Observer june 27, 2009

NEWS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 27, 2009

1

Homebuilders worry about rising fees, taxes...............................................»15 More than just out for a stroll

»21 VOLUME 14, ISSUE 25

SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2009

Spending some time just hanging out

www.ObserverXtra.com

Sale of parkland to fund township’s building blitz Residents pack council chambers to protest residential development in Victoria Glen STEVE KANNON

Centre, community centres in Maryhill and Breslau, a fire hall in Floradale and, perhaps most contentiously, a new administration building.

Woolwich has already dug into its reserves and tapped out its debt stake in Waterloo North Hydro – a decision that will also forego income of more than $400,000 a year – to help finance the projects. That the Victoria Glen

The rationale for a residential development in Victoria Glen park slipped out at the very end of Tuesday night’s public meeting: Woolwich is counting on the money to help finance its recent construction binge.

Mayor Bill Strauss, seemingly stung by the steady stream of objections from the large group of more than 150 who crammed council chambers, blurted out that foregoing the plan would mean looking elsewhere for cash.

Parcels of land amounting to almost three acres were seen as the largest moneymaker following a staff review of township land holdings. Residents, however, were told the prophoto | steve kannon posal was simply part of a general review of munici- TAKInG A sTAnD Mayor Bill strauss looks on as susan Bryant makes a pally owned properties, presentation calling for the preservation of the victoria Glen park ecosysand that no decisions had tem during a public meeting june 23. been made about the future of the site. lands were needed for that purpose While the matter hasn’t come to a was never explained in advance. vote, it now seems the development of That the goal was not revealed at the the land – potentially netting up to $2 outset of this week’s public meeting million – has been counted on as Wool- was a simple oversight, said chief adwich scrambles to pay for the large ministrative officer David Brenneman. number of building projects under“It’s not something that we were insUMMER FUn Gregory kochut views the world upside down, playing on the monkey bars in Gibson park. taken all at once. More than $32 mil- tending to be a surprise. That should Grade 1 students from john Mahood school headed to the park tuesday for a picnic and games leading up lion has been tossed into the pot for, have been more prominent in the Powamong others, the Woolwich Memorial See VICTORIA GLEN page »02 to the end of the school year.

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2 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 27, 2009

» From cover

erPoint presentation” that started the meeting, he explained, adding residents shouldn’t see the development as a done deal.

“Nothing with respect to this has been a fait accompli.”

Still, the entire exercise was carried out with the goal of financing the capital spending. Things got started more than two years ago, although Victoria Glen and the possibility of development were never discussed by name.

Instead, councillors spoke about selling off the old township hall on Arthur Street and the former fire hall in Floradale.

“We are counting on revenues from these and other potential surplus lands and buildings,” Brenneman said of the Victoria Glen parcels.

The staff report on the land in question presented to council, not circulated to the public, contains only one rather vague sentence about the financial im-

plications: “If any of the subject lands are declared as surplus, funds generated from disposal will be directed to paying for capital infrastructure projects across the Township of Woolwich.”

There’s no mention that projects already completed or now underway were financed based on the sale and development of Victoria Glen parcels.

While the cash is foremost on the township’s agenda, many of those who addressed councillors Tuesday night stressed that money should be trumped by the need to preserve green space, leaving the forested area for future generations rather than destroying it forever.

“We are the keepers of this land, and we’re doing a poor job of it,” said Ken Reger, who has lived within sight of this area for his entire 76 years.

“If you take part of this land, you ruin the rest,” he added, dismissing

township assertions only 20 per cent of the naturalized area would be used for roads and homes.

In putting this proposal forward, said resident Jeff Seddon, the township has put itself in the role of developer.

Council would not entertain such a proposal from a private developer, but with its stance, the township has in fact become the developer looking to exploit that property, he said, adding that means residents must take up the overseeing position to say no.

“As someone else said, ‘surplus green space’ is an oxymoron.”

Recounting the history of the parkland, Riverside Drive resident Cheryl Fisher likened the decision to zone the land for residential use with a 1948 bid to make Elmira a weedless town via the widespread spraying of weed killer 2,4-D – a chemical banned in many countries, and finally prohibited in Canada just this year.

photo | steve kannon

Victoria Glen: Development proposal not a done deal, says CAO

MUCH ADVICE A steady stream of speakers, all of them critical of Woolwich’s plan, took to the podium in favour of protecting Victoria Glen park.

While there were many impassioned pleas to save the forested land, most of the presentations provided councillors with information and reasoned

arguments, not just emotions, a fact noted by Coun. Ruby Weber, who chaired the meeting.

Local environmental-

ist Susan Bryant, for instance, provided a detailed presentation showing how the forest acts as an important buffer for water entering the Canagagigue Creek. Development there would lead to more flooding, soil erosion and silting of the water, she said.

Having hosted the public meeting and received many written submissions and petitions, township will now sift through all the options before recommending a course of action to councillors, likely in the fall.

As Strauss noted just as the meeting closed, that will include looking at alternative sources of funds should the recommendation be that the park be retained in its current state.

That will mean doing some more juggling, said Brenneman.

“If we’re not going to proceed with this, we need to know what the financial implications are.”

Weimer Line bridge to be replaced this summer MARC MIQUEL HELSEN The newly paved portion of Weimar Line east of Moser Young Road is already crumbling in certain areas, prompting some area residents to wonder about the quality of the job done.

But as far as Wellesley public works director Will McLaughlin is concerned, it’s all part of the plan.

“It’s not a big deal; we’ll fix it. We’re going to be closing Weimar Line very shortly to do the bridge and since it’s closed we’ll fix it all up,” he said, noting that the few problem areas are the result of wet gravel used during last summer’s paving project on the west side of Weimar Line.

The first part of the two-part paving process was done last summer.

The resulting irregularities will be cut out and patched up in July, and the second layer of asphalt will be laid down in 2010.

“Any subdivision, any new construction you look at – it doesn’t matter whether the region does it or the city or MTO or anybody – any new construction like that where you’ve dug up, the road base is done one layer one year and then they let it sit and get driven

on and whatever irregularities that show up get fixed. And then the final layer is paved the following year,” McLaughlin explained.

“I would rather it didn’t [crumble], but that’s why we put the base on one year and the top on the next – give it a chance to show us any weak spots.”

In 2010, portions of Greenwood Hill, Weimar Line and Gerber Road will get a top layer of asphalt.

A more imminent project, on which work will begin within the following weeks, is the replacement of the Weimar Line bridge – about a kilometre east of Greenwood Hill Road.

The 1940s-era structure will be replaced by township staff in the second week of July. While the bridge remains structurally sound, it requires several cosmetic repairs that, in total, would prove more costly than the installation of an entirely new span.

“To work on a bridge at that age is an expensive proposition.”

About 60 feet wide, the bridge runs perpendicular to the road, and measures roughly 13 feet high. The old concrete bridge will be replaced with a metal-plated one.

The replacement of the See BRIDGE page »10

» NEWS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 27, 2009

LEADING OFF

“They’re taking so many precautions to make sure it is perfect and that it meets the expectations of the builder.”

Jo-Ann McCabe

3

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WoRKInG ToGETHER the student-built home in Breslau, constructed with very careful attention to detail, has already sold.

Hands-on know-how

Breslau Empire Homes team up with Catholic high schools to give students real-world experience MARC MIQUEL HELSEN They start the morning like the rest of their schoolmates: in class, studying math, English or religion. But at 10:30 a.m. the bus swings around, picks them up and carts the eleven students from St. Mary’s High School and Resurrection Secondary School to a work site on Dolman Street in Breslau. There they work away for the remainder of the day.

The fruit of their labour?

A new home that already appears to be a popular choice.

“They actually sold the house,” explained Jo-Ann McCabe, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program ((OYAP) coordinator for the Waterloo Catholic District School Board.

Under the supervision of representatives of the builder, Empire Communities, and their teachers, students from both schools have used their skills in the construction of a house at the Riverland Community in Breslau. They started their labour of love – and realization of their class curriculum – last February, celebrating a completion of the job last week.

The partnership between the builder and the school board is meant to provide students with career direction by connecting them with the skilled trade industries. While earning credits for their work, the students also build on valuable skills that are meant to last a lifetime.

The Home Build program is offered through the Experiential Learning Department

VE ER SA UMM IS S

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of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. This fivemonth, hands-on learning initiative is available to students in the construction co-op program. Along with developing skills, students get a chance to make contacts with people in the industry.

Empire Communities provides the lot as well as the materials for the project, and lays the foundations of the building. The students, under the supervision of teachers and Empire representatives, work on the framing, building the home in one semester. From February until June – rain, snow, or shine, the 11 or so students have worked on the structure.

The experience provides them with ample opportunity to use some of the skills they learned in class.

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“The students get to apply their core curriculum such as their math skills, science skills and communications skills – when you have a chance to apply hands-on learning it makes sense of why you’re doing many of the subjects and especially the math at school,” said McCabe, adding that rigorous safety training is also a priority.

Through the program, students receive certification in

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the area that they are concentrating in, and it “opens their eyes in terms of it being a viable career path and the different career directions,” she said.

After this program, students may choose to pursue carpentry, heating, ventilation and cooling, or brick and stone work, for example.

“There’s so many career paths that they could go into.”

The benefits of the educative home build appear to go both ways.

“They say that the houses built by the students are extremely well constructed because, especially, with the number of nails that are used, evenly spaced … they’re taking so many precautions to make sure it is perfect and that it meets the expectations of the builder.”

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4 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 27, 2009

» FROM THE EDITOR | STEVE KANNON

Resistance called for when change isn’t for the better Things weren’t going well for Woolwich officials even before the real reason for developing a portion of Victoria Glen park – funding the spate of township construction projects – slipped out. Council chambers hadn’t seen this kind of turnout since the raceway and Wal-Mart debates. All of the speakers Tuesday night were critical of plans to declare as surplus parts of the green space, paving the way for the potential construction of some new homes.

“Potential” looked a whole lot more like “certain” at the revelation Woolwich is counting on the development of the land to pay for its aggressive capital spending.

Feelings of misrepresentations aside, there are plenty of reasons for residents to be upset with their elected officials on this file. The largest objection centers on selling off shared assets for a one-time cash fix.

It’s the kind of move we’ve seen from the likes of Mike Harris and Stephen Harper, though their motivation was more ideologically driven and tied to a desire to reward friends by putting public goodies into private hands.

The Woolwich situation matches the recent attempt by the City of Kitchener to sell off some of its land, including parks, for development. There, too, a massive public outcry against selling off public property for private gain eventually forced council to back down from the shortsighted proposal.

Local supporters of the Victoria Glen park are hoping for the same result here. I can certainly sympathize with their position.

Growing up in a suburb of Montreal, I lived in a community with an abundance of green spaces, including a network of paths seemingly ahead of its time: these paved routes that ran at the rear of many of the original homes were perfectly suited for kids to travel around town by foot or by bike.

Within sight of my home, I could see a large bush area much larger than Victoria Glen. It was home to wild raspberries, blackberries and plum trees.

A pond provided many an unfortunate toad or bottle full of tadpoles. The undergrowth was a great place to build a secret hideout.

Within easy walking distance was another prime area, home to farmer’s hill, the place for tobagganing in the winter, and turtles’ creek, an ideal spot for tree forts. A series of well-worn footpaths set the stage for overzealous stunt riding on bicycles and motorized mini-bikes, the latter once enabling me to get off the beaten track and right into a bad case of poison oak.

Such was the state of the green spaces all through my childhood, and into my adult years before I left town.

Subsequent visits, however, revealed changes. The forests and creek-side growth of turtles’ creek became Condo Rivière de la Tortue – when I first heard about it, I thought it was a joke, simply because of the name. But, sure enough, I got to see the residential project for myself.

Farmer’s hill, too, was deemed an ide-

al condo site, though vestiges of it remain. The place is diminished, though some of that may have to do with the fact I’m no longer hauling a toboggan up what seemed like Mt. Everest to an eight-year-old.

The bush within sight of my home – always referred to as “across the tracks,” as the CN line separated it from the developed side – went later on. Rumours about development stretch as far back as I can remember – a mall was the most common suggestion – but nothing happened for years.

Only recently have a couple of roads broached the tracks, paving the way for some new residential subdivisions.

A new highway interchange was introduced on the land, though closer to the western end of town.

I have no doubt when I’m back there next weekend that there will be more buildings and fewer vestiges of my childhood and the childhoods of many more besides.

Unlike those Elmira residents fighting against a similar fate for Victoria Glen, however, I haven’t faced losing something that is still part of my daily life. Certainly, as I walk around my old hometown every time I visit, I can’t help but think about the changes, but I don’t have to live with the loss; I don’t have to explain to the next generation about how it used to be such a great place to be a kid.

Somebody, of course, has done just that: those of my friends and acquaintances who stayed on, and remember as clearly as I do the way things were, but are no longer.

Some would say that’s simply progress, that change is inevitable. Some might even say I’m being overly sentimental. But not all change is for the better, and there’s nothing wrong with nostalgia in good measure. The people who realize those facts are the ones lined up to oppose Woolwich’s plans for Victoria Glen.

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What are some of your hobbies?

I play guitar; computers, camping.

What type of guitar do you play?

I have an acoustic. I’m really still learning; I don’t play as often as I need to or should.

What’s something not a lot of people know about you?

I support a lot of musicians locally, helping with shows or even just attending them.

What’s the best show or concert you’ve ever seen?

I would have to say BB King, four or five years ago. For a guy who’s in his 80s, he still knows how to work an audience.

Is there anything you’re looking forward to right now?

Vacation next week.

What are your plans?

Just going to a cottage for a week with some friends.

NEWS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 27, 2009

» MAHOODFEST MARKS ANOTHER END TO THE SCHOOL YEAR

Down to the details at WMC

With construction of the new Woolwich Memorial Centre getting down to the detail work, there was a flurry of activity this week at township council.

First off was the approval to spend $51,100 at S.T.O.P. Restaurant Supply to equip the concession area at the facility.

Next, councillors approved a $54,800 bid from DM Services to provide the public address and sound systems for the Dan Snyder Memorial Arena. The cost was actually about half of the budgeted amount, with some of the money now earmarked for an audio system in the Jim McLeod Memorial Arena.

Finally, councillors granted the facility an exemption from the township’s sign bylaw to permit the erection of a sign that will be larger, taller and closer to the road than is normally acceptable.

The sign, to be purchased from Pride Signs for $43,300, will also have digital features to allow for changing messages.

5

GEARING UP FOR SUMMER BREAK From left, Dana Colombo, Connor Ehrlich, Julia Hennige, Kurt Michael, Mhari Reid and Carter Hanley serve up a bunch of delicious treats during Madoodfest June 18. At right, Rylee and Alyssa Fleming get ready to dig into some hotdogs.

Former student to head Rockway M.C.

Region plans to Betsy Petker, once the principal of Floradale PS, to assume head spot next winter have loved; certainly the and continues manager, and advisory board the train MARC MIQUEL HELSEN Rockway contact again with the to attend Rockway Men- council member for a Making official a longstanding decision to install a light rail transit system, regional councillors voted Wednesday to spend $710 million on a link between Conestoga Mall and Fairview Park. Cambridge will a new bus link at a cost of $80 million.

Mower not cutting it

Though not scheduled for replacement until 2019, a roadside mower purchased by Woolwich Township in 2003 has become so unreliable councillors voted this week to buy a new one at a cost of $11,200.

The municipality will also spend $42,400 to replace a 1993 3/4-ton pickup truck.

The mower has been of little use in the last three years, forcing the township to rent a tractor to trim the grass and weeds along rural roadsides.

Roads to get the treatment

From student to principal of Rockway Mennonite Collegiate.

That’s the path that Betsy Petker has taken.

But it didn’t happen overnight. After some 32 years as a teacher and administrator with the Waterloo Region District School Board, the former Rockway Collegiate student was hired by the school to be its new principal, beginning Feb. 15, 2010.

“I’m very excited about it,” she said in an interview.

Petker also served on the alumni board at

nonite Church.

“It’s a real coming home for me because I was a Rockway student.”

Petker brings to the school 32 years of diverse teaching and administrative experience.

Following 12 years as a principal in the WRDSB, including a stint at Floradale Public School, Petker was most recently employed in Wilfrid Laurier University’s faculty of education as program coordinator of LEAP (the Laurier Enriched Academic Program). She also brings her experience as a vice-president, business

number of local arts organizations.

And it all started as a teacher decades ago.

“I got into teaching primarily because it was a great way to continue learning myself,” said Petker, who studied music (voice) and English literature at university.

“I always wanted to be a teacher; it was just one of those things that was a given. I loved being a teacher, and I have been very fortunate: I taught many things at many different grade levels and had many different experiences as a teacher, so it was terrific.”

HOMECOMING Former student Betsy Petker to assume princpal role.

Petker noted she looks forward to returning to the school where her education began.

“There are many, many components of the job as school principal that I

students will be wonderful. I’m looking forward to being in a faith-based school. In the public system, obviously, there are many people of different faiths who are teaching, but to work in this kind of a context ...

“I’m looking forward to working with the whole focus on service and peacemaking, discipleship, global awareness and global responsibility – those are all really important things that Rockway has,” she said.

“And then there are surprises that I won’t know about until I get there.”

Making it official brings summer weather Environment Canada finds odds in favour of warmer-than-usual temperatures

Stretches of Foerster Road, between Shantz Station and Village JONI MILTENBURG View roads, and Village View Road, between Maryhill Road and Woolwich-Guelph Townline, will Winter came early and get a new layer of surface treatspring arrived late, but ment this summer under a conit seems Mother Nature tract awarded by the township. finally checked the calCornell Construction Ltd. will get endar and summer ar$75,000 to do the job. rived right on time this Coun. Murray Martin insisted week. the surface treatment be done This week’s high tembefore mid-August; hot weather banner ad the - construction sale - week1:Layout peratures could be a 1 isIA needed to make treatment taste of what the rest of effective, he said.

summer will be like, ac- aren’t taking this forecording to Environment cast all the way to the Canada. On Tuesday, the bank. weather office updated “We don’t have necesits summer forecast for sarily a lot of confidence July and August, pre- in that forecast,” he said. dicting those months To predict long-term will be warmer than weather trends, they use normal. four different models, However, Dave Phillips, which they run twice a senior climatologist for day for five days. Fifty 6/16/09 9:43 AM Page 1 per cent of those runs Environment Canada, cautioned that they showed this summer

would be warmer than normal; 25 per cent showed normal temperatures, and 25 per cent showed cooler temperatures.

In its initial summer forecast issued June 1, Environment Canada predicted June would be cooler and wetter than normal, which turned out to be the case. Usu-

ally the area gets some summer-like weather in early June, or even May or April, but most of June has been three degrees cooler than normal.

Last year it was excessive amounts of rain that caused trouble for farmers trying to get crops in from the fields; See WEATHER page »07

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6 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 27, 2009

School board to encourage students to use water fountains JONI MILTENBURG

PublicOF Information Centre NOTICENotice OF THE of PASSING A DEVELOPMENT CHARGE PROPOSED REGION OF WATERLOO BY-LAW BY THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO SIGN BY-LAW

TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo passed By-Law 09-024 respecting Regional Development Charges on the 16th day of June, 2009 under section 2 of the Development Charges Act, 1997 (the “Act”); The Region of Waterloo will be holding a public information centre to introduce a draft AND TAKE NOTICE that any person or organization may appeal said By-law to the Ontario Municipal Board under section Regional respecting signs on Regional roads.

The proposed addresses th 14 of the Act,By-law by filing with the Clerk of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo on or beforeSign the 27By-law day of July, 2009 (the day is 40of days after cial the day the by-law was passed) a notice of appeal setting out the objection to the by-law and the allthat types unoffi signs on Regional roads including election signs, business accessory reasons supporting the objection in the prescribed form.

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 schedule of development charges imposed by the Regional Development Charge By-law is as follows:

Residential Development Charges ($ Per Unit) (effective August 1, 2009, and in effect up • Location placement; to and includingand December 31, 2009)

• Size, shape, construction Single/Semi Detached Townhouse Apartment Lodging and content; Service Category Dwelling Dwelling Dwelling Unit • Impacts to the function of the road;

City Township City Township City Township City Township • Number of signs$116 and timing of $87 placement; and General Government $116 $87 $66 $66 $34 $34 • Sign removal.

Emergency Medical Services $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Airport $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Staff are also proposing $0an amendment to Tourism $0and Essential Services Operations $0 $0 the Region’s $0 $0 $0 $0 Transit Services $269 $0 $205 $0 $155 $0 $77 $0 Signing Policy to allow tourism signage on Regional roads for agri-toursim activities.

Library Service $0 $205 $0 $155 $0 $118 $0 $59 Transportation $6,874 $6,874 $5,212 $5,212 $3,953 $3,953 $1,961 $1,961 When: Tuesday, June 17, 2008, drop in 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Water Supply Regional Administration $1,088 $1,088 Headquarters $826 $826 $626 $626 $310 $310 Place: (lobby) Wastewater $682 $682 $517 $517 $392 $392 $193 $193

150 Frederick Street, Kitchener

Residential Development Charges ($ Per Unit) (effective January 1, 2010, subject to This public information for the purpose of providing information adjustment pursuant to centre sectionis6 being of thisheld by-law)

and receiving comments from the public. of the draft By-law is availableLodging for review in

Single/Semi Detached A copy Townhouse Apartment Service Category Dwelling Dwelling Dwelling Unitor on the the Clerk’s Office, Region of Waterloo, 2nd floor, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener

City Township City Township City Township City Township Region’s website at: $409 General Government $409 $286 $286 $236 $236 $124 $124 Emergency Medical Services $61 $61 $43 $43 $35 $35 $18 $18 www.region.waterloo.on.ca - tab Newsroom, tab Public Notices Airport $172 $172 $120 $120 $99 $99 $52 $52 Operations $121 $121 $85 $854 $70 $70 $37 $37 IfTransityou have questions concerning the By-law, please contact Nancy Button, Services $504 $0 $352 $0 $290 $0 $153 $0 Manager, Engineering 519-575-4520 or by$0 email Library Service Transportation $0 $174 $0 at $121 $0 $100 $53 at Transportation $7,335 $7,335 $5,127 $5,127 $4,232 $4,232 $2,222 $2,222 bnancy@region.waterloo.on.ca Water Supply $2,563 $2,563 $1,792 $1,792 $1,479 $1,479 $777 $777 Wastewater $1,275 $1,275 $891 $891 $736 $736 $386 If you require accessible services to participate in this meeting, please contact the$386 above

noted person byDevelopment Tuesday, JuneCharges 10, 2008.

Non-Residential ($ Per Square Foot of gross floor area)

All comments and informationIndustrial/Commercial/Institutional received from individuals, stakeholder Industrial/Commercial/Institutional groups and agencies regarding this Service Category Effective August 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009 Effective January 1, 2010 (subject to adjustment) project are being collected to assist the RegionTownship of Waterloo in makingCity a decision. UnderTownship the Municipal

City Act, personal information such as name, address, telephone number, and property location that may General Government $0.06 $0.06 $0.25 $0.25 be included a submission becomes$0.00 part of the public record. of this Emergency in Medical Services $0.00 Questions regarding $0.04 the collection$0.04 information should be referred to the person indicated above.

Airport $0.00 $0.00 $0.21 $0.21 Operations

$0.00

Nancy Button Transit Services $0.16 Library Service Transportation $0.00 Manager, Engineering Transportation $4.27 Region of Waterloo Water Supply $.48 150 Frederick Street, 7th Floor Wastewater $.42 Kitchener, ON N2G 4J3

$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $4.27 $.48 $.42

$0.08 $0.35 $0.00 $4.58 $2.29 $1.16

$0.08 $0.00 $0.00 $4.58 $2.29 $1.16

The charges set out in this by-law on which a Development Charge is based shall be adjusted without amendment to this by-law on January 1 of each year, commencing on January 1, 2010, in accordance with section 7 of Ontario Regulation 82/98.

The Regional Development Charge By-law applies to all lands within the geographic boundaries of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo save and except for the defined downtown core area exemptions provided in respect of: Galt, Hespeler and Preston in the City of Cambridge, City of Kitchener, and the City of Waterloo (until January 1, 2010). For further clarity, reference should be made to the maps included in the By-law.

A copy of the complete by-law is available for examination in the Office of the Regional Clerk, 150 Frederick Street, 2nd Floor, Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4J3. Regular office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

If you have any questions or inquiries about the by-law, please contact Calvin Barrett, Director, Financial Services and Development Financing, at 519-575-4478.

Dated at the Regional Municipality of Waterloo this 26th day of June, 2009.

Kris Fletcher Regional Clerk

The Waterloo Region District School Board this week pushed back plans to ban sales of bottled water in its schools.

Meeting on June 22, trustees approved an amendment to the motion passed in April 2008 that would have ended the purchase and sale of bottled water starting this September. The amendment directs staff to come up with a plan for reducing bottled water and educating students on alternatives.

“Our ultimate goal is still to reduce and eventually eliminate the purchase and sale of bottled water in board facilities, but not at the expense of the health of our students,” said board chair Mike Ramsay.

“The direction to [staff] was they should develop a plan that includes educational strategy and other healthy alternatives that will help students find ways to maintain a healthy intake of liquid, through a combination of water and

other healthy options.”

The initial motion was brought forth and passed on the recommendation of the board’s environmental advisory committee, which argued that tap water available in drinking fountains was safer, cheaper, and produced less waste.

Trustees were warned that the board would have to look into its contractual obligations with water suppliers.

Ramsay acknowledged that banning the sale of bottled water would have cut into the board’s revenues, but said it was only one of the factors that caused trustees to push back the bottled water ban.

“Within our schools, especially our secondary schools, there would have been an impact.

I don’t think things turned on that; it’s just basically that the board wanted to do this gradual approach. … This cannot be done at the expense of the health of our students.”

Staff are scheduled to report back to the board in December.

Woolwich may show drivers the way to Birdland Plaza STEVE KANNON Township will look into erecting a directional sign for Birdland Plaza on the boulevard separating Arthur Street South from Industrial Drive.

The decision follows a request from Lori Weber, owner of Guys & Dolls Hair Design and Spa, who had been using the former Selby’s Freshmart sign, covering it with one of her own, but was told by township to take it down.

Making a case to councillors Tuesday night, she asked that business owners in the Oriole Parkway plaza be given the same kind of consideration as merchants in the downtown core.

“We could use the support, because we are part of the community.”

For customers coming from outside Elmira, a sign would help get them to a plaza which is somewhat off the beaten track for those unfamiliar with the town, she said.

Township clerk Christine Broughton said the current sign bylaw would allow a directional sign to the site, indicating Birdland Plaza, not individual businesses located there. The sign would have to be placed on the township road allowance for Industrial Drive, removed from Arthur Street, which is a regional road. Waterloo Region has been working on a sign bylaw of its own for a few years.

“This may be something we can look at …,” said Coun. Mark Bauman.

A staff report on the issue is due back at council later in the summer.

Legion distributes poppy funds The Elmira Legion distributed funds from its poppy campaign at a meeting June 23.

The legion gave $4,000 to St. Mary’s Hospital for the purchase of a bladder scanner, and another $4,000 to Grand River Hospital for a vital signs

monitor.

Community Care Concepts of Elmira received $4,000 to defray transportation costs, and a cheque for $700 will be sent to the Commonwealth ExServicemen’s League, which assists with housing costs for veterans.

NEWS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 27, 2009

7

St. Jacobs development options in the toilet Lack of sewage capacity limiting construction, including latest project from Mercedes Corp.

STEVE KANNON Just how much intensification can take place in St. Jacobs’ core boils down to the number of toilets allowed. Sewage capacity is the numberone stumbling block in a Mercedes Corp. plan to develop a residential project on Front Street.

A 14-unit townhouse project was discussed Tuesday night at a public meeting in Woolwich council chambers, but the company would prefer to see something closer to a 70-unit condo apartment building. But with only a handful of available connections to the St. Jacobs wastewa-

ter treatment plant, that idea is a no-go.

Based on numbers from Waterloo Region, which operates the treatment plant, there are only 42 connections available at this time. That’s down from 63 last year and 70 in 2007. The allotment fluctuates due to the amount of inflow and infiltration (I&I) reaching the plant. Steps to control water leaking into the sewage infrastructure have seen the capacity grow from just three in 2005, for instance.

Still, the current capacity isn’t anywhere near enough to cover all the potential development in the village, said senior planner Jeremy

Vink, who prepared the report give to councillors this week.

For Marcus Shantz of Mercedes Corp., the restrictions have meant scaling back the residential project planned for lots at 10 Front St. and 1441 King St. N. in St. Jacobs. Originally looking at 70 units, he scaled back to 46 before dropping the size down to the 14 townhouses proposed today.

That said, there is no final plan for developing the site. The official plan and zoning changes Mercedes is seeking pave the way for a range of residential options.

“We’re basically tidying up the property …

aside for the possibility homes at the south end of the village might be connected to municipal services.

The township needs to keep the capacity in reserve if, for instance, the province decides water standards demand the homes be connected to the system, he explained.

“We have to make sure there is capacity if we have to do those hookups.”

The remaining three are to be used in case of change of use, such as subdividing a house lot or the creation of a duplex.

Coun. Mark Bauman, however, called the allo-

in terms of zoning,” he said in an interview.

Like Mercedes, the township would like to see increased density in the core, said Vink, noting that is also regional policy.

“We’d like to see some intensification downtown – it’s good for the businesses, and it keeps more people using the downtown,” he said, adding “but with sewage limits … we couldn’t give Mercedes what they were looking for.”

As it now stands, the 14 townhomes would take up most of the 19 allocation units Vink has suggested be earmarked for new projects. Of the total of 42, 20 have been set

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“We know throughout history that there isn’t a summer without severe weather in southern Ontario,” Phillips said.

“We get 12 tornadoes a year on average, we have hundreds of thousands of lightning hits, we get hailstorms, we get flash flooding in the summertime, we get strong downburst winds and micro-bursts.”

The only thing they can’t say yet is when those events will happen.

“You’re lucky to get it right from one day to 1 the next, let alone weeks ahead of time.”

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» From page 05 cury rises, more of those cused on the persistent this year, cooler tem- stifling days will be in rain.

In the Great Lakes area, peratures have slowed store.

“It’s great for drinking summers have warmed growth.

“You can certainly see beer on outdoor patios up about three-quarters it in the strawberries … or for going to the cot- of a degree over the past and the water tempera- tage, or for going swim- 60 years.

“It’s not as dramatic tures haven’t warmed ming, but there are also up and the nights are some downsides to [the as some people think,” rather cool,” Phillips hot weather],” Phillips Phillips said. “People said. “I think hay grow- noted. “Too hot can cre- think every time there ers would like it to warm ate health problems, is a heat wave, this is up, as most farmers and energy problems, stress climate change; well, growers would, because problems if you don’t no. We had heat waves back in the ‘30s and the things are just delayed.” get the moisture.”

If this does turn into a ‘20s when people didn’t The upside of the cool spring has been fewer torrid summer, it will be even breathe a word of smog days; the Minis- part of a trend the past climate change.”

While they can’t pretry of the Environment few years. The summers issued only one smog of 2005 and 2007 were dict for certain whether advisory before June both hot ones; even last this summer will be hot21, compared to 19 smog summer was warmer ter or cooler than usuLE1010-308-ChaGarElmiraLTC_ElmiraInde-Jul3:Layout 1 6/22/09 10:23 AM Page days in that period two than normal, although al, meteorologists are years ago. As the mer- most people were fo- more sure the next two

cation of 20 units to the south end “premature,” asking staff to determine if there is in fact a need for the capacity.

Even if that capacity was reassigned, the number of sanitary sewer hookups would still be far below what Mercedes and others, including the Valleyview Heights developers, could make use of.

With the Front Street project adjacent to the old mill, which will be maintained in its historic form, capacity and how quickly it increases – the region isn’t planning any upgrades to the plant until 2014 – will determine the final configuration.

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NEWS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 27, 2009

9

Elvis rocks the house in Linwood

THANK YOU, THANK YOU VERY MUCH The Linwood Community Centre was all shook up June 20 as a number of Elvis impersonators descended on the town for the Kruisin’ with the King event. At left, Doug McKenzie performs one of the King’s classic numbers. From left, Herb Neher, Rob Eszenyi, Happy Johnson, Jeff Marsh and Danny Boy Squires show off a range of Elvis looks.

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AN ARTSY AFFAIR Wellesley was the place to be June 20 for the popular Art Around the Pond festival. At left, Brian Abell of Wellesley sketches caricatures; far left, Jeanette Linton, left, and Margaret Kraemer had a popular display of brightly painted umbrellas; above, Denise Strong shows off one of her concrete sculptures.

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10 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 27, 2009

Fire master plan to serve as guideline None of the spending priorities endorsed outright; Woolwich will review targets annually STEVE KANNON A new master plan proposing some costly changes for the Woolwich Fire Department will serve as a guideline, not official policy, township councillors decided this week.

Rather than endorse the plan’s 23 recommendations outright, the township will use the document to assess the department on an annual basis.

The recommendations covered by chief Rick Pedersen Tuesday night include the construction of a new fire station in Breslau, the possible re-

location of the Elmira station and the possibility of hiring full- and/ or part-time firefighters.

Some of what was proposed seemed too rich for council’s blood, however.

“How much of this can we afford?” asked Mayor Bill Strauss.

The cost to build and equip a Breslau station has been pegged at $2.8 million. Having two firefighters on duty at any one time, 18 hours a day, 365 days a year, would require seven full-time or 14 part-time firefighters. Staff costs – including wages, benefits and training – would be in excess of $650,000 a year.

The fire master plan also muses about having two full-time firefighters on duty in Elmira, and the possibility of part-timers in stations where volunteer numbers are low during regular working hours, Monday to Friday.

That has been a particular concern in Maryhill and, to a somewhat lesser extent, Conestogo.

The department is also looking at hiring a fulltime fire prevention officer. On the capital side, it wants an additional $120,000 a year for the next decade to fund the ongoing replacement of smaller equipment such as respirators and pumps.

In Elmira, where there is a need to expand in order to accommodate a new pumper, moving the station from Howard Avenue to a location on Church Street – the former Procast Foundry site at Arthur Street and Memorial Avenue is a possibility – could shave off several seconds of response time to parts of the station’s coverage area, Pedersen’s report indicates.

Many of the costlier suggestions stem from a target of having 10 firefighters at the scene of a call within 10 minutes, 80 per cent of the time – the so-called 10/10 stan-

dard. That urban standard outstrips the rural goal of five firefighters in 14 minutes, the level expected for a township such as Woolwich.

Pederson noted that most settlement areas in the township currently see 10/10 about 62 per cent of the time.

“Our level of service that we have been offering is satisfactory,” said Strauss in support of the status quo.

The spending priorities in the plan remain suggestions, however, as councillors were unwilling to commit to them at this point. Instead, they will be reviewed annually as part

Training kids to play it safe down on the farm MARC MIQUEL HELSEN With the summer holidays now here, child safety on the farm is a greater concern.

To help educate youngsters about the dangers on a farm, Waterloo Rural Women and the Woolwich Community Heath Centre have teamed up to host a Farm Safety Day

today (Saturday) at the farm of James and Susan Martin just east of Floradale.

“It’s a good time to have it because in the summer is when most of the farm accidents happen: the children are at home, the days are longer they’re outside more. They can get in the way of work that’s being done on the farm, so we just sort of

want to remind them and tell them to stay out of harm’s way,” explained Heidi Wagner, rural community outreach worker at WCHC. The idea is to stop children from developing bad habits at an early age.

Now in its 14th year, the event features several activities, games and programs for children four to 13 years old.

20-60

Older students who are interested in volunteering for the day can earn credits toward their volunteer hours for high school. The children will be divided into groups and tour each of the eight stations set up on the farm throughout the day. Safety stations will include large machinery, ATV safety, general barn safety, chemical safety and emergency response, large animal safety, hearing safety and silo gas.

Participants will also get an opportunity to explore a fire truck, discuss safety concerns and tour a smokehouse.

“It’s an important event because it’s basically open to children who live on a farm or visit a farm

often, so it’s reminding them and giving them the heads-up on a lot of issues, hazards on the farm that they may not be aware of. Perhaps their parents may have told them about [the dangers], but we try to make it a little bit more interesting or hands-on for them to comprehend,” Wagner explained.

The hope is that children will go home and spread what they learned on to their sibling and parents.

The cost of the event is $5 per child and registration is required so that the proper amount of food is ordered. Lunch, pizza and milk and snacks, will be provided. To register, call 519-664-3794, ext. 237.

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It was due to be replaced last year, but construction was prevented by a groundwater level that was about a metre higher than the bottom of the footings, said McLaughlin.

“You can’t dig when the groundwater level is that high. Mother Nature kind of stepped in there and kept us from being able to do it.”

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Even the 2011 date for a new Breslau station was challenged. Coun. Mark Bauman said the build date must be contingent on recruiting enough volunteer firefighters before considering construction.

The location and staffing of a Breslau station may hinge on whether the township wants to bid on providing fire coverage for the Region of Waterloo International Airport. That would require full-time staff, specialized equipment and training. The department is currently compiling a business case for going down that road.

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NEWS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 27, 2009

» LAW & ORDER

11

Man to get his (groundhog) day in court

»»

June 20

1:30 PM | A 48-year-old man in a red Ford pickup truck was rear-ended by a Chev Suburban while stopped at a red light. It appears that the Suburban had mechanical problems; the investigation continues.

10:30 PM | Police received a report of a man causing a disturbance at the Short Stop store in Elmira. It appears the 26-year-old man had been complaining about the price of pepperoni and harassing the staff at the shop. Police arrested and removed the individual from the store.

»»

June 21

2:14 AM | A 24-year-old woman who tried to enter the Central Tavern on Arthur Street in Elmira was deemed to be too inebriated to be served. Staff

A man was seen shooting a gun from the rear of his pickup truck off Arthur Street near St. Jacobs about 5:30 June 22. When police arrived they found a male with a gun and scope shooting groundhogs. His gun, a Lee-Enfield bolt action rifle, was seized by police; the investigation continues. refused entry to the woman, who had come from a wedding.

She became verbally abusive and then tried to enter through the rear door. She failed to identify herself to police when they arrived, refusing to turn over her drivers’ license. She was arrested for public intoxication and her mother was called to pick her up.

2:20 AM | A resident of Golf Course Road in Conestogo spotted two men ducking behind a house on the street.

They then headed to the golf course. When police arrived, no one was to be found but some portable toilets had been tipped over.

6:00 PM | Three individuals were seen smashing mailboxes as they drove their Dodge pickup truck in the Millbank area. One of the individuals drove the vehicle while the other two, in the rear of the pickup, smashed mailboxes with bats. A witness followed the suspect vehicle to obtain plate information and then turned it over to police. As a

result, three individuals aged 17 and 18, were later arrested.

They will be required to make restitution.

»»

June 22

9:22 AM | A West Montrose man was involved in a singlevehicle collision after losing control of his pickup truck on a gravel portion of roadway.

The driver rolled his truck and came to rest in a ditch but was not injured. The vehicle sustained minor damage. There were no charges.

2:37 PM | Police received a report from an area resident that his son’s bike had its tires slashed June 19 while at Park Manor Public School in Elmira.

4:00 PM | A resident of Crowsfoot Road discovered about a dozen marijuana plants behind his area shed. Police seized and sent the plants for destruction.

4:27 PM | A black, 21-speed adult’s bicycle was found and

turned into police. It may be claimed by its rightful owner at the Elmira detachment.

»»

June 23

2:13 PM | Police were called to the scene of a vehicle rollover at Northfield Drive, southeast of Elmira. The driver was found conscious and able to talk. However, firefighters had to use the Jaws of Life to remove her from the vehicle.

She was taken to Grand River Hospital by ambulance. It appears that the driver had lost control of her vehicle while rounding a sharp bend in the road. She was charged with ‘careless driving.’

7:00 PM A heavy duty lawnmower was dumped on a Winterbourne resident’s property sometime between 7 a.m and 7 p.m. Keys had been left in the ignition. Police needed a flatbed truck to remove the mower. It may be claimed by its rightful owner by contacting Division 3A.

»»

June 24

2:45 AM | Police received a report of a small fire in the picnic area of a park in the area of Evening Star Lane in Conestogo. It appears a small garbage bag had been lit on fire. Firefighters were able to dowse the flames without incident.

Jaws of Life needed for extracation

PHOTO | JONI MILTENBURG

June 19

PHOTO | MARC MIQUEL HELSEN

»»

5:50 PM | A yellow, 18-speed bike was found on First Street in Elmira and turned into police. It may be claimed by its rightful owner at Division 3A. 7:50 PM | A 1970 Dodge Cornet parked in the Golf Course Road area of Conestogo had its vent window broken in an attempted theft. Entry was gained but the bid to steal the vehicle was unsuccessful. The damage was pegged at an $5,000.

CLOSE SHAVE Conestogo firefighters had to use the Jaws of Life to free the lone occupant of a vehicle that rolled on Northfield Drive Tuesday afternoon. The 47-year-old woman from Waterloo was taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

Wellesley names its first full-time fire chief

Currently deputy chief in Waterloo, Andrew Lillico takes the helm at township department next month JONI MILTENBURG After sifting through 30 applications from as far afield as Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Germany and Dubai, the Township of Wellesley found a new fire chief close to home.

The successful candidate is Andrew Lillico, deputy fire chief for the City of Waterloo. Lillico was offered the job at a special caucus meeting of council June 22.

“He has an extensive

July 26August 9

skill set that covered off all the job requirements that the municipality had in mind when we went into the process,” said CAO Susan Duke in an interview.

The township has been looking to fill the position since last October, when former chief Dave Geil resigned, citing personal reasons.

In April, council decided to make the position a full-time one, giving the chief a larger role in emergency management and adding fire

inspections to the list of responsibilities.

Lillico has nearly 25 years of firefighting experience, having started as a volunteer with the Elmira Fire Department in 1985. He was a firefighter in Waterloo for 10 years before taking on the job of fire prevention officer. Lillico, who lives in north Waterloo, has been deputy chief since 2005.

In that role, Lillico was responsible for the city’s emergency management plan. He also has expe-

rience conducting fire investigations and inspections, including developing a contract for Wellesley Township fire code inspections when the township contracted the work out.

Between 2001 and 2006, Lillico was an instructor for Conestoga College’s pre-service firefighter program.

Lillico said he’s excited about taking on the role of the first full-time fire chief in the township.

“I look forward to working with the dis-

ANDREW LILLICO

trict chiefs and building a strong, effective management team for the operation of all three stations together.”

One of his areas of focus will be enhancing the fire education program.

“I believe already we’ve got some very strong fire suppression capabilities, but we’re going to move more into the fire prevention and public education realm,” he said.

Lillico still has to be appointed to the position by township bylaw, which will likely happen at the next council meeting.

He’s hoping to start his new job around July 7.

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12 | COMMENT & OPINION

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 27, 2009

» CARTOON Published Saturdays since 1996

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» EDITORIAL

No sympathy for unrest at LCBO

The public is in no mood to put up with government sector employees’ demands.

The tolerance threshold is low under the best of circumstances, but in the current economic climate it borders on zero.

There is little sympathy to be found in Toronto, for instance, where a strike has padlocked daycare and recreation facilities as garbage piles on the streets. Most residents see the unions’ demands, which include retaining 18 bankable sick days each year, as excessive at a time when private sector workers are losing their jobs, and where those who have them are accepting concessions.

While Torontonians are dealing with what could be a long strike, the rest of the province is watching anxiously the goings-on at the LCBO. The threat of a strike closing liquor stores just as summer has finally made an appearance has been fodder for plenty of griping, and galvanized many of us to stock up, leading, ironically, to record sales levels.

In the case of the LCBO, the big stumbling block in negotiations seems to be the use of casual and part-time workers.

The union argues the agency has been increasing the number of casual workers – who receive lower wages, erratic work

hours and no benefits – at the expense of full-time employees.

It’s true the LCBO does pay much higher wages than is typical in the retail sector – and make no mistake, the jobs are directly comparable – but there is something in the charge that the province should be setting a better standard, especially given McGuinty government claims to support a decent, middle-class standard of living.

Critics of the union position argue LCBO employees are significantly overpaid, leading to overpriced goods on the shelves. Certainly liquor store pricing is excessive, as a quick trip to other jurisdictions, particularly the U.S., will show.

That, however, is the result of indecent taxation levels. As the world’s largest buyer of alcohol, the LCBO surely pays lower prices for its products: the labour costs add to the pricing, but not in anything like the way taxes do.

From the earliest talk of a strike, many people were calling for the privatization of the LCBO, the crown jewel of those who would strip the public of assets to benefit a few.

Privatization, however, can and often does lead to higher prices, less selection and, over time, control concentrated in

» VERBATIM

fewer hands – it’s not all about mom-andpop operations. Then there’s the issue of the LCBO putting more than $1 billion a year into government coffers.

Now might be a good time, though, for the province to move on its one-time suggestion to allow the sale of beer and wine in corner stores. That would be a hugely populist and popular idea. Such a change would bring us more in line with longstanding practices in neighbouring provinces and states. It would also lessen the charge that Ontario remains far too paternal and uptight. The province currently has a hodgepodge of antiquated liquor laws. Spirits are sold only in governmentowned stores; beer is sold through outlets owned by the breweries; and wine-only stores are operated by the wineries.

Then there are the hoops set up for brewon-premises establishments, and the lack of off-sales and other conveniences takenfor granted elsewhere, among other issues.

Making beer and wine available in convenience stores and supermarkets would be a step toward a more liberalized attitude. More importantly, it would put a salve on the regular sore spot that is government control – read taxation – of alcohol in this province.

» THE MONITOR

“If at the end of the day the report comes back and it involves a compromise – development on part of the land – then I would disagree ... that the feedback was not heeded.”

As of Apr. 1, 2009, Canada’s population was an estimated 33,592,700, up 88,000 from Jan. 1. The population rose in every province and territory during the first quarter, except for Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and the Northwest Territories.

CAO David Brenneman says Victoria Glen public input is important

Statistics Canada

COMMENT & OPINION |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 27, 2009

» HARD TALK | RAFE MAIR

13

Canada should strive to play broker to China, Russia and U.S. This week in history, in 1941 to be precise, Hitler invaded the Soviet Union less than two years after the world-shocking Ribbentrop-Molotov agreement in August of 1939, itself just days before France and Britain declared war on Germany.

Despite warnings from Winston Churchill, who was picking up German messages through the Ultra Machine the Brits had, Stalin was taken by surprise and the Wehrmacht made huge gains in the early going. Indeed it took Stalin two weeks before he could get himself together again and rally the nation – and rally them he did.

Communism does not work except when the only customer is the state and there it works very well. To see this picture clearly, I recommend Hedrick Smith’s The New Russians, Random House, 1990 (it has been updated to include the fall of Gorbachev.) Because Communism has no marketplace, demand is created by supply, not the other way around. When demand is by a government at war, the marketplace is the armed forces. By war’s end, Soviet tanks and fighter aircraft were considered, by many who know about these things, to be the best in the world.

What is little remembered is that in 1938 and 1939 Soviet and Japanese armies tested each other in two full-

scale battles along the border of Manchukuo. Ironically, a neutrality pact was signed in April 1941, two months before Germany invaded the USSR, with Germany as intermediary.

The war deaths in the USSR are estimated to be more than 26 million.

Fast forward to April 1945 when the so-called “Big Three” – Prime Minister Churchill, American President Franklin Roosevelt and Stalin – met at Yalta in the Crimea. It has been said that Churchill, weakened by a crumbling empire, and a dying Roosevelt lay down before the Soviet dictator and let him get away with what he wanted in Eastern Europe. This just wasn’t so. Stalin simply refused to pay any attention to the agreement once the Soviet army had Eastern Europe and much of Germany under its control and, as Churchill observed, there was nothing anyone could do about it.

Stalin’s objective was what had always been Mother Russia’s desire – to have its borders buffeted by neutral and friendly countries. Once Czechoslovakia went Communist in 1948 and Mao’s Peoples’ Liberation army had secured Russia’s western extremity in 1949, the buffer had been completed. (It should be borne in mind that the USSR had already neutralized Finland, while nations to her south hated the West as much as feared the Soviet Union.

Once we understand that Russia was not trying to build an expanding empire but was protecting itself from having

nations on its borders being in league with its enemies, the Cold War and its aftermath become easier to understand.

Premier Vladimir Putin’s increasing coolness to the United States and its allies or (as they seem to Putin, its satellites) is prompted by a historic national fear of being surrounded.

When the Soviet Union disintegrated in 1990-1 it seemed to many in high places in the U.S. that this was the opportunity to castrate the Russian bear.

We know the story – instead of abandoning NATO because the opposing Warsaw treaty was dead, NATO was expanded to include former Soviet satellites. One has to wonder why? The only answer I can see is triumphalism. The United States wanted to rub Moscow’s nose in it, ignoring the fact that Russia was still a very powerful country indeed with enough of a nuclear force to blow the world up almost as many times as the U.S. can.

Then the European community began to expand into the former Soviet sphere – another pair of upturned fingers to Moscow.

Then came what may be the fatal gesture of U.S. missiles based in former Soviet satellites.

Putin doesn’t buy the American assertion that these are defense missiles aimed at Iran. Putin understands the obvious. If the U.S. builds a defence shield that neutralizes Russian ability to shoot back, it gives the Americans the ability to strike first. No leader can permit his nation to become defenseless.

Now, let’s fast forward to today. If one looks at the globe from the North Pole instead of the equator, the proximity of Russia to Canada and the United State becomes starkly obvious. Looking at the globe that way shows the Arctic shelf, which is thought to have huge oil reserves. This potential bonanza has spawned studies that, in an amazing coincidence, say that the country that paid for the study has the best of all claims.

These studies have been enhanced by flag-raising under the ice pack reminiscent of Europeans of yesterday planting flags and claiming ownership in the name of their monarch.

What then of the prospects for world peace 20 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall?

I would argue worse than ever. Russia is upgrading its military, including its nuclear capability and with China now competing for first place in the power race, and so many former satellites, all with grudges, on its western borders, it sees itself surrounded on all sides.

That means we have an ongoing danger worse, in my view, than during the Cold War. It’s said that even if you back the most timorous rabbit into a corner, it becomes vicious and dangerous.

Russia is no timid rabbit and now there is a common sense president in the White House. It’s in Canada’s interest to become the “honest broker” amongst the great powers of today – the United States, China, and, yes, Russia.

» INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS | GWYNNE DYER

Anger and fear flow from the murder of Neda Soltan The grisly video of 26-year-old Neda Agha-Soltan dying in a Tehran street, shot down by a government thug, has already been seen by millions of Iranians. If the protesters against the alleged rigging of the recent election needed a dramatic image of martyrdom – and such images have a special resonance in Iran – they now have one. But things are not quite so simple.

Her death, all the more affecting because she was not actually a protester but just trapped in the midst of the demonstration, has enraged many people, but it has also frightened them. She was only one of 10 people killed on June 21 by the police and the Basiji (the volunteer militia that normally serves as the regime’s “morality police”) but hers is the death that you can actually watch.

It was very fast, very ugly, and clearly quite arbitrary. If this is what happens

to innocent bystanders, are you sure you want to go out and demonstrate again tomorrow?

The conventional wisdom says that in Iran such deaths only fuel popular anger and make the demonstrations grow bigger, and that is certainly what happened during the struggle to overthrow the Shah of Iran 30 years ago. But there were only hundreds of demonstrators, not hundreds of thousands, on the streets of Tehran in the days after Neda’s death.

The regime has now nailed its colours to the mast: supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said that he will back President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad’s disputed election victory come what may.

There will not be a compromise in which the elections are re-run, maybe with a different outcome that makes Mir Hossein Mousavi, the opposition leader, the new president, but leaves Ali Khamenei and the basic principles of the “Islamic revolution” in place.

The regime’s heavy artillery, a parallel army called the Revolutionary Guards, has now been deployed on the streets,

and its website makes it clear that it is willing to kill demonstrators: “The Guards will firmly confront in a revolutionary way rioters and those who violate the law.”

In Iran, the phrase “in a revolutionary way” instantly recalls the tens of thousands of alleged enemies of the new regime who were killed in mass hangings in 1989.

It is the regime that has deliberately raised the stakes, from a mere dispute about the outcome of an election to an existential struggle for the regime’s survival. It is a gamble, of course, for there are many young Iranians who would be willing to fight it out on that ground – but their leaders are not.

All three presidential candidates who believe they were cheated in the election are stalwart supporters of the Islamic regime. How could they be otherwise, when all presidential candidates are vetted by the Guardian Council for their revolutionary and Islamic dedication?

Mousavi was prime minister during the war with Iraq in 1980-88. Mohsen Rezaie

is a former commander of the Revolutionary Guards. Even Mehdi Karroubi, the most liberal of the candidates, is a cleric who has served the revolution faithfully, if critically.

If it comes down to the survival of the Islamic revolutionary dispensation that they have devoted their lives to building, Mousavi, Rezaie and Karroubi are all ultimately on the same side of the barricades as Khamenei and Ahmadinejad.

That is precisely what it’s coming down to, by the bold or desperate decision (take your pick) of Ali Khamenei. As he intends, it leaves the young people in the streets (60 per cent of Iranians are under 30) without leaders.

You could hear the anguish in Mousavi’s open letter to the Guardian Council, which is supposedly investigating the election of June 12: “We are not against the Islamic system and its laws but against lies and deviations, and just want to reform it.”

And he told his followers: “Protesting against lies and fraud is your right, (but)

Please don’t cut down the forest – I like to play and explore in the forest.

Ethan Warren

toria Glen park – rehabilitation project, as it says on the sign.

This is the last natural green area in this part of town, where native wildflowers grow, where dozens of kinds of birds live, where trees grow so tall and majestic that they seem to reach the sky. It’s a quiet haven for animals, humans and their dogs, and people who need a place to restore their minds from a busy world.

One man cuts a path, another lady moves snakes there from her gar-

den, and we all pick up any pieces of garbage. What better place could we leave to the next generation? We absolutely love this small piece of heaven.

If trees are torn down, roads and sidewalks built, and many houses constructed, the green space is lost forever to us, our children, our grandchildren and to our town. We must not let this happen.

Phyllis Ribey

See DYER »14

» LETTER TO THE EDITOR Save the forest for the next generation To the Editor, To the people who want to cut down the forest (Victoria Glen): I am Ethan. I am four years old. I don’t want you to cut down the trees because I want to go fishing. I want to catch toads and worms in the forest. Bunnies and birds live the forest: they won’t have a home if you cut down the forest.

Elmira

Development would destroy a haven To the Editor, Some things are right and some things are wrong. There is no grey area in between. I’m referring to Vic-

Elmira

14 | COMMENT & OPINION

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 27, 2009

Dyer: Youth betrayed » From page 13

in your protests continue to show restraint.” Nor did he tell them when they should next come out on the street to protest.

As more information becomes available, it looks likelier and likelier that there was massive rigging of the polls. Mehdi Karroubi, for example, got 55.5 per cent of the votes in his home province of Lorestan in the last presidential election in 2005.

This time, according to the official figures, he got only 4.6 per cent, with most of the remainder shifting to Ahmadinejad.

That is not remotely credible, nor could it have happened by accident.

It now seems likely that Khamenei and Ahmadinejad knew in advance that the latter’s re-election bid was doomed, and rigged the election to

“save the Islamic regime,” or at least their version of it. Nothing could have been clumsier or more drastic than the intervention that they made, but it may have served its purpose, at least in the short run.

The protesters know they have been cheated, but without leaders or organization they may not be able to continue.

We will know if it’s really over on July 31, 40 days after the killing of Neda Agha-Soltan.

In the Shia tradition, that’s when the 40 days of mourning end. During the revolt against the Shah, that was when the masses came out into the streets again to remember their martyrs. The game is still afoot, but the young, predictably, have been betrayed yet again by their elders.

» OBSERVER Q&A How will you celebrate Canada Day next Wednesday?

“Going camping with a whole bunch of friends … Sauble Beach.”

“Probably work.”

“Doing nothing.”

“Actually we’ll probably end up going to Conestoga Lake, fireworks.”

»» Ashley Bauman

»» Andrea Taylor

»» Lorne Reist

»» Kelly Clendenning

» THE VIEW FROM HERE | SCOTT ARNOLD

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BUSINESS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 27, 2009

BUSINESS » AFFORDABILITY AT RISK

UPWARD PRESSURE Emerald Homes’ Richard Trapp is concerned that a harmonized tax, combined with the region’s new development charges, will converge to raise the price of new homes significantly.

15

PHOTO | MARC MIQUEL HELSEN

Homebuilders see a perfect storm on the horizon Combination of development charges, new official plan and harmonized sales tax could spell trouble for industry MARC MIQUEL HELSEN Economic forces are lining up against the new home market, say area homebuilders.

With Waterloo Region’s plan to significantly raise development charges, talk of the implementation of a harmonized sales tax (HST), and more restrictions in the recently approved regional official plan (ROP), homebuilders in the area are worried all of the changes will combine to make for a perfect economic storm.

The region’s decision to jack up development charges on new building lots come August was seen as the latest strike against the industry “There couldn’t be a worse time in the homebuilding sector to bring forward a new charge of this magnitude. It seems forgotten sometimes that these charges are simply passed through to new homebuyers; it’s not an industry-

absorbed charge,” said Brian Blackmere, president of the Waterloo Region Home Builders’ Association (WRHBA).

Every five years the region is required to conduct a background study to forecast population growth and calculate what kind of capital infrastructure (i.e. roads, water treatment plants, number of ambulance stations, number of police vehicles, etc.) will be required to support that growth. That information is used to come up with a levy on each additional new home to essentially cover the increased costs.

The region’s original calculations put the figure for this year’s increase at $16,300, an 81 per cent increase over the current $9,029.

The WRHBA took a strong stance against this significant spike.

“These and other government-imposed charges all affect the affordability of new homes; that is why we are

taking an active role in advocating on behalf of the new homebuyer who really has no voice in the process.”

Representatives of the building industry were able to whittle that number down, successfully pushing regional council to consider “freezing” the current rate of $9,029 per single family unit for a period of time that would allow the industry to prepare for the increase and “for consumer confidence to hopefully rebound” said Blackmere. Regional staff and council subsequently acquiesced and chose to keep the current rate until Jan. 1, 2010.

“They (council) understood that $16,000 was a pretty steep increase and while it was justified under the Development Charges Act as the maximum amount you could charge, they wanted to continue to encourage development; they wanted to find the balance between what the maximum allowable is and what they thought

would work, and so they came to that $12,100 number,” said Calvin Barrett, director of financial services and development financing for Waterloo Region.

The lower figure will be the one that applies when the calendar rolls into the new year.

The figure will be $12,110 in the townships, up from $8,965, and $12,440 in the cities from $9,029. (The rate is slightly lower in the rural areas where transit services are minimal or non-existent.)

“They were trying to find balance because you’ve got to have the money to build the capital and the money doesn’t come for free – we have no other source for it unless we charge the current taxpayer, and they’re already paying a lot, so they were trying to find a balance between the two,” said Barrett of council’s decision.

“Because of the downturn in the economy, developers, especially homebuilders, came

Drs. Carole Wilkinson & Chad Chhatwal, Optometrists

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See HOMES »18

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in and said they needed some lead time to be able to build it into their pricing; also, council felt it was kind of their own mini-stimulus package in the region that would encourage people to continue to build during 2009 because they know the rates aren’t going to go up until 2010.”

The new rates, though not as high as what was originally forecasted, are nevertheless significant.

“It’s still a dramatic jump,” said Peter Vanderbeek, chief building official for Woolwich Township.

“It puts the affordability price, if you’re a first-time homebuyer, it affects your decision. But I think that the homebuilders’ biggest obstacle now is the harmonized tax that’s going to come in next year,” he said.

For Richard Trapp, president of Emerald Homes in Elmira, the HST is a big concern.

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16 | HAPPY CANADA DAY

The Observer | Saturday, June 27, 2009

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The Observer | Saturday, June 27, 2009

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18 | BUSINESS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 27, 2009

» FOOD FOR THOUGHT | OWEN ROBERTS

More silos to tumble with new innovations Silos are the bunkers into which we crawl, surrounding ourselves with what’s comfortable, and swinging wildly at whatever comes too close to our little piece of the rock. Of course, two bunkers joined together are stronger than two kept apart. But sometimes it’s hard to find those allies without wading into the crossfire. It’s safer to stay put.

Silos have long been a black cloud over economic development in the agri-food sector. Al Mussell, a researcher at the George Morris Centre in Guelph, told those gathered at the Food Meets Function conference in London last week that the situation is chronic. Farmers remain isolated from processors, despite a deepening understanding that isolation thwarts growth.

Mussell says agriculture and food needs to, well, flex its muscles. But when everyone’s locked in silos, muscles get used to react, rather than to advance.

That’s clear when you look at the flip side, at what can happen when silos are torn down.

For example, consider those who have explored food’s so-called functional properties – that is, properties that go beyond normal nourishment – and their potential to make a dent in Ontarians’ health. What a concept: Food instead of expensive drugs, food as a

preventative measure against disease.

Indeed, University of Guelph researchers such as Bruce Holub, Steve Lesson, Alex Marangoni and Brian McBride helped functional food products come to light by first getting out of disciplinary silos themselves, then bringing others together all through the food chain – from farmers to manufacturers.

An innovative powerhouse such as Ontario, with its richness in education and its need to feed the manufacturing sector, should be teeming with such stories. The Ministry of Health should be regularly taking the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Research and Innovation out to lunch to see what farmers are growing and how functional plants, animals and products can help Ontarians’ health.

These ministries should be told one of the healthiest and most environmentally friendly crops on the planet, soybeans, will cover 2.4 million acres in Ontario this year, a record. And they should come to understand that acreage is made possible in no small part due to the research-driven development of new plant varieties at the University of Guelph, funded by the Ontario government itself.

John Wilkinson has seen what works.

Wilkinson, the outgoing provincial minister of research and innovation, was at the University of Guelph recently to laud the likes of Syngenta Crop Protection Canada and molecular biol-

2009 Household Hazardous Waste Day Schedule Protect the environment by separating household hazardous waste from regular garbage. It can be dropped off at NO CHARGE on the following dates.

8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

CAMBRIDGE LANDFILL – end of Savage Drive

August 8, September 26

ADDITIONAL DATES & LOCATIONS July 4

Wellesley Township Wellesley Township Yards

August 22

North Dumfries

October 24

Woolwich Township St. Jacobs Arena

November 7

City of Kitchener

Ayr News Parking Lot

Kitchener Auditorium

ACCEPTABLE ITEMS ARE: Paints and solvents Car Batteries Anti-Freeze & Motor Oil Waxes & Polishes Propane Tanks (barbeque size or smaller) All Household Batteries Fuel (non-transferable)

Household Chemicals Lawn & Garden Chemicals Aerosol Cans Expired Medicines Acids & Alkalines puncture proof plastic Syringes (sealed containers only) Fluoresent Lamps

25 LITRE LIMIT PER HOUSEHOLD Empty containers should be disposed of in your regular garbage.

For more information, contact the Region of Waterloo at 519-883-5100.

ogy Prof. Steven Rothstein for working together to develop crops that are more fertilizer- and water-efficient.

And Wilkinson’s had enough of silos.

Wednesday, as his last act as minister of research and innovation, he unveiled an initiative called the Ontario Network of Excellence (ONE), at the Economic Club of Canada. With new minister John Milloy of Kitchener in the front row, Wilkinson, who’s moving on to become the Minister of Revenue, explained ONE will live up to its acronym by supporting talented people working together on innovative ideas.

“Break down silos and work in

teams,” he instructed attendees. “If you plan to be [among] the top three in the world, come and see me. If you don’t, step aside.”

Wilkinson said ONE will help forward-thinking people find each other, which was a key recommendation by independent reviewers of the province’s innovation strategy. He claims the network, which will be overseen by an expert advisory panel of innovative leaders, will “make geography irrelevant” when it comes to innovation.

Ontarians will look forward to working with Milloy to get rid of solos and help ONE succeed. It’s needed, badly.

Homes: At the mercy of taxman » From page 15

that is a major issue. Again, I’m still waiting for final figures and an explanation on how this is all slated to work; certainly, what we’re being told right now is that at the level of $500,000 it’s supposed to make a difference of six per cent: on a $500,000 house, it’s going to add $30,000 to the cost of that house and, of course, we put that in tandem with a regional lot levy increase, add the two of those together and add in GST on top of that, because that 30 per cent is the increase only in the retail sales tax portion, then we’ve got something getting in the neighborhood of almost $40,000 on a $500,000 house,” he explained.

“Somebody has to pay $40,000 more and they’re getting no more house

than what they were getting before.”

Indeed, the potential implementation of the HST as well as new procedures and regulations in the ROP – the legal document that contains a variety of goals, objectives and policies that will guide planning in Waterloo Region over the next 20 years – has many homebuilders concerned.

“We don’t believe the plan provides sufficient flexibility to adequately accommodate growth in the event that one, or both, of the land budget assumptions prove to be erroneous,” explained Blackmere, referring to the basic assumptions that have been made regarding “aging in place” and the number of people per unit that the region uses to make its projection for the amount of land needed until 2031.

»

SPORTS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 27, 2009

SPORTS

» SWIMMING

Ropin’ and ridin’ into town

19

Early season splash for Elmira Aquaducks Swim club breaks four records at Fergus meet; group hopes new pool will see more kids take the plunge

PHOTO | JONI MILTENBURG

JONI MILTENBURG

TAKEDOWN A cowboy attempts to wrestle down a steer during the Milverton rodeo while a hazer keeps the animal running straight. With the warm, sunny weather June 21, the stands were full for the annual event.

7TH ANNUAL

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.

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LIM AV ITED AIL SP AB AC LE E

Session 1 Session 2 Session 3

The Aquaducks swim club is hoping the opening of the new pool in September will draw more swimmers to boost its ranks.

Even with a slim squad of only 15 swimmers, however, the Elmira club was responsible for four of five records broken at a meet in Fergus last weekend. “[It] really surprised us, because it’s early in the season and you don’t often get records broken this early in the season,” said Cindy Nicholson, past president of the club.

Alexandra Nicholson shaved two tenths of a second off her older sister’s time of 30.95 in the girls’ 13 and 14 50-metre freestyle event. Nicholson also smashed the old record of 1:16.68 in the 13 and 14 girls’ 100-metre freestyle with a new time

of 1:10.16.

Jennifer DowlingMedley broke her own record of 1:28.79 in the girls open 100-metre breaststroke with a new time of 1:27.06. She also broke the record of 40.24 in the girls open 50-metre breaststroke with a new time of 40.06.

Nicholson said membership has been in decline since her oldest daughter started swimming 10 years ago, when the club boasted 30-plus swimmers.

“I think we’re competing with a lot of sports here in Elmira.”

The Aquaducks are a recreational team; swimmers who want to compete at a higher level join the Region of Waterloo Swim Club.

“The kids who just want to get a chance to try competition and not get really intense about it, they like this program,” Nicholson said.

See SWIMMING »20

Gardening In The Absense Of Chemicals

WITH

With many municipalities limiting the use of chemicals for residential lawn and gardens, what are the alternatives? There are many ‘off the shelf’ low or non toxic solutions plus many gardening technique and home-grown remedies that are also safe for use around children and pets. The best method of obtaining a weedfree lawn is to produce thick, healthy grass that will shade out weeds and crabgrass, eliminating the need for herbicide. Overseed thin patches in the lawn each spring with quality grass seed.

CALL TODAY!

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

Monday - Friday 9-9, Saturday 9-5, Sunday 10-5

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

22 Church St. W., Elmira | 519-669-5537 STORE HOURS: Mon.- Fri. (NEW) 7am-8pm; Sat. 8-6, Sun. 12-5

20 | SPORTS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 27, 2009

» THE NOT-SO-GREAT OUTDOORSMAN | STEVE GALEA

Words can hardly describe this kind of gift me and asked if I would like his outdoor library, as he is downsizing for a move.

Although I tried to show some restraint, I suspect it didn’t appear that way. Books on fishing and hunting are my refuge when I can’t actually be there pursuing my passions. So, naturally, I jumped at this windfall.

I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that what I was given was priceless – to me at least. For in those two boxes were the books I could not afford as a youth and cannot find as a man. The list of authors was a genuine who’s who of out-

THE WIND UP Hailey Bauman of the Woolwich Wolfpack U12 team moves in on the ball during semi-final play at a tournament in Woodstock June 21. The local girls lost 1-0 to Huntsville in a hard-fought battle.

PHOTO | JOE MERLIHAN

Woodstock tourney

Winding down the school year

door writers. Gene Hill, Burton Spiller, Byron Dalymple, Warren Page, Jack O’Connor, Frank Woolner, Lawrence R. Koller, Clyde Ormond, Carl Richards, Doug Swisher, Joe Brooks, Keith Fulsher, Michael J. Duffey, Art Flick, Al McClane and more. Most of these men are long gone now.

Almost everything you read on fly fishing and hunting was first popularized in print by this august group of sportsmen. Most articles these days are variations on the themes they wrote about.

I’m not saying that there aren’t great outdoor writers among us now, because there are. But magazine formats and shorter reader attention spans force us to write more concisely. These days, there seems to be no room for the flourishes that spell the difference between service writing and fine literature, at least when it comes to outdoors writing.

Pardon me for departing from my usual goofiness for a while, but I am genuinely touched by the gift this man gave me. In those 30 or so books is sage wisdom, sound advice, wonderful stories recounting the glory days, and an awful lot of poetic prose. I can’t think of an outdoorsman who could not find some common ground, inspiration, and

enjoyment in those written words.

My problem now is what to read first.

I started two books, Warren Pages’ The Accurate Rifle, and Burton Spiller’s Grouse Feathers simultaneously. But every time I pass that box I’m eying the Swisher and Richards classic Selective Trout. And don’t think the incredible stories of Gene Hill aren’t calling my name either, for they are.

The contents of these books, I hope, will make me a better hunter and angler.

If I’m lucky, some of that fine style and story-telling ability might even rub off.

If I sound excited, it’s only because I am. It’s not often that the heart and soul of your heroes are handed to you. Reading Art Flick’s Streamside Guide is almost like having that master fly angler standing there over your non-casting shoulder. Gene Hill’s stories remind you of places you’ve been and people and dogs you’ve met.

A gift like this, to a guy like me, is as fine as it gets. Whether I deserve something so fine and timeless is a subject that is up for debate. But I’ll take the gift gratefully, and I’ll remember the man who gave it.

He can hunt over my springer, or share my boat or duck blind any day …

PUSHING ON Jaime MacDougall warms up before Aquaducks swim practice on Tuesday afternoon. The Aquaducks competed in their first meet of the season in Fergus last weekend.

PHOTO | JONI MILTENBURG

You might never know it from this column, but there was a time when outdoor writers were gifted wordsmiths – scribes who knew that the pen was mightier than the sword or even the shotgun or rifle for that matter.

I was reminded of this the other day when a gentleman who I had met a few brief times in my forays to town called

Swimming: New pool likely to be a boon for swim team » From page 19

The club’s executive is hoping the new pool will stir interest in the sport and encourage more kids to come out and try it.

They’re also looking

forward to being able to host swimming meets.

The new pool at the Woolwich Memorial Centre will have six lanes, the same as the current pool, but there will be more room for

spectators. Kincardine has 55 registered swimmers, and Fergus has more than 70, and the Elmira pool simply doesn’t have enough space for spectators to host meets.

THE RACE IS ON A pair of wheelbarrow racers sprint toward the finish line during Linwood Public School’s annual picnic and track day on Monday.

PHOTO | JONI MILTENBURG

Full competition results Girls 11 and 12

Boys 11 and 12

Lindsay Glofcheskie: 5th, 50m back; 6th, 50m breast; 8th, 25m fly; 1st, 200m free relay Madeleine Nelson: 4th, 50m free; 1st, 200m IM; 5th, 25m fly; 1st, 200m free relay Sarah Norcott: 17th, 50m free; 9th, 50m back; 7th, 50m breast Leslie Quinn: 2nd, 100m IM; 1st, 50m free; 1st, 50m breast; 2nd, 200m free relay Kirsten Uhlig: 14th, 50m free; 7th, 50m back; 9th, 50m breast; 1st, 200m free relay

Alex Carbone: 7th, 50m back; 8th, 50m breast Isaac Hogan: 6th, 50m free; 1st, 50m breast; 2nd, 25m fly; 1st, 200m free relay Girls 13 and 14

Katie Glofcheskie: 7th, 50m back; 11th, 50m breast; 4th, 50m fly; 2nd, 200m medley relay Jamie MacDougall: 4th, 100m IM; 10th, 50m free; 5th, 50m breast; 2nd, 200m free relay Brittany Martin: 2nd, 200m IM; 1st, 11m back; 5th, 50m fly; 2nd,

200m medley relay Allison Moser: 6th, 100m IM; 6th, 50m breast; 4th, 100m breast; 2nd, 200m free relay Alexandra Nicholson: 1st, 50m free; 1st, 100m free; 1st, 50m fly; 2nd, 200m free relay Boys 13 and 14

Jordan Lemp: 1st, 100m IM; 3rd, 50m free; 2nd, 100m breast; 2nd, 200m medley relay Girls Open

Jennifer Dowling-Medley: 1st, 50m breast; 1st, 100m breast Victoria Nicholson: 1st, 100m free

SPORTS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 27, 2009

» PERSONAL FITNESS

21

Stroller classes seen as a good fit for moms JONI MILTENBURG A toddler on the treadmill is not a good idea; neither is a baby on the weight bench. Andrea Kellough is hoping a stroller fit class will be better fit for new moms who want to work out with their little ones.

“It’s an exercise class outside that mothers can do with their strollers,” Kellough explained. “It’s a nice way to get a full-body workout without having to use a lot of equipment.”

After giving birth to her son Jackson a year ago, Kellough went to a stroller fit class in Waterloo Park with her cousin while she was on maternity leave.

Now that she’s back to work part-time, she’d like to get a class going in Elmira.

It can be tough to keep a toddler occupied while doing a workout, Kellough said, but while they’re strapped

in a stroller, they can’t wander off. Since the classes take place outside, there’s plenty for them to look at, including mom’s exertions. “[Jackson] likes to laugh at me when I’m running,” she said.

He also enjoys watching her do lunges, when she disappears and reappears from behind his stroller like a game of peek-a-boo.

Moms don’t even have to work around their child’s sleep schedule, Kellough said.

“You can get away with doing an exercise routine and they can be up or asleep.”

Classes involve lunges, squats, running with a stroller and lots of work on the abdominals. Kellough is hoping to hold the sessions in Lions Park, where there are benches and bleachers that could be incorporated into a workout.

She is organizing the class under the mentorship of her cousin,

Natalie Twomey, who leads Ultimate Stroller Fit in Waterloo. She said an Elmira group would work in a similar way; interested moms could buy a pass for $90, which is good for 10 sessions. The first session is free, giving them a chance to try it and see if they like it.

On top of the exercise and fresh air, the stroller fit classes offer moms and tots a chance to socialize.

“It’s a really beneficial thing for new moms to get out and network with other new moms,” Kellough said. “Being physically active is such a benefit coming back from pregnancy, getting yourself back in shape, and mentally, I think it’s a really good thing to be doing.”

Classes are planned for Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Anyone interested in joining a stroller fit class can contact Kellough at 519669-0295.

PHOTO | JONI MILTENBURG

Elmira woman looking to organize local fitness group for mothers of young children

GET FIT, BABY Andrea Kellough is hoping to start a stroller fitness class for new moms in Elmira’s Lions Park. After she gave birth to son Jackson, now one year old, Kellough worked out with her cousin’s stroller fit class in Waterloo.

Wolfpack takes top spot at tournament

DRAMA CAMP SHOE FITS ACADEMY July 20-24, August 17-21 at St. Jacobs Church Theatre Come learn, experience, and play for a better tomorrow.

Register by visiting the website or call us directly: www.shoefitscommunity.com

519-591-8737

Twin Centre Stars PHOTO | SUBMITTED

H O C K E Y A S S O C I AT I O N

TAKING IT ALL Woolwich’s U14 boys Wolfpack took home the Boys 13/14 Championship at the 17th annual Walter Kirchner tournament in Woodstock last weekend, winning all five games. Back row: Lisa Kernick, coach; Angus Docherty, Conor Jansen, Drew Jansen, Tyler Mayberry, Sebastien Huber, Grant Kernick, Adam Cook, Devin DeCorte and head coach Steve Lilico. Second row: Mitch Kernick and Michael Weber. Third row: Sam Maier, Dan Cockburn, Graham Cox, Cole Martin and Treyce Pomroy. Front: Jake Moggy.

COACH ANNOUNCEMENT FOR 2009-2010 SEASON Novice Rep Jamie Hislop Atom Rep Chris Martin PeeWee Rep Greg Gerber PeeWee AE Walter Rose Bantam Rep Callum McKee Midget Rep Ryan Knee Midget AE Doug Hardman

22 | CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM

CLASSIFIED DEPT. HELP WANTED

trades & services

The ideal candidate must work independently yet be a good team player that excels in producing accurate, final, print-ready advertisements within tight deadlines.

Must be skilled in InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Candidates with a willingless to learn will thrive in this position.

Previous newspaper experience is not necessary, however strong typesetting skills with attention to detail will ensure success with our company.

Apply

Qualified applicants are invited to e-mail a cover letter, resumé, & samples of work to: pmerlihan@woolwichobserver.com Only applicants requested to interview for the position will be contacted.

• Manufacturing of Landscape & Snow Removal Equipment • Custom Manufacturing and Machining • Agricultural, Industrial, Transportation & Construction Equipment Repairs

519.669.1501

100 Union St., Elmira, ON Toll Free 1.877.467.3478 www.reistindustries.com

coming events

ELMIRA INDOOR MARKET SATURDAYS

www.ObserverXtra.com

8am-1pm

Over 12 vendors

HELP WANTED

FOR SALE

»»Administrative Office Assistant needed. Part time, experienced in Excel and Word a must. Submit resume to: 519-6694801 or elmiratruck@ golden.net »»Alfalfa dehydrating plant and agricultural business seeking full time seasonal help. Fixing and operating machinery is an asset. Fax resume to 519-699-4469 or call 519-699-4184, or cell 519-575-8441. »»Elmira Donuts and Deli would like some help in kitchen and servicing customers. Starting immediately, or beginning of August. Apply in person.

Ask for Sarah. »»General Carpenter Required - experience an asset. Must be reliable and dependable. Fax resume to: 519-669-3948.

»»N E W

MATTRESS SETS all sizes, great quality, great prices! Household items, pots, dishes, Tupperware, footwear, toys, baby items, large selection of good used “Living Books”. Many items on sale - up to 50% off !

Nearly New Centre, 5116 Ament Line, Linwood.

(519) 698-0088. Tues Friday 9-5, Sat 9 - 3. »»Pool - A Dolfino softsided, circular 16ft x 4ft deep pool. Includes cover, pump and accessories.

Paid $400; asking $100.

Call 519-669-0571. »»Wedding Dress - Size 6 Sophia Tolli (Y2730 Gina) wedding dress in diamond white. Strapless chiffon sheath with modified sweetheart neckline, lace bodice with asymmetrical chiffon drape, corset back bodice with cascading streamers, chapel length train. Paid $1,200; FOR SALE asking $600. Call 519»»Dis N Dat Treasures 669-0571. open every Thurs. and Fri., 10-6. 15 Dunke St., TRAINING & Elmira, 519-669-5005.

LESSONS »»Electric Kit Bike. 1 year old on a 6 speed »»Tutor Available Durmans’ 26” bike. Runs ing Summer. Jean Morwell. 48 volt. Great for rison 519-404-9993. Priaround town. I bough a vate tutoring available by new bike. $475.00. Call experienced Elementary Ray 519-669-8317. Teacher (Special Education Specialist). »»Ikea Chair/Bed - A Lycksele chair/bed. HAY & STRAW Small-dimensioned and easy to place; read- »»Alfalfa Wanted, off the ily converts into a single field first, second and third bed. Blue floral print cov- cuttings. Call 699-4184 or er. New condition. Paid 519-575-8441 $250; asking $50. Call 519-669-0571.

FAX | 519.669.5753 EMAIL | sales@ObserverXtra.com

Large Store Closing Auction

Description

Qualifications

519.669.5790 | 1.888.966.5942

AUCTION

Graphic Artist (Part-time) The Observer requires a part-time graphic artist to work in a busy award-winning production department 3 days/week. The position will be available mid-August.

»

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 27, 2009

Refreshments Served SHOPPING VILLAGE 10 CHURCH ST. WEST

Vendor inquiry - 519.669.0334

SERVICES

Grants Hands On Therapy

519-577-3251

Located at 10 Church St. Elmira Shopping Village Upper Level Unit II (House calls provided) Book an appointment today for nerves, hormones, muscles, hands, arms, neck,shoulders, legs, feet, circulation.

1-11/2 Hr. $45.00*

Call Grant

519-577-3251 AUTOMOTIVE

»»WANTED - Room for

Unlimited Sahara 4X4.

3.8L V6, 6 spd. trans.

Loaded including dual top group, air, speed control, pwr. windows, alum. road wheels. Only 44,500 kms. Finished in rescue green/gray interior. $24,900. Voisin Chrysler 519-669-2831.

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

»»Industrial Shop for sale in Elmira, 37 Mill St. Big open space, 2 buildings »»2001 Dodge Caravan 6500 sq ft (approx). Willing Sport. 3.3L V6, auto, fully to rent on building back. loaded 7 passenger van. To have a tour of the place 170,000 kms. finished in please call 519-669-4719 inferno red/taupe interior.

You Certify You Save. RENTALS $4,500. Voisin Chrysler »»5 Farm House Bed519-669-2831. room House - between »»2005 Dodge Caravan Elmira and St. Jacobs.

SE. 3.3L V6, auto, fully Available immediately. loaded 7 passenger van. $1,200/mth + utilities.

One owner, all original. 519-669-0257 between Only 90,000 kms. Fin- 9 & 5 only. After 5, ished in butane Blue/gray 416-476-8733. interior. All this for only $9,900. Voisin Chrysler »»B r i g h t , S p a c i o u s , 2-bedroom apartment in 519-669-2831. quiet building. Ideal for »»2006 Dodge Ram 1500 non-smoking mature tenQuad 4X4 SLT. 5.7L MDS ant. Close to downtown.

Hemi, auto, all SLT options Phone 519-669-3423. including trailer tow group, box liner, pwr. driver seat. »»Conestogo - 3 bedroom Only 73,000 kms. Fin- house, completely renoished in Mineral gray/gray vated, 1600 sq. ft., finished interior. $22,900. Voisin basement, gas fireplace, one acre lot. $1400/mo.

Chrysler 519-669-2831. + util. Call 519-669-3999. »»2007 Jeep Wrangler AUTOMOTIVE

Saturday, July 4th @ 8:30 a.m.

CONSISTING OF: 2 - 5 pc. bedroom suites (rustic look, 1 hickory) – a must see! Cedar hand made bunk bed. Quantity of log furniture including bar with stools, table & chair sets, benches, small tables, shelving, etc. Reproduction type furniture including flat-walls, dry sinks, jam cupboards, etc. Kitchen cupboards. Wall & entertainment units. Display shelving & cabinets. China cabinets. Glider rockers. Combination desk/bookcase. Various rockers & chairs. Small tables. Benches. Outdoor furniture including red cedar pub set, patio pub table & chairs, picnic table & bench, glider bench, wooden chairs, etc. Solid wood crib – excellent. Fireplace mantel. Tea wagons. Quantity of round top trunks (various sizes & colours). Decorative cedar imitation out houses. Garden light houses (electrified). Large quantity of hand woven goods. Pieced quilts. Mats. Quantity of bird feeders & accessories. Miniature horse drawn stage coach, carriage, & wagons. Quantity of children’s wooden toys & games. Wooden marble games. Riding horses. Doll beds & cradles.

Jewelry boxes. Decorative wooden wheel barrows. Quantity of various sized planters. Rod iron planter/bird feeder holders. Trellises. Variety of walking sticks & canes. Galvanized tubs. Lamps & lanterns. Artificial flowers. Large quantity of wooden décor. PARTIAL LIST ONLY!!!

NOTE – Those looking to decorate your home, cottage, deck or garden should plan to attend this huge auction. Most everything imaginable is packed into this store & warehouse! See www.auctionfind.com/gerber for photos. List subject to additions or deletions as this is an ongoing business. Proprietors and auctioneers not responsible for accidents day of sale. Terms – Cash or cheque with I.D.

Proprietors – Union St. Home & Cottage Décor 519-669-2252 Auctioneers – Gerber Auctions Ltd. 519-699-4451 or 698-0138 2827 Hutchison Rd., R#1 Millbank (Crosshill)

*Prices in place until Dec. 2009

WANTED rent - ideal tenant - Professional, mature businessman requires clean room with private bath 3-4 nights per week, no weekends, no laundry, no meals, no receipts, works long hours - prefer Elmira/ St. Jacobs area but will consider KW. Parking required. Call 519-3650325 or e-mail djr0527@ hotmail.com

of New furniture (for both home & cottage), “log” furniture, patio furniture, bird feeders, lawn & garden décor, wooden toys, quilts, and numerous miscellaneous items, to be held at 1 Union St. (turn east off Arthur St. onto Wyatt, corner of Union & Wyatt), in Elmira, for Union St. Home & Cottage Décor, on

COMPUTERS

AUCTION

Elmira’s LARGEST selection of major brand computers

AUCTION — to be held ON SITE at —

COMPUTERS LAPTOPS MONITORS and SERVICE

JOLENE’S Family Restaurant 725 Ottawa St. South, Kitchener

Mon. JUNE 29 4:00pm Booths, Tables & Chairs * Dishes, Cutlery & Glassware 4’/8’ Cold Prep Tables* 2-HD Toasters* Microwave 4- Wyott Steam Tables* Triple Milk Shake Machine* Bunn Coffee Grinder & Makers* Glass Door Cooler* etc

Come see our showroom at:

112 Bonnie Crescent, Crescent Elmira r ra

519-669-5551

RENTALS

RENTALS

»»Elmira

»»36 Memorial Ave., Elmi-

- 1 bedroom $475 plus utilities. A/C, no pets, downtown location.

July 1. 519-669-8074. »»Elmira - 2 bedroom town house. Please, no smoking, no pets. $875. plus utilities. Suitable for quiet tenants. Call 519-743-7479, one parking space included. »»House For Rent - 3 bedroom, 11/2 baths, $900 + utilities. Parking included. Available Sept. 1. Call 519-656-3098 ext. 26. »»Room For Rent in our home. Floradale. Parking, shared kitchen, bath & living space. Non smoker, no pets. Call 519-669-2918 or 519-503-3349.

*RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT*

CLOSE-OUT - LEASE EXPIRED

ra. 1 bdrm apartment, available August 1. Please call 519-744-3711. »»36 Memorial Ave., Elmira. 2 bdrm apartment.

Available July 1. Please call 519-744-3711. »»St. Jacobs - 4 bedroom house , 1 bathroom. Available immediately. $1000 plus utilities.

Phone 519-699-9358 or 519-664-1196. »»For Rent - 3 bedroom bungalow, including 2 bathrooms, air conditioning and 4 appliances. $975 plus utilities - non smokers. Available August 1.

Please call 519-669-0914 for more information.9.

2- Gas Fryers* Double Gas Oven c/w Griddle & Salamander 24” Gas Griddle* 24” Gas Charbroiler* SS Hood/CO2 Convection Oven* Mixer * Elec Soup Kettles *SS Triple Sink Walk-in Cooler/Freezer* SS Carts, Racks & Shelves Upright Freezer* 4-SS Work Tables* Meat Slicer Potato Peeler * Utensils, Knives, Pots & Pans etc.

PARTIAL LIST ONLY

No Buyer’s Premium!!

VIEWING: Monday June 29th, 2009 - 3pm to Sale Time TERMS: $500 Cash Deposit Required on Each Major Item, Balance and Removal in 24 Hours, Or as posted or announced!

M.R. Jutzi & Co www.mrjutzi.ca

TRADES & SERVICES

»»Custom

Wood Fireplace surrounds and mantels. Your designs or ours, painted, stained or unfinished. Call 519-210-0107. »»DESTINY’S HAIR LOFT welcomes senior stylist Lisa Livingston beginning July 2. Call today and get 10% off any service with Lisa for the month of July.

Call 519-210-0411.

519-648-2111

GARAGE SALES

»»2 Chickadee Crt., Elmira, June 27. Garage Sale of children’s clothing, toys and household items. 8 a.m - ? »»Garage Sale - Inside Good Auto Parts old building, 3 Wyatt St., Elmira.

Sat. June 27, 8 a.m.

100% local.

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 27, 2009

Community Information Page THE TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH

P.O. BOX 158, 24 CHURCH ST. W. ELMIRA, ONTARIO N3B 2Z6 WEBSITE: www.woolwich.ca

"Proudly remembering our past; confidently embracing our future."

AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY: 519-575-4504

TEL: 519-669-1647 or 519-664-2613 FAX: 519-669-1820

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

FEES ANd ChARGES PUBLIC NOTICE

NOISE BY-LAW EXEMPTION

The Chemtura Public Advisory Committee (CPAC)

The Council of the Township of Woolwich gives public notice of its intent to consider a by-law to amend fees or charges for recreation services. The draft amending by-law will come forward at the June 30, 2009 Council meeting for consideration. A copy of the draft by-law is available for public review from the Recreation and Facilities Services Division of the Township of Woolwich.

The Council of the Township of Woolwich has approved a request from Home Hardware Ltd, 34 Henry St, St. Jacobs for an exemption to Noise By-law #19-2002 to allow the use of an amplification sound system for a Family Outdoor Movie Night to be held at 39 Henry St (opposite Home Hardware warehouse) on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 commencing at 9:30pm to 11:00pm subject to the condition that any outdoor speaker face downwards.

Meeting will be held Monday, June 29, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers 24 Church Street West, Elmira

YOU’RE INVITEd TO A CANAdA dAY CELEBRATION! The Township of Woolwich invites you and your family to the 18th annual Canada Day Celebration in downtown Elmira on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 1:15 pm - 3:15 pm: Free Public Swim sponsored by Tim Hortons 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Festivities in Gore Park, downtown Elmira Our celebration will include free birthday cake, ice cream, Byron Shantz, magic and balloon animals, inflatable bouncer, face painting and more.

We hope to see you there!

P L A C E S O F FA I T H

NOTICE OF MUNICIPAL OFFICE CLOSURE ON CANAdA dAY

The Township of Woolwich has the following positions available in the Recreation & Facilities Services.

PART TIME RECREATION CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF

The Township of Woolwich Municipal Office located at 24 Church St. West in Elmira will be closed on Wednesday, July 1, 2009. The office will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the remainder of the week.

LOCAL CHURCH

To provide excellent customer service in the operation of Woolwich Memorial Centre.

Must be willing to work evenings, weekends and statutory holidays .

Job description can be viewed on Township web site: www.woolwich.ca under Job Opportunities.

Send resume to: Annette Levean, Human Resources Township of Woolwich 24 Church Street W., Elmira N3B 2Z6 Deadline: Friday, July 3, 2009 We thank all who apply. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

SERVICES DIRECTORY

[fanatic]

Calvary United

What God Desires Most

“Making Faith Live”

Visit our website at: www.wondercafe.ca 21 Arthur St., North • Church Office 519-669-5560 “Our mission is to love, learn and live by Christ’s teachings”

www.elmiracommunity.org

Join us

Bloomingdale Mennonite Church Sundays - 9:45 am Family Worship Service 11:00 am Sunday School for all ages

at

10:30am & 6:30pm 290 Arthur St. South, Elmira • 519-669-3973

www.ElmiraAssembly.com (Across from Tim Horton’s)

1151 Snyder’s Flat Rd., Bloomingdale • 519-745-2411

THE REAL DEAL

Upbeat Family Worship & Sunday School 10:00 am

Wheelchair accessible • Nursery Care provided • Hearing Assisted

5 First St., Elmira • 519-669-1459

Check out our website www.woodsidechurch.ca

Minister: Summer Worship Rev. Dave Jagger June 28 - Sept. 6 10 a.m. at Trinity Sunday School During Worship

St. Jacobs

Sundays @ 10:30am John Mahood PS

sundays

SUNDAY SCHOOL

48 Hawkesville Rd. • 519-664-2311

200 Barnswallow Dr., Elmira • 519-669-1296

ELMIRA

NURSERY PROVIDED

SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 2009

Note: Summer Service Time

Trinity United Church

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

Welcome to

what do you worship?

Sunday, June 28, 2009 10:00 am “Marriage, God’s Way”

HEARING ASSISTED

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

To place a Classifieds ad Call 519-669-5790

23

24 | CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 27, 2009

        



                  

        "    "               

        

                

              

                 

                  

  

                  

                   

      

   

       

                

    

                    

                       

                

                 

            

 

     

                                      

   

     

   

      

  

      

            

                                            

                              

                                          







 

  



              

              

      

                                                                                         

       ...   

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 27, 2009

HOME HUNTERS NEW WEBSITE www.homeswithpaul.ca NEW LISTING

$264,900

ELMIRA Easy to love, easy to afford! This desirable 2 Storey features many amazing upgrades including finished Rec Room with extra bedroom/ office, main floor laundry, air conditioning and all appliances included! MLS.

$459,000

ELMIRA Let this beautiful home on a large lot WOW!!! you, Come see for yourself.

Single detached home, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, separate dining room, den/office, rec rm, and excercise rm. Walkout to patio.deck. 50 yr steel roof, upgrades galore. MLS.

$359,000

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.

RENT OR OWN

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.

$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.

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

EMAIL: paul@remaxsolidgold.biz

DIRECT....519-503-9533

HOME ....519-669-3074

OFFICE ...519-888-7110

What’s your Home worth? Call Paul for your Free Market Evaluation Introducing... HURON HOMES INC.

45’ and 50’ lots available in Elmira. Several plans available

bungalow or 2AM storey models, or will build to suit.

M&T Business Card Ad:Layout 1 in 04/03/09 10:22 Page 1

FAX | 519.669.5753 EMAIL | sales@ObserverXtra.com

$269,900

Paul Martin Solid Gold Realty (II) Ltd., Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated ADDRESS: 180 Weber St. S., Waterloo

519.669.5790 | 1.888.966.5942 ELMIRA 3 bedroom beauty offers many extras incl 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.

Support your local schools. Buy or list your home with Paul.

»

CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM |

25

$374,000

ELMIRA Why buy a Resale Home when you can pick the things you enjoy in a home.

Build your dream home on this 50’ lot. Hrdwood & ceramic throughout main flr., maple kitchen cabinets, 4 bedrooms, master has walkin closet and ensuite.

$259,000

ELMIRA. Spacious backsplit made for family living, appliances included.

Cathedral ceiling in kitchen, open concept, walkout to deck. 4 plus bedrooms.

Fenced yard that backs on to park. MLS.

$189,000

RECREATIONAL LOT! 6.5 acres on the Conestogo River. Excellent camping and/or seasonal property ideal. Services (gas, telephone, hydro) available at road side Line 86. 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.

$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.

FREE ONLINE CLASSIFIEDS AT

IN PRINT. ONLINE. IN PICTURES. IN DEPTH. IN PRINT. ONLINE. IN PICTURES. IN DEPTH.

26 | CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 27, 2009

HOME HUNTERS TEAM

McNeil

519-669-1544 24hrs 17 Church St. W., Elmira www.thefreyteam.com

CURIOUS ABOUT YOUR HOME’S VALUE IN THIS CURRENT MARKET?

CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE CURRENT MARKET EVALUATION

TWIN CITY REALTY INC. BROKERAGE

519-579-4110 OFFICE

THE FREY TEAM

Len Frey

Mildred Frey

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

BROKER**

frey@golden.net

Warren McNeil - Sales Representative

Ahoy Matey!

Arrr you looking to make a move?

Melanie McNeil - Sales Representative

Peri Moyer - Client Care Manager

00 9,9 1 $4

Build Your Dream

SAT & SUN, 1-4 PM OR BY APPOINTMENT,

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.

MODEL HOUSE OPEN HOUSE SAT & SUN 1-4PM or BY APPT.

51 RIDGEVIEW DR. DRAYTON

Large Lots only 30 minutes from Waterloo, Only 4 lots left! Model Home available for sale, 10 plans to choose from, Quality standard features include: 9’ ceilings on main floor, 200 amp service, Fruit Cellar, Ceramics, Ensuite & Main or Upper Laundry

$349,900

$319,900

GOLDSTONE | Unique 2 storey home approx. 2500 sq.ft. in a country setting.

Large living area with oak kitchen & island. Large garage and workshop. Sliding doors to rear deck and above ground pool. Sale will be subject to severence of side lot. MLS Call Mildred Frey.

ELMIRA | Very clean older home. Attractive oak stairway, wood insert fireplace in family rm. Great 4 season sunroom and useable attic. Large outside yard and detached garage. All within walking distance of downtown. MLS Call Len Frey.

00 9,9 7 $3

0 ,90 3 $8

$355,000

YEAR ROUND LIVING Totally renovated in 2004

Call us, we can help you find a home you will “treasure...”

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! MLS.

NEED LOTS OF SPACE? Rarely found oversized backsplit with double garage & big backyard.

Features 3+1 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, super spacious kitchen with island open to huge family room. Lower level finished with recroom, bedroom & bath. Lots of space for a growing family. Much bigger inside than it appears. A must see!

SIDEROAD 15 | Quiet country property on over 5 acres of wooded area. Huge eat-in kitchen overlooking family room with heat stove. Deck to rear yard off kitchen. Detached workshop 30 x 30.

Great for the handy man!! MLS. Call Mildred or Len Frey.

You’ve come to the right place to find a home. $685,000

IAN INGLIS BROKER

519-888-7110

Solid Gold Realty (II) Ltd. BROKERAGE

www.homewithian.com • iani@bell.blackberry.net

OPEN HOUSE

SAT JUNE 27 |2-4PM

LEON MARTIN

115 SUGAR KING DR. ELMIRA

NEWER 3 BEDROOM HOME IN ELMIRA

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

LOTS FOR SALE Country Lots with high speed internet access, 40 to 45 minutes from K/W or Guelph. They are located in the small hamlet of Carthage. Individual well and septic. Great opportunity to build your own house or get us to customize a home for you. For more information please call Leon MLS.

Gorgeous kitchen, hardwood/ ceramic floors. Luxury ensuite bath.

Finished Rec Room. MLS 0914552

OPEN HOUSE

SUN JUNE 28 | 2-4PM 40 SECOND ST. ELMIRA

New three bedroom bungalow on half acre lot with highspeed internet access. Don’t miss this opportunity to own a little piece of country. $311,900. MLS.

VERDONE MODEL HOME IN ELMIRA

Custom built 3 Bedroom Bungalow with loft. 2616 sq. ft, 10’ ceilings.

Luxury ensuite, open concept Kitchen/Family room. 4 walkouts, backs onto green belt. Builder is offering $5000 landscaping credit.

MLS 0924045.

ADDRESS: 4-B

Arthur St. S., ELMIRA • EMAIL: leonmartin@remax.net • OFFICE: 519-669-5426

DIRECT: 519-503-2753

MODEL HOME FOR SALE

$428,000

marylou@mmrealestate.ca

from $299,900

OPEN HOUSE - 51 Ridgeview Drive, DRAYTON

$489,900

Mary Lou Murray SALES REPRESENTATIVE

BROKER**

www.elmirarealestate.ca

sold@clickthathouse.com

$349,900

Wendy Taylor wendy@thefreyteam.com

2323 sq.ft. 2 storey home.

Gleaming hardwood floors.

Beautiful ‘barzotti’, maple kitchen with island. Cosy family room with gas fireplace. 4 Spacious bedrooms. Luxury ensuite & finished Rec room. Builder is offering $5000 landscaping credit & 10 x 12 pressure treated deck.

MLS 0924029.

ASK ABOUT EARNING

AEROPLAN MILES

Coach House Realty Inc. Brokerage 8 Arthur Street South, Elmira

W NE

E IC R P

TEL. 519-669-5431

OPEN HOUSE Sunday 2-4

25 Church St. E., Elmira 1 ½ storey private rear yard interlocking drive, garden shed, AC hi eff, furnace, fireplace, 15’x13 1/2’ Kit. Near downtown/ commercial zoning. Reduced to $179,900. MLS.

519-669-5431 or 519-669-8074

WEST MONTROSE | Pride of ownership throughout this custom built executive Bungalow. 17’ ceilings, infloor heating on both levels, gourmet kitchen with built-in appliances, lots of windows overlooking a large entertaining deck & large backyard. Part finished walkout basement with extended family potential and more! MLS Call Mary Lou.

$359,900 CONESTOGO | 3300 Sq. ft. renovated older home in desired Town of Conestogo. Large lot with studio detached garage. Many updates. A must see! MLS. To view call Mildred Frey.

$749,000 MOOREFIELD | Great Country property at the edge of Moorefield, 3 bedrm. bungalow, finished basement with fireplace, 12 x 16’ wood deck, 14’6” x 24’ detached workshop with hydro. 48.79 total acres, 34 tillable tile drained, 2 acres building site + 4.25 acres zoned for future residential, 7.5 acres zoned for future industrial development. Great investment property. MLS. Call Len Frey.

$699,900

$359,900

MAPLETON | 3 1/2 acres pride of ownership throughout. Backs on River. 3+1 bedrm. Basement finished. Large Storage shed with high doors. MLS. Call Mildred Frey.

GOLDSTONE | 1758 sq. ft. 3 bedrm, 2 bath ranch bungalow on .61 acres.

Located on quiet road. Finished basement, large double garage with workshop area attached. Great home for the growing family. MLS Call Wendy Taylor.

2,160 sf Industrial Unit For Lease North End of Waterloo • Clean industrial space on Colby Drive • Quick access to the Conestoga Expressway via Northfield Drive • Drive-in doors at both ends • New roof in August 2008 David Greb, Sales Rep Tel: 519- 658-9292 dgreb@remaxcentre.ca

MLS

Jim MacDonald, Sales Rep Fax: 519- 658-2020 jmacdonald@remaxcentre.ca

RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage | Commercial Division | www.remaxcentre.ca

Tell your realtor the Observer sent you!

Âť

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 27, 2009

HOME HUNTERS 519.669.5790 | 1.888.966.5942

CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM |

ELMIRA REAL ESTATE Independently Owned & Operated, Brokerage SERVICES

90 Earl Martin Dr., Unit 1, Elmira N3B 3L4

BY THE NUMBERS EASY

BONNIE BRUBACHER Broker of Record

SHANNA ROZEMA Broker.

DARREN ROMKEY Sales Rep.

LAURIE LANGDON Sales Rep.

DALE KELLER Sales Rep.

MONIQUE BRUBACHER Sales Rep.

THIS WEEK'S FEATURE PROPERTIES ELMIRA OFFICE / BAY

R.W. THUR REAL ESTATE LTD. 45 ARTHUR ST. S., ELMIRA

$12.25/sq. ft. Lease, includes CAM, 1350 sq. ft. with bay area, plus mainfloor office and 2nd floor mezzanine/office space Newer Building, infloor heat, separate hydro. MLS.

519-669-2772

BROKERAGE

519-669-3192

DRAYTON BUNGALOW

BRAD MARTIN Broker of Record

JULIE HECKENDORN Broker MVA Residential Res: 519-669-1068 Res: 519-669-8629

ALLI NORRIS Sales Rep. Cell: 519-577-6248

BILL NORRIS Sales Rep. Cell: 519-588-1348

$266,900 | Great community, 1200 sq.

TRACEY WILLIAMS Sales Rep. Cell: 519-505-0627

ft. 7 years old, 2+ Bedrooms, finished

basement, lovely kitchen, deck and private yard. MLS.

OPEN HOUSES SAT JUNE 27 | 1:30-3:30pM

SUN JUNE 28 | 1:30-3:30pM

4 HAMpToN ST. ELMIRA

13 WEIGEL AvE. ELMIRA

$264,900 | 3 Bedrooms, lovely eatin kitchen with newer oak cabinetry, spacious living/dining room great for family get togethers. MLS.

ALMOST NEW IN ELMIRA

amenities. 1625 sq. ft., full ensuite, fireplace, 6 quality appliances, central vac, plus many, many features included.

MLS.

GREAT LoCATIoN - immaculate 3 bdrm bungalow on quiet court.

Walk to downtown, new rec. complex! Walk up basement.

Shed. MLS $258,900.

LOVELY ELMIRA BUNGALOW $332,250 | 2 Bedroom open concept,

presently Paradigm Homes Model.

Huge entertaining island, 2 full baths, mainfloor laundry and more. Please call for further details. MLS.

DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY R-6 W/R-5 AND R-7 $324,900 | for 30 Church, present use

DRAyToN 2-SToREy - backing to parkland! Eat-in kitchen w/ island & w/o. Finished bsmt w/ gas fp. C/A and vac. Shows well!

MLS. $284,900.

is commercial offices and $299,000 for 32 Church, present use is residential.

Both properties together is 1/2 acre. For residential, multiple units, or Medical Building or many other uses. MLS.

pARk-LIkE GRoUNDS. 11 acres, mixed bush, pond! Lovely updated bungalow with great room. Min’s from Elmira/K-W & Guelph. MLS $629,900.

23 South Parkwood Blvd

CLoSE To EvERyTHING! Beautiful, private yard. 4 bdrms, 2 bths. 2 f/p’s. Sunrm. Rec. rm. Updated oak cupboards Lots of character MLS $289,900.

Free Online Classifieds

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.

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Âť Start Buying & Selling now! Âť Upload your own photos Âť Up to 1000 words Âť Track favourite ads Âť Built-in contact form

BUILD yoUR DREAM HoME on 1 acre site, sloping to the south (ideal for w/o bsmt). Located on the edge of Goldstone. MLS. $110,000.

www.thurrealestate.com

ID# 117623

519-669-0344

WHy RENT? - 3 bdrm semi w/ mature trees, backs to green space. Hardwood flrs in bdrms and L/R. Most windows and doors replaced. MLS $179,900.

Bedrooms: 4 • Bathrooms: 3.5 • Home Size: 2100

Gale Presbyterian Church EXISTING CHURCH! Seating capacity 175+. Addition at rear in 1986, incl. full basement. Ideal for office, lofts, etc.1 block from downtown. C-1 Zoning. MLS $549,000.

This stunning custom built two storey home is on a premium treed lot in lovely Elmira.

It is professionally decorated and landscaped, features a gourmet kitchen and more!

NEW HoME - under construction, open concept main flr, Great room w/cathedral ceiling. Ceramic in entry, kitchen & baths. MLS $274,900.

NEW LISTING

$469,000

BETTER THAN NEW! custom built bungalow. Great rm w/ w/o to partially covered patio. 3rd bdrm & bthrm finished in bsmt.

MLS $ 409,900.

Log onto www.PropertyGuys.com

INvESTMENT pRopERTy 5 plex, always fully occupied! Laundry in each unit. Lots of parking. Shows a good return on your investment!

MLS $479,000.

HARD

Elmira@royallepage.ca | www.royallepage.ca/elmira

Elmira, ON

MEDIUM

VILLAGE SETTING OF FLORADALE

$318,900 | Great location close to RELAX oN THE FRoNT poRCH of this classic home, close to downtown & new rec. complex!

Maple kitchen. Main flr laundry.

MLS $267,500.

27

www.

.com

| 519.669.5790

IN PRINT. ONLINE. IN PICTURES. IN DEPTH.

28 | CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM

FAMILY ALBUM FAMILY ALBUM

BIRTHDAY

Call

Love Your Family BIRTHDAY

HAPPY

75TH

BIRTHDAY DON IN PRINT | ONLINE | IN PICTURES | IN DEPTH

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

20

With an expert spring tune up $

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: 7-8, SAT 8-6, SUN 12-5

SERVICE DIRECTORY

THIS SPACE FOR RENT Call Donna at ext 104

AUTO CLINIC 21 Industrial Dr. Elmira

519-669-7652

AUTOMOTIVE

AUTOMOTIVE

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

101 Bonnie Crescent, Elmira, ON N3B 3G2

automotive

AUTOMOTIVE

519-669-5588 (cell) 519-897-6238

CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS

WEICKERT& MEIROWSKI Concrete Foundations Limited

6982 Millbank Main St., Millbank 519-595-2053 • 519-664-2914

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33 First Street, East Elmira, ON

FAX: 519.669.3210

519.669.8917

CONTRACTING LTD. Framing · Renovations Decks · Sheds Basement Finishing

Clare Bauman 519.669.3495 cell 519.504.2826 CONSTRUCTION

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

35 Howard Ave., Elmira

519-669-3232

MARWIL CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION Residential & Agricultural Driveways • Sidewalks •Curbs Finished Floors • Retaining Walls • Short Walls Free Written Estimates

Willis Martin Drayton, ON

519-638-2699

CRANE

CONSTRUCTION INC. GENERAL CONTRACTING

commercial • industrial • Concrete removal & replacement • Siding work up to 66’ high

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»

EXPERT ADVICE | QUALITY SERVICES LOOK UP A PROFESSIONAL.

Complete Collision Service

carpentry

BICYCLE SALES & REPAIRS GET YOUR BICYCLES READY

Sept 14, 1984 - June 28, 2007

TIRE

Accredited Test & Repair Facility

519-669-4400

RYAN PENNER His smiling way and pleasant face Are a pleasure to recall; He had a kindly word for each, And died beloved by all.

Some day we hope to meet him, Some day, we know not when, To clasp his hand in the better land, Never to part again.

Always remembered.

Love your family.

+GST

519.669.5790 ext 104

IN MEMORIAM

To a wonderful husband & father

For as little as.. .

23

$

FAX | 519.669.5753 EMAIL | sales@ObserverXtra.com

HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY ROB

With a Family Album Ad in the Observer

» Anniversary » Birthday » Engagement » Stag & Doe » Thank you » Birth Notice » and a lot more....

519.669.5790 | 1.888.966.5942

IN MEMORIAM

Share The Good News!

»

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 27, 2009

•Pole Structures •Remodeling & restoration

519-846-9066 fax: 519-846-9319

ORTLIEB CRANE & Equipment Ltd. • 14 ton BoomTruck • 35 ton Mobile Crane

519-664-9999 ST. JACOBS

24 Hour Service 7 Days A Week

CUSTOM FRAMING

YOU NAME IT: WE FRAME IT! E L M I R A

PHOTO 57 Arthur St. S., Elmira

519-669-FILM

www.elmiraphoto.com

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 27, 2009

WORD-UP

SOLUTION FOUND ON PAGE 31

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CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM |

A cross 1. Claimed, colloquialism 5. “Beg pardon ...�

9. Certain berth 14. “Mi chiamano Mimi,� e.g.

15. Grimace 16. Japanese-American 17. A rigid circular necklace that is open-ended at the front 18. Form in clay, wax, etc 19. Con game 20. Monkeys; apes; hominids 23. Bishop of old TV 24. Greek earth goddess: Var. 25. ___ Today 28. Compiled addresses 31. Common Market inits.

34. Poet Angelou 35. 1968 Chemistry Nobelist Onsager 36. Burst or split open 38. Pastoral poem 41. “Pumping ___�

42. ___ podrida 43. Dash lengths 44. The place where admission is sold 49. “For ___ a jolly ...�

CREATED EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE OBSERVER

Š2009

SERVICE PROS CARPET CARE

CUSTOM COVERS & REPAIRS

50. Artless one 51. A list of dishes available 54. Poisonous weed resembling a garnish (fool’s parsley) 57. “Farewell, mon ami�

60. Donnybrook 61. “What’s gotten ___ you?�

62. Auctioneer’s word 63. Doing nothing 64. Animal house 65. Plain folk 66. Orders to plow horses 67. Coastal raptor D own 1. Computer info 2. “Reversal of Fortune� star 3. When something begins 4. Big Indian 5. Pertaining to or containing or similar to ammonia 6. A small arch used as croquet equipment 7. A formal expression of praise for someone who has died recently 8. Highway divider 9. Open 10. ___ bread 11. Telekinesis, e.g.

Read’s Decorating Renovating?

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Call for Details Coupon holds no cash value. Valid July, August, September 2009.

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ROB McNALL

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LONG DISTANCE? CALL 1-866-669-7607

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Book your summer projects now!

Murray & Daniel Shantz ALMA, ONTARIO

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ST. JACOBS

GLASS SYSTEMS INC.

Specializing in Paint & Wallcoverings

1600 King St. N., Bldg A17 St. Jacobs, Ontario N0B 2N0

TEL: 519-664-1202 / 519-778-6104

27 Arthur St. S., Elmira

FAX: 519 664-2759 • 24 Hour Emergency Service

lANDSCAPING

HOLISTIC SERVICES Susan Nikyuluw R.N.C.

NEW LOCATION 115 Bristow Creek JULY 1, 2009

BUILD IT • FIX IT • DISPOSE OF IT INTERIOR & EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE

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ATE

S REASON ABL RATES E

• Reexology Therapy • Polarity Therapy • Bio impedance & Diet Analysis • Detox Programs / Detox Mud Wraps • Hot Stone / Chair Massage • Lymphatic Drainage Massage • Jin Shin Acupressure • Nutrition & First Line Therapy

For appointments or information please call Susan at

519-500-1087 OR 519-210-0150 LAWN MAINTENANCE COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

Lawn Maintenance Landscaping Snowplowing Ice Control

Complete Lawn Maintenance

Telephone

Snow Plowing & Removal 27 Brookmead St., Elmira

519.669.1188

519-669-9081

Jeff Basler Owner|Operator

THIS SPACE FOR RENT Call Donna at ext 104

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

519-669-3658

E.H.S

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For all your home decorating needs

Elmira E Elm lm Holistic Solutions

ER RS OVYEA 10

> Excavating > Trenching > Backfilling > Fine Grading > Post Holes Augered

SERVICE

GLASS SERVICES SINCE 1961

Boat Covers | Air Conditioning Covers | Small Tarps Storage Covers | BBQ Covers | Awnings & Canopies Replacement Gazebo Tops | Golf Cart Encolsures & Covers

12. Dusk, to Donne 13. Fix, in a way 21. A heap 22. Archaeological site 25. Grammar topic 26. Play, in a way 27. Beasts of burden 29. Alkaline liquid 30. 1969 Peace Prize grp.

31. Writer Wharton 32. Like “The X-Files�

33. Colloquial British chocolate 37. Publicity, slangily 38. “The Lord of the Rings� figure 39. The weather 40. Corset tightener 42. Ref’s call 45. “Stop right there!�

46. Chinese “way�

47. Offshore sight 48. Store, as corn 52. Of an arm bone 53. Arrive, as darkness 54. Sloughs 55. John Paul II, e.g.

56. Auld lang syne 57. ___ Khan 58. A title anciently given to the pope 59. “Rocky ___�

TO PLACE A SERVICE PROS AD CONTACT: ads@ObserverXtra.com OR CALL 519-669-5790 DECORATING

29

Mobile

519-505-0985 ever-green@sympatico.ca

We call Elmira home but we service the surrounding area.

519.669.5790 | 1.888.966.5942 www.woolwichobserver.com

30 | CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 27, 2009

» STRANGE BUT TRUE | BILL & RICH SONES

Odds are you are who you hang out with posite of several people with a similar meaning for you.

Your dream strangers are never there just by coincidence, adds psychologist Gayle Delaney, author of In Your Dreams. To figure out what they mean, ask yourself: What does the stranger look like, what is he or she wearing and doing and thinking and feeling in the context of the action of your dream. Write down four or five adjectives to describe his or her personality, then ask if there is someone, some part of yourself or something in your life that is like this figure. You may be surprised at how familiar that unknown stranger really is.

Q. How is your happiness level influenced more than you know by people you don’t even know? It’s the same with whether you drink, are overweight, vote or don’t, and so on.

A. Research by Harvard medical sociologist Nicholas Christakis suggests our moods and behaviors are far more strongly influenced by those around us than we tend to think, says Michael

Bond in New Scientist magazine. And it’s not just our friends, but friends of our friends, and friends of friends of friends” -- people three degrees of separation from us whom we have never met but whose disposition can pass through our social network like a virus.”

Check out the burgeoning numbers for this “social contagion”: If you have 10 friends, and each of them has 10 friends, and so on, that’s 10 x 10 x 10 ..., or thousands of people before you know it. Even more, it’s becoming clear that a whole range of things is transmitted through this social network in ways not entirely understood: not just happiness but depression, obesity, drinking and smoking habits, tastes in music or foods, even the inclination to vote in elections.

So remember the new adage: “We are who we hang out with.”

Q. Some ants are farmers (cultivating fungus) and others are herders (“milking” aphids). But do any of them obey right-of-way traffic rules?

A. Carnivorous army ants of Central and South America stage colos-

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Plumbing and Maintenance Inc.

R O O F I N G

• Specializing in residential re-roofs • Repairs • Churches

ELMIRA

519-669-3652

service

SEPTIC

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Logos & Graphics

LOCNEW ATI ON

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CALL TODAY UNITS ARE PRICED TO SELL

BILL SCHENKEL

FAST, FRIENDLY SERVICE AT COMPETITIVE PRICES!

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»

FAX | 519.669.5753 EMAIL | sales@ObserverXtra.com

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

24 HOUR SERVICE

(Send STRANGE questions to brothers Bill and Rich at strangetrue@compuserve.com)

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sal “swarm raids” in search of prey, killing as many as 30,000 animals per raid. Up to 200,000 near-blind ants stream out of their nest and form multiple freeway-like trails up to 20 metres wide (65 feet) and 100 metres long (330 feet). These are marked by smelly chemicals, or pheromones, that the ants follow. Since outbound and inbound ants both follow the same trail, massive gridlock can occur.

But research by Princeton biologist Iain Couzin and his University of Bristol colleague Nigel Franks (in Science and National Geographic News) reveals that the ants avoid congestion by obeying a simple rule: inbound ants move along the center of the pheromone trail while outbound ones follow the outer edges.

Inbound ants, laden with food, are less willing to turn to avoid oncoming traffic than are their unencumbered outbound brethren. The result is an efficient traffic-flow solution.

T R

E

E

SELF STORAGE

INC

Q. From a Cleveland, Ohio reader: “Who on Earth are those complete strangers that keep making their way into my dreams? I never saw these people before. Where do they come from?”

A. Dream images come from your personal experiences filed in longterm memory, either people you know or have seen in a movie or photograph or just imagined, says psychologist Rosalind Cartwright.

The interesting issue is why you see them on any particular night. They are triggered by some emotional response to an experience during the day that you may not even be aware of consciously.

Those feelings important to your self-concept you carry over into sleep and search for a match in memory, which is more emotional than logical and may be better served by a com-

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DEATH NOTICES BOERNER, Donna (Mrs. Randy)

MARTIN, Alvin S.

– On Saturday, June 20, 2009 at his home, Alvin S. Martin age 77 years of RR2, Wallenstein.

- Peacefully on Friday, June 19, 2009 at her home, Donna (Hare) Boerner, age 61 years of Elmira.

NOLL, Winnifred (Mrs. Ron)

DOWDALL, James (Jim) Ambrose

- On Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at KW Health Centre, Winnifred (Kwicien) Noll in her 76th year, of Elmira.

– Passed away, on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at Freeport Health Centre, after a courageous battle with cancer, at the age of 66.

– Passed away at Kitchener on June 19, 2009 at the age of 84 years.

Jim was born and raised in Elmira. – Of Palmerston, passed away peacefully, at Palmerston Hospital on Monday, June 22, 2009, in his 99th year. Local relatives are his daughter Mary Maxwell and her husband Steve of Elmira.

– Age 86 years, passed peacefully Monday, June 22, 2009 At KW Health Centre. Local relatives are his son Malcolm Jones and his wife Margo of Heidelberg.

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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

Since 1987 - DentureTech Since 1995 - Denturist

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JUNE 27

 Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Farm Safety Day hosted by Waterloo Rural Women at Martin farm just north of Floradale. Cost $5 per child. For more information, please call 519-664-3794, ext. 237.  Community Worship At Gore Park â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Songs in the Park; 6:45 p.m.: band prelude; 7 p.m.: Worship service including hymn singing, worship and readings. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Free-will offering with proceeds to WCS backpack program. Rain location Emmanuel Missionary Church. Contact Marilyn at 519-669-5548 for more info.  Family Fun Day 9 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2 p.m., Uptown Waterloo Square. Toddler town, giant sand box, Kitchener Rangers Street Team, face painting, bouncy jungle, food and much more. Free event, donations welcome to Gabbieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wish to cure cystinoisis. For more information visit www.gabbieswish.com or call 519-880-9495.  Maryhill Knights of Columbus Car Show and Shine; 11 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 p.m. at Maryhill Heritage Community Centre. Prizes for top three cars that are the peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choice; raffles, face painting, BBQ, new car displays, live entertainment. Participants $10; general admission $2, family $5. Proceeds donated to local charities. For more information Rob Gobbi 519-837-5739; Doug Zinger 519-648-2939.  Dinosaurs, Rocks, Minerals and more. Open daily, 8:30 a.m. to 4;30 p.m.; free; Earth Sciences Museum, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, 519-8884567, ext. 32469.

JUNE 28

31

Bus.:519.669.2632 Fax: 519.669.4282

Business

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After Hours Emergency Services: 1-800-465-2667

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519.669.1535 KITCHENER

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 Somersault MusicFest â&#x20AC;&#x201C; three performances; Grades 4-5, 1p.m., Grades 6-7, 4;30 p.m.; Grade 8, 8 p.m.; $15 advance, $18 at the door (www.indiesolo.com/somersault); Federation Hall, University of Waterloo.

JUNE 30

 Sandy and Sharon Concert â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11 a.m.; free; Kitchener Market, King St. E., Kitchener.

JULY 6

 Canada vs Australia â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Kitchener Outlaws vs Australian Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Team. Doubleheader â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. game times, St. Clements ball park, diamond #2. BBQ. Admission $5/person, kids 12 years and under are free. All proceeds to the St. Clements Recreation Service Board.

JULY 7

 Caregiver Coffee Hour Support Group 10-11:30 a.m. at Chateau Gardens in Elmira. The Alzheimer Society and Woolwich Hospice are your hosts. Topic for the meeting is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Recognizing Caregiver Stress.â&#x20AC;? For more information, contact Lorraine at WCHC, 519-664-3794.

New to the Community?

Do you have a new Baby?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to call your Welcome Wagon Hostess.

Elmira & Surrounding Area

SHARON GINGRICH 519.291.6763

elmirawelcomewagon@sympatico.ca

JULY 8

Check out our newest Blog

With Heather Calder

Skilled craftsmanship. Quality materials.

CONSTRUCTION STARTS HERE.

Rugs and Upholstery

MATERIAL HANDLING & PROCESSING SYSTEMS

HARD MEDIUM EASY

Carpet Care

3 ( 5 6 ( , , 1 *

EASY MEDIUM

MEDIUM EASY

Kleensweep

VOLL, Benjamin

JONES, Ernest

, 5 2 1 6

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A GOOD JOB DONE EVERY TIMEâ&#x20AC;?

VICE, James Alfred

HIPEL, Mary â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ON Wednesday, June 24, 2009, at her home, in Cambridge, Mary Hipel in her 60th year, formerly of Elmira.

' $ 7 $

EVENTS CALENDAR Âť CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 27, 2009

â&#x20AC;˘ Electrical Supplies â&#x20AC;˘ New Vacuums â&#x20AC;˘ All Vacuum Repairs â&#x20AC;˘ Parts & Accessories â&#x20AC;˘ All makes and models â&#x20AC;˘ Hand Vacs to Central Vacs

 Wellesley Township Caregiver Support Group, 2-3:30 p.m. at the Wellesley Township Community Health Centre. Topic is of special interest to those caring for a family member with Parkinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease. For more information, call Lorraine at 519-664-3794 or reception at 519-656-9025.

JULY 11

 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.

AUGUST 8

 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.

SEPTEMBER 12

 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.

Summer is Coming!

21 Industrial Dr., Elmira

NANCY KOEBEL

Bus: 519.895.2044 ext. 217 Home: 519.747.4388

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Submit calendar listings to info@observerxtra.com

Suite 800, 101 Frederick St., Kitchener

W

32 | BACK PAGE

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, June 27, 2009

celebTo our nrate lookew !

Saturday, June 27, 2009 From 11:00am to 2:00pm

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