Small Town Life - January 2019

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New Year, New Adventures!

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Five foods you should eat to help with weight loss dr. elisha cook nd, the plattsville health clinic

My Story... Adrenal Fatigue Local author stephanie van de ven

Set goals & stay accountable in 2019!

Look after your Financial Health! melissa gardiner of pixel financial

Region of Waterloo Library Programs and local events

Local author Ingrid Hicks

A Walk in the Woods, local trails...

Serving Plattsville, Wilmot, Ayr, Wellesley & surrounding communities

JANUARY 2019

Looking for a copy of Small Town Life?

Look no further!

Plattsville: • Home Hardware Plattsville • Variety Store Plattsville • Guardian Pharmacy, Plattsville • Plattsville Natural Health Clinic • Plattsville Library • Plattsville Arena • Shakers Restaurant Blandford-Blenheim Communities: • Princeton Library & Museum • Princeton Variety • Drumbo Variety New Hamburg: • Coco Gas & Variety • Short Stop • The Healing Tree • Arca Pizza • Pita Pit • The Garden Stand • Sobeys • Zimmer Dentistry • Nith Valley Butcher & Deli • New Hamburg Bowling Lanes • No Frills • New Hamburg Veterinary Clinic • Countryside Shopette

New Dundee Village Market Wellesley • Home Hardware, Wellesley • Pyms Village Market • Cooks Pharmacy More distribution locations coming in 2019 Ayr: • Short Stop • Ayr Esso gas bar • Foodland • Langs, Community Health Centre • 2nd Gear Motorcycle Culture Paris locations coming in 2019 Do you want to be a distribution location for our magazine? Contact us today and get on the list! smalltownlife.ca@outlook.com or 519-831-6625

Whats coming to Small Town Life in 2019!

• • • •

New pick-up locations Door to door delivery (only specific locations, if you want your street on the list please contact us) We're going Live on Location! Around Your Town visits local hot spots & events.

More contests & giveaways you don't want to miss

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep updated on all the excitement.

We want to hear from you!

Your feedback is important to us. Please send comments, ideas, events, photographs, jokes, local history stories, or info on topics that are relevant to you and your family living in our wonderful community.

A note from the Editor...

What a whirlwind the holiday season brings! With so much excitement & gatherings, the end of year festivities can be draining. The New Year is a great time to breathe, relax & reflect on where you are, and where you are headed.

This issue is packed with local events, lifestyle articles, and of course loads of funnies. I can’t believe we are rolling out our 5 th issue! It feels like yesterday I decided to launch this magazine – thank you for supporting my ‘bucket list dream’ of combining my love of writing & design in one fantastic venture. I have never found more fulfilment & pleasure than creating this publication.

Ironically last year I watched an inspiring Christmas movie called The Holiday, and this segment of the movie completely resonated with me: “in the movies we have leading ladies and we have the best friend. You, I can tell, are a leading lady, but for some reason, you're behaving like you're the best friend” Her reply: “You're so right. You're supposed to be the leading lady of your own life, for goodness sake” And it's so true. If we're not the leading lady (or man) of our own lives, who will be? And why would we ever give that title role to anyone but ourselves? In 2019 it’s time to stop playing the supporting character to everyone else's star– step out of your comfort zone, find what you love to do and for heaven sakes ‘Shine’!

Tomorrow is guaranteed to no one – now is the time to begin.

Equally important is helping someone else realize they have too have ‘star quality’- we all have it, sometimes it’s just hidden or we’re too scared to reveal it. It’s amazing to see people light up when they realize they are already ‘more than enough’ to achieve their goals & dreams – they just have to let go of fear & the guaranteed criticism, and sometimes anger, that will come from others. Lifting others up with you, not above you is powerful & rewarding. Can you imagine a world where we all supported each other? That is a world I would love to live in.

The New Year is a wonderful time to reflect on those who have influenced & supported you completely. I want to end this note by expressing my gratitude to a couple of people – Ingrid Hicks and Wendy Held. They have helped make this magazine what it is today, and deserve every bit of recognition for their endless support & many talents!

You have the ability to make this year extraordinary… what will you create in 2019?

Cheers,

S tephanie xx

Visit us at www.smalltownlife.ca or email us at smalltownliving.ca@outlook or theplattsvillepost@outlook.com Call or Text #519-831-6625

oh yeah, we're social!

Meet the Team!

Publisher/Editor & Magazine Design Steph Taves 519-831-6625 Social Media & Marketing Specialist Ingrid Hicks

JOIN US HERE & THERE

@smalltownlife.ca

#smalltownlife

Distribution Team Wendy Held (Wilmot) Janet Campbell (Plattsville/Ayr)

Small Town Life / The Plattsville Post is distributed for free in Waterloo, Oxford & Brant County, and is published monthly. Distribution of this publication does not constitute endorsement of information, products or services by Small Town Life / The Plattsville Post, it's writers or advertisers. Viewpoints of contributors and advertisers are not necessarily those of the Publisher. Small Town Life / The Plattsville Post reserves the right to edit, reject or comment on all material and advertising contributed. No portion of Small Town Life / The Plattsville Post may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.

On the Cover:

Tay Selig Photography travelled to Sweden and captured the cover image "This shot was taken 250 KM north of the arctic circle in Abisko National Park in Sweden during the time of the year when the sun barely breaks the horizon during the day, making for spectacularly coloured, pastel skies".

Contact Tay Selig Photography: 226-755-2506, tayseligphotography@gmail.com INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING WITH US? Email: smalltownlife.ca@outlook.com or the plattsvillepost@outlook.ca or Call 1-519-831-6625 SUBSCRIBE: www.smalltownlife.ca

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Keeping all our communities connected!

AYR:

Saturday January 26 8am - 6pm WILMOT:

AUDITIONS!

Saturday February 23rd 2019

Wilmot Family Resource Centre SAVE THE DATE: February 23, 2019 ‘Coldest Night of the Year’ The coldest night of the year is a fun, family-friendly national walk that helps you raise the funds for charities that serve hungry homeless & hurting people in your community. For more information call Wilmot Family Resource Centre at 519-662-2731

Wednesday January 23rd 9:30am -11am

WOODSTOCK:

Tuesday February 12th Forks & Corks PLATTSVILLE:

with Dr. Elisha Cook ND

Five Foods you should eat to help with weight loss.

With January brings the inevitable New Years Resolutions. For 45% of individuals last year (in the United States), their resolution involved getting in shape or losing weight. Weight loss is not just about calories in versus calories out, it is also about eating the right foods. Below we have a list of foods or items you might consider putting into your diet to help shed those couple extra pounds and why they are so great for you.

1. Chia Seeds The Community Players of New Hamburg are holding auditions for their Spring 2019 production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame! Visit their website for more info and to book your audition! Rehearsals begin Feb. 3rd, 2019, St. Agatha Community Centre. www.thecommunityplayers.com

WELLESLEY:

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Ayr Rockets Day: This amazing event consists of hockey games with surrounding Girls hockey teams, a bake sale, and of course our “Ayr Rocket Day Raffle”. Money raised at the event will be used to help with the costs of the ice rentals, new jerseys and new equipment for our Ayr Rockets Girls. NDCC Arena, Ayr.

Living Healthy

HUGS presented by Woolwich Community Health Centre When: Wed, 23 January 2019, 9:30am – 11:00am Where: Wellesley Community Centre, 1000 Maple Leaf St, Wellesley Parents of infants and toddlers up to age 5 are invited to join other parents for a Wellesley Township H.U.G.S. program. Have your baby weighed, listen to presentations on nutrition, ask questions of a health care provider, share a refreshment with other parents, and learn about local activities. Watch your children play and meet new friends! No registration required. Come with your children! We are joining Early Years on the 4th Wednesday of the month at the Wellesley Community Centre, 1000 Maple Leaf St., Wellesley.

For more information call Heidi at 519-664-3794 ext 237.

Woodstock's Food - Wine - Spirits - Beer Expo Oxford Auditorium, 875 Nellis St., Woodstock Included with your ticket admission - 3 hours of sampling domestic and craft beer, wine, spirits and food! Casual event open to everyone in the public - mingling and sampling while listening to music! 6 to 9 pm on Tuesday, February 12th.

Tickets: $45.00 + HST Will be on sale soon.

Call 519-539-9411 or email info@woodstockchamber.ca

Saturday January 12th 2019

The Artificially Hip live at the Plattsville Lions Hall for tickets visit www.theartificiallyhip.com

Friday January 25th 3-6pm

Acupuncture Clinic, Jan. 25th, 3-6pm - Plattsville Natural Health Clinic, Call, text or email today to find out more! #226-232-7665, info.pnhc@gmail.com Acupuncture can help to regulate hormones, promote relaxation, decrease pain, and more!

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Chia seeds are small black seeds that can be added to almost anything (though it is important to keep in mind that when they come in contact with fluid they gel slightly). They have many beneficial properties that help them in the goal of weight loss. Chia seeds are a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids (not substantial levels to compensate for supplementation), and fiber. These components help to increase energy, decrease appetite, decrease inflammation and improve digestion; all of which helps with the path to weight loss. A caution should be noted for individuals with certain digestive concerns such as diverticulitis as the fiber from the chia seeds can be problematic and caution should be taken.

2. Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes can be beneficial for weight loss for the reason that they can be a substitute for a regular white potato, which can be high in sugar and in glycemic index. A sweet potato has fewer calories than a regular white potato, and is high in antioxidants and vitamin B6. All of this in combination reduces the storage of blood sugar in the form of fat in the body.

3. Hot Water with Lemon

Starting each day with hot water with a slice of lemon can be beneficial for weight loss for a number of reasons: it can increase metabolism, stimulate digestion, and stimulate detoxification. By supporting these processes in the body, the drink may help with hormone processing and eliminating toxins, which could be key components that are preventing one from losing weight.

Some sources also suggest that this drink can provide vitamin C, which some studies suggest can be important in weight loss.

4. Green Tea

Research has shown that even just 1 cup of green tea per day can be enough to stimulate increased metabolism. Green tea can also act as a substitute for coffee and the potential to “drink your calories” through having sugary coffee beverages.

5. Water

Drinking water is important for many bodily processes and functions in general. In addition, feeling hungry could be a sign that we are actually thirsty. By curbing your appetite through drinking water first, this can help with weight loss. Research has suggested that drinking a glass of water before each meal helped to increase potential weight loss by 3lbs compared to individuals who did not drink water before meals. Water can also increase the amount of calories burned in one hour, after consuming 500ml of water.

For weight loss in general, it is important to focus on everything in moderation. Even consuming too much of “the good foods” can cause weight gain. Consider consulting with a Naturopathic Doctor or other health care provider before embarking on your weight loss journey to make sure you are eating the right foods and right amounts for you.

For more information like this, or to book an appointment with Dr. Elisha Cook ND at Plattsville Natural Health Clinic, please contact us at: Website: www.plattsvilledoctor.ca, Text or Call: 226-232-7665, Email: info.pnhc@gmail.com Please note the information contained in this article is not meant to replace medical advice. Please contact your health care provider or Dr. Elisha Cook for more specific information about your situation.

SUBSCRIBE: www.smalltownlife.ca

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OXFORD COUNTY THE PLATTSVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY Presents...

Movie Night for Adults: CRAZY RICH ASIANS Wednesday January 9th at 7pm

The story follows Rachel Chu (Wu), an American-born Chinese economics professor, who travels to her boyfriend Nick's (Golding) hometown of Singapore for his best friend's wedding. Before long, his secret is out: Nick is from a family that is impossibly wealthy, he's perhaps the most eligible bachelor in Asia, and every single woman in his ultra-rarefied social class is incredibly jealous of Rachel and wants to bring her down. COMEDY, based on the novel by Adele Lim

Family Movie Night: SMALLFOOT Thursday January 17th at 6:30pm (Friday is a PA Day)

An animated adventure for all ages, with original music and an all-star cast, "Smallfoot" turns the Bigfoot legend upside down when a bright young Yeti finds something he thought didn’t exist -- a human. News of this "smallfoot" brings him fame and a chance with the girl of his dreams.

It also throws the simple Yeti community into an uproar over what else might be out there in the big world beyond their snowy village, in a rollicking story about friendship, courage and the joy of discovery.

A Piece of History: Black Horse Corner

Louis Croin Mudge and his band of notorious highway robbers Born into a prominent family in Blenheim & North Dumfries, Louis Mudge (pronounced Mutch) ran a hotel in the once prosperous village at Black Horse Corner, connecting with a gang of notorious highway robbers, he was a dangerous man running a mafia style operation across the southern part of Waterloo County, between Plattsville and Galt in the 1860’s. Locals were often advised to Black Horse Corner, at the corners of arm themselves when traveling in the area of the Black Horse Inn. In 1870 he fled to the United States, there he continued his destructive ways and was involved in murder and prostitution. He died in 1897 at the age of 58.

Today Black Horse Corner is nothing more than a sign in a corner of a farmer’s field… a sign that continues to keep the memory of Black Horse alive. In its day this deserted corner along Highway 97 was a thriving village, filled with villagers, a pump shop, shingle mill, a blacksmith among other businesses. The name of the village came from the Black Horse Hotel, which was named by the innkeeper who had a fondness for horses. The hotel burned down in 1875 and the remainder of the town was wiped out in a flood shortly thereafter.

2018 • 96 minutes, Cast: Zendaya, Channing Tatum, Danny DeVito, Gina Rodriguez, James Corden, Jimmy Tatro, Yara Shahidi, LeBron James

8th Annual 'Take Your Child to the Library' Day Do you remember that feeling of a cozy welcome when you went to the library as a child? The excitement of finding some new adventure around the next stack of books? The feeling of success when you finally understood the Dewey Decimal System? Or was it the smell of the print on the pages of the books that kept you coming back?

These memories are something that not many children are being introduced to since almost everything is on the internet. On Take Your Child to The Library Day it’s the perfect opportunity to give your children the same cozy memories that you were given. Celebrate this day at the Plattsville Library on Saturday Feb. 2nd, 2019.

Cedar Creek Road & Northumberland Street, outside of Ayr

Louis Croin Mudge

Our small towns are filled with interesting stories and events of the past! If you have one email smalltownlife.ca@outlook.com or theplattsvillepost@outlook.com

Movie: The JUNGLE BUNCH, Saturday February 2nd, Movie starts at 10:30am

Maurice may look like a penguin - but he's a real tiger inside! Raised by a tigress, he's the clumsiest Kung-Fu master ever. Along with his friends, The Jungle Bunch, he intends to maintain order and justice in the jungle, as his mother did before him. But Igor, an evil koala, wants to destroy the jungle. (97 mins Adventure; Children; Animated; Family)

Don't forget to bring a drink to have with our delicious theatre popcorn Plattsville Public Library Tel: 519 684 7390 Website: ocl.net

112 Mill Street East (inside the Plattsville and District Public School), Branch Supervisor: Kathy Hofstetter Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 9-12 and 3-8:30pm, Wednesdays 2-6pm, Saturdays 10-2pm

THE PRINCETON PUBLIC LIBRARY Presents...

Hours: Tues 1 - 4pm Wed: 4 - 8:30pm Sat: 10 - 1pm B. Ingram, Supervisor, Princeton Branch Oxford County Library 25 Main Street S, Princeton, ON N0J 1V0 Tel: 519-458-4416

For more information visit: princetonlibrary@ocl.net 6 / 

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YOUR HOME

How to deal with a bedbug infestation

Installing a fireplace or woodstove in your home is much more than just adding another source of heat; it also adds warmth to the décor. Cre­ating a cozy atmosphere is easy with one of the many different ty­pes of heating units available on the market. Here are some tips to help you to figure which kind will best suit your needs.

DETECTING BEDBUGS About the size of an apple seed, bedbugs are visible to the naked eye. They’re mostly active at night and typically avoid light. If you suspect you may have an infestation, check dark, tight spaces such as:

Unlike most pests, which hibernate during the winter, bedbugs are active all year long. How do you detect them, and above all, how do you get rid of them effectively?

The comforting warmth of a fire

Wood stoves There’s nothing more enjoyable than a crackling fire. Today’s slow burning stoves are extremely efficient and emit far fewer particles to pollute the atmosphere than the previous generation of models. However, the fact remains that some towns are now banning the use of wood burning stoves and fireplaces, so be sure to check with your municipality be­fore buying and installing either one.

Pellet heating This type of heating uses compacted sawdust or other biomass materials that are less polluting than ordinary wood. Like wood stoves, pellet sto­ves produce plenty of heat, but they do require some maintenance.

Gas fireplaces Whether they use natural gas or pro­pane, these devices are affordable as well as attractive and efficient. They require very little maintenance and, when equipped with batteries, can continue working even during a po­wer failure. What’s more, heat production is easy to control.

Ethanol fireplaces These units beautify the home, are affordable, and the visual effect of the flames is realistic. However, the room where the device is installed has to be ventilated, as they do emit carbon dioxide.

They are not an efficient source of heat, either.

Electric units They are eco-friendly and extremely easy to install; just plug them into a regular electrical outlet.

However, while an electric fireplace is ideal for creating atmosphere, it emits very little heat.

• Box springs and mattresses • Behind peeling (inspect wallpaper the seams) • Decorative frames • Carpets and curtains • Cracks in the walls • Headboards and floors • Drawers • Books • Suitcases • Mouldings • Window and door frames • Clothing • Sheet hems • Electric outlets As well as checking for live bedbugs, you should also look for bodies, skins, eggs (whitish and the size of a pinhead, typically laid in clusters) and droppings (small black spots).

Bedbug bites look similar to mosquito bites. They’re usually grouped on parts of the body that are exposed during sleep.

GETTING RID OF BEDBUGS In case of a bedbug infestation, call a professional exterminator who uses safe, environmentally friendly products. It’s best not to try to get rid of these pests by yourself. Apart from being bad for human and pet health, improper use of pesticides can make bedbugs resistant to them, thereby worsening the situation. A pest management company is your best ally to resolve the situation once and for all.

The benefits of maintaining your heating system With winter freeze fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about heat! Your heating system is the lifeblood of your home during the cold season, so it’s important to keep it in perfect working condition. The last thing you want is to be left out in the cold during a blizzard.

HOME HACKS: Bathroom: Mould & mildew remover This cleaner will finally get rid of icky mould from your paint and tiles. Pour ¼ cup of chlorine bleach, three teaspoons of borax, and 1.5 cups of water in a spray bottle, shaking to mix. Keeping the room well-ventilated, spray the affected area. After it sits for ten to 20 minutes, wipe mould away.

Kitchen: Disinfectant Replace your normal chemical spray with this natural solution. Combine the zest of an orange with three cups of white vinegar in a container. Remove the zest and strain a cup of the liquid into a clean 32-ounce spray bottle, then fill the rest with water.

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ANNUAL INSPECTIONS Your furnace or boiler should be maintained at least once a year, regardless if it runs on electricity, gas or oil. By servicing your heating system annually, you’ll be able to keep energy losses to a minimum, prevent parts from breaking down and help ensure the safety of you and your family.

SERVICES AND SUPPORT A qualified heating technician will: • Check the air supply of your of boiler or furnace • Inspect the flue or vent pipes • Check the condition of the heat exchanger • Ensure that the various parts of the heating system are in good working condition • Perform additional checks if your heating system uses natural gas or oil

www.prioritymechanical.ca

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU? There are several benefits to having your heating system cleaned and checked by a certified technician. A furnace or boi­ler that isn’t running at peak performance will re­quire more energy to main­tain the same level of out­put. This can cause da­mage to your system, alter the tem­­pe­rature of your home and in­crease your energy bill. What’s more, by ha­ving a te­chnician in­s­tall a carbon mo­noxide alarm, you’ll have the added security of being aler­ted if there’s ever a po­­tentially thre­ate­ning gas leak in your home.

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SUBSCRIBE: www.smalltownlife.ca

Call today:519-632-7116

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Lifestyle

A Walk in the Woods

with Ingrid Hicks

Set Goals & Stay accountable this year!

Strategies for setting goals and staying accountable to Your New Year's resolutions.

New Year is a fantastic opportunity for a new beginning. It is obvious that we can "start over" whenever we want but doing it on the first day of the year is even more binding. Or maybe on a birthday. Or a Monday. Maybe at the first day of the month.

But how can we prevent ourselves from losing our will? We can efficiently use the symbolism of the New Year as a fresh start by realizing why we have not kept our resolutions so far and how to keep them from now on.

For starters define short-term goals as steps to the main objective for every resolution. Each achieved goal pushes us toward our objective and each slip warns us to get back on the right track.

• Define your resolutions specifically – don't write: "Be happier," but ask yourselves what you would do if you were happier.

• You can write down an infinite resolution-list but stick to three at a time.

• Choose measurable resolutions. Don't say: "I will be more active," but: "I will jog at least twice a week."

• Set realistic New Year's resolutions. Unreachable goals will put you under even bigger stress and empower the feeling of inability. Set realistically achievable goals.

• Be patient and persistent. Don't let little failures discourage you from achieving the objective.

• Make resolutions for yourself. Internal motivation is the best form of motivation.

• Each resolution should also be time bound. When are you going to start? When should you reach your goal?

Answers these questions realistically and specifically as well.

Weigh-in on WEIGHT LOSS: When it comes to weight loss, be clear and concise with your New Year’s Resolutions: Instead of resolving to “lose weight” be more specific.

Perhaps you want to lose a pound a week. I suggest choosing five tiny healthy habits you can commit to when you start. Some suggestions: drink one extra glass of water daily; eat one extra cup of vegetables daily, exercise one extra day each week and write in a food journal every day.

Voice your goals: Announcing your plans to your friends via email, Twitter, or Facebook can help keep you focused and accountable.

Plan for success: Planning with intention increases your success. A few strategies I like are: planning meals a week in advance, purging your house of junk food before you start, and scheduling workouts with friends. Choose an “accountability buddy” to help you stay focused on the changes you’re making in your diet, exercise, and health.

Bet on Success: Join a weight loss group!

Seriously, several studies have found that making a monetary bet can keep you focused and help you lose weight. If you’re not that type of person, you can commit to do something beneficial for another person, like donating money to your favourite charity if you don’t stick to your plan. The point is to make specific promises to yourself and identify what the consequences will be if you don’t keep your promises.

A final word: We all know New Year’s resolutions can be difficult to keep. One of the best ways to keep your resolution and start a healthy habit is to build a support network of people who will encourage you and even join you in keeping your resolution all year long.

Happy New Year! Ingrid Ingrid Hicks is Social Media and Marketing Specialist for SmallTownLife.ca A fashionista at heart with a flair for geeky and techie things. Self-Published writer and Certified Zumba Fitness Instructor. Ingrid is married and is also a mom of two handsome 10 & 14-year-old boys. Find her featured blog posts on SmallTownLife.ca 10 / 

S m a l l To w n L i f e / T h e P l a t t s v i l l e Po s t

Local Trails to explore this Winter Discover our beautiful community trails, fill your lungs with fresh air, stay active and enjoy the outdoors. The start of winter doesn’t mean you need to stop hiking. In fact, the snow and ice add a special kind of magic that you can’t find in summer. Just make sure to prepare properly. Dress in layers so you can adjust your temperature as needed: Wilmot Trails: • Walker Woods, 89 Bonaventure Dr, New Hamburg: “Over 2km of hiking trails, popular so you are sure to see other fellow hikers. Access at 2107 Walker Road or 89 Bonaventure Dr.” • Schmidt Woods, 60 Snyder’s Rd, New Hamburg: “perfect for a quick walk or leisurely stroll, no challenging areas, variety of paths to follow” • The Hydrocut Trails, 1974 Snyder’s Rd., Petersburg: “Well maintained, clear signs, perfect for jogging, nature walks & biking” • Crown Land Trail, Queen St. (just outside of Petersburg): “Great hiking & cross country skiing, very popular you are rarely alone on this trail”.

Blandford-Blenheim Trail: • Chesney Wilderness Area Trail: Oxford Road 29, Blandford-Blenheim “Trail goes in a loop, some steep areas, around an hour walking time to complete” North Dumfries: • F.W.R. Dickson Wilderness Area: 699 North Dumfries Twp Rd 5, Ayr “Great trail especially for bird watchers. Boardwalk has been rebuilt, 30 mins to walk entire trail” Woodstock: • Pittock Conservation Area, 221 Pittock Park Rd. Woodstock: “Beautiful trail, lots of wildlife, follows the Thames Rivers, and ends near Pittock Dam, very popular trail”

Did you know… in 1830 New Hamburg was

presumably named the village of Cassel, and later changed to Hamburg in the late 1830s by German settlers.

Did you know… Kitchener was named after a British war leader Lord Horatio Herbert Kitchener, who was killed when his battleship hit a German mine & sank off Scotland. A vote was held to name the city, and Kitchener barely won with 346 votes… it could have been called: Brock. Adanac (Canada spelled backwards). Benton. Corona. Keowana.

Get a quote. It’s fast, simple and it could save you money.

Vanessa Nobre Williamsburg Town Centre Agency 1187 Fischer Hallman Road Unit 606

(226) 499-0049 vnobre@allstate.ca

Financial Advice

Plattsville Dental

with Melissa Gardiner of Pixel Financial

A stronger, Better you: Why it's important to look after your financial health

HEALTHY TEETH FOR A HEALTHY SMILE!

By making small lifestyle changes, you could help you and your loved ones financially.

We all know how important it is to take care of our physical health – it keeps us strong and helps ensure we’ll be around for years to come.

But what about looking after our financial health? It’s just as important but often doesn’t receive the attention it deserves.

Even if it seems like you don’t have enough money to invest or buy insurance, it doesn’t take much. If you cut down on extra lattes or meals out, you could set yourself up with a plan for a successful financial future.

COUNSELLING SERVICES:

NORTH DUMFRIES COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE 2958 Greenfield Road, Ayr, ON N0B 1E0

Phone: 519-632-1229

Build your personal road map When it comes to financial security planning, it pays to start small. If you change your spending habits, even just a little bit, the long-term results could be big.

(Catchment Area: North Dumfries Township including Ayr, Roseville, Branchton, Clyde, Drumbo, New Dundee and Plattsville)

For example, let’s say you made your morning coffee at home instead of picking it up on the way to work. It may not seem like much but the amount you save could be enough for a $500,000 life insurance policy.1 If you cut down on your dining-out expenses by even $20 a week and invested that money, it could grow to almost $37,000 over a 20-year period.2

Life’s struggles can affect many aspects of your well-

No matter what you’re saving for, you’re on the road to achieve your future goals.

Contact Melissa today and start 2019 with a plan to get Financially fit! (519) 574-6151

Other savings ideas: • Leave the car at home, carpool, use public transit or ride • your bike • Shop around for better auto and home insurance rates • Install LED light bulbs to reduce energy costs • Go to the movies on “cheap Tuesdays” • Clip coupons for groceries or buy in bulk • Cook at home instead of dining out Invest and watch it grow A small but regular contribution into something like a tax-free savings account (TFSA) or registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) could grow substantially, if it’s invested wisely and given enough time to grow. Use this money to help fund your retirement or perhaps go on the dream vacation you’ve always wanted.

Protect your family What would your family do if something happened to you? Insurance is a flexible and cost-effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones financially. It can help pay down your mortgage, cover outstanding debt or fund education or retirement plans.

1

Cost of coffee based on $1.70 per cup. Assumes 30 cups a month. This comparison is based on London Life term 10 life insurance, male and female, up to age 45, non-smokers, standard risk, monthly premium payments. Monthly premium depends on your age, amount of coverage and general health information. Life insurance coverage amounts represent the policy’s death benefit. Rates as of December 2015.

Term 10 life insurance premiums increase on renewal after 10 years. The example provided is not complete without the London Life illustration, including the cover page, reduced example and product features pages all having the same date. Read each page carefully as they contain important information about the policy.

Financial Security Advisor Email melissa@pixelfinancial.ca Web: pixelfinancial.ca Phone (519) 574-6151 12 / 

ness. At North Dumfries Community Health Centre Satellite (Langs) an onsite social worker is available to look at how your emotional, mental, physical and spiritual needs are impacted. Counselling and Nutrition services are available to all individuals living in our catchment area, subject to demand for service.

Individuals do not have to be a medical patient of the CHC to access this service. The social worker can provide individual, family and couples counselling.

There is no fee for this service.

When was the last time you had a Dental Check up?

Call us 226-656-1000 Another reason to Smile!

Emergencies treated pomptly Seniors always receive a 10% discount Evening appointments for your convenience Tooth Whitening at very reasonable fees

A Spicy Start to a New You! Submitted by Heather Kring

With those savings each month, you could:

Melissa Gardiner, Hon. B.A., MBA

Call or Email to schedule your next appointment

2 Assumes $80 is invested in a balanced mutual fund portfolio on a monthly basis with a six per cent annual rate of return. Rates of return are hypothetical and provided for illustrative purposes only. Mutual funds are not guaranteed; their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Unit values and investment returns will fluctuate.

The information provided is based on current laws, regulations and other rules applicable to Canadian residents. It is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the date of publication. Rules and their interpretation may change, affecting the accuracy of the information. The information provided is general in nature, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice in any specific situation.

For specific situations, advice should be obtained from the appropriate legal, accounting, tax or other professional advisors.

S m a l l To w n L i f e / T h e P l a t t s v i l l e Po s t

Praccce Good Oral Health There is a good way to avoid dentures, pain & extensive dental therapy... it’s called prevennon and early deteccon.

Dr. Hans Skariah, B.Sc, DMD, Dr. Andrew El-Faizy, B.Sc, DMD Dr. James Kelly, B.Sc, DDS Office Hours: Mondays through Thursdays from 11am -7pm Locaaon: 43 Albert Street, Plaasville Email: plaasvilledental@gmail.com Tel: 226-656-1000 www. plaasvilledental.com follow us on Facebook @plaasvilledental

Everyone talks about new years and their New Year’s resolutions. Resolutions that are usually made in relation with how to better our lives. Gym memberships sales go up. Takeout and retail sales go down, it never lasts. I am one of those makers and always breakers of resolutions, so I try to make sure that I make my plans simple. The simpler, the longer I follow them! Eating healthy, delicious food is a favourite resolution of mine. So is making more home-cooked meals and adding more fruits and vegetables to each day. Here’s a favourite recipe of mine because it does all of those things AND is quick and easy and stores well in-to the week so I can take it for lunches if I make a batch on the weekend and it sits well if I cook it overnight or during the day in the crock-pot.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Chicken Tikki-Masala

Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breast 1 can chickpeas (15 oz) 2 cans tomatoes (15 oz) 1 can coconut milk (8 oz) 6 cloves of garlic chopped 2 bell peppers chopped

Optional Ingredients: ½ cup Onion diced 4 tbsp garam masala Rice 1 tbsp chili powder Naan Bread 1 tsp cumin Yogurt 1 tsp turmeric Parsley 1 tsp salt 1 tsp black pepper

Directions: If making in crockpot, chop and dice as described above. Set in crockpot on level appropriate to cook (I prefer 2-4 hours on med-high OR 6-8 hours on low-med). Ensure that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165deg or 75deg Stove-top: 1) Brown the onions in a tsp of oil. Cooking the chicken breast (I prefer to cube it first for easy eating later) on medium heat in a frying pan. 2) Add in peppers to soften and cook the peppers. 3) Mix the spices to taste with the tomatoes and coconut milk simmer on low to medium heat in a pot at the same time ensuring it comes to a low-rolling boil. 4) Add chicken/vegetable mixture to the tomato/coconut/spice mixture. 5) Add in the can of chickpeas, cover at a low simmer for 10-15 minutes. 6) Serve with your choice of side, rice and naan bread are my favourites. Yogurt and parsley are often added on-top as well.

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CROSSWORD

• A woman said her son was attacked by a cat, and the cat would not allow her to take her son to the hospital.

• A resident said someone had entered his home at night and taken five pounds of bacon. Upon further investigation, police discovered his wife had gotten up for a latenight snack.

• A man reported that a squirrel was running in circles on Davis Drive, and he wasn’t sure if it was sick or had been hit by a car. An officer responded, and as he drove on the street, he ran over the squirrel.

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Can you name three consecutive days without using the words Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday?

Riddle:

David's father has three sons : Snap, Crackle and _____ ?

Riddle:

A doctor and a bus driver are both in love with the same woman, an attractive girl named Sarah. The bus driver had to go on a long bustrip that would last a week. Before he left, he gave Sarah seven apples. Why? An apple a day keeps the doctor away!

• A deputy responded to a report of a vehicle stopping at mailboxes. It was the mail carrier.

Riddle:

David

The dumbest police call: what a beat cop deals with every day:

Mary-Lou: “Such quick judgement! It’s just a rough draught for crying out loud!” ***** Back from Christmas break, Ned was describing his friend Tommy’s creative stocking stuffers: “So he filled the whole stocking with expensive perfume, but nothing well known… no Chanel… no Calvin Klein… no Hugo Boss…”

What has a head, a tail, is brown, and has no legs?

Mary-Lou: “Shocker… another of your friends lacking in common scents!” ***** New York State gloomily walks into a bar on December 31 and orders a lemony beverage with gin, vodka, rum, triple sec and a touch of cola...

Bartender says… "Hey mate, why the Long Island?"

(3 dimensions: 1.There is a very old joke: “horse walks into a bar, bartender “why the long face?” 2. Those are the ingredients for Long Island. Iced Tea, and 3. Obviously, Long Island is part of New York State :)

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

Riddle:

Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.

Solution on Page 27

Riddle Fun! A Penny.

ACROSS 1. Limber 5. Sick 8. Feel sore 12. Coatrack 13. From head to ____ 14. Spill the beans 15. Dropper’s word 16. Solar body 17. Baby ram 18. ____-man band 19. School works 21. Sandwich shop 23. Corrosive

6. Inferior 7. Glasses parts 8. With competence 9. Categories 10. Sandwich meat 11. Decline 20. In a separate place 22. Minute amount 25. Printer’s need 26. Pig’s home 28. Property divider 50. Learn liquids 30. Old 51. Handed 24. Bro’s sib instrument over 27. ____-the-wall 31. Tavern 52. Rams’ 29. Still 32. Tarzan’s companions 31. Almond or friend 53. State falsely tomato 33. Snorer 54. Metallic 34. Dark 36. Hang freely rocks 35. Higher 37. Made an 55. Sassy ground aerie 37. Fishing tool 56. Aim 40. Tavern mug 57. Bettor’s 38. Quilter’s 42. Grant numbers session 43. “____ by the 39. Instance Bell” DOWN 41. New 44. Ringlet 1. Waited in England 46. Huge line coast 48. Vitality 45. Occurrences 2. Inclined 49. Wondrous 3. Drive away 47. Battle fear 4. Sure!

48. Mama’s 51. Muck mate 5. Pronoun

Ned was frustrated at the pub on New Year’s Eve: “I like trying experimental small batch beers but gosh… some of these micro-brews are awful!”

January 2019

The cutest thing kids say:

Riddle Scramble

In fourth grade, my son had a huge crush on a classmate. So for Valentine's Day, he bought her a box of chocolates and took it into school. When I returned home from work, I found him on the couch eating the same box of candy.

Submitted by Heather Kring

Unscramble the following words to solve the riddle.

E S E H C R

"What happened?" I asked.

Random Funnies...

Facebook Love: My ex and I had a very amicable divorce. I know this because when I wrote the Facebook status “I’m getting a divorce,” he was the first one to click Like.

Knock! Knock!

Who's there?

Mary and Abbey.

Mary and Abbey who?

Mary Christmas and Abbey New Year!

A woman called our airline customerservice desk asking if she could take her dog on board.

“Sure,” I said, “as long as you provide your own kennel.” I further explained that the kennel needed to be large enough for the dog to stand up, sit down, turn around, and roll over.

"Well, I thought about it for a long time," he said between chews. "And I decided that, for now, I still like candy more than girls."

R Y P A T

L A C E R D N A

My mother cast one of her students as the innkeeper for the Christmas pageant. All the third grader had to do was tell Joseph, "There is no room at the inn."

B B B Y L U

But during the performance—after Joseph begged for a room for his pregnant wife—the boy didn't have the heart to turn him down.

SA T T O

"Well," he said, "if it's so urgent, come on in."

K L C C O

I discussed peer pressure and cigarettes with my 12-year-old daughter. Having struggled for years to quit, I described how I had started smoking to "be cool."

Using the shaded boxes above unscramble the answer to the following riddle:

As I outlined the arguments kids might make to tempt her to try it, she stopped me mid-lecture, saying, "Hey, I'll just tell them my mom smokes. How cool can it be!?

I have a neck, no head, but I still wear a cap. What am I?

Did you know...

• •

The customer was flummoxed: “I’ll never be able to teach him all of that by tomorrow!”

Solution on Page 27

S m a l l To w n L i f e / T h e P l a t t s v i l l e Po s t

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•

Elephants are the only mammal that can't jump The first MTV video played was 'Video killed the radio star' by the Buggles The sentence "the quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" uses every letter in the English alphabet  / 15

Horoscopes

Week of Jan. 20 - 26th 2019 THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: LIBRA, SCORPIO AND SAGITTARIUS

ARIES

You’ll find yourself in the middle of an awkward situation. This anecdote will make your colleagues laugh for years but your ego may be a little bruised as a result.

*Sometimes I drink water - just to surprise my liver. *According to my mirror I am pregnant. The father is Nutella. *Did you knowthe average person falls asleep in 7 minutes *As long as cocoa beans grow on trees, chocolate is fruit to me.

TAURUS

You spend a lot of time taking care of your home and family; don’t forget to make time for yourself too. You can always make meals in advance for your family.

*I forgot my cell phone when I went to the toilet yesterday.

We have 245 tiles.

GEMINI

Travel is on the horizon this week.

Additionally, you’ll find yourself helping your friends and family by being a sounding board. You’ll be recogni­ zed and appreciated for your selflessness.

CANCER

Love brightens your week. If you’re single, you’ll meet a gem of an individual who wants to start a life with you. If you’re already in a relationship, long-term plans will solidify it.

LEO

Your interpersonal skills and dynamic personality will be in full force this week.

An event that you organize will be a great success and will have a considerable impact on your future.

VIRGO

There will be lots of action and a number of surprise twists this week. One of your wildest dreams is within sight but the path to get there is still unclear.

LIBRA

Fatigue will start to set in after a few stressful days. You’ll be overcome by inspiration and create a masterpiece.

SCORPIO

Time isn’t always easy to manage: you’ll find yourself with multiple tasks that can’t wait. At work, you’ll be put in charge of some important cases, which will help advance your career.

SAGITTARIUS

You’ll have to fight hard to get that promotion you’ve had your eye on. You’ll be greatly rewarded for a little extra effort.

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S m a l l To w n L i f e / T h e P l a t t s v i l l e Po s t

HOW TO PLAY : Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.

Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: You must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column, or 3x3 box. ANSWERS PAGE 27

CAPRICORN

Family events may make you think about moving closer to home. You’ll have to make an important decision that will require lots of thought.

AQUARIUS

You’ll have the urge to go back to school. At work and in your personal life, there’s a good chance you’ll need to negotiate with strangers or converse in a foreign language.

PISCES

At work, there will be lots of small details that take a huge amount of time to complete. The right medication or treatment finally helps solve a recurring health problem.

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Region of Waterloo Library Programs!

January 2019 - Including AYR, NEW HAMBURG, BADEN, and WELLESLEY

Programs and events are free! Registration begins Tuesday, December 11. Register online, by phone, or in person. Children nine and under must have a parent/caregiver (age 12 or older) remain in the library during programs, events or movies.

Family Storytime (Birth-5 years with caregiver)

Join us to talk, read, play, write and sing in this interactive program: Ayr: Tuesdays, January 15 – March 5 -10:30– 11:15 a.m.

Baden: Thursdays, January 17 – March 7 - 11:15 a.m.–noon New Dundee: Wednesdays, Jan. 16 – Mar. 6 - 9:30–10:15 a.m.

New Hamburg: Thursdays, Jan. 17 – Mar. 7 - 10:30–11:15 a.m.

Wellesley: Tuesdays, January 15 – March 5 - 11–11:45 a.m

Baby and Me (Birth-12 months with caregiver) Connect with other families and learn new songs and stories to use as your baby grows.

Ayr: Thursdays, January 17 – March 7 - 11:30 a.m.– noon New Hamburg: Tuesdays, January 15 – March 5 - 2–2:30 p.m.

Wellesley: Tuesdays, January 15 – March 5 -10–10:30 a.m.

Baby Connections (Birth-12 months with caregiver; priority will be given to babies attending the program for the first time) Get resources and tips to help develop literacy skills with your baby.

Baden: Thursdays, January 17 – March 7 - 10:15– 10:45 a.m Li’l STEAM (2-5 years with caregiver) Have fun together exploring activities based in STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Arts, and Math).

Ayr: Thursdays, January 17 – March 7 - 10:15– 11 a.m.

Baden: Tuesdays, January 15 – March 5 - 11– 11:45 a.m.

New Dundee: Tuesdays, January 15 – March 5 - 6:15– 7 p.m.

New Hamburg: Wednesdays, Jan. 16 – Mar. 6 - 10:15– 11a.m.

Wellesley: Thursdays, January 17 – March 7 - 6:15– 7 p.m.

Ready, Set, Go! Kindergarten (3-4 years entering Kindergarten in fall 2020, with caregiver) Help your child build literacy, math, and social skills. Caregivers join the last part of the program to explore hands-on learning centres with the children.

Baden: Tuesdays, January 15 – March 5 9 – 10 a.m.

Maker Morning (All ages) Drop in and create your own masterpiece with our maker supplies.

Ayr: Friday, January 25 - 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

New Hamburg: Friday, January 25 -10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Crafternoon (All ages) Drop in and create your own masterpiece with our maker supplies.

Wellesley: Friday, January 25 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

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Popcorn Movie Theatre for Adults - AYR BRANCH Join us for popcorn and a movie at the Ayr library.

Thursday, Jan. 24 - The Princess Bride (PG) - 6 – 8 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 21 - Won't You Be My Neighbour?(G) - 6 –8 pm Family Literacy Day (All ages) Join us at Conestoga Mall as we celebrate National Family Literacy Day. Enjoy a free concert with Erick Traplin and try out different games and activities designed for families to have fun learning together.

Conestoga Mall: Sunday, January 27 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Family Storytime for Family Literacy Day (Birth-5 years with caregiver) Join us to talk, read, play, write and sing in this special Family Literacy Day interactive program.

Ayr: Saturday, January 26 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.

Baden: Saturday, January 26 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.

New Hamburg: Saturday, January 26 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.

Wellesley: Saturday, January 26 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.

Popcorn Movie Theatre for Families (All ages; Children 9 years and younger with caregiver).

Join us for popcorn and a movie at the library.

Ayr: Friday, January 25 - Incredibles 2 (G) - 2 – 4 p.m.

New Hamburg: Friday, January 25 - Coco (G) - 2 – 4 p.m.

Maker Club (6-12 years) Create something new each week with ideas and resources based in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math).

Ayr: Tuesdays, January 15 – March 5 4 – 4:45 p.m.

Baden: Thursdays, January 17 – March 7 3:30 – 4:15 p.m.

New Hamburg: Tuesdays, January 15 – March 5 4– 4:45 p.m.

Wellesley: Thursdays, January 17 – March 7 3:30 – 4:15 p.m.

Homeschool Mixer (6-12 years with parent for each family) Discover library resources and STEAM activities to use together as a homeschooling family.

Ayr: Wednesday, January 30, 1 – 2 p.m.

Wednesday, February 27, 1 – 2 p.m.

New Hamburg: Wednesday, January 16, 1 – 2 p.m.

Wednesday, February 6, 1 – 2 p.m.

Seedy Saturday (All ages) Celebrate our new seed library with a seed swap! Connect with fellow gardeners and exchange your heirloom seeds.

Donate to or borrow from the seed library.

No seeds? No problem! Come learn how to save seeds.

Guest speaker at 11:00 a.m..

New Hamburg: Saturday, January 19 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Wellesley: Saturday, January 19 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

S m a l l To w n L i f e / T h e P l a t t s v i l l e Po s t

1:1 Computer Coaching Need help with your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Book a free session with our computer coach for one-to-one help.

Ayr: Wednesday, January 30 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday, February 26 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Baden: Tuesday, January 15 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Tuesday, January 29 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Tuesday, February 19 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Tuesday, March 5 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

New Dundee: Wednesday, January 16 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Wednesday, January 30 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Wednesday, February 20 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

New Hamburg: Tuesday, January 8 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Wednesday, January 23 1 – 3 p.m.

Tuesday, February 5 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Thursday, February 28 2 – 3 p.m.

Wellesley: Thursday, January 31 1 – 2 p.m.

Thursday, February 21 10 – 11 a.m.

Baden 519-634-8933 115 Snyder’s Road East badenlib@regionofwaterloo.ca

Baden & Wellesley YOUTH Book Clubs!

Baden: 7 - 9yrs - Tues. Jan 15, Feb. 12, March 12 - 6:45 - 7:30pm Baden: 10-12 yrs - Tues Jan. 15, Feb. 12, March 12 - 6:45 - 7:30pm Baden: Teen Book Club: 13 - 18 - Wed. Jan. 9, Feb. 5, March 5 6:45 - 7:30pm

Wellesley 519-656-2001 1137 Henry Street wellslib@regionofwaterloo.ca

For more information and locations: Ayr 519-632-7298 137 Stanley Street ayrlib@regionofwaterloo.ca

New Dundee 519-696-3041 1176 Queen Street ndlib@regionofwaterloo.ca New Hamburg 519-662-1112 145 Huron Street nhlib@regionofwaterloo.ca

Wellesley: 10-12yrs - Tues. Jan. 8, Feb. 5, March 5 - 3:30-4:30pm Wellesley: 10-12yrs - Tues. Jan. 15, Feb. 12, March 12 - 3:30 - 4:30pm Wellesley: Reely Good Reads Club (ou choose: read the book or catch the movie.

Which is better?) 13 -18yrs - Tues. Jan 8, Feb. 5, March 5 - 6:30-7:30pm How do I register for a program?

There are three options for registration: 1 Register online at www.rwlibrary.ca.

2 Visit any Region of Waterloo Library branch in person.

3 Phone any Region of Waterloo Library branch.

Please contact any Region of Waterloo Library branch if you have questions about our registration process.

Why is a math book always unhappy?

Because it always has lots of problems.

What's the longest word in the dictionary? Smiles.

Because there is a mile between each s.

What is the tallest building in the world?

The library, because it has the most stories.

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•

2019 Bucket list items to add to your list:

- Unplug for a week - Learn to Curl - Read a book before the movie -Sing karaoke in public -Whitewater Rafting - Get acupuncture - Have a professional photo shoot - Create a family logo - Learn a new language - Entertain the elderly at a nursing home  / 19

January!

Tues. Jan. 8th - Plattsville Lions Hall, starts at 3:00 pm Wed. Jan 9th - Princeton Centennial Hall, starts at 3:00pm Thurs. Jan 10th - Bright Fire Hall, starts at 5 :00 pm

Mark it on your calendar!

We are looking for your input regarding running the Golden Age Centre. Please come with ideas and suggestions, what you would like to see happen for this type of centre in our Township. The Golden Age Active Centre will be a place for adults to come and take part in actives. Pass this info on to others that might want to come.

Please contact Trevor Baer if you have any questions. Call: 519 635 3507 or email: tbaer@blandfordblenheim.ca

Drop-in centre, Youth program: This program offers a place for youth to come play games for 2 hours, or join the Homework Club! This is where children can come for extra help with homework! No matter what your struggling with we will have a volunteer there to provide assistance for any child in need!

The Drop-In Centre will run Wednesday nights from 6:30pm-8:30pm alternating between Plattsville Public School and Blenheim Public School! The Drop-In is designed for children 4+ Plattsville Public School: Jan. 9th- 6:30pm - 8:30pm Blenheim Public School: Jan. 16th - 6:30pm - 8:30pm

FREE! Public skating at the Plattsville Arena Thanks to these Public Skate Sponsors: Future Waste Management, Pettigrews Garage, Tree Baer Lawn Care, Parion, Glendenning Funeral Home.

Jan. 2 - 3pm-4pm Jan. 4 - 1pm - 2:30pm Jan. 5 - 4:30pm - 5:30pm Jan. 12 - 4:30pm - 5:30pm Jan. 19 - 4:30pm - 5:30pm Jan. 26 - 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Parents & Tots, and Seniors: • Wed. Jan. 9th, 16th , 20th, 30th Time: 11am - 12pm • Thurs. Jan. 10th,17th, 24th, 31st Time: 11am - 12pm

If you are interested in sponsoring the public skate phone #519-684-7482

Pick up Hockey! 3 on 3 for youth. Jan 4 - contact 519-635-3507 to sign up for this fun day of hockey EarlyON Child and Family Centres provide opportunities for children from birth to 6 years of age to participate in play and inquiry - based programs, and support parents and caregivers in their roles. These centres will offer safe and welcoming environments open to all families, with qualified professionals and quality programs. Families and caregivers will be able to find support, advice, make personal connections and access a network of resources.

Thursday Jan. 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st at the Plattsville Lions Hall.

20 / 

streets in the urban centres of Bright, Drumbo, Plattsville and Princeton during the winter season.

Parking is restricted on these streets from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Monday through Friday from November 1st to March 31st.

Vehicles not respecting these rules will be ticketed.

Looking to book the Plattsville Arena, Lions Hall, or any of the park facilities for 2019?

Call 519-684-7482 for more info.

Golden Age Active Centre meeting

• • • • • •

Reminder: To assist with snow removal operations, parking is restricted on all Township maintained

S m a l l To w n L i f e / T h e P l a t t s v i l l e Po s t

Plattsville Curling Club! We're looking for Curlers!

Curling is a fun activity that can be enjoyed by all. We have several leagues that cater to everyone from 8 to 80!

The Plattsville Curling Club has existed in this small hamlet since 1888. Curling originally started on the frozen Nith River. Come out to one of the remaining two sheet clubs in Ontario. It's one of the best curling bargains around.

Have a question? Contact us today at: 519-684-7391 or info@plattsvillecurling.ca Princeton Museum Volunteer Project: Volunteers at the Princeton Museum are complying information about Princeton’s history for the new information boards to be professionally printed for permanent display.

Do you have forgotten artifacts, calendars with logos, old deeds or other documents that you can share? All items will be returned after scanning or photographed. Email at princetonmuseum@ocl.net or call 519-458-8392.

Plattsville & District Lions Den Blog Plattsville & District Lions Club President Leo Chair for A15 This has been a very successful and busy year for the Plattsville & District Lions club and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our community for your support in making Plattsville, Bright, Washington and surrounding area a wonderful place to live. We have had many projects this year that have led to wonderful community involvement and spirit. Most recently we have had another successful Plattsville Ladies Night at the Plattsville Missionary Church with over 100 in attendance enjoying the loaded baked potato meal and starting the Christmas shopping off with all local vendors as well as supporting the Grade 7 & 8 class with fundraising for their year end Camp Celtic Trip.

The Santa Claus Parade organized by Gwen Parker and Janet Moss was the biggest and most successful one yet with great community collaboration collecting winter coats and food for our local food bank from our very own Plattsville Fire Department as well as many other volunteers. I want to take this opportunity to thank Gwen for her years of service for organizing and coordinating the Christmas parade as she steps down as chair of this project.

The community is looking bright and festive as the lighted wreaths are up along the streets adding to the quaintness of our communities. The last Youth Drop in Centre evening of the year was a very festive one as Santa and Mrs. Claus made an appearance seeing all the kids in person and sending them away with a nice treat bag. The Plattsville Lions club loves collaborating with the township to support and volunteer giving our youth a fun place to go and meet with others. We look forward to continuing this partnership in the new year as our youth numbers in attendance continue to grow.

We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and we welcome new members to our club with meetings the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month and the next one being Jan. 3rd at 7pm. Come join our club as we try to enhance our community and serve others.

Wishing everyone the best from our club to all of you.

“Give Lions a Try” Please feel free to contact me to learn more and explore this opportunity at leo@a15lions.org Thanks, Phil Bourdeau, President Plattsville Lions SUBSCRIBE: www.smalltownlife.ca

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TOP 10 REASONS to advertise frequently

ll What do you casocks on? a bear with no

1. People may not need your product or service today, but they may need it tomorrow.

4. When an ad is seen frequently, it gets the consumer yearning for your service and they will take action to buy it.

1

A

What can you serve but never eat ?

2

B

5. Advertising frequently helps put your name out in front of the competition’s.

Q:

3

C

6. Frequency is the best way to get lower advertising rates.

7. Advertising frequently is a lot like repeatedly inviting a friend to come see you. One day, they are bound to visit!

Q:

What kind of shoes do all spies wear?

A: Sneakers.

INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING WITH US? Email smalltownlife.ca@outlook.com or call #519-831-6625 We have all the tools to take your marketing game to the next level in 2019!

3. Frequent advertising adds credibility to your message.

A: A volleyball.

KEY

A: Bear foot.

ADVERTISING IS

2. Frequency builds trust.

4

D

ANSWER: A-3 / B-4 / C-1 / D-2

8. Frequent advertising helps you build a steady source of incoming sales.

Can you spot the differences?

9. Out of sight, out of mind.

10. You make more money when you do! It’s plain and simple.

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S m a l l To w n L i f e / T h e P l a t t s v i l l e Po s t

Q: What do you call cheese that is not yours?

COMPLETE EACH GRID WITH NUMBERS FROM 1 TO 4, KEEPING IN MIND THAT:

A: Nacho cheese

- a number can only appear once per row

Q: What are the strongest days of the week?

- a number can only appear once per column

A: Saturday and Sunday. Every other day is a weekday

- a number can only appear once in each box of 4 squares

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 / 23

My STORY... Adrenal Fatigue

4. Keep a health journal of every visit and meeting, medications and conversations, questions and more.

By Stephanie Van De Ven

5. Be assertive (not aggressive) with your health. It’s yours! If your Doctor doesn’t hear you – and you feel lost and helpless – change Doctors.

It’s January and we should all be feeling refreshed and energized right? Ready to start 2019 with a big, juicy bang! Resolutions ready, gym memberships purchased, bank accounts dried out from Christmas – but yet still, January brings us hope, fresh starts and excitement!

6. Remove stressors from your home and work. You are already probably making a list of excuses of why you can’t do that right now. Tough. Remove the excuses, make a plan so that your home and office is stress-free too.

For some of us however– that ‘bang’ is unattainable. Un-possible. Unrealistic.

7. Exercise. Walk, do yoga, join a gym or a class you love. With Adrenal Fatigue you need to do slow-based activities like walking or yoga.

Have you ever experienced fatigue or stress? Fatigue is something common that many North American’s deal with, unfortunately. A few years back, I was feeling utterly exhausted and fatigued all of the time. It was a chore just getting up in the mornings. I was normally a bright eyed, happy and always-energetic person- this was a complete overhaul of who I was.

The pattern continued for me, except it wasn’t just mornings where I struggled to move and get up, it filtered into my day. Just thinking about putting my things in the car exhausted me. I had to look after a little boy on my own – how was I going to live like this? So off to the Doctors I went. After months and months of pleading and pushing to dig deeper and deeper finally a diagnosis was delivered.

I remember sitting at the Endocrinologist’s office in Kitchener. His bedside manner was poor and he didn’t care about how I was feeling in the least. He definitely wasn’t listening to me. He kept pointing to his computer screen and telling me I was ‘fine’.

I continued to tell him to mark off anything he possibly could on the bloodwork order so that everything was ruled out. I was assertive with him because I believe that your health is yours – not anyone else’s – regardless of a medical degree or not. He obliged.

Like a diligent little patient and warrior who was taking her health in her hands, I went straight to the clinic and had my blood taken. Two days later I received an urgent phone call from the specialist and they said I needed to rush into the office. If I didn’t, I was going to slip into a coma!!!

8. Tell people! Post it on FB. Ask for support and help. You’re not the only one going through what you are going through and most humans love to support, offer advice and experiences. You can benefit from telling the right people AND help others in the same situation too.

9. Rest. Go to bed early. Be well in mind and body.

10. Healthy supplements and a Nutritionist. I learned so much about Adrenals and what types of diets, foods, and healthy supplements can support stress and improve health.

So how am I feeling now? Healthy, vibrant, energized, alive and well. Isn’t it time you felt that way too? Here’s to a healthy and vibrant 2019! XOX Steph - The Mindful Mama, www.themindfulmama.ca, @the_mindfulmama Steph is The Mindful Mama! She is a certified Calming Kids Yoga Instructor, certified Master Mindfulness Practitioner, certified Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Practitioner, and Primordial Sound Meditation Certified. Steph is also a Mom to a now handsome and amazing 10 year old boy. She is the author of The Hay House published book: “The Birdy Book Series - Positive Affirmations for Kids & Their adults.” A regular guest on Rogers TV, CTV, CKCO, 570 News, speaker, and mindfulness coach - she’s working hard to bring mindfulness across North America. The Mindful Mama is a Hay House official affiliate, zen-jewelry creator, horse-riding enthusiast and loves yoga.

When we arrived, the Endocrinologist was talking but it was like I couldn’t hear him. I was in shock. I did catch this little stress nugget: “Stephanie, you have major Adrenal Fatigue and if you do not take steroids immediately, you will slip into a coma.”

The only thing I could think of to say was: “Well isn’t it a good thing I told you so, and that you actually listened to me this time?” I fired him. Yes – you can fire a medical professional. Especially one that doesn’t hear you, help you or focus on your health. Period.

Please note the information contained in this article is not meant to replace medical advice. Please contact your health care provider for more specific information about your situation.

The years have passed, and I was on steroids for a while. It was horrible. I couldn’t remember anything, I gained weight and had teenage skin. I can’t even imagine what kind of damage it was doing to my insides. Over the years I have come to realize exactly what Adrenal Fatigue is, and how you can naturally and mentally heal yourself. I want to share this with you. If I can help just one person have an “Ah-ha” moment then this article wasn’t written in vein!

The holidays are over and the bills are piling up, you need some stress relief!

Here are a few well-documented benefits of massage therapy that are backed by solid scientific research...

1. Isolate the stressors in your life and address them. By address them I mean: deal with them. Shine a scary spotlight on them so that they are no longer hiding out in the darkness – but they’re exposed to the light and you begin to eliminate them and heal. People included.

2. Therapy. Go to therapy. Talk it out. Lean on someone professional who cares about your well-being.

3. Meditation and mindfulness. Meditate every darn day. For Adrenal Fatigue and Endocrine/Autoimmune diseases there is a scientifically proven correlation between meditation, brain waves, the vagus nerve ( the communication highway between your brain and stomach) the amygdala ( the gland that is in charge of fight or flight) and your two nervous systems – parasympathetic nervous system ( rest and digest) and sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) When you are continually meditating your amygdala and it’s ‘stress’ signals slows down. Your body slowly changes over to a rest and digest system. Slowly and surely, you’ll notice benefits. But for me it took years so have patience! Your grey matter thickens in your brain too – improving memory, focus, and decreasing stress, reactive behaviours and so much more!

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The proven benefits of massage

BOOSTS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM A 2010 study found that massage increases production of lymphocytes, white blood cells that play an important role in the body’s ability to fight off disease. Participants who received 45 minutes of Swedish massage were found to have higher levels of lymphocytes than those in the control group.

IMPROVES MOOD Research indicates that massage therapy positively influences the cocktail of hormones and neurotransmitters that affect our mental well-being. After a massage therapy session, cortisol, the so-called stress hormone, is decreased, while oxytocin, the love hormone, is increased. Higher levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood and pleasure, are also found in the brain

following a massage. For these reasons, massage therapy could be particularly beneficial for those with anxiety and depression.

symptoms, versus only one out of 25 who received conventional treatment.

Back massage can reduce stiffness and pain as well as enhance range of motion.

REDUCES INFLAMMATION In 2012, a study published in Science Translational Medicine found that a ten-minute massage could provide significant relief of muscle soreness following physical exertion. Another study found that subjects who were treated with massage therapy had decreased levels of cytokines, molecules associated with inflammation.

So what are you waiting for!?

Give yourself the gift of massage.

May I recommend: The Mobile Massage Therapist, Jennifer Leite RMT, RRPr #226-789-0441 jenniferleitermt@gmail.com

REDUCES PAIN Various studies support the claim that massage can alleviate lower back pain.

In one test, 33 percent of subjects who were given a massage once a week for ten weeks saw an improvement in

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The Plattsville & District Heritage Society - The New Year

The plaque will be installed on the WASHINGTON SCHOOL bell base at the Chesterfield ARCHIVES and hopefully all will have a chance to stop and read--be sure to check out our display at the library graciously looked after by Marg Schiedel.

By Carol Coombs, Treasurer for the Society

Here it is THE NEW YEAR already and time to make those RESOLUTIONS for 2019--a promise to one's self which focuses purely on self-improvement (this may explain why such resolutions seem so hard to follow through on). Recent research shows only eight percent are successful in achieving their goals but this dismal record probably won't stop people keeping the tradition of resolutions anytime soon--after all we've had about 4,000 years of practice which started with the ancient Babylonians who were the first to hold recorded celebrations in honor of the NEW YEAR, however, for them the year began not in January but in mid March when the crops were planted.

Pictured are two early 20th-century New Year's resolution postcards--both were published before 1923 in the US and the copyright has long since expired. One can still find a NEW YEAR'S CARD to send but more likely in the last ten years to use social media or use telephone greetings.

As I write this CHRISTMAS is just around the corner and THE HERITAGE SOCIETY hope you will have a joyous one with family and friends--our next issue will be in the NEW YEAR when you are able to pick this up. Be safe and healthy.

Carol Coombs Treasurer for the Society UPCOMING EVENTS: Annual Meeting for THE PLATTSVILLE & DISTRICT HERITAGE SOCIETY on January 28, 2019 at 7:30 P.M. at SHAKERS Restaurant, Plattsville.

Election of officers and membership due--$10.00 single or $20.00 family per year.

DENISE TEW, President E-mail: denise.tew@hotmail.com or call 519-684-7225 Preparations begin for our summer display--'CRUISIN' the 50s & 60s

PEACE UNITED CHURCH Our Mission: Make Me A Channel of Your Peace

SAMOA, TONGA & KIRITIMATI (CHRISTMAS ISLAND), part of KIRIBATI, are the first places to welcome the New Year while American Samoa and Baker Island in the USA are among the last. NEW YEAR'S is celebrated at evening social gatherings where many people dance, eat, drink and watch or light fireworks. In this day of digital tools one can watch the world celebrations for twentyfour hours as each country's clock strikes midnight. One must not forget to watch the crystal ball drop in TIMES SQUARE in New York City. For years it was a tradition in my family to watch Dick Clark count the last minute of the outgoing year and welcome the new year followed by a kiss and hug to celebrate--seems like only yesterday .

www.peaceunited.ca 20 Samuel St., in beautiful Plattsville, Ontario

The Life and Work of our Church PEACE UNITED SENIORS LUNCHEONS FOR THE COMMUNITY To be held at 12:30 pm on the last Wednesday of the following months: January, February and March So please save the dates!

January 30th, February 27th and March 27th Please R.S.V.P to Doris 519.684.7453 by the Sunday prior to these dates.

On December 1st your HERITAGE SOCIETY participated both the BRIGHT SANTA CLAUS PARADE in the afternoon and the PLATTSVILLE SANTA CLAUS PARADE at night--we were honored to receive the prize for the BEST THEME float. The delight on the children's faces as we handed out candy was priceless and I commend the floats who obeyed the rules and did not throw candy--there is a reason for this as at night it puts stress on the float drivers as it is hard to see a wee one dart out with all the float lights and no one knows what kind of puddle, etc. the treat could land in so THANK YOU. I hope you and yours have had a moment to drive around our community and check out the CHRISTMAS decor--there are certainly lots of sparkling colourful lights along with the new PLATTSVILLE wreaths and it reminds one of the "THE GREAT CHRISTMAS LIGHT FIGHT" on television. One of our member's had an open house for us and I must say the display was over the top so I have added a couple of pictures-he did warn us in the summer that his family has lots of decorations and they did not disappoint.

Our annual Christmas dinner was yum and Frank cooks one delicious tasting turkey--we had our picture taken by his SNOWMAN tree for 2018.

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No charge – Donations gladly accepted SUNDAY, JANUARY 20TH IS TEAM SPIRIT SUNDAY Wear your favourite sports team jersey, hat, pins, whatever!

There will be soup and sandwiches following worship!

ANSWER KEY: • CHEERS • PARTY • CALENDAR • BUBBLY • TOAST • CLOCK

PEACE FAMILY FRIDAY FUN NIGHTS! Last Friday of the month!

So please save the date - Friday, January 25th Chilling Creating Chewing Celebrating

Riddle: I have a neck, but no head but I still wear a cap. What am I? A BOTTLE S m a l l To w n L i f e / T h e P l a t t s v i l l e Po s t

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Games and Snacks Crafts/Activities Supper Worship

4:30 pm – 5 pm 5 pm – 6 pm 6 pm to 6:30 pm 6:30 pm to 6:45 pm

Please R.S.V.P to Pastor Chris at revcmatheson@outlook.com No charge – Donations gladly accepted for Mission and Service  / 27

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BOOK YOUR SESSION TODAY: TAYSELIGPHOTOGRAPHY@GMAIL.COM (226) 755-2506 28 / 

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