NEWS |
THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 06, 2009
1
Sisters claim doubles tennis championship for EDSS..................................»15 A stop in the Spotlight Arts Fest
»21 VOLUME 14, ISSUE 22
SATURDAY, JUNE 06, 2009
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Piece of history slowly disappears
A BiT AT A TiME An excavator carefully removes pieces of the roof of the old steddick hotel on Wednesday afternoon. the elmira landmark has been coming down slowly as workers reclaim some materials.
photo | joni miltenburg
No plans to siphon rural water, region says Representatives dismiss claims of landowners’ group opposed to controls imposed by ESL designation JONI MILTENBURG The Region of Waterloo is not using Environmentally Sensitive Landscape (ESL) designations as a front for extracting water from rural lands, argued a pair of regional staffers who addressed Wellesley council June 1. Chris Gosselin, the region’s
manager of environmental planning, and Eric Hodgins, manager of hydrogeology and source water, countered claims from the Environmentally Sensitive Property Owners Association (ESPO) that the ESLs are a façade for the region’s water-taking plans. Glenn Baechler, spokesperson for ESPO, appeared before council last month asking the
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township to challenge regional government on the issue. The region’s long-term water strategy calls for the development of three to five million gallons per day of new groundwater supplies. Baechler pointed to a map drafted in 2000 showing 15 areas in the region identified as potential well sites, arguing it’s no coincidence a handful
of them overlap with the Laurel Creek Headwaters ESL. Gosselin told council the protection of groundwater supplies is only one criterion out of a list of 23 for an area to be designated an ESL. Gosselin said he was responsible for drawing the boundaries of the two ESLs within the region, and took issue with the suggestion that he was only look-
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ing to protect drinking water. “The issue of municipal water supply, I can tell you categorically, never once entered my head,” he said. “Even if the water were not an issue, the area would have qualified as an ESL.” Hodgins told council that the map Baechler referenced came from a preliminary
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2 | NEWS
THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 06, 2009
No leash-free dog park, Woolwich council decides STEVE KANNON A leash-free dog park in Woolwich is an idea whose time has not yet come. Forwarded earlier this year by Coun. Mark Bauman, the suggestion was to create an informal space for dog owners by cutting a path through some township-owned land near the Health
Valley Trail in St. Jacobs. The goal was to provide an outlet for the many dog owners walking their animals on the trail in violation of the bylaw that requires the dogs to be on a leash. Bounded by bush, woods and a creek, the site would provide separation between dogs running free and other hikers using the trail system. A staff report tabled
Tuesday night at council’s committee-of-thewhole meeting, however, determined the area would require patrols by a township bylaw enforcement staff that is already overextended. For that reason, clerk Christine Broughton recommended shelving the idea, but perhaps revisiting it in another year. Bauman countered the enforcement argument,
saying people with their dogs off the leash would have a dedicated area, leaving a clear-cut case for ticketing of anyone found with an unrestrained dog elsewhere on the trail. Planting trees in the park last weekend, Bauman spoke to about a dozen people there with dogs – only half had their dogs on a leash as required by law – and all
agreed with the concept. With no extra insurance liability risks and only a small cost – essentially mowing an extra swath of grass every month or so – the leash-free area would be a boon. He, however, was the lone voice in support. Coun. Murray Martin said enforcement staff have more pressing issues to deal with, calling the park an extra burden.
Mayor Bill Strauss, having talked to representatives of other municipalities, said a leashfree dog park would really require a fenced area of its own. “I’m convinced we can’t have a leash-free park in an agricultural community.” The proposal at council would bring more problems than benefits, he added.
Water: Well sites not tied to environmentally sensistive areas » From cover
study identifying possible sources of water. That study, he said, was a textbook exercise that examined the geology of the bedrock and gravel deposits and didn’t consider surface features like ESLs. Staff began narrowing down sites for additional water supplies in 2004. Right now, the region is examining sites on the east side of Cambridge,
the northeast end of Cambridge and the northwest end of Waterloo. In Waterloo, the region is studying three new well sites: at Westmount and Bearinger roads, on Erbsville Road, and at Conservation Drive and Westmount Road. The site on Conservation Drive is close to the boundary of the Laurel Creek ESL. The ESPO is pressuring the region to ban any
municipal extraction of drinking water from an ESL in the new regional official plan. The group’s concerns centre around a section of the proposed new regional official plan (ROP) that deals with construction of infrastructure within an ESL. Under the second draft of the ROP, section 7.C.12(c) allows development in an ESL to go ahead even if there are adverse impacts
Annual General Meeting Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Suddaby Public School - 2nd Floor Library, 171 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario Presentation of Awards
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to the environmental features provided there is a clearly demonstrated need and other alternatives are substantially less feasible. “You can’t have the cake and eat it too,” Baechler said. “If you want to establish an environmentally sensitive landscape, the removal of water from under that landscape will eventually detract from the whole process. “Our issue here is that if indeed you want to create this environmentally sensitive landscape, the one thing you can do is say there will be no regional or commercial water taking from that area.” Banning water extraction outright in ESLs would have a significant impact on the region’s long-term water strategy, Hodgins said. There are currently two ESLs within the region and two more outlined in the draft official plan; one covering a large chunk of the Township of North Dumfries and
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THE SOUNDS OF SUMMER Chris Psutka on drums, Dan Faries (far right) and Matt Lucas were some of the students who took to the stage for Lancerstock held on the field behind EDSS Tuesday afternoon.
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Refreshments & tours of the school to follow
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the other covering almost all of the Beverly area east of Cambridge. “Those areas cover about two-thirds of the areas we’ve identified from geology as areas for potential drinking water supply wells,” he said. Banning water extraction would push new well sites to the outer edges of the region, adding tens of millions of dollars to the cost of any new wells. Hodgins said regional staff have deliberately opted for deeper wells, ruling out shallow wells that would be more likely to have an impact on the environment. The well sites in east Cambridge are 120 metres deep; the sites in northwest Waterloo are 70 to 80 metres deep. “We’re much lower in depth; the environmentally sensitive features are at the surface,” Hodgins said. “The deeper we are, the less likely we are to have an effect on the surface.” Kevin Eby, the region’s director of community
planning, pointed out that the contested section of the ROP is probably redundant anyway, as far as water-taking is concerned; even if the region were to give the green light to wells that impacted the environment, the Ministry of the Environment would never allow it. Hodgins agreed, noting that environmentally-significant features are protected by the federal Fisheries Act, the GRCA’s wetlands policies and the MOE, among others. “There are so many other layers that would prevent us having an impact.” Baechler said those arguments only support his group’s position. “They said within the ROP there are these safety features and it would be ‘very unlikely’ – why not take the word unlikely out of it and just say … we’re willing to put these safeguards in, let’s put the major safeguard in and say under this 5,300 acres, there will be no water taking.”
» NEWS |
THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 06, 2009
LEADING OFF
“Some people on the mail route never knew anybody as a mail person other than Arnold.” Esther Letson
3
END OF AN ERA Arnold and Esther Letson are hanging up their hats after 56 and 42 years, respectively, delivering mail for Canada Post. There is, however, still plenty of work to do on their West Montrose farm. PHOTO | marc miquel helsen
Making a final delivery
Arnold and Esther Letson retire after spending decades delivering mail to Woolwich’s rural routes
MARC MIQUEL HELSEN Arnold and Esther Letson know a thing or two about West Montrose – they’ve been delivering its mail for 56 years. Born in the home he and Esther now reside in, Arnold Letson continued the tradition of tending to the family farm – three generations of Letsons have worked the land there – as soon as he reached adolescence. He and Esther still look after the farm today. Arnold’s knowledge of the local area grew profoundly when he turned 16 and took on another family tradition: working for Canada Post as a mail deliverer. Some 56 years later, Arnold and Esther, who joined forces with her husband shortly after they were married in 1966, know the area like the back
w le urs Ne xib Ho Fle ery liv De
of their hands, but now it will be up to others to learn the ropes: the couple retired from service with Canada Post last week, and was honoured by their peers for years of dedicated, friendly service. “I would love to actually talk about them for two to three hours – they’re fabulous people,” said Elmira post office superintendent Peter Cowie. “They’re incredible people, great workers, always a pleasure to work with, and will be missed by Canada Post and all of their customers.” After so many decades of service, the couple has become something of an institution locally. But when he first started as a young teenager, Arnold had no idea about the path his career would take. “Never once are you thinking that you’d be at it so many years,” said Arnold, who fol-
lowed in his father’s footsteps at the age of 16. Esther, who is originally from St. Jacobs, and Arnold met in her hometown and married 43 years ago. A short while later, Esther joined her husband on his daily mail route that took them from the now defunct West Montrose post office through Winterbourne, right down to Crowsfoot Road. Right from the get-go the couple, who will continue to work together on the family farm, realized there was a special connection between husband and wife, a certain chemistry that made working together – in addition to living and tending the farm together – not only a possibility but a great pleasure. “We just clicked,” Esther said. “We get along very well,” added Arnold, after some
W • O • O • L • W • I • C • H
playful banter with his wife. “It’s teamwork.” For many years, Esther and Arnold looked after the Winterbourne route – known as “route two.” Then, some 25 years ago, their workload doubled as they took on an extra route (route one) that would take them through the village of West Montrose, on Middlebrook Road, plus the outskirts of the village. Together, the two routes accounted for some 90 kilometres and about 480 households. The addition of the second route doubled the Letsons’ workload. “With the two routes it was a two-person job; it needed teamwork, it needed two of us,” said Arnold. “It was a must,” added Esther. On a typical day, the Letsons arose at 5:30 a.m. and were in the Elmira post office by 7. Af-
ter a total of some 90 kilometres of covered ground, they were free by around 3 p.m. to tend to their West Montrose farm. “It was pretty rough,” Arnold chuckled. “A lot of long days.” In the 56 years that Arnold has worked for Canada Post, and Esther’s 42, the couple estimates that they have driven 1.5 million miles. “And worn out several vehicles,” Arnold quipped. The fact that the Letsons lived in the area they served, meant that the two came to know their neighbours and surroundings really well. Arnold and Esther became more than their mail deliverers: often lending a helping hand along with the mail. If a farmer’s animal got loose, the couple would stop the car and See LETSON »06
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THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 06, 2009
» FROM THE EDITOR | STEVE KANNON
It’s time for all of us to get used to saying yes to no While Eckhart Tolle, that guru of spiritual enlightenment, advocates The Power of Now, I suggest it’s time to embrace the power of no. To ward off environmental collapse, we’ll have to say no to the way we’ve done things, from driving gas-guzzling cars to using water like it’s an endless resource. More importantly, we’re going to force our politicians to learn the word, then to accept the message when we hear it coming from their lips. It’s too late to prevent bailouts to the financial services and automotive industries – the no should have been delivered months ago. Sure, some of the money has been helpful, but some of the largest players were still forced into bankruptcy and outright failure despite the billions of dollars thrown at them. On the automotive side, both Chrysler and GM ultimately went through U.S. Chapter 11 proceedings, sloughing off the most burdensome of the anchors weighing them down. The billions -$10.6 billion in Canada alone – have not prevented the layoff of thousands of workers and the pending shutdown of several plants. Calculations put the cost of saving each job at $1.4 million. Of course, there are many spinoff jobs at parts makers, dealerships, garages and the like to take into consideration, but it’s clear governments in both Canada and the U.S. have already gone far past where they’d expected to be, and the worst is not over.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has admitted the “loans” extended to the industry are unlikely to be repaid. At this point, the cost-benefit analysis is not favourable. Financial support for the industry has accelerated deficits in Ottawa and Queen’s Park. Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty now expects this year’s deficit to top $50 billion. This week, a report by TD Bank economists predicts the national debt will grow by $170 billion over the next five years, the result of increased spending and slower economic recovery. In order to eliminate the deficit and begin paying down the accumulated debt once again, the government of the day will be forced to cut spending and increase taxes. Politicians will have to say no on a regular basis: no to the provinces demanding more transfer payments, no to each federal department, no to public sector unions threatening action against the layoffs and pay cuts that are inevitable, no to business groups still endorsing trickle-down economics, and a big no to vote-buying spending sprees when the next election rolls around. Under those terms, dealing with this recession is just a warm-up, however, for the biggest no of them all: the one related to the health care spending crush that’s coming as a result of Canada’s aging population. Quite simply, we can’t go on increasing health care budgets at rates well beyond economic growth. As with the demands on our pension system, where underfunding and a lack of private savings are major threats still not widely acknowledged,
our tendency to live longer is placing larger demands on health care. Statistics Canada figures show the trend: the number of people aged 100 or older increased 50 per cent between 1996 and 2006, and is set to triple to more than 14,000 by 2031. Meanwhile, Canadians are having fewer babies, shifting the historical balance between the young and the old. Add to that the reality that the babyboom generation is entering the retirement years – the first of the boomers turns 65 in 2011 – and it becomes clear the Canadian population is aging. An aging population places larger demands on the health care system. Simple demographics alone, however, wouldn’t skew budgets beyond manageable, as a Senate’s Special Committee on Aging noted in a report released in April. Rather, the pressure on health care costs created by population aging results from the fact that health care use is typically most intensive in the first and last years of life – per capita spending starts at about $6,000 for chil-
dren under the age of one, sinking to below $2,000 up to age 65, then rising to about $5,500 from 65 to 75, where spending jumps to more than $8,000 for the next decade, then to more than $15,000 after age 85. “Although health care costs have increased at similar levels across all age groups over the last decade, the larger basis of spending in older age categories means that proportional increases translate into much larger real costs,” the report found. It’s overall spending, particularly on new technologies and new pharmaceuticals, that has put so much pressure on budgets and the health care system. Annual increase of six, seven or eight per cent, occasionally nipping into double digits, have caused all kinds of strain. The tricky part that lies ahead is saying no. Who wants to be the one to tell a patient a procedure won’t be done because it costs too much? Eventually, however, those kinds of costbenefit analyses will become more commonplace – we might as well start getting used to no.
Sheryl Tilley
Where are you from originally? Clearwater Beach, Florida. I’m a Canadian citizen as of Valentine’s Day last year. What are some of your hobbies? I own a Harley Davidson. I also like downhill skiing, gardening, reading and rock collecting. Who are your favourite authors? My tastes are changing right now, I find I’m reading autobiographies. Before, Laura Childs and Carolyn Hart – cozy mysteries. Pet peeve? When the computer goes down and we’re trying to check books out.
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NEWS |
THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 06, 2009
Keeping the cash flowing
» IT’S ALL ABOUT THE QUILTS
5
The computerization spending spree in Woolwich continued this week, as councillors approved dropping another $27,000, this time to engage a web-based service to handle financial and scheduling services for the recreation department. Active Networks will receive about $12,000 to provide the service, some $9,000 for implementation and training, plus a minimum of $3,000 a year for a three-year term based on a $2 per transaction charge. As well, eSolutionsgroup will get $15,000 for related support services.
$100K grant for museum
The Wellington County Museum and Archives in Fergus this week learned it will receive $100,000 through the Museums Assistance Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. The funding will allow the museum to double its archival collection storage area by installing specialized shelving equipment. Construction will begin soon on a new wing to accommodate the additional storage. The Wellington County Museum and Archives is a designated national historic site housing 12 galleries with collections reflecting the region’s history. Exhibitions include decorative arts, textiles, historical displays, travelling exhibitions, and installations by local artists.
Musical trip around the world
Along with the Spotlight on the Arts Festival going on across the region this weekend, fans of the arts can take in another free event Friday and Saturday night in Kitchener. The Our World Festival of Music runs 7-10 p.m. both nights at the city hall square on King Street. The assortment of world music includes the likes of Arun Pal’s Latin Fusion Trio; African Skies, featuring performers from South Africa; and Rant Maggie Rant, Celtic music with an edge.
Quilt lovers converged on St. Jacobs May 30 to meet Minister of Tourism Monique Smith and peruse the many offerings at the show. Janet Rhind (left) from Oakville showcased her work at The Village Silos on King Street. Judith Elder-McCartney displays some of her artistic quilts at the Schoolhouse Theatre venue.
» BACK TO NATURE
Snyder’s Flats to be restored Former gravel pit will be transformed through GRCA restoration efforts MARC MIQUEL HELSEN In the 1980s it was a gravel pit. Now, more than 20 years later, the 200-odd acres of land at the end of Snyder’s Flats Road in Bloomingdale form part of a diverse natural landscape that serves as a publicly-accessible natural space. The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA), which owns the Snyder’s Flats Rotary Forest, last week officially launched the opening of the park at the entrance to the forest. Representatives of the Kitchener-Conesto g a Rotary Club were on hand to present the Grand River Conservation Foundation with a cheque for $182,000, part of the proceeds of the club’s 2008 Dream Home lottery. The money will be used to plant 56,000 native trees and shrubs to restore forests and grasslands, build the
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Rotary Walk trail and install interpretive signage. Additional support for the Rotary Forest was provided by the Good Foundation Inc., in memory of Milton R. Good, and the Trees Ontario Foundation. The 240-acre property is owned by the GRCA and is nestled in a bend in the Grand River, which flanks the property on the north, west and southern sides. Gravel was extracted from the land between 1979 and 1987. The agreement between the aggregate company – which owned property adjacent to the lot and which exploited the GRCA land – and the Conservation Authority contained rigorous guidelines and regulations for a rehabilitation process that began even while aggregate was being removed. A lengthy process, the rehabilitation extended over two phases, the first of which began simulta-
photo | marc miquel helsen
They’ve got a noise bylaw exemption, but don’t expect things to get out of hand tomorrow (Sunday) when members of the St. Jacobs Mennonite Church gather in Elmira’s Gibson Park. The exemption approved this week by Woolwich council was merely a formality, as the bylaw prohibits the outdoor use of amplified sound systems without special permission. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
photos | marc miquel helsen
Bring the noise
COORDINATED EFFORT Dave Hales, president of the GRC Foundation, Mike Klein, past president of the Rotary Dream Home Lottery, and Ian Murdoch of the Kitchener-Conestoga Rotary Club celebrated the official opening of the Snyder’s Flats Rotary Forest near Bloomingdale May 30.
neous to the extraction: as gravel was drawn, topsoil ripped from new cells was placed on top of graded areas in which extraction was already completed. Such a cycle allowed for rehabilitation to begin even as work continued. The second phase, which occurred when the final grades had
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been achieved, saw a “fair bit of tree planting at that time, especially around the north pond” explained Martin Neumann, supervisor of terrestrial resources for the GRCA. “Most of the restoration or rehabilitation was the shaping of the terrestrial and aquatic components of the land-
scape. A fair bit of tree planting around the north pond,” he said. The plot of land now holds two ponds and a floodplain pool. Some bio-engineering work was conducted around the outlet to the floodplain pool and then the Rotary Forest Initiative kicked off this See ROTARY PARK page »07
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THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 06, 2009
» BY THE NUMBERS
Slight improvement in Grade 10 literacy levels test, 66 per cent passed the OSSLT. Officials at EQAO attributed the two-thirds passing rate to the increased attention and support given to students who were unsuccessful in Grade 6. Carolyn Knapp, head of the English department at EDSS, said along with building literacy test skills into every course, the school has developed a remedial program for students who may be struggling. Teachers are asked to identify students who may have trouble, and along with students who failed the test the previous year, they’re invited to take part in the program. Knapp said the students work with exemplars or models to take apart questions and then reconstruct them. It’s a program that has been successful for the school. Knapp couldn’t say
JONI MILTENBURG Performance on the Grade 10 literacy test improved by the slimmest margin this year, with 85 per cent of students writing the test for the first time passing, compared with 84 per cent the past three years. The provincial Education, Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) released highlights of the Grade 10 literacy test Wednesday. This is the first year EQAO was able to compare the results of students on the junior division assessment in Grade 6 to their performance on the literacy test. Of the students who met the provincial standard on the reading portion of the Grade 6 assessment, 97 per cent passed the literacy test. Of the students who didn’t meet the standard on the Grade 6 reading
how much time students spend preparing for the test, because the literacy skills needed are built into science and geography and math courses, as well as English. “It’s not something you prepare right before the test. It’s something every teacher is doing all the time,” she said. When the results were broken down by gender, 88 per cent of females passed, compared to 82 per cent of males. Test results were also broken down by level of study; 96 per cent of students taking academic English passed, versus 62 per cent of students in applied English courses. EQAO has been administering the test since 2004. This year, 173,145 students across the province wrote the test on April 2. On June 10, EQAO will release the complete results broken down by school and school board.
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EDSS student wins Millennium scholarship Elmira District Secondary School student Tristan Neill was one of 12 local winners of Canada Millennium scholarships. Neill received one of 121 national awards, worth $25,000. “It was very exciting news,” Neill said. Along with strong academic performance, Neill is actively in-
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NEWS |
THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 06, 2009
GRCA looks at cumulative impact of gravel pits
7
Agency wants public feedback on an issue that’s proved increasingly vexing to municipalities MARC MIQUEL HELSEN Do the impacts of aggregate extraction below the water table increase when the number of such operations in a given area also increases? This is one of the issues that a report about the cumulative impacts of aggregate extraction below the water table in the Grand River watershed is seeking to
determine. The answers might be of extra interest to residents of Woolwich, where five new gravel pit applications are under review. Entitled “Cumulative Effects Assessment Best Practices Paper for Below Water Table Aggregate Operations within the Grand River Watershed,” the report comes after a number of municipalities in the watershed raised concerns about
the cumulative impacts of the growing number of aggregate operations in their jurisdictions. The report outlines steps that should be taken to identify the potential effects on surface and groundwater quantity and quality as a result of several gravel pits operating close to one another. The study comes after several municipalities within the watershed
questioned whether the presence of several pits operating below the water table could affect the quality and quantity of surface and groundwater downstream from the operations. Would the cumulative impact of these pits – all in relative proximity to one another – increase as the number of pits increased? Does the excavation of several pits affect the overall level of the water table?
Rotary Park: Rehabilitation underway » From page 05
spring, forming part of a more intensive habitat restoration initiative. The work is far from done, however. Not surprisingly, some of the plant life that took root at the former pit did so uninvited. Now, the GRCA is looking to deal with those invasive species. “Some of the things coming in naturally are not native plants and in fact some of them, if left to their own devices, might take the place over, so, we want to make sure that we’re favouring the native species in our restoration and our plant management.” Some of the plants which are cause for con-
cern include the European buckthorn, Manitoba maple, and garlic mustard. These plants were likely planted by people, eventually propagating with time. “These three species are three of the biggest problems in terms of invasive exotic species that we have regionally, and the Manitoba maple and garlic mustard are especially prevalent in floodplain area,” said Neumann. As the plants and trees flourish so too will the wild animals that make the locale their home. While the area is perhaps too small to attract rare endangered species, it already is home to several native species in-
cluding osprey, deer, foxes, coyotes, woodchucks, beaver, muskrats, snapping and painted turtles and several fish. The oxbow floodplain pool is connected to the river and during flood conditions water flows over the property – at least two of the three ponds are connected to the river in flood conditions – the source of the area’s aquatic species, said Neumann, noting that none of the current inhabitants (animals) was introduced by GRCA. “We’re hoping that by upgrading the habitat to get a more complete complement of species representative of the area, probably without introducing any our-
selves, we’re just hoping that we’re able to draw them in with better habitat,” he said. “The river corridor is a pretty good corridor for animal migrations and movement, so, we expect to get good self-introduction of species there.” The hope is that the forest will become an important and diverse natural landscape and a vibrant, publicly-accessible natural space. Already, the forest is being used by local hikers and animal watchers: the Grand Valley Hiking Trail (which runs from Lake Erie all way to the Grand River and shoots over to Orangeville) goes through the property.
Does it affect the potential for wells and springs to draw on those sources? From a quality perspective: do the sub-water table pits provide a pathway for contaminants to infiltrate the water table? While those issues are addressed every time an individual application for a gravel pit operation is made, a holistic approach to the cumulative effects of several pits, remains to be made, suggests the Grand River Conservation Authority, which is undertaking the study. “We want to take a broader look at it. Say
you’ve got four or five gravel pits in a fairly small area: do they have an impact that is greater than the sum of the individual pits?” said spokesman Dave Schultz. A copy of the study report, which was prepared by representatives of the Grand River Conservation Authority, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ontario Sand Stone and Gravel Association is available on the GRCA website at www.grandriver.ca. Comments can be sent by email to policy@grandriver.ca by July 31.
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Letson: “A holiday every day doing the mail” » From page 03
get out to help round up the animal. That contact with the residents is something the two will miss. “Some people on the mail route never knew anybody as a mail person other than Arnold. He was a permanent fixture in their life,” said Esther. Arnold said he’ll truly miss being “out and about” and meeting the locals while on his runs. “He loved it immensely,” said Esther. “Just don’t ask if I liked it in the wintertime,” she quipped. Joking aside, the Letsons delivered the mail rain, snow or shine. “On a stormy day people would say, ‘oh, boy, how can you take this?’ I guess my comment was often that it’s just another day when you’ve been doing it that many years; it’s just another day of doing it, bad weather didn’t bother me,” said Arnold. Both Esther and Arnold will also greatly miss being outdoors on the road in the rural areas. “One thing that I en-
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joyed was the nature part of the trip – the things we used to see,” said Esther, counting regular sightings of defiant coyotes, foxes, wild turkeys and deer with their fawns in tow as definite perks of the job. Now retired, the two will certainly have more
time on their hands. But a lot of extra time doesn’t equate to a holiday in the sun at some tropical destination. “We’re away every day, we’re on holiday everyday, we have a holiday every day doing the mail,” said Arnold with a chuckle. “That’s been our vaca-
tion for many years.” In the ensuing weeks the couple will tend to their cash crops. After that, however, the industrious pair plan to take life a little easier. “We’ll just take it a day at a time and spend more time with family and friends,” said Esther.
THE TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL
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3/11/
8 | NEWS
THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 06, 2009
Bringing good times to a boil PUTTING ON THE BIB There were plenty of smiles to go along with the good food at the 28th annual Kiwanis Lobsterfest held May 30 at Lions Hall in Elmira. Joyce Ireson (right) helps fill plates; Brad Martin (far right) gets ready to dig in to his meal; The Ingersoll Band was on hand to keep diners entertained. Some $9,000 was raised for the service club’s community projects. photos | marc miquel helsen
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NEWS |
THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 06, 2009
» lAW & orDer
9
Disturbing the peace nets drug charge
»
MAY 28
6:40 PM | Police and members of the Woolwich Fire Department responded to reports of heavy smoke in the hallways at a nursing home on Barnswallow Drive in Elmira. The fire may have been caused by a lit cigarette in a closet. There were no injuries.
»
MAY 29
3:00 PM | A stolen vehicle was recovered in a cornfield about 500 metres off of Northfield Drive, near West Montrose. The vehicle’s seats had been removed and were found on the same property.
»
MAY 30
12:50 AM | Police received a report from the Mac’s convenience store on Arthur Street in Elmira that two young females had stolen a Bic lighter and a package of pepperettes. The suspects were captured on video and are described as being around 16 years old – one was wearing a red jacket at the time. 4:15 PM | A report of a bro-
Police received a noise complaint from an apartment on Riverside Drive in Elmira about 8:25 p.m. on May 29. An area resident had pulled up his vehicle next to a neighbour’s basement apartment and sounded off the car alarm for about 30 minutes. When officers arrived on scene they found the vehicle parked close to the apartment that had an open window. The car alarm was sounding and the vehicle lights were flashing. Police found the suspect, who later admitted to being the car’s owner, with his hand on the door handle. Another officer arrived on scene shortly after and noticed that on the console in the suspect’s vehicle was a clear plastic bag containing some marijuana. The individual was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and was also charged under the noise bylaw. ken tree was made to police. Neighbours in the area of Bristow Creek Drive in Elmira believed that the tree – broken in half – had been damaged by vandals. It was later deemed possible, however, that the tree was damaged by strong winds.
»
JUNE 1
7:30 AM | A passerby in the area of Line 86 and Floradale Road notified police that an injured deer, likely hit by a vehicle, was suffering in an area ditch. A police officer attended the scene, examined the animal and put it down. 8:00 AM | A man was driving down Oriole Parkway near Grosbeak Road in Elmira when he heard a ‘thump’ in the rear of his truck. He noticed that the tailgate was down but hadn’t noticed that an EZY Hoe, with an estimated value of $350, had fallen out. He retraced his path five minutes later but at that point the tool had disappeared. If you have seen this item, please notify the Elmira branch of the WRPS. 8:54 AM | Two heavy gauge
welding cables were taken from the back of a work truck at a Union Gas compound on Hawkesville Road near Three Bridges Road, west of St. Jacobs. The stolen cables have an estimated value between $1,200 and $1,500. The theft occurred between May 29 and June 1. The fence into the area was not compromised. 6:00 PM | A white, 1980 Mustang was stolen from the rear of a barn on Line 86 near Side Road 16. The vehicle was not drivable, meaning it would have been towed from the site. It had been parked by the side of the barn for a few years and was described as being in ‘scrap condition.’ It was taken between 3 and 5 p.m. on June 1.
»
Two injured in Kressler Road collision
photo | joni miltenburg
MAY 27
WHAT ARE THE CHANCES? two identical pontiac montana vans collided at the intersection of Kressler and benjamin roads in Wellesley township monday afternoon. two people were taken to hospital. Monte Carlo or Chevy Lumina vehicle while in the area of Ruggles Road in Floradale. At one point the boy flagged down a school bus and the car sped away. The driver was
described as a white adult male, with dark wavy hair and a beard.
»
JUNE 3
12:00 AM | Another bike, this
A lONG WAy ‘ROUND Arthur street in elmira has been undergoing a major facelift in recent weeks. this week, access to Arthur street was closed from First to south streets.
JUNE 2
12:40 PM | A bike was found on Spring Wagon Lane, near Church Street in Elmira. A green Venture 12-speed mountain tour bike may be claimed by its rightful owner at the Elmira detachment. 2:15 PM | A 14-year-old boy appears to have been followed by a man driving a green
Garden
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The Big Detour
photo | mArC miquel helsen
»
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10 | COMMENT & OPINION
THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 06, 2009
» CARTOON Published Saturdays since 1996 by Cathedral Communications Inc. Publications Mail Agreement No | 1004840
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» EDITORIAL
Stifling access part of Tory pattern
Canada’s Information Commissioner has been highlighting problems with the country’s access to information process. Robert Marleau’s reports have been embarrassing to a government that maintains it’s all about openness and transparency. Under the circumstances, it seems petty and vindictive to strangle the commission’s budget as it tries to find more systemic problems in the way information is handled. That kind of move does not seem the least bit surprising coming from Stephen Harper’s Conservatives. This is the prime minister, after all, who sacked Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission president Linda Keen last year after she defied him by ordering the shutdown of the Chalk River nuclear reactor – back in the news because safety concerns have shut it down again. The record is clear. Harper fired environment commissioner Johanne Gelinas; also sacked was Canadian Wheat Board president Adrian Measner, who challenged government plans to change the way the board operates; his actions led to the resignation of information commissioner John Reid; he squabbled with both Chief Electoral Officer Marc Mayrand (his own appointee) and prede-
cessor Jean-Pierre Kingsley; he worked against Commissioner of Official Languages Graham Fraser; Harper locked horns with former ethics commissioner Bernard Shapiro. While Marleau won’t come out and say that his office is being punished for reports that paint the government in a negative light, the dots are being connected. Earlier this year, the commission found most of the departments and agencies earned a below-average grade for responding to public requests for information. The most significant finding attests to the fact that the 30-day period intended by Parliament to be the norm in responding to information requests is increasingly becoming the exception. The report shows a trend toward greater use of time extensions and for longer periods of time, a trend which is not matched by a proportional increase in the number of information requests. “Our analysis has confirmed what Canadians have been hearing and experiencing for a while now, when trying to obtain government-held information,” Marleau said of his March report. “There are major delays, particularly with extensions, with some institutions routinely
» VERBATIM “This is really outrageous and it understandably offends people. How can they possibly justify these bonuses when the fund lost over $23 billion last year? They performed poorly and then rewarded themselves with million dollar bonus payouts? That defies common sense.” NUPGE union president James Clancy on the CPP bonuses
taking months to respond to information requests. Canadians expect and deserve far greater efficiency and accountability from their government. “The poor performance shown by institutions is symptomatic of a major information management crisis throughout government. In today’s digital environment, outmoded ‘paper’ practices, inconsistencies, overlapping, and the like, unnecessarily slow down the retrieval process, lead to unsuccessful or repeated searches, and generate huge amounts of pages to review.” Hardly a ringing endorsement for the government’s stated respect for transparency. It’s easy to see how someone of Harper’s temperament would see Marleau’s findings as fighting words. It’s also easy to see Harper taking punitive action rather than attempting to fix the problems the Information Commission details. To act on the commission’s recommendations, this government would actually have to be interested in allowing public access to information, not just say so. From everything we’ve learned of Harper, that’s far too much to expect. Secrecy and control have been shown to be part of his mantra.
» THE MONITOR CPP Investment Board, the Crown corporation that oversees the Canada Pension Plan, lost $23.7 billion last year. Despite this loss, its CEO, along with four executives, will take home a total $8.5 million in pay and bonuses. Additionally, the executives are due another $7 million in long-term awards that will be paid out over the next three years. CPP Investment Board
COMMENT & OPINION |
THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 06, 2009
» HARD TALK | RAFE MAIR
11
Rising oil prices again have Alberta and Ottawa at odds Quebec is the destabilizing factor in Canada – paradoxically, it is the stabilizing factor as well. The separatist poison ivy that goes away and comes back regularly makes Quebec into a special place not so much because of its language and culture but because it must constantly be wooed, cosseted and bribed. On the other hand, without Quebec there is no Canada – in her absence Ontario and a couple of Atlantic client provinces would run the whole show. We have another destabilizing province, Alberta, which hitherto we haven’t taken too seriously. In order to assess its seriousness we must lay an historical base. In 1878, after paying his political forfeit over the Pacific Scandal, Sir John A. Macdonald returned to power on the theme of a national policy. The idea was that a transcontinental railway would encourage settlement in Western Canada thus provide a ready market for manufactured goods, largely from Ontario, which would be
protected by high tariffs. The Canadian Pacific Railway was completed in 1885. The policy was very unpopular in the western provinces as they saw the same goods they paid for dearly, sold at much reduced prices below the U.S. border. The white hot anger at the CPR, the visible cause of prairie misery, gave rise to the story about the farmer, whose crops had been ruined by locusts, shaking his fist at the sky calling out “God damn you, CPR.” Fast forward to 1905 when the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan were fashioned out of the Northwest Territories, owned by the federal Crown. The new provinces weren’t given power over “natural resources,” a power all other provinces had. This was keenly resented and a bitter struggle ensued. Finally, in December 1929 Ottawa granted the prairie provinces the same rights other provinces had. Then came natural gas in Turner Valley, followed by what seems like a never ending discovery of oil. The 1929 deal had come just in the nick of time for Albertans. Now to 1980. As with other countries in the “West,” we suffered from the shenanigans of OPEC, which hit the manufacturing regions hard, as
it did all Canadians outside Alberta and B.C. (which had huge natural gas resources) when it came to heating homes in winter. Pierre Trudeau, who wasn’t big on provincial rights in the first place, brought in the National Energy Program (NEP), which, by keeping domestic oil prices below world market prices, forced Alberta, and to a lesser degree B.C., to be generous by subsidizing industry and homeowners alike. Alberta reacted by cutting back on production and using bumper stickers saying “Let the eastern bastards freeze in the dark.” Brian Mulroney came to power in 1984 promising to get rid of the National Energy Plan, which was pretty easy because the NEP contained a threshold price of oil before it kicked in and oil prices had fallen well below that mark. Before going on it must be stated that in B.C. and Alberta, the latter especially, the right to natural resources is an “or fight” issue. Although current Premier Ed Stelmach, a colourless leader unlike Ralph Klein, heads a party that has been in power since man’s mind runneth not to the contrary, he continues to follow the party line that “the rest of Canada
can get stuffed on climate control and keep your grubby hands off our oil resources.” With the fluctuations in oil prices, the tar sands, long uneconomical to mine (for that’s how it’s done) have been in production, filling provincial coffers. Thus has Alberta flung down the gauntlet and dared the federal government to pick it up and fight. This puts that part-time Albertan Prime Minister Stephen Harper in a hell of a box . The last thing he needs is a federal election where the votes of Albertans are crucial to his success. In other words, for Mr. Harper, it’s gird up our loins with a majority government then step into the ring with Alberta. In that vein, the 1980 policy of Pierre Trudeau must be examined by the feds. The NEP was never tested in the courts as to its constitutionality and my guess is that if it is, Ottawa will win and they’ll be able to do through the back door – taxes – what they can’t do through the front door: expropriate provincial resources. If that happens, all hell will break loose with Alberta and B.C. – and maybe Saskatchewan as well, making the same noises as Quebec does when the poison ivy re-occurs.
» INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS | GWYNNE DYER
Ongoing terrorism still likely even after demise of Tamil Tigers “(The war) is not going to end soon,” said Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara, the Sri Lankan army’s spokesman, last month. “It will take some time to completely eradicate terrorism from the country – we think about two years.” In the euphoria over the recent military victory that ended the conventional war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (“Tamil Tigers”) and wiped out most of their leadership, most people in Sri Lanka have forgotten that prediction, but it remains likely. In fact, the brigadier may even have been optimistic in saying that two years would “completely eradicate terrorism” in Sri Lanka. In the last weeks of fighting, foreign-
ers called for a ceasefire to protect the Tamil civilians trapped within the diminishing perimeter held by the Tigers, solemnly warning that a crushing military victory by the government would embitter the Tamils and cause just such a terrorist war afterwards. But that was just foreigners being naive: after 26 years of war, the bitterness among Tamils is already quite enough to fuel a post-war guerilla war. However, whether that war actually occurs depends on what happens next, not on how Tamils feel about the way the war ended. The ordeal of the 300,000 Tamils who were trapped with the Tigers’ army in its last stand was extreme, but it was not just due to government shellfire. The survivors of that ordeal, who are now being held in government-run “displacement camps,” were forced to accompany the Tigers in their retreat to serve as shields. They were killed
by the Tigers if they tried to leave, so they are not in the least romantic about that last stand. Whereas the very large number of Tamils in the diaspora overseas are. Diaspora Tamils are in shock about recent events, for most of them saw the founder and leader of the Tigers, Velupillai Prabhakan, as an invincible defender of the Tamil cause. They can scarcely believe that he and almost all the other senior leaders of the Tigers are dead. Moreover, the Tiger support network in countries like Canada and the United Kingdom that provided 80 per cent of the organization’s military budget is still intact. There are plenty of young radicals in those communities who are ready to continue the war in Sri Lanka, if only by guerilla and terrorist attacks for the time being. This is strikingly different from the situation in Sri Lanka itself, where it is clear that most Tam-
ils in the areas formerly under the Tigers’ control are ready to stop fighting. They have personal experience of the Tigers’ ruthless rule, they have lived through 26 years of constant insecurity and recurrent violence, and they have had enough. That would normally be the deciding factor in the equation, for if the Tamils at home in Sri Lanka really want to end the war, who could make it continue? There are, unfortunately, two possible answers to that question. One is: the dogmatists in the Tamil diaspora, for whom the goal of a separate Tamil state in Sri Lanka is sacred. The other is: the victorious and deeply intolerant government of Sri Lanka, which may well throw its victory away. Many Tamils living abroad just want to integrate into their new countries and leave all that unhappy history behind them, but family ties back home
ly relish, only to arrive at the restaurant to be served green beans on a regular basis. Leonard Freeman Elmira
of habitat. To build houses here, they will have to cut down a couple of acres of trees. In this area, there are grosbeaks, indigo buntings, catbirds, song sparrows, Cooper’s hawks, crows, red-winged blackbirds, cowbirds, wrens, cardinals, nuthatches (red and white), woodpeckers, robins, hummingbirds, chickadees and blue jays, just to mention a few. As well, it is a great habitat for migrating birds in the fall, and provides great winter cover with lots of coniferous trees. Most people look at this as just a piece of bush, but this is very valuable to nature. It would be criminal to cut this down and build houses. This should not happen, and I urge people to come out to the meeting at township hall June 23 to oppose the development. This area should be designated as
parkland. Wildlife thrives along rivers, and this is the only spot like this in Elmira. Woolwich says there will be no decisions made at the June 23 meeting – they’ll just be letting you think you have some say on it, when it is already decided. This issue involves all of the people of Elmira, not just the few nearby residents who received notice of the proposed development. They don’t even mention you must contact the township in advance to speak at the meeting. To register as a delegate, you must call the office – Val at 669-6005 or Amanda at 669-6009 – by June 18. Be sure to call and then to come to the meeting. This would be a bad decision if passed. Kenneth Reger Elmira
See DYER »12
» LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Restaurants should feature local produce To the Editor, In response to your story on the Buy Local! Buy Fresh! campaign (Observer, May 23/09), why do local restaurants not serve more in-season foods, especially fruits and vegetables that are grown locally? I eat mostly in restaurants and find the menus are strictly adhered to, meaning the same for all seasons. Items such as rhubarb or peach pies, or asparagus and peas in season would be a real treat. In midsummer, on my way to the restaurant I pass many vendors selling sweet corn, which I would great-
Housing development would be shameful act To the Editor, With regards to the development they want to do at Victoria Glen, extending the now-blind road to Snyder Avenue and building houses on either side would mean cutting down a lot of trees. This is prime bird and wildlife habitat. Songbird numbers are down by 35 per cent, mainly due to sprays and loss
12 | COMMENT & OPINION
THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 06, 2009
Dyer: Can’t expect enlightend approach » From page 11
and the pervasive presence of Tiger radicals in the overseas communities make it hard for them to do so. There is a risk that the Tamil emigrants, like the millions of Irish who emigrated to the United States in the famine of the 1840s, will become the base for a permanent war against the oppressor back home. That is what the Fenians became in 19thcentury America, even launching unsuccessful “invasions” of British North America (i.e. Canada) in pursuit of their goal of liberating Ireland. If the Sri Lankan government cannot create an acceptable future for its Tamil population at home, the same thing will happen in the Tamil diaspora. There is no good reason why Sri Lanka’s Tamils should not live peacefully as the country’s largest minority, but history is against it. The ethnic nationalism of the Buddhist, Sinhala-speaking majority has poisoned Sri Lankan politics, beginning with the laws that made Sinhala the sole official language and imposed restrictions on Tamil access to
universities and the professions in the 1950s and 1960s. Those laws were mainly the work of the Bandaranaike political dynasty, which deliberately cultivated a resentful Sinhalese nationalism for electoral reasons. The laws aimed to redress the grievances of the Sinhalese majority, who believed that the Tamil minority had prospered at their expense by collaborating too closely with the British colonial power, but they went too far and they have lasted too long. What the country needs now is a clean slate where everybody’s language has equal status and every ethnic group has equal opportunities. At the end of these terrible months, and despite all the killings and the “displacement camps” crammed with dazed Tamil civilians, President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s government has enough political credit in the eyes of the Sinhalese majority to make that revolution happen. Unfortunately, his government probably lacks the imagination for that, in which case the terrorism will probably start up again soon.
» OBSERVER Q&A What are your thoughts on the demolition of the Steddick Hotel?
“I’m glad to see it come down. Initially, I didn’t. But now that I see just how badly it had deteriorated, I don’t think they could have restored it.”
“It’s been kind of an eyesore, so I’m glad it’s coming down.”
»» Marie Lemieux
»» Lorna Melitzer
“On the one hand, a town’s older buildings should be given some rejuvenated form of life. On the other hand, if it’s been left uncared for for so long then it has to be removed from the street.”
»» Tony Gorman
“I hate to see it go, but I guess old buildings can’t last forever. It’s part of history, it’s been there ever since the 1800s.”
»» George Siemens
» THE VIEW FROM HERE | SCOTT ARNOLD
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BUSINESS |
THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 06, 2009
BUSINESS
» GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES CONTINUE
13
Expansion provides more room for Comforts Despite the recession, pet owners still want what’s best for their beloved animals, especially good food As businesses worldwide struggle to deal with the fallout of a global recession, it appears that some industries are actually growing. Take pet food, for example: more and more people are seeing a connection between healthy diets for their pets and long-term savings, says Chris Schaefer, owner of Creature Comfort Pet Emporium in St. Jacobs. “It (recession) has had its impact in that people aren’t spending their money as much on luxury items,” she explained. “We’re definitely seeing a strong focus on health, because … people are very conscious of the costs of medical care.” Consumers of food – both for humans as well as for their pets – are seeing the connection between sound nutrition and healthier bodies in the long run. As a result, they are more willing to spend their money on preventative medicine and nutrition. Many pet owners, Schaefer said, are feeding their animals quality food products, believing that this will reduce the chances of
health complications in the future. Indeed, sales of holistic, homeopathic and herbal, as well as so-called “apawcathary” products have grown in recent years, said Schaefer. “The pet industry itself certainly is still expanding and growing with research and development. “To have a good selection as well as bringing in new options, required growth on our part as well and good strong support from our clients – they are the ones that have enabled us to grow.” Not all pet products, however, have fared so well in recent months: luxury items, for example, have taken a hit in sales, said Schaefer. “They (pet owners) may be making do with a collar they had last year rather than buying a new one, and things like that,” she explained. Creature Comfort in St. Jacobs has seen a relative boom in business in recent months: the pet store on Sawmill Road just recently expanded its facility by an additional 300 square feet (to a total of 1,900) as a result of an expanding product line, and in the last six months has added two new em-
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PHOTO | MARC MIQUEL HELSEN
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ployees to bring its staff to five. As Schaefer and her staff pondered an expan-
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“We needed more space but really didn’t want to move because our clients are all in this vicinity
and neighbourhood and we didn’t want to leave them,” she said, noting that they were able to come to an agreement with their landlord that would offer Schaefer access to a greater part of the building. The extended portion now houses dog and cat food and has freed up space, helping to “clean up” the retail section of the building. “It’s been an amazing improvement for the clients; they can come in with their animals and they can move much more freely in the store whereas previously we were quite crowded, because we have a lot of people who do come in with their animals, and we do nail trims as well so it has given us more space to do the services.” The recession has certainly had negative implications for the pet market, said Schaefer, noting that increasingly, pet owners are abandoning their animals as they deal with financial pressures. “The rescues are just flooded, people are literally abandoning their animals in the wild,” she said, adding that rescue organizations are being overwhelmed with stray animals.
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14 | BUSINESS
THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 06, 2009
» FOOD FOR THOUGHT | OWEN ROBERTS
Union says prison farm plan is no con job Farmers are some of the most versatile people around. Besides being good at growing food, they’re mechanics, welders, carpenters and financial managers, among other things. And if they raise livestock, they’re adept at certain animal health procedures, too. So, it’s bewildering that Ottawa wants to shut down the country’s six prison farms because, it says, the farms aren’t providing inmates with marketable skills. If inmates truly farm on these farms, there’s no question they’re learning some of those skills. Plus, it’s an established fact Canada has a huge shortage of skilled farm workers. So, what’s up? That’s what the Union of Solicitor
General Employees wants to know. It’s just launched a very public, national communications campaign called Save Our Farms (www.saveourfarms. ca), to keep the farms running and preserve the jobs of the union members who administer them. But more than that, the union’s calling on Ottawa to actually expand the prison farm program. It wants new, dynamic farms to be created, and it’s appealing to Canadians concerned about local food and food security to support its campaign. According to the union, the prison farm system is a Canadian tradition in minimum-security penal institutions, dating back to the late 1800s. It claims prison farms have delivered “useful skills training and character-building for those inmates identified as having the most likely chance of successful rehabilitation and reintegration into
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the community.” That sounds probable, but at this point in the campaign it’s not substantiated. It’s lacking testimonials and spokespeople who exemplify a prisonfarm related turnaround. Those may be hard to come by, especially given the union’s own admission that for the most part “the narrow scope of existing farm programs has resulted in relatively few inmates being able to find work in agriculture or agri-food on their release.” Indeed, the campaign needs reason beyond sentimentality. Even though Canada somehow found $10 billion to bail out General Motors, these days it’s unlikely Ottawa will open the purse strings to save prison farms – or anything – simply because they’re a tradition. In part, the union recognizes that, so it’s taking another timely and emotional approach by positioning the prison farms as one answer to the public’s hunger for food that’s local and safe. In this way, it sees the ledger going from red to black, and even turning the prison farms into what it calls profit centres. The union’s vision includes developing dairy farms to make cheese, or bakeries to turn prison farm grain into bread. It says greenhouses
on the farms could extend the growing season and pave the way for introducing ornamentals that would be sold at local nurseries. All these products would be kept affordable because Ottawa would be paying the farmer-inmates’ wages. “Under our plan, inmates would be taught the latest theories and practices of crop management and animal husbandry, with an emphasis on sustainable, organic, locally-orientated farming. In the winter months, such relevant courses as business practices, computer skills, accounting, crop science and basic veterinary skills could be taught,” says the campaign. That sounds great. The infrastructure is certainly in place through open learning programs from colleges and universities to deliver some of what the union hopes to see. It makes me wonder, though, why the union waited until now to bring forward such a progressive plan, especially if it knew the old program was lacking to the point where Ottawa no longer sensed value. Anyway, local food advocates, farm groups and prisoners’ rights advocates need to be heard from on this. If it’s the panacea the union claims, it needs many vocal, visible friends, and it needs them right now.
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»
SPORTS |
THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 06, 2009
SPORTS » ON THE COURT
15
Sister act nets EDSS a tennis championship Sam and Paige Nosal are recent converts to competition, but their doubles team already going strong
It’s been a winning year for sisters Sam and Paige Nosal. In April, the St. Clements girls helped their ringette team to the title at the Canadian Junior championships. And last week the Nosals beat players from 13 other schools to take the Waterloo County junior tennis championship. “They rolled through the competition,” said coach Mark Carlin. This is the first time the sisters have played tennis competitively. They started when they were about 12 years old, hitting the courts every summer while camping in Owen Sound. Last summer older sister Sam went to a tennis camp at Wilfrid Laurier University, and this spring they decided to join the high school tennis team. Like other spring sports at Waterloo Region high schools, the tennis season is a short one: five weeks from start to finish. Carlin holds practices three or four times a week, where the Nosals honed their skills. They admit they’re tougher on each other because they’re sisters. But while they might get frustrated with each other during practice, come tournament time they pull together. Carlin warned them that they would be facing some stiff competition: many of the other schools have club players who compete on a regular basis. “We knew we had to bring our game,” Paige said. Their years of ringette may not have been a lot of help on the skill side,
PHOTO | JONI MILTENBURG
JONI MILTENBURG
THE FAMILY THAT PLAYS TOGETHER ... Sisters Sam (left) and Paige Nosal claimed the junior girls’ doubles title for Elmira District Secondary School at the Waterloo County tennis championships last week. but it gave them an edge mentally. Their experience playing at the nationals taught them that getting behind doesn’t mean game-over, Sam said. “If you get negative and get down on yourself because they get a point on you, you don’t play well,” she said. “You have to shake it off.” Carlin noted that attitude was what helped them compete against teams with more skilled players. “When the chips are down, when they have to win a point, they really focus,” he said. Tournament play had
to be modified somewhat to have time for teams from 14 schools to play 114 matches over the course of the day. Usually a team has to win two sets of six games; they played only one set and the first team to six wins took the match. The Nosals played their best in the semi-final, against a strong Waterloo Collegiate team. Paige delivered a handful of aces and Sam kept the rallies going, keeping the WCI team off balance. After winning the semi-final, they took the final rather handily, 8-2. There is no regional competition; WCSSAA is as far as juniors can
advance, but they’re already thinking ahead to next year. Sam will be in Grade 11, too old for junior, but Carlin is thinking of having both girls play senior.
Carlin was just as delighted as the Nosals were; he’s been coaching tennis and badminton for 10 years, and this is the first time any of his teams have won a WCS-
SAA championship. The school finished ninth overall, on the strength of the Nosals’ play; the other competitors won a few games, but no matches.
Results from the OFSAA West regionals A pair of athletes from EDSS will be among several thousand competitors at the Ontario track and field championships this weekend. Lydia Frey qualified in the junior girls’ javelin throw, and Madeline Charnuski will be racing in the senior girls’ 100-metre hurdles and 400-metre hurdles.
Full results from the OFSAA West regional meet held May 29 and 30: Sam Murray: 7th, midget girls’ 300-metre hurdles; 11th, midget girls’ 800 metre Sarah Densmore: 15th, junior girls’ 3000 metre Jordan Moore: 10th, midget boys’ high jump Lydia Frey: 8th, junior girls’
long jump; 13th, junior girls’ discus; 4th, junior girls’ javelin Madeline Charnuski: 4th, senior girls’ 100-metre hurdles; 4th, senior girls’ 400-metre hurdles Mel Blake: 9th, senior girls’ javelin Nick Timmerman: 11th, senior boys’ javelin
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16 | SPORTS
THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 06, 2009
» THE NOT-SO-GREAT OUTDOORSMAN | STEVE GALEA
Media misses the real story in favour of bear necessities If you have been following the news over the last little while, you’re probably aware that a bear showed up uninvited in Aurora – a little town just north of Toronto. Now I’m not saying that they’ve made a big deal over the incident, but, for a while, this story overshadowed North Korean nuclear testing, the disintegration of General Motors, and several other impending disasters. Which is simply another way of saying, as usual, we kept our perspective. Personally, I enjoyed the intelligent questions being asked by the Toronto
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media covering the event live. One morning television personality asked, “How long has this bear been on the loose?” I’m no expert but I’d probably guess its whole life. Another question was, “Can this animal hurt you?” Not unless you try to apply makeup to it before the interview. In any case, the news storm that surrounded this wayward bear makes me think that the media have been unfair to other wild animals. For instance, why was there no live coverage when that wild turkey showed up at the end of my driveway the day after the season ended? Believe me, I tried to alert the media and anyone else who would listen, but
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING OF COUNCIL UNDER THE DCA TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING On Tuesday, June 30, 2009 the Council of the Township of Woolwich will hold a public meeting, pursuant to Section 12 of the Development Charges Act, 1997, to present and obtain public input on the Township’s proposed development charges by-law and underlying background study. All interested parties are invited to attend the Public Meeting of Council and any person who attends the meeting may make representations relating to the proposed by-law and background study. The meeting is to be held: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 7:00 pm The Council Chambers 24 Church Street West; Elmira, ON In order that sufficient information is made available to the public, copies of the proposed by-law and the background study are being made available as of June 15, 2009 from the Township Clerk at the above location (519-669-1820 FAX). Interested persons may express their comments at the Public Meeting or in writing, addressed to the Township Clerk, at the above address prior to June 25, 2009.1 1. Such written submissions will be placed before Council for the meeting.
they’d have none of it. You don’t have to run the Neilson’s ratings to see it had all the hallmarks of a great news story. Here was the tale of a survivor who was seeking closure on the turkey season by taunting one of the hunters who had taken its older brother. It was a face-to-beak Oka-like photo opportunity, and yet it never made the six o’clock news. Not one live-eye crew showed up. Instead they were all in Aurora, taking footage of a black bear sleeping in a tree. OK, I understand the draw of the bear story. That hapless animal was out of place and potentially dangerous. Well, let me just point out that the young jake at the end of my driveway was out of place too and he could have pecked me. Hard. And what about the turtle that slowed traffic at the end of the concession last week? Why were there no traffic helicopter reports on that? Believe me, this was quite a topic of conversation around these parts. And yet, it went largely unreported by the mainstream media. Lord knows why. It
had three cars backed up for a whole minute. We don’t often see traffic jams like that around here. The Ministry of Natural Resources wouldn’t send a conservation officer over to move or tranquilize the turtle either. Makes you wonder about where your taxpayer dollars are going. In any case, that bear in Aurora received its 15 minutes of fame and I suppose that it did provide a little reminder that we do have black bears in southern Ontario on occasion. The news crews stuck with it right up until it was tranquilized and taken away to where it belongs. After all, a bear anywhere near the Greater Toronto Area is considered dangerous. But it’s got to go somewhere. It too has a right to live. You couldn’t exactly expect the good people of Aurora to live with this nuisance for more than a day. So, after some thought, the Ministry of Natural Resources went and did the right thing. They moved the nuisance away from that subdivision. But to do that, first they had to move the bear …
Notice of Public Information Centre NOTICE OFPROPOSED INTENTION TO PASS AN AMENDMENT REGION OF WATERLOO TO THE FEESSIGN & CHARGES BY- LAW BY-LAW The Region of Waterloo will be holding a public information centre to introduce a draft The Region of Waterloo intends to pass an amendment to By-law 09-003 (Establish Regional By-law respecting signs on Regional roads. The proposed Sign By-law addresses The amendment with including respect toelection respite signs, program fees ataccessory SunnyallFees typesand of Charges). unofficial signs on Regionalisroads business side Home and Grand River Transit U-Pass fees. signs, farm accessory signs, mailbox accessory signs, open house signs and poster signs. The proposed Sign By-law establishes requirements for unofficial signs including: The amending by-law will be considered at the Regional Council Meeting scheduled for: • Location and placement; • Size, shape, construction and content; 2009 • Impacts to theWednesday, function ofJune the 24, road; 7:00and p.m. • Number of signs timing of placement; and • Sign removal.Regional Municipality of Waterloo Council Chamber, 2nd Floor Administration Staff are also proposing an amendment to the Region’s Tourism andBuilding Essential Services 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener Signing Policy to allow tourism signage on Regional roads for agri-toursim activities. When: Tuesday, June 17, 2008, drop in 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. A copy Regional of the amendment will be available for review(lobby) starting June 3, 2009, in the Place: Administration Headquarters Clerk’s Office, Region of Waterloo, 2nd Floor, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener. If you 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener have questions concerning the amendments, or require accessible services to particiThis public information centre is being for the purpose of providing information and pate, please contact the Clerk’s office held at 519-575-4420. receiving comments from the public. A copy of the draft By-law is available for review in the Clerk’s Office, Region of Waterloo, 2nd floor, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener or on the If you wish to speak at the Council meeting regarding these amendments, please regRegion’s website at: ister as a delegation with the Region’s Council and Administrative Services Division at www.region.waterloo.on.ca - tab Newsroom, tab Public Notices 519-575-4420 by June 18, 2009. If you have questions concerning the By-law, please contact Nancy Button, Manager, Engineering at Act, 519-575-4520 or by email at This noticeTransportation is in accordance with the Municipal 2001. bnancy@region.waterloo.on.ca If Kris you Fletcher require accessible services to participate in this meeting, please contact the above Director, Council and Administrative Services/Regional Clerk noted person by Tuesday, June 10, 2008. 2nd Floor, Administration Building All comments and information received from individuals, stakeholder groups and agencies regarding this 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener project are being collected to assist the Region of Waterloo in making a decision. Under the Municipal Act, personal information such as name, address, telephone number, and property location that may be 519-575-4420 included in a submission becomes part of the public record. Questions regarding the collection of this information should be referred to the person indicated above.
All comments and information received from individuals, stakeholder groups and agenNancy Button this by-law are being collected to assist the Region of Waterloo in makcies regarding Manager, Transportation Engineering ing a decision. Under the Municipal Act, personal information such as name, address, Region of Waterloo telephone number, and property location that may be included in a submission becomes 150 Frederick Street, 7th Floor part of the public record. Questions regarding the collection of this information should Kitchener, ON N2G 4J3 be referred to the Regional Clerk’s Office.
SPORTS |
THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 06, 2009
» COMING CLOSE
It’s déjà vu all over again for EDSS girls’ softball squad Team sees a repeat of last season’s perfect regular season record only to fall just short in championship match against St. Mary’s JONI MILTENBURG Members of the EDSS girls’ softball team had an understandable feeling of déjà vu Wednesday, as they replicated last season’s result in the final tournament. After a perfect 7-0 record through the regular season, the girls made it to the championship final only to lose to St. Mary’s. “It was pretty much the same thing as last year,” said coach Brian Carter ruefully. The Lancers came from behind to win their first three games and tried to pull it off again in the final, but fell too far behind to catch up. The 14-team league is divided into two pools for the regular season. At the end of the season, the top four teams
at the top of the seventh, putting a comeback out of reach for the Lancers. It was a banner day for MacInnis, who drove in winning runs in two days, and for Hilker, who hit two home runs and two triples. Mel Blake again put up a solid performance both offensively and defensively, and Melanie Freeman kept the team in the game from the mound, pitching every inning. Carter said the girls were disappointed with the loss but bounced back quickly, knowing it was a solid effort from the entire team. “Obviously they wanted to win, but – as they should be – they were pretty happy. They played well to get to the championship and they had a great year.”
game. At the bottom of the seventh and final inning, Kora Clements hit a triple and Amanda MacInnis followed that up with a single to drive her home and win 5-4. In the third game, the Lancers pulled out in front for a change, leading 10-3 at one point. Eastwood claimed the lead in the last inning, making it 11-10, but MacInnis again carried her team, driving in a pair of runs in the bottom of the seventh for the win. The Lancers knew they’d be facing a tough test with St. Mary’s, who also went undefeated through the regular season. St. Mary’s pulled ahead 4-1 in the first two innings before EDSS clicked into gear and shut them down, making it 4-3. Then St. Mary’s scored five runs
from each pool face off in the championship, while the bottom three teams play a friendly tournament. The first and fourthplace teams from each pool face the second and third teams from the other pool; then the winners of the preliminary rounds face each other in the championship. The Lancers faced Sir John A. Macdonald in the first game and got off to a slow start. Down 3-0 after the first inning, they clamped down and ultimately won the game 12-3. In the second game, EDSS squared off against Preston High School. Preston held a 4-1 lead nearly the whole game until the second last inning, when Sarah Hilker hit a three-run home run to tie the
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18 | SPORTS
THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 06, 2009
» SOME KIND OF ELVIS THING
King set to Kruise once again Linwood Elvis tribute and car show to go annually after proving to be popular in last year’s debut MARC MIQUEL HELSEN Elvis Presley, or at least a half dozen or so reincarnations of the late hipswinging American icon, will be rockin’ Linwood June 20. For a second year, Kruisin’ with the King – the local Elvis Tribute and classic car show –
will take place at the Linwood Recreation Complex. “It’s going to be a lot of fun and it will be a bit of a mix too,” said Crosshill’s Herb Neher, one of the event organizers and performers. “We hope it takes off again,” he added, noting that last year’s debut show proved a great suc-
cess despite the challenges posed by miserable weather and a number of competing events in the K-W area. Instead of hosting the event in August, organizers thought it would be beneficial to bump the show up to June, a time when local residents are raring to celebrate the arrival of the summer
festival season. Organizers of the event, which is sponsored by the Linwood Rod & Gun Club, the Linwood Lions and the Linwood firefighters, are also hoping to capitalize on the fact many local residents won’t have yet gone on vacation. Last year, hundreds of people attended the show – so many that the com-
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mittee is looking to make the event an annual gig. Though planned as an outdoor event, Kruisin’ with The King was moved indoors as a result of inclement weather. But that did little to ward off spectators. This time around, however, Neher and company are hoping for some cooperation from Mother Nature. “We’re praying for good weather because, really, it’s meant to be outdoors,” he said of the rain-or-shine event. The concert will feature the performances of seven Elvis tribute artists hailing from all over southern Ontario – from Crosshill to Hamilton – and even a few performances in between sets of Roy Orbison and Barbara Streisand favourites. Each performer will play a 20 minute set between 3 and 6 p.m., and then a second (20 minute) set between 6 and 9 p.m. Neher noted that the format will allow spectators more than one opportunity to see their favourite
artist. As for the sets, 20 minutes seem to be just about right. “You can get an audience going between six and seven songs.” The event will also feature a focus on costumes. Last year’s offering saw the majority of performers dressing like the Las Vegas Elvis of his later career. Instead of having a repeat of that this year, Neher said organizers plan on having each performer wear outfits from two different eras, attempting to cover every period in his career. This way fans will get a chance to see the rock ‘n’ roll icon in all his personae. Funded by the sponsoring organizations and by local businesses, the non-profit event will collect donations and steer profits from food and beverage sales towards community betterment projects. Also on tap is a raffle of summer sausages and T-shirts. For more information, call 519-698-2019 or 519-698-2553.
SCORECARD MIDGET GIRLS SOFTBALL
Sebringville 10, Elmira 1 Elmira 8, St. Mary’s 0 Hillsburgh 7, Elmira 2
May 26
Linwood 20, Elmira 18 Mitchell Tournament
June 1
Elmira 15, Grand Valley 0
May 28 - May 30
7TH ANNUAL
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2008 DODGE CALIBER SXT/SPORT
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2006 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SE
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CA L L O N E O F O U R PRO F ES S I O N A L SA L ES R EP S TO DAY: R AY FR ED ER I C K , J O H N I V I N E Y, C O L I N K RO PF P.S.T, G.S.T a nd lice ncing due on d e li ver y. Pay m e nts b ase d on 8.79% over 6 0 mths O. A .C.
ELMIRA SUM MER SPORTS CAMP FOR BOYS AND GIRLS AGES 8 - 14
GET OUTSIDE, GET ACTIVE & HAVE FUN! Back again by popular demand, this day camp provides an opportunity to learn and play a variety of sports in a non-competitive environment. Run by two local teachers, Elmira Summer Sports Camp offers many sports including baseball, basketball, volleyball, touch football, soccer, swimming, bowling, and much more! Camp t-shirts and Friday BBQ lunch is provided! Participate in one session or multiple sessions.
LIM AV ITED AIL SP AB AC LE E
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FEES Monday July 6 - 10 Monday July 13 - 17 Monday July 20-24
$160 $160 $160
Camp runs from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm at Park Manor Public School Family discounts available
519-669-2831 361 ARTHUR STREET SOUTH, ELMIRA • www.voisinchrysler.com
Camp is run by two local teachers with experience in coaching and playing all the sports offered.
Call Brian: 519-578-6370 or Mel: 519-669-0765
for 'over the phone' registration. or email: austinmacher@rogers.com
GRILLING TIME |
THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 06, 2009
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20 | GRILLING TIME
THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 06, 2009
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Dual Your Choice of 2 Meats Steaks Striploin....................................................$8.99 lb T-Bone.......................................................$8.99 lb Ribeye.......................................................$8.99 lb Homemade Farmers Sausage Fresh.........................................................$2.39 lb Smoked.....................................................$2.59 lb Smoked Porkchops......................................$3.99 lb
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ENTERTAINMENT » » A short step from bows to bowls ENTERTAINMENT |
THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 06, 2009
21
SPOTLIGHT ARTS FESTIVAL
Trevor Ewert finds himself in the Spotlight thanks to newfound wood-turning endeavours
As a professional violin bowmaker, Trevor Ewert is used to working with exotic woods like pernambuco from Brazil and snakewood from Guyana. These days, he’s cultivating a taste for common species like the Manitoba maple. Ewert is building a business making wooden bowls turned on a lathe. While there are tropical hardwoods that make beautiful bowls, he decided to focus on using local species, which he says can be just as eye-catching. “When I got into the bowl making, I realized … what we have growing in a 50-mile radius of here is equally beautiful and sometimes even more exceptionally figured than the most exotic, sought-after woods of the world.” Ewert got into making violin bows 15 years ago, with no inkling of it turning into a career. After finishing a degree in violin performance at the University of Western Ontario, he spent a year studying historical violin at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. There, he learned about historical instruments and equipment and was inspired to try making his own baroque bow. His first attempts were clumsy, but soon he was making bows that were good enough that people wanted to buy them. Ewert also services bows for university students and members of the local symphony. That work pays the bills, but lately demand for bow-making has been falling off – another victim of the economic downturn. “Musicians historically have never had money, but now perhaps they have bigger worries and still no money,” Ewert said. “When there are mortgages to pay, the jus-
PHOTO | JONI MILTENBURG
JONI MILTENBURG
CRAFT TAKES A TURN Trevor Ewert works on a wooden bowl at his Bamberg workshop, which will be one of the featured stops during the Spotlight Arts Festival on this weekend in Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Cambridge and Stratford. tification for buying a $2,000 bow becomes a bit harder.” The bowl-turning business is still in its infancy. Ewert got into wood turning less than two years ago, after his father bought a wood lathe. He turned a few bowls for fun, but these days, the one who uses the lathe is Trevor. The most exotic-looking bowls come from burls, growths on trees usually caused by insect or mould infestation. Inside the burl are undeveloped leaf buds and bark, and often the grain grows in irregular patterns. “The lowly Manitoba maple
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– which is considered a weed in these parts, people cut them down and hate them – those trees are quite prone to having burls on them,” Ewert said. Manitoba maple burls are also beet-red in colour; when Ewert cuts into the tree, there’s a spray of red chips flying off the chainsaw. Burl wood is the most prized wood and it’s accordingly rare. Ewert also looks for woods with interesting grains and patterns, like ambrosia maple. He’s still developing sources for wood, leaving his card with local
sawmills and asking them to keep their eyes peeled for interesting things. Ewert also does some work on commission for people who want mementoes of special trees that have died or blown over in a storm. “Even if its completely plain maple, it has the story behind it so the family is going to cherish that piece,” he said. That’s the idea behind the name of his wood-turning business, Once upon a tree. Every tree has a story, he said: what it was and what it will become in the future. Ewert will be demonstrating
his craft this weekend for the Spotlight Arts Festival. His wife, Sarah Granskou, a Norwegian folksinger and storyteller, took part in the inaugural Spotlight festival last year and encouraged him to apply. Ewert will be explaining the process of woodturning from the log to the finished bowl and finishing a rough-turned bowl on his lathe. The showcase will take place at his parents’ workshop, 3218 Weimar Line, Wellesley, on Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. To register, e-mail trevor@ onceuponatree.ca. See also www.spotlightfestival.ca.
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22 | CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM
CLASSIFIED DEPT.
HELP WANTED
COMPUTERS
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Call Ozie or Gary at Thur Transport 519-669-3991 | Cell # 519-577-2900 Fax resume to 519-669-5934
HELP WANTED
HEALTH CARE
»»General Carpenter. Experience an asset. Must be reliable, dedicated, hard-working. Fax 519-669-3948. »»Stoltz Sales and Service. We are growing an expanding. Agricultural Sales Consultant. We are now accepting resumes for a self-motivated and ambitious sales consultant for Listowel, Elmira & Mildmay. Applicants must possess a positive attitude and have excellent communication skills. Computer skills and knowledge of farming are an asset. Agricultural Service Technician - Our increasingly busy service department requires an Agricultural Service Technician for the Mildmay store. Knowledge of farm equipment an asset. Please send or deliver resumes to the following: Listowel 8499 Hwy 23 N., or Listowel or email mstoltz@s toltzs ales . com; Elmira 6805 Line 86 W. Elmira or email cbrown@stoltzsales. com; Mildmay 1405 Hwy 9 N. of mildmay or email emannetje@stoltzsales.c om »»Urgently Needed. Piano Teacher for children 3-11yrs. Contact Christine at 519-846-9368
»»Back Pain? Try Bowen Therapy. It is very gentle, yet so effective, often only a few treatments are required. (519) 574-0515
CHILD CARE
»»No TV! No boring days!
Do not pay for statutory holidays or sick days! If you are looking for a clean, safe, and loving environment for your child to spend their days then look no further. Call 519-669-1417.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
»»1. Tables available in Elmira Indoor Market (Saturdays) in Shopping Village - reasonable rate. 2. Turn key kitchen facility available for your catering business - for lease 3. Youth casual clothing store for lease, demanding in the area. 4. Shopkeeper needed to run stores with commission and bonus - you are allowed to sell your products too! Please call 519-884-2242. »»H A V E Y O U L O S T YOUR JOB? Eg. Manufacturing, auto or other industry? If you are looking for a full or part-time opportunity please contact Rick O’Drowsky - office 519-884-7838, cell 519577-1368. Toll free fax/ msg 1-866-208-3262. FOR SALE
»»Clearance Centre now open! Items priced below cost to clear. From power and hand tools to housewares and gifts. Located on the upper floor. Elmira Home Hardware, 22 Church St. W. Mon. - Fri. 8-8, Sat. 8-6, Sun. 12-5. »»Danby Air Conditioner. 10,000 btu, cools 450 sq.ft. Measures 15 3/16” high by 28 - 40” wide (using side panels). Electronic controls, Energy Star rated. Paid $340 two years ago. $200. Call Dale at 519-699-6055.
Looking to buy or sell? You came to the right spot.
RENTALS
»
THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 6, 2009
519.669.5790 | 1.888.966.5942 FAX | 519.669.5753 EMAIL | sales@ObserverXtra.com
RENTALS
SERVICES OFFERED
»»B r i g h t , S p a c i o u s , »»Newly renovated 3 2-bedroom apartment in bedroom house for rent Clean Field Elmira’s LARGEST selection quiet building. Ideal for in Elmira; quiet neighborServiCeS inC. of major brand computers non-smoking mature ten- hood,, close to downtown R.R. #2, Drayton, ant. Close to downtown. and schools. Includes Ontario | N0G 1P0 Phone 519-669-3423. large yard, greenhouse, COMPUTERS and veggie garden, backs »»Elmira - large 1 bedLAPTOPS room. Centrally located in onto creek. Available June nutrient Management Plans quiet 6-plex. No smoking, 1st, $1200/mo + Utilities. Seed-Fertilizer-Custom Spraying MONITORS Call 705-374-4414 for no pets please. $530/mth Tel. 519-638-3457 | Fax. 519-638-8966 | Cell. 519-498-3306 + utilities. Available August details. and SERVICE 1. Call 519-669-2212. Come see our showroom at: TRADES & GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALES »»Elmira - 2 bedroom SERVICES 112 Bonnie Crescent, Crescent Elmira r ra town house. Please, no smoking, no pets. $875. »»Small Engine Repair. »»Crosshill Community »»Street Sale - Bauman plus utilities. Suitable On site diagnostics, on & Crosshill Mennonite Street., Elmira, Friday, for quiet tenants. Call site repairs. Call Jake Church Rhubarb & Rum- June 12th, 5pm-8pm. Sat519-743-7479, parking Hiebert 519-638-2922, mage Sale. Sat. June 13, urday, June 13th 8amFOR SALE AUTOMOTIVE 8-2. Multiple garage sales, noon. Loads to choose space included. cell 519-807-3931. tea room, bake table, from; Something for ev»»Dis N Dat Treasures »»2 0 0 4 D o d g e R a m »»For Rent - 2 Bedroom fresh Rhubarb, BBQ (11- eryone! GARAGE SALES 1500 SLT Quad 4X4 open every Thurs. and Apartment. 27 Robb 1), free kids events (9-1) Fri., 10-6. 15 Dunke St., 5.7L hemi, auto, fully St., Moorefield. Fridge STORAGE loaded including alum. and stove included. No »»Multi Family Garage , more! Elmira, 519-669-5005. Sale Sat. June 6, 8a.m. wheels, box liner, pets. Available August 1, »»Jointer. A.R. Williams road 100% Local. »»Storage Wanted for low kms of only 65,000. 2009. $705/month + utili- - 2 p.m. Baby and house16ft house trailer, year Machinery Company hold items, toys and clothFinished in Atlantic blue/ ties. Call 519-291-2590 or Period. round. Elmira and surLimited. Toronto, Caning. 32 Wyatt St., Elmira. gray interior. Balance of 7 519-291-4453 rounding area. 519-669ada. Heavy duty cast yr/115,000 km warranty. 9568 or 519-807-2160. iron industrial grade. Ac$16,900. Voisin Chrysler cessories included. Call 519-669-2831. 519-698-2781. »»2004 Jeep Gr. Chero»»Crate Designs buffet kee Laredo 4x4 - 4.0L and hutch. 42” with upper economical 6 cyl. Auto glass doors. Lacquered Call for Submissions for the new Woolwich Local Art Program trans, loaded including pine. Like new. Current alum. road wheels, roof catalogue price, $878. Starting in September 2009, the Township of Woolwich will feature displays rack, new tires, finished Will accept $450. Call of local art in the new Township Hall in Elmira on a rotating basis. in silver/gray cloth inteSue, 699-5297 rior. Only 88,000 kms. »»B e d , S i n g l e C a p - Balance of 7yr/115,000 km The deadline for applications for the 2009/2010 tains, 2 drawer, hand warranty. $13,900. Voisin displays is June 30, 2009, 4:30pm at the Township m a d e , s t u r d y. $ 5 0 . Chrysler 519-669-2831. Office | 24 Church Street West, Elmira. 519-669-8674. »»2006 Dodge Gr. Cara»»Danby Microwave, van SXT - 3.8L auto trans. For details on the submission package, go to black, turntable 18” x Full load including pwr. www.woolwich.ca or email: lbrub1661@rogers.com 12” $25 o.b.o. Microwave door group, overhead, To be considered, submissions should include: cart, 24” long x 18” wide console temp/comp. alum. colour copies of at least 10 pieces of work, a C.V., x 32” tall, cupboard doors road wheels, rear air/ in front with 2 shelves, heat, pwr driver seat. Only a short bio & a statement regarding the display. brown, wheels on bottom, 47,000 kms. Finished in $20 o.b.o. $40 for both. inferno red/gray interior. Only applicants selected to be juried will be contacted. Call 519-669-8217. $17,900. Voisin Chrysler Thank you for your interest in the Woolwich Local Art Program. »»June 1, 2009 Deadline 519-669-2831. for Canadian Passport to »»2008 Dodge Caliber enter the United States. SXT/Sport - 2.0L 4cyl., Passport photos at Elmira variable CVT trans, loadPhoto 519-669-3456. ed including alum. road »»Loves Seats - 2 ex- wheels, keyless entry, AM/ cellent condition, pastel FM CD radio, air, previous colours. $350 for pair. rental. Only 22,569 kms. Finished in silver/gray int. 519-669-8316. Voisin Chrysler »»N E W M A T T R E S S $16,900. 519-669-2831. SETS all sizes, great quality, great prices! House- RENTALS hold items, pots, dishes, Tupperware, footwear, »»2 Bedroom Apartment toys, baby items, large se- near Wellesley. 5 applilection of good used “Liv- ances. Separate entry. ing Books”. Many items $850/month inclusive. All tax include on sale - up to 50% off ! 519-656-2715 d Nearly New Centre, 5116 » » Basement Apartment Ament Line, Linwood. for rent. Single, employed (519) 698-0088. Tues individual. Shared kitchen Friday 9-5, Sat 9 - 3. and laundry. Private home in Elmira. $700/mth incluHAY & STRAW sive. No smoking, no pets. »»Alfalfa Wanted, off the Available July 1. Reply to: field first, second and third Box 400, c/o Woolwich cuttings. Call 699-4184 or Observer, 20-B Arthur St. N., Elmira, N3B 1Z9. 519-575-8441 »»Hay For Sale - first »»Elmira - 1 bedroom cut. Big square bales. $475 plus utilities. A/C, no www.ObserverXtra.com ‘08 hay, stored inside. pets, downtown location. July 1. 519-669-8074. 519-638-2529.
519-669-5551
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E G A R GA LE ! SA
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• 2 Week Insertions • 25 Word Garage Sale Word Ad
519.669.5790 Donna ext 104
AD RATES | Residential 20-Word Ad $7.50 Extra Words 20¢/word | Commercial 20-Word Ad $12.00 Extra Words 30¢/word | Bold Headline Add $1.00 /line | Display Ads are quoted individually. PLACING A CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENT | Classified ads can be obtained in person, by phone | fax from Monday to Thursday 8:30am-5pm or Friday 8:30am-4pm. Email queries to classifieds@woolwichobserver.com 24/7 - email will be replied by next business day. All classified ads are prepaid by Visa | MasterCard | Debit | Cash | Cheque unless on account. Deadline is Thursdays by 10am.
ADVERTISING POLICY | All advertising is accepted subject to the Publisher’s discretion. The Publisher will not be responsible for damages arising out of errors in advertisements beyond the amount paid for the space occupied by that portion of the advertisement in which the error occured. Please check your ad on the first day of publication. The Observer’s responsibility, if any, is limited to the charge for the space for one insertion only.
CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM |
THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 6, 2009
Community Information Page THE TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH "Proudly remembering our past; confidently embracing our future."
P.O. BOX 158, 24 CHURCH ST. W. ELMIRA, ONTARIO N3B 2Z6 WEBSITE: www.woolwich.ca
TEL: 519-669-1647 or 519-664-2613 FAX: 519-669-1820
AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY: 519-575-4504
COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT NOTICE OF HEARING JunE 22, 2009 On Monday, June 22, 2009, at 5:30 p.m. the Committee will meet in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Offices, 24 Church Street West, Elmira to consider the following applications. All persons interested in the applications may attend and may contact Nancy Thompson at 519-669-6040 or 519-664-2613 (ext. 6040) regarding meeting details. Email: nthompson@ woolwich.ca. The Committee will also consider signed, written submissions for or against the applications if submitted to the Township of Woolwich no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2009. Submissions can be forwarded by mail or hand delivery to: Township of Woolwich, Attn: Jeremy Vink, P.O. Box 158, 24 Church Street West, Elmira, ON N3B 2Z6 or Fax 519-669-4669 or Email jvink@woolwich.ca. MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION A5/09 (Ruth Freeman) PROPERTY: 42 Killdeer Road, Elmira Plan 1364 Lot 171 PROPOSAL: The applicant is requesting permission to reduce the side yard setback along the
south property line from 1.2 metres to approximately 0.6 metres to permit the construction of a 3.7 metre wide carport. The property is zoned Residential One Unit Low Density (R-2) and contains a single family dwelling and a detached shed. MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION A8/09 (Joan C. Auger) PROPERTY: 210 Hill Street, GCT Part Lot 69, 58R-15722 Part 3 PROPOSAL: The applicant is requesting permission to reduce the Zoning By-law Minimum Distance Separation requirement between a proposed new single family dwelling to be located on the subject property and two adjacent livestock facilities, as follows: • from 367 metres to approximately 235 metres to the existing livestock facility (manure storage/ barn) located at 6474 Line 86. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food calculated Minimum Distance Separation is 306 metres. • from 293 metres to approximately 259 metres to the existing livestock facility (barn/manure storage) located at 1764 Jigs Hollow Road. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food calculated
OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE FOR ANIMAL CONTROL CONTRACTOR EvEnings and WEEkEnds The Township of Woolwich seeks an individual or team that is able to provide supplementary dog control services during evenings and weekends on a negotiable contract basis. While the Township will consider all submissions, the successful candidate(s) will be able to supply a vehicle appropriate for transporting caged dogs, and will have a cell phone number that residents can call during evenings and weekends for issues involving dogs that are of an emergency nature. The contractor will be insured and will be able to enforce the Township’s Animal Control By-law, issue fines for offences and investigate dog bite incidents. Some training and equipment will be provided by the Township, but the contractor should have the ability to handle and transport dogs to the K-W Humane Society when required. A copy of the Animal Control By-law can be
found on the Township’s website at www. woolwich.ca. The contractor will respond to calls from Township residents in rural areas as well as in settlement areas including Elmira, St. Jacobs, Breslau, Conestogo, Heidelberg, Maryhill, Bloomingdale, West Montrose, Floradale, and Winterbourne. The successful contractor will be paid at a per-call rate or stand-by rate to be negotiated with the Township. Interested persons are encouraged to submit their proposals, including anticipated rate of compensation, to: Township of Woolwich, Council and Information Services Division, P.O. Box 158, 24 Church Street West, Elmira, ON N3B 2Z6 by June 12, 2009. For more information about the contract position (i.e. number of calls per month, etc), please call (519) 669-6005.
Minimum Distance Separation is 244 metres. The 2.6 ha property is zoned Agricultural and is currently vacant. The purpose of the application is to permit the construction of a new single family dwelling.
to approximately 984 square metres; • minimum lot frontage for a corner lot from 30 metres to approximately 22.5 metres; and • minimum lot width from 30 metres to approximately 22.5 metres.
MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATIONS A6/09 and A7/09 (Robert Baxter) and CONSENT APPLICATION B6/09 (Robert Baxter) PROPERTY: 1808 Sawmill Road, Conestogo Plan 601 Musselman Survey Lot 8, S Queen, E Water, Lot 8, N King, E Water PROPOSAL: Application B6/09 - The applicant is proposing to sever a vacant parcel of land measuring 48.1 by 22.5 metres from the rear of 1808 Sawmill Road, fronting on Misty River Drive, for the purpose of creating a new vacant residential lot.
A7/09 – For the proposed severed lands to reduce the minimum lot area from 1,390 square metres to approximately 1,083 square metres.
To facilitate the proposed severance the applicant is also requesting permission for the following variances: A6/09 – For the proposed retained lands to reduce the: • minimum lot area from 1,390 square metres
RECREATION SUMMER PROGRAMS All Programs start JUNE 18, 2009 BALLROOM DANCING Thursdays (8 weeks) 8:15 – 9:15 pm at Emmanuel Missionary Church Hall BOOT CAMP Thursdays (8 weeks) 7:00 – 8:00 pm at Emmanuel Missionary Church Hall Instructor: Charlotte Ferguson Register at Recreation Office, 24 Church Street West, Elmira or Call 519-669-6025 or 519-664-2613 ext. 6025 for more details. The Township reserves the right to cancel classes if there is insufficient registration.
Both the proposed retained and severed lands are zoned Settlement Residential (R-1) and are proposed to be on private well and septic services. The proposed retained lands contain a single family dwelling and accessory sheds. The accessory sheds are proposed to be demolished. Further information about the applications may be obtained from Engineering and Planning Services at 519-669-6038 or 519-664-2613 (Ext. 6038). DATED this 6th day of June, 2009 Jeremy Vink, RPP, MCIP Senior Planner Engineering & Planning Services
All community members are cordially invited to the
TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH MUNICIPAL OFFICE GRAND OPENING Thursday, JunE 18, 2009 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Ribbon Cutting and Dedication of Boardroom in Memory of Dave Gosnay 24 Church Street West, Elmira Drop-In Open House Format Parking Available at Rear of Building off of Maple Street www.woolwich.ca
FREE ONLINE CLASSIFIEDS AT
IN PRINT.
ONLINE.
IN PICTURES.
IN DEPTH.
IN PRINT.
ONLINE.
IN PICTURES.
IN DEPTH.
23
24 | CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM
»
THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 6, 2009
HOME HUNTERS
519.669.5790 | 1.888.966.5942
FAX | 519.669.5753 EMAIL | sales@ObserverXtra.com
THURREAL ESTATE LTD. 45R.W. ARTHUR ST. S., ELMIRA
519-669-2772 BROKERAGE BRAD MARTIN Broker of Record
JULIE
ALLI
BILL
Cell: 519-577-6248
Cell: 519-588-1348
HECKENDORN NORRIS NORRIS Broker Sales Rep. Sales Rep. MVA Residential
Res: 519-669-1068 Res: 519-669-8629
TRACEY WILLIAMS Sales Rep. Cell: 519-505-0627
SUNDAY JUNE 7, 1-3PM
OPEN HOUSE
13 WEIGEL AVE., ELMIRA
GREAT LOCATION - immaculate 3 bdrm bungalow. Laminate on main floor., c/a, workshop. Walk up basement. Shed. MLS $258,900.
LISTINGS! NEW
LARGE COVERED FRONT PORCH 11 ACRES WITH PARK-LIKE on this classic home, which is close GROUNDS. Pond and mixed to downtown & new rec. complex! bush with trails! Lovely updated Maple kitchen. flr laundry. Main bungalow with main floor amenities Updated plumbing & electrical. incl. great room and glass solarium. Hardwood in LR & DR. 2-tiered Toy shed, 35’x65’ Natural Gas deck. Finished attic. Central air. heating!!! Minutes from Elmira/K-W & Guelph. NEW MLS $629,900. NEW MLS $267,500.
14 FIRST ST., ELMIRA 130 MUSCOVEY DR., ELMIRA
CLOSE TO EVERYTHING! Beautiful, BETTER THAN NEW! custom built bungalow! MLS $ 409,900. private yard! MLS $289,900. 93 ANDREWS DR., DRAYTON
26 EAGLE DR., ELMIRA
BACKING TO PARKLAND - Huge master NEW HOME - to be built, open bdrm! MLS REDUCED TO $284,900. concept main flr! MLS $274,900.
87 ORIOLE PKWY., ELMIRA
71 EDWARD ST. S., DRAYTON
WHY RENT? - 3 bdrm semi, backs SPACIOUS back split/ large to green space. MLS $183,900. kitchen! MLS. $224,900.
www.thurrealestate.com
www.
.com
IN PRINT | ONLINE | IN PICTURES | IN DEPTH
THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 6, 2009
HOME HUNTERS Coach House Realty Inc. Brokerage 8 Arthur Street South, Elmira
W NE
E IC PR
TEL. 519-669-5431
OPEN HOUSE Sunday 2-4
25 Church St. E., Elmira $186,900 Reduced. 1 ½
storey private rear yard interlocking drive, garden shed, AC hi eff, furnace, fireplace, 15’x13 1/2’ Kit. Near downtown/ commercial zoning.
Allan Poffenroth, Broker of Record Coach House Realty Inc., Brokerage
519-669-5431 or 519-669-8074
Linda DeVries Sales Representative Tel: 519-763-4500 Fax: 519-837-1442
00 8,4 2 $2
SUNDAY, 2-4PM 12 ASPEN CRES. ELMIRA
519.669.5790 | 1.888.966.5942 FAX | 519.669.5753 EMAIL | sales@ObserverXtra.com
ELMIRA REAL ESTATE SERVICES 519-669-3192
BONNIE BRUBACHER Broker of Record
Are you looking for an affordable, three bedroom backsplit backing on to park land? We’ve got it here. There’s a bright eat in kitchen, spacious living room, and separate entrance to the lower level. Updated bathrooms, new heating and air conditioning systems. Move in condition, available for immediate possession.
SHANNA ROZEMA Broker.
DARREN ROMKEY Sales Rep.
LAURIE LANGDON Sales Rep.
DALE KELLER Sales Rep.
25
MONIQUE BRUBACHER Sales Rep.
THIS WEEK'S FEATURE PROPERTIES OPEN HOUSE - SATURDAY JUNE 6 | 2-4PM
91 SUGAR KING DRIVE, ELMIRA IMPRESSIVE FAMILY HOME $339,900 NEW PRICE | 4 Bdrms, 4
Baths, previous model home, attractive features inside and out, fully finished basement. MLS.
OPEN HOUSE - SUNDAY JUNE 7 | 2-4PM
490 Woolwhich St., Guelph, ON N1H 3X5
OPEN HOUSE
Independently Owned & Operated, Brokerage
90 Earl Martin Dr., Unit 1, Elmira N3B 3L4
»
CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM |
OPEN HOUSE - SUNDAY JUNE 7 | 2-4PM
42 ROBERTA STREET, ELMIRA
PARADIGM HOMES MODEL
$332,250 | Model Bungalow is offered for sale, also other plans to choose from to be built, 4 bedroom 2 storeys, or 3 bedroom bungalow w/loft. Elmira Raceway Location.
OPEN HOUSE - SUNDAY JUNE 7 | 2-4PM
14 ROBERTA STREET, ELMIRA
19 ANNA STREET, ELMIRA
$318,900 | Value added in this lovely 1
$245,90 | Bungalow Link town home
GREAT CHOICE
year home, loaded w/upgrades, 3+ Bedrms, 3 Baths, partially finished basement. MLS
DOWN SIZING?
oriented for seniors! 2 Bdrm, 2 Bath, open concept family/dining room. Super location. MLS.
STRIKING CENTURY HOME
$299,000 ELMIRA | Needing to see the
lovely features this home has to offer, including the huge fenced backyard, partially finished basement, and attic opportunities. MLS.
INVESTMENT PROPERTY
$97,500 & $120,900 MOOREFIELD | Solid built building and generous lot in commercial zone. MLS.
A MUST SEE!
$459,000 DRAYTON | This spacious 6
0 ,75 8 9 $2 ELMIRA IN-LAW SUITE | Stunning find in Elmira’s “Birdland” neighbourhood! This split entry bungalow with attached double garage is ready for you. This one of a kind home features a professionally finished in-law suite (5 yrs old) with a second kitchen & separate lower entrance through the garage. 3 bedrms up, cheater ensuite, spacious eat in kitchen & formal dining rm. Upgrades include furnace 08, newer appliances & floor coverings. Professional landscaping in 06. Call Wayne Kuhn, Broker REMAX Real Estate Centre 519.741.0950.
You’ve come to the right place to find a home.
M&T Business Card Ad:Layout 1 04/03/09 10:22 AM Page 1
bedroom home features a stunning view of the Conestoga River and surrounding countryside, about 4,000 sq. ft. of finished living space, an oversized dble garage, 3 fireplaces and a whole lot of WOW! MLS.
FLORADALE BUNGALOW
$264,900 | Small village setting minutes North of Elmira. 3 bedrooms, finished basement, country kitchen and double garage. MLS.
BRIGHT & SPACIOUS
$279,000 DRAYTON | Country home just
outside of Drayton. Beautiful country view, large open kitchen with walkout to deck and patio, generous room sizes, master ensuite, walkout basement. BOOK TO VIEW. MLS.
1/2 ACRE COUNTRY DELIGHT $379,000 MOOREFIELD | Large
bungalow finished top to bottom with numerous other features including town services. MLS.
UNIQUE SEMI $154,900 DRAYTON | This recently
remodeled and very unique turn-of-thecentury semi detached home features 9' ceilings, original trim & moldings, new laminate flooring, newer furnace, main flr laundry and main flr master bdrm. MLS.
FOR LEASE / SMALL BUSINESS?
$12.25 | 1350 Sq. Ft., with office and bay with overhead and man door at back. Mezzanine storage, 3 year old building great south end location. MLS.
26 | CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM
HOME HUNTERS NEW WEBSITE www.homeswithpaul.ca
NG
$274,900
ELMIRA 3 bedroom, 200 sq. ft. family room addition, newer laminate flooring, rec. room. with fireplace, built in cabnetry in dining room & rec. room, cedar deck, hot tub & custom built shed. MLS.
$459,000
ELMIRA Single detached home, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, separate dining room, includes a fireplace, den/office, rec room, and excercise room. Central air. Walk-out to patio. deck. 50 yr steel roof, upgrades galore.
$369,900
ELMIRA Completely finished, waiting for you to move in! 6 Bedroom plus office, hardwood & ceramic on mainfloor, kitchen with peninsula, gas fireplace, patio/deck with BBQ gasline, insulated & painted garage. MLS.
$439,000
ELMIRA Quality at every corner throughout this beautiful home, 4 bedrm, 3 bathrm. Maple kitchen, extra height ceilings, cozy family rm with gas fireplace, mstr bdrm w/ deluxe ensuite, double garage. MLS.
W
Support your local schools. Buy or list your home with Paul.
FEATURE PROPERTY
$249,900
Paul Martin SALES REPRESENTATIVE
EMAIL: paul@remaxsolidgold.biz
Solid Gold Realty (II) Ltd., Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated ADDRESS: 180 Weber St. S., Waterloo DIRECT....519-503-9533
HOME ....519-669-3074
OFFICE ...519-888-7110
What’s your Home worth? Call Paul for your Free Market Evaluation
TWIN CITY REALTY INC. BROKERAGE
519-579-4110 OFFICE
OPEN HOUSE
SAT & SUN, 1-4 PM
OR BY APPOINTMENT, 51 Ridgeview Drive, DRAYTON
WHY RENT? When you can own this
0 ,90 9 2 $1
D L SO
lovely 2 bedrm, 2 bath condo in move-in condition. Updated main bath, newer carpet, ceramic tile in kitchen with built in diswasher. Finished basement with rec rm and laundry/storage area. W/o to private patio, backing onto common backyard. Well maintained complex with recently updated common areas and low condo fees. A must see!
Peri Moyer - Client Care Manager YEAR ROUND LIVING Totally renovated in 2004 with all new windows, roof, furnace, appliances, water heater and flooring. Newer wooden shed in back included. Freshly painted and well maintained. 3 bedrooms, 1 bath with laundry. Conveniently located close to the expressway, St Jacobs Farmer’s Market and Conestogo Mall. Shows well!
00 3,9 8 $
00 4,9 3 $3
Build Your Dream
.com
from $299,900
Âť Start Buying & Selling now! Âť Track favourite ads Âť Upload your own photos Âť Built-in contact form IN PRINT. ONLINE.
LARGE LOTS
30 MINUTES FROM WATERLOO. ONLY 4 LOTS LEFT! • 4 lots available • Model Home Available For Sale • 10 Plans to Choose from • Quality Standard Features include: 9’ ceilings on main floor, 200 amp service, Fruit Cellar, MODEL HOUSE OPEN HOUSE Ceramics, Ensuite & Main or Upper Laundry SAT & SUN 1-4PM or BY APPT.
Free Online Classifieds www.
Introducing... HURON HOMES INC.
45’ and 50’ lots available in Elmira. Several plans available in bungalow or 2 storey models, or will build to suit.
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE CURRENT MARKET EVALUATION Melanie McNeil - Sales Representative
MODEL HOME for sale! Priced well below replacement! Gorgeous 3 bedroom, 2 bath bungalow featuring c/air, c vac, gas fireplace, luxury ensuite, m/f laundry, sep. dining room, stunning kitchen w/pantry, hardwood & tile floors, Partly finished basement. Unbelievable value 30 mins to K-W. A must see. MLS.
$499,000
ST. CLEMENTS Prime location, 4 bedroom bungalow, oak kitchen cabinets, cedar lined cath ceiling family room, mainfloor laundry & master bedroom, Patio, deck, 616 sq. ft. heated workshop w/ extra circuts. MLS.
BY THE NUMBERS
www.elmirarealestate.ca
00 9,9 2 $4
$245,000
ELMIRA Unpack your bags and move into this beautiful home in Triple AAA condition, neat and clean, carpet free, open concept, 3 bedrm, 2 bath, large master bedroom with walk in closet, finished basement with storage rooms.
W
CURIOUS ABOUT YOUR HOME’S VALUE IN THIS CURRENT MARKET?
sold@clickthathouse.com
Warren McNeil - Sales Representative
$379,000
BRESLAU 2100 sq. ft. almost brand new beauty! Open concept mnflr, large kitch. (upgraded cabinets), extra large patio dr, 3 large bdrms, loft area on second flr, master ensuite boasts large windows, whirlpool tub and walkin closet.
NE
IC PR
EASY
McNeil
$529,000
ELMIRA Open concept, rec rm, exercise rm, master bdrm ensuite, ceramic in foyer, kitch. & bathrooms, hardwood livrm & dinrm, pantry & cherry cabinets w/ glass doors in kitch., separate dinrm, familyrm. MLS.
E
IN PICTURES. IN DEPTH.
MEDIUM
TEAM
FAX | 519.669.5753 EMAIL | sales@ObserverXtra.com
$695,000
NE
ELMIRA Spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2 storey, separate dining room, fenced yard, garden shed on an extra wide corner lot, sit on your front porch and look across the open field, double driveway. MLS.
519.669.5790 | 1.888.966.5942
WOW! 12.9 ACRES. 2800 sq. ft. bungalow, 4 bedrooms, main floor master bdrm, main floor laundry, patio/deck, hot tub, walkout basement, detached workshop, backs on to greenbelt, waterfront property. MLS.
TI LIS
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THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 6, 2009
HOW TO PLAY: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once. Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started.
SERVICE PROS AUTOMOTIVE
AUTOMOTIVE
THOMPSON’S
Auto Tech Inc. Providing the latest technology to repair your vehicle with accuracy and confidence.
21 HOWARD AVE., ELMIRA (Behind the old Trylon Building)
BICYCLES
With an expert spring tune up
20
$
parts extra
$5 from each tune up goes to “Fit for the Future” fundraiser campaign.
22 Church St. W., Elmira
Tel: 519-669-5537
STORE HOURS: M-F: 8-8, SAT 8-6, SUN 12-5
AUTO CLINIC
MARWIL CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION Residential & Agricultural Driveways • Sidewalks •Curbs Finished Floors • Retaining Walls • Short Walls Free Written Estimates
Willis Martin Drayton, ON
519-638-2699
21 Industrial Dr. Elmira
519-669-7652
Custom Homes • Cottages • Additions • Shingling + Siding
GROSHAW BROS. CARPENTRY JOHN GROSHAW 7449 8th Line Drayton, ON
RUDOW’S CARSTAR COLLISION CENTRE 24 Hour Accident Assistance
automotive
AUTOMOTIVE
519-669-5588 (cell) 519-897-6238
Concrete Foundations Limited
YES... WE DO RESIDENTIAL WORK!
6982 Millbank Main St., Millbank 519-595-2053 • 519-664-2914
LOCAL CHURCH
WHERE TIRES
RUDOW’S CARSTAR COLLISION CENTRE
SPECIALTY, NOT A SIDE LINE.
519-669-3373
519-669-3373
AFTER HOURS
33 First Street, East Elmira, ON
33 First Street, East Elmira, ON
FAX: 519.669.3210
519.669.8917
ARE A
at
1-800-CARSTAR
Call Us At
Farm • Auto • Truck Industrial • On-The-Farm Service
35 Howard Ave., Elmira
519-669-3232
CARPET CARE
CE CONTRACTING LTD. Framing · Renovations Decks · Sheds Basement Finishing
Clare Bauman 519.669.3495 cell 519.504.2826
GENERAL CONTRACTING
commercial • industrial • Concrete removal & replacement • Siding work up to 66’ high
RR#1 Elmira
PAY NO TAXES SPRING CLEAN UP! Coupon holds no cash value. Valid March, April, May 2009.
CONSTRUCTION INC.
Marty Trapp
Have You Paid Enough Taxes? Call Us For Our
Call for Details
CONSTRUCTION
WEICKERT& MEIROWSKI
Body Maintenance
519.669.8330
contracting
THE REAL DEAL P L A C E S O F FA I T H
AUTOMOTIVE
101 Bonnie Crescent, Elmira, ON N3B 3G2
CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS
CONCRETE
AUTOMOTIVE
Complete Collision Service
carpentry
BICYCLE SALES & REPAIRS GET YOUR BICYCLES READY
EXPERT ADVICE | QUALITY SERVICES LOOK UP A PROFESSIONAL.
•Pole Structures •Remodeling & restoration
519-846-9066 fax: 519-846-9319
• Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning on Location • Area Rug Cleaning Drop-off and Pick up Service • Bleached out Carpet Spot Repair • Janitorial • Grout Cleaning • Carpet Repair & Re-Installation • Pet deodorization • Floor Stripping www.completecarpetcare.ca
ROB McNALL
519-669-7607
LONG DISTANCE? CALL 1-866-669-7607
To place a Service Pros ad contact: ads@ObserverXtra.com or Call 519-669-5790
SERVICES DIRECTORY
HEARING ASSISTED
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
NURSERY PROVIDED
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Welcome to
Calvary United St. Jacobs
SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2009
Sunday, June 7, 2009 9:15 am & 11:00 am
Faith to Change Sundays @ 10:30am John Mahood PS
200 Barnswallow Dr., Elmira • 519-669-1296
5 First St., Elmira • 519-669-1459
Check out our website www.woodsidechurch.ca
ELMIRA
Sunday School During Worship
Minister: Rev. Dave Jagger Sunday Worship: 10:55am
Visit our new website on: www.wondercafe.ca 21 Arthur St., North • Church Office 519-669-5560 “Our mission is to love, learn and live by Christ’s teachings”
Upbeat Family Worship & Sunday School 10:00 am
Wheelchair accessible • Nursery Care provided • Hearing Assisted
48 Hawkesville Rd. • 519-664-2311
“Making Faith Live”
“Living A Transformed Life”
Trinity United Church
27
TIRE
Accredited Test & Repair Facility
519-669-4400
»
CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM |
THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 6, 2009
www.elmiracommunity.org
sundays
Bloomingdale Mennonite Church
10:30am & 6:30pm
11:00 am Sunday School for all ages
Join us at
290 Arthur St. South, Elmira • 519-669-3973
www.ElmiraAssembly.com (Across from Tim Horton’s)
Sundays - 9:45 am Family Worship Service
1151 Snyder’s Flat Rd., Bloomingdale • 519-745-2411 www.bloomingdalemennonite.com
Sunday Worship 9:30 am - 10:30am
Faithsteps 10:45am - 11:50am
2 First St., Elmira • 519-669-5030
St. Teresa Catholic Church
No God, No Hope; Know God, Know Hope! Celebrate Eucharist with us Mass times are:
Sat. 5pm, Sun. 9am and 11:15am
19 Flamingo Dr., Elmira • 519-669-3387
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28 | CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM
WORD-UP
SOLUTION FOUND ON PAGE 31
CREATED EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE OBSERVER
Š2009
THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 6, 2009
ACROSS
1. End 4. Bermuda, e.g. 8. Bird venerated by ancient Egyptians 12. Decline 13. 10 C-notes 14. Hindu princess or the wife of a raja 16. Sonata, e.g. 17. Brand, in a way 18. Former capital of Japan 19. Bolshoi rival 21. Comprehend 23. Aces, sometimes 24. “... ___ he drove out of sight� 25. Bad day for Caesar 27. Australian runner 29. “... there is no ___ angel but Love�: Shakespeare 30. Boiling blood 31. Balaam’s mount 34. West Indies music 37. Experienced 38. “Come to think of it ...� 39. Put up, as a picture 40. Blokes 41. Mountain pool 42. Baseball stat 43. Beseech 45. Lacking foresight or scope 47. Amazon, e.g. 48. Same old, same old
SERVICE PROS SERVICE
CRANE
THIS SPACE FOR RENT
ORTLIEB CRANE & Equipment Ltd.
Call Donna at ext 104
• 14 ton BoomTruck • 35 ton Mobile Crane
519-664-9999 ST. JACOBS
24 Hour Service 7 Days A Week
519.669.5790 | 1.888.966.5942 www.woolwichobserver.com
GLASS SERVICES
E L M I R A
PHOTO
•Ratches, Hooks, Straps, Webbing etc. •Canvas, Vinyl, Polyester, Acrylic Fabrics
519-669-FILM
Poole, ON
519.669.1188
On-Site Balancing Fans, Rotors, Armatures, Pump Impellers, Drive Shafts & Many Styles of Rotary Equipment Available
tel: 1-800-525-4022
fax: (519) 653-7949
519-669-3658 27 Arthur St. S., Elmira
LAWN & GARDEN MAINTENANCE ER RS OVYEA 10
BUILD IT • FIX IT • DISPOSE OF IT INTERIOR & EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE
Decks • Sheds • Garden & Retaining Walls Decorative Stonework & Much More FR ESTIMEE
CALL RICK 519-210-0108 08 r-bygrave@rogers.com
ATES
REASON ABL RATES E
LAWN MAINTENANCE
Telephone
519-669-9081
Jeff Basler Owner|Operator
IN LAWN & SHRUB
> Excavating > Trenching > Backfilling > Fine Grading > Post Holes Augered
CARE CALL JON:
519.669.5769
17 Aspen Crescent, Elmira PAINTING
Lawn Maintenance Landscaping Snowplowing Ice Control
Complete Lawn Maintenance
27 Brookmead St., Elmira
For all your home decorating needs
SPECIALIZING
COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
Snow Plowing & Removal
Read’s Decorating
SINCE 1961
EJ Lawn Care
1600 King St. N., Bldg A17 St. Jacobs, Ontario N0B 2N0
LAWN MAINTENANCE
DECORATING
Specializing in Paint & Wallcoverings
LAWN CARE
GLASS SYSTEMS INC.
FAX: 519 664-2759 • 24 Hour Emergency Service
General Repairs
www.elmiraphoto.com
ST. JACOBS
TEL: 519-664-1202 / 519-778-6104
DYNAMIC BALANCING
519.595.4830
57 Arthur St. S., Elmira
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1. Animal with a snout 2. Accustom 3. 100 centavos 4. “___ alive!� 5. 100 agorot 6. The temporary provision of money 7. 100 cents 8. Aggravate 9. A swampy arm or slowmoving outlet of a lake 10. Knowing, as a secret 11. Locale
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12. To be roused from sleep 15. “Help!� 20. Cheer starter 22. “___ #1!� 26. Conk out 28. Copy cats? 29. ___ roll 30. B & B 31. “By yesterday!� 32. Delhi dress 33. Harmony 34. Perlman of “Cheers� 35. Make, as money 36. Buzzing pest 37. E or G, e.g. 40. “Welcome� site 41. Actor Arnold 43. Be nosy 44. Beef cut 45. ___ juice (milk) 46. A-Rod, for one 49. Complain 50. Said to make a horse go faster 51. Cliffside dwelling 52. Doozies 53. Book of maps 54. Alexander, e.g. 55. Breathalyzer attachment 56. Advil target 57. Boys in the ‘hood 59. “We the Living� author 61. Balcony section 63. Arch 65. Beaver’s work
49. Be itinerant 50. High school class 51. Long, long time 52. Anita Brookner’s “Hotel du ___� 55. Honey 58. Get ready, for short 60. (Yiddish) a clumsy dolt 62. “Green ___� 64. Bone-dry 66. ___ podrida 67. An evil spirit or ghost 68. Jazz singer, last name Simone 69. Drought-tolerant herb grown for forage 70. Catch a glimpse of 71. Adjudge 72. Double curve
Mobile
519-505-0985 ever-green@sympatico.ca
We call Elmira home but we service the surrounding area.
20 years experience
free estimates interior/exterior painting wallpapering & Plaster|Drywall repairs
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PAINTING Over 15 Years Experience
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Book your summer projects now!
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PHONE:
519.846.5427 FAX: 519.846.5134
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PAINTING
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BRUBACHER LTD. 19 First St. E., Elmira
519-669-3362
PLUMBING
Steve Co.
Plumbing and Maintenance Inc.
RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL
For all your Plumbing Needs. 24 HOUR SERVICE Steve Jacobi
ELMIRA
519-669-3652
CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM |
THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 6, 2009
» STRANGE BUT TRUE | BILL & RICH SONES
29
Rubbernecking briefly satisfying, but at a cost Q. To control speeders, today’s traffic engineers use “speed bumps,” “speed humps” and even wider “speed tables,” all fancifully known as “sleeping policemen.” Are you up to speed on other traffic lingo? A. A “mobile speed bump” is a car going at the speed limit and forcing others to do the same, a “speed cushion” has multiple small bumps with barely enough room between for a tire to fit, says Paul McFedries in IEEE Spectrum magazine. A “neck down” is a curb that extends into the street at an intersection. And in reckless-drivered New Delhi, natural “traffic-calming” cattle will often lounge right in the middle of the road. Some engineers have taken psychology to the extreme and advocated “naked streets” without signs, road markings or traffic lights, thus forcing drivers to pay closer attention
and drive responsibly on their own initiative. An historical footnote: In 1861, steampowered automobiles (“road locomotives”) prompted the British Parliament to establish the world’s first speed limit of 10 mph (16 kph). Four years later, this was slashed to 4 mph in the country and 2 mph in towns and villages. It was also decreed that each vehicle had to be preceded by a person walking 60 yards ahead (about 55 meters) and waving a red flag warning of the approach. Nowadays, with some 40,000 traffic-related deaths annually in the U.S. alone, perhaps the case could be made that “we need even more sleeping policemen and armies of volunteers walking in front of cars and waving red flags.” Q. Why does an accident in the northbound lanes of a divided highway tend to jam up the southbound lanes as well? Hint: Think costbenefit analysis. A. For southbound-rubberneckers, the cost of slowing down for a closer look is a delay of several seconds, while the benefit is satisfaction of
curiosity, obviously deemed a good tradeoff by most motorists, explains Robert Frank in The Economic Naturalist. What they don’t consider, of course, is that their decision to slow also creates several seconds’ delay for each of the hundreds of motorists behind them, adding up to an hour-long jam-up. It seems unlikely that many motorists would be willing to endure an hour’s delay for a better look but they make their decisions individually upon reaching the spot of the accident. This is just another instance of the well-known social trap of “the tragedy of the commons,” or “smart for one, dumb for all.” Q. Scientific opinion once held that the unicorn is a creature of the human imagination, which is where things stood until the early 1930s. And then what happened? A. In a stunning event, University of Maine biologist Franklin Dove surgically transplanted the two horn buds of a one-day-old male calf from their usual outlying position on the skull to a single, central location, says neuro-
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Vehicle Lettering
BILL SCHENKEL
519-664-1809
Logos & Graphics Large format printing Decals & Safety Stickers
1600 King St. N., Unit #18
ST.JACOBS
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topsoil LOCNEW ATI ON
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»
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TOWING
TRUCKS
JOHNS TRANS IT!
TOWING AND RECOVERY
CASH PAID
FOR YOUR UNWANTED SCRAP VEHICLES CARS, TRUCKS OR VANS WE PAY CASH WITH FREE TOWING PLEASE CALL
519-568-8666
VEHICLES • 10 Ton Curtain Side/Flat Bed 26’ long, 8’ wide • Cargo Van • 7 Passenger Astro Van With 4’ x 8’ trailer • Car
PHONE 519.503.0888
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Cambridge Truck & Trailer Ltd. 690 Fountain Street North, Cambridge, ON.
INVENTORY BLOW OUT 45’ - 48’ STORAGE VANS $800 & UP 20’ SEA CONTAINER $1800 & UP 40’ SEA CONTAINER $2300 & UP DELIVERY AVAILABLE CALL TODAY UNITS ARE PRICED TO SELL
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100 SOUTH FIELD DRIVE, ELMIRA
service
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FAX | 519.669.5753 EMAIL | sales@ObserverXtra.com
THIS SPACE FOR RENT
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(Send STRANGE questions to brothers Bill and Rich at strangetrue@compuserve.com)
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scientist Mark Blumberg in Freaks of Nature. His expectation was that “the two horns would fuse together into one large horn solidly attached to the skull and located between and somewhat above the eyes, as with the horn of the unicorn.” This is exactly what happened, bringing this long-sought inhabitant of myth and legend over into reality. The success of Dove’s experiment depended on the ability of an isolated horn bud to grow independently of other tissues in the calf ’s body, even as it highlighted the utility of producing artificial oddities through manipulations done early in life. If seeing is believing, then our continued fascination with the mysterious unicorn is not easily explained, as single-horned mammals have never been seen in nature. It should be pointed out that the horn of the rhinoceros is not a true “horn,” being composed of matted hair rather than bone.
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raperies & Blinds • Curtain Hardware Custom D
40 Memorial Ave, Elmira
519-669-8309
30 | CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM
FAMILY ALBUM ANNIVERSARY
ANNIVERSARY
»
THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 6, 2009
519.669.5790 | 1.888.966.5942 FAX | 519.669.5753 EMAIL | sales@ObserverXtra.com
ANNIVERSARY
MARRIAGE
We Praise God for the blessing of our parent’s th
50 Wedding Anniversary. June 14,1959 - June 14, 2009
50th Anniversary Family and friends are invited to celebrate with
Jim & Norma Hanley on June 13, 1-4 at 60 First St. W. Elmira, Your presence is a treasured gift. STAG & DOE
Bill & Betty Clements
will be celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary on June 13th, 2009.
invite you to an
Kelly Maureen Higgs to Blaise Bowen Buxton
Henry & Leah Martin OPEN HOUSE
Love and best wishes,
Sunday June 14, 2009 | 2-5 PM at Wallenstein Bible Chapel,
Jennifer and Brent Janet and Brent, Nick, Sarah & Jake STAG & DOE
The Family of
Bryon & Janet Higgs of Elmira joyfully announce the upcoming June wedding of our daughter
son of Roger & Rita Buxton of Alberta We wish you a lifetime of happiness.
Congratulations!
Your presence is a treasured gift. STAG & DOE
Stag & Doe for
Stag & Doe
FAMILY ALBUM
Share The Good News! With a Family Album Ad in the Observer
» Anniversary » Birthday » Engagement » Stag & Doe » Thank you » Birth Notice » and a lot more....
23
$
Saturday June 13, 2009 3 pm - Dusk 2496 Arthur St. N., Elmira
Outdoor, BBQ, Games, Prizes, Pie Auction Tickets Available at the door $10/person
BIRTH NOTICE
Big sister Mirella is proud to announce the (early) arrival of her little brother
Luca James Richard Sandelli. Arriving Wednesday May 20th weighing 6lb 8oz. Loved and welcomed by parents Rob & Krista Sandelli (McLeod), spoiling privileges to grandparents Helen McLeod (and Papa in heaven), & Dianne and Richard Sandelli. We love you so much already, our little man!
Brittany Martin & Scott Hahn
KELLY LITT & MIKE HEINMILLER Saturday June 13, 2009
Saturday June 6, 2009 8:00pm — 1:00am
St. Jacobs Community Centre 8pm - 1am Tickets $10 DJ, Games, Raffle Prizes, Evening Buffet
Tickets available at the door $10/Person
519.669.5790 ext 104
Door Prizes • Raffles • DJ • Lunch Buffet
IN PRINT | ONLINE | IN PICTURES | IN DEPTH
National kudos for local photographer
BIRTH NOTICE
Paul and Chrissie Schneider are excited to announce the safe arrival of their little farmer, Noah Paul, on May 2, 2009 at 5:25am, weighing in at 7lb, 12oz. Proud grandparents are Jim and Carolyn Schill of Wallenstein and Mert and Nancy Schneider of Palmerston. Special thanks to Dr. Semelhago and the caring staff at Palmerston Hospital.
Call
+GST
St. Clements Community Center (1 Green Street, St. Clements)
PHOTO | SUBMITTED
Marybeth Wideman & Asher Dreise
Stag & Doe for
For as little as.. .
SMILE FOR THE CAMERA Tina Weltz, owner of Calla Studio in Elmira, was presented a Craftsman of Photographic Arts award at the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC) annual awards banquet May 26 in Regina. At 27, Weltz is one of the youngest photographers in the country to receive the title, which recognizes member photographers and denotes proven photographic abilities and dedication to serving the profession. “I am truly ecstatic to be receiving this award; it has taken a lot of hard work and determination to reach this platform in my career,” she said. Weltz received her award from PPOC president Chris Stambaugh.
FAMILY EVENTS CALENDAR Âť ALBUM Kleensweep CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM |
THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 6, 2009
“A GOOD JOB DONE EVERY TIME�
Carpet Care
IN MEMORIAM
Donald L. Schelter
West Montrose, ON
Sadly missed by all Wife Amy, Son Craig, Son & family Keith, Kelly, Noah & Joshua. Fondly remembered at your nephew David & Moya’s wedding May 23, 2009
DEATH NOTICES CSERHALMI, Dr. Elmer D.
- Peacefully, on Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at Freeport Health Centre, Dr. Elmier D. Cserhalmi age 81 years of Elmira.
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3435 Broadway St. Hawkesville
519-699-4641 www.freybc.com  The 2009 Grand River Motorcycle Ride For Dad. The ride departs at 9 a.m. sharp from the Kitchener Auditorium, 400 East Ave., Kitchener. Registration begins at 7 a.m.
Cardlock Fuel Management
 Robin In The Hood Medieval Festival, 10 a.m. Gibson Park, Elmira. Come join Robin Hood and his band of merry men for a day of fun in Sherwood Forest. Tickets are $4 per person or $12 per family (parents, children, 5 people or less) and can be purchased at the gate. For more information please visit www.robininthehood.com. JUNE 7
 St. Jacobs Reptile Expo 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Woolwich County Community Centre, 31 Parkside Dr., St. Jacobs. Featuring a wide variety of reptile breeders, dealers, retail stores, rescues and educational groups from all over Southern Ontario with many unique animals for sale and display. Fun for the whole family; $4 for adults; $2 for children under 12. JUNE 12
 Elmira Horticultural Bus Trip, 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (approximately). Trip to view 2 rural gardens north of Durham. Meet bus at back of Pentecostal Church parking lot prior to 8 a.m. and bring a bagged lunch. For costs, call Diane at 519-669-8217. JUNE 13
519.669.5105
P.O. BOX 247, ROUTE 1, ELMIRA
24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE
TOTAL HOME ENERGY SYSTEMS
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL
YOUR OIL, PROPANE, NATURAL GAS AND AIR CONDITIONING EXPERTS
11 HENRY ST. - UNIT 9, ST. JACOBS
519.664.2008
Bus.:519.669.2632 Fax: 519.669.4282
Business
FREE CONSULTATION
After Hours Emergency Services: 1-800-465-2667
Farm
• Total Denture Care Travel
Email: allen_morrison@cooperators.ca
www.cooperators.ca • Same Day Service Disability
on Repairs and Relines • Metal Partial - Soft Relines •Since Implants 1987 - DentureTech •Since DENTURE SPECIALIST 1995 - Denturist
Denture
DENTURE Vinolea Jahandari DD
• ELMIRA Total Denture Care • Same day service on and relines 15repairs Memorial Ave., Since 1987 - DentureTech • Elmira Metal Partial - Soft Relines 1995 - Denturist (Behind Bank of Montreal) • DENTURE SPECIALIST
519.669.1535 KITCHENER
FREE CONSULTATION 519.744.9770 ELMIRA • Total Denture Care KITCHENER 519-669-1535 • Same Day Service519-744-9770 15 Memorial Ave., Elmira (behind Bank of Montreal) on Repairs and Relines • Metal Partial - Soft Relines • Implants • DENTURE SPECIALIST
Elze’s Vinolea Jahandari DD
Wonderful 519.669.1535 ELMIRA
 Crosshill Community Rhubarb Festival, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. “All Things Rhubarbâ€? tea room, fresh baking & fresh rhubarb for sale, free kids games, including bouncy castles (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.), and BBQ (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.) at Crosshill Mennonite Church.
MILLWRIGHTS LTD.
25 Industrial Drive, Elmira, ON N3B 3K3
Group
Truck & Trailer Maintenance
• Design • Installation • Custom Fabrication
Allen Morrison Insurance Inc.
Investments
JUNE 6
MATERIAL HANDLING & PROCESSING SYSTEMS
Allen Morrison, Agent/Owner
Life
Cell: 519.581.7868
COMMERCIAL 24 CARDLOCK FUEL DEPOT HOUR
DENTURE
Auto
T. 519.669.2033 COLLEEN
Since 1987 - DentureTech Since 1995 - Denturist
Home
Rugs and Upholstery
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June 8, 2006
Skilled craftsmanship. Quality materials. CONSTRUCTION STARTS HERE.
 Pancake Breakfast at the Alma Community Hall from 8-11 a.m.; $4/adult; $2/ child. All proceeds to the Alma Community Recreation Association (ACRA) playground fund. For more info., contact Doug at 519-846-0764. JUNE 14
 Local Wheels In Motion Event , 1 p.m., Elmira Plaza, Oriole Pkwy and Industrial Drive. Registration starts at noon. Join us as we wheel, walk, bike, rollerblade or run 2, 5 or 10K to raise awareness of spinal cord injury and other spinal disabilities. Funds help support quality of life projects for local residents and community. Displays, prizes, draws, BBQ, wheelchair basketball, etc. To participate or sponsor someone, or for more information, call 519-669-2578 or 519-669-3014. JUNE 15
 Donkey Day 2009, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. An afternoon in the country for animal lovers of all ages. Adults, $10, students (3-18) $5. Sixteenth annual fundraiser. Wagon rides, Puslinch Country Squires, puppet shows, Long Ears Boutique, meet the donkeys and much more! The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada Farm, 6981 Puslinch, Conc. 4, Guelph. For information, call 519-836-1697.
15 Memorial Ave., Elmira
SANYO CANADIAN
MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED
A Fine Wine Establishment
(Behind Bank of Montreal) KITCHENER
519.744.9770
29 Church St. W., Elmira
519.669.0799
New to the Community? Do you have a new Baby? It’s time to call your Welcome Wagon Hostess. Elmira & Surrounding Area
JUNE 16
 Lunch at Gale Presbyterian Church from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Menu: chicken a la king with rice and coleslaw, roll, and butter; dessert: frosty strawberry squares; $9 per person, wheelchair accessible, everyone welcome.
SHARON GINGRICH 519.291.6763
elmirawelcomewagon@sympatico.ca
 The Listowel/Hesson Garden Party will be held at the Listowel Agricultural Hall, Listowel. A family affair for all ages including quilt draw, penny booth, bingo, garages sale and children’s games with a grand draw at 9 p.m. Cold ham supper served from 4-8 p.m. Adults $12; ($10 in advance); 5-10 years $4 and pre-schoolers free. With the purchase of a meal, children are entitled to some free games. For advance tickets please call 519-291-4400, ext. 3 or 519-356-2831.
519.669.2884 Spring is Coming!
JUNE 20
 Elmira Legion – keg roasted turkey, 6 p.m.; $6 per person. JUNE 21
33 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.1591
A news junkie and chatterbox, she sees Blurb as the opportunity to share some ideas and opinions.
RETAIL STORE STORE RETAIL
Updated every Sunday www.
.com
Wines
JUNE 19
Check out our newest Blog
With Heather Calder
31
• Electrical Supplies • New Vacuums • Vacuum Repairs • Parts & Accessories • All makes and models
 Elmira Legion Hungry Man’s Breakfast for Gavin White; 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.; $5 per person, all you can eat.  The Master’s Four in Concert, 7 p.m. at Waterloo North Presbyterian Church. Bring Dad to this special Father’s Day concert. Highpoint Avenue at Northfield Drive and Westmount Road; 519-888-7870. JUNE 23
 Alma United Church Strawberry Social and Garden Party – 102nd annual; serving country-style supper of ham, potato salad, cabbage salad, jello salad, devil eggs, fresh strawberries, homemade cake and homemade tarts; 5-7:30 p.m. at Alma United Church, Rebecca Street, Alma.; $12/adults; $4 children. JUNE 27
 Children’s Farm Safety Day hosted by Waterloo Rural Women at Martin farm just north of Floradale. Cost $5 per child. For more information, call 519-664-3794, ext.. 237.
9 CHURCH STREET EAST, ELMIRA
519.669.8362
Submit calendar listings to info@observerxtra.com
21 Industrial Dr., Elmira
NANCY KOEBEL
Bus: 519.895.2044 ext. 217 Home: 519.747.4388
Individual life insurance, mortgage insurance, business insurance, employee benefits programs, critical illness insurance, disability coverage,
RRSPs, RESPs, RRIFs, LIFs and Annuities. Suite 800, 101 Frederick St., Kitchener
W
32 | BACK PAGE
THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 06, 2009
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING WOOLWICH CAER GROUP
WORST CASE SCENARIO PRESENTATION BY EDPRO Elmira Propane Facility Tuesday June 9, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. COUNCIL CHAMBERS | 24 Church Street West, Elmira
Who are the
Why do they dress in black and use a horse and buggy in the midst of busy traffic? Are Amish the same as Mennonites? Visit the Mennonite Heritage Portrait website to learn more about Mennonites and also about Waterloo Region’s cultural and built heritage. And get hands-on with history; sign up for a free account and share old
1 Bi ernut Place Elmira
Photo from the Peter Etril Snyder collection
Mennonites?
PRIVATE HOUSE FOR SALE
family photos, stories and memories of the area. Find other people interested in local history and discuss the Region’s rich cultural heritage.
LOCATION - 2 storey semi on extra large corner lot in LIST: Southwood Park subdivision. Upgrades galore: brand new flooring throughout, quality appliances & lots of CALL 519.669.3833 extras included. Walkout to fenced, landscaped yard. PAT OR HEATHER Finished basement, concrete drive, a/c, water FOR VIEWING softener & more! Open House Sun. June 14, 2-4pm
$259,900
www.MennoniteHeritagePortrait.ca
All information available @
www.merlihan.com
Woolwich Observer Portrait 01.indd
1
29/05/2009, 14:54