The Citizen - April 19, 2024

The

THIS WEEK 4 • Editorials 8 • Music 12 • Playground 15 • Obituaries

Citizen

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Friday, April 19, 2024

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Volume 40 No. 16

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40050141 Return Undeliverable Items to North Huron Publishing Company Inc., P.O. Box 429, BLYTH, ON N0M 1H0

Huron to host Plow Day

Everybody dance now If you were a very young person with a keen interest in superheroes, princesses or both, the Four Winds Barn in Brussels was where you wanted to be on Sunday, as both were there and ready to have some fun. Above,

Elsa from Disney’s Frozen was on hand for some dancing, while Spiderman also served as a pretty major attraction for those seeking a picture with the world’s foremost webslinger.

(John Stephenson photo)

Central Huron approves 2024 budget

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen On Monday night, Central Huron Council approved its 2024 budget as presented by Treasurer Jeff Boyes, which includes a 5.47 per cent increase in cash requirements over last year’s budget for a total municipal cost of $9,336,312.

There was little discussion on the budget as presented on Monday night, as council had essentially decided on a direction at its final budget meeting. Councillors had a few questions about items here or there, but made no real changes.

The tax rate increase for the

Central Huron portion of the budget will be 5.16 per cent, reflecting the bit of growth in the municipality that will help pay for Central Huron’s needs this year. It is the second-highest rate increase for the municipality since 2018, only lower than 2023’s tax rate increase of 7.44 per cent.

Despite the relatively low attendance at the meeting, Boyes went ahead with his full budget presentation to ensure that members of the public could understand how their money would be spent in the coming months.

Residential assessment represents the bulk of the taxation class in

Central Huron at 71 per cent, followed by farm and managed forests at 19 per cent, commercial at eight per cent with industrial, pipeline and landfill comprising the remaining two per cent.

As for the distribution of taxes, Boyes noted that just over half 50.9 per cent - of the taxes collected will serve the municipality’s purposes (the aforementioned $9,336,312), while Huron County will take 35.3 per cent ($6,469,938) and the school boards taking the remaining 13.8 per cent ($2,526,199). He noted that the overall tax rate increase for Central Huron residents will be 4.35 per

Heat return from provincials

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen While six Huron Heat teams travelled to various Toronto-area locations for the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA)

provincial championships over the weekend, none of them returned with gold medals around their necks.

The U11 BB Huron Heat won the first two games they played in the tournament, defeating the Toronto

Leaside Wildcats by a score of 1-0 and the Scarborough Sharks by a score of 4-0, both on Friday. The next day, the girls only played one game and it ended with a 3-0 victory over the Kanata Rangers Continued on page 13

cent with the municipal, county and education rates factored in. That represents the aforementioned 5.16 per cent rate increase at the municipal level, a 4.53 per cent rate increase at the county level and no increase from the school boards.

That means a total increase of $59.74 per $100,000 of assessment.

The average residential property, assessed at $211,000, will pay approximately $3,021.84 in taxes this year under the budget approved by council on Monday night.

More than half of the municipality’s revenue (52.92 per cent) comes from taxation. The rest comes from federal and provincial grants (16.68 per cent), fees and charges (16.5 per cent), interest and investment income (4.27 per cent), casino revenue (3.41 per cent) licences/permits/rentals (3.4 per cent), solar panel revenue (2.63 per cent) and the remaining 0.18 per cent comes from other grants.

Council approved the budget, later in the meeting passing a bylaw to accept the budget as presented and establish tax rates for the year.

Just a few days after this year’s Huron County Plowing Match, the county will play host to the firstever Zone 3 Junior Plow Day at the site in the hopes of attracting more young people to the world of competitive plowing.

Former Huron County Advisory Councillor to the Ontario Plowmen’s Association Steve Corbett, at the Huron Plowmen’s Association meeting on April 11 in Clinton, spoke about the proposition, saying he had volunteered the county as the host for the new venture. He said it had been discussed at a recent conference and due to farms going to no-till practices and a dramatic drop in youth participation in the International Plowing Match (IPM), those in the zone wanted to be proactive and bring more young people into the fold.

Corbett said that youth participation in last fall’s IPM was about half of what the Ontario Plowmen’s Association was expecting and, if that trend continues, the future won’t look so rosy for plowing matches in the province.

So, knowing that there is plenty of land to be plowed at this year’s site, he suggested that Huron County might be an appropriate host for the event and the membership at last week’s meeting agreed.

This year’s match is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 15 and Friday, Aug. 16 at Vermue Farms on Bayfield River Road, Bayfield in Central Huron. It will be the 96th annual Huron County Plowing Match, but mark the 100th anniversary of the match (several years were lost due to wars, etc.), a milestone the organization hopes to celebrate.

The match will follow the traditional formula with Junior and 4-H Day on Thursday and the professional match on Friday, followed by the awards banquet.

The new Princess will be crowned on Thursday and the Queen of the Furrow will be named Friday night after the speeches earlier that day.

The Junior Plow Day will take place the following Sunday, when the site will still be largely set up from the previous days’ match and will still be insured.

Corbett says no experience or equipment will be necessary and anyone between the ages of nine to 21 will be welcome to come out and learn about competitive plowing.

They can be coached directly and gain hands-on experience before being left to their own devices to try and plow straight, which is the way to both a plowmen’s heart and a place on the podium.

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024.

CH commissions study on Danish proposal

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen After fielding numerous inquiries and hearing from about a halfdozen serious potential suitors, Central Huron Council may have found a match for the former site of the Bluewater Youth Centre in Denmark’s GreenLab. Council held a special meeting last Thursday with representatives of the Trade Council of Denmark and GreenLab Skive to discuss a potential project at the site, building on a previous presentation from Alexander Ripley, commercial advisor to the Royal Danish Consulate in Toronto. Ripley is a former employee of Huron County’s economic development department and is familiar with the area from his time here.

Ripley was in attendance at the meeting, joined by Chris Watson and Vicki Lass from the department, as well as Benedikte Borg Pedersen, commercial advisor for the Royal Danish Embassy in Washington, D.C., and Jakob Hebsgaard Mogensen, head of business development for GreenLab Skive, from Denmark.

This was an official meeting of council in Clinton, which was open to the public and allowed for residents to ask questions of council.

Hebsgaard Mogensen presented much of the information, discussing the basic principles behind GreenLab, the existing project in Denmark, what the future holds for it and how a similar site may work for Central Huron at the former Bluewater Youth Centre site.

GreenLab in Denmark is billed as a green and circular energy park, technology enabler and national research facility. At its core, it is a closed-loop renewable energy facility that brings together likeminded green businesses with similar principles and goals in an effort to constantly increase energy efficiency while always making that energy in a way that’s better and more sustainable for the environment.

To set the scene for his presentation, Hebsgaard Mogensen discussed how much energy that is produced is not put to its intended purpose and is lost in the process (a figure of roughly two thirds), adding that storage of renewable energy will potentially lead to even more energy loss from the source to the product.

The site, he said, generates sustainable energy for GreenLab’s partners, stores it in all its forms (electricity, heat, gas and electrofuels) and then allows the companies to share their surplus energy through an intelligent grid of energy and data called The SymbiosisNet™.

The green energy and circular energy park, which has increased tourism to the region since its creation, generates mostly wind and solar power. Hebsgaard Mogensen said that, because Denmark is quite flat, hydro energy is not much of an option, so turning to renewable sources of energy means wind and solar, though many creative methods like anaerobic digestion, closed-loop plastic recycling and more all now play a role in the park.

In his presentation, Hebsgaard Mogensen called the site “the perfect host” for technology companies, providing infrastructure and services that reduce the time to market, introducing the “chicken to the egg” and creating new markets

and serving as a green transition facilitator, in addition to its role as a national research facility.

Central Huron Mayor Jim Ginn began the meeting with a history of the Bluewater Youth Centre building, beginning with its construction in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Originally designed and used as a psychiatric hospital, the site was later converted into a youth detention centre before it was closed in 2012, resulting in the loss of about 200 jobs.

By purchasing the property from the provincial government almost 10 years later, Ginn said the council of the day hoped to create an opportunity through the land and maybe replace at least some of those jobs and bring some of those young families back to the municipality with good, stable, well-paying careers.

Hebsgaard Mogensen said that GreenLab’s story is very similar, beginning with the closure of a large employer about 10 or 12 years ago and private investors and philanthropists coming together to create something that would rejuvenate the region and bring people, especially young people, back.

GreenLab was the result, beginning with an investment of about $60 million from a local foundation and private investors, which has since grown to a worth in excess of $450 million, finding green energy production solutions, increasing tourism and facilitating national research that will keep the good news and innovation coming.

Hebsgaard Mogensen said that if and when Central Huron moves ahead with a GreenLab project in the municipality, it can kind of be whatever council wants it to be. It wouldn’t have to be exactly like the project in Denmark or other projects in progress in United States locations like Nevada, Pennsylvania and more, it could follow its own path to prosperity.

Later in the morning, as part of her presentation, Borg Pedersen said that anaerobic digestion would be something that’s considered essential to a project like the one being proposed, but aside from that, the sky would really be the limit aside from the companies being committed to green energy and closed-loop production.

Hebsgaard Mogensen noted inputs for the system in Denmark include wind and solar power, grass and biomass, marine waste, manure, household waste and water being fed into a cycle of generating, storing and sharing power that encompasses electricity, hydrogen, oxygen, CO₂, cardboard, plastic and high- and low-temperature heat.

Coming out of the other end of that process is biochar, oil-fractions, naphtha, upgraded biogas/methane, protein for animal food, degassed manure and waste sorted for recycling already in operation, while electricity, fibreboards, oxygen, ammonia, hydrogen and methanol are projects that the company has committed to for the future.

Hebsgaard Mogensen estimated that about 90 or 100 jobs could be created by such a project.

Lass, the county’s director of economic development, said that, from the county’s perspective, it was important that the project create what she called “high-value jobs” that would attract people to the area. Early discussions about the future of the property bandied about the concept of a luxury hotel,

for example, but Lass said that while jobs would be created as a result, they wouldn’t be those “high-value” positions that would lure people to the area. She also noted that because of the site’s proximity to Bruce Power, it would make synergic sense for energy creation to be an avenue for the land.

As part of her presentation, Borg Pedersen noted that GreenLab projects are part of what ministries in Denmark are calling “reindustrialization”, rethinking the way energy is produced and the future of the planet.

Ginn, when noting about the bump in tourism that has come from the site in Denmark, said that many people see sites like GreenLab’s in Denmark as the way of the future.

Several members of the public were in attendance for the meeting, many of them neighbours of the site who were concerned about the potential for odour from a site dealing in waste of one type or another. However, Ginn said that the whole concept of a closed-loop energy creation system is to sequester what’s being created, so it’s in such a business’s best interest to not let those gases escape.

He also noted that this meeting represented a very early step in the process and that council still has many questions left that need to be answered before moving along.

Residents were also critical of the lack of transparency and communication in regards to the future of the site and the meeting itself, with one neighbour saying she had only found out about the meeting the night before, despite being an immediate neighbour of the site.

Lass, however, came to the defence of council, saying that she Continued on page 18

Giving back Matt Townsend of Townsend Tire recently donated $1,000 to the creation of a documentary on the Farmerettes based on the work of local author Bonnie Sitter whose book, Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz, explored the Farmerettes. Townsend made the donation in advance of a fundraising concert for the project, scheduled for Sunday, April 28 in Blyth, featuring The Honey Sweethearts and The Lucky Charms. Townsend’s grandmother, Jean Elliott, was honoured as a Farmerette. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

SPECIAL MEETING OF CENTRAL HURON COUNCIL TO DISCUSS REVISIONS THAT MAY BE REQUIRED TO THE CENTRAL HURON OFFICIAL PLAN TAKE NOTICE that Council of the Municipality of Central Huron will hold a Special Meeting of Council to discuss revisions that may be required to the Central Huron Official Plan. This meeting is a legislated meeting under Section 26 of the Planning Act, RSO, 1990.

SPECIAL MEETING OF COUNCIL will be held: Monday, May 27, 2024 at 10:00am Municipality of Central Huron Town Hall 23 Albert Street Clinton, Ontario The community is invited to share ideas about their vision for the Municipality and the policy direction to manage future land use and growth.

BE ADVISED that the Central Huron Official Plan was adopted in 2003 and that under Section 26 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, as amended, the Council of the municipality who adopted the Official Plan shall revise the Official Plan to ensure that it conforms with provincial plans, has regard to matters of provincial interest, and is consistent with policy statements issued by the Province.

ANY PERSON may attend the Special Meeting of Council and/or make written or verbal representation about what revisions may be required.

A virtual option is available for those who are unable to attend the meeting in person. To access the virtual zoom link, please refer to the Special Meeting Agenda for May 27th, 2024 that will be published to our website. Once published, the agenda can be found via the following link: www.centralhuron.ca/agendasandminutes If you are unable to attend the meeting but wish to provide comments, please either email planning@centralhuron.com or mail to: Central Huron Municipal Office, 23 Albert Street, PO Box 400, Clinton, ON, N0M 1L0. Attention: Rachel Anstett, Clerk.

Dated at the Municipality of Central Huron This 17th day of April, 2024 Rachel Anstett, Clerk Municipality of Central Huron 23 Albert Street, PO Box 400 Clinton, ON N0M 1L0 519-482-3997

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024. PAGE 3.

Lobb, Thompson hear from farmers at annual forum

All smiles Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb, left, MPP and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson, right, share a laugh with Huron County Federation of Agriculture President Murray Workman, centre, and Ontario Federation of Agriculture Director Ethan Wallace, standing, at the local federation’s annual MP/MPP forum, which was held at the Clinton Legion on Friday, April 5. (Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot photo)

By Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot The Rural Voice Food sovereignty is on the minds of farmers and politicians, as one Huron County Federation of Agriculture member hopes the government will one day spend $50 million to produce food instead of investing in battery storage.

Where the government invests its money is often a hotly-debated issue, but some farmers and politicians were calm, if a little miffed, at the idea that the Government of Canada is investing $50 million in a battery storage project (and looking for more sites) while agriculture requires a huge investment in facilities to process hogs, beef, chicken and dairy in Ontario.

Currently, tens of thousands of hogs are transported to Quebec and the United States to be processed due to lack of processing facilities in Ontario. For years, beef and hog representatives at the Huron County Federation of Agriculture’s MP/MPP and Local Politicians’ Forum have asked Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb and Huron Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson for more processing space. Every year, the

pair hear the same “asks” and nod their heads in agreement.

They do actually agree and agricultural leaders know this.

Every year the two representatives are thanked for their commitment to agriculture and using their voices to promote and ask for what farmers in Huron and Bruce Counties need.

Repeated requests for more processing space resulted in the 2023 announcement that the federal and provincial governments are set to invest more than $13 million to help the meat processing sector in Ontario to make upgrades that they need. Made through the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership, the five-year investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments is worth $3.5 billion in total.

Anyone who has travelled down the 401 should be amazed by how many tankers and trucks are heading east, only to come back with finished goods, said Ben Lobb who, along with Thompson, held court at the Clinton Legion on April 5 to listen to agricultural leaders share their successes, impact on the economy and make asks in support of their commodity organizations.

“With aging infrastructure, we

have nowhere to ship milk if a large breakdown occurs,” said Lieven Verschaeve, representing the Huron County Dairy Producers. “Along with these concerns, Ontario is also short on dairy ingredient processing, which increases the risks of more imports coming into Ontario.” Verschaeve wants a “large processing plant” to be built in southern or southwestern Ontario, where a large percentage of dairy farmers produce milk.

Again, Lobb and Thompson are supportive of the idea and have funds to back their belief. It’s just that farmers can’t discount the need to fund energy as well.

The thing is, said Lobb, that competing interests do need to be understood. “It’s a balance. We do need hydro, nuclear and natural gas… that is reality. If we want to be in the dark and have blackouts in eastern Ontario, then we can put our heads in the sand and feel good about ourselves. But if we want to grow our economy and have young people come here and stay here… then we need energy.”

Agriculture is the key economic driver in Huron and Perth Counties, but people need housing, jobs and infrastructure. How can all these

When did the sports teams of Blyth Public School become the Bears?

A dedicated group of almost 20 volunteers have begun working on a history book that will cover the era from 1977 to 2027. One puzzle that has surfaced concerns the “Blyth Bears”. When did this name come into being and how was it chosen?

REPOSITORY OF

HISTORY

If you can help with the answers please contact The Blyth Repository of History 405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792

needs be met? Food sovereignty is also a burgeoning issue since COVID-19 revealed Canada’s fragility in regards to its reliance on exports.

Phil Van Raay, representing pork producers, says hog farmers have lost 54 per cent of their abattoirs since 1999, but if new processing plants could be built or expanded, Ontario “could protect its future if borders closed” due to the ongoing threat of potential border closures to live animal exports if diseases such as African Swine Fever take hold in Ontario. “If that border closes, 50,000 pigs need to find a home and as we know, pigs do not stop growing.”

You can’t eat batteries, one farmer said. Lobb agreed. “We must have leadership and a federal government that listens to our farmers, ranchers and food processors and who sees agriculture for what it has truly proven to be: an integral part of the solution, rather than the problem,” stated Lobb in his report. He recognized that farm expenses grew by 21.2 per cent in 2022, the largest gain since 1974. Carbon tax as part of that was a topic addressed repeatedly during the meeting.

Keith Black, representing the Grain Farmers of Ontario, said the carbon tax is going to cost grain farmers billions. “We continue our advocacy for Bill C-234, an act to amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act. It would give farmers relief from carbon pricing on fuels (natural gas or propane) used for on-farm grain drying. With no viable alternative fuels available, the cost to farmers will exceed more than $2.7 billion by 2030.” Bill C-234 is Lobb’s Private Member’s Bill, which has received third reading, but amendments to it are still under consideration.

“I think it is setting an all-time record for a Private Member’s Bill,” said Lobb. Debate on the bill is ongoing at the time of this article and Lobb admits it’s frustrating, especially for farmers and anyone who relies on natural gas. “When seniors look at the gas bill and see the carbon tax is more than the actual gas they use, that is frustrating.”

Rick Kootstra, representing the Huron County Egg Farmers, said the carbon tax’s “tentacles reach out to just about everybody and we are noticing less egg consumption, or a change in consumption because people are visiting restaurants less.”

Thompson said she started a letter to support Bill C-234 and was part of a recent rally with “everyone from agriculture to mushroom growers and other commodity organizations. We will not stop.

This ideology is failing all Canadians and is doing nothing but driving up the cost of everything.”

She encouraged farmers to explain to other Canadians that farmers are not exempt from the carbon tax, except for coloured diesel fuel. “We need to continue to talk at all levels about how the carbon tax is raising the cost of production and as it aggregates through the value chain, it hits the consumer.”

TRADE Lobb praised Thompson’s “Grow Ontario” strategy for putting a “face to the name” and increasing the credibility of Canadian agriculture.

He also believes Ontario’s ports and shipping lines need to be “rocksolid” for Ontario to match agriculture credibility with shipping credibility.

“It is vitally important that we keep our ports going, have labour behind them and properly fund the officials that work there,” said Lobb. “We need to look at diversity at our ports and what we can ship so we aren’t so reliant on Hamilton, Toronto, Halifax and Montreal. We have officials here from Goderich… who can you partner with for expansion?”

Thompson said Grow Ontario’s strategy is to increase exports eight per cent annually. “From the fall of 2022 to the fall of 2023, we increased our exports by 20 per cent,” saying that bodes well for increased consumption of food grown and produced in Ontario.

She said Ontario farmers need to get better at marketing, referencing a grocery store in Vietnam that had a photo and story of the Ontario hog farm above the very pork it was selling. “It makes me ask, ‘why we aren’t doing that at home?’” She Continued on page 14

The time is short!

(Don Fortner) “The time is short!” 1 Corinthians 7:29 We are living in a world where all things are temporary. Everything here is perishing. We are going to a world where all things are eternal. If we are wise, we will live in this world with our hearts fixed on eternity. And when we look at all things in this world with an eye to eternity, there is one striking fact that we cannot avoid—The time is short!

The time of your life is short. “What is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away.” “My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle.” My friend your days are numbered. Soon, you will have taken your last breath. Be warned!

Blessed be God, the time for suffering is short. Let us not faint, nor grow weary, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 Since the time is short, we must be detached from the things of this world. We must hold the dearest objects of this life with a loose hand, and cling only to Christ. Take your dearest earthly possessions—your money, your lands, your friends, your family—and place this brand upon them—PERISHING! Christ alone and the riches of His grace are eternal.

What then must we do with the time that we have? We must redeem the time.

Buy up every opportunity to worship and serve Christ. Buy up every opportunity to point men and women to Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Much time is gone already, the days are evil, and the time that remains is short. Therefore, I say, redeem the time!

A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church, Listowel, ON 519-291-3887

PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024.

Editorials & Opinions

Founding Publisher: Keith Roulston Publisher & President: Deb Sholdice Editor: Shawn Loughlin • Reporter: Scott Stephenson Advertising Sales: Brenda Nyveld

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Does not compute For years, theatres have been able to shrink their marketing budgets and bolster coveted word-of-mouth promotion with the magic of social media. The advent of “like and share” enabled cash-strapped theatres to forgo traditional but expensive advertising in favour of navigating the mysterious, but free, avenues of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram algorithms in the perpetual search for new patrons.

This gradual shift away from traditional media came at the same time that these same theatres lamented the loss of knowledgeable and professional theatre reviewers. Unfortunately, most of the marketing personnel failed to connect the two until it was too late. With only two salaried theatre critics left in Canada (the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star), theatre coverage is a mish-mash of bloggers with varying degrees of expertise and writing skill. Now, enter the world of AIgenerated reporting, leaving Canadian theatre companies with review quotes that may or may not have come from an actual person who has experienced the play. Major Toronto theatres such as Soulpepper and Theatre Passe Muraille have unwittingly picked up AI-generated reviews in their promotions. It goes without saying that the public wants reviews from actual people who have attended the performances.

Advertising revenue is what pays for journalists, including theatre reviewers, and theatres that turned to “free” or low-cost online promotion have contributed to the demise of real theatre coverage which, in turn, opened the door for it to be replaced by AI software. – DS

Not in her backyard Alberta Premier Danielle Smith was pretty pleased with herself last week as she proposed the “Stay Out Of My Backyard Bill”, her latest attempt to stifle Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the expense of her own citizens who, it should be said, by and large hate Trudeau. The bill would require provincial bodies like universities, school boards, housing agencies and health authorities to have provincial consent before entering into any kind of agreement with Trudeau’s government.

Alberta’s municipal leaders and big-city mayors alike don’t care for the bill, citing red tape, delays and putting federal funding at risk.

This paper largely covers politicians in some of Ontario’s smallest municipalities which are struggling to provide services while keeping taxes reasonable, and it goes without saying that all funding dollars are the same shade of green to them. For a premier to jeopardize that, all because she can’t play in the same sandbox as the prime minister, surely will rub lower-tier municipalities the wrong way. The bill also serves as contradictory. First, conservative politicians are well known for lamenting red tape, so, to create some out of thin air is questionable and the second reason would be that the bill sounds suspiciously like an upper-tier government meddling in a lower-tier government’s affairs, the exact accusation Smith has levelled at Trudeau’s Liberals.

A conservative province potentially turning its back on federal dollars, in a time of such need, is sure to hurt its residents. – SL

Food for thought In a recent essay published by the London Free Press, Postmedia columnist Robin Baranyai highlights Canada’s lack of a comprehensive national school food program. She begins by shining a light on success stories from France, Japan and India, where such programs have improved nutrition and contributed greatly to educational outcomes.

Baranyai’s piece rightly criticizes the current state of affairs in Canada, where one in four children faces food insecurity. The proposed national school food program, a $1 billion initiative promised by the Prime Minister, could be a step in the right direction. However, the editorial raises valid concerns about Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s opposition to such initiatives. Poilievre’s dismissal of the program as a “federal food bureaucracy” is short-sighted and fails to address the urgent need for action. While accountability and efficiency are important, they should not be used as excuses to neglect the wellbeing of children facing food insecurity.

Poilievre’s lack of a concrete alternative or a plan to address food insecurity among children is concerning, albeit on-brand for the Conservative politician with a penchant for sloganeering. Criticism without constructive solutions does little to solve real-world problems.

It’s easy to condemn bureaucracy, but it’s harder to propose viable alternatives that can make a tangible difference. The editorial emphasizes the importance of school-based interventions in promoting childhood health. Providing nutritious meals at school addresses hunger and eliminates stigma, ensuring all students have equal access to food.

Poilievre’s Grinchian position on school food programs appears to be more about rhetoric than substance. It’s time for politicians to move beyond slogans and prioritize concrete actions that benefit the well-being of children. A national school food program is not just about feeding hungry kids; it’s an investment in the future of our nation. – SBS

Looking Back Through the Years April 23, 1969 Mr. and Mrs. William Thuell were delighted by their family on Monday evening as they were treated to a delightful dinner at the Blyth Inn. This gathering celebrated their 50 years of marriage. The couple received thoughtful gifts, including rocking chairs from their family and various other presents from friends.

Kent Van Vliet, the 5-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Con Van Vliet, had a brush with misfortune last Thursday. While on his way to play with neighbouring children, Kent encountered a muddy mishap on Drummond Street, right in front of his home.

As he crossed the road, Kent found himself stuck in the mire of a slimy road bed. By the time a passing motorist came to his rescue, the mud had engulfed the boy up to his waist.

The Blyth and District Easter Seal Campaign not only met but also exceeded its goal of $1,100 by 30 dollars in the previous week.

Treasurer Albert Wasson recorded a total of $1,130 received for the campaign.

Blyth firefighters demonstrated exceptional speed and efficiency last Thursday evening when they responded to a barn fire at Joe Ryan’s farm on R.R. 2, Walton. The firefighters were at their monthly meeting in the fire hall when the alarm sounded, prompting an immediate and record-breaking response to the emergency.

Despite their rapid arrival, the blaze had already engulfed the large barn. Additional support from Seaforth firefighters was called upon and greatly aided in containing the fire.

April 19, 1989

During their April meeting on Wednesday night, Blyth village councillors decided to continue their participation in advertising programs for the village.

Helen Grubb, the clerk-treasurer, briefed councillors about a meeting she attended with village merchants and a representative from the Southwestern Ontario Travel Association regarding village promotion. The plans included advertising in the travel section of the London Free Press, Century Homes magazine, and Highlights magazine from the KitchenerWaterloo area.

Lily Munro, the Minister of Culture and Communications, announced that the Queen’s Hotel in Belgrave would receive a $93,000 Commercial Rehabilitation Grant. This grant was specifically designated for preserving Ontario architecture in commercial heritage buildings.

At Brussels Public School’s Science Fair last Tuesday and Wednesday, Kelly Overholt, an eighth-grade student, achieved the highest score in the Physical category for her level. Kelly’s project focused on evaluating the effectiveness of television advertising. Following her success, Kelly, along with Jason Galloway and Sheri Huether, were chosen to represent Brussels at the upcoming Science Fair in Clinton the following weekend.

The Brussels Majestic Women’s Institute convened its annual meeting on April 12 at St. John’s Anglican Church, where a delightful dinner prepared by the church’s ladies was served.

The gathering was enriched with music as Alice Brothers and Freda Pipe played the piano before

President Edna McLellan officially opened the meeting. As a poetic touch, she shared a heartfelt poem centred on “Rainbows”.

April 22, 2004 The reviews were glowing for a new business in Brussels, which began operating on April 5. Mark and Gail Tully, along with their daughter Terri-Ann, were the proud owners of Chocolate and Fudge on Turnberry Street.

Reflecting on their initial week, Mark remarked, “We brought in what I thought would be a month’s worth of supply, and it vanished in just six days.”

Securing the championship title, the Blyth Sting hockey team emerged victorious in the Men’s Over-35 division during a weekend tournament held in Montreal.

Several residents from Cranbrook attended the Spaghetti Buffet hosted by the Young People’s group in Monkton on Saturday night. The event provided a delightful opportunity for community members to come together and enjoy a delicious meal while supporting a local initiative.

The following day, a music night at the Monkton Presbyterian Church featured the talented Satchell band, much to the delight of the audience. Comprising nine skilled musicians, the band showcased their multi-talents by playing a variety of instruments throughout the performance.

Additionally, three members of the band delivered captivating solo performances, adding a memorable touch to the evening’s entertainment.

Residents gathered for a beef supper at Walton Hall to raise funds for furnace repair. The event was a success, bringing out residents.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024. PAGE 5.

Other Views

Supporting democracy is hard work

A

s I write, Iran has recently attacked Israel, sending more than 300 drones and missiles on Saturday night, all but a few knocked down by Israel’s “Iron Dome” defence system. The Iranian assault was prompted by an April 1 Israeli attack on Iran’s consulate in Damascus, Syria that killed 12 Iranians.

Polls show that Israeli voters have lost faith in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who refuses to consider peace talks, insisting he must wipe out the Hamas organization that began the current conflict with an October attack on Israel which took more than 1,000 lives and several hundred civilian hostages.

Iran’s dictatorial government also has many native opponents since harsh assaults on protesters after the death of a woman who was attacked by government officials because they felt her hair covering was not complete because, apparently, a bit of her hair was observed.

Meanwhile, some of the drones Russia’s dictatorial President Vladimir Putin used in his war against Ukraine were apparently supplied

by Iran.

And Donald Trump, former U.S. President and apparent Republican choice as their 2024 candidate in this fall’s election, because he’s an old friend of Putin’s, has used his influence to keep the U.S. House of Representatives from approving President Joe Biden’s aid to Ukraine to help fight off Russian attacks.

What has happened to make dictatorial power so prevalent in the world these days? We in Canada are closest to the U.S. situation where, despite providing billions of dollars to fix highways and bridges and other public utilities in most U.S. states, Biden is apparently, polls say, in a life-and-death battle with Trump. Trump, meanwhile, promises to

Keith Roulston

From the cluttered desk be a dictator, but only on day one of his presidency as he frees the thousand or so “hostages” legally imprisoned by courts for taking part in the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 in an attempt to prevent current President Biden from taking office after officially winning the U.S. election.

This is the same Trump who is friendly with dictators like Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean President Kim Jong Un. As well, Trump is an open admirer of Hungary’s dictatorial Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and invited him, last month, to his Florida estate.

What is it with all the dictators these days?

I’m old enough to remember the 1956 Hungarian uprising as freedom-loving Hungarians rose against the Communist dictatorship installed by Moscow after the Russian army drove the Nazis out of Hungary at the end of World War II. That revolt was vanquished and it was 30 years before Communism eventually disintegrated in Russia and the countries it had controlled, like Hungary, Poland and eastern Germany, were set free. I remember joyful celebrations when Germans tore down the wall that divided Germany.

Meanwhile Russians, under Democratic rule for the first time in their history, showed they were uncomfortable with it. Oh, they were happy to not have to line up to buy limited

supplies at the stores, but they weren’t so sure about democracy. The soon-elected Putin, a former officer with the secret police under Communism, but now a billionaire after former government officials were able to take control of government-run companies, became president, and he has manipulated the electoral rules to stay there for more than 20 years.

But it’s countries like Hungary, and prior to that, Poland, that are mystifying. Having gained democracy, both countries have flirted with dictatorship. Poland only recently discarded a president who tried to rule as a dictator. Hungary has been accepting of one.

The world has been shaken to its very roots by the changes brought about by the COVID19 pandemic. Even in Canada, people are in a bad mood, as shown by the unpopularity of the current Prime Minister and the popularity of a Conservative leader who doesn’t invite dreams of wisdom. But, disturbed by the pandemic, we have inflation and higher food prices and as we’re looking for someone to blame, the government seems a handy target.

The same seems to hold true south of the border. Higher food prices seem to be shaping the selection of the next president more than the good work Biden has done to improve highways which doesn’t match the very personal cost of inflated food. As so, apparently, about half the country is ready to support Trump, who makes the battle all about his own legal fight over more than 90 legal charges that he blames on Biden.

Democracy is hard for those of us who get to choose our government. We must put an effort into choosing who will be the wisest choice to lead us, not who we’re mad at because we’re currently hurting. Democracy calls on us to make hard choices for our own long-term benefit.

M-T peddling ‘flag-nography’???

P

eople who want to get unnecessarily worked up about something, you’ve come to the right place! It is with a mixture of feigned indignation, simulated anger and scandalized shock that we must address a matter of utmost importance: the entirely obscene flag of beloved local municipality Morris-Turnberry. What was once thought to be a simple, innocuous representation of the township’s initials has taken on a rather... ahem... suggestive appearance.

Upon closer inspection (which, for the record, was undertaken with great reluctance and averted eyes), it has come to our attention that the combination of the letters “M” and “T” on the flag has inadvertently created a rather risqué visual. Yes, dear readers, if one were so inclined and possessed a certain creative imagination (which we assure you, we lack entirely), one might interpret the “T” as engaging in an act of, shall we say, intimate proximity with the “M.” Now, we must emphasize that this interpretation is purely the product of overactive imaginations and not at all a reflection of the wholesome values for which Morris-Turnberry stands. It is a community of hardworking farmers, not purveyors of scandalous symbolism or peddlers of flagbased filth! While there is very welldocumented and irrefutable truth to the old saying, “There’s a pervert on every street,” we are confident that the streets of MorrisTurnberry do not exceed the national average.

Even if they do, it couldn’t possibly be by that much. Probably well-within the perverted margin of error.

Naturally, this pornography-adjacent flag has led to whispers and giggles within certain circles. Some suggest a redesign, perhaps

Scott Stephenson The Chaff with a more straightforward depiction of the initials engaging in abstinence, devoid of any unintended innuendo. Others argue that the uniqueness of the flag should be embraced, viewing it as a quirky conversation starter for tourists (though we do caution against explaining said conversation starter to young children only just beginning to learn the alphabet).

One might suggest that if the letters “M” and “T” are engaging in such intimate activities, they should at least be depicted with the proper protection - a lesson in responsibility for all letter-based liaisons.

While undeniably graphic in its portrayal of alphabetic intimacy, the design does have positive attributes that are worth celebrating.

One could argue that this flag is a beacon of inclusivity and progressivism. After all, who’s to say that “M” and “T” can’t represent any combination of genders? You can’t spell “they/them” without “T” and “M”.

Others contend the decision to limit the flag’s representation of numerals to just four digits segregated at the bottom to be troubling. “This is a flagrant attempt to minimize the visibility of alphanumeric relationships,” said 2 of LGBTQ2S+.

As we scrutinize every element of the flag with an eagle eye akin to a mysterious figure lurking in the bushes with binoculars, we cannot overlook the delicate leaf that hovers

above the “T”. Some may argue that its positioning, delicately perched as if caught in a gentle breeze, evokes a sense of natural harmony and rural tranquility. However, others, with a more mischievous imagination, might draw a comparison to a certain organic adornment often associated with intimate regions. The leaf, much like the verdant foliage adorning our countryside, adds a touch of beauty to the flag’s composition. Its presence speaks of growth, renewal and the interconnectedness of nature and community.

Yet one could whimsically suggest that the leaf’s placement above the “T” subtly alludes to themes of fertility and vitality. It is a gentle nod to the cycle of life that sustains us all. It flutters with secrets reminiscent of Adam and Eve covering their loins in the Garden of Eden, hiding a world of tantalizing mysteries beneath a leafy veil that beckons the curious to decipher its coded language of symbolism and subtle suggestion.

The Chaff has made no effort to reach Morris-Turnberry Mayor Jamie Heffer, Deputy-Mayor Kevin Freiburger, any members of council, senior staff, junior staff, part-time staff, casual staff, former staff, or even aspiring, wannabe staff for comment, but the silence speaks volumes. Why has this important and very serious topic been left off the agenda of council meetings for so long? Is it because there is more urgent business that requires actual attention and thoughtful deliberation? Is that what democracy is all about? We all know that flags are the most dangerous form of propaganda known to humankind and flagkind and it is imperative that we stand, at full mast, flapping against any flags that we flag as unflagsmanlike.

To have your say, Morris-Turnberry can be reached by fax at 519-887-6424.

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

The dearly departed

H

ow does one bid farewell to someone who you, well, loathe? Many grappled with this last week with the passing of O.J. Simpson, former college and professional football star and beloved actor, who captivated much of the western world in 1994 and 1995 with his infamous white Ford Bronco chase and the subsequent “Trial of the Century” as it is now known. He was 76 years old.

Though found not guilty in the murder of his wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, who got caught up in the situation as a well-meaning restaurant employee returning a pair of glasses to a patron as a favour, many have come to the conclusion that Simpson was guilty of the crimes (recent polling has shown that over 70 per cent of those asked, regardless of race, felt he was guilty, a number that has climbed in the years since the trial). Many also resented Simpson’s antics following the trial, from writing a book about how he would have carried out the murders if it were him, though insisting that it wasn’t, to living a lavish, golffilled life all while owing the Goldman family $33 million from a civil suit filed by the family against Simpson. It rubbed people the wrong way and we can leave it at that.

(Actually, let’s not leave it at that. What a sad state of affairs the court system is in. Like, are people broke or are they not broke? We’ve got O.J. slicing into the woods on a daily basis, Alex Jones on tropical vacations and Donald Trump jet setting across the U.S. in an effort to become president again, all while they owe millions - over a billion in Jones’s case - to people they’ve wronged. Is a judgment worth the paper it’s on if no one will enforce the penalties? Makes my blood boil.)

Back to O.J. Unless you’re a hard-lined, “I spit on your grave” kind of person, when someone unsavoury dies, it’s complex. Often you know you won’t miss them, but we’ve been taught not to slander the dead.

After years of covering Richard Nixon, Hunter S. Thompson was tapped to write an obituary for the man he so hated for Rolling Stone. It was entitled “He Was A Crook” and, as you might imagine, Thompson didn’t take the high road. The fact that Nixon had died did not change Thompson’s feelings about him.

One can only wonder what Thompson would make of the politics of today. Perhaps it’s better that he too is gone and doesn’t have to live through the criminal trial of a former president and budding dictator who is leading in the polls and hawking bibles and running shoes to anyone stupid enough to pay for them.

Caitlyn Jenner offered up a “good riddance” when the O.J. news broke. However, those who support O.J. were quick to point to Jenner’s 2015 collision that killed Kim Howe.

This also serves as a stark reminder that O.J. helped give rise to the Kardashian and Jenner families, introducing them to us, so it’s safe to say that we are all victims of him.

Malcolm LeVergne, the executor of O.J.’s estate and his long-time lawyer, has insisted that he’ll do everything in his power to ensure the Goldmans get nothing from O.J., despite the civil suit verdict. So, yes, O.J. appears to be persisting as an awful person from the grave.

How do we mourn the wretched? We are nice people, so when someone passes away, that person is always “loved by everyone” and someone who could “talk to anyone at any level” with a “smile that lit up the room”. And that’s alright - it’s nice that we do that. But, some people have made the world a worse place for one reason or another. So, well done to the people who tell the truth to the end. We appreciate your courage.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024.

BAS Family Fun Day set for May 5 A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231

Role models It was all about superheroes and princesses on Sunday at the Four Winds Barn in Brussels as young people from near and far were welcomed to the stately structure to indulge in fandom for superheroes, princesses or both. Spiderman and Frozen’s Elsa were among the main attractions of the day. (John Stephenson photo)

At the Branch

Busy week at the Legion

By Jo-Ann McDonald The catering crew was very busy this past week. They started on Monday catering to the Lions Club.

They enjoyed a turkey dinner before conducting the club’s elections. The ladies working for the Branch included Jo-Ann, Judy, Marni and Deb. Another great job.

On Wednesday, the catering crew fed many of the customers of Huron Feeding Systems who have Shivvers Drying Systems. There were guest speakers and the near-50 in attendance enjoyed the talks and then had lunch. The hard-working women this time included Sandra, Deb, Judy, Deb Seili, Christine Seili and Jo-Ann. Thursday night was dart night and there were 22 darters taking aim at the boards. The first-place team consisted of Darlene Gibson and Rob DeForest. Finishing in second place after a four-way tie and playoff was the winning team of Barb Cadotte, Eric Ross and Tim Nyholt. The high shots of the night were by Sandra Brown 140, Eric 134 and Randy White 108. Play continues for another few weeks.

Upstairs, the Pipe Band was practising and we are happy to see a few new young people taking interest in learning the pipes and drums.

Moving into the kitchen, you would find Jo-Ann and Judy. They were busy getting things ready for the fish fry on the weekend.

Friday was a rotten stormy day and the hydro went out around 3:30 p.m. There was still work to be done at the Branch, so Jo-Ann and Judy went in while it was still light

enough to see in the kitchen.

The Catch the Ace draw had to be cancelled because all the sold tickets could not be gathered because of the hydro outage (many of the businesses closed before we could get there). The other problem was the technical difficulty with trying to capture the draw on video.

No worries, though. The Ace crew of Sandra, Lisa and Joan conducted the draw early Saturday morning at 10 a.m. and the lucky winner of week five was Jayne Ross and her number of choice was 30. It revealed the six of clubs. Jayne won $144 and the jackpot for next week could be $1,300.

Saturday started rainy and it was a big day for the Branch. The fish fry crew went to Cranbrook Hall for a fish fry fundraiser. They fed 400 folks for both a drive-through or eat-in at the hall. The new renovations were shown off for all to see. The fish fry crew included Lisa Glanville, Joan Smith, Chris Brown, Kathy Burkholder, Steve and Marni Knight, Zoey Onn, Sherri Oliver, Jim Brown and Randy White. They had a big day of cooking and thankfully the weather turned around so it wasn’t as bad as it was in the morning.

Congratulations to the crew for a great job.

The Branch was also the venue on Saturday for the celebration of 70 years of life. A birthday party was held for Dale Caskanette for about 60 of his family and friends.

They gathered and enjoyed an afternoon of visiting and social time before enjoying a ham/beef dinner. Congratulations to Dale!

The helpers at the Branch included Jo-Ann, Linda Bird, Judy, Perry and Julie Pearce, Mabel Glanville and Heide Jonuschies. Good job ladies.

Sunday is usually a day of rest, but not at the Legion last weekend.

About 33 members of the HuronPerth Abate Chapter 14 gathered at the Branch for a meeting. It was a beautiful day and some arrived on their motorcycles. They made a fantastic donation to the Children’s Health Foundation of $6,000. Wow! The Branch had some members missing on the weekend from the volunteer duties to represent the Branch at the District Convention in Owen Sound. Eric and Deb Ross were away from Friday to Sunday.

Anticipation and action are running full tilt as the sun shines and the temperature rises. Mood is certainly affected by the weather.

This is April, so trust is limited, especially when you know the white stuff has returned to the west.

Keep the mitts and boots handy as you get ready to do your spring routine.

For the organizers of our world, we know that a lot of preparation work happens long before and behind the scenes of any event.

Take a moment to appreciate the skilled volunteers who, often unnoticed, get things ready for another successful endeavour.

Thinking about the Brussels Fall Fair in September, plans have long been in the works for this yearly celebration. Our fair is one of the yearly constants in this community; a celebration of farming, agriculture, family and community.

As the base of agri-business and residents change, it is necessary to promote the reason, effect and outcome of agriculture here. We need to celebrate the productivity of our land and our farmers. We need to stress the importance of knowing where our food comes from, and be reminded that Huron County is a champion in producing agricultural products in many, many forms.

To get into the learning and doing of the fair, see the social media

posts and read the advertisements and posters around the village. You will find on May 5 a Family Fun Day will happen at the Legion.

Before that, you need to participate in the categories available. Pick an area of interest, there are many, then put forth an effort and plan on being there on May 5. It’s really a mini fair, to educate and encourage participation. To have some fun along the way, Murray at the Barbershop has buckets of junk, assembled by the board members, not Murray’s personal junk. Pick up one of the buckets full of treasures, get creative, bring your entry to the Legion on May 5 for a quick course in judging to fair standards. Get informed and join the fun.

Have you considered your actions for Earth Day on April 22? The environment is a topic of concern and hopefully improved action by all of us. Carbon output and plastic consumption are two of the big issues again this year. We know what we need to do, but often push it off, thinking that the responsibility for an improved earth belongs to someone else. Pick one thing to do this year and try hard so we can leave a liveable earth for the children.

Enjoy the sunshine.

Bye now Betty GW

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NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

Brussels Legion 218 Catch the Ace Weekly Winner Winning Ticket: Jayne Ross, $144.

Envelope #30 found the 6 of Clubs Next estimated jackpot is $1,300.

HURON EAST FIRE DEPARTMENT Recruiting Volunteer Firefighters!

The Huron East Fire Department is looking for new volunteers to help serve their community. We will be hosting recruitment open houses for interested candidates and their families to attend.

Come on out to one of our Fire Halls to meet the team and learn more about what it takes!

Brussels Station April 23, 2024 6:00-8:00 PM Brussels Fire Hall 51 Cn Rd, Brussels

Grey Station April 24, 2024 6:00-8:00 PM Ethel Fire Hall 44258 Brandon Rd, Ethel

Seaforth Station April 30, 2024 6:00-8:00 PM Seaforth Fire Hall 31 Birch St, Seaforth

Can’t make it to your home station? Don’t worry – you are welcome to attend any of the open houses we’re hosting throughout the community!

We look forward to seeing you there!

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024. PAGE 7.

Spring is in the air and on the griddle BurgerTime On April 9 at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre, the Brussels Optimists were tapped to feed the masses as the Blyth Brussels Minor Hockey Association held its annual year-end gala and awards banquet. (John Stephenson photo)

The Reading Web with Cindy Norgate

W

hen my oldest son was a little boy, I was a single parent working my way through university. We didn’t have much money, but continuing education for my son was a priority for me. After all, I knew he would only be in my care once in his life, right? On the other hand, summer was coming and I should let him rest and relax. It was truly a no-brainer for me. I wanted my son to continue learning throughout the summer, but I also wanted it to be fun, so I began to research (and this was before the internet).

Every week, I searched through our local newspaper for free or almost-free activities for children. I also inquired at our local library about activities they were aware of in our community. I was fortunate enough to find a cool, yet educational program at our local state park. It was free and my son was able to learn about indigenous animals. Next, we went to our local library’s summer learning program, which ran once a week throughout the entire summer. Later that summer, we helped my grandmother tend her garden, and my son not only learned the value of working for what we eat, but he also learned how to grow and harvest what we enjoyed at her home. We had a great time.

As I got older and four more children joined the family, we toured a local dairy and saw how they made cheese and prepared milk for shipping. Then, we picked strawberries and enjoyed every moment. Yes, we could have easily bought them pre-picked, but that isn’t what I wanted for the kids. I wanted them to pick them and to see how they were grown and harvested.

We brought them home, washed them, and my children all came into the kitchen with me to make delectable treats.

Have you thought about what we talked about week? Remember the

summer learning I mentioned? I gave you my word that I would help you keep education in the lives of your children for the summer, so I’ve done a bit of research for you.

Of course, you knew I would mention the summer reading program at the local library.

Wherever you live, there is a library near you. Check out what they have to offer this summer. Another perk is that with a library card you can get free admission to the Huron County Museum.

I also found where North Huron offers a day camp in Wingham. I witnessed a portion of this camp last year, and it seemed quite fun. Here is the phone number if you want to check out what they are planning for the summer. Note: There is a cost for this one: 519-357-1208 ext. 0.

Since teaching children to pick up their litter and be respectful to our environment can be a summer project, I wanted to share a book called What a Waste: Trash, Recycling, and Protecting our Planet (2019) written by Jess French. According to Amazon, this

NEWS FROM BLYTH

“educational book will teach young budding ecologists about how our actions affect planet Earth and the big impact we can make by the little things we do.”

As I leave it here for this week, I want to share that our next reading time at the Blyth Library will be April 27 at 9:30 a.m. The theme is “planting”. It will be followed by a seed swap. Come on along and enjoy a terrific morning with us.

Also, next week I will share more adventures you can plan for this summer with your young one.

“In the spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather in 24 hours.” - Mark Twain

By Deb Hakkers Well, Tuesday was another lovely spring day! Over the weekend, we took in pancake breakfasts in both Belmore and Auburn, which were sure signs of spring.

Daffodils are blooming and tulips are starting. We received lots of pictures from Holland over the weekend with Fred’s mom and brother Gary and the other Deb Hakkers continuing to enjoy their trip to see the tulips and enjoying a big family barbecue in their honour.

This week, we wish a happy birthday to Bryce Glousher on April 19, Ashley Bromley on April 20, Gayle Poore on April 21, Sheila Moore and Paul Craig on April 22, Sandra DeCorte on April 23 and Tanner Brooks on April 24. Hope everyone enjoys their special day!

Happy to hear that the Lions Club sold out for the pork chop dinner on Saturday. All I have to do is remember to go get mine.

Happy Earth Day next week!

Let’s do what we can to help out the planet, our survival depends on it.

Here are the winners of the Blyth euchre games from April 15. For the women, Brenda Brooks finished in first place, followed by Shirley Woods in second. Jane Glousher had the most lone hands.

For the men, Gord Haggitt finished in first and Mac Brooks finished in second, while Marie Millian had the most lone hands.

Pauline McMichael and Sharon Thompson were the week’s Share the Wealth winners.

Until next week take care of yourselves and each other!

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MAITLAND VALLEY CAMERA CLUB

Photography by Gail Jaycock

PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024.

Toll reflects on star-studded career, local roots

Local connection Warren “Wiggy” Toll spent 14 years as a road manager for Canadian music legend Gordon Lightfoot. In an interview with The Citizen, Toll discusses his connection to Huron County, his widely-ranging experience in the music industry and The Lightfoot Band’s upcoming performance in Blyth. Above, from left, The Lightfoot Band consists of Mike Heffernan, Rick Haynes, Andy Mauck, Barry Keane and Carter Lancaster.

(Courtesy photo - Bullfrog Photography)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen When music icon Gordon Lightfoot passed away last year at the age of 84, a silence fell over the Canadian music industry as it reflected on the loss of a legendary singer-songwriter. The powerful flame of Lightfoot’s songs, however, has continued to burn on in the hearts of his longtime bandmates - and on Friday, April 26, The Lightfoot Band will be sharing the spirit of that fire at Blyth’s Memorial Hall as part of their current tour.

The knowledge that some of Lightfoot’s earliest televised performances occurred on Wingham’s own Circle 8 Ranch is a matter of public record, but Lightfoot’s touring show actually has another fascinating connection to the area - and it’s a bit of a Huron County deep cut!

Warren “Wiggy” Toll spent 14 years as Lightfoot’s tour manager, and is continuing on in that same role for The Lightfoot Band. Toll was kind enough to take a break from planning the band’s upcoming tour to add a chat with The Citizen to his lengthy resume. He may have grown up in London, Ontario and attended school in Toronto, but the enigmatic production master can trace his musical roots all the way back to Huron County.

As a young Londoner, Toll always appreciated coming for a visit. “I’ve got a lot of family up in Huron County,” Toll explained. “In Blyth, but also Auburn in particular, and they were all very musical. And world famous horse breeders, for Clydesdales, although that’s getting off topic a little bit. They were musical, and they played traditional folk music. They sang, and there was always a piano going. It had a big influence on me, when I was young, to have that in my family…

Things like square dance and Barn Dance, it’s very important history, and it comes from that folk background, which, of course, ties in with Gordon Lightfoot’s music.”

Having worked intimately alongside Lightfoot for so many years, Toll has a lot of insight to offer about the man’s character. “He

was a class guy - very complex, very committed to work. He was very fair, and he was always concentrating on the show, day in and day out. He would show up every day at 1 p.m. for an 8 p.m. show. He dedicated himself to writing new lyrics, tuning his instruments... he just wanted to be present all day. Watching load-in, making sure all the details were taken care of. He wasn’t required to be there, he just wanted to be there.

Totally dedicated to his craft, an amazing songwriter, and just an allaround good guy.”

For The Lightfoot Band’s current tour, guitar and vocals will be performed by Andy Mauck, whom Toll feels is the absolute best choice for the gig. “The guys and Gord had known Andy for decades. He was a good friend, and he probably saw Lightfoot perform 200 times in his life... when the guys decided to continue this legacy, he was the natural choice...That’s what’s bringing us to Blyth... the songs and the material that Gord created [are] world class, and they felt that it was important to continue playing the songs live.”

The fascinating road that brought Toll from boyhood jamborees in Auburn to working with Gordon Lightfoot was a winding one, lit by the light of laser technology. Before settling down with one band for a spell, Toll amassed a truly incredible resume in the entertainment industry. “Long story short, I spent most of my time growing up in London, Ontario.

Then I moved to Toronto to attend Humber College for music in 1980.”

During that time, Toll played in a number of bands that toured nationally, including the Juno Award-winning Lydia Taylor Band.

“I ended up meeting a guy named Howard Ungerleider.” Those who grew up in the thick of Ontario’s “Rush Belt” might already be familiar with the name Ungerleider - for over 40 years, he was the unofficial fourth member of Canada’s greatest three-piece power trio. Or unofficial fifth member, if you include original drummer John Rutsey, who was quickly replaced with humanoid

percussion machine Neil Peart. Or even unofficial sixth member, if you include original vocalist Jeff Jones, who was replaced with the instantly iconic Geddy Lee. Ungerleider wore many hats during his time with Rush - he started out as the band’s combination manager, lighting designer and touring accountant, before eventually narrowing his focus down to only lighting direction and design. “We became friends, and he was just doing a start-up program with the Markham Laser Company. I’d been working at film companies by then, doing prop deliveries and whatever I could, and he said ‘why don’t you try out being a LASER programmer?’ And that’s how it started. I was totally green, the industry was very young at that point, and I just ended up designing

shows. The first tour I ever did was for Honeymoon Suite, in 1986. And it just grew from there.”

When the first laser was created in 1960 by Theodore Maiman, its name, as written, was the initialism LASER, which stands for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. From menacing James Bond to doing your Aunt Dot’s LASIK eye surgery, it took just a few short decades for the laser to become essential to countless endeavours, both scientific and artistic. One of the finest uses western society found for lasers was in the burgeoning field of visual augmentation. Toll was right there on the ground floor of the innovative industry, and he harkens back to the height of his laser days fondly. “It starts with the music, of course, and matching up dynamic visuals to enhance certain parts of a piece of music. Pyrotechnics and lasers need to be used tastefully, and sparingly. Lighting, in general, is there to enhance the dynamics, in my opinion... live music enhanced by visual effects has come so far in the last 40 years... you can program an entire show, now, just on a laptop!”

Getting involved with the laser arts typically leads a person in one direction: working with Pink Floyd, and Toll was no exception. “I spent a number of years doing laser effects - it kind of peaked when I did the laser design for Pink Floyd’s ‘The Division Bell’ World Tour in 1994.” Pink Floyd’s world class live shows are the thing of legends.

A month of pre-production in a San Bernardino airplane hangar led to eight months on the road in North America and Europe. “I forget the name of the Air Force Base... it was a fun time.” Working with Pink Floyd wasn’t just a good gig.

“They’re one of my favourite bands of all time. I’m 62, so I was listening to Dark Side of the Moon back in the mid-70s, so to work with them was just a high point of my career. It was amazing! Just the size of the production, the number

of people, it was just mind blowing!”

Toll’s fascination with all things stagecraft naturally evolved into life managing productions and tours for acts like Tom Cochrane, Big Sugar and The Trews. Eventually, that work brought him into contact with Gordon Lightfoot, who was, at the time, in search of a tour manager to travel with him and his band for three weeks in early 2010. ”I thought ‘that’ll be a fun three weeks’ - then, 14 years later, I was still with him, right up until he passed.”

Somewhere along the way, Toll was honoured with the nickname “Wiggy”. “It was basically my mannerisms on stage that did it - I was pretty freaky! I was playing bass, and I never stood still, so one night, the lead singer came out and she introduced me as ‘Wiggy’ and it just stuck like glue, and I’m happy to have it as a nickname. My company is called ‘Big Wig Productions, Inc.” Just last year, Toll has helped bring several beloved Ontario events to fruition, including the Burlington Sound of Music Festival and TD Toronto Jazz Festival. He also spent four months on tour with country musician Brett Kissel. “It kept me busy.” This year, it’s all about building momentum with The Lightfoot Band.

As it stands now, Toll sees his future as wide open - he’s even thinking about getting back into lasers! “Gigs come and go, but I think I’ve been very lucky to work with some great artists. As long as you try to stay busy, and you’re still motivated, then good things will happen! I don’t plan on slowing down any time soon - I love what I do.”

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024. PAGE 9.

Spring Car Care 2024 Do what you can to save your car’s paint may or may not be practical for cars drivers use every day, but they are an effective way to protect a paint job from the elements. Drivers who have a spare car they rarely drive or even those who do not drive their primary vehicle a lot each day can purchase a universal-fit car cover or a premium cover designed specifically for their vehicles. Car covers protect paint jobs from ultraviolet rays and the elements and may reduce the need for more frequent trips to the car wash.

• Park in the shade, but choose spots wisely: Parking in the shade may protect vehicles from the ultraviolet rays of the sun, but it's important that drivers pick the right shady spot to park their cars and trucks. A shade tree might seem like

a great ally to vehicle owners, but if birds nest or rest in the tree, drivers could be exposing their cars to bird droppings.

That’s no small threat, as bird droppings are high in uric acid, which quickly damage a vehicle’s exterior. Parking directly beneath a tree also might expose the paint job to sap or fallen leaves or berries, each of which can adversely vehicle exteriors. If you plan to park in the shade to protect the paint job, ideally choose a spot that is not directly beneath the tree.

A well-maintained paint job can improve the appearance and life expectancy of a vehicle, which is something drivers should keep in mind as they hope to get the most out of their automotive investment.

Looking great Regular washes and other tips and tricks will keep your car’s paint looking great for (MS years to come.

Photo)

MS - Drivers go to great lengths to ensure what’s under the hood of their vehicles is well taken care of.

But it’s equally beneficial to tend to the exterior of a vehicle, including its paint job.

According to Popular Mechanics, oxidation can adversely affect ironbased metals. That can put vehicles in jeopardy and take significant time off their life expectancy. The good news is that rust and other issues that can affect a vehicle’s paint job and appearance are typically avoidable. That should be music to the ears of new vehicle owners, who likely need no reminder of the sizable financial investment required to drive off the lot with a fresh set of wheels.

Drivers who want their cars and trucks to maintain their looks over the long haul can consider these simple strategies to protect their paint jobs.

• Make car washes part of your vehicle maintenance routine: Seasoned drivers are undoubtedly familiar with the conventional wisdom surrounding oil change intervals, but those same motorists may not recognize the importance of routine car washes. Over time, contaminants such as pollen, dust and pollution can settle on a vehicle’s exterior, potentially jeopardizing the paint job. Routine car washes can prevent such damage and help a car look like it was just driven off the lot.

• Wax the exterior of the vehicle: The automotive experts at Carfax® report that waxing is a significant and simple way to protect vehicle paint. Carfax® notes that certain paste waxes contain mild abrasives that help remove fine scratches from painted surfaces. Wax also can protect paint jobs from fading related to exposure to ultraviolet rays. That’s especially noteworthy for drivers who do not routinely park their cars in a garage.

• Use a car cover: Car covers

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PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024.

Spring Car Care 2024 Be smart, be safe: keep your tires in good shape

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On top of it Tires can be an easy part of your car to forget, aside from seasonal changes. Make sure you’re keeping up with things where the rubber meets the road to ensure a smooth and safe ride for you and your loved ones. (MS Photo) MS - Inflation has been a hot topic for several years, as the cost of everything from groceries to gas to housing has increased considerably since 2019. Cars are no exception to that phenomenon, and anyone who has purchased a new car over the last half decade likely experienced some sticker shock when they started their search for a new vehicle. Data from Kelley Blue Book indicates the average cost of a new car in the United States was $37,590 in 2019.

By 2023, the average cost had risen to $47,899. That marks an increase of more than 27 per cent in a fouryear period.

Cars are indeed a significant investment, which underscores the importance of vehicle maintenance.

Maintenance is more than just tending to what’s under the hood.

Tires also require drivers’ attention, as aging, damaged tires pose a safety risk that also compromise vehicle performance. Tires are easily overlooked, but the following are four signs tires need to be replaced.

• Worn tread: The automotive experts at AutoZone® note that tread depth is the most prevalent indicator that a tire needs to be replaced. AutoZone® notes that tread depth should always be at least 0.15 centimetres throughout the tire. Depth should be measured across the tread and around the circumference. If the tread is at or below that threshold, the tire should be replaced.

• Bulges, gouges or cracks: Geico® notes that a deflated tire

bulges at the sides, and that can compromise the safety of everyone in the vehicle. AutoZone® says bulges occur when air gets between the inner liner and outer rubber layers, which can happen after hitting a curb or driving over a sizable pothole. A gouge or cut that is deeper than the outer layer of the

tire also necessitates replacement.

• Poor grip: Drivers may be able to feel certain tire problems, including poor grip, while driving.

In such instances, tires may feel as though they are slipping. The tire experts at Firestone note that low tread can reduce tire traction and Continued on page 11

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024. PAGE 11.

Spring Car Care 2024 As prices soar, find the value in preowned vehicles

What’s old is new In this economy, there are plenty of reasons to buy a preowned vehicle, many of them having to do with affordability. (MS Photo) MS - Drivers about to embark on a search for a new vehicle may experience some sticker shock if it’s been a while since they purchased a car or truck. According to Kelley Blue Book, the average cost of a new car in the United States rose by more than $10,000 between 2019 and 2023, when drivers could expect to spend an average of $47,899 for a new vehicle.

The rising cost of new vehicles may have priced many people out of the new car market. The preowned vehicle market has changed considerably over the last

decade-plus, so it's worth considering the many benefits of such automobiles when the time comes to replace an existing car or truck.

• Less sticker shock: Cost is perhaps the most significant difference between preowned and new vehicles. Not unlike new vehicles, the price of a preowned car will depend on the category of automobile. However, Carfax® reported that prices for preowned vehicles were declining considerably by the end of 2023. By late November of that year, the average cost of a preowned SUV was $24,854 U.S., while the average price of a preowned car was less than $20,000 U.S. Those prices are a far cry from the cost of a new car as determined by Kelley Blue Book, making preowned vehicles a more budget-friendly

option at a point in time when cost of living remains high.

• Less depreciation: Most drivers are familiar with the notion that the value of new cars drops considerably the moment the car is driven off a dealership lot. In fact, the auto insurance experts at Progressive estimate that many cars lose up to 20 per cent of their value within the first year and an additional 15 percent more each year until the four- or five-year mark. Many preowned vehicles are purchased after the period when their value is dropping considerably each year, which makes some used cars a better investment than a new automobile.

• Lower insurance premiums: Another budget-friendly benefit of buying preowned is that such cars and trucks tend to cost a lot less to insure than new vehicles. Cars cost less to insure as their value goes down, as Progressive notes they tend to be cheaper to repair or replace. The vehicle make and model and how the car is used will determine the cost to insure it, but some estimates suggest preowned

vehicles can cost as much as 25 per cent less to insure than new cars or trucks.

• An altered preowned landscape: Used cars declined in popularity as drivers feared being swindled with a lemon. However, the availability of vehicle history reports through firms like Carfax® and the rise in certified preowned vehicles has removed much of the risk once associated with buying used cars. Certified preowned

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PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024.

Belgrave Playground Committee developing plans Wayne Fenton

James Elston Emily, Sofia and Trevor Hopf

Anita van Hittersum Jonathan Van Camp

(Play)grounds for dismissal Fundraising group is hosting beef dinner on April 27 to raise money for new, accessible playground.

(Scott Stephenson photos)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

The Belgrave Playground Committee (BPC) met earlier this month at the Belgrave Community Centre (BCC) to finalize plans for its upcoming fundraising efforts.

The BPC was formed last year by a group of dedicated citizens who want to facilitate a much-needed update to the municipally-owned playground adjacent to the BCC. The group is headed by several young, local families who are working together to create new playground facilities to be enjoyed by all of the area’s families for years to come. Several members of the committee attended the meeting with their young children in tow, including BPC Secretary Emily Hopf and her husband and BPC cochair, Trevor.

While the BPC has no shortage of

creative money-making ideas, the group’s first foray into fundraising as a team will be a tried and true Huron County concept: a roast beef dinner. Community beef dinners are an enduring rural tradition - some of the earliest surviving local newspapers make mention of beef dinners, and they were likely happening before the age of the public record. It would be a reasonable assumption to make that Huron County has been hosting community beef dinners for just as long as there have been cattle farms here. The BPC is hoping to put the beef dinner’s ancient community rallying power to use once again, all in the name of good, clean fun.

The group has also drafted a letter requesting donations from nearby business owners that might be interested in a little bit of community betterment. They also discussed the importance of collecting input from as many other local, interested people as possible.

The BPC has been considering the work of several different playground design companies, and hopes that citizens will weigh-in with their opinions on the options.

North Huron Councillor Anita van Hittersum is volunteering her time to support the project. At a regular meeting of council held on Monday, April 15, she provided an update on the group’s fundraising efforts. “On April 27, they are having their first major fundraiser, at the Belgrave arena, from 5 to 8.

Mr. Wayne Fenton will be putting

The Citizen

up his famous roast beef, and they will have some delicious desserts it’s going to be a real, old-fashioned country supper.” Fenton is co-chair of the BPC, in addition to being the evening’s beef master. The meal will also feature coleslaw, mashed potatoes and carrots, with all the vegetables being provided by Belgrave farmer Robert Foreman, of 100 Mile Produce.

The BPC first presented the concept for its fundraising project to North Huron Council in late 2023. At that time, the group requested council’s assistance in regards to funding, so they could achieve the mandated improvements necessary to upgrade the playground in time for the 2025 deadline set by the province in the Accessibility Act. While a full slate of other capital projects meant there was no additional funding available in the 2024 budget for the playground, council did approve the BPC’s request for a $1,000 donation towards its fundraising goal of $300,000.

Council also encouraged the group to spend the year fundraising independently within the community with help from a local not-for-profit group. Finding an available not-for-profit can be challenging - luckily, the BPC is already a subcommittee of the Belgrave Community Centre Board. Jonathan Van Camp, who has long ensured that things run

smoothly at the Belgrave arena, is also a member of the BPC. There are many municipalities throughout the province, including some in larger urban centres, that will likely fail to meet the 2025 deadline set out by the Accessibility Act. Huron County is lucky to have the invaluable resource of accessibility advocate Julie Sawchuk, who is always working towards creating a wider mindset when it comes to the way we consider public spaces. Whether she’s gently, (or not so gently) pointing out “accessibility fails” through social media or speaking on any number of important issues relating to accessibility, Sawchuk is a true thought leader when it comes to inclusive, accessible, spacial design. The BPC has hopes of consulting with Sawchuk as the project progresses.

Some of the playground’s existing equipment has already been removed, as it was deemed unsafe for children. The equipment that does remain in the playground, while functional, is showing its age.

Updating the playground to meet modern standards isn’t just about

having a nicer jungle gym for kids to monkey around on, although that does have a lot of appeal to committee members like Emily and Trevor, who live in Belgrave and have an energetic young daughter with skinnable knees and chippable teeth; It’s also about showing commitment to the idea of a truly inclusive future where all children, no matter what their level of mobility, can enjoy communal play spaces together. It’s an effort that strives to not just change the face of a single playground, but to create a kinder, more expansive future, and to turn a semi-forgotten piece of Belgrave into a beacon that welcomes all to a little slice of rural inclusivity.

Tickets to the BPC Beef Dinner on April 27 cost $25. Contact any member of the committee for purchase: Trevor Hopf, trevor_hopf@hotmail.com; Wayne Fenton, wfenton18@gmail.com; Emily Hopf, emily.d.hopf @gmail.com; James Elston, j.elston02@outlook.com; Jonathan Van Camp, vancamp.jon@gmail. com; Anita van Hittersum, avanhittersum@northhuron.ca.

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Belgrave

80th Anniversary Dealer Days April 24, 2024 ~ 10:00 – 2:00 pm Speare Seeds will be here to show what’s available in:

• Grass seed • Pasture Mix • Overseeding • Deer Plots And new to us Landscape Mixture Come out and get pointed in the right direction to a beautiful lawn.

Drinks and snacks provided Phone: 519-357-2711 1 Queen Street, Belgrave

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024. PAGE 13.

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Heat teams fail to medal at OWHA provincials Continued from page 1 sending them to the championship round on Sunday.

The Heat took on the Niagara Rapids on Sunday in the semifinals, but lost by a score of 3-2, sending them to the bronze medal game against the Toronto Leaside Wildcats once again. However, the Heat lost to the Wildcats by a score of 1-0, meaning they would finish just short of the podium.

The U11 C Heat also opened their tournament play with a win on Friday - a 4-0 victory over the Belmont Blazers. However, things didn’t go their way in the second game that day, as the locals fell to the Lakeshore Lightning by a score of 2-1.

The team then took on the Kanata Rangers on Saturday in a game that ended in a 2-2 tie. That wouldn’t be enough to propel the Heat into the championship round on Sunday, however, so that was the end of the tournament for them.

The Lucknow/Wingham 86ers would go on to win gold in this division, beating a team from Parkhill to win the tournament.

Also in the U11 division, the South Huron Sabres placed second in the U11 B division.

The U13 BB Heat opened

tournament play on Friday with a 31 win over the North Halton Twisters, followed by a decisive 50 shutout victory over the Toronto Leaside Wildcats. On Saturday, the team tied the Sudbury Lady Wolves at one, but it wasn’t enough to earn them another game in the tournament.

The U13 C Heat won their first game of the provincials on Friday with a 3-0 victory over the Sault

Ste. Marie Wildcats, followed by a 5-0 loss at the hands of the Fort Frances Leafs.

The next day, the Heat faced a familiar foe in the Lucan Irish and won by a score of 3-0 before registering another victory, a 2-1 win over the Kanata Rangers.

The team’s luck then ran out on Sunday in the championship round, however, with a 3-0 loss to the Fort Frances Leafs and then a 3-2 loss to

the Heart Ice Cats to close out the season for the Heat.

The U15 C Heat began their tournament on Friday afternoon with a 4-1 loss to the Wilmot Wolverines, followed later that night by a 6-0 victory over the Georgina Golden Hawks.

They would play again on Saturday, taking on the Ilderton Jets, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time and it was

the team’s last game of the provincials.

On Saturday, the U9 B Heat played in the provincial championship year-end jamboree, though scores were not kept for the tournament.

The team played the Brantford Ice Cats and Gloucester Cumberland Stars on Saturday and the Durham West Lightning and the Burlington Barracudas on Sunday.

Thompson surprised for 70th birthday PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE

By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188

Brian and Rita Potter recently enjoyed a nice warm and sunny month-long vacation in Florida.

First, they drove to Tampa and departed on an eight-day cruise to Cozumel, Costa Maya and Routan.

Next, it was a week at a condo near Orlando followed by a week at Ormond Beach (Daytona Beach).

While there, their granddaughter Mercedes Potter joined them for a week at the beach. After she left, they drove the eight hours up to Myrtle Beach for three days.

Finally, they took a two-day drive through the beautiful spring mountain scenery, arriving home on Good Friday.

The card results for April 12 were: high gold card, Judy Hahn; most shoots gold card, Sharon Freeman; high white card, Blair Liebold, and most shoots white card, Richard Kidd.

Cards will be played again on Friday, April 26 at 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

The coffee break is on Tuesday, April 23 from 9:30 - 11 a.m. at the community centre. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy coffee, snacks and fellowship.

We were blessed with sunshine for the rest of the weekend.

On Monday it was again a beautiful and sunny day as the Wingham Golf Course opened for the season and the golfers were eager to get out. Tuesday morning we woke up again to no hydro. It was a wide-spread outage from Belgrave to Parkhill. The hydro

was back on at 11 a.m. No cause has been released.

John and Joyce Thompson woke up on Saturday, April 13 with no hydro. Joyce told John he had to pick up a grandson in Belgrave at a birthday party at the Belgrave Community Centre. Actually, when he got there, he found out it was a surprise 70th birthday party for him, not Kaileb. It was like a reunion with family, friends and neighbours. Wow! Many memories of the past 70 years were brought up in conversation. Thanks to Joyce, Michelle and Danielle for arranging the surprise birthday party and all those who attended.

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK REPORT For the week ending April 12, 2024 Total Receipts: 2,170 cattle, 962 lambs and goats

head. One simmental cow weighed 1,225 lbs. and sold for $228.

Tuesday – Fed cattle sold actively at steady prices. Cows sold on a strong active trade.

Vandieten Dairy Farm of Seaforth, consigned five head. One holstein cow weighed 1,415 lbs. and sold for $195.

Thursday – Veal sold steady. Lambs sold on a strong active trade at steady prices. Sheep sold on a strong active trade at steady prices. Goats sold on a strong active trade at steady prices.

Friday – Calves sold fully steady.

Yearlings sold $5 - $10 lower.

Fed Cattle: There were 75 fed cattle on offer.

Choice Fed Cattle: $235 – $253 Second Cut Fed Cattle: $225 – $234 Aged and Medium Fed Cattle: $210 – $225 Holstein Fed Cattle: $195 – $219 Ian Furlong of Proton Station, consigned nine head. One fed steer weighed 1,530 lbs. and sold for $253.

Dwayne Dickert of Ayton, consigned four head. One fed heifer weighed 1,535 lbs. and sold for $246.

Veal: There were 145 veal on offer.

Beef Veal: $270 – $313 Good Holsteins: $232 – $248 SL Heavy Holsteins: $225 – $235 Heavy Holsteins: $194 – $219 Medium Holsteins: $215 – $230 Plain Holsteins: $161 – $210 Holstein Drop Calves: $350 – $1,100 / HEAD Jim Maw of Forest, consigned four head. One red veal weighed 985 lbs. and sold for $313.

Reuben S. Martin of Wallenstein, consigned two head. One black veal weighed 1,150 lbs. and sold for $300.

Bennewies Livestock Inc. of Bornholm, consigned three head. One holstein veal weighed 700 lbs. and sold for $231.

Lambs:

Cows: There were 200 cows on offer.

Beef Cows: $175 – $199 up to $228 Good Holstein Cows: $145 – $155 up to $195 Medium Holstein Cows: $130 – $144 Bulls: $174 – $197 Jamie Irwin of Lucknow, consigned 10

Under 50 lbs.: $450 – $460 50-64 lbs.: $375 – $425 65-79 lbs.: $377.50 – $410 up to $425 80-94 lbs.: $370 – $400 up to $415 95-109 lbs.: $384 – $395 up to $415 110 lbs. and over: $192.50 – $390 Sheep: $110 – $210 up to $380

Todd Sheep Company of Lucknow, consigned 14 head. Twelve lambs averaged 94 lbs. and sold for an average price of $415.

Alex Foster of Mitchell, consigned eight head. Seven lambs averaged 94 lbs. and sold for an average price of $400.

Stockers: There were 1750 stockers on offer.

Top Quality Steers: Under 400 lbs.: $429 – $505 400 – 499 lbs.: $410 – $485 500 – 599 lbs.: $380 – $436 up to $447 600 – 699 lbs.: $365 – $412 700 – 799 lbs.: $339 – $379.50 800 – 899 lbs.: $297 – $339 900 – 999 lbs.: $283 – $325 1,000 lbs. and over: $276 – $298 Top Quality Heifers:

Goats: Meat Kids: $500 – $610 Dairy Kids: $380 – $550 Mature Bucks: $300 – $400 Mature Does: $175 – $300 Lynn Campbell of Mitchell, consigned six head. One kid goat weighed 53 lbs. and sold for $610.

Henry Byler of Teeswater, consigned 25 head. Thirteen kid goats averaged 58 lbs. and sold for an average price of $580.

Under 400 lbs.: $315 – $435 400 – 499 lbs.: $335 – $400 up to $441 500 – 599 lbs.: $330 – $399 600 – 699 lbs.: $309 – $356 up to $400 700 – 799 lbs.: $276 – $319 up to $348 800 – 899 lbs.: $264 – $302 up to $308 900 lbs. and over: $251 – $284 up to $290

Fairview Farms Ltd. of Debert, Nova Scotia, consigned 72 head. Thirty-two charolais heifers averaged 652 lbs. and sold for an average price of $356.

Dan Coulthard of Stratford consigned 61 head. Twenty-one black heifers averaged 770 lbs. and sold for an average price of $318.50.

Mark Campbell of Wardsville, consigned 33 head. Eleven red heifers averaged 806 lbs. and sold for an average price of $308.

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Vanmar Farms Ltd. of Chatham consigned 52 head. Five red steers averaged 516 lbs. and sold for an average price of $447.

UPCOMING SALES

Dustin McCabe of Picton County, Nova Scotia, consigned 138 head.

Eight charolais steers averaged 794 lbs. and sold for an average price of $358. Twelve charlolais heifers averaged 547 lbs. and sold for an average price of $397.

THURSDAYS

Ron Menary of Lucknow, consigned 18 head. Three red steers averaged 968 lbs. and sold for an average price of $325.

TUESDAYS 10:00 a.m.

Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows 9:00 a.m. Drop Calves 10:00 a.m.Veal 11:30 a.m. Lambs, Goats & Sheep

FRIDAYS 10:00 a.m. Stockers Visit our webpage at: www.brusselslivestock.ca email us at: info@brusselslivestock.ca

Call us 519-887-6461

PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 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 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.

-------------------------------------------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 -------------------------------------------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), Wingham Mini Mart, Seaforth Foodland, Fincher's (Goderich), Goderich Victoria St Shell, Canadian Tire Gas Bar, Goderich and The Citizen office in Blyth.

-------------------------------------------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

Coming events McIntosh United Church presents their Annual Gospel Evening, Sunday, April 21, 2024. Featuring “The Bushell Family” and “The McIntosh Singers and Quartet”.

Doors open 6:30 p.m. Show time 7:00 p.m. Freewill offering.

McIntosh United Church is located at the corner of McIntosh Line and Huron Bruce Rd. 6 km east of Belmore.

--------------------------------------------

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 420 Blyth, Ontario

Coming events Personals KARATE! IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL CLASSES AVAILABLE SCHWEITZER'S MARTIAL ARTS Self-defense, Self-discipline, Selfconfidence. GROUP CLASSES FOR AGES 4 TO ADULT Taught by Renshi Becky Schweitzer, 4th Degree Black Belt and 12X World Karate Champion. Location Fresh Wind Revival Centre - 21 Lloyd Street, Wingham. EARLY BIRD SPECIAL ONLY $85 +HST FOR 8 WEEKS. Uniform extra. Special ends May 1. Regular price $105 +HST Call 519-580-1418 or e-mail becky_schweitzer@hotmail.com www.schweitzersmartialarts.com -------------------------------------------RESCHEDULED DUE TO POWER OUTAGE - SPRING TAKE-OUT LUNCH, Tuesday, April 23, 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Trinity Anglican Church, Blyth.

Pork tenderloin lunch with dessert, $12 per person. Ordering deadline: Monday, April 22. To order call 519523-9396 or email: mcgregor@ezlink.ca

Post Abortion Healing. Are you suffering from the emotional aftermath of an abortion? For support and healing please call Project Rachel at their confidential number 1-888-355-1110.

Services INCOME TAX PREPARATION farm, business, personal. Stephen Thompson, 519-482-3244.

--------------------------------------------

See News Happening?

Let us know!

The Citizen Call or email us today

519-523-4792 info@northhuron.on.ca

Help wanted Help wanted EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Lighthouse Tour Guides – Seasonal Visit the Township of Huron-Kinloss website to view these employment opportunities. https://www.huronkinloss.com/town-hall/careers/

Swap shop

Swap shop

Citizen-To-Citizen “SWAP SHOP” ad “One person’s junk is another’s treasure” Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca • 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.

is hosting a

“Veteran’s Only” Coffee Break Blyth Legion (upstairs) 192 Dinsley St., Blyth (first Wednesday of the month) May 1, June 5, July 3 and September 4 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm

We invite all Veterans and their spouses. Veterans don’t have to be Legion members. Caregivers for veterans, including first responders and RCMP and spouses are welcome.

For more information contact: Kevin McDougall, BSO at kevmcd2016@gmail.com

FOR SALE - Three wheel bicycle with basket at rear. $150. 519-5283717.

16-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Round kitchen table 40” diameter plus 17” extension - solid wood top, wrought iron pedestal base.

Comes with four matching chairs. $200; combination china cabinet and wall unit. Has enclosed cupboards and open shelves. Finish matches the table and chairs mentioned above. Phone 519-912-1658, Wingham. Leave message.

15-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Victorian settee and two matching chairs. New blue upholstery.

Excellent condition. $200. 519-6122770.

15-3 ---------------------------------------------

FOR SALE - Four Continental Procontact-TX tires. 245/45R20.

40,000 km. $200. 519-526-7263.

15-3 --------------------------------------------FREE - Hardwood treetops, near Bluevale. 30” colour tube TV, working.

519-357-5614.

15-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Aerator, hardly used, owner’s manual. $175.; Lawn sweeper, like new, owner’s manual. $300. 519482-7440.

15-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - 120 bass accordion.

Made in Italy. 519-523-9268. 15-3 --------------------------------------------WANTED - Looking for a ping-pong table. Call 519-529-1023.

15-3 ---------------------------------------------

All word ads in The Citizen classifieds are put on our webpage at www.huroncitizen.ca

Back at it The Majestic Women’s Institute of Brussels recently installed its officers for the coming year. From left: Press Relations Officer Bev Craddock, President Doreen Marks, Secretary Marie McCutcheon, First VicePresident, Tweedsmuir and District Director Kathy Bridge and Alternate District Director Yvonne Knight.

Absent was Treasurer Julie Pearce. (Photo submitted)

Reps face farmers Continued from page 3 also hopes that the federal government uses $1 billion to create a national school food program in which Ontario food will be used when feasible.

A recent trade mission to Mexico targeted the bakery sector and “man, was it successful,” Thompson said. The mission included farmers, millers, bakers and commodity traders.

RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Every year, the beef, grain and sheep farmers ask for an increase to the Risk Management Program, which supports farmers during lean years. Thompson said the program is working as it should, but admits it needs to be “scalable” to match the increase of production in Ontario.

Black said there have been incremental improvements with one being that money in the fund was carried forward instead of taken back by the government. This allowed grain farmers to save a substantial sum, which was vital during last year’s poor crop situation. “We need to prorate the program so that it is working the way it should,” said Black.

KUDOS Each commodity had a chance to share how many farmers they represent and what they contribute to the economy, which indicated the scope and importance of agriculture in Huron County.

• There are over 12,500 beef farmers in Ontario contributing 2.69 billion to the GDP and creating 61,000 jobs.

• Grain farmers in Ontario add $10.4 billion to the GDP and provide more than 90,000 jobs in the province.

• There are 52 egg quota-holding farmers in Huron County producing 24 million dozen eggs annually with a farm sale value of more than $56 million. They represent about nine per cent of Ontario’s egg producers, which are associated with more than 7,000 jobs in Ontario.

• Huron County hog farmers marketed over 1.25 million hogs last year and are part of a pork sector in Ontario that employs 18,347 full-time job equivalents while contributing $1.34 billion to the GDP • Ontario sheep farmers number about 3,000 and contribute $100 million to the Ontario economy, $207 million to Ontario’s GDP and sustain more than 3,500 jobs.

• There are 191 family-run chicken farms in Huron, producing

$165.6 million worth of chicken.

Provincially, chicken farmers support 28,950 jobs and contribute over $5.3 billion to the Ontario economy.

Thompson applauded grain farmers for all the money they put into research, allowing them to increase production of grains and oilseed by 60 per cent since 2019 and for calling a “spade a spade”.

Thompson and Lobb thanked dairy farmers for being generous in donating chocolate milk to firefighters’ breakfasts, school events and Christmas parades.

Chicken farmers were also appreciated for their donations to the food banks across the country.

Egg farmers were praised for “leading by example” in terms of biosecurity in regards to Avian Influenza. “As I watch migratory birds overhead, I say ‘Godspeed’ and ‘get over Huron and Bruce as fast as possible!’” said Thompson.

LEADERSHIP Beyond the kudos to farm organizations for leading farmers into change and success, Thompson talked about a new initiative to bring leadership training and capacity building to farm leaders across the province. “We are partnering with agricultural societies across Ontario to bring in training on board governance and capacity building,” she said. Also, investment is being made to help students and second-career adults learn about and choose careers in the Ontario agri-food sector.

INFLATION The Farm Finance Committee discussed the value of land increasing by 10 per cent last year and with income declining the last two years, how hard it is for young farmers to get started. Everything is costing more. “Some farm equipment has climbed 25 to 62 per cent in cost over the last two years,” said Huron County Federation of Agriculture President Murray Workman. Interest rates passing seven per cent only adds to the concern.

Thompson said quick math shows that someone who purchases a parcel of land for $1 million and pays 20 per cent down, is still facing a $7,000 to 8,000 interest payment per month. “That is tough for young people to get their head around, let alone make in terms of financing,” she said.

Thompson imagines a different approach for young people.

Investing in smaller parcels of land, for example, could create room for more niche-farming opportunities, such as wineries.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024. PAGE 15.

Obituaries

BRENDA EILEEN MCINTOSH (née Turner) It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Brenda Eileen McIntosh (née Turner), who passed away peacefully at the Huron Hospice (Bender House) on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023, with the love of her family surrounding her.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 62 years, Jim; daughter Carol Leeming (Tim Cook), and son Ross (Barb) McIntosh.

Brenda was the dear grandmother of Jessie (Jeff) Greidanus, Laura Leeming, and Troy Leeming (Davis Steffler); Kirsten and Dugald McIntosh; and dear greatgrandmother of five greatgrandchildren.

She was the dear sister-in-law of Mary (Lawrence) Butt. Brenda will also be remembered by nieces, nephews, friends and neighbours.

Brenda will be missed by her beloved dog Taffy (who is always waiting for crusts after breakfast and to lick a plate clean) and cat Benji (who is always getting into trouble).

Brenda was predeceased by her parents Bill and Hazel Turner; brother Ron Turner; father- and mother-in law James C. and Vera McIntosh.

Brenda was born in Guelph on Nov.15, 1939, to her parents William (Bill) Turner and Hazel and grew up on Kathleen Street.

Brenda first worked at a car dealership, then got a job as a secretary at the University of Guelph in the poultry department, where she met her future husband Jim. She worked there for five years before moving to Tuckersmith Township to Jim’s family farm, where she got married and started her family.

Brenda kept busy for many years in her home office working as deputy-clerk for the Township of Tuckersmith when Jim was township clerk.

Brenda became a farmer and helped Jim grow their farming business. Together, they spent many long days getting crops planted and harvested and working in the pullet or layer barns. She also enjoyed sewing, reading and baking and had treats to offer anyone who came in her door.

Brenda was involved in the community and served as the president of the Huron County Federation of Agriculture, a board member of the Van Egmond House and Museum and a member of the Seaforth and District Horticultural Society.

Brenda and Jim retired from the farm to Egmondville, met great new neighbours and spent time finishing crosswords or word-search puzzles together while watching YouTube orchestra performances from Andre Rieu or going out for a tour in their much-loved red Mustang

convertible. Of all their travels, Brenda and Jim most enjoyed the many, many years they drove their truck and camper trailer to Texas for the winter, met up with neighbours, made new friends and many cherished memories.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr Candi Flynn and the staff and volunteers at the Clinton Hospital and the Huron Hospice.

A celebration of life will be held at the Seaforth and District Community Centre on Sunday, April 28 with words of remembrance at 2 p.m. and comeand-go reception to immediately follow from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Haskett Funeral Home, Seaforth entrusted with arrangements.

Donations to the Huron Hospice or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.

Condolences may be forwarded online through www.haskettfh.com.

mom of Glenn Campbell of Wingham and Bruce and Susanne Campbell of Bluevale.

She was the cherished grandma of Meagan and Nick Cicchini, Derreck and Janessa Campbell, Kendra and Cody McKeachnie, and Kerri Campbell and great-grandma of Reid and Grace Cicchini and Avery and Andi Campbell. Mary was the sister and sister-in-law of Viola Adams, Jim Lavis, Mary Shean, Bessie Johnston, and Lil and Ron Smith.

Mary will be lovingly remembered by her many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents Russell and Mae (Grasby) Bradshaw, son Neil Campbell, siblings Gordon (Geraldine) Bradshaw and Harvey (Betty) Bradshaw, parents-in-law Oliver and Annie Campbell, brothers-inlaw Bill Adams, Charles, John, Peter (Isabel) and Colin (Beryl) Campbell, Murray Shean, Ken Johnston and Allan Edgar, and sisters-in-law Jean (Jerry) Barrett and Mary Lavis.

Visitation was held at McBurney Funeral Home, Wingham on Thursday, April 11 and the funeral

service was held at the funeral home chapel on Friday, April 12.

Interment will take place at Wingham Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Wingham and District Hospital Foundation, Bluevale Homecoming or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Online condolences at www.mcburneyfuneralhome.com

MARG BOYD At Wingham and District Hospital on Saturday, April 13, 2024, Marg Boyd of Wingham

passed away at the age of 69.

The cherished wife of Bill Boyd, Marg was the loving mom of Jessica O’Connell, Amy and Kyle Baker, Ashley Boyd, Amanda Boyd and Chelsea Allen and step-mom of Kim Utley. She was the loving grandma of Briar and Camille Baker and Kendall Fraser and great-grandma of Chloe and Ryan.

Marg was the dear sister of Pete and Susan O’Neill, Stella and Bob Rumblelow and Martina O’Connell. Marg will be missed by her best friend Sherry MacLellan and her nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents Patrick and Maureen O’Neill, step-son Tim Boyd and brother-in-law Jerry O’Connell.

Visitation was held at McBurney Funeral Home, Wingham on Wednesday, April 17 and a private family service followed with interment at Wroxeter Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Wingham and District Hospital Foundation (Palliative Care) or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.

Online condolences at www.mcburneyfuneralhome.com

Majestic WI to mark 85 years TOM REMINGTON At Braemar Nursing Home on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, Tom Remington of Wingham passed away at the age of 61.

The cherished brother of Joan and Doug Gibson, Gail and Rae Robinson, and Bob and Faye Remington, Tom will be lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews, Courtney Matthews, Lindsay Sanderson, Ashley Gibson, Colby Kleinpaste, Ryan Robinson, Erin Schiestel, Amy van Meeteren, Jen Johnston and Mike Remington and their families.

Tom was predeceased by his parents Harold and Doris (McKay) Remington, son Derek Remington and brother Doug Remington.

A private family service will be held with interment at Kincardine Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 180 would be appreciated.

Online condolences at www.mcburneyfuneralhome.com

MARY CAMPBELL At Wingham and District Hospital on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, Mary Campbell of Wingham passed away at the age of 95.

The beloved wife of the late Hugh Campbell, who predeceased her in 2013, Mary was the loving

By Bev Craddock On April 10, the Majestic Women’s Institute met at 1:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the Brussels Library for its annual year-end meeting. Nine members and one guest were in attendance.

The meeting was opened by President Doreen Marks with a reading called “Friendship’s Door” followed by the Institute Grace. We then enjoyed a potluck lunch.

Everything was delicious, as everyone brought their best and there were lots of choices.

Lunch was cleaned up and the meeting continued with Marie McCutcheon reading the minutes from last year’s annual meeting, followed by Janet Haertel presenting the treasurer’s report.

Public Relations Officer Bev Craddock said the group’s Facebook page has helped to inform the community of events.

Tweedsmuir Chair Kathy Bridge said the work on the books is

ongoing and she thanked members for their help. Rose Co-ordinator Bev Craddock detailed cardmaking and flower-arranging projects, which are also ongoing.

UFO (Unfinished Objects) is still going on the first Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Brussels Library.

Business was completed and the meeting was called to an end.

Doreen then called the new year to order and the first duty was to swear in the new officers for the 2024/2025 term. Officers from last year will remain the same, except for Treasurer Janet Haertel, who is stepping down. Julie Pearce will be taking over. We would like to thank Janet Haertel for her years of outstanding service as our treasurer and a valued member. She will stay on with the group as a member.

We have also welcomed a new member, Isabel Hough.

This is the 85th anniversary of the Majestic Women’s Institute and we

will be hosting a party in November to celebrate. We hope to see you all.

Thank you to the community for all your support over the years.

Wingham Memorials Distinctive memorials of lasting satisfaction produced by us to your specifications.

Owned and operated by Mac and Donna Andersoon Assisted by Mandy

519-357-1910 E-mail: andgranite@bellnet.ca After hours appointments availab ble 89 North Street W., Wingham www.winghammemorials.com

PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024.

Cranbrook Dart Club hosts farewell dinner

A fond farewell Members of the Cranbrook Dart Club, which was disbanded in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, got together one last time on April 6 to say goodbye and look back on all that the club has meant to them and to the community. (Photo submitted)

PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

The Walton Hall held its Coffee Chat on Saturday morning with Neil McGavin and his wonderful recordings of happenings in Walton from years gone by. There were 28 folks from near and far, including some from Bayfield, Winthrop, Blyth, downtown Walton, country Walton, and area in attendance.

There was lots of visiting, lots of coffee and lots of treats for all. We

are back on April 27.

Later in the day, the Walton Hall was the venue rented by the Zacharius family. They held a small wedding and a nice party for around 50 family members.

The village of Cranbrook swelled to four times its population on Saturday when the Cranbrook Community Hall Board hosted a fish fry. They fed over 400 folks.

They were able to eat-in or drivethrough. Many went into the hall to see the renovations that have been completed, like new paint, new floors, bathroom renovations with new windows to come. Everyone says it looks great, and the fish fry was great too.

On April 6, former players of the Cranbrook Dart Club met at the newly-renovated Cranbrook Hall.

There were 28 players and partners able to attend.

They had a final farewell dinner for the club, which disbanded in 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic took over the world. All were excited to get back together and chat, even though they only live a few miles apart, but don’t see each other very often. Getting together once a week for many, many years in the winter months helped to break up the winter blahs. Now it is rare for them to connect.

The players are older now and still energetic, but not all will play again, if and when a new club forms. The evening then had some card playing instead of darts and more catching up with news. The group was very impressed with all the renovations made at the hall. It sure is a nice place to rent. All left

happy to have been reunited with friends and neighbours.

The McDonald women had a girls’ day out on Saturday and went to see Beauty and the Beast in Drayton produced by Studio 410 Productions Inc. LeeAnn, Kelly, Elaina, Alicia, Brea and myself enjoyed the performance. If you have a chance to see it, you should.

We spied Murray and Sandra Pepper and some family members in the crowd.

The company is owned by two Ballagh sisters, Devan and Paige.

Other members of the Ballagh family that have key roles are Matt, Janice and Gary. It is a registered not-for-profit company that promotes education and performances in the arts for young, aspiring performers. If you have a chance, you can help support many youth and their dreams by attending and supporting Studio 410 productions.

Many of you will be pleased to hear that Jean Bewley is doing fairly well and really enjoyed a visit with Rick and his sister Karen in Airdrie, Alberta. Rick and Karen spent five days in Vancouver with brother Neil and then returned to Calgary for a visit with Mike and Chrissy, Karen’s son and their son Brycen. They went to visit Jean and Dan and Brenda (Bewley) and found Jean in great spirits thanks to seeing a couple of Waltoners. The Bewleys and McDonalds have been lifelong friends. Jean was as sharp as ever. She wants to say hi to all her friends around Walton and Brussels.

The village of Walton was alive

with members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) on Monday. There were about a halfdozen cruisers and a dozen officers showing interest in a home on Blyth Road, west of the main corner in Walton. The road was closed for a while and the OPP has further clarified that officers were called to the community to assist with an eviction on Blyth Road.

Celebrating birthdays this past week include Theresa Pryce, Leighton (Blake) Williams, Leah Janmaat, Murray Pepper, Jonathon Tipple, Edgar Andrades, Sarah Alexander, Jacob Gulutzen, Ben Terpstra, Patty Banks (the big 70), Edward Glanville, Heather Godkin and Katharine Bernard. Happy birthday to all.

NEWS FROM WALTON

LAST CALL! Sunday, May 12th All proceeds from the Run Around The Square go towards the Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund and the purchase of life-saving defibrillators. !

g Re

er t s i

w No

Registration open until April 20th at midnight

Register at www.davemounsey.com Brought to you by:

Three distances 5K - $65 10K - $70 Half-marathon - $75

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024. PAGE 17.

From the Minister’s Study

From hand-wringing to hands serving and praising

By Pastor Alex Jebson, Blyth and Brussels United Churches If you’re trying to figure out if someone is nervous or unsure, the hands are usually a tell-tale sign.

You might see a finger twitch, clammy palms, or see them struggle to figure out how to keep their hands to their sides. In a moment of great concern, you might even see the more drastic hand-wringing or knuckle-cracking. Or, if you’re like me, you start playing with your clothing tags. You can tell I’m quite nervous when I start reaching for the tag at the side of my shirt.

Whatever it is, we tend to use our hands to feel some kind of control and tangibleness in what might be a new or worrying circumstance.

So you can just imagine the handwringing and clutching of fabric that the disciples were doing in the upper room on Easter evening, shuttered away from the hostile city around them (Luke 24:36-48). You could tell there wasn’t a calm soul or dry palm between them. They were still trying to process the immense upheavals that had taken place the past week. During their time in Jerusalem, they had seen their friend and Messiah, Jesus, condemned and killed as a criminal, and the crowds around them turning from hope to malice and apathy.

Jesus, the only one who could stop their hand-wringing and take on their concerns and questions over the past three years of a whirlwind ministry adventure, was no longer there to hold their hands.

And then, in just the space of a few hours, the disciples were watching Mary proclaiming that she had seen the Lord, hands waving in excitement, and the two disciples who had snuck off to slink back to Emmaus return to their friends with hands shaking, telling them of the stranger that had turned out to be the Lord. However, these proclamations did little to ease their concerns. Unsure of what these latest developments would mean for their faith and their livelihoods, the disciples chose to cling to the little assurances that they could - a locked door and wrung hands.

I’m sure there’s an awful lot of hand-wringing going on in our communities and perhaps by our very selves today. In the hustle and bustle of Easter Sunday, our hands were busy preparing family dinners, adjusting our bonnets and sneaking chocolate eggs out of the kids’ Easter baskets. But now, everything has been cleaned up, the shouts of “Hallelujah” have died down and we’re left wringing our hands. We have proclaimed a Risen Lord, we

Evangelical Missionary Church

Sunday April 21, 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Mike Stanley preaching on Nehemiah 1-2, "Introduction to Nehemiah - Part 2"

have heard others do the same thing, but we are still left with fears and questions and concerns.

Where is the Risen Lord in the midst of our personal trials? In the course of an unexpected diagnosis, the breakdown of a relationship, or the loneliness that comes with loved ones passing on? Where can we shout “Hallelujah” in the fears and uncertainties that come with tougher economic times and climate anxiety? Is it better just to hide behind closed doors with clasped hands than to actually reach out in faith and vulnerability?

The disciples grappled with such questions and more on that Easter evening. And yet, the false security of a closed door and hand-fidgeting soon gave way to true divine assurance. The greatest way of divine assurance possible: Christ himself showing up with a wave and open arms at the dinner table.

Of course, his sudden appearance didn’t offer immediate reassurance; in fact, we can imagine the disciples looking similar to the waving inflatable tube men outside of car dealerships.

Yet, in this shocking appearance, this time of uncertainty and fear, Christ’s presence was the assurance that the disciples needed.

Everything that Christ did that evening was done out of divine love and assurance. His first words were familiar and comforting, and established a desire for peace in their hearts and peace in their actions. In the meal that they shared, presence and assurance was known in the mundane and the community-building aspects of being together as a group.

In having the disciples touch his wounded hands and feet, he showed them that even in the wounds and pains, God’s love and presence was made known. The fears and wounds of the Crucifixion were real, but just as real was Resurrection. In the reflection in Scripture, Jesus assured the disciples that the promises and care of God were being fulfilled and expanded upon.

The disciples’ hands were no longer wringing or twitching but, after this evening of assurance, their lives of faith were not yet over.

The disciples, having been assured in both the familiar and unexpected divine presence, are called to be witnesses, to use their own hands to offer the kind of assurance and love that these wounded hands of Christ just did for them.

Setting off on their Easter journey, the disciples’ hands would be busy and filled with both new and familiar challenges. But the difference was now they were not guarded or uninformed or hiding behind closed doors. The disciples, in all their weaknesses and strengths and travels and fears, were going forth with the assurance of God behind them.

From those first disciples, they would reach a world that did not see the empty tomb or wounded hands with their own two eyes, who were coming off the apathy or high of the Crucifixion, who were fearful and wounded in their own ways. And they would offer reassurance of Christ’s presence and care for them.

This is spoken of further by Rev. Nancy Blakely: “The power of the resurrection is the power to plant the seeds of transformation. The

BRUSSELS S

U United Chu ur urch Join J oin us at at W Worship orship orship Sunday, Sunday y,, April April 21, 21 1, 9:30 a.m.

ALL ARE WELCOM ME, COME BE PART OF OUR FAITH H COMMUNITY “Games Ti Tim me” April 26 at 1:30 p.m.

Beatitudes Group Study y,, Ma ay 2 on zoom more info contact Rev v.. Alex Contact Alex at ministter.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com y @g Website: brusselsandblythuc.ca b brusselsandblythuc ca P.O. Box 359, Brussels ~ 519-887-6259 P.

hope of the resurrection is grounded in the experience of those first followers. Closed minds can be opened. The potential is for a release in a prophetic way. The word of God calls us to peace rather than security.”

The sometimes shocking and frightening situations will still come our way, especially if we take in our hands the call to go to and serve those who are truly in need.

And there will be times in our life when questions and fears will arise.

But, in the resurrection, we are assured of a few things. Firstly that they are not ultimate in our lives; God is. Second, God’s presence is comforting and caring because Godself holds us with the wounded hands of Christ. And thirdly, it should inspire in us the assurance and empathy to reach out to others in hand-wringing times with the peace, community, wisdom and call that Christ offered the first disciples in that upper room. Jesus told the disciples on that Easter evening that they were to be witnesses, to find God and God’s assurance in all the ups and downs of life. And that is what we are called to today: to be

witnesses who don’t have our hands covering our eyes or locking doors, but reaching out and embracing God in everything and everyone that comes our way.

The author and minister Rev. Barbara J. Essex sums it up nicely.

“Wherever there is inhumanity, exploitation, discrimination, and hopelessness, Jesus shows up offering comfort, assurance, and a bit of fussing. He invites us to be witnesses that it is all about God – God’s intention to bring peace, unity, harmony, love, compassion, grace, justice, and mercy to a world that is broken.”

We are reminded and assured of the Risen Christ’s presence in many ways, sometimes in the most unexpected and brief moments.

Whether in an upper room or wherever the daily rounds of life take us, we find assurance in Christ’s presence; A Christ who strengthens our faith with wounded hands, open mind and loving heart.

As we are assured, let us assure others with these very same things, moving from hand-wringing to hands serving and praising.

Thanks be to God. Amen.

The Regional Ministry of Hope Come Worship with Us! Trinity Anglican BLYTH 9:00 AM

St. Paul’s-Trinity Anglican WINGHAM 11:00 AM

519-357-7781 • email: revjoann@hurontel.on.ca www.regionalministryofhope.com Weekly service live-streamed at 11:00 a.m. on our Facebook page or on youtube @St. Paul’s-Trinity Anglican Church Wingham.

Brussels Mennonite Fellowship God’s Word is a

lamp to my feet

Welcomes you to Worship with us 10:00 am Worship Service 11:15 am Sunday School for all ages

Interim Pastor Elwin Garland 250 Princess St., Brussels • 519 887 6388

MEL LV VILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS

Sunday, April 21, 2024 11:00 am - 12 noon We extend a loving welcome to all to join us as Rev. Jan Mclnnes leads us in worship, prayer, and praise to God. Coffee, snacks, and a time for visiting will follow the servicee.

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, April 21 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

For additional details please visit: brusselscommunitybiblechapel.ca

Blyth United Churrch Sunday Service at 11:00 am “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherrdd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 The outreach project for April is Camp Menesetungg

Nursery & Sunday School during worship On-site and online - live.huronchapel.com 119 John’s Ave., Auburn 519-526-1131

Contact Alex at: minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com Facebook: Blyth and Brussels United Churche es blythunited@tcc.on.ca ~ 519-523-4224

Services are live-streamed and can be found by searching n “Blyth Christian Reformed Church”

PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024.

UCW donates to local camp life jacket purchase

Licensed Lay Worship Leader Sue Barnett led the morning worship at Londesborough United Church on Sunday, April 14, the church’s regular weekly Sunday service. The senior choir repeated an anthem from a few weeks ago,

“Is There Anybody Here [who loves my Jesus]?”

The theme of the morning worship was “We Are All God’s Children”. Sue showed a video during the children’s time that made the point that everyone is created differently, but we are all the children of God and, as such, are God’s dream come true. Sue impressed upon the children that through God’s love and grace everyone should try to be the best person they can in God’s world.

To the adults, Mrs. Barnett stressed that, imperfect though we may be, God sees us through the eyes of love. Ergo, we should all share His ministry and love to

everyone around us in the wider community.

The Outreach Committee will be collecting items for Camp Menesetung on Sunday, April 28.

Please check the camp’s wish list, posted in various spots in the church, for items to donate.

Following the morning worship that Sunday, the committee will host a hot dog lunch in the Sunday school room. The wish list has a variety of items, large and small, that the camp will be needing to make the summer camping experience fun for the children.

Past-President Catherine Allen stepped in to conduct the Londesborough United Church

Working group to be struck Continued from page 2 would instead commend council for how open and transparent the process has been. Council has taken all presentations in open sessions, never going behind closed doors to discuss it, she said, making it as open to the public and legal as it can be. To that point, Ginn said that, whatever decision council makes, it will be adhering to the laws in regards to the site, including any reports, assessments or studies that will be necessary to develop the site further.

Borg Pedersen said the municipality’s next steps, if council was interested in moving ahead, would be to commission a

feasibility study for the land and then move forward with introductions with the Danish group.

Lass said that she would advise authorizing a feasibility study as soon as possible, adding that the county would lend a hand in a way that would maximize the potential of the site, but minimize the impact on Central Huron ratepayers for the study.

Deputy-Mayor Marg Anderson asked staff to craft a report on the potential costs associated with a feasibility study, a potential timeline and possible funding strategies that would be presented to council at its next meeting,

scheduled for Monday, April 15.

Council agreed and approved Anderson’s request.

On Monday, council heard from Lass again, who said she estimated that a study would cost between $30,000 and $50,000 to complete.

That was good news for the municipality, she said, as a study that costs $50,000 or less would be funded by the Danish Consulate, so, theoretically, moving ahead with the study at this point would mean no financial impact for the municipality.

Council approved going ahead with the study and struck a working group to further discuss the project in the months to come.

Women (UCW) meeting on Monday, April 15. A motion was passed to have the church pianos tuned and a $500 donation was made to the Outreach Committee earmarked for life jackets for Camp Menesetung. Some other items were discussed and will be revisited at future meetings.

The community is reminded that this group will help with the cost of sending a child to a faith-based summer camp. Contact Kim Roetsicoender by June 1.

The devotional/program time was based on Matt. 13:12, a passage which has always posed somewhat of a riddle or mystery to Christians.

During the study time, the ladies were shown that the word “gratitude” needs to be inserted in the passage for it to make sense, as in, “For whomsoever hath ‘gratitude’, to him shall be given.”

Joan Goodall, Joan Howatt and Margaret Wright spoke of not taking things in life for granted; to say, feel and see our gratitude and concentrate on the positives in our lives and not dwell on negatives.

They reminded everyone that when thinking positively there is no time for negativity to slip in.

All the ladies took home a “gratitude rock”, which is a stone to keep by one’s bed so that each morning and night that rock reminds them to count their blessings.

Everyone was encouraged to finish each day making a list of 10 blessings from the day and to say a heartfelt thank you to God for them.

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024. PAGE 19.

Entertainment & Leisure

Shaun Majumder impresses Blythites at MH show

‘Hardly Dead’ Comedian and actor Shaun Majumder performed at Blyth’s Memorial Hall Theatre on Friday, April 12.

(Courtesy photo)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Newfoundland and Labrador’s own Shaun Majumder recently trod the boards of the Blyth Festival’s Memorial Hall Theatre on one of the inaugural dates of his “Hardly Dead” tour. Those who arrived with the expectation that Majumder’s stand-up stylings would be somewhat akin to his G-rated television appearances were quickly unburdened of those preconceived notions - the gently scandalized audience was subjected to some of the raciest content in recent memory to be featured on the Festival’s mainstage.

Beyond the natural anticipatory excitement that oft builds amongst a crowd looking forward to sharing some laughs together, there was also a mildly anxious energy in the air as numerous patrons entering wondered aloud if the evening’s stormy weather would cause a power outage at the theatre. Such a calamity seemed to be a distinct possibility, as the lights in some

other Blyth businesses on Queen Street had been flickering ominously in the hours leading up to the show. Luckily for laughlovers, the lights stayed on!

Opening act Sammy Farid came down from Toronto to both warm up the crowd and set a decidedly saucy tone with some bawdy tales of married life and the complex foibles of raising a child in modern society before bringing out the evening’s headliner.

From the moment Majumder stepped out from behind the Festival curtains, the audience was instantly sucked into the peculiar jet stream of one weird man’s manic thought processes. The LA-based coastal elitist burst onto the stage with an extended bit about Canada’s favourite crime solving Alsatian: The Littlest Hobo. From there, the 90-minute show clipped along at a breakneck speed, the material rapidly meandering from one topic to the next. There were an equal number of moments where it seemed Majumder had carefully planned out everything he intended

Happy 60th birthday to

Wayne Higgins on April 23

Best wishes from Neil, Meagan, Isabella, Hudson and Norah McGregor.

to say as there were moments when his comments felt completely off the cuff. Those who caught his show at Wingham’s Town Hall Theatre last year were delighted to find the comedian had returned to North Huron with almost exclusively new material.

One of the true strengths of his performance was Majumder’s seemingly effortless ability to connect with members of the audience. In a broad sense, he gave locals a hearty amount of ribbing about some of the things they hold most dear - namely, rutabagas and the correct spelling and pronouncing of the toponym Blyth.

He made it fairly obvious that he learns a few of the quirks and defining features of every town he goes to as part of the crowd work portion of his routine, but it didn’t lessen the thrill of being seen for Blyth residents - being in on the small town jokery was all part of the fun. Originally coming from a small town in Newfoundland and Labrador, Majumder confided to the crowd that all things rural are still near and dear to his heart, before going on to remind everybody that his primary residence is in Los Angeles.

He also singled out a few individuals from the crowd who were game for a little back and forth participation, even managing to locate a woman who not only grew up in the same area as him, but went to the same high school as he did. He seamlessly incorporated audience input into his act in clever ways, crafting callbacks on the fly and adeptly sussing out how much teasing each individual was in the market for.

At times, Majumder seemed like he was touching on a fairly universal theme before spinning off into a hyper specific spiral of weirdness. A bit that started off debating the merits of having children later on in life turned into a feverish rant about the terrible home life of a lonely hornet that had everybody laughing out loud and pleasantly appalled.

It was the right amount of irreverence for the Friday night crowd - whenever things threatened to go over the top, Majumder would re-anchor the show in his baseline affability. While certain risqué jokes elicited a fair number of shocked gasps, those gasps were almost exclusively followed by laughter, not anger.

Overall, Majumder proved once again that he is a true force in the world of Canadian stand-up comedy. He delivered a spirited and

memorable performance that had everybody chattering about their favourite jokes as they exited the theatre into the stormy night. It’s still too early to say as to whether or not Majumder will return to Huron County for a three-peat on his next tour, but here’s hoping!

Sudoku Solution

Happy 94th Birthday on April 27th to “Dad” Bill Brown Sr.

From Norah & Stephen, Betty & Ken, Bill & Lois, and all the grandkids.

And from your other family and friends.

Best Wishes for many more years to come

LETTER TO OUR NEIGHBOURS As we usher in the warm weather and say farewell to another winter season, it feels timely to reflect on our business and share an update with our community…

We opened our doors to the public on August 5, 2017. We built this brewery with the intention of drawing jobs, tourists, and investment to beautiful Huron County. More than six years and one pandemic later, we have done just that. Our beverages, which now include beer, cider and readydrink seltzers and cocktails, are available at pubs, restaurants, LCBOs, Beer stores and grocery stores across Ontario. This past Fall, we launched our Huron-made products in Manitoba.

We employ 160 hardworking team members across the province, and more than 90% of these people call Huron County and neighbouring community’s home. Thanks to the support of our community and ownership group, we have donated nearly $500,000 to Ontario’s Children’s Hospitals. Our ownership group is still a small group of craft beer enthusiasts that have been with us since the beginning and are passionate about continuing to invest in our community.

Our neighbours may recall that in 2017 we launched Shindig Huron County Lager in honour of the hardworking people in our community that put months of hard work into building our facility in Blyth and launching the Cowbell brand. Shindig is a crisp, clean, and easy-drinking beer meant to be enjoyed by all.

With that in mind, we are excited to share (with Blyth first) that a t-shirt and case of Shindig (24 x 473ml) are now available at our Retail Store in Blyth for $55.95.

Made for the people of Huron County, by the people of Huron County, this beer is for you and your neighbours and family to enjoy. Cheers to you, Blyth!

— THE COWBELL TEAM

24 CANS & T-SHIRT 95 $ $59 55 95 Get a 24 x 473 mL of Purchase a 24 x 473mL Shindig Lager and a of Shindig Lager and a T-shirt for only 59.95.

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PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024.

Budzrus Lucknow celebrating ‘420’ with grand opening

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Lucknow is the latest town in the area to go the way of Brussels, Wingham, Goderich and Kincardine by welcoming a licensed cannabis store into its roster of local businesses.

Budzrus Lucknow first opened its doors just a few weeks ago, occupying a storefront on Campbell Street that has stood empty since the early days of the pandemic, but has been holding off welcoming the community with a celebratory grand opening until the most auspicious day in the world of cannabis culture - April 20, known in some circles as “420”.

The origins of the global phenomenon that is the “420” celebration of all things cannabis are quite murky - there are numerous mythologies out there that offer differing explanations of the day. There are unsubstantiated claims that “420” was the code a certain police force would use amongst themselves to indicate the crime of “cannabis smoking in progress,” although there is little to no evidence that such a code ever existed.

A widely accepted, more compelling story can be traced all the way back to the 1970s, when a collection of high school students from San Rafael, California, referring to themselves as “The Waldos”, would gather at 4:20 p.m. every day to search for an abandoned cannabis crop rumoured to be located somewhere near the school. As the legend goes, the story of “The Waldos” somehow reached the ears of Jerry Garcia, lead singer of The Grateful Dead and eponymous inspiration for Ben & Jerry’s popular “Cherry Garcia” ice cream. The band, inspired by the effort of these intrepid youths, brought the term to the quasimainstream of the counterculture movement through their special brand of jammy tunes and general revelry.

Whatever the origins, over time the term "420" evolved from a highly localized code to a global symbol of cannabis culture and activism that is celebrated annually on April 20 by cannabis enthusiasts worldwide, often with educational events, marches, protests or public smoking as a sign of solidarity and celebration. The protest element of the event was especially important back in the days when cannabis consumption in Canada was still a criminal offence - it was a day when strength in numbers emboldened both recreational marijuana consumers and medical cannabis users to publicly engage in acts of civil disobedience in order to protest what they felt were unjust laws.

Now that cannabis is legal in Canada, Budzrus Lucknow’s proprietor, Danielle Broome, has a novel new way to celebrate “420” while also thanking the community for welcoming her shop into the downtown core - free cake! Cake has long been considered to be one of the great equalizers in society, and giving some away is totally on brand with the vibe Broome is seeking for her store. Anybody who might still feel a little apprehensive about having a cannabis dispensary

in town need only to set foot in her quaint little shop to be assuaged of their fears. Broome’s enthusiastic, homey greetings draw customers in with the exact same infectious, small-town charm that one would expect to find at the Port Albert General Store. “I was just thinking about you!” is a common refrain you’ll hear from Broome if you frequent her shop - she also strives to remember the names of all her regulars, and is happy to take requests for certain products or make recommendations based on personal experience - just like any other retail business, it’s all about customer service. Being mindful of the high cost of living is also paramount to her budding business - Broome tries to source some of the most affordable infused edibles, beverages and cannabis available.

“Not everybody has a whole lot of money these days,” she remarked.

Running the little store has also become a bit of a family affair - if Broome isn’t working the shop counter, you’re almost certainly going to be served by an equally enthusiastic relative - her sister is also the shop manager, her most recent employee is her niece, and her husband helped with all the necessary renovations the space needed to become compliant with government regulations. There is a great deal of red tape that comes along with opening a governmentsanctioned cannabis retail outlet it’s a complicated process that goes far beyond just amassing a quantity of cannabis products and putting up an “open” sign - it is a daunting task that Broome has approached with an attitude of steady diligence.

Remaining in open dialogue with local government was part of her strategy for a smooth transition throughout the opening process even though Huron-Kinloss was one of the municipalities that “opted in” during the 2018 legalization process, cannabis sales can still be a polarizing subject for some.

Since Budzrus Lucknow first opened, Broome and her staff have come to observe from experience that there are some lingering misconceptions about the clientele of the modern day cannabis shop.

It's a far cry from the days when students turned covert cannabis crop hunting into a full blown extra-curricular activity - the shop sees all kinds of customers! The summer season will certainly attract its fair share of out-of-town recreational users stopping on their way to the cottage, but for right now, building up a loyal base of locals has proven to suit the little shop just fine.

In addition to cake, Lucknow’s first and foremost cannabis shop will also be offering a discount on accessories and the chance to win prizes for any eligible, of-age customers who happen to stop by on April 20 to join in the celebration. Céad Míle Failte!

Catch you on the flip side The Auburn Lions hosted their famous breakfast on Sunday, April 14 with maple syrup provided by Robinson’s Maple Products and eggs courtesy of the Huron County Egg Farmers. Travis Teed was on the griddle. All of the proceeds from the breakfast are going toward community betterment. (John Stephenson photo)

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519-523-4792