Your Community
Things to see and do in the region
Arts events SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Waterloo The Chinese Year of Pig Celebration Reception
Presented by the Waterloo region Chinese Community association (WCCA); performances, gourmet food, games, prize draws; in Forbes Family Hall; reserve your tickets at waterloocca.com/ lantern/, 12 to 4 p.m., $10, RIM Park, 2001 University ave. e., dave.chen@waterloocca.com
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17 KITCHENER Bring on the Sunshine African Festival 2019
We are back for another year celebrating africa, culture, community and family during Black History Month; come out to enjoy various festivities, including live music, food, activities and much more, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free, Kitchener City Hall, 200 King St. W., www.facebook.com/BringontheSunshine.ca/, 647-447-9756, promotions@bringonthesunshine.ca
Blood donor clinics MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18 KITCHENER Kitchener Blood Donor Clinic
roll up your sleeve and use your power to give life by donating blood; book appointment online at www.blood.ca or call 1-888-236-6283, 2:30 to 7:30 p.m., Calvin Presbyterian Church, 248 Westmount rd. e., emma.willms@blood.ca
Classics WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13 Waterloo UW Noon Hour Concert
Grand Duo: Jerzy Kaplanek (violin) and leopoldo erice (piano); performing Schubert’s Grand Duo Sonata in a Major, and Prokofiev’s Sonata No. 1 in f minor, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., free, Conrad Grebel University College Chapel, 140 Westmount rd. n., uwaterloo.ca/music/ events, music@uwaterloo.ca
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18 CAMBRIDGE Join the Cambridge Male Chorus
We are a men’s community choir and rehearse Mondays from September to november, and January to May; no experience necessary; newcomers are asked to arrive at 7:15 p.m., 7:30 p.m. free, trinity anglican Church, 12 Blair rd., www.cambridgemalechorus.com, 519-222-4301, patrick.batty@gmail.com
Concerts THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14 KITCHENER Feely Piano School Valentine’s Day Concert
Featuring the Feely Piano School staff and students; www.kpl.org, 7 to 8 p.m., free, Central Kitchener Public library theatre, 85 Queen St. n., www.feelypianoschool.com, helpdesk@feelypianoschool.com
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 Waterloo Noon Hour Concert
Featuring Paul Mitchell Jazz trio: Paul (trumpet), Clark Johnston (double bass) and rob Fekete (keyboards); 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
Events WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13 CAMBRIDGE Cambridge Art Galleries and Bridge Release and Call for Ideas
For Common Waters, a collaborative project: Cambridge art Galleries and University of Waterloo School of architecture Bridge Centre student group Bridge; proposals to be part of this project; deadline: Feb. 18; takes place June 17 to Sept. 22, free, Design at riverside, 7 Melville St. S., common-waters.com, 519-621-0460
Waterloo Let’s Get Personal
During the month of February, visitors to WPL are encouraged to donate personal hygiene products in support of the Waterloo Wayside Centre, which offers support to those experiencing housing and income instability, 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., free, Waterloo Public library, 35 albert St., www.wpl.ca, 519-886-1310 ext. 157, shall@wpl.ca
Indigenous Speakers Series: Maria Campbell
Maria Campbell: Cree-Métis writer, playwright, filmmaker, scholar, teacher and elder; in Modern languages building, 4 p.m. free, University of Waterloo, 200 University ave. W.,uwaterloo.ca/events/ events/indigenous-speakers-series-presents-maria-campbell, 519-888-4567
Board Game Mixer
Make new friends while playing some board games; drop in, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., free, Waterloo Public library, 35 albert St., www.wpl.ca, 519-886-1310 ext. 110, shall@wpl.ca
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14 CAMBRIDGE Valentine Winter Hike
registration required; winter night hike led by local ecologist, ellen esch around the Springbank Gardens Butterfly loop; return to north House to warm up and enjoy hot chocolate; dress warmly, 6:30 to 8 p.m., $8, rare north House, 681 Blair rd.,raresites.org/things-to-do/events/?ee=438, rare@raresites.org
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16 CAMBRIDGE Games and Gadgets Galore
Get your game on: whether you like big games, board games or tech toys, come try them all, 10:30 to 3:30 p.m., free, Idea exchange | Queen’s Square library, 1 north Sq., ideaexchange.org/programs/event/games-and-gadgetsgalore, 519-621-0460
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17 St. Jacobs Family Day 2019
Shop, sample & take a stand against bullying; this year Family Day 2019’s theme is “United against Bullying”; sponsoring the Pink t-Shirt campaign for WaYVe, in partnership with Waterloo region, the record and the Kitchener rangers, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free, Waterloo rod and Gun Club, 1075 Bo De lane, www.jcichouse.ca, 705-351-1656 ext. 7053511656, james@jcichouse.ca
Cambridge Family Day Weekend at the Old Post Office
Drop by the Discovery Centre for fun with marbles and mazes from 1 to 5 p.m.; laugh with Jackbox Games in the Creative Studios from 1 to 5 p.m.; start a robotic soccer match with Family Sphero Soccer in the Creative Studios from 2 to 4 p.m., free, Idea exchange | old Post Office, 12 Water St. S.,ideaexchange.org/programs-events, 519-621-0460
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18 CAMBRIDGE Family Fun at Rare
explore nature at rare; download their free scavenger hunt to guide your winter exploration on their trails; be sure to take photos of your discoveries; use the hashtag #rarefamilyfun on Instagram and twitter to enter into a prize draw, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., free, rare ECO Centre, 768 Blair rd., raresites.org/things-to-do/ events/?ee=437, education@raresites.org
Fireside Chat
an informal chat and coffee/tea; meet new friends in a relaxed setting in the Mary Clemens room; enter by door #2 at the rear of the church building; all welcome; Mondays, to June 24; not meeting May 20, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., free, Saint luke’s United Church, 1620 Franklin Blvd.rosemary69.rb@gmail.com
Discover and Play on Family Day
Check out the new Virtual reality room, Makerspace and all the Steam Stations with your family; erick traplin’s show from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m., 12 to 4 p.m., free, Idea exchange | Clemens Mill library, 50 Saginaw Pkwy., ideaexchange. org/programs-events, 519-740-6294
Family Day free Drop-in Activities for Adults and Kids
Make a craft owl, create a family scrapbook, make a fruit kebob, create a fabric banner, visit the art gallery, and more, 1 to 4 p.m., free, Cambridge Centre for the arts, 60 Dickson St., www.cambridgecentreforthearts.ca/en/events/family-day. aspx, 519-740-4681 ext. 43
Canadian Juggling Champion, Board Games and Retro Video Games
on Family Day, a free show from the Canadian juggling champion, Bob Cates, followed by a Board Game Café with retro video games; hosted by Hespeler Baptist Church; show starts at 1 p.m., board games/video games from 2 to 4:30 p.m., free, Hespeler Baptist Church, 76 adam St., www.hespelerbaptist.ca, 519-240-6861, nate@hespelerbaptist.ca
Kitchener Family Day Hack Jam
With activities spanning every floor of the space, you and your family will spend the day tinkering and making, learning about S.t.e.a.M., digital technology and interactive tech-art, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., half price admission today only, the Museum, 10 King St. W., themuseum.ca/familyday-hack-jam/
Floradale Family Fun Day
activities for the whole family features two shows by local children’s entertainer Barry o, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., with bouncy castle, magic shows and cookie decorating, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., free, Floradale Mennonite Church, 22 Florapine Rd., 519-669-2861, office@floramc.org
New Hamburg Free Family Day Movie
enjoy Disney/Pixar’s academy-award winning movie, “Coco”; along with Mexican snacks, music and pinata, 2 to 4:30 p.m., free, St. George’s anglican Church, 3 Byron St., www.stgeorgesnewhamburg.com, 519-662-3450
Fitness and sports SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Cambridge Winterfest 2019
Get a taste of all that winter has to offer: ice fishing, snow-shoeing, crosscountry skiing, fat bikes, winter camping and more; join our experts from Sail Cambridge and the Hub Bicycle Shop, they want to have a day of fun with you; ages 13 to 18, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., $5, pre-register with code 12220, Shade’s Mills Conservation area, 450 avenue rd., ca.apm.activecommunities.com/ cambridgeont/activity_search/winterfest/7206?
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18 KITCHENER Glencairn Pickleball
Serves the Waterloo region community and promotes an active lifestyle; adult drop-in program; subscribe Harry Chin to receive newsletter and cancellation dates; Mondays to June 24, 7 to 10 p.m., $2 per night, Glencairn Mennonite Brethren Church, 725 erinbrook Dr., www.glencairn.ca, 519-496-2446, harry. chin@rogers.com
For seniors WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13 Cambridge Crokinole Wednesday Mornings
Crokinole played with a cue on championship crokinole boards with a lazy Susan, or the old-fashioned way, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., free for members, $2.15 non-members, David Durward Centre, 62 Dickson St., 519-267-3037, ljmercey@gmail.com
Kitchener 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, 9:30 to 10:30 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
Waterloo Mount Zion Community Café
an opportunity for seniors to socialize over coffee; soup and bread luncheon at 11:30 a.m.; occasional live music; second and fourth Wednesday; to June 26, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free, Mount Zion lutheran Church, 29 Westmount rd. S., www.mzlc.ca, 519-886-5820, stephanie@vonschilling.ca
Petersburg Wilmot Centre Seniors’ Luncheon
Join them for a hot meal, warm fellowship and the inspirational music of Carrie Guse, 12 to 2 p.m., free, Wilmot Centre Missionary Church, 2463 Bleams rd., 519-634-8687, amkoebel@gmail.com
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14 KITCHENER First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
register by Wednesday, Feb. 13: Overview first aid course to provide basic knowledge and automated external defibrillator (AED) understanding; no certificate provided for this course, 1 to 3 p.m., free, rockway Centre, 1405 King St. e., www.kitchener.ca/en/in-yourneighbourhood/rockway-centre.aspx, 519-741-2507, rockwaycc@kitchener.ca
Valentine’s Day Social
registration required: call 519-741-2502; live band music while enjoying light refreshments and socializing with others, 2 to 3:30 p.m., free, Breithaupt Centre, 350 Margaret ave., rita.hoch@kitchener.ca
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15 CAMBRIDGE Senior’s Drop-in Mixed Curling
Beginners welcome; two draws: 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.; Fridays to april 5, to 11:30 a.m., $11 per draw, Galt Curling Club, 1610 Dunbar rd., 519-622-3943
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17 CAMBRIDGE Come Back Seniors’ Dance
Sunday afternoon dinner and dance; under new management, 1 to 6 p.m., $10, royal Canadian legion, Br. 126, 334 Westminster Dr. n., 519-653-6810
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 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 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13 Kitchener Conestoga Students Incorporated’s (CSI) 38th Annual Polar Plunge
to raise money for the Sexual assault Support Centre of Waterloo region; emcee: 107.5 Dave rocks and 91.5 the Beat; notable plunger: CTV news reporter, Stu Gooden, 12 p.m. collect pledges, Conestoga College, 299 Doon Valley Dr., 519-748-5131 ext. 3594, lsinclair@conestogac.on.ca
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14 KITCHENER Singing Valentines
register by Wednesday, Feb. 13: the twinCity Harmonizers send a quartet to sing to your sweetie; see website for details: www.twincityharmonizers.com, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., $40, Schwaben Club, 1668 King St. e., 519-502-9645, guests@twincityharmonizers.com
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18 CAMBRIDGE Family Day Fundraiser for Guitars for Kids
Bouncy castles, mascot walk-about, face painting, cotton candy, Sno cones and more; a toddler room with its very own bouncy castle, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $5 at door or free with guitar donation, royal Canadian legion, Br. 121, 4 Veterans Way, www.facebook.com/ events/2184007951839544/, 226-988-8668, straightgoodsentertainment@gmail.com
LOOKING AHEAD CAMBRIDGE ‘5’ Senses Gala — Feb. 22
register by Wednesday, Feb. 20: Join Deaf Blind ontario Services and experience a journey of the senses; challenge your senses through interactive sensory stations, entertainment, gourmet dinner, live and silent auctions, and more; art in the dark: plus extra $15, 5:30 to 10 p.m., $85, Galt Country Club, 750 Coronation Blvd., deafblindontario.com/, 855-340-3267 ext. 234, s.marren@ deafblindontario.com
Gardening MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18 Elmira Elmira and District Horticultural Society Speaker
andria Fromanger from St. Jacobs Country Gardens speaks on “rare and Unusual Houseplants”; 7:30 to 9 p.m., non-members $2, trinity United Church, 21 arthur St. n., 519-404-2042, christinefrances54@gmail.com
Health FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15 ELMIRA The Great Brain Workout
Dispel some negative myths about aging; learn how to maintain cognitive and physical health; bring runners, your brain, a smile, and a sense of humour as we put your brain to work; Fridays to June 21; 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. to noon, $4 with membership to Woolwich Seniors’ Centre, $8 without, Woolwich Memorial Centre, 24 Snyder St. S., bodymindandmovementprogram.com/ home/, 519-998-3024, thegreatbrainworkout@gmail.com
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 KITCHENER The Great Brain Workout
Dispel some negative myths of aging; learn how to best maintain cognitive and physical health throughout a lifetime; bring runners, your brain, a smile, and a sense of humour as we actively put your brain to work; tuesdays to March 26, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., $5.50 with registration, Centreville Chicopee Community Centre, 141 Morgan ave., bodymindandmovementprogram.com/home/, 519-998-3024, thegreatbrainworkout@ gmail.com
Drop-In Meditation Class
Suitable for all; offers simple, practical methods to improve the quality of our lives and develop inner peace; tuesdays to June 25, 7 to 8:30 p.m., drop in: $12; any four classes, $40, Pat the Dog theatre Creation, edna room, 159B Frederick St., akbc.ca/k-w, 226-486-2417, info@akbc.ca
Kids’ stuff TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 Waterloo After School Inventors Club
each week kids in Grades 1 to 6 can drop in for lego tech and engineering challenges; parents are encouraged to participate with their children so that they can learn and problem solve together; tuesdays to Feb. 19, 4 to 5 p.m., free, Waterloo Public library, 35 albert St., www.wpl.ca, 519-886-1310 ext. 129, shall@wpl.ca
Musical Bingo
We’re playing Bingo but with a twist; listen to the songs called and mark off the squares on your card for each one you recognize; this drop-in program is for teens in Grade 7 and up, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., free, Waterloo Public library, 35 albert St., www.wpl.ca, 519-886-1310 ext. 129, shall@wpl.ca
Luncheons and dinners THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14 CAMBRIDGE Thursday Night Supper and Social
a free meal for the community, especially those who need help stretching their budget or who would like to have some fellowship while enjoying a hot, nutritious, home-cooked meal; to March 28; use back entrance, 5 to 6 p.m., free,
St. andrew’s Hespeler Presbyterian Church, 73 Queen St. e., www. standrewshespeler.ca, 519-658 2652, jsmith@standrewshespeler.ca
Open houses and reunions MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18 NEW HAMBURG Family Day Open House
register by Friday, Feb. 15: Come join us for indoor and outdoor fun: pretzelmaking, crafts, games, sledding (weather dependent), campfire and more; please bring your own outdoor equipment; RSVP to attend, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., donations to help kids summer camp are welcome, Hidden acres Mennonite Camp and retreat Centre, 1921 line 37, hiddenacres.ca/programs/familyday-open-house, 519-625-8602, info@ hiddenacres.ca
Walks runs and rides LOOKING AHEAD CAMBRIDGE Coldest Night of the Year Walk — Feb. 23
registration required; fundraising walk for Urban Hope; raising funds for organizations that serve the hungry, hurting and homeless in their communities; register or donate at cnoy.org/location/ cambridge; free for kids under 11, 4 to 8 p.m., fundraise or register: $25; $40 after Feb. 17, Cambridge Vineyard Christian Fellowship, Urban Hope Centre, 147 elgin St. n., urbanhope@cvcf.ca