Waterloo Region Rural Post November 29, 2019

Christmas

Connecting to the rural communities of Wellesley, Woolwich, Wilmot and North Dumfries

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Spotlight CONTINUES...

PAGES 9 - 11

www.wrruralpost.com

| ISSUE 28 | November 29, 2019

SEE OUR AD

IN THE SERVICE CENTRE

PAGE 18

NH Parade | pg 2

Dental Gifts | pg 10

Christmas Events | pg 9

Wilmot Family Resource Centre Giving and caring are at the heart of WFRC, which next year will celebrate its 40th year of service to the residents of Wilmot and Wellesley townships.

A non-profit charitable organization, WFRC is a leading provider of social support services

to low-income and food-insecure families and individuals.

Their values of inclusion, respect, relationship, integrity, collaboration and sustainability are values that each of us must embrace if we are doing our part to ensure that our communities

My Subaru Gave to Me Symmetrical Full-Time All-Wheel Drive, Amazing Fuel Efficiency, Class-Leading Safety Features, Generous Cargo Capacity, And a Partridge in a Pear Tree.

Holiday Event

WFRC Volunteers | WRITER: WRRP Staff Biz Humour | pg 16

remain strong and healthy.

Delivering support services to rural communities like Wilmot and Wellesley is a lot different than in nearby cities in the Region, but WFRC understands these unique challenges because it is an integral part of

Only your

the communities it serves. And they’ve got over 400 volunteers who help them do it!

So what exactly does WFRC do to help our neighbours who are struggling to get by? cont’d Page 8 ...

500

$

heart can see

beyond memory’s

horizon Neale Donald Walsch

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2 LOCAL | THE WATERLOO REGION RURAL POST | November 29, 2019 | LOCAL EVENTS

Running the New Hamburg

Santa Claus Parade

HOLIDAY VOICES WITH CHORDSPINNERS

September 2019 was spectacular.

Ontarians enjoyed a perfect month of sun and warmth. Back decks and barbecues were enjoyed, but for the organizers, our thoughts are on the holiday season.

We needed to begin planning New Hamburg’s annual Santa Claus Parade!

Events like ours in rural Ontario are personal.

Communities have relied on their service groups, local businesses, grocers, farmers, and places of worship to support each other in the not-too-distant past. That spirit continues, even as larger cities grow closer. The NH Santa Claus Parade is a chance for all of the community to come together; to share and celebrate.

By October, we were preparing e-mails and making calls to former parade participants to invite them back again.

A lot of participants had already started reaching out to confirm their

The Chordspinners is a women’s a capella group. We are extending an invite to women to come join us for 4 fun filled evenings singing traditional carols and holiday favourites, with a final Christmas concert on December 9th for family and friends. Practices will take place Monday evenings 7:00-8:30pm from November 11th until December 2nd, with a concert on December 9th at 7:00pm. We practice in St. James Lutheran Church, 1407 King St., St. Jacobs.

For more information contact chordspinnersprez@live. ca or visit our website www.chordspinners.com

NEW HAMBURG LIONESS & LIONS ANNUAL TREE OF LIGHT Friday, Nov. 29th, 6:30 p.m.

Join the Waterloo-Oxford Concert Appassionata Choir and the New Hamburg Concert Band in a Christmas sing-a-long and the lighting of our tree.

Complimentary hot dogs and hot apple cider will be served. A $5 donation lights a bulb on our tree. Stop by our donation table at New Hamburg Sobeys and buy a bulb and support us, with all money raised going to our community.

We invite all children to enter our Christmas Tree colouring contest. The Christmas Tree colouring page has been distributed to our local New Hamburg and Baden public schools as well as the New Hamburg and Baden Libraries and is available at the Sobeys store.

Bring along with you the night of the Tree of Light ceremony. Drop it in the Christmas wrapped box by the stage. Five coloured pages will be drawn from the box and a cash prize awarded to these winners.

For further information, contact New Hamburg Lioness Marjorie Heimpel 519 634-8527.

88 Huron St., New Hamburg 519-662-3684

Store Hours: Monday-Wednesday: 9:00 am-6:00 pm Thursday-Friday: 9:00 am-7:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm Closed Sunday & Holidays

WE DELIVER! Get your softener salt, wild bird seed and safety salt delivered all at once!

Road salt is pet friendly!

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Be winter ready, CALL US! Pet & Enviro Friendly

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interest.

We also needed to get our special permit (road closure) applications in.

Depending on the roads being used for our parade, often both Regional and Municipal sectors needed to get involved. Road closures have legislated requirements. Signs need to go up…residents need notice…policing has to be arranged.

While this was underway, our well experienced sponsors took up all the different tasks involved in organizing this event. As they have years under their belt organizing these parades, each service group took on their respective roles. Posters were ordered, social media updated…

October and November arrived, and the organization was well underway. Street banners announcing the upcoming parade were inspected for damage and rehung on local streets by the volunteers of the Optimist

IMAGE SOURCE: Barbara Angelucci

Club.

New Hamburg Optimist Chair, Mike Weiler, studied his master list of previous floats and displays and began following up on reminding attendees that December was almost here.

He arranged volunteers, public washroom space, and the main parade roster.

Paul Mackie, President of the New Hamburg

Lions, was checking online registrations daily and our list of participants started to grow. He invited our local dignitaries, and made arrangements for banners and parade transportation. The Argo vehicles that carry our councillors, mayor, etc are donated annually (we are so grateful!) by ODG. cont’d Page 8 ...

| FAITH Anglican Bahai Bethel Calvary Catholic Christian Countryside Creekside Emmanuel Evangelical

Fellowship Bible Gale Grace Hillcrest Holy Family Knox Koinonia Living Water Livingston

Lutheran Maple View Mennonite New Apostolic Nith Valley Pentecostal Presbyterian Reformed Shantz

Slate St Boniface St Bridgid St Clements St James St Marks St Marys St Matthews St Pauls

St Peters St Teresa Steinmann Trinity Trinity United Woodside YOG Zion

November 29, 2019 | THE WATERLOO REGION RURAL POST | LOCAL 3

www.wrruralpost.com

LOCAL Connecting you with your local rural community

Letter from Mayor Sandy Shantz On November 14th, Woolwich Healthy Communities hosted the Somebody Should Do Something event, with a keynote speech from the best-selling author of 13 Ways to Kill Your Community, Doug Griffiths.

The main message of the evening was that “attitude is everything”—consider what you need, as a community, and what are you are willing to sacrifice to make it happen. The keynote highlighted many common errors made by communities across North America who are unintentionally holding

themselves back when they’re trying to improve.

We all know that constructive feedback has a place in our communities, and everyone present was reminded that we

“

SAME PRICE

ensuring local businesses have access to the support they need to make their websites marketable to visitors, deliberately designing communities with specific goals in mind, and ensuring that all changes implemented work toward increased relevancy.

community—like our blend of rural, urban, and suburban living, our unique downtown cores, our nationallyknown tourism hotspots, and more. If we try to the conversations going.

Whether it’s at an event, a coffee shop, on your doorstep or in my office, I want to know what is important to you and your family.

vibrancy to our region and our way of life. We know that acceptance and inclusion are more than just words. Working together in a selfless manner makes us proud to

next time we share a meal at a legion hall, a firehouse or in a church basement.

Let’s keep working together to make Kitchener-Conestoga even better!

WE MUST ACKNOWLEDGE THAT WE, AS MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY, ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR OWN ACTIONS. must acknowledge that we, as members of our community, are responsible for our own actions. The event hashtag— #iAmSomebody—

Letter from MP Tim Louis As your newly elected Member of Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga, it is my privilege to write my first Rural Post article.

Although I was elected just one month ago, I have spent the past number of years having conversations with neighbours and stakeholders throughout Kitchener-Conestoga.

While each area of the riding offers its own uniqueness and has its

reinforces the idea that only you can make your community stronger; if you’re positive that somebody has to change the way things are done, you’re also responsible for reminding yourself that

make ourselves sound perfect, or over-market ourselves, we run the risk of inspiring skepticism instead of confidence from those we interact with.

Woolwich is a community of communities, and we should focus on ensuring visitors to our Township get to experience all of the exceptional pieces that make Woolwich the wonderful place it is.

To paraphrase the presentation—a good community requires 90%90% participation, not 50%-50%; to make our communities the best they can be, it’s important to give our all before we can expect others to give us the same in return. This can include cooperating with area municipalities (e.g. our Joint Service Delivery Review process),

improve our tree canopy is just one example of our residents’ can-do spirit when the community comes together to work toward a common goal.

Our Township motto is “Proudly remembering our past; Confidently embracing our future.”

Sometimes we need to be reminded that it’s important to market our unique strengths as a

own needs, there are also some common concerns.

Climate Action, Affordability and Healthcare are issues that are top of mind for most people.

One of my responsibilities in Ottawa is to ensure the voices of our rural communities are heard on these and other important issues. A rural lens needs to be applied to national policies as

you are somebody and that we’re all responsible for our community because we are our community.

TWEEC and Trees for Woolwich’s planting initiatives to

”

“

Sandy Shantz Mayor Woolwich Township

they arise. I will advocate on behalf of the hardworking people in our Tim Louis communities that help MP Kitchener-Conestoga drive our economy and build our nation.

For me to be most effective, I need your input.

Whether raising a family or looking forward to a well-earned retirement, communities like our townships offer a unique Our similarities be part of our communities perspective that deserves outweigh our differences, and proud to be Canadian. to be heard. Let’s keep and our differences bring I look forward to the

OUR SIMILARITIES OUTWEIGH OUR DIFFERENCES, AND OUR DIFFERENCES BRING VIBRANCY TO OUR REGION AND OUR WAY OF LIFE.

”

MORE SIZZLE

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4 LOCAL | THE WATERLOO REGION RURAL POST | November 29, 2019

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e d a r a P s u a l C Santa Elmira Kiwanis

Saturday, Dec. 7 th at 10am on Arthur St.

20+ ts! a o l F

Doni’tss i t! m

7 Bands!

THE BIGGEST PARADE IN WOOLWICH!

The Kiwanis Club of Elmira, Inc. P.O. BOX 171, ELMIRA, ONTARIO N3B 1A2

Pet Q &A Q: Should I give heartworm, tick and flea prevention year round?

A: Contrary to what many pet owners believe, protecting dogs and cats from parasites is a yearround commitment.

In Ontario we think of heartworm as a summer problem because it is spread between dogs by mosquitos and requires consistently warm temperatures to be transmitted. However,

warm seasons fluctuate from one region to another, and even from year to year. Moreover, clients chasing the sun into warmer climates with their pets need to be aware of the yearround presence of heartworm across the southern states.

Talk to your veterinarian about the best parasite preventive medication to keep your pet parasite-free all year long.

Pet of the Week | Mystique “Hello, my name is Mystique!

I am a gorgeous feline looking for my perfect forever home.

I’m looking to join a family that is quiet and calm, and can understand that I get shy in new situations. Once I warm up to you, I am quite content giving out head-butts and purring up a storm. I am very friendly and affectionate, and love to cuddle up in my cat bed.”

Ilanna Carvalho, Adoption Coordinator 519-745-5615 ext. 239 | ilanna.carvalho@kwsphumane.ca The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth 250 Riverbend Drive, Kitchener | www.kwsphumane.ca Community Service Announcement courtesy of The Waterloo Region Rural Post

Independent Living Retirement Apartments, Assisted Living and Memory Care Suites.

Open house

Our model suites are ready, and we are excited to show you around.

Drop in

December 3, 4 and 5 1–7 p.m.

Valet parking

University gateS

Come see why you’ll love our

Village

Can’t make it these days?

Book a private tour.

Call 519-904-0650 x 8044.

250 Laurelwood Drive, Waterloo schlegelvillages.com

November 29, 2019 | WATERLOO REGION RURAL POST | LIFESTYLE 5

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LIFESTYLE Living in the townships and tips on just plain living

Gepetto Gepetto joined the Sjogren family eight years ago as a tiny orange kitten. A rambunctious ball of fluff, Gepetto kept the Sjogrens in stitches thanks to his antics with

fellow cats Missy, Itty Bitty Kitty and Libby, the family’s Pug. Now fully grown, Gepetto has matured into a quiet, mellow fellow, which is why his actions in early December 2009 caught Phyllis Sjogren’s attention in just the nick of time.

The weather forecast was calling for cold, snow and wind so the Sjogrens loaded up with firewood and prepared for a cozy weekend at home. At three a.m. on Monday morning Phyllis woke from a fitful sleep to a cold house, so she turned the thermostat up, ignoring a growing headache and went back to bed.

Phyllis barely heard her husband leave for work at six o’clock that morning, thanks to the handy set of ear plugs she wears to bed regularly, but nothing could

Hearts & Paws | For All Of You Dog Lovers!

Hearts & Paws is a new dog grooming business that recently opened up in New Dundee - just in time to help your dog look its best for Christmas.

Located in the New Dundee Business Park, Hearts & Paws is owned

by Abby Langlade, a charming, young dog-lover who earned her professional grooming certificate when working for Petsmart in 2016. She’s

been grooming ever since and now she can help make your pooch look like a million dollars for the cost of a meal.

Abby’s mission “is to give your fur baby the most positive experience and leave your dog feeling clean, stress-free, and with a belly full of treats!”

“I have always had such a strong passion for animals, I always knew my love would grow and land

block out what Phyllis calls, “the terrible sequence of yowls” coming from the basement at six thirty a.m.

Other than a random meow or call to go outside, the Sjogren’s cats are a quiet bunch, so the distress in Gepetto’s wailing voice was enough to make Phyllis jump from bed to investigate. As she rose, Phyllis realized the headache from hours before had now escalated to extreme pain, but she was determined to check first on the safety of her cat.

Reaching the kitchen, Phyllis was shocked to find Gepetto making an absolute racket at the top of the basement stairs.

Despite an overwhelming feeling of nausea and feeling so dizzy she could barely walk, Phyllis bent down to comfort Gepetme in an animal related career.”

“I have owned many pets over the years including a bulldog, mini schnauzer, cat, cockatiel, bearded dragon and of course my beta fish! My most current pack is 2 cockapoo’s and a standard poodle.”

Whether your dog needs a nail trim, a wash or just a shave and a haircut, Hearts & Paws will leave him/her looking and feeling their best.

You don’t have to take my word for it. Here are a few of the comments left on the H&P Facebook page: D.K. - “Dogs came back HAPPY! Clean and Super Cute. Abigail did a great job. Thank you.”

E.H. - “I got my Aussie and Cockapoo groomed.

Abby was detailed and made me feel safe leaving them with her for the day.

She did a great job!”

A.M. - “I brought my German Shepherd to

to until he quieted down and went down to the basement. Now awake, but ready to crawl back into bed, Phyllis called her husband to ask about her strange symptoms.

Alerted by the sequence of events, Martin Sjogren implored his wife to leave the house immediately and call a close friend employed by the gas company for help.

Emergency crews revealed the Sjogren’s home had filled to a level of 70 per cent with carbon monoxide and Phyllis was suffering from stage two carbon monoxide poisoning – stage three is death. Phyllis credits Geppetto’s plaintive cries with saving her life. He knew just when to use his voice – when it was time for him to save his owner.

By WRRP Staff

Hearts & Paws for her bath today, and I could not be happier with the results!! Annie smells amazing, feels so soft and looks fantastic!!! Abby

is the most gentle, sweet and talented groomer and you will definitely not go wrong taking your furry loved ones to her!!”

L.C.M. - “Abby did a great job with my 10 month old Goldendoodle for her first grooming experience!”

6 LIFESTYLE | WATERLOO REGION RURAL POST | November 29, 2019

Simple Swaps to Make this Holiday Healthier Amy Sonnenberg, RHN RECE

While I am the first to say that sometimes it is important to loosen up a little bit and eat, drink and be merry, a month long marathon of indulgence is not going to leave you looking or feeling your best. With a few simple swaps, make this holiday a little healthier. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself in the New Year!

DITCH THE WHITE FLOUR My favourite flour swap is to use organic spelt flour in place of white flour. Spelt flour has not been ‘tinkered’ with, in the same way that white

flour has. Spelt is higher in protein than white flour and also has more essential nutrients such as iron, zinc and magnesium. While spelt does still contain gluten, many people with gluten sensitivities tolerate spelt better than white flour. I have found that spelt behaves the most like white flour in my baking. Leave ‘tinkering’ to Santa and the SWAP THE APPY FOR elves and go for spelt.

A SALAD WATCH THOSE Ditch the appetizer at FESTIVE BEVVIES a restaurant and order a Many people lose sight side salad to get started of just how much sugar with. This will keep you and calories are in one from devouring the bread glass of a festive drink. For basket and get some extra

Roasted Garlic and Mascapone Soup | Serves 4 Ingredients 1 ½ cups parsnip, roughly chopped 1 celery root, peeled and roughly chopped 2 onions, peeled and roughly chopped 2 Tbsp. onion powder 1 Tbsp. garlic powder 1 cup Mascapone cheese 1 Tbsp. Extra virgin olive oil 2 Litres vegetable stock, bought or homemade Sea salt and freshly ground pepper Fresh herbs, sliced for garnish (optional)

cold drinks, replace ginger ale with sparkling water to reduce the amount of sugar you are consuming.

Look for 100% fruit juice for your mixes and be sure to garnish with fresh fruit for a fun and healthy touch to your glass.

If ordering a hot drink from a local cafe, ask if they are making your drink with fresh ingredients or with processed syrup. Most likely, you will find syrup is what is being used. Many drinks from your favourite shop can have upwards of 1012 teaspoons of sugar depending on the size you order. Simply order a small at half sweet to still get the flavour you are after without all the extra sugar. Even though the snowflakes are swirling and it is cold outside, it is still really important to drink plenty of water. Aim for 8 to 10 cups daily.

Directions In a large stock pot heat oil on medium high heat.

Add parsnip, celery root, and onions. Cook until onions are translucent and tender, about 10 minutes.

Turn heat to medium low and add garlic powder and onion powder.

Combine well, stirring occasionally. Add the vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Let boil until vegetables are tender, about 10-15 minutes.

Season with salt and

pepper to taste.

Take off the heat and add the mascarpone cheese. Using a hand blender or food processor, blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning.

Serve hot with freshly cut herbs for garnish.

Chef D

www.wrruralpost.com

veggies in your belly. Up for an added challenge?

Skip the starches like baked potatoes, french fries and rice. Ask for extra steamed veggies on your plate. This will help promote digestion and help you feel light on your toes for a little dancing later.

EAT BEFORE YOU GO OUT Many holiday parties start a little after the dinner hour. Depending on when you normally eat, this can begin to feel like an eternity. Swap the aggravation of having to wait to eat, for a balanced snack before you leave the house. Eating an apple with almond butter will ease those hunger pains and set you up for better decision making when presented with a menu, or a tray full of empty calorie bombs on a platter.

SWAP THE TEMPTATION OF SAYING YES Instead, stay home and get in your PJs early.

Slow your pace down and watch a fun Christmas movie, take a bath and go to bed early. Our calen-

IMAGE SOURCE: P/B Jakub Kapusnak

dars can get ridiculous- set realistic expectations, ly full at this time of the and enjoy this beautiful year. Go easy on yourself, season.

Amy Sonnenberg is a Nutritionist located in the Clock Tower Wellness Centre.

Visit her at www.Designed Fo r Y o u Nut r i t i o n . co m , like her Designed For You Nutrition page on Facebook or call 519-503-7926 for more information.

November 29, 2019 | WATERLOO REGION RURAL POST | LIFESTYLE 7

www.wrruralpost.com

| No Winter Tumbles Allowed!

Great Shots!

By J. Smith Have you ever had one of those conversations that stays with you for a long time?

A window opened for me last fall, during a conversation with a salesperson at a local hardware store. I went to buy something for my icy sidewalk and driveway. He and I were considering the options before us. There was the green option, in the big plastic jugs. Or a variety of salt combinations, in tough plastic bags, still neatly piled on about eight pallets. The salesperson said, “This is what keeps me awake at night. I picture all this salt going into our ground water, into our watershed, and on down to Lake Erie.

Pallets after pallets of the stuff go out here every week. And we’re just one store. Year after year. This gives me nightmares.”

Almost all chloride ions from road salts eventually find their way into waterways whether by direct runoff into surface water or by moving through the soil and groundwater. In surface water, road salts can harm freshwater plants fish and other organisms that are not adapted to living in saline waters.

Wow! This was a new-to-me view, from a thoughtful soul who looked through a differ-

ent window. He showed me the big picture. Yikes!

What to do about my driveway? We discussed different options. I didn’t decide that day but went home disturbed and thinking.

Later I told this tale to a veterinarian who suggested poultry grit as a possibility. Tiny gravel bits.

Another window opens.

It was time to experiment.

Poultry grit at a farm store, was about $17.00 for 25kg.

“

off our boots on the entry mat but shook off readily, back out onto the walk. It didn’t make a kitty litter or ashes type of mess. And none went into the aquifer, creek, or Lake Erie during melts or rains, like the salts would have done.

Essentially the grit stayed in place during a thaw. It would freeze into the ice and, as necessary, more grit needed to be added on top, just like with de-icing salts.

ALMOST ALL CHLORIDE IONS FROM ROAD SALTS EVENTUALLY FIND THEIR WAY INTO WATERWAYS WHETHER BY DIRECT RUNOFF INTO SURFACE WATER OR BY MOVING THROUGH THE SOIL AND GROUNDWATER.

I carted it home, opened the bag and poured it into the big plastic jugs I’d kept from last year’s, green salt efforts; now I was prepared to sprinkle grit on the first icy spots of my drive.

It proved to worked well. The poultry grit laid on the surface and provided great traction for walking. Some bits fell

”

Thinking ahead, I was pondering how to deal with the poultry grit accumulation when the warm weather arrived. Spring came. The grit lay on the walk and driveway, drying in the warm sun. I swept it into piles. Then, it went back into the jugs, for reuse this year.

Curious, I looked up some info on our water-

come in a variety of colours, they are available in a range of sizes as well.

The 4” and 6” pot sizes are great for table decorations or just adding that splash of colour for the holidays.

7”, 8”, and 10” pot sizes are great for instant and easy decorating. Poinsettias are IMAGE SOURCE: P/B TerriC great for gift-giving, sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.

Poinsettias start growing from rooted cuttings at the beginning of August and require lots of care and attention.

Wonderful Poinsettias

WRITER: Julie Clancy

During Belgian’s Christmas Magic season we have thousands of Poinsettias, so many we like to call it “Poinsettiaville”. Starting around the middle of No-

vember, our Poinsettias put on a spectacular show of red, white, pink, marble, and novelty shades too.

Not only do Poinsettias

SUCCESS WITH POINSETTIAS: CARE & TIPS Light: Poinsettias prefer moderately bright light.

Water: Let dry slightly, then water thorough-

shed. Our glorious Grand River watershed is the size of PEI! Supporting about a million people who all want to stay upright, walking on our own two legs. If you add up the lengths of all the rivers and streams, there is 11,000 km of length carrying our runoff to Lake Erie.

Knowing what road salt does to a car or truck, I guess it’s not rocket science to figure that the tons of salt used for our 70,000 township residents might damage the fish and micro-organisms that help keep our precious watershed healthy, and this might be an issue that we could each help out with.

I hope I’ve found a cheap and easy solution. Yours?

The best news was that none of the poultry grit was in the storm sewer, the aquifer, the watershed, nor Lake Erie! And I am ready for this year, without having to go to the store.

Thank you, thoughtful, observant, knowledgeable, wonderful, problem-solving, caring, hardware employee!

What we do counts.

Caution: this is my home-grown solution and I may learn of ramifications from yet another window. Adaptations may be necessary!

ly when soil is dry to the touch. Discard excess water from saucer. Check soil regularly as Poinsettias don’t like to dry out completely.

Jupiter: A New Perspective IMAGE: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS

This extraordinary view of Jupiter was captured

by NASA’s Juno spacecraft on the outbound leg of its 12th close flyby of the gas giant planet. Citizen scientists Gerald Eichstädt and Seán Doran created this image using data from the spacecraft’s JunoCam imager. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA22421

Agatized dinosaur bone cells, unpolished, ca. 150 million years old IMAGE: Douglas L. Moore, University of Wisconsin, USA

Magnification: 42x Technique: Stereomicroscopy, fiber optics From: 2011 Photomicrography Competition https://www.nikonsmallworld.com/galleries/2011-photomicrography-competition/agatized-dinosaur-bone-cells-unpolished-ca.-150million-years-old Fertilizer: Poinsettias do not require fertilizing when they are flowering.

If you choose to keep your plant all year, feed it monthly with an all-pur-

pose water-soluble fertilizer.

Tip: Avoid excessively hot or cold drafty areas; best kept at an average house temperature.

8 LIFESTYLE | WATERLOO REGION RURAL POST | November 29, 2019

Serious Issues Emerging for Rural Health Care

By Art Sinclair Over the past eighteen months the Ontario government has made a series of announcements around the restructuring and reorganization of the provincial health care system.

In the southwestern

“

aments. Starting in December, the Emergency Department at Clinton Public Hospital will not operate during the overnight hours of 8 pm to 8 am.

The Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance in-

THERE IS AN EXPECTATION IN RURAL CANADA THAT RESIDENTS WILL NOT HAVE LOCAL ACCESS TO MANY SPECIALIZED SERVICES

”

Ontario towns of Clinton and Chesley, some local residents are probably questioning the changes against their own predic-

dicates the measure is required due to a shortage of nurses in the facility, an on-going problem for years in Clinton and

...cont’d WFRC from Front Cover ...

FOOD SERVICES When you drop food items into the donation bin at your neighbourhood grocery store, every item goes to WFRC for distribution to people in your community who need help.

And help it does!

In 2018, with help from the Food Bank of Waterloo Region, 45,513 pounds of locally donated food was distributed through WFRC to your neighbours who needed a bit of assistance.

Last year, WFRC distributed 657 food hampers to 430 people in the community who needed emergency food assistance. That’s over 1% of the Wellesley/ Wilmot population who benefited from your generous food donations.

In 2018, the WFRC “Lunch Crunch” program made sure that 90 local school kids ate healthy meals and didn’t go hungry. They were able to pro-

vide over 35,000 fresh fruit and vegetable servings between September and June, filling the student’s little bellies and ensuring that they could concentrate on learning rather than thinking about where their next meal will come from.

Wilmot Family Resource Centre’s “Christmas Hamper Program” matches community sponsors with an individual or family (through a confidential, anonymous process) every December. Last year, 145 hampers were prepared and distributed so that 422 of your neighbours could enjoy their Christmas.

In the Christmas Hamper Program, the sponsor purchases gifts based on the choices written in the applicant’s registration form. The hamper includes turkey or ham with all the trimmings. Items that need to be purchased to complete the gifts and food are purchased through the generous donations received from the community.

reaching a point where no other viable option was available apart from reducing hours.

The same problem exists in Chesley, a town of 2,000 residents south of Owen Sound. A shortage of nurses required mangers and other personnel to temporarily fill in on under-staffed shifts at the South Bruce Grey Health Centre – Chesley Emergency Room, leading to an 8 to 8 schedule being operational since September 21 of this year.

There is an expectation in rural Canada that residents will not have local access to many specialized services that patients in urban areas possess.

Major procedures are performed in larger centres like London, Hamilton and Toronto by some of the best practitioners in the world.

For many rural residents, emergency services are required for stabilization of patients from farm and auto accidents or cardiac conditions prior to air or land ambulance transfers into larger centres. Therefore the concern over schedule changes is elevated.

Clinton, ironically, has CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAMS The WFRC “EarlyON” program, which is aimed at parents and children (06yrs) runs every weekday between 9am and 12pm at various locations within the two townships. They provide a safe, fun space for the kids to play, read, tell stories, play games, meet new friends, and create a craft. It also gives the parents an opportunity to get advice from professionals trained in early childhood development, find out about other family services available in the community and connect with other families with small children.

Last year, WFRC’s Child and Youth Program Summer Camp was attended by 163 children from families of all income levels in the area. Subsides are always offered, so that all children can participate. It was great fun and helped the kids develop confidence and skills which they will carry forward in their lives.

As every parent knows,

a unique legacy within the history of Ontario health care. In 1976, then-provincial Health Minister Frank Miller visited the hospital when he was proposing a major restructuring (the province used the term forty years ago) of the system that would close a series of rural hospitals. His exit from the building was met with a blizzard of snowballs.

No Minister of Health has subsequently proposed rural hospital closures. Scaling back hours and designated services have been instituted but closures are not considered.

The current situation in rural Ontario is frightening and it appears some issues are far from resolution.

www.wrruralpost.com ...cont’d How to Build a Parade from Pg 2 ...

Barbara Angelucci, Member Coordinator of the New Hamburg Board of Trade, started arrangements to host families to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Community Centre after the parade. The Community Centre space is made available and donated by the Township of Wilmot every year.

Candy was ordered, along with preparations being made for the hall itself and stocking up on hot beverages for the evening. The Board of Trade will be setting up tables, chairs, and a place for the Claus couple to sit while visiting, and handing out candy to the arriving kids.

The day of the parade requires many volunteers. Some will be the marshalls of the proceedings, ensuring that the parade is pacing properly, and will watch out for any and all potential hazards for spectators. The ‘Elves’ from the New Hamburg Post Office will also be out in force. Every year

they volunteer to collect letters to Santa from young parade spectators and ensure that Santa answers each and every one.

And, of course, the auxiliary police are there to safeguard paraders and spectators.

They too have helped communities like ours for many years. Their motorcycles and personnel seamlessly zig-zag through the proceedings, helping ensure our well-being.

Absolutely none of this would have meaning or substance without our paraders! They invest hours of their own time to create floats, banners, costumes and entertainment to showcase to us.

It all gets pulled together by so many. And the results? By dusk, spectators will have walked to the downtown core and begun to find their chosen spaces. Families will have packed their kids, warm clothes and chairs to begin their evening of viewing everything this town has to offer.

And it is good.

Christmas Hamper Program IMAGE SOURCE: WFRC

PD days can be quite disruptive. It is even harder for low-income families who can’t afford to take a day off work to look after their kids. That’s why WFRC’s PD Day Program is so popular. Last year, 463 students attended the PD Day and March Break Drop-ins.

EMPLOYMENT AND FINANCIAL SERVICES If you’re looking for a job, WFRC offers an employment counselor at no cost, to help you with cov-

er letters, resumes and job search support. The service includes connection to employers, interview preparation and training information. As well, WFRC provides free computer and internet use, so you can keep everything up to date and access the most recent job bank information.

WFRC provides a yearround drop off tax service, where a CRA-trained volunteer prepares return(s) for eligible tax payers who have low to modest

incomes and a simple tax situation.

OTHER SOCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES Wilmot Family Resource Centre offers many other services which you can find on their website, https://wilmotfamilyresourcecentre.wordpress. com or drop in to their office at: Wilmot Family Resource Centre Unit 1 – 175 Waterloo Street New Hamburg, ON N3A 1S3

www.wrruralpost.com

November 29, 2019 | THE WATERLOO REGION RURAL POST |

Christmas Events

Christmas 9

ACROSS THE TOWNSHIPS

NEW DUNDEE

The Optimists Children’s Party will be held at the community centre at approximately 1:30pm on December 16th immediately following the Santa Claus Parade.

The Optimists New Dundee Community Christmas Dinner Party will be held on Saturday, December 13, at the New Dundee Community Centre.

NEW HAMBURG On Friday, November 29th, the New Hamburg Lioness and Lions will host their 36th annual Tree of Light ceremony at Centennial Fountain, downtown by the post office starting at 6:30 p.m. Join the Waterloo-Oxford Concert Appassionata Choir and the New Hamburg Concert Band in a Christmas singalong and the lighting of our tree. Complimentary hotdogs and hot apple cider will be served.

There’s also still a little time to enter this year’s Wilmot Gingerbread House Contest. The competition is an annual tradition, and this year’s theme is A Canadian Christmas. See ad on Page 16 for details.

The Optimist Club of Wilmot will be hosting a Christmas Craft Sale at the Wilmot Recreation Complex on December 2nd. From 10 am to 3 pm, the public is invited to join over 40 vendors selling a wide variety of items like woodworking, knitting, ornaments and more. All funds raised will be used to run youth programs across Wilmot Township.

BADEN On December 2nd, from 10 am to 3 pm, the Wilmot Seniors Workshop at 27 Beck St. is hosting its own Craft Sale featuring wooden bowls, cutting boards, carved birds, Christmas ornaments and more. It will also include a bake sale. All items have been hand made by senior craftspeople at the local workshop.

AYR The CP Holiday Train is on its way to Ayr on Friday, November 29th with Alan Doyle and the Beautiful Band to entertain us and spread Christmas cheer. The CP Holiday Train is celebrating 21 years of collecting food and raising funds for food banks across North America. The train will stop in Ayr at the Inglis Street crossing at approximately 5:20 pm to 6:00 pm.

Community Carol Sing & Live Nativity is being held on Sunday, December 8th from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm at 31 Northumberland Street in Ayr. Join Mayor Foxton for a community carol sing and live nativity by area churches at Centennial Park in downtown Ayr, amongst the beautiful Christmas trees decorated by local businesses, organizations and community clubs. Ayr’s Tim Hortons will be serving hot chocolate to keep you warm while you sing songs of the season.

ST. JACOBS

Where: 3 Byron Street, New Hamburg Date:

Saturday December 7, 2019

Time:

10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Come and enjoy family oriented activities related to life in Bethlehem at the time of the birth of Jesus, featuring a nativity scene with live animals, artisan demonstrations, Middle Eastern foodstuffs, and bake table. Please invite your family members, friends, and neighbours!

Need more Information?

Contact: 519 662 3450 or sgac@stgeorgesnewhamburg.com

Breakfast with Santa at Calvary United Church on Hawkesville Road, St. Jacobs, from 9:00am to 12:00pm on December 14. Join us at Calvary United Church for a great breakfast with Santa! Breakfast includes, eggs, sausage, hash browns, baked beans, and pancakes.

Foundation Christian School Christmas Program performs their Christmas musical at Calvary United Church on Hawkesville Road in St. Jacobs on Tuesday, December 17th at 6:30 pm.

Visit the St. Jacobs Market District Holiday Market on Thursday, December 12th & Saturday, December 14th for a brand-new wintery extravaganza, fun for all ages. In addition to the regular market, the Holiday Market includes Live entertainment, Activities and Games, Eats and Treats, One-of-a-kind Holiday Shopping, Live Culinary Demonstrations, Festival of Trees and more!

Santa Trains are running every Saturday and Sunday at 10am, 11:30am, and 1pm until December 16th. Polar Express runs until December 21st; Thursdays at 5:30pm, Fridays at 5:30pm & 7pm, and on Saturdays at 5:30pm, 7pm, and 8:30pm. For additional information, contact us at info@waterloocentralrailway. com or call 1 (815) 496-6843.

BRESLAU Come and celebrate the holiday season with us at the Breslau Community Centre on Saturday December 7th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The fun starts at 6pm with a horse drawn wagon ride through the neighbourhood, cookie decorating, crafts and don’t forget your camera for pictures with Santa! $2 per person admission

10

Christmas |

THE WATERLOO REGION RURAL POST | November 29, 2019

www.wrruralpost.com

DECEMBER 5-12

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In the Christmas Spirit The Wellesley Dental office opened their doors for their first Free Dental Day as a way to help those in need who could not otherwise afford dental treatment. The office has been established since 2007, and is located at 1215 Queen’s Bush Road.

The owner, Dr. Joonsuk Mang, associate dentist, Dr. Young Ho Hea, and his staff volunteered their time on Saturday

November 16, 2019 from 10:00am-3:00pm. Patients came on a first come, first serve basis.

Dr. Mang and his staff were nervous, yet excited, to host the free Dental Day. Although it was quieter than expected, the dental team was happy to treat people in need. One of their patients that day said, “It was a nice Christmas gift. It means so much to my husband and I. We’re

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very happy and look forward to coming back.”

The Wellesley Dental office thanks Henry Schein for sponsoring dental materials for the Free Dental Day. The Doctors and staff had a great day providing for the community. The Wellesley Dental Office hopes to continue to treat those in need in the Wilmot community and surrounding areas.

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November 29, 2019 | THE WATERLOO REGION RURAL POST |

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12 LIFESTYLE | WATERLOO REGION RURAL POST | November 29, 2019 across the lake, it can happen very quickly,” OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt told The Weather Network.

Speed is a major contributing factor to collisions during snow squall events and Sgt. Schmidt says once that white wall or blowing snow appears in the distance, that’s the precise time drivers should start slowing down.

SOURCE: The Weather Network IMAGE SOURCE: toronto.ctvnews.ca

Avoiding a Pileup Driving Tips Road conditions can deteriorate in a matter of minutes during the winter months, and if you’re not prepared, it could lead to a serious collision or pileup.

Officials have these tips to keep in mind when hitting the roads this season.

Viral footage of a terrifying pileup on Highway 401 in Bowmanville, Ontario a few winters ago, continues to serve as a stark reminder of how fast you can lose control of your car in a snow squall.

Up to 100 vehicles were involved in the crash, including a tractor-trailer.

Several people were sent to hospital, all with minor

injuries, and the highway was shut down for nine hours.

Intensifying snow squalls sent visibility plunging along highways in southern Ontario, contributing to numerous accidents region-wide, and with snow squall season here again, police have some tips for drivers on how to avoid a similar pile-up.

“This is something that we see throughout the winter all of the time and typically you don’t get caught by surprise, although sometimes when a snow squall comes in or a streamer comes in

HOW TO REACT “It really comes down to drivers taking a look down the road not just over the bumper, but looking far down into the distance to anticipate what’s going on and if there are any changes in weather patterns, traffic patterns, traffic speed, road conditions, everything,” he said. “You must adjust your driving much earlier on.”

So, what’s the appropriate speed when approaching a squall?

“When officers were speaking to some of the drivers that were involved in these collisions, a lot of them had said they had slowed down and were doing maybe 80 or 90 km/h, but that is far too fast,” Schmidt told The Weather Network. “In these conditions, the appropriate speed might have been 20 or 30, or even less depending on how far you can see, because if you

are driving into an environment where you can’t see 50 metres in front of you, you need to be able to stop.

Often times it’s a natural instinct for a driver to slam on the brakes. However, this sets off a dangerous chain reaction. By slowing down gradually, it gives the driver behind a warning that there is something coming up ahead.

“Very often the collisions we see are vehicles losing control on off and on ramps, curves and corners,” Schmidt noted.

“Vehicles only have four points of contact with the ground on those tires and there’s a limit to how much friction you’re going to have on that. So, if you’re taking a ramp too quickly, you may not be able to negotiate that curve.”

Whether or not you are located near a typical snowbelt area, conditions can change rapidly at anytime without warning.

If you find yourself approaching a snow squall, Sgt. Schmidt suggests turning on your vehicle’s full headlight system and if you choose to slow down, put on your fourways to make yourself as visible as possible to other motorists on the road. Before you head out, brush any ice or snow off your

www.wrruralpost.com vehicle, ensure all fluids are topped up and have an emergency kit on you.

As always with snow squalls, avoiding travel is the best option. Delaying a trip will also allow snowplows, salt trucks and other maintenance crews to do their job.

“We don’t want to see people trying to pass snowplows and trying to cause problems with them because that can slowdown the entire clearing operation.”

PULLING OVER In snow squalls pulling over to the side of the highway may seem like the safest option, but Sgt. Schmidt says that could make matters worse.

“There may be cars driving on the shoulder, unbeknownst to them that they’re actually on the shoulder because they can’t see the lane markings... Vehicles coming from behind may not see you until it’s too late and they may be on a collision course with you,” said Schmidt. “Instead, get to the next exit and then get off the highway. That will probably be a far better option for you.”

BRACING FOR IMPACT But, what if it’s too late?

“In terms of bracing for impact we don’t want you to lock your arms in po-

Santa Claus Parades IN THE TOWNSHIPS

AYR

NEW HAMBURG

November 30th 1:00 pm

December 1st 6:00 pm

ELMIRA

BADEN

December 7th 10:00 am

December 7th 1:30 pm

WELLESLEY

ST. AGATHA

December 13th 6:45 pm

December 14th 1:00 pm

NEW DUNDEE

ST. CLEMENTS

December 16th 12:30 pm

December 21st 1:00 pm

PJ Party Waterloo Region – On Thursday November 14th a record number of people came out to the 6th annual Sleep Tight PJ Party at Hacienda Sarria where over $13000 was raised in their fight to help victims of human trafficking.

For the second year in a row the event was sold out and over 170 guests came out to help raise essential funds that directly support Sleep Tight’s charity of choice: Restorations - a charitable organization that exists to provide specialized, holistic, longterm care to victims of

commercial sexual exploitation in Canada.

“This event started 5 years ago with a small idea to send a message of comfort and hope through a pair of pajamas to survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation,” explains Meaghan Martin, founder of Sleep Tight. “To see how each year it evolves and grows is truly inspiring.”

The money raised will help Restorations in their renovations of a residential home they are creating to provide a place for victims of human traffick-

sition and make yourself all rigid, because very often that can cause more injury,” he said. “If your vehicle is modern and equipped with all sorts of safety mechanisms in terms of breaking, traction control, anti-skid and so on, you can take advantage of that. It’s the vehicle doing the work for you, you don’t have to pump the breaks.”

If you find yourself sliding or heading towards a dangerous area, Schmidt suggests finding an escape route and steering smoothly in that direction.

If you are involved in a crash and there is blowing snow, pull over if you can and stay inside the vehicle until emergency crews arrive.

“Just have that ever-present awareness and attention so that you can be prepared to respond to any emergency or crisis that may happen.”

You may not be using them anymore on your feet, but they can be very handy for protecting your wipers from any ice or snow build up. The night before a storm, layer up your wipers with the socks and either stand them up or keep them laid down. The ice will stay off and your windshield will be clean and clear.

ing during their recovery.

“My hope is that guests left the event knowing that no idea is too small,” says Martin. “By coming together each year we reignite this conversation on human trafficking, its impact in our community and the many ways we can work together to put an end to it.”

Sleep Tight, sponsored

by Larrek Investigations, has already committed to a 2020 PJ Party and will be announcing the date in the coming days.

Meaghan Martin is a government relations professional and a well known child welfare advocate with lived experience in the foster care system. She is the founder of Sleep Tight and President of the Child Welfare Political Action Committee - a federally incorporated not-for-profit that advocates for a progressive child welfare system.

November 29, 2019 | WATERLOO REGION RURAL POST | FAITH 13

www.wrruralpost.com

FAITH Faith in something greater than yourself is free, but priceless

| The Three Challenges of Change Dear Friend, Our thinking determines how we relate to everyone in our lives. It impacts how we view our marriage. It impacts how we view ourselves. It even impacts our relationship with God. In order to improve all of those relationships, we have to take our fallen thinking and conform it to biblical thinking.

In other words, we have to change our minds.

There are three reasons this can be a huge challenge.

First, the Word of God seems foolish to us. “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are

foolishness to him” (1 Cor. 2:14). God’s Word offends our natural minds.

Consider the biblical ideas of sacrifice, submission, or forgiveness.

Those things do not come easy to us because of our sinful state. The world simply doesn’t think the way God thinks.

Parenting a toddler reflects this reality. You can’t reason with a three-yearold about the necessity of picking up his toys or being nice to her brother. You’re telling them the truth, but they don’t buy it. It doesn’t make sense to them. They want to do things their own way.

Foolishness is bound up

in the heart of a child.

The Bible tells us to love our enemies. It tells husbands to sacrifice for their wives. It tells wives to honor their husbands. Sometimes these commands offend us, but they come from a loving God. We can be immature children living according to our limited understanding, or we can trust our Father who knows better.

Second, the Word of God requires us to act against our feelings. Early in our marriage, Karen and I treated each other badly because we were both living in fear. Personally, I was afraid if I submitted to her—if I did

what the Bible said—she would walk all over me.

I didn’t think it would work. I didn’t have faith.

I had to learn to trust God’s plan. With faith and prayer, I began to believe what God said. I treated Karen the way God said to treat Karen. It ended up saving our marriage—but only after I acted contradictory to my feelings.

The Word of God doesn’t cater to our feelings. It challenges us, but when we honor it, God’s Word also heals us. Our fear becomes faith.

Third, the Word of God contradicts what we believe is true. These may be deeply held beliefs. For instance, the Pharisees knew the Torah, the first five books of the Bible. They

The Opposite Life

by Alex Seeley 118-0999 $21.99 Discover the secret to living a powerful and abundant life through the upside-down kingdom of God. In our constant search for a life filled with blessing and abundance, we often follow our human instinct, and then wonder why we come up short. God always has a better idea. And it most often requires us to move in the opposite direction.

In The Opposite Life, pastor and author Alex Seeley explains the secret to living a powerful and abundant life through the upside-down kingdom of God. Each chapter unpacks the opposite-life principles that begin with our way of thinking and yield miraculous results.

We all want the blessed life, but sometimes go about it in the wrong way. God’s promises are conditional. He says follow Me, and I will change your weakness into strength, your foolishness into wisdom, and your nothing into everything.

| CHURCH EVENTS TWIN CITY HARMONIZER ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SHOW PRESENTS

Sat., Nov. 30th at 2pm “An A Cappella Christmas” at Calvary United Church, St. Jacobs. Special guests are “Flare” a children’s choir from Milton.

Tickets are $15.00 and can be purchased at the door. Children under 12 are free. Door

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prizes and refreshments. Calvary Church has hearing assisted and is wheelchair accessible.

ST. TERESA OF AVILA CHRISTMAS DINNER

Friday, December 6th At St. Teresa of Avila Church Hall, 19 Flamingo Drive, Elmira. The meal will begin at 6:00 p.m. Cash Bar will be available. A limited number of tickets can be purchased through the Parish Office,

Author Henri Nouwen recalls his visit to a museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, where he spent hours reflecting on Rembrandt’s portrayal of the prodigal son. As the day wore on, changes in the natural lighting from a

memorized it and quoted it all the time. But Jesus told them, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed” (John 8:31).

This shocked the Pharisees. They thought no one was more familiar with the Torah than them. If anyone was “abiding” in Scripture already, it was the Pharisees. Who was Jesus to tell them they needed more of the Word?

They didn’t understand.

They were mean-spirited.

They lacked love. Jesus told them they may know the Bible, but their lack of love indicated they didn’t

understand the Truth.

These are challenges to changing our minds. In order to let God’s Word change your mind, you have to have a teachable spirit. Karen and I have been transformed by the Word of God because we sit at His feet, asking Him to teach us together. We’re not perfect. But we have changed—and so has our relationship.

Abide in His Word, together. Commit to it as the standard of truth in your lives and He will transform your thinking and your marriage.

Blessings,

nearby window left Nouwen with the impression that he was seeing as many different paintings as there were changes of light. Each seemed to reveal something else about a father’s love for his broken son.

Nouwen describes how, at about four o’clock, three figures in the painting appeared to “step forward.” One was the older son who resented his father’s willingness to roll out the red carpet for the homecoming of his younger brother, the prodigal. After all, hadn’t he squandered so much of the family fortune, causing them pain and embarrassment in the process?

Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or by calling 519-669-3387. Ticket prices are: Adults $21.00; Children 6-12 years $10.00 and Children 5 & under are free. Last chance to purchase tickets is Monday, December 2nd. We will be having our Gift Basket Raffle and our popular 50/50 draw as well. Our very own local band - No Request - will be providing musical entertainment during and after the Christmas Dinner. Please plan to stay and even sneak in a dance or 2! Funds

(Luke 15:28–30).

The other two figures reminded Nouwen of the religious leaders who were present as Jesus told His parable. They were the ones who muttered in the background about the sinners Jesus was attracting (vv. 1–2).

Nouwen saw himself in all of them—in the wasted life of his youngest son, in the condemning older brother and religious leaders, and in a Father’s heart that’s big enough for anyone and everyone.

What about us? Can we see ourselves anywhere in Rembrandt’s painting? In some way, every story Jesus told is about us.

raised from this event will go towards the Building Maintenance Project.

TUESDAY LUNCHEON AT GALE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ELMIRA

December 17th Cost $15 ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY, 2 seating times available. Carved Turkey, Dressing, Mashed Potatoes, Roll, Gravy, Hot Vegetable, Cranberry Salad, Dessert, Beverage. 519-669-2852

14 FAITH | WATERLOO REGION RURAL POST | November 29, 2019 (519) 696-3012 Sun. at 10 am

PLACES OF WORSHIP

St. James Lutheran Church

1000 Knechtel Ct., Mannheim RR2 Petersburg, ON N0B 2H0

St. Peter’s Church

144 Huron St. New Hamburg, ON N3A 1J4 (519) 634-4932 Sun. 7:30 am and 10 am

Steinmann Mennonite Church

1316 Snyder’s Road West Baden, ON N3A 3K8 (519) 634-8311 Sun. at 9:45 am

FREE LISTINGS! Provided as a free service to the community, these listings are added and updated by reader contributions.

Have a church or other place of worship in the rural Waterloo region and don’t see it listed? Have new info for a current listing? Contact us and we will add/edit it for FREE! events@wrruralpost.com

WILMOT Bethel Evangelical Missionary Church

1531 Bridge St. New Dundee, ON N0B 2E0 519-696-2284 Sun. at 10:00 amWorship Service Sunday School 10:30 am

Creekside Church

660 Conservation Dr. Waterloo, ON (519) 725-0256 Sun. at 8:25, 9:45, 11:15 am

Emmanuel Lutheran Church

1716 Snyder’s Rd. East Petersburg, ON N0B 2H0 (519) 634-5511 Sun. at 9:30 am

Fellowship Bible Church

150 Hamilton Rd. New Hamburg, ON N3A 2K1 (226) 240-0895 Sun. at 10:45 am

Grace Mennonite Fellowship Church 2111 Bean Rd. New Hamburg, ON (519) 462-2220 Sun. at 9:45 am

Hillcrest Mennonite Church

1056 Huron St. New Hamburg, ON N3A 3E9 (519) 662-1577 Sun. at 9:45 AM

Holy Family Roman Catholic Parish

329 Huron St. New Hamburg, ON N3A 1K3 (519) 662-1744 Sat. at 5 pm and Sun. at 10 am

Living Water Community Christian Fellowship 45 Hincks St. New Hamburg, ON (519) 662-3300

Livingston Presbyterian Church 44 Beck St. Baden, ON (519) 662-4949 Sun. at 10 am

New Apostolic Church 416 Waterloo St. New Hamburg, ON N3A 1T5 Sun. at 10:30 am and Wed. at 7 pm

New Dundee Baptist Church

1173 Queen St. New Dundee, ON N0B 2E0 Sun. at 9:30 am

New Hamburg Christian Centre

177 Jacob St. New Hamburg, ON N3A 1C5 (519) 662-3234 Sun. at 10:00 am

New Hamburg Conservative Mennonite Church

347 Hamilton St. New Hamburg, ON N3A 2H7 (519) 662-3841 Sun. at 9:45 am

Nith Valley Mennonite Church

1355 Bean Rd. New Hamburg, ON N3A 2K6 (519) 662-3520 Sun. at 9:45 am

Rosebank Church

1434 Huron Rd. RR2 Petersburg, ON N0B 2H0 (519) 696-3009 Sun. at 10:30 am

Shantz Mennonite Church 2473 Erb’s Rd. Baden, ON N3A 3M3 (519) 634-8712 Sun. at 9:30 am

St. Agatha Mennonite Church 1967 Erb’s Rd. St. Agatha, ON N0B 2L0 (519) 634-8212 Sun. at 10 am

St. Agatha Roman Catholic Church 1839 Notre Dame Dr. St. Agatha, ON N0B 2L0 (519) 747-1212 Tues. to Fri. at 7:45 am Sat. at 7 pm and Sun. 9 am & 11 am

St. George’s Anglican Church

3 Byron St. New Hamburg, ON N3A 1P1 (519) 662-3450 Sun. at 10:30 am

St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church 66 Mill St. Baden, ON N3A 2N6 (519) 634-5191 Sun. at 9 am

St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church 1177 Queen St. New Dundee, ON N0B 2E0

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

23 Church St. New Hamburg, ON N3A 1J1 519-662-1810 Sun. at 9:30 am

Wilmot Centre Church

2463 Bleams Rd. Petersburg, ON NOB 2H0 (519) 634-8687 www.wilmotcentre.church Sun. at 10:00 am

Wilmot Mennonite Church

2995 Bleams Rd. New Hamburg, ON N3A 3I3 (519) 634-5030 Sun. at 9:45 am

YOG Fellowship Temple 88 Plains Rd. New Dundee, ON N2R 1R8 (519) 696-3869

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Philipsburg 3357 Erbs Rd. Baden, ON N3A 3M6 (519) 214-0055 Sun. at 10:30 am

Zion United Church

215 Peel Street New Hamburg, ON N3A 1E7 (519) 662-1182 Sun. at 9:30 am

WELLESLEY Crosshill Mennonite Church 2537 Hutchison Rd. Crosshill, ON N0K 1L0 (519) 699-5299 Sun. at 9:45 am

First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

3620 Nafziger Road Wellesley, ON N0B 2T0 (519) 656-2635 Summer Sun. 10:00 am Winter Sun. 10:30 am

Hawkesville Mennonite Church

15 Martha St. Hawkesville, ON N0B 1X0 (519) 699-5522 Sun. at 10:50 am

Maple View Mennonite Church

5074 Deborah Glaister Line Wellesley, ON N0B 2T0 (519) 656-2946 Sun. at 10:45 am

St. Clements Roman Catholic Church

3619 Lobsinger Line St. Clements, ON N0B 2M0 (519) 699-4425 Sat. at 5 pm and Sun. at 9 am

St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 1123 Henry St. Wellesley, ON N0B 2T0 (519) 656-2412 Sun. at 10:30 am

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St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church

Bloomingdale Mennonite Church

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church

Breslau Evangelical Missionary Church

1043 Isabella St. Linwood, ON N0B 2A0 (519) 699-4425 Sun. at 11 am

1036 Gordon Hain St. Linwood, ON N0B 2A0 (519) 698-2290 Sun. at 10:30 am

Wallenstein Bible Chapel

4522 Herrgott Rd. Box 51 Wallenstein, ON (519) 669-2319 Sun. at 9:30 am & 10:45 am

Wellesley Alliance Church

3158 Nafziger Rd. Wellesley ON N0B 2R0 (519) 656-2767 Sun. at 10:30 am

Wellesley Mennonite Church 157 David St. Wellesley, ON N0B 2T0 (519) 656-2700 Sun. at 9:30 am

NORTH DUMFRIES

Bahai Faith

PO Box 1083 Ayr, ON N0B 1E0 lsa.northdumfries@gmail.com northdumfries-bahais.org

Calvary Church

173 Northumberland St. Ayr, ON N0B 1E0 (519) 632-7110 Sun. at 10:30 am

Cedar Creek Community Church 2042 Dumfries Rd. Cambridge, ON N1R 5S5 (519) 624-8321 Sun. at 10 am

Christ Church

50 Manley St. Ayr, ON N0B 1E0 (519) 632-7291 Sat. at 4:00 pm and Sun. at 10 am

Countryside Reformed 1985 Beke Rd. Cambridge, ON N1R 5S5 (519) 740-2860 Sun. at 10 am

Knox United Church 92 Northumberland St. Ayr, ON N0B 1E0 (519) 632-7461 Sun. at 10:30 am

Roseville United Brethren in Christ

2729 Fischer-Hallman Rd. Ayr, ON N0B lE0 (519) 696-3005 Sun. at 10:30 am

St. Bridgid Mission (Catholic) 50 Manley St. Ayr, ON N0B 1E0 (519) 632-7222 Sat. at 4 pm

WOOLWICH Apostolic Christian Church

2891 Lobsinger Line Heidelberg, ON N0B 2M1 (519) 699-4129 or (519) 595-8311 Sun. at 10:30 am & 12:30 pm

Bloomingdale United Church

860 Sawmill Rd. Bloomingdale, ON N0B 1K0 (519) 998-6845 Sun. at 10 am

1151 Snyder’s Flats Rd. Bloomingdale, ON N0B 1K0 (519) 745-2411 Sun. at 9:45 am

102 Woolwich St. S. Breslau, ON N0B 1M0 (519) 648-2712 Sun. at 10 am

Breslau Mennonite Church 226 Woolwich St. S. Breslau, ON N0B 1M0 (519) 648-2501 Sun. at 9:45 am

Calvary United Church 48 Hawkesville Rd. St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0 (519) 664-2311 Sun. at 10 am

Elmira Mennonite Church 58 Church St. West Elmira, ON N3B 1N2 (519) 669-5123 Ext. 2 Sun. at 9:30 am

Elmira Pentecostal Assembly 290 Arthur St. South Elmira, ON N3B 3N4 (519) 669-3973 Sun. at 10:30 am

2 First St. West Elmira, ON N3B 1G2 (519) 669-5030 Sun. at 10:30 am

Floradale Mennonite Church 22 Florapine Rd. Floradale, ON (519) 669-2861 Sun. at 10:30 am

Gale Presbyterian Church 10 Bamswallow Dr. Elmira, ON N3B 0A8 (519) 669-2852 Sun. at 10:30 am

Koinonia Christian Fellowship

850 Sawmill Rd. Bloomingdale, ON N0B 1K0 (519) 744-7447 Sun. at 9 am & 11 am

Hawkesville Mennonite Church

15 Martha St. Hawkesville, ON N0B 1X0 (519) 699-5522 Sun. at 10:50 am

Montrose Mennonite Meeting House 6101 Middlebrook Rd. West Montrose, ON N0B 2V0

New Apostolic Church

Slate Church

Lions Hall 40 South St. W Elmira, ON N3B 1K8 Sun. at 11 am

1355 Maryhill Rd. Maryhill, ON N0B 2B0 (519) 648-2069 Sat. at 5:00 pm and Sun. at 10 am

St. Jacobs Mennonite Church 1310 King St. North St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0 (519) 664-2268 Sun. at 10 am

St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church 1407 King St. North St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0 (519) 664-2511 Sun. at 10 am

St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church 60 Arthur St. South Elmira, ON N3B 2M9 (519) 669-5591 Sun. at 10:15 am

St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

131 Flax Mill Dr. Conestogo, ON N0B 1N0 (519) 664-2760 Sun. at 10 am

St. Peter’s Church

Emmanuel Evangelical Missionary Church

199 Arthur St. North and Southfield Dr. Elmira, ON

St. Boniface Roman Catholic Church

2925 Lobsinger Line Heidelberg, ON N0B 2M1 stpetersheidelberg@gmail.com 9:30 am: 1st, 3rd and 5th Sun. of the month 11:00 am: 2nd and 4th Sun. of the month

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 27 Mill St. Elmira, ON N3B 2K3 (519) 669-2593 Sun. at 10 am

St. Teresa of Avila Church

19 Flamingo Dr. Elmira, ON N3B 1G7 (519) 669-3387 Sat. at 5:00 pm and Sun. at 9:30 am

Trinity Bible Chapel 1058 Spitzig Rd. Breslau, ON N0B 1M0 (519) 658-6333 Sun. 9 am & 11:15 am

Trinity United Church 21 Arthus St. N. Elmira, ON N3B IZ4 (519) 669-5560

West Montrose United Church

42 Covered Bridge Dr. West Montrose, ON N0B 2V0 (519) 669-4150 Sun. at 9:30 am

Woodside Bible Fellowship

200 Barnswallow Dr. Elmira, ON N3B 3K2 (519) 669-1296 Sun. at 9:15 am & 11 am

Zion Mennonite Fellowship 47 Arthur St. S. Elmira, ON N3B 2Z5 (519) 669-3153 Sunday at 10:45 am

UPCOMING EVENTS SEE PAGE 13 Email us at events@wrruralpost.com to add church events for FREE!

November 29, 2019 | WATERLOO REGION RURAL POST | AGRI-FOOD 15

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AGRI FOOD Celebrating food and the families that produce it

more than an average crop for him. He’s a bit of an exception, however; rains normally miss him, but he got unusually decent rain

through the summer.

Meanwhile, between London and St. Thomas, cash crop farmer Dan Taylor got a surprisingly

good send off for what he planned to be his last cropping year. Yields came out around 55 bu/ac, about normal for his farm

and 7 bu/ac better than he was expecting.

“With a June 23 planting date, I was ecstatic (with those yields),” he said.

SOURCE: Farm Equipment Dealer, Toronto | YEAR: 1950

Stubborn Soybeans Earn Their Stripes SOURCE: Farmersforum.com

By Connor Lynch

Despite the dismal spring and, in some areas, droughty summer, many producers were delighted with average yields, said OMAFRA’s soybean specialist Horst Bohner.

With soybean harvest about 90 per cent done by the end of October in Western Ontario, producers were reporting yields from anywhere from mid30 bushels per acre to as much as over 70 bu/ac.

“That’s pretty incredible considering the late planting window most of us suffered through,” with most of the crop going in about a month late, Bohner said.

“That’s the thing about

soybeans. They make their yield in the last half of the season,” said agronomist Dale Cowan.

Many farmers were getting much better beans than they were expecting, Cowan said. The longterm average for fields west of London was in the 46 bu/ac range. Many producers were getting 50 bu/ac, Cowan said. That’s also well above Statistics Canada’s projected 43.6 bu/ac average for Ontario soybeans, though down below last year’s record high average of 51.4 bu/ac.

Near London, cash crop farmer Marcel Meyer was averaging 57 bu/ac, a little

| AG EVENTS FORAGE FOCUS CONFERENCE & TRADESHOW DECEMBER 5 Stratford Rotary Complex Stratford, ON For more information visit http://www. ontarioforagecouncil.com/programs/ forage-focus

BCRC WEBINAR: STEPS TO REDUCE DISEASE IN NEWBORN CALVES DECEMBER 12, 9:00PM Register at http://www.beefresearch.ca/ blog/registration-open-for-the-2019-2020bcrc-webinar-series/

CARCASS 101 DECEMBER 14, 9:00AM - 3:30PM Hosted in conjunction with BFO, OMAFRA and University of Guelph

University of Guelph For more information and to register visit https://www.ontariobeef.com/ communications/news/register-now-forcarcass-101!

GREY BRUCE FARMERS WEEK JANUARY 3-9 Elmwood Community Centre Beef Day - January 7th For more information visit http:// greybrucefarmersweek.ca/

BEEF SYMPOSIUM JANUARY 18 FarmSmart 2020 Conference University of Guelph Guelph, ON

16 BUSINESS | WATERLOO REGION RURAL POST | November 29, 2019

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BUSINESS Local business news, views and highlights

| Laughing for the Health of It It’s time for another mocha-infused edition of random ideas and musings...

• Here’s one effective way to help break down those pesky silos at work: Toyotoshi Group Canada holds a Rotation Day, where they invite employees to try out a new position that interests them for a day.

• How are you celebrat-

ing your everyday wins at work? When an employee makes a sale at DNE Resources they hit a giant gong and everyone stops what they are doing to applaud the employee.

• Some of my clients hold monthly luncheons where employees gather for a group-viewing and debriefing of an employee-nominated Ted talk.

• Another reason to

promote diversity on your teams: A 2009 study cited in The Best Place to Work

by Ron Friedman, found that while decisions made by teams with similar members felt more confident in their final decisions, diverse teams actually performed better than homogeneous teams.

• Do you need to add some humor to your health and safety messages at work? A study reported in the International Journal of Humor

Curiosity drives creativity and innovation, which is one of the reasons Edelman Public Relations Worldwide Canada Inc. offers every employee one “Curiosity Day” per year where employees immerse themselves in anything (including the arts, culture, politics, literature, or volunteerism) they are intensely passionate or curious about. If you can’t offer employees a day off to explore their curious side, what could a “Curiosity Theme Day” look like in your workplace?

Research found that funny ads related to serious health issues (obesity, alcohol and tobacco consumption) were more impactful than serious ads. People spent more time with the humorous ads, they remember the ads longer, they felt more positive about making healthy choices, and the ads reduced the likelihood of people creating | It’s a Wacky World counterarguments to the Another example in our messages. series of funny clothing | Mike’s Fun at Work Tip labels:

“HEY! IF I DON’T PUT A SMILE ON YOUR FACE, THERE’S GOT TO BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR FACE. GO SEE A DOCTOR. OTHERWISE SLIP ME ON & WEAR ME HOME!”

By Michael Kerr

www.wrruralpost.com

November 29, 2019 | WATERLOO REGION RURAL POST | EDITORIAL 17

THE WATERLOO REGION RURAL POST was founded and registered on July 14, 2016 with the purpose of engaging with and serving the local rural communities in a positive way; promoting businesses, activities, service-work, lifestyles and events.

THE TEAM

Founder & Publisher: Todd Cowan Editor: Peter Dunn Illustrator: Trev Reporters: Barbara Geernaert, Pamela Clayfield Account Managers: Jessie Hubick, Jay Straus, Michael Dunn Art Director & Design: Brandi Wick

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are invited with a contact name and contact information for verification purposes. Preference will be given to letters 300 words or less and we reserve the right to edit, condense or reject those submitted. Submit to editor@wrruralpost.com CONTACT US The Waterloo Region Rural Post 2B - 1 Union Street Elmira, ON N3B 3J9 Phone: (226) 476-6589 www.wrruralpost.com

Letter to the Editor Correction I was reading the article called “Erbhaven Trails” and noticed there was an error.

The entire 40 acres was not donated to the Township. Only 8 acres was donated.

Thanks, Wendy Erb (part of the Erb Family that made the donation) Editor’s Note: The Rural Post regrets its error and thanks the Erb family for the correction and their generous gift to the Wellesley Community.

LOOKING FOR MORE LOCAL! SUBMISSIONS WELCOME The WATERLOO REGION RURAL POST is looking for: GREAT NEIGHBOUR OR COMMUNITY STORIES POSITIVE INSIGHTS SEASONAL TIPS PHOTOS OF LOCAL FARMLIFE, WILDLIFE OR LANDSCAPE

Contact us: news@wrruralpost.com (226) 476-6589

18 SERVICE CENTRE | WATERLOO REGION RURAL POST | November 29, 2019

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SERVICE CENTRE HOME IMPROVEMENT

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November 29, 2019 | WATERLOO REGION RURAL POST | ENTERTAINMENT 19

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ENTERTAINMENT Everybody needs to lighten up once in a while

Ford v. Ferrari Based on the true events of the 1966, 24 hours of Le Mans, this racing film takes you on a two and a half hour joy ride with visionary director James Mangold behind the wheel.

The most noticeable victory from this film is the cinematography. It puts you right alongside the action. The direction of each racing scene was so intense and perfectly edited to engage and bring the audience to the edges of their seats in anticipation. I looked around the theatre and noticed that I was not

the only one leaning forward the entire time.

As for the acting, I don’t think this movie is anything new or stands out for the talent involved. Christian Bale, who plays Miles Kent, sometimes felt like a character with his performance a little over the top, while other times felt very real. In the moments of racing, we could see the joy, passion and spark from Bale that surely were the reasons he got cast in the first place.

Matt Damon, who plays racing star Carroll Shelby,

fits his role well and brings to life the persona of a once great racer and has moments of depth, but doesn’t overly shine in any way that would make his performance stand out.

This film is filled with comedy and heart. It shows the real meaning of passion and the pursuit of one’s dreams; with a final lesson that you shouldn’t be in it to win, but instead because you love it.

I believe Ford v. Ferrari is an entertaining and enjoyable watch with great direction and style.

New Hamburg: Wednesday, December 4 11:30am - 12:00pm Wellesley: Tuesday, December 10 10:00-10:30am

MUSEUM VISIT TO THE LIBRARY Wellesley: Sat., November 30 10:30 - 11:30am

December 3 1:00-3:15pm

JINGLE BABIES

Ayr: Wednesday, December 4 11:30am - 12:00pm Baden: Wednesday, MOVIE THEATRE December 11 10:30-11:00am FOR ADULTS Elmira: Mary Poppins Returns, Elmira: Thursday, December 5 starring Emily Blunt, Tuesday, 11:30am - 12:00pm

HOLLY JOLLY FAMILY STORYTIME Ayr: Tuesday, December 3 10:30-11:15am Baden: Thursday, December 5 10:15-11:00am Bloomingdale: Thursday, December 5 9:15-10:00am

Elmira: Thursday, December 5 10:15-11:00am New Dundee: Wednesday, December 4 9:30-10:15am New Hamburg: Wednesday, December 4 10:15-11:00am St. Clements: Thursday, December 5 10:00-10:45am Wellesley: Tuesday, December 3 11:00-11:45am

WINTER CRAFT TIME Ayr: Tuesday, December 10 10:30am - 12:30pm

Baden: Saturday, December 14 10:30am - 12:30pm Bloomingdale: Wednesday, December 11 6:00-7:30pm Elmira: Tuesday, December 10 6:00-7:30pm Linwood: Thursday, January 2 3:00-5:00pm New Hamburg: Tuesday, December 3 6:00-7:30pm Wellesley: Thursday, December 5 6:00-7:30pm

20 | WATERLOO REGION RURAL POST | ISSUE 28 | November 29, 2019

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