The Citizen - April 5, 2024

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THIS WEEK 2 • 4-H 4 • Editorials 8 • Sports 10 • Terry Fox Run

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Huron County’s most trusted independent news source Volume 40 No. 14

Friday, April 5, 2024

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OPP lay charges in death

Let the search begin The Friends of the Village of Blyth, as has become their tradition, held an Easter egg hunt on the Blyth Greenway Trail portion of the Goderich-to-Guelph Rail Trail on Saturday, March 30, welcoming young people

from the village and beyond to scour the trail for colourful eggs that could then be exchanged for a lovely Easter gift bag. The event, as usual, was well attended and every egg was scooped up by an eager hunter. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

Sherwood to open Art Gallery season

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen As the Blyth Festival marks its 50th anniversary season this summer, the Blyth Festival Art Gallery is one year behind, marking its 49th anniversary this year with a full and ever-expanding offering in the Bainton Gallery.

This will be the second season back in Memorial Hall after last season’s exhibitions from photographer Hannah Dickie, fine artist Kelly Stevenson and a collective of Ontario’s best potters a line-up of artists who were originally scheduled to exhibit in the summer of 2020.

Last season also marked the launch of the Poetry in the Gallery series, which will continue in a slightly-expanded format this season. There will be a night of student poetry on April 13, followed by poets Nancy Pottage on June 28, Jillian Morris on July 20 and Chelsea Gamble on Sept. 7.

All readings will be at the gallery in Memorial Hall and begin at 7 p.m.

This season will also represent a

chance to remember the gallery’s roots for its volunteers, as, in the past six months, two of the gallery’s co-founders, Ron and Bev Walker, have passed away, leaving behind a legacy of their own art, as well as the story of the gallery itself, which has fostered and propped up so many local artists over the years.

Bev passed away last October and Ron followed in March.

The season begins with the annual Student Show, a personal favourite of President Carl Stevenson. The show opens on Saturday, April 6 with a special gala opening at 6 p.m. that evening with many of the student artists in attendance.

The show will feature art from Huron and Perth Counties’ two school boards, created by students in Grades 9-12. There will be mixed media pieces, as well as sculptures, photography, drawing, painting, printmaking and digital illustration.

It will run April 6-27.

Next, the time-honoured tradition of the Community Show will return to the gallery’s walls. It will run from May 11-31.

In June, the professional exhibitions will begin with an artist who is no stranger to Memorial Hall. In fact, his portrait of a poppy field adorns the wall as patrons enter the main level of the Memorial Hall theatre.

A new exhibition from Greg Sherwood will open the professional season. He has exhibited at the gallery before, first as one of three artists who contributed to “The Selective Eye” in 2002 and then as a solo artist for 2015’s “A Trick of the Light”.

Sherwood’s new show will kick off the season, beginning on

Saturday, June 15 until it closes on July 6.

The second show will mark the Blyth Festival Art Gallery debut of Owen Sound-based artist Tony Miller, who creates paintings, sculptures and prints.

Miller, who is a Black artist who was raised in Owen Sound, says in a profile on the Bliss Studio website, that “...the psychological effects of the school system, religion and superstition and my one-time almost non-existent identity have influenced me. I have come to appreciate the beauty of Continued on page 18

A Kitchener resident is charged following an investigation into an opioid overdose death in Huron County in 2023.

On March 27, 2024, members of the Huron Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Crime Unit, under the direction of the Criminal Investigation Branch, charged one person following a fatal opioid overdose incident in Central Huron.

The investigation began on September 13, 2023, when police were called to a residence in Central Huron where a 19-year-old male was found unresponsive and died at the scene. The investigation has revealed that the victim died due to an opioid overdose.

As a result, a 23-year-old Kitchener man has been charged with: Manslaughter - contrary to section 236(b) of the Criminal Code (CC); Traffick in Schedule I Substance - Opioid (other than heroin) - contrary to section 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; Traffick in Schedule I Substance - Cocaine contrary to section 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; Possession of Schedule I Substance - Cocaine - contrary to section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The accused is being held in custody and appeared at the Ontario Court of Justice in Goderich on March 28.

The investigation was conducted by the Huron OPP Crime Unit, OPP Forensic Identification and Digital Forensic Services, OPP Forensic Interview Team, West Region OPP Regional Support Team, Grey Bruce OPP Community Street Crimes Unit, Grey Bruce OPP Crime Unit, members of the Grey Bruce OPP and Huron OPP Detachments, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or their local police.

Blyth BIA elects its executive

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen The Blyth Business Improvement Area (BBIA) elected executives to its board of management at a regular meeting on Thursday, March 28. The slate of leaders for 2024 remains substantially unchanged from last year, except

for the currently vacant role of secretary.

The absence of former secretary Rachael King, who stepped down from the position at the Annual General Meeting on March 14, presented an immediate obstacle for the local business consortium due to the mandated requirement to record meeting minutes.

Reluctantly, Service Group Representative John Stewart agreed to fill in for the day, but made it very clear that he has no intention to assume the role on an ongoing basis, having previously served in that position for several years.

Three out of four executive positions were elected by Continued on page 16

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2024.

Bergsma awarded 4-H Ontario’s highest honour

Provincial honours Darrell Bergsma from the Londesborough area was recently honoured as one of two winners of the 2024 4-H Ontario Arbor Award. (Photo submitted)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Darrell Bergsma from the Londesborough area is one of two recipients of the 2024 4-H Ontario Arbor Award, which is the provincial organization’s highest honour.

Bergsma was honoured for his many years of service to the Huron 4-H Association at the 4-H Ontario Arbor Awards banquet on March 23. He was joined by friends, members of his family and fellow

4-H volunteers for the evening.

Typically, three winners are announced every year, however, with the judges unable to decide on a third winner from two candidates, they opted to award just Bergsma and Suzanne Barker of the Kawartha Lakes Haliburton 4-H Association.

“Established in 2001 during the International Year of the Volunteer, the 4-H Ontario Arbor Award recognizes a select group of 4-H Ontario volunteers who have served the organization for over 10 years

and have positively impacted 4-H and their local community,” reads a press release from 4-H Ontario announcing this year’s winners.

“This is 4-H Ontario’s most prestigious volunteer award.”

Bergsma is just the fourth Huron County member to receive the award, following in the footsteps of Pat Saundercock, who won in 2003, Don Dodds, who won in 2006, and Florence Pullen, who won in 2009.

He has been with the local association for 23 years, during which time he has served as both the president and the association representative (AR), in addition to serving on the Provincial Board of Directors. The press release also notes Bergsma’s involvement in the club’s annual e-recycling day, while helping with the Huron swine club and volunteering provincially at the Impact Conference, Discovery Days and as a camp facilitator.

“Darrell uses his head when making decisions to improve programming; his heart is full of passion for the program, he is not afraid to get his hands dirty to make progress and the community benefits healthwise from his commitment,” said Huron County 4-H Association President Sarah Shapton in the press release.

Bergsma’s work with the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association was also noted in his application, submitted by the Huron County 4-H Association. Bergsma has been a member of the Threshers’ board of directors for many years.

“Darrell is a shining example of an ideal community member and volunteer,” said Threshers’ Vice-

President Laura McDonald in the press release. “He is committed, hard-working, driven and a devoted volunteer that we are proud to have as part of our organization.”

Bergsma and Barker were both lauded by members of the provincial organization in the press release.

“As in past years, the 2024 4-H Ontario Arbor Award recipients have given many years of valuable service to 4-H in their respective communities,” said Megan Burnside-Poitras, a volunteer and database manager with 4-H Ontario. “The impact that each of these individuals has had on the lives of volunteers and youth around them is significant and their contributions serve as an outstanding example of what it means to truly embrace volunteerism within the 4-H program.”

Christine Oldfield, an executive director with 4-H Ontario, also had some kind things to say about this year’s winners.

“All 4-H volunteers give so much of their time and expertise and have truly helped our organization become what it is today - one of the top youth-servicing programs in the world,” Oldfield said in the press release. “That’s why we are always happy to celebrate our volunteers especially those that have gone above and beyond for many years.

We are pleased to honour both Suzanne and Darrell for their incredible commitments by presenting each of them the Arbor Award.”

In an interview with The Citizen, Bergsma said he was very surprised

to hear he had been chosen for this award. Furthermore, he said he was tremendously honoured to be counted among the likes of Saundercock, Pullen and Dodds. He has always considered Dodds to be somewhat of a mentor in regards to all things 4-H. This will be Dodds’ 65th year volunteering with the organization and Bergsma says that while he’s not quite there yet, he is approaching his 25th year, which is certainly a milestone worth celebrating.

Bergsma says that working with the kids, seeing them grow up into adults with the 4-H skills they’ve learned in tow, has been among the most rewarding aspects of his time with 4-H. He’s also made lifelong friendships through the organization, which is something that keeps him coming back year after year.

From the Huron County 4-H Association, Holly Holyoake and Reg Vinnicombe penned letters of support, while the aforementioned McDonald wrote a letter of support from the Threshers.

In the press release, Bergsma detailed just how important 4-H has been to him in his life.

“To me, 4-H is so much more than just ‘Head, Heart, Hands and Health’ - 4-H is family. 4-H has played a big part in who I am today and has helped me learn that I can lead and facilitate groups well - it has taught me many skills and talents I didn’t know I had,” Bergsma said in the press release.

“4-H has many meanings for different people, but to me, it means a lifetime of memories that I will never forget.”

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

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Registration open until April 20th at midnight

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

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

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2024. PAGE 3.

Coulter calls it a career after four and a half decades

Ironman From left, Steve Coulter cuts the cake at his retirement party on March 28 joined by son Chris, wife Julie, mother Jean and father Bob. Many well-wishers joined the celebration at McGavin’s Farm Equipment in Walton ahead of the Easter long weekend. (Scott Stephenson photos)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

The bustling atmosphere of McGavin’s Farm Equipment in Walton on Thursday, March 28, bore witness to a heartfelt celebration as members of the local farming community came together to honour Steve Coulter’s remarkable 45-year journey with the company. Hotdogs and hamburgers hot off the grill were served in abundance and a cake emblazoned with a New Holland tractor made out of icing was ready to be ceremoniously cut and systematically devoured.

Coulter embarked on his career at McGavin’s in 1979, starting in the Parts Department and eventually flourishing as a seasoned salesman.

Technically, this is Coulter’s second official retirement - in 1995, he wound down a 20-year-long run as a key figure in the local hockey scene. He was general manager of the Wingham Ironmen for a very successful four years, and had previously been deeply involved with the now-defunct Brussels Bulls. His dedication to youth hockey led to the formation of a Brussels-based hockey school that brought out the talent in local players.

Jeff McGavin fondly remarked, “Steve’s been amazing. He started with us when he was 19 years old and 45 years later he’s hanging ‘em up.” Reflecting on Coulter’s impact, McGavin added, “He’s definitely a people-person and definitely well organized and good at his job, for sure.”

In a farewell address, Coulter expressed gratitude, stating, “I’d like to thank the Roberts family and the McGavin family that I’ve been part of; I’ve had a lot of family.” He further shared, “I certainly enjoyed working with my co-workers as well. They’ve been great over the years - I’ve had a lot of them too.”

Reflecting on his professional journey, Coulter reminisced, “It’s been a long voyage, but very memorable and a great voyage.” He praised the community, saying, “The people are great here. You don’t work 45 years at one place if you don’t work with great people;

and a great farming community.”

Brian McGavin, echoing sentiments of admiration, noted, “Everyone wanted to deal with him because of his personality. He’s happy-go-lucky, makes you feel comfortable and you know you’re dealing with someone you can trust.”

Julie Coulter, Steve’s wife, expressed joy and gratitude, stating, “I think it’s wonderful. Everybody has supported him, and he’s done so well with the customers - he loves his customers.” She added, “We got married in 1980, and he started here before that. I think he’s pretty happy dealing with so many different people.”

Tracy Wareham, Steve’s sister, conveyed excitement for his welldeserved retirement, saying, “I’m just super excited for him. Fortyfive years is a long time, and I just want him to enjoy and relax and have a great retirement.”

Jean Coulter, Steve’s mother, beamed, “We’re very proud of him.” Reflecting on how the store will manage in his absence, Jean humourously added, “I don’t know.” Steve’s father Bob’s advice for the next phase of his son’s life?

“Enjoy it!”

Sister-in-law Sherri Hicks praised the guest of honour’s sales acumen, stating, “Anytime I have sold anything, including anything from an old estate, Steve is the man to do it. Don’t even try - just give it to him - he’s the one who will sell out of everything.”

Business founder Neil McGavin, who hired Steve, reflected, “We’re very proud of how everything has gone with Steve. I don’t think we’ve had a cross word.” Predicting Steve’s retirement pursuits, Neil remarked, “He likes to golf so he thinks he’s going to do a lot of golfing. I think he’ll get along alright.”

Asked about the turnout for the day’s celebration, Neil shared, “It’s amazing. It just really shows you what the community is like and that they really love getting out to mingle. It’s really something just watching people visit - people who haven’t seen each other for a bit you can see it on their faces that they’re happy.”

Steve Coulter’s retirement not only marks the end of an era at McGavin’s, but also celebrates a legacy of dedication, camaraderie and trust within the farming community. Congratulations Steve!

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(J.C. Ryle, Christian Leaders of the Last Century) ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ Luke 1a:13 William Grimshaw was, above all, a man of rare humility. Few gifted men, perhaps, ever thought so humbly of themselves, or were so truly ready to honour others.

“What have we to boast of?” he once said. “What do we have, that we have not received? Freely by grace we are saved. When I die I shall then have my greatest grief and my greatest joy: my greatest grief that I have done so little for Jesus; and my greatest joy that Jesus has done so much for me. My last words shall be, “Here goes an unprofitable servant!”

On his deathbed he said, “Alas! what have my wretched services been. I have now need to cry, at the end of my unprofitable course: God be merciful to me a sinner!”

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Shortly after, laying his hand on his heart, he said, “I am quite exhausted; but I shall soon be at home, forever with the Lord—a poor miserable sinner redeemed by His precious blood!”

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PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2024.

Editorials & Opinions

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

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Taking over In a year featuring a once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse and another Trump campaign, most Americans probably thought 2024 couldn’t get much weirder. And yet, right on the heels of the solar eclipse, as the soil warms to 64 degrees, parts of the southeastern United States will see the biggest cicada emergence in decades; possibly centuries.

Cicadas stay buried under the ground for years at a time, and this year a double cohort of 13-year and 17-year broods will emerge at the same time for the first time since 1803 and the last until 2245.

Unlike their more voracious cousins, the locusts, cicadas don’t eat crops and only pose a threat to very young trees. The noise of the millions of emerging cicadas which can approach 110 decibels (or a close approximation of a jet engine) and the deluge of carcasses as they die off in June will be the biggest annoyance for their human neighbours.

The sheer numbers that are expected this year - one million per acre over 16 states from Alabama to Vermont, adding up to hundreds of trillions of the bugs - have entomologists calling it “Cicada-geddon”.

Excited scientists will descend on these states, and especially in a few counties in Illinois where the two broods will intersect. According to Georgia Tech biophysicist Saad Bhamla, “It’s like an entire alien species living underneath our feet and then some prime number years they come out to say hello.” If only the universe could find a way to send the Trump campaign away for 13 or 17 years. – DS

Taking what they want A number of Wilmot farmers are said to be “devastated” as they face the potential expropriation of 770 acres of mostly farmland. The story goes that, through a numbered company, Vive Development offered $58,000 per acre for farms in the area. No offers were accepted, and then Canacre began its work to assemble land at the behest of the Region of Waterloo to create shovel-ready development land. The offer is said to be $35,000 per acre with expropriation as the alternative.

Farmers and supporters have since assembled quickly, gaining the support of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, the Waterloo Federation of Agriculture and local MPP Catherine Fife. What exactly the land will be used for, once procured, isn’t quite clear, but those in opposition to government land assembly efforts say that the prime agricultural land in question should be used to farm and farm alone.

As towns, municipalities, regions and counties are put under increased financial pressure and seek to develop further and attract more people to pay more taxes, that desperation could lead to more situations like this. And, as a result, boring old farmland could start looking more like apartment buildings just waiting to be built than a way to grow food to lazy politicians hunting for easy solutions.

Huron County has long championed the protection and preservation of farmland, but as financial pressures mount and funding dries up, desperate times may call for desperate measures. We should all be watching what happens in Wilmot very closely. – SL

Taking centre stage The Wingham Town Hall Theatre is an incredible asset for the Township of North Huron. The caliber of talented performers who’ve graced the historic stage over the years is staggering. The list includes legendary Canadian troubadour Jim Cuddy, Christmas season chanteuse Serena Ryder, Newfoundland-raised comedian Shaun Majumder and Saskatoon’s bluesy rockers The Sheepdogs, to name just a few from only the last couple of years. Finding an equally intimate venue to witness the magic of live performances from big-name acts locally is a fool’s errand, notwithstanding Blyth’s Memorial Hall - another tremendous arts and culture asset that benefits community residents and visitors alike.

In 2015, a volunteer group formed to raise money to restore the hallowed space in Wingham to its former glory. Following their successful efforts, several of those volunteers have continued to offer their time as ushers for special events to keep the facility’s operating costs lower. Because of their hard work, local businesses enjoy an increase of economic benefits as the shows bring more people to town.

A report from Director of Public Works and Facilities Gregg Furtney presented to council on Tuesday, suggests that performers entering the facility on weekdays is disruptive to staff operating in the same space.

Furtney offered four possible options for direction: status quo, limiting performers’ weekday access to evenings only, limiting performer access to weekends only or to allow a maximum of six events per year to take place between Monday and Friday while closing town hall on those days.

In the end, council decided to defer the issue for a month, wanting to first hear a proposal from the Wingham BIA on management of the theatre.

North Huron needs to attract new residents to the community in order to secure a prosperous future. Sacrificing the energy and enthusiasm that comes with live shows because it slightly and infrequently disturbs bureaucrats is a tone-deaf approach toward achieving that goal. – SBS

Looking Back Through the Years April 9, 1969 The Regal Chapter O.E.S. fashion show drew a capacity crowd, impressing Mrs. Robert Marshall, the Worthy Matron of the Chapter, who hailed it as a resounding success. Marjorie, the host, greeted the enthusiastic audience and then handed the reins to Mrs. Richard Snell, who skillfully guided the event as the commentator, showcasing the array of stunning fashions on display.

The Blyth Meat Messers and their leaders were honoured guests at a dinner gathering hosted by the Blyth Women’s Institute at Memorial Hall last Thursday evening. Sharon Mason shared insights into the club’s goals and the valuable knowledge gained from their meetings. Miss Cathy Street elaborated on their learnings about meat grading and the correct utilization of various grades. She expressed the club’s aspiration that upon completion, they will transition from being Meat Messers to becoming Meat Masters.

Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Shobbrook of Blyth, announced the engagement of their daughter, Donna Lynne, to Mr. Edwin Francis Lamont, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lamont of Seaforth. The wedding was to take place on May 10 at 3 p.m. inside Londesborough United Church.

April 6, 1977 The Brussels council made a decision not to proceed with the sale of the old arena to the Brussels Curling Club. The curling club had expressed concerns about the potential expenses associated with ice time at the new Brussels, Morris, and Grey Community Centre. They had proposed purchasing the old arena at a

nominal fee to transform it into a curling rink.

However, the council opted to postpone the sale until after the new arena opens. This decision was influenced by the fact that several community groups are interested in using the old arena for fundraising events during the summer. Council members recommended that during this period, the curling club assess the actual costs involved in renovating the old building.

On Friday, March 25, members of the Brussels Figure Skating Club traveled to Hanover to undertake tests. Chris King and Karen Cowan achieved success by passing the Canasta dance in the preliminary set.

The following day, other members of the club journeyed to Walkerton. Among them, Karen Alexander emerged as the sole successful skater, having passed the Rocker Foxtrot in the junior silver dance group.

After a week of training at the 5th Annual K-W Women’s Bowling Tournament in Waterloo, two residents of Brussels demonstrated strong performance.

The team consisting of Shirley Pipe, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.O. Pipe, Shirley Lyon (daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Fischer), Marianne Broderich and Joan Bowman, all from Kitchener, secured second place in the team events, bringing home $500 in prize money.

Shirley Pipe clinched first place in the singles event, earning a trophy, crest and $45.

Shirley Lyon achieved sixth place in all events, winning $50 in prize money. All four players were gearing up for a tournament in Rochester, New York at the end of the month.

April 5, 1989 Jack Riddell, MPP for Huron, revealed provincial funding of $68,500 per year for the Alexandra Marine Hospital in Goderich. This funding aimed to establish the Alzheimer’s Support Program in Huron County, with the program’s headquarters located in Clinton.

The announcement was delivered on behalf of John Sweeney, Ontario’s Minister of Community and Social Services.

Doreen Hackwell warmly welcomed friends, neighbours and relatives to a community shower celebrating Cathy McGavin on Monday evening, March 27. The event honoured Cathy as she prepared for her upcoming marriage on April 15.

The Brussels Ladies Curling Club concluded its season on Tuesday, March 21, with their annual meeting and fun day. The ladies journeyed to Seaforth for two sixend curling games, followed by a delightful meal provided by the Seaforth Ladies at noon.

April 8, 2004 The Huron OPP was investigating two instances of arson that took place in Brussels the previous week.

It was a memorable night for Justin Peters as he netted his inaugural goal in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). What added to the significance was that Peters, a 17-year-old and the son of Jeff and Janice Peters from Blyth, served as the goaltender for the St. Mike’s Majors in Toronto.

Traffic delays caused by repairs on the Highway 21 bridge across the Maitland River north of Goderich had county councillors concerned about ambulances and other emergency services.

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

Other Views

History shows how blessed we are!

T

hrough my choice of reading material and movies recently, I’ve been taking a tour of the past. I can’t help thinking the world would be a little better if we looked at where we’ve come from instead of obsessing about where we’d like to be.

We’ve come so far in a relatively recent time.

In honour of the anniversary of the Blyth Festival, I got A Summer Burning off the shelf.

Harry J. Boyle’s novel of growing up on a St. Augustine-area farm in the 1920s was adapted

by Anne Chislett for the 1977 Blyth Festival.

Stepping ahead to the 1930s and 1940s, we recently re-watched The Book Thief, a 2013 movie adapted from a novel by Markus Zusak of orphan girl, Liesel (played by young Canadian actress Sophie Nélisse), who lives through World War II and the years leading up to it, in Nazi Germany. With her adopted family, she survives the book burnings, the round up of Jews and the forced recruitments of young boys and old men by the Nazi authorities as the war begins, and through her luck, to the end.

We also took an older movie off the shelf, Sally Field’s second Oscar-winning performance in Places in the Heart, as a young mother determined to keep her farm after her husband, a sheriff, is killed in Texas in the 1930s. A banker “thoughtfully” suggests she farm out her children to relatives to make it easier to get by.

These three dips into the past reminded me how much our lives have improved in 2024 from the past. In the Sally Field movie, for instance, when her husband is killed, there is no compensation from the government for the risks he has taken in his job. It was also a time when there were few jobs for women, and so widows had deep trouble providing for their families.

Keith Roulston

From the cluttered desk There’s also a grim reminder of what secondclass Black residents were experiencing in southern states as the Ku Klux Klan threw its weight around, overturning the law.

The grim world in our own backyard is illustrated in A Summer Burning when a teenager from a slum in Toronto is sent to a Huron County farm for the summer. His mother, back home, has taken in different men as partners to survive, but they seldom treat her well. It’s a different world on the farm as people are kind and generally thoughtful, even if they are poor.

The Book Thief (the little girl steals books because she loves to read) shows the cruelty of the Nazi reign over Germany and most of Europe, yet at the same time, the little girl’s neighbours are still kind and thoughtful.

It’s hard to imagine how different our world is from the lives of any of these people who lived in a period not yet a century ago. It’s hard to imagine that in the 1920s there still was no unemployment insurance to give some sort of stability to people who lost their jobs. Or that there was no insurance for the government employees who were killed doing their work.

People kept working, even in mines, into old age because there was no old age pension.

The world was a different place in Germany, trying to recover from World War I and the penalties imposed by Allied victors. Many

German people were ready to turn to the Nazis to escape living as a conquered people.

Harry J. Boyle wrote A Summer Burning in the 1960s, before Prime Minister Lester Pearson introduced the Canada Pension Plan which gave an extra source of income - as well as the old age pension. The old age pension was first introduced by the federal parliament in 1927. It was jointly financed by federal and provincial governments.

Pearson also brought medicare into effect in the late 1960s, providing free medical care for all Canadians.

Recently, to gain the support of the NDP, the Liberal government announced free pharmacare and Deputy-Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland announced free access to birth control and diabetes medication to begin the plan.

This news provides a stark contrast to our neighbours south of the border. Not only do we have free medical care, which the Americans still don’t have, but we also have free abortions while several states have made abortion illegal thanks to a recent Supreme Court ruling and some are banning sale of contraceptives.

The lessons from our books and movies, and even more from south of the border, is how far Canadians have progressed thanks to progressive governments (though we still trail many European countries). Life, for most of us, is so much easier, though there are still thousands of people who can’t afford their rents and must live in the streets.

The majority of us live such a blessed life in Canada. We complain about taxes, yet we still afford to travel around the world on vacation often to poorer countries where people don’t live nearly as well as we do. Every now and then we need to look back to learn gratitude for how good we have it.

This is the all-time worst column

N

aa na! Na na naa na! Hey, hey, hey!

The Chaff! Ladies and gentlemen, grab your popcorn, peanuts, pretzels, peaches, plums and pears. Settle in, slop down and soup yourselves up for another wild ride as we tear apart last week’s absolutely awful edition of The Chaff with all the ferocity of a rabid squirrel on a caffeine binge. Buckle up, Scott Stephenson, because your ego’s about to take a hit harder than a meteor crashing into a puppy party in paradise.

Let’s start with the glaringly obvious: the glorification of Mitch Hedberg’s legacy.

Sure, the guy had some decent one-liners, but painting him as the comedic messiah is like putting a tiny umbrella in a puddle and calling it a swimming pool. If Stephenson says it swims, we all know it sinks and it stinks.

And what’s with the serendipitous “discovery” of Hedberg’s brilliance on latenight TV? Because nothing says, “I stumbled upon greatness” like casually flipping channels at 3 a.m. Please, spare us the fairy tale narrative.

Let’s not forget the cringe-worthy descriptions of Hedberg’s delivery and demeanour. Monotone voice and laid-back charm? That’s code for “as exciting as watching paint dry while listening to elevator music at an avant-garde art gallery presenting a pixelated picture of an elevator watching paint dry while listening to music.” And those rapid-fire one-liners? More like rapid-fire misfires that couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn if they tried. Am I right, farmers!? Barn talk!

And then there’s the melodramatic recounting of meeting Hedberg in person. A minivan unloading like a “real-life ‘clown car’”? Seriously, Scott? That’s about as original as a photocopy of a fax of a copy of a blank page, like in that Michael Keaton bio-

Scott Stephenson The Chaff pic Multiplicity.

Don’t even get me started on the April Fools’ Day pity party. Talk about a buzzkill wrapped in a wet blanket. Boo hoo, ya boob!

Last week’s edition of The Chaff was like a bad stand-up routine at an empty dive bar painful to watch and even more painful to endure.

Now that we’ve danced around the campfire of Chaff criticism, let’s dive headfirst into the lake of blunders that is Scott Stephenson the person. But before we do, let’s address the elephant in the room or should we say, the date in the room? Scott, buddy, you got the date of your supposed meeting with Hedberg wrong. Oct. 12, 2005?

That’s like claiming you had dinner with Abraham Lincoln last week. Zombie-Mitch Hedberg moans, “Brains are good when you are hungry and want 10,000 of something.”

The actual year was 2003, fool. I would know because I was there!

Let’s discuss Stephenson’s writing prowess, or lack thereof. If bad writing were an Olympic sport, Scott would not be allowed to participate because he is deeply unliked. If ignorance were a crown, he’d be the reigning king, blissfully unaware of the wreckage he leaves in his wake.

Let’s not forget his penchant for selfindulgence. The way Stephenson fawns over Mitch Hedberg’s legacy is like a toddler clinging to a security blanket - desperate and sad. Scott, we get it, you met a famous comedian once but that doesn’t make you

cool by association.

Stephenson’s attempts at humour are about as successful as a cat trying to sit still in a catpool full of Jell-O. Those kitties gonna jiggle.

His jokes fall flatter than a portrait of a pancake, and his attempts at wit are like watching a sloth trying to breakdance. Am I right, sloths? Sloth talk!

As The Chaff celebrates its first anniversary on Sunday, it’s not a time for champagne and congratulatory pats on the back. No, dear readers, it’s a moment of reflection on the moral quagmire that is perpetuated by this publication’s continuous waste of people’s time.

For a full year now, The Chaff has been churning out churns that are not only churny but also downright harmful to society. In a world grappling with real issues, dedicating resources and attention to The Chaff is like throwing gasoline on a dumpster fire of intellectual laziness and creative bankruptcy.

Moreover, the impact of such mindnumbing content on society cannot be ignored. The normalization of The Chaff sets a dangerous precedent, lowering the bar for what passes as acceptable writing and contributing to the erosion of critical thinking and intellectual discourse.

Imagine the possibilities if the time and effort wasted on The Chaff were redirected towards meaningful endeavours. We could have made strides in addressing social injustices, advancing scientific discoveries or fostering creative and innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. Instead, we’re stuck in a cycle of recycled jokes, tired clichés and self-indulgent nonsense.

This anniversary should serve as a wake-up call, not a ‘celly’ (celebration). It’s time to demand more from our media and ourselves.

We should aspire to greatness, to creativity, to thought-provoking content that challenges, inspires and ignites change.

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

Some observation ’ s

Y

ou’ve read in this space - at length at times - about the pitfalls, challenges and conundrums of being the editor of a community newspaper. From nasty e-mails or phone calls to the feeling that you can just never get it right, it can be a tough job some days, but, on others, it is downright glorious.

One of the aspects of making your life about spelling, grammar, linear storytelling, clarity and factual accuracy is that you can no longer turn a blind eye to transgressions of the above passions of your life. It’s kind of like the horror of war - not to be overly dramatic - but once they are seen, they then cannot be unseen.

One night, after a few drinks (an absolute necessity for the task ahead), a few friends and I sat down to watch The Room, the film so notoriously bad that it now has a cult-like, midnight movie reputation as a fun experience shared with like-minded individuals. The film, its creation and lasting impact have since been memorialized in The Disaster Artist, starring the Franco brothers, Alison Brie, Seth Rogan, Nathan Fielder and more. We found our spots on the couch as the blu-ray ran through its obligatory anti-piracy and ratings screens.

Then, something caught my eye. (My dear friend Brett Walther of Reader’s Digest and Canadian Living fame was there too, so he may have seen it.) That bright blue screen came on and we soon learned that the film was rated “R” for, among other things, sexualality.

Now, for a movie whose reputation is one of being poorly constructed, directionless and largely nonsensical, a typo on the rating screen was just the biggest cherry on top of it all.

Long story short, it’s a setting I can’t turn off. A little part of me dies inside every time I see a hastily-thrown-together social media post from a budding business owner asking anyone if they need there lawn rolled or when people look at a perfectly fine plural word and aggressively insert an apostrophe into it. A semi-local restaurant has gone apostrophe crazy on its menu and because of the font the owners chose it feels like the word is at least a trans-Atlantic flight away from its partner “S”.

“Would you like some appetizer ’ s, or go straight to the entrée ’ s?” Hard to decide.

“Maybe just some drink ’ s for now, thanks.”

I feel just as bad for families with welcome mats or wooden signs proudly announcing the family name to those visiting or preparing to ask them if they’ve heard the Good News, but complete with the offending apostrophe.

For those in the dark, here’s a crash course.

The Loughlins: a family of people named Loughlin. The Loughlin’s: an implication that someone or something named “The Loughlin” lives there and whatever the sign is on belongs to him or her (apostrophe followed by “S” indicated possession - like, these are Shawn Loughlin’s shoes). The Loughlins’: a veil-thin case could be made for this being correct as the house, presumably, belongs to the Loughlins, though I am of the opinion that a final word is missing there, i.e. The Loughlins’ home.

If you’ve been reading the paper for a long time, you know that I’m not impervious when it comes to the odd error or typo, but, long story short, the team and I do our best here.

My friend Scott works in fire suppression.

When we check into a hotel, eat at a restaurant or see a concert together, he says he can’t help himself from finding fire alarms and sprinklers with his eyes as he sits there. I guess this is my version of that. As I make my way through this world of ours, I can’t help a double-take. Was that spelled correctly? What did that mean, exactly? Wait, that’s in which tense? Is that even true? It’s just who I am.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2024.

At the Branch

Team ready for fish fry season

Elegant guest of honour The Brussels Leo Club hosted an Easter scavenger hunt at Richmond Square on Saturday, March 30. Making an appearance at the event, the Easter Bunny donned a beautiful gown and posed for glamorous photographs (John Stephenson photos) with many adoring fans.

By Jo-Ann McDonald The week at the Branch began with the monthly general meeting.

It was led by Comrade President Jamie Mitchell. Reports were given and were all positive. The fish fry season begins this week and Deb reports all is ready to go.

On Thursday evening, the Branch was busy up and down. The Brussels Pipe Band was upstairs practising. They are always looking for new members and you can drop by and speak with someone on Thursday evening after 7 p.m.

Also upstairs were Comrades getting ready for the fish fry for the next day. Jo-Ann, Judy and Deb were busy thawing fish, gathering up the necessary bowls, whisks, towels, etc. It takes a lot of supplies to carry out a fish fry.

Downstairs, the Thursday night darts were at play. There were 21 darters participating. The first-place team consisted of Tim Nyholt, Evelyn Hillier and Chris Brown.

The second-place team included Bruce Fischer and Sandra Brown.

After a tie-breaker, the third-place team was the group of Gary Pipe, Janet Ericson and Tanya Martin.

The high shots of the night were

by Tanya hitting 107, Sheron Stadelmann hitting 112 and Chris Brown hitting 127. Another skunk was added to the board by Eric Ross and Lynda Davis.

On Good Friday, the Branch was closed, but the Comrades were working hard. The first fish fry of the season for many years has been at the Seaforth Curling Club. It finishes up the season at the club. It was well attended by 350 folks and went off without a hitch by the 10 Comrades working at it. The 10 giving up their Good Friday holiday included Bruce Fischer, Jody Houston, Jim, Sandra and Chris Brown, Eric and Deb Ross, Randy White, Jo-Ann McDonald and Judy Lee. Good job folks!

While the Branch might have been closed, the Catch the Ace draw was still conducted. Comrades Jamie Mitchell, Nanci Ducharme and Kathy Burkholder were in charge and the lucky winner of week three was Jim Lee. He chose envelope number 52 and the queen of clubs was revealed and he won $120.

The estimated jackpot for the fourth draw is $750. Get your tickets today and the pot will grow!

Fashion accessories on display for Easter A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231 “In Your Easter Bonnet” is a song from the past, and, for me, it brings a smile and nice thoughts. As the only girl with my four brothers, I got to get spiffy on Easter Sunday with an Easter bonnet, a pastel dress and white gloves, of course. I don’t remember Easter candy or eggs, but I do remember Bluevale United Church and thinking life was pretty good.

There was no Easter bonnet parade this year as the young set were outnumbered by vintage hat designers. Hat creativity seemed more important than a walk to see how the Leo Club was doing at Richmond Square. The Easter Bunny was out and about and the scavenger hunt went well. Good work Zoey, Cappy and crew.

Lent and Easter make for a busy time as we celebrate new life.

The spring bulbs are putting on a show, so checking on the flowerbeds is a nice thing to do. To see the splash of colour and then remember that you moved bulbs last fall, oh well, a little gift for sure.

Long weekends are a good time

to get together and each family needs to pick the time and day that suits the majority. No longer are we on a five-day, 9-5 work week, and the more workers involved, the more negotiating is required. It’s all worth it when you gather at the table. Hope your gathering was fun.

School-aged kids are invited to the United Church next Wednesday, April 10 from 4:45 to 7 p.m. for a time full of games, stories, songs, new ideas and supper, all based on a Bible verse/theme for the gathering.

Shirley Baker and Rev. Alex Jebson are getting this time together for the children of the community. See the advertisement or call the

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

church with questions. It sounds like a fun thing to do with the children.

Tax season is in full swing around here. Time for everyone to consider

what happened to their money last year and wonder again where that year went.

Take care of yourself.

Bye now. Betty GW

Brussels Legion 218 Catch the Ace Weekly Winner Winning Ticket: Jim Lee, $120.

Envelope #52 found the Queen of Clubs Next estimated jackpot is $750

April 1 was the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Its personnel have defended Canada, its allies, its interests and, most importantly, its people.

Those at the Air Force asked that famous landmarks, city halls, businesses, embassies and Legion’s and residences be illuminated in blue. Canada issued the call and it was answered by many. The CN Tower, Niagara Falls, the Montreal Tower and the Parliament Buildings are just some of the ones that took part. The Brussels Legion also illuminated the building with the colour blue - thanks to Comrade Jim Brown for his job well done.

Brussels Optimist's Dinner and Auction Sat April 6, 2024 BMG Community Centre.

Doors open at 5pm.

Dinner at 6:30 pm. $40 Proceeds to North Woods Elementary School's new playground.

Contact any member or McDonald Lumber for tickets or to donate

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2024. PAGE 7.

Onset of sap-boiling season conflicts with dinner plans

By Deb Hakkers I hope everyone had a fantastic Easter and was able to enjoy the company of family and friends. My family had a very different Easter with Mom in Huronlea.

With the wacky weather, Kyle, Heidi and Austin ended up boiling sap in the sugar bush instead of being able to come for Easter. So our Easter ended up being very quiet on Saturday night with just us, Jon and Katie, and Quinton.

Doug made it for supper and a visit later on.

On Sunday, we joined the Hakkers family at the home of

Mike and Kari in London. We not only celebrated Easter, but also wished Gary and Deb (the other Deb) and Fred’s mom well as they head to Holland on Saturday for the Tulip Festival. Not many people are still able to travel at 95, but she will be 96 just two weeks after she returns. There is a big get-together planned to see many of the relatives while they are there. We know after being there last year that they will have a great time.

This week we wish a happy birthday to John Stadelmann and Debbie McDougall on April 5, and William Nesbit on April 8. I hope

everyone enjoys their special day!

The Legion euchre winners for March 18 were: First, Marie Millian (84) and David Caesar (79); second, Virginia Caesar (67) and Pat Jenkins (73); lone hands, Sharon Freeman (three) and John Watson (four); share the wealth, Doris McClinchey and Doug Vincent.

If there is anything you would like mentioned in this column, please e-mail mcraig1@tcc.on.ca or call 519-525-8640 (evenings only please).

Until next week, take care of yourselves and each other!

The Reading Web with Cindy Norgate

O

n March 28, the CBC reported, “Four major Ontario school boards are taking some of the largest social media companies to court over their products, alleging the way they're designed has negatively rewired the way children think, behave and learn and disrupted the way schools operate.”

My husband and I had a conversation regarding this topic.

My first reaction was that it is not the social media platform’s issue, but it is students being allowed to be a part of the platforms at home which, in turn, seeps into the classroom setting. Our discussion then turned to lawsuits and the tobacco companies.

When I was young, it seemed that a great number of people in my community were smokers. In fact, at the high school in my hometown of Western Tennessee, there was a “smoking tree” outside where students and teachers could stand to smoke. That changed the year I began Grade 9. No longer was smoking allowed on campus.

However, the bathrooms continued to smell like smoke and young people found ways around it, somehow.

I’m sure you realize this, but children are smart. Many times, they are smarter, quicker and faster than we are when it comes to technology, so, even if the social media companies promise to “put a band aid” on the situation with the harmful effects of social media, how much will it really remedy the problem?

An August, 2022 Pew Research Center internet survey found that “more than 35 per cent of teens are on social media constantly, one-third feel they use it too much and more than 50 per cent feel they would have a difficult time giving it up.”

This should be a concern for all of us. The research report continued, “The mechanism behind this seems to be a rewiring of the preadolescent and teen brain. Social media platforms drive surges of dopamine to the brain to keep consumers coming back repeatedly. The shares, likes and comments on these platforms trigger the brain’s reward centre, resulting in a high similar to the one people feel when gambling or using drugs,” states Nancy DeAngelis, director of behavioral health at Jefferson Health in Abington, Pennsylvania.

At this point, you might be

thinking, “Cindy, this is relevant information, but how does this help me with my children?” Read with me a bit further. An article from Today’s Parent entitled, “An age-toage guide to kids and smartphones” states that Michael Cheng, a child and family psychiatrist at Ottawa’s Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, says that mobile devices cause the brain to become wired from an early age to crave easy dopamine, referring to the “feelgood” chemical released by the brain. The constant overstimulation from the likes of smartphones gives the brain hits of dopamine (and adrenaline), making them addictive.

This was eye-opening for me and explains why students, if not given the opportunity to “be on the Chromebook” at school, become irritated and uncomfortable.

Parents, when allowing screen time at home, please make sure all devices are in a common location where it can be closely monitored. I cannot stress this enough, so please hear me. Children, by nature, will try to sneak and attempt to look at “the forbidden” when you aren’t around.

It is a natural part of growing up.

When I see a child who looks tired at school, and I ask “Are you okay?”

MAITLAND M AITLAND V VALLEY ALLEY C CAMERA AMERA C CLUB LUB

Photography by Liz Allan

Paw/handshake Lucknow’s Steve Mann, right, receives a greeting from Peppermint the Bunny in Blyth on Saturday, March 30.

The Friends of the Village community group hosted the well-attended event. (Shawn Loughlin photo) and he or she answers, “I was playing video games until 4 a.m.”

This is an enormous concern, and to be honest, saddens me. This was a true story.

Another tip is to create a devicefree meal. You can’t find a better time to have a family conversation than around the dinner table. If this seems difficult, try this. Have a “device basket” and ask everyone, adults included, to place their devices in the basket. Devices can only be retrieved after everyone has finished the meal. This should also apply at restaurants as well. It makes me awfully sad when I see parents and children at restaurants and there is no conversation between them, only screens.

For this week’s reading, I would like to suggest The Mediatrician’s Guide: A Joyful Approach to Raising Healthy, Smart, Kind Kids in a Screen-Saturated World by Michael Rich, M.D. According to Amazon, “In this positive, science-based approach, Dr. Michael Rich addresses your questions and concerns about your children’s screen time and media use. The Mediatrician’s Guide empowers you to guide your family toward smart and healthy digital choices.”

As I leave it here for this week,

let’s work to try to find a happy medium especially if you have young children. Don’t let a screen re-wire their little brains. It is permanent and disruptive.

“So children are being raised by viral videos, trending topics, and social media stars - instead of parents; and it's setting up society for a disaster of unimaginable proportions.” - Mark Dice

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PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2024.

Sports U13 HL Heat in WOGHL final this Saturday U11 C Heat will also play the Kanata Rangers, the U13 BB Heat will play the Sudbury Lady Wolves, the U13 C Heat will play the Lucan Irish and the U15 C Heat will play the Ilderton Jets, all in the hopes of making it to play on Sunday for the championship rounds.

Also on April 13, the U9 B team will begin its provincial year-end tournament with games against the Gloucester Cumberland Stars and the Brantford Ice Cats. On Sunday, April 14, the U9 B team has scheduled tournament games with the Burlington Barracudas and the Durham West Lightning.

Those are the last games on the schedule. Beginning on April 17, try-outs for the 2024/2025 season

begin, taking place over the following weeks in Goderich and Exeter.

Looking back, on Sunday, March 31, the U11 HL Heat hosted the Lucan Irish in Zurich, but fell to them by a score of 2-1.

On March 31, the U18 C Heat lost their playoff game to the London Devilettes on the road by a score of 1-0, while the U13 BB Heat lost their exhibition game with the Bluewater Hawks, also on the road, by a score of 3-2. Also that day, the U11 BB Heat tied the Lucan Irish at one in an exhibition game on the road.

That weekend, the U7 team was in Brampton for the annual Canadettes tournament there.

For all the marbles This Saturday in Clinton, the puck will drop for the Western Ontario Girls’ Hockey League Division VI championship game with the U13 HL Huron Heat taking on the Lucan Irish. The team is seen here in November of 2023, also in Clinton, posting a 5-0 shutout victory over Wallaceburg. (File photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen This Saturday, the U13 HL Huron Heat will host the Division VI Final in the championship round of the Western Ontario Girls’ Hockey League (WOGHL) as they take on the Lucan Irish in Clinton.

The puck will drop for the game at noon.

This comes after the team posted nine playoff wins, one tie and a lone loss (at the hands of the St. Thomas Panthers on March 9 in St. Thomas). The Heat beat the Ilderton Jets on March 23 by a score of 3-0 to punch their ticket to the final.

They are now the only Heat team with a playoff game left on the

schedule, with the exception of the teams that will take part in the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) provincial championships next weekend in the Toronto area.

In Division III the Huron Heat U13 C team made it to the semifinals, but fell to the Central Perth Predators on March 24 by a score of 2-1.

This weekend, the U9 C Heat will be in St. Marys to take part in the WOGHL’s year-end tournament, beginning on Friday, April 5 with games against the Woodstock Wildcats and the Lucan Irish.

Play continues for the team the next day with a game against the Sarnia Lady Sting, with hopes of making it to the championship

Crusaders to host year-end banquet

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Last weekend, the U15 LL Blyth Brussels Crusaders were in Exeter for the annual DQ Challenge Cup, although they were not able to find the podium in this late-season tournament.

The team opened the tournament on Friday, March 29 with a 4-1 loss at the hands of the St. Thomas Stars, followed later that day by a 21 loss against the South Huron Sabres Black team.

The next day, the Crusaders beat the Lucan Irish by a score of 3-1, but it wasn’t enough to propel them

into further play and that was the end of their tournament.

On March 27, the U9 MD team travelled to Palmerston to play the Wallace Sabres, but ended the game on the wrong end of an 8-1 score.

On March 25, the U18 LL team was in Walkerton for a playoff game with the Capitals, but the locals lost that game by a score of 6-2.

On Tuesday, April 9, the Blyth Brussels Minor Hockey Association will host its year-end gala and awards banquet at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre, beginning at 6 p.m.

round action on Sunday.

Also on April 6, the U7 team will play the Waterloo Ravens on the road, while the U13 BB Heat will host the Mooretown Lady Flags for an exhibition game in Goderich.

On April 8, the U11 BB Heat will play an exhibition game with the Kincardine Kinucks on the road.

Then, it’s all about the provincial championship on the weekend of April 12-14 for the U9 B, U11 B, U11 C, U13 BB, U13 C and U15 C Heat teams.

On Friday, April 12, the U11 BB Heat will begin with a game against the Toronto Leaside Wildcats, followed by a contest with the Scarborough Sharks.

Also that day, the U11 C Heat will play the Belmont Blazers and the Lakeshore Lightning, while the U13 BB Heat will play the North Halton Twisters and the Toronto Leaside Wildcats, the U13 C Heat will play the Sault Ste. Marie Wildcats and the Fort Frances Leafs, while the U15 C Heat will play the Wilmot Wolverines and the Georgina Golden Hawks.

The next day, the U11 BB team will play the Kanata Rangers, the

The time has come Last weekend was the Easter Bunny’s time to shine and various Easter Bunnies were out in full force, whether in be in Brussels, Blyth, Seaforth or Wingham, above, where the Wingham Lions Club held its annual Easter egg hunt, attended by dozens of families and plenty of young ones with their eyes peeled. (John Stephenson photo)

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2024. PAGE 9.

Coulter clan fam jam Steve Coulter, (front row second from right), is joined by members of his family to celebrate the occasion of his retirement from McGavin’s Farm Equipment in Walton on Thursday, March 28. Coulter contributed 45 years of

service to the organization. Front row, from left, are mother Jean, sister-in-law Sherri Hicks and wife Julie. In the back row, from left, are father Bob, sister Tracy Wareham, son Chris and brother-in-law Dale Newman. (Scott Stephenson photo)

Accountants brace for busiest season PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

Happy Easter everyone. We hope you had an enjoyable time with family.

Our family gathered on Easter Sunday for lunch. We had eight adults, seven grandchildren and lots of noise. The kids played mini stick hockey and then we had lunch.

After lunch, we noticed some odd colours in the lawn and the kids went out and found Easter eggs in the yard, the grass, the trees and the long grass around the grain bins.

The older kids did a great job of letting the little ones go first before the big ones started hunting. We came back into the house and they found their baskets waiting.

Grandma tries to mix good snacks with candy and small gifts. It is amazing how excited little boys can get about “Hot Wheels” cars.

It is now the month of April and everyone should be looking ahead to the end of the month when income tax will be due. Having an accountant in the family opens my eyes to the workload of those who do income tax. It is not unusual for them to have 12-, 14- or 16-hour days. Don’t wait until the last week.

Get your books in order now and get them to your accountant.

We have three weeks in a row of only four-day weeks at school. The school year is winding down and there are only 12 weeks of school remaining. We hope there will be better weather as it starts to warm up. We know April showers bring May flowers, but not too much rain.

Many of the farmers are getting their equipment ready for spring planting. Cultivating first and then spring grain will be planted, followed by corn, then soybeans and then white beans. That will all be accomplished in about six weeks of hard work. Mix in chores, spreading fertilizer, stone-picking, and, of course, fixing something that broke and it all adds up to a busy time in the life of a farmer.

Returning from a week’s vacation are Brad and Christine Knight.

They had a great time, great weather and superb food in St. Lucia. Welcome home.

Vacationing in Costa Rica were Jim and Linda McDonald. They also report good weather, good food, the very warm ocean and black sand, and meeting some nice folks while there. They also had some very crazy, funny monkeys to entertain them. Welcome home.

Congratulations to Steve Coulter on his retirement from McGavin’s.

He has been an employee there for 45 years. He started in parts and moved into sales and it would be very hard to find anyone he dealt with who didn’t have good things to say about Steve. They held a barbecue lunch for one and all to drop in and say farewell to Steve last Thursday at noon. There was a full house and Neil, Brian and Jeff McGavin were all on hand to congratulate one of their great employees. Congratulations to Steve and happy retirement!

Two couples went on a fun trip for six days last week. Bruce and Michelle Blake and Ron and Michelle McNichol went to Port Huron and boarded a train for a trip to Chicago. They looked like they had a busy week from the pictures.

They did a tour of the city on a double decker bus and they looked a little cool! Some of the other sites they went to included the Trump Tower International Hotel, a John

Deere display and agricultural building, a German submarine (the U-505 display), the 007 science display, the NASCAR Chicago street race area and race car, the Chicago Sports Museum and a dinosaur display. You have to relax somewhere after all the sightseeing and the Margaritaville bar and restaurant looked good. It looked like a fantastic trip and I am sure they would recommend it for anyone. Welcome home!

Celebrating birthdays to end the month of March included Connor den Dekker, Nicole Williamson Murray, John Baan, Brandy Leslie and Jack McLachlan. The April Fool’s babies include Matt Lee and Lily Fincham. Then, celebrating in April were Peter Bennett, Susan YanYu Watson, Corbin McCallum, Krista Shortreed Verkley, Gary Bennett, Nate Fritz, David Baan and Marlene Glanville. Happy birthday to all.

NEWS FROM WALTON

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PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2024.

Local public sector workers make ‘Sunshine List’

Last week, the Province of Ontario released its annual public salary disclosure for public employees paid $100,000 or more in 2023, also known as the “Sunshine List”, with many notable local entries.

Beginning with Huron County, there are 75 county employees who made $100,000 or more in 2023.

Expectedly, leading the pack was Chief Administrative Officer Meighan Wark, who made $211,186.13 last year.

In North Huron, four employees made the list: Chief Administrative Officer Dwayne Evans at $159,735.30, Director of Finance Chris Townes at $118,427.25, Director of Public Works Gregg Furtney at $102,718.14 and Clerk Carson Lamb at $101,563.50.

In Huron East, six employees made the list: Chief Administrative Officer Brad McRoberts at $175,578.92, Fire Chief Kent Readman at $113,209.50, Public Works Manager Barry Mills at $110,308.36, Director of Finance Stacy Grenier at $106,439.18, Clerk Jessica Rudy at $103,404.67 and Chief Building Official Brad Dietrich at $101,608.87.

In Morris-Turnberry, Chief Administrative Officer Trevor Hallam made $129,942.46, Director of Public Works Mike Alcock made $107,129.71 and Chief Building Official Kirk Livingston made $101,694.85.

Central Huron also had four people on the list: Chief Administrative Officer Steven Doherty at $130,948.57, Compliance Officer Craig Snell at $112,300.27, Director of Finance Jeff Boyes at $104,112.58 and Water/Sewer Manager Ian Koetsier at $103,790.34.

Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh (ACW) had five people on the list.

Chief Administrative Officer Mark Becker made $164,007.98 in 2023, followed by Treasurer Ellen McManus at $112,419.70, Chief Building Official Brett Pollock at $101,891.34, Public Works Supervisor Thomas McCarthy at $101,785.29 and Clerk Florence Witherspoon at $100,960.70.

In Howick, just one person made the list: Treasurer

Homecoming meeting set for Clinton Central Huron Council is inviting interested stakeholders from what was once known as the Town of Clinton - including service groups, history buffs, community boosters, promoters and advocates - to attend a community information session with the goal of creating a committee that will lead the charge in organizing Clinton’s 2025 sesquicentennial celebration.

The meeting, set for 6:30 p.m., April 16, in Central Huron Council chambers at 23 Albert Street, Clinton, is designed to be the first.

The goal is the creation of a steering committee that will be entrusted with taking the helm to create, design and implement an anniversary bash for the town formerly known as “The Four Corners”.

All ideas, pitches, celebratory suggestions and fundraising proposals are welcome.

While no RSVP is required, those with questions are encouraged to contact Councillor Alison Lobb at 519-525-2229.

Brenda Weishar at $112,717.70.

Five Town of Goderich employees made the list, while six Bluewater employees made the list and seven South Huron employees were on the list.

Six hundred and twenty six people from the Avon Maitland District School Board made $100,000 or more in 2023, while 199 employees of the Huron-Perth

Catholic District School Board were on the list.

Fifteen people were on the list from the South Huron Hospital Association, 46 from the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital in Goderich, 25 from the Wingham and District Hospital, 33 from the Listowel Memorial Hospital and 276 people were on the list from the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance.

A

Twenty-one people were on the list from Huron Perth Public Health, three people from the Listowel-Wingham and area Family Health Team, six from the Bluewater Area Family Health Team and one person from the Clinton Family Health Team.

Community Living Central Huron’s Executive Director Natalie Steenstra was on the list, making

$124,586.44 last year, while Debbie Hopper was the lone entrant for Community Living Wingham and Area at $105,839.64.

Sixteen people from the HuronPerth Children’s Aid Society made the list, while three people from the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Huron-Perth Addiction and Mental Health Services were on the list.

UCTION SALE

B Y BIDDING LY TIMED ONLINE ONLY

EQ QUIPMENT ATTED ATT BASE EQUIPMENT ITEMS LOCA W,, ON N0G 2H0 36990 ZION ROAD, LUCKNOW

Y BIDDING LY TIMED ONLINE ONLY

ART CLOSING ON WILL STTA ATT 8:00AM Y APRIL 17TH 2024 A AY WEDNESDA ARM TRACTORS, 400 PIECES OF NEW LY 150 FFA ATTELY SELLING APPROXIMA EQUIPMENTT,, 50 PIECES OF CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENTT,, FA ND USED FARM AN UANTITY OF UNUSED ALO LOADERS AND BUCKETS, TRUCKS, TOOLS, TIRES QU WN & GARDEN AND MUCH MORE! OVER 1500 LOTS! AW & RIMS, DUALS, LA OXXIIBID.COM YOU MUST REGISTER TO BID ONLINE THROUGH PROX BIDDING WILL BE OPEN SOON. PLEASE READ ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS WHEN REGISTERING.

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TERMS: CASH, CHEQUE WITH PROPER ID, DIRECT DEPOSIT OR WIRE TRANSFER. * NO CREDIT CARDS, NO DEBIT MACHINE, NO E-TRANSFER. ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD IN CANADIAN FUNDS. EVERYTHING SOLD AS IS WHERE IS!

10% BUYER’S PREMIUM WITH A MAX OF $1,000 PER ITEM. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS, YS OR LOADING OUTT..

AY LOSS OR INJURY DURING PREVIEW DA PLEASE USE THE PICTURES ONLINE AS YOUR GUIDE WHEN BIDDING!

T BASE EQUIPMENT AT PREVIEW OF ITEMS CAN BE CONDUCTED IN PERSON A TA ARTING NOW UNTIL APRIL 16TH AUCTION SITE ST PREVIEW TIMES ARE AS FOLLOWS AY Y 9:00AM TO 4:00PM Y TO FRIDA AY MONDA AY Y 9:00AM TO 12:00PM (NOON) TURDA AT SA

YING AND AY LY Y BE 1 WEEK ALLOWANCE FOR PA THERE WILL ONLY TARTING APRIL 18TH UNTIL APRIL 26TH TA LOADING OUT ST PAPERWORK CAN BE ARRANGED WORLDWIDE! M PA TRUCKING AND CUSTOMS

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2024. PAGE 13.

BLYTH Y 519-523-4244

+XURQ7UDFWRU FRP

519-523-4311

www.ruralvoice e.ca

Clean Water Project applications open

Easter at the church Brussels United Church was a busy place on the weekend. Of course, there were the Easter-related services on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, but there was also the annual bake sale, inset, and the relatively new bonnet-making time, which made its debut last year and returned in 2024 due to its popularity. There, bonnet enthusiasts like Betty Graber-Watson helped Brussels get seasonally chapeaued. (John Stephenson photos)

The Huron Clean Water Project is a fund that supports water quality projects in Huron County. There is a total of $500,000 in available funds for water quality projects by Huron County residents, landowners, and community groups.

The Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) deliver the program on behalf of the county.

“The total value of past Huron Clean Water projects is an astounding $14.5 million,” said Warden Glen McNeil. “These investments made by the County, community partners and community members demonstrate Huron’s commitment to being good stewards of our land and waterways now and in the future. Well done, to all involved in this important project.”

Investing and participating in onthe-ground water quality improvement projects contributes to a healthy environment and will provide lasting benefits for the residents of Huron County and generations to follow.

Limited funding assistance

covering up to 50 per cent of the costs of eligible projects is awarded to county farmers, rural landowners, businesses and community organizations. County of Huron funding can be combined with other sources, such as provincial and federal funding programs, as well as programs offered by other environmental organizations and local foundations. Program delivery staff members are available to help connect you with these additional funding opportunities.

The Huron Clean Water Project is in its 20th year of providing financial and technical support to improve and protect water quality on Huron County farms and rural properties. Since 2005, Huron County residents have completed nearly 4,000 stewardship projects with funding from the Clean Water Project, including: 113 liquid manure storages decommissioned, 435 wells upgraded, 620 wells decommissioned, 38,000 acres of cover crops, 1,319 tree planting projects and 304 erosion control projects.

Learn more about the Huron Clean Water Project online at HuronCleanWaterProject.ca

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK REPORT For the week ending March 28, 2024 Total Receipts: 1,955 cattle, 753 lambs and goats Tuesday – Fed cattle sold on a good active trade at steady prices. Cows sold on a strong active trade at steady prices. Good beef cows sold sharply higher.

Thursday – Veal Holstein calves traded under pressure from holidays.

Beef calves were steady with quality considered. Lambs, sheep and goats sold steady.

Friday – Calves sold on a very strong active trade. Yearlings sold actively on a fully steady market.

Cows: There were 200 cows on offer.

Lambs:

Beef Cows: $145 – $187 up to $197 Good Holstein Cows: $138 – $165 up to $181 Medium Holstein Cows: $120 – $138 Bulls: $148 – $203 Fed Cows: $186 – $225

Under 50 lbs.: $395 – $460 50-64 lbs.: $375 – $412.50 up to $420 65-79 lbs.: $280 – $417.50 up to $433 80-94 lbs.: $388 – $410 95-109 lbs.: $372.50 – $385 up to $400 110 lbs. and over: Too few to establish a market

Blythhill Farms Inc. of Blyth, consigned two head. One grey cow weighed 1,595 lbs. and sold for $197.

Faithland Farms Ltd. of Bornholm, consigned five head. One holstein cow weighed 1,415 lbs. and sold for $181.

Fed Cattle: There were 135 fed cattle on offer.

Veal: There were 125 veal on offer.

Choice Fed Cattle: $245 – $265 up to $268 Second Cut Fed Cattle: $230 – $244 Aged and Medium Fed Cattle: $201 – $241 Holstein Fed Cattle: $150 – $228

Beef Veal: $270 – $285 Good Holsteins: $225 – $250 SL Heavy Holsteins: $220 – $230 Heavy Holsteins: $195 – $225 Medium Holsteins: $215 – $224 Plain Holsteins: $200 – $214 Drop Calves: $400 – $840 / HEAD

Art Bos of Blyth, consigned four head.

Three fed steers averaged 1,396 lbs. and sold for an average price of $263.

K/C McAlpine Farms of Ailsa Craig, consigned seven head. One fed heifer weighed 1,645 lbs. and sold for $254.50.

Gary Caesar of Dungannon, consigned two head. One blue veal weighed 1,060 lbs. and sold for $285 John Martin of Lucknow, consigned nine head. One holstein veal weighed 740 lbs. and sold for $234

Sheep: $115 – $210 up to $235 Todd Sheep Company of Lucknow, consigned 29 head. Four lambs averaged 94 lbs. and sold for an average price of $405.

Shepherd Creek Farms Ltd. of Staffa, consigned 37 head. Twelve lambs averaged 101 lbs. and sold for an average price of $385.

Goats: Meat Kids: $500 – $605 Dairy Kids: $350 – $500 Mature Bucks: $300 – $400 Mature Does: $135 – $280 Lars Steunebrink of Kirkton, consigned 36 head. Seven kid goats averaged 64 lbs. and sold for an average price of $605.

Lara Martin-Dow of Embro, consigned five head. Five kid goats averaged 54 lbs. and sold for an average price of $590.

Stockers: There were 1,500 stockers on offer Top Quality Steers: Under 400 lbs.: Too few to establish a market 400 – 499 lbs.: $275 – $449 500 – 599 lbs.: $323 – $445 600 – 699 lbs.: $370 – $421 up to $440 700 – 799 lbs.: $313 – $352 up to $379 800 – 899 lbs.: $311 – $357 900 – 999 lbs.: $310 – $335.25 1,000 lbs. and over: $280.50 – $323

Steve Armstrong of Cuyuga, consigned 62 head. Fifteen charolais heifers averaged 584 lbs. and sold for an average price of $381.50.

Eric Devlaeminck of Lucan, consigned 13 head. Thirteen charolais heifers averaged 848 lbs. and sold for an average price of $324.50.

T & A Dalton of Lucknow, consigned 107 head. Four black heifers averaged 893 lbs. and sold for an average price of $299.

Top Quality Heifers: Under 400 lbs.: $275 – $450 400 – 499 lbs.: $345 – $375 up to $386 500 – 599 lbs.: $338 – $381.50 600 – 699 lbs.: $336 – $357 up to $363 700 – 799 lbs.: $280 – $339 800 – 899 lbs.: $277 – $324.50 900 lbs. and over: $258 – $290 up to $296 Murray Burkhart of Linwood, consigned 35 head. Six charolais steers averaged 613 lbs. and sold for an average price of $440.

Mervin K. Martin of Harriston, consigned 68 head. Eighteen charolais steers averaged 951 lbs. and sold for an average price of $335.25.

Greg McCarthy of Dublin, consigned 32 head. Fourteen charolais steers averaged 1,004 lbs. and sold for an average price of $323.

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, APRIL 5, 2024

Classified Advertising Coming events Coming events Notices

– RATES – 20 words or less only $9.00 + HST Additional words 25¢ ea. + HST

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

Articles for sale -------------------------------------------GERBERS FIREWOOD SERVING you for over 15 years. Your number one source of quality slabwood and bodywood. Delivery available. No Sunday calls. 519-274-1236, 519441-2085.

-------------------------------------------Shade trees, Spruce, White Pine, Cedars, windbreaks and privacy hedges, Shrubs, Apples, Pears, Peaches, Plums, Sweet & sour Cherry Trees at (Emanuel E.M. Martin) Martin's Nursery 42661 Orangehill Rd, Wroxeter ON N0G 2X0 -------------------------------------------THE CITIZEN IS AVAILABLE TO purchase at these locations - Auburn Esso, Belgrave Variety, Blyth Food Market, Blyth Variety, Blyth Ultramar, Brussels Foodland, Brussels Variety, Clinton Convenience, Clinton Foodland, Fogal's YIG (Wingham), Wingham Mini Mart, Seaforth Foodland, Fincher's (Goderich), Goderich Victoria St Shell, Canadian Tire Gas Bar, Goderich and The Citizen office in Blyth.

-------------------------------------------REPRINTS OF PHOTOS taken by Citizen photographers are available to purchase. All are in colour. 4x6 $5.00, 5x7 - $6.00, 8x10 - $10.00.

Phone to order 519-523-4792 or email info@northhuron.on.ca

Card of thanks DYKSTRA - The family of Bert Dykstra would like to thank our extended families, friends, neighbours and community members for your kindness and support during our recent loss. We so appreciated the love we experienced through prayers, cards, kind words, flowers, memories shared and charitable donations made to honour Bert’s memory. Many thanks to Clinton Christian Reformed Church for their ongoing support, to Libro Hall for the use of their facility, the Luncheon Ladies for preparing the food and Falconer Funeral Home for their guidance and expertise. A special thanks to the Municipality of Central Huron and County of Huron for their special tribute to Bert’s years of service and the lowering of flags to honour his memory. Saying “goodbye” to our beloved husband, father and grandfather has been difficult, but your kindness and caring compassion have helped us in our journey and will always be remembered. Nellie Dykstra and family.

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VAN EGMOND HOUSE - MUSEUM Annual General Meeting Saturday, April 13 at 3 pm All are encouraged to attend.

Desperately in need of Directors.

Please join us!

AUBURN AND DISTRICT LIONS Club Breakfast at the Auburn Community Hall, Sunday, April 14, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Adults $12, Children $6, Preschool free. Maple syrup supplied by Robinson Maple Products. Eggs supplied by Huron County Egg Producers. Proceeds for Community Betterment. We Serve.

-------------------------------------------Wingham Hospital Rummage Sale at the Wingham Legion, Wednesday April 17 2 to 6 p.m. and Thursday April 18 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Seasonal clothing can be dropped off Wednesday until noon at the Legion.

Pickup of articles call Lois 519-3573326. Articles we need are seasonal clothing, small household items, books, toys, puzzles, jewellery etc.

No furniture or electronics please.

Support your local Wingham Hospital Ladies Auxiliary.

-------------------------------------------Join us for our Famous Fish Fry at the Wingham Columbus Centre Friday April 12th from 12 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Eat in $20- choice of battered or grilled white fish and a buffet of garden and Caesar salad, French fries, baked potato, mashed potato, gravy, dinner rolls, also coffee and tea. Take out $18- fish, potato, coleslaw and dinner roll. We also do chicken fingers for the nonfish lover. Butter tarts $2 or homemade cheesecake and other desserts $5 ea. Kids are 1/2 price.

Taxes are included. Call early to book your fish as we tend to sell out.

519-357-1270. We are still making lots of frozen soups and meals-give us a call or come check them out.

Notices

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND OTHERS All persons having claims against the Estate of Grace Wallace James Procter, late of the Town of Goderich (and formerly the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry) in the County of Huron, who died on or about the 23rd day of February, 2024, are hereby notified to send to the undersigned on or before the 17th day of April, 2024 their names and full particulars of the claims. Immediately thereafter, the undersigned will distribute the assets of the said estate having regard only to the claims then filed.

DATED at North Huron this 14th day of March, 2024.

Kate Procter and Cameron Procter, Estate Trustees, by their Solicitors, CRAWFORD, MILL & DAVIES, 217 Josephine Street, Wingham, Ontario, N0G 2W0.

Attn: CONOR T. O’KEEFE. 519-357-3630.

In memoriam

Seaforth Optimist Club Monthly Cash Draw winners APRIL 2024 WINNERS Jason Berard..........................$2,500 Glen Haney ................................$100 Dean and Marlene Glanville ....$100

Personals WALLACE. In loving memory of Bev Wallace, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, February 28, 1934 - April 8, 2020.

We close our eyes and see your face, Smiling at us from a beautiful place, You tell us you are never far away, And that we will meet again some day.

We ask if you can stay a while, We miss your laughter, we miss your smile, Then you whisper sweetly into our ears, I’ve never left you, I’m always here.

– Missed dearly by wife Helen and children Debbie, Nancy, Susan, Mark and families.

Are you pregnant and unsure about your future? Contact Ramoth House.

We can help you discover your parenting potential. You can get more information about our services on our website www.ramoth.ca or by phone 519-323-3751 or email: office@ramoth.ca

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

Swap shop Citizen-To-Citizen “SWAP SHOP” ad Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca • Free ad up to 25 words, person to person only (no businesses), items valued at $1,000 or less. Price must be included in your ad.Your ad will run three times unless it sells faster!

• The Citizen reserves the right to limit the number of items or ads per person.

FOR SALE - Street Cruiser folding bikes. $30 each, both for $50. Some rust. Tires like new. Solid pine hanging shelves. 3 ft. wide x 38 in. high, 8 1/2 in. diam. 519-525-9304.

14-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Glass shower door $50 or best offer. Four all season tires on rims 195 65 R15 (Corolla) $200.

FREE - chicken waterers. 519-8876602.

13-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Wooden magazine rack. $20. 519-357-9467.

12-3 ---------------------------------------------

Help wanted Help wanted Wingham United Church located in Wingham, Ontario is currently seeking to fill the part-time vacancy of:

Secretary-Treasurer Are you a stay-at-home mom looking to get out of the house while your “littles” are at school?

Do you want to pick up some extra part-time work?

Are you friendly and enjoy meeting people while creating a warm and welcoming environment?

Do you have bookkeeping and office administration experience?

Check out the job posting for full details at: https://indeed.com.

Please send a cover letter and résumé outlining your interest and qualifications to: winghamunited@hurontel.on.ca clearly indicating the position applied for in the subject line.

Wingham United Church is an equal opportunity employer. Wingham United Church will provide reasonable accommodation in compliance with AODA when notified by a candidate that accommodation due to a disability is required for the interview process.

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

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2024. PAGE 15.

Londesborough Lions pledge $15,000 to Dog Guides Londesborough Lions President Don McGregor said he and the next president, Mike Boven, really wanted to highlight the work of the entire club in making this donation, rather than focusing on the president, but Don said he was proud of the club to make such a substantial donation to such a worthy cause.

He also said it was a real honour to have Leach attend the club’s meeting so that members could learn more about the new centre and all it can provide.

For more information on the initiative or to donate, visit the foundation at www.dogguides.com.

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

A big investment At a meeting late last month, the Londesborough and District Lions Club committed $15,000 over three years to the Lions Foundation of Canada’s multi-million-dollar

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The Londesborough and District Lions Club, late last month, made one of the bigger donation commitments in the club’s history, pledging $15,000 over the next three years to Dog Guide programs in Ontario.

The project is being undertaken by the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides program and its ambitious future, which includes expansion of the program, more dogs for Canadians who need them and a brand new training facility in Oakville.

Al Leach of the Mount Forest Lions Club visited Londesborough for the club’s regular meeting in late March to speak to the members about the program and officially receive a cheque for $5,000 for the project. Further donations of $5,000 will follow in 2025 and 2026 to fulfill the club’s total pledge of $15,000.

Leach, who, in addition to being an active member of his local Lions Club, serves as a vice-president and director with the Saugeen Valley Children’s Safety Village, said he is passionate about the Dog Guide

program, which he said is one of the few entirely Canadian charitable causes. The program is situated in Canada, raising money from Canadians to help Canadians, all within the country’s borders.

The campaign, which is being called “The Difference”, has a goal of $25 million. However, the full cost of the project is about $50 million, but $25 million from the sale of the current Dog Guides building and land will cut that figure in half, leaving $25 million to be raised.

The building will measure 89,000 square feet and will include, according to literature on the program, comfortable and fullyaccessible spaces and dedicated training rooms and classrooms.

There will be 36 accessible guest bedrooms for people in training with their Dog Guide, a larger and improved kennel and veterinarian space with indoor and outdoor spaces for dogs and more.

According to Kittie McGregor of the Londesborough club, the building will also be constructed in a more appropriate location for the development of guide dogs, allowing for space and sound buffers, instead of the current

Dog Guide expansion project. Al Leach of the Mount Forest Lions Club was on hand to accept the cheque, thanking the club for its hard work and generosity. (Shawn Loughlin photo) location, which was formerly a school, so it’s located right within a residential neighbourhood.

The new and expanded program hopes to match 250 Dog Guides with people every year once the expansion is complete, as demand continues to grow. The Lions have matched more than 3,200 Canadians with Dog Guides over the years and the current centre is at capacity in regards to both dogs and people. Furthermore, the centre is not accessible for the very people the program is attempting to serve.

McGregor said the charity is important to the local club not just because it’s connected to the Lions and serves Canada, but locally there have been people who have benefitted from the program.

Seeing those results, she said, has motivated members of the club to donate and help make the next phase a reality.

She also noted the broad range of services Dog Guides can provide through the program. There are seven: canine vision, hearing, service, seizure response, diabetic alert, autism assistance and facility support.

She said the club has also been

working to make a difference abroad as well, taking part in a program that sends stoves to families in need in Ukraine. The club sent two such stoves to the war-torn country earlier this year.

Owned and operated by Mac and Donna Andersoon Assisted by Mandy

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.

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Advertise your business here!

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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!

Breaking bread Huron Chapel Evangelical Missionary Church in Auburn, as it has done for many years, hosted a free breakfast over the Easter weekend. For years, it was at Memorial Hall in Blyth, but this year it was at the church itself ahead of its Easter Sunday service. (Shawn Loughlin 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 16. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2024.

Annual ‘Duck Race’ scheduled for May 26 PEOPLE AROUND LONDESBORO

By BRENDA RADFORD Call 523-4296

It seems the sunshine earlier this week had everyone thinking that perhaps spring is on the horizon that is, after the snow that is predicted for later this first week of April. Spring happenings are being considered.

The Londesborough and District Lions Club will soon be hosting its 16th annual Duck Race on Sunday, May 26.

Tickets/ducks are available now from any Lion member. They only set 600 ducks swimming

and they sell out quickly. They are $5 each.

I had a call from Kevin Hulley, who is just back from several months in Florida and eager to get back into village life. He said the Hulley family would like to instigate a village-wide yard sale.

They have chosen Saturday, May 11 as the date. The family is prepared to do the advertising, but it might be a good idea for anyone deciding to set up a table or two to give Kevin a call. So as you check out closets and cupboards, garages, etc, as so many of us do with the season’s change, set aside those nolonger-needed items and join the event.

Although you have likely all heard the various warnings regarding watching the total solar eclipse happening on Monday, I am adding another. The temptation will be high to take a peek during the

two hours our area will notice the event. Don’t! I am truly hoping some TV station will broadcast the whole thing and we can stay inside away from the windows and experience it that way.

Kittie McGregor made a short trip out to Victoria, British Columbia in the last week of March to visit her friend Bonnie Bearss.

Bonnie and Kittie have been friends since the 1970s and since Bonnie’s move to Victoria they have stayed in touch through e-mails and phone calls. Kittie remarked that she felt the need to spend time with Bonnie while Bonnie is still able to enjoy the visit. They spent many hours reminiscing and catching up on each other’s lives.

Bonnie moved west about four years ago from Blyth to be nearer her son and daughter-in-law. The family graciously toured Kittie around the area. Kittie reports the

Eggs-istential crises The Friends of the Village of Blyth hosted an Easter egg hunt at the Greenway Trail in Blyth on Saturday, March 30. Keen-eyed egg hunters attending the event received a bounty of delicious treats and an invitation to visit with Peppermint the Bunny. Irene Kellins, centre, established the rules of the road before children were released onto the trail to find eggs. (Shawn Loughlin photos)

daffodils out there are in full bloom and the grass is green. She was surprised to see deer munching on lawns in Victoria on many occasions. Gas is $1.98 a litre there, even before this week’s carbon tax hike.

Kittie reports seeing her friend in person was much better than those other ways of staying in touch.

Rev. Jan Aylward led the Easter Sunday service at Londesborough United Church.

John and Jane Hoggart assisted with the Sacrament of Communion that morning. As anthems, the choir sang two well known and loved hymns, “Because

He Lives” and “He Lives”.

Scripture readings were Psalm 118 and Mark 16:1-8. These verses from the Gospel of Mark are an account of the events on Easter Sunday morning when the women found Jesus’ tomb empty.

Jan reminded congregants that Easter is as good as it gets in the Christian faith. And the story doesn’t end there - it is the beginning for Christians. When the story of the Resurrection becomes real for us, that is the transforming power of love.

The Londesborough United Church Women will meet on April 15 beginning with coffee at 7 p.m.

Secretary position remains vacant on Blyth’s BIA board Continued from page 1 acclamation. Chair Angela Cullen from The Blyth Inn stood as the only nominee for the top job; ViceChair Shane Yerema from Hotel Lux stood as the only nominee to assume second-in-command duties; and Treasurer David Sparling stood as the only nominee to watch over the BBIA coffers, a role he took on last year after stepping down as chair.

No nominations were received for the role of secretary. Despite encouragement from other BBIA members, newcomer to the group Leonie Dolmage from the Lunar Lounge Salon declined to take on the responsibility of chronicling the BBIA’s meeting activities.

Cullen indicated that an employee from The Blyth Inn is willing to step into the role of secretary.

According to the BBIA constitution, only one delegate per business member can be nominated for election at any one time. As such, Cullen intends to seek approval from North Huron Council to allow for an exception in this instance.

The next scheduled meeting of the BBIA is Thursday, April 25 at 8 a.m., upstairs at the Blyth and District Community Centre.

(BBIA North Huron Council representative Kevin Falconer

discussed the secretarial vacancy at a regular meeting of council on Tuesday, April 2. Clerk Carson Lamb advised that the position should only be filled by a board member because of the rules established in the BBIA’s constitution. Falconer, noting the BBIA is a Committee of Council, inquired whether a secretary could be appointed by North Huron.

Insufficient municipal resources, according to Lamb, limit that possibility.)

NEWS FROM LONDESBORO

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2024. PAGE 17.

From the Minister’s Study

Matthew tells us about the five Gs of Easter Sunday

By Pastor Ernest Dow, Executive Pastor, Huron Chapel, Auburn It was a dumb idea, going to look at the tomb.

The male disciples had probably told the women it was pointless.

After all, Pilate had ordered the chief priests and Pharisees to take a guard and make the tomb as secure as possible. They’d even put a seal on the stone, besides posting an armed guard. What point was there in going to look at the tomb? The deed had been done, the miracleworking Christ had been killed.

It was a stupid idea. But something inside the women’s hearts tugged them toward the tomb. The heart has reasons the mind knows nothing about. Perhaps it was their faith pulling them there - He who had been right about so many things could not be wrong about this. And God has a way of taking what seems stupid to the wise and turning it into His crowning glory, exceeding the capacities of His creatures.

Matthew’s account of the events which unfolded early that morning presents us with 5 “Gs” as hooks on which to hang the story. First, grief.

“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.” (Matthew 28:1) When someone dies, to those who have been most closely attached to them, the things associated with them become extra special. I recall one family that made their deceased teenage son’s room into a sort of “shrine”. People are drawn to cemeteries to place flowers at the graves of family members. We see crosses at the roadside where there’s been a fatal traffic accident.

Grief draws us like a magnet to the place of burial, to the photos, the personal articles we associate with those we’ve loved.

Just as the women were drawn to the tomb, are there things you’re grieving? Relationships or harsh realities that didn’t turn out the way you expected? Loss of health or wealth? Some dashed hope? Maybe you can relate a bit to how disheartened the two Marys must have felt. But they didn’t see how this could be the conclusion of the plot for the miracle-working, truthteaching, hypocrisy-confronting Rabbi from Galilee. And so maybe even in your present grief, God has another chapter coming.

Besides grief, there are guards.

Verse 4 mentions the guards that had been posted by the religious

Evangelical Missionary Church

Sunday April 7, 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Mike Stanley preaching on Psalms 2 & 8

leaders. They would be armed to prevent robbery or interference of any kind, and they had sealed the stone on the tomb to lock in the body.

If grief is about loss, “guards” are about limitations. Something’s locked you out. You’re hitting a brick wall. What’s holding you back? Finances, perhaps - always too much “month” and not enough “money”? Is it limited physical ability - your age is slowly creeping up on you and affecting how much you can do? Is it lack of time never enough hours in the day to accomplish what you’d like to do?

Or limitations of a different sort maybe someone in your past has fed some negative thoughts into your head that always rise up to jinx you, that become an invisible wall stopping you from taking that next step? Somebody has said you’re not bright enough or pretty enough or strong enough? You’ll never amount to anything?

In our subconscious, those curses from the past have a powerful force to hold us back, to block us from

becoming who God designed us to be. What forces are “guarding” you negatively, blocking your way, intimidating you?

But God’s ways are higher than our ways, His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). No matter what our griefs and guards, our losses and limitations, the Almighty God has some surprises in store for those who come to Him. Call this the golly factor! Now, the word “golly” is not in Matthew’s text, but that would be our reaction if we witnessed verses 2-3: “There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.

His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.” GOLLY! “The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.” (28:4) An angel is a messenger of God, one sent at His command to enact His will. God’s power is linked to His promise, His stated purpose.

When God shows up, when He steps into the middle of our most

despairing circumstances, sparks will fly! Stand back! Jesus had pointedly predicted to His disciples on at least three occasions that He’d be crucified, dead and then rise from the dead, but it didn’t seem to register with them. The angel Gabriel had reminded Jesus’ mother before His birth, “Nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37) In Matthew 19(26), Jesus had looked at His disciples and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

At Gethsemane, wrestling with the agonizing decision about going to

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Easter Joy Joy continu continues ues with Worship Worship 9:30 am A April pril 7 * Focus on Camp p Menesetung* All are welcome, comee be part of our Faith Communitty Meat pie making, m April 8 at 9:30 we need your time t and willingness to help Contact Alex at ministter.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.co y @g om Website: brusselsandblythuc.ca brusselsandblythuc b ca P.O. Box 359, Brussels ~ 519-887-6259 P.

MEL LV VILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS

Sunday, April 7, 2024 11:00 am - 12 noon We extend a loving welcome to all to join us as Rev. Jan Mclnnnes leads us in worship, and the sacrament of Holy Communionn.

Coffee, snacks, and a time for visiting with each other will follow thee service.

Soup & More 2 Join us every Friday from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. for lunch. This free meal is made possible by the Brussels churches and many volunteers working together to serve our community. c All are welcome!

Worship with us Sunday, April 7 at 10 a.m.

BMG Community Centre (upstairs room) 800 Sports Drive, Brussels Childcare and Sunday school provided for children aged 0 to 8 during the sermon We invite you to join us April 7, 2024 at 10 a.m. when Matt Bondy from Creation Ministries will be presenting A Scientific and Biblical Defense of Creation For additional details please visit: brusselscommunitybiblechapel.ca

NORTHERN HURON-PERTH CATHOLIC FAMILY OF PARISHES All are welcome to visit or join with us, and to become disciples of Jesus, sharing in Christ’s mission.

Brussels: St. Ambrose Saturday ~ 6:00 p.m.

17 Flora Street

For pastoral care concerns please call 519-524-7512 2

Wingham: Sacred Heart Sunday ~ 9:00 a.m.

220 Carling Terrace

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the cross with its ultimate pain and shame, Jesus prayed, “Abba, Father, everything is possible for You.” And the Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 3(21) that our Lord Jesus, “by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”

Never underestimate God’s power - faith allows for a “golly” factor! Don’t dismiss God out of the equation of your life’s circumstances. All things are possible with Him - resurrection Continued on page 18

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherrd d lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11

Listowel: St. Joseph’s Sunday ~ 11:00 a.m.

1025 Wallace Avenue N.

The outreach project for April is Camp Menesetungg Contact Alex at: minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com Facebook: Blyth and Brussels United Churche es blythunited@tcc.on.ca ~ 519-523-4224

Website: nhpc.dol.ca

Telephone: 519-357-2435

PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2024.

There’s Good News to share

Any day now The Blyth Festival Art Gallery season opens this Saturday with the Student Show, seen above in 2023, ahead of the Community Show, three professional shows and the return of the “Poetry in the Gallery” series. (Photo submitted)

Final show to open on Aug. 17 Continued from page 1 my culture, in addition to other cultures for the purpose of creative development.”

According to that post, Miller’s work has appeared in more than 40 group and solo exhibitions.

The show opens on Saturday, July 13 with an opening reception at 6

p.m. and closes on Aug. 10.

The final show of the season is a group show entitled “Anything But Hysterical’ that will be accepting art from all mediums from femaleidentifying artists.

Kelly Stevenson, whose work has been featured at the gallery twice before, including last year’s “How

Far I’ve Fallen”, will be curating.

The window to submit art was scheduled to close on March 31, but has since been extended to Saturday, April 13 by 11:59 p.m.

The show will open on Saturday, Aug. 17 with an opening reception at 6 p.m. that night. The show closes on Sept. 7.

Continued from page 17 morning is proof of that!

Grief. Guards. Golly. The fourth “G” is greeting. The empty tomb is one thing - the apostle John seemed convinced, even just by the way the graveclothes were laid out with the body seemingly vaporized from between them, but Christian faith is not based on the lack of something.

“So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

Suddenly Jesus met them.

‘Greetings,’ he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.” (28:8-9) Somewhere, back centuries ago, at the very first of all these Easter celebrations, historically/definitely/ spatially and in-time, somebody met a risen Jesus bodily present.

They could clasp His feet. They had come expecting a place - to look at a tomb - but they encountered a Person. He greeted them; and so He meets us today, one-on-one, challenging us as He did Martha outside her brother’s tomb. “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.

Do you believe this?” (John 11:25f) For any other religious system, take away its founder and the system still stands, more or less, as a body of teaching; a system of principles. But Christianity is different. Without its founder, it just doesn’t work, it makes no sense.

You can never reduce Christian faith to a mere bunch of rules to live by: at its core is the God-Man who

seeks a relationship with you, greeting you, inviting you to follow Him and know Him and take up His cross and live with Him eternally!

The last “G” here is “go”. What did the angel tell the women in verses 6-7? “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’” And what did Jesus tell the women when He met them? “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” (28:10) Go... The Good News about Jesus is not something stationary that we can polish like a silver trophy and keep on a shelf, to look at once in a while and feel good. “That’s what I believe; isn’t it exquisite?!”

No, the Easter message is dynamic, portable, meant to be taken on the road wherever you go and to whomever you meet: “He has risen! He’s alive! You can meet Him, too! History will never be the same again.” And my story will never be the same again - because knowing Him transforms all my griefs and limitations. His power shakes and shapes me, His forgiveness and mercy receive and redeem me, His love heals and holds me. Because He lives, life for me will be from now on forever different, guided and guarded by His divine hand.

So - what are you waiting for?

You’ve got truly Good News to share! Let’s “go quickly” and tell others this amazing fact.

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

Shaun Majumder returning to North Huron

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Spring has officially sprung, and that means only one thing to the people of North Huron - the return of comedian Shaun Majumder is imminent!

Last year, the Newfoundlandborn funny man’s show at Wingham’s universally-beloved Wingham Town Hall Theatre had audiences rolling in the aisles, and now he’s planning to have the same effect at Blyth’s Memorial Hall with his brand new ‘Hardly Dead’ Tour on Friday, April 12. He will also have shows in Fergus and Parry Sound.

For the second year in a row, this self-proclaimed man of the people has graciously agreed to take a little time out of his day to chat with The Citizen about a wide range of topics, from the rural arts to the art of dying.

Majumder currently lives in Los Angeles, but when he heads out on a tour, he tries to make rural stops a priority. “It’s my love for these small places,” he explained. “It feels like you’re sitting down in somebody’s kitchen, and you’re hanging out, and you’re just getting to know everybody. That’s what these shows are like up here - it’s so fun and intimate!”

It will be Majumder’s first time performing in Blyth and Fergus.

Checking them both off his bucket list is a prospect that he thinks is really out of this world. “I’ve never been to either of these planets before, so I have no way of knowing what first contact is going to be like. I’m just going to go in with an open mind and open heart, and everybody is going to get a killer show.”

When he came to the Town Hall Theatre last year, Majumder was at the tail end of his ‘Love’ Tour. A packed house of local comedy fans truly appreciated his multimedia presentation about his evolution as a member of his family unit. It was a show that was equally heartfelt as it was darkly comedic. One of the crowd’s favourite bits featured Majumder arguing with an older version of himself about failing as a father via video.

This time around, he’s taking a different approach to an evening of

entertainment. “These shows, I’ll be talking about a lot of stuff - it’s going to be straight stand-up, and it could be all over the map, you know? It could be about anything that happened that day, to the current state of my world. The focus is: I’m not dead yet. It’s really live, and in the moment... I am really excited to be going out and just doing straight stand-up!

Getting back to the basics.”

Majumder strives to bring something different to the stage every time he shows up. “This is going to be much more conversational, with more interaction with the audience. I would love to see people from the Wingham show there!”

Performing a comedy set that changes as it interacts with the world is all part of Majumder’s philosophy of not dying. “The beauty of stand-up is that it’s a living, breathing, kind of performance. I don’t like locking into one thing and that’s it. Even all the tours that I’ve done, they are constantly evolving, and constantly changing. No show has ever been the same. I like talking to the audience and I like connecting in that way, and exploring new material in that way.”

In this show, Majumder wants to highlight that there is a big difference between trying not to die and fearing death. “I’ve been working really hard to not die. My wife has also been working really hard for me not to die. Because we’re getting older, and we’ve got to take care of ourselves. She’s obsessed with longevity - the number of supplements that she’s making me take! I’ve been reading a lot about them, and I’m bought in.

I’m all in. I want to live to be 120.”

He finds that this desire to live is not driven by a fear of death - in fact, it is rather the opposite. “Death is not something that I fear, or have ever feared. There’s just something about it coming that makes you up your game. It’s the realization that we are here for a split second. Not even a split second - a millisecond.

I can see why Buddhism talks about that. I don’t study Buddhism or anything, but one of the things I read about is that one of the pillars of their beliefs is to always check in with your mortality, and the finality

Staying alive!

Beloved Canadian comedian and actor Shaun Majumder is coming back to North Huron with a brand new show called “Hardly Dead” to be staged at Memorial Hall Theatre in Blyth on Friday, April 12. Last year, Majumder performed at the Wingham Town Hall Theatre on Thursday, March 23. (Courtesy photo) of things. And when you do that, it really puts you in the moment. The longing to stay alive and to be healthy - it’s not so much that I want to live to be 200 years old, it’s more about my healthspan vs lifespan. I want to be healthy right up until the day I die.”

The comedian’s appreciation of life and death has been further deepened by the expansion of his family. “Creating a life, bringing in another life - that’s a whole other layer, right? Because now you have to think about the future of that life along with your life, and if your life is no good personally, you can’t give to anybody else. The importance of not taking this life for granted is elevated when you have children.”

One may wonder how Majumder has had the time to put together a whole new tour, what with raising a family and contemplating death all the time, but he builds his shows just like any other comedian - one leg at a time. “For me, because I’m not on the road doing a lot of stand up, I’m sitting at home writing, or thinking of ideas, and kind of framing them as launching off points, or topics, and then I explore those topics on stage. If I know that I’m going to be doing a brand new tour that involves a lot more of the multimedia element like video playback, that takes a lot more work. The process changes and shifts depending on the kind of show I have coming up.”

He may not have come to Blyth before, but Majumder already has a lot of appreciation for the town’s agricultural culture. “I absolutely love theatre! I started out doing rural shows in small-town Newfoundland - rural is very close

Sudoku Solution

to my heart, it’s an important thing to keep authentic, which is hard with the challenges of the economy sometimes.

With farming, especially, there’s this stress pressing on small rural farms. I believe that these small places, it’s very important to keep them alive.

It seems that the Blyth Festival is one of those cultural events that really draws attention and brings people to the town, and does a lot of good work keeping small towns alive.” In treading the boards of Memorial Hall, Majumder will become a part of Blyth’s rich cultural history, forever.

On April 12, Shaun Majumder will be connecting with the audience that comes out to Memorial Hall, to laugh and to truly appreciate the moment that they are together, before the inevitable. “I know that Death is coming, and I want to be able to welcome him with open arms and be able to give him a hug when he comes... because you know it’s coming, life is so precious, when you have it.

You can breathe - you can open

your lungs up and breathe. When you face death, and put things in perspective on a personal level, it just makes you go - my God, I’m breathing, I’m still here, and that means I have lots of opportunity to do amazing things within the realm of my scope of just me being.”

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The Citizen Here you go Cappy Onn, left, was among those pitching in on Saturday as the Brussels Leo Club hosted its annual Easter scavenger hunt at Richmond Square and beyond throughout the village. (John Stephenson photo)

Call or email today 519-523-4792 info@northhuron.on.ca

PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2024.

Dolmage opens Lunar Lounge Salon in Blyth

You go, curl Leonie Dolmage, owner of the brand new Lunar Lounge Salon at 402 Queen Street in downtown Blyth, specializes in hairstyling for those with curly hair.

(Scott Stephenson photo)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

There’s a new business on Blyth’s main drag, and it’s here to help local residents embrace the beauty of the lovely stuff that grows out of our heads - hair! Stylist and owner Leonie Dolmage recently opened Lunar Lounge Salon for business, in the space previously occupied by Pianovations. While she specializes in the art of styling curly hair, Dolmage hopes that the Lunar Lounge will grow into a place that celebrates all aspects of natural beauty.

Born in Holland, Dolmage moved to Londesborough with her family when she was 13 years old. “I went to high school in Clinton, but Blyth had soccer, and then I got a job at The Boot, and then I worked at The Boot on and off for like seven or eight years actually - it was awesome!” She previously worked as a massage therapist, and felt that it was a natural progression to get into hairstyling. “I think I’m not a super strong entrepreneur,” she explained, “but I do like working for myself. I have a bit of that entrepreneurial side in me. I think

that was something I’d always kind of envisioned, long-term. I’m actually a bit of a new stylist! I started school in January of 2020, so it’s really been since then that I’ve been in the hair industry, so it’s only been about four years. It’s come to fruition really quickly.”

She hopes to bring in some likeminded stylists and aestheticians into the space soon that have their own special areas of focus.

“There’s a couple different things happening within the salon.

Personally, I work a lot with curly hair - obviously I have curly hair myself, and that is a clientele that I’ve been working with for a while.

But the salon in general, it’s really for anybody who wants to come in, and relax, and feel refreshed from their hair service. I hope to really make it into an experience, where you feel relaxed, and feel like you got your money’s worth. I want it to be a luxurious service, in a way.

We’re really just about natural beauty, and about having a holistic mindset of life. It’s for people who like clean beauty and who want to be aware of the ingredients that are in products.”

Downtown Blyth is full of

interesting historical spaces, and Lunar Lounge now occupies one of them - it once had a bowling alley in its basement. “The lanes are still there!” Dolmage explained. “It wasn’t my plan to go with this big of a space right away - I thought I’d work from home for a bit, then maybe get a space, but this place was on the market... I said I was just going to go look at it to get it out of my head, and then you walk in and you see the walls and the floors and the ceiling, and that’s it!”

After attending the Stratford Festival School of Hair, Dolmage set out to make people feel empowered about the unique properties of their hair. “As a lot of curly [hair] people will tell you, the way traditional hair cutting is done is not meant for curly hair, and it’s not really part of the education system, either, that curly hair should be treated differently.” She feels deeply connected to her curly locks, and hopes to bring that feeling to other people. “I’ve had curls my whole life, but I only started learning about my curls in 2018. A lot of people will say ‘I need to control my hair’, or ‘It

won’t do this, it won’t do that’.

Your hair isn’t necessarily meant to do that - let it do what it wants to do. Help it do what it wants to do, rather than fight it.”

Once the salon is fully up and running, Dolmage also hopes to expand her services one step further than hair - the scalp. “My eventual goal is to offer more scalp specific services - facials for the scalp, basically. I want to work a lot more with people who have hair loss and scalp issues.”

While Dolmage believes that there is always a time and a place for shags and bobs, she feels that trends are heading in another direction. “We’ve been in this trend for a while now, but I think it’s sticking around lowermaintenance styles, and, maybe I’m biased, but natural beauty, not getting too complicated, keeping it simple - people don’t want to be coming into the salon once every six weeks anymore.”

The stylist doesn’t just like the look of natural hair - she feels that there are deep benefits to accepting the natural state of the self.

“I’m a big advocate for wearing

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Keep your eyes open

your own hair curly, and letting your grays come in. And not everybody is ready to fully embrace their grays - whether you are or not, I’m happy to help you feel the beauty of it. It’s just letting people be themselves... I think that it can really enhance the way someone feels about themselves. I think if you are enjoying the hair on your head, it makes you stand a little taller and walk a little stronger.”

Leonie Dolmage wants to make Lunar Lounge Salon into a place that helps local people feel like their best selves. “I think we’re all meant to be on the path, and are all kind of going in the same direction, but we’re all different in our own unique ways. Be open to possibilities - I came into this business thinking that I only wanted to cut curly hair, but as I learned about colouring, I found that there was fun in it! I’m just kind of embracing it all - there’s no reason to tie yourself to one pole - just do it, and the stars will align, one way or another.”

Lunar Lounge Salon is already open for business, but a grand opening is scheduled for April 27.

HOCKEY HALL OF FAME TRUE STORIES This book is overflowing with behind-the-scenes yarns of some of history’s greatest scoring sprees and winning seasons, as well as thrilling accounts of the office heroics, tragedies and curiosities. $24.95

The Citizen

BUILDING CHICKEN COOPS One of over 200 titles of Storey’s Country Wisdom Bulletin, this bulletin contains instructions and tips on how to build your own chicken coop. The 32 page booklet shares designing, bedding, drainage and more. $5.95

THE SEASON FOR STRAWBERRIES Newly established as the parish’s first female pastor, Aleda struggles with feelings of inadequacy and questions the relevance of her ministry as she faces all the characters and challenges, large and small, that define village life. What happens when the strawberry social is threatened, and when a tragedy shakes the village to its core? $20.00

405 Queen St., Blyth

519-523-4792