The Citizen - June 23, 2023

The

THIS WEEK 8 • Sports 10 • Super Pull 12 • History 19 • Theatre

Citizen

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Friday, June 23, 2023

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Volume 39 No. 25

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Citizens’ Assembly pitched in ACW

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

All hands on deck On Monday afternoon, the Fire Department of North Huron attended a fully-engulfed barn fire on a property owned by the Bylsma family. Shortly thereafter, fire departments from Central Huron, Huron East, Bluewater, Goderich, South Huron, South Bruce, West Perth and Brucefield were called in to assist. The blaze burned into the night and required firefighters to return

on Tuesday for several hours. No livestock were said to be lost in the fire, though two barns were deemed “a complete loss” by local Fire Chief Kent Readman. Many area crews were then on scene on Tuesday at an extensive barn fire on McNabb Line east of Brussels that crews worked for the better part of the day to contain, stretching area departments between the two sites. (Scott Stephenson photo)

Brussels Tigers sit in third in HCFL

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The Belmore Stingers remain atop the Huron County Fastball League standings with one of two undefeated records in the regular season thus far.

The Stingers, with a record of 5-0 and 10 points, sit in first place, followed closely by the Sebringville Sting and their 10 points from a 5-1 record.

The Brussels Tigers are in third place with a record of 3-1. The Tigers are one of five teams with six points at this point in the season. They are followed by the 32 Fullarton A’s in fourth place, the fifth-place Milverton Millwrights and their 3-0 record, the Monkton Muskrats in sixth place with a record of 3-2 and the Wingham Hitmen in seventh place with a record of 3-2.

The Mitchell Mets are in eighth place with a record of 2-2 and four points, followed by the Brussels Bangers in ninth place with a record of 1-5-1 and three points.

The Wroxeter Rippers are in 10th

place with a record of 1-5 and two points, followed by the 11th-place Walton Brewers and their record of 0-3-1 and one point and the lastplace Goderich Grizzlies, who sit winless with a record of 0-5 and no points.

Last Friday night, the Monkton Muskrats hosted the Brussels Bangers and beat the visitors by a score of 9-1, while that same night, the Wroxeter Rippers travelled to Sebringville, but it was the Sting that proved victorious by a score of 8-4.

On June 15, the Milverton Millwrights welcomed the Wingham Hitmen and claimed victory by a score of 9-5.

Three games were played on June 14, two of which saw Brussels teams suffer losses at the hands of their opponents. The Belmore Stingers beat the Tigers by a score of 7-1 in Belmore, while the Fullarton A’s beat the Bangers by a score of 8-7 in Brussels. In the third game, Goderich travelled to Mitchell, but it was the Mets that shutout the Grizzlies by a score of 10-0.

On June 13, the Sebringville Sting travelled to Walton to take on the Brewers and beat up on the home team by a score of 14-8.

The three games scheduled over the weekend of June 10-11 were postponed due to rain and will be made up at a later date. The Fullarton A’s were due to travel to Monkton for a game with the Muskrats, while, on June 11, the Belmore Stingers were scheduled to travel to Wroxeter for a game with the Rippers and the Brussels Tigers were expected in Fullarton

for a game with the A’s.

On June 20, the Wingham Hitmen were in Walton for a game with the Brewers, but a score was unavailable at press time.

Sebringville was in Brussels on June 21 for a game with the Tigers, while Milverton and the Mets clashed in Mitchell, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time. On June 22, the Goderich Grizzlies travelled to Milverton to take on the Millwrights, but a score for that Continued on page 15

During its regular meeting on June 20, Ashfield-ColborneWawanosh (ACW) Council received a virtual presentation from Queen’s University political science professor Jonathan Rose. Rose’s remarks centred around the concept of a Citizens’ Assembly and its potential application within the ACW community. This presentation was the result of a recommendation made by local resident Tony McQuail back in February, with Councillor Evan Hickey championing the proposal in early April.

Professor Rose described a Citizens’ Assembly as an additional policymaking tool for governments that employ a randomly selected group that convenes for a fixed period to address a specific issue.

According to Rose, this unique approach offers several benefits, including enhanced educational opportunities, increased dialogue among neighbours, fostering thoughtful deliberation in the community and providing valuable recommendations for decision makers.

Rooted in the ancient Greek tradition of the Council of 500, Rose said the concept of a Citizens’ Assembly harnesses random selection to counteract the pitfalls of confirmation bias among likeminded individuals. Rose contends that this model promotes a more diverse and representative decisionmaking process.

During his presentation, Rose suggested certain conditions are crucial for the success of a Citizens’ Assembly, including the provision of support and resources, independence, transparency and a focus on relevant and significant issues. He also outlined appropriate circumstances for implementing a Continued on page 3

Multicultural Festival this Sunday The Huron Multicultural Festival returns to Courthouse Park in Goderich on Sunday, June 25, and everyone is welcome to enjoy this free, outdoor, family-friendly festival that celebrates the customs and traditions of Canada’s diverse populations.

This year’s festival includes an exciting stage show of music and dance from around the world. Event

organizers are pleased to welcome Todd Torresan, from the Oneida Nation of the Thames Standing Stone Turtle Clan, who will lead the opening ceremonies, starting a 12 p.m. Performances to follow include Cracovia, a Polish Folk Dance Ensemble from London, Ontario and Peruvian Roots, a proud and passionate group that strives to share a little bit of Peru

with Canadians. eKhaya merges Afro Jazz, Afro beat, rhythm and blues, rock and rock reggae for sounds that are both old and new, while Light of the East Ensemble is welcomed back to share the mesmerizing and timeless rhythms and beautiful melodies of the Middle East combining a touch of classical, jazz, Celtic, and folk for a Continued on page 9

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023.

CHSS hosts co-op appreciation breakfast

Breakfast of champions Central Huron Secondary School (CHSS) teacher and head of the co-op program, Shane Taylor, left, played host to the students and supervisors involved in the coop program, pictured above. (Scott Stephenson photos)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Central Huron Secondary School (CHSS) held its biannual Co-op Supervisors Hot Breakfast Buffet on Thursday, June 15. The event, which commenced at 7 a.m. in the school cafeteria, aimed to acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable contributions of numerous local businesses and students involved in the CHSS coop program.

Shane Taylor, the department head of co-op at CHSS, highlighted the event's purpose of recognizing and thanking the employers who had taken on co-op students throughout the year. Taylor emphasized the significance of their support because without it,

CHSS students would be deprived of the opportunity to gain practical experience in a real-world setting.

Taylor also discussed the importance of fostering connections in the community and the integral role played by supervisors who willingly offer their time and expertise to guide students. He believes that in a small town, the collective effort of the community is essential to nurturing and ensuring the successful transition of young individuals into their post-secondary careers.

Ken Ryan, the service manager at Huron Tractor’s Blyth location, highlighted the dealership’s longstanding participation in the co-op program and the success employees have witnessed as a result. Ryan expressed satisfaction with the responses Huron Tractor receives from co-op program participants and said that it offers students an opportunity to explore potential career paths and gain hands-on experience.

Owen Beacom, a Grade 12 student from Auburn, enthusiastically spoke about his coop placement at Sparlings Propane’s service department.

Despite having no previous

experience in the field, Beacom expressed his enjoyment of working as a gas fitter through the co-op program. He shared his interest in pursuing a career in the trades and acknowledged the hard work involved, but praised the job's merits.

CHSS Principal Petra Goetz proudly praised the school’s co-op program as the best in the Avon Maitland District School Board, but acknowledged that she “may be biased.” Recognizing the value of experiential learning, Goetz underscored the importance of such programs in providing students with practical experiences that shape their understanding of various career paths.

The success of the Co-op Supervisors Hot Breakfast Buffet would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of Heather Hart, Deb Hopper and Agnes Marks, who served a delicious and plentiful hot breakfast to all attendees. Their contributions added to the warmth and appreciation felt throughout the event, further solidifying the strong bonds between CHSS, local businesses and supervisors involved in the co-op program.

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023. PAGE 3.

Alzheimer Society sets volunteer event

Look and see The fifth annual Blyth MS Ride went ahead on June 10, bringing nearly 30 cyclists to the area to raise funds for the MS Society of Canada. Stops on the poker run included the Blyth Festival’s Harvest Stage (which included a tour from General Manager Rachael King, left), the Threshers’ log cabin and more. The event raised nearly $2,100, bringing its five-year total to more than $8,000. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

Citizens’ Assembly proposed Continued from page 1 Citizens’ Assembly, such as when a council finds it challenging to reach a decision, when there is no clear “right” answer, in cases of potential conflicts of interest and when politicians are hesitant to take action.

In concluding his 10-minute address, Rose offered several reasons for embracing the Citizens’

Assembly model. These included the establishment of legitimacy and the development of sound policies, preventing any perception of vested interests by politicians, fostering increased public engagement, and demonstrating a genuine commitment to citizen participation.

In response to the presentation, Councillor Anita Snobelen sought

clarification on the distinction between a Citizens’ Assembly and an Ad-Hoc committee.

Professor Rose promptly replied, outlining that an Ad-Hoc committee typically relies on staff leadership, lacks community engagement opportunities and may not always maintain neutrality, depending on the specific issue at hand.

Brandon Cemetery service set PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE

By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188

On Father’s Day, Sunday, June 18, the third Sunday after Pentecost, Sandra Cable was the guest speaker at Knox United Church. After Sandra welcomed the congregation, the Christ candle was lit, followed by the congregation singing “Sing a Happy Hallelujah.

The call to worship was read responsively, as was the opening prayer.

The scripture lessons were read from Genesis 18: 1-15, Psalm 116: 1-2, 12-19, Romans 5: 1-8 and Matthew 28: 16-20. Communion was administered.

The closing hymn was “Faith of Our Fathers.”

The Brandon cemetery memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 9 at 2 p.m. Please note this is one week later than usual.

During the month of July, Knox United Church services will be held at Ken and Lila Procter’s pond at the regular time of 10 a.m. In case of rain the services will be held in the church. There will be no services during the month of August at Knox United Church, Belgrave.

The guest speaker for July 25 is

Henry Reinders with the Canadian Food Grains Bank. Everyone is welcome.

Happy belated anniversary greetings are extended to Mike and Debbie Jardin on their 26th wedding anniversary on June 14.

Hopefully everyone had an enjoyable Father’s Day. It was a busy weekend for a lot of people.

Mary Hunter enjoyed being a guest at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Joyce and Keith VanCamp in Cayley, Alberta. She noted that it has been dry there too, but they did have rain while she was visiting. She enjoyed visiting with family members and other relatives and touring around to see other points of interest.

Corporation of the Township of North Huron

TAXES DUE The second tax installment for the Township of North Huron property taxes is due on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. Interest at 1 1/4% per month, or any part thereof will be charged on unpaid accounts as of June 28, 2023 and the first day of each month thereafter.

NOTE: Persons who have acquired properties and have not received a tax bill should contact the Municipal Office. Failure to receive a tax bill does not relieve a taxpayer from responsibility for payment of taxes, nor from penalty for late payment.

Please contact the Treasury Department in regards to the various payment options available. Pre-authorized payment sign-up forms are available at www.northhuron.ca

NEWS FROM BELGRAVE

Chris Townes Director of Finance Township of North Huron

The Alzheimer Society Huron Perth has completed its first year serving the communities of Huron and Perth Counties.

This past year has been one of dedication and hard work, as the new organization has grown stronger and better able to serve those living with dementia and their care partners.

The Alzheimer Society Huron Perth is committed to continuing to provide local and enhanced services throughout the two counties and members are grateful to all those who have supported the organization along this journey.

Some of the highlights of the past year have been broadening the reach and availability of programs, services and education across Huron and Perth Counties, and streamlining the systems in place to decrease infrastructure duplication.

Throughout the unification, the clients have remained the focus, and programs and services have been tailored to their needs.

To celebrate the new beginnings and achievements in the first year of the unified society, the public is

invited to attend the annual general meeting and volunteer appreciation event on Wednesday, June 28.

Located at the Mitchell Golf and Country Club, the evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a business meeting and awards ceremony, followed by light refreshments and live music. The guest speaker for the evening will be Cathy Barrick, the CEO from the Alzheimer Society Ontario, who will provide highlights from the provincial work and the Landmark Study.

To learn more, contact Lori at loris@alzhp.ca or 519-482-1482 or 519-271-1910.

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Just as the miser returns often to look on his treasure (Charles Spurgeon, “Treasury of David”) “I will meditate in Your precepts and consider Your ways.” Psalm 119:15 He who has an inward delight in anything will not stop thinking about it for very long. Just as the miser returns often to look on his treasure, so the devout believer, by frequent meditation, turns over the priceless wealth that He has discovered in the Book of the Lord.

No spiritual exercise is more profitable to the soul than that of devout meditation!

“His delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:2 “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.”

Joshua 1:8 A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church, Listowel, ON 519-492-1359

The Citizen office will be closed on

Monday, July 3 for Canada Day The deadline for the July 7 paper will remain the same July 4 by 2:00 pm Drop in, call or email ads 519-523-4792 email: info@northhuron.on.ca 405 Queen St., Blyth ~ 519-523-4792

PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023.

Editorials & Opinions

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

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Getting ahead of the game Just as Ontarians are cleaning up after the devastation of the emerald ash borer, we are about to be hit by another invasive tree killer. Oak wilt fungus has been detected in three trees in the Niagara region for the first time in Canada. According to the Invasive Species Centre, oak wilt can kill a mature red oak tree in two to six weeks, making it a formidable foe.

While tree diseases and pests have been a threat to trees since time immemorial, it appears that the invasive threats are more deadly and hitting at a time when our forests are most vulnerable.

Underground, the fungus spreads from tree to tree through the root system and can wipe out a stand of oaks in weeks. The disease is spread above ground by native sap-feeding beetles, but also by humans by transporting firewood. Natural Resources Canada’s website notes that “notable extension of disease range may reflect altered ecosystems (land use change and fire suppression)” which means that not only are we moving the fungus, we are also affecting the trees’ ability to survive.

With invasive species, we often wring our hands and act as if we are not responsible for the problem, but if we could admit our involvement and heed the advice of the experts, perhaps we can stem the flow of the oak wilt before it decimates our woodlands as well.

With this fungus, prevention is the only chance we have. Logs can be chemically or steam treated; don’t cut or trim oaks between April and October, as the sap will attract beetles who will spread it; and don’t move firewood between areas. Let’s get ahead of this one. – DS

History on a plate Earlier this month, Mashpee Wampanoag chef Sherry Pocknett won a James Beard Award as the Best Chef: Northeast thanks to her work at Sly Fox Den Too in Charleston, Rhode Island. The win is notable not just because Pocknett is the first-ever Indigenous woman to win the prestigious James Beard Award, but because of how she’s done it. Her restaurant serves local Indigenous cuisine by way of traditional hunting, fishing and farming, telling a cultural story through her food.

This comes in the same year that Ojibwe chef Zach Keeshig’s Naagan, a restaurant in Owen Sound that serves “progressive Aboriginal” cuisine, won the American Express Award for Business Leadership by Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants, a go-to guide for highend Canadian food. In addition to his restaurant, Keeshig has been doing everything he can to teach the next generation about his culture.

Much has been made in recent years about truth and reconciliation and, while many understand and support this notion, others bristle at it, but it’s this kind of storytelling, through a medium we’re all familiar with, that can perhaps bridge that first gap, which is education.

As renowned chef Dan Barber said about the connection between agriculture, nutrition and the environment, it’s found on a plate of food.

What chefs like Pocknett, Keeshig and others are doing is important to them, but it should be equally important to us. – SL

Big growth, big responsibility Canada reached a momentous milestone on June 16 as its population soared to 40 million prompting a reflection on the diverse range of opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. As the nation embraces the benefits of a rising population, it must also proactively address the accompanying complexities to ensure sustainable growth and the wellbeing of its society. One of the primary advantages of an expanding population is the potential for economic growth. The influx of folks brings fresh ideas, sparks innovation and attracts investments.

Additionally, a growing population fuels innovation and knowledge creation. The expansion of the talent pool enhances the potential for groundbreaking discoveries and advancements across various fields.

Furthermore, a larger population enriches Canada’s social fabric through increased cultural diversity, which fosters creativity, tolerance, and cross-cultural understanding. However, it is vital to acknowledge and address the challenges that accompany this growth. Environmental sustainability must be a paramount concern. Striking a balance between the needs of a larger population and the preservation of natural resources is essential to safeguard Canada’s landscapes for future generations.

Prioritizing sustainable practices, renewable energy sources and responsible urban planning can limit the impact on the environment.

Moreover, it is crucial to ensure that infrastructure, healthcare, education and social support systems keep pace with population growth.

Adequate investments in these areas are necessary to provide Canadians with the services and support they require. Additionally, addressing issues such as affordable housing and reducing income inequality will contribute to an equitable and prosperous society.

By embracing diversity, fostering innovation and ensuring sustainable development, Canada can navigate forward, reinforcing its position as a global leader in social progress, economic prosperity, and environmental stewardship. – SBS

Looking Back Through the Years June 23, 1966 Around 70 individuals participated in a public gathering of the Huron County Historical Society, held at the Ethel Community Centre on June 20.

Mrs. Mack from Crediton chaired a business meeting, where members discussed the upcoming tour of four historically-significant homes in Goderich. Mrs. Carl McDonald, dressed in attire that was a century old, entertained the audience with a humorous recitation. Gordon McGavin from Walton showcased films of past plowing matches and encouraged everyone present to attend the International Plowing Match, taking place that year from Oct. 11-14. During the event, members of the Ethel Women’s Institute graciously served lunch.

The guests mingled and enjoyed a social hour, admiring the captivating exhibition of antique objects presented by the Cranbrook Women’s Institute.

It was decided that the Brussels PeeWee baseball team would henceforth be known as the B.P.W. Tigers. But the transformation didn’t stop at the name alone. The team also acquired a stuffed tiger mascot; new uniforms in black and gold were ordered; and the team was in the process of acquiring tiger tails. Moreover, all future posters would proudly display the colours of black and orange.

June 23, 1976 The Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) reported an alarming increase in vandalism incidents at Wawanosh Municipal Park in Donnybrook.

Recognizing the need for assistance in improving and supervising the park, East and West Wawanosh Townships had recently transferred

ownership to the MVCA. Weekend gatherings of local and regional youth resulted in significant damage to the park’s trees, picnic tables, pavilion and overall grounds. Consequently, many local residents had given up on the idea of enjoying a peaceful family picnic at the park.

Baskets filled with white gladiolus and vibrant pink mums adorned Londesborough United Church on June 4 for the wedding of Charles Paul Josling and Dianne Elizabeth Cook. The double ring ceremony was officiated by Rev. Stan McDonald, accompanied by organist Louise Lovett. Stephen Cook, the bride’s brother, serenaded the couple with heartfelt renditions of “The Wedding” and “Walk Hand in Hand”. The bride looked resplendent in a floor-length polyester crepe gown, featuring tie backs and a cape adorned with a delicate chain of white daisies. She carried a bouquet of red sweetheart roses and wore a half-length veil, also embellished with a chain of white daisies.

June 24, 1998 A flatbed truck carrying 36 round bales of hay caught fire just a few kilometres west of Blyth on Blyth Road. Blyth firefighters swiftly responded to the scene. The load, owned by Steven Flynn of Flynn Farms and driven by Jim Anderson, was ignited by exhaust from the truck’s cab. Fire Chief Paul Josling stated that the fire proved to be stubborn, necessitating the use of $2,500 worth of foam and taking nearly five hours to fully extinguish. As a result of the incident, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) had to close that section of the highway until 9 p.m. when the clean-up was completed.

Fortunately, 10 bales were successfully salvaged from the blaze.

The Brussels Tigers faced a formidable challenge when they took on the California Cuties, a lively three-man fastball team. The game, held in Brussels on June 16 as a fundraiser for minor league baseball, went for five intense innings of competitive play.

Ultimately, the Cuties emerged victorious by a score of 10-6.

However, the final three innings were dedicated to entertaining the crowd with daring stunts and tricks.

Fifi the Flirt took charge as the pitcher, while Murray Pipe assumed the role of honorary catcher, and John Harrison, the President of Brussels Minor Ball, served as the umpire.

June 20, 2013 The Township of North Huron, alongside the Blyth Legion and the Blyth Lions Club, joined forces to fund the construction of new dugouts for the Blyth ball diamonds.

Jimmy Johnston, representing the Blyth Lions Club, was actively involved in the project. Ric McBurney, acting on behalf of the Legion, also played a key role in the initiative.

Additionally, Michael Bromley, representing the Blyth Barons fastball team, joined the team of contributors. Their collective dedication aimed to improve the facilities and provide a better experience for players and spectators alike.

In keeping with its annual tradition on Father’s Day, members of the Huron East Fire Department’s Brussels station traded their bunker gear for kitchen attire as they prepared a breakfast feast for a crowd of eager diners.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023. PAGE 5.

Other Views

Newspapers promote democracy

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one of us want to be old, but two stories about developments in the media last week made being a retired newspaper publisher seem not so bad.

Bell Media’s cuts of several high profile media personalities, including Tom Walters, its Los Angeles bureau chief; Daniele Hamamdjian, of the London news bureau; Paul Workman, chief international correspondent; Joyce Napier, Ottawa bureau chief and Glen McGregor, senior international correspondent, were gob-smacking. Less well known, nationally, are closures to six radio stations, including London’s NewsTalk 1290, and the sale of others.

Meanwhile, Marc Edge, the media columnist for Canadian Dimension and author of the book The Postmedia Effect, says Postmedia is in a crash dive, having posted operating income of only $13 million last year while receiving $9.9 million in government aid.

That was nowhere near enough to cover its more than $30 million a year in debt payments, which required moves such as closing a dozen Alberta community newspapers in January and selling its Calgary Herald building to U-Haul for $17.25 million.

The company then announced chain-wide staff cuts of 11 per cent.

Magda Konieczna, an associate professor of journalism at Concordia University says the days of companies making money from providing the news are gone.

“The media was supported by a very rich advertising market, and they were providing civic news because of the prestige that came with it,” she said in an interview. “Today, Google and Facebook have basically eaten that ad market. There’s no advertising dollars left for journalism.”

For Postmedia, the best hope now, says Edge, is for Google and Facebook to subsidize

Keith Roulston From the cluttered desk it under Bill C-18, the Online News Act, for which it and its peers have been lobbying. But even if that legislation passes, Postmedia will remain under water if Google and Facebook stop carrying links to Canadian news stories, as they have threatened to do.

Thankfully the newspaper you are now reading is owned by dozens of local shareholders and is not included in either the Bell Media or Postmedia troubles, but that doesn’t mean the same problems aren’t in effect. The Citizen’s readership grows older each year. Younger residents of the area are quite willing to get news from Google and Facebook for free, rather than buy a year’s subscription for slightly more than a single case of beer.

They are fatally fooling themselves. If there are no local news gathering sources such as local newspapers or radio and television stations, there will be no local news on Google and Facebook.

Citizen Publisher Deb Sholdice has struggled to keep the paper important. There are two reporters, about as many as for all five Postmedia papers “serving” the county.

When former reporter Denny Scott was hired nearly 13 years ago it was after he was let go at the Goderich Signal-Star as it cut back to three reporters. Today there are none.

We once printed at Signal-Star Publishing’s printing plant, until it was suddenly closed

due to cutbacks.

When Denny took a job with the government, Deb hired Scott Stephenson to replace him. She is working hard to keep local news alive, with The Citizen covering a wider area as local coverage by other newspapers decreases.

To do so, as advertisers cut back on local advertising, imagining they can get all the customers they need through online ads, The Citizen staff comes up with additional special sections like the recent Blyth Festival issue or the Barn Dance issue before that, keeping reporters busy providing extra coverage. Will Google and Facebook do that?

North Huron Publishing also publishes The Rural Voice, covering a farming audience in a wide area and Stops Along the Way to assist Huron County’s tourist trade.

Despite all that activity North Huron Publishing hasn’t paid a dividend to its shareholders for several years. Its resources are reserved for keeping the newspaper and magazines alive.

The decline in journalism has led Mohawk College to suspend its journalism program beginning this fall. A college spokesman said there had been a decline from 28 students enrolled in 2020 to just 16 students next September, making it “financially unviable.”

Someone mentioned on television recently that all the decline in the media coverage comes at a time when numerous political leaders are trying to diminish democracy. The losers will be all those who “choose” what news is covered through the internet, instead of reading a paper.

So if you’re not a subscriber to The Citizen, think a little harder. Do you care about local news coverage or do you save a few bucks and ignore democracy?

The facts are in - time for the CN Tower to go

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reetings, my fellow Chaff-nadians! As everybody knows, The Chaff is completely committed and definitely dedicated to very real facts, and more importantly, facing them. Yes, many a fact has been made to feel more-than-a-little uncomfortable by the unflinching gaze of The Chaff’s persistent and often distressing eyecontact. Truth be told, The Chaff is an indisputable fact machine that is made out of pure facts and uses only the most factual facts as fuel. (When it comes to fact machines, make sure you use Fact™ Brand Fact Machine Plus® for all your most important facts and additional fact needs. When your facts are Fact™ Brand, you know they are always from the farm, never the factory and that’s a Fact™ Brand fact! And, for those frothing for faster facts, try Fact™ Brand Fact Machine Plus® Express.)

Today, we embark on a mission that will redefine Canadian achievements while simultaneously leaving the world scratching its scratchables in utter disbelief. Prepare yourselves, Chaff Nation, as we embark on the first steps of an absolutely necessary and vitally important project to liberate the CN Tower from its current prison in the concrete jungle of downtown Toronto and relocate it to the majestic peak of Mount Logan in British Columbia, our nation’s most “peakliest” peak.

We know the CN Tower is no longer the tallest freestanding structure worldwide FACT! It’s barely even top 10 at this point and that might as well be nothing at all. So, instead of moping hopelessly over our too-tiny tower like a bunch of know-nothing nobodies, let's instead indulge in a national act of sheer audacity! We'll make history by moving our beloved CN Tower to the tip-top of Mount Logan - FACT! Imagine, if you will, the CN Tower reaching

Scott Stephenson The Chaff for the heavens on Mount Logan's summit, taunting lowly clouds as they drift by like the pathetic losers they’ve always known themselves to be. Yes, those loser clouds are lucky to get even a small glimpse of greatness before descending to their inevitable end - sky tears of joy - fog-wannabe witnesses to the stunning majesty of our nation’s tallest tower atop its tallest summit.

The closer proximity would obviously agitate the existing rivalry with Seattle’s Space Needle but our newly-transplanted tower would instantly transform into a literal example of what theirs only claims to be.

Now, we understand that some skeptics might question the feasibility of this grandiose scheme. The task of relocating a monumental structure like the CN Tower from Toronto to the summit of Mount Logan would undoubtedly require meticulous engineering, planning and expertise. A team of highlyskilled structural engineers and transportation specialists would embark on a comprehensive assessment of the tower's weight distribution, structural integrity and the environmental impact of the move. Advanced computer simulations and mathematical models would guide the development of a customized support system to ensure the tower's stability during transport. Specialized cranes, hydraulic jacks and carefully engineered support frames would be utilized to carefully lift and secure the tower throughout its journey. The logistics

of the operation would involve extensive coordination with transportation authorities, road infrastructure modifications and the implementation of safety measures to mitigate any potential risks. Through meticulous planning, collaboration and adherence to engineering best practices, the relocation of the CN Tower would become a mega-fantastic, ultra-infinite, permanent super testament to the remarkable capabilities of modern Canadian engineering - FACT! With all of the current problems the city is facing, Toronto wouldn’t even miss the tower after it’s removed. City officials will replace it with a condominium that houses a vape shop on the ground floor that specializes in vapes for babies. (Consider Fact™ Brand Vapes for Babies for all of your infant’s electronic cigarette needs. Infants adore the sweet, apple saucy flavour of Fact™ Brand Vapes for Babies. Stop the crying without even trying!

That’s Fact™ Brand Vapes for Babies.)

Once the CN Tower has ascended to its new zenith on Mount Logan, the world will stand agape, unable to comprehend our extraordinary collective action. Our nation will be flooded with visitors eager to witness this mind-bending sight.

So, dear Chaff-patriots, let us embark on this wild and whimsical journey to relocate the CN Tower to Mount Logan's lofty summit. Get ready, Canada - it's time to lift the tower and elevate our nation's reputation to new heights FACT! Finally, we are thrilled to share the exciting news that Fact™ Brand has acquired The Chaff, heralding a new era of collaboration and growth. With this acquisition, Fact™ Brand assumes the role of overseeing editorial content at The Chaff, bringing its wealth of expertise and resources to the forefront. We here at The Chaff deeply respect Fact™ Brand.

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

A forum for failure

A

s part of the neverending quest for improvement we should all be taking, there is, inevitably, plenty of failure along the way. Failure is how we learn; everyone falls off the horse, it’s more about getting back up, etc. We know all of these anecdotes, but, in the moment, it can be difficult to accept failure after hard work.

This was really drilled into me in journalism school to prepare us young, vulnerable, wideeyed writers for the cold, harsh world of criticism.

For example, back to my days at Humber College, there are two classes that stick out to this effect. The first one was a straight-up English and writing class taught by published author and former Director of The Humber School for Writers, Antanas Sileika. For this class, he was charged with teaching first-year journalism students the fundamentals of good grammar, spelling, writing and structure. I did pretty well in that course (I’ll stop short of saying “excelled”, though I did a lot better than many of my classmates, who were not ready for the there’s-a-right-way-and-awrong-way approach to grammar and writing).

The reason for my success was writer’s craft at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School in Pickering, where Mr. Flynn taught harsh, unrelenting grammar lessons that high school students weren’t ready for. He admitted it was high-level, but said those who chose to pursue writing in their post-secondary education would thank him and I most certainly did.

Back to Humber, before Sileika returned our short stories, as edited by him, he showed us the first page of one of his novels, marked up by his book editor and it was covered in red. I think that vulnerability he showed, and yet, all in the pursuit of a better end product, really stuck with us. I know it stuck with me.

The second one was another writing class, except this one built up to us writing one epic short story over the course of an entire semester, pouring our hearts, souls, blood, sweat and tears into one four-or-five-page document. What a creative paradise, right?

It was and it wasn’t. Once we were all done, there were several classes in which the whole class would read the stories. One at a time, according to a schedule, you were to bring in 30 or so printed copies of the story for your classmates to read in real time, in front of you, and mark up with their edits. They would then discuss your story in front of you, offering their criticism (sometimes harsh, sometimes not) and then giving you 30 or so edited copies of your story for you to make improvements or stuff them down your throat as part of a failed suicide attempt. Either way, it was rough.

In an old episode of Parts Unknown, Tony Bourdain visited Copenhagen’s Noma, then the best restaurant in the world, and took part in its weekly Saturday night ritual, in which all of the cooks stay late after a long week and put up their own creations for colleague feedback.

“It’s not bad,” said Noma chef Rene Redzepi to which another cook immediately suggested, “It can be bad” to the laughter of the cooks.

Redzepi said the process is a forum for failure and that, in a way, that was the point.

It also recalls that great speech about journalism given by Marty Baron in Spotlight.

“Sometimes it’s easy to forget that we spend most of our time stumbling around in the dark.

Suddenly, a light gets turned on and there’s a fair share of blame to go around.”

It’s hard to face criticism, but, if it comes from the right place, in an effort to make the end product better, we should be all ears. That, of course, is much easier said than done.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023.

At the Branch

Legion to host fish fry on Canada Day

Order up!

The Brussels Firefighters’ Association hosted its annual, wildly successful Father’s Day breakfast on Sunday, welcoming hundreds to the hall to partake in the most important meal of the day. Not only was there plenty to eat, but there was plenty to see and do, with several fire trucks out and open for children to explore. Little did the firefighters know that those trucks would be in action the following few days as a result of large barn fires in the Londesborough and Brussels areas. (John Stephenson photo)

Weekend breakfasts impress A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231 The days are moving fast to the end of June. I bet for the school crowd it’s not nearly fast enough, but for the rest of us, slow down please.

The swimming pool is open, ready for lessons, leisure and lots of exercise. The schedule was in last week’s issue of The Citizen, so join the fun.

For some, new summer jobs are ready, which represent another step in the journey of life. For the young ones, pool and park time is now

available, all ready to enjoy the lazy hazy days of summer.

Strawberries are ready to pick and eat - my start to summer. I have good memories of Grandpa Jenkins letting me pick berries with him just outside Galt and even paying me a nickel a quart, with no charge for all I ate. Finding the red jewels under the healthy green leaves reminds me each year of how good life really is.

Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. See! I do remember a few things from high school. When the paving of Richmond Square was postponed, to some it didn’t matter. To them, so what? It’s put off. To others it was disappointing. To Amanda and the music folks at the Brussels Market, it was quite disappointing, it was a missing touch that makes the market fun. Hopefully everything will align this week and the pavement will be in place for

Meeting of the minds Grazing Meadows owner Tim Prior - the host for Saturday’s Farm and Food Care Ontario Breakfast on the Farm - and Huron County Warden Glen McNeil shared a laugh at Saturday’s event, which attracted as many as 1,300 people to the area. (John Stephenson photo)

Friday. If not, life has much bigger problems than that, but it’s still disappointing. So, come and see if we’re paved on Friday.

Education was front and centre at the Prior farm on Saturday.

Breakfast On The Farm was offered, with the opportunity to see and hear how the food got there.

Good questions were asked as visitors from far and wide came to see crops in the fields, which were labelled, Wagyu cattle, Ontario eggs and all the other items that make breakfast. As rural people, we understand, but need reminding of the complexities of getting food to our mouths. Farmers, producers and allied companies from Windsor, Walkerton, London, Toronto, Clinton, Arthur and all areas in between were on hand to answer questions.

Good for all the farmers and agriculture companies that cooperated on this major event to share with city folk the reality of good food. Education is the key. So, for the visitors getting the full story from the crew at Tim and Donna’s, and then at the Hallahan farm, it was an excellent day to promote good, safe Huron County and Ontario food.

In many opinion polls, firefighters are some of the most trusted folks. That must have been in the minds of the throngs as they came to the fire hall for breakfast.

The Brussels Fire Department’s breakfast is a true community event. Families come in groups, neighbours gather and friends from the past all enjoy the bounteous food and the mood of the hall.

There was little need for lunch with all the food choices and the generosity of the fire crew at the Brussels hall on Sunday morning.

Community spirit was alive and well grounded in the friendly faces and hard work of the crew. Thank you - we appreciate your dedication.

Keep safe. Enjoy the outdoors.

Betty GW

BY JO-ANN MCDONALD It was a very busy week at Branch 218, with four functions to keep everyone busy. It started with the Brussels Lions Club’s regular meeting on Monday evening.

Thursday evening was the celebration of the Brussels Optimist Club’s 50th anniversary. It was held 50 years minus a day after the club received its charter. There were 35 past and present members in attendance along with spouses and family for nearly 80 attendees.

They held a social hour before enjoying a delicious prime rib beef dinner. Congratulations to the Optimists.

The catering crew included Judy Lee, Linda Bird, Mabel Glanville, Julie Pearce, Marni Knight, John Lowe and Jo-Ann McDonald. We brought in expert meat cutters and express our thanks to Jim Lee and Jeff Cardiff for an excellent job and adding an extra touch to the meal.

No rest for the weary as another meal was held on Friday at noon.

The Ontario Nurses Association Local 21 held a workshop and luncheon at the Branch.

The Catch the Ace draw was held with Deb Ross, Lisa Glanville and Joan Smith. The lucky weekly winner was Gail White, winning $139. She chose envelope number nine and the six of diamonds was revealed. The ace remains hidden and the estimated jackpot could be over $1,100. Get your tickets at Brussels Pharmacy, Brussels Variety, McDonald Home Hardware and the Legion.

The Brussels Cemetery Decoration service will be held this Sunday at 2 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend and remember and celebrate the lives of those who now lie at rest in Brussels Cemetery. The service will be held at the back of the cemetery at the arboretum. Please bring a lawn chair.

On Saturday, the Branch volunteers were away to Crediton

for a fish fry for the United Church.

The crew fed over 300 folks a delicious fish dinner. The crew consisted of Chris Brown, Eric and Deb Ross, Dan Fritz, Judy Lee, Tanya and Tim Martin and Kira Trollope.

The Branch congratulates Nicole Alexander for participating in the Royal Canadian Legion District Track and Field meet in Kincardine on Saturday. Nicole placed first in javelin and fourth in discus. She finished third in the medal count.

Congratulations to Nicole!

The Country Versatiles are returning to play for dances once a month at the Branch. We hope to see you on Friday night from 7-11 p.m.

July 1 means a holiday for many, but not for the volunteers of the Brussels Legion. The Branch will be hosting a fish fry at the Branch from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Come on down and eat in or have a take-out dinner for home. Everyone is welcome!

The cost is $20 for an adult, children between the ages of six and 12 are $10 and children five and under eat free.

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

Brussels Legion 218 Catch the Ace Weekly Winner Winning Ticket: Gail White, $139 Envelope #9 found the 6 of Diamonds Estimated jackpot for June 23 is $1,100

Brussels Legion 218 Fish Fry Saturday, July 1 from 4:30-6:30 pm

Fish and all the fixin’s Adults $20.00 ~ Children 6-12 $10.00 ~ 5 and under free Come on down and eat in or have a take-out dinner for home

Thank Y Yoou! to everyone who attended our annual Firefighters' Breakfast on Father's Day D and for the generous donations receivedd.

Yoour continuing support is grreeatly appprreciated.

B Brussels l Fi Firefighte fi hters

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023. PAGE 7.

Harman, Blake ‘Share the Wealth’ From Marilyn’s Desk

By Marilyn Craig Call 523-9318

Another great year The Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics made its way through Wingham, Blyth, Clinton and Goderich last week, as is tradition. This year’s event raised over $5,000 for the most worth cause. (Scott Stephenson photo)

Torch Run raises $5,080 The Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) was held in Huron County on Wednesday, June 7.

Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Special Olympics Ontario partnered together, alongside family members, friends, and community supporters from all over Huron County to raise awareness and raise funds for Special Olympics.

The Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest public awareness vehicle and grass-roots

fundraiser for Special Olympics.

This year, Huron OPP Torch Run co-ordinator, Sgt. Russell Nesbitt, who has been involved with this great partnership for 26 years, reported a fundraising total of $5,080.00.

The Huron County Torch Run started at the Maitland River Community Church located on Josephine Street. The run headed through Wingham, ending at the south end of town. Participants were then transported to Blyth, Clinton and Goderich where they

brought their excitement and joy to each of those communities. After completing the final leg in Goderich participants and supporters met at McGee Motors located on Suncoast Drive East in Goderich for a celebration barbecue.

Supporters of the event included the Goderich Zehrs store, First Students Bus Line Goderich, M&M Meats in Goderich, McGee Motors, and Corrie’s Food Town in Clinton, which provided transportation, food items and support for the participants and volunteers.

A barbecue is planned as a further fundraiser for the Special Olympics at Corrie’s Food Town in Clinton on Friday, June 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Any person or business looking to donate may donate by cash or cheques made payable to “Ontario Special Olympics”.

Happy birthday to Quinton Hakkers, who will celebrate on June 24 and happy anniversary to Kevin and Lorie Falconer, who will celebrate on June 28.

I hope all the fathers in the area enjoyed their day of pampering this past Sunday.

On Sunday, June 25, the Friends of the Village of Blyth invite everyone to join them at the 21st annual remembrance and dedication service at Memorial Garden at the end of Drummond Street in Blyth at 1:30 p.m. Rev. Alex Jebson will be in charge of the service.

Here are the results of Monday, June 19 euchre: First-place winners were Doris McClinchey with a score of 74 and Ken Berwick with a score of 71 and second-place winners were Marie Millian with 70

and Doug Trewartha with 65. Lone hands winners were Donna Walsh with three and David Caesar, who also had three. Susan Harman and Evelyn Blake won the Share the Wealth prizes. Congratulations everyone.

This week has been an enjoyable week as far as the weather is concerned. We have had warmer temperatures during the day and cooler nights for sleeping. The crops in the fields are growing the way Mother Nature intended and they are looking great after a lengthy dry spell with next to no rain in the community.

Don’t forget to visit the market, which sets up in the parking lot across from the post office, on Thursdays and see what our local vendors have to offer.

Have a safe week and give someone a call to let them know you are thinking of them.

YOU ARE INVITED! Vacation Bible School Zion Mennonite Fellowship Church

44902 Cranbrook Road (2 1/2 miles east of Cranbrook)

Tuesday, July 4 to Thursday, July 13 9:00 am to 11:30 am Ages: 4-14 Dear Parents/Family: The children will be sharing a program on Thursday evening, July 13, 2023.

Further information will be sent home with your children.

Everyone is welcome to join us for refreshments following the program.

NEWS FROM BLYTH

QUESTIONS??

Call James Weber 519-591-1841

MAITLAND VALLEY CAMERA CLUB

A day of learning Farm and Food Care Ontario, for the first time since 2019, hosted its special Breakfast on the Farm event over the weekend. This year’s event was held first in Brussels and then at Steve and Arletta Hallahan’s dairy farm north of Blyth, which allowed people to get up close and personal with livestock. (John Stephenson photo)

Photography by Elizabeth Allan

PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023.

Sports

Coming in hot Wingham was the place to be on Saturday for the cricket enthusiasts of the community, as the Huron County Immigration Partnership hosted a special cricket day in the town. Teams from all over the county and

beyond were there to showcase one of the world’s most popular sports, in addition to plenty of delicious food and activities for the kids, all on what was a busy weekend throughout the county. (John Stephenson photo)

Tigers youth teams have big Monday night

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Still riding the high of Brussels Ball Day earlier this month, Brussels Tigers youth teams have kept busy as spring officially turns to summer.

On Monday night, four Brussels teams were victorious in league action.

The U13 Girls travelled to Wilmot for a game with the Thunder and came back with a 20-2 win. The U15 Boys played Fullarton on the road and beat the A’s by a score of 17-11, while the U13 Boys hosted Benmiller and won by a score of 19-1 and the U11 Girls beat the Exeter Extremes 2 team on the road by a score of 9-4.

The U17 Boys played Sebringville at home that night, but a score was unavailable On Tuesday night, the T-Ball Black team hosted Wingham, while the U13 Girls and the U7 Black teams were on the road to play Listowel and Londesborough, respectively. The U11 Girls welcomed the Blyth Gritty’s to Brussels, while the U9 team hosted the Wingham Blue team and the U15 Boys played Seaforth at home.

Scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

On Wednesday, the U11 Boys hosted Londesborough, while the U13 Boys and U7 Red teams were on the road to play Benmiller and Mildmay Yellow, respectively, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

Last weekend, the U13 Girls took part in the Exeter Extremes Girls Fastball Tournament, opening play on Saturday morning with a 20-1 win over Mitchell, followed by a 75 loss at the hands of the Goderich Lemon team. They would end the day with a 7-7 tie with the Exeter 2 team.

The Girls’ final game of the tournament was on Sunday when

they took on Sweaburg, but lost by a score of 6-3.

On June 15, the U11 Girls played the Blyth Gritty’s team in Blyth, but a winner did not emerge and the game ended in a 10-10 tie.

The U13 Boys beat the Wingham Orange team on the road by a score of 15-4 and the U15 Boys played Seaforth on the road in a game that ended in a 13-13 tie.

The U9 team had a road game scheduled against the Lucknow Black team that night, but that game was cancelled. On June 14, the U13 Girls welcomed the Stratford Flames to Brussels and won their game by a score of 12-5.

On June 12, the U13 Boys were

scheduled to play Wingham Orange at home, the U11 Boys were supposed to play Mildmay on the road and the U17 Boys were to host Tavistock in Brussels, but those games were all cancelled due to weather. The next night, the U11 Boys and U9 teams were due to travel to Wingham for games, but those were also cancelled due to weather.

Looking ahead, the U11 Girls team is scheduled to travel to Mitchell for a game against the Hornets 1 team on June 23.

On Monday, June 26, the U7 Red team will welcome Londesborough to Brussels, while the U11 Boys will be in Benmiller, the U7 Black

team will host Mildmay Grey, the U13 Boys will welcome Wingham Blue to Brussels and the U17 Boys will host Stratford. The U9 team is due to be on the road that night for a game against Mildmay.

On June 27, the T-Ball Black team will play the Brussels Red team in some inter-association action. Also that night, the U11 Girls will welcome the Exeter Extremes 1 team to Brussels, while the U9 team will host Londesborough and the U15 Boys will bring Sebringville to Brussels.

On June 28, the U11 Boys will host Mildmay in Brussels, while the U17 Boys will play Tavistock on the road.

On the pitch again Brussels youth soccer action is back and, on a sunny day in late May, a Brussels youth team took on their counterparts from Seaforth in one of the first home games of the season for the Brussels youth teams. (John Stephenson photo)

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023. PAGE 9.

The Ventanas to perform at fest.

For the fathers The Londesborough Lions Club - including long-time members Allan Bosman and Kittie MacGregor, above - served up breakfast for the fathers of the community (and their families) on Sunday for Father’s Day. (John Stephenson photo)

U17 Girls win games big

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen On back-to-back nights, the U17 Londesborough Girls baseball team registered a pair of impressive wins last week.

In a high-scoring affair for both sides, the U17 team beat the Exeter Extremes in Londesborough on June 15 by a score of 18-16. This came just one day after the Londesborough U17 Girls beat the Fullarton A’s by a score of 21-2, also in Londesborough.

The team next played on the road, taking on the Innerkip Junior Eagles on June 21, and then they were home the next night, welcoming the Wilmot Thunder to Londesborough, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

The U17 Girls are scheduled to

play a pair of games again next week as well, clashing with the Innerkip Junior Eagles on the road again on June 28 and then at home to host the Fullarton A’s in Londesborough on June 29.

Looking back on action for the other teams calling Londesborough home, the U9 team played Lucknow Black in Auburn and the U11 Boys hosted Benmiller A in Londesborough on June 12, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

Also that night, the U13 Girls team travelled to Parkhill to play the North Middlesex Skeeters, but lost by a score of 15-8.

The next night, on June 13, the U11 Girls lost to the Blyth Gritty’s team by a score of 20-11 in Londesborough, while the U9 team took on the Lucknow Gold team on the road, though a score was

unavailable at press time.

On June 14, the U13 Girls hosted the Goderich Seahawks Lime team in Londesborough, but lost by a score of 11-10. Also that night, the U7 team travelled to Wingham for a game, but a score was unavailable at press time.

On June 19, the U11 Boys hosted Mildmay in Auburn and the U9 team welcomed Benmiller to Londesborough, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

The next night, the U7 team welcomed Brussels Black to Londesborough, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time.

On June 21, the U11 Boys travelled to Brussels, while the U13 Girls welcomed the Exeter Extremes 1 team to Londesborough and the U11 Girls were on the Continued on page 17

Firefighters battle local blaze

The Municipality of Central Huron has installed Canadian flags in the village reminding us that a birthday is on the horizon. July 1 is Canada Day and a chance for all of us to wear pride in our country on our sleeves, put up our house flags and celebrate the freedoms we have. One only needs to listen to or watch the world news to realize how lucky we are to live in this great nation of Canada.

The community is invited to the Ball’s Cemetery decoration service on Sunday, July 2 at 3 p.m. Rev. Alex Jebson of the Blyth/Brussels United Churches will be the speaker that afternoon. The group Solace, accompanied by Paul Howe of Goderich, will offer special music.

Rev. Jan Aylward led the morning worship at Londesborough United Church on Sunday, June 18. The senior choir, accompanied by Barb Bosman, offered an interesting adaptation of “That Old Country Church”.

Scripture passages read were Psalm 116; Gen. 18:1-15, 21:1-7 and Matt. 9:35 to 10:8.

Jan’s reflection was based mainly on the passage from Matthew. In those verses of conversation with His disciples, Christ explains how, to that point, they have been followers/observers of Christ and his ministry. Henceforth, He calls them apostles, for He has given them the authority to teach and act in His stead. Christians come from that same authority; we are the apostles of today. The sermon was titled “Compassion and Action”.

During the service, Rev. Aylward spoke in regards to new items offered for the beautification of the sanctuary by the United Church Women. She asked for God’s blessing for these items.

Licensed Lay Worship Leader Sue Barnett will be in the pulpit on June 25. Following that service, Londesborough United will take holidays for the month of July.

Congregants are encouraged to attend services in other churches in the area for those five Sundays.

Services will resume at Londesborough United Church on Aug. 6.

This summer, the Christian Reformed Church of Blyth and Huron Chapel in Auburn are joining forces to offer Vacation Bible Camp at Huron Chapel in Auburn the week of July 10-14. Children in the area who are ages five to 12 are

invited to be part of the week’s activities. The camp is called “Stellar - Shine Jesus’ Light”. The camp runs from 9 a.m. to noon on those five days.

Monday afternoon, fire vehicles began racing through the village, sirens screaming, to attend to a large fire on the Bylsma farm east on Hullett-McKillop Line.

Smoke could be seen for miles as fire personnel from detachments all over Huron County rushed to the scene to quell the blaze. Tankers continued into the night drawing water to keep the blaze under control.

NEWS FROM LONDESBORO

Continued from page 1 unique and worldly sound.

There’s more to enjoy when the Ventanas take to the stage as their work is reimagined Mediterranean melodies with fiery flamenco moves, while Dumai Dunai bring an eclectic sound with deep grooves of dub and the energy of punk rock to ancient Slavic singing styles and the euphoric fury of Balkan wedding brass bands.

Festival-goers can also explore the global food court for tasty samples, search through an international marketplace for arts and crafts, enjoy a variety of children’s activities, hear stories from a First Nations storyteller/flautist or learn African drumming. A licensed beer garden will also be on site.

“The Huron Multicultural Festival provides a great opportunity to break barriers and support the ever-growing diversity of newcomers finding their homes in our community,” said Huron County Cultural Development

Officer Karen Stewart. “By sharing experiences and telling stories, we create a deeper understanding and shift attitudes to greater tolerance for more productive and happy lives.”

The Huron Multicultural Festival will be held on The Square, in Goderich, Sunday June 25 from 12 p.m. until 7 p.m. The Festival is coproduced by Huron County Cultural Services and the Huron Arts and Heritage Network, with the support of the Local Immigration Partnership, the Town of Goderich, Capital Power, McDonalds and the Government of Canada.

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Jim McGee Community Volunteer Award Submissions are to be completed by June 30, 2023 For more information please contact Kendra Robinson mandkrobinson@gmail.com or 519-357-4040 for an information package

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SUDOKU Fun By The Numbers Like puzzles?

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

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

PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023.

Lucknow plays host to a smashing success

Crashing the party! (clockwise from upper left) Combines compete in the demolition derby’s main event; Revellers enjoy the weekend festivities; Cars line up for the demolition derby; A six year old competes in Saturday morning’s lawnmower pull; Head-on collision in Friday night’s demolition derby; Blyth’s Kyle Bos awaits an official’s signal; Lance Bedard from the band Highway 21 performing on Friday night; A competitor in the (Scott Stephenson photos) demolition derby.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023. PAGE 11.

Dungannon Super Pull grows in new location

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

This year the Dungannon Super Pull celebrated its 22nd anniversary with a triumphant debut at its new location at Lucknow’s Graceland the home of the popular Music in the Fields. In addition to watching souped-up tractors pull a heavilyweighted sled, the event had a demolition derby, weekend camping, a food truck alley and many family-friendly activities.

The Super Pull has been held in various locations over the years, most recently in Dungannon. Each year has garnered such an increase in interest that the decision was made to move the event from Dungannon to Graceland’s much larger venue. Event co-chair and Lucknow and District Kinsmen Club member Rob Searson explained the move, saying, “We couldn’t have added the derby in Dungannon, and we have close to 300 campers this year, and the space in Dungannon can hold [a maximum of] 200.”

Hundreds of volunteers were necessary to make the charity weekend possible. The big move required a few modifications to the space. In the months leading up to the event, the converted cow pasture (used annually by the Music in the Fields music festival) was upgraded to include a new clay track for the Pull, numerous mobile collapsible bleachers were brought in, and temporary fencing was

installed to help guide guests safely throughout the grounds. The effort proved to be worthwhile, as a record number of horsepower sport enthusiasts flooded the field for the proceedings. All proceeds from the weekend will be going towards community improvements.

Friday night saw the Super Pull’s first-ever demolition derby, with vehicles of all shapes and sizes being sacrificed to the gods of smashing things. The event was slightly delayed due to the sheer volume of fans surging the entrance gate, but the wait served only to whet the crowd’s appetite for destruction. Pre-derby, drivers and their crews made crucial adjustments to their doomed vessels - securing hoods, predenting doors, and adding lastminute paintings of stormtroopers.

Conrad Bos of Blyth and his sons Kyle and Cody carefully checked over their windshield class Tonka Truck and Mario Bros cars before irrevocably ruining them. Both motifs were emblazoned on the cars by mother Barb, proving that the family that destroys together has joys together. Twenty-three-yearold Cody is only in his ninth year of annihilating automobiles, but has the worldliness of a man who has smashed a thousand cars. “I like spending time working on the cars with Kyle and dad - the driving is

just the icing on the cake.”

Driving what they claimed was once a Subaru Forester was the team from Central Huron Secondary School - their semidemolished car was donated to the students and sponsored by their school. This is the school’s second year mounting the project - a hands-on scholastic opportunity merging auto shop and advanced physics, and an experiment certain to end in educational carnage.

The crowd filled the grandstands and spilled out onto every available space with a vantage point. Each round of jalopy jousting was met

with gasps, cheers and flying gears, culminating in a battle of the farm combines - five behemoth metal beasts duking it out in the very spot where Grace Hopf’s prized livestock once grazed. The night closed with an open air dance with lively music provided by Highway 21.

Friday’s late night didn’t deter tractor fanatics from getting up at 9 a.m. to watch the lawnmower pull.

Especially popular were the young people on little machines pulling hundreds of pounds - the youngest of whom was six years old.

That event proved to be the

perfect Amuse Bouche to the afternoon’s main meal - the Super Pull, which saw some of North America’s finest vintage and modified tractors punching way above their weight class as they dragged the signature lime green pulling sled provided by Wingham’s Stoneboat Pullers.

From Jack Driscoll’s epic run on his steel steed to Chris Courture’s rampage in the Super Farm division, there was no shortage of evidence that the cosmic struggle between an unstoppable force and an immovable object was alive and well in Lucknow on Saturday.

And we are going to Graceland The Dungannon Super Pull triumphed at its new location in Lucknow. Thousands of fans enjoyed an (Scott exciting weekend of high-octane action.

Stephenson photos)

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PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023.

A History Mystery Glimpses of the Past with Karen Webster

W

hat started as a simple road trip and lunch out for six cousins (myself included) to celebrate the completion of a family history book became a hunt for the answer to a mystery. This mystery led to uncovering some of the history of Huron County, as well as revealing a connection to a time of growth in Canada’s story.

A few years ago, those cousins visited the home of their great-greatgrandparents in West Wawanosh Township. The log house that was constructed in the 1840s still existed at that time, surrounded by several additions over the years. The other home toured that day was in Goderich and it had housed the large family of the brother of our patriarch. As well as being the home of the family of James Watson, it also housed their bakery. This business ran until 1896 when ill health forced James to retire.

The present-day homeowner graciously showed us the basement where the original bake oven could still be seen, though unused for several decades. One cousin noted a pile of boxes and old suitcases in one corner of the basement. The homeowner stated that those items were there when they arrived and, since the basement was not in use, her family had never disposed of the accumulation. Could there be any traces of our long-ago relatives hidden there? One adventurous soul opened an old suitcase and found a framed map and a wooden case that contained a large medal.

In Latin, the medal, from the University of Toronto (UofT), was inscribed to Robert Smith in 1861.

An enquiry to UofT yielded the following information: Robert Smith, born in England, graduated from UofT with a Bachelor of Law in Upper Canada that same year. He practised law in Stratford for a number of years and was married to Charlotte and the father of three.

Well, what does that have to do with our Goderich relatives? Further reading of the UofT reply stated that Robert’s first wife died in 1875 and that he remarried in 1876 to Robina Lizars.

Wait! Lizars? Here comes a connection to Huron County. Robina was daughter of Daniel Home and Esther Lizars. The Lizars family, headed by Daniel Lizars Sr., was attracted to the area by the Canada Company, a monopoly that set out the framework for the settlement of much of Huron County. Daniel Lizars Sr. purchased a 700-acre tract with cash. This land was called “Meadowland” and was the subject of the little sketched map found in the suitcase. The large home there

was the social centre for the entitled families in Colborne who became known as the Colborne Clique.

Daniel Sr. wrote to a relative that he had also brought with him enough cash to sustain his large household for two years. This was quite a contrast to the majority of the earliest settlers who had to eke out a living for several hard years.

The shine of the Canada Company soon faded when promised improvements, especially of roads, were not forthcoming. By 1841, the election of a representative for the area, after the death of the former representative, Captain Robert Dunlop, almost became a battlefield.

The Canada Company’s man was challenged by one supported by the Colborne Clique. In those days, there were no secret ballots. One had to be a man and the owner of property to earn a vote. Many felt that the Canada Company did not

recognize many landowners who should have had a vote.

Daniel Home Lizars, son of Daniel Sr., left Colborne Township and headed to Stratford, where he was employed as the county judge. His daughter, Robina, was born in Stratford in 1852. She grew up to be a noted musician and able organist who also taught music. In 1896, Robina, and her sister Kathleen, penned the “story of the settlement of the Huron Tract and a view of the social life of the period 1825-1850” called In the Days of the Canada Company.

Robina married Robert Smith in 1876 and they had a family of two sons, Robert Home and Bruce.

In 1883, Robert Smith was appointed as a Justice on the Queen’s Bench in Manitoba. By this time, the western province was a mere 13 years old and in need of judges. Robina, also known as Ruby, remained in Stratford with their two children and the three children of Robert’s first marriage, to continue the children’s education. The workload for Robert was heavy and he became ill, succumbing to tuberculosis in Winnipeg in January of 1885.

Back to the mystery medal. One of the two young sons of Robert Smith was Home Smith, who also became a lawyer. Home made his name as a financier and real estate magnate who was instrumental in the development of the Old Mill area in Toronto. He died in 1935 in Toronto having no descendants.

And, although Robina Lizars Smith never resided in Goderich, her younger son, Bruce Smith, a manager of the Royal Trust

Company, did. Several older Goderich residents remember him as living on St. George’s Crescent. He died, also childless, in 1954. His widow was Rosia Elizabeth “May” Mayberry. After Bruce’s death, she rented an apartment in the large house, formerly the Watson bakery, on Montreal Street, where many decades later, the lonely suitcase and mystery medal were discovered.

Numerous attempts were made to connect with descendants of the children of Robert Smith’s first marriage, but no living relatives of the Stratford lawyer were found. As a result, the medal and a brief history of the Smith family were donated to the Stratford Perth Museum.

What started out as a pleasant gathering of cousins turned into an interesting hunt for the answer to the riddle of the medal.

Rise and shine Zoey, left, and Cappy Onn were among those who made Farm and Food Care Ontario’s Breakfast on the Farm part of their Saturday, beginning at Tim and Donna Prior’s Wagyu beef farm near Brussels, followed by Steve and Arletta Hallahan’s dairy farm just north of Blyth, making friends along the way. (John Stephenson photo)

38th Annual Citizen of the Year Award Nominations Open Pictured from left, Zoey Onn being presented her 2021 Citizen of the Year award by North Huron Publishing member Ralph Watson.

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 and wider Huron County area 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

q

Huron County

I feel she/he deserves this award because ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Nomination Deadline September 29, 2023.

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

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023. PAGE 13.

BLYTH Y 519-523-4244

+XURQ7UDFWRU FRP

519-523-4311

www.ruralvoice e.ca

Brussels Livestock report

Fed steers, heifers sell actively on higher market Total receipts for the week ending June 16 were 1,500 cattle and 1,047 lambs and goats.

On Tuesday, fed steers and heifers sold actively on a higher

market. Choice steers and heifers sold $242 to $252.50; second cut cattle, $235 to $241; aged and medium-fed steers and heifers, $165 to $221; holstein steers and

heifers, $160 to $205. Cows sold steady.

On Thursday, veal sold $3 to $5 higher. Heavy calves sold $10 higher leading up to the holiday.

Welcome support Huron-Bruce MPP and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson, right, was at Farm and Food Care Ontario’s Breakfast on the Farm on Saturday at Grazing Meadows near Brussels, where she made a funding announcement to aid agricultural societies in partnership with the federal government. (John Stephenson photo)

Governments support ag. societies On Saturday as part of the Breakfast on the Farm event held in Huron County by Farm and Food Care Ontario, Huron-Bruce MPP and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson announced that the governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $1.7 million over three years to launch the “Promoting AgriFood Careers” initiative.

“I am pleased to see this support for Ontario agricultural societies so they can join focused efforts to increase awareness about the amazing career paths our agriculture and food sectors provide,” said Thompson.

“Promoting the diversity and scope of careers in the agri-food sector is critical to developing a workforce that is adaptable to facilitate growth and advancement of Ontario’s agrifood industry. By partnering with agricultural societies, we will further support the goal outlined in our Grow Ontario Strategy to increase total agri-food sector employment by 10 per cent by 2032.”

This two-phased initiative is being funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) and will provide support to agricultural societies as they seek to increase awareness and promote jobs in the agri-food industry and attract the next generation of agri-food leaders.

Sustainable CAP is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal‐provincial and territorial governments between 2023 and

2028 to strengthen competitiveness, innovation and resiliency in the agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and $2.5 billion in cost-shared programs and activities by federal, provincial, and territorial governments.

The Promoting AgriFood Careers Initiative aligns with the province’s Grow Ontario Strategy, which includes a target of increasing total employment in the

agri-food sector by 10 per cent by 2023.

More details on phase one of the initiative will be available soon.

Eligible agricultural societies may apply for funding through the annual return and grant application process beginning in November.

Ontario’s 213 agricultural societies are represented by the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies. Agricultural societies encourage awareness of agriculture and promote improvements in rural quality of life.

Lambs, sheep and goats sold on a strong active trade.

On Friday, calves and yearlings sold steady to last week.

Mike Hern of Woodham, consigned one head. One charolais heifer weighed 1,480 lbs. and sold for a price of $252.

Jessie Vanloo of Bluevale, consigned four head. One charolais steer weighed 1,365 lbs. and sold for a price of $249.

There were 250 cows on offer.

Beef sold $140 to $177.50; good holstein cows, $140 to $168; medium holstein cows, $130 to $139. Bulls sold $153 to $182.

There were 175 head of veal on offer. Beef veal sold $240 to $266; good holsteins, $205 to $219; SL heavy holsteins, $200 to $213; heavy holsteins, $180 to $212; medium holsteins, $190 to $204; plain holsteins, $175 to $189.

Jim Maw of Forest, consigned four head. One red heifer weighed 945 lbs. and sold for a price of $266.

John Martin of Lucknow, consigned eight head. One holstein steer weighed 720 lbs. and sold for a price of $219.

Lambs under 50 lbs. sold $287 to $550; 50 - 64 lbs., $268 to $300; 65 - 79 lbs., $303 to $331; 80 - 94 lbs., $331 to $352; 95 - 109 lbs., $325 to $333; 110 lbs. and over, $241 to $265.

Goats: billies sold $150 to $350; nannies, $60 to $280; kids: meat, $400 to $545; dairy, $300 to $490.

Todd Sheep Company of Lucknow, consigned 31 head. Nine lambs averaged 100 lbs. and sold for an average price of $330.

Josiah Sherk of Wroxeter, consigned 16 head. Five lambs averaged 106 lbs. and sold for an average price of $330.

Harry Huber of Mildmay, consigned five head. Two kid goats

8 de Gra uation d a r G

Deadline June 26

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

News M Media Canada is a passion ssion ssionate ad dvocate for the news industry. We support our mem mber m publications in their pursuit of quality jo ournalism nalism nalism.

We believe that when society has facts they can trust, better decisions will be made.

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd.

UPCOMING SALES TUESDAYS 10:00 a.m.

Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows

THURSDAYS

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

FRIDAYS

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

Call us 519-887-6461

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ent

cem

en mm

Co

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Put your ou ur business in front of the RIGHT eyes!

The Citizen has spec cial interest issues com ming i up. s arm on F Hur Tables to

newsmediacanada.ca

averaged 68 lbs. and sold for an average price of $545.

Clayton Dietz of Mildmay, consigned four head. Two kid goats averaged 64 lbs. and sold for an average price of $535.

Top quality stocker steers, 400 499 lbs., sold $309 to $425; 500 599 lbs., $324.75 to $489; 600 - 699 lbs., $369.50 to $405; 700 - 799 lbs., $310.75 to $338; 800 - 899 lbs., $311 to $337.75; 900 - 999 lbs., $294 to $312.50; 1,000 lbs. and over, $275 to $297.50.

Top quality stocker heifers, 400 499 lbs. sold $199 to $275; 500 599 lbs., $283 to $341; 600 - 699 lbs., $274.50 to $291; 700 - 799 lbs., $263.75 to $302.50; 800 - 899 lbs., $267 to $299; 900 lbs. and over, $259.50 oto $273.

David Sherk of Douglas, consigned 19 head. Thirteen charolais heifers averaged 938 lbs. and sold for an average price of $269.75.

Flynn Farms Inc. of Clinton, consigned 223 head. Eighteen red steers averaged 808 lbs. and sold for an average price of $337.75.

Deadline July 7

Ca all or email our r marketing speciialists today! y 519-523-4 9 792 ads@nor rthhuron.on.ca

ty oun on C tch Hur ing Ma Plow

Deaddline July 28

PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023.

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

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

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

01-50p -------------------------------------------REPRINTS OF PHOTOS taken by Citizen photographers are available to purchase. All are in colour. 4x6 – $5.00, 5x7 – $6.00, 8x10 – $10.00. Phone to order 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca tfn -------------------------------------------THE CITIZEN IS AVAILABLE TO purchase at these locations – Auburn Co-op, Auburn Esso, Belgrave Variety, Blyth Variety, Blyth Food Market, Blyth Ultramar, Brussels Foodland, Brussels Variety, Clinton Convenience, Clinton Foodland, Fogal’s YIG in Wingham, Wingham Mini Mart, Seaforth Foodland, GT Mini Mart in Seaforth, Fincher’s in Goderich, Goderich Victoria St. Shell and The Citizen Blyth.

Card of thanks Coming events BAIRD. Our gratitude to everyone who supported Len and us during his illness with food, cards, flowers, visits, donations to charities and volunteer drivers. Thank you to Stephen Tiffin and staff at Tiffin Funeral Home, pallbearers and Celebrant Ann Maycock for their services. Thank you to WDH, LRCC, care partners, homecare workers, all the doctors and nurses and support staff for their care and compassion. Special thank you to Dr. Sleeth who provided Len with exceptional palliative care in his final days. Len always bid goodbye by saying "all the best", that is our wish for all of you. Kathleen, Mark, Dana, River and Shaw Baird.25-1p -------------------------------------------NAUWELAERTS. Thank you to my neighbours of Moncrieff Road and area for collecting together money in honour of my bridal shower. It was genuinely appreciated. – Lara Nauwelaerts.

25-1p

Coming events BALL’S CEMETERY DECORATION SERVICE Sunday, July 2, 2023 at 3 pm at Ball’s Cemetery, Baseline Road (between Clinton and Auburn)

Guest minister Rev. Alex Jebson of Blyth-Brussels United Churches.

Special music during the service by Solace.

Everyone is welcome at the Historical Ball’s Church

Births

In memoriam

Farewell Mom The children of the late Audrey Mildred Stanley (Baird) invites family and friends to join them on Mom's Farewell Tour back to her roots on the second of Stanley, Stanley Township, on Sunday, June 25, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., final destination Baird's Cemetery.

Lunch to follow at her childhood home on the farm, now owned by nephew Dale Jones and family.

Audrey took her last dancing steps on earth January 10, 2023 at Jessica's House. At which time Cremation had taken place.

Audrey was a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, grandma, greatgrandma and friend. She was happy go lucky and hard working.

She loved her sweets (fudge), never turned down a shopping trip if only to purchase jewelry to match a new outfit or a sun hat. In mom's later years, her new hobby was glamping. She enjoyed traveling all around with her close friend Clint and their friends.

It is hard to believe that five months have passed. Seems like only yesterday when we held mom's hand and told her we love her. We miss you dearly. Hope you are dancing in the sky.

Citizen-To-Citizen

“SWAP SHOP” ad “One person’s junk is another’s treasure”

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

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

Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca FOR SALE - stamps, 2,600 pcs. worldwide, $10. 519-524-9588.

25-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - 10 gray plastic lawn chairs, $5 each. 226-880-1689.

25-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - chest of drawers, $50; cedar chest, like new, $75. 519-6064418.

25-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - 40" round pedestal table (extends to 60"), with four chairs, $150; dry sink cabinet, $75; leather sofa, perfect shape, $175; GE washer and dryer, $500. 519-6064418.

24-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - firewood, dried, $60 per cord, pick up only. 519-3573117.

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

FOR SALE - 14 horse shoes, painted black, $40. Phone 519-5249588.

23-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - scythe, good condition, $60 or best offer; gluing clamp, still in box, $20. 519-3579467.

23-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Black and Decker 400 Workmate, $80; owner’s manual and hubcaps for 1970 Buick Riviera, best offer. 519-887-9417.

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

Let us help you turn that junk into $$$

SunSense Guidelines It is possible to enjoy healthy outdoor activities while in the sun:

Email or send in a colour photo and writeup (75 words or less) to info@northhuron.on.ca or mail to PO Box 429, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 519-523-4792

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6. Keep babies under

exposure between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

one year out of the direct sun.

2. Seek shade or

7. Tanning parlours and sunlamps are not a safe way to tan.

create your own shade.

Announce your new arrival in

The Citizen

1. Reduce sun

3. Slip! on clothing CALDWELL. In memory of a special dad, grandpa, great-grandpa and great-great-grandpa, Ralph Caldwell who passed away June 30, 1999.

Dad is such a special word that brings to mind, A big warm smile, a helping hand, a way of being kind.

Devotion to the family, a word of patience too, Dad is such a special word, because it stands for “You”.

– Missed and remembered by your family.

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to cover your arms and legs.

4. Slap! on a wide-brimmed hat.

In order to reduce your risk of skin cancer, the Canadian Cancer Society recommends that you and your children practice these SunSense Guidelines.

5. Slop! on a sunscreen with SPF #15 or higher.

For more information call the Canadian Cancer Society at 1 888 939-3333 or take our SunSense quiz at www.cancer.ca.

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

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023. PAGE 15.

Brewers sit in 11th place in standings Continued from page 1 game was unavailable at press time.

Looking ahead, there are four games scheduled for tonight, June 23. The Walton Brewers will be in Goderich for a game with the Grizzlies, the Wingham Hitmen will be in Brussels for a game with the Bangers, the Fullarton A’s will be in Sebringville for a game with the Sting and the Mitchell Mets will travel to Monkton for a game with the Muskrats.

On Sunday, June 25, the Mitchell Mets will be in Sebringville to play the Sting, while the Brussels Bangers will play the Brussels Tigers at 2 p.m. that day and the Belmore Stingers will put their undefeated record to the test with a game against the Fullarton A’s.

There is another trio of games scheduled for Wednesday, June 28, with the Monkton Muskrats due to be in Belmore for a game with the

Stingers, the Walton Brewers heading north for a game with the Brussels Tigers and the Wingham Hitmen taking on the Mets in Mitchell.

On June 30, the Brussels Bangers will head to Goderich for a game with the Grizzlies.

The league will then take a short break around Canada Day, returning with a slate of four games scheduled for July 5. The Sebringville Sting will set out for Belmore for a game with the Stingers, while the Muskrats of Monkton will head to Mitchell for a game with the Mets, the Fullarton A’s will make their way to Wingham for a game with the Hitmen and the Wroxeter Rippers will travel to Brussels to take on the Bangers.

For more information and a full schedule, visit the Huron County Fastball League’s website at huroncountyfastball.com.

Intense focus The Brussels Firefighters’ Association held its annual Father’s Day breakfast on Sunday, welcoming hundreds of members of the community out to the fire hall as a treat for the dads of the community on their special day. (John Stephenson photo)

Walton bear sighting confirmed PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570 Happy Father’s Day to all. Hope everyone had a great day and was able to celebrate with family.

Another way to celebrate was to attend the Brussels Fire Department’s breakfast! It looked like it was very well attended and the breakfast was great! A good way to celebrate Father’s Day unless you are a firefighter who was working hard at the breakfast.

Congratulations on another successful day!

Don’t forget Grey Fire Department will be cooking breakfast this weekend.

The big breaking news around the Walton area last week was the sighting of a black bear just two miles south of Walton. It was near the shed of Lorne and Bonnie Glanville and was captured on video by a passerby and posted. It was scared and headed east. It was all the kids on the bus could talk about and they spent the next few days watching the fields for the bear. I did see a post about a bear at Wildwood by the River in Bayfield a couple of days later. There seems to be more around the area. Keep an eye and don’t put garbage outside.

Our condolences to Tom Kim and his mother on the passing of Mr. Kim. The Brussels Variety was closed Friday afternoon.

It was quite a party for the Brussels Optimist club celebrating

50 years of service in the town of Brussels. They had 35 past and present members gather at the Legion for an evening of food, stories, presentations and celebration of the achievement. The Master of ceremonies was Dan Fritz and he kept the crowd entertained and the night rolling along. George Langlois, the first president of the new charter club in 1973, spoke, along with Don Bray.

There were many stories of good times, the creation of events and the success of the many events that have aided the people of Brussels and other important charities, such as the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

They honoured those members who have passed away and had lots of memorabilia on display. It was a great night for a great club in the Village of Brussels.

Congratulations!

It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of one of the loveliest women many of us have known. Sheila Prescott passed away last week in Amherstburg.

She will be missed by her four sons - David, Paul, Peter and Mark - and their families.

Sheila was raised in Morris Township and became a teacher.

Many accolades have been posted about her positive impact on her students, and about what an exceptional educator and a wonderful caring person she was.

She supported all the causes and organizations in Brussels and helped at many functions. She came to see me every three weeks and we always had a great visit and conversation about the town. Sheila was a lovely lady who has been missed since she moved to be closer to her family. Our deepest sympathy and condolences

to the Prescott family.

Congratulations to Paul and Van Kirkby, who have just returned from attending their daughter’s graduation in Ottawa. Their daughter Melanie graduated from the University of Ottawa with Honours BSc in Translational and Molecular Medicine Summa Cum Laude. She is continuing her studies for her Master’s.

Congratulations to Melanie!

Celebrating birthdays this past week were Mary Bewley Baker, Paul Linton, Jamie Clark, Aaron Johnston, Dawson Dunbar, Kiara Driscoll, Margaret McInroy, Adam McClure, Tyson McGavin, Brielle Ryan, Elle Braecker, Dianne Godkin, Wenda Humphries, Carolyn Sullivan, Craig Ellis, Kevin Flaxbard, Kelly Godkin, Fletcher Delay, Logan Ellis, Noah Gillis, Jill Fritz, Kendra Wilts.

Happy birthday to all.

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The Citizen PO Box 429, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 405 Queen Street, Blyth 519-523-4792 info@northhuron.on.ca

NEWS FROM WALTON

PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023.

Obituaries

SHEILA CHARLOTTE (BLACK) PRESCOTT Sheila Charlotte (Black) Prescott, born on Jan. 12, 1938 near Brussels, Ontario, passed away peacefully at the Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital in Windsor, Ontario early on the morning of June 15, 2023.

Sheila was the daughter of Joseph Douglas and Annie Elizabeth (Hutchinson) Black, who predeceased her. Sheila was married to Brian Prescott, son of Thomas and Jane Elizabeth (Kirby) Prescott, on Aug. 20, 1960 in Brussels. They were happily married for over 54 years until Brian’s death in February of 2015.

She is survived by their four sons: Douglas Mark, Thomas Paul (Daryll Fogal), Brian Peter (Sabreen Mustaq), and Kenneth David. She is also survived by her granddaughter Charlotte (daughter of Peter and Susan Bell), grandsons Esa and Ayaan (sons of Peter and Sabreen), and grandsons Ben (Cas Dickau) and Andrew (sons of Paul and Daryll). Sheila also has three great-grandsons: Jace, Lochlan and Ronan (sons of Ben and Cas).

Sheila is survived by her brothers Wally and Bob Black, Wally’s wife (and Brian’s sister) Valerie and her late brother Laurie’s wife Margaret.

She was predeceased by her brothers Laurie and Donald Black and her sister-in-law Anita, wife of her brother Bob. Sheila is also survived by her brothers-in-law Eric and Vernon Prescott and sisters-in-law Jean Prescott (wife of the late Cyril Prescott) and Shirley Prescott (wife of the late Trevor Joseph Prescott).

She was predeceased by her parents-in-law, her brothers-in-law, Roy, Cyril and Trevor Joseph

Prescott, and her sisters-in-law, Hang (married to Roy) and Vernice (married to Eric). She is also survived by several cousins as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grand-nephews, and many friends and associates.

Sheila was, foremost, a mother who loved and nurtured her sons and a loving, faithful and devoted wife to Brian. As parents, they sacrificed time, talent and treasure to raise their sons up to adulthood and to support them throughout their lives.

Sheila was also a great teacher who leaves a lasting impact on decades of elementary school students.

She first taught in one-room schoolhouses in southwestern Ontario while completing teacher’s college in Stratford, Ontario in the mid-to-late-1950s.

After she married Brian, she taught at Victoria School in Kitchener, Ontario while he completed an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Waterloo.

After Brian graduated and began work with the federal government in the spring of 1965, Sheila left teaching full-time to give birth to and raise her sons. After Brian left the federal government, they purchased a dairy farm near Alfred, Ontario in 1974.

Sheila returned to full-time teaching in 1976 at the then newlyopened Plantagenet Public School.

She taught there until she retired in June of 1999. Sheila loved her students and enjoyed keeping in contact with them in her later years.

Sheila completed a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Ottawa in the early 1990s through night, weekend, and summer courses taken over a period of at least 10 years while teaching fulltime and caring for her family.

Sheila has been cremated.

A celebration of her life will be held in Brussels at Melville Presbyterian Church on Saturday, July 29 with visitation at 10 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. The service will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend in person at w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / RiversideFuneralHomeInc. Interment in Brussels Cemetery.

Those who wish to make a donation in Sheila’s name may do so to the Red Cross.

Up and at ’em The Londesborough Lions hosted their annual Father’s Day breakfast on Sunday and long-time Lion Carl Nesbitt and his grandddaughter Mackenzie were on hand. (John Stephenson photo)

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

ROBERT MICHAEL WILHELM Robert Michael Wilhelm of Listowel passed away suddenly on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, in his 66th year.

The husband of Anna (Bratziw) Wilhelm, Robert was the father of Joshua and Katrina Wilhelm of Mindemoya, and Stephanie and Luke Siertsema of Blyth. He was the brother of Linda and Bob Russell of Sauble Beach. He was predeceased by his parents Arthur and Eileen (Otto) Wilhelm, and brother Larry Wilhelm and his wife Donna.

Rob was born in Kitchener on Jan. 7, 1958. He married Anna Bratziw on Oct. 21, 1989 and loved her deeply. He was blessed with two children, Joshua and Stephanie, whom he loved and was very proud of.

Rob had a contagious love of nature and animals and instilled this love in his children. He particularly enjoyed fishing, spending time with family at Sauble Beach, and playing cards.

Rob was a man of few words, but when he spoke, it came from the heart. He was extraordinarily patient, generous, gentle and kind.

He was also a man of deep faith, who prayed daily for others. We take comfort knowing Rob is at peace in the presence of his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Visitation will be held at Listowel Evangelical Missionary Church on Friday, June 23 from 1 p.m. until time of the funeral service at 2 p.m.

Reception to follow. Interment in Fairview Cemetery, Listowel.

Memorial donations to Sanctuary

Mental Health Ministries would be appreciated, and may be made through the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel.

Online condolences may be left at www.eatonfuneralhome.ca

MARILYN JONES At Wingham and District Hospital on Sunday, June 18, 2023, Marilyn Jones of Wingham passed away peacefully at the age of 78.

The cherished mom of Shelley Jones-Hubbard of Wingham, Rob Jones of Wingham, Rod and Heather Jones of Lucknow and Jennifer and Russ Lamondin of Stratford, Marilyn was the loving grandma of Jolanda (Shawn), Kristin, Meagan, Shae-Lynn (Jeff), Sherydan, Tyler, Alyssa, Lucas (Evelyn) and Josie. She is also survived by eight greatgrandchildren.

Marilyn was predeceased by her husband Ron Jones, infant son James Darwin Jones and parents Shirley (Semple) Murray and James and Viola Murray.

Marilyn graduated from the RNA school in Wingham and went on to nurse at the Wingham hospital for

many years, a career she enjoyed.

She loved people; she could always be found chatting with everyone she met and never turned down an opportunity for conversation. She had a passion for knitting beautiful blankets and sweaters and pretty much anything you wanted her to do. She loved animals, especially puppies.

Our family will miss her beautiful smile, her witty, sharp tongue - that sometimes got her into trouble - and her incredibly kind soul.

Visitation was held at McBurney Funeral Home, Wingham on Thursday, June 22 and will be held again on Friday, June 23 from noon until the time of the funeral service at 1 p.m. Final resting place, Wingham Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Wingham and District Hospital Foundation (Palliative Care) would be appreciated.

Online condolences available at www.mcburneyfuneralhome.com

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

The Citizen.

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

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

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023. PAGE 17.

From the Minister’s Study

God is forever, so put your trust in him

BY PASTOR GARY VAN LEEUWEN, BLYTH CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH A few weeks ago, someone stopped by the house, and they said that it had been their home years ago. He pointed to several trees, and he said that he had helped plant them. Those same trees are fully mature, but, according to the internet, they have many more years to live, if they are not affected by disease or the environment. One of the trees, which was planted close to a transformer, has already been cut down, and I am told that the electromagnetism can damage a tree, making it weak.

Trees seem relatively permanent, seeing multiple generations of people in their lifetime. Because of their perceived permanence, some ancient religions viewed some trees as sacred and called upon the spirits of the trees for help and guidance.

The phrase, “knock on wood”, most likely is derived from the practice of people long ago knocking on a tree to waken the spirit of the tree to gain wisdom and understanding and protection. The spirits of the trees, it was believed, were wise because they had the experience of many years.

The trees in my yard could survive a century or two beyond my

Legends to play Rockies Continued from page 9 road for a game with Lucknow 1, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

Looking ahead, on June 26, the U7 team will be in Brussels for a game against the Brussels Black team. Also that night, the U11 Girls will be in Mitchell for a game with the Hornets 1 team and the U11 Boys will welcome Wingham to Londesborough.

On June 27, the U11 Girls will play the St. Marys Rockies at home, while the U9 team will head to Brussels for a game with the Tigers.

The next night, the U9 team will welcome Mildmay to Auburn for a game, while the U13 Girls will play the Clinton Mustangs 2 team in Londesborough.

Evangelical Missionary Church

GRADUATION SUNDAY June 25, 10:30 am Guest Speaker MICHAEL HUIZENGA, Huron Christian School “Confirming One’s Calling” (2Peter 1:3ff)

lifespan, perhaps longer, and future generations may well enjoy their shade and beauty. One day, however, they will die as well, and while they are significant today, people of the future will not know of their existence. Certainly, if there were indeed spirits associated with those trees, their power would have disappeared with the death of the tree. Knocking on wood, as many do when they want to avoid misfortune, may not be as much of a guarantee as some might hope. If the trees do contain spirits, they are also impermanent even as we are. It would be hopeless to find in them anything of permanence.

In Psalm 90, Moses, to whom the psalm is attributed, writes of mountains. Mountains are far more permanent than trees, and I suspect that if we could view the Rockies 1,000 years from now, they won’t look much different than they do today. Yet, as we well know, mountains erode over time and eventually become mere hills. They too are not permanent.

In his psalm, Moses says this of

God: “Before the mountains were born... from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” He then goes on to say that human beings live for only a short time and are not too much different from the grass that grows in our fields. It has been growing nicely the past few weeks, but we know that, in another month, it will have matured and will become dry and dead. Our lives are impermanent compared to the mountains, and they are impermanent compared to God. God is forever, and he doesn’t change as we do.

In the next few weeks, my family and I are going to experience a sense of impermanence. We are moving to the southern Alberta prairie to a village from which the mountains are distant, but visible. I will become the pastor of a church there, and we will make that our home. I have lived in Blyth longer than I have in any other place, with the exception of the farm where I grew up, just outside of Atwood. I have enjoyed living here in Huron County, and I know that I am going

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perhaps themselves, and we all know how impermanent we are.

Frankly, if given the option, knowing who I am, I would not depend on myself for anything that needs to be lasting or complete. I wouldn’t recommend that you depend on me either. But we can depend on God, because he is eternal, and we know that because of his love for us expressed in Jesus Christ, he will care for us. The spirits of the trees and mountains or even the human spirit is not so permanent and stable and longlasting as the God who is forever.

Trees may last a long time and mountains even longer, but our God, who is eternal, will never fade away. It is good to trust in him.

When I return to visit Blyth, no doubt I will drive by the house to see how the trees are doing. I hope that they will not have changed. But they will, and one day, perhaps long after my departure from this earth, they will all be cut down. But our God is forever, and he loves us, giving us every reason to trust in him.

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to miss both the people and the area. This is home, and I feel like I belong. But we feel that God has called us to go, and go we must, to find a new home and a new community. Life in Blyth has become quite impermanent, and, I am sure, it will feel the same in Alberta.

But, in spite of the impermanence that I now experience, I trust in a God who does not change, who does not erode, who does not grow old. For me it is a great comfort to know that the God who has cared for me here in Blyth will care for me in rural Alberta. Even if I were to live as long as a mountain has its existence, I know that God will be with me. And he will remain with those we leave behind here in Blyth.

Many people do not know the God who is forever. For many, the most permanent thing in their life is a tree or a mountain. Both will outlast us, to be sure, but they will not last forever. For others, the most permanent thing on which they depend is a fellow human being or

Outreach project is North Huron Food Share

Join us Wednesday mornings for visits in the garden starting at 10 am Contact Alex at: minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com Facebook: Blyth and Brussels United Churches blythunited@tcc.on.ca ~ 519-523-4224

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

PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023.

ers t t e L THE TO

R

TO I D E

Brussels Lions clarify club’s relationship to pool

Making progress Lucknow’s Jurjen Weerman is now in Saskatchewan on his cross-country cycling journey to raise money for several hospital foundations. He says he’s been on the road for nearly three weeks and cycled over 1,800 kilometres. He has “said goodbye” to his two cycling mates in order to keep his schedule and end in St. John’s, Newfoundland this August. (Courtesy photo)

THE EDITOR, RE: Council to review pool funding in HE June 16, 2023 I am writing to you today on behalf of the Brussels Lions Club in response to the above referenced article that was published in the June 16 edition of The Citizen.

The report from the Huron East treasurer makes several references to our club, and its relationship to the Brussels, Morris, and Grey Swimming Pool, which we feel require clarification.

The swimming pool in Brussels is incorrectly identified by the treasurer as the Brussels Lions Pool. The pool located in Brussels is owned by the Municipality of Huron East, which inherited it in 2001 during the amalgamation of the Village of Brussels.

Since its opening, it has been known locally as the Brussels, Morris, and Grey Swimming Pool.

The Brussels Lions Club has no

ownership of this facility.

The report also states that the pool is maintained by the Brussels Lions Club, leaving the impression that our club is involved in the dayto-day operations of the pool. We are not. The pool has always been operated and maintained by municipal staff.

Our club does have a long history of financially supporting the local swimming pool. The pool was constructed as a project of the Brussels Lions Club in 1985 and was done so with the understanding that it would be owned, operated and maintained by the municipality.

Since its opening, the Brussels Lions Club has, when financially possible, contributed many thousands of dollars to help fund the purchase of items such as solar panels and the heater, pumps, diving board replacements and the pool stairs to name just a few. In addition to this, the club has funded capital upgrades to the facility in the past including a new roof, eavestroughs, doors and paint.

In recent years, The Brussels Lions Club has redirected its financial contributions away from capital upgrades, towards making the pool more affordable for its patrons with the sole intent of increasing its usage.

For the past 10 or more years, the Brussels Lions have provided a subsidy of $20 towards the cost of each swimming lesson registration.

It is the hope of the club that this subsidy allows more participants the opportunity to learn the especially important life skill of water safety.

In 2018, with public swimming

admission fees on the rise, and pool usage on the decline, the club made a decision to subsidize the cost of public swimming admission fees.

The subsidy, along with that of an anonymous donor, reduced entry fees from $5 per entry in 2018 to $2 in 2019 and in each year since.

Public swimming admissions jumped from less than 900 in 2018, to more than 1,600 in 2019, a level that has been maintained or exceeded in each subsequent year.

The combination of the swimming lesson and public swimming admission subsidies result in the Brussels Lions making a financial donation to the Municipality of Huron East of approximately $4,000 annually.

This donation is applied to the operating income of the pool.

A swimming pool in any municipality, whether it be Seaforth, Vanastra or Brussels, is a valuable asset that provides the opportunity for its citizens of all ages to participate in learning a valuable life skill, low-impact exercise programs and a low-cost form of summer entertainment. As such, operating costs should continue to be budgeted for and funded by the municipality, no differently than any municipallyfunded service or facility. We appreciate Councillor Steffler’s comments in that regard.

Lion Paul Mutter Secretary – Brussels Lions Club

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023. PAGE 19.

Entertainment & Leisure

Blyth Festival returns to Memorial Hall

Putting the ‘fun’ in funeral

Happy 50th Anniversary

The Blyth Festival premiered Sophia Fabiilli's comedic play, Liars at a Funeral, this year after its initial delay due to the pandemic. The play follows Mavis, the main character, whose secret sets off a chain of events and hilarious chaos. Nora McLellan (second from left) shines in the role of Mavis and the rest of the cast, including Amy Rutherford, Blair Williams (second from right), Lucy Hill (right), and Justin Otto (left), all excel in their dual roles. (Terry Manzo photo)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

This year’s Blyth Festival played host to the premiere of Sophia Fabiilli’s farcical comedy Liars at a Funeral. It was a long-delayed opening night - Liars was first slated to be part of Blyth’s 2020 season, only to be stymied by the onset of the pandemic. Luckily, the creative team never gave up on their vision of moving Fabiilli’s words from page to stage - this opening volley of the 2023 season delivered huge laughs to a packed house, proving that some things are worth the wait.

There was a palpable energy in the air as patrons filtered into the Memorial Hall theatre, excited to once again experience an indoor live show. The play’s main character Mavis’ instigating secret quickly spirals into many as her big plan begins to unravel - seasoned director Krista Jackson keeps the action moving with a multitude of doors slamming at a pace that demands the audience keep up.

Nora McLellan positively shines as the merry and manipulative Mavis. McLellan’s capable comedy chops makes Fabiilli’s snappy script leap into life, and she exudes a boundless enthusiasm that transmogrifies every bad idea into one that seems perfectly reasonable.

McLellan’s deft character work brings the farce’s zany first half into focus for the weightier second act, facilitating space for catharsis amid the crescendo of chaos that is considered a hallmark of farcical theatre. She knows which lines to

drive home and which ones to let wander - her delivery of an especially euphemistic riff on Texmex food had audiences rolling in the aisles with laughter.

The rest of the cast orbits McLellan’s star turn as Mavis, with a bit of bonus mayhem created by the fact that the remaining cast members all play two characters each. Seeing which version of which actor would come through what door added a whole extra layer of fun to the show.

Amy Rutherford in the role of uptight daughter Evelyn has a few wry one-liners as a woman just trying to give her mother a nice funeral, but she is a bit stuck playing the straight-man role in a madcap world. The same can’t be said of Rutherford’s Leorah - a tough, amorous funeral director who has seen it all, but still knows her way around the bedroom. After the show, several members of the audience questioned whether or not Evelyn and Leorah were really played by one actor - a true compliment to Rutherford’s physicality and characterization.

Blair Williams comes across as totally committed in his dual roles as Evelyn’s endlessly supportive grief beard Frank and her obtuse ex-husband Wayne. Williams’ comedic timing is nothing less than superb.

Lucy Hill as the potentially cursed twins Dee Dee and Mia ably explores the delicate dynamic between identical twins driven in opposite directions while navigating a number of lightningfast quick changes.

Each estranged sister is

complemented by a male companion played by secret comedy weapon Justin Otto. The baseball player turned thespian portrays downtrodden funeral parlour worker Quint - as dedicated to the artistry of death as he is unable to express his deepest desires. While Otto’s journey is a charming yarn, it’s in the role of father-to-be Cam where the athletic actor’s talents are truly revealed.

The cast across the board has a ton of comedic chemistry, but Otto’s frantic fumbling as Cam is a cut above. Otto projects some big Nicholas Braun (of Succession fame) energy, filling the stage with leaps, bounds and hugs all around.

Characters and audiences alike can’t help but root for this scrappy underdog.

The less one knows about the plot of Liars at a Funeral, the better, but it’s safe to say that Sophia Fabiilli’s hilarious new work is a real winner that serves as a fitting return for the Festival’s indoor programming. The show runs until Saturday, July 8.

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PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023.

Art Gallery opens first professional show since 2019

Open, at last After being scheduled to open the 2020 Blyth Festival Art Gallery season, Hannah Dickie’s “Home Grown” is now on the Bainton Gallery walls at Memorial Hall until July 15.

Dickie is seen on opening night with her parents Walter and Janet. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen After three years of cancellations, reschedulings and further cancellations, the Blyth Festival Art Gallery opened its first professional season on Friday night with an exhibition of photography by Lucknow-based photographer Hannah Dickie entitled “Home Grown”.

Gallery President Carl Stevenson, Exhibit Chair Kelly Stevenson and Blyth Festival General Manager Rachael King were all on hand to bring greetings and welcome art lovers back to the Bainton Gallery at Memorial Hall for the first professional exhibition since the late summer of 2019.

Carl Stevenson introduced the

show and welcomed the more than 25 people in attendance. He said, as a bit of a photographer himself, he was thrilled that the gallery would be hosting Dickie’s work, as photography exhibitions have been few over the years at the gallery. He felt it was fitting, he said, that the gallery return to hosting professional work with an exhibition that so celebrates rural life and the fabric of Huron County as Dickie’s work does.

He said he and the gallery’s selection committee were blown away by what Dickie was creating and just how cohesive the storytelling was.

Kelly Stevenson spoke to her excitement in welcoming art lovers back to the gallery and having professional art up on the walls for

the first time since 2019. She recounted the disappointment and repetition of calling Dickie and having to inform her that her show, originally scheduled to go ahead in the summer of 2020 (alongside an exhibition by Kelly Stevenson herself), had been cancelled time after time between 2020 and 2022.

However, after years of patience and perseverance, the three shows, scheduled to go ahead in 2020, will now be part of the 2023 season and Kelly Stevenson was emotional discussing the wait to arrive at where the gallery is today.

Kelly Stevenson said it was clear that Dickie has a talent for producing great images, but she also had a clear vision of how she wanted to present the show, which isn’t always clear for all artists who want to exhibit their work.

King also lauded the show and revelled in being able to welcome audiences back to the hall, pointing to the gallery as a vital piece of the puzzle for the Blyth Centre for the Arts.

Dickie spoke next, thanking her fiancé Colin Aerts and her parents Walter and Janet for their support and encouragement, adding a

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special thanks to Walter for allowing her to follow him around with a camera for years as he worked on their home, small-scale farm.

Dickie said she began shooting for the project in 2016 and it began as a photography documentary for her studies at Oakville’s Sheridan College.

Even then, her work to document her family’s life on the farm was entitled “Home Grown” and she worked on it throughout her postsecondary career, winning a number of awards along the way for her troubles.

She thanked everyone for coming to her show and lauded the Blyth Centre for the Arts itself, saying the community is so lucky to have the Blyth Festival, Blyth Festival Art Gallery and the centre’s other work producing such high-quality art in the heart of Huron County.

“Home Grown” will be on the gallery’s walls until July 15, when it makes way for a collective pottery exhibition curated by Seaforth-area potter Rob Tetu. Kelly Stevenson herself will close out the season with “How Far I’ve Fallen” beginning on Aug. 18.

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