Wilmot Wolverines get TV screen time: Atom team’s game televised this weekend on Rogers

The Wilmot girls prepare to play in the Rangers' Hockey Appreciation day at the Kitchener Auditorium

The Wilmot Wolverines Atom 1 team will show off their game on local TV on Jan. 28.

The Wolverines played their special televised game at the Kitchener Auditorium on Jan. 15 during Hockey Day in Ranger Nation.

That game first aired Jan. 21 on Rogers TV in the Kitchener area. Two more replays are scheduled for this Saturday at 12 p.m and 6:30 p.m.

The Atom Wolverines applied back in October to be part of the second annual Hockey Day at Rangers Nation, a celebration of minor hockey for Major Atom House League hockey players from Waterloo Region.

The free day is designed to give players 10-year-old players a Rangers game day experience, complete with a centre-ice video scoreboard running for the fans. After the game, players also received a gift package and meal.

During the Kitchener vs. Kingston game that night, on Jan. 15, teams could see Hockey Day highlights on the video display.

New Dundee Optimist club hands out annual Youth Appreciation Awards

Back row, from right: Peter Lade (past Optimist president), Brianna Smith, Andrea Sherk, Drew Bryant, Rachel Wolley, Krystina Hobbs, Brad Smith (past club president). Front row, from right: Melodie Shantz, Mason Wagner, Nicholas Smith, Zac Berry, Jaden Barnard. Absent: Heidi Shantz.

The New Dundee Optimist club honoured the community’s young people by handing out its annual Youth Appreciation Awards Jan. 24. Ten youth received plaques in a ceremony at the New Dundee Community Centre.

The Optimist Youth Appreciation Awards recognize positive attitude, strong work ethic, respect and compassion for others, not necessarily top abilities. Winners were nominated by teachers, ministers, youth group leaders or coaches.

This year, the New Dundee club also awarded its annual $1,500 Youth Scholarship to Krystina Hobbs for volunteer services in the community. The scholarship goes to a New Dundee student moving into post-secondary education.

Steve McDonald was the 2012 recipient of the Adult Hero Award, which is given annually to a resident of the community who made a significant contribution through their volunteer activities over many years.

Waterloo-Oxford’s new ping pong club starts small, with room to grow

Aaron Shantz (right) and Mathieu Sanderson play a doubles match at Waterloo-Oxford's new ping pong club.

Each week after classes end, the hollow sound of a plastic ball bounces down the halls of Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School.

The school has started a new ping pong club this academic year. The group meets each Thursday, form 3 to 5 p.m. Around a dozen students usually show up each week to play one-on-one or doubles table tennis at the free club.

Math teacher Catalin Popovici oversees the games. He found the tables in storage at the high school, and bought paddles and balls to start the club this year.

If there’s enough skill and interest, the school could have a competitive team some day, he said: “I’m dreaming about a team but I have to be honest with myself.”

Moving up to the next level will require more practice and planning, so for now the ping pong games are just a fun activity.

“We try to let the stress out of our mind,” Popovici said. “They’re really enjoying it.”

Jaden Goetz prepares to serve the ball during a hallway ping pong game.

Waterloo-Oxford loses tough basketball game against WCI

Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School faced a tough opponent Jan. 19 in a senior boys’ basketball game against Waterloo Collegiate Insitute.

The Crusaders fell 69-39. Jesse Dodgson scored 15 points in the losing effort.

After this game, W-O is ranked for 11th in the 16-team league with a 4-6 record. WCI is 8-2 and is tied for second.

Wilmot digs out from under blanket of snow

New Hamburg's Mark Brenner shovels snow outside his workplace, Riverside Brass on Waterloo Street, after heavy snowfall on Jan. 19

It may not have been a record-setting blizzard, but it felt like plenty of snow after a mild winter. Environment Canada announced snow squall warnings in southern Ontario today, as roads became slippery and car accidents abounded.

As the skies cleared this afternoon, residents in New Hamburg and Baden were outside to clear their driveways and sidewalks.

Dust was shaken off of snow blowers and shovels as winter finally gave Wilmot a reason to use them.

Wellesley students throw big birthday bash for Sir John A. Macdonald

Sir John A Macdonald made an appearance at his own 197th birthday party, making frequent toasts.

Grade 8 students at Wellesley Public School celebrated Canadian History in a new way this week.

Students dressed up in Confederation-era suits and gowns, danced the minuet, ate historically-appropriate food and performed tributes to Sir John A. Macdonald.

Finally, the man himself arrived. Wellesley teacher and actor John Settle played the part of Macdonald, complete with a Scottish accent and frequent toasts to Canada’s prosperity.

Students used their skills to create art, wood-working, and live music for the celebration.

Teacher Joanne Aitken planned the historical party to celebrate the life and times of Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A Macdonald.

Macdonald’s birthday was Jan. 11, and the famous politician would have been 197 this week.

Sir John A Macdonald made an appearance at his own 197th birthday party, making frequent toasts.

Staff and students at Sir Adam Beck Public School celebrate first anniversary

Sir Adam Beck's one-year anniversary was staged as a birthday party for the school's mascot, Lightning.

It has been exactly one year since Baden’s newest school, Sir Adam Beck Public, began classes.

On Jan. 10, 2011, the new gymnasium hadn’t been fully completed yet, so teachers and students raised the Canadian flag and sang the national anthem outside on a chilly winter day.

This week, the school gathered in that now-familiar gym to mark their first year of existence. Students were delighted to sing along with Lightning, the school’s black horse mascot, and share their favourite things about Sir Adam Beck.

Lightning, the school’s mascot, and principal Roger Boettcher pose with students for a photo during the Baden school’s one-year anniversary celebration.

The Sir Adam Beck Chargers happily celebrated their first year.

Students share their favourite things about Sir Adam Beck Public School.

Sir Adam Beck’s one-year anniversary was staged as a birthday party for the school’s mascot, Lightning.

Students were happy to celebrate Lightning’s first “birthday.”

Kids skate with Firebirds players at Wilmot Recreation Complex

Firebirds players Jaden Goetz, Matt Horst, and Brett Heaman joined young fans at a free “Skate with the Firebirds” event today at the Wilmot Recreation Complex.

Over one hundred kids showed up to skate with their Jr. C hockey heroes.

The event was in partnership with the “Let’s Read” program, which supports literacy.

Here are a few photos from this afternoon public skating session:

Tavistock Royals roll to big wins and stay in first place

Christmas came early for the Royals as they easily defeated the Goderich Pirates 9-1 on Dec. 23 in the WOAA senior men’s hockey league.

Goals in the first period came quickly from Wes Kropf, then two goals from Andrew Oesch and two more from Tyler Townsend.

Goderich managed one goal in the first. Royals assists came from Tyler Roth, Chad Swartzentruber, Kevin Brenneman, Ruben Smith, Mike Saunders, Townsend and Kropf.

Early in the second period, Smith scored from Geerts followed by Oesch completing his hat trick with an assist from Swartzentruber.

In the third period, the Royals were unrelenting and Dan Kalbfleisch continued the scoring with Roth and Townsend assisting. Geerts scored unassisted with his first goal for the Royals as the newly-acquired player finished the evening.

In the team’s next game, on Dec. 27 against the Tillsonburg Thunder, the Royals started fast again, as Tyler Roth blasted the puck past Brandon Rohrer within 40 seconds of the opening faceoff. Assists went to Kyle Roes and Townsend.

Tavistock defenceman Brenneman received a 5 minute penalty for slashing after being kneed by one of the Tillsonburg player that was missed by the referee. That set the tone for the second period, and the Royals had a man in the box for 19 of the 20 minutes.

The Royals took on that adversity and came back with a shorthanded goal from Kirk Rioux assisted by Reid Yantzi. With six minutes left in the second, Yantzi followed with a goal from Saunders and Kropf assisting.

Oesch and Swartzentruber also scoring in the second, with assists coming from Rioux, Smith and Saunders. The Thunder also managed their only goal in the second period, with Tyler Lamb getting the point.

In the third period, Jeff Roes with Oesch and Marcus Yantzi finished the scoring for the Royals. Evan Groenestege’s stellar performance in net gave the Royals the win with unbelievable goaltending.

The Royals played superbly, fending off the Thunder and maintaining their first-place standing in their WOAA senior AA division.

Christmas carolers take to the streets to spread holiday cheer

A crew of young carolers visited the Independent’s office this week to entertain staff with some favourite Christmas tunes.

This seasonal music won’t be around for long, so we’ll do our best to enjoy it while we can. Will you go out caroling this year?

Baden students engage in the season of giving with Angel Tree project

Pictured are students from the Me to We team with some of the collected gifts and the tree in the school’s lobby. From left to right: Sarah Geiger, Brianna Smith, Brittany Carey, Natalie Lantz, Lydia Herrle, and Rebecca Wheeler.

Students in Baden Public School’s Me to We Team got into the holiday spirit by organizing an angel tree in support of the Wilmot Family Resource Centre’s annual Christmas hamper program.

Young club members spearheaded a campaign that encouraged each class to collect Christmas gifts this month. The gifts were taken to the centre last week, where the toys will be distributed to local children, from infants to teenagers.

The school’s response was great, said teacher Rebecca Bearinger Fay. The angel tree gifts were also a real way for students to understand the needs in their own neighbourhoods.

One student said the piles of presents made her sad because of the nearby people who needed help.

“It made poverty in Wilmot Township tangible to her,” Bearinger Fay said.

Local 4H members pick up awards in St. Agatha

Waterloo 4-H club local members Andrew Grose and Bronwyn Snyder were awarded 4-H Outstanding Member Awards at Waterloo 4-H Award Night.

Two Waterloo 4-H Sheep club local members were honoured with top awards at Waterloo 4-H 2011 Awards Night. Andrew Grose  was the  recipient of the Waterloo County Outstanding Junior Member Award and Bronwyn Snyder was awarded Waterloo County Outstanding Novice Member Award.

The awards ceremony was held Nov. 24 at the St. Agatha community Centre.

Youth members are nominated for the county outstanding member award by their 4-H club leaders based on their outstanding participation and leadership during the past year. Nominees are then sent a form to complete outlining their 4-H and school and community activities. Selection is based on the recommendations made by their leaders and their community and school involvement.

This year two of the four top county award winners were members of the Sheep Club.

Fourteen year old Andrew Grose has completed over 30 4-H clubs since joining 4-H in 2008.

“This was Andrew first year showing sheep and he really tried his best and was always willing to lend a hand to other 4-h members,” said Susan Martin, Waterloo 4-H Leader. “He is always willing to try new experiences and encourages others to do so too. We felt he exemplified what membership in 4-H is all about, “Learn to Do by Doing” so we put his name forward to be considered for the top county awards.”

Martin along with Dennis and Laurie Weber lead the Waterloo 4-H Sheep Club. “He worked diligently at training his lamb, a lamb that may be was not the easiest to train” added Martin.

Andrew earned a third-place ribbon showing his sheep this year.

In addition to showing a sheep, Grose has completed 30 clubs ranging from photography to Farm Safety Square Dancing and cooking and craft clubs.

He has served as press reporter for Pizza , Garden and Maple Syrup Clubs and vice president for Horse Club.

During his four years as a 4-H member, he has participated at county 4-H judging nights, 4-H horse classes at local fairs, regional 4- H Discovery Days and Provincial 4-H,  4-H Progressive Ag Safety Day.

Andrew is a member of his school’ss ski and snow board team, and tech team. He volunteers as a Peer Coach for Special Olympics and has served on his school leadership team.

He was the top fundraiser for his school band, selling over 275 chocolate bars. He volunteers at the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival with his church, and volunteers to ride his unicycle in the Alma Santa Claus Parade.

Andrew is the youngest son of Walter and Sharon Grose.

Eleven year old Bronwyn Snyder was awarded Outstanding Novice Member Award.

It has been a busy year for Bronwyn, she completed 10 clubs: quilting, pizza , maple syrup, gardening, dairy, sheep, poultry, farm safety, vet, and square dancing. As a first year member she was quick to sign up to attend and experience 4-H Regional Discovery Day, and Waterloo County Judging competition.

She embraces the 4-H motto Learn to do by Doing. This was her first year showing sheep and dairy animals. She placed in the ribbons with her dairy calf at local fairs in Waterloo County.

“Bronwyn is eager to help and do anything she can to assist at our clubs” said 4-h leader Susan Martin. “It officially was her first year in 4-h, although she showed a sheep last year, it was her first time as a member of the 4-h club. She is a pleasant, friendly girl, who tried to include everyone in activities in our club. She was a delight to have in our club.”

Bronwyn helps at the Mennonite Relief Sale in New Hamburg each year. She just finished volunteering to collect food for the Woolwich Food bank  this past week with church youth members.

Bronwyn is the youngest daughter of Anne and Kevin Snyder . She is home schooled by her mother.

When it comes to nominating students to be considered for these awards each year, Martin has a check list. She looks for students who show leadership skills, are willing to try new things, reach out to other kids to include them in activities and are helpful while having fun. I want them to have fun because I am having fun in 4-H, added Martin.

She felt both these students were excellent candidates for this year presentation.

Two other top honours were awarded at the 4-H Awards Night. Outstanding Intermediate award went to Lauren Eby and Outstanding Senior award to Alannah Eby. These sisters are members of the Waterloo 4-H dairy club.

4-H Ontario Gay Lea Achievement Awards were presented to  Davin Grose, Lindsay Oxby. Davin is a member of Waterloo Farm Safety Club. Lindsay Oxby a member of Waterloo Senior Dairy Club.

4-H Ontario Gay Lea Achievement Awards were presented to  Davin Grose, Lindsay Oxby and Shelby Wagler.  The three received limited edition prints by Murray Pipher to mark their 24 club achievement.

4-H is one of Canada’s longest-running youth organizations, aimed at youth 9 to 21. For almost one hundred years, 4-H has been offering youth opportunities to learn new skills and develop leadership roles. The four Hs in 4-H represent head, heart, hands, and health. As 4-H members youth develop new skills, build self-confidence, and becoming better citizens.

The program helps to foster leadership and personal growth in youth. Club projects range from agriculture, food, crafts, sports and the environment.

Waterloo Rural Women craft Christmas wreaths

After the Christmas tree, wreaths are the traditional Christmas decoration for the holiday season. Waterloo Rural Women organized an evening craft session where attendees gathered to learn some construction tips to make their own handmade wreaths. Dairy farmer Mary Wagler shows off her creation, it will grace the front door of her New Hamburg area farm house. Photo by Sharon Grose

 

Girls undefeated as Waterloo-Oxford athletes start winter sports season

Waterloo-Oxford's girls volleyball teams are off to a strong start, with 3-0 records so far this year.

Paul Schroeder carries the ball for Waterloo-Oxford against Forest Heights on Dec. 13.

The Crusader sports teams are back in action, with boys basketball, girls volleyball, and both curling and hockey teams starting play this month.

After three games, Waterloo-Oxford’s senior and junior girls are undefeated, having beaten Glenview Park, Huron Heights, and Eastwood Collegiate Institute so far.

Waterloo-Oxford’s junior boys basketball team lost 45-27 to Forest Heights on Dec. 13. After playing a close game for three quarters, the Trojans surged ahead in the final minutes. Garner Matthews led the Crusaders with nine points.

The loss dropped the junior squad’s record to 1-4. Heading into play this week, the senior boys record stands at 2-0.

Crusader Isaac MacDonald looks for an open team mate on the junior boys basketball team.

5,000 pucks? No problem for hot-shot Wilmot hockey girls

Back Row: Olivia Hunt, Taylor Wright, Emily Huras, Karley Dajka, Rachel Kehl, and Marieke van Rooyen. Front Row: Kai Wilson, Head Coach Dee Dakin, and Lucy Dakin

Practice makes perfect, so eight players from the Peewee Rep Wolverines team made it their mission this fall to fire 5,000 pucks.

Eight players finished the shot marathon, and were rewarded with a limited-edition hat recognizing this achievement. The coaching staff is proud of the remaining players on the team who are still working towards their goal.

In late September, the Wilmot team was asked to shoot 500 pucks a week for 10 weeks, working on various types of shots from backhands to slap shots.

An incredible amount of sweat, effort and time went into this task and the results are clearly showing on the ice. With a wide range of players on the scoresheet, the Wolverines are currently claiming third place in their division with a record of 6-2-3.