The Citizen - January 12, 2024

2 • Art 8 • Sports 10 • Alzheimer’s 15 • Obituaries

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Citizen

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Friday, January 12, 2024

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Volume 40 No. 2

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Budget process begins in M-T

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

You can’t win score ’em all The U11 BB Huron Heat welcomed the Grand River Mustangs to the Blyth and District Community Centre on Saturday for a regular season game and sent the

visitors home on the wrong end of a 3-2 score - another win for the team that regularly calls Blyth home on Saturday afternoons. (John Stephenson photo)

3.9% capital levy increase pitched in HE

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron East Council has commenced its 2024 budget process, moving forward with reserve usage and capital deferrals to maintain an estimated 3.9 per cent increase to the capital levy.

Council held its first meeting of the budget process on Dec. 20 - its final meeting of 2023 - and Chief Administrative Officer Brad McRoberts made a lengthy presentation to council with this year’s budget proposal and the status of the municipality’s reserves.

He proposed three options as jumping-off points to begin the budget process. First, he proposed funding the levy with the use of debt, which would lead to a 3.6 per cent capital levy increase, as the budget stands now, while his second proposal omitted the use of

debt, meaning a 13 per cent capital increase in 2024. His third, and recommended, option was to fund by deferring capital expenditures, using available reserves to offset taxation-based capital expenditures.

All three proposals include an assumed eight per cent increase to the municipality’s operating levy in 2024, meaning a potential total levy increase for the first option of 11.6 per cent, 21 per cent for the second and 11.9 per cent for the third. They also use all available reserves to offset taxation-based capital expenditures.

Furthermore, McRoberts also included capital levy projections for the next five years. The first option would result in capital levy increases of 3.7 per cent in 2025, 2.2 in 2026, 2.6 in 2027 and 2028 over and above the municipality’s established annual capital levy increase.

“In this scenario, we are using all available reserves to offset the taxation-based capital expenditures, primarily the Seaforth and District Community Centre roof replacement. We are also increasing the capital levy by $338,500 or approximately 3.6 per cent. Note: this does not include any operating levy requirement,” McRoberts said of the first option.

“With the use of all the available unrestricted reserves, we are still requiring the need to borrow $900,000 to fund the $1,600,000 roof replacement for the Seaforth and District Community Centre.

Assuming a 10-year debenture, the total interest cost over a full 10 years, based upon a five per cent interest rate, would be $245,650.

The Seaforth Community Development Trust has indicated that they would have $700,000 available to lend to the municipality in an open debenture (i.e. could be

paid in full or part at any time) at the interest rate defined by Infrastructure Ontario at the time of the issuance of the debenture. At the time of this report it was unknown if the Brussels Trust would be able to provide any funds for a debenture.”

The second option, to fund everything through taxation, would increase the capital levy in 2024 by over $1.2 million, largely in order to pay for the roof replacement at the Seaforth and District Community Centre. The 13 per cent increase in 2024 would result in no capital levy increases - at least as proposed in the current budget from 2025 through 2028.

“In this scenario, we are using all available reserves to offset the taxation-based capital expenditures, primarily the Seaforth and District Community Centre roof replacement. We would Continued on page 12

Treasurer Sean Brophy and senior staff presented the first draft of Morris-Turnberry’s 2024 budget at a special meeting of council on Tuesday, Jan. 9. In this draft, staff propose an increase of 8.05 per cent to the levy and an 8.4 per cent increase to the municipal tax rate.

The 2024 county and education rates are not yet available, and other significant contributions and obligations are not yet known which will cause fluctuations in the next draft of the budget.

Drainage Superintendent Kirk Livingston estimates that capital drainage projects for the year will cost $732,000, paid for through a combination of grants and cost recovery from landowners.

Livingston noted that all of the budgeted drainage projects for 2024 have already received approval from council.

Livingston boasted that an ATV purchased in 2023 is working out well for the department, making it easier to facilitate travel to harderto-reach areas.

Mayor Jamie Heffer asked if rising costs associated with beavers and dams will continue to be a pesky issue for the drainage department, receiving an affirmative response from the superintendent.

In his role as Chief Building Official, Livingston indicated that upwards of 2,400 changes to the building code are expected to come down from the province in 2024, with enforcement beginning in 2025 and further changes expected to follow in 2026 and 2027. To prepare for the new rules, Livingston recommends increasing the budget for training staff.

Director of Public Works Mike Alcock advocated for an increase in contributions to the parkland reserve, stating that as the population of Morris-Turnberry grows, so will demand for parks. He also recommends earmarking revenue received from developers in-lieu of parkland, saying, “it seems logical to me that if we are collecting this money in-lieu of parkland, we should be putting it towards parks.”

The Belgrave water system needs a new computer and operating system update, as the current unit, Continued on page 16

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2024.

Ducharme tapped for Blyth Festival season art

Goderich’s Autumn Ducharme has created the season and production images for the 50th anniversary season of the Blyth Festival using a printmaking technique that involves her carving into linoleum and hand-making prints. The season image of a preBlyth Festival Memorial Hall is seen below before colour was applied. (Shawn Loughlin photo, above, image courtesy of Autumn Ducharme, below)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Goderich-based artist Autumn Ducharme has been chosen to create the art for the 50th anniversary Blyth Festival season, including its season poster image and something for each of the shows.

The Blyth Festival announced that Ducharme’s first piece - a print created with a traditional, handcarved lino block of the Memorial Hall of yesteryear (based on an image of the building that precedes the first season of the Festival) was revealed earlier this week. Her

production images, for each of the six shows being produced - two on the Harvest Stage and four in Memorial Hall - are also now live on the Festival’s website.

For those uninitiated into the world of printmaking, a lino print involves the artist hand carving the art into a piece of linoleum (in other cases, wood, rubber or something else can be used) and then printing the art onto a surface, like paper.

Depending on the carved piece and the detail of the art, a number of prints can be made before they start to falter.

The images produced are unique and striking, often with high

contrast between blacks and whites, though Ducharme has incorporated colour into her Memorial Hall piece.

It’s an old way of reproducing an image in a sustainable manner that traces back to India many years ago. Ducharme says the practice aligns with her principles in that it creates art that can then be reproduced and accessible to more people (in a more affordable way), rather than one large, intricate piece that costs a fortune and can only then be owned by one person.

For Blyth Festival Artistic Director Gil Garratt, the old style being used to create new and

Babies of the Year

A new take on old methods

exciting art is the perfect way to celebrate the Festival’s 50th anniversary season. Ducharme’s work represents, to him, an intersection of fine and folk art that clearly communicates what the Festival celebrating its 50th anniversary means, which is commemorating the half-century that was, while looking ahead to the half-century yet to come.

Garratt provided Ducharme with some reference material and brief descriptions of the plays and she was left to her own devices, checking in along the way to take some notes from Garratt to ensure that she ended up creating something that would make both of them proud.

For Garratt, bringing on another young, talented, Huron Countyborn artist who has returned to the community to make art is a thrill.

“For me, the 50th anniversary is as much a time to think about the past as it is a time to think about the future; reflect on where we’ve been and dream of where we will go,” Garratt said. “I think a lot of Autumn’s art embodies this. She is a young person who grew up here, full of new ideas and bubbling energy, but she is absolutely committed to community and working in traditional mediums like lino blocks and the vegetable pigments in her paints - and there is something really inspiring to me in that.”

Ducharme says she’s really proud of being brought on to such an important project and is happy with what she was able to create. She has created over a dozen prints of each image and may create more as

demand allows, potentially selling them at pop-up art markets, but nothing has been decided just yet.

Interested in art and creativity from a very young age, Ducharme said she was always the student at the craft table in her younger grades and her parents were encouraging, taking her to art shows both local and farther afield when she was just a child.

She grew up in Exeter and was drawn early to paintings, sculptures and drawings that made her feel something and thought it would amazing to be able to do that for others, which was the first connection to art she felt.

Then, when she went to high school at South Huron District Secondary School, her two art teachers not only saw her potential as an artist, but were both established artists themselves, so the learning process was a dream.

Ducharme acknowledges that not everyone is lucky enough to have art teachers who are both artists themselves and tremendously invested in the skills of their students, so, for her, she said she greatly benefitted from that experience and it helped shape her into the artist she is today. (As a young secondary school artist, she even created a piece that would eventually go on to win an award at the Blyth Festival Art Gallery’s annual Student Show - also earning her a cool $50 through its sale, the first of her career as an artist.)

From there, Ducharme went south... to London. She enrolled in Bealart, a secondary visual art school at H.B. Beal Secondary Continued on page 3

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2024. PAGE 3.

Fine, folk art intersect with Ducharme: Garratt

The process Autumn Ducharme’s work for the 2024 Blyth Festival productions of Saving Graceland, left, and Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz, right are seen above, while her linoleum carving for Resort to Murder is seen below. (Photos courtesy of Autumn Ducharme)

Continued from page 2 School in London after graduating from high school, but before pursuing post-secondary education.

She found this experience to be helpful as well, though, she began to gravitate to some aspects of art more than others. Ducharme spent two years there and focused on printmaking and ceramics before heading east to study at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD University) to focus more on ceramics, drawing and printmaking.

In Nova Scotia, she learned to focus on disciplines based on the teachers, rather than the subjects.

Furthermore, she also studied some electives at Dalhousie University focused on ecology. This has led to a great interest in the environment, sustainability and agriculture (she spent time working at Huron Ridge Greenhouses in Zurich before her current gardening jobs with unique operations like Firmly Rooted and Meeting Place Organic Farm).

Growing up, Ducharme and her family lived in a home built along a river right by a conservation area, which really connected her not just to the environment, but to water, specifically. At that home, her mother maintained a large vegetable garden as well as a massive collection of perennials, so she was always busy in the garden as well.

That love of the environment and connection to the world around her has served her art career well.

She had plans to backpack around the world, but Ducharme said she only made it as far as Nova Scotia (despite buying the backpack) and spent some time there. However, when the COVID19 pandemic hit and some of her other travel plans were dashed (indeed, she would finish her post-secondary education online, from home, graduating on Zoom), she felt drawn to water and wanted to return to Huron County and be close to Lake Huron. There is, of course, no shortage of water in the Maritimes, but, as a Huron County native, she felt this was where she needed to be and she moved back with her mother. They now live in Goderich together, where Ducharme has a small studio set up in their house, though, she is able to work on larger murals, another aspect of her art, in the basement.

Back in Huron County, Ducharme immersed herself in agriculture working seven days a week with her hands and feet in the dirt. That, however, left little time for art and she found she had to squeeze small commission projects for friends and family in on the weekends.

Even then, however, she was finding success. She would paint a portrait or complete a commission and post about it on social media and, almost like clockwork, she would receive an inquiry about another project.

Eventually, however, she began working with a friend and fellow artist focused on water and sustainability. They began working together and even welcoming in other artists for workshops aimed at members of the public, who would create their own small paintings over the course of the session.

This work all culminated with a

special art night at Goderich’s Square Brew that included paintings, film, an open mic and more that was very well received.

The next project that Ducharme really threw herself into was the creation of Froggy Fest in 2022.

She was instrumental in the new festival, which took place in Goderich and focused on water in a multitude of ways, eventually winning some awards to celebrate its success.

From there, she began creating house portraits. It was a natural progression for her, as, her dad is a contractor, so she spent much of her youth sketching houses, estates and dream living situations for herself.

She was commissioned to create a pair of house portraits and they would be the eventual connection to Garratt and the Blyth Festival. It turns out that the person who commissioned the two art pieces is a friend of Garratt’s and, upon seeing Ducharme’s work, he was immediately intrigued and wanted to learn more about Ducharme and the art she was creating.

Garratt reached out and the two discussed a few ideas, but, they were then destined to meet face-toface earlier than scheduled. In the midst of the early stages of discussions regarding art for the Blyth Festival’s 50th anniversary season, they both attended Meeting Place Organic Farm’s special 50th anniversary dinner at the farm and were seated directly across from each other - something they only learned when they introduced themselves. From there, discussions intensified and the two began meeting to discuss the shows, the art and what Garratt was hoping to achieve with this year’s season and communicate through the chosen art.

Garratt provided short summaries of the shows and directed Ducharme to reference pictures for the shows with historical context such as The Farm Show, Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz: The Farmerettes and The Trials of Maggie Pollock - and reference photos, from which she would work to create much of the art that can now be seen on the Festival’s website.

Ducharme has created some of the art very directly based on reference photos, such as the season image of Memorial Hall, a picture of four Farmerettes and the iconic

image of Farm Show actors creating a human “tractor” on stage, while others have allowed her to get a bit more creative with compositions of her own doing, such as the image for The Trials of Maggie Pollock, which she admits is her favourite of the pieces she’s created for the Festival.

Ducharme admits that the printmaking style she’s been working with certainly takes some patience and there is a lot of trial and error not just for the Festival images, but overall - but the art is truly rewarding and unique in its composition. The fact that it can be available to more people through the printmaking process, as well, she said, is something that really speaks to her. Even the use of linoleum as a sustainable material is

all part of the process for Ducharme, who has made creating art in a way that’s good for people and the environment a cornerstone of the work she’s doing, even at such a young age.

As for the work itself, both Garratt and Ducharme agree that she hit the mark and created something that she and the Festival can be proud of for years to come.

Ducharme then spoke about a conversation she had with Garratt about the Festival’s vast collection of art from the past 50 years and the artists whose names appear on those posters and production images through commission. She says she’s proud to be counted among those artists and to help the Festival mark 50 years of creativity on the stage.

Live near to God (Robert Murray M’Cheyne) Prayer is the link that connects earth with Heaven! Live near to God, and all things will appear little to you in comparison with eternal realities!

When you gaze upon the sun — it makes everything else dark. When you taste honey —it makes everything else tasteless. Likewise, when your soul feeds on Jesus — it takes away the sweetness of all earthly things — pride, pleasure, fleshy lusts, all lose their sweetness.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus!” Hebrews 12:2. Keep a continued gaze! So will the world be crucified to you — and you unto the world!

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

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PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2024.

Editorials & Opinions

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

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Pay up and close down Recent headlines have brought awareness of many small businesses in the throes of trying to find a way to pay back their Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loans, which are coming due on Jan. 18 after two extensions. Despite calls by business associations and the NDP to delay the payback, the federal government has not taken any action.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) says that up to 20 per cent of restaurants are at risk of closing if they must pay back that loan this month, and that may be just the tip of the iceberg.

Headlines have let us know that movie theatres, the arts, retail, tourism and, yes, newspapers are all struggling to find post-pandemic revenue.

In 2020, the loan was a lifeline that many businesses needed to survive, but no one at the time could forecast the length and severity of the pandemic, nor the inflation that would hit in its wake. Few businesses have regained momentum, as many have dealt with labour shortages, supply chain interruptions, double-digit price hikes and shifts in their customers’ buying patterns.

The government needs to return to the out-of-the-box thinking that enabled so many to get through the pandemic and find out what small businesses need to get over the hump. Some may be able to pay back their loans, some may be able to obtain financing, but need a longer term to lower the monthly payments, some might need a further deferral and some may need to default. Canada needs small businesses so just letting them flounder does not seem to be a solution. – DS

The good stuff Late last week, OpenTable, a dinner reservation platform, released its “Top 100 Restaurants with Healthy Bites” list for Canada and on the list is Huron County’s own Eddington’s of Exeter, which has been a beacon for food fans in the county and beyond for years.

Chef/owner James Eddington has been clear about his commitment to growing his own food for the restaurant, maintaining his own small farm as part of a higher calling than just serving people good-tasting food and that work seems to be paying off. And while, there are plenty of ways for a chef and restaurateur to be recognized that are sure to make him or her blush, being a destination for healthy options is one that comes with a certain degree of esteem. According to OpenTable, 55 per cent of Canadians identified eating healthier as their top New Year’s resolution. For Huron County residents to know that someone is making that easier for them, all while preserving a healthy, social dining experience, is something that surely should be admired.

For a restaurant thriving in a relatively small community (the Exeter restaurant is joined by Crossroads Restaurant in tiny Rosseau as the only two Ontario establishments not in a bigger city centre) and within the heart of an area focused on agriculture, showcasing the importance and value of good, healthy ingredients and, thus, competent farming, can only serve to raise the community’s profile in the food world.

Congratulations to James and his team at Eddington’s. As the world continues to become more health-conscious, this achievement will only grow in stature and importance as the years go on. – SL

Being the change The 2024 Golden Globes witnessed a historic moment as actor Lily Gladstone secured the award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama for her role in Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon. By being the first Indigenous actor to win the category, Gladstone has etched her name in the annals of cinematic history. Her bilingual acceptance speech elevated the night into more than just a celebration of excellence in entertainment; it was a watershed moment for Indigenous representation and linguistic diversity.

Before transitioning into English, Gladstone spoke first in the Blackfeet language - a gesture made all the more powerful by her acknowledgment that she does not speak her ancestral tongue fluently.

She expressed great gratitude and joy as she reflected on her remarkable journey, tearing up at the transformative impact of her win.

She dedicated her victory to “every little Native kid out there who has a dream, who is seeing themselves represented in our stories told by ourselves in our own words with tremendous allies and tremendous trust from within from each other.” Gladstone also thanked director Scorsese and co-stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro for their roles in reshaping the American film industry, emphasizing the importance of allies taking action.

Gladstone’s historic win illustrates that representation is not just about seeing oneself on the screen; it is about rewriting the narratives that have long excluded diverse voices. May her call for inclusion in the entertainment industry act as the catalyst that brings about a richer cinematic future - one that embraces cultural diversity, amplifies unheard voices and inspires the storytellers of tomorrow to break barriers and follow their dreams. – SBS

Looking Back Through the Years January15, 1969 Guided by Ron Henry and John Stewart, the Blyth Bantams secured their inaugural victory of the season, triumphing over Brussels with a score of eight to seven.

Bill McDougall ignited the Blyth team’s performance by netting 5 goals, while Gerald Riley, Donald Stewart and David Cook each contributed one goal. Steve Walsh exhibited a robust performance as the goalkeeper, playing a pivotal role in keeping Blyth in the game.

A euchre contest at Blyth Memorial Hall featured seven active tables on Monday evening.

Pearl Gidley claimed the title of ladies’ high, while Mrs. L. McNall secured ladies’ low. The novelty category was won by Mrs. Joseph McCaughey. Earl Noble emerged victorious in the men’s high category, with George Wall taking the men’s low title. In a unique twist, Mrs. Eva Noble played as a man and won in the novelty category.

In 1968, U.S.-manufactured colour TVs outsold black and white sets for the first time, marking a significant shift in consumer preferences.

January 12, 1977 Winter storms caused a standstill in traffic, prompted the closure of schools and led to the cancellation of meetings. Encompassing a broad area of Ontario and the United States, the storm brought intense snowfall, gusty winds resembling gales, reducing visibility to zero.

A yearly public gathering of the Walton Area Sports Club (W.A.S.C.) was held at the Community Hall. Through a ballot, three members - Rick McDonald, Jack Nelemans and Dave Collins were selected to take the place of

the retiring Joe Steffler, Howard Hackwell and Bill Humphries. Don Nolan was elected as the new trustee for the W.A.S.C., succeeding the late Don Achilles. A special expression of gratitude was extended to the Recreation Board, with a particular acknowledgment for those retiring.

The New Year’s gathering of the Afternoon Unit of the Brussels UCW took place at Mrs. Annie Bray’s residence, with 18 members in attendance. Mrs. Miller, the president, initiated the meeting by reading a New Year’s poem. The New Year’s devotions were led by Mrs. Hupfer and the members collectively sang two verses of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”

January 11, 1989 During its meeting on Jan. 3, the Brussels Village Council resolved to implement a $50 fee for building permits related to commercial renovations. This decision was reached with the aim of enabling the Council to recoup a portion of the expenses associated with the building inspector’s fee.

The Brussels Legion, recently renovated, was formally unveiled on Saturday. Throughout the extensive opening program, nearly every speaker expressed gratitude for the tremendous community spirit that played a pivotal role in making the reopening possible.

This accomplishment came just seven months after the Legion had suffered severe damage in a devastating fire.

Approximately 200 individuals, including Legion and Ladies’ Auxiliary members from other Legions across the district, gathered for the wreath-laying and official ribbon-cutting ceremonies conducted outdoors under overcast

skies. Following these events, they remained in the bright new upstairs hall for over an hour of presentations and ceremonial activities.

Brussels Council secured a location within the Brussels Library for an expanded service office for the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). An officer from the Wingham OPP Detachment would utilize the office on a part-time basis throughout the week. This initiative aimed to enhance accessibility and interaction between the community and the police.

January 15, 2004 Blyth resident and local business figure Steven Sparling was appointed as co-chair of a national council. In collaborative gatherings held in Ottawa, representatives from the Canadian propane industry came together to form an interim council, working towards the creation of the Canadian Propane Education and Research Council (CPERC).

Downtown Blyth witnessed an intriguing scene during the storm on Jan. 7 when the closure of Highway. 4 left several truck drivers unable to proceed.

Numerous trucks remained parked along the main street, occupying the area from early morning until late afternoon.

On Thursday, Jan. 8, the Majestic Women’s Institute organized a casserole supper followed by euchre at the Brussels Library, drawing a substantial turnout. Some of the winners were: Emerson Mitchell for the 50-50, Viola Adams as the high lady, John Subject as the high man, Elunid McNair as the low lady, Allan Edgar as the low man and Lola Subject for the most lone hands.

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

Other Views

A choice: squirrels or the internet?

T

wo items recently struck me when I read about them on the internet. In one, Globe and Mail columnist Marcus Gee celebrated the birth of his twin granddaughters, hoping they would grow to enjoy watching the squirrels outside their window. In the other story, a teenager spent six hours a day using her phone to keep up with the world.

Modern technology is wonderful in helping us stay on top of what is happening in the world, but it can also block us from seeing the wonder of the world around us, like the squirrels in our yard or the birds in the trees.

We can mark the generations through the improvements in communications. Two hundred years ago, the first newspapers gave us a view of the world beyond what we could personally see. Then came the telegraph and telephone expanding the parameters of the speed that news could travel from remote areas to our homes.

Radio increased the speed and my grandparents could actually listen to the raucous blustering of Adolf Hitler in Germany, as well as watch his histrionics in newsreels at their local movie theatre.

The establishment of television and the development of the atom bomb both happened in the 1940s and as homes got television, we also got news about the latest tensions between our allies and the Communists in Russia, Eastern Europe and China.

By the 1960s and 1970s, television brought to our homes visual evidence of the horrors of the war between Communists and nonCommunists in Vietnam and the thousands of Americans who were dying.

After that war ended with a capitulation to the Communists, the development of modern communications, including the first home

Keith Roulston

From the cluttered desk computers, then the growing power and declining expense of these changed the way we live. We got used to the internet and what it could serve up. The Blackberry opened the world of the telephone to more than just voice communications.

I remember going to a newspaper convention around about 2009 and having an early-adopter demonstrate the wonders of the first iPhone.

Little did we, or he, realize that what he held in his hand would threaten how we earned our livings in the newspaper business in the next decade, as more and more innovators would adapt more and more programs for cell-phones, turning some people, like the girl I mentioned, into addicts.

Meanwhile, outside our windows, life pretty much stayed the same. Generation after generation of squirrels hunted nuts and raised their young, ignorant about how much changed inside the walls of houses and apartments.

Birds built nests and hunted for food for their chicks. Oh, there were changes: coyotes reestablished themselves in southern Ontario and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry reintroduced wild turkeys, to incredible success.

But, while human lives changed dramatically, natural lives barely changed. And increasingly, as more and more people live

urban lives and fewer and fewer grow up on the farm, they miss out on nature’s wonders.

And so for Marcus Gee and his grandchildren, I hope they can grow up to appreciate and watch the wonders outside their windows and not just what’s on their computer screens or electronic phones.

While we adult humans have, unlike wild animals, benefitted enormously in comfort inside our houses and the world we have built in cities, we have also changed the world in which we live. As I write this, outside my window there is barely any snow on the ground. This is a problem for all those who operate ski resorts which still aren’t fully functioning, to the disappointment of those who like to ski or snowboard.

We have changed the climate with our modern lifestyles. Those who worry about the climate warn we must change, but those who live in urban areas find it hard to adapt. They like their trips to the shopping mall. They enjoy travel to warm destinations in winter and interesting locations elsewhere in warmer months. Sure, they may agree climate change is a problem, but they don’t want to make serious changes in their lifestyles and, instead, hope someone will invent ways to let them still live a modern life, but at less dramatic cost to the environment.

I wonder what lives Marcus Gee’s young granddaughters, and other children their age will lead. Will they live ever more sheltered from the world lived in by those black squirrels and other residents of nature? Will those wild animals go extinct because the world changes so much?

The world is at a point of crisis. What if we don’t change and we create a world where humans can’t exist?

Celebrating 2023’s ‘Chaff-chievements’

B

ravo, brava and brav-neutral to all of you Chaff-onnoisseurs and devotees of the utterly absurd! Welcome back to The Chaff - your weekly masterclass in unclassy and asinine madness.

Last Sunday night, the bewildering spectacle that was the Golden Chaffs award ceremony left us questioning the very fabric of reality.

Dervid Hamson, our host for the evening, demonstrated comedic stylings best described as puzzling, peculiar and painfully unpleasant.

The ceremony, a tribute to the fine art of Chaffing, stood as a beacon of absurdity in an already baffling world.

As the procession of Chaff luminaries paraded down the confoundingly curvy and loosely labyrinthian red carpet - more American Ninja Warrior than haute couture - it became apparent that fashion had relinquished its throne to creepiness and brutality. Burlap sacks were out, replaced by a stunning array of Chaff-inspired accessories, a sartorial salute to the notion that one man’s Chaff is another man’s fashion statement.

In the realm of cinema, the accolade for the most intriguing use of air went to the spellbinding documentary Gust and Furious: A Tale of Wind Resistance. The film unveils groundbreaking insights into how air, when harnessed with finesse, can be quite breezy.

On the television side of things, I Love Lucy swept all of the categories. Judges said they couldn’t be bothered to watch anything new because everything has gone so far downhill with the advent of premium cable and streaming services. Who needs Succession when you have Harpo Marx playing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” on the harp?

Acknowledging marvels that defy comprehension, the prestigious award for Outstanding Achievement in Nonsense was claimed by the “Ineffable 9000”. Despite

Scott Stephenson The Chaff defying explanation, the enigmatic inventor assured all of the awfully incredulous A— holes out there that the “Ineffable 9000” is a game-changer in the realm of perplexity. We attempted to interview the mysterious inventor, but their response left us more puzzled than a cat surrounded by Schrödinger’s Chaff.

The annual Blooper Reel of Flubs, Blunders, Mishaps and Accidents was very impactful for the hoards of aggressively unruly and intentionally ignorant misfits in attendance.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. All eyes confirmed wet. Some: very wet. Some: completely soaked.

The prize for Biggest Missed Opportunity went to Gil Garratt at the Blyth Festival for passing on The Chaff: The Play - Trilogy.

Sure, the program for the upcoming 50th anniversary of the beloved local festival is a world class lineup of surefire hits, but without The Chaff: The Play - Trilogy, theatre kids, old theatre kids and theatre kid-adults are being robbed of the opportunity to be bewildered for a couple of hours (each play has a runtime of between four and five hours) in a dark space, together. That is basically stealing magic! The Chaff will not stand for this kind of thievery, Garratt! Instead, we will remain seated.

The evening reached its pinnacle as Dr. Quibble Quandary received thunderous applause for his lifelong dedication to confounding the masses. His seminal work,

The Zen of Zenith: A Ponderous Exploration, continues to leave readers scratching their heads. The secrets of The Chaff are born within the “book walls” of this epic opus that delves deep, down and dirty into the depths of the mind’s pantry to fetch a tin of brain twisters and neuron needlers.

Now, addressing the metaphorical elephant in the room: horrible host Dervid Hamson. The less said about his performance, the better.

Hamson’s attempts at humour were so obtuse that even abstract art would have requested him to tone it down. Some people “have it” - a certain, “je ne sais quoi”; Hamson has only “not having it” - a certain, “je ne sais blah”.

In a shocking turn of events following the Golden Chaffs, Hamson found himself facing the consequences of his abysmal performance.

Reports flooded in, revealing that Hamson’s attempts at humour were so universally panned that authorities deemed it a criminal offence against comedic sensibilities. The arrest, carried out under the seldom-invoked statute of “comedic disturbance,” sent shockwaves through the Chaff-tertainment industry.

Reviews of the show have been mixed.

Some think it was very bad, while others say it was the absolute worst. Complaints range from the show being too long and boring, to the speeches being either “too woke” or “not woke enough” - one winner nodded off during their acceptance speech and slept on the stage for over an hour.

The Golden Chaffs awards ceremony was an ode to the perplexing wonders of Chaff-related achievements, also known as Chaffchievements. Until next year, when we’ll undoubtedly continue to ponder the imponderable and question why we care about awards shows once again. Until then, stay baffled, my friends!

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

Dogs chasing cars

W

hat do we want? Trudeau to go!

When do we want it? Now! Those are the sentiments shared in recent polls of Canadians. Late last year, 72 per cent of all respondents to an Ipsos poll said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should step down (this included 33 per cent - one in three - Liberal supporters). Last week, a Nanos Research poll indicated that 46 per cent said they want to return to the polls sooner than June of 2025 the next scheduled federal election.

The walls have been closing in on not just this government, but Trudeau personally, for a while now and it’s really beginning to appear as those Canadians of all stripes, whatever their reasons, feel it’s time for Trudeau to go.

That’s all well and good, as most Canadians will agree that Trudeau’s best-before date has long come and gone for some reasons of his own doing and others out of his control, but the buck always stops at the top. If rumours of his demise prove to hold water, Trudeau will be out of a job and a wife (he and Sophie notably split last summer); a 52-year-old starting over.

But you know what, it’s not him that I worry about, it’s the people who have made hating him their personality. What’s next for them?

There’s a scene at the end of Zero Dark Thirty in which, after the killing of Osama Bin Laden, Maya (a composite character based on a number of women who helped orchestrate the Bin Laden raid), a woman recruited out of high school to hunt Bin Laden, boards a military plane and is asked where she wants to go and she begins to weep.

Her whole life was wrapped up in one task one person - and, just like that, he was gone.

When the deep black of their F-Trudeau flags fades to an uninspiring grey and their pair of middle-finger-to-Trudeau decals begin to fade off of their dually pick-ups while illegally passing me on a solid line and flicking a cigarette butt out the window on a dry summer day (true story), what will they all do with themselves? Trudeau will be gone and they’ll be incomplete; a Batman without a Joker.

I have the same worries about everyone who built their personality around not taking the COVID-19 vaccine. Sure, they have an hour in the sun when a new round of boosters is rolled out or a new variant begins to spread, but I’m sure they’d agree that it just isn’t the same.

Vaccine mandates are largely a thing of the past, no one really cares whether you’ve had your shot or not (now that the heavy lifting’s been done by those who did), so these people are left to scream into the ether, posting bogus research and statistics to their Facebook pages so they can be liked by the same three people doing the same thing over on their pages. The so-called “pureblood” incels can fantasize about being more attractive to women thanks to being a “pureblood”, but it must feel hollow.

The world paradigm is shifting. One after another, countries are electing far-right, extremist, nationalist governments and Canada has its very own apple-chomping contender for this crown. Sure, it’s a victory for angry young white men, many of whom may have spent a few weeks huffing exhaust fumes in Ottawa a few years ago, but really for few others.

So, if and when Trudeau either steps down or is unseated by the voters, if you see a house or a car adorned with F-Trudeau stickers or flags, check in on their owners. They may feel lost. Do your part to help these people.

Propose a new hobby, find them someone new to hate, direct them to the nearest bowling alley and tell them it’s going to be O.K. It’s hard to live life without a purpose and we all need to do our part to help these folks.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2024.

At the Branch

Fischer and Poirier triumph at Thursday night darts

By Jo-Ann McDonald Welcome to 2024 and back to the Brussels Legion. On the first week of January, most of the usual events were back on schedule. Cadets did not start, as they follow the school calendar. No school, no Cadets.

The Thursday night darts had 16 darters out to take aim at the boards. The first-place team was Bruce Fischer and Louise Poirier, the second-place team was Rhonda Davies and Rob Burkholder and third place went to the team of Jim

Brown and Barbara Cadotte. High shooters for the night were Eric Ross hitting 140 and Sandra Brown hitting 120.

Everyone is welcome to come out to darts and have a night of fun for just $2. Darts begin at 8 p.m.

Eyes on the puck The U18 Blyth Brussels Local League team welcomed the Mitchell Hawks to the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre on Saturday for some regular season action. In the end, the home team emerged victorious, boasting a 3-1 victory over their opponents.

(John Stephenson photo)

Years of momentum result in new league A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231

It’s annual meeting time; they are either scheduled or in the process of gathering to review the business of last year.

January is the time to collect and dissect. No matter the business at hand, it’s good to review the work done, the work not done and the results of both of those decisions.

Every board needs members who represent new ideas and new work, it also needs historical members who recall the work of days gone by, and, most importantly, the members in the middle who recall, but then know that change is the only way good groups survive.

Be sure to attend, listen and share your thoughts. Group decisions are usually the best ones, as all members have their say. Celebrate the decisions made and support them all, even if it wasn’t your idea.

Women’s hockey has been in the headlines of late. Over the past few years, girls’ hockey team numbers have increased. As numbers grew, ideas formed. With people like the

late Hazel McCallion and members of elite teams, including the several Olympic gold medal teams, they made things move. With patience, perseverance, strategy and skill the Women’s Professional Hockey League now lives. The first league game was held on Jan. 1 at Toronto’s old Maple Leaf Garden’s, now the Mattamy Athletic Centre.

The excitement of the sold-out crowd in attendance was electric.

Following games are also sold out.

Now the watching begins.

With Christmas now officially

over, the memories flood in again.

People and places, times and events come to mind as I tuck things away.

Packing up garland, holly and decorations and putting the gifts in their right spot takes a lot of good thinking. This Christmas, like many past, made memories. New stages of life, new homes, changes in health and employment, new little people to admire and celebrate - all these are part of the memories of family. Getting old is a good gift.

Take care of yourself.

Betty GW

Majestic WI meets

By Bev Craddock The Majestic Women’s Institute met on Dec. 13 at noon at the Brussels Library.

Members and guests shared a potluck lunch that was provided by everyone. It included amazing choices of mains and desserts followed by a friendly keep-orsteal gift exchange.

The meeting was opened by Doreen Marks, Julie Pearce played a Christmas trivia game and the Christmas basket list was reviewed.

Kathy Bridge purchased loaves and cheese for the December Huronlea Home for the Aged birthday party and delivered them later in the week. Cards will also be given to all residents at Huronlea.

Yvonne Knight then had a

reading and members shared Christmas stories before Doreen closed the meeting with a reading.

All members and guests packed 28 Christmas boxes and arranged to deliver them in an effort to remember our friends and neighbours over the holidays.

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Friday night was the Catch the Ace draw with the team of Kathy, Nanci and Deb conducting the draw. The lucky winner was Eric Ross winning $213. The envelope chosen was number 36 and the nine of clubs was revealed.

The jackpot continues to grow and is now an estimated $8,400.

Pub grub was pulled pork and this week will be burgers.

On Saturday, the catering group was pleased to serve the Brussels Fire Department its belated Christmas party. The group of nearly 30 enjoyed a beef and chicken meal and then an evening of fun and games. It was a great night for them. The catering crew included Linda Bird, Marni Knight and Jo-Ann McDonald.

On Saturday, eight Comrades travelled to Hespeler to participate in the district crib competition.

There were 40 teams competing from across our area and the two Brussels teams finished in the middle of the pack. Comrades included the first team of Eric and Cam Ross, Barry O’Krafka and Bob Richardson and the team of Sandra Brown, Kathy Burkholder, Bruce Fischer and Chris Brown.

They had a good day and lots of fun.

The year 2024 will see Stubby D arriving the last Friday of the month for karaoke. He will be here Jan. 26 and it is a 7:30 p.m. start.

Remember, it cannot be karaoke without you, so, mark your calendars now.

We have Friday night monthly euchre tournaments until the good weather starts and pre-registration is required. The next one is set for Jan. 19 and it is full. You can register for future competitions by calling the Branch.

Anyone wishing to have their relatives and loved ones recognized in the Military Service Recognition Book are asked to contact Jo-Ann McDonald or the Branch for more information and the required forms.

If you have their enlistment papers or release forms and a picture, you have almost everything you need.

There have been 10 volumes of the Military Service Recognition Books published and there have been over 80 submissions for veterans from Brussels and the surrounding area. Please contact the Branch if you’re interested in having your loved one included.

We may be talking a little early, seeing we have not had much winter yet, but spring is not far off and that means the fish fry season will start. The Branch already has 11 meals booked and we have just started 2024. Hopefully members can keep a weekend or two open to help the Branch with fish fry dinners. They are our main fundraiser and something all members can aid with to help sustain the Branch and build funds for the unexpected costs of maintaining a building.

The season starts on Good Friday and ends in October. You can call the Branch now to find out dates and maybe pencil in your calendar to help.

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

Brussels Legion 218 Catch the Ace Weekly Winner Winning Ticket: Eric Ross, $213.

Envelope #36 found the 9 of Clubs Next estimated jackpot is $8,400

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

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

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2024. PAGE 7.

Winter finally returns to area

Broomball bonanza in Blyth Tiny titans took to the ice in Blyth for broomball on Saturday, Jan. 6 to compete for glory and bragging rights. The U9 Atom Blyth Bullets defeated the team from Palmerston by a score of 3 - 0.

(John Stephenson photos)

The Reading Web with Cindy Norgate

T

his week, with school returning, the word “patience” weighed on my mind for a few reasons. After a long holiday, it is often difficult for little ones to go back to a routine although it is desperately needed. Patience.

I often refer to what I observe in the schools, and this week was no exception. Let me explain. On Monday, I was in a Kindergarten class at Hullett Central Public School and Mrs. Anderson, the Kindergarten ECE, and I were discussing the difficulty of getting back into routine. I found it heartwarming when she said, “I want the children to remember Kindergarten in a positive way, where they felt happy and safe when they were here.”

Sadly, when I was in Kindergarten, the only thing I remember about my teacher, Mrs. M., is her screams of disappointment. I also remember the terror my stomach felt when I thought she would not be pleased with me for one reason or another.

One particular memory I have is when Mrs. M. was checking the neatness of the yellow, leather-like backpacks that hung on the backs of our chairs. The little backpacks stored our tablets, big, husky pencils, jumbo-sized crayons, and paste. She began her inspection on the far side of the room, and I knew, when she came to me, she would be furious because I had cookie crumbs at the bottom, which had smudged dark marks from the Oreos I had at snack time.

I remember trying to hurriedly remove crumbs and any wrinkled papers out of what, I was sure she would point out, was the messiest

backpack of the entire class. I began to have a knot in my stomach. It is the sort of knot you get when you are certain something bad is about to happen. Sure enough, when it was my turn, Mrs. M.’s face turned a beet red colour, and, once again, I felt like a failure. I wasn’t the only one, of course. Sadly, for several of us, that feeling of failure imprinted our minds and hearts for a lifetime.

That stage of development is one of the most impressionable about how a child views his or her world, so try to remember patience. Certainly, Mrs. M. wasn’t the only teacher whose utter disappointment was clearly shared, but she was the most important one - the first one.

As I began to research this topic, what I found can be used for any time there is a break in school.

Scholarschoice.ca states that preparation is key. This reminded me of when I had four children at one time in the early grades. Every night, I prepared what I called “the launching pad”. This means backpacks, shoes, clothes, winter wear and anything else your child needs for the day. Also noted was to get back into your routine as quickly as possible, use a visual calendar, and get a good night’s sleep. I will also add patience.

Our reading for this week is The Mitten by Jan Brett. This is one of my favourite books about winter.

According to the author, “One by one, woodland animals find it and crawl in; first, a curious mole, then a rabbit, a badger and others, each one larger than the last. Finally, a big brown bear is followed in by a tiny brown mouse and what happens next makes for a wonderfully funny climax.” The Mitten can be ordered

from Amazon or checked out at your local Huron County Library.

As I leave it here for this week, I want to share the good news that the Blyth Library children’s monthly reading time will continue this winter. Our next Saturday reading time is on Jan. 27 at 9:30 a.m.

“Children almost always hang onto things tighter than their parents think they will.” - From Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

By Deb Hakkers Happy new year to everyone and welcome to 2024! Somehow, I missed sending in this column last week.

Mom is still in Clinton hospital fighting an MRSA infection. We took her to London for an appointment this week, which made us fully appreciate the amazing care that Mom is receiving in our local hospitals.

My apologies to those who I missed by not getting the column in last week, so, belated a happy birthday to Brodie Nesbitt and Gail Ulch on Jan. 5, Jaxon Bromley on Jan. 8, Hanny Meier on Jan. 9 and Lexi Daer on Jan. 11. Hope everyone enjoyed their day!

For this week, we need to wish a happy birthday to Grant Sparling on Jan. 13 and Paige Phillips on Jan. 18. Hope everyone enjoys their day!

It looks like we might see winter this week! It is more than overdue, but I am not sure that I am ready for it.

The United Church is sponsoring

a Bible study about the Lord’s Prayer. Check their website or call Alex at 519-523-4224 for more information.

Until next week, take care of yourself and each other.

NEWS FROM BLYTH

MAITLAND VALLEY CAMERA CLUB

Photography by Liz Allan

PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2024.

Sports U7, U8 Crusader teams heading to Jamborees

A crowd out front The Blyth Brussels U18 Rep Crusaders were in action on Saturday at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre, welcoming the Bruce Peninsula Predators to Brussels, though the locals would lose that game by a score of 4-1. (John Stephenson photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen This weekend, the Blyth Brussels U8 Black and Burgundy Crusaders teams will be in Kurtzville for the Wallace Bruce Memorial Fun Day Jamboree, while the U7 Burgundy team will be in Listowel for the Bruce Williams Memorial Fun Day Jamboree and the U7 Black team will be in Wallace for the Wallace Jamboree.

In regular season action on Jan. 12, the U11 LL Crusaders will host the Mid-Huron Huskies 2 team, the U11 Rep team will play the Goderich Sailors and the U21 team will play the Central Perth Predators, all at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre.

The next day, the U13 LL team will play the Central Perth Predators on the road and the U11

LL team will play the Mid-Huron Huskies 1 team, also on the road.

The U9 MD team will play the Mid-Huron Huskies MD team at home in Brussels, while the U15 Rep team will play the HuronBruce Blizzard and the U18 Rep team will play the AEMHA Ice Dogs, both in Brussels. Also that day, the U21 team will play the Saugeen Valley Steelheads on the road.

The only regular season game scheduled for a Crusader team on Jan. 14 is the U9 LL team, which will play the Central Perth Predators on the road.

On Jan. 15, the U15 LL team will play the Listowel Cyclones on the road and the U18 LL team will welcomed the Listowel Cyclones 1 team to Blyth. The next day, the U13 Rep team will welcome the Kincardine Kinucks D team to Brussels, while the U18 Rep team

will be in Ripley to play the HuronBruce Blizzard.

On Jan. 17, the U13 LL Crusaders will play the Wingham Ironmen Yellow team and the U15 Rep team will play the Walkerton Capitals, both in Blyth.

Then, on the weekend of Jan. 19, the U9 MD team will play in the New Hamburg Huskies Winter Classic tournament, the U11 LL team will play in the Stonetown Classic tournament in St. Marys and the U18 Rep Crusaders will play in the Twin Centre Frozen Classic in Wellesley and St. Clements.

The U9 MD team will open on Jan. 19 with games against the Kincardine Kinucks and Ingersoll, followed by contests with the New Hamburg Huskies and the Hespeler Shamrocks the next day.

The U11 LL team will begin its tournament play with a game

against the host St. Marys team on Jan. 19, followed by an afternoon game with the Mitchell Meteors, while the U18 Rep team will first play the Clearview Canucks that day, followed by a contest with South Bruce.

Looking back at the week that was, the U11 Rep Crusaders lost to the Listowel Cyclones on the road on Jan. 7 by a score of 9-5. Also that day, the U9 MD team lost to the Listowel Cyclones MD team in Blyth by a score of 6-1 and the U13 LL team lost to the Meteors in Mitchell by a score of 5-2 and the U18 LL team was also in Mitchell, playing to a 2-2 tie with the Meteors.

Also that day, the U8 Black and Burgundy teams played two Goderich Sailor teams in Blyth, but scores were not kept for those games.

On Jan. 6, the U9 LL Crusaders and the Goderich Sailors played to a scoreless tie in Goderich, while the U11 Rep team was on the losing end of a 12-0 score with the Mitchell Meteors in Brussels.

The U13 LL team played to a 3-3 tie with the Goderich Sailors that day, while the U18 LL team beat the Central Perth Predators by a score of 3-1 and the U18 Rep team lost to the Bruce Peninsula Predators by a score of 4-1, all in Brussels.

Also that day, the U8 Black team played the Goderich Sailors on the road, while the U8 Burgundy team welcomed the Howick Hornets to Brussels and the U7 Burgundy and White teams played two South Huron Sabres teams in Blyth, but scores were not kept for those games.

On Jan. 5, the U11 LL team lost to the Zurich Thunder in Brussels

by a score of 4-1, while the U7 Burgundy team played Central Perth in Brussels, but a score was not kept for that game.

On Jan. 3, the U13 LL Crusaders beat the Mid-Huron Huskies 1 team in Blyth by a score of 3-2, while the U15 LL team fell to the Mid-Huron Huskies 2 team, also in Blyth, by a score of 2-1. The U12 team was in Palmerton to play the Minto Mad Dogs, but came home on the wrong end of an 8-4 score.

On Jan. 2, in the first game for a Blyth Brussels Crusader team of 2024, the U18 Rep team lost to the Minto Mad Dogs in Brussels by a score of 2-1.

To end the 2023 calendar year, the U13 Rep and U15 Rep Crusader teams were both in Kincardine for the regional Silver Stick tournament.

The U15 Rep Crusaders began tournament play on Wednesday, Dec. 27 with a pair of 4-0 shutout losses, first to the Shallow Lake Lakers followed by the Wingham Ironmen.

The next day, Dec. 28, the U13 Rep Crusaders opened play with a decisive 11-1 win over the Saugeen Valley Steelheads, followed by a 51 loss to the Arran Elderslie Ice Dogs later that day.

On Dec. 29, the U15 Rep team was back in action, beating Georgian Shores by a score of 5-2, and the U13 Rep team lost by a score of 6-4 to the South Grey Spartans. Neither team would move on to action on Dec. 30, the final day of the tournament.

The U15 Rep finals, however, would have a rather local flavour, with the Huron-Bruce Blizzard triumphing over the Wingham Ironmen in the championship game by a score of 6-5.

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SUDOKU Fun By The Numbers Like puzzles?

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

Digging for the puck The Blyth Brussels U18 Local League Crusaders welcomed the Mitchell Hawks at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre on Saturday and won that game by a score of 3-1. (John Stephenson photo)

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

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2024. PAGE 9.

Sports Huron Heat teams finding success on the ice

Turning up the Heat The U11 BB Huron Heat team took down their opponents from Grand River by a score of 3-2 on Saturday, Jan. 6 at the Blyth and District Community Centre. (John Stephenson photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Last weekend, the U18 BB Huron Heat were in Sarnia to take part in the regional Silver Stick tournament, finding success, but ultimately falling short of the podium.

The team opened its tournament with a 5-1 loss at the hands of the Lambton Attack on Jan. 5, but bounced back with a 5-4 win over a

team from Littleton, Colorado later that day.

The Heat opened play on Jan. 6 with a 2-0 shutout win over the London Devilettes, but then suffered a 2-1 loss at the hands of the St. Thomas Panthers, ending their tournament.

Two other Huron Heat teams - the U11 C and U15 C teams - were also in tournament action over the weekend. The U11 C Heat were in Scarborough for the annual

Scarborough Sharks tournament, while the U15 C were busy taking part in the Woodstock Wildcats tournament.

The U11 C Heat opened play with a 2-0 win over the Nepean Wildcats on Jan. 5 before finding victory again over the South Huron Sabres by a score of 3-1. The next day, the team beat the Upper Maitland Mustangs by a score of 8-0 and remained undefeated in the face of another meeting with the Mustangs,

beating them by a score of 3-0.

The Heat then advanced to the playoff round on Sunday, but fell to the South Huron Sabres by a score of 1-0, ending their tournament.

In Woodstock, the U15 C Heat opened their tournament with a 2-0 win over the Tillsonburg Lightning on Jan. 5 and then ended their game with the St. Marys Rock in a scoreless tie later that day.

On Jan. 6, the Heat beat the Owen Sound Ice Hawks by a score of 3-0 in their only game of the day before moving to Sunday play. However, in the playoff round, the Heat lost to the Lambton Attack by a score of 31.

In regular season action on Jan. 7, the U11 HL Heat was on the road to play the North Middlesex Junior Stars HL team, but lost by a score of 1-0, while the U18 C Heat hosted the Mitchell Meteors C team in Seaforth, but that game ended in a scoreless draw.

Also that day, the U15 BB Heat were on the road to play the Lakeshore Lightning and the Senior team was at the Elma Logan Arena to play Monkton, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

On Jan. 6, the U13 HL team hosted the Lucan Irish HL team in Goderich and won by a score of 3-2 and the U18 C Heat travelled to Wilmot to take on the Wolverines C team and won by a score of 4-1.

The U11 BB Heat beat Grand River in Blyth that day by a score of 3-2. Also that day, the U9 HL and C teams took on two Lucan Irish teams on the road in half-ice contests, but scores were not kept for those games.

The U9 B Heat played the Wilmot Wolverines on the road on Jan. 9, while the U11 HL team hosted the

North Middlesex Junior Stars HL team in Seaforth, but scores were unavailable for those games as of press time.

The next day, Jan. 10, the U11 C Heat welcomed the St. Marys Rock C team to Seaforth and the U18 C were in Mitchell to play the Meteors C team, followed by games between the U18 C Heat and the Lucan Irish C team in Blyth and the U13 BB Heat and the Woodstock Wildcats on the road on Jan. 11, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

Looking ahead, today (Jan. 12), the U11 HL Heat will head to Wilmot to play in the Kyle Kowalik Memorial Tournament, beginning with a game against the Owen Sound Ice Hawks and then the Waterloo Ravens the next day.

Also on Jan. 12, the U9 B Heat will play the North Middlesex Junior Stars in Clinton and the Senior team will head to Howick to play the Upper Maitland Mustangs.

On Jan. 13, the U13 C Heat will take on the South Huron Sabres C team on the road, the U11 C Heat will welcome the Central Perth Predators C team to Seaforth, the U18 BB Heat will take on the Ice Hawks in Owen Sound, the U13 HL Heat will play the Lambton Attack HL team on the road and the U18 C Heat will host the Tillsonburg Lightning C team in Clinton.

On Jan. 17, the U13 BB Heat will take on the St. Thomas Panthers on the road.

Then, on the weekend of Jan. 1921, the U9 C Heat will head to the Belmont Blazers tournament, first playing the Ilderton Jets and Walkerton Capitals on Jan. 19, followed by games with the Lambeth Lancers and Woodstock Wildcats the next day.

Blyth broomball teams going to Palmerston

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Much of the Blyth Junior Broomball action will be put on hold this weekend to accommodate the league’s annual senior tournament in the village.

However, on Sunday, Jan. 14, four local teams are travelling to take on their counterparts from Palmerston: the U9 Atom, U12 PeeWee Silver, U14 Bantam Girls and U16 Midget Girls teams.

The following weekend, all eight Blyth Junior Broomball teams will be in Mildmay for the annual tournament that brings broomball teams from far and wide to compete.

On Jan. 6, the U9 Atom team beat Palmerston in Blyth by a score of 30, while the U12 PeeWee Silver team played to a 1-1 draw with Palmerston, also in Blyth.

Also that day, the U12 PeeWee Ice and Bullets teams played a local game, with the Bullets prevailing

by a score of 4-2. The U14 Bantam Girls beat Mildmay on the road by a score of 1-0 and the U16 Midget Boys defeated Mildmay, also on the road, by a score of 3-0.

This week, six Blyth broomball teams were in action, but scores were unavailable at press time. On Tuesday, Jan. 9, the U12 PeeWee Ice and Bullets teams were both in

Mildmay, while, the next day, Jan. 10, the U9 Atom, U12 PeeWee Silver, U14 Bantam Boys and U16 Midget Boys teams all travelled to Seaforth for regular season games.

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]¿ fn¹Ǥ There’s ‘broom’ for one more Last Saturday, the Blyth U12 PeeWee Silver broomball team played to a 1-1 draw with Palmerston at the Blyth and District Community Centre. (John Stephenson photo)

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PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2024.

ALZHEIMER AWARENESS MONTH 125 Ontario Street, Stratford Phone: (519) 271-7581

10 warning signs

25 Water Street N., P.O. Box 1228, St. Marys Phone: (519) 284-1030 210 Oxford Street, E. London Phone: (519) 432-1663

Whether you’re experiencing possible symptoms or are concerned for someone you care about, the Alzheimer Society has developed the following list of signs to look for:

For more information check out the Alzheimer Society’s website at www.alzheimer.ca

1.

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Memory loss affecting day-to-day abilities – forgetting things often or struggling to retain new information.

2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks – forgetting how to do something you’ve been doing your whole life, such as preparing a meal or getting dressed.

3. Problems with language – forgetting words or substituting words that don’t fit the context.

4. Disorientation in time and space – not knowing what day of the week it is or getting lost in a familiar place.

5. Impaired judgment – not recognizing a medical problem that needs attention or wearing light clothing on a cold day.

6. Problems with abstract thinking – not understanding what numbers signify on a calculator, for example, or how they’re used.

7. Misplacing things – putting things in strange places, like an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl.

8. Changes in mood and behaviour – exhibiting severe mood swings from being easy-going to quick-tempered.

9. Changes in personality – behaving out of character such as feeling paranoid or threatened.

10. Loss of initiative – losing interest in friends, family and favourite activities.

And one more sign to be aware of: Challenges understanding visual and spatial information Are you or someone you know having problems seeing things correctly? Or coordinating visual and spatial information?

Do you or they have double vision? Or are there issues navigating space, or placing things easily and correctly on a table, such as a pencil or mug? Sometimes dementia can be the cause of these issues, and it's important to see a doctor and eye specialist to get everything checked out.

More than 15 people in Canada are diagnosed with dementia every hour.

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© October 2018, Alzheimer Society of Canada. All rights reserved.

Check out the alzheimer website for more info * about dementia * living with dementia * help and support * how to get involved * special events www.alzheimer.ca

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If you are concerned about any of these signs, talk to your doctor.

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANAURY 12, 2024. PAGE 11.

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Photo credit: Metro Creative Graphics

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Living with Alzheimer’s Disease is frequently difficult for both patients and their caregivers. That’s why The Alzheimer’s Society of Huron Perth and ONE CARE Home & Community Support Services in Clinton offer a number of supportive care services intended to make day-to-day life a bit more manageable for elderly and disabled community members in need.

From assisting with

household chores to listening to music to assisted living, these two not-for-profit health organizations do what they can to make the hard times just a little less hard for local families.

In-home care programs are being turned to more and more frequently in the management of Alzheimer’s as an alternative to relocating a loved one. Oftentimes, Alzheimer’s patients are not yet in need of an assisted living facility, but require some level of additional support to continue

living a safe and fulfilling life.

Being moved to a new location while suffering from cognitive decline can be a disorienting experience, sometimes exacerbating symptoms of dementia like disorientation, aggression and wandering. In-home care workers are trained professionals who provide care to patients in their own homes, offer companionship and perform homemaking duties. In-home care can also give much needed respite to families and caregivers.

Remember Last Winter?

Both the Alzheimer’s Society of Huron Perth and ONE CARE serve the community from the Betty Cardno Memorial Centre. Cardno is best known for being Seaforth’s first female mayor, but she was also an early champion of specialized home care for elderly and ill members of the community. She advocated for the importance of regular socialization for people with Alzheimer’s, and, in 1976, she partnered with activist Jean Young of Wingham to start the Town and County Homemakers a community group that started out doing chores for elderly people in their area and quickly grew into a health centre that was considered to be one of the top in-home care facilities in the country. They strived to fill a gap in Canada’s health care system, partnering with Conestoga College to create an innovative training program that combined basic health care, social work and homemaking.

The program received a government subsidy which allowed all interested students to attend the training, and every year the Homemakers were serving more and more people in need, training more caregivers and working to change the perception of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Some in-home care workers received specialized medical training, others just sat down once a week to listen for an hour. To Cardno, the term “homemaking” meant so much more than doing laundry and washing floors - it literally meant filling a space with the feeling of home. The art of homemaking was the art of creating a sense of comfort for somebody who needed it.

When budget cuts led to the loss of their subsidy, Young and Cardno didn’t miss a beat - they started fundraising immediately, and were able to continue their in-home care services. The Homemakers, with community support, helped thousands of families over the

years, eventually merging with two other local organizations in 2011 to form ONE CARE. The services provided at the Betty Cardno Memorial Centre are essential to maintaining the quality of life for some of Huron County’s most vulnerable citizens, and they are just as much in need of community support and volunteers as the Homemakers were in their early days.

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PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2024.

Public wants service levels maintained: McRoberts Continued from page 1 need to increase the capital levy by $1,238,500, or approximately 13 per cent. Note: this does not include any operating levy requirement,” McRoberts said in his report regarding the second option.

“While this option creates a significant capital levy in 2024, it reduces the need for future capital levies over the next five years.”

The third option would see increases of 3.8 per cent in 2025, 3.7 in 2026, 3.8 in 2027 and 3.2 in 2028. However, a number of capital purchases would be deferred.

All public works equipment purchases, with the exception of a new rotary mower, would be deferred until 2025, resulting in a saving of over $600,000. The option also recommends deferral of some recreation projects, however, taxation would still have to increase for the parks and recreation reserve from $260,000 to $865,000 in order to fund the Seaforth and District Community Centre roof replacement.

One deferral recommended in this option that concerned McRoberts, however, was the replacement of a 2004 tandem truck in the Public Works Department.

“Deferring this tandem purchase is a high risk, as it [has] already been deferred [for more than three years] beyond its scheduled replacement in order to accommodate previous years’ capital budgets,” McRoberts said in his report.

He also noted that a tandem truck takes an average of 18 months to obtain and it cannot be rented, adding, “... we may end up having to make a significant repair to an asset at the end of its life that would have no salvage value. If a repair is

not possible, the risk is being unable to maintain current levels of service.”

As a result of this, McRoberts suggested that, if council were to choose the third option, it comes with an understanding that preapproval will be granted for a new tandem truck purchase in 2025.

“On this basis, staff can procure and order the tandem for delivery as early in 2025 as possible, deferring the cost from 2024 to 2025 and hopefully with minimal operational impact from the purchase deferral,” McRoberts said in his report. “It should be noted that, for future equipment purchases, such as a tandem truck, council will need to pre-approve ordering this equipment in order for it to be delivered in time for the scheduled replacement.”

McRoberts also noted two decisions made by council in 2023 that have impacted the budget, which are now included. The first is approximately $6,000 for the Grey division of the Huron East Fire Department for a ventilation fan (a decision made on Nov. 7, 2023) and $95,000 for personal protective equipment for the municipality’s firefighters (a decision made on Oct. 17, 2023).

Furthermore, Treasurer and Director of Finance Stacy Grenier said that, while the 2023 books have yet to be finalized, she and McRoberts anticipate, essentially, a balanced budget, meaning there will be no major surplus or deficit to impact the 2024 budget.

As part of his presentation, McRoberts noted the high level of input from members of the public on the budget through Huron East Asks Residents (HEAR), the municipality’s public engagement

platform, saying over 50 people provided input. He said that, while that may sound low, he compared it to the attendance of members of the public at budget meetings, which is usually very low.

He noted that more than 85 per cent of respondents wanted to maintain or increase economic development and tourism services and all respondents wanted to maintain or increase service levels within the fire department.

Over 95 per cent wanted to maintain or increase service levels in recreation and facilities, as well as public works, while more than 88 per cent of respondents wanted to maintain or increase service levels in bylaw enforcement.

Fifty-three per cent of respondents supported an increase in taxes, user fees or both, while just 13 per cent supported a reduction in service levels and 21 per cent supported reducing service levels to maintain or decrease tax levels.

When asked if they were to spend another $100 on municipal property tax, where they would spend it, 29 per cent of respondents said recreation and facilities, 21 per cent said public works, 19 per cent said bylaw enforcement, 17 per cent said economic development and seven per cent said the fire department.

Furthermore, 54 per cent of respondents said it was important that funding be set aside to replace infrastructure (roads, bridges, parks, trails and buildings) to maintain existing service levels in future years, while 36 per cent said it was somewhat important and 10 per cent said it was somewhat unimportant or important.

McRoberts also noted that, while Huron East maintains a relatively

Beware of speed, sign changes PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

It has been a short two weeks, it seems, since the children have been off school and, now, we are back.

Kids are excited to see their friends again, to show off their new clothes and new toys or electronics. But, the kids I talked with on the weekend, were not excited about returning to school, however, once the bus came, they perked up.

I asked some of the children what gift was their favourite and I received a variety of answers: Nintendo Switch, Lego, earrings, Squishmallows, a watch, a vacation trip, an art kit, a horse cooler and a camera. Quite a collection of gifts, but they all were very happy! The next big break to come, the March Break, is in 10 weeks.

Our condolences to the Williams family on the passing of Jean Williams. She will be lovingly missed by her children Mary and Frank Stretton, Edgar and Angie Williams and Les and Brenda Williams and their families. Jean and her late husband Grant retired to Brussels. She was devoted to her family and supported them all in every endeavour and sport. She was also a dedicated member of the Salvation Army and committed to her faith. Our sympathies to all.

Our condolences to the Prescott family on the passing of Eric Prescott. He will be missed by his family Teresa Befurt, John Williams and Dianne Warwick and their families. Eric was a jolly soul who always had a joke on the tip of his tongue and a song on his lips.

He would come pick up his late wife Vernice from my shop and it was always a fun 10 minutes of laughter. He will be missed by many. Our sympathies to all.

It was time for a joyous celebration for the Blake family as Marie Blake celebrated her 98th birthday on Jan. 5. Members of the family provided cake for residents at Huronlea Home for the Aged, where they celebrated her big day.

Happy birthday Marie!

We are glad to see Betty McCutcheon is out and about a bit. She had surgery a few weeks back and is coming along very well, she says. We send our wishes for her continued improvement.

When you are out on the roads of Huron East, be aware of some changes. The speed limits have been lowered on some roads so watch for the new signs. The other change is that many yield signs are being changed to stop signs. Be aware and now be ready to stop.

The changes are beginning at the north end of the Grey Ward of Huron East and working towards south Tuckersmith. It will not happen all at once, but what used to be yield, could now be stop, so pay attention, because no one wants to have an accident.

Break time due to Christmas is over and the Walton Coffee Chat

will be on Saturday, Jan. 13 and 27, if the weather is good. We invite our Walton, Winthrop and Brussels (and area) friends to stop in for coffee and a chat. Catch up with new friends and old friends. Coffee is served from 9-11 a.m.

Celebrating birthdays this past week were Logan Terpstra, Evelyn Blake, Luke Fritz, Susan McLachlan, Rob Mitchell, Lucas Jacklin, Mark Coleman, Sal Curreri, David Huether, Ryan Marks, Jaxon Bromley, Jarrett Humphries, Brian Marks, Rick Pethick, Canon Beuerman, Haily Kennes, BJ DeJong, Joan Bernard, Hugh Nichol, Danica Zwep Janmaat, Kelly McDonald Jarosz, Sarah McDonald Young, Lucas Mader, Brad Pryce and Ron Stevenson. Happy birthday to all.

low tax rate (fourth-lowest in Huron County and third-lowest when neighbouring West Perth is included), service level rankings for the municipality remain high.

Huron East ranks third in the county in regards to outdoor recreation facilities (such as parks), second in indoor recreation facilities (such as arenas, community centres and indoor pools), fourth in paved roads, second in bridges and culverts and is one of only three municipalities that provides a municipallyoperated daycare.

“Considering local tax rates and service levels in comparison with other municipalities, it is reasonable that Huron East’s tax rate should be within the middle range of the comparators, versus being in the lower range of comparators,” McRoberts said in his report to council.

In regards to roads, one proposed project for 2024 is the reconstruction of Sports Drive in Brussels between Turnberry and King Streets, which will include improvements made to the storm sewers, while the M-28 (Canada Company Road between County Road 12 and Hensall Road) and M13 (between Hensall Road and Maple Line) bridges are slated for structural improvements in 2024.

He also noted several municipal drain projects in the 2024 budget, such as: 14th Concession ($117,730), Baillie ($12,120), Baker ($73,680), Charters ($20,570), Charters “H” Drain ($58,800) and McKenzie ($2,000).

In the sanitary department, three buildings have roofing projects on the books for the coming year: the Seaforth sewage pumping station ($20,000), the Brussels sewage treatment plant ($21,000) and the Brussels sewage pumping station ($20,000), however, due to reserve usage, there won’t be an impact on the 2024 from these projects.

Water projects proposed to go

ahead in 2024 are the replacement of the water main on Sports Drive in conjunction with the road reconstruction and storm sewer replacement ($411,800) and the roof replacement on the Vanastra water pumping station ($60,000).

Again, due to reserve usage, these projects will not impact the 2024 budget.

In the Public Works Department, three truck replacements, the purchase of a rotary mower and an office roof replacement in the Newry Road public works shop were slated for the budget with a financial impact of nearly $500,000. However, those projects, with the exception of the mower, are - at least at this point in the budget proceedings - being deferred until 2025.

McRoberts proposed nearly 20 capital recreation projects for 2024, spread across the Seaforth and District and Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centres and others.

The projects proposed are: Seaforth centre roof replacement, $1.6 million; Seaforth centre dehumidifier replacement, $42,000; Seaforth centre roof beams refinishing; Brussels centre brine pump replacement, $50,000; Brussels centre existing electrical panel replacement, $125,000; Brussels pool filter replacement, $7,000; Brussels pool deck replacement, $40,000; Vanastra Recreation Centre change room renovations, $40,000; Seaforth tennis courts resurfacing, $60,000; Brussels ball diamond regrading, $50,000; Walton ball park light replacement, $75,000; Winthrop park old picnic shelter demolition, $5,000; Seaforth Optimist ball park light replacement, $50,000; Quebec Park development (through grant application), $100,000; park mower replacement, $25,000; Brussels Library air conditioning installation, $25,000, and the Continued on page 20

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2024. PAGE 13.

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OFA to champion issues for farmers in 2024

By Angela Cammaert, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture I’ve always been a big believer in the idea that the more people work together, the more we can achieve.

As a fifth-generation farmer raised in rural Ontario, I grew up with the belief that it’s always important to give back to the community you’re involved with, whether it be through service clubs, volunteerism, donating your skills and abilities to worthy causes, or stepping up to participate in leadership roles.

That spirit of involvement and collaboration also drives my husband Dave and I in our farm business near the southwestern Ontario town of West Lorne, where we grow crops, raise cattle and sell beef from our farm directly to consumers.

I spent time as a municipal councillor in West Elgin before becoming involved as a director with the Elgin Federation of Agriculture, where I soon became the organization’s vice-president and chair of land use planning, as well as a mentor to young female farmers.

Late last fall, I took on my newest community involvement leadership role when I was elected as a director-at-large for the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA).

I was inspired to put my name forward for the position by the example of OFA’s recently-retired president, Peggy Brekveld, who so ably led the organization through the very tough pandemic years.

Stepping forward to lead is never easy, particularly often for women, but she was a strong, yet

compassionate advocate for agriculture and dedicated to the ideas of collaboration and of building bridges between rural and urban communities.

I also decided to run for an OFA director position because I feel strongly about the future of agriculture. As a farmer who sells food directly to consumers, I spend a lot of time answering the public’s questions in person and online about how food is produced and where it comes from - and I’m deeply familiar with the critical roles that farming plays in so many ways right across our society.

It’s also important that agriculture’s voice is heard on major issues, like land use planning and farmland preservation, for example, so we can ensure that our ability to produce food, fuel, fibre and flowers here in Ontario isn’t lost forever.

A key part of that also lies with investment in critical infrastructure for rural Ontario. This means wellmaintained roads and bridges, but it’s also about access to affordable energy like natural gas as well as social infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, healthcare and community services.

Better access to high-speed internet and fewer gaps in cellular coverage are also essential. Farmers are continually encouraged to modernize their systems and adopt new technologies, but in many parts of rural Ontario, the much-needed infrastructure to support that innovation simply isn’t there or it can’t support the demand. It can be hard to use precision agriculture tools when the cell coverage needed to GPS fields isn’t available, or

internet service isn’t good enough to support technology needed to remotely monitor livestock.

These are issues that the OFA has long worked on, and progress is definitely being made, but I welcome the opportunity, in my

new role, to continue to advocate for positive change for farmers right across the province.

I’m also looking forward to continuing the great work that the OFA has done in building partnerships with other farm

organizations in support of joint advocacy.

When we bring people and organizations of different skills and backgrounds together to work towards common goals, we can make a lot of good things happen.

Giving back Late last year, the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association handed out its annual donations with proceeds from the group’s reunion, held annually in September.

President Cole McDonald, left, presented a donation to Mary-Ellen Zielman of the Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre, which was one of three the organization made that day. (Courtesy photo)

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK REPORT For the week ending January 5, 2024 Total Receipts: 915 cattle and 856 lambs and goats Tuesday - Fed cattle sold steady to higher. Cows sold actively at stronger prices.

Thursday - Veal, lambs, sheep and goats sold on a steady market.

Friday - Calves and yearlings sold on a strong active trade at steady prices.

Fed Cattle: There were 40 fed cattle on offer: Choice Fed Cattle: $228 – $236 Second Cut Fed Cattle: $220 – $227 Aged and Medium Fed Cattle: $205 – $218 Holstein Fed Cattle: $140 – $190 Allen Kistner of Monkton, consigned three head. One red steer weighed 1,500 lbs. and sold for $236.

Jim Parish of Blyth, consigned 15 head. Ten kid goats averaged 58 lbs. and sold for an average price of $570.

Cows: There were 260 cows on offer: Good Beef Cows: $120 – $145 up to $159 Good Holstein Cows: $120 – $135 Medium Holstein Cows: $110 – $119 Bulls: $143 – $155 Doug Sutherland of Kemble, consigned six cows. Two black cows averaged 2,010 lbs. and sold for $154.

Veal: There were 140 veal on offer: Beef Veal: $250 – $271 Good Holsteins: $245 – $260 SL Heavy Holsteins: $240 – $255 Heavy Holsteins: $190 – $240 Medium Holsteins: $235 – $244 Plain Holsteins: $220 – $234 Drop Calves: $370 – $890 / HEAD Abraham B. Martin of Wellesley, consigned five head. One black veal weighed 970 lbs. and sold for $271.

Peel Dominium of Bluevale, consigned five head. One holstein veal weighed 715 lbs. and sold for $259.

Lambs: Under 50 lbs.: $410 – $440 up to $455 50-64 lbs.: $325 – $415 up to $420 65-79 lbs.: $368 – $390 up to $410 80-94 lbs.: $303 – $369 95-109 lbs.: $281 – $301 110 lbs. and over: $220 – $270 up to $300 Sheep: $125 – $265 up to $297.50 Goats: Meat Kids: $4500 – $530 Dairy Kids: $350 – $570 Mature Bucks: $200 – $350 Mature Does: $140 – $300 Gary Haak of Clinton, consigned 15 head. Three lambs averaged 66 lbs. and sold for an average price of $410.

Kevin Bishop of Brussels, consigned eight head. Five lambs averaged 58 lbs. and sold for an average price of $415.

Stockers: There were 475 stockers on offer: Top Quality Steers: Under 400 lbs.: $200 – $252.50 400 – 499 lbs.: $275 – $320 500 – 599 lbs.: $294 – $357 600 – 699 lbs.: $260 – $341.50 up to $382 700 – 799 lbs.: $238 – $335 up to $365 800 – 899 lbs.: $254 – $320 900 – 999 lbs.: $277.50 – $285.50 up to $291 1,000 lbs. and over: $274.50 – $293 up to $298 Top Quality Heifers: Under 400 lbs.: $240 – $242.50 400 – 499 lbs.: $175 – $313 500 – 599 lbs.: $225 – $283 up to $300 600 – 699 lbs.: $221 – $291.50 700 – 799 lbs.: $226 – $248 800 – 899 lbs.: $214 – $260 up to $273 900 lbs. and over: $240 – $253

Aden Gingrich of Bluevale, consigned 14 head. Nine black steers averaged 1,021 lbs. and sold for an average price of $293.

Sidney Brubacher of Linwood, consigned 36 head. Nine charolais heifers averaged 1,049 lbs. and sold for an average price of $253.

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, JANUARY 12, 2024.

– RATES – 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.

-------------------------------------------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 -------------------------------------------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.

-------------------------------------------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, Fincher’s in Goderich, Goderich Victoria St. Shell and The Citizen Blyth.

card of thanks LAMONT - Thank you to my family and friends for the phone calls, visits and the lovely cards and flowers on the occasion of my December birthday. It just made my day. I'd like to wish everyone good health and happiness for 2024. Irene Lamont

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Classified Advertising card of thanks coming events Notice BELGRAVE COMMUNITY GROWING PROJECT We would like to thank all those who contributed in any way to the success of the 2023 Belgrave Community Growing Project. In spite of the fact that 2023 was another challenging year we have been able to send a cheque for $20,900 to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank to help those in need around the world. This was the twentysecond consecutive year that we have grown the twenty acres of corn for world relief and with this year’s contribution the project has now raised over $425,000 to respond to world hunger. Contributing to the project and deserving of great thanks are: Douglas Armstrong, Lynne Armstrong, Belgrave UCW, Brussels Agromart, John & Linda Campbell, Ron & Marg Cook, Jennifer Cooper, Dorothy Coultes, Muriel Coultes, DeKalb Seed c/o Adam Garniss, Elly Dow, Gord & Nancy Folkard, Ruth Gordon, Roger & Debra Hopper & family, Mary Hunter, Harold & Nancy Jardin, Wes Klages, Jack & Doreen Marks, Midwestern Co-op c/o Laird Currie, Northminster United Church, Pioneer Hi-Bred Ltd. c/o Brett & Laura Fischer, George & Elizabeth Procter, Kate Procter, Ken & Lila Procter, Frank & Doris Sanders, Donald & Connie Shiell & Family, Ron Taylor, Trudy Taylor, Murray & Joyce Vincent, Doug & Cathy Walker, Pat Barnes, Pat Hunking, and Allen & Kim Walker and The Citizen.

We are in the process of gathering funds so that we can continue this Project in 2024 by growing another crop to be donated for world relief. We welcome contributions in cash or in kind from anyone who would like to help in this effort to alleviate world hunger. Please clearly identify your donations as for the Belgrave Community Growing Project and send them c/o Knox United Church, Belgrave, ON N0G 1E0 Thank you once again for your generous support for this extremely worthwhile project.

coming events Join us for our Famous Fish Fry at the Wingham Columbus Centre Friday January 19 from 12 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Eat in $20 - choice of battered or grilled white fish and a buffet of garden and caesar salad, french fries, baked potato, mashed potato, gravy, dinner rolls, also coffee and tea. Take out $18, Fish, potato, coleslaw and dinner roll. We also do chicken fingers for the nonfish lover. Butter tarts $2 or homemade cheesecake and other desserts $5 ea. Kids are 1/2 price.

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

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

HURON COUNTY BEEF PRODUCERS Annual Meeting.

Wednesday, January 17 at Brussels Legion. Supper at 6 p.m., meeting at 7 p.m. Contact any director.

-------------------------------------------BRUSSELS REMEMBERS WHEN - an informal gathering to hear tall tales and reminisce about days gone by. Saturday, January 20th. 10:00 11:00 a.m. Brussels Library. This event is free and all are welcome.

Home & garden LITTLE IRELAND

MECHANICAL

Small Engine • Bicycle Service 6433 10th Line, Harriston Please call ahead 519.338.2453

In memoriam

Seaforth Optimist Club

Local Coverage Where You Wo Work, Play & Live

Monthly Cash Draw winners JANUARY 2024 WINNERS Shirley Dinsmore....................$1,300 Larry and Susan Wheatley......$100 Pat and Al Koehler ..................$100

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

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

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Citizen-To-Citizen “SWAP SHOP” ad Michael "Mike" Oakes, 1978-2023.

We have lived through a year of firsts. You left us so suddenly and tragically on January 12, we didn't have a chance to say good-bye. We have some wonderful family and friends who are helping us get through it. We have an amazing support team. As John Denver sang Some days are diamonds, some days are stones. We all miss you and love you. We are waiting to see our first cardinal. Love, Dad and Mom (Herb & Faye), Brother (George) and Daughter (Lillian Oakes).

-------------------------------------------SCOTT In loving memory of our parents – Don who left us January 13, 2021, and Brenda who left us January 14, 2017.

Feel no guilt in laughter, they know how much you care.

Feel no sorrow in a smile that they’re not here to share, You cannot grieve forever, they would not want you to.

They’d hope that you can carry on, the way you always do, So talk about the good times and the ways you showed you cared.

The days you spent together, all the happiness you shared, Let memories surround you.

A word someone may say, Will suddenly recapture a time, an hour, a day, That brings them back as clearly as though they were still here, And fills you with the feelings that they are always near.

For if you keep these moments, you will never be apart, And they will live forever, locked safe within your heart. – Love, Deb, Kim and Jon and families.

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

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

Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca FOR SALE - Scooper snow shovel, hardly used. Priced at $100, selling for $50. 519-482-7440.

2-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - HP laserjet printer, black and white, good condition. Price $60, new price $25. 519-482-7440 2-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Tow power ball mount hitches. Three with a 2˝ receiver, one with a 1 1/4˝ receiver and one only 1 7/8˝ ball hitch with nut and washer. $175. Phone 519-531-0116 Belgrave.

2-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Four Mopar factory steel rims - 17˝ bolt pattern. Came off a 2018 Jeep, like new - $150. or best offer.

519-525-1863.

2-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE Yardsworks Snowblower. 10.5HP, 29” snowblower, 6 speed/2 speed reverse Tecumseh motor, electric start. Asking $875. 519525-1863 2-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - King Canada Electric Snowthrower. 18˝ cutting path. Ideal for sidewalks and small driveways.

Asking $125. 519-525-1863 2-3 --------------------------------------------WANTED - New Holland Model 256 rake. Unit does not have to be in working condition. Needed for parts only. NOT the gear box. Brussels 226622-2175 2-3

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

FOR SALE - Set of 4 truck tires (not on rims). Goodyear Eagle P275/55R20. $100 for the set. 519-357-2768.

1-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Men’s size 12 buckle overshoes. Only worn once. Bought at Knapp’s, Listowel. Cost $90 plus tax.

Asking $45. Call Wingham 519-3572768.

1-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - 2005 Toyota Echo. $1,000. 519-525-9377, Blyth.

1-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Set of sturdy wooden bunk beds with two good mattresses. $75. 519-357-4935.

1-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Blond wooden desk with two pedestals and nine drawers. $50.

519-357-4935.

1-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Curtis AM/FM stereo radio 3 CD changer/double cassette player with record player, includes some records and cassettes. $50. 519357-1204.

51-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Dungannon newspaper from 1915. Asking $50. 519-357-9467.

51-3 ---------------------------------------------

Sold

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2024. PAGE 15.

Obituaries

JOHN FEAGAN John Feagan passed away peacefully at the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital, Goderich, on Dec. 31, 2023, in his 91st year.

The beloved husband of Phyllis (Glen) Feagan, John was the loving father of Brenda McAlpine (deceased Feb. 6, 2021) (Bob), and Jeff Feagan (Sharm). He was the cherished grandfather of Bradley, Ashley, Hannah and Isabella.

John was the loving brother of Sheila McAllister (Ken - deceased August 10, 2010).

Born on March 9, 1933, John grew up on the Feagan homestead in Colborne Township, riding horses, milking cows, planting crops and attending the one-room schoolhouse known as Cedar Valley S.S. No. 8.

His parents, Adelaide and Howard Feagan, instilled in him the love of opening his home to family, friends and neighbours; no invitation was ever necessary in the Feagan household.

He spent his entire life working hard on the farm, experiencing the changes from horses and threshing machines to today’s modern equipment. He ingrained in his family a pride in hard work, attention to detail and a passion for taking care of the land.

John lived his life to the fullest through his various hobbies of snowshoeing, hunting, skiing and flying in the Tiger Moth. He knew how to appreciate the little things, like a rum and ginger, playing cards with neighbours, a nap by the fire or a drive with Phyllis to get ice cream and watch the sunset. He became an avid golfer and cherished games three times a week with his golf buddies.

John’s legacy lives in the homes of so many as he created and shared his beautiful and intricate woodworking projects.

Most of all, he was especially proud to be a steward of the land he farmed, the life he built with Phyllis and the achievements of his family.

His memory will live on in his stories and good times we shared with him.

Funeral service took place at McCallum and Palla Funeral Home on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024.

Following the service, interment in Colborne Cemetery was followed by a further time of remembrance and conversation at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 109.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Alexandra Marine and General Hospital, Crohn’s and Colitis Canada or a charity of your choice can be made through McCallum and Palla.

MARY “JANE” FIELDING Surrounded by family and friends, Jane (Bell) Fielding, 59, passed from this world to the next on Jan. 4, 2024, at the Huron Hospice.

Jane leaves behind her beloved husband of 27 years Dean Fielding, as well as cherished children Amanda (Jay), Joel (Kristina), Clara and Catherine. She will be missed by her adored granddaughter Ava, as well as her sister Laurie (Richard) Miller and nephews Wesley (Danielle), Bradley, Casey, and William.

Her passing will be felt by her wonderful friends and extended family, as well. She is predeceased by her parents, John and Edith (Roney) Bell.

Jane fought a fierce nine-month battle with anaplastic thyroid cancer and was grateful for every moment these past months. She knew it was the power of love and the prayers of so many supporters who created this miracle of extra months.

Jane graduated from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Pharmacy in 1987 and proudly worked as a pharmacist for 36 years. She truly cared about the people she helped over the years.

Jane loved time with family and friends, food, travel and being on the farm. It was a great source of peace.

Cremation has taken place. A private celebration of life will take place at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, donations to First Presbyterian Church in Seaforth, Huron Hospice or the London Regional Cancer Program are welcome.

Please send donation cheques to Box 340, Brussels, N0G 1H0.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

ERIC PRESCOTT Eric Prescott passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Jan. 3 at Wingham and District Hospital, in his 86th year.

He was the loving husband of the

late Vernice Prescott (2019) and the proud dad of Teresa (Herb) Befurt, John Prescott and Diane (Neil) Warwick.

Eric was the adoring grandfather of Christina, Ryan (Katelyn), Evan, Jane, Thomas, Megan (Jake), Jessica (Dylan), Rachel and Allison (Mike) and great-grandpa of Michaela, Jayden and Oliver.

Eric was the brother of Valerie (Wally) Black and Vernon Prescott and brother-in-law of Jean Prescott, Shirley Prescott, Marie Walker, Carol Harkes, Richard Harkes, Larry (Liz) Harkes, Neil (Terry) Harkes and Karen (Wayne) Jackson. He was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Jane Prescott, in-laws Mac and Nina Harkes, and brothers Roy (Hang), Cyril, Brian (Sheila). He will be missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Born in Wesham, England on Dec. 23, 1938, Dad immigrated to Canada in March 1948 with his family of eight. He remembers coming to a big open country with no shortage of food.

A jack of all trades, Dad worked hard to support his family after marrying the love of his life in June of 1963. He worked trucking, farming and eventually as a milk tester. Dad was very social and enjoyed making new friends on his journeys. He always had a story or joke to share, a smile on his face and often sang a song or two.

Building cradles, furniture and little toy cars from wood and singing with the Seaforth Harmony Kings became favourite hobbies for Dad, as were gardening, his fish pond and going for drives with Mom. Dad was always willing to lend a helping hand and will be remembered for his sharp and witty sense of humour.

Cremation has taken place.

A celebration of Eric’s life will take place at the Bluevale Hall on Jan. 27 from 1-4 p.m. for family and friends to come together and share a story or two. Spring interment in Brussels Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy, donations to Seaforth Harmony Kings or Wingham and District Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.

Please send donation cheques to Box 340, Brussels.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca.

MIKE FINLAYSON Mike Finlayson of Blyth, formerly of Staffa, passed away peacefully at Stratford General Hospital on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024 in his 61st year.

He is survived by his wife Joy. Mike didn’t have any children of his own, but, as he would say, “I’ve helped raise a bunch of them”. He leaves behind Cody Roetcisoender, Jesse and Bekki Roetcisoender, Tanya McNicol, Sarah Keys, Robin and Matt Campbell.

Other special people in his life were Hailey, Sloan, Everly, Quinn, Perri and Jack. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Betty Jo Cudmore, father-in-law Don Cudmore, sister-in-law Paula Root (Steve), many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be fondly remembered by many dear friends, neighbours and a brotherhood of truck drivers.

Mike was predeceased by his parents Reg and Ina Finlayson, grandparents Gordon and Hazel Scott, Lorne and Irene Finlayson, aunt Fran Melville and uncle Laird Finlayson (Ruby).

Growing up, Mike had a passion for baseball. He spent most of his childhood at his grandpa and grandma Scotts’ farm. Following in

his father’s footsteps, the highway called and he took to the road trucking livestock, combining his two loves: farming and trucking.

He enjoyed having people over to visit and reminisce of stories about the road and the good times that were had. Even after his keys were hung up, the highway still called to him. He wanted nothing more than to jump back into that “379 Pete” and put it into the wind.

Friends were received at the Lockhart Funeral Home, Mitchell on Sunday, Jan. 7, followed by the funeral service on Monday, Jan. 8.

A reception followed at the Lockhart Reception Centre. Spring interment in Staffa Cemetery.

Memorial donations to the Cromarty Ball Park would be appreciated by sending an etransfer to finance@westperth.com. (in the message line of your etransfer, record “Cromarty Ball Park/Mike Finlayson”, your name and mailing address). Cheques will also be accepted payable to South Hibbert Athletic Association.

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

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

The Citizen.

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

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

PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2024.

M-T Council seeks inflation-comparable tax rise

Continued from page 1 purchased in 2007, is on the verge of becoming incompatible with modern software. Council locked in Belgrave’s annual water rate for 2024 at $1,234.91 a year, or $102.91 per month for users.

Alcock offered some positive news with regards to the water budget, saying the amount estimated for cleaning and inspecting reservoirs could be reduced by $10,000 because inspections revealed that cleaning is

currently unnecessary. He also noted that the Jane Street well has another five years in its lifespan, but urged council to continue contributing to reserve funds for when the time comes to shut it down.

Proposed bridge repairs include $20,000 for the bridge on Salem Road and $120,000 for the bridge on Moncrieff Road. The Roads Department is also requesting $115,000 for the purchase of a multi-use shoulder

spreader/pavement widener.

Currently, Morris-Turnberry contracts Perth County for shoulder work. Alcock explained that it would save time and man hours, allow the municipality to finish roadwork projects with increased efficiency, and reduce dependency on contractors, pointing out that Morris-Turnberry is not keeping up with shoulder maintenance due to high costs. Deputy-Mayor Kevin Freiburger inquired as to what the timeline for payback on the initial

Big win On Saturday, the Blyth U9 Atom junior broomball team welcomed Palmerston to the Blyth and District Community Centre and sent them back home on the wrong end of a 3-0 score. (John Stephenson photo)

What news stayed with you?

Thanks to social media, alongside hourly newscasts on the radio and 24-hour news on the television, we are bombarded daily with current events and research style news. I find the air can be full of news, which tends to become “white noise”. After hearing a news item, how often have you questioned what it was all about?

That’s the beauty of the written word. One can return to the page any number of times to fully absorb the important points. Sometimes, however, the really pertinent news in the column can get buried alongside the extras.

The Toronto Star on Saturday, Dec. 30 issued its annual business quiz for 2023. There were 50 multiple-choice questions in the quiz, testing what you have remembered from the news offered in the course of the year.

Offered in such a pithy way, the facts seemed to be more surprising than one might remember from the news of 12 months. I don’t intend to include all 50 questions, but some answers stood out for me and I want to share those. Although these don’t fall under the heading of local news as such, all of them have a bearing on our lives.

Maple syrup production in Canada hit a record 17.4 million gallons last year. The U.S.A. and Germany are our biggest markets for the sweet treat.

One of the country’s biggest issues, which we hear about daily, is the housing crisis. According to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corp., Canada needs to build 3.5 million new homes by 2030 to restore housing affordability. However, even today, Canada’s mortgage debt is equal to 72 per cent of the country’s economy. And, surprisingly, 12 per cent of Canadian mortgages require between 35 and 47 years to pay off.

Such a lot of debt to carry!

The term “skimpflation” refers to producers reducing the quality, and in some cases, the size, of their products, while keeping prices unchanged. We can likely all cite examples of this on grocery shelves.

Inflation is widespread in retail, but it was only grocery chain retailers who were called to testify to Parliament about their pricing practices that it became a much bigger talking point in this country.

Many big-box retailers are removing their self checkouts because they frequently break down, lose revenue from theft and customer error and they are shunned by an aging population who are tech-averse. This is an example of a good idea gone somewhat wrong.

There are six multi-billion-dollar electric vehicle battery plants either under construction or in the planning stages currently in Canada. British Columbia leads the

country in the adoption of zeroemission vehicles. In 2022, 18.1 per cent of vehicle purchases were electric.

Climate change is another big news item.

I’ll have more answers to the Toronto Star questions in next week’s column.

Speaking of an aging population, January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Perhaps offer to spend time with a relative or neighbour who is suffering from this disease. That person will truly appreciate your visit and conversation. Perhaps even take the time to enjoy a board game of some sort, a walk in the fresh air or a drive. Also, it will free up the caregiver for a time.

Moreover, you will gain some insight into the disease and what living with it involves.

cost might be. Alcock estimated that the municipality currently spends around $1,100 per hour, plus materials, to perform shoulder work, whereas owning the equipment would reduce that to roughly $500 per hour, plus materials. Alcock suggests it would be around eight or nine years until payback, and the equipment, if maintained properly, should last for 20 years. Heffer asked if there might be opportunities to generate revenue through ownership of this type of equipment. Alcock confirmed that would be possible, but did not want to use that as a justification for the purchase.

One of the bigger line items of the proposed 2024 budget is for reconstruction of North Street and Alice Street for $300,000. Alcock explained that currently, the road only supports half-loads and that is discouraging potential commercial operators from purchasing property in the area. Council discussed whether they should make such a large investment without a guarantee that it will pay off later, or wait until there is more interest from a developer to negotiate a deal to improve the roads. After some discussion, council decided it would be prudent to wait, deferring this project to an unknown later date.

Concluding his presentation, Alcock offered an annual warning/reminder that bridge reserve contributions are extremely underfunded.

A request for $1,000 from a community group that is fundraising to improve accessibility and replace dated playground equipment in Belgrave gained approval from council. Heffer expressed some concerns about a possible lack of consistency, if approved, because a similar request from a community group fundraising for new playground equipment at a local school was previously denied. Councillor Jamie McCallum interjected, saying school playgrounds are a provincial responsibility. He noted that two-thirds of Belgrave is situated in Morris-Turnberry and that council should help the community group improve the park because it will benefit the entire community. Councillor Sharen Zinn

echoed McCallum’s sentiment.

Freiburger said it’s hard to say no to kids and Councillor Jodi Snell pointed out that the group is attempting to raise $300,000, so $1,000 is a reasonable amount for Morris-Turnberry to contribute.

A request from The United Way of Huron-Perth for $5,000 did not receive approval from council.

Heffer said that he supports the very good work being done by the organization, but is uncomfortable using taxpayer money to support that work, and instead encourages individuals to donate to the cause on their own. Chief Administrative Officer Trevor Hallam said that the grant policy was adopted in 2020, but could be amended at a future meeting to become more explicit about the types of grants that will and will not be awarded to mitigate the expectations of groups making requests.

The proposed 2024 budget also includes a contribution to the neighbouring Township of North Huron, which requested around $86,100 to support recreational activities and facilities. Zinn enquired whether the amount needs to be paid all at once, or if it could be broken down into smaller payments. Hallam informed that it's usually a lump sum payment to reduce the need for further administration, but that anything is possible. Brophy said he would break it down into quarterly payments for the next draft of the budget.

Heffer and councillors expressed their preference for the tax rate increase to be reduced from the proposed 8.4 per cent to something closer to the rate of inflation, around 3.8 per cent. Brophy noted that the removal of the $300,000 cost for the road work on North Street and Alice Street immediately reduced the increase to below the 3.8 per cent figure, but also reminded the room that the incoming county and education rates and other outstanding numbers will change the bottom line again, once they are received.

Each member of council voiced their satisfaction and approval of staff’s efforts to produce this early draft of the 2024 budget. The next draft is expected in the coming weeks.

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NEWS FROM LONDESBORO

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2024. PAGE 17.

From the Minister’s Study

This new year, show compassion to all: Stanley

By Pastor Mike Stanley, Huron Chapel, Auburn I read a news article recently that said that due to the rise in cost of living, 25 per cent of Canadians are struggling to afford basic needs, and for single-parent homes, it goes up to about 40 per cent. As the cold of the winter slowly comes upon us, there will be those who will find themselves in need of food or clothing; or may even end up homeless.

Each person has a history of circumstances that led them to where they are in this moment; some of the factors are a consequence of poor decisions, and others are completely outside their control. How are we to respond to news such as this?

I am sure you have heard some of the different opinions: Is it right to give them money if it is likely they will spend it on unhealthy things?

Do we need to address the root problem instead of just the temporary circumstances? Isn’t it the government’s responsibility, and so shouldn’t we be petitioning them to deal with it?

In the book of Luke, we have an account recorded from Jesus’ life here on earth. Luke recorded for us in Chapter 10 the account of a man asking Jesus some questions. He had obviously heard about Jesus and how Jesus was challenging what people thought about what it means to obey God. Then, an expert on the law stood up to test Jesus, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to get eternal life?”

Jesus said, “What is written in the [Old Testament] law? What do you read there?” The man answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.” Also, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”

Jesus said to him, “Your answer is right. Do this and you will live.”

In today’s language, the man is asking Jesus how to be a Christian.

Jesus responds by asking him what the Bible says, and the man responds by quoting the great commandment to love God and love others. As a general statement, he is right - that is what we are to do as Christians. If we earnestly try to obey that one commandment as best we can, the rest will follow; so Jesus confirms that he is correct.

But then it says that the man wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?” In other words, he knows the general command of the Bible, but he asks Jesus, “What do

Evangelical Missionary Church

Sunday, January 14, 2024 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Mike Stanley, "Walk as Children of Light" (Eph.5:1-14)

you expect of me? How many people should I be helping? How do I apply this commandment to my life.”

Do we ever do that? We know that God says to love everyone, but we try to figure out a standard for ourselves. It might look something like this: “I will love my friends and co-workers, the people that I know, and give some money to charity, and witness to the neighbours across the road.” But is that what God means when he says to love God and love our neighbour? That is what this man is asking Jesus, and Jesus responds with a parable story.

Jesus spoke in parables often because stories are powerful. They help us to relate to the topic being explained. I realized this one time when my wife and I took a group of youth to Toronto to work with the Salvation Army for a weekend caring for the homeless. I had done this trip multiple times, so I had a good idea of the people I would meet and the life stories I would hear; still, every year, I was

impacted by the story of another hurting person. Jesus tells a story about a hurting man in a difficult situation just like that.

Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho....”

It’s interesting; all we know about this man is that he was on a journey.

We don’t know if he is old or young, rich or poor, Black or white, good or bad, it doesn’t even tell us his name. We don’t know why he is travelling, if he has a job or not, a house or not, or if he has a family; it doesn’t say. He is just a guy on a journey, a guy on the road of life. “...When he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.”

Maybe he was travelling at night and he shouldn’t have been, or had a big gold chain around his neck that was just asking for trouble, or maybe he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time; we don’t know why he got robbed but that is how the world finds him - with nothing left, beat up and naked, literally laying

BRUSSELS S

U United Chu ur urch Welcome to o Worship Sunday, January 14 ~ 9:30 a.m.

Guest Ministerr: Rev. R. Hall Sunday scho ool ages 3 +

Come, the invitation is oppen to all, share in God’s message foor us.

“Games TTiimee” Fridayy,, January 12 at 1:30 Choice of games, enjoyy a snack and a chat. Bring your friends Contact Alex at ministter.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.co y @g om Website: brusselsandblythuc.ca brusselsandblythuc b ca P.O. Box 359, Brussels ~ 519-887-6259 P.

by the side of the road.

A priest happened to be going down the same road and, when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.

The man must have been so relieved to see the priest, a man of God who knows God’s commandment to love your neighbour. He would have immediately recognized the priest; they were easy to pick out because they dressed differently. Do people know what you believe by how you talk or interact with them? Would they expect you to help them because of what you say you believe?

But the religious priest passes by on the other side of the road. I wonder what was going through the priest’s mind. “He got himself into this situation…. If I help him he will probably just end up here again.... I can’t help him, he shouldn’t have been travelling on

this road all alone anyways… and I can’t help every person I meet, I already help lots of people… someone else will help I’m sure....”

We don’t know what the priest was thinking or how he justified it, but the end result is that he walks by without helping.

Next to come walking by is a Levite, a person set apart to do God’s work in the temple. But, like the priest, he too walks quickly by.

I picture him trying not to make eye contact, as if he didn’t see him.

Surely if a priest or a Levite won’t help, then who would? And this is where the parable takes a shocking turn.

Then, a Samaritan travelling down the road came to where the hurt man was. When he saw the man, he felt very sorry for him. The Samaritan went to him, poured olive oil and wine on his wounds, and bandaged them. Then he put the Continued on page 18

Worship with us at

Brussels Mennonite Fellowship this Sunday at 10:00 am Sharing from God’s Word ~ Elwin Garland All Are Welcome 250 Princess St., Brussels • 519 887 6388

The Regional Ministry of Hope

Londesborough United Church

Come Worship with Us!

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

Trinity Anglican BLYTH 9:00 AM

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

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

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

Everyone Welcome

MEL LV VILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS

Sunday, January 14, 2024 11:00 am - 12 noon We extend a loving welcome to all to join us as Doug Sargent leads us in worship, prayer and praise to Good.

Snacks, coffee, and a time to visit will follow.

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

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

Sunday, January 14 at 10 a.m.

BMG Community Centre (upstairs room) 800 Sports Drive, Brussels 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

Blyth United U Church Sundayy Service at 11:00 am Join us as Guest Minister Revv. Richard Hall brings us the message Isaiaah 40:1 Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Outreach project for Januaary is donations to North Huron Foodshare

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

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

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

PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2024.

Dow delivers pop tabs to Harriston PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE

By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188

Yee-haw!

The Lucknow and District Fire Department (LDFD) received $9,474 in proceeds from the 2023 Dungannon Rodeo. This brings the total contribution to $30,554 over three years. In a cheque presentation ceremony held on Dec. 6, 2023 (above, from left) Steve Bushell and Keith Hodgkinson from the LDFD are joined by rodeo representatives Susanne Cutting and Leanne Drennan. Additionally, $10,000 in proceeds went to support a local family in need. (Scott Stephenson photo)

Elly Dow made a recent stop in Harriston to drop off bags of pop and beverage can tabs to Greg Blagdon. She had connected with Greg after reading about him five years ago. The article spoke of Greg’s collecting and donating 30 two litre pop bottles filled with the tabs and his hopes to double that amount the following year. Each bottle holds approximately 2,800 tabs, all placed one at a time by Greg!

With the help of the Belgrave and Trinity United Church and other local churches and friends on the board, Elly has been able to keep an ample supply coming in for Greg who in turn donates the tabs through the Legion Branch 296, Harriston.

Lay Minister Sandra Cable was the guest speaker at Knox United Church, Belgrave on Sunday, Jan. 7. The reflection was entitled “Spirit of the Living God.” The church’s annual meeting will be held on Feb. 4 following the church service and potluck lunch.

Bill McAuslan will be the guest speaker on Sunday, Jan. 14.

Everyone is welcome.

The coffee group met on Tuesday, Jan. 9 with over 20 people attending despite the wintery weather that was predicted.

Because of inclement weather, some of the buses weren’t running.

I’m not sure but some of the schools were likely closed too.

Just a reminder to those people who have dogs, that they should be leashed.

Birthday greetings are extended to Florence Wightman and Mary Hunter both sharing the same day for their birthday (January 14).

Have a great day ladies.

Cards will be held on Friday, Jan. 12 from 1-4 pm in the Belgrave Community Centre. Come out and enjoy playing cards.

Help need not be exclusively offered to friends and family says Pastor Stanley Continued from page 17 hurt man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he cared for him. The next day, the Samaritan brought out two coins, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, “Take care of this man. If you spend more money on him, I will pay it back to you when I come again.”

Help comes from the least-likely of sources, a stranger. He didn’t help the man because he was family

or a friend. It wasn’t because he was part of the same community.

He didn’t try to solve the root of the problem first by trying to catch the robbers either. He just cared for the man’s basic needs.

“Can I give you something to eat?

A bag lunch? Could you use some clothes? Do you need to go to the hospital? Could I show you where you could stay for the night?” He just saw a man in need; another person created by God who was

hurting, another soul with an eternity at stake and had compassion.

Jesus finishes the story and then poses a question back to the man who had asked him the original questions about what it means to love God and love others.

Then Jesus said, “Which one of these three men do you think was a neighbour to the man who was attacked by the robbers?” The

expert on the law answered, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Then go and do what he did.”

As we enter the new year after the Christmas season, when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the greatest act of mercy and compassion ever given, think about what you can do to show that compassion to others, no matter what their circumstances may be.

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

Entertainment & Leisure

Miners-Bromley moves on in cake contest

philosophy is more about the journey of developing her skills than producing a perfect product.

She finds value in every baking experience, whether it foments a funky new fan favourite or ends in an epic frosting fail. “I‘m O.K. with making a lot of mistakes - it’s how we learn!”

If, or when, the day finally comes to open her own brick-and-mortar bakery, Miners-Bromley wants to be known for offering great customer service and a vast variety of treats. “I want to have a little bit of anything! Slices of cake for sure, though.”

When this round of voting comes to a close on Jan. 18, the top bananas from each group will go on to the semifinals. The cream of that battle crop will then go on to the final round of voting in February, from which only one baker will emerge victorious. Miners-Bromley is thankful for all the members of the community that voted for her on The Greatest Baker website, and hopes that that strong support will carry her all the way across the finish line. So vote early and vote often, Cake Squad!

Sudoku Solution

Sweet success!

Blyth’s Jess Miners-Bromley is moving onto the quarterfinals of The Greatest Baker competition. If she triumphs in the next three rounds of voting, the baker

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

In food news, local cake queen Jess Miners-Bromley is moving onto the next round in The Greatest Baker Competition.

Over the past few weeks, the Blyth-based baker has risen above thousands of other competitors from all over the world, securing herself a sweet spot in the quarterfinals - a situation that still feels a bit surreal to her. “It’s pretty crazy, actually,” she said. “I guess I’m realizing now that it’s real.

Next is the hard part of the contest in the quarterfinals, every vote really matters!” She originally joined the competition on a whim, but making it this far along has the passionate pâtissière eyeing the big prize - a feature in Bake From Scratch magazine and $10,000.

Even though the competition is far from over, Miners-Bromley has already been enjoying the perks of publicity - her home baking business, Bakery Bliss, is busier than ever. “I’m getting a ton of orders coming in, which is cool, and just a lot of interest in the business itself.” Her current coterie of confections includes everything from custom cakes to humble brownies for Huron County sweetseekers, but she’s always looking to expand her dessert repertoire. This year, she’s planning to master the flaky croissant and its creepy little cousin, the cronut. She’s also hoping to experiment with tropical fruits. “There’s some pretty cool fruit out there! I want to work with passion fruit and guava. And I

really want to incorporate freezedried fruit into frosting and cakes and just experiment with flavour.”

Checking out the techniques and concepts of other oven enthusiasts is an important ingredient in her quest to keep it fresh. “There are a lot of great bakers all over the world and I love looking at their stuff for inspiration. I really admire Rainbow Cookie Co. and Fabulace Cookies - they’ve got really different styles than mine.” When it comes to deciding on her own

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will not only have her cake but - she’ll read it too - with a story in Bake From Scratch about her home-based business Bakery Bliss as well as a $10,000 grand prize.

(File photos) personal favourites she tends towards the simplicity of tried and true treats like chocolate chip cookies and old-fashioned donuts.

While the internet is certainly an infinite chasm of cookie and cake content, when it comes to choosing her favourite repository of recipes, Miners-Bromley prefers to peruse an old cookbook that was passed down by her grandmother. The well-loved volume has seen better days, but that just adds to its charm.

“It probably has a name but the

cover fell off and got lost years ago!” she exclaimed.

Miners-Bromley’s food

Citizen Phone Book Cover

Contest

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Trees and shrubs are available to purchase for spring 2024.

Information and order forms are posted at mvca.on.ca or contact: trees@mvca.on.ca 519-335-3557 ext. 235 Order deadline: January 31, 2024

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Submit your digital photo to: Citizen Phone Book Cover at: info@northhuron.on.ca Deadline is February 23, 2024

PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2024.

Fundraising possible Continued from page 12 Cranbrook Hall roof replacement, $50,000.

McRoberts estimated a financial impact from these projects in 2024 to be $300,000, which includes taxation by year of $350,000 by 2031. However, he also noted a strategy to help pay for some of the projects to engage community groups to pay for half in the case of smaller halls, parks or sports fields.

In regards to administration, office renovations ($45,000), furniture ($20,000), HVAC ($28,000), flat roof replacement ($80,000) and computers, scanners and software ($71,000) are included in the budget with a 2024 budget impact of $200,000 and annual taxation of $150,000 by 2029.

In the Economic Development Department, a wayfinding signage project has been included in the budget, which could be funded through a onethird funding arrangement with Huron County and Regional Tourism Organization 4. Furthermore, McRoberts told council that $20,000 will be earmarked on an annual basis for Community Improvement Grants through the recently-proposed municipality-wide Community Improvement Plan. These projects will have an impact of $30,000 on the 2024 budget.

Eleven projects have been proposed for the Huron East Fire Department in 2024 for a budget impact of $285,000 with $30,000 being used from the Huron East Green Energy Fund and an average annual contribution of $48,600 from Morris-Turnberry.

Expenditures proposed for 2024 are: Bunker gear ($90,000), a new gear rack for Brussels as part of the new addition ($15,000), new lifting bags for all three stations ($30,000), new accountability boards for all three stations ($15,000), Brussels HVAC system ($6,500), parking lot expansion at Brussels station ($30,000), replacement of fire chief vehicle ($99,000 - split with North Huron), ventilation fan for Grey ($6,000), self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) compressor and fill station in Seaforth ($55,000), decontamination equipment in Seaforth ($25,000) and the painting of the Seaforth fire hall and renovation of its radio room ($50,000).

After McRoberts’ lengthy presentation, councillors had an opportunity to discuss what they had heard.

Councillor Ray Chartrand asked about the potential for grants from either the federal or provincial governments in regards to upgrades at Huron East’s water facilities. He said that, with them nearing capacity and a push for more housing, which will further stretch that capacity, perhaps there is help to be found.

He also suggested removing the $60,000 in the budget from the tennis court resurfacing project in Seaforth. He called it a “want”, rather than a “need” and felt it could wait. McRoberts noted that the courts, located at the public school in Seaforth, though on municipal property, had been slated for resurfacing and expansion to accommodate not just tennis, but pickle ball and basketball as well.

Councillor John Steffler spoke in favour of utilizing reserves and, perhaps, contributing less to them this year. He said that while contributing 20 to 25 per cent to reserves is a great idea, it doesn’t jive with how families are having to live their lives in the current economic climate (putting 20 to 25 per cent of their income into savings). He felt the municipality should focus on the necessary projects this year and look to the future for putting money away.

McRoberts pushed back on that suggestion, however, saying that council had approved a multi-year capital plan and, if reserve contributions were to be altered or cut, so too would capital projects in the coming years, which

council would have to then consider.

Councillor Jeff Newell spoke up to address what he felt was a case of the Seaforth and Brussels arenas being treated differently. With a $1.6 million roof replacement for the Seaforth centre being included in the budget after Brussels residents were asked to take on a rigorous fundraising campaign, he felt that perhaps fundraising should be part of the plan for the Seaforth centre as well.

McRoberts spoke against that, however, saying that it’s difficult to raise funds for costs that are seen as part of the regular upkeep of a building and the municipality could also run the risk of donor fatigue. Furthermore, Mayor Bernie MacLellan said it had been investigated, to a certain degree, but that the fundraising group involved with the Brussels project had been approached, but wanted a substantial fee to even review the project, adding that it was Just before Christmas, and one a particularly snowy day in the area, the Huron essentially a “non-starter” for the reasons McRoberts had outlined.

County Soil and Crop Improvement Association donated $5,000 to the Huron Councillor Gloria Wilbee said she was County Food Bank Distribution Centre. From left: Association President Wim concerned about the expectation of Feddes, Huronview Demonstration Farm Manager Rick Kootstra and Peter fundraising for half of a project cost for Nonkes, a director of the North Huron Community Food Share and association smaller projects. The lights in Walton, for member. (Courtesy photo) example, are poised to cost $75,000 and for the Walton community to be tasked with paying for half of that would be difficult. She said that’s not to say that the community couldn’t be engaged and help, but half of the cost might be too much to ask. She also noted that the hall and the ball diamond are really the only two assets Walton has, so the community hasn’t asked for much.

Councillor Justin Morrison also spoke in favour of moving ahead with the lights project in Walton, regardless of community support, saying that neither he nor any other councillor would want to be sitting at that table if and when the old lighting structures collapsed and fell on someone.

Deputy-Mayor Alvin McLellan spoke in favour of engaging the community in 200 EASY HOMEMADE CHEESE THE ARTISAN BREAD MACHINE ALFALFABET A TO Z fundraising efforts, saying it RECIPES Combine the convenience of your Help a youngster learn the alphabet and keeps residents involved and Experience the joy of creating wonderful bread machine with the time-honoured learn about food and agriculture at the same gives them a sense of food from a simple ingredient: fresh milk. tradition of artisan bread. Learn to time with this colourfully illustrated picture ownership in assets that could 400 pages of recipes and easy-to-follow, make whole-grain breads, flavoured book. As well as learning the ABCs lead to higher usership. step-by-step instructions.

Recipes for soft, breads, sourdough, flat breads and youngsters will learn of everything from farm Councillor Larry McGrath animals to fruits and the bees that pollinate hard, fresh and ethnic cheeses as well as spoke against the purchase of pizzas, festive breads and gluten-free them. (softcover) $12.95 yogurt. $27.95 the tandem truck, even in bread.

2025. He said the municipality $27.95 simply doesn’t have the money THE LITTLE BOOK OF BEYOND REACH for it. Furthermore, he said that Set in Perth County and in the WOODLAND BIRD SONGS he felt the discussion about Muskokas, this novel follows Brings the sounds of the forest to three generations of women life. Learn and recognize these putting enough money away who struggle to connect with bird sounds - from the hermit for assets and infrastructure each other. It explores chronic thrush to the downy woodpecker. was happening 30 years too depression and how it affects No walk in the woods will be the late. He said Huron East is “too not only the one who suffers same again. $19.95 far behind” now and they just from it but the whole family. need to take each year at a Local author Sandi Plewis time. highlights the need for women WHEN I’M In the end, council voted for to find their voices and claim their own power and GONE: Practical the third option, deferring takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and hope. notes for those public works purchases and $25.00 (10% of sales will be donated to Huron you leave moving ahead with a 3.9 per Hospice). behind cent capital levy increase for STARTING SEEDS INDOORS 2024. However, this is just All too often family One of over 200 titles of Storey’s providing staff with direction members die Country Wisdom Bulletin, this ahead of the next budget without leaving book contains practical, handsmeeting and no decision is yet important banking on instructions to growing plants final. information, PIN from seeds.

From choosing Council also voted to prenumbers, location of keys, phone numbers, seed and containers to authorize the tandem truck addresses, etc. This provides a practical fillgerminating and caring for purchase in 2025. In addition, in book and resource. plants, this 32 page bulletin has staff have been directed to it all. $5.95 $19.95 gather Seaforth-based community and service groups for a meeting to gauge their interest in fundraising for the arena roof project, as 405 Queen St., Blyth McRoberts noted that municipal staff does not have 519-523-4792 the capability to take on the project at this time.

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