The Citizen - April 28, 2023

2 • Budget 3 • History 4 • Editorials 15 • Obituaries

The

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Friday, April 28, 2023

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Volume 39 No. 17

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

Kids Club to expand in Blyth

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

Lucky men The Lucky Charms, a Blyth-based band that had rose to prominence in recent years with performances at the annual reunion of the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association and numerous fundraisers, was the act of the hour on Friday night at Trinity Anglican

Church in Blyth for a fundraiser for Huron Residential Hospice. The evening featured an informational talk from Residential Care Manager Erin Donald, followed by a performance by the band. The event raised $1,700 for the organization. (John Stephenson photo)

After a promising first year of offering soccer to the young people of Blyth at Blyth Lions Park, the Blyth Kids Club is expanding with offerings for everyone, making daily use of the Blyth and District Community Centre.

Joe Gahan of Blyth - known to many as “Irish Joe” or the lead singer of The Lucky Charms - heads up the group with his wife Megan Lee-Gahan and Amanda Johnson, says the club, beginning May 1, will be offering varied activities from Monday through Thursday, with a once-a-month kids’ disco night on Fridays. The club is for anyone from Grades 1-8 at a cost of $5 per child, per night, or $18 per family, per night, with no registration necessary. When details for the Kids Disco Party are released, advance tickets for those events will be required.

Monday from 7-8 p.m. is the club’s busiest night, going back to its roots with soccer. On Tuesday nights, there is ball hockey from 6:30-7:30 p.m., followed by board games and arts and crafts on Wednesday nights and open roller skating or rolle rblading on Thursday nights.

In an interview with The Citizen, Gahan said that he and his family moved to the community about four years ago now and immediately Continued on page 7

ACW receives parks, recreation strategic plan

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen The final version of the AshfieldColborne-Wawanosh (ACW) Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan was unveiled at a regular meeting of council on Tuesday, April 25. A consulting team from thinc design (a.k.a. Tocher Heyblom Design Inc.) presented virtually the culmination of their work on the project over the past several months.

The plan offers recommendations and guidance for ACW’s next 10 years of design for parks, recreational facilities and programs.

Council received an overview from planner Leandra Correale Ferguson. She clarified that even though the plan is in its final stage, it is subject to change if necessary.

“It is a living document,” explained Ferguson. Should community needs change over the next 10 years, the plan can be altered to suit those new circumstances.

Ferguson highlighted grant applications to

fund projects and new initiatives to generate revenue to help finance parks and recreation services as examples of elements that will likely be subject to change.

Specific suggestions for indoor and outdoor recreation expansions were presented by planner Mary Catherine Mehak, while landscape architect Stacey Zonneveld

discussed recommendations for open spaces.

According to the presentation, public input has been key to creating a strategic plan that reflects

the needs and wants of the community. During the early stages, 200 households were surveyed, and multiple open houses have been Continued on page 7

Central Huron approves 2023 budget

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Central Huron Council has approved its 2023 budget, which includes a 9.6 per cent increase to the levy, resulting in a 7.44 per cent tax rate increase over the municipality’s 2022 budget.

The approval came despite the protestations of Deputy-Mayor Marg Anderson, who voted against the approval of the budget, saying she felt there was still some fat that could be trimmed from the budget.

This year’s levy requirement for the budget is $8,851,861, which is an increase of 9.6 per cent over the 2022 levy requirement of

$8,076,722. This represents the highest increase in levy requirements for Central Huron since 2018, when the levy increased by 9.77 per cent.

For municipal purposes, the residential tax rate will be rising 7.44 per cent, which represents a municipal levy of $718.50 per $100,000 of assessment - an increase of $49.76. On $100,000 of assessment, Central Huron residents will pay $500.91 to the county and $153 to the school boards, meaning that total taxes per $100,000 of assessment will be $1,372.41, which represents a total increase of 6.21 per cent.

The Central Huron portion of the taxes make up 52.35 per cent of the

levy, followed by the county at 36.5 per cent and 11.15 per cent for the school boards.

Treasurer Jeff Boyes presented the final draft of the budget to council at its April 24 meeting, which was held in the council chambers at the municipal office in Clinton. The budget was unchanged from the proposed final draft of the budget that Boyes presented late last month at council’s final budget meeting of the year.

In his presentation, Boyes said that the municipality’s average residential property, which is assessed at $211,000 (though he noted that the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation has not reassessed properties in Ontario

since 2016, so that number is likely quite low and not reflective of current values), will pay approximately $2,895.79 in taxes in 2023, compared to $2,726.35 last year. Central Huron will receive $1,516.04 of that, while the county will receive $1,056.92 and the school boards will receive $322.83.

Boyes broke out the municipal portion of that amount, showing just how much money goes towards each municipal department.

Approximately 51 per cent, or $773, goes to the municipality’s roads and fleet, while 24 per cent ($364) goes to protective inspection, which includes fire Continued on page 20

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2023.

HE plans for capital costs

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

Late last month, Huron East Council began its 2023 budget process with a long-range capital cost forecast, projecting the needs of the municipality over the next five years, and, in some cases, the next 15 years.

Chief Administrative Officer Brad McRoberts and Treasurer Stacy Grenier presented to council on financial strategy and provided a capital overview that McRoberts said would better frame the coming budget discussions and help council plan for its capital needs in the years to come. In addition, he said that keeping the municipality’s long-term capital needs top of mind during budget deliberations - not just this year, but in years to come will help council plan better, implementing more consistent tax levy increases to avoid sharp spikes in year-over-year budgets.

This process, which is new to Huron East, came from McRoberts observing the 2022 budget process after only being on the job for a short time.

“Observations of the 2022 budget process identified that council has lacked critical information necessary for the development of, or consideration of annual operating and capital budgets.

Council lacked short- and longterm capital and annual operating projections and were unable to consider a more holistic approach to a financial strategy for Huron East,” McRoberts said in his report to council. “Most staff had longterm capital plans, but these have never been formally presented to council and were only incorporated into asset management plans for purposes of assessing average annual capital levy increase needs for the asset management plan.”

He also said that the creation of a financial strategy would mean that the municipality is “better able to stabilize annual budgetary needs and avoid one-off spikes due to one-time or sporadic capital or operating expenses.”

To achieve this, McRoberts said he charged staff members with creating five-year operating forecasts and multi-year capital forecasts. For 2023, McRoberts said he directed staff not to alter the current service levels until council directed them to do so.

As part of the financial strategy, McRoberts has suggested ending most area-rated charging models.

Waste management has been unified in the municipality, meaning that all regions are receiving the same level of service, so area-rated costs are no longer necessary there. Furthermore, he has posited that streetlighting benefits all residents, even rural residents who shop in towns and use their recreation facilities, so he has suggested ending area-rated payments for streetlighting too. He added that the changes will barely be noticed on a tax bill, but will reduce staff time substantially, which is why he felt it was an attractive option for council moving forward.

He also stated that he felt council needed to plan for further capital expenses than would be accommodated by the annual 2.1 per cent capital levy, which was implemented last year at McRoberts’ recommendation.

“Multi-year capital plans are indicating that this capital allotment needs to be increased by $265,000 in 2023 to fund capital works to sustain existing infrastructure.

Accounting for the annual 2.1 per cent capital levy, an additional increase of $139,500 is required in 2023,” McRoberts said in his report.

As part of his presentation, McRoberts also outlined a number of decisions made in last year’s budget that will impact this year’s budget, such as the decision to defer the elimination of carryforward deficits for the Brussels, Morris and Grey and Seaforth and District Community Centres (a cost of $340,329 - $285,593 of which is to be paid by Huron East- over the next three years), the deferral of a $250,000 addition to the Brussels fire hall to 2023, half of the Hensall Road paving project being deferred to this year and the new trackless equipment purchase of $100,000 being deferred until 2023 (the estimated cost for that equipment has since jumped to $150,000 in 2023), in addition to the 2022 implementation of the 2.1 per cent annual capital levy.

Going forward, McRoberts also suggested the adoption of a policy for a surplus or deficit from the previous year’s budget.

In the event of a deficit, McRoberts suggested covering the

costs from the working capital fund prior to setting the next year’s budget. In the event of a surplus, however, he suggested the creation of a winter maintenance operating reserve and for council to contribute any surplus funds to that, due to the wide range of variability from winter to winter in regards to maintenance costs. Two other suggestions were to allocate a surplus to the arenas’ carry-forward deficits until they are eliminated completely or to split any surplus between working capital and capital reserves.

“Using working capital to cover deficits, but then using surpluses to offset levy increases in a subsequent budget year will result in a misrepresentation of the tax dollars required to provide services, and if there happened to be a deficit in the subsequent budget year, the impact to the tax levy would be compounded,” McRoberts said in his report.

In terms of roads capital projects, McRoberts said that the municipality has historically used Ontario Community Improvement Fund (OCIF) money to fund the projects, which, in 2023, will be $915,025. With an estimated 20year average annual capital need of just over $1.5 million, McRoberts said, an additional $600,000 will have to be raised through taxation to meet this capital needs in the roads department.

He said that capital funding for bridge work appears to be sufficient on an annual basis, so McRoberts suggested that the approximately $1.7 million in the bridge reserve be allocated to a new roads reserve while annual reserve contributions are gradually increased over the next six years to reach $750,000.

McRoberts opined that this new approach would ease the impact on the tax levy, distributing it over the span of six years.

McRoberts told council that previous financial plans for sanitary systems in the municipality has established long-term funding for operation and capital expenditures, adding that the current reserve levels are sufficient to support longterm projects.

The only sanitary capital projects scheduled for 2023 are the sludge removal from the Seaforth lagoons and half of the purchase of a replacement pick-up truck for the Continued on page 12

Room to grow The Wawanosh 4-H Let’s Get Growing Club hosted its second meeting in Auburn and worked with tomato seeds to learn a bit more about the growing process.

Above, Clara Deboer is seen with her Tomatosphere Seed Investigation planting. (Courtesy photo)

Howick Mutual Insurance

Please join us as we celebrate this milestone anniversary Friday, May 26, 2023 2:00pm - 6:00 pm 40592 Amberley Rd., Wingham ON Short Program at 3:00pm BBQ Beef on a Bun - 3:30pm - 5:30 pm

Feeding the masses The Blyth Lions Club held a smoked pork chop barbecue on Saturday night and served 350 people through the sold-out fundraiser. Manning the grills were, from left, Ron Rinn, Devin Jenkins and Greg Toll. (John Stephenson photo)

www.howickmutual.com

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2023. PAGE 3.

What a shock!

Glimpses of the Past with Karen Webster

W

hat are about two metres (six feet) tall, made of copper or aluminum and stand at attention, like soldiers on guard, at regular intervals along the peak of a roof? The answer is: lightning rods. The comparison to soldiers is apt because their purpose is to protect the building, on which they are attached, from the harmful effects of a lightning strike. Other names for a lightning rod are lightning arrestor or conductor.

First of all, what causes lightning?

During a storm that includes rain clouds, negative charges in the clouds seek the positive charges that the earth contains. These positive charges flow upwards to the tallest structures and when the insulating quality of air is overcome, the negative charges, or ions, race toward the positive charges or protons. Because lightning has extremely high energy and current levels, contact with combustible

objects results in fire. If an object that the lightning hits contains water, the extreme charge instantly creates steam. That is why a tree explodes when it is targeted by lightning.

In the mid-1700s, scientists in several countries were working on the puzzle that lightning represented.

They discovered the relationship between lightning and electricity and observed that church steeples, being the highest point in a community, were most subject to lightning strikes. People were advised to avoid seeking shelter from an electrical storm by entering a church building. One such scientist was Benjamin Franklin and some early lightning rods were called “Franklin Rods”.

The premise of lightning rods is that a tall, conductive rod, made of copper or aluminum, is mounted along the topmost part of a building.

A strong braided copper cable is attached to a series of these lightning

rods and it runs down the building and is connected to a “ground”, a metal rod that is buried in the ground. The grounding rod must be of sufficient length to penetrate to damp soil. A rod buried in dry soil would be ineffective. If lightning strikes one of these rods, the electrical charge is carried down to the ground and, in most cases, dissipates there, leaving the building with little or no damage. A secondary part of the lightning rod is a glass or ceramic ball. Some salespeople claimed, if the glass ball was shattered, that would be proof that a lightning strike had occurred.

Others maintained that the function of the glass ball was to prevent the electrical charge from jumping off the conductor and thus striking other parts of the building. Also, these balls were decorative. Some balls were plain clear glass but others still came in a variety of patterns. The ball would measure about 4.5 inches

in diameter and have a hole in the top and bottom to accommodate the rod itself. Metal rings would cover the top and bottom opening to protect the glass from the metal rod.

Interestingly enough, there is a market for genuine glass balls that have survived the weather that battered them throughout the years.

Today, there are clubs for collectors of these glass balls and, as well, some glassblowing companies make reproduction ones that grace many weathervanes.

Many companies, such as the B. Phillips Company Limited of Toronto, produced lightning rods and, as a result, advertised for salespeople and installers for their products. Several local newspapers carried ads for this company. In 1915, the Brussels Post reported that Jno. Duncan was off to Simcoe to “try his hand as a lightning rod salesman.” In later years, John Greer, of Lucknow, sold and installed lightning rods.

Although most companies and their representatives were reputable, some others were not. It gave the industry a black eye when deceitful folks entered this market.

Sometimes rope (definitely not a conductor) was painted green to resemble copper and was attached to the grounding rod. This would be quite useless for fire protection.

Another ploy was to offer a farmer an amount of money for a promotional photo with one lightning rod on his building. After

he signed a contract, he found that the small print tied him to paying for a full set of lightning rods at an inflated price. However, on the whole, the business of protecting structures from lightning damage was an honest one. In the United States, some insurance companies offered a deduction in premium costs if the property owner used lightning rods.

Modern buildings contain several methods of protection, including electrical and plumbing systems that are grounded, thus eliminating the need for lightning rods on the rooves. Many statues contain concealed lightning rods in their design for protection from damage.

Since the tallest structures are most prone to lightning strikes, how does the tallest building in Canada fare in that category? The CN Tower in downtown Toronto averages 75 direct strikes each year. How did the engineers and architects plan for this eventuality? A series of copper stripes runs through the entire structure of the tower and connects to 42 grounding rods that penetrate six metres (about 10 feet) below ground level. Each one of these grounds measures 56 centimetres (140 inches) in thickness.

On a recent drive on the concessions and side roads of Morris, we were able to observe several barns and sheds that are still being protected by lightning rods.

Keep your eyes upward and see if you, too, can get a glimpse of this technology of the past.

We should sweetly acquiescence in God’s will (J.R. Miller, “Intimate Letters on Personal Problems”) “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave - and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised!”

Job 1:21 We should sweetly acquiescence in God’s will, in faith that whatever He permits in our life, is right and best for us.

“He is the LORD; let Him do what seems good in His eyes!” 1 Samuel 3:18 A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church, Listowel, ON 519-492-1359

Warming them up

Are you tired of getting a second-hand newspaper?

Jelly Bean Blue, a local band featuring the talents of Capucine, left, and Zoellyn Onn, served as the opening act on Saturday night as the Four Winds Barn in Brussels hosted “An Evening with Friends of the Huron Hospice”, which included a dinner, several speakers and musical entertainment from Jelly Bean Blue and Adam Cousins. The Parker and Pipe family of Brussels organized the event in memory of Karen Parker, who lived her final days at Huron Hospice Bender House. The event raised over $5,000 for the local organization. (John Stephenson photo)

HC remuneration down in ’22

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen In 2022, Huron County Council and committee remuneration decreased slightly, with the county paying out a total of $416,449.85, slightly less than the $424,102.27 paid out in 2021.

Warden Glen McNeil was the county’s top earner of remuneration, receiving $62,141.22 in total remuneration and an additional $14,434.01 in convention and conference pay, for a total of $76,575.23.

With an election in October and the new term of council taking on their positions in late 2022, there are expenses from members who retained their seats, who no longer sit on council, as well as minimal expenses from new councillors who only served for a short time before the calendar turned from 2022 to

2023. This includes the late Goderich Mayor John Grace, who died tragically in August and was replaced temporarily on council by Michele Hansen, his fellow Goderich Town Council member.

In 2022, the rest of council was paid a grand total of remuneration including mileage and convention expenses - as follows: Bernie Bailey; $17,103.33; Trevor Bazinet, $684.70; R. John Becker, $799.38; Jim Dietrich, $27,327.60; Jim Fergusson, $18,891.24; George Finch, $21,221.38; Robert Fisher, $18,793.79; Jim Ginn, $32,744.65; John Grace, $14,192.80; Michele Hansen, $1,871.75; Doug Harding, $19,919.28; Jamie Heffer, $17,780.62; Paul Heffer, $804.26; David Jewitt, $23,265.93; Paul Klopp, $17,577.47; Bernie MacLellan, $27,642.95; Alvin McLellan, $831.10; Myles Murdock, $19,854; William

Vanstone, $703 and Roger Watt, $15,066.69.

The county then spent $42,798.70 on 28 citizen committee appointees for a grand total of $416,449.85 in total remuneration for its committee members in 2022.

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PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2023.

Editorials & Opinions

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

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Au naturel Have you had the experience of a single quote suddenly bringing an entire subject into focus for you? While reading a news article about the effect that our lawns have on the environment, we had that moment.

Lawns require intensive fertilization, watering and maintenance, while providing no value to the natural environment. In fact, this sea of non-native and inedible plants “is the largest irrigated crop in North America”. While somewhere in the recesses of our minds we know this, this single sentence should give everyone pause. The crop we spend the most time cultivating provides no nutritional value to us. It seems to be an incredible waste of resources when you actually stop to think about it.

The biggest hurdle to naturalizing our environment is the learned behaviour that we all have had ingrained into us that tells us that a neatly trimmed, manicured, evenly-green square of grass around our dwelling is a sign of a well-cared-for property. In fact, a naturalized space of native plants is the best way to sequester carbon, manage the watershed, support native pollinators and plants at the base of the food web.

Easy steps to train our brains to accept natural lawns would just be to begin overseeding your turf grass with native species. Visit your local garden centres to discuss the options they have in plants that are native to the region. Let’s think about saving our time, water and energy for crops that will feed the planet. – DS

See you at the crossroads Fewer than one in five Canadians want the country to retain its roots in the Monarchy, according to a recent poll. That’s right - 19 per cent.

With Charlie’s party set for May 6 - and also set to cost between 50 and 100 million pounds, maybe more, depending on who you ask many Canadians are seemingly sending their regrets. Approval of the Royals - specifically King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla - is in the toilet in Canada (32 per cent approve of Charles, 22 per cent for Camilla) and many are wondering if it’s time to have the conversation.

You know... the conversation. With Queen Elizabeth now passed on, is it time for Canada to move on from its past, put its big-boy pants on, so to say, and let the Monarchy conduct its business back in the U.K.?

Apparently 81 per cent of Canadians want very much to have the conversation. But, the conversation is not cut and dry.

Should Canada take meaningful, practical steps towards distancing itself from the Monarchy, there will be consequences, such as opening its Constitution up. The system is set up in a way that unanimous consent is required, which will be nearly impossible to achieve, and, furthermore, it’s very possible that chaos would ensue if the constitution was opened up, especially given today’s political climate.

Continuing to prop up the Royals has consequences, as many see them as the modern-day representatives of some heinous atrocities (in addition to a steady stream of unpleasantries from Prince Andrew to the treatment of Meghan Markle). Even doing nothing has consequences.

It’s a difficult conversation; one with many potential outcomes and no easy answers, but, with a changing of the guard days away, perhaps there is no better time than the present to have the conversation. – SL

The science of planning Ontario Premier Doug Ford is obviously a man with many plans. In fact, he has so many carefully considered ideas that it can sometimes be difficult for the public to keep up with what Ford would categorize as his clearly cohesive and comprehensive vision for the province’s future.

Recently, Ford announced his government’s intention to relocate the Ontario Science Centre from its current home in Don Mills to a brand new location downtown as part of the redevelopment of the waterfront grounds at Ontario Place, but that the existing, masterful example of Brutalist-style architecture designed by revered Toronto architect Raymond Moriyama would need to be razed to make way for much needed housing. Soon after, Ford mused about the possibility of a school or community centre replacing the vacated educational science facility and expressed his desire to create something “spectacular” for the community, without getting into specifics. Clearly a lot of thought, consideration, and consultation went into both of these announcements.

Premier Ford’s leadership style is effective because it doesn’t get bogged down in complicated details. The Ford plan is to destroy the old, irreplaceable building that houses the current Science Centre, regardless of the fact that the land on which it is situated is jointly owned by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and the City of Toronto, not the province of Ontario. The building is currently under lease to the centre for a 99-year term that doesn’t expire until 2064.

Ford obviously understands the implications of a long-term lease. His government has signed a 95-year agreement with a private Austrian company that specializes in spas to be the main attraction of the redeveloped Ontario Place. There is nothing that says “Ontario” more than a private Austrian spa. – SBS

Looking Back Through the Years April 28, 1966 A euchre event with desserts was held at the Brussels Library. Mrs. Earl Cudmore, Mrs. James Armstrong, and Mrs. Herman de Vries effectively managed the serving of desserts, tea, and coffee.

The event featured ten tables, and the winners were Mrs. Lottie McCutcheon and Mrs. Eleanor Hemingway, while Mrs. Marie McTaggart and Mrs. Jennie Strachan won the consolation prizes.

Bride-to-be, Jean Alcock, was the guest of honour at a gathering of friends held on Saturday night. The guests showered her with various gifts, and the room was beautifully decorated with pink and white streamers, bells, and umbrellas.

Joyce McFarlane and Norma Smith organized and led the games. Joyce also gave a speech, extending good wishes to Jean. Louise Alcock, Joan McArter, and Debbie and Rhonda Keffer presented the gifts. Jean expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the kindness from her friends in a few well-chosen words.

The Brussels Figure Skating Club held a meeting at the arena to discuss plans for the upcoming 1966-67 season. The treasurer, Mrs. Verne Grenke, presented a financial report of the past season, and a new executive committee was chosen.

The committee members were Mrs. Cecil Raynard as the President, Mrs. Dorothy Brown as the Vice President, and Mrs. Lloyd Kernaghan as the SecretaryTreasurer. The convenors for the various committees were appointed, including Mrs. Stewart Lowe for the carnival, Mrs. Tom Pletch for the dressing rooms, Mrs. Gordon Stephenson for the

decorating, Mrs. Jack McCutcheon for advertising and press, and Mrs. Bill Stratychuk for gifts and special events.

April 28, 1976 The inaugural gathering of the Blyth 4H Rabbit Club took place at the old library in Blyth. During the meeting, the members elected their officials, including Gary Nicholson as the President, Brian Fidom as the Vice President, Irvin Pease as the Secretary-Treasurer, and Perry Wood as the Press Reporter.

Additionally, the group discussed the topics they wanted to cover during their upcoming meetings.

Miss Rena Jowsman from the Wingham nurseries was the centre of attention during the Blyth Horticultural Society's meeting on April 21. She brought numerous house plants with her and provided information about the care each plant required. The audience also had the opportunity to ask questions, and Miss Jowsman addressed all of them. During the meeting, the President, Mrs. Haines, emphasized the aim of making Blyth the prettiest village in Ontario. The group also discussed plans for the new planters to be built at the Memorial Hall, and it was decided to flank them with evergreens. Additionally, Mrs. M. Richmond informed the members that a Magnolia tree would be planted in the park in memory of Mr. and Mrs. L. Scrimgeour.

April 29, 1998 A teenager narrowly escaped a serious accident. Randal Linton, 19, from Blyth, was driving his 1993 Oldsmobile in Morris Township when he lost control of the vehicle, veered off the road, and hit a tree.

He was subsequently taken to Seaforth Community Hospital for

medical attention. Randal’s mother, Brenda, reported that he sustained a concussion and strained his neck and back muscles.

Unfortunately, the car was completely destroyed.

The Brussels Library hosted a euchre tournament sponsored by the Majestic Women's Institute on April 7, with six tables in play. The following individuals won lucky prizes: Mary Lowe (high lady), Jim Bridge (high man), Viola Adams (low lady), Ruby Steiss (low man), Helen Gallop and Freda Scott (most lone hands), and Kathleen Cuthill (most zeroes). The lucky tallies were drawn for Jim Smith, June Jacklin, Bill Craig, Sarah Stephenson, Adah Smith, Isabelle Craig, Vi Howes, Ruth Bauer, and Ora Bruce.

April 25, 2013 Hullett Central Public School hosted a puppetry workshop by Kristi Friday, a highly skilled puppeteer. The workshop was sponsored by the Foundation for Education Perth-Huron and aimed at students in Grades 1 and 2.

During the Monday morning session, Kristi taught the students the art of puppet crafting and manipulation.

On Sunday, the Sunrise Servers, also known as the Grey 4-H Breakfast Club, diligently served breakfast to a group of church attendees at Duff's United Church following the weekly service.

Local businesses and individuals in Brussels generously sponsored a day of swimming for the youth of the area at the Vanastra Recreation Centre on April 19, which coincided with a Professional Development Day for area schools.

Dr. W. B. Spink covered the admission fees for the children.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2023. PAGE 5.

Other Views

Lament for our muddled neighbour

L

ast month, two immigrant families drowned in the St. Lawrence River trying the cross the border into the U.S. at the Akwesasne reserve near Montreal. So far this year, the Akwesasne police had intercepted 48 parties involving 80 people trying to enter the U.S. Sorry, I just don’t get it.

I know, many of these people have relatives already in the U.S. and some are about to be deported from Canada because they didn’t qualify for legal immigration, but I fail to see the attraction of the U.S. in general. Every year millions look for, and find, holes in the southern border to move to the U.S. from Central and South American countries that are downright dangerous for them to live in because of poverty, hunger, criminal activity or laws by untrustworthy governments. Still, do they realize the savagery of the country they seek to enter?

Recently Fox News settled a lawsuit by Dominion Voting Systems for nearly $800 million U.S., but avoided having to admit it lied while saying former U.S. President Donald Trump had been cheated out of office because Dominion’s voting machines changed some votes for Trump to votes for President Joe Biden.

Meanwhile, Trump faces other lawsuits and may face more, but he continues to claim he was cheated and plans to contest the next election – and could win.

But that’s just politics. Larger danger comes from the fact Americans own more guns than people in any other country in the world, some 120 guns for every 100 people.

But as gun advocates say, guns don’t kill people, people kill people – and a lot of Americans are terrified of the potential of others.

First of all, there was the 16-year-old Black

Keith Roulston From the cluttered desk boy in Kansas City who was sent by his mother to pick up his younger brothers and unfortunately went to the wrong door. An 84year-old white homeowner opened the door and shot him twice without exchanging a word.

The young man lived, thankfully, but the old man was eventually arrested and charged.

Next came the case of four young people who were driving in upstate New York and drove up the wrong rural lane looking for someone they knew. Realizing they were in the wrong place, they turned around to leave, but before they could, a 65-year-old man came out the door, aimed a gun at them and shot. A 20year-old woman was killed. The shooter was charged. Everyone was white.

Then came the case where two cheerleaders entered a parking lot in Texas, one got out and went to get into a car she mistook for her own, but there was someone in it. She got back in her friend’s car and was about to drive away but the man got out of his car. The girl rolled down her window to explain the mistake but the driver pulled out a gun and shot at them, wounding both girls.

And finally (for last week at least) there was the case of a six-year-old who entered her neighbour’s yard because her ball had rolled into it. The 24-year-old in that house shot at her, grazing her cheek. When her parents both responded, the man kept shooting, grazing the mother, but wounding the father in the back,

thankfully, not fatally.

Gruesome and tragic as they are, in a way, the mass shootings of children in schools or shoppers in a mall in a way are less worrisome than these smaller events. In the case of the larger shootings, we can blame a sick individual who went ballistic. These smaller events are among ordinary people who just accepted the shoot-first-ask-questions-later way of thinking. The grandson of the old man who shot the Black teen who mistakenly knocked on his door, said his grandfather watched Fox News all day, thus being programmed in racism and fear.

The world has changed since I was in journalism school and we were taught the importance of objectivity. My classmates varied from a latent Communist to a Tory party executive, but we were warned that if we wanted to work in media, we had to accept moderation.

With the proliferation of channels in our modern world, such moderation has been forgotten at such networks as Fox. There, the evidence presented by Dominion demonstrated, individuals like stars Tucker Carlson can laugh at, and ridicule, Trump apologists like Rudy Giuliani off air, but praise him live to millions of viewers. And Fox, despite or because of its dishonesty, has the largest audience in the U.S. with Tucker Carlson averaging 3.25 million in March.

The U.S. has gone through this kind of madness before, from the anti-Communist witch hunts led by Joe McCarthy in the 1950s, through the paranoia of the attempts to integrate Blacks in the 1950s and 1960s to the reaction against the first Black president.

Hopefully they’ll pull through all this and not lose the democracy the U.S. has upheld for 250 years.

Canadian Satire visits a ‘Medical Building’

G

reetings, Chafflings, Chaffers and Chafflettes! It is time again to separate the wheat from the laughs, in the everspinning downward spiral of introspection that is our weekly foray into the untold depths of the trenches of human humour.

Today’s topic concerns a funny feeling that only a lucky few ever get to feel - that feeling of finding a funny video that you feel is exceedingly funny, but has only been seen by very few people. This kind of discovery, in this day and age, is a rarer and rarer thing, and finding just one can change your whole life forever.

Discovering something funny on the internet and showing it to other people is a powerful social currency - the new generation’s equivalent to having an actual point to make.

A person with a fresh, funny video to share walks with a spring in their step - they carry a winning lottery ticket into the world of conversational power-players.

Fretting about potential lulls in the chit-chat at home and office? If you have a funny video to share, first, you fret not, then, you fret never again! Falling in love for the very first time?

Let this video be your litmus test for romantic compatibility - it will not fail you. Make all friends in the same fashion. Come across a potential friend who “just doesn’t get” your newfound vid? Congratulations, you now have a nemesis for life! Allow your hatred of them to fuel your every waking moment.

And so we come to a little musical video called “Medical Building”, the most recent offering from an odd little channel on YouTube known as Canadian Satire. The channel is home to the undeniably catchy, surreal song stylings of Ontario-based artists George Westerholm and Kevin MacDonald.

And before you ask, no, it’s not BAFTA Award-winning Scottish documentarian Kevin MacDonald.

Scott Stephenson The Chaff These two men have had long, storied careers in the entertainment industry, but that doesn’t matter here. When you’re showing off a hot new vid you found on “The Web,” the only acceptable context is no context at all.

What does matter is that their song “Medical Building” is an absolute banger of a synthdrenched silly song and it has, at the time of this publication, under 100 views. To come across a truly funny internet video of so few views is like striking bubbling comedy crude there is no limit to the places it can take you.

This video even has the potential to cross the treacherous humour gap between nephews and grandmothers.

But “Medical Building” is not alone. The Canadian Satire YouTube channel is full of hidden gems adding a catchy beat to all of life’s most mundane moments. Popular songs include “Wake Up, Beautiful!” and “I Like Fun”, which address issues like falling asleep on a bus, and having a baked bean picnic. The duo is also preoccupied with the rotting refrigerator contents and the specific details of holiday meals. Front yard pools are deemed the worthy subject of a trilogy of videos.

But what makes Westerholm and MacDonald’s “Medical Building” a cut above? Well, Webster’s Dictionary defines “medical” as “of, relating to, or concerned with physicians or the practice of medicine” and “building” as “a usually roofed and walled structure built for permanent use”. There’s no set architectural style that defines the typical

Canadian medical building, but they exist in our collective unconscious as a building with a particular aura. Some medical buildings are squat brick toads, slumbering in the shade of municipally-maintained elm trees. Some are glass giraffes, towering over a city skyline full of buildings containing lesser services. And that about sums it up.

But be warned! The funny video of few views is an entity that cannot be contained. In exchange for helping you to win friends and influence people, it must be fed. The video needs views if it is to survive. Each new viewer in the early stages will gain second hand power as a person who has a friend who shows them funny videos. That person’s friends will feel the contact high of your obscure, edgy, video-finding prowess, and so on, in the never-ending pyramid scheme of content consumption that comprises modern life.

So go forth, Chaff-hive, and amuse your friends and neighbours with Canadian Satire’s “Medical Building,” today at youtube.com/@CanadianSatire.

This week's Maitland Valley Camera Club Photo of the Week comes from Joan Perrie, showing off some light bulb photography.

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

It’s not for me

O

ver the weekend, Jess asked me if I’d read an article she sent me from The New York Times Magazine. I hadn’t, I told her. She and I are on different schedules these days, though no less occupied.

As Jess tends to Cooper, breastfeeding mostly, she is absolutely busy, though she’s able to catch up on her phone, reading, news, social media, whatever. I, on the other hand, am constantly running around after a very energetic two-and-a-half-year-old girl (when I’m not here producing this fine newspaper for you all). So, she has more screen time than I. The story in question is a lengthy feature on the crime-scene investigators who came in after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary.

Its headline is: “They saw the horrific aftermath of a mass shooting. Should we?”

Truth be told, I had seen the story, but didn’t go very far with it. Reading about that kind of horror, especially now, as a father twice over, just isn’t something I can do any longer.

Furthermore, I told her that I’m not the person who needs to read that article. I don’t need convincing that high-powered guns in wide supply can maybe lead to bad outcomes.

There are some who hold public office here in Canada, who shill for fanatical Canadian gun rights organizations, who write letters to this very newspaper and plenty of Americans who should give that article a read. But not me.

I don’t need to be convinced. They do.

But then again, the people I mentioned above likely wouldn’t look upon a thoughtprovoking feature from The New York Times Magazine about the aftermath of a mass shooting as anything but Liberal propaganda, paid for by Justin Trudeau and carried out by his trusty media puppets (despite it being an article by an American newspaper, in their minds, somehow, this would still be true).

We have this same conversation among our editorial board. When an election rears its ugly head or a community issue demands our full attention, inevitably it would end up on one of our lists as a possible topic. For a while, we would write these editorials, encouraging you to read up on candidates before you vote or get more involved with your community, but one day we stopped and asked ourselves who benefits from such editorials. If a person takes the time to read our newspaper, specifically the musings on pages four and five, it’s rather certain that they are an engaged citizen who would never miss the chance to make an informed choice at the polls or lend a hand to their community in its time of need.

We feared we were preaching to the choir, as the saying goes.

Watching Roadrunner the other night, the excellent documentary about the life of chef and Parts Unknown host Anthony Bourdain, I was reminded that this was his philosophy on life. He always marvelled at how much you could learn and experience from travelling the world and how, if you took the time, you’d learn that there is much more that we have in common than that which sets us apart. He compared this, during a conversation with former U.S. President Barack Obama over dinner in Vietnam, to Donald Trump’s wall and the worldwide rise in extreme nationalism.

In an early episode of his show, also in Vietnam, Bourdain met with a man who had lost limbs to unexploded ordnance from the Vietnam war, saying every American needed to know about the toll of the war there. Those in Vietnam didn’t need telling, Americans did.

We can’t always reach those who need to be reached, mostly because they are unwilling to be reached. We can try and we can hope.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2023.

Hospice benefits from local events A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231

Giving back The Four Winds Barn was the place to be on Saturday night in Brussels for an evening with the Friends of Huron Hospice - an event organized by the Pipe and Parker family of Brussels. Kaitlyn Pipe, right, was one of the organizers and was happy to present a cheque for $5,000 to the hospice raised at the event. Willy Van Klooster from the hospice, left, was on hand to accept it. (John Stephenson photo)

At the Branch

Stadelmanns earn darting gold

BY JO-ANN MCDONALD Darts were held Thursday evening, with 14 darters taking aim at the boards. The first-place team was John and Sheron Stadelmann.

Second place was Chris and Sandra Brown and the third-place team was Louise Poirier, Steve Hall and Eric Ross. The high shots were by Paul Willie and Sandra with both hitting 140.

Friday night’s chicken burgers

were enjoyed by all last Friday night. This week is karaoke with Stubby D and wing night. Order early, come on down and enjoy the food and music.

Saturday, the Branch was the venue for a family birthday dinner celebration for Esther McCutcheon.

The family gathered for pictures in the early afternoon and then enjoyed a social time together. A

dinner of roast beef was served by the Branch. Congratulations to Esther on celebrating 90 years. The Branch catering crew included Sandra Brown, Linda Bird and Kathy Burkholder. Great job ladies.

The Brussels Lions held their meeting on Monday night. They enjoyed a turkey dinner provided

by Judy Lee, Linda Bird, Kathy Burkholder, Marni Knight and JoAnn McDonald.

A favourite song of mine starts out with the words, “what a glorious time is spring, when all the trees are budding….” It goes on to tell about all the other wonderful things that spring brings to our attention as April moves along.

We each have markers for the motion of our lives and birds and trees, flowers and bees tell me the earth is alive and ready to burst, life is good.

Huron Hospice was on the radar of many this past weekend.

Education and awareness are important elements of any organization and the hospice folks were centre stage. The Lucky Charms brought a receptive crowd to Trinity Anglican Church in Blyth for an event that included learning about the logistics of tapping into hospice care. The hints of Ireland were noted with the chat and hats shown by the five Lucky Charmers on Friday evening and the wide variety of music was great.

For Saturday, the Parker girls hosted an evening to support the good work that Huron Hospice can supply when requested. Those present had experience with their work and were ready to give a little back and came to the Four Winds Barn.

Just to be clear, I’m a touch biased, Lara is my favourite alternate daughter, for this week.

That makes Jordan and Robyn my favourite volunteers of the evening.

Mind you Lisa, Tara and Lori and their families did their bit to make the evening a success.

Ticket sales on 19 generous gift baskets was an easy way to give support. A meal of Huron County choices, including vegetable-sized

dishes of horseradish, was lovingly prepared by Trish Barbour and her favourite people.

A little learning about hospice and the impact it can have on families, a nice place to gather, good company, and very nice music

by Jelly Bean Blue, who opened for Brussels-born talent Adam Cousins, each made the evening a little better. Well done everyone, giving time and effort for a worthy cause is a very good thing.

The spread of COVID-19 is on the decline at the moment, but keep your guard up. You know how the virus spreads, so do your best to help keep it at bay.

Keep an eye for painted bicycles in our village, a nice touch to outside decorating. I’ve seen two, including the purple one at the restaurant, oh yes, called the Purple Bicycle. Nice touch.

Enjoy these breezy days. Getting out in the fresh air and sometimes sunshine is good for your soul. Just do it.

Bye now. Betty GW

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Don’t miss potential guests!

Run your ad at least two weeks prior to the date or deadline to make sure everyone sees it.

The Citizen

info@northhuron.on.ca www.huroncitizen.ca

PO Box 429 Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 519-523-4792

The main attraction Brussels’ Adam Cousins was the main musical attraction on Saturday night as the Four Winds Barn hosted a special fundraiser for the Friends of the Huron Hospice after Jelly Bean Blue warmed up the crowd. The event would go on to raise $5,000 for the Huron Residential Hospice near Clinton. (John Stephenson photo)

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2023. PAGE 7.

Kids Club expands to four weekly events at arena

The start of something great “Irish” Joe Gahan has taken his love of soccer and turned it into a week’s worth of fun, recreational opportunities for the children of Blyth through the newly-expanded Blyth Kids Club. (Courtesy photo)

Continued from page 1 sought out opportunities for their children. The results were good, he said, but that was right around the time that soccer was dying out in the community due to a number of factors. Gahan and his supporters took it upon themselves to resurrect soccer in Blyth and the results have been positive.

However, in recent months, talk of the potential closure of the Blyth and District Community Centre, whether it be seasonal or altogether, spurred Gahan’s trio to make better use of the centre. It’s hard to argue for its closure if it’s being used every night in both the warm- and cold-weather months, he said.

The formation of the group represents Blyth residents with children attending Hullett Central Public School coming together to create recreation opportunities for area children.

“The whole concept of the Blyth Kids Club is to provide something for our kids in the community, something fun to do, grow their confidence and help them make some friends along the way, all while utilizing the facility we have in this town,” says Lee-Gahan. “I grew up in Blyth and we moved back after over 16 years [in] Toronto, to give our children a childhood like I had here in this amazing community, and the Blyth arena was a huge part of that. The arena was the centre of our community, with dances, banquets, weddings, etc., and some of my core childhood memories are in that building, and we hope to bring back some of that so our

Maximize complex use: report Continued from page 1 hosted along the way. An online platform was made available for community suggestions, resulting in 28 different ideas.

Through all of that input, it was concluded that there is a real need for senior and youth programming in the area, while continuing to expand adult and children’s programs.

Mehak outlined a number of specific ideas for the town of Lucknow, centred on the Lucknow and District Sports Complex (LDSC). Recommendations to maximize use of the LDSC include accommodating growing demand for prime time ice by expanding hours. The addition of a multipurpose space was also suggested, as was the creation of waiting room spaces that would have activities to engage young children. Revenue could be increased by expanding uses for Henderson Hall’s commercial kitchen and licensed event space for community events. It could also be rented out to local food producers.

It is recommended that ACW continue its Joint Recreation Board Agreement with Huron-Kinloss, as it is an arrangement that has benefitted both municipalities. It is, however, proposed that the name of the LDSC undergo a change to better reflect the extent of the community it services.

The plan says that as demand for new residential spaces increases across the municipality, it is important to ensure that new developments have adequate parkland. A minimum park size of 1.2 hectares is one of the recommendations. Having parks in every community is also essential, according to the plan.

Planning for new parks to be connected by pedestrian trails and paths to other parks is also high on the list of projects for future consideration, as is increasing the number of public, fully accessible washrooms.

The plan also stresses the importance of meeting all of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) standards, whether it be through a safer entrance to Port Albert’s Petrie Park, or waterfront path

improvements at the Amberley Road beach access.

Upgrades to existing parks are also recommended in the plan, including replacement of playground equipment and expansion of half-basketball courts into full courts at a number of parks.

Overall, the plan contains 199 recommendations, the total cost of which is estimated to be $2,298,000, spread out over 10 years.

children have the same as I did.

“We are running as a fully nonprofit, volunteer-based group, and with that we need as much support from the community, be it volunteers to help run the door or help with the games or donations. If you don’t have time to spare, any monetary donations would be greatly appreciated, with any extra money raised, going to help grow this club offering as many activities as we can get the help to do, while keeping costs down for everyone.”

Lee-Gahan says the group is also actively searching for more ball hockey equipment or the funds to purchase more equipment so no child feels left out. In addition, the trio is always looking for volunteers, so, if you have some time to make your community a better place, reach out to them.

For more information, you can find Blyth Kids Club on Facebook, you can e-mail the organizers at blythkidsclub@gmail.com or call Lee-Gahan at 416-666-5184.

Mother’s Day meal now set for May 13 From Marilyn’s Desk

By Marilyn Craig Call 523-9318

Happy birthday to Sheron Stadelmann, who will celebrate her birthday on May 2. Also celebrating the same day are Samatha Kerr and Alice Hakkers of Goderich. Arletta Hallahan and Nancy Daer of Wingham will celebrate their birthdays on May 5.

Hope everyone enjoys their special day.

Mother’s Day is approaching fast, so let’s treat mom to a cold salad plate from Blyth United Church, which is hosting a drive-thru dinner on Saturday, May 13 from 4:30-6 p.m. To order your meal, call Joann at 519-523-9274 and she will see that your name is on the list.

On Tuesday, it was nice to see the sun shining after all the rain and dull days we have been having. The temperature has been steadily rising in the past few days.

I hope everyone who enjoys hockey is watching the Toronto Maple Leaf games, I know I have been watching them play their very best games lately and hope they continue. Go Leafs go!

Stay safe and enjoy hockey this coming week. Give someone a call to let them know you are thinking of them.

NEWS FROM BLYTH

The Citizen

405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792

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One of the most read areas of the paper

SUDOKU Fun By The Numbers Like puzzles?

Then you’ll love sudoku. This mindbending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test!

Dropping knowledge Huron Hospice Residential Care Manager Erin Donald was at Blyth’s Trinity Anglican Church on Friday night to speak about the hospice and the great work being done there as part of a fundraiser for the organization.

(John Stephenson photo)

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2023.

Lucknow Horticultural Society breakfast

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Few things brighten up a small town in this little corner of the world more than a colourful kaleidoscope of seasonal flowers and greenery in the downtown core.

But these shy spring tulips, sassy summer geraniums, sleepy autumn mums and stoic winter kale don’t just occur by happenstance controlling every hanging basket of sweet potato vines and concrete planter cascading with ivy is a semi-secret society: the local horticultural society! These hardworking volunteers concern themselves with all things town beautification by planning, planting and raising funds alongside flowers. Lucknow’s very own green squad looks after the Lucknow and District Sports Complex garden beds, as well as those at Waterworks Park and the Lucknow Medical Centre.

On April 22, the Lucknow Horticultural Society held a fundraising breakfast at the local arena to raise money for its upcoming season of botanical projects. This particular breakfast’s profits are going toward flower beds, barrels and bridge boxes. CoPresident Sharon Nivins let slip that the flowers they are planning on planting are Profusion Zinnias - a playful little hybrid of zinnia angustifolia and zinnia elegans. She also confirmed rumours that “pink” was going to be happening in a big way this year, and that cameos from begonias, potato vines and Swedish ivy can be expected in Lucknow’s downtown shopping district. Nivins also confirmed that the breakfast was an “excellent” success so far.

For a mere $12, frugal and famished flower fans were treated to soft scrambled eggs, heavenly hash browns and succulent sausages (a limit of three unless you asked nicely). Also available were

all the continental breakfast standards - fresh fruit, cheese, many muffins and toasts ranging from white to wheat. Coffee, tea and juice rounded out the meal on the beverage side. A comparable breakfast from a fast casual giant like Denny’s would run you close to $18, and the number of plants helped would be negligible.

Seats were scarce by midmorning, and people from all over the area were having a great time.

Ben Taylor, his family and friends have attended many local breakfast events over the past few weeks with Lucknow being the latest stop.

“We’re from Dungannon,” he said, “and we just did a breakfast there in the community centre, and now we’re here.”

They were appreciative of the chance to take their kids out to eat in a venue that could accommodate their children’s boundless, breakfast-fueled enthusiasm.

The Brussels-based Bauer bunch posted up at a table in the corner, and had two great reasons to be at the fundraiser. “We like breakfast, and we like horticulture,” declared the group with resolve.

It took 15 volunteers to pull off this breaking of the community fast. Two of those volunteers, siblings Monique and Liam Cooper, respectively Junior Director and Junior Member of the Lucknow Horticultural Society, were in charge of operating the arena’s elevator for any guests who needed assistance to get to the Paul Henderson Room on the facility’s second floor. It was also Monique’s idea to host an Earth Day breakfast in the first place, so it’s fair to say that the future of this organization is looking bright.

Suzanne Andrew, in charge of the society’s membership, said they are always looking for new members.

The cost is $10 for a year-long membership. Those interested should ask for Horticultural Society

The Breakfast Club The Lucknow Horticultural Society hosted a fundraiser breakfast on April 22. Pictured above, from left to right, Monique Cooper, Suzanne Blake, Pat McKillop, Liam Cooper, Suzanne Andrew, Anne Andrew, Sharon Nivins, Carey Bevan. (Scott Stephenson photos) Co-President Elizabeth Irwin at the Home Hardware location in Lucknow. All membership fees go towards town beautification.

Meetings are held once per month.

There are guest speakers, garden tours and a bus trip to visit gardens in other places, and everyone is welcome.

With the emergence of warmer weather, it’s a great time to see what’s going on with your local horticultural society, and to do what you can to participate. Become a member, offer up your time, your expertise and your enthusiasm because a florally bankrupt downtown is not something anyone should ever have to endure.

NOTICE

BLYTH UNION CEMETERY AND WINGHAM CEMETERY

Breakfast of champions Sausage, scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, cheese, fresh fruit, muffins, toast, tea, coffee and juice were on the menu at the Lucknow and District Sports Complex on (Scott Stephenson photo) Saturday morning.

The Township of North Huron has submitted a revised by-law to the Registrar of the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2022. Any interested parties may contact the Township of North Huron Public Works Department at (519) 357-3550 ext. 128 for further information, visit the Township Municipal Office to receive a hard copy or access online copies on the Township Website. By-Laws or amendments may be reviewed or copied at the Municipal Office.

This By-Law is subject to the approval of the Registrar, Funeral, Burial, and Cremation Services Act. 2002.

Telephone: Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO): 647-483-2645 or 1-844-493-6356.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2023. PAGE 9.

Volunteers make fundraiser a great success

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen The Auxiliary to the Wingham and District Hospital held its biannual rummage sale at the Wingham Legion Hall on April 1920, and the multi-day event was a resounding success. Treasurer Doris Taylor confirmed that the group netted $1,803 on the first day alone.

Hardworking volunteers transformed the Legion into a Grand Bazaar of grand and bizarre treasures, all donated by community members, and potential buyers made sure to carry cash in case something eye-catching caught their eye.

From its humble origin as a way to turn a buck on unclaimed cargo at shipping docks, the rummage sale (or romage sales, as they were then known) has been a mainstay of community fundraising for well over a century. The rummage sale has been a linchpin of local moneymaking for good reason - overhead is low, community engagement is high, and a deal never goes out of style.

Thrifting is all the rage these days, and the rummage sale is one of the most exciting events in all of “thriftdom” - the prices are as low as they go, and the pop-up nature of the two-day-only sale rewards both early birds and sally-come-latelys.

The Auxiliary’s event had all the rummage sale staples: clothing galore, books, vintage cookware, sassy mugs, eclectic art and costume jewelry. Each table was tended to by volunteers. Daughterand-mother team, Sheila Willis and Barb Marklevitz, stationed at the puzzle table, pointed out fellow volunteer Debbie Currie as a person to ask about how the whole operation came together.

Currie said about 35 volunteers helped make the rummage sale possible. There were extra helpers who came in the morning to set up, the people working the sale itself,

and the post-sale clean-up crew.

“We have fun,” said Currie.

“Everything raised goes to support the hospital.” Items that don't sell at the two-day rummage sale find their way to the local Re-Store or the antique shop in Harriston.

Currie pointed out Past-President Trudy Thomson as an essential member of the team.

Thomson, in the midst of ensuring that all the varied wares were kept in order, declared that everything was “going great,” before explaining that the one to really talk to was Marylou Bourne, who was not available at that moment to comment.

The Auxiliary is no stranger to fundraising efforts. The modern iteration of a group founded in 1906, their efforts are as frequent as

Treasure hunt The two-day fundraiser brought out many bargain hunters looking for a big score. (Scott Stephenson photo)

they are varied in nature. Previous events have included euchre and bridge tournaments, raffles and bake sales. They also run the gift shop out of Wingham and District Hospital, though the shop had to close several times during the COVID-19 years.

The most recent fruits of their fundraising labours: a donation of over $19,000 worth of essential medical equipment, including an oncology cart, a glucometer, and an ultrasound stretcher. Thomson said the Auxiliary aims to support the hospital by making contributions that directly enhance patient care.

Even though it was clear that no one wanted to take any credit, the hard work every volunteer put in was evident, and the community appreciation was obvious.

The Wednesday of the sale was chockablock with keen-eyed bargain hawks tearing into neat piles of sweaters and racks of dresses and coats. The Thursday sale offered the unique opportunity to fill a small bag for $3 or a large bag for $7 with clothes, shoes, purses and hats. Those taking full advantage of the deal scored coats, vintage sweaters, jeans, sneakers, scarves and more.

Putting it all on the table Daughter-Mother volunteering team Sheila Willis, left, and Barb Marklevitz, right, were two members of a team of 35 volunteers that helped make the Auxiliary to the Wingham and District Hospital’s spring rummage sale a very well-organized success. (Scott Stephenson photos) Where else but the rummage sale could you find a 70s-era Romertopf clay baker for 50 cents? Or a hardcover edition of Stephen King’s The Stand for a dollar?

Nowhere. The rummage sale is a place where it doesn’t matter what something’s online resale value is it’s about the art of the rummage, the spirit of community and raising money for a good cause.

PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2023.

Soucie named Planning Board executive director The Four County Labour Marketing Planning Board is pleased to announce that Dana Soucie has accepted the position of Executive Director. Soucie has been in the interim position since May of 2022 and is excited to continue the work of board.

Soucie brings with her a passion for community development, as well as a vast background in economic development, human resources and workforce development. She has been with the board since November of 2019 in various roles and is eager to continue the work of the executive director. The board is pleased and grateful for all the work Soucie has accomplished as the organization moves through this transition. The board continues to be a strong voice

for workforce development in the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula economic region.

The board also welcomed Jan Lai to the team on April 4. Lai will be filling the maternity leave contract for the position of labour market researcher. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience and she will work closely with the executive director to ensure that the board is engaging with local organizations to provide quality labour market information.

A period of transition will be taking place as both positions settle into their new roles, but the board does not anticipate that this will cause any interruption to the services provided. Stakeholder engagement sessions dates will be

announced by the end of May or early June. Members of the board look forward to seeing you at these sessions as your feedback is very valuable to its analysis and understanding of the local labour market challenges and opportunities.

The Workforce Planning Board is a leader in workforce development, providing evidence-based analysis and engaging a broad range of labour market stakeholders. The board works to provide stakeholders with quality labour market information so they can

make decisions which result in a thriving, viable economy and the board looks forward to working with many collaborators to make this happen as the board navigates through the current labour shortages.

Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating the theft of approximately 30,000 chicks from a farm in South Huron.

On Thursday, April 20, Huron OPP officers received a report that the 15-day-old baby chicks were stolen overnight between approximately 3:30 p.m. on April 19 and 2:20 a.m. on April 20. The

chicks are valued at $1.40 each which calculates to a total of $42,000 in losses.

The Huron OPP is seeking the public’s help in identifying the culprit(s) involved in this incident.

Any witnesses to the theft are encouraged to contact police.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is

encouraged to contact Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or 519-4821677.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a web tip at P3tips where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2023. PAGE 11.

Victim Services bench unveiling coming to Brussels Victim Services Huron is hosting a public unveiling of three commemorative benches at Brussels Library on Wednesday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to noon.

“Community members recently approached Victim Services Huron requesting assistance to obtain a commemorative bench in honour of homicide victim, Laura Wigelsworth,” said Deborah Logue, Executive Director Victim Services.

“This request sparked the idea that we should investigate getting

commemorative benches for the three homicide incidents in the past five years, which resulted in the loss of five loved ones.”

With the support of the Canada Justice Department and National Victims and Survivors of Crime Week grant, Victim Services Huron secured three benches to be placed across Huron County to commemorate the homicide incidents.

• One in Bluevale, at the rest stop on Highway 86, to honour Doug

and Marian Fischer, who passed away on March 29, 2018.

• One in Vanastra, at Lions Park, to honour Laura Wigelsworth, who passed away on May 10, 2018.

• One in Brussels, at the library, to honour Beverly Stevenson and Darwin Ducharme, who passed away on March 29, 2022.

“We’d like to offer a special thank you to R&R Machine & Tool for creating the benches and personalized name plaques. And we’d like to recognize the support

and immediately after a crisis or traumatic event.

from Huron East and MorrisTurnberry municipalities for their green space donation and installation assistance,” said Logue.

Local dignitaries have been invited to speak at the unveiling.

Light refreshments, donated by Maple Lane Haven, will follow.

Victim Services Huron is a registered charity that works closely with police, emergency medical services and social service advocates to ensure members of our community are supported during

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PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2023.

McRoberts anticipates long-term capital requirements

Continued from page 2 water and sewer department.

He found water projects to be in the same shape, with an established financial plan and sufficient reserves to fund future capital projects, collected from user fees, rather than through municipal taxation.

The municipality’s stormwater systems, McRoberts found, are underfunded and lack a dedicated reserve, despite the fact that the division of the budget can have “significant financial obligations” associated with it.

He has estimated an average annual capital requirement for stormwater systems in Huron East to be $310,000 over the next 16 years, with a financial impact of $150,000 anticipated this year.

McRoberts told council that rehabilitation of the T-19 culvert on Rodgerville Road between Morrison Line and Oak Road is expected to be completed this year, a joint project with South Huron, in addition to improvements to bridge T-1 on Front Road between Kippen and Hensall Roads and a culvert on Canada Company Road east of North Line, which is proposed to take place before the road is resurfaced in 2027.

He anticipated an annual capital requirement of $437,500 is necessary over the next 16 years for bridge projects. However, there is currently $1.7 million in reserves, and Huron East has historically funded bridge projects by way of federal gas tax funding and revenue from the Aggregate Resource Act. McRoberts has recommended the establishment of a municipal drain reserve moving forward.

He said that project costs can vary greatly from year to year and have traditionally been funded through the municipal levy.

The establishment of a reserve, he said, would establish some consistency from year to year.

Municipal drain assessments, he said, are estimated to cost the municipality an average of $300,000 per year (based on an average established over the past five years), so he recommended an annual reserve contribution to that effect going forward.

In 2023, there will be a financial impact of $225,000 for municipal drains due to five projects moving forward this year.

Though parking lots comprise a smaller per cent of the budget, McRoberts has recommended that council raise an average annual capital amount of $60,000 moving forward - based on an average over the next 20 years - for a number of parking lot projects, such as the Richmond and municipal parking lots in Brussels this year, the John Street and Huron East Health Care Centre parking lots in Seaforth in 2025 and the Seaforth and District Community Centre parking lot in 2027.

In order to maintain the municipality’s five public works shops, McRoberts has suggested an annual capital contribution of $25,000, which is also the financial impact for this year due to eavestrough replacements and a new entrance door for the Brussels location.

McRoberts said there will be a financial impact of $350,000 on this year’s budget for public works fleet capital purchases, including a tandem truck, a trackless snow removal vehicle and a front-end loader.

For 2023, he is recommending short-term borrowing from the municipality’s

water or sewer reserves, but added that nearly $2.5 million will be needed within the next five years for capital fleet purchases scheduled to be made.

He also suggested more robust planning in regards to equipment replacement for the next 20 years.

“It is prudent that equipment be replaced on a regular replacement schedule to avoid excessive repairs or equipment failures,” McRoberts said in his report to council. “While equipment may be able to operate slightly beyond its scheduled life cycle, it’s important to recognize that any deferring of a replacement by one or two years does not ultimately gain any financial advantage, as it results in equipment replacements being stacked into one year, versus being spread out over two or three years.

It may also result in incurring significant repair costs.”

Right now, McRoberts said in his report, there is just $20,000 in the public works fleet reserve. Going forward, he suggests an annual capital contribution of $490,000 to keep up with ongoing capital pressures from the department.

McRoberts said he found that the municipality’s parks department has been historically underfunded, with many of them being operated or maintained by service or community groups. He added that, due to new residential development in Seaforth, there could be a need for a new park in the southwest area of the town.

He also noted that much of the municipality’s playground equipment will likely need to be replaced within the next decade, with the assumption that community fundraising will be able to pay for about half of those costs, though, at the meeting, McRoberts admitted that estimate may prove to be a bit high.

He’s recommending an average annual capital contribution of $53,000, in addition to the existing reserve, which is in excess of $89,000. This year, $25,000 is needed to replace playground structures at Victoria Park in Seaforth, replace some playground equipment at the Optimist Park in Brussels, install activity structures at Quebec Public Park and the replacement of a mower.

McRoberts told council that recreation in Huron East is another area that has been underfunded over the years, with two full arenas in Brussels and Seaforth and an indoor pool, fitness area and community hall in Vanastra.

“On this basis, it should be acknowledged that Huron East is committed to recreational services as a priority in its community,” McRoberts said in his report.

“Recreation centres do not and will not operate at a profit or even at a break-even point. Recreation centres are heavily subsidized by municipal taxation.”

He suggested establishing a recreation reserve to “soften the financial burden of capital funding” and he suggested using existing recreation reserves ($888,251), releasing the former ward restricted reserves from before amalgamation ($206,104), Vibrancy Fund money ($338,030) and portions of the renamed Huron East Green Energy Fund (to be used to partially fund the purchase of new electric ice resurfacers).

He recommended an annual capital contribution of $353,000 going forward, with $200,000 required for this year to fund the completion of the Brussels, Morris

and Grey Community Centre renovation, replacing the roof at the Seaforth and District Community Centre, replacing the oil separators and the hot water heater at the Brussels centre and a kitchen replacement, booth extension and sanitary drain repair at the Vanastra Recreation Centre.

McRoberts told councillors that capital needs at the Vanastra Early Childhood Learning Centre are rather limited, but that council should be putting away $22,000 per year to handle capital

investment on an ongoing basis.

This year, $12,000 is needed for new playground equipment, general equipment and new kitchen appliances.

McRoberts said he found the municipality’s buildings and properties - such as town hall, libraries and small community halls - to be another area of infrastructure that has been historically underfunded.

“Staff strongly encourage council to proceed with a detailed study/plan to renovate and

repurpose the space at Town Hall in 2023 in order to be capable of accessing any future grant programs,” McRoberts said in his report to council. “The proposed study/plan would look at the interior and develop and consider energy efficiencies. The plan would consider heritage characteristics, but only for those public-facing spaces. Non-public-facing spaces would be more contemporary.”

He added that, while both libraries - Seaforth and Brussels Continued on page 20

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2023. PAGE 13.

BLYTH Y 519-523-4244

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Brussels Livestock report

Nearly 3,000 cattle, lambs, goats on offer at sale Total receipts for Brussels Livestock for the week ending April 21 were 1955 cattle and 977 lambs and goats.

On Tuesday, fed steers and heifers sold actively with prices $3 to $5 higher. Choice steers and heifers sold $220 to $230 with sales to $232. Second-cut cattle sold $200 to $219. Holstein steers and heifers sold $150 to $175. Cows sold actively with prices $5 to $10 higher.

On Thursday, veal sold steady.

Light lambs sold slightly lower.

Heavy lambs sold higher. Nanny goats sold steady. Kid goats sold higher. Sheep sold steady.

On Friday, calves and yearlings sold steady to last week’s market.

Dwayne Dickert of Ayton, consigned 4 head. One black heifer weighed 1,455 lbs. and sold for a

price of $224.

Art Bos of Blyth, consigned two head. Two pied steers weighed 1,543 lbs. and sold for an average price of $232.

There were 200 cows on offer.

Beef sold $111 to $156; good holstein cows, $110 to $159; medium holstein cows, $100 to $112 and bulls sold $126 to $170.

There were 170 head of veal on offer. Beef veal sold $210 to $230; good holsteins, $200 to $216; SL heavy holsteins, $195.00 to $206; heavy holsteins, $167. to $197; medium holsteins, $180 to $194; plain holsteins, $170 to $199.

John Martin of Lucknow, consigned 8 head. One blue steer weighed 980 lbs. and sold for a price of $230.

Alvin E. Yoder of Lucknow, consigned two head. One roan steer

weighed 945 lbs. and sold for a price of $230.

James Frey of Chesley, consigned 4 head. One holstein steer weighed 870 lbs. and sold for a price of $216.

Dutchdale Farms of Lucknow, consigned four head. One holstein steer weighed 870 lbs. and sold for a price of $216.

Lambs under 50 lbs. sold $371.25 to $390; 50-65 lbs., $341. to $362.50; 65-80 lbs., $349 to $370, 80-95 lbs., $347 to $380, 95-110 lbs., $322.50 to $352.50; 110 lbs. and over, $281 to $312.50.

Goats: billies sold $150 to $375; nannies, $100 to $200; kids: meat, $400 to $635; dairy, $275 to $550.

Allan Ribbink of Tiverton, consigned 27 head. Thirteen lambs averaged 92 lbs. and sold for an average price of $369.

William Ringgenberg of Walton, consigned 41 head. Ten lambs averaged 87 lbs. and sold for an average price of $363.

Markus Gaehwiler of New Liskeard consigned 14 head. Five kid goats averaged 57 lbs. and sold for an average price of $635.00.

Paul Ironmonger of Holland Centre, consigned 16 head. One kid goat weighed 54 lbs. and sold for a price of $635.

Top quality stocker steers, 400 499 lbs. sold $246 to $330; 500 599, $306 to $345; 600 - 699, $305.50 to $342.50; 700 -799, $272.50 to $299; 800 - 899, $266 to $287.50; 900 - 999, $251.50 to $268; 1000 lbs. and over, $240 to $266.50.

Top quality stocker heifers, 400 499 lbs., $266.50 to $309; 500 599, $232.50 to $302; 600 -699,

$237 to $291; 700 - 799, $222 to $270; 800 - 899, $225.50 to $247.50; 900 lbs. and over, $215 to $243.25.

Scottlea Farms Ltd. of Blyth, consigned 50 head. Thirteen charolais heifers averaged 754 lbs. and sold for an average price of $270.

Dave Rabe of Drumbo, consigned 16 head. Six black heifers averaged 834 lbs. and sold for an average price of $247.

T & A Dalton Farms Inc. of Lucknow, consigned 135 head.

Twelve black steers averaged 825 lbs. and sold for an average price of $286.

Amos B. Brubacher of Holyrood, consigned 44 head. Six gold steers averaged 893 lbs. and sold for an average price of $283.00.

Eight locals claim victory in draw PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE

By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188

Little by little For their fourth meeting, members of the Hensall 4-H Huron Ag. Explorers made their way to Farm Little near Bayfield to learn more about the flour made there and how that flour is produced. (Courtesy photo)

OFA investigating issues: Brekveld

By Peggy Brekveld, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture As an organization representing farmers, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) needs to know both the realities of the current situation, as well as look forward to the kind of future we want for our sector and for Ontarians.

Knowledge is critical when you’re taking positions on issues for the farming sector and our rural communities and that’s why we support and invest in research.

Unlike many other agricultural organizations, the research the OFA funds is less about determining the best crop to grow or looking at better ways to feed livestock, and more about processes and issues that play a key role in developing the policy positions we will take to government on behalf of our members.

Much of this research happens behind the scenes so, two years ago, we started hosting Research Day, which is an event where OFA’s Farm Policy Research Group shares outcomes on the various research initiatives the OFA is involved with and presents updates on other key issues the team is continuing to investigate.

Our 2023 event took place at the end of March and engaged close to 200 people, including farmers, researchers, consultants, agricultural organizations, government and municipal representatives and media. Here are some highlights of the day: Deadstock: An issue the livestock sector grapples with is finding solutions to what the industry calls deadstock; properly handling and disposing of animals that die unexpectedly on the farm.

Jennifer MacTavish presented an

update on a project she is leading for the Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) that is taking a new look at the issue from an international and innovation perspective, in hopes of uncovering practical new solutions the Ontario industry might be able to adopt. A final report is to be released soon.

Agri-tourism: Last year, the OFA partnered with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) on the 2022 State of the Ontario Tourism Industry Report. We also conducted a local food and agritourism survey and, overall, we learned that the Ontario farms engaged in direct-toconsumer sales range in size and scope as well as offer a diverse range of products, and that agritourism is an industry ripe for Continued on page 14

At the Belgrave Co-op on April 19, the draw winners were: Nancy Jardin, Barb Black, Bryan Beyersbergen, Dorothy McLaren, Bruce Higgins, Ian Caldwell, Vern Hewitt and Joyce Thompson.

Congratulations to all the winners.

Community Coffee Break was held at the community centre on Tuesday, April 25. Everyone enjoyed fellowship, coffee and snacks.

Gloria Wilbee was the guest speaker at Knox United Church on Sunday, April 23. After Gloria welcomed the congregation the Christ Candle was lit. The first hymn that was sung was “Come In, Come In and Sit Down”.

The Call to Worship was read responsively based on Luke 24:1335. The scripture lesson was read from Luke 24:13-35 (Jesus’ appearance on the road to Emmaus). Gloria’s message was entitled “Opening Our Eyes and Hearts”.

The closing hymn was “The Church’s One Foundation”.

On Sunday, April 30, the guest speaker is Susan Barnett. Everyone is welcome.

The regular monthly meeting of Knox United Church Women will be held May 2 at 2 p.m. at the home of Lila Procter.

Birthday greetings are extended to Nicole Bailie on April 29. Have an enjoyable day.

On Sunday, April 16 it was such a beautiful day in Grand Bend. I went for a two-mile walk on a trail and then we cooked and ate lunch

outside. Since then we have had a sudden change in our weather. Our weather has been wet with, at times, a few flurries. Tuesday morning, as I got my news ready we had a heavy frost. Later it was good to see the sunshine again.

Mother Nature has displayed many beautiful signs of Spring. Maybe now we will get milder weather that stays.

NEWS FROM BELGRAVE BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd.

UPCOMING SALES TUESDAYS 10:00 a.m.

Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows

THURSDAYS

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 28, 2023.

Classified Advertisements – RATES – 20 words or less only $7.00 + HST. Additional words 20¢ each + HST.

Coming events Coming events Help wanted Help wanted

DEADLINE 2 p.m. Tuesday Phone 519-523-4792 e-mail: info@northhuron.on.ca

St. John’s Anglican Church, Brussels

Articles for sale RUSTIC CEDAR GAZEBOS AND pergolas; also a supplier of steel roofing, siding and trims. Webwood Truss, 382 Whitechurch St., RR 5, Lucknow. ON N0G 2H0.

15-8p -------------------------------------------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.

01-50p -------------------------------------------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 tfn -------------------------------------------THE CITIZEN IS AVAILABLE TO purchase at these locations – Auburn Co-op, Auburn Esso, Belgrave Variety, Blyth Variety, Blyth Food Market, Blyth Ultramar, Brussels Foodland, Brussels Variety, Clinton Convenience, Clinton Foodland, Fogal’s YIG in Wingham, Wingham Mini Mart, Seaforth Foodland, GT Mini Mart in Seaforth, Fincher’s in Goderich, Goderich Victoria St. Shell and The Citizen Blyth.

Card of thanks FLOYD - The family of the late Jim Floyd would like to thank everyone for their condolences, prayers, phone calls, the many cards sent, and for the donations, flowers, and food brought to the house. We also want to thank all the first responders for their professionalism, caring words and support, and to Haskett Funeral Home for all their help with arrangements, to ladies of First Presbyterian church, staff of Seaforth Agricultural Society for all they did, and a special thank you to Dwight and Janice Nelson for their kind words, prayers at the celebration and continued ongoing support given. To all the friends and relatives who came to the celebration of life to offer their condolences. It was such a beautiful tribute to Jim and was all greatly appreciated. Thank you all from Elaine and family.

Coming events AUBURN VILLAGE WIDE YARD and Garage Sales, Saturday, May 6, 2023, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Auburn and District Lions Club Breakfast will be held the same day at the Community Memorial Hall from 8 a.m. - 11 a.m., $12/person. Maple syrup donated by Robinson Maple Products. Eggs provided by Huron County Egg Farmers. Proceeds for community betterment.

16-2

invites you to join them in offering thanks and praise to God as they celebrate the ministry and service provided to the community in the last 163 years The Service of Deconsecration will be on Sunday, April 30th at 3:00 pm

MELVILLE CHIMES, BRUSSELS will be calling you to “An Afternoon of Music” at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 30. Come and enjoy Don Chesher and Friends, Melville Choir and Friends, Marcy Bremner - Flutist, Rev. Alex Jebson, Margaret McInroy, Melville Trio - Mary, Peggy and Margaret. Introducing Darryn de Souza, a very talented vocalist and musician, who travelled with “The Tenors” for ten years!

Free-will offering. Refreshments provided. Proceeds to Brussels United and Melville Presbyterian Churches.

16-2p --------------------------------------------

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Tourism & Events Student – Seasonal Day Camp Leader – 5 weeks Landfill Attendant - Part Time Visit the Township of Huron-Kinloss website to view these employment opportunities. https://www.huronkinloss.com/en/townhall/careers.aspx

with Bishop Todd Townshend celebrating Lunch and sharing of memories will follow at the Brussels Legion

Citizen-To-Citizen “SWAP SHOP” ad

Services

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CUSTOM CLOVER SEEDING Private support worker, with a with GPS, $2.50.acre or $3 for certificate. 519-912-1102 pasture. Seed available. Call Kurt -------------------------------------------Beuerman 519-525-0538 or 519523-9234 (home).

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“One person’s junk is another’s treasure”

• 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.

Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca WANTED - Doll house, preferably with some furniture and little dolls.

Wingham area. 519-357-2768.

17-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Remington hair clipper with blades. $60. Coffee maker, 12 cup, like new. $20. 519524-4648.

17-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Right and left cab corners and rocker panels for 19992007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 extended cab. Asking $400. Call 519-887-9104 16-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Utility/small animal trailer. Dimensions: 90" long x 64" wide. Height 20", with racks 43" high. Asking $500. or best offer.

519-523-4429.

16-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Brand new siding. 4 pieces 10' long, 5" wide, 1 piece 6' long. Colour is grey. $40 for all or best offer. 519-357-4600.

16-3 -------------------------------------------

FOR SALE - 50 gallon plastic barrels. $10. each. 226-880-1689.

16-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - for wood stove, many large boxes of cut and dried kindling from various types of trees, $20 for the whole lot. Call Milly 519-482-7262.

15-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Pride GoGo mobility scooter, red in colour, four wheels, excellent condition, operates as it should, batteries are good, small in size, so great for use in your home, $650. Call 519-482-5243, Clinton.

15-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - one pair 30" dualwheel tractor rims, $400. Phone 519-357-2957.

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Sniff Out a Great Deal in the Classifieds.

Shoppers with a nose for bargains head straight for the Classifieds.

In the Classifieds, you can track down deals on everything from cars to canine companions. It’s easy to place an ad or find the items you want, and it’s used by hundreds of shoppers every day.

Go with your instincts and use the Classifieds today.

The Citizen Classifieds 523-4792

Farm businesses need cyber security says OFA President Continued from page 13 growth and economic opportunity.

Cyber security: As farm businesses adopt more smart technology and connected systems, they also increase their exposure to cyber security risks. Abbas Yzadinejad of the University of Guelph’s Cyber Science lab explained three common threats: data breaches, a system is hacked and information is stolen; phishing, fake messages that look like they are from a trusted entity (like a bank) to trick a user into giving out credit card information or login credentials, and ransomware, attacks where a system is frozen and held for ransom.

Best practices for farmers to protect themselves include keeping software up to date, using strong passwords that are changed regularly, backing up data, and educating your staff on where threats come from.

Environmental practices: Dr. Michael Drescher from the University of Waterloo has been studying environmental best management practices windbreaks, on-farm forests and buffer strips - and what motivates farmers or hinders farmers from adopting these practices.

He found that over 70 per cent of farmers maintain forests or wooded areas on their farms, 64 per cent have planted windbreaks and just

under half maintain riparian buffer strips. Leading motivators for these decisions were their own convictions, social pressures and government.

Agriculture in northern Ontario: The OFA has been a strong advocate for supporting agriculture in northern Ontario and OFA senior farm policy analyst Ben Lefort gave an overview of agriculture’s economic footprint in the north and how that has changed in the last decade.

The number of farms has increased, and the revenue per acre of farmland has almost doubled, with much of the growth coming from field crop production.

Funding for tile drainage and land clearing has played a key role in supporting this growth, but northern Ontario also needs infrastructure investments like roads and high speed internet, as well as more access to farming support services like veterinarians.

Speakers also provided updates on the OFA’s slow-moving vehicle road safety campaign, mental health research, fertilizer use and soil health benchmarking in the Greenbelt.

For anyone interested in more information, recordings of all the sessions will be available on our YouTube webinar channel and shared across our communication platforms in the coming weeks.

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

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2023. PAGE 15.

Bergsmas detail work with Wycliffe at meeting

A young missionary named William Cameron Townsend realized early in his work that the Bibles he had for the peoples of Guatemala were of no use to them.

The Bibles were written in Spanish and they spoke a native language.

Cam believed everyone should have a Bible they could understand, so he founded a linguistics school that trained people to translate the Bible.

The need around the world for Bible translation grew and, in 1942,

Wycliffe Bible Translators was founded. A 500th translation was completed in 2000. The goal is to have a Bible translation program in every language around the world.

Today, there are more than 1,600 languages still needing a Bible translation. One-and-a-half billion people don’t have a full Bible in their native language and 1.2 million don’t have any scripture in their language.

Wycliffe is working hard to spread the love of God and His Bible through locally-led sustainable ministry in the parts of the world needing that. They train local leaders to teach their own people with scriptures of their own language Wycliffe’s work is based on four “pillars”: Bible translation, engagement with the scripture, literacy and capacity building.

Churches and countries thrive when

they are taught in a language they understand, and Wycliffe trains its people to translate the Bible into native languages, to learn that language and present the scriptures in meaningful ways. In today’s world, that involves a global network of people and technology.

Patrick and Naomi Bergsma spoke of their work with Wycliff with the Londesborough United Church Women (UCW) on Monday, April 17. They currently live in the Kitchener/Waterloo area, where they are in training with Wycliffe.

They are preparing for a posting in Eurasia. Patrick joined Wycliffe in 2021 and he works to connect people with the scriptures through multimedia. Patrick is the son of Richard Bergsma and Trisha Wilts and, as a youngster, lived for a time in Londesborough. Naomi grew up in Aylmer and joined Wycliffe in 2019. She hopes to spread the

scriptures through oral Bible storytelling. They were introduced that evening by Patrick’s grandmother, Marie Bergsma.

It was an interesting and informative presentation from a young couple who have chosen the life of missionaries. The group wishes them well in their work.

More information about the couple and their work can be had at patrick.bergsma@wycliffe.ca.

More info re Wycliffe can be found at wycliffe.ca.

President Catherine Allen conducted the business that evening. The ladies learned that the UCW has purchased two sets of

speakers for use with PowerPoint, one for the sanctuary and one for the basement. They also learned that the church pianos have been tuned. Plans were discussed around the May 28 church service, which will have a camping theme, a summer get-together and a church work bee. The group will meet again on Monday, May 15.

Licensed Lay Worship Leader Sue Barnett led the morning worship at Londesborough United Church on Sunday, April 23. Her reflection was based on Luke 24: 13 - 35, and was titled “On the Road to Seeing Jesus”. The related children’s time included the reading of a book titled, Goodbye Friend, Hello Friend.

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

Obituaries MARION SMITH Marion Smith passed away peacefully at Caressant Care in Listowel on Sunday, April 23, 2023, at the age of 95.

The beloved wife of the late Harvey Smith (2021), to whom she was married for 72 years, Marion was the loving mother of Ron (Susan) Smith, Brenda (Ken) Bast, Donna (Steve) Wells, Lorrie (Keith) Traves. She was the cherished grandmother of Sherry (Sean), Ryan (Tracy), Angie (Cam), Mike (Colene), Matt (Morgan), Chancey, Adam (Lisa) and Aleisha (Michael) and special great-grandma of Bryn, Talia, Hannah, Holden, Haelyn, Winston, Edwin, Delilah, Meyer, Paige, Addison, Olivia, Ava, Maxwell, Jack and Molly.

Marion is survived by her sister Bonnie Gmelin.

She was predeceased by her parents, Sam and Mary Pake, sister Helen Barker and brother Allan Pake. Marion will be fondly remembered by the Smith family and many nieces and nephews.

Marion will be remembered for her beautiful knitting, crochet and other sewing projects. She was also a great cook and baker. Nothing pleased her more than creating a full course meal for her family and friends and ending the night with a game of cards.

She also loved to travel in their

camper van and camp with family and friends. She also loved fishing and snowmobiling.

Cherished memories were made with her family and friends at their cottage in Point Clark, which they owned for over 50 years.

Marion and Harvey had a large, wonderful circle of friends known as “The Crew”.

Friends and family will be gathering at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Ethel, on Saturday, May 13 at 11 a.m. for a celebration of life service. After the service, a luncheon will be served at 12:30 p.m. at the Brussels Legion to shed a few tears and share memories, laughs and stories of a wonderful person who will be missed dearly.

Donations may be made to Caressant Care in Listowel. Online condolences may be left at www.brennemanfuneralhome.ca.

Arrangements entrusted to Brenneman Funeral Home.

Rob Lawrie, who survives. Carole was the cherished mother of Dean Lawrie (Karen) and Krista Jefferson (Derek), and the loving Nana to Drake Jefferson (Kenzie) and Kassie Jefferson (Braeden).

Our Carly will be dearly missed by her sisters Shirley Brown, Nancy Brown (Arnold Mitton), and her brother Philip Brown (Margot).

She will be fondly remembered by in-laws Nadine Brown, Sharon Brown (Paul), John Lawrie (Linda) and Agnes Wharton (Jack). She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Carole was predeceased by her parents Clifford and Rita Brown, brothers William Brown and Ronald Brown, and in-laws Jim and Janet Lawrie.

Charitable donations to Huron Hospice Bender House or Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.

Owned and operated by Mac and Donna Andersoon Assisted by Mandy

NEWS FROM LONDESBORO

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

Remembering your loved one Honour your loved one by placing their obituary in

The Citizen.

This is a free service provided by The Citizen. We encourage you to share the story of your loved one in a special remembrance of their life.

Cards of thanks can be placed in our classified section, starting at just $8.00.

Shop Local incluudes Local Advveertisiing CAROLE KATHLEEN LAWRIE In loving memory of Carole Kathleen Lawrie, age 76, who passed away peacefully on April 23, 2023. Carole was born in Seaforth Hospital on Feb. 17, 1947 to Clifford and Rita Brown.

Shortly after graduating from Wingham Hospital Nursing School, she married her loving husband,

When you buy an ad from us, you are supporting ti local. l l Our O eentire ti staff t ff - editor, dit publisher, bli h repporter, t sales l rep. production coordinator, designer, photographer, columnists, coorrespondents, freelancers, proofreaders and mail crew all live and spend right here in Huron County.

County Mark Zuckerberg and Google probably won’t send a photographer to your event or a reporter to interview nterview the chair of your service club or attend five municipal councils on your behalf.

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The Citizen

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PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2023.

From the Minister’s Study

Ask God for one thing - what would it be?

BY JASON HOVIUS BRUSSELS COMMUNITY BIBLE CHAPEL If you had to give up everything you have, except for one thing, what would that thing be? Put another way, if you could make one single request of God, what would you ask for? In both cases, you might be able to think of a first choice, but odds are you probably have a list of close seconds.

In 1 Kings 3, King Solomon was faced with a test like this. Early in Solomon’s reign, God asked him, in a dream, what one thing he desired above all else. This was not one of those dreams that you might confuse with real life, like I sometimes have. We’ve probably all had a time when we’re still in that groggy state and we’re wondering if our best friend did indeed crash a military helicopter into the Brussels Dam yesterday.

And why was he wearing swimming trunks and a fur coat? 1 Kings 3:15 seems to suggest that when Solomon woke up the next morning, he understood that his dream was not a delusion, but rather it was God’s chosen means of communicating with him.

During sleep would be a great time to uncover the deepest desires of our hearts and minds. At least it would be a good time if we could retain some level of conscious awareness. However, we seem to have very little control over where our minds wander as we sleep.

When we’re awake, we can keep our words and even our thoughts in check. But when we sleep, surprising and scary things might subconsciously rise to the surface.

Solomon could have asked God for fame, or wealth, or for defeat of his enemies or for a host of other things. If these were truly his deepest desires, God would have, according to His promise, answered the request. Instead, he asked for wisdom and discernment from God, and the Lord was pleased with his answer. Solomon became the wisest man on the face of the earth.

Besides demonstrating wisdom in the way he ruled the nation, he also penned various portions of the Old Testament, including the book of Proverbs.

In Psalm 27, David had a similar God-focused desire. He wrote, “One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in His temple.” To paraphrase, David’s pursuit of the understanding of, and

Evangelical Missionary Church

appreciation for, God was the most important thing in his life.

I am convinced that every human has a deep yearning to know God personally. “He has set eternity in the hearts of man” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). This yearning may be suppressed in our childhood through various means, and yet people in their sunset years often bemoan the emptiness of their life lived without eternal purpose.

Everything seems to lose significance as life and breath are stripped away.

Many people have things taken from them when they are still young(er). When this happens, the foundation of that person’s life is revealed, if there is one. A businessman in the Old Testament named Job experienced this. In one day, he lost all his assets and all his children were killed in a desert storm. Soon afterward, painful sores developed over his whole body and his wife became less than supportive (I’m being generous here; she actually encouraged him to curse God and die). After all this, Job’s closest friends falsely accused him of wrongdoing.

If anyone had a right to be

miserable, it was him. Yet, Job didn’t crack, because he still had this one thing holding it all together: he could still worship his God whom he knew and trusted no matter what life threw his way.

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” (Job 1:21) Many others whose lives are written about in the Scriptures gave up almost everything they had on this earth for something less tangible, yet much more valuable.

When called by God to do so, Abraham left home and family for the life of a nomad. Moses could have had a life of ease and comfort, but chose abuse and mistreatment instead of the “pleasures of Egypt”.

And Daniel knowingly risked facing hungry lions for a whole night by continuing with his scheduled prayer times to God. By way of contrast, Esau considered a bowl of stew more worthwhile than the blessing of God. Because of this decision, the Bible calls him godless (Hebrews 12:16). Another example is the rich young man in Matthew 19, who

you’re reading, you might read about many more historical people who joyfully gave up almost everything for the privilege of serving and worshipping the God of heaven and earth.

Drop by our office in Blyth and check out our wonderful selection of books. We have books for all ages.

405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792

Brussels Mennonite Fellowship Current Sermon Series...

Come Worship With Us

THE FUN OF UNPACKING...

Sundays at 10:00 am 217 Minnie Street, Wingham Sunday Morniing Worship at 9:30 am Sunday School S at 10:30 am Service live-streamed a at 9:30 am and recorded on YouT o ube Rev. Colin S. Snyder rev.colinssnyder@gmail.com Wheelchair Wh l h i accessible ibl 519-357-2961 and parking

winghamunited@hurontel.on.ca winghamunited@hurontel on ca winghamuc.web bs.com

The Regional Ministry of Hope Weekly service live-streamed at 10:30 a.m. on our facebook page or on youtube @St. Paul’s-Trinity Anglican Church Wingham.

The Regional Ministry of Hope www.regionalministryofhope.com 519-357-7781 email: revjoann@hurontel.on.ca

Trinity

BLYTH 9:00 AM St. Paul’s Trinity

WINGHAM 10:30 AM

Come Worship with Us!

DISCOVERING THE OLD TESTAMENT

All Are Welcome

250 Princess St., Brussels • 519 887 6388 • Pastor Ken Gazley

MEL LV VILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS

Sunday, April 30 9:30-10:30 a.m.

We extend a loving welcome to all to join us as Doug Sargent leads in worship, praise and prayer to God. A time of fellowship to follow.

April 30 - 2 p.m Come and enjoy “An Afternoon of Music” at Melville Melville, featuring local talent and Darryn de Souza, musical artist.

Free will offering.

Soup & More 2 Join us every Friday from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. for lunch.

For pastoral care concerns please call 519-524-7512

BRUSSELS S

U United Chu ur urch Joint Worship Sunday, April 30 at 11:00 am Guest Speaker, Katie Koopm mans of True North Aid Lunch following g service Sunday, April 30 at 2:0 00 pm at Melville Presbyterian Church “An Afterrnoon of Music” Concert ~ Freewill offering supports Melvillle and Brussels U.C. Refreshments after concert.

Contact Alex at ministter.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com y @g Website: brusselsandblythuc.ca b P.O. Box 359, Brussels ~ 519-887-6259 P.

Missions Sunday, April 30, 10:30 am Jason Baan (Ethnos Canada) - “Noah and Christ” (Genesis 6 & 7)

also considered his money and possessions to be of more value than knowing and following Jesus Christ.

We all, including myself, fall into the trap of connecting our mood with our physical circumstances.

Personally, when I have a productive week, you can’t beat the smile off my face. When things go awry, I start to complain and pout.

Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). He also said, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). Too much of a focus on things of lesser importance might distract you from that thing which is most important.

Before it’s too late, find a Bible and read what it says about who Jesus is and what he has done for every single person who is humble enough to admit they need forgiveness for their sins. While

Sunday, April 30 at 10 a.m.

BMG Community Centre (upstairs room) 800 Sports Drive, Brussels **Please note our new location** Childcare provided for children aged 0 to 4 during the sermon

Worship and Prayer Time Loving Fellowship Expository Preaching

For additional details please visit: brusselscommunitybiblechapel.com

Blyth United Church Sunday, April 30 Joint service at Brussels United at 11 am Lunch to follow "If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” Colossians 3:1

Nursery during worship, POTLUCK after!

On-site and online live.huronchapel.com 119 John’s Ave., Auburn 519-526-1131

Outreach project is for True North Aid - Baby Supplies

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

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

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2023. PAGE 17.

Breath of Spring event to return on May 31 PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

Our roller coaster weather continues. A cool and wet week brought to a halt any farm field work, though lots can still be done getting machinery greased and ready to go and, when the good weather returns, many will be heading to the field.

The McDonalds have been busy with relatives, as Rick’s brother Neil is here from Vancouver. He has one week in and here for another week.

Our nephew Mike and his son

Brycen have returned to Calgary after a busy five days here. They went to Windsor to move his daughter, checked out her new housing for September and put her furniture in storage, went to Detroit to the double-header ball game (cold and even a little snow), headed to Toronto to a card show and then back home to Calgary and home. It was full days for all.

Calling all ladies out there who have been attendees of the Breath of Spring event. It is time to dust off those tickets bought in the spring of 2020. The time has finally come that the event can be held and all tickets purchased three years ago will be honoured.

Hopefully you can find them, but if you can’t, please call a committee member and tell them your dilemma if you still wish to attend.

All those who can find their tickets are also asked to call and confirm

your attendance to aid in the planning of the food.

When is it, you say? It will be held on May 31, so you have a few weeks to look for those tickets and make the call. Leave a message on Betty’s machine at 519-527-0236 about your intentions and your ticket number, if you found them.

Ladies came from far and wide, so if you know of friends who may have bought tickets, pass on the good news and let them know who to call.

More signs of spring have been observed this week and the letter “W” is popular. The winter wheat received some fertilizer and it is looking greener and healthier. The spring usually brings wet days, warmer days and windy days.

Checking out the garden and the weeds are growing, my wind flowers have bloomed and the worms are crawling around. We will need the wheelbarrow to haul

the weeds and the landscape business folks are busy planting flower beds and windbreaks.

Spring means house cleaning, which means loads of washing on the line, windows that need cleaning, knocking down spider webs that pop up, and going through the wardrobe (fit or not fit?). Maybe going out walking to reduce the waistline, window shopping, and then buying a new wardrobe. Of course, the happiest sign of spring is the start of the wedding season. Ah, the wonderful signs of spring!

Celebrating birthday this past week were Dennis Rijkhoff, Danielle Williamson, Sandra Pepper, Gail Searle, Sheldon Courtney, Karter Young, Darrell McClure, Amanda Morrison, Jeff McKee, Avery Boven, Dean Glanville, Derick Bachert, Cody Terpstra, Paul Humphries, Casey

Bernard, Jessica Fraser, Kelly Marks and Jenna Regele. Happy birthday to all!

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PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2023.

The first school in Bluevale was a small frame building that was later used as a house. The first teacher was Thomas Farrow, who later became a Member of Parliament.

Read more in the Blyth Repository of History.

405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792 blythrepositoryofhistory.ca

The Citizen, Apr. 18, 2013

Fridays

Leadership in energy and environmental design

Devon Henry 84772 McDonald Line • Box 616 • Brussels

devonjhenry@hotmail.com 519-505-2473 The Citizen, Apr. 25, 2013

The Citizen, Apr. 29, 1998

The Citizen, Apr. 15, 1998

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2023. PAGE 19.

Entertainment & Leisure

Wingham cannabis shop celebrates 4:20

Neither dazed nor confused Naturally Bongins is a cannabis store located in Wingham, owned and operated by Ashley Vander Velden and Bill George. The couple is well aware of the delicate balance their business needs to strike with the surrounding community. Vander Velden and George are active in sponsoring local events and supporting the Wingham Business Improvement Area. (Courtesy photo)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Canada is a nation replete with celebratory days, both official and unofficial. For every governmentsanctioned, long weekendgenerating Victoria Day, there is a Groundhog Day - still a source of local pride, national fanfare and local news fodder, but lacking the clout of that extra day off. Then there is the calendar cavalcade of the modern “National ‘Blank’ Day” mill, spewing an endless stream of “special” days. National Taco Day. National Bucket List Day. National Taco Bucket Day. These days are born of the shadows of the internet, that signify nothing, although sometimes they do lead to a good deal on tacos.

The 20th day of the fourth month of 2023 marked one of our nation’s most unofficial holidays - the enigmatically named 4:20 -

Canada’s salute to all things cannabis. It’s a day beloved by many and derided by some, meaning many different things to millions of people, and meaning absolutely nothing to mother-inlaws across the nation. For some, it is a day to educate, for others, to march, to meet like-minded individuals, and to celebrate. Some even participate by ingesting cannabis.

The day is observed by those in the know residing in Canada, the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom. Traditionally, in the days before legalization in Canada, 4:20 activities would include acts of civil disobedience people turned out to have fun, but also to protest against systems that jailed friends and neighbours for minor infractions, made medical

cannabis difficult to obtain and created a constant atmosphere of low-grade paranoia for more than a few enthusiasts. Celebrations of 4:20 in those days were often accused of hurting their own cause blocking Toronto’s Yonge Street for the annual cannabis march was unlikely to win over drivers finding themselves unexpectedly trapped by the shouting throng and late for work, and young parents strolling with their children through local parks not necessarily swayed by the suddenly smoky conditions.

Post-legalization, 4:20 has become a day to educate, to shake off lingering stigma, and to seek a greater understanding between smokers and non-smokers in communities. It is also a day for canna-fans to celebrate the strides that cannabis culture has made, as

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well as the rich history from which it draws.

Over the last five years, a number of government-sanctioned cannabis shops have opened across Huron County, including Wingham-based Naturally Bongins - a warm, welcoming, wood-accented space nestled into a low-key location on Veterans Road. The modern cannabis-store aesthetic can too often lean towards an intimidating, Tron-like labyrinth of computer screens. Naturally Bongins has the atmosphere of an old school head shop, while maintaining a wide array of the latest products. There are smoking apparatuses here that look like they were carved by the hand of an ancient wizard, others look like the 3D-printed dreams of an artificial intelligence isolated at the furthest edge of space. Cannabis products range all the way from traditional “flower” to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)infused yuzu sodas. THC is the primary psychoactive component extracted from the cannabis plant and yuzu sodas are a refreshing, sparkling drink.

Owned and operated by Ashley Vander Velden and Bill George, Naturally Bongins describes itself as an “elevated head shop”. George was the one manning the shop on April 20, and his bright storefront was bustling with customers from Wingham, Brussels and Lucknow all looking for something special.

When asked what was most popular with local residents, George had a plenitude of answers. Pre-rolled joints to help with insomnia, CBDinfused topical pain creams, edibles to aid with anxiety. “And flower, of course,” he added. Every visitor was also encouraged to fill out a ballot for the 4:20 draw - a chance to win a variety of cannabis-related products.

Their location on Veterans Road is the second iteration of the store.

The two started out selling bongs, stash boxes and other accessories out of a location on Josephine

Street, making the transition to their new shop when they expanded into selling actual cannabis, in February of 2022.

George and Vander Velden couldn’t be happier in the new spot.

“It’s been amazing, just so much better! The parking, the wheelchair accessible ramp…” beamed George between customers. The two entrepreneurs are well aware of the delicate balance their kind of business needs to strike with their surrounding community, and are always happy to compromise.

Naturally Bongins also gets involved in sponsoring community events, most recently the holiday gift-wrapping fundraiser held at The Dance Factory in December.

Vander Velden has been active with the Wingham Business Improvement Area (BIA), and crowned winner of the BIA’s 2022 Volunteer of the Year Award. She also continues to maintain the BIA’s digital sign on Highway 86.

Whether THC is your thing or not, 4:20 can be an opportunity for us all to learn to be better neighbours, to understand each other, even if we like different things, and to build stronger communities together.

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PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2023.

Anderson advocates for cuts to budget

For a good cause Trinity Anglican Church and Rev. JoAnn Todd, above, hosted a special fundraiser on Friday night in Blyth for Huron Residential Hospice featuring the music of The Lucky Charms and a presentation from Residential Care Manager Erin Donald. The event raised $1,700 for the hospice. (John Stephenson photo)

Fire fleet funds needed: McRoberts Continued from page 12 have recently undergone improvements, reserve funds should be established to fund further capital improvements in the future.

McRoberts suggested an annual capital contribution of $115,000, with an impact of $100,000 in 2023 for a detailed optimization study and office renovations.

“Capital dollars are earmarked for 2024 and 2025 to undertake a major renovation to Town Hall, assuming a debenture funding model at this time. This capital expenditure could be deferred slightly, pending any capital grant program availability, which may reduce or possibly eliminate the need for a debenture,” McRoberts said in his report.

The Seaforth Medical Centre, McRoberts said in his report, will need its parking lot resurfaced in 2025 with Huron East paying its 60 per cent share of the estimated cost of $150,000. He’s recommending an annual contribution of $50,000 for the centre that will be aided by rental income that is used to fund a building reserve.

McRoberts said that the Brussels Medical Dental Centre also uses a building reserve that is funded by rental income and, while no capital improvements have been identified for the centre currently, the reserve could be used periodically for any significant capital repairs or maintenance that should arise.

He’s suggesting an annual reserve contribution of $13,000 for the centre.

To fund the municipality’s economic development department, McRoberts has suggested an annual capital requirement of $38,000.

The Economic Development Committee, last year, said that new winter decorations were needed in Brussels, while there has also been some interest in acquiring winter decorations for Vanastra as well. He also noted that initial costs for wayfare signage could use an investment of $150,000 in partnership with Huron County and Regional Tourism Organization 4 (RTO4).

He said that $30,000 has been earmarked for winter decorations for Brussels this year and that further winter decoration purchases will be considered in subsequent years for Vanastra, Walton, Ethel, Cranbrook and Brucefield.

In addition, he said that $20,000 will be earmarked annually for community improvement grants beginning in 2024 as part of the municipality’s new Community Improvement Plan, which will be developed later this year.

In all, the department’s capital impact on this year’s budget is expected to be $40,000.

McRoberts has suggested an annual contribution of $19,000 to maintain the municipality’s information technology infrastructure, which will replace computers on a regular cycle, councillors’ iPads every four years and the municipality’s servers every 10 years.

“It’s important to know that these replacements are not about being ‘new’, it is about being able to ensure that the device is supported and able to maintain security of the information technology system and avoid breaches of data,” McRoberts said in his report.

McRoberts told council that the municipality’s fire departments will require significant non-vehiculary capital investment in the coming years and the current reserve amount of $91,377 is insufficient.

Expenses this year will be $500,000, McRoberts said with a significant self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) purchase, which will require temporary borrowing.

In his report, McRoberts said the current SCBA apparatus has reached its end of life, they operate on low pressure, while the new ones will operate on high pressure, and the purchase will also consolidate the equipment across the department’s three stations, whereas now the three groups use three different brands. He also noted that firefighters currently do not have their own private masks, which is a health and safety concern.

Also on the docket for 2023 is the replacement of some bunker gear, a community risk assessment, decontamination equipment, the replacement of a boiler for the Seaforth department and a number of technology upgrades that will allow for digital reporting of incidents.

He said the municipality should be contributing $129,000 annually in addition to funding from its partner municipalities, such as Morris-Turnberry.

In regards to the emergency services fleet, McRoberts said there are several vehicles that are either quickly approaching the end of their life cycle or have already reached it. He said that, while there are no replacement vehicles due to be purchased this year, the municipality needs to purchase approximately $2.5 million in equipment over the next five years.

“As such, a fairly aggressive ramping up of a fleet equipment reserve is required over the next five years from $300,000 in 2023 to

$475,000 in 2027. With the partnership with Morris-Turnberry and North Huron, there is some cost-sharing on fleet equipment for Brussels and for the fire chief vehicle, respectively,” he said in his report to council.

Continued from page 1 protection, policing, the conservation authorities and more.

Eleven per cent, or $152, goes towards administration and council, followed by eight per cent for recreation and facilities ($121), three per cent for cemeteries ($45), three per cent for planning, economic development and agriculture ($45) and one per cent goes towards landfill and recycling costs ($15).

Boyes also noted the sharp increase in the municipality’s tax rate in recent years, which he attributes to the lack of reassessment mentioned earlier.

“Central Huron’s levy per $100,000 of residential assessment of $718.50 has increased from a recent low of $627.30 in 2020. This steep increase is primarily due to MPAC not having reassessed property values since 2016, with the last phase-in of that assessment being in 2020. Accordingly, any levy increase requires an increase in

the tax rate,” Boyes said in his report to council, comparing the 2023 rate of $718.50 per $100,000 of residential assessment to the 2020 rate of $627.30.

There was little discussion on the budget, with the exception of Anderson’s concerns that more could have been cut. As a result, she told council she would be voting against the motion to approve the budget and any subsequent bylaws to that effect. Furthermore, she called for a recorded vote on the motion to approve the budget.

Anderson and Councillor Everett Smith voted against the budget, while Mayor Jim Ginn and Councillors Jennifer Cox, Alison Lobb, Michael Russo and Dan Colquhoun voted in favour, passing the budget for 2023. Councillor Adam Robinson was absent for the meeting.

Later in the meeting, council passed a bylaw to adopt the budget for the year and to levy and collect taxes for the municipality.

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CHICKEN COOPS Whether you’re looking for a project for the kids for the summer or want to grow more of your own food, this book provides plenty of ideas for housing chickens. 45 building plans for everything from a backyard coop to pastured flocks. $29.95

RAISING MEAT GOATS Storey Publishing provides a guide to managing, breeding and marketing meat goats.

Information on the various breeds, selection of breeding stock, housing and feeding, keeping stock healthy and tips on marketing. (hardcover) $44.95

RAISING BUTTERFLIES IN THE GARDEN Features 40 North American butterfly and moth species, range maps and more than 500 photographs. The book also lists the host and nectar plans each species relies on. $24.95

Storey’s Guide to RAISING DAIRY GOATS A new edition of the bestselling classic with information for the small herd owner on dairy goat breeds, care, feeding, breeding, caring for newborns, and recipes for turning milk into cheese, ice cream, and more. $24.95

GRASS-FED CATTLE: How to Produce and Market Natural Beef With more and more consumers discovering the healthy benefits of grass-fed beef, there is a growing market for farmers. This comprehensive manual provides nearly 400 pages of management advice. $37.95

STOREY’S GUIDE TO RAISING HORSES Nearly 500 pages of information on breeding and care of horses. Information on spotting and dealing with diseases, foot care, parasites , toxic plants to watch out for, foaling tips and much much more. $26.95

CHOOSING AND KEEPING PIGS A great introduction to the world keeping pigs as a hobby, this book deals with housing, feeding, disease prevention and much more. As well, you’ll learn about breeds even seasoned pork farmers may not have heard of. $19.95

STOREY’S GUIDE TO RAISING DUCKS Learn about the different breeds so you can choose the duck that meets your needs.

Get information on hatching eggs, rearing ducklings, managing adults, feeds, health problems, even butchering. $24.95

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