🐝 Blue Rodeo, Blue Boxes & "Hurry hard!"


January 8th, 2025

Good Afternoon, Waterloo Region!

What a beautiful January day with some warmth and blue skies.

Definitely deserved after this crazy winter we've been having so far...

Hope you're having an excellent week, & we've got some great stuff packed into the newsletter.

In today's email:

  • recycling program updates
  • a fun, new business opening
  • Maslow
  • how high bumblebees can fly
  • & more

Let's dive in πŸ‘‡

-Ross at Grand River Buzz


WHAT'S HAPPENING

General

​Blue Rodeo: Lost Together - The 40th Anniversary Tour | Centre in the Square, Kitchener | Fri, Jan. 9th & Sat, Jan. 10th at 8pm | "Blue Rodeo has defined the sound of Canadian roots rock with their signature blend of folk, country, and rock, earning a devoted fanbase, 12 JUNO Awards, and a permanent place in Canadian music history."

​Ontario Men's & Women's Curling Championships | Woolwich Memorial Centre, Elmira | Sun, Jan. 4th to Sun, Jan. 11th | "The Elmira & District Curling Club is excited to once again present the Ontario curling championships. Kids 12 and under are free! Full event, weekend, single day and single draw passes available."

​Shrek: The Musical | Hamilton Family Theatre, Cambridge | Shows everyday through Sun, Jan. 11th | "The greatest fairy tale never told comes to life in this fun-filled and hilarious musical comedy based on the hit animated movie."

​Cinderella: The Panto | St. Jacob's Country Playhouse | Shows everyday through Sun, Jan. 11th | "Pantos are a popular form of family theatre in the UK based on fairy or folk tales, and encourage audience participation."

Thursday, January 8th

​Musical Bingo: Best of 2010s | EVO Kitchen & Bar, Cambridge | 7pm

​Thursday Soul Show: Joshua Pascua | The Jazz Room, Waterloo | 8pm | "A blend of Pop, Funk, RnB and Soul. With training in jazz and contemporary vocals, Joshua brings depth and emotion to every performance, connecting with listeners through catchy hooks and personal storytelling."

Friday, January 9th

​Psychic & Crystal Fair | The Cambridge Newfoundland Club | 1-9pm | "Psychics, mediums, palm readings, numerology, astrology, tarot card readings, intuitive healers, crystal vendors and more - also runs through Sat/Sun"

​Kevin California: Live Music | Block Three Brewing, St. Jacob's | 6pm | "A Canadian singer-songwriter-producer whose musical origins began from the warmth of the west coast in 2014"

​Friday Live Music | The Galt Club, Cambridge | 8pm | "Friday Night Music is back in 2026. This Friday, Brandon Dean performs"

​Tymish Koznarsky Quintet | The Jazz Room, Waterloo | 8pm | "Koznarsky is renowned for his nuanced and quick-witted improvisations, which take listeners on an engrossing voyage through the diverse and intricate realm of jazz."

Saturday, January 10th

​That 70's Rock Show | Room 47, Waterloo | 7:30pm | "A night of groovy tunes and nostalgic vibes. Let's transport ourselves back to the era of bell bottoms, disco balls, and classic rock anthems. Don't miss out on this blast from the past!"

​Sara Porter: Excerpts from Hello Sunshine! | The Registry Theatre, Kitchener | 7:30pm | "Storytelling, dance, comedy, and image come together in a multi-media account of living with an invisible disability."

​Benjamin Deschamps' "No Code" | The Jazz Room, Waterloo | 8pm | "The group stands out for the absence of a harmonic instrument and for the emphasis placed on improvisation, interaction, and dialogue between the musicians."

Sunday, January 11th

​Sunday Grind | Fresh Ground, Kitchener | 11am-2pm | "A fresh new music series designed to bring people together over great coffee, local talent, and vibrant community vibes. This Sunday features DJ Yazzy of Exclusive Vibez Music"

​Family Sunday: Paper Cutting Magic | KW Art Gallery, Kitchener | 1-4pm | "Guided by our talented Art Instructors, families will explore new art techniques, play with materials, and create one-of-a-kind artworks together. Plus, it's free!"

​Poetry Open Mic Night | Pink Crow Cafe, Waterloo | 7pm | "Come join us for a night of poetic vibes and good times! Whether you're a seasoned poet or just dipping your toes into the world of spoken word, this event is the perfect place to share your creativity."

Farmers Markets

​St. Jacobs | Thursday, January 8th (8amβ€”3pm) | Saturday, January 10th (7amβ€”3:30pm)

​Kitchener | Saturday, January 10th (7amβ€”2pm)

​Cambridge | Saturday, January 10th (7amβ€”1pm)​

* none of these events are sponsored. that will always be made obvious if so.


LOCAL NEWS

  • Nominations are now open for the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation’s awards. "Each year, the Foundation presents awards in five categories to recognize outstanding contributions to heritage preservation in the Waterloo Region." You can learn more about the five categories & submit a nomination here.
  • "Home is Where the Heart is" will welcome residents and visitors to Lang's Housing Redevelopment | Article​
  • Public Notice: Virtual public meeting #2 - St. Jacobs Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion | Info​
  • Woolwich Community Health Centre expanding | Article​

Check out the 'Community Update' section below for more information about upcoming changes to the region's recycling program.


COMEDY

Friday, January 9th

​Rusty Nail Comedy | TWH Social, Kitchener | 7:30pm | Headliner: Jeff Paul

Saturday, January 10th

​Rusty Nail Comedy | TWH Social, Kitchener | 7:30pm | Headliner: Jeff Paul

Upcoming Events

​Jeff Leeson: Only Gonna Say This Once Comedy Tour | Centre in the Square, Kitchener | Sat, Apr. 18th at 8pm | "Combining traditional stand up comedy with long form improv Jeff creates a unique and personal experience for the audience each and every show." I've seen Jeff perform a couple times now and the shows are so, so good. I almost had to leave one of the times because I was finding it hard to breathe from laughing too much πŸ˜…


WEATHER

🌀️ Thu, Jan. 8th | HIGH 4° | NIGHT 5° | 30% POP

🌧️ Fri, Jan. 9th | HIGH 11Β° | NIGHT -3Β° | 100% POP | 5mm πŸ’§

🌨️ Sat, Jan. 10th | HIGH 1Β° | NIGHT -3Β° | 1000% POP | 2cm ❄️

🌨️ Sun, Jan. 11th | HIGH -3Β° | NIGHT -4Β° | 60% POP | 1cm ❄️


SPORTS

πŸ₯… Kitchener Rangers | 5th overall | 2nd in Western Conference

  • Next Game: Friday, Jan. 9th | Oshawa at Kitchener | 7pm | Tickets​

πŸ€ KW Titans | 1st overall

  • Next Game: Friday, Jan. 9th | KW Titans at Montreal Toundra | 7:30pm

* what other sports would you like to see included here? reply to let me know what you'd find useful!


GEM OF THE WEEK

​Retro Rollers | 563 Highland Rd W, Kitchener

Thanks very much to John for recommending this after receiving the last newsletter!

Retro is making a comeback everywhere! From fashion to music to tech - and now the local rebirth of a classic: the roller rink.

They're currently running a 'soft opening' - with skate times available Wednesdays to Sundays.

Family owned & operated... they offer open 'roll' sessions along with classes for both adults and kids. If you don't have your own skates, no worries - they have rentals available for all ages.

There are also three party rooms - perfect for birthdays, corporate events or other special occasions.

If you're interested in checking it out, you can go to this page that has the waivers, 'rules of the rink' and FAQs. Or the link above the picture for days, times and more info.


COMMUNITY UPDATE

First it was the garbage/green bins, now we've got some changes coming to the region's recycling program.

Here are some of the key notes/things to be aware of:

  • As of January 1, 2026, Circular Materials (the company who operates the recycling program) is now accepting more items in the residential blue box program. A full list of accepted materials can be found here​
  • They'll also be delivering two additional blue boxes to houses in Waterloo Region - starting March 3rd
  • "Please continue to use your existing blue boxes, you do not need to exchange them."
  • If you have any questions, you can contact the local waste recycling partner 'Miller Waste' - area22@millerwaste.ca or 1-888-852-3450
  • Here's an article posted in December that goes over some of the initial details if helpful

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Meet Maslow!

Maslow is a 4 year old male, mixed breed pup who weighs a touch over 40lbs.

"A happy, wiggly guy who just loves people. He's friendly from the start, always excited for attention, and never says no to a good treat (or two). If you stop to say hello, be prepared, he'll wiggle his whole body like it's his job. He enjoys being around people, soaking up pets, and showing off his sweet personality. Treats are definitely his favorite thing, and he's very good at convincing you he deserves one! If you're looking for a fun, affectionate pup who brings a little extra joy and silliness into your day, Maslow would love to meet you."

Tap here to find out more.

And there are tons of dogs, cats and other animals that are looking for their forever homes. You can find the adopt page here.

* if you adopt a dog or any pet from these emails, reply and let me know! I'd love to send you a special gift to help get things started


RANDOM FACTS OF THE DAY

The first webcam was created to watch a coffee pot. In 1991, researchers at the University of Cambridge set up a camera directed at the Trojan Room coffee pot so they could check if it was full without leaving their desks.

Cashews grow on "apples." A cashew nut is actually a seed that grows on the bottom of a fleshy, pear-shaped fruit known as a "cashew apple."

Bumblebees can fly higher than Mount Everest. In a study using flight chambers, researchers found that bumblebees are capable of flying at altitudes of over 29,500 feet - higher than the peak of the world's tallest mountain.


THANK YOU!

Hope you have an awesome day, a great weekend... & we'll see you Monday 🐝

​

ps. I'd love your feedback. Whether it's something you like, or hate, or want to see more/less of - please let me know! My goal is to make sure you're getting value from these emails, and the important info you need. Hit 'reply' to let me know!


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Grand River Buzz

The best news and events from around the Waterloo Region. Delivered Monday and Thursday mornings. For free.

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