The Citizen - December 8, 2023

The

THIS WEEK 3 • Sports 4 • Editorials 13 • Agriculture 18 • Entertainment

Citizen

Huron County’s most trusted independent news source

Friday, December 8, 2023

$1.50 GST included

Volume 39 No. 49

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

NH snow policies reviewed

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

They came to town Santa and Mrs. Claus are always hot commodities around this time of year. Recently, they have been to parades in Seaforth, Clinton, Wingham and Brussels, above, and will be in Blyth this Saturday. The Brussels

Santa Claus parade was a success, as always, lasting nearly an hour, much to the delight of the hundreds who lined the streets, who went home full of holiday cheer and with pockets full of candy canes and chocolate milk. (John Stephenson photo)

U13 Huron Heat earn silver in St. Thomas The U13 HL Huron Heat had an impressive run over the weekend at the annual St. Thomas Panthers on the Prowl Tournament, making it to the finals, only to fall to the Windsor Wildcats by a score of 6-2.

The U15 C Huron Heat also made it to Sunday action at the Panthers on the Prowl Tournament, losing their final game of the tournament on Sunday, Dec. 3 to the Chatham Kent Crush by a score of 5-0.

Earlier that day, the U13 HL Heat punched their ticket to the finals with a 4-2 win over the host St. Thomas Panthers.

The U13 HL team opened play with a 3-2 loss to the Kitchener Lady Rangers on Dec. 1, followed by a 4-2 win over the Flamborough Falcons Black team later that day.

The U15 C Heat also opened play that day, first losing to the Belmont Blazers by a score of 1-0 and then beating the host St. Thomas Panthers by a score of 2-0.

Play continued for both teams on Dec. 2. The U13 HL Heat lost by a score of 5-0 to the Windsor

Wildcats, while the U15 C Heat tied the Lambeth Lancers at one and then beat the Saugeen Shores Storm by a score of 2-1.

Also last weekend, three Heat teams were in South Huron to take part in the annual Pink on the Rink Tournament, although no team was able to make it to the finals.

The U9 HL team opened its tournament with a game against the North Middlesex Junior Stars, followed by a contest with the Upper Maitland Mustangs. The U9 C Heat then played the Chatham Kent Crush 2 team and the Chatham Kent Crush 1 team. The U11 C team opened its tournament with a 2-0 loss at the hands of the North Middlesex Junior Stars, followed by a 6-0 win over the Upper Maitland Mustangs.

On Saturday, Dec. 2, the U11 C Heat started their day with a 2-0 win over the Lucan Irish, followed by a 1-0 victory over the South Huron Sabres later that day. The U9 C Heat took on the Lucan Irish that morning, followed by a contest

with the Ilderton Jets, while the U9 HL team played the Bluewater Hawks that day, followed by a game with the Twin Centre Hericanes 2 team.

On Sunday, the U11 C Heat lost by a score of 1-0 to the Wingham 86ers, ending their tournament.

The U9 B team was also in action over the weekend, taking part in the 26th annual Woodstock Wildcats Tournament, taking on the Brantford Ice Cats, the host Woodstock Wildcats and the London Devilettes over the course of the weekend.

In regular season action, on Dec. 3, the U15 BB Heat beat the Wilmot Wolverines by a score of 4-1, while the U13 BB Heat lost to the St. Thomas Panthers by a score of 2-1, both in Clinton. The U13 C Heat beat the Wilmot Wolverines C team on the road that day by a score of 20.

On Dec. 2, the U11 BB Heat hosted the Ayr Rockets in Blyth and won by a score of 2-1, while the U13 BB Heat ended their game on

the road with the London Devilettes in a scoreless tie. The U18 BB Heat lost to the South Huron Sabres by a score of 4-1 in Clinton that night, while the Senior team played the Wolverines in Wilmot, but a score was unavailable at press time.

On Nov. 29, the U18 BB Heat beat the South Huron Sabres by a score of 3-2 on the road, while, on Nov. 28, the U15 C Heat beat Lucan/Parkhill C in Seaforth by a score of 7-0.

The U18 C Heat welcomed the Lucan Irish C team to Blyth on Dec. 7, but a score was unavailable at press time.

On Dec. 8, the U9 B Heat will welcome the Woolwich Wild to Clinton, while the U13 C Heat will host an exhibition game with the Kincardine Kinucks in Blyth.

Meanwhile, two U13 teams will be in tournament action. The U13 BB Heat will be in Guelph and the U13 HL team will be in Mount Forest. The U13 BB Heat begin play on Dec. 8 with games against Continued on page 11

North Huron Council has directed staff to investigate the municipality’s sidewalk snow removal policies in regards to constituent concerns about potentially unsafe conditions for pedestrians, most notably nearby Bristol Terrace and the crossing near F.E. Madill Secondary School.

In response to these concerns, Councillor Mitch Wright requested that Director of Public Works Gregg Furtney offer some clarity as to North Huron’s policies/standards on sidewalk snow removal. Furtney referred to the Minimum Maintenance Standards for Ice and Snow Removal that were put in place by the province of Ontario and are updated every few years.

The provincial standards outline the amount of time that can be allowed to pass between snowfall and snow removal on roads and sidewalks.

They also address the handling of accumulated snow and ice.

Wright also asked Furtney about the process for which sidewalks get cleared in the winter and what sidewalks do not get cleared.

Furtney cited pre-determined routes as being the guiding principle for snow removal, saying, “We don’t do every street in the municipality. Or sometimes we just do one side of the street, and not both. It’s based on time and the availability of staff and resources… we are fully within our legislative abilities.”

Wright asked that staff look into addressing these problematic areas.

“I live on Bristol Terrace and I am familiar with the concerns. I think that is a particularly dangerous corner for pedestrians. About 30 to 40 feet before the corner, people are forced out onto Bristol Terrace, into the street, and they have to wait in the street until they can try to cross the main street. They are actually out in the traffic waiting to cross.

From the left, you have a blind hill, and then to try to get across the street in the winter, there’s actually a large pile of snow that has to be crawled over to get onto the plowed sidewalk on the other side. That sidewalk is maintained very well, it’s just very difficult for residents to get to… I understand that there are safety issues for staff when it comes to clearing that section, so how do we initiate a review or look at that to see if there is a way to clear that section?”

Furtney agreed to investigate the issue further, and a notice of motion was made by Wright in order to discuss the issue further at the next council meeting on Dec. 18.

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023.

Bees Glimpses of the Past with Karen Webster

T

here are bumble bees, honey bees, earth bees and wood bees (the kind that bore circular holes in wood). However, at one time, the term wood bee had a different connotation.

Jeanne Kirkby, in her 1981 book called Morris Township - Past to Present, gives us a picture of what a bee was. “One of the outstanding characteristics of Morris Township people was their tendency to make many tasks lighter by sharing the work in a neighbourhood bee. Held for many purposes, these bees featured an amazing amount of work accomplished, a spirit of competition between teams with the task divided into sections, plenty of good food available for the workers and a lively party or ‘jig’ at the end of the evening to finish things off.”

Of course, Morris Township was not the only locale for this practice.

In April of 1883, it was reported that “a swarm of bees” had occurred in Hullett Township. There were six wood-cutting bees held on successive days in one week. One man, A. Kelly, had 30 cord of wood cut. The same thing occurred near Brussels in 1894 with a wood bee on every day of one week. William Kerney had 40 cord cut at his place.

Sometimes women held a quilting bee while the men cut wood.

After supper, the men folk went home, likely to tend to chores, changed their clothes and returned to attend a dance at the host’s home.

When Henry Rintoul held a wood bee in 1890, he found it difficult to get the workers to stop for a meal as they were so into the competition of cutting and splitting the most wood.

After supper, the floor was cleared for a dance and the merriment continued until 3:30 a.m. All headed home for a brief time in bed and were ready to go to George Garton’s place the next day to repeat the process.

When Charles Wheeler Jr. held a wood bee in 1885, there were 10 saws kept busy. These weren’t mechanical ones, but, rather, cross cut saws that were about six feet long with a handle at each end.

There would be men on either end of the saw who alternately pushed and pulled the saw back and forth to execute the cut. The workers were rewarded with an oyster supper and then an evening of musical entertainment by A. Stewart and

George Davids.

From the Wingham Advance Times in 1933, a poem gives us a glimpse of the process of cutting wood. It tells that, at James Grigg’s place, 28 cord of wood was “sawed, split and piled”. Some of the workers were George Cook and Herb Wheeler, who cut down the trees, Nick McCrea and Tom Bridges, who trimmed with axes, and Lewis Cook and Ab Coultes, who piled up every limb. The rhyming couplets go on to name all of the hard workers involved in that particular bee.

A humorous incident involving wood-cutting occurred in 1933, when two carloads of men set out to do the charitable deed of cutting wood for a local church. When each group arrived at the bush, they were surprised that the other men had not showed up to get to work.

Nevertheless, they each set to the task and, when finished, headed home only to find that one group had been cutting wood in the wrong bush. It was stated that an adjustment would have to be made to the owner of the incorrect bush Cutting wood was not the only task that was made lighter by the work of many hands. At one time, rag bees were held, sometimes concurrently with a wood bee. Our pioneers did not have an abundance of possessions and as a result were quite thrifty with things like cloth.

Just imagine, if you had to raise the sheep, shear the wool, clean and spin it, then weave and sew clothing from it, would you be likely to discard a coat or dress once you had tired of it? Not likely.

Clothes went through the process of being handed down to younger siblings or cut down to make new garments. Once the fabric began to wear out, the good parts could be used to make quilts.

Finally, the material landed in the rag bag destined to become cleaning cloths or rugs. In rug-making, cloth was cut into long strips and then sewn together or braided.

Sometimes at a rug bee there would be a friendly competition to see who could sew a pound of carpet rags the quickest. At Mrs. Fred Horton’s rag bee in Leeburn, north of Goderich, those assembled played quoits and other games once the work was completed. The rugs created by these bees would help keep feet warm on the wood floors of the early cabins.

Fifth anniversary The Brussels Four Winds Barn recently held its fifth annual Holiday Market and the end result, in addition to a lot of great holiday finds, was $5,000 raised for the playground fund at North Woods Elementary School.

(John Stephenson photo)

There have been many other kinds of bees held over the years. Perhaps a quilting bee would be the most familiar. To some extent, they still occur to this day. In the past, evidence can be found of manure bees and even a ditching bee. The spirit of co-operation and

benevolence still occurs when someone has a misfortune and neighbours and friends pitch in to do haying, combining or whatever task is needed at the time.

There are all kinds of bees, not all of which produce honey, but they are all sweet just the same.

Thank h Y Yo ou With your generous and overwhelming support Huron HURON COUNTY County’s 95th Annual Ploughing Match was a huge PLOWMEN’S ASSOCIA AT TION success.

ALL OF THE CASH SPONSORS IN-KIND SUPPORTERS

THANK KY YO OU TO our HOSTS Pete and d Leisa Albers and family c/o Albers farms Incorporated Their fam mily, friends and community came together and provided a great venue for our Junior Day and 4-H Sodb busters achievement, the Princess of the Furrow competition along with the Queen of the Furrow Competition, C the banquet and all our exhibitorss!

LIVE AUCTION AND SILENT AUCTION DONA AT TIONS

**Speciial mention goes to Huron County Soil and d Crop Association!!

They worrked with our hosts and members to put on tillage de emonstrations and displays along with planting ssome cover crops.

WOULD LIKE TO OFFICIALLY LY Y THANK……..

Our Food contributors for the two days were thanks to: Brussels LEO Club (lunch) Brussels Optimist Club (breakfast) Cardiffff BBQ & Catering (Banquet) Albers Farms Inc. Aloette – Donna Bauer Andrew Dairy Arbourdale – Bill Ireland Argis 2000 Ltd. Artech Signs Axiom Insurance Ben Lobb M.P.P. Beuermann Construction Bluevale Church Ladies BMG Community Centre – Huron East BMO Bobcat of Huron Brian and Jill Wiersma/Steve and Arletta Hallahan Brussels Ag Society Brussels Agromart Brussels Lions/LEO Clubs Cowboy Loft C&P Portable T To oilets Cardiffff Catering CIBC CKNX / Blackburn News Claire Roest Clark Ag Systems Clint Auto Detailing Co-operators County of Huron Cowbell Brewing Edgar ’s Feed and Seed Elligsen Electric Epicure – Pauleen Kerkhof Ethoguard Excalibur Insurance Group Ezewski Barn T Te echnologies FCC Floradale Feed Mill Freedom Syrup George & Ruth T To ownsend Gerretsen, Ivo & Angela Great Canadian Landscaping Great Land Farms Grey Acres – Clint & Trish Fischer Greyhaven Gardens Hallahan Farms Hanna & Hamilton Hensall District Co-op

Mun nicipality of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh Mun nicipality of Bluewater Mun nicipality of Central Huron Tow To wn of Goderich Mun nicipality of Huron East Mun nicipality of Morris-Turnberry Mun nicipality of North Huron HM MP Exeter Ho owick Mutual Insurance Hu uron County Federation of Agriculture Hu uron County Museum Hu uron East Economic Hu uron Feeding Systems Hu uron Grain Farmers It’s a Shear Thing Jerrry and Karen Ryan Jillians Joh hn Ernewein Construction Kurtis Smith Construction Leneray Farms Ltd. -Murray & Marlene Fisscher Lua anne McGregor & Jillian Shortreed Ma acEwen Farm Repair MccCall Livestock MccLean Brothers Concrete Mid dwest Co-op Mittchell Vet Services Na ature’s Nest No orwex – Dianne McFadzean On ntario Livestock Dealers Association Orr Insurance Pa ampered Chef Pe eavey Mart – Goderich Pharmasave – Wingham Pio oneer – Brett & Laura Fischer PT TMG Chartered Professional Accountants R & B McIntosh Egg Farm Ltd. Ra adar Auto Parts Rie egling Accounting Schmidt’s Power Equipment Sm myth Welding Ltd. Snobelen Farms Ste eve McGregor Electric Sunset Springs Greenhouse TD D Bank Tee Te eswater Concrete LT LTD. Trillium Mutual Insurance Val Lea Farms Va Vin nbro Farms Wa atson Home Hardware Wa allenstein Feed & Supply Ltd. We est Coast Coffffee Wingham Golf & Curling Club The Workshop

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023. PAGE 3.

McCutcheon, Groves reflect on national championship

Canadian champions On a week in which Brussels’ Ty Sebastian was named to Softball Canada’s men’s athlete pool for 2024, two other local Brussels baseball champions, Tyler Groves, left, and Brett McCutcheon, took the time to reflect on a big accomplishment for two young baseball players from Brussels, as, earlier this year, as members of the Tara Twins Stan Wright Well Drillers team, they won national gold in the U17 Boys’ Fast Pitch Canadian Championship, held in Fredericton, New Brunswick. The team went in as a bit of an underdog, but, when the Twins triumphed in the final, it was McCutcheon who was named the game’s most valuable player. (John Stephenson photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Back in August - just over four months ago, exactly - two young softball players from Brussels travelled east to New Brunswick and returned with gold medals around their necks.

Tyler Groves and Brett McCutcheon both play locally Groves for the current Huron County Fastball League champion Brussels Tigers and Sebastian for the upstart Brussels Bangers - but it’s their success with the Tara Twins Stan Wright Well Drillers team that earned them Canadian gold earlier this year.

Both locals have played for the team for about four seasons.

McCutcheon found the team first and then reached out to Groves, a friend and fellow Brussels residents, when the team was looking for more players to fill its roster.

When they began playing in Tara - a small town about 25 kilometres southwest of Owen Sound in Bruce County - both said they knew the team was good, but as they played season after season, they said they could feel the momentum building and, with this season, they felt the team had improved and could make its mark on the national scene.

The team had made it to provincial qualifying tournaments before, but not made it out of the province to compete nationally.

This season, however, was different, and both players said that, when they began beating teams that historically had proven to be difficult opponents for them and winning games in that qualifying tournament, held in Stratford this season, they had a feeling that they were destined to go farther this season.

The team placed third in the Stratford tournament, which sends four teams to the nationals. So, while the Tara Twins had qualified for the U17 Boys’ Fast Pitch Canadian Championship in Fredericton, New Brunswick,

which was played in the first week of August, they didn’t exactly enter play as the favourites to win. They were ranked third in their own province, though McCutcheon said it’s well known that Ontario usually sends some of the best teams to the national tournaments.

The Twins were joined from Ontario by the top-ranked Plattsville Lightning, the secondplace Napanee Express and the Wilmot Thunder, who placed fourth in the Stratford qualifying tournament.

Indeed, Ontario teams performed well to open the tournament.

Plattsville beat the Saskatoon SIGA Selects in the first game of the tournament by a score of 11-1, followed by a 7-1 win by Napanee over Team Quebec in the second game of the tournament and a 17-0 win for the Twins over the host New Brunswick Selects.

Wilmot played in the fourth game and was the first to fall, losing by a score of 10-5 to Plattsville and falling victim to some Ontario-onOntario crime.

Also on the first day of play, Tara played Team Quebec in the team’s second game of the tournament,

beating their neighbours from the east by a score of 10-3.

To open play on the Thursday of the tournament, Tara beat Team Newfoundland by a score of 15-9, while Plattsville kept up its winning ways, beating Nova Scotia’s Brookfield Elks by a score of 11-3.

Both teams then won their second Thursday games, although the scores were getting tighter.

Plattsville beat the Terrace Mariners from British Columbia by a score of 10-7, while Tara defeated the second-ranked Ontario team, Napanee, by a score of 12-10.

The Twins beat the Saskatoon SIGA Selects to open play on Friday by a score of 11-9, while Plattsville blanked the New Brunswick Selects by a score of 10.

However, later that day, fortunes turned for the Tara Twins. The Plattsville Lightning beat Team Quebec by a score of 5-1, while the fourth-ranked Ontario team, the Wilmot Thunder, brought Tara to its knees, beating the Bruce Countybased team by a score of 13-12, handing the Twins their first loss of the tournament.

What school shall I go to?

(J.C. Ryle) “He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all — how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32 Would I learn how to be contented and cheerful under all the cares and anxieties of life? What school shall I go to? How shall I attain this state of mind most easily? Shall I look at the sovereignty of God, the wisdom of God, the providence of God, the love of God? It is well to do so; but I have a better argument still.

On Saturday, the Twins righted the ship and beat Napanee by a score of 5-4, followed by another Plattsville win, this time over the Wilmot Thunder by a score of 6-0, sending both teams into play on Sunday.

The final day of the tournament began with an 8-0 victory by Team Quebec over the Wilmot Thunder, followed by an 8-0 shutout victory for Plattsville over Tara, halting momentum for the Twins and continuing the Lightning’s undefeated run in the tournament.

The Napanee Express then beat Team Quebec by a score of 4-0 to further clarify the championship picture. Hot off of their victory, the Express then faced the Tara Twins, who had been stung by the Lightning, but triumphed over the Express by a score of 7-4, setting up a championship match-up with the undefeated Plattsville Lightning.

Then, in the end, it was the Tara Twins who defeated the Lightning by a score of 4-1 in the final to win the Canadian championship.

McCutcheon pitched the entire final game for the Twins - in addition to many others throughout the tournament - and was named the most valuable player for the tournament’s final game.

McCutcheon said he knew the team had a chance to be successful in the tournament, especially after how they had played in Stratford, but the Twins went into the tournament as a bit of an underdog.

He said it was amazing to take part in the tournament and to play such a big role in its success, spending so much time on the mound in some of the biggest games of the tournament.

Groves agreed, saying things felt different for the team as it moved through the qualifying tournament.

The team had always been good, but something special was happening and that momentum

carried them through to a national championship.

Once he and his teammates arrived in New Brunswick, he said the level of play was at another level. “It was some of the best baseball I’ve ever been a part of,” Groves said in an interview with The Citizen.

He said it felt great to win and it was thrilling to run out onto the field and celebrate in the middle of the field with all of his teammates.

Neither knows what the future holds, but they hope to keep playing with Tara. Furthermore, they hope to keep up with their Brussels baseball as well.

McCutcheon said he has learned a lot as a member of the Bangers, though the team itself had a tough first season, finishing in last place in the Huron County Fastball League standings with a record of 2-19-1, but he said playing with those experienced players had taught him a lot.

In contrast, Groves was a member of the Huron County Fastball League champion Brussels Tigers, which finished the season with a record of 20-2 and won the yearend tournament in Goderich.

However, with the skill on that team, Groves said he didn’t get to play too much - he plays mostly in the outfield for Tara - but that he cherished the innings he was able to play and has learned a lot from the Tigers’ veteran members.

For the Tigers, Groves played in 15 games, making 20 plate appearances. He scored five runs with four hits and three walks.

McCutcheon pitched in 15 games for the Brussels Bangers for over 66 innings, allowing 49 earned runs and striking out 86 batters. At the plate, he had 14 hits and five runs over the course of 51 plate appearances in 16 games. He hit two home runs for the team and had eight RBI over the course of the season.

Beat Canada Post!

Get your news early by adding a E-edition to your subscription.

Our Friday paper is posted to our website by Thursday each week!

One year subscription to

The Citizen only $5000 Add the E-edition for only $1000 more Enclosed is $50.00 for a 1-year subscription Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Postal Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I will look at Calvary and the crucifixion. I feel that He who spared not His only begotten Son but delivered Him up to die for me — will surely with Him give me all things that I really need. He who endured that pain for my soul — will surely not withhold from me anything that is really good. He who has done the greater things for me — will doubtless do the lesser things also. He who gave His own blood to procure me a home in Heaven — will unquestionably supply me with all that is really profitable for me by the way.

Ah, reader, there is no school for learning contentment that can be compared with Calvary and the foot of the cross!

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

Email address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Start or renew your subscription today by phoning 519-523-4792 or online at huroncitizen.ca or by e-transfer to accounts@northhuron.on.ca (please include your name and address in the message or mail cheque made payable to

NORTH HURON PUBLISHING INC. P.O. Box 429, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0

PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023.

Editorials & Opinions

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

The Citizen P.O. Box 429, BLYTH, Ont. N0M 1H0 Ph. 519-523-4792 Fax 519-523-9140 E-mail info@northhuron.on.ca Website www.huroncitizen.ca

The Citizen is published 51 times a year in Blyth, Ontario by North Huron Publishing Company Inc. Subscriptions are payable in advance at a rate of $50.00/year ($47.62 + $2.38 G.S.T.) in Canada; $190.00/year in U.S.A. Advertising is accepted on the condition that in the event of a typographical error, only that portion of the advertisement will be credited.

Advertising Deadlines: Tues. 2 p.m.

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40050141 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO CIRCULATION DEPT. PO BOX 429 BLYTH ON N0M 1H0 email: info@northhuron.on.ca

Member CCNA

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.

Member of the Ontario Press Council We are not responsible for unsolicited newsscripts or photographs. Contents of The Citizen are © Copyright

Hopping into the future A misplaced marsupial was lucky to have a happy ending to her bid for freedom last weekend. A kangaroo on her way to a zoo in Quebec made a break for it during a rest stop at a roadside zoo in Oshawa and eluded her handlers for three days. Police were asking for the public’s help in tracking down the wayward animal. The kangaroo had a lot going against it, as it is not a creature equipped for winter in Canada, and it had happened to escape during the kickoff to the annual R.I.D.E. program.

Imagine the confusion during R.I.D.E. stops in Oshawa when police were asking, “Have you been drinking? Have you seen any kangaroos?”

Luckily, police and zoo personnel were able to safely apprehend the kangaroo on Sunday, after it decided there wasn’t much to do in Oshawa.

Advocacy groups are using this as an example of why there needs to be better laws and regulations around the keeping and transporting of captive wildlife. This time it was a kangaroo, but next time it could be a lion, a tiger or a crocodile. Following the most basic protocols of a double perimeter fence could have safeguarded this kangaroo, but there are no mandatory protocols. In fact, zoos in Ontario are not required to have any kind of licence to display or transport exotic animals. It’s high time that there are some kind of standards set down to ensure the health and welfare of these animals. Or, with the advent of high resolution video and virtual reality bringing nature to our screens, maybe the time for roadside attractions featuring wild animals has finally passed. – DS

Shout, threaten, repeat If you love yelling loudly, persistent arguing and threatening to kill people, it was a big week for you and others of your ilk.

That’s because Baseload Power has pulled a proposal for a battery storage facility in the eastern Ontario community of ElizabethtownKitley in the face of intense pushback, an alleged death threat and what Baseload President Jonathan Sandler called “way beyond reasonable” behaviour. This was all part of a public meeting that got out of hand.

Now, this editorial board is not speaking in favour of such projects, which currently sit with many questions that need answers, but against adopting this kind of behaviour to get one’s way. While this proposal going away will be viewed as a victory by those who opposed it, the decision also stands as a victory for those who yell, curse, interrupt, insult and hurl death threats when they don’t get their way.

Furthermore, this will show people that if you yell and threaten enough, for fear for their safety, your opponents may just recede.

While many contentious meetings have remained civil of late here in Huron County - the Seaforth battery project meeting and the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance amalgamation night - others, like North Huron Council’s meeting to discuss recreation fee changes, have descended a little further into madness than some would like.

“If you scream the loudest, then you get to make the decisions,” said Sandler to CBC. This is unfortunately true in many aspects of life, but it doesn’t have to be. Keep calm and don’t threaten to kill anyone. – SL

Wanted: Transparency North Huron scheduled its first 2024 budget meeting for Dec. 8.

There are many urgent areas of concern, so it makes sense to start early, ahead of the festive avalanche of holy happenings and family fun. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, distractions, and eggnog, are inevitable.

Council recently touted the completion of its strategic plan for the next four years. The aspirational document describes values like “service excellence”, “engagement”, “integrity”, “respect”, “accountability and transparency”. Earnest and worthy goals are prioritized, including the desire “to be a fiscally sustainable, transparent, and forward-thinking municipality that works with its residents and stakeholders through communications and community engagement.”

North Huron’s previously announced 2024 budget meeting is now rescheduled for Dec. 19 at 9 a.m. Staff say more time is needed to pull the budget together. Fair enough. A budget is an essential document for a municipality to position itself for a successful year, decade and/or forevermore. Better not rush it; the eggnog will have to wait.

Back in April, Councillors Chris Palmer and Mitch Wright argued, unsuccessfully, in favour of deferring the vote on adopting the 2023 budget until some lingering questions about the recreation department could be answered. Former Director of Recreation Vicky Luttenburger said the numbers she submitted were altered. Treasurer Chris Townes was absent from that meeting. Luttenberger retired in August and no successor has been named. With varying degrees of civility, community members expressed their dissatisfaction with North Huron’s recent decision to drastically raise some municipal fees and charges, with a particular emphasis on the recreation department. Clearly, communication could have been improved here, but credit where credit is due - the community was undeniably enraged engaged.

Let’s hope for more eggnog transparent accountability in 2024. – SBS

Looking Back Through the Years December 8, 1966 On Dec. 3, a gathering took place at Maxine Morrison’s residence to celebrate the Brussels Ladies’ softball team. During the event, a raffle was conducted for an electric blanket. Sandra Fischer from Wingham had the honour of drawing the winning ticket and the fortunate recipient of the blanket turned out to be Mrs. George Bridge of Brussels.

Reeve Calvin Krauter and the incumbent council members were re-elected to their municipal positions for the upcoming year.

The election resulted in no changes to the previous officeholders.

Notably, nearly 80 per cent of eligible voters participated in the election by casting their ballots.

Members of the area 4-H Club emerged as award recipients during the county’s 19th annual awards night in Seaforth.

George Townsend was honoured with the L. E. Cardiff trophy as the county’s all-round 4-H member.

Additionally, other award winners from this community included Katherine Fear of Brussels; Graeme Craig of Walton; and Gerald Smith of Brussels. Smith also received a certificate acknowledging the successful completion of 12 projects.

December 8, 1976 In the recent municipal election, all the incumbent members of Blyth Village Council seeking re-election successfully retained their positions. Helen Gowing, Bill Howson and Con Van Vliet secured re-election for the 1977/1978 term.

An unexpected twist came from newcomer Don Noble, who not only secured a seat, but also emerged as the top vote-getter in a closely-contested race against

Howson. The other newcomer, Joe Cooper, former Public Utilities Commission Chairman, found himself on the outside in the fiveperson election for the four available positions.

Earl and Martha Heywood from CKNX Wingham hosted a delightful Family Night at Huronview Home for the Aged featuring a blend of music and magic. The residents enjoyed performances of old favourites from artists like Gene Autry. Earl captivated the audience with his mesmerizing magic tricks. Mr. Scottie Easton, a former neighbour and long-time friend of the Heywood family, expressed gratitude on behalf of the residents of Huronview, extending thanks to the entertainers for a memorable evening.

December 9, 1998 The Blyth Pathfinders welcomed two new members to the group with the addition of Josie McDonald and Nicole Bailie.

A dominant Seaforth hockey squad aggressively entered Blyth on Nov. 30 and overwhelmed their hosts with a 7-0 victory. The visitors asserted control over the Blyth end, scoring two goals in the first period, four in the second, and one in the third to secure a decisive win.

On Dec. 2, the Novices demonstrated an improved performance in a home game against Mitchell. The final score was 3-1, with Kody Reid, Kendall Whitfield, and Brittany Peters scoring for Blyth. Assists were credited to Richard Gregg, Peters, and Whitfield.

Last week in Walton, another aging barn met its end. The Sholdice barn, under the ownership

of Don and John Baan, was dismantled. Given its poor condition, the barn faced the inevitable choice between demolition and the risk of collapsing on its own.

December 5, 2013 During its recent gathering, the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association bestowed recognition upon Marian Hallahan, who opted for retirement after an impressive 32-year tenure as the association’s secretary. Tom Dickson, the president of the association, graciously presented Hallahan with a token of appreciation on behalf of the organization, acknowledging her dedicated service.

The Belgrave Community Centre Board organized a wing night at the Belgrave Community Centre.

Despite the concurrent occurrence of the annual Santa Claus parade in Brussels on the same night, dozens still attended the event.

Last month, the gentlemen from Huron Chapel Evangelical Missionary Church committed themselves to the cause of eliminating men’s cancers, successfully raising close to $500 in support of Movember.

Nanci Ducharme from the Brussels Legion visited North Woods Elementary School. Several students had earned awards for their Remembrance Day art work.

Lisa Thompson, Huron-Bruce MPP, decided to acknowledge the work and volunteerism of 10 remarkable citizens of her two counties. Among them were Jo-Ann McDonald of Walton, Vicki Carter of Bluevale, Quincy Bridge of Auburn, Rick McMurray of Lucknow, Ed Payette of Goderich, Laurie Dykstra from Exeter and more.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023. PAGE 5.

Other Views

Christmas: Mixing old with the new

A

s Christmas approaches, we seem to be in a blend of the new and the traditional. Shopping experts suggest the expectation that people will spend less this year, as the rising cost of food makes people think twice about the expense of the gifts they give, and yet what they’re giving would astound my parents and grandparents.

Though we looked forward to it with high hopes, Christmas in the 1950s was a pretty barren time for most people when compared with today. I always get a chuckle from the movie A Christmas Story, which takes place in the late 1940s or early 1950s, when the young sons get their first Christmas presents that turn out to be socks, and they are hugely disappointed, before they get other gifts, which are toys. Our parents were more sensitive. The adults probably got clothes they needed, but Santa Claus always brought toys for the kids.

Still, a recent survey showed the average Canadian shopper plans to spend $675, which would be a stupendous amount for my parents 70 years ago, even if reduced to the preinflated price of the 1950s.

We’re all so much richer than we were back then. My parents bought a whole farm for $3,500 when my Dad came home safely from the Second World War. That would buy about one acre of a farm at today’s prices. When I graduated from university in 1969, I got a job for $6,000 a year, considerably more than my father earned, by now having sold his farm and working in a factory.

And yet, as I listen to the Christmas music and hear surveys on TV where people name their favourite Christmas movies, there’s also an attraction to the past. The popular song “White Christmas” dates from the 1942 movie Holiday Inn. On my kitchen windowsill when I

Keith Roulston

From the cluttered desk do the dishes, and also on a nearby piece of furniture are ceramic snowmen, each wearing a top-hat. Few of us would even know what a top-hat was these days (our own snowmen are topped by ball caps or toques) but the tradition dates all the way back to 1950 and the Gene Autry song, “Frosty The Snowman”, which has been a popular part of the Christmas season ever since.

Gene Autry also sang the song, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, which hit number one on the U.S. charts the week of Christmas of 1949. Until that song came out, people imagined Santa’s sleigh pulled by eight tiny reindeer, but Rudolph, a ninth, soon became essential to children.

Illustrative of the way Christmas dreams have changed is the difference between the 1947 black and white version of Miracle on 34th Street, starring Natalie Wood as a youngster, and the 1994 remake. Natalie Wood’s dream house in the suburbs is a modest house on a huge lot. The little girl in the later movie dreams of a huge suburban house on very little property.

I still like to watch the classic James Stewart movie It’s a Wonderful Life, which dates back to 1946, even though times have moved on since the dreams of those days. There’s something real about those movies. They make

a slew of new Christmas movies every year these days but most seem interchangeable.

Jill recently saw the hosts of one of her favourite morning talk shows read a list of people’s favourite movies. Most are from earlier days - even if they’re modern compared to It’s a Wonderful Life. From 1990, there’s Home Alone, even though its young star, Macaulay Culkin, is nearly middle aged now.

Other favourite classics include 1989’s National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase, and Elf, starring Will Ferrell, and Love Actually, both from 20 years ago in 2003.

Even the newest of these reached 20 years old this year.

Of course, music shows the ability of people to adapt to all times of any of the media. “Silent Night”, the most favourite of Christmas carols, was composed in 1818 by Franz Xavier Gruber. Some of the other carols are as old or older.

But many of the songs we celebrate at Christmas today are from a more recent age.

Few of us today have had the privilege of taking a sleigh ride, like that in Leroy Anderson’s 1948 song “Sleigh Ride”, yet it’s still a popular addition to many Christmas albums. “The Little Drummer Boy” was first recorded in 1951 by the Trapp Family (of Sound of Music fame), and later popularized by a 1958 recording by the Harry Simeone Chorale. So, there’s no time of the year when we blend the old and the new in our modern traditions like Christmas - which is great if you’re an old guy like me nearly fading from the modern scene.

As we celebrate Christmas this year, my grandchildren and children will be blending long-held traditions with modern times. It’s what makes Christmas a favourite time.

Santa Claus is cancelling Xmas 2023

I

n an unforeseen turn of events, Santa Claus, the perennial symbol of yuletide cheer, has decided to embark on a sabbatical this holiday season, effectively putting the kibosh on Christmas. Claus, famed for his unflagging dedication to the global distribution of joy, has reluctantly hung up his iconic red suit, citing an amalgamation of socio-economic tribulations and logistical quandaries.

Children worldwide, upon learning of this unprecedented hiatus, have exhibited a spectrum of emotions ranging from heartbreak to disillusionment to holy rage. Dervid Hamson Jr., aged seven, said, “I focused on my tooth brushing routine for a whole year, and now Santa’s ghosting us? Thanks, a lot, Trudeau!”

Foremost among Claus’ myriad challenges is a labour conundrum besetting the North Pole. In an unprecedented display of solidarity, the Elves formed a union and are demanding a contractual renegotiation with a focus on remuneration commensurate with the contemporary cost of living, as well as an equitable distribution of holiday bonuses. In an interview with The Chaff, Claus expressed the predicament thusly: “I’ve always believed in equal pay for equal sleigh, but this is getting to be just a little bit ridiculous.”

Supply chain exigencies have cast a shadow over the operation of Claus’ gift-dispensing juggernaut. Elves, previously masterminds of logistical efficiency, have found themselves ensnared in negotiations, rendering the onceflawless gift production and delivery network as tangled as a string of Christmas lights after a cat attack.

A surge in insurance premiums is affecting the bottom line of the operation. Claus, grappling with skepticism from insurance industry officials about the inherent risks of

Scott Stephenson The Chaff rooftop descents, has found himself confronting a fiscal paradox. “Apparently, sliding down chimneys is considered high-risk behaviour,” he laments.

Escalating ravages of climate change have irrevocably breached the frigid sanctum of the North Pole. Melting ice caps have become an unwelcome guest at Claus’ famed workshop, prompting discussions about relocating to somewhere that is less frequently soggy.

“Sacks full of gifts were just getting totally soaked, over and over again,” explains an exasperated Claus. “We don’t want to move, but the cost to stay is becoming prohibitive.

Magic isn’t free!”

Mrs. Claus, in an exclusive tête-à-tête with The Chaff, revealed that her husband’s hiatus is, in part, motivated by a desire to modernize his venerable image. “He’s contemplating shedding the ‘jolly old man in a red suit’ persona in favour of a tech-forward hipster aesthetic, complete with too-tight pants and a drone-based delivery system. I actually think it’s kind of pathetic. Especially when you consider what happened, you know, with the attack.”

Earlier this year, the North Pole fell victim to a cyber-Grinch attack that compromised the sanctity of the “Naughty” and “Nice” lists, further complicating Claus’ plans for Christmas 2023. The assailants infiltrated the digital database responsible for cataloging the behavioural nuances of children worldwide.

“This is not going to end well,” muttered a beleaguered Claus, slumped over in a corner.

Adding to the festive turmoil is the emergence of an AI deep fake version of Santa Claus wreaking havoc on the internet. This hyper-realistic digital impostor, equipped with machine learning algorithms, has been spreading misinformation about Christmas traditions and promoting alternative holiday narratives.

Videos of the “AI Claus” have surfaced online, claiming that milk and cookies are outdated, and Santa Claus now prefers singlemalt whiskey and beer nuts. Additionally, the digital Santa Claus has been advocating for unconventional gift-giving practices, suggesting that children should expect presents via e-mail or cryptocurrency transactions instead of the traditional chimney deliveries.

Santa’s legal team is working tirelessly to dismantle the disinformation campaign. In a sternly-worded statement, Claus himself declared, “I have not gone digital, and I certainly don’t endorse cryptocurrency gifts.

This is a blatant attempt to undermine the spirit of Christmas, and I will not stand for it!”

In a press release, Claus’ spokesperson assured the global populace that he is diligently working on a reimagined and climate-conscious Christmas delivery system.

While the world contemplates the gravity of a Santa-less December, parents are advised to prepare contingency plans and consider a diversified holiday portfolio that includes alternative festivities.

Speaking of alternative festivities, it’s Chaffmas time of year. Chaff-mas takes place on Dec. 25 and continues until Dec. 24 of the subsequent year, also known as Chaff-mas’ Eve. From everyone here at The Chaff, Happy Chaff-mas and a Chaffy New Year!

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

Let’s get physical

A

t home on the Loughlin compound, as we’ve struggled with the ability to watch television due to spotty internet connectivity (I won’t litigate here whether it’s due to bandwidth being syphoned away by baby monitors or the new and improved way of doing things not being an improvement so much), it’s been frustrating, to be sure, but not soul-crushing because Jess and I have just passed the time by getting physical.

To be clear, that’s not physical in the way that certain regions have baby booms nine months after days-long storm-stays, it’s more about the regal and dignified realm of physical media. Indeed, I am a bit old school in this way and I have a shelf full of blu-rays that most young people would probably think is very, very unnecessary. And yet, while these young losers may snicker behind my back on TikTok - something I not only don’t understand, but openly fear - I am having the last laugh.

So, when we sit down to catch up on this show or that - we’re currently in the middle of a Succession rewatch, for your information, though not that it’s any of your business - and our television makes it clear that we will not be watching television that night (and by that, I mean unwatchable, won’t even start, kind of stuff, not just a little freeze here and there), we reach for the blu-ray shelf and save ourselves the aggravation. Some nights it’s not easy, as one of us has to have the baby monitors going while the other attends a meeting virtually.

But, on those nights when it’s just about finding a few hours of entertainment after a day of work and parenting, blu-rays it is.

So, yes, this is a column in praise of physical media. Having said that, if you’re reading this column on newsprint, you’re clearly a keeper of the physical media flame. You read the newspaper, you likely thumb through books. I have many full bookshelves and a cookbook collection that borders on the obscene. You are me and I am you. We are one.

A few weekends ago, I drove around this great province more than I’d driven in a while.

I drove from Huron County to wine country, then from there to Ingersoll for a wedding and then back home, largely on my own as I met people here and there. I dutifully downloaded podcasts and music to my Spotify account to bridge any connectivity gaps and went on my way. However, if the internet can’t connect to the app, then my downloads are useless.

Chalk up another win for physical media.

Because I drive an absolute dinosaur of a car, I had some old CDs lying around and they were there for me, like a warm embrace from an old friend. Soon I was listening to the Talking Heads, Elvis Costello, the Pogues (we’ll miss you Shane). What a glorious time.

My next endeavour is to get a turntable and become a vinyl hipster. Talk about physical media - that’s a matter of diving in head-first.

I’ll be sure to let you know how that goes.

As the world returns to all that is tactile (like virtual meetings that can never take the place of sitting across a table from someone, seeing a concert that could never impact you the same way over your phone, hugging a person you could only elbow-bump not long ago), try making physical media part of your life again.

A blu-ray is never going to get the hook from Netflix, a record is never going to be pulled off of Spotify because its author hates Joe Rogan and a book made of paper will never be burned or banned; wait, scratch that last one with the way the world’s going. You get the point - live among the physical. Never again will your internet signal (or lack thereof) stand in the way of the telling of a great tale.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023.

Concerts coming A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231

For a good cause The Brussels Lions Club held a special fundraising breakfast on Sunday at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre to raise funds for the ongoing efforts to buy new playground equipment at North Woods Elementary School. (John Stephenson photos)

At the Branch

Poster, essay winners crowned

BY JO-ANN MCDONALD The week at the Branch began with the Lions Club meeting on Monday evening. The inclement weather on Tuesday forced the cancellation of the Branch Executive meeting.

It was rescheduled for the following Tuesday evening. Cadets were also cancelled for the evening.

The Thursday night blind mixed darts had 12 darters out for play.

The winning team was Eric Ross and Louise Porier and in second place were Bruce Fischer and Sandra Brown. The high shot of the night was by Paul Willie hitting 120.

Everyone is welcome to come out to play whenever they can. There are no formal teams, just a blind draw for partners. Play starts at 8 p.m. and it only costs a toonie.

The Friday evening pub grub of chicken burgers was very popular.

The Catch the Ace draw was handled by Lisa Glanville, Sandra Brown and Deb Ross. The lucky weekly winners were Bruce and Michelle Blake and they won $180.

Their envelope of choice was number 37 and the seven of hearts was revealed.

The estimated jackpot for the next draw on Dec. 8 could be $6,800.

Get your tickets today. The pub grub for Dec. 8 is beef on a bun.

We have Comrades Glenn Bridge and Comrade Elaine Nichol in Wingham Hospital at this time.

The final early-bird winner for their 2025 dues is Randy White.

Those Comrades who have not paid

by Nov. 30 will now pay the higher membership for the Royal Canadian Legion. Please drop in and pay your dues and be sure to remain a member in good standing.

The results are in for the poster, essay and poem Remembrance Day competition. There were a total of

56 entries. The black and white Primary poster winners were: first, Brielle Boyer, and second, Lylah Lougheed, both in Grade 3.

The colour poster primary winners were: first, Nixon Brown; second, Brynlee Armstrong, and there was a tie for third place between Nelson Mitchell and Olivia McKay, all Grade 3 students at North Woods Elementary School.

The black and white poster winners for the Junior division were: first, Kohen Smith; second, Sofia Boyer, and third, Jenna Gallant, all from North Woods.

The winners of the colour poster were: first, Evelyn Mitchell; second, Aiden LeFor, and third, Jordyn Laffin, all from North Woods.

Congratulations to all the young people who entered. Youth Chair Nanci Ducharme was very pleased with the number of entries and she will present the winners

with their prizes at a later date.

The regular zone team darts competition was held in Exeter on the weekend and Brussels had one team participating. The team of Eric Ross, Bob Richardson, Tyler VerBeek and Rob Anderson did well and will advance to district dart competition early next year.

Thanks to all of Santa’s helpers who decorated the Christmas tree and put all the lights up for the Christmas season. Comrades Chris Brown and Jim Brown did a great job.

This is just a reminder that Friday night is the euchre night, which is full, but mark your calendar for the next Friday, Dec. 15, for the Legion Christmas draws. Draws will start at 6:30 p.m. and there will be a variety of prizes including meat, nuts, groceries, etc. There will be entertainment and a good time for all.

Well, Santa Claus came to town on Saturday. Watching the parade route, he brought a lot of his friends with him.

There were lots of lights on people and vehicles, making for a good parade, and lots and lots of folks watching from the fire hall road right through to Victoria Park.

I never know the best parade spot, in it for the fun, or watching it to see who is there.

Anyway, it was another feel-good parade showing enthusiastic participation, firm community commitment and generous support shown once again. Thank you everyone.

As we move through the days of Advent with wonder, excitement and activity, we need to see the people who do not have that attitude. Statistics show the numbers growing of those who are not mentally healthy.

Our connection with people is important. Healthy relationships with others are what keeps our mental health in check.

Two articles in the Toronto Star lately gave stories and numbers showing the effects on mental balance. Suicide, isolation and the importance of regular contact with people were highlighted. This is a very emotional time, full of memories good and bad. The contact with people is the ticket, really seeing and hearing what is happening, hearing the stories of another. Be a friend and listen to your loved ones.

The suicide numbers are frightening, as the latest statistics tell us that there are 12 a day in Canada. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto has enlisted 40 other crisis lines across our country to use 988 as the one-number line. True concern for yourself or another can

use 988. For rural areas as ours this is a great move, one call, 988, will let you be heard.

The busyness of this season can be get to you, with so many good things to attend, support and assist.

Deciding what is important to your life and noting what you will attend and which events you’ll pass is a healthy way to move through December.

Music is a big part of this season.

Brussels United Church is hosting the Ministerial night to hear choirs, community carols and verses on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m.. The next Sunday, the Canadian Food Grains Bank folks have a great line-up of music, to be held at Clinton United Church at 2 p.m. Enjoy the music of the season.

I set up the Brussels version of a nativity scene this week. It’s been building since the Eatons catalogue was the place to shop. The original pieces have all survived and family and friends have added unique pieces, not known in Bethlehem over the years. Canadian Geese, little pink pigs, turtles, aardvarks, elephants and camels from Niagara Falls all keep watch over my barn.

Each piece makes me smile and remember.

Enjoy the season, wash your hands and keep your mask handy and ready for use.

Bye now. Betty GW

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

Brussels Legion 218 Catch the Ace Weekly Winner Winning Ticket: Bruce & Michelle Blake, $180.

Envelope #37 found the 7 of Hearts Next estimated jackpot is $6,800

HEY SNOWBIRDS! Stay up-to-date on the news at home by switching your regular subscription to our E-edition while you are away Call or email us today 519-523-4792 info@northhuron.on.ca

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023. PAGE 7.

Wingham HPPH site to close at end of 2023 The Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) Wingham site at 131 John Street East will close permanently as of Jan. 1, 2024, affecting some HPPH services in the area.

The Wingham HPPH site closure affects health unit services in Wingham such as sexual health services and immunizations.

For sexual health services through HPPH, call 1-888-2212133 ext. 2406 or text 519-4401439. Harm reduction supplies continue to be available through Royal Oaks Pharmacy in Wingham.

For immunization services through HPPH, call HPPH at 1888-221-2133 ext. 3558.

The closure of the HPPH site at 131 John St. E. does not affect all health unit services in Wingham.

Services such as well water sample kit pick-up and drop-off and oral health kits will continue in Wingham. Well water sample services are still available at the hospital lab, and oral health services will continue to be provided through the HPPH space at Wingham and District Hospital.

Blue Christmas services slated for Blyth, Brussels

Victory!

On Sunday, the U15 BB Huron Heat welcomed the Wilmot Wolverines to Clinton for some regular season action and sent the visitors home on the wrong end of a 4-1 score.

(John Stephenson photo)

The Reading Web with Cindy Norgate

W

hat is your first Christmas memory? Whether good or not so good, we all have them if you celebrate the holiday.

My first memory is attending a Christmas parade in my hometown and my dad held me on his shoulders. He told me Santa was coming soon, so I watched with anticipation. Sure enough, there he was: the big guy, high up in the bucket truck owned by the electric company. I couldn’t believe it! He threw pieces of candy to everyone and when he passed by me, he threw one, but he hit me right on the nose!

“Ouch!” I thought. “Why would he hit me with something? I thought he liked me.” I was a little frightened of Santa, going forward, for a couple of years until one Christmas I sat up late watching the Captain and Tennille Show (showing my age, I know). My mother told me it was time to go to bed because Santa would be arriving at our little house on Maywood Street soon.

I ran as fast as I could and jumped into my bed. The next morning, around 5:30 a.m., I rubbed my eyes and walked into the living room.

Wow! The tree was lit up and it shone and twinkled like the stars, even though it was very dark outside. I received everything I asked for, and boy was I happy! I ran to my stocking, which was usually filled with oranges and apples. To my surprise there were no oranges! I have to say, I was a bit disappointed.

I thought, “Well! I guess Santa really DOESN’T like me after all.”

My mother asked me why I was sad, so I told her. She said, “Oh, well, Santa told me he ran out of oranges before he got here. He said to tell you he was very sorry.” I nearly fell on the floor! “MY MOTHER TALKED TO SANTA? THE BIG GUY? THE BEARDED ONE? THE PRESENT-GIVER?”

I sat there the entire day in awe of the fact that my mother met Santa. I thought about asking her if she asked for his autograph, but I tried to contain my excitement. After that Christmas Day, I realized Santa didn’t hit me on the nose with the candy on purpose. After all, everyone makes mistakes.

Everything was good between us from then on.

Maybe your favourite holiday memory is the food in your grandmother’s kitchen, baking and decorating cookies, watching your favourite movies of the season, or shopping for a gift for someone special. Whatever the memory, hold onto it, but let me encourage you to make more.

I want to include two different book choices this week for different age groups. The first book is for Grades 3-7. It is The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson. According to Amazon, Armand, an old man living on the streets of Paris, relishes his solitary life in the beautiful city. He is happy with his care-free existence, begging and doing odd jobs to keep himself warm and fed. With simple pleasures and no cares, what more could he need? Then, he meets a family of hungry children. Children will treasure this warm and funny adventure of family, freedom, and Santa Claus.

The second book choice for this week, The Christmas Wish by Lori Evert, was written for Kindergarten through Grade 2. Long ago, a brave little girl named Anja wanted to be one of Santa’s elves. So, she leaves a note for her family and helps her elderly neighbour prepare for the holiday, then she straps on her skis, and heads out into the snowy landscape. From a red bird to a polar bear to a reindeer, a menagerie of winter animals helps Anja make her

way to Santa. (penguinrandomhouse.ca).

As I leave it here for this week, let me encourage you to make new memories. In fact, sit quietly with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa and the young one in your life and use one of the books mentioned or another one of your choice. Please don’t read the book as fast as you can just to get it finished. Stop along the way and discuss as you go. It will make the memory even more meaningful.

“Today is next year’s Christmas Memory.” - Unknown

By Deb Hakkers Mom is still a patient in Clinton Public Hospital and is receiving excellent care from Dr. Seevaratnam, and the rest of the First Floor Medical Team, so once again I am sitting in for her with the column. Lillian Appleby has also been a patient in Clinton Public Hospital.

This week we wish a happy birthday to Barb Howson on Dec. 9, and John McDowell and Elaine Snell on Dec. 10. Hope everyone enjoys their special day!

Legion euchre results for Dec. 4 were: First prize, Jane Glousher (76) and Susan Harman (73); second prize, Donna Walsh (70) and Jeanette Buker (72); lone hands, Alice Yuill with four and Mac Brooks with seven. Share the wealth went to Cheryl Buckham and Brenda Brooks.

Congratulations to all.

This week, the Hakkers family will be welcoming Fred’s 91-yearold aunt, Tante Bea, and her son Jan from Holland to spend Christmas with the family. They have not celebrated Christmas together in more than 70 years, so this will be a truly memorable Christmas.

For those experiencing grief or who are feeling low this Christmas or just wanting a quiet service, the Blue Christmas Service is at Trinity Anglican Church on Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. with one at

Brussels United Church on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m.

As we get busier and into the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, remember to take time to enjoy the season and take care of yourself and those around you.

NEWS FROM BLYTH Celebrating A Special Occasion?

Advertise it in

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

MAITLAND VALLEY CAMERA CLUB

Photography by Sylvia Nonkes

PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023.

Clinton gets into Christmas spirit at parade

Shop Local incluudes Local Advveertisiing

When you buy an ad from us, you are supporting ti llocal.l O Our entire e ti staff t ff - editor, dit publisher, bli h repporter, t sales l rep. production coordinator, designer, photographer, columnists, coorrespondents, freelancers, proofrreaders and mail County crew all live and spend right here in Huron County. nterview the chair Mark Zuckerberg and Google probably won’t send a photographer to your event or a reporter to interview of your service club or attend five municipal councils on your behalf. le. These readers We have 2000 newspapers that go out every week that are each read by an average of four people. shop locally, so this is a win-win-win scenario.

Suppor t your community newspaper so that it can suppor ppor t you!

PO Box 429 Blyth, ON N0M 1H0

The Citizen

519-523-4792 huroncitizen.ca

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023. PAGE 9.

Babies of the Year

Wingham welcomes Santa Claus to main street

2023

Don’t miss your chance for an authentic newspaper clipping for your child’s scrapbook

Join the gallery of new faces in The Citizen's baby photo display January 19, 2024 Email a jpeg of your little one born in 2023 along with a writeup which includes full name, birth date and parents' names and then call us, stop in or pay by e-transfer, credit card or mail a cheque (payable to North Huron Publishing) to prepay.

ONLY $30.00 (must be prepaid)

Please Complete Baby's Full Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Birth Date _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Parents' Names _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

$30.00 Enclosed DEADLINE - January 12 at 2:00 pm Email: info@northhuron.on.ca 519-523-4792

PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, DECEMBER 8, 2023

Support your local businesses this Christmas and pick up some unique gifts!

Your Natural Choice for: • Vitamins & Supplements • Dairy, Wheat and Gluten-free foods • Bulk and organic foods • Body care and “green” products • Protein powders and bars

G IF T

C ER

T IF IC

120 Inkerman St. E. Listowel 519-291-4920

AT E

222 Josephine St. Wingham 519-357-3466

www.pandoraspantry.ca

=39 %6) -2:-88) )( 883 3

")*ū&) & simple

")*ū ),.." "

perfect

% : V@ e': @: @ Ə ƽƑƌƌơƌƌ ƗQ%@JJ':! QJM Qƞ

for you. for them.

T h e p e r fe c t g i f t s

Ɨ!' V M Q : !' V MV' ' V Q M@9 Q @MV% ' 9 9 MQ

QV@J ': : '33 @[V 33@V V J MV' 'J V':! Q @MV% ' QV@M Qơ

' ,ūĂ-.řĂĉ.." " ),.." "ņū (.. ,#)

Receive two .75 ml Yonder bottles with cooler purchase

GIFT CARDS 406 Mill Street | Blyth ON

519.523.4793 spaessentialsblyth.com

Ý©ËÖÝ £ËÙä©Ś

Canada’s Christmas Store!

WE SELL CUSTOM ENGRAVED YETIS

Your Local Canadian Tire Goderich Mon to Fri 8 am - 8 pm; Sat 8 am - 6 pm; Sun 9 am - 6 pm

R.R. #2 Highway 8

20% off Christmas Décor

McDonald

Home Hardware Building Centre

519-524-2121

Brussels

519-887-6277

www.mcdonaldhomehardware.com

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023. PAGE 11.

U13, U18 Heat teams head to Silver Stick Support your local oca businesses this Christmas and pick up some unique gifts!

...A Winter Wonderland Stop in and see our great selection of books!

Ch k out Check o t gardens.com www w..greyhaveng for upcoming winte er workshops

Something for everyone on your list!

The Citizen 405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792

Pre-made outdoor arrrangements, wreaths, garland, gree enery y,, giftware and indoor décor d Our reloadable gift g cards make a great gift for any occasion RR#1 39843 LONDESBORO O RD., LONDESBOROUGH PHONE/FAX 519-523-97781

Extended Hours Monday - Friday 9 am - 5 pm Saturday 9 am - 5 pm Sunday 10 am - 3 pm

LOCA AT TED 500 Y YA ARDS WEST T OF LONDESBOROUGH ON CTY Y.. RD. 15

Entertain Like a P Pro Fo F ormal or Relaxed Looking g for a Hostess or a Brid dal Gift?

Orr Anything in Between n!

The Culinary C Poet Has it All!

THE E CULINAR RY Y BOUTIQU UE in th he Heart of Downtown Goderi rich Courthouse Square Goderich C 519-612-1919

SEAASON'S GREETINGSS Thank You For Supporting Local Businesses This Holiday Season!

Shop Online! www.microagebasics.com

Goderich

Wingham

Kincardine

223 Huron Rd 5119-524-9863 19 524 9863

214 Josephine St 519 357 1554 519-357-1554

665 Phillip Pl 519 396 3274 519-396-3274

Continued from page 1 the Mississauga Hurricanes and the Durham West Lightning, while the U13 HL team will play the Walkerton Capitals and Kincardine Kinucks that day.

Tournament action continues on Dec. 9 as the U13 BB Heat will play the Ayr Rockets and the Burlington Barracudas, while the U13 HL team will play the South Bruce Blades and the Mount Forest Rams.

In regular season action that day, the U9 C team will host the South Huron Sabres in Seaforth, the U9 B team will play the Woolwich Wild on the road, the U11 HL team will play the Mooretown Lady Flags HL team, also on the road, the U9 HL team will host the South Huron Sabres in Seaforth, the U11 BB Heat will welcome the London Devilettes to Blyth, the U11 C Heat will play the Central Perth Predators C team on the road, the U13 C Heat will play the Central Perth Predators C team on the road and the U18 C Heat will play the Wilmot Wolverines C team on the road.

On Sunday, Dec. 10, the Central Huron Community Complex will

play host to five Huron Heat home games. First, the U13 C Heat will play the Stratford Aces C team, followed by a game between the U11 HL team and the Mooretown Lady Flags HL team, the U15 BB Heat will play the Walkerton Capitals and the U9 C and HL teams will play two St. Marys Rock teams.

Also that day, the U11 BB Heat will play the London Devilettes on the road, while the U18 C Heat will play the South Huron Sabres HL team in Seaforth and the Senior team will welcome Belmore to Hensall.

On Dec. 11, the U15 C Heat will play on back-to-back nights, first against the St. Marys Rock C team on the road, followed, the next day, by a game against the Woodstock Wildcats C in Seaforth.

On Dec. 13, the U11 BB Heat will take on the Grand River Mustangs and the U18 BB Heat will play the Guelph Junior Gryphons, both on the road.

Then, on the weekend of Dec. 1517, the U13 C and U18 C Heat teams will both pack up and head to Saugeen Shores for the annual Silver Stick Tournament.

Santa Claus parade impresses Brussels PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

We are now in December and, before you know it, it will be Christmas. When the paper is out, it will be only two more weeks of school or 16 days until Christmas.

The Brussels Santa Claus parade was very nice with lots of floats.

There was a good crowd out to watch and plenty of young ones who stayed to see Santa. Hopefully everyone is getting their Christmas shopping done and will be ready.

Our sympathies are extended to the family of Rod Godden of Ethel.

He will be missed by his wife Gail and children Troy of Ethel and Jody of Newfoundland and their families. Rod was a very nice man.

I met him about 14 years ago - he was always attentive to his wife, put his family first and was a good friend to many. He loved hunting, fishing, woodworking, playing cards and celebrating summer with a party with old friends from the city. He will be missed by many and our condolences to all.

It was the birthday party celebration for the ladies of Brussels last week. They enjoyed a delicious dinner at noon at JR’s.

The birthday girls included Audrey Cardiff, Mabel Glanville and Nelva Scott. There were about 19 in attendance, including the birthday

girls, and friends Nora Stephenson, Betty Cardiff, Betty McCutcheon, Betty Campbell, Dale Chesher, Bev Palmer, Marci Bremner, Merle Cousins, Sandra Cable, Rene Richmond, Alice Marks, Liz Sholdice, Esther McCutcheon and Edna McLellan. They had a wonderful time visiting and a great meal!

We send our thoughts to Isabel Wheeler, as she is a patient in Wingham hospital.

Celebrating birthdays this past week include Scott Godkin, Justin Hoegy, Curtis Wharton, Paul McCallum, Mary Bernard, Greg Bowers, Ron Godkin, Pat Langlois, Devin Bachert, Rick McDonald, Jeff Robinson, Brea McDonald, Mark Nolan, Mike Nolan, Liz Roth, Lorraine Blake, Aleah Haggitt and Glenda Morrison. Happy birthday to all.

NEWS FROM WALTON

PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023.

Brussels parade brings in the holiday season

The Citizen

405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792

Advertise your business here!

One of the most read areas of the paper

SUDOKU Fun By The Numbers Like puzzles?

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

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

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023. PAGE 13.

BLYTH Y 519-523-4244

+XURQ7UDFWRU FRP

519-523-4311

www.ruralvoice e.ca

‘SHED Talk’ focuses conversation on mental health

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

The Four Winds Barn in Brussels is a beautiful venue for any celebratory event. On Friday, Dec. 1, the exquisitely detailed facility hosted a community gathering celebrating an increased focus on the mental health and wellness of those working in the area’s most prominent industry: agriculture.

The event was created with a simple purpose in mind: strengthening local social connections through conversations, coffee, cookies and candour. There was also a lunch catered by Hensall’s Pineridge BBQ. Gwen Devereaux, president of the board of directors at Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (CERH), welcomed the large gathering of community members. The day’s auspicious occasion was the launch of the second year of CERH’s new initiative - Sustaining Healthy Farms Through Empowerment and Dedication (SHED) Talks. SHED Talks are designed to positively impact the mental health and wellbeing of agricultural workers, who can struggle with the often isolating and almost always stressful nature of their profession. Devereaux said CERH looks at all the issues around rural health and concluded that the health and well-being of farmers is rightfully one of its highest priorities.

Huron-Bruce MPP and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson, remarking

on the venue, said “this has to be the most elegant ‘shed’ in Huron County.” Thompson continued, “When we have gatherings like this, we’re thinking about our agriculture and food industry, not only from a production perspective, but a people perspective as well.”

Minister Thompson commended CERH for its SHED initiative and stressed the importance of the organization’s continued efforts.

Huron County Warden Glen McNeil, joined on stage by his grandson Clark, addressed the crowd of farmers, agronomists, journalists, dignitaries, friends and family. “One of the most important attributes of Huron County is that we care for each other, we look out for each other and we’ll be there for each other. And today is a very important day.” McNeil spoke about the vast talent and intelligence possessed by CERH’s team and that Huron County would greatly benefit if any one of them decided to further pursue local employment in the healthcare field.

McNeil, tasked with the introduction of the event’s first guest speaker Peter Johnson a.k.a.

“Wheat Pete”, concluded, “I would like to leave my comments with a quote of Peter’s and that is: ‘there is nothing like a good discussion on crops to help reset your brain and recharge both your crop thoughts and your mental health.’ ” Farmer/Agronomist/Podcaster “Wheat Pete” Johnson is a dynamic, engaging and charismatic speaker who is clearly passionate about his subject matter. His

“Talking Crops” presentation felt like a well-paced conversation with a knowledgeable and enthusiastic friend. Johnson encouraged farmers present to celebrate themselves for tremendous advancements in feeding the world’s growing population, but also cautioned against taking extra credit for crop yield gains that may actually be the result of a changing climate. True to his nickname, Johnson advocated heavily in favour of growing wheat.

He entertained all questions and skillfully steered the discussion back to the topic of crops whenever it veered, however slightly, into the political realm.

OPP Officer and farmer from St. Marys Kevin Bilyea followed with a presentation on farm vehicle safety.

Devereaux jokingly introduced Bilyea by saying, “Anyone who has any outstanding warrants, you can make a run for it.

Exits are out there, go now!”

Wearing his OPP uniform, Bilyea began, “Road safety is not very exciting, until it is, right?” With the dual perspective of being a farmer and a police officer, Bilyea addressed several areas of road safety that he believes could be improved by farm vehicle operators. He reminded the audience of an important distinction between what you “can” do and what you are “allowed” to do on Ontario roadways.

The final speaker of the morning program was retired farmer Tom Melady, who candidly discussed his experience with clinical depression in 1992. Melady said stress and

isolation contributed to his deteriorating psychological state at that time. He listed some of the often contradictory stressors that contribute to poor mental health in farming. “The beans were too dry or they were too wet… the veal calves were too heavy or they were too light. You’re not filling your quota. You’re over quota… and no one said, ‘Thank you. You’re doing a good job.’ And that’s what I’m saying to you today. You’re doing a good job.”

Afterwards, Johnson, Bilyea and Melady engaged in a panel discussion moderated by McNeil, fielding a variety of questions from the relaxed, reflective assembly.

Before breaking for lunch, Devereaux thanked everyone for their participation in the SHED Talk. She reminded the room that CERH offers additional mental health resources to anyone in need.

The Four Winds Barn is an amazing example of local pride in the area’s agricultural history being adapted into something that better serves the community of today and tomorrow. At last Friday’s SHED Talk, you could also see that on the faces of those in attendance.

Elephant in an elegant room The Four Winds Barn in Brussels hosted a SHED Talk event on Friday, Dec. 1, organized by Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health. The program included guest speaker presentations, a panel discussion and lunch provided by Pineridge BBQ. Above, from left: Kevin Bilyea, Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson and Tom Melady answering questions.

(Scott Stephenson photo)

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK REPORT For the week ending December 1, 2023 Total Receipts: 2,060 cattle and 577 lambs and goats

Veal: There were 135 head of veal on offer.

Tuesday - Fed steers and heifers sold steady with quality considered.

Cows sold actively at steady prices.

Beef Veal: $260 – $286 Good Holsteins: $260 – $278 SL Heavy Holsteins: $250 – $265 Heavy Holsteins: $190 - $231 Medium Holsteins: $258 - $268 Plain Holsteins: $240 – $250 Drop Calves: $200 - $750 / HEAD

Thursday - Veal, lambs, sheep and goats sold steady.

Friday - Choice calves sold actively on a higher market. Second cut calves sold fully steady. Yearlings sold actively at prices $3 - $5 higher.

Profit Line Feeds of Mitchell, consigned 12 head. One holstein veal weighed 690 lbs. and sold for $286.

Fed Cattle: Choice steers and heifers: $222 – $230 Second cut cattle: $200 – $220 Aged and medium: N/A Holstein steers and heifers: $145 – $195

Beef Cows: $140 – $155 Plain Cows: $120 – $138 Good Holstein Cows: $128 – $138 Medium Holstein Cows: $110 – $125 Bulls: $154 – $184

Ornan Martin of Elmira, consigned 22 head. Eight charolais heifers averaged 940 lbs. and sold for an average price of $281.50.

Kids: Meat: $350 – $445 Dairy: $300 – $400 Todd Sheep Company of Lucknow, consigned 35 head. Fourteen lambs averaged 68 lbs. and sold for an average price of $322.50.

Kelso Purdon of Perth, consigned 32 head. Eight charolais heifers averaged 633 lbs. and sold for an average price of $335.

Woodbridge Goats LTD. of Kerwood, consigned 20 head. Twelve kid goats averaged 54 lbs. and sold for an average price of $445.

Kayla Wilson of Kerwood, consigned 14 head. Three kid goats averaged 73 lbs. and sold for an average price of $370.

Fred Bieman of Ayton, consigned four head. Three steers averaged 1,475 lbs. and sold for $230.

Cows: There were 350 cows on offer:

Goats: Mature: Billies: $300 – $400 Nannies: $100 – $225

Lambs: Under 50 lbs: N/A 50-64 lbs.: $262.50 – $335 65-79 lbs.: $272.50 – $322.50 80-94 lbs.: $242.50 – $264 up to $280 95-109 lbs.: $229 – $247.50 110 lbs. and over: $220 – $237

Top Quality Stocker Steers: Under 400 lbs.: $320 – $385 400 – 499 lbs.: $255 – $365 up to $400 500 – 599 lbs.: $308 – $440 600 – 699 lbs.: $322.50 – $400 up to $431 700 – 799 lbs.: $298 – $354 up to $384 800 – 899 lbs.: $260 – $349 900 – 999 lbs.: $313 – $334 up to $338.25 1,000 lbs. and over: $287 – $327

Top Quality Stocker Heifers: 300 – 399 lbs.: $280 – $352 400 – 499 lbs.: $165 – $310 up to $369 500 – 599 lbs.: $260 – $327 600 – 699 lbs.: $241 – $335 700 – 799 lbs.: $228 – $279 up to $281 800 – 899 lbs.: $171 – $278 up to $288 900 lbs. and over: $231 – $280.50 up to $297 Scottslea Farms Ltd. of Blyth, consigned 36 head. Fourteen charolais steers averaged 578 lbs. and sold for an average price of $437.

Gary Zehr of Newton, consigned five head. Four red white-face steers averaged 878 lbs. and sold for an average price of $338.

Elam W. Bowman of Lucknow, consigned 12 head. Ten black steers averaged 1,006 lbs. and sold for an average price of $325.50.

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd.

UPCOMING SALES TUESDAYS 10:00 a.m.

Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows

THURSDAYS

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

FRIDAYS

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

Call us 519-887-6461

PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023.

Classified Advertising – RATES – Articles for sale Help wanted 20 words or less only $8.00 + HST Additional words 20¢ ea. + HST

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

Articles for sale To all persons who have any houses, lands, tenements, farms, ships, vessels, goods, wares or merchandises to be sold or let, may have the same inserted at a reasonable rate.

North Huron Publishing 405 Queen St., Blyth for particulars.

Stop in and see out great selection of Books!

Maitland Bank Cemetery, 42636 Hydro Line Road, Seaforth, Ontario -Maitland Bank Cemetery Board is looking for a Caretaker to start in the Spring of 2024. A job description is available upon request. Please send resumes to Secretary Lorri Ann Moore, Box 536, Seaforth, Ont. N0K 1W0 or by email nsucmaitbkcem@hotmail.com. Serious inquiries only please.

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

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 420 is looking for

Mega Machines Activity Book Get busy with more than 100 fun-filled puzzles and activities, including colouring, drawing, dot-to-dots, mazes, spot the differences, and more! $13.50

The Citizen 405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792

-------------------------------------------GERBERS FIREWOOD SERVING you for over 15 years. Your number one source of quality slabwood and bodywood. Delivery available. No Sunday calls. 519-274-1236, 519441-2085. 01-50p -------------------------------------------2005 Toyota Echo. 5-speed standard. $4500. Phone Blyth 519-525-9377.

-------------------------------------------CHRISTMAS GIFT BASKETS!!

Available at Maitside Orchards!

Order any size, or choose from our selection! All products are locally made! 23 Orchard Lane, Brussels.

519-835-0099 -------------------------------------------REPRINTS OF PHOTOS taken by Citizen photographers are available to purchase. All are in colour. 4x6 – $5.00, 5x7 – $6.00, 8x10 – $10.00. Phone to order 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca tfn -------------------------------------------THE CITIZEN IS AVAILABLE TO purchase at these locations – Auburn Esso, Belgrave Variety, Blyth Variety, Blyth Food Market, Blyth Ultramar, Brussels Foodland, Brussels Variety, Clinton Convenience, Clinton Foodland, Charlie’s Variety in Clinton, Fogal’s YIG in Wingham, Wingham Mini Mart, Seaforth Foodland, GT Mini Mart in Seaforth, Fincher’s in Goderich, Goderich Victoria St. Shell and The Citizen Blyth.

-------------------------------------------WEBWOOD TRUSS WINTER SALE - 10% discount on roof trusses and floor joists. We do residential, commercial and agricultural. For details and/or quote call 519-335-3551 and ask for Zach.

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

PART-TIME BAR HELP Must have Smart Serve Résumés mailed to: Royal Canadian Legion PO Box 206 Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 Att.: Ric McBurney or email: ricormel@ezlink.ca

Coming events Notices You're invited to attend a Christmas Concert “Let it be Christmas” presented by the Junior Amabile and Decapo Choirs of London. Sunday, Dec. 17 at 2:30 at Clinton United Church. Tickets $20.00. Call 8876401 or 482-7148. Proceeds to support Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

Hosted by Fields of Faith Committee/Clinton United Church.-------------------------------------------Celebrate on Christmas Day with friends. Noon Christmas Day dinner at Brussels Mennonite Fellowship.

All are welcome! Call Yvonne 519887-6098 to reserve a plate or for more information.

-------------------------------------------TAKE-OUT HOME-COOKED MEAL!! Dec. 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Let us cook for your family!!

Delicious ham meal including caesar salad & roll. $19.75 (dessert extra charge). Order by Dec. 15. Maitside Orchards, 23 Orchard Lane.

Brussels 519-835-0099. 226-9712395.

-------------------------------------------Karate Christmas Special!

SCHWEITZER'S MARTIAL ARTS 8 weeks plus uniform only $139.50!

Taxes extra. Beginners only. Join now or give as a gift. Special ends Jan. 6, 2024. Group classes for ages 4 to adult. Classes taught by Renshi Becky Schweitzer, 4th Degree Black Belt and 12X World Karate Champion Location at Fresh Wind Revival Centre, 21 Lloyd Street, Wingham. Call 519-580-1418 or e-mail becky_schweitzer@hotmail.com www.schweitzersmartialarts.com --------------------------------------------

Seaforth Optimist Club Monthly Cash Draw winners DECEMBER 2023 WINNERS Jason & Mellissa McNichol ..$2,100 Don & Charlotte McKercher ....$100 Ken & Brenda Dalton ................$100

“SWAP SHOP” ad

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

• Free ad up to 25 words, person to person only (no businesses), items valued at $1,000 or less. Price must be included in your ad.Your ad will run three times unless it sells faster!

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

FOR SALE - 20’x10’x8’ frame for a shelter logic portable shed with all the hardware $85. no cover; 10HP gas Tecumseh motor with electric start off a snowblower $95 or best offer works good; Firestone Blizzak winter snow tires, 235x65x16, good tread 5x114.3 bolt pattern $475. Phone 519-440-1770.

49-3 --------------------------------------------FREE - Small televisions; large, beautiful calendars back to 2013.

Great for craft products. 519-3571691.

49-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Doll clothes all sizes, Barbie doll outfits, cotton dishcloths, scrubbies, towels for the stove, chairback covers or knee covers $5$7, other crocheted items. 519-5239274.

49-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Brand new cover for medium sized vehicles. Paid $50 sell for $25. An HP laserjet printer black and white, in good condition. Paid $60, selling for $30. 519-482-7440.

49-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - China cabinet $75; drop leaf table $50; cradle $75. Blyth 519-525-9377.

48-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Nine bins of RC Cars and parts. Bodies, controllers, power supplies, tires, plus much more. $400.

Full list and pictures - call or text 519588-6751.

47-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Approximately seventy 45 rmp records. Some Rolling Stones, one Elvis, one Anne Murray, etc. Call for song titles or author. 519-3572768.

47-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - 2 sets of winter tires 245-70 R17 on rims, 235-70 R16 not on rims. Best offer. 519-357-2150.

47-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Black leather pull-out couch. New. $150. 519-274-4478.

47-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Snow Joe 40V 15" cordless snowblower. Paid $299 when new. Asking $160. 519-271-3969.

47-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Church pew. Purchased at Brussels United Church auction.

Good condition. Dimensions: 3’ high, 2' deep, 6'5" long. $200. Call or text: 519-588-6751.

47-3 ---------------------------------------------

See News Happening?

Let us know!

The Citizen Call or email us today

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

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

MT updates fees, charges

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen Trevor Hallam, Chief Administrative Officer of MorrisTurnberry, presented a comprehensive report proposing amendments to the municipality’s fees, rates and charges bylaw at a regular meeting of council on Tuesday, Nov. 21.

Hallam explained that, after two years in effect, the need for bylaw updates has arisen due to the expansion of some services and the clarification of others. Hallam’s report also includes updated Huron County Planning and Development Department fees for 2022 through 2026, as they have not yet been adopted as a bylaw.

Hallam advised council that staff recommends adding five new fees for services that go beyond the standard offerings. These proposed changes would result in a $40 charge per occurrence for returned cheques and pre-authorized payments; a $10 charge per property for written confirmation of the previous year’s tax payments; a $15 charge per property for mortgage company processing; a $2 per statement charge for statement processing; and a $25 charge per package for tax sale tender packages.

In the planning department, the report recommends an increase in the cash-in-lieu of parkland dedication fee from $300 to $500.

Hallam provided rationale for this increase saying it has not been updated since 2012 and lags behind neighbouring municipalities.

Additionally, a proposed $2,000 lot grading and drainage deposit is recommended in the report to be required for certain applications in order to ensure the municipality is able to recover costs.

Other proposed changes for landfill and waste disposal include the adding of a provision for two weeks’ notice and preauthorization for the township to receive noncontaminated soil deliveries, which could possibly include a requirement for testing, and a shift from a flat fee to an hourly rate for after-hours entry to the dump to cover municipal costs adequately.

New cost recovery mechanisms in the fire and emergency services category are connected to an agreement with Fire Marque, essentially a collection agency, which will allow the municipality to claim insurance amounts for emergency responses.

Additionally, Hallam’s report includes the Bluevale Community Committee’s proposed updated fee structure for hall rentals, addressing the costs associated with cleaning and running the hall.

While base building permit fees remain unchanged for 2024, persquare-foot and other fees are proposed to increase by 15 per cent, rounded up to the nearest five cents, resulting in an average increase of 19 per cent, according to Hallam.

The CAO reminded council that the municipality is obligated to hold a public meeting regarding any changes to building fees, advising that a draft bylaw would be returned to the Dec. 19 meeting of council, with sufficient notice. The intent is to have the new fees and charges in place for 2024.

Council unanimously voted in favour of adopting the changes.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023. PAGE 15.

Spirit Week at Hullett

Spirit Week Last week, Hullett Central Public School students marked Spirit Week, which enabled them to dress in different themes every day, while also bringing in different items to donate to the North Huron Community Food Share each day. By the end of the week, students said over 600 items were collected. Back row, from left: Naomi Rowe, Warren Greidanus, Kaleb Lyons, Carson Lee, Mackenzie Shannon, Principal Lori Stevens, Addisyn Thomson and Lucia Dale. Front row, from left: Gavriella Garrity, Daxtyn James, Zoe Wong and Alexis Ansley. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

The last week of November at Hullett Central Public School was deemed “Spirit Week” to celebrate the season of “giving”. Each day had a specific clothing suggestion and suggestions for items for the North Huron Food Share.

Monday was jersey day and hygiene products were collected.

For Tuesday, beach day, rice and pasta were collected. Canned fruits and veggies were suggested for black and gold (the school’s colours) clothing day on Wednesday. Breakfast foods were welcomed for Thursday, deemed, “decades day”. Any other canned goods were suggested for Friday termed plaid and country day.

Kudos to the staff for taking part

in this charitable endeavour in a fun way for everyone. This fun would make the sharing more memorable and thoughtful for the pupils.

Courage was the virtue talked about at Hullett Central during November.

This meant conversations about always doing and saying the right things, even when doing so is hard and scary.

Trying new things can be risky and courageous.

And admitting mistakes takes courage, but learning happens from every experience.

Progress reports and teacher/parent interviews are always a part of November. This is also the month of registering future Hullett pupils, as in three-year-olds who will be attending in the fall of 2024. Early registration helps the board when setting up teachers for the next year.

Obituaries

RODNEY ARTHUR EDWIN GODDEN Rodney Arthur Edwin Godden passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Nov. 30, 2023, at his home in his 84th year.

He was the loving husband of Gail for 58 years and the proud father of Troy and Tammy and Jody and James. Rod was the proud papa of Chelsi, Dakota, Sydney, Shelby, and Cooper and the greatgrandfather of four.

Rod was the brother of Gary (Ruth Ann) and brother-in-law of Glen Cation.

He was predeceased by siblings Yvonne, Mervin (Helen) and sisterin-law Maria Cation and survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Rod loved his life, and he lived it to the fullest every chance he got.

He liked to “take a rip” on the fourwheeler, spend a weekend hunting or fishing or look at tractors at the annual reunion of the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association.

He loved tractors, especially John Deere tractors, and had a large collection. He also enjoyed woodworking, a friendly euchre game and meticulously mowing his lawn.

Rod’s true passion was for his family, whom he loved and nurtured and of whom he was so proud.

Rod was a humble, no-fussabout-me type of guy, but he could always make you laugh and was the

centre of attention at many social events. Rod’s love of life will be missed by many.

A special thanks to the Alexander family members, who have shown compassion, patience, and true love in taking care of Rod on this part of his journey. Also thank you to Dr. Bonnie Marshall and the Palliative Team at One Care for their help and guidance.

Cremation has taken place.

A come-and-go memorial gathering will take place at the Ethel Community Hall on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 1-3 p.m. with a celebration of Rod’s life beginning at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy, donations to the Grey Firefighters’ Association or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca.

LOIS MILDRED ANDREWS July 31, 1931 - Dec. 2 , 2023 Lois Mildred Andrews (née Wood) passed away peacefully in her sleep at Sunnybrook Hospital Palliative Care in Toronto, Ontario, in her 92nd year.

Lois was born in Londesborough on July 31, 1931, to Edward and Harriet (Hattie) Wood. She grew up on the farm with her younger brother Ken. She met William (Bill) Andrews while attending high school in Clinton, and they married in 1954.

They moved to London, Ontario, where Bill was attending the University of Western Ontario, and

Lois worked as a secretary at Supertest. Lois and Bill moved to Toronto and had three children, Greg, Brenda, and Nancy (Jonathan). Lois was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, who devoted her life to ensuring her children’s and grandchildren’s happiness and fulfillment.

Celebrating Lois’s life are her children Greg Andrews of Londesborough, Brenda Andrews of Toronto, and Nancy Andrews and Jonathan Thomas of Toronto.

Lois will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Dale and Ryan Climie, and Ally and Kara Thomas.

She will also be greatly missed by Brenda’s ex-husband and father of Dale and Ryan, Shane Climie of Peterborough, and by Ryan’s partner, Ru Levine of Toronto.

Lois is survived by brother Ken (Marilyn) Wood and in-law Richard (Jan) and is a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Lois was predeceased by her husband Bill, and in-laws Mary (Bill) Murch, Doug (Marian)

Andrews, Ruth (Art) Griffiths, Norma (Bob) Draper, Gene (Grant) Rath, Homer (Burnie) Andrews, Oz (Alice) Andrews, Joyce (Grover) Clare.

Friends will be received for visitation at Falconer Funeral Homes - Clinton Chapel on Friday, Dec. 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., where the funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Interment will take place at a later time. Please join the family to remember Lois at the Clinton United Church immediately following the service for a light lunch.

The family would like to thank all the staff at the Millwood Retirement Residence and the Sunnybrook Palliative Care ward for the compassion and support they provided to Lois and all her family. Donations in memory of Lois to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada would be appreciated by the family.

Messages of condolence for the family may be sent through www.falconerfuneralhomes.com

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

Owned and operated by Mac and Donna Andersoon Assisted by Mandy

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

PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023.

Project intended for Blyth finds new life in P.E.I.

Changing landscapes The Common Collective recently opened its final installment in an art installation trilogy that grapples with the changing rural landscape and the ability to grow food. “40-Tonne Viewfinder” began as a 40-tonne grain bin on a farm in the Listowel area. It was slated to be part of Canadian Centre for Rural Creativity programming years ago in Blyth, but has now found a home at the Confederation Centre for the Arts in P.E.I. From left: Nick Kuepfer, Simon Brothers, Jeremy Cox and Luke Mistruzzi. Absent was Mark Preston (Courtesy photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Stratford-based video artist Simon Brothers and four other artists who, together, are known as Common Collective, recently opened “40-Tonne Viewfinder” at the Confederation Centre for the

Arts in Prince Edward Island, but the project’s roots were laid in Blyth.

The multimedia art installation opened at the gallery earlier this year and remains on view at the centre until Feb. 24, 2024. The project is the third in a trilogy by the collective that looks at the

A sight to behold “40-Tonne Viewfinder” by the Common Collective will be available to view in P.E.I. until the end of February. It curates a special audio and visual experience within the bin to discuss the changing rural landscapes of the country. (Courtesy photo)

changing rural landscape and food production in rural Ontario.

“40-Tonne Viewfinder” begins with a 40-tonne grain bin, sourced from a farm near Listowel over five years ago. The bin has been modified slightly to be off-kilter to a degree, though many of its natural features remain as part of the exhibition.

Brothers, in an interview with The Citizen, said the choice of the bin in question itself is part of the art. Because of the move to largescale, industrialized farm operations, a 40-tonne grain bin, he said, is obsolete in a way.

The collective - comprised of Brothers, Jeremy Cox, Nick Kuepfer, Luke Mistruzzi and Mark Preston - then worked to dismantle and move the bin to a factory storage space in Stratford before moving to the next phases of the project, which were to create a video and audio component for the bin that would be broadcast within for the 10 or so people who can fit in it to sit and take it all in.

“Part of a trilogy of installations that combine video and sculptural elements, ‘40-Tonne Viewfinder’ features a looped projection inside a grain silo of a type and scale that has become mostly obsolete in the current context of industrialized agriculture,” said Pan Wendt, curator of the show. “The work responds to the changing patterns of life and land use in the region of Stratford, Ontario, where all five artists were raised.”

Brothers, a filmmaker and artist, was responsible for creating the video that is projected in a large circle by two co-operating projectors on the top of the bin, so viewers look up to the top of the bin when sitting within to view the film.

Brothers said there are a lot of macro and micro photographic elements to the film, much of which was captured at the farm from which the bin came. It includes how the landscape has changed from being an operational farm to being overgrown and naturalized, as well as some very close-up photography of elements of the farm, such as

algae as it’s seen under a microscope, for example.

Back in 2016, Brothers was one of four members of a panel entitled “The Rural Voice” at the first-ever Rural Talks to Rural conference held in Blyth by the Canadian Centre for Rural Creativity. He was joined by Blyth Festival Artistic Director Gil Garratt, The Citizen Editor Shawn Loughlin and Bojan Fürst and it was through this experience that Brothers first connected with Peter Smith, who was leading the centre.

At the time, there were plans to create a centre for the arts in Blyth and one of the branches was to be media arts. Initially, the “40-Tonne Viewfinder” was developed as a way to kick off media arts programming at the centre, Brothers said.

As those plans changed and the concept of the centre shifted, Brothers stuck with the project, but knew it needed a home and that it would take time.

After years in storage, the collective returned to the project as part of a trilogy of art installations.

Initially it was to be the first piece released, but, as it turns out, it has been the last after “Landline” was exhibited in Guelph and “Controlled Burn” was produced in Woodstock.

Brothers worked on the video component, while another member worked on the audio and others worked on the installation of the bin itself. Then, they had to find a home for the project - both in an artistic sense and a practical sense, as the bin is large and can’t fit in the majority of the country’s art galleries.

The gallery sent a truck to Stratford for the bin and, when the members of the collective arrived in Prince Edward Island, it was there waiting for them, ready to be set up.

As they arrived, Brothers said, he was taken with how similar the landscapes of Prince Edward Island and Huron and Perth Counties were, so he felt they had found the perfect home for the project.

Brothers said that, within the space, the bin itself is quite stunning. It surprised people when it opened, as they thought of the bin as a piece of art in its own right, but then, when they discovered the

audio and visual components within the bin, which includes bench seating for 10, it takes the project to a new level. There is even an aspect of the project that makes its way beyond the bin, he said, as small, natural pin holes allow light into the bin from the gallery and a short documentary film is played outside of the bin to tell the story of the project and the farm that housed the bin for many years. (The short documentary can be found at h t t p s : / / v i m e o . c o m / 889347146/4e5651f302? share=copy while a walk-in to the “40-Tonne Viewfinder” can be found at https://vimeo.com/ 877550299?share=copy) As for first impressions, Brothers said, “It really worked out.” He added that the project really connected with people on a number of levels and there are preliminary plans to tour it with hopes of bringing it home to Huron County.

The project will remain on view at the Confederation Centre for the Arts in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island until Feb. 24, 2024.

There is a special event scheduled for that month with Prince Edward Island Poet Laureate Tanya Davis that will include Davis performing original, written prose at the gallery that has been inspired by “40-Tonne Viewfinder”. Originally scheduled for Feb. 1, it has been rescheduled.

Brothers believes it may take place on Feb. 8, but that has not been finalized.

Common Collective is now hard at work on its next project, which will tackle rural land development in the face of the current housing crisis. It’s not yet complete and Brothers isn’t sure when or where it will be exhibited, but the group is working on its next creation.

Celebrating A Special Occasion?

Advertise it in

The Citizen Call or email to book your ad today!

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

Planning an Event?

Don’t miss potential guests!

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

The Citizen

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

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

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023. PAGE 17.

From the Minister’s Study

Don’t put off learning about Jesus this Christmas

By Jason Hovius Brussels Community Bible Chapel The last time I wrote this column, I wrote about a man named Diotrephes, mentioned in the book of 3 John in the Bible.

If you want to reference that article, you’ll have to dig up a Nov. 3 issue of The Citizen. But, to catch you up to speed, Diotrephes was a problem in the local church of John’s friend Gaius. The problem was that he loved to have the preeminence. This isn’t a word we use often day-to-day, but it basically means that he liked to be the centre of attention.

This might be forgivable in some situations, but this should never be the case in the Church of God. In Christianity, the place of preeminence should belong to Christ alone (Colossians 1:18).

Even if Diotrephes got that part right (which he didn’t), he should have had more love for those around him. Paul tells us to think of others more highly than ourselves (Philippians 2:3). Not only should Diotrephes not own first place, but he shouldn’t even take the second or third place either. Scripturally, Diotrephes should have considered himself to be the least important in his local church.

As an example, Jesus himself took a position of radical humility by coming in human flesh on the first Christmas. On that day, the King of Israel was born to poor parents in a dirty stable with little earthly fanfare, despite the angelic and starry announcements that heralded his coming. He went on to demonstrate this humility, not just as he hung on a criminal’s cross or as he washed his disciples’ feet in the Upper Room, but as a life pattern in his dealings with others.

That’s the review. Now we get to new material.

If you’re like Diotrephes and you want to own the top rung, one way to do it is to claw for the position you’re trying to attain. Another way is to tear down the competition.

Attack advertisements in our political world are an example of this. Diotrephes had no qualms about putting others down in an effort to lift himself up. His tactic was to slander and gossip about the apostle John and others.

Gossiping is one of those sins that most of us fall into easily. Often, we don’t even think about it as a sin until we’re caught red-handed by the subject of our gossip. Then it becomes downright embarrassing or worse. Sometimes we excuse our participation in the sin of gossip by saying, “I’m just telling you this

Evangelical Missionary Church

Sunday, December 10, 2023 2nd of Advent - “Peace” ~ 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Mike Stanley, “Immanuel: God With Us” (Mt.1:18-25)

about such-and-such a person to protect you….”

Greek philosopher Socrates had a well-known test for gossip by asking three pointed questions before listening to the “juicy morsels” that people so love to share. Is it true? Is it good? Is it necessary? By implication, it is good to say good things about others and may be occasionally necessary to say bad things about others. However, it is never okay to say false or bad things about others for no good reason.

In contrast to the harmful words of Diotrephes, this shortest letter in the New Testament is full of positive reports about others. John starts his letter to Gaius by saying, “It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it.”

Just a few sentences later, John mentions reports of how some Christian workers had been shown hospitality by Gaius, even though

they were strangers to him. John again says, “They have told the church about your love”.

John provides Gaius with a positive report about another friend named Demetrius. “Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone - and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true.”

Notice how John is continually building up, rather than tearing down. It is fitting that we call him the apostle of love. John’s criticism of Diotrephes in this letter was likely not a typical theme for this apostle of love, but he seems to have deemed these warnings to be necessary for the health of Gaius’ local church.

Satan is given many titles and names in the Bible, including “father of lies” and “accuser of the brethren”. He is likened to a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.

To be honest, he sounds like the very poster child for gossip and slander. This is in contrast with

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

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

Trinity

BLYTH 9:00 AM St. Paul’s Trinity

WINGHAM 10:30 AM

Come Worship with Us!

Londesborough United Church 338 King’s Rd., Londesborough 519-523-4225

Worship Time & Sunday School 10:30 a.m.

Dec. 24 ~ Communion at 10:30 am Christmas Eve Service at 7:00 pm

paid the debt for his or her sin on the cross. There are many accusations that could be made against each one of us, but there is still a chance to be forgiven and have peace with God through the work of our Advocate. Don’t put off finding out more this Christmas season about Jesus Christ, “born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth.”

Jesus, who uses His words for good rather than for harm. If Satan is the accuser, Jesus is the defender. He bears names like “Counsellor” (Isaiah 9:6) and “Advocate” (1John 2:1). “Advocate” refers to someone who recommends someone or something on their behalf.

According to the Bible, Jesus is the Advocate before God the Father for everyone who believes that He

Celebrate Jesus the Light of the World at

russels Mennonite Fellowship Sundays at 10:00 am All Are Welcome 250 Princess St., Brussels • 519 887 6388

BRUSSELS S

U United Chu ur urch W Welcome to Advvent 2 Worship Sundayy, Decembe er 10 ~ 9:30 a.m.

Come, the invitation is opeen to all, share in God’s message for us.

Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. ~ Brusssels Ministerial Christmas Choral Servicee Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. p ~ Blue Christmas Service Dec. 16 from 10 am m to 12 noon ~ Church Bake Sale Contact Alex at ministter.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.co y @g om Website: b brusselsandblythuc ca brusselsandblythuc.ca P.O. Box 359, Brussels ~ 519-887-6259 P.

Sunday, December 10 at 10 a.m.

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

Worship and Prayer Time Loving Fellowship Expository Preaching

For additional details please visit: brusselscommunitybiblechapel.ca

MEL LV VILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS

Sunday, December 10, 2023 11:00 am - 12 noon We extend a loving welcome to all to join us Rev. Amanda Bissson leads us in worship, prayer and praise to God. The sacrament of baptism will be observed. A time of fellowship too follow.

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

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

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

Blyth United Churrch Sundayy, Decemberr 10 at 11:00 am Isaiah 40:1 Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God d.

Outreach project for December is “Gifts with Vi Vision””

Watch for us in Blyth Christmas Parade Dec. 9!

Contact Alex at: minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com

On-site and online - live.huronchapel.com

Facebook: Blyth and Brussels United Churchess

119 John’s Ave., Auburn 519-526-1131

blythunited@tcc.on.ca ~ 519-523-4224

Nursery & Sunday School during worship

The Christmas Season is hard if your heart is hurting. Blue Christmas is a gentle, quiet service for anyone who is carrying pain or loss or feeling depressed or anxious during the Christmas Season.

Brussels United Church, Thurs Dec. 12th 7 p.m.

Trinity Anglican Church Tues. Dec. 13th , 4 p.m.

PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023.

Entertainment & Leisure

Dickens’ classic tale with a Huron County twist

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen Move Over Santa, Randy Claus is Coming to Town It may only be the second year that the Blyth Festival has put on A Huron County Christmas Carol, but it’s beginning to look a bit like Blyth has a new annual tradition in the making. The Festival first mounted Gil Garratt’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic cautionary tale way back in the pre-pandemic era of 2019. It received rave reviews, only to see the show stymied by several years of COVID-19 protocols. This year’s show opened on Saturday night, providing an evening of powerful performances to a packed Memorial Hall - a revival that received a very warm reception indeed from an obviously enthusiastic audience.

Blyth has long been known for its warm weather theatrical offerings, and with A Huron County Christmas Carol, the Festival has truly embraced the chilly heart of winter programming. The Bainton Gallery is concurrently playing host to a holiday artisan market throughout the run of the play, creating a one-stop, one-of-a-kind shopping option for festive fiends looking to cram even more holiday into their evening.

Blyth Festival mainstay Randy Hughson reprised the role of greedy local mill owner Ebenezer Scrooge.

Regular patrons of the Blyth Festival have already seen a decent amount of Hughson this season - he portrayed doomed patriarch James Donnelly, among other roles, in the three-evening epic adaptation of The Donnellys: A Trilogy that graced the Harvest Stage throughout the summer. Whether he’s playing Lucan’s historical Donnelly dad or London’s literary

miser that’s sad, Hughson never fails to impress with his unique take on larger-than-life personas. Every song by composer John Powers is a real zinger capable of filling visitors with the spirit of the season, especially when sung by a performer the likes of Hughson.

Scrooge’s famed story of selfrealization is supported throughout the show by a stellar cast. Trish Lindstrom wows in her Blyth Festival debut, pulling triple duty in the roles of Belle, Clara and Emily.

Though each role is minor in comparison to those of the male leads, Lindstrom imbues each woman with a depth and humanity beyond mere love interest. She represents all that love has to offer be it the warmth, comfort and stability that Emily Cratchit offers Bob or the bottomless longing and loss that sets into Scrooge when he chooses money over his Belle of the Barn Dance. The young Felix Dawe, also in his Blyth Festival debut, is the absolute picture of innocence as Tiny Tim, and George Meanwell really shines in the dual role of the ghost of Marley and Wingham’s own radio pioneer,

“Doc” Cruickshank. His Marley is as effectively frightening as one would expect from a spectre, but Meanwell also brings a touch of humour to the role - his Marley seems more than a little amused at his ghostly status. Bruce Horak’s interpretation of Bob Cratchit is equal parts put upon by Scrooge and unperturbed by his circumstances. He may have far less than Scrooge, but Cratchit is far more satisfied with his lot in life than his miserable employer - it gives him a power outside of Scrooge’s grasp, and drives home the true spirit behind the commercialism that threatens to consume the Christmas season.

Meanwell as CKNX’s “Doc” Cruickshank and Horak in the role of Cactus Mac are the embodiment of all that is great about Wingham’s Barn Dance, and all that is great about the Blyth Festival. Many Huron County citizens found love at one of CKNX’s Barn Dances why not Scrooge?

Taking local stories of interest to the people of Huron County and elevating them artistically is one of the Festival’s main goals - a

Spirited performances Gil Garratt’s A Huron County Christmas Carol pays homage to Wingham’s CKNX Barn Dance in the upper left photo featuring actors, from left: Bruce Horak, Randy Hughson, George Meanwell, Trish Lindstrom and Garratt. In the above photo, Hughson and Lindstrom perform in one of the classic story’s flashback scenes.

(Gemma James Smith photos)

mandate that they truly achieve with A Huron County Christmas Carol. The universal themes of A Christmas Carol are ones that have worked equally well in many mediums, Muppet and non-, for over a century. Garratt’s adaptation

is cemented firmly in rural Ontario, focusing on the idea of community over commerce and depicting the people of Huron County as a collective that knows what really matters when the holidays roll around.

Business Directory Dave Franken

CONCRETE FORMING For All Your Concrete Needs!

COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL • Foundations • Floor Finishing • Circular Tanks • Sandwich Walls FREE ESTIMATES RR#3 Blyth ~ Fax 519-523-9604 519-523-9971

Affordable CAR AND TRUCK RENTALS

Large & Small Trucks fridge carts - piano dollysmoving blankets

Complete Selection of Cars Our rates qualify for insurance replacement

Passenger Vans full size or mini

GODERICH TOYOTA 344 Huron Rd. GODERICH

519-524-9381 1-800-338-1134

Lakeside

SHELVING & RACKING

Large instock selection of pallet racking, store shelving, display cases and more for Industrial, Residential, Farm & Retail

NEW CONSTRUCTION AGRICULTURAL RENOVATIONS RESIDENTIAL

Call

519-524-0253

Jake’s Small Engine Repair Lawnmowers Chain Saws Side by Sides Snowmobiles Snow Blowers Golf Carts & more

Jacob Nonkes Licensed Small Engine Technician smallenginejake@gmail.com

83341 Currie Line, Blyth 519-955-4234 www.facebook.com/jakessmallengine

417 Parsons Court, Goderich 519-612-1387 Open 12-4 Monday - Friday; 10-4 Saturday

www.lakesideshelving.com lakesidemarket@gmail.com

email: parsonsusedfurniture@gmail.com facebook.com/parsonsusedfurniture

519-524-1740

33842 Market Rd., North of Goderich, off Hwy. 21

JKM

Plumbing Heating Cooling and Refrigeration

306-897-0156 Clinton, Ontario

Conversions of VHS, VHS-C, Hi8, Mini DV and more!

Jonmerner@gmail.com

nick@lakeaffectmedia.com

Jon Merner

519 440-9633

Call 519-523-4792 to book your spot today!

Bernard Enterprises Authorized dealer for

Central Boiler Classic Outdoor Wood Furnaces, Edge Outdoor Wood Furnaces & Maxim Wood Pellet and Corn Burners Gasification units available Inquire about our new edges Carman Bernard

519-887-6405 RR #4 Brussels centralboiler.com

Take time to check out our great selection of books.

Perfect for all ages and all occasions.

The Citizen 405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023. PAGE 19.

Entertainment & Leisure

Serena Ryder bringing ‘Merry Myths’ tour to Wingham

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Singer/songwriter Serena Ryder is bringing her special brand of holiday cheer to the town of Wingham on Dec. 16.

Ryder and her band have planned an evening of musical entertainment for all ages as part of her ongoing “Merry Myths” tour, which has taken her across the country, with stops scheduled at some truly stunning venues, from The Empress Theatre in Fort MacLeod, Alberta to Orillia’s Opera House, and soon, it will be The Town Hall Theatre’s turn to have its halls decked by Ryder’s infectious festive spirit. The Canadian chanteuse was kind enough to speak a spell with The Citizen a few days before her performance in a convivial conversation that just about covers all the reasons she loves the holiday season.

Ryder’s own mythos is rooted in Millbrook, Ontario. Performances at local events like the Peterborough Folk Festival led down the path of live performances, recording sessions and interviews, which, in turn, resulted in her considerable talents being noted by notable Canadian musical acts ranging from Three Days Grace to Hawksley Workman. Ryder went on from there to record hit songs, win Juno Awards, host Juno Award ceremonies, tour the world, and record the official theme song for the 2015 Pan American Games.

Whether she’s singing with Simon Ward of The Strumbellas or performing a Boss-worthy cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Racing in the Street”, Ryder has time and again proven herself to be a most versatile performer. Embarking on a festive series of shows during the colder season is one of her more recentlyembarked-upon endeavours, but it’s one Ryder plans to make into a long-standing holiday tradition.

“I’ve been doing a holiday tour for a few years now…. Touring during the holidays is probably one

Deck the Town Hall Theatre Musician Serena Ryder is coming to Wingham just in time for the holidays. Ryder will be performing at the Town Hall Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 16.

(Photography + Direction by Ingrid Jones and Thomas Bollmann)

of my favourite things to do, because people are in such beautiful spirits. There’s a thing that happens to people when they go out - I was never even really a Christmas person. I was maybe even a little bit of a Grinch around Christmas time.”

But what Christmas miracle made this singing Scrooge’s heart grow?

“I fell in love with the music of this season, and what it does to communities and to audience members when they come into a show and they know the words to all these songs and these beautiful melodies. It brings community together in a way like no other time of year… it’s really rare for people to be able to sing together in a space. It’s such a medicine for a

community, to be able to celebrate together.”

At the show, Ryder will be performing both covers of classic Christmas songs and contemporary tracks, like her new single “I Saw Daddy Kissing Santa Claus”. New or old, each song is certain to be infused with her love for the season and the spirit of old-time musical inspiration. “For me, if I can feel it in my heart and it feels true, and it feels honest and I want to sing, if the melody just naturally comes out of me, and I want to join in. That’s what makes a great song. And there’s so many beautiful Christmas songs that have that. That classic, gorgeous melody… a lot of the hit Christmas songs were written in the ‘40s and ‘50s, and a lot of them

Knox United closed on Dec. 3 PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE

By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188

At the Midwest Co-operative Services store in Belgrave, there were no winners for the Customer Appreciation Draw. Teeswater, Mildmay, Owen Sound, Walkerton, Dundalk, Chesley, Markdale, Wiarton, Hanover, Harriston, Mount Forest and Durham were also in the draw and the winners were picked from all the ballots.

Belgrave had winners last year so maybe next year it could happen again.

The Belgrave Kinsmen held a pub and wing night on Friday, Dec. 1 at the Belgrave Community Centre.

On Sunday, Dec. 3, Murray Scanlon, United Church Licensed Lay Worship Leader was the guest speaker at Knox United Church, Belgrave. It was the first Sunday of Advent. Mr. Scanlon’s message was entitled “All Our Sadness.”

On Sunday, Dec. 10, Knox United Church will be closed, so members of the congregation can attend Wingham United Church to see whether the two churches could be compatible to join together. Rev. Colin Snyder will be delivering the message. The Sunday School is in charge of the White Gift Service so it should be fun. The service starts at 9:30 a.m.

On Sunday, Dec. 17 Murray Scanlon will be the guest speaker at Knox United Church, Belgrave.

Everyone is welcome.

My side of the family held their Christmas get-together on Sunday, Dec. 3 in Grand Bend. Relatives arrived on a rainy day, but a good day for driving, from London, Dorchester, Kitchener, Grand Bend and Belgrave. After a delicious

buffet, the afternoon was spent visiting, playing crokinole, darts and photo taking. The day was brought to a close with hugs and wishes for a Merry Christmas.

have to do with the war that was going on, and people not being able to be home with their families.

There was almost a longing that was written into the melodies, and it was something that people could really relate to.”

Ryder loves all Christmas songs, but she has a special place in her heart for those old classics. “I don’t have a definitive favourite. I love ‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas’, speaking of that… it has this beautiful introduction, in that old school way. I love simple songs.

‘Silver Bells’ is another favourite.”

Much has changed in the years between those old songs being penned and today, but Ryder knows that the universal messages contained within them will still resonate with concert-goers. “Love, and community, and your family or your chosen family - it’s very important to embrace these things at all times, but especially in the heart of winter, when the days are shorter and the sun is out less. It’s about allowing yourself to go out and be in that community. It gets more medicine and sunshine into your heart.”

She’s also been inspired by the chance to collaborate creatively with a production icon and personal hero. “I made a record four years ago called Christmas Kisses - I did it with Bob Ezrin. He is just an unbelievable producer… he produced Pink Floyd’s The Wall.

He’s done so much stuff everything from classical to Alice Cooper, and I’ve always wanted to work with him. And it was incredible.” In working with Ezrin, Ryder decided to go after another one of her musical goals. “I’d always wanted to do a jazz album, because I’m super into old jazz music. And that’s kind of where my whole holiday music Christmas album thing got started - recording these beautiful classics with kind of a jazz style with a phenomenal band. It’s a dream come true kind of thing.”

Many people instinctively hunker down at the first sight of snow on the ground, but Ryder loves the experience of bringing a bit of wonder to winter landscapes, one stop at a time. Mostly. “There’s always the situation on a tour bus if, you know, the roads in Ontario. It can be dangerous and intense, but we also have an amazing bus driver, who is so, so, so wonderful and safe. Really, that’s the only challenge!”

The lovingly restored Town Hall Theatre on Josephine Street should be a perfect place to house Ryder’s powerful voice and effervescently festive spirit. Choosing the town of Wingham was an easy choice for Ryder and her band. “It’s a place that we actually haven’t been!

Since we’re doing the tour every year, I really want us to be able to go to places we haven’t been, and I’m really excited to come! I hope that everybody brings their friends and their families. It’s a really kidfriendly show, too, which is exciting - I love when there’s more kids at my shows, and this time of year is that opportunity. My job before I got into being a musician I was a nanny, so the more kids around, the better!”

If you’re looking for a good way to ring in the holidays this year, check out Serena Ryder’s “Merry Myth” Tour - coming to the Town Hall Theatre on Dec 16.

Sudoku Solution

Time to Celebrate!

Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, retirement or some other special event, show them how much you care with an announcement in The Citizen.

2" wide x 3" high

$30

+ tax includes colour

4" wide x 3" high

$60

+ tax includes colour

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

NEWS FROM BELGRAVE

PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, DECEMBER 8, 2023

For the Hobbyist on your list!

AT KNIT’S END: Meditations for Women who Knit Too Much Humorous and philosophical readings about knitting and crafters. Quotes from famous personalities often trigger the meditations by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, “The Yarn Harlot”. $16.95

BIRD WATCHING ANSWER BOOK Do birds sleep while in flight?

What is the fastest bird? What are feathers made of? This book has everything you need to know to enjoy birds in your backyard and beyond. $19.95

THE BLACKSMITH’S CRAFT Blacksmithing is a romantic and practical skill and it still has many applications today.

This comprehensive book is a primer of the tools and methods of the blacksmith and provides tips on how to make this skill pay. $27.95

BIRDHOUSES BOXES & FEEDERS Whether you are a woodworker who loves birds - or a birdwatcher who wants to create a wildlife-friendly habitat-this book will show you environmentally sound ways to enhance any garden by attracting birds. $24.99

BREWING MADE EASY Imagine offering guests your own home brew. This book provides information from brewing your first batch of beer to creating your own recipes. Information on equipment, instructions on making beer and recipes for different beers and ales. $10.95

GRANNY GET YOUR GLUE GUN Don’t panic! This book is your guide to hours of creative fun with your grandchildren. You don’t have to be a grandmother to want to get started creating crafts and recipes with this amazing book. $14.95

BACKYARD FORAGING This book explores the fun, safe, and free way to eat locally. A foraging guide that safely leads you through harvesting etiquette, plant identification and tips on how to eat the leaves, flowers, nuts, seeds, roots, etc. of plants. $22.95

THE KNITTING ANSWER BOOK A 24-hour hotline for knitters, this book answers questions on everything from needle sizes and yarn weights to dropped stitches, tight ribbing, chart reading and cutting edges. Hundreds of detailed illustrations. $22.95

BEEKEEPING: A Practical Guide A primer on beekeeping and how to get started this book offers 180 pages of practical information — everything from equipment to clothing to managing hives and collecting honey. $28.95

KNITTING STASHBUSTERS This book has 25 projects specially chosen to use up your yarn. Some can be made with one ball, others use up smaller amounts of several different shades, but all of them are chosen to save you from wasting what you already have in store. $19.95 POCKET BOOK OF KNITTING From best-selling author and crafting queen Claire Gelder comes this gorgeous guide to knitting, perfect for complete beginners and clarly explaining everything you need to know. $19.95

THE COLOR SCHEME BIBLE: Inspirational palettes for designing home interiors Don’t be overwhelmed by colour choices available. Learn how colour creates ambience and creates the illusion of space. 200 distinctive colour schemes and their effects. $19.95 Now $9.98

Pocket Guide to Quilting Tips and Tricks This pocket guide is packed with tips and tricks on equipment, shortcuts, organization, colour, patterns, machine quilting and more. $9.99

THE QUILTING ANSWER BOOK A handy, small-format book you can take with you that provides solutions for every quilting problem you’ll ever face and answers to every question you’ll ever ask. Information on everything from cutting tools to mattress sizes. $19.95

SEWING SCHOOL – 21 Sewing Projects Kids Will Love to Make Introduce kids to the creative world of sewing with this wellillustrated book with projects like pouches, simple stuffed toys, pillows and moving up to doll clothes and even simple skirts. $25.95

POCKET BOOK OF CROCHET From best-selling author and crafting queen Claire Gelder comes this gorgeous guide to crochet, perfect for complete beginners and clarly explaining everything you need to know. $19.95

THE SEWING ANSWER BOOK Using short questions and answers, this handy, compact book provides solutions for every sewing problem you’ll ever face and answers to every question you’ll ever ask – more than 400 pages worth in all. $22.95

The Citizen 519-523-4792 405 Queen St., Blyth