The Citizen - January 13, 2023

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THIS WEEK • History • Editorials • Sports • Year in Review

Citizen

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Friday, January 6, 2023

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Volume 39 No. 1

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Wingham project approved

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

Incoming...

On Friday, Dec. 30, the Blyth Midget Boys and Girls broomball teams took on one another in some fun, exhibition action at the Blyth and District Community Centre. All of the region’s sports leagues took a bit of a break over the holidays, first due to the days-long

blizzard that gripped much of southwestern Ontario and then the holidays themselves. However, before New Year’s Eve, many teams, be they hockey or broomball squads, returned to the ice to knock the rust off and get back in the swing of things. (John Stephenson photo)

Crusaders ready for coming tournaments

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Blyth Brussels Crusaders teams are now ready for the challenges of 2023 after a short break for the holidays.

This weekend, the U11 Local League Burgundy team will be heading to St. Marys for a tournament, beginning on Friday.

The U15 Local League team will be on the road to take on the Central Perth Predators, while the U15 Rep

team will play the Meteors in Mitchell and the U21 team will also be on the road taking on the Central Perth Predators.

On Saturday, the U7 Black team will take on the Hornets in Howick and the U6 team will play Central Perth on the road.

The U7 Burgundy Crusaders will host the Listowel Cyclones in Brussels, followed by the U15 Local League team also hosting the Central Perth Predators at the Brussels, Morris

and Grey Community Centre.

The U13 Local League Crusaders will be on the road to take on the Mid-Huron Huskies, while the U21 team will play the Vipers in Arthur.

On Sunday, Jan. 8, the U8 Black and Burgundy teams will host the Zurich Thunder and Goderich Sailors, respectively, in Blyth, while the U11 Rep team will welcome the Mid-Huron Huskies to Blyth as well.

The U15 Rep Crusaders will head to Goderich to play the Sailors.

Ironmen to return on Jan. 6

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen As a result of the heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions experienced by Huron County and much of southwestern Ontario, the Wingham Ironmen had a welldeserved break from play over the holidays.

The Ironmen were scheduled to play the Mount Forest Patriots on Friday, Dec. 23 in Wingham, but the game was postponed.

The Mount Forest Patriots remain in first place in the North

Pollock Division of the league, with an unchanged record from before the break of 19-4-0-1 and 39 points. Mitchell has a record of 165-2-2 and 36 points, while the Ironmen have 33 points with a record of 15-7-2-1.

The Hanover Barons are in fourth place with a record of 14-6-2-2 and 32 points, followed by the Kincardine Bulldogs in fifth place with 25 points from a record of 1111-2-1, the Walkerton Capitals in sixth place with a record of 3-16-11 and eight points and the last-place Goderich Flyers have a record of 2-

22-0-0 and four points.

The Ironmen are back in action again tonight, Friday, Jan. 6, when they play Goderich in Wingham.

The next night, the Ironmen play the Kincardine Bulldogs in Kincardine before beginning a fivegame home stand. On Jan. 13, they take on Mount Forest, followed by Walkerton on Jan. 15, Mitchell on Jan. 20, Hanover on Jan. 22 and Kincardine on Jan. 27.

The Ironmen finish the month in Walkerton for a game against the Hawks on Saturday, Jan. 28.

The U11 Local League Black team was due to play the Sailors in Goderich that day, but the game has been cancelled and yet to be rescheduled.

On Monday, Jan. 9, the U11 Local League Black Crusaders will be in Seaforth to play the MidHuron Huskies, while the U13 Rep team will be on the road to play the Central Perth Predators and the U11 Rep team will play the Minto Mad Dogs in Palmerston.

The U21 Crusaders will head to Shallow Lake that night for a game with the Lakers.

On Tuesday, Jan. 10, the U13 Local League team will be in Wingham for a game with the Ironmen, while the U18 Local League Crusaders will host the Mid-Huron Huskies in Brussels.

The next day, the U13 Local League team will host the MidHuron Huskies in Blyth, while the U15 Rep Crusaders will travel to Mount Forest for a game with the Rams.

On Thursday, Jan. 12, the U6 team will head to Kurtzville for the Wallace Bruce Memorial Funday Jamboree and the U8 Black and Burgundy teams will be in Listowel Continued on page 2

Huron County is moving ahead with rebuilding its public works structure just outside of Wingham at a cost of nearly $14 million.

Huron County Council made the decision at its final meeting of the year, held on Dec. 21, virtually via Zoom. County Engineer Steve Lund presented his report to council, asking that the project be included in the 2023 budget.

Lund told council that, earlier in 2022, the Huron County Public Works Department worked with R.J. Burnside Ltd. to finalize the details for the project, which includes a material storage building and a site works and shop building.

He added that the footprint of the operations building will have to be expanded in order to accommodate today’s public works equipment, which is much larger than the equipment of 30 or 40 years ago. In addition, the building will house material associated with the bridge crew, the sign shop and a small administration area, he said in his report.

The storage facility, he said, will be capable of housing 9,000 tonnes of sand, 1,500 tonnes of treated salt, 1,000 tonnes of coarse bulk salt, 60,000 litres of brine storage (complete with secondary containment) and outside covered storage. The operations facility will include six vehicle bays, a maintenance bay and a floormounted jib crane, a sign shop and bridge shop, and an office, complete with a lunch room/boardroom, locker rooms, washrooms, office space and showers.

He also said there are a number of improvements planned for the site, including a new well, septic bed, storm water management area, electric vehicle charger, rehabilitated pavement, gas pumps and underground fuel tanks.

The project will be split into two phases. The material storage building will be a more conventional wood-framed or coverall-type build, Lund said, while the operations building will be a structural steel build.

He did offer some alternatives for the project, including a fabric-type covering for the salt storage, but Lund estimated that the maintenance costs on the alternative structure would be higher over the estimated 50-year lifespan of the building. He added that there would be further engineering costs for foundation design with the fabric storage Continued on page 16

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2023.

U15 Crusaders headed to Gold Classic tourney

A snowfall to remember Huron East Councillor Justin Morrison snapped this picture of his former colleague, Zoellyn Onn, during the holiday blizzard in Brussels, immortalizing the massive snowbanks created during the Herculean clean-up efforts. (Courtesy photo)

News from the Gentlemen’s Club with the Kansas Farmer Special correspondent to The Citizen as curated by Paul Nichol

W

ell, we will soon be ushering in a new year; a time when we all reflect on our past sins, and look forward to a duller, but more pious future by declaring New Year’s Revolutions.

My son Seth asked me if I had any things I wanted to change moving forward. I said “No, of course not.

The Good Lord made me in his own image. Why would I want to mess with that kind of perfection?”

Then I asked Seth, “What about you?” “Oh yes Father, I’ve become determined to follow the path of stoicism.” “You mean like that funny thing that happens to people’s eyes sometimes?” “No Dad, I think that’s stigmatism. And why do you always interrupt me with stupid comments that make me ashamed to be your son, especially in social settings with groups of people?”

Thinking we had perhaps gotten off topic, I asked him what exactly this stoicism was all about. Was it some crazy new-fangled thing they teach kids at college these days? He replied that it went way back to the ancient Greeks. “The philosophical system of stoicism, which is a Hellenistic philosophy, focuses on the idea that people should be impervious to both pleasure and pain. The only thing that really matters is virtue.”

“Well, sucks to be them,” I said.

“Did you memorize that, or just make it up?”

“You and I know full well Dad, you are the only person in this family that makes things up. In fact, you seem to be trying to make a career of it.” I had to concede he was right.

“Well, what kind of ‘virtue’ are we talking about? I mean, is it penny ante, like patiently listening through a conversation with Dale Wanless, or being polite to Marguerite Thomas?”

“No, Dad. Much bigger.” “Like volunteering my time and donating money to the Ethel Society for the Prevention of Destitute Polecats?”

“No, Father. There are four stoic virtues. Would you like to hear

them?” “Okay, hit me,” I said.

“The first is wisdom.” “We can skip that one.” “I agree,” said Seth.

“All the wisdom you taught me could be put on the head of a pin. In fact, I think you have sucked out whatever wisdom I was born with.

Because of you, I am now in a wisdom deficit.”

“Okay. What’s next?” “Justice.”

“Ah, now there’s one I’ve got. I ain’t hurt nobody, no how, no time at all.”

Seth then brought up those two ongoing libel suits from David Blaney and Joe Seili, plus that paternity thing with some woman from Teeswater. So I had to take a pass.

“What’s next Seth?”

“Temperance”. “Don’t be absurd.

Let’s move on.”

“And the last stoic virtue is... courage!” “A-ha!” said I. “Now that’s my trump card.” And then I relayed to Seth all the uncountable instances where I showed a staunch fortitude in the face of innumerable odds. Seth responded, “If you are so brave Father, why is it every time you and Mom disagree, you always fold and lose? It’s because you are a coward.”

Seth finally asked me. “Are you soulless, Father?” I replied that I was soulless on Turnberry for a while.

he

Letters To T

Editor

Pickleball slander goes too far: Garniss I have been thrilled to see The Kansas Farmer resurrected in The Citizen, as one of the proud moments of my childhood was to read in the newspaper that my uncle Frank was the biggest liar in Morris Township - the kind of thing that sticks with you.

But now you have gone too far. It is all well and good to comment on the foibles of those around you, but

“Don’t you want to improve yourself? Don’t you have any aspirations or a kind of moral compass to guide you?” “Why, yes Son,” I said. “I’m a staunch believer in Wildeism.”

“And just exactly what is that?” I explained, “It comes from the great playwright Oscar Wilde who said, ‘It’s a free world, baby and there are only two things that a human being should never do. One is incest. The other is Scottish folk dancing.” I had to confide in Seth that I have engaged in one of the two. Some of my Presbyterian readers will know what I’m talking about.

As a consequence of this enlightenment, I will be introducing a bylaw at the next meeting of the Brussels Gentlemen’s Club resolving that we adopt all four stoic virtues as a regular course of conduct. I expect it will fail due to dissenting votes from board members Wheeler, Campbell and Demaray. As to the rest, I guess it depends on whether or not they are Presbyterian.

In the meantime, Happy New Year, everyone! And good luck with all your revolutions.

Truthfully Yours TKF. when you bring pickleball into your column, you better watch your back. You do know you can tell who is a pickeball player - because it’s the only thing they talk about.

So, cut poor Gerry Wheeler some slack. Unless you have seen Mike Smith with a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other, or Gary Pipe (no, we all know Gary is indescribable) play pickleball, then you have led an overly sheltered life.

I have half a mind to set Kristen Fischer and her paddle on you, but that would be the end of The Gentlemen’s Club, and probably western civilization as we know it.

And the world would be a lesser place.

Doug Garniss, Lower Town.

Continued from page 1 for the Wallace Fun Days tournament.

The U18 Rep team will be in Hensall to play the Mid-Huron Huskies.

Beginning on Friday, Jan. 13, the U15 Local League team will be taking part in the Bradford Blue and Gold Classic tournament, while the U11 Local League Black team will play in the Ernie Clayton HL Tournament.

Action for the U15 Local League team will begin with a game against the Kanata Blazers, while the U11 Local League Black team will open with a game against the Mid-Huron Huskies.

In regular league action, the U13 Rep team will play the Mid-Huron Huskies in Clinton, while the U9 team will host the Howick Hornets in Brussels and the U11 Rep team takes its show on the road to play the Central Perth Predators at the Elma-Logan Arena.

The U15 Local League team will play the Hornets in Howick that night, while the U18 Local League team will travel to Mitchell for a game against the Meteors.

In tournament action, the U11 Local League Black team will play the Warkworth Bulldogs on Saturday, Jan. 14, followed by a game against the Waterford Yellow team.

The U15 Local League Crusaders will play the Kanata Cookie Monsters in their tournament, followed by a game against the Cumberland Dukes.

In league action, the U13 Rep team will play the Kinucks in Kincardine that morning, while the U9 team will host the Mitchell Meteors Black team in Brussels.

The U21 team will host the Central Perth Predators in Brussels.

On Sunday, Jan. 15, the U9 Crusaders will be in Zurich for a game with the Thunder, while the U21 team will be in Walkerton to play the Capitals. The U11 Local League Burgundy team will play

COOK ELECTRIC

the Listowel Cyclones in Blyth.

Wrapping up 2022, the U13 Local League team tied the Howick Hornets at two in Blyth, while the U11 Local League Black team lost to the Meteors in Mitchell by a score of 2-1.

Also that night, the U18 Local League team beat the Mid-Huron Huskies by a score of 6-0 in Hensall.

In the only Crusaders game on Dec. 22, the U13 Rep team beat the Ironmen in Wingham by a score of 6-2.

Beginning on Dec. 27, the U13 Rep and U15 Rep teams travelled to Kincardine for their Regional Silver Stick Tournaments.

The U13 Rep team opened their tournament with a 3-2 win over the Arran Elderslie Ice Dogs, followed by a 4-2 win over the Wingham Ironmen.

The U15 Rep team played the Wingham Ironmen, Shallow Lake Lakers and South Grey in the tournament, but scores were unavailable at press time.

The next day, the U13 Rep team would lose to South Grey by a score of 4-3 in the Silver Stick Tournament.

On Dec. 30, the U8 Black and Burgundy teams travelled north for the Wingham Jamboree tournament.

The U13 Local League Crusaders hosted the Wingham Ironmen in Blyth on Jan. 4, but a score was unavailable at press time.

Celebrating A Special Occasion?

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The Citizen Call or email to book your ad today!

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

Paul has transitioned the business as of January 2023 to

Levi Cook Electric 519-530-9193 Chad Cook Electric 519-357-8393 I would like to sincerely thank all my customers over the last 35 years in business.

Levi and Chad are looking forward to servicing your electrical needs with the same great service.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2023. PAGE 3.

An Enterprising Gentleman

Image from the Historical Atlas of Huron County, H. Belden and Company, 1879.

Sign here!

Glimpses of the Past with Karen Webster

(F.B. Meyer, “The Blessed Life”)

F

or villages and towns in 19thcentury rural Ontario to thrive, it was necessary to have sawmills and grist mills. By 1882, only 10 years after the founding of Ainleyville, there were five mills operating in the village: three sawmills (two being run by steam and one by the middle branch of the Maitland River) and two flour mills.

The most prominent name in the mill enterprises was that of William Vanstone.

Vanstone was born in Devonshire, England in 1833 and immigrated to Canada with his parents, Samuel and Mary Vanstone, settling in Colborne Township. He was the sixth of 11 children, several of whom also followed the milling trade.

Before arriving in Ainleyville, around 1859, William and Margaret (Johns) Vanstone and family lived in Egmondville, where their son, William Franklin (Frank), was born in 1856. It is likely that Vanstone had previously been involved with a mill in the Seaforth area.

Although merchants from Mitchell and Hamilton with the surnames of Fishleigh, Babb and McInnes “controlled potential mill properties and flooding rights”, they had not acted on these options and in 1859 William Vanstone built the first mill and a wooden dam to funnel the river water into a flume to power a water wheel. The flume was a manmade channel for water, which had walls above the surrounding terrain.

The channeled water was forced to flow past a waterwheel, which, when turned, spun on an axle that was connected to the various pieces of milling equipment by pulleys and gears. This first mill that Vanstone built was three storeys high.

In November of 1866, an announcement in the Huron Signal, a Goderich newspaper, told of the dissolution of the partnership of William Vanstone and James Vanstone “brothers and millers and mill owners at Seaforth and Ainleyville, is this day dissolved by mutual consent. All promissory notes and book accounts due to the late partnership are in the hands of James Vanstone for collection. Mr. William Vanstone will be continuing the business in Ainleyville.”

According to the 1880 United States census, both James Vanstone and another brother, Charles, were living in Saline, Missouri, and working as millers. As well, at one time or another, two other brothers, Richard and John, were also involved in the family’s milling operations.

William Vanstone prospered in the

milling business, having both a flour mill and a sawmill. Any material that is made up of fine particles is subject to combustion, and flour mills were often the victim of fires. A mill fire in October of 1871 was the second that Vanstone suffered in Ainleyville, but it would not be the last.

We are indebted to the Huron Expositor, of Seaforth, on Nov. 28, 1873 for a first-hand account of the mill that replaced the burnt-out structure. The new mill measured 40 by 60 feet, stood four storeys tall and cost $10,000 to build. In the basement was a “Smut Machine” that was capable of cleaning 100 bushels of grain an hour. Also in the basement were “Leffel Double Turbine” 48-inch waterwheels.

These wheels generated 66 units of horsepower with an eight foot fall of water. These turbines were able to drive four runs of stone, each 48 inches wide, that were located on the ground floor of the building. Three of these double mill stones were in operation. They consisted of two stones, one on top of the other that rotated in opposite directions, grinding the husks off the grain and producing flour. A packing machine was also located on this floor as were two hoppers with elevators attached; one for purchased grain and one for grist. Completing the floor were bins for bran and shorts as well as an office.

The third floor contained a flour press through which the flour passed to the packer, as well as three extrasized hoppers to supply wheat to the millstones. A machine to cool the flour was located on the fourth floor of the mill.

Throughout the mill was a vast amount of shafting and belting that was arranged so that there was no danger of accidents. Ten thousand

bushels of grain could be stored in the building. There was the ability of process “fully one hundred barrels of flour per day”. Adjacent to the flour mill was a sawmill that was 40 by 30 feet in size and two storeys high. It had a five-foot circular saw and an edging saw all powered by a Smith Turbine. This mill employed 10 men and cut one million board feet of lumber annually.

Unfortunately, fire again struck in September of 1883, when a blaze started in the engine room of the flour mill. The flour mill was completely destroyed, however, the lower part of the adjacent sawmill and a quantity of lumber were saved.

In addition to the mills along the Maitland, Vanstone also built a substantial house next door in which mill owners throughout the years lived. It was sold by auction in 1972 but was not lived in for several years. In 1978, Machan House Movers of Mount Forest purchased the house and moved it to another location.

At various times, the mills were noted as being owned by William Vanstone, but being run by others with such names as Hawke, Hambly and Halstead. It seems that Vanstone also contracted, as William Vanstone and Son, to build the first skating rink in Brussels in 1885.

William Vanstone, one of Brussels’ first entrepreneurs, passed away in Goderich Township in 1890 and was buried in the Brussels Cemetery. The Vanstone monument, marking where several family members are interred, is one of the tallest in the cemetery.

Some material for this article was researched in the Huron County Digitized Newspaper Collection and Our Story: From Ainleyville to Brussels 1872-1997.

Got Married...

Dear Christian reader, seek some quiet spot, some still hour, and yield yourself to God. Make a definite consecration of yourselves to God. With most it would be sufficient to write out Miss Havergal’s hymn, “Take my life, and let it be,” and to sign your name at the bottom.

Take my life and let it be—consecrated, Lord, to Thee.

Take my moments and my days—let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands and let them move—at the impulse of Thy love.

Take my feet and let them be—swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice and let me sing—always, only, for my King.

Take my lips and let them be—filled with messages from Thee.

Take my silver and my gold—not a mite would I withhold.

Take my intellect and use—every power as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will and make it Thine—it shall be no longer mine.

Take my heart it is Thine own—it shall be Thy royal throne.

Take my love my Lord, I pour—at Thy feet its treasure store.

Take myself and I will be—ever, only, all For Thee!

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

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PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2023.

Editorials & Opinions

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

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A complicated proposition A recent story in The Telegraph in Britain indicated that the Barbados government was seeking reparations from famed actor Benedict Cumberbatch for his seventh-great-grandfather’s participation in slavery on the island. David Comissiong, Deputy-Chairperson of the National Task Force on Reparations, has denied the report, but clarifies that the government has sought compensation from six European governments (including the U.K.) and has also levied claims against existing companies and institutions that were historically implicated in or profited from slavery. Although the task force has not yet sought any compensation from any individual families or persons, there may be cases in which a claim could be sought.

What a difficult concept this is. The one fact that everyone can agree on is that slavery and colonization is a terrible reality of our history. But the idea that someone can be financially responsible for something that an ancestor did four centuries ago is hard to fathom. How and when do you draw the line? Yet, there are families who are still enjoying the wealth accumulated generations ago through abhorrent practices and perhaps an argument can be made for a claim against assets that accumulated during that period. – DS

Dug out The holiday blizzard of 2022 will not be soon forgotten. As most sheltered in place, celebrating Christmas with whomever they were with as of Dec. 23, wherever they were as of Dec. 23, snow poured from the skies in one of the biggest and most persistent storms in recent memory. As the inches of snow piled up, some of the older Huron County residents drew comparisons to the great blizzard of 1971.

While many embraced the time at home, with nothing to do and nowhere to go, many were hard at work. Emergency responders were out helping people to the degree that they were able and public works staffers worked overtime upon overtime to clear roads and sidewalks in the days after Christmas when the snow finally tapered off. Huron County Warden Glen McNeil was quick to thank the county’s first responders and public works crews who worked to dig out the county in the wake of the storm. Neighbours were helping neighbours and farmers were busy plowing and digging out on the rural routes, while others were deemed holiday heroes delivering Christmas miracles.

Huron Area Search and Rescue, for example, was able to use its SHERP vehicle, operated by Jamie Mitchell and John Groves, to transport an infant to London (by way of a transfer in Exeter) for emergency surgery, in addition to rescuing stranded drivers throughout the county and beyond. Between Brussels and Ethel, volunteer Grey firefighter Steve Boyer and his wife Emily (an off-duty paramedic) aided a woman who had suffered an allergic reaction.

And while most stories are of intelligent behaviour, given the poor driving conditions and weather, there were still those who felt they could beat the snow, with many reports flooding in of people stranded on the side of the road, cold, hungry and without any other options.

Thank you to the heroes - both professional and amateur - for keeping us safe and healthy, sacrificing your own holidays so that we all might enjoy ours by the side of our loved ones. – SL

The future is bright As the clock struck midnight and 2022 turned into 2023, many were content to send the year that had been packing, never to return. The same can be said for much of 2020 and 2021, as the world changed for many.

As we look ahead to 2023, there are many reasons to be optimistic in our community. The Blyth Festival, for example, is planning a lavish, expansive season that will tell seven stories across two stages, hopefully welcoming tens of thousands of people to the village. In Brussels, the foundation has been laid by generous governments and even more generous residents for the renovation and expansion of the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre.

Most notable, however, is the return to normality promised by 2023.

Sure, it will be the “new normal” that some have decried, in which some will wear masks if they’re immunocompromised and we’ve learned to stay home if ill, for fear of infecting others, but sporting events, concerts, family gatherings and the celebration of a birthday, anniversary or marriage can go forward with confidence and ease. Talk of lockdowns and sweeping events cancellations appear to be a thing of the past and it is now accepted that you can reliably mark your calendars for annual fetes like the Brussels Fall Fair, the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association reunion, the Huron County Plowing Match and others, knowing that they will go ahead and be everything you remembered.

We inched closer to the world we remember before March of 2020 last year and this year promises to be even more of a celebration. Surely, it won’t all be puppy dogs and ice cream, but there are plenty of reasons to look forward to the year ahead with anticipation and excitement. – SL

Looking Back Through the Years January 6, 1966 Brussels hosted a mixed curling tournament, featuring two draws.

George McCutcheon and his rink won the first draw, while Jack McDonald and his rink won the second.

The next day, the village played host to the Hugh Pearson Trophy Tournament. Jack Bowman and his rink won the first draw, while Bob McKague and his rink won the second.

Huron County Federation of Agriculture President Charles Thomas of Brussels presided over a meeting of the association during which the membership planned for a meeting of the provincial and federal candidates at the Hotel Clinton.

The Western Ontario Athletic Association’s Inter-County Hockey schedule was set, kicking off with games between Fordwich and Gorrie and Clifford and Alma, both on Jan. 3.

January 7, 1976 In 1975, Blyth taxpayers were slow in paying their taxes and that tardiness was costing the village.

Clerk-Treasurer Larry Walsh said that over $11,000 in arrears was owed on a total billing of just under $90,000 for a total of 12.4 per cent, compared to just 7.8 per cent at the beginning of 1975.

Over 700 people were in Goderich to protest the closing of the Ontario Psychiatric Hospital in Goderich. They made their opinions known at a public meeting held at Saltford Valley Hall.

The Belgrave and Blyth Tyke teams met for the second time in less than a week. While the first game ended in a 1-1 tie, Belgrave shut out their neighbours to the south in the second game by a score

of 4-0. Belgrave’s goal scorers were Bill Haines, Randy Nixon, Graham Taylor and Doug Woods.

The Blyth Atom hockey team was a little more successful than its Tyke counterpart, beating Clinton by a score of 9-2. Kent Howatt scored five goals, while Paul Pierce and Kurt Whitfield scored two each.

January 7, 1998 Despite an impassioned plea from representatives of the Huron County Health Unit, Brussels Village Council opted to stand by its decision and allow the village’s Liquor Control Board of Ontario store to operate on Sundays.

Local governments had the option to allow stores to be open on Sundays and councillors said it was a business decision and that they didn’t want to stand in the way of commerce.

Laurie-Anne and Richard Miller of RR2, Seaforth in Hullett Township welcomed the area’s New Year’s baby at Seaforth Community Hospital. Wesley Richard Johnathon Miller arrived just before 11 p.m. on Jan. 1.

The Stratford Shakespeare Festival impressed at the second annual Stage Door Award, winning 15 of the 20 awards handed out.

The rest of the awards went to the Shaw Festival (three) and one each for the Drayton Festival and Theatre Aquarius.

An appreciation event for Leona Armstrong to honour her 23 years on Grey Township Council had been planned for Jan. 17 at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre. Council itself was hosting the event.

Service employees at the Wingham and District Hospital voted to join the Canadian Union of

Public Employees (CUPE) through a vote held on Dec. 18.

January 3, 2013 The Councils of both North Huron and Morris-Turnberry were preparing to meet in a neutral location in an attempt to reach a new fire coverage agreement, which had proven difficult.

As a result of the disagreements between the two councils on fire coverage, a handful of MorrisTurnberry Councillors expressed their reluctance to pay North Huron over $58,000 for MorrisTurnberry’s share of recreation costs associated with arenas in Blyth and Wingham. Councillor Neil Warwick wanted to see the township’s recreation costs reviewed before Morris-Turnberry made a payment.

Huron East Council received word that the Government of Canada was cutting the municipality a cheque for nearly $150,000 for the renovation and expansion of the Brussels Library.

The Wingham Ironmen played three games over the holiday season and won just one of them, losing to Kincardine and Walkerton, but beating Hanover by a score of 8-2.

Huron East Council was left a bit miffed over ballooning project costs associated with new change room and washroom facilities at the St. Columban soccer fields.

Council had committed to one third of the total cost of the project, up to $30,000, in 2010. That was when the project was expected to cost $93,000. However, the cost of the project had since nearly doubled to just over $175,000. Treasurer Paula Michiels recommended that council increase the municipality’s contribution to $50,000 and not all councillors were in agreement.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2023. PAGE 5.

Other Views Looking ahead for 2023 – and back

N

ew Year’s Eve 2022 saw millions of people making New Year’s resolutions for 2023, and I’m betting the majority wished for more: more vacations in warm surroundings in Mexico or the Caribbean, a more comfortable home or more enjoyment in the backyard, possibly around a pool or hot tub.

Few people, I’m guessing, were thankful for what they already have, even though most Canadians, Americans or Europeans have more than their parents or grandparents could ever have dreamed of possessing.

My wife, for instance, watches the home improvement channels where people are busy tearing out kitchens or bathrooms or livingrooms that already are so far ahead of anything my parents, even I, could have dreamed of when I was younger. Heck, I can remember when I wouldn’t even have envisioned this sort of home, since I go back to a time when we didn’t have television, then went through years of getting one station, then two, then three. It was years before we could expect cable or satellite TV, let alone the universe we enjoy today.

Today, we have a plethora of movies to choose from over networks supplying them. I can recall when the VCR was something we rented in Blyth from retailer Irvin Bowes, who also had a limited selection of movies. Then, we got our own VCR and rented or bought movies on tape. Soon, that was replaced by a DVD player and shops where you could rent or buy from a selection of hundreds of movies. We have our own collection of several hundred movies on VHS now, a reminder of times past before people could simply tune in any movie they wanted on a cable service.

At one point, if you wanted to listen to local news on the radio, you had one choice: CKNX

Keith Roulston From the cluttered desk AM. It meant you’d better also like country and western music because that’s all they played. Now CKNX offers an FM station where you can get a whole different sort of music. You can even get the news from their website. If you choose, you can listen instead to CHWC-FM’s country music from Goderich or MyFM 90.5 in Exeter.

When I was growing up, long, long ago, we had a good local doctor in Lucknow.

Things were not nearly as good, however, if you needed hospital care. I suffered rheumatic fever (a disease unheard of today) and I was treated at home by my parents because they couldn’t afford to pay for my stay in hospital.

Yes, in those days in the late 1950s, we had to pay for our doctor and hospital care. It was in 1965 that our federal government under Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson introduced the Medical Care Act in which the federal government promised to pay half the costs of medical treatment if the provinces would pay the other half.

After that, medical care began to change.

Local hospitals all grew as beds and services were added and people suddenly got used to having proper care, no matter what their finances. New vaccines, provided with public funding, such as the polio vaccine, took deadly threats off our list of concerns in the late 1950s.

But as governments searched for ways to pay

these added costs, they looked to cut costs elsewhere. We saw that directly here in Huron. As editor of the Clinton News-Record in 1970, I was there to cover the prolonged closure of the Canadian Forces base at Clinton. A similar process began at the former base at Centralia. Both had been started in World War II as part of Canada’s contributions to the war effort (along with stations at Goderich – the current airport – and Port Albert). A coworker at the newspaper created the name the old Clinton base still carries today, Vanastra. It was in a contest for which the winning prize was to be one of the houses at the base. The prize was never awarded and the developer soon disappeared.

So we have seen some setbacks over the years – as the loss of importance of our main streets has shown – yet housing has flourished.

In general, we are so far ahead of where we were when I was a young man. As a child in school, I remember only two families who went to Florida. Today there are too many to count. In fact, Florida has become too boring for many people so they are seeking new adventures in the Caribbean, Mexico and South America.

Most people have visited Europe and more and more are seeing Asia. We have friends and relatives who have journeyed to Australia to visit children who have relocated there.

But while huge portions of our population are doing well, we have more people living on the streets than ever before. Thankfully, we also have more people helping them than ever.

So, in general, as we face 2023, we have never been so well off. But there are reminders that as good as times are, things can easily go wrong.

The Maitland Valley Camera Club Photo of the Week comes to The Citizen from Liz Allan, who captured this image near her Wroxeter­area home of the pre­holiday ice storm. Little did we all know that, in just over a week, a different storm would sweep the ice storm right off of the front page, with heavy snowfall and days of blizzard conditions over Christmas.

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

Do what you dig

I

n an effort to demonstrate to co-workers that I’m capable of listening to something other than Leonard Cohen in my office (and music created after 1977, five years before I was born, for that matter), I was listening to “The Masked Cowboy” himself, Orville Peck, the other day.

In “Outta Time”, in a scene set at a party he didn’t want to go to, Peck sings, “Headed for the back, I meet a girl who’s trying to shoot the breeze / She tells me she don’t like Elvis / I say I want a little less conversation, please.”

Now, those who know me know that I’m far from the world’s biggest Elvis fan, but Peck is and he has no time to waste with someone who doesn’t share that love (perhaps he and I would have to avoid that topic if we ever met). Either way, it got me thinking about how much time we waste in life talking about things we don’t want to talk about.

My life is disproportionately full of such conversation. As someone who covers council meetings and other proceedings for a living, I have rolled my eyes so severely that I’m sure I’ve caught a glimpse of my brain (or at least wanted to - but didn’t in an effort to maintain some level of decorum) too many times to count. But, hey, that’s the job and that kind of coverage is part of it.

Back to Peck, I love that the lack of love for Elvis is a non-starter. I’ve developed a lot of these over the years and that number has definitely increased in recent years. There are trigger (pardon the loaded use of that word) words or phrases that just indicate to me that, for my own mental health, personal well-being and happiness, hitting the bricks, not continuing with the conversation in question, is the best move.

Speaking of decorum (or lack thereof), I have been known to just up and walk out on a conversation. Not a one-on-one conversation, of course - I’m not psychotic - but when a group conversation takes a turn I don’t care to take, I’ll just move on. As a father now, it’s easier. I have a beautiful little walking, talking excuse to leave at all times. So, Tallu and I will take a walk to “get some air” when she’s “getting restless” even if I might just be the one who’s getting restless. And then my little girl and I are outside, walking and talking, playing with a ball or whatever it is she wants to do. Trust me when I say it’s a million times better than whatever conversation it was that I just left.

Publisher Deb Sholdice is more responsible when it comes to things like this. She actively works to debunk falsehoods, set people straight and fiercely advocate for the truth.

When she sees people post some foolishness online, she’ll reach out and offer a fact-check or encourage that poor, misguided soul to do a little more responsible research before passing on something silly. I’ve spent over 16 years (and counting) doing that in this job. When I say I’m off the clock, you can believe me (and whatever else you want, for that matter), I’ll be by the bar, minding my own business, or in search of my own version of Peck’s chat-mate who loves Elvis.

This being my first column of 2023, perhaps it should come with a resolution and maybe this is it. So, in the year of our Lord, 2023, do more of what you want to do. Talk to the people you want to talk to and don’t waste time with those you don’t. Don’t be afraid to say you want a little less conversation, please.

Ah yes, a new year, full of promise, potential and plenty to be discovered. I hope to spend it the way I want to spend it, rather than wasting my time with someone who doesn’t like Elvis.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2023.

Writer looks back A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231

Saving the day Amber Leis, who lived between Brussels and Ethel, found herself in distress on Christmas Eve, suffering an allergic reaction. With roads closed and impassable, she was saved by way of epi-pen by off-duty paramedic Emily Boyer and her husband Steve, a volunteer member of the Grey Fire Department. Once at the residence, Emily was able to walk through the snow to deliver potentially life-saving relief to Leis. (Courtesy photo)

At the Branch

Meat draw held on Dec. 30

By Jo-Ann McDonald Welcome to 2023! I hope all of you had a great Christmas. It was quite stormy and made it difficult (or impossible) for travel for many, but hopefully you were able to gather at some point with family.

Boxing Day was the best for travel, so we hope you were able to gather with family. Christmas for some families was even put off until New Year’s, but they were able to gather safely.

We must finish up reporting the final couple of weeks of 2022 for the Branch. The Christmas meat draws planned for Dec. 23 had to be postponed because of the storm.

The Catch the Ace draw was held and the lucky weekly winner was Rick McDonald winning $169. His chosen envelope was number two and the king of spades was revealed.

The weather prior to Christmas forced the cancellation of the meat

draws so they were held on Friday, Dec. 30. There was a great crowd on hand for the evening, which was also the Catch the Ace draw and the quilt draw, as well as Jelly Bean Blue performing.

The winners of the meat draws included Paul Willie, Pam McLean, Jennifer Smooth, Sharon Robbins, Kevin Pennington, Sandra Brown, Carmel Dietrich, Andrew Wagermans and Josh Beuerman.

The mega meat draw basket was won by Joel and Nicole Zyta. A big thanks to members and friends of the Legion who donated meat for the draw, including Keith White, Gail White, Andy and Mike. A big thanks to Jayne Ross for organizing and wrapping the baskets and for all of her hard work.

The quilt draw winner was Alvin McLellan, candle winner was Sandy Huether, clock winner was Jacqueline Waechter, waffle maker was Cora Alcock and the throw was

won by Marguerite Thomas.

Thanks to all.

A reminder that the Thursday night darts will start on Thursday, Jan. 12. Come one, come all and have some fun for just $2.

The Catch the Ace continues to grow into 2023. The weekly winner was Bob and Teresa Watkins winning $173. They chose envelope number eight and the seven of hearts was revealed. The jackpot will continue to grow to an estimated $5,400.

All enjoyed the great music of Jelly Bean Blue to finish the very busy evening and to end 2022 with such a great high note.

Welcome to 2023. January is shaping up to be a busy month for the catering crew. Expect a call to help at some of the banquets or call the Branch if you can help on Jan. 7, 9 or 11 for an evening meal or Jan. 12 for a luncheon. Call soon if you can help.

Here comes 2023, offering newness and anticipation. As we start this new year, it just makes sense to check on what we did or didn’t do last year. Check on the happenings that were significant and the details of life that made it good for you and yours.

A good time for me was summer.

Phil, Lauren, Hark and Weston came for a 10-day visit from Edmonton that made it possible for my three sons and all their people to be in one spot at the same time.

This took great effort on all their parts to arrange holidays, switch shifts, adjust plans and get to Brussels. My memory gift was two fun and busy days with my favourite people, including sleepovers by all.

Homecoming was another high point in my memory from the past year with lots of people to connect with, fun things to do and a pride in our community that was great to witness.

Celebrating lives well lived is part of our way of life. When someone dies, it makes us stop, remember and realize just how that person affected our lives, starting with Queen Elizabeth II, our longreigning Monarch, a good example of steadfastness, dignity, duty and responsibility. Angela Landsbury made movies and television over many decades that were

entertaining and fun; another good one gone. Many others left this earth in 2022 and we each will have specific memories of our favourites and how they impacted our lives.

Closer to home, we remember the folks who died and we retain those memories that we made with them.

Good people make us who we are.

High COVID-19 infection numbers remain a big negative, but the knowledge of contamination, passage of the virus and of vaccination give us hope that clear sensible thinking will help us weather this historic moment of this pandemic in our lives.

My hope is that the love we saw and felt at Christmas will remain present in the months ahead. We all deserve our spot on earth and respect is what we need to offer the others in this world. We are blessed and need to show compassion to ones not so fortunate. Be kind, be respectful and be positive.

Bye now, Betty G.W.

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

Brussels Legion 218 Catch the Ace Weekly Winner Winning Ticket: Bob & Teresa Watkins, $173 Envelope #8 found the 7 of Hearts Estimated jackpot for January 6 is $5,400

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One for the books Kevin Deitner, at his family’s Grey Ward farm north of Brussels, can be seen above measuring one of the snow drifts on the property during his hours-long clean-up session. This drift measured over 12 feet high. (Courtesy photo)

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2023. PAGE 7.

Blyth’s Bolen pens new children’s book

A day off Like the rest of the county, Blyth was battered by the blizzard that hit southwestern Ontario just before Christmas. It closed many roads and wreaked havoc in the region for several days as public works crews and emergency services personnel worked around the clock to clean things up and aid people in need. The banks on Blyth’s main street, above, were several feet high until crews were able to tackle them. (Courtesy photo)

Holidays marked in Blyth From Marilyn’s Desk

By Marilyn Craig Call 523-9318

All the best to everyone in the year 2023. I hope the year will be kind to us all.

Happy birthday to Josie MacDonald, who will celebrate on Jan. 7; Jaxson Bromley, Jan. 8 and Hanny Meier, on Jan. 9. Hope everyone enjoys their special day.

What a difference a week has made to the weather. Most of us didn’t get to celebrate Christmas

the way we wanted to as Mother Nature had other plans for us by sending us blizzard weather for Christmas. Although we didn’t get to celebrate on Christmas Day, most of us were able to get together this last week. This week we have had temperatures above zero and one day it even reached 10°C. The snow that came Christmas weekend has disappeared and the grass is showing in most places.

My family and I celebrated our Christmas on Jan. 1 at the home of my granddaughter Heidi Martin, her husband Kyle and Austin, my great-grandson who stole the show.

Everyone enjoyed a turkey and ham dinner with all the trimmings, along with dessert.

Stay safe this week and give someone a call and wish them all the best in 2023.

NEWS FROM BLYTH

Armstrong to create the illustrations and Nikki Cyr for the graphic design of the book.

He says that this process is part of why it’s taken so long to be published.

While he had the story worked out, a children’s book wouldn’t be complete without illustrations and it took him time to find Armstrong, who was the right fit for the book.

Bolen worked with Cyr during his time as a sports editor for The Exeter TimesAdvocate and when she came aboard the team was then complete.

The story of the book ranges from ancient Rome to ‘In My Sandbox’ written by Pat jungle adventures to Bolen, illustrated by Patti Armstrong the outer reaches of space, all by way of a young girl’s imagination in her

By Shawn Loughlin sandbox.

The Citizen Bolen said he shopped the idea Blyth’s Pat Bolen has seen 10 around to children’s publishers for years of work, stops and starts and a while, but that it’s a tough creativity come to fruition with the industry to break into, which is why self-publishing of his first he eventually went the route of selfchildren’s book, entitled In My publishing it.

Sandbox.

Bolen says he’s always been The idea popped into his head interested in writing. Locally, he’s about 10 years ago, he said, and it worked in manufacturing at really only took him a few days to Howson and Howson in recent write it. His daughter was about years. However, this follows time two years old and playing in her with The Exeter Times-Advocate sandbox and watching her use her and having done freelance work for imagination to play inspired him. magazines such as Glass Canada, She’s now turning 12 this year and Navy and History. the book is now ready for shelves.

In My Sandbox is now available Bolen did the writing and has at Fincher’s in Goderich and The worked with local artist Patti Citizen office in Blyth.

PRINTING IS OUR BUSINESS • Colour • Business Printing Forms • Posters • Brochures • Letterheads • Flyers • Envelopes • Carbonless • Business Forms Cards • Labels WE CAN DO IT ALL!

Frozen over When Huron County was faced with days of relentless snow, ice and wind over the holidays, many were forced to stay where they were, as roads were closed and often treacherous to traverse. Darrell Bergsma of the Londesborough area captured these frozen-over images from the beach in Goderich on Christmas Day, as snow was beginning to turn to ice. (Courtesy photo)

BL LY YTH PRINTING INC. BL LY YTH 523-9211

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

Sports Huron Heat teams head to Woodstock for tournament

The U15 HL Huron Heat were in action on Friday, Dec. 30 at the Blyth and District Community Centre, taking on Woodstock. The Heat would fall in the contest, but made a valiant effort as the team’s goalie was unavailable just before game time, so one of the team’s defensive players, Emery DeGroot, suited up and filled in as the last line of defence. (John Stephenson photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The Huron Heat are back in action after an unscheduled break over the holidays due to the heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions throughout the county.

The U11 HL, U11 B, U13 B and U15 C Heat teams are all travelling to Woodstock this weekend for a tournament, beginning on Friday morning.

The U11 B Heat open their tournament play with a game against the Ayr Rockets, followed by a game against the Otonabee Wolverines.

The U15 C Heat will play the Central Perth Predators in the tournament that day, followed by a contest with the Woodstock Wildcats, while the U13 B Heat will play the Brantford Ice Cats, followed by a game later that day against the Woodstock Wildcats.

On Saturday, Jan. 7, the U15 C Heat will take on the St. Marys Rock in tournament play, while the U13 B Heat will play the Norfolk Hericanes and the U11 B team will play the Georgina Golden Hawks.

Also in tournament action, the U15 C Heat will play the ChathamKent Crush.

In regular league action, the U18 BB Heat will play the London Devilettes in London.

On Sunday, Jan. 8, the U9 B Heat

Babies of the Year

Called up

will be in Fergus for a game against the Grand River Mustangs, while the U13 C team will be home to play the Central Perth Predators in Clinton.

The U15 BB Heat will play the Ice Hawks in Owen Sound twice on Sunday afternoon, while the Senior team will play Monkton at the Elma Logan Arena.

On Tuesday, Jan. 10, the U11 B Heat will host the St. Marys Rock in Seaforth, while the U15 C Heat will play the South Huron Sabres, also in Seaforth.

The U18 C Heat will be in action on Jan. 12, playing the South Huron Sabres on the road, followed by a game against the Lucan Irish in Seaforth on Jan. 13.

On Saturday, Jan. 14, the U13 B Heat will play the Woolwich Wild on the road, while the U11 HL team will host the B.A.D. Blazers in Seaforth.

The U11 B Heat will play the Devilettes in London, while the U18 C Heat are also on the road, taking on the South Huron Sabres.

The U18BB Heat will host the Sarnia Lady Sting in Clinton, while the Senior team will take on Milverton on the road.

On Sunday, Jan. 15, the U9 HL Black team will play the Jets in Ilderton, while the U15 BB Heat will host the Bluewater Hawks in Clinton and the U18 BB team will host the South Huron Sabres, also

in Clinton.

The U13 B Heat will be in Goderich to play the Mount Forest Rams and the U11 B Heat will play the St. Marys Rock on the road.

The U9 B team will take on the Wild in Woolwich, while the U18 C Heat will play the London Devilettes on the road and the U11 HL team will play the Panthers in St. Thomas.

The Senior team will host Belmore that evening at the Hensall Arena.

In late 2022 action, the U15 C Heat tied the St. Marys Rock at two in Seaforth on Dec. 20, while the U13 B Heat lost to the Mount Forest Rams on the road by a score of 6-0.

The U11 C Heat was in action again on Dec. 28, coming out on the wrong side of a 4-1 score against the Woodstock Wildcats on the road.

The U11 HL Heat took on the Woodstock Wildcats White team in Blyth on Dec. 30, but a score was unavailable at press time.

The Heat began 2023 in action on Tuesday, Jan. 3, with the U15 C Heat playing the St. Marys Rock in Seaforth and the U18 C Heat playing the Mitchell Meteors in Clinton. Scores were unavailable at press time.

For more information of a full schedule of games to come, visit huronheat.com.

2022

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Inter-village action On Friday, Dec. 30, the Blyth Midget Boys and Girls broomball teams took to the Blyth and District Community Centre ice for a fun game against one another. The game ended in a special four-on-four format with the goalies pulled and the nets turned back towards the boards. (John Stephenson photo)

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2023. PAGE 9.

Morrison became 18-year-old councillor in 2022

Flying into the next round In March of 2022, the Wingham Ironmen found themselves in the playoffs for the North Pollock Division of the Provincial Junior Hockey League, but would end up losing to the Hanover Barons in the semifinals, ending the local team’s season. (File photo)

January Year in Revi ew

At just 18 years old, Justin Morrison of Brussels was chosen as the newest Huron East Council member, representing the Brussels Ward, to replace the seat vacated by John Lowe in late 2021.

The decision took council two rounds of voting to land on Morrison, who was challenging for the seat alongside former MorrisTurnberry Mayor and Huron County Warden Paul Gowing and newcomer Jason Hovius.

In the first vote, Gowing and

Morrison each earned four votes, while Hovius garnered one. The second vote, after Hovius was eliminated from contention, went Morrison’s way by a count of five to four.

Bluevale-area youth Caleb Vankoughnett joined the prestigious Team Thor-Kawasaki motocross team. His experience with the team was set to begin in June with his first race scheduled for June 5 in Kamloops, British Columbia.

While there were still many details to be determined, the Brussels Agricultural Society was working towards hosting the Brussels Fall Fair in September of 2022 after several years of cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The design of a new mural

created by renowned cartoonist Randy Jones was revealed in The Citizen, months ahead of when it would be placed at its permanent location near the Blyth entrance to the Blyth Greenway Trail - part of the Goderich-to-Guelph Rail Trail system.

The work of art featured some of the village’s landmarks, such as the Blyth Festival’s new Harvest Stage, the Blyth Campground and the Blyth Lions Park, among others.

Wingham rolled out the red carpet for a new pair of healthcare professionals in the doctorpharmacist husband-and-wife team of Dr. Mahrous Mousa and Salwa Sokar. The pair had trained in Egypt and the United Kingdom before coming to Canada and working in British Columbia for a number of years.

Huron East Council passed its 2022 budget, which included a 9.49 per cent increase to the municipal tax levy, representing operating expenditures of just under $14 million.

The Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund announced that it would be adding a new award to its Order of the Good Samaritan Award line-up.

Named for late Blyth Fire Chief Paul Josling, who was involved with the Fund from its inception, the award would honour community outreach.

Huron East Council was considering a proposal to create a public committee to weigh in on the composition and compensation associated with council positions.

Any recommendations would be made ahead of the 2026-2030 term of council.

February Year in Revi ew

Experience of a lifetime Walton’s Allison Stevenson, as a member of the Brock University Badgers women’s hockey team, made its way through the provincial championships by winning the McCaw Cup, above, earning them a berth in the national championships, held on Prince Edward Island.

(File photo)

The Huron Perth Junior Farmers launched The Century Farm Show, an online series that would closely examine a dozen century farms and the families who manage them - over the course of the year.

The episodes were created by Nick Vinnicombe and hosted by Lauren Bos and Jolande

Oudshoorn. The first episode focused on the Exeter-area farm of Tom and Bev Prout.

Carolyn Somerville marked her 50th year of working with Howson and Howson, starting with the company straight out of high school.

North Huron Council passed its budget for the year. The total budget topped $14.3 million, with a 6.28 per cent increase over 2021 to be raised through taxation.

After a forced break due to lockdowns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wingham Ironmen were back on the ice, notching a 2-2 tie with the Kincardine Bulldogs and a 5-2 loss at the hands of the Hanover Barons.

While municipalities were putting the budget process behind them, approving their financial plan for the year, Huron County Council’s budget deliberations had stalled due to the number of new positions being proposed in 2022.

Several councillors expressed their concern with the 23.75 full-time equivalent positions being proposed in the budget, even if some of those positions were to be fully funded by upper-tier governments.

Council would eventually pass its budget later that month, with a 3.06 per cent increase to the tax levy.

The budget also included the aforementioned new positions, despite persistent protestation from some councillors.

The Brussels Agricultural Society vowed to create a plan to host the 2022 Brussels Fall Fair at the Four Winds Barn in September after a small subcommittee offered the membership a handful of options for the first in-person fair in several years.

The Blyth Festival welcomed Kelly McIntosh to its team as its audience development co-ordinator and artistic associate.

The Wingham Ironmen dropped two spots in the North Pollock Division of the Provincial Junior Hockey League standings after being stripped of three wins due to what was called an “administrative error” regarding the league’s COVID-19 vaccination policy.

Huron County Council opted to move ahead with the installation of traffic signals and turning lanes at

the intersection of Blyth and London Roads in the south end of Blyth. Council initially made the decision in late 2021, but certified that decision in February after holding public meetings and further council discussion.

March Year in Revi ew

The Blyth Festival announced that it was moving forward with a four-show season the following summer, entirely at its new outdoor Harvest Stage.

Allyson Barbour of Brussels and her figure skating team, Tavistock Team Unity, travelled to Calgary for the Skate Canada National Synchronized Skating Championship and came home with a silver medal for their efforts.

After two years of cancellations, both the Huron County Plowing Match and the annual reunion of the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association were set to move ahead, barring any unforeseen developments.

The Blyth Lions Club officially closed the door on its food booth at the Blyth Campground after operating the booth for nearly 50 years.

The club stated that, after not using the booth for over two years and substantial equipment upgrades being necessary, it was no longer feasible for the club to operate the booth for just one weekend a year (the weekend of the annual reunion of the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association).

The Blyth Brussels U13 Rep Crusaders went through the Goderich Young Canada Week tournament undefeated on their way to winning gold, beating Dresden in the final game of the tournament.

Blyth-based artist Kelly Stevenson received an Ontario Arts Council grant to complete “ana”, a project she started 10 years earlier when she was a student at the Ontario College of Art and Design.

The work focused on humanizing those who suffer through eating Continued on page 10

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PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2023.

Petition rallies against fire department merger leading a project - Huron Crafters for Caregivers - to create handmade gifts to those working in the county’s long-term care facilities who had been on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic since it had been declared in early 2020.

May Year in Revi ew

Back on the field Last year marked the return of the Matthew Dinning Memorial Rugby Tournament at F.E. Madill Secondary School in Wingham after taking several years off due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdowns. (File photo) Continued from page 9 disorders through the lens of her cousin Sarah, who died of anorexia in 1997.

Walton’s Allison Stevenson was part of the McCaw Cup-winning Brock University Badgers hockey team after the team claimed victory over the Nipissing Lakers in the finals.

The provincial victory earned the team a berth in the national championship, set to be held the following weekend in the Maritimes.

In the “Battle of Highway 8”, the Seaforth Centenaires were taking on the Clinton Radars in the Western Ontario Athletic Association hockey finals. The Centenaires came out flying, winning three of the first four games, leaving the Radars one game away from elimination.

The fifth-seeded Wingham Ironmen were in the Provincial Junior Hockey League playoffs for the North Pollock Division, but found themselves down three games to none and on the verge of being eliminated by the Hanover Barons.

Allison Stevenson and her Brock University Badgers went winless in the U Sports Women’s Hockey Championship in Prince Edward Island, but Stevenson said the tournament was the experience of a lifetime.

An 18-year-old Morris-Turnberry resident was facing two seconddegree murder charges in connection to the deaths of 69-yearold Beverly Stevenson and 65-yearold Darwin Ducharme, both of Brussels.

April Year in Revi ew

The Seaforth Centenaires finished the job against the Clinton

Radars, winning the final series of the season, allowing the Radars to win just one game of the series.

The Huron Perth Junior Farmers were honoured by the Junior Farmers Association of Ontario as the top club in the province, earning 140 of a possible 150 points in the award’s scoring system.

The Hanover Barons ended the Wingham Ironmen season with a semifinal series victory. The Barons won the fourth game of the series by a score of 4-1, sweeping the Ironmen and moving on.

Huron East Council was keeping an open mind to a process that could have resulted in the merging of the Grey and Brussels Fire

Departments, as proposed by Chief Administrative Officer Brad McRoberts.

While COVID-19 restrictions and case reporting was falling by the wayside, Huron Perth Public Health reached a solemn milestone as the two counties surpassed 100 deaths as a result of the virus.

Theo Sawchuk of Blyth, in his capacity as a volunteer with the Huron and Area Search and Rescue team, travelled to Deer Lake First Nation in Northern Ontario to aid local authorities in getting firewood and other supplies to residents in the remote community.

Local knitting enthusiasts Irene Kellins and Sharlene Bolen were

Remember Last Winter?

The Matthew Dinning Memorial Rugby Tournament was held at F.E. Madill Secondary School in Wingham for the first time in several years after cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Three teams competed, with Kincardine District Secondary School being crowned the champions when the dust settled.

Don and Cliff Schultz left a lasting legacy in the wake of their deaths, donating over $2 million to local hospitals. The cash infusion came after the auction of their collection of tractors, tools and farm figurines prior to Don’s death in 2019, but after Cliff passed away in 2013.

After several years of competition cancellations, Brussels Fall Fair Ambassador Sean Mitchell was victorious in the District 8 Ambassador competition, paving the way for him to compete for the provincial title at the Canadian National Exhibition later in the year.

On short notice, the communities of Brussels and Grey in Huron East mobilized and created a petition to “Save the Grey Fire Department” in an effort to stall a recommendation to Huron East Council to merge the two fire departments.

Emily Boyer created the petition, which quickly garnered the support of over 600 people. Furthermore, members of the Grey Fire Department met to discuss their support of the petition.

After years of turning down a similar request, North Huron Council voted to fly the Pride flag in June at its office in Wingham.

The request came from a group from F.E. Madill Secondary School.

Blyth’s Luke Townsend won a silver medal at a national plowing competition, which was held in Manitoba. It was the second time the local had won silver at the national level.

Steve Jackson and Scott Miller took the reins of the Wingham Terry Fox Run, succeeding Dale and Linda Edgar, who had organized the event for nearly 35 years.

Huron East Council unanimously voted down the proposed fire department shake-up that would have merged the Brussels and Grey Fire Departments. This came after impassioned pleas from both fire chiefs and a petition that had been signed by over 700 people pled with council to save the current fire department structure.

June Year in Revi ew

The Blyth Festival Art Gallery opened its season-long community art show with exhibits being featured at the Bainton Gallery at Memorial Hall and highlighted on social media over the summer months.

Ten-year-old Harper Watson of Wingham was named the newest Elementary School Fair Ambassador, succeeding Bryn McInnes, who had held the title for several years due to event cancellations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a decisive victory, Lisa Thompson was elected to return to her position as the MPP for HuronBruce, earning nearly 52 per cent of the votes cast in the riding.

Voter turnout in the riding was over 54 per cent, which exceeded the provincial turnout, which was estimated to be approximately 43 per cent.

Huron East Council voted to move ahead with the renovation and expansion of the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre, for a second time, after a modified tender was accepted at a higher cost than originally anticipated. The total cost Continued on page 11

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2023. PAGE 11.

Thompson re-elected, returned to cabinet in 2022 tournament. In the end, it was the Elmira Expos who won the A Championship, beating the Tavistock Merchants by a score of 5-4 in the final.

August Year in Revi ew

Four more years In June, Conservative Lisa Thompson handily returned to her post as Huron-Bruce MPP, earning nearly 52 per cent of the riding’s vote. She and her husband Dennis are seen above celebrating at the Wingham Golf and Curling Club on election night. Shortly thereafter, Premier Doug Ford returned Thompson to her cabinet position as the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. (File photo) Continued from page 10 of the project was forecast to be $7.2 million.

While the unveiling of artist Randy Jones’s mural in Blyth was met with initial fanfare, North Huron Council expressed concerns with some of the artistic choices made and omissions members felt should have been included.

The Brussels Lions Club held a special celebration to mark its 75th anniversary. Held at the Four Winds Barn, the event featured several special presentations to the club, as well as an announcement that the club would be donating $50,000 to the Inspiring Our Future campaign to aid the renovation and expansion of the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre.

Central Huron Mayor Jim Ginn announced at a council meeting that he planned to seek a return to his position in the coming municipal election. If elected, it would be his fourth term in the position.

The return of the Rutabaga

Festival in Blyth was deemed a success by organizers, who were happy with the slate of events and robust attendance.

July Year in Revi ew

After her re-election in HuronBruce, MPP Lisa Thompson was told she would also be returning to Premier Doug Ford’s cabinet as the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

The 2022 season of the Blyth Festival opened with a remount of The Drawer Boy, one of the most successful plays in Canadian history, spawned from the pen of playwright Michael Healey from his time in Blyth.

Adam Cousins, a Brussels-based musician, won the Forest City London Music Awards for both

country artist of the year and music video of the year for his song “Young Again”.

Central Huron Deputy-Mayor Dave Jewitt and North Huron Deputy-Reeve Trevor Seip both turned their attention to the top spot in their municipalities, filing to run for mayor and reeve, respectively, in the municipal election set for October.

Deanna Haanstra, 15, and Paislee Ribey, 10, were named Brussels Fall Fair Ambassador and Little Ambassador, respectively, at a special event held in Brussels to turn the crowns over after several years of Brussels Fall Fair cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Belgrave Community Centre Board honoured the late Kathy Procter with a special memorial plaque at the centre, commemorating all of the work she had done in the community.

The Brussels Tigers held their 50th anniversary invitational

The Brussels 150th Homecoming celebration served to unite the community, bringing thousands of people to the village for what proved to be a memorable long weekend full of fun and activities, all pulled together by Chairs Dan Fritz and Mike Thomas and their team of volunteers.

Steve Silcock and Garett Knight won the bathtub race at the event, returning to the winner’s circle 10 years after the pair claimed victory in the same event in the same bathtub.

The Blyth Festival was forced to cancel The Waltz, its third production of the season, due to sustained illness in the cast and crew and, as a result, lost preparation time.

Huron County Council approved the construction of a new 39-unit supportive housing building in Goderich at a cost of over $20 million.

Long-time Goderich Mayor John Grace died at the age of 64 as the result of a boating accident at his family’s Pickle Lake tourist business, Old Post Lodge Resort.

His untimely death resulted in a massive outpouring of support, including special events held in Goderich and many tributes to his legacy as a community-minded politician and volunteer.

North Huron Councillor Paul Heffer added his name to an already crowded field of those vying to be the next North Huron Reeve, joining incumbent Bernie Bailey and challengers Trevor Seip and Ranko Markeljevic.

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization pushed its site selection date back by one year, announcing that the site would be announced in 2024. Just two finalists for the site remained: Ignace, in Northern Ontario, and near Teeswater in South Bruce.

The Huron County Plowing Match welcomed more visitors to the event than any in recent memory, after two years of cancellations and truncated events due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the match, Kippen’s Luanne McGregor was crowned the Queen of the Furrow, while Jillian Shortreed from the Walton area earned the Princess crown.

Brussels Fall Fair Ambassador Sean Mitchell made it to the top seven in the provincial Ambassador competition at the Canadian National Exhibition. It was the first time a Brussels Ambassador had made it that far in the competition since Nicole Lowe made the top seven in 2002.

September Year in Revi ew

Huron Chapel in Auburn ended its lengthy search for a new pastor, naming Michael Stanley its new leader. He was set to join the church in October, coming from his home community of Wasaga Beach.

Action in the Huron County Fastball League officially wrapped up for the season, and the Belmore Stingers finished atop the league with a record of 16-4.

The Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association had a successful reunion after taking several years off due to the pandemic. President Judy Sloan said the attendance was good and that it was a thrill to welcome people back to the storied event.

Brussels native Tim Harrison was Continued on page 12

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A celebration to remember On the Civic Holiday weekend, Dan Fritz, Mike Thomas and their team put together a celebration to remember for Brussels’ 150th Homecoming. Thousands of people returned to the village to re-connect, celebration and enjoy the festivities, which included, of course, soap box derby racing. (File photo)

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PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2023.

Klaver claims Ontario crown at 2022 IPM on the project, which had been more than a year in the making.

The fourth Rural Talks to Rural conference went ahead in Brussels at the Four Winds Barn. This was the first time the conference had been held anywhere other than Blyth, going ahead in the village in 2016 and 2018 and being held virtually in 2020.

The votes had been counted and the results of the municipal election were finalized. Paul Heffer was elected as the new reeve of North Huron, while Bernie MacLellan would return as mayor of Huron East.

November Year in Revi ew

An achievement worth celebrating Maranda Klaver, second from right, the 2019 Huron County Queen of the Furrow, captured the provincial crown at last year’s International Plowing Match. Upon returning home, the Huron County Plowmen’s Association hosted a special event for her to mark the win and bring the community together. (File photo) Continued from page 11 one of 38 people who were honoured by Canada’s Governor General Mary Simon, with a Canadian Medal of Bravery.

Harrison and three others were awarded for their life-saving work in 2016 when they rescued two people from potential carbon monoxide poisoning.

Belgrave native Austin Chaffe won a Canadian Country Music Award for being the creative director of the year thanks to his

work with artists such as Dean Brody, The Reklaws and Jade Eagleson.

The Brussels Fall Fair went ahead as planned at the Four Winds Barn, with Brussels Agricultural Society President Zoellyn Onn saying it was challenging, but ultimately a success.

Despite not finishing the season in first place, the Brussels Tigers were able to claim victory in the Huron County Fastball League year-end tournament.

The London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League sparred with the Erie Otters in Clinton as a fundraiser for the Huron Residential Hospice. The teams tied at six, but it was Erie that claimed victory by way of a shootout.

Huron County 2019 Queen of the Furrow Maranda Klaver was crowned Ontario Queen of the Furrow at the International Plowing Match, held near Kemptville. She became the first Huron contestant to win the provincial crown since Melissa Sparling (now Veldman) in 2010.

October Year in Revi ew

Cam Cook was named the winner of the Jim McGee Volunteerism Award, presented by the Belgrave Community Centre Board, thanks to his extensive work throughout the Belgrave community.

Those behind the renovation and expansion of the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre were on hand to officially break ground

A rare sight Student Minister Alex Jebson, kneeling, became Reverend Alex Jebson late last year, when he was ordained at Brussels United Church. The ceremony was important for the community, as ordination is not often held in a reverend’s home community and many attended to take part in the ceremony. (File photo)

Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh Mayor and Huron County Warden Glen McNeil decided to seek another term as the top politician in Huron County, saying he had consulted with his family and colleagues and decided that the time was right to let his name stand once again.

Ty Sebastian, a member of the Brussels Tigers, was named a member of Team Canada with a berth in the Tradestaff World Baseball Softball Confederation Men’s Softball World Cup, set to be held in New Zealand later in the month.

Long-time Grey Ward Councillor Alvin McLellan was chosen as Huron East deputy-mayor, as elected by council.

With the impending retirement of Marty Bedard, the fire chief for Huron East, North Huron and Morris-Turnberry, Kent Readman was hired to fill the position.

Margaret McInroy was chosen as the Brussels and area Citizen of the Year Award winner, thanks to her extensive volunteerism with the Walton Women’s Institute, the Soup and More 2 meal and Melville Presbyterian Church.

Lissa Kolkman was named the Blyth Citizen of the Year thanks to her work with the Friends of the Village of Blyth, while Karen Webster from the Wingham area was chosen as the first-ever Huron Citizen of the Year. Webster’s work with the Blyth Repository of History and many other local organizations led to her win.

Blyth Councillor Kevin Falconer was chosen to be North Huron deputy-reeve by North Huron Council. He defeated East Wawanosh Councillors Chris Palmer and Anita van Hittersum to earn the position.

Blyth and Brussels United Church Student Minister Alex Jebson was ordained in Brussels, making him a Reverend.

December Year in Revi ew

Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh Mayor Glen McNeil was acclaimed to a second, two-year term as Huron County Warden when no one else opted to challenge him for the position.

The Huron County Plowmen’s Association held a special day for Ontario Queen of the Furrow Maranda Klaver at the Seaforth Legion. The day brought people together and honoured Klaver’s achievement.

The Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund, which was born out of the death of Blyth firefighter and Ontario Provincial Police officer Dave Mounsey, reached a milestone by donating its 150th defibrillator since the charity was founded in 2009.

The Blyth Festival announced that it is planning a seven-show season for 2023 across the Memorial Hall and Harvest Stage performance areas.

The second Blyth Festival 10x10 Art Auction raised nearly $12,000 for the Blyth Festival, returning after a successful first auction in the winter of 2020.

Seaforth’s Charlene O’Reilly was named the winner of the 2022 Sandra Thompson Memorial Accessibility Champion Award by the Huron County Accessibility Advisory Committee.

Team Canada, featuring Ty Sebastian of Brussels, won a silver medal in New Zealand at the World Softball Championships.

The Inspiring our Future campaign to raise money for the renovation and expansion of the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre exceeded its lofty fundraising goal of $2 million, with a total in excess of $2.4 million and counting.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2023. PAGE 13.

BLYTH Y 519-523-4244

+XURQ7UDFWRU FRP

Huron County woman’s innovation finds fans

Finally Huron County’s Michelle Durnin created Durnin Farm and Ranch Wear to address a gulf in farm clothing that didn’t accommodate women. Since taking the leap, she has seen tremendous interest in the clothing she’s created. (Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot photo) workwear called Durnin Farm and Ranch Wear.

The Rural Voice “I never pictured myself as a Michelle Durnin says she is a risk- business owner, but as I saw more taker who is willing to “try women in business, I decided to run anything” and this approach has with this idea and have discovered I stood her in good stead as she do genuinely love being an launches a new women’s work entrepreneur,” says Durnin from her clothing business online. farmhouse kitchen in Huron County.

Tired of wearing overalls that It has been a pleasant surprise. She made her feel “frumpy”, slid off her remembers watching her father shoulders and didn’t fit women’s manage employees on the family curves, Durnin is now working with farm near Ancaster and thought “that pattern makers, manufacturers and wasn’t for me.” She decided to brokers to create her own line of pursue her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Guelph and embarked on a career as an agronomist in Haldimand County. When she moved to Huron County to marry Marshall Durnin, she took on the job of precision agriculture specialist with Delta Power b e f o r e returning to her agronomy roots and While Huron County’s Michelle Durnin becoming an independent says she never pictured herself as an c r o p entrepreneur, she now truly relishes the c o n s u l t a n t . position. (Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot photo) She provides

By Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot

Creativity

crop advice to the Durnin family and also helps in the fields, when needed.

Durnin has grown up wearing overalls and work pants and believes it gives women confidence when they wear something warm that makes them “invincible against the mud.”

She admits to being a “notoriously cold person” and was never the one who could ride her horses in jeans to look cute. “I always rode in overalls,” she laughs. However, most of those overalls were designed for men and she felt frumpy and uncomfortable. Plus, the darn straps kept falling down.

“I am a colourful person and I like to show off my personality and I started to think how great it would be to have workwear that fit and was in different colours,” says Durnin.

As she met more farm women via her work as an agronomist, she realized there were many women who literally never left the farm.

“Like me, they probably have lots of nice clothes in there that never get worn because they have no place to wear them.”

All the more reason, Durnin thought, to wear clothes at home that fit right and make a woman feel confident. Taking the idea and making it a business required confidence as well. Though she doesn’t believe in moaning about the lack of women in agricultural businesses, she does believe representation matters. As she did research into the possibility of running her own workwear business, she discovered online western boutiques run by women from their own homes. That fueled her courage to launch her own business.

Two years ago, she began looking for a manufacturer. Durnin actually started with the Amish community, hoping to find a skilled seamstress.

She discovered the Amish are really quite busy and couldn’t find a taker.

Durnin then reached out to a relative who had worked in corporate apparel who provided a contact with a general contractor in the Toronto area who works as a liaison between designers and factories where the sewing gets done. The contractor also connected Durnin with a pattern maker.

“It took at least one year to finalize the pattern and source material,” remembers Durnin.

The pattern is key. To truly fit women, Durnin made some big changes from traditional men’s overalls. She pulled the bib up higher to cover and support women’s breasts. Next she designed a fitted waist and added seams in the legs to reduce bagginess and give the overalls a more tailored look.

The strap buckles were designed so they wouldn’t come undone at inopportune times while the straps were made to be elastic so they could stretch. Instead of buttons at the sides, the overalls are fitted with zippers because “who has time for buttons?” she said. Finally, she designed smaller sizes to fit small women, while offering larger sizes as well, in both regular and long lengths.

Best of all, the overalls come in feminine colours including rose and grey, two-tone navy blue and two-

tone grey.

This year’s design revamp includes a cell phone pocket and syringe holders in the chest pocket for farm women and veterinarians to have a handy place to store them while needling livestock.

Durnin’s manufacturer required a minimum order of 100 and she launched her new overalls in November of last year, just about selling out before Christmas. At $254 for an unlined pair and $287 for a lined pair, the overalls are an investment for a quality product.

As Durnin considers her business future, she admits that manufacturing in Canada is very, very expensive. She would like to have a combination of Canadian and overseas production to lower production costs. “It is nice to have some in-country production, but at the end of the day, I want to ensure affordability as well,” said Durnin.

She also plans to expand the line to include coveralls, themed t-shirts and a few key men’s pieces.

Plus, she hopes to expand the line into local retail stories. “There are still people who prefer in-person shopping experiences and, as you can see (speaking of where the farm is situated, far from town), I am really not in a central location.”

As Durnin considers what advice she could offer entrepreneurs, her first words are “try anything.”

Before this, she was selling horse trailers from the United States into Canada, which provided the seed money for this venture.

“Do not be afraid of failing,” said Durnin. “I really don’t care what people think of me and I don’t worry if I fail. I think you learn so much from each experience that can be

used for your next venture.”

Having said that, she admits that any start-up takes a lot of capital and that most clothing businesses take five years to turn a profit. A selfprofessed risk-taker, she used the funds from one side-hustle to fund this one, but knew she still had the farm and her agronomy business on which she could rely. “I wasn’t risking the farm.”

As she moves ahead with dreams and plans for her workwear business, Durnin imagines a career where she is able to have a 50/50 balance with both businesses as the seasonality of farm work works well with a home-based business. She loves her agronomy work but also finds real satisfaction in being in control of her own days and having the ability to create. “I feel fully responsible for my own success and failure and I feel that is a good type of pressure to have.”

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PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2023.

Classified Advertisements – RATES – 20 words or less only $8.00 + HST Additional words 20¢ ea. + HST

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Articles for sale 2012 CHRYSLER TOURING CAR, well maintained, certified, $8,300.

226-421-3005 or 416-879-8979.

01-2 -------------------------------------------GERBERS FIREWOOD SERVING you for over 15 years. Your number one source of quality slabwood and bodywood. Delivery available. No Sunday calls. 519-274-1236, 519441-2085.

01-50p -------------------------------------------REPRINTS OF PHOTOS taken by Citizen photographers are available to purchase. All are in colour. 4x6 – $5.00, 5x7 – $6.00, 8x10 – $10.00. Phone to order 519523-4792 or 519-887-9114. tfn -------------------------------------------THE CITIZEN IS AVAILABLE TO purchase at these locations – Auburn Co-op, Auburn Esso, Belgrave Variety, Blyth Variety, Blyth Food Market, Blyth Ultramar, Brussels Foodland, Brussels Variety, Clinton Convenience, Clinton Foodland, Fogal’s YIG in Wingham, Wingham Mini Mart, Seaforth Foodland, GT Mini Mart in Seaforth, Fincher’s in Goderich, Goderich Victoria St. Shell and The Citizen Blyth.

Births

Card of thanks In memoriams SCOTT. Wow! We have always been proud of our community and how everyone comes together in times of grief and troubles, and your overwhelming support on behalf of Kevin humbled us beyond measure.

If you were involved in Kevin’s life you were important to him, and that was important to us. We cannot begin to thank everyone for everything you have done – from the hugs, the food, the stories you shared of Kevin and the generosity of paying for the bar at his memorial.

We will always remember your kindness. – Kevin’s loving family.

01-1p

Coming events SEAFORTH AGRICULTURAL Society AGM will be held on January 18, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. at the Seaforth Agriplex.

01-2 -------------------------------------------SING! SING! SING! – COME sing with us! The Seaforth Harmony Kings. All welcome, Tuesday nights, 7:15 p.m., Seaforth Public School.

Experience the joy of singing fourpart harmony. For information call 519-887-9181.

01&03 -------------------------------------------SORRY WE HAVEN’T HAD THE Famous Fish Fry in a few months – we’ve been hopping this Christmas season. The Wingham Columbus Centre would like to invite you to our Famous Fish Fry on Friday Jan. 13 from noon to 6:30 p.m. This month will be take-out only, we are doing some renovations to our large hall. Enjoy battered or grilled white fish or chicken fingers, potato (fries or baked potato), coleslaw and dinner roll. $18, taxes included. Call 519-357-1270 to reserve your fish.

01-1

Citizen-To-Citizen “SWAP SHOP” ad

CALDWELL. In loving memory of a special mom, grandma and greatgrandma, Gladys Caldwell who passed away January 11, 2014.

Gone from us that smiling face, The cheerful pleasant ways, The heart that won so many friends, In bygone, happy days.

A life made beautiful by kindly deeds, A helping hand for others’ needs.

To a beautiful life, Comes a happy end, She died as she lived, Everyone’s friend.

– Love your family.

01-1p

Yard sale STITCHES WITH A TWIST – indoor yard sale Thursday, Jan. 5 to Saturday, January 7, noon to 4 p.m.

Selling all remaining stock and fixtures. 404 Queen St., Blyth. 01-1

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

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

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Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca FOR SALE - Honda H580 snowblower, plug-in option for starting, $500. 226-880-1948.

51-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE - air fryer, brand new, bought for over $200, will sell for $85; handmade hooked mats, brand new, Shillcraft yarn. 519-612-1112.

51-3 -----------------------------------------FREE - CPAP machine for a person experiencing sleep apnea.

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FOR SALE - Class 1 Stihl chainsaw boots, size 12, never used, $70 or best offer; Dakota insulated winter safety boots with removable liners, size 12, never used, $100 or best offer. Please text 519-887-9577.

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Help wanted HELP WANTED Looking for part-time help on broiler farm.

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2023. PAGE 15.

Holidays rearranged in Walton due to storm PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

It was an unforgettable Christmas for 2022. The storm “bomb” started in the early hours of Friday morning and did not take long to become a full-blown snowstorm.

The roads became treacherous, visibility was limited and strong winds were blowing snow around.

Travel plans for many were put on hold. I spent the two days staying at home cleaning, doing laundry, baking, wrapping gifts and wondering if we would be gathering for Christmas. Our family was not gathering until Boxing Day, so I had Christmas Day to get ready.

So what did you do to keep busy during the storm? We had lots of warning about the storm coming, so, while grocery shopping, I picked up a few extra things for baking. One of the gifts I give our three children’s families is a box of mostly homemade goodies. This year’s box included bits and bites, reindeer chow, shortbread cookies, oatmeal coconut cookies, pickled eggs, apple pies, frozen meatballs, candied mixed nuts, salsa, rice krispie squares and a few other purchased favourite things. You can

spend lots of time baking!

The storm that gripped the area reminded me of the Christmas of 1984. The storm started on the Dec. 25. We were at Christmas in Mitchell when my grandmother took ill. We made it home through the storm, but it was a slow trip.

The storm did not let up over Boxing Day, so no hospital visit and we received the news of my grandmother’s passing. The storm continued for another three days and we made another tricky ride to Mitchell for the visitation and funeral. That was 38 years ago.

It stormed also in 1983. The three days before Dec. 25 were again very stormy. Our two children were at grandma’s house in Mitchell and we could not travel down to get them. Waking Christmas morning was awful without our children at home. It was Boxing Day when they returned home. We spent Christmas Day celebrating with neighbours and travelling by snowmobile!

The school children had an extra day for their Christmas break when the school boards made the smart decision to cancel school on Friday, Dec. 23 due to the forecast of the major storm. It was definitely the right decision. It was not too stormy in the morning, but by bus time in the afternoon on Friday, the visibility was almost nil, so a good thing they had been cancelled.

If you missed getting your issue of The Citizen on the Friday before Christmas, you were one of many.

The two rural carriers in Brussels

went into sort and packed up to head out, but that was a shortlived thought. The blowing snow made it too difficult to see approaching traffic from behind. The build-up of snow around boxes from the plow could have caused getting stuck very easily. Some mail was delivered, but not much. Safety for all is the important issue, so, our apologies. The days of the motto “through snow or rain, or sleet or hail, the mail must go through” is not as important as someone’s life.

For many, the Tuesday following Boxing Day was also a day off work. It was a nice day, but we stayed at home and put away some Christmas “mess”. When getting ready for Christmas, I have to look for the wrapping paper. Pile it on the extra bed and put it away later!

We have been on childcare duty for our two-and-a-half-year-old grandson for a week. Between Papa and Auntie Alicia, they covered a couple of early days of the week and then I was home for the next three days with him. He is a good little man to play alone and a great little sleeper. A week goes by quickly and then mom and dad were home again. Lots of grandparents were on childcare duties over the holidays.

Karen Hoegy had a special event with family in early December. She travelled to Cancun, Mexico along with 49 others to attend and celebrate the wedding of her grandson Derek and his new wife Rikki. Getting to Toronto on Nov. 30 was the trick, as it was a very

Obituaries

HELENA (LANIE) PETRONELLA MARIA ALBERS Mrs. Helena (Lanie) Petronella Maria Albers passed away peacefully on Dec. 20, 2022. She was in her 79th year.

Lanie was the loving wife of Peter for 56 years and mother of Ann Marie (Paul) Fear, Marlene (Dean) Glanville, Patricia (Chris) Harburn, Pete (Leisa) Albers and Paul (Jenn) Albers.

She was the caring Oma of Natalie, Andrew, Anna, Darcy, Marina, Cody, Evan, Bryce, Chase, Alyssa, Peter, Lucas, and Chloe.

She will always be cherished by her nine siblings and Peter’s 13 siblings and their families in Holland and Canada. She will be missed by her pet Westie, Kaylee.

Lanie had an outgoing personality; she loved to have fun and wanted to experience all that life had to offer. Lanie and Peter immigrated to Canada in 1967 shortly after they were married.

Lanie and Peter lived and worked in several communities across Ontario

before settling on the home farm outside of Brussels on the 4th of Grey in 1974.

Lanie enjoyed being active, taking many walks, including the four-day walk in Holland. She learned to swim at 50 and danced every chance she got. She loved cooking, canning, baking, gardening and spending time with family. Lanie was always on the go.

She loved driving, visiting friends, shopping and playing the slots.

Lanie and Peter loved travelling to many countries around the world. Their most memorable vacation was their trip to Cuba in 2019. They had so much fun together.

Lanie was a hard worker, she was humble, inspiring and had a great love for her children and grandchildren that will last forever.

She was very proud of her family.

She always knew how to make them laugh and made them feel so loved.

We have fond memories of Oma’s Sunday breakfasts, her delicious homemade Dutch soup with those little meatballs and family time spent together. When out and about, we all loved stopping for a vanilla ice cream cone with Oma. Lanie and Peter’s marriage was one to admire; they built a life together that they are so proud of, always walking life’s journey side by side. Lanie’s love for Peter was especially evident during her final journey with Alzheimer’s.

Friends and family were invited for visitation on Thursday, Jan. 5 at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church. The Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, Jan. 6 at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church.

stormy night for travel. They ended up stuck on the 401 for two hours and were in danger of missing their flight. They made it to the airport in Toronto with only 40 minutes to spare to board.

The group was staying at the Secret Resort and Spa and Karen reports great weather, great food, a lovely wedding and a great time.

The ocean was fairly rough but some members of the group did go snorkelling and/or scuba diving.

The newlyweds live in Lucan. Also attending from Brussels were Darlene Smith and her niece Amy. Congratulations to the Hoegy family.

We start the 2023 year with New Year’s Day babies Frank Schimanski, Dave Linton, Brent Melady, Claire Mitchell, Alexandria Shahshahani and Brayden Shortreed. They are followed by Michael Craig, Don Nolan, Blake Brand, Steve Henderson, Ben Hoegy, Jodi McIntosh Nurse, Marie Blake, Julia Mitchell, Caleb Ringgenberg, Logan Terpstra, Evelyn Blake, Luke Fritz, Judy Glauser, Susan McLachlan, Rob Mitchell and

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DAVID McCULLOCH BELL David McCulloch Bell of Wingham, passed away at University Hospital in London, Ontario, on Friday, Dec. 23, 2022.

He was in his 74th year.

Dave was born April 11, 1949 in London. He was a man of uncanny wit, great intelligence and loyalty.

He will be sadly missed by his wife of 40 years, Heather McGuire-Bell of Wingham, and his children Rachel Bell (Matt Higgs), Baillie Bell (Iain Wilkinson), and Matthew Bell, as well as his brother Robert Bell (Kathy) and sister Heather DuMaresq (Bob), his brothers- and sisters-in-law and his numerous nieces and nephews.

At Dave’s request, he has been cremated and there will be no service.

Online condolences available at www.mcburneyfuneralhome.com.

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PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2023.

Radford lauds Blyth fireworks presentation

Well, 2022 is history. We take up a blank slate, so to speak. One wonders what strange things will happen in 2023. And as history shows us there will be some.

We started last year with a calamity in the nation’s capital as the “Freedom” folks paralyzed Ottawa, as well as several border crossings between Canada and our neighbour to the south. We then ended the year with another in the form of an Arctic weather “bomb”.

Moreover, the war continues between Russia and Ukraine. And we continue to wage war on COVID-19.

What many might consider another calamity of the past year was/is soaring food prices. No one, from those on fixed incomes of any kind to those whose paycheques are larger, can dispute the fact that it is costing a great deal more to keep nutritious food on the table, not to mention those other essential items like paper products, laundry detergent, pet supplies, etc. that fill the grocery cart.

Experts at the Analytics Lab forecast a family of four will spend a whopping $1,100 more in 2023 on vegetables, dairy and meat. For many, the question becomes not just what is on sale or special this week, but what can we do without?

Throughout 2022, the Toronto Star has been following these rises at the grocery store and has

published many columns about the issue. They claim that the grocery business enjoyed above-average profits in the first three quarters of the year.

Although the major grocery chains claim the prices are a reflection of their costs rising, we all know how executives can alter figures to reflect their claims. Those major food chains have other lines.

Ergo grocery profits are lumped together with drugstore sales and sometimes sales in apparel and beauty products. So, a package of steak and mascara even out on the total profit line of the financial report. One Chief Financial Officer (CFO) was quoted as saying “retail prices are not growing faster than costs and the company is not taking advantage of inflation to drive profit.” Although sales in each area can be listed separately, profits are not.

Each month when I find my grocery total higher than the previous month, I beg to differ with that CFO. Speaking of the weather over the Christmas weekend, what a difference a week makes as we watch that snow melt away. With trepidation I look out the window and wonder when the next blast will come; snow, rain, sleet, maybe some sunshine.

What a fireworks display the Blyth Community Betterment offered on New Year’s Eve! The dreary weather of the daytime hours cleared and conditions were almost perfect for the event again this year.

Gypsy Lane and the arena area were full of vehicles and many of us watched from the Lions Park and neighbouring houses. Many thanks to those responsible for ringing in the new year with a bang, including the Blyth Firefighters’ Association for the free skating.

The village of Londesborough is rather small to have many noteworthy happenings in the past year. Pianovations moved from their storefront on Blyth’s main street back to their former location on the main street in Londesborough. Services in the sanctuary, rather than online, resumed at Londesborough United Church at the beginning of August.

Over the summer, the building’s windows and doors received a much-needed painting.

Several houses in the village changed hands in 2022. It is always bittersweet when real estate in a small community changes hands.

We say goodbye to folks we’ve come to know and appreciate, yet get to welcome newcomers into our midst.

The sound of children at play is a daily constant at Hullett Central Public School now that school has resumed on a regular in-person basis. We bade farewell to Principal Dree Park at the end of June and welcomed a former Hullett teacher, Lori Stevens, to that office in September.

Early in December, the Junior volleyball teams from Hullett participated in a regional tournament. Both teams won two and lost one in the round-robin play.

Both teams played Goderich in the final game. The boys won their game and finished first in the tournament. But the girls lost to Goderich and finished in second place.

LONDESBOROUGH UNITED CHURCH The Christmas Eve service at Londesborough United Church, like others in the area, was cancelled due to the aforementioned winter blizzard that blew through.

Licensed Lay Worship Leader Sue Barnett led the first service of

2023 on Jan. 1. I believe all present that morning were pleased that Sue had included a medley of Christmas carols in her service, those familiar carols we missed singing because of the cancellation. Sue also lit all the candles in the Advent wreath to remind us anew of the messages of hope, joy, peace and love embodied in the Christmas season.

Sue’s New Year’s message was based on the scripture passage Ecc. 3:1-13. These verses remind Christians that there is a time in life for everything. Now we are at the start of a new year and there is an order to all things. She advised the congregation to live with joy, love, wisdom and pleasure in the year ahead.

Marsha Szusz and Barb Bosman played “O Holy Night” during the receiving of the morning’s offering and “Go Tell It on the Mountain” as the service postlude. These violin/piano duets were much

appreciated by those gathered that morning.

NEWS FROM LONDESBORO

Building approved Continued from page 1 building that hadn’t been built into the budget.

“Phase one would involve replacement of the material storage buildings and constructing the storm water management pond and associated site works, estimated at $5.4 million in 2023,” Lund said in his report. “Phase two would involve replacement of the operations building and remaining site works, estimated at $8.5 million, starting in late 2023 and carrying over to 2024.”

Lund told councillors that the project costs have risen by about 30 per cent when compared to when the project was first being planned.

This, he said, is in line with most construction projects after several years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said that while his department considered a number of cost-saving measures for the project, he ultimately felt they would cost the

county much more in the long run, rather than putting the money into the project now.

Lund said the county needed to tender the project in either January or February in order to have work begin in early spring.

“The structure ideally needs to be functional by October, 2023 in order to start stockpiling materials for the 2023-2024 winter maintenance season,” he said in his report.

The current structure, Lund said in his presentation, dates back several decades.

There is significant damage to the roof, with deteriorated or missing shingles and significant rot and deterioration on the inside of the storage domes.

Council approved the project as presented by Lund with an anticipated budget impact of just under $14 million over the two phases of the project, both slated to move ahead this year.

Gi a are hard to find

To the rescue Several Huron Area Search and Rescue (HASAR) volunteers put on their superhero capes over the holidays as the area was battered by relentless snowfall and high winds, closing roads and stranding many in place for several days. The organization put its new SHERP vehicle to use, transferring an infant to Exeter for a transfer to London for emergency surgery thanks to pilots Jamie Mitchell and John Groves. The group also helped with another patient transfer to Kincardine, another call in Ripley and rescuing a stranded driver who had been stuck in a vehicle with no heat for over 12 hours. The SHERP can be seen above traversing through the blizzard. (Courtesy photo)

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2023. PAGE 17.

From the Minister’s Study

Look back and be assured of God’s presence

By Pastor Gary van Leeuwen Blyth Christian Reformed Church Some years ago, I entitled my first sermon of the year, “Backing into the New Year”. The point was this: when we face the future, it is helpful to look to the past, and we can expect that our futures won’t look all that much different from the past. Of course, our view of the future will largely depend on what we see in the past. If we perceive the past as being dull or difficult or painful, we may well expect the same for the future. On the other hand, if life has been good, we may look to the future with some optimism.

In that message from several years back, I attempted to bring a new perspective, one that is rooted in Scripture. The Old Testament contains countless references to events of the past, and it seems that telling stories from the past was a way of passing the evening hours.

We can understand why, for, without modern technology such as cheap lighting and screens for entertainment, there was little to do anything else but to talk. We can imagine families sitting around the living room in the near darkness of the late evening, and the stories began.

The biblical authors tapped into this tradition, and they felt free to refer to the past. Sometimes they included just a line or two which referred to some past event and sometimes they wrote entire chapters in which they described many events. Some of the psalms (Psalms 105, 106, 107, for example) include lengthy descriptions of past events wherein the psalmist seeks to teach his listeners a lesson about life. In the New Testament, the book of Acts has several lengthy retellings of history (Stephen in Acts 6, for example) in which the authors also tried to make a point. History provided a lesson for both the present and the future.

We have entered into another year and none of us has any idea of what 2023 will bring. Some of us will be celebrating the birth of a new baby, others anticipate a wedding, and all of us will have another birthday.

Actually, the last is not true, for there will be some among us who will not celebrate another birthday.

Not everything that will happen in 2023 will be good. We hope for the best, but even if we do everything right, we will be impacted by circumstances beyond our control.

When war breaks out in another

part of the world, we are impacted here, and that impact is not normally good. Although we might be hopeful about 2023, there are no guarantees.

And that is why we need to back into the future. The Bible encourages us to look back into the past and see how God has been at work. We discover that there were many, many strange and difficult situations, but, at the same time, God was present through them all.

Never once did God fail his people.

Never once did they find a time when he was not available to them when they sought him out. God was always there, even when the people ignored him or refused to acknowledge his sovereignty over their lives. God was faithful.

And it is with that that we can enter into the future. Even if the worst happens to us, we can be confident that God will be with us.

The question isn’t whether or not God will be faithful; the question is whether or not we will notice his faithfulness and find our help and our strength in him. One of the greatest comforts we can have is that someone is looking after us, and we can be assured that God is.

It is also good to know that not only is he very capable, but that he also has made a commitment to us.

Especially if we have accepted the gift of his grace found in Jesus Christ, we can be assured of God’s faithfulness to us.

Now, one thing we must also accept is this: God doesn’t always

Brussels Mennonite Fellowship Join Us In 2023, As We

Come Worship With Us Sundays at 10:00 am All Are Welcome

Sunday, Jan. 8, 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Mike Stanley, “Receive Power and Be My Witnesses” (Acts 1:1-15)

Wingham United Church 217 Minnie Street, Wingham Sunday Morning Worship at 9:30 am Sunday School at 10:30 am Our Christmas Eve Cantata and Communion has been rescheduled to Sunday, January 15 at 9:30 am Services available on YouTube Rev. Colin S. Snyder rev.colinsnyder@gmail.com winghamunited@hurontel.on.ca winghamuc.webs.com

Wheelchair accessible 519-357-2961 and parking

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

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

Trinity

BLYTH 9:00 AM

119 John’s Ave., Auburn 519-526-1131

BRUSSELS

Sunday, January 8 9:30-10:30 a.m.

You are invited to join us downstairs as the Session leads the e service, under the direction of our interim moderator, Rev. Amanda Bisson.

B

Soup & More 2 Friday Jan. 6 - We look forward to serving you a turkey dinner with all the trrimmings in celebration of the New Year!

May the LORD bless you and keep you in 2023!

For pastoral care concerns please call 519-524-7512

Sunday, January 8 at 10 a.m.

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

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For additional details please visit: brusselscommunitybiblechapel.com

St. John’s

BRUSSELS 12 NOON

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

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BRUSSELS S

U United Chu ur urch Sundayy, Januarry 8, 2023 we invite yo you to o worship with us at 11 1 a.m.

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

Blyth United Church "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."John 1:1

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Nursery & Sunday School during worship

promise to be faithful forever, so we can be certain that he will be with us in 2023. We may make New Year’s resolutions, but we will probably break them, because we are not as faithful as God. God has resolved to care for us, and we can be confident that he will. It is with this assurance that we face 2023.

As we enter into this year, let’s not forget to keep an eye on the past (backing into the future) so that we can be assured of God’s presence.

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

All are welcoome

Evangelical Missionary Church

take away difficult circumstances.

It would be nice to know why, but we aren’t given the reasons that we have to face difficulties and sufferings. God doesn’t make our lives perfect, but we can be assured that he will support and sustain us through whatever trials may come our way.

How do we know that? Because the God who never changes has proven himself over and over again in the past. Not only has he been faithful, but he has also made the

Outreach project is the Northern Huron Connection Centre in Wingham

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

THE CATHOLIC PARISHES OF NORTH HURON AND NORTH PERTH

OUR CHURCHES HAVE RE-OPENED. WELCOME BACK. Brussels: St. Ambrose Saturday ~ 6:00 p.m.

17 Flora Street Wingham: Sacred Heart Sunday ~ 9:00 a.m.

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

1025 Wallace Avenue N. Facebook: Search for St. Joseph/Sacred Heart/St. Ambrose Live Sunday Mass, Sundays at 10:00 a.m.

PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2023.

Growing Project makes second-largest donation PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE

By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188

A day off This stop sign in Brussels was irrelevant over the holidays, as there was enough snow in the village to nearly submerge it, so surely no one was driving on the snow-packed streets. This picture, submitted by Huron East Councillor Justin Morrison, shows just how much work was waiting for Huron East public works employees after three days of driving snow hit the area.

(Courtesy photo)

The corn harvest was completed in early November and that was followed by drying and then the sale of the corn. The group is so very grateful to everyone who contributed in any way to another successful growing project. This year, the group was able to forward a cheque to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank for $29,500 this growing year, which is the secondlargest contribution the group has been able to make in the 21 years that the project has been operating.

This is definitely one of the most cost-effective Outreach projects that a relatively small group can do.

Living in this beautiful part of Canada, we are blessed with so much and this is a wonderful opportunity to reach out our hand to those in this world that have not been given many of the advantages that we take for granted. Giving to

those who are less fortunate is what the season of Christmas and the promise of a New Year are really all about.

The group hopes to be able to carry on with the Belgrave Community Growing Project again in 2023 and look forward to continued support. *** There was no Christmas Eve service at Knox United Church, Belgrave, due to the inclement weather conditions. On Sunday, Dec. 25 there was no service.

Jim Hess, was the guest speaker on New Year’s Day with Linda Hess playing the piano.

Mr Hess’s scripture lesson was taken from 1 Corinthians 5: verses 17-18 and Psalm 24. His reflection was entitled “New Beginnings” (Colossians 3: 23-24).

Kim Walker will be providing an update on the Collaborative Ministry talks that she and Connie Shiell have been involved in. This update will take place right after the church service on Jan. 8.

On Sunday, Jan. 8 a Christmas service with Christmas hymns takes place. Everyone is welcome.

The next Community Coffee Break is on Tuesday, Jan. 10 from 9:30 - 11 a.m. Come and enjoy fellowship coffee and snacks.

Everyone is welcome.

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2023. PAGE 19.

NH committees set During its Monday night meeting, North Huron Township Council named a number of representatives to committees and also identified its Community Emergency Management Co-ordinator (CEMC).

Council voted to name Chad Kregar its CEMC. Kregar, a Deputy-Chief in the Fire Department of North Huron, was recently named the Huron County Mutual Aid Fire Association Fire Co-ordinator.

North Huron’s CEMC alternate is recently-named North Huron Fire Department Chief Kent Readman.

Council committee representation for 2022-2026 is as follows: • Alice Munro Festival of the Short Story Committee: Councillor Mitch Wright • Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Drinking Water Source Protection Committee - Central Grouping (representing North Huron, Morris-Turnberry and Huron East): Reeve Paul Heffer • Coalition for Huron Injury Prevention (CHIP): Councillor Ric McBurney • Community Safety and WellBeing Plan Advisory/Oversight Committee: McBurney • Huron County Sustainable Huron Committee: Councillor Lonnie Whitfield • Huron County Water Protection Steering Committee: Councillor Chris Palmer • North Perth-North Huron Family Health Team Board (representing North Huron, MorrisTurnberry, Ashfield-Colborne-

Wawanosh, Huron-Kinloss and South Bruce): Councillor Anita van Hittersum (until September, 2023) • Wingham and Area Health Professionals Recruitment Committee: van Hittersum • Wingham Columbus Centre Joint Committee: Councillor Chris Palmer • Blyth-Hullett Landfill Site Board (North Huron and Central Huron): McBurney and DeputyReeve Kevin Falconer.

• Blyth Business Improvement Area (BIA) Board: Falconer • Maitland Valley Conservation Authority Board: van Hittersum • Westario Power Inc. Board: Heffer • Wingham Business Improvement Area (BIA) Board: Wright • Wingham Landfill Site Board: Whitfield, Palmer and Wright • Court of Revision: van Hittersum, Palmer and Falconer with Whitfield as an alternate.

• Community Emergency Management Co-ordinator: Chad Kregar • Community Emergency Mandate Co-ordinator Alternate: Kent Readman All of council will sit on the Committee of Adjustment and the Property Standards Committee.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUE

Sudoku Solution

Shih-Tzu is 75 Looks like 35 Good lovin since 1965 Love ALWAYS DON

If you don’t like Whitechurch...

So the saying goes, adapted for just about any community, facility or home, if you don’t like it, there’s the door. Well that was a little more complicated than normal over the holiday break after Mother Nature dumped centimetre after centimetre of snow on the area, closing roads and wreaking havoc with everyone’s travel plans. Margie Beck of Whitechurch sent in this picture of her back door, which would need a bit of a clean-up before anyone wanted to use it to head outside. (Courtesy photo)

Huronview report coming

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron County Council is seeking more information on a farm research opportunity proposed for the Huronview Demonstration Farm just outside of Clinton.

Forest Conservation Officer Dave Pullen presented a report on the proposal to Huron County Council at its Dec. 21 meeting, which was held virtually via Zoom, saying he felt it was a good idea.

“An opportunity has presented itself to partner with the University of Guelph and the University of Waterloo to conduct research on the tile drainage project at the Huronview Demonstration Farm.

The research would be aimed at understanding groundwater, agronomy and drainage system influences on tile water quality and

quantity,” Pullen said in his report to council.

“The research opportunity would include drilling a series of six monitoring wells adjacent to the agricultural fields on the property at a depth of 25 to 35 metres. The wells would be professionally drilled at a cost of approximately $45,000, for which the cost would be covered by a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada grant that would provide funding to the project. Following up to 10 years of research, the county would have the option of keeping the wells open for future ground water monitoring or of having the wells properly decommissioned with that cost being covered by the University of Guelph.”

Pullen told council that he felt the proposal would complement other ongoing research projects at the

farm and would bring in “significant research dollars to the project.” He also felt it might strengthen future research partnerships with the two aforementioned universities.

“The project has been discussed with staff from the AusableBayfield Conservation Authority and the Huron County Soil and Crop Improvement Association, who are interested in this research,” Pullen said in his report. “If county council is interested in this research project opportunity, council could request that staff proceed to investigate the details further, including the costs and liability, and bring back an information report for council’s consideration.”

Council agreed, approving Pullen’s recommendation, asking for a report to return to council at a later meeting.

Time to Celebrate!

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

2" wide x 3" high

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includes colour

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$30 + tax

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

PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2023.

Winter Blowout Sale! %

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