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Friday, September 20, 2024
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Volume 40 No. 38
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Heffer declares for HC Warden By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen
Hot commodity At the Elementary School Fair in Belgrave, there was plenty to see and do. First, the Belgrave Community Centre was full of students’ work for the storied fair and, second, there was everything outside, like the parade,
games and a number of attractions. One of them was a station with the Fire Department of North Huron, above, that safely gave young people a little taste of what it’s like to be a real-life firefighter. (Scott Stephenson photo)
Factory sues Festival over nixing ‘Waltz’ By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The Toronto Star is reporting that the city’s Factory Theatre is suing the Blyth Festival for $115,000 in relation to the cancellation of The Waltz, which was scheduled to be part of the Festival’s 2023 season. The article, written by Joshua Chong, the newspaper’s culture reporter, and published Tuesday night, says Factory issued a statement of claim on Sept. 10 for more than $115,000 in damages. The claim has not yet been tested in court and the Festival has yet to officially file a statement of defence. The Waltz, written by regular Festival playwright and director Marie Beath Madian, was abruptly cancelled on June 5 of 2023. It was
scheduled for 14 productions in the Blyth Festival’s Memorial Hall between July 12 and 29 that year. “Blyth did not cite any basis for the termination by the terms of the Presenting Agreement itself,” Factory Theatre has alleged in its court filing. “Its stated reason for the termination was that it no longer wished to engage in discussions with Factory Theatre about lighting design, even though its own stated deadlines for preliminary and final lighting design would not expire for another two and three weeks, respectively.” The statement of claim says that Factory Theatre was to bear the preproduction costs for the show and, in turn, the Festival would present the production at its own venue. Factory Theatre alleges that the Festival broke the agreement and,
as a result, Factory Theatre claims it is owed more than $90,000 in damages: $58,708.24 in “unrecoverable costs” to mount the production, such as playwright royalties and artist fees; $15,000 in
contract cancellation fees as outlined in the theatres’ agreement, and $16,747 in lost Canada Council for the Arts grants as a result of the show’s cancellation. Furthermore, Continued on page 3
Morris-Turnberry Mayor Jamie Heffer has declared his intention to put his name forward in hopes of becoming the next Huron County Warden this fall. Heffer informed his fellow Huron County councillors and members of the public of this decision at Huron County Council’s Sept. 4 meeting, held in Goderich. This would come after two, two-year stints by current Warden and Ashfield-ColborneWawanosh Mayor Glen McNeil, which was preceded by two, twoyear stints by Central Huron Mayor Jim Ginn and a term by MorrisTurnberry Mayor Paul Gowing, who was the first Huron County Warden to serve the new two-year term. In Morris-Turnberry, Heffer was first elected as a councillor in 2010. He represented the Turnberry Ward, back when the municipal council still had a ward system. In 2014, he was re-elected as the top vote-getter in MorrisTurnberry, with nearly 900 people voicing their support for him. Under the Morris-Turnberry rules, as the top vote-getter, that made Heffer the deputy-mayor for that term. Then, in 2018, Heffer was acclaimed to the position of mayor when outgoing Mayor Paul Gowing chose not to run again and no one else opted to oppose Heffer. He would be acclaimed to the top position again in 2022. Heffer didn’t say much about his candidacy, just that he intended to run when the time came this fall. To date, no one else has expressed their desire to run for the position, but there is still plenty of time for opposition to materialize.
NH to consider Blyth library move By Scott Stephenson The Citizen On Monday, Sept. 16, North Huron Council considered a proposal that could see the Blyth Public Library relocated to the second floor of the Blyth and District Community Centre. The proposal aims to revitalize the underutilized space of the centre while addressing the library’s space needs.
Director of Recreation and Children’s Services Kelly Steiss outlined the report’s key points, emphasizing that the Blyth Community Centre, once a vibrant hub for events such as weddings and sports tournaments, has seen a marked decline in use for event rentals. With local venues like the Four Winds Barn in Brussels and Maple Lane Haven in Huron East now popular for large gatherings, and operations like Cowbell
Brewing Co. drawing attention for family and business events, the Centre’s large space remains largely empty. “The Blyth Community Hall is largely supported by North Huron taxpayers and significantly underutilized. We see an opportunity to better align this space with community needs,” Steiss stated. She proposed that the second floor, which had been Continued on page 3
PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024.
Huron East says no to battery storage projects on farms By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen
Terry’s legacy A small, but mighty group took part in the Terry Fox Run in Brussels on Sunday, and while the number of participants might have been down from previous years, members of the Brussels Lions Club estimated that more money had been made, despite the smaller attendance. Above, the participants pose at the Brussels Dam, including a team running in support of long-time Brussels resident Frank Stretton, who is currently battling cancer. (John Stephenson photo)
NH hopes to expand childcare in both Blyth and Wingham By Scott Stephenson The Citizen At the North Huron Council meeting on Sept. 16, the longdebated expansion of childcare services took a step forward. A report presented by Kelly Steiss, Director of Recreation and Children’s Services, detailed the urgent need for additional daycare spaces, citing a waitlist of over 180 children in the region. Steiss proposed applying for a Huron County Start-Up Grant to create 26 new childcare spaces in Blyth by 2025, with a further expansion in
Wingham targeted for 2026-2027. Deputy-Reeve Kevin Falconer voiced his frustration over the limited progress of daycare initiatives, remarking, “I would just like to see, finally, some moving forward… we’ve gone through this first step, as I say, seven times now and it’s never moved past just the discussion. I really would like to see some movement and some real hard looking at what we can do to provide daycare spaces in the south of the township.” Reeve Paul Heffer countered Falconer’s assessment, highlighting the advancements made under the
current plan. “I do believe this has gone farther ahead, just with some of the planning that has been done by our director here. I think it’s gone a lot farther ahead than other times, say, over the last six years,” Heffer stated. Steiss reassured the council of her readiness to proceed swiftly with the grant application if directed. “I feel we’re moving forward in a really good direction,” she said, noting that Huron County is supportive of starting with Blyth. Council approved the motion to move forward with the expansion plan. SUNDAY
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Huron East Council has declared itself an unwilling host to battery energy storage systems, as well as infrastructure related to such systems, in situations in which it would result in the loss of any agricultural land. Council discussed the issue at its first meeting in September at the urging of Deputy-Mayor Alvin McLellan, who brought forward a notice of motion on the topic one month earlier. His initial motion recommended declaring the municipality as an unwilling host to such projects on prime agricultural land, but it was Councillor Bob Fisher who suggested that McLellan’s motion be expanded to include all agricultural land in an effort to be clearer and more restrictive. This comes after a public meeting almost a year ago to discuss a battery storage project proposed in the Seaforth area, which saw heavy opposition from members of the public. McLellan said that council had a responsibility to do all that it could to preserve prime agricultural land and made comparisons to years ago when council wrestled with the placement of industrial wind turbines in the municipality - an issue that divided councillors and the community and, in many cases, pitted neighbour against neighbour. Back then, under the provincial Liberal government’s Green Energy Act, the province had the power to pass down rules to the municipalities, leaving local councils defenceless against such
projects. However, under the current government, McLellan said, the power is said to have been shifted to local levels of government, which should have the final say over projects like this being placed in their communities. While McLellan acknowledged that this is how the approval structure is set up now, it would still benefit the municipality to make a declaration against the battery storage projects, if that was the will of council, to make Huron East’s position clear and concise. There was little discussion on the issue from most councillors. However, Mayor Bernie MacLellan, who was joining the meeting via his smartphone virtually, felt council should keep an open mind to projects that may help expand the tax base on marginal agricultural land that would be unlikely to yield positive farming results in Huron East. No other council member came forward to support MacLellan’s position and instead the issue went to a vote, with MacLellan asking that it be a recorded vote. The motion passed with nine council members (Deputy-Mayor Alvin McLellan and all present council members) voting for it and just the mayor voting against it. Councillor Larry McGrath was absent for the meeting.
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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024. PAGE 3.
Festival, board ‘confident in our position’ says Garratt Continued from page 1 Factory Theatre is claiming $25,000 more for “punitive, aggravated or exemplary damages.” In the article, Factory said the charges were invoiced to the Festival in June of 2023, but payment had yet to be received. According to the statement of claim, the Festival had promised to build the sets, costumes and props for the co-production of the play scheduled for 2022 and then invoice
Factory Theatre for half of the cost. However, again, according to the filings, the Festival did not produce what it said it would, leading the Factory Theatre to have to do it “entirely at its own cost” which would eventually add up to $34,000. While Factory has alleged that Blyth representatives either cancelled or failed to attend planning events for the production, the theatre is not claiming damages
from the Festival for that. When the 2022 production was cancelled, the official word from the Blyth Festival was that the cancellation could be attributed to lost rehearsal time due to COVID19 cases among company members. “Blyth’s conduct departs markedly from that which would be expected regarding its treatment of a fellow member of the not-forprofit theatre community,” Factory Theatre noted in its court filings.
A banner weekend On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the Seaforth Agricultural Society hosted its annual fall fair, welcoming visitors from near and far to the community to celebrate all things agricultural in the Seaforth community, including the Saturday morning parade, which went ahead under beautiful, sunny skies. (John Stephenson photo)
Library could move to arena Continued from page 1 considered for a daycare expansion in 2020, could be repurposed for the Blyth Library. Councillor Mitch Wright raised concerns about the deteriorating condition of the facility and questioned whether its reduced usage could be a result of insufficient investment. “I’d hate to see this not to be a gathering place for Blyth. I also think it would be very informative to understand what it would cost to update that hall,” he remarked. Councillor Chris Palmer also voiced concerns, particularly about the potential loss of a community gathering space and the suitability of the second floor for library use. “I wonder if the size of the space under consideration might be too large for the library’s needs,” Palmer noted. Steiss responded by detailing how the larger space could be beneficial, allowing for a coffee bar, a children’s area, and a multiuse meeting room, potentially addressing the library’s current limitations. Deputy-Reeve Kevin Falconer highlighted additional issues, questioning whether prominent user groups like the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association (HPTHA) had been consulted. “I wonder if that’s been talked through
with [the HPTHA] because I imagine that would be the biggest loss, for the user group,” he said. Falconer also expressed concerns about the noise from the centre’s HVAC system, suggesting it might not be suitable for a library setting. Steiss assured that consultations with user groups and assessments of the space’s suitability, including the noise concerns, would be part of the feasibility study.
Council receiveed the report for information and approved a motion to explore both the feasibility of relocating the Blyth Library to the community centre’s second floor and the costs of refurbishing the second floor of the centre. Funding for these investigations will be included in the draft 2025 budget for consideration, with further details and decisions expected in future reports.
THE BELGRAVE COMMUNITY CENTRE BOARD Invites you to their ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 At the Belgrave Community Centre 7 p.m. At the meeting, members will have the opportunity to: • find out about BCCB’s operations and finances • ask questions about the operations and finances of BCCB • speak about any items on the agenda • vote on any resolutions proposed • accept the minutes of the last annual general meeting • accept the annual financial statements Also the Presentation of the Jim McGee Community Volunteer Award will take place at the Annual General Meeting. Please contact Jonathan VanCamp - President 519-357-8259
“From the outset, Blyth displayed a disregard for its commitments to put on the joint production with Factory Theatre.” The Waltz would go on to be produced at Factory Theatre and then tour to cities like Winnipeg and Ottawa. In a statement issued to Chong ahead of the publishing of the story, Blyth Festival Artistic Director Gil Garratt responded to the allegations made in the civil lawsuit from Factory Theatre. “Thanks for giving us this opportunity to comment on the issues raised by Factory’s lawsuit concerning the technical rider for The Waltz,” Garratt wrote in a statement addressed to Chong. “The last thing Blyth wanted was a cancellation of this production, a play Blyth had in commission since 2018. The Blyth Festival suffered substantial costs due to the cancellation. We are still in the process of negotiation with Factory. We remain hopeful that we can come to an understanding that benefits both companies. “The background to this situation is that the theatre sector as a whole is struggling in this province and across the country, facing demoralizing deficits, shrinking funding and crushing expense increases,” the Festival’s statement continues. “The costs of producing theatre have skyrocketed in the last four years, and yet base funding for the councils has remained static for decades. Attendance plummeted over the course of the pandemic, and it is still unclear for some companies if their audiences will ever return. “For live performance in Canada, recovering from the lasting impacts of the COVID pandemic is not a given and the casualty list continues to grow. The situation you are
asking about is emblematic of an ecology on life support. “The Blyth Festival just completed a very successful season and reached a major milestone, its 50th anniversary, and Factory Theatre recently celebrated its 54th. These two institutions have profound legacies that have helped shape theatre in Canada as we know it. But an inspiring legacy alone doesn’t guarantee a viable future. Theatre in Canada needs help,” Garratt’s statement concludes. In an e-mail to The Citizen from Blyth Festival General Manager Rachael King, she stated that the lawsuit was an unexpected development and she claimed that the Blyth Festival has not heard from the Factory Theatre in over a year, since the Festival had made its last offer to settle. “Every element of this dispute surrounded the technical rider for the 2023 presentation agreement between the theatres; months of efforts resulted in an impasse and the cancellation of the production,” King said in her e-mail. Garratt, in text messages to The Citizen, echoed King’s statements, saying that, “the whole thing is so unexpected” and supporting King’s claim that the local theatre hadn’t heard from Factory in more than a year. He claims that after the cancellation, Factory sent the Blyth Festival an invoice and the Festival replied within seven business days. The Festival then sent Factory an offer to settle two weeks after that, Garratt says, and the next correspondence received from the Festival was last week’s lawsuit filings. Garratt also noted that, “we have the full support of the Board of Directors and are very confident in our position on all of this.”
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Father knows best! (J.R. Miller, “The Shining Light”) "He led them forth by the right way." Psalm 107:7 God leads every one of His children by the right way. He knows where and under what influences, each particular life will mature best. One tree grows best in the sheltered valley, another by the water's edge, another on the bleak mountain-top swept by storms. Every tree or plant is found in the precise locality where the conditions for its growth exist. And does God give more thought to trees and plants, than to His own children? He places us amid the circumstances and experiences in which our life will grow and mature into Christlikeness. The peculiar discipline to which we are each subjected, is the discipline we each need to bring out in us the beauties and graces of true spiritual character. Our heavenly Father knows what is best--He makes no mistakes! "We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son!" Romans 8:28-29 A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church Listowel, ON 519-291-3887
PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024.
Editorials & Opinions
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We need them to do more The digital age has ushered in a new, savvy generation of criminals and most of us are struggling to stay ahead of the scammers. In the old days, criminals would have to work hard to steal our hard-earned savings, but now, with a few keystrokes or an AI-assisted phone call, they can dupe even the most careful of us. Most of us have relied on the bank’s ability to protect us from the worst of the thieves, but recently two Canadian women were scammed out of more than $80,000 in separate “bank investigator scams” and the banks involved have refused to reimburse them, saying they should have known better. Democracy Watch, a Canadian advocacy group for government and corporate accountability, is calling for the federal government to implement policies and laws that would force banks to do more to protect their customers. Banks have the resources to implement technology that would prevent these kinds of scams. Simple algorithms could detect unusual activity on accounts and trigger quick investigations and shut down the criminals. Since banks have spent the last two decades convincing us to do all of our banking online, they should ensure that it is a safe place for us to do business. – DS
Organized chaos During the last municipal election, in both of the sectors covered by The Citizen, residents saw some kooky ideas inch out of the woodwork, not from political hopefuls, but rather potential school board trustees. There was the debunked (to most) litter-box-in-schools hoax. We had the COVID-19-was-a-scam, vaccines-are-poison guy. All the hits. And these people wanted to step in and have a say over education. It’s easy, as a reasonable-thinking voter, to dismiss such silliness as just that. Someone with one too many odd ideas decided to run for local office. And yet, a report from Whose Hands on our Education, covered extensively by The Guardian, might leave those left of extreme right concerned about the power and co-ordination behind some efforts. “Religious groups ‘spending billions to counter gender-equality education’” goes The Guardian headline and the article suggested a “co-ordinate and well-funded attack” on gender equality. “Tactics include removing sex education from schools, banning girls from learning, reinforcing patriarchal gender stereotypes in textbooks and rejecting gender-inclusive language in schools,” says The Guardian. The report shows that at least $3.7 billion U.S. was channeled from a group of highly-financed anti-rights organizations and politicians to anti-gender equality organizations around the world between 2013 and 2017. The story then goes on to cite numerous international examples. Real dollars and real planning are going into these ideas around the world and, if it looks haphazard or grassroots, perhaps that’s just the way those behind these initiatives want it to look. When information (or disinformation) is being pushed, perhaps it’s best to return to the old adage of asking who benefits and then asking yourself if you want to be a part of that group’s agenda. – SL
A new name In an era when the renaming of public spaces often reflects the shadow of past controversies or the weight of scandal, a recent decision to rename Meaford’s airport in honour of Major General Richard Rohmer stands out as a luminous example of commemoration done right. This thoughtful rebranding pays tribute to one of Canada’s most distinguished military figures in a manner that aligns with the dignity and respect he has earned throughout his remarkable life. Previously known as Billy Bishop Airport, the Meaford facility has undergone a transformation that shifts the focus to a hero whose contributions are as monumental as they are deserving. Major General Rohmer served in the Royal Canadian Air Force, where he completed 135 missions and faced countless perils. As Canada’s most decorated veteran, Major General Rohmer’s wartime achievements are manifold he played pivotal roles in D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. The significance of renaming the Meaford airport goes beyond mere semantics; it is an acknowledgment of the ongoing relevance of our veterans’ contributions. Major General Rohmer’s continued engagement with public life, even at the age of 100, is an inspiring reminder of the enduring spirit of dedication and service. Despite the name change, Billy Bishop remains an iconic name in Canadian aviation history - the honouring of his legacy continues with a namesake airport in downtown Toronto. It’s also worth noting the practical benefits of this change. For hapless travelers, the clearer distinction between flights to Meaford and those bound for Toronto will reduce unintended mix-em-ups. The renaming of Meaford’s airport to honour Major General Rohmer is commendable and aligns with the highest ideals of commemoration. It celebrates a hero who is very much alive and deserving of such recognition, while serving as a beacon of pride and inspiration. – SBS
Looking Back Through the Years September 24, 1969 Nearly seven hundred schoolchildren from Blyth and Hullett Township Public Schools kicked off the 1969 Blyth Fall Fair last Wednesday with a lively parade. Kindergarteners from both schools joined the procession upon reaching the main street, adding a bright touch with their colourful outfits and decorated tricycles. The exhibit hall showcased an impressive array of entries from local women, while the junior section of the fair was highly competitive, featuring participation from students of both Blyth and Hullett schools. The bingo run by the Agricultural Society and the Lions Club during the fall fair evening was deemed a success, with each earning $33. Major prize winners included: Mrs. Ray Hanna of Auburn, who won a sheepskin bunny; Mrs. Bob Carter of Blyth, who took home sheepskin gloves; Mrs. Stan Glousher of Blyth, who won a turkey; Mrs. Bruce Hulley of Seaforth, who won a chicken; Mrs. George Burkholder of Blyth, who received a wool blanket; and Mrs. Stan Glousher, who also won a $14.95 brown-tipped sheepskin rug donated by Bainton Ltd. September 21, 1977 Ideal autumn weather contributed to a record number of entries and enthusiastic attendance at the Huron Plowmen’s Association’s annual match on Saturday. Officials suggested that the upcoming OPA International in Huron next year likely played a role in the increased participation. Several competitors from Saturday’s event plan to compete in the International and were seeking extra experience.
Held at Allan Walper’s farm in Stephen Township, at the county’s southern edge, the event drew additional interest due to Walper’s solar heating system, which provided heat for his home. A highlight was the Queen of the Furrow contest, won by 17-year-old Lori Stafford of Wroxeter, who also claimed victory in the women’s nail-driving contest. The topic for the September meeting of the Majestic Institute was “Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee,” presented by Leona Armstrong, who shared the story of the Queen’s life. Wilma Hemingway discussed the Silver Jubilee celebrations in Britain, while Doris McCall spoke about the commemorative coin honoring the Jubilee. Marie McCutcheon addressed the Commonwealth and Marie McTaggart read a Toast to the Queen. Several scrapbooks were created and displayed on the Queen’s Jubilee, with Hemingway winning first prize and McCall taking second. All the scrapbooks were praised for their quality. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture aimed to involve more women in its activities, said president Peter Hannam. Hannam highlighted the need to amend the constitution, which, at the time, allowed only one vote per membership, usually held by the man in farming couples. This limited women’s ability to vote or hold office. Hannam also noted that the ban on proxy voting made it harder for women to participate. He proposed changes to give women more opportunities while maintaining rules against preelection proxy gathering.
September 20, 1989 Three local youths were involved in a single-vehicle accident on Sunday at 2:45 p.m. on Blind Line Road at Sideroad 15-16 in Grey Township. Wingham OPP reported that Peter Workman of Brussels, was driving a 1983 Chevy Impala east at 80 kilometres per hour when he approached the intersection too quickly. The brakes locked, causing the car to skid across the intersection and roll into the ditch. Two passengers, Brent Evans and Willis Pernie, both of Brussels, were in the car. Pernie sustained minor injuries and was taken to Wingham and District Hospital by a passing motorist. The vehicle sustained severe damage, according to the OPP. On Saturday, Sept. 9, while checking cattle at their farm west of Brussels, Mel and Lois McArter found a white balloon with streamers and a note reading: “To help us celebrate our joyous wedding day 9-9-89, please call if found. Signed, Mark and Kelly Bachi.” After returning home, the McArters called and left a message. The couple returned their call on Monday, sharing that they were married at 4 p.m. on Sept. 9 and had released 100 balloons from Clarkston, Michigan. At the time, the McArters were the only ones to respond. September 23, 2004 The Brussels Optimist/Lions Terry Fox Run had another successful year. In sunny, warm weather, 74 local participants walked, ran, biked, or rollerbladed either a 2 km route in Brussels or an 8 km country loop. Through pledges and an Optimist road toll, a total of $8,510.60 was raised.
THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024. PAGE 5.
Other Views
Experiencing a different time
W
hether through books or movies, or in our local case, theatre, we have an opportunity to learn about the past. With the case of Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz: The Farmerettes, the production that wrapped up the season at the Blyth Festival or The Streamliners, the opening show at the Goderich Little Theatre, our own local history is on view. In both cases, the stories illustrate, for those born after the Second World War, how different the world was when Canada and its allies fought against Germany, in Europe, and Japan in the Pacific. The Farmerettes are an example of the changes in farming life, first commemorated in book form by Exeter author Bonnie Sitter and Shirleyan English. The efforts of women in stepping into jobs in factories to replace the men who volunteered to serve in the army has been celebrated many times. The efforts of young women to replace men on farms was not recognized before Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz: The Farmerettes. Working most often in fruit and vegetable production, the Farmerettes boosted production in areas like the ThedfordGrand Bend area to help feed not only Canadians, but the much larger population of Britain, which was playing host to allied troops as they built up for the invasion of Europe. The Streamliners tells another part of the wartime story. Few younger people these days know that Huron County had a significant part in the war effort. There was a big airbase at Port Albert that faded toward the end of the war, a base at Goderich at Sky Harbour, and an emergency base was set up near Grand Bend, now the Grand Bend Motorplex. More permanent were the Royal Air Force base just south of Clinton for training radio and radar operators that became a Royal Canadian Air Force base at the end of the war and the
Keith Roulston
From the cluttered desk flying base at Centralia. Both these were closed under cutbacks during the government of Pierre Trudeau. The last commander of the Clinton base was Major Francis (Frank) Golding, grandfather of former Citizen reporter Denny Scott. Back to The Streamliners, they were a band set up among airmen at local stations who played for “big band” dances locally. Blyth resident Duncan McGregor is directing the play. I understand from coverage of air shows like Toronto’s at the Canadian National Exhibition, and London’s, that this is the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force. I had a front-row seat to the last days of the Clinton base because I was editor of the Clinton News-Record beginning in January 1970 and continuing until early 1972. I became friends with the base public relations officer and his wife. I was there when Major Golding oversaw the closing of the base. I was a co-worker with Marg Rudd, the woman who won the contest for naming the community that replaced the air base: Vanastra – the “Van” in honour of the new owner, John Van Gastel and the “astra” for Adastral Park, the name of the former air base. She was supposed to win a house at the base for having the winning name but never received it.
The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan was Canada’s contribution to helping the war effort. Canada set up bases and offered a place for air crews from around the world to train without fear of German or Japanese attacks. As a result, Canadians in places like Huron County, which seldom greeted immigrants, had contact with the volunteers from Britain, Australia, New Zealand and other Commonwealth countries who trained there. I remember my mother speaking about attending dances at Lucknow, Paramount (now a forgotten community west of Lucknow) and Localsh and dancing with airmen from Port Albert. I’m not sure if she ever danced to The Streamliners. It must have been an exciting, and still worrisome time as young local men arrived safely in Britain, but then risked their lives at Dieppe, Italy and Holland when they went into action. Few of us remember that era, although, at the performance of Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz: The Farmerettes Jill and I attended at Memorial Hall, there were three women who had been Farmerettes, including one who was over 100. It was perhaps fitting that we attended the performance in Memorial Hall in its final week, rather than at the outdoor stage. The hall was built to honour those who served their country in two World Wars. Now it provides a venue for recalling the past, like that play. Those of us who are younger sons and daughters or grandchildren of the participants need a chance to experience, as closely as possible, this part of our shared history. We are blessed to live in a beautiful and prosperous country. Only in plays and stories can we relive this difficult part of history.
‘The Chaff’ honours past ‘Monkey Citizen’ winners
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ever have we seen a monkey more valiant than Albert III, the long-tailed macaque that dared to defy the heavens, only to be thwarted in the most explosive fashion. Today, we gather our hearts and our wits to commemorate this small, fuzzy astronaut - not just for his fleeting time on this planet, but for his fearless foray into the cosmic unknown. In a world teeming with mundane, earth-bound heroes, let us never forget the importance of our monkey champions, especially those that took the ultimate leap for science and bananas. While Monkey Christmas may be the designated day for stuffing stockings with banana chips and celebrating the primate patriots among us, the legacy of Albert III deserves year-round reverence. His story, though brief and, let’s say, kinetically enhanced, teaches us something profound about courage. Most heroes march into battle with boots on their feet and steel resolve; Albert launched into the vast abyss with nothing but a prehensile tail, an iron will and a stunning lack of awareness of the fate that awaited him. But we mustn’t dwell on the catastrophic fireworks show that cut his journey short. Albert III was more than a victim of premature rocket combustion - he was a symbol, a beacon, for those of us who dream of defying gravity. He may not have returned with space rocks, but he gave us something far more valuable: the knowledge that even the smallest creatures can leave the biggest impressions, especially when they’re thrown skyward at alarming velocities. For 10 glorious seconds, Albert III tasted the infinite. Yes, Albert’s mission was more than just collecting scientific data. It was about reaching for the stars, despite overwhelming odds. His predecessors, the first two Alberts,
Scott Stephenson The Chaff fell victim to suffocation and faulty parachutes. Yet, Albert III, undeterred by the tragic fates of those before him, boldly took his seat in that fateful V-2 rocket. Was he aware of the tragic demise of his predecessors? Probably not. But if he was, we imagine he’d have tossed caution to the wind with a defiant screech. A macaque among rhesus monkeys, Albert III brought style to space exploration. While his predecessors may have launched with stoic resignation, Albert III would have gone out with panache. His tail may have been long, but his courage stretched even further, forever etching his name among the greats of space exploration. Now, as we reflect on the brave legacy of Albert III, it seems fitting to bring up another important tradition here at The Chaff: our prestigious “Monkey Citizen of the Year” award. Albert, of course, would have been a prime candidate - if only he’d made it past the 10-second mark. But each year, we honour a different monkey that exemplifies the monkey qualities we hold dear: perseverance, gumption and an absolute disregard for common sense. Let’s take a look at some past recipients of this illustrious title. Who could forget Dunkie Laroux, the silverback gorilla which once heroically saved a shipment of overripe bananas from being sold at a supermarket by hurling the entire crate through the window? Some said he was
just hungry, but we at The Chaff recognize a fruit crusader when we see one. Looking good, Dunkie. Then, there was Big Berfa, the squirrel monkey that, despite her small stature, managed to orchestrate the largest primate jailbreak in zoo history. Leading a ragtag band of escapees, she darted from enclosure to enclosure, unfastening latches with unparalleled dexterity. Her story was later turned into a film collaboration between Quentin Tarantino and Pixar Studios called Cutthroat Jail Monkey. It holds the record for most “throat cuts” in a movie. Hyper-violent fun for the whole family! And let us not forget Dr. Goofballs, the esteemed chimpanzee which briefly took over a lab experiment and produced data so accurate that the human scientists retired. These are just a few examples of the many simian luminaries that have earned the coveted title of “Monkey Citizen of the Year”. Albert III, had he not been unceremoniously rocketed into oblivion, would undoubtedly have found his name among them. Perhaps not for his scientific contributions, but certainly for his bravery in the face of great personal risk and total ignorance of what a rocket does. As we now look to the stars and beyond, let us always remember that before humans donned their space helmets and moonwalked on the moon, it was monkeys like Albert III that paved the way - or at least made the attempt to. Albert III may have exploded, but his legacy lingers in every celestial banana that twinkles in the night sky. Here’s to our monkey heroes, and to the day when every macaque, chimp and gorilla gets their chance to reach for the stars and come back in one piece.
Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense
A legacy of art
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ver the years in this space I have often reflected on the impact of a life (while making the case for more robust obituaries to be written) or someone’s impact on their community and everything that has been made better by what they’ve done, what they’ve created or what they’ve undertaken. On Sunday, at Memorial Hall, it was easy to see the impact that Ron and Bev Walker have had on the community around them, despite neither of them being born in this area. Their two daughters, Tammy and Shawna, curated a simply perfect afternoon at the hall. I’m not sure how much of that was dictated by Ron and Bev themselves through funeral preplanning and how much was brought to the table by Shawna and Tammy, but what was left for us little people to enjoy was sublime. There was a band and delicious food in the lower hall, a dynamic slideshow and music upstairs and a retrospective show of the couple’s art in the Blyth Festival Art Gallery, giving us one last chance (perhaps) to see Ron’s paintings and sketches and Bev’s prints and textile work, all in the space they helped to create. One year after its first season, Blyth Festival co-founder and inaugural Artistic Director James Roy encouraged the newly-relocated Ron and Bev Walker to create an art gallery component to the new and exciting work being done in Blyth on the stage and the Blyth Festival Art Gallery was born. In 2015, when the gallery marked its 40th season, one of the professional shows was a retrospective of the work of Ron and Bev for all to see. Not only that, but one of Ron’s transcendent landscapes was used for the Festival’s season poster. There are few things more powerful than being in the very place or establishment that someone helped to create to celebrate their life. Knowing that all of this *dramatically waves hand across the art gallery* came about because two young artists agreed with Roy that the community could use an art gallery is humbling and it reiterates the impact of those people in our lives who don’t let other people do things. They are happy to step up and do the work and our worlds are enriched as a result. As community builders, Ron and Bev were among the best, and yet, that work pales in comparison to all that they did to have two beautiful children, nurture a loving family and teach the young people of tomorrow. I was struck by the pair of speeches, one by Shawna and the other by one of Ron’s oldest teaching friends, and the philosophy held by the Walkers that emphasized that less is more when it comes to control and direction, but that more is more when it comes to food and drink. As a relatively new parent, it’s quite easy to overreach. For most who are actively involved in their childrens’ lives, it’s likely easier to get too involved than it is to allow your kids to make their own mistakes and to live their lives with your guidance, but not too much of it. We also heard that Ron was like this with his teaching career as well, and while it sounds like he may have had a dust-up or two with the school board of the day as a result, it sounds like we all could benefit from having a teacher like him or a mother like Bev. And this is all done not by curating an experience for your daughter or your students or your partner, but by creating a safe, loving and caring arena in which those people are free and encouraged to curate their own experience in everything from a field trip to New York City to in-class teaching to day-to-day life. This community is poorer for losing Ron and Bev, but the legacy they’ve left behind for us is something that will live on and on and on.
PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024.
At the Branch
McCutcheon celebrates 90th birthday at Branch
A day to remember Over the weekend, Clarence McCutcheon, left, celebrated his 90th birthday at the Brussels Legion, welcoming in friends and family members for a day of fun and plenty of stories. Among those who stopped by to express well wishes to McCutcheon was Ralph Watson, right. (John Stephenson photo) By Jo-Ann McDonald We start with a correction to last week’s article. I mistakenly reported the Catch the Ace envelope opened as number 45 when it was actually number 48. A slip of the finger when typing. It did not affect the draw, it was just my mistake for the paper. My apologies. This week, the Catch the Ace draw was undertaken by Deb, Nanci
and Rick Demeray. The lucky winner was Bev Subject and she won $214, choosing envelope number six (I even checked twice). The ace of diamonds was revealed, so the draw goes on. The estimated jackpot for this week should be about $7,000. Get your tickets today at the usual outlets. The pub grub was fish and chips, which is always a hit. This week, it
will be burgers. Our time on the patio will soon be coming to an end, but with the nice weather, we will still be out on the patio! Saturday was a busy day at the Branch. It was a 90th birthday celebration for Clarence McCutcheon and his gift to all was having lunch on him. There was a great crowd between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. that enjoyed sandwiches and
cake. Lots of family and friends enjoyed a visit and hearing some of Clarence’s many stories. Congratulations Clarence! Working for the Branch for this event were Jo-Ann, Judy, John and Marni doing preparation work and the morning crew was Linda Bird, John, Judy, Perry and Julie Pearce and the shift change in the afternoon brought in Linda, Mabel Glanville, Deb Seili and Tanya Martin. Many hands make light work. Another crew from the Branch was then off to Milverton for a fish fry. Working for the Branch were Deb Ross, Judy Lee, Chris Brown, Ken Pennington and Rick Demaray. They fed 200 folks and they were all very happy with the meal. Pete Exel of Brussels came down to check out the crew and sent hellos to everyone. The third event for Branch members was when Comrades Bob Richardson and Eric Ross headed to Seaforth to play golf in the provincial event. They had a very good day, at least Bob did, but the duo did not make it in the top 10. There were 140 golfers, 70 teams of two, great weather and a good day for all. Looking ahead, this Wednesday is a special event for seniors: an
afternoon with a guest speaker from the Alzheimer Society talking about “Brain Health” and keeping our minds healthy and sharp. Everyone is invited to attend. The meeting starts at 1:30 p.m., so please come and join us. Bring a friend and enjoy coffee and snacks after the meeting. Any donations to the society will be gratefully accepted.
NEWS FROM BRUSSELS
Brussels Legion 218 Catch the Ace Weekly Winner Winning Ticket: Bev Subject, $214. Envelope #6 found the Ace of diamonds. Next estimated jackpot is $7,000.
Brain Health Wednesday, September 25 Brussels Legion ~ 1:30 pm Guest Speaker from the Alzheimer Society Keeping our minds healthy and sharp. Know the signs! Everyone welcome ~ bring a friend
Fox’s impact looms large A NOTE FROM BETTY By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231 Terry Fox Day is done for another year. It’s always a day in our lives to consider the effect of one young person. Terry had all the traits of a man on a mission: an obvious need, an eventual goal, family support and loads of tenacity and determination. Since the 1980s, people have remembered this commitment and have chosen to keep up the support for Terry. In making sure this story is not forgotten, a run is held in 9,233 schools across our country, in addition to over a million runs held internationally. That’s a lot of people involved when added to the local ones we know and love. The labs and research people working on the mystery of the mutant genes are funded by all these runs - heroes following the dream of Terry Fox. A big thank you to all who support the dream in so, so many ways. Ryan and Cassidy Sholdice were pretty pleased with son Grayson Ryan on Sunday when he showed
his best behaviour and sleeping technique as he was baptized by Rev. Alex Jebson into the United Church of Canada. Family and friends joined the congregation to show their love and support for the beautiful boy. Grandma Corrie and Grandpa Doug just smiled as Grayson did his part so very well. This is Welcome Week: a time to appreciate the new people and for new people to adjust to communities in our area. Each of us comes with our own story of immigration. Was it the potato famine, the feudal system, land issues or, in recent years, major injustice, war and violence, personal rights or general chaos that saw Canada as the destination? Our families in the past chose a country and now, for some, a country is
chosen. We all came here from another place. With new people in most towns and villages, this is the week to make the effort to say hello and hear a story, share a story and a smile. Respect and love is a requirement for everyone, keep that thought going well past this week. The travelling pumpkin vine has left the roof! I was admiring the growth again this week with several new leaves heading west. Then the thought occurred; perhaps I should give the gravity thing a little help, like a brick by the wee orb. I missed my chance and, by Monday after lunch, the vine had tumbled into the other flowers. No casualties though, and now all three little pumpkins are grounded. It was fun to watch. Hope you enjoyed the fair. Bye now. Betty GW
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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024. PAGE 7.
Hakkers celebrates his 65th birthday By Deb Hakkers Finally, some beautiful fall weather to enjoy! The beans are coming off and we are all getting settled into fall routines. Mom continues with rehab in Huronlea Home for the Aged. She managed to stand again several times last week. This is a big step towards her goal of walking. Helen Lapp and Helena De Graaf are still touring Holland. They are catching up with relatives and Helen is showing her granddaughter all that Holland has to offer. By the pictures coming back, they are having a great time. We wish them a great holiday and a smoother return trip. Gary Hakkers’ family and friends joined him to celebrate his 65th birthday on Saturday for a barbeque supper at his home. This week, we wish happy birthday to Larry Badley on Sept. 20, Bryce Wheeler and Kelly MacDonald on Sept. 21, Hunter MacDonald on Sept. 22, Jeff
Represent! Londesborough students and their Blyth brothers and sisters were out in full force last Wednesday at the Elementary School Fair in Belgrave, with Hullett Central Public School sending a number of classes north to enjoy the festivities. (Scott Stephenson photo)
The Reading Web with Cindy Norgate
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nfluence. What does this word mean to you? Think about it. Webster’s Dictionary defines this word as, “the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself.” When I see signs along the path in two nearby towns that are clearly displayed with what can only be described as hate speech toward the Prime Minister and others, I must ask myself why some adults feel the need to spread this sort of thing in such a manner where children can see such a thing? I am not sharing this thought with you to sway you to think one way or the other with regards to politics or religion. No! I am sharing this to stand up for those who cannot stand for themselves: children. It really upsets me that children pass by such hideous signs in both locations and, once their young brains see something, they cannot “unsee” it. It is pressed into their minds forever. Input equals output. Influence. Another educator and I were having a discussion last week about how some children (not all), feel as though it is okay to speak in a disrespectful manner that can only be construed as bullying to not only other children, but also adults. We can say over and over, “In my day this didn’t happen,” but, until we get to the root of this problem, not only will it continue, but it will get worse. Where do children learn this is okay? I’m not giving an answer here. I’m trying to spark conversation within our community for the sake of our children. Influence. In March of this year, CTV News shared a story under the headline, “Social Media Can Impact Children’s Brains and Impact Mental Health: Neuroscientist”. “Neuroscientist Emma Duerden says social media can alter children’s brains and have negative impacts on their mental health. Social media can impact the developing brain in very specific ways,” Duerden told CTV News. “We know [social media] can act on
the brain's stress response system, but also the reward system of the brain.” I have mentioned the internet and its effect multiple times in this feature, however, I want us to think about the effect of social media, specifically, when it comes to its influence on our youth. Influence. I was thinking about children in Kindergarten and what a career of learning they have ahead of them. The first influence they will have at school is their classroom teacher. I’ve shared this story with students multiple times, so I will share this with you, too. The only thing I remember about my Kindergarten teacher is her red face when she screamed at us. Yes, this is true. In fact, one specific day I remember is when she announced she was walking around the room to check our yellow backpacks we kept on the backs of our chairs, which held our paper and supplies, for neatness and organization. I began to have a pain in my stomach because I knew I had accidentally crushed my Oreo cookies Mama had packed for my snack into that bag. I began to quickly brush out the dark cookie crumbles, and “Ms. M” got closer and closer. Tears began to fall from my red-hot face. My memory fades after that, so I do not remember if I was able to clean up my mess before I was “inspected”, but I was 56 on Tuesday, and I still recall how upset I was on that day. My Kindergarten teacher was an influence on me, but I do not think she was a good one. On a positive note, though, it did help me have compassion for students who try hard, but do not always succeed. Influence. My dad, Travis Lewis, just finished writing his autobiography, entitled I Was a Sharecropper’s Son (2023). In the book, he recounts growing up in West Tennessee. My grandfather was legally blind, but he and my grandmother did their best to raise my dad and his four sisters. Although very poor, his family instilled in him a strong work ethic, love for his fellow man and
reverence for the Creator. Reading his story and how he worked hard to “make it” in this world from a grocery store stock clerk to an electric lineman, then as general manager, continues to be inspiring and influential in my and my brother’s life. Finally, he became a top salesperson for the company he retired from in 2017, but he never lost sight of being a good influence on my brother and me, while also loving my mother. I ask you, what type of influences do you place around your children? Sure, children can be “too protected” from the world to a point that they have no direction on how to function, which is not good. At this moment, however, I am asking you, as a parent, to consider what influences you allow around your child not only by others or
social media, but by you. I implore you to have constant dialogue with your children so that you may surround them with love, compassion, discipline and direction. May you seek to direct your children into service for their fellow man; to be a good influence. For our reading this week, I chose What Do You Stand For: For Teens: A Guide to Building Character by Barbara A. Lewis (2005). According to Amazon, young people need guidance from caring adults to build strong, positive character traits - but they can also build their own. This book by a best-selling author invites children and teens to explore and practise honesty, kindness, empathy, integrity, tolerance, patience, respect, and more. As I leave you here for this week, please read and re-read what I’ve shared with you here. I will, once again, tell you the same thing I tell my Grade 6 students. “I’m cheering for you.” “There is no power on earth that can neutralize the influence of a high, simple, and useful life.” Booker T. Washington
Norgate on Sept. 23 and Sadie Chalmers on Sept. 25. We hope everyone enjoys their special day! Until next week, take care of yourselves and each other and enjoy summer while it is here because it’s short, and fall will be here very soon!
NEWS FROM BLYTH 1st Blyth Scouts Fall Registrations (girls and boys) BEAVERS (age 5-7) CUBS (age 8-10) SCOUTS (age 11-13) Leadership and team skills, Camping skills, Canoe skills, STEM Tuesday evening at 6:30 (all groups) Register online at Scouts.ca and myScouts
Contact: Lavern Clark 519-523-9659
MAITLAND VALLEY CAMERA CLUB
Photography by Clara Blake
PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024.
School to host run
Tragedy Firefighters from the Central Huron and North Huron departments were dispatched to Londesborough on Tuesday afternoon for reports of a house on fire at 285 Elizabeth Street. When they arrived, the house was fully engulfed in flames, but all occupants had been able to evacuate the house. (Shawn Loughlin photos)
Deaccessioning continues By Scott Stephenson The Citizen
North Huron Council received the latest update on the North Huron Museum Deaccessioning Project, though concerns were raised regarding the scope of work and the timeline. Community Engagement Co-ordinator Denise Lockie presented the update. The deaccessioning process began in 2023, after council’s decision to discontinue museum services and terminate a relocation project earlier that year. At that time, approximately 15,958 items were estimated to be housed in the museum. However, the process revealed around 3,000 additional uncatalogued items, increasing the workload for the two contracted deaccessioning assistants. Since then, significant progress has been made. According to Lockie, 11,966 artifacts have been deaccessioned so far. The Huron County Museum (HCM) has taken ownership of 4,311 artifacts, with an additional 4,919 currently under review by HCM. Items not
accepted by HCM will be offered to other cultural institutions or disposed of according to North Huron’s deaccessioning policy. Councillor Mitch Wright raised concerns about the additional cost of processing items that are not legally required to follow the deaccessioning process. Lockie acknowledged these concerns but stressed the need to treat all items with care. Council was reminded that the deaccessioning policy, approved in June of 2023, mandates that all artifacts first be offered to public museums or similar institutions before being sold or, as a last resort, destroyed. The process also includes repatriation efforts for any Indigenous artifacts. Originally intended to conclude by the end of 2024, the project timeline will likely require an extension into next year, with Lockie unable to provide a clear completion date. Despite concerns, council chose to receive the report with no further decisions on the project’s future made at this time.
This Friday, Hullett Central Public School will be holding its annual Terry Fox Run. Conversations in class around the event and its background will make the children proud to be involved in cancer research. They will learn about the determination of a true Canadian hero. If you haven’t donated in some other Terry Fox event this fall, perhaps you could donate through the school by contacting the office. As our young folk returned to classes this month, the government set down rules for the banning of technological devices in schools to which all schools in the province must adhere. The first newsletter of the school year sent out by Principal Lori Stevens reminded parents and children alike of these rules. No cell phones or mobile devices will be allowed in classrooms of children from Kindergarten through Grade 6. Pupils in Grades 7 and 8 may use their devices during nutrition breaks, but not to access social media. Anyone breaking these rules will be reprimanded and/or face consequences. Last Saturday’s edition of the Toronto Star carried an interesting article in its business section, entitled “Tech tools to get kids ahead of the class” by Caitlin Walsh Miller. As the province bans these devices from the classroom, the article suggests “ensuring the [school] system’s relevance in an evolving world is more imperative than banning cellphones.” This may require developing new approaches, which offer novel solutions to our lagging education system. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and remote learning, it is estimated our children are about 11 months behind, still, in their learning, especially in math, reading and social skills. The article investigated several private companies that have
developed creative technological tools. These “edu-tech” tools are designed to meet kids where they are in their learning and challenge them while moving them forward. These tools, some of which are free to teachers and can be accessed on a teacher-by-teacher, not schoolwide, basis can be used to augment classroom teaching. Another company has “edu-tech” programs for students with various kinds of learning disabilities, such as autism, dyslexia, etc. I thought these programs would be a great way to let kids use their devices and still be in control of that use with a purpose. Also, they can progress at their own speed and capabilities. On the flip side of this issue is that kids are not the only ones addicted to their devices. Kids only do what they see others doing and many adults/parents are also too attached to their mobile devices and social media. The word that comes to mind here is respect. If a mobile device is being used in the presence of another person, be it a teacher or just someone else in the room, this suggests that the device is more important than that other person. Respect is a virtue we need to instill in our youth. We all deserve another person’s respect and full attention. Take time out of other daily chores and go for a walk in this beautiful late summer/early fall weather. Winter is way too long! Don’t forget that Saturday is the Londesborough Lion Club’s fish fry at the hall.
NEWS FROM LONDESBORO
Thank You On behalf of the Blyth Firefighters Association we would like to extend a thank you to everyone who attended and made our Threshers breakfast a big success. Special thanks to all of our sponsors for their generous contributions.
Aisle 5 Bellera Livestock Inc. Bellwood Farms Limited Blyth Printing Inc. Burnbrae Farms Jeff & Laurie Bylsma Storey Maple Syrup
Marvin Freiburger & Sons Inc. Orr Insurance Parrish & Heimbecker Blyth Creek Maple Farm Shopbike Coffee Roasters Hanna’s Maple Syrup
Blyth Firefighters Association
THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024. PAGE 9.
BLYTH Y 519-523-4244
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School Fair ushers in the fall in Belgrave By Scott Stephenson The Citizen
A tradition of education Last Wednesday, North Huron Reeve Paul Heffer, right, delivered opening remarks at the annual Elementary School Fair held in Belgrave every September. He was joined by Morris-Turnberry Mayor Jamie Heffer, left, and local school board trustee Patricia Smith, centre, as well as Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb and MPP Lisa Thompson, not pictured, to kick the festivities into high gear after the parade of students. (Scott Stephenson photo)
In Huron County, there’s no surer sign that summer vacation has ended and the school year has begun than the spectacle of the student foot parade that kicks off the Elementary School Fair each year. This showing of scholastic strength traditionally begins with a great amassing of all participating students in a field, who then proceed to stride down a side street, class banners held high, until they arrive at their destination: the Belgrave Community Centre. Upon arrival, the teachers work in concert to temporarily corral their flock of students within the confines of the baseball diamond so they can be addressed by visiting dignitaries from all levels of government, after which they are turned loose for a full afternoon of activities of all kinds. This year, there were firefighter demonstrations, a robot-battle ring and alpacas, and so much more. Students presented their best sheep, calves, and goats during the livestock show, and the arena was filled with impressive agricultural entries and creative craftwork, all made and grown by students that rose to the occasion of the friendly competition. The opening ceremonies occurred during a particularly hot moment in an otherwise temperate day, and the speeches were wisely kept short and to the point. Morris-Turnberry Mayor Jamie Heffer thanked all the volunteers who made the fair possible, and encouraged the kids to go all out. “Enjoy the day, take in
everything you can, and engage with everything you can!” he said. North Huron Reeve Paul Heffer added his “kudos to the younger generation!” and Minister of Rural Affairs, Lisa Thompson, was also in attendance, representing the provincial government. She spoke to the students about the significance of their school fair. “You’re carrying on a tradition that’s over 100 years old,” she pointed out. It is Thompson’s opinion that the Belgrave fair is, in fact, the longest running elementary school fair in all of Canada. MP Ben Lobb applauded the commitment of the school board, the agricultural society, and the parents that took the day off to volunteer at the fair. He explained to the children that he attends many, many fairs each year, and let them know that, “Each fair is unique in its own way, but this fair is the most unique, because this is the only one that’s all about the kids.” Elementary School Fair Ambassador Revel Beck closed the ceremony with the speech she’d been working on all summer, and summed up her official position on fairs with her trademark succinctness. “I wanted to be the fair ambassador because I love fairs,” she stated, and with that, the wild rumpus began!
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BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK REPORT For the week ending September 13, 2024 Total Receipts: 1,340 cattle; 764 lambs, sheep and goats. Tuesday – Fed cattle sold on a steady market, with good buyer demand. Cows traded lower. Thursday – Veal sold on a steady market. Lambs, sheep and goats sold steady to the weeks decline. Friday – Calves and yearlings sold on a good strong, steady trade with grass cattle bringing a premium. Yearling heifers sold $5 - $10 higher. Fed Cattle There were 145 fed cattle on offer: Choice Fed Cattle: $246 – $261 Second Cut Fed Cattle: $238 – $245 Aged and Medium Fed Cattle: $210 – $220 Holstein Fed Cattle: $195 – $228 Bill Finlay of Durham, consigned 16 head. Five black steer fats averaged 1,692 lbs. and sold for an average price of $259.25. Paul Martin of Maxwell, consigned 11 head. Four black steer fats averaged 1,526 lbs. and sold for an average price of $261.
Sue Gethke, consigned 11 head. One black heifer fat averaged 1,145 lbs. and sold for a price of $249.00. Cows: There were 185 cows on offer:
John L. Miller of Lucknow, consigned one holstein veal that weighed 950 lbs. and sold for a price of $258. Lambs:
Beef Cows: $155 – $218 Good Holstein Cows: $151 – $170 up to $185 Medium Holstein Cows: $140 – $150 Bulls: $144 – $233 Jason Coultes of Wingham, consigned five head. One black cow weighed 1,665 lbs. and sold for a price of $184.
Under 50 lbs.: $300 – $350 50-64 lbs.: $310 – $350 65-79 lbs.: $260 – $340 80-94 lbs.: $237.50 – $287.50 95-109 lbs.: $220 – $275 110 lbs. and over: $225 – $255 Sheep: $142.50 – $202.50
Doug McComb of Chatsworth, consigned one simmental bull that weighed 1,930 lbs. and sold for a price of $233.
Steve Donaldson of Harriston, consigned 28 head. Six lambs averaged 53 lbs. and sold for an average price of $330.
Veal: There were 145 veal and 15 bob calves on offer:
Goats:
Beef Veal: $265 – $300 Good Holsteins: $245 – $265 SL Heavy Holsteins: $230 – $245 Heavy Holsteins: $210 – $230 Medium Holsteins: $225 – $245 Plain Holsteins: $215 – $235 Holstein Drop Calves: $270 – $950 / HEAD Jim Maw of Forest, consigned four head. One grey veal weighed 945 lbs. and sold for a price of $300.
Meat Kids: $400 – $470 Dairy Kids: $340 – $400 Mature Bucks: $300 – $400 Mature Does: $145 – $230 Paul Donaldson of Wroxeter, consigned four head. Four kid goats averaged 58 lbs. and sold for an average price of $455. Stockers: There were 850 stockers on offer:
Top Quality Steers: Under 400 lbs.: Too few to establish a market 400 – 499 lbs.: $435 – $492. 500 – 599 lbs.: $339 – $442.50 600 – 699 lbs.: $390 – $414.50 700 – 799 lbs.: $301 – $393 800 – 899 lbs.: $326 – $367.50 900 – 999 lbs.: $297 – $336.50 1,000 lbs. and over: $285 – $323 Top Quality Heifers: Under 400 lbs.: $405 – $465 400 – 499 lbs.: $422 – $461 500 – 599 lbs.: $325 – $396 600 – 699 lbs.: $307.50 – $367 700 – 799 lbs.: $262.50 – $330 800 – 899 lbs.: $290 – $311.25 900 lbs. and over: $260.50 – $305 Bruce Hicks of Centralia, consigned 18 head. Seven charolais steers averaged 726 lbs. and sold for an average price of $393. Amsey and Ervin Martin of Holyrood, consigned 33 head. Twelve black steers averaged 938 lbs. and sold for an average price of $336.50. Eldon W. Martin of Listowel, consigned 25 head. Eight limousin steers averaged 1,000 lbs. and sold for an average price of $319.
A-J Acres of New Liskeard, consigned 68 head. Thirteen charolais steers averaged 871 lbs. and sold an average price of $352.50. Thirteen charolais heifers averaged 869 lbs. and sold for an average price of $311.25. Solomon M. Weber of Holyrood, consigned 30 head. Eight charolais heifers averaged 929 lbs. and sold for an average price of $305.
BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd.
UPCOMING SALES TUESDAYS 10:00 a.m. Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows
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10:00 a.m. Stockers Visit our webpage at: www.brusselslivestock.ca email us at: info@brusselslivestock.ca
Call us 519-887-6461
PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024.
ACW adopts three-flag policy, won’t consider others By Scott Stephenson The Citizen
Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh (ACW) has finally adopted a formal community flag-raising policy that restricts the municipality from flying any flag other than the National flag of Canada, the Provincial flag of Ontario, and the Township flag. At its most recent meeting, council received a staff report from Clerk Florence Witherspoon outlining two possible options for council. The first would allow council to receive and entertain requests from community groups seeking a symbol of support from ACW, and the other would automatically deny all flag-flying requests from the community. The need for a formal flag-raising policy is a recent development in ACW that arose due to very vocal opposition to the flying of the Pride flag from a small group of community members that vehemently insist that ACW must stick to a “three-flag-only” policy. Councillor Jennifer Miltenberg
and Mayor Glen McNeil both spoke in favour of looking at each community flag-raising request, assessing each on the basis of its own individual merits, and voting on a request-by-request basis, but both Miltenberg and McNeil had a few recommendations for minor changes to the draft policy that they felt would add clarity to the policy. However, Deputy-Mayor Bill Vanstone had a different approach to the potential policy, choosing instead to advocate against showing support to marginalized community groups seeking support from their elected officials. “I’ve got nothing against any of the other flags, but there’s a whole lot of people that have had problems with us flying flags, and you know, so anyways, I’d like to see is - just go with the three flags. We’ve got the Union Jack, we’ve got the Canadian flag, we’ve got the Township flag, and, you know, we’ll fly them at half mast if somebody dies, and I think it respects everything that we want to respect. It also takes away a lot of staff time,” he explained. “I honestly just believe that if we go
with the three flags that we have there, it will be more than adequate for the community... simple is better. We’re looking after everything. It will be very good, and very simple.” Councillor Evan Hickey weighed in with his prepared remarks on the issue, saying, “Three flags represent all - I think they’re inclusive to everybody across the township. I don’t think Option 1 will fix any issues we’ve had in the past with flag-flying requests,” he explained. To date, the only community group to request the flying of a flag in ACW has been Huron County Pride. Hickey pointed out that, in the future, theoretical Pro-Life and Pro-Choice groups might both want to fly their hypothetical flags in ACW. “I’m Christian - come Easter time, if I ask for a flag for that, it’s an automatic ‘no’ because it’s religious. It was brought up about the Pride flag - PRIDE - Personal Rights, Defense, and Education. If you go back, the start of Pride was established in 1966 as a radical gay and political organization. It led
aggressive, unapologetic demonstrations. The group has evolved, as I understand, from the original, but we live in a world now where we look back, and we have to correct... the past does matter, and how do we support Pride, then?” Hickey concluded by pointing out that council and staff have better things to do than worry about things as trivial as flags. Councillor Curtis Blake, who appeared at the meeting virtually, also has some remarks for council. “It doesn’t matter whether you agree or disagree with the cause, or what the organization represents choosing a stance makes some people upset, and some people happy. And that can be very divisive. So, I think it’s extremely important for the township to stay out of the situation all together.” Miltenberg questioned Vanstone’s vagaries in regards to the various complaints he’s received about community group flag requests, of which there had only been one - the Pride flag. “I’m not sure who the problem people were, but there were people who didn’t have problems with it, and that muddies the water.” She also questioned Hickey’s impromptu history lesson. “It’s been very clear, for hundreds of years of democracies, that religion and state must be separate. In almost every democracy in the world... I’m a little taken aback that we’re going to reference how a movement started 70 years ago in response to discrimination. If you look at lots of things, and how they started, including civil rights, it was often violence in response to violence.” Councillor Anita Snobelen pointed out that policies should make things clear and simple. “I agree that we should have a policy on the flying of flags, and I fully support Option 1.” McNeil added that ACW and
Huron County are places of equality, diversity, and inclusion. “Everyone is welcome in Huron County. And everyone belongs in Huron County. There is no place for discrimination or prejudice against anyone. We are an open county. We have asked our staff to bring back a policy, which they have done. I think we need to be very openminded with this.” Vanstone added that he was very “out” in the local community, where he encounters many who are vocally against inclusive flag policies on a municipal level. “Why not just fly the three flags and be done with it?” he queried. Snobelen responded, saying “I’m sure the constituents that you talk to are very pleased that you give them an open ear, but I dare to say that most of us are out in the community, talking to people. Perhaps we’re talking to different people, and we hear different things.” Councillor Wayne Forster revealed that he has recently been receiving phone calls from constituents that have been taking the new “keep it simple” approach to the flag diversity opposition movement, but also pointed out that he didn’t care either way in terms of municipal flags. Despite his declared lack of investment in the contentious community issue, Forster’s tie-breaking vote was the one that formally brought an end to ACW’s long debate over the raising of flags in support of their community. McNeil made a final pitch for inclusion and respect in ACW, which fell on deaf ears. Vanstone then put forth a motion that council choose to only fly the alreadyapproved government flags, which was seconded by Hickey. McNeil, Snobelen and Miltenberg voted in favour of considering community flag raising requests, but were outvoted by Vanstone, Blake, Hickey and Forster.
Entertainment & Lo ocal Events
Flower girls
Yoour Com mmunity… Yoour Faamily… amily Yoour Intterests… Yoour H Home… Yoour World… o It’s All a Part P of Your o Local Neewspaper!
While much of the fun and spectacle of the Elementary School Fair is often outside of the Belgrave Community Centre, there is plenty to see inside the arena, as students have all opted to show off their skills to their families, classmates and neighbours. The flower classes, clearly, were well represented. (Scott Stephenson photo)
Lobb calls for medal nominees Do you know someone who deserves recognition for their exceptional contribution to Huron and Bruce Counties? In recognition of the coronation of King Charles III on May 6, 2023, a new Canadian commemorative medal has been created to honour outstanding citizens who have made a significant impact in their communities. Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb is seeking nominations for individuals of all ages and backgrounds who have made a difference in Huron-Bruce. “Our riding is fortunate to have many community-minded people who selflessly contribute their time, talents, and energy to improve the lives of others. This is our opportunity to ensure these efforts
are recognized,” Lobb said in a press release earlier this week. Nominations are open until Oct. 1, 2024, and can be submitted directly to Lobb’s constituency office. To be eligible, nominees must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, reside within Huron-Bruce, have made a significant contribution to the community, and have been alive on May 6, 2023, the date of the coronation. Nominations can also be made posthumously, provided the individual was alive on May 6, 2023. Please note that self-nominations are not permitted. Nominations must be supported by a nominator and can be submitted online at benlobb.com/coronation-medal or
in hard copy to Lobb’s constituency offices in Port Elgin or Goderich. Supporting letters should clearly describe the nominator’s direct knowledge of the nominee’s contributions to the community and explain why the nominee deserves this recognition. You may also include newspaper articles or other materials that highlight the nominee’s impact. Incomplete applications will not be accepted, and nomination packages will not be returned once submitted. “Let’s take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate the outstanding individuals who make Huron-Bruce a better place for all,” Lobb said. For more information, visit gg.ca.
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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024. PAGE 11.
Summer Sports 2024 Featuring players from across Northern Huron County
Special thanks to Picture Day Photography, Laxton Artistry by Jade and to all who submitted photos.
Belgrave T-Ball: Back row, from left: Coach Katie Cottrill, Parker Hewitt, Raelynn Cook,
Blyth U9:
Emerie Smith, Emerson Marks, Aaron Krempin, Macie Cook, Holden Elston, coach Anna Cook. Front row: Emerie Anderson, Myla Jenkins, Oliver Cottrill, Jack Marks, Lennon Schlosser, Cole Krempin. Absent: Karter Elston.
Back row, from left: Dawna Courtney, Brad Lapp, Addison Bosma, Kate White, Soryah Patterson, Naomi Rowe, Lexi Greidanus, Leisa Thompson, Chris Patterson. Front row: Lauren Courtney, Anna Lapp, Kyla McLeod, Elise Bean, Gracelyn Howson.
Congratulations to all the Teams! Congratulations Teams Dr L McCarthy • Dr S Doorn 9 Patrick Street West, Box 88, Wingham, ON N0G 2W0 Tel : 519-357-1282 • Fax: 519-357-4509 email: reception@winghamoptometry. com
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PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024.
Summer Sports 2024
Blyth U13:
Blyth U15:
Back row, from left: Darryl Shannon, Kelly Wharton, Aubrie Kerr, Laurelei Shortreed, Jordan Shannon, Brooke Mackenzie, Makynlee Collinson, Mackenzie Shannon, Ruth Feeney, Jenn Williamson. Front row: Summer Shannon, Lauren Wharton, Alexis Ansley, Kylie Ryan, Kyla Shannon, Emma Howson.
Back row, from left: Andrew Wharton, Nathan Shannon, Bo Wharton, Adrian Egli, Emmitt Shortreed, Dylan Lee, Damon Shannon, Josh Cowan, Jason Fleet. Front row: Will Nesbit, Carter Howson, Tysen Greidanus, Jaxon Bromley, Rodney Ansley. Absent: Coach Mike Kerr, player Justin Fleet.
Brussels T-Ball - Black:
Brussels T-Ball - Red:
Back row: Head coach Marsha Kellington. Middle row: Vaida LaRocque, Peyton Prior, Logan Cronin, Macklin Bernard. Front row: Lily Parkhouse, Grayson Garrow, Emmalee Riley, Watsynn Cochrane, Hadley Schlumpf, Elizabeth Kellington, Thomas Wakenell.
Back row, from left: Assistant coach Krissy Rammeloo, Charlotte Rammeloo, Maggie Lootsma, head coach Kate Aitchison. Front row: Laken Stephenson, Faye McMillan, James McMillan, Max Quennell, Easton Subject, Danika White, Liam Norlock.
Congrats to all the Teams Matt, Julie, Sawyer and Davis McCall PO Box 640, Brussels, ON N0G 1H0 519-357-7007 mattrmccall@hurontel.on.ca
Way to Go Teams! Howson & Howson Ltd. Flour Mill Blyth
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Congratulations to all minor ball teams for another great season Thank you to all the minor ball volunteers and all who helped us out this year at our tournament. We look forward to another great season in 2025.
THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024. PAGE 13.
Summer Sports 2024
Brussels U7- Black
Brussels U7- Red
Back row, from left: Head coach Taylor Juby, Cole Rammeloo, Kaleeka Shaw, assistant coach Krissy Rammeloo. Front row: Addison Juby-Graham, Luke Blake, Nate McDonald, Kentyn Zyta, Satnam Goy-Taras, Roman Enns, Derek Wakenell.
Back row, from left: Head coach Joel Kellington, assistant coach Melissa Burrell. Front row: Pearl Lee, Kendry Noble, Oliver Verschuere, Eric Kellington, Evelynn Riley, Andrew Burrell, Alexander White, Benjamin Verschuere.
Brussels U9 - Black
Brussels U9 - Red
Back row, from left: Assistant coach Amanda White, head coach Anna Wilson. Middle row: Hunter Rombouts, Sully Smith, Memphis McDonald. Front row: Jameson Leonard Brynlee Armstrong, Ellie Wilson, Connor White, Jacoby Noble, Tucker Wilson, Nash Rombouts.
Back row, from left: Assistant coach Krissy Rammeloo, head coach Erin Cronin, assistant coach Marsha Kellington. Middle row: Kaleb Den Hertog, Emmett Houston, Case Smith, Abbey Wakenell. Front row: Wes McDonald, Claire Rammeloo, Weston Lee, Emilia Kellington, Jack Lee, Reid Cronin, Liam Rushton.
Brussels Minor Ball
Congratulations to all the Teams on another successful season!
Brussels Minor Ball would like to extend a HUGE thank you to players, coaches, umpires, and volunteers for a great 2024 season. We look forward to another great season in 2025!
HURON FEEDING SYSTEMS Your local authorized dealer for... Way To Go Teams!
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PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024.
Summer Sports 2024
Brussels U11 Boys
Brussels U11 Girls
Back row, from left: Head coach Tim Strickert, assistant coach Kris DeWit. Middle row: Aiden Lefor, Canon Beuermann, Carter Kellington, Kohen Smith, Austin MacIntosh, West Bachert, Cooper DeWit. Front row: Layne Milinkovic, Brycen Reid, Parker Gingrich, Brayden Shortreed, Sawyer McCall, Callen Lefor, Luke Norlock, Colt Ripper, Jansen Strickert.
Back row: Head coach Danielle Campbell. Middle row: Landry McDonald, Adalyn Campbell, Natalie Terpstra, Lenyx Campbell, Katie Somers. Front row: Kaitlyn Burkholder, June Bromely, Olivia Cochrane, Avery Cochrane, Alexis White, Jael Guy, Macie Jeffray, Jordyn Laffin, Isla Fischer.
Brussels U13 Boys
Brussels U13 Girls
Back row: Head coach Jason Kellington, Ryker DeWit, Connor Kellington, Harlen Lootsma, Aiden Albers, Ty Somers, assistant coach Kris DeWit. Front row: Logan Burkholder, Foster Blake, Connor Shortreed, Luke Balon, James Norlock, Corny Enns, Mason Blake, Hayden Benedict, Subhan Goy-Taras.
Back row: Head coach Mark Olson, assistant coach Ty Campbell. Middle row: Kayleen Wright, Claire McCutcheon, Bronwyn Guy, Hailey Laing, Ava Rombouts, Mackenzie Gingrich. Front row: Adel Fischer, Dylyn Haggitt, Jesa Fischer, Kaylah Lassaline, Lauren Riegling, Katana Ripper, Claira Olson, Brielle Campbell, Candence Vandenbroek.
Kurtis Smith Excavating Inc. Congratulations to all the Teams!
For all your excavation needs including septic system installations and repairs
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BRUSSELS • 519-887-8855 • KURTIS CELL 519-496-1871
Congratulations Teams!
Brussels Legion Branch 218
Proud of all the Teams!
For service and quality you can trust. Brussels
519-887-6273 For service and quality that you can trust
Brussels Optimist Club Congratulations and best wishes to all the teams on another great season of summer sports!
THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024. PAGE 15.
Summer Sports 2024
Brussels U15 Girls
Londesboro Legends T-Ball:
Back row: Allyson Barbour, Morgan Golley, head coach Tim Strickert, assistant coach Christina Steplock, Brooke Laffin. Front row: Clarissa Strickert, Aubrey Anderson, Lyla Olson, Brook Beuermann, Amber Ryan, Melana McBurney, Leah Walker.
Back row, from left: Assistant coaches Joe Yundt and Sheree Yundt, Jettson Yundt, Josie Boyle, Everett Salverda, Oaklyn Dery, Sam McDowell, William Feeney, Liam Nonkes, coach Corey Boyle. Front: Maylynn Geddes, Loretta Geddes, Forrest Rowe, Olivia Bos, Rosa Grein, Weston Kolkman. Absent: Logan Huizenga.
Londesboro Legends U7 Purple:
Londesboro Legends U7 Yellow:
Back row, from left: Coaches Tori Hedge, Shalena Reid. Front row: Jace Potter, Robert Bromley, Finn McDowell, Callie Merner, Harper Wain, Clint Merner, Silas Hayes, Evey Reid, Lucy Mcdowell.
Back row, from left: Coach Shawna Nelemans. Middle row: Kinsley James, Deacon Grobbink, Jake Wigchers, Cayden Nelemans, Memphis Grobbink, Owen Dalton. Front row: Harvey Scrimgeour, Daxtyn James, Cole Nelemans Missing: Jazlyn Graham
Congratulations to all the Teams!
Another Great Season - Well Done Teams!
Christina Steplock, AMP VP Online Mortgage Solutions Mortgage Agent Level 2
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Residential & Commercial Dumpster Rental & Service
R.R. #1 41403 Londesboro Road, Londesboro Jim Anderson Cell 519-440-6007 Jason Fleet: Cell 519-525-9473
Congratulations Teams
PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024.
Summer Sports 2024
Londesboro Legends U9:
Londesboro Legends U11 Boys:
Back row, from left: Chet Merner, Bryce Salverda, Hunter Arnold, Brad Bannon, Bowey Nurse, Luke Dalton, Levi T., Genevieve Garrity. Front row: Assistant coach Will King, Colin King, Brandon Courtney, Georgie Garrity, Ireland Nurse and coach Ryan Nurse.
Back row, from left: Liam Kuntz, assistant coach Shawn Bromley, Felix Gulutzen, Murray Bromley, Kaleb Nurse, Asst. Coach Brett Bean, Alex Johnson, Casey Bolinger, Hudson Smith, Coach Amanda Anderson. Middle Row: Wes Bean, Benton Nurse, Declyn Thomson, Jake Salverda. Front Row: Jarrett Fleet.
Londesboro Legends U13 Girls:
Londesboro Legends U21:
Back row, from left: Assistant Coach Erin Dale, Briony Bosma, Abbey Haak, Norah Gulutzen, Macy Smith, Brynn Beauchamp, Rileigh Cox, and coach Amanda Haak. Front Row: Lucia Dale, Hailey Hanna, Kaylee Haak, Marie Bolen and Gavriella Garrity.
Back row, from left: Assistant Coach Jason Cook, coach Steve Stewart, Madison Reid, Natalie Stewart, Audrey Cook, Sydney Kootstra, Kate Reid, Maranda MacDonald, Assistant Coach Jana Ditner, assistant coach Jenn Elliott. Front row: Halley Truckle, Myra Caldwell, Alyssa Slotegraaf, Ally Riegling, Caleigh Ditner, Cassie Elliott.
Proud supporter of our Youth! Congratulations to all the Teams on another successful season!
Blyth Lions Club
Way to go Teams!
Clinton Chapel • Bluewater Chapel
519-482-9521 Christopher M. Smith Mark Rushton • Janet Freer
The tradition of service continues...
Branch 420 congratulates the teams on another successful season.
Blyth Walk-In Clinic
Great Work Teams! Thank you to our Coaches!
Falconer Funeral Homes
Blyth Legion
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Congratulations Teams!
THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024. PAGE 17
Summer Sports 2024
Brussels Minor Soccer - Kiddie Kickers U3 Red
Brussels Minor Soccer - Kiddie Kickers U3 White
Brussels Minor Soccer - Kiddie Kickers U4 Blue
Brussels Minor Soccer - Kiddie Kickers U4 Yellow
Congratulations to all the Teams!
Congratulations on another great season! HEATING • COOLING • ELECTRICAL • PLUMBING DUCT WORK • INDOOR AIR QUALITY REFRIGERATION • FIREPLACES
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Best Wishes to all the teams! • NEW CONSTRUCTION • AGRICULTURAL • RENOVATIONS • RESIDENTIAL 519-527-1538
Congratulations to all the teams on another great season "We've Got Your Lumber" Brussels 519-887-6277
PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024.
Summer Sports 2024
Brussels Minor Soccer - U6 Black
Brussels Minor Soccer - U6 Red
Brussels Minor Soccer - U6 Teal
Brussels Minor Soccer - U6 Yellow
Congratulations to all the Teams!
Congratulations to all the Teams!
Dr. Veronica Lee and Associates 218 Ontario St., Clinton
519-482-9392 Congratulations to all the Teams! Wishing all the Teams congratulations on another great season!
Brett & Laura Fischer Brussels ~ 519-887-8253 Office brettandlaura@plantpioneer.com
THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024. PAGE 19
Summer Sports 2024
Brussels Minor Soccer - U8 Black Travel:
Brussels Minor Soccer - U8 Burgundy:
Back row, from left: Coaches Adam Cochrane and Melissa Milinkovic. Middle row: Cole Rammeloo, Kai Milinkovic, Elliott Gingrich. Front row: Jackson Needham, Kai Zid, Luke Blake, Logan Cochrane, Iris Pipe, Alexander White, Avery Macleod.
Brussels Minor Soccer - U8 Teal:
Brussels Minor Soccer - U10 Travel: Back row, from left: Coaches Mary Lou Albers and Bella Buckley. Middle Row: Carter Albers, Korlee Campbell, Phineas Heinmiller, Clara Albers. Front Row: Austin Lipski, Abbey Wakenell, Aleksandra Lipski, Harmony Needham, Emmett Boyer, Clayton Cook, Lincoln Laffin.
Congratulations to all the Teams on another great season!
McBurney Funeral Home Ltd. Congratulations Teams on another great year! Wingham~519-357-3466 Listowel~519-291-4920 www.pandoraspantry.ca
Funeral Director: Dayna Deans
CANADIAN-INDEPENDENT
Serving the funeral service needs of North Huron since 1979. 35 Patrick Street West, Wingham 519-357-1170 www.mcburneyfuneralhome.com
PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024.
Classified Advertising – RATES – 20 words or less only $9.00 + HST Additional words 25¢ ea. + HST
DEADLINE 2 p.m. Tuesday Phone 519-523-4792 e-mail: info@northhuron.on.ca
Articles for sale Award-winning Mary Vair turned heads and impressed judges last weekend at the Lucknow Fall Fair with her quilt, above, that took home a first place prize in the hand-appliqued, hand-quilted section. (Courtesy photo)
Vair wins quilting gold at Lucknow fair PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188
Mary Vair entered a quilt, designed by her, in the Lucknow Fair, held September 13-14. The quilt title was “Home Sweet Home”. The centre section was pieced and appliqued. The first border out from the centre is made up of three inch log cabin squares (11 pieces in each). Maple leaves are appliqued. The outer border log cabin squares are two different thicknesses to create the swag effect. Mary was crowned the Grand Champion in the handappliqued, hand-quilted section. Congratulations Mary! On Sunday, Sept. 15, Knox United Church, Belgrave celebrated its 160th anniversary. The church was beautifully decorated to set the mood. A social time with coffee and refreshments was enjoyed before the service. Lisa Thompson, Member of Provincial Parliament for Huron Bruce, presented the church with a certificate and extended congratulations on the celebration of our 160th anniversary. Worship leader Rev. Colin Snyder welcomed the congregation on a gorgeous sunny day. Baptism followed with Roy and Hudson being baptized and marked with the sign of the cross. The parents were presented with a baptism candle to light at special times and to remind them of their baptism. It’s interesting to know that we had four generations baptized in our church over the years. These are Irene Lamont, Donalda Cottrill, Shawn Cottrill and Oliver and Hudson Cottrill. Rev. Colin Snyder gave a brief history of Knox United Church. The congregation was favoured with special music and singing by
Don and Mary Vair. Scripture readings were taken from Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 and Hebrews 10:23-25. Rev. Snyder’s reflection was entitled “A Cord of Three Strands”. Cards are resuming at the Belgrave Community Centre on Friday, Sept. 27 at 1 p.m. Come and enjoy a game of cards while meeting new friends and visiting with old friends. The cards will be held the second and fourth Friday of every month at 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome. The coffee break is on Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Community Centre. Come and enjoy coffee, snacks and fellowship. Everyone is welcome. Also on September 24 it is the Community Centre’s Annual General Meeting/Jim McGee Community Volunteer Award evening. It was excellent weather we had for the 102nd annual Elementary School Fair on Wednesday, Sept 11. It was well attended and it was good to see the many exhibits and displays in the arena. The showing of students’ pets and livestock and horses were enjoyed as well as the decorated bicycles and of course the parade of schools and the opening ceremonies. It was another great fair to remember.
NEWS FROM BELGRAVE
Farm Fresh Oven Ready Whole Chickens. Sizes 4 to 8 pounds. $4.00 lb. Auburn/Dungannon area. Call 519-529-7547. E-mail Kayladrennan43@gmail.com ------------------------------------------GERBERS FIREWOOD SERVING you for over 15 years. Your number one source of quality slabwood and bodywood. Delivery available. No Sunday calls. 519-274-1236, 519441-2085. ------------------------------------------1997 GMC Sierra C1500. Part way to solid axle swap. Dana 30 front axle, mount kit, and many more parts included. $2500, open to reasonable offers. 519-440-9633 ------------------------------------------Shade trees, Spruce, White Pine, Cedars, windbreaks and privacy hedges, Shrubs, Apples, Pears, Peaches, Plums, Sweet & sour Cherry Trees at (Emanuel E.M. Martin) Martin's Nursery 42661 Orangehill Rd, Wroxeter ON N0G 2X0 ------------------------------------------REPRINTS OF PHOTOS taken by Citizen photographers are available to purchase. All are in colour. 4x6 $5.00, 5x7 - $6.00, 8x10 - $10.00. Phone to order 519-523-4792 or email info@northhuron.on.ca ------------------------------------------THE CITIZEN IS AVAILABLE TO purchase at these locations - Auburn Esso, Belgrave Variety, Blyth Food Market, Blyth Variety, Blyth Ultramar, Brussels Foodland, Brussels Variety, Clinton Convenience, Clinton Foodland, Fogal's YIG (Wingham), Seaforth Foodland, Fincher's (Goderich), Goderich Victoria St Shell, Goderich Petro-Canada Gas Bar, and The Citizen office in Blyth. ------------------------------------------POLY OUTDOOR FURNITURE up to $100 off retail price. Further quantity discounts available. Located 2 blocks north of Whitechurch at 382 Whitechurch St.
Coming events Personals Blyth Affirm Bible Study Wednesday, September 25th at 7:00 pm at Blyth United Church. Open to all who want to find out more about what the Bible has to say regarding inclusion, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Come and take part in the Affirm process. ------------------------------------------Clinton Public Hospital Auxiliary Toonie “Penny Sale” September 20 28 at Royal Canadian Legion, 95 Kirk St., Clinton. Hours 10 am - 6 pm. Friday 27th hours 10 am - 8 pm. ------------------------------------------TAKE-OUT HOMECOOKED MEAL!!! Turkey and stuffing, mashed potatoes, peas and carrots, roll $19.50. Fri, Oct. 4, 11 to 1 pm and 4:30 to 7 pm. Pie, Tarts, Ice cream 11 am to 7 pm RSVP 226971-2395. Maitside Orchards, 23 Orchard Lane, Brussels. EVERYONE WELCOME!! ------------------------------------------Red Plaid Productions Presents Canada's Celtic Rock Warriors Mudmen in Concert, Memorial Hall, Blyth, Ontario. Friday, November 1, 2024. Tix $35.00 All Ages. www.blythmemorialcommunityhall. com 519-523-9300, Doors 7 pm, Show 8pm. Ex-NHL great Glenn Healy says you won't to miss this show.www.mudmen.ca -------------------------------------------
Are you pregnant and unsure about your future? Contact Ramoth House. We can help you discover your parenting potential. You can get more information about our services on our website www.ramoth.ca or by phone 519-323-3751 or email: office@ramoth.ca -------------------------------------------
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Notices Seaforth Optimist Club Monthly Cash Draw winners SEPTEMBER 2024 WINNERS Paul & Cathy Hulley ..............$1,300 Tabitha Arts................................$100 Ashley Janmaat ........................$100
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Card of thanks ARMSTRONG - Brian & Elaine would like to sincerely thank everyone who dropped in to our party for a visit. We were truly overwhelmed! Thank for your generous gifts to the Foodshare, the beautiful cards and messages, and treats for us, too. We have appreciated hearing from those who were unable to attend as well. Thanks also to our family for helping with all the preparations. The celebration ended up being everything we hoped it would be and more! Thank you to all for making our 50th so memorable! ------------------------------------------McCUTCHEON - Thank you very much for the greetings, cards, gifts and visits for my 90th birthday celebration. It was great to see everyone, even if it was a quick visit. Clarence McCutcheon.
Notice Brussels Cemetery The Municipality of Huron East has submitted a by-law to the Registrar of the Funeral, Burial, and Cremation Services Act, 2002. Any interested parties may contact Lissa Berard at Tel: 519-527-0160 ext. 35, or csd@huroneast.com for information, or to make copies. The By-law may be reviewed or copied at Huron East Town Hall, 72 Main Street, South, Seaforth, ON The by-law is subject to the approval of the Registrar, Funeral, Burial, and Cremation Services Act, 2002. Telephone: Bereavement Authority of Ontario 647-483-2645 or 1-844-493-6356
All word ads in The Citizen classifieds are put on our webpage at www.huroncitizen.ca
THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024. PAGE 21.
Classified Advertising Tenders
Tenders
Tenders
Swap shop Citizen-To-Citizen “SWAP SHOP” ad Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca
FORM 6 SALE OF LAND BY PUBLIC TENDER Municipal Act, 2001 Ontario Regulation 181/03, Municipal Tax Sale Rules
SALE OF LAND BY PUBLIC TENDER THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HURON Take Notice that tenders are invited for the purchase of the land described below and will be received until 3:00 p.m. local time on October 31, 2024, at the Township of North Huron Municipal Office, 274 Josephine Street, Wingham Ontario. The tenders will then be opened in public on the same day as soon as possible after 3:00 p.m. at the Township of North Huron Municipal Office, 274 Josephine Street, Wingham. Description of Land: Roll No. 40 50 510 004 00600 0000; 99 DAVID ST., WINGHAM; PIN 41063-0014 (LT); PT PK LT 10 E/S JOSEPHINE ST PL 414 WINGHAM AS IN R293550; WINGHAM; TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HURON; File No. 23-12 According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $277,000 Minimum tender amount: $51,985.55 Tenders must be submitted in the prescribed form and must be accompanied by a deposit of at least 20 per cent of the tender amount, which deposit shall be made by way of a certified cheque/bank draft/ money order payable to the municipality. Except as follows, the municipality makes no representation regarding the title to, any environmental contamination concerns or any other matters relating to the land to be sold. Responsibility for ascertaining these matters rests with the potential purchasers. The assessed value, according to the last returned assessment roll, may or may not be representative of the current market value of the property. Pursuant to the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act, S.C. 2022, c. 10, s. 235 (the “Act”), effective January 1, 2023, it is prohibited for a non-Canadian to purchase, directly or indirectly, any residential property, as those terms are defined in the legislation. Contraventions of the Act are punishable by a fine, and offending purchasers may be ordered to sell the residential property. The municipality assumes no responsibility whatsoever for ensuring bidders/tenderers comply with the Act, and makes no representations regarding same. Prospective bidders/tenderers are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with the Act and are advised to seek legal advice before participating in this sale. Transfers of properties that contain at least one and not more than six single family residences and are transferred to non-residents of Canada or foreign entities, are subject to the Province’s Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST). This sale is governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Tax Sales Rules made under that Act. The successful purchaser will be required to pay the amount tendered plus accumulated taxes and any taxes that may be applicable, such as a land transfer tax and HST.
• Free ad up to 25 words, person to person only (no businesses), items valued at $1,000 or less. Price must be included in your ad.Your ad will run three times unless it sells faster! • The Citizen reserves the right to limit the number of items or ads per person. FOR SALE - Ecoped Scooter, new batteries, sold as is. $300 or best offer. 519357-9898. 38-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Sunbeam humidifier $25; unique computer cabinet, $100; Moen shower head (new in box) $25; Armoire $50; 4 shrub covers $25; barely used Brute snowblower $1,000. Pictures available. 519-357-2768. 38-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Sears Craftsman YT 3000 riding lawnmower, used ver little, $700; engine stand, capacity 1,000 lbs. $25. 519-887-9615. 38-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Seasoned hardwood, approx. 12 cord, you pick up. 519-3576258. 38-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Farm King grain auger 7”, $950.; six bolt Martin wagon gear, $700. 519-395-4211 38-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR SALE - 42” ceiling fan with lights, in original box, never used. Asking $100 or best offer. 519-887-6267 38-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Queen size bed, complete, $60 or best offer; harvest table and six chairs, $60; vintage slipper chair, $30; buffet and hutch, $50. 519-482-7262. 37-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Ski-doo TNT 440 Snowmobile, needs some care, $600 or best offer. Brussels 519-887-6488. 37-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Digital backup camera wireless, never used, $20. 519-523-9671. 37-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR SALE - China cabinet, $20; cradle, $30; round oak table, $30; two-drawer chest, $10. Blyth 519-525-9377. 37-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR SALE - John Deere JS 48” selfpropelled push mower, $200. 519-3576338. 37-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Beaver vintage 8” table saw. Model 2200 made in Guelph, ON, Mobile base, fence, mitre gauge and 18 ft. cord. Great condition $325. Text 519-887-9577. 37-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Craftsman 20” self-propelled lawn mower. Starts easy and works good. $60. Brussels 519-887-8141. 36-3
The municipality has no obligation to provide vacant possession to the successful purchaser. A copy of the prescribed form of tender is available on the website of the Government of Ontario Central Forms Repository under the listing for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. For further information regarding this sale and a copy of the prescribed form of tender, visit: www.OntarioTaxSales.ca or if no internet access available, contact: Chris Townes Director of Finance/Treasurer The Corporation of the Township of North Huron P.O. Box 90 274 Josephine Street Wingham ON N0G 2W0 519-357-3550 Ext. 127 ctownes@northhuron.ca www.northhuron.ca
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OPP uses IGG to identify deceased Police have identified the male found on the Lake Huron shoreline eight years ago using investigative genetic genealogy (IGG). On Oct. 15, 2016, male human remains were discovered on the Lake Huron shoreline located north of Port Albert. The adult male was wearing a life jacket. As a result, members of the Huron County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) began an investigation under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB). According to the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OFPS), the cause of death was undetermined. However, foul play was not suspected in his death. Investigators suspected that a man who was previously interviewed by SooToday on Sept. 15, 2016, under the assumed name of Mitchell Nelson, could be the male discovered deceased a month later. The OPP requested public assistance for information through media relations and social media. CIB detectives submitted the male’s DNA for IGG in January of 2023 to determine the male’s identity. The Toronto Police Service (TPS) provided genealogy support and on July 15, 2024, a family member’s DNA was used to confirm that the male was Garnet Michael Nelson of Alberta. He was 56 years old at the time of his death and investigators have confirmed that he is the same man who was interviewed by the news outlet in September of 2016. The investigation was assisted by Huron County OPP Crime Unit, OPP Forensic Identification Services, Victim Services, TPS, the Office of the Chief Coroner (OCC) and OFPS. FATAL COLLISION A fatal collision involving a sport utility vehicle (SUV) and a mobility scooter has claimed the life of an elderly Goderich resident. Just after 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, members of the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Huron County Paramedic Services, and Goderich Fire Department responded to the intersection of Blake Street East and Gibbons Street in Goderich after receiving a 911 call about a collision. Upon arrival, emergency services discovered that the operator of an electric mobility scooter was seriously injured. The scooter operator was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where they were later pronounced deceased. Members from the West Region OPP Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement (TIME) Team attended the scene to assist with the collision investigation. Sections of Blake Street and Gibbons Street were closed for investigation for several hours. The investigation is ongoing, and the cause of the collision is being investigated. The deceased is a 91-year-old resident of Goderich. Any person with information should contact Huron County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
PAGE 22. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024.
Fun tournament ends local slo-pitch season Excited grandparents are Brian and Shelley McGavin and you know Neil and Marie McGavin are thrilled to have another greatgrandchild. Our get-well wishes go to Dawn White, as she has suffered a fall and a broken hip. She is a patient in the Wingham and District Hospital at this time. Celebrating birthdays this past week includes Kevin Dunbar, Rosanna Grobbink, Foster Blake, Mason Blake, Robert Glanville, Darryl Morrison, Manny Taylor, Randy Zwep, Adam Baan, Van Kirkby, Steve Wharton, Rachel Bernard, Brooke Leslie Ribey, Indre McCall MacBain, Matthew Ryan, Emma Strome, Ben Driscoll and Eli Csoff. Happy birthday to all and we hope that you all enjoy your special days.
Twisted The Twisted Sisters ladies slo-pitch team in the Brussels and Walton league dressed up as sychronized swimmers for the league’s year-end tournament over the weekend, which has always encouraged teams to play in costume. A fun time was had by all 13 teams that participated in the charitable tournament. (Courtesy photo)
PEOPLE AROUND WALTON By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570 The rush is on with the harvest. Some farmers are taking off white beans, while others are working on soybeans. Silage is being cut, some
are cutting more hay and others spreading manure before planting wheat. There are always lots of jobs to be done this time of year. Paul Humphries, our “Good Samaritan” was at it again, cleaning up the flower beds at the Walton Hall. Thanks Paul! It was the year-end tournament for the Brussels/Walton Ladies SloPitch League and folks would have seen some strange-looking women walking to and from the ballparks over the course of the day on Saturday. Some of the costumes we did see were Trophy Toppers (along
with their Security Guards), Hawaiian, Guess Who, Hippies, Wedding Party, Ace Ventura, Rick Vaughn (the Wild Thing from movie Major League), the “Dads”, Mr. Clean and more. It was a great day and the “A” winner was the RBI team, the “B” winner was the Chicksters and the “C” winner was the Cosmos. It was a good year and I hope everyone is back next year. Congratulations to Jeff and Abby (McGavin) Gordon on the birth of a second son named Jax. He will be welcomed home by big brother Bo.
Obituaries grandfather of Natalie, Tyler, Leah, Emma and Eleanor. Bob was the brother-in-law of Audrey McKague of Kitchener. Bob was predeceased by his parents, John and Jessie (Currie) McKague; son, Gary; sister Jean Leitch and her husband Ken, and by his brother Ken McKague. Visitation was held at McBurney Funeral Home, Wingham, on Tuesday, Sept. 17, where the funeral service was held on Wednesday, Sept. 18. Interment will be at Wingham Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial
Wingham Memorials BOB MCKAGUE At Huronlea Home for the Aged, Brussels, on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, Mr. Robert John McKague of Wingham, passed away at the age of 95 years. The beloved husband of the late Helen (Walters) McKague, Bob was the dear father of Ron and Nancy McKague of Walkerton, and Murray and Shirley McKague of Wingham. He was the loving grandfather of Ruth Anne and Steve Stewart, Matt and Stephanie McKague, Courtney and David Bognar, Olivia McKague and fiancé Devon Christiensen and Jason and Jessica McKague and the great-
Distinctive memorials of lasting satisfaction produced by us to your specifications.
Owned and operated by Mac and Donna Andersoon
519-357-1910 E-mail: andgranite@bellnet.ca After hours appointments availab ble 89 North Street W., Wingham www.winghammemorials.com
donations to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Wingham or the Wingham and District Hospital would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy. Online condolences at www.mcburneyfuneralhome.com
NEWS FROM WALTON
Barbecues pitched by Huron East By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Members of Huron East Council will be donning aprons and wielding tongs later this month in an effort to better welcome and familiarize themselves with new staff members by way of a barbecue, hosted by council. At council’s Sept. 3 meeting, Chief Administrative Officer Brad McRoberts presented a report that noted a large number of staff turnovers at the municipality, largely due to retirements and succession planning efforts that have resulted in an influx of new staff members.
He suggested having staff members attend a council meeting, but then noted that the formality of the meeting and the business of the meeting may not lend itself to being the greatest forum for staff to get to know councillors. He did suggest, however, a more social activity, like a bi-annual barbecue, hosted by council, in which councillors and staff members could get to know one another and mingle in a more relaxed setting. McRoberts suggested that they be held in the spring and the fall. Council approved the new events, with McRoberts suggesting that it Continued on page 28
Remembering your loved one Honour your loved one by placing their obituary in
The Citizen. This is a free service provided by The Citizen. We encourage you to share the story of your loved one in a special remembrance of their life. Cards of thanks can be placed in our classified section, starting at just $ .00.
THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024. PAGE 23.
From the Minister’s Study
God is not asking for perfect people says Hovius By Jason Hovius, Brussels Community Bible Chapel When you and I say things, we often misspeak or say something that could be interpreted in unintended ways. This can cause some amusing or perhaps even inflammatory misunderstandings. All this aside from the fact that we can, and often do, outright lie with intent to mislead or deceive. The Bible says a lot about the importance of our words and the danger of an unbridled tongue. The one true God isn’t like man; He is holy, and His words are communicated to us in His infallible, inerrant Scriptures. He doesn’t say things by accident. The omniscient God has delivered each and every word and phrase purposefully, with their full meaning intact. This is true of both the Old and the New Testament, which wonderfully stand together in harmony as the revelation of God’s character and plan to mankind. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law
until everything is accomplished.” (Matthew 5:18) One day, some members of the sect of the Sadducees came to Jesus with a question concerning the resurrection. The Sadducees didn’t believe in the resurrection of the body, yet they used a strange scenario, possibly hypothetical, as part of their question in an attempt to show the absurdity of the idea of a resurrection. You can read the story in Matthew 22:23-33. Jesus, in his infinite wisdom, had a perfectly scriptural answer to their question, and then went above and beyond to prove that there is indeed a resurrection of the physically dead. He did this with a quote found in Exodus, one of the books of Moses in the Old Testament. Here, God had said to Moses from the burning bush, “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Now, the Sadducees and probably the entire crowd within earshot that day knew that verse and its context by memory. How many teachers and students alike had glossed over those words, “I am the God of Abraham, etc.” without a second
thought? They all knew that Yahweh spoke to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and that these three patriarchs of Israel had served this Yahweh to the exclusion of other gods, unlike the peoples and nations among whom they lived. But with just a short sentence of explanation, Jesus brought that verse to a new light when he added, “He is not the God of the dead but of the living.” (Matthew 22:32). Jesus was drawing attention to the part of the phrase that we easily miss: “I am…” God did not say to Moses, “I was the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, back when they were still around four hundred years ago….” If that’s what God meant, that’s what He would have said. However, he was making an important point, He still IS the God of these men. Those who heard Jesus’ quick rebuttal were astonished at his teaching. (Matthew 22:33) I don’t know if any of the Sadducees changed their minds about judgment and the afterlife as a result of Jesus explaining the Scriptures to them. I’m sure it would have been a convincing
NH childcare criteria changed By Scott Stephenson The Citizen
At the Sept. 16 meeting, North Huron Council approved a change to the township’s childcare waitlist priority criteria, aimed at addressing growing childcare demands and staffing challenges. The revised criteria, proposed by Trisha McLean, Manager of Children’s Programs, will give fulltime childcare staff in North Huron top priority when allocating available spaces, ensuring that the township’s childcare services can maintain adequate staffing levels. The decision was met with varied reactions from council members. Deputy-Reeve Kevin Falconer expressed disapproval of prioritizing daycare staff over other North Huron employees, arguing that it might unfairly disadvantage other staff members. “I find all of our staff equally important to have childcare,” he remarked. In contrast, Councillor Chris Palmer supported the change, stating, “I’m all in favour of childcare staff having a priority. Absolutely.” He expressed concern about extending priority to other North Huron staff, citing potential
Evangelical Missionary Church
Sunday, September 22, 10:30 a.m.
public-perception issues. Palmer also took issue with the exclusion of “working parents” from the criteria. Director of Recreation and Children’s Services Kelly Steiss emphasized that the intent of the new priority system is to address
the long waitlist for childcare spaces, not favouritism. “All staff, in all positions, within the township, but also all of those people who reside in North Huron, are valued,” Steiss said. Council received the report and implemented the revised criteria.
BRUSSELS S
U United Chu ur urch Sundayy,, September 22 Sunday, att 11:00 a.m. a Wo orship Service All are welcome, come be part of our Faith Com mmunity October 6,, lunch after worship and “story telling” with the Afffirm team. Contact Alex at ministter.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.co y @g om Website: brusselsandblythuc.ca brusselsandblythuc b ca P.O. Box 359, Brussels ~ 519-887-6259 P.
moment for them. A simple phrase that they had probably quoted a hundred times clearly contradicted their worldview. I daresay there are many Scriptures that Jesus could have used, but this one hit the bullseye with his audience. Knowing what God says about judgment and the resurrection has incredible import for every soul on earth today. Many scoff at the idea, while others ignore the possibility, but God plainly tells people the truth about it. He doesn’t promise judgment because He delights in it (see Ezekiel 33:11), but because He must be true to his just character. He is also so loving that He warns people and offers a way to have peace with God through faith. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob all believed God. That doesn’t mean they were perfect. Far from it. All three of them had incredible failures at times. But they believed what God had told them. Many Bible verses in both Testaments tell us that they were justified (declared righteous) before God on the basis of this faith in God. As a result, the
God that they served while they walked this earth was still their God when Jesus spoke to the Sadducees. The same God is still their God today, because they are living! A dear friend named Owen from Brussels Community Bible Chapel passed away a few months ago. Many would have called him a good man, and he was, but Owen would have been the first to tell you that he stood in need of God’s mercy every day. He delighted in the fact that He was a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ. The Lord was Owen’s God, and that didn’t change when he died. God is still Owen’s God, even now. Dear reader, it can be the same for you! God is not asking for perfect people; He wants people who humble themselves before His Word and believe what He tells them through it. He is patient and gracious, but some day every soul will face judgment day and the awful question: “How did you respond to the message of the cross of Christ?”
The Anglican Churches of Blyth, Seaforth and Wingham Welcome You to Sunday Service! Trinity: 9:00 a.m. Parish of the Holy Spirit: 9:30 a.m. St. Paul’s-Trinity: 11:00 a.m. 66 Dinsley St. W, Blyth
21 Jarvis St. Seaforth 519-527-1522
revjoann@hurontel.on.ca
holyspirit@tcc.on.ca
stpauls@hurontel.on.ca
www.holyspiritseaforth.ca
www.regionalministryof hope.com
The Regional Ministry of Hope
23 John St E Wingham 519-357-4883
Service Livestreamed Sundays at 11 a.m. on our facebook page
The Regional Ministry of
Worrship with us at Brruss M Brussels Mennonite Fellowship p Service at 10:00 a.m. Worship W Co ee Time at 11:00 a.m. ool for all ages at 11:15 a.m. ay Scho S Sunda All A Are Welcome Interim Pastor s Elwin Elwiin Garland 250 Princess St., Brussels • 519 887 6388
Praise God Pr for th the harvest!
MEL LV VILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS
Sunday, September 22, 2024 9:30 a.m. (Please note time change) We extend a loving welcome to all to join us as Doug Sargent leads us in worship, prayer and praise to God. Following the service, there will be refreshments and a chance to visit. Soup & More 2 Join us every Friday from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. for lunch. This free meal is made possible by the Brussels churches and many volunteers working together to serve our community. c All are welcome! For pastoral care concerns please call 519-524-7512 2
Sunday, September 22 at 10 a.m. BMG Community Centre (upstairs room) 800 Sports Drive, Brussels Childcare and Sunday School provided for children 0 to 8 during the sermon
Worship and Prayer Time Loving Fellowship Expository Preaching
brusselscommunitybiblechapel.ca
Pastor Mike Stanley preaching on Neh.12:27-47 "Dedication to the Lord"
Blyth United Church Sunday, September 22
Nursery & Sunday School during worship
On-site and online - live.huronchapel.com To talk to Pastor Mike please email pastormike@huronchapel.com
119 John’s Ave., Auburn 519-526-1131
Join us Sun nday y,, September 22 2
at 9:30 a.m.
Beth Fellinger will be leading us in the e 10:00 am service. There will be no evening service.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11
Services S ervices a are re llive-streamed ive-streamed a and nd c can an b be e ffo found ound b by ys searching earching ““Blyth “B Blly yth C Christian hristian R Reformed effo orrm med C Church” hurrc ch”
Outreach project for North Huron Food Share. (Especially lunch box items).
BLYT TH CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH
Join us Wednesday mornings for conversation in the garden starting at 10 am Contact Alex at: minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com Facebook: Blyth and Brussels United Churches blythunited@tcc.on.ca ~ 519-523-4224
Hwy. 4, Blyth 519-523-4743 www.blythcrc.ca
PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024.
Sports Stingers end Tigers’ six-year championship run
On to the next season After dominating the regular season, the Belmore Stingers won the Huron County Fastball League’s yearend championship tournament over the weekend in Mitchell. Above, the Brussels Bangers and Elmira U20 Expos tangle in a late-season contest in Brussels. (John Stephenson photo)
Fullarton A’s by a score of 8-6. The next day, the second-ranked Wingham Hitmen, thanks to a firstround bye, played their first game of the tournament, beating the Milverton Millwrights by a score of 5-3. The third-ranked Sebringville Sting also benefitted from a firstround bye and beat the Goderich Grizzlies by a 7-0 score Saturday morning. Eventual tournament winners the Belmore Stingers squeaked past the Elmira U20 Expos after their firstround bye, as the top-ranked team entering the tournament, beating the Expos by a score of 5-4. In the one-loss bracket, the Fullarton A’s would end the Wroxeter Rippers’ tournament on Saturday afternoon, while, in the undefeated bracket, the Brussels Tigers beat the Monkton Muskrats, though scores for those games were unavailable. Again in the one-loss bracket, the Mitchell Mets stayed alive with a 30 victory over the Elmira U20 Expos and the Brussels Bangers beat the Milverton Millwrights and the Goderich Grizzlies fell to the Fullarton A’s, though scores for those games were unavailable. The Walton Brewers shutout the Monkton Muskrats by a score of 90, sending them home. Then, action continued in the undefeated bracket, with the Sebringville Sting punching their ticket to the next round with a 3-1 win over the Wingham Hitmen, while the Brussels Tigers fell to the
Belmore Stingers by a score of 2-0, setting up a semi-final contest between the Sting and the Stingers that would go Belmore’s way, propelling them to the championship game and awaiting an opponent. As action in the one-loss bracket continued, the Mitchell Mets sent the Walton Brewers packing by a score of 7-2. This is the third year in a row that the Mets have eliminated the Brewers in the league’s yearend tournament. On Sunday morning, in the oneloss bracket, the Tigers beat the Bangers in the “Battle of Brussels”, while the Mitchell Mets beat the Wingham Hitmen to move on, though scores for those games were unavailable. Then, the Mitchell Mets beat the Brussels Tigers in the one-loss bracket by a score of 3-1, meaning there would be a new league champion for the first time in years. In the final one-loss bracket game of the tournament, the Mitchell Mets beat the Sebringville Sting by
a score of 9-4 with the home team earning its spot in the championship game with the awaiting Belmore Stingers. Then, the Stingers did not need two games to win the championship, defeating the Mitchell Mets by a score of 6-5 in the final game and earning the title of Huron County Fastball League champions. This is the first time that the Stingers have won the title since 2012 when they beat the Walton Brewers in the final to win the championship. Before that, it was exactly 20 years earlier that the then-Belmore Junior Stingers won Huron County Fastball League gold in 2004. And while the Stingers have now won the title for their third time since the late 1980s, they had made it to the finals several times recently, but had always been dispatched by the juggernaut Brussels Tigers, who beat them in the truncated season of 2021 and in 2019 as well.
By Shawn Loughlin
39th Annual Citizen of the Year Award Nominations Open
The Citizen For the first time in seven years, the Huron County Fastball League champions are not the hometown Brussels Tigers. The Belmore Stingers claimed victory in Mitchell over the weekend, capping off a tremendous year in which the team lost just one game over the course of its 20-game season. The Mitchell Mets hosted the league’s annual year-end tournament, with the action going down at Keterson Park, beginning on Friday night and wrapping up on Sunday afternoon. The Stingers did not waltz their way to the title. They faced a hardfought battle with the host Mitchell Mets in the final, that ended with a 6-5 win for the Stingers to claim the title. This came after the Mets lost their opening game, the first game of the tournament, to the Milverton Millwrights on Friday night by a score of 9-8. After that loss, the Mets would win every game that was put in front of them until the finals, losing a heartbreaker to the Stingers. Also on the opening night of the tournament, the sixth-ranked Goderich Grizzlies beat the 11thranked Walton Brewers by a score of 5-4 and the Elmira U20 Expos, ranked eighth, beat the ninthranked Brussels Bangers by a score of 4-0 in the first trio of Friday night games alongside the Millwrights’ 9-8 win over the Mets. The second pair of games that night saw the fourth-ranked Monkton Muskrats beat the 13thranked Wroxeter Rippers by a score of 10-3 and the Brussels Tigers, ranked fifth, beat the 12th-ranked
Last Call Pictured from left, Joe Gahan and Megan Lee-Gahan being presented their 2023 Citizen of the Year award by North Huron Publishing editor Shawn Loughlin.
There are so many people out there who do so much to improve their community. This is your opportunity to show your appreciation for all they do.
Each year a committee chooses an outstanding citizen from each of the Blyth and area and Brussels and area communities and wider Huron County area to receive an award for contribution to the community. If you know someone you think should be honoured, please fill in the form and send it in. You may attach a longer explanation of why you think your nominee should win, if you like. If you have nominated someone before and they didn't win, we encourage you to submit again. Emailed submissions can be sent to Shawn Loughlin at editor@northhuron.on.ca I nominate ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ as Citizen of the year for
q
Blyth & area
q
Brussels & area
q
Huron County
I feel she/he deserves this award because ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Nomination Deadline September 27, 2024. Name and phone number of nominator Fax: 519-523-9140 Box 429, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0
THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024. PAGE 25.
Sports
Wingham Ironmen open season with two wins On the power play again, Aidan Yarde scored for the Bulldogs at 16:39, assisted by Jordan Moulton, but the Ironmen put the game away with an empty-net goal scored by Noah Wettlaufer at 19:16, assisted by Tanner Dietz and Tayt Bramhill. Kaleb Meyer stopped 30 of 32 Bulldogs’ shots in the net for the Ironmen, earning the team the win, while Ryan Tanner was handed the loss for the Bulldogs, stopping 40 of the 43 shots he faced. Kincardine played a very clean game, with members only spending four minutes in the penalty box on two calls, while the Ironmen were called four times, spending 16 minutes in the penalty box. The two wins leave the Ironmen tied for first place in the North Pollock Division of the Provincial Junior Hockey League, shared with the Mount Forest Patriots and
Reunited and it feels so good The Provincial Junior Hockey League season kicked off over the weekend for another winter, with the Wingham Ironmen welcoming the Walkerton Capitals to the North Huron Wescast Community Complex. It went well for the Ironmen, despite a bit of rough stuff, with a 6-2 win for the Ironmen. They would win again the next night, on the road, over the Kincardine Bulldogs by a score of 4-2. (John Stephenson photos)
Hanover Barons who both have identical records after the first weekend of the regular season. The Fergus Whalers are alone in fourth place with a 1-1 record, followed by the Goderich Flyers and Mitchell Hawks, who are tied for fifth place with a record of 0-1 and then the Walkerton Capitals and Kincardine Bulldogs, who are tied for seventh place in the division after losing their first two games. Looking ahead, the Ironmen are on the road this weekend, first playing the Mitchell Hawks on Saturday night and then the Walkerton Capitals in a 2:30 p.m. matinee on Sunday. They are then back at home on Friday, Sept. 27, welcoming the Goderich Flyers to Wingham, before heading back on the road on Saturday, Sept. 28 to play the Patriots in Mount Forest.
Pickleball groups seeks HE support By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron East Council has expressed its support for the refurbishment and expansion of the Brussels pickleball courts, but has yet to commit any dollars to the project. Frank Stretton, a former Huron East Councillor and the current representative of the local pickleball group, spoke to council at its Sept. 3 meeting to lay out the group’s plan and ask for the municipality’s support.
Stretton told council that the group plans to resurface the courts, install a cement pad and sidewalks outside of the courts, build a pavilion and provide benches for both players and spectators. He added that the group also hopes to extend the existing sidewalk to the courts and that, for the resurfacing, use a new synthetic substance that will make the courts easier on players and more durable than straight cement. He also noted that the group had hoped to apply for the “New Continued on page 27
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SUDOKU By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen After all the pomp and circumstance that surrounded their 50th anniversary season over the winter of 2023/2024, the Wingham Ironmen are back on the ice and are 2-0 after their first two regular season games. The Ironmen opened the season at home last Friday night, welcoming the Walkerton Capitals to the North Huron Wescast Community Complex and sent them away on the wrong end of a 6-2 score. The Capitals opened the scoring with a goal scored by Aiden Stanley, assisted by Nathan Doran on the power play, at 17:50 of the first period. The Ironmen, however, opened the second period with three straight goals and not look back. First, Noah Bloemberg scored, assisted by Brandon Bishop and Austin Becker, at 2:20 of the second, followed by a Micah Kraayenbrink goal at 10:28 of the
second, assisted by Nate Bloemberg and Tanner Dietz and an 18:51 goal by Dawson Dietz, assisted by Logan Burnham and Nate Fritz. Owen Troyer would get one back for the Capitals at 19:24 of the second period, assisted by Andres Alves on the power play, but it wouldn’t be enough. In the third period, Micah Kraayenbrink scored his second goal of the game at 4:39, assisted by Nate Bloemberg and Tanner Dietz, followed by two power play goals by Noah Bloemberg to give him a hat trick to open the season - first at 7:06, assisted by Tyson Fischer, and then again at 8:41, assisted by Micah Kraayenbrink and Logan Burnham. In the nets, Talen Hope stopped 27 of the 33 shots he faced for Walkerton in a losing effort, while Noah Ricci stopped 16 of 18 shots to earn the win for the Ironmen. As far as the penalty box was concerned, Ironmen players spent 14 minutes in the box due to seven
infractions, while the Capitals were called six times for 12 penalty minutes. The next night, the Ironmen were in Kincardine to play the Bulldogs and returned to Wingham with a 42 win in their pockets. After no scoring in the first period, it was all Ironmen in the second, with Tyson Fischer opening the scoring with a power play goal at 2:39, assisted by Austin Becker and Brandon Bishop. Tanner Dietz scored the team’s second goal at 11:56 of the second period, successfully converting a penalty shot. The teams then exchanged goals in the third period, leaving the Ironmen in a winning position when the final horn sounded. Kincardine’s Carter Servais scored just 53 seconds into the third period, on the power play and assisted by Jordan Moulton and Caeleb Bowler, followed by an unassisted Ironmen goal by Adam MacRobbie at 13:52.
Fun By The Numbers Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mindbending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test! Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
PAGE 26. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024.
Stevensons look back, plan ahead for gallery
Telling a story Above, Blyth Festival General Manager Rachael King, left, and Blyth Festival Art Gallery Exhibition Committee Chair Kelly Stevenson, centre, speak to those gathered for the opening of “Over my Head and Under my Feet” by Greg Sherwood, right. It was the first show in what organizers say was a successful season at the gallery. (File photo)
By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Now that the final professional show has closed for the season and unsold art has all been returned to its creators, with sold art finding new homes on new walls, Carl and Kelly Stevenson took a morning to reflect on what was another successful season for the Blyth Festival Art Gallery. Carl is the president of the gallery committee and Kelly leads the exhibition committee, while also serving as the curator of the season’s final show, “Anything But Hysterical”, in addition to being one of its artists. They both felt the 2024 installment - including Greg Sherwood’s “Over my Head and Under my Feet”, Tony Miller’s “Descendants” and the
aforementioned “Anything But Hysterical”, which featured art from nearly 20 female-identifying artists - was strong and that each show told a story and that, in a way, the three shows told a story when viewed as a trio within the storied gallery. And that’s by design. Both Stevensons say that finding art that tells a story is what they’re after when selecting shows for the Blyth Festival Art Gallery. After all, it only makes sense for a gallery that shares Memorial Hall with the Blyth Festival, one of the foremost purveyors of Canadian stories in the country. Sherwood’s landscapes told the story of Huron County’s land and its skies, the bedrock of agriculture and the natural beauty with which Huron County is blessed. Miller’s
pieces told the story of growing up Black in rural Ontario, grappling with that identity and understanding those who came before him, and yet, viewing those stories, many of which were tragic, through a positive lens; Miller chose to focus on the strength and courage of those who faced adversary, rather than the adversary itself. Then, with “Anything But Hysterical”, Kelly said she was openly challenging audiences to engage with art created by women in a different way and aiming to start a somewhat difficult conversation about some of the more challenging aspects of being a woman in Huron County and beyond. So, in a way, the beauty of Sherwood’s landscapes was the perfect jumping-off point, seeing it
themselves, which includes the annual Student and Community Shows that began the season, both are proud of their continued efforts to branch out further into the community and reiterate that the art gallery is a space for everyone and that no age, race, gender or level of scholarship is needed for a member of the community to find a place in the gallery or for them to find themselves reflected in the work presented in the gallery. The “Poetry in the Gallery” series marked its second year in 2024, representing expansion from visual art to more of a performing art, while the “Chalk Around the Block” event brought together some of the community’s youngest artists to make their mark on the streets of Blyth. Events like “Chalk Around the Block” specifically, Kelly says, may seem inconsequential on the surface, but they are essential to engaging with the young people of the area and introducing them to the gallery as a fun, safe place in which they are free to be themselves. Art as a stuffy, privileged exercise in which only those highly educated in art theory can participate is not what the gallery wants to be, Kelly says, nor is it what it has been in recent years. It’s on that note that Kelly, Carl and the committee hope to continue to expand the offerings of the gallery, perhaps including outdoor art sessions, guided tours with artists and curators and more performance art (while being careful not to cross paths with what the Festival is doing in its seasons), raising the profile of the gallery with artists and community members alike. As for the main business of the gallery in the season that lies ahead, the Stevensons said that no formal announcement could yet be made, but that the exhibition committee was close to confirming its three professional shows and that news about them would come in due time once the committee had formally approved the schedule.
get stripped away, to a certain degree, show by show as the season progressed. Of course, Kelly says, that doesn’t mean that one type of art is better or more important than another, but that art should often aspire to more than just looking good on a wall, which returns her to the aspect of storytelling through art. Kelly also saw it as a path from the familiar to the unfamiliar. With Sherwood’s show, there were the Huron County landscapes with which many people are familiar they see them every day, they are comfortable and they are at home at Memorial Hall, where Sherwood has a mural welcoming patrons to shows in the upper hall. That’s not to say that his art doesn’t tell a story, of course, Carl says. There is a tale in every one of Sherwood’s paintings. From there, Miller’s art told the story of being Black in rural Ontario at a time when there weren’t many Black families in the area. Furthermore, Kelly says, the area still isn’t as diverse as other areas of the province, so the comfort of the first show began to be disrupted to an extent with Miller’s show. Then, with “Anything But Hysterical”, gallery-goers were challenged with notions that aren’t often discussed openly in many circles in Huron County. And, further to that point, even the show itself pushed artists out of their comfort zones, with many using the show as an opportunity to apply their artistic prowess to a new medium, trying something new for the sake of moving away from the comfortable. The step from one show to the other is also a source of pride for both Kelly and Carl, as they both reflected upon the diversity of the artists featured this season and the vastly different works of art they brought to the gallery, all while finding a way to make it fit into the space and make sense in a community like Blyth. In addition to the shows
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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024. PAGE 27.
Entertainment & Leisure
Big Wreck coming to Wingham Town Hall Theatre
Incoming Big Wreck made it big in Canada in the 1990s and now they’re embarking on a tour that will see them come to the Wingham Town Hall Theatre for a show. (Courtesy photo)
By Scott Stephenson The Citizen In the 1990s, the band Big Wreck was formed in Boston, Massachusetts by four college students with a dream: to make rock music. The band’s eclectic sound really caught on in Canada - they had a number of hit songs that made the Top Ten list, and frontman Ian Thornley’s status as a bona fide Canadian citizen earned the band a permanent position in the zeitgeist of the Great White North. Over the years, Big Wreck has broken up, reunited and gone through multiple line-up changes, but the dream of rocking out remains the same, and on Oct. 5, they’ll be bringing that dream to Wingham’s historic Town Hall Theatre for the very first time. In anticipation of what will surely be a memorable show, The Citizen gave Thornley a call for a quick chat about his upcoming gig.
It may be his first time coming to Wingham, but Thornley is no stranger to the small-town show. “If you roll through a smaller town, they seem pretty appreciative of the fact that you’re rolling through,” he explained. “And that can often be a little more joyous than your run of the mill ‘oh, here comes Big Wreck again.’ I think, as a band, we can feed off that, and it sort of becomes a bi-directional thing... if there’s a great energy in the crowd, it usually means there’s a great energy on stage. And vice versa. That energy is circular - it goes around.” Their most well-loved songs, like “The Oaf” and “Blown Wide Open” were big hits when they first hit the airwaves, and have since gone on to become staples of “Can-con (Canadian content)” radio. But, even though Big Wreck was born in the 1990s and went on a bit of an extended hiatus for a few years after the turn of the new millennium, they’ve also been making new
music along the way. When he’s not packing for his trip to Wingham, Thornley spends most of his free time working on new songs and listening to British-band Muse with his five-year-old son. Technology has evolved slightly since Big Wreck recorded its debut album, In Loving Memory Of..., and Thornley’s songwriting style has evolved along with it. “It’s great nowadays for if you’re just out for a walk and you have an idea for a melody, an idea for a lyric, or whatever it may be, it’s so much easier to grab your phone and record it. And I have hundreds of little sketches, little ideas, some things that have fallen in my lap... you leave yourself a little trail of breadcrumbs, and then I can come back to it and see if it still wants to be planted. In some respects, it’s become a little more personal, because I don’t have to get together with a bunch of guys and bash something out in a garage to hear an idea that’s fully formed. I can just do it in my home.” Of course, he also sees the downside to the convenient ease of
Full project costs not yet known: Stretton Continued from page 25 Horizons for Seniors - Communitybased project” grant, which would require support for the project from council. He reiterated that, as the owner of the property, council would simply have to declare its moral support for the project in order for the grant application to go ahead, not commit any funds to the project at this point. Having said that, Stretton did say that the group was hoping that the municipality would consider a 50/50 funding arrangement for the project to assist the volunteers in reaching their goal. While Stretton noted in his supporting documents that the resurfacing was estimated to cost just under $16,000 with HST, the group did not yet have a final cost for the whole project. He also noted that, to date, the group has raised over $4,000 for the project on its own through various fundraising events and tournaments. Stretton also asked for a handful of other administrative favours from the municipality that will help facilitate the project, such as the municipality serving as the “banker” for project funds. With the deadline for the grant application just over a week away, council would not have another
Sudoku Solution
meeting until after the deadline had passed, so councillors debated supporting the project, therefore allowing the grant application to go ahead. Council confirmed its support for the project by way of a motion, but did not commit to granting any funds to it. The group will be asked to submit financial documents and a more detailed estimate in order for staff to prepare a report for council. Once that has been presented and council has had a chance to discuss supporting the project financially, council will consider becoming a 50/50 partner on the project.
the modern age. “I think where it’s different, and maybe not as much fun as when you’re young, is that half the joy is just getting together with your buddies and bashing out a new idea and having it turned into something right before your eyes...” The online age also spawned the era of social media - a ubiquitous accessory of the young and an acquired taste for those who remember the days before the iPhone. “Sekou, our drummer, is great at social media, and he enjoys it. I kind of battle with it. I go back and forth. Sometimes, I’m like ‘okay, this is great. This is a great way to get my stuff out there.’ And then I wonder why I’m doing it. There’s sort of an internal struggle why do I care if people like this? But then, it’s like, the entire music industry is based on having people like what you do. Back and forth the internal struggle. I have friends and family helping me.” Besides playing music, Thornley is most looking forward to just hanging out with his bandmates. “We don’t all live next door to each other anymore, so we get together and have a laugh and pick up the conversation where we left it at the last show.”
McClinchey Come & Go In memory of
Lila & Norman McClinchey to be held at
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Saturday, September 28 from 2-5 pm
Time to Celebrate! Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, retirement or some other special event, show them how much you care with an announcement in The Citizen. 2" wide x 3" high
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The Citizen Take a load off Even mascots need a rest sometime, which was obvious last Wednesday when the F.E. Madill Mustang took a seat alongside the school’s students. (John Stephenson photo)
Call or email today 519-523-4792 info@northhuron.on.ca
PAGE 28. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024.
Fiddlers, step dancers impress At the annual reunion of the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association earlier this month, music continued to reign supreme, with many people travelling hours to take part in the step dancing and fiddling competitions in Blyth. According to Gladys Van Egmond, the long-time organizer of both the music and the competitions at the reunion, it was another great few days for the association in regards to music. First, on the Wednesday ahead of the reunion, Doug McNaughton of Stratford emceed a special fiddle workshop that attracted 15 musicians, followed by an old-time dancing workshop on Thursday organized by Lyndon Lister of St. Thomas, which was also well attended. On Saturday, the storied fiddle competition went ahead in Shed 3, as it does every year. This year’s judges were Kendra Norris of Fergus and Alanna Jenish of Peterborough. Here are the winners: • 70 and over: first, Jim Dolmage of Toronto; second, Ken Hawkins of Teeswater, and third, Mel McDougall of Greely
• 50 to 69: first, Bill Redman of Kitchener; second, Al Widmayer of Goderich, and third, Barb Terrett of Burlington • 12 and under: first, Theodore Broughton-Hall of Ancaster; second, Nia Breck of Stratford, and third, Anastasia Janzen of Aylmer • 18 and over: first, Brenna Broughton-Hall of Ancaster; second, Claire Bracken of Stratford and third, Joanna Hiller of Brussels • Duet: first, Courtney Drew of Cookshire-Eaton, Quebec; second, Claire Bracken of Stratford, and third, Clara Broughton-Hall of Ancaster • Open: first, Courtney Drew of Cookshire-Eaton, Quebec; second, Ashley Giles of St. Marys; third, Claire Broughton of Ancaster, and fourth, Grace Hennick of Brussels On Sunday, the step dancing competition went ahead with a full house in Shed 3 to watch the talented steppers. Here are the results: • Nine and under: first, Joseph Jardine of London; second, Isaac McIntosh of Komoka, and, in a tie for third, Siobheann Faria of Brampton
and Kate Duketow of London • 12 and under: first, Michael Jardine of London; second, Lucy Abeid of London, and third, Olivia Faria of Brampton • 18 and under: first, Claire Jardine of London; second, Seth McIntosh of Komoka, and, in a tie for third, Natalie Duketow of London and Alaina Scheurwater of Teeswater • 19 and over: first, Kim Craig of London; second, Rita Hickey of Brampton, and third, Janet Duketow of London • Open: first, Kensington Ische of Stratford; second, Ellie Shantz of Stratford, and third, Julie McEvoy of Stratford • Junior: first, Three Little Bigs and the Big Bad Reel of London (Seth McIntosh, Natalie Duketow, Claire Jardine and Michael Jardine); second, Tip, Tap, Toes of Stratford (Zethy Goodwin, Eden Goodwin and Sabelle Ische), and third, Feet on the Beat of London (Sadie McIntosh, Isaac McIntosh, Julie Duketow and Lucy Abeid). • Open: first, In Step of Stratford (Julie McEvoy, Ellen Shantz and Kensington Ische).
Get Ready Read dy For Some Fall Reading R
Tap-tapping Kate Duketow of London, above, was one of the many step dancers who impressed at the recent Thresher Reunion. She placed in a tie for third in the nine and under category. (John Stephenson photo)
HE approves tender Continued from page 22 be council members who cook for staff at those events. *** Huron East Council has accepted and approved a tender from O’Brien Signs to execute phase one of the municipality’s new wayfinding signage project at a cost of $60,616. The project will be funded by a budget of $70,000, which includes $25,000 from the Economic Development Capital Budget, $30,000 from Regional Tourism Organization 4 (RTO4) and $15,000 from Huron County. The first phase of the project, which is connected to the aforementioned tender, will focus on municipal and community entrance signs, specifically nine municipal entrance signs and 43 community entrance signs. Each sign will have an anti-graffiti guard
and reflective text on the front panel, while municipal entrance signs will have text on their back panels to thank people for visiting Huron East. An additional cost associated with this phase of the project is the purchase of a number of pressuretreated wooden posts on which to mount the signs, as well as the associated hardware. The cost is estimated to be $7,500 plus HST. Phase two will be directional signage and the third phase will be park, trail, tourism and community facility signage. Economic Development Officer Taralyn Cronin said that the project will endeavour to create a uniform look across Huron County, following the county’s signage guidelines. She also noted that the Municipality of Bluewater had just recently installed new signage using the same guidelines.
on
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