Your Community

Things to see and do in the region

Arts events

THURSDAY, MARCH 29

Kitchener ImagineIt: An Evening with Lisa Genova

Join us for an evening with bestselling author Lisa Genova, interviewed by nancy runstedler; register at kplca. evanced.info/signup/eventdetails?eventid=26070&backto=calendar& startdate=2018/03/01, 7 to 9 p.m., free, Kitchener Public Library, central Branch, 85 Queen St. n., 519-743-7502, askus@kpl.org

FRIDAY, MARCH 30 Kitchener Good Friday

this was an important day for a Mennonite family like the Schneiders; find out how they spent this day and taste some seasonal treats, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., $6, $5 senior/student, $4 child, $15 family plus hSt, Schneider haus, 466 Queen St. S., www.schneiderhaus.ca, 519-742-7752, abettschen@regionofwaterloo.ca

SATURDAY, MARCH 31 St. JacoBS Easter Eggstravaganza Trains

Join the easter Bunny and his friends; there will be live interaction with the easter Bunny and other characters along with photo opportunities and treats; easter colouring pages will be provided along with crayons to add to the thrill of the ride while you listen to a reading of “Peter rabbit”; train departs at 10:10 a.m., 12:20 and 2:10 p.m.; tickets: waterloocentralrailway.com, $14.99-$19.99, Waterloo central railway, 878 Weber St. n., tickets@waterloocentralrailway.com

Kitchener Easter Eats

What did the Schneiders eat at easter? Try some Easter cheese and find out why ham was the traditional meat; Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m., $6, $5 senior/student, $4 child, $15 family plus hSt, Schneider haus, 466 Queen St. S., www.schneiderhaus.ca, 519-742-7752, abettschen@regionofwaterloo.ca

Classics THURSDAY, MARCH 29 WaterLoo orchestra@uwaterloo

Unfinished Business: directed by Daniel Warren’ students, staff, faculty, and alumni from all faculties join together to play beautiful symphonic music; free tickets at the door or in advance at Humanities Theatre Box Office; uwaterloo.ca/music/events, 7:30 to 9 p.m., free, University of Waterloo, humanities theatre, 200 University ave. W., music@ uwaterloo.ca

FRIDAY, MARCH 30 Kitchener John Stainer’s “The Crucifixion”

Featuring St. andrew’s Presbyterian Sanctuary choir; directed by Gordon Burnett, Douglas Haas (organ); with soloists Matthew Dudziak, William Kran, Shawn oakes and Quade nielsen; donations gratefully received to support the choir’s June trip to carnegie hall, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., free, St. andrew’s Presbyterian church, 54 Queen St. n., paulinefinch@rogers.com

Events WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28 Kitchener Free Income Tax Preparation

in partnership with chartered Professional accountants of ontario, we are pleased to offer this free tax clinic. to qualify, you must be a resident of Kitchener centre and earn under $30,000 (without dependents) or under $40,000 (with dependents). For further information or to book an appointment please contact my office, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., free, raj Saini Kitchener centre constituency Office, 209 Frederick St., Suite 202, 519-741-2001, raj.saini@parl.gc.ca

2018 Edna Staebler Writer-in-Residence Welcome Reception

registration required; welcome camilla Gibb; www.kpl.org, 7 to 9 p.m., free, Kitchener Public Library, central Branch, 85 Queen St. n., 519-743-7502, askus@kpl.org

New Hamburg Nith Valley Ecoboosters

concerned about the environment and potential effects of climate change; interested in learning more and working with others to make a difference, 7 to 9 p.m., free, Zion United church, 215 Peel St., 519-662-1464, nvecoboosters@gmail.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 29 Kitchener Community Coffee and The Sharing Place Giveaway

come for coffee and browse through the clothing and household items available to take as needed free of charge; rear entrance from parking lot; www.ctking.ca, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free, christ the King United church, 167 thaler ave., 519-748-0783, doodlebugsnana@rogers.com

MONDAY, APRIL 2 Cambridge Fireside Chatting

You’re invited to an informal drop-in gathering each Monday morning for good conversation, coffee and tea around the fireplace in the Mary Clemens room; new people welcome; enter by the door at the rear of the church,

10 a.m. to 12 p.m., free, Saint Luke’s United church, 1620 Franklin Blvd., 519-740-0531, rosemary69.rb@gmail.com

TUESDAY, APRIL 3 Kitchener 12th Annual Amateur Photography Awards Ceremony at Kitchener Public Library

awards presentation and viewing the winning entries of the contest projected on the big screen in the theatre; commentary by contest judge rod Frketich, photo/graphics editor of the Waterloo region record; no registration required; www.kpl.org, 7 to 9 p.m., free, Kitchener Public Library, central Branch, 85 Queen St. n., 519-743-7502, askus@kpl.org

Fitness and sports

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28

Kitchener Yoga in the Gallery

Yoga instructor Kari Lutz guides the session of gentle stretching, breathing and cleansing the soul; last Wednesday of month; drop in and pay what you can; to June 27, 3 to 4 p.m., free, homer Watson house and Gallery, 1754 old Mill rd., 519-748-4377, marketing@ homerwatson.on.ca

For seniors WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28 Kitchener Polercise with Activator Poles

registration required; gain strength and stability through exercise and walking to music; suitable for hip, knee and respiratory conditions; register at Breithaupt centre or rockway community centre, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., $6.10 for 55-plus, Breithaupt centre, 350 Margaret ave., 519-741-2502

THURSDAY, MARCH 29 Kitchener Seniors’ Day: Spring Folklore

telling tales about when to plant and what to eat at eastertide according to Pennsylvania German traditions; admission free for those 55-plus; bring a donations for the Food Bank of Waterloo region; no registration required; www. schneiderhaus.ca, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free, Schneider haus, 466 Queen St. S., 519-748-1914 ext. 3647

Polercise with Activator Poles

registration required; gain strength and stability through exercise and walking to music; suitable for hip, knee and respiratory conditions: at rockway community centre: Mondays, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; and thursdays, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; may register at either rockway community centre or Breithaupt centre; $6.10 for 55-plus, rockway centre, 1405 King St. e., 519-741-2507

FRIDAY, MARCH 30 Cambridge Seniors’ Drop In Mixed Curling

Beginners welcome; two draws: 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.; Fridays to april 6, $11 per draw, Galt curling club, 1610 Dunbar rd., 519-622-3943, kerrymac45@gmail.com

MONDAY, APRIL 2 Kitchener Monday Movie Matinées

come join us at rockway centre on the first and last Monday of every month for a feature film on our large screen; bring your own snacks; call rockway for a list of upcoming films, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., $2, rockway centre, 1405 King St. e., 519-741-2507, brenda.vandekeere@kitchener.ca

Fundraisers WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28 Kitchener Spring Food Drive with Fire and Police Services

Kitchener Fire, Waterloo Fire rescue, Waterloo regional Police Services and Melloul-Blamey construction incorporated at local Sobeys’ stores in Kitchener and Waterloo; collecting non-perishable and monetary donations to support the Food Bank of Waterloo region; www.thefoodbank.ca, 5 to 7 p.m., free, the Food Bank of Waterloo region, 50 alpine ct., 519-743-5576, info@ thefoodbank.ca

FRIDAY, MARCH 30 Kitchener Easter Egg Hunt for Dogs and Their Families

registration required; thousands of treatfilled eggs to be found; hundreds of prizes to be won; fundraiser for national Service Dogs to help get specially trained Certified Service Dogs to the people who rely on them; collect pledges for more chances to win; www.nsd.on.ca/events, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., registration fee: $25 per family, Knollwood Park, 278 Weber St. e., 519-623-4188 ext. 10, lisa@nsd.on.ca

LOOKING AHEAD Kitchener Nutrition for Learning Comedy Night Fundraiser — April 5

Supports 146 student nutrition programs across Waterloo region; presenting the award-winning comedian Simon B. cotter; food provided by Beckford catering; silent auction, auctions, draws; www.nutritionforlearning.ca, 6 to 9:30 p.m., $125, romanian cultural centre — Banatul, 2150 Bleams rd., 519-624-5744 ext. 225, bbanks@nutritionforlearning.ca

Dorothy’s Best Bowling Tournament — April 7

Supports Aids Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and area (aCCKWa) and the Grand river regional cancer centre; theme: ’80s sitcoms; nine-pin bowling; raffles, silent auction; four to six members per team; dinner, 5:30 p.m. at Kypreos restaurant, 305 Lancaster St. W., Kitchener; may attend either bowling or dinner or both, 12 p.m., registration fee for bowling: $30; dinner $40; both $65, Brunswick Lanes, 385 Frederick St., info@kwfriendsofdorothy.ca

WaterLoo Education 4 Change Fundraising Dinner and Silent Auction — April 6

Non-profit organization working in partnership with the people of the Kelafo district, Somali region in ethiopia; for tickets visit www.education-4-change.org or call 226-989-2446, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., $50; table of eight, $400, Knox Presbyterian church, 50 erb St. W., e.forchange@gmail.com

Martin Family Singers Present Handel’s Messiah — April 7

With members of the K-W chamber orchestra, conducted by Matthew Jones; tickets available at www.nhmrs.com and Mcc ontario, 519-745-8458; all proceeds to the new hamburg Mennonite relief Sale, 7 to 9 p.m., $20, Waterloo north Mennonite church, 100 Benjamin rd., john.b.reimer@outlook.com

Canstruction Waterloo Region — April 8

See amazing structures made out of non-perishable food donations built by designers, architects and engineers who use their talents to help those struggling with food insecurity; participate by donating to vote for your favourite structures in person or at thefoodbank.ca; every $1 raised provides three meals; www.thefoodbank.ca; to april 15, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., donation to vote for favourite structure, conestoga Mall, 550 King St. n., 519-743-5576

Bohemians In Brooklyn — April 8

Music to Your ears: What happens when a poet, an author, a composer, his lover, and a book-loving stripper all move into the same house in quiet, wartime Brooklyn; come for cBc radio host tom allen’s cabaret Style Show; enjoy music composed by Britton, Weill, Brecht, Bernstein, rogers, Kulak and tom allen; fundraiser for omas Siskona K-W; tickets available at Words Worth Books or at the door; www.omas-siskonakw.org

3 to 4 p.m., $35,First United church, 16 William St. W., 519-884-7914

Cambridge Wings of Hope — April 7

Fundraiser for cambridge Pregnancy resource centre; enjoy the tropical, calm atmosphere of the conservatory, silent auction items, music and speakers; tickets available online: www.pregcentre.com/supporters or call 519-620-0204, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., $60; not available at the door, Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory, 2500 Kossuth rd., admin@pregcentre.com

Health TUESDAY, APRIL 3 Kitchener Self-Help Mental Health Program

recovery international: a free, self-help cognitive-behavioural program; learn to change your thoughts in a structured, supportive setting; tuesdays, 7:30 to 9 p.m., free, St. andrew’s Presbyterian church, 54 Queen St. n., www.recoverycanada.org/meetings.php, 519-722-1220, anitann88@gmail.com

Kids stuff WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28 WaterLoo Cine Babies

a movie program for new parents, friends and family to attend with their infants in a baby-friendly environment; films will be presented with lowered volume, dimmed lights and convenient amenities; see a new movie every week and stay connected; Wednesdays; for schedule, visit www.princesscinemas.com/cine-babies, 1 to 3 p.m., regular admission (babes in arms, free), Princess twin cinemas, 46 King St. n., 519-884-5112, wendy@princesscinemas.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 31 Kitchener Easter Egg Hunt

Bring a basket to collect eggs during this annual outdoor egg hunt; meet the easter Bunny and come inside to see the newly hatched chicks; children participating in the egg hunt must be eight years old or younger and accompanied by an adult, 10 to 11:30 a.m., $2 per child (cash only), Schneider Haus, 466 Queen St. S., www.schneiderhaus.ca, 519-742-7752, abettschen@regionofwaterloo.ca

Cambridge Eye Dyeing, Rolling and Hunt

Kids can dye and decorate some of their own eggs using our home-made all natural vegetable dyes; afterward, everyone is invited to join us in the cottage's back yard for a good old fashioned egg rolling race; drop in any time between

1 and 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, $2, McDougall Cottage, 89 grand ave. S., www.mcdougallcottage.ca, 519-748-1914 ext. 3647

TUESDAY, APRIL 3 WaterLoo Inter-Mennonite Children’s Choir Open Rehearsal

the inter-Mennonite children’s choir invites parents and children to an open rehearsal; children ages six to nine are welcome from 6:30 to 7 p.m., ages 10 to 15 are welcome from 7:30 to 8 p.m.; mennosingers.com/imcc, free, WaterlooKitchener United Mennonite church, 15 George St., imcc.conductor@rogers.com

Luncheons and dinners FRIDAY, MARCH 30 Kitchener Good Friday Fish Fry

Fresh fries or potato salad and coleslaw with choice of fish (one piece, $13.50; two pieces, $17) or schnitzel ($15); or vegetarian lasagna and bun ($13.50); kids’ menu (fries and a drink with choice of fish sticks or schnitzel, $9); soup and dessert also available for purchase; take-out available; groups of six or more should call office to make reservations; www.kitchenerschwabenclub.com, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., prices vary, Schwaben club, 1668 King St. e., 519-742-7979, schwaben@kitchenerschwabenclub.com

WaterLoo Good Friday Fish and Chips

nine-ounce cod, fries, coleslaw and tartar sauce; dine-in only; served in upstairs club room; www.rclbr530.com, 12 to 6 p.m., one-piece dinner $8; two-piece dinner $13, royal canadian Legion, Br. 530, 316 Marsland Dr., 519-886-4790, 530events@bell.net

MarYhiLL Good Friday Fish and Chips

Fresh-cut fries with haddock fish, coleslaw, tartar sauce and lemon; dessert and refreshments available; fundraiser for Maryhill heritage Park; one-piece dinner, $14; two-piece dinner, $16; kids, 12 and under, $8; take-out orders of four or more, call ahead; cash only; no reservations: service in order of arrival, 12 to 7 p.m., see above, Maryhill heritage Park community centre, 58 St. charles St. e., 519-648-2939

CaMBriDgE Preston Legion Annual Fish Fry

Two pieces of fish, fries, coleslaw, bread, tea or coffee, 4 to 7 p.m., $12, royal canadian Legion, Br. 126, 334 Westminster Dr. N., 519-653-6810, myraplantz@hotmail.com

School events THURSDAY, MARCH 29 Kitchener Outstanding Women of Laurier Dinner

Join alumni and students in recognizing Laurier’s outstanding women and their achievements; tickets.laurierathletics.com, 5 to 10 p.m., adult $85; youth, 16 and under, $65, Bingemans, 425 Bingemans Centre Dr., 519-884-0710 ext. 3888, dsimons@wlu.ca

TUESDAY, APRIL 3 Kitchener Waterloo-Wellington Science and Engineering Fair (WWSEF)

annual event brings together the best of the young scientific minds of the region; open to senior elementary and high school students from Waterloo region, Wellington county, and Upper Grand District School Board: grades 7 to 12 and home-schooled students; wwsef.uwaterloo.ca; come to see their projects, 5 to 8 p.m., free, Bingemans, 425 Bingemans Centre Dr., 519-504-4921, publicity@wwsef.ca

Slide shows WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28 Kitchener Hungary

Slide show with edith Leuverink in support of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., $3, rockway centre, 1405 King St. e., 519-743-7655

Tea and coffee hours THURSDAY, MARCH 29 St. Jacobs Tea plus Train: The High Tea Experience

an afternoon of tea and train experience; an english authentic high tea experience, 11:45 a.m. at homewood Suites in Waterloo/St. Jacobs; enjoy a selection of teas, finger sandwiches, freshly made scones with devon cream and fruit preserves along with divine sweets; ride the 2:10 p.m. train; tickets.waterloocentralrailway.com/events/23561, $37.99 to $49.99, Waterloo central railway, 878 Weber St. n., tickets@waterloocentralrailway.com