Your Community

Things to see and do in the region

Arts events THURSDAY, APRIL 12 Cambridge Hespeler Book Club

Join us on the second Thursday of each month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and the second Friday of each month from 10:30 a.m. to noon to discuss a variety of fiction and nonfiction; April 12 and 13: “The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead; free, Idea Exchange | Hespeler Library, 5 Tannery St. E., ideaexchange.org, 519-658-4412

FRIDAY, APRIL 13 KITCHEnER Egg to Chicken

Visit with our baby chicks and learn what it takes to raise them; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m. 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, 519-748-1914 ext. 3647

WATERLoo Stories Aloud

The Baden Storytellers host on second Friday of the month; bring a mug for hot apple cider; come to listen, come to tell; suggested length for first-time storytellers: five minutes or less, 8 to 10:30 p.m., $5, Button Factory Arts, 25 Regina St. S., badenstorytellers.wordpress.com, badenstorytellers1@gmail.com

Blood donor clinics MONDAY, APRIL 16 KITCHEnER Kitchener Blood Donor Clinic

Give the gift of life by donating blood; book appointment online at www.blood.ca or call 1-888-236-6283, 2:30 to 7:30 p.m., free, Calvin Presbyterian Church, 248 Westmount Rd. E., emma.willms@blood.ca

Classics WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11 KITCHEnER Wednesday Noon Concert

Featuring Lucy Zhang (violin) and Ian Le (piano); bring your lunch or buy a lowcost meal at the church; doors open at 11:30 a.m., 12:15 to 12:45 p.m., free, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 54 Queen St. n. We’ve Only Just Arrived Featuring the Waterloo Chamber Players; Ben Bolt-Martin, principal conductor; in Rotunda; www.facebook.com/waterloochamberplayers/photos/gm.194707661 133491/2116454998585427/?type=3& theater, 3 to 6 p.m., PWYC at the door, Kitchener City Hall, 200 King St. W., 519-885-5697, waterloocp@gmail.com

Concerts SUNDAY, APRIL 15 KITCHEnER Music in the Lounge

Featuring the KW Guitar orchestra, with guest artist, percussionist Jeff Allman, 2 to 3 p.m., free, Kitchener Public Library, Central Branch, 85 Queen St. n., 519-743-7502, askus@kpl.org

Events WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11 KITCHEnER 2018 Quilt Block Contest: There’s a Whole in My Basket

An original or traditional design pieced or appliqued that includes a basket element; beginner and experienced quilters; for contest guidelines call Schneider Haus at 519-742-7752 or visit www.schneiderhaus.ca; entries accepted to 4:30 p.m. on April 12, free, Schneider Haus, 466 Queen St. S., abettschen@regionofwaterloo.ca

THURSDAY, APRIL 12 KITCHEnER Beekeeping 101 Lunchtime Lounge

Pre-registration required; What does it takes to start a bee colony on your own property; have you wanted to produce your own honey; beekeeper Zoran Jovkovic discusses startup beekeeping needs; www.homerwatson.on.ca/ lunchtime-lounge-april-2018, 12 to 1 p.m., $10; member free, Homer Watson House and Gallery, 1754 old Mill Rd., 519-748-4377, marketing@homerwatson.on.ca

WATERLoo Sustainable Waterloo Region’s Annual Evening of Recognition

Register by Wednesday, April 11: Celebrate Waterloo Region’s organizations and communities that are creating a low carbon future; celebrate their 2017 achievements, 5 to 8 p.m., free, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Ave. W., eventsstaff@sustainablewaterlooregion.ca

SATURDAY, APRIL 14 WATERLoo Kitchener-Waterloo Philatelic Society Stampfest 2018

Competitive judged exhibition; children’s table; sales circuit; 16 dealers; everyone welcome; www.kwstampclub.org, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free, St. John’s Lutheran Church, 22 Willow St., 519-7464270, kwpskw@gmail.com

TUESDAY, APRIL 17 WATERLoo Film Screening

“A Bold Peace: Costa Rica’s Path of Demilitarization”; with Sr. Roberto Dormond Cantú, Costa Rica’s Ambassador to Canada; over 60 years ago, Costa Rica became one of the only nations in the world to disband their military and to redirect national resources towards education, learn about this incredible story; register at www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-boldpeace-costa-ricas-path-of-demilitarization-registration-43205453675, 7 to 9:30 p.m., free, Balsillie School of International Affairs, 67 Erb St. W., tlorincz@balsillieschool.ca

For seniors WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11 KITCHEnER Polercise with Urban Poles

Registration required; gain strength and stability through exercise and walking to music; suitable for hip, knee and respiratory conditions; equipment provided. At Rockway Community Centre: Mondays, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., 11 weeks; and Thursdays, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., 13 weeks. At Breithaupt Centre: Wednesdays, 9:30 to 10:25 a.m., 10 weeks; may register at either Rockway Community Centre or Breithaupt Centre; to June 28, $6.10 for 55-plus, Rockway Centre, 1405 King St. E., 519-741-2507

PETERSBURG Wilmot Centre Seniors’ Luncheon

Hot meal, fellowship and program by Dave and nancy Seiling, 12 to 2 p.m., free-will offering, Wilmot Centre Missionary Church, 2463 Bleams Rd., 519-501-8468, amkoebel@gmail.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 12 KITCHEnER The Gift of Mediumship

Register by Wednesday, April 11: Len Spicer explains the gift of mediumship, his past experiences and will do some personal readings; www.kitchener.ca, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., free, Rockway Community Centre, 1405 King St E, 519-741-2507, rockwaycc@kitchener.ca FRIDAY, APRIL 13 KITCHEnER Model Railroad Basics Registration required; overview workshop to explain the basics required to build model railroads; www.kitchener.ca, 1 to 3 p.m., free, Rockway Centre, 1405 King St. E., 519-741-2507, rockwaycc@kitchener.ca

TUESDAY, APRIL 17 WATERLoo Waterloo Heights Spring Fashion Show

Features items from the spring clothing lines at the Helen Anne Shop, nygard, Tweed and Hickory, Moores, and The Classic Plus Woman on Belmont; features Tim Louis on piano; hors d’oeuvres and social time; all admission money collected donated to the Alzheimer Society; advance tickets only: call 519-886-3410, 7:30 to 9 p.m., $15, Waterloo Heights Retirement Apartments, 170 Erb St. W., 519-886-3410, maia_mcmurran@srgroup.ca

Fundraisers WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11 WATERLoo Canstruction Waterloo Region

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., Conestoga Mall, 550 King St. n., 519-743-5576, info@ thefoodbank.ca

KITCHEnER Fashion Show

Fashions by nygard; sponsored by St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Women’s League, 7:30 to 9 p.m., free-will donation to The Working Centre, St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 49 Blueridge Ave., 519-745-7301

THURSDAY, APRIL 12 KITCHEnER Handbags For Hospice Fundraiser and Charity Auction

Bid on a selection of over 160 designer handbags in a silent auction; includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, candy bar, wine wall; tickets: phone 519-743-4114 or online at www.hospicewaterloo.ca, 6:30 to 10 p.m., $50, Bingemans, 425 Bingemans Centre Dr., melissa@hospicewaterloo.ca

FRIDAY, APRIL 13 Cambridge Let’s Body Check Cancer 2018

Hosting the fourth annual co-ed hockey tournament, to April 15; silent auction, skills competition and more; all proceeds to the Canadian Cancer Society; www. bodycheckcancer.com, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., donate to your favourite team, Cambridge Sports Park, 1001 Franklin Blvd., 519620-8751, kyle@bodycheckcancer.com

KITCHEnER Friends Trivia Night

Friends trivia, silent auction and snacks; all proceeds from this event for Reception House Waterloo Region, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., $10 at the door, Casey’s Bar & Grill, 1120 Victoria St. n., 226-868-4017, lharant@rogers.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 14 Cambridge Annual Fundraiser: Una Serata Bella

Featuring the Cambridge Symphony orchestra; an evening of music, fine food and wine, and friendship; doors open at 6 p.m., concert at 7 p.m.; tickets: email barbara.simoes@cambridgeorchestra.ca, to 10 p.m., $100, Cambridge City Hall, 50 Dickson St., 519-716-5566

SUNDAY, APRIL 15 Cambridge Get Jacked for R. H. W. R.

A workout to raise funds for Reception House Waterloo Region; features Emerson Petri, Boot Camp Master, and Cassandra Lynch, Zumba Instructor; an hour of boot Camp and an hour of Zumba run by award-winning fitness facility, Proactive Training and nutrition; fitness party with music and healthy snacks; silent auction; all proceeds to Reception House in Waterloo Region to help refugee families resettle in the area; tickets: www.facebook.com/ events/228195314405633/, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., $25 in advance; $30 at door, Grand Valley Golf and Country Club, 1910 Roseville Rd., nmcgraw6523@conestogac.on.ca

LOOKING AHEAD KITCHEnER Card Party — April 18

Proceeds for Waterloo Region Hospice; sponsored by St. Francis Catholic Women’s League; light lunch; doors open: 12:30 p.m., 1 to 4 p.m., $15, St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 49 Blueridge Ave., 519-745-7301, stfranciskitchener@hamiltondiocese.com

WATERLoo Eat Smart, Be Well — April 19

A HopeSpring fundraiser featuring keynote speaker Jean LaMantia, a cancer survivor, registered dietician, and author of “The Essential Cancer Treatment nutrition Guide and Cookbook”; sharing her inspirational story of beating cancer and the importance of credible nutrition; door prizes, draws, silent auction; tickets: www.eventbrite.ca/e/eat-smart-be-welltickets-43626017593?aff=HSWebsite, 6:30 to 9 p.m., $30, Inn of Waterloo and Conference Centre, 475 King St. n., 519-742-1544 ext. 103

Gardening SATURDAY, APRIL 14 Cambridge “Stepping into Spring” Symposium

For gardeners: four presentations, continental breakfast, hot roast beef lunch, silent auction and door prizes; hosted by Cambridge Rivers’ Edge Gardeners; fully accessible, ample parking; www. gardenontario.org/site/s351/Symposiumflyer2018.pdf; tickets: contact Lori at lbennettc342@rogers.com or 519-893-4995, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., $55, Avenue Road Baptist Church,

465 Avenue Rd.

MONDAY, APRIL 16 WELLESLEY Wellesley Horticultural Society Meeting

Speaker: Brenda Campbell from Cozyn’s Garden Gallery on preparing for spring and summer gardens; all welcome, 7:30 to 9 p.m., free, Wellesley Community Centre, 1000 Maple Leaf St., 519-656-2824

ELMIRA Elmira and District Horticultural Society Meeting

Speaker: Rob Howard on “nine Things I Learned In other People’s Gardens”; new members welcome, 7:30 to 9 p.m., $2; member free, Trinity United Church, 21 Arthur St. n., 519-404-2042, christinefrances54@gmail.com

Health TUESDAY, APRIL 17 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 FRIDAY, APRIL 13 KITCHEnER PD Day Fun

Bring your gang to the Waterloo Region Museum so they can explore the fun and interactive exhibit Wild Weather, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., $11, $8 senior/student, $5 child five to 12, under four free, Waterloo Region Museum and Doon Heritage Village, 10 Huron Rd., www.waterlooregionmuseum.ca, 519-748-1914 ext. 3647, tjones@regionofwaterloo.ca

Teddy Bears’ Night at the Museum

Kids and their favourite teddy bear or stuffie are invited to a fun night at the museum including games, crafts, storytelling and snacks. At the end of the evening kids will leave their stuffie for a sleepover at the museum and then come back the next day to pick up their stuffie and see the pictures of all the adventures the stuffed toys had overnight; suitable for ages two to six; registration required; calendar.waterlooregionmuseum.ca, 6 to 8 p.m., $10 plus HST, Waterloo Region Museum and Doon Heritage Village, 10 Huron Rd., 519-478-1914 ext. 3647, tjones@regionofwaterloo.ca

Cambridge PD Day Activities: April Showers

Drop in between 1 and 4 p.m. for fun games, crafts and more; children must be accompanied by adult; $5 per child, no charge for adult, McDougall Cottage, 89 Grand Ave. S., www.mcdougallcottage.ca, 519-748-1914 ext. 3647

TUESDAY, APRIL 17 KITCHEnER Art Explorations

Learning the fundamentals of art in a supportive and fun studio setting for kids ages eight to 13. Young artists explore and develop fundamental art-making skills through drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpting. open to all skill levels; all materials provided; kwag.ca, 6 to 7:30 p.m., six weeks: $80 plus HST; $15 plus HST per session, KitchenerWaterloo Art Gallery, 101 Queen St. n., 519-579-5860 ext. 100

Open houses and reunions THURSDAY, APRIL 12 KITCHEnER Taoist Tai Chi Open House

Discover the health benefits of this ancient art; a volunteer charitable organization; www.taoist.org/kw, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., free, Kitchener East Presbyterian Church, 10 Zeller Dr., 888-824-2441, kw@taoist.org

Sales and bazaars THURSDAY, APRIL 12 KITCHEnER Used Book Sale

To raise funds to support our programs for children, families and individuals in the community who are grieving; donations accepted to April 11 at The Family Centre; no textbooks, encyclopedias/reference books, CDs, DVDs or VHS movies; www.bfomidwest.org, 1 to 8 p.m., free, The Family Centre, 65 Hanson Ave., 519-603-0196, admin@bfomidwest.org

FRIDAY, APRIL 13 WATERLoo K-W Weavers’ and Spinners’ Sale and Show

Unique, hand-crafted and hand-spun items created locally; hand-woven tea towels, place mats, blankets, baby items, table runners, scarves; hand-spun yarn; knit baby items; demonstrations of weaving and spinning; Friday, 1 to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; www.kwws.org, free, Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex, 101 Father David Bauer Dr., 519747-4797, wendykornelsen@gmail.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 14 KITCHEnER St. Joseph Church’s Craft and Vendor Sale

Handmade crafts, 20 vendors: knitting/crocheting, jewelry, wood crafts, sewing, artwork and paper crafts, decor and religious articles, food items and baking; www.facebook.com/ events/151953692117281, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., free, St. Joseph Parish, Roman Catholic Church, 148 Madison Ave. S., stjosephcraftsale@gmail.com

School events THURSDAY, APRIL 12 KITCHEnER Teenage Relationships and Healthy Sexuality Parent Seminar

“Youth Mental Health and Wellness Parent Seminar Series, Part one”: target audience: parents of current and future KCI students; print ticket from www. eventbrite.ca or download the eventbrite app to have your barcode available for scanning upon arrival, 6:30 a.m., free, Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate and Vocational School, 787 King St. W., 519-745-6851 ext. 5430, arhia_thorpe@wrdsb.ca

MONDAY, APRIL 16 WATERLoo E-Waste Recycling and Used Clothing Collection

Free drop-off; help Elizabeth Ziegler Public School raise funds while diverting ewaste from the landfill; acceptable items include televisions, computers, home theatre equipment, printers, cellphones; collecting clothing donations for ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy; elz.wrdsb; Monday to Friday, 3 to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., free, Elizabeth Ziegler Public School, 90 Moore Ave. S., 519-729-5296, jolagurska@gmail.com

Tea and coffee hours THURSDAY, APRIL 12 ST. JACoBS Tea Plus Train: The High Tea Experience

An afternoon of tea and train experience: April 12, May 10, 17 and 31; 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, to 3:45 p.m., $37.99 to $49.99, Waterloo Central Railway, 878 Weber St. n., tickets@waterloocentralrailway.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 15 Cambridge Spring Tartan Tea

Reservations required; traditional tea with sandwiches, sweets, and more; www. mcdougallcottage.ca, 2 to 5 p.m., $15 plus HST, McDougall Cottage, 89 Grand Ave. S., 519-748-1914 ext. 3647

For more listings go to http://www.therecord.com/waterlooregion-events