October 27, 2016

3

5

It’s a he said/she said comedy! When a wife misinterprets what she sees her husband doing, she runs to her best friend to cry on her shoulder. Her friend’s husband just happens to be the brother of the supposed miscreant, so he’s sent back to ask what’s going on. A hilarious tennis match-like play that will tickle your funny bone.

y e a rs

Written by

Michael G. Wilmot Directed by

Deb Deckert Produced by

Iris Miltenburg

NOVEMBER 4 - 19, 2016

Thursdays show only starts 8pm | Friday & Saturday dinner 7pm, Show 8pm Sunday matinee dinner 1:30pm, Show starts 2:30 pm Centre in the Square 101 Queen St. N., Kitchener , ON N2H 6P7

Tickets

519-578-1570 · 1-800-265-8977

all performances held at

76 Howard Ave., Elmira

www.elmiratheatre.com

519-669-3230

www.facebook.com/ElmiraTheatreCompany

10 | 27 | 2016 VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 42 ST. JACOBS CHURCH TO CELEBRATE 150TH ANNIVERSARY LIVING HERE PAGE 27

COMMENT PAGE 6

WOOLWICH HAS MUCH TO WEIGH IN BUS ISSUE

www.OBSERVERXTRA.com

Concerted opposition effort meets plan to go below water to mine Jigs Hollow gravel LIZ BEVAN THE TEAM PUSHING FOR a gravel pit in Winterbourne met a full court press as residents rallied as a team at a public information session Oct. 19 in St. Jacobs.

In waves, they chipped away at Preston Sand and Gravel’s case for below-thewater-table extraction in Jigs Hollow.

Organized as the Friends of the Winterbourne Valley, the concerned citizens ramped up the fight against the controversial gravel pit. Some 65 people turned up at the community centre to voice their opposition.

Concerned citizens had hoped the plan to mine aggregate at the site was shelved when crews prepping the site found water levels near the surface, essentially halting work there. Instead, the applicant is now seeking a zone change to allow extraction below the water table, a move residents say will

cause even more disruption and ultimately leave barren what today is prime farmland.

The bid to resume work at the site is just the latest skirmish in a long battle.

Following a dispute eventually settled through an Ontario Municipal Board hearing, the township agreed to allow gravel to be mined at the 89-acre site fronting on Peel Street.

Kuntz Topsoil, Sand and Gravel, later joined by Preston Sand and Gravel (PSG), was also granted the right to crush recycled concrete and asphalt at the site.

Work began in 2013, mostly with berms being formed, but quickly halted when tests found groundwater levels to be much higher than anticipated, severely limiting the amount of aggregate accessible, as the license demands mining occur no lower than 1.5 metres above the water table.

Now, Preston Sand and JIGS HOLLOW | 32

Skeletons, werewolves and terrifying characters will be out in full force on Monday night for Halloween. At DJ Carroll’s house in Elmira, he is inviting trick-or-treaters to come by for a frightening experience through a haunted manor. [LIZ BEVAN / THE OBSERVER]

Halloween is haunting affair for EDSS drama students out for a scare on Oct. 31 LIZ BEVAN

BOYS AND GHOULS WILL be out in droves on Monday night, dressed as their favourite or scariest character while trick-ortreating for candy.

Continuing a local tradition, Elmira District Secondary School teacher DJ Carroll and his drama students will be hosting a haunted house in the subdivision on Church Street West, inviting local kids to

take a step into the Haunted Manor.

Paranormal investigators will be guiding trick-ortreaters through the rooms of a haunted mansion, all constructed in Carroll’s garage, looking for ghosts, demons and a way out.

“We have a haunted pumpkin graveyard, and ghouls that you will meet along the way through the house. You are going to meet the owner of the manor, and see if you can

escape,” teased Carroll.

Grade 10 student Kendra Barnai is just one of the group of students gearing up for Halloween night.

She plays one of two porcelain dolls in the haunted manor.

“It looks like their eyes are always watching you.

Just the look they have – it is so creepy,” she said, adding that she can’t wait to act spooky and maybe get a few screams. “I am looking forward to seeing all the

kids enjoying the haunted house. It will be really cool. We will be bringing a haunted house to life.”

Carroll says the group will cater the scariness of the house to the crowd that comes by for a scare.

“We will do a fun one, and then there will be a scarier version,” he said.

He puts together an elaborate haunted house at his home every year, and HAUNTING | 2

Just minutes from the St. Jacobs Farmer’s Market...Where Shopping Local is always inSeason

3585 Lobsinger Line St. Clements ON

519 218 2188 Tues/Wed 10:00 - 6:00 Thurs/Fri 10:00 - 8:00 Sat 10:00 - 5:00 Sun/Mon Closed

Gifts + Cards + Candles + Gourmet + Artisan’s Creations + Home+Garden Decor & More

2 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

Upgrades now complete at Elmira cenotaph Following the replacement of the monument’s soldier, revamping the landscape was a labour of love for the Legion LIZ BEVAN JUST AHEAD OF REMEMBRANCE Day, Elmira’s cenotaph has undergone improvements to go along with the newer centerpiece at the war memorial.

The new landscaping enhances the site where Memorial Avenue meets Arthur Street.

Originally erected nearly 100 years ago with a marble statue, the soldier standing to attention at Memorial was replaced in 2010 with the current bronze figure, now it is the surrounding area that has been upgraded.

For six years, Elmira Legion past-president Kirk Genereux and others campaigned for an update at the site, which previously was home to a rectangular planter, surrounded by grass. Now, there is an elaborate stonescape carpeting the spot, with a new stone monument bearing words repeated every year around Remembrance Day: Lest we forget. Benches were also installed on the north end of the plot, giving visitors a spot to sit and reflect.

On the left, the Elmira cenotaph as it looked before work began on upgrading the central spot. On the right, the finished product with the new stones bearing the phrase, ‘Lest We Forget.’

[LIZ BEVAN / THE OBSERVER]

had many meetings with many people, and now it is done. It has a lot of meaning to a lot of families that are in town.”

The project cost around $96,000 with some coming from the Legion, some

Genereux says it is satisfying to know that the project is finally complete.

“It feels fantastic. We at the Legion are very happy.

This has been a six-year deal, trying to get this done,” he said. “We have

Christmas HAS ARRIVED! May not be exactly as shown. While quantities last.

COME IN FOR A SNEAK PEAK

fall % 50 ITEMS

OFF

1 Union St., Elmira THE SHOPS AT ROXTON

519-669-3072

NEXT SENIOR’S DAY

w w w.elmiragif toutlet.com

HOURS: MON-WED 9:30-5:30, THURS-FRI 9:30-7:00, SATURDAY 9:30-5:30

Thursday, October 27th

coming from a Canada 150 grant, and the remainder from the capital projects budget from Woolwich Township.

Ann McArthur, the township’s director of recreation and facilities, says the project was all about respect for Canada and for the veterans who served.

“Everyone wants to give back and leave a lasting legacy,” she said. “It is front and centre, the main gateway when you are com-

ing into Elmira (from the south). In the stone work, they stamped the maple leaf, tying in the Canada 150 celebrations, and reinvigorating the open space. (The grant) was an opportunity to enhance the site.”

One of the main changes at the cenotaph is the terrain. Now, it is more accessible to those that require assistance moving, such as those in wheelchairs. That was Genereux’s idea, and not the original plan.

“I was able to get a copy of the drawings and there were some things that I wanted to change because it didn’t make sense. And everything I suggested, they ended up going with,” he said. “I thought that was great. They wanted to put planters in front of the cenotaph, little curbs and I told them that some of these veterans are getting to be a pretty good age and they could trip over something like that. Then I wanted it right from the sidewalk to the memorial, all concrete, which they did.”

The work was complete just in time for the Legion’s Nov. 6 Remembrance Day ceremonies, and members will be incorporating a rededication ceremony into their usual schedule.

Plans for the ceremonies actually have to change a bit this year.

“We had to have special wreath stands made for Remembrance Day for the 70 or so wreaths we lay, because now we can’t stick them in the grass,” said Genereux. “I designed them, and then we got them constructed and I think they are going to look fantastic.”

The rededication and Remembrance Day ceremonies start at 3 p.m. at the newly updated cenotaph site following the parade from the Legion on First Street.

HAUNTING: Coming out for a scary good time FROM | COVER

he says he is going to keep on doing it.

“For me, Halloween is about having fun. There is a chance, for one day, for people to be anything they want to be. It is so important, because nowadays we have been losing touch with our imaginations,” he said. “It is so important to

have those days where we can play dress-up and just have a little fun. And of course, the candy.”

The haunted house’s doors will creak open around 5 p.m. for the early trick-or-treaters, and will close at 8:30 p.m. The students will also be collecting non-perishable food items for the food bank.

Barnai says everyone should come out. Being a little scared is what Halloween is all about.

“I feel like kids should just come out, even if it is a little bit scary. It is Halloween, that is what it is supposed to be,” she said.

The Haunted Manor will be open to the public at 14 Limera Ave.

23RD ANNUAL

QUILT AUCTION

& benefit sale Crafts| Furniture | New Items

FRI. NOVEMBER 4, & SAT. NOVEMBER 5 STRATFORD ROTARY COMPLEX 353 McCarthy Rd, Stratford ON

Friday, November 4 Open House at 5:00 - 9:00pm

Saturday, November 5 Auction 9:00am to mid-afternoon Quilt Auction at 1:00pm

www.gospelechoesauction.ca | 519-595-7000

NEWS | 3

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

Support is the key for this group Socializing with others recovering from stroke takes the Expressive Café experience beyond therapy WHITNEY NEILSON FRANK AUSTIN SURE KNOWS what it means to make lemonade when life hands you some lemons.

Austin suffered a stroke in 2008 but he hasn’t let it slow him down. This month marks the fifth anniversary of the support group for people with aphasia, Expressive Café, which he created in Elmira.

This Saturday, Oct. 29, is also World Stroke Day. Aphasia is a disorder that affects your communication skills and often happens after a stroke. Every week he meets with other people who have aphasia, to chat and do some brain games to help them improve their spoken and written skills.

The support group is just as much therapy for the other group members as it is for Austin. But it’s also much more than that.

“They have become friends. After my stroke you seem to lose friends, people they did business with, family members and so forth. They’re replacing that. Otherwise it’s a lonely place,” Austin said.

The group meets every Thursday morning at

the Woolwich Memorial Centre. Getting out to the weekly meetings has become an important part of participants’ lives.

“I learned to write. I couldn’t write. I could print it and then it would go funny. I don’t do that anymore,” said Don Tosh.

Hugh Smid says it’s helped him to use a lot of words he wouldn’t use before his stroke.

“Before my stroke I was happy go lucky and now I have had the stroke, my voice has come right down. Doing it this way I’ve brought it up a little bit. I’m getting used to the words that I’m using,” Smid said.

Walter Meuler comes all the way from Stratford for the brain stimulation and camaraderie.

“A stroke is devastating probably for everybody.

When I come here I think we all learn it’s not the end of the world. We recuperate at different stages. You find out you are not the only one,” Meuler said.

Herta Wunder comes to the meetings with her husband Tom. “For us, it gives him SUPPORT | 32

Paul Redman is the new fire chief in Wellesley Township, and already has a lot on his plate just a month into the job.

[LIZ BEVAN / THE OBSERVER]

New Wellesley fire chief jumps into the job with both feet doesn’t mean just hiring people. We are revamping the entire process. It hasn’t been addressed for a long time. People want to see more opportunities to continue training,” he said.

“We are going to be looking at replacing trucks, some apparatus. There is a lot coming due in the five-year picture. We need to figure out where we are going with all of that. It is a really busy time.”

First up, however, Redman will be getting the community educated.

“We are going to go forward with the public

LIZ BEVAN JUST WEEKS INTO THE job as Wellesley Township’s new fire chief, Paul Redman has an ambitious plan to revamp the department.

Part of that comes with the territory as the township develops a new fire master plan. As just part of a long to-do list, Redman is getting ready to hire some new firefighters, overhaul the recruiting system, give current members more training and replace some equipment.

“There is a lot to chip away at here. Recruiting

education thing first, trying to hit some of the more vulnerable population that needs to have fire prevention that they don’t have access to. Get out into more schools and the Mennonite population that doesn’t have access to the regular social media and those sorts of things. We want that information out there.”

Moving to Wellesley has been somewhat of an easy transition for Redman. He has worked for years in rural townships, but also has some big city experience as a member of the Toronto

Pearson International Airport fire department. He says even the airport fire department has a few similarities to smaller centres like Wellesley.

“Really, we did the same thing that municipalities do. The bulk of calls were medical, but it is a very busy department. There are two stations that do about 5,000 calls a year: 60 per cent was medical, with car accidents and fire alarm calls and sort of the same thing, just done on a bigger scale,” he said.

CHIEF | 4

Newcomers find their LINC to the community via new WCS program LIZ BEVAN ADJUSTING TO A NEW community is difficult, and even more so if you were coming from across the world and didn’t speak the local language.

It can be isolating and intimidating trying to make a home in a new place, especially a place that is completely different than anything you have ever known.

HOW TO REACH US

EE RY FR IVE L DE

The class is now being offered Monday to Friday at the WCS office on Church Street.

“I think trying to settle individuals in the community, and a number of the individuals who were coming to our Waterloo site, found that it was quite a distance to bring their sponsored individuals in everyday. They requested something potentially closer to home in the rural ar-

them the tools they need to feel comfortable going to the doctor, going to the grocery store and just living everyday life.

The program was previously offered in Kitchener-Waterloo, making it difficult for newcomers in Woolwich Township to make the trip to class five days a week, but as of last month, learners don’t have to go any further than downtown Elmira.

Woolwich Community Services (WCS) has teamed up with Conestoga College to help try and make the transition easier for newcomers from other countries who have made a home in Woolwich Township. With the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program, newly settled residents in the area can get a helping hand with learning the English language, giving

eas. That is why we thought the partnership would be a good fit,” said Crystal Brown, associate chair of the Conestoga Language Institute at the K-W college.

“It starts with whatever the client needs and progresses them to be able to communicate for whatever reason in the community, whether it is shopping, or visiting a doctor, all the way up to employment. We cover the language that could

be used in interviews, for example. It helps them settle and participate in the community, which is the ultimate goal.”

The class currently has only three students registered, and they are looking to have a few more to join in and learn.

“We are looking to promote the program and just get more people in there,” LINC | 5

PHONE 519.669.5790 | TOLL FREE 1.888.966.5942 | FAX 519.669.5753 | ONLINE WWW.OBSERVERXTRA.COM

I N D E P E N D E N T LY O W N E D & OP E R AT E D

W • O • O • L • W • I • C • H

P

H

A

R

M

A

10 Church St. W., Elmira

C

Y

Happy to Continue serving you in our current location for years to come.

Fast, Friendly & Professional Service • Compression Stockings (Standard & Customized)

• Compounding • Compliance Packaging • Free Blood Pressure Check • Free Blood Glucose Monitor & Teaching • Ostomy & Home Health Care

519-669-8282

SAMER MIKHAIL

PHARMACIST/OWNER

OPEN: Monday to Friday 9am-7pm; Saturday 9am-4pm; Closed Sundays

4 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

Quilts go under the gavel Saturday in popular EDCL fundraising event LIZ BEVAN THE TEMPERATURE IS DROPPING and the leaves are falling, and when you are curling up in front of a fire with a cup of hot cocoa, a handmade quilt is the perfect addition.

With that in mind, Elmira District Community Living has more than 100 quilts to choose from at this year’s Charity Quilt Auction and Country Market, and one of the organizers says she can’t wait until Saturday morning for the bidding to begin.

“It is one of the most exciting days we have all year,” said Gail Bartlett.

“You just feel so great, you get hundreds of people out and all the donations. We have some amazingly beautiful full-sized quilts. There is plenty of colour. We have a stunning selection this year. I always leave with something really nice.”

All of the quilts are donated by local makers and sewing circles alongside the sale of furniture, farm equipment, baked goods and silent auction items

– all proceeds go directly towards the work Elmira District Community Living does with its clients, who are living with intellectual disabilities, and their families.

Last year’s auction was moved to a new venue, from Riverdale Poultry to the Elmira Produce Auction Cooperative building at Reid Woods Drive and Arthur Street North.

Bartlett says the move was a step forward for the fundraising event.

“We used to have to split things up between two buildings – the bake table and that kind of thing was in another building, so it made it hard. But, everything is under one roof now and the ladies that are manning the bake table get to be part of the action and are even more a part of everything. It worked out really well,” she said.

The quilt auction and country sale has been of a huge benefit for EDCL, grossing the non-profit group nearly $100,000 last year. One hundred per cent of the proceeds go right

back in to the community, making their clients’ lives a bit easier.

“Every penny that we raise goes to support the EDCL. We use it to add to the support that we get from the Ministry of Community and Social Services.

It is more for equipment, maintenance for the group homes. Our whole fleet of vans has been purchased with quilt auction dollars,” said Bartlett.

Quilt prices at the noon auction can skyrocket if there is a particularly beautiful piece, or two bidders vying for the same item.

Other quilts can be more

affordable, however.

“The highest quilt went for just under $2,000, then you have another full-sized one that went for around $400. It is so variable,” said Bartlett. “All the quilts are so different, but you can definitely come away with a bargain. There is no question about that.”

She recommends getting there early to check out the plethora of baked goods, donated by local bakers, the farm equipment and the new and gently used furniture on the auction block, all before the quilts even hit the stage.

“It is just a really great

day in the country, even if you just pick up some tarts or something like that. You have to stay away from the maple tarts though. Those are my favourite,” she said with a laugh.

One of the newer traditions during quilt auction season is the brisket dinner the night before. Bartlett says the meal was added to the schedule two years ago, and they are going to keep on serving up brisket until the people stop coming. Plates of brisket are available until there isn’t any left, and it comes with potato salad, beans and a drink. The dinner is on Oct.

RIVERSIDE PS STUDENTS ON FUNDRAISING BLITZ

FROM | 3

An excellent business opportunity is now available to established retailers in St. Clements.

The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) is seeking a responsible, customer-focused retailer to operate an LCBO Agency Store in St. Clements.

Since 1962, the LCBO has authorized more than 200 Agency stores to serve communities that have requested service but where the local population is too small to support a regular LCBO or beer store. These Agency stores are operated by local retailers within their existing retail business. Agency store contracts are normally awarded for a five-year term. In communities where there is currently an Agency store, as the contract nears expiry, the LCBO will take into consideration the fact that new businesses in the community may have been established and will allow an opportunity for all businesses in the community to compete for the next five-year term.

Operating an LCBO Agency Store provides a retailer with an excellent opportunity to increase revenue and attract customers while providing local residents with beverage alcohol services. Agency stores also deliver economic benefits to the community in many cases through job creation and increased customer traffic for local merchants.

For this competition, the LCBO must receive requests for the application package from interested businesses by mail before end of business day Friday, November 4, 2016. The application requests must quote the following information: RFP #2016-122 St. Clements Request for Application Package Procurement and Contract Management, LCBO 1 Yonge Street, Suite 1404 Toronto, ON M5E 1E5 Please note: An application fee of $100 must be included with your request in order to receive an application package. Make the cheque or money order payable to the LCBO only.

In order to be considered for this business opportunity, applicants must submit to LCBO Procurement and Contract Management a completed proposal in the required format before the closing date and time, Friday, November 18, 2016, 3 p.m. local time. Late submissions will not be accepted and will be returned unopened.

CHIEF: Now

tackling a long to-do list

RETAIL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FOR AN AGENCY STORE IN ST. CLEMENTS, LCBO RFP #2016-122 ST. CLEMENTS

To qualify, the applicant must have an existing, currently operating retail business in the community and commit to operating the Agency store within established LCBO guidelines. To facilitate the sale of beverage alcohol products, the operator may be required to enter into separate commercial arrangements with the LCBO and domestic beer suppliers. The successful applicant will also be required to participate in a special LCBO servertraining program to ensure the responsible sale of beverage alcohol products.

28 at 5:30 p.m. for $12 at the Elmira Produce Auction Cooperative. Diners will also be given the chance to check out the quilt selection before auction day.

The bidding starts the next morning, Oct. 29, at 8 a.m. with the country market and silent auction.

At 9 a.m., the live general auction begins. The new solid wood furniture auction starts at 11 a.m. and the main event, the quilt auction, gets under way at noon.

For more information, visit www.elmiraquiltauction.com or call EDCL at 519-669-3205.

Grade 6 Riverside Public School students Ethan Warren, Kayla Redmond and Eric Hutton spent four hours on Oct. 21 encouraging drivers to fill up their tanks at Shell in Elmira for Mac’s Fueling for Schools. The school raised 25 cents per litre when drivers filled up at the specially marked pump, and 2.5 cents a litre at the rest of the pumps. The school is fundraising to purchase a playground.

[WHITNEY NEILSON / THE OBSERVER]

Redman was also deputy chief in Blandford-Blenheim Township.

“Coming to Wellesley is very familiar. I have been doing rural firefighting for a number of years, so it is actually quite familiar. I have been in the same type of rural community, same type of scenario.”

Now, Redman just has to learn everybody’s name.

“I have been meeting people slowly. I am looking forward to getting out there more and meeting everyone,” he said. “Once things get a little bit more settled, it is about getting to know even the firefighters a bit better. The big thing is really becoming a part of the community.”

You’re invited!

Come out and ask all the questions you have always wanted to ask! We will have a local Solicitor, Chartered Accountant and Investment Professional on hand to present the issues related to Estate Planning for you and your loved ones.

Estate Planning Seminar November 8, 2016 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Royal Canadian Legion, 11 First St. E. Elmira, Ontario N3B 2Z5 RSVP NOW Kathy Duncan, Branch Manager BMO Elmira 519-669-5446 kathy.duncan@bmo.com

WEEKLY SPECIALS

Specials from October 31st – November 5th Fresh

Ground Chicken

3.49

$

REG. PRICE

$4.49 /lb.

Fresh Young

Beef Liver

3.29

$

Fresh Beef

Short Rib, Cross Cut or Pot Roast

4.99

$

REG. PRICE

$5.49 lb.

Store Made Deli Sliced

Montreal Smoked Meat

7.99

$

REG. PRICE

$8.99 /lb.

Pork Back Ribs

5.99

$

REG. PRICE

$6.99 /lb.

Do you want yummy good smells in your house? We can help!

Mon. - Wed. 8-6; Thurs. - Fri. 8-8; Saturday 7:30-5 Trademarks of Bank of Montreal.

$3.79 /lb.

Fresh

3031 Lobsinger Line, Heidelberg 519-699-4590 TM/®

REG. PRICE

Visit us online at www.stemmlermeats.ca

NEWS | 5

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

Hydro moving to monthly bills The good news: the besieged Ontario government is moving to cut your electricity bills in half. The bad news: they’re doing it by forcing utilities such as Waterloo North Hydro to send you a bill monthly instead every other month.

The changes, mandated by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB), will eventually end up costing customers a bit more as the increased billing costs are passed on to them.

In the case of Waterloo North Hydro, the shift to monthly from bi-monthly billing is expected to cost $393,000 next year, reflecting increased mailing costs. Province-wide, the impact has

been estimated at $10 million.

Currently, about 19 per cent of customers are on WNH’s electronic billing plan, which eliminates the mailing costs.

The utility will be shifting over to the new billing cycle early in 2017, said Jeff Quint, manager of energy conservation and corporate communications.

Notices about the changes should start going out with bills next month.

“We’ll be communicating that with customers in advance of the change,” he said.

Staff are also preparing to deal with an influx of questions from the public, he added.

“For some customers, it could be a pain. For others it brings (billing) more in line with how they see other bills.”

Slottin’ in the revenues The Township of Centre Wellington raked in $586,736 last week thanks to second-quarter (July to September) non-tax gaming revenue payment from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation for hosting OLG Slots at Grand River Raceway.

Centre Wellington has received more than $25.7 million to fill its coffers since the facility first opened in 2003.

These payments are made under a formula in the Municipality Contribution Agreement that determines the fee municipalities receive for hosting an OLG gaming facility and are based on an escalating scale of slot machine revenue that is consistent across all

sites in Ontario. Under the agreement, municipalities receive: 5.25% on the first $65 million of slot revenue; 3% on the next $135 million of slot revenue; 2.5% on the next $300 million of slot revenue; 0.5% on slot revenue above $500 million; and, the new element, 4% on table game revenue.

At approximately $2 billion annually, OLG provides the Ontario government with its largest source of non-tax revenue. Some $115 million has been allocated this year for distribution through the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Public input on St. Agatha CES With the Waterloo Catholic District

School Board looking at closing St. Agatha Catholic Elementary School – among others – the public will have a chance to offer up its response at an open house Nov. 9.

The board’s accommodation review involves three schools, St. Agatha, St. Clement and Holy Rosary (Waterloo).

The St. Agatha meeting will be held Nov. 9, 4-8 p.m. in the school gym, where WCDSB staff will be on hand to answer questions.

Waterloo Reads tallies up the votes Defending “They Left Us Everything”

by Plum Johnson, Wendy Tutt, co-owner of the Princess Cinemas in UpTown Waterloo, was the winner of

the Waterloo Public Library’s fourth annual Waterloo Reads! Battle of the Books. The event held last week saw 10 very local “champions” defend and debate the merits of the 10 books nominated for the 2016 Evergreen Award.

The Evergreen Award is presented annually in Ontario to the author of a work of Canadian fiction or non-fiction as voted by the general public.

In second place, by just two votes, was Elmira author Nan Forler with K.D. Miller’s “All Saints” and third place went to Eric Drozd of 570News with “Birdie” by Tracey Lindberg.

More than 200 people attended the debate between the champions Oct. 18 at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex.

Residents looking for improvements to St. Clements intersection WHITNEY NEILSON ANOTHER COLLISION HAS ST. CLEMENTS residents pushing for improvements at a dangerous intersection.

Where Waterloo Region officials are proposing a fourway stop, they’re looking for a roundabout at Herrgott Road and Ament Line.

The issue is to be discussed next week at regional council. The community will have the chance to give their thoughts on what should be done.

Wellesley Mayor Joe Nowak took the issue to regional council earlier this year after St. Clements resident Butch Voisin brought a petition to the township in May asking regional engineers to find a solution for the intersection.

Just last week there was a two-vehicle collision at the intersection. According to Waterloo Regional Police there have been five collisions there so far this year.

Both Nowak and Voisin are in favour of installing a roundabout. As it stands, the intersection is a twoway stop, with a flashing red light and a decreased speed limit.

“The region has tried so many things over the years.

Each one has just been this incremental thing that they keep trying and none of it seems to work. They tried the rumble strips, that was

shortly after the [Emma] Ringrose fatality and that didn’t work. They’ve tried flashing beacons, they’ve tried bigger stop signs.

Nothing seems to work. I think it’s very safe to say a roundabout is still the safest and best option, not the cheapest, but the safest,” Nowak said.

The collision last week actually took out the memorial cross placed there in memory of Emma, who died in a car accident there when she was just five years old.

The Ringrose family was at council in May in support of Voisin’s petition. They also brought a petition of 2,000 signatures to council after the accident. That’s when the red flashing light and rumble strips were installed. But the collisions continue.

The issue was supposed to come to regional council two weeks ago but Nowak says he was told they were holding off on the report because they wanted to make sure the numbers were accurate. They updated him last week and said they’d be recommending a four-way stop as part of a pilot program, which will be done at a total of four rural intersections.

“The region has indicated that the projection of fatalities with a roundabout over the next 20 years is zero.

Basically they’re saying that

a roundabout is the safest when it comes to looking at fatalities. And I’ve been told that by regional staff time and time again,” Nowak said.

Nowak says they told him it will cost about $2,500 to install a four-way stop, compared to $750,000 for a roundabout.

“The challenge for me as a regional councilor will be to convince council to spend the money. It really boils down to the money,” Nowak said.

After briefly discussing the idea of a four-way stop with township staff, Nowak says they have some serious concerns. Because the road dips down into the intersection from south and north on Herrgott, staff are concerned with the sight lines.

Nowak also wonders how a transport truck will come to a complete stop after coming over the incline so quickly.

The region has to advise the public whenever they’re considering installing a four-way stop. There will be some sort of notification posted at the intersection letting residents know how to provide their comments and suggestions on the idea to the region.

“The big concern with this process is that there’s a lot of folks who drive through that intersection that may not necessarily be comfortable going to a website to fill out a survey and I worry about the accuracy of that sort of a process,” Nowak said.

He’s encouraging all resi-

dents to let their voices be heard about the issue.

While he hesitates to make this a rural versus urban issue he notes how common roundabouts are in the cities and says this is a rural issue requiring a rural solution.

Voisin agrees he’s “not particularly in favour” of a four-way stop. Having seen accident after accident there, he’s had plenty of time to think about it and he’d support a roundabout due to the low number of fatalities at roundabouts.

“The other concern I’ve got too is for the volunteer firefighters that are out here. They respond to major collisions at that intersection. There’s a good chance that they know somebody in the collision or know a

COLLISION CLOSES ELMIRA INTERSECTION

Emergency responders arrived at the scene of a two-vehicle collision at Union Street and South Field Drive in Elmira just before 4 p.m. on Monday afternoon. The collision left debris all over the road. Traffic was diverted while the incident was investigated and cleaned up.

[LIZ BEVAN / THE OBSERVER]

LINC: Program looks to reduce the barriers to newcomers settling into new lives FROM | 3

said Brown. “I really think it is closer to home.”

WCS executive director Don Harloff says the partnership with Conestoga College was a natural fit. The local community services organization was created with programs like LINC in mind.

“We were approached by various places, businesses and churches, asking if it

was possible to provide a service such as LINC, and I said, ‘absolutely.’ That is one of the main reasons that we developed this lovely building and bring in services that were pertinent to local people,” he said. “With the Syrian refugees coming into the community in the last year, there was a lot of interest from community members on providing services local-

ly so that families wouldn’t have to go into K-W.” LINC is just one of many examples of the regional community coming together to help those who need it.

“I think partnership is one of our missions and our mandate. We have quite a few partnerships with other agencies and we want to provide great opportunities for township people to access those ser-

vices that they are interested in. We have the literacy group of Waterloo Region coming in with Project Read, we have Carizon Family and Community Services coming in and using our building, we have Conestoga College employment services and career centre coming in, they are coming in and doing things out of our building and we have some private individ-

uals using the building for their own programs,” said Harloff. “You want to make it as easy to access as possible. The harder it is to access, the less likely people are to seek them out. We want to reduce those barriers as much as possible so people have access to what they need.”

To learn more about the LINC programming, call WCS at 519-669-5139.

relative or a neighbour or a friend. It affects them as well,” Voisin said.

He’s in the planning stages of how best to convince regional council, whether that’s another petition or something else.

“It’s a major concern out here. I know a lot of people in this community and Linwood, Hawkesville, everybody’s concerned about the intersection. It’s almost to the point that people avoid going that way just for the fear of it,” Voisin said.

Every Set

of Lost Keys

Has a Story “We lost our keys at a hockey game out of town, including our expensive-to-replace smart key for the car. Our War Amps key tag did its job when our keys were returned to us last week by courier, much to our relief.”

– War Amps supporter

The Key Tag Service – it’s free and it works.

Nearly 13,000 sets of lost keys are returned every year.

Order key tags online.

The War Amps 1 800 250-3030 waramps.ca The War Amps does not receive government grants.

Charitable Registration No.: 13196 9628 RR0001

6 | COMMENT

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

JOE MERLIHAN PUBLISHER STEVE KANNON EDITOR

COMMENT

DONNA RUDY SALES MANAGER

WHITNEY NEILSON REPORTER

LIZ BEVAN

PATRICK MERLIHAN PRODUCTION MANAGER

JAKE STALLARD GRAPHIC DESIGN

REPORTER PUBLICATION MAIL AGREEMENT NUMBER 1004840 | ISSN 12039578

OUR VIEW / EDITORIAL

THE VIEW FROM HERE

Bus debate about making wise spending choices MIRED IN A LOSING streak at the tables in Vegas, some people will double down. Others will walk away, cutting their losses.

Woolwich faces a similar situation in looking at expanding service despite falling ridership and revenue for Grand River Transit route 21.

In place for more than seven years now, the bus route connecting Elmira and St. Jacobs to the GRT hub at Conestoga Mall has never blossomed. Its numbers are in fact down for the last couple of years. Construction delays in St. Jacobs hit the route hard this summer, and there’ll be more of the same next year, but the declines are in keeping with trends throughout not just the region but North America-wide.

In looking at ways to boost ridership on the local route, Woolwich is pondering the extension of evening hours.

Some of the few comments received note the bus isn’t convenient/workable because it does not run in the evening – it doesn’t allow for returns later in the day, or evening trips to Waterloo. Despite the reservations of many councillors, the township plans to consult the public for its input on that plan.

Nothing wrong with consulting with people. Councillors will have to be mindful of the same pitfalls that occurred during the trial period of route 21: few respondents, and almost all of them turning out to support something of benefit to them.

This applies to many issues brought before council, of course, but the bias and statistically irrelevant numbers should be a factor in the township’s decisions, but sadly that’s not often the case.

High on the list of considerations is the cost. The extended hours would add another $83,000 a year to almost $500,000 the township is already paying for the limited number of users today. Only about a fifth of the cost is recovered through fares – quite casually, the already low target of 25 per cent recovery (thus 75 per cent subsidized by taxes) has been dropped to 20 per cent. With no guarantees of increased ridership, the tax hit could grow even larger.

Those taxes are collected by the region through a township-wide levy, meaning everyone in Woolwich pays for it without even the potential to use the service.

There are few arguments against public transit. But, as last week’s debate at Woolwich council clearly shows, there is much to discuss about the costs, specifically the cost-benefit analysis.

The numbers show only a few hundred people use the bus. That’s beneficial, but does it warrant the cost? That not only applies to the proposed expansion, but to keeping the service altogether. There appears to be no appetite around the council table for cancelling the bus despite the poor numbers, but the township should tread lightly in looking to spend yet more money. Even more so in considering the extension of services to Breslau, where ridership numbers are likely to be lower still, while expenses remain high, perhaps in the same range as the Elmira route.

As with all services, the question that typically goes unasked by councillors and bureaucrats is, what are we prepared to give up in order to pay for it? Instead of prioritizing needs versus wants, all too often politicians simply slap on another expense, forcing taxpayers to pick up the tab.

Before going to the public and making a decision on route 21 – and back to the well they often deem bottomless – officials should look at the long list of fiscal priorities, factoring in taxpayer fatigue.

In the spirit of Halloween, there are more than a few ghostly apparitions to be seen, some closer at hand than others.

WORLD VIEW / GWYNNE DYER

A tale of two cities: similarities outweigh the differences WORLD AFFAIRS TWO GREAT SIEGES ARE getting underway in the Middle East, one in Mosul in Iraq and the other in Aleppo in Syria. They have a great deal in common, including the fact that the attackers both depend heavily on foreign air power, but they are treated by most international media as though they were completely different events.

How similar they are will become clearer with the passage of time.

Sieges of cities, once a major part of warfare, grew rare in the course of the 20th century, mainly because of the rise of air power. You didn’t need to besiege cities anymore, because you could just smash them to smithereens from the air: Guernica, Dresden, Hiroshima. But that’s not so easy in the era of instant global media coverage.

Seventy years without a really major war have allowed us to develop a major dislike for killing civilians from the air. No-

body on either side would have been the least bit reluctant to blast Aleppo or Mosul into oblivion in 1945 if it served their strategic purposes, but moral tastes have changed.

They haven’t changed that much, of course, or we would be seeing a horrified rejection of the entire concept of nuclear deterrence, which is based on the threat to extinguish millions or tens of millions of innocent civilian lives if the other side behaves too badly. But when the destruction from the air is piecemeal, with relatively small numbers of identifiable victims, we can get quite upset about it.

Every civilian death from bombing in Iraq and Syria – but not the thousands of other civilian casualties each month – is therefore publicly catalogued and condemned.

The Russians are taking enormous criticism over their bombing of the rebelheld eastern part of Aleppo (although the indiscriminate “barrel bombs” are the work of the Syrian air force, not the Russians).

The U.S. air force has been much more careful

about its bombing around Mosul so far, but it too will end up having to choose between bombing the city heavily and seeing the Iraqi government’s attack fail.

Both Mosul and eastern Aleppo are Sunni Muslim cities facing an attempted re-conquest by Shia-dominated national governments. In both cases the rebel fighters who control the besieged areas are jihadi extremists: Islamic State in Mosul, and the Nusra Front in eastern Aleppo. (In Aleppo, the jihadis number perhaps a thousand out of ten thousand fighters, but they dominate both the fighting and the decisionmaking.)

In both cases, too, the troops on the government side are divided by ethnic and sectarian differences, and largely unreliable.

Which is why, in the end, government victory in both countries depends on foreign air power.

In Aleppo, the troops leading the attack on the ground are mostly Shia militias recruited from Lebanon, Iraq and Afghanistan and paid for by Iran.

Actual Syrian army troops have been decimated and

exhausted by five years of war, and those who remain are being carefully husbanded. So they wait for the Russians to bomb the defenders to pieces, and just use the troops to mop up afterwards.

In the case of Mosul, the attacking forces are even more varied. The Iraqi government’s regular troops are mostly Shia, and the pro-government militias are entirely Shia and notorious for treating Sunnis badly. Since almost everybody left in Mosul is Sunni, they are terrified of the government’s troops.

The Iraqi government has therefore promised that Shia militias will not enter the city, nor will the Kurdish troops that are assisting in the early part of the offensive. What this means, however, is that very few soldiers will actually be fighting once the attack reaches the edge of the city proper.

There will be perhaps 25,000 Iraqi regular army troops in the final assault, of whom maybe half can be relied on to fight. There will be around 5,000 AmerDYER | 8

COMMENT | 7

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

THEIR VIEW / QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What are you dressing up as for Halloween?

» Alice Rae

» Adam Porsius

» Zak McGuire

» Kaden Battler

» Lily Noordam

“A Fish.”

“A Minion.”

“Batman.”

“A Basketball Player.”

“Cinderella with gloves and a crown.”

“Every civilian death from bombing in Iraq and Syria ... is therefore publicly catalogued and condemned” Gwynne Dyer | 6 HIS VIEW / STEVE KANNON

Highrises, ugly architecture and gridlock a symptom of poor growth strategies EDITOR'S NOTES LIKE MANY PEOPLE I know, I’ve been giving the downtown cores of both Kitchener and Waterloo a wide berth due to the relentlessly annoying and completely useless LRT construction. Roads are generally closed and occasionally reopened on a schedule known only to ... well, nobody, it seems.

Waterloo’s core is likely to recover once that construction is over, though the train will make getting around perpetually more difficult and frustrating.

Downtown Kitchener will be an interesting case study: already possessing little appeal, it will suffer from the light rail system making it less accessible to vehicles – the train itself will be lightly used, as even the region knows.

Other construction is also an impediment, and an incentive to take one’s trade elsewhere.

Having poured hundreds of millions into its core,

Kitchener has little to show for it. There has been some additional residential and office construction, all of it unattractive – some of it an eyesore – which is problematic in an already aesthetically challenged downtown (you can count the number of “keepable” buildings on one hand).

Still, the region continues to grow, though not really in any way related to how municipal planners were trying to engineer.

(The court decision clearing the way for massive development on the west side of K-W essentially nullified any plans, including the remaining poor rationale for the LRT.) There will be growth in the city cores.

With provincially-mandated-but-not-locally-relevant density rules in place, that growth will be upwards.

It’s with that in mind that Kitchener has been trying to hash out guidelines for highrise buildings.

That includes making sure the tall buildings fit in with the neighbourhood, without boxing in the area and taking away from streetlevel living. Generating public spaces, green in-

HOW TO REACH US

Much worse atrocities can be found in Toronto, of course, where the glassand-steel wall blights the skyline and cuts residents off from the lake.

But Waterloo Region is not immune, as highrise buildings are set to become less novel than was the case. None of the existing stock qualify as pleasant to behold. None of the new stuff improves the situation. None of the planned developments is likely to change that.

Of course, that’s a completely subjective view. I’m not alone in that opinion, however. There’s lots of ugly architecture, but the problem is compounded when the eyesore is writ large, making it difficult to avoid. We all pay the price for the follies of others.

Which brings me to the issue of increased density and reurbanization that is at the core of both provincial planning policy and the sole surviving rationale – however dubious – for Waterloo Region’s light rail transit scheme. In short, we’re told to expect more highrise buildings, like it or not.

Proponents say increased density is needed to deal with a growing population. The alternative is more sprawl and loss of farmland. Those are two things to avoid. A better alternative – a shrinking population that would eliminate such pressures entirely – is never discussed. It goes against the Ponzi scheme that is our economic system. Instead of falling housing prices due to decreased demand, which is beyond-the-pale thinking in official circles, we’re supposed to shrink the supply of land even as we pump in more people to increase demand.

That’s a fairly widespread economic stance, one that planners want to apply to the LRT. The results will largely be negative. As I’ve pointed out before, property values have increased along transit lines established in other cities, though the density issue has met with mixed results. What has happened, however, is that gentrification of previously low-income neighbourhoods, the kind of core areas sliced through by rail

lines, drives up prices and drives out those with lower incomes, precisely those who might actually use public transit.

Those with money to invest in such properties do well. Those displaced, well, they don’t fare so well. And everybody else pays for the over-budget and underused transit system courtesy of their taxes.

The approach adopted by the region won’t provide better transit or be costeffective. It will, we’re told, reshape land-use patterns.

That’s necessary due to the aforementioned sprawl.

In order to curb it, municipalities need policies to limit land use. They need to make developers pay 100 per cent of the costs of expanding: all the roads, all the infrastructure, all the soft costs. That’s not going to happen, so we get sprawl and we all pay for it. By going along their current route, municipalities end up sending mixed signals: encouraging sprawl, and then punishing those who live in those newly-developed areas.

KANNON | 8

PHONE 519.669.5790 | TOLL FREE 1.888.966.5942 | FAX 519.669.5753 | ONLINE WWW.OBSERVERXTRA.COM

ADDRESS 20-B ARTHUR ST. N., ELMIRA, ON N3B 1Z9 LETTERS

cluded, is on the wish list.

It’s an admirable goal, though not as admirable as limiting height to, say, five stories in order to minimize the dehumanizing scale of development – not just ugly, it’s not really a fit for human beings in the long run.

And it’s unlikely the guidelines will include anything about not making the buildings unsightly – an issue apparent almost everywhere in North America for many years now.

That’s a reality noted by Kitchener councillor Coun.

Frank Etherington.

“I think it’s overdue,” he said of the tall building guidelines discussed this week by city council. “Get it done as soon as possible so that we’re not caught short with … ugly, poorly constructed highrises.

We’ve already got our share of those around the city.”

Well, more than their share, which is also true next door in Waterloo, where rapid construction of highrises has beset the neighbourhood around King and Columbia streets in particular, the universities being nearby.

Letters to the Editor should be exclusive to The Observer. Include name, address and daytime phone number. Unsigned letters must contact Editor for publishing consideration. Keep letters under 350 words. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. This newspaper declines announcements, poetry and thank-you letters.

EDITORIAL

ADVERTISING

PRODUCTION

PUBLISHER

519.669.5790 EXT 103

519.669.5790 EXT 104

519.669.5790 EXT 105

519.669.5790 EXT 107

editor@woolwichobserver.com

ads@woolwichobserver.com

production@woolwichobserver.com

publisher@woolwichobserver.com

COPYRIGHT The entire contents of The Observer and online edition are protected by copyright. No portion thereof is to be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the specific permission of the publisher.

Reproduction rights can be obtained from ACCESS COPYRIGHT located at 1 Young St., 1900, Toronto, ON M5E 1E5 | 416.868.1621

PRESS COMPLAINTS & ASSOCIATIONS The Observer is a member of the Ontario Press Council which considers complaints against member newspapers. For more information contact www.ontpress.com. The Observer is a member of the Ontario Community Newspaper Association [CCNA], Canadian Community Newspaper Association and The Greater KW Chamber of Commerce.

8 | COMMENT

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

THE MONITOR

VERBATIM

THIS WEEK IN HISTORY

While 74% of human resources (HR) managers say their company encourages staff to stay home when they’re sick, 87% of employees have gone to the office anyway. Some 32% of those who showed up to work while ill did so because they felt well enough to do their jobs; another 32% said they didn’t want to fall behind on assignments.

“Ontario is in an energy crisis, but the Wynne Liberals are too out of touch to the challenges Ontario families face to take the needed action. The effect of high hydro rates is felt at home and at work, at our hockey rinks, as well as our hospitals. And, while countless families are being driven into energy poverty, this government will continue to proceed with the fire sale of Hydro One.”

Some 1,500 fans erupted into cheers as the Atlanta Thrashers skated onto the ice of the Dan Snyder Memorial Arena last week.

The Thrashers took a detour between games in Buffalo and Montreal to honour former teammate Dan Snyder and see the rink named for him. After practice, some of the players handed over their sticks to eager fans, including superstar captain Ilya Kovalchuk, who collected stray pucks to toss to outstretched hands.

» HR industry survey

» Leader of the Official Opposition Patrick Brown on the Wynne Liberals and NDP

» From the Oct. 24, 2009 edition of The Observer

voting for further hydro rate increases

DYER: Only difference is the

NATIONAL VIEW

way attacks are reported

FROM | 6

ican troops in the area, but they are not allowed to engage in direct combat.

And there are about 1,500 Turkish army troops who have been training a Sunni militia north of Mosul (but the government in Baghdad has ordered them to leave).

Islamic State’s five or six thousand fighters have had years to prepare their defences, and street fighting uses up attacking troops very fast. Even “precision” airstrikes in urban areas always mean lots of dead civilians, but central Mosul will not fall unless the United States uses its air

force to dig the defenders out.

Even the current advance across relatively open country south and east of Mosul relies on the massive use of air power to keep the attackers’ casualties down. When the troops reach the city limits, the whole operation will stall unless the U.S. government starts serious bombing in the built-up area.

If it does that, then the civilian casualties will be quite similar to those inflicted by the Russian air force in eastern Aleppo.

But the Western media will doubtless still find ways to see a huge difference between the two.

KANNON: Growth mantra not

challenged by policymakers FROM | 7

High Efficiency Gas Furnaces Buy before November 30, 2016 and choose from one of two offers** UP TO

$850 DISCOUNT

ON COMPLETE SYSTEM

*

Compact, mixed-use communities modelled on the best of European examples would be ideal outcomes, countering the North American suburban expanse that’s been the norm for several decades.

There’s a big if, however, as the gamble – let’s be clear, they’re planning to

We’re Honored to be a Diamond Winner

spend a great deal of your money on this bet – remains something of a long shot.

Fewer people, degrowth and human/humane living conditions should be the goal. But it’s all about the money (pyramid scheme economics) so we’ll continue along the current path, frogs in a pot until something pops.

A MATTER OF OPINION...

...YOURS.

We appreciate your time and efforts, thank you for voting for us!

WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR

www.observerxtra.com/write-a-letter

10-YEAR EXTENDED

SERVICE AGREEMENT

For more than 20 years we’ve been providing TOP NOTCH SERVICE.

• Modulating, Two Stage Variable and Single Stage ECM motor models - up to 98% AFUE

We treat our patients with respect & care.

• Outstanding No Hassle Replacement Limited Warranty and 10 Year Parts Limited Warranty Protection TM

®

Why we are your (519) 638-2836 *Timely registration required for 10 year parts limited warranty. Limited warranty period is 5 years for parts if not registered within 90 days of installation.

Jurisdictions where warranty benefits cannot be conditioned on registration will receive the registered limited warranty periods. If a compressor, coil, or heat exchanger fails due to defect during the applicable No Hassle Replacement limited warranty time period, a one-time replacement with a comparable Tempstar unit will be provided. Please see warranty certificate for further details and restrictions. **Tempstar offers apply only to T/F series products.

Rebate values vary by model. See dealer for details. AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. Many models are ENERGY STAR© qualified.

Ask your contractor for details or visit www.energystar.gov.

Hearing Clinic

 3 Doctors of Audiology onsite daily.  We are the preferred clinic of choice by The Ministry of Health  Audiologists are licensed and regulated health professionals.

for testing infants and children.

Clock Tower Wellness Centre 69 Arthur St., S., Elmira w w w.earandhearingclinic.com

519-669-4425

• Residential and Commercial • Furnaces, Fireplaces, Water Heaters Indoor Air Quality and More BOOK YOUR HEATING MAINTENANCE TODAY!

1080 Northfield Dr. E., RR2 West Montrose

519-206-0336 | koebelhcm.com

Evening & Weekend Appointments | 24hr Emergency Service

SPORTS | 9

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

SPORTS NOT SO GREAT OUTDOORSMAN / STEVE GALEA

CURLING / MILESTONE YEAR

Getting swept up in the club’s anniversary

Armchair hunters should leave some wiggle room

Through all the changes, the game remains the focus of Elmira Curling Club 60 years on

OPEN COUNTRY

her coming back, and of course, wanting to win a few.

“I like the social aspect, and I like the competition as well. I have a competitive nature. I just love the sport. I am not sure what exactly it is,” she said. “I am the super spare. If anybody asks me to come and play with them, I am there.

It is a really great sport. I like to curl in a variety of leagues because I like to know a lot of people.”

The beauty of curling is that is really is for everyone. The club has over 300 members, including 50 kids who play in their own league on Sunday afternoons.

I MET MY BUDDY for a coffee the other day and we started talking about the all-important issue of deer stand placement. More importantly, we started talking about the deer stand placement of another hunter we knew. We’ll call him Bill.

Armchair strategizing is half the fun of hunting – any hunter will tell you that. But there is an art to it. The conversation that follows illustrates the classic technique used by experienced hunters.

“I hear old Bill has placed his ladder stand at the base of the ridge in the middle of all those birch trees,” I said.

“Yup,” my buddy replied.

“It wouldn’t be in my top ten locations.”

“You can’t tell that guy anything,” I answered.

“The wind is all wrong there,” my friend said.

“Yup, it blows right down that hill every evening and swirls unpredictably through there for the rest of the day,” I said.

“The main deer run is on top of the hill too,” my

CURLING | 10

GALEA | 11

Elmira Curling Club member Sue Martin is in the midst of planning the club’s 60th anniversary celebrations, with an open house showcasing the history of the club set for Nov. 5.

[LIZ BEVAN / THE OBSERVER]

LIZ BEVAN THAT DIAMONDS ARE SOMETIMES referred to as rocks and ice is particularly applicable just now for the Elmira Curling Club: the organization is celebrating its 60th anniversary.

To celebrate the anniversary of the local sports club, volunteers and the Elmira Curling executive are hosting an open house, complete with a trip through club history and awards for lifetime members.

“We have these great big boards made up – one for every decade. They’ll have pictures, who the president was, what the club fees were, some old trophies.

We just want to show how the sport in Elmira has progressed,” said Sue Martin, a club member for 40 years.

The club, which initially reserved a night at the community arena for a few ends of curling, got going in 1956. Much has changed since then.

“When I started, we used a corn broom and you had to sweep really hard. You get a good workout if you are a sweeper,” she said, adding that not everything is new.

“The new brushes are a lot easier than the corn brooms. They are also a lot cleaner. You used to get bits of straw over the place. And, of course, the footwear has improved so

much. You can now get different levels or grades of sliders, but the nature of the game is still the same.”

Elmira curlers will also be hosting teams from across Ontario as the host of the final ends in the Home Hardware Bonspiel on Nov. 19.

The club building, adjacent to the golf course clubhouse, has been getting a few upgrades, just in time for the open house, including screens in the viewing area and new scoreboards.

She says the club wouldn’t be where it is without the help of volunteers, and a new batch of curlers looking to play.

There are about 30 players new to the club this year,

thanks to the Curling 101 program.

“For years, we distributed flyers, bought ads, and we weren’t having a lot of success. We started a whole league because of Curling 101,” said Martin, adding that volunteerism is what allows the club to expand. “Every club member is asked to step up and do something, and they do. For example, we pebble and scrape the ice ourselves, volunteers serve all of our food and drinks – you get that feeling of being a member of the club. It is all volunteers.”

Martin has been a member for four decades and says it is the community within curling that keeps

NORTHFIELD IS NOW OPEN!

Don’t forget our great BREAKFAST, our quick

and HOMEMADE LUNCHES and Daily DINNER SPECIALS! Please call to inquire about our specials

615 Davenport Rd., Waterloo | 519-886-4752 | Hours: Mon. - Sat. 7am-9pm; Sun. 8am-8pm

10 | SPORTS

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

CURLING: Open house set for Nov. 5 FROM | 9

“We have some juniors that started at age seven, and we have seniors,” says Martin. “There are no re-

The open house at the Elmira Curling Club is on Nov. 5 at noon until 6 p.m.

For more information, visit www.elmiracurlingclub.ca or call 519-669-4220.

strictions in age. You can curl with your kids, your spouse, your mom and dad. There are not a lot of sports that have that kind of environment.”

Notice of Public Consultation Centre

Church Street East Improvements, 120m East of Spruce Lane to Arthur Street Town of Elmira The Regional Municipality of Waterloo invites you to attend a Public Consultation Centre for proposed improvements of Church Street East, from 120m East of Spruce Lane to Arthur Street (please refer to the attached key plan for the project location). This project is tentatively CH URCH ST . W. scheduled to be constructed in 2019 CHURCH ST in the Region’s Transportation . E. Capital Program. The planning for this project is underway and the Project Team is seeking input from the public. The following improvements are being considered: • Full reconstruction of the pavement structure; • Wider pavement to accommodate bikes and buggies; ROAD IMPROVEMENTS • Replacement and upsizing of REGIONAL ROAD No. 86 (CHURCH STREET EAST) sanitary sewers, watermains, cellar drains, and storm sewers; • Replacement and widening of existing sidewalk from Memorial Avenue to east of Duke Street; • Installation of 600m of new sidewalk on the north side of Church Street from east of Duke Street to the east project limits; • Urbanization of the north side of Church Street from east of Duke Street to the east project limits to improve drainage and help reduce traffic speeds; and • New watermain and water services to property line from George Street east to the east project limits (still under consideration by Township).

All interested parties are invited to attend an informal, “drop-in” Public Consultation Centre for this project as follows: Thursday, November 10, 2016 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 27 Mill Street, Elmira Plans and other project information will be available for your review and staff will be present to answer your questions. An information package containing all project information and answers to frequently asked questions will be available at the Public Consultation Centre.

Additionally, it can be viewed at the Region’s website below after November 4th, 2016.

Your comments will assist the Project Team in finalizing the Recommended Design Concept. The plans will also be available for viewing after November 10, 2016 at the Regional Administration Building, Design and Construction, 150 Frederick Street, 6th Floor, Kitchener. The plans will also be available online at: www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/gettingAround/FutureConstructionProjects.asp If you are unable to attend the Public Consultation Centre and would like to make your views known, please address your comments by, Monday, November 28, 2016 to: Boris Latkovic, Region of Waterloo, 150 Frederick Street, 6th Floor, Kitchener, ON N2G 4J3. Tel: 519-575-4457; Fax: 519-575-4430; E-mail: blatkovic@regionofwaterloo.ca Accessibility: This event is accessible for people with disabilities. Accessible Parking is available. If you require assistance to attend or participate in this meeting, or to access information in alternative formats, please contact Boris Latkovic (as above) at least five days prior to the meeting.

All comments and information received from individuals, stakeholder groups and agencies regarding this project are being collected to assist the Region of Waterloo in making a decision.

Under the Municipal Act, personal information such as name, address, telephone number, and property location that may be included in a submission becomes part of the public record.

Questions regarding the collection of this information should be referred to Boris Latkovic 21

PL.

W.

IN'S

.

ERB ST.

KE ST .

HIGH ST.

CHARLES

MILL ST.

DU

FIRST ST.

LA

ST.

LA.

RT

GEXR

FIRST ST.

ARTHUR ST

. S.

ME

MO

RIA L

AV

CENTRE ST.

SNYDER AVE.

. W.

E.

S.

86

PARK AVE

MA

SPRUCE

W.

ST.

R.

LARRY'S LA.

ED

GEORGE

SID

E SID ER E. RIV DR.

SNYDER AVE. N.

ER

AR

RIV

TH

UR

ST

.N

.

KENNING

[WHITNEY NEILSON / THE OBSERVER]

Kings extend streak to seven

86

PUBLIC CONSULTATION CENTRE LOCATION: ST. PAUL'S LUTHERAN CHURCH 27 MILL STREET, ELMIRA

E.

21

ORIOLE PKY

. W.

Make it seven wins in a row for the Elmira Sugar Kings. Over the weekend they beat Brampton 3-1 and Brantford 4-1. On Tuesday night they defeated Kitchener 3-0. Here, Jake Brown scores in the second period of their home game against Brantford at the WMC last Sunday.

ORIOLE PKY

. E.

APPROX. 120m EAST OF SPRUCE LANE TO ARTHUR STREET ELMIRA, TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH

WHITNEY NEILSON THE ELMIRA SUGAR KINGS extended their winning streak to seven with two wins over the weekend and another victory Tuesday night. In conjunction with that, netminder Jon Reinhart made history, breaking the record for the most wins by a Sugar Kings goalie with the 3-1 win over Brampton.

The Kings faced the Kitchener Dutchmen on Tuesday night in Kitchener.

Ahead of Tuesday night’s game, head coach Ty Canal said it’s a good test for the team to have just one day off between games. The last time they faced each other was Oct. 18 where the Kings beat the Dutchmen 7-6.

“Small mistakes against a good hockey team are going to cost you. So we’ve got to make sure that we’re not doing that and playing how we can and make sure we limit our mistakes and not give them any odd man rushes or second scoring chances because they’re definitely going to score on those,” Canal said.

The Kings beat the Dutchmen 3-0.

Andrew McIntyre scored late in the first for the Kings, assisted by Zack Cameron and Jeff Jordan.

The second period saw no scoring. In the third, Mitch Hoelscher (Ethan Skinner, Jake Brown) and Cameron (Brown, Skinner) gave the Elmira squad the win.

Canal was pleased with the team’s efforts over the weekend.

“I thought we skated well, we competed well.

Penalties were down which was something that we’ve been definitely focusing on and I think we actually outshot both teams, which is something that we were making note of and making sure that we were on the right side of that. The guys were able to step it up and get it done.

It was nice to see that,” Canal said.

The Kings played a tight game in Brampton on Friday, only earning two penalties in the 60 minutes.

Sugar King Skinner scored the lone goal in the first period, assisted

by Brown and Hoelscher.

Elmira increased to a 2-0 lead in the second with a successful shot on net from McIntyre. Spencer Comelli and Tyler McBay were helpers.

The Brampton Bombers scored just once on Reinhart at 16:41 in the second from Adel Zivojevic, assisted by Masson Sarris and Ryan McDonald.

Skinner earned his second goal of the night in the third on a power play, helped by Quinten Bruce and Brown, ending the game 3-1 for Elmira.

Canal says the team was playing the game the way they’re supposed to, with level heads and not letting the other team have many second scoring chances.

“We played a lot more power plays than penalty kills that game which was a good sign for our guys.

Transition was going well, the puck was moving pretty quick. So it was a good team game that I think we

needed. The second period was a little bit of a lull for us there, but then on Sunday I thought the guys brought more of a 60-minute game, which is something we’ve been harping on for awhile,” Canal said.

At home on Sunday against the Brantford 99ers, Skinner was still bringing his A game, putting two more goals in for Elmira in the first. Jordan, Brown (2) and Josh Slegers assisted.

Brantford’s Alec Tiley, assisted by Nolan Regan and Hunter Dubrecki, was the only one to put his team on the board.

The second and third periods didn’t see much action in the Kings’ end.

Brown (Matt Murray, Slegers) and Kyle Soper (Bruce, Blair Butchart) scored to give the Kings the 4-1 win.

“Skinner’s line played really well actually. And Jordan’s line, those guys work. They don’t take anything for granted, they just keep pushing,” Canal said.

He also noted MacIntyre’s work ethic on the ice.

“He’s one that just goes every shift, every game.

You know what you’re getting. He’s a really good hockey player. He’s played really well for us and he’s been really consistent,” Canal said.

Ty Biles was suspended for two games after the Sunday game for a head check early in the first period. He’ll be back on the ice this Saturday.

Elmira is now in secKINGS | 11

SPORTS | 11

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

GALEA: It’s perfectly fine to make fun of another’s technique ... until you see it might work for you FROM | 9

buddy said. “Why the heck wouldn’t he set up there?”

“All those oak trees and all that cover and browse is up top, too,” I said.

“Why the heck would any deer want to walk through an open stand of hardwoods when they

could remain hidden in the thickets up there?” my buddy said. “It’s right next door to where they bed, too.”

“It sure is,” I agreed.

“Anybody who knows anything about bowhunting would set up on the top of the ridge,” my friend

declared.

“Or where the trails intersect at the saddle,” I added.

“The saddle is good too.

That’s where all the does hang out,” my buddy added. “And the place is loaded with buck sign.”

I nodded.

KINGS: Busy schedule changes team’s mindset FROM | 10

ond place in the Midwestern Conference, just two points - or one win - behind the Listowel Cyclones.

Goalie Tyler Mazzocato should be back within two weeks. Canal says they’ll hopefully have Keanan Stewart back on the ice by next week too.

The Kings’ weekend will be consumed by nothing but hockey as they play three games in as many days. Canal says it’ll be a grind but the players are in prepared.

“It’s tough on guys too because it’s still early in the season. But at the same time that’s what happens in the playoffs. It brings a different mindset,

compared to a regular two game weekend. I think it’ll be good for our guys.

It’ll make our guys refocus quick,” Canal said.

On Oct. 28 they’re in Stratford to play the Warriors at 7:30 p.m. Then they’re home on Oct. 29 and Oct. 30, hosting the Waterloo Siskins at 7:30 p.m. and the Guelph Hurricanes at 7 p.m.

“How are your stands doing?” my buddy asked.

“Seeing anything on your trail cameras?”

“I’ve got great photos of squirrels and a doe and two fawns. I also get a visit from a skunk every now and then,” I said. “A big buck will come any day. You?” “I even haven’t placed a stand this year yet,” he said. “I’m going to wait until more leaves are down so I can find just the right spot.”

“Finding the right spot is important,” I said.

Just then Bill walked in beaming from ear to ear.

“He’s going to tell us

he saw a hoof print,” my buddy snickered.

“Or a pile of deer pellets,” I giggled.

It turns out that Bill arrowed a nice 10-point buck from his stand. I went to the counter and bought another round of coffee. Then I patted him on the back while he told the story about that deer and how he had to pass up several other nice ones before he got his chance on the big buck.

When my buddy went to the washroom, I said, “Bill, I always knew that stand was a winner. I mean the wind was just ideal for any

buck approaching the main trail from below to get to the oak flats and all that browse up above.”

“It sure is,” he said.

“You saw more than one buck there?” I said.

“Several,” he nodded.

“Say, would you mind if I used that stand this weekend?” I said. I pushed over a maple-glazed donut just to sweeten the deal.

“I’d say yes, but your buddy beat you to it while you were getting us coffee,” he said. “He’s seems really excited about that stand too.”

I smiled and took back that donut.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION CENTRE EAST SIDE LANDS WASTEWATER SERVICING ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Public Input Meetings on the 2017 Regional Budget Public Input meetings are scheduled to gather input on the 2017 Regional Budget. The meetings will be held on:

Wednesday, November 16, 2016 6:00 p.m. and Wednesday, December 14, 2016 6:00 p.m.

Both Meetings will be held at: Regional Council Chamber 150 Frederick Street, 2nd Floor, Kitchener If you are interested in Regional services you may wish to attend.

Final budget approval for water and wastewater user rates is scheduled for Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. and final budget approval for all other Regional services is scheduled for Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at 3:30 p.m.

Notice of these meetings is being given in accordance with the “Municipal Act” as amended and the Region’s Notice Policy.

Please visit our website for more information on the Regional Budget: http://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/regionalgovernment/budget.asp or view the 2017 Preliminary Budget Book and 2017 Budget Issue Paper Package after November 10, 2016 at the Council and Administrative Services Office, 150 Frederick Street, 2nd Floor, Kitchener. To speak to a Finance Department staff person regarding the budget, please call Cheryl Braan at 519-575-4705 or email CBraan@regionofwaterloo.ca.

You are welcome to attend any of the scheduled budget meetings or the Council meetings.

For a copy of the budget schedule please visit our website, as above. Members of the public may register as a delegation at the two public meetings on November 16th and December 14th, 2016. Please call the Council and Administrative Services Office, 519-575-4400 to register to speak at the public meetings by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, November 14th (for the November 16th meeting) and Monday, December 12th (for the December 14th meeting).

If you require accessible services to participate in these meetings, please contact the Council and Administrative Services office by the Friday prior to the meeting.

Unable to attend the Budget Public Input meetings? Join the conversation online: www.engageregionofwaterloo.ca beginning November 10 to provide your feedback on proposed service improvements in the Region’s 2017 Budget.

Kris Fletcher Regional Clerk All comments and information received from individuals, stakeholder groups and agencies regarding the budget are being collected to assist the Region of Waterloo in making a decision. Under the “Municipal Act”, personal information such as name, address, telephone number, and property location that may be included in a submission becomes part of the public record. Questions regarding the collection of this information should be referred to Cheryl Braan, as above.

The EA Study The Region of Waterloo is undertaking a Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) for the provision of wastewater servicing to the area known as the “East Side Lands”. The goal of the Class EA is to establish a long-term solution for servicing the entire East Side Lands.

This Class EA study will build on the approved East Side Lands Master Environmental Servicing Plan and the Region’s 2007 Wastewater Treatment Master Plan, both of which have included extensive public consultation in the past.

The Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Process This study is being planned under ‘Schedule ‘B’ of the Municipal Class EA. A preferred alignment has been identified for the proposed wastewater servicing pipe that will connect the East Side Lands to the Kitchener Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). A preferred wastewater transfer option has also been identified, which includes the use of sewers without the need for a pumping station. A dedicated service bridge for the sewer pipe is proposed across the Grand River to direct wastewater flows to the Kitchener WWTP. We Want to Hear from You The Public Consultation Centre (PCC) has been scheduled to receive input and comments on the project from interested members of the public: Tuesday, November 8th, 2016 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Deer Ridge Golf Club 200 Deer Ridge Drive, Kitchener, ON N2P 2K5 For Further Information Visit: http://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/MasterPlansandProjects.

Mr. Jorge Cavalcante, P.Eng. Manager, Water Services Regional Municipality of Waterloo 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener ON N2G 4J3 Phone: 519-575-4412 Email: jcavalcante@regionofwaterloo.ca

Mr. Duane Lindner, P.Eng. Manager of Infrastructure Associated Engineering (Ont.) Ltd. Suite 302, 508 Riverbend Drive, Kitchener, ON N2K 3S2 Phone: 226-214-3238 Email: lindnerd@ae.ca

All comments and information received from individuals, stakeholder groups and agencies regarding this study are being collected to assist the Region of Waterloo in making a decision. Under the “Municipal Act”, personal information such as name, address, telephone number, and property location may be included if a submission becomes part of the public record. Questions regarding the collection of this information should be referred to Mr. Jorge Cavalcante.

This notice was issued on: October 27, 2016

12 | SPORTS

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

Jacks get the Ayr monkey off their back

Victory in come-from-behind win was the first over rival Centennials since the 2013-14 season

Evidenced by the amount of scuffling between the Wellesley Applejacks and the Ayr Centennials in their Oct. 22 game, there’s a strong rivalry between the two teams. The Applejacks defeated the Centennials 7-5.

WHITNEY NEILSON IT WASN’T PRETTY AND they spent way too much in the penalty box but the Wellesley Applejacks finally defeated the Ayr Centennials on Saturday night for the first time since the 2013-14 season.

“It’s been a long time coming,” said head coach Brad Gerber.

The Centennials swept the Jacks the past two seasons in the regular season and playoffs. Finally this season, the Jacks have proved they can compete with them.

The win is all the more impressive given they were down 3-0 after the first period.

“At the end of the day I think it goes a long way for the guys. It’s a big morale booster and the way we won and stuck together and got it done is even better yet,” Gerber said.

Centennials Jake Whibbs, Mitch Klie and Riley Clipper scored on Wellesley goalie Ryan Porter in the first. The game got messy at the end of the first period and two penalties were handed out to each team for unsportsmanlike conduct, roughing after the whistle and playing without a helmet.

“I thought we weren’t playing the way we wanted to start and actually the result was exactly what it should have been after the first,” Gerber said.

The Jacks dug in for the second period, scoring three goals in a row to tie the game 3-3. The first Wellesley goal was scored

by Jordon Hoekstra and the next two came from Spencer Brick.

“Having a little talk in the dressing room between

periods I give the boys a lot of credit, they responded very well. We were a lot harder on the pucks and we started doing little things right. It turned out for us,” Gerber said.

Both teams found themselves in penalty trouble early in the second, as Wellesley’s Nick Palmer and Ayr’s Clipper got into it, both receiving roughing and inciting an opponent penalties. And 10 minutes later after Brick scored his second goal of the night, he and Ayr’s Nolan Ferris scuffled, earning more roughing, unsportsmanlike conduct and inciting an opponent penalties.

Connor Maclean from Ayr and Nick Mercier from Wellesley put one more a piece on the board to head into the third frame with the game knotted 4-4.

“Saturday night, it had almost like a playoff atmosphere. There was a lot of high emotions and a lot of intensity and everything that goes with it. And I think that made us a better team, playing that way.

That’s how we have to play, not so many penalties, but I think we have to play with a lot of emotion and a lot of intensity and we’re a much better team. I thought it showed by the end of the night,” Gerber said.

Wellesley gained the lead in the third with another goal from Hoekstra until Ayr added their final goal from Eric Uba at the five minute mark to tie it 5-5. Wellesley’s Seamus Mooney put Wellesley ahead again in the third as both teams appeared to back off the fighting.

Ayr pulled their goalie in a last ditch attempt to score to take the game into overtime, but instead Welles-

[WHITNEY NEILSON / THE OBSERVER].

Top, Spencer Brick scored twice against Ayr. Above left, the Jacks celebrate after tying the game in the second period, and Alex Uttley chases the puck to Ayr’s end. ley’s Brenden Goran scored on an empty net to make the score 7-5 with less than two minutes left to play.

The last minute of play dragged on as the game was stopped with 40 seconds to play when six players started to fight. They managed to play for another 19 seconds before five more players started fight-

ing. Wellesley accumulated 82 penalty minutes on 25 infractions. Ayr had 67 minutes on 21 infractions.

Greg Huber and Brenden Goran were both suspended for one game and Tyson Bender received a fourgame suspension.

“At the end of the day we’ve got quite the rivalry against Ayr. Obviously,

they don’t like us and we don’t like them, and that’s what’s going to happen. It’s early in the season but you want to send some messages and let them know we’re not going to go anywhere.

We’re here for the season,” Gerber said.

He notes Porter made some big saves that kept them in the game against

Ayr. Their second goalie Ryan Hergott is out with a concussion, but should be ready to play again soon.

Perhaps experiencing something of an emotional letdown, the Jacks faced the Paris Mounties the following night, falling 4-2.

Paris pulled ahead in the first with goals from Blake Culley and Mikael Ruffini.

With three minutes to go, Shaun Pickering put the Jacks on the board. Pickering put another puck in the net in the second to tie the game 2-2. But a goal from Paris’ Mathew Walsh with five seconds left in the period and a goal from Brett Wilson in the third, sealed the game for the Merchants.

“After such an emotional game the night before I thought we put everything on the line Saturday night and Sunday was just one of those games. Paris is a good team too,” Gerber said.

Wellesley didn’t run into nearly as many penalty troubles this time around, spending just 34 minutes in the box.

The Jacks are in third place, just two points behind Ayr and four points behind Paris.

This week in practice they’ll be focusing on playing without the puck and tightening up in their own end to keep the number of shots on their goalie down.

And they better rest up because they’ve got games on Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. They’re off to Tavistock to face the Braves on Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m. They’ll be home Oct. 29 against the New Hamburg Firebirds at 7:30 p.m. and then Oct. 30 against the Norwich Merchants for a 2 p.m. game in Wellesley.

SPORTS | 13

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

LANCERS TRAVEL TO WODSS FOR BATTLE OF THE BARNS

At Battle of the Barns last Friday, the junior girls basketball squad fell to the WODSS Crusaders 42-11.

The junior boys volleyball team fought hard on the court at Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School on Oct. 20 for this year’s Battle of the Barns. The Lancers lost 3-1, however.

Senior football players and spectators braved the rainy weather at Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School for this year’s Battle of the Barns. The Lancers took home the win by a score of 29-0.

[LIZ BEVAN / THE OBSERVER]

THE SCORE

WOOLWICH WILDCATS

Tyle: SELECT Oct. 21 vs Milton Home: 12 Visitor: 1 Goals: Zack Forwell (3), Reese Martin, Zach Wiseman (3), Matt Kochut, Colton Brito (2), Lucas Frey, Liam Straus Assists: Mason Gear, Nolan Martin, Max Krasovec, Zack Forwell

Tyke: SELECT

Wyatt Swijters (2) Assists: Cohen Clemmer (2), Josh Wraight

Novice:#3 Oct. 23 vs Ayr Home: 4 Visitor: 7 Goals: Wyatt Swijters, Josh Wraight (2), Colton Sinclair Assists: Wade Holland, Josh Wraight, Duncan Sproule, Wyat Swijters, Cohen Clemmer

Novice: MAJOR A

Oct. 23 vs Hespeler Home: 7 Visitor: 3 Goals: Zack Forwell (2), Reese Martin (3), Matt Kochut, Zach Wiseman Assists: Mason Gear (2), Lucas Frey (3), Zack Forwell (2), Max Krasovec (2)

Oct. 21 vs Brampton Home: 7 Visitor: 2 Goals: Adam Lavigne, Spencer Hume, Caleb Paquet (2), Tristan Hill, Mitchell Krasovec (2) Assists: Mitchell Krasovec (2), Adam Lavigne, Adam Bloch, Spencer Hume (2)

Novice: LL#2

Novice: MAJOR A

Oct. 22 vs Plattsville Home: 8 Visitor: 1 Goals: Owen McAdam (2), Carter Crummer, Cole Heasman, Luke Forbes (3), Casey Dronick Assists: Mason Maurice, Caleb Antonello, Johnathan Petrone, Zachary Carter, Logan McLachlin

Novice: LL#2 Oct. 23 vs Hespeler Home: 4 Visitor: 0 Goals: Luke Forbes, Owen McAdam (2), Casey Dronick Assists: Luke Forbes Shutout: Kelan English

Novice: LL#3 Oct. 15 vs Ayr Home: 3 Visitor: 8 Goals: Colton Sinclair (2), Ryder Bauman Assists: Colton Clemmer, Addison Birmingham, Duncan Sproule, William Krubally

Novice: LL#3 Oct. 16 vs Woolwich Home: 1 Visitor: 3 Goals: William Krubally Assists: Chris Yorke, Ryder Bauman

Novice: LL#3 Oct. 22 vs Twin Centre Home: 5 Visitor: 1 Goals: Colton Sinclair (3),

Oct. 22 vs Ancaster Home: 7 Visitor: 1 Goals: Adam Bloch, Mitchell Krasovec (2), Lucas Benham (2), Adam Lavigne, Caleb Paquet Assists: Luke Wood (2), Avery Collingwood, Spencer Hume, Mitchell Krasovec, Wade McKenzie, Alex Veitch, Tristan Hill, Carter Weir, Sutton Meier

Atom: LL#1 Oct. 23 vs Woolwich #3 Home: 4 Visitor: 1 Goals: Tanner Armstrong (2), Cruz Renon, Hunter Lance Assists: Benjamin Lipp

Atom: LL#1 Oct. 24 vs New Hamburg Home: 1 Visitor: 6 Goals: Adam Short Assists: Hunter Lance, Benjamin Lipp

Atom: MINOR A Oct. 24 vs Brampton Home: 2 Visitor: 0 Goals: Evan Woods, Ethan Burkholder Assists: Karsten Smith, Jakob Noot, Danny Schaefer

Atom: MAJOR AE Oct. 21 vs Centre Wellington

Home: 7 Visitor: 0 Goals: Tyson Roth (2), Owen Weber (2), Cale Waechter, Josh Uhrig, Preston Hackert Assists: Jake Patterson, Seth Shantz, Cale Waechter, Josh Uhrig (2), Hunter Brown, Keegan Martin, Owen Weber, Josh Gibson Shutout: Jake Wingrove Atom: MAJOR AE Oct. 23 vs Halton Hills Home: 3 Visitor: 4 Goals: Cale Waechter (2), Seth Shantz Assists: Hunter Brown, Josh Uhrig (2), Cale Waechter

Peewee: LL#2 Oct. 22 vs Ayr Home: 4 Visitor: 2 Goals: Gabriel Hicknell, Owen Hackert, Turner Duldhardt (2) Assists: Adrian Kocan, Andrew Palmer, Ethan Murr, Ben Whyte (2), Owen Hackert (2)

Peewee: MINOR AE Oct. 9 vs Orangeville Home: 1 Visitor: 4 Goals: Evan Lucier Assists: Michael McDonald, Tucker Armstrong

Peewee: MINOR AE Oct. 15 vs Milton Home: 4 Visitor: 12 Goals: Evan Lucier (4) Assists: Owen Brown Peewee: MINOR AE Oct. 16 vs Guelph Home: 2 Visitor: 3 Goals: Jonathan Enns (2) Assists: David Taylor, Nathan Lipp

Peewee: MINOR AE Oct. 17 vs Ancaster Home: 3 Visitor: 6 Goals: Tucker Armstrong (2), David Taylor Assists: Tucker Armstrong

Peewee: MINOR A Oct. 22 vs Halton Hills Home: 3 Visitor: 3 Goals: Eric Hutton, Joe Martin, Sam Hacock Assists: Austin Schnarr, Parker Alles, Jordan Chang

Bantam: MINOR AE Oct. 22 vs Caledon East Home: 2 Visitor: 3 Goals: Alex Hutton, Logan Frey Assists: Ben Fretz

Bantam: MINOR A Oct. 19 vs Guelph Home: 3 Visitor: 2 Goals: Tyler Moore, Owen Lee, Cameron Leonard Assists: Cameron Leonard (2), Kyle Moore (3), Tyler Martin

Bantam: MINOR A Oct. 23 vs New Hamburg Home: 1 Visitor: 0 Goals: Kyle Mulder Assists: Owen Lee, Cameron Leonard Shutout: James Berti

Bantam: AE Oct. 18 vs Guelph Home: 1 Visitor: 5 Goals: Ben Fretz

Assists: Michael Wang

WOOLWICH WILD

TOURNEY

Novice: B

Peewee: MAJOR AE Stoney Creek Ace Bailey Tournament Oct. 21 -23 Game 1 vs Kitchener Home: 1 Visitor: 2 Goals: Sebastian Garrett Assists: Jonathan Staken, Mitchell Hartman

Atom: MINOR AE Oktoberfest Tournament Kitchener, Ont. Oct. 21 -23 Game 1 vs Richmond Home: 3 Visitor: 5 Goals: Carter Snider, Carson Staken, Taylor Weber Assists: Bryson Rozema, Nathan Dyck, Tyler Gingrich Game 2 vs Burlington Home: 1 Visitor: 4 Goals: Tyler Gingrich

Oct. 20 vs South Huron Home: 2 Visitor: 1 Goals: Lexie de Jeu, Katelyn Snider Assists: Addison Bettke

Novice: B Oct.22 vs Huron Home: 2 Visitor: 3 Goals: Lexie de Jeu, Brooke Kroetsch Assists: Lexie de Jeu

(2), Claire Catton (2), Kara MacPherson, Brienne Brezynskie, Kayla Sargent, Olivia Straus, Charlotte McMillan

Peewee: LL#7130 Oct.22 vs Twin Centre Home: 2 Visitor: 2 Goals: Emily Sargent, Kyla Bloch Assists: Kyla Bloch, Michaela Bauman, Emily Sargent, Karli Gingrich

Peewee: BB

Oct. 23 vs Waterloo Home: 1 Visitor: 5 Goals: Lexie de Jeu

Oct. 22 vs Waterloo Home: 2 Visitor: 2 Goals: Haylee Clemmer, Paige Woods Assists: Chloe Hislop, Haylee Clemmer

Atom: B

Bantam: BB

Novice: B

Oct. 22 vs London Home: 8 Visitor: 1 Goals: Claire Jacklin (6), Sara Forwell (2) Assists: Carrie Schwindt

Oct. 21 vs Etobicoke Home: 2 Visitor: 1 Goals: Shae-Lynn Martin, Evaleena Adam Assists: Blythe Bender,

Landyn Meadows, Maddie Goss

Bantam: BB Oct. 22 vs North Halton Home: 3 Visitor: 2 Goals: Blythe Bender, Ella Campbell, Kara Dietrich Assists: Landyn Meadows (2), Shae-Lynn Martin

Game 3 vs North Toronto Home: 1 Visitor: 2 Goals: Bryce Martin Assists: Jackson Andrews

ELMIRA JR. SUGAR KINGS

Midget: MAJOR A

WATERLOO WOLVES

Oct. 28 vs Dundas Home: 1 Visitor: 1 Goals: Cole Altman

TOURNEY

Midget: MAJOR A

Atom: MAJOR A Oktoberfest Tournament Kitchener, Ont. Oct. 21 -23 Game 1 vs Willowdale Home: 3 Visitor: 1 Goals: Landon Hepditch, Tim Hodson, Matthew Ball Assists: Hayden Taylor, Jackson Andrews Game 2 vs Riverside Home: 1 Visitor: 4 Goals: Declan Uniac

Oct. 21 vs Hespeler Home: 1 Visitor: 3 Goals: Riley Runstedler Assists: Ryan Shantz, Cole Altman

Midget: MAJOR A Oct. 22 vs Hespeler Home: 3 Visitor: 2 Goals: Mitch Waters, Ryan Shantz, Earl Schwartz Assists: Bradley Hale (2), Riley Runstedler, Keegan Saunders

The Elmira & District

CURLING CLUB is celebrating its

60TH

ANNIVERSARY JOIN US FOR AN

Open House Nov 5, 12 to 5 p.m.

Exhibition games will take place throughout the afternoon. There will be a formal presentation and cake-cutting at 2pm.

FOR MORE INFO 519-669-4220 OR www.elmiracurlingclub.ca

Recreational and Competitive Programs Offered For Ages 16 Months & Up

WINTER SESSION 11 WEEKS

December 6 – March 6, 2017 NEW ONLINE REGISTRATION

Begins November 7th @ 8:00pm and Closes November 19th @ 8:00pm Payment must accompany registration Late registration will be accepted at a fee of $15 per applicant and only if there is room in the session FOR INFORMATION ON PROGRAMS, GYM CALENDAR, BIRTHDAY PARTIES AND REGISTRATION CHECKOUT OUR WEBSITE www.woolwichgymnastics.com CALL 519.669.2227 or EMAIL wgcregistrar@gmail.com

97 EARL MARTIN DRIVE, UNIT #2, ELMIRA

Please note that all programs are subject to availability and sufficient enrollment.

14 | VENTURE

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

VENTURE FOOD FOR THOUGHT/ OWEN ROBERTS

GROWING SEASON / SEASONAL FARE

Trade jitters surrounds this year’s accord FIELD NOTES

With Halloween around the corner, Floralane Farm Market has plenty of pumpkins for both decorating and eating. They buy them from a grower in West Montrose.

early in the season and stays nice and hot all season. So that’s good because pumpkins like heat, but they also like water,” Snyder said.

Pumpkins require an inch of rain every week.

That wasn’t the case here this summer, so Snyder irrigated to keep them watered. Pumpkins are 90 per cent water. Without enough water they don’t grow as large and they don’t get as firm.

So this season had enough heat for the pumpkins, but not enough water. He says it wasn’t their best growing year on record, but it cer-

IT DOESN’T MATTER WHETHER Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump or the Man in the Moon is elected president of the United States on Nov. 8. Exports, access and jobs have long been driving the agenda for this week’s tri-national agricultural accord meeting in Niagara Falls with Canada, Mexico and the U.S. And that’s not about to change, regardless of who’s called the Commander in Chief.

Some level of politicking is a given when agricultural leaders from the three countries meet annually to discuss important trade and development-related priorities and address challenges and opportunities for growing the agricultural sector. But despite the posturing, they know they are each others’ best trade allies.

Indeed, North American trade takes on increased significance every time there’s a terrorism event that rocks conventional trade abroad, or a hiccup in efforts to develop new trade deals or markets, such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership or the Canada Europe Trade Agreement.

With some obvious exceptions, such as the BSE disaster, trade within North

PUMPKINS | 15

ROBERTS | 15

[WHITNEY NEILSON / THE OBSERVER]

Jack is the king of the harvest

Whether for decorative jack-o-lanterns or tasty treats such as pies, pumpkins are front and center WHITNEY NEILSON THOSE BRIGHT ORANGE VEGETABLES found sitting on most front porches this time of year are big business in Ontario.

There were 3,757 acres of pumpkins harvested in Ontario alone last year, increasing from 3,622 acres in 2014. This works out to 80,690,000 pounds of pumpkins, representing $11,092,000 of farm value.

Stuart Horst sells plenty o’ pumpkins at Floralane Farm Market at the north end of Elmira. He buys them at the Elmira Produce Auction from Shady Lane Greenhouse in West Montrose where they’re grown.

He estimates he bought 2,500 this season and he expects to sell all of them.

“Most people shop here because of convenience and because they like to come to the farm. We do have quite a bit of repeat customers,” Horst said.

He begins selling them a couple weeks before Thanksgiving. But as soon as Halloween’s over, so are his pumpkin sales.

“I try not to have any left over. I’ll sell a bin or two or five if I have a few left over.

I’ll sell them to some people down in the city that have more traffic than I do.

But usually there’s not a lot left over,” Horst said.

He says most people are

buying them for decorations. He also buys quite a few pie pumpkins for eating.

“Those are for our pumpkin pies and whoopie pies.

They’re just a smaller pumpkin. You can use any pumpkin really,” Horst said.

Pie pumpkins are generally smaller and easier to work with if you want to process them. He notes that a pumpkin is as good as its handle. It isn’t worth much if the handle breaks off.

John Snyder from Snyder’s Family Farm knows more than a thing or two about growing a good pumpkin.

One piece of pumpkin knowledge he shares is the scientific name of a

pumpkin handle, which is peduncle. They have a train ride on their farm and that’s one of the fun facts they mention.

“We’ve got a bunch of kids running around yelling peduncle,” Snyder says with a chuckle.

The first step in growing good pumpkins is to start with quality seeds. You also need to have fertile land with enough nutrients in the ground because pumpkins are heavy feeders that like their nitrogen.

Snyder’s Family Farm used to be a tobacco farm, so they’re working on sandy land, which is good for growing pumpkins.

“It heats up nice and fast

PERSONAL INJURY & DISABILITY LAWYERS Motor Vehicle Claims • Serious Injuries • Long Term Disability Denial

HAVE YOUR LONG TERM DISABILITY BENEFITS BEEN DENIED?

DON’T FACE YOUR SITUATION ALONE.

519-742-7774 • www.deutschmannLAW.com

“Committed to Your Future” – Rob Deutschmann

Get the settlement you deserve. NO FEES UNTIL YOUR CASE IS SETTLED.

Home and Hospital Visits Available Serving Waterloo Region for 21 Years “Paquette Travers” and “Deutschmann Law Professional Corporation” practicing in association.

VENTURE | 15

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

ROBERTS: U.S. election campaign has some exporters worrying about access to the U.S. market FROM | 14

America is a pretty safe bet. This being a U.S. election year, however, there’s some uneasiness about the North America Free Trade Agreement. Trump, and to a lesser extent Clinton, question whether the U.S. has lost jobs as a result of the continental accord. I suspect they have some numbers to show that’s the case, numbers that reflect the protectionist mood of American voters.

Ontario is paying atten-

tion. For it, NAFTA has been a gem. Almost $35 billion worth of exports leave our country for the U.S. and Mexico every year. Of that sum, $10.6 billion is from Ontario. If U.S. voters hear the sound of jobs and money being sucked away from their country because of it – which apparently they do, no matter which of the two major political parties they favour – trading partners will need to show why it’s good to keep the borders

open.

Ontario has carved out a niche based on safety, reliability and cleanliness, a purveyor of 200-plus commodities, grown in a wholesome environment on 52,000 family farms.

That image trickles down to farm policy, which is increasingly environmental in nature. When you combine safety and cleanliness with the relatively bargain-priced loonie and proximity to the highly populated northeast U.S.,

Ontario officials think their province looks like a pretty attractive trading partner. They’ve chosen an ideal venue to showcase Ontario. Niagara Falls is a natural wonder shared by two of the three countries in the accord, visited by millions, and home to a border that speaks much more of peace and the exchange of goods than hostility.

In an interview Monday, Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs minister Jeff

Leal made it clear he is committed to growing the NAFTA relationship. “Responsible trade agreements benefit all parties,” he says.

“Ontario’s position is that we’re here to open doors and build relationships, not walls.”

Walls may be an issue with the U.S., especially with Trump, but not with Mexico. Opposite in fact, as shown by Mexico’s embrace of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and the decision in June to lift

restrictions for Canadian cattle or beef from cattle over 30 months of age.

Leal says such trade relationships are how Ontario will achieve its goal of doubling exports and gaining 120,000 new jobs in agriculture by 2020. But, he adds, the whole country benefits, including businesses big and small. Says the minister: “For the Canadian economy to prosper, an exchange of services and goods is vital.”

PUMPKINS: It was an average year in terms of

yield; growers working on new colours, sizes FROM | 14

tainly wasn’t their worst.

“We put about 35,000 seeds in the ground.

They’re between 95 and 99 per cent germination, so you’re going to get almost 30,000 or 35,000 plants and then a good yield you’re going to get three per plant. On an average year you’re going to get maybe one, one and a half, two. We were down maybe one a plant, so we were sitting at about 30,000,” Snyder explained.

He says good seasons

and bad seasons happen to all pumpkin farmers. One year a farmer will have to buy some pumpkins off another farmer and then the next year the selling and buying will be reversed.

And you can get much more than just orange pumpkins nowadays.

There’s everything from white to yellow to even pink.

He says the pink one was a fluke from a farmer in the U.S. The farmer saved the seeds to keep growing them. Snyder’s donates 50 cents from every pink pumpkin they sell to the

Pink Pumpkin Patch Foundation which supports breast cancer research.

And Snyder keeps busy testing 20 to 25 different varieties each year to see which ones fare the best.

“Every year they come out with better ones that are going to withstand mildew and rot and all that.

The pumpkins that you were growing 15 years ago, you don’t grow anymore because they’re junk compared to the new varieties.

Your newer varieties have got better handles, they last longer,” Snyder said.

Stuart Horst also has lots of these little gourds on his farm. He bought 2,500 pumpkins this year and expects to sell out by Halloween.

[WHITNEY NEILSON / THE OBSERVER]

Joining Kindred Credit Union is easy and starts with calling or visiting our Elmira branch and meeting our friendly staff. Join Kindred today and we’ll give $50.00 to a local charity or a Kindred RESP for your child.* Contact:

Banking with Purpose?

It’s about…

Making choices that reflect who you are Connecting with those you care about Being part of something bigger From socially responsible investments to global impact GICs, connecting values and faith with finances can impact the world in amazing ways! At Kindred, we call it Banking with Purpose.

Ready to start banking with purpose?

Call or visit our Elmira branch to join Kindred today.

Brad Martin, Branch Manager

Phone:

519.669.1529

Email: brad.martin@kindredcu.com

Visit the branch: 25 Hampton Street

* Available until December 2, 2016. Kindred Credit Union reserves the right, at our sole discretion, to change, modify, or otherwise alter these terms and conditions at any time without notice.

info@kindredcu.com | 519.669.1529 | www.kindredcu.com

Additional terms and conditions apply.

Visit kindredcu.com for details.

16 | ELMIRA SUGAR KINGS 2016-2017

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

2016-2017

ELMIRA SUGA #2

Dawson Shackelton

Tyler McBay

#4

W.K. Dahms Mfg. Ltd. 48 Arthur St. S., Elmira | 519.669.1611 www.josslin.com

Kyle Soper

#14

Josh Slegers

#5

SANYO CANADIAN

Custom Steel Fabricating & Machine Building

MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED

3074 Sawmill Rd., St. Jacobs | 519.664.3414

33 Industrial Dr., Elmira | 519.669.1591

Klayton Hoelscher

#17

Keanan Stewart

#18

Anthony Azzano

AQUACULTURE

FishFarmSupply.ca

#7

Blair Butc

POND SUPPLIES

877-669-1096

116 Bonnie Cres., Elmira

Mason Sinkeldam

#20

25 Industrial Dr., Elm

Jake Bro

• Charter Service • Diversified Fleet for All Group Sizes • Group Tour Packages • Individual Day & Overnight Tours

555 Maitland Ave., Listowel | 1.877.466.0069 www.cherreybuslines.com

Spencer Comelli

#26

21 Industrial Dr., Elmira | 519.669.2884

2080 Northfield Dr. E. (RR2) | 519.669.1616

Andrew McIntyre

#27

scottseiling@bell.net | 519.505.2490

101 Bonnie Cres., Elmira | 519.669.2809

Tyler Mazzocato

#30

30 Oriole Pkwy E., Elmira | 519.669.4400

374 Arthur St. S., Elmira | 519.669.3390

Jonathan Reinhart

#31

22 Church St. W., Elmira | 519.669.5537

49 Industrial Dr., Elm

Ty Can

315 Arthur St. S., Elm

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

AR KINGS

chart

#8

#21

mira | 519-669-1631

nal

#9

#10

Quinten Bruce

Mitch Hoelscher

#11

Jeff Jordan

#12

www.leroysautocare.net

mira | 519.669.2632

own

Ethan Skinner

ELMIRA SUGAR KINGS 2016-2017 | 17

HEAD COACH

mira | 519.669.5403

56 Howard Ave., #1, Elmira | 519.669.0264

Zack Cameron

#22

P.O. Box 247, RR 1 Elmira | 519.669.5105

Trent Brown

ASST. COACH

20 Oriole Parkway E. | 519-669-1082

#23

Ty Biles

9 Mill Street, Elmira | 519.669.5161

Nick Horrigan

GOALIE COACH

DUB-L-E

• Gas • Diesel • Propane • Touch-Free Car Wash

1145 Printery Rd., St. Jacobs | 519.664.2263

390 Arthur St. S., Elmira | 519.669.2015

63 Union St., Elmira | 519.669.2198

Jacob Black

#24

24 Church St. W., Elmira | 519.669.1647

Becky Brubacher

Trainer

1-2633 Hergott Rd., St. Clements | 519.699.1118

Matt Murray

#25

27 Arthur S. S., Elmira | 519.669.3658

Matt Thaler

Stick Boy

Sip & Bite Home Cooking

39 Arthur St. S, Elmira | 519.669.8991

3006 Lobsinger Ln, Heidelberg | 519.699.4413

18 | RURAL CONNECTIONS

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

RURAL CONNECTIONS CATTLE CARE / ADAPTING TO CHANGE

Immunity for life

Research is helping to solve one of the most harmful diseases in beef cattle NATURAL SELECTION HAS ENABLED all kinds of life forms to adapt to changing environments. Most recently, a University of Guelph professor has harnessed natural variation within the immune system to identify and breed immunity traits to find the healthiest animals.

Years of research has led Dr. Bonnie Mallard, professor and inventor of the High Immune Response (HIR) Technology and the Immunity+ Technology, to develop a testing method to identify animals with natural immunity and enhanced disease resistance.

Her methods have been tested, proven and patented for use in dairy cattle and now Mallard is applying her research to help solve one of the most harmful diseases in beef cattle – Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD).

“Breeding for naturallyoccurring genetic immunity means we are selecting animals for their health,” says Mallard. “Healthier animals are happier animals, but our general research goal is to reduce the overall use of antibiotics associated with disease treatment.”

Mallard and her research team have been applying previously developed Immunity+ Technology, now available for the dairy cattle from Semex, to beef cattle. The research focuses on identifying animals with high immune response traits and breeding to enhance the desired immunity.

University of Guelph professor Dr. Bonnie Mallard, inventor of the High Immune Response (HIR) Technology and the Immunity+ Technology, has developed a testing method to identify animals with natural immunity and enhanced disease resistance.

“While the animal’s overall health will improve, we’re targeting BRD, the most costly disease in Canada’s beef industry today,” says Mallard, explaining that an improved immune system will not only help animals ward off and naturally fight the disease, but animals will also respond better to vaccines, another boost for fighting BRD. Extensive genetic and immunity testing continues and Dr. Mallard expects the HIR Technology testing method to be commercially available to beef farmers in a few years.

“This screening method could be a game changer in improving herd health – it’s a new farm management and breeding tool for livestock farmers to natu-

rally improve herd health and productivity.”

The benefits of this screening technology can extend through the entire food chain too – right through to consumers.

Mallard explains that beef sourced from naturally disease resistant animals is more sustainable and meets current consumer demands.

“Restaurants and grocery stores are already sourcing food with properties like sustainably sourced, GMOfree and organic. HIR offers farmers a new opportunity to raise naturally healthier animals, a win for everyone,” says Mallard.

The HIR Technology is expected to increase an animal’s immune system, helping beef cattle fight

against BRD and provide a lifelong ability to protect themselves.

“We’re targeting this research to achieve the healthiest animals we can breed. Our goal is to provide healthier animals and healthier food.”

Funding from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs-University of Guelph Gryphon’s LAAIR (Leading to Accelerated Adoption of Innovative Research) program has enabled Mallard to continue her HIR technology research into increasing immune responses in beef cattle to BRD.

By Jeanine Moyer for AgInnovation Ontario, a project of the Agri-Technology Commercialization Centre (ATCC).

What’s in healthy soil?

New research looks at how soil health changes DO THE BEST YIELDS come from the healthiest soil?

Not necessarily. But new research suggests farm management practices can impact soil health – and improve a crop’s chance of thriving when times get tough.

Dr. Amanda Diochon, a professor in the Department of Geology at Lakehead University, is part of a multi-partner research study that aims to develop an improved soil health test for Ontario.

The project focuses onhow different management practices impact soil health from four Ontario sites – in Ottawa, Delhi, Elora and Ridgetown. For Diochon’s part, she’s tracking how components of organic matter change over time.

“It’s possible for a farmer to optimize fertilizer levels and optimize yield, but that doesn’t necessarily mean soil will be healthy,” says Diochon. “And sometimes yields may be consistent across seasons or crop locations, but soil health in different fields can be variable.”

So if it’s possible to produce a high-yielding crop with less-than ideal soil, why does soil health matter? Diochon says the answer is simple: insurance.

Healthy soil will be more productive when conditions are less than ideal.

Healthy soil is more resilient and can deal with stressors brought on by a changing climate. For example, soil with healthy

levels of good quality organic matter will hold on to more moisture when climate is dry. And soil with a more diverse and productive microbial community is better able to buffer change.

Diochon is evaluating the effects of crop rotation and tillage on the different properties of organic matter. The key, she says, is in finding indicators in organic matter that are sensitive to change.

“We know what soil health is, but can we measure it? Nobody has that nugget yet.”

Her research team has zoned in on seven key indicators that she says will respond over time. Together, the indicators allow her to measure the physical, biological and chemical properties in soil.

“It’s hard to detect change by measuring organic matter or organic carbon,” says Diochon.

“But by looking at certain attributes in organic matter, such as light fraction or sand fraction, we see they are sensitive to change.”

By examining soil samples from four sites in Ontario, Diochon says researchers will have a more comprehensive understanding of how organic matter responds across location and soil type.

“The hope is this research will identify best management practices to maintain or enhance soil SOIL | 19

CALL US for all your FARM REPAIR NEEDS!

• Quality Drainage Systems • Backhoe Service A family tradition since 1921 Tel. 519-664-2291 Fax 519-664-3491

80 Northside Drive, St. Jacobs, Ontario N0B 2N0

www.freyshatchery.com

Arthur, ON • 519-848-3113 • 877-669-1440 www.martindrainage.com

MACHINE & REPAIR INC. SPLINE CUTTING | LARGE TURNING | KEYING (INTERNAL & EXTERNAL)

CNC Turning | Same Day Service RYAN WEBER | 519.669.2198 63 Union St., Elmira | www.rytechmachine.ca

RURAL CONNECTIONS | 19

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

SOIL: Boosting the resiliency of the system FROM | 18

health. We want to make it as profitable as possible for farmers while minimizing the impact on the environment – and ultimately enhance the resiliency of the entire system.”

This research is being funded by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Grain Farmers of Ontario.

By Lisa McLean for AgInnovation Ontario , a project of the Agri-Technology Commercialization Centre (ATCC).

Graduate student Erin Wepruk assists Lakehead University geology professor Dr. Amanda Diochon with her research into what makes soil healthy.

www.woolwichrentals.ca • 519.669.0524 • 100 Union St. Elmira

WHERE TIRES ARE

A SPECIALTY Stop by Our Retail Store & Browse Through Our Selection of: New & used equipment: feeders, drinkers, cages, nests 6880 Line 86, RR#4 Elmira, ON N3B 2Z3

Hours: Mon. – Fri. 8-5, Sat.8-3, Closed Sun. & Statutory Holidays

Egg supplies: cartons, flats, crates, candler, scale

519-669-2225

NOT A SIDELINE! We Stock Farm, Industrial, Truck, Passenger, and Even ATV and Lawn & Garden Tires.

Call Us for Tires!

Clean Field Services

FARM • TRUCK • INDUSTRIAL • ON THE FARM SERVICE

NEW

Lighter Machine Call Perry Today! 519-638-3457

Serving Woolwich and Wellesley township and surrounding areas

35 Howard Ave. Elmira, ON Monday - Friday Saturdays

8am - 5pm 8am - 12 noon

519-669-3232

www.oktireelmira.com

Thank you for growing a fall C-C-Cover Crop!

www.cribit.com

• • • •

The benefits: Carbon and nutrient Capture C Cattle feed C Control erosion C inCreased organiC matter in

519-664-3701

20 | THE ARTS

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

THE ARTS ON STAGE / LIVE THEATRE

A vacation goes off the rails for laughs House-sitting gig proves anything but idyllic in the Theatre Wellesley production of The Trouble With Cats WHITNEY NEILSON HOUSE-SITTERS IVY AND PHILLIP Julian get more than they bargained for in Theatre Wellesley’s upcoming comical production of The Trouble With Cats.

The Julians are in their 50s and have agreed to housesit for homeowner Joanna Birman at her lakefront cottage. But a relaxing vacation quickly goes awry when some unexpected guests show up.

“They’re very excited about the opportunity to relax, write, spend time together. They’re not even there a couple hours and another couple shows up that is also purposefully being set up to also housesit,” explains show producer Rhonda Caldwell, who also plays Joanna in the show.

Young hippie couple Sunshine and River show up with the impression they’re supposed to be house sitting.

Then they’re joined by Joy and Nelson Bombay, the pesky neighbours who

The

always seem to be popping by.

And there are the three sisters, Mitzy, Noelle and Onie Cheshire who all come with their own quirks. Amos the animal caregiver also makes an appearance.

“There’s some things wrong going on with the house. What some of them involve is there’s a major construction project going on in one of the bedrooms and there’s the mystery about who PJ is. They sort of think PJ is maybe a cat, but they spend most of the show trying to figure out who PJ is,” Caldwell said.

The title of the show comes from the characters thinking PJ might me a cat, but also because many of the characters have cat names like Bombay and Cheshire.

There will be familiar faces on stage since all of the actors have performed on the Theatre Wellesley stage before.

Caldwell explains for their fall shows they like to choose comedies with

Everything is not as it seems in Theatre Wellesley’s production of The Trouble With Cats. The actors have been busy rehearsing since September. Back: Judy Johnson, Ted Shier, Karen Reger, Sascha West. Renee Murray, Grant Chapman. Front: Dave McNorgan, Jamie McLean, Rhonda Caldwell.

[WHITNEY NEILSON / THE OBSERVER] bays who live next door Caldwell notes they’re a large cast and a range of excited to welcome Theatre who just come and invite ages. It’s also important themselves in and also Wellesley veteran Al Strong the characters go through invade the peace and quiet to direct the show, which some good relationship that never happens at this comes with a whole whack development. house. And we’ve got some of quirky characters.

She says the show is real clashes of personali“So we’ve got the Bomgeared to teens and adults.

A Unique Country Experience

IN BUSINESS SINCE 1984 IN WATERLOO

T H E H O M E O F L I V E C O U N T RY M U S I C

AUTO OILING LTD.

ties. The one couple is older and very, very conservative and the other couple is very young and very Bohemian,” Caldwell said.

Despite their differences, both couples are determined to stay. Ivy rolls with the curveball, but her hubby struggles to deal with the change in plans.

This has a huge impact on their relationship.

Written by playwright Gary Ray Stapp this is the first time Theatre Wellesley has done one of his shows.

Caldwell notes one challenge for the actors is making such strange characters seem authentic.

But rehearsals have been going well. They held auditions in June and started rehearsals in September for the November productions.

Some of the actors have even switched roles along the way.

“It’s actually been kind of fun watching somebody be one character and then all of a sudden be someone else and go ‘wow they’re CATS | 23

THE

Commercial Tavern HOFFMANS COMMERCIAL CARS & MINIVANS TRUCKS from from SUV’S from

$65

All prices include taxes.

$70 $75 Come

20A Arthur St. N., Elmira 519-885-1977

Both Shows

See Us “WE’LL” Stop Rust!

advanced CALL NOW for tickets and seating

TAVERN A Unique Country Experience

BOOK YOUR EVENT TODAY!

Christmas, Wedding, Birthday and Family Parties …

Corporate or Personal Join in our ongoing events, or book the Tavern for your own private function.

ENJOY A

FIREWOOD Don’t miss these great shows!

CALL AHEAD FOR ADVANCED SEATING. FOOD AVAILABLE BEFORE, DURING & AFTER THE SHOW commercialtavern.ca

519-648-3644

Assorted Hardwoods Wholesale or Retail Stored Inside DELIVERY OR PICKUP Joseph Gingrich

1303 Maryhill Rd., Maryhill

Unique Country Experience

Call Paul: 519-648-3644

519-669-1079

1296 Balsam Grove, RR#2 Elmira, ON N3B 2Z2

commercialtavern.ca T H E H O M E O F L I V E C O U N T RY MUS I C 1303 Maryhill Rd., Maryhill

CLASSIFIED | 21

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

CLASSIFIED HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE:

WEDNESDAYS BY 10AM

HELP WANTED

AUCTIONS Stolen, Recovered, Lost & Found Sale #41 - Annual Fall

PACKAGING LINE

Delivery Driver for Rural Farm Veterinary Services The ideal candidate for this position will have: • a clean drivers abstract and demonstrated year round driving experience • attention to details and accuracy • helpful, cheerful attitude • ability to lift and carry 60 pounds (ie feed bags) and work in a variety of environments • knowledge of the rural areas radiating from Linwood and Mount Forest • a work history demonstrating reliability • desire to work Monday to Friday on a long term basis, but not looking for full time hours The person who fills this hourly position will enjoy driving rural roads. Work is daily, Monday to Friday, start time approx 9:15 am. Daily hours will vary according to daily and seasonal demand and distances, ranging 3-8 hours per day.

To apply, please send resumé or letter by email to nancy.mulhall@linwoodvet.ca or deliver to 3860 Manser Rd, Linwood, ON N0B 2A0

www.linwoodvet.ca

HELP WANTED

Linwood location. Hours of Work: Monday – Friday 3pm – 11pm with occasional Saturday work as required. Must be capable of lifting 25 kgs. Need a team player who is reliable and works well without supervision.

MILL CLEANING Multiple locations. Hours of work – Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm with occasional Saturday work as required. Must be physically fit, have a valid drivers license, and a good driving record.

Jones Feed Mills offers competitive wages and a good benefit package. Please note that we appreciate all interest, but only successful applicants will be notified. Resumes can be emailed to shaun@jfm.ca.

HELP WANTED

BRIDGELAND TERMINALS LIMITED Protrans is actively seeking a career minded professional shunt driver for Bridgeland Terminals Limited in Elmira. Local Monday to Friday 2:30 AM start time. 45 to 50 hours a week with overtime after 45. $21.00 starting wage. Great benefit package, bonuses and profit sharing programs. Applicants must have at least 2 years AZ experience, clean abstract and CVOR. Talk to us: To apply for this role, please call Jim Taglietti at 519-622-6901 or toll free at 888-213-3375 or email Taglietti.jim@protrans.ca.

Floradale Feed Mill Limited is an independent, family owned and operated feed company serving livestock and poultry producers in Ontario.

We currently have an opening for:

Truck Driver (DZ) - Part Time This part time position will involve safe operation of a bag unit or bulk hopper bottom unit on Saturdays and holidays.

The successful applicant will have • A valid commercial driver’s license • Strong oral and written communication skills • Ability to develop effective work relationships with co-workers, and • Ability to represent the Company positively with customers.

At Floradale Feed Mill Limited we take pride in providing the finest in quality feeds and service to our customers in the livestock and poultry industries.

Therefore, a background in agriculture is considered an asset.

To apply, forward your resume to: Brian Chamberlain, Operations Manager Floradale Feed Mill Limited 2131 Floradale Road, Floradale, ON N0B 1V0 Or e-mail: brianc@ffmltd.com We appreciate all who apply but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

HOW TO REACH US

HELP WANTED

PART-TIME PSW REQUIRED IN SMALL RETIREMENT HOME IN MARYHILL

Pleasant working conditions.

Experience with Dementia clients an advantage.

Fax resume to 519-954-9229 or email: info@hillsideresidence.ca

Elmira Insurance Brokers Ltd. is searching for an experienced

Broker/Client Services Specialist.

Experience in a multi-line Insurance Brokerage or Financial Services Company is a must. RIBO Licensed preferred or someone willing to obtain license.

Searching for an organized, client focused, friendly individual who wants to be pa of our Team!

Email resume to: Tracey Williams at: twilliams.elmirains@bellnet.ca

Floradale Feed Mill Limited is an independent, family owned and operated feed company serving livestock and poultry producers in Ontario.

POLICE AUCTION

We currently have an opening for:

WATERLOO REGIONAL POLICE

Health and Safety Coordinator

(Part-time position but could lead to full time)

For

to be held at

Breslau Airport Road Auction Complex

5100 Fountain St., North, Breslau (Kitchener)

This Health and Safety Coordinator is responsible for promoting the organizational health and safety culture and ensuring compliance with the Occupational Health & Safety legislation. The Health and Safety Coordinator will be responsible for the on-going sustainability of the Health & Safety Management System.

Sat Oct 29th 9:00 a.m.

At Floradale Feed Mill Limited we take pride in providing the finest in quality feeds and service to our customers in the livestock and poultry industries.

Therfore, a background in agriculture is considered an asset.

Ring #2 Starts at 9:30am Canoe * Dewalt Tools * Electronics * Generator * Const, Turf, Laser & Survey Equip * Guitars & Jewelry

Bikes Start at 9am

250+ Bikes - Mountain, Racing, Hybrid & Childs

Lost & Found - Stolen - Recovered

NO Buyer’s Premium!!!

INSIDE -- RAIN OR SHINE

To apply, forward your resume to: Brian Chamberlain, Operations Manager Floradale Feed Mill Limited 2131 Floradale Road, Floradale, ON N0B 1V0 Or e-mail: brianc@ffmltd.com

VIEWING & REGISTRATION: Friday Oct 28th, 2016, 1 pm to 4 pm, Sat 8am to sale.

TERMS: CASH & CARRY: Cash, Interac/Debit, MasterCard & Visa

M.R. Jutzi & Co

We appreciate all who apply but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

HELP WANTED

WANTED

Repair pallets on your farm.

For more information call Rob at 519-664-3688 or 519-575-5128.

HELP WANTED NURSERY WORKERS NEEDED starting October 6, 2016. Pay rate $11.40/hour. Working hours 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., 6 days per week. Work includes field potting, weeding in field and containers, truck loading, digging etc. Must be willing to work in all weather conditions and weekends. Own transportation required. Police clearance needed. Please send resume to: West Montrose Farms Ltd., 1614 Halm Road, West Montrose, ON. N0B 2V0.

PROFESSIONALS IN THE ORDERLY LIQUIDATION AND APPRAISALS OF COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, CONSTRUCTION, MUNICIPAL EQUIPMENT & VEHICLES 5100 FOUNTAIN ST. NORTH, BRESLAU, ONTARIO, N0B 1M0

www.mrjutzi.ca

HELP WANTED

BIDS & TENDERS

HIRING TRACTOR/SNOWPLOW OPERATORS. $23/ hour. Apply with resume to: info@snowtechnologies.ca or call 519-699-0772.

NOTICE OF TENDER Quotations for the 2017 season of snow removal at Maryhill Heritage Park 58 St. Charles St. E., Maryhill N0B 2B0

HEALTH CARE BOWEN THERAPY YOUR choice for effective treatment of specific health conditions or wellness maintenance.

KEVIN BARTLEY, Professional Bowenwork Practitioner, Clock Tower Wellness Centre, 69 Arthur St. S., Elmira.

519-669-0112. Every Body is Better with Bowen!

FOR SALE ANNUAL FALL SALE at Countryside Values. 4976 Hwy 9, RR4, Kincardine, N2Z 2X5.

Oct. 31 - Nov. 12, 9a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed Tuesdays and Sundays. 10% off most items in stock, 15% off cookware and china sets, blue rose and pink rose with gold rim china sets 20% off. More in store specials.

CAMPBELL BELT SANDER with 10ft rolling bed. 120v single phase. Good working condition. $600.00. Please leave name and number, will return calls. 519-664-2418.

519-648-2111

Bid packages are available in the park information board by the front door or e-mail: dmcquinn190@gmail.com Quotations are to be submitted to: 50 St. Charles St. E., Maryhill, N0B 2B0 NO LATER than 5:00p.m.

MONDAY, November 14, 2016 Bids will also be accepted via e-mail. Lowest quote not necessarily accepted.

FOR SALE LAMINATE - LOTS of instock specials from .99 sf.

Wellelsey Home Centre - Flooring Division, 2196 Gerber Rd., Box 10, Wellesley, Ont. N0G 1A0. Phone 519-656-3533.

MANY COLLECTIBLES, ARTWORK and Old and Newer Books. Selling 850+ items and much more.

Searth “Linwood” to see my kijiji ads, using “view poster’s other ads”. 5150 Ament Line, Linwood (indoors) 519-698-1018. Open most Fridays, Noon - 6pm or call for a personal viewing.

FOR SALE MATTRESS AND BOX Spring, new, never used, still in sealed bag. Sacrifice $195.

Delivery available. 519-6358737.

NEW ITEMS ADDED WEEKLY! Visit our 2nd floor clearance centre for mega deals. Back by popular demand- Discount Thursday 25% off lowest ticketed price . Elmira Home Hardware. OPEN Mon Fri 8 a.m. 8 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.

- 6 p.m. & Sun. noon - 5 p.m.

CONTINUED ON PG. 22

PHONE 519.669.5790 | TOLL FREE 1.888.966.5942 | FAX 519.669.5753 | ONLINE WWW.OBSERVERXTRA.COM

ADDRESS 20-B ARTHUR ST. N., ELMIRA, ON N3B 1Z9 PLACING A CLASSIFIED WORD AD

CLASSIFIED ADS

DISPLAY ADS

519.669.5790 EXT 0

519.669.5790 EXT 104

ads@woolwichobserver.com

sales@woolwichobserver.com

RESIDENTIAL COST $7.50 /20 WORDS EXTRA WORDS 20¢ PER WORD

COMMERCIAL COST $12.00 /20 WORDS EXTRA WORDS 30¢ PER WORD

In person, email, phone or fax submissions are accepted during regular business hours. Deadline for Thursday publication is Wednesday by 10 a.m. All Classified ads are prepaid by cash, debit, Visa or MasterCard. Ask about Observer policies in regard to Display, Service Directory and Family Album advertising.

22 | CLASSIFIED

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

CLASSIFIED ADS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 FOR SALE SOFTNER SALT - 20kg bags, minimum 25 bags, skid lots of 56. Delivered in St. Jacobs, St. Clements, Elmira & Linwood areas. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141 or 519-6692045.

WOOD STOVE - complete with insulated pipes. Call 519-824-7535.

AUCTIONS FRI. OCT 28 at 5:00 PM - Property auction of a turnkey commercial property with variety store and 2 recently renovated apartments to be held at 347 Princess St. Shallow Lake for Patricia and Carman Salway. Jantzi Auctions Ltd. 519-656-3555. www.jantziauctions.com

AUCTIONS

AUCTIONS

AUCTIONS

SAT OCT 29 at 11:00 AM Clearing auction sale of woodworking equipment, tools, household effects, antiques, tools, collectables, and miscellaneous items to be held at 75 Peppler St in Waterloo for Arthur Rudy. Jantzi Auctions Ltd. 519-656-3555. www.jantziauctions.com

SAT. OCT 29 at 10:00 AM -Farm Property auction of approx 80 acres including a 3 bedroom recently renovated home, 70 workable acres, and a large steel sided driveshed to be held at 5389 Line 2 Granton for Alex Bucur. Jantzi Auctions Ltd. 519-656-3555. www.jantziauctions.com

SAT OCT 29 at 9:00AM Charity auction of approx 100 quilts, new furniture, donated items, etc, to be held at 7400 Reid Woods Dr Elmira for the Elmira and District Association for Community Living. Jantzi Auctions Ltd. 519-656-3555. www.jantziauctions.com

AUCTION SALE OF 1 storey brick house, tools, household effects, antiques and miscellaneous items, to be held at 11 Dunke St. South in Elmira (off Church St. West near downtown), for Roger and Almeda Gervais, on Saturday, November 5th @ 10:00 a.m.Gerber Auctions Ltd. 519-699-4451.

AUCTIONS

SAT. NOV 5 at 9:00 AM -Annual Charity auction of new donated items; furniture; quilts; gift certificates and more to be held at the Stratford Rotary Complex 353 McCarthy Rd for the Gospel Echoes Team. Jantzi Auctions Ltd. 519-656-3555. www.jantziauctions.com

AUCTION SALE OF Antique tractors, car, machinery, trailers, commercial lawn tractors, butcher equipment and miscellaneous items, to be held at 1209 “C” Snyder’s Rd.1 km east of Baden, for Mike Koller, on Saturday Nov. 19th @ 10:00 a.m.

Gerber Auctions Ltd. 519699-4451.

TOY AUCTION OF Tractor trailers, farm tractors & implements, industrial, banks, memrobilia & other interesting items, to be held at the K.W. Khaki Club, 2939 Nafziger Rd. 2 miles south of Wellesley, for Les Jacklin, Bob Foxton (both of Wingham), The Peter Bleay Estate, Tavistock and additions, on Saturday, November 12th @ 10:00 a.m. Gerber Auctions Ltd. 519-699-4451.

HAY & STRAW SMALL SQUARE STRAW for sale. Delivered. 519-6355416.

FARM SERVICES BAGGED PINE SHAVINGS Agricultural Spray Lime, 22.5kg. bag; feed grade lime, 25kg. Delivered. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141 or 519-6692045.

PUBLIC NOTICE

FARM SERVICES KILN DRIED CORN & CORN SCREENING Delivered by Einwechter. Minimum 15 ton lots. Call George Haffner Trucking 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045.

FIREWOOD GERBER’S FIREWOOD YOUR source of quality slabwood and seasoned bodywood.

All prices include delivery.

No Sunday calls please. 519656-2057.

WANTED CASH FOR OLD watches, jewellery, all gold and silver, coins, military, toys, records. Call Terry 519-2100551 Elmira or 519-242-6900. gallamore@golden.net 40 years experience, fair honest prices. Will travel.

WANTED LOOKING FOR A Shop for rent.

1000 - 2000 sq. ft. Elmira area, must have heat & hydro hook up. For tinkering on a Classic car and storage. Call or text 519-500-8972.

RENTALS AVAILABLE NOV. 1. Elmira - 3 bedroom apartment, 1.4 bathrooms $925 plus utilities (about $150), Close to downtown. Second floor of quiet building. Laundry in building. Parking for 1 vehicle. Laminate flooring.

Individual gas furnace. Call or text 519-589-5431.

ELMIRA - FURNISHED Room for rent for one person. No pets, non-smoker. Secure entrance. Parking negotiable. Close to amenities and bus stop. $650/mth inclusive. Call 519-210-1500 or text 519-270-9966.

RENTALS ELMIRA, 3 BEDROOM main floor bungalow available Dec 1. $1200 utilities included, quiet neighbourhood, shared laundry, no smoking, no pets. call or text 519-5746105.

MOOREFIELD - ONE bedroom apartment, furnished, laundry facilities, parking, patio, electric heat, cable TV, no pets, adult building. References. $795.00 inclusive.

First & Last. 519-638-3013.

UNIT AVAILABLE IN St. Jacobs Meadows Residential Community. 1059 sq. ft. on main floor, facing Water St. Attached garage. Call 519664-2646.

CONTINUED ON PG. 23

“ P R O U D L Y R E M E M B E R I N G O U R P A S T ; C O N F I D E N T L Y E M B R A C I NMORE G O U CLASSIFIED R FUTURE.” LISTINGS PG. 20

Community Information Page NOTICE OF COMPLETE APPLICATION AND PUBLIC MEETING

Take Notice that in accordance with the Planning Act, R.S.O., 1990, as amended, the Township of Woolwich has received a complete application for the following proposed Zone Change application as more specifically described below. Please be advised that Notice of a Complete Application does not indicate whether the municipality is in support of, or in opposition to the proposal. That determination will be made at a later date.

The Township of Woolwich will hold a Public Meeting, under Section 34 of the Planning Act, to consider the following Zone Change application. No decisions will be made at this meeting; its purpose is to provide additional information to the public and agencies and to receive comments and information from them.

The Township has received a Zone Change application from Robert and Lisa Shuh for the property located at 6515 Line 86 and described as GCT Part Lots 52, 68 and 69, Plan 58R-3333 Part 2 (see Map 1). The property is designated Rural Land Use and Restricted Land Use in the Township Official Plan and is zoned Agricultural (A) with site specific provisions. The 46 hectare property, bisected by the Kissing Bridge Trail, has an apple growing operation and contains a mobile home and driving shed.

The purpose of the application is to extend the Temporary Use By-law, for an additional three year period, to allow the mobile home to remain on the property as the primary residence for farm help related to the apple growing operation. The mobile home is located to the rear of the property adjacent to the Kissing Bridge Trail.

GROVE RD

SUBJECT PROPERTY 6515 Line 86

NORTHF IEL D DR E

Tuesday November 22, 2016 7:00 p.m.

Township Council Chambers 24 Church Street West, Elmira Regarding the following applications: Zone Change Application 16/2016 – Robert and Lisa Shuh

MAP 1 BA LS AM

LINE 86

HILL ST

Ü

Please Note: APPEALS: If a person or public body that files a notice of appeal of a decision of the Council of the Township of Woolwich in respect of the proposed zoning by-law does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the Council of the Township of Woolwich before the by-law is passed: a) the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision of the Township of Woolwich to the Ontario Municipal Board; and b) the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Ontario Municipal Board unless, in the opinion of the Board, there are reasonable grounds to do so.

NOTIFICATION: If you cannot attend the meeting, you can express your concerns/comments about the proposed change in writing to the Township of Woolwich. Any comments received on or before November 15, 2016 (Note that this date is before the public meeting) will be included in a report prepared by Engineering and Planning Services and presented at the Public

P.O. Box 158

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

Phone:

519-669-1647 or 877-969-0094 Fax: 519-669-1820

After Hours Emergency:

519-575-4400 www.woolwich.ca

Meeting. Any comments received after the Public Meeting, but prior to Council making a decision on the applications, will also be considered.

The personal information accompanying your submission is being collected under the authority of the Planning Act and may form part of the public record which may be released to the public. Questions about this collection should be directed to the Records and Freedom of Information Officer at 519-6691647 or 1-877-969-0094 ext. 6005.

MORE INFORMATION: The public may view planning documents and background material relating to this application at the Township of Woolwich, Engineering and Planning Services Department between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or on the Township website at www.woolwich.ca.

Questions or written submissions may be directed to: Township of Woolwich Engineering and Planning Services Department Box 158 24 Church Street West Elmira, Ontario N3B 2Z6 Dated at the Township of Woolwich this 27th day of October, 2016.

Township of Woolwich Annual Grants Now Accepting Applications The Township of Woolwich Annual Grant process is now open.

Non-profit organizations may apply for an annual operating grant to be used for the delivery of programs and services.

Applications must be received no later than Monday, October 31, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. Additional details regarding the Township’s annual grants and special assistance programs may be found on the Township’s website: http://www.woolwich.ca/en/townshipservices/Grants.asp Completed applications and questions may be directed to Julie Forth at jforth@woolwich.ca or 519-669-6010.

CLASSIFIED | 23

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22 TRADES & SERVICES CUSTOM APPLE JUICE Pressing and custom juice sales.

Call for more info or to make an appointment. Cedaridge Pressing, Wesley Martin, 3175 Northfield Dr. Elmira.

519-669-3541.

NEED YOUR LEAVES and Fall Clean Up done? For free quote Call: John’s Quality Home Services. Tel: 519669-4955.

GARAGE SALES HELD OVER! HUGE Indoor Garage Sale. Oct. 29th, 8 a.m. - noon. 27 Mill St. Elmira (St. Paul’s Lutheran Church). Fashionable ladies clothing - sizes between 14 & 20, more amazing treasures added!

FAMILY ALBUM ANNIVERSARY

THANK YOU

Wishing you a Happy 30 th Anniversary

Martin, Susannah

Clare & Elmeda!

YOU’RE IN THE right place to find what you’re looking for. Small ads that have big impact in the Observer classified ad section.

Love Your Family and Friends!

Our sincere thanks to relatives, friends and neighbours for their kind expressions of sympathy during our recent bereavement.

Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Chartwell Elmira Long Term Care as well as Chartwell Retirement Residence for the compassionate care mom was given.

Also, thank you to Dreisinger Funeral Home for their kind professional attention.

Your thoughtfulness is most appreciated.

The Martin family.

[WHITNEY NEILSON / THE OBSERVER]

CATS: Guaranteed

laughs in latest Wellesley production

DECHERT, Shawn Del Jan 30, 1965 - Oct 26, 2009

We look up to the sky And talk to you, What we wouldn’t give To hear you talk back, We miss your voice, We miss your laughter, We miss EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU Love Mom, Dad, Pamela & Paul

FIREFIGHTER SERVICE AWARDS

BIRTHDAY Yucking it up during rehearsal.

IN MEMORIAM

Happy 65th Birthday Murray!

We love you very much!

FROM | 20

totally different,’” Caldwell said.

Unlike their spring shows which are performed on the top floor of the Wellesley Library, their fall shows are done at the Wellesley Community Centre. She says for the price of the show, it’s a high quality production in terms of the acting, costumes and set.

She says it’ll be a fun evening out with more than a few laughs.

“It’s a lighthearted comedy and I really hope that they enjoy the relationship development and I hope they laugh at some of the quirky things that happen on stage.”

Theatre Wellesley presents The Trouble With Cats from Nov. 17-20 at the Wellesley Community Centre. Tickets are $12 for Saturday and Sunday matinees, and $17 for Thursday and Friday evening performances. Tickets are on sale at Pym’s Village Market.

For tickets or more information visit www.theatrewellesley.ca or call 519-8971737.

Six Woolwich firefighters received long-service awards from the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office at last week’s meeting of Woolwich council. Back row: township CAO David Brenneman, Neil Martin (30 years with Floradale station, retired), Craig Hoffman (20 years, district fire chief, St. Jacobs), Murray Brubacher (20 years, St. Jacobs), township fire chief Rick Pedersen. Middle row: Gary Auger (30 years, Maryhill), Gary Melitzer (25 years, district deputy chief, St. Jacobs), Richard Schlupp (20 years, Elmira and Conestogo), Mayor Sandy Shantz. Front row: Lori Melitzer (spouses are recognized at 25 years).

OBITUARY

Pat, Lisa & Ryan, Darren & Melanie, Sherri & Matt, Dan & Kayla and Grandkids Keegan, Tyler, Layla, Kaitlyn, Sadie, Landon, Jared, Klaudia

IN MEMORIAM

IN MEMORIAM

Donald Klein and John Donald Klein

Ruby Atkinson

“Sunshine on My Shoulders Makes Me Happy!!”

Their lives were well spent And always remembered and loved.

Debbie, Krista, Doris and families

October 31

To Mom, Loving You, Missing You and Remembering You. From Your Family

EDSS FETES ITS GRADS AT COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

Mayer, Robert Christian Passed away peacefully with family by his side at Innisfree House on Sunday, October 23, 2016 at the age of 70. Beloved husband of Bernadene.

Loving father of Jeffery and his wife Tammy and the late Shawn Patrick and Kelly-Anne Marie. Proud Grandpa of Quentin and Natalie. Predeceased by his parents Dorothy and Edgar.

Dear brother of Arnold and the late Leonard, Rosemarie, Linda and Rodger. Survived by his sister-in-law Donna. Fondly remembered by the Keller family and by all of his nieces, nephews and cousins.

Robert’s family will receive relatives and friends from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, 519-7498467. Funeral Service at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church - Heidelberg, 2925 Lobsinger Line, on Friday, October 28, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Reception to follow.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church or Innisfree House would be appreciated by the family (cards available at the funeral home).

Elmira District Secondary School held commencement for the 2016 graduates on Oct. 21. Some of the award winners stopped for a photo beforehand. From left, Ryan Bauman, Nicole Cressman, Chanelle MacMillan, Gabrielle Dobes, Morgan Glofcheskie, Judah Bondy, Johnny Metzger, Audrey Gruneberg, Rachel Weber, Cassandra Tuffnail, Tyler Townsend, Anthony Martin and Lisa Klassen.

[WHITNEY NEILSON / THE OBSERVER]

Visit www.henrywalser.com for Robert’s memorial.

24 | CLASSIFIED

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

OBSERVER SERVICE DIRECTORY AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

Complete Collision Service

SPACE FOR RENT

THOMPSON’S

TIRE

WHERE TIRES

GENERAL SERVICES

Auto Tech Inc.

ARE A

SPECIALTY, NOT A SIDE LINE.

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

101 Bonnie Crescent, Elmira, ON N3B 3G2

519.669.8330

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

FAX: 519.669.3210

35 Howard Ave., Elmira

AFTER HOURS

519-669-4400 30 ORIOLE PKWY. E., ELMIRA www.thompsonsauto.ca

519.669.8917

519-669-3232

Accredited Test & Repair Facility

MUSIC-LOVER GIFT ALERT! COUNTR Y

’s 60’s / 70

HIGH SCHOOSL BAND

GOSPEL

ROCK

Your favourite albums get a whole new life on CD after we clean up the clicks, pops and surface noise.

MORE INFO | 519.669.0541 EMAIL: vinylp2cd@gmail.com

While You Wait

SKATE SHARPENING

Call

4

$ 99 FREE!

Visit our website

www.biobob.com 519-648-3004

100 SOUTH FIELD DRIVE, ELMIRA

or

5th PAIR

PER PAIR Stay Sharp This Winter!

or call today!

519-669-4964

JAMES BAUMAN Craftsman Member O.G.P.T. Inc NEW PHONE NUMBER

519-880-9165

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

www.biobobs.com

CLEAN • DRY • SECURE

TUNING & REPAIRS

MUSIC TRANSFERS FROM LPs, 45s, 78s, CASSETTES TO CD

GENERAL SERVICES

Various sizes & rates

BAUMAN PIANO

SERVICES

22 Church St. W., Elmira

519-669-5537

800-232-6396

STORE HOURS: M-F 8-8, SAT 8-6, SUN 9-5

John Schaefer Painting FREE ESTIMATES Interior/exterior Painting, Wallpapering & Plaster | drywall Repairs

NOW ACCEPTING VISA OR MASTERCARD

519-669-2251 36 Hampton St., Elmira

Steve Co.

Plumbing and Maintenance Inc.

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

For all your Plumbing Needs.

24 HOUR SERVICE Steve Jacobi

ELMIRA

519-669-3652

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

The Right Window Treatment Can

Save you

Blinds

“25 years in Business”

by Elite or Mera

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

ATION When you buy 3 or more

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

CONSTRUCTION INC. (519) 569-0772

FREE INSTALL

Evenings By Appointment

• Residential • Commercial • Industrial

• Commercial & Industrial General Contracting • Specializing in Concrete Work & Excavation • Retaining Walls

info@trappconstruction.ca www.trappconstruction.ca

• • • •

Randy Weber

Stamped Coloured Concrete Demolition Bin Service Machine Bases

ECRA/ESA Licence # 7000605

519.669.1462 Fax: 519.669.9970 Tel:

Concrete Breaking & Removal

18 Kingfisher Dr., Elmira

HOME IMPROVEMENTS SERVICES

WINDOW FASHIONS

COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

ST. JACOBS

GLASS SYSTEMS INC. 1553 King St. N., St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0

Free in-home Consultations.

Call someone you can trust.

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

A Brand You Can Trust 22 Church St. W., Elmira

Tel: 519-669-5537

TEL:

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

STORE HOURS: M-F: 8-8, SAT 8-6, SUN 12-5

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

AMOS INC

R O O F I N G

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

WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED

CALL JAYME FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE.

519.501.2405 | 519.698.2114 In Business since 1973 • Fully Insured

RESIDENTIAL & AGRICULTURAL - Design and build -

AGRICULTURAL | RESIDENTIAL FRAMING • ROOFING RENOVATIONS • EAVESTROUGHS

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

www.marwilconcrete.ca

519-577-0370

OUTDOOR SERVICES

HOME COMFOR LMIRA T

E

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

Since 1998

(519) 669-4600

APPLIANCES – FURNACES – FIREPLACES AIR CONDITIONERS – WATER HEATERS SPRING SPECIAL ON AIR CONDITIONING TUNE UP $99, INSTALLED FROM $1999 FURNACES INSTALLED FROM $2499 FRIDGES $499, STOVES $399, WASHERS $399, DRYERS $369, FREEZERS $199 Come visit our show room FREE QUOTES 1 Union Street, Elmira

ehc@hotmail.ca (519)-669-4600

CONCRETE BREAKING SKID STEER SERVICES • ALL ATTACHMENTS AVAILABLE

CALL ABOUT OUR 28FT FLAT BED SERVICE

CALL DUSTIN AT

226-750-4532

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

Murray & Daniel Shantz

ALMA, ONTARIO | PHONE: 519.846.5427

CLASSIFIED | 25

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

REAL ESTATE LISTINGS

FRIENDLY PROFESSIONAL SERVICE BIRDLAND BUNGALOW! Elmira - Looking for a bungalow in a quiet area of Elmira? Look no further! Situated on a quiet street, this home has much to offer, 3 bedrooms, large yard with room to run or relax, large rec room to customize as you wish, spacious garage and carpet free. Don’t wait, won’t last long! MLS 30543968.

$349,000

35 ACRES!

PERFECT LOCATION

$599,000

Elmira - Beautiful location on sought after Bobolink Place is home to this 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home with a huge park like yard. Start with a clean slate, an open mind and your creativity to make this your dream home. This home needs TLC, property being sold "as is". MLS 30538469.

PEACEFUL & LUXURIOUS Linwood - Country living awaits you in this newer custom-built bungalow located 20 minutes from KW. Situated on 4.96 acres, this 3-bedrm, open concept home offers the benefits of small-town living. Enjoy the beautiful country view year round from the hot tub in the 15ft x 32ft large screened-in lanai. Fully-finished rec room with in-floor heating. Attached 2 bay garage plus oversized 1 bay heated workshop with hoist. MLS 30527979.

Mount Forest- This 35 acre property features a mix of bush and some wet areas. Great building site for your future hobby farm, dream home, or perfect retreat /hide-a-way location. Located on highway 89 between Harriston and Mount Forest. MLS 30529342.

$198,000

VERDONE HOMES: WILL BUILD TO SUIT

$412,900

Elmira Bungalow Semi-Detached - Purchase now and choose your finishes in this 2 bedroom home with main floor laundry and open concept living areas. Would you like quartz or granite in your kitchen?

Building has started, so don't delay. Unfinished basement with rough-in bathroom can also be finished to your liking for an additional cost. MLS 30543324.

$555,900

Elmira 2-Storey - This beautiful Verdone model home features hard wood floors and gas fireplace in the Family room, upgraded ceramic tile and a stunning quartz kitchen with an island and walk in pantry. Main floor laundry room with an entrance from the garage.

4 generous bedrooms including a master with a walk in closet and ensuite bathroom. MLS 30543086.

$419,900

Drayton Bungalow - This yet to be built beautiful Bungalow features open concept great room with electric fireplace and two tray ceiling, & Barzotti kitchen with granite counter tops. Master bedroom has double walkin closets, ensuite & main floor laundry. Pick your finishes & colors throughout the house. MLS 30540494.

Drayton 2-Storey – This yet to be built beautiful 2076 sq ft Foxwood-model features granite counter tops, Barzotti kitchen & gas fireplace. Second floor features media room, 3 bedrooms, main bath, laundry, master bedroom with 5-pc ensuite & walk-in closet.

MLS 30540442.

$448,900

Donating back to the community we call home.

Alli Bauman Paul Martin Sue Wideman SALES REPRESENTATIVE CALL DIRECT

SALES REPRESENTATIVE CALL DIRECT

allibauman@rogers.com

paul@remaxsolidgold.biz

519-577-6248 519-503-9533

SALES REPRESENTATIVE CALL DIRECT

226-750-9332

suewidemanhomes@gmail.com

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

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

$412,900

Elmira Semi-detached - Quartz or Granite? Order the finishes that you want in this 1555 sq. ft. Verdone Home.

Construction is underway on this 3 bedroom open concept home, including an island in the kitchen and gas fireplace in the great room. Footings are already in place for your future deck off of the dinette. Unfinished basement with rough-in bath and walk-out to back yard can be finished to your taste for an additional cost. MLS 30543090

Call today Thinking About Selling? and book a FREE HOME EVALUATION

26 | CLASSIFIED

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

REAL ESTATE LISTINGS

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Rozema

Brubacher

BROKER

BROKER

WOLLE REALTY , BROKERAGE

INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

“HELPING YOU IS WHAT WE DO.�

90 Earl Martin Dr., Unit 4, Elmira N3B 3L4

519-669-3192

www.YourFamilyTeam.ca

* Front elevation may differ from rendering.

RANCH BUNGALOW + SHOP $559,000 NEW PRICE Nearing 2800

sq ft + walk out basement, hardwood flooring, oak trim. 0.75 ACRE lot overlooks private owned green space. 30 x 50 shop w/ r.i. for heat. Priced to allow your own finishing. Hwy#86 W, to Line 131 towards Milverton, Left in Carthage, First Right. MLS.

EXECUTIVE freehold town homes now under construction PRICES STARTING FROM $386,900. Bungalow and bungalow loft plans.

Reserve yours today. Please contact Shanna or Bonnie for details. EXCLUSIVE.

WHAT’S YOUR HOME WORTH? CALL TODAY FOR A FREE HOME MARKET EVALUATION.

LET OUR 50+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WORK FOR YOU!

BROKERAGE

R.W. THUR REAL ESTATE LTD. Office:

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

BRAD MARTIN

JULIE

LUKE

SHANTZ Broker of Record, HECKENDORN Broker Sales Rep. MVA Residential Res: 519.669.1068 Cell: 519.588.7562 Cell: 519.584.4400

$ 5 .

6

$ 1 ( :

8 1 6 2 $ ' 2 7 8 , % 6 7

) ( / 7

) 5 $ ( / 5 0 $ , ( ' 1 , 7 : 5 ' 9 $ 5 $ / ( $ & $ / 3 ( $ 7 . < ( 6 & ( 5 7 $ = , 1 + $ 0 $ 1 7 3 $ 5 7 $ 7 6 , : ( $ 0 ( 5 , $

1 8 ' 1 , .

5 ( / , & 3 5 , *

7 $ & , 7

$ , 6 / (

( 5 7 ( $ 3 / 2 6 8 6 , 1 $ 1 & 7 ( $ % < , 1 ' , * ( 6 1 7 , ( , 1 ( 6 2 1 6 7 6

/ $ % $ 1

PERFECT FOR AN EMPTY NESTER this renovated bungalow offers an open concept with panoramic views! Kitchen & D.A. open to great room w/3 glass doors & gas fireplace. 2 bdrms. + main flr. laundry/mudroom. Nearly fin. rec. room w/ walkout to back yard. 3rd bdrm. & 3 pc. bath. Workshop under the garage w/separate entrance - perfect for the hobbyist. MLS.

$569,900

CHESLEY LAKE CHESLEY LAKE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Four season, 3 bdrm. cottage with a view of the lake and the golf course. Owned land. Finished rec. room/sleeping area in the lower level. Insul 2 car garage w/access to bsmt. Woodstove.

Newer roof, septic, drilled well & bathroom. Appl. Incl.

MLS

$319,900 CALL FOR YOUR FREE MARKET EVALUATION

REALTY LTD., BROKERAGE

INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED

Contact us by phone

Or by Fax

519-669-1544 519-669-5119

Len Frey

Mildred Frey

519-741-6368

519-741-6970

Broker Sales Representative mildred@thefreyteam.com mildred@thefreyteam.com

www.thefreyteam.com Coffee Sales Business $20,000.00 for business only. Large variety of Kuerig coffees for sale in single servings or more. There are several tables for in store enjoyment. Also serving a small variety of sandwiches, muffins etc. This can be an entrepreneurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream. Make your own hours and control your own destiny. Good lease in place for 4 years. MLS 30544993 Call Mildred Frey for more info. #1-63 Arthur St. S., Elmira NEW PRICE @ 12.50 / 1025 sq. ft. of professional office or any retail. Great street exposure on Main Street. MLS 1524851 call Mildred to view. #3- 120 Oriole Parkway @ 8.50 per sq ft. Large area available, can be divided into smaller units. In the middle of high density residential. MLS 30538837 Call Mildred to view.

Call or email today for a FREE, NO Thinking of Buying or Selling? OBLIGATION, OPINONS of VALUE!

( 7 & +

/ 2 % $ 5

( 7 $ * ( 5 / ( 8 1 6 * 2 $ $ 3 6 < ( / , 8 5 0 (

$ 7 7 ( 0 3 7

5 2 ( ( 0 6

8 1 ' 2

( * 2 6

1 $ * 6

$ 5 ( $

Groups with vested interests in the environment provide key policy input, says MP Albrecht WHITNEY NEILSON

FLAX MILL DR., CONESTOGO

% / $ 6 3 + ( 0 (

SUDOKU CHALLENGE

PARADIGM (ELMIRA) HOMES SOUTHWOOD ESTATES

8 9 ( $

CROSSWORD PUZZLER

Shanna

Bonnie

7 2 ' '

INSPIRED BY AN ENVIRONMENTAL consultation held this summer at Kitchener City Hall, Kitchener-Conestoga MP Harold Albrecht earlier this month hosted a roundtable discussion on preserving the environment in conjunction with agricultural and forestry sectors. â&#x20AC;&#x153;While there was certainly good input [in Kitchener], I felt also that we needed to hear from people who are actually doing the work and not just those who may have an opinion on what should be done,â&#x20AC;? Albrecht said on the line from Ottawa.

Meeting in St. Agatha on Oct. 13, Albrecht heard from representatives from Ducks Unlimited, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, the Christian Farmers Association and the University of Guelph.

They discussed whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s being done in the two sectors to mitigate pollution and green house gas emissions, as well as protect the environment for future generations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think too often these sectors are overlooked when weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re talking about the protection of our environment,â&#x20AC;? Albrecht said.

Environmental issues are nothing new for Albrecht.

Prior to the most recent federal election, Albrecht served as the environment chair on the Standing Committee on Environment and

Kitchener-Conestoga MP Harold Albrecht held an environment roundtable in St. Agatha on Oct. 13 to engage with experts in the agricultural and forestry sectors about preserving the environment. From left, Craig Martin, Dr. Naresh Thevathasan, Fred Wagner, Lorne Small, Craig Shantz, Harold Albrecht, Gord Grant, Mayor Les Armstrong, Philip Holst.

Many farmers also proSustainable Development. tect the soil by planting He says he was encourcover crops, resulting in the aged by the discussion. bright green fields we see â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think that farmers and when driving through the ranchers and hunters and townships this time of year. anglers and our forestry Albrecht says farmers have people are automatically recently started planting some of our best environcover crops like oats, peas mentalists. They have a vested interest in protecting and radishes. They grow their soil and water because quickly, keeping the soil intact and producing a green if they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have it to use cover which absorbs carbon next year and the next year and emits oxygen, while and the next year theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re creating organic material actually reducing their vifor next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soil. ability,â&#x20AC;? Albrecht said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We also talked from the Albrecht uses his own University of Guelphâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perfive-acre farm as an exspective. They have done ample of best practices. He a lot of research on other says a few years ago one more cutting edge material section was â&#x20AC;&#x153;marginal at where theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re actually conbest.â&#x20AC;? So he planted 1,700 sidering or recommending trees. He also has changed planting rows of trees down from plowing, disking, the rows in the field,â&#x20AC;? Alcultivating and harrowing brecht said. his soil each year before he The trees act as a wind plants, to now doing no till. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Automatically by remov- break and reduce evaporaing the number of passes on tion in the fields. The leaves falling off the trees also that field with my tractor produce more organic maI am reducing greenhouse terial and the universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gas emissions, I am reducresearchers have found ing other pollutants and I am increasing my soil yield, increased yields and better improving the texture of the carbon dioxide absorption as a result. soil,â&#x20AC;? Albrecht explained.

Albrecht notes the discussion made its way to the increased taxation of farmland. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had a number of issues raised recently in Ontario where people who own small wood lots, say four to six acre wood lots on their property used to be taxed as farm land. Now theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re taxing it as residential because theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re saying youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not farming it,â&#x20AC;? Albrecht said.

He noted one farmer he spoke with had the taxation of a wetland on his property rise from approximately $10,000 to $300,000 over the past few years.

Albrecht would like to see some sort of environmental goods and services incentive created across Canada which protects wood lots and wetlands, encouraging farmers to protect them.

Right now, a farmer could easily decide to drain a wetland and plant canola, corn or soybeans to make a profit, instead of leaving an important wetland which acts as a sponge and prevents flooding. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Not only are they not including an incentive to leave it as woodland or wetland, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re actually providing a disincentive by increasing the taxation,â&#x20AC;?

Albrecht said.

Right now Albrechtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s staff are working to put together a comprehensive report on the input from the roundtable to distribute to the people who attended and anyone else whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interested.

LIVING HERE | 27

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

LIVING HERE CHEF’S TABLE/ DONNA GINGRICH

A quick bread that will be eaten even quicker

COMMUNITY / PART OF HISTORY

Small congregation celebrates a big milestone

RECIPE NOTES

are not going to church and the old people are dying,” she explained.

Scheffelmeier still lives in the house she was born in and has strong ties to the church. She was baptized there, confirmed there and married there. Her two sons and her two granddaughters were also baptized there. And she comes to church service every Sunday, without fail.

“I just don’t feel right if I haven’t been to church,” she said.

The struggle now is to get more people – young people in particular – to attend church. Their church membership lists more than 100 people, but she says they’re

I WAS LOOKING FOR a really good quick bread recipe to make, and the search seemed endless. There are so many recipes out there, so which one will be moist and moreish? So, as usual, I chose one out of a Mennonite cookbook with a solid reputation. I could save a lot of time by going directly to that book! But oh, no.

First I must check online and all my other recipe books.

I chose this Pumpkin Bread because it has less oil than other breads I looked at; most of them have twice the amount! The pumpkin keeps it moist even with less oil. It called for nuts and raisins but I was needing a treat so I used chocolate chips instead; but if you must, you may substitute raisins.

When you make quick breads, you should line the pan with a good parchment paper, especially if your pan is dark in colour.

Grease the pan, then line with parchment so that the paper sticks to the pan.

This keeps the bread from baking too hard around the outside and makes removing it from the pan a breeze. This recipe said to

ANNIVERSARY | 30

CHEF’S TABLE | 30

Special service Sunday for St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church in St. Jacobs, which is dealing with a demographic shift

Sheila Schmidt and Marie Scheffelmeier both sit on the anniversary committee for the St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church in St. Jacobs and have strong ties to the church.

The congregation is celebrating the church’s 150th anniversary on Oct. 30. The current church is the third building. On the left are photos of the first and second buildings.

[WHITNEY NEILSON / THE OBSERVER]

WHITNEY NEILSON ST. JAMES EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN Church in St. Jacobs celebrates 150 years this Sunday. For Marie Scheffelmeier, who’s always been a member of the congregation, it’s important to pause and recognize the milestone.

“My roots are deep in this church,” Scheffelmeier said.

She and other members of the anniversary committee have been busy planning a celebration to recognize the church’s history and the struggle to continue to keep it open. Bishop Michael Pryse will be there, as will some previous ministers of the church.

“The way churches are going nowadays, many of

them are closing up or declining so badly and ours is one of them. We don’t know if we’ll be here another 25 years the way it’s going.

Everything is declining and we don’t even have a minister right now,” she said.

With no minister since May, Rev. Hans Borch from Elmira has been helping as their interim minister if they need one. They’ve also had retired Lutheran ministers come in and students who are in seminary to preach on Sundays.

“We’re a small congregation and we can’t afford big dollars [to pay a minister], which a lot of churches are at that point now too.

The congregations are getting smaller and smaller because the young people

Happy Halloween! Here are some safety tips for you and your family this weekend: 1.Drivers, take extra caution when driving around town and keep an eye out for children.

2.Place strips of reflective tape on the back and front of costumes, so that drivers can better see your child(ren).

3.Always have your child travel in groups with friends or with an adult.

4.If the door-to-door trick or treating isn’t your thing (or you children are too small), find a local “trunk-or-treat” event for a more controlled event! Emmanuel Church is hosting one on the 31st from 6pm-9pm! ~ Melanie

Tel: (519) 669-1082 Fax: (519) 669-3084 info@leroysautocare.net 20 Oriole Parkway E., Elmira, ON

www.leroysautocare.net

Accredited Test & Repair Facility

28 | LIVING HERE

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

“A GOOD JOB DONE EVERY TIME”

Kleensweep Carpet Care

All Makes & Models Everything Vacuum

www.freybc.com

COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

West Montrose, ON

T. 519.669.2033

Cell: 519.581.7868

Truck & Trailer Maintenance Cardlock Fuel Management

COMMERCIAL 24 CARDLOCK FUEL DEPOT HOUR

NOVEMBER 9

CHATEAU GARDENS AUXILIARY ANNUAL Harvest Tea. Tea Room, craft vendors, quilt raffle; 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Entertainment by Jeff Poolton. All welcome. Use entrance at 8 Snyder Ave. or 11 Herbert St. (Chartwell Elmira).

SENIORS COMMUNITY DINING AT noon (doors open at 11:30 a.m.) Calvary United Church, 48 Hawkesville Rd., St. Jacobs. Cost: $11. Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for a hot noonday meal, fellowship and entertainment. Call 519-664-1900 for more info.

OCTOBER 28

NOVEMBER 10

HUGS AT THE WOOLWICH Community Health Centre, 10 Parkside Dr., St. Jacobs. For parents and their children (0-5 yrs) living in the catchment area of WCHC, 9:30-11 a.m. on the second and fourth Friday of every month. Topic: Hands-on baby and toddler massage. For more information call Heidi at 519-6643794, ext. 237.

WOODSIDE EVERGREEN FELLOWSHIP FOR Seniors - 10:30 a.m. at Woodside Bible Fellowship, 200 Barnswallow Dr., Elmira. “Remember The Days” - a morning of humour, inspiration and encouragement, Pastor Troy Toby, Bright’s Grove Pentecostal Assembly. Suggested donation $7 includes hot lunch at noon. For more info call Reta Malloy 519-669-8752.

OCTOBER 29

NEW HORIZONS - ENJOY coffee or tea and a delicious snack. Topic: Resilience in an Uncertain World, John Milloy, professor of public ethics; $2 per person, 10-11:30 a.m. at the Maryhill Community Centre. For more info call Joan Haid at 519-648-2742 or email at jehaid@xplorenet.ca .

NOVEMBER 5 REMEMBRANCE DAY TEA & Bake Sale - Royal Canadian Legion, 11 First St. E., Elmira; 1-3 p.m. Baking, deli table, tearoom, raffle table and penny table.

• Design • Installation • Custom Fabrication

TWIN OAKS OF MARYHILL Tea & Bazaar from 1-4 p.m.

Tearoom, quilt raffle, penny, craft and bake tables.

1360 Maryhill Rd. (entrance at rear of building). This fundraiser benefits Twin Oaks residents. For further info contact Marg at 519-648-2915.

MATERIAL HANDLING & PROCESSING SYSTEMS

519.669.5105

E-MAIL: ads@woolwichobserver.com

OCTOBER 27

COUNTRY JAM SESSION AT the Elmira Legion, 4-10 p.m. No charge to enter. Dinner: ham, scalloped potatoes and beans, $10/person, served from 5 to 7 p.m. Call Donna Vervoort at 519-669-2932

M&G MILLWRIGHTS LTD.

1540 FLORDALE ROAD P.O. BOX 247, ELMIRA

www.mgmill.com

Repairs Service Se

3435 Broadway St. Hawkesville 519-699-4641

Rugs and Upholstery

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

COLLEEN

Vacuum Sales,

Skilled craftsmanship. Quality materials.

CONSTRUCTION STARTS HERE.

SENIORS LUNCH CLUB AT noon. Breslau Community Centre, 100 Andover Dr. Cost: $6. Join us for a noonday light lunch and fellowship. Call Community Care Concepts at 519-664-1900 or toll free at 1-855664-1900 for more info.

NOVEMBER 11 COMMUNITY CAN DINE, WHERE the entire community comes together to meet and eat. Please join us at Trinity United Church, Elmira. Dinner is served from 6-7:30 p.m. Menu for this month: cabbage rolls.

Pay what you can! Everyone welcome! For more information, please contact Kelly at WCS (519-6695139) or the church office (519-669-5560).

NOVEMBER 12 BOARD GAMES DAY IN Breslau., 1-11 p.m. Join us for our next board games day at the Breslau Community Centre (100 Andover Dr.). New people are always welcome. For more information, email boardgamers@rogers.com. Admission $4. Children under 12 free if accompanied by an adult.

9 Church St. E., Elmira

519-669-8362

www.elmiravacuumelectrical.ca Tuesday - Friday, 9am-5:30pm

•

Saturday, 9am-3pm

Quality & Service you can trust.

NOVEMBER 16 SENIORS LUNCH CLUB AT noon (doors open at 11:30 a.m.). LOCATION CHANGE: Schmidtsville Banquet Room. Cost $6. Join us for a noonday light lunch and fellowship. Call Community Care Concepts at 519-6641900 or toll free at 1-855-664-1900 for more info.

21 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.2884 | martinselmira.com

NOVEMBER 23 SENIORS COMMUNITY DINING AT noon (doors open at 11:30 a.m.) Linwood Community Centre, 5279 Ament Line. Cost: $11. Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for a hot noon day meal, fellowship and entertainment. Call 519-664-1900 or toll free at 1-855664-1900 for more information.

fb and me Boutique

NOVEMBER 28

Fun, Fabulous Fashion & Gifts!

SENIORS LUNCH CLUB AT noon (doors open at 11:30 a.m.) Woolwich Memorial Centre, 24 Snyder Ave. S., Elmira (community room). Cost $6. Join us for a noonday light lunch and fellowship. Call Community Care Concepts at 519-664-1900 for more information.

40 Arthur St. S Elmira

519-210-1200

SUBMIT AN EVENT The Events Calendar is reserved for non-profit local community events that are offered free to the

TUES & WED 10 - 5:30 | Thurs 10 - 8 | FRI 10 - 5:30 | SAT 10 - 4

public. Placement is not guaranteed. Registrations, corporate events, open houses and the like do not qualify in this section.

24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

NANCY KOEBEL

Bus: 519.744.5433 Home: 519.747.4388

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

RRSPs, RESPs, RRIFs, LIFs and Annuities.

652 Waterbury Lane, Waterloo

TOTAL HOME ENERGY SYSTEMS

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

YOUR OIL, PROPANE, NATURAL GAS AND AIR CONDITIONING EXPERTS

New to the Community?

Do you have a new Baby?

It’s time to call your Welcome Wagon Hostess.

Elmira & Surrounding Area

519.664.2008

Sunday, October 30th

SHARON GINGRICH 519.291.6763 psgingrich@hotmail.ca

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

9:15 AM & 11:00 AM

No Worship at St. James Elmira this Sunday

Zion Mennonite Fellowship 9:30am Sunday School

Join us for Worship at St. James, St. Jacobs at 2pm Pastor: Hans J.W. Borch

10:45am Worship Service

60 Arthur St. S., Elmira 519-669-5591

MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED

226-266-2432 pmerlihan@woolwich.ca @PatMerlihan www.merlihan.com

PLACES OF FAITH | A DIRECTORY OF LOCAL HOUSES OF WORSHIP

St. James Lutheran Church

SANYO CANADIAN

PATRICK MERLIHAN COUNCILLOR | WARD 1 WOOLWICH TOWNSHIP

VERMONT Castings

11 HENRY ST. - UNIT 9, ST. JACOBS

HOW CAN I HELP?

Finding The Way Together 47 Arthur St., S. Elmira • 519-669-3153 www.thejunctionelmira.com

Instafamily: Snapshots of a Godly Family

33 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.1591

NURSERY PROVIDED

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Sunday, Oct. 30th 10:45 am

The Lake of Fire Speaker: Andreas Dimond

Discovering God Together

4522 Herrgott Rd., Wallenstein www.wbconline.ca • 519-669-2319

Elmira Mennonite Church

#4 - The Power of Mission

HEARING ASSISTED

Worship: 9:30am

Parent-Child Dedication 11am Chr. Ed.: Mental Health - Addictions

200 Barnswallow Dr., Elmira • 519-669-1296 www.woodsidechurch.ca

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

Emmanuel

THERE ARE SOME QUESTIONS THAT

REACH OUT

CAN’T BE ANSWERED

BY GOOGLE.

Spread the word, advertise your service here every week.

Keep faith alive, advertise here.

EVANGELICAL MISSIONARY CHURCH

Worship Service

Sundays 10:30am

ecelmira.com

519.669.5030

Service at 10:30am Rev. Paul Snow REACH WITH LOVE. TEACH THE TRUTH. SEND IN POWER.

Birdland Plaza, 112 Oriole Parkway, Unit 5, Elmira 519-669-1459 • www.elmiracommunity.org

290 Arthur St. South, Elmira • 519-669-3973 www.ElmiraAssembly.com (Across from Tim Horton’s)

LIVING HERE | 29

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

STRANGE BUT TRUE / BILL & RICH SONES PH.D.

Homo sapiens are not alone in the brains department, as other animals show WEIRD NOTES

Q. Are you part of the

electric skateboard craze, aka the hoverboard? If you have some spare change, whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on the market to step your game up a notch or two?

A. ArcaSpace Corp makes â&#x20AC;&#x153;a true hovercraft that rides on air like the one piloted by Marty McFly in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Back to the Future Part IIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (1989),â&#x20AC;? reports â&#x20AC;&#x153;IEEE Spectrumâ&#x20AC;? magazine. The 36 battery-powered electric fans on the ArcaBoard run from three to six minutes (depending on the riderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weight) and have sufficient thrust to carry someone

weighing 242 pounds at speeds approaching 12 miles per hour.

Price tag: US $20,000.

Q. Neanderthals and Homo sapiens had the same tools and Neanderthals actually had a larger brain than our own. How then to explain their demise?

A. As archaeologist Miki Ben-Dor looked at the bodily structure of Neanderthals, he found them to have barrel-shaped chests with wide torsos, says Abigail Tucker in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Smithsonianâ&#x20AC;? magazine. Living in places like the Polar Urals and Siberia some 300,000 to 30,000 years ago, with no fruits or vegetables in the heart of a tundra winter, the Neanderthals likely subsisted on a diet of fat

and protein. But since prey animals were probably lean themselves, this high-protein diet would have been tough to metabolize. BenDor theorizes that over the millennia, Neanderthals developed enlarged livers and kidneys to remove toxic byproducts as well as chests and pelvises that widened to accommodate these beefed-up organs.

It seems probable that Neanderthals hunted mammoths and other large animals, which required greater strength but less energy and speed to kill.

Once the mammoths vanished, however, the burly Neanderthals couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t chase down smaller, swifter prey as well as the narrowhipped, agile humans. The rest of the story you know.

raw slices from the one device over to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;oven.â&#x20AC;?

Now on to â&#x20AC;&#x153;dolphinspeakâ&#x20AC;?: In an experiment

by Hunter College comparative psychologist Diana Reiss, dolphins gathered at her underwater â&#x20AC;&#x153;vending machineâ&#x20AC;? that displayed a keyboard with different symbols, each key emitting a specific whistle when pushed and delivering a ball, hoop or rub as a treat. Reiss was intrigued by how the dolphins â&#x20AC;&#x153;imitated the keysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; whistles and even combined the whistles as they invented new games involving both hoops and balls.â&#x20AC;?

And â&#x20AC;&#x153;ravens, it seems, never forget a beaked face,â&#x20AC;? says Ohlson. The wild birds live in groups until they pair up with a mate, then the two set up â&#x20AC;&#x153;a solitary, conjugal

Q. If â&#x20AC;&#x153;humans arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

the only brainiacs,â&#x20AC;? as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Discoverâ&#x20AC;? magazine put it, what species in the wild kingdom might fit the bill?

A. A smart start would be those clever chimps that stack boxes high enough to reach a dangling bunch of bananas, says â&#x20AC;&#x153;Discoverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sâ&#x20AC;?

Kristin Ohlson. A recent study by Harvard researchers Alexandra Rosati and Felix Warneken suggests that chimps also possess some basic cognitive skills for cooking. The researchers gave them two choices: they could place raw food slices either in a device that would return them uncooked or in another that would cook them. The chimps clearly favored the cooked food and even moved

life.â&#x20AC;? Yet in the lab, where pairs are kept in separate aviaries, the ravens remember their old group friends and recognize and react familiarly to their recorded calls.

Speaking on animal cognition, primatologist Franz de Waal suggests we humans should forget about a hierarchical scale that places us at the top.

Instead think of a bush, with the various species occupying different and diverging branches. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t put them on a simple scale, because all animals are very smart in what they need to survive.â&#x20AC;?

ABOUT THE AUTHORS Bill is a journalist, Rich holds a doctorate in physics. Together the brothers bring you â&#x20AC;&#x153;Strange But True.â&#x20AC;? Send your questions to strangetrue@compuserve.com.

OBSERVER CROSSWORD PUZZLER ACROSS 1. Volcanic rock 5. Crazy talker 11. Bedim 16. Kaput 17. Chemical solution 18. Kind of ticket 19. Kosher ___ 20. Zany 21. Decrease 22. Old 24. Nada 25. Inedible orange 26. Birdbrain 29. Chief 31. Anteater 34. Hyperbolic function 35. Engine speed, for short 36. Genetic stuff 37. Barley brew 38. Primitive marine organisms 40. Food for sea urchins 42. Diamond measure 44. Australian runner 45. Exertion 47. Skewered entrĂŠe

49. Come after 53. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Amen!â&#x20AC;?

55. Stash away 57. Large cymbal 58. Doubtful 62. Conk out 64. Big deal 65. Note before Lah 66. Brass component 67. WWII Secret police 69. Inflexible 71. Capers 72. Eyeball benders 73. Quiche, e.g.

74. Howler 78. Rwandan people 79. Chemical warfare gas 82. Pinocchio, at times 83. Construction girder 84. Beach Boy Brian 85. Desire 86. Record groove, e.g.

87. Gets rid of 88. ___ Boogie DOWN 1. Rockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rundgren 2. Eye part

3. Experienced 4. Damon, to Pythias 5. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Losing My Religionâ&#x20AC;? rock group 6. Carte lead-in 7. Bore or pest 8. Implied 9. And others, for short 10. Gym unit 11. Desecrate 12. Type of pneumonia 13. Display unit 14. Tackle 15. Future fish 23. Prima donna 25. Prevention measure?

27. After-bath powder 28. Cause havoc 29. Anger, e.g.

30. Type widths 31. Clumsy boats 32. Again 33. Bronchial rattle 34. Thai food 38. Leahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father 39. Air bag?

41. Pay as you earn

43. Archaeological find 46. Verse form 48. Bathroom cleaner?

50. Ivory, e.g.

51. Annul 52. Freudian topics 54. Restrict 56. Not yet final, at law 58. Mex. neighbor 59. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Speakâ&#x20AC;? group 60. Writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s block?

61. Aardvarkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s morsel 63. Carve in stone 67. Banded metamorphic rock 68. Place of refuge 70. Kenyan tribesman 71. Bridal path 73. Victorian 75. Corkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s place 76. Badgers 77. Atlas stat 78. â&#x20AC;&#x153;___ the season â&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;?

79. Cow, maybe 80. â&#x20AC;&#x153;___ a chanceâ&#x20AC;?

81. Dash widths

OBSERVER TRAVELS

SUDOKU CHALLENGE

HOW TO PLAY: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once. Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. We have got you started with a few numbers already placed in the boxes.

What do you get when you combine a wedding, six guys and a classic RV....ROAD TRIP. Dustin Martin, David Paisley, Jedreck Martin, Jordan Shantz, Brett Shantz and Brad Shantz hit the road to Calgary to celebrate their buddy Tim Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wedding at the beginning of October. One of their stops to stretch the legs and snap a picture with the Observer was Waterton.

30 | LIVING HERE

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

ANNIVERSARY: Sundays now about more than churchgoing FROM | 27

lucky if they get 50 people on a Sunday. Usually it’s between 35 and 45.

“We’ve been a strong congregation up to this point and I would like to see it continue, so I’m really working hard on this to keep it going,” she said.

She noticed the drop in attendance when more options for activities became available on Sunday. When she was growing up, church and youth group were the only options.

“The church started to decline when Sunday shopping came in and Sunday sports came in. Nowadays the kids have hockey practice Sunday morning, they can’t go to church or Sunday school. Or they’ve got soccer practice or they’ve got ringette practice, or they’ve got games,” she said.

They don’t have any members in the church with young children. There was one couple with three children but they ended up moving away.

She’d like to see some collaboration between the Lutheran churches in the area, like having the youth join together to create a youth group.

CHEF’S TABLE: More than just

seasonal, pumpkin helps reduce the amount of oil needed

FROM | 27

The congregation at St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church in St. Jacobs has seen a decline in members, which Marie Scheffelmeier noticed when sports and shopping became available on Sundays.

[WHITNEY NEILSON / THE OBSERVER] “There’s just so many things that the young people have nowadays that church does not interest them. We didn’t have that when were young. We didn’t have any options. We had our youth group and that was our thing,” she said.

The church itself has not always looked the same. The current building has been there for more than 50 years. The second church was built almost overtop of the first church.

The original cornerstone is still displayed at the front of the church.

She’d love to see the church get more use than it does by renting it out, a common choice for churches these days trying to stay afloat.

“We’ve got such a beautiful church here. We’ve got a beautiful downstairs. I could see our church being rented out or leased out for different functions like spaghetti dinners or harvest suppers or sauerkraut

suppers. We’ve got a beautiful Sunday school room,” she said.

Despite her concerns for the future of the church, she remains optimistic.

“God has given me a lot to be thankful for and I’m happy with it all.”

The 150th anniversary celebration at St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church in St. Jacobs runs Oct. 30 from 2-4 p.m. on Reformation Sunday. This is also the 499th anniversary of the Reformation.

wrap and store the bread for 24 hours before serving. This is not a possibility in my house – I cut off a thick end piece and then I wrapped it for 24 hours.

When you take the bread out of the oven, let it sit for 20 minutes or so to cool.

Then take it out of the pan, let it steam for a few minutes. Now wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, sealing all ends. Let it sit at room temperature overnight. The heat will make the bread moist and delicious! Plus it will slice better the next day if you can wait that long.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread 2 large eggs 1-1/3 cup sugar 1 cup pumpkin 1/3 cup water 1/4 cup oil 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. baking soda

3/4 tsp. salt 1 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 tsp. ginger 1/4 tsp. nutmeg 1/4 tsp. allspice 1-1/4 cups chocolate chips

Beat eggs until foamy.

Add sugar slowly while mixer is running, beat until thick and lighter in colour.

Add pumpkin, water and oil.

Add dry ingredients, all except chocolate chips.

Mix only until combined, then fold in chocolate chips by hand.

Pour into a 5” x 9” loaf pan, lined with parchment paper.

Bake at 350º F for approx. 1 hour or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Remove from oven and follow instructions above.

Slice and serve.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Donna is the author of A Taste of Nostalgia Cookbook, which is available by calling 519-638-5791 or email donna.atasteofnostalgia@gmail.com.

LINWOOD BLOOD DONOR CLINIC

Give Blood ... to save lives.

Grandpa: Emergency blood transfusion. Sunday 11:00am

The Next Linwood Clinic:

Friday, Nov. 4th, 2016

SPECIALS & DOOR PRIZES!

from 2:30pm - 8:30pm at Linwood Community Centre 5279 Ament Line, Linwood, ON N0B 2A0

• Quality Drainage Systems • Backhoe Service A family tradition since 1921

Arthur, ON • 519-848-3113 • 877-669-1440 www.martindrainage.com

Proud to support the community effort to donate blood.

3860 Manser Rd., Linwood • 519-698-2610 linwoodvet@linwoodvet.ca

South West Ontario Veterinary Service 1010 Industrial Crs., St. Clements

519.699.0600

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL • POLE LINE CONSTRUCTION ESA Licence # 7000438

25+ Years of Service in the Area

www.erbelectric.ca • 519-698-2472

CALL 1-888-2DONATE or VISIT www.blood.ca for more information or to book an appointment.

To create a ‘homey’ Christmas Feeling, decorate your mantels, verandas and railings with our Specially Priced Fresh Cedar Garland 75’ Cord....$34.00 þPine roping, Pine & Cedar wreaths also available

10 OFF %

EVERYTHING* IN THE STORE & IN-HOUSE SPECIALS

Save On:

þLighted Elements þYankee Candles þCrabtree & Evelyn þWillow Tree Demdaco Gifts Many Other Gift Ideas Many New Christmas lines including a large variety of Snowmen & Angels *Sale Excludes Reo Thompson Chocolates

Cal & Marianne Shantz

3710 Nafziger Rd. Wellesley | 519.656.3150 Mon., Tues., Wed. & Sat. 9am-5pm | Thurs. & Fri. 9am-8pm | Sun. 12-5

LIVING HERE | 31

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

THAT CRAFTY

TIME OF YEAR

Finally a hearing aid that puts you a step ahead Finally, a hearing aid made for your world. With ReSound LiNX2™, you’ll

Aidan de Souza was one of the vendors at the Elmira Legion’s first Craft Sale on Oct. 22. He creates pixel art and his business name is Mr. Pixel. The craft sale was organized by the Ladies Auxiliary and was a fundraiser for the sports program.

[WHITNEY NEILSON / THE OBSERVER]

Elmira youths CAN-ing up some good deeds for Halloween again this year ELMIRA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS will be hitting up every house in town on Halloween night, but they won’t be asking for candy and they won’t be TP-ing any houses.

Youth from Woodside Bible Fellowship will be collecting non-perishables for the annual Citizens Always Need Supper (CANS) food drive.

All donations will go to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region.

Now in its twelfth year, organizer Jaron Bowman’s goal is to gather 4,000 pounds of food.

Last year there were 40 to 50 kids out collecting, despite less than ideal conditions.

“It went fairly well. Not as many people showed up as years in the past. The weather was pretty bad, which was a factor. It still was very successful, I think over 3,000 pounds,” Bowman said.

The 4,000-pound goal is based off how much they gathered his first year organizing it two years ago, which was more than 4,000 pounds.

They cover nearly every house in Elmira. He’s

expecting 60 high school students to participate this year. They’ll be out from 6:15 p.m. to around 9 p.m. or when people start turning off their lights.

And there’s been one slight change of plans this year.

“There was a facility conflict with the church and we weren’t able to run it here this year. So we’ve arranged to run it at the St. Teresa of Avila Church,” Bowman said.

Mondays are one of the busiest nights at Woodside, so they’re grateful to have another venue where they can drop off and sort the food.

“We’re very thankful. It would have been awful if we couldn’t continue this year,” Bowman said.

The event takes a lot of work to organize. Bowman’s been busy confirming the location, organizing people to help pack the food at the church, and organizing people to be drivers for the night to go around and collect people’s food. There also will be a guest speaker before and after they collect food giving a talk to the youth.

The food bank will be picking up the food from

the church the next day.

“Especially this year we’re trying to really advertise it as a community event. It’s run by people from Woodside, but we had people from Wallenstein out and it doesn’t even have to be people from church, just anybody, the youth from Elmira,” Bowman said.

There’s still room for more high school students to get involved.

He says Elmira residents have been receptive to the idea over the years and they usually have something ready to donate. He encourages people to set aside a couple items ahead of Halloween.

“They may not feel like it’ll make that much of a difference if they give a few cans or if they don’t, but if everybody gave even one or two cans that would be a lot of food,” Bowman said.

This is Bowman’s third year running the event and it’s important for him to see it continue.

“It’s awesome to see all the youth just working together for the greater good and for a purpose. This is one of the food bank’s biggest food drives around this time of year. It’s really special to be a part of it.”

We’ve Got Pumpkins!

N. St., N. ur St., Ar thur Arth

WHITNEY NEILSON

hear sound more naturally. You’ll connect directly to music, movies, television and more. You’ll never feel a step behind, because these hearing aids just put you a step ahead.

For a limited time get a set of ReSound LiNX2 hearing aids for just

$1999!

We’re making these innovative hearing aids available at a significant savings for a limited time.

If you want to hear more easily, please call us for a no-pressure consultation:

17 Church St W TRY TRY OUR OUR

VISIT US FOR:

Pumpkins, Gourds & More!

Pumpkin Pumpkin Whoopie Whoopie Pies Pies

2191 Arthur St. N., Elmira, just before Florapine Road | 519-669-3154 | M-F 9-6 • Sat 8-5

*Basic hearing aids start at $790 for two, $395 per device. See clinic for details. All prices quoted after government funding.

©2015 The GN ReSound Group, all rights reserved. Apple, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch and FaceTime are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Elmira 519.669.4174

32 | BACK PAGE

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

FROM | COVER

Gravel has applied to the ministry for a license amendment, requesting permission to dig below the water table, drastically changing plans to rehabilitate the property back to farmland after the gravel is extracted, as outlined in the existing license. The new plan specifies that the spot would be turned into a lake or pond after the company is finished with it.

At last week’s information session, PSG had on hand a number of its experts, including sound and hydrogeology specialists, providing an opportunity for those against the amendment to ask questions. Concerns heard during the initial license application phase were heard again, with residents citing higher noise levels, questioning the preservation of historical buildings and properties and the visual impact of the pit.

This time though, there was an additional concern – what will happen after the aggregate is extracted?

“Once you have excavated below the water table, you never get Class A farmland back. It is going to be a sterile pond right next door to the Grand River. What is that going to do to well levels? What is that going to do to fish habitat? What is that going to do? There are too many questions at this point and we don’t need to be losing Class A farmland permanently. If it is above the water table, it

Rick Stroobosscher was one of nearly 70 residents with a long list of questions at an information session in St. Jacobs.

[LIZ BEVAN / THE OBSERVER]

is supposedly reclaimable, but once you are below the water table, it is pooched,” said Winterbourne resident Paul Marrow.

Hydrogeologist Kevin Fitzpatrick pointed to Snyder’s Flats in Bloomingdale as an example of what could be the end result.

The crowd shot back, bringing to light that Snyder’s Flats was only viable now after considerable investment from local nonprofit organizations to the tune of around $200,000.

Tony Dowling, a West Montrose resident and a member of the Friends of the Winterbourne Valley group, said the information session was valuable, even if the crowd’s questions didn’t get answered the way he wanted.

“We were respectful of each other even though I was a bit skeptical of the answers. I am happy with the questions we asked, but I am not necessarily happy with the answers we got. I think some of them were perhaps not as forthcoming

or in-depth or as accurate as I might have hoped,” he said, adding that the next step for the group is to keep fighting.

“It is a matter of continuing to build public awareness, try to make the township council and staff aware of the concerns that we have, try to make the ministry aware of the concerns that we have with this idea that you can have a license issue before you even get to digging into the gravel, that you can then go back and ask if you can go under the water?”

He says he is very impressed to see how much support the cause has from residents and friends.

“This is the second time that we have had to go through this, so to go back and to your supporters and say, ‘hey guys, I know we did this a month ago, but please come back out.’ I was very pleasantly surprised with how many people came out. We have people here from Conestogo, Winterbourne, West Montrose and other places,” he said.

Those who want to either support or voice their discontent with the license amendment can still have their say by contacting the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry at 1 Stone Road West, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 4Y2 C/O Darren Ungar, aggregate technical specialist, by phone at 519-826-4930 or fax at 519-826-4949. The deadline for input is Nov. 14.

SPOOKTACULAR SALES!

SALES START TODAY!

THURS/FRI 9-9 SATURDAY OCT 29 9-6 SUNDAY OCT 30 11-5 swiss made

KRONOSWISS LAMINATE

87 ¢

self-confidence because Tom has really bad aphasia, he doesn’t speak. He was more inward, now he comes out. That really helps him a lot. The group gives him that because at home he’s only with me,” Herta said.

Deborah Bradley explains the activities and the conversations have greatly helped her speech.

Now she speaks loudly instead of softly. And she commends Austin for his commitment to the cause.

“He was just there, a motivator,” Bradley said.

Austin notes he’s not a speech pathologist but he knows what kinds of brain stimulation worked for him after he had his stroke. It took about six months for him to even be able to say Deborah, but the weekly practice got him there.

“It was a comical act if you will, but it was serious,” Austin said.

Everything they do in

the group involves interactions where they at least have to be speaking the answers out, the best that they can. They start off with conversation and then do different activities such as trivia games using PowerPoint that Austin made or fill-in-the-blank exercises on paper.

The other members have gained enough confidence that when Austin can’t be there one week, they’re volunteering to run the meeting.

He notes one of his proudest moments was when Tom walked into the meeting about a year and a half ago. Austin first visited him in the hospital before he created Expressive Café.

“We had another member that three years after the first stroke the husband came up to me and said ‘we went to a birthday party last week and they were singing happy birthday.’

Now he was surprised to hear his wife singing happy

birthday let alone when he said to me ‘I haven’t heard her voice in two years.’

Those little things, how can I give up?” Austin said.

The group just manages to get by with enough funding to rent the room each week, print brochures and for supplies. It takes about $5,000 to run the group each year. If they had more funds he’d look into running a second group.

“Over the past year our numbers have dwindled, not too much, but when we’re dealing with an older group it happens, other strokes or have passed on,” Austin said.

He’s had as many as 18 people attend the group and he says that’s pretty much the most they can fit.

Now they’re down to about eight people on a regular basis. The group is open to anyone with aphasia.

“There’s always another spot at the table,” Austin said.

1

REG 2.99

$ 17

2 STAINS IN STOCK

AC4 GRADE!!

FROM

/SQ FT

FROM

12MM THICK LAMINATE

1

$ 97

/SQ FT

FROM

REG 3.29

HANDSCRAPED SOLID BAMBOO

1

$ 77 FROM

/SQ FT

3MM PAD ATTACHED

REG 6.99

SOLID 3/4” THICK

FROM

2

made in CANADA

CLICK ENGINEERED

OAK / MAPLE

$

/SQ FT

REG 3.99

made in CANADA

OAK / HICKORY

97 $ /SQ FT

FROM

REG 6.99

2

97

/SQ FT

REG 6.99

NATURAL & SANDAL

MANY STAINS!

HANDSCRAPED!

13x13-18x18-13x20

GLASS BACKSPLASH

4MM CLICK VINYL

PORCELAIN TILE FROM

SUPPORT: Group provides much-needed help FROM | 3

12.3MM CLICK LAMINATE

97

¢

FROM

/SQ FT

REG 2.99

ONE SHOT DEAL!!

1

$ 97

CLEAROUT PRICE

SHORT SHAG / LUXURY BERBER CARPET PINDOT CARPET

FROM

97

¢

/SQ FT

FROM

REG 2.99

WOW HOT DEAL!!

1

$ 97

/SQ FT

REG 4.99

FREE UNDERPAD!

NO TAX!

HUGE SELECTION 36” OAK OF AREA RUGS! STAIR TREADS

29

$ 38 $68 $ 4’ X 6’

5’ X 8’

FROM

MORE SIZES IN STORE WWW.

1

$ 57

/SQ FT

FROM

REG 8.99

/SQ FT

REG 4.29

100% WATERPROOF

CARPET REMNANTS

12’ X 12’

12’ X 15’

$ 97 119 PLUS NO TAX!

$







3 7/8 ”

5¼”

5½”

97 57¢ $1 57 $1 67 / LIN FT

EACH

REG 49.99

UNFINISHED

/ LIN FT

/ LIN FT

MDF PRIMED BASEBOARDS

.COM

1362 VICTORIA STREET N. KITCHENER 519.742.9188 MON-FRI 9AM-9PM SATURDAY 9AM-6PM SUNDAY 11AM-5PM

*products may not be exactly as shown. limited supply. no tax only apples to area rugs and carpet remnants.

JIGS HOLLOW: Residents looking for answers