The Citizen - March 31, 2023

2 • Reunion 3 • History 8 • Sports 19 • Entertainment

The

THIS WEEK

Citizen

Huron County’s most trusted independent news source

Friday, March 31, 2023

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Volume 39 No. 13

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

U15 Rep Crusaders bound for OMHA Championship

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

Incoming The Blyth Brussels U15 Rep Crusaders got off to a strong start in their Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) playoff series with the Hanover Falcons with a 5-1 victory in Brussels on St. Patrick’s Day. Two subsequent draws with their opponents - 2-2 on March 19 in Hanover and 3-3 in Brussels on March 21, above -

would earn the Crusaders the necessary four points to move on and punch their ticket to the OMHA Championships this weekend in Barrie. They have two games scheduled for today, Friday, March 31, taking on the Norwood Hornets at 10 a.m. and then the Tillsonburg Tornadoes that night at 8 p.m.

(John Stephenson photo)

North Huron budget trimmed heavily

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen North Huron budget deliberations resumed on Monday, March 27, as the Township continues its struggle to get a handle on budgetary numbers. Director of Finance Chris Townes surprised council with the admission that around $180,000 in recreation department salaries and benefits was missing from the original calculations provided to council on Friday, March 24. The omission created confusion in the room, a sentiment voiced urgently

by Councillor Chris Palmer.

Townes offered reassurance that the numbers being presented that evening were revised and updated, and the result is a 7.09 per cent proposed increase to the township levy. The original document provided by Townes presented a 4.18 per cent increase to the levy, which was then raised to the adjusted 7.09 per cent figure to accommodate the error.

Reeve Paul Heffer opened proceedings with a quick review of

the 2023 budget process, saying staff proposed a 13.4 per cent levy increase on Dec. 16, 2022, and then returned to council on Jan. 12 with a revised proposed levy increase of 20.65 per cent. Council requested staff return with a revised levy increase of between six and eight per cent.

Heffer addressed public outcry over the township’s handling of the 2023 budget process, saying, “From the feedback we had received from the public and from the council input, it is clear that we needed to take a different approach in the way we provide the services that the people have come to expect.”

Heffer continued, “We must remind ourselves that we are here to make the best decisions we can for all of North Huron.”

Council had previously authorized staff to consolidate and use reserve funds to reduce impacts on the 2023 operating budget. Chief Administrative Officer Dwayne Evans cautioned council against relying on reserve funds for achieving budgetary goals, saying,

“This approach is not sustainable.

The township’s reserves will slowly be depleted if we continue this trend.”

Townes provided an overview of departmental cuts and transfers from reserves that he implemented to achieve council’s desired levy increase. Townes broke the budget down into several subcategories, including general government, protection to persons,

transportation services, environmental services, health services, social and family services, recreation and culture, and planning and development, and provided details of how each subcategory was impacted in the latest draft of the budget.

Under the category of general government, Townes said approximately $31,000 from Continued on page 20

The Blyth Brussels U15 Rep Crusaders are onto the next chapter of their Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) championship journey after a series victory over the Hanover Falcons.

The locals made their way past the Falcons with a 3-3 tie on March 21. It was the third game of their series and, in addition to the March 21 draw, a 2-2 tie on March 19 and a 5-1 win on March 17 gave the Crusaders the necessary four points to move on.

The team doesn’t have any more local games scheduled, but the OMHA championships are scheduled for this weekend. The Crusaders will be taking part in the OMHA Tier 2 Championship Tournament, which will be held in Barrie.

The team has two games scheduled for March 31, a 10 a.m. contest with the Norwood Hornets and an 8 p.m. game with the Tillsonburg Tornadoes.

On Sunday, the U13 Local League Crusaders lost their game against the Owen Sound Junior Attack Red team on the road by a score of 3-1. This came after the team lost on Saturday at home in Brussels to Owen Sound in their series by a score of 8-3.

Also on Saturday, the U8 Burgundy team played the Hornets in Howick, but a score was unavailable for that game. The U9 team was also in Tara for the Arran Elderslie Tournament, though no game information was available for that tournament.

On March 21, in addition to the U15 Rep team registering a 3-3 tie with the Hanover Falcons, the U18 Rep team lost its Western Ontario Athletic Association (WOAA) series playoff game with the TCDMHA Rebels in Brussels by a score of 7-3. Also that day, the U9 team lost to the Mid-Huron Huskies by a score of 11-1.

Looking ahead, the Blyth Brussels Minor Hockey Association is set to have its annual banquet and awards night on April 5 at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre beginning at 6 p.m.

CH budget ready for approval

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Central Huron Council is moving ahead with its 2023 budget with a motion coming forward at council’s April 24 meeting to officially adopt the budget and set tax rates for the year.

Treasurer Jeff Boyes presented his updated draft of the budget at a special budget meeting held on Monday night in Clinton. He recommended a budget that

included an 8.79 per cent tax rate impact for Central Huron purposes.

This came after Boyes presented a first draft of the budget with a 9.5 per cent tax rate increase and council sent him back to the drawing board, asking for options ranging down to a six per cent increase, to keep pace with the current rate of inflation.

Council, however, opted to go with another of Boyes’ scenarios that included a tax rate increase of just over 7.5 per cent.

While council didn’t provide any specific direction as to which projects or aspects of the budget could be cut to achieve a lower increase after the March 13 budget meeting, Boyes offered a number of recommendations.

First, however, council had to absorb an additional $130,000 for the year’s budget. The extensive Isaac Street reconstruction project tender came in $110,658.41 over budget and an additional gravel Continued on page 3

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023.

A quarter-century later, Bulldogs savour wins

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

On March 25, a remarkable milestone was celebrated as the 1997-1998 Blyth Bulldogs U15 and U18 hockey teams gathered to mark the 25th anniversary of their respective Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) championship wins. The reunion saw a great turnout, with former players, coaches and parents in attendance. Many of the players who gathered at the Wingham Sportsman Association clubhouse hadn’t seen each other in the 25 years since their legendary wins, and everybody was in high spirits.

But the celebration wasn’t just for the players. Also in attendance were a number of people who had been part of the behind-the-scenes support system that was integral to both teams’ successes. There were parents who lived lives as nomads for a season, driving from arena to arena, coaches who imparted wisdom on their young wards, and arena workers who sharpened skates better than anybody had ever seen before. “I don’t think any of the parents missed anything,” recalled Marg Anderson. “It was a good group of kids, and a good group of parents.”

The speeches were short, but spirited. It was the year of the coin flip flip-flop, police escorts, bleached hair, French cultural exchange, and convict attacks. It was also the year of winning a lot of hockey games.

John Stewart, former manager of the U15 team, expressed his appreciation for the victories, noting that having two teams from the same community win the OMHA championships in the same year is a rare occurrence that is unlikely to be soon repeated.

Stewart was pleased to see so many people at the reunion.

Cory Bragg, co-event coordinator and captain of the 19971998 U18 team, added that the reunion was an excellent opportunity to catch up with old teammates and reminisce. Bragg also spoke about the importance of hockey culture in small communities and emphasized that the arena is the heart of the community, saying “it really was home for us when we were playing

We are the champions Members of the 1997-1998 U15 and U18 Blyth Bulldogs hockey teams gathered at the Wingham Sportsman the game… it’s good to have a bit of pride.” He expressed concern about North Huron Council’s recent contemplations about closing the arena in Blyth. The arena was a great source of pride for the community during that victorious season, and, based on the strong public outcry over the proposed cuts, it’s safe to say that Blyth’s arena pride is still alive and well.

Ryan Lee, co-event coordinator and goaltender for the 1997-1998 U15 team, praised the turnout and said it was heartening to see everyone come together to celebrate their shared achievement.

Tyler Stewart, captain of the 1997-1998 U15 team, echoed the sentiment, saying that it was great to see many former teammates and parents who played an essential role in supporting the team. He attributed the championship wins to hard work and positivity and emphasized that the victory was because of the team's determination. He joked about how the game has changed over the

years. “You gotta remember what hockey was… the sticks were wooden, the two-line pass was a thing, and our goalies stood up butterflies were still an insect.”

The reunion was also attended by the coaches of both teams. Don "Barney" Stewart, coach of the U15 team, described the experience of winning in 1998 as "Unbelievable!"

He added that it was the result of small-town dedication and that the players' parents figuratively represented "half of the team."

Wayne McDougall, coach of the U18 team, added jokingly, "It's unbelievable that we're still alive."

The event was a testament to the power of sport and community and a celebration of the bonds formed by athletes and fans alike. It served as a reminder that the memories of the past can be a source of inspiration for the future. Tyler summed up the season perfectly, saying, “In the end, we were just a bunch of kids playing the game that we loved, and that year we were better than everybody else.”

Association clubhouse on Saturday, March 25 to mark the 25th anniversary of dual OMHA victories. (Scott Stephenson photo)

DONATION FUND The Municipality of Central Huron is pleased to announce their annual Central Huron Donation Fund. The Municipality will again set aside funds to assist and promote community-based nonprofit organizations. Funding is also available for national and international non-profit organizations provided that they have a local branch or affiliate and whose programs demonstrate a direct benefit for the residents of our Municipality.

Organizations and/or community groups whose primary focus is not within the Municipality are eligible to apply for donations, however preference will be given to organizations and/or charities whose primary focus is within the Municipality.

To Qualify Organizations must be non-profit. Proposed programs or events must clearly demonstrate a direct social or economic benefit for residents of Central Huron. Successful organizations will be required to submit a post project report identifying the use of the funds.

Further information can be found on our website: h t t p s : // w w w. c e n t r a l h u r o n . c a / e n / b u s i n e s s - a n d development/donation-fund.aspx Application Applications for funding should include: • Description of program or event • Date of program or event • Organization budget for proposed program or event • Targeted resident group, if appropriate • Supporting information including statistics for previous similar projects • Amount of funding requested, specifying whether a cash or in-kind donation is required.

If your organization has questions or comments they should be directed to the undersigned at 519-482-3997 Ext. 1230 or email records@centralhuron.com.

Applications clearly marked Central Huron Donation Fund are to be received by the undersigned on Friday, March 31, 2023:

Heroes get remembered, but legends never die Tyler Stewart, captain of the 1997-1998 U15 Blyth Bulldogs hockey team, reminisces about Blyth’s OMHA victories in a speech at Saturday’s reunion. (Scott Stephenson photo)

Nicole Lowe, Records Clerk Municipality of Central Huron 23 Albert St. PO Box 400 Clinton, Ontario N0M 1L0 records@centralhuron.com

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023. PAGE 3.

Huron County Old Boys Glimpses of the Past with Karen Webster

I

t was in January of 1900 that a number of former Huronites, who were making a new life for themselves in Toronto, decided to form a group called the Huron County Old Boys Association (HOB). Right from the start, the name was incorrect, as women were also part of this club. Several notable people were among the charter members including: John R. Miller, former school inspector in Huron who later studied law and practised in Toronto; James Thomas Garrow, from Goderich, who was a member of Premier Oliver Mowatt’s Liberal cabinet, and later a Justice in the Supreme Court of Ontario; Thomas Gibson, former Member of Provincial Parliament for Huron East; Edward Floody, (secretary) former editor of the Huron Record, and John S. Willison, (the first HOB president) of Hillsgreen in South Huron, who was the editor of the Toronto Globe newspaper.

It would appear that this club was

solely a social one. Through numerous newspaper accounts in local papers such as the Goderich Star, the Clinton New Era, Exeter Times, Wingham Advance-Times, the Huron Expositor and the Brussels Post, Huron County residents were kept informed of the activities in Toronto. Several hundred guests celebrated the 21st anniversary of the association at the Oddfellows Temple.

In the summer of 1930, the group held a “pic-nic” on the grounds of Exhibition Park. With so many lawyers and judges in the group, it stands to reason that a mock trial was held for one member, charging him with taking the opportunity of “obtaining new members and selling more At-Home tickets”. It was easy to tell that the group was one that enjoyed a good time and each others’ company.

When Clinton was celebrating an “Old Home Week” in 1937, the Huron Old Boys gave back to their

old home area by putting on a carnival on Civic Holiday weekend that year. There were five bands and four orchestras and the event included the Hamilton Highlanders pipe band. There were prizes for the best dancers in the categories of waltzes and fox trot. Additionally, a tug-of-war took place, as well as a vaudeville show.

In 1938, there were 500 guests at one of the group’s affairs where there was “dancing and 35 tables of euchre and bridge” and the 1948 gathering was held in Casa Loma.

Many of the reports sent to the old hometowns and villages included long lists of names of those present.

Many of the local readers would have been interested in seeing the names of their relatives and former neighbours in print.

Toronto wasn’t the only site for a branch of the HOB as reports also came from Vancouver. And Bruce County was not to be outdone as there was also a Bruce Old Boys

Association and it had a branch in Calgary.

One of the names that frequently came up in the news releases was that of their secretary, Ed Floody. He was born in Cartwright, Durham County in 1857 to Charles and Hannah (Virtue) Floody, the secondeldest of eight children. Around 1869, the family relocated to Hullett Township, settling on 250 acres northeast of the village of Londesborough. Ed began his working life as a schoolteacher in Goderich Township, then purchased a printing press in Blyth, and moved it to Clinton, where he published the Huron Record starting in January, 1881, for a little over a year.

His next stint was as a merchant of groceries, books and newspapers at the Bee-Hive store in Clinton. But, where his talents really took hold was when he moved to Toronto in the 1890s to work for the Inland Revenue Department. The June 8, 1899, Clinton News-Record reported that Inspector Floody and the local police chief “ … paid a visit to a Hullett farm” but that no illicit whiskey was found.

He then moved on to a Goderich area farm where again the search was fruitless. That was not the case in June of 1904 when Inspector

Floody was sent to St. John, New Brunswick. Although it was known that illicit distilling was going on, no one could find the offenders.

Officials concluded that “If Mr. Floody could not locate the still and arrest the offender, no one else could.”

Shortly thereafter, Floody had a man behind bars, much to the appreciation of the department.

By looking at the numerous reports on Ed Floody’s career, which he contributed to local newspapers, one might conclude that the copious reports on the activities of the Toronto branch of the Huron County Old Boys Association also came from the same pen. Oh, and that long write-up about a HOB member who was put on trial at a “pic-nic” ? It was about Ed Floody himself. He seemed to be very capable of selfadvertisement.

Whatever the case may be, the news reports on the Huron County Old Boys Association give today’s readers a glimpse of a time when alumni of Huron County came together in a large city to share their time and memories together. Is that so different from Facebook and other social media that today’s Huron ex-patriots use to connect with each other?

Rejecting the cross — they will lose the crown! (“Every Day!” Author unknown) “If any man will come after Me — let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me!” Matthew 16:24 Our Lord and Saviour plainly states that discipleship involves self-denial. He who would tread in the steps of Christ — must be prepared to take up his cross.

It was no path of flowery ease that the Saviour trod — and anyone who would follow Him must be determined... to resist self and sin, to accept the world’s scorn, and to take up any cross that might lie in the path of obedience and service.

Thos who habitually consult their own ease, who indulge sinful self, and will not take up a cross for Christ — are not His true disciples. Rejecting the cross — they will lose the crown!

Surely, the remembrance of the Cross that Jesus bore for us, and on which He bled and died to redeem us from the curse of the law and all the fearful consequences of sin — should lead us cheerfully to take up any cross that we might be called to bear for Him. Jesus, I my cross have taken All to leave and follow Thee, Destitute, despised, forsaken, Thou from hence, my all shall be!

Another banner event The Brussels Optimist Club held its annual spring dinner and auction at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre on Saturday night. For the second year in a row, the event sold out very quickly with residents eager to return to normalcy and spend time with one another. They also raised money for the club’s efforts as well as the Huron and Area Search and Rescue (HASAR) group, the chosen charity for the night, though a final total has not yet been calculated. Above, Kevin Deitner prepares for the night’s live auction. (John Stephenson photo)

CH votes down pay increase Continued from page 1 resource investigation at the municipality’s Dale pit to the tune of $20,000.

In addition, a decision was required on a motion put forward by Councillor Dan Colquhoun at the last budget meeting, asking that council receive no increase to its remuneration for 2023.

This came after council voted down a proposed bylaw that would offer up an increase to remuneration for 2023. However, without that new bylaw in place, a potential council remuneration increase reverted back to the municipality’s default bylaw, which tied any council remuneration increases to the current rate of inflation, meaning this year councillors would see a 6.5 per cent increase to their pay.

The motion put forward would

amend the current bylaw to accommodate a zero per cent increase to the rate of remuneration for 2023.

Councillor Alison Lobb spoke against the motion, calling councillors volunteers and saying that she and her colleagues are entitled to that level of remuneration.

Councillor Michael Russo agreed, saying that the increase would equate to an increase of $1.56 per household for the year and he felt that council was worth that to the residents of Central Huron. Furthermore, citing the municipality’s dismal voter turnout in October of just over 25 per cent, Russo said he wasn’t concerned about having to justify the move to residents on the street, saying that there was about a 75 per cent chance that the person speaking to

him didn’t vote in the election.

Councillor Adam Robinson and Deputy-Mayor Marg Anderson, however, saw it differently, saying that they would not support an increase in remuneration (6.5 per cent) that exceeded pay increases given to municipal staff for the year (1.5 per cent).

Newly-elected Councillor Jennifer Cox said she felt awkward weighing in, seeing as how she had only been in the position for a few months, but relayed that she had received significant pushback from the public out on the street and in the shops of Clinton.

In the end, council voted in favour of Colquhoun’s motion, opting for no remuneration increase this year.

As a matter of housekeeping, council also voted in favour of two Continued on page 7

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

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The Citizen’s Friday, April 7th paper will be published on Thursday, April 6th Deadline for advertising and editorial is Monday, April 3rd at 2:00 pm 405 Queen Street, Blyth 519-523-4792

PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023.

Editorials & Opinions

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

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Growing more dire The housing crisis in Ontario is so dire that some Ukrainian refugees have found it easier to return to their war-torn home country than to find permanent accommodation here, a group that helps refugees settle in the Kitchener-Waterloo region has reported. Canadians are opening their homes and welcoming the Ukrainians in who are fleeing the war, but, despite the generosity and compassion, permanent solutions for a new life here seem to be outside the realm of possibility for some.

The federal government announced this month that it was extending the temporary visa program giving Ukrainian citizens and their families until July 15 to apply for a free visitor visa that would allow them to work and study here for up to three years. The program extension is the right thing to do, but the overall plan doesn’t seem to be coming together, despite the best efforts of bureaucrats and volunteers alike. Not everyone is arriving with a host family lined up and many of the refugees are ending up in homeless shelters or government-assisted hotels for weeks.

Some of the families could see no path to a sustainable future here, especially when looking for suitable shelter, and opted to go back.

With the soaring price of real estate and so many Canadians experiencing homelessness or currently under-housed, the crisis isn’t just for the Ukrainians, but it is a bold highlight on an issue when a refugee finds it preferable to return to an active war zone than to fight for an affordable apartment in southwestern Ontario. – DS

Diminishing returns This week, The Citizen received word that, after 163 years, St. John’s Anglican Church in Brussels would be closing its doors. Easter Sunday will be its final regular service, with deconsecration taking place at a later date. In this issue, we also have an extensive report from Londesborough correspondent Brenda Radford outlining all that the Masonic Lodge of Hullett had done over the years before closing earlier this year. Some of our great institutions are in jeopardy.

From local churches to service clubs to community centres, it’s becoming more and more clear that, to be overly reductive, if we don’t use it, we’ll lose it. As churches see their congregations dwindling and service clubs challenged to keep up robust membership numbers, the churches face the very real possibility that they may have to close.

With our local community centres and halls, it’s become clear that usage levels need to impress those signing the cheques, lest they be the next budget line item to get the chop. The chaotic North Huron budget proceedings have shown that if residents, for a second, take a service for granted, that it could be pulled out from under them.

Not everyone has the time to actively volunteer on a weekly basis, but communities like those scattered throughout Huron County rely heavily on volunteerism and institutions based in faith, recreation and arts and culture to remain vibrant, interesting places to live. If you want to keep something alive and meaningful in your community, support it in any way you can. Volunteer, donate, spread the word and do your part. As the world changes, tomorrow is never guaranteed. – SL

Just around the corner An outbreak of bird flu, H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, is spreading across Canada, killing birds and infecting mammals. Experts warn that the virus is “gathering momentum” and may become transmissible to humans, potentially sparking another pandemic. While human cases remain rare, there is a risk the virus could adapt. Health Canada is monitoring the virus for genetic changes that could indicate it is developing the ability to transmit more efficiently in mammals.

With COVID-19 still fresh in the minds of Canadians, preparing for another pandemic isn’t an exciting prospect, but it is necessary nevertheless. Depending on who is asked, Canada’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic ranged from “needs improvement” all the way to, “complete disaster.” Proactively making plans to fight the next pandemic is one way to avoid repeating mistakes. To prepare for a pandemic, countries need to maintain robust public health systems and have emergency response plans in place, such as adequate funding and resources to identify, track and contain outbreaks. Also critical is access to testing, personal protective equipment and medical supplies. Strong social programs also need to be in place to ensure vulnerable populations are protected in the event of an extended sickness or loss of employment.

Additionally, there needs to be effective communication strategies in place to keep the public informed about the risks and measures being taken to prevent the spread of the disease. This includes ensuring that upto-date information is accessible through multiple channels, such as social media, websites and traditional media outlets. The scourge of online misinformation has to be countered with persistent vigilance.

Surprise might have been an excuse for the slow and clumsy response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the event of a bird flu pandemic, that excuse won’t fly. – SBS

Looking Back Through the Years March 31, 1966 The Brussels Jets girls’ broomball team won the North Huron Broomball Trophy for the third time by defeating Teeswater by a score of 1-0, with Edith Pipe scoring the winning goal. The team was coached by Melville Jacklin.

The Brussels Figure Skating Club’s presentation of “Holidays On Ice” was a resounding success, drawing a full house. The event featured 57 local skaters, with additional performances by guest skaters Brenda J. Brintnell and Shelia Willert of the Exeter Club, and Margaret Salter of the Point Edward Club. Costumes, ranging from those worn by the “Bunnies” to those of the featured skaters, were said to be both attractive and vibrant.

St. John’s Lodge No. 284 of Brussels held its annual ladies’ night party at the Brussels Legion Hall. Worshipful Master Gibson Willis introduced the senior officers of the Lodge, as well as some Past Grand Lodge Officers who were seated at the head table, alongside their partners. Other Masons, friends and ladies were seated at separate tables, adorned with blue Lodge streamers and special Masonic serviettes featuring Lodge symbols in blue and gold. Mr. Willis gave a warm welcome to all in attendance before the Legion Ladies Auxiliary served a mouthwatering hot turkey dinner, enjoyed by everyone present.

March 31, 1976 Over 20 women from churches in Blyth and Londesborough gathered at Blyth United Church for their weekly Bible study. The session began with a brief prayer, followed by a detailed study of the Parable of the Prodigal Son. The group felt

that they could benefit from further exploration of the parable and were encouraged to continue studying it at home.

The Blyth arena was filled with excitement, action, and fun as the Atoms took on the parents’ team.

The parents’ ability to handle the puck and skate was impressive, and their entrance onto the ice surface was reminiscent of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Both teams played as if they were competing for the Stanley Cup. Despite a valiant effort, the parents lost 4-3, and the trophy was awarded to Atoms’ captain Jim Chalmers by George Ives. The parents’ lineup included Jim and Joan Chalmers, Jim and Bernice Pierce, Jack and Liz Coultes, Jim Howson and Mary Anne Howson, Shirley Andrews, Don Craig, Gord Haggitt, and Lillian Hallam. Goal scorers were Jack Lee, Jack Coultes and Jim Howson, while assists went to Jim Pierce, Joan Chalmers and Mary Ann Howson.

April 1, 1998 The Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) detachment apprehended nearly 100 marijuana plants in Morris Township during a bust. Acting on a tip, officers found the plants and hydroponic cultivation equipment.

The OPP claimed that the crop would have had an estimated street value of $100,000 if it had reached full maturity. Two people were arrested and charged with the production of a controlled substance and were set to appear in court on May 7.

The Ark hosted a safety workshop and invited several guest speakers, including Betty Graber from St. John Ambulance. Mrs. Graber delivered a talk on first aid,

while the other presenters covered various topics, such as car and bike safety, farm equipment safety and safe chemical handling. The other speakers were Public Health Nurse Marguerite Thomas, Jeff McGavin, and Merle Hoegy. Attendees were provided with activity booklets and videos, courtesy of the Brussels Fire Department and Huron Tractor in Blyth, to further enhance their safety knowledge.

March 28, 2013 Deb Hakkers received a token of appreciation for her years of service as the office administrator of the Blyth United Church, which included a pot of flowers. Albert Wasson expressed his gratitude and thanked Hakkers for her hard work and unwavering dedication.

At the school science fair, Jordan Shortreed and Kaleb Wilts from Hullett Central Public School presented their findings on the science of crossbows. They calculated the data and concluded that crossbows are the ultimate weapon to have in the event of a zombie apocalypse. Their research and experiment secured them the first-place position in the competition.

During its March 5 meeting, the Morris-Turnberry Council debated a motion put forward by Councillor Jamie McCallum to start its meetings at 7 p.m. instead of 7:30 p.m. However, the idea did not gain much traction at that time due to several missing council members.

At its March 19 meeting, the council ultimately decided to maintain the 7:30 p.m. starting time.

Deputy-Mayor Jason Breckenridge expressed support for starting at 7 p.m. during the winter but believed it wouldn’t work during farming seasons.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023. PAGE 5.

Other Views Am I just a Canadian or a human?

S

o, the Canada-U.S. agreement last week to shut down illegal immigration through Roxham Road in Quebec put me on the spot. Am I happy, as a Canadian, to see an end to people who are avoiding the rules to enter Canada, or am I unhappy as a human being to see people less fortunate than I am prevented from entering Canada?

The use of this unregulated border crossing for refugees to enter Canada away from the regular immigration system has led to growing tension, particularly in Quebec, where the refugees are crossing. To keep that province’s authorities less unhappy, the federal government has been picking up these refugees and sending them to places like Niagara Falls. But with the busy summer season approaching, that city was not happy to see hotel rooms tied up for regular tourists with more money to spend. So, for all these people, a more regulated entry to Canada is appreciated.

But as I watched the rules change, and unhappy immigrants turned back at the border, I also had to think of them as fellow human beings. What if, instead of being fortunate to have lived an entire lifetime in Canada, always at peace and with general prosperity, I had been born, as most of the aforementioned immigrants were, in a country with a corrupt government that made it hard for them to prosper.

Then, too, there was the reality of the figures.

Canada promised to allow 15,000 refugees to enter Canada, which sounds generous, but last year about 40,000 entered via the Roxham Road crossing alone. What happens to all those seeking a better life who are now stopped from entering Canada?

I’m sure U.S. President Joe Biden must have suppressed a smile when he heard the Canadian

Keith Roulston From the cluttered desk pleas for help. He’s constantly criticized for the never-ending stream of people wading or swimming across the Rio Grande River to Texas and other U.S. states seeking a better life. His predecessor Donald Trump made a big deal about building a huge fence to stop the immigration.

Meanwhile, we have labour shortages in Canada with some businesses having difficulty finding enough employees to keep running – even though we allowed 430,000 legal immigrants into Canada in 2022 and expect even more this year. At the same time, people can be on the waiting list for legal immigration for years before they are admitted. Refugees short-cut the system. But no matter how many people we admit, thousands more are waiting to enter.

What happens to those who’d have used the Roxham Road entry point? Refugee spokespeople worry they will seek other, more dangerous ways of entering Canada. We’ve heard stories earlier about people freezing trying to cross from the U.S. at unregulated crossings.

When I was young, in 1960, Canada had fewer than 18 million people. Way back in 1885, under pressure from the government of British Columbia, Canada passed a head tax to restrict Chinese immigration. Even white immigrants were discriminated against on the basis of their ethnic backgrounds: Anglo-Saxon

settlers from Britain and the U.S. were seen as the best fit, whereas Italians and Greeks were viewed as harder to assimilate and, therefore, less desirable.

After large cohorts of mostly European immigrants came to Canada between 1903 and 1913, and a series of political upheavals and economic problems that followed World War I, such as the Winnipeg General Strike, a much more restrictive immigration policy was implemented.

Under a revised Immigration Act in 1919, the government excluded certain groups from entering the country, including Communists, Mennonites, Doukhobors and other groups with particular religious practices, and those nationalities whose countries had fought against Canada during World War I, such as Austrians, Hungarians and Turks. In 1939, Jewish refugees fleeing from Nazi Germany aboard the MS St. Louis were denied entry into Canada on arbitrary grounds related to their Jewish backgrounds.

After substantial consultation, the Liberal government of Pierre Trudeau passed a new Immigration Act, which took effect in 1978. A radical break from the past, it established, for the first time in law, the main objectives of Canada’s immigration policy. These included the promotion of Canada’s demographic, economic, social and cultural goals, as well as the priorities of family reunion, diversity, and non-discrimination.

The rules brought a huge change to Canada, with people of all races welcomed, as well as seeing our population doubled to 38.25 million today.

Given the Canada of today, it’s no wonder so many people want to get in. So I’m still undecided whether I’m simply a Canadian or a member of the human race.

This week's Maitland Valley Camera Club comes to The Citizen from Wroxeter­based photographer Liz Allan, who was able to memorialize seeing her first robin of the spring just over a week ago, taking a break in one of her crab apple trees.

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

Times are changing

O

ver the weekend, as I watched my twoand-a-half-year-old daughter try to swipe on our television screen and manipulate the goings-on via touch screen, I realized how much has changed from when I was a child to now.

Tallulah has her own phone. Alright, not really, but I have rigged one of my old phones, maybe two generations back or so, to do the things she likes, such as watch Netflix, listen to Spotify, access pictures and videos of her and her family and set a timer (she loves watching the timer work its way down, don’t ask me why). So, she’s used to touching and swiping and bopping all over the phone doing whatever she wants. It then stands to reason that she thinks she can do this on all screens.

So, when I paused one of her favourite shows on the television, a move with which she disagreed, she marched up to the screen and tried to move the time code bar at the bottom of the screen to get it moving again. It didn’t accomplish anything, of course, except peanut butter fingerprints on the television, but it certainly gave us a laugh.

But it did get me thinking. She is growing up in a world in which she can watch anything she wants (though her beloved Peppa Pig is leaving Netflix today - March 31 - which is going to be a problem, both for her and for us) as many times as she wants, whenever she wants on any device she wants. That’s just something I don’t think I, at two-and-a-half years old, would have been able to fathom.

To be able to watch your favourite episodes of your favourite show on a little television (for all intents and purposes) in your hands has to be mind-blowing. But the thing that really gets me when I think about the differences between her generation and my generation when it comes to this stuff is the level of access she has to - frankly - anything she wants at any time of day with relatively little effort.

Think about it. She can, thanks to the internet and streaming services, pull up even the most obscure and hard-to-find videos or shows in a matter of seconds. As someone who, especially in my teen years, was interested in a lot of off-the-beaten-path stuff, whether it was movies, books or music, it’s amazing to think that Tallulah, and now Cooper, will have all of these things at their fingertips.

Growing up in a Toronto suburb, I had to visit weird video stores, independent music stores and creepy bookstores that, more often than not, were in subterranean, split-level retail spaces in the less-visited corners of Toronto to find the things I wanted to see, read and listen to. I’d have to pay several hours’ of pay to buy an imported CD from an obscure band, not even sure I’d like it, or special order DVDs that would take weeks to arrive.

Now, all of that stuff is available at the quick click of a button. And, for the most part, for free. There are subscription charges for some services like Netflix or Spotify, but on YouTube, you can find the most obscure, hardto-find performances from your favourite artists within seconds.

When I was young, I used to get up early to have my breakfast and watch Bobby’s World before I went to school. You know why?

Because that’s when it was on. That’s another thing she’ll never understand in the era of DVRs, YouTube, Netflix, Disney Plus, etc., the idea of something being on at a specific time on a specific channel. She’ll rarely have to wait for something to come on or lament that she’s missed something.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023.

At the Branch

Brussels Legion initiates 19 new members

Membership swell A night that won’t soon be forgotten for the Brussels Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, the service organization welcomed and initiated 19 new members on Friday night. The evening was overseen by President Jamie Mitchell, Membership Chair Sandra Brown and Zone Commander Jon Corbett from Exeter. (Courtesy photo)

Optimists host successful auction A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231 We’ve done it again! The generosity of our community is totally awesome. When a good cause is offered, the need is indicated and the incentives are acceptable, the money follows.

The Brussels Optimist Club’s spring dinner and auction on Saturday was a win for all; a nice evening with a good meal and items

offered to support a good cause all came together in a great success.

The Huron and Area Search and Rescue (HASAR) group came away smiling broadly with the profits from the work of the Optimist Club and their many supporters. It was another time to celebrate the generosity of our community. Good work Optimists and thanks to all.

We’ve had a few days of spring teasing, and know that one day, spring will come. In the meantime, dream of nice things like the Brussels Farmers’ Market. Amanda Ripper is organizing things this year on Richmond Square and tells me that several vendors are ready to go at the end of May. What a nice warm thought, seeing the market folks again.

Well done West Bachert of North Woods Elementary School, right, recently placed third at the Legion District level for his Remembrance Day black and white poster. Brussels Legion Youth Chair Nanci Ducharme, left, recently presented him with a certificate to mark his achievement. (Courtesy photo)

Heading towards Trinity United Church on Belfast Line on Sunday was pure joy. The roads between here and there are very interesting, and bare to boot. The sun was shining, and it was a glorious day.

Several passes of the Maitland River showed how much water had collected in a short time and the river was full and flowing fast.

Then, watching the water ripple in several creeks on the drive made me smile and remember: a rickety raft on a creek on Mel and Donna Craig’s farm reminded me of Marg and me thinking we were captains of our ship. At home in spring, brother Bob was a better builder of rafts and rides with him on our creek were much better all around.

The winter’s logging was quite evident and productive, noting the high piles of logs on several farms heading west. Logs neatly trimmed and ready for the next step, they showed a lot of winter work in the bush and to the road. Seeing the product in neat piles, one over 10 car lengths and at least two high, was an impressive sight. So it was a lovely day to view the countryside, have a good church meeting and share lunch. Ah, yes. It was a good day.

Next week, we’re into Holy Week with each church noting the events in their own way. In Brussels, starting on April 3 at 12:05 p.m., the Ministerial offers daily devotions and lunch through to Thursday at the United Church.

Maudy Thursday and Good Friday services are special and will be held in each church. Without the events of Easter, Christmas would not be the event that we make it. Celebrate the events of Holy Week.

Look after yourself, sleep long, eat light, wash your hands and move your body.

Bye now, Betty G.W.

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By Jo-Ann McDonald Last week was a busy one at the Brussels Legion Branch. It started with the Cadets meeting on Tuesday evening. On Wednesday, the Branch was full of mostly hungry men attending to learn more about Shivvers dryer systems. The meeting was hosted by Huron Feeding Systems of Brussels with approximately 75 attending. The day started about 9 a.m. and then they had a break for lunch. They enjoyed homemade soup, sandwiches and squares and then the meeting resumed. The catering crew of Sandra Brown, Deb Ross and Judy Lee were kept busy.

No rest for the weary, so the saying goes, and the catering crew was back in action on Thursday.

The Branch provided the space and meal for the Ontario Nurses Association’s annual general meeting for Zone 21. There were about 37 nurses from across midwestern Ontario in attendance.

They enjoyed the meal of beef, chicken, salad, and more provided and then began their meeting. The catering crew of Linda Bird, Marni Knight, Judy Lee and Jo-Ann McDonald did a great job even providing a special diet for one attending.

The Thursday night darts brought out a good crowd of 14 darters.

Winners were: first, Bruce Fischer and Sandra Brown; second, Steve Hall, Sheron Stadelmann and Jim Brown; third, Rhonda Davis and John Stadelmann; high shots, John, 133, Sandra, 112 and Evelyn Hillier, 105.

Friday was a big night at the Branch with the initiation of 19 new members. The evening was organized by Membership Chairman Sandra Brown and assisted by President Jamie Mitchell and special guest Zone Commander Jon Corbett from Exeter. The event was held upstairs at the Branch. New members of Branch 218 are Karen Cowan, Jayne Ross, Keith White, Marni Knight, Patricia Beuerman, Ken Pennington, Perry Pearce, Julie Pearce, Bruce Fischer, Rhonda Fischer, Heidi Jonuniches, Tanya

Martin, Janet Mitchell, Doug Mitchell, Jonathon Walters, Sandra Cable, Lisa Stevenson, Josh Struthers and Jacquie Waechter.

Welcome to Branch 218.

The evening then continued with a social time for the new members.

The band Jelly Bean Blue played for the enjoyment of all attending.

It was a great night for all. The pub grub for those who arrived early was chili and a roll. Friday March 31 will be poutine. It will also be karaoke at the Branch with Stubby D. Hope all those wanting to give their singing a try come out.

The Branch is hosting a 1950s/1960s dance on April 1.

Admission is $15 a person. A great band called the Twist Tops will be performing. Come on out and enjoy the evening with friends, family and meet some new friends and enjoy the great songs from the good old days. Dress up even for some added fun and maybe win a prize. Come on out and dance.

Congratulations to North Woods student West Bachert who placed third at District Level for his black and white poster for the Remembrance Day poster and literacy contest. Youth Chairman Nanci Ducharme presented the award certificate to West at North Woods last week.

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

Planning an Event?

Don’t miss potential guests!

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

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

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023. PAGE 7.

Thompson honours Snell for six decades in business leadership role in the company.

Snell says Aitken is, “the heart of the business now.”

Despite her reduced workload, Snell remains a very active presence in the store. She can often be found greeting customers, offering advice on fashion choices, and sharing stories about her long and successful career in the retail industry. And while she no longer has to work as hard as she used to,

Snell's passion for the business has not diminished in the slightest.

As Aitken takes on an increasingly important role in the company, she carries on the proud tradition of excellence that her mother and father built over many decades. And with Snell still an active presence in the store, customers can rest assured that The Old Mill will continue to be a beloved fixture in the community.

McLellan victorious From Marilyn’s Desk

By Marilyn Craig Call 523-9318

Honoured Last week, Huron-Bruce MPP and Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson, left, presented Glenyce Snell, right, and Amanda Aitken, centre, with a certificate to mark 62 years in business for The Old Mill. (Scott Stephenson photo)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson paid a special visit to The Old Mill just south of Blyth on Friday, March 24. Thompson presented a certificate to Glenyce Snell, founder of the historic business, in honour of her remarkable achievement of 62 years in operation.

Snell's journey to success began after she graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1960. At that time she would pack her vehicle with leather garments and apparel, travel across a vast territory, stretching from Owen Sound to Sarnia, and sell her wares.

With an unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality products at affordable prices, Snell has

managed to keep her business thriving for over six decades.

When Snell first opened a store in Blyth, many people doubted her ability to succeed. Even her own father expressed skepticism, telling her, “nobody will come to Blyth.”

Despite these doubts, Snell remained determined to make her business a success. Drawing inspiration from popular factory outlets in the United States, Snell believed she could replicate that success in Ontario and built her business into a destination for shoppers from all over the province.

Snell credits advertising efforts for the business's longevity and fondly recalls attending trade shows in France and England to stay upto-date with the latest fashion trends.

Snell's success at The Old Mill

was not achieved alone. Her late husband Richard was her partner in business and in life, and together they grew The Old Mill into the thriving enterprise it is today.

Thompson quipped, “Behind every successful woman is a supportive husband.”

Thompson went on to commend Snell’s achievements, stating that the dedication and hard work she has put into her business have helped make Ontario's rural economy strong. During her university days, Thompson found weekend employment at The Old Mill to help fund her studies.

As Snell enters her seventh decade in business, she has begun to step back from day-to-day operations at The Old Mill. But the business remains very much a family affair, with Snell’s daughter, Amanda Aitken, taking on a

CH tax rate up 7.52 per cent Continued from page 3 additional motions at the meeting before getting to the business of the budget. Council voted to finance the municipality’s new utilities work centre by way of a loan debenture of $1,466,740 over 10 years at an estimated rate of 3.98 per cent and approved the Isaac Street reconstruction project for the tendered amount of $2,265,916.76, excluding HST. Birnam Excavating Ltd. was the successful bidder of the five respondents. Submitted prices ranged from Birnam’s price of $2,265,916.76 to the Kurtis Smith Excavating Inc. price of $3,348,400. Both tenders excluded HST. To achieve Boyes’ recommended 8.79 per cent tax rate increase, he proposed the following cuts: removing land clearing at the Bluewater Youth Centre ($50,000), costs associated with the Langlois development ($66,000), work on Community Centre Road ($30,000) and work for the Holmesville Hall parking lot ($42,833). However, to reach the 7.52 per cent tax rate increase scenario, council also implemented Boyes’ next three cost-saving recommendations:

removal of the tax stabilization reserve contribution ($50,000), remove Cutter top coat or reduce road reserve contribution ($13,440) and remove Whitehead top coat or reduce road reserve contribution ($41,600).

While the Bluewater Youth Centre land clearing can be scrapped from this year’s budget, Boyes said in his report to council, the municipality would still have to fund a species-at-risk study for the land, resulting in just $50,000 in savings for the project, which has been budgetted at $100,000.

While some councillors had dabbled with the concept of removing or halving two economic development projects - mural updates in Clinton and Destination Central Huron endeavours, budgetted for $30,000 each - those projects remained untouched in the budget.

The total levy for the year, including the 7.52 per cent increase, will equate to a total of $8,857,955.41. This tax rate increase is part of a total levy increase of 9.68 per cent, which results in an additional tax burden of $50.29 per $100,000 of

residential assessment and an increase of $106.11 on an average single-family home in Central Huron.

When grouped with the Huron County increase of 6.5 per cent, which was recently approved and finalized by Huron County Council, and a zero per cent increase from local school boards, Boyes said the overall tax rate impact for Central Huron residents in 2023 will be an increase of 6.26 per cent.

This results in a total of $719.03 in taxes for Central Huron purposes per $100,000 of assessment in 2023, $500.94 for the county and $153 for the school boards.

Boyes will now prepare a tax rate bylaw including a 7.52 per cent tax rate increase for Central Huron purposes to be considered for adoption at council’s April 24 meeting.

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Sympathy is extended to the family of Barb Musty, who passed away on March 21. Barb lived in the area for a few years and then she and Murray moved to Listowel.

Happy birthday to Carla Pawitch, who will celebrate on April 3 and John Stadelmann, who will celebrate on April 5. Hope you both have a good day to celebrate.

Winners of March 20 euchre were: first, Edna McLellan, 78, and Robert Thomas, 75; second, Shirley Wood, 72, and Mac Brooks, 71; lone hands, Veronique Harman, four, and Jewel Plunkett, five, and share the wealth, Gord Haggitt and Donna Walsh.

Monday Morning Smile is a coffee time from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Trinity Anglican Church in Blyth.

Come out and have a laugh or two.

It is time to get out that Easter bonnet and have it ready for Monday, April 10.

NEWS FROM BLYTH Drop by the store to an nswer a skill testing question, to be entered into a draw for a gift certificate,, no purchase necessaary, one entry per persoon.

Contest runs: April 1 - April A 8

398 Queen Street Blyth, Ontario Phone: 519.523.4276

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PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023.

Sports Ironmen win second game with Mount Forest

Digging out front Austin Becker of the Wingham Ironmen scored the team’s sixth, and eventual winning goal of game two of their second-round series with the Mount Forest Patriots. He put himself in the right place at the right time to jump on a puck in front of the net and capitalize, winning the game for his team. (John Stephenson)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The Wingham Ironmen now find themselves down two games to one in their best-of-seven series with the Mount Forest Patriots, though the two teams were set to clash on Wednesday night, so a score was unavailable at press time.

The series kicked off with a rough-and-tumble game in Mount Forest, won by the Patriots by a score of 5-0, with the teams collectively being assessed well over two hours of penalty minutes.

Brody Leblanc scored his first goal of the series at the 1:07-minute mark of the first period, on the power play, assisted by Austin Griffin and Matthew Weiler. Dylan Szymanowski then scored his first of the series at 9:15 of the first period, assisted by Elijah Brahaney and Adam Murray, followed by another first-period goal by Leblanc, scored at 13:03 of the frame, assisted by Caleb Cribbin.

There was no scoring in the second period but Mount Forest’s Jordan Leitch scored his team’s fourth goal at 4:40 of the period, assisted by Elijah Brahaney and Dylan Szymanowski, followed by the game’s fifth and final goal, scored by Mount Forest’s Austin Griffin, unassisted and on the power play, at 19:24 of the period.

Vance Meyer earned the win for the Patriots, stopping all 13 shots that came his way, while Wingham’s Garrett Golley stopped 12 of the 17 shots he faced, earning him the loss.

Now to the penalties. Things stayed civil in the first two periods before exploding in the third.

Austin Becker of Wingham was called for cross-checking at the

one-minute mark of the first period, followed by an interference call against Mount Forest’s Aidan Doig.

Nigel Kreager of the Ironmen was then called for too many men on the ice at 4:23 of the first, followed by a slashing call against Jordan Leitch of the Patriots at 16:58 of the first.

Turner Mckenzie of the Ironmen was called for cross-checking at 6:48 of the second period, followed by slashing calls against Mount Forest’s Jordan Leitch at 8:18 of the second and Wingham’s Matt Tolton at 9:43, a delay-of-game call against Mount Forest’s Bryan Richardson at 10:59 of the second and a cross-checking call against Reid Caswell of the Patriots at 15:45 of the second.

As the third period began, Mount Forest’s Charlie Mckenzie was called for holding at 6:28 of the period, followed by a tripping call against Matthew Weiler of the Patriots.

Then, at 8:11 of the third period, 15 penalties were handed out to players on both teams.

Wingham’s Jonah Burley was called for two head-contact penalties and ejected for removing an opponent’s helmet. Dawson Fahrer of the Ironmen was also called for three head-contact penalties and ejected for inciting an opponent. Wingham’s Matt Tolton was also ejected from the game, receiving a five-minute major penalty and then an ejection, both for fighting.

Mount Forest’s Elijah Brahaney was called for roughing after the whistle. Aidan Doig of the Patriots was called for two head-contact penalties and ejected for inciting an opponent, while Mount Forest’s Aaron McGuirk received a fiveminute major penalty and an

ejection, both for fighting.

Tempers flared again just seconds later, with six penalties being assessed at 8:49 of the third period.

Josh Pham of the Ironmen and Austin Griffin and Matthew Weiler, both of the Patriots, were each assessed two head-contact penalties.

Ironmen goaltender Garrett Golley was called for two headcontact penalties at 11:10, followed

by Mount Forest’s Adam Murray being penalized twice for kneeing at 12:22 of the period.

Nigel Kreager of the Ironmen was the next player to be shown the door after a cross-checking call and an ejection for inciting an opponent at 13:39 of the period. Mount Forest’s William Black was also ejected for inciting an opponent at 13:39, the same time Brody Leblanc of the Patriots was called for slashing.

Kyle Stanbury of the Ironmen was called for tripping at 16:09, followed by a slashing call against Wingham’s Garrett Golley at 17:25 and two head-contact penalties against Wingham’s Josh Pham called at 17:58.

Stanbury ended the game with an ejection, being called for inciting an opponent at 19:24 of the third period.

Wingham then bounced back in the second game of the series, played on Friday night in Wingham, with a 6-5 win to even the series.

Mount Forest opened the scoring just under a minute into the game when Brody Leblanc scored his third goal of the series 54 seconds into the first period, assisted by Dylan Szymanowski and Austin Griffin on the power play.

Wingham would then score the next five goals.

Nigel Kreager found the back of the net to even the score at 12:30 of the first period, assisted by Turner Mckenzie and Matt Tolton, followed by Kyle Stanbury’s sixth goal of the playoffs at 17:04, assisted by Nate Bloemberg and Tayt Bramhill on the power play, and a goal by Matt Tolton just before the period expired at 19:59, assisted by Kyle Stanbury and Dawson Fahrer on the power play.

Stanbury scored his seventh goal of the playoffs 26 seconds into the second period, assisted by Coleson Fischer and Dawson Fahrer on the power play, followed by another power play goal, scored by Dawson Fahrer and assisted by Kyle Stanbury.

Mount Forest’s Dylan Szymanowski then scored an unassisted power play goal at 6:40, followed by Austin Becker of the Ironmen scoring his third goal of the playoffs, assisted by Nate Bloemberg on the power play at 9:09 of the second period.

Brody Leblanc of the Patriots would score the final goal of the second period at the 12:43-minute mark, shorthanded, assisted by Elijah Brahaney.

Dylan Szymanowski of the Patriots then scored to open the third period at the 58-second mark, assisted by Brody Leblanc and Charlie Mckenzie on the power play, followed by a goal by Matthew Weiler of Mount Forest at 16:41, assisted by Dylan Szymanowski. It was not enough

though, as the Ironmen claimed victory and evened the series at one game each.

Garrett Golley won the game for the Ironmen in net, stopping 21 of the 26 shots he faced. Vance Meyer started the game for the Patriots, stopping five of 10 shots, before being pulled just over three minutes into the second period. Tristan Szymanowski took over and played the rest of the game, stopping 11 of the 12 shots he faced.

Wingham’s Dawson Fahrer was called for the first penalty of the game, a four-minute penalty for kneeing just 33 seconds into the first period. Mount Forest’s Evan Dewar was called for crosschecking at 3:30 of the first, the same time Wingham’s Nigel Kreager was called for slashing.

Matthew Weiler of the Patriots was called for boarding at 15:43 of the period, followed by a pair of cross-checking calls against the Patriots, assessed to Elijah Brahaney and Aaron McGuirk, at 19:53 of the period.

Bryan Richardson of the Patriots was called for tripping at 2:33 of the second period, followed by an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty called against Wingham’s Matt Tolton at 3:01 of the second. Austin Becker of the Ironmen was called for interference at 6:20 of the second and Mount Forest’s Kyle Detweiler was called for head contact at 7:23.

Bryan Richardson of Mount Continued on page 10

Township of North Huron NOTICE OF PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE North Huron Zoning By-law Review Members of the North Huron community are invited to participate in Public Open House sessions to discuss draft changes to the North Huron Zoning By-law. The public will have an opportunity to review the draft text and zoning (mapping) amendment, ask questions and provide comments.

North Huron Council initiated the Zoning By-law Review process in February, following the review of the Township Official Plan in 2022. This review is taking into consideration updates to the Township Official Plan, County Official Plan, provincial legislation, as well as comments from Council, the public, and partner agencies.

To view the existing Zoning By-law, review the first draft amendment, and for information on how to participate in the process, please visit the North Huron website at: https://www.northhuron.ca/en/build-invest-grow/zoning.aspx Open House sessions are being held as follows: • Thursday, April 20, 2023 - 10:00am to 4:00pm North Huron Wescast Community Complex (Hot Stove Lounge Meeting Room) at 99 Kerr Drive, Wingham • Friday, April 21, 2023 - 10:00am to 4:00pm Blyth Community Centre (Arena Hall) at 377 Gypsy Lane, Blyth Please send any comments or questions via email, mail, or telephone to Hanna Holman, Planner, at hholman@huroncounty.ca or 519-524-8394 ext. 3. Mail can be sent to the Township office with Attention to Hanna Holman.

Dated at the Township of North Huron This 29th day of March, 2023 274 Josephine Street, Wingham ON N0G 2W0 (519)-357-3550

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023. PAGE 9.

Sports Five Heat teams heading to OWHA Provincials Mustangs in an exhibition game and then, the next day, the U13 B Heat will head east for the Brampton Canadettes Easter Tournament, beginning with games that day against the Lucan Irish and the Mississauga Hurricanes, followed by a game with the Georgina Golden Hawks the next day on April 8.

On April 10, the U13 C Heat will have an exhibition game with the South Huron Sabres on the road, followed by the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) Provincials, which will see the U9 B, U11 B, U11 C, U13 C and U18 BB Heat teams head to the Greater Toronto Area on the weekend of April 14-16 to end their seasons.

Looking back at the week that was, the U18 BB Heat tied their playoff game with the Oakville Hornets on March 26 by a score of 1-1. Also that day, the U13 B Heat played an exhibition game with the Ilderton Jets in Goderich, while the U9 B Heat had an exhibition game with the North Middlesex Junior Stars on the road.

The U18 BB Heat tied their playoff game with the Ancaster

Avalanche in Clinton by a score of 1-1, while the U11 C Heat lost their playoff game with the Woodstock Wildcats on the road by a score of 4-0.

The U9 HL White team beat the South Huron Sabres on the road that day by a score of 4-1 and the U9 HL Black team beat the Lucan Irish on the road by a score of 5-0.

Also that day, the U15 BB Heat lost an exhibition game with the Twin Centre Hericanes in Seaforth by a score of 3-2 and the U13 C Heat lost their exhibition game with the Woodstock Wildcats in Seaforth by a score of 1-0.

On March 24, the U13 B Heat won their exhibition game with the Lucknow/Wingham 86ers in Seaforth by a score of 4-1 and on March 21, the U18 C Heat lost their playoff game in Clinton with the St. Thomas Panthers by a score of 3-2 and the U15 C Heat won their playoff game with the Ilderton Jets by a score of 1-0 in Seaforth.

On March 27, the U15 BB Heat were on the road for a game against the Twin Centre Hericanes, but a score was unavailable at press time.

Heads up In their playoff contest on Saturday in Clinton, members of the U18 BB Huron Heat and the Ancaster Avalanche all turn their attention to the sky, as a puck was on its way back down to the ice. The game would end in a 1-1 tie. (John Stephenson photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen As the 2022/2023 hockey season winds down, several Huron Heat teams will find themselves in some late-season action as the calendar flips from March to April.

Beginning today - March 31 - the U9 HL Black and White teams will be in St. Marys for the Western Ontario Girls’ Hockey League

(WOGHL) Championship. The White team will begin with March 31 games against the St. Marys Rock and the Bluewater Hawks, while the Black team will play the Lucan Irish that day.

The next day, April 1, the U9 HL Black team will play St. Thomas and the South Huron Sabres, while the White team will play the North Middlesex Junior Stars.

Also that day, the U13 C Heat

will be on the road for a playoff game with the North Middlesex Junior Stars, the U15 C Heat will have a playoff game in Komoka against the Woodstock Wildcats and the U11 B team will play the London Devilettes in Hensall before playing them again in an exhibition game the next day in London.

On April 6, the U13 C Heat will take on the Upper Maitland

Check at: freshwindchurch.net for upcoming registration date

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

Eyes on the puck On March 21 in Brussels, as their U15 Rep counterparts tied their game with the Hanover Barons, earning them a series win and a spot in this weekend’s Ontario Minor Hockey Association Championships, the Blyth Brussels U18 Rep Crusaders were not so lucky, above, losing their playoff game with the TCDMHA Rebels by a score of 7-3. (John Stephenson photo)

Deadline March 31

Please help us get ALL the Winter Sports teams published.

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PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023.

Sports Game five for Ironmen, Patriots set for Friday

The road to victory Last Friday night, the Wingham Ironmen beat the Mount Forest Patriots by a score of 65 in the second game of their second-round, best-of-seven series in Wingham. Captain Kyle Stanbury, right, and Patrick Galloway, left, are seen celebrating Stanbury’s second goal of the game, scored just 26 seconds into the second period on the power play.

(John Stephenson photo)

Continued from page 8 Forest was given a four-minute spearing penalty at the nine-minute mark of the second period, followed by an interference call against Austin Griffin of the Patriots at 13:13 of the second and a crosschecking call against Wingham’s Turner Mckenzie at 19:04 of the period.

A skirmish at the end of the second period resulted in five penalties being called: unsportsmanlike conduct against Mount Forest’s Elijah Brahaney, four-minute head-contact penalties against Wingham’s Dawson Fahrer and Mount Forest’s Austin Griffin and roughing-after-the-whistle and cross-checking penalties against Kyle Stanbury of the Ironmen.

Three Mount Forest players were

penalized in the third period: Brody Leblanc for interference at 2:15, Adam Murray for cross-checking at 10:50 and Elijah Brahaney for slashing at the 20-minute mark of the period.

On Saturday, the Ironmen lost a close one to the Patriots, losing by a score of 3-2, giving the Patriots the one-game edge heading into Wednesday night.

Kyle Stanbury opened the scoring with his eighth goal of the playoffs for the Ironmen, finding the back of the net at 11:32 of the first period, assisted by Matt Tolton and Jonah Burley. Mount Forest quickly equalized at 13:16 with a goal from Elijah Brahaney, assisted by Aidan Doig and Jordan Leitch.

Wingham’s Coleson Fischer gave the Ironmen the lead with the only

goal of the second period, a powerplay marker at 3:22, assisted by Kyle Stanbury and Dawson Fahrer.

The third period, however, was all Mount Forest. Elijah Brahaney scored his second of the game at 13:14 of the period to even the score, assisted by Brody Leblanc and Charlie Mckenzie, and Brody Leblanc scored the game-winning goal at 15:28, his fifth of the series, a shorthanded market assisted by

Elijah Brahaney and Adam Murray.

Vance Meyer won the game for the Patriots, stopping 37 of 39 shots, while Garett Golley was tagged with the loss for the Ironmen, stopping 21 of the 24 shots he faced.

Wingham’s Dawson Fahrer was called for tripping at 5:41 of the first period, while Mount Forest’s Aaron McGuirk was also called for tripping at 15:01 of the first period.

Bryan Richardson of the Patriots was called for roughing at 2:46 of the second period, followed by an interference call against Wingham’s Zach Wall at 5:33 and an interference call against Mount Forest’s Brody Leblanc at 17:11 of the period.

Mount Forest’s Kyle Detweiler was called for boarding at 14:36 of the third period, while Matt Tolton of the Ironmen was called for interference at 18:56 of the period and Jonah Burley of the Ironmen was called for cross-checking at 19:53 of the period.

A fracas at 19:58 of the period, just before the end of the game, resulted in five penalty calls.

Wingham’s Josh Dales received a five-minute major and an ejection for fighting, while Mount Forest’s William Black was handed an

instigator penalty, a five-minute major fighting penalty and an ejection.

Wingham was set to host the fourth game of the series on Wednesday night, but a score was unavailable at press time.

The fifth game is set for Friday, March 31 in Mount Forest. If necessary, the teams will be back in Wingham on Saturday, April 1 for game six and then game seven in Mount Forest on Monday, April 3.

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

The Citizen.

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

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Obituaries

BILL CHESNEY Bill Chesney of Seaforth, passed away peacefully at Huronlea Home for the Aged, Brussels on March 25, 2023. He was 86.

Bill was the husband of Joan (Boyce) for 59 years and father of

Harold Chesney and his wife Deb, Seaforth and Laura Collins and George, Brucefield. He was the grandpa of Sadie and Quinn. Bill is survived by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Jennie (Cline) and Harry Chesney, and siblings Harold Chesney (Alma), Peggy Lemmon (Cecil), Pearson “Perk” Chesney (Fern), Margaret McKilligan (Art), and Dorothy Clark (Jack).

In keeping with Bill’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of Bill’s life was held at the Seaforth Legion on Thursday, March 30. Spring interment is at Maitlandbank Cemetery, Seaforth.

Donations to the Seaforth Community Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family.

Condolences may be forwarded through www.haskettfh.com.

When you buy an ad from us, you are supporting ti local. l l Our O eentire ti staff t ff - editor, dit publisher, bli h repporter, t sales l rep. production coordinator, designer, photographer, columnists, coorrespondents, freelancers, proofreaders and mail crew all live and spend right here in Huron County.

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023. PAGE 11.

Masonic Lodge closes doors after 104 years

About a month ago, it became common knowledge that the Hullett Masonic Lodge #568 was going dark. It occurred to me that this was one of those moments in time that should receive some publicity.

That was all well and good, but I realized that, in spite of living in a community that had a Masonic Lodge, I had no idea what it meant to belong to a Lodge. My only experience with this brotherhood was helping with their annual Masonic banquet. Time for some research. Let me tell you, the internet has plenty of information!

But, sorting out what was needed in terms of an article about the Hullett Lodge was a challenge.

For those of you, like myself, who know very little about Masonry, Google states that the/a “Masonic Lodge is the local organization of the Masonic fraternity. It operates under a charter from the Grand Lodge. It has two primary functions.

“One is to provide an opportunity for members to experience fraternal and social bonding through meetings, programs and other events.” In a time when we are hearing so much concern over mental health, this fraternity would be the support men need.

Secondly “a lodge initiates new members according to timehonoured ceremonies called degrees (of which there are three) ultimately passing down the fraternal heritage that unites all Freemasons in brotherhood.”

Meetings, held in Londesborough on the second Tuesday of each month, did adhere to those two functions and also included lectures or study about Masonry. Each lodge has an executive, like any other organization, a Master, two Wardens, a treasurer and a secretary.

To be a Mason means professing a belief in a supreme being. But lodges have no religious or political affiliation. A book(s) of faith, imprinted with the Masonry symbols, must be open on the altar during Masonic meetings. The universal symbol of Masonry is a carpenter’s square overlaid with a compass and with sometimes a “G” in its centre.

Simply put, the purpose of a lodge is “to make good men better men”. Masons are expected to have good morals and to set an example of good living in the community.

One often hears the term, “Masons are a secret society”.

Although they do admit to having some secrets, Masons work quietly for the glory of humanity promoting liberty, fraternity and equality.

They are a non-profit charitable organization and the Hullett Lodge has regularly supported Huron County charities. Their funds come from yearly member dues.

There are some six million Masons worldwide, but no worldwide governing body. Each lodge is independent, but adheres to basic requirements of being a lodge.

Articles in each lodge room have significance to Masonry.

Back to Hullett Lodge #568. This lodge received its Charter to the Masonic Lodge of Ontario in 1919.

John Grainger was the first Master.

In 104 years, there have been 71 Masters. Executive members are elected every year, unless circumstances make it necessary for longer terms. There are some very familiar community names in the list of members of the Hullett Lodge. Between 1919 and 2023, 163 members had joined the Hullett Lodge. Rev. Gary Clark is the current master of the Hullett Lodge.

When Hullett received its charter, every village, hamlet, town had a Masonry Lodge. Hullett had scores of members in the early years in Londesborough and initiations were commonplace. Unfortunately, times change and the population in rural areas dropped. Hullett is only one of many in this part of Ontario that find it can no longer exist.

Although the Lodge has 30 members on its roll, only 10 are active. Distance from the Mother

Lodge and aging are reasons for the decline. Moreover, by 2025, all public buildings must be accessible and that posed a problem for the Londesborough lodge site.

Conversely, lodges in the cities are thriving. Part of the reason for this is that businesses encourage membership for their employees. A Mason can be affiliated with more than one lodge and attend meetings in lodges other than their mother lodge. Some members of Hullett Lodge have made the decision to move their membership to the Carlow Lodge.

The Hullett Lodge has met for most of its 104 years in a room on the upper floor of the building at the corner of Londesborough Road and London Road. Originally, they rented their space, but in 1987, through member donations, the Lodge bought the entire building and have maintained their upper meeting room renting out the lower level.

Items in each lodge have significance to that lodge. With the closing of Hullett Lodge, any items not claimed by the individual members will be sent to the Grand Lodge Museum in Byron. A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of the building in Londesborough will be sent to the District of North Huron Lodge and to the Grand Lodge. The rest will be donated to registered charities in the area.

One of the original artifacts from the Hullett Lodge will follow the members on to Carlow. When Lodge #568 received its charter, members were presented with a large gavel made by a soldier in the trenches of France during World War I. The head of this gavel was made from a piece of propeller from a captured airplane. The handle was a piece of wood from a church organ that was destroyed in Arras, France during the same war.

Hullett Lodge held its last meeting on March 14. On March 18, the group held a ceremony in their lodge room to officially give up their charter. Then members, along with two Grand Lodge Masters, retired to the Londesborough Community Hall for a final banquet and the sharing of memories.

Living on the farm put one right in the middle of nature. Now, in the village, I find noticing the little things quite different.

I expect most of you have seen your share of robins already. And walking a farm lane in the past made it easy to spot the early arrivals. One day last week I did see the first of the season for me on a neighbour's roof. Out for a short drive, I saw a few more and also spotted a red-winged blackbird, another harbinger of spring. They will be looking for a sheltered spot to roost until Mother Nature actually brings spring to our area.

Also on that drive, I saw two large flocks of trumpeter swans headed north. They had likely spent some time at the Hullett Conservation Area before continuing their flight. Unlike on the farm of years past, I missed the sound of their honking and wings flapping but against a bright blue sky, it was a glorious sight. Did you know the trumpeter swan is Canada’s largest native waterfowl?

They can be six feet in length.

Did you happen to see the Northern Lights on Thursday night into Friday? The geomagnetic storm, which raged in the atmosphere, was stronger than the

U.S. Storm Weather Prediction Centre had expected.

Consequently, the Centre didn’t forecast the aurora. It seems the energy given off by the sun which triggers this phenomenon has an 11year cycle and right now we are at the peak of that cycle. So, keep your eyes on the sky. There is a chance we might see them again.

NEWS FROM LONDESBORO

BELGRAVE COMMUNITY CENTRE invites

NOMINATIONS for the

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

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SUDOKU Fun By The Numbers Like puzzles?

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

Scramble out front The U18 BB Huron Heat were in playoff action against the Ancaster Avalanche on Saturday at the Central Huron Community Complex in Clinton, with the teams playing to a 1-1 tie. The U18 BB Heat are one of five Heat teams that will be heading to the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association Provincial Championships in the Toronto area on the weekend of April 14-16. (John Stephenson photo)

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

PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023.

Reserve usage high in approved Huron County budget

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron County passed its 2023 budget by bylaw at its March 22 meeting, incorporating a total levy increase of $4,038,411, which is an 8.78 per cent year-over-year increase.

This means that the total levy comes in at $50,052,161 and the residential tax rate will increase by 6.49 per cent over 2022.

This year’s budget includes annual revenue of $136,342,473.

Thirty-seven per cent of that comes from total taxation, followed by provincial grants (34 per cent), county reserves (14 per cent), external revenue and financing (seven per cent), fees and service charges (five per cent) and federal grants (three per cent).

This year’s capital budget comes in at $34,248,435, which is up significantly from 2022’s capital requirements of $27,134,690. The county’s reserve levels are projected to decrease this year by almost $20 million, from 2022 total reserve levels of $67,501,202 to a projected year-end balance in 2023 of $49,121,645.

In his presentation to council, Treasurer Michael Blumhagen outlined a number of ongoing budgetary pressures being faced by the county, including managing operating expenditure levels in relation to inflation, shifting tax burdens due to declining industrial and commercial base and increasing farmland values, demographic challenges (aging population), declining grants (Ontario Municipal Partnership

Fund, for example), variable levels of senior government program funding and asset management and the need to close the infrastructure gap.

After several lengthy budget deliberation sessions, council passed the final draft of the budget with little comment.

However, at that same meeting, Huron East Mayor Bernie MacLellan put forward a notice of motion, seconded by Central Huron Deputy-Mayor Marg Anderson, to further investigate funding options for three big-ticket items in the budget.

Several councillors, during the budget process, had questioned the wisdom of moving ahead with intersection improvements in both Blyth and Exeter, as well as the Gibbons Street supportive housing

project in Goderich in what has proven to be a challenging budget year. As a result, MacLellan put forward a notice of motion asking staff to prepare a report to further investigate upper-tier government funding or public-private partnerships to fund the projects.

He said he felt the projects should not be entirely funded by property taxes collected from residents.

The two intersection projects traffic lights in Blyth and a roundabout in Exeter - are set to cost several million dollars each, while the Gibbons Street project will cost the county, over time, more than $20 million.

MacLellan also wanted to discuss options regarding bringing the projects to the stage of being shovel-ready, but then potentially stopping there for the time being.

At a previous meeting, staff cautioned council about stopping the wheels already in motion on the Blyth and Gibbons Street projects, suggesting there could be legal ramifications if they are stopped at this point. Director of Operations Steven Lund has also cautioned council about pausing any of the intersection projects, suggesting there could be liability concerns for the county after identifying the intersections as trouble spots, but then not taking action to remedy them, should there be a tragic incident at one of the intersections.

Because it was a notice of motion, there was no further discussion on it, but it will be up for debate at council’s next meeting, which is set for Wednesday, April 5 at 9 a.m.

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023. PAGE 13.

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Brussels Livestock report

Over 3,000 animals sold at local weekly sales Total receipts for Brussels Livestock for the week ending March 24 were 1,840 cattle and 1,256 lambs and goats.

On Tuesday, fed steers and heifers sold actively at prices $2 to $3 higher. Choice steers and heifers sold $205 to $220 with sales to $221. Second-cut cattle sold $194 to $204. Aged and medium-fed steers and heifers sold $180 to $195. Holstein steers and heifers sold $140 to $194. Cows sold with prices $3 to $5 higher.

On Thursday, veal sold on a strong active trade at steady prices.

Lambs, sheep and goats all sold steady.

On Friday, calves sold actively on a steady market with quality considered. Top quality yearlings sold steady. Second-cut yearlings sold on an easier market.

K/C McAlpine Farms of Ailsa Craig, consigned five head. Two gold heifers averaged 1,573 lbs. and sold for an average price of $220.

John Richardson of Harriston, consigned six head. One black steer weighed 1,410 lbs. and sold for a price of $219.

There were 250 cows on offer.

Beef sold $110 to $139; good holstein cows, $105 to $156; medium holstein cows, $95 to $105; bulls, $131 to $175.

There were 190 head of veal on offer. Beef veal sold $215 to $232; good holsteins, $205 to $219; SL heavy holsteins, $195 to $213; heavy holsteins, $175 to $211; medium holsteins, $195 to $204; plain holsteins, $184 to $194.

Reuben S. Martin of Wallenstein, consigned three head. One limousin heifer weighed 830 lbs. and sold for a price of $232.

Paul Pennington of Mildmay, consigned 13 head. One holstein steer weighed 720 lbs. and sold for a price of $219.

Grant Bergsma of Londesborough, consigned three head. One holstein steer weighed

715 lbs. and sold for a price of $215.

Lambs under 50 lbs. sold $415.75 to $435;50 - 64 lbs., $385.50 to $406; 65 - 79 lbs., $361 to $390; 80 - 94 lbs., $299 to $340; 95 - 109 lbs., $270 to $295; 110 lbs. and over, $253 to $282.50.

Goats: billies sold $150 to $350; nannies, $100 to $150; kids: meat, $330 to $550; dairy, $265 to $450.

Mike and Nick Masse of Zurich, consigned 45 head. Thirteen lambs averaged 80 lbs. and sold for an average price of $350.

Tony Howe of Walkerton, consigned 13 head. Seven lambs averaged 61 lbs. and sold for an average price of $395.

Top quality stocker steers, 400 499 lbs. sold $332.50 to $360; 500 599 lbs., $295 to $335; 600 - 699 lbs., $284 to $319; 700 - 799 lbs., $268.50 to $302; 800 - 899 lbs., $271.50 to $289; 900 - 999 lbs., $248.50 to $262; 1,000 lbs. and over, $244.75 to $259.

Stuff the Bus set for April 1 PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE

By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188

Arlyn Montgomery enjoyed a three-week holiday in Texas at the home of her daughter and son-inlaw, Karen and Dan Gagne and family.

On Sunday, March 26 (Lent 5) Licensed Lay Worship Leader Susan Barnett was the guest speaker at Knox United Church, Belgrave. After welcoming the congregation, the call to worship was read responsively and the Christ candle was lit. The scripture lessons were taken from Ezekiel 37: 1-14, Psalm 130 and John 11: 1-45.

The new daily devotional booklets

Our Daily Bread, are on the table at the back of the church.

On April 1, the North Huron Food Share, with the help of Montgomery Bus Lines and Wingham area grocery stores, will be holding a “stuff the bus” spring food drive. Grocery stores will prepare pre-packaged bags that shoppers can purchase.

A Montgomery bus will be parked at each participating store to accept the donated bags. Cheques and gift cards are also accepted and can be mailed to North Huron Community Food Share, Box 354, Wingham, ON N0G 2W0.

Sandra Cable is the guest speaker on Sunday, April 2 at Knox United.

Everyone is welcome. Communion will take place.

A good crowd attended Community Coffee Break at the Community Centre in Belgrave on Tuesday, March 28, enjoying fellowship, coffee and snacks.

Happy birthday was sung to Paul McLaren who was celebrating his

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

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birthday on that day. It was a perfect spring day.

NEWS FROM BELGRAVE

Top quality stocker heifers, 400 499 lbs. sold $265 to $315; 500 599, $250.75 to $295; 600 - 699 lbs., $239 to $285; 700 - 799 lbs., $226 to $262; 800 - 899 lbs., $231 to $254; 900 lbs. and over, $212 to $242.75.

Chad, Tanner and Steve Simpson of Goderich, consigned 25 head.

Ten charolais heifers averaged 754 lbs. and sold for an average price of

$262. Stewart Farms of Douglas, consigned 78 head. Nine charolais heifers averaged 843 l bs. and sold for an average price of $252.75.

Nine charolais steers averaged 827 lbs. and sold for an average price of $289. Steve Pastoor of Kerwood, consigned 62 head. Seventeen charolais steers averaged 996 lbs. and sold for an average price of $262.

Fine, probation for transport driver

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The case of the 2020 death of animal rights activist Regan Russell was settled on Monday when driver Andrew Blake pled guilty to careless driving causing death, resulting in a $2,000 fine and a 12month term of probation.

In a report by Jordan Omstead of The Canadian Press, Crown lawyer Michael Godinho said that it was “very reasonable” that the case would be acquitted if it had gone to trial. He added that the case was “as close as it gets to a momentary lapse in judgment or to reasonable diligence,” adding that “the case was far from a slam dunk.”

In an agreed statement of facts resulting from the case, the attorneys agreed that the driver should have been aware that Russell was near the path of the truck that day in Burlington in June of 2020, but that there was no evidence to suggest that Blake intentionally hit Russell.

Omstead’s report stated that the truck being driven by Blake, based on security footage at the plant owned by Sofina Foods, stopped at an intersection and he waited for four minutes, calling police over for help as protestors blocked the driveway to the plant and provided water for the pigs in the truck,

according to the agreed statement of facts. When the light was green, the driver began to make the turn into the plant once the driveway had cleared. The agreed statement of facts said that Russell then stepped into the driveway as the truck entered the intersection.

While this concludes the criminal aspect of the case, in June of 2022, Mark Powell, Russell’s husband, filed a $5 million civil suit against Blake, Brussels Transport and Sofina Foods, the owners of Fearmans processing plant, the site of the incident.

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PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023.

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

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

Coming events Tenders BRIDAL SHOWER FOR CAITLIN Scarrow, granddaughter of Kathy Bridge, on Saturday, April 1 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Brussels Library.

Suggestions for gifts at myregistry.com, search for Caitlin Scarrow. Everyone welcome. 13-1p -------------------------------------------AUBURN AND DISTRICT LIONS Club Easter Sunday Breakfast at the Auburn Community Hall, Sunday, April 9, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Adults $12, Children $6, Preschool free. Maple syrup supplied by Robinson Maple Products. Eggs supplied by Huron County Egg Farmers. Proceeds for Community Betterment. We Serve.

13-1p -------------------------------------------WINGHAM HOSPITAL RUMMAGE Sale at the Wingham Legion, Wednesday, April 19, 2 - 6 p.m. and Thursday, April 20, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Seasonal clothing can be dropped off Wednesday until noon at the Legion.

Pick-up of articles, call Lois 519357-3326. Articles we need are seasonal clothing, small household items, books, toys, puzzles, etc. No furniture or electronics please.

Support your Wingham Hospital Ladies Auxiliary.

13-3 --------------------------------------------

Tenders

The Corporation of the Municipality of Huron East FORM 6 SALE OF LAND BY PUBLIC TENDER Municipal Act, 2001 Ontario Regulation 181/03, Municipal Tax Sale Rules

SALE OF LAND BY PUBLIC TENDER Take Notice that tenders are invited for the purchase of the lands described below and will be received until 3:00 p.m. local time on April 12, 2023, at the Huron East Municipal Office, 72 Main Street South, Seaforth Ontario.

The tenders will then be opened in public on the same day as soon as possible after 3:00 p.m. at the Huron East Municipal Office, 72 Main Street South, Seaforth.

Description of Lands: 1. Roll No. 40 40 160 031 03700 0000; 27 Quebec Rd., Clinton; PIN 41180-0235 (LT); LOT 37, PLAN 131 TUCKERSMITH AND PART BLOCK L, PLAN 131 TUCKERSMITH ASCLOSED BY HC7148 & HC7159 DESIGNATED AS PART 2, PLAN 22R-4192; MUNICIPALITY OF HURON EAST; File No. 21-01 According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $ $91,000 Minimum tender amount: $25,984.39 2. Roll No. 40 40 160 031 18700 0000; 33 Regina Rd., Clinton; PIN 41180-0198 (LT); LT 187 PL 131 TUCKERSMITH; S/T R119875; MUNICIPALITY OF HURON EAST; File No. 21-03 According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $ 100,000 Minimum tender amount: $19,826.40 3. Roll No. 40 40 440 006 00200 0000; 350 Turnberry St., Brussels; PIN 41338-0147 (LT); PT LT 3 PL 192 BRUSSELS PT 1, 22R1110; MUNICIPALITY OF HURON EAST; File No. 21-12 According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $ 156,000 Minimum tender amount: $27,277.91

Card of thanks ALBERS. The family of the late Helen (Lanie) Albers wish to express our sincere thanks for the outpouring of support we received following Lanie’s passing. To those who offered condolences, sent flowers, dropped off food, and made donations in Lanie’s memory, thank you for your generosity. We also wish to thank Dr. Bonnie Marshall and One Care for their support as well as everyone at the Fordwich Village Nursing Home, their exemplary care and compassion shown to Lanie during her time there we are incredibly grateful for.

Thank you to Zoey and Thom from Riverside Funeral Home for their professionalism. To Fr. Ross and Deacon Wayne, we are thankful for their support and beautiful funeral mass as well as Miriam, Glenda, and the Sacred Heart Church choir for the lovely music. Finally, to the St. Ambrose Church Ladies for the wonderful lunch that followed, thank you! – Peter Sr. and family.

13-1b -------------------------------------------PEACOCK. The family of Ross Peacock of Belgrave, ON would like to send a sincere thank you to all the wonderful family, friends and neighbours for their caring support during our last journey with Ross... and now. It has been extremely hard but you have eased the way! Special thanks to Dr. Martin Strban of St. Mary’s, Kitchener and Dr. Greg Antoniadis of Wingham Hospital and all the wonderful nurses. – Bunny, Dave, Debra, Paul, Vince and Amelia.

13-1p

Tenders

Tenders must be submitted in the prescribed form and must be accompanied by a deposit of at least 20 per cent of the tender amount, which deposit shall be made by way of a certified cheque/bank draft/ money order payable to the municipality.

Except as follows, the municipality makes no representation regarding the title to or any other matters relating to the lands to be sold. Responsibility for ascertaining these matters rests with the potential purchasers. The assessed value, according to the last returned assessment roll, may or may not be representative of the current market value of the property.

Tenders TENDERS are invited on behalf of the

Belgrave Community Centre Board for the

Park Caretaker for the

2023-2024 Seasons Bids are invited to supply the necessary equipment and services of cutting and trimming grass, general maintenance, rolling of grounds and main ball diamond.

Bids are to be received for the above until April 4, 2023 at Belgrave Community Centre Board, PO Box 4, Belgrave, ON N0G 1E0. Package and details may be obtained by contacting 519-357-8259.

THE LOWEST OR ANY BID NOT NECESSARILY ACCEPTED.

Pursuant to the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act, S.C. 2022, c. 10, s. 235 (the “Act”), effective January 1, 2023, it is prohibited for a non-Canadian to purchase, directly or indirectly, any residential property, as those terms are defined in the legislation. Contraventions of the Act are punishable by a fine, and offending purchasers may be ordered to sell the residential property.

The municipality assumes no responsibility whatsoever for ensuring bidders/tenderers comply with the Act, and makes no representations regarding same. Prospective bidders/tenderers are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with the Act and are advised to seek legal advice before participating in this sale.

Transfers of properties that contain at least one and not more than six single family residences and are transferred to non-residents of Canada or foreign entities, are subject to the Province’s Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST).

This sale is governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Tax Sales Rules made under that Act. The successful purchaser will be required to pay the amount tendered plus accumulated taxes and any taxes that may be applicable, such as a land transfer tax and HST. The municipality has no obligation to provide vacant possession to the successful purchaser.

A copy of the prescribed form of tender is available on the website of the Government of Ontario Central Forms Repository under the listing for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.

For further information regarding this sale and a copy of the prescribed form of tender, visit: www.OntarioTaxSales.ca or if no internet access available, contact: Sherrie Oliver Deputy-Treasurer/Property-Tax Clerk The Corporation of the Municipality of Huron East 72 Main Street South P.O. Box 610 Seaforth ON N0K 1W0 519-527-0160 Ext 22 propertytax@huroneast.com www.huroneast.com

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

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023. PAGE 15.

Classified Advertisements In memoriam CRAIG. In loving memory of Don Craig who passed away on March 31, 2007.

God called you and took you by the hand, You didn’t go alone, For part of us went with you.

We think of you in silence, And often speak your name, Now all we have are memories, And your picture in a frame.

– Forever loved and sadly missed by Marilyn, Deb, Fred, Jon, Quinton, Doug, Heidi, Kyle, Austin, Jamie and Dave.

13-1p -------------------------------------------JOHNSTON. In memory of Ken Johnston who passed away March 31, 2018.

Though your smile is gone forever, And your hand we cannot touch, We still have many memories, Of the one we loved so much.

– Love Bessie and family.

13-1p

Services NOTICE – TREEBELT SERVICES is retiring from lawn care this spring.

Thank you for many years of customer support. – Don Blake.13-2 -------------------------------------------CUSTOM CLOVER SEEDING with GPS, $2.50.acre or $3 for pasture. Seed available. Call Kurt Beuerman 519-525-0538 or 519523-9234 (home).

09-9 -------------------------------------------INCOME TAX PREPARATION – farm, business, personal. Stephen Thompson, 519-482-3244. 07-10

When it comes to cancer, most people don’t know the half of it.

Fact: 50% of all cancers are preventable.

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FEED THE BIRDS This book is the perfect resource for beginners and experienced birdwatchers alike. Covering 196 bird species that are attracted to backyard feeders. A wide variety of feeders and seed types are discussed as well as bird behaviours. $29.95

Learn more about healthy lifestyle choices.

Call the Canadian Cancer Society Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333 or visit www.cancer.ca.

Citizen-To-Citizen

TOP 60 CANOE ROUTES OF ONTARIO This is the essential guide to the best paddling excursions this province has to offer. Every route is complete with maps of access points, portage lengths, important river features and campsites. $29.95

BEST OF BRIDGE HOLIDAY CLASSICS 225 Recipes for Special Occasions This new collection will meet all of your holiday entertaining needs, from casual potluck get-togethers to festive brunches and buffets to elegant sitdown dinners and cocktail parties. $29.95

BEAUTIFUL BOARDS If you board it, they will come! make mealtimes, special occasions and holidays extra memorable with the 50 delicious, inspiring, family-friendly and easy-to-recreate snack boards found in Beautiful Boards. $32.99

300 BEST CHOCOLATE RECIPES Discover this wonderful array of recipes, ranging from the traditional to the sophisticated – all celebrating chocolate.

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MIGHTY MACHINES – Monster Trucks From daring stunts to crazy designs, discover the mightiness of monster trucks. Test your mighty truck knowledge with fun activities and quiz questions. For young children. $6.95

ANNE’S FAVOURITES Food for the Heart & Soul The recipes in this collection reflect an emphasis on healthy living. A collection of personal favourites from Anne Mann’s kitchen. $29.95

HOCKEY HALL OF FAME TRUE STORIES This book is overflowing with behind-the-scenes yarns of some of history’s greatest scoring sprees and winning seasons, as well as thrilling accounts of the off-ice heroics, tragedies and curiosities. $24.95

SEWING SCHOOL – 21 Sewing Projects Kids Will Love to Make Introduce kids to the creative world of sewing with this well-illustrated book with projects like pouches, simple stuffed toys, pillows and moving up to doll clothes and even simple skirts. $25.95

“SWAP SHOP” ad Let us help you turn that junk into $$ • Free ad up to 25 words, person to person only (no businesses), items valued at $1,000 or less. Price must be included in your ad.Your ad will run three times unless it sells faster!

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

Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca FOR SALE - 5 yds. 45 inch wide and 4 1/2 yds. 34 inches wide, new white cotton polyester material, $60; 4 yards new white linen, 60 inches wide, $50; Fisher-Price 1982 (complete) blue tea set, $25. Phone 519-524-1138.

13-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - aquarium with wooden cupboard stand: 24" long x 12" wide x 15" deep. Asking $30.

519-523-4429.

12-3 ------------------------------------------WANTED - stationary exercise bike. 519-526-7161.

12-3 -------------------------------------------

FOR SALE - 12-cup coffee maker, $25; Remington hair clippers with attachments, $60; mirror, 2'x2" wide, length 3'x2", $75. 519-5244648.

11-3 ------------------------------------------“One person’s junk is another’s treasure”

405 Queen St., Blyth

The Citizen

HOW TO RAISE A READER This book shows you how to instill the joy and time-stopping pleasure of reading. Divided into four sections, from baby through teen.

Beautifully illustrated. $29.95

519-523-4792

PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023.

From the Minister’s Study

Salvation from our sins was won at the cross

By Pastor Gary van Leeuwen Blyth Christian Reformed Church In a few days, the church around the world will be celebrating Palm Sunday. Many churches will mark this day by giving the children palm branches, and they will process around the church as the congregation sings in praise to God. On Palm Sunday, we remember what is often called Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

Jesus was going to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover, and as he neared the city on the Sunday before that celebration, he joined the throngs of people who were arriving from near and far to spend the following weekend in the city.

As Jesus approached the city of Jerusalem, he was riding on a donkey. The people wanted to make him their king.

Those with Jesus were pilgrims, and we can be certain that many of them were from the northern Jewish province of Galilee. Jesus had spent most of his ministry years (about three years) in Galilee and he would have been well known to the people there. As he approached Jerusalem, riding a donkey, his fellow pilgrims saw in him the possibility that he would be their next king. They would have known that he was a descendant of an earlier king, David, thus making him qualified to be the king of the Jews, and they had heard his authoritative teaching and had seen and heard of the miracles of healing and restoration he had performed. In the minds of the pilgrims, he was well-suited to be the next king over Israel, and the crowds gathered around him to show their support. Laying their coats on the road as a sort of a red carpet and waving branches from the tallest tree around, the palm tree, they hailed him as their king.

As Jesus approached Jerusalem, the crowd began chanting, “Hosanna to the Son of David”.

Often taken as a word of celebration, “hosanna” is anything but that. Hosanna is a Hebrew word, and it means, “Save us”. We find it in Psalm 118, and there it is a cry to God for help because the psalmist has discovered that all the powerful people he knows cannot save him from the nations threatening his livelihood and even his existence. In Jesus’ time, the Jewish people longed for liberation from the Roman occupying forces, and they believed that one day God would send someone to lead them in victory over their oppressors.

They believed that Jesus, although

he had no military experience, had been chosen by God to be the king who would rally the oppressed people and overthrow the occupiers of their nation.

Jesus, in their minds, was the solution to the problem, but they had misidentified the problem itself. If the problem was only that the Jewish nation was occupied by foreign armies, the solution would have been a military leader. But the problem was greater than that.

A comparison: if someone has a sharp pain in the right side of their lower abdomen, they might be able to find painkillers to extinguish the pain. Painkillers are a blessing, but pain also indicates that there is a deeper, underlying problem, perhaps appendicitis. Painkillers may get rid of the pain, but they don’t get rid of the problem. The only answer to appendicitis is surgery, and once the appendix has been removed, through healing, the pain will disappear.

The Jews believed that their problem was Roman oppression, but that oppression was only a symptom of a greater problem. The greater problem would not be solved by military victory, for that would only treat the symptom. The greater problem was the human condition, namely sin, which resulted in Roman greed and abuse of power. Instead of helping people under their authority, the Roman leadership used their authority to make themselves rich, often causing great suffering among their subjects.

There are many problems in our world, and some of them are very painful: earthquakes kill thousands, and many of those deaths could have been avoided had buildings been built to code.

For centuries, there has never been a time when there has been no war, and war is most often caused by feelings of entitlement or greed.

Abusers and bullies can often trace

Wingham United Church

Pastor Mike Stanley John 18:28-19:16 “What is Truth?”

Join Us In 2023, As We

Come Worship With Us

Sunday Morning Worship at 9:30 am Sunday School at 10:30 am

Sundays at 10:00 am

Sunday April 2: Palm Sunday and Communion Thursday April 6: Maundy Thursday Worship and Potluck Dinner at 6:00 pm Sunday April 9: Easter Sunday worship

Services available on YouTube Rev. Colin S. Snyder rev.colinsnyder@gmail.com Wheelchair accessible 519-357-2961 and parking

have the will to do so.

When Jesus entered Jerusalem and was proclaimed king, people truly believed that he could solve their perceived problem. What they did not expect was that the week that began with such triumph as the people shouted “Hosanna!” “save us,” they would see that one who they thought would be their salvation from the Romans dying on a cross by the end of the week.

We can imagine how disappointed they must have felt.

What they did not know, however, is that, at the cross, salvation from sin was being won.

As Jesus died, he who lived a perfect life, took our sins on himself so that we could be forgiven and set free from the deadly cycle of our imperfection and inability to make things right. This forgiveness and freedom is not automatically given Continued on page 19

Brussels Mennonite Fellowship

217 Minnie Street, Wingham

winghamunited@hurontel.on.ca winghamuc.webs.com

All Are Welcome 250 Princess St., Brussels • 519 887 6388 • Pastor Ken Gazley

MEL LV VILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS

The Regional Ministry of Hope Weekly service live-streamed at 10:30 a.m. on our facebook page or on youtube @St. Paul’s-Trinity Anglican Church Wingham.

The Regional Ministry of Hope www.regionalministryofhope.com 519-357-7781 email: revjoann@hurontel.on.ca

Trinity

BLYTH 9:00 AM

St. John’s

BRUSSELS 12 NOON

Sunday, April 2 9:30-10:30 a.m.

We welcome Mary Jane Bisset who will lead us as we worship God in praise, prayer, and song. We extend a loving invitation to all to join us. A time of fellowship to t follow.

April 7 - 9:30 am ~ We are invited to Good Friday Service at Brussels United Ch hurch.

Soup & More 2 Join us Friday, March 31 (11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.) for lunch. We are delighte ed to see you! Good Friday, April 7 - Soup & More 2 will be closed. We encourag ge you to attend the Holy Week Services (Apr. 3-6) at Brussels United Church at 12:05 1 p.m., with lunch being served at 12:30. Soup & More 2 will resume again on April 14.

St. Paul’s Trinity

WINGHAM 10:30 AM

For pastoral care concerns please call 519-524-7512

Come Worship with Us!

BRUSSELS S

U United Chu ur urch Sundayy, April A 2 at 11:00 am Welcome to Palm Sunday Worship

Sunday, April 2

April 8 at Brussels United ~ * Bake Sale 10 am - 12 noon; Easter Hat-Making for parade 11:30 am to 12:30 pm (bring your own hat to decorate or usee one supplied) * Community Easter E Parade starting at 12:30 pm

at 10 a.m.

BMG Community Centre (upstairs room) 800 Sports Drive, Brussels **Please note our new location**

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

Childcare provided for children aged 0 to 4 during the sermon

Good Friday Service, April 7 at 9:30 am

Worship and Prayer Time Loving Fellowship Expository Preaching

For additional details please visit: brusselscommunitybiblechapel.com

Evangelical Missionary Church

Sunday, April 2, 10:30 a.m.

their aggressive behaviour back to difficult experiences earlier in life, leading to emotional and behavioural patterns that were allowed to develop unchecked. All of these problems have one root cause: we are imperfect, often deliberately sinful people who are trapped in patterns and situations which exacerbate the problem.

History has proven that those times when we are most confident that we can solve our problems, we create even worse ones. We think of the confidence of the early 1900s when people truly believed that if we work together we can get rid of all of our problems. The 20th century turned out to be the deadliest century in recorded history, leading to the current culture of despair in which we say we have to solve our problems or else suffer the consequences, all the while knowing that we probably won’t

Blyth United Church Palm Sunday

Join us for our Services

Sunday, April 2 ~ 9:30 am

Sun nday, April 2 - Palm Sun nday

Maundy Thursday

Pastor Garry van Leeuwen will be leadin ng us in the 10:00 am and 7:00 pm services.

Thursday, April 6 ~ 7:00 pm Good Friday Service Join us on Sunday, April 9 for an Easter Service and friendly time with food after.

Nursery & Sunday School during worship

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

Friday, April 7 ~ 11:00 am Easter Sunday Service

Frid day, April 7 - Good Frid day

Sunday, April 9 ~ 9:30 am

Jo oin us for our 10:00 am servic ce

"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to God in heaven.” Matt. 5:16 Contact Alex at: minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com Facebook: Blyth and Brussels United Churches blythunited@tcc.on.ca ~ 519-523-4224

BLYTH CHRISTIAN REFORMED CH HURCH Services S ervices a are re live-streamed live-streamed and a nd c can an be be ffound ound b by ys searching earching ““Blyth Blly ytth h Christian Chrriisttiian R Reformed effo ormed Church” Church”

Minister: Pastor Gary van Leeuwen Hwy. 4, Blyth 519-5223-4743 www.blythcrc.ca

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023. PAGE 17.

Haggitts triumph at skating, hockey competitions PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

As I sit and write on Tuesday, the sun is shining and it has been a beautiful day. There was a cool breeze when I was outside, but just to sit and look out it was nice. We have had a real mixture of weather over the last week, but spring came in like a lamb, (I think), so hopefully it gets better and better each day. Today is the last day of March so we hope it is going out like the same lamb.

In with spring came the tundra swans. The birds are on their way north for the summer to the Canadian Arctic. The swans return to the same sites year after year and they usually mate for life. They can travel up to12,000 kilometres a year, flying even at night. The best place to see the swans is at the Pinery Provincial Park, where upwards of 60,000 swans will arrive during the spring migration.

Keep your eyes open and you will see them in the wet fields around the area, but hurry, they won’t be here long.

The Canada geese are back and are busy finding their nesting areas.

Geese also mate for life and return

regularly to the same nesting places.

The ladies’ birthday club met last week to celebrate the March birthday girls. Celebrating their birthdays were Dale Chesher, Dona Knight, Jane Hall and Cora Alcock.

The group gathered at JR’s and enjoyed a delicious roast beef dinner. Helping the ladies to celebrate were Betty Campbell, Audrey Cardiff, Merle Cousins, Betty McCutcheon, Esther McCutcheon, Nora Stephenson, Alice Marks, Janet Hook, Jean Davidson, Bev Palmer, Sandra Cable, Sandra Clark and Marci Bremner. They enjoyed fancy decorated cupcakes.

Happy birthday ladies!

Congratulations to Deputy Commander Jamie Mitchell and Platoon Captain John Groves on being recognized at the Night of Heroes in London. The event was sponsored by Community Living London and they were recognized for their heroic efforts in transporting a seriously ill child during the Christmas blizzard of 2022. Congratulations to the two Huron and Area Search and Rescue (HASAR) officers.

We have some talented young hockey players in our area and we were pleased to see two of them in action last week. Nolan Gagnier, formerly of Hullett-McKillop Road, plays for the Mitchell Hawks. Erick Gulutzen, son of Charles and Terry Gulutzen, of Walton, plays for the Hanover Barons and the two teams were

doing battle in a playoff series. The Barons have the Hawks down three games to zero and the series could be over by the weekend. Both are very good players. Erick plays defence and Nolan is a fast-skating forward. We also have Luke Fritz, son of Greg and Jill Fritz, of Walton and Sheldon Pryce of Seaforth (grandparents are Gord and Irma Pryce of Walton) playing for the Stratford Warriors. That’s four young men coming up through the Brussels and Seaforth minor hockey systems. Obviously, our area minor hockey coaches are doing a great job coaching our young athletes.

Friday night there was mischief abounding in Brussels before 10 p.m. Young people thought it would be fun to remove the street sign posts and were successful getting a few pulled out. They also thought it funny to squeeze dish soap on vehicle windows. The police were cruising the south-end of town in search of the offenders. No news on whether they caught them, but there must be at least one kitchen missing a bottle of dish soap.

My family had a girls’ day on Sunday and attended the performance of The Little Mermaid in Drayton. The group were Lee Ann, Kelly, Elaina, Alicia, Brea and myself. It was wonderful and the little girls really enjoyed it. It was part of Elaina’s birthday gift from the aunties.

This was a Studio 410 production, which is the company created by Paige and Devan

Ballagh, members of the famous and talented Ballagh family. It is still a family affair, with Janice, Matt and Gary Ballagh involved in the production. It is wonderful that the two girls, co-founders and directors, have created the “registered not-for-profit company that promotes engagement in the arts through education and performance experiences, with the aim of encouraging confidence and improvement in young aspiring performers”. The 21 performers were aged 10-18 and they all did a fantastic job. It was a lovely theatre and a wonderful show.

Congratulations to the Brussels Optimist Club on hosting a very successful dinner and silent auction event last Saturday night. HASAR will benefit from a donation of some funds from the Optimists from the event.

The nicer (sometimes) and warmer (sometimes) weather has the Goderich-to-Guelph (G2G) Rail Trail becoming bare of snow, so people are now out walking the trail again, sheltered from most of the wind and always with some wildlife to see. One of the clearings produced the sight of a large flock of tundra swans.

We have some pretty proud grandparents in Brussels after the weekend. Brad and Christine Knight are super proud of granddaughter Mia Haggitt who placed third in a provincial figure skating competition in Stratford.

Meanwhile, her sister Aliya was playing on the gold medal hockey

team in Lucknow. Way to go girls!

It has been officially announced that St. John’s Anglican Church in Brussels will be closing. The last regular service will be April 9.

Another very sad event after 163 years of service in the Brussels community.

Celebrating birthdays to finish the month of March were Ashley Hoegy, Wyatt Dale, Ken Dalton, Janet Bachert, Andrea Gingerich, Becky Laverty Chadwick, Dave Soontiens, Barb Watts, Judy Shortreed, Weston Murray, Connor den Dekker, Nicole Williamson Murray, John Baan, Brandy Leslie and Jack McLachan. Happy birthday to all.

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PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023.

May 1906 McIsaac Brown, one of Blyth’s enterprising citizens is investing in an automobile.

Read more in the Blyth Repository of History.

405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792 blythrepositoryofhistory.ca

Fridays

Leadership in energy and environmental design

Devon Henry 84772 McDonald Line • Box 616 • Brussels

devonjhenry@hotmail.com 519-505-2473

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023. PAGE 19.

Entertainment & Leisure

Majumder delivers laughs at Wingham show

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Wingham welcomes Majumder Canadian comedian and actor Shaun Majumder, above, performed live at the Wingham Town Hall Theatre on Thursday, March 23. (Scott Stephenson photo)

Canadian comedian and actor Shaun Majumder brought his Love Tour to the Wingham Town Hall Theatre on Thursday, March 23.

The highly-anticipated event did not disappoint, with the funny man delivering a hilarious and heartwarming performance to a hearty audience that showed up ready to laugh. The Newfoundlandraised comedian connected with the crowd through his unique views on married life, being your best self and the strength of his baby’s neck.

Before the show, Josephine Street was a-bustle with soon-to-be chucklers, and nearby dinner hotspots were busy with patrons stricken with pre-show hunger pangs. That energy carried on through the doors of the recently restored Town Hall Theatre, and people were excited as they waited for the show to begin. Some members of the crowd chatted about how it was their first comedy show, while others said they were huge fans of Majumder’s work from as far back as his stint on YTV’s Brainwash in the 1990s.

Majumder's comedic style was a perfect blend of storytelling mixed with physical comedy, topped with a dollop of honesty.

His first admission - he’d never heard of Wingham before

deciding to do a show there.

He shared stories about his wife Shelby Fenner and their courting days before becoming parents later in life, drawing laughs and nods of recognition from the audience.

Majumder's observations on the challenges and joys of raising children were particularly appreciated by the parents in attendance, and his warm and engaging stage presence made the audience feel like they were part of the conversation. Also part of the conversation was a second Shaun Majumder, who appeared on a prerecorded video to argue about parenting techniques.

He kept the crowd guessing where he was going from moment to moment, resulting in a lot of surprised laughter. One second the comic was opening up about fertility issues and the experience of in vitro fertilization, the next second he presented a classified advertisement selling his infant daughter. The audience was also charmed by Majumder’s tale of his father reconnecting with his long lost love from Germany.

From beginning to end, Majumder's show was a hit with the Wingham crowd, delivering a memorable night of laughter and connection that left everyone astir.

After the show, people lingered around the stage, discussing their favourite jokes as dedicated

Sudoku Solution

technical crew members set about completing their closing duties.

Exiting patrons commented that the show was unforgettable, and fans that only knew him from CBC’s This Hour Has 22 Minutes rejoiced over the unexpected strangeness of his material.

The night was a perfect use of the stately Town Hall Theatre, the restorations of which were completed through the efforts of local volunteers. The people of Wingham were craving a little laughter on Thursday, and the hard work put into restoring this local landmark made that possible.

Belgrave-based music teacher Susan Varillas, there to celebrate her birthday, couldn’t have been happier to see the theatre put to such good use, saying, “Absolutely fabulous. Bring him back.” She hopes that the success of this night leads to more frequent use of the theatre, and more varied events, especially ones featuring local and Canadian talent.

Will the smash success of Majumder’s Wingham performance lead to a show business renaissance in the heart of Alice Munro country? Judging by the response of last week’s audience, it may have already begun.

A Celebration of Life will be held for

Dan Pearson at the

Brussels Legion Saturday, April 15th from 1 pm - 4 pm

Time to Celebrate!

Bonspiel!

The Belgrave Curling Club hosted a bonspiel at the Wingham Golf and Curling Club on Saturday, March 25 as the season draws to a close. (John Stephenson photo)

Palm Sunday: A day for hope Continued from page 16 to all, but, rather, it is offered as a gift to all who believe that Jesus’ death on the cross was not just another death, but that, through his death, the source of all the problems of this world is uprooted.

As we well know, sin remains in this world, and we are all affected by it, but that doesn’t mean that Jesus was a failure. The cross was just the beginning. Jesus’ death was followed by his resurrection (he came to life again), and that was followed by his ascension into heaven, where he is King over all.

Although it sometimes does not seem that way, Jesus is keeping the full impact of sin in check, and he is working in the lives of individuals to free them from the power of sin.

It does not stop there because Jesus will one day return to this earth, and when he does, he will finally and completely solve the real problem, and anything which has been tainted by sin will be removed. It is then that there will be a new world in which neither the symptoms of the problem, nor the problem itself, will exist. It is then that we will see that Jesus is King of the universe.

Our problems will be solved, not because we solved them, but because Jesus Christ has done what was necessary.

Palm Sunday is the celebration of the coming of a King, but not in the way we might expect. Jesus’ kingdom was not centred in Jerusalem as was expected; it is found wherever people believe in Jesus and seek to live for him. As we follow his leading, giving up ourselves for the sake of others, we reduce the impact of sin. And one day, Jesus will return, and we will see him as the King he came to be.

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

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PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023.

NH budget proceeds

Throwing rocks The Belgrave Curling Club hosted a special bonspiel at the Wingham Golf and Curling Club on Saturday for a perfect mix of fun and competition. Up next at the club, it will host the 33rd annual Provincial Elementary School Curling Championship from March 30 to April 2. (John Stephenson photo)

Wark appointed to AMO board County of Huron Chief Administrative Officer (AMO), Meighan Wark has been appointed to the County Caucus of the Association of Municipalities Ontario (AMO) Board of Directors. Wark will hold the position for the remainder of the 2022/2024 term. As a member of the board, Wark will help set policy for the association and serve as a key municipal leader in the province.

“AMO Board members play a key role in advancing good public policy for the benefit of Municipal

governments in every part of Ontario,” said AMO President Colin Best. “The AMO Board is delighted to welcome Meighan Wark as a member of the AMO County Caucus.”

AMO supports strong and effective municipal government in Ontario and promotes the value of municipal government as a vital and essential component of Ontario and Canada’s political system.

“Through AMO, the County of Huron engages with other municipalities in Ontario to work together, address common

challenges, and advocate for our communities,” said Wark. “This collaborative approach is tremendously valuable for all of Ontario. I’m honoured to join the County Caucus of the AMO Board of Directors.”

During the 2022/2024 term, AMO will be focusing on matters related to housing and homelessness, municipal infrastructure, broadband expansion and sectoral leadership across the scope of municipal policy matters, among many other initiatives.

Giving back The Brussels Optimist Club held its annual spring dinner and auction on Saturday night at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre, with the proceeds to be split between the Optimist Club’s community betterment efforts and the work of Huron and Area Search and Rescue (HASAR). Jamie Mitchell, right, and Patrick Armstrong, second from right, of HASAR spoke at the event, which included both live and silent auctions, as Dan Fritz, left, and Kevin Deitner, second from left, both of the Optimist Club, look on. (John Stephenson photo)

Continued from page 1 reserves will fund the physician recruitment committee and members of council budget; $59,000 of modernization funds have been used to offset modernization project costs and the asset management co-ordinator’s wages, and the information technology budget was reduced by $25,000.

Under the category of protection to persons, Townes said adjustments were made to align expenses with fire-sharing agreements and $10,275 from Building Code Act reserves were transferred to net-zero the Chief Building Official budget.

Under the category of transportation services, Townes said calcium application was not included in the first two drafts of the 2023 budget, and reductions were made based on 2022 actuals and projected 2023 operational requirements.

Under the category of environmental services, Townes said reductions were made based on 2022 actuals and projected 2023 operational requirements.

Under the category of health services, Townes said cemetery grass trimming has been outsourced, removing the need to purchase a zero-turn mower.

Under the category of social and family services, Townes said revenues were updated to align with funding sources, and reductions were made based on 2022 actuals and projected 2023 operational requirements.

Under the category of recreation and culture, Townes said reductions were made based on 2022 actuals and projected 2023 operational requirements, and said the missing salaries and benefits discovered earlier that day were included in the figures being presented that evening.

Under the category of planning and development, Townes said a contribution to the Blyth Centre for the Arts has been reduced from $15,000 to $5,000; and that economic development staff reduced its budget by $40,000.

Townes also provided an update to capital cost projections, saying $250,000 was transferred from the asset management reserve to fund the Blyth Fire Hall and Public Works Building demolitions; there was an allocation reduction to the council chamber relocation project funding and an additional $100,000 was transferred from reserves. An additional $30,000 has also been made available for the Blyth brine pump, and $300,000 has been added for Moncrieff Road work.

Townes concluded by saying if council was satisfied, the budget could be approved in principle and ratified at the next meeting, or, if changes were necessary, the scope of the changes would determine the necessity of another budget meeting.

Palmer started the discussion by voicing his concerns about discrepancies he located in the lineby-line budget, especially in regards to the recreation budget and cuts to its services. He worried that the cuts would lead to underbudgeting, causing the department to overspend by the end of the year.

Palmer was assured by Townes that a consensus had been reached between himself, Evans and Director of Recreation Vicky Luttenberger in regards to the finalized recreation budget, and that the previously-missed $180,000 in salaries and benefits was now

included in the final calculations, offering a mea culpa for the mistake.

Palmer had questions about the progress of a languishing rampbuilding project, and the ballooning costs of renovations to council chambers, saying, “When the dollar figure changes so much, I think that council should re-examine it… we’d be fools not to.”

Director of Public Works and Facilities Gregg Furtney said he’s been in talks with contractors and hopes to have work started on the ramp again soon. Clerk Carson Lamb offered more details on the council chambers renovations, promising a breakdown of the different proposed renovation options, none of which have been finalized.

Palmer also questioned the potential purchase of plow trucks, as one had been purchased a year prior, and Furtney explained that last year’s plow truck purchase was to replace an out-of-date model, with the eventual goal to minimize the number of single-axle vehicles in the fleet, switching over to tandem vehicles. Furtney said this would eliminate the need to hire a third party to haul sand and salt.

A main point of contention at the meeting was the fate of “Winghamonly money”, dividends generated by Wingham ratepayers’ relationship with Westario Power deposited into a reserve account, traditionally only used to fund projects benefiting residents of Wingham. Evans noted that money from the fund had been used to disband the Wingham Police.

Councillor Mitch Wright questioned the proposal to use some of this money for the decommissioning of the Howson Dam, a project that had been hotly contested within the community. “I just wonder why we’re using Wingham-only money in general North Huron assets… I think we need to use other assets than Westario [reserve funds] for these projects.”

Wright motioned for staff to look into other sources of funding for the dam decommissioning. The motion was seconded by Palmer, “to get it on the table.” Wright defended his stance, saying “if this is considered Wingham-only money, then it should be used for things the people of Wingham want to happen. A park upgrade, work on a road, maybe upgrading the town hall, or whatever… most Wingham residents want the dam to stay.”

Councillor Anita van Hittersum pointed out that the floodplains study indicated that many municipalities would benefit from demolishing the dam, not just Wingham.

Van Hittersum adamantly expressed her opinion that all township funds should be made equally available for each of the township’s wards and refused to support the motion.

When brought to a vote, the result was deadlocked. The tie-breaker went to Heffer who voted in favour of the motion. Additionally a report was requested to see where money to pay for demolishing the dam could come from if not from the Westario reserve fund.

Council voted to accept the budget in principle but expect the recommendations of the forthcoming report on alternate funding sources for decommissioning the Howson Dam to be incorporated into the budget’s final draft.

The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 3.