Newsletter 44 - Eastbridge.info

AU TU M N E D I TI O N ~ S E P TE M B E R 2010 ~ I S S U E 4 4 

Inside this issue 

PA G E 2 

Message from the Chair 

Parks Watch Program Update 

Volunteers Needed 

PA G E 3 

Eastbridge Neighbourhood 

Association Board Members 

Thank you to Family Fun Day Donors 

Upcoming Events 

Family Hallowe’en Party 

PA G E 4 

News From The Ward 

PA G E 5 

Health and Fitness 

Don’t Confuse Health Studies with Health 

Referendum Issue: Fluoride 

PA G E 6 

Envirotips 

Backpack Tips for Kids 

PA G E 8 

Connections 

Craft Corner 

Sudoku 

FUNtastic Times for 

all at Family Fun Day 

The Annual Eastbridge Family Fun Day had something for the whole family. 

The children enjoyed face painting, a bouncy castle, an inflatable slide, 

getting a ride on the train, an inflatable obstacle course and the mini bikes. 

We had some amazing entertainers this year including the Craig Douglas 

Juggling Show, Star Performance Academy, Waterloo Kung- Fu Academy 

demonstration, and a performance by Erick Traplin! 

The silent auction was a huge success again this year. Thank you to all of 

our sponsors. A huge thank you to Kerri Hallman-MacDonald for organizing 

the silent auction this year as well as fulfilling her regular position as 

volunteer director. Thanks to all of the ENA board members who worked 

so hard to collect silent auction prizes We were fortunate again this year to 

have great music throughout the event compliments of The Sound - Mobile 

Disco. Thank you so much!! 

The ENA is already compiling a list of ideas to make next year’s Fun 

Day even better, so if you have comments or ideas, please email me at 

specialevents@eastbridge.info 

Dana Bernhardt, Special Events Director 

Did you know that we take photos at all of our ENA events? If you do not wish your photo to be taken and/or published in our newsletter and on our 

website, let one of our board members or volunteers know. They are always identified with a name badge. Look for yourself in the next issue!

2 AU TU M N E D I TI O N | S E P TE M B E R 2010 | I S S U E 4 4 

Message 

from the Chair 

M 

y first job out of college led to 

many insights, some about the 

work world, people, and mostly 

about my own self. It was selling 

advertising space at a small firm, 

for a magazine directed at Funeral 

Directors. I’d worked with people 

all through high school, grew up 

spending much time at the family 

business, graduated in the top 10% 

of my business & marketing class 

and knew the folks at the company 

well having done a research project 

for them the year previous; I was 

confident I would be successful. 

This was probably an error in 

judgment. I didn’t research the 

funeral market, knew little about the 

magazine industry, knew very little 

about the publishing industry, was 

uneasy speaking to customers only 

on the phone -this was long before 

email or other similar technologyand 

while I tried hard, I really wasn’t 

comfortable, felt unsure of myself 

much of the time. 

After several months of working 

away, my boss called me into her 

office to chat about my sales figures. 

“Cindy, you are a nice person. 

Unfortunately, nice people finish 

last.” she said, with a smile. To say 

I was stunned is an understatement. 

She is a very successful 

businesswoman and well respected, 

however that wasn’t something I 

was willing to trade in, trying to be 

nice. A job hunt ensued and not 

long after I was offered a position in 

the Personnel department at a large 

manufacturing plant. I took the job, 

was thrilled with the opportunity 

and excelled at it for a number of 

years until struggles in the economy 

hit, staff was laid off and the plant 

ultimately closed. 

That first job taught me many 

things; to edit and re-edit every item 

that I work on (one ad placed had 

the business owner’s name spelled 

incorrectly, a very costly mistake for 

me and the publisher); to be creative 

when struggling with an issue or 

task, and ask for guidance if need 

be; that usually the boss appreciates 

it when you voice an opinion or 

offer a solution to a problem or 

issue; experience must be earned 

with time and 

knowledge, even 

if through failure. 

Had I been as 

creative selling 

that space as I 

had been with 

my college work 

I would have done much better all 

around! 

I’m not sure what made me think 

of that conversation all these years 

later, but the insights I recognized 

are good ones, I think. What can 

be learned from stories of struggle 

are just as important ones of 

success. It made me realize what 

I didn’t want to do, who I didn’t 

want to be and as well what is most 

important. While a paycheque is 

very very important, so is being true 

to yourself. 

Success is present right here in 

our community! City of Waterloo 

Fire Station #4 located at 911 

University Avenue is slated to 

open on September 11, 2010. I 

was asked to speak at the grand 

What can be learned from 

stories of struggle are 

just as important ones of 

success. 

opening and am honoured to do so 

and also to have been part of this 

project for some five years now. It 

is one that is near & dear to my 

heart, and one that will be positive 

for our community for decades to 

come. Details can be found in 

Councillor Diane Freeman’s report 

on page 4. As well, Millen Woods 

Public School is nearing completion 

and should be ready for students 

in January 2011. The Parks Watch 

Pilot Program is off to an excellent 

start! Further information is on page 

2, and the outcome of meetings 

regarding a possible 

Splash Pad in our 

neighbourhood is 

located on page 5. 

I’d like to thank 

Dana Bernhardt 

for something 

awesome she’s done, and want to 

share it with you as it means the 

world to me. Not only is Dana a 

hardworking wife, mother, daughter, 

sister, friend, ENA Special Events 

dynamo etc., but she’s also a great 

support to me in the role of Chair 

and has been for the past several 

years I’ve been in this position. 

This spring Dana nominated me 

for a Volunteer Impact Award with 

the K-W Volunteer Action Centre, 

in the category of “Outstanding 

Leadership”. What a tremendous 

honour to even be considered; 

though I didn’t win, it feels like I 

did just by being recognized and 

appreciated! Thank you, Dana! 

As well, to each and every board 

member who put their time and 

efforts into the Family Fun Day, I 

thank you and on behalf of our 

community, please know how much 

your hard work, creativity and 

enthusiasm means to everyone in 

attendance. Volunteers too, thank 

you! It was another wonderful 

event; the scoop is on page 1. 

We are in need of board members 

once more! If you have some spare 

time and would like to contribute, 

please let me know. Currently the 

positions of Volunteer Director, 

Recreation Director and Advisor 

are open. Jim Talbot recently left 

the board and he will be missed! 

Jim was always eager to help 

out, offered much advice and 

enthusiasm and all of his efforts are 

much appreciated! On behalf of 

the entire board, all the best in your 

new neighbourhood! 

As fall arrives and another school 

year begins, good luck to those 

heading off to school, whatever the 

grade, have a fun and great year, 

you’ll learn things you never ever 

dreamed of! For those of us done 

with school, the realization is there 

that learning never really ends, it’s 

where and what you learn that shifts 

somewhat. I suspect that realization 

comes with age and experience 

and cannot be found in a classroom 

anywhere. 

Cindy Watkin 

Chairperson, 

Eastbridge Neighbourhood Association 

UPDATE 

Parks Watch Pilot Program 

The project seems to be effectively working! There have been significantly 

less calls of complaint to Chairperson Cindy Watkin and Councillor Diane 

Freeman about issues in our neighbourhood, and there are not as many 

occurrences of vandalism, graffiti and noise and loitering etc as last year. 

Police presence seems to be higher and more 

specific data about results of the project should be 

available later in the fall. Please continue to call 

the appropriate number if you witness suspicious 

behavior, and all Parks Watch details can be 

found on the City of Waterloo website, or our ENA 

website. Thanks to those who actively promoted 

the program on their streets, it is appreciated. 

Volunteers Needed 

To Save Our Community’s Events 

You may have noticed the annual 

Teddy Bear Picnic didn’t happen 

this year. The reason is simple; 

there was no one available to run it. 

Volunteers make every single event 

happen and there is no commitment 

of time that is too small. This Picnic 

is a prime example of that: it takes 

literally a few hours on event day 

once a year, and such joy is brought 

to the children attending. Could you 

help out next year? Or with any of 

our other beloved events? Let us 

know, we need your help! Contact 

www.volunteers.info

AU TU M N E D I TI O N | S E P TE M B E R 2010 | I S S U E 4 4 

3 

Eastbridge 

Neighbourhood 

Association 

www.eastbridge.info 

Chairperson 

Cindy Watkin 

519-883-4075 

chairperson@eastbridge.info 

Vice Chair 


519-725-0993 

vicechair@eastbridge.info 

Secretary 

Gene DiMira 

519-884-8975 

secretary@eastbridge.info 

Treasurer 

Shelley Boettger 

519-883-0403 

treasurer@eastbridge.info 

Fundraising Director 

Kerri Hallman-MacDonald 

519-884-2964 

fundraising@eastbridge.info 

Special Events Director 


519-725-0993 


Volunteer Coordinator 

This position is open! Email 


if you’re interested! 

Recreation Coordinator 

This position is open! Email 


if you’re interested! 

Newsletter Editor 

Mike Bernhardt 

519-725-0993 

newsletter@eastbridge.info 

Advertising Director 

Kathy DeWolfe 

519-886-2079 

ads@eastbridge.info 

Childcare Registry 

Joy Gould 

519-885-8337 

childcare@eastbridge.info 

Environment Directors 

Bob & Janice Shaw 

519-886-9327 

environment@eastbridge.info 

Website Director 

Dave Halapir 

519-746-4936 

website@eastbridge.info 

Youth Advisor 

Julia Mathers 

519-880-8817 

Advisor 

Kevin Misch 

kevinmisch@eastbridge.info 

Advisor 

Farah Fatemizadeh-Groom 

519-888-7078 

Horticultural Director 

Rod Splane 

519-746-3642 

horticulture@eastbridge.info 

Family 

Halloween 

Party 

Friday, October 30, 2009 

6-7:30pm at Lester B. Pearson School 

Be sure to come out for the 

Eastbridge Neighbourhood 

Association’s 5th Annual Halloween 

Party. There will be a DJ, an all ages 

costume contest, lots of games, 

crafts, dancing, treat bags and more. 

Email specialevents@eastbridge.info 

for more information 

We need volunteers to make this 

event a success. It’s a perfect and 

fun opportunity for students to earn 

their community hours needed 

for graduation. Please call 519 

884-2964 or email volunteers@ 

eastbridge.info to volunteer. 

THANK YOU! 

To All Our Donors 

The Family Fun Day Silent Auction was another tremendous success. The donor 

support was fantastic and we were able to raise $2,179. Way to go! 

Thank you to our donors and to everyone who purchased items. The money 

raised after expenses will be a great help at future events. We are so lucky to be 

able to have this in our neighborhood and everyone helps with their generosity. 

Thank you to all the donors listed below, it wouldn’t have been the success it 

was without you! 

• Dyan Barker, RMT 

• Momstown 

• Chicopee Ski and summer resort 

• Waterloo golf academy 

• Max’s golf center 

• Aberdeen homes 

• Stephenson’s Rental Service 

• Ups Store 

• Contemporary School of dance 

• Joane Fowler, Reflexology 

• Ennio’s Pasta House 

• Peter Aivaliotis - Physicio Performance 

• Twin Corp. 

• Drayton Entertainment 

• Boston Pizza 

• 3 Bridges Restaurant/Daily Grill 

• Wings of Paradise 

• Golf Without Limits 

• Newtex 

• Arthur Murray Dance Studio 

• Bark Avenue 

• Bogarts Hair Salon 

• Morty’s Pub 

• The Nail Emporium 

• Vinter’s Cellar Waterloo 

• Supperworks 

• Subworx 

• Caesar Martini’s 

• New Orleans Pizza 

• Casey’s Bar and Grill 

• Teknik salon and spa 

• Best Western, St. Jacobs 

• Main Improvements 

• The Art of Fitness 

• Waterloo Kung fu academy 

• Eastbridge Dental 

• KW YMCA 

• Usana Health Sciences 

• Salus Marinewear 

• Global Pet Foods 

• Two Scrapbook Friends 

• Fitness 360 for Women 

• Great North Products 

• State Farm Insurance - Jeff Watkin 

• Eldorado Plywood 

• Chill Bar and Grill 

• Big Bill’s Comfort Plus 

• Dr. Elaine Doyle 

• Gibson Sound and Vision 

• Waterloo Sports Medicine - Rim Park 

• Total Garage Solutions 

• Nancy Rose 

• World Wonders 

• Waterloo Honda 

• Pampered Chef 

• Decorating Options 

• Popeyes Gym 

• Voila 

• The Cooperators - Jeff Lyle 

• Mortgage Architects 

• Quilted Bags by Ruthie 

• Judy Woodhouse, Author 

• Usborne, Children’s books 

• Nan Forler, Author 

• Extra Self Storage 

• Kim Knapp - Epicure Selections 

2010/2011 

Coming Events 

Family Halloween Party 

October 30, 2010, 6pm-8pm 

Lester B. Pearson Public School 

Halloween House Decorating 

Contest 

October 28-31, 2010 

Annual General Meeting 

Tentative date: November 10 

Please watch for signs with details 

Holiday House Decorating Contest 

December 17-19,2010 

Family Skates 

Winter 2011, Date and Time TBA in 

the next Eastbridge Insight 

Don’t forget about the 

Halloween 

House 

Decorating 

Contest! 

Judging will take place 

October 28 to October 31. 

The winning houses will be 

featured in the December 

issue of the Eastbridge Insight! 

2010 ANNUAL 

GENERAL MEETING 

Please watch for the signs to be 

up the week prior to the AGM and 

plan on attending if you have any 

questions or concerns about our 

neighbourhood. 

Do you want 

to be more 

involved 

in your 

community? 

Here is your chance! The ENA 

is looking for a volunteer 

co-special events director. 

You would be responsible for 

assisting with the planning 

and co-ordinating of ENA 

events. 

Please email Dana at 


for more information about 

this exciting opportunity


C I T Y U P DATE 

News from the Ward 

By: Diane Freeman, Councillor 

It seems difficult to believe that 

the summer is half over as I write 

this and that the children will likely 

be in school by the time you are 

reading this. There is some news 

from within the Ward that I would 

like to share with you related to 

transportation and the new fire hall. 

The Region of Waterloo approved 

their Transportation Master plan 

on June 30, 2010. Information 

regarding the master plan can 

be obtained at the following 

website address: http://www. 

movingforward2031.ca/. You 

may be interested to know that in 

the Master plan the widening of 

Northfield from Whistler Road to 

University Avenue is not planned 

to be undertaken for 10-20 years. 

At the City of Waterloo Council 

meeting where Regional Staff 

presented the findings, I expressed 

my concern that traffic along 

that corridor is already extremely 

busy and that there are only two 

routes by which traffic can reach 

the newly developed employment 

lands under construction at 

University and Northfield from the 

expressway. The two routes are 

either along University Avenue or 

along Northfield. I further indicated 

that the unpaved shoulders and the 

lack of a sidewalk along Northfield 

prevent citizens from choosing 

walking or cycling as options to 

commute to their office space. 

Regional Staff indicated that they 

will be monitoring the traffic along 

Northfield and if upgrades and 

road widening are required sooner 

than 10-20 years, they will consider 

moving up the work. I remain 

concerned about this and hope that 

my concerns are unfounded. 

With the completion of the Regional 

Transportation Master plan, the Draft 

City of Waterloo Master plan was 

tabled at the June 14, 2010 Council 

Meeting. The Draft Master plan is 

available on the City website for 

review and comment. 

With regard to Davenport Road, 

please be patient as reconstruction 

of the corridor is initiated in 

August. The construction works 

for Davenport Road include 

reconstruction of the road, 

installation of landscaped medians 

and pedestrian refuge islands, 

demarcation of turn lanes, bike 

lanes, and the construction of a 

roundabout at Old Abbey Road. 

As well there will be a dedicated 

right-turn lane on Lexington at the 

Davenport Road intersection. 

The works are planned to be 

completed in two phases where 

Phase 1 includes Foxhunt Road to 

just south of the Old Abbey Road 

intersection. This work is planned 

to begin the second week of August 

and continue through to early 

November 2010. I am hoping for 

good weather so the works will 

remain dry and the construction will 

be completed on-time. 

Phase 2 of the work is scheduled 

to begin in the spring of 2011 with 

a completion in July 2011. This 

phase of work will include the 

Davenport Road and Lexington 

Road intersection up to Foxhunt 

Road including the installation of 

the dedicated right turn lane from 

Lexington Road onto Davenport, 

and the completion of the road 

upgrades from Old Abby to 

Northfield Drive. 

During the reconstruction of 

Davenport Road, City Staff have 

advised that they plan to keep one 

lane of traffic in each direction 

open at all times and that at least 

one access to Conestoga Mall (from 

Davenport Road) will be maintained 

at all times. 

When the construction on 

Davenport Road is behind us, the 

corridor will reflect up-to-date 

transportation planning. The 

design is referred to as a “complete 

street”. The Wikipedia definition is 

a good one which says “complete 

streets are roadways designed and 

operated to enable safe, attractive, 

and comfortable access and travel 

for all users. Pedestrians, bicyclists, 

motorists and public transport users 

of all ages and abilities are able 

to safely and comfortably move 

along and across a complete street. 

Proponents claim that Complete 

Streets also create a sense of place 

and improve social interaction, 

while generally improving property 

adjacent land values.” 

For additional information on the 

Davenport Road Project and to see 

the road design please visit the 

City website (www.waterloo.ca) and 

chose “Road Projects” located along 

the left side of the homepage. 

As many of you have likely 

observed, the construction 

of Fire Station 4 is well on its 

way to completion. The grand 

opening is scheduled for Saturday 

September 11, 2010. Please 

check the City website for details 

about this event including the 

start time. I am very excited 

about the new LEED building and 

about the wonderful addition of 

the team of firefighters who will 

serve the Ward from Station 4. 

As a reminder, Ontarians go to 

the polls for Municipal Elections 

on Monday, October 25, 2010. 

There are two polling stations 

for the Eastbridge Community. 

Voters located North of 

Chesapeake and New Bedford 

Drive vote at RIM Park and Voters 

located South vote at Lester B. 

Pearson. As a reminder there 

are two important referendum 

questions on the ballot this year. 

The outcome of the votes will 

morally bind a future Council to 

a course of action. One question 

is with regard to fluoridation of 

the water system and the other 

is with regard to discussions of 

amalgamation with the City of 

Kitchener. Information about the 

election can be found on the City 

website. 

As always, I value your comments 

on this article. I can be contacted 

at Diane.Freeman@waterloo.ca 

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5 

Referendum Issue: 

Fluoride 

Splash Pad in Eastbridge? 

Important Information 

In this year’s municiple election, there is a referendum question on the ballot 

regarding the use of fluoride in our drinking water. The question will be: 

“Should the Region of Waterloo fluoridate your municipal water? Yes or No“ 

Here is the fact sheet regarding fluoridation published by the Region of 

Waterloo and posted on their web site. 

Fact Sheet 

What is fluoride? 

• Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water and soil. 

What is water fluoridation? 

• Almost all water contains some amount of fluoride. 

• Fluoridation is the process of adding a small amount of fluoride to the water 

supply up to a level where it helps to prevent cavities (tooth decay). 

What are the health benefits of water fluoridation? 

• Fluoride works by making the outer layer of teeth (tooth enamel) stronger 

and less likely to get cavities. 

• Water fluoridation is a safe and effective way to help prevent tooth decay 

for a large number of people at a low cost. 

Is there any health risk associated with water fluoridation? 

• There is no known health risk associated with drinking water fluoridated 

within the recommended levels. 

• Like many other natural substances, fluoride can be harmful if taken in very 

large amounts, but toxic amounts cannot be reached by drinking fluoridated 

water. 

Can children get too much fluoride from drinking fluoridated water? 

• No, children do not get too much fluoride from fluoridated water or food. 

• The most common source of too much fluoride is from swallowing 

toothpaste. 

• Parents should supervise their children less than six years of age during 

brushing and only use a pea-size amount of toothpaste. Children should spit 

out well after brushing. 

Who supports fluoridation of community water supplies? 

• Health Canada, the Canadian Dental Association, the Canadian Public 

Health Association, the Canadian Medical Association and the World Health 

Organization endorse fluoridation of drinking water for the prevention of 

tooth decay. 

From Region of Waterloo Web Site: http://region.waterloo.on.ca/web/health.nsf 

“Let’s continue 

to build a better 

community 

together!” 

After meetings with City officials it 

was determined that a splash pad 

would not be erected in Eastbridge 

due to the fact that there is no 

appropriate space available on 

city controlled land with adequate 

parking, shade, water drainage, 

H E A LTH & F I TN E S S 

Periodically, the media stumbles 

on “new research” pertaining to 

health, longevity or better human 

performance. This tends to inspire 

discussion and sometimes gives us 

a false indication of how we should 

adjust our nutritional choices, 

exercise habits or sleep patterns to 

optimize our health. 

We often hear or read about the 

benefits of red wine and months 

later the detriments of red wine. 

Sometimes we are informed by the 

media that 15 minutes of activity 

is sufficient and then encouraged 

to engage in 60 minutes of daily 

activity for any health benefits. 

These are just a couple examples of 

how confusing the information we 

receive through the media via the 

research studies can be. 

Many studies can be flawed when 

analyzed closely and sometimes 

are not carefully scrutinized prior 

to being published. Occasionally 

the media will publish its findings 

and the information may eventually 

become “gospel” for many. 

Each individual, as their own prime 

health provider, should engage is 

some critical thinking when it comes 

to deciphering all this information. 

Many studies do not look at genetic 

variation, individual differences and 

park area or washroom facilities. 

There is the possibility though, of 

a splash pad being constructed 

down the road quite literally in the 

neighbouring Rural East Lands as 

that area is developed. 

Don’t Confuse Health Studies 

with your Health 

the uniqueness of each person in 

the study. 

It is important that we become our 

own guinea pigs and keep written or 

mental journals of how we respond 

to different exercise, nutrition and 

sleep habits. This information allows 

us to gain objective feedback from 

our own body and is of more value 

to you than a “scientific” study. Try 

to run a long term study on your 

body and be aware of all fitness 

variables, diet and lifestyle factors 

of potential influence. If you are not 

doing this now it is important to 

start because no scientists will do 

this for you. 

Science will always be there to 

provide information that we can 

scrutinize. Our health though, is 

our responsibility and ultimately 

controlled by our choices, not the 

findings of research papers. 

Be your own health boss and the 

rewards are endless!! 

By: Peter J. Aivaliotis B.Sc., CSCS, CPT, 

YCS - Athletic Director, K-W Skating 

Club and founder, Physico Performance 

Inc. (www.physico.ca) 

Peter can be contacted by email 

(peter@physico.ca). 

www.dianefreeman.ca 

519.571.4944


Envirotips 

By: Janice & Bob Shaw, Environment Directors, 


Eastbridge - A Garden of Eden 

Computer 

Corner 

Eastbridge is looking very good and you have yourselves to thank. Keep up 

the beautiful work! 

We do live in a “Garden of Eden” when we respect the balance of nature. 

Nature abhors monoculture and vacuums. It wants variety and areas filled in. 

Our lawns are a lot happier now and so are its ecosystems. Are they perfect? 

It depends on our definition. Are they green…yes. 

I’ve noticed a number of things happening in my yard, and wondered what 

you have noticed in your Eden? 

Perhaps you have tried different things this summer with your families and 

your newer healthier environment. We encourage you to share them with our 

other readers…..a new garden, new flower or vegetables, or new surprises 

and observations. 

We’d love to hear from you and print some of your challenges, successes, 

humerous experiences or pictures. 

In our backyard I’ve noticed: 

• the air is better 

• the rabbits prefer to eat the weeds rather than my flowers 

• spiders protect the garden and eat the bugs 

• birds eat the spiders 

• squirrels and chipmunks clean my porch of any crumbs I’ve dropped (and 

I’ve learned not to feed them anything else close to the house) 

• the squirrels will pick my daisies and eat the petals but leave plenty of 

flowers for me to enjoy 

• our chrysanthemums actually grew back in the 3 pots I had left on the 

porch and are turning into beautiful plants. (I usually buy them every year) 

• all kinds of bees are focused on their flowers, not us because we allow 

them to do their job 

• ants carrying off dead insects and decompose debris while aerating the 

lawn 

• flocks of robins eat the berries off my shrubs and then bully each other off 

the bird bath 

• grey birds with peaked caps, hummingbirds, cardinals, and finches all come 

and go 

• all the animals and insects seem to know how much to eat and when to 

stop ( I wish I did!) 

Back to School Backpacks 

Backpack Tips For Kids 

School is starting again as fall 

approaches. Having all of the right 

items helps students settle in and 

be prepared for a great start to the 

new school year. 

Some things to consider when 

shopping for a backpack are the 

number of straps the 

backpack has - two straps 

distribute the weight of the 

bag evenly and place less 

stress on the shoulders and 

upper back. 

Backpacks with wheels place 

very little stress on the back 

and are actually preferable to 

standard backpacks especially 

with heavier loads, but check 

with your school to make sure 

these type are allowed. You still 

need to make sure you are lifting 

® 

this type of backpack properly when 

getting on and off the bus or lifting 

it from floor to desk using straight 

back and bending the knees rather 

than placing the full load on the 

back by just bending over to pick 

up the bag. 

Backpacks come in 

all shapes, sizes and 

brands including Nike 

SB backpacks, Hurley 

backpacks and even 

Gucci backpacks. For 

example you can get a 

Nike SB Buzz Lightyear 

backpack for younger 

kids, but avoide 

the Nike SB leather 

backpack as it is 

heavier than the bags 

that use lighter materials. 

Music for Young Children® 

is the only child-centered music 

learning system that integrates 

keyboard, creative movement, 

rhythm, ear training, sight reading, 

music theory and composition. 

Quality music education since 198 . 

Ann Smith 519.725.5818 

Janice Long 519.885.8851 

Carolyn McIlwraith 519.884.8858 

The reason I’ve noticed all these wonderful things is because I’ve been 

forced to slow down due to a stubborn knee injury. Perhaps we all need 

to see things anew and realize how amazing and precious our world is and 

share it with our children. When things go askew all around the world with 

oil spills, storms, flooding, we have our oasis: one back yard at a time, one 

neighborhood at a time. Welcome to Eastbridge; our Eden if we let it be. 

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7 

B AC K PAC K S - C O N TI N U E D 

Kids should always use both 

shoulder straps instead of straddling 

the bag over one shoulder with one 

strap. Packing the heaviest items on 

the bottom keeps them lower and 

closer to the body. Watch any sharp 

edged objects so they do not poke 

you in the back. 

Limiting the load can also help 

reduce back strain as heavy 

backpacks can affect the way we 

walk and our posture. Extended 

periods of wearing a heavy 

backpack can cause you to lean 

forward to compensate which 

reduces balance and makes it easier 

to fall. This compensation can also 

change the natural curves in the 

middle and lower back causing 

muscle strain as well as rounding of 

the shoulders. 

Avoid pain and strain to the back, 

neck and shoulders by limiting the 

load, getting a double strap high 

quality model or a bag with wheels. 

Wearing the backpack lower on 

the back is also considered less 

strenuous on the back, but not too 

low. The bottom of the backpack 

should be about 2 inches above the 

waist. 

Features to consider when buying 

a backpack include choosing a 

lightweight material instead of 

leather. Wide double pads with 

adjustable shoulder straps (2 inch + 

width is preferred). Having features 

such as a padded back, waist belt or 

strap and wheels can greatly reduce 

injury. 

Several of the top backpacks for 

2009-2010 back to school season 

are reviewed on http://www. 

fitforafeast.com/back_to_school_ 

backpack_backpacks_for_kids.htm. 

Stay safe, healthy, and avoid injury 

by investing in a good quality 

backpack that will limit your 

carrying weight. 

Dawn Williamson is a mother of school aged kids 

and takes pride in recommending appropriate kids 

products that are high quality and have features 

that will make our kid’s day easier, safer and more 

enjoyable. My favorite kids’ website is http://www. 

fitforafeast.com. 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles. 

com/?expert=Dawn_Williamson

Connections 


Connections 

Want a to have fun, meet your 

neighbours and make good friends? 

Do you enjoy playing cards? Come 

join a friendly group who meet at 

Rim Park every Thursday at 1pm, to 

play Bid Euchre. 

Craft Corner 

The price is $2.00 per person to 

play and if you don’t know the 

game, we would gladly teach you 

without any stress 

Did 

You 

Know 

Parkwood Retirement Suites is hoping 

to offer a First Aid course run by The 

Casualty Care First Aid Company for 

our staff in Sept./Oct. 

Envirotips 

Anyone in the community who is 

interested in taking the course is 

invited to call us at 519-885-0090 

ext. 551 for more information. 

Computer 

Corner 

Parkwood Health and Wellness 

Centre is offering a Cooking, 

Nutrition and Fitness program, 

Monday evenings, September 20 

to November 8. The cooking and 

Nutrition classes take place in 

Parkwood’s gourmet kitchen. Learn 

new ways to cook healthy and 

prepare a variety of foods. Then sit , 

relax and enjoy tasting your efforts! 

Exercise in the Centre’s fitness 

room with a Certified Kinesioloigst 

who will guide you towards a 

more active lifestyle. One hour on 

Tuesdays or Thursdays. 

Parkwood invites community 

members 55+. The cost is $50 for 

8 classes. For more information or 

to register contact 519-885-0090 

ext. 551. 

Parkwood is located across from 

RIM Park/Arena on University Ave., 

Waterloo. 


Sudoku 

The objective of the game is to fill all 

the blank squares in a game with the 

correct numbers. There are three very 

simple constraints to follow. In a 9 by 

9 square Sudoku game: 

- Every row of 9 numbers must include 

all digits 1 through 9 

- Every column of 9 numbers must 

include all digits 1 through 9 

- Every 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 

9 square must include all digits 1 

through 9 

Easy 

Intermediate 

Craft Corner 

Difficulty: Easy 

Time Required: 20 minutes 

Here’s How: 

1. Find a large pine cone. 

2. Tie a three to four foot piece of 

yarn around the top of the pine 

Did 

cone for the hanger. 

You 

3. Mix two tablespoons of peanut 

butter with two tablespoons of 

Know 

margarine. 

4. Spread the peanut butter and 

margarine mixture onto the pine 

cone. 

5. Pour some bird seed onto a plate 

or shallow dish and roll the pine 

cone in it. 

6. Place the seed-covered 

Envirotips 

pine cones in the freezer for about an hour or until it 

is firm. 

7. Hang it outside in a tree! 

Tips: 

- Hang your pine cone at the end of a smaller branch so squirrels don’t get it. 

- Work with the bird seed over newspaper to help make clean up time easier. 

Computer 

Corner 

Information for the residents 

of Eastbridge from your Neighbourhood Association 


Eastbridge Insight is published quarterly in 

March, June, September and December and 

is distributed by volunteers to over 2,100 

homes in the Eastbridge community. 

We welcome and encourage letters to 

the editor and articles from Eastbridge 

residents. To submit an article or letter, 

please email your submissions to newsletter@eastbridge.info. 

The deadline 

for submissions is one month prior to 

publishing (February 1, May 1, August 1 

and November 1). Submissions may be 

edited for length or other purposes. 

For advertising rates and information, visit 

our website at www.eastbridge.info or 

email Kathy DeWolfe at ads@eastbridge.info. 

The Eastbridge Neighbourhood Association, 

its respective servants, agents or employees 

makes no representations or warranties 

concerning any person/business listed in 

this Newsletter and it is the person(s) and/ 

or families responsibility (NOT Eastbridge 

Neighbourhood Association’s) to interview, 

obtain references, and satisfy themselves 

prior to hiring or otherwise retaining a 

person/business/service listed in this 

newsletter. 


721 Grand Banks Drive 

Waterloo ON N2K 4M2 

Newsletter advertising: 

ads@eastbridge.info 

Newsletter content: 

newsletter@eastbridge.info 

www.eastbridge.info 

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Newsletter 44 - Eastbridge.info

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