The Citizen - March 19, 2020

INSIDE THIS WEEK:

SPORTS - Pg. 9

FARM - Pg. 13

FESTIVAL - Pg. 20

Local leagues shut down hockey playoffs for the year

Commodity groups voice concerns at local forum

Local group announces Huron Waves Festival

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Volume 36 No. 12

Serving the communities of Blyth and Brussels and northern Huron County

Thursday, March 19, 2020

COVID-19 shutters province

By Denny Scott The Citizen

One last rush The Blyth Brussels Atom Rep Crusaders played the final game of their season last Thursday, a 6-1 loss to the East Lambton Eagles in game one of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) finals. That, unfortunately, is where the series would end with COVID-19 shutting down much of life as the world knows it, including the nationwide cancellation

of hockey, leaving the team unable to capitalize on a fantastic season. With a state of emergency declared in Ontario and many non-essential public sites closed, people are being asked to stay home and stay safe for the next two or three weeks to help stop the spread of the deadly virus. This is in line with steps being taken around the world for the good of humanity. (Denny Scott photo)

Early Tuesday morning Ontario Premier Doug Ford declared a state of emergency in Ontario as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the globe.

As part of that announcement, Ford said that all public events of more than 50 people, including parades, events and services within places of worship were prohibited until March 31. He also mandated the closure of all facilities providing indoor recreation, childcare, private education and restaurants and bars, except for those providing take-out or delivery. Ford also closed all theatres, cinemas and concert venues.

“I want to be very clear about what this means and what this doesn’t mean,” he said. “This is not a provincial shutdown... the vast majority of businesses, including those most vital to day-to-day life, will not be affected.”

Ford said he expected essential services to remain in operation, along with grocery and convenience stores, pharmacies and many other businesses, including office buildings.

“We need to do everything possible to slow down the spread of COVID-19 as to not overwhelm our healthcare system,” he said, adding the government is doing everything possible to “flatten the curve” of COVID-19 cases.

Ford called on the federal government to help by establishing a loan program with his government to help support businesses and reforming employment insurance programs to be available for workers affected by the closures to businesses.

Further, he announced $300 million in funding as the first stage Continued on page 3

First Huron-Perth COVID-19 case found in St. Marys

By Denny Scott The Citizen The Huron Perth Public Health Unit has its first confirmed case of COVID-19 after a 64-year-old male from St. Marys attended St. Marys Memorial Hospital last week.

On Saturday, Dr. Miriam Klassen, Medical Officer of Health for Huron Perth Public Health, alongside representatives from St. Marys and the Huron Public Health Alliance, which governs the Stratford General Hospital where the patient is being treated, held a press

conference announcing the details of the case.

The patient presented to the St. Marys hospital with unrelated symptoms, however, while there his conditions changed rapidly, prompting testing for COVID-19.

After the diagnosis was confirmed, he was transferred to Stratford where he remains in serious condition.

The patient returned to his home in St. Marys from a trip to Mexico on March 2. He began feeling ill on March 7 and self-isolated before attending the St. Marys hospital on March 12.

Klassen explained the community will be kept up to date and that a confirmed case is not unexpected with the transmission of the virus globally. She said the community and health system have been preparing for a case of the virus and are now in the process of trying to break the chain of transmission to limit exposure to the contagion.

“The risk to Huron/Perth citizens is low,” she said, adding current recommendations are based on the fact that the virus is not expected to be circulating in the community in her estimation.

She reminds the public that anyone who travels should go about their lives upon return, but if they do develop symptoms within two weeks of returning, to self-isolate.

The most common symptoms are fever, cough and shortness of breath, all of which can range from mild to severe.

Those with mild symptoms are encouraged to stay home. If medical assistance is needed, it is recommended to contact healthcare providers before attending the hospital.

All children who have travelled

are asked to be isolated for two weeks after returning from trips.

Testing right now is limited to higher-risk situations, such as those with connections to symptomatic patients, or those with existing respiratory problems alongside health care workers and individuals in long-term care facilities.

The Health Unit has already been in touch with most of the people the patient had contact with before selfisolating.

For more information, visit the Huron Perth Public Health Unit at www.hpph.ca.

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020.

Ford pushes protection for workers during pandemic

By Denny Scott The Citizen Premier Doug Ford and the provincial government want to offer protection to employees affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Monday, Ford announced that the government was rolling out legislative changes to workplace protection rules to make sure anyone who can’t be at work due to the COVID-19 situation wouldn’t lose their jobs.

“Your government has your back,” he said. “We are looking out for Ontario workers and families at this difficult time.”

He said it’s great that some people can work from home, but that the government was looking to protect people who didn’t have that luxury.

Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development of Ontario MPP Monte McNaughton explained the changes being proposed to the Employment Standards Act to provide job protection for those who aren’t able to work, which includes those who are under investigation or supervision due to potentially having the virus, those who are isolated or quarantined or those who are providing care due to COVID-19, including parents or guardians who have to be home due to government’s implementation of a two-week closure to schools after March Break.

The changes will be retroactive to Jan. 25, 2020, the date that Ontario had its first confirmed case of COVID-19.

The changes, once passed, will be in place until “this disease is defeated,” McNaughton said, which makes the legislation the most progressive around according to him.

McNaughton said he has also been working with his federal counterparts to make sure families

get as much help as possible from the provincial government.

Also during the press conference, Ontario Minister of Finance MPP Rod Phillips announced that, due to COVID-19, the government would not present a budget next week, but instead would offer a revised economic outlook document that will let stakeholders like municipalities and schools know what kind of funds they should count on for their budgets.

A more developed budget, however, won’t likely be available until the fall, Phillips said, due to the economic uncertainty that the COVID-19 pandemic had caused.

During the question-and-answer period for the conference, Ford and his ministers answered several queries regarding the announcement, as well as other issues around the COVID-19 pandemic and the government’s response.

Ford had, earlier in the meeting, said he was looking at suggesting the borders being more tightly controlled. He was asked if that meant closing the border. After saying he respected the work the federal government was doing, he said it wasn’t his call to make, but he suggested that closing the borders to visitors is a good idea after some notice. “[Close the border] to visitors, not trade and commerce,” he said.

Questions were also asked about making the closure of Ontario schools permanent until the COVID19 concern had passed, as had been done in other provinces.

Ford said he would follow Ontario Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams’ suggestions. Williams, who was part of the presentation, explained later that while Ontario has more cases than other provinces, all of the identified cases in Ontario are tied to travel, meaning that the measures taken to control the virus in Ontario were effective.

Comparisons were made between

Ontario and Quebec, the latter of which has implemented significantly more drastic measures.

“It’s a fluid situation and it’s changing rapidly,” Deputy-Premier and Minister of Health MPP Christine Elliott said. “At the present

time, we’re working on Williams’ suggestion.”

Williams said that, with pandemic planning, the implementation of measures is phased and that, as long as there weren’t any cases that weren’t travel-related, it

Short-lived The Blyth Brussels Atom Rep Crusaders are shown celebrating their only goal in a 6-1 loss to the East Lambton Eagles in the first game Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) championship series. The series, alongside all other OMHA hockey, was cancelled shortly after the game due to COVID-19 concerns. (Denny Scott photo)

Trudeau semi-closes borders

By Denny Scott The Citizen The federal government has taken a strong stance by banning many travellers from the country in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, though not as strong a stance as some have requested.

On Monday afternoon, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in front of his home where his wife is currently isolated after contracting the virus, announced that Canada’s border would be closed to most of the world, but not the United States of America.

“We will be closing our borders to people who are not citizens or permanent residents of Canada,” he said. “We are denying entry to Canada people who aren’t Canadian citizens or permanent residents with some exceptions: air crews, diplomats, families of Canadian citizens and U.S. citizens.”

Trudeau said that airlines are also going to receive formal orders to ban all travellers presenting with symptoms from getting on airplanes.

He said that the news may concern Canadians who are abroad, but said the government will support nationals outside of the country, though “anyone who has symptoms will not be able to come to Canada.”

Trudeau said that, as of Wednesday, March 18, only four Canadian airports will receive international flights: Pearson

Airport in Toronto, Trudeau Airport in Montreal, Vancouver International Airport and Calgary International Airport. Flights to and from North American locations such as the United States and Mexico, however, are not part of that plan and will continue normally.

Those travel restrictions will not apply to commercial travel to maintain the flow of goods to and from Canada.

“These measures are farreaching,” he said, adding that exceptional measures are required for exceptional circumstances. “We can still slow the spread of this virus, but as [Canada’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Theresa Tam] said, that window is closing.”

Trudeau also said it was time for Canadians to return to Canada.

“Let me be clear, if you’re abroad, it’s time for you to come home,” he said. “If you’ve arrived, you must self-isolate for 14 days... All Canadians, as much as possible should stay at home.”

Trudeau then encouraged everyone to continue to communicate with friends, families and neighbours, both to foster strong communities but also to help keep an eye on one another.

During a question-and-answer period, Trudeau had to defend the decision to not shut down the borders to visitors from the United States. He said that, as the two

meant the measures were working.

Ford also announced that a COVID-19 self-assessment had been added to the province’s information website and encouraged people to visit it at ontario.ca/coronavirus.

nations are closely tied, he had been working with United States President Donald Trump to coordinate actions regarding the border. He was clear, however, that no measure was off the table for protecting Canada.

Trudeau also announced that measures are coming to help families who face a financial crisis due to the pandemic, however no details or a timeline, were available at the time.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020. PAGE 3.

Businesses, facilities closed Continued from page 1 of the COVID-19 emergency relief package his government is providing. This first wave of funding will bolster health infrastructure with more healthcare beds and COVID-19 testing centres, personal protection equipment for healthcare employees and support workers, nurses and doctors to help every Ontarian.

Before the state of emergency was declared, some local organizations and businesses had already shut their doors or modified business practices due to the pandemic.

The Huron Perth Public Health team recommends that people who have travelled consider self-isolation for 14 days to help alleviate problems and encourages all people to self-monitor for symptoms after travelling.

For more information, visit www.hpph.ca/coronavirus for both information and links to up-to-date resources for dealing with the virus.

Likely the action with the most significant impact is the fact that all provincially-funded schools in Ontario will be extending March Break by two weeks to make sure families travelling have two weeks away from schools to make sure COVID-19 doesn’t become a problem.

The move, enacted by the provincial government, was announced on Thursday, March 12.

The impact will see families needing to find care for approximately two million children across Ontario for two weeks longer than anticipated.

Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams recommended the change, advising anyone who travels for March Break to keep their children out of daycares for 14 days. He also advised against travel in general unless absolutely necessary.

Federal Minister of Health Patty Hadju recommended Canadians consider staying in Canada during March Break, also on Thursday.

Then, on Friday, she said that all travel outside of Canada was considered “high risk”.

“It is best if Canadians stay home,” she said. “It is best if they travel domestically.

During that Friday press conference, Dr. Howard Njoo, Deputy Chief Public Health Officer, reiterated those concerns, advising against travel outside of Canada.

Since then, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who himself is practising self-isolation after his wife Sophie

Grégoire Trudeau contracted the virus, has closed the borders to all visitors save those from the United States of America.

The Ontario Ministry of Health is also requesting that Ontario longterm care homes actively screen for the virus, as was announced on Friday, March 13.

Locally, long-term care homes are limiting visitors to those visiting palliative patients or seriously ill patients and, even then, visitors may not be allowed in based on information they provide.

For example, homes like Huronview and Huronlea Homes for the Aged will be screening visitors for symptoms of the illness, travel history that could put a visitor at risk or possible connections with cases of the virus.

Huron County and its lower-tier municipalities have also closed the doors to facilities for the forseeable future, including community centres and town halls, though most are remaining open and accessible by telephone or digital means.

The Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) also announced on Monday that visiting access was being changed to prevent the transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

Visiting hours will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, and patients, will be limited to one visitor at a time, except pediatric patients, who will be limited to two.

Special exceptions may be made after consultation with the care team and infection control team. Family members or caregivers under the age of 16 are not permitted except under special circumstances.

Visitors who are allowed will be asked to stay in patient rooms as much as possible. Patients attending the emergency department are asked to be accompanied by just one person.

“The HPHA recognizes the importance of visitors to the patient experience and certainly regrets moving away from our current open access visiting policy,” said Andrew Williams, HPHA President and CEO. “That said, we have to suspend this access over the short term to help prevent and/or limit the potential transmission of COVID19. By everyone doing their part, we will flatten the curve and be able to resume normal activities sooner than would otherwise be possible.”

As is normal practice, visitors are reminded to not visit any hospital if they are feeling ill, including rash, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, shortness

Neews depends endss on facts. ts. Where Whe are you our facts ts coming com ng from? ro News Media Canada is a passion ssionate advocate for the news industry. We support our mem mber m publications in their pursuit of quality journalism nalism.

Wee believe that when society has factss they can W trust, better decisions will be made.

of breath, sore throat, runny nose or fever.

Tim Hortons has announced that, across the country, dining rooms will be closed, offering only take-out and drive-thru as of Tuesday, March 17.

This is on top of measures the company put in place regarding not accepting reusable cups and changing its annual Roll Up The Rim competition to prevent the spread of the virus.

Local restaurants also made the decision to close or offer only takeout or delivery services before the state of emergency was declared, including Blyth Cowbell Brewing Company Ltd. who closed its Blyth site on Monday and the Blyth Inn, which closed on Tuesday.

For individuals impacted by the COVID-19 virus, some companies and utilities are offering relief.

Hydro One, for example, has announced a pandemic relief fund in response to the outbreak. On Friday, the company announced that funding assistance would be available to those who have trouble paying their bills as a result of the outbreak. The company also announced increased payment flexibility and an extension of the winter relief program, which stops disconnections during the winter.

The Blyth Festival also announced early Monday that Memorial Hall was to be closed until April 1. The box office will remain open for online and phone support.

Ticket holders for events during this period will be contacted by the Festival.

Over the weekend, Menopause The Musical at the hall was postponed.

General Manager Rachael King said that, in taking its cues from public health advisories, the decision was made for safety’s sake.

As for the future, King said Festival staff are, with less than three months before opening the 2020 season, giving thought as to what this could mean for the scheduled Festival season if the COVID-19 issue persists.

The Blyth Festival Singers have also postponed their 40th annual celebration, which was set to take place March 28, to the fall.

The Brussels Optimist Club have cancelled the club’s annual spring dinner and auction.

Moves like...

Melissa Jacobs shows off her moves during the Wingham Figure Skating Club’s Broadway-inspired showcase last week. (Denny Scott photo)

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 thay 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

Youth Winter Sports Pages Coaches and parents ~ we need your team’s picture and players’ names 1. Please submit team photo A.S.A.P. 2. Please include players’ and coaches’ names for under the photo.

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PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020.

Editorials & Opinions

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

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An unprecedented response The past week will be remembered for generations as the week the world shut down. March 11-13 represented an unprecedented ceasing of day-to-day life unlike anything seen in eras that don’t coincide with either of the World Wars with further closures dribbling out in following days, including complete shutdowns of some cities. During that time, public reaction has shifted in regards to closures, cancellations and shutdowns. At first, people cried alarmism over COVID-19, but now it’s almost unthinkable to see anything other than a grocery store or pharmacy open to the public at a time like this, thinking those businesses still open need to save people from themselves and close their doors.

The world is working to “flatten the curve” and limit spread of the virus with varying degrees of success. Some are taking it more seriously than others and seeing a decline, while others are failing to grasp the severity of the risk. St. Patrick’s Day, for example, saw little change in bar and restaurant traffic in major cities like New York, Boston and Chicago, with young people thinking COVID-19 only affects older people and throwing caution to the wind and keeping the party alive.

While the shutdown of every major sports league, the postponement of the Masters and numerous concert tours was seen by some as panic, others saw it as a measured attempt to stop a deadly virus in its tracks, not taking any chances of being part of the problem.

Like so much of what’s going on now, it’s essential to look past yourself. Those hoarding hand sanitizer and toilet paper, putting highrisk people in danger, and those not doing all they can to stop the virus need to look beyond whom they see in the mirror. While you may not be especially vulnerable to the disease, who close to you is? Is that sixmonth supply of toilet paper doing more good in your utility room, or in the hands of those who are living without?

Companies like Amazon and EBay have cracked down on those trying to profit on resales of hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and toilet paper, but really what we need is common sense and decency. – SL

We need to move quicker The federal government is preparing to pass legislation making it illegal to, among other practices, force people to take part in conversion therapy or have a minor take the scientifically-dubious practice.

Conversion therapy is the widely-disputed practice of trying to “correct” someone’s sexual identity to heterosexual, usually practised by those who believe in heteronormativity. The legislation also makes it illegal to remove a minor from Canada to pursue the therapy, profit from the therapy or advertise it. The practice has been linked to the creation of serious medical conditions in those who go through it, whether of their own accord or force, so outlawing it makes sense.

It all seems pretty simple, right? Let people be who they were born to be. Even the staunchest conservatives who oppose homosexuality in all its stripes should know that in hating the sin, they have to love the sinner, so anything that could hurt them is inherently bad.

The question that remains, however, is why did this take so long? Why does it take so long for any government to take a stand against a practice like conversion therapy. It’s great there are rules in place now, but Canada deserves better, faster responses from its government. – JDS

Worth celebrating Watching the Huron Waves Music Festival launch its inaugural season with a group of donors, sponsors, volunteers and supporters reminds us of how important community support is to the organizations and events that we love so much. At the same time, the Blyth Festival Singers announced their concert to celebrate their 40th season of making music together (originally scheduled for March 28 but shifted to the fall to help slow the spread of COVID-19). The only way that these fledgling festivals become perennial favourites and attract visitors to our area is through constant nurturing by the community.

Make the effort, especially during this uncertain period, to support your favourite community event, organization or cause. We will want to come out the other side of our isolation with a wealth of concerts, festivals and performances to attend, so we need to nurture these groups when they’re sidelined. A little support goes a long way! – DS

Letters Policy The Citizen welcomes letters to the editor. Letters must be signed and should include a daytime telephone number for the purpose of verification only. Letters that are not signed will not be printed. Submissions may be edited for length, clarity and content, using fair comment as our guideline. The Citizen reserves the right to refuse any letter on the basis of unfair bias, prejudice or inaccurate information. As well, letters can only be printed as space allows. Please keep your letters brief and concise.

Looking Back Through the Years March 21, 1963 The Brussels PeeWee hockey team returned to the village with the trophy from the Atwood Lions Club’s annual hockey tournament, defeating Monkton in the final game of the tournament to win the whole event.

Brussels began the tournament with a win over Newry that needed sudden-death overtime to settle, followed by the eventual 4-2 win over Monkton in the final.

Greg Wilson was in goal for the team, while Terry Rutledge, Doug Currie, George Vallance and Murray McDonald played defence and Paul McDonald, Kim Beirnes, Brian Workman, Doug McLean, Don Pletch, Murray Kellington, Gary Bennett, Sandy McDonald, Jim Wheeler, Ken Work, Gordon Machan and George Pearson played forward in the tournament.

Brussels-area farmer Clifford Bray was elected president of the Huron 4-H Club Leaders’ Association at the annual meeting, held in Clinton the previous Monday night.

Bray took over the position from Harold Hern of RR1, Gratton.

The Brussels Library Board held its annual meeting and Edwin Martin was installed as the board’s president for the coming term.

The board updated the public on the ongoing renovations at the library, saying the work would be spread out over several years. The renovations would improve the appearance of the building and benefit its economy of operation as well.

March 25, 2010 The Blyth-Hullett Landfill would be closing its gates for as long as two years, providing time for cleanup and testing by Central Huron and

the Ministry of the Environment.

The downtime at the landfill would also provide time to allow Central Huron Council to consider several changes at the site that could extend its life.

Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh and North Huron Councils persisted with discussion over fire coverage and associated costs.

North Huron Fire Chief John Black spoke to Ashfield-ColborneWawanosh Council to explain the reasoning behind the dramatic price increases. He said the increases were essential to planning for the future and it would also help in expanding the department’s coverage area.

Caroline McDowell of the Belgrave area had just returned from Muskoka after participating in the Ontario Games as a member of one of the eight Bantam Girls teams chosen to represent the province at the tournament.

McDowell’s team would make it to the quarterfinals as part of an experience she’d never forget.

McDowell was no stranger to competitive hockey as a member of the Saugeen Maitland Lightning and the F.E. Madill Secondary School girls hockey team.

Ball’s Bridge in Central Huron had been awarded a blue and gold heritage plaque thanks in part to an essay on the bridge written by Beth Ross, the county’s director of cultural services.

The plaque was scheduled to be installed at the bridge in 2011.

March 21, 2019 Susan Horvath, the daughter of Arpad Horvath, a 75-year-old victim of convicted Canadian serial killer Elizabeth Wettlaufer, planned to protest the Blyth Festival production of In The Wake of Wettlaufer when it opened later that year.

In speaking with The Citizen, Horvath said the play was in “hurtful taste”, adding that she wasn’t speaking just for herself, but representing a “substantial” number of people who agreed with her that the play shouldn’t be produced.

Blyth Festival Artistic Director Gil Garratt said the subject would be handled with care and respect and that examining the world in which Wettlaufer was permitted to kill long-term care facility residents was essential to understanding.

“The play is about the impact of Elizabeth Wettlaufer’s heinous acts on all people in Ontario and Canada,” Garratt said. “We can’t go forward without discussing it.”

Blyth’s Duncan McGregor was in the early stages of production on New Friends Old Friends, a show that would tell three stories on the Memorial Hall stage to audiences of children from Junior Kindergarten up to Grade 6.

The Citizen was planning an office move on April 1, shifting its operations a few doors down to 405 Queen Street, the former home of Elliott Nixon Insurance.

Paul Mutter, a long-time member of the Brussels Lions Club, was presented with the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, the most prestigious honour a Lions Club member can receive. Fellow Lions and Melvin Jones Fellow Jim Prior presented the award to Mutter.

The Blyth Lions Club announced it would be hosting a special day of celebration for Mikayla Ansley, the Blyth student who had recently won Lions Clubs International’s Peace Essay contest, triumphing over worldwide competition.

Mikayla Ansley Day would be held at Memorial Hall in Blyth on April 14.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020. PAGE 5.

Other Views

Almost all of us are capitalists

F

or most Canadians, the recent wild roller coaster ride of world stock markets’ panicky reaction to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic seemed like something to be watched from afar. After all, we’re not playing the markets. Oh yeah?

The truth is that nearly all of us, even the most ardent socialists, are capitalists these days. That’s because from the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) to employee pension plans, pension funds are big investors, whether in corporations that are listed on stock exchanges or in real estate and infrastructure.

That’s how they earn the money to pay our pensions.

The CPPIB, which takes the contributions from employees and employers and invests them to earn the money retirees get in their monthly CPP benefits, is Canada’s largest investment fund, valued at $409.5 billion – or at least it was before the recent market losses.

Quebec’s equivalent fund, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (usually known as the Caisse) has $309.5 billion in investments. The next biggest fund is the Ontario Teacher’s Pension Plan, worth $201.4 billion. The British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCIMC), which invests on behalf of B.C.’s public sector employees, has $153.4 billion in assets. The Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) has $109 billion in assets while the pension fund for Ontario’s healthcare employees, Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan, manages $79 billion in assets.

These pension funds are big business.

Canada’s top 10 pension funds employ 11,000 people among them. And unlike so many things where Canada is a bit player on a world scale, the seven largest pension funds in Canada rank among the world’s top 30

Keith Roulston From the cluttered desk investors in infrastructure. Caisse, CPPIB, the Ontario Teachers, BCIMC and OMERS are among the top 30 world investors in real estate.

For instance, CPPIB’s infrastructure deals included joining with a partner to take a controlling interest in a Brazilian hydrogeneration company and teaming up with Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan to acquire a 49per-cent ownership in a 309-kilometre toll road in Mexico.

The financial clout of such pension funds was recognized early on by Quebec governments, which is why Quebec insisted on having a separate pension fund from CPP. Over 45 years it has used pensioners’ money to spur the Quebec economy, starting with buying Hydro-Quebec bonds, a portion of which served as key backing for hydroelectric development in Churchill Falls, Labrador.

Later, the Caisse invested in everything from medical start-ups to the aerospace and railway industries through Bombardier. But like all the pension funds, Caisse has so much money that it needs to invest globally to get good returns.

And earning a strong return on investments is essential if our pension funds are going to serve employees in their retirement. The better the pension plan, the higher the return needs to be. If you have a plan under which you can retire at age 55, for instance, it means you might only contribute for 30 years. You might

reasonably expect to receive that pension for another 30 years. The amount you receive every one of those retirement years will be far greater than what you contributed each year while you worked. It will take a lot of compound interest from your contributions to keep the plan from going bust.

Then there’s the inflationary aspect. Those of us receiving CPP payments today are the first generation to have contributed for our entire working lives (the plan began in 1965).

Still, our early deductions were a portion of wages and salaries that were probably 10 per cent of what salaries are today. We’re drawing pensions in 2020 dollars, not 1970 dollars. It means that the people controlling CPPIB investments better get higher returns than we normal humans would expect from a mutual fund.

Employees paying into pension funds would probably be outraged if they learned how much the top decision-makers in these funds earned. The fund must be competitive with other financial institutions if we want the kind of wise decisions required to keep pensions flowing whether the economy is booming or busting. While those with investments in mutual funds will be getting quarterly reports soon that will be too gruesome to look at because of the market panic, people getting CPP or pensions through their professional associations, will keep getting their pensions the same as ever.

Despite the usual complaints that the world is going to pot, today’s retirees are richer than any previous generation thanks to wellmanaged pension programs – perhaps too rich since if we didn’t travel so much we mightn’t have spread COVID-19 so quickly. Most of us have done quite well by being hidden capitalists.

It’s not all about you, you dummy

S

ometimes you see something so absolutely stupid that you just want to call someone a dummy as you slap them upside the head. Unfortunately, the world’s moved on from such justified actions and now requires you to be polite about it and not smack them upside the head.

This week’s “smarten up dummy” moment came for me when I was browsing Facebook while my daughter was deeply entrenched in Frozen II over the weekend when I saw a former local politician talking about how frustrated he was that people wanted him to self-isolate after being out of the country.

This individual, whom I won’t share any more information about because it would quickly become evident who he is, complained that he was out in public and people were suggesting he shouldn’t be.

The post went on to say that the individual felt fine. Say it with me readers: “It’s not about you, you dummy.”

This all goes back to a column I wrote a little while back about socialism not being a bad word. In it, I espoused the virtues of Huron County and its residents continuously being there for one another and how that, in itself, is a form of socialism.

I felt pretty good about that column, to be honest, because I was finally taking a stand against some pretty idiotic ideas that were being thrown around by people. Boy does the universe like to make a mockery of me some weeks.

No sooner than I talk about how great Huron County is for how it supports each other and how we put others first do I see the epitome of self-centredness through people thinking they don’t need to worry about COVID-19.

And just in case anyone thinks I’m not walking the walk, I’ve told my immediate family, some of whom have been outside the

Denny Scott Denny’s Den country and some who have been outside the county, that they can forget about visiting until they’ve self-isolated for two weeks after returning. There are no exceptions here.

I’ll admit, I’m a bit of an overreactor when it comes to things like medical scares. I was “that dad” who was ready to take my daughter Mary Jane to the hospital because she bit her lip and it was bleeding before my family was able to calm me down.

That said, I did take Mary Jane to the doctor last week because she had developed a cough and some other symptoms that, while they didn’t match COVID-19 to a ‘T’, were enough to be concerning. That’s just the kind of person I am: I’d rather be safe than sorry.

(Fortunately, and the irony of calling this fortunate isn’t lost on me, she only had an unrelated infection.)

We all need to take those kinds of precautions, not just for ourselves and our families, but for everyone.

I don’t often point to Premier Doug Ford as someone with whom I agree, but during a press conference on Monday, he said that Ontarians need to continue to be there for each other; checking on neighbours, helping the elderly and, most importantly, keeping those in mind who may not be able to fight back against the virus.

We’re not isolating for people young enough to fight off the COVID-19 virus, we’re doing it for people who are immunocompromised,

meaning they won’t be able to fight it off.

Unfortunately, not everyone understands that and some continuously have trouble seeing the world past the end of their noses.

Some people think that, because they don’t feel sick or because they’ve historically had a good immune system, they’re invulnerable to the disease.

Here’s the thing: it’s not about you. It’s not about your immune system or you avoiding the disease, it’s about that slim chance that you carry the disease to someone who isn’t quite as ready to defend themselves against the virus.

It’s about mitigating the risk that the virus will continue to be spread until our health system can no longer keep up with it.

So cough or sneeze in to your elbow, wash with soap and water for over 20 seconds (don’t rely on hand sanitizer, it’s less effective than washing your hands with water alone, but it will do in a pinch) and keep your distance from people both for your sake and for theirs.

Canada has a low number of people infected right now, compared to the rest of the world, but it doubled over the weekend and the only way to stop it from growing exponentially is to remember these guidelines and rules. They aren’t about protecting yourself, but protecting everyone else. It’s not all about you, you dummy.

Final Thought Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don't know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!

– Anne Frank

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

It’s been... one week

I

n this year’s Salute to Agriculture, I wrote a story in which Dave Pullen expressed his amazement at how much can grow in one lifetime; from freshly-planted trees to a full forest in one lifetime. In recent days, we’ve seen how much can change in a few days.

Working at a weekly community newspaper, you’re sometimes reminded how much can happen from one issue to the next. Looking at the week that was, The Citizen includes extensive coverage on COVID-19 and all the ways it has changed day-to-day life in the community in just a few days. But also in this issue of The Citizen is coverage from events that now seem like relics of a bygone era.

Hockey games, skating showcases, wine and cheese nights and schools full of students feel as though they’re from a past life. It’s hard not to feel like someone from the Baby Boomer generation looking back at the bucolic 1950s and remembering when it was all so simple and toilet paper was still on store shelves.

In the United States, there have been behavioural extremes. On one hand, just about every event imaginable is cancelled, every non-essential establishment shuttered, but then there have been the pictures from major cities like New York, Chicago and Boston of hundreds of young people lined up to get into bars to celebrate an early St. Patrick’s Day – hardly a case of social distancing at all. Some cities have since ordered bars and restaurants to close, protecting people from themselves, but these images made it clear some still weren’t taking COVID-19 seriously.

It’s been astonishing to me how quickly we’ve all adapted to accept our new reality. It’s now a world in which we don’t go out, where toilet paper and hand sanitizer are the stuff of memories and our food comes from cans and packets and our water comes from bottles.

We’re also now looking at every surface as though it can kill us if we touch it.

My original editorial for this week on page four was to discuss closures and cancellations and wonder aloud (or, on paper) if the world was being cautious with these extreme measures or if it was inciting panic. Even that editorial, written on Friday, seems like a page in a dusty history book. So much, it seems, has changed in the days since writing that.

Watching CNN over the weekend, I saw Brian Stelter, on his weekly media criticism show, Reliable Sources, say it was important for the media to walk a fine line in regards to the worldwide pandemic of COVID-19.

Coverage needed to inform and not incite, he said.

And while I’ve been able to sit and marvel at the sheer size of the movement to shut down everything, unlike anything I’ve seen before, I can’t help but resent those who have taken a laissez faire attitude towards the virus.

Whether it’s the hoarding of supplies or those showing cold-like symptoms going about their daily lives, as someone with a baby on the way at home, I’ve taken things very seriously – perhaps a trial by fire ahead of life as a parent.

It is important to keep things in perspective and know that things in Canada are on a much more effective track than that of our neighbours to the south or in Europe, but we must also remain vigilant and do away with selfish thinking that shifts infection probability to other people. If you think the virus may not harm you because you’re younger (the jury is still out on that, by the way), you’re only one handshake away from potentially endangering someone else.

If we can get to where we have a relatively normal life with just one week in the rearview mirror, just think of where we could be at this time next week. Be safe and use your head.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020.

Wash hands and keep your distance A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231

Second draw winners The Brussels Curling Club held its year-end banquet and awards night at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre on Friday. Above are three-quarters of the second draw winners.

From left: Barbara Cadotte, Martin Thomet and George Zwep. Not pictured is Ken Penfound.

(Mark Nonkes photo)

At the Branch

Stadelmann, Davis win darts

By Jo-Ann McDonald The week at Brussels Legion Branch started with the Brussels Lions Club meeting. They enjoyed a roast beef dinner before their meeting. Nearly 35 members had a great meeting and welcomed some new members.

The Cadet Corp weekly meeting was on Tuesday evening. They are over half of the way through their year with plenty of things yet to accomplish. They have a solid support committee in place to help them along the way and with fundraising. One of their efforts is line dancing nights.

The first night of fun, fitness, music, laughs was last Wednesday evening. They had a great turnout with more than 20 ladies out learning the moves. Patty Coulter is the instructor. It’s only $5 a class with monies going to the Brussels Cadet Corp fundraising group.

Don’t forget the Cadets are still collecting pop cans and returnable cans and bottles. They can be left at

the side of the Legion on Tuesdays for pickup.

The Thursday night mixed darts had 17 players taking aim at the boards. The first-place team was John Stadelmann and Rhonda Davis.

Two teams were tied for second and after the playoff team Roger McHardy and Sandra Brown were second and team Barbara Cadotte, Evelyn Hillier and Tim Harrison were third. The high shots of the night were by Jim Brown hitting 123 and Rhonda hitting 105. Another skunk was recorded by Louise Poirier and Joan Smith, whose goal was not to make the board this year.

The Catch the Ace draw on Friday evening was well attended. The lucky weekly winner was Jeff Heibein, winning $255. He chose envelope number eight and the nine of spades was revealed. The estimated jackpot for next week is $5,800.

Friday evening following the draw was musical entertainment with Jelly Bean Blue. The duo played from 7:30 - 11:30 p.m. to a very

appreciative group. Lots of fun for all.

Here is a little more information on the seniors literary contest for those over 55. The poems can be 32 lines long, the short stories can be 4,000 words, the essays can be 1,000 words and the memoirs or biographies can be 5,000 words. A complete list of rules and entry forms are available at the Branch and at the Brussels Library. Submissions are to be in by the end of May so a special Seniors Day can be planned.

These entries will go no further than the Branch this year. We encourage seniors to share their wealth of experience, talent and stories with us and enter this competition.

Don’t forget the Branch has lots of frozen soups available with some new varieties on offer. Part of the proceeds from the sales goes to support the veterans. Drop into the Branch and check them out.

The Brussels Legion is cancelling any upcoming extra activity events for the month of March such as karaoke and Sunday dances.

Big breath. Wash your hands.

Know personal space. Keep calm and carry on. Oh yes, and wash your hands again. You know we are part of the big wide world, but it usually doesn’t affect us this much.

The COVID-19 virus has slammed into our space like nothing before. Other viral emergencies have occurred, but have stayed in a specific country or specific area and were of no interest to us at all. This one moved rapidly across the world.

Speed of transfer made this one unique. Travel and transfer has been an eye-opener as the human exchange of droplets and contact show how the spread happens so innocently.

We need to be thankful and proud with the speed of action and the information all our public health people are offering. Touch of shared surfaces and space is key to limiting the spread. So with more people in one spot and the virus in action, many more soon share then unwittingly spread the virus. This is how all viruses take hold.

Now the news of the spreading of this specific virus is everywhere. it changes daily and details come from many spots on the globe. For us, it’s hard on the head, we are used to making decisions on the facts in front of us. Today our risk is low.

Each of us needs to decide where to have and share our personal space; only you know your comfort level.

Be sure the facts you are using are facts and not someone’s opinion.

This March Break will stay in memory for a while as many of the usual happenings will not occur. Oh,

the power of COVID-19 and it actions. Library and museum programs are delayed, hockey and swimming are on hold and travel is restricted.

Good thing the grandparents have a forgiving personal space when the young ones are concerned.

Time to look back and prepare the activities that kept the kids busy in years gone by. My recall is building rafts with my brothers and getting very wet on launch into the creek.

Walking to the bush to discover nature’s offerings was another favourite thing to do. Card games, as I recall, were often a little riotous.

Let the imagination go.

Each day is new. Be aware of your company, where they’ve been to or returned from, be sensible in your actions, keep calm and carry on. Of course, wash your hands!

Bye now, Betty G.W.

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS For breaking news, photos and columns, check out huroncitizen.ca

Brussels Legion 218 Catch the Ace Weekly Winner Winning Ticket: Jeff Heibein $255 Envelope #8 found the 9 of Spades Estimated jackpot for March 20 draw is $5,800

Good Employment is hard to find!

Second place The Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre was the place to be Friday night to find out who finished where in 2019/2020 season of the Brussels Curling Club. At the event, awards were handed out for the season including first-runner up team for the first draw, shown above.

From left: Mike Alexander, Zach Bowles and Danica Janmaat. Absent is Steve Bowers. (Mark Nonkes photo)

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020. PAGE 7.

North Huron cancels committee, board meetings

By Denny Scott The Citizen North Huron Township Council has suspended significant portions of its governance until its next council meeting which, in itself, may not be for nearly a month.

During its Monday night meeting, council agreed that, with the exception of a drainage tribunal which was required to meet in the

coming weeks, no committee, council or board meetings would take place until the next scheduled council meeting due to social distancing measures to stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Council passed motions leaving much of the responsibility of council, including distributing and awarding tenders, to the Chief Administrative Officer Dwayne Evans, Reeve Bernie Bailey and

Deputy-Reeve Trevor Seip until council could meet again.

The awarding of those tenders is only applicable, staff explained, if they fall within the amount budgeted for each project.

While council’s next meeting is scheduled for April 6, there was some debate as to whether that would happen with Councillor Trevor Seip saying that the COVID19 issue could be solved with current

measures or may stretch months or further. Bailey, Seip and staff, including Evans will decide when that next meeting occurs.

Evans was also empowered to spend up to $100,000 for emergencies related to COVID-19.

Seip asked if council could meet electronically and staff said that

Scriptures highlight water’s importance From Marilyn’s Desk

By Marilyn Craig Call 523-9318

Share the road As part of a meeting on cycling in Huron County held at the Blyth Community Memorial Hall last week, Justin Jones of Share the Road spoke. (Denny Scott photo)

Not acting not an option: Heffer

By Denny Scott The Citizen Not acting to combat the housing and related labour shortage in Huron County is not an option according to Morris-Turnberry Mayor Jamie Heffer in response to a recent presentation to his council by Huron County staff.

The presentation, which was a truncated version of the presentation made to North Huron and Central Huron councils detailed in the March 5 edition of The Citizen, highlights the fact that housing prices are increasing much faster than wages in Huron County, making it difficult for homeowners to finance purchases and local factories and manufacturers to find a work force.

Aside from highlighting the problem, the representatives from the county, which included Planner Jennifer Burns, Economic Development Officer Chris Watson and Housing Services Manager Christine Hoffman, also highlighted solutions the county has approved to try and tackle the housing crisis.

Those solutions include partnering with builders to create attainable housing, considering planning solutions to the housing crisis and assistance for homeowners and renters.

Councillor Jamie McCallum pointed out that the initiative didn’t bode well for the fact that, for a decade, the municipality was encouraged to try and attract employment-age individuals.

“We have people in Huron County who aren’t able to get into the housing market first,” he said. “Is that a fair assessment?”

Watson agreed, saying that, at the end of the day, the county needs to attract and retain employment-age individuals while retaining the rest of its population as well. Both problems require the same solution, he said: more houses, specifically housing that people working for manufacturers can afford.

Councillor Jim Nelemans asked how one project that will see housing created by the manufacturers to allow for more staff to enter the area would handle people leaving the companies.

“What happens with someone who is fired or leaves [the company]?” he asked. “Will they not be able to be in the housing project?”

Watson said that while the plan calls for local companies to buy into the buildings, the actual renting and management of the projects would be handled by a development corporation.

“The employer provides a list of

Campbell, Freeman win shoot game Happy birthday to Grace Hallahan and Ashley Bromley, Belgrave, who celebrate March 20; Taylor Wharton, March 22 and Jewel Plunkett, March 25.

Winners of the March 10 shoot party were: Linda Campbell and Sharon Freeman, tied and Dorothy

Carter; most shoots, Jane Glousher and share the wealth, Jewel Plunkett, Edna McLellan and Con van Vliet. The next shoot party is at Blyth United Church on March 24.

Doors open at 12:30 p.m. with cards beginning a 1 p.m. Come out and join in the fun and laughter.

employees that are deserving of the program that they would get in,” he said. “Once they are in that home, paying rent to the developer corporation, they aren’t paying the employer. The employer gets the investment back from the development corporation, so they aren’t in charge of the project.”

Nelemans then asked what determined an “affordable rent” for developers who want to gear units towards those kinds of renters.

“An affordable rent is 80 per cent of the average market set by the province,” Hoffman said.

She did explain, however, that Huron County’s numbers aren’t exactly accurate.

“Currently, our average market rent is very low,” she said. “We are not surveyed, as we don’t have a town over 10,000. We’re in the process of doing our own survey to try and increase what rents could be considered market rent.”

She said that, right now, a twobedroom apartment average rent, based on provincial numbers, should be $672, 80 per cent of which is $537.60.

“It’s hard to attract developers who could only charge that kind of minimal rent,” she said. “We know that rents are much higher than that, so we’re taking it upon ourselves to send it to the ministry to increase what can be charged.”

Morris-Turnberry Council received the report, with Heffer adding that the projects are wise because something needed to be done.

NOTICE The memorial service for Glen Sippel has been postponed until further notice.

there were legal concerns with that and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing would need to approve it before it could go forward.

Council left the decision to schedule next meeting to Bailey and Seip pending information provided to them by staff.

Greeting and ushering worshippers at Blyth United Church on Sunday, March 15 were John Wharton and Lavern Clark. Marilyn Scott was organist and was accompanied by John McDowell with the guitar. Katie Dockstader was choir director and Lavern Clark and John Stewart shared the duties of the Power Point.

Sandra Cable, guest speaker, welcomed everyone to worship and drew their attention to the announcements printed in the bulletin. Sandra extinguished the third Lenten candle on the altar table. The first hymn, “Come Let Us Sing”, was sung. The call to worship was repeated responsively, followed by the opening prayer and the Lord’s Prayer said in unison. The children’s hymn, “My Love Colours Outside the Lines”, was sung.

The children were then asked to come to the front for their story time.

Sandra asked the children if they remembered when we had all that rain a few weeks ago, with all the flooding of land and basements. She told the children that water is important to us, we can’t live without water. We need to drink lots of water to stay healthy, we need it for washing our hands and bodies.

God is like water, we need Him to give us life.

Sandra led the children and congregation in an echo prayer.

Sandra led the congregation in the prayer of illumination. The scripture reading was from John 4:5-42. The choir sang the anthem, “Hear Us, Oh Father.”

Sandra’s message to the congregation was, “A Thirst to Be Quenched.” Last week we heard the story of Nicodemus coming to see Jesus under the cover of darkness.

Nicodemus was given a name and a

position of power. In this week’s scriptures, the woman at the well had no name and was a carrier of water. She was a Samaritan and the Jewish people did not talk to Samaritans. Jesus should not have asked her for a drink as He had no cup of His own. Jesus considered the woman at the well a child of God. Water security is a big issue in today’s world. In some First Nations communities, people have been under a boil water advisory for years. Jesus promised a clean water supply. He uses water as a metaphor for spiritual water. Water meets our deepest needs.

The hymn, “Water Flowing from the Mountain”, was sung. The offering was received followed by the singing of the offertory response and the offertory prayer repeated responsively and the prayers for the people. The first verse of the hymn, “Come, O Fount of Every Blessing”, was sung followed by the benediction and the singing of the response, “May God’s Sheltering Wings.” Everyone was invited for a spring brunch in the auditorium.

NEWS FROM BLYTH Let us Wash Your Drapes Blyth Laundromat 191 Westmoreland St., Blyth 519-523-9687

CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HURON TAXES DUE The first 2020 tax installment for the Township of North Huron is due on Friday, March 27, 2020. Interest at 1 1/4% per month, or any part thereof will be charged on unpaid accounts as of March 28, 2020 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 or at the Town Hall.

Donna White Director of Finance Township of North Huron

PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020.

Council to consider extending ‘Out of the Cold’

By Denny Scott The Citizen During its March 11 meeting, Huron County Council approved a staff report considering extending the “Out of the Cold” program, which is set to end on April 16.

The program, which provides basic shelter and assistance to Huron County’s homeless population, is set to end April 16 and Councillor George Finch said it was in the county’s best interest to show due diligence on the matter and asked for a report back to consider running it until May 16, citing the fact that the temperature can still be very cold in April.

Council approved having the report investigated by staff. *** Warden Jim Ginn, Mayor of Central Huron, advised Huron County Council members to take advantage of pending trips to the Bruce Nuclear facility organized by the county’s Water Protection Steering Committee as part of the research for a proposed deep geological repository for low- to medium-grade nuclear waste.

Ginn explained that he wasn’t vouching for any particular site or course of action but said that, after visiting the Bruce campus, he knew much more about the project.

“People need to go up to the Bruce

and see where the waste is stored at present,” he said. “It would be good for councillors to go up and see what the current situation is.” *** Huron County Councillor Bernie MacLellan, Mayor of Huron East, said he attended an interview with Ministry of Health representatives and feels concerns about the modernization of the health care may be allayed by what was discussed.

During Huron County Council’s March 11 meeting, he said that, based on the event he attended, he feels the province isn’t going to “shove something down [lower-tier government’s] throats”.

Awarded The Blyth Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion recognized finalists from Hullett Central Public School in the public speaking competition last week. Back row, from left: Myra Caldwell (Intermediate third place), Cole Regier (Int. second), Mikayla Ansley (Int. first) and Blyth Legion representative Donna Govier. Front row: Gabriella Garrity (Primary third), Gillian Anderson (Junior first), Ruby Taylor (Junior second), Alexis Ansley (Primary second) and Warren Greidanus (Primary first). Absent was Carli Hugill who finished third in the Junior category. (Denny Scott photo)

“It appears the government wants to find out what’s working,” he said, adding that cross-border solutions were being explored like the one Huron and Bruce Counties are facing with medical services in Lucknow. *** Councillor Myles Murdock, Deputy-Mayor for Goderich, wants more discussion at Huron County Council regarding the ongoing education job actions in the province.

He explained that a letter was sent to the Town of Goderich from the Avon-Maitland District School board “damning” and “criticizing the government for changes proposed and made to the educational system.”

He passed the letter to Huron County staff after Chief Administrative Officer Meighan Wark, suggesting it could be included in the next agenda.

Murdock had aired some concerns about the issue in previous Huron County and Goderich Council meetings.

He said that, with the changes the government is making, students may be forced to leave Huron County earlier in their education career to pursue their dreams and felt that was the opposite of what the county needed. *** With little time to discuss the issue, Huron County Council directed staff to file an expression of interest to the Next Generation Network Program (NGNP) run by the Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks.

The information about the program was delivered after the deadline for council, however the

deadline to apply for the project was March 16, before council’s next meeting, meaning that supporting an application was a time-sensitive matter.

The program, which will support high-performance internet in rural areas, shouldn’t conflict with the county’s involvement in the Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) program.

The program calls for expressions of interest from communities in rural areas, like Huron County.

Councillor Roger Watt of A s h fi e l d - C o l b o r n e - Wawa n o s h explained it is a wireless program that falls outside of SWIFT, so council approved supporting submissions. *** After initially panning the opportunity, Huron County Council backtracked on a decision to not participate in a funding opportunity for electric vehicle chargers during its recent meeting.

While the county won’t be participating directly in the program, several councillors said the lowertier governments they represented wanted to participate, however couldn’t reach the number of chargers necessary on their own.

Twenty chargers are necessary to receive the funding from the province.

These lower-tier municipal representatives asked county council to instead apply for the project in hopes that, between the county’s nine municipalities, 20 chargers could be ordered.

Council approved having staff begin the application process, which starts with a 1,000-word essay explaining the local need for the chargers.

Church, hall closed for COVID-19 PEOPLE AROUND LONDESBORO

By BRENDA RADFORD Call 523-4296

Wow, it’s as if the world came to a standstill last Thursday evening.

One dare not shut off the television or radio for fear of missing the latest on COVID-19 and the list of cancellations. Cancellations have been made for activities in the weeks ahead. It would be wise to check whether those you are interested in are still a go. The celebration for the former Huron-Perth Presbyterial of the United Church of Canada set for April 4 in Varna is already cancelled.

It is definitely a situation to be taken seriously. However way too much real panic has taken over some people’s lives. Yes, err on the side of caution and be prudent, but also recognize this virus is not going away in just three weeks. If the whole world shuts down for months there will truly be an epidemic of mental health issues. Life as we know it will definitely be changed going forward.

So, know the guidelines from the health authorities, be informed, take steps to protect yourself and try to stay positive and healthy.

Some will find it difficult to put in all those hours alone, so try to stay in touch with others in your

community to see how they are faring through all of this. Staying connected by phone is a little more personal and friendly than our devices.

In this space this week I planned to encourage readers to take in the 40th anniversary concert planned for the Blyth Festival Singers, but like everything else it has been cancelled. The talk is to perform favourite songs from 40 years at another time. I will keep you posted about that.

On a brighter note, I’ve seen several robins already, and on a recent walk I spotted snowdrops.

Their little white heads have indicated spring is on its way, even if there are still a few patches of snow here and there. My maple syrup has been delivered, so now I need to pick up some hot cross buns to go with it – a seasonal treat.

Lawns and flowerbeds are soon going to need some attention. This chore may fill up some days of selfisolation. The Londesborough United Church is looking for volunteers to deal with their flower beds and shrubbery. If you would have a few hours to dedicate to this task, call Carmen Drost at 519-5239017.

Because of the virus, I found time on my hand so looked up the expression “to have a leg up”. The expression means to get a boost and be in a position of advantage over another or to get a head start. When you get a leg up on the competition you are ahead of them in a significant way. The expression from foot races suggests getting a leg up

at the start of a race gives the runner an edge.

Getting a leg up comes from horse racing where an equestrian receives help in mounting a horse. The helper lifts the rider upward to throw a leg up and over the horse.

As a result of the special meeting held on Monday night, Londesborough United Church is now closed to keep members safe from the COVID-19 outbreak. It is hoped that the church can be reopened in time to celebrate Easter on Sunday, April 12.

To stay informed, check the church’s website or its Facebook page.

Londesborough Community Hall has also been closed as a precaution.

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

Let us help you turn that junk into $$ ➨ Free ad up to 25 words, person to person only (no businesses), items valued at $1,000 or less. Your ad will run three times unless it sells faster! ➨ The Citizen reserves the right to limit the number of items or ads per person.

NEWS FROM LONDESBORO

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

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020. PAGE 9.

Sports COVID-19 brings playoff drives to abrupt ending all, there’s no real closure for the players,� he said. “Once everything clears up, we’ll get together and look over the year.�

He said the organization had a great year up to the point of the cancellation, but obviously some things are bigger than hockey.

Hamilton also said he’s been

impressed with how his players have handled the news, saying they realize that now is the time to stay at home and keep everyone healthy.

Other organizations, like the Huron Heat, under the auspices of the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA), have also suspended activities going forward.

Championship interrupted The Blyth Brussels Atom Rep Crusaders had their dreams of winning the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) Championships dashed last week when the organization put an end to playoffs due to the COVID-19 outbreak, now classified as a pandemic. The Crusaders had just finished the first game of their series against the East Lambton Eagles, a 6-1 loss on March 12, when the announcement came through. Other organizations have also put an end to playoffs as local municipalities have closed their community centres. (Denny Scott photo)

By Denny Scott The Citizen Local sports organizations have suspended or cancelled the rest of their seasons as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following the lead of national hockey organizations, the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) has put an end to its season, stopping the efforts of local teams like the Blyth Brussels Atom Rep Crusaders from competing for provincial championship.

The team played the first game of the provincial championship series on Thursday night, just hours before the organization announced it would be cancelling hockey games.

Darryl Deruyter, the Crusaders’ coach, said it was a disappointing end to the season after the players had worked hard to get to the finals, however it was unavoidable. “We’re not sure how the season will be recorded,� he told The Citizen. “The OMHA will discuss that.�

Deruyter said the Crusaders were pretty upset by the turn of events, and it was heartbreaking to see them get as far as they did to have a chance to win the championship taken from them by something out of their control. “It’s a life lesson, though they may not feel that until 20 years later,� he said.

The Western Ontario Athletics Association has also suspended playoffs, seeing the Clinton Radars’ semifinal series against the Tillsonburg Thunder cut short.

Brian Wightman, a representative for the Radars, told The Citizen the

suspension could mean the cancellation of the playoffs. “The season has been suspended immediately,� he said on Friday. “In this area, the ice starts coming out in the next 10 days, so that could end everything.�

The Provincial Junior Hockey League suspended operations in the middle of last week, then, nearer to ity mun s Com arenes Aw

Cancer Deadline March 27

the end of the week, decided to cancel the season all together.

Corey Hamilton, coach of the Wingham Ironmen who were competing for the top spot in the North Pollock Division of the league, said it was a disappointing but logical step. “It’s unprecedented and, since we’re not supposed to get together at

Deadline April 10

The F.E. Madill Girls hockey team claimed bronze in the Western Ontario Secondary School Athletics Association Girls A/AA Hockey Championship last week. The tournament was hosted in Wingham and Blyth. After falling 4-1 to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School of London in the semi-finals, Madill bested South Huron District High School 6-2 in the bronze medal game. (Denny Scott photo)

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PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020.

Tourism plan highlights networking, wayfinding

By Denny Scott The Citizen Huron County Council has a new plan for supporting local tourism that focuses on addressing concerns tourism service providers have

highlighted to council staff.

Presented by Communications and Marketing Officer Katie Marshall, the plan focuses on addressing limited data available in the area and tourism industry, minimal cohesion between service providers in Huron

County, a lack of a defined brand and co-ordinated marketing and limited wayfinding signage.

Marshall explained, during council’s March 11 meeting, the county needs to assess tourism’s impact locally and, to do that, key

St. Patrick’s Day best While St. Patrick’s Day ended up being a somber occasion due to a province-wide state of emergency being declared to stop the spread of COVID-19, some groups got in on the celebrating early, like the Auburn Lions Club, which held a St. Patrick’s Day breakfast earlier this month. Above Kasey Siertsema and Travis Teed dish out pancakes. (Hannah Dickie photo)

metrics need to be considered, such as total visitors as well as the profiles of the visitors. That information isn’t currently available, limiting the benchmarking ability of the county, and its ability to capitalize on tourism.

Cohesion in the industry needs to be nurtured, Marshall said, adding there is limited engagement between operators in tourism. She said tourism planning and development needs to happen within the industry, but the county needs to take part in that as well.

Marketing an area like Huron County to larger city centres means significant competition, Marshall said, so the county needs to have a defined brand and offer co-ordinated marketing among tourism providers.

“Huron County needs to broaden the reach of the brand’s recognition to ensure that when people hear the [words] ‘Huron County’ they associate it immediately with our demand generators,” Marshall reported.

To enable that, she said Huron County needs to stand out in the minds of consumers with a clearly defined brand.

Finally, she said clear, consistent signage needs to be installed to help visitors find what they’re looking for.

“Signage is essential to establish a place as a destination and increasing dispersal within that destination,” Marshall said.

Marshall outlined strategic priority projects through the plan as a way to guide the county going forward, including collecting data related to tourism; implementing a centralized calendar of events for the entire county; hosting an annual tourism industry symposium; improving the digital presence of the county and social media engagement

Former public school project still stalled

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The continuing saga of potential development at the former Seaforth Public School site will remain unresolved as Huron East Council and owner/developer Brian Barnim couldn’t see eye to eye at council’s March 3 meeting.

Barnim spoke to council at the meeting regarding the property, which has been a bone of contention for over 12 years. He proposed to develop homes that would be in the county’s “affordable” range of under $300,000 on the property, but the construction of Robert Street remained a sticking point for both parties.

When Barnim first purchased the property and proposed the development of a subdivision there, council committed $125,000 to the municipally-owned road allowance.

The decision proved to be highly controversial with Seaforth residents at the time.

Barnim told councillors that with the county in its current state, the need for housing is evident and a consistent talking point among councillors and businesses. His development could help alleviate that burden in the county, he said. He also said the property is ideally-designed for multi-unit dwellings, including duplexes, triplexes and quadplexes.

Mayor Bernie MacLellan, however, pushed back, saying that one of the few places housing isn’t dire is Seaforth with ongoing development and current housing stock levels.

Barnim proposed a lot levy on the sale of the first six lots that would help with the construction of the street. Even with the lot levy and other factors, Barnim said he felt there was room to turn a profit with the embattled development.

During a discussion later in the meeting, however, councillors weren’t in favour of paying the agreed-to money, which is being held in trust over disputes regarding a development agreement concerning the

original property plans, when other developers were creating homes in the municipality without Huron East having to pay out.

No motions came as a result of the Barnim delegation.

and implementing new signage.

Council received the report with several councillors commending Marshall on the work being done and saying that parts of the program were well overdue, such as the wayfinding signage program.

Councillor Dave Jewitt said he would like to see more technologically-driven projects in the plans, suggesting digital information kiosks.

“We’ve missed the mark on technology for years,” he said.

“People want to see an intranet of services. Just a stand-alone computer will suffice. People will gravitate to it.”

He said such a kiosk would help convert day trippers into overnight stays.

Councillor John Grace said he would like to see kiosks as a way to promote tourism, suggesting placing them at locations like markets, liquor stores and beaches, or having a mobile unit that could be relocated throughout the year to high-traffic areas.

Several councillors, including Grace, bemoaned the demise of the Huron Tourism Association (HTA) and what was lost when the organization was shuttered. Those councillors said the plan might give the tourism sector a needed boost after the HTA was disbanded.

Council received the report and also received an economic development department update, also presented by Marshall.

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

HC chooses out-of-area provider in close tender bids

By Denny Scott The Citizen The purchase of four tandem plow trucks, three for Huron County and one for Central Huron, raised some questions about how much money is saved when purchasing out of the county during a recent Huron County meeting.

Two tenders were received for the trucks, one from Team Truck Centres in Sarnia for $931,172.67 (for the county’s portion), providing Freightliner trucks, and one from Altruck International in Goderich

for $932,918.89 (for the county’s portion), a difference of slightly less than $1,200, or, for the municipality’s trucks, $400 per truck.

Huron County staff, during council’s March 11 meeting, suggested going with Team Truck Centres, though several councillors questioned the recommendation.

Councillor Jamie Heffer, Mayor of Morris-Turnberry, said for that small of a difference he would prefer to go with a local bid.

“I’ve brought this up before,” he said. “The benefits and savings of

dealing with a local service provider over the lifespan of the truck can make a difference.”

He said he wanted staff to explain why, with such an insignificant difference, it would be better to shop further afield from the county.

Councillor Bernie MacLellan, Mayor of Huron East, said he didn’t disagree, but that Huron County Council had previously been informed that, legally, it wasn’t advisable to not accept the lowest bid.

Councillor Myles Murdock asked if life cycle costs were included in

The Wingham Figure Skating Club took on some broadway classics, like The Lion King, in its year-end performance and showcase held last week. (Denny Scott photo)

Cultural plan unveiled to county The Citizen Huron County Council recently approved a new roadmap for the cultural future of the county thanks to significant community input.

Presented by Rick Sickinger, Huron County’s cultural development officer, at council’s March 11 meeting, the county’s new cultural plan builds on the success of a plan implemented in 2014 that was based on cultural mapping completed in 2012.

The 2014 plan, which was active from 2014 to 2018 had 51 recommendations, 46 of which were implemented or progressed over those years, which has helped increase cultural tourism, Sickinger said.

Increasing cultural tourism is an important goal, Sickinger said, as the average Ontario arts and culture tourist spends, on average, $667 per trip, twice as much as traditional tourists. Cultural tourism is also one of the Ontario’s fastest-growing sectors with over 280,000 people employed across the province.

Through the previous plan, $6.1 million was provided to 84 cultural events and attractions in the county, Sickinger reported.

This plan was created thanks to two public input sessions, 28 stakeholder interviews and tabulating 158 responses to online surveys, as well as consultation with four other organizations including Huron County’s economic

Sarnia, the work on the trucks come out of London and it’s a mobile service,” he said. “Qualified mechanics show up at our site in our shop.”

He said the mobile service covered all manner of calls, including large repairs like transmission or engine issues.

“That’s not the case with the other bidder,” he said. “We have to arrange to get equipment to their site. From an operational point of view, I would suggest the cost, operationally, is likely much lower with the low bid, as is the turnaround time for equipment maintenance.”

Not all of council was convinced, however, with Councillor Bernie Bailey of North Huron saying that the bylaw should be changed to recognize other components, like shopping local, and Councillor Jim Fergusson of Bluewater saying that there are expenses on mobile repairs, like time, mileage and other expenses.

“It’s not free,” he said. “We have to weigh that against the local shop.”

Fergusson then asked if staff had a preference between the two makes of truck: International from Goderich or Freightliner from Sarnia. Lund said the majority of Huron County’s fleet operates on Freightliner chassis.

After council debated the issue for some time, council passed a motion to go with the lower bidder with councillors saying they supported it because staff know which service they would prefer.

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the decision-making process and Director of Public Works Stephen Lund said they weren’t.

“We don’t include the life cycle costs, which are capital and operating,” he said. “This is just capital.”

Lund said there has been talk among county staff to start including that kind of information, but for the time being, the recommendation of the lower bid was what it has to be.

“I understand Councillor Heffer’s comments, and how small of a difference $400 is,” he said.

“Unfortunately, we are obligated to recommend, as staff, the low tender.

It is council’s final decision.

“There are some issues as far as tendering if we don’t accept the lowest tender,” he said, indicating the municipality’s bylaws suggest it.

“If we don’t go with the low bid, [companies] might stop bidding and then there will be no competition.

Local competition can cause that.”

Lund went on to say there have been legal issues with considering higher tenders in the past, though he wasn’t comfortable discussing that.

Manager of Public Works Mike Hausser said staff was recommending moving to a Request For Proposal model that could include factors like maintenance and life cycle, however for the time being, the process was through tender.

He then explained that it was actually preferable to work with the Sarnia company when considering maintenance.

“Although the low bid comes from

development, social services and planning and development departments and Huron Perth Public Health.

Through the surveys, Sickinger said that 93 per cent listed cultural objectives as valuable and making a positive contribution to the community. That said, there were concerns aired.

“Communication is a problem,” Sickinger said. “Even within the sector, people don’t know where or how to find out what’s going on in Huron County.”

He also said people want the community to be inclusive. They also want more of pretty much everything, he said, including events and programs.

The creation of the plan identified five goals, Sickinger said, including creative placemaking actions, collaboration actions, communication actions, social inclusion actions and leadership and support actions.

Sickinger highlighted a public art program as part of the placemaking actions. He said such a program could build municipal brands and has already proven itself successful in the area, pointing to the barn quilt trail which has resulted in 200 unique quilts located throughout the county since the 2017 International Plowing Match.

Communication actions include highlighting the cultural industry through a central online calendar that was discussed at the same meeting as part of the economic

development plan. Sickinger also said that getting a membership for Festival and Events Ontario would highlight the exceptional events in Huron County in a 150,000-run publication made available across Ontario. Members of the association also have an opportunity to become part of the top 100 event listings for the province.

For collaboration, Sickinger said a logical response to shrinking resources and greater expenses is to work together to combat those problems. He said it made sense to combat the limited connectivity between cultural industry representatives.

To combat inclusion shortcomings, he said that the community needs to make sure that all populations are welcomed and none are marginalized, be that newcomers, Indigenous peoples or LGBTQ2S+ communities.

“We’re working on stories that are left out of [our local] historic narrative,” he said. “We’re working with people and the museum to share those stories.”

Finally, leadership and support actions mean updating the cultural mapping of the community, continuing funding through county initiatives and investigating a cultural statistics strategy that will allow data to be collected to help identify cultural trends.

Council received the report, with several councillors making positive comments about the project.

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PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020.

Business development plan approved despite concerns

By Denny Scott The Citizen Most of Huron County Council was impressed with the revised business development coaching system document presented by Patrick Donnelly, Chris Watson and Alexander Ripley of the Huron County Economic Development Department.

The document had originally come before council late last year, however council determined it to be lengthy and unwieldy, sending it back to the drawing board so staff could streamline it.

Ripley explained that council was right; the previous document was “technical and unwieldy” and council had justified concerns about certain parts of it.

The document has been separated into 11 “customer-facing pages”, Shipley explained, as well as a number of appendices that are publically accessible when needed.

“It’s not all new, but it is totally repackaged,” he said. “We hope it answers several key questions.”

Those questions include what role Huron County plays in business development, how does the county serve the needs of business, what can

business owners expect when they reach out to the county, how Huron County can stimulate business growth and support developers and others.

“What’s missing is the 65-plus pages of appendices that were included before,” he said. “They have been separated out and available if needed but not part of the document.”

The document and appendices remain unchanged, Ripley said, except for the removal of a memorandum of understanding that irked multiple members of council when it was presented in September.

Watson explained that 80 per cent of economic growth within an area like Huron County comes through existing clients and the document is designed to primarily look at the additional 20 per cent.

He said that with big investors or groups like the provincial government, one point of contact was preferable, according to research. The county’s economic development committee and professionals are in the best position to handle the task.

“It makes sense,” he said. “We don’t want a monopoly though. If your municipality brings us a lead, we’re not going to poach it and take it somewhere else.”

He explained that the economic development department can help to the level that the municipality wants, from lower co-operation to higher co-operation, to guarantee the best chance of success when it comes to attracting development.

“The worst case scenario is no dialogue,” he said. “That will have a negative impact on the investor and the county.”

Councillor Bernie MacLellan said this was the second time he had seen the presentation of the new package and he said that staff did exactly what had been asked of them, shortening the document, removing the memorandum of understanding and moving the rest of the document to make it available, but not part of the “customer facing” brochure.

MacLellan said, however, there was one thing that wasn’t addressed: whether or not lower-tier municipalities provided available land information earlier than needed.

He said that issue was originally brought up by South Huron Councillor George Finch when the document had been presented earlier.

He said, from his point of view, if lower-tier municipalities didn’t want to provide information to the committee earlier than needed, it would only serve to be a stumbling block for them.

“What it comes down to it, it’s

The “Vow” Factor

He shoots Damon Shannon of the Blyth Brussels Atom Rep Crusaders lines up a shot on net during the first (and only) game of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) championship between the Crusaders and the East Lambton Eagles. Shortly after the Eagles downed the Crusaders 6-1, the OMHA cancelled all playoffs and games for fear of the COVID-19 virus. (Denny Scott photo)

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better to have the information onhand,” he said. “That’s better than following up. Still, every lower-tier has the option to do as they see fit.”

Warden Jim Ginn agreed, saying his impression of the situation is that businesses are more demanding of information now than municipalities.

“We allow things to drag out, but businessmen want an answer now,” he said.

For his part, Finch had numerous issues with the document, most of which were focused around the fact that the plan called for county staff or representatives to be the point of contact for developers.

“In my opinion, there is no better person than the senior management team to know what’s available in a municipality,” he said. “I think everyone knows there are lands available but not listed, or lands becoming available. Those are opportunities we may miss [under this plan].”

Finch went on to say that developers should be in contact with the Chief Administrative Officers of host municipalities first and that business owners should be contacting utilities themselves, rather than looking to the county.

“If investors are looking to the municipality, the lower tier should always be the point of contact going forward,” he said.

Councillor Bernie Bailey of North Huron was excited about the plan, saying in the coming weeks he would be bringing the plan to a developer that’s looking at North Huron, however he did agree with Finch that lower-tier staff or council are usually one of the first contacts.

Councillor Glen McNeil of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh said that there shouldn’t be an attitude of difference between the county and the municipality, saying that everyone benefits.

Council received the report after being told by Ripley that the next step for the plan was to discuss the document with lower-tier staff and councils.

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Brussels Livestock report

Fed steers, heifers sell on easier market Total receipts for Brussels Livestock for the week ending March 13 were 2,057 cattle and 530 lambs and goats.

On Tuesday fed steers and heifers sold actively on an easier market.

Choice steers and heifers sold $150 to $152. Second cut steers and heifers sold $140 to $150. Cows sold steady.

On Thursday veal sold on a strong active trade at prices $1 to $2 higher. Lambs sold higher, sheep sold lower and goats sold steady.

On Friday calves sold actively with choice calves selling steady and plainer calves selling on an easier market. Choice yearlings sold $5 to $10 lower with plainer types seeing a further decline.

John Smuck of Wingham, consigned eight steers that averaged 1,403 lbs. and sold for an average price of $137.26. One gold steer

weighed 1,425 lbs. and sold for $144.

Larry Reinhart Jr. of Mildmay, consigned 15 heifers that averaged 1,203 lbs. and sold for an average price of $139.74. One parth heifer weighed 1,260 lbs. and sold for $152. Southlore Farms Inc. of Palmerston, consigned 12 heifers that averaged 1,393 lbs. and sold for an average price of $136.88. Two limousin heifers averaged 1,593 lbs. and sold for an average price of $145.

There were 285 cows on offer.

Beef sold $71 to $81 with sales to $94; D1 and D2, $63 to $76; D3, $58 to $62; D4, $48 to $57. Richard Wooddisse of Moorefield, consigned one bwf cow that weighed 1,760 lbs. and sold for $94.

There were eight bulls selling $89 to $101. Borthview Farms of Mildmay, consigned one black bull

weighed 1,980 lbs., sold for $101.

There were 175 head of veal on offer. Beef veal sold $150 to $180; good holsteins, $125 to $133; SL heavy holsteins, $115 to $125; heavy holsteins, $105 to $115; medium holsteins, $117 to $123.

Reuben S. Martin of Wallenstein, consigned six head that averaged 836 lbs. and sold for an average price of $175.29. One limousin heifer weighed 810 lbs. and sold for $180. Jim Maw of Forest, consigned six head that averaged 834 lbs. and sold for an average price of $161.62.

One grey steer weighed 905 lbs. and sold for $180.

Josh Bennewies of Bornholm, consigned seven holstein steers that averaged 717 lbs. and sold for an average price of $127.27. One holstein steer weighed 705 lbs. and sold for $131.

Lambs under 50 lbs. sold $420 to

$425; 50 - 64 lbs., $347 to $370; 65 - 79 lbs., $339 to $358; 80 - 94 lbs., $310 to $328; 95 - 109 lbs., $316 to $322; 110 lbs. and over, $257 to $290.

Sheep sold $100 to $200.

Goats: billies sold $150 to $350; nannies, $100 to $200; kids: meat, $325 to $370; dairy, $238 to $347.

George Snell of Blyth, consigned three lambs that averaged 48 lbs. and sold for an average price of $425.

Robert Shetler of Lucknow, consigned seven lambs that averaged 60 lbs. and sold for an average price of $370. Bill and Suzanne Howe of Walkerton, consigned 12 lambs that averaged 78 lbs. and sold for an average price of $358.

Top quality stocker steers under 400 lbs. sold $216 to $240; 400 - 499 lbs., $195 to $243; 500 - 599 lbs., $203 to $240; 600 - 699 lbs., $201 to

Borders, trade dominate farm forum revealed that dairy farmers have contributed $500,000 in partnership with Student Nutrition Ontario to make milk available to children in schools throughout Ontario.

He asked Thompson to make it an urgent issue to guard the border as it relates to milk products illegally flowing in the eastern Ontario area.

“The leaky border further erodes opportunities for our producers to meet domestic demand,” said McNeil, referring to market loss with the signing of the USMCA. Thompson agreed and as to Bill Continued on page 16

$226; 700 - 799 lbs., $180 to $205.75; 800 - 899 lbs., $159 to $181.50; 900 - 999 lbs., $152 to $176; 1,000 lbs. and over, $144 to $169.50.

Top quality stocker heifers, 300 399 lbs. sold $142 to $175; 400 - 499 lbs., $170 to $215; 500 - 599 lbs., $171 to $218; 600 - 699 lbs. $160 to $184; 700 - 799 lbs., $151 to $166; 800 - 899 lbs., $150 to $157; 900 lbs. and over, $141 to $158.

Titus Martin of Wingham, consigned 26 steers. Seven charolais steers averaged 915 lbs. and sold for an average price of $175. Allan Aitchison of New Liskeard, consigned 54 steers. Two steers averaged 700 lbs. and sold for an average price of $205.75. Rob Droefke of Chepstow, consigned 15 head. Three limousin heifers averaged 505 lbs. and sold for an average price of $193.

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Rural Voice January 2020

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Earlier this month, the Huron Federation of Agriculture held its annual politicians’ forum, welcoming Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb and MPP Lisa Thompson to Clinton to face local farmers and discuss the issues that concern them. Among those in attendance were AshfieldColborne-Wawanosh Mayor Glen McNeil, left, and Huron East Deputy-Mayor Bob Fisher. (Lisa B. Pot photo)

By Lisa B. Pot The Rural Voice From leaky borders to trade issues, farm leaders and municipal politicians had a chance to share their grievances and successes with the listening ears of both MP Ben Lobb and MPP Lisa Thompson.

Both politicians have made it a priority over the years to attend the Huron County Federation of Agriculture’s (HCFA) Local Politician Forum, held this year on March 6 at the Clinton Legion.

Lobb and Thompson were repeatedly thanked for being advocates for agriculture in Toronto and Queen’s Park. Both politicians made the rounds, always ready with a joke and encouragement that the voice of agriculture matters.

HCFA President Ethan Wallace, said the day was about gaining insight into issues facing agriculture.

According to Thompson, who spoke next, one of those topics is the revised licence plates coming down the pipe. Commenting on the basic design of the farm licence plates on the trucks parked outside, Thompson said there is an opportunity with the revision to maximize the visuals and promote Ontario’s rich agricultural resources and identity. “Keep an eye out for more information on this,” she urged everyone at the meeting.

Lobb took the Liberals to task regarding “lack of action”, adding that it is more important to recognize that last year was a tough one for farmers with volatile weather, closed borders and discriminatory trade agreements, than to play politics.

“The USMCA [United StatesMexico-Canada Agreement] is a bad deal, but we will not get a better deal. Dragging our feet on that deal sends a bad message to market and trading partners. Those are the realities,” Lobb said.

Dairy Farmers: However, it wasn’t all bad news as the various leaders began reporting on their commodities.

Glen McNeil was first up with a report from the Huron County Dairy Producers, saying there are about half a dozen fewer dairy farmers each year in the county, but there are still 142 dairy producers actively involved in farming and community.

McNeil had lots of praise for Bill 156, the Security from Trespass and Food Safety Act, as an excellent piece of legislation. He also

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PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020.

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Coming events

D E L L E C CAN

Auction CLEARING AUCTION SALE of Tractors, Backhoe, Machinery, ATV, Zero Turn Mower,Golf Cart, Tools and Farm related items to be held for Joe & Libby Wilinsky Saturday March 21 2020 10:00 AM 1 corner south of Milverton & Approx 4 miles west on Line 60 5438 Line 60, Milverton, Ontario Em# 5438 N0K 1M0

AUCTIONEER: BILL HORST 519-595-2626 www.billhorstauctions.com

Coming events BRUSSELS SOUP AND MORE 2 is cancelled. At this point we hope to resume Friday, April 17.

12-1 -------------------------------------------SPRING VENDOR MARKET – Saturday, March 28 at St. Ambrose Church, Brussels, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Local vendors, raffle draw, cash prizes, bake table. Lunch available.

Everyone is welcome!

11-3p

General Carpenter/Labourer • Full time - Monday to Friday (8-10 hours/day) • Wage based on experience • G2 licence required with means of transportation to shop/jobsite daily

10 a.m. - noon

at the Belgrave Community Centre Contact Bruce Higgins 519-887-6102 or 519-357-5109

Help wanted AZ/DZ DRIVERS NEEDED

Help wanted

HELP WANTED

March 14 & 21, 2020

Articles for sale Help wanted TIME SHARE FOR SALE – ONE annual week in Kissimmee, Florida, Parkway International Resort, deeded title, very reasonably priced.

Phone 519-482-5243.

11-2p -------------------------------------------GERBERS FIREWOOD SERVING you for over 10 years. Your number one source of quality slabwood and bodywood. Delivery available. No Sunday calls. 519-656-2057, 519441-2085.

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

Help wanted

Belgrave Minor Ball Registration

DEADLINE 2 p.m. Monday in Brussels 4 p.m. Monday in Blyth Phone 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114 e-mail: info@northhuron.on.ca

Coming events

This job includes, but is not limited, to all aspects of interior finishing and exterior building and finishing. Being a licensed tradesperson is an asset but not a requirement.

Please email résumé and relevant experience including any training and certificates to:

devonjhenry@hotmail.com D J Henry Homes and Renovations is a small construction business that focuses on high performance to full passive house homes. An interest in this form of building is also an asset where attention to detail is a must.

Millstone Crop Services Ltd, have openings for positions in our Crop Input Business based out of our Head Office in Blyth, ON.

HELP WANTED

Requirements: - Assisting in the delivery of Agricultural products as well as other duties as assigned - Handling of fertilizer and chemicals - Must be able to work in most outdoor conditions - Please note that this position may require extra shifts and scheduled overtime - Able to work efficiently as part of a team and independently - High level of personal integrity - Strong work ethic - Competitive wages

Huron Pioneer Thresher & Hobby Association Inc. is currently seeking a part-time Treasurer, reporting to the Board of Directors. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications: • Education in bookkeeping /accounting with work-related experience • Proficient in Microsoft Office / Quickbooks • understanding of preparing and interpreting financial statements • Experience with government filings, bill payments, computer cheques, cash handling, bank deposits & reconciliations • Strong attention to detail

Interested candidates can submit their résumé and cover letter to: chowson@millstonecrop.ca

This is a paid/honorarium position; salary will be determined based on qualifications and experience. This position will allow the successful applicant to work from home, with the requirement to attend meetings and be present during our annual show.

Mail: Millstone Crop Services Ltd. Attn: Chris Howson P.O. Box 280 Blyth, Ontario, N0M 1H0 Fax 519-523-9814 chowson@millstonecrop.ca We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We invite candidates to submit their application to info@hptha.com by May 15th.

We appreciate all those who apply, however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Deadline date for submission: March 27, 2020

Full-Time Custom Application Equipment Operators Needed Millstone Crop Services Ltd, have openings for positions in our growing Crop Input Business based out of our Head Office in Blyth, ON.

COMMUNITY LIVING CENTRAL HURON Full-Time Human Resources Generalist 40 hrs./week

Requirements: - Tasks will include the operation and maintenance of Custom Application equipment - Handling of fertilizer and chemicals - Assisting in the delivery of products as well as other duties as assigned - Nutrient Application and Pesticide Exterminator Licences considered an asset (Millstone will assist the right candidate in achieving proper licensing) - Basic knowledge of Computer based functions - Must be able to work in most outdoor conditions - Please note that this position may require extra shifts and scheduled overtime - Elevator Operation, opportunities in the fall - Able to work efficiently as part of a team and independently - High level of personal integrity - Strong work ethic - Competitive wages

Requirements: three years experience and education in HR; initiative and self direction; strong written/verbal skills; professionalism; experience with all aspects of on-boarding; HR information system (personnel files, new hires, job changes, departures); assistance with WSIB and Employee Benefit Program; assist with payroll; policy and procedure development; excellent computer skills; assets certification H&S, CHRL and experience in a unionized environment.

Confidentiality and integrity is a must.

Interested candidates can submit their résumé and cover letter to: chowson@millstonecrop.ca

Our Agency welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Mail: Millstone Crop Services Ltd. Attn: Chris Howson P.O. Box 280 Blyth, Ontario, N0M 1H0 Fax 519-523-9814 chowson@millstonecrop.ca

Competitive salary and benefit package.

Forward cover letter and résumé by: March 30, 2020, 9:00 a.m.

Community Living-Central Huron HR Generalist 267 Suncoast Drive, East, P.O. Box 527 Goderich, Ontario N7A 4C7 Email: hr@clch.ca

Only those receiving an interview will be contacted.

We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Deadline date for submission: March 27, 2020

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

www.huroncitizen.ca

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020. PAGE 15.

Classified Advertisements In memoriam DALE, Geraldine. In loving memory of a dear wife and mother who passed away one year ago March 19, 2019.

Each night we shed a silent tear, As we speak to you in prayer, To let you know we love you, And just how much we care.

Take our million teardrops, Wrap them up in love, Then ask the wind to carry them, To you in heaven above.

– Love, Lorne, Glen, Linda and Karen and families.

12-1p

Services CUSTOM CLOVER SEEDING with GPS $2.50/acre or $3 for pasture. Seed available at $1.75/lb.

Call Kurt Beuerman 519-525-0538 or 519-523-9234 (home).

11-3 -------------------------------------------INCOME TAX PREPARATION – farm, business, personal. Stephen Thompson, 519-482-3244.

09-9 -------------------------------------------FAXING SERVICE We can send or receive faxes for you for only $1.00 per page. The Citizen, 405 Queen St., Blyth. Phone 519523-4792. Fax 519-523-9140. tfn

Straw for sale WHEAT STRAW FOR SALE – 30 4x5 round bales, wrapped, asking $45 each. Call or text Jim Shortreed, 519-357-0517.

11-2p

Thinking about quitting?

Tenders

Tenders

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

Quotes For Grass Cutting 2020/2021 • Grass cutting along approx. 175 kms of rural road in former Hullett Township and approx. 155 kms of rural roads in former Goderich Township • Must specify equipment. Preference will be given to flail mowers • Contractor must supply Certificate of Insurance and Workmen’s Compensation Number • Submit quote to info@centralhuron.com by 12:00 pm, March 27, 2020 • Visit www.centralhuron.com/tenders for quote form and more information.

Wanted

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

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

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

CASH IN

WANTED

WITH THE CLASSIFIEDS!

CASH CROP LAND TO RENT • short or long-term leases available • open to flexible conditions including share crop arrangements Please call Riverdale Farms to discuss your options

Turn those unwanted items into quick cash with a single phone call or email.

Wayne Colclough Cell: 519-357-5663 Home: 519-912-1006

CALL 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114 info@northhuron.on.ca To Place Your Classified Ad

TO L L - F R E E

1-877-513-5333

The Citizen

FREE – flat wall mirror, 60"x36", good condition, 519-523-4497.

Please leave message.

12-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE – 45 western pocket books written by Louis L’Amour, $50. 519-357-9467.

11-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE – field sprayer, $200; 10-ton wagon, $350; welder, 60' heavy duty welding cable, $300; numerous implement rims, $15.

519-335-6998.

11-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE – JVC 32" TV - FREE - works good; Mobility hub for internet Model ZTE MF275R, works with Bell or Rogers, $100 o.b.o.; Stihl 034 chainsaw, works well, extra bar and chains, $250.

519-523-4711.

11-3 ------------------------------------------

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

www.huroncitizen.ca

FOR SALE – “Beckett” oil burner unit for furnace or water heater, $25; computer scanner, works well, $20; Kenmore over-the-range microwave, white, works well, $30; wrought-iron baker’s racks, one corner unit, one flat-to-wall unit, $25. Phone 519-482-5243. 11-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE – field sprayer, $200; 10-ton wagon, $350; welder, 60' heavy duty welding cable, $300; numerous implement rims, $15.

519-335-6998.

11-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE – sprayer $250; 10 ft. wagon, $350; dried firewood, $50/cord. 519-335-6998.

10-3 ------------------------------------------

PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020.

Miller hopes for stability with supply-managed sectors

Time for discussion Farmers were able to air their concerns earlier this month as the Huron County Federation of Agriculture held its annual politicians’ forum at the Clinton Legion. Ralph DeWeerd, centre, voiced the status of the chicken farmers in Ontario, a sector which he said is strong, vibrant and continuing to grow. (Lisa B. Pot photo)

Continued from page 13 156, she said if anyone has yet to comment on the bill, now is the time to do so. “It went through the second reading with unanimous support but I do not think we will have the same result with the third and final reading,” she said.

In response, Lobb acknowledged dairy farmers took a market share hit with the agreement, but said there may be an opportunity for a “nice win” if the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement is opened up by the United States wanting to join. “With the TPP, it is understood that if you weren’t in it from the beginning, you [the U.S.] have to take what you get, so we might be in a position to level the score down the road,” said Lobb.

Egg Farmers: Trade issues are always a concern and egg farmers hope the supply-managed industries will be entering a period of stability, said Brian Miller. Ontario’s morethan 500 egg and pullet farms produce about 270 million dozen eggs annually from almost 11 million laying hens. This amounts to $520 million in farm sales and contributes $1.6 billion to the economy.

Miller’s concern was that progress continue at the Elora research station to upgrade facilities for research into poultry, such as has already occurred for dairy and pork. “Don’t forget about poultry,” he said.

Property and Land Use Committee/ Farm Finance Committee: Rob Vanden Hengel said there have been good discussions between the agricultural community and municipal politicians in regards to farmland tax rates, allowing each side to better

Duff’s planning postponed PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

The past week has been one of change. Snow-covered ground has gone and mud has replaced it. Green grass showing to remind us of summer and before you know it we will have to be cutting the lawn. The melted snow has revealed the flowerbeds with the tiny sprouts of new growth showing and in some cases, blooms of crocus and mini daffodils are brightening the landscape. Robins have been spotted, pairs of Canada geese have returned for the mating season and the tundra swans are back. They are always wonderful to see. The hibernating mammals are out and about, but many of those animals must still have sleep in their eyes because they are not faring well on the roads. This week has been pretty gruesome with plenty of raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, groundhogs and skunks dead on the road. Just some of the good and bad signs of spring!

The Walton Raceway recently hosted the Huron Area Search And Rescue group for a training event.

These men and women are a professionally-trained civilian search-and-rescue organization.

They ran through search scenarios that stimulate elements they experience when called upon by the OPP and others to methodically search for lost people in Huron,

South Bruce, Perth and Lambton Counties. They utilized their mobile command centre and their new amphibious Argo that can transport someone on a stretcher. All of the community-minded supporters were invited to attend during the day and to watch them in action.

March Break arrived with all the anticipation of doing fun holiday activities for families.

Unfortunately, the fast-spreading virus COVID-19 has cancelled many of the fun things children could be doing. Officials have cancelled and/or closed most events, public gathering places such as arenas, libraries. Many travel arrangements changed and any events that would have a crowd have been cancelled.

March Break is being extended to be three weeks because of the virus, so parents are busy making arrangements for childcare as well.

Grandparents are going to be busy as I am sure many families will be calling upon them for childcare. I will be doing my part with my grandchildren the early part of the weeks.

Dorothy Cummings will have plenty of time to work on her presentation for the Breath of Spring event because it too has been cancelled for this year because of COVID-19.

The Seaforth Agricultural Society reports all sold tickets will be honoured for next year’s event.

The Brussels Optimist Club cancelled its spring auction in consideration of everyone’s wellbeing and health. We will wait to hear if it will be rescheduled for a later date.

It wasn’t a really warm day on Sunday, but we did see some folks out cleaning the roadside of garbage.

understand the other. The problem being that this is the final year of a property assessment cycle, in a period during which the taxable assessment of farmland increased by 84 per cent in Huron County.

“This was in addition to very signficant increases in the 2012 reassessment,” stated Vanden Hengel. “As a result of these increases, the farmland portion of the budget has increased from 14 per cent of the total budget to 21.7 per cent of the budget.”

The result is that farmland is paying for more services than what it is using, therefore subsidizing the other tax classes.

“The HCFA has once again gone to Huron County Council to ask for a decrease to the farm class tax rate,” said Vanden Hengel.

The other concern of the committee is lack of communication from the Goderich-to-Guelph Rail Trail. “Questions from landowners are still being unanswered and concerns over insurance and garbage cleanup continue to exist,” stated Vanden Hengel.

Thompson said she has been doing some work on this and says a similar trail in Waterloo region has been “going swimmingly”. She said she would contact Waterloo trail organizers to arrange a meeting to discuss how to move forward so “we can stay on the map in terms of tourism.”

Pork Producers: Pork producers were pleased to be a part of the recent trade mission to Japan and South Korea because international trade and market access is vital to the continued growth of Ontario’s hog industry reported Geert Geene for the Huron County Pork Producers.

“For over a year, pork producers in Ontario have been impacted by diplomatic tensions beyond our control,” stated Geene.

African Swine Fever (ASFV) also remains a concern. “We are focused on implementing a three-stage plan of prevention, minimizing impact and eradication,” stated Geene. “We

are thankful for the government’s efforts to prevent ASFV from impacting the industry and the investment to increase the number of detector dogs at major ports of entry.”

Chicken Farmers: Thompson said she has was very proud to see how chicken farmers got into the spirit of the International Women’s Day recently.

“I thought it was so cool to see so many women at Queen’s Park who were proud to call themselves farmers,” she said.

Chicken farmer Ralph DeWeerd gave a largely positive report, saying that Huron-Bruce chicken farmers produce $170 million worth of chicken and represent 16.7 per cent of Ontario’s chicken production.

There are a total of 178 local, family-run chicken farming businesses in Huron County and 40 in Bruce County, stated DeWeerd.

“The Ontario chicken industry is strong, vibrant and continues to Continued on page 20

Walk Ins Welcome SHEAR TALENT Hair Design & Tanning

45 West St., Goderich 519-524-6555

www.shear-talent.ca

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

Owned and operated by Mac and Donna Anderson

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

Good Employees are hard to find NEWS FROM WALTON I have noticed the garbage along the roadside and I thought there was not as mush as other years. The most noticeable pieces of garbage are the Tim Hortons cups, I guess the red makes them stand out.

The planning process for the former Duff’s United Church family has hit a snag with the COVID-19 virus and they are postponing the gathering from April to a later date.

Celebrating birthdays are: Joanne Knight Black, Joanne Workman, Parker Grobbink, Christine Knight, Lisa Gingerich, Jim Humphries, Ross Mitchell, Bob Alexander, Cassandra Banks, Edward Clark, Reg Vinnicombe, Griffin Verkley, Ray Huether Jr., Celeste Ryan, St. Paddy’s babies include Cora Alcock, McKinley Ryan, Don Chesher, Jim Lee and to end the week, Art McNaughton. Happy birthday to all.

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

Place an ad in our classified section in

The Citizen

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020. PAGE 17.

From the Minister’s Study

Learning from the woman at the well

By Rev. JoAnn Todd Trinity Anglican Church, Blyth St. John’s Anglican Church, Brussels The Samaritan woman at the well is one of my favourite gospel stories.

This story shows an exceptional side of Jesus – He is deliberately engaging a Samaritan woman in conversation.

Good Jewish men of the time period never engaged in conversation with women in public.

There were rabbinical precepts against this type of public behaviour and to engage with a Samaritan woman was truly beyond propriety.

The Samaritan people were long held rivals of Jews – for centuries actually. Jewish and Samaritan men would have nothing to do with each other, so for Jesus to approach a Samaritan women and start conversing, that would have been an unthinkable crossing of boundaries – never mind even drinking from her water jug or bucket. John even writes “Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.” (v. 9b) So, all who read this story would know how extraordinary this behaviour was.

There is also speculation that she may have been an outcast in her own community, as it would be unusual for a woman to get water at a well outside of the protection of the village by herself and at noon.

Women’s work was to get the water, there was safety in going in groups to get it and this chore was usually done in the cool of the morning. And for some reason not known to us, she has had five husbands prior to her current relationship and she is not married to the man with whom she is living.

We have heard the story of Nicodemus, a learned and educated teacher of the Jews, and how he is so stuck in his belief system that he can’t seem to get past it to the truths Jesus is trying to bring him to, even though he knew Jesus could only have come from God. In contrast, the woman at the well comes to an understanding fairly quickly of the specialness of Jesus.

I’m going to guess this gal was educated in the school of hard knocks; she’s no shrinking violet.

She questions why Jesus even speaks with her and then actually challenges Him in what is essentially a theological debate, beginning with one of the long-held differences in belief between Samaritans and Jews as to which temple is the true place of worship, the one on Mount Gerizim in Samaria or the Jewish temple on the mount in Jerusalem.

Jesus and a Samaritan woman, debating theology out in the open, for its time, was a truly shocking story; in fact we read that the disciples were astonished that Jesus was even speaking with her. These societal norms truly didn’t matter to Jesus. Even when He tells her that He knows of her past dealings with men, it’s not confrontational or critical, it’s a simple statement of fact. And then she realizes she is in the company of a prophet. And Jesus’ attitude to her is totally nonjudgmental – and she an outsider in so very many ways! Hmmm, there’s a lesson in that for us, isn’t there?

Jesus speaks to her with more patience than He had with Nicodemus, and He is respectful.

When Jesus tells her He would give her living water, she responds respectfully but challenges him back, “Sir, you have no bucket and

the well is deep, Where do you get this living water? Are you greater than Jacob?” There is a neat play on words in the Greek in the use of “living” water. Living water meant water that flowed, running freely like in a stream, which was considered purer water then nonmoving water, like from a well. So you can appreciate the Samaritan woman’s line of questioning: she and Jesus were at a well, no running water here, He asked her for a drink and Jesus doesn’t even have a bucket to scoop the water out of the well, so what’s He talking about? Jacob, the great ancestor to the Samaritans dug this well to give us water, and this man says he’s going to give me pure flowing water? And how’s that going to happen?

Like Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman takes Jesus’ comments literally, which seems imminently sensible given the circumstances.

But, she didn’t yet know to whom she was speaking! Jesus continues to explain, to stretch her capacity to think, to understand even more!

Jesus promises her water that will quench her thirst once and for all, and the woman, beginning to see that something unusual is happening, says yes, give me that water, so that I will not be thirsty again. Our woman at the well is beginning to sense there was deeper meaning in the words Jesus is saying to her, and she understands that this man is not a regular kind of guy— and she knew men! She recognizes his specialness. Jesus leads her

Brussels Mennonite Fellowship Due to the COVID-19 circumstances there will be no services until further notice.

Please check back each week of any change to schedule.

BMF Mission = our church exists to GROW in the teachings of Jesus to LIVE by His example, and to CONNECT people to Him

Worship Service: 10:00 am Coffee Time: 11:15 am Sunday School, all ages - 11:30 am

further and deeper in understanding, telling her that God is not confined to one mountain or another, but God

is spirit and truth and so can’t be contained to one place. God is Continued on page 19

The Regional Ministry of Hope All Anglican churches are closed for public worship until April 8th See our Facebook page 10:30 am Sunday mornings for a live broadcast Rev. JoAnn Todd, Rector 519-357-7781 email: revjoann@hurontel.on.ca The­Regional­Ministry­of­ Hope

Trinity

St. John’s

BLYTH

BRUSSELS

9:00 am

12 noon

St. Paul’s Trinity

WINGHAM

10:30 am

COME WORSHIP WITH US!

BRUSSELS

United Church Due to the COVID-19 the weekly service will be cancelled until further notice.

Please watch this ad for updates.

250 Princess St., Brussels • 519-887-6388 •. Pastor Ken Gazley ALL Are Welcome In This Place

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

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

Blyth United Church Due to the COVID-19 the weekly service will be cancelled until further notice.

Please watch this ad for updates Office Hours: Thursday ~ 9:30 am - 2:00 pm Facebook: Blyth and Brussels United Churches blythunited@tcc.on.ca ~ 519-523-4224

Evangelical Missionary Church Watch our website for VIDEO SERMONS posted weekly!

Suspended til further notice due to COVID-19 concerns: Sunday School / Worship, Midweek Children’s and Youth Programs Contact a LifeGroup for local fellowship

** Let us know how we can be praying for you / practical needs **

Tuesdays 7-9 pm Celebrate Recovery Wednesdays 9-11 am Drop-in Pickleball huronchapel.com huronchapelkids.com huronchapelyouth.com 519-526-1131 ~ 119 John’s Ave., Auburn

Sunday, March 22

D LLEWorship E & Prayer C N ICETime T CA O Loving Fellowship N HERExpository Preaching T R U LF Sermon Series: UNTI

at 10:30 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

650 Alexander St. (former Brussels Public School) Sunday School for children 4 to 12 years of age at 9:30 a.m.

Childcare provided for infants and preschoolers during the sermon.

Coffee & cookies after the morning service.

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

For additional details please contact Steve Klumpenhower 519.292.0965 Rick Packer 519.527.0173

MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS Due to COVID-19 weekly church services are cancelled: At this point we plan to resume our 11 am services starting April 5. Stay safe and healthy!

Brussels Soup and More 2 is cancelled.

At this point we hope to resume Friday, April 17.

519-887-6687

THE CATHOLIC PARISHES OF NORTH HURON AND NORTH PERTH

OUR SUNDAY LITURGIES ARE

CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Brussels: St. Ambrose Saturday 6:00 p.m.

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

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

1025 Wallace Avenue N.

PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020.

CH shuts facilities to stop virus spread

A scary ride On Friday, Blyth’s main street was closed for a short while due to a single-vehicle incident at the Howard building, the home of Pick-a-Posie. The vehicle jumped the curb, brushed the building and downed a lightpost before coming to a stop. Police, paramedics and the Fire Department of North Huron were all on the scene of the crash, which resulted in entrapment for the driver, who was taken away by ambulance. (Denny Scott photo)

Central Huron Council has shut down all municipal facilities in an effort to stop the spread of COVID19 council decided Monday night.

Central Huron Mayor Jim Ginn cited a meeting with Huron County officials earlier on Monday when recommending the closure. He said lower-tier municipalities were urged to follow the county’s lead and shut down non-essential operations and shutter public facilities.

There was little discussion as all councillors agreed with Ginn’s suggested direction. Council then passed a motion declaring all municipal facilities closed for the foreseeable future. When they would open again, Ginn said, would be determined in advance of Monday, April 6, council’s next meeting.

Councillor Marg Anderson sought some clarification on the matter, asking who exactly would be allowed in the municipal office in

Clinton. Ginn said staff would still be present to communicate electronically and telephonically with residents, but that the office would be closed to the public.

During that time, Ginn said, people would be encouraged to set up electronic payment for their taxes, which would be due soon.

Councillor Alex Westerhout asked about residents who are not quite as internet savvy as others and Chief Administrative Officer Steve Dougherty said the office would maintain a dropbox for cheques at the municipal office for those still wishing to pay in person.

Dougherty also said late charges during the closure would be waived due to the circumstances.

Council passed the motion and delegated decision-making authority on issues in the interim to Ginn and Clerk Brenda MacIsaac during the hiatus.

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DAN'S AUTO REPAIR Owned and Operated by Dan & Heather Snell

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Ph: 519-529-7212 Fax: 519-529-3277 Email: info@smythwelding.com

RR 3, Blyth, Ont. N0M 1H0

Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9 - 6 Sat. 9 - 4 Rear Parking Available

Snowblowers, Land Rollers, Stone Windrowers, Sweepers, Crimper Rollers, Quick Attach Buckets & Woodsplitters.

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(on the Westfield Rd.)

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The Citizen has a FAX machine in our Blyth office that lets you contact any other FAX machine in the world ... instantly.

Our FAX number is also your number so if you want to be reached instantly — we will receive your messages as well.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020. PAGE 19.

Carter wins high gold at card party PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE

By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188

Cards will be held again on Friday, March 27 at 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Knox United Church, Belgrave will be closed until Palm Sunday. It will then be re-assessed to see if there will be an Easter service.

The hot lunch at the Belgrave Community Centre has been cancelled for April 1.

There were five tables of cards in play on Friday, March 13 at the Belgrave Community Centre.

The winners were: high gold, Dorothy Carter; second high gold, Joyce Hodgins; most shoots gold card, Eileen Sellers; high white, Harold Metcalfe; second high white, Joann MacDonald and most shoots white, Anne Laidlaw.

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St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School of London dispatched East Elgin Secondary School of Aylmer by a score of 5-2 in the gold medal game of the Western Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association’s girls A/AA hockey championships held in Blyth and Wingham last week. (Denny Scott photo)

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‘Come and see’ says Todd Continued from page 17 available to all, and salvation will come not through the Samaritans, but through the Jews. The woman says she knows the Messiah is coming and will reveal all to them.

And Jesus says “I am He, the one who is speaking to you.” Ah, salvation comes through the Jews because Jesus was a Jew. Jesus reveals Himself as the Messiah to, of all people, a Samaritan woman, and a woman who most probably had some pretty tough times in her life, maybe abandoned or rejected by her husbands, family and her village, a woman who was hardly a pillar of her community. It is to her Jesus reveals that He is the Saviour, the Messiah for whom her people too were waiting. And she believes. Jesus sees her for who she really is, sees the potential within her, and He reaches out to her. And because of her, an entire community comes to believe.

John 4, verses 41 and 42: “Many more Samaritans put their faith in Jesus because of what they heard Him say. They told the woman, We no longer have faith in Jesus just because of what you told us. We have heard Him ourselves, and we are certain that he is the Saviour of the world!’” This is remarkable evangelism!

This woman – the last person whom the disciples even thought Jesus would talk to – becomes the catalyst for bringing an entire village to faith in the Good News of Christ.

Our woman at the well has been filled with the living water that Jesus has provided her, and it’s as though the living water of her new faith couldn’t be contained. It was welling up within her and spilling out of her.

In fact she’s in such a hurry to share the experience, to want to share Jesus with others, that she leaves her water jar at the well! “Come and see”, she says. She must have been pretty convincing once she got back to town, because many return to the well with her. And then Jesus and the disciples stay with them for two days.

So, what can that gospel story

teach us for our world today? Jesus does come to us, and asks us to help Him – and it may be in ways which we at first don’t see as anything particularly special – like He asked the woman at the well for a drink!

And Jesus comes to us all, regardless of who we are, or what we’ve done.

It matters not to Him. Like Jesus challenged Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman, Jesus wants us to open our minds, our hearts and our souls to new and lifegiving ways to understand more deeply what faith in Christ may bring us. Hanging onto old prejudices, old thinking, closing our mind to new ideas or revelations, to potentially new “a-ha” moments can stymie us, actually stop us from growing in our faith, prevent us from coming to a fuller and deeper relationship with Christ; from seeing new opportunities.

Each of us has the free will to decide whether to grow or be content to hang onto the comfort of the faith we learned in our younger years.

And Jesus finds opportunities to present these faith-growing moments to us, sometimes by a very simple request for our help – like asking for a cup of water. And when we drink from that living water of faith, from the well that never goes empty – the knowledge that Jesus loves us unconditionally, and that it is God’s free grace that saves us – our cups too will overflow with the ever-renewing love of God. We can’t help but want to share that love. We will want to help bring others to that love God in Christ.

That is what Jesus was doing with Nicodemus and with the woman at the well, bringing them to a fuller understanding of God’s saving love.

That is the great commission Jesus commands for all those who profess faith in Him. That is our mission, our comission with Jesus, like the woman at the well, to invite others to “Come and see”.

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Cherry Hill’s HORSE CARE FOR KIDS A perfect book for kids who are eager to learn the essentials of equine care. Horse trainer and breeder Cherry Hill teaches what kids need to learn to become responsible and successful horse or pony owners. $25.95

HORSE CRAZY 1001 fun facts, craft projects, games, activities and know how for horse-loving kids in this nearly-400-page book. Author Jessie Haas provides practical information on all things equine.

Designed for kids 8 and up. $25.95

HORSE SHOWING FOR KIDS This one-of-a-kind interactive handbook explains how to do everything from loading a horse in a trailer to catching a judge’s eye. Checklists to help prepare for the show plus a show diary to chart progress. $19.95

THE HORSE DOCTOR IS IN Veterinarian Brent Kelley, with nearly three decades of experience in Kentucky horse country, shares practical information on a broad range of equine ailments and conditions through real life stories of horses, owners, trainers and breeders. $23.95

HORSE GAMES & PUZZLES For the young person who loves all things horses, this book has 102 brain teasers, word games, jokes and riddles, picture puzzles, matches and logic tests in 130 pages of fun. $14.95

THE HORSE LOVER’S BIBLE: The Complete Practical Guide to Horse Care and Management This book provides everything you need to know about buying, feeding, stabling, exercising, grooming, training and showing your horse. $24.95

THE HORSE TRAINING PROBLEM SOLVER Every horse owner wants a properly trained companion that understands what is expected. Author Jessica Jahiel answers your questions about gaits, ground work and attitude in the arena and on the trail. $24.95

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PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020.

New Huron Waves fest. to run across county in May

By Deb Sholdice The Citizen

Life on two wheels Huron County held a special cycling forum in Blyth last week, asking members of the public to come out and share their views on how to improve the cycling landscape in the community. At one point, those in attendance were asked to place notes on the wall to get ideas flowing. (Denny Scott photo)

Farmers want RMP Continued from page 16 grow,” he said. “It supports 22,000 jobs and contributes over $3.7 billion to the Ontario economy annually.”

He was particularly proud that in 2019, over 500 chicken farmers donated to food banks, exceeding 1.7 million meals.

Grain Farmers: Like the beef farmers, grain farmers are also looking to see Business Risk Management programs updated to reflect the value of grain farming.

“The current slate of programs is woefully out of the date,” said Keith Black of Grain Farmers of Ontario.

“It’s time to work together to implement long-term business risk management programming that shields Ontario grain farmers from price fluctuations beyond their control.”

Lobb said it has been “challenging times” for grain farmers because of volatile weather, rail blockades and energy supply issues.

“Business risk management is a contentious issue. It was before I was elected and it will be one long after I am gone,” said Lobb. “But it would be nice to find a happy medium for all groups – one that works for us all.”

A new music festival to take place this spring in venues across Huron County and beyond has been announced. Paul Ciufo, Chair of the Board of Directors, announced the Huron Waves Music Festival near Zurich at a special launch party last week at the White Squirrel Golf Course to a crowd of 70 people Ciufo said the festival sprang from the ashes of the now-defunct Bach Festival that was held bi-annually in South Huron. John Miller, former artistic director of Stratford Summer Music, was initially brought on as a consultant to help the group find direction and create a strategic plan for a music festival in Huron County. Ultimately, they hired Miller as artistic director and decided on a new format.

The Huron Waves Music Festival will run annually in May. The first festival will run this year from May 7 to May 17, with concerts and events in Goderich, Grand Bend, Exeter, Bayfield, and Blyth.

The Kingdom Choir will perform the first two concerts in Goderich and Exeter on May 7 and 8, respectively. The U.K.-based choir has been performing for over 20 years, and became world-famous for their performance of “Stand

By Me” at the royal wedding

of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Julie Nesrallah, Canadian mezzosoprano and host of CBC’s classical music program Tempo, will be accompanied by Robert Kortgaard on piano in Bayfield on May 9.

On May 10, TorQ Percussion Ensemble will be performing in Grand Bend and Goderich.

Blyth will host Canadian singersongwriter Ron Sexsmith in a solo performance at Memorial Hall on May 14.

The Queer Songbook Orchestra is performing in Bayfield on May 15.

The Queer Songbook Orchestra is a Toronto based 13-piece chamber pop ensemble, dedicated to exploring and uplifting queer narrative in pop music.

A Newfoundland Story: Tales and Tunes from the Rock will feature cast members from the hit musical Come From Away and the Newfoundland Deaf Choir and will close the festival at Blyth Memorial Hall on May 17.

The Huron Waves Music Festival board has been working hard to acquire sponsorship and government funding to allow Huron County residents to access world-class performances at affordable ticket prices or, in some cases, for free.

Artistic Director John Miller is also programming performances specifically for families, children and under-serviced populations.

The Vera Causa Opera Co. from the Waterloo region will be performing two operas designed for kids, Rapunzel and The Dino Opera, in schools in Seaforth and Clinton during the festival, with a familyfriendly performance of both in Grand Bend on May 16.

Barbara Croall, an Odawa First Nations composer, will be Artist-inResidence at Hillside School in Kettle and Stony Point First Nation during the length of the festival.

There will also be some learning and participation opportunities with walks being led by Anne Bourne, a sound ecologist who will provide a deep listening experience along the shorelines of Goderich and Grand Bend on May 9 and 10.

On May 8, Karen Gibson, the founder and leader of The Kingdom Choir, will lead a participation seminar titled Choristers, Unite in Song at the Oakwood Resort in Grand Bend.

Tickets for The Kingdom Choir concerts are on sale now through the Blyth Festival. Tickets for other events will go on sale when the Huron Waves website goes live at huronwavesmusicalfestival.ca on April 2.

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Giving back The Londesborough and District Lions Club recently donated $2,000 to the Huron Residential Hospice just outside of Clinton thanks to the success of its community breakfast last month. Club President Mike Boven, left, presented the cheque to Christopher Walker of the hospice earlier this month. (Denny Scott photo)

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