Your Community
Things to see and do in the region
Arts events FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2 Waterloo 7th Annual Wild Writers Literary Festival
a celebration of the feral and free and its expression in poetry, the short story, and everything in between; create, learn, discover and share the art of ground-breaking writing; sessions, workshops and panels; various venues; times vary; to Nov. 4, free-$38, Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), 67 erb St. W., www.wildwriters.ca, 519-884-8111 ext. 28290, info@tnq.ca
Blood donor clinics MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5 KItCheNer Kitchener Blood Donor Clinic
roll up your sleeve and use your power to give life; book appointment online at www.blood.ca or call 1-888-236-6283; walk-ins welcome, 2:30 to 7:30 p.m., Calvin Presbyterian Church, 248 Westmount rd. e., emma.willms@blood.ca
WelleSley Wellesley Blood Donor Clinic
roll up your sleeve and use your power to give life; book appointment online at www.blood.ca or call 1-888-236-6283; walk-ins welcome, 5 to 9 p.m., Wellesley Community Centre, 1000 Maple leaf St., emma.willms@blood.ca
Classics TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6 Waterloo Noon Hour Concert
Featuring WlU Chamber students; directed by Christine Vlajk; low-cost lunch available from 11:30 a.m., 12:15 to 12:45 p.m., free, First United Church, 16 William St. W., www.firstunitedchurch.ca, 519-745-8487 ext. 201
Donations KItCheNer Local Bartender Raises $13,000 for Kidney Cancer Society of Canada
on oct. 20, Williamsburg arms bartender aliena Karley raised money for Kidney Cancer Canada, whose step-father, Joe Mitchell, is battling the disease; aliena donated $4,000 in tips, $4,000 from silent auction and GoFundMe, and a $5,000 anonymous corporate donation
Events WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31 CaMbrIdGe Callout: The Soroptimist Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women
Program provides cash grants to women who are working to better their lives through additional schooling and skills training; grant of $1,500 minimum; application deadline: Nov. 15; contact Kelly for eligibility rules and application information, Soroptimist International of Cambridge, 1145 Concession rd. (langs Community health and Wellness Centre), 226-929-6209, kthomas.acadia@gmail.com
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1 Waterloo Clair Lake Pumpkin Parade
bring your carved halloween pumpkins and place them on the path that joins Candlewood Crescent and amos avenue in Clair lake Park; stroll the path with the many lit pumpkins; bring own led candle; enter the park on Candlewood Crescent or amos avenue, 6 to 7 p.m., free, Clair lake Park, Shakespeare drive, 647-529-6364, caquast@gmail.com
KItCheNer Imagine It: Success in Publishing Lecture
registration required; your writing is great, but where are going to publish? Join Mark leslie lefebvre, author and bookseller; rob dawson, Georgetown Publications; and Natalie Gibbons, Manager Collections at Kitchener Public library, 7 to 9 p.m., free, Kitchener Public library, Central branch, 85 Queen St. N., www.kpl.org, 519-743-7502, askus@kpl.org
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3 CaMbrIdGe Ecology Basics Nature Hike
registration required; 4K hike through rare’s grassland and forest habitats with ellen esch, ecologist, University of Guelph; learn about the ecology and natural history of the ecosystems, and gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s biodiversity, 9 to 11:30 a.m., $8, rare eCo Centre, 768 blair rd., raresites.org/ events-calendar/, 519-650-9336
KItCheNer Sounds of Victory in the Waterloo Region, Nov. 11, 1918
Sara Karn’s presentation to the Waterloo historical Society considers the auditory aspects of armistice celebrations in ontario, with a particular focus on Kitchener, Waterloo and Galt; Waterloo historical Society annual general meeting follows, 1:30 to 3 p.m., free, Waterloo region Museum and doon heritage Village, 10 huron rd., www.whs.ca
Making Music on the Go Using Pocket Synthesizers
Jesse Maranger demonstrates creating music with different, unique pocket synthesizers, from drum machine to lead synthesizer to noise percussion; Jesse is a singer-songwriter with a passion for creating, recording and mixing music, 2 to 4 p.m., free, Kitchener Public library, Forest heights, 251 Fischer-hallman rd., www.kpl.org, 519-743-7502, askus@kpl.org
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5 KItCheNer Cameron Hill’s War Time Story with Barbara Hill
Join local author barbara hill as she retells the story of her father, rCaF Flight lieutenant Cameron Clare hill, and how a mysterious “war box” belonging to her father led her to uncover his amazing story; registration required, 7 to 9 p.m., free, Kitchener Public library, Grand river Stanley Park branch, 175 Indian rd., kpl.org/programs-and-events, 519-743-7502, askus@kpl.org
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6 KItCheNer Letting Go of Anxiety: Talk with International Buddhist Teacher
register by Monday, Nov. 5: Genla Khyenrab explores mindfulness methods, meditations and ways of thinking derived from buddha’s teachings to help us let go of anxiety, become fearless in the face of adversity, and deal with our negative emotions, 6:45 to 8:45 p.m., $15, Kitchener Public library, Central branch, 85 Queen St. N., www.canadahelps.org/ en/charities/avalokiteshvara-kadampabuddhist-centre/events/letting-go-ofanxiety-a-public-talk-with-gen-la-kelsang-khyenrab/, 226-486-2417, info@akbc.ca
CaMbrIdGe Living with Loss — Cambridge
Peer support group for adults grieving the death of a loved one; offered the first and third tuesday of each month, 7 to 9 p.m., free, langs Community health Centre, 1145 Concession rd., www.bfomidwest.org/programs/livingwith-loss/living-with-loss-cambridge/, 519-603-0196, support@bfomidwest.org
KItCheNer Living with Loss — Kitchener
Peer support group for adults grieving the death of a loved one; first and third tuesday of each month, 7 to 9 p.m., free, Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre, 1001 ottawa St. S., www.bfomidwest.org/programs/livingwith-loss/living-with-loss-kitchener/, support@bfomidwest.org
For seniors WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31 KItCheNer Polercise with Urban Poles
registration required; gain strength and stability through exercise and walking to music outside, weather permitting; with certified instructor; equipment provided; Wednesdays, to dec. 19, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., drop-in: $6.23 for 55-plus, breithaupt Centre, 350 Margaret ave., 519-741-2507
Ukulele
an opportunity for ukulele players of all abilities to get together and practise, learn from each other and play songs in a welcoming environment; pick up your ukulele and join us; Wednesdays, Sept. to May; Kitchener Group Card needed, 10 to 11 a.m., annual rate: 55-plus, $15.30; 18 to 54, $18.66, rockway Centre, 1405 King St. e., www.kitchener.ca/en/in-your-neighbourhood/rockwaycentre.aspx, 519-741-2507, rockwaycc@kitchener.ca
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1 KItCheNer Polercise with Urban Poles
registration required; gain strength and stability through exercise and walking to music; outside if weather permits; certified instructor; equipment provided; Mondays, to dec. 17, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; thursdays, to dec. 20, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., drop-in: $6.23 for 55-plus, rockway Centre, 1405 King St. e., 519-741-2507
Waterloo Fused Glass Gifts
registration required; creative workshop for all skill levels; materials, tea and refreshments included, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $15, button Factory arts, 25 regina St. S., 519-886-4577
KItCheNer Bible Study Group: A Survey of the New Testament
Non-denominational group: aims to get a big picture understanding of the New Testament; explore, reflect and respond to what each of the last 27 books of the bible contributes to its overall theme; thursdays to dec. 13, 3 to 4:30 p.m., free, rockway Centre, 1405 King St. e., 519-741-2507, rockwaycc@kitchener.ca
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2 CaMbrIdGe Senior’s Drop-in Mixed Curling
beginners welcome; two draws: 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.; Fridays to april 5, $11 per draw, Galt Curling Club, 1610 dunbar rd., 519-622-3943, kerrymac45@gmail.com
KItCheNer Art Connections for Seniors
registration required; engage your creativity; led by Kitchener-Waterloo art Gallery senior volunteer artist educators; designed to be fun and engaging for all participants, builds on skills learned in the previous session; Nov. 2 and 9, 10 to 11:30 a.m., free, Kitchener-Waterloo art Gallery, 101 Queen St. N., kwag.ca/civicrm/event/info%3Fid%3d226%26reset%3d1, 519-579-5860 ext. 100, mail@kwag.on.ca
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3 KItCheNer Salsa Saturday for Adults 55-Plus
register by Friday, Nov. 2: free event: learn the rhythms of Salsa and bachata music; no dance experience needed; instruction provided by the K-W Salseros, 2 to 4 p.m., free, downtown Community Centre, 35b Weber St. W., kitchener.ca/activenet, 519-741-2501, downtowncc@kitchener.ca
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6 CaMbrIdGe Progressive Euchre
registration required; For players who enjoy playing euchre; refreshments served, 1 to 3:30 p.m., $3, W. G. Johnson Centre, ted Wake 50 Plus Centre, 31 Kribs St., 519-740-4681, hermanwinniegonsalves@rogers.com
KItCheNer Darts
this co-ed group of adults age 50-plus welcomes new players of all abilities; tuesdays to May 28, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., free, rockway Centre, 1405 King St. e., www.kitchener.ca/en/in-your-neighbourhood/rockway-centre.aspx, 519-741-2507, brenda.vandekeere@kitchener.ca
Fundraisers THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1 badeN Interfaith Counselling Centre (ICC) Rotary Trip-A-Month Lottery Draw
First prize: trip for two; second prize: $200; third prize: $100; first Thursday of each month: draw held at 8 a.m.; www.iccrotarylottery.com, ticket: $100, Wilmot recreation Complex, 1291 Nafziger rd., 519-662-3092, interfaith@golden.net
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2 CaMbrIdGe Food For Thought: Mary Walsh
Comedian, actor, writer, activist; presented by Cambridge and North dumfries Community Foundation; proceeds to CNdCF’s Impact Fund; tickets: www.cndfoundation.org, 6 p.m. $175, Whistle bear Golf Club, 1316 dickie Settlement rd., 519-624-8972, info@cndcf.org
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3 CaMbrIdGe Brand-Name Thrift Clothing Sale
brand-name clothing at a fraction of the price; all proceeds go towards after-care and study programs for New life Prison Ministries, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., prices vary, Cambridge-Preston Church of the Nazarene, 1332 hamilton St., 519-653-6036, pj@cambridgenaz.ca
CaMbrIdGe Extra Life: Play Games, Heal Kids
have fun as a family and play for the kids at the virtual reality arcade; 100 percent of all bookings and donations will go to Children’s Miracle Network; Nov. 3, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Nov. 4, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., see website for details, Ctrl V Cambridge, 745 Coronation blvd., www.ctrlv.ca/ctrl-v-cambridge-galt/, cambridge@ctrlv.ca
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6 KItCheNer Quarter Auction
Part raffle, part auction, part fundraiser; bring quarters and either win or start buying Christmas gifts from vendors while helping raise funds for adult and family literacy; www.facebook.com/ events/242525863111379/, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., free admission, Unifor Union hall local 1106, 600 Wabanaki dr., www.projectread.ca, 519-570-3054, info@projectread.ca
LOOKING AHEAD KItCheNer The Grand Social Series: After-Work Edition — Nov. 8
the ultimate bowling and networking fundraiser in support of the children’s program at Grand river hospital; information and tickets at www.grhf.org/event/grand-socialseries/, 5 to 8:30 p.m., $50, bingemans Kingpin bowlounge, 425 bingemans Centre dr., 519-749-4300, dota.bidzios@grhosp.on.ca
Waterloo HopeSpring Holiday Tour of Homes — Nov. 9 and 10
advance tickets required; self-guided tours on Nov. 9 from 4 to 9 p.m. and Nov. 10 from 12 to 4 p.m. of Waterloo region homes that have been professionally decorated for the holiday season; $35 (online or at hopeSpring office, rear entrance), Inn of Waterloo and Conference Centre, 475 King St. N., www.eventbrite.ca/e/17th-annualholiday-home-tour-for-hopespring-tickets-50510476194, 519-742-1544 ext. 103, katy@hopespring.ca
CaMbrIdGe IODE 30th Jolly Holly Festive House Tour — Nov. 10 and 11
Self-guided tours on Nov. 10 and 11 of five houses decorated for the Christmas season; proceeds used for Iode community projects; visit www.iodeprestonchapter.com/ for where tickets can be purchased, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $20, Iode Preston decorated houses, Cambridge, 519-242-6118, frtakacs@rogers.com
badeN An Evening of Story and Song with The Wiebes —Nov. 10
Fundraising event to raise money for Single Mom’s Camp at hidden acres Mennonite Camp; music by the Wiebes; Campout cookies available for sale; www.hiddenacres.ca, 7 to 9 p.m., $10, Steinmann Mennonite Church, 1316 Snyder’s rd. W., 519-625-8602, info@hiddenacres.ca
Gardening TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6 NeW haMbUrG Warmer, Wetter and Wilder: Blair Feltmate on The Changing Climate
registration required; blair Feltmate, head of the Intact Centre on Climate adaptation, University of Waterloo, discusses what homeowners and communities can expect under a changing climate and how to prepare; presented by Nith Valley ecoboosters, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., free, Zion United Church, 215 Peel St., www.eventbrite.com/d/canada-kitchener/nith-valley-eco-boosters/, 519-662-1464, nvecoboosters@gmail.com
Health WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31 breSlaU Caregiver Support Education Sessions
Four-week sessions address the unique role of caregivers; focused on caregivers of seniors and adults with disabilities; topics include reflections on aging, effective communication; self-care; choose afternoon, evening or weekend sessions, free, Community Support Connections, Meals on Wheels and More,
61 Woolwich St. N., communitysupportconnections.org/, 519-772-8787 ext. 210, lindaf@cscmow.org
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6 KItCheNer The Great Brain Workout
dispel some of the negative myths of aging; learn how best to maintain both physical and cognitive health throughout a lifetime; bring runners for movement, your brain and a smile; tuesdays to dec. 4, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., $6.50 per session, Centreville Chicopee Community Centre, 141 Morgan ave., bodymindandmovementprogram.com/home/, 519-998-3024, thegreatbrainworkout@gmail.com
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, OCTOBER 31 CaMbrIdGe Trunk or Treat
Safe for kids of all ages; many decorated car trunks with candy being handed out, bouncy castles, and more; rain or shine, 6 to 7:30 p.m., free, temple baptist Church, 400 holiday Inn dr., 519-222-4784, walkerd@templebaptistchurch.ca
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1 CaMbrIdGe National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) Launch
amonth of fearless story-telling; whether you’re new to NaNoWriMo or a seasoned veteran, this is a perfect way to start your journey and get to know your writing community; for ages 13-plus, 6 to 8 p.m., free, Idea exchange | Queen’s Square library, 1 North Sq., ideaexchange.org/programs/event/nationalnovel-writing-month-launch-nanowrimo, events@ideaexchange.org
Luncheons FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2 NeW haMbUrG Express Lunch
Serving Shepherd’s Pie, salad and dessert, 12 to 1 p.m., advance ticket: $6, royal Canadian legion, br. 532, 65 boullee St., 519-662-3770, smiley6696@bell.net
Sales and bazaars SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3 CaMbrIdGe Fall Craft Sale and Marketplace
Features local crafters and marketplace items; all proceeds directed to support the ministries of St. Peter’s evangelical lutheran Church, Cambridge, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., free, St. Peter’s evangelical lutheran Church, 810 King St. e., 519-653-7353, lorre.calder@sympatico.ca
Walks, runs and rides SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4 KItCheNer Waterloo Regional Down Syndrome Society’s Buddy Walk
Promotes equitable opportunities for all Canadians with down syndrome; registration: 1 p.m.; walk starts at 2 p.m.; donate, sponsor or download a sponsor sheet at www.wrdss.ca, Stanley Park Community Centre, 505 Franklin St. N., 519-896-4488, info@wrdss.ca