The Citizen - March 29, 2024

2 • G2G Trail 4 • Editorials 8 • Sports 18 • Flashback

The

THIS WEEK

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Friday, March 29, 2024

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Volume 40 No. 13

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

Invasive species worrying

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Let’s get started Memorial Hall was the spot on Thursday, Friday and Saturday as the Blyth Festival played host to the National Theatre School’s annual High School Drama Fest. Students from several area secondary schools descended on the village, performing shows on

Thursday and Friday night and taking in professional workshops on Saturday taught by world-renowned musician Darryn de Souza, the Blyth Festival’s own Ryan Brink and, above, Geoffrey Armour, who made his Festival debut last year in The Donnellys: A Trilogy. (John Stephenson photo)

HE nears final draft of 2024 budget

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron East Council is considering a budget that includes an 11.8 per cent increase to the tax levy with just the final draft of the budget, with minor adjustments, left to be presented next month.

While council has yet to make a final decision after its March 19 special budget meeting, much of the operating increase, projected tax levy increase and reserve contributions have already been dictated by a financial strategy adopted by council last year.

Chief Administrative Officer Brad McRoberts presented the proposed budget to council alongside Director of Finance and Treasurer Stacy Grenier, telling council that the capital levy would have to increase by 4.2 per cent, just under $400,000, to cover the recommended capital expenditures.

This comes at the same time as council has approved using “all existing discretionary reserves” to offset capital expenditures, while also gradually ramping up reserve contributions.

Also as part of the approved financial strategy, council is deferring all public works equipment purchases to 2025, with

the exception of the purchase of a new rotary mower, and reducing the capital reserve requirement for the public works fleet from $610,000 to zero. Council has, however, ordered a new tandem truck for the municipality, which is expected to be delivered in 2025.

The strategy also includes the deferral of a number of recreation projects to 2025, though not all, as some have been established as critical. McRoberts, in his report, stated council needed to increase taxation for the parks and recreation reserve contributions from $260,000 to $800,000 to fund parks and recreation capital projects.

In discussing the capital levy increase of 4.2 per cent in 2024, McRoberts also reminded council of the approved financial strategy in regards to capital levy increases, which will remain high for the next few years (4.8 per cent in 2025 and 5.5 per cent in 2026) before dropping off in 2027 and 2028, with proposed capital levy increases of 2.1 per cent per year in both years.

As part of the approved financial strategy, council has deferred nearly $1 million in capital projects, including the roof replacement at the Newry shop office ($45,000), public works truck replacements ($565,000),

upgrades to dressing rooms at the Vanastra Recreation Centre ($40,000), Seaforth tennis courts ($60,000), Brussels ball diamond regrading ($50,000), Cranbrook Hall roof replacement ($50,000) and Seaforth fire hall upgrades ($50,000).

McRoberts also added three recent additions to the capital projects budget: Newry shop heaters ($30,000), parks truck replacement ($75,000) and Grey Fire Department gear rack ($10,000). He noted that the truck replacement was not expected to be part of the budget, but the existing parks truck did not pass its safety examination and needs to be replaced immediately.

As part of his budget presentation, McRoberts noted the nearly $5.2 million in operational and capital budget items, including Sports Drive in Brussels ($1,161,756), the M-28 and M-13 bridges of Canada Company Road near Walton ($440,000), six municipal drains for a total of just under $285,000, two roof replacement projects at a total of $121,000 and a water main on Sports Drive at a cost of $411,804.

Further projects include a roadside rotary mower ($25,000) and new shop heaters at the Newry

roads shop ($30,000) in addition to a number of parks and recreation projects: Seaforth and District Community Centre (SDCC) roof replacement ($1.3 million); SDCC dehumidifier replacement ($42,000); SDCC ceiling beams refinishing ($50,000); Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre (BMGCC) brine pump $50,000); BMGCC electrical panel replacement ($125,000); Brussels pool filters ($7,000); Brussels pool deck $40,000), Walton ball park lights replacement ($75,000), Winthrop park picnic shelter demolition ($5,000); Seaforth Optimist Park light replacement $50,000), Quebec public park ($100,000), parks mower replacement ($25,000) and the parks truck replacement ($75,000).

In the administration department, capital costs include office Continued on page 12

Huron County Biologist Rachel White was invited by AshfieldColborne-Wawanosh Council (ACW) on March 19 to offer an update on the municipality’s stewardship efforts.

She began by detailing her role as a biologist. White works as part of the environmental team, alongside forester Dave Pullen and climate change specialist Derry Wallis. The three are currently collaborating on an invasive species management plan and a natural asset valuation project for Huron County properties. The issue of invasive species is one of great concern in the area. Healthy farms, waterways, parks and forests can all be thrown out of balance by the encroachment of invasive species, and a quicklychanging climate is creating an environment in which these interlopers can flourish.

White is also a co-ordinator for the Water Protection Steering Committee, and is one of the administrators for the Huron Clean Water Project (HCWP), where she works alongside the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) and Ausable Bayfield Conservation. She also reviews any planning applications that may have some impact on the natural environment.

White made it quite clear that the reason she works on so many projects geared towards protecting Huron County’s environment is that she’s a big fan. “I want to start by gushing a bit about how cool the natural environment is in ACW - it has really interesting communities of plants and animals! The Lower Maitland River has a really interesting ecosystem, and is home to some animals that are relatively abundant in the river, but rare in other places in the province.”

White used endangered examples like the Queensnake, the green dragon plant, hairy valerian, and various turtle species.

White also pointed out that the area is a breeding habitat for bald eagles.

“Another interesting area is the Continued on page 20

Heat winding down This weekend, the U7 Huron Heat team will be in Brampton to take part in the annual Canadettes tournament as the girls’ hockey season in Ontario draws to a close.

As the weekend continues, the

U18 C Heat will be in London for a playoff game with the Devilettes on March 30, while the U11 BB and U13 BB Heat will have exhibition games on the road, the former with the Lucan Irish and the latter with Continued on page 8

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2024.

G2G tunnel construction to avoid July, August

Connectivity Huron County and the organization behind the Goderich-to-Guelph Rail Trail are taking another step towards end-to-end connectivity for the trail with the construction of a tunnel just west of Blyth this year. Director of Public Works Imran Khalid, right, and G2G enthusiast Chris Lee, left, were among those who spoke at a recent meeting at the Blyth and District Community Centre. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron County is moving ahead with the construction of a new tunnel to properly connect a portion of the Goderich-to-Guelph (G2G) Rail Trail just west of Blyth.

Director of Public Works Imran Khalid led the presentation, which went ahead on March 21 at the Blyth and District Community Centre with about 30 people in

attendance. He laid out the work involved and the projected timeline, though he couldn’t be too specific, as the tender is still out and has yet to be awarded.

The work should take about four weeks to complete, he said, with some serious excavation closing Blyth Road in that area during that period of time. An official detour will run south on Base Line to east on Londesborough Road to north on London Road to access Blyth from

the west during the construction.

Central Huron Mayor Jim Ginn, who was in attendance, mentioned that Hullett-McKillop Road in Central Huron is paved and could serve as a local detour, while Blyth’s John Stadelmann noted that local dirt roads may be used by locals. The Huron County team also noted that all homes and driveways would be accessible to local traffic during construction, while the road will be closed to through traffic.

Khalid told those in attendance that he didn’t yet know exactly when the work would take place, as the tenders have yet to close for the project. However, the county will be actively avoiding the months of July and August, peak tourism months for the businesses at the intersection of Blyth and London Roads. Director of Economic Development Vicki Lass, who was also on hand, said this was done after consultation with those business stakeholders, acknowledging that they were inconvenienced last summer and fall as well during the traffic light construction at that intersection that lasted months.

Some in attendance offered up some suggestions in regards to timing. Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association President Cole McDonald told Khalid about the association’s annual reunion on the weekend after Labour Day every year, suggesting the county avoid closures on that weekend.

Khalid said he’d been made aware of the event and that would be taken into consideration. Similarly, a farmer in attendance suggested that the county be cognizant of seeding and harvest seasons, which Khalid said would also be taken into consideration.

While the tender has yet to close, Khalid said that having the project completed sooner in the season, rather than later, would be the county’s preference, but that ultimately the tender process would dictate the timeline. Lass did say that the hope is that the project will be complete by Halloween.

Walton’s Chris Lee, a founding member of G2G Inc. and a former board of directors member, spoke at the meeting as an advocate for the trail, saying that this tunnel project, with an estimated cost of $500,000, is only one part of a $5 million campaign to make the entire trail accessible from one end to the

other. He also noted the history of the project, which began with $50,000 from Regional Tourism Organization (RTO) 4, an amount that was matched by Huron County.

The rest of the funds will be raised by those involved with the trail.

He noted a handful of regulations pertaining to the work, according to the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code, which dictates that any structure that spans more than three metres has to have a minimum design life of 75 years. He also said that, following the guidance of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the slope of approaches to the tunnel will have a grade of no more than five per cent.

He also detailed some designs that were considered, but ultimately eschewed in favour of the tunnel, which will be 3.6 metres wide and 2.7 metres high.

The tender closes on April 3. At that point, a bidder will be chosen and Khalid said the county will likely follow up with another public meeting to present that information and address any further questions that members of the public may have.

Lee ended the presentation with a quick note on accessibility, bringing to everyone’s attention that accessibility advisor and avid trail user Julie Sawchuk of Blyth was also in attendance. He said that, when the project has reached completion and, thanks to accessibility upgrades at the Goderich beaches on the shores of Lake Huron, the trail will be completely accessible from Guelph to the Lake Huron shoreline, which is pretty amazing.

He also said that, when the tunnel is complete and open to the public, the organization hopes to have an event to celebrate that milestone and raise awareness for the projects that still need to be completed and he asked everyone in attendance to consider themselves invited.

Daily Specials MON TUES WED THU SUN Undefeated The Wingham U13 LL Ironmen put a period at the end of a sentence for an undefeated season the likes of which locals haven’t seen for a while. The team was in action last Friday in Wingham and beat the Owen Sound Junior Attack by a score of 10-2 to finish off their monumental season. (John Stephenson photo)

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2024. PAGE 3.

Good fences, good neighbours?

Glimpses of the Past with Karen Webster

T

he old adage about good fences may be true in most cases, in that what is mine stays on my side and what is yours stays on yours. Our early settlers did not have fences at the outset of their habitation. Malcolm Lamont, in his memoir Bush Days, relates that a family likely had only one cow and that she would be allowed to graze in the forest. Each family’s milk cow had a distinctive bell that made it easier for a young person to hunt for her and return her to the barn for milking and the night.

As time went on, more land was cleared and farms needed fences to contain their animals. The enclosure of fields was first accomplished by using rail fences or ones constructed of piled up stones. My father told the story of helping to drive some cattle from their farm at Port Albert to that of his great-uncle’s farm north of Kintail, a distance of about six miles. Because almost all properties were fenced along the roadside, his job was to go ahead of the cattle and shut any gates that were open.

Imagine where a bunch of cattle would end up in the open spaces along our roadsides these days!

To keep the peace, each municipality appointed fence

viewers for their immediate area.

These men were charged with settling any disputes neighbours might have had about payment for the construction of boundary fences or about the condition or disrepair of existing fences. In East Wawanosh Township in 1897, there were six men appointed as fence viewers. If their services were required, they received a payment of $3 per viewing. By 1962, the pay had not increased much and fence viewers Nelson Pattison and Wilfred Sanderson received $5 for each time they were called upon.

Not all disputes about fencing ended amicably.

In a case close to Clinton in 1891, a gentleman by the name of August Kading returned home on July 1 to find that his bull had crossed neighbour Carl Brinker’s poorlymaintained fence. When Kading went to retrieve his animal, the younger man gave him a severe beating that caused much mental distress and confusion. Kading revived sufficiently to return home and was bedridden and under a doctor’s care for the next month.

Kading lived in fear of his neighbour and, as a result, went to his barn in mid-August and hung himself.

Over the years, conflicts about the placement of boundary fences have caused their share of woes.

In Usborne Township in 1863, a farmer by the name of John Drought was tried for the murder of his neighbour, Thomas Quinton. Three months before Quinton’s death, he had called in a surveyor to settle the issue of the placement of a line fence between his and Drought’s land. At that time, Drought threatened Quinton with death if that fence was erected. Three months later, the matter came to blows and Drought crossed the fence to batter Quinton so severely that he died. A jury found Drought guilty of manslaughter and the judge sentenced him to three years in the provincial penitentiary doing hard labour.

In 1913, it was reported that a pair of farmers in Wentworth County had kept up a feud over the placement of

a fence. When one party won a judgment in court, the other would appeal. Then there were counterappeals and more time in court. This quarreling lasted for three years, with the end result being that the two lawyers involved each owned a farm!

Sometimes the dispute between landowners spills out beyond their properties. In Grey Township, in 1889, two feuding neighbours were working at a third neighbour’s threshing bee when tempers started to flare. The words turned to blows with one man losing some teeth and the other man being charged with aggravated assault.

A clever farmer in Bruce County solved his fencing dilemma in a unique way. He bought his neighbour’s property assuring that the line between the two places would never be argued about again.

He paid a pretty penny for his satisfaction by handing over $91 per acre, an unheard of amount in 1911.

Two farmers in Ashfield took their complaint the county assizes and their action was chided as being wasteful because it took up over a day of the proceedings, considering that the land in dispute was worth

only $50. County assizes typically dealt with cases of a criminal nature.

Similarly, in the Brussels area, Judge Doyle rendered a stern judgment in the case of two combative neighbours, stating that the dispute over 40 rods of fencing cost as much as it would to fence two, 100-acre farms, with money left over for a fireworks display.

Not all disputes ended in court or in physical harm. Hullett Councilor W.J. Miller displayed his “usual frank, yet tactful way” when he counseled two neighbours who were in disagreement over a fence placement and resolved the matter in “an amicable settlement”.

In 2024, the process for settling disputed fence matters lies in the hands of the municipal government.

When a case arises, three knowledgeable fellow citizens are engaged to view the disputed boundary and to make suggestions.

Of course, these people do not rule over the placement of fencing, that being a matter that needs the expertise of surveyors. All of these actions require payment of fees, a situation that sometimes causes the disagreeing parties to come to agreement on their own.

Families ask for Halliday St. paving

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Three couples living on Halliday Street in Brussels are asking that Huron East Council consider fully paving the gravel road in the northwest corner of the village.

Don Chesher spoke to the issue at council’s March 19 meeting, representing his wife, Dale, Frank and Mary Stretton and Tyler and Jaide Campbell as part of the group delegation. In his letter written to council, Chesher is asking for full paving of the street, including curbs, sidewalks and drainage.

The road is short and winding, a small sideroad off of Morris Road as motorists enter the village from the west. It is gravel and Chesher says the gravel and mud make quite the mess and residents have to contend with constant potholes as well.

In his letter, Chesher said that around the time of amalgamation in

2001, which is also when the Cheshers bought their home on Halliday Street, there had been extensive talk about municipal savings due to amalgamation and paving on Halliday Street, which has yet to materialize.

“We are very perturbed by being forced to walk through sand, water, gravel and slush when we want to walk to go downtown and pick up our mail or for children to walk down to catch the bus,” Chesher wrote in his letter to council.

Chesher said that he and the rest of the residents of the street wanted to be treated fairly and see their street paved, asking that council do the right thing in this regard and bring the road up to standard.

Council received Chesher’s presentation and Councillor Justin Morrison asked for a report from Director of Public Works Barry Mills on what could be done to improve the condition of the street, which council passed.

Put ’em up The Blyth Festival and Memorial Hall played host to the annual National Theatre School High School Drama Fest last week, with students from the Goderich District Collegiate Institute and St. Michael’s Catholic, Stratford District, F.E. Madill, South Huron and Listowel District Secondary Schools all performing on Thursday and Friday and then taking in a number of professional-led workshops on Saturday. This included a stage fight lesson, above, with Geoffrey Armour (with his back to the camera), who learned a thing or two about stage fighting as a member of the cast of last year’s The Donnellys: A Trilogy on the Blyth Festival’s Harvest Stage. (John Stephenson photo)

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Looking firmly at the cross of Christ!

(J.C. Ryle, “The Cross of Christ!)

“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world!” Galatians 6:14 Look at the cross, think of the cross, meditate on the cross — and then go and set your affections on the world if you can!

I believe that holiness is nowhere learned so well as on Calvary.

I believe you cannot look much at the cross — without feeling your will sanctified, and your tastes made more spiritual.

As the sun gazed upon makes everything else look dark and dim — so does the cross darken the false splendor of this world. As the taste of honey makes all other things seem to have no taste at all — so does the cross seen by faith, take all the sweetness out of the pleasures of the world.

Keep on, everyday, looking firmly at the cross of Christ!

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

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PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2024.

Editorials & Opinions

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

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Frying pan now, fire later A recent Angus Reid poll found that 56 per cent of Canadians felt that cost-of-living concerns should outweigh climate change concerns when it comes to economic policy. The looming carbon tax increase is, not surprisingly, dividing Canadians along party lines with the majority of those who would support the Conservatives wanting to “axe the tax” (a whopping 75 per cent) or at least lower it (another nine per cent).

The fact that more than half of Canadians are willing to push climate change concerns off to future generations rather than absorb any tax increases points to the difficulty that governments have in communicating how a carbon tax actually works. It may also point to why younger voters have grown increasingly frustrated and disenfranchised with politics, as older politicians can be seen as selling their generations up the river in favour of reducing costs now and caring little about the environment, something we all need to survive.

Despite surviving a non-confidence motion brought forward by the Conservatives, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal Party is facing a tough battle with the carbon tax, with an even smaller group supporting it than at the same time last year.

Experts say that a well-designed carbon tax is the most effective way to curb climate change, but we hate paying taxes, allowing heated rhetoric to take over the conversation. In order to survive the carbon tax debate, the Liberals need to figure out how to get their message across to the public. If this thing is really the best option we have to reduce fossil fuel consumption, we need to collectively understand how it works. It’s obvious that the majority of voters have no confidence in another tax fixing anything, so that communication plan will be a year-long challenge to the Liberals’ election platform. – DS

Real people, real problems We now know that Princess of Wales Kate Middleton is battling cancer. This comes after she underwent abdominal surgery in January and, after not being seen publicly for a number of weeks, was forced into a public statement to announce her cancer diagnosis as the rumour mill worked overtime and the search for Kate kicked into high gear.

While the bungled Photoshop scandal was unnecessarily deceptive and terribly ill-advised, the whole thing has served, for many, as a reminder of the humanity of those in high places and the insatiable and dehumanizing instincts of some in the media - British and worldwide.

For a 42-year-old mother of three, a shock cancer diagnosis would be among the most harrowing and challenging bits of news to receive.

Self-reflection, time with family, charting next steps and, above all, taking the time to process it all, would be paramount. And yet, because of Middleton’s place in the world’s consciousness, she has not been allowed to take time for those things and was forced into breaking the news to the world while likely still struggling to understand it herself.

The Royal Family itself has fallen victim to the consequences of relentless media scrutiny and the dehumanizing nature of the press at its most bloodthirsty. Because they are among the most famous and adored (by some) people in the world, the Royals can easily be seen as more than human, so it’s easy to forget that lives hang in the balance.

Right now, a young mother, wife, daughter and sister is facing an immense health challenge. The world should leave her family alone to handle the months and years ahead on their own terms. – SL

The cost of care Allison Jones of The Canadian Press is reporting that Ontario’s longterm care homes and hospitals saw across-the-board increases in agency staff usage and costs from 2021/2022 to 2022/2023. The resulting costs near $1 billion in a healthcare system that is already pushed to the brink.

Health Minister Sylvia Jones insists that agency usage is going down, actually, in a statement that a grain of salt would take with a grain of salt.

This means that the same nurse or personal support worker is costing the hospitals and homes double or triple that of a full-time employee. This is an issue that has been identified at local hospitals, as they struggle to keep emergency rooms open and fully staff their workforces.

The resulting shell game has left the province’s healthcare system in ruins, as some part-time nurses turn to agency work to pay the bills, meaning increased costs for hospitals, which are in search of a full staffing complement. It’s easy to see more full-time jobs as the solution, but that would almost be deceptively simple and we’ll all keep paying these inflated costs in the meantime. To a true Canadian who believes in the country’s universal healthcare system (rather than American-style privatization that some have opined is on Premier Doug Ford’s wish list) it also can’t help but feel like a loophole - a way to charge more and profit from care in a system that isn’t supposed to allow that to happen.

Regardless of who’s telling the truth and what the solution to move away from agency care may be, it’s clear that we’re all paying too much for what’s happening with a dispiriting return on investment. – SL

Looking Back Through the Years April 2, 1969 A sizable audience gathered at the Blyth arena on Sunday afternoon for the Achievement Day program hosted by the Blyth Figure Skating Club. Solo performances and group displays showcased the talent of local skaters, providing attendees with a glimpse of the progress achieved over the past season.

This year, seventy children from Blyth and its neighbouring areas took part in figure skating lessons at the Blyth arena, led by Bruce Brady from Seaforth.

Congratulations and best wishes were extended to Mr. and Mrs. Jim Scott Sr. who were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. The occasion was marked by a family dinner at Tiger Dunlop Inn. The second annual Blyth and District Recreational Committee broomball tournament, held over the weekend at the arena, was a resounding success. Sixteen men’s teams participated, alongside two girls’ teams.

The Brussels men clinched the tournament championship by defeating St. Clements 1 - 0 in the final game on Sunday evening.

Meanwhile, the Blyth girls secured victory by defeating Wingham with two wins and a tie, earning them the championship trophy.

March 30, 1977 John Rutledge, who had served as a teacher in Nigeria for the past year and a half, returned home on Friday, March 18. John had left Nigeria on Feb. 28 and had spent two weeks in England. There, he noted that crocuses and daffodils were in bloom everywhere. He found the English climate to be cold and damp after the hot, dry heat of Nigeria.

A fire of unknown origin destroyed the barn belonging to Clarence White, R.R.4, Brussels, on Friday afternoon. The Brussels fire department received the initial call at 2:40, followed by a second call to the Blyth fire department a few minutes later.

Gordon Hill, formerly the president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and a resident of Varna, was announced as a candidate for the New Democratic Party nomination in the provincial riding of Middlesex.

March 29, 1989 The Blyth Swinging Seniors gathered in the Memorial Hall on Wednesday, March 22 for their monthly meeting. The event commenced with a potluck dinner at noon, followed by an energetic sing-along led by Vera Badley and accompanied by Ella Richmond on the piano.

The Blyth Radford Overloads Oldtimers secured a win against the Wingham Rockers this past week with a score of 7 - 3.

Two young men were fined in provincial court in Wingham on Wednesday for their involvement in a late-night spree, during which they knocked down, stole, and abandoned a mailbox in a ditch.

July 24, 1996 St. Helens Hall received Trillium funding from the province, presented by Huron-Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell on Friday night. The $16,200 grant was being utilized to enhance wheelchair accessibility, install metal roofing, and update soffit and fascia. JoAnn Todd highlighted that volunteer labour is matching the grant criteria, with contracted work being the only exception.

The restoration committee was determined to

preserve the building’s heritage and maintain its role as the heart of the small community. Todd expressed optimism about the grant’s significant contribution to ongoing restoration efforts.

A jubilant gathering of two hundred and sixty-five individuals graced the Brussels Curling Club’s 40th anniversary celebration, held in grandeur on Saturday night at the Brussels Morris and Grey Community Centre.

The event was a splendid showcase of nostalgia and history, with an array of old photographs, captivating write-ups, and gleaming trophies adorning the venue.

Attendees were transported through time, relishing cherished memories and marvelling at the club’s remarkable journey over four decades. The display served as a poignant reminder of the club’s rich heritage and the countless individuals who contributed to its success throughout the years.

The North Huron Community Food Share kicked off its April food drive last week, garnering tremendous support from local residents, organizations and municipal representatives alike.

The event unfolded with great enthusiasm at the Wingham Town Hall on March 26, serving as a rallying point to raise awareness about the prevalent issue of hunger faced by many local families on a daily basis.

Attendees were sensitized to the stark reality of food insecurity within their community and were encouraged to recognize the profound impact that their contributions, whether in the form of food donations or financial assistance, can have on alleviating this pressing concern.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2024. PAGE 5.

Other Views

Air quality a big part of living well

T

here was surprising news recently that, in 2023, some Canadian cities had among the worst air quality in the world, as smoke from the worst forest fires in memory filled the air of southern cities. And already there are warnings about the upcoming year from authorities in many provinces that the situation may be repeated.

Climate change, our own and that imported from larger countries, hit us hard last year, but how quickly we forget. Against this is the campaign by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and several premiers in opposition to the federal government’s carbon tax.

It’s a strange thing about humans: we quickly accept the good things as part of what’s due to us and concentrate on the things that we see as standing in the way of what we deserve to have.

And so, with the federal government’s carbon tax scheduled to go up three cents a litre on April 1, it’s become a convenient target for Poilievre and several premiers to complain about the cost.

The federal government may argue that, because of the rebates every Canadian receives, 80 per cent of us are actually better off, but these government transfers, every three months, generally slip quietly into our bank accounts, while every time we fill up the tank we see the carbon tax pushing the price up.

That’s generally the way it was supposed to work, of course: we were supposed to see the cost of adding pollution and feel the urge to cut back to, for instance, buy an electric-powered vehicle and avoid buying gas. The problem is that with vocal critics of the carbon tax like Poilievre, we tend to see only the bad side and never the good.

Poilievre promises that when he becomes

Keith Roulston

From the cluttered desk Prime Minister, he will get rid of the carbon tax. He hasn’t been nearly as vocal about cancelling the carbon tax credits we receive.

Of course, the federal government opened the door for the complaints, and the duplicity, when it sought to help voters in the Liberalfriendly Maritimes, by dropping the carbon tax on furnace fuel oil, but not cutting the carbon tax rebate.

Since the changes in the Maritimes, other businesses that are hurt by the carbon tax, and other premiers, have chipped in with their own requests for exemptions from the carbon tax.

The federal government has ignored them.

Premiers of oil-producing provinces like Alberta’s Danielle Smith, are on the other extreme, expounding the belief that burning carbon is not a problem. In fact, there were Albertans, so opposed to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, that when forest fires broke out last year, they suggested he had arranged for them to be purposely lit to support his opposition to burning carbon. If so, he was a busy man, setting fires in forested areas of most provinces.

Experts are already warning us to prepare for a repeat in 2024. With warmer than normal winter temperatures from El Niño and less moisture during the fall, winter and spring seasons, experts even say that some of last

year’s fires have remained smouldering underground all winter and will reignite to start new fires come spring. And spring will be earlier because of a shorter winter!

Despite being the world’s second-largest country as far as territory goes, Canada, though growing, is far from the largest source of problems. Our own pollution alone did not produce the conditions that promoted the polluting northern forest fires , even if we are one of the world’s largest oil producers.

But we can do better - including you and me.

On one hand, we’ve improved greatly. Most rural homes used to heat by burning wood from our own woodlots - recycling, to some extent, but still polluting. We switched to coal, again, very polluting, then furnace oil and natural gas.

But, as we caused less pollution in one direction, we caused more in another as we bought more and more where we used to grow or raise most of our own food and preserve it.

Many of us travel much more than we did a couple of generations ago, causing more pollution from jets and cars. (At the same time more people live in tents than at any time since the Great Depression.)

Looking from afar, last year’s air quality figures show Canadians not just as the problem, but also as the victims of climatealtering conditions created in a larger part by the U.S. and Europe. We can do better, however. We live so much better than we did in the 1950s, yet we also suffered the worst air quality last summer I’ve ever experienced.

We lost hundreds of thousands of acres of valuable woodlands to last year’s fires, while we had the worst air conditions ever. We can certainly do a lot better - and stop complaining about incentives to pollute less.

Hedberg’s memory looms over April Fools’ Day

M

itch Hedberg died on March 30, 2005, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate with comedy enthusiasts worldwide. His distinctive style, marked by deadpan delivery, quirky observations and rapid-fire one-liners, set him apart as a comedic maverick. Ten appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman cemented his status as a cult favourite. Beyond his comedic prowess, Hedberg’s legacy endures through his influence on a new generation of comedians, proving that his genius transcends time.

In 1998, I stumbled upon Hedberg’s comedic brilliance while watching the Canadian late-night television talk show Open Mike with Mike Bullard. It was a serendipitous discovery that would forever change my perspective on humour and observation.

Hedberg’s closing joke, a hilarious riff on Fritos with grill marks on them, not only had me in stitches but also revolutionized the way I saw the world around me. It was a moment of comedic enlightenment that left a lasting impact on how I appreciate the humour in life’s quirks and idiosyncrasies.

One of the most striking aspects of Hedberg’s comedy was his delivery, characterized by a monotone voice and a laidback demeanour. His style allowed the jokes to land with a punch that caught audiences off guard. Whether he was riffing on everyday objects or offering absurd takes on life’s quirks, Hedberg’s delivery added an extra layer of hilarity to his already clever punchlines.

Another hallmark of Hedberg’s comedy was his ability to find humour in absolutely anything, no matter how seemingly mundane.

He had a knack for taking ordinary situations and turning them into absurdly funny scenarios.

Scott Stephenson The Chaff Rapid-fire one-liners were a key element of his comedic arsenal. He had a talent for crafting jokes that were short, sweet and incredibly funny. “I’m against picketing, but I don’t know how to show it!” “Is a hippopotamus a hippopotamus... or just a ‘really cool’ opotamus?” “This jacket is dryclean only which means... it’s dirty.”

There’s something magical about watching someone discover Hedberg’s unique comedic style for the first time. As they listen to his witty one-liners and offbeat observations, it’s as if a new world of humour opens up before them, and they become instantly hooked. The infectious cadence of Hedberg’s delivery has a way of captivating listeners and drawing them into his comedic universe.

It’s not just the jokes themselves that resonate; it’s also the way Hedberg speaks that leaves a lasting impression. Before long, you’ll notice that new fans start to emulate his cadence and timing.

His impact on the comedy world extended far beyond his time on stage. Hedberg’s influence can be seen in the work of comedians who followed in his footsteps, adopting elements of his style and approach.

His legacy lives on in the laughter of audiences who continue to discover and appreciate his unique brand of comedy through recordings, YouTube videos and tributes from fellow comedians.

Meeting Mitch Hedberg in person was a

stroke of incredible luck. It was Oct. 12, 2005, in Seattle, at The Paramount Theatre, where he was set to perform along with fellow comedians Dave Attell and Lewis Black.

As fate would have it, I found myself at the venue in the afternoon, looking to pick up my tickets for the evening’s show. And then, like a scene out of a surreal comedy itself, the comedians arrived in a minivan, unloading from the vehicle’s side door like a real life “clown car”.

Mitch Hedberg, accompanied by his wife and fellow comedian Lynn Shawcroft, exuded a laid-back charm and effortlessly cool vibe.

He was kind and curious, gracious and accommodating. What struck me most about him was not just his comedic talent, but also his genuine warmth and approachability.

Despite his status as a comedy icon, he remained down-to-earth, taking the time to chat with fans and share laughs before the show.

When the time came for the performance, Hedberg took the stage and delivered a 25minute set that was nothing short of perfect.

His jokes flowed, each punchline landing with precision and eliciting uproarious laughter from the audience. It was one of those rare moments in live comedy where every joke hit the mark, leaving everyone in tears.

While Attell and Black also delivered stellar performances, Hedberg’s set stood out as a highlight of the evening. His unique style and impeccable timing made it a comedy experience unlike any other. Over two decades later, I still can’t help but feel fortunate to have witnessed Mitch Hedberg’s genius up close.

I always feel a little bit sad on April Fools’ Day because that’s the day I found out that Mitch Hedberg was gone. Luckily, there’s an antidote for those blues available in the comedic material he left behind.

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

The setting sun

T

he other day I had a realization. Right now, baseball teams are in Florida and Arizona for spring training and, soon enough, the season will start. I’m not a player on any of those teams, of course, but I got to thinking that, unless I act fast, I am unlikely to fulfill my dream of catching a foul ball while holding my infant child.

This is an obscure dream, to be sure, but one I hold nonetheless. It’s not that I’ll be aging out of eligibility for this one, it’s that my kids are. Tallulah is almost four, so, unless she’s in need of a hug or a snuggle, she’s past that age for the most part. Cooper just turned one and, despite his gigantic man-baby stature, I still have some time with him. But a lot of things have to go right for it to happen. First, we have to be at a baseball game. Second, a foul ball has to be hit close enough to me that I could reasonably catch it (that’s only happened a few times in my life and I’ve attended dozens of games all over North America in that time).

And, obviously, third, I’d have to catch it.

So, as the sun sets on this dream (perhaps if anyone has babies and baseball tickets they want to send my way, I’m listening) it got me thinking about other obscure pipe dreams that, for one reason or another, have set sail.

I suppose a reasonable place to start is the second installment of one such disappointment in that I will not make a 40 under 40 list. The sting of this one is a bit easier to handle after its precursor realization 10 years earlier that I would not make a 30 under 30 list. Hogwash!

If there’s a 50 under 50 list that you think I just might qualify for with minimal or no real change to my day-to-day routine, please e-mail me at editor@northhuron.on.ca. I want to hear about it and then get what’s mine.

A lot of these are turning out to be related to my age, which is a bit of a bummer, but, what can you do? Sometimes when I sit down to write this column, I have a clear beginning, middle and end, while other times I just wing it. I’ll leave it to you to decide which this is.

Unless I discover a real knack for something like curling or golf, I guess my dreams of being a professional athlete have been officially dashed. Some weirdos call poker a sport, so that could be another option.

So, that’s the depressing bit, I suppose. A list of all the things I won’t be able to do now for one reason or another. But, as Eric Idle always taught us to do, let’s all look on the bright side of life and think about what’s still ahead.

Writing! I am a writer after all, so there are all kinds of things that I’ll be capable of writing. Writing the great Canadian firstperson account of catching a foul ball while holding your kid won’t be among them, but let’s not let that dampen our enthusiasm.

I won’t go all The Chaff: The Play on you, but I could write a play for the Blyth Festival.

(Do you know that Artistic Director Gil Garratt texted our very own Scott Stephenson with a picture of literal chaff after that column? As we all know, that represents a legally-binding contract to produce a play. Why you haven’t seen that play yet is a matter that’s before the courts and, as a result, I can’t speak any further about it. Refer any questions to our lawyers.)

Anyway, I could write a play. (Denny and I had kicked around the idea of somewhat of an autobiographical play about being reporters in a small town not that unlike Blyth. We didn’t really get much of anywhere. We lacked story and writing sessions were very alcohol-fueled - all of the best writing sessions always are.)

So, yeah, a play, the great Canadian novel.

As for nabbing a foul ball, it might be up to Tallulah or Coop while holding a geriatric me.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2024.

At the Branch

Ladies’ slo-pitch league to welcome new team

By Jo-Ann McDonald It has been another busy week at the Branch with meals, darts, the Catch the Ace draw and music.

Monday night started the week with a meal for about 45 members of the Ontario Nurses Association Local 21. They gathered to enjoy a roast beef dinner followed by their meeting. Helping for the Branch were Judy Lee, Marni Knight, Deb

Ross and Jo-Ann McDonald.

It was back to the kitchen on Wednesday for the birthday ladies group to enjoy a meal at noon.

Celebrating birthdays in the month of March are Jane Hall, Dale Chesher, Janet Hook and Cora Alcock. There were 14 other ladies there to enjoy the meal: Betty McCutcheon, Betty Cardiff, Betty Campbell, Joan Bernard, Dona

Knight, Merle Cousins, Bev Palmer, Esther McCutcheon, Marci Bremner, Nora Stephenson, Mabel Glanville, Audrey Cardiff, Alice Marks and Edna McLellan.

The helpers for the meal included Jo-Ann McDonald, Judy Lee, Deb Ross and Sandra Brown.

The kitchen didn’t have a chance to cool off as the staff was back at work on Thursday. The Brussels

Happy trails Abi Corbett of Brussels retired earlier this month from her position as the facility manager for the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre, with the Municipality of Huron East hosting a special party for her on March 7 in the very building she spent over 22 years in, making it a fun, welcoming place for the community. See a future issue of The Citizen for a full story. (John Stephenson photo)

Bonnet parade to return A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231 Mother Nature is having a good time with her daily surprises of wind, snow, sunshine and rain, keeping us alert and quite wardrobe-conscious. The animals know it’s spring, as the outdoor activity is increasing. The birds and squirrels are out and about, as well as a large woodpecker noisily getting her lunch.

We’re into Holy Week. This is the week that remembers the story of Jesus of Nazareth. Oral history and then the written story follows the life of Jesus, an ordinary, yet wonder-filled life.

Told in many languages over many years, all the world religions agree that Jesus and Mary were not ordinary people. The wee babe born in Bethlehem, born just like every baby, started a world movement that continues in many forms today.

The Easter miracle of years ago, added to the ones we know about today, makes this week holy and so faith and reassurance continues,

hoping love and peace grows.

There were lots of good stories of St. Patrick’s Day fun and the wearing of the green. Sligo, Ireland is part of my heritage, so green shirts and bows in North Bay and Listowel made me smile.

Easter weekend is upon us with family and fun all around. At this house, the traditional meal has transitioned, with angel cake and mashed potatoes as the only musthaves. All other offerings change with the people. But, no matter the food, it’s the gathering and the combination of people that make any gathering a celebration. So count your blessings and enjoy the time together.

Last year, on a whim, the United Church folks thought a little fun could involve Easter bonnets. The making of the masterpieces and the following parade was such fun, it’s happening again. At 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, bring your hat to the lower level of the church and you’ll find ribbons, trinkets and flowers to add to your beautiful bonnet.

Don’t come early, as the bake sale crowd are helping make the eating of this weekend great. We must not interfere, so come buy your treats at 10 a.m., take them home and come back with hat in hand at 11:30 a.m. The parade will end up at Richmond Square to support the Leo Club’s Easter egg hunt.

Enjoy yourself. It’s good for your health and remember to wash your hands - lots.

Happy Easter.

Bye now. Betty GW

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

Agromart held a sprayer meeting and 55 men arrived to listen to the speaker followed by the soup and sandwich meal provided by the Branch. Helpers on this day were Sandra Brown, Deb Ross, Judy Lee, Deb and Christine Seili and Bruce Fischer.

On Thursday evening, it was the usual blind mixed darts and there were 20 darters on hand to take aim at the boards. The first-place team was Sheron Stadelmann, Chris Brown and Gary Pipe. The secondplace team was Louise Poirior and Eric Ross. The high shots of the night were made by John Stadelmann hitting 171, Gary hitting 127 and Rhonda Davis hitting 116.

While the boards were busy in the main room, the lounge was where the representatives of the Brussels/Walton ladies slo-pitch teams were having their spring meeting. There will be 13 teams playing in the league in 2024.

Business included voting in the new team, discussing any issues from last year, reviewing the rules and making a few changes or adjustments. The Bayd’s Babes team from Monkton are in charge of the league this year.

This is primarily a fun league and the league fee paid is to be donated to charity. The team that finishes at the top of the league at the end of the year chooses the charity that will receive the funds. Last year, the monies went to the North Woods Elementary School Playground Equipment Fund.

Upstairs at the Legion was also being used on Thursday evening for the Brussels Legion Pipe Band.

They hold practice most Thursday nights. The band could always use new members, so, if anyone would like to learn the pipes or the drums, they can contact Jamie Mitchell, Don Martin or the Branch for more information.

Moving onto Friday, the pub grub for the meal was chicken burgers and fries and they sold out! The evening also featured a music jam session by some local musicians.

Organized by Wayne Harnock, there were at least a half-dozen folks playing some great music for a very enjoyable night. They played from 5:30-8 p.m. We hope they will come back again. It is Good Friday next week, so the Branch will be closed.

During a break from the music, the Catch the Ace draw was held by Sandra, Joan and Lisa. The lucky weekly winners were Bruce and Michelle Blake and they won $133.

The envelope of choice was number 14 and the three of clubs was revealed. The estimated jackpot for the next draw could be $700.

The Branch will be closed for Good Friday, but the draw will still be held as per usual. Get your tickets before Friday at the Brussels Variety, Brussels Pharmacy, McDonald Home Hardware and the Legion.

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

Brussels Legion 218 Catch the Ace Weekly Winner Winning Ticket: Bruce & Michelle Blake, $133.

Envelope #14 found the 3 of Clubs Next estimated jackpot is $700

OverSTUFFed? Clear the clutter and cash in at the same time in 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!

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

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2024. PAGE 7.

Festival launches matching campaign with Stephenses Fans and supporters of the Blyth Festival can now double the power of any gift they make to the Festival’s “$500K For Another 50 Years” campaign, established to mark the theatre’s 50th anniversary and lay the foundation for another half-century.

This landmark campaign is anchored by a $250,000 pledge from the Margaret and Andrew

Stephens Family Foundation, headquartered in Canmore, Alberta.

The pledge represents one of the largest gifts the Festival has ever received from a private donor and is meant to inspire others to give generously to prepare the Festival for its next 50 years.

Both Andrew and Margaret Stephens grew up in southwestern Ontario, and the family has long

made the Lake Huron shores and Blyth part of their summer vacations. Says Andrew, “When Margaret passed away in 2014, the kids and I started thinking about using our family foundation to make the kinds of investment that could drive real change. We believe strongly that Canada needs a venue to create and tell Canadian stories, and the Blyth Festival is the leader

in doing this. It was a natural fit.”

Two families have already come forward to support this campaign in response to the Stephens family gift. David Southen and Susan Carlyle of London and another family who wishes to remain anonymous have each pledged $50,000. This puts the Festival well on its way towards its goal of raising $500,000, providing the $150,000 balance of the Stephens’ pledge is matched by other Blyth donors.

Southen and Carlyle are also long-time Blyth Festival supporters. An earlier gift, also of $50,000, launched the Festival’s first-ever matching-gift campaign in 2020.

Says Blyth Artistic Director Gil Garratt, “Andrew and his family have blown us away with their passion for the future of the Blyth Festival. This gift comes at a

pivotal time. There is no question, the arts in Canada are in trouble, coast to coast to coast. This gift from Andrew and his family is not only going to help us emerge from the pandemic, but it will allow us to confidently plan, build, and dream for the future. We cannot thank Andrew, Eric, Emily, Patricia, and Trevor enough for this astonishing gift.”

The Blyth Festival is a registered charity. Like all Canadian arts organizations, it relies on donations from corporations, foundations and individual donors to make up the difference between what can be raised through government support and reasonably priced ticket sales.

Theatre fans who wish to take advantage of this opportunity should contact Jen Lamb at jlamb@blythfestival.com or by calling 1-877-862-5984 ext. 208.

Donations of $20 or more are taxdeductible.

Time to learn The Blyth Festival played host to the National Theatre School’s annual High School Drama Fest last Thursday, Friday and Saturday, culminating with a number of professional workshops with the likes of Ryan Brink, top, and Darryn de Souza, bottom, both of Blyth. (John Stephenson photos)

‘Friends’ to host hunt

By Deb Hakkers Happy Easter everyone! Lots of families will be getting together and having fun this weekend.

We wish Nancy Roe a speedy recovery after her fall on Saturday.

The Friends of the Village of Blyth invite everyone to their Easter egg hunt at the Greenway Trail by the water tower on Saturday at 11 a.m. Come meet Peppermint the Bunny and take pictures with her. There will be egg-hunting and treats for the kids.

The library also has story time from 9:30 to 10 a.m. on Saturday.

I’ll bet the story is about Easter!

This week, we wish happy birthday to Matt and Aaron Popp on March 30 and Carla Pawitch on April 3. Hope everyone enjoys their special day!

Blyth and Brussels United Churches are hosting their Maundy Thursday service at 7 p.m. The annual Good Friday service is at 11 a.m. and the Easter Sunday service is at 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome at any of these services. Pastor Alex Jebson is also doing an Easter

MAITLAND VALLEY CAMERA CLUB

service at Huronlea Home for the Aged in Brussels at 2 p.m. Come and join the residents to celebrate Easter.

Have a great Easter and, until next week, take care of yourselves and each other!

NEWS FROM BLYTH

Photography by Liz Allan

PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2024.

Sports Five Huron Heat teams destined for provincials season will culminate with the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) Provincials in the Toronto area. The U9 B, U11 BB, U11 C, U13 BB, U15 C Huron Heat teams will all be heading east to participate.

Looking back, on March 24, the U9 HL Heat won their game with the North Middlesex Junior Stars on the road by a score of 8-4, while the U11 C Heat lost their playoff game, also with the North Middlesex Junior Stars, in Clinton by a score of 2-0. The U13 C Heat also lost their playoff game in Clinton to the Central Perth Predators by a score of 2-1.

The U13 BB Heat lost their exhibition game with the South Huron Sabres in Clinton by a score of 2-1. The U11 BB Heat played the Ayr Rockets and the U9 B Heat played the South Huron Sabres, both in exhibition games, both on the road, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

On March 23, the U7 team was in Sarnia for the Lady Sting’s annual

Just a bit outside After an impressive, undefeated playoff run that lasted 16 games, the U11 C Huron Heat suffered their first playoff loss on Sunday in Clinton and it ended the team’s playoff journey... for now. The North Middlesex Junior Stars beat the Heat by a score of 2-0 on their home ice, but that’s not the end of the story for the Heat. The team will head for Toronto in a few weeks to take part in the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association’s provincial championships, alongside four other Heat teams. (John Stephenson photo) Continued from page 1 with the Bluewater Hawks.

The next day, March 31, the U11 HL team will have an Easter Sunday playoff game with the Lucan Irish in Zurich.

Heading into April, the U11 BB Heat will have a team-funded home game with the Lucan Irish in

Clinton on April 4. Then, the U9 C Heat will be in St. Marys to take part in the Western Ontario Girls’ Hockey League’s year-end tournament, beginning with games against the Woodstock Wildcats and the Lucan Irish.

The next day, April 6, the U9 C Heat will continue their tournament

with a game against the Sarnia Lady Sting, while the U7 team will have a regular season game with the Waterloo Ravens on the road and the U13 BB Heat will welcome the Mooretown Lady Flags to Goderich for an exhibition game.

The following weekend, all of the hard work and training of the

Jamboree tournament. Also that day, the U13 HL team beat the Ilderton Jets in a playoff game in Goderich by a score of 3-0. The U9 HL team lost its regular season game on the road against the South Huron Sabres by a score of 5-2 and the U9 C Heat lost to the Jets in Ilderton by a score of 3-0.

The U13 BB Heat lost their exhibition game to the South Huron Sabres on the road by a score of 20 and the U15 C Heat played the Saugeen Shores Storm in an exhibition game on the road, but a score was unavailable at press time.

On March 22, the U13 C Heat beat the Mitchell Meteors in an exhibition game in Mitchell by a score of 1-0. The U9 B Heat hosted the North Middlesex Junior Stars that night in Clinton, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time.

On March 21, the U15 C Heat played an exhibition game with the Ilderton Jets on the road, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time.

U9 MD Crusaders win Meltdown silver

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen With Easter this weekend, there are very few hockey games left on the schedule for Blyth Brussels Crusaders teams, though some do remain.

The U18 LL team is still in playoff action, taking on the Walkerton Capitals in a series that began on Thursday, March 21 with a 4-2 loss in Blyth for the Crusaders.

The teams were then scheduled to tangle again in Walkerton on Monday, Blyth on Tuesday and Walkerton on Wednesday, but but after a 6-2 loss on Monday, the rest of the series was cancelled.

Also on Wednesday, March 27, the U9 MD team was due to be in Palmerston to play the Wallace Sabres, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time.

This weekend, in some of the last on-ice action of the season, the U15 LL Crusaders will head to Exeter to take part in the DQ Challenge Tournament, beginning on Good Friday, March 29, with games against the St. Thomas Panthers

and the South Huron Sabres Black team.

On Saturday, the team will be back in tournament action with a game against the Lucan Irish in hopes of making it to the finals on Sunday.

Last weekend, the U9 MD Crusaders were in Mount Forest for the annual Mount Forest Rams U9 Year-end Meltdown tournament, winning a silver medal.

On the second day of play, Sunday, March 24, the Crusaders lost to the host Mount Forest Rams by a score of 7-3 before beating the Huron-Bruce Blizzard by a score of 3-2 in the semi-finals. Then, in the finals, the locals lost to the Owen Sound White Junior Attack team by a score of 7-2.

In regular season play on March 21, the U9 LL welcomed the Wingham Ironmen to the Blyth arena and beat them by a score of 11-2. On March 19, the U9 LL team beat the Wingham Ironmen on the road by a score of 7-3.

On March 18, the U15 LL Crusaders lost their playoff game to the Drayton Defenders in Blyth by a score of 2-0.

BELGRAVE COMMUNITY CENTRE invites

NOMINATIONS for the

Jim McGee Community Volunteer Award

Temporary elation The U13 C Huron Heat were able to find the back of the net once on Sunday in Clinton as they took on the Central Perth Predators in a playoff game, but that was all they could find, as the Predators would win the game by a score of 2-1 and put an end to the Heat’s playoff journey. However, the team will be part of the province’s annual women’s hockey league provincials coming up on the weekend of April 12-14. (John Stephenson photo)

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

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2024. PAGE 9.

Craigs return from skating championships in Montreal PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

Happy Easter to all! We hope you have an enjoyable few days off and can spend them with family or friends. The women of the household in most cases will not enjoy the holiday as much because somebody has to clean and cook and that is usually mom. Most women do not mind, as it is time spent and enjoyed with children and grandchildren!

The second-last week of March

had us digging out the heavier snow boots, heavier coats and mitts, etc. while the tractors and blowers were kept busy. Snow, blowing snow, wet snow and very slippery snow all hit our area most of the week. The roads were not great and visibility came and went. Hopefully that was the last snow and the good weather is here to stay.

It was time for the Coffee Chat at the Walton Hall on Saturday and

Raw power Earlier this month, the Brussels Skating Club held its year-end showcase. Figure skating was a fan favourite, but the club also honoured its power skating award winners for the season. Jordyn Laffin, left, was the winner of the Junior Power Skating Award, while Carter Kellington, right, won the Senior Award. (John Stephenson photo)

there was a great crowd of 20 or so - lots of folks to have a visit with and a few folks we haven’t seen for awhile, so it was nice to see them out again. Coffee Chat is the second and fourth Saturday of the month and is from 9-10:30 a.m.

Our sympathies are extended to the McLean family on the passing of Lois McLean. She will be missed by her four daughters and their families: Beverly (Dale Rennick), Marilyn (Rudy Vanstratean) Connie (Ray Johnson) and Gwen (Larry Schnieder).

She was the grandmother of 17 and the greatgrandmother of 17. Lois and her husband, the late Scott McLean, farmed for most of their lives and retired to Listowel. Lois was a lovely lady who always had a smile on her face. She loved to knit and crochet, a talent she passed on to her daughters. She was active with the North Perth Seniors, loved to go on day trips, play cards and have her family to visit. Our condolences to the McLean family.

March Break for some families meant vacation time. The family of Geoff and Michelle Dalton and their family travelled to Orlando, Florida for a week’s vacation. The kids tell me they went to the Universal Studios attraction at Disney World and enjoyed it. Good weather was enjoyed by all.

If you remember the predictions of an early spring versus six more weeks of winter, it was a very close call with five for an early spring and four for six more weeks of winter. March also has in like a lion and out like a lamb for an indicator of the arrival of spring. The first day of March was kind of a tame

lion, but not a mild lamb. It was hard to judge. The meteorologists predict a mild end of March, so we will have to wait and see.

Helen and Shannon Craig have spent an enjoyable holiday taking in the World Figure Skating Championships in Montreal this past week. Shannon is a former figure skater and she and her mom have attended many of the important figure skating events throughout our country. We just know they had a fantastic time together.

Celebrating birthdays this past week include Randal Linton, Dave Watson, Kerrisa Eckert, John Van Vleit, Ashley Hoegy, Wyatt Dale, Ken Dalton, Janet Bachert, Judy Shortreed and Weston Murray.

Happy birthday to all.

NEWS FROM WALTON

Sunday, May 12th All proceeds from the Run Around The Square go towards the Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund and the purchase of life-saving defibrillators.

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er t s i

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Registration open until April 20th at midnight

Register at www.davemounsey.com Brought to you by:

Three distances 5K - $65 10K - $70 Half-marathon - $75

PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2024.

Two women lead charge against proposed gravel pit

Fighting the fight Gina McDonnell is one of the leaders of a fight against a proposed gravel pit on Little Lakes Road in AshfieldColborne-Wawanosh. She is seen with a map of all the gravel pits in the area. (Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot photo)

By Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot The Rural Voice There is a significant oversupply of aggregates and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is failing to adequately inspect aggregate operations, reveals a fact sheet on the Auditor General’s Report on gravel mining in Ontario.

Data collected by the Reform Gravel Mining Coalition on the Management of Aggregate Resources 2023 Value-for-Money Audit, released in December 2023, is being used to bolster the fight by

local groups and individuals trying to stop a new gravel pit from opening on Little Lakes Road near Auburn in Huron County.

Leading the charge against more gravel mining in the Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh are two women who continue to collect data and ask local and provincial governments to assess the environmental impacts of allowing another gravel pit in the area.

Gina McDonnell Gina McDonnell has long lived on Cherrydale Road, in the midst of a winding path of gravel pits along the

Maitland River on Sharpe’s Creek Road and elsewhere. Large maps reveal the extent of extraction in the area, with many of the pits digging below the water table.

A woman who walks trails daily with her dogs and who used to farm sheep, run a riding stable and trained herding dogs, McDonnell is a country woman at heart after growing up in Toronto. She returned to Benmiller when she was 19, working with her mother Joanne Mazzoleni who, with her brother Peter Ivey, founded the Benmiller Inn. McDonnell and husband Bob currently live in her mother’s house near Benmiller and are building a new house close by.

“Ten years ago, I started noticing more and more gravel pits popping up on Sharpe’s Creek Line,” remembers Gina. She was living at Cherrydale Farm when, the neighbouring farm became a gravel pit, with Gina and other neighbours deciding to fight the application.

They took a two-pronged approach fighting the rezoning of the land at the municipal level and the application via the Ministry of Natural Resource and Forestry aggregate resources act (ARA).

“It started as a group of neighbours and we got over 100 signatures on a petition,” remembers Gina. She pauses. “But it’s really hard to fight gravel pits.” They did, however, get an amendment on the application that there would be no crushing and there would be the planting of a treeline.

With all the knowledge she gained, Gina started helping other landowners with their gravel pit concerns. She also started looking at the “bigger picture” and began to suspect that gravel pits are a real threat to the ecological soundness of the area, especially to the forest, the Maitland River and underground aquifers. “What are the cumulative impacts? What does it mean when so many gravel pits are next to each other, one after the other?” she asks.

Gina also wondered who was monitoring all these gravel pits and the fact that so many were strung together. She began approaching ACW Council, asking questions

about the effect on the water table of below-water pits. Also, as the ponds formed from below-water mining get backed by the sun. Could this warm water potentially warm the groundwater? She also began advocating for the need to rehabilitate exhausted pits and to investigate health concerns from the dust created from crushing. “Does that dust contain particulates that are harmful to our lungs?” she wondered.

Also, as more and more gravel is extracted, how does that impact the ground’s ability to filter run-off from neighbouring farm fields?

She has so many questions and isn’t convinced municipal or provincial regulators or leaders have the answers. Gina believes local councils need to do more to protect themselves and the areas.

Specifically, she has asked ACW Council to introduce an interim control bylaw to halt rezoning applications for aggregate for a period of time so provisions can be created in the official plan to protect farmland and landowners.

“I don’t want to ban gravel pits. I just think we need more control and more legislation over what happens in our own area,” she said.

Moreover, she wanted existing pits that are exhausted to be rehabilitated before new aggregate licences are issued.

Gina is not affiliated with any current organization but supports “the underdogs'” with the knowledge and experience she has concerning gravel pits and aggregate applications. She is, however, concerned about the new aggregate licence request by Lobo Sand and Gravel to expand the Fisher gravel pit off Londesborough Road into a property on Little Lakes Road which is very near Ball’s Bridge.

“Ball’s Bridge is close to all our hearts and if they move into it, they will destroy a wetland where there is tons of wildlife,” said Gina.

Rebecca Garrett Rebecca Garrett completely

agrees. She is the face and leader behind Friends of Ball’s Bridge and Little Lakes Road. Formerly known as Friends of Ball’s Bridge, the group was instrumental in saving the historic bridge and raising funds to keep it repaired. When the group learned of the proposal to have an open pit on Little Lakes Road, they mobilized forces again, added Little Lakes to the name and began what Garrett describes as a “huge learning curve”.

“I didn’t know anything about gravel when this started,” says the visual, video and community-based artist who lives in her mother’s former home on Little Lakes Road.

“We believe people who come to Ball’s Bridge enjoy it for its pristine, natural beauty and the quietness of the rural area,” explained Rebecca.

“All of the things that draw people here would be ruined by the presence of a gravel pit.”

With 4,000 signatures on a petition to denounce the gravel pit, the group is currently in limbo as the case sits before the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT).

The group had originally tried to respond to the application made by Lobo to rezone the property at the municipal level. The land is currently zoned natural heritage and agriculture and an application was made for a rezoning to allow aggregate extraction. To open a gravel pit, owners must also apply for an aggregate licence which is granted by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) through the Province of Ontario.

Rebecca said the Little Lakes group is asking to keep the land zoned for natural heritage and agriculture. However, in a long timeline and confusion of meetings, dates, delays, lawyers and deferrals, the case ended up with the OLT. “That changed everything,” says Garrett. “ACW decided not to communicate with us anymore and haven’t spoken to Continued on page 11

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A beautiful spot Those fighting a proposed gravel pit on Little Lakes Road, like Gina McDonnell, are concerned about the historic Ball’s Bridge, the mighty Maitland River and the trails that run through the area, wanting to preserve the natural beauty of the area as much as possible. (Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot photo)

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2024. PAGE 11.

A lack of inspection, widespread violations: report but we feel very positive about our stand. When we made the decision to go to the OLT to fight for this, we all looked deep inside to see if it was really worth it. We all agreed it was worth it and at that point, you do it because it is the right thing to do. No matter what happens, we will have won in the sense of standing up for what is the right thing.”

Key Findings from the Auditor General’s Report on Gravel Mining in Ontario (Supplied by the Reform Gravel Mining Coalition) • The most recent study of aggregate supply and demand indicates a significant oversupply and suggests reserves in the greater Golden Horseshoe area are more than adequate to meet future demand.

• The rates of MNRF inspection are low, with 75 per cent of the office reviewed annually inspecting less than five per cent of the aggregate operations in their district. There is also a shortage of qualified aggregate inspectors.

• Violations are widespread in the aggregate industry with an estimated 48 to 64 per cent not compliant with regulations • Of violations reported, less than one per cent were referred for further investigation • There is no guarantee of rehabilitation of pits and quarries The full report can be viewed at https://www. auditor.on.ca /en/ content/ annual reports /arreports/ en23/ AR_mgmtaggregates_ en23.pdf

HYDRANT / BLOW-OFF FLUSHING NOTICE

Knowing the odds

Hydrant and Blow-off Flushing will take place through the day in:

Rebecca Garrett is another leader in the fight against a proposed gravel pit on Little Lakes Road. She says she knows the odds are against the group, but that doesn’t mean the fight shouldn’t be kept up, especially with her and her group’s confidence in their stand on the issue at hand. (Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot photo) Continued from page 10 us since. It’s been a year and half,” she said.

The Rural Voice contacted Councillor Jennifer Miltenburg who stated that on municipal council, the mayor speaks for council. Several questions regarding gravel pits in general and specific ones regarding the proposed pit on Little Lakes Road were asked of Mayor Glen McNeil. He responded by saying “Thank you for reaching out to me.

As this case is currently in litigation, it is inappropriate for me to comment at this time.Thank you for your understanding, Lisa.”

The Little Lakes group decided to

continue fundraising, this time to pay for experts, lawyers and planners to represent them at the OLT. “We have incredible experts and a legal team who are working for peanuts because they believe in what we are doing,” said Garrett.

With a fundraising goal of $125,000, she hopes the amount is enough.

The latest development, according to Garrett, is a delay in the ministry licence application because three Indigenous nations need to be consulted. Currently on hold, the group is asking for a consolidated hearing and for respect from the OLT of the consultation process with Indigenous nations.

Moreover, they are asking the province to declare a moratorium on all new aggregate licences until the recommendations in the auditor general’s report have been implemented. Also, they want an environmental assessment to be conducted on the Little Lakes property.

From Huron County Council, the group is asking for a study on aggregate mining with inclusion of a map of all existing and proposed pits. “We would like a study of the cumulative impacts of these pits,” states Garrett.

In terms of winning the battle, Garrett says, “We know the odds,

VANASTRA - April 8th-12th, 2024 BRUSSELS/BRUCEFIELD - April 15th - 26th, 2024 SEAFORTH/EGMONDVILLE - April 29th - May 17, 2024 The water is safe; however, you may notice cloudy or coloured water. If you experience discoloration of water, run a cold-water tap until the water runs clear. It is recommended to refrain from doing laundry, especially whites, on these dates.

You may also experience reduced water pressure while we are working in your area.

Huron East Water & Sewer Department 519-527-1916 www.huroneast.com

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Quite the run The U13 C Huron Heat welcomed the Central Perth Predators to Clinton on Sunday for a playoff game, but fell to the visitors by a score of 2-1, ending their playoff journey.

However, the team will head for Toronto in a few weeks for the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association’s year-end tournament in search of provincial gold. (John Stephenson photo)

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PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2024.

Approved financial strategy informs budget process Continued from page 1 renovations and furniture ($65,000), town hall HVAC replacement ($28,000), town hall rear roof replacement ($80,000), large plan scanner for the building department ($10,000), AMP software ($51,000) and computer replacements (no cost specified).

There is $75,000 budgeted for wayfinding signage and $20,000 for the Community Improvement Plan grant program in the economic development budget and nearly $350,000 for costs associated with the fire service for bunker gear and personal protective equipment, gear racks in Brussels and Grey, HVAC at the Brussels fire hall, lifting bags, accountability boards, the Brussels fire hall parking lot expansion, the Grey ventilation fan, SCBA

compressor and fill station in Seaforth, and equipment decontamination in Grey and Seaforth. There is also a cost of $99,000 for the replacement of the fire chief’s vehicle, but that cost will be shared with North Huron.

McRoberts told council that two projects could be deferred from 2024 to 2025 (the SDCC ceiling beam refinishing and the Brussels fire hall parking lot expansion), which would reduce the overall levy by about one per cent.

However, it would then increase the 2025 levy by approximately two per cent.

He noted a number of factors that have to be incorporated into the reasoning behind the budget increase, such as the cost of living increase, the compensation review

for all municipal staff (including members of the fire departments), insurance increases, health and benefits increases, full implementation of the Huron East succession plan and more.

As a result, when his presentation reached its end, McRoberts said the budget brought forward reflected the financial plan approved by council after extensive consultation last year. Furthermore, he said the budget covered the capital projects council had indicated were a priority for the municipality, so, if cuts were to be made, it would mean projects or services being cut and staff would need that explicit direction.

Councillor Bob Fisher criticized the in-and-out nature of reserve contributions in the budget, which

will see council contributing to its own reserves, only to take them out immediately to pay for this project or that. He felt it didn’t make much sense.

McRoberts acknowledged the unusual nature of it, but said that, as part of the financial strategy, he is trying to get council used to the idea of contributing to its reserves and, while much of that money will be used this year, the time will come when council will be back to building up its reserves, so this would be a step towards that time.

Fisher said that every news report he had heard from other Huron County municipalities and the county itself included increases of eight per cent or less, which is where he’d prefer to see Huron East’s budget.

Councillor Larry McGrath was also critical of the municipality’s investment in property in Brussels, saying that if council hadn’t tied up $2 million in that land purchase, that money could have been put to good use in this year’s budget.

McRoberts pushed back on that assertion, saying that while staff would have preferred if the properties had sold quicker, that money will be recouped and returned to the working capital as properties sell, so that money shouldn’t be considered lost, but as an investment.

McRoberts said that there are still a few tweaks to be made, but that staff could return with a final draft of the budget soon, alongside a bylaw to adopt the budget and establish tax rates for the year.

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2024. PAGE 13.

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Find the meaning in meeting season: OFA

By Andrea McCoyNaperstkow, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture Even though the weather hasn’t caught up to the calendar just yet, we’ve just turned the corner into spring. It means a new planting and growing season will shortly be upon us - but it also signals a wind down of winter or what farmers often jokingly call “meeting season”.

Farm work keeps us busy for most of the year, so it’s during the winter months that we have time to attend agricultural trade shows, commodity organization meetings, educational conferences and other farm-related events.

As farmers, this is our opportunity to meet with suppliers, learn about the latest research, check out new equipment and technologies and connect with fellow farmers and others who work in our sector.

There is no shortage of events to attend - and while they can be specific to a commodity or agricultural sector or a geographic region, there are also quite a few farm-focused events that are of interest to the broader farm community in general.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) represents close to 90 per cent of Ontario’s farmers, so it’s only natural for our

organization to have a presence at most of these events over the winter.

This year, this included GreyBruce Farmers’ Week, the National Poultry Show, the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Conference, the Northern Ontario Ag. Conference, the London Farm Show, the Grain Farmers of Ontario’s March Classic and the Ottawa Valley Farm Show, to name just a few.

I farm in the Eastern Ontario county of Lanark, where I’ve been involved in my local federation of agriculture in various roles for the past 25 years. Last fall, I became a director on the provincial OFA board, so this winter marked my first season attending farm shows on behalf of the organization – including the big show in our area, the Ottawa Valley Farm Show, which took place earlier in March.

For me as a director, it’s a great opportunity to connect with the people I represent at the OFA board to find out what’s on their minds and share what the OFA is doing to raise awareness of the issues they’re facing.

Even for others in the agriculture sector who aren’t OFA members, it’s a chance for them to tell me their story and let us make a personto-person connection - something we all sorely missed during the

years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

That’s also the goal of the OFA as a whole in attending these events: engaging with our membership to let them know what we’re working on and getting their feedback on our activities on their behalf.

Over this winter’s events, the OFA team fielded questions on a wide range of issues, including how they could join our organization, what member benefits we offer, and how they could access our latest resources, like our annual report or newly released information about the Ministry of Transportation farm guide.

There is also ongoing interest in the Farmer Wellness Initiative, a service that provides access to free, unlimited mental health counselling for farmers, their families and farm employees and their dependents by people trained in the unique stresses and challenges of the agriculture industry.

The OFA continues to play an active role in promoting this valuable resource, which has long been desperately needed in our industry, and we receive ongoing feedback from farmers about how they appreciate its availability.

Of course, the OFA is an advocacy organization and our primary mission is to make sure that farmers’ voices are represented on

the issues that are affecting their farms and businesses.

This winter, we heard from a lot of farmers concerned about the impact of high input costs, unpredictable markets and prices, trespassing in rural areas and increasing taxes, including the federal carbon levy, for example.

We appreciate the feedback and support of our members as we

continue to work on behalf of Ontario farmers and rural communities. Agriculture, after all, is one of the most important industries in Canada, and like we’re seeing in Europe and other regions, we need to make sure we protect our ability to produce the food, fuel, fibre and flowers the world needs by keeping farms profitable, competitive and thriving.

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BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK REPORT For the week ending March 22, 2024 Total Receipts: 1,955 cattle, 1,143 lambs and goats Tuesday – Fed cattle sold at very active prices $2 - $3 higher. Cows sold steady.

Thursday – Veal sold on a good steady trade. Lambs, sheep and goats sold steady.

Friday – Calves sold on a very strong active trade. Yearlings sold actively on a fully steady market.

Fed Cattle: There were 145 fed cattle on offer.

Choice Fed Cattle: $250 – $280 up to $288 Second Cut Fed Cattle: $235 – $249 Aged and Medium Fed Cattle: $210 – $229 Holstein Fed Cattle: $154 – $230 Neil Weppler of Ayton, consigned nine head. One fed steer weighed 1,690 lbs. and sold for $257.

Larry Reinhart of Mildmay, consigned 12 head. One fed steer weighed 1,690 lbs. and sold for $257.

Cows: There were 190 cows on offer: Beef Cows: $130 – $195 Good Holstein Cows: $140 – $169 up to $202 Medium Holstein Cows: $125 – $139 Bulls: $163 – $209 John and Jane Schiestel of Mildmay, consigned one charolais cow that weighed 1,575 lbs. and sold for $183.

Bylsma Farms Ltd. of Blyth, consigned two head. One holstein cow weighed 1,710 lbs. and sold for $202.

Reuben S. Martin of Wallenstein, consigned two head. One blue veal weighed 1,210 lbs. and sold for $318.

Terry Greidanus of Londesborough, consigned 14 head. One holstein veal weighed 710 lbs. and sold for $254.

Greg McCarthy of Dublin, consigned 32 head. Fourteen charolais steers averaged 1,004 lbs. and sold for an average price of $323.

Stockers: There were 1,500 stockers on offer:

Steve Armstrong of Cuyuga consigned 62 head. Fifteen charolais heifers averaged 584 lbs. and sold for an average price of $381.50.

Lambs: Under 50 lbs.: $420 – $500 50-64 lbs.: $415 – $487.50 up to $495 65-79 lbs.: $401 – $460 up to $465 80-94 lbs.: $334 – $400 95-109 lbs.: $320 – $337.50 110 lbs. and over: $310 – $315 up to $325 Sheep: $130 – $240 up to $387.50 Tony Howe of Walkerton, consigned 16 head. Eight lambs averaged 60 lbs. and sold for an average price of $485.

Top Quality Steers: Under 400 lbs.: Too few to establish a market 400 – 499 lbs.: $275 – $449 500 – 599 lbs.: $323 – $445 600 – 699 lbs.: $370 – $421 up to $440 700 – 799 lbs.: $313 – $352 up to $379 800 – 899 lbs.: $311 – $357 900 – 999 lbs.: $310 – $335.25 1,000 lbs. and over: $280.50 – $323

Goats: Meat Kids: $500 – $542.50 Dairy Kids: $430 – $500 Mature Bucks: $300 – $400 Mature Does: $240 – $300

Murray Burkhart of Linwood, consigned 35 head. Six charolais steers averaged 613 lbs. and sold for an average price of $440.

Alvin Davey and Sons Ltd. of Paisley, consigned eight head. Four kid goats averaged 61 lbs. and sold for an average price of $520.

Mervin K. Martin of Harriston, consigned 68 head. Eighteen charolais steers averaged 951 lbs. and sold for an average price of $335.25.

Clyde View Farms of Brussels, consigned 22 head. Seven lambs averaged 80 lbs. and sold for an average price of $400.

Eric Devlaeminck of Lucan, consigned 13 head. Thirteen charolais heifers averaged 848 lbs. and sold for an average price of $324.50.

T and A Dalton of Lucknow, consigned 107 head. Four black heifers averaged 893 lbs. and sold for an average price of $299.

Top Quality Heifers: Under 400 lbs.: $275 – $450 400 – 499 lbs.: $345 – $375 up to $386 500 – 599 lbs.: $338 – $381.50 600 – 699 lbs.: $336 – $357 up to $363 700 – 799 lbs.: $280 – $339 800 – 899 lbs.: $277 – $324.50 900 lbs. and over: $258 – $290 up to $296

Veal: There were 120 veal on offer: Beef Veal: $280 – $318 Good Holsteins: $240 – $254 SL Heavy Holsteins: $235 – $249 Heavy Holsteins: $220 – $246 Medium Holsteins: $220 – $230 Plain Holsteins: $200 – $219 Drop Calves: $410 – $1,025 / HEAD

Clearview Farms of Appin, consigned nine head. Five kid goats averaged 51 lbs. and sold for an average price of $542.50.

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PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2024.

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Card of thanks LAPP - The family of the late Douglas Lapp of Wingham wish to thank all of the staff of the Wingham & District Hospital and the Lucknow Medical Centre for Doug's care. We appreciate the Rev. Carel Grundlingh and our church family of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Wingham who have supported us in happy times and difficult times.

Thanks to the staff of McBurney Funeral Home. We thank family, friends and neighbours for prayers, visits, phone calls, flowers, food and charitable donations to Wingham Hospital CT scanner and St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church general account. Marilyn Lapp & family.

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Notices

Notices

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.

Swap shop Citizen-To-Citizen “SWAP SHOP” ad Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca

PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE

It’s Yard Sale Season!

Advertise your sale in the classified section of

The Citizen 519-523-4792

• 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 - Glass shower door $50 or best offer. Four all season tires on rims 195 65 R15 (Corolla) $200.

FREE - chicken waterers. 519-8876602.

13-3 --------------------------------------------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.

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The U13 LL Wingham Ironmen put an end to their unbelievable and undefeated season on Friday with a victory over the Owen Sound Junior Attack in Wingham.

After the buzzer sounded, all that was left to do was to celebrate. (John Stephenson photo)

Knox to host Hess on Easter Sunday

Services CAREGIVER AVAILABLE. Having trained as a nurse, I am offering my services as a skilled, responsible, kind and trustworthy caregiver. Mary Lee Oesch Cell: 519-477-9409 Email: mlo07451@gmail.com -------------------------------------------INCOME TAX PREPARATION farm, business, personal. Stephen Thompson, 519-482-3244.

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Gloves up!

Celebrate your special someone!

By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188

The card results for Friday, March 22 were: high gold card, Muriel Taylor; second high gold card, Judy Hahn; most shoots gold card, Gayle Neil; high white card, Mac Brooks; second high white card, Jim Howard, and most shoots white card, Keith Johnston.

On Sunday, March 24 (Palm Sunday), Licensed Lay Worship Leader Susan Barnett was the guest speaker at Knox United Church, Belgrave. After she welcomed the congregation, the Call to Worship was read responsively and she lit the Christ Candle. The first hymn that the congregation sang was “He Came Riding on a Donkey” accompanied by Mackenzie Wightman and Lila Procter, who also played prelude and postlude music, and accompanied all the hymns. Paul McLaren also played postlude music.

Scripture lessons were read from

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29, Voices United Part 1, 3 and 4, and John 12:12-16.

On Sunday, March 31, Jim Hess will be the guest speaker. The service is at 8 a.m. with a snack after. There is no 10 a.m. service.

Everyone is welcome.

Arlyn Montgomery’s niece, Renee Lanthier from Rochester, New York, was here for a week’s visit.

Have a Happy Easter. Enjoy the good weather.

NEWS FROM BELGRAVE

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2024. PAGE 15.

Obituaries

KENNETH MCKAGUE Peacefully on Saturday, March 23, 2024, Kenneth McKague, formerly of Wingham, passed away at the age of 93 at AgeCare, Kitchener.

The beloved husband of Audrey (Gilmour) McKague, most recently of Kitchener, but formerly of Wingham, Ken was the cherished dad of Kevin and Shauni McKague of Kitchener and Kendra and Derek Axford of St. Thomas. He was the loving Poppa of Rebecca and Michael McKague and Brienna, David and Joelle Axford. Ken will be remembered by his brother Robert McKague and many nieces and nephews and their families.

He was predeceased by his parents John and Jessie (Currie) McKague, grandsons Nathaniel and Andrew Axford, sister Jean Leitch

and her husband Ken Leitch, sisters-in-law Helen McKague, Marion Campbell and her husband Donald, Marj Smith and Grace Gilmour and brother-in-law G. Mac Smith.

On July 19, 1958, Ken united with Audrey in marriage, forging a partnership of 65 years that was as enduring as the soil he tilled. His passion for farming defined his life’s journey. He dedicated decades alongside his father, brother and nephew, cultivating the land they cherished.

In 1997, he transitioned from the farm to town, carrying with him the resilience and work ethic ingrained in him. Setting an example of faith and devotion to duty, Ken served as a Trustee for 41 years and as an Elder for 46 years at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Wingham.

In addition to his love for farming and his God and Saviour Jesus, Ken found joy in the simple things, including caring for his beef cattle and, after retirement, time spent playing cards in Bluevale. Whether it was with a spirited game of cards or friendly conversations and sharing meals and stories with friends and family, Ken enjoyed his time with others. In 2022, Ken and Audrey, while still maintaining cherished roots in Wingham, settled in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, where they could be closer to family for support.

Visitation was held at McBurney Funeral Home, Wingham on Tuesday, March 26 and the funeral service was held at the funeral home chapel on Wednesday, March 27. Interment will take place at Wingham Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial

donations to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (General Fund), or the Wingham and District Hospital Foundation (CT Scanner Campaign) would be appreciated.

Online condolences available at www.mcburneyfuneralhome.com

JOANNE (LAIDLAW) DUCHARME At Alexandra and Marine General Hospital on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, surrounded by family, Joanne (Laidlaw) Ducharme of Goderich, passed away at the age of 72.

The beloved wife of Joseph Ducharme, Joanne was the dear sister of Jane and Tom Vannus of London and Paul and Ruth Laidlaw of London.

She was the loving aunt of Michelle, Jason, Lauren, Lindsay and Craig. Joanne was predeceased by her parents, Elroy and Louise Laidlaw.

Wallis lays out climate actions for Huron County in ’24, ’25

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen After implementing its Corporate Climate Change Adaptation Plan (CCCAP) back in 2020, over 70 per cent of the climate actions contained within the plan have been achieved or initiated in the first three years of the five-year plan.

Climate Change and Energy Specialist Derry Wallis provided Huron County Council with its annual update recently, highlighting what’s been accomplished over the past three years and what still needs to be completed before 2025.

“As outlined in the CCCAP, there are several actions expected to be implemented in 2024. Priority projects for the upcoming year include to the Conservation and Demand Management Plan legislated by the province, integration of the climate risk assessment results and natural assets into the Asset Management Plan, creation of a staff climate change engagement strategy, exploring the creation of a community climate action plan, and continuing to support the implementation of climate and energy strategies, including the Climate Lens Tool, Rural Roadside Strategy, Single-use Item Reduction Strategy, Highperformance Building Standards, and Green Fleet Strategy,” Wallis said in her report to council.

As for the work done in 2023, Wallis outlined a number of initiatives that went ahead or continued over the course of the year in the name of climate change adaptation for the county.

She said the county initiated a climate risk assessment of its bridges and culverts and created levels of service for county forests that can now be included in the county’s Asset Management Plan in 2024. The Bennett Street triplexes constructed by the county, she said, can also be considered a highperformance building that includes additional insulation, triple-pane windows and more.

Furthermore, she said the county has replaced five boilers with three more energy-efficient models at the Huron County Courthouse and created two acres of wildflower habitat along two county forests, which is part of the county’s Rural Roadside Pilot Project that aims to increase pollinator habitat and reduce both invasive species and the need for lawn mowing.

Wallis said the county has continued to advance the implementation and branding of the regional electric vehicle charging network alongside Bruce, Dufferin, Grey, Wellington and Perth Counties, while also conducting energy audits on all facilities and social housing buildings in an effort to reduce energy usage and presenting the county’s corporate

climate change actions at the Lake Huron Coastal Centre’s annual conference and electric vehicle expo.

Last year, someone from the county chaired a Public Infrastructure Engineering Vulnerability Committee (PIEVC) Continued on page 20

A special thanks to all of her closest friends, her neighbours and the Goderich hospital staff.

Donations may be made to a charity of your choice as an expression of sympathy. Cremation entrusted to Simple Choice Cremation - London.

Interment will be in Wingham Cemetery. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

DOUGLAS HOWARD LAPP At Wingham and District Hospital on Tuesday, March 19,

2024, Douglas Howard Lapp of Wingham passed away at the age of 82.

The husband of Marilynn Gail (Ritchie) Lapp, Doug was the dad of Murray Douglas Lapp and Kenneth Alexander Lapp. He will be missed by his granddaughter Danika Anne Lapp and her mother Lisa Lapp.

He was the brother and brotherin-law of Betty Ann and Winston Martin, Mary Joan and David Edwards, Doug Jeffray and Jeannette King and Margaret Ritchie. Doug will be remembered by his nieces and nephews.

Doug was predeceased by his parents Willis and Jessie (Orr) Lapp, parents-in-law David and Ena (Gamble) Ritchie, sister Olive Jeffray and brother-in-law Mac Ritchie and his wife Marilyn.

Visitation was held at McBurney Funeral Home, Wingham on Doug’s 83rd birthday, Thursday, March 21.

The funeral service was held on Friday, March 22 in the funeral home chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (General Fund) or the Wingham and District Hospital Foundation (CT Scanner Campaign) would be appreciated.

Online condolences at www.mcburneyfuneralhome.com

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.

PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2024.

From the Minister’s Study

God is gracious and loving, but requires perfection

By Jason Hovius, Brussels Community Bible Chapel This week is the most important week in the Christian calendar. It is often called “Passion Week” or “Holy Week”. The week starts with the celebration of Palm Sunday and ends with the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. Almost half of all four gospel narratives are filled with the events of this single week in Jesus’ life on earth.

Palm Sunday commemorates a Sunday almost 2,000 years ago, when Jesus rode down the Mount of Olives and up into east Jerusalem on a donkey. The Passovercelebrating pilgrims in Jerusalem spread branches and clothing on the road in front of him, shouting joyfully, “Hosanna to the son of David!”

It was all probably akin to longago celebrations for victorious kings returning from battle in Israel’s heyday. According to Matthew, the whole city was stirred by the ruckus, and for good reason, as King Jesus was in town!

Thirty years and change earlier,

Magi from the east had ridden into the same city of Jerusalem, probably taking the same route and gate that Jesus took while riding the donkey. They asked local residents, “Where is He that is born King of the Jews?” It took some digging for Herod and his religious experts to find out the answer.

Why did Herod investigate this?

Matthew tells us that he wanted to kill the baby king while he could.

He could not sleep well until every threat to his power was neutralized.

Matthew also tells us that when Herod was disturbed, the whole city was disturbed, probably because it was anticipating the effects of Herod’s wrath.

Whether Jesus was received with great fanfare or little, the fact of Jesus’ kingship remains. God’s plans and purposes are not dependent on the whims of any person or crowds of people or even of a nation.

The Bible speaks prophetically of a future day when Jesus will once again come to Jerusalem with a name on His thigh, “King of kings and Lord of lords”. He will stand in

Unemployment rate sits at 4.5 per cent In February, the unemployment rate for the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula economic region decreased by 0.3 percentage points to 4.5 per cent. Meanwhile, the provincial unemployment rate increased by 0.3 percentage point to 6.1 per cent, both unadjusted for seasonality.

In February, the region’s overall population increased by 400 and the labour force size increased by 300, whereas the size of the population not participating in the labour force increased by 100. Thus, the participation rate remained unchanged. The region also experienced an increase of approximately 700 in total employment size.

While there were about 1,300 full-time employment gains, we saw losses in part-time employment this month.

The number of goods-producing sector employees increased this month. Manufacturing experienced the biggest gain again (2,900, +16.1 per cent). However, forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying and oil experienced the biggest percentage loss again (700,

-23.3 per cent), followed by Continued on page 17

glory on the Mount of Olives, where he probably stood many times as a humble man, and save his people. In that day, all will recognize his rightful authority as he judges justly. “The LORD will be king over the whole earth” (Zechariah 14:9).

On the Monday after Palm Sunday, this authority of Jesus was questioned by Israel’s chief priests and elders. They, like Herod, felt threatened. They had no desire to find out the truth or submit to it.

Jesus deftly answered them with another question that bared their hypocrisy. Then he answered their question by sharing three parables.

This was not an isolated incident.

During Holy Week, there were at least four circumstances that we know of when Jesus was confronted with a tough question meant to trip him up. Each time, he answered with wisdom, leaving them confounded. This is aside from the questions and accusations made against him during the six trials he experienced from Thursday evening to Friday morning.

Probably the most amazing thing about this last week before Jesus’ crucifixion is that he knew all that was going to happen to him during this Passover in Jerusalem, and yet he did not change his plans.

Four times in the weeks leading up to this last Passover, he plainly told his disciples that they would go up to Jerusalem together and that he would be arrested, mocked and

10:00 am Worship Service 11:00 am Co ee Time 11:15 am Sunday School for all ages All Are Welcome

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

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

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

Worship with us Sunday, March 31 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

R

For additional details please visit: brusselscommunitybiblechapel.ca

MEL LV VIL LLE PRESBYTERIAN N CHURCH

communion at 7 pm

Good Friday Service, March 29

119 John’s Ave., Auburn 519-526-1131

Brussels Mennonite Fellowship

March 29, Good Friday Worship W 9:30 a.m.

Maundy Thursday, March 28

On-site and online - live.huronchapel.com

The Regional Ministry of Hope

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Welcome W elcome to Ea Easter aster Worship Worship 9:30 March March 31 Marc

Blyth United Church

EASTER SUNDAY March 31, 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Mike Stanley (Psalm 16; Acts 2:25, 13:35) FREE PANCAKE BREAKFAST 9-10 a.m.

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U United Chu ur urch

Marr.. 30, 10 a..m. Bake Sale followed at 11:30 by Eastter Hat making and Parade to Richmon nd Square at 12:30 a.m.

him, he endured the cross.” He knew that the redemption of His creation was worth it, and so he submitted to the will of God to the point of death. This was the ultimate example of faith provided by the writer of Hebrews to Jewish Christians of his day.

This Easter weekend, I strongly encourage you to read about the Passion of the Christ at the end of the four gospels. Jesus lived and died and lives again for people like me and you. If you think you’re a pretty good person, I have to ask, “How good is good enough for a God who knows all your thoughts and motives?” He rightly requires perfection. But He is also gracious and loving, so He sent His Son Jesus to die for sinners. Confess your sin to Him and make Jesus Christ the Lord and Saviour of your life today.

Easter Sunday: Holy Eucharist: with The Rev. Canon Keith Nethery 9 a.m. Trinity Blyth, 11 a.m. St. Paul’s Trinity Wingham First Sunday after Easter: Easter Festival of Lessons & Songs 9 a.m. Trinity Blyth, 11 a.m. St. Paul’s Trinity Wingham

BRUSSELS S

Evangelical Missionary Church

GOOD FRIDAY WORSHIP with Communion - March 29, 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Mike Stanley (Psalm 22; Mark 15:16-38)

crucified, and then would rise from the dead on the third day. The disciples’ reactions varied greatly each time he told them. Once, Peter took him aside and began to rebuke Jesus, saying “Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!”

(Matthew 16:22). Jesus had to correct Peter sharply. Soon afterward, he told them again, and they were filled with grief, but it doesn’t seem like it quite clicked in their minds yet.

Luke records that, when Jesus told them about his upcoming death, the meaning of Jesus’ words was hidden from the disciples. It was only after Jesus rose from the dead that they started connecting the dots.

Why would Jesus knowingly put himself through the suffering that he foreknew? Hebrews 12 says, “For the joy that was set before

at 11 am

Easter Sunday Service, March 31 at 11 am

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 The outreach project for March is the Local Food Grains Growing Project Contact Alex at: minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com Facebook: Blyth and Brussels United Churches blythunited@tcc.on.ca ~ 519-523-4224

BRUSSELS orship at the March 29: 9:30 a.m. - Good Frriday 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, prayer, and praise to o our Risen Saviour. The choir will praise Him as well with special music. y Schoo Sunday ol is available for the children. ould love to see you!

We wo “ For God so loved us that He gave His one and only Son, sso that if we believe in Him, we shoulld not perish, but we will have eterrnal life.” (para aphrase John 3:16) S Soup & More 2 Join us every Friday from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. for lunch. This free meal is madee possible by the Brussels churches and many volunteers v working together to serve our ccommunity.

All are welcome!

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no Soup & More 2 on Good Friday, M March 29 Soup & More M 2 returns on April 5 For pastoral care co oncerns please call 519-524-7512 2

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2024. PAGE 17.

Hullett students collecting food in Easter lead-up

I am a firm believer that learning is a life-long process. I count it as a good day if a light bulb goes on for me through a conversation or experience. It doesn’t have to be rocket science, just some little thing that explains how the world functions that makes me a little more informed. Last week, Hullett Central Public School passed on to me a nugget of learning .

March 21 is celebrated as Down Syndrome Day. That was the first thing I learned. I had no idea there was a day to mark this. Hullett Central Public School encouraged staff and students to wear mismatched, brightly-coloured socks to classes that day.

Why? Because people with Down Syndrome have three copies of their 21st chromosome and the karyotype of those Ds chromosomes look like mismatched socks - another thing I learned! I have actually purchased bundles of three bright mismatched socks as gifts. I just thought the bundles were funky. And we all hear stories of socks getting lost in the laundry, behind the dryer or in gym/equipment bags. Now, I

understand the significance.

These last few days before the Easter break were a chance for everyone at Hullett to consider those less fortunate in our area. The school had a “food” drive. Monday was bring some canned food product day; Tuesday was dry products day (rice, pasta, cereal) and Wednesday was hygiene products day.

Women’s World Day of Prayer has traditionally been celebrated on the first Friday of March. This year, that was March 1. Many Christian women came together that day to learn about the women of Palestine.

Londesborough’s United Church Women (UCW) group has begun observing that special day at its regular meeting/gathering in March.

Ergo, when the Londesborough UCW group met on March 18, their evening included a short World Day of Prayer service.

Sisters-in-law Crystal and Kerri Whyte told the story of three Palestinian Christian women.

Sara was born and raised Lutheran in Jerusalem. She told the world that the changes in society have allowed her religion to ordain its first female pastor. Lina spoke of her aunt Shireen, a journalist, who campaigned for both Muslims and Christians to have access to the holy sites in Jerusalem. Eleanor comes from an old, deeply-rooted Jerusalem family. As a Palestinian Christian, she continues the examples of her ancestors as a mentor to work to improve the life of women in Jerusalem, the Gaza

Strip and the West Bank.

The underlying theme of this service, made more poignant by events today in the Middle East, was the belief that women can be strong together if we bear with one another in love.

President Kim Roetsicoender presided over a short business time.

The ladies are, once again this summer, offering financial help to community youth who are attending a church-based camp. Contact Kim

by June 1 for details, etc.

The remainder of the evening was spent making Easter cards. Former member of Londesborough UCW, Harriet Shillinglaw, led the cardmaking. It was a chatty, fun time as everyone learned about a new hobby. The cards were addressed and mailed to persons in our congregation as a manner of keeping in touch with them and reminding them of their importance to our church life.

Rev. Jan Aylward led the morning worship at Londesborough United Church on March 24, Palm Sunday in the Christian faith.

Appropriately, the choir offered “Ride On, King Jesus”.

Jan began the service with the “Palm Sunday Poem” by Andrew King. Both that poem and the scripture passage from Matt. 21: 111 were accounts of the happy events and the ride of Jesus and His followers into Jerusalem.

Jan took on the role of a roving reporter at the Palm Sunday “parade” in Jerusalem.

Her first interview was with

someone (Erin Yantzi) who got caught up in the excitement of the crowd and was having fun being a part of this celebration and waving her palm branch.

Ed Salverda had heard about Jesus and His teachings and miracles and had come to Jerusalem to see what the man was all about.

Lazarus, played by Ann Adams, had been raised from the dead by Jesus and attended the parade to let people know that his friend and Lord would never let people down.

On the other hand, the Pharisees who witnessed the ride dismissed Jesus, Lazarus and the stories of Jesus. Represented by Laura Scott, they hinted at events to come and their plans concerning Jesus.

Marsha Szusz, one of Christ’s disciples, confirmed that Jesus was going to change the world. It was an interesting approach to the triumphal entry into Jerusalem and setting the stage for the events of Holy Week. Following the morning service, everyone enjoyed a time of fellowship over coffee and hot cross

buns. Donations were forwarded to Huron Hospice.

Rev. Aylward reminded everyone of the Good Friday service, an integral part of the Easter story.

NEWS FROM LONDESBORO

Unemployment decreases Continued from page 16 utilities (600, -7.1 per cent) and agriculture (100, -0.8 per cent).

Employment in the servicesproducing sector decreased this month. With 400 employment losses, information, culture and recreation experienced the biggest percentage loss this month (13.8%), followed by finance, insurance, real estate, rental and

leasing (800, -9.4 per cent) and accommodation and food services (600, -7.3 per cent). On the other hand, business, building and other support services experienced the biggest percentage gain this month (700, +15.2 per cent), followed by public administration (500, +13.9 per cent) and health care and social assistance (1,500, +7.7 per cent).

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PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2024.

For 25 cents for an adult fare, one could travel by rail from Blyth to Guelph on an excursion to the Model Farm and Guelph Horse Show June 1904.

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The Citizen, March 11, 2004

The Citizen, March 13, 2014

The Citizen, March 12, 2009

The Citizen, March 19, 2009

The Citizen, March 27, 2014

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2024. PAGE 19.

Distribution Centre eyes healthy food box program

For the good of all Dianne Faubert and Maureen Thompson, volunteers at the Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre, are seen above bagging food at the centre in Centralia which assists food banks throughout the county. The centre moved about one million pounds of food throughout the county to those in need in 2023. (Shelley Kroes photo)

By Shelley Kroes

The Citizen/The Rural Voice The Huron County Food Distribution Centre, located in Centralia, delivered approximately one million pounds of food in 2023 through distribution to area food banks and agencies with the centre’s own mobile food truck program. That equates to about 83,000 pounds of total food per month.

A founding member of the centre, Mary Ellen Zielman, credits the work of volunteers, community, programs, donations and financial contributions to be able to deliver food in this capacity.

The centre was created in 2008 with the work of board members Gerald and Mary Ellen Zielman, Don and Sharon Gingerich and Dave and Isabelle Gagne. From a concept in 2006, the centre moved to charitable status by 2008 when it could start delivering food. Mary Ellen says 2009 was the centre’s “full-charge ahead” year with a higher output of food being distributed.

Mary Ellen notes that the statistics of the 2023 Hunger Report on food bank use for Ontario, “is

true to Huron County too”. The work of the centre is continually in demand by a changing demographic and society. The 2023 Hunger Report reveals that visits to food banks increased by 36 per cent from April 2022 to March 2023, the seventh year in a row of food bank use increases for Ontario.

Mary Ellen states that Huron County is “second to Toronto” in terms of affordability to live in the area.” Mary Ellen references her statement based on facts from United Way Perth-Huron 2023 Living Wage report. Statistics reveal the living wage of PerthHuron is $22.75 per hour and annual expenses are outcompeting income for a person or family to remain sustainable.

The work of the Huron County Food Distribution Centre is in demand and its volunteers are working hard to make hunger nonexistent in the community.

Currently, the distribution centre sources and supplies food and related products to serve food banks and aid agencies of Huron County, as well as food-aid agencies in Stratford, St. Marys, and Mitchell in Perth County. Agencies of Huron include the Women’s Shelter,

Cool Mary Ellen Zielman has long been the heart and soul of the Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre. She is seen here in the centre’s fridge, which has greatly expanded the centre’s potential. (Shelley Kroes photo)

Second Stage housing and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Mobile Food Trucks act as somewhat of a food bank on wheels as well. Volunteers at the distribution centre drive the food truck, deliver food to food banks, get orders ready, sort food and related items, pack groceries and breakdown large quantities of donated and bought-in foods to smaller volume sizes. Volunteer time equates to 115 hours a week at the centre (approximately 40 volunteers). Mary Ellen states, “our volunteers are what makes the distribution centre work. Without them, we would not exist”.

Although the figures and statistics reveal food security is on the decline, Mary Ellen remains positive about the direction of the movement of food. She comments on programs such as “Second Harvest” and “Food Rescue”, which are accessible across Canada.

Second Harvest’s website states that its mission is to “grow an efficient food recovery network to fuel people and reduce the environmental impact of avoidable food waste.” Food that is otherwise being wasted is being returned to the food system. A quantity of food that the distribution centre distributes is in partnership with the Second Harvest program.

Foodland grocery stores across the county of Huron, as well as an independent grocer, supply the distribution centre with food that is still of high quality, but would otherwise be wasted because it couldn’t get to grocery shelves in time. Foods provided by local grocery stores typically include items such as cheese, ready-to-go meals, pasta, meat that is frozen before its best before date etc. Items like milk, eggs, and fresh healthy foods are typically bought by the distribution centre.

Mary Ellen credits the agricultural organizations of various commodity groups that contribute financially to provide dollars to purchase their particular commodity. For instance, egg farmers cannot contribute eggs directly to the distribution centre (they must be graded first). But the Huron County Egg Farmers organization contributes money to purchase eggs for the distribution centre to distribute. Other local commodity groups, like dairy, provide money to the centre in a

similar fashion. Meat commodities, like pork, are donated directly.

There are local foods, however, that are provided directly to the centre by the farmer or grower. Foods such as turnips, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes are picked up at the farmer’s location by the skid load.

Freezer, fridge, and floor space is ready and waiting at the distribution centre for storing and handling large quantities of foods.

The distribution centre always welcomes donations and volunteers. Mary Ellen points out that financial contributions to the centre would aid in covering the cost of fuel for delivery and pick-up of food quantities, and the grocery bill the centre has. Not all foods or related items are supplied in full amounts and must be purchased to cover a shortage. Sometimes trading aids in this. “Harvest Hands”, a food distribution centre in St Thomas, may have a surplus donated item to cover a food item that Huron County Food Distribution Centre needs. Huron will trade back to Harvest Hands with a food item that it requires.

In the future, the Huron County Food Distribution Centre is looking to expand by adapting an idea volunteers got from a visit to a distribution centre in Pennsylvania.

The idea will be a food box program where boxes are filled with healthy foods. Churches or community organizations such as Lions Clubs or Optimists can order

food boxes from the centre and have a pop-up food bank on a day of their choosing. The centre will have boxes delivered (for a small fee to cover the cost of the cardboard and delivery) and people can come to their facility or food bank or volunteers will go into the community and deliver boxes to those that require it.

If you have any questions or would like to adapt this idea to your church or organization, reach out to the Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre through the online form provided on its website at huroncountyfoodbank.org or reach out to Mary Ellen Zielman directly at 519-913-2362. The centre is dedicated to remaining a vibrant part of food security in its future.

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PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2024.

Climate work ongoing

The hard work’s over The U13 LL Wingham Ironmen worked the whole season to get to this point, an undefeated season that culminated with a big win over the Owen Sound Junior Attack on Friday in Wingham. (John Stephenson photo)

White lauds ACW’s land stewardship Continued from page 1 Morris Tract, which is home to possibly the oldest trees in Huron County, and also the Saratoga Swamp. It is the good stewardship of past generations that has maintained these very diverse natural areas,” she said, before going on to explain how these spaces are actually a great asset to nearby agricultural lands. “There are many benefits to maintaining a resilient natural cover in order to support a productive agricultural landscape. It slows down water in the landscape, and captures sediments and nutrients. It also assists with flood control and cleans the air.” She also pointed out that natural environments create a habitat for wildlife and for human recreation. “This supports the economy through tourism. And we were reminded of the importance of being outside in the pandemic, when people were visiting and revisiting natural areas. We’ve seen that people are keeping up those habits post-pandemic.”

White went on to congratulate ACW for their excellent work in continuing stewardship with the HCWP, which is a cost-share program that gives funding to assist landowners doing stewardship work on their properties. As of the fall of 2023, 653 of 3,800 planned projects had already been completed. The HCWP has been in operation for 20 years, and in that time, has funded tree planting, wetland creation, erosion control, clean water diversion, well decommissioning, manure storage, forest management plans and cover crops, among other things. “Hats off to the landowners who have done all this really great stewardship through this program!” she exclaimed.

White also went over some of the methods that Huron County uses in the effort to maintain its natural cover, including proactive outreach, incentive programs, forest and shoreline conservation bylaws, and land-use planning policies. “It’s my

opinion that the most effective approaches are proactive approaches, but there are also bylaws and land-use policies... there are policies that protect the natural environment.”

She mentioned the Provincial Policy Statement, conservation authority regulations and municipal policies as the key regulators of the natural environment in Huron County. In her position reviewing proposed developments, White asks whether or not the proposal will have a negative impact on the natural environment. She listed wetlands, shoreline areas, woodlands, valley lands and wildlife habitats as natural features that are protected by municipalities. Environmental impact studies are done when one of these areas might be affected by development.

White concluded by reiterating that all the tools she uses as the Huron County biologist are intended to contribute to and preserve a thriving natural landscape that has long benefitted from the excellent stewardship of past generations, which, in turn, will increase agricultural productivity in the area.

Councillor Jennifer Miltenberg enquired as to whether or not Queensnakes are poisonous, and was assured they are not. “I was not a fan of snakes when I started this job. Queensnakes made me become fond of them - that’s saying a lot!”

Miltenberg also asked for more information on the Invasive Species Management Plan. “So, right now, we’re drafting the plan,” White explained. “One of the goals of the plan is to provide credible information to anyone in Huron County. The plan will include practical management tools. We’ll have a detailed technical document that will be available to the public, but we’ll also be creating some materials that we’ll be able to share with landowners in order to inform their management.” The first draft of the plan should be complete in roughly one month’s time.

Continued from page 15 Program Advisory Committee meeting, presenting on the county’s climate risk assessment for infrastructure. Over the course of the year, the county also shared 17 corporate sustainability blogs with staff members, avoided nearly 1,000 kilograms of community greenhouse gas emissions from 12 Level 2 electric vehicle chargers and worked to develop a draft Huron County Cycling Master Plan.

The county has also continued to naturalize one acre of the arboretum at Huronview to reduce maintenance costs.

“This CCCAP progress report demonstrates that, over the past three years, staff, senior management and county council have successfully achieved and initiated 45 climate actions (71 per cent) to create a more resilient corporation and community,” Wallis said in her report, adding that the county has continued to increase its presence and visibility in regards to its climate change adaptation leadership.

“The County of Huron continues to be a leader in climate change

initiatives with staff presenting innovative projects and policies at conferences such as Rural Talks to Rural (2022), Lake Huron Coastal Centre Conference (2023), and the EV Expo (2023), as well as presentations to municipal councils and professionals through Perth Municipal Day (2023), Pollinator Habitat Community of Practice of Southwestern Ontario (2023) and the PIEVC Program Advisory Committee (2023) and a recent request from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) to feature the Climate Risk Assessment on county infrastructure currently underway,” Wallis said in her report. “The county is also a funder and partner in the Southern Ontario Regional EV Charging Network, which will be the first network of its kind in Ontario.”

In her report, Wallis said the CCCAP outlines 63 corporate actions that include 14 goals in five priority areas - Infrastructure and Assets, Health and Safety, Engagement and Partnerships, Resiliency and Continuity, and Innovation and Growth - to be implemented from 2020 to 2025.

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