5 -Day List
SATURDAY TO WEDNESDAY
Arts events Saturday, November 24 Christmas in the Village
Horse and wagon rides, visits with Santa, kids activities, pet parade, free hot cocoa, and more; bring your loonies and toonies to support the maycourt Club, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., free, belmont village, Kitchener, 519-576-1115, jcostelec@gmail. com
Ayr-North Dumfries Lions Club Santa Claus Parade
Santa is coming to downtown ayr, greeting children at the Watson Pond pavilion and taking letters after the parade; food donations will be collected along the route, 1 p.m. free, ayr
SuNday, November 25 Author Event
Carl Hiebert (“a bird’s-eye view: the Waterloo region”; in partnership with Words Worth books; Q&a and book signing to follow, 1:30 to 3 p.m., free, Waterloo Public Library, 35 albert St., Waterloo, www.wpl.ca/carl_hiebert
Waterloo Night Market
an initiative of Wilfrid Laurier’s C3 Innovation Labs social entrepreneurship students; local artisans, food vendors, live music, 5 to 9 p.m., free, Waterloo Park, 50 young St. W., Waterloo, www. laurieralumni.ca/s/1681/15/ interior-giving.aspx?sid=1681&g id=2&pgid=2758&sitebuilder=1& contentbuilder=1, cprime@wlu.ca
Concerts Saturday, November 24 ORMTA Canada Music Week Celebration
ontario registered music teachers association celebrates Canadian music with master classes with clinician Kati Gleiser from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; recital from 4:45 to 6 p.m.; ormta.org/ resources/documents/CmW%20 poster.pdf, free master classes; recital admission $5/family, mount Zion Lutheran Church, 29 Westmount rd. S., Waterloo, www.ormta.org/kitchener-waterloo, 519-885-0319, joannebender@hotmail.com
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., Waterloo, guseproductions@gmail.com
Hot Springs Music Festival Battle of the Bands
the top three bands that you vote for secure a spot in the June 2019 festival; 7t8 will play after the competition, 7 to 12 a.m., $10, royal Canadian Legion, br. 126, 334 Westminster dr. N., Cambridge, www.hotspringsmusicfestival.com, christineorton@gmail.com
moNday, November 26 Music in the Lounge
Featuring Juneyt, flamenco guitarist; no registration required, 12 to 1 p.m., free, Kitchener Public Library, Central branch, 85 Queen St. N., Kitchener, 519-743-7502, askus@kpl.org
tueSday, November 27 Noon Hour Concert
“Christmas Favourites” with the Licorice allsorts Clarinet Quartet: Cathy erskine, barbara Hankins, Lynne milnes and elaine Sweeney; low-cost lunch available from 11:30 a.m., 12:15 to 12:45 p.m., free, First united Church, 16 William St. W., Waterloo, www.firstunitedchurch.ca, 519-745-8487 ext. 201
WedNeSday, November 28 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., Kitchener, paulinefinch@rogers.com
Events Saturday, November 24 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, university of Waterloo, 200 university ave. W., Waterloo, corestudies.ca/current-studies/ children/new-child-spectaclestudy-study-id-cypress/, 519-888-4742, corestudies@ uwaterloo.ca
Skate Night, Date Night
Nov. 24, Jan. 19 or Feb. 9: includes a delicious meal, two skate admissions, two hot chocolate vouchers, and live entertainment; dinner at 7 p.m., skating at 8:40 p.m.; advance tickets required: www.waterloo. ca/en/gettingactive/skating. asp, $75 per couple plus tax, rIm Park, 2001 university ave. e., Waterloo, nancy.hall-jupp@ waterloo.ca
Theatre of the Beat: Local Mennonite Churches Partner to Bring #ChurchToo to the Region
#Churchtoo: a powerful and relevant production that explores the struggles of wading into the realities of sexual assault and examines the difficulties of speaking out in a community where the topic of sex is often considered taboo; for ages 14-plus, 7 to 9 p.m., admission by donation, Waterloo North mennonite Church, 100 benjamin rd., Waterloo, johnny@ theatreofthebeat.ca
tueSday, November 27 Reducing Waste: A Technical and Behavioural Approach
register by monday, Nov. 26: Learn how organizations can divert waste from landfills while creating a culture of waste reduction; event includes speakers who will provide first-hand experience with the implementation of waste reduction strategies; by Sustainable Waterloo region, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., $35, borealis Grille and bar, 4336 King St. e., Kitchener, www.sustainablewaterlooregion.ca/get-involved/ events/, miranda.burton@sustainablewaterlooregion.ca
Velocity Fund Finals
the velocity Fund Finals is a pitch competition, held three times a year, for startups and aspiring entrepreneurs to win a share of $130,000 in funding; the 23rd velocity Fund Finals will be sure to inspire and entertain, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., free, university of Waterloo, Student Life Centre, 200 university ave. W., Waterloo, velocityfundfinals.com/, 519-503-4427, nbenedetto@ uwaterloo.ca
WedNeSday, November 28 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., Kitchener, 519-576-1329 ext. 3693, theresa.coon@facswaterloo.org
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., Kitchener, bit.ly/2CZu2Lw, 519-603-0998, info@bridgestobelonging.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., Waterloo, paplevic@bell.net
Fitness and sports SuNday, November 25 Kitchener International Dance Group
Learn easy-to-follow line dances and traditional circle dances from around the world, Latin line dancing, Israeli dancing, no experience or partners required; Sundays, Nov. 25, and dec. 9, 7 to 9 p.m., $10 drop-in, your first evening is free, Church of the Good Shepherd, 116 Queen St. N., Kitchener, adamkossowski@ yahoo.ca
WedNeSday, November 28 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., baden, www.rwlibrary. ca, 519-634-8933, cbaechler@ regionofwaterloo.ca
For seniors moNday, November 26 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., Kitchener, 519-741-2507
tueSday, November 27 Dating Bootcamp for Adults 55-Plus
register by monday, Nov. 26: Looking to date but not sure where to start; seminar to teach the basics about online dating, how to create an appealing profile, scams for which to watch, safety tips and more, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., free, rockway Centre, 1405 King St. e., Kitchener, www.kitchener.ca/en/in-yourneighbourhood/rockway-centre. aspx, 519-741-2507, rockwaycc@kitchener.ca
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., Kitchener, www.kitchener.ca/ en/in-your-neighbourhood/rockway-centre.aspx, 519-741-2507, brenda.vandekeere@kitchener.ca
WedNeSday, November 28 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., Kitchener, 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., Kitchener, www.kitchener.ca/en/ in-your-neighbourhood/rockwaycentre.aspx, 519-741-2507, rockwaycc@kitchener.ca
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., Waterloo, www.mzlc.ca, 519-886-5820, stephanie@vonschilling.ca
Fundraisers Saturday, November 24 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/paint-thegrand.aspx, 12 to 5 p.m., free, mcdougall Cottage, 89 Grand ave. S., Cambridge, mbartlettrozad@regionofwaterloo.ca
Block Party, A Better Together Event
registration required; celebrate the neighbourhoods of Waterloo region with an evening of fun, live music, craft beer, ‘street eats’; stroll through their versions of uptown, midtown and downtown; all proceeds go to extenda-Family Waterloo region, 8 to 11:55 p.m., $100, Catalyst 137, 137 Glasgow St., Kitchener, www.bettertogetherevents.ca, 519-741-0190 ext. 302, kates@ eafwr.on.ca
SuNday, November 25 Operation: Rogue Elf
Join us for our 11th annual Christmas charity game, rogue elf; help us support the Cambridge Self Help Food bank, join the red (bad) or Green (Good) elf team; call 519-653-3322 for more information or visit our website, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., see website for prices, Flag raiders Paintball Games, 425 bingemans Centre Dr., Kitchener, flagraiders-paintball.myshopify.com/ collections/rogue-elf, games@ flagraiders.com
Mindfulness Challenge 2018: Meditate-a-thon for Mental Health
New and seasoned meditators in Kitchener and other cities come together on to meditate and raise pledges for mental health, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunshine montessori School, 10 boniface ave., Kitchener, mindfulnesschallenge. ca, 647-524-6216, jeremy@ mindfulnessstudies.com
LooKING aHead Wilmot Karaoke Idol 2018 — Nov. 29
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., New Hamburg, www.scrananddram.ca/events-live-music.html, 226-747-0610, info@scrananddram.ca
Free Fridays at Flag Raiders Paintball — Nov. 30
Join us for free entry and free rentals with any donation to the Cambridge Self-Help Food bank or the Food bank of Waterloo region, 5 to 10 p.m., free, Flag raiders Paintball Games Indoor Field, 483 Conestogo rd., Conestogo, 519-653-3322, games@flagraiders.com
Retro Throwback Video Dance Fundraiser — Nov. 30
Presented by Party rockers and the Cambridge Cubs (Cmba); funds from this event will help offset the costs of sending the kids to Cooperstown in 2019, 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., $20 online, $25 at the door, Portuguese Club of Cambridge, 870 townline rd., Cambridge, www.partyrockers. ca/retrovideodance.html, 1-855-727-2789, info@partyrockers.ca
Gardening moNday, November 26 Gardening and Beyond: Holiday Organizing
register by Sunday, Nov. 25: are the holidays stressful because there is so much to do in so little time? Join professional organizer adeilah dahlke for tips and tricks on how to accomplish everything on your list, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., free, Idea exchange | Preston Library, 435 King St. e., Cambridge, ideaexchange.org/programs/ event/gardening-and-beyondholiday-organizing, events@ ideaexchange.org
Garden Cambridge: Your Galt Horticultural Society Meeting
Speaker: Leah Kent-olsen of Fleuristic Garden and Flower Studio, speaks on “outdoor Winter decor”; 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., Cambridge, 519-623-7085, nancy@galthort. com
Health tueSday, November 27 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., Kitchener, 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., Kitchener, www.recoverycanada.org/meetings.php, 519-722-1220, anitann88@ gmail.com
Kids stuff Saturday, November 24 Italian Language School
Children ages four to 14 in Waterloo region can learn Italian on Saturdays, from Sept. to June; register online, 9 to 11:30 a.m., free, St. Louis adult Learning and Continuing education Centre, 80 young St., Kitchener, stlouis. wcdsb.ca/programsandcourses/ il/elementary/, 519-888-0788, deleana.robles@wcdsb.ca
Luncheons and dinners SuNday, November 25 Preston 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., Cambridge, 519-653-6810, myraplantz@ hotmail.com
Open houses and reunions SuNday, November 25 Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex 25th Anniversary Open House
Join us for the afternoon as we celebrate 25 years; face-painting, crafts, demonstrations, photo booth and prizes: 1 to 5 p.m.; 25-cent public swim: 2:05 to 4 p.m.; free skate with the Siskins: 4 to 5 p.m., free, Waterloo memorial recreation Complex, 101 Father david bauer dr., Waterloo, www.waterloo.ca/ wmrc25, 519-886-1177
Sales and bazaars Saturday, November 24 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., Waterloo, shallweknit.ca/, 519-725-9739, karen@shallweknit.com
Slide shows WedNeSday, November 28 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., Kitchener, 519-743-7655
Tea and coffee hours SuNday, November 25 Victorian Tea
tea, fancy sandwiches, sweets, craft table, prizes and entertainment; presented by the Ladies auxiliary of the Hespeler Legion; tickets at the Legion, or call renée at 519-249-1617; proceeds to Lisaard House, 2 to 4 p.m., $15, Jacob Hespeler Hall, 26 Schofield St., Cambridge, maxandrenee@rogers.com
Workshops Saturday, November 24 Make an Embroidered Holiday Ornament
registration required; stitch a gingerbread man with the Canadian embroiderers’ Guild, Kitchener-Waterloo; learn chain, satin and running stitch, and French knot; bring a small pair of sharp scissors if you have them, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., free, Kitchener Public Library, Grand river Stanley Park branch, 175 Indian rd., Kitchener, www.kpl.org, 519-743-7502, askus@kpl.org
Drop-in Family Saturdays
Creative fun for the whole family; Pop-up Holiday Cards: appropriate for tots to seniors; no registration required; 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $5 child, parent admitted free, button Factory arts, 25 regina St. S., Waterloo, 519-886-4577
Complimentary Toastmasters Workshops
as part of the 10th anniversary of district 86, division t presents a few complimentary workshops and a demonstration meeting to thank the surrounding area and businesses for their ongoing support, 1 to 4 p.m., free, Langs Community Health Centre, 1145 Concession rd., Cambridge, www.eventbrite. ca/e/division-t-marketing-eventtickets-51472857703, 519-502-8194, divisiontdirector@ toastmasters86.org
SuNday, November 25 Play with Clay
an open clay studio experience designed for people of all ages and skill levels; over two Sundays, you make an object out of clay and paint it with our glazes; workshop offered at
1 or 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 25 to create and dec. 9 to paint, $12, Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, 25 Caroline St. N., Waterloo, shop.theclayandglass.com/playwithclay, 519 746 1882 ext. 233, nadine@theclayandglass.ca
Winter and Warm Up
design a personalized sign for the perfect Christmas gift; includes a glass of spiked hot chocolate, selection of festive treats, supplies and direction to create a sign; bit.ly/2omd61l, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., $45-$85, the bruce Craft House, Cambridge Hotel and Conference Centre, 700 Hespeler rd., Cambridge, 519-622-1505 ext. 7772, events@bhospitality.ca
tueSday, November 27 Printmaking for the Holidays
registration required; learn to design and hand-print your own stationery for the ultimate holiday chic on the cheap; all materials provided; no printmaking experience necessary, 6 to 8 p.m., free, Kitchener Public Library, Central branch, 85 Queen St. N., Kitchener, www.kpl.org, 519-743-7502, askus@kpl.org
LooKING aHead Make a 3D Printed Holiday Ornament — Dec. 1
registration required; try 3d printing and make a holiday ornament to keep, 10 to 11 a.m., free, Kitchener Public Library, Grand river Stanley Park branch, 175 Indian rd., Kitchener, www.kpl.org, 519-743-7502, askus@kpl.org
Winter Crafternoon — Dec. 1
bring the family and get crafty with handmade crafts and games; try making home-made wrapping paper and festive holiday cards; included with general admission, 12 to 4 p.m., $6, $5 senior/student, $4 child, free for child under four, Schneider Haus, 466 Queen St. S., Kitchener, calendar.schneiderhaus.ca/default/ detail/2018-12-01-1200-WinterCrafternoon, 519-742-7752, aduplessis@regionofwaterloo.ca
Simple Gifts Workshop Series: Wreath-Making — Dec. 2
Get into the spirit of the season while creating a simple wreath using natural materials; avoid the crush of last-minute Christmas shopping by making your own gifts, 2 to 4 p.m., $6; senior/ student $5; child $4; under four, free, Schneider Haus, 466 Queen St. S., Kitchener, calendar. schneiderhaus.ca/eventsList/ detail/2018-12-02-1400-SimpleGifts-Workshop-Series-Wreathmaking, aduplessis@regionofwaterloo.ca
Write Now Writing Group — Dec. 3
Write stories to share with others; to improve their writing craft, the group will offer suggestions for alternative approaches for consideration; every other monday Kitchener Group Card required, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., annual rate: 55-plus, $15.31; ages 18-54, $18.66, rockway Centre, 1405 King St. e., Kitchener, www. kitchener.ca/en/in-your-neighbourhood/rockway-centre.aspx, 519-741-2507, rockwaycc@ kitchener.ca
A “Die Hard” Craftmas — Dec. 5
registration required; kick-off the yuletide season with John maclane: special screening of “die Hard” (1988) complete with a variety of die Hard-inspired holiday crafts you can make;crafting starts at 6 p.m., movie starts at 7 p.m., to 8:30 p.m., free, Kitchener Public Library, Central branch, 85 Queen St. N., Kitchener, www.kpl.org, 519-743-7502, askus@kpl.org