finalize/rationalize the boundaries of the St. Jacobs and lmira Township Urban Areas and the Countryside Line, and to rationalize the Breslau Urban Area boundary.

This change is intended to redirect growth to areas that can be developed more efficiently and cost-effectively on full municipal services. If approved, the proposed ROP amendment would implement the boundary rationalization proposed by the Township of Woolwich.

to her, having lost her husband to stomach cancer.

She said most people she knows have been affected by cancer in some way, shape or form.

“That’s a good aim in life; to help people that can’t help themselves or help people financially and raise money for them. And that’s what I’ve tried to do,” said Weiss. “I’m 100-yearsold, and I’m not stopping.”

She’s also involved with the Confederation Club in Waterloo, a networking organization whose stated purpose is to promote awareness and inform members on matters of national, economic or social interest with a Conservative focus.

Weiss attends their meetings when she can, which generally take place once a month and feature a guest

Lillian Weiss remains active in the community.

[VERONICA REINER]

speaker. Staying involved in the community, she said, is one of the keys to longevity.

“Keep busy – secret to a long life; I tell that to everybody that asks me: keep your mind busy. Don’t just lag around,” said Weiss.

How to Get More Information To view the proposed ROP amendment, please visit our Public Notices webpage at www.regionofwaterloo.ca; click on the Regional Government tab in the top right of the homepage, and then select News and Public Notices. You can also obtain a copy of the proposed amendment on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at:

STRIKE: Teachers' unions continue to apply pressure with job action

Planning, Development and Legislative Services Department Regional Municipality of Waterloo 8th Floor, 150 Frederick Street Kitchener, Ontario

the picket lines January 21.

The 45,000-member union remains at odds with the government on issues such as class sizes, kindergarten programming and course availability to students.

There’s been no progress to date, said OECTA president Liz Stuart.

Besieged Minister of Education Stephen Lecce has been issuing statements regularly, this week calling out OECTA members.

“Teacher union leaders have yet again demonstrated their disregard for parents in this province by directing their members to not show up to work.

Union leaders are prepared to stand up for things like higher benefits for their members but appear unable to stand up for the basic expectation that students should learn each and every day,” he said in a release.

The province and the teachers’ unions remain at odds, with an appointed mediator at times calling off talks due to the gap between the two sides. The unions have accused Lecce of simply going through the motions. On January 29, however, the mediator, Denise Small, reached out to both the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) and the negotiating parties for the Ontario government and school boards to resume negotiations.

In agreeing to return to the table, ETFO is optimistic that the government’s representatives will engage in meaningful bargaining around key issues, said

For more information about this matter please contact: David Welwood, MES, MCIP, RPP Principal Planner Planning, Development and Legislative Services Telephone: 519-575-4400 ext. 3120 TTY: 519-575-4481 Email: DWelwood@regionofwaterloo.ca If you wish to register to speak at the public meeting, or if you require accessible services to participate, please call the Council and Administrative Services Offices by 4:30 p.m. by Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at 519-5754400 or TTY 519-575-4481.

All comments and information received from individuals, stakeholder groups and agencies regarding the proposed amendment are being collected to assist the Region of Waterloo in making a decision under the Planning Act. Under the Municipal Act, personal information such as name, address, telephone number, and property location that may be included in a submission becomes part of the public record.

If you wish to be notified of the decision of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo on the proposed ROP amendment, you must make a written request to the Regional Clerk, Regional Municipality of Waterloo, 150 Frederick Street, 2nd Floor, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 4J3.

If a person or public body would otherwise have an ability to appeal the decision of Regional Municipality of Waterloo to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal but the person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo before the proposed regional official plan amendment is adopted, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision.

If a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo before the proposed regional official plan amendment is adopted, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal unless, in the opinion of the Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to add the person or public body as a party.

General Location Map ( E lm ira and S t. J acob s )

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FROM 03

president Sam Hammond in a statement.

“Open exploratory talks with the Ford government’s negotiators must include a mandate to remove further cuts, increase supports for students with special needs, preserve the current Kindergarten model with a teacher and designated early childhood educator, and maintain fair and transparent hiring practices,” he said.

“It’s time that the Ford government recognized that our public education system is key to the future of this province’s economy.

We must have the tools and supports to prepare students to realize their individual aspirations and productively contribute to the economic and social fabric of this province,” said Hammond, whose union represents 83,000 elementary public school teachers and education workers.

The ETFO has said it will escalate its rotating strikes across the province starting Monday if central agreements are not reached by the end of January.

Lecce, however, laid the blame for the impasse and resultant job action on union greed.

“Repeated escalation at the expense of our students, to advance higher compensation, higher wages, and even more generous benefits, is unacceptable for parents and students in our province. We firmly believe students should be in class, which is why we continue to stand ready to negotiate to reach a deal Ontario students deserve,” he said in a statement January 27.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020 | THE O BSE RVE R

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One coupon per bill, Dine-in only Not valid with any other discounts, group rates or special pricing Wellesley firefighters responded Monday evening to an on-farm shop at a Geddes Street property near Hawkesville.

[JOE MERLIHAN]

Province provides additional funding for Crime Stoppers tip line Ontario is investing $450,000 over two years to ensure the Crime Stoppers toll-free telephone tip line can continue to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the government announced this week. “For decades, Crime Stoppers has played an important role in making sure anyone can share information about criminal activity with the police at any time, on any day,� Christine Hogarth, parliamentary assistant to the Solicitor Gener-

JANUARY 23 ■4:00 PM | Members of the Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Break, Enter and Auto Theft (BEAT) unit completed a month-long investigation related to several stolen vehicles, a break and enter, and a collision involving one of the stolen vehicles. As a result of the investigation, a 32-year-old male and a 29-year-old female, both from St. Jacobs, were arrested in St. Clements. Both are facing several charges, including ‘possession of identity documents’ and ‘possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking.’ The man was also charged with ‘break and enter,’ ‘forgery’

al, said in a release. “Public safety is our priority. Our government will continue providing our community safety partners, like Crime Stoppers, with the supports they need to help us keep Ontario communities safe.�

Crime Stoppers is a partnership between the public, police and media, which provides the community with a method for anonymously providing tips to assist in preventing and solving crime.

January is nationally rec-

ognized as Crime Stoppers Month. In Ontario, there are 39 Crime Stoppers programs linked by a toll-free telephone number (1-800222-TIPS) that works anywhere in North America. “Having a province-wide program that allows citizens to report crime anonymously is invaluable to police services and communities right across Ontario,� said York Regional Police chief Eric Jolliffe. “The funding support provided by the Province of Ontario

is appreciated and will assist in making all Crime Stoppers programs more accessible to citizens.� “Everyone has a role when it comes to community safety,� said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones. “Sharing tips with the police through Crime Stoppers is just one way individuals can help keep our communities safe. Our society is at its best when we work together and collaborate, so everyone should do their part.�

and ‘failing to remain at the scene of a collision.’

addition to the wheel separation, the inspection revealed brake defects in both the truck and trailer as well as load security violations. As a result of the incident, a 44-year-old man from Minesing, Ont. was charged with the following offences: 1. Drive commercial motor vehicle with a major defect in it or in drawn vehicle 107(11) HTA 2. Operate unsafe commercial motor vehicle 84(1) HTA 3. Push rod stroke exceeds prescribed limit-commercial motor vehicle Ontario Regulation 587 5(1) HTA 4.

Fail to accurately complete trip inspection report 107(5) HTA 5. Operate commercial motor vehicle with load not secured as prescribed 111(2.1) HTA The involved commercial

trucking company, operating out of Midhurst Ontario, has also been charged with the following offences: 1. Drive commercial motor vehicle with a major defect in it or in drawn vehicle 107(11) HTA 2. Wheel detached from commercial motor vehicle 84.1(1) HTA 3. Push rod stroke exceeds prescribed limit-commercial motor vehicle Ontario Regulation 587 5(1) HTA 4.

Fail to ensure performance standards are met 107(3) HTA 5. Operate commercial motor vehicle with load not secured as prescribed 111(2.1) HTA The involved commercial motor vehicle was removed from the highway and placed out of service following the inspection.

JANUARY 27 â– 12:10 PM | Waterloo Regional Police responded to the roundabout at Sawmill Road and Arthur Street South near St. Jacobs for a dangerous condition involving a commercial motor vehicle. A dual set of commercial motor vehicle wheels separated from a logging trailer and came to a rest in the centre of the roundabout. No one was injured and no property damage occurred as a result of the incident. Traffic Branch officers attended the scene and conducted a commercial motor vehicle inspection. In

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TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

06 | C O MMUNIT Y NE WS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING Proposed Amendment to the Regional Official Plan Rationalization of the boundaries of the Countryside Line and the Wellesley Township Urban Area, Township of Wellesley The Region of Waterloo is holding a public meeting to receive comments from the community on a proposed amendment to the Regional Official Plan (ROP). The public meeting is being held pursuant to Section 17 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.P.13, as amended.

Date and Location Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2020 Time: 4:00 pm Location: Regional Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener.

Purpose and Effect The Township of Wellesley has completed a rationalization exercise in accordance with Policy 2.B.7 of the Regional Official Plan (ROP). The purpose of this amendment is to finalize/rationalize the boundaries of the Wellesley Township Urban Areas and the Countryside Line.

This change is intended to redirect growth to areas that can be developed more efficiently and cost-effectively on full municipal services. If approved, the proposed ROP amendment would implement the boundary rationalization proposed by the Township of Wellesley.

How to Get More Information To view the proposed ROP amendment, please visit our Public Notices webpage at www.regionofwaterloo.ca; click on the Regional Government tab in the top right of the homepage, and then select News and Public Notices. You can also obtain a copy of the proposed amendment on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at: Planning, Development and Legislative Services Department Regional Municipality of Waterloo 8th Floor, 150 Frederick Street Kitchener, Ontario For more information about this matter please contact: David Welwood, MES, MCIP, RPP Principal Planner Planning, Development and Legislative Services Telephone: 519-575-4400 ext. 3120 TTY: 519-575-4481 Email: DWelwood@regionofwaterloo.ca If you wish to register to speak at the public meeting, or if you require accessible services to participate, please call the Council and Administrative Services Offices by 4:30 p.m. by Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at 519-575-4400 or TTY 519-575-4481.

All comments and information received from individuals, stakeholder groups and agencies regarding the proposed amendment are being collected to assist the Region of Waterloo in making a decision under the Planning Act. Under the Municipal Act, personal information such as name, address, telephone number, and property location that may be included in a submission becomes part of the public record.

If you wish to be notified of the decision of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo on the proposed ROP amendment, you must make a written request to the Regional Clerk, Regional Municipality of Waterloo, 150 Frederick Street, 2nd Floor, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 4J3.

If a person or public body would otherwise have an ability to appeal the decision of Regional Municipality of Waterloo to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal but the person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo before the proposed regional official plan amendment is adopted, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision.

If a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo before the proposed regional official plan amendment is adopted, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal unless, in the opinion of the Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to add the person or public body as a party.

General Location Map

JP Sunga, a longtime Wellesley Idol judge, is working on an album of his own.

[SUBMITTED]

He’s just gotta get the music out there

Singer-songwriter JP Sunga has long yearned to release an album, and now that dream is coming true

BY VERONICA REINER vreiner@woolwichobserver.com

Longtime singer-songwriter and Wellesley Idol judge JP Sunga is the first to admit that there are a million reasons for him not to pursue a full-length album.

But that didn’t stop the 41-year-old Toronto native from fulfilling that lifelong dream.

His newest single and professional music video, Listen to Your Heart, was released last week. The futuristic pop ballad is the first song on his full-length album, with all songs scheduled to be released by December 2020.

“The song essentially is about finding that hope within us regardless of how dark things in our lives can become. Sometimes even when we don’t want to believe it’s there, there’s always something in there that’s going to be fighting for us,” said Sunga. “The song encourages us to find that light and find that voice within to get us going.”

The father of three found the inspiration to create the song by seeing his friends battle with depression, as well as a reflection on the darker moments of his own life. In particular, Sunga went through a rough patch after losing his mother to cancer.

Subsequently, he experienced a significant writer’s block, and his love of music went on the backburner.

“I want this to be a legacy piece for my kids.

Each song is like a letter to them,” he said. “It has lessons of things that I’ve learned so far in my life ... things they might not even appreciate until much later in their lives.”

The Listen to Your Heart

music video follows an abstract story of a character who fights an internal struggle, expressed through dance. She is torn between wanting to stray away, and wanting to return home. It features Sunga playing the piano, as though he were an internal voice guiding her through the journey. The piano represents the idea of home, he explained.

The work was directed by emerging filmmaker Nicholas Dragas and featured the choreography of Jenna Gagliardi, who also takes on the role of the dancer. It was recorded at the Kitchener-based Hillifer Studios with the help of Sam Hillifer.

“Home can be the physical home, but it can also be symbolic of something that’s a safe place or a space for anyone. It can be a state of mind,” said Sunga. “It can be reconnecting with your loved ones or your friends. With the video, it shows her reconciling that and returning to that safe space at the end.”

Sunga will continue to release more singles throughout the year, with the next scheduled to be released around late March or early April. The third song is planned in the summertime, and then the fall, followed by back-to-back releases. The full album is scheduled to be released in December.

The entire album has been three years in the making, covering themes of hope and perseverance.

Raising three kids – 10, 8 and 3 – along with his wife and working a full-time job have been his main priorities. This left him with just several hours once a week to work towards finishing the album.

Previously recognized

as one of Canada’s top independent artists, Sunga’s musical career spans over two decades. Born in Toronto, he moved to Waterloo for his career and has been based there for the past 10 years. His songwriting catalogue is thick, with influences from a range of various genres.

He plays shows all across the region and beyond, including Toronto and Aylmer, and has been involved as a judge for the Wellesley Idol singing competition for the past several years.

Sunga has also released a variety of demos. He said he had always intended on creating an album, and that an event several years ago motivated him to move ahead and get the passion-project in motion.

“I sat with my wife when I turned 39 and I said ‘OK, I’m approaching 40, and we’re not getting any younger and I still have this crazy dream still that I want to record this album,’” said Sunga. “She has always known how important music was to me.

She said, ‘this is so important to you, you just have to do it.’”

Sunga has self-funded the project, up until recently. He is hoping to raise an additional $3,000 to cover all remaining recording, production and distribution costs. To do so, he started a crowdfunding campaign, the practice of funding a project by raising a small amount of money from a large number of people. It can be accessed at https://www.indiegogo. com/projects/jp-sunga-debut-album-project.

The music video released on January 24 and can be found on YouTube or be access through his website: www.jpsunga.com.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020 | THE O BSE RVE R

C O M MUN IT Y N E WS | 07

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Traffic on Arthur Street was snarled Wednesday morning as Woolwich firefighters responded to a fire at the Fab-Force metal fabrication shop south of Elmira.

[JOE MERLIHAN / THE OBSERVER]

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Robb Judd as Andy, Michael Grant as Robin, Dan Kelley as Stewart and Thom Smith as Randall rehearse a scene from The Wild Guys.

[VERONICA REINER]

Though very different, they find out they’re all Wild Guys Elmira Theatre Company brings to stage the laughs and introspection of four men’s journey of self-discovery, or something approximating it, at any rate

BY VERONICA REINER vreiner@woolwichobserver.com

Boys will be boys, but men on an sketchy journey of self-discovery may be anything but predictable in the latest offering from the Elmira Theatre Company.

Wild Guys opens Friday, offering up insight and plenty of laughs.

Penned by Canadian couple Andrew Wreggitt and Rebecca Shaw, the play follows the story of four middle-aged men on a getaway that turns out to be more than they signed up for. Setting off for an isolated cabin for a “wildman” weekend in the vein of Robert Bly’s Iron John – it’s set in the ’90s after all – they soon discover than everything that can go wrong does.

Men’s movement advocate Andy (played by Robb Judd), new-age free-spirit Robin (Michael Grant), local grocer Stewart (Dan

Kelley) and practical lawyer Randall (Thom Smith) all wind up on a “Men’s Awareness Weekend.”

When the group gets lost on the way to the cottage, there are plenty of room for personality clashes, wild animal noises, and conversations about the men’s movement.

“It’s got some funny moments, and it has its tender moments. The men really get to know each other,” said director Cathy Moore.

“I think these men too had difficulty relating to other men ... because it can be difficult sometimes for men to open up. So over the course of their journey ... from strangers to coming out on the other end as friends, it’s a lovely journey that they do take.”

While it is classified as a comedy, the play touches on several serious topics.

The men learn that it is okay to communicate with

one another and to express emotion.

Elmira actor Michael Grant takes on the role of the off-colour character, Robin, who’s on a personal journey of self-discovery and trying all types of groups imaginable to do so: talking crystals, discovering your inner shadow workshop, a successful life course.

“It’s been a challenge – it’s been fun. If I ever met this guy, I’d want to hit him,” said Grant with a laugh of his character. “The energy he brings to the group, the youthfulness, that was something I enjoyed bringing onstage.”

He clashes considerably with the other characters in the beginning, who lead a more “normal” lifestyle.

“They don’t relate to my character whatsoever,” said Grant. “It’s very apparent from the moment we’re all onstage together: that guy's different and they don’t get

along.”

By the end of the play however, the characters change their tune and form lasting friendships. Moore, a long-time ETC director, said that she found herself captivated by the script.

“I like the storyline. I found the journey very intriguing. I like the way the playwrights wrote it.

As soon as I read it, I start to have these visions in my head ... that’s always a good sign,” said Moore.

The Elmira Theatre Company production of The Wild Guys runs January 31 to February 13 at the Howard Avenue theatre.

Tickets are $20, or $65 per person for the Valentine’s dinner theatre show on February 14, available KW Tickets at 1-800-2658977 or 519-578-1570 or in person at Centre In The Square box office, 101 Queen St. N., Kitchener, or online at www.elmiratheatre.com.

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O BS E RV E R X TR A. C O M | THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020 | 08

THE MONITOR

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

Deadline: Tuesdays 4pm Online: ads.observerxtra.com/letters

“The Trudeau Cabinet failed to consult with opposition party leaders, as required by law, before appointing the ethics and lobbying commissioners, and at the time the commissioners were investigating Trudeau and Finance Minister Morneau, and also Minister Freeland, so the Cabinet was in a clear conflict of interest when making the appointment of these key democracy watchdogs.”

Duff Conacher, co-founder of Democracy Watch

A new report, Caring in Crisis: Ontario’s Long-Term Care PSW Shortage, finds a shortage of personal support workers (PSW) has serious local repercussions. PSWs are on the front lines, providing much of the daily hands-on care for approximately 80,000 long-term care residents in Ontario. Long-term care homes reported that they are working with shortages on almost all shifts, every day. Weekends are worse.

Rural areas are even harder hit.

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

A

China's wrongs makes the right choice on tech an easy one built into network hardware.

The United States, Australia and New Zealand, all key Canadian allies, have already announced restrictions on the use of Huawei equipment. The UK has allowed it, but with controls.

There’s a backlash brewing in Germany against a decision to include Huawei in that country’s 5G network.

Canada is already embroiled in an investigation of Huawei’s activities, including charges of circumventing sanctions on Iran and theft of intellectual property, having arrested the company’s chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, and holding her for extradition to the U.S. (That’s the proximate cause for the kidnapping of Kovrig and Spavor.)

Given China’s increasing authoritarianism and its more aggressive stance globally, it simply

dd the coronavirus to the list of issues Canada has with China, which has practiced trade extortion, hostage-taking (former diplomat Michael Kovrig and entrepreneur Michael Spavor), corporate espionage on top of concerns about real estate prices and money laundering. Throw in the longstanding globalization issues and it’s clear Canada doesn’t always see eye to eye with the communist state.

Lobbying and corporate self-interest aside, it would seem logical that security concerns alone would be reason enough to exclude China from Canada’s roll out of a 5G network, as agencies here and allies abroad have indicated Chinese companies such as Huawei have strong ties to the authoritarian regime, with back doors and Trojan horses being G LO B A L O U T LO O K

I

A failing grade for coronavirus

n an emergency, the good thing about a dictatorship is that it can respond very fast. The bad thing is that it won’t respond at all until the dictator-in-chief says that it should. All the little dictators who flourish in this sort of system won’t risk their positions by passing bad news up the line until the risk of being blamed for delay outweighs the risk of being blamed for the emergency in the first place.

You can see how this works if you consider China’s response to the emergence of nCov-2019 (novel coronavirus 2019), a new viral threat potentially as serious as the SARS virus of 2003. Some things it has done well, but others it did very badly, and the odds

Of course, all of that is tempered by the desire for profit, which is what drives the likes of Walmart to outsource jobs there – some 400,000 between 2001 and 2013 alone – and to invest billions of dollars. Governments and corporations see the prospect of a huge market and instantly lose the ability to discern right from wrong – an affliction that goes well beyond China, of course.

Some companies are realizing that doing business in China has meant intellectual property theft, mandatory transfer of proprietary technology (subsequently stolen) and foreign ownership restrictions that are seldom matched back on home soil.

Getting off the made-in-China ride now will be more difficult than we hadn’t opened Pandora’s Box in the first place. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try.

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

GLOBAL AFFAIRS

that the virus will spread globally are now probably even or worse.

The local health authorities in Wuhan, the 11-million-strong city in central China where the virus first appeared, spotted it on December 31, when only a few dozen cases had come to their attention. That’s as fast as you could ask, and they promptly shut down the seafood and wild game market where the victims caught the disease. Score: 9

A tale of two Coronas this travel season.

DYER | 09

PUBLISHER Ext 107

REPORTER Ext 101

been some 20 years ago, before the massive influx of cheap plastic crap and the technology boom that really enabled widespread spying and theft.

The spat touched off by the arrest Meng Wanzhou shines a light on what is a most unhealthy relationship.

Leaving aside the trade imbalances – a big part of the U.S. rift with China just now – there remains a long list of concerns, including using the diaspora (including students) as spies, persistent cyber attacks, intellectual property theft, espionage, lobbying, currency manipulation, attempts to buy up foreign assets and related fraud. Not to mention the moral issues of dealing with an authoritarian regime willing to inflict its ill intentions on everybody, including its own people.

GWYNNE DYER

JOE MERLIHAN

VERONICA REINER

makes sense to prevent it from taking part in the rollout of new communications technology.

Huawei stands accused of both stealing technology and being subsidized by the communist government to aid in the spread of its equipment as a means of spying on a large scale.

Western intelligence agencies have flagged China as a major counterintelligence threat. Worries about economic espionage abound, with such investigations by the FBI in the U.S., for instance, predominantly involving China.

Caught up in a dispute with China, Canada has plenty of reasons to re-evaluate the costs, most of them negative, of doing business with the authoritarian regime. That said, the time for the West to have avoided getting entangled with China would have

STEVE KANNON

EDITOR Ext 103

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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.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020 | THE O BSE RVE R

C O M M E NT & O P IN IO N | 09

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

Evidence and facts irrelevant to many in Trump impeachment

I

f you’ve been watching any of the Trump impeachment proceedings and deemed it little more than a spectacle, you’d be right. But that’s rather the whole idea.

There’s little chance the Republican-dominated senate will vote to remove Trump, no matter how clearly unfit for office he is. The spectacle lies in Mitch McConnell’s bunch finding ways to prevent the truth from being aired and moving to a vote as quickly as possible while trying not to look complicit in the corruption.

Equally as compelling is watching the defenders of Trump, from within the U.S. Congress all the way down to the man-on-thestreet interviewers, sporting a red MAGA hat or otherwise. As third party viewers here, we can only gaze in wonder at the lies and ignorance on display.

The lying and ignorance aren’t byproducts of the current partisan divide prompted by Donald Trump, whose corruption and crimes began long before his march to the Whitehouse. What we see today is just the growth of a longstanding propaganda model in politics, one especially cultivated by Republicans.

As with right-wing parties in general, the Republicans know their policies are hurtful to the majority of citizens, so they rely on ignorance (in large supply), fear-mongering and divisive language to foster a base. They’ve also turned to unlimited dark money to sway the gullible and buy votes, gerrymandering, voter suppression and stacking the courts. Combined with localized voting rules and an Electoral College voting system that both seem undemocratic here, they’ve managed to win power.

Demographics don’t bode well for the Republicans, though they use the racial aspects of such shifts to fuel both fear and divisiveness. With decades of underhanded tactics under its belt, the party will stop at nothing to retain power, that includes the

lying and dereliction of sworn duty we see on display in the impeachment trial.

Getting people to vote against their own interests is the playbook long adopted by the right, which offers tax breaks to large corporations and the wealthy while giving them carte blanche to bilk the public, denude the environment, rig the financial services industry, and assault the working and middle classes. Getting millions of people to vote for all of that, while saddling them with the resultant debt, is quite a coup.

Low-information voters suffer from the policies of Republicans (and Democrats on the whole), fuelling an anger that’s misdirected towards others, in turn prompting them to vote for candidates pandering to dog-whistle issues. They have a right to be angry, but pick the wrong targets thanks to incessant propaganda.

Aside from making the U.S. po-

STEVE KANNON EDITOR'S MUSINGS

litical system so dysfunctional, the Republican base – particularly middle-aged working class white men – is the canary in the coalmine for the disintegration of a way of life to which many conservatives yearn to return.

The unworkable U.S. political system is the product of another kind of extremism, but mostly about tensions caused by shifting demographics and decaying economic situation.

The most divisive sector is rightwing Christian fundamentalists – predominantly undereducated white people who see the

country’s decline and think that rolling back the clock will make America great again.

Men were men. Women were women. Both were God-fearing.

Minorities, including gays and lesbians, were largely out of sight. A high school education was enough to get a good job that bought you a home where you could raise your kids – after all, that’s where family values start.

A contingent of such people equate the civil rights movement, women’s liberation efforts, gay rights and a more permissive, relaxed society as the reason their country is going downhill. Immigrants are taking away jobs and destroying American culture, people of this mindset argue – Mexicans are an established target in this regard, now joined by Muslims.

Life has become harder for these people – studies show mortality rates are increasing for

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

middle-aged working class white men, an exception to what’s going on in every other demographic – but that’s true more for many in the middle class. That reality is applicable here, too, though we’re well behind the curve in terms of any political backlash. Unfortunately, the anger in the U.S. is often misplaced, scapegoating those who are even more powerless rather than blaming those responsible turning the economic clock back to revive all the worst characteristics of the prewar era – it’s no coincidence the deregulation that led to the Great Recession and inequality are at levels unseen since the 1920s.

Instead, the Tea Party elements have been led to believe they can restore the country’s greatness, and their own therein, by suppressing the rights of others.

Those really responsible – the now familiar 1% – are more than happy to see the delusion continue, a nice distraction from the truth that also serves to keep the masses divided. Better still, mix the resentment and anger with anti-intellectual rants, religion, guns and a war culture for the perfect recipe to mask the bitter taste of Ronald Reagan’s trickle-down economics on steroids.

The result? Plenty of people voting for absurd policies and politicians that actually harm them.

In the impeachment trial now underway, Republican senators providing cover for Trump aren’t simply just cowards – fearing a primary challenge from the uninformed masses who believe Trump’s tweets of Fox misrepresentations of reality – but are participants in a strategy to retain power by retreating from the truth and gaming the system for as long as possible.

That makes for an entertaining spectacle from the relative safety of this side of the border. Or it would be entertaining if what the impeachment represents wasn’t proof of declining standards, the rise of authoritarianism and threats to democracy.

DYER: China's medical community may have had the right idea, but the politicians soon made a muck of outbreak FROM 08

out of 10.

China’s national health authorities also acted fast. On January 9 they announced that they had a brand new coronavirus on their hands, and just one day later they released its full genetic sequence online so medical researchers worldwide could start working on it. Elapsed time: 11 days. Known deaths at that point: one.

Score: 10 out of 10.

But these are medical professionals, doing their duty according to internationally agreed protocols.

We don’t know what they recommended to China’s political authorities at

that point, but they must have called for widespread testing, and probably also for travel restrictions to control the spread of the virus. But nobody dared to rock the boat: nothing was done.

A pause here to recall how you control the spread of a new infectious disease for which there is no vaccine, nor any effective cure.

You isolate the victims as soon as they are identified, and give them what medical support you can: some will die, but most will usually survive. And if you do that soon enough and thoroughly enough, the global pandemic never gets going.

There are often complicating factors. The spread will be far faster if the virus can pass from one person to another in the air. It will be much harder to isolate the people carrying the virus if they become infectious before they develop visible symptoms. But the methods available to slow or stop the spread are still the same: identify the carriers and isolate them.

Now, back to what happened in China. The medical people did their job; the political people did not. It was two more weeks before the city of Wuhan was cut off from the rest of the country and the world. Lunar New Year, the

biggest holiday in China’s calendar, was coming up fast, but nothing was done although half the population goes home for a visit at this time every year.

Now Wuhan is in lockdown, and the regime has even extended the New Year holiday by three days to keep people where they are a little longer. That doesn’t really help – people still have to go home eventually, and Wuhan’s mayor, Zhou Xianwang, admits that five million people left the city for the New Year celebrations. But it looks decisive. Score: 2 out of 10.

Zhou didn’t dare advocate isolating the city, and neither did anybody else,

until the Great Panjandrum Himself had spoken.

President Xi Jinping finally spoke January 25, saying that China faces a “grave situation,” and now the system is racing to do what it should have been done two weeks ago.

Too bad, but this pandemic (if that is what it becomes) will probably be on the same scale as the SARS virus, and that is not really horrific: deaths in the high hundreds or a few thousands worldwide.

The mortality rate among those who catch it appears to be about two per cent, compared to one per cent for ordinary seasonal influenza. And ordinary flu

kills about 400,000 (mostly elderly) people every year.

But one of these days something like the 1918 virus that caused the ‘Spanish’ influenza will emerge again. That killed around 50 million people worldwide, out of a global population only a quarter of what it is now.

Since Chinese food markets now seem to be a prime source of dangerous new ‘flu-related viruses, the Chinese government has a particular responsibility to contain them early. The Chinese doctors will do their duty, as always, but it would be nice if China had its political act a bit more together before then.

O BS E RV E R X TR A. C O M | THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020 | 10

COURTING HEALTH

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

Online: ads.observerxtra.com/scores Deadline: Tuesdays by 4pm

Despite a relatively mild start compared to last year, winter has arrived in the Grand River watershed.

With cooler temperatures in late January and more winter-like conditions in the forecast, the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has opened ice fishing operations at Belwood Lake Conservation Area.

Conditions will be monitored regularly at the park to ensure the ice thickness meets safety requirements.

M A RT I A L A RT S

www.kwtitans.com

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

Siblings rake in the medals in Costa Rica

Exploring the roots of woodpecker envy

BY VERONICA REINER vreiner@woolwichobserver.com

Two local martial artists have returned from an international competition with plenty of hardware to show for their efforts.

Breslau siblings Hannah and Ethan Wright were part of the Canadian National Martial Arts Team that travelled to Costa Rica for the 2020 International Congress of Martial Arts tournament (ICoMA).

Thirteen-year-old Hannah won five gold medals in weapons, forms, point fighting, musical extreme forms, and synchronized weapons with partner Lexi McGann Barclay. She also scored one bronze medal in chambara.

Her achievements earned her the triple crown title, awarded to those who snag three or more gold medals at the event. This is her second straight year with a triple crown win.

“This is one of my favourite events and it’s a great way to start the year,” said Hannah. “I’m proud of how I did and can’t thank all my coaches enough for everything they have done for me.”

Ten-year-old Ethan came home with one gold in the fighting category, two silvers in weapons and forms/ kata, and one bronze medal in chambara (foam sword fighting).

“I did a new form for the first time and it went really well,” said Ethan. “I’m going to be to working on it more with Sifu Julian and Sifu Silvana and competing more this year.”

Hannah and Ethan were part of the 18 competitors from Shamuon Generation Martial Arts in Waterloo and

When the KW Titans hit the court tonight (Thursday) at 7 p.m. to take on the London Lightning, they’ll be taking part in a “make noise for mental health game” in conjunction with the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council.

T

Breslau's Hannah and Ethan Wright cleaned up at the 2020 International Congress of Martial Arts tournament in Costa Rica.

[VERONICA REINER / THE OBSERVER]

HotShot Athletic in Cambridge that travelled with coaches Sibok Tom Shamuon, Sifu Lorenza Saavedra, Sifu Julian Shamuon and Sifu Silvana Shamuon on January 3.

The tournament took place January 5 at the Riu Guanacaste conference centre in Costa Rica. Overall, the Canadian team cleaned up, bringing home 43 golds 33 silvers and 23 bronze medals along with seven triple

crown wins.

The siblings have been to plenty of tournaments in the past, but felt that this one was particularly special as they were accompanied by their grandfather Randy Adams and his partner Sonya Jenkins. The family got the chance to have a little vacation time in the sunny Costa Rican weather after the tournament was all wrapped up.

“It was awesome to have them there to watch me

Competitors at Shamoun Martial Arts studio in Waterloo.

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compete and to spend time with afterwards,” said Hannah. “I really enjoyed fishing later in the week with my grandpa.”

Ethan has even kept the competitive streak up since, participating in the Arctic Challenge in Warren, Michigan January 18. He brought home bronze medals in weapons, forms, and point fighting.

Both martial artists are travelled to Chicago last Thursday for a NASKA (North American Sport Karate Association) awards banquet. Hannah received the National Champion award in Traditional Weapons, as well as landed in the National Top 10 for Traditional Forms, Point Sparring, Creative Forms, Creative Weapons, and Extreme Forms. Ethan scored top 10 in Traditional Weapons, Traditional Forms and Point Sparring.

#ITSOURTIME

he other day I watched a pileated woodpecker do exactly what I typically do after reading a Trump tweet. Yet, as it was banging its head against a tree, I couldn’t help but envy that particular bird and admire woodpeckers in general.

Call me naive, but I happen to think their species followed an extraordinary evolutionary route that makes far more sense than ours. And the closer we get to tax time, the more I believe that.

Like all outdoorsy types, I have had plenty of opportunity over the years to observe woodpeckers banging their heads against trees.

But rather than feel superior, I have come to the conclusion that they have it all figured out. I can’t do it without a helmet.

Also, they live a carefree life that allows them to fly anywhere, without extra baggage charges, line-ups, and airport delays. And forget Yelp, they find a good meal merely by using their beaks to bore a hole in the nearest tree. In that sense, they are light years ahead of us. And, if you need further proof, I’ll remind you that no woodpecker has ever been exposed to a Trump tweet.

To live this glamourous life, the woodpecker has evolved a skull and beak that would cause them to be welcomed into any group of English soccer hooligans. And there is something to be said for that kind of appeal. I also

STEVE GALEA

NOT-SO-GREAT OUTDOORSMAN

envy the fact that they only eat grubs and bugs that they capture and lap up with their tongues, which, sounds gross, but is still far preferable to eating kale or tofu.

My affection for woodpeckers might come as a surprise to most bowhunters out there. You see, woodpeckers and bowhunters have a complicated relationship.

This is primarily because nothing ruins a good tree stand nap like the sudden sound of a woodpecker tapping on the tree bark beside your ear. Also, if you ever wondered why Tree Bark camo is avoided by some hunters, you can blame bad experiences with woodpeckers. Of course, no one will ever tell you they had a bad pecker experience, but it happens more times than you’d think. Which brings me to another point – for the purposes of clarity and complete understanding, never call them peckers.

This is a mistake beginning birders sometimes make in an effort to sound overly familiar with the species. If you don’t see how this could be a problem, think of it this way.

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LO C AL S P O RTS | 11

Two more wins see Kings solidify hold on conference lead Elmira posts victories on the road in Listowel and Waterloo to wrap up January with a new streak

BY VERONICA REINER vreiner@woolwichobserver.com

A pair of wins over the weekend showed why the Elmira Sugar Kings are atop the standings of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Midwestern Conference.

The team was victorious 6-3 on the road in Listowel January 24 and again in Waterloo Sunday, where the score was 5-0.

With a record of 31-7-04, the Kings are 11 points ahead of the second-place Kitchener Dutchmen (2511-2-3) and 12 ahead of the Cambridge Redhawks (2512-1-3).

“The future looks good as far as the regular season goes,” said head coach Rob Collins. “Everything is in our control, which is all you can ask for. The plan is to keep on improving, because we know that’s what it’s going to take in order

to achieve the ultimate goal which is to win in the playoffs.”

The winning weekend started last Friday in Listowel, with Jeremey Goodwin (Brody Waters, Mason McMahon) drawing first blood at 6:04, gaining an early lead that the Kings would never relinquish.

The next goal came from Waters at 12:58, with an assist going to McMahon, to make it 2-0.

“The first two periods in the Listowel game I thought were two of the better periods I thought we had all year,” said Collins.

“I thought we were really, really good. We were in full control of the game.”

There was no more scoring until the second frame, when Jacob Black joined in on the scoring almost instantly 40 seconds in.

Kurtis Goodwin and Hunter Dubecki picked up the assists. Cooper Way (Mc-

Mahon, Brody Leblanc) potted one more with just seconds left in the stanza, at 19:48. It was 4-0 for the visitors heading into the second intermission.

The tone of the game got progressively rougher when action resumed, with an Elmira penalty at the end of the second for slashing, leaving the Kings at a disadvantage.

The floundering Listowel Cyclones finally got on the board, capitalizing on the power play at 1:04.

Any thought of a comeback was shortlived, with Dubecki (Luke Eurig) returning the favour at 6:04 to make it 5-1. The Cyclones responded within a minute to make it 5-2 Another set of penalties – this time on the Listowel side for boarding and roughing –gave the Kings an opportunity to put the game away, and they did not disappoint. Black

scored on the power play at 10:31, with assists going to Waters and Harrison Toms.

Up 6-2, the Kings would surrender one more to Listowel with seven minutes to go, but it was already too little, too late at that point.

It was 6-3 for Elmira when the buzzer went, with shots 31-18 in favour of the Kings.

Sunday found the Kings in Waterloo to face the Siskins, to whom they’d lost in the previous four encounters. This time would be satisfyingly different, however.

“Revenge tastes sweet,” said Collins. “We had something to prove to ourselves; we had confidence in ourselves that we could beat this team and we needed to let our actions do the talking.”

Things could have gone differently, as Elmira was playing with a shortened lineup with Harrison Toms and Kurtis Goodwin out of

Elmira player Brett Allen during game action on Sunday against the Siskins in Waterloo, where the Sugar Kings posted 5-0 win.

[VERONICA REINER]

this match, but they played their hand well. Elmira opened the scoring when Leblanc potted one at 5:46.

McMahon (J. Goodwin) followed up at 6:52. The first period would end with the visitors up 2-0.

There was no scoring in the middle frame, but tensions did rise a little bit as witnessed by the handful of penalties doled out. The Kings got rolling again in the third, however. J. GoodKINGS | 19

THE SCORE WOOLWICH WILDCATS Novice: Major Novice A

Jan 26 vs Centre Wellington Fusion HOME: 7 VISITOR: 2 GOALS: Isla McCoubrey (3), Grayson Schimus (2), Arabelle Weiss, Bentley Wideman ASSISTS: Tristan Snelling

(3), Grayson Schimus (2), Jayden Vincent (2), Liam Weiss, Arabelle Weiss, Owen Misener, Bentley Wideman, Jackson Vogel Shutouts: N/A Atom: Major Atom A

Jan 27 vs Brampton 45s HOME: 7 VISITOR: 2 GOALS: Reese Martin, Grant Rintoul, Nolan Martin, Matthew Kochut, Colton Sinclair, Jordan Martin, Colton Brito ASSISTS: Colton Brito,

William Krubally (2), Jordan Martin (2), Colton Sinclair (2), Nolan Martin, PeeWee: Peewee AE

Jan 23 vs Center Wellington HOME: 3 VISITOR: 3 GOALS: Connor Goebel, Gavin Sager, Owen Weppler ASSISTS: Brooks Lehtonen, Austin Roth, Spencer Miller PeeWee: Peewee AE

Jan 24 vs Caledon HOME: 3 VISITOR: 4 GOALS: Connor Goebel (2), Wes Aitken ASSISTS: Spencer Miller

GOALS: Tyler Gingrich X (3), Clyde Chico X (1), Dylan Burkholder x (1)

Jan 27 vs Peewee LL3 HOME: 3 VISITOR: 5

Jan 14 vs Kitchener Lady Rangers HOME: 1 VISITOR: 4 GOALS: Katelyn Snider

Jordan MacLachlan x (1) Bantam: Minor Bantam A

Jan 25 vs Burlington HOME: 3 VISITOR: 2 GOALS: Josh Uhrig (2), Mathew Ramage ASSISTS: Eric Kane (2), Jamie Ferretti, Jackson Bowman

Atom: A

Jan 24 vs St Thomas HOME: 0 VISITOR: 0 Shutouts: Emma Heron

ASSISTS: Myles Hunter,

Jackson Smith, Hayden George, Nate Whittom, Owen Padfield Shutouts: Michael Charbonneau Bantam: LL3

Jan 17 vs Centre Wellington 3 HOME: 2 VISITOR: 5 GOALS: Hudson Habermehl, Noah Strauss ASSISTS: Adam Short, Noah Strauss, Nicholas Ritchie Midget: Minor Midget A

Jan 05 vs Oakville Rangers Blue HOME: 7 VISITOR: 2 GOALS: Curtis Bisch, Brett Moser (2),Cohen McIsaac, Reid Burkholder, Zack Bender (2) Gear, Curtis Bisch,Reid Burkholder, Elliott MacCarey, Ethan Bickerton,

GOALS: Emma McCoubrey ASSISTS: Emily Metzger

PeeWee: Peewee A

Jan 21 vs Wilmot HOME: 2 VISITOR: 0 GOALS: Lexie de Jeu, Sara Forwell ASSISTS: Sara Forwell, Brie Brezynskie, Kylie Rayfield Shutouts: Riley Nelson PeeWee: Peewee A

Atom: A

Bantam: LL #2

Jan 21 vs CW 2 HOME: 9 VISITOR: 0 GOALS: Kane Kruschat (2), Nate Whittom (4), Andrew Palmer (2), Myles Hunter

WOOLWICH WILD Atom: A

ASSISTS: Alex Hiller x (2),

ASSISTS: Andrew

PeeWee: Peewee LL3

MUCH AT "STEAK" AT CURLING CLUB

The Elmira and District Curling Club hosted the 'Men's Striploin Classic' at their faciltiy Jan. 25.

[VERONICA REINER / THE OBSERVER]

Brett Moser, Aiden Von Kannen Midget: Minor Midget A

Jan 08 vs Centre Wellington HOME: 2 VISITOR: 7 GOALS: Andrew Gear, Carter Cousineau ASSISTS: Carter Cousineau, Zack Bender, Andrew Gear, Mitchell Hartman Midget: Minor Midget A

Jan 12 vs Oakville Rangers Red HOME: 1 VISITOR: 5 GOALS: Elliott MacCarey ASSISTS: Cohen McIsaac

HOME: 6 VISITOR: 1 GOALS: Braun Draper (3),

Bryden Schaefer, Nicholas Shardlow

Edwin Martin (2), Aiden Basler

ASSISTS: Nolan Cruickshank

ASSISTS: Aiden Basler

(2), Braun Draper, Logan Goodfellow, Cooper Jones, Maddox Medeiros Atom: LL#2

Jan 25 vs Hespeler HOME: 3 VISITOR: 4 GOALS: Braun Draper (2), Cooper Jones ASSISTS: Braun Draper (2), Maddox Medeiros, Dexter Mannhardt Atom: LL#2

Atom: LL#2

Jan 24 vs New Hamburg HOME: 3 VISITOR: 1 GOALS: Aiden Basler, Austin Thompson, Braun Draper ASSISTS: Aiden Basler Atom: LL#2

Jan 25 vs Twin Centre

Jan 26 vs Belmont HOME: 1 VISITOR: 3 GOALS: Braun Draper Atom: LL3

Jan 24 vs Cambridge Senators HOME: 5 VISITOR: 3 GOALS: Tyler Bauman (2), Brylee Patterson,

(2), Charlie Brodrecht, Ethan Leveck, Owen Dally, James Ferguson

Jan 25 vs Saugeen HOME: 2 VISITOR: 5 GOALS: Katelyn Snider, Emma McCoubrey ASSISTS: Elle Schwindt, Calista Wagner Atom: LL

Jan 25 vs Kitchener Lady Rangers Blue HOME: 1 VISITOR: 1 GOALS: Addison Searth ASSISTS: Loxley Walsh

Atom: LL3

Atom: Atom B

Jan 25 vs Minto Mad Dogs HOME: 3 VISITOR: 1 GOALS: Tyler Bauman, Drew Diebolt, Nicholas Shardlow

Jan 25 vs Kitchener Lady Rangers HOME: 3 VISITOR: 1 GOALS: Megan Nixon, Andirana Chalhoub, Chloe Further

Atom: LL3

Jan 25 vs Woolwich Wildcats LL1 HOME: 1 VISITOR: 1 GOALS: Nolan Cruickshank ASSISTS: Drew Diebolt Atom: LL3

Jan 26 vs Hespeler Shamrocks Green HOME: 2 VISITOR: 5 GOALS: Tyler Bauman, Nicholas Shardlow ASSISTS: Ethan Leveck, Nicholas Shardlow, James Ferguson

ASSISTS: Taylor Rayfield,

Rowyn McDowell, Serena Hessels

Jan 25 vs Cambridge HOME: 3 VISITOR: 1 GOALS: Sara Forwell, Brooke Kroetsch, Kendra Hill ASSISTS: Claire Catton,

Olivia Straus, Kaeley Parker, Charlotte McMillian, Brie Brezynskie, Kylie Rayfield Midget: Midget B

Jan 19 vs Mt Forest Rams HOME: 2 VISITOR: 2 GOALS: Maggie Sabean, Katie Lee ASSISTS: Avery Leech (2), Rachel Christenson, Maddie Bingeman-Mace Midget: Midget B

Jan 23 vs Woolwich Wild MB#1 HOME: 1 VISITOR: 0 GOALS: Avery Leech ASSISTS: Izzy Beaupre Shutouts: Sarah Walker

Atom: LL

Jan 25 vs Kitchener Lady Rangers Blue HOME: 1 VISITOR: 1 GOALS: Addison Searth ASSISTS: Loxley Walsh Atom: A

Jan 24 vs St Thomas HOME: 1 VISITOR: 1

Midget: Midget BB

Jan 26 vs Waterloo HOME: 2 VISITOR: 1 GOALS: Sydney Dettweiler, Shae-Lynn Martin ASSISTS: Claire Higgins, Haylee Clemmer Shutouts: n/a

TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

12 | LO C AL S P ORTS

GALEA: The original head-bangers provide one of life's simple pleasures FROM 10

photos you took of a Hairy woodpecker but not so much when you abbreviate it.

Regardless of these little missteps, watching woodpeckers, whether they are at your birdfeeder or in the woods is one of life’s simple pleasures. It’s almost impossible not to be fascinated by the way they climb up and down trees and hammer their beaks into the hard wood until they find the food they need or work out their frustrations.

They also provide many benefits to other species and the forest in general.

The holes they make are often expanded and used as nesting cavities by birds and squirrels. They also provide pathways for diseases and insects that will eventually kill a tree. This sounds destructive but it actually benefits a forest in many ways.

I would like to end this column with my favourite woodpecker joke, but I won’t. These days, most people think knock-knock jokes are lame.

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Jacks post three-game unbeaten streak After tying Ayr 3-3, Wellesley bests Woodstock 5-3 before running over Delhi 20-1

BY VERONICA REINER vreiner@woolwichobserver.com

Picking up five of six points in the past week has the Wellesley Applejacks within striking range of first place in their division as the regular season wraps up.

A 3-3 tie with the Ayr Centennials January 23 was followed by a 5-3 win over Woodstock on Saturday and a 20-1 thrashing of Delhi the following day.

Those results brought Wellesley (26-6-2-4) within two points of the firstplace Tavistock Braves (28-5-3-1) in the Provincial Junior Hockey League’s South Doherty Division standings.

Club president Terry Brick said that the Applejacks still have a chance at the top spot before the regular season comes to a close this weekend.

“I’m thinking about first place. If we win our last games ... it’ll come down to the Friday night game in Tavistock for deciding first place because we’re only two points behind them right now,” said Brick. “If we beat them, and then we beat New Hamburg, we’re in first place.”

Last Thursday night’s game in North Dumfries got off to a strong start, with Wellesley’s Steve DeGroot drawing first blood unassisted at 3:34. There were some back-and-forth penalties doled out to both teams, but a high sticking call on Ayr’s side ended up costing them. James Ranson scored on a power play at 16:29, with Kyle Fischer and Justin McCombs picking up assists.

The second stanza was relatively quiet, save for a handful of penalties. Austin Cousineau (Gianfranco Commisso) potted one more for Wellesley at 16:59, giving the visitors a comfortable 3-0 lead heading into the third.

But the final frame was all about the Centennials, who rallied to come back with a vengeance. Their first goal came at 3:40, followed by another marker at 7:21. Another goal just over a minute later made it 3-3.

There was no more scoring in regulation, sending the two teams to overtime.

That solved nothing, as neither team was able to find the net, not even when Wellesley took a toomany-men penalty. It was 3-3 when all was said and done, Ayr having outshot the Jacks 38-33.

The Wellesley Applejacks celebrate a goal during a home game against the Woodstock Navy Vets on Saturday. They emerged victorious 5-3.

[VERONICA REINER / THE OBSERVER]

On Saturday, the Applejacks weren’t gracious hosts to the Navy Vets, though things started off rather dicey. Woodstock opened the scoring with unassisted power play marker at 6:03. Woodstock made it 2-0 a few minutes later on a goal from former Applejack Reade MacInnes.

Trailing going into the third, the Jacks kept their cool. Zach Ribeiro (McCombs, Commisso) put the Applejacks on the board at 3:37. Cousineau followed up shortly after at 5:54, with assists going to Conner Bradley and Carson Wickie. Commisso (McCombs, James Ranson) joined in on the scoring frenzy at 13:08, and gave Wellesley the lead for the first time.

Woodstock wasn’t about to go down without a fight, however, capitalizing on a power play at 14:15. But thanks to an unassisted goal by Cousineau at 17:18, Wellesley finally gained a lead that they would never relinquish – 4-3 after 40 minutes.

The final period was more notable for its roughhousing than for its scoring, with 34 minutes worth of penalty box time served between the two teams.

That was significantly higher than any other frame. The lone goal came from Cousineau (Matt Caskanette) at 7:59, achieving a hat trick in the process of clinching the win. When the final buzzer went off, it was a 5-3 win for Wellesley.

Shots were 45-27 in favour of the home team.

There was no back-andforth, let alone any doubt of the outcome, the following night, as the Jacks went into Delhi and played a textbook game of “score early and often” on route to a 20-1 victory over the Travellers, who’ve yet to

win a game this season (0-39) “I got to give [Delhi] credit: they keep playing, they keep coming out, knowing what’s going to happen to them,” said Brick. “We have some other teams that start fighting and get chippy, but Delhi just plays and doesn’t give into the fighting or penalties. They just take it like gentlemen, I’ll call it.”

Commisso (McCombs) opened scoring almost instantly 47 seconds into the match. Troy Vandenbussche (Commisso) followed up at 5:40, then DeGroot (J. Ranson, Commisso) joined in on the fun at 7:00.

J. Ranson potted another at 7:23, with Zach Ribeiro picking up the assist. Just past the midway point, the Travellers got on the board to make it 4-1, but that would be it for them.

McCombs made sure any optimism was shortlived, potting the 5th Wellesley goal at 11:14. Assists went to Commisso and J. Ranson. Vandenbussche (Shaun Pickering, Kyle Fischer) scored another at 16:22. Ribeiro joined in on the feeding frenzy at 19:25, with Aaron Skinner picking up the assists.

By the end of the first frame, Wellesley had a 7-1 lead, truly setting the tone for the rest of the match.

The lead would only get higher in the second and third, giving the floundering Travellers no chance to respond this time.

Like the first frame, Commisso scored almost immediately at 48 seconds in, with Pickering and Caskenette grabbing the assists. This was followed by three consecutive goals from the same Wellesley player, Koby Seiling, who achieved a hat trick in the process. He had not scored once until this point. The first came at 1:34 (Ribeiro,

Pickering), the next at 2:23 (Ribeiro, Keegan Saunders) and 3:42 (Ribeiro). Pickering kept the ball rolling at 10:09, with the assist going to McCombs. DeGroot (Skinner, Commisso) potted another at 12:36. Fischer wrapped up scoring this frame at 19:48, with Seiling and McCombs picking up the assists.

The Wellesley Applejacks did not let up, keeping the heat on the Travellers well into the third frame. McCombs (Commisso, Skinner) quickly picked up the first goal 35 seconds in, then potted another just seconds later at 0:49. This made it a hat trick for McCombs, and Commisso and Ribeiro took the assists. Fischer (Pickering, Ribeiro) kept up the momentum at 4:24.

Ribeiro (Vandenbussche, Daniel McCutcheon) scored again at 7:38, then Pickering (McCutcheon, McCombs) at 10:30. McCombs scored the final goal of the match at 12:04, with Caskanette and Fischer picking up the assists.

When it was all over, Wellesley had harshed all over Delhi 20-1, with shots overwhelmingly in Wellesley’s favour at 84-34.

While that kind of scoring is unlikely to keep going this weekend, the Jacks are looking to maintain their winning ways. Friday night, they head to Tavistock to take on the Braves at 8 p.m., then host the New Hamburg Firebirds (17-15-3-3) on Saturday.

Game time is 8 p.m.

“I don’t want to take New Hamburg lightly because they beat us 4-1 last time we played them in New Hamburg. That wasn’t supposed to happen,” said Brick.

With those games, the Jacks finish their PJHL regular season, then start preparing for the playoffs.

O BS E RV E R X TR A. C O M | THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020 | 13

IN THE KNOW

BIA BUDGET OK'D

BUSINESS VENTURES

Let's keep the local economic engines firing? We want to shine a light on new local enterprises.

The St. Jacobs Business Improvement Area (BIA) plans to spend $157,400 this year, a figure that matches revenues as outlined in the 2020 budget approved this week by Woolwich council. Spending on tap includes beautification ($53,317), events ($27,319), marketing ($28,750) and administration ($45,850).

Companies are becoming less secretive about their books with employees. Some 77% of workers in Canada are interested in hearing about their organization's financial performance. And a majority of CFOs (88%) said their company regularly shares this data with at least some staff; 48% give updates to all workers.

Robert Half survey

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T E C H N O LO GY AT WO R K

While shopping, strength in numbers

UW grads' Shop Together app was inspired by the Elmira Buy & Sell Facebook group, with focus on rural areas

BY VERONICA REINER vreiner@woolwichobserver.com

A Waterloo Region startup aims to provide a new type of shopping experience, particularly those in rural communities.

Shop Together is a social-buying app that features discounts when purchasing with a group.

The products, which range from household products, cosmetics and food items,

are then delivered to the customers’ door.

The e-commerce app was co-founded by three University of Waterloo graduates – Jacqueline Chan, Jayanth Kottapalli and Sumit Pasupalak – while they were still in school together. Other team members joined in, including Neha Choudhary marketing and community, iOS lead developer Bastien Ravalet, and lead android developer

Florian Do. Chan said that she had been inspired to create the app in early 2019 through an Elmira Buy & Sell Facebook group.

“There’s a lot of Facebook Buy & Sell groups and I actually bought something from the Elmira Facebook group and I was seeing that a lot of other people wanted the product,” explained Chan.

“Obviously I didn’t sell

that product but I thought ‘What could I sell there that people would be interested in?’”

After seeing the traction posts can pick up on these online groups, the idea of selling a discounted item over the Buy & Sell stayed with her for a while. To try it out, she purchased almonds on sale at Walmart.

“So I thought, ‘why not just save the trip for everyone? Let’s just buy these

and see who else would be interested.’ I got 40-50 replies in just a few hours, just from these almonds,” said Chan.

The soft launch took place October 1, and has seen more than 5,000 downloads since its inception. Their key demographics include millennial moms, wellness enthusiasts, and professional women on the go.

Because of its potential

to save rural residents a trip to the city grocery stores, it has seen popularity in smaller areas, said Choudhary.

“It’s grown in areas like Bloomingdale, Elmira, and even outside of Woolwich Township. We saw it popular in Elora, New Hamburg, all the way to Bluewater in Bayfield,” said Choudhary.

“We were seeing that populate, and then somehow SHOPPING | 14

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TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

14 | BUSI N E S S V E NT URE S

When food and farming gives you that "O Canada" feeling

A

griculture and AgriFood Canada is on the hunt for a marketing agency to promote Canadian food and agriculture for the next five-ish years, offering $25 million. Ottawa’s decided that through a national get-to-know-Canadianfood campaign, it wants to build consumer confidence and pride in Canadians who farm and fish and highlight the advantages of buying the food they produce.

“Consumers in Canada can be extremely proud of Canadian producers, who continue to innovate to meet the growing demand for food, while finding solutions to challenges such as environmental sustainability,” says federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude

Bibeau. “The campaign should tell the story of Canada’s agri-food sector and reach audiences on an emotional level in order to instil pride and confidence in the country’s food systems.”

Her search is bound to attract a lot of interest – governments pay their bills, and the assignment will be as fascinating as it is challenging.

For example, we know from the writings of Canadian food pioneers like Elora’s Anita Stewart that Canada is a regional food nation. We are a collection of local food developments. What’s local in parts of Quebec will be alien to parts of Manitoba. What’s local in parts of BC will be alien to parts of Saskatchewan. What’s local to us here will be alien to parts of

OWEN ROBERTS FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Saskatchewan.

But that doesn’t mean it’s not good, or that we shouldn’t be proud of all of it and celebrate its heritage, uniqueness and quality.

Reaction to the campaign’s announcement has included concerns it could confuse consumers, because provinces also promote local food.

So what? When it comes to diversity, provinces are in the same boat as Ottawa.

What’s local and unique in Elmira is an anomaly in

Windsor. What’s local and unique in St. Boniface is an anomaly in Steinbach.

It’s all part of our rich food culture … and if indeed promoting it in multiple ways is a risk, then it’s a risk worth taking.

Here’s why. If the marketing company with the winning bid is smart, and I’m sure it will be, the national and provincial campaigns could benefit from each other, by coordinating their efforts and making sure they’re not duplicating efforts.

There is ample Canadian food to promote; there’s no need for such a high-profile campaign to cover paths that are already being blazed.

Rather, it’s an excellent opportunity to find new ways to tell the stories behind foods and ingre-

dients that have made regions like Woolwich Township renowned. People want to know who is behind those local foods and ingredients. And that points squarely to farmers.

But there’s another angle.

Research by the Guelphbased Canadian Centre for Food Integrity shows Canadians’ biggest concern is the rising cost of food.

So as part of these national feel-good stories, how about explaining ways that Canadian farmers keep the price of food down, through the many approaches they take to produce it?

It’s an aspect of food production seeped in history and prevailing to this day. Farmers have always been pressured to keep

their costs down, mainly by those further down the value chain. Farmers have found research and technology to be one of their biggest allies; even though it costs money, the returns in lower costs of production help them keep their part of the value chain in check, while simultaneously ensuring safety and quality.

This approach might help Canadians understand farmers’ contribution to addressing what keeps them up at night.

The biggest part of their food dollar is not going to farmers. Not even close.

The national campaign will do a service to local food. I look forward to seeing it roll out and reading details about the successful marketing company’s plan.

SHOPPING: App provides option of shopping alone or creating a group order FROM 13

with that, transactions it was taking it back to Kitchener-Waterloo... or vice-versa, passing it back into those areas.”

The app itself features elements of well-known social media apps, such as the Facebook timeline and Instagram profile. That was intentional, said Kottapalli, to give users a sense of familiarity, as well as encourage a social atmosphere while browsing.

“When we actually thought about it, it’s already built into people’s mindsets. There’s a social aspect to shopping; if you

see a great deal, you’ll likely tell your family and friends,” said Kottapalli.

A user has the option when viewing a product to buy alone, or create a group order, usually with a significantly discounted price. If a user does not know anyone who uses the app, they can pair up with someone in the area who wants the same item for a discount.

Each user has a profile that can be connected to their Facebook or simply to their phone. Their profile, which can be viewed by any other user, lists the amount of money saved,

each product purchased, and their “followers” and “following.”

The Shop Together staff purchase their products directly from Canadian suppliers, such as the Toronto based wholesale bakery, New Moon Kitchen. This is why they are able to offer products at a lower price.

While the majority of products featured are unique and unconventional, the most purchased items so far are everyday essentials, such as toilet paper.

“Other corporations such as Goodness Me! charge

money for putting the product on the shelf itself, and that’s what makes the prices get crazy high,” said Kottapalli. “For us, the shelf is on the app. You’re not paying the premium – if you know that you wanted to get this product, then you have a cheaper option to get this product on the platform.”

Staff opt to use local couriers to deliver products to the door, preferring to go that route over the likes of Canada Post.

The Shop Together app can be downloaded for free on the app store or Google Play.

The Shop Together app is available free on android and iOS.

One of the best advertising opportunities of the year is booking advertising now.

The 2020 guide to the

Elmira Maple Syrup Festival The guide is distributed Region-wide and available to festival attendees in full-colour.

Book an ad and introduce your local business at the BIGGEST local event of the year.

Call Donna Rudy for rates and details at:

519-669-5790 ext104 drudy@woolwichobserver.com

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@woolwichnews

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O BS E RV E R X TR A. C O M | THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020 | 15

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

Your local hub for our creative communities. Let us know when inspiration strikes.

Online: ads.observerxtra.com/tips

Hand embroidery artist, illustrator, and designer Sarah Godfrey is the 2020 Schneider Haus artist-in-residence, where she’ll continue her passion for exploring colour and texture with work that draws from nature and folklore. Her work has gained a large online following. She will be developing educational materials for other creative people and sharing her knowledge through workshops and do-it-yourself resources. www.schneiderhaus.ca

EARTHLY BEAUTY The Waterloo Chamber Players, the Waterloo County Teachers’ Choir and local duo Erso will be performing a concert together Feb. 29. “For The Beauty” celebrates the Earth and its environment with music from classical to original, with all proceeds going to support Communities for Conservation and Music In Schools.

The show is set for 7:30 p.m. at at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 49 Queen St. N., Kitchener. Admission at the door is “pay what you can.”

LIVE MUSIC

Winnipeg Wind – Ed Miller, Gary Ferguson, Richie Sarlo, Brian Witmer and Vern McDonald – are set to play the Commercial Tavern tomorow (Jan. 31).

[SUBMITTED]

They know a thing or two about classic rock

Group of veteran musicians have a new band in Winnipeg Wind, which plays Jan. 31 at the Commercial Tavern

BY STEVE KANNON

skannon@woolwichobserver.com

The band may be relatively new, but the players themselves have decades of experience with local groups, and a following thanks to time with the likes of Major Hoople’s Boarding House and Copperpenny.

Under the banner of Winnipeg Wind, the five veterans of the scene will take to the stage at the Commercial Tavern in Maryhill on January 31.

Named for a song they penned by the same name,

Winnipeg Wind features Ed Miller on drums, Gary Ferguson on keyboards, Richie Sarlo on guitar, Brian Witmer on bass and Vern McDonald on guitar.

All five contribute vocals to the effort.

“We have a lot of fourand five-part harmonies that we’re always working on,” said Miller. “Everyone writes, sings and plays well.”

The band members all have lengthy résumés, and have worked with each other over the years. About a year ago, they came togeth-

er to form the new project.

“We all know each other through the years. It’s worked out really well,” he said of Winnipeg Wind.

Miller was part of Major Hoople, and has also played with the likes of Bobby Curtola and Kelly Jay of Crowbar. Ferguson has enjoyed stints with Hour Glass, Little Caesar and the Consuls and Ash Mountain. Sarlo’s played with Bo Diddley and Screwage, while Witmer had been with Project People, Evil Roy Slade and Larry Mercey. McDonald’s cred-

We have photos to share.

its include Copperpenny, Yukon, Katz (Lulus House Band) and the Black Forest Band.

With so much experience under their belts, all of the players are now in it for the music, pure and simple, says Miller.

“Everyone’s been playing for so long, there are no egos involved.

“We’re having so much fun doing it,” he said.

For this week’s show in Maryhill, the band will be on the classic rock train – with a name like Winnipeg Wind, they’ll have to be a

tribute to some native sons such as The Guess Who. The set list will include some originals from the band and its members.

With a new single on the way, the band is also working on an album, Miller notes.

In the meantime, there’s plenty of rehearsal time as they develop Winnipeg Wind’s sound, and a mix of concerts and club shows just now ahead of the busier summer festival season.

“It’s great to get out and play,” he said. “We want to keep active, keep playing.”

Given the band members’ long history, they’ve got a built-in following who keep track of the live shows.

“There are people who come out to see us whenever we’re playing,” said Miller, adding the guys appreciate the effort they make.

Winnipeg Wind performs at the Commercial Tavern January 31. Tickets are available at the venue, 1303 Maryhill Rd., or by calling 519-648-3644. For more information, visit www. commercialtavern.ca.

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O BS E RV E R X TR A. C O M | THURSDAY,JANUARY 30, 2020 | 16

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Or buy your sap • Write or contact me

CLASSIFIED LISTINGS HELP WANTED

NOW HIRING AT SCHNURR'S GROCERY or The Corner Store Linwood. 3 full days per week. Call 519 - 897-2600.

PART-TIME HELP WANTED EXPERIenced farm helper needed, to maintain small orchard, starting in April 2020. Farm in Milton, one hour from Elmira. Paid each day in cash, $400.00 per day. 3 bedroom house available. Telephone: 905-876-2606, fax 905819-8379.

FOR SALE

MATTRESS AND BOX SPRING, NEW, NEVER used, still in sealed bag.

Sacrifice $195. Delivery available $35. 519-6358737.

AUCTIONS

MON FEB 3 AT 7:00 PM - ONLINE ONLY AUCtion closing of Military items; die cast toys; and much more. www.jantziauctions.hibid.com.

Jantzi Auctions Ltd. 519 656 3555

WED. FEB 12 AT 9:30 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

Nieuwland Feeds Elora

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

Parkside Dr. Jantzi Auc- KILN DRIED CORN & tions Ltd. 519 656 3555 CORN SCREENING www.jantziauctions.com Delivered by Einwechter.

Minimum 15 ton lots.

FARM SERVICES Call George Haffner BAGGED PINE SHAV- Trucking 519-574-4141 INGS AGRICULTURAL or 519-669-2045.

Spray Lime, 22.5kg. bag; WANTED feed grade lime, 25kg.

Delivered. Call George BUYING ALL OLD Haffner Trucking, 519-574- POCKET AND WRIST 4141 or 519-669-2045. watches Illinois, Hamilton, Omega, Rolex, BretFERTILIZER AND SEED ling, Tudor etc. Silver & GRAIN - AT COMPETI- gold coins, early paper tive pricing. Call George money, rock records, Haffner Trucking, 519- gold jewellery, diamonds, clocks, cash waiting. Call 574-4141.

Terry at 519-242-6900 or email gallamore@ ICE SALT & ICE MELT golden.net Fair, honest - ICE SALT COMES IN prices.

20 & 40kg's, Ice melt comes in 20kg bags. Call REAL ESTATE George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141 or 519- HOUSE FOR SALE. SIN669-2045.

GLE FAMILY DETACHED

in Wellesley. 3 bedroom 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.

TRADES & SERVICES

fense, Self-discipline, Self-confidence.

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, 2915 Lobsinger Line, Heidelberg. Our 10 week session $90+HST. Call 519-580-1418 or e-mail becky_schweitzer@hotmail.com

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

Please call 519-496-7539 or email ron.spncr@ gmail.com THE SHAREHOLDERS OF THE ELMIRA FARMCOMING ers' Shed will hold their EVENTS Annual Meeting in the KARATE!!! SESSION 3 Farmer's Plus Board BEGINS FEB. 10TH AT Room on Fri. Jan. 31, SCHWEITZER'S MAR- 2019 at 1:30 p.m.

TIAL ARTS. Self-de-

Email your resume to:

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or apply in person to Cliff at:

7460 County Road 21, Elora

WE DO SIGNS OF ALL KINDS!

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• Family History Books • Cookbooks Inquire about our • Manuals • Catalogues Publishing Packages • Children’s Books and free Author’s Guide

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675 DAVENPORT RD., WATERLOO • 519-804-0017 www.mtprint.com

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Large enough to include plenty of information, but small enough to provide budget friendly pricing and easily distributed.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020 | THE O BSE RVE R

C L AS S IF IE D N OTIC E S | 17

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

35 Howard Ave., Elmira

30 ORIOLE PKWY. E., ELMIRA

Various sizes & rates

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

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

519-669-4400

519-669-3232

CLEAN • DRY • SECURE Call

519-669-4964

100 SOUTH FIELD DRIVE, ELMIRA

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

Murray & Daniel Shantz

ALMA, ONTARIO | PHONE: 519.846.5427

THIS SPACE IS FOR RENT

ARE A

SPECIALTY, NOT A SIDE LINE.

While You Wait

MarCrest Backhoe • Residential • Commercial • Industrial

Septic Installations · Tile Repairs Small Footings · Silo Footings

Randy Weber

ECRA/ESA Licence # 7000605

Maynard Martin

www.rwelectricltd.com

2512 Kressler Road RR1 St. Clements, ON N0B 2M0

18 Kingfisher Dr., Elmira | 519.669.1462

Tel. 519-699-0507

SKATE SHARPENING

4

$ 99 FREE!

5th PAIR

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

Call someone you can trust - your local Home Hardware Popular Brands Available

BLANCO, MAAX, MIROLAN, STEEL QUEEN

WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED

CALL JAYME FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE.

519-503-6033 (CELL)

22 Church St. W., Elmira

519.501.2405 | 519.698.2114

519-669-2251

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

In Business since 1973 • Fully Insured

36 Hampton St., Elmira

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES “25 years in Business”

Visit our website

www.biobobs.com or call today!

519-648-3004

or

800-232-6396

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

Concrete Breaking & Removal

Steve Co.

Plumbing and Maintenance Inc.

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

For all your Plumbing Needs.

24 HOUR SERVICE Steve Jacobi

ELMIRA

519-669-3652

The Right Window Treatment Can

Save you

Blinds

by Elite or Mera

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

FREE

INSTALLATION When you buy 3 or more

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

Evenings By Appointment

TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

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

R E A L E S TAT 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

$389,000

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

® INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

519.500.1865 (Direct) 519.747.0231 (Office)

Office:

519-669-2772 45 Arthur St. S., Elmira www.thurrealestate.com

Melanie Beisel

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

$749,900

www.KellerSellsRealEstate.com | dale@kellersellsrealestate.com

$996,000 | Near Drayton 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.

$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

$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

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

WELCOME TO THE HOME FOR REAL ESTATE IN WOOLWICH AND WELLESLEY TOWNSHIPS. GET THE LATEST OPEN HOUSE DATES EVERY WEEK.

NEW LISTING!

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.

Buying or selling?

CALL FOR YOUR

FREE MARKET EVALUATION

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

Follow me on Instagram @soldbyroes

February 1, 2–4PM 3 RAISING MILL GATE, ELMIRA OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY NEW LISTING!

OBSERVER ME IN THE O H W E N FIND A

BOOK AN AD: ads.observerxtra.com/ads

$539,900 This gorgeous 4 level backsplit

is move in ready. You’ll be impressed from the moment you walk into the modern open concept dining area and living space w/hardwood flooring. Lovely kitchen w/granite counters, backsplash & an added skylight for natural lighting!

3 bedrooms total w/ 3 updated bathrooms including a 2pc ensuite. Roof 2013, furnace 2015, & some new windows.

Cozy family room w/gas fireplace, laminate flooring, & walk out to a 3 season sun room, stamped concrete, and backing onto green space.

Travelling this year?

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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. New MLS

519.747.2040 moniqueroes@royallepage.ca

Your #1 source for local real estate.

On vacation, take a photo of you and your group holding a copy of the Observer.

We’d love to put it in the paper!

Broker

Cell: 519.588.7562

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.

$839,900

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

JULIE HECKENDORN

83 B ARTHUR ST. S., ELMIRA

5080 AMENT LINE, LINWOOD

Sales Representative

Broker of Record, MVA Residential Res: 519.669.1068

7223 LINE 86, WALLENSTEIN

OPEN HOUSE | SATURDAY, FEB. 1ST 24 PM

Dale R. Keller

BRAD MARTIN

LET OUR 60+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WORK FOR YOU!

SELLING? CALL US FOR A FREE MARKET EVALUATION.

519-590-0835 • mbeisel@royallepage.ca

REALTY LTD., BROKERAGE

R.W. THUR REAL ESTATE LTD.

GET IT IN THE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020 | THE O BSE RVE R

C L AS S IF IE D N OTIC E S | 19

T R AV E L A B R OA D W I T H T H E O B S E RV E R

LINWOOD BLOOD DONOR CLINIC

Your donation matters.

It matters to every patient across Canada. Because it’s something we can do today to help others wake up healthier tomorrow.

The Next Linwood Clinic: at Linwood Community Centre Friday, February 7th, 2020 4 – 8 pm

Stratford 9

ri ht lvd or 99

Listowel

Maitla d Ave. S 9 9

Visit southwestvets.ca

Names: Joan & Ross Lackner Location: Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee

Interesting Facts: Graceland is a mansion on a 13.8-acre (5.6 ha) estate in Memphis, Tennessee, United States, once owned by the singer and actor Elvis Presley. His daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, has been the owner of Graceland since the passing of her father. It is located at 3764 Elvis Presley Boulevard in the vast Whitehaven community, about 9 miles (14 km) from Downtown and less than 4 miles (6.4 km) north of the Mississippi border. It was opened to the public as a museum on June 7, 1982. The site was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on November 7, 1991 in fact becoming the first site related to rock and roll to be entered therein.

[Wikipedia]

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win scored at 11:20, with Waters and Carter Lennon picking up assists. McMahon (J. Goodwin, Waters) kept the momentum going at 14:26 to make it 4-0. Dubecki scored the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fifth and final goal at 17:48, with assists going to Black and Liam Burke.

With the Siskins unable to find the back of the net, the game ended as a 5-0 victory for Elmira. Shots were 38-22 in favour of the Kings, with netminder Greg Bras-

sard posting the shutout, his sixth of the season.

Now that the regular season is starting to wind down, Elmira has a demonstrated track record of excellence, consistently remaining atop the conference standings.

This contrasts their 20182019 season, which saw the Sugar Kings finish fifth place in the regular season and eliminated in the first round of playoff. So what changed for the Junior B team? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The reason for the big-

Notice of Public Meeting Township of Woolwich Technical Advisory Group (TAG) Thursday, February 6, 2020 Phone: 519-669-1647 or 877-969-0094 Fax: 519-669-1820 After Hours Emergency: 519-575-4400 www.woolwich.ca 6:30 p.m. GeoEnviroPro Webinar on the Human Health Risk Assessment (Part 2)

Â&#x201E; KINGS: Two more to start last month of regular season FROM 11

P.O. Box 158

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

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1010 Industrial Cr., St. Clements â&#x20AC;˘ 519-698-2610 linwoodvet@linwoodvet.ca

â&#x20AC;&#x153;PROUDLY REMEMBERING OUR PAS T; CONFIDENTLY EMBRACING OUR FUTURE.â&#x20AC;?

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS 2 5

519-698-2082 | 1-800-265-8735 | www.jfm.ca

GET THE LATEST UPDATES EVERY WEEK.

Date: November 4, 2019

Proud to support the community effort to donate blood.

YOUR HOME FOR PUBLIC NOTICES.

Reason for travel: Vacation. In Memphis for a Music Extravaganza tour. Graceland was one of the stops. Joan's dream has been to go to Graceland

Linwood | Heidelberg | Wroxeter

gest turnaround for the success of the team ... I believe this wholeheartedly, is practice habits. We work much harder in practice than we did last year. Habits are formed in practice, and shown off in games,â&#x20AC;? said Collins.

The Kings roll into February with a pair of games this weekend. In Brantford Saturday night to take on the Bandits, they return home for Sunday matinee against the Brampton Bombers.

Game time is 2 p.m.

Council Chambers, 2nd Floor Administration Building, 24 Church Street West, Elmira

TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

20 | C LAS S IF IE D NOTIC E S

F A M I LY A L B U M BIRTHDAY

OBITUARY

OBITUARY

OBITUARY

Open House Celebration for

PAT ALLGEIER 90th Birthday February 9, 2020 1 – 4 pm Woolwich Senior Centre (Woolwich Memorial Centre) 24 Snyder Ave. S. Elmira

OBITUARY

Weber, Leona M. Passed away peacefully on Friday, January 24, 2020 at her residence, RR 1, West Montrose, at the age of 92.

Wife of the late Herman Weber (1990).

Mother of Alice (Wayne) Martin of Elmira, Marlene (Cleason) Frey of West Montrose, Leroy (Gloria) of Conestogo, Richard (Erla) of West Montrose, and Fern (Earl) Martin of Elora. Remembered by 20 grandchildren and 60 great-grandchildren. Survived by her sister Alice Frey, sister-in-law Lorene Martin, and brothers-in-law Clare Martin and Oscar Weber. Predeceased by her parents Alvin and Leah (Martin) Martin, brothers Earl Martin and Abner in infancy, sister Vera Martin, two great-grandsons, brother-in-law Abner Frey, and sister-in-law Hannah Weber.

Visitation was held Sunday, January 26, 2020 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and Monday, January 27, 2020 from 2- 4:30 p.m. at Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira. A family service took place Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at 9 a.m. in the funeral home chapel, then to Montrose Mennonite Meeting House for burial and public service.

Martin, David J.

Rau, Arlene Eleanor (nee Bauer)

Kocher, Ronald Herbert

Peacefully passed away on Monday, January 27, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Health Centre, Guelph, at the age of 69. Beloved husband for 46 years of Connie (Rudy) Martin of Elora. Dear father of Terry (Laura) of Drayton and Kris (Natalie) of Elora. Loved Papa of Tommy and Lucian; Arlyn and Noah.

Brother of Betty (Don) Clemmer of Elmira, brother-in-law of Pat (Steve) Errey of St. Jacobs and Jim (Marg) Rudy of St. Clements, and son-in-law of Dorothy Rudy of Waterloo. Lovingly remembered by his nieces, nephews, and their families. Predeceased by his parents Edgar B. and MaryAnn (Weber) Martin, father-in-law Sidney Rudy, and nephew Jeff Clemmer.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2020 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Dreisinger Funeral Home, 62 Arthur St. S., Elmira. A funeral service will take place on Friday, January 31, 2020 at 2 p.m. at Woodside Bible Fellowship, 200 Barnswallow Dr., Elmira.

Cremation will follow. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Groves Memorial Hospital Foundation, Fergus, or St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation for Palliative Care would be appreciated. A special thank you to all the doctors, nurses and caregivers for their compassionate care through his lengthy journey.

Passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Thursday, January 23, 2020 at Barnswallow Place Care Community, Elmira, at the age of 88.

Cherished mother of Tracy and Doug Winslade, Brad Rau, Chris and Steve McCullough. Loved grandmother of 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Dear sister of Jean Brevner.

Predeceased by her husband Ron Rau Sr., children Ron Rau Jr., Bonnie Wright, Cheryl Rau, Wallace ‘Bimbo’ Rau, two grandchildren, parents Norman Bauer and Marcella (Brenner) Heimpel, son-in-law Bill Wright, and daughter-in-law Vicky Rau. At Arlene’s request, cremation has taken place.

There will be no funeral home visitation or funeral service. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Barnswallow Place Resident Council would be appreciated and may be made through the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira.

Peacefully passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2020 at Grand River Hospital, at the age of 76. Ron, of Linwood, was the beloved husband of Marion (Walter) Kocher for 53 years. Loved brother of Patricia Fehrenbach, Bernice Stemmler, Marjorie Krukowski, Edward (Shirley) Kocher, Orville (Sharon) Kocher, Douglas (Judy) Kocher, and Gary (Cheryl) Kocher. Ron will be fondly remembered many nieces and nephews, and Marion’s family, Ken (Sharon), Anne (Bill), Marg, Betty, Karen (Gary), Donna (Maynard), and David, and their families. Predeceased by his parents Lawrence and Rosetta (Klein) Kocher, and siblings Sally Rellinger, Joseph, Harold (Flick), Floyd, Lawrence Jr., Sonny, and Shirley (Shaky). Ron was co-owner of Rich Craft Interiors in Waterloo for over 30 years. He was very active in his community with many years of service to the Linwood Rod and Gun Club and the Linwood Lions Club. At Ron’s request, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Grand River Hospital Foundation or The War Amps would be appreciated.

www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com DEATH NOTICES

SCHILL, DOROTHY - Peacefully passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2020 at her residence in St. Jacobs, at the age of 90.

SHOEMAKER,KAREN - Passed away peacefully on Friday, January 24, 2020 at Grand River Hospital after a brief battle with cancer, at the age of 58.

SMALL ADS, BIG IMPACT. THE OBSERVER CLASSIFIED ADS

www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

BE LIKE WATER

www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com OBITUARY

Lichty, Robert ‘Bob’ Peacefully passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Kitchener, at the age of 66. Beloved wife and best friend of Sherry Lichty of Elmira for over 42 years. Loving father of Erika (John) Pinkerton, and Chris (Tammy). Cherished grandpa of Dakota, Makenna, Kiera, Delaney and Liam. Brother of Gerald (Debbie), Roger (Kathy), and Joyce Lichty. Sonin-law of Shirley and the late Norman Caudle. Brother-in-law of Bob (Kim) Smith. Lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Orvie and Dolly Lichty, father-in-law Roger Smith, and brother-in-law Jeff Smith. At Bob’s request, cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2020 from 1-3 p.m. at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, 62 Arthur St. S., Elmira with a reception to follow.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to St. Mary’s General Hospital Foundation - Cardiac Care Unit would be appreciated. Special thank you to Bob’s doctors, nurses and caregivers for the exceptional care provided.

www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

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Get the word out!

CEMENTS UM ANNOUN FAMILY ALB

Hannah and Ethan Wright train at the ocean in Costa Rica, where they were taking part in the 2020 International Congress of Martial Arts tournament. See story p. 10.

[SUBMITTED]

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O BS E RV E R X TR A. C O M | THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020 | 21

CORONAVIRUS TO ONT.

AT GRCA'S HEAD Helen Jowett was acclaimed to a fifth one-year term as chair of the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA). Chris White was also acclaimed to a fifth one-year term as vice-chair at the agency’s general membership meeting Jan. 24. The 26-member GRCA Board is composed of representatives appointed by the municipalities within the Grand River watershed.

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Ontario's first presumptive confirmed case of Wuhan novel coronavirus was found in Toronto Jan. 25. Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre admitted a patient brought in by paramedics who presented with fever and respiratory symptoms on Jan. 23. The patient was screened, recent travel history to Wuhan, China, was confirmed and the patient was immediately put under isolation.

A FRIEND IN NEED

Community rallies to support Elmira man fighting brain cancer What started out as an effort by friends and family of BJ Goodwin has become an expanded fundraising effort

BY VERONICA REINER

vreiner@woolwichobserver.com

The community is rallying to support a Woolwich man diagnosed with brain cancer.

Local families, friends, and businesses have been raising money for BJ Goodwin, his wife Missie, and their two young children. The funds will cover the multitude of unexpected costs associated with the health issue, including the 30 radiation treatments and chemotherapy necessary to treat the cancer.

“I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. This is an awesome community,” said Goodwin, who has been off work since he found out about his diagnosis on November 18.

It all started from a bottle drive that was organized by family friends Julie Weber, Don Schlupp and Andy Schlupp. Other helpers included Jesse Schott, Jordan Schott, Ryan Weber and Alex Luft.

The group went around town – making close to 100 stops – collecting beer cans, liquor/wine bottles and cash donations on January 25. When it was all said and done, over $7,000 was raised from the bottle drive alone to support the Goodwin family.

But just how did the cause become so wellknown? BJ and Missie are long-time members of the community, having both attended EDSS. “I know probably half the town from growing up, because I’ve always been here. I grew up in Cones-

Friends and family of BJ and Missie Goodwin spread out across Elmira Jan. 25 to help put in motion a bottle drive fundraiser. They made close to 100 stops and raised more than $7,000.

togo but I’ve always been in Elmira because all my friends are here,” said BJ. “So that’s the thing, I’ve always been here.”

“I work in town. I’m a hairdresser so there’s that, too,” said Missie.

“We didn’t even do very much ... it really took off on Facebook,” she said of the community response.

Ever since the word got out about the bottle drive, the cause picked up traction – Elmira brewpub Rural Roots dedicated one tap (Here We Go!) on January 25, for instance. One dollar from every pour was donated to the Goodwins.

On February 15, the band

Under Surveillance will be playing live at Rural Roots.

There will be a $5 cover charge, with all the money going towards the Goodwins.

The Elmira Pita Pit put out a donation box on the counter, with the proceeds going towards the Goodwins.

Their children are also well-incorporated into the community, attending Riverside Public School in Elmira. Missie said that many parents of children who go to Riverside PS helped to support the cause.

“It’s crazy how a small town comes together. The

support has been absolutely amazing,” said Missie.

The couple said that they have also found solace through Liam Moyer’s family. Liam Moyer is a Grade 11 EDSS student who was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a form of cancer that affects white blood cells in the bone marrow. As the two families are undergoing similar situations, the Moyer family is helping the Goodwins through this difficult time.

Both BJ and Missie noted that it was the community that really took the initiative.

“Our friends put it to-

gether because I didn’t ask for anything. I’m not a greedy person that way,” said BJ. “It felt weird at first, but now it’s nice because Missie is now able to take off and go to the doctor’s with me.”

The story starts back in 2011, when BJ was first diagnosed with a brain tumour after he suffered a stroke at age 27. The MRI showed a spot on his left temporal lobe. Following this, he was sent to a specialist in London when he found out. Because of the tumors small size, the specialist recommended regular MRIs and checkups to observe any growth.

[VERONICA REINER]

Over the next few years, the tumor slowly grew; in the spring of 2016, the specialist recommended brain surgery. The entire tumor was removed so that chemo and radiation weren’t needed. Life went on as normal until the latest diagnosis – the specialist noticed changes in his MRI in November 2019. He will now need at least 30 treatments to fight the cancer.

Friends have also launched a GoFundMe page to support the family, having raised over $6,000 thus far. It can be accessed at www.gofundme.com/f/ supporting-bj-and-missy-goodwin.

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TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

22 | LI VI NG HE RE

C H E F ' S TA B L E

COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

“A GOOD JOB DONE EVERY TIME”

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 YOUNG AT HEART SOCIAL CLUB. JOIN US, 1 P.M., AT ST. Clements Community Centre for cards, games and friendship. Bring a friend. Free refreshments.

Kleensweep Carpet Care

Rugs and Upholstery

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 seatings, 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.

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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.

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.

www.mgmill.com

NANCY KOEBEL

Home: 519.747.4388

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.

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.

519.669.5105

Bus: 519.744.5433

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

Vacuum Sales,

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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 Rd. 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

T

he winter is rolling along – here we are on the cusp of February – but it’s still winter, despite the fluctuating weather. The cold calls for something hearty and warming, and that seems even more the case during the wet and damp periods we’ve gone through of late – that combination chills to the bone.

This Country-Style Mushroom Pie is wonderful served aprés-ski or following any outdoor winter activity ... if you’re the kind to bundle up and head out into the world.

But even if your preference runs to throwing an extra blanket on while sitting on the couch and catching up on movies, this mushroom pie is sure to hit the spot, especially when piping hot out of the oven.

In the spirit of conserving energy, the filling can be prepared ahead to fill either a double-crust pie for dinner or tart shells for appetizers.

Country-Style Mushroom Pie Pastry for double-crust 9-inch pie Mushroom filling: 1 large parsnip, peeled and diced 1 large carrot, diced 1/2 cup chicken broth

2 Tbsp. butter 1 medium onion, chopped 1/2 lb mushrooms, sliced 4 tsp. all-purpose flour 1/2 cup half-and-half cream 1 Tbsp. cognac or brandy 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. each ground nutmeg and freshly ground pepper 1. Roll out pastry and line 9 in.

(23 cm) pie plate.

2. Mushroom filling: 3. In saucepan, cook parsnip and carrot in chicken broth until tender; do not drain.

4. In nonstick skillet, melt butter on medium-high heat. Add onion and mushrooms; cook 5 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated. Reduce heat to low. Stir in flour, cream, cognac, salt, nutmeg and pepper; cook, stirring, until thickened. Stir in parsnip mixture. Cool slightly.

5. Turn filling into pastry-lined pie plate; arrange second crust over filling, crimping edges.

Slash crust in several places for steam vents. Bake in 425ºF (220ºC) oven 25 to 30 minutes until pastry is browned. Cut into wedges to serve.

Variation: Fill two dozen small unbaked tart shells with Mushroom Filling and bake 15 to 20 minutes in 425ºF (220ºC) oven.

Enjoy.

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

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 SENIORS' LUNCH CLUB AT WELLESLEY 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. 14 to sign up.

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.

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Right now, a hot pie is just the thing to hit the spot

How can I help you?

519.514.6051

pmerlihan@woolwich.ca

www.merlihan.com

Woolwich

Healthy Communities healthywoolwich.org

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020 | THE O BSE RVE R

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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. Lowest deck 5. Hooded fangs 10. Half a crown for a princess 15. Hello, informally 16. ___ deferens 18. Monk, original got along very well with animals 20. Tiled artwork, often adorning a mosque 23. Towards to a Roman 24. __ one does 25. Whiskey to the catcher, in it perhaps 26. What a home is, when it looks like a bomb hit it 27. Dull and uninteresting, often of walls 29. You just don't believe when people say there's no money in it, until you quit your job and try it as a living. True story.

31. -n, -t, -g 32. One of these things is not as big as the other one 34. TV dinner style 37. I think I'm lost, where you __?

38. Big guns 40. Warped and wefted, sold by the yard 42. Everyone else, not important enough to mention by name 43. Shining intensely, as the sun 45. Ironically, on this Beatle's album cover, their semaphore poses did not spell this

Even medical dissection goes virtual Q. For almost a millennium, human body dissection has been a cornerstone of medical education, but change is now on its way at a few U.S. medical schools. What's changed?

A. Cadaverless anatomy curriculum, in which students â&#x20AC;&#x153;will probe the human body using three-dimensional renderings in virtual reality combined with physical replicas of the organs and real patient medical images,â&#x20AC;? says Bahar Gholipour in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Scientific Americanâ&#x20AC;? magazine. Traditional approaches have limitations, including the length of time it takes to dissect a cadaver, the inaccessibility of some body parts, and the mismatch between the textures and colors of an embalmed cadaverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s organs and those of a living body. Also, for new medical school programs, it costs several million dollars to build a cadaver laboratory and requires additional funds to care for the donated bodies.

By donning VR headsets or augmented-reality goggles, students can examine an organ from all angles, connecting structure with function by watching a beating heart, for example, and can also add the entire circulatory

BILL&RICH SONES STRANGE BUT TRUE

system to better see relations among structures.

But in a virtual body, depth perception may be hard to develop and students will not see bodiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; natural anatomical variations. Also, they may â&#x20AC;&#x153;lose the emotional, even philosophical impact of working with a cadaver, commonly seen as a doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first patient.â&#x20AC;?

Thus, the question remains as to whether students learn as well using digital tools. But after nearly a millennium of human body dissection in medical education, a historic transition may be emerging.

Q. Word lovers, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s have a little fun with these â&#x20AC;&#x153;silly-soundingâ&#x20AC;?

Americanisms from Anu Gargâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website â&#x20AC;&#x153;A.Word.A.Day.â&#x20AC;? How many can you define: â&#x20AC;&#x153;ballyhoo,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;foofaraw,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;humdinger,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;lollapaloozaâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;ripsnorterâ&#x20AC;??

A. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ballyhoo,â&#x20AC;? of uncertain origin, can mean â&#x20AC;&#x153;uproarâ&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;sensational or

extravagant promotion,â&#x20AC;? first used in 1901. Originating from the American West, â&#x20AC;&#x153;foofarawâ&#x20AC;? is defined as â&#x20AC;&#x153;excessive or unnecessary ornamentation,â&#x20AC;? but its formation too is unknown. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Someone or something outstanding, remarkable or unusualâ&#x20AC;? is a â&#x20AC;&#x153;humdinger,â&#x20AC;? perhaps a blend of â&#x20AC;&#x153;hummerâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;dinger,â&#x20AC;? both meaning someone or something exceptional.

Also exceptional is â&#x20AC;&#x153;lollapalooza,â&#x20AC;? an exceptional person, thing or event, that gives its name to a popular music festival.

Finally, â&#x20AC;&#x153;ripsnorterâ&#x20AC;? refers to â&#x20AC;&#x153;someone or something remarkable in excellence, intensity, strength, etc.,â&#x20AC;? perhaps a fanciful coinage from â&#x20AC;&#x153;ripâ&#x20AC;? (to tear) and â&#x20AC;&#x153;snorterâ&#x20AC;? (something extraordinary).

Howâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that for a ripsnorter of an item?

Q. What is SnotBot and how is it helping researchers monitor ocean health?

A. A four-propeller drone about the size of a toaster oven, SnotBot is flown just above a breaching whale to collect its exhaled breath condensate â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a.k.a. snot. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whale snot contains an enormous amount of biological information, including DNA, hormones, and mi-

croorganisms. Scientists can use that information to determine a whaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health, sex, and pregnancy status, and details about its genetics and microbiome,â&#x20AC;? say Bryn Keller and Ted Willke in â&#x20AC;&#x153;IEEE Spectrumâ&#x20AC;? magazine. Previously, to collect such information, researchers would â&#x20AC;&#x153;zoom past a surfacing whale in a boat and shoot it with a specially designed crossbow to capture a small core sample of skin and blubber.â&#x20AC;? SnotBot makes the process less stressful for both whales and researchers.

The drone also has a high-resolution camera that reveals the whaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overall shape and size and often provides unique identifiers from tail fluke structure and markings.

As apex predators with wide-ranging migration patterns, humpback whales are an excellent early-warning system for environmental threats to the ocean as a whole. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thanks to Project SnotBot, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to find out â&#x20AC;&#x201C; accurately, efficiently, and at a reasonable cost â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just how the health and numbers of whales in our oceans are trending.â&#x20AC;?

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

48. Corn disease to some, delicacy to others 49. Spanish sherry 50. Fish eggs 51. Speech impediment, but adorable 52. Self pleaser, biblically speaking 53. Railroad tramp 54. A long time, neatly defined 55. I don't think were in it anymore, Toto 56. Tight bond with mortise 57. Still means no 59. Way cooler than two pi to some 60. To throw these at someone would be to do it, ironically 61. Remove a hydrogen from an aromatic ring and you get these 62. Starry-eyed bear, major or minor in stature 63. Lushes 64. At one time DOWN 1. Resistance physically defined 2. Lately, this is what governments have been calling a protestor 3. Shelled germs 4. If the piper had of been, there'd have been no problem with the kids 6. Belonging to 7. Car clothing 8. Weather, plane spotter 9. One of a group with a vowel 10. Muddled up "it's" to the oldtimey quotable

11. What __ and what should never be - Led Zeppelin 12. Hell's half 13. Gun, of sunshine 14. Concerning 17. What we do too much of these days, social media especially 19. Speeds up, but is not consumed by the reaction 21. IT problem solvers 22. What gamers do before they pause 28. Director of "The Seventh Seal" 30. Pass over again 31. Early explanation, often with a grain of truth 33. Teacher to a slouch 35. Pantyhose 36. Mr. video game clown 39. Distance from the equator 41. Beautiful big bird, with a frightening song 44. Long accompanied song for a solo voice 46. Southern timber wolf 47. Low ranking worker, foot soldier literally 48. Beknighted man 49. Alphabetically, the first thing a cheerleader calls out for 51. Current only flow one way, and it gives off light 52. __ Computer - Radiohead album 53. Skeletor's man 58. Hopefully the world will _______ our current folly 59. Absolute fear 60. After they save, what gamers often do

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