The Citizen - June 11, 2020

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• Editorials • Obituaries • Home & Garden • Music

The

THIS WEEK

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Huron County’s most trusted independent news source Volume 36 No. 24

Thursday, June 11, 2020

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Seaforth Fall Fair cancelled for 2020

Flying high The Walton Raceway is now open for select events with many health and safety protocols in place, including prescreening, an emphasis on physical distancing and no overnight camping. It was included in the first phase of the provincial reopening. Since then, the raceway has hosted

numerous practice events and a mud bog before hosting a special workout session for some of the province’s top riders last Friday, many of whom took the opportunity to kick up some dirt and catch some air on some of the raceway’s bigger jumps, like Spencer Deleye, above. (Denny Scott photo)

It is with heavy hearts that the Board of Directors of the Seaforth Fall Fair announce the cancellation of the 2020 fair, originally scheduled for Sept. 17-20.

Using all information currently available, the board has unanimously decided that the safety of our visitors, volunteers, staff and vendors is our primary concern.

The Seaforth Agricultural Society enjoys bringing its community together to celebrate and promote agriculture. With this in mind, directors, fall fair team and volunteers will be working on different ways to continue to celebrate and educate about agriculture in our community.

The Society wishes to thank you for your generous support in the past and for the future years and hope that you will be part of our fair for 2021. Please follow the Society’s social media and website, www.seaforthagriculturalsociety. on.ca for online content in the coming months.

The Seaforth Agricultural Society looks forward to celebrating its 175th fall fair in the style it was intended. The Society looks forward to seeing everyone in 2021 for another successful and fun fair at a time when everyone can congregate safely and with peace of mind.

Auburn’s Huron Chapel marks 40th anniversary

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Last Sunday, Huron Chapel in Auburn marked its 40th anniversary, though the celebration looked a bit different than past anniversary celebrations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The milestone service was conducted online and included a retrospective slide show and a virtual potluck meal, but those involved didn’t allow the pandemic to dampen their enthusiasm for such an impressive milestone for a church in a community the size of Auburn.

Pastor Ernest Dow, who came on board with the church when Blyth’s Living Water Christian Fellowship closed its doors a few years ago, assisted by Children Youth and Family Pastor Rob Campbell, conducted the service with the help of others online.

According to the church’s history, its official anniversary date is regarded as April 20, 1980, which is

when Huron Chapel officially became a member of the Missionary Church of Canada, which is now the Evangelical Missionary Church. On that Sunday, 15 charter members joined the new church, some of whom are still alive and members today.

However, the roots of Huron Chapel began to take hold even earlier.

In 1969, a group of men affiliated with the Huron Christian Men’s Association (among them Ron Mallock, Dave Rolston, Alf Hoy, Ralph Tomkins, Norm Bonnet, Bill

Hoy and Doug Campbell) felt a strong church presence was needed in Auburn. Together, they raised $500 to purchase the former Presbyterian Church in Auburn and the first Huron Chapel evening service was held on July 4 of 1971.

Rev. John McKinney of Teeswater

was the guest speaker and The Watchmen Quartet performed music that night.

In an interview with The Citizen, long-time member John Stoll said the founders of the church felt there needed to be a Gospel presence in Continued on page 29

COVID-19 cases rise slightly in H-P

By Denny Scott The Citizen Huron and Perth Counties now have 55 confirmed cases of COVID19, up two from the same time last week.

Of those cases, 41 are from Perth County, with 26 in Stratford, four each in St. Marys and North Perth, three in Perth East and two each in Perth South and West Perth. Of those, one case in Stratford remains unresolved as do two in St. Marys.

Huron County has three each in

Bluewater and South Huron, two each in Ashfield-ColborneWawanosh and Goderich and one each in Huron East and MorrisTurnberry. One case in Huron County remains unresolved.

No long-term care or retirement home outbreaks remain ongoing in the Huron Perth Public Health team’s area, with the last outbreak, a single case at Maitland Manor in Goderich, being declared over on June 1.

A total of seven centres declared outbreaks since the start of the

pandemic: Hillside Manor in Perth East which had one case and was declared over on April 14, Greenwood Court in Stratford which had 16 cases and was declared over on May 11, Huronview in Huron East which had one case and was declared over on May 11, Blue Water Rest Home in Bluewater which had one case and was declared over May 13, Braemar Retirement Centre in North Huron which had two cases and was declared over May 19 and Exeter Villa in South Huron which had one

case and was declared over on May 20.

In total, the area has had 23 confirmed COVID-19 cases in healthcare workers, all 23 of which have been resolved.

In total, 4,087 COVID-19 tests have been completed across the area outside of long-term care homes resulting in 3,944 negative responses and 88 tests pending. In long-term care or retirement homes, 2,840 residents and staff were tested while 57 tests have been conducted on emergency child care centre staff.

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020. PAGE 3.

Wild chervil poses threat to agriculture: Alcock

A new threat Wild chervil, which is part of a the giant hogweed family, has made its way into Huron County and it may have a negative impact on local farms according to Morris-Turnberry Director of Public Works Mike Alcock. He’s actively looking for farmers who are seeing this weed and seeking their help in controlling it. This outbreak is located at Moncrieff Road and Martin Line.

(Denny Scott photo)

By Denny Scott The Citizen Huron County is facing a new threat to agriculture in wild chervil, an invasive weed that is relatively little-known in the area according to Morris-Turnberry Director of Public Works Mike Alcock.

Alcock, in an interview with The Citizen, explained wild chervil, also known as cow parsley, has been a concern in other areas like Bruce County, but it hasn’t shown up in Huron until recently. The major issue with the weed is how little is known about it and how innocuous it can appear when it’s spotted at the roadside, he said.

“People in the area aren’t used to seeing it and probably think it’s wild carrots,” he said. “Most farmers, including local farmers who have farmed the area for a long time, haven’t heard of it and now we’re finding it all over the place.”

Alcock said it’s been discovered in municipal drains and on roadsides, so it’s hard to tell where it started

and where it’s spread, but there’s a definite epicentre for the weed in Morris-Turnberry.

“Currently, it’s as far north as Cardiff Road in the Morris ward,” he said, adding the southern boundary for the outbreak is near Moncrieff Road. “It’s been discovered on Cranbrook Road, Brandon Road, St. Michaels Road, Martin Line and Clyde Line.”

While there are individual plants all over the place, Alcock said, there is a significant outbreak bordered by Clyde Line to the east, Martin Line to the West, Moncrieff Road to the south and Cranbrook Road to the North.

“It will spread out from there,” he said. “I’ve seen isolated plants beyond that area almost everywhere… in Morris-Turnberry,” he said. “It may not be very big yet, but it could get that way very quickly.”

The plant, which is regulated by the provincial Weed Control Act due to its known impact on agriculture, is difficult to control for several

A refreshing draught to a weary traveler!

(J.R. Miller) “I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways.” Psalm 119:15 The habit of laying up a text of Scripture in the morning, to be meditated upon while engaged in the business of this world through the day, is both profitable and delightful.

It is as a refreshing draught to a weary traveler!

Nothing is more helpful and practical in Christian living, than the habit of getting a verse or phrase of Scripture into the mind and heart in the morning. Its influence stays through the day, weaving itself into all the day’s thoughts and words and experiences.

Every verse in the Bible is meant to help us to live, and a good devotional book opens up the precious teachings which are folded up in its words.

A devotional book which takes a Scripture text, and so open sit for us in the morning, that all day long it helps us to live, becoming a true lamp to our feet, and a staff to lean upon when the way is rough—is the very best devotional help we can possible have.

What we need in a devotional book which will bless our lives, is the application of the great teachings of Scripture to common daily, practical life.

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

reasons, Alcock said, including its own physiology and because it grows on the borders on agricultural fields. As it has no natural competition, it can infiltrate fields and is a very competitive plant, Alcock said, taking both space and nutrients from crops.

“It’s very difficult to control,” he said. “It’s resistant to a lot of herbicides, is very aggressive and propagates by seed very quickly.”

Alcock said the plant has a twoyear life cycle. During the first year, it can go unnoticed as it doesn’t flower, however in the second year it flowers, spreads seeds and dies.

“The plant has a very deep taproot,” Alcock said. “Even RoundUp will only kill the top growth. It won’t get the root and then the plant can regrow from the taproot.”

Alcock said controlling the top growth will prevent the plant from going to seed, but that control has to be persistent or else it will seed.

“You have to make sure it doesn’t flower again when you focus on the top growth,” he said.

As far as what kind of agricultural projects are at risk, Alcock said regularly-worked soil isn’t going to be as impacted as other agricultural practices like organic farming, pasture-land or no-till cropland.

“Because it goes to seed in a second year, it’s not a big problem in plowed fields,” he said. “It is still a concern with roadside growth.”

Alcock is reaching out to landowners for help because the municipality has no way of controlling the plant without risking

crop damage as it gets closer to farmers’ fields, something the municipality can’t afford.

“It would be great if people try to control it,” he said, adding everyone needs to work together to deal with the species.

The municipality uses a product called Truvist, which Alcock says is the most effective herbicide when it comes to wild chervil, but it can still survive the treatment.

“We spray where we can,” he said.

“Our vegetation management contractor doesn’t want to cause crop damage, so we spray as close as is safe, but that leaves a little strip of untreated plants.”

That untreated strip is a problem, he said, because farmers don’t typically like to use Round-Up or other weed killers over property lines because it can cause strips of barren earth which allow weeds to propagate faster.

While mowing can control the weed, he said the flowering and propagating of the plant falls in between municipal mowing cycles.

If the municipality were to try and control the weeds through mowing, it would be expensive, he said.

Alcock said there is one good thing about the plant: it’s the only one locally that has white flowers at the end of May. He said wild carrots don’t bloom this early, so, for now, the plant is easy to identify.

“You have to look closely,” he said. “The real distinguishing figure is the flower.”

He said, from afar, the flowers Continued on page 8

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PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020.

Editorials & Opinions

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

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We need clarity Anyone breaking the rules around physical distancing during this pandemic could be forgiven, as the rules are increasingly difficult to follow. What is open, what is closed, what is partially open, who you should visit and how – the answers to these questions are often unclear.

Our upper-tier governments want to appease struggling business owners and citizens who are yearning for a return to normal, but public health officials and scientists still warn that our curve is not flattened enough, so the communication to the public is confusing.

The phased opening doesn’t make sense to those of us on the sidelines. Some businesses that are required to stay closed do not seem to be more risky than some others who are able to open. All of this mixed messaging means that the fear of becoming infected is becoming diluted by the desire to return to a society where we can interact at will and resume our everyday lives.

The government agencies that set these policies need to lay out the phased reopening in a much more logical and defined way for the public to continue to take it seriously. – DS

Follow the money In The Wire, the HBO TV show widely regarded to be the best of all time, it was Detective Lester Freamon who said, “You follow drugs, you get drug addicts and drug dealers. But you start to follow the money and you don’t know where the [expletive deleted] it’s gonna take you.” This is true not just when it comes to fictional drug investigations and tainted political donations, but also in today’s complicated ethical landscape.

Last week, thousands of Twitter users circulated a graphic listing the largest corporate donors to U.S. President Donald Trump’s presidential campaign or his re-election campaign, leading some to ‘cancel’ some of these businesses. Of course, cancelling something on social media hardly has the finality it may sound like it does, but it revived the debate as to one of the few ways to make your voice heard: voting with your wallet.

In this instance, it was about Trump; if you wanted to hurt Trump’s chances at being re-elected, you would avoid giving any of your money to the businesses that give their money to him. However, this principle should be much more widespread than it is. Supporting companies that support your way of living should be something we all practise.

The first and most obvious example for this region is to shop local.

Support your friends and neighbours. If they make money, so does your community. Whether it’s supporting The Citizen to help fund the work it continues to do or shopping at a local store that, in turn, can then sponsor local hockey or soccer teams, you’re voicing support with your money.

It goes deeper than that. Give your hard-earned money to companies that use it to do what you would do if you had millions of dollars.

Businesses support charities, political candidates, churches and public projects and if you want that to continue, shop with them. If they support something against your moral fibre, do the one thing you can: pull your support. Do your part to stop whatever it is you’d like to see end. It may be small, but like our humble democracy, one little vote and millions just like it can come together to change the world. – SL

Some time to think A wordless pause absolutely pregnant with meaning dominated the news last week when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took a full 21 seconds to respond to questions about the actions of his counterpart to the south, U.S. President Donald Trump in regards to the equality protests happening south of the border.

For 21 seconds, Trudeau didn’t respond to a question about Trump’s actions and what was happening in the United States before saying he watched the protests unfold “with horror and consternation”. He then reminded Canadians that racism is here too, and needs to be addressed.

The move has been called incredible by some, idiotic by others and there has been no consensus, regardless of what side of the political spectrum the comments have been hurled.

Whether you believe the pause was an intentional action planned by Trudeau for just such a question or whether you believe it was him taking a long moment to comprehend the ramifications of his answer doesn’t matter, what matters is it was likely the safest thing he could have done.

Trudeau is stuck dealing with Trump, a man who not only tear-gassed peaceful protestors to make room for a photo opportunity, but also shot rubber bullets and flash-bang shells into the crowd so they would make way for him. He’s a dangerous, cornered man due to these protests and Trudeau needed to be careful with what he said, lest it lead to a crossborder retaliation.

Whether the pause was loaded with thought or it was just him frantically searching for a way to answer the question politically is up for debate, what shouldn’t be, however, is the necessity of the pause. – JDS

Looking Back Through the Years June 13, 1963 Brussels Village Council had been petitioned to hold a liquor plebiscite on a three-question vote in the coming weeks.

Council was presented with a petition signed by over 25 per cent of the village’s eligible voters asking that council apply to the Liquor Licence Control Board for a vote to allow the sale of beer under a public house licence for consumption on licenced premises to which women are admitted, the sale of liquor under a dining lounge licence and the sale of liquor under a lounge licence for consumption with meals on a licenced premises.

Council was moved by the petition and voted in favour of making the application.

The annual Brussels Cemetery decoration service was said to be well attended, despite the intense heat of the day. The service was carried out by the Brussels Legion and the Western Star I.O.O.F. Bishop John C. Cody was at St. Ambrose Church in Brussels for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

June 16, 1971 Brock Vodden was the guest speaker (via audio cassette) as the Blyth United Church Women (UCW) met on June 14, speaking on the education of Indigenous communities.

The Blyth PeeWee baseball team lost its two most recent games, falling to Crediton on June 10 by a score of 17-12 and then by a score of 8-1 to Goderich on June 14.

The Blyth Legion and Legion Ladies Auxiliary both held their installation of officers on June 12.

Leonard Rooney was made the president of the Legion, while Muriel Bell was named president of the Ladies Auxiliary.

For the Ladies Auxiliary, VicePresident Pat Bernard was believed to be the youngest-ever member to hold the office for the Blyth Branch.

Mr. and Mrs. Roy McVittie were surprised by their family with a special celebration for their 25th wedding anniversary. The surprise party was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Watkins.

June 16, 1999 A crash that claimed the life of a Baltimore truck driver and involved a Brussels man was still being investigated.

According to The Baltimore Sun, the 24-year-old man had picked up an excavator at a Baltimore dock, but the load sat several hundred pounds too heavy and a few feet too high for the truck.

Further investigation had found that neither drugs nor alcohol had played a role in the crash, which had claimed the life of 54-year-old Robert Taylor of Baltimore and left numerous others in serious condition.

The Blyth Lions and the HuronPerth Chapter of the Association of Bikers for Awareness, Training and Education (ABATE) were preparing for the club’s fourth annual Santa’s Summer Ride to benefit the Huron County Christmas Bureau during the summer months.

Al Harrison, principal at East Wawanosh Public School, retired from the world of education after 33 years. Over the course of his career, he had spent time at six schools in three counties.

June 10, 2010 The fourth annual Ansleigh Bontaine Memorial Golf Tournament was officially sold out, according to organizer Brent Scrimgeour. The tournament would benefit the Children’s Health

Foundation in the London Health Sciences Centre.

In its first three years, the tournament had raised more than $60,000 for the foundation. The inspiration for the tournament, Bontaine, was Scrimgeour’s niece who had died in a drowning accident in 2006.

Discussion surrounding the potential closure of Brussels and Grey Central Public Schools persisted, with delegations each making their case for their school, including one from Grey Central that focused on the merits of the Environmental Learning Grounds on the school’s property.

The Brussels Lions Club hosted its annual Elimination Draw at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre and it was Jerry Cronin of Dublin who took home the night’s top prize of $4,000.

Kayla Bishop of Bluevale graduated from the University of Guelph’s Ridgetown campus. The local woman was studying Environmental Management and was named her class’ Valedictorian.

Marie and George Blake of Brussels celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary with their family and friends.

Plans for Goderich Township’s 175th anniversary were set to take place with a program that would include skits from The Farm Show, featuring Ted Johns and Janet Amos, both members of the show’s original cast, which was first produced in a Goderich Township barn.

The new Morris-Turnberry history book was in need of a name and cover art ahead of its publication in 2011, so the municipality was asking residents to come forward with their best ideas.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020. PAGE 5.

Other Views How the great have fallen

P

robably $52 million sounds like a lot of money to most people so when the sale of The Toronto Star to NordStar Capital was announced recently, it caused shrugs among the general public. For those within the newspaper business, however, it was stunning how far the newspaper that was once Canada’s largest, had fallen, To emphasize The Star’s demise, a simple comparison: in 2000, Torstar, the parent company, had a market value of $1.7 billion.

What that $52 million bought NordStar Capital would have been shocking enough if it had included only The Star, but also involved were The Hamilton Spectator, Waterloo Region Record, St. Catharines Standard, Niagara Falls Review, Welland Tribune, Peterborough Examiner and a Chinese-language newspaper as well as some 80 community newspapers – the closest to us being the Orangeville Banner.

The Globe and Mail’s business columnist Eric Reguly recently had an outstanding summary of the great newspaper’s decline.

Reguly has a close relationship with The Star, though he never worked there. His father, however, was a legendary Star reporter from the paper’s glory days. He was the reporter who, in 1966, tracked down Gerda Munsinger, a prostitute and alleged Soviet agent from East Germany whose affair with Pierre Sévigny, deputy defence minister in the government of Prime Minister John Diefenbaker, was monitored by the RCMP for security breaches.

She had been reported dead, but Robert Reguly found her living in Munich and his interview became one of the biggest scoops of the era.

The Star was so rich at the time that it could afford to finance investigative journalism, open foreign bureaus, send teams of reporters to the world’s hot spots and give the most intensive

Keith Roulston From the cluttered desk coverage of the Canadian and Ontario governments.

When I was a young journalism student at nearby Ryerson Institute (now University) we were awarded the special privilege of having access to The Star’s morgue (library of newspaper clippings), which in the days long before Google, was the best source of information in Canada. I was still in Toronto when the paper’s publisher announced breaking ground on 1 Yonge St., the new Toronto Star building and the first office tower south of the Gardiner Expressway, beside Lake Ontario.

The area is now crowded with office buildings.

Many years later as part of the Ontario Community Newspaper Association, I was impressed to tour the newspaper’s new printing plant in the north end of the city where robots carried half-tonne rolls of newsprint to the exact spot they’d be needed to keep the press running for the quarter-million or so copies printed every day.

Those were the days when the Saturday Star was a hernia-inducing, three-inch thick slab that provided reading material all weekend long.

But it was also the era when the roots of the current demise were planted. Many big American publishers were buying up other newspapers, and The Star did too. As long as all

those newspapers are profitable, it’s a winning strategy, but if many of them hit hard times simultaneously, the losses multiply.

When the digital revolution hit, many newspapers struggled to adapt to a stunning new reality, but it can easily be argued that The Star made more mistakes than others. Its first stab at the problem was to try to maintain readership among the digital generation by providing all the news free online. The theory was that if enough people read the newspaper’s website, they could sell enough advertising to pay the bills while saving on the expense of printing newspapers.

The problem was that no local newspaper can amass as large an audience as Google or YouTube, which will attract the bulk of advertising. Meanwhile, giving the news away free undercut sales of the paper product, which reduced circulation and how much the paper could charge advertisers in the newspaper.

When the failure of this strategy became obvious, management went in the opposite direction. They spent $50 million setting up a tablet edition of the newspaper people would have to subscribe to. It’s a plan that has worked for The Globe and Mail, The New York Times and The Washington Post, but online buyers tend to subscribe only to the big players, and The Star no longer was. As revenues shrunk, reporting staff at all the Torstar newspapers shrank. A newspaper only has news to sell, and if you have fewer reporters, you have less news – which is why Deb Sholdice, publisher of The Citizen has fought so hard not to reduce reporting staff, unlike other local papers.

No doubt The Star’s new owners have a rescue plan. Here’s hoping it works. We need strong news-gathering organizations.

Canada needs to deal with its racism

A

s humans, we’re not really wired to admit when we’re wrong because we have this habit of tying our beliefs not to facts, but to emotions.

Instilling emotion into what should be factbased can affect issues as small as believing your grandma makes the best apple pie (which is ridiculous, because mine does, end of discussion) or large issues like believing that racism isn’t as big a problem in Canada as it is in the United States.

The practice is tied to our egos and I’ll be the first to admit that I have a problem admitting I’m wrong. There have been some nearlegendary rows in The Citizen’s office resulting from me relying on the wrong source and eventually being proven wrong. It’s something I work on, but it’s also something that’s dogged me most of my life.

Some psychologists call it “psychological rigidity” and say it’s a defence mechanism. A person’s subconscious tells them that if they don’t admit they’re wrong and in fact double down and claim they’re right even in the face of insurmountable mountains of evidence, it can somehow shield them from the consequences of being wrong, which, in our society, can result in loss of stature or facing ridicule.

Sorry, that’s a lot of Joe Friday-style “just the facts” to drop on readers. I know, I usually try to couch these things in experiences I have at home or on the job and make them a bit more folksy and relatable, but right now those kinds of platitudes aren’t important. What is important is that we can’t deny racism exists in Canada. Also, there isn’t a single story about my life I’d feel comfortable comparing to the day-in, day-out differences that people of different ethnicities would feel because, while I sympathize with them, it just isn’t possible for me to empathize with them. Why? Because I’m white and born into privilege because of it.

There’s this argument out there that white people can be white without being privileged.

That white people who are born and live on the

Denny Scott Denny’s Den wrong side of the tracks are somehow not benefitting from centuries of systemic racism.

That’s not true. Whether you're rich or poor, if you’re white, you benefit from the colour of your skin. Period.

No one can deny it happens, especially if you’re white, which I realize, I am. I’m superwhite. I’m pre-used-parchment-paper-white.

All of us white people, regardless of which corner of Europe our ancestors called home, have benefitted from the fact that we’re white because society treats us differently, whether we want it to or not.

A white person walking into a store is treated differently than a person of any other race. A white person walking at night doesn’t instill the same fear and you better believe a white person being pulled over by a police officer has a lot less to fear, even here in Canada, than those of other races do. It’s an inconvenient fact that we can’t ignore any longer because… well, we need to be better people to be on the right side of history.

It’s not just racism. Canada’s pretty sexist as well and, again, it may not be the in-your-face kind of sexism we see in other parts of the world, but it’s systemic and it needs to be fixed.

Want to argue or say I’m making unfounded statements? I’ll save you the time. Last year the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants showed that racial disparities in Canada are still happening, based on documents like the 2016 national census: 20.8 per cent of peoples of colour in Canada are low income compared to 12.2 per cent of non-racialized people.

Racialized women earned 58 cents and racialized men earned 76 cents for every dollar a white man earned in Ontario in 2015.

The 2016 census shows that Indigenous people make at least 33 per cent less than nonIndigenous men, with Indigenous women making 45 per cent less than non-indigenous men.

Black students, who made up 12 per cent of the Toronto District School Board student population, represented 48 per cent of all expulsions. Similar but lesser disparities between population numbers and expulsion existed for Indigenous students, Eastern students, Mediterranean people and Southwest Asian students.

Those are just some of the points that were made in the study, which also dealt with nonwhite people facing higher incarceration rates, higher housing costs (paired with lower incomes) and decreased food security.

Last year Ipsos Canada released some pretty damning statistics in a report about racism showing that half of Canadians feel that it’s okay to have racist thoughts. Twenty-six per cent of Canadians, according to the poll, feel it’s more acceptable to be prejudiced against Muslims and Arabs. Furthermore, three in 10 Canadians believe stereotypes about Muslims while two in 10 believe Jewish people are controlling Canada’s financial and media sectors.

Sean Simpson, the Vice-President of Ipsos Public Affairs, feels that politicians like Maxime Bernier here in Canada and U.S. President Donald Trump south of the border are vocalizing racist thoughts that some may have had but never said, leading to greater comfort with racism.

What’s the takeaway? Be better. Recognize your privilege and, unless you’re looking for a long-winded lecture from yours truly, don’t say “all lives matter” or “Canada’s not racist” because there’s a lot that didn’t fit in this column that I’ll be happy to share at length.

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

A new day indeed

W

e may very well be seeing the dawn of a new day as extended periods of protest seem to have brought about elemental change in the way the United States polices itself. The first out of the gate appears to be Minnesota where Minneapolis City Council has voted to dismantle its police force and build a public safety system in its place.

If this move is successful, it could change the way in which the law is enforced the world over. Right now, however, there are plenty who are dubious of this quick decision, which is right in line with protestors’ calls to defund the police all over the United States. Some think it could be a revolutionary step towards reforming a system that has long been broken, while others feel it’s the council giving up.

Facing numerous pressures, including what the council said was a police department that simply could not be reformed, the council made a difficult, groundbreaking decision.

My father worked for the Toronto Police Service for 33 years. His two brothers were also on the force, eventually moving to Durham Regional Police. Those brothers also fathered several children who also became police officers in both Toronto and Durham.

In addition to familial connections, all of my father’s friends were cops. I grew up around the job, hearing about the streets of Toronto from one side. I also felt most of the police I knew were good people – that goes for my time in Huron County as well – but as time has gone on, it’s become clear there is a culture within some departments, mostly those in big American cities, that needs to be stripped down and rebuilt from the ground up.

The conversation lately has been the theory of a few bad apples versus a culture of systematic violent behaviour, much of it aimed at people of colour. And as both sides have ratcheted up their positions (non-violent protest turns into rioting and looting and keeping a gathering peaceful turns into tear gas, excessive force and mass arrests) all continue to dig their heels in further.

It’s becoming clearer every day that things can’t continue to operate as they are, especially in the United States. There is growing distrust and open animosity and, as support for bad actors in police uniforms continues, that is not going to change. And it’s that support and systemic protection of those doing the wrong thing that has people terrified.

It’s the people who clapped and cheered in Buffalo as two police officers, charged with assault after shoving a 75-year-old man to the ground (he suffered a serious head injury), exited the courtroom after pleading not guilty.

It’s the police officers who can kill without consequences and those who protect them.

And while no one is suggesting the shuttering of police forces around the world, there are some interesting ideas to consider.

Some cities have policing budgets in the billions of dollars. If some of that money was rerouted to social, homelessness, healthcare and housing programs, perhaps the need for policing would decrease. That’s just one of the many ideas being floated by talking heads.

Like in any organization, wrongdoing needs to be called out and corrected if we’re to live in a world in which everyone feels safe. People need to stand up for what’s right, no matter what uniform they wear. If we don’t nip these problems in the bud and punish bad actors for their crimes, trust slips away. But if an organization can earn the trust of the people by fixing its problems, no matter how uncomfortable the conversations, there may just be a path forward for us.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020.

Wedding industry facing challenges during pandemic

By Denny Scott The Citizen The Four Winds Barn in Brussels, in the face of countless delays and event cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is putting the emphasis on keeping its customers happy and trying to reschedule events either later this year or in 2021.

General Manager Kaitlyn Pipe spoke to The Citizen last week about the situation, saying a significant part of her work since the pandemic hit has been communicating with couples who plan to get married at the venue.

“Right now we have advised all of our couples from the end of March to August that they may have to reschedule,” she said. “Most are

either moving their wedding to a later date in 2020 or to 2021. Very few have decided to outright cancel and most have moved to next year.”

She said some couples are clinging to their wedding dates, hoping they will be able to salvage some kind of ceremony and celebration later this year.

“There’s a few people in August and a few in September who hope

Watsons mark 20th anniversary A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231 Did you ever think that June, 2020 would see us in this confined state.

In mid-March, a brand new virus was running freely around the world and we blithely thought we’d be done with it in a couple of weeks, and things would go back to normal.

Ha! Our world has changed, our lives have changed and still the virus travels. Who would have thought?

Oh yes, we don’t control things!

Adaptation is our new normal.

The first week of June brings many good memories for me. Ralph and I were married that week 20

years ago. Oh my! We celebrated our 20th anniversary in uniquely COVID-19 style by spending the lovely afternoon admiring beautiful Lake Huron and reading; a memorable day to compare with the other 19. A take-out meal with Mike and Val completed a very fine day.

I grew up in a brother house and it took me until my student nursing days to find sisters. Meeting Jan, Dagi and Mary in 1967 was a lifechanger for me. We set up a relationship as teenage students at that time that has weathered 53 years now. Over those years we’ve stayed irregularly in touch as we took nursing jobs across Canada, married, had children, changed jobs, divorced, found new love, dealt with illness and death and aged along the way. Life was experienced in many places with many people and we were always able to comfortably share when we were able to gather.

So, when it’s time to celebrate a big deal you want the right people

around. Harriston Park was the spot for Jan, Mary and I to gather to share this 2020 life, memories and a 50year-old scrap book, reviewing our Graduation Day in Guelph. Another cause to be thankful and happy.

When we peruse the news and see the gathering of Black Lives Matters, we need to think, what about me? Just because that is not happening right here, we have work to do. We are a privileged white society that needs to take a look outside ourselves and see the injustice that we just accept. We judge and do not know, we speak and know not the story and we go on accepting and expecting that we are privileged. Time to change our thinking and see that all people are equal. All should be treated equal. It starts with our thinking, then our words and then our actions. Yes we can do it. We can change our world, and make it better for all.

Keep calm and carry on.

Betty G.W.

they will be able to go ahead, though they may be smaller ceremonies,” she said, adding she has even had someone book a wedding recently for September that will have 50 or fewer people in attendance, and the hope is larger gatherings are allowed at that time.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the wedding industry, Pipe said, and that isn’t just limited to venues.

“Photographers, caterers and everyone else are trying to figure While the Brussels Farmers’ Market is out what the best set to open later this week at the Four decision is,” she said.

Winds Barn, the banquet and wedding “Our guess, however, site is sitting unused most of the time is as good as anyone’s as to when COVID-19 due to COVID-19 pandemic is going to subside or restrictions according to General whether another spike Manager Kaitlyn Pipe. (File photo) could come.”

Pipe said she is finding it difficult trying to advise couples how to proceed because no one knows what’s going to happen.

“Everything is very unknown for everyone,” she said. “It’s very stressful for the couples.”

That stress is also being felt by the staff at the barn, Pipe said, as they are working with very little money Continued on page 10

A change in pace

At the Branch

76th anniversary of D-Day invasion marked

By Jo-Ann McDonald The Brussels Legion Branch is quiet, but projects and activities can still be planned virtually. The Branch is planning a drive-thru fish fry for Father’s Day. The Huron Perth Public Health has given us all the required procedures to follow and we have decided to give it a try.

Most important to know is the Branch will not be open to the public for any reason. Meals must be ordered in advance by Friday, June 19. They can be ordered by e-mail at legion218@ezlink.ca or by calling Deb Ross at 519-531-1125. The price is $15 per dinner and includes two pieces of fish, fries, roll, salad and tartar sauce. There will be no children’s prices. Buy a dinner for them to share. Payment will be by correct cash only. There will be no change given and any extra will be considered a donation to the Branch.

The route entrance will be off Elizabeth Street, the side street behind the Legion. Follow the lane, pay your fees, pick up your dinners and exit on Flora Street.

The Branch has been saddened for

the third time in just weeks, with the passing of Comrade Doug Logan.

Comrade Logan was an ordinary member for 46 years of the Branch, having been a member of the Armed Forces. Born and raised in Brussels, he was proud of his roots and continued his membership here, even though he lived in Brampton.

He will be missed by his wife Carolyn and son Scott and family.

Our condolences to his family and relatives and friends around the Brussels area.

Many folks will have read the story in The Citizen about the veterans banners by Blyth Legion.

Brussels Legion is now in the second year of the program and had eight banners in place on the light standards on Turnberry Street in Brussels this past Remembrance Day. We are waiting for another order but believe we have time to place orders for more, for this Remembrance Day. This past week was the milestone of the 76th anniversary of the D-Day invasion on the beaches of Normandy on June 6, a significant

day that recognizes the determination, fortitude and heroism of the Canadian troops that stormed the beaches. There were 14,000 Canadian troops who landed on Juno Beach, with 340 lives lost and 574 wounded, to fight their way inland.

Under heavy fire and difficult odds, they fought against the best troops the enemy had. The victory of the Normandy campaign came at a terrible cost for the Canadians, who suffered the most one-day casualties of any Division in the British Army Corp. The triumph of the day was the Allied forces being firmly established in occupied Europe. It would be another 11 months before the war was over.

This is a day in Canadian history that reminds us of the sacrifices made by many Canadian men, who fought for our future and our children’s futures. Remembrance is the mandate of the Royal Canadian Legion. It is why our pledge is “we will remember them”. We must always remember those who gave unselfishly so we can have our freedom today. We ask you to

remember your lost loved ones, to remind your children and grandchildren of the sacrifices they made and to refresh your support of the Royal Canadian Legion by joining.

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

Brussels Legion

Father’s Day Drive Thru

Fish Fry June 21

Served from 4:30-7 pm Seniors delivery available Orders must be pre-ordered by Friday, June 19th $ 1500 Call 519-531-1125 Correct or email the Branch at cash only legion218@ezlink.ca

The

ATTENTION VETERANS’ FAMILIES

is cancelled for 2020 We would like to thank all our sponsors and participants for their support over the last six years.

We look forward to getting together next year.

LEGION BR. 218 BRUSSELS is in its second year program of placing banners on the light standards on Turnberry Street in Brussels. We are waiting for another order but believe we have time to place orders for more. Any families interested is asked to please provide the necessary information and sign a form and prepay. Brussels residents interested can email the Legion at legion218@ezlink.ca or call Jamie Mitchell at 519-440-9457.

LEST WE FORGET

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020. PAGE 7.

Weather helps with COVID-19 isolation From Marilyn’s Desk

By Marilyn Craig Call 523-9318

Keep Rollin’ As part of the Rolling Car Show that made its way through Huron County last week, Blyth’s Ken Whitmore, above, showed off his vintage vehicle in Dungannon. Earlier in the day, the tour made its way through Blyth, shown below. (John Stephenson photos)

Happy birthday to Carson Bromley, Belgrave and Mark Nesbit who celebrate June 11; Scott MacDonald, June 12; John Elliott, June 14; Emily Phillips and Myrtle Badley, June 16 and Amy and Garret Caldwell (Les and Evelyn Caldwell’s grandchildren), June 16.

Hope everyone has a good day to celebrate their birthdays.

Another week has gone by and we are still in stay-at-home and staysafe modes because of COVID-19.

Mother Nature has been cooperative this past week making it easy to be outside and doing the yard work. Many people are finding new ways to celebrate events such as birthdays and anniversaries.

I am hoping that the orders to stay home and stay safe will soon end. I saw my great-grandson, Austin when he was only 10 days old and by looking at the pictures Heidi has sent me on my phone he will be a toddler before I see him again.

Stay well everyone until we can meet in person.

Blyth ‘robbery’ solved The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has resolved a case police believed to be a break, enter and theft just north of Blyth on the weekend of May 29-31.

In a subsequent statement, issued on June 2, the police stated the original report, seeking a couple in connection with some missing items, was unfounded.

Letters to the Editor

“Police have since identified the two persons of interest and it turns out they had received permission from another family member to attend and retrieve the items,” stated Const. Jamie Stanley in the statement. “Investigators would like to thank the public for their assistance in this investigation.”

This statement was issued after the publication of the June 4 issue of The Citizen.

Vodden considers signage, naming sites THE EDITOR, Signs are important means of wayfinding. The absence of some signs are also informative.

Many of us live in the Municipality of North Huron, but people travelling to this municipality never encounter a sign informing them that they are about to enter North Huron. They are told about entering Blyth, or Wingham, or

Belgrave, but not a word about our municipality. I am not complaining; I am much more interested in Blyth than in North Huron. Just pointing out an anomaly. The point is that there are no signs announcing that one is about to enter North Huron from any direction.

The old post office on Wingham’s main street bears a sign reading “North Huron Museum”.

If

someone “from away’ is interested in visiting museums, and learns that North Huron Museum may be of interest, how does that person find out where to go? North Huron is not on a road map. The chances are that questions of where that place is will be met with a blank shrug.

There is a much better chance that if the museum were called the Wingham Museum, finding

the location would be a piece of cake.

If you travel 40 miles or more away from North Huron in any direction, you will not likely be able to find anyone who has a clue as to where this place is located, what communities does it contain and what services and points of interest it contains.

Brock Vodden.

Writer reflects on business anniversary THE EDITOR, Regarding Glenyce Snell’s “Letter to the Editor” of The Citizen, June 4 issue re: The Old Mill. First, I want to congratulate Richard, Glenyce and family on your upcoming 60th anniversary of The Old Mill.

The Old Mill has been a very integral part of the Village of Blyth for many years and has a great

history. I was fortunate enough to work for Glenyce both downtown and at the new location in the country and enjoyed every minute of my employment. We worked hard, had fun and met hundreds of new faces daily.

I remember exactly the day of the opening and Glenyce is absolutely right with cars on both sides of

Highway 4 as well as the parking lots full. Customers and visitors came from hundreds of miles just to visit this unique structure. I was one of the fortunate employees that day and will never forget the experience.

The Old Mill gave many students as well as adults employment from the Blyth and Londesborough areas over the 60 years. Richard and

Glenyce also had the CPR Railway Station moved to their existing site so that, in itself, is history.

Blyth has been very fortunate to have this phenomenal/unique business in our area and should be recorded in history.

Yours truly, Bev Elliott.

NEWS FROM BLYTH It All Comes Out In The Wash Blyth Laundromat 191 Westmoreland St., Blyth 519-523-9687

BLYTH LEGION DECORATION SERVICE at

Blyth Union Cemetery Sunday, June 14, 2020 The Legion will be marking graves with a white cross for those who served as usual.

Beautifying After some debate as to whether or not the hanging baskets would be up for the 2020 season in Blyth, North Huron staff were out last week adding some colour to the village’s main street.

(Denny Scott photo)

THERE WILL NOT BE A SERVICE THIS YEAR

PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020.

Locals honoured in Great Rutabaga Giveaway The winners are as follows: COOK • Ashleigh Scott (oven-roasted rutabaga) • Shelley Glousher (rutabaga puff) • Maulik Patel (rutabaga fries)

COLOUR • Laura Dawson (Camo Rudy) • Bennett Johnston (Blue Rudy Top with Green Bottom) • Kylin Elligson (Rudy) CREATE • Amy Ryan (Bird Feeder)

• Cindy McKenna (Poem ‘Rita Loved her Friends’) • Joseph Sanassian (Meditating Rutabaga) Prizes, courtesy of the Blyth Community Betterment Group, can be picked up at the Blyth Pharmacy.

‘Cow parsley’ threatens farms

Victory!

Kylin Elligson of Blyth was one of the winners of the Blyth Community Betterment Group’s Great Rutabaga Giveaway.

She triumphed in the colouring contest, while prizes were also handed out to cooks and creators. (Photo submitted)

By Denny Scott The Citizen The Blyth Community Betterment Group announced the winners of the Great Rutabaga Giveaway competition last week, bringing the month-long competition focused on the eponymous root vegetable to a close.

Contestants were encouraged to cook, create and colour entries based on rutabagas for a chance to win one of nine prize packages, while a separate draw was held giving Facebook followers of the Rutabaga

Festival a chance to win similar prizes.

Blyth Community Betterment Group member Annie Sparling explained that 2,400 rutabagas were given away during the competition through the Blyth Food Market and through giveaways on Blyth’s main street on Thursday afternoons by the group.

The competition encouraged people to cook with rutabagas, get creative with or about rutabagas or, for younger participants, colour an image of Rudy the Rutabaga, the Rutabaga Festival’s mascot.

Locals suffer loss PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE

By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188

Irene Lamont received word of the death of her sister-in-law, Ann Marshall in her 89th year. She lived in Moosomin, Saskatchewan. She was predeceased by her husband Barney Marshall, parents Sam and Jessee Lamont, six brothers Tom (Dorothy), George (Helen), William (Alice), Joe (Phyllis), Archie (Eretta), James and one son Brian.

She is survived by daughter Audrey, son Doug, four grandsons, sister-in-law, Irene Lamont of Belgrave, sister Mary and husband Don McLeod of Moosomin, Saskatchewan and many nieces and nephews.

For many years they lived on Vancouver Island in Campbell River where her husband passed away. She moved to her home in Moosomin, Saskatchewan.

The community extends sympathy to Irene Lamont and families in the loss of her sister-in-law, Ann. Sympathy is extended to Don and

Helen Noble in the loss of his mother Edith Noble.

As businesses reopen remember to follow the rules and practise physical distancing, wash your hands thoroughly and often, wear a face mask if physical distancing is a challenge and stay home if unwell.

We can make a difference by continuing to take these simple actions.

If you have a special way you are going to celebrate Father’s Day let me know.

careful when buying wildflower mixes, saying that was how the plant was originally introduced to the area.

“It was originally sold in European wildflower mixes,” he said. “People need to be really, really careful when they’re buying seed mixes, especially foreign ones.”

He said foreign mixes may have noxious weeds that have no competition, adding that’s how giant hogweed arrived in Canada.

“Where they come from isn’t a problem, but they were brought here Wild chervil, also known as cow parsley, and they are now a has arrived in Huron County and some problem,” he said.

Chief Inspector are very concerned. (Denny Scott photo) for the Weed Control Act for the Continued from page 3 could look like any wildflower, but Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, wild chervil has a very distinctive Food and Rural Affairs Mike white flower that resembles an Cowbrough says that wild chervil is currently a regional issue and not asterisk with five petals.”

Unlike some invasive species of widespread.

“Traditionally, Grey County has plants that have become widelyknown lately, like giant hogweed, had the most abundant amount of wild chervil poses no known risk to this weed, but I can find dense populations in other counties,” he human or livestock, Alcock said.

Other areas are facing problems said, adding he has encountered it in with the weed and have been for Haldimand and Niagara Counties.

Cowbrough said Alcock’s drive to some time, including Kitchener, Teeswater, and St. Thomas, though deal with the weeds now when they Alcock knows it’s more widespread. are in a relatively contained area is He said the outbreaks of the weed admirable because it’s the best way are going unreported because people to get ahead of the weeds.

“Usually, with any sort of weedy don’t know how to identify the plant, it’s not until it gets to a critical weed.

He also said people need to be mass that people start to take notice

Here now

and want to do something about it,” he said. “Unfortunately by that time, there is a significant amount of seed that’s been dispersed, the population density is high and it will take a long time to bring that population down to a more manageable level.

“Nothing is beyond control, but it will take more time and resources to make an impact if you let it overtake a landscape,” he said.

When asked how long it could take to deal with the appearance of the plant, Cowbrough said it could take several years.

“With any sort of persistent weed problem, I like to set the expectation that it will take between three and five years before you see a noticeable improvement [reduction] in the population density of a species that has been allowed to ‘take over’ an area,” he said. “After that time, there will still be annual management that is needed to keep such a weed in check, but it won’t be as resource intensive.”

While wild chervil is a problem, Huron County Forest Conservation Officer and Weed Inspector Dave Pullen said it isn’t as big an issue as giant hogweed, which is in the same family as wild chervil.

He said he fields far more calls for giant hogweed because it’s more noticeable and because it bears a resemblance to purple angelica, a beneficial native plant.

Fortunately, he said, control methods are similar for both plants given their shared family, however, due to giant hogweed’s ability to cause significant harm to humans and animals, it needs to be handled with more care.

That said, wild chervil not causing that significant health problem doesn’t mean it can’t prove to be a serious concern, Pullen said, saying it can be a problem in both pastures and roadsides.

MANY THANKS to all the

Essential

Workers NEWS FROM BELGRAVE

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020. PAGE 9.

The Great Plastic Lakes Cheryl Peach M.Ed., B.Ed Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes is a story in which the Coastal Centre made national news coverage in 2010 when tiny plastic pellets began appearing on Lake Huron beaches.

The story was covered on CBC’s The National, The Globe and Mail, Vancouver Sun, and many media outlets across the country. It was a story that caught people’s attention as they wondered why plastics pellets were appearing in Lake Huron and then began asking about the scope of the problem.

Fast forward to 2020, and the issue grew not only to our lakes, but rivers as well (i.e., the Thames River in London, ON). As research looked closer into the issue, it became increasingly clear… plastic in the Great Lakes was larger than most people could imagine.

U.S. researchers began trolling the waters of the open lakes and found alarming concentrations of microplastics (small particles less than five millimetres in diameter also described as, fragments, fibres, foam, nurdles, and microbeads) floating in the water. Some of those micro-plastics were discovered to have originated from cosmetic products, like soaps, exfoliating creams, toothpaste, and other common products.

These barely visible particles (termed ‘micro-beads’) were concerning because they were so small, they were passing through filters at sewage treatment plants and getting into the lakes. At the time, neither Canada nor the United States had regulations that addressed treating micro-plastics in sewage treatment plants. Since they are designed to last forever and not break down completely (just into smaller sizes), the biologic processes at sewage treatment plants are ill equipped to handle the material.

By 2018, Canada aimed to phase out any cosmetic with microbeads to aid in removing plastic at the source rather than attempting

to treat them with sewage.

In addition to writing position letters to the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change in support of Bill 75, the Microbead Elimination and Monitoring Act,’ the Coastal Centre also reviewed data on plastic garbage gathered during beach clean-ups. The range and amount of plastic litter on Lake Huron beaches was significant.

Between 2015 to 2019, for example, community volunteers helped remove over 4,750 pounds of garbage from the Lake Huron shoreline. The plastic materials ranged from small fragments to larger ones, including intact beach toys and disposable plastic water bottles. The top litter item was cigarette filters, which are composed of plastic fibres and contain up to 165 toxins. Most would agree that this waste has no business being on our beaches. Thankfully, of the total 21,965 butts that have been collected in the four years, all have been recycled by the Coastal Centre through the Terracycle Cigarette Waste Recycling Program.

To gain a better perspective on the magnitude of the plastic pollution issue, the Centre partnered with a team of graduate students from Western University. The report from this analysis can be found at lakehuron.ca/microplastic.

A research team from the University of Waterloo published an article titled “Plastic Debris in the Laurentian Great Lakes: a review” in the Journal of Great Lakes Research. It looked at all available data, threats to the lakes’ ecosystems, including links to human health.

Some of the threats raised included: • Micro-plastics act as a sponge that can absorb toxins, like PCBs and heavy metals • Plastic can become ingested by aquatic wildlife, which then enters the food chain and can cause malnutrition, and accumulation of

toxins in wildlife tissues and conceivably in human tissues • Fish and birds can become entangled in plastic fishing lines and nets that have been discarded or lost in the lake • Plastic can take thousands of years to degrade. In the meantime, accumulations of plastic in the lake environment could become very costly to clean up • Plastic pollution has been known as an “environmental pollution issue” for several years; what has now changed is the threat of it becoming a “human health issue” due to its prevalence in our environment.

To move toward addressing at least part of this issue, the Coastal Centre, with funding from the provincial Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund, began beach clean-up campaigns in selected communities along Lake Huron. The aim was to encourage communities to participate in local beach clean-up programs, connected to the national Great Canadian Shoreline Clean-up program, that measure and analyze the plastic debris collected, and report back to the community. This is debris that gets discarded by people, and burdens communities with collection, clean-up and landfill costs. This centre project was aimed toward building awareness of the issue, and encouraged active involvement in local solutions along the coast.

Over the years, the Coastal Centre also worked with local schools in Huron, Perth and Bruce Counties to teach students about plastic pollution through its Living Beaches coastal studies program, Lake Huron Microplastic Awareness Program and the Avon Maitland District School Board’s Great Lakes Microplastics Project -Know Your Greats, Be the Change – to build awareness of the prevalence of the issue on our local shores. In 2020, the Geoff Peach Scholarship Fund will also support research on

diverting microfibres from entering the lake at source by providing filters on washing machines to a pilot group.

As the economic and environmental costs of plastic pollution continue to unfold, the current move towards a Canadawide ban on many single-use plastics for 2021, and ongoing research to develop strategies and solutions to capture microplastics before they enter our waterways (e.g., Filtrol and Coraball) will hopefully compel residents in the Great Lakes to re-examine their relationship with plastic, in what we use and what we buy.

Communities like the Village of Bayfield are leading by example.

Not only is it recognized as a Blue Flag Beach and Marina, they recognize water as a human right, and 35 Bayfield community groups have said no to single-use plastic water bottles at their meetings and events. While they cannot solve the world’s plastic problem, they are showing leadership on the issue and can encourage us all to follow their lead.

Green Tip: Plastic Pollution garbage – it’s harmful to all beach residents, both animal, and human.

Many beaches now require that all visitors take home everything they bring, including their garbage. This is a good idea for all beaches. Plan ahead and bring a garbage bag with you on your next trip. If you are packing it in, be sure to pack it out!

Grade 7 and 8 students at Seaforth P.S., a select voice of many students in our area, would like to share the

following message to their communities: • Use reusable products to reduce plastic waste • Bring reusable straws and cups when grabbing a coffee from Tim Hortons • Dispose of car refuse at home in your garbage, not by throwing it out your car window • Show care for your surroundings; pick up garbage left on beaches, trails, roadsides, and public spaces and dispose appropriately • Participate in organized community cleanups • Recycle properly and monitor your recycling bins to reduce the blowing away of items into sewers, creeks, and rivers • Get as much use out of your “stuff” as you possibly can, then upcycle, recycle, sell, give it to others who can use it… stop the materialistic mindset of “want vs need” • Don’t get trapped in greenwashing campaigns - biodegradable plastic bags, paper plates, plastic cutlery still go in the garbage, and just like food waste don’t decompose well in landfills.

Composting is needed to decompose food properly and high temperature industrial composting facilities are required to make biodegradable plastic decompose, and current infrastructure is not yet designed to handle those products. [original article was authored by Geoff Peach April 2015, and has been updated by Cheryl Peach and Coastal Centre Staff - Samantha Ventura]

Obituaries and his fur grandbaby, Ollie.

Merton was the dear brother-inlaw of Gary Long and Audrey Hackwell. He was predeceased by son Jeffrey (1979) and brothers Elliott and Howard and sister Claire.

Merton’s final wishes were for cremation and a private family service at a later time. In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy, donations to the Stratford Perth Hospice Foundation would be appreciated.

Cards of sympathy may be sent to Box 340, Brussels. Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca MERTON ROY HACKWELL Merton Roy Hackwell of Walton passed away peacefully at Rotary Hospice, Stratford on Saturday, June 6, 2020. He was in his 88th year.

Merton was the beloved husband of the late Doreen (Long) for 62 years and the loving father of Blaine and Merle, Stratford and Craig and Sherri, Thailand. He will be lovingly remembered by grandchildren Chase, Mackenzie, Aidan, Spencer

Walk Ins Welcome SHEAR TALENT Hair Design & Tanning 45 West St., Goderich 519-524-6555

www.shear-talent.ca

STRATFORD MEMORIALS Creating Memories in Stone for Over 95 years

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

A generous community Four groups came together to help the Brussels Community Development Trust fund a new electronic sign for the village: the Brussels Optimists, the Brussels Legion, the Brussels Pharmacy and the Brussels Lions Club, which, much like its name, contributed $3,000, the lion’s share. Here, Lions Club President Bob Kellington, who sadly passed away after this picture was taken, presented a cheque for $3,000 to John Lowe of the Trust. (Photo submitted)

Owned and operated by Mac and Donna Anderson

519-357-1910

E-mail: andgranite@bellnet.ca After hours appointments available 89 North Street W., Wingham www.winghammemorials.com

We are now open but by appointment only and following government recommended protocols to ensure the safety of all visitors and our staff. Please call or email us to set up an appointment.

519-524-8457 email: mfalconer@stratfordmemorials.com

Goderich/Clinton Michael Falconer Memorial Counsellor www.stratfordmemorials.com

PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020.

Walton Raceway hosts national prep, testing day PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

Kick the dirt up Maya Legare sticks a landing during a practice run at the Walton Raceway last Friday. The site held national prep and testing days over the weekend. (Denny Scott photo)

There has been many a collective sigh of relief for many farmers who have successfully completed planting of the crops. Now we need a rain! The work is never done, because now many are looking at which crop needs spraying for weed control, promoting growth or preventing mold. Stone picking is an ongoing job. Manure spreading continues and haying has begun.

There is always something to do and those with many acres are still planting.

The Walton Raceway had another successful weekend. It hosted the national prep and testing day for a mix of pro, amateur and mini riders for motocross. There were no spectators allowed or recreational camping, and the organizers were very pleased with the physical distancing by the riders.

We have a secret Good Samaritan in Walton. I had been looking at the flowerbeds at the Walton Hall a couple of weeks ago and had reminded myself to put that on my

list of things to do. When going through Walton at the first of last week, to my surprise, the flowerbeds were done. They look great. I have my suspicions on who our Good Samaritan is and we thank him for his kindness.

The Walton/Winthrop area has a very happy young lady home again.

We congratulate Farren Goos on becoming the newest recruit for the Huron County OPP. Farren is the daughter of Mike and Lori Goos and granddaughter of Ken and Betty Glanville. The new provincial constable attended Seaforth Public School, then Central Huron Secondary School. She went to Trent University and graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science. She was able to work with the Peterborough Police Service Forensic Identification Unit and as a marine student on placement during her time in Continued on page 30

Four Winds put emphasis on relationships Continued from page 6 coming in. As a matter of fact, Pipe said the decision was made early on to refund deposits to couples who chose to cancel their weddings.

She said only three couples have cancelled, and she was happy to oblige, saying the relationship was worth more than the deposit.

“Our deposit isn’t a crazy amount of money,” she said. “Some venues require half the cost, but we don’t, and we’re willing to eat that cost to keep the couples happy.”

On the other end of the spectrum, Pipe said she had heard stories about venues in Toronto that are not only withholding deposits, but also charging couples to reschedule their weddings.

“I’ve talked to a few officiants and there are places in the Greater Toronto Area that are charging fees for people to reschedule,” she said.

“There are ridiculous administrative fees being charged. One officiant told me one location was charging a $1,200 fee.”

She said, whether it’s through cancellations or rescheduling, she’s excited the barn and its staff have been able to accommodate the couples looking to get married at the barn.

“We’re helping people however we can,” she said. “Not everyone is calm about the situation, but we’re trying to keep a positive attitude and do what’s right for the couples.”

Pipe said Zoom meetings with other wedding businesses, hosted by Rob Aitken, owner of Music Central Entertainment based in London, had been a big help.

Aitken, Pipe said, runs multiple meetings every week, including one for Huron County wedding professionals to get together and discuss the state of weddingdependent industries.

“We talk about what we’re struggling with and discuss issues like deposits,” Pipe said.

The meetings have been especially

important for Pipe because she only started at the Four Winds Barn last year.

“It’s good to talk to other venues to see what they are doing and see what concerns they have. The entire thing has been very helpful,” she

said. “It’s a time to get advice from other wedding industry professionals, because we’re all in the same boat.”

The first meetings in March, she said, were “a real wake-up call” for her as, at that point, she hadn’t

considered the potential duration of the COVID-19 pandemic control measures.

Aitken also provides calls for couples who are facing delays or problems due to the pandemic, which she says is a great idea.

NEWS FROM WALTON

Looking for local heroes 35th Annual Citizen of the Year Award Nominations Open 2019 Citizen of the Year award recipients. Pictured from left, publisher Deb Sholdice, Jane Smyth, Mary Douma and editor Shawn Loughlin.

There are so many people out there who do so much to improve their community.

This is your opportunity to show your appreciation for all they do.

Each year a committee chooses an outstanding citizen from each of the Blyth and area and Brussels and area communities to receive an award for contribution to the community. If you know someone you think should be honoured, please fill in the form and send it in. You may attach a longer explanation of why you think your nominee should win, if you like. If you have nominated someone before and they didn't win, we encourage you to submit again.

Emailed submissions can be sent to Shawn Loughlin at editor@northhuron.on.ca I nominate ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ as Citizen of the year for

q

Blyth & area

q

Brussels & area

I feel she/he deserves this award because______________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Nomination Deadline July 31, 2020.

Name and phone number of nominator Fax: 519-523-9140 Box 429, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 or Box 152 Brussels, ON N0G 1H0

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020. PAGE 11.

Spring Home & Garden 2020 ~ Real estate during a pandemic ~ A new art gallery for Huron County ~ The Gardens of Huron-Perth return

PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020.

Garden-starting tips from a tried and true grower He also said raised beds are a great idea for smaller gardens and firsttime experiments because they make

it easier to work on the garden and keep slugs and “other crawly beasts” at bay.

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Quite the garden After moving into the Blyth area several years ago, Herman Mooy started preparing for a large garden that provides a significant harvest every year. (Photo submitted) his tomato plants from nurseries.

Once the garden gets going, Mooy spends time every week hoeing, weeding and watering and, if necessary, cutting ‘suckers’, or offshoots, from his tomato plants.

He uses rainwater for most of his watering which is gathered in a 1,000-litre rainwater barrel on site.

His first yields are typically radishes, spinach and lettuce, followed by the rest of his produce.

Compost is a big part of the garden, he said, as he operates a large compost operation in his own backyard. It’s an important part of

By Denny Scott The Citizen Herman Mooy, who moved to the Blyth area a few years ago, knows more than a thing or two about growing a garden and that knowledge has got him involved in local community groups as well as providing a large, varied vegetable garden in his backyard every year.

Mooy plants about two dozen different breeds or varieties of plants every year, starting some in a greenhouse beside his garage early in the year.

“I plant red and white cabbage; kale; leeks; three colours of sweet peppers; carrots; beets; radishes; bush beans; Spanish, red and shallot onions; various types of tomatoes; cauliflower; broccoli; sprouts; two rows of two types of potatoes; endive; Boston and romaine lettuce; strawberries; cucumbers and a plant or two of cantaloupe,” he said in an e-mail to The Citizen.

While the garden is full of colour and life throughout the growing season, it doesn’t always start that way, he said, and requires a commitment to get there.

“In the spring I spend at least six hours a day in the garden,” he said.

“Most of that time is rototilling until everything is planted. [After that] it’s maybe two hours [of] weeding and watering a day.”

Come May, he starts working at getting everything planted, except the peas and spinach, which he says are hardy (frost-tolerant) vegetables.

While most of his garden is planted from seeds, he does buy

getting nutrients back into the soil.

“I use whatever compost I have,” he said. “Perhaps four or five wheelbarrows a year. I’m always on the lookout for well-rotted manure too.”

He said the best tip he can give hobby or first-time gardeners is to “work the soil well and as deep as possible.”

“Keep it weed-free as [weeds] use nutrition which your plants wouldn’t get and water when it’s needed,” he said. “It’s best to [water] in the evening so as to not sunburn your plants and avoid evaporation.”

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020. PAGE 13.

Greenspace usage on the rise in Blyth

By Denny Scott The Citizen

The Friends of the Village of Blyth have made sure that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the community’s gardens and greenspaces are welcoming and able to be enjoyed.

Liaison Lissa Kolkman said, aside from scheduling volunteers to make sure there was only one working in a garden space at any given time, the pandemic hasn’t impacted the group much, however there has been some increased use of the spaces they maintain.

“It’s easy to social distance with the work we’re doing,” she said.

“Until the weather was nice enough to get out, it wasn’t an issue at all, but once the weather turned nice, all we had to do was make sure there was one member at each garden.”

The gardens are among the few outdoor spaces that haven’t been closed throughout the pandemic, Kolkman said, making them a popular stop for people in town.

She said the Greenway Trail has definitely found more life since the pandemic started.

“Along the Greenway Trail, people have really embraced the act of painting rocks along the path,” she said. “People are taking some rocks and leaving painted ones that have nice little pictures or sayings on them.”

She said visitors to the trail can enjoy it all the more with the addition of the colourful rocks.

“It’s kind of like a fun little treasure hunt,” she said, adding she has been posting them on the group’s Facebook page.

While the group’s maintenance of the parks hasn’t been impacted by COVID-19, its annual events have definitely been affected.

Kolkman said the annual Memorial Garden rededication is cancelled and, earlier in the year, the Easter Egg hunt was also cancelled, but replaced with a food drive that benefitted local food banks.

As far as what’s available to both residents and visitors, Kolkman said the Greenway Trail is a great walk to take in and the Horticultural Park on Dinsley Street offers not only a table for checkers and tic-tac-toe but also

the return of the Teapot Trail.

The eight-member group has recently cleaned up all the spaces to get them ready for the community to enjoy, which was made all the more important with the delay of some other beautification projects in the village, Kolkman said.

She said she anticipates some of the group’s long-term projects may be put on hold, but she is waiting to talk to North Huron Council about that.

As for the use of the group’s greenspaces, she said she’s received multiple comments about higherthan-normal numbers of people enjoying the Greenway Trail and some people discovering the Memory Garden for the first time.

For more information, visit the Friends of the Village of Blyth on Facebook.

A place of reflection Gardens are one of the few things that haven’t been closed by COVID-19, so the Friends of the Village of Blyth have made sure spaces like the Blyth Memory Garden, shown above, are cleaned up and ready for people to visit. (Denny Scott photo)

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PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020.

Veenvliet completely renovates gallery

By Denny Scott The Citizen Since taking over the space formerly occupied by Sharon’s Cars in Miniature on Blyth’s main street, Hans Veenvliet and his wife Cindy McKenna have re-imagined the space, outside and in, and spent months making it a dream space for themselves.

The couple moved into the space last year and dubbed it Wild Goose Studio Canada. The renovations started soon after and haven’t really stopped since.

“We wanted to have better curb appeal for sure,” Veenvliet said in an interview with The Citizen. “It was always dark and, if you looked in, it seemed like it was closed.”

To remedy that, Veenvliet took down the awning and is installing a higher one to “give [the site] some character and lighten up the storefront.”

The front of the store is scarcely recognizable from its previous incarnation with natural wood replacing everything at the storefront as well as the side of the building.

“We’re doing the whole front,” Veenvliet said, except for the brick that adorns the top third of the building. “I don’t want to paint the brick. I want to have someone who knows how to work on it and keep the same colour, but possibly brighten it up.”

The greenspace beside the building is also being improved, he said, to make it more inviting.

While the changes to the exterior of the building are dramatic, they hardly compare to the drastic changes made to the interior, Veenvliet said.

“The interior of the studio itself is completed now,” he said. “We’ve exposed the brick and built a bunch of new walls and installed sliding doors to create new rooms. Cindy has her studio and another work area for her to do classes and space for people to view the art.”

While some projects were expected when they purchased the building, Veenvliet said a lot of it has been decided as the renovations went on.

“We knew there were going to be changes, but we didn’t have any drawings or plans,” he said. “We had an idea of what we wanted: a big gallery and a place for Cindy to work, alongside lots of walls to put art on.”

The space includes a sitting area for discussion and a space with table and chairs for the classes, Veenvliet said, but both areas can be opened up to create a larger space for events.

“We wanted it to open up all the way,” he said. “It’s one room, but it can be split into two.”

Veenvliet said he didn’t want to sound overly proud, but he was impressed by how the interior of the building turned out.

“It turned out way better than I dreamed,” he said.

One of his favourite aspects of the work is the metal ceiling which he uncovered when he took down the drop ceiling.

“There was a lot of ugly ductwork and plumbing,” he said. “It was

functional, with the drop ceiling covering it, but it was a mess to the eye.”

He said he doesn’t like drop ceilings and was very happy with how he was able to restore parts of the original metal ceiling.

“We did clean up the metal, there was a lot of rust and paint on it,” he said. “We sealed it.”

He said the ceiling is likely his favourite part of the project because it was a challenge: he had never tackled that kind of metal work before.

As a matter of fact, Veenvliet said, most of the work is outside of his professional experience in stonework. The only project he tackled inside that follows his professional path is a new fireplace Continued on page 19

A key feature Looking back on the extensive renovations he’s undertaken at Wild Goose Studio Canada in Blyth, Hans Veenvliet says his favourite is the original metal ceiling he restored. (Denny Scott photo)

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020. PAGE 15.

COVID-19 changes real estate practices

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen While some were concerned how the COVID-19 pandemic might affect the real estate market, in Huron County it’s time to meet the new market, same as the old market, with high sale prices and low housing stock.

Brenda Campbell of Realty Executives has been a real estate agent based in Seaforth for over 20 years and she says that since the pandemic struck, she has yet to sell a house that didn’t receive multiple offers. Sale prices, too, have been on the rise, increasing by nearly 10 per cent from 2019 to 2020, she said.

However, while prices are on the rise, the number of houses on the market has decreased substantially and Campbell says COVID-19 really isn’t to blame. Rather, the lack of houses to sell in Huron County can be chalked up to the simple fact that fewer people are selling their houses.

In April, 2020, for example, 98 units were sold in Huron and Perth Counties, Campbell said, which is a decrease of just under 60 per cent when compared to April, 2019. Year to date, in the first four months of 2020, 567 units have been sold, which is a decrease of just under 15 per cent when compared to 2019.

That trend looks like one that will continue, Campbell said. In April, 2020, there were 128 new listings, which is a decrease of just under 65 per cent when compared to 2019.

However, when it comes to the average sale price, Campbell says that is on the rise. Year to date, the average home in Huron and Perth Counties sold for over $415,000, which is an increase of 9.6 per cent when compared to the first four months of 2019.

Some have opted to wait for the pandemic to pass to sell or buy, Campbell said, for safety reasons, but aside from that, the story remains the same for Huron County.

There are very often more buyers than there are homes, which creates a competitive bidding scenario on most homes, leading home sale prices to rise.

However, the concerns of those potential buyers and sellers waiting in the wings are manifesting themselves in the new way of showing, selling and buying houses, according to Campbell, who says COVID-19 has created a new world in the real estate market. It’s cleaner and more technologically advanced, but at the cost of the personal connection that is so important to a large purchase like buying a home.

Campbell says that so much of buying a house comes down to the personal feel a person gets when they are in a house they are considering buying. When showing houses in the past, Campbell said people like to sit on the couch and picture themselves in the house.

They like to open closets and cabinets, look at it from different angles and really see the home through their own eyes, which is something that’s being lost in showing a home via the internet.

Many real estate agents, including Campbell, have turned to

technology to help them sell houses as the pandemic drags on. That means virtual tours, live streaming walk-throughs using FaceTime or through Matterport, an online 3-D platform that can generate a virtual version of the house buyers can interact with online.

She says that while Matterport or virtual tours have been helpful, it has been taking a family through a house live via FaceTime that has been the best way to connect someone with a potential new home.

This way they can look at what they want to look at, ask any questions they have and see the house the way they want to see it, through Campbell.

While it’s imperfect, Campbell says it does the trick under these strenuous circumstances.

Under order of the provincial government, real estate was deemed Continued on page 19

A new reality Seaforth-based real estate agent Brenda Campbell has had to change the way she shows homes thanks to COVID-19, including bringing a bucket of safety supplies. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

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PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020.

Garden tour group pushes through COVID-19 pandemic

By Denny Scott The Citizen

While the COVID-19 pandemic and associated control measures have shut down a significant number of tourism events and businesses, the executive behind the Discover the Gardens of Huron Perth program have decided to go ahead with their annual brochure.

The brochure, which directs visitors and residents of the area alike to unique gardens throughout the two counties, was ordered earlier in the year before the pandemic hit Canada, but when given the choice of pursuing it or not, the executive said to go ahead according to Rhea Hamilton-Seeger, who puts the document together.

“They said that the gardens are open by chance or appointment, and the entire event is outdoors,” she said, adding the executive believes that should make the tours safe enough. “All the gardens… have phone numbers or e-mails listed, so visitors can make sure the people hosting the gardens are comfortable with visitors.”

Hamilton-Seeger said the brochure should provide a unique chance for people to get out of their homes and take in some beautiful gardens with limited chance of exposure to any dangerous situations.

Some sites are even particularly safe or accessible during the pandemic, Hamilton-Seeger said.

“Blyth, for example, has several public gardens that are easy to drive to and no contact with anyone is necessary,” she said. “You can visit Blyth and go to the Horticultural Park and the Butterfly and Memory Gardens quite safely.”

Another public site she suggested is in Stratford: the Festival Theatre Gardens, which are a public space and should be safe to visit.

“There are several gardens there and they are always open,” she said.

“Tours may be available on Saturdays, depending on how things reopen.”

The gardens aren’t “your standard municipal gardens”, she said, instead describing them as “gardens with character.”

The pamphlet features an everrotating roster of gardens on display, Hamilton-Seeger said, making sure there is something new for people to check out every year.

For 2020, there are several new

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gardens including the Stratford Festival Gardens and Fallen Branch Farms, a Lakelet-area offering.

Hosted by Patrick Rittinger and Paul Kekish, the site, located on Fordwich Line, features cottagestyle gardens including perennials, mature trees, a pond, vegetable gardens and fruit trees, as well as heritage livestock. The site also offers a on-farm store.

The pamphlet also features advertisements from local garden centres and horticultural businesses, Hamilton-Seeger said. The annual publication wouldn’t happen without their contributions or without the help of the Huron County GIS staff who help produce the map.

Hamilton-Seeger said anyone interested in visiting any of the gardens is advised to call ahead and make sure the site is open and the hosts are comfortable hosting at that point in time. She said she wants to remind everyone these gardens, while open to the public, are part of people’s homes and to practise respect.

While the pamphlets will be available through some sites, including garden centres, HamiltonSeeger said most of their regular outlets, like garden shows and tourism sites, aren’t open yet. Those who can’t attend a garden centre or track down a pamphlet otherwise are encouraged to look at the sites online at gardensofhuronperth.com or visit the group’s Facebook page.

Still going The Discover the Gardens of Huron Perth pamphlet (inset) shows beautiful gardens in the area like those at Gwen Richardson’s Donnybrook Flower Farm, an example of which is shown above. (Photo submitted)

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020. PAGE 17.

Project aims to clean up, make alley accessible special idea for some wall art for Seaforth.

“We’ll be creating threedimensional artwork from the 1930s to the 1950s,” Cooper said in a press release, “in essence, developing a Continued on page 21

would become “Art that’s right up your Alley” in Seaforth.

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A new beginning An opportunity to revitalize and beautify an alley just to the east of Seaforth’s main street has served two purposes. First, it will clean up a part of the town that has long needed a facelift and it will help customers gain access to main street businesses during the reconstruction of the main street. The project received a shot in the arm from Tuckersmith Communications Cooperative (TCC) with this new vintage phone booth. The company was the first to come on as a sponsor. From left: TCC Director Chris Cardno, TCC Director Jack McLachlan, Huron East Economic Development Officer Jan Hawley and TCC General Manager Rob Van Aaken.

(Shawn Loughlin photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen A project is now underway in Seaforth and those behind it hope it will be useful in killing two birds with one stone, as the saying goes: cleaning up a trouble spot and bringing customers to downtown businesses during main street reconstruction.

Work on Seaforth’s main street began last year, but it has moved into the downtown core this summer, blocking front door access for many businesses and making it tougher for others. With this on the horizon, Huron East Economic Development Officer Jan Hawley began brainstorming for solutions to the pending disruption over a year ago.

Little did she know that the COVID19 pandemic was on the horizon and the project would serve two purposes in the hopes of helping local businesses to regain their footing.

Hawley went back to a well that had proven to be productive in the past in the hopes of beautifying parts of the municipality.

Years ago, she worked with local artists and printers to create wall murals and window art for vacant stores in Brussels celebrating the village’s heritage. While she went in a slightly different direction this time, it follows the same principle of sprucing up the community in order to bring people in.

Knowing that many of the main street businesses would have access and accessibility issues with their main street entrances, Hawley shifted her focus on the alley running north along the back of many of the stores on the east side of the main street. The problem, however, was that the alley was not in great shape, piled high with garbage and other unsavoury, discarded items. Once she and other volunteers cleaned up the alley, she said, the hope was that she would have murals painted on the walls and

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vintage doors decorated to encourage people, both locals and visitors, to make the new and improved alley a stop over the course of their day.

Hawley says she took inspiration from the beautifully decorated alley in Stratford, beckoning for people to visit it. She thought the idea could work for Seaforth and that this year’s reconstruction project would be the perfect time to roll it out.

Hawley said she had a small budget for the project, so she began seeking sponsors and found some in local businesses like Tuckersmith Communications, the first to hop aboard, and others.

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PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020.

Using a false wall to divide, reclaim space Building the wall, however, turned out to be a learning experience, with the most important lesson being to remember to take down the trim and remove the baseboard before trying to erect a wall.

In the end, the project wasn’t overly expensive, coming in at just over $600, and it gave us about 68 square feet of wall, including 36 square feet of bookshelf space that hadn’t existed before. It also gave us a use for a nice door I had bought

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Taking it back Taking an oddly-shaped room and subdividing it with a false wall can provide not only a way of keeping spaces separate, but can also allow for otherwise wasted space to be used for more productive projects. Above, where once an oblong room with divided purposes existed, a false wall allowed for a book case to be installed, providing storage space and divvying up the space effectively. (Denny Scott photo)

By Denny Scott The Citizen

With Mary Jane’s birth, Ashleigh and I had to make some changes in our home: we had to relocate an office/entertainment space to make room for a nursery and also prepare for the copious amounts of storage required to benefit from the generosity of family and friends.

Gifts and hand-me-downs are wonderful, but they take up space, and that was something we hadn’t planned on when we originally laid out our home, so it came to pass that our storage closet was quickly outgrown and took over a portion of the space that was both my office and my workshop.

With the COVID-19 pandemic control measures, Ashleigh had time to start evaluating all the projects we wanted to do and had started to prioritize them, putting this one near the top of the list (likely because of how often I bemoaned the lack of bookshelves).

My office/workshop was oddlyshaped to begin with, being nine feet wide but about three times as long, it made it difficult to utilize the space efficiently. Eventually, it got to a point that there was a clear delineation between the storage area and my office in the form of a bare expanse of floor, but that wasn’t really enough. There was a significant amount of wasted space between the two areas, a no-man’s land of use, as it were, and I wanted

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without any idea of where we were going to put it.

The false wall created two distinct, clean spaces, which allows Mary Jane to be in my office (since there are no power tools there anymore) and allows storage to be out of sight and out of mind.

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to find a way to fix that.

Ashleigh and I had, for years, talked about getting bookshelves somewhere in the house to not only allow us to empty out some plastic tubs of books but also to encourage Mary Jane to read more just as the bookshelves in my family’s basement opened my eyes to works like J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings series.

So we set about building a false wall to be lined with bookshelves.

The work of the wall was pretty simple: Create a square of two-byfour pieces of wood that would cover the entirety of the space and allow us to install a door. Then put up some plywood, run supports to fasten the bookshelves to and voila, bookshelves where once there was wasted space.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020. PAGE 19.

Pandemic limiting house shopping to serious buyers Continued from page 15 an essential service, but when that declaration was made, Campbell says the government made it clear that open houses were to no longer be held.

However, even without the traditional open house in their arsenal, Campbell says people can still see a house live and in person, it’s just much more difficult than it used to be and with plenty of regulations and steps to take.

If someone expresses interest in a house Campbell has listed, she begins with a COVID-19 screening form to ensure the person or couple looking at the house (Campbell has limited groups seeing houses to two people, and no children) are not a clear risk of spreading COVID-19.

When that form returns and the answers are satisfactory, Campbell will arrange the visit with the homeowner. Because people like to look into hidden spots like cabinets and closets, she asks the homeowner to turn on all of the house’s lights and open all closets and cupboards so the visit can be entirely contactless.

Once the potential buyers arrive, Campbell greets them, from a distance, with her “COVID pail”, a bucket full of disinfectant, hand sanitizer, masks, gloves and other pandemic essentials. If they don’t have their own gloves and masks, Campbell will provide them to minimize risk on both sides. The potential buyers are then instructed to not touch anything inside the house during the visit.

She has also worked to limit any potential contact, instructing those looking at a house to keep their visits brief – ideally 30 minutes or less – and to keep them moving.

Furthermore, she has also limited any potential visits to those seriously in the market for a new home. If someone calls and wants to check out a home out of curiosity or that they’re maybe thinking about making a move, she’ll ask them to hold off and only schedule visits for essential, serious inquiries.

These methods have been working and keeping everyone safe, Campbell says, but, in many cases, they have resulted in the loss of the personal connection aspect of

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connecting with her clients in that way. It’s safe and functional, she said, but impersonal.

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A feature wall While the Wild Goose Studio Canada has undergone significant renovations, both outside and in, owners Hans Veenvliet and his wife Cindy McKenna said that uncovering and restoring a metal ceiling in the structure and installing the fireplace behind the couple have been some of the biggest changes they’ve made to the property. Veenvliet is a stoneworker by trade, so he was happy to be able to ply his skills in the renovations. (Denny Scott photo) Continued from page 14 installed on the north wall of the building.

The outdoor wood will be stained when the project is finished, he said, and the northern wall of the store may feature a mural by McKenna, but he wants to keep the natural wood aesthetic.

“We had [that design] at our previous place and... it just always looks good,” he said, adding it wasn’t necessarily planned, but it’s how he wants it to look.

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PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020.

Crafting raised gardens, planters to teach gardening

By Denny Scott The Citizen At the Scott household, there were some important questions as the COVID-19 pandemic wore on: what could we do to cut costs and what can we do to help continue Mary Jane’s education? The answer for both came with gardening.

Last year, Mary Jane took to gardening like a fish to water, helping both her grandfather and mother work in a neighbour’s garden when the neighbours were out of the country. From spreading seeds to

watering to cleaning out the plants at the end of the season, she loved every second of it, but there were some challenges.

The neighbour’s garden, a huge swatch of loamy soil that provided more vegetables than what was needed throughout the season, was designed, by us, for adults. There were clear paths to walk to keep the garden watered and weeded. Our then-near-three-year-old daughter, however, had problems with that and problems with watering cans.

Explaining not to step on the plants Continued on page 21

Securing the planters By partially burying planters in mulch, a garden can be created that is easier for children to traverse and take part in without damaging crops or flowers. (Denny Scott photo)

Learning by doing Gardening at the Scott household took on a new dimension when near-four-year-old Mary Jane wanted to help this year. A solution was needed to make sure wandering feet didn’t trample the crops, leading to the creation of a raised bed and buried planters, clearly showing where is safe to walk. (Denny Scott photo)

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020. PAGE 21.

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Different breeds of lettuce (in the furthest row) and flowers blossoming in this homemade planter designed to turn an untenable garden spot into an educational garden for a preschooler. The project included wood, some pots, mulch and a little bit of elbow grease and nothing more. (Denny Scott photo) Continued from page 20 became a daily mantra whenever Mary Jane saw something or someone exciting.

So when Ashleigh and I sat down to figure out how to garden this year, we looked at the spaces we have.

We have some gardens bordering on our house with perennials planted that we could rip up, but we decided it was better to tackle another problem area: a small part-concrete, part dirt space between our deck and our shed.

To reclaim the space for a garden, we built a giant planter out of twoby-twelve treated boards that we then filled with mulch. We then buried individual planters into the

mulch, leaving a small portion of each planter above the mulch line.

The resultant planting area fit 12 evenly-spaced planters, some with flowers and some with lettuce, that is perfect for Mary Jane. She can’t step on the plants easily and she can navigate to and from them without worry of damaging our crop for the year.

By burying the planters in the mulch, we also prevented any kind of problem with wind because they are firmly anchored in the mulch and shielded, somewhat, by the house, the shed and the planter box itself.

By clearly showing where it is safe to walk and making the garden of a size that Mary Jane can manage

Hawley partners with groups, businesses on Seaforth alley project Continued from page 17 walk down memory lane. A mural, even if attractive, remains twodimensional. Our goal is to bring realism to the creations that go up.

Window art with a cat curled up inside on the sill or with a face peeking out from behind a curtain produces something genuinely believable. The other advantage of developing an interesting, imaginative gallery is that it deters spray paint vandalism and graffiti.”

Cooper has worked with Huron East several times before and he said in the press release that he’s particularly happy to be working on this project. “Jan’s idea was not only to improve the look of the back lanes, but to jazz them up in a way that would be long-lasting,” Cooper said.

In addition to finding corporate sponsors, Hawley has also partnered with the Seaforth Business Improvement Area (BIA), Community Futures Huron and the Seaforth Community Development Trust on the project to bolster the

funding and expand the project’s potential.

With that expanded funding came an expanded vision of what the alley could become. In addition to the proposed murals, doors and window art, Hawley has had an old phone booth refurbished and hopes to include vintage photographs of Seaforth in the alley as well to bring home that sense of history.

Hawley has high hopes.

Depending on the success of this first project, she hopes to expand it further to include the alley on the west side of the main street and perhaps even expand it to include other Huron East communities.

One property she has identified is the north wall of JD & Company, the Brussels business owned by Win This Space champion Jackie DeWit. It is in a perfect location to catch the eyes of those entering the village from the north, Hawley said, and DeWit is the perfect person to engage in such a creative project.

The phone booth in Seaforth is already in place and further beautification will begin soon.

to help out with, we’re hoping to teach her about gardening from an early age and encourage her to continue doing it as both a costsaving measure and a way to unwind during the warmer seasons of the month.

We also planted a small garden at the side of the house with tomatoes and lettuce, but it’s a single row, allowing for that same kind of ease of use the first garden offered.

So far, the experiment is a success, with colourful flowers taking over a portion of the garden and each of the leftover planters housing four different lettuce plants that, throughout the season, should make for some great lunch salads.

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PAGE 22. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020.

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Keeping healthy Fighting diseases like COVID-19 starts at home with good practices like washing hands, disinfecting surfaces, using personal bath towels and distancing where possible. (MS photo) MS – Family companionship invaluable. Spending time together with loved ones is an important component of daily life. However, when an illness affects one person of the household, that highly coveted closeness can put others at risk.

Infectious diseases are equal opportunity hitchhikers. Should a person be waylaid by influenza, strep throat, mononucleosis or COVID-19, casual contact may be all it takes to pass the illness to someone else.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States says that COVID-19 is primarily spread from person-to-person among people who are in close contact with one another (within about six feet). Respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes can land in the mouths or noses of people nearby or possibly be inhaled in to the lungs.

Other viruses and bacteria spread from contact with contaminated

surfaces or objects and then touching one’s own mouth, nose or possibly the eyes.

Keeping household members safe when one person is ill can be challenging, but it is possible. These steps can help keep everyone in a household safe, particularly from virulent diseases.

• Wash your hands: this is the most effective way to prevent the spread of germs. As frequently as possible, wash your hands, but especially after touching frequently used items or before and after preparing and eating food.

• Disinfect surfaces: target areas that are frequently touched by all members of the household. Such surfaces include doorknobs, stairway railings, bathroom and kitchen faucets, the refrigerator door, light switches and cabinet knobs. Make sure to keep the disinfectant visibly wet on the surface for the “dwell time”

recommended on the label instructions to fully kill the germs.

• Consider colour coding: use microfibre cloths, which don’t harbour germs like porous sponges do, with different colours for cleaning each room of the house to prevent the spread of germs from one area to another.

• Keep your distance: sick individuals should stay away from others as much as possible. Now might be the time to use a guest bedroom for spouses who normally share a bed. Designate a separate bathroom for healthy individuals.

Do not touch hands, hug or kiss others while you are ill. Kaiser Foundation Health Plans also suggests hygiene techniques like coughing or sneezing into a tissue or sleeve to trap the virus.

• Use personal bath towels: do not share towels and linens with others while sick. Now is the time

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020. PAGE 23.

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Brussels Livestock report

Fed steers, heifers sell on strong trade Total receipts for Brussels Livestock for the week ending June 5 were 2,020 cattle and 752 lambs and goats.

On Tuesday quality fed steers and heifers sold on a strong active trade at steady prices. Choice steers and heifers sold $160 to $170. Second cut steers and heifers sold $147 to $160. Cows sold steady. On Thursday veal sold on a strong active trade with prices $2 to $3 higher. Lambs and sheep sold steady.

Goats sold higher. On Friday calves sold actively at steady prices.

Yearlings sold steady.

Dennis and MaryLou Bross of Listowel, consigned three heifers.

One limousin heifer weighed 1,450

lbs. and sold for an average price of $168. John Vanloo of Bluevale, consigned 12 head. One charolais heifer weighed 1,485 lbs. and sold for an average price of $167.50.

There were 200 cows on offer.

Beef sold $92 to $98 with sales to $105; D1 and D2, $82 to $88; D3, $74 to $81.

John Vanloo consigned 13 head.

One charolais cow weighed 1,860 lbs. and sold for an average price of $105.

There were 13 bulls selling $108 to $140. MiddleCamp Farms of Ripley, consigned three bulls. One charolais bull weighed 1,920 lbs. and sold for an average price of $140.

There were 120 head of veal on offer. Beef veal sold $139 to $183; good holsteins, $115 to $134 with sales to $137; SL heavy holsteins, $100 to $118; heavy holsteins, $104 to $114.

John Herbst of Ayton, consigned one blue steer that weighed 970 lbs. and sold for an average price of $183.

Lambs under 50 lbs. sold $293.50 to $297; 50 - 64 lbs., $293.50 to $330; 65 - 79 lbs., $227 to $291; 80 - 94 lbs., $258.75 to $282; 95 - 109 lbs., $258 to $268; 110 lbs. and over, $261 to $264.

Sheep sold $100 to $170.

Goats: billies sold $150 to $350; nannies, $50 to $200; kids: meat,

$350 to $420; dairy, $300 to $399.

Bonnie Beuerman of Dublin, consigned 10 goats. Three boer kids averaged 44 lbs. and sold for an average price of $415. Lars Steuenbrink of Kirkton, consigned 35 goats. Seven dairy kid goats averaged 65 lbs. and sold for an average price of $398.

Top quality stocker steers under 400 lbs. sold $236 to $267; 400 - 499 lbs., $253.50 to $282; 500 - 599 lbs., $251 to $276; 600 - 699 lbs., $220.50 to $240; 700 - 799 lbs., $196 to $221; 800 - 899 lbs., $199 to $214.50; 900 - 999 lbs., $180 to $189.25; 1,000 lbs. and over, $169 to $185.

Top quality stocker heifers, 300 -

399 lbs. sold $214 to $230; 400 - 499 lbs., $222 to $237; 500 - 599 lbs., $202.50 to $230; 600 - 699 lbs., $178.50 to $230; 700 - 799 lbs., $176.75 to $186; 800 - 899 lbs., $167 to $180; 900 lbs. and over, $162 to $177.

Darren Gray of New Liskeard, consigned 14 head. Eleven charolais steers averaged 1,019 lbs. and sold for an average price of $185. Chris Glavin of Ailsa Craig, consigned 15 steers. Nine black steers averaged 837 lbs. and sold for an average price of $214.50. Craig Simpson of Glencoe, consigned 14 charolais heifers. Nine charolais heifers averaged 936 lbs. and sold for an average price of $171.

Auction houses hit hard, adapt through pandemic

Choppy waters Though the market of cow sales is down, and commissions with it, Dave Carson of Carson’s Auctions in Listowel says his attitude towards the future is one of “let’s do the best we can” in the face of adversity. (Photo submitted)

By Lisa B. Pot The Rural Voice Spring isn’t just a time for planting, it’s a time for auction sales; a social highlight that retired farmers, collectors and deal makers are missing dearly.

“People love their auctions. They love the thrill of bidding,” says Ken Lillicrop, president of Bryan’s Auctions based in Puslinch and Trenton. “We’re hoping we can get people on site again in June.”

In the meantime, Lillicrop has just launched a revised system for the timed online auctions Bryan’s is known for after cancelling all April sales until they could find a safe way to handle money and arrange scheduled, curbside pickups.

“Our sales are usually large with 3,000 to 4,000 pieces,” said Lillicrop. “On a Saturday, there might be over 1,000 people looking at the stuff.”

When that happens, most people have the same touch points. If it’s a

tractor or vehicle, they open the door, climb in and put their hands on a steering wheel. “There is so much touching. There is just no way we could get it all cleaned and sanitized for every customer.”

About half of the 20 staff at Bryan’s has been laid off.

Fortunately, Bryan’s Auctions has 10 years experience running online auctions and was able to resume online sales mid-May. There won’t be any physical viewing of the machinery, vehicles or construction items, but staff is adding more descriptive details to the items for sale. All payments will be made online. All pick-ups will be scheduled.

It might be a stretch to say auction businesses will thrive this year, but most will survive.

“Auctioneering is a business that will survive all tests of time,” believes Lillicrop. “There are always people who want to sell and there are always people who want to buy.”

However, he admits this has been

tough and a lot of extra work.

It’s been more than tough for auctioneers that deal with cattle such as David Carson of Carson Farm and Auction Services Ltd. in Listowel.

Carson had to cancel all early farm sales to be held on the property.

When he was able to open the sales ring for a beef cow and calf sale, half the chairs were removed to create safe distances for the 49 buyers who came. Prices were about what he expected with bred cows, selling for an average of $1,750 and cow-calf pairs averaging $2,000. A few tender sales also remained on the docket with two property owners happily accepting bids and another deciding not to sell.

“It’s been very disheartening,” said Carson. “We usually sell a lot of fresh Holstein heifers but they aren’t selling right now. Prices are terrible, which also means our commission sales are down. It’s just not a lot of fun here right now.”

A few employees have been laid

off and office staff hours have been reduced.

“Everyone is struggling and like them, we are doing the best we can,” said Carson.

The sales barn will make it through these tough times. Sales that have been postponed will hopefully be offered in the fall. Carson also sells animals on private commissions but he knows he will lose customers.

“The people who come to buy one or two animals will go by the wayside and the result will be fewer buyers buying in bigger numbers,” believes Carson.

He is thankful for the customers who have remained loyal to his business because he knows it is a very trying time for everybody. “I’m hoping everyone can pull through,” he says.

So does Ruth Ann Scott of Yokassippi Auctions and Appraisals in Teeswater, which has not booked auctions for the entire year.

“I am sitting with enough stuff for two auctions right now,” says Scott.

Ruth Ann and husband Ken usually offer a dozen or so auctions a year but say besides being illegal due to the restriction on large gatherings, most people do not want to be in crowds right now. Online auctions are not being recommended by the

Auctioneer’s Association of Ontario for estate auctions either.

“People still want to see the stuff and pick it up. I know it’s only one person at a time but if they look at it like they normally would, who will disinfect it all?”

Cancelling all sales was the only option and Ruth Ann says she misses it, as do her customers. Yokassippi is a favourite hangout for buyers who love auctions. “There are so few live auctions left and the people who Continued on page 24

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd.

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

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

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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, Belgrave Variety, Blyth Variety, Blyth Food Market, Blyth Ultramar, Brussels Bulk & Bargains, Brussels Foodland, Brussels Variety, JR’s, Clinton Convenience, Clinton Foodland, Walton Inn, Dean’s ValuMart in Wingham, Wingham Mini Mart, Brown’s Pharmasave, Wingham. Seaforth Foodland, GT Mini Mart in Seaforth, Fincher’s in Goderich and The Citizen Blyth. The Citizen is available online for free while we are under orders for physical distances. Stay safe! huroncitizen.ca

Coming events

Personals

THE WINGHAM COLUMBUS Centre would like to invite you to the next Famous Fish Fry – Take-out Style! on Friday, June 19 from noon to 7 p.m. Take-out $16 – Your choice of grilled or battered white fish or chicken fingers, baked potatoes or fries and a dinner roll. Add a salad for $1.50 and/or a tart for $2, all taxes are included. Orders must be made in advance, payment by credit card or e-transfer to wc1@bellnet.ca Pick-up times will be scheduled and all doors will be propped open and meals with names on them in the foyer. Please call 519-357-1270. If no answer please leave a message and we will call back. Don’t forget to order your homemade soups and TV-style dinners – freezers are always getting filled.

24-2

ARE YOU PREGNANT AND unsure about your future? Contact Ramoth House. We can help you discover your parenting potential.

You can get more information about our services on our website www.ramoth.ca or by phone 519-323-3751 or email: office@ramoth.ca e6w

Services FAXING SERVICE is suspended.

Will resume when COVID-19 crisis is over. The Citizen. tfn --------------------------------------------

In memoriam DOHERTY (BERNARD).

In memory of Gwen Doherty who passed away June 10, 2019.

Time may help us to ease the bitter pain, Of the loss of one held dear; But only few know how we miss her, And the loneliness of this year.

I try to be brave and remember, She now is free from all pain; And at the road’s end, God willing, We too shall meet again. – Mom, Mary Ann, Dianne and Cindy and families.

24-1

519.335.3581

A new day Bill Horst of Bill Horst Auctions, based in Millbank, says nothing compares to a live, public auction, both for business and for his own adrenaline rush. However, with public sales postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19, he’s relying on his online presence to sell big-ticket items. (Photo submitted)

Citizen-To-Citizen “SWAP SHOP” ad “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. Your ad will run three times unless it sells faster! ➨ The Citizen reserves the right to limit the number of items or ads per person.

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Auctions move online, lose their social aspect

FOR SALE – 20 ft. bale elevator with motor, Brussels area, $150.

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24-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE – 4 - 235/75 R16 Bridgestone Blizzack tires on 6 stud GM 1/2T steel wheels, 1/2 tread, $200 with centre caps.

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24-3 ------------------------------------------

Continued from page 23 really enjoy them are missing the social part of it. They are missing the food booth too!”

Yokassippi Auctions has been at its Teeswater location since 2006 and had been conducting auctions for a few years before that. Ken is currently in the hospital (not COVID-19 related) and Ruth Ann gives a wry laugh as she admits, “2020 has not been my favourite year so far.”

Bill Horst of Bill Horst Auctions in Millbank would probably agree.

However, he started offering online auctions last fall and has been relying on this part of his business during the pandemic.

“I’ve had to cancel or postpone about 12 sales so far. There are a few that can go on in the fall, but I’m not sure if public auctions will be deemed essential anytime this year,” says Horst, who has been an auctioneer in southwestern Ontario for 26 years.

In his opinion, public auctions are still the way to go to get good prices.

“You get people right at the table bidding and then it’s my job to convince them to pay more,” explains Horst. “When you are actually talking to them face to face, I think it’s more effective.”

Online sales are a different beast.

You can’t offer the wagon loads and

FOR SALE – 13 T-Bar fence posts, $50; assorted used bars and chain available for best offer. Call 519-887-9615.

23-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE – jogging stroller, $50 o.b.o.; small white chest with four drawers, ideal for toys or toddler clothes, $10 o.b.o. 519-357-2768.

23-3 ------------------------------------------

All word ads in The Citizen classifieds are put on our webpage at

www.huroncitizen.ca

low-cost items. For his online auctions, Horst focuses on higherend items such as tractors and farm equipment.

At the time of writing of this article in May, he had sold 16 large pieces including tractors and tillage equipment.

“What I do is really catching on in the Ontario market,” says Horst. He takes the photos and videos, writes a detailed summary of the piece and posts it online.

In the post-COVID-19 future, he imagines his business will be 50 per cent online and 50 per cent public auctions.

“There are lots of people out there who love to go to public auctions and that will never change,” says Horst. “There are also the people who do not have time to go to an auction and would rather press a button and bid on a piece of farm equipment online.”

Personally, having spent most of his adult life as an auctioneer, Horst hopes he can soon get back up on a wagon for a live auction. “I still love doing it. I love to meet the public and sell to people in person and get the adrenaline going.”

While, financially, he knows he’ll “be behind the eight ball dollar wise” with the cancellation of live auctions, Horst is still hoping he can say that it was a good year.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020. PAGE 25.

From the Minister’s Study

Let the barriers of hostility melt away: Dow

By Ernest Dow, Executive Pastor - Huron Chapel EMC, Auburn “I can’t stand for that!” Around the globe, in many cities, thousands of people have rallied in response to a video depicting the brutal treatment by one Minneapolis officer perpetrated against an unarmed African-American, George Floyd. It has sparked outrage, in some cases accompanied by violence and looting. In other venues, protesters and police forces have participated peacefully and harmoniously in a way signalling empathy and appreciation.

To protest is to stand in opposition to something perceived as unjust, unconscionable or worse. Our own denomination is part of the “Protestant” branch of the Christian church family. The term “Protestant” comes from the letter of protestation from German Lutheran princes in 1529 against a Catholic body’s condemnation of the teachings of Martin Luther as heretical. Luther had been publicizing the abuse of the institutional church in selling indulgences, by which churchgoers were coerced to pay money in exchange for promises that release from temporal punishment for sin could be purchased – while the gospel instead offers redemption freely to those who simply believe in Christ’s atoning offering of His life at the cross.

Human institutions – even churches and denominations – are imperfect, and can become sininfected. In particular the institution of slavery is exploitative, demeaning human beings by putting a price on their head as if they are mere property than can be bought and sold, disposed of or treated without value as one may choose. It was a long hard fight by Christians such as William Wilberforce, himself a politician, who brought an end to the slave trade and eventually the abolition of slavery itself in England.

The Bible appeals to us to treat other people as partners, to be honoured and co-operated with, rather than as objects to be owned and exploited. Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi rings with the note of partnership. It is essentially a missionary’s “thank-you letter” to the folks back home supporting their mission. The Philippians had been the first people in Greece to hear Paul preach (Acts 16:9). When they found out Paul had been brought into custody in Rome to await trial before the emperor, they took a collection and sent it to help him with expenses

while he lived under house arrest.

Philippi as a city was rather unique. It was a prosperous Roman colony, meaning its citizens were also citizens of Rome. They prided themselves on being Romans, dressed like Romans, and often spoke Latin. So the people of Philippi were very different from Paul, who was born a Jew. There was a racial divide. Yet he was strongly bonded to them, as they shared in his mission, sending funds to help support him. Even though he was now in Rome, the capital of the empire, rather than in Philippi, they shared his vision to evangelize elsewhere.

Paul wrote, “because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now...” (Php 1:5) “Partnership” translates the Greek word koinonia, which can mean “fellowship, association, community, communion, joint participation.” My wife said to me recently, “Teamwork makes the dream work.” (She was leading a handful (of people) from IODE and the town who planted close to 10,000 flowers in Canadian flag shape at the five-points lights in Goderich last Friday.) Paul valued the help of these people who were nevertheless racially unlike him.

He went on to add, “...for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.” (Php 1:7) Later, “Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.” (4:14) Koinonia - partnering together in common cause.

The early church was a very diverse bunch. The church can and ought to be an example of people

from all kinds of different backgrounds and races partnering together. Consider the early church at Antioch – “In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul.” (Acts 13:1) A variety of backgrounds and places; “Niger” means black, at least in complexion if not actually racially. In Revelation 7:9a John has the vision, “After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.” A diverse group! Yet, joined in a common faith, trusting the Lamb.

The classic verse for Christians about race is Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” When we die to self in Christ by faith, our old superficial distinctives that we use to ward off others are stripped away.

Paul describes to the church in Ephesus how becoming a Christian ought to break down the racial divide through the blood of Jesus who died for all kinds of people.

“For He himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in His flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which He put to death their hostility. He came and

Brussels Mennonite Fellowship All of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.

(1 Peter 3:8) BMF Mission = our church exists to GROW in the teachings of Jesus to LIVE by His example, and to CONNECT people to Him

Worship Service: 10:00 am Coffee Time: 11:15 am

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

Blyth United Church Due to the COVID-19 Virus the church building is closed.

Please join Rev. Gary Clark on YouTube “Forest Hill United Church Kitchener” for the Sunday Service

Evangelical Missionary Church

See homepage for LIVESTREAM Sundays 10:30 a.m.

June 14 GRADUATION SUNDAY Pastor Rob Campbell (Php. 1:18ff) (building closed due to COVID; check out our midweek virtual LifeGroups!) ** Let us know how we can be praying for you / practical needs **

huronchapel.com huronchapelkids.com huronchapelyouth.com 119 John’s Ave., Auburn 519-526-1131

Facebook: Blyth and Brussels United Churches blythunited@tcc.on.ca ~ 519-523-4224

MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS Search on YouTube for "St. Andrew's and Melville Sermon" for a new virtual worship every Sunday morning.

Stay safe and healthy!

Brussels Soup and More 2 is cancelled until further notice.

519-357-5273

preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.”

(Eph 2:14-18) If God no longer walls off either us or ‘them’ , who are we to erect barriers on a human level?

The issue of racism is a very personal one in my own family: my youngest daughter married a man originally from Zambia, whose skin colour is virtually opposite to hers! I have come to appreciate him as a devoted husband to his wife, and caring father to his children. Those three grandchildren clearly differ in appearance from their neighbours in rural Alberta – yet my sincere hope is that they will develop the impression the police are there “to

serve and protect”, not to fear or be avoided in case they act in a way that intimidates or abuses. My daughter recently noted: “It’s especially sobering when [my grandchildren] come to us, scared of what may happen to them because of the colour of their skin. I can’t even reassure them that police brutality doesn’t happen in Canada, or that they’re safe as children (Tamir Rice is one example).

May our degree of partnership amongst various races increase and the barriers of hostility that divide us melt away – as the Good News of Jesus’ salts our society to preserve the wellbeing of even the most vulnerable. Until the day dawns when protests are no longer warranted!

The Regional Ministry of Hope See our Facebook page 10:30 a.m. on Sundays for a live broadcast of our service.

All Anglican Churches are closed for public worship until further notice.

Rev. JoAnn Todd, Rector 519-357-7781 email: revjoann@hurontel.on.ca The­Regional­Ministry­of­ Hope

Trinity

St. John’s

BLYTH

BRUSSELS

9:00 am

12 noon

St. Paul’s Trinity

WINGHAM

COME WORSHIP WITH US!

10:30 am

BRUSSELS

United Church Until we are able to gather for worship take the opportunity to join “Forest Hill United Church” on YouTube this Sunday.

In these strange times, may the people you encounter bring you Love and Hope.

Church Services are cancelled until further notice Video sermons available on YouTube by searching “Blyth Christian Reformed Church”

BLYTH CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH Minister: Pastor Gary van Leeuwen Hwy. 4, Blyth www.blythcrc.ca 519-523-4743

THE CATHOLIC PARISHES OF NORTH HURON AND NORTH PERTH

OUR SUNDAY LITURGIES ARE

CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

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 Prayer Services, Wed., Thurs. and Fridays at 10:00 a.m.

Live Sunday Mass, Sundays at 10:00 a.m.

PAGE 26. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020.

Everyone is on the COVID-19 front line PEOPLE AROUND LONDESBORO

By BRENDA RADFORD Call 523-4296

Off to the races While things at the Clinton Raceway are decidedly different this year, the site has been able to open up to host races, starting with some trial runs over the weekend. In a press release issued over the weekend, the raceway announced that there will be no fans on site for opening day on June 14, but the races can be enjoyed virtually on Facebook or www.clintonraceway.com. Betting has also gone virtual through hpibet.com. (John Stephenson photo)

Library offering curbside service The Huron County Library is excited to announce that curbside service is now available at select library branch locations!

Curbside service is being offered at the Goderich, Exeter and Zurich branch locations starting June 4, and at the Wingham and Brussels branch locations starting June 9. This service will be provided on Tuesdays from 1-4 p.m., Wednesdays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Thursdays from 4-7 p.m. All other library branches remain closed.

At this time, all curbside visits must be pre-arranged with library staff by appointment. For the first stage of this service, staff will be contacting patrons with existing holds that were placed prior to the library closures. Once these holds have been cleared, the online catalogue will be opened to accept new holds. For new holds, library patrons can visit the library’s online

catalogue at huroncounty.ca/library and place a hold on their desired items. After the items have been reserved, library staff will contact the patron to schedule a pick-up appointment.

Borrowed items can be returned using the book drop located at the same branch used for pick-up, or if previously borrowed, can be returned through the book drop of any branch offering curbside service. All other book drops remain closed at this time.

Library staff are working hard to ensure that this service is provided safely. Increased cleaning and sanitation protocols are in effect, and staff are using personal protective equipment, where appropriate. All returned items will be quarantined for at least nine days before being put back into circulation.

Library staff would like to remind patrons that this is an outdoor-only service. Patrons are kindly asked to

not enter branch locations at any time and to continue practising physical distancing during their service appointments.

“Offering curbside service at some library locations is so important for engaging within our local communities,” said Warden Jim Ginn. “The Huron County Library is eager to reconnect with valued patrons and lend print materials again so that any community member of our county can enjoy what our libraries have to offer”.

At this time, curbside service is being offered at only the few select branch locations. If the demand for physical items increases, the library may consider expanding curbside service in the future to include additional locations, as necessary.

For more information on this service, please contact the Huron County Library by visiting huroncounty.ca/library or e-mailing libraryadmin@huroncounty.ca.

A “Letter to the Editor” in a recent Toronto Star shone a new light on our actions these many weeks of the pandemic. This writer made the point that we are all on the front line.

Yes, the courageous workers who are out there every day keeping our world running and safe and dealing with those who are sick are on a front line. However, the writer commented that we are all on a front line, by being responsible. We are responsible for keeping a safe distance, self-isolating, wearing a mask, washing our hands properly and using sanitizers. So be proud of the efforts you are taking to stop the spread.

Along this same line, there is a UNICEF advertisement currently being aired on TV that speaks to children about the difference they are making to the virus spread by staying home and being brave. What a wonderful message for the youth who are having trouble understanding the changes we are expecting of them. Then again, we are all children at heart.

Last Sunday, Londesborough United Church and community was to gather at the village ball diamond for an outdoor service, a ball game and barbecue. The service was planned also to recognize the Sunday school pupils and teachers.

Instead Erica Baxter, who teaches the older pupils, sat in her backyard and presented, online, an uplifting message simply entitled “JOY”. She chose some upbeat music videos to further her message.

Remember, there is joy all around us if we but look for it even in these stressful times. And we can still connect with others by way of telephone, mail and social media.

See where you can spread joy in the days ahead. I guarantee the joy will rebound and both parties will be uplifted. It’s a great way to relieve the mental and emotional stress associated with confinement.

I received notice last week that the e-recycling collection will be held in the village on Labour Day weekend.

So just leave that pile of electronic “stuff’ in a corner of your garage for a few more months. No one is visiting to take exception to it piling up anyway. Moreover, by taking it that day you are supporting the local 4-H club.

Now if only some group would do a paint collection. Many homes have been sprucing up areas with a fresh coat of paint during these weeks indoors. And shelves have been cleared of mostly empty or no longer useful cans of paint. Where to go with a few cans?

Stay safe! Stay well! Stay sane!

NEWS FROM LONDESBORO

Good Employees are hard to find

Big Jobs Let us help Little Jobs you find Odd Jobs the ideal Even Dirty Jobs person!

In bloom The Maitland Valley Camera Club’s Liz Allan isn’t letting COVID-19 get in the way of some great shots like the hyacinths in full bloom captured above. (Photo courtesy of Liz Allan of the Maitland Valley Camera Club)

Place an ad in our classified section in

The Citizen

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020. PAGE 27.

OPP seeking tips in Egmondville break-in Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers, including members of the Huron-Perth Community Street Crimes Unit (CSCU), are investigating an overnight break-in that occurred in Egmondville last weekend.

Investigators learned that sometime between 11 p.m. on June 5

NH utilizes StreetScan for roads

and 10:15 a.m. on June 6, a suspect entered into a residence located on Nicholson Drive in Egmondville through an unlocked garage door.

Once inside the home the suspect stole a significant amount of cash and coins, a pair of women's RayBan sunglasses, two Apple smart watches, a woman's Revival brand watch and a gold necklace with a heart pendant.

In total, the stolen goods and cash is estimated to be worth approximately $4,300.

Any person with information regarding this incident should immediately contact Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or (519) 524-8314.

Should you wish to remain

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

OFFICER IMPERSONATOR Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has arrested and charged a Wallaceburg resident with Personating a Peace Officer following a recent investigation.

In early May, Huron OPP members were notified by a member of the public who had concerns about a person that was seen operating a sport utility vehicle that resembled a police vehicle.

A few weeks later on June 4, a Huron County OPP officer was conducting RADAR patrols on

Highway 21 when a sport utility vehicle closely resembling a police vehicle passed by the officer. The officer gave a wave to what he thought was a fellow colleague however upon further investigation the officer became suspicious of the vehicle as no other officers were known to be in the immediate area.

A traffic stop was conducted shortly thereafter and the officer spoke with the driver. The accused was dressed in clothing that resembled a tactical officer, additionally, several items were observed inside the vehicle that are commonly used in policing.

As a result of the investigation the driver, a 33-year-old male from Wallaceburg, was arrested and taken

into custody. He has been charged with Personating a Peace Officer and has since been released from custody with a court date scheduled for Aug. 17 at the Ontario Court of Justice in Goderich.

If you have been recently stopped by a vehicle resembling an unmarked police vehicle and you have concerns the officer was not genuine please contact Huron OPP to speak with an investigator. Huron OPP may be contacted at (519) 5248314 or 1-888-310-1122.

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

By Denny Scott The Citizen

North Huron Township Council has approved, pending the approval of a grant, the use of scanning technology to get a better idea of what’s under the township’s roads.

During its June 2 meeting, council approved an application to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ asset management program to continue to develop North Huron’s asset management program.

If approved, the municipality could receive up to 80 per cent of the cost of a scanning project for sidewalks and roadways.

The $18,076 project would then only cost the municipality $3,615.

In his report to council, Director of Public Works and Facilities Sean McGhee explained that the project is designed to help contribute to the asphalt road replacement program, which requires an updated road condition assessment.

Through a company called StreetScan, 47 kilometres of roads and 33 kilometres of sidewalk will be investigated in Blyth and Wingham, providing an optical 3D camera view of the roadway surface.

The data will allow for a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) to be generated, which will help the municipality set priorities for road repair.

“They use specialized technology,” McGhee said. “A fullykitted vehicle goes up and down the roads, using a number of different technologies.”

McGhee recommended that council approve the project with an upset limit of $10,000 to be withdrawn from municipal coffers, though he anticipates that the cost will be much less.

Councillor Chris Palmer said that, while it was a lot of money, he was impressed by the amount of data that is to be collected and how the municipality will be able to use it.

Council approved having StreetScan do the project, pending the approval of the grant.

Recent circulation figures show

The Citizen has the highest circulation in the northern part of Huron County, #2 in the entire county.

The Citizen Proudly Community-Owned Since 1985

atat

the theedge edgeofofwalton walton let’s exploretoad a pond with dip nets!

American

top: jack lee explores bare bum top: a breeding pair of beach 2.0 at the edge of walton; american toads; left: left: curious hands learn american toad tadpoles found about aquatic life in our local in a puddle adjacent to a ecosystems! wetland area

One of our favourite things to do at the Edge of Walton is to learn about what different types of creatures live in our many ponds! What’s really Scientific Name: Anaxyrus americanus exciting is that each pond is very different from the other. If you don’t have size: size:Adultsbycan size: to 11 streams, cm long any ponds at home, that’s ok! We’re surrounded lotsgrow of small walking trails with water access and the Maitland River that you can easily Throughout Ontario Distribution: explore in Huron County. If you’re around water, make sure you always habitat: habitat:American toads can be found have an adult with you - sometimes thehabitat: banks can be very slippery and we anywhere - from mown grass to of forests and shady ditches along the road. Like always ant to be safe when we are near water. and Heregardens are a few the most many amphibians, American toads live in ponds during the common things we found in our pond explorations this week: breeding season and as larvae. Breeding occurs in warm, shallow ponds, shallow streams, and even large puddles!

crayfish:

The is a large, squat toad with brown, Characteristics: These aquatic critters tend to live in American freshwatertoad ecosystems, hiding reddish or olive skin and dark blotches containing one to along the plants that grow along the water’s edge. Have you ever two spots or “warts” of various colours.

The belly is white gone for a walk near water and found chimnies made of mud? with dark spots.

These toads often have Those were made by crayfish! They burrow into the mud and create a light line down middlefrom of the back. The tadpoles of this species are the chimney to help protect the the entrance predators. nearly all black and are always the first ones our students and campers find in our ponds!

fun facts about American Toads: fathead minnow:

1.

You cannot get warts from a toad! This common old wive’s tale has been fooling us for years. In fact, the We are always wondering if and when our ponds will become home to larger fish than “warts” on the back of the toad are not even warts at all! Toads eat insects and small creatures that live in minnows (we love fishing!), so when these bigger minnows appeared in our one pond the soil, like worms and slugs. American toads can eat up to 1000 insects a day! The main predators to this spring, we got excited! Turns out, Fathead minnows don’t get much bigger than toads are snakes, which explains why we have so many garter snakes at the Edge of Walton. American this. They do, however, play an important role in our creeks, streams and ponds: they toads hibernate on land, digging a hole backwards to burrow beneath the frost line in the soil. There is are prey to larger predators such as snapping turtles, painted turtles, great blue only one other type of toad in Ontario, the Fowler’s Toad, and it is located around Lake Erie. American herons and kingfishers! toads are able to live on land because they have thicker skin that helps prevent dehydration. Toads lay their eggs in two strands (see pic below), wrapped around plants and sticks underwater. The eggs can hatch leeches:and the tadpole stage can last from 50-65 days. as quickly as a few days,

3.

2.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Did you know that not all leeches like to suck human blood? They much prefer the And while we’re not going to test that theory The sandy “Bare Bum pond located atmake the Edge of-Walton is a favourite ground for there outBeach” anytime soon, it does sense most times when we breeding find a painted turtle American toads. It’sisaashallow pond that warms up fast in the spring thanks to the sandy bottom, so around little brown leech flapping around it’s underside. Did you also know that leeches are this time each year actually the shoreline is black with tadpoles!

Both the American Toad and its tadpoles worms, they don’t have ears and they communicate through a stronghave sense of poison glands to deter predators (they them taste bad). Often when Gary (our farm shih tzu) picks taste and touch withmake one another! them up he’ll foam at the mouth, but he’s totally fine after he eats some grass. Unfortunately for American toads, their main predator the garter snake is immune to their poison. It’s not uncommon to see a garter snake with toad legs hanging out of its mouth!

american toads at the edgeblood of walton: of amphibians like turtles and frogs.

Harper’s Harper’s 1.1. other finds favourite toad pictures 1.1. I Athink are last green frog tadpoles. toadthese I found week.

2.2.

2.2. AToad water strider. eggs.

3. A red spotted newt!

3. A toad that did not survive the winter.

The edge of walton is a registered non-profit organization and is located at 42932 walton road in walton, ontario The edge of walton is a registered non-profit organization and is located at 42932 walton road in walton ontario

3.3.

PAGE 28. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020.

Fairy Door Trail open in Brussels

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

Now open The Brussels Fairy Door Trail, which was launched last year, is now open with approximately 20 new doors added this year. A full interactive map of the over 70 locations is available on the Brussels Fairy Door Trail Facebook page. (John Stephenson photo)

Over the weekend, the Brussels Fairy Door Trail opened for another season, again expanding from 2019 to 2020 to include over 20 new doors.

Zoellyn Onn, a Huron East councillor and the creator of the local Fairy Door Trail as a member of the Brussels Horticultural Society, said it was a good weekend for families to get out and see the doors around the village. It’s a great activity for all, she said, because physical distancing can be maintained while taking in the attractions.

There are now over 70 Fairy Doors along the trail. They are listed on the trail’s Facebook page and also as part of an interactive online map.

The trail officially launched last September with a special event in the village that included “real-life” fairies and plenty of children in costume. On that day, organizers distributed maps of the doors as well.

The list of Fairy Doors in Brussels is always growing, with people adding the miniature doors to their homes or businesses over the course of the year.

For more information, visit the Brussels Fairy Door Trail page on Facebook.

Get information on Huron County attractions on the Stops Along The Way website at stopsalongtheway.ca

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020. PAGE 29.

Missionary, youth work cornerstones of Huron Chapel went on, eventually becoming fulltime in 2019.

Campbell says events like the Vacation Bible School and 180 Camp are great ways to be introduced to the community, but the church must be the week-to-week comfort it offers young people. If they want to be there, they’ll bring their friends, who also want to be there, and before you know it Huron Chapel becomes a comfortable place for the youth of the community.

It would continue to grow, keeping with the tradition of youth-focused ministry at the church, with over 250 children registered for Vacation Bible School in 2017.

It was also in 2017 that Living Water Christian Fellowship voted to merge with Huron Chapel. As part of the process, Huron Chapel brought on Ernest Dow, the long-time pastor of Living Water, as an associate pastor and later as an executive pastor.

Royall would leave the church in 2018 and Pastor Phil Delsaut, retired

President of the Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada, came on to serve in a renewable interim role at Huron Chapel until the end of 2019.

Looking ahead to the next 40 years of Huron Chapel, many interviewed

by The Citizen said it was a hard question to answer, but Dow said that once the COVID-19 pandemic has been contained and control measures have been lifted, the hope is that Huron Chapel can take more of a regional hold on the county.

With members of the congregation already coming from Bayfield, Brussels, Goderich, Clinton, Wingham and beyond, perhaps there will be opportunities for satellite groups and smaller, regional services.

Campbell said it’s hard to project where the church will be in 40 years, but at that time, Campbell says he hopes people look back at the church and say it continued to bring “God’s truth” to the people of Huron County.

The next generation Over its 40 years as a member of the Evangelical Missionary Church, Huron Chapel in Auburn has had a strong focus on youth work, which is now carried on with Children Youth and Family Pastor Rob Campbell, a man with four generations of history in the church. His grandfather was one of the founders and his children are now involved with the church. Above, another of the church’s leaders, Marc Westra, engages the church’s youth. (Photo submitted) Continued from page 1 Auburn for a number of reasons and that was why they chose the small village as the location for their church.

In the years that followed, families were brought into the church and the congregation continued to grow.

Rev. Ron Curl became the first official Huron Chapel pastor in 1972, sharing his time between churches in Auburn and nearby Westfield.

In an interview with The Citizen, Dianne Baan, who has been with the church since those early days, said it was the dynamic speakers and special musical performances that first attracted her family to the church back when she was in her late teens and early 20s. In a way, she said, those aspects of the church continue today.

Jim Campbell, another charter member of the church and the son of Doug Campbell, one of the founding members, said that in those early years, the church was really all about family. The congregation was built, he said, one family at a time – another tradition that continues in spirit today.

The Curls would eventually move on, accepting a position with the Missionary Church of Haiti, paving the way for Rev. Wayne Good, who would remain at the helm until 1982, overseeing Huron Chapel’s membership in the Missionary Church of Canada. Huron Chapel began offering a Sunday School and Sunday morning worship service during this time.

In the 1980s, Pastor Dave Thiessen would come along, followed by Pastor Jim Carne, who brought the church into the 1990s.

Many of the long-time members said one of the keys to the church’s success has been its connection with the youth of the congregation. Early on, the church had a youth pastor, dating back to the 1990s.

In the late 1990s, Pastor Carne retired and Associate Pastor Jeremy Shuart assumed the full-time pastor role for a short time in addition to his youth assignments in the congregation.

Pastor Dave Wood joined the church in 1999, staying with the

congregation until 2010. Wood would oversee the first-ever worship on the newly-purchased land under a tent before the building was constructed in October, 1999.

Before the end of the 1990s, the church was averaging 150 people a week in its Sunday services, so the plan was to grow. A piece of property not far from the existing church was purchased in April of 1999. Construction on the new building would begin in 2001, much of it completed by volunteers and other professionals donating their time to the project.

While the congregation would make its way into different rooms of the new building in 2002, with services being held in the gym, the grand opening of the new building took place in 2003. The cornerstone on the new building, the current home of the church, reads “Built by Faith 2003.”

The opening served as the culmination of an estimated 20,000 volunteer hours to get to that point

with the new building. Volunteerism and a strong team ethos have been real strengths for the congregation over the years.

As the church continued to grow, it also expanded its missionary work, sending out team members all over the world for various missionary projects over the course of the coming years.

Wood would leave the church in 2010, making way for Mark Royall to take on the role in 2012.

It was under Royall that Rob Campbell, Jim and Marilyn’s son, began to take a more active role in the church.

Campbell had been working with the church’s Vacation Bible School, which was growing every year. In 2012, nearly 200 young people were registered to take part in the weeklong camp.

He began his time with the church as a part-time staff member, but as he had recently completed his studies at Emmanuel Bible College, his role began to grow as the years

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PAGE 30. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020.

JRs construction completed

Serious air As part of the national prep and testing over the weekend at the Walton Raceway, the track was open for practice runs on Friday. Above, during one such run, Steve Beattie caught some significant hang-time that was admired by track attendants and other racers alike. (Denny Scott photo)

Continued from page 10 Peterborough. She did a research project about developing best practices for educating youth about drug abuse while there. She then attended police college in Aylmer and was accepted at the Ontario Police Academy in Orillia. She was posted as a provincial constable with the Huron County OPP in May and we wish her all the best in the next chapter of her life.

Another student home for a time is Jacob McGavin. He has brought another student doctor with him (from Toronto) to enjoy the fresh air of the country. They were unable to continue working with doctors in the hospital due to COVID-19, so they came to Walton to get away from the cramped quarters and restrictions.

They have lots to do with studying medical information, but at least they can enjoy fresh air. Many will not see them out and about, because of observing physical distancing and many closures, but it is nice to know they are around and enjoying the Walton air.

Gardening is the pastime we are indulging in now, out in the fresh air, enjoying the sun and hopefully improving the looks of my flowerbeds. Walking a couple of miles every day also fills in time. I am asking those who have tidbits of news to give me a call. When unable to be out in the public, it is hard to learn about anyone’s exciting news. Give me a call and let me know what’s going on in your lives and families.

It is great to see the fencing down at JR’s and the majority of the work complete. They are now open for serving gas again and takeout is available. Good news for them and for Brussels!

Enjoying a long weekend away was a crew of seven men from the Walton/Seaforth area. They travelled

Updated After several weeks of construction, new gas pumps have been installed at JR’s Family Restaurant and Gas Bar and the site is once again open for business, including take-out meals. (John Stephenson photo) to a cottage near Parry Sound to enjoy riding ATVs through the trails of the area. They report that the black flies were bad, giant dragonflies were worse and the mosquitoes were awful. They did manage to see four bears while on their travels. Having a great time were Chris, Devin and Brandon Blake, Scott McDonald, Greg Medd, Jason Denys and Rob McClure.

The Rolling Car Show made its way through Walton on its way to Blyth on Sunday afternoon. We watched about 110 cars/trucks make the journey through the village.

There were lots of Chevys and some Fords, lots of Corvettes, Mustangs, convertibles, a Malibu, Cutlass, a Cadillac, a Volkswagen minivan and others I cannot name. They were all colours from hot red, bright orange, lime green, fluorescent green,

sunshine yellow, rusty orange, baby blue, white, black and all other colours. We recognized a few local folks as they went by honking and waving at all those gathered to watch. There were about 10 cars of folks watching as they went by. Very nice show and some beauties of automobiles.

Celebrating birthdays this past week include Amanda McClure, Merle Hackwell, Sarah Tipple, Jacob McGavin, Sharon Stephenson, Kennedy and MacKenzie Strong, Ashley Williamson, Bonnie Glanville, Chris Humphries, Rob McClure, Trisha McClure McLellan, Rick McInroy, Roger Humphries, Shawna McCall O’Neill, Nicole Bernard, Sandra Lewington, Lucas Blake, Laura Bowers, Joan McNaughton and Matthew McKee. Happy birthday to all!

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020. PAGE 31.

Wingham Knights of Columbus find take-out success

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Hot and ready The Wingham Knights of Columbus, challenged with the forced cancellation of their popular fish fry dinners, adapted and thought outside of the box to bring a take-out meal to the community following all of the protocols set out by Huron Perth Public Health. Both of their dinners have been successful thus far with more on the horizon. Here, MacKenzie Wightman assisted in feeding some hungry diners late last month. (Mark Nonkes photo)

While 2020 is going to be a challenging year for many community groups, it’s also proving to be an opportunity for those same organizations to re-imagine how they reach out to the community to raise funds and the Wingham Knights of Columbus are no different.

The group, according to representative Susan Doig, has turned its ever-popular fish fry events into a take-out only fundraiser that is servicing a similar number of diners, she said.

The fish fry events have been going on for more than three decades, she said, and have been hosted at the Knights of Columbus Hall at the North Huron Wescast Community Complex, for around 14 years. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, however, the group had to find a different way to host the events, she said.

“The first event under the COVID-19 pandemic control measures was in April,” she said.

“Our last dine-in event was in March.”

The event typically features a buffet, she said, so the switch to take-out meals has presented some unique challenges, though it wasn’t a wholly new experience because take-out has always been an option at the event.

“We’ve always done take-outs, just not in these quantities,” she said.

The community appreciates the efforts, apparently, she said as the most recent event, held late last month, sold out the day before the event started. This comes after the group sold out its first-ever full takeout event, held in April.

“We usually do between 220 and 320 dinners when we have it in the

hall,” Doig said. “We sold out, having 245 meals, for both the April and May events.”

She said the group couldn’t really do more unless people want to start coming in between the busy periods.

“We run the event from noon to 7 p.m., and from noon to 1:30 p.m. is busy, as is 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.,” she said. “We could fit more in if people wanted to pick-up their dinners earlier or their lunches later, but we do have a limited staff.”

That in itself has been a challenge, Doig said. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the group can only have a small group of people working in the kitchen at one time, limiting the output of the facility.

While the Knights of Columbus has found a way to make these monthly fundraisers work, Doig said it’s only going to help make the year a little less problematic.

“We’re losing out on weddings, graduations and other celebrations at the hall,” she said. “May and June are two of our busiest months. The fish fries are normally a drop in the bucket.”

That said, other fundraisers the group has run for years are helping to make up lost ground, including homemade soup sales and TV-style take-out dinners. “[Those fundraisers] have just gone crazy,” she said. “People are buying hundreds of dollars worth of

products at a time and that has definitely picked up some of the slack from the weddings and graduations we’re missing out on.”

Doig feels the group may finish out the year having raised half the funds it normally does, though if control measures persist through Christmas, the year could be disastrous for the group. She said the hall holds 467 people, and Doig doesn’t know if they will ever see an event bring in anywhere near that many people after the pandemic.

The group is working on new avenues as well, however, to help mitigate the losses. Such efforts have included, thus far, selling cheesecakes for Mother’s Day and Easter.

“We're just trying to come up with ideas that we can serve out the door,” she said.

The next fish fry is set for June 19, Doig said, and she already has orders for it. She encouraged people to order early because the event may sell out even sooner than the previous two.

For more information, visit the Wingham Columbus Centre on Facebook or call 519-3571270.

Doig encourages people to contact the Knights of Columbus and get added to their e-mail or call lists that remind them of when events like the fish fry are coming up.

Happy 80th Mom, Aggie June 10

New funding for hospitals Hospitals across Huron County are being given an injection of more than $1.1 million in additional funding as part of the provincial government’s commitment to smalland medium-sized facilities.

This hospital investment takes into consideration incremental growth to support flexibility, annualizing 2019/20 in-year investments, and ensuring all publicly-funded hospitals receive a minimum of a one per cent increase.

“Our government recognizes the long-standing funding inequities for small- and medium-sized hospitals,” said Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson. “To provide continued financial stability and relief, we have annualized the $68 million

Guess who’s got a Big One!

investment from 2019/20 for smalland medium-sized hospitals as part of this funding.”

The funding announcements include: Clinton Public Hospital, $205,000 (two per cent increase); Seaforth Community Hospital, $153,500 (1.9 per cent increase); South Huron Hospital, $157,700 (two per cent increase); Alexandra Marine and General Hospital, $358,300 (two per cent increase) and Wingham and District Hospital, $270,100 (1.9 per cent increase).

The provincial government is also investing $341 million in hospitals across the province to ensure their ongoing readiness to care for an increasing number of COVID-19

patients. This includes funding for up to 1,000 acute care beds, 500 critical care beds and assessment centres.

“Our goal has been clear,” Thompson said. “We are going to protect the health of Ontarians. Our government’s action plan will help us continue building a sustainable and connected health care system and equip hospitals to immediately tackle COVID-19.”

Much Love from your family and friends.

– Love, Paul, Patricia, Linda and families

Elda Nethery turns 85 on Saturday, June 13th Hugs and Kisses from her children, Elizabeth, Keith, Ruth, Esther and Murray and their families

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PAGE 32. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020.

Archibald gets local help on new song, video

Roots in Blyth David Archibald, a musician with roots in Southampton and many Blyth Festival credits to his name, has recorded “Hometown” a song from the Festival show of the same name, which premiered at the Festival in 2011. It is part of his new album, Southampton, and the song is featured in a new music video with help from historic pictures from Blyth. He is seen here in 2011 at Blyth Public School with Cassidy Shannon. (File photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen David Archibald, an actor and musician who is no stranger to Blyth residents and the Blyth Festival, has released a new album featuring several nods to one of his favourite places in the world.

Archibald released his latest album, Southampton, late last year, but with a little time on his hands thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, he’s been releasing some music videos online, one of which celebrates Blyth and its history.

All 15 tracks on Southampton have a connection to a cottage Archibald’s family still owns in the titular community, which he says has always been a very special location for him. In fact, when he would work for a summer at the Blyth Festival, he would often stay at the cottage. As a touring musician, he was always busiest in the summers,

so working at the Festival for a summer gave him an opportunity to unwind and decompress up at that special spot.

Three songs on the album can claim roots within the Blyth community.

First, “In the Summer Fields”, an instrumental number, may be familiar to Festival audiences. It was written by Archibald for a scene in Dear Johnny Deere, a Ken Cameron-penned musical featuring the music of Fred Eaglesmith.

The show premiered at the Blyth Festival in 2012 and was remounted in 2013 before touring all over Canada.

“Heat Lightning” is another song with roots in Blyth. It was written one night when Archibald and his castmates were done rehearsing for the production of The Ballad of Stompin’ Tom. The group was spending some time together after a long day and it was very hot and it

began storming, which has always stuck with Archibald.

However, the song that has been turning heads on YouTube is “Hometown”, a song written by Archibald for the Festival production of the same name. It opened the Festival season in 2011, bringing together the stories of several playwrights who wrote small pieces based on what the concept of a “hometown” meant to them.

In writing the show, Archibald and playwright Peter Smith interviewed numerous local residents about what a hometown meant to them. Just as Smith and Archibald incorporated those anecdotes into the show, Archibald worked them into the song. The work was done under then-Artistic Director Eric Coates.

Those include one from Citizen Publisher Deb Sholdice about growing up, sitting on the steps of the bank and waiting to see who would drive by and one from former Blyth resident Kathy Douglas about how important the sidewalks always were to her.

One of the residents the pair interviewed was Brock Vodden and his wife Janis, who has since passed

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away. With their expansive Repository of Blyth History, they were a great help, which is why Archibald turned to Brock when he wanted to create a video for “Hometown”.

He reached out to the historian, asking for vintage pictures from the village, and received a treasure trove in return. Archibald used his newlyfound movie-making skills to craft a video for the song, featuring those pictures, that is now up on YouTube.

The album is available for purchase on all of the digital stores like iTunes, Google Play and Amazon and on streaming services like Spotify.

For more information, visit online at davidarchibald.com.

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