Your Community
Things to see and do in the region
THURSDAY, APRIL 26
Waterloo Charlie Awards Film Festival
Showcasing films made by high school students in Waterloo Region; cash prizes; www.princesscinemas.com/movie/the-charlie-awards, 7 to 8:30 p.m., free, Original Princess Cinema, 6 Princess St. W., 519-578-7981, charliefilmfestival@gmail.com
Author Event
Brian Van Norman (“Immortal Water”); book signing; refreshments provided, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., free, Words Worth Books, 96 King St. S., 519-884-2665
FRIDAY, APRIL 27 KITCHENER The Brush Off: 6th Junior Edition
One night, 12 artists, three rounds, 29 original works; junior artists are invited to participate in a friendly painting competition, creating art live in front of an audience; tickets: www.themuseum.ca/ brush-off-junior-edition, 6:30 to 10 p.m., $12, ages 14 to 19; $20, Themuseum, 10 King St. W., katelynn.dietrich@themuseum.ca
SATURDAY, APRIL 28 KITCHENER SkyCon Light Gaming Convention
Tabletop gaming convention; board games, role playing games, miniatures, tournaments, vendors and more; www. skycongames.com, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., $15 online to April 26; $20 at door, Holiday Inn Kitchener, 30 Fairway Rd. S., hello@skycongames.com
Butter and Cheese PennsylvaniaGerman Style
It’s spring and that means plenty of milk for the Schneider family to turn into butter and cheese; 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.
SUNDAY, APRIL 29 KITCHENER Filmnachmittag
Featuring “Die Zwillinge vom Zillertal”; 2 p.m., free, Schwaben Club, 1668 King St. E., www.kitchenerschwabenclub.com, 519-742-7979, schwaben@kitchenerschwabenclub.com
TUESDAY, MAY 1 KITCHENER May Day Celebration
Join us to celebrate our collective resiliency; our goal is to create an inclusive, free, family-friendly space and event; grounded in mutual aid, voluntary participation, and personal/collective autonomy without authority; there will be a potluck feast, dance, music, workshops, kids activities; come build connections with one another, 5 to 9 p.m., free, Victoria Park, 80 Schneider Ave., www.facebook.com/ events/195472461055628/, kwmayday@gmail.com
Farwell4Hire Launch Party 2018
With the support from the good folks of Waterloo Region, Farwell4Hire has raised over $183,000 for Cystic Fibrosis in the past four years; let’s help Mike Farwell meet his goal to raise $100,000 this year; music by Amberwood, live and silent auctions, food, cash bar; tickets: www.eventbrite.ca/e/farwell4hire-launchparty-tickets-44499107027?aff=es2, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., $40, Dallas Night Club, 312 King St. W., 519-591-4511, kelly.galloway.sealock@gmail.com
Blood donor clinics SATURDAY, APRIL 28 CAMBRIDGE Cambridge Blood Donor Clinic
Roll up your sleeve and help to save the life of a local patient in need by donating blood; book appointment online at www. blood.ca or call 1-888-236-6283, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Jacob Hespeler Secondary School, 355 Holiday Inn Dr., emma.willms@blood.ca
Concerts WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25 KITCHENER Wednesday Noon Concert
Featuring Penny Johnson (piano); bring your lunch or buy a low-cost meal at the church; doors open at 11:30 a.m.; www. standrewskw.com/concerts, 12:15 to 12:45 p.m., free, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 54 Queen St. N., paulinefinch@rogers.com
SUNDAY, APRIL 29 CAMBRIDGE Musical Lives Classical Guitar Open Mike
Guitar concert featuring Southern Ontario musicians followed by a guitar open mike; ideaexchange.org/programs/ event/musical-lives-classical-guitaropen-mic-0, 2 to 4 p.m., food bank donations gratefully accepted, Idea Exchange | Preston Library, 435 King St. E., events@ideaexchange.org
Events WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25 CAMBRIDGE French: Not Just Child’s Play
Come to the Preston location Wednesday evenings (to May 23) to brush up on your French conversation skills in a comfortable setting; children ages three and up can explore fun activities in the library while adults are in the program (children under three must be accompanied by an adult), 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., free, Idea Exchange | Preston Library, 435 King St. E., events@ideaexchange.org
Waterloo Film Screening
Presented by KW Professional Organizers; “Living the Change” documentary explores solutions to the global crises we face today through the inspiring stories of people pioneering change in their own lives and in their communities in order to live in a sustainable and regenerative way; tickets: www.princesscinemas. com/movieshowtime/showtime-forliving-the-change-playing-april-25th2018-at-700-pm-princess-twin, 7 to 9 p.m., $9-$14, Princess Twin Cinemas, 46 King St. N., 519-502-9015, info@ kwprofessionalorganizers.com
MONDAY, APRIL 30 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., rosemary69.rb@gmail.com KITCHENER Stratford Festival: The Implications of Staging a Classic
Talk: the Young People’s Theatre examines the value of the new production of Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” to be staged in 2018 at the Stratford Festival; Karen Gilodo is the associate artistic director at Young People’s Theatre; Lois Adamson is the Director of Education at the Stratford Festival; 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
TUESDAY, MAY 1 Waterloo Film Screening
Presented by the Waterloo Wellington Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Association (ME is commonly known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome); featuring Jennifer Brea’s Sundance award-winning documentary, “Unrest”; a personal journey from patient to advocate to storyteller; to register for this free screening, visit www. wwmea.ca, 7 to 9 p.m., free, Princess Twin Cinemas, 46 King St. N.
Fitness and sports WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25 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, APRIL 25 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 (350 Margaret Ave., Kitchener): 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
THURSDAY, APRIL 26 KITCHENER Rockway Entertainers Senior Mixed Chorus
If you’re over 50 and like to sing, you are invited to join the chorus, a friendly, welcoming group; come and sing along with the chorus; Thursdays to May 10, 1 to 3:30 p.m., free, Rockway Centre, 1405 King St. E., 519-741-2507, brenda. vandekeere@kitchener.ca
FRIDAY, APRIL 27 NEW HAMBURG Minds in Motion
A community-based social program incorporating physical activity and mental stimulation for people with early to midstage signs of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia and their care partners; two-hour program runs once a week for eight weeks: Fridays, April 27 to June 15; alzheimerww.ca, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., suggested donation: $60, Nithview Community, 200 Boullee St., 519-742-1422, twalter@alzheimerww.ca
MONDAY, APRIL 30 KITCHENER Musical Movie Monday Matinée
Classic musical movie: last Monday of month to June 25; bring own snacks and enjoy the film on the large screen; call for details on the upcoming movie, 1:30 to 4 p.m., $2, Rockway Centre, 1405 King St. E., 519-741-2507, brenda.vandekeere@kitchener.ca
TUESDAY, MAY 1 KITCHENER Financial Planning: When to Downsize Your Home Seminar provides financial guidance on what to consider when it is time to downsize your home, 9 to 10 a.m., free, Rockway Centre, 1405 King St. E., 519-741-2507 Fundraisers THURSDAY, APRIL 26 KITCHENER Fashion for Life: White Party
White Party fundraiser, an elegant fashion experience, in support of breast reconstruction at Cambridge Memorial Hospital; guests enjoy fashion and fun, featuring some of the region’s top retailers, served hors d’oeuvres by Wildcraft Catering and a live auction; limited VIP lounge packages available for those seeking the ultimate event experience; tickets available online at www.fashionforlife.ca/tickets.html, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., $75 plus HST, Hacienda Sarria, 1254 Union St., info@fashionforlife.ca
SATURDAY, APRIL 28 BADEN Interfaith Counselling Silent Auction
Silent auction opens 9 a.m.; final bids: 2 p.m.; breakfast served 9 to 11 a.m.; bake sale; used book sale; kids’ corner, live entertainment and more; interfaithcounselling.ca, free, Wilmot Recreation Complex, 1291 Nafziger Rd., 519-662-3092, interfaith@golden.net
CAMBRIDGE Musical Variety Show and Revue
Join us for an afternoon of entertainment from a variety of performers followed by a chili supper with dessert, coffee and tea; fundraiser for exterior brickwork repairs; for tickets call 519-653-3323, 3:30 p.m., $20, children $10 (under two free), Saint John’s Anglican Church,
567 Queenston Rd., saintjohnsanglicanchurch@rogers.com
2018 Backpack Open Charity Golf Tournament for Send ’Em Off Smiling
Nine-hole tournament; ticket includes golf and dinner; www.facebook. com/2018backpackopen, tickets: email backpackopen2018@gmail.com, 3:30 to 11 p.m., $75, Grand Valley Golf and Country Club, 1910 Roseville Rd.
KITCHENER Community Music School of Waterloo Region (CMSWR) Benefit Concert
A celebration of great music while making an difference in the lives of kids in our community; features Glenn Marais and The Mojo Train; all proceeds support inclusive community music education for kids; cmswr.ticketfi.com, 7:30 to 10 p.m., $10, The Boathouse, 57 Jubilee Dr., 226-791-0916, chissa@cmswr.ca
MONDAY, APRIL 30 KITCHENER New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale Promotion Dinner
Features guest speaker Sarah Martin Mills, founder of Growing Hope Farms; topic: The Story of Growing Hope; tickets available at www.nhmrs.com and Mennonite Central Committee Ontario, call 519-745-8458; proceeds to New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., $10, Bingemans, Marshall Hall, 425 Bingemans Centre Dr., john.b.reimer@outlook.com
LOOKING AHEAD Waterloo Dot Fundraiser: Menstrual Kits for Girls — May 3
Dot: a grassroots initiative started by three social work students; goal: to create menstrual kits for young girls in Mexico that are filled with relevant information and resources; collecting menstrual products, selling our new merchandise and spreading the words about Dot, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., free, Renison University College, 240 Westmount Rd. N., 647-381-4045, rebecca.e.pacheco@gmail.com
Kids Can’t Wait Radiothon — May 4 Join CHYM 96.7, Country 106.7 and
570 News broadcasting stories of hope for children and youth with special needs; for more information visit www. kidsability.ca/radiothon, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., donations accepted, Conestoga Mall, 550 King St. N., hendrulat@kidsability.ca
Plasma Car Races in Support of KidsAbility — May 4
Register by Wednesday, May 2; Have the need for speed; event for adults only: an opportunity to showcase your driving skills through an exciting teambuilding race; visit plasmacarrace.kintera.org/2018 to register, 7 to 9:15 a.m., raise minimum $500 per team (maximum four members), Conestoga Mall, 550 King St. N., tnandor@kidsability.ca
Canstruction Waterloo Region — May 6
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 May 13, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., donation to vote for favourite structure, Conestoga Mall, 550 King St. N., 519-743-5576, info@thefoodbank.ca
KITCHENER A Wee Toast: Celebrating Whiskies of Scotland — May 3
Register by Thursday, April 26; Offering five scotch nosings and tastings paired with a five-course upscale dinner, catered in Scottish fashion with haggis and bagpipes; all proceeds support Community Care Concepts, a local non-profit that supports seniors to live independently; www.aweetoast.ca, 6:30 to 11 p.m., free, Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo, 105 King St. E., 519-664-1900, cathyh@communitycareconcepts.ca
Messiah in May — May 6
A performance of Messiah by G. F. Handel by the Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) Alumni Choir; several alumni conduct the choir and a number of alumni featured as soloists; to support the scholarship funds of the Faculty of Music, 3 to 5 p.m., free-will offering, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 54 Queen St. N., burnett@golden.net
BRESLAU Maryhill Knights of Columbus Vegas Night — May 5
Prizes to be won at the Big Wheel; grocery hampers, meat boxes, cash prizes; Penny Table; other games of chance; light lunch served at end; all proceeds to Waterloo Region Food Bank and Sister Christine’s Drop-In Centre, Guelph; doors open at 7 p.m., 8 p.m. free, Bridgeport Rod and Gun Club, 1229 Beitz Rd., 519-648-3394
BADEN Katie Ditschun — May 6
Jazz, blues, pop and Broadway tunes; fundraising concert for childhood arthritis research; tickets available at the door, 2 p.m., $15, Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church (west of Philipsburg), 3357 Erbs Rd. N., 613-662-0642
Gardening MONDAY, APRIL 30 CAMBRIDGE Garden Cambridge: Your Galt Horticultural Society Meeting
Speaker: Bob Wildfong, executive director of Seeds of Diversity, speaks on “Growing Heritage Plants at Heritage Village”; socialize with fellow gardeners; enjoy coffee, tea and snacks, enter to win door prizes; www.galthort.com, 7 to 9 p.m., free, Chartwell Queen’s Square Retirement Residence, 10 Melville St. N., 519-623-7085, nancy@galthort.ca
Kids stuff SATURDAY, APRIL 28 KITCHENER The Most Beautiful Bird
Presented by the K-W Symphony with storyteller Kait Taylor; tickets and information at www.kwsymphony.ca, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $11, $13 adult, Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts, 36 King St. W., 519-745-4711, patronservices@ kwsymphony.on.ca
Luncheons and dinners THURSDAY, APRIL 26 KITCHENER Spring Social: Pork Schnitzel and Cabbage Roll Dinner
For tickets call Jackie at 519-745-6459; child, age five and under, free; rear entrance from parking lot; www.ctking. ca, 5:30 to 7 p.m., age 13 and over, $20; child, six to 12, $7, Christ The King United Church, 167 Thaler Ave., christtheking@outlook.com
FRIDAY, APRIL 27 CAMBRIDGE Pork Chop Dinner
Served with potato and vegetable, gravy, dessert, tea or coffee, 4 to 7 p.m., adult $12; child $6, Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 126, 334 Westminster Dr. N., 519-653-6810, myraplantz@hotmail.com
SUNDAY, APRIL 29 CAMBRIDGE Legion Breakfast
Fried or scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, pancakes, toast, coffee, tea or juice, 8 to 11 a.m., adult $7; child, nine and under, $2, Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 126, 334 Westminster Dr. N., myraplantz@hotmail.com
Open houses and reunions WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25 Waterloo 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, St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 544 Bridgeport Rd. E., 888-824-2441, kw@taoist.org
TUESDAY, MAY 1 CAMBRIDGE Grand River Toastmasters Open House
Presenting Roger Caesar, two-time world championship public speaking semifinalist, speech coach, and president of Caesar Transport, Incorporated; refreshments, door prizes; registration: 6:45 p.m., 7 to 9 p.m., free, Allan Reuter Centre, 507 King St. E., vpm@cambridgegrandrivertoastmasters.com
Sales and bazaars SATURDAY, APRIL 28 CAMBRIDGE Cambridge Highlands Lions Club Penny Sale
Penny sale, raffle; proceeds to Langs Health Centre, Cambridge, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., free, St. James Anglican Church, 520 Ellis Rd. W., mpdeboer3@gmail.com
School events WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25 KITCHENER Playground Open House and Design Survey
Community members are welcome to join us select or refine the design of our new playground for children ages two to five; we have raised over $21,000 of our $45,000 goal; for more information visit www.alp.wrdsb.ca, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., free, Alpine Public School, 75 Lucerne Dr., 519-743-4338 ext. 5501, sherry_ mahon@wrdsb.ca
THURSDAY, APRIL 26 Waterloo “Watch Me Soar”: A Bar and Billiards Fundraiser for Oak Bridge Academy
Registration required; Drinks, food, 50/50 draw, raffle and more to support the extraordinary kids of Oak Bridge Academy; entry fee includes live music, food, activities and good times; www. oakbridge.ca, 7 to 11:59 p.m., $50, The Break Room, 182B Weber St. N., 519-654 0710, diana.biuk@oakbridge.ca
Slide shows WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25 KITCHENER India: Community Development: Jodhpur, Delhi and The Taj Mahal
Slide show with Lorraine Green 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
Walks runs and rides SUNDAY, APRIL 29 Waterloo Waterloo Marathon and Ed Whitlock Half Marathon
Registration required; start and finish at Bechtel Park; support K-W St. John Ambulance Boston qualifier; walkers welcome in half marathon; scenic course through rural Mennonite country; includes T-shirt, commemorative 20th medal, massage, refreshments; waterloomarathon.com, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., $85, Bechtel Park, 185 Bridge St. W., 519-579-5451, tony@kwsja.com
SATURDAY, MAY 5 KITCHENER Trek4Kids Hike and Bike — May 5
Hike, bike or run on the Iron Horse Trail in Kitchener to help to send more than 130 children to an overnight summer camp for a week, something that is sadly out of reach for many; www.houseoffriendship.org, 12 to 4 p.m., collect pledges, Thrift on Kent, 50 Kent Ave., 519-742-8327 ext. 119, dawng@houseoffriendship.org
SUNDAY, MAY 6 Waterloo Lutherwood Steps for Kids — May 6
Registration required; 3K to 5K walk/ run for children’s mental health; includes activities for the family, performers and snacks; may bring your dog on a leash; www.lutherwoodstepsforkids.ca, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., free, Lutherwood Children’s Mental Health Services, 285 Benjamin Rd., foundation@lutherwood.ca
Mayburry Walk for Brain Cancer and Hospice Waterloo Region — May 6
3K and 5K walk, run or bike; celebrate life and living with brain cancer; donations to Hospice Waterloo Region, New Build Fund; free T-shirt with every donation over $50; registration: 1 p.m.; for information email mayburrywalk@gmail.com, 1 to 3 p.m., free; donations accepted, Waterloo Skatepark, 100 Father David Bauer Dr.