The Citizen - March 22, 2024

4 • Editorials 8 • Sports 16 • Obituaries 19 • Live Music

The

THIS WEEK

Citizen

Huron County’s most trusted independent news source

Friday, March 22, 2024

$1.50 GST included

Volume 40 No. 12

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40050141 Return Undeliverable Items to North Huron Publishing Company Inc., P.O. Box 429, BLYTH, ON N0M 1H0

NH to consider water tower

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Winter driving returns On Tuesday afternoon, members of the Fire Department of North Huron, as well as local paramedics and Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers, responded to reports of a two-vehicle collision involving a horse trailer just north of Blyth on London Road north of Moncrieff Road. The incident sent one person to the

hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and resulted in police charging one of the drivers, a 53-year-old from North Huron, with failure to yield from a private road. As a result of the collision and rescue efforts, the road was closed for (Scott Stephenson several hours, but reopened that evening. photo)

At a regular meeting on Monday, March 18, North Huron Council received a presentation from Jeff Paznar, Senior Vice-President of R.J. Burnside and Associates, in regards to potential plans for the replacement of Wingham’s standpipe. Paznar explained that Wingham’s current water storage system’s strength comes not from its aging standpipe, but from its wells.

There are two groundwater wells that supply drinking water to Wingham - one was constructed in 1973, the other in 1996. They have a combined capacity of 137 litres per second. Each one of these wells has a pump house where the water is treated, after which it is pumped through water mains. The standpipe itself serves primarily to regulate pressure in the system, rather than water storage.

Paznar pointed out that the existing standpipe was constructed Continued on page 2

ACW closes in on 10 per cent tax levy increase

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh Council (ACW) met on Friday, March 15 to discuss the proposed 2024 budget. Mayor Glen McNeil started the session by stressing that the year’s first budget meeting is the most important meeting of the year, as it sets the strategic direction for the municipality.

The first big issue on the table was discussing a target tax levy increase for the year. DeputyMayor Bill Vanstone opened the conversation with the idea of a five to six per cent increase over last year as a goal. “A lot of our neighbouring municipalities are in the same boat that we’re in,” he stated. “We’ve found that fuel has gone up, gravel’s gone up everything has gone up!”

Councillor Anita Snobelen countered with a slightly higher suggestion. “As many of the other councillors know, I’ve long been a fairly big proponent of 10 per cent, but I do feel that, with interest rates rising, and there being a financial crunch on so many families, I feel there are some people that are hurting right now, and I think that

there will be a time, maybe even less than a year from now, that farmers might be hurting as well.

And that’s the majority of our population, so I’m looking more at eight per cent.”

Councillor Evan Hickey said he had reviewed the budget at length before coming to his conclusion.

“It’s a tough one this year. There’s certain projects I’m not real flexible on seeing go, there’s other ones that I’m ok with, but it’s the pocketbook of the taxpayers that we are looking at right now. And it’s been a tough year and I think it’s going to get tougher still, so I’m in a two to four per cent range.”

Councillor Jennifer Miltenberg took a different approach to her calculations. “Historically, ACW has had much lower taxes than other municipalities in Huron County. And that is due to the diligent attempts of over 20 years’ worth of previous councils to keep tax increases between zero and two per cent. And my take on taxes is that you don’t get out of them, you just defer them. And when you don’t pay them, it’s the next generation that pays,” she explained. “Our roads and bridges are being closed, and we have 72

bridges! When you keep an artificially low tax rate, you are just deferring it to the next generation.”

She suggested a tax rate of 7.2 per cent as being the bare minimum, but recommended 10 to 12 per cent.

“That’s the rate of inflation, which is 3.6 per cent, plus what we’re supposed to be putting in capital reserves, which is recommended to be 3.6 per cent…. So, if you want to accomplish absolutely nothing this year, it has to be 7.2 per cent.” She went on to point out that there are many projects that ACW does, in fact, want to see through this year.

“If inflation goes up 3.6 per cent, we have to go up 3.6 per cent in property taxes just to stay at zero.”

Councillor Wayne Forster chimed in to say he was not comfortable with 10 per cent. “ I could do eight per cent,” he said.

Councillor Curtis Blake stated, “I can’t stress enough how tough times are. I’d like to see one per cent, two per cent. I think it’s completely doable. We’re going to have to start cutting.”

McNeil agreed with the assessment that an increase of at least seven per cent would be needed to break even, saying, “Anything less than seven per cent

would be irresponsible,” a notion that was corroborated by Treasurer Ellen McManus. McManus also reminded council that there is a new asset management plan in the works, which will provide a clearer picture on the real cost of managing the municipality.

With ideas for possible levy increases in mind, council moved on to a discussion of proposed projects for the year, starting with an introduction by Director of Public Works Thomas McCarthy.

There are three bridge repairs left over from last year’s capital projects to be considered. “These need to get done: River Mill Line bridge, Division Line bridge, and Nile Road bridge.” The major repairs for the River Mill Line bridge are currently on hold, but minor reinforcements are needed to prevent it from degrading rapidly. A new bridge design for Cransford Line was also being considered for the budget, but was labelled a “luxury project” by McCarthy and called “unwise” by McNeil.

Other projects being considered included the demolition of the Laurier Line bridge, resurfacing of Dungannon Road and Loyal Line, the paving of Birch Beach Road,

and upgrades to municipal sheds.

Debate ensued as to whether paving Birch Beach Road would be more valuable than resurfacing Dungannon Road, if only one project could be completed.

Vanstone offered his opinion that Birch Beach Road is in good shape for a gravel road, while Dungannon Road is in poor shape. Hickey agreed with this assessment.

McNeil put forth the possibility of removing Loyal Line from the list of projects and deferring it to next year, while Hickey preferred the possibility of doing the work on Loyal Line.

McManus calculated that doing all of the proposed roads projects would result in a levy increase of 11 per cent. Pulling funds from reserves was discussed as a possible way to lower the tax rate, but it was generally agreed that reserves should only be used when necessary. In the end, council decided the resurfacing of Loyal Line would be deferred.

Development in Port Albert will continue this year, although council discussed extending the timeline for the multi-million-dollar project in an effort to decrease its impact on Continued on page 3

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024.

Veolia detects high levels of strontium in Blyth water

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen Scott Gowan, Project Manager of Veolia Water Canada, presented the Blyth and Wingham Water and Wastewater Systems Report to North Huron Council on Monday, March 18. Computer maintenance programs, valve and motor repairs and security improvements were all noted as facility improvements achieved at both the Blyth and

Wingham sites over the past year.

One of the report’s comments mentioned that the Blyth sewage plant’s effluent discharge needs to be dechlorinated, and there are temporary approvals in place, as well as scheduled monitoring by a Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) inspector. Soon, a UV system and filters will be installed for a permanent fix.

The strontium levels in Blyth’s

water remain elevated. Annual samples are collected for monitoring. All Blyth residents who use the water system have been sent letters explaining the strontium levels. “It’s not something that Ontario regulates, but it is something we continue to monitor,” Gowan explained.

Wingham had no bypass in 2023, whereas Blyth had eight secondarylevel events. Gowan attributed this to heavy precipitation, snow melt

Council urged to apply for provincial grant ahead of looming Apr. 19 deadline Continued from page 1 in 1974, and its concrete tank is in poor condition, needing replacement.

As Wingham continues to grow, so will its water needs.

He went on to offer a brief history of Wingham’s plans for replacing the aging piece of infrastructure. A Water and Wastewater Master Plan was completed by B.M. Ross in 2020, which recommended the existing standpipe be replaced, and a new booster pumping station be added. Burnside was retained to design said standpipe, and funding was sought. Paznar directed council’s attention towards a recently-announced provincial program geared towards funding water and wastewater projects that can facilitate an increase in housing. Paznar urged council to apply for this grant before its fastapproaching deadline, which is April 19. Two hundred million dollars have been allocated for water infrastructure developments that will serve new housing projects.

Paznar also advocated for the building of a water tower instead of a standpipe and booster station. “A lot of other municipalities that you drive by are constructing these

water towers. They have a lot lower operating costs associated with them.” He explained that the standpipe/booster station set-up is inefficient and high risk, in comparison with a standpipe.

Rather than the water being pumped up through the column of a standpipe, all the water is pumped up to the top of the tower and stored in an upper reservoir, until needed.

Not needing to pump the water up during an emergency acts as a safety measure. “It presents far less risk to the municipality.” He also stated that these views are shared with water testing company Veolia, which also had a representative at the meeting to present a water report.

He pointed out that switching over to a water tower building plan would require a few additional steps, including finding a new site, likely within 15 metres of the site of the current standpipe, that would be approximately 50 metres squared for the tower. Potentially, there would also potentially need to be an environmental assessment of the project. The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks recently made changes to the requirements for an assessment, which may mean it wouldn’t be

necessary. Paznar strongly urged council to direct staff to take action on applying for the Housing Enabling Water System Fund.

Councillor Mitch Wright asked if switching from a standpipe to a water tower would take extra time, asking, “Is there any risk, in changing the path we’re on, it could affect our ability to qualify for the fund?” Paznar assured him that designing a water tower is “not that significant an effort.”

Councillor Chris Palmer asked if it would be prudent for a town to have a certain amount of water in reserve at any given time. Paznar cited the minimum storage requirements laid out by the Ministry. “The unique thing about Wingham,” he explained, “is that your two wells can supply a lot of water. Significantly more than most towns in Ontario... but best practice, in the industry, is a water tower, for emergencies, when there’s a fire, or a well goes down.

That’s why you see water towers going up all over.”

Council voted unanimously to direct staff to investigate the possibility of a water tower, begin work on the grant application and report back with an update at the next meeting.

and, on one occasion, a valve failure. He pointed out that Blyth’s filtration system is coming to the end of its life. Deputy-Reeve Kevin Falconer asked if Veolia communicated information to staff, and was assured by Gowan that it is a frequent topic of discussion.

“A lot of the water meters in Wingham are starting to show their age as well,” Gowan pointed out.

Falconer asked whether an aging meter would be likely to

overestimate water usage, but Gowan explained that it is actually the opposite. “Anyone I’ve ever talked to who knows flow meters will say the meters tend to count less as they age, which would ultimately cost the township.”

Reeve Paul Heffer thanked Gowan for the presentation, and council voted to accept the annual report from Veolia, and to post it on the township’s website for public reference.

Hockey for Huron Hospice A charitible hockey game was played in Clinton on Saturday, March 16 to raise money for Huron Hospice.

The game featured former professional players and members of the Central Huron Fire Department. After three periods, the “Pro Hockey Heroes” defeated the firefighters by a score of 9-8. (John Stephenson photo)

NOTICE OF EARLY DEADLINE FOR THE MARCH 29 PAPER

The Citizen’s Friday, March 29th paper will be published on Thursday, March 28th Deadline for advertising and editorial is Monday, March 25th at 2:00 pm 405 Queen Street, Blyth 519-523-4792

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024. PAGE 3.

Blyth BIA outlines key priorities at AGM

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen The Blyth Business Improvement Association (BBIA) convened its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, March 14 at the Blyth and District Community Centre.

Inclement weather had postponed the meeting from its original Feb. 29 date.

Once quorum was unhurriedly reached, Chair Angela Cullen called the meeting to order. In absentia, Treasurer David Sparling provided a financial report and proposed budget for 2024, offering a view of the BBIA’s fiscal health.

The report reveals a surplus of

$20,293.63 carried over from 2023.

The coffers will see $10,608 added from the 2024 levy and $578 from associate memberships, amounting to a total revenue of $31,479.45.

Under expenses, several projects from 2023 are continuing into the new fiscal year. These include purchasing new main street banners for a total of $3,000, new Christmas decor for $9,000, signage for $1,592, $6,000 for new main street garbage/recycling cans, along with $960.50 allocated for auditing 2023’s financial records.

Total proposed operating expenses amount to $1,267, broken down into $160 for meeting expenses, $100 for office supplies,

$1,000 for an audit fee and $7 for a bank fee. Memberships with the Ontario Business Improvement Association and the Huron County Chamber of Commerce will cost the BBIA $529.61 this year, or $281.01 and 248.60 respectively.

The budget’s focus shifts next to marketing strategies, with allocations of $1,500 for website improvements, $1,800 for the Hometown Holiday Weekend and New Year’s Eve fireworks, $1,000 for Blyth Friday events and $1,500 for new merchants’ grand openings.

A notable absence in the marketing budget was an allocation for social media, reflecting a deliberate choice in resource management.

The balanced budget, approved unanimously, sets the foundation for the BBIA’s activities in 2024.

The AGM also saw the election of members to the board of management. Notable among the nominations were returning members Cullen, Sparling, North Huron Council representative Kevin Falconer, Cat O’Donnell from the Wonky Frog, Vice-Chair Shane Yerema from Hotel Lux, and service organization representative John Stewart from the Blyth Lions Club. Newcomer Leonie Dolmage, owner of the recently launched Lunar Lounge Salon on Queen Street, also joined the board.

Rachael King from the Blyth

Festival, who has been a significant asset to the BBIA in her role as secretary, is stepping down. Her absence will surely be felt as the board moves forward.

The BBIA discussed possible options for boosting membership participation. Visiting the meeting, Denise Lockie, North Huron Community Engagement Officer, suggested studying successful initiatives from other Business Improvement Associations for ideas on how to raise awareness of the BBIA and its activities.

The next meeting will be held at 8 a.m. on Thursday, March 28, at the Blyth and District Community Centre.

Collision Emergency crews responded to a motor vehicle collision on Highway 4 just north of Blyth on Tuesday, March 19. One driver was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. As a result of the incident, a Huron County resident (Scott is charged with failure to yield from a private road.

Stephenson photos)

Nothing less than a LIVING Christ will do for us!

(J. R. Miller, “Miller’s Year Book — a Year’s Daily Readings”) “He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” 1 Corinthians 15:4 If your faith stops at the cross — it misses the blessing of the fullest revealing of Christ!

You need a Saviour who not merely two thousand years ago went to death to redeem you — but one who also is alive to walk by your side in loving companionship.

You need a Saviour who can hear your prayers, to whose feet you can creep in penitence when you have sinned, to whom you can call for help when the battle is going against you.

You need a Saviour who is interested in all the affairs of your common life, and who can assist you in every time of need.

You need a Christ who can be a real friend — loving you, keeping close beside you, able to sympathize with your weaknesses.

You need a Saviour who will come into your life, and will save you, not by one great act of centuries past — but by a life warm and throbbing with love today, and living again in you.

A DYING Christ alone, will not satisfy our heart. We must have the living One for our friend! Nothing less than a LIVING Christ will do for us! And that is the Christ the gospel brings to us: one who was dead — and is now alive for ever and ever!

ACW increasing tax rate Continued from page 1 this year’s budget, specifically in regards to work to be done on Ashfield Street.

New equipment for the Roads Department was also requested. A pressure washer, a tractor grapple, a tandem plow and a grader are

included on the list. The tandem plow, at a cost of $370,000, was ordered in 2022, but has now finally arrived in the municipality.

In a 4-3 vote, following lengthy debate and discussion, council narrowly approved raising the tax

rate by 8.19 per cent over last year, resulting in a tax levy increase of 10 per cent, which will raise an additional $598,558. The decisions made at this meeting will be incorporated into the next draft of the budget to be approved by council at a later date.

“My soul thirsts for God, for the living God!” cried the psalmist, and cries every redeemed soul. It is only as we realize the truth of a living Christ — that our hearts are satisfied. We crave love — a bosom to lean upon, a hand to touch ours, a heart whose beatings we can feel, a personal friendship that will come into our life with its sympathy, its inspiration, its companionship, its shelter, its life, its comfort. All this, the living Christ is to us!

“I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever!”

Revelation 1:18 A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church, Listowel, ON 519-291-3887

PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024.

Editorials & Opinions

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

The Citizen P.O. Box 429, BLYTH, Ont. N0M 1H0 Ph. 519-523-4792 Fax 519-523-9140 E-mail info@northhuron.on.ca Website www.huroncitizen.ca

The Citizen is published 51 times a year in Blyth, Ontario by North Huron Publishing Company Inc. Subscriptions are payable in advance at a rate of $50.00/year ($47.62 + $2.38 G.S.T.) in Canada; $190.00/year in U.S.A. Advertising is accepted on the condition that in the event of a typographical error, only that portion of the advertisement will be credited.

Advertising Deadlines: Tues. 2 p.m.

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40050141 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO CIRCULATION DEPT. PO BOX 429 BLYTH ON N0M 1H0 email: info@northhuron.on.ca

Member CCNA

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.

Member of the Ontario Press Council We are not responsible for unsolicited newsscripts or photographs. Contents of The Citizen are © Copyright

The easy way out?

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, consumers were persuaded to spend hours rinsing and sorting their paper, glass and plastic with the introduction of the blue box recycling program. It made us feel good that the tons of waste we generated were no longer filling up the landfill, and let’s face it - of the three “Rs”, recycling is probably the easiest, with the least amount of thinking required. Reusing and reducing takes a lot of planning and effort, especially in the current model of consumerism.

In recent years, evidence of mounds of recycling hitting landfills and loads of plastic dumped in the oceans have begun to shake our faith in the system. The world produces an average of 430 million metric tons of plastic each year and, on average, only about five to six per cent is recycled. The American environmental watchdog group, The Centre for Climate Integrity, which helps municipalities hold corporations accountable for pollution, has released a damning report entitled, “The Fraud of Plastic Recycling”, which lays out how “Big Oil and the plastics industry have deceptively promoted recycling as a solution to plastic waste management for more than 50 years, despite their longstanding knowledge that plastic recycling is not technically or economically viable at scale.” It was in their best interest to continue the myth of recycling to avoid regulation that would have a negative effect on their bottom line.

The public had the right to know that recycling plastics was not a magic fix to pollution. We should have spent the last three decades figuring out how to reduce our plastic consumption, not blissfully carrying it to the curb every week or two. – DS

Facing the storm Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin “won” the country’s “election” over the “opposition” of three other candidates, extending his reign to at least 2030. Putin claimed he earned 87 per cent of the vote in an election more democratic than those in the west.

Meanwhile, as she grieves the death of her husband, Alexei Navalny, widely seen as an act of murder by Putin, Yulia Navalnaya is emerging as Putin’s chief opponent, taking up the mantle of Navalny in fierce defiance of Putin’s accepted narrative at a great risk to herself.

Just about everyone but Donald Trump and Putin himself has little problem calling Putin a cruel dictator, with politicians calling the election a sham due to a clear lack of the democratic process. And yet, Putin has shown that he will do anything and kill anyone to remain in power. That’s why Navalnaya’s insistence on continuing her family’s fight is so courageous, inspiring and impressive. Amid real danger for herself and her children, she is stepping up, rather than back, in the fight against Putin and for a democratic nation of Russia.

Navalny and Navalnaya have been held up as freedom fighters in an increasingly authoritarian world and, clearly, they’ve put their lives on the line for a cause they see as just. And, as nefarious politicians and grifters, like the aforementioned Trump, aim to subvert democracy and launch themselves into power whether the people they aim to “govern” like it or not, the couple should serve as an inspiration; as people who have the courage we all wish we had in the face of injustice. – SL

Enshrine what’s important Recently, France made history by amending its constitution to protect women’s right to abortion. Lawmakers overwhelmingly approved the bill with a final vote of 780 - 72. President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to safeguard abortion rights against future restrictions, a push that he has stated is a direct response to changes in the U.S. The history of abortion rights in France and the United States differ in key ways. Abortion in the U.S. was decriminalized by the Supreme Court in 1973, following its landmark 7-2 vote on “Roe v. Wade”. This constitutional right was removed by the Supreme Court in 2022, in a vote of 5-4. In France, abortion was decriminalized in 1975, when The Veil Act was voted into law. When The Act’s original five-year term ended, it was extended indefinitely, and now has constitutional protection.

A nation’s system of government is tested by the issues that most divide it. In France, an elected Parliament made a momentous decision, whereas both the initial decision and its subsequent reversal in the U.S. was made by a handful of judges. When hard decisions need to be made, America has frequently relied on this small group of appointed individuals to make those choices for them. This has inevitably led to these lifetime judgeships being highly sought-after prizes for partisan politicians looking for a shortcut to power. In the French judiciary, matters relating to the constitution are handled by the Constitutional Council, whose members serve for a period of no more than nine years.

No matter what side of an issue you’re on, representational democracy is our way of having a say in our own lives. When you don’t have the right to choose who chooses for you, then what part are you playing in your own future? – SBS

Looking Back Through the Years March 26, 1969 Despite their loss in the semifinals at the Goderich Canada Tournament, the Blyth PeeWee team didn’t return home emptyhanded. They were honoured on Saturday night with the London Free Press trophy for “exhibiting the best sportsmanship and conduct both on and off the ice during the 20th annual Young Canada Week PeeWee hockey tournament.” As one enthusiastic local fan expressed, “Winning this trophy means more to me than winning a championship trophy.” The trophy was proudly showcased at the Blyth Standard office, visible through the window for all to see.

Last Friday evening saw the annual Lions Club Ice Carnival, attracting the usual enthusiastic crowd of youngsters.

On Monday, the Ontario Provincial Police successfully retrieved a significant portion of the stolen goods taken from Bainton Limited Old Mill in Blyth last Thursday evening. Approximately $24,000 worth of the stolen merchandise, out of the total approximate value of $32,000, was recovered during raids conducted in the London, Dorchester, and Hamilton areas.

However, authorities continue their efforts to locate the remaining stolen items.

March 23, 1977 Mary Lowe emerged as the fortunate victor of the Brussels Firemen’s barrel contest, accurately predicting the time closest to the precise minute when a barrel positioned on the Maitland River ice would drift away. Mrs. Lowe’s guess of 12:05 last Sunday nearly mirrored the actual time of 11:40 on the same day, earning her a prize of $50 from the firemen.

According to Huron County engineer Jim Britnell, the provincial government’s financial assistance program aimed at alleviating snow removal costs in heavily affected areas would hold minimal significance for the county. Despite enduring one of the most severe winters in 50 years, Mr. Britnell explained that only three municipalities within the County met the criteria to receive government subsidies, intended to offset budgets drained by January snowstorms.

The Canadian Metric Commission, in an effort to assist thousands of Canadians in learning and using the metric system, printed a series of “hang me up” cards that provided clear descriptions of metric measures of length, temperature, area, volume, liquid volume, snowfall, and mass.

March 22, 1989 Although nearly every brief presented at the Members of Parliament dinner on Saturday called for a revival of the Ontario Family Farm Interest Rate Reduction plan (OFFIRR) or the establishment of a similar program, Ontario Minister of Agriculture Jack Riddell made it clear that he had no intention of implementing such a program.

Murray Cardiff, Member of Parliament for Huron-Bruce, emphasized at the annual Members of Parliament dinner of the Huron County Federation of Agriculture in Clinton on Saturday that prior to the removal of rails on the Goderich-to-Guelph CP Rail line, thorough consideration should be given to exploring all potential alternatives.

The Spring Jitney event took place at the Brussels Curling Club

on March 13, with four sheets of ice utilized. The top spot, scoring 45 points, was secured by the team consisting of Brad Speiran, Joyce Alexander, Steven Steiss and Rodney Bauer.

Claiming the second prize with 36.75 points was the team led by Stew Steiss, accompanied by Lyle Martin, George Langlois and Murray McCarter.

The third position, earning 35.25 points, was achieved by the team comprising Ross Veitch, Fran Bremner, Brian Alexander and Bob Steiss.

March 25, 2004 Following 10 months filled with fear and frustration, the beef industry found cause for celebration as the federal government unveiled supplementary disaster assistance for farmers impacted by the BSE crisis.

The Council and staff of the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry began reviewing the municipality’s land use planning documents. At the time, there were two municipal plans - one for Morris Ward and one for Turnberry Ward. The aim was to merge these into a single new official plan for Morris-Turnberry.

The public was encouraged to attend any or all four public discussion meetings.

The week at the Brussels Legion Branch kicked off with a vibrant gathering as Grey Township firefighters and their friends convened for a fish fry. This event followed a mutual aid meeting held at the Ethel Fire Hall, where attendees from neighboring fire departments listened to speakers before partaking in the delicious deep-fried fish prepared by the Brussels Legion.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024. PAGE 5.

Other Views

Some remarkable stories of survivors

I

t was only a couple of weeks ago that I wrote about childhood diseases that were a danger when I was young, but have since disappeared because of the emergence of vaccines. Last week, I read the extraordinary story of a man who had suffered from polio when he was six but persevered to live a productive and interesting life before dying recently.

Paul Alexander was infected with polio in 1952. It left him paralyzed from the neck down and he began using an iron lung, a machine that encased his body as the air pressure within the chamber forced air in and out of his lungs.

But Alexander didn’t let his misfortune rule his life. “He loved to laugh,” said his longtime friend Daniel Spinks. “He was just one of the bright stars of this world.”

Gary Cox, a friend of Alexander’s since college, said his friend was always smiling.

“He was so friendly. He was always happy.”

You may have noticed the word “college” mentioned above. Being in an iron lung was only an extra challenge for Alexander. Despite his added handicap, he managed to make his way into college and earned a law degree in 1984.

He trained himself to breathe without the iron lung and to live outside of the contraption for several hours a day. His friend Spinks said he learned how to “gulp air down his lungs” in order to be out of the iron lung for part of the day. Using a stick in his mouth, Alexander could type on a computer and use the phone.

A book Alexander wrote about his life, Three Minutes for a Dog: My Life in an Iron Lung, was published in 2020. Cox said the title comes from a promise Alexander’s nurse made to him when he was a young boy: He’d get a dog if he could teach himself to breathe on his own for three minutes.

Keith Roulston

From the cluttered desk “That took a good maybe two years, three years before he was able to stay out for three minutes and then 10 minutes and then eventually he got the strength to learn to stay out all day,” Spinks said.

And indeed, Alexander did get his puppy.

Alexander built a big following for himself on social media. “Being positive is a way of life for me,” he told viewers in one of his “Conversations With Paul” posts on TikTok. As he got older, Alexander spent more time in the iron lung – though finding parts for the machines, which are no longer made, took more and more effort for his friends.

Alexander had recently been admitted to a Dallas hospital after being diagnosed with COVID-19 and, ironically, ultimately died of that disease that’s become somewhat similar to the killers of an earlier time.

Reading about Alexander caused me to get the 2017 movie Breathe off our movie shelf and rewatch it the other night. It was made by producer Jonathan Cavendish in tribute to his late father Robin, who suffered from polio as an adult while in Africa in the later 1950s (after most people in Europe and North America had been vaccinated). The movie is a special tribute to his mother, Diana, who refused to give in to the disease and fought for her family.

The Cavendishes had gone from England to Africa shortly after they were married, where

Robin was buying coffee beans. Shortly after Diana found out she was pregnant with Jonathan, Robin was diagnosed with the disease.

The indomitable Diana prepared her family, with baby Jonathan by then, and flew back to England. At first in a home with several other bed-ridden polio survivors, Robin asked her to let him die. She was determined to change the situation.

She bought an inexpensive house and had her husband moved there, very much against the advice of the polio home’s director. There, she had her husband in a bed on the main floor, his breathing equipment plugged in to electricity, and she set up her own bed beside his. There were a few times when the power supply was interrupted, but he was happier.

But he wanted a better life. Luckily he had inventive friends, including a university inventor who created a chair with the breathing machine supplied with electricity from a battery.

Later still, the inventor came up with an improved design and another expert suggested they raise money so other polio victims could have similar chairs and be free from long-term care homes.

But eventually, Paul’s lungs couldn’t deal with the rich oxygen and began bleeding, and he died in the late 1970s when young Jonathan was only about 20.

After reading about one remarkable polio survivor and seeing the movie about another, I was depressed when I heard about people who are upset because our government hasn’t moved faster in expanding the rights of people to seek a medical end to their lives. These two men lived remarkable lives despite horrible conditions. Did all the people seeking early death try as hard?

We all go a little mad sometimes

L

auded as one of the most exciting springtime rituals in sports, the NCAA’s “March Madness” basketball tournament unfolds annually like a grand saga of athletic prowess and heart-stopping drama.

Each year, as the anticipation builds to a fever pitch, fans and enthusiasts alike prepare for a whirlwind of thunderous dunks, clutch shots and nail-biting finishes that define the very essence of basketball greatness. It’s a time when underdogs defy the odds, giants are humbled, and the echoes of cheers reverberate through arenas across America.

The journey through “March Madness” is a rollercoaster of emotions, from the elation of buzzer-beaters that defy time itself to the heartache of last-second defeats that leave fans breathless. It’s a stage where heroes are born and legends are etched into the annals of sporting history, where every game is a battle of wills and every shot carries the weight of dreams.

But amidst the gravity-defying feats and adrenaline-fueled moments of “March Madness,” there exists a parallel universe of whimsy and wonder: “Chaff Madness”. This delightful extravaganza of absurdity invites participants and spectators alike to leave behind the constraints of reality and dive headfirst into a world of playful folly and lighthearted fun.

“Chaff Madness” is a lively celebration of unconventional competitions and playful antics that bring laughter and joy to participants and spectators alike. It’s a showcase of zany events designed to tickle the funny bone and ignite the imagination.

Imagine a world in which the ordinary is turned on its head, creativity knows no bounds and participants embrace their inner silliness with gusto.

At the core of “Chaff Madness” is a series of

Scott Stephenson The Chaff challenges that capture the playful spirit of the tournament. Participants don outrageous costumes and engage in friendly competition and lighthearted banter, creating a vibrant and entertaining spectacle.

As fanatic fans watch with delight, they are immersed in a whirlwind of mirth. “Chaff Madness” is a joyful celebration of fun and camaraderie, reminding us that sometimes the most meaningful moments are found in the midst of playful silliness and shared laughter.

One of the standout features of “Chaff Madness” is the “Pun-Off,” a battle of wit and wordplay in which contestants craft puns and clever quips that leave audiences in stitches.

It’s a showcase of linguistic creativity in which the punniest punster reigns supreme.

During “Chaff Madness”, there’s an alliteration contest called the “Weird Word Wallop”, in which participants passionately pit their poetic prowess. Picture a parade of palatable phrases, from bustling bazaars brimming with bright baubles to charming cafés cascading with captivating conversations. The audience is enraptured by rhythmic rhymes and clever combinations, as contestants craft compelling tales of adventurous journeys, romantic rendezvous and daring escapades. The “Weird Word Wallop” is a celebration of the beauty of language, in which words waltz, whirl and, of course, wallop with whimsical wonder.

Other events include “Synchronized Snail

Racing,” where competitors coax slimy companions through obstacle courses, and the “Balloon Animal Ballet”, a spectacle of inflatable creatures dancing in a delightful frenzy.

“Chaff Madness” occupies a unique space in the cultural landscape, characterized by its lack of traditional significance. Unlike “March Madness”, which holds immense prestige in the realm of sports and collegiate athletics, “Chaff Madness” is more of a playful waste of time, a carnival of silliness that entertains without aiming for the same level of recognition.

“Chaff Madness” may not have the same lasting legacy as its more serious counterpart.

However, its role as a source of entertainment should not be underestimated. In a world often filled with stress and seriousness, “Chaff Madness” offers a welcome respite, reminding us of the importance of laughter and creativity.

As the curtains draw on the spectacle of this year’s “Chaff Madness,” we’re reminded that sometimes the greatest victories are not measured by trophies or accolades but in smiles shared and memories made. While “March Madness” may command the spotlight with its feats of athleticism and myriad opportunities for casual gambling, “Chaff Madness” leaves an indelible mark on our hearts with its tapestry of the absurd.

“Chaff Madness” transcends the mere dichotomy of victory and defeat; it is a celebration of the human experience in its most unguarded form. It beckons us to immerse ourselves in the sheer delight of being alive, of relishing the spontaneous bursts of laughter that unite us in shared joy.

Therefore, let’s venture past the limits of tradition and adopt the ethos of carefree spontaneity encapsulated by “Chaff Madness.”

Uncover the allure of nonsensicality!

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

Losing our heroes

L

ast week in this very newspaper, I wrote an editorial celebrating the lives of Ron Walker and Jack Ryan, two pillars of the community who passed on subsequent days, but I knew I wanted to do more.

I knew both men well. In regards to Ron, I had struck up a legitimate friendship. I had spoken with him a number of times for stories on the Blyth Festival Art Gallery, which he cofounded with his wife, Bev. I was (am) also a great fan of his art, which, to this day, I find so magical and unique to this community.

With Jack, we met at a time of transition for him and his children. Years before what would become the 2017 International Plowing Match (IPM), he was announced as the host, working alongside many neighbouring landowners to bring an event to Huron County many cherish to this day. As I spoke with him and his children, it became clear that hosting the IPM at Jack’s home farm was a direct tribute to his wife Marianna, whom he lost in 2012.

My conversations with the Ryans were often very emotional, with nary a dry eye around the table (myself included), whereas with Ron, we were more inclined to discuss art over a glass of red wine or two, offered to me in a way that it would have seemed rude not to accept. They were different by miles, but no less impactful or resonant. My time spent with Jack and his children and with Ron and Bev sits among the time most well spent since I began my time with The Citizen all those years ago (2006).

And, as I said to a few people at Jack’s wake the other night, I learned a lot about love and being a father from Jack. His children so loved him and supported him in his later years, and it was clear that his love for Marianna burned as bright as it had when they were first married.

The same can be said for Ron and Bev. As I would fawn over Ron’s paintings, Ron quickly pointed to Bev’s fabric and printmaking work, saying he was in awe of her talent. They were so in love that it was hard not to be envious.

And look at all they’ve given us. The Blyth Festival Art Gallery, dozens of works of art and a lasting legacy of creativity and education that will live on for generations in Huron County in the case of the Walkers and a tribute to agriculture and the very fabric of our community in the case of the Ryans. That is to say nothing of their personal achievements, such as their living legacies of children, grandchildren, careers and more.

At their core, however, both are love stories between two people who found their soulmates and built their lives around each other.

To me, the two families showed how to work to build up a community and its people, rather than tearing it down through negativity. The worlds of agriculture and art in Huron County are inextricably linked (at least in the minds of many) and those two communities had no bigger champions than they had in Jack and Marianna Ryan and Ron and Bev Walker.

These two families have enriched all of our lives, even if you weren’t lucky enough to know them. All that they’ve left behind has made life in Huron County better for us all.

The last thing I took away from losing Ron and Jack in two days was the pull to get involved. They stepped up and said yes when others would have slunk to the back of the room or said no when they were asked to help, so, perhaps that’s the legacy of their work and what they’ll truly leave behind.

Think about all we have thanks to the work of these two families and what you can do to improve your community. Step up and speak up and consider making your home a better place just like Jack and Ron have.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024.

At the Branch

Weekend sees flurry of activity

Handlin’ puck The U15 LL Blyth Brussels Crusaders battled the team from Drayton in a playoff game at the Blyth and District Community Centre on Sunday, March 17. The home team lost the game by a score of 2-0. (John Stephenson photo)

By Jo-Ann McDonald It certainly was a busy weekend at the Branch. The Thursday night darts had 15 darters out to play. The first-place team consisted of John Stadelmann and Rhonda Davis.

Second place went to Steve Hall, Vern Bridge and Jim Forgett. The high shots of the night went to Randy White, hitting 133, and Gary Pipe, hitting 124.

Friday night was the first night of the new Catch the Ace draw. The trio of Jamie, Judy and Jo-Ann were in charge. The first winner was Janet Hook and she won $142. She found the four of diamonds in envelope number 49. The estimated jackpot for next week could be $500. Get your tickets at Brussels Variety, Brussels Pharmacy, McDonald Home Hardware and the Brussels Legion. You can always join the VIP Club, which guarantees you a ticket for every draw. You can sign up at the Branch.

Friday night was also euchre tournament night and there were 36 teams at play. The first-place winners were Joe and Hannah

Local vendors offer wide variety of enticing wares A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231 So, this is spring? Looking out the window as I write this, I see a December scene, just right for a Christmas card. Looking past that, at times I can’t even see the arena, while the wee daffodils by the porch are not happy either.

Living in Huron County, we are adaptable and the changing seasons always offer up a challenge to accept. That in itself gives us practice in accepting the changes that happen often in our world.

Did you realize that the Boomers no longer represent the majority of Canadians? From an article in the Edmonton Journal in February, there are more Millennials than Boomers for the first time in 65 years. From the federal statistics of July of 2023, the average age is now 41.6. The post-war babies were 40 per cent of the Canadian population for many years and so influenced much of life. Now Millennial and Gen Z numbers are

growing and, with immigration, the working contingent is in a good space and changes will happen.

It looked on Sunday that perhaps the Amazon website must have been shut down. A shopping crowd had been let loose in Brussels. I saw this while checking on my granddaughter Jordan, who was selling the candles that she and Greg have perfected at the Four Winds Barn. There were a lot of visitors ready for a chance to touch and feel the products available.

There was lots of variety-food, flowers, buttons, home decor, clothes, health and beauty products and much more. It was a good day for an outing, to see and touch and money changed hands to the delight of the vendors.

Easter is fast approaching and with it will come the end of Lent.

This is the most significant season for the church people. Lots of babies are born, just like the Jesus of Bethlehem, but none have been given life eternal, like the living Jesus as told in the Easter story. To mark this, each day at noon next week, a short service will be held in the auditorium of Brussels United Church.

This is a long-standing tradition, with the area ministers sharing the message of the season and each church group offering food for that day. The service starts at noon,

followed by lunch, with receipts going to the Ministerial for their continuing work. Join the Easter people as Holy Week unfolds.

Bye now. Betty GW

Nicholson and two teams were tied for second, so they split the remaining prize money. They were Mike Dauphin and Andy Overholt and Cheryl Vandenheuvel and Suzanne Dale.

The next euchre is scheduled for April 19, so call the Branch if you are interested.

Saturday, the Branch hosted the zone public speaking event.

Children from across our zone were in attendance from communities including Kincardine, Howick, Wingham, Brussels, Zurich, Goderich and Clinton. There were five speakers in the Primary Division and Jake Stanley from Huron Heights was the winner.

There were seven speakers in the Junior Division and the winner was Kaitlin Fisher from Hensall. The two groups spoke in the morning.

After a brief break for lunch for the judges, etc., provided by Branch members Jo-Ann and Judy, the Intermediate and Senior Division was heard. There were six speakers for Intermediate and the winner was Maria Askes of Clinton. There was only one speaker for Senior and it was Esha Gill of Kincardine.

Brussels had two speakers attending and they were Case Ribey

in Primary and Avery Cochrane for Juniors. They did a great job. The winners from each division will advance to the district competition soon.

This week, the pub grub will be chicken burgers. It is also a music jam night. Play an instrument?

Come on down. Love to listen to music? Come on down. Music is on from 5:30-8 p.m.

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

Brussels Legion 218 Catch the Ace Weekly Winner Winning Ticket: Janet Hook, $142.

Envelope #49 found the 4 of Diamonds Next estimated jackpot is $500

Planning an Event?

Don’t miss potential guests!

Brussels Optimist's Dinner and Auction Sat April 6, 2024 BMG Community Centre.

Doors open at 5pm.

Dinner at 6:30 pm. $40 Proceeds to North Woods Elementary School's new playground.

Contact any member or McDonald Lumber for tickets or to donate

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

The Citizen

info@northhuron.on.ca www.huroncitizen.ca

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

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024. PAGE 7.

‘Green Christmas?

White Easter’ says Hakkers as spring makes presence felt

Irish tunes for St. Patrick’s Day The Lucky Charms band were joined by Cappy Onn from Jelly Bean Blue on the fiddle for a stompin’ good time at the Blyth Inn on Sunday, March 17. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

The Reading Web with Cindy Norgate

O

liver, Lisa, Mr. Haney, Eb, Mr. Kimball and Mr. Drucker were all characters on a favourite television show of mine when I was a child. If you have children at home, then you will probably be unfamiliar with these funny characters. If you are a grandparent, then perhaps you might recognize them. They were the characters from Green Acres. The show was about a couple from New York City that moved to a farm where the husband, Oliver, wanted to pursue a “simpler” life.

A simpler life makes me think of gardening. Let’s think about that for a moment and how it pertains to children’s lives in the 21st century.

Sometimes I sit and observe students and think about how fast-paced society is today and how it must feel for them. They probably don’t realize how fast life moves, and, even though I realize children must stay in tune to technology and how to use it in the classroom, I also think it is important for parents to take some time to share gardening with a child.

Think of it like this: Life for a child today is like the Autobahn, with vehicles driving at a fast-paced speed. Sometimes, especially for younger ones, it can get awfully exhausting and even contribute to depression, anxiety and anger.

Last summer, after finishing my assignment teaching summer school, my husband and I decided to drive to the Royal Botanical Gardens. I loved every moment of this beautiful location, but there was a special spot that meant the most to me. It was the Barbara Laking Memorial Heritage Garden. It was bursting with fresh vegetables of all kinds, so much so that I felt like I was back at my grandmother’s farm in my childhood. I suddenly found myself in a relaxed state and just stood there for a few minutes looking around.

According to the Royal Botanical Gardens website, “The Heritage Garden includes many cultivars and species commonly grown in an Ontario garden between 1880 and 1920. The garden features a ‘plants of necessity’ area with heritage vegetables, herbs, and fruits. It

illustrates the importance of plants for food and medicine for newly settled Europeans’ survival. As such, this area of the garden relates to human well-being, sustainability, and resilience in the face of tough living conditions.”

B.C Parent Magazine recently shared an article titled, “Dig This: 10 Big Benefits of Gardening with Kids”. According to the article, “When children garden, they gain ownership in what they are cultivating. I have seen my own children grow ‘attached’ to the plants in the containers on our patio garden. As children become more knowledgeable about all the living things in the garden, they are less likely to be afraid of touching the plants, getting soil on their hands, or being near bugs. They are no longer afraid of the unknown when they become familiar with what is in the garden.”

This reminded me of when my youngest children were adopted, they did not like to get dirty, much less play in the mud. I found that odd, because I enjoyed making “mud pies” as a little girl. My grandmother allowed me to use a spoon from her kitchen along with an old aluminum pie pan. I had a great time. I wanted them to experience it at least once, so, one day it had rained a lot and I thought to myself, “This is it.” There were large mud puddles, and I said, “Kids, let’s go out!” They looked at me in horror. I said, “You heard me. Let’s go! Let’s have some fun.” We went outside, threw mud at each other, stomped in the mud, and had a great time.” We laughed and laughed.

After we were finished playing, I hosed everyone off (including myself), and I knew this was a memory we would never forget.

From that time on, they didn’t mind helping me in the garden or playing in the mud. There’s just something about having your hands in the soil.

The article I found during my research further stated, “A garden can be therapeutic. Not that your fourth grader is battling traffic, raising children, and feeling the demands of a pressure-ridden job, but even kids can feel stress, and the

garden is good for eliminating it. In fact, a study in the Netherlands showed that after 30 minutes of gardening, subjects who had shown stress before they gardened had a ‘fully restored’ positive mood.”

A book I would love to share this week is called, Planting the Rainbow by Lois Ehlert (2003).

According to Amazon, “In this perennial classic with sturdy board book pages by Caldecott Honor– winning author Lois Ehlert, little ones learn the colours of the rainbow as they watch plants grow in a beautifully vibrant garden.”

As I leave it here for this week, I hope you will take time to consider working with a young one in a garden, even a container garden, which is what I do nowadays. It is a great activity.

“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt,” Margaret Atwood

By Deb Hakkers Welcome to spring! Well - maybe soon. Someone told me over the holidays that a green Christmas means a white Easter. All I can say is thank goodness Easter is early this year!

Mom is settling in at Huronlea and taking in many of the activities offered to aid in her recovery. She appreciates the phone calls, e-mails and visits to keep her in touch with the rest of the world.

This week, we wish a happy birthday to Taylor Wharton on March 22, Jewel Plunkett on March 25, Jane Glousher on March 26 and Paul Popp on March 28. We hope everyone enjoys their special day!

The deadline for ordering pies for Easter from the United Church is March 25. They are $12 each and available in raspberry, mixed berry, apple and pecan.

This week being Holy Week, leading up to Easter, many of our local churches have special services planned. Blyth United has a Maundy Thursday service at 7 p.m. on March 28, followed by a Good Friday service on March 29 at 11 a.m.

If you would like to share a birthday or special event in this column, please e-mail the information to mcraig1@tcc.on.ca, or call 519-525-8640 (evenings only please).

Until next week, take care of yourselves and each other!

NEWS FROM BLYTH

BELGRAVE COMMUNITY CENTRE invites

NOMINATIONS for the

Jim McGee Community Volunteer Award Submissions are to be completed by June 30, 2024 For more information please contact Kendra Robinson mandkrobinson@gmail.com 519-357-4040 for an information package

MAITLAND VALLEY CAMERA CLUB

Photography by Liz Allan

PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024.

Sports U11 C Huron Heat to put undefeated playoffs on line

All they do is win The U11 C Huron Heat have had a great playoff run thus far, posting a record of 11 wins and five ties. That’s right, no losses - so the team has yet to feel the agony of defeat in its postseason. The team was in action last Friday night in Seaforth, welcoming the Stratford Aces to the community for a game that the Heat promptly won by a score of 4-2. (John Stephenson photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The playoffs are continuing into late March for a handful of Huron Heat teams which are finding success in the postseason.

The U11 C Huron Heat has a

playoff date with the North Middlesex Junior Stars in Clinton on Sunday, March 24. The team will be putting its undefeated playoff record on the line, as the girls have won 11 games and tied five.

The U11 HL team is also

continuing its playoff journey with a game against the Lucan Irish in Zurich on March 31. The team has registered seven wins, two losses and a tie in the playoffs thus far.

The U13 HL team will play the Ilderton Jets in Goderich on March

On its way Now that the U11 C Huron Heat have posted a 4-2 win over the Stratford Aces in a game played last Friday night in Seaforth, the team is onto its next challenge, which is a playoff game on Sunday in Clinton with the North Middlesex Junior Stars. For those wanting to watch an undefeated team do its thing on the ice, the puck drops at 11 a.m.

(John Stephenson photo)

23 in hopes of building on the team’s 4-1 victory on St. Patrick’s Day in Ilderton. The team has also been successful in the playoffs, winning eight games, compared to one loss and one tie.

On March 24, the U13 C Heat will play the Central Perth Predators in Clinton, hoping to add another playoff win to the 10 they already have, alongside three losses and one tie.

On the other hand, the playoff journeys appear to have come to an end for several other Heat teams.

The U18 BB Heat ended the playoffs with a record of three wins, five losses and two ties, while the U18 C Heat won five games, lost six and tied five.

The U15 BB Heat won two games, lost five and tied one. They were scheduled to play the Lakeshore Lightning on the road on March 9, but a score for that game has not yet been posted.

The U15 C Heat won four playoff games, lost seven and tied three and the U13 BB Heat won three playoff games, lost one and tied two.

After six playoff games, the U11 BB Heat has won three game and lost three.

On March 17, the U9 C Heat lost to the Bluewater Hawks by a score of 4-0 on the road, while the Senior team played Monkton in Hensall, although a score for that game was unavailable at press time.

The U9 C Heat beat the Tillsonburg Lightning on March 16 in Seaforth. Also that day, the U9 HL Heat beat the Central Perth Predators on the road by a score of 6-1, the U11 HL team won its playoff game with the Lucan Irish in Seaforth by a score of 1-0 and the U13 HL team won its exhibition game with the Kincardine Kinucks in Tiverton by a score of 2-1.

The U11 C Heat beat the Central Perth Predators in a playoff game that day as well, triumphing by a score of 3-0. That came just a day after the U11 C Heat won its playoff game with the Stratford Aces in Seaforth by a score of 4-2.

On March 21, the U15 C Heat

played an exhibition game with the Ilderton Jets on the road, but a score was unavailable at press time.

Tonight, Friday, March 22, the U9 B Heat will play the North Middlesex Junior Stars in Clinton, while the U13 C Heat will play an exhibition game with the Mitchell Meteors, also on the road.

On Saturday, March 23, the U7 Heat will take part in the Sarnia Jamboree, while the U9 HL team will play the South Huron Sabres and the U9 C Heat will play the Ilderton Jets. The U13 BB Heat will play an exhibition game with the South Huron Sabres and the U15 C Heat will play an exhibition game with the Saugeen Shores Storm. All games are on the road.

On March 24, the U9 HL team will play the North Middlesex Junior Stars on the road, while the U9 B Heat will play an exhibition game with the South Huron Sabres on the road, the U11 BB Heat will play an exhibition game with the Ayr Rockets, also on the road, and the U13 BB Heat will play an exhibition game with the South Huron Sabres in Clinton.

Looking even further ahead, the U7 team will head east on March 29 for the annual Brampton Canadettes Tournament. The next day, the U11 BB Heat will play an exhibition game with the Lucan Irish on the road and the U13 BB Heat will play an exhibition game with the Bluewater Hawks, also on the road.

On April 4, the U11 BB Heat has a game scheduled with the Lucan Irish in Clinton, while, the following weekend, the U9 C Heat will head to St. Marys for the Western Ontario Girls’ Hockey League (WOGHL) year-end tournament.

This is ahead of the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) Provincials on the weekend of April 12-14. The U9 B, U11 BB, U11 C, U13 BB and U15 C Heat teams are all scheduled to be heading to the Toronto area to take part in what is, as of right now, the last scheduled action on the Huron Heat calendar.

The Hit n’ Misses Brussels Womens Broomball team traveled to Fergus, Ontario on March 15-17 to participate in Senior Broomball Provincials.

It has been 11+ years since the team has made it this far. The girls played hard and it paid off with The Hit n’ Misses coming home with a bronze medal. This would not have been possible without the help of some amazing local sponsors. The team would like to thank the following sponsors for their generosity and the opportunity that has been provided by them: • Listowel Hearing Center • McLean Brothers Concrete • Stephenson Custom Carpentry • Skips Tirecraft Brussels/Walkerton • Orr Insurance • Cook Electric • Stovel - Siemon Ltd. • Premier Equipment - Tavistock • Blyth Adult Broomball

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024. PAGE 9.

Sports U15 Rep Crusaders find Young Canada Week podium

Setting sun The season is drawing to a close for many Blyth Brussels Crusaders teams, as just a handful of them have playoff games or tournaments remaining on their schedules.

Above, the U15 LL Crusaders welcomed the Drayton Defenders to the Blyth and District Community Centre on Monday night, but ended the night on the wrong end of a 2-0 shutout score. (John Stephenson photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen With Easter rapidly approaching, the local hockey season is drawing to a close for Blyth Brussels Crusaders teams, with just a few games and tournaments left on the schedule.

Looking ahead, the U9 LL team will be on the road for the annual Tara Ice Dogs Tournament, set for March 23. The next day, the U9 MD Crusaders will take part in the

annual Mount Forest Rams Tournament.

The U18 LL Crusaders then have a playoff game in Blyth against the Walkerton Capitals on Tuesday, March 26.

Those are the last Crusaders games on the schedule for the 2023/2024 season.

The U9 LL team played the Ironmen in Wingham on March 19, the U9 MD team played the Wallace Sabres in Palmerston on March 20 and the U9 LL team

again played the Wingham Ironmen in Blyth on March 21, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

On Monday night in Blyth, the U15 LL Crusaders welcomed the Drayton Defenders to the Blyth and District Community Centre, but ended up on the wrong end of a 2-0 score.

Four Crusaders teams were in St. Patrick’s Day action on Sunday.

The U13 LL team lost its playoff game to the Goderich Sailors on the

road by a score of 2-1, the U9 MD team lost to the Arthur Vipers by a score of 6-5 and the U9 LL team beat the Listowel Cyclones by a score of 4-2, both in Blyth. The U8 Burgundy team played the MidHuron Huskies in Blyth, but a score was not kept for that game.

On Saturday, March 16, the U13 LL Crusaders lost a playoff game with the Mitchell Meteors on the road by a score of 5-2, while the U9 MD team beat the Drayton Defenders in Blyth by a score of 62.

From March 13-15, the U15 Rep Crusaders were in Goderich for Young Canada Week and earned a silver medal for their efforts.

The team opened on the morning of Wednesday, March 13 with a 4-2 win over the Wingham Ironmen, followed by a 4-2 win over Hanover in the first game of the day on Thursday, March 14.

They continued their winning ways later that evening with a 3-2 victory over Kincardine, earning them a spot on the final day schedule.

The team played Listowel in the semifinals, beating them by a score of 5-0, leading to a championship showdown with Kincardine, a team the Crusaders had beaten earlier in the tournament. However, this time, the game went the other way and it was Kincardine that was victorious, winning the final game of the tournament by a score of 3-1.

On March 13, the U9 LL team lost to the Listowel Cyclones by a

score of 8-7 on the road, while the U11 LL Crusaders lost their playoff game to the Mitchell Meteors, also on the road, by a score of 7-1.

On March 11, the U18 LL Crusaders welcomed the Arthur Vipers 1 team to Blyth for a playoff game, but lost to the visitors by a score of 6-1.

Local Coverage Where You Wo Work, Play & Live

Catch up on sports, shoppinng deals, restaurants, events, new businesses, politics, joob openings, homes for salee, cars for sale and more witth your local newspaper!

S b ib Todday!!

Subscribe

The Citizen n In Print & Online 519-523-4792

www.huroncitizen.ca

Need Your

SPACE? Declutter With Swap Shop

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.

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

Incoming Three eagerly await the arrival of the puck in front of the Drayton Defenders’ net, for opposing reasons, of course. The game would play out in an eventual 2-0 win for the Defenders over the U15 LL Blyth Brussels Crusaders in Blyth on Monday night, one of the few Crusaders playoff games left on the schedule. (John Stephenson photo)

PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024.

CIP, rebranding to go ahead in Huron East

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron East Council is moving ahead with a municipality-wide community improvement plan (CIP) after implementing a few changes recommended by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing as well as members of the public.

Economic Development Officer Taralyn Cronin spoke to the issue at a council meeting late last month.

Council approved moving ahead with the plan with little discussion.

Changes that have been included in the most recent draft of the plan include: a new program for agribusiness innovation; the removal of the branding, design and marketing grant (design will be an eligible

expense in the facade and signage improvement plans); the removal of the site design and study grant (site studies have been incorporated into the planning application and building permit fee program; the addition of a glossary of terms, and more details about the application process.

“The first draft [of the CIP] was presented to council on Dec. 19,

When in Rome Dublin They say that, on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone’s Irish. That was certainly the case on Sunday as The Blyth Inn welcomed the Lucky Charms (with some help from Blyth’s Capucine Onn on violin) for some traditional Irish music. Lead singer and 2023 CoCitizen of the Year Joe Gahan refused to be chained to the microphone and would make his way around the space, engaging fans young and old alike. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

SLED applications now open The County of Huron’s Economic Development Department has opened its 2024 Supporting Local Economic Development (SLED) funding program.

This program funds projects that address the strategic priorities from Huron County Economic Development’s 2022/2025 plan to a maximum of $10,000. The SLED program is delivered annually to local municipalities and registered non-profits.

Eligible projects must take place in Huron County and focus on one of the priorities from the THRIVE 2022-2025 Economic Development Strategic Plan: re-engagement, education and/or skills development, attraction and/or retention of workforce; impacts business districts, key industry sectors and/or investment attraction readiness; advances community development, tourism sector development and/or the promotion of local food, or projects focused on youth and/or newcomers building a stronger sense of community.

Vicki Lass, Director of Huron County Economic Development, says the SLED fund began in 2016.

“It was established to help fund some of the economic development work that our partner municipalities and not-for-profit organizations do that benefit our local communities,”

Lass explained in a press release.

The list of eligible organizations could include BIAs, Chambers of Commerce, arts organizations, sector organizations and municipal partners. Applications will be assessed on a merit basis and evaluated by a panel of local economic development professionals.

The deadline to submit is April 12, 2024 by 4:30 p.m. All applicants will be notified the week of April 22 regarding the success of their application.

Full program details, including application form, can be found at www.huroncounty.ca/economic-

development/our-services/ incentives programs/sled/

2023. In accordance with Section 28 of the Ontario Planning Act, council directed staff to plan a public open house regarding the CIP,” Cronin said in her report to council. “The draft CIP was circulated to the Huron East business community and to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for comment.

“Two public open houses were held on Jan. 29 in Brussels and Seaforth to give the community an in-person opportunity to voice their questions and concerns about the draft CIP. A total of 20 people attended the open houses. The majority of attendees at the Brussels open house voiced their concerns about the poor state of downtown Brussels and were interested to learn more about how the CIP will address the concerns.

The discussion at the Seaforth open house was focused around what the program application process will look like and details about the historic property and accessibility improvement programs.”

Cronin said that, once council officially approved the plan, the programs and incentives offered as part of the CIP each year will be at the discretion of council and based on the recommendations from staff.

She added that council may, if it so chooses, implement a program in response to a development proposal.

Council approved the plan with little discussion. *** Also at the Feb. 20 meeting, Cronin spoke to council regarding applications to the Rural Economic Development (RED) Fund and the Regional Tourism Organization 4 (RTO4).

The first application, for RED funding, would be for new branding for the municipality. The total cost of the undertaking is expected to be between $11,000 and $16,000 and, if successful, the grant would cover up to 50 per cent of the cost.

At the meeting, Cronin said there are currently over 60 subtle variations of the Huron East logo in use due to different colours being used, etc. This proposal, she told council, would hire a graphic designer to rebrand Huron East,

Youth Winter Sports Pages Coaches and parents

LAST CALL!

~ 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.

Celebrating A Special Occasion?

Advertise it in

The Citizen Call or email to book your ad today!

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

which would include the creation of a unique corporate brand identity, wording that depicts the “feeling” of Huron East, a new logo for the municipality and guidelines for implementation.

“Staff believe that Huron East is in need of a new look, and a current brand, as we move towards working together as one community,” Cronin said in her report. “Staff want to ensure that if changes to the municipal logo and colours are imminent, these changes are made before a significant investment is made in signage.”

Cronin noted that her second recommended grant application would be for wayfinding signage, so they are all connected in a way.

“The current Huron East logo was created at the time of amalgamation and staff have been unable to locate an accompanying usage guide.

Therefore, variations of the logo have been applied to print and electronic materials over the past 20-plus years because there are no guidelines,” she said in her report.

“When the current website was developed, a new image for Huron East was introduced, which coincides with the Huron East logo on every page of our website.”

She added that staff felt “the time is now” for rebranding, as the municipality is in the process of establishing its priorities for the next five to 10 years through the strategic planning process.

Council agreed and gave Cronin the go-ahead to apply for the funding.

In her next report, Cronin spoke about wayfinding signage, saying the first phase of the wayfinding signage program is expected to cost between $75,000 and $114,000 and, if the municipality is successful in its grant application to RTO4, the organization’s partnership funding program would cover up to 50 per cent of the project cost up to $70,000.

She told council that the three streams of funding for the year are signage and wayfinding, tourism development research and digital storytelling (creation and promotion).

Council also gave Cronin the green light to apply for this funding with little discussion.

Deadline March 29

Please help us get ALL the Winter Sports teams published.

The Citizen

405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792 info@northhuron.on.ca

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024. PAGE 11.

Limited storage space a concern for HC Museum

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen At Huron County Council’s Feb. 7 meeting, Director of Cultural Services Beth Rumble updated council on space at the Huron County Museum and its off-site storage facility and the ongoing, ever-growing needs for space.

“As a community museum, the ongoing collection of artifacts does necessitate an ongoing need for storage space,” Rumble told council in her report. “The museum currently houses collections in main storage at the museum, archives storage at the museum, as well as two off-site storage sheds located just outside of Goderich in [Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh].

The items stored at the museum benefit from heating/cooling and humidity control. The off-site storage buildings (typically used for larger artifacts) solely shelter items from the basic elements.”

Rumble noted that two studies have recently been completed regarding space at the museum.

“The first space-related report was conducted by an ad-hoc committee of volunteers active in the local archival community.

This report specifically focused on finding solutions to ensure that archival and heritage material in Huron County from personal collections could be kept and properly preserved. This report was presented to Huron County Council in 2012,” Rumble said.

“In 2013, this same group added historical collections held by local municipalities to their study. Based on these studies, the report suggested a staffed central archives facility, as well as volunteer-run satellites in communities throughout Huron County that desired to keep

their collections local.

“The second report is referred to as the Lundholm Report and was completed in 2014 by Lundholm Associates as a result of the strategic plan at the time indicating that ‘a 20-year facility plan for the county’s archives, corporate records and museum collections’ should be developed.”

Rumble said that the report noted that, at the time, the collections were using just over 16,000 square feet of space, but that the standards of the day would have called for nearly 20,500 square feet for storage of the collection.

The report’s final recommendation included three phases: a new off-site museum collections repository, renovation to accommodate the public access and storage functions of corporate records and archives within the museum building and a two-level addition to the museum to accommodate new exhibition galleries and public program space.

All three phases, at the time, if implemented, were expected to cost over $19 million.

The museum’s current strategic plan, Rumble said in her report, directs staff to “maximize existing footprint” in regards to storage, which includes working with Ontario Ancestors to find another location, create a collections development plan to identify collection priorities, complete the RE-ORG process and evaluate space needs once corporate records are relocated and create a workspace for object conservation.

“There are currently over 30,000 object records in the museum’s PastPerfect database, with more currently being catalogued and accessioned,” Rumble said in her report. “Archival holdings are harder to predict, as there is a large

Summer Company applications open Applications are now being accepted for Huron County’s annual Summer Company program.

The Summer Company helps students aged 15-29 who are looking to start their own business.

Successful applicants will receive up to $3,000 in start-up funds as well as business coaching throughout the summer.

The County of Huron will award up to 10 students the chance to start their own companies this summer.

This is made possible through an ongoing partnership with the Province of Ontario and a new partnership with the McCall MacBain Foundation.

“I really enjoyed the Summer Company program, it’s a very safe space to approach all of the ideas I had about running a business,” said Brette Brohman, owner of Brohman Custom Designs. “I wouldn’t have had this kind of experience anywhere else - it’s an experience that is 100 per cent worth the time and effort. The people running the program have done a fantastic job of facilitating the opportunity and helping me feel supported and equipped with the resources I need.”

Applications for the Summer Company program are open through May 17, 2024. To apply, individuals must determine if they are eligible and submit an application package, which includes a business plan and cash

flow projections.

Interested individuals are encouraged to contact the business coaching staff at the Huron County Economic Development department.

“We encourage interested individuals to reach out to the Huron County Economic Development department prior to submitting their application,” explains Huron County Business Coach, Tricia Denomme. “As the Business Coach, I will work with individuals to help them prepare their business plan and cash flow projections for their application, instead of them trying to figure it out on their own.”

All submitted applications will be reviewed and applicants may be contacted for an interview before being approved for the program.

Once participants are approved, they will be connected to a coach/mentor, provided with basic training, and receive other business support and promotional opportunities. Participants will be provided with $1,500 to help with start-up costs and the remaining $1,500 at the end of the summer, upon the completion of the program.

For more information about the Summer Company program and the eligibility criteria, visit: www.huroncounty.ca/ economic-development/ourservices/incentives programs/ summer-company

portion of the collection that is not catalogued. However, it is estimated that the number is likely between 25,000 and 27,000.

“New accessions with Huron County relevance are accepted at the museum and archives as space and collection needs dictate.

Archival storage is currently full and a portion of the collection is housed in museum main storage.”

As a result, Rumble said the museum is actively working to address storage concerns though relocation of corporate records and restricted records, a re-organization of current storage and deaccessioning some items from the collection. Once those are complete, Rumble says the museum plans to address storage thoroughly once again, incorporating some

small-scale potential solutions, such as adding compact shelving, renting a climate-controlled storage space, repurposing exhibit space into storage space and the refurbishment and expansion of off-site storage to include more space and proper temperature control.

“There are implications to all of the above and more thorough consideration would need to be given to the trade-offs of each option,” Rumble said in her report.

She ended her report with six future considerations regarding space at the museum: influx of large community collections (these large donations would quickly fill newlycreated space), loss of historicallyimportant items (items may leave the county if there is no place for

them to be stored), stagnant collection (limiting and/or ceasing to collect new items), community perception (respect for and protection of our heritage), conservation concerns (overcrowding can result in physical damage to artifacts as well as increase environmental damage due to lack of air flow) and health and safety (overcrowding of storage impacts clear aisles, compromising staff safety).

Several councillors said they were concerned with the contents of the report and what it meant for the future of the collection, wanting to ensure it was being preserved properly. As a result, council requested a staff report on options for museum storage moving forward.

Making it work The Hensall 4-H Makers Club held its second meeting on March 6 in Hensall. There, members learned metal working skills like welding, bending and riveting metal. From left: Mercedes Prout, Myles Theophilopoulus, Alicia Stuenebrink, Helen Turner and Denise Iszczuk. (Photo submitted)

Shop Local incluudes Local Advveertisiing

When you buy an ad from us, you are supporting ti llocal.l O Our entire e ti staff t ff - editor, dit publisher, bli h repporter, t sales l rep. production coordinator, designer, photographer, columnists, coorrespondents, freelancers, proofrreaders and mail County crew all live and spend right here in Huron County. nterview the chair Mark Zuckerberg and Google probably won’t send a photographer to your event or a reporter to interview of your service club or attend five municipal councils on your behalf. le. These readers We have 2000 newspapers that go out every week that are each read by an average of four people. shop locally, so this is a win-win-win scenario.

Suppor t your community newspaper so that it can suppor ppor t you!

PO Box 429 Blyth, ON N0M 1H0

The Citizen

519-523-4792 huroncitizen.ca

PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024.

Several signs of spring shrouded in snow PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

The March break is over and the weather wasn’t too bad. Kids were out playing on the street, riding bikes and enjoying the couple of warm days.

Signs of spring can be seen everywhere if you look under the five to eight centimetres of snow that came earlier this week. The snowdrops are blooming, other spring flowers are poking through the ground, of course maple syrup is being boiled and the tundra swans are arriving. Snow boots are on and off, trees are sprouting buds, road shoulders are soft, new skid marks have appeared on the pavement and people are speeding on the dry roads. The birds are

singing outside, farmers are spreading manure and we are wearing sweaters instead of heavy coats. Some outside sports, like softball and soccer, are being played, snow tires are coming off and sweets for Easter are being purchased. Time sped ahead, and there is a lot more sun now! The only thing I have not seen is a skunk and they are usually out fairly early! Spring is on its way.

We send our get-well wishes to Sharon Glanville, who is currently in hospital. We hope she is on the mend.

It is Coffee Chat at the Walton Hall this week. Don’t forget to stop by and have a coffee and goodie, all while taking a chance to visit with old friends. It runs from 9:30-11 a.m.

Returning from a cruise on the Celebrity Ascent is a group of friends. Enjoying stops at San Juan, St. Kitts and Tortola of the British Virgin Islands and having a wonderful time together were Murray and Marlene Fischer, Don and Darlene Fischer, Gord and Dale Finch, Jim and Bev Hutchens, Joan

Beuerman and Christine Keffer.

They lucked out with great weather, good entertainment and a great time together. Welcome back!

There is something new at Richmond Square. A donation box for the Diabetes Society was delivered there last week. There have already been donations made and some left outside the box.

Please, if they are too big, they can be donated to the 5R’s thrift shop, instead of being ruined in the wet weather.

The Brussels Farmers’ Market is looking for vendors. There are seven Fridays planned for the market this year.

Many people need help with their yard work, grass cutting, etc. There are two new businesses starting in the area. We have Sarah Williamson of Walton, who has started Huron County Landscape. She was encouraged by family to create her new business. She offers designing to maintaining and everything in between. Congratulations Sarah.

There is also Brent Scrimgeour who has started his lawn maintenance business. He does

lawn care, spring and fall clean-up, power washing, snow removal and parking lot line painting and more.

Congratulations to Brent.

Congratulations to Brandon Blake and Amanda on the birth of a second daughter. The wee girl is named Addie, I believe. She will be welcomed home by big brother Lucas and big sister Lauren. Bruce and Michelle Blake are very happy to have grandchild number six

added to the Blake family tree.

Celebrating birthdays this past week include Griffin Verkley, Ray Huether Jr., Celeste Ryan, and St. Patrick’s Day babies Cora Alcock, McKinley Ryan, Don Chesher and Jim Lee. They are followed by Art McNaughton, Lauren Blake, Carol Henderson, Keith Wilbee, John Gillis, Kennedy Ann Huether, Cathy Regele and Brandi Williamson. Happy birthday to all.

MWI to celebrate 85th anniversary

By Bev Craddock The Majestic Women’s Institute met on Wednesday, March 13 at 1:30 p.m. at the Brussels Library.

Doreen Marks called the meeting to order and then Marie McCutcheon read the last meeting’s minutes and Janet Haertel gave the treasurer’s report. After business was dealt with, members worked

together to plan 2024/2025 programs, such as harvesting herbs, decorating cookie tin lids for the holidays and other programs.

This is our 85th anniversary as the Majestic Women’s Institute, beginning in 1939. We will be celebrating in November of 2024.

We hope you can join us.

NEWS FROM WALTON

Beat Canada Post!

Get your news early by adding a E-edition to your subscription.

Mid-day cowboys Music fans in Seaforth were treated to a delightful celebration of St. Patrick’s Day with a performance by Goderich-based The Irish Cowboys. The concert also served as a fundraiser, with half of the good-will offering going to the United Way Perth Huron. (John Stephenson photos)

Our Friday paper is posted to our website by Thursday each week!

One year subscription to

The Citizen only $5000 Add the E-edition for only $1000 more Enclosed is $50.00 for a 1-year subscription Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Postal Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Email address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Start or renew your subscription today by phoning 519-523-4792 or online at huroncitizen.ca or by e-transfer to accounts@northhuron.on.ca (please include your name and address in the message or mail cheque made payable to

NORTH HURON PUBLISHING INC. P.O. Box 429, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024. PAGE 13.

BLYTH Y 519-523-4244

+XURQ7UDFWRU FRP

519-523-4311

www.ruralvoice e.ca

MT grants approval to severance application

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Morris-Turnberry Council granted approval to a zoning severance application concerning a parcel of land with an atypical shape at a regular meeting on Tuesday, March 5.

In her inaugural appearance since being assigned to Morris-Turnberry Council, Huron County Planner Laura Simpson explained the details of the surplus residence severance application for the property located at 42297 Moncrieff Road. “The owner is Jenny Vercruyssen. She is proposing to do a reverse surplus severance, in that she intends to remain and obtain the house parcel and then have the severed land be the farmland that also will be purchased by another farmer who qualifies for the surplus severance criteria.”

Simpson said the proposed lot to be retained is two acres and the remaining farmland is approximately 98 acres. Both areas are zoned AG-1 General Agriculture and the severed parcel also has a portion that is zoned NE2 Natural Environment Limited Protection.

During circulation, the application did not receive any comments from the public, Simpson confirmed.

However, Simpson did say she received correspondence from municipal staff with some notes.

Chief Building Official Kirk Livingston recommended a septic inspection and pumping of the current system connected to the house and the inclusion of a drainage agreement to ensure proper assessments for all future work on the McCall extension municipal drain.

“Additionally,” added Simpson, “comments from the CAO noted the proposed irregular shape of the retained parcel for the house and, noting council’s direction in the past for previous surplus residence severances to be square and rectangular, recommended it be brought for consideration and review tonight.”

Simpson provided justification for the unusual shape of the proposed severance. “[The retained parcel is] approximately two acres.

Creating a square with the existing structures out to Moncrieff Road would create a parcel of about approximately 5.5 acres in size with about three and half of those being the farmland on the east and west of the existing laneway. So it is proposed that this is the preferred size to accommodate what the applicant wishes to have, she doesn’t wish to have any additional farmland with her residence and accessory buildings.”

Simpson recommended the application be approved with conditions.

Deputy-Mayor Kevin Freiburger said, “In the past, we went towards the rectangular shape. But to me, in this sense, it does kind of make sense to, you know, maximize agricultural land. So, I think it is something worth considering, I think, in this situation. It seems like

a lot of extra land to add to a residential lot that’s not necessarily needed.”

Councillor Jamie McCallum agreed with Freiburger’s comments.

Mayor Jamie Heffer concurred and said, “Laura, being that you’re new to us as a planner, we do really like to see squared or rectangularshaped lots when we do severances… it’s still our

preference, in this case, with that long lane, it does make it a little more awkward to deal with that extra farmland that’s not needed for the severance. So moving forward, our preference will always be to try to have straight lines.”

A motion to approve the application put forth by Councillor Sharen Zinn carried.

Cowboy tunes for St. Patrick’s Day The Irish Cowboys performed at First Presbyterian Church in Seaforth on Sunday, March 17 as part of a fundraiser held by the church to benefit the United Way Perth Huron. (John Stephenson photo)

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK REPORT For the week ending March 15, 2024 Total Receipts: 1,395 cattle, 1,164 lambs and goats Tuesday – Fed cattle sold at prices $2 - $5 higher. Cows sold steady.

Thursday – Veal sold on a strong active trade at prices $10 - $15 higher.

Lambs, sheep and goats sold on a strong active trade at slightly higher prices.

Friday – Calves and yearlings sold on a strong active trade.

Fed Cattle: There were 80 fed cattle on offer: Choice Fed Cattle: $240 – $260 up to $265 Second Cut Fed Cattle: $232 – $239 Aged and Medium Fed Cattle: $218 – $225 Holstein Fed Cattle: $150 – $212 Art Bos of Blyth, consigned three head. One fed steer averaged 1,550 lbs. and sold for $260.

Jamie Irwin of Lucknow, consigned four head. One simmental cow weighed 1,555 lbs. and sold for $206.

Tony and Joanne Los of Atwood, consigned three head. One holstein cow weighed 1,500 lbs. and sold for $191.

Veal: There were 190 veal on offer:

David M. Martin of Clifford, consigned 33 head. Eight lambs averaged 63 lbs. and sold for an average price of $495.

Spruce Acre Farms Inc. of Mildmay, consigned nine head. Six lambs averaged 87 lbs. and sold for an average price of $400.

Beef Veal: $205 – $315 Good Holsteins: $255 – $270 SL Heavy Holsteins: $250 – $265 Heavy Holsteins: $230 – $251 Medium Holsteins: $240 – $249 Plain Holsteins: $225 – $239 Drop Calves: $500 – $1,150 / HEAD Solomon A. Martin of Priceville, consigned five head. One blue veal weighed 940 lbs. and sold for $315.

Bennewies Livestock Inc. of Bornholm, consigned six head. One holstein veal weighed 725 lbs. and sold for $270.

Lambs:

Cows: There were 175 cows on offer: Beef Cows: $125 – $145 up to $206 Good Holstein Cows: $132 – $150 up to $191 Medium Holstein Cows: $121 – $131 Bulls: $150 – $190 Fed Cows: $150 – $200

Sheep: $140 – $250 up to $285

Under 50 lbs.: $442.50 – $495 50-64 lbs.: $420 – $495 65-79 lbs.: $389 – $446 up to $490 80-94 lbs.: $310 – $405 95-109 lbs.: $270 – $324 up to $355 110 lbs. and over: $207.50 – $280 up to $287.50

Goats: Meat Kids: $520 – $610 Dairy Kids: $450 – $600 Mature Bucks: $300 – $400 Mature Does: $100 – $280 Rachel Black of Goderich, consigned two head. One kid goat averaged 41 lbs. and sold for an average price of $610.

Darrin Durand consigned nine head.

Five kid goats weighed 50 lbs. and sold for an average price of $600.

Stockers: There were 950 stockers on offer:

Top Quality Steers: Under 400 lbs.: Too few to establish a market 400 – 499 lbs.: $340 – $420 500 – 599 lbs.: $345 – $421 600 – 699 lbs.: $345 – $424 700 – 799 lbs.: $334 – $375 800 – 899 lbs.: $318 – $372 900 – 999 lbs.: $299 – $329 1,000 lbs. and over: $269 – $308.50 up to $318.50

Satchell Farms Ltd. of Gadshill, consigned 60 head. Twelve black heifers averaged 641 lbs. and sold for an average price of $366.

Top Quality Heifers: Under 400 lbs.: Too few to establish a market 400 – 499 lbs.: Too few to establish a market 500 – 599 lbs.: $250 – $367 600 – 699 lbs.: $310 – $374 700 – 799 lbs.: $289 – $323.50 800 – 899 lbs.: $287 – $328 900 lbs. and over: $274 – $290

Dallas Coultes of Brussels, consigned 50 head. Twenty red heifers averaged 871 lbs. and sold for an average price of $320.

Steve Simpson of Goderich, consigned 31 head. Four charolais steers averaged 625 lbs. and sold for an average price of $424.50.

Corey and Jenn Mannerow of Chesley, consigned 24 head. Five charolais steers averaged 820 lbs. and sold for an average price of $372.

David M. Martin of Holyrood, consigned 11 head. Eight charolais steers averaged 1,005 lbs. and sold for an average price of $318.50.

Ken Shortreed of Walton, consigned 30 head. Fourteen charolais heifers averaged 822 lbs. and sold for an average price of $328.

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd.

UPCOMING SALES TUESDAYS 10:00 a.m.

Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows

THURSDAYS

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

FRIDAYS

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

Call us 519-887-6461

PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, MARCH 22, 2024

Classified Advertising – RATES – 20 words or less only $9.00 + HST Additional words 25¢ ea. + HST

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

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

-------------------------------------------Shade trees, Spruce, White Pine, Cedars, windbreaks and privacy hedges, Shrubs, Apples, Pears, Peaches, Plums, Sweet & sour Cherry Trees at (Emanuel E.M. Martin) Martin's Nursery 42661 Orangehill Rd, Wroxeter ON N0G 2X0 -------------------------------------------THE CITIZEN IS AVAILABLE TO purchase at these locations - Auburn Esso, Belgrave Variety, Blyth Food Market, Blyth Variety, Blyth Ultramar, Brussels Foodland, Brussels Variety, Clinton Convenience, Clinton Foodland, Fogal's YIG (Wingham), Wingham Mini Mart, Seaforth Foodland, Fincher's (Goderich), Goderich Victoria St Shell, Canadian Tire Gas Bar, Goderich and The Citizen office in Blyth.

-------------------------------------------REPRINTS OF PHOTOS taken by Citizen photographers are available to purchase. All are in colour. 4x6 $5.00, 5x7 - $6.00, 8x10 - $10.00.

Phone to order 519-523-4792 or email info@northhuron.on.ca

Card of thanks JAMIESON - The family of Ramona Jamieson would like to thank our neighbours, friends and family for your cards, kind words, visits and memories shared, as well as floral arrangements/plants, gifts and charitable donations in her memory following her recent death. Your support means so much to us. We also want to thank St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Huronview and Huron Hospice - Bender House staff for treating our mom, grandma and great-grandma with care and compassion. A thank you to the staff of the Clinton Adult Day Program for the times she spent at the centre were highlights of her week. Thank you also to Falconer Funeral Home for their guidance and support, to Jim Le Souder, service officiant, and to the Londesborough UCW for the delicious lunch. Saying "good-bye" to our family's matriarch has been a difficult time, but your kindness and caring compassion have helped us in our journey and will always be remembered. The Jamieson and Hart families.

--------------------------------------------

Coming events

MUNICIPALITY OF HURON EAST (BRUSSELS) SPORTS DRIVE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT NO. 12143

Bridal Shower for

Heidi Raynard fiancée of Isaac Baker on

Sunday, April 14 at 1-4 pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Wingham Heidi is registered at https://www.myregistery.com/weddingregistry/heidi-raynard-and-isaac-bakerwingham-on/4121223

RSVP 519-901-3637

Sealed tenders, addressed to the Barry Mills, Public Works Manager, Municipality of Huron East, 72 Main Street South, Seaforth, ON, N0K 1W0, will be received by him until:

Welcome Your New Arrival in

The Citizen

Call or email to book your ad today 519-523-4792 info@northhuron.on.ca

Moving/yard sale Moving/yard sale Moving/Yard Sale Saturday, March 30, 2024 41927 Huron Bruce Road North of Wingham on Highway 4, East on Huron Bruce Road and West of Belmore Farm Equipment: Kubota M9000 Loader Tractor with cab, Kubota 900 RTV with cab, Vertical 3 point hitch Hagedorn wood splitter, Onan PTO Generator, Cub Cadet 54” Zero Turn Mower, Lawn Sweeper, Ladders, Sheep Equipment, Antiques, Meat Grinder, Boat Trailer, and much more.

Household items: Couch, Loveseat, Maytag Stackable Washer/Dryer, Glass Front Propane Fireplace, Fridge, Desk, Printer Stand, Patio Set, Muskoka Chairs, Play Pen, Humidifier, Dishes and many other items.

Notices

Tenders

Tenders

Notices

12:00:59 p.m. (local time), Tuesday April 9, 2024 The work includes approximately: • 2700 m3 of earth excavation • 1700 tonnes of Granular A • 4000 tonnes of Granular B • 550 tonnes of Hot Mix Asphalt • 680 m of curb and gutter • 570 m2 of sidewalk • 290 lineal metres of storm sewer (300 to 525 mm dia.)

• 370 lineal metres of watermain (150 to 200 mm dia.)

• 320 tonnes of Hot Mix Asphalt (2025) as well as other work incidental thereto.

Digital plans, specifications and tender forms may be obtained by registering as a Plan Taker with the office of the undersigned after March 20, 2024. Each tender must be accompanied by a certified cheque or bid bond in the amount of $45,000.00. Hard copy available upon request and payment of a non-refundable fee of $40.00, payable to B. M. Ross and Associates Limited.

Lowest or any tender may not necessarily be accepted.

B. M. ROSS AND ASSOCIATES LIMITED Engineers and Planners 62 North Street Goderich, ON N7A 2T4 Phone: (519) 524-2641 www.bmross.net

See News Happening?

Let us know!

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND OTHERS All persons having claims against the Estate of Grace Wallace James Procter, late of the Town of Goderich (and formerly the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry) in the County of Huron, who died on or about the 23rd day of February, 2024, are hereby notified to send to the undersigned on or before the 17th day of April, 2024 their names and full particulars of the claims. Immediately thereafter, the undersigned will distribute the assets of the said estate having regard only to the claims then filed.

DATED at North Huron this 14th day of March, 2024.

Kate Procter and Cameron Procter, Estate Trustees, by their Solicitors, CRAWFORD, MILL & DAVIES, 217 Josephine Street, Wingham, Ontario, N0G 2W0.

Attn: CONOR T. O’KEEFE. 519-357-3630.

Personals

Services

Are you experience an unplanned pregnancy? Are you a young parent?

Do you feel overwhelmed and have questions? We have answers and we're here to help. Our services are free and completely confidential.

Contact Room2Grow at 519-6060046 or visit our website www.room2grow.info --------------------------------------------

A.J's Delivery - Need something picked up? Groceries, coffee, snacks, car parts, pharmacy, and more! Call A.J.'s today! Brussels 343-585-6735 -------------------------------------------INCOME TAX PREPARATION farm, business, personal. Stephen Thompson, 519-482-3244.

--------------------------------------------

Advertise in the classifieds today

The Citizen ~ 519-523-4792

The Citizen Call or email us today

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

Swap shop Citizen-To-Citizen “SWAP SHOP” ad Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca • Free ad up to 25 words, person to person only (no businesses), items valued at $1,000 or less. Price must be included in your ad.Your ad will run three times unless it sells faster!

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

FOR SALE - Wooden magazine rack. $20. 519-357-9467.

12-3 --------------------------------------------FREE TO A GOOD HOME Bunnies for Easter. Contact Evelyn Caldwell ~ 519-523-9324.

11-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Table saw 10”, 2HP, Can be wired 110 or 220. Currently wired 110. Table size 27” x 39 3/4”.

One extra blade. $150. Chain hoist. 2 ton with 10’ lift. Used once. $150.

226-880-1689.

10-3

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

Celebrate your special someone!

Advertise it in

The Citizen Call or email us today for the details

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

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024. PAGE 15.

Goaltenders’ duel Members of the Central Huron Fire Department took on players with professional experience for a charitable hockey game in Clinton on Saturday, March 16 to raise money for Huron Residential Hospice. The goaltenders battled it out to a 9-8 final in favour of the former professionals. (John Stephenson photos)

Coffee and muffins to follow Palm Sunday service

Licensed Lay Worship Leader Sue Barnett led the morning worship at Londesborough United Church on Sunday, March 17, the fifth Sunday of Lent. In the Lenten Liturgy, congregants were reminded of the anguish in which Jesus faced the events related to Easter. This anguish was further revealed in the choir’s anthem, “A Ballad of Trees and the Master”.

Sue’s responsive reading was Psalm 119. The New Testament scripture passage was John 12: 2033. These verses contain Jesus’ last public conversation at the beginning of the week of Passover.

Jesus speaks in these verses of His reason for coming to earth, to die and live again, to bear new life in God and the Christian faith.

Easter is a critical time for everyday Christians to show their faith and love to the world; to remember in their hearts that Jesus knew and accepted what He must do to show the world love.

Next Sunday, Palm Sunday, the Board of Stewards invites everyone to stay following the service for coffee and muffins in the Sunday school room.

Flowers in the sanctuary for the service were placed by the family of Betty Millar in her memory. The funeral for Betty was held on Saturday, March 16.

Betty and Hugh Millar farmed the property just east of the village for decades. Richard and Tracy

Bergsma live on that property, currently. Hugh and Betty raised five children who participated in village activities in their youth and attended Hullett Central Public School. Betty was a member of Londesborough United Church and an active member of the United Church Women.

At the time of her passing, Betty was living at Huronlea. Please keep Betty’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in the coming weeks as they adjust to life without her.

Driving to a hockey game last weekend, I noticed a backyard rink that more resembled a backyard pond. It got me thinking about the winter we essentially never had this year.

The snow on Oct. 31 likely had more than one of us getting concerned about having a long and nasty winter season. You remember.

That was Halloween night when several centimetres of snow fell in about two hours. And homeowners

NEWS FROM LONDESBORO

opened the door to a series of trick or treaters who all looked a little like abominable snowmen. The kids didn’t seem to mind. They likely thought it was quite a lark trick-ortreating in a snowfall.

There were a few snowfalls, like the one in mid-February when many of us were caught driving in horrible conditions, but they melted away quickly in the following days.

The school kids missed a few days of classes, but mostly because of icy conditions.

Backyard rinks weren’t the only things that suffered because of the mild winter. Ski hills, snowmobile riders and retailers, and ice fishing all took a real hit as well.

Skating on the Rideau Canal, an Ottawa tourist attraction, was limited to a few short sections

on a handful of days in 2024.

Environment Canada has been keeping temperature records since 1948. This winter, the months of December, January and February were the warmest on record, actually coming in 5.2 degrees above the norm. A tenth of a degree over the norm is considered significant apparently! This winter exceeded that overwhelmingly. The winter of 2009/2010 had the closest record at 4.1 degrees above the norm. The whole of 2023 goes into the record books as the warmest.

Why? It seems we were affected

by El Niño, a cyclical weather pattern, which this winter was one of the five strongest on record.

When it crosses the country from the Pacific, it always brings warm temperatures. But human-induced

climate change caused by the burning of fossil fuels was the biggest factor when combined with El Niño. These gasses trap the heat in the atmosphere.

Will this mild winter have an impact going forward into spring and summer? It may affect the growing season, the bug season and water levels. We are already hearing about ticks arriving earlier than usual.

Next winter may be a totally different story if the reverse, La Niña, develops. It is common to hear, “we have no control over the weather,” but perhaps we do. All those little things each person does to lessen climate change add up. It takes a long time to see how they affect our world, just know that they can and keep on doing them.

PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024.

Obituaries

BERT (BARTHELD) DYKSTRA December 27, 1947 - March 12, 2024 Bert (Bartheld) Dykstra passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus, surrounded by family, at University Hospital, London at the age of 76.

He is survived by Nellie (Maaskant) his loving wife of 52 years.

He was the pillar of our family, a wonderful father and father-in-law of Charlene VanGurp (David), Ben Dykstra (Tara), Simona Boeringa (John), Coralie Dykstra (Jeff Clark), Berton Dykstra (Tanya), and Janelle Dykstra.

He was a loving and treasured grandpa of 15 grandchildren, Jordan (Nadine), Aaron, Josiah, Audrey, Aven, Breelyn, Callum, Emma, Nolan (Sarah), Abby, Levi, Olive, Brayden, Danika, and Koen.

He was the cherished brother and brother-in-law of Doreen Siertsema, Helen Dykstra, Kees (Sandra) Dykstra, Francine Dykstra, Lois VanReenen, Alfred (Margaret) Dykstra, Margaret Klaas, Tom (Diane) Dykstra, John Maaskant, Sandy Maaskant, Frieda Maaskant, Hugo (Moira) Maaskant, Rob (Lori) Maaskant, Charlie (Karen) Maaskant, and Micheal Maaskant.

Bert was predeceased by brothers Mike Dykstra and Leo Dykstra, brothers-in-law Murray Siertsema, Bill VanReenen and Murray Klaas, and sister-in-law Simona Maaskant.

Bert was born in Anjum, Friesland and immigrated to Clinton, Ontario when he was seven years old, where he lived for the rest of his earthly life. He was one of the best; loved and respected by so many people. He had an infectious smile with a big heart. He took over the family farm and established Frieshaven Farms, where his love of farming flourished.

He appreciated God’s creation and was able to enjoy the view from the seat of a tractor. Along with farming, Bert was involved with many service groups and community organizations and spent over 20 years in municipal politics serving as councillor, deputy-reeve, reeve, and warden. He was very proud of his accomplishments, while humbly serving the community.

The true joy of his life was being

with his family. Above all, he loved the Lord and we can have comfort that he is with Jesus!

Visitation was held at the Clinton Christian Reformed Church on Monday, March 18. The funeral service was also held there on Tuesday, March 19. Cremation has taken place.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to Clinton Public Hospital Foundation or Huron Hospice would be appreciated.

Messages of condolence for the Dykstra family are welcome at www.falconerfuneralhomes.com

raised in Stanley Township, Betty was in her 93rd year.

Betty was the beloved wife of the late Thomas Hugh Millar (2011) for 58 years. She was loved by her five children: Randy (Lysanne) Millar, Brian (Wendy) Millar, Craig (Linda) Millar, Brenda (Alan) Young, and Scott (Debbie) Millar.

She will be dearly missed by 11 grandchildren, nine greatgrandchildren (with one more on the way) and seven nieces and nephews.

Betty was predeceased by her parents Clifford and Edna Stewart, brothers Jack and Jim, sisters Lillian and Helen, sister-in-law Blanche, brother-in-law Walter and niece Barbara.

Known for her quick wit and entertaining comments, Betty will be fondly remembered by many friends. Even up to the age of 90, she was still involved with the Londesborough United Church Women.

Celebrating A Special Occasion?

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

Advertise it in

Owned and operated by Mac and Donna Andersoon Assisted by Mandy

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

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

The Citizen ELIZABETH EDNA (STEWART) MILLAR It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Elizabeth Edna (Betty) Millar on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at Huronlea Home for the Aged in Brussels. Born and

Visitation was held at the Falconer Funeral Homes, Clinton, on Friday, March 15 and Saturday, March 16, followed by the funeral service that afternoon. Spring Interment at Blyth Union Cemetery, Blyth.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations to Londesborough United Church, Huronlea Home for the Aged or the charity of one’s choice would be appreciated.

Messages of condolence for the Millar family are welcome at www.falconerfuneralhomes.com

519-357-1910

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

The Citizen.

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

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

The Citizen

405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792

Advertise your business here!

One of the most read areas of the paper

Collision In the late afternoon hours of Tuesday, March 19, two vehicles collided just north of Blyth. One person was sent to hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and London Road was closed for several hours as a result of the incident. (Scott Stephenson photo)

Turkey Bingo set for March 22 PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE

By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188

On St. Patrick’s Day, Sunday, March 17, Gloria Wilbee, licensed lay worship leader, was the guest speaker at Knox United Church, Belgrave. Scripture lessons were read from Matthew 5:13-16.

Gloria’s message was entitled, “Salt, Light, and Celtic Connections.” On Sunday, March 24, Susan Barnett will be the guest speaker. Everyone is welcome.

On Friday, March 22, there are

cards at 1 p.m. and a Turkey Bingo at 7 p.m. in the Belgrave Community Centre. Everyone is welcome.

Arlyn Montgomery’s niece, Renne Lanthier of Rochester, New York, visited with Arlyn for two weeks and Arlyn’s daughter, Karen Gagne, and Arlyn’s granddaughter, Alessandra of New York visited for one week.

As I prepared the news, it was the first day of Spring. It looks more like the first day of winter. We had to get the shovels out again, along with the winter clothing. It was a stormy day but the students around here went to school. The spring flowers are covered with snow.

Maybe soon we will get spring weather that stays.

Birthday greetings are extended to Paul McLaren and Doug Walker on March 28. Enjoy your day!

SUDOKU Fun By The Numbers Like puzzles?

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

NEWS FROM BELGRAVE

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

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024. PAGE 17.

From the Minister’s Study

God acts with purpose; it’s time to learn more

By Pastor Mike Stanley, Huron Chapel, Auburn The last time I wrote an article, I introduced this theme of “worldview”. I explained how all of us have a worldview, it is simply the way in which we view… the world.

Our worldview is determined by a number of things, such as our experiences in life, our culture, what we were taught, etc.

Understanding our own worldview is important because it determines our actions.

Our relationships are affected by how you view another person (are they worthy of your time and compassion?). Our work is affected by how you view it. Does it primarily benefit yourself, or do you believe that your work is contributing to a worthy cause greater than yourself? And our religious beliefs have a great influence on our worldview.

Everyone is religious in the sense that they have a set of beliefs by which they live their life. Our beliefs about the origins of humans, the source of morality or the afterlife will all affect the decisions we make each day.

We are all faced with the realities of life; we want to live a life that has meaning; we long to experience love and joy in life; we are faced with moral decisions on a daily basis and need some way to determine what is the right thing to do. And we are all faced with the reality of our mortality and the question of what happens when we die. Every worldview (including ones that are influenced by religious views) are trying to guide us through these realities of life.

As a Christian pastor, I look to the Bible to inform my worldview.

The Bible uses a metaphor for the truth of the Bible as light. I have come to understand and believe that the Christian worldview really does offer the best explanation for the realities we encounter. It is like having a flashlight to navigate the dark and treacherous path of life.

Last time I wrote about the existence of God. The very first verse of the Bible says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”. From this short statement, we can put together a simple definition of God that seems to explain the reality of our existence. God is defined as the timeless (because something had to exist first) creator of the material universe. God Himself is not made of matter (as that would require limiting definitions of His size, location, etc.), but rather is spiritual

and outside of time and matter. This God is the one who intricately designed every element and scientific law that makes up and governs the universe. In other words, He not only made the Lego bricks… He also designed them with the bumps and cavities to fit together perfectly.

I ended my last article with the obvious implication that, if there is a God that designed and created the universe, He must have a reason why; some kind of purpose. We all need to wrestle with the fact that our existence points to the reality of a transcendent Being outside our material universe. If that is true, the question for today is to ask, “why did God create the universe? And why did He make me?”

At the beginning of the Bible, we get this beautiful description of God creating everything that we can see in the universe. There is this rhythm to the description of God’s creation in Genesis, with each thing God made corresponding to its purpose just like we would expect.

This would seem to align with what we continue to discover through science that everything in the universe seems to be perfectly tuned to result in the complexity of life that we see all around us. When it comes to us as humans, there are several key things about how God made us that again seem to reflect the reality of what we see in life.

First off, the Bible says that humans were given “dominion over the earth”. God didn’t say that about any other creature. And this is what we see in our world.

Humankind has dominated the world. We have the ability to do amazing things, like defeat diseases through medical science or multiply our yields of food a hundredfold.

But we also have the ability to pollute and destroy life. Whether for good or for harm, there is no denying that humankind is at the top of the created order.

The second chapter of Genesis tells us the purpose for why God has given us dominion over the whole world. It says that God put the first humans in a beautiful garden and gave them the task of tending the garden, and then multiplying the human race to do the same over the whole earth. In other words, we were given the task of caring for the world God created.

It is for this reason that I believe that the Christian worldview gives the proper perspective for how we are to care for the environment. If you don’t believe in God, then, as humans, we are no more significant or valuable than a tree or a rabbit, and so there is no order of value by which to make environmental decisions. Do you kill the tree to provide shelter for the human? But when we recognize that, as humans, we were created as the pinnacle of creation and given the task of caring for the world, then we have the proper scale of value to be able to make decisions. The plants and animals of the earth are a gift from God for the good of humanity and so we are to care for them in a way that will lead to human flourishing.

We are to be a wise steward of the resources God has given us.

There is something else as well that is different about how God made us as humans. The Bible says that God made us “in His image”.

God didn’t say this about anything else that He created. This is a fascinating statement that has many different facets to it. It certainly points to the unique position that God has put us in as humans, in that

Worship with us at

Brussels Mennonite Fellowship 10:00 am Worship Service 11:00 am Co ee Time 11:15 am Sunday School for all ages

we have something that nothing else in creation does.

The fact that we have unique characteristics that are not strictly biological is something that evolution can’t account for, and yet is blatantly apparent in our human experience. We are the only creature with the ability to reason or have rational thought, compared to animals that function on instinct.

We are imaginative and creative ,unlike any other creature - it is why we have such a variety of homes (often sacrificing practicality for aesthetics), when all beaver dams are essentially the same, practical design. We appreciate beauty and art, whereas you won’t find a painting hanging in a bear’s den.

All of these characteristics to us,

as humans, are reflections of the God who created us in His image.

We can see the creative beauty and the rationality in the created universe and, most of all, reflected in ourselves.

There is one more aspect of being made in the image of God that we will talk about next time. That is the spiritual side of us.

Remember that God is a spiritual being, and when He made us, He gave us a spiritual part as well….

You might call it a soul.

This is the most incredible and unique part of us of all, because it is what sets us apart as the only created thing that can actually relate to God Himself. Why and how does God want us to relate to Him? We will answer that next time.

AT YOUR LOCAL ANGLICAN CHURCHES Palm Sunday: 9 a.m. Trinity Blyth, 11 a.m. St. Paul’s Trinity Wingham Maundy Thursday: St. Paul’s-Trinity Wingham: 5.30 p.m. Pot luck supper, Service @ 7 p.m.

Good Friday: Trinity Blyth: 10.30 a.m.

Easter Sunday: Holy Eucharist: with The Rev. Canon Keith Nethery 9 a.m. Trinity Blyth, 11 a.m. St. Paul’s Trinity Wingham www.regionalministryofhope.com

The Regional Ministry of Hope

Worship with us Sunday, March 24 at 10 a.m.

BMG Community Centre (upstairs room) 800 Sports Drive, Brussels Childcare and Sunday school provided for children aged 0 to 8 during the sermon We invite you to join us April 7, 2024 at 10 a.m. when Matt Bondy from Creation Ministries will be presenting A Scientific and Biblical Defense of Creation For additional details please visit: brusselscommunitybiblechapel.ca

Te be pa

All Are Welcome Interim Pastor Elwin Garland 250 Princess St., Brussels • 519 887 6388

BRUSSELS S

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

U United Chu ur urch

BLYTH BLY LYT YTH CHRISTIAN YT HRISTIAN RISTIAN REFORMED REFO OR OR RMED RM MED CHURCH

Palm Sunday Worship W March 24, 2024 at 9:30 a.m.

Hwy. 4,, Bly B yth 519-523-4743 www.blythcrc.ca

All are welcomee.

Brussels Ministerial Holly W We eek Services at Brussels Un nited March 25 thru Marc ch 28, service 12.05, lunch 12:30 Good Friday Service S March 29, 9:30 a.m.

Evangelical Missionary Church

Sunday March 24, 10:30 a.m.

PALM SUNDAY: Pastor Mike Stanley, "God is Good, His Love Endures Forever" (Mt.21:1ff, Ps.118)

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

Blyth United Churrch Palm Sundayy, March 24 communion at 11:00 am

Maundy Thursdayy,, March 28 communion at 7:00 pm Isaiah 40:1 Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Nursery & Sunday School during worship Fri.-Sat. Mar.22-23 IF:Local $20 Ph.519-526-1131 Mar. 31 Easter Sunday FREE PANCAKE BREAKFAST 9-10 a.m.

On-site and online - live.huronchapel.com 119 John’s Ave., Auburn 519-526-1131

The outreach project for March is the Local Food Grains Grow wing Project Contact Alex at: minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com Facebook: Blyth and Brussels United Churche es blythunited@tcc.on.ca ~ 519-523-4224

MEL LV VIL LLE PRESBYTERIAN N CHURCH BRUSSELS Sunday March 24 - Palm Sunda day: 11:00 am - 12 noon ~ will be ce elebrated with Doug Sargent leading us in worship Monday March 25 - Thursday March M 28: 12:05 - 1 p.m. ~ Join us at the Brussels United Church for the H Holy Week services and luncheon ns.

March 29: 9:30 a.m. - Good Frriday orship at the y service: We are invited to wo Brussels United Church Sunday March 31: 9 - 10:30 a.m m. Our Easter Breakfast returns!

11 a.m. - Doug Sargent will lead us in worship.

Sunday Sch hool is available for the children.

We would love to see you at any or all of these worship oppo ortunities!

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

All are welcome!

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no Soup & More 2 on Good Friday, M March 29 For p pastoral care co oncerns please call 519-524-7512 2

PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024.

McCall MacBain Fdn. grants to benefit youth

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron County Director of Cultural Services Beth Rumble recently detailed a trio of donations to the county from the McCall MacBain Foundation totalling $230,000 and how that money will be used.

The largest donation, by far, is $195,000 to the Huron County Library over the course of three years to create spaces for teens at the Goderich, Seaforth, Exeter and Brussels branches.

“The new Huron County Library strategic plan has identified youth as a strategic priority. This funding will accelerate the development of engagement with youth,” Rumble said in her report to council. “The library will use the funding to support several new services for youth. At the end of the three years, the library will evaluate the effectiveness of services and determine if ongoing costs are worthwhile.

“Items included in the funding that would have ongoing costs include: virtual reality subscription, Cricut software subscription, gaming systems annual membership, facilitator fees, and some makerspace supplies (although many are on a costrecovery basis). The request also includes dedicated part-time staff to support programming,” Rumble said. “This role is intended to mentor other staff and build

capacity. Depending on the success and demand for programming, it is unknown at this point if a request to make this position permanent will occur.”

The second grant has been made to the Social and Property Services department in the amount of $20,000 over two years.

These funds will support the preexisting Youth Recreation, Arts and Sports Program (YRASP), which supports young people under the age of 18 from low-income families in accessing recreational programming. It will top up existing funds to provide up to $800 per child to access recreation, arts or sports programming.

The third grant is $15,000 to the economic development department to offer five more $3,000 grants to young people through the Summer Company Program. The program has, for years, taken in students between the ages of 15 and 29 to teach them to run a business, receive mentorship and training and develop transferable skills, while providing up to $3,000 each to start their own business. *** Also at the Feb. 7 meeting, Huron County Museum Senior Curator Elizabeth French-Gibson, presented council with a year-in-review for the Huron County Museum and Historic Gaol, detailing attendance and more.

She outlined that attendance in 2023 is as high as it’s been in years, even when taking the COVID-19

pandemic into account, which is a promising trend for the museum.

In 2023, 20,874 people visited the museum. The biggest single line item was individual general admissions, which accounted for just over 8,000 people making their way through the museum.

This tops the 2022 attendance of 17,576 and even the 2019 attendance of 19,829. (The attendance in 2020 was 3,932 and in 2021 was 6,225, numbers that were clearly impacted greatly by the pandemic.)

As for the Historic Gaol, 14,406 people went through its doors, over 9,500 of whom were individual,

general admissions. This is slightly higher than the 2022 attendance of 14,320 and 2019’s attendance of 14,385. (Attendance in 2020 was just 119 and in 2021 was 5,272.) *** Director of Cultural Services Beth Rumble, at the same meeting, presented council with an update on the museum’s ongoing youth strategy and outreach.

Rumble noted that, even without a proper strategy in place (she presented the strategy at the meeting), the museum and gaol have been finding success with local youth.

“Even without an official strategy

in place, the museum has successfully increased engagement with youth throughout the duration of the strategic plan. For example, [the number] of attendees for education programs has increased almost 90 per cent from 2018 to 2023,” Rumble noted in her report.

“Additionally, dynamic programs such as Canuckstorians, Make a Mess, and Dads and Kids have offered additional ways youth can interact with the museum. The strategy serves to formalize the work that is being done. It will both guide staff and serve as a means to communicate the work to stakeholders.”

Full STEAM ahead Blyth’s Darryn de Souza welcomed area young people to his new STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) camp in the village over March Break as a precursor to what he hopes will be more fulsome offerings in the future. (Photo submitted)

Busin ness Dire ector ry Dave Frranken F ra k

CONCRETE FORMING For All Y Yoour Concrete Needs!

COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL • Foundations • Floor Finishing • Circular T Taanks • Sandwich W Waalls FREE ESTIMA AT TES RR#3 Blyth ~ Fax 519-523-9604 519-523-9971

Largge instock selection of pallet racking racking, store shelving, display cases and more ffor Inddustrial, Residential, Farm & RRetail

NEW CONSTRU UCTION AGRICUL LT TURAL RENOVA VA AT TIO ONS RESIDENTIIAL

Call

519-5244-0253

Affordable Large & Small Trucks Complete Selection of Cars Our rates qualify for insurance replacement

Passenger Vans full size or mini

GODERICH TOYOTA 344 Huron Rd. GODERICH

519-524-9381 1-800-338-1134

Ta T alk to us u instead.

ww ww.lakesideshelving.com com lakeesidemarket@gmail.com .com

TO L L - F R E E

33842 Market Rd., wyy. 211 North off Goderich, offf Hw

1- 877- 5135 5333

JK KM

CAR AND TRUCK RENTALS

fridge carts - piano dollysmoving blankets

Bernard Enterprises

Lakeside

SH HELV VING & RACKING

Renewing Smiles. Improvinng Function.

Restoring Confideence.

Mount Forest Clinic 111 Queen St. W. 519-509-5400 Mon, Wed & Fri 9am to 5pm

Listowel Clinic 120 Inkerman I St. W. 5519-418-8844 Tues & Thurs 9 to 5pm 9am

email: durkalecdentureclinicc@outlook.com www.durkalecdenturecclinic.com li i

Plumbing Heating H Cooling and Refrigeration Re

306-8897-0156 Clinton n, Ontario Jonmerne er@gmail com

Central Boiler Classic Outdoor Wood Furnaces, Edge Outdoor Wood Furnaces & Maxim Wood Pellet and Corn Burners M Gasification units available Inquire about our new edges Carman Bernard

519-887-6405

19-524-1740 51

RR #4 Brussels centralboilerr..com

Jake’s Small Engine Repair

Dog and Cat Boarding and Daycare Dog boardding $32 • Cat boarding $20 Daycare $25

Lawnmowers Chain Saws Side by Sides Snowmobiles Snow Blowers Golf Carts & more

40991 Blyth B Road, Blyth ON blyth hboardingkennel.com

Licensed Small Engine Technician smallenginejake@gmail.com

Jacob Nonkes

Kyla Campbell

Joon Merner

83341 Currie Line, Blyth 519-955-4234 519 955 4234

226 622 8477 226-622-8477

www.facebook.com/jakessmallengine

Take time to check out our Ta great selection of books.

Perfect for all ages and all occasions.

1BUJFOU $BSF 3F *OWFOUFE 417 Parsons Court, C Goderich 519-612-1387 Open 12-4 Monday - Friday; 10-4 Saturday

www.articulatenursing.com

Authorized dealer for

The Citizen

email: parsonsusedfurniture@gmail.com facebook.com/parsonsusedfurniture

Call 519-5 519-523-4792 523-4792 to book your sp spot pot today!

405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024. PAGE 19.

Entertainment & Leisure

Sheepdogs bring ‘Backroad Boogie’ to Wingham

Highway 86 Revisited Saskatchewan rockers and Rolling Stone cover boys The Sheepdogs played the Wingham Town Hall Theatre last Friday night as a stop on their “Backroad Boogie” tour that saw them venture off the beaten trail to visit communities like Lindsay, Chatham, Oshawa and, yes, Wingham. The band is, of course, no stranger to the Highway 86 corridor as veterans of Lucknow’s Music in the Fields. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Last Friday night, the Wingham Town Hall Theatre, which had been sold out for months, was the place to be as The Sheepdogs, the beloved Saskatchewan-based rock band, made its Wingham stop on the band’s “Backroad Boogie” tour of smaller, off-the-beaten-path locales across the country.

Perhaps the band was a little early arriving, as the band noted that the North Huron municipal office

remained a bustling workplace until about 4:30 p.m. when the band shared its green room space with some municipal workers until quitting time arrived.

The band opened promptly at 9:15 p.m. with “How Late How Long” from 2012’s self-titled album, though the band’s version on this night more closely resembled the original arrangement from the 2011 EP Five Easy Pieces, which takes its name from the 1970 Bob Rafelson film that earned Jack Nicholson his first-ever Best Actor

Academy Award nomination.

The set continued with more recent fan favourites like “I’ve Got a Hole Where My Heart Should Be”, “Southern Dreaming” and “Bad Lieutenant”, another film reference, this time to Abel Ferrara’s 1992 effort starring Harvey Keitel. It’s far less familyfriendly than Five Easy Pieces, though I don’t suspect either film has been called “family-friendly” by many.

“Cool Down/Kiss the Brass Ring” is always a concert favourite

for fans, and it arrived right on time, bringing together perhaps the most relaxed point of the night with the one with the most guitarpropelled energy.

It should be mentioned that a handful of shows on this tour, including the Wingham show, brought about the return of Bailieboro’s Jimmy Bowskill to the band. Bowskill was the band’s guitarist from 2015 into 2022, but left to pursue other projects.

However, Bowskill stepped up to help the guys on a few dates on this tour when current guitarist Ricky Paquette had to rush to his wife’s side as they were expecting a baby. (“Have a nice kid, or whatever!” well-wished lead singer Ewan Currie on the band’s social media while making the announcement.

Sweet! At the Wingham show, Currie informed the audience that said kid had not yet arrived.)

The show then slowed right down as the guys all gathered around a singular microphone for an unamplified, acoustic rendition of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Lodi”, featuring some mandolin and melodica, instruments that betting odds may not have favoured to be featured that night.

The band then amped things up as part of the beginning of the end of the show, playing “Feeling Good”, “I Don’t Know” and “Nobody” to lead into a brief encore break that was just long enough to grab a tshirt or a... bottle of water, as it was a dry show. (Currie noted the lively nature of the parking lot before the show and its potential, yet unconfirmed connection to the dry nature of the show.)

The audience remained seated for much of the show, but as the band approached its encore break, Currie encouraged everyone to stand and dance. Despite the show’s aforementioned dryness, the audience was more than happy to oblige.

In the end, it was “Whipping Post”, a wild and sprawling Allman

Brothers Band cover, that brought the show to a close.

Before the band receded into the night - sources tell me the guys called Blyth home for the night bassist Ryan Gullen really lauded the communities the band has been visiting as part of the tour, including Wingham. He also thanked the volunteers at the theatre, shouting out “Carol” specifically, who had taken care of the band over the course of the day.

The Sheepdogs finished the Ontario portion of the Backroad Boogie 2024 tour on March 18 in Lindsay before heading east for six Quebec dates, wrapping up on March 30 in Saint-Casimir, a municipality of about 1,800 people around an hour west of Quebec City.

Daniel Romano’s Outfit played a blistering opening set for The Sheepdogs, playing to a nearly-full house. Pulling from its Brian Jonestown Massacre-like album output of recent years (including solo work, albums with his band, live recordings and “The Archive Series”, Romano released 15 titles between 2018 and 2022), Romano and his band played a robust and sprawling set, winning over audience members one by one until the end of their set, which was met with uproarious applause.

Sudoku Solution

Time to Celebrate!

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

2" wide x 3" high

4" wide x 3" high

$30 + tax

$60 + tax

includes colour

includes colour

The Citizen Stripped down About halfway through last Friday’s show at the Wingham Town Hall Theatre, The Sheepdogs stripped things down for a simple, acoustic cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s iconic “Lodi”, which brought about sing-alongs and thunderous applause from those in attendance. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

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

PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024.

Blyth Festival serves free pie for ‘Pi Day’

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

The Blyth Festival celebrated “Pi Day” in style at Memorial Hall on Thursday, March 14. The event, which offered free slices of homemade pie alongside coffee, tea and juice, drew a bustling crowd of eager community members.

Attendees were treated to a mouthwatering array of pies meticulously prepared by Festival staff and supporters. From classic favourites like apple and pumpkin to more adventurous options like coconut cream and rhubarb, there was something to satisfy every palate.

Blyth Festival Artistic Director Gil Garratt shared insights into the origins of the event, revealing that the idea sprung from a shared love of pie among Festival staff. Noting the significance of March 14, celebrated as “Pi Day” due to its numerical representation of the mathematical constant π (3.14), Garratt emphasized the Festival’s commitment to fostering community connections through creative initiatives.

Colouring activities were

available for children and a memory board inviting attendees to reminisce about past experiences with the Blyth Festival added to the festive atmosphere. The event, which served as a delightful precursor to the upcoming 50th anniversary season, set to begin staging in June, also featured brand new Festival brochures featuring original artwork by Autumn Ducharme. These promotional handouts provide insights into the exciting line-up of plays scheduled for the milestone season.

Among the anticipated productions are The Farm Show: Then & Now by Theatre Passe Muraille, enriched with new additions by the company, directed

by Garratt; Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz: The Famerettes by Alison Lawrence, inspired by the book by Bonnie Sitter and Shirleyan English, directed by Severn Thompson; Saving Graceland by Garratt, directed by James MacDonald; The Golden Anniversaries by Mark Crawford, directed by Miles Potter; Resort to Murder by Birgitte Solem, directed

by Randy Hughson; and The Trials of Maggie Pollock by Beverley Cooper, directed by Ann-Marie Kerr.

In addition to tantalizing taste buds with delectable pies, Garratt highlighted the Festival’s intensive preparations for its golden anniversary season. From scouting for qualified stage managers across the country to welcoming crew

members back to Blyth and finalizing scripts and contracts, the Festival team is hard at work ensuring another successful season of ambitious productions, says Garratt.

General Manager Rachael King, showcasing her culinary prowess by creating several pies for the event, reflected on the dynamic nature of preparing for each Festival season. With each year presenting its own unique set of challenges, ranging from logistics to staffing, King emphasized the Festival team’s unwavering commitment to finding innovative solutions to overcome obstacles and ensure the smooth execution of each production.

The “Pi Day” event proved to be a resounding success, with attendees flocking to indulge in sweet treats while enthusiastically anticipating the Festival’s milestone celebration. If this serves as any kind of indication, the Blyth Festival’s 50th anniversary season is poised to be a sweet celebration of rural theatre, marking five decades of artistic excellence and community engagement.

‘Slice’ to meet you!

To mark the 14th day of March (3.14), the Blyth Festival hosted an event featuring free slices of homemade pies prepared by Festival staff and supporters. (Scott Stephenson photos)

Just in time for Easter!

EASTER ON THE FARM This lift-the-flap board book is designed to introduce toddlers to early learning in a fun and engaging way through answering questions and lifting the flaps to find different-colored eggs in each farmyard scene. $10.99

2000 STICKERS BUSY FARM Full of engaging activities including puzzles, mazes, connect the dots, matching, hidden objects, spot the difference, decorating pictures, and more! $11.95

GRANDMA’S KITCHEN This sweet story celebrates the special bond between grandmothers and their grandchildren. A keepsake board book children will cherish for generations. $14.95

EASTER ON THE FARM An Easter adventure following the Easter Bunny as she hops through your favorite places, spreading hoppy-ness to those she meets along the way! $14.99

THE VINTAGE FLOWER SAMPLER QUILT Perfect for a block-of-the-month class or quilt along, The Vintage Flower Sample Quilt will guide you to create a stunning quilt that's sure to become a family heirloom. $44.50

A-Z OF KNITTING This book will tell you almost everything there is to know about this beautiful and practical craft. $23.95

BARNYARD BATH! This bath book and washcloth set from bestselling and beloved Sandra Boynton is the perfect tub time diversion for little ones who love barnyard animals! $12.99

H IS FOR HOCKEY From hockey and ringette to basketball and soccer, learning first words has never been this fun! With bright, cheerful art, this padded board book will thoroughly engage and teach young readers as they discover all things sporty. $11.99

The Citizen 405 Queen St., Blyth

519-523-4792