The Citizen - Dec. 24, 2020

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Thursday, December 24, 2020

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Volume 36 No. 52

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40050141 Return Undeliverable Items to North Huron Publishing Company Inc., P.O. Box 152, BRUSSELS, ON N0G 1H0

Province shutters Dec. 26

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Off for the holidays The Blyth Community Betterment Group was at it again over the weekend, organizing a tour for Santa Claus around the village, welcoming the village’s children to snatch a candy cane from the Christmas tree in front of Memorial Hall and hosting a virtual talent show on Saturday night to

bring everyone together. This year’s Hometown Holiday Weekend was much different than those of past years, but organizers made it work and spread holiday cheer as best they could. Santa travelled through the village Saturday afternoon, welcoming Blyth residents to wave from their front porches. (John Stephenson photo)

Mental health declining through pandemic

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the deterioration of the mental health and well-being of some Huron and Perth County residents, according to recent research presented to Huron County Council.

Dr. Leith Deacon, an assistant professor at the University of Guelph’s School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, presented his research, entitled “Rural Response to COVID-19, to council at its Dec. 16, providing a sobering snapshot of the mental state

Merry Christmas

of residents as the pandemic has worn on.

Deacon’s research was conducted with three University of Guelph colleagues: Dr. Wayne Caldwell, a professor at the University of Guelph’s School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, and Dr. Silvia Sarapura and Dr. Sara Epp, both assistant professors with the school.

The survey, which went live in late August, resulted in 3,300 submissions, which Deacon says is a tremendous response rate. It also included data from a wide swath of residents, ranging from those 18-29 years old up to those over 80.

The bulk of the surveys were returned from those who are either retired or working full-time, followed by those who are selfemployed and employed part-time.

They also received some responses from those who are unemployed, students or those who would prefer not to answer.

Deacon said that when asked to assess their physical health before March 1 and after March 1, many residents said they were in worse shape after the pandemic struck.

Before March 1, 556 people classified their physical health as being excellent, which dropped to 417 after March 1. Following that

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trend, 1,341 people said they were in good physical health prior to March 1, compared to 1,217 who said the same after March 1.

As the physical health bar dropped, the numbers rose. Those saying they were of average physical health before March 1 rose from 541 to 575 after March 1, while 317 people said they were of satisfactory physical health after March 1, compared to 218 before March 1.

Seventy-nine people said they were in poor physical health before March 1, while that number grew to 163 after March 1.

Those trends were consistent Continued on page 8

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Starting at 12:01 a.m. on Boxing Day, Ontario will be moving into a province-wide shutdown requiring everyone to limit interactions to their own homes, save necessary outings. Premier Doug Ford made the announcement on Dec. 21, saying the COVID-19 virus is accelerating at an alarming rate.

“Despite restrictions, we’ve seen growing numbers of people travelling between regions,” he said.

“COVID is spreading rapidly from high-outbreak areas to areas with fewer cases. As it does, our hospitals are filling up more each day.”

Ford said the move was primarily to protect Ontario’s healthcare system, as it has seen a 70 per cent increase in hospitalizations and an 80 per cent increase in intensive care unit (ICU) admissions in recent weeks as a result of COVID-19. He said that wasn’t sustainable as, at any given point, 75 per cent of intensive care unit beds are used for emergency care.

“Above all, we need to preserve capacity in our ICUs and our hospitals,” he said. “Because of increased cases of COVID-19, we are on the verge of cancelling more elective surgeries. We have thousands and thousands of backlogged hospitals.”

Ford said he’s extremely alarmed as a result of the reports of a new, more contagious strain of COVID19 discovered in the United Kingdom, and that threat is being taken seriously.

“Without a doubt, this is necessary to save lives and prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed… Thousands of lives are at stake right now. If we failed to take action now, the consequences could be catastrophic,” Ford said of the shutdown.

He said the province-wide shutdown will be a temporary, adhoc measure in response to an “exceptional situation”.

“We’re asking all Ontarians to Continued on page 11

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PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020.

NH Staff, Belgrave board to tackle snow removal

By Denny Scott The Citizen Due to a steep increase in insurance costs, North Huron staff is working with the Belgrave Community Centre Board to find an alternative to contracted snow removal.

During council’s Monday night meeting, former Reeve Neil Vincent, a member of the board, addressed council regarding the issue.

He explained that the snow removal contractor the centre has used for 16 years was told his insurance would be increasing to the point that it would cost three times the gross pay he received for clearing the lot.

Director of Public Works and

Facilities Jamie McCarthy said the municipality could clear the snow with a plow, but it would result in additional expenses.

“Currently we have a mutual agreement with Morris-Turnberry,” she said. “They plow that area of Belgrave. We’d be looking at sending a piece of equipment solely to plow the Belgrave [Community Centre]. We could probably complete this pretty cost-effectively [costing] $200 per event as a rough estimate.”

Director of Recreation Vicky Luttenberger said staff had researched the issue and found it was not an isolated case: there were a number of contractors re-evaluating snow removal services as a result of spiking insurance premiums.

Spreading cheer Students at Hullett Central Public School shared some holiday sentiments with residents of Huronlea and Huronview Homes for the Aged by sending cards, shown off here by Isla deBoer and Kaylee Haak. (Denny Scott photo)

CH ponders donation

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen During its budget deliberations in early 2021, Central Huron Council will consider a $50,000 grant to the Huron Residential Hospice to aid in its Phase 2 expansion project.

Huron Hospice Chair Jay McFarlan and Executive Director Willy Van Klooster spoke to council via Zoom at its Monday night meeting, asking for council to consider the donation. The expansion project will repurpose two of the hospice’s existing six bedrooms, turning one into a children’s activity room and another into a reflection room. It will then expand the building and increase the hospice’s complement from four rooms to six.

McFarlan said the hospice has proven to be tremendously popular with those seeking an end-of-life solution, with the building almost always being full and often with a waiting list.

Van Klooster also brought council up to speed on a new aspect of the project that will bring an educational component to the hospice as a Rural Centre of Excellence in Hospice Palliative Care.

He told council that other hospices often look to Huron Residential Hospice and its nearly 30 years of experience to share best practices.

Van Klooster said the hospice’s goal would be to partner with a nearby university and become a centre of research and study into rural hospice and palliative care.

He also said he hoped the centre would help to develop new educational programs for patients, caregivers, health professionals and members of the public. It could also

be a hospice campus to provide training and education to those working in the field as well as the general public.

Council said the grant would be considered as part of council’s budget deliberations, which began earlier this year, but will continue into the first few months of 2021.

Central Huron Mayor Jim Ginn said the budget is usually finalized

by April, so at that time council will be able to report if the grant has been approved.

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Councillor Chris Palmer said, if the municipality did the snow removal, a plow wouldn’t always cut it.

“A snow plow would do a good job, but it will pile up if we have [a hard] winter,” he said. “That’s where the snowblower does a better job.”

McCarthy said she had discussed that with staff, saying there were concerns with moving snow because of the rails around the parking lot.

“Blowing the snow would make sense,” she said. “If we got a large amount of snow, we might have to do that, but that would entail bringing machinery in from Blyth or Wingham. It can be done, if needed.”

Councillor Kevin Falconer asked if the contractor would continue to do it if more money was offered and Vincent said he would, however that would quadruple or quintuple the amount paid annually from $2,000 to between $8,000 and $10,000.

Reeve Bernie Bailey remarked that rising insurance costs were hitting everyone, including the municipality, which was estimating a 25 per cent increase in premiums.

Deputy-Reeve Trevor Seip said that, as the owner of the building, the municipality needed to keep snow removal under control to make sure the building could be insured.

“In my opinion, if we want that building to be insured, we’re required to do this,” he said. “If public works [staff] have to do it, so be it.”

He went on to say that, if the municipality can’t do it for less than the $10,000 ceiling Vincent mentioned, the municipality had a problem.

Council directed staff to work with the board to find a solution to snow removal at the community centre.

LEASE RENEWAL Also during Monday night’s meeting, council approved a renewal of the lease for the Belgrave Community Centre between the township and the Belgrave Community Centre Board.

As a result of the proposed renewal, Falconer asked if the snow removal component was removed from the document and was told it wasn’t. The board will need to pay the municipality for snow removal, as, under the lease agreement, snow

removal is the responsibility of the board.

Luttenberger said the municipality wouldn’t typically provide snow removal for a site under the responsibility of another group.

However due to the board needing to find snow removal services immediately, Luttenberger said she and staff felt it was the best way to go forward.

Council approved the lease renewal.

And wishing you the very best in the coming new year!

Lisa Thompson, MPP Huron-Bruce Constituency Offices BLYTH OFFICE 408 Queen Street Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 Ph: 519-523-4251

KINCARDINE OFFICE 807 Queen Street, Unit 2 Kincardine, ON N2Z 2Y2 Ph: 519-396-3007

Website: www.lisathompsonmpp.ca Email: lisa.thompsonco@pc.ola.org

Season’s Greetings from the

Seaforth Community Hospital Foundation With your past support new patient beds, overhead bed tables and cabinets are now in every patient room at Seaforth Community Hospital.

You definitely put a smile on our faces. Thanks so much for making a difference.

COVID - 19 has challenged each and every one of us this year. The Seaforth Community Hospital continues to stand ready, to provide healthcare for those in need close to home.

During this challenging time your consideration of a caring gift this Holiday Season will further the essential healthcare at Seaforth Community Hospital.

To make a donation: Mail cheque to: Seaforth Community Hospital Foundation 24 Centennial Dr. P.O.Box 99 Seaforth, ON, N0K 1W0 OR e-transfer to seaforth.foundation@hpha.ca

Stay safe and keep well.... https://www.hpha.ca/schfoundation

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020. PAGE 3.

Klassen urges Huron-Perth to help bend curve

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Huron and Perth Counties continue to see increases in COVID19 case numbers, according to Huron Perth Public Health, with 72 new cases being added since last Monday.

As of Monday, Huron and Perth Counties have had 531 cumulative confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic and 50 cases are being reported as active.

There are currently several outbreaks across the area contributing to those numbers, including Listowel Memorial Hospital, where four patients and nine staff have tested positive for the virus. Two new long-term care centre outbreaks have also been declared: one in Exeter Villa where one staff member and one resident have tested positive and Knollcrest Lodge in Perth East, now in its fourth outbreak, has one staff member who tested positive for COVID-19.

Cedarcroft Place continues to be in outbreak status, however no new cases have been reported and HuronPerth Medical Officer of Health Dr. Miriam Klassen, during a Monday teleconference, said she hopes it can be declared over soon. Since it began, there have been 50 confirmed cases in residents and 24 in staff members, though none are currently active.

As of Monday morning, the Stratford General Hospital medicine unit outbreak, which saw seven staff members test positive, was declared over.

While there are no outbreaks at local schools, numerous schools have reported confirmed cases going back as far as Dec. 7.

In the Avon Maitland District School Board, six cases are outstanding resulting in five class closures.

F.E. Madill Secondary School has two outstanding cases resulting in two class closures according to the school board’s website. One was reported on Dec. 14 and another on Dec. 19.

Listowel District Secondary School has two active cases resulting in two closures, one reported on Dec. 12 and another on Dec. 15.

Also on Dec. 15, Mornington Central Public School in Newton, north of Milverton, reported one case resulting in one class closure.

The oldest active situation is at North Perth Westfield Elementary School where no class closure was announced but, on Dec. 7, one “nonschool exposure” case, meaning one case where the individual was not in school when they were potentially infectious, was reported.

The Huron Perth Catholic School Board has no active cases.

As for area-specific cases, Huron County has had several spikes over the past week, with Howick climbing from 10 cumulative cases to 18, North Huron climbing from three cases to 10 and South Huron and Morris-Turnberry both climbing four cases each to 22 and 11, respectively.

Central Huron remained at 18 cases while Bluewater increased from 17 to 18 over the past week. Goderich remains at six cases, while AshfieldColborne-Wawanosh increased from five to six cases. Huron East now has the least cumulative cases in Huron County at five.

North Perth, Perth East and Stratford continue to drive the majority of case number increases in the area with 384 cumulative cases, or 72.3 per cent of cases in the

two-county region. Individually, North Perth climbed from 88 to 113, Perth East climbed from 86 to 101 and Stratford climbed from 165 to 170 cases. West Perth increased from 11 to 14 cases while Perth South increased from 10 to 11 cases. St. Marys remains at eight cases.

As of Monday, active cases were reported in North Perth (16), Perth East (12), Stratford (seven), Howick (four), South Huron (four), West Perth (three), North Huron (two), Perth South (one) and Bluewater (one).

While 31.7 per cent of cases continue to be attributed to unknown vectors, while household contacts continue to be the leading identified cause for infection in the area with 27.2 per cent attributed to that kind of transmission. Outbreak-related cases sit at 21.2 per cent, close contact at 17.2 per cent and travel at 2.7 per cent.

PROVINCIAL LOCKDOWN During a teleconference on Monday, shortly after Premier Doug Ford announced a province-wide lockdown to combat the spread of COVID-19, Klassen said it was a

logical move. She said the virus is at a critical point and, while vaccines are arriving, there will be some time before herd immunity can be obtained.

She encouraged everyone to not wait for the lockdown but to start or continue taking actions to reduce the spread of the virus including

maintaining six-foot distances, wearing face coverings, staying home and encouraging those who feel ill to not leave the home.

“We’re beginning to see we can come to the end of this pandemic, but we’re not there yet,” she said.

“Every action you take, no matter how small, can make a difference.”

Tidings of Comfort & Peace As we usher in the holiday season, we are moved to remember all of the loved ones past and present who have brought so much joy and light to our lives. We cherish their presence and their memories, and all of the blessings that touch our hearts and spirits.

We hope that this Christmas and the New Year deliver much happiness, goodwill and good fortune to you and yours. Thank you for your trust in us and your friendship.

401 Albert Street, Box 340 Brussels, ON N0G 1H0 Phone: 519-887-6336 Fax: 519-887-6438 www.riversidefuneralhome.ca

Lis sa Thompson, MPP Hurron-Bruce

Holiday gear North Woods Elementary School students were prepared for the holiday before school even let out. Showing off their seasonal spirit wear are, back row: Case Ribey, left, and Lylah Lougheed. Front row are Sophia Blake, left, and Brielle Boyer. (Denny Scott photo)

Oh! Wonder of wonders!

(Charles Spurgeon, “His Name, Wonderful”) “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given. The government will be upon His shoulder — and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace!” Isaiah 9:6 Oh! Wonder of wonders!

Manger of Bethlehem, you have miracles poured into you.

This is a sight which surpasses all others!

Talk of the sun, moon, and stars; consider the heavens, the work of God’s fingers, the moon and the stars that He has ordained — but all the wonders of the universe shrink into nothing, when we come to the mystery of the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ!

I do believe that the very angels have never wondered but once, and that has been incessantly ever since they first beheld it! They never cease to tell the astonishing story, and to tell it with increasing astonishment too — that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born of a Virgin, and became a man!

Emaill: lisa.thompsonco@pc.ola.org Webssite: lisathompsonmpp.ca

My 9th annuall N M New Ye Year’’s Levee that was scheduled to be hosted virtually onn January 6, 2021 will be postponed until it can bee safely rescheduled.

Over 30 Remarkable Citizeens have been nominated, pleaase stay tuned for future updattes as they become availablee.

Is He not rightly called Wonderful?

Infinite — and an infant!

Eternal — and yet born of a woman!

Almighty — and yet hanging on a woman’s bosom!

Supporting the universe — and yet needing to be carried in a mother’s arms!

King of angels — and yet the carpenter’s despised son!

A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church, Listowel, ON 519-492-1359

LISAMPP Huron-Bruce

PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020.

Editorials & Opinions

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

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Clear messaging After weeks of varying levels of restrictions in our colour-coded system and days of waffling on further restrictions, Premier Doug Ford’s government has decided to put the entire province into lockdown to try and stamp out the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The mixed messaging for months between districts left members of the public confused and perhaps not taking the danger as seriously as they should have. Reports of stores on one side of a street being allowed to open, while competitors across the way were forced into curbside pick-up made the rules seem quite arbitrary. The differences between yellow and orange felt like the fine print on an insurance contract.

Hopefully now the message is clear and tangible. The numbers can’t continue to climb without overwhelming our hospitals and intensive care units. The 28-day reset for southern Ontario seems to be the only way to get us to take the virus seriously enough to flatten the curve and protect our most vulnerable citizens and front-line healthcare workers. – DS

A year to remember This year will be one we always remember. It was the year the world changed. And while it’s true that it was in late 2019 when a little-known virus began spreading in a little-known Chinese city, it was in 2020 that we all grew to know more about COVID-19. The virus has caused a worldwide pandemic, infecting over 75 million people and killing over 1.6 million, though it’s fair to add “and counting” to both numbers.

It was easy to marvel at the universal response from around the world in late March and early April as the world shut down, working together to “flatten the curve” as the experts put it. People stayed home to keep themselves and others safe and essential workers – everyone from the most high-profile doctors to small-town grocery store employees – were lauded for their courage and contribution to society. But, as two weeks turned into a month, and one month turned into 10 (again, and counting), some grew tired and their attitudes changed. There have since been protests from the “live free or die” crowds and the deniers are now out in full force, not only questioning the science behind the coming vaccine, seen as long-awaited salvation by many, but there are others, doomed to the wrong side of history, who deny the pandemic itself.

This was a year of people showing their true colours. It was a year of loss and longing and a year in which people couldn’t grieve those losses or celebrate milestones that may have passed. Many will call it a lost year. It was a year when people showed how much or how little they cared about their fellow humans. It was a year that took an incredible toll on the mental health of many, pushing them to utter hopelessness.

The hope is that 2021 will be a year of rebirth and a year of hope; that the vaccine will keep us safe and the world will slowly return to normal.

People will be reunited and their celebrations will be boisterous. January and February may be dark and cold, but spring will usher in a new era.

As Thomas Fuller said, the darkest hour is just before dawn. – SL

You can’t skip the line It’s hard not to draw parallels between the proposed floating glass factory in Stratford and the proposed A2A development in Wingham: they both are raising a lot of eyebrows, concerns and questions about where the money is coming from. The Stratford project, called Xinyi Canada Glass Limited, has some more intricacies which, given that it’s a $400 million project, makes sense, but both foreign-funded projects have resulted in significant concerns from ratepayers.

During recent council meetings, for example, North Huron Council members have questioned whether the people they are or will be talking to regarding the residential development do, indeed, have the right to speak on behalf of the hundreds of investors involved in the project.

In Stratford, activist groups are alleging that the driving forces behind the industrial project may actually put Canada’s economic and national security in jeopardy. Critics are also panning the use of a Minister’s Zoning Order last April that cleared potential legal hurdles.

There are differences between the situations, but Stratford City Council could learn from what North Huron Council is going through.

Before council started to pursue the Hutton Heights project, most of its residential development eggs were in the A2A basket, and those eggs went rotten while waiting. Stratford, in allowing the redevelopment for a one-million-square-foot plant, could be doing the same by betting a huge plot of industrial land on one foreign-controlled company.

As North Huron councillors have pointed out, it’s difficult to deal with development when you don’t know who the face of the company is.

Loreena McKennitt, founder of Wise Communities Stratford, which stands opposed to the development, says that, similarly, no one has put Xinyi Canada Glass Limited “through its paces.” Foreign investment is great, but sometimes the risk of outside money needs to be weighed against the reward and the resources tied up in the meantime. – JDS

Looking Back Through the Years December 20, 2000 At the last-ever Blyth Village Council meeting (Blyth would soon amalgamate with Wingham and East Wawanosh to create North Huron), Henry Rouw of the Ontario Clean Water Agency promised council he would investigate complaints into the quality of Blyth’s water.

Rouw spoke to council, saying that there were regular complaints about rust in the water and a strong taste of chlorine. Rouw said the rust could be chalked up to the strong iron content in the water from the village’s deep wells. The problem was then worsened by increased chlorination.

Blyth Clerk-Treasurer John Stewart said he had received more complaints about the chlorine taste than of the rust, adding there was nothing that could be done with Blyth having to meet new provincial water standards.

Two local residents would remain on the Huron County Library Board moving into the new year. Former Grey Township Reeve Robin Dunbar and Blyth resident Carol McDonnell would both continue to serve on the board.

The Blyth Festival announced it sat with a surplus at the end of the 2000 season.

Karen Stewart, administrative director for the Blyth Centre for the Arts, reported that the Festival would be carrying a surplus of just over $18,000 into 2001. She reported the good news at the Festival’s annual general meeting, saying employees were very proud of their accomplishments in the 2000 season, which included a 15 per cent increase in attendance over the previous year.

December 23, 2010 With the area seeing significant

snowfall, Huron County Director of Public Works Dave Laurie outlined the true cost of snow removal in the county. He said that between wages, upkeep on vehicles and fuel, running snow removal equipment for a day in Huron County could cost as much as $38,000. Factoring in salt and anti-icing liquid at another $10,000 per day, he said it was conceivable that the county could be spending nearly $50,000 per day for snow removal during periods of heavy accumulation.

Despite a loss to the leagueleading Walkerton Hawks the previous Friday night, the Wingham Ironmen still held a respectable record of 21-7 going into the league’s annual break for the holidays.

Ron Marcy, a retired math teacher, was elected as the new chair of the Huron Perth Catholic District School Board of Directors. This would be Marcy’s eighth term as the chair of the board.

For the Avon Maitland District School Board, South Huron’s Randy Wagler was acclaimed as chair of the board of directors.

Seaforth Community Hospital’s emergency room was set to re-open to 24-hour-a-day service beginning in February. This decision came after the hours had been reduced earlier in the year.

North Huron Council denied a request from Ashfield-ColborneWawanosh Council to enter into an automatic aid agreement for its portion of Auburn. Council made the decision following the recommendation of North Huron Fire Chief John Black.

December 20, 2018 With Premier Doug Ford and the provincial government planning to cut funding to the Ontario Arts

Council by 10 per cent, Blyth Festival Artistic Director Gil Garratt said the decision could hurt the Festival and other arts and culture organizations across Ontario.

Assuming that the Festival would then lose 10 per cent of its Ontario Arts Council funding as a result, Garratt said that would mean the Festival would have to cut its 2019 Phillips Studio productions and two positions for the coming season.

With the decision to convert policing in Wingham from the Wingham Police Service to the Ontario Provincial Police made, costs were beginning to be known.

Wingham officers would be owed a total of $190,000 in banked time if the service were to close down, according to North Huron Council.

Central Huron Mayor Jim Ginn ran unopposed for a second two-year term as Huron County Warden. He said he hadn’t necessarily intended on running for a second term, but with the high turnover around the Huron County Council table due to October’s election, he felt some continuity in the position would benefit the county.

Mark Kielburger, co-founder of Me to We, was in Brussels to speak at the first-ever Meaningful Market event, which celebrated local social enterprises at the Four Winds Barn.

With cannabis legalized in Canada, municipalities had to decide whether to allow cannabis retail locations in their communities.

Central Huron was among the first to take the vote and opted to allow the shops in the municipality.

However, the move was seen as being largely ceremonial, as the outlets would be awarded via lottery and no one from Huron County was up for consideration.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020. PAGE 5.

Other Views

Memories are made of this

W

hile millions of Canadians fret that COVID-19 restrictions are limiting their creating a memorable Christmas, I’m willing to bet that 20 years from now, people will talk more about Christmas 2020 than either Christmas 2019 or 2021.

We were talking about it at our house the other day – how somehow the special events that go wrong create the most indelible memories compared to those that go smoothly.

Our most memorable Christmases, anniversaries and summer vacations verge on Home Alone status.

Oh, I have childhood Christmases that bring back wonderful memories, like the year my grandfather bought me a tricycle. Still the Christmas that has the strongest claim on my recollections was when I was in Grade 5 and contracted rheumatic fever, an unheard of disease today, but one that could leave children with permanent heart damage.

The accepted cure at the time, aside from relatively new antibiotics, was bed rest and, since there was no free medical treatment yet, that meant my parents set up a bed for me in one end of the living room. Come Christmas dinner, I was carried to the table to join the rest of the family. When the meal was over I tried to step away from the table on my own, but my legs, unused for a month, collapsed. Oh the humiliation for a boy just on the edge of puberty.

The granddaddy of disastrous Christmases came while our kids were still young. My extended family was gathering at my parents’ house in Lucknow for mid-day Christmas dinner and exchange of gifts.

It was a cold morning and when I tried to start the car, the battery was dead. We had but one vehicle at the time and no jumper cables so that wasn’t an option. I took the battery out and

Keith Roulston From the cluttered desk carried it into the house in the hope that if it warmed up it might provide enough power to start the engine. It didn’t work.

Finally we broke down and called a neighbour, interrupting his own family celebrations. He came with his tractor, using jumper cables to start the car and his snowblower to clean up the lane so we wouldn’t get stuck.

We’d been keeping in touch with the family, telling them our progress and we were already late. We jumped in the car, now, and got about five miles before thickening snow squalls finally made us give in and return home, The family in Lucknow had to do without a jellied fruit salad but otherwise had a full Christmas dinner. We had sandwiches and jellied salad – the latter for multiple meals because we’d made enough for 25.

Our 40th wedding anniversary also provided opportunities for memories of things gone wrong. Our kids had pooled their resources for a special celebration, booking a nice Toronto hotel and tickets for The Sound of Music for the Sunday afternoon. As the day went by, rumours circulated of a storm approaching from the west. Should we skip the theatre and get home?

Because of the specialness of the occasion we went to the theatre.

By the time the show was over, it was getting dark. We crept westward along

Hwy. 401 and then onto regional roads.

Monday morning we’d be putting together the thick Christmas issue of The Citizen, so we needed to get home.

When we entered Huron County there was no signal that the county had pulled its plows off the road. We soon hit a drift half as tall as the car and were stuck. We abandoned the car, approached a nearby lighted farmhouse, pretty much invited ourselves in and tried to sleep on living room chairs.

A couple of hours later, I saw someone wading through the waist-deep snow around our car and a couple of other abandoned vehicles. I went out and it turned out to be a friendly OPP officer I knew, who called a friendly tow-truck driver who hauled us back to Blyth in time for breakfast and to go to work.

I’m glad our kids had opportunities to enjoy many summer holidays at their maternal grandfather’s cottage, because our one and only camping trip was awful. It was before we had a mini-van, so packing took intricate planning.

We chose Sauble Falls at the end of June. It must have been the coldest June 30 on record, That didn’t stop the people in the next tent from partying all night.

July 1 we went to Sauble Beach but it was so cold we were the only people there. We gave up and stiffly headed home.

We stopped in Kincardine and when we came out from shopping, discovered we had a flat tire. The jack and spare tire were, of course, buried under luggage. We dug them out, then found out the nuts holding on the wheel were seized. Then the car fell off the jack.

We can laugh about it all now. There’ll be things about COVID–Christmas that will seem funnier in hindsight. Just try to make the most of these restricted circumstances — and stay safe!

Not your typical Christmas column

U

p until the weekend, I was planning to write a nearly-sickeningly-sweet Christmas column about how we’ve all come so far this year and we just have to go a little bit further before a little prick makes it safe for the world to get back to normal.

Whether that little prick is the outgoing President of the United States or the vaccine we will get injected in our arms in the coming months is up to your imagination, however the nearly-sickeningly-sweet column will have to wait a little while.

I was ready to pen that happy-go-lucky column Sunday morning: I’d made the traditional Sunday breakfast feast, I was well rested and in just the right frame of mind to spew some sentimental stories about the past year. I sat down to my near-antique home computer, booted up my word processor and, before I had typed anything other than my file name, a news alert came across my desktop regarding a United States college student being jailed for flaunting COVID-19 restrictions in a foreign country. My mind switched gears because, for a long time, I’ve been looking for just this kind of story to illustrate that, in the offices of The Citizen, there are some differing opinions on things like taxes, law and order and personal rights.

We receive some feedback from people regarding the perceived leanings of the editorial department and, as the undisputed right-mostleaning member of said department, it’s a little frustrating.

We’re a good mix, between Publisher Deb Sholdice, Editor Shawn Loughlin and myself, representing some far left views, some middleof-the-road views and some just-to-the-right views of the political spectrum. The only thing we’re missing is the far- and alt-right crowds and, trust me on this, they’re typically not the kind of people you look to for balanced journalism out of.

So, on to why this story is important: Skylar Mack, an 18-year-old college student

Denny Scott Denny’s Den from Georgia, and her boyfriend Vanjae Ramgeet, a 24-year-old jet ski competitor from the Cayman Islands, have both been handed four-month jail sentences after they flaunted the Islands’ rules around COVID-19.

The Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory, has some very strict regulations regarding people travelling from other locations. Despite two negative COVID-19 tests, one before she left for the islands and one when she arrived, Mack was still directed to quarantine for 14 days upon her arrival. Those restrictions must be working because, per capita, they’re doing better than Huron-Perth.

The Cayman Islands have a population of 64,177, over 30,000 fewer people than Huron Perth has, but we’ve had 10 times the COVID-19 deaths. Something must be working there.

Mack didn’t follow the rules. She wanted to attend a championship race featuring her boyfriend. She was reported and originally sentenced to 40 hours of community service and a $4,400 fine.

To me, it was a fairly light sentence given that the maximum was a $10,000 fine and two years imprisonment. Patrick Moran, the Islands’ Deputy-Director of Public Prosecutions, felt the same way. He appealed for a more stringent sentence. The revised sentence was delivered last Tuesday.

Mack is now in prison and rightfully so. She willingly broke the rules, so she must be ready for the punishment and, in my opinion, it’s not harsh. It fits.

So how does this relate to The Citizen’s

office? Well we’ve debated these kinds of stories before. Every week, Deb, Shawn and I sit down for our editorial board meeting in which we discuss ideas for the editorials, which appear on the page opposite this one. We each tackle a different issue and the stance must be agreed on as we’re addressing these issues as a board, not as individuals (unlike this space, which is all mine, save some editing). It didn't take us long to realize we were going to have to find common ground and leave some of our more left-leaning or right-leaning ideas in place of some compromise.

I didn’t even suggest the Mack issue for this week’s board meeting because, after talking about how United States students were being heavily fined for breaking COVID-19 rules, I realized that my idea of law and order is a lot more stringent than Deb’s or Shawn’s.

This isn’t a complaint, more of addressing something that I’ve heard about us not giving conservative parties and politicians a fair shake.

To be honest, those comments have usually been about U.S. President Donald Trump, who isn’t criticized in these pages because of his political affiliation but because he’s an objectively horrible human being.

The main issue is that, unlike many politicians who have represented Huron and Bruce counties in the past, none of us have imbibed any political party’s Kool-Aid. I won’t speak on behalf of anyone else, but I will say I’ve got ideas that would be more prevalent in liberal thinking and ideas that are definitely more conservative.

That’s why it’s frustrating when people say we’ve got a Liberal or a Conservative lean. We don’t. We’ve got voices from different backgrounds that offer different views on the world and we try to find the balance. As far as being a small-town Canadian newspaper, I’d say we represent a balanced view most days, even if it is because I’m the somewhatconservative lodestone that pulls our debates to the right.

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

Counting on you

L

ast week I wrote about half of a column entitled “The bright side of life”. That would have been the fourth column I’ve written under that title this year. However, I stopped midway and deleted what I’d written because there was no bright side at that time.

As I was writing that column, there was an emergency call to the main street in Blyth.

From my office window, I could see firefighters working to revive a man who was prone on the sidewalk. I later found that man was my friend Greg Sarachman and that he had passed away as a result of that incident.

Staring at my screen when I found that out and seeing a plea to look on the bright side of life staring back at me almost made me sick.

It’s hard to find a bright side in that moment.

I’ve known Greg for over 10 years. He was a fan of The Citizen and as engaged a reader as we had. He would write letters, speak to North Huron Council and take an active role in opposing the closure of Blyth Public School, despite not having any school-aged children.

I knew him as a passionate advocate for his community, someone who was exceptionally well composed when getting his point across.

In fact, when he and several other local residents and politicians began debating issues openly in the pages of The Citizen by way of 1,000-word Letters to the Editor, I eventually had to put him on a word count after weeks of holding news out to make room for their letters. He would tease me about that for years.

Five years ago, we became neighbours as Jess and I moved onto the same block as him.

We would often talk about politics and life from our car windows, from our front lawns or at neighbourhood get-togethers. He never lacked insight, wisdom and opinions.

In his last e-mail to me, sent just a few days before he died, Greg praised the work of us here at The Citizen, saying “there are many counting on you and your team’s continued efforts.” Greg saw the importance of local media more than most and cherished having The Citizen here for the community, but even before he died, I took his statement to heart.

As a new father and relatively new husband, there are many people counting on me. But reading the e-mail again after Greg’s death, I read it differently and saw how that statement applies to all of us and those who count on us.

Many counted on Greg. His late wife Roberta counted on him for love and support, which he provided until the end of her life. He was a loving father, a thoughtful friend and a good neighbour. The web of people Greg touched in his life is immense and that can be said for all of us. We all make an impact.

I’m not special as the editor of this fine newspaper. It’s just one of my titles and my impact is no more far reaching than anyone else’s when considered in the context of those titles I mentioned above. We’re fathers and mothers, grandmothers and grandfathers, sons and daughters, nieces and nephews, uncles and aunts, employees and bosses, neighbours and friends. We’re members of a community who look after other members of that community, but we’re also looked after by our fellow community members, like our firefighters, politicians, merchants and public works staff.

We’re responsible to many and for many.

Our actions have consequences for others to a point it can actually be hard to fathom. So when we lose someone who provided as much for his community as Greg did, that loss is felt far and wide, in places and ways he likely never imagined. Never think you don’t matter.

We all matter more than we’ll ever know.

Indeed... there are many counting on you.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020.

At the Branch

Adlington wins $11,982 jackpot, donates the usual outlets of Brussels Variety, Brussels Pharmacy, McDonald Lumber and the Brussels Legion. A reminder to all that you must be 18 years of age to buy a ticket or win the prize, legal names only on tickets. A maximum of four tickets can be purchased at a time from a retailer and we thank all for supporting the Brussels Legion.

The Branch hosted a family Christmas for the 20 members of the Ross family on Saturday. They enjoyed a turkey/ham dinner and a couple of hours of visiting before leaving. Comrades helping for the dinner included Nanci Ducharme, Judy Lee, Jo-Ann McDonald and Marni Knight. Great job ladies.

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

Brussels Legion 218 Catch the Ace Jackpot Winner “Congratulations” Winning Ticket: Dennis Adlington $11,982 Envelope #29 found the Ace of Spades Next draw February 5th. Estimated jackpot $200

Brussels Legion 218 Catch the Ace Draw begins February 5th

Quite the Christmas present After nine other names were drawn last Friday, the last day of the current Catch the Ace lottery at the Brussels Legion, Dennis Adlington, right, claimed the $11,982 jackpot for the competition. Adlington then turned around and donated $1,000 of his winnings back to the Legion after receiving his cheque from branch President Jamie Mitchell. (John Stephenson photo)

By Jo-Ann McDonald Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year. The Brussels Legion Branch has had a quiet year, being closed for a portion of 2020 and then re-opening with restrictions, but we have persevered and made the best of it. We hope everyone has an enjoyable Christmas and we wish you all the best in 2021.

We finished the year with a “bang” and the final draw of the licence for the Catch the Ace. Friday evening had about 20 folks spaced around the room to witness the event. The weekly winner of $663 was Bonnie Voisin and her envelope choice revealed the two of diamonds, so the search continued for the ace.

Names were drawn and their

envelope opened or if their envelope choice had already been opened, the lowest number on the board was selected for them, as per the rules of the licence. The next name drawn was Rachel Hastings and the jack of clubs was revealed, followed by Darryl Smith and the eight of hearts.

Next was Kathy Stephenson, who found the two of hearts and then Dianne Dickinson revealed the five of diamonds. Bev Subject found the five of spades and Dan Fritz found the four of hearts. The queen of spades was revealed by Steph Hummel and Martin Thomet revealed the three of hearts. All received a voucher for fish fry dinners in 2021.

Finally, on the 10th name drawn, the ace of spades was found.

Congratulations to Dennis Adlington who found the ace in envelope number 29 and won the jackpot of $11,982.00. Dennis is from Ilderton and had been purchasing his tickets from son-in-law Michael McDonald at McDonald Lumber. Dennis was very surprised when contacted on Friday evening and came to the Branch on Saturday to pick up his winning cheque. All the formalities were recorded and a picture was taken with President Jamie Mitchell presenting the cheque.

The Catch the Ace draw began on Nov. 29, 2019 and was suspended in March because of the closure. It resumed in September to run its course of 30 weeks ending last Friday night. A new draw begins on Feb. 5. Tickets will be available at

Traditions reinvented in pandemic A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231 Wow! That’s about all I can come up with as I think about this year, which is on the cusp of ending. Yes, I think wow covers it. The year that was will be in our memory for years to come and each of us will have a different story about the year of COVID-19.

Advent is done. We’ve noted the effects of hope, peace, joy and love on our lives for another year. As we’ve celebrated the past four weeks, we noted that with a bit of effort there is much good that each of us can bring to our lives and the lives of others. Keep up the good work and continue to show love, joy, hope and peace in your everyday life.

Christmas: The telling of a story that happened thousands of years

ago. A baby born, life lived and details reviewed. History dealt with this life and we now tell our very own variation of the Bethlehem birth that moved on to the Jesus of our today.

Christmas is the beginning of this long-told story and so we celebrate in ways that mean the most to us.

Life moves, attitudes change and the story goes on. So as the days toward Christmas move along, take time to think about why you do the things you do and when. It’s your history.

This COVID-19 Christmas will be new, as family and friends will begin their new traditions with our pandemic status. In this house, an evergreen sits in the corner, decorated with a variety of ornaments each with a story. A Nativity display with an Eaton’s catalogue beginning has had additions over the years – each given and received with love. It always has a place of honour as this wee barn holds reindeer from the Jenkins side, doves from my parents’ time, animals made or bought by my sons, a wee pig from a friend, and more stories to go with each animal.

Angels, in many forms are pretty

important here as, over my years, earth angels have been part of my journey. Santa, the original kind, sweet face with a nice beard lives here. The red suit reminds us of love shared and love given. I regret not buying a figurine I saw long ago that showed Santa kneeling at the manger. Saw it once, didn’t buy it and have never seen it since. Darn!

Food shared also conveys love, so sharing of favourite treats is important. Shortbread with Ella’s recipe, a rolled cookie from the Watson clan are needed here for the festivities. Cold turkey sandwiches with cranberries are part of the first few days of Christmas time. So give your life a review as you think about tradition and change and how you adjusted as the world moves on its axis.

Enjoy this miraculous time of the year and know that while your story will not last thousands of years, your life is important to many. Jesus is the reason for this season, but for this year, the hope, peace, joy and love that you offer our world is just as important today.

Christmas blessings to you and may 2021 bring better days to all.

Betty G.W.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020. PAGE 7.

Vodden releases book on Blyth’s schools

History class Local historian Brock Vodden wanted to make sure the history of local schools, stretching back to the mid-19th century and ending with the closing of Blyth Public School in 2012, was committed to paper for posterity. To that end, he released his new book Blyth Schools And Then There Were None. (Denny Scott photo)

COVID-19 to change holidays From Marilyn’s Desk

By Marilyn Craig Call 523-9318

Sympathy is extended to Pat Bernard and family on the death of her husband Harv Bernard. Harv will be missed by many residents of Blyth and surrounding area.

Happy birthday to Bill Howson, who celebrates Dec. 28; Brock Vodden, Dec. 29; Connie Nesbitt and Dave Webster, Jan. 1; Deb Hakkers, Mike Haggitt and Jenna DeCorte, Zurich, Jan. 4 and Brodie Nesbitt, Jan. 5. Happy birthday everyone. Rob and Karen Mason will celebrate their anniversary on Dec. 28.

While I am writing this column, I am reminded that Monday was the first day of winter as well as the shortest day of the year. It doesn’t look much like winter when we look out the window and green grass is showing with warm temperatures, although it is good weather to get that last-minute shopping finished.

Christmas is going to be different for all of us this year; 2020 will be a year we will never forget with restrictions of COVID-19 lockdowns and many changes to businesses and the way we operate them.

Dave and I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Stay safe and don’t forget to call or text a friend or family member and wish them a Merry Christmas.

See you in 2021.

By Denny Scott The Citizen Local author and historian Brock Vodden has put together a history of Blyth’s schools, starting with the first schools to service Blyth in 1860 and stretching through to when Blyth Public School closed its doors for the final time in 2012.

Vodden, who has previously penned a historical view of the community of Blyth called Blyth Through the Lens recently released

Blyth Schools And Then There Were None, which covers both public and continuation schools in the community throughout the village’s history.

Vodden’s drive in creating the tome started with wanting to record his own local educational experience, which started in 1940.

“I was interested in telling the story about the school that I attended,” he said, saying he started in Grade 1 in 1940. “I think we had a really, really good little school in terms of excellent teachers who were part of the community.”

Vodden explained that local schools have been a crucial part of the village.

“Our school was an important part of our community aided by dedicated and caring teachers [and] school board members who knew each child by name and their parents.”

While his work started with his own tale, Vodden said it made sense to look further back, given that he has significant respect for the early pioneers of education in Blyth who built the first schools and formed the first school boards.

“I wanted to tell the story of this community’s respect for the education of its children, and the way the community developed in its children [a respect for] the importance of education in their life,” he said.

The community’s first school was on Moncrieff Road in 1860 following a drive by the community that was very dedicated to education, Vodden said.

“They definitely wanted a school, so they formed their own school board and built the school,” he said.

“It was known as the McGowan School in East Wawanosh.”

He said that, in those days, schools and school boards were attached to their own community, so much so that people living across the road from a school would have to travel to another school if attending the nearby school required crossing a border.

That ended in 1877, the year Blyth was incorporated, when the village’s

first school was built, he said, which was at the north end of the village.

Vodden said that, over the years the structures of all the schools changed, leading to the creation of the Blyth Public School in the early 20th century. He said one thing people may not realize is, in 1920, the school had a continuation school added to it, educating students from Grades 9-12, though then they were called first, second, third and fourth form.

“For Grade 13 or higher education, people had to go to Clinton,” Vodden said.

The book covers the creation of the Blyth Public School that was torn down in recent years up until it closed, and Vodden said that was a driving force in him wanting to get this book out.

He said he spent four to five months on it because he wanted to get the history encoded.

“There’s been a lot of chatter over the past few months because people have been anticipating it,” he said.

Continued on page 10

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PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020.

Blyth’s Boven raises $1,300 for food banks

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Eleven-year-old Leah Boven of Blyth will soon be donating over $1,300 to local food banks as a result of a very successful fundraiser she undertook in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Boven mulled a few options in the weeks leading up to Christmas, including a “light-up” similar to the one organized in Goderich, but eventually arrived at a sales fundraiser to raise money for the food banks.

She sold Hanna’s maple syrup and

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Leah Boven of Blyth raised more than $1,300 for local food banks through selling locally-made barbecue sauce and maple syrup. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

Health suffered under pandemic, lockdown Continued from page 1 when Huron County was broken out on its own.

The mental health aspect of the survey, however, is where Deacon said he and his team found the most concerning trends.

Across the two counties, 662 people classified their mental health as excellent. That number dropped to 368 after March 1. Those who said their mental health was good before March 1 dropped by nearly 400 from 1,373 before March 1 to just over 1,000 after March 1.

Those who said they had average mental health rose from 455 to 663 after March 1, followed by 419 people saying they had satisfactory mental health after March 1, compared to 176 before March 1.

Those who said their mental health was poor rose dramatically, with 235 saying they had poor mental health after March 1 compared to just 54 people saying their mental health was poor before March 1.

Again, the numbers from Huron County were consistent with those found across the region.

Deacon also said that alarmingly, the drop in mental health seemed more prevalent in women who responded to the survey. Thirty-eight per cent of the women surveyed found their mental health had been impacted by the pandemic, compared to 29.5 per cent of the men who responded.

Deacon said the next steps would be further analysis and highlighting the need to consider the uniqueness of rural communities, as well as promoting rural resiliency.

Bluewater Mayor Paul Klopp said the data needed to be sent along to upper-tier government officials and Huron Perth Public Health. He felt the data Deacon and his team had compiled was complete and no further research was needed.

Goderich Mayor John Grace disagreed, instead saying the team needed to “drill down” and find more data. Then, council should be

money, but she did it by helping out a local business in Hanna’s.

Boven said there would have been no way for her to raise this kind of money if it hadn’t been for her parents helping her get the ball rolling and for the generosity of the Continued on page 11

barbecue sauce to family friends and community members, setting a goal of $500 to be donated. However, the project proved so successful that she blew past her goal in no time and eventually raised over $1,300 in just two weeks, running from Dec. 3-17.

Not only was she able to raise that

acting to help those in need, who, in his opinion, were the young people.

He said it’s not the area’s senior citizens who are feeling the isolation, but the young people.

Deacon said his team would appreciate council championing the research. He said he and his team were able to conduct the research, but not connect with any decisionmakers in the hopes of supporting those who are hurting in the community, so that was his hope for council and other elected officials.

He said that what he was asked to deliver out of the research was a journal article. As for enacting change and putting supports in place for those in rural communities, that was not up to his research group.

He also said it would be a shame to waste the research, which contained “a ton of information” when compared to other surveys.

Having said that, Deacon said the team has already received requests from seven other rural counties to conduct similar research. He said this kind of research has been conducted in Ontario’s city centres, but not in rural communities, which is what made his team’s findings unique.

Huron East Mayor Bernie MacLellan recommended that Deacon and his team present their findings at the coming conference of the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA).

Mayor Jim Ginn said he wasn’t against supporting a presentation being made at the ROMA conference, but rather suggested that the county needs to be acting now.

Ginn said he felt the vaccine would be available in the area sooner than many have estimated, but that January is likely to be the darkest period of the pandemic, making it challenging for those who are struggling with declining mental health.

Council pledged to engage uppertier elected officials and HuronBruce MPP Lisa Thompson and bring them in on the research.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020. PAGE 9.

Use marginalia to create a pandemic book club PEOPLE AROUND LONDESBORO

By BRENDA RADFORD Call 523-4296

I expect many readers of this item will not have a clue as to the practice of purchasing used textbooks from persons in the grade ahead of your own, which is largely a thing of the past. But that need to save a little cash came back to me when I came across an item in the media recently.

We were always taught not to deface a book by writing in it. But I found it interesting to read whatever notations the person ahead of me had written in the margins of the pages.

Sometimes it was just teenage gossip, but sometimes those notes gave an insight into various topics that proved useful for your own understanding. Now I learn this is called marginalia.

To beat the hours of isolation, a contributor to the Toronto Star has suggested combining marginalia with book trading to be part of a homebound book club.

The idea is to choose a book and while enjoying it make notes throughout. Then pass the book on to another reader who will enjoy it doing the same. In the end that book could be the source of a discussion between two or more persons. Even a Zoom book club might be the result. The connection is the important thing.

The virus lives on paper for three days so moving the book to another person has to be done safely – post box, doorstep, garage, etc. But those of us who enjoy reading can spend hours lost in a good book so why keep it to ourselves? Mark up the book with your own thoughts, feelings, etc. and pass it on.

Minister at Londesborough United

Church, Susan McIlveen, lit the fourth candle of Advent, the candle of love on Sunday, Dec. 20. Sharing their musical talents with churchgoers were Barb Bosman at

the piano and Marsha Szusz with her violin. The pair offered medleys of Christmas carols to the enjoyment of all present. Not being able to sing carols together is a real hardship this

year and the duets were a true comfort.

This being the last edition before Christmas, I take this opportunity to wish all of you the best Christmas

possible in this trying time of the pandemic with lockdowns and restrictions abounding. In the beginning of this back in March, the catchphrase was “we’re in this together”. Keep that in mind as you fill Dec. 25.

Try not to focus on what is different, but on the true message of goodwill to all. This time next year I don’t want to say we will be back to normal, but what we will have learned so much about is really important. Be ready to live in a new and forever changed world.

Stay home where you don’t have to wear a mask!

Quite the feat Students at Hullett Central Public School recently came together as part of their third annual food drive to raise $1,324.65 for the North Huron Community Food Share. COVID-19 restrictions made the efforts look different this year as food couldn’t be collected, but donations could. By paying for spirit days, students raised a lot of money. Parent Chelsey Yundt was a big part of the drive, donating the sitting fee from the Grade 8 graduation photos she took for last year’s graduating class, totalling over $200. Mrs. Plumsteel’s Grade 3/4 class raised the most, earning themselves gingerbread man cookie kits donated by Watson’s Home Hardware in Blyth thanks to employee and school parent Elisha Haak. Above, students donate the funds to Roxane Nicholson of the food share at right. (Denny Scott photo)

NEWS FROM LONDESBORO

Merry Christmas Wishing you and your family peace & happiness throughout this Holiday Season and Best Wishes for a better year in 2021!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Wild Goose Studio Front row (L to R): Councillor Zoey Onn, Councillor Brenda Dalton, Mayor Bernie MacLellan, Deputy-Mayor Bob Fisher, Councillor Dianne Diehl, Councillor Gloria Wilbee.

Back row (L to R): Finance Manager-Treasurer Paula Michiels, Councillor Alvin McLellan, Councillor Joe Steffler, Councillor Larry McGrath, Councillor Raymond Chartrand, Councillor John Lowe, CAO/Clerk Brad Knight.

from the council and staff of the

Municipality of Huron East Holiday Hours: Closed December 21st until January 4th.

The first regular Council meetings in January are scheduled for January 5th and 19th, 2021.

Holiday Garbage/Recycling Collection 519-386-5868 wildgoosestudiocanada@yahoo.com A studio space dedicated to releasing creativity and building community through art and workshops

Please note that garbage and recycling collection in the Grey and McKillop Wards will be Saturday December 26th

PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020.

Local teachers, principals key to education: Vodden Continued from page 7 “Schools have always been important, even the ones that

are closed and gone.”

Vodden said that the running theme in the book is the connection

Spirit daze Local schools had entire weeks of spirit days leading up to the holiday break. Above, Mary Jane Scott and Jade Glanville of Mrs. Moir’s Junior Kindergarten class at Hullett Central Public School show off their Christmas hats and scarves on hat and scarf day held last Thursday. (Denny Scott photo)

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between community and school, which is a “two-way street” according to him.

“Communities really inform the school and contribute to it and, likewise, school contributes to the community,” he said. “Schools prepare young people for growth and development in the community.”

Vodden went on to say that having teachers who are part of the community was also an important aspect of those early schools, and part of the positive educational impacts in the community.

“We had a principal, Bert Gray, who taught and lived in this community for over 30 years,” Vodden said, as an example. “He was part of the community.”

He said that, as a result of the closure of the Blyth Public School, students are now being educated in other communities that have no understanding of Blyth, and the connection between the school and the community has been lost.

Vodden said the book presented a chance to detail the impact of a community losing its only school.

“I also saw this book as an opportunity to comment on the damage done to this community, as well as others, with the closing of small community schools and the loss of community/school connection through the amalgamations,” he said. “[That] left many communities like Blyth completely disenfranchised as a result of the [creation of the] Avon Maitland District School Board, comprising two entire counties. which results in school boards and communities who are total strangers.”

The book also showcases the difference in education over the last two centuries, Vodden said.

“We allowed corporal punishment,

excessively in the cases of a few older teachers, while younger teachers seldom, if ever, used that method,” he said of the earlier schools. “Some older teachers still treated slow learners as behavioural problems while younger teachers tried to provide those students with the techniques that enable them to do better.”

The book is made for more of a niche audience than his past offering, he said.

“Blyth Through the Lens is a much more interesting book,” he said.

“This is mostly a memorial to the people who attended the school or lived in the community…. It’s more

focused on the people who either attended the schools… and the children of people who attended the school.”

The book is available through The Citizen’s offices.

Merry Christmas Wishing you and your family our warmest regards and best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season.

From all of us at Huron Tractor

HOLIDAY HOURS

Thursday, December 24th - 8 am to Noon Friday, December 25th - Closed Saturday, December 26th - Closed Monday, December 28th - Open 8 am to Noon (Parts Dept. only) Thursday, December 31 - 8 am to 3 pm Friday, January 1st - Closed

Visit Huron Tractor today for a great selection of toys for the kids and the kid in you!

HuronTractor.com | BLYTH | 216 Blyth Rd. | 519-523-4244

All the best

from all of us at the Holidays With heartfelt thanks for your generous support

Merry Christmas

Warm wishes for a wonderful Christmas and all the best for the New Year

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020. PAGE 11.

Ford calls on federal government to control borders Continued from page 1 stay home,” he said, adding that necessary outings are permitted.

“Grocery stores and pharmacies will be open at reduced capacity. Other retailers will offer curbside pick-up.”

The lockdown will remain in place for 14 days in Northern Ontario and 28 days in Southern Ontario, though Ford did say that data will be monitored to determine if and when it’s safe to lift restrictions.

Schools will also be shut down for the lockdown, however not all students will be out for the entirety of the period.

School will resume on Jan. 11, a week later than planned, however students in secondary schools will be returning to virtual classes while students in Kindergarten to Grade 8 will be in-class learning. High school students will return to inperson classes on Jan. 25.

“We’re asking students and staff to

stay home,” Ford said, adding it will help make sure Ontarians do what’s necessary to control the spread.

For businesses, a new grant system has been created, Ford said, which will see successful applicants receive a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $20,000 to help through the challenging times.

“We know how business is suffering,” Ford said. “We’re reviewing our support system.”

When asked why the lockdown was being pushed five days from the announcement, Ford said that businesses that aren’t currently in a lockdown area will need time to deal with inventory.

He also said that, despite the significant COVID-19 numbers that the province has been seeing, it still has the lowest cases per 100,000 people in North America, so this was a preventative measure.

Ford also fielded a question about

implementing a curfew, which had proven effective in France and Australia in bending the curve. He said he had no interest in setting up a police state, and said that the initial lockdown proved successful because people listened and he hopes that trend continues.

Ford also addressed the federal government’s lack of testing at Pearson Airport, answering numerous questions about the impact that international travel is having on Ontario.

“We have 64,000 [international travellers] that went through Pearson last week, basically unchecked,” he said, adding 25 per cent aren’t quarantining. “I don’t care if it's 10 per cent. These people are roaming the streets and we’re letting it happen… If the Prime Minister isn’t going to do it, I’m going to.”

He said the federal government needs to step up and better control

the borders, including at Pearson Airport. If not, the province will take control of the area.

“We’ll be doing RIDE checks at the corner of the road as people [leave the airport],” Ford said.

As for the new strain, Minister of Health Christine Elliott said it is thought to be 70 per cent more infectious than the initial strain. As a result, flights were delayed from the United Kingdom for 72 hours as a result of the new strain.

According to one reporter’s question, 54 flights with COVID-19 infections have landed in Pearson during the pandemic, alongside two flights from the United Kingdom that weren’t impacted by the delay.

Ford said the border is like a sieve right now, and that exemptions need to be cancelled outside of commercial transport. He went on to say he is frustrated by the federal government’s lack of action on the issue.

“Let’s get the testing at the airport and stop the leak,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s 10 people getting through. That’s 10 people that are going to be out spreading COVID-19.

“I implore the federal government to take action at the borders, not just at Ontario in my opinion, but right across the country,” he said. “I can

promise the people of Ontario, I’m not waiting anymore. We will be doing tests at Pearson.”

When asked whether international flights should be cancelled outright, Ford said every Canadian citizen has a right to come back in, but international travellers should be tested as a minimum measure.

“Our recommendation to the federal government is that travellers are tested, quarantined for seven days then tested again,” he said, adding it wasn’t implemented. “The ball keeps getting thrown down the field. It’s unacceptable…. We’re going to go out there and start testing people at the airport.”

Happy Holidays!

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Glory to God in the Highest Thanks for being an important part of our year.

It’s been a pleasure serving you, and we greatly appreciate your business.

Merry Christmas!

Snowy scenarios

Bert & Carol Reinink & family

In the weeks leading up to the holiday break, students at North Woods Elementary School were busy crafting all sorts of holiday handiwork. Above, Ayda Smith, left, and Paislee Ribey point out some of their wintery weather works proudly displayed on the wall at their school.

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Fundraiser spurred on by food bank use Continued from page 8 community. If they weren’t willing to buy the maple syrup and barbecue sauce from her, then the fundraiser wouldn’t have gotten very far.

Boven said she wanted to thank the community for supporting her efforts.

In deciding to raise money for local food banks, Boven said part of the reason was because of the evident need in the community.

From March to September, she said, local food bank usage had increased by 26 per cent.

She also wanted to work to raise money, but keep the fundraiser at a reasonable size so as to not undercut local small businesses either at a time when so many of them are struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Municipality of Central Huron Council and Municipal Staff join together to wish you peace and serenity this holiday season.

THE MUNICIPALITY OF CENTRAL HURON Welcome Your New Arrival in

The Citizen

Call or email to book your ad today 519-523-4792 info@northhuron.on.ca

AS PART OUR RESPONSE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS THE MUNICIPAL OFFICE IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC SERVICES BY APPOINTMENT ONLY THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020 - CLOSED AT NOON AND WILL REOPEN MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021 AT 8:30 AM

www.centralhuron.com

PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020.

Volunteers continue to stake trails PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

Merry Christmas to all and Happy New Year. To say the least, 2020 has been full of challenges for all.

Businesses had to close and re-open with restrictions. Children were home from school and parents were forced to stay home or make other arrangements. Home schooling for some was a challenge. Paying the

bills was another. Yes, it was a year full of adversity for many.

But the year has had some ups and downs and some positive things for many. It has brought families closer together through learning, playing, activities and time for talking.

Business has adapted, doing takeouts and drive-by pick-ups. I hope our local businesses are doing well and people are shopping local.

Unfortunately, our small town cannot offer everything someone might need, and shopping online has created a monster for Canada Post.

Maybe more homemade gifts, baking or creative gifts are this year’s choice. Christmas will again bring small, more intimate family gatherings for many. Let’s not forget our seniors by making phone calls,

window visits and small gifts to brighten their Christmas Day. I hope you all find a way to enjoy Christmas that makes you happy and keeps you safe.

News is hard to come by every week because there are no weddings, no parties, no birthday celebrations, no meetings, no anything really.

More stakes appeared this week for the snowmobile trail and the hopes for a good year of snowmobiling ahead.

More construction is happening on McKillop Hullett Road with a new “barn” appearing on the Godkin property.

We had many excited children on the bus for the last week of school, all looking forward to Christmas and their presents. Many had special crafts made at school to give to their

Obituaries be held at a time to be determined when we can all gather to share hugs and to tell stories of remembrance.

Those who wish to are encouraged to share their photos and memories of Harv at www.falconerfuneralhomes.com that the family will compile into a memory book, which would be greatly appreciated.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to Camp Menesetung or the Alzheimer Society would be truly appreciated.

HARVEY EARL BERNARD 1952-2020 Harvey Earl Bernard passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, at London Health Sciences Centre - Critical Care Trauma Centre on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020 after a short courageously-fought battle with necrotizing pancreatitis, (non-COVID-19-related). He was in his 69th year.

Harv was the devoted husband of Pat (Badley) for 47 years and the beloved father of Karen (Robert) Mason and Kevin Bernard. Poppa will be sadly missed by his grandchildren, Caden and Cole.

Harv was the brother and brotherin-law of Lois De Weese, Les and Brenda Bernard, Marie and Robert Johnston and Dave Bernard and Nancy DeGans.

He was predeceased by his parents George and Lillian (McClure), brother-inlaw Willie De Weese, in-laws Lorne (Pat) and Vera (McDonald) Badley, and brother-in-law Reg Badley. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews.

Harv was a passionate entrepreneur of 28 years in the tree removal/trimming and stump grinding business. He took pride in his work and would tell stories of tree jobs he completed that stretched far and wide across Southwestern Ontario. Memories of his infectious smile, booming laughter and outstretched hand waves often seen in his favourite truck “Big Red” throughout Huron County will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him.

Harv was a devoted family man, and a proud poppa who loved his grandsons and he will be greatly missed. Much gratitude goes to all those who have kept, and continue to keep, our family in their hearts as we grieve this loss of our dear husband, father and poppa.

As per Harv’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a private family funeral service will take place. A service to celebrate Harv’s life will

DON FISCHER Don Fisher, formerly of Brussels and Kincardine, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020 at the age of 72.

Don was the beloved husband of Mary Fischer and the late Jeanne Fischer and the loving father of Laurie Raynard, Steven Fischer and stepfather of Shannon Gregory

(Chris) and the late Shelley Tighe.

He was the proud papa of Alex (Phil), Josh, Emma, Brielle, Ty and Owen and the caring brother of Murray (Connie), Rae (Nancy), Mary Anne (Brian), and Nancy (John). Don was the brother-in-law of Bob (Theresa), Don (Cathy), Bill (Brenda) and Chrissie and the wonderful uncle of many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Mary and Hartley Fischer.

Don was the special friend of Shirley and Vern. He will be greatly missed by Macie, his dog and Sadie the cat.

Don enjoyed his time at the cottage on Lake Huron where he spent countless hours working on his gardens. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and enjoyed a few rum and cokes in the evenings.

Private visitation was held by invite-only due to COVID-19 restrictions at the Riverside Funeral Home, Brussels.

A graveside funeral service was held on Sunday, Dec. 20 at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Ethel.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy, donations in memory of Don are asked to consider the Shelley and Maggie Angel Fund through the Queen Street Veterinary Services in Kincardine.

Cards of sympathy and donations may be sent to Box 340, Brussels, ON, N0G 1H0.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca.

Yo Y our voice, e your community comm ommunity ty, your neews.

parents or decorations they made for their Christmas trees.

Our family had a drive-by birthday event for our grandson Connor in New Hamburg. We tooted the horn and they came out on the porch. We delivered the birthday gifts and the Mario birthday cake and had a nice visit outside for a short time and then home again we came. We did a zoom call with them and the rest of the family later in the afternoon on Sunday and sang Happy birthday to Connor. Now we have two eightyear-old grandchildren, as their birthdays are only 16 days apart.

We had quite a surprise the other night. I was working in the kitchen when something at the window caught my eye. It was an opossum looking in to see what he could see. He didn’t stay long when I started moving around and off he went.

Celebrating birthdays this past week were Adam Shortreed, Stephen Bernard, Stephanie Rijkhoff Eedy, Abby Strome, Meg Fritz, Geoff Dalton, Jeff Lewington, Glenn Mader, David Pethick, Natalie Wakabayashi, Brody Goodfellow, Jean Bewley, Connor Jarosz, Monique Baan, John W. Brown, Pearl McCallum, Clayton Fraser, Alice Searle, Brycen Medd, Blake Dale. The birthdays celebrated between Christmas and New Year’s will include Michelle Blake, Reagan Blair, Anne Curreri, Kerry Blake Dale, Alex Deitner, Mark Gillis, Rob Dionne, Alaina Poland, Greg Fritz, Elise Ringgenberg, Hope Lowe, Mary Ann Thompson, Judy Emmrich, Paul Flaxbard, Audrey Hackwell and Aubrey McClure.

Happy birthday to all.

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The Citizen Holiday Schedule The Brussels Office will be closed December 21, 2020 at 4:30 pm Open January 4 at 10:00 am The Blyth Office will be closed December 23, 2020 at 5:00 pm Open January 4 at 9:00 am There will be no paper published on Thursday, December 31

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020. PAGE 13.

Gusso honoured for donating to hospital staff “Many Ontarians are facing pressures in ways we’ve never seen before because of the global pandemic,” said Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson. “Part II Bistro helped their local community by donating services, resources, and time to help others. The Big Heart Small Business Award is aptly named for Peter Gusso and his staff for their generosity.”

Associate Minister Sarkaria agreed. “As I connect and host virtual roundtables with small businesses across the province, I’m also hearing about the tremendous generosity of our small businesses and the many ways they are giving back to their communities,” she said.

“In so many remarkable ways, these local heroes are demonstrating the Ontario spirit. Part II Bistro is one of the recipients and I would like to congratulate them on the Small Businesses, Big Hearts award.”

Gusso, owner of Part II Bistro, made the difficult decision to fully

close his restaurant in light of physical distancing directives. On the last day before closing, he and his staff sent 90 salads and desserts to staff at the Alexandra Marine and Hospital in Goderich. The logistics of distributing these items to the staff and physicians was done so in a safe manner to respect physical distancing, as well as reducing the number of people that had “hands on”.

The government’s Small Business Big Hearts initiative provides a platform to highlight small businesses that have helped their communities and made life a little easier for their fellow Ontarians.

Many small businesses have shown true Ontario spirit during this period, strengthening the foundation of their communities and helping Ontarians through this recovery. If you know of a small business that has stepped up and shown the Ontario Spirit in your community, send the story to bighearts@ontario.ca.

Recognized Peter Gusso, left, formerly of Blyth, was recognized for his efforts and those of his staff at Part II Bistro in Goderich through the recently established Small Businesses, Big Hearts initiative. Designed to recognize businesses that have gone above and beyond to help out during the COVID-19 pandemic, the provincial initiative recognized Gusso for donating salads and desserts to the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital in Goderich. Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson presented Gusso with a certificate recognizing his efforts. (Photo submitted) In May, the Government of Ontario launched its “Small Businesses, Big Hearts” initiative, a campaign designed to recognize the remarkable ways Ontario small businesses have stepped up and supported their local communities throughout COVID-19, even when they themselves were struggling with adapting to challenges caused by the pandemic.

The small business community has risen to help the vulnerable and those stuck at home, with countless people generously giving their time and resources to make and deliver food, run errands and check in on those who are isolated and alone.

The Small Businesses, Big Hearts Award, launched by Premier Doug Ford and Small Business Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria, solicits stories of

small businesses across the province that have shown true Ontario spirit through their generosity, amidst the uncertainty and challenges brought on by COVID-19. Many of these businesses have altered their business models and paid it forward, providing inspiration and creating hope in their local communities.

Recently, one Huron County business was named with the award.

Columbus Centre burgled Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers are actively investigating a break, enter and theft that took place last weekend in Wingham.

Police say that sometime between 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18 and 7 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19, a thief stole $180 cash and a canvas bag from an office located within the Knights of Columbus Centre, located on Kerr Drive in Wingham.

SHOPLIFTER CAUGHT A South Huron resident wanted for shoplifting was taken into custody by Huron County OPP officers last weekend according to police.

The OPP said that, just after 1 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19, officers were patrolling in Vanastra on 12th Street

when they came upon a suspect attempting to hide from the officers.

Police say that officers were eventually able to detain the suspect and it became apparent to the officers the suspect was wanted in connection with some recent shoplifting incidents.

The OPP report that, over the last few weeks, the accused stole bottles of liquor from businesses in Exeter and Clinton on three separate occasions.

A 32-year-old man from South Huron has been charged with the following offences: Resist Peace Officer, Fail to Comply With Probation Order - seven counts and Theft Under $5,000 - three counts.

The accused has since been released from custody with a court

appearance scheduled for Jan. 25, 2021.

Any person with information regarding these incidents should immediately contact Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or (519) 482-1677.

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

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May the spirit of Christmas touch all earth’s creatures with its magic and warmth. Let us share with others our most treasured gifts of peace, love and goodwill.

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Merry Christmas With best wishes and gratitude this holiday season. It’s been great getting to know you, and we look forward to seeing you again next year!

It's a Shear Thing

This is our wish to you from the management and staff of Bainton’s, the original Old Mill in downtown Blyth since 1894.

Bainton’s Old Mill is closed Christmas day.

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PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020.

County aims to combat racism with panel series

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron County is undertaking several anti-racism initiatives through its Huron County Immigration Partnership, scheduled to roll out early next year.

County Immigration Partnership Co-ordinator Kristin Crane presented the report at Huron County Council’s Dec. 16 meeting.

Crane told council that the Immigration Partnership Council met in June and decided that the county needed a more targeted approach to anti-racism in the county.

As a result, the council formed the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Working Group the following month with the goal of creating and implementing a strategy to increase the public’s knowledge of equity,

diversity and inclusion while advocating for systemic change at the organizational level. In addition, Crane said the group would actively challenge racism.

The first initiative created by the group is a four-part panel series aimed at engaging rural audiences on inclusiveness, equity and the value of diversity. A collaboration with Goderich’s FauxPop Media, the panel series would seek to include local and regional panelists with lived experiences and varied perspectives, while addressing a variety of themes to build awareness.

Working with regional experts in the field, like Dr. Nita Tyler-Mosby of the Denver Institute, Leroy Hibbert of London Urban Services Organization (LUSO) Community Services, Andrea Moffatt of DiverCity Consultants and Dharshi

Lacey of Pillar Nonprofit Network, the first two installments in the panel series are scheduled to be released in January. The final two will follow in February.

The first installment, scheduled to be released in mid-January, will be “Answering Why it Matters in Rural Ontario”. In it, community and business leaders discuss the value diversity and inclusion adds to the community and asks how the county can be a welcoming community.

Panelists will be Nevien Ibrahim, Gemma Mendez-Smith, John Grace and Leanna Kavanaugh.

The second installment will be “A Conversation about Awareness”, asking how unconscious bias, xenophobia and micro-aggressions reveal themselves and how members of the Muslim community have experienced such barriers.

Panelists will be Sarah Shafiq,

Aruba Mahmud and Rana Telfah with a late-January release planned.

The third installment, scheduled for release in mid-February, will be entitled, “A Conversation about Privilege”, asking how privilege and systemic racism appear and about some of the lived experiences of young, racialized newcomers.

Panelists include Awil Abdullahi, Hoda Al-Obaidi, Ted Doherty and Kate Ballagh-Steeper.

The final installment, set for release in late February, is called “A Conversation about Equity”, asking what the difference is between equity and equality and how members of the Indigenous and Black communities have experienced systemic barriers to equity.

Panelists will be Patsy Day, Matthew Dawkins, Kendrew Jacobs, Dr. Miriam Klassen and Jana BayerSmith.

Crane said the intended outcomes

of the series are to stimulate community engagement in further action, influence people’s empathy and understanding of individuals with lived experience, make it comfortable to have respectful conversations about differences and to offer education, to allow people to acknowledge, name and recognize the different terms shared in the series.

Crane also said the working group will be collaborating with the Huron County Library system to further these discussions with corresponding literature and resources available locally.

Huron County Warden and Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh Mayor Glen McNeil, in his first full meeting as warden, said this work was important for Huron County. In addition, he said it was important for members of Huron County Council to lead by example and make it clear that racism has no place in the community.

Season’s Greetings Blyth Business Improvement Association www.blythnow.ca

Blyth BIA

Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2021.

Thank you kindly for your loyal support.

Congratulations Annie Sparling, this year’s Citizen of the Year Award winner for Blyth and its surrounding communities, was presented with her plaque last week, honouring her commitment and hard work for her community. As the leader of the Blyth Community Betterment Group, Sparling has been instrumental in the revival of the Blyth Rutabaga Festival and the creation of the Hometown Holiday Weekend. Citizen Editor Shawn Loughlin made the presentation in the hopes that in late 2021 the 2020 Citizens of the Year and the yet-to-be-named 2021 Citizens of the Year can be safely celebrated together at an event hosted by North Huron Publishing.

(Denny Scott photo)

85345 Brussels Line, P.O. Box 140, BRUSSELS

Ross McCall

Office . . . . . . . . . . . . 519-887-9571 Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 519-887-9171

GREETINGS OF THE SEASON As we celebrate the gladness and the glory of this holy season, we’d like to express our deepest feelings of friendship and goodwill to all of you.

Letter to the Editor

Smith expresses his thanks THE EDITOR, (An open letter to the residents of Blyth and the surrounding area) I am writing this letter to inform you, I have decided to close our facility known as Falconer Funeral Homes – Blyth Chapel, located at 407 Queen Street in Blyth. The effective date of the closure will be December 23, 2020.

We struggled with this decision, and several factors were taken into consideration. With the nature of funeral services changing in the past few years, and the recent COVID-19 outbreak, we feel that having a physical facility in the Village of Blyth does not serve the needs of the families we are privileged to serve.

There has been a marked increase in recent years of services and even visitation periods being held at churches or other venues, making our physical facility redundant.

We will continue to provide services through our Clinton and Goderich locations, in the same professional manner you have come to expect from our firm.

Should there be concerns or questions, you are welcome to

contact me at our Clinton office 519482-9521.

I wish to thank the community for the support over the many years.

Christopher Smith, Owner Falconer Funeral Homes.

Funeral Homes 519-482-9521 Christopher M. Smith, Mark R. Rushton, Amanda Rich & Staff

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020. PAGE 15.

Christmas in 2012

Christmas trees abound at McLellans’ house

All throughout the house Huron East Councillor Alvin McLellan is seen as a bit of an enabler around the holidays for his wife Pam, who loves to decorate during the Christmas season. Pam, seen here with her husband and their dog Batista in 2012, ensures that there is a small Christmas tree in every room of the house, each with its own theme. (File photo) Long-time Huron East Councillor Alvin McLellan shared his family’s Christmas story with The Citizen’s editor Shawn Loughlin in 2012.

To learn more about Christmas traditions at Huron East Councillor Alvin McLellan’s house, you don’t have to do much more than stop by for a visit.

While Alvin takes a bit of a backseat in the Christmas decorating, at least on the inside of the house, his wife Pam has made it her goal to make sure every inch of their home is decorated and ready for Christmas Day. In addition to scores of Christmas decorations such as teddy bears, spread around the house, Pam has ensured that there is a Christmas tree in every room of the house, even including her quilting workshop,

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Decorating for the holidays, however, begins right after Halloween with the snowmen. Pam puts all kinds of snowmen up around the house and they remain up until spring.

“We have little trees everywhere, there is one in every room of the house,” Alvin said, “and each one has a theme.”

He says that one tree will be decorated with ornaments that have been made by his and Pam’s three children, Sarah, Melissa and Alvin Jr., over the years, while another will be adorned with Santa Claus ornaments.

Alvin likens his job in the world of Christmas decorating to that of Chevy Chase in the movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

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Alvin says he always has been, in charge of “exterior illumination”.

The McLellans’ house is often elaborately decorated outdoors, as well as in, when the holiday season approaches, so he admits this is no small job either.

He admits though that over the years he has been an “enabler” for Pam’s love of Christmas decorating, buying her decorations.

The McLellans, whose children have all moved out of the home, do their best to host a family dinner on Boxing Day every year, but with recently becoming grandparents and with work commitments, keeping that tradition alive hasn’t always been easy.

Alvin and Pam say they understand about family commitments, so while their door is always open to their family, they know that there is plenty to do and they take the family interaction wherever they can get it.

Alvin says when the children were small there was a lot of travelling involved and by the time Christmas was over, they had visited several sets of grandparents and other family members and everyone was ready to turn in for the night.

Looking back now they can appreciate the relaxation that can come with Christmas and spending time with their immediate family around the Christmas tree, rather than dashing from one household to the other all day.

When Alvin was younger, he said he remembers not having stockings, but that small gifts would be piled at the family’s dinner table. The gifts would be placed at their intended recipient’s place setting at the table.

Presents at the dinner table were usually things like socks or underwear or mittens, Alvin says, and then other presents were always found under the Christmas tree, in a more traditional manner.

Alvin’s grandparents lived in Brussels and would come over for the day on Christmas Day when he was young.

Pam also spent Christmas Day with her grandparents when she was younger. She said that while it was

of us l l a From Hortons m at Ti

always a busy time around the house, it was always a fun time as well.

When it comes to gift-giving now, one other tradition that may be linked to their Scottish heritage, they joke, is wrapping presents in newspaper. The pair has always done it this way and this year already there were several presents sitting under the tree, wrapped in newspaper waiting for someone to open them.

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PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020.

Christmas in 2013

Langlois family spent years as local Santa, Mrs. Claus over the holidays with his children, grandchildren and even his six-

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What a run George and Pat Langlois spent over 15 years as the official Claus family for Brussels, dutifully taking part in the village’s Santa Claus parade year after year. Here they are in 2013 doing just that, spreading holiday cheer to everyone in the village. (File photo) George Langlois and his wife Pat shared their Christmas story with The Citizen’s editor Shawn Loughlin. The couple took over the Santa and Mrs. Claus role in the Brussels Santa Claus parade approximately 15 years before the story appeared in the 2013 Christmas issue.

For George Langlois, a charter member of the Brussels Optimist Club, it’s not too difficult to find a Christmas tradition that has stood the test of time.

Langlois has spent the last 15 years or so as Santa Claus in the annual Brussels Santa Claus Parade, among a number of other functions, so when the holiday rolls around, it’s not very hard to find him.

Despite having a stroke a few years ago, Langlois has continued his stint as the big guy come December and says he has no plans to step down.

“It’s quite a job, but it’s fun,” Langlois said. “If it wasn’t, I wouldn’t do it.”

The parade, he says, is always a big day on his calendar every year.

What keeps him coming back is the children he gets to meet every year.

Langlois took over the big chair in the Brussels Santa Claus Parade when Wayne Lowe, who had previously been Santa, passed away.

He says Lowe loved Christmas, so it was hard to lose him around that time of year.

“It gets in your blood,” Langlois said. “It can be a hell of a job some days.”

Langlois says getting dressed as Santa Claus is the hardest part of the job. He spent money on a good quality suit, which looks great, but it is no picnic to change into, he says.

Luckily, however, he is not alone.

His wife Pat makes the journey with him every year as Mrs. Claus, a job she particularly enjoys as well.

“She enjoys it,” Langlois says.

“The kids, the parade, all of it.”

Every year, Langlois says, he plays the big role at about 12 different events throughout Brussels, Clinton and Seaforth.

“Playing Santa Claus is a big deal to me,” Langlois says. “As long as I’m alive, I’ll get up there every year.”

Langlois grew up in Sudbury as part of a French-Canadian family, so Christmas, he says, was always an

important time of year, with lots of food and drink to be had around the holidays.

In the early 1970s, Langlois first visited Seaforth, fell in love with Huron County and vowed to move back as soon as he could. He and Pat lived in Seaforth and they moved to Brussels soon after.

“I’ve been to a lot of places and Huron County is just the most beautiful,” Langlois says.

Another mandatory stop on Langlois’ Christmas tour every year is the celebration on Hill Street in Clinton.

At home, however, Langlois doesn’t need to dress up as Santa for his family. He spends plenty of time

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Christmas in 2014

Armstrongs kept traditions strong for decades her feet up and relaxing.

The work is always worth it though, she says, as their meal is always well attended, and well received.

Jim and Leona say they always go to the Christmas Eve service at St. John’s Anglican Church every year and catch the Queen’s Christmas message if they’re able, although Boxing Day dinner preparations sometimes disrupt those plans.

Years ago, both Jim and Leona remember years of lean family Christmases full of traditions that came out of necessity.

Leona says she remembers having to travel by farm sleigh to see her

Great memories Jim and Leona Armstrong of the Brussels area are seen here in 2014 getting ready for Christmas. They shared their traditions with The Citizen in 2014 before Leona’s untimely passing in 2018. (File photo) The Armstrongs of Brussels shared their Christmas story with The Citizen’s editor Shawn Loughlin in 2014.

Jim and Leona Armstrong of Brussels say they have plenty of traditions that have stood the test of time when it comes to the holidays.

Some are older than others though, and some are also bigger than others.

Leona was the first female warden in Huron County history, having served her community for a number of years on Grey Township Council.

She is also a long-time member of a number of Brussels community organizations. Jim has been a proud member of the Brussels Lions Club for decades and has been a pillar of the aviation community for years.

And while the Armstrongs have both been serving their communities for decades, there is an item that has been serving them for over three generations around Christmas that is always where holidays with the Armstrongs begin.

When Jim was a young boy, he remembers his parents one day bringing home an ornament for their

Christmas tree; a small white house hung with string. While he can’t explain exactly why he found himself drawn to this ornament, he said it was something that he always kept track of in his mind, making sure it ended up on the family’s Christmas tree year after year.

That ornament with the small white house is now placed at the top of Jim and Leona’s Christmas tree every holiday season, as it has been for the past 80 years, with a few notable exceptions.

Jim says he and Leona did lose track of the small ornament for a number of years, but one day, as if the ornament and the family were drawn to one another, it reappeared much to his delight when Jim was digging through a box of Christmas ornaments.

“It’s 80 years old now and it still looks as good as it did back then,” he said.

There is another ornament, created and given to Jim and Leona by their children, that has some history to it as well. The homemade ornament is adorned with a picture of Rudolph

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the Red-Nosed Reindeer and it has been on the tree for around 50 years, making it a relative newcomer compared to Jim’s house ornament.

For decades Jim and Leona have always played host to Christmas dinner as well. Even today, they say, they welcome between 25 and 30 family members to their home, although most likely the huge dinner will be served in the couple’s cottage, towards the back of their property, for the dinner that is always held on Boxing Day. With all the work that goes into the meal, Leona says, Christmas Day is often spent in the kitchen preparing for the meal, rather than celebrating Christmas and putting

relatives around the holidays, packing onto the cold vehicle with her sisters and keeping warm by bringing along a number of blankets and rugs.

One word comes to mind when Leona recalls those rides: cold.

She says it was worth it to see her family around the holidays, but that getting there certainly wasn’t fun.

Coming back, she said, her father would go ahead and get their home’s fire started before the rest of the family got home, meaning he would have to detour an additional two miles from the already 10-mile journey, but it meant coming home to a warm, cozy house.

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PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020.

Christmas in 2017

Elf on a Shelf marks Christmas for Ansleys

Family time The Ansleys of Blyth make sure to carve out plenty of time for one another on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. One of those times was back in 2016, when they moved into a new house and all slept in the same bedroom waiting for Santa Claus to arrive. (File photo)

Blyth’s Ansley family celebrates Christmas with an Elf on the Shelf, which marks the start of the season for them. They shared their story with The Citizen and Shawn Loughlin in 2017.

In many ways, the most important figure at the Ansley house once Christmas rolls around isn’t even a member of the family.

The Ansley family’s Elf on a Shelf signifies the start of the Christmas season at their Blyth home, even though the festivities get started a little earlier than that.

Every year on Dec. 1 the elf returns to the family home. He stays throughout the day, but then it’s said that he makes the long journey back to the North Pole every night to report back to Santa; both the good and the bad.

The next day, he returns to a different spot in the house ready to do it all again. And while children Mikayla, Rodney and Lexi certainly enjoy the elf’s company, others in the house aren’t so enthusiastic about their new house guest.

Dad, Mike, personally, said he doesn’t know what all the fuss is about and mom, Katie, said that the elf, while a friend to her children, can be a bit of a troublemaker and pretty messy at times.

Mikayla confirmed her mother’s claims, saying that the elf has turned up in some strange places and some odd scenarios over the years.

The elf, according to Mikayla, once built a slide in the house and there was another time that he constructed a toilet paper igloo in the middle of the family room. While the kids found it funny, Katie said it was just one more thing for her to do around the house.

But, it’s all worth it, she said, so that her children can have that direct connection to Santa Claus.

And while the family’s elf has

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Santa. All the kids agree that the elf very rarely has anything bad to Continued on page 21

The Citizen, Dec. 22, 2011

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020. PAGE 19.

Christmas in 2007

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said that her husband, Len, is one of three sons in the family, so every third year, the Christmas scene shifts to her house. And one can only imagine that a thoroughlydecorated house, greeting them with a table of gingerbread, won’t be a bad place to spend the holidays.

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Doris Robinson of East Wawanosh was one of the first five people ever profiled by The Citizen for their Christmas and holiday traditions, speaking with Editor Shawn Loughlin in 2007 about the holidays and her homemade gingerbread cookies. (File photo) Doris Robinson may best be known locally as a school secretary, having been at both East Wawanosh Public School and F.E. Madill Secondary School. She was the subject of one of the very first Citizen Christmas stories written back in 2007, when she shared with The Citizen’s Shawn Loughlin.

The Citizen, Dec. 22, 2011

There are few things that say Christmas louder than a welldecorated home that smells like gingerbread.

Doris Robinson, secretary at East Wawanosh Public School, says the two things that seem to follow her into every holiday season are a lot of decorations

and her homemade gingerbread.

Stuffed snowmen and other Christmas figures adorn every ledge and counter in the house, while plates of gingerbread cookies span the length of the kitchen table on this day.

Robinson loves Christmas she says, and it’s been a big deal in her family as long as she can remember.

Years ago, big celebrations and full houses were commonplace and she has brought these practices to her Belgrave-area home.

Robinson is one of those people whose attitude is contagious, and always with a sunny disposition, she breeds smiles throughout the house.

This is something that she has brought from her job, at which she prides herself on making a difference through her attitude and extra time put in.

“I hope that I can help make the school a nice place to be, so when people call or come by, it’s a good experience. And hopefully the students feel that way as well,” she says.

In addition to her time at the school, Robinson has started a bit of a Christmas tradition of her own, inviting the women of East Wawanosh Public School over to her house on a night close to Christmas for some social time. She has the teachers collect greenery, for a bit of decorating and she follows it up with a social time, something that she really prides herself on at the school.

“I really try to keep the staff close and friendly. It’s a shame when coworkers don’t get along, so I try to do things like this every once in a while,” she said.

So while Robinson is busy starting new traditions at the school, the rest of her family is keeping old traditions alive at the house.

She says that for as long as she can remember, her husband and

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PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020.

Christmas in 2009

Richmond tree features personal ornaments

Personal touch Rene Richmond’s family tree features personalized ornaments for each of her grandchildren. (File photo)

Rene Richmond, the 2009 Brussels Citizen of the Year, shared her Christmas traditions with Bonnie Gropp, then-editor of The Citizen.

This story originally appeared in the 2009 Christmas special.

Family in the Richmond household as in many others is the hallmark of Christmas.

Some 20 years ago as the family began to grow, Rene (2009 Brussels Citizen of the Year) began a tradition that welcomed each new bundle of joy in a special way.

Richmond, who operated a gift store in Brussels, and her husband Bob were going to be grandparents for the first time, courtesy of their eldest child Bonnie. Among the inventory at the store were tree ornaments which would hold a small photo.

She brought one home just in time

for Garrett’s birth in December.

Today there are nine gracing the Richmond tree each year with the last addition in 1997.

“I made a point of taking a picture of them on their first Christmas,” said Richmond. “For years I put them at a level where they could find them easily as they were growing up.”

And though they are all now far to adult to care, Richmond said, “they still look for their own on the tree.”

With changing styles and trends, plus the fact that she closed the store before all of the grandchildren were born, the styles and colours of the ornaments vary considerably.

Which, of course, is not an issue.

“It doesn’t matter how I decorate the tree each year, whatever colours

I use, these ornaments go on.”

The ornament tradition has continued in another form as well, with Richmond purchasing among the gifts for her grandchildren, an ornament for “every stage they’re at or for whatever interest they have that year.”

“They are a keepsake for them, something they will have for their own trees when the time comes.”

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Story time a McArter tradition Christmas for his wife and daughter and eventually for sons Nicholas and Sam. The story became a family staple on Christmas Eve before everyone went to sleep and waited for presents to appear under the tree on Christmas morning.

Growing up, however, McArter says there wasn’t always a lot of activity around his house on Christmas Eve. “With three boys in the house, growing up,” he said. “There wasn’t much going on Christmas Eve.” On Christmas Day, however, he and his brothers would wake up, open their presents and One tradition for the McArter family, which started with Rhonda make the trip to their McArter’s family and was passed down, is the reading of The Night grandmother’s house, Before Christmas. Like his father-in-law before him, Doug, centre, which was only a block away. reads the tale for the family. (File photo) “We’d have our toy that we got for Doug McArter, the 2007 Citizen of Night Before Christmas, however, the Year for Brussels and area, that has a long-standing place in the Christmas and bring it over to shared his family’s Christmas McArter family now and before that, grandma’s house,” he said.

Now, however, with technology traditions with The Citizen’s editor was a tradition with his wife, taking the steps it has, Christmas Rhonda’s family.

Shawn Loughlin in 2009.

After McArter married Rhonda Eve involves the tracking of Santa Tradition around the holidays is always important, but for a man as years ago, they travelled to her Claus’s journey on the internet, a strongly committed as 2007 Citizen family’s home on Christmas to listen favourite of Nicholas and Sam’s.

In fact, Nicholas has taken it upon of the Year for Brussels and area, to her father read The Night Before Doug McArter, family and Christmas. McArter joked about the himself to start a new tradition in the community are what matters most tradition, but it was something McArter family, waking everyone enjoyed by both of them well into up as early as possible. McArter said during the Christmas season. last year it was around 6:30 a.m. and When McArter thinks about their 30s.

When Olivia was born, however, he hopes to aim for 8:30 a.m. this Christmas, he thinks about his family and the time the holidays will McArter began hosting his own year. Nicholas, however, says he has afford him with them. Whether it’s readings of The Night Before other ideas. the traditional reading of The Night Before Christmas, or the fancy dinner on once-a-year plates, the IM OHNSTON McArters are together over the holidays.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020. PAGE 21.

Outdoor activities a holiday favourite for Ansleys Continued from page 18 report to the big guy.

Mikayla and Lexi said that they produce good reports to Santa and while Rodney chuckled a bit when asked, his parents both said that he is also the source of positive reporting to Santa.

Christmas time doesn’t start at the Ansley house on Dec. 1 when the elf shows up, however. They have to be ready for him on Dec. 1 and that means decorating the house, both inside and out, in late November, so the halls are decked in time for the elf’s annual Dec. 1 arrival.

That means that Mike, Katie and the children are busy in late November decorating the house, putting up Christmas lights and erecting the Christmas tree all before they flip their calendar over to the year’s final month.

Katie said it wasn’t until she began spending Christmases with Mike that she realized the virtues of a traditional Christmas tree.

Growing up on a farm outside of Bayfield, Katie said her family always had cedar Christmas trees.

She knows now, she said, that cedar makes for the “ugliest” Christmas trees and hasn’t made her way back to one since.

That rigid decorating timeline made for an interesting first Christmas in their new Gypsy Lane house last year. Mike was working

on building the house late into the year and he was almost finished when they moved in to celebrate their first Christmas there as a family, but not all the way there.

The family had running water to only one tap and there was one bedroom, Rodney’s, finished, so all five of them, and their dog Leroy, slept in the same room on Christmas Eve, waiting for Christmas morning to come.

Mike said he slept like a log, but Mikayla said it was one of the worst nights of sleep she’s ever had, due to a combination of the unusual sleeping arrangement and the usual anticipation of Christmas morning.

Mikayla said she was up at about 4 a.m. asking Katie to let them go to the tree and see what Santa had brought them, but Katie urged her daughter to sleep for a few more hours. She made it all the way to 6 a.m.

As the holidays roll around every year, the family’s youngest, Lexi, says she looks forward to a lot of outdoor activities, like building a snowman and walking past the village’s unofficial Christmas tree at the home of Steven and Laurie Sparling. She’s also a fan of tobogganing, which is great because the family has a built-in tobogganing hill out the back of their new home.

As far as scheduling is concerned, the Ansleys make sure to leave time

The Citizen, Dec. 21, 1988

for themselves around the holidays.

They always drive to Bayfield on Christmas Eve to spend time with Katie’s parents. They attend church on Christmas Eve and then come back to Blyth to spend the night.

The kids always open one gift that night, which is usually something to help them get to sleep, like a new pair of pajamas or slippers. They have been known to play Spin The Bottle to determine who gets to open their gift first.

They watch a Christmas movie together – the film changes every year – and then head to sleep before Christmas morning.

On Christmas morning, the family also keeps things local. They open presents together and have some breakfast before heading out.

On the night of the 25th, they always return to Bayfield to spend time with Katie’s parents once again.

This time, they plan to sleep over and head back to Blyth on Boxing Day. As for Mike and Katie, they say that traditions haven’t changed.

When they were kids, Mike in Blyth and Katie on a farm just outside of Bayfield, it was all about family and remembering those less fortunate.

Katie said that something she and Mike really try to instill in their children around the holidays is just how lucky they are and that not

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PAGE 22. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020.

Christmas in 2018

Community pulled together for Scott in Hornepayne

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A caring community The holidays can be a complicated time for those in law enforcement, firefighting or medical services like doctors, nurses and paramedics. Mike Scott from just outside of Blyth has one such story from his days as a police officer in Hornepayne, but with a happy ending, as the community came togeher in a heartwarming way for him and his family. (File photo) Retired Ontario Provincial Police officer Mike Scott shared one of his most memorable Christmas moments with The Citizen in its 2018 Christmas special. The article, written by Denny Scott, focuses on the loss of a companion and a community rallying to help Scott overcome that loss.

For police officers, like local retired OPP officers Arden Farrow and Mike Scott, Christmas can be a difficult time of year.

While many people associate the Christmas holiday with warm memories, police officers can find themselves working on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day and handling some of the most trying situations imaginable at what is supposed to be a happy time.

Scott said that, as a result, Christmas is a fairly subdued event around their home. He explained that, after seeing some of the worst sides of Christmas, it is hard to celebrate and, even in retirement, it’s not an occasion

the family holds dear.

Scott and Farrow, and their daughter Phaedra, live on a farm just outside of Blyth and, while there are stories that Scott and Farrow could tell that would sour people on the holiday, one of Scott’s fondest memories is a tale of two horses and the railroad community of Hornepayne.

In 1986, Scott was stationed in Hornepayne, which is easily a 12hour drive from his home in Blyth.

The town is located approximately 480 kilometres east of Thunder Bay. Scott had taken a horse and pony with him when he was stationed to the town, which marked, in his estimation, the first time that such animals had been in the town for three or four decades, since loggers had stopped using them.

The animals were an oddity at the time and appreciated by the community, Scott said. The local Girl Guides used them to get badges associated with equine activities and the pony was used to haul a sled

around the community at Christmas.

“The pony would pull the sled, and my partner, dressed as Santa, would deliver colouring books and treats to the houses in the community,” he said. “We followed with the cruiser, blaring Christmas songs through the PA system.”

That Christmas holiday, however, was a bitter one for Scott. Back on patrol after having put the pony back in his stall after the Christmas deliveries, Scott observed a local male breaking into the Hornepayne Continued on page 23

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020. PAGE 23.

Charlie became a community staple says Scott Continued from page 22 Legion and arrested the man. He explained that, being caught in the act with a crowbar in his hand and identity of the person not being an issue, there was no legal requirement to keep the suspect in custody.

The accused was released on a promise to appear in court at a later date.

After being let go, however, the man went to a nearby party, became intoxicated, and borrowed his brother’s crossbow.

He took the crossbow to the barn outside of town where Scott kept the pony and his horse Badger.

“Badger was my pride and joy,” Scott said “I had trained him for years. I did jumping with him. He was gentle and great.”

The man killed Badger with the crossbow and drenched the pony in gasoline. The crime scene showed that Badger had suffered greatly before he succumbed to the wound

inflicted by the arrow from the crossbow.

“Fortunately, he wasn’t able to start a flame to light the gasoline,” Scott explained. Smurf the pony was spared.

The man was arrested and incarcerated for what he had done, and Scott was sent home to Kitchener for a week’s leave after the incident.

While he was home, however, the people of the town of Hornpayne rallied to try and repay Scott for his work in the community and, through the work of several townspeople, raised approximately $2,000 for him to replace his horse.

The people of the town tried to give the money to Scott, however, as an OPP officer, there was a problem with him accepting the lump sum of cash. The townsfolk, however, weren’t going to quit there.

They appealed the decision and, after going through the OPP’s legal department, it was determined Scott

could have the money provided he used it to buy a horse, which he did.

“I bought a young Clydesdale,” Scott said. “I took it back to Hornpayne and we had a competition to name it and it was great.”

Charlie Fitzback was the winning entry, Fitzback being the name of the early settlement of what is now Hornepayne.

Scott said that, at the time of Badger’s death, he was devastated.

He said it would’ve been easy to put Hornepayne in his rearview mirror and never think of the community in a positive light again, but the residents helped restore his faith in humanity.

“I’ll always have that fond memory of how Charlie came into my life,” Scott said.

Scott said he will always have fond memories of Hornepayne instead of dwelling on the one person who took Badger away from him.

As for that man who killed Badger, Scott said that, after his one-year sentence, he returned to the town, which he was promptly encouraged to leave. He found his way to Peterborough eventually, where police arrested him for grave robbing.

When they searched his home, they found jewelry from recent

interments and he was once again behind bars.

Charlie provided many years of happiness to local children, nieces and nephews. It became a Christmas tradition to walk Charlie down the sideroad with four or five young children on his back. He died of old age at Scott and Farrow’s farm.

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PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020.

Christmas in 2010

When Christmas can’t be confined to a house of the family who live in the area, but for members who live in urban centres such as Windsor, Toronto

and Barrie, it is an opportunity to appear in a parade that they may not Continued on page 25

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Knight riders Whether they’re from a small town or a large city centre, the Knight family float in the Brussels Santa Claus parade has been a hit since the first award-winning float over a decade ago. Grey native Brad Knight and his family enter their float into the parade and then celebrate Christmas at the Brussels Legion with dozens of family members from both far and wide. (File photo) The Knight family has some unique Christmas celebration traditions, one of which stretches back to when the family won an award for their entry in the Brussels Santa Claus parade. Brad Knight shared the story with The Citizen’s Shawn Loughlin in 2010.

Some families just aren’t built for small Christmas gatherings and many houses aren’t built for large Christmas gatherings, so when the numbers don’t work, there’s only one option: take Christmas on the road.

For Grey native Brad Knight, large Christmases have been part of his life for as long as he can remember. He says that he remembers a few early Christmas celebrations spent at his grandmother’s home, but it wasn’t long until the annual gathering was too big for any home.

Knight’s father, Jack, comes from a large family where he was one of 12 children born in Grey Township.

So when Jack and his brothers and sisters began families of their own, getting married and having children,

it was obvious that Christmas couldn’t be confined to a house if they wanted everyone to be involved year after year.

The event’s planning duties were passed from sibling to sibling for years, with approximately 55 to 60 people making their way to the area each Christmas.

The event was more often than not held in Brussels, as much of the family still lived in and around the Brussels area.

There were, however, some gatherings that were held in the Listowel area at a local restaurant, or at the Cranbrook Hall.

Five years ago, however, organization of the Knight family Christmas was passed down to the younger generation, Brad’s generation.

This is when the annual Knight family Christmas took its current shape, being held at the Brussels Legion every year the night of the Brussels Santa Claus parade.

The first members of the younger generation to take control of the planning were Brad and

Best Wishes for a Safe and Happy New Year

BRIAN E. WIGHTMAN Chartered Professional Accountant Certified General Accountant • personal & corporate tax • accounting & bookkeeping • agricultural services Seaforth • 519-527-1331 brian@wightmancpa.ca

his cousin Brenda Wheeler.

Every year, the organizers were charged with the task of lining up entertainment for the evening, which had consisted of quizzes and other guessing games in previous years.

Brad, however, along with several of his cousins, decided that perhaps preparing and entering a float in the Brussels Santa Claus parade might be a way to entertain everyone who made the trip to Brussels every year.

He was right as the Knight family float has become a hit. The construction of the float has become a true family event and the family riding in the float has become one of the highlights year after year for both local and non-local family members.

Knight says that entering a float in the parade is a treat for the members

Huron Feeding Systems Joe and Debbie Seili and Staff

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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020. PAGE 25.

Award-winning float the start of a tradition Continued from page 24 have in a larger city centre.

For the last five years the family has entered a float in the parade, each one having a theme for the construction of the float as well as for the dressing of the family members.

The first float in the parade was entitled ’Twas The Knights Before Christmas and it featured a fireplace with Christmas socks hanging above the fireplace. There were plenty of lights adorning the float and anyone aboard was asked to dress in slippers, pajamas and housecoats.

Brad says he had no idea what to expect for the first year, but the turnout was “fantastic” he said, with members from all three generations

represented on the Knights’ first float.

In addition, the Knights won the award for best family float that year and it became a Christmas staple from then on.

“For a number of younger children who come from bigger centres, they have never had the opportunity to be on a float,” Brad says. “They really enjoy the experience.”

In subsequent years, the Knight family float has appeared in the parade with themes such as Silent Knights, Hockey Knights in Canada and Happy Holly Knights.

After the parade, the family always returns to the Brussels Legion where the large group is welcomed with a meal catered by

the Legion Ladies Auxiliary, a gift exchange and a visit from Santa Claus.

Knight says that immediately after one Christmas, the Legion is booked for the next year. After this year’s celebration on Nov. 27, the Legion was booked for 2011 on the Saturday of the Santa Claus parade once again.

Plans are also underway for the Knights’ 2011 parade float.

Brad says a large Christmas with his family is the only way he would want to celebrate the holidays.

“With a group this size, Christmas is really the only opportunity we all have to get together,” he said. “With the younger children especially, they change so much, you feel like if you

miss a year, you can really lose touch with them.”

Brad says that many of his aunts and uncles are in their 70s and 80s now and with the younger generation planning, he could see it continuing on for a long time to come.

“If you’re involved in planning the Christmas celebration, it really gives you an appreciation of what the whole thing means,” he said.

“Having the whole family involved, planning everything, has really been great through the years.”

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Rick Lobb, Broker of Record/Owner Fred Lobb, Broker/Owner

Away In A Manger May your home be blessed by the miracle of Christmas To our valued customers and friends, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year The Citizen, Dec. 19, 2013

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PAGE 26. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020.

Christmas in 2015

Watsons mark Boxing Day on holiday calendar with their family, bringing along Ralph and Betty’s nine grandchildren along for the ride.

In this, their first Christmas in the new house, Betty says it will be interesting to see how the home handles a group of 20 people, nearly half of them children, but she’s confident that the Royal Homes structure is up to the challenge.

This year, the Watsons will serve Betty Graber-Watson and Ralph Watson Christmas dinner to have certain traditions when the holidays their family, as they roll around. Whether it’s Betty’s doll, gift have for the last number of years, but bags or personalized ties, everything it wasn’t always that makes an appearance with Christmas way. About five on the horizon. (File photo) years ago, Betty says, the pair made Long-time Citizen correspondent the shift to dinner after what had Betty Graber-Watson and her traditionally been a Christmas husband Ralph shared their brunch. The reasoning behind the Christmas story with Citizen editor early-day hybrid meal was that by Shawn Loughlin in 2015. the time the families made their way For Ralph Watson and Betty to Brussels on Boxing Day, they Graber-Watson, 15 years of were all sick of Christmas dinner Christmas traditions have travelled and the traditional meals that come across Turnberry Street with them along with it. from their old home on the west side Tastes around the table have of the street to their new location on evolved over the years, however, the east. and Betty has found that on Boxing While the setting will be different, Day, family members are in the the activities should remain the mood not for Christmas dinner, but same, Betty says, with most of their for leftovers of Christmas dinner. So family returning home to Brussels in a true example of listening to her for a special Christmas dinner, “customer” Betty cooks a full always hosted by the Watsons on Christmas dinner on Christmas Day Boxing Day. so her house is stocked and ready to The Watsons’ new home, which is accommodate a large group of just south of Brussels on Graham hungry diners eager to dig into an Road, will house 20 people this year authentic plate of leftovers. on Dec. 26 for plenty of food, In addition to the traditional fellowship and a tradition of gift- Christmas fare of turkey, stuffing giving unlike any other. and potatoes, she also makes Ralph and Betty have four lasagna, shrimp and other dishes to children among them – one from accommodate those who are done Ralph’s previous marriage and three with “Christmas dinner” for the year from Betty’s – and in most years – usually the younger faces in the they all find their way back to Huron crowd, she says.

County to celebrate the holidays When it comes time for Betty and

Plenty of history

Ralph to give their children and grandchildren their Christmas gifts, things around the house (literally) are a little different, as Betty has hand-crafted fabric gift bags, tied together (again, literally) with thrift store ties in Christmas colours she has collected over the years that are now adorned with each family member’s name. While completely wearable, the ties aren’t often actually tied and worn (except in this year’s picture, as Ralph was good enough to tie his for The Citizen).

Another constant, yet changing tradition in the Watson home is Betty’s Nativity scene, which has been part of her family’s holidays since she had her first child in 1971.

Purchased by way of the Eaton’s catalogue, the modest set has remained in excellent condition over the years, with just one of the donkeys losing an ear somewhere along the way.

While the original Nativity scene has remained in good shape, it is no longer alone, as numerous additions have been made to it over the years.

The couple’s children and grandchildren have been adding to the scene over the years, namely bringing animals to the table, making for a large, sweeping Nativity scene that spans various time periods, styles and climates.

What it may lack in accuracy, however, it makes up for in creativity.

Over the years all types of animals have been added. Joining the Watsons’ Nativity scene now are a camel, a giraffe, penguins, a dog and plenty of others that may or may not be physically able to meet in real life – short of maybe a zoo.

Ralph has one Christmas memory that sticks out more than the others and, like Betty’s Nativity scene, it stood up quite well over the years.

In his home, as a child, Ralph

remembers having a rather modest Christmas tree over the years, with a constant atop it: a single flashing blue light. After 50 years, he said, the light still worked, although its blue shine wasn’t exactly as vivid as it was in its early days.

Year after year, Ralph said he couldn’t believe that the bulb would make it through yet another Christmas.

He also remembers gifts of Massey-Harris tractors over the years – something he couldn’t get enough of. He says that while his brother John still has one of his,

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Ralph’s is long gone, likely subject to overuse in his childhood years.

While Betty’s favourite gift from her younger days certainly faced no shortage of use either, she still has it: a doll, also from the Eaton’s catalogue. The reason it stands out, she said, was that for Christmas she received a beautifully-adorned holiday note explaining that Santa Claus was out of dolls; not a doll.

The note promised that a doll would arrive before long and sure enough it did, Betty says, making for a memorable Christmas gift that’s likely about 60 years old by now.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020. PAGE 27.

Christmas in 2014

Music, family time essential to Bishop holiday how her mother was able to prepare a large turkey dinner for a large family in such a small home.

In the years since, family events have expanded, which means Christmas events are often held at local community halls, like Belgrave, where there is a little more space for family members to perform their talents for the rest of the family. Having one of the original Ranch Boys in her family indicates how important music is to the family.

“Everyone would pick up a guitar or whatever instrument they played

and there would always be music,” Jacquie said. She played the piano, but insists that she’s out of practice these days and lets the younger members of the family take over for her.

In fact, Jacquie and Kevin’s three children have often made a Christmas tradition of travelling throughout Huron County around the holidays and performing music for local service groups or at nursing homes.

All three girls are musical, so they would play music for audiences, but Continued on page 28

Merry Christmas To all our patients, associates and their families, go our best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season.

For the gift of your trust, we are deeply grateful.

Tickling the ivories As part of a very musical family, Jacquie Bishop says that the holidays are always a time of great family fun and holiday music plays a big part and while she might be a little rusty, she has been known to play a Christmas tune or two on the piano. (File photo) Jacquie Bishop, the Chair of the 2017 International Plowing Match committee, shared her Christmas story with Shawn Loughlin, editor of The Citizen, for the 2014 Christmas special.

When it’s Christmas time at the Bishop house, Jacquie says, it’s time to take a pause and spend time with one another; and the traditions run deep in the family around the holidays.

It all starts with Christmas dinner, says Chair of the 2017 International Plowing Match committee (an event that will be held in Walton), and in a predictably unpredictable way, with a menu that isn’t often seen in

many homes at Christmas time.

Bishop says everyone contributes their two cents to the annual holiday menu, including her husband Kevin and their three children, Keisha, Kayla and Kabrina.

Very often, Jacquie says, the family forgoes the traditional turkey or ham and goes with fish, not necessarily a Christmas staple in Canada. The family, however, enjoys the variety, Jacquie says.

When it comes to cooking, she says, everyone chips in and it becomes a real bonding experience for all family members involved, although Jacquie says that Kevin would likely place

last on the participation scale.

Jacquie says her family is, and has always been, very musical, so it’s no surprise that the air is full of musical Christmas cheer every year around the holidays.

When she was growing up, Jacquie’s family lived in a small house, and she says she marvelled at

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PAGE 28. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020.

Bishop family travelled to share Christmas spirit Continued from page 27 they are also very accomplished step-dancers, so it was not uncommon for them to mix in a stepdancing performance or two around the holidays.

Another one of the Bishop family’s traditions, Jacquie says, is plain to see when looking at the presents under the tree every year.

While the odd present will be

wrapped with nice, Christmas paper, she often uses newspaper (frequently The Citizen, apparently) to wrap her presents.

One time-honoured tradition in the family, Jacquie says, has just recently been discontinued, which was cutting down a Christmas tree from the bush on the farm’s property.

She remembers trekking out to the back of the family’s property as a

little girl, the property on which her family still lives, with her siblings and her father and cutting down the family’s Christmas tree for the year.

“It was never the most beautiful, full tree, but it was what we had on the property,” Jacquie said.

That tradition has died out because there aren’t any more evergreen trees on the property, but not before one last touching family moment.

The Citizen, Dec 21, 1988

For his final Christmas, Jacquie’s father wasn’t able to make the trip back to the bush himself, but with the home’s large west-facing windows, he was able to watch from home as Kevin and the girls went out to the bush and cut down a tree for Christmas.

That was a moment, Jacquie said, that was an emotional one for her, that her father was there to experience that special holiday with her family.

Another Christmas tradition that has been passed on from generation to generation has been from Jacquie’s mother to her grandchildren.

Over the years, Jacquie says she

has met a number of students of her mother, a kindergarten teacher in her time.

They have told Jacquie about receiving a special baked good present every Christmas from her and how that is a memory that has always stayed with them even decades later.

In keeping with that tradition, Kabrina, who has been working with local schools, prepared a Christmas treat for every student in her class last Christmas.

Jacquie says she remembers deciding what she and Kabrina should make that year and thinking what a lovely passing of a tradition it was.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020. PAGE 29

Classified Advertisements County approves new growth guide

Citizen-To-Citizen

FREE “SWAP SHOP� ad Let us help you turn that junk into $$ ➨ Free ad up to 25 words, person to person only (no businesses), items valued at $1,000 or less. Your ad will run three times unless it sells faster! ➨ The Citizen reserves the right to limit the number of items or ads per person.

Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca FOR SALE – burgundy coloured couch and love seat, made in Canada – couch (86"x35"x18"); love seat (69"x35"x18"); jute back carpet, asking $450 for all.

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51-3

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51-3 ----------------------------------------------------------------“One person’s junk is another’s treasure�

To help attract and accommodate development in Huron County, the County of Huron Planning, Economic Development, and Public Works Departments have prepared a Growth Planning Best Practices Guide that local municipalities and the county can use to proactively address infrastructure and financial matters related to growth.

Common challenges that municipalities face in growth and development is that demographics often shift, developments happen slowly or in a scattered nature, or capacity and financial resources are limited. The Growth Planning Best Practices Guide helps identify efficient ways to expand infrastructure and meet these challenges head on.

This guide makes it easier to understand how growth planning must consider a number of factors, including required studies, how growth and growth-related needs are funded and financed, and infrastructure needs such as road and intersection improvements, pedestrian walkways, stormwater management, and more. “The best practices within this

Guide are to help clarify important processes and procedures related to growth planning activities,� says Director of Planning and Development Sandra Weber. “Following these best practices will provide opportunity for proactive community growth so that development can occur in a manner that is sustainable from an infrastructure, planning, and financial perspective.�

The Growth Planning Best Practices Guide will be provided to local municipalities where they may use it when consulting on local development processes.

This guide was created with the assistance of BM Ross and Associates, in collaboration with local municipalities, representatives from partner agencies, engineering firms, Builders Associations, and local developers. For more information on the Growth Planning Best Practices Guide, visit the county’s website at www.huroncounty.ca or contact the County of Huron Planning and Development department at planning@huroncounty.ca or 519524-8394 extension 3.

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PAGE 30. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020.

Classified Advertisements – RATES – 20 words or less only $7.00 + HST. Additional words 20¢ each + HST. 50¢ will be deducted if ad is paid in advance

DEADLINE 2 p.m. Monday in Brussels 4 p.m. Monday in Blyth Phone 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114 e-mail: info@northhuron.on.ca

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Card of thanks ANDREWS. Thank you to Clinton Public Hospital and Huronview for the care given to Marie, a devoted mom and a caring sister. Thank you for the phone calls, cards, messages and donations – all were greatly appreciated during this difficult time. – Gerrard Gwyn and the Andrews family.

51-1nc

Notice

Notice STOLEN

Annual General Meeting (AGM) Friday, January 15, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the meeting will be held virtually over Zoom. brusselsagsociety@gmail.com Everyone Welcome

MUNICIPALITY OF MORRIS-TURNBERRY HOLIDAY LANDFILL HOURS Municipal Landfill Hours The Municipal Landfill will be CLOSED on Saturday, December 26, 2020.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CHECK THE MUNICIPAL WEBSITE - www.morristurnberry.ca

2020

Babies of the Year

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2 Christmas presents. 2 large hand-mined, ground and polished jade necklaces were stolen from Bayfield studio.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020. PAGE 31.

County to give $30,000 to United Way council

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron County Council has voted to give the United Way’s Social

Research and Planning Council $30,000 to continue with its work.

Council discussed the issue at its Dec. 16 meeting after the funding request had been made earlier in the

Citizen of the Year The late Bob Kellington was posthumously named the Citizen of the Year for Brussels and the surrounding area.

His widow Marguerite Thomas received the award on Kellington’s behalf from North Huron Publishing Company board member Ralph Watson. Kellington’s work in the community, including his efforts with the Brussels Lions Club and the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, were among the reasons he was nominated. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

Fire truck purchase depends on partners

By Denny Scott The Citizen North Huron Council will be ordering a new fire truck, provided that its partners in the Fire Department of North Huron agree to the increased transfers to reserves going forward.

As part of the 2021 budget process, which began earlier this month, Fire Chief Marty Bedard suggested doubling the fire department’s annual $100,000 transfer to reserves for equipment to meet inflation. If that’s approved, the reserve will have enough funds to cover the purchase of a new pumper for the Fire Department of North Huron, which is expected to cost $604,500 plus tax.

During Monday night’s council meeting, Bedard explained that it wasn’t the least expensive tender submitted, however, the less expensive truck would require additional equipment to bring it in line with the needs of the department.

The purchase was scheduled for 2020, but was deferred earlier this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reeve Bernie Bailey asked if the partner municipalities – MorrisTurnberry, Central Huron and Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh

(ACW) – had weighed in on the increased transfer.

Bedard said he hadn’t sent letters yet as he was waiting for North Huron Council to approve the purchase of the truck, pending agreements with the other municipalities.

Bailey said, for the record, that the truck wouldn’t be purchased until all municipalities agreed to it.

Councillor Chris Palmer asked how much of the $100,000 each municipality would be responsible for and Bedard said it would be close to the percentage of costs for the department. His best estimate included Morris-Turnberry paying approximately $30,000 more, Central Huron paying $16,000 and ACW providing between $2,000 and $3,000. North Huron’s share would be between $40,000 and $45,000.

With the increased transfer, reserves would total $636,000, covering the base cost of the vehicle.

Bailey then said it was important to note that North Huron is not borrowing any money for the major purchase.

Councillor Kevin Falconer, a retired firefighter, congratulated Bedard on getting what he called a “hell of a truck� for a low price.

Council approved the purchase, provided Bedard received approvals from the partner municipalities.

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year. The funding will be used for core support of the organization, which includes improving and maintaining the MyPerthHuron platform. The platform was developed several years ago and provides statistics specific to the area for social services and housing programs.

In the presentation made to council, representatives of the organization said Stratford, Perth County and St. Marys together provide $40,000 in ongoing annual funding to the council, based on 52 cents per capita. To keep aligned with that, Huron County, if council were to approve the grant, would pay $30,000 per year.

In his report to council, Treasurer Michael Blumhagen said it is expected that the organization will request this funding on an annual basis going forward because this year’s request was not tied to a onetime project like past requests have been.

Blumhagen said that if council chose to provide funding for the Social Research and Planning Council, half of the money would come from the county’s Community

Homelessness Prevention Initiative (CHPI) funding and the other half would come from the county’s levy.

Central Huron Deputy-Mayor Dave Jewitt said he was in favour of providing the funding, emphasizing how important it is for council and county employees to have accurate, up-to-date, local data on which to base their decisions.

Council approved the funding in the 2021 budget.

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Serving the area since 1999

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PAGE 32. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020.

CH to maintain staffing level

Winter Wonderland As part of its Winter Wonderland celebration, Santa and Mrs. Claus visited Braemar Retirement Centre in Wingham.

The celebration also included hot chocolate, window visits and holiday celebrations from a safe distance. (John Stephenson photo)

OPP office to be set up in Wingham store

By Denny Scott The Citizen North Huron Reeve Bernie Bailey announced that, through a partnership with private landowners, a new Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) office is forthcoming in Wingham.

The space, located at the back of the Petropolis store in Wingham, just north of the intersection of John and Josephine Streets, will provide a police presence in the community.

Bailey said the office will be accessible from the back of the store.

The move is an important one, Bailey said, after consolidation of police services to the new OPP headquarters in Clinton left council members concerned. “It’s very important that the upper echelons realize that’s a mistake,�

Bailey said of the closing of the local OPP office. *** North Huron Township Council set its committee of adjustment for 2021 during its Monday night meeting.

The committee’s composition will follow previous years, including all members of council with Bailey as the head of the committee and the municipal clerk being appointed as secretary-treasurer. *** North Huron Council approved a $49,875 quote for the creation of a Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan on Monday night.

The plan, which has been sought after by council members for months, will likely be completed and presented by the fall of 2021 according to Director of Recreation and Community Services Vicky Luttenberger.

Several proposals were received, however, using a weighted review, staff recommended Monteith Brown Planning Consultants out of London. ***

Former Blyth Councillor and local historian Brock Vodden resigned from the North Huron Museum Committee and his chair will remain vacant.

On Monday night, North Huron Council received notice of Vodden’s resignation, and passed a motion to allow the board to continue without him.

Councillor Paul Heffer, who sits on the committee, says there is one full meeting of the group left and two reports to be presented, neither of which involved Vodden, so the group could go ahead. Council agreed. *** North Huron Township Council approved the replacement of stationary cycles at the North Huron Wescast Community Complex for a total of $19,060.

The cycles being replaced were becoming costly to maintain, according to Luttenberger, and parts for repairs were becoming difficult to find for repairs.

After issuing a request for quotations, staff recommended the low bid of $19,060. The cycles being replaced are being traded in Continued on page 33

With a provincial lockdown on the horizon, Central Huron Council voted to retain its current staffing complement, assuring them they will have jobs in 2021.

Council discussed the issue on Monday night, just hours after Premier Doug Ford announced the actions that will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Dec. 26. Councillors said that while administrative and public works staff will continue working through the lockdown, facilities staff numbers would be up for debate with community centres and halls having to be closed until midJanuary.

Council passed a motion to retain all staff, but councillors said they would revisit the issue at their Feb. 2 meeting. With no idea how long the lockdown could be in effect, council wanted to ensure they could revisit the issue if it looks as though it will be extended.

The motion also read that some staff may be reassigned throughout the municipality at the direction of their supervisors.

Chief Administrative Officer Steve Doherty said that many staff members are taking vacation time over the holidays, so that will eat up

some of the days in question.

However, during the first lockdown, many staff members were able to catch up on tasks that were put on the back burner at community

centres due to the day-to-day work when the facilities were open to the public.

Council will revisit the motion at its Feb. 2 meeting.

Season’s Greetings Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season!

Sincerely, the team at Usborne & Hibbert Mutual Fire Insurance Company 507 Main St. S, Exeter

With Our Thanks & Best Wishes May your holiday and the new year be filled with health, happiness and prosperity!

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020. PAGE 33.

Committee to be consulted first

There it is After months of waiting, the ace of spades was found in the Brussels Legion’s Catch the Ace draw. The final draw was held Friday night and it took 10 selections to find the ace on the night the draw had to end by law. Dennis Adlington of Ilderton won the draw and the Brussels Legion’s Jo-Ann McDonald, above, did the honours. (John Stephenson photo)

Exeter intersection to get rumble strips Huron County Council has directed the county’s public works department to investigate the installation of rumble strips at a troublesome intersection just west of Exeter.

South Huron Deputy-Mayor Jim Dietrich raised the issue at council’s Dec. 16 meeting, saying council needed to do something about that intersection now, as it continued to be dangerous and conducive to collisions.

The intersection of County Road 83 and Airport Line, just west of Exeter, is one of two intersections being studied by the county with enhanced traffic control measures – such as a roundabout or a full set of traffic lights – being considered. The other is the intersection of Blyth and London Roads in Blyth.

With the process only beginning, the Huron County Public Works Department has estimated that any work at those intersections likely wouldn’t move forward until 2022 or 2023. Dietrich, however, urged council to do something now with collisions continuing at the intersection.

He suggested the installation of rumble strips at least as a stop-gap measure until true intervention can take place years down the road.

Huron County Engineer Steve Lund said rumble strips could be installed, but they would then be ripped up in a few years as a result of the installation of traffic lights or a roundabout. He added that a recent refresh of local rumble strips cost just $250, but with the colder weather now here and availability for contractors reduced, it would likely cost more.

He did say they had recently installed flashing lights around the stop signs, which had been shown to reduce people running stop signs by 52 per cent. He also added that it could be an enforcement issue as well and perhaps the Ontario Provincial Police could be approached to have a cruiser near the intersection more frequently.

Dietrich stood firm, however, saying something needed to be done as soon as possible. Council agreed, directing staff to investigate the installation of rumble strips at the intersection.

Dining out Brussels’ St. Ambrose Catholic Church hosted a special take-out lasagna dinner at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre on Friday night, serving over 230 people. (John Stephenson photo)

Continued from page 32 with their value to go towards the new units. In addition, the old cycles will be removed by the successful bidder. *** On Monday evening, North Huron Council approved snow removal for the GJAJ residential development at the north end of the village.

The municipality approved a similar measure last year, and council asked when the roads will officially be taken over by the municipality.

Director of Public Works and Facilities Jamie McCarthy explained that the roads need to be completed.

She also said that the additional 380 metres of road for snow removal won’t have an impact on the level of service for the community. *** Councillor Kevin Falconer wants North Huron staff to run accessible construction projects on public properties by the Huron County Accessibility Advisory Committee before bringing construction options to council.

On Monday evening, McCarthy presented accessibility construction options for the municipal office in

Wingham and Falconer was upset the committee hadn’t been consulted first. McCarthy said she would consult the committee when council

had chosen a direction, but Falconer felt that was backwards, and the board should weigh in first.

The issue was deferred.

Walton, Ontario

519-887-6428 (Shop) 519-524-3543 (Ron) 519-955-1588 (Chad) Happy Holidays from our family to yours.

We’re proud to serve this community.

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Merry Christmas The Huron County egg farmers wishes everyone a wonderful and happy holiday season.

For recipes & more visit: getcracking.ca

Our Best Wishes Are Coming Your Way! Hope this holiday season delivers a rush of happiness!

May it find you surrounded by love, friendship and goodwill.

Thank you for making our year run so smoothly.

We wouldn’t be here without good friends and customers like all of you.

PAGE 34. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020.

Lowe details Brussels concerns

Collecting Emily Phillips, left, and her daughter Karen Glousher were busy on Saturday at Blyth United Church collecting for local food banks just ahead of the holidays. (John Stephenson photo)

Warranties to be offered Morris-Turnberry Council has partnered with Service Line Warranties of Canada to offer protection on internal and external infrastructure for ratepayers.

According to a report from Director of Public Works Mike Alcock, Service Line Warranties of Canada reached out to the municipality last month offering to provide insurance for internal and external water and sewer lines.

“The internal plumbing program for water and sewer would be available to all residents of the municipality,” Alcock’s report said.

“The external water program would also be available to all residents of the municipality whether they are connected to municipal water or to their own private well.”

Alcock’s report indicates that residential property owners are responsible for buried services that run from the property water and sewer infrastructure to their home.

“When these lines break, leak or become obstructed, the homeowner is often surprised to learn that it is not a municipal responsibility and most home insurance policies will not cover the expensive repair/replacement of these pipes,” Alcock said.

He said that the company is the only one offering this kind of coverage and has partnered with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).

“The service includes [coverage for] water service lines, sewer laterals and even internal home plumbing and drainage repair and

replacement services,” Alcock’s report said.

The municipality’s partnership is a simple matter of endorsing the program model to allow residents to buy into it, Alcock said. He went on to say the only requirement is that Morris-Turnberry’s name and logo be allowed to be reproduced when letting residents know about the program.

The partnership is based on a contract that has a three-year term with an option to renew, Alcock said.

The municipality will receive five per cent of the revenue collected from residential property owners enrolled in the program, Alcock said, and council could decide to pass that five per cent along to save residents 50 cents per month.

The insurance premiums cost $7.25 per month for sewer line coverage, $5 per month for water line coverage and $6.50 per month for in-home plumbing.

Councillor Jim Nelemans asked if the municipality would be contacted by residents as a result of being involved with the program, and Alcock said no. The entire program, according to Alcock, is handled as a third-party operation.

Nelemans said he was fine with the program if that was the case, as he didn’t want ratepayers reaching out to the municipality if a claim is denied.

The municipality approved signing the contract to partner with Service Line Warranties of Canada.

The alleged actions of a local developer are wearing thin in Brussels, according to Huron East Councillor John Lowe, who recently detailed several incidents for council at last week’s meeting.

At Huron East Council’s Dec. 15 meeting, Lowe said that developer Bryan Morton, who is planning an apartment complex with over 40 units in Brussels, had been proceeding on various aspects of work without obtaining the proper information and permissions.

Lowe said there was already an instance of a gas leak being caused and then knocking out the phone lines, which caused several Brussels businesses, including the local CIBC branch and its ATM to be down for the rest of the day. Lowe said this came as a result of digging without the proper locates.

Lowe said some Brussels residents and business owners are growing tired of Morton’s actions and Lowe wanted to ensure Morton would be held accountable. Not only should the municipality be enforcing its rules and ensuring that Morton is doing things properly, but he also said he should have to pay for fire calls or other service costs to fix any damage that’s been done.

Chief Administrative Officer Brad Knight said he and others at the

Huron East municipal office had been made aware of the incidents in Brussels and had actually issued a stop work order at one point, which resulted in a relative clean-up of the site.

Knight also said a meeting had then been scheduled between municipal staff and Morton, which Morton then abruptly cancelled.

With a project of that size, Knight said Morton should be working with an architect and others to ensure the project can move ahead before doing so on his own.

Councillor Ray Chartrand said this incident connected back to a discussion council had earlier in the

year about holding residents accountable and ensuring rules put in place by Huron East are being followed and, if they aren’t, that there are consequences.

Councillors then recalled similar differences of opinion regarding the development of the Four Winds Barn in Brussels and said that if Morton was unhappy with how things were proceeding that he has shown he will go over the local municipality’s head to Huron County Council for approval.

Knight said he and municipal staff would continue to investigate the situation and ensure the municipality’s rules are being followed.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020. PAGE 35.

Agriculture

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Brussels Livestock report

Light run of fed cattle available at sale Total receipts for Brussels Livestock for the week ending Dec. 18 were 1,690 cattle and 1,059 lambs and goats.

On Tuesday, fed steers and heifers sold as part of a light run of fed cattle that sold sharply lower. Choice steers and heifers sold $120 to $130.

Second-cut steers and heifers sold $110 to $120. Aged and medium steers and heifers sold $95 to $110.

Cows sold on an easier demand.

On Thursday veal sold on a strong active trade with higher prices.

Lambs, sheep and goats sold higher.

On Friday, calves sold on an active run with steady prices. Yearlings

sold on an easier market with plainer types seeing a further decline.

There were 375 cows on offer.

Beef sold $50 to $59.50 with sales to $62.50; good holstein cows, $43 to $55; medium holstein cows, $38 to $44.

There were six bulls selling $65 to $88.75.

There were 165 head of veal on offer. Beef veal sold $145 to $195 with sales to $205; good holsteins, $145 to $155 with sales to $158; SL heavy holsteins, $130 to $140; heavy holsteins, $120 to $130; medium holsteins, $125 to $138; plain holsteins, $90 to $115.

Albrecht and Annelies Ringgenberg of Walton, consigned four head. One holstein steer weighed 660 lbs. and sold for a price of $158. Yost Miller of Lucknow, consigned four head. One holstein steer weighed 770 lbs. and sold for a price of $157.

Lambs under 50 lbs. sold $466 to $525; 50 - 64 lbs., $432 to $520; 65 - 79 lbs., $387 to $440; 80 - 94 lbs., $299 to $375; 95 - 109 lbs., $297 to $313; 110 lbs. and over, $283 to $340.

Sheep sold $200 to $370.

Goats: billies sold $250 to $400; nannies, $100 to $275; kids: meat,

$450 to $525; dairy, $300 to $475.

Bruce Pehlke of Ayton, consigned 10 head. Two lambs averaged 46 lbs. and sold for an average price of $510. Nick and Mike Masse of Zurich, consigned 37 head. One lamb weighed 52 lbs. and sold for a price of $520.

Top quality stocker steers under 400 lbs. sold $231 to $277; 400 - 499 lbs., $233 to $261; 500 - 599 lbs., $204 to $239; 600 - 699 lbs., $188 to $216; 700 - 799 lbs., $171 to $187; 800 - 899 lbs., $170 to $176; 900 999 lbs., $166 to $191; 1,000 lbs. and over, $163 to $173.

Top quality stocker heifers, 400 -

499 lbs. sold $165 to $189; 500 - 599 lbs., $159 to $182; 600 - 699 lbs., $156 to $170; 700 - 799 lbs., $151 to $165; 800 - 899 lbs., $160 to $167; 900 lbs. and over, $146 to $158.

David M. Bauman of Lucknow, consigned 12 head. Six charolais heifers averaged 888 lbs. and sold for an average price of $167. John T. M. Bowman of Proton Station, consigned 21 head. Eleven charolais steers averaged 585 lbs. and sold for an average price of $239. Elam S. B. Martin of Wingham, consigned 27 head. Seven simmental steers averaged 892 lbs. and sold for an average price of $175.50.

OFA’s Arts reflects on a year to remember

By Tracey Arts, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture This has been a whirlwind year for Ontario agriculture. As farm business owners, we had to be flexible and proactive as we adjusted to a new reality. The pandemic first hit our province in March of this year and has continued to keep our sector on its toes with changing regulations, public health restrictions and loss of traditional market streams for our products.

Together with many partners, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has accomplished a tremendous amount of good for the sector, laying a strong foundation for a post-pandemic road to recovery.

Starting my new role as Director of Zone 4 during a pandemic was definitely an adjustment to what I initially thought the role would be.

As I began my term, the province was in the process of determining how to handle the news of the pandemic. The pandemic caused a fundamental shift in our organization, but in true farmer fashion, we adapt and make the best with what we have.

The Ontario agriculture industry has collectively overcome significant obstacles and disruptions, including labour shortages, rail strikes, food processing shutdowns, volatile markets and a freedom-ofinformation request, among a long list of other issues. Despite these challenges, advocating on behalf of our members remained a top priority for the OFA. We continued to champion the diverse interests of our 38,000 farm families.

In early March, our members had to pivot to virtual meetings in order to maintain provincial safety regulations. This change was a big adjustment for a community that values face-to-face interaction, however, our organization was overwhelmed by the co-operation and willingness from our members to embark on this virtual journey with us. We not only adapted to virtual as an organization – we thrived. Throughout the pandemic, our organization has been able to effectively run virtual booths and events, provincial and county-level meetings for monthly business, as well as county, regional and annual

general meetings culminating with our first-ever OFA-wide annual general meeting, all successfully done through online platforms. We are grateful for our members and counties who have adapted to making these virtual meetings successful, and were overwhelmed by the participation and support shown at our annual general meeting.

I experienced my first advocacy challenge less than a week into my new role. It is a well-known statistic that the farming community makes up two per cent of the population and often, rules and regulations do not initially reflect the unique needs of our sector. In this case, Public Health had declared a vague and ominous restriction on farmworkers, which would limit them to only working at one farm in the hopes of reducing the spread of COVID-19.

As a dairy farmer myself, I knew that this would cause significant issues for Ontario's farming families.

To solve this issue, I was given the opportunity to work with the Southwestern Public Health Unit (SWPH) and lobbied for

clarification to ensure that public health restrictions fairly addressed the unique needs of the agriculture sector.

Along with other lobby efforts, the OFA team worked to ensure that our members had the tools required to navigate COVID-19 successfully.

Communications pivoted to develop resources to help our members navigate effectively. The OFA created a summary of financial programs available to farmers, along with a producer's guide to selling directly to consumers throughout the pandemic, a guide for minimizing workplace risk and fact sheets with the most up-to-date information on our website.

Throughout the pandemic, we continued to advocate hard for the pressing issues affecting our membership. In a year like no other, the OFA lobbied for Bill 156 to be put into force, in order to protect farm animals, the food supply, as well as farmers and their families.

We also put our lobby efforts into furthering investments for broadband and cellular expansion, for expansion of natural gas infrastructure for rural, northern and remote communities, and for funding to increase Ontario’s Risk Management Program.

Additionally, the OFA successfully influenced the Ontario government to address our concerns regarding the Not-For-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) and spearheaded the Freedom-ofInformation (FOI) request settlement. You, our members, have also been a large part of this success, as you have all been active

advocates, locally holding meetings with politicians to address key priorities and issues within our sector.

We owe our successful year to the collaborative work with fellow industry stakeholders throughout the value chain. Working together for the common goal of a dynamic and robust Ontario agri-food sector during the pandemic has been vital in keeping the agri-food sector resilient.

I am incredibly proud to be a part of such a hardworking sector and to represent my counties at the provincial level. I hope we can end this year on a high note, celebrating Ontario agriculture’s resiliency and strong advocacy. On behalf of the OFA’s team, I wish you a great holiday season and all the best in 2021.

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Season’s Greetings ROBERT RADFORD FARM MACHINERY REPAIRS

Making a difference The Belgrave Kinsmen recently donated $5,200 to the North Huron Food Share with the proceeds from the group’s drive-through pork chop supper late last month, which was sold out.

Jessica de Waal, a volunteer and a board member with the Food Share, accepted the donation, which pushed the Belgrave Kinsmen over the $10,000 mark for the year in donations to the Food Share. Wayne Fenton, second from right, and Mike McBurney, right, made the donation. (Hannah Dickie photo)

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PAGE 36. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020.

Huron County 4-H hands out annual awards and a graduating member award and certificate from Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson.

The Brandon Metske Heart and Soul 4-H Memorial Award, presented in memory of Metske to a member of the Lucknow Beef Club, is awarded to a member who lives on a farm and has a keen interest and passion for the beef industry, alongside a strong work ethic, active 4-H involvement and who is pursuing a future in farming. The award was presented to Alycia Coultes.

Andrew Metske was awarded for having the highest junior points in the Lucknow Beef Club. He also received the Huron County Beef Producers Award, which is donated by the organization and presented to the first-year beef club member with the highest score. Metske also received the Ben Lobb MP Award, donated by Lobb, which is presented to the member who submits the top essay on the topic “What 4-H has meant to me as a member in Huron County.”

A way with words

Season’s Greetings

This month the Huron County 4-H Association handed out its annual awards in front of Memorial Hall in Blyth, as opposed to the traditional banquet. Lily Shapton, right, was among the most decorated members that day, winning the Press Reporter Award, sponsored by The Citizen, the Hill & Hill Limited Award for the high junior judge, and the CIBC – Huron County Branches Award for the top overall judge at the Huron County Judging Competition.

Presenting the award was Curtis McNeil, president of the Huron County 4-H Leaders’ Association. (Hannah Dickie photo)

By Denny Scott The Citizen Earlier this month the Huron County 4-H Association held its annual awards ceremony for 2020, though there were only two clubs held throughout the year.

Due to COVID-19, there were fewer clubs than normal, but the Hensall Hikers and the Lucknow Beef Club were able to move forward through Zoom meetings and achievement days.

In front of Blyth Community Memorial Hall on Dec. 12, leaders handed out the year’s awards.

The Darrell Bergsma Award, sponsored by Bergsma, is presented to the 4-H member who showcases dedication and was presented to Mercedes Prout. She also won the Secretary Book Award, sponsored by the Huron County 4-H Leaders’ Association based on neatness, consistency and completeness. She also had the second-place book and second-place junior project book.

Lily Shapton won the Press Reporter Award sponsored by The Citizen for the top press reporter book. Shapton also won the Hill and Hill Limited Award, presented to the high junior judge at the virtual judging competition and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Award, sponsored by the bank’s Huron County branches, for top overall judge at the judging competition.

The Don Pullen Award, donated

by Pullen, was awarded to Tyler Murray for earning the highest points in the year. Murray also won the Murray Cardiff Citizenship Award, donated by Cardiff’s family to be presented to the top all-round member in Huron County who best exemplifies the goals and aims of 4H. Frank Schaefer was awarded for earning the first-place Secretary Book Award donated by the Huron County 4-H Leaders’ Association.

Schaefer also had the third-place novice project book.

Halle Barton received the firstplace novice project book prize.

Molly Groot had the first-place

junior project book and the secondplace press reporter book, the award for which is donated by The Citizen.

The Dodds Century Farm Gate Sign Award, sponsored by the Dodds family for the top gate sign in Huron

County, was presented to Lauren Bos, who also had the second-place senior project book. Bos also received the Hill and Hill Award for high senior judge in the Huron County virtual judging competition

Megan Metske was awarded for having the second-place intermediate project book.

Emily Bieman was the first-place winner with her intermediate project book. Bieman also received the Stan Jackson Award which is presented to the Huron County Beef Club member with the highest points and the High Intermediate Award for her performance at the Huron County Judging Competition. Bieman also received the Lucknow Beef Club Award for highest points by a senior member and awards for completing 36 and 42 clubs.

Kaleigh Long received the Warden’s Novice Award, donated by former Huron County Warden Jim Ginn, which is presented to the novice 4-H member obtaining the highest first-year score. Long also received the C&M Transport Award for the first- or second-year Lucknow Beef Club member with the highest score.

Grace Theophilopoulous received the Life Skill Awards - Outstanding Continued on page 47

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Well done Tyler Murray, right, was this year’s winner of the Don Pullen Award, which is presented to the 4-H member with the highest point total at the end of the year. Pullen, left, presented the award himself. The former agricultural representative with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has been at every Huron 4-H awards ceremony since 1963. (Hannah Dickie photo)

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020. PAGE 37.

From the Minister’s Study

This year, reflect on the reason for the season

By Pastor Gary van Leeuwen Blyth Christian Reformed Church “City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style. In the air there’s a feeling of Christmas.

Children laughing, people passing, meeting smile after smile, and on every street corner you’ll hear silver bells... Soon it will be Christmas day.”

When in high school I sang in the choir, and this is one of the songs we sang for our Christmas concert. I enjoyed the song because it was bright and cheerful, even though seeing the happy smiles of Christmas shoppers was not my experience. Mostly I dreaded the busyness of the city streets, and I began to learn to avoid waiting until Christmas Eve to get my shopping done.

This year I haven’t heard anyone dreading the last-minute rush, most probably because there won’t be one. In the conversations I have heard, many people are getting their shopping done early “in case there’s a lockdown.”

I don’t miss the Christmas rush, but I do miss the thought of it. What I will miss this year are the Christmas celebrations. I will miss the family Christmases, although too many of them can be a bit tiresome.

I will miss the choirs and the school Christmas programs, although I was often too busy to really enjoy them.

They were just another thing to do.

Most of all, I will miss the Christmas services in our church. In our church, our tradition has been to have our service on Christmas Day, and the church is normally full. We will still gather, virtually, thankful for technologies allowing us to get together. I know that other churches are anticipating the same in their celebrations. I didn’t always appreciate all the goings-on in former years, but, because we are restricted from normal activities, I find I am missing even those things that I didn’t always like.

I am reminded this year that the first Christmas, more than 2,000 years ago, was not a bright and cheery event either. Mary and Joseph were forced to move from their home in Nazareth to Bethlehem because of an edict of the Caesar, the most powerful man in the world.

Caesar was taking a census, not because he wanted to know how many people were in his empire, but because he wanted to ensure that he gathered as much tax as he possibly could.

Added to the misery of Caesar’s money grab was the paranoid

presence of the local king, Herod, who had no second thoughts about killing anyone who even hinted of rebellion against the ruling authorities. Nazareth and Bethlehem were occupied villages with Roman soldiers forcing those who lived there to drop everything from time to time to serve them at their whim.

And, when Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, the village was so crowded that when Jesus was born, his parents chose the only spot left for a child’s bed, the manger, which would have been located at the periphery of the house where they were staying.

(It is unlikely that this young couple would have been forced to live in a barn as tradition has it, but rather, because the guest room was already occupied, they were relegated to sleep on their equivalent of the kitchen floor. The manger would have been located at one end of the house, for the barn was often attached to the house with a manger separating the animal living quarters from the human living quarters.)

There were no silver bells on that first Christmas, and although the streets of Bethlehem were crowded, it was not with happy shoppers, but with disgruntled and irritated displaced persons.

Even though the circumstances of Jesus’ birth were far from ideal, it was His coming to this world that changed everything. In the way that Luke tells his story in his gospel, he presents Jesus as an alternative to Caesar. Caesar, who taxed the people to poverty, did so for his own self-interests. True, he put himself forward as the one who would make

Rome great again (and he did much for the Roman Empire), but to do that, he needed to rob the people under his reign of their much-needed resources. He laid claim to supreme authority, but he did so without consideration of the needs of the people who lived in his empire.

Caesar claimed to be lord and saviour of the world, and he needed his authority and power to fulfill his vision of himself.

When the angels announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds, they proclaimed Jesus as Lord and Saviour, a direct challenge to the Roman Empire. At the same time they were announcing the coming of a new reign, the reign of Jesus over the Kingdom of God. Jesus is very different from Caesar. As the eternal Son of God, He does not need to tax the people of the earth to accomplish His goals of greatness. Although He now reigns over the entire universe, and although He has supreme authority, He did not make Himself first.

Instead, He came to give His life for us, making Himself our servant. He is our Saviour because He is our servant, and while He is our Lord, unlike Casear, His concern is our needs and our wellbeing. Instead of sentencing anyone to death who challenged His reign, He gave His life so that we could have eternal life. All who put their trust in Jesus will experience the blessings of His reign for eternity.

This Christmas, with all our celebrations being muted, if they happen at all, we have the opportunity to ask the question: what is Christmas really about? Why do

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HOPE, PEACE, JOY AND LOVE “Do not be afraid; ...I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2:10)

Weekly worship services continue via YouTube “Brussels and Blyth United Churches” Contact Alex at minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com Website: brusselsandblythuc.ca Brussels United Church, P.O. Box 359, Brussels, ON N0G 1H0 519-887-6259

Our 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. services have resumed with a limited capacity.

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Sunday, December 27 - there is no evening service

No in-person service December 27th & January 3rd

Thursday, December 31

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

New Year’s Eve Service at 7:00 pm

Sunday, January 3 - Guest minister Stan Puklicz There is no evening service

MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

BLYTH CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH Minister: Pastor Gary van Leeuwen Hwy. 4, Blyth www.blythcrc.ca 519-523-4743

BRUSSELS In-Person worship at Melville is cancelled for the time being, to protect our community.

Find Rev. Charmila's services on YouTube by searching "St. Andrew's and Melville Sermon"

Final Week of Advent - Christ

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established, and we know that one day, sometime in the future, Jesus will make everything good again.

Perhaps next year the sidewalks will be full again and the crowds will have returned. But this year, let’s reflect again on the reason for our celebration, the birth of a King who, by living His life as a servant, has changed everything.

Thursday, December 24 at 6:00 pm or Friday, December 25 at 10:00 am Christmas Service

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we celebrate at all? The answer is this: the inspiration for Christmas came from Jesus Christ who was born in humble circumstances to establish a kingdom in which joy, hope, love and peace are an everyday experience.

True, we do not yet experience those in fullest measure, but we know that the kingdom has been

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Blyth United Church May you celebrate a blessed Christmas and healthy new year.

Glory to God in the highest Heaven, and on earth peace among all those whom God favours.

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Facebook: Blyth and Brussels United Churches blythunited@tcc.on.ca ~ 519-523-4224

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17 Flora Street Wingham: Sacred Heart Sunday ~ 9:00 a.m.

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

1025 Wallace Avenue N. Facebook: Search for St. Joseph/Sacred Heart/St. Ambrose Live Sunday Mass, Sundays at 10:00 a.m.

PAGE 38. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020.

Music, church big parts of Sparling’s celebration

Citizen’s Christmas Annie Sparling, left, was named Citizen of the Year for the Blyth area for 2020 due to her work with the Blyth Community Betterment Group, much of which is centred around Christmas. In an interview with The Citizen, Sparling, shown here during a holiday concert she put on in 2015, said that Christmas has always been a musical time for her family. (File photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Annie Sparling, this year’s Citizen of the Year Award winner for Blyth and its surrounding communities, says Christmas at her home is about faith, family and music.

Sparling was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. Annie was one of seven children. Her father was a plumber in Detroit and Christmas was always a special time for the family.

Sparling says there was always plenty of music with both her and one of her sisters being vocalists.

When she was really young, she always remembered visits from her Uncle Bill, who would come dressed as Santa Claus. A bigger, friendly guy, her uncle fit the look for Santa Claus.

Christmas was a very musical time for the family. Sparling related that they would often sit around the piano and sing throughout the holidays. She and her sister were also often asked to perform at local churches and halls around the holidays.

Growing up Catholic in Detroit, Sparling said the family would always attend midnight mass just as the calendar turned to Dec. 25. They would then head home and Sparling’s parents would send the kids to bed and begin wrapping presents.

Their sleep would be short-lived, because once her parents were done wrapping presents, they would wake the children up and open presents, usually around 2-3 a.m.

Sparling said that felt special for her with most of the neighbourhood still sleeping, but they were up opening presents and celebrating Christmas as early as they could.

They would then have a traditional breakfast, still before the sun came up, and then everyone would return to their beds and sleep until the late morning.

The rest of the day they would spend time with family, both from Detroit and some Canadian family that would come across the border (Sparling’s mother was Canadian).

After meeting her husband David and moving to Blyth, traditions changed, but she would always make her way to Michigan for the

holidays. They would spend Christmas Eve with the Sparlings and then head to Michigan later on Christmas Day to see all of their family.

Traditions continued (and still continue) to develop as David and Annie had their three children: Reece, Sam and Sarah. Annie says it feels like something new develops every year, which has been exciting.

Things usually begin at the Sparling home just after American Thanksgiving, when they get their tree. They always get an overly tall tree to fit into their home, which has become a tradition they have kept up over the years, tapping the Londesborough Lions Club for the special tree request.

In regards to American Thanksgiving, Annie said she

wanted to work to dispel a myth about Americans, or at least about her, that Thanksgiving is more important to them than Christmas.

For her, she loves Christmas and feels it’s much more important than Thanksgiving.

They then work to hang their stockings and decorate the tree as the calendar inches closer to Christmas, culminating in a Christmas Eve party at their home for their closest friends, family members and neighbours.

On Christmas morning, once the children are up, Annie always prepares cinnamon buns and breakfast and then the family proceeds to open their gifts. Now, they celebrate with the rest of the Sparling family on Boxing Day when possible.

In recent years, Blyth residents have Annie and the Blyth Community Betterment Group to thank for a little extra Christmas cheer in the village due to the creation of the Hometown Holiday Weekend.

Not only has that endeavour included the resurrection of the Santa Claus parade, but there have been plenty of other events, including shows at Memorial Hall, dinners hosted by the Blyth Lions Club and, this year, a virtual talent

show hosted by the Blyth Festival Artistic Director Gil Garratt.

Annie said there are so many great events that are part of the Blyth calendar every year, from the Blyth Festival season to the reunion of the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association, that the group wanted to focus on its Rutabaga Festival revival every second year and something for the holiday season.

So far, she says she thinks it has been a success, spreading Christmas cheer and bringing people to the village to enjoy the season in Blyth.

And while she’s happy with what the group has accomplished in Blyth, Annie says that at home with her family, it’s all about faith around the holidays.

“Christmas is the most important holiday of the year for me, despite what Canadians say, that to Americans Thanksgiving is a bigger deal,” Annie said in an e-mail to The Citizen. “It’s very precious to me because of its focus on God’s love to us through the gift of His son. We receive that love, that is expressed to us as a gift, something that can’t be earned, and we extend that love to others. It’s my prayer that as I am loved, I am able to love others, not from my own strength, as it comes from God.”

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Celebrating Annie Sparling recently told The Citizen just how important family is for her Christmas celebration. From left: Reece, Sarah, David, Annie and Sam. (Photo submitted)

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020. PAGE 39.

Thomas looks back on memories with late husband to Christmas was never very exciting.

What did make the holidays special, she said, was when she and her family would go to her grandparents’ house on Christmas Day. She said it was a real Christmas on the farm with a full feast prepared for lunch and a long day with family to follow.

Marguerite said she can still smell

the aromas of her grandmother’s cooking at Christmas and special spices she used in her dressing and gravy.

She said her grandparents had a back kitchen at their home, part of a very traditional farm home in those days, and it wasn’t heated, so going there when the cooking was happening was always a special Continued on page 41

Season’s Greetings Wishing everyone a joyous holiday season.

Looking back This Christmas will be a difficult one for Marguerite Thomas of Brussels, who is shown above with her late husband Bob Kellington. Kellington, who was posthumously awarded the 2020 Citizen of the Year Award for Brussels and its surrounding communities, passed away earlier this year, making this the first Christmas Marguerite will be spending without him since the two were married. Below, Kellington shows off some of his gifts during a previous Christmas celebration. (Photos submitted)

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By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Christmas this year will be quiet for Marguerite Thomas of Brussels after losing her husband Bob Kellington earlier this year, but that’s not to say that the two didn’t make plenty of memories together.

Bob was this year’s Citizen of the Year Award winner for Brussels and its surrounding communities. He passed away in late May and was honoured posthumously with the award last month.

Bob and Marguerite met in 2014 after they were both widowed. He was doing some work around Marguerite’s house when Marguerite said she noticed a gleam in Bob’s eyes and felt one in her own as well.

They would soon begin dating and would eventually marry.

Bob and Marguerite would spend several Christmases together before Bob’s untimely passing, making memories that Marguerite says will last a lifetime.

“My Christmas song was, ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’. Sadly, it is ‘I’ll Have a Blue Christmas Without You’,” Marguerite said of this year’s holidays in an e-mail to The Citizen.

Bob and Marguerite were both well accepted and loved by the family of each other and would spend the holidays together, depending on the year.

Marguerite said she and Bob spent several Christmases with her daughter and her family in Oshawa for what was a memorable holiday.

In 2018, Bob and Marguerite hosted Bob’s daughter, son-in-law and grandson for the holidays.

In 2019, Marguerite said she and Bob gave Bob’s grandson a trove of board games, many of which were purchased at the Brussels 5R’s. She said that was a gift that aged well with the coming COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown control measures.

As for Marguerite’s own childhood, she grew up in Formosa with her family owning Oberle’s Store from 1940, with Marguerite’s brother taking it over until just five years ago.

Holidays were busy for the family, she said, with so much work needing to be done at the store, so the lead-up

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PAGE 40. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020.

Stewarts mark last Christmas in family home always snowy in the back bush of the property, so it was a large undertaking to get it cut down and brought back to the family home.

There were always gifts of hard candy and oranges in her stocking as a child and she remembered her mother’s cooking around the holidays. She would prepare a full Christmas feast every year, but begin baking even earlier.

Her mother’s specialty was fruit cake, Mary Lou said, and as she grew older, probably when she was about eight, she would help her mother prepare it, cutting the fruit for her in late November to prepare for the holidays.

This year will be challenging for the Stewarts, as they won’t be able to celebrate with Mary Lou’s mother, Continued on page 43

Many thanks to our customers

Changing it up For just shy of five decades Mary Lou and John Stewart have been celebrating Christmas at their Westmoreland Street home in Blyth, however this year, the 46th, will be the last. The couple has sold their home and are downsizing, but staying within the village. The couple is bidding farewell to Christmas as they’ve known it and preparing for the change. (Photo submitted)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Christmas has always been a time of celebration for the Stewart family of Blyth, as it is for many, but this year’s holidays will bring about change for a family so firmly rooted in the village.

John and Mary Lou Stewart will be celebrating their 46th Christmas in their Westmoreland Street home this year, but it will be their last.

They have sold their house and will be moving to the new subdivision in the north end of Blyth early next year.

Both John and Mary Lou say they have made plenty of happy memories in that house, both during the holidays and throughout the year, so it will be hard to leave, but it was time to downsize.

They said they look forward to closing the book on nearly 50 years of memories in their current home, but making new ones in their new home, beginning with Christmas of 2021.

John has a holiday history in Blyth that dates back much farther than 46 years. As a small child, John’s father owned a grocery store in the village, so Christmas was always a busy time for the family thanks to the business.

John’s father would always pack parcels as gifts for residents of the village, as well as the local police chief, telephone line operators and others who worked all year for the benefit of the residents. As a child, John said he would make those deliveries with his father, seeing just about the entire village in the leadup to Christmas. They were tokens of appreciation for those helping to make the village a better place.

While he didn’t know it at the time, John said that in reflecting back on it, making those deliveries were instrumental in connecting his family to the rest of the village and he’s happy to have taken part in it.

Once the holiday rush on food and other provisions subsided, John and his family were able to settle into the

holidays, which always included Christmas lunch next door at his grandmother’s house for a meal of roasted goose with all the trimmings, followed by a traditional Christmas turkey dinner with the other side of his family near Donegal.

John says he remembers ending those days being very, very full.

While the lunch with his grandmother would be a tightknit affair, the other side of his family, in Donegal, was big, so Christmas dinner was usually

enjoyed by dozens of people.

Because there were only so many chairs, John said it was customary for the men of the family to eat first, followed by the women and children. When he turned 10 and was seated with the men of the family for dinner for the first time, John said it felt like quite an honour.

Growing up on a farm near Lucknow, Mary Lou says one of her most prevalent Christmas memories is cutting a tree from her family’s property for the holidays. It was

Season’s Readings!

As we turn the page to another holiday season, we’d like to take a moment to thank you, our loyal readers, for your trust and support. We hope this Christmas delivers all the good news you’ve been hoping for and more.

Happy Holidays!

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020. PAGE 41.

Fritz family celebrates with games, family time

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

The first Dan Fritz, above, has come a long way since his first Christmas, growing into Christmas traditions and winning a few shuffleboard games along the way. (Photo submitted)

Christmas time for Dan Fritz of the Brussels area is one of tradition and family – and even a little shuffleboard.

Fritz is the co-chair of the Brussels Homecoming Committee, a celebration of the village turning 150 in 2022. He is serving alongside Mike Thomas, the other co-chair of the event.

He says his Christmas celebrations were pretty traditional, which included rising early on Christmas morning to open gifts with his family. There was always some travel as well to see family, which isn’t an overly complicated task for the Fritz side of the family, all of whom live on the same road. The Kellington side, he said, is all over the place, so that would require a few more kilometres on the family vehicle.

And while Fritz was up early on Christmas morning, he says they were always allowed to open one present on Christmas Eve. Stuck in his mind over the years have been a few gifts of hockey tickets, which he remembers fondly.

Now, as he’s grown older, Christmas celebrations have changed a bit, to include relaxing with some beverages with some of his extended family and even a shuffleboard tournament in recent years.

Fritz says that while he has yet to

win the illustrious tournament, he has made it to the finals a few times.

He says that Christmas in the Brussels area is special for him. He says there is a real community spirit in the village and a feeling that spreads throughout the area.

Keep up to date with The Citizen’s stories and specials by following us on Facebook and Twitter.

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Nativity scenes part of holidays

Reminiscing Marguerite Thomas of Brussels, left, is looking back on fond memories of Christmases with her husband Bob, who passed away earlier this year. (Photo submitted) Continued from page 39 feeling for Marguerite.

The family would enjoy the feast and once everyone was done, the children would run off to play together while the men would play cards for the rest of the afternoon and into the evening, she said.

While the giving of gifts was never the focal point of Marguerite’s Christmas celebrations as a child, there is one year she remembers wanting a Meccano set, but the budding engineer got a doll instead.

With a laugh, Marguerite says her life could have been different if she would have gotten that Meccano set.

Marguerite’s Christmases with Bob were amazing, she said, as they both kept up their involvement in the community over the holidays.

The couple founded the Nativity scene event at Brussels-area churches, welcoming anyone and everyone to provide their Nativity scenes for a collection of dozens for all to enjoy. It would fill one of the area churches with dozens and dozens of unique Nativity sets. To get the ball rolling, Marguerite and Bob bought many of the Nativity sets themselves and were then aided by the community to make the event what it was. It would run for several

years, ending, at least for the time being, with Bob’s passing.

Last Christmas was a special one for Bob and Marguerite. They hosted open houses for both the Brussels United Church Choir and for the Brussels Lions Club (as Bob was set to take over presidency of the club) and those were special celebrations, Marguerite said.

Not knowing that it would be Bob’s last Christmas, Marguerite said it was a great season to enjoy.

“Bob owned a lot of Christmas decorations and truly loved the season,” Marguerite said of him.

“He was a man who loved his sweets and I loved making them. Christmas does not have the same joy without him, but I love having the memories of how happy he was at Christmas and how he just enjoyed everything and everyone. I will always be grateful for the joy and the journey we shared.”

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PAGE 42. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020.

Pastor van Leeuwen focuses on family, church we’re never in debt in January.”

Gifts for the family, Gary said, aren’t extravagant.

“Gifts are some practical things, nice things we might not otherwise get,” he said. “But gift-giving isn’t the highlight, the celebration of Jesus’ birth is.”

As far as Blyth Christian Reformed Church is concerned, Gary said that this year there will be a Christmas Eve service alongside the Christmas Day service to accommodate as much of the congregation as possible.

“It’s not normal, but we thought we’d do it,” Gary said. “It’s important to celebrate Christmas.”

The church can currently host up to 30 per cent of its regular capacity, Gary said, which means 90 people.

“Not everyone will be able to attend, and some probably won’t due to lack of comfort with the situation, but we will have our online Christmas Day service,” he said.

The online services aren’t as popular as they were when the pandemic first struck, van Leeuwen said, as there were 200 views or so per video and that’s now down to 80 or 90.

For more information, follow the Blyth Christian Reformed Church on Facebook.

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God and family Pastor Gary van Leeuwen’s Christmas has always been about spending time with two families: his and his church family. From left: Emily, Helen, Gary and Thomas. (Photo submitted)

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Members of the van Leeuwen family in Blyth focus a lot of their energy around Christmas at the Blyth Christian Reformed Church, where patriarch Gary is a pastor.

The focus on church is in itself a tradition, Gary said, as Christmas hasn’t changed too much for him over the years.

While some churches mark Christmas with Christmas Eve celebrations, Gary said there’s a long history of Christmas Day celebrations in some Christian Reformed Churches like his own.

“The focus is on a Christmasthemed service and most of our people enjoy that,” he said.

“Christmas Day is a big one for us,” Gary said of his family.

“Following the service, we usually have a Christmas meal, a tradition for both my family and my wife’s family. Then after that we open gifts.”

He went on to say his family’s practices are the probably traditional fare for most people.

The family meal is always chicken or turkey, Gary said, a tradition that has followed him since he was young.

“Growing up on a dairy farm, beef wasn’t a celebratory meal,” he said.

When looking back on the Christmas celebrations of his youth, he said that, after church services, there was often a time for extended family, and while that tradition has continued, he said this year will be an obvious exception.

Growing up on a farm, however, meant that Christmas was actually a matter of chores first, then church, then celebration.

“It was less relaxing than you think,” he said. “We never travelled on Christmas Day, growing up, it

was always family time at home.”

He said that, as a family, he, his wife and children have decided to carry on that tradition as well, partly because of Gary’s job and that travelling after church services would result in a very long day.

“Growing up, my mother’s family got together for Boxing Day,” he said. “There was a big celebration with my cousins. In my extended family we always drew names for Christmas gifts and, for years we’ve continued to do that.”

The van Leeuwen children can also look forward to finding their first initial, in chocolate form, under the tree, another tradition from Gary’s youth.

“It was always the same size of box every year, and we always knew what it was,” he said. “My brother Ian didn’t always get his first initial though, because [the letter] ‘I’ was hard to find.”

Gary’s wife Helen’s family celebration included spending time together, which has continued on.

“We usually get together with her

brothers and sisters sometime through the Christmas holidays, whenever it’s convenient,” Gary said. “It’s hardly ever on Christmas Day, however, as there is a lot more travelling with my wife’s family who are from eastern Ontario. The last few years it’s been difficult with weather and with kids having jobs.”

There are some traditions his family left behind, Gary said, when they came from Holland, like going to two church services on Christmas Day and one on Boxing Day, alongside the normal two services that are held on Sunday.

“If Christmas was on Monday, then on Sunday you would have two services, then again on Monday and then one on Boxing Day,” he said.

“That’s not a tradition we’ve kept.”

Whether it was when he was young or more recent celebrations, Gary said the big focus for his family is the spiritual side of it.

“Our focus on Christmas has never been Santa Claus or the gifts,” he said. “We keep that to a minimum. We don’t spend a lot, and

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020. PAGE 43.

Music, family, community mark Teed Christmas

Holiday hits It wouldn’t be Christmas in the Teed household without plenty of music, including trips where Travis and Kim help others celebrate by sharing their musical gifts. (Photo submitted)

By Denny Scott The Citizen The Teed family, which recently relocated to Benmiller, makes music, family, food and games a big part of Christmas every year, and that’s not likely a surprise to anyone who knows them.

Kim and Travis Teed, who lived near Auburn until recently, are wellknown throughout the area for their musical endeavours, so it’s little surprise that music plays a big part in their celebration.

“A normal Christmas for us is a lot of music and we always host 30 people to a sit-down meal,” Travis said. “It’s a turkey meal - no questions asked - [including] stuffing, potatoes, turnips and the whole nine yards.

My wife and I almost always host it.”

The meal, hosted on Christmas Eve, is always spent with as many members of their family as possible and features traditions like each attendee, both past and present, being immortalized with a personalized Christmas ball ornament on the tree.

“Because we’re musicians, there’s always tons and tons of music,” Travis said.

The family also reads a Christmas story, with each person taking a turn reading an excerpt.

The couple also used to revel in a huge Christmas tree. Every year they obtained and decorated a 12-foot tree. Their new home, however, doesn’t have the clearance for that, and a recently-discovered allergy has led to an artificial tree.

meal as well as board games all day.

All those traditions, however, will be on hiatus this year as a Christmas under COVID-19 will definitely require modifications.

“We might be sitting by ourselves in front of the yule log on television,” Kim said.

“We’ve decided to abide by what the government wants and have a very quiet, lonely Christmas,” Travis said, adding it’s safer that way. The couple made the decision before Monday’s provincial announcement that almost everyone would need to spend Christmas in their homes as part of the province-wide lockdown.

“One blessing we do have this year is we did a recording for a virtual Christmas concert,” Travis said, pointing to recorded tunes that are going to be shared through the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival and College’s Facebook page. “There’s a bunch of entertainers in Huron County getting together, virtually, for that.”

Christmas music and Christmas time are two of Travis’ favourite things, he said, adding that people call him Mr. Santa because of that and his uncanny ability to list off, any day of the year, how many more days it is until Christmas.

The couple was even recently featured in a story on the CBC for the work they did to spread Christmas cheer despite the COVID-

While some traditions change, others carry on, like the family traditions that Kim’s family have shared.

Her family’s practices included sleeping over at someone’s house to have Christmas morning together, something that the Teeds have continued. For Travis, the early traditions are tied to his family’s religious connections, as they always attended midnight mass on Christmas Eve while Christmas Day was the celebration of Jesus’ birthday.

In more recent years, however, the focus is more on family as the couple try to get as many people over as possible, have them stay over and enjoy family time together.

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Lions celebrations remembered Continued from page 40 who is 98 years old and living in a retirement home. There will be phone calls and window visits, she said, but with the COVID-19 pandemic in full swing, they won’t be able to celebrate together as they have for decades.

With both John and Mary Lou serving as long-time members of the Blyth Lions Club, the service organization has played a big role in their lives for decades, especially around the holidays.

John said the Lions Christmas dinner was always circled on the family’s calendar, allowing them to enjoy a holiday dinner with friends and having their children visit with Santa Claus as well.

The community inherent in the club is a big part of the Stewarts’ lives and that is especially true during the holidays.

When John and Mary Lou married and started a family of their own, traditions changed as they hosted their own celebrations.

One particular Christmas rings a bell for John and Mary Lou, literally, as they remembered being at the former Blyth Town Hall for a Lions Christmas celebration one year when a bunch of the young kids

found their way to the town’s bell tower, ringing it for the entire village to hear.

During another Christmas, Mary Lou employed their children to help with the Lions Club’s gift bags, assuring them they were acting as Santa’s helpers for the year. She said that was a strategy the kids loved and it turned them into very effective workers.

At home, the Stewarts said they were always practical with gifts for their children. With younger children, there were always toys, but they tried to buy their kids clothes or things they would need for school in the coming year. They also instilled in them the practice of giving to those less fortunate around the holidays and not simply spending just to spend.

19 pandemic. The couple played a concert for children at a daycare centre in Goderich through the window. The concert is keeping alive a tradition of the two playing Christmas music for years at daycare centres, care centres and hospitals.

The Teed house focus on Christmas begins on Nov. 1. As of that point, the television is stuck on the W Channel and the Hallmark Channels for Christmas shows and Christmas music is always heard throughout the house.

Christmas is also a time for celebrating in the community, Kim and Travis said, especially with their involvement in the Auburn Lions Club. “[Auburn Lions Club members] get together with our spouses every year,” Travis said. “And, for I don’t know how many years, we have put on a Christmas concert to raise funds, though that hasn’t happened for the last couple years.”

The Lions Club also hosts Breakfast with Santa, which is a big event for the group.

“We do the pancake breakfast with Santa, though that isn’t happening this year either,” he said.

In place of the events, the club has started to sell pre-made, locallysourced breakfast kits including pancakes, syrup and sausages. The kits have been a hit, Kim said, with orders coming in constantly.

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PAGE 44. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020.

Onn expands Riverside to include Blyth chapel

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

Expansion Zoellyn Onn and Thom Chisholm are now the proud owners of Riverside Funeral Home – Blyth Chapel in the former home of Falconer Funeral Homes’ Blyth chapel. As a Blyth native, Onn said it had always been her dream to own the home. The couple is seen here in 2017 when they bought what is now Riverside Funeral Home in Brussels. (File photo)

Riverside Funeral Home in Brussels has expanded its reach in the community with its purchase of the former home of Falconer Funeral Homes’ Blyth chapel on the village’s main street.

Zoellyn Onn and Thom Chisholm, owners of Riverside Funeral Home in Brussels, began negotiating for purchase of the home in the fall.

Onn, who grew up in the Blyth area, said it had always been her dream to own that home.

“It’s where I grew up,” Onn said in an interview with The Citizen, adding that serving the people of her hometown at such a tough time in their lives is a dream come true for her.

She had worked for Falconer Funeral Homes for a time before striking out on her own and purchasing the home in Brussels.

Now, having two homes in two communities that share so much will allow her to serve the

community more fully, she said.

The home will be called Riverside Funeral Home – Blyth Chapel as of Dec. 23 when the sale closed.

Onn said she plans on providing similar service to what she has been providing in Brussels, but that the building needs some work, not only in the funeral home, but in the suite above the home, which hasn’t been lived in for some time.

The hope, she said, is to update the home and improve it, all while remaining open, and then renovating the suite and renting it out at a time when Huron County residents need housing more than ever.

“It makes me happy, it really does,” Onn said. She added that having a solid footing in the community can work wonders for

her role in the grieving process.

Knowing your local funeral director can ease tension and increase trust at such a hard time, she said, so she hopes to be there for the people of Blyth as she has been for the people of Brussels in recent years.

When families know their funeral director, she said, they aren’t afraid to ask questions, which is so important when a loved one passes away and a funeral needs to be planned.

Furthermore, Onn said that’s a relationship she’s always wanted with her community and one she didn’t have when she began in the field in Toronto.

For more information, visit Riverside Funeral Home’s website at riversidefuneralhome.ca.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020. PAGE 45.

Quiet lockdown Christmas a new experience

A musician in the making Song has always been an important part of Christmas for Blyth and Brussels United Churches’ Student Minister Alex Jebson, shown here years ago. From growing up on a farm and splitting his time between chores and the church to being part of numerous choirs when he was studying to become a minister to now, music has always been present for him at Christmas. (Photo submitted)

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Blyth and Brussels United Churches brought on Alex Jebson earlier this year as a student minister and he and his husband Jean-Luc are bringing their Christmas traditions to their new home in Brussels.

Jebson said that growing up in Sunderland, a small rural community near Toronto, his Christmases growing up were likely familiar to those in northern Huron County.

“Christmas here is probably similar to Christmas where I grew up,” he said. “The cows still needed to be milked and chores needed to be done.”

He said growing up on a farm meant Christmas wasn’t too different from any other day, though as the youngest, he was sometimes allowed to sleep in.

Christmas Eve for his family saw everyone go to the church, take in the Nativity and listen to the story of Christmas. After that, he would head back to his grandparents’ house for a party.

“Christmas Eve there was pretty hopping,” he said, laughing and adding it would make the Christmas Day chores all the harder.”

He said there was nothing set in stone about the evening, but the party gave people a chance to connect and celebrate the holiday.

“For the grandchildren, the tradition was to help set up for the party,” he said. “It would be a daylong affair, with the only tradition being griping over who got what chores.”

Jebson explained that Christmas for him growing up was tied to the

church or the farm, and that many of his traditions were about participating in a wider community Christmas celebration.

When he pursued his postsecondary education, Jebson was in Peterborough for his undergrad and Toronto after that. He said that, in Peterborough, he was normally able to get back to his family farm frequently, but during

his time in Toronto, it wasn’t always an option.

“I tried to stay connected as much to community and traditions,” he said. “But being further away, and having new friends and new groups and trying to expand your horizons gets involved in other people’s traditions.”

Jebson said he would host a Christmas or New Year’s celebration while at school for all the students who couldn’t get home for Christmas, or were stuck on campus for the rest of the holidays.

“The other big thing for me, during school, was being part of as many choirs as possible,” he said.

“The tradition was that, on Sundays, I’d run from church to church, having to keep track of which church I was singing in and what songs we were doing.”

As for this year, Jebson said Christmas will be a bit different as there won’t be a big group gathering for him and Jean-Luc to look forward to. It’s also the first year they will have their own space to decorate.

“In Toronto, in an apartment, we didn’t want to clutter too much with decorations and didn’t have a ton of space for other people,” he said.

“We’re having fun trying to navigate [amalgamating our two Christmases] and sometimes compromise on where things go.”

The two have very different Christmas experiences, Jebson said.

“Jean-Luc doesn’t come from a really big family like my farm family, which would include cousins and aunts and uncles and a full farm house,” he said. “His early experiences with me and my family might have been overwhelming with the number of people there.”

He said this “quiet” Christmas will be more like those Jean-Luc is used to, as the two try to figure out how to connect with family and friends. It’s also going to give Jebson a chance to celebrate a “simpler, quieter” holiday season. He also said that, given the pandemic and the upcoming holidays, there has been a significant amount of baking done in his house.

“I didn’t think my house would smell like cinnamon as often as it has, but here we are,” he said.

Jebson said that, while he is

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looking forward to celebrating with Jean-Luc, a lot of his focus this year will be on working towards the traditions of his new home communities and congregations.

“So many people are having to think outside the box this year,” he said. “We’re trying to foster a sense of community with what they love most of Christmas, while still being safe and trying to keep the community safe.”

Jebson said that, since the churches have been forgoing inperson services until COVID-19 cases go down, so to mark Christmas Eve, there will be some kind of online meeting for the churches, possibly through Zoom.

“It will be a new experience for quite a few of our congregants,” he

said. “A lot of the Christmas prep for our Christmas celebrations is going to figure out how we can safely celebrate. We still need to sing ‘Silent Night’, light the candles and recognize the other traditions. We need to know how to uphold those traditions.

“The church will also be doing some outdoor things as well,” he said, like the live Nativity scene the church hosted as part of the Brussels Christmas Experience earlier this month. “We want to provide ways for people to see each other in a safe environment. We want to use those little events and offerings to the community and bolster those that might be disconnected or struggling with how Christmas will be.”

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PAGE 46. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020.

How sport has changed!

Here are some athletic sporting events held in Blyth on May 24, 1871 best calithumpian, quoits, throwing stone, wrestling - back and side hold.

Read more in the Blyth Repository of History.

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devonjhenry@hotmail.com 519-505-2473 The Citizen, Dec. 8, 1999 The Citizen, Dec. 2, 2010

The Citizen, Dec. 22, 1999

The Citizen, Dec. 16, 2010

The Citizen, Dec. 16, 2010

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020. PAGE 47.

Bailey advocates for cross-border options at county

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen A discussion about growth planning best practices expanded to include cross-border servicing and a forthcoming report to Huron County Council presenting some options.

During the Dec. 16 meeting of Huron County Council, North Huron Reeve Bernie Bailey asked that the guide present some options in regards to cross-border servicing.

He was sure to point out, however, that while North Huron and MorrisTurnberry are currently engaged in cross-border servicing discussions, his request was of a more general nature and not in regards to his specific negotiations.

He noted in the report that the only real cross-border servicing option presented

was a cash reimbursement.

Bailey said he began the process of negotiating cross-border servicing with Morris-Turnberry 10 years ago when he was first elected to North Huron Council. Now, he said, North Huron Chief Administrative Officer Dwayne Evans has been conducting research and has found a number of avenues that have been taken locally in regards to cross-border servicing.

He said he looked into the land swap agreements between Central Huron and Goderich and the services involved in those situations. He also looked into similar instances of cross-border servicing near Stratford, between Hanover and Grey and others.

He said a boundary adjustment could be recommended for future scenarios, as an example, and that he

didn’t want to pigeonhole future development by only offering one option for cross-border servicing.

Central Huron Mayor Jim Ginn talked about the agreement between his municipality and Goderich, saying it was based on water rates and not tax share. He also noted that it took 30 years to negotiate and he knows, because his father was involved in the process in his days as a municipal politician.

However, having said that, he thought Bailey’s suggestion was worth a discussion, because any way cross-border servicing could be better addressed would be good news for the county. In his opinion, Ginn said, a plan for all of Huron County in regards to cross-border servicing would help many, adding that in his mind cross-border servicing debates have needlessly

4-H leaders award members

held up development in Huron County over the years.

Ginn recommended that the issue could be discussed as part of the county’s strategic planning process, but Chief Administrative Officer

Meighan Wark said staff could prepare a terms of reference report and some further suggestions on how to move forward. Council agreed and directed staff to prepare the document.

Mer r y Christmas

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season and the very best for the coming year.

Brett & Laura Fischer Brussels 519-887-8253 Office brettandlaura@plantpioneer.com

Awarded Lauren Bos, right, won several awards earlier this month as the Huron County 4-H Association handed out its annual awards. Don Dodds, left, presented her with the Dodds Century Farm Gate Sign Award. She also won the Hill & Hill Award as the high senior judge at the Huron County Judging Competition, graduating member awards from Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson and she had the second-place senior project book. (Hannah Dickie photo) Continued from page 36 Member Award as well as finishing third place in the junior project book grading.

The Life Skill Awards - Best Lives up to the Motto Award was presented to Alex Trick.

Bennett Jervis finished second palace in the junior project book competition.

The Hensall District Co-op Londesborough Branch Award, sponsored by the branch, for top novice judge at the Huron County judging competition went to Daniel Wareing.

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PAGE 48. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020.

County wants ambulance station in Brussels

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron County Council is recommending that the county either

build a new paramedic base in Brussels or construct an addition to the Brussels Fire Hall as an ambulance base.

Council discussed the issue at its

Dec. 16 meeting, voting in favour of the recommendation of Chief of Emergency Services Jeff Horseman.

Horseman was charged with

Taking the tour While the traditional Ethel Community Christmas celebration couldn’t move ahead as it normally does, with hot chocolate and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Ethel Community Centre, the big guy and his wife made time to tour the hamlet and wave to the young and young-at-heart looking to get into the Christmas spirit. (John Stephenson photo)

further investigating the situation in Brussels, which has changed drastically as a result of the COVID19 pandemic. Before the virus made its way to the area, paramedics and an ambulance were stationed at Huronlea Home for the Aged, using some of the home’s facilities as needed.

However, with the pandemic, the two high-risk populations (senior citizens and paramedics) could not be in close contact with one another and, as the pandemic has worn on, a permanent solution is needed in order to maintain a paramedic presence in Brussels.

Horseman said his report considered all options, including removing the ambulance from Brussels altogether, pulling it out of circulation and laying off the paramedics, which was not his recommendation.

He said removing the station entirely would result in a 2.6 per cent drop in the county’s Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) number one performance, a response time of eight minutes, and a 2.7 per cent drop in the CTAS number two response time of 17 minutes.

The county aims for a CTAS 1 response rate of 40 per cent and a CTAS 2 response rate of 46 per cent and removal of the Brussels ambulance post would cause both to drop.

He also said the response time would likely continue to decrease as the year-over-year call volume increases, which is what has been projected.

If the Brussels station was to be removed, the options would then be for ambulances to be dispatched

from either Wingham or Seaforth, both of which would result in longer response times.

Horseman told council he was not in favour of either of these options and councillors agreed, saying an ambulance station should remain in Brussels.

Horseman told council that if it were to consider building a new ambulance station in Brussels, two locations could be considered. One would be beside the fire hall and the second would be the back corner of the Huronlea property. Horseman said the Huronlea site would present a number of problems and that the fire hall-adjacent site would be preferable.

How council would proceed, Horseman said, would affect the construction of the new Seaforth ambulance base in the future. If a proper one-bay base is built in Brussels, then it’s possible the Seaforth base could be reduced in size as a result.

Huron East Mayor Bernie MacLellan said it was possible that Brussels could see a major expansion in the next three to five years, so maintaining a paramedic presence in the village would be important. In addition, he said the county might want to consider expanding the paramedic presence in Brussels at that time, so that should be considered if and when the county builds a new station.

Council voted to receive Horseman’s report and to follow up on the two options (expanding the Brussels Fire Hall or building a new station) with Huron East and coowner of the Brussels Fire Department, Morris-Turnberry.