Your Community
Things to see and do in the region
Arts events WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28 Waterloo “The Woman Who Loves Giraffes” Documentary Screening
Dr. anne Innis Dagg retraces the steps of her ground-breaking 1956 journey to South africa to study giraffes in the wild and discovers a startling contrast between the world of giraffes she once knew and the one it has become; shows to Dec. 2, $9-$13, Princess Cinemas, 46 King St. N., www.princesscinemas.com/movie/the-woman-who-lovesgiraffes, 519-885-2950
KITCHENER Book Launch
“You are a treasure” by angela Weber and theresa Coon; theresa works at Family and Children Services and angela is a Foster Parent at the agency, 7 to 11 p.m., free, Descendants Beer and Beverage Co. ltd., 319 Victoria St. N., 519-576-1329 ext. 3693, theresa.coon@facswaterloo.org
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30 NEW HAMBURG New Hamburg Lioness/Lions Tree of Light
Sing carols with the New hamburg Concert Band and Waterloo oxford apassionata Choir; complimentary hot dogs and hot apple cider; Centennial Fountain by the Post Office, 6:30 to 8 p.m., free, New hamburg Fountain Park, Peel and huron Streets, 519-662-2275, bnilinsky@live.com
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1 ELMIRA Kiwanis Club of Elmira Santa Claus Parade
Parade route: arthur Street (the main street in downtown elmira), 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., free
CAMBRIDGE Hespeler Santa Claus Parade
Parade route: starts at groh avenue, ending at Queen and tannery; Santa giving out goodie bags at Scout house in Forbes Park after parade; www.hespelersantaclausparade.ca, 12 p.m. free
BADEN Optimist Club of Baden Santa Claus Parade
Starts at Sandhills and Snyder’s road, ending at EJ’s (39 Snyder’s rd. W.); food donations collected along the route; bring your letters to Santa; photos with Santa at Wilmot Seniors Woodworking Shop after parade; 1:30 p.m. free, www.facebook.com/ events/2216006835340703/
KITCHENER Interactive Storytelling with Stephen Van Vugt
Join singer and storyteller Stephen Van Vugt for fun, interactive storytelling; help him create a story of adventure you can go on together; Stephen will give you the opportunity to create your own stories through games and activities; Dec.
1 and 22, 2 to 4 p.m., $6, $5 senior/ student, $4 child, free for child under four, Schneider haus, 466 Queen St. S., calendar.schneiderhaus.ca/eventslist/ Detail/2018-12-01-1400-InteractiveStorytelling-with-Stephen-Van-Vugt, aduplessis@regionofwaterloo.ca
Waterloo Wonders of Winter: A Festival of Lights in Waterloo Park
100-plus colourful displays with over 100,000 light bulbs light up the park through all of December until midnight on New Year’s eve; Dec. 1: community candle light event, fireworks, trolley rides, see www.wondersofwinter.ca for details, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., free, Waterloo Park, 50 Young St. W., wondersofwinterfestival@gmail.com
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2 NEW HAMBURG New Hamburg Santa Claus Parade
Starting at Bleams road exit of Norm hill Park, 6 p.m. free
Blood donor clinics TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4 CAMBRIDGE Cambridge 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., armenian Youth Club, 35 International Village Dr., emma.willms@blood.ca
Classics THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29 Waterloo Telling the Story: orchestra@uwaterloo
Rossini’s “Barber of Seville” is not a story about a rabbit masquerading as a barber but a love story complete with disguises and mistaken identity and love triumphs in the end; also includes elgar & Sunabacka, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., free, university of Waterloo, humanities theatre, 200 university ave. W., uwaterloo.ca/music/events/telling-story-orchestrauwaterlooconcert, music@uwaterloo.ca
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2 Waterloo ’Twas the Night Before Christmas
Join the 50-piece Waterloo Concert Band and conductor trevor Wagler in a musical celebration of the holiday season; selections old and new, familiar and surprising treats at intermission, 2 to 4 p.m., donations welcome, Knox Presbyterian Church, 50 erb St. W., www.waterlooband.com
Instrumental Chamber Ensemble Concert
Six different Instrumental Chamber ensemble groups of three to five members will play a lovely selection of classical music; includes a saxophone quartet; reception to follow, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., free, Conrad grebel university College Chapel, 140 Westmount rd. N., uwaterloo.ca/music/events/instrumentalchamber-ensemble-concert-18, music@ uwaterloo.ca
Concerts WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28 KITCHENER Wednesday Noon Concert
Featuring a special program of tai-Chi and music; bring your lunch or buy a low-cost 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., paulinefinch@rogers.com
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29 CAMBRIDGE Gift of Music from High School Bands
Free music presentation from Southwood high School band orchestras and ensembles; bring a bag lunch if you wish; coffee and tea will be provided, 12 to 1 p.m., free, Cedar hills united Church, 241 Cedar St., 519-623-1820, cedarhillchurch@bellnet.ca
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30 Waterloo The Sounds of Christmas 2018 for KIDSABILITY
Christmas music, harmony singing, instrumentals, various styles of dance; Friday and Saturday performances to Dec. 1; tickets: www.ticketscene.ca/ events/21892/, at Kidsability Foundation Office or call box office: 519-502-8390, $30; 18 and under, $20; group rate (20 or more), $20, Waterloo mennonite Brethren Church, 245 lexington rd., guseproductions@gmail.com
CAMBRIDGE Shy Harry
Album launch with special guest Daniel Walton, 7 to 10 p.m., free, Four Fathers Brewery, 125 guelph ave., shyharry.com/, 226-218-2344, kat@eboltmusic.com
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1 CAMBRIDGE Concert of Hope
An afternoon of great music and a little dancing to bring cheer to families in needs this holiday season; co-hosted by CPR rocknroll revival Band; tickets: www.kynamics.ca/register.html#!/ CPr-Concert-of-hope/p/98701898/category=0, 4 to 8 p.m., $10; 50 per cent donated to Children & Family Services, KYnamics Dance & Fitness Studio, 131 Sheldon Dr., 519-740-0185, info@kynamics.ca
KITCHENER A Big Band Christmas with Big Band Theory
A record Books For Kids fundraiser; with vocalists Derek hines, Cathy Whelan and tim louis; performances on Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 2 at 3 p.m.; tickets: www.registrytheatre.com/a-bigband-christmas, $25, the registry theatre, 122 Frederick St., 519-745-6565, programming@registrytheatre.com
Events WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28 Waterloo Seeking Children Who Need Glasses for Nearsightedness
The Centre for ocular research and education at the university of Waterloo is seeking children ages six to nine to participate in a study investigating whether a new style of spectacle lenses can slow down the progression of myopia, 9 to 10 a.m., to Nov. 30; free, university of Waterloo, 200 university ave. W., corestudies.ca/current-studies/children/new-child-spectacle-study-study-idcypress/, 519-888-4742, corestudies@uwaterloo.ca
Orange the World to End Violence Against Women and Girls: A Community Forum
Gran: K-W grandmothers advocacy Network hosts a panel discussion to promote action to end violence against women and girls as part of the united Nations’ 16 days of activism campaign against gender-based violence from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10, 7 to 8:30 p.m., free, Christ lutheran Church, 445 anndale rd., paplevic@bell.net
KITCHENER Future Planning: Wills, Henson Trust and Estate Planning
Bridges to Belonging hosts an information session with essential future planning tools for the financial security of a loved one who is isolated due to a disability; Peter Brennan of amy, appleby and Brennan presents the materials, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., $20 per individual or family, the Family Centre, 65 hanson ave., bit.ly/2CZu2lw, 519-603-0998, info@bridgestobelonging.ca
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29 KITCHENER Community Coffee and Sharing Place Giveaway
Join us for coffee and spend time browsing through the clothing, toys and household items available for you to take as needed free of charge, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free, Christ the King united Church, 167 thaler ave., ctking.ca, 519-748-0783, christtheking@outlook.com
Waterloo Internationally Trained Workers’ Employer Panel
local employers discuss what Canadian employers want and how to sell your international experience; to register, call 519-885-0300, ext. 5226, 4 to 6 p.m., free, Conestoga College Career Centre, 285 Weber St. N., unit 5, www.conestogac.on.ca/caa/careercentre/, waterloocareercentre@conestogac.on.ca
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4 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/living-withloss/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
Fitness and sports WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28 BADEN Firebirds at the Library
registration required; meet players from the New hamburg Firebirds Junior C hockey team; join in fun activities and challenges, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., free, region of Waterloo library — Baden Branch, 115 Snyder’s rd. e., www.rwlibrary.ca, 519-634-8933, cbaechler@regionofwaterloo.ca
For seniors WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28 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; ages 18 to 54, $18.66, rockway Centre, 1405 King St. e., www.kitchener.ca/en/in-your-neighbourhood/rockway-centre.aspx, 519-741-2507, rockwaycc@kitchener.ca
Waterloo Mount Zion’s Community Café
offers seniors the opportunity to socialize over a cup of tea or coffee; luncheon of home-made soups and breads served at 11:30 a.m.; occasional live music; second and fourth Wednesdays of the month; to Dec. 12; use Dawson Street entrance, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free; donations towards cost of food appreciated, mount Zion lutheran Church, 29 Westmount rd. S., www.mzlc.ca, 519-886-5820, stephanie@vonschilling.ca
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29 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
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30 CAMBRIDGE Senior’s Drop-in Mixed Curling
Beginners welcome; two draws: 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.; Fridays to april 5, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., $11 per draw, galt Curling Club, 1610 Dunbar rd., 519622-3943, kerrymac45@gmail.com
Fundraisers WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28 CAMBRIDGE Paint the Grand
This year’s paintings are donated by our participating artists; our silent auction runs to Dec. 9, funds support our musician-in-residence program; www.mcdougallcottage.ca/en/exhibits/paintthe-grand.aspx, 12 to 5 p.m., free, McDougall Cottage, 89 grand ave. S., mbartlettrozad@regionofwaterloo.ca
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29 NEW HAMBURG Wilmot Karaoke Idol 2018
This friendly singing competition has contestants compete for the top prize of $1,000: $500 cash for the winner and $500 for the local Wilmot charity of their choice, plus additional prizes every night; see website for more details, 9 p.m. free, Scran and Dram Scottish Public house, 338 Waterloo St., www.scrananddram.ca/events--live-music.html, 226-747-0610, info@scrananddram.ca
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30 CONESTOGO Free Friday at Flag Raiders Paintball
Join us for free entry and free rentals with any donation to the Cambridge Selfhelp Food Bank or the Food Bank of Waterloo region, 5 to 10 p.m., free, Flag raiders Paintball games Indoor Field, 483 Conestogo rd., 519-653-3322, games@flagraiders.com
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1 Waterloo Laurier Hockey for Heart
raising awareness and money for heart and Stroke Foundation research; hockey games: men’s, 2:30 p.m.; women’s, 7:07 p.m.; events: Chuck a Puck; buy a heart, save a heart; face painting; heart and Stroke hat sales; educational booth, 4 to 9 p.m., adult $20; laurier student,$2; non-laurier student/senior,$7, Waterloo memorial recreation Complex, 101 Father David Bauer Dr., rmansoubi@live.com
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2 KITCHENER Dad and Daughter Hair 101
Struggling to get your daughter’s hair in a bun; having trouble with brushing; learn tips and tricks from professional hair stylists; moms and caregivers welcome; 100 per cent of proceeds go to the Yuva arts Project, 1:30 to 5 p.m., $50, dad and daughter duo, plus $15 per additional daughter, Breithaupt Centre, 350 margaret ave., kitchenerwaterloo.snapd.com/events/view/1201742, 519-729-1902, info@yuvaartsproject.org
LOOKING AHEAD BADEN Interfaith Counselling Centre (ICC) Rotary Trip-A-Month Lottery Draw — Dec. 6
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
KITCHENER Christmas Joy — Dec. 6
The NoteWorthy singers present this concert in support of Waterloo Knights of Columbus “New toys for Needy Kids” toy drive, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., admission: cash or cheque donation; or a new child’s toy, St. aloysius roman Catholic Church, 11 traynor ave., nwsingers.ca, 519-884-2060
A Global Christmas: Singing Hope — Dec. 9
Join Inshallah, 130-plus voice community choir based at martin luther university College, St. Peter’s evangelical lutheran Church choir, and their musical partners to raise funds for the Delton glebe Counselling Centre, 3 to 4:30 p.m., free-will offering, St. Peter’s evangelical lutheran Church, 49 Queen St. N., dludolph@luther.wlu.ca
Waterloo K-W Gem and Mineral Club Holiday Party and Auction — Dec. 7
Annual holiday party potluck and auction fundraiser for the club; over 40 rock and mineral items in live auction and an additional 60 items in silent auction; pizza and pop for club members; all welcome, 7 to 9:30 p.m., free, Button Factory arts, 25 regina St. S., www.calaverite.com/kwgmc/, 519-803-4343, kwgemandmineralclub@hotmail.com
CAMBRIDGE WECARE Cambridge Memorial Hospital (CMH) Foundation North Dumfries Historical Home Tour — Dec. 8
Six homes in ayr and North Dumfries decorated for Christmas, 2 to 6 p.m., $25, Cambridge memorial hospital Foundation, 700 Coronation Blvd., www.cmhfoundation.ca, 519-740-4966, foundation@cmh.org
Health TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4 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; 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 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1 CAMBRIDGE Candyland
Join the optimist Club of Cambridge to make candy cane reindeer; hot apple cider available by donation for adults, free for kids, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free, Central Park, 615 King St. e., www.facebook.com/optimistclubofcambridge/, 519-501-6420, kelly_litwiller@manulife.com
Luncheons and dinners FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30 NEW HAMBURG Friday Night Dinner
Full turkey dinner with dessert; two sittings: 5 and 7 p.m.; call for advance tickets only, advance tickets only; $15, royal Canadian legion, Br. 532, 65 Boullee St., 519-662-3770, smiley6696@bell.net
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2 KITCHENER The Schwaben Club’s Family Christmas Luncheon
entertainment by the Schwaben cultural groups; country-style meal with salad, schnitzel and ham, scalloped potatoes, glazed carrots and dessert; visit by Santa; doors open at 11:30 a.m., lunch at 12:30 p.m., $25; child $15; child under five, free, Schwaben Club, 1668 King St. e., www.kitchenerschwabenclub.com, 519-742-7979, schwaben@kitchenerschwabenclub.com
Sales and bazaars WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28 Waterloo Under-Appreciated Finished Object (UAFO) Fundraiser
rescue an under-appreciated Finished object: many knitters still produce them, amazing “finished objects” that they just don’t love; fundraising sale of finished hand-knits; all proceeds to Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo region; to Dec. 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free, Shall We Knit?, 11 Willow St., shallweknit.ca/, 519-725-9739, karen@shallweknit.com
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1 Waterloo Keatsway Public School Winter Market
Selling handmade knits, candles, jewelry, ornaments, soaps, charcuterie boards, baked goods, tea, original art, raffle, and so much more, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., free, Keatsway Public School, 323 Keats Way, 226-868-7800, elkedous@yahoo.com.au
Slide shows WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28 KITCHENER Kayaking in Antarctica
Slide show with Dale mills; supports 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 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2 CAMBRIDGE Winter Solstice Tartan Tea
Registration required; McDougall’s final tartan tea of 2018; delicious sweets and savouries; a tea treat like this makes a wonderful gift; live music; seatings at 1 and 3 p.m., $15 plus HST; member: 10 per cent discount, McDougall Cottage, 89 grand ave. S., calendar.mcdougallcottage.ca/eventslist/Detail/201812-02-1300-Winter-Solstice-tartan-tea, 519-624-8250, mbartlettrozad@regionofwaterloo.ca
For more listings go to http://www.therecord.com/waterlooregion-events