The Citizen - March 3, 2022

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• Editorials • Sports • Bridal • Agriculture

The

THIS WEEK

Citizen

Huron County’s most trusted independent news source

Thursday, March 3, 2022

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Volume 38 No. 9

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40050141 Return Undeliverable Items to North Huron Publishing Company Inc., P.O. Box 152, BRUSSELS, ON N0G 1H0

Plowing Match now set

Shutout The U18 C Huron Heat were in action on Sunday afternoon at the Central Huron Community Complex against the West Oxford Inferno and the home team came away with a 3-0 win. The win improved the team’s record on the season to 7-7-4. It was a busy weekend

in Huron County, with hockey action in full swing, several Coldest Night of the Year fundraising walks taking place and the Blyth Broomball League holding a number of fun games between the team members and their parents. (John Stephenson photo)

The 2022 Huron County Plowing Match is set to take place in Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh on Aug. 18-19 at the St. Helen’s Line farm of Brian and Annette MacKenzie.

Huron County Warden and A s h f i e l d - C o l b o r n e - Wa w a n o s h Mayor Glen McNeil will co-host the event alongside the MacKenzies.

Unlike last year, when the Huron County Plowmen’s Association held a modified invitation-only, one-day event, this year the organization plans to host its traditional two-day match.

Last year’s event was deemed a success by Huron County Plowmen’s Association President Brian Wiersma, who said, given the circumstances, it was a great day for the agricultural community of Huron County.

The first day will be Junior Day with the junior plowing competition and 4-H Sodbusters achievement day going ahead alongside the Princess competition, while the second day will feature the senior plowing competition, displays and a silent auction and the Queen of the Furrow competition.

On the evening of the second day, the match will conclude with a banquet and awards ceremony, as well as with the crowning of the Princess and the Queen of the Furrow, ending the reigns of Grace Hallahan and Maranda Klaver respectively, the longest reigns in Huron plowing match history.

Blyth Festival forges ahead with outdoor season

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The Blyth Festival is returning to full-scale productions in 2022 with a four-show season expected to be produced entirely on the company’s new outdoor Harvest Stage.

On Monday, the Festival announced the new season, building upon the success of last year’s season at the Harvest Stage, which consisted of five, one-person shows produced in two-week runs.

According to Artistic Director Gil Garratt, the Festival is still hoping to add indoor shows at Memorial Hall in the late summer or early fall, but those plans are dependent on the state of the COVID-19 pandemic and have yet to be finalized.

Garratt, in an interview with The Citizen, said that with COVID-19 still very much a factor in life in Huron County, hosting the season

outdoors in the safest possible manner made the most sense from a long-term planning perspective. He said that while nothing has been confirmed, he’s hoping the Festival will be able to welcome more patrons to the Harvest Stage this season, but that will depend on a number of factors.

He also noted that, with a full season under the Festival’s belt at the Harvest Stage, they plan to make a number of improvements to the space for this summer.

The season will begin with an anniversary celebration of sorts with a remount of The Drawer Boy

by Michael Healey, one of the most celebrated plays in Canadian history and a Blyth Festival commission that would premiere at Toronto’s Theatre Passe Muraille and spawn an award-winning film just a few years ago.

Healey’s fictional retelling of the

creation of The Farm Show has received international renown and was on the Blyth Festival stage in 2000 and 2002 with Garratt playing the role of Miles, a young actor living on a Clinton-area farm conducting research for the play.

Now, Cameron Laurie, a Huron County native with several Festival credits to his name, will fill the role

of Miles. An interview with the Young Company alumnus is featured in the Festival’s newsletter, which was sent out to members last week.

This June will mark the 50th anniversary of the first performance of The Farm Show at Ray Bird’s barn near Clinton. The collective creation of the show, under the

direction of Paul Thompson, was a watershed moment for Canadian theatre and led to the creation of the Blyth Festival, inspiring founders James Roy, Anne Chislett and Keith Roulston.

Not only will the show mark that anniversary, but Garratt also hopes it will honour the legacy of the late Continued on page 27

CH budget process continues

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Central Huron Council continued its budget deliberations last week with a special meeting on Feb. 23 to discuss several departmental budgets.

Council first heard from Travis Watson of the YMCA at the Central

Huron Community Complex. He said that the centre went from 219 members to 179 over the course of 2021, but the usage scans at the centre were the same at 2020 levels, meaning the remaining members were using the centre more.

He also noted that requests for financial assistance at the local YMCA jumped over the course of

2021 from 18 per cent of the clientele to 30 per cent in 2021.

In 2021, the YMCA budgeted for $127,577 in revenue, but only brought in $76,420. This year, the organization is anticipating $111,078 in revenue.

Watson also told councillors that the YMCA will be buying three new Continued on page 2

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022.

Tough contest The Blyth Brussels U18 Local League Crusaders took on the Listowel Cyclones on Saturday at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre and the team ended up on the wrong end of a 4-2 score, despite a valiant effort from the home team. (John Stephenson photo)

Planning budget spikes in C. Huron Continued from page 1 treadmills at a total cost of just under $25,000. He said the machines will be cheaper replacements of those purchased in the past, because they won’t have television screens in them. Past treadmills had television screens that resulted in higher repair costs, but now many entertain themselves with their phones at the gym and the television screens are no longer necessary, he said.

The 2022 community improvement department’s expenses will decrease by nearly 14.5 per cent over 2021, according to Community Improvement Co-ordinator Angela Smith.

In her budget presentation to council, she also noted that the municipality received a $20,000 Supporting Local Economic Development (SLED) grant last year, half of which was used for the Shoppability project and the other half of which was used for the Clinton light tunnel.

She also noted that she received $6,717 for student funding in 2021 and is expecting $2,100 this year.

Last year’s funding, she said, was higher due to increased COVID-19 funding for student opportunities.

The municipality’s building department expenses are due to increase by 4.2 per cent in 2022.

A surplus of $42,361 was transferred to the department’s reserves in 2021, which added to the current departmental reserve balance of $283,795.

As for Central Huron’s planning expenses, they are due to increase 98.45 per cent in 2022 as the result of the addition of a full-time planning co-ordinator.

Director of Finance Jeff Boyes also noted that planning fee adjustments are recommended by a county-wide working group every three years and the recommended fee increases came into effect on Jan. 1 of this year.

The municipality’s economic development costs are set to increase 4.49 per cent this year. The budget also includes funds to host or contribute in-kind staff resources to Central Huron’s Canada Day fireworks display, the Clinton Spring Fair, Pluc’KIN’Fest and the Clinton Santa Claus parade.

The department is budgeting for a “conservative” estimate of $400,000 in casino and gaming revenue given to the municipality, accounting for any further lockdowns, closures or capacity limitations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The municipality’s parks and recreation programs will have an increase of just under 17 per cent in expenses for the year. Central Huron also received a pair of grants within the department to pay for the Millennium Park accessible washroom and another for $72,700 for new playground equipment in Holmesville.

Council also received a request for a $2,500 grant for the Clinton Lawn Bowling Club, in addition to $6,000 for a new lawn roller.

Cemetery costs in the municipality will be increasing by 5.35 per cent in 2022.

Municipal staff noted a recent trend towards cremation burials in Central Huron and increased interest in columbarium niches. As a result, staff recommended preparing to open a new section of plots and researching the possibility of a second columbarium.

Staff is projecting expenses of $1.6 million for general government in 2022, with $1,433,021 set aside for general government, $155,736 for council, $3,450 for health and safety and $20,310 in amortization.

The municipality’s next budget meeting is set for Tuesday, March 15, at which the consolidated and capital project budgets will be presented to council.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022. PAGE 3.

Clinton’s Van Loo marks centennial birthday

KAATJE WILHELMINA “WILLY” VAN LOO On March 3, Kaatje Wilhelmina “Willy” Van Loo of Clinton reached her 100th year on earth, marking her centennial birthday on Thursday.

Willy was born in Vriezenveen, The Netherlands to Lambert

Kikkert and Marie Yasmer on March 3, 1922.

Her mother died of the Spanish Flu when Willy was just three-anda-half years old and her sister Jantje was 18 months old. Their father would raise them alone until he remarried Hillegien Niks.

Willy is the eldest of 12 siblings and she has outlived everyone, with the exception of her youngest sister Carla, who will be turning 70 this year. She attended public school until Grade 8 and then she stayed home until she was 18 to help with her younger siblings.

She would work her first job at a hospital in Almelo. The first hour of each day, Willy would answer all the incoming calls and then would clean up at the end of the shift.

She met Albertus Peter “Bob” Van Loo at the Baptist church where Bob’s father was the minister. They would marry on Oct. 13, 1949 and, due to the housing shortage at the time, she continued living in Almelo, while spending weekends together with Bob at the Van Loo home.

On July 9, 1951, the couple immigrated to Canada on board the

Volendam. Joining them on the voyage were Gysbert and Teresa Vanderhaar (Bob’s sister) and their son John. The 10-day trip took them to Quebec City and then to Stratford by train. Their sponsor, Fred Middleton, picked them up and took them to live on the Middleton farm on Tipperary Line in Goderich Township, where they would live for the next year.

Some of the first things they did on the farm, Willy remembers, was hoeing the beans, shopping for groceries in Clinton and picking apples in the orchard.

A baker by trade, Bob got a job with Bartliff’s Bakery in Clinton, where he would work for the next 35 years. In nicer weather, Bob would cycle to work, but when bad weather came, Doug Bartliff would pick Bob up until Bob could purchase a used car.

They soon moved to a larger farm house near Londesborough.

A few years later, Bob’s parents John and Grace, as well as his brother Peter, moved to Canada.

With Bob’s parents now living in Clinton, they decided to buy the

large “Cooper” home in Clinton so all three families could live together.

Once the families settled in Clinton, Willy became known for her cleaning skills. She worked for the Drapers, Lawsons, Hearns, Wilsons, Sibyl Curtis, the Bartliffs and many more families in Clinton over the coming years.

Over the years, Bob and Willy were blessed with the birth of four children: Grace in 1952, John in 1955, Robert in 1957 and Janet in 1960. Their grandchildren are Adam, Christopher, Michelle, Gebadia and Tonya and their greatgrandchildren are Jackson and Audrey, William, Mathew, Hannah, Natalie and Evan.

Willy says she thanks God every day for her good health and, at the age of 100, she still does all her own cleaning. (Neighbours will report seeing her standing on a ladder washing her windows.)

Willy also continues to cook her famous homemade soup, which she shares around her apartment building, still

living alone and very independently.

She says she’s only been in the hospital over the years for the birth of her children and once when she slipped with a pot in her hand that ended up landing on her head. She also dislocated her shoulder in the fall and even to this day it still will give her grief.

On a recent trip to the optometrist in Clinton, Willy welcomed a young lady into the room and asked her when the doctor would be arriving. Upon being informed that the young lady was the doctor, Willy apologized and congratulated her for being a doctor at such a young age.

Willy is a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and can often be found glued to the television screen when their games are on. Willy would also be considered the winner at Maple Hill for often staying up the latest at night.

Willy still loves her apartment and her special friends Janet Stryker, Margaret Pickett, Marlene Forbes and many more.

Chance, accident or luck!

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows!

Matthew 10:29-31 “God who feed the sparrows, will not starve His saints! God controls all the concerns of His people, even of those that are most minute, and least regarded. This is an encouragement to live in a continual dependence upon God’s providential care! If God numbers our hairs, much more does He number our heads. He takes care of our lives, our needs, our concerns and our souls. God’s universal providence extends itself to all creatures, and to all their actions—even the smallest and most minute!” (Matthew Henry) “Nothing can happen in this world without God’s permission. There is no such thing in reality, as chance, accident or luck!” (J.C. Ryle) Scripture everywhere teaches that even the minutest details of life are of divine order!

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

Up and up COVID-19 cases, after a significant jump earlier this year, continue to climb in Huron and Perth Counties according to Huron Perth Public Health. What’s more is reported cases are limited to high-risk settings, meaning actual numbers are likely much higher according to Huron-Perth Medical officer of Health Dr. Miriam Klassen. (Citizen image)

COVID cases climbing

By Denny Scott The Citizen While COVID-19 case counts continue to level out in Huron and Perth Counties, the virus is still active in the community, resulting in increased hospitalizations and fatalities.

Over the past week, 138 new cases have been reported in Huron and Perth Counties, according to Huron Perth Public Health. Those new cases are only in high-risk settings, with Dr. Miriam Klassen saying that total numbers are likely much higher given the lack of comprehensive testing. Since the pandemic started, a total of 5,646 COVID-19 cases have been reported in the two counties.

While there are no active outbreaks in local hospitals, retirement homes or long-term care facilities, there was one new COVID-19-related death reported over the past week, as well as three new hospitalizations, one of which is considered an active case. There

have been 184 individuals admitted to local hospitals since the pandemic started.

As of Monday, the province of Ontario was reporting Huron and Perth Counties’ incidence rate, or the number of new cases per 100,000 people, had dropped from 98 to 89.4.

The positivity per cent, or percentage of tests coming back positive, remained at 10.09 per cent. Both values remain in the “red” level of the province’s now defunct colour-coded system.

Vaccination efforts continue across the region, according to HPPH, with 127 more people having at least one vaccine administered, for a total of 117,173 or 84.2 per cent of eligible recipients.

As far as further protection is concerned, 112,416 people in Huron and Perth Counties have rolled up their sleeves twice (80.9 per cent), 71,954 have had three doses (52 per cent) and 2,138 have four doses (1.8 per cent).

PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022.

Editorials & Opinions

Founding Publisher: Keith Roulston Publisher & President: Deb Sholdice Editor: Shawn Loughlin • Reporter: Denny Scott Advertising Sales: Brenda Nyveld The Citizen is published 51 times a year in Brussels, Ontario by North Huron Publishing Company Inc. Subscriptions are payable in advance at a rate of $45.00/year ($42.86 + $2.14 G.S.T.) in Canada; $190.00/year in U.S.A. Advertising is accepted on the condition that in the event of a typographical error, only that portion of the advertisement will be credited.

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A patchwork once again As Ontario further eases restrictions this week by lifting all capacity limits and removing proof-of-vaccine requirements for indoor nonessential settings, the public will be faced with confusion as businesses are now left to decide whether they will continue with the vaccine passport for their customers. Some businesses have indicated that they will continue asking for it, based on feedback from their clientele. Other businesses who have felt the economic pressure of the closures will welcome everyone back. Ontarians will be watching closely to see what the impacts are on the healthcare system, as keeping it from being overwhelmed will remain the ultimate goal.

The next step in phased reopening is the removal of the mask mandate, which may prove the trickiest. No one liked the dreaded face covering, but, for the past two years it has been a symbol of safety for some and a symbol of oppression for others. As the province and its residents move forward to a life with the COVID-19 virus, the masks are likely to remain part of our lives for some time, even if they are only brought out when people are feeling poorly and want to protect their family, friends and colleagues from any germs they might be carrying.

The battle over vaccines and masks has divided everyone in the final push to overcome the pandemic, and with both becoming a matter of personal choice, it seems unlikely that either side will be declared right or wrong. Hopefully soon people who are vaccinated will feel safe enough to be out in public with unmasked crowds and that those who were angry about the mandates have calmed down enough to accept the odd masked face out in public. – DS

Not making it anymore It was famed author Mark Twain who said, “Buy land, they’re not making it anymore.” It’s hard not to think of that musing last week on Canada’s Agriculture Day and the always-astounding statistic that 175 acres of productive farmland is lost to development in Ontario every day, according to the Ontario Federation of Agriculture.

Of course, one could make the case that development is giving more people the opportunity to make Twain happy and buy land so they can own their own little slice of paradise, but in reality this useful land is being chewed up, never to return to the natural splendor of farmland.

In Huron County, one of the most agriculturally-productive regions of the province, our leaders hold farmland tight like a firstborn child.

With few exceptions, there are many hurdles to clear if someone wants to develop on land that could be used for farming. However, as the housing crisis continues, new options are being considered every day that would house more and more people, at the cost of available land.

For Canada’s Agriculture Day, Huron County residents could likely reflect on the impact of farming on their everyday lives. Perhaps it’s your source of income, maybe you just feel lucky to live in a land of abundance where it’s easy to make meals full of local ingredients or maybe it’s just a way of life you respect. However, we can be happy that we’re not seeing that massive loss of farmland in this area. Sure, parcels of land are being developed here and there, but for the most part, we’re doing what we can to keep farmland in production.

Losing the equivalent of five family farms per week in Ontario is certainly alarming and we all need to be part of the solution. – SL

The fight for freedom Starting with a “military operation” in a neighbouring state, arresting protestors minutes after they start protesting (and in some cases before they get the chance to) and ending with allusions to potential nuclear reactions if “western” nations interfere, Russian President Vladimir Putin is showing the world what a true dictator is and what it looks like to live in a country where people lack basic freedoms.

Last week, Putin’s Russian army began moving into Ukraine much to the chagrin of governments and leaders around the world and even some of the country’s own people, who took to the streets to promote their frustration, many of whom were promptly arrested. While some claim that Putin was looking for a quick victory (whatever that looks like when starting an international incident that garners worldwide criticism), the reality is that, thanks to the gumption of the people of Ukraine, including their President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Russian army isn’t making the inroads some may have thought were possible at first.

What’s going on in both Ukraine and Russia is a reminder, especially for those of us not old enough to have lived through World War II, that freedom, the kind of freedom enjoyed by every single law-abiding Canadian, is not something won lightly. The protestors in Russia and the soldiers in Ukraine, many of whom weren’t soldiers until their nation came under attack, are a reminder that while many people are yelling or Tweeting about freedom, the fact that they can do that proves they have it. Those people in Russia and Ukraine, however, don’t, and have to fight for it. Here’s hoping they don’t have to fight long. – JDS

Looking Back Through the Years March 5, 1975 In a tight vote of 30-23, Huron County Council decided to keep the county’s library headquarters in Goderich, at least until 1997.

Huron County Councillor Frank Cook said he had been a councillor for five years and that it was always the “same old story” that every county facility had to be close to the court house. “Let’s change it a little. Why does everything have to be in Goderich?” he said.

The Huron County Board of Education voted unanimously to make an appeal to the Ontario Ministry of Education after the provincial body refused to allocate any new capital funding for building projects for the fiscal year.

The Blyth Atom hockey team was in tough against Drayton, vying for the Western Ontario Athletic Association (WOAA) “E” championship. The locals were ahead in the best-of-five series with two wins and a tie, but still needed another win or a tie before they could be crowned champions.

Listowel native and local playwright Ted Johns was riding high as his one-man show entitled Naked on the North Shore was selling out in theatres in Listowel, Drayton and Blyth, with the local performance set for the coming weekend.

March 5, 1997 Blyth Village Council voted to amalgamate its public utilities commission with the others in Huron County in order to comply with the regulations of a new system in the province.

Ontario Liberal Party leader Dalton McGuinty was in Seaforth to meet with the Huron Liberal Association, saying he was concerned with the amount of

downloading coming from Progressive Conservative Premier Mike Harris and his government.

“Consultation is the secret to success,” he said at the meeting.

“The only consultation the Harris government believes necessary is on election day.”

The Blyth Figure Skating and Power Skating Clubs held their annual showcase in the form of the “Ho-Down Show-Down” carnival.

March 1, 2012 A dedicated group of volunteers was aiming to keep the local school fair alive after the 2011 Belgrave School Fair had been held the previous September. It was the 91st fair and many felt it would be the last one, due to the closure of Blyth, Brussels and East Wawanosh Public Schools.

However, a meeting between Alice McDowell, future principal of Maitland River Elementary School, North Huron Reeve Neil Vincent, Fair Committee President Tim Walden and former fair participant Anne Stainton proved to be fruitful in terms of planning to potentially keep the event going.

The group decided to welcome students from Wingham, in addition to the former three schools, and push forward with the hopes of hosting a fair under a new name.

Central Huron Against Turbines, a local group protesting industrial wind turbines in the municipality, applauded the actions of several local politicians who all walked out on an address by Premier Dalton McGuinty when the topic shifted to the controversial form of renewable energy at a provincial conference held in Toronto. The protestors included many local councillors, as well as Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson and Grey-Bruce-Owen

Sound MPP Bill Walker.

Local parishioners, specifically female members of the congregations, were in the midst of planning for the 90th annual World Day of Prayer, with services set to be held in the coming days.

While the Wingham Ironmen were able to muster one win in their series against the Walkerton Hawks, the locals would eventually fall four games to one, ending the Ironmen season.

The long-standing saga on the size of Huron County Council came to an end with the size to remain at 16 councillors after the change was made late last year, which trimmed four politicians from the council.

March 1, 2021 After raising over $1,300 in late 2021 by selling maple syrup and barbecue sauce, Blyth’s Leah Boven donated the funds to be split between the North Huron Food Share and the Huron Women’s Shelter. For the women’s shelter funding, Boven asked that the funds she donated be used specifically to benefit children, if possible.

Huron and Perth Counties reached the grim milestone of 50 deaths related to COVID-19, despite just a handful of cases of the virus being considered active at the time.

The Brussels Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion was set to reopen to the public on March 4, welcoming the public back.

Huron East Economic Development Officer Jan Hawley received the 2020 Rural Excellence Award from the Economic Developers Council of Ontario for her work on both the “Looking Out My Back Door” promotional video and the Downtown Seaforth Back Alley Initiative.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022. PAGE 5.

Other Views

So much damage done in protests

W

ith the Russian invasion of Ukraine, world events are moving so quickly that looking back at the blockades of the Canadian border by angry protestors seems like yesterday’s news, and yet it might have greater effect on Canadians’ futures than the events of Europe.

People protesting vaccine mandates in Canada, truckers, farmers and others, interrupted trade at border crossings at Windsor, Coutts, Alberta, at Emerson, Manitoba, and to a lesser extent near Sarnia and in B.C. They drew support from U.S. residents who gave millions of dollars to funding agencies to support the protesters and U.S. media commentators like several Fox News hosts who cheered them on.

The protests are gone, now, dissolved by police actions that opened the border again, but the damage may be much longer lasting than the protesters envisioned. Writing in the Globe and Mail, Edward Alden, a visiting professor of U.S.-Canada economic relations at Western Washington University and the author of The Closing of the American Border: Terrorism, Immigration and Security Since 9/11 wrote recently that the failure of Canadian officials to keep cross-border trade flowing “has done enormous damage to Canada’s reputation at the worst possible time, when some in the United States are more than happy to start cutting Canadian companies out of critical supply chains.”

Alden quotes Flavio Volpe, the lobbyist for Canadian auto parts firms, as saying the border disruptions have “caused potentially irreparable harm to Canada’s reputation as a reliable trading partner.”

The cost in lost trade while the border was closed amounted to $400 million in Windsor,

Keith Roulston From the cluttered desk $73 million in Emerson and $44 million in Coutts every day. I doubt the protesters in various cities even thought of the enormous damage that was being caused to the 90 per cent of truckers who are vaccinated or the thousands of people who had their hours cut because their factories couldn’t ship across the border because of the blockades. They were concerned only with their own rights.

Meanwhile, the premiers of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Quebec also expressed concerns about invoking the Emergencies Act, which the federal government withdrew two days after it was used by combined police forces in Ottawa to clear out protesters who had taken over the heart of the city for nearly a month.

The border closures may not have been seen as all that important by western Canadian premiers, but they were costly in Ontario. The blockade at Windsor cost the Canadian auto industry more than $1 billion.

More than 160 industry groups, chambers of commerce and trade boards signed an open letter urging Canadian government officials to bring an end to blockades and voicing concern that Canada could suffer damage to its reputation. “We are already hearing calls to move investment, contracts, and production from Canada because of our inability to guarantee timely delivery to international

customers,” the letter stated.

We have several companies in our area, employing local workers, that make parts for the auto industry who depend on being able to ship freely across the border.

Yet while the bulk of trade in Ontario involves the auto industry, and therefore doesn’t affect western Canada directly, the demonstrations at the border crossing between Coutts and Montana, were particularly damaging to the meat industry. Canada exported $4.7 billion in beef and pork to the U.S. in 2021 and the majority of it went through Coutts, said Chris White, CEO of the Canadian Meat Council.

Exports from Ontario farms were bound to be affected by blockades in Windsor.

Here’s betting that the majority of those protesting in the blockades never thought of such long-term ramifications of their actions.

I’ve taken part in a couple of large scale demonstrations before – one against the provincial government for better student loans back when I was a student and one large demonstration of farmers mostly from Ontario and Québec years ago trying to change federal government policy. It’s an us-against-them kind of action. There isn’t much room for other opinions.

What’s more, many of those participating in the recent protests weren’t on board with their leaders (or at least I hope they weren’t) who have espoused Islamphobic, anti-Semitic and other hateful views.

Here’s hoping the protesters don’t lend strength to those in the U.S. (including rightwing supporters like those on Fox News) who will happily turn around and use the border blockages as arguments as to why auto and farming jobs should be “returned” to the U.S.

I didn’t order a wake-up call

W

ake-up calls can come in all shapes and sizes, from getting winded going up the office stairs to hearing your daughter repeat your favourite (nonexpletive) frustration phrase (“Oh! Come on!” in case you’re wondering) to remind us about the world and our place in it.

Sometimes those wake-up calls are humorous, other times they are frustrating.

However, the one I got over the weekend was humbling and really put things in perspective.

First off I’ll say the military activity going on in Ukraine is wrong and the activities in Russia can show certain segments of our society what a true dictatorship looks like and maybe remind us of exactly how much freedom we have.

However it can be easy to forget in our dayto-day lives about the kind of problems being faced around the world, including families that are watching loved ones go to war.

It was so easy for me, I’m ashamed to say, that I was about to take to Twitter to lambaste McDonald’s on the weekend for, once again, making it difficult to order food.

I guess I’ve been spoiled, but I wanted to place an order on their app and have my wife pick it up. Unfortunately (unbeknownst to me until we got to the pick-up stage of the order), you can’t do that. Instead of just having the four-digit alpha-numeric code (which has enough variations - approximately 4.5 billion for more than half the people in the world to have a unique code without duplication, for reference) you have to have the phone used to place the order with you when you pick the order up. Isn’t that stupid?

Anyway - as I was about to turn to Twitter to blast yet another stupid decision by the McDonald’s public relations and research and development departments (after those kiosks I thought it couldn’t get any worse), I saw the news coming in on Twitter from Ukraine.

There weren’t just news reports but also videos of people who were saying goodbye to their

Denny Scott Denny’s Den loved ones and videos near/from the zones in conflict.

There I was, wanting to express my displeasure about not being able to get the fast food I wanted while people half a world away are fighting for not just their way of life, but their very lives.

I decided, in that moment, that it likely wasn’t worth my time to shout at the wall that is the McDonald’s social media team because there were more important things going on in the world.

My frustration at a decidedly first-world problem (maybe more than decidedly, maybe the most first-world problem in the history of first-world problems) would pale in comparison to the problems going on in the rest of the world.

I’m not saying we shouldn’t have complaints or problems - but sometimes it takes a reminder that what’s bothering us maybe isn’t as important as we believe it to be in the moment.

Is the fact that I couldn’t fulfill that want for a guilty pleasure important to me? Yeah. But in the grand scheme of things, is it important enough to voice my concern to the masses?

Probably not.

Of course we can’t rely on the internet for those wake-up calls, as convenient as that may be. A few days back I was talking to someone who is having trouble visiting an ailing family member because of a COVID-19 outbreak.

The person couldn’t visit a family member in a medical facility due to a potential case of COVID-19 in the facility.

It’s easy to say, “Well those are the rules” and walk away, but those wake-up calls need to happen on both the individual and on the larger scales.

While both myself and this person are triplevaccinated against the disease, we both felt there needed to be some way of finding a means for people to interact with their loved ones. Just because I espouse following the rules doesn’t mean I can’t see when they need to be changed.

Regardless, at that time I realized I hadn’t really looked into the time period for the fourth doses of vaccine which, according to the experts, is going to be how we finally move from pandemic to endemic, so the discussion served as a wake-up call to get on that as well.

How are they connected? Well it’s a matter of recognizing inconvenience versus actual harm.

Did I need to get a Big Mac? No. Especially since it was causing a fair bit of confusion for my wife who was just trying to pick it up. As a matter of fact, I was better off not getting fast food.

Should I ignore the need for a fourth needle because it’s an inconvenience? No. Especially since it will help move everyone, even those against the vaccines, out of the pandemic.

Do I want to get another needle? No. As a matter of fact, I have to lie down whenever I get a needle because I don’t do so well with them. But that’s the only way we’re going to be able to see our loved ones regularly and avoid any more lockdowns (especially with the news this week an upswing in COVID-19 counts in wastewater testing). It’s also the only way we’re going to protect our local business owners because they’ve weathered some of the worst problems.

Maybe there’s a wake-up call for you in what I’ve written, or maybe there isn’t, but keep your eyes and ears open for them because you might miss them.

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

Save the date

W

hile this day unfortunately and inadvertently crossed paths with the potential start of World War III, did anyone out there do anything special on Feb. 24? Did you stop for a second and insist on giving yourself a present that Thursday?

Well, some people very well may have, as it was Twin Peaks Day... and on Twin Peaks Day, Katherine Ross, Mayor of Snoqualmie, Washington urged people everywhere to “celebrate by ‘giving yourself a present’ of donuts, cherry pie and fine coffee” in addition to planning a visit to the Washington city.

You see, the city of just over 13,000 people is where the groundbreaking Twin Peaks was filmed and, in the pilot, Special Agent Dale Cooper, played by Kyle MacLachlan, is seen driving into the fictional town of Twin Peaks for the first time. Because he says so as he dictates into a tape recorder on the way, we know that Cooper arrives on Feb. 24.

The whole “give yourself a present” thing goes back to advice Cooper gives Harry S. Truman (Twin Peaks Sheriff, not the 33rd President of the United States) in which Cooper advises Truman to, once a day, give himself a present. “Don’t plan it, don’t wait for it, just let it happen. It could be a new shirt at the men’s store, a cat nap in your office chair or two cups of good, hot black coffee.”

Twin Peaks Day is just one of those many days in movies and television that some fans mark on their calendars.

One of my favourite movies of all time, Goodfellas, has a day too. It’s May 11.

Near the end of the mob classic, a title card appears on the screen, saying it’s Sunday, May 11, 1980, beginning at 6:55 a.m. Goodfellas Day, if you follow the path of the character, is less about giving yourself a present and more about doing drugs, dealing drugs, almost dying a few times and stirring pasta sauce for hours.

I always try to watch the movie on May 11.

Just a few years ago, the world marked Back To The Future Day. In 1989, Back To The Future Part II imagined a future full of flying cars and hoverboards on the far off date of Oct. 21, 2015. In addition to all the technology at play, the movie also predicted that the hapless Chicago Cubs would win the World Series that year. In real 2015, the Cubs did go to the World Series, but were swept in four games, though the next year the team would win its first World Series in over a century.

Oddly enough, the 1985 date (from which Michael J. Fox’s Marty McFly travels in time to 2015) is Oct. 26, 1985, just a few days before my wife was born.

Speaking of the Cubs, the team plays prominently into another popular movie day, but this one, it seems, required some digging.

One of the most famous “days” in movie history is the one Ferris Bueller took off. Just over a decade ago, Baseball Prospectus writer Larry Granillo worked to uncover the titular day in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and came up with June 5, 1985. He did it by comparing the on-screen action from a Cubs game that Ferris and his friends caught at Wrigley Field to reallife scores from the 1985 season. The Atlanta Braves would beat the Cubs 4-2 in 11 innings, meaning that spectacular day off in Chicago took place on June 5, 1985.

Of course, one of the most famous ones is Feb. 2, which was Groundhog Day in the 1993 Bill Murray movie of the same name about a day that repeats over and over again.

So, if you missed it, mark your calendars for next year and on Feb. 24, 2023 and, if nuclear war hasn’t obliterated us all, make sure to give yourself a present that day.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022.

Brussels fair news welcome A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231

Coming at you The Blyth Brussles U18 Local League Crusaders hosted the Listowel Cyclones on Saturday at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre. The Cyclones gained the upper hand, however, and came out of the game with a 4-2 victory. (John Stephenson photo)

At the Branch

Branch receives Trillium grant

By Jo-Ann McDonald The executive meeting for February was held last Tuesday evening and the Brussels Legion Branch received good news on its Trillium grant application. The Branch needed a new furnace and thanks to treasurer Nancy Bridge and her work for the application, the Branch was successful and will receive a grant.

Committee reports showed that there are about five members that have not renewed their membership and we hope they are just tardy and will drop into the Branch soon to renew. The Branch also passed the applications for two new members.

Wow! Being closed for a few weeks gave the house committee time to do a revamp of the downstairs bar with new sinks, countertops, flooring and a new paint job. Looks good! The poppy storeroom received a good housecleaning and re-organization.

Neat and tidy again.

The phone has been ringing to book fish fry meals for the upcoming season. Our year will begin as usual on Good Friday in Seaforth with six more events already booked to follow. That number will grow as groups begin to meet again and make their plans for fundraising.

We have a big event planned for March 5 with the tribute band Diamonds and Rhinestones featuring the hits of Neil Diamond and Dolly Parton. Tickets sales are moving along nicely, so, if you’re interested, look for the advertisement and posters around town, or call the Branch about tickets, 519-887-6570 or Lisa 519531-0573.

Thanks to our entertainment committee for looking for new and exciting events to bring to the Legion and for your enjoyment.

Unfortunately, Stubby D and karaoke had to be cancelled for

February, as per public heath restrictions, but hopefully all will be well for his return in March. Our Friday night light meals will include beef stew this week and chili dogs the next.

Business issues for the Branch included that we have two choices regarding elections for the Branch.

We can continue with the same executive for another year so we remain on our two-year term, or hold elections for a one-year term this year and then hold elections

again next year for the regular twoyear term again. The members voted for the latter and elections will be held in 2023.

The Branch also discussed holding an event for initiation, presentations, Trillium grant recognition and to show off the upgrades. A gathering in better weather will be planned.

Don’t forget the new Catch the Ace draw starts on March 18.

Tickets will be in the outlets this week.

Well, February of 2022 is gone.

Another month of living in hope, another month of tentative plans and another month remaining vigilant. It’s when you look back, you see things from another view and wonder why you missed or fussed about something that really doesn’t matter much at all. Onto March and its opportunities.

Folks in Alberta are good. We try to check on the Edmonton group specifically several times a year.

With sons, brothers and growing grandsons, it’s a necessary part of our life. Last week we flew out and spent it at the Hetherington Hilton, hosted by brother Clif and Anne.

We always have a good time; lots of fun and they keep saying we can come back, so we do. With us settled nearby that leaves Philip and Lauren able to keep their life as stable as can be with busy two- and four-year-old boys. Everybody is in their spot and mixing occurs whenever possible. So good to touch and hug the boys, all of them.

It really is quite a thing to be able to watch the development of children, knowing the history of the parent; quite entertaining really. It is also very nice to see that no matter how much the world turns, water, cardboard boxes and balloons remain tops in entertaining the minors in our lives.

It’s good to hear the plans for homecoming and the Brussels Fall Fair taking shape. Like all events, it’s the people who do the background work for our community that are often forgotten.

When the event happens, we have often forgotten who set things up, months ago. So here’s an official

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thank you to the dreamers, the planners and the doers as they look after our community parties. Thank you! Now our job is to speak positively, buy tickets and make plans for visitors at our place on the dates set.

The sunshine puts a good spin on things and often brings out the best in people, so use the brightness to get moving a little more, especially now that it feels a little safer to do so.

Friday, March 4 is World Day of Prayer, an event that has been held for years. Of course it would be the women of the world who could see that the whole world is better if we all know about the concerns of others. For decades, women from all over the world gather on this Friday to learn about another country and offer prayers for the world. The countries rotate in compiling the worship service and the offering goes to specific areas of need. This is a good time to see outside our land and again realize that justice is not for all and that if we all do a little, we can improve the world.

The COVID-19 lunches continue at this house and just so you know, the domino games are still causing profanities to fly. We’ve decided it’s a good frustration release, or something.

Be safe. Be kind.

Bye now, Betty G.W.

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

The Citizen’s

Farm Safety Awareness Promotion Bird’s eye view Local photographer Tyler Jutzi caught this image recently and shared it with The Citizen. You can do the same by e-mailing your photos to reporter@northhuron.on.ca. (Photo courtesy of Tyler Jutzi)

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022. PAGE 7.

Storage need in Blyth despite new PW building

By Denny Scott The Citizen

A recommendation to retain some of the former North Huron Public Works building/Blyth fire hall for storage purposes raised questions from Councillor Kevin Falconer recently.

During council’s Feb. 22 meeting, Director of Public Works

and Facilities Jamie McCarthy advised council of several options for the former public works building/fire hall, located at the corner of Dinsley and Mill Streets in Blyth.

The first option she presented included demolishing the buildings, but retaining the former salt shed.

The property would be turned into parking to alleviate congestion

problems in the village’s downtown while the salt shed would be used as an additional storage shed.

Option two would be to rent out the facilities, however McCarthy felt the condition of the buildings and property may not be suitable for rentals.

Finally, the third option would see council do nothing with the structure, which McCarthy said

Coldest... morning? Of the week?

Due to some inclement weather (which may not have been a surprise due to the nature of the event) the Blyth Area Ministerial team had to reschedule its Coldest Night of the Year virtual walk late last month. The team, which consisted of, from left, Blyth and Brussels United Church’s Student Minister Alex Jebson, Pastor Gary van Leeuwen of the Blyth Christian Reformed Church and Trinity Anglican Church Rev. JoAnn Todd, as well as Pastor Ernest Dow of the Huron Chapel Evangelical Missionary Church of Auburn (absent) were set to walk on Saturday, Feb. 19, but postponed the event to Wednesday, Feb. 23 due to inclement weather. Todd set the team’s goal at $100 per member, but together they ended up raising $3,000, which will help with the construction of the Northern Huron Connection Centre in Wingham. The rest of the participants for the Wingham-based event, organized by the Northern Huron United Way committee and dedicated to the construction of the centre, raised $39,861, 112 per cent of the $35,500 goal. (Denny Scott photo)

Brooks, Millian lead euchre From Marilyn’s Desk

By Marilyn Craig Call 523-9318

Happy birthday to Mary Thompson, Clinton, who celebrated on March 1; Brendon Hallahan, who will celebrate March 3; Lauren Wharton, March 6 and Barry MacDonald, March 8. Happy birthday everyone and enjoy your special day.

Happy anniversary to Sheron and John Stadelmann, who will celebrate March 4.

Euchre results are as follows: first place winners, Brenda Brooks, 77 and Marie Millian, 73; second, Virginia Caesar, 76 and Grant Little, 72; lone hand winners, Edna McLellan, two, and Mac Brooks, three, and share the wealth, Cheryl Buckham and Edna McLellan.

The sun was trying to peek through the clouds on Monday and let us know that spring is not far away. As I am typing this column there are only 21 days until spring.

Hurray! We cannot complain about

the winter we have had, but somehow spring can’t come soon enough for me, even just to get outside and walk for a bit.

Stay safe and have a good week. Give someone a call to let them know you are thinking of them.

wasn’t preferred as the site is often a topic of conversation between staff and interested parties.

While council had previously discussed other options, changing the site to a “less intensive” use, such as residential, was ruled out by studies on the property, McCarthy said.

McCarthy said converting the existing structures to a parking lot would cost approximately $100,000: $78,000 for demolition and removal, $19,000 for asphalt and gravel and $3,000 for environmental oversight.

Falconer was puzzled by the request, however, specifically regarding why the building department needed more storage space after council had just spent millions on a new public works/fire hall building in Blyth complete with a salt shed at a cost of $500,000. “[Were we] short-sighted as to what we needed to build?” he asked.

The now-surplus public works building had lasted for 50 years, he said, and he thought the new building, located on County Road 4 at the north end of Blyth, would last a similar amount of time. “Why are we in such a spot now?” he asked.

McCarthy said she didn’t believe council was wrong in the construction of the building, explaining the old salt shed would be used for smaller vehicles such as zero-turn lawnmower, especially during the off-season.

“The public works shop that was built is adequate, but there are reductions [to other facilities] that have occurred, that have taken away storage space,” she said.

Falconer asked if that meant that more equipment had been acquired, and McCarthy said they hadn’t, however there was less space for equipment in the north end of the community as the municipality had declared the former Wingham Trailer Park shed and the Wingham Armouries surplus. Falconer asked

why equipment from the north end of the community was being stored in Blyth and was told the equipment wasn’t location-specific and is used across the township.

Councillor Chris Palmer said the request made sense in his mind because “you can never have enough storage space.”

“If the building is decent, it makes sense to me to keep it,” he said. “You never know when it’s going to be needed.”

Reeve Bernie Bailey felt council had gone the wrong way in previous discussions about the property, saying instead that the land should be sold as is, which he felt staff were one step away from being able to investigate.

In the end, council agreed provided the land could be sold without future liability concerns and directed staff to investigate that option.

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PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022.

Sports Ironmen defeat, tie Kincardine in weekend action

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Catching up The Wingham Ironmen posted a 2-0 win over the Kincardine Bulldogs in Wingham on Friday. On Saturday, however, the Bulldogs managed a 4-3 overtime win. (John Stephenson photo)

McLaughlin, Horgan win provincial event

Winners Keira McLaughlin and Tanner Horgan of Sudbury, left, captured first place at the fifth annual Ontario Curling Tour Championship held at the Wingham Golf and Curling Club late last month. Presenting their award is organizer Shawn Cottrill. (Photo submitted) The Wingham Golf and Curling Club hosted the fifth annual Ontario Curling Tour Championship late last month, welcoming 18 mixed doubles teams to compete, despite some weather concerns.

Katie Cottrill, who organizes the event with members of the club, including her husband and fellow provincial curling champion Shawn, said that Tanner Horgan and Keira McLaughlin of Sudbury claimed the top prize at the tournament, but weren’t the top team for the season.

“The tour championship is the final event on the tour for the season and the season’s overall tour

winners were Chris and Catherine Liscumb from Ilderton, Ontario,” she said. “The Liscumbs were the highest point earners in all of the tour events this season [including Ontario Curling Tour] events in Palmerston, St. Thomas, Ilderton and Wingham.”

Tournament organizers had to reschedule some games due to inclement weather, Cottrill said.

Some matches on Feb. 19 were delayed due to poor driving conditions, but all draws were completed and the tournament wrapped up on Feb. 20, only one hour later than anticipated, she said.

The Wingham Ironmen gained one point towards the third-place position the team lost due to what representatives called a COVID-19 policy administrative error that cost them three December wins.

As a result of a league decision, the Ironmen dropped to fifth place late last month. Over the weekend, however, the Ironmen traded wins with the Bulldogs, earning three points with a win and an overtime loss to make up some lost ground.

On Friday night, the Ironmen posted a 2-0 win over Kincardine in Wingham, then on Saturday they were edged out 4-3 in overtime.

As a result, the Ironmen are now three points behind the Bulldogs’ 30 points and five behind the Patriots’ 35 points. The Hanover Barons are firmly in first place with 53 points and are slowly pulling away from the second-place Mitchell Hawks, who have 49.

KINCARDINE 4 - WINGHAM 3 After a tight three periods, the Kincardine Bulldogs required a single overtime period to best the

Wingham Ironmen 4-3 in Kincardine on Feb. 26.

Kincardine’s Jason Taylor opened the scoring for the match with a marker assisted by Ben Nauta and Brennan Long.

Wingham’s Kyle Stanbury responded with his 24th goal of the season, assisted by Ethan Scrimgeour.

The only goal of the second period was a powerplay effort by Wingham’s Matt Tolton, assisted by Stanbury and Evan Visser.

The third period saw Kincardine score two unanswered goals, starting with a powerplay marker scored by Gavin Downs, assisted

by Steven Grant and Jordan Beisel.

Beisel, with just under two and a half minutes left in the game, scored another powerplay marker for the Bulldogs, assisted by Bryce McFadden and Steven Grant.

With 31 seconds left in regulation time and a pulled goalie to get the extra attacker, Wingham’s Tanner Reid tied the game with an evenstrength goal assisted by Austin McKeachnie.

Kincardine’s Nolan Koetsier earned the final goal, a powerplay Continued on page 10

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022. PAGE 9.

Winter Fun Glimpses of the Past with Karen Webster Have you ever wondered what folks did in the winter in a small village about 140 years ago? Let’s travel back to 1880 and see what the folks were up to at that time.

The Huron Post was a short-lived newspaper published in Blyth by Edward Floody, who later moved it to Clinton. In perusing the Record in that era, we see the admonition to “Keep your skates well sharpened!”

At that time, this is what skates looked like according to J. S. McKinnon. “There were the wooden skates that had a steel blade and the steel was turned up in almost a semi-circle at the toe. In the heel, there was a screw that would be screwed into the heel of the boot – this was quite the job.”

Then, endless straps were used at the heel and toe to make them secure. Other kinds of skates required various knobs, screws or springs to attach the blade to the boot.

Very few people owned skates that had blades integrated into boots. A favourite place to skate was on Blyth Creek from the bridge on Queen Street east to the grist mill. There were some indoor rinks too, such as those run by men by the names of Steven and Orr as well as a Mr. Potts. Townsfolk had a winter skating carnival, set for Dec. 21, to anticipate. Local athletes would have to wait a few more years for hockey to come on the scene.

Another form of entertainment was that of the Quadrille Assemblies. These consisted of

assemblies of four couples that would dance predetermined figures.

The formation was similar to modern-day square dancing. At one event, 32 couples took part in the dancing.

The Quadrilles were offered in “Watson’s new hall”. Watson’s Hall was in the upper level of the building that houses the offices of the Blyth Festival theatre in 2022.

Billiard tables were to be found at R. J. Cook’s Hotel. Some clergymen were concerned that their presence in the village would be “injurious to the moral welfare of young men”. A few concerned citizens were circulating petitions to have the billiards tables banned.

Sounds a little like their own little “River City” of Music Man fame.

There was a “grand exposition” of the Sciopticon held at the Temperance Hall in December of that year. This device, also known by the term “magic lantern”, shone an external light through semitransparent painted slides. The topic that evening was scenes from the Bible, as well as “popular and thrilling views” with accompanying lectures. Admission was 10 cents and over 70 people came to see this modern marvel.

Professor Salter, from Clinton, was inviting people to sign up for singing lessons at Button’s school, which was located at Lot 20 Concession 8 of Morris Township.

Perhaps some people would be enjoying the outdoors by hunting, like Mr. B. Ruttan, of Morris

Township, who had killed a large wildcat.

On the religious scene, interested parties from all over Huron County were in Blyth to attend the Huron Sabbath School Convention. A revival meeting was held in Sunshine, a community northeast of Blyth. As well, the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints held meetings on a Saturday and Sunday in December, but failed to attract many citizens.

For those taking trips out of the village, the good news was that the London, Huron and Bruce Railway was expanding its service in Blyth and that an additional express train would be arriving from the south at 10 a.m. every day and arriving from the north at 3:28 p.m. every afternoon.

If shopping was on a person’s mind, there were varied choices, such as a child’s sleigh that could be purchased for the sum of 75 cents at the Lawrence and Gracey store. A good overcoat was being offered by W. Southcott, tailor, for $10 and for a food choice, T. Senior was vending oysters.

The Huron Record itself, an eight-page paper, provided items for varied interests. Only the first and last pages were devoted to local and regional happenings while the rest of the edition brought local citizens up to date with Canadian and world happenings. The trial for six prisoners involved with the Donnelly tragedy was slated for the following January and many

readers would have likely been interested in following that news story.

Farmers would have been glad to hear that Mr. P. Kelly was travelling up and down the rail line, busy purchasing poultry and butter that he intended to ship to Manitoba.

The next week, it was reported that the same gentleman was interested in purchasing pork.

Participation in local politics was also a possibility because there was the opportunity to attend a meeting to choose three local school board trustees.

Finally, the Huron Record made

frequent mention that young men of the area could soon be breathing a sigh of relief because the end of the year was close by. You see, 1880 was a leap year, and it was the custom in such a year that young women could “do the asking” and propose marriage.

So, all in all, in December of 1880, there was a great variety of activities to take part in, if one so wished.

Correction: To the Feb. 17 edition of Glimpses of the Past. The correct author of Windings: A History of the Lower Maitland River is Margaret S. Beecroft.

The coldest (day) As Wingham played host to the Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser for the United Way of Perth-Huron, several local teams took up the cause virtually, heading out on their own walks, including the team above in Seaforth. A few dozen walkers took to the streets on Saturday morning, all to raise funds and awareness to battle homelessness. (John Stephenson photo)

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PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022.

Wingham Ironmen gain lost ground over weekend

Heading into the postseason The Wingham Ironmen posted a win and an overtime loss over the weekend, with a 2-0 win against Kincardine in Wingham, and then a 4-3 loss to Kincardine on the road. The Ironmen are approaching the end of the scheduled season, with two games remaining this weekend, in fifth place in the North Pollock Division of the Provincial Junior Hockey League. (John Stephenson photo) Continued from page 8 effort assisted by Brennan Long.

Garrett Golley was in net for Wingham, stopping 38 of 42 shots, while Ryan Tanner earned the win for Kincardine, stopping 27 of 30 shots.

Wingham served 25 penalty minutes over 13 infractions, resulting in the three powerplay goals that gave the Bulldogs the edge. Kincardine served 15 penalty minutes over seven infractions.

During the first period, Kincardine’s Jeff Fritzley served a two-minute interference penalty followed by Grant, who served two

minutes for goalie interference.

Wingham’s first penalty of the game went to Dana Smith, who served a two-minute slashing penalty.

Just over one minute into the second period, Visser was called for hooking, resulting in a two-minute penalty. Following him, his teammates served a string of twominute penalties, including Nate Bloemberg (high sticking), David Kozak (boarding) and Tolton (cross checking).

Kincardine served two penalties before the end of the second, including a two-minute cross checking call against Ryan Litt and

a two-minute slashing penalty for Long.

After Wingham’s Jonah Burley was assessed a two-minute roughing penalty less than four minutes into the game, an on-ice incident resulted in six penalties being issued from the same play: four against Wingham and two against Kincardine.

Wingham’s Kyle Stanbury was called for fighting (five minutes), fighting (game misconduct) and abuse of officials (game misconduct). Chris Adlys, also of Wingham, served a two-minute cross checking penalty while Carter Servais of Kincardine served two

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fighting penalties, a game misconduct and a five-minute penalty.

Just past the 13-minute mark, Josh Pham of Wingham and Nauta were each issued a two-minute penalty, for slashing and roughing, respectively. Burley was assessed another two-minute penalty for interference with less than four minutes left in the period.

Wingham’s Bloemberg had the only penalty in overtime, a twominute hooking call.

WINGHAM 2 - KINCARDINE 0 The Wingham Ironmen used the team’s home-ice advantage to claim a 2-0 victory over the Kincardine Bulldogs on Friday, Feb. 25.

Despite outshooting the Ironmen 24-19, the Bulldogs couldn’t find the back of the net.

After a scoreless first period, Wingham’s Bloemberg found the back of the net with a goal assisted

by Visser and Burley.

With 10 seconds left in the game, Wingham’s Dawson Fahrer scored a short-handed, empty-net goal, assisted by Wingham goaltender Golley.

Golley earned the shutout, blocking all 24 shots, while Joshua Jacklin was in net for the Bulldogs, stopping 17 of 18 shots.

The Ironmen served 22 penalty minutes on seven infractions while the Bulldogs served 18 on five infractions.

After a clean first period with no penalties, Kincardine’s Kent Ribey was called for interference, serving a two-minute penalty.

Wingham’s Kozak then took a two-minute slashing penalty followed by teammate Adlys being called for hooking, resulting in a two-minute penalty.

With 12 seconds left in the second, an on-ice incident resulted in five penalties: three for Wingham and two for Kincardine. The Bulldogs’ McFadden was assessed two penalties including a twominute roughing call and a 10minute inciting-an-opponent penalty.

Wingham’s Adlys served the same two penalties while Wingham’s Jacob Rauser, during the same stoppage, was assessed a two-minute holding penalty.

Wingham’s Kyle Smeltzer served a two-minute roughing penalty in the third. Kincardine’s Ribey was assessed a two-minute holding call, followed by Wingham’s Visser serving a two-minute interference call. The last penalty of the game was called against Kincardine’s Liam Colhoun, who was assessed a two-minute interference call at 18:19 in the third.

The Ironmen host two home games this weekend, squaring off against the last-place Goderich Flyers on Friday night before facing the second-place Mitchell Hawks on Sunday afternoon.

For more information, visit winghamironmen.pjhlon. hockeytech.com.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022. PAGE 11.

The Citizen’s

Wedding Showcase 2022

Elegant Rural Weddings Weddings rebounding from the pandemic The rise of the microwedding Caring for engagement rings and wedding bands Navigating an interfaith wedding

PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022.

Wedding Showcase 2022 Elegant rural wedding trend emerging in Huron couldn’t invite as many guests as originally anticipated, one trend has been a shift in their budgets to upgrades in rentals, such as harvest tables and elegant china. The result is that, while private property weddings and rural venues had been gaining in popularity for several years, the pandemic has now honed the experience to a real rural elegance.

Cornelia Johnson, the certified wedding planner behind Cornelia J Events of Tara, concurs. She sees a definite trend toward couples choosing a modern, minimalist and contemporary feel for their weddings, set against a rural aesthetic. She says that definitions

on country weddings may differ.

“Just because they are choosing to get married in a barn, doesn’t necessarily mean they are opting for a rustic wedding.” In fact, her first rule for couples getting married is “don’t be afraid to do something different! Make it a reflection of you, since this is your day.” Go past the Pinterest algorithms and find something unique, she suggests.

While many rural weddings are set on private property, often connected to the couple through parents or grandparents, there is also an increase in interest from urban couples who either have a historical tie to the region or just

want to take advantage of the beauty of midwestern Ontario for a destination wedding.

Miriam Terpstra is the co-owner of Maple Lane Haven Event and Wedding Venue, the brain-child of her husband Joe, an event barn located in Huron East. It opened its doors just as the pandemic hit, and despite that hit to their marketing plan, word-of-mouth has resulted in more bookings. Starting seven years ago, they had two vintage bank barns moved to their property and rebuilt as venues. At first it was a passion project for friends and family, but as the project ballooned to include landscaping, waterfalls Continued on page 13

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In the country As the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a number of changes to the world of wedding planning, one distinct difference has been the shift to elegant rural weddings, often on private property, and southwestern Ontario is reaping the benefits. (MS photo)

By Deb Sholdice The Citizen The past two years have been a wild ride for the wedding industry and for couples eager to share their big day with family and friends.

From initial lockdowns which caused many couples to push their wedding dates back a year (or beyond), to capacity restrictions, to supply chain issues, resiliency has been the theme for those two years and will remain crucial for wedding plans as 2022 continues to throw pandemic curve balls.

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While the entire experience has been “gut-wrenching”, according to Nancy Snell, owner and creative mastermind behind NJS Design Event and Party Rentals of Clinton, she is also very proud of her team and its ability to adapt quickly when the global pandemic changed things for them, often with little or no notice.

She also noticed that the continuous change in capacity rules and public health regulations has couples reevaluating what is important to them and updating their priorities. Since many couples

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022. PAGE 13.

Wedding Showcase 2022 Terpstras’ Maple Lane Haven attracting many Continued from page 12 and a picturesque pond, the Terpstras were encouraged to open their “party barn” to rentals, creating a business for their semiretirement. Now their beautiful property is hosting weddings for couples from all over midwestern Ontario.

She was surprised to see that almost 40 per cent of clients travel from more than 50 kilometres away. While surprised by the interest from urban clients, she enjoys teaching them about agricultural life and discussing things like crop rotation. When booking a wedding, couples will ask about the fields surrounding the barn for photography and Terpstra says they are very engaged in the discussion about what they (and the neighbours) will be planting and where the crop will be in its growing season when the event takes place.

Terpstra has also noticed a definite trend toward the elegant touches, and says that most couples are leaning towards the “less is

more” philosophy, so that the venue is seen to its best advantage.

She recognizes that many couples are looking to a wedding planner to create a stress-free week for them, but says the venue choice should be the first item on your list. If you are choosing a venue rather than private property, Terpstra advises clients to learn about what’s included in your rental fee. That can help you to ensure that your wedding planner is not duplicating services in their contract.

Even with all the services and amenities included with the rental of an established venue, the couple needs to visit the space to ensure that the rural and remote locale will work for them and their guests.

Transportation and time to reach accommodations needs to be considered for everyone, including older relatives.

Johnson’s Cornelia J Events specializes in rural weddings on private properties and advises her clients to think of everything when building an event from the ground Continued on page 14

Getting Married?

Venue with a view With more couples looking outside of major urban centres to host their big day, the scenery and potential for majestic pictures have been among the major factors.

(MS photo)

Announce your upcoming wedding in

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

PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022.

Wedding Showcase 2022 ‘Start with a fabulous setting’ say planners and then building a fairy tale wedding around it. Johnson says her role is to make that seem as effortless as possible to all the guests attending, even though everything from the dinner to sanitation has had to be preplanned.

Johnson works with suppliers like NJS Design Event and Party Rentals to build a theme and a brand for the couple, ensuring that every element from the invitation to the tables and chairs create a cohesive style. She offers both wedding planning and wedding design services, and is happy to offer either or both services depending on what the couple needs.

Photography has never been a more important component of

wedding planning, as most couples are excited to share their happy day with more friends and family through their social media feeds.

Jody Findlay of Days Go By Photography in Owen Sound finds that her clients are choosing country weddings as a more personable and affordable option and that undoubtedly COVID-19 has played into those decisions.

Family properties are an increasingly popular choice for her clients and she loves outdoor weddings for their more relaxed vibe. Her note for clients is to not overlook a space for the “getting ready” shots. Ensure there is enough lighting and room for everyone, as those spontaneous moments are often the most treasured photos for years to come.

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The last and, possibly, most important tip of all comes from Snell. “Start early and be prepared to adjust.” The farther out you’re booking, the more options you will have. That’s not to say that couples can’t pull a beautiful wedding together in six weeks, it’s just that they may not have the same range to choose from as they would if they were selecting for a date one or two years away.

All planners agree couples should start with a fabulous setting, whether that is your home farm or one of the area’s fabulous wedding venues. Then, book everything as early as possible, make lots of lists and get all the help you need to ensure your wedding is a day you will remember for the rest of your lives.

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Break from the norm Many local wedding planners agree that couples should be choosing a beautiful venue that’s important to them, allowing the rest to fall into place in the next stages of the planning process. (MS photo) Continued from page 13 up. A tent, chairs and tables are just the obvious things you need. Your list needs to include everything from electricity to refrigeration to

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bug spray. Make lists and more lists and then make lists for emergencies and contingency plans, she suggests. Many couples are taking a property that is significant to them

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022. PAGE 15.

Wedding Showcase 2022 Proper ring care keeps them sparkling for life possible when putting rings on and taking them off. Precious stones often are magnets for dust, dirt and body oil, according to Taylor Lanore, diamond consultant and engagement ring designer for Lauren B. Fine Jewelry and Diamonds.

Use discretion when wearing rings while engaging in hands-on activities. Activities like cleaning dishes, moving furniture, gardening, or diving through waves

at the beach warrant caution; otherwise, you risk damaging or making jewelry unnecessarily dirty.

Store the ring in a safe location until you can safely wear it again.

One of the most important steps to safeguard wedding and engagement rings is to insure the jewelry. The description of the ring, its cut, carat weight, metal and other information offered through a certified independent jewelry appraisal will be needed to insure

the ring. Take a close-up photo of the jewelry as well. Other items like laser inscription or a home security system can qualify jewelry owners for discounts on insurance.

Consumers also can add a jewelry rider to a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.

These are some ways to care for wedding jewelry. Always consult with a jeweler before attempting to clean items made of various materials.

We carry bridal, bridesmaid, tuxes, mothers and special occasions.

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Keep them shining Simple and straightforward cleaning tips for engagement rings and wedding bands will keep them in good shape for years to come. (MS photo) MS - Jewelry is a key component of weddings. The financial resource CreditDonkey notes that, in the United States, the average amount spent on an engagement ring is $5,500, while Canadians spend an average of $3,500.

Jewelry costs can add up, especially when adding in the cost of wedding bands, which can cost as much as $1,000. The cost of jewelry only underscores the importance of learning how to care for it and preserve its value.

The best way to maintain jewelry depends on the makeup of the rings.

The online jewelry guide Jewelry Notes says gold rings without gemstones can be cleaned effectively with only soap and water. Simply prepare a solution of lukewarm water and mild dish soap in a small bowl. Soak the rings for 20 to 30 minutes. Use a soft brush or cloth to clean the jewelry of dirt.

Rinse the residue under clean water.

Rings with diamonds can be treated similarly with a mild soapand-water solution. The Diamond Information Center also says to soak the diamond ring in equal parts cold water and ammonia for half an hour and let it air dry. Brand name jewelry cleaner also is another good option. This method only should be used with diamonds; ammonia can’t be used with other gemstones.

Maintaining jewelry also should include twice yearly visits to a

jeweler who can check the prongs and make sure the setting is not loose; otherwise, the diamond can become dislodged, according to Martha Stewart Weddings.

Avoid touching diamonds and other gemstones as much as

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PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022.

Wedding Showcase 2022 Snell proves resilient after two years of pandemic flexible and be prepared.

Restrictions are beginning to lift and there is light at the end of the tunnel. Clients that have been waiting to host their dream wedding are finally hoping to finalize plans.

Their rentals will need to be

reevaluated as, in some instances, locations may have changed or decorating elements have been switched, resulting in much more work for each contract.

The last two weeks have seen a Continued on page 17

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Nancy Snell of Clinton’s NJS Design Event & Party Rentals says the past two years have been difficult for her industry, but it’s battling back now with hope for the coming summer and fall. She says the key for couples planning their big day in the era of COVID19 is to maintain flexibility and to be prepared. (Courtesy photo)

By Deb Sholdice The Citizen The past two years have been difficult for everyone, but perhaps no one has felt it more than the wedding and event industry.

Nancy Snell, owner of NJS Design Event & Party Rentals in Clinton, says she has not seen anything like it in her more than 24

years in business. From the initial lockdowns in March of 2020 that lasted into the summer months to the most recent closures and capacity restrictions, she has had to contend with waves of cancellations and postponements for couples, fundraising organizations and event planners.

As public health rules ebbed and flowed, the team at NJS Design did

its best to help all of its clients navigate through their events in an unprecedented era. The company noticed a definite trend toward more intimate weddings on private property, which gave both the couple and the rental company more flexibility. Snell says that is the key to event planning, especially with COVID-19 still present in the community: be

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022. PAGE 17.

Wedding Showcase 2022 Pride of place on the rise in rural wedding world the pride of place that families are taking in their property. Often, she says, families are spending six months to a year preparing sheds or redesigning landscape features to provide a beautiful, intimate space for hosting these gatherings. After the event is over, the family is left with a beautiful space for years to come and an increase to the property value.

Another interesting side effect has been the clarity brought to event planning for some clients, especially those planning weddings.

To make your special day all you’ve always dreamed it would be, When large extravagant there are a few things you might want to plan early, especially events were not allowed given the state of the world as it rebounds from the COVID-19 and couples decided to go ahead with smaller pandemic, says Nancy Snell. (Courtesy photo) weddings, it helped them faces can result in huge focus on what is really important to Continued from page 16 boom in bookings, as several disappointments for her clients them in terms of location and festivals, galas and trade shows which occasionally end in tears or guests. Often if they had to reduce begin the planning process to go tantrums, although she is quick to the number of guests or book a ahead in a more traditional sense point out that 99 per cent of couples smaller venue, the couple splurged later this year. The reopening place are patient and understanding. NJS on other areas like upgraded dishes announcement by the provincial works hard to make sure every or furniture, resulting in beautiful government, while giving client understands the limitations photos and memories in exchange confidence that some events can due to supply issues and the limited for having to trim the guest list. take place safely this summer, is manpower available for delivery, so Snell says that she was pleased also causing some hiccups, as event that expectations are kept realistic with the reaction from almost every planners and bridal parties are from the initial consultation. client when changes needed to be NJS Design has a solid reputation made to bookings due to trying to organize their events with condensed planning timelines. Snell for being ahead of the curve on postponements or orders not recommends that anyone style and carrying a large inventory arriving on time. “The stereotype of considering an event get the venue of quality rental items, so Snell has a ‘Bridezilla’ is greatly overused,” confirmed and then book a been quick to adapt her buying she says with a smile, “Our clients consultation as soon as possible. process to try to compensate for the have been understanding and The earlier the rentals are booked, unreliable supply chain. She has extremely gracious.” the more options that will be been adding to the inventory when With luck, the worst of the available. With the backlog in possible, especially for known bookings and the pent up demand requirements. Even the war for events, some items will be in hot between Russia and Ukraine will complicate orders, as several of the demand.

As we enter our third summer most popular items are shipped affected by the coronavirus, NJS from Belarus.

There have been unexpected Design is also having to contend with labour shortages and supply benefits to the industry in the wake chain issues. While not unique to of continued restrictions. With the the wedding or party rental increase in events being held on industry, the challenges that Snell private property, Snell has noticed

pandemic is behind us and things can start returning to normal. Snell forecasts that, for at least the first few months of reopening, events will likely remain smaller, as the

public will need to “relearn how to be in large groups of people”. Many people won’t yet feel comfortable in a crowd and that will just take time.

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PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022.

Wedding Showcase 2022 Interfaith weddings don’t have to be tricky traditions from both faiths. Couples often lean toward having one officiant from each faith at the ceremony to incorporate key rites into the wedding.

• Neutral ground: Interfaith couples may opt to have the ceremony at a neutral location so they do not appear to be paying favor to one faith over another.

Determine if religious officiants can oversee the ceremony outside of a place of worship and still have the marriage recognized by the tenets of that faith.

• Secular officiant: In instances when it may seem like there are too many obstacles to having faithguided ceremonies for interfaith weddings, wedding planners may

suggest some creative solutions, including working with a secular officiant. Traditions such as lighting a unity candle or blending two different sands together to signify the blending of two faiths and families can be part of the ceremony, suggests the lifestyle company Sheerluxe.

• Give others tasks: Couples may be unfamiliar with each other's religious traditions. Sharing faithspecific wedding planning tasks can help couples and their families become more familiar with these customs.

Interfaith weddings require extra planning and finesse, but millions of couples get married in such ceremonies every year.

Jeff Sabin Marriage Commissioner

Bringing people together While interfaith marriages can be controversial for some, here are some tips to avoid any concerns and to help find common ground in the ceremony. (MS photo) MS - Celebrating family histories and traditions is a major component of weddings. During a wedding, two families come together and begin to merge their unique takes on life.

When couples tying the knot come from the same cultural or religious backgrounds, fitting the pieces together may be relatively easy. However, when a wedding must incorporate two different religions, each with its specific traditions and requirements, a

couple may not know where to start. These tips may help the process along.

• Communication: It is important to open a dialogue with all involved parties at the onset to be able to craft a ceremony and subsequent celebration that aligns with the faiths of the couple and their families. This dialogue shares what everyone expects. Ask everyone to rank the rituals they would like to be included by order of importance, and then use this as

a guide when planning the ceremony.

• Discuss options: Certain houses of worship may be strict in regards to what they allow during interfaith ceremonies.

Conservative congregations may even frown upon marrying outside of one’s religion. That may spark an entirely new conversation about converting so couples can be married in the eyes of the church, temple or mosque. More reformed places may be open to blending certain

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022. PAGE 19.

Wedding Showcase 2022 The new rise of the microwedding with wedding planners who can plan their weddings regardless of how small the affair may be.

Nothing should be off the table when planning a microwedding.

The fewer the people who will be there, the more freedom planners and couples may have. The WPI notes that microweddings afford planners and couples the chance to get personal in ways that may not be possible when organizing larger affairs. Planners can focus on small

details and allow couples to make their ceremonies and receptions as personal as they would like.

Couples who prefer microweddings tend to emphasize minimalism, so keeping things simple is something to keep in mind when planning microweddings.

Microweddings are an emerging trend that make for a realistic option for couples and the people they hire to help them plan their big day.

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Small-scale nuptials The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a number of changes to the wedding planning industry, one of them being the rise of the microwedding, which can be a cost-effective option for young couples just starting their lives together. (MS photo) MS - The effects of the COVID19 pandemic have been farreaching. People from all walks of life have had to confront the pandemic and the changes it wrought, and many of those changes could have some staying power.

Wedding industry experts note that one of the more noticeable and potentially long-lasting effects of the pandemic has been the rise of microweddings. The 2020 Real Weddings Study (COVID-19 Edition) found that 58 per cent of couples who planned to get married in 2020 ended up reducing their guest list by a significant percentage. The average reduction was 41 per cent, and some suspect small ceremonies may be the new normal in the years ahead.

MICROWEDDINGS Microweddings are not necessarily a new idea, as couples have always had the option of getting married with only a small number of family and friends in attendance. However, microweddings could be an emerging trend, and cost may have a lot to do with that.

The Wedding Planner Institute (WPI) notes that microweddings cost anywhere from $1,600 to $10,000 U.S., though the group notes that most microweddings fall somewhere in the middle of that range. A 2020 survey from TD Ameritrade found that 47 per cent of respondents felt that cost of living was the biggest threat to their financial security and long-term investments.

Engaged couples confronting the well-documented post-pandemic

increase in cost of living, including an unprecedented rise in housing costs, could see expensive weddings as luxuries they simply can't afford. Microweddings could be viewed as a cost-effective way to combat the rising cost of living that still allows couples to share their big day with their closest friends and family members.

The WPI has urged wedding planners to offer microwedding packages in an effort to capitalize on this emerging trend. Data from The Wedding Report indicated that the total number of weddings would rise to 2.77 million in 2021, an increase of roughly 650,000 over the yearly average. Even if only a fraction of couples who tie the knot in 2022 opt for a microwedding, a pre-existing microwedding package can help wedding planners secure their business. Couples who opt for microweddings may do so to save money, but also to avoid the effort and save the time required to plan more lavish affairs. Such couples may be especially excited to work

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PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022.

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Coming events Coming events In memoriam Services WINGHAM COLUMBUS CENTRE – Sue’s Famous Fish Fry Take-Out Only! Friday, March 11, noon to 7 p.m. Grilled or battered white fish or chicken fingers, $17 (fish, fries or baked potato and dinner roll). 1/2 price for kids! Add $2 for caesar or garden salad. Add $2 for butter tart, $4 for cherry cheesecake, HST included. Call 519-357-1270 to order your fish and to reserve a pickup time. We accept cash, e-transfer, credit card or debit.

09-1

NOTICE: BLYTH BIA AGM WILL be Thursday, March 10, 8 a.m. at Blyth Arena.

09-1 -------------------------------------------WORLD DAY OF PRAYER SERVICE will be held Friday, March 11, St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Brussels, 1 p.m. Please join in this annual ecumenical service.

09-2

Help wanted Help wanted

HALEY. In memory of Brian Haley, April 17, 1957 - March 3, 2019.

May the winds of Heaven blow softly, And whisper in your ear, How much we love and miss you, And wish that you were here.

– Missed by Mom and Paul. 09-1b

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

Help wanted Help wanted

Card of thanks PEACOCK. Thank you dear family and friends who acknowledged our 50th wedding anniversary in many different ways. We are blessed to have you all in our lives. – Ross and Gladys (Bunny).

09-1p -------------------------------------------RYAN/BLACK. Murray and I would like to thank everyone for the concern shown to us since my car accident in December. From the many prayers and heartwarming messages and cards, to the delicious food, beautiful flowers and gifts, your kindness carried us through this difficult time. It is wonderful to live in a community where people really care! Special thanks to family for daily visits, unusual hospital visits, the great welcome home and for always being there when needed. – Jane.

09-1

Coming events SPRING TAKE-OUT LUNCH, Tuesday, March 8, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Trinity Anglican Church, Blyth. Meat loaf, mashed potatoes, turnip, carrots, tea biscuit and dessert, $10 per person. Ordering deadline March 7. Call 519-5239396 or email mcgregor@ezlink.ca 09-1

Help wanted KSE INC. Kurtis Smith Excavating Inc.

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PLANNING CO-ORDINATOR Roads Manager 35 Hours Per Week The Municipality of Central Huron is a friendly, vibrant community of over 7,100 with a unique mix of urban, agriculture and lakeshore. We offer diverse opportunities to live, work and play. We are currently seeking qualified applicants for the full-time permanent position of Roads Manager.

As part of the Senior Management Team and reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the municipality is seeking a Roads Manager who will be responsible to direct, monitor and oversee the activities of the Public Works Department; directly supervise 10 full-time unionized employees, plan, prioritize and ensure the successful implementation of Public Works maintenance, Capital and Operation programs; oversee waste management and landfill issues; and effectively prepare and monitor departmental and project budgets. There are 327 km of rural road as well as 19 km of Lake front roads and 33 km or Urban road with sidewalk and storm system, 39 bridges, ditching and catch basins along with winter maintenance. As the successful incumbent, you will provide recommendations and advice to Council, ensure compliance with all necessary Provincial legislation, regulations, and policies, respond to inquiries, and investigate complaints from the public and public agencies in a timely manner. A proven leader, you will competently and effectively manage staff.

The ideal candidate will have/be: • Diploma in Engineering Technology or related field of study; • Certification through Association of Ontario Road Supervisors (AORS) or OntarioAssociation of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT)and all the courses that lead to gaining certification through O.G.R.A and AORS; • 5 years of management experience and multiple years of field and equipment experience; • A well rounded knowledge in all road related maintenance both summer and winter, as well both asphalt and gravel, storm water management and tree maintenance; • Surface Miner Courses in all modules; • Valid Ontario driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle Driver’s Abstract in goodstanding to operate Corporate vehicles; • DZ licence and heavy equipment operation experience is considered an asset..

A job description for the position and information about the Municipality of Central Huron is available at www.centralhuron.ca Please submit your application by March 4, 2022 at 3:30 PM preferably by email to: Human Resources – Municipality of Central Huron Box 400, 23 Albert Street, Clinton, Ontario N0M 1L0 humanresources@centralhuron.com

Early Spring start

WE OFFER COMPETITIVE WAGES, BENEFITS AND GROUP RRSP PLAN. PLEASE SUBMIT RÉSUMÉ by fax 519-887-8856 or email to ksexc@hotmail.com or call the office 519-887-8855 and ask for Kurtis.

Terms and Conditions of employment as per all Human Resources policies and procedures of the Municipality of Central Huron. We are an equal opportunity employer and support applicants with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request throughout the recruitment process. Please email your request or call (519) 606-1223. We thank all applicants for their interest and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Personal information being collected will be used in accordance with The Municipal Act and The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and shall only be used in the selection of a suitable candidate.

35 Hours Per Week Salary Range $43,000 to $53,700 The Municipality of Central Huron is a friendly, vibrant community of over 7,100 with a unique mix of urban, agriculture and lakeshore. We offer diverse opportunities to live, work and play. We are currently seeking qualified applicants for the full-time permanent position of Planning Co-ordinator.

As part of the Planning team and reporting to the Clerk, the municipality is seeking a Planning Coordinator who will serve as the key point of contact on all matters relating to planning and development. The Planning Coordinator will accept, review, distribute and process all Planning Applications received under the Planning Act and liaise with County Planning Department, appropriate Central Huron staff, engineering & legal consultants, developers, agencies, residents and other relevant parties to ensure development occurs within municipal policy and relevant legislation. This role is responsible for keeping various Planning Applications on track internally which requires coordinating and sharing comments from external agencies in a timely manner and revisiting files regularly for status updates to keep the planning process moving forward.

As the successful incumbent, and working closely with the County Planner and relevant Senior Managers, you will provide recommendations and advice to Council, ensure compliance with all necessary Provincial legislation, regulations, and policies and respond to inquiries/input from the public and public agencies in a timely manner.

As a highly organized and process-oriented person, you will competently and effectively administer all internal Planning related matters.

The ideal candidate will have/be: • Post-Secondary education in Urban & Regional Planning or related field such as Public Administration, Community Development etc.

• Primer on Planning Course through Ontario Association of Committee ofAdjustment Consent Authorities • AMCTO Municipal Administration Program (MAP) considered an asset • Minimum two year’s experience in Planning related role • Self-reliant, highly organized, efficient and task-oriented A job description for the position and information about the Municipality of Central Huron is available at www.centralhuron.ca Please submit your application by March 4, 2022 at 3:30 PM preferably by email to: Human Resources – Municipality of Central Huron Box 400, 23 Albert Street, Clinton, Ontario N0M 1L0 humanresources@centralhuron.com Terms and conditions of employment as per collective agreement, Local Union 636 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and all Human Resources policies and procedures of the Municipality of Central Huron. The Municipality of Central Huron is an equal opportunity employer. We are an equal opportunity employer and support applicants with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request throughout the recruitment process. Please email your request or call (519) 606-1223. We thank all applicants for their interest and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Personal information being collected will be used in accordance with The Municipal Act and The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and shall only be used in the selection of a suitable candidate.

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

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022. PAGE 21.

Public skating available at community centre PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE

By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188

Sincere sympathy is extended to the families of Isabel Campbell, who passed away on Feb. 20.

Family Day in Belgrave was a huge success. Thirty-nine skaters took part in the free public skating with others joining them for the free shinny. Muriel Coultes and Marg Pritchard were busy in the booth supplying the group with free hot dogs, pop and other treats. It was a

great day for the village and surrounding community to come out and be together after being inside for so long.

Public skating is being held every Saturday and Sunday from 2 - 3 p.m. and shinny is being played 3-4 p.m. The hockey players are the ones that take the time to scrape the ice, as we are one of the only natural ice surfaces around.

The arena is usually open on school snow days and professional development days as well.

The second and fourth Tuesdays of the month are the regular Community Coffee Club social time. Everyone is invited to join the group for coffee, snacks and conversation, 9:30 - 11 a.m.

Twenty people showed up in the rain for the coffee club on Feb. 22.

Jim Hess was the guest speaker at Knox United Church on Sunday, Feb. 27. His reflection was entitled “Who are in the Crowd”?

Gloria Wilbee is the guest speaker for March 6. Everyone is welcome.

Masks are required and social distancing is in effect.

Belated 50th wedding anniversary greetings to Ross and Gladys (Bunny) Peacock on Feb. 19.

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A corny encounter

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

Prolific Maitland Valley Camera Club member Liz Allan recently caught this sight and snapped a photo of some birds having a snack to share with The Citizen. (Photo courtesy of

Remembering your loved one

Liz Allan of the Maitland Valley Camera Club)

Obituaries of Trinity Anglican Church.

A graveside service will be held in the spring at Brandon Cemetery, Belgrave.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Trinity Anglican Church in Barrie through the funeral home website or by visiting www.trinitybarrie.ca or a charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences may be left at www.mcburneyfuneralhome.com.

GWENDOLYNE MURIEL SCOTT Ms. Gwendolyne Muriel Scott of Goderich, and formerly of Barrie, passed away at Alexandra Marine and General Hospital on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022. She was 86.

Gwen was the beloved daughter of the late Peter and Dora (Lee) Scott and the cherished sister of Patricia (Huck) Tibbles, Alberta.

She was the loving aunt of John and Edward “Ted” Huck. Gwen will be lovingly remembered by her many cousins and their families and her friends.

Gwen was born in Sudbury on Sept. 25, 1935. She taught for 18 years at MacKillop School in Richmond Hill from 1954 until 1972. She later went on to work at Sears Canada from 1973 until her retirement in 1990. Gwen was also a long-time member

JULENIA ANN (née Heibein) DRAPER Mrs. Julenia Ann (née Heibein) Draper of Brussels passed away peacefully at Trillium Manor, Orillia, on Feb. 26, 2022. She was in her 90th year.

Julenia was the beloved wife of the late Robert ‘Bob’ Draper and will be lovingly missed by her children Bryan, Rod (Kim), Chris

(Christine), Shelley (Neil) Parsons, and son-in-law Pierre (Bethanee) Chagnon. She was the loving grandmother of Greg, Tom, Melissa, Annette, David, Jason, Tiffiney, Ryan and Brice and the adoring great-grandmother of 18 great-grandchildren. She will be missed by her good neighbours Gayle and Judy.

Julenia was predeceased by her parents George and Charlotte (Candler) Heibein, daughter Patricia Chagnon, son Rick and daughter-in-law Margaret.

Julenia was a quiet person who enjoyed gardening and could often be seen walking her dog, Lucky, around Brussels. She loved her family and will be missed by them.

Visitation will take place at Riverside Funeral Home on Saturday, March 5 from 1-2 p.m. with funeral service to follow.

Pastor Gary Fischer will officiate.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Brussels, Morris and Grey Renovation Fund or the Wingham and District Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca COVID protocols are in place.

Please do not attend the service if you are feeling ill. Please join via livestream online at h t t p s : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / RiversideFuneralHomeInc

Honour your loved one by placing their obituary in

The Citizen.

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

Cards of thanks can be placed in our classified section, starting at just $7.00.

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

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

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

Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca FOR SALE - ground mounted 30" circular saw, belt driven, $150 or best offer. 519-441-1517.

09-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE - W/M BERKO electric shop heater, 220 volt 4800 watt with fan, blows hot air, $60.

New Fordyce. 519-357-2957.09-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE - 2 used snow tires on 150 Ford rims, very low mileage, size: 245/70R17. Asking $300.

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09-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE - beautiful oak 8-piece dining room suite, like new, $600.

Call 519-482-8591.

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07-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE - heavy duty winchdriven by Orbit motor, $700; 6" grain augers on wheels, various lengths; Massey Ferguson 35 tractor rear-end and tranny and steering box, $500; various Massey Harris parts. 519-395-2225. 07-3 -----------------------------------------WANTED - flywheel and clutch parts for 5000 Ford tractor. Call 519-395-2225.

07-3

PAGE 22. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022.

Rae, former teacher feel protestors missed mark This week’s thought: “God puts each fresh morning, each new chance of life, into our hands as a gift to see what we will do with it.”

Although small truck protests continue across our province, the blockade in Ottawa has been cleared away and the people of that city can get back to living and moving about the capital freely.

Even the small protests are losing participants and fervour. Those of

us who stayed on the sidelines wondering just what the world was coming to, can hope justice and calmness will prevail once again.

Two high school classmates of mine have lived in Ottawa all their married lives. I communicated with them a few times during the siege of that city to get a firsthand impression of what they were experiencing. Barb, who taught high school, commented at one

point: Where were these people when Grade 11 history and the details of Canada’s government system were being taught?

The Saturday Toronto Star’s view of this period in Canadian history was expressed on the opinion page under the title “Hard Lessons from the Siege of Ottawa”. The article includes the sentence, “Their sheer ignorance of how governments and institutions work was

Horton experiences Beijing games vicariously BEIJING WINTER GAMES 2022 by HOLLY HORTON After making the difficult decision to back out of my contract for the 2022 Winter Games, a decision I made largely based on the rampage of the Omicron Variant of COVID-19, and my young children’s needs, I was still able to experience a little of what it was actually like to travel to and work in Beijing through the eyes, ears and personal social media accounts of my colleagues.

Getting to Beijing was the first hurdle. China still required two negative PCR tests within 72 hours of flying. Olympic Broadcast Services hired charter flights for media members, which meant no real negotiation about when or how they would travel there. There were no direct flights and employees were taken through any number of

different layover locations. One colleague, who was scheduled to fly out of England to Turkey and then on to Beijing, had her first three flights cancelled because of a freak snowstorm in Turkey. After waiting over 24 hours in the airport, she needed to re-take her PCR tests in order to keep her results valid for the 72-hour timeframe. She eventually flew to Qatar – I think – and on to Beijing.

Another member of my team didn’t even make it onto the plane.

That is because he tested positive for COVID-19 on his pre-flight PRC test. He delayed leaving for as many days as he could but could not produce a negative test and had to stay home altogether. He was devastated.

For those who arrived, the conditions were somewhat different depending on what their role was

Holly Horton for the Games. One coworker, who was a reporter, was someone I had been rather envious of while in Tokyo. Once our two-week quarantine was finished, she had a lighter work schedule and seemed to have more time to go out and explore the city. I, on the other hand, worked steady 11-hour shifts from start to finish. Her venue had catered food, while I was on a steady diet of 7/11 and the general store in the International Broadcast Centre.

However, in Beijing, things were different. Organizers elected to assign the reporters to different hotels based on their sport. This meant she was all by her lonesome at one hotel and by her account, it was older and not as nice. She said her time there was generally long, lonely, and as she put it, “like Olympics jail”: daily testing, confined to the Olympic media bubble, not allowed to interact with the public at all.

But my editor sent me a video the

Majestic Local photographer Ange Coneybeare of the Maitland Valley Camera Club recently captured this amazing avian appearance and shared it with The Citizen. The editorial board at The Citizen welcomes such submissions and endeavours to get as many in print as we can. (Photo courtesy of Ange Coneybeare of the Maitland Valley Camera Club)

first night from his hotel, the one I would have been assigned to, where my production team sat in a rather luxurious-looking lobby having drinks! And my video producer, who is a big child at heart, certainly made the most of the experience.

Her social media was full of stories of trying different snacks, vistas of the opening and closing ceremonies which she could see from her venue, Olympic pin trading with other media members, and generally having fun with her colleagues. And then one day, somehow, she was lucky enough to go on a special excursion, for media only to the Great Wall of China.

There she was, doing a handstand on the wall, with the mountains behind her. I’m not going to lie, I was jealous that day!

They’ve all arrived back home now in one piece. No one contracted COVID-19 while they were there, everyone seemed generally safe and taken care of, and no one had any trouble leaving the country. Overall it seemed like an odd, but not terrible, experience for them. Part of me still wishes I could have taken part, but mostly I am at peace with my decision. And who knows, perhaps the Summer Games in Paris in 2024 may bring about another opportunity, hopefully one in which this pandemic is a thing of the past.

breathtaking.” Just a little echo of what Barb and many of us were wondering.

Bob Rae, Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations, Tweeted. “A truck is not a speech. A horn is not a voice. An occupation is not a protest. A blockade is not freedom; it blocks the liberty of all. A demand to overthrow the government is not dialogue. The expression of hatred is not a difference of opinion. A lie is not the truth.”

The Beijing Olympics are now also in the history books with Canadian athletes making us all proud. As a follow-up to the two recent articles my niece, Holly Horton, offered, I suggested she give some insight into how her “crew” fared with their experience/coverage. You will recall she decided for personal reasons, at the 11th hour, to not be a part of the Olympic Broadcast Service this time.

She sent along the story that can be found just to the left on this page.

NEWS FROM LONDESBORO

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022. PAGE 23.

Agriculture

519-523-4311

www.ruralvoice.ca

BLYTH 519-523-4244

www.hurontractor.com

Brussels Livestock report

Fed steers, heifers sell actively at sale Total receipts for Brussels Livestock for the week ending Feb. 25 were 1,605 cattle and 583 lambs and goats.

On Tuesday, fed steers and heifers sold actively at steady prices. Choice steers and heifers sold $168 to $175. Second-cut cattle sold $160 to $167. Aged and medium-fed steers and heifers sold $140 to $160. Holstein steers and heifers sold $85 to $130. Bulls sold $85 to $102.50. Cows sold actively at prices $2 to $3 higher.

On Thursday, veal sold actively at easier prices. Lambs and sheep sold higher. Goats sold steady.

On Friday, second-cut calves sold easier. Yearlings sold on an easier market.

Dwayne Dickert of Ayton,

consigned four head. One black heifer weighed 1,415 lbs. and sold for a price of $175.

Matthew Bros. Farms of Durham, consigned 14 head. Two black steers averaged 1,673 lbs. and sold for an average price of $175.

Henk Dejong of Fordwich, consigned one head. One black white-faced steer weighed 1,475 lbs. and sold for a price of $175.

There were 265 cows on offer.

Beef sold $85 to $115 with sales to $119; good holstein cows, $83 to $99.50 with sales to $103; medium holstein cows, $72 to $80.

There were 150 head of veal on offer. Beef veal sold $170 to $196 with sales to $201; good holsteins, $158 to $172; SL heavy holsteins, $145 to $165; heavy holsteins, $129

to $144; medium holsteins, $139 to $150; plain holsteins, $65 to $115.

Allen Sherk of Wellesley, consigned three head. One blue steer weighed 885 lbs. and sold for a price of $201.

Lambs under 50 lbs. sold $435.50 to $445; 50 - 64 lbs., $432.75 to $467.50; 65 - 79 lbs., $439.50 to $457.50; 80 - 94 lbs., $408.50 to $422.50; 95 - 109 lbs., $412.50 to $421; 110 lbs. and over, $230.50 to $333.

Sheep sold $100 to $285.

Goats: billies sold $300 to $400; nannies, $100 to $280; kids: dairy, $350 to $460; meat, $430 to $500.

Anthony Numan of Lucknow, consigned 42 head.

Ten lambs averaged 97 lbs. and

sold for an average price of $421.

Emanual Martin of Elmira, consigned five head. Five lambs averaged 74 lbs. and sold for an average price of $436.

Shawn Bustin, consigned 13 head. Six lambs averaged 107 lbs. and sold for an average price of $412.50.

Top quality stocker steers under 400 lbs. and sold $205 to $230; 400 - 499 lbs., $216 to $253; 500 - 599 lbs., $216.50 to $240; 600 - 699 lbs., $213 to $240; 700 - 799 lbs., $192.50 to $214; 800 - 899 lbs., $192.25 to $202.50; 900 - 999 lbs., $188 to $200; 1,000 lbs. and over, $192 to $199.50.

Top quality stocker heifers, 400 499 lbs. sold $178.50 to $225; 500 599 lbs., $177.50 to $213; 600 - 699

lbs., $179 to $198; 700 - 799 lbs., $179.50 to $196; 800 - 899 lbs., $186.50 to $199; 900 lbs. and over, $172 to $185.

Soloman M. Martin of Wellesley, consigned 18 head.

Five gold heifers averaged 888 lbs. and sold for an average price of $199.

Stewart Farms of Douglas, consigned 75 head. Six charolais heifers averaged 878 lbs. and sold for an average price of $192.

Sixteen charolais steers averaged 798 lbs. and sold for an average price of $203.

Adam Doekson of Mildmay, consigned 53 head. Fourteen gold steers averaged 1,005 lbs. and sold for an average price of $199.50.

Ensure accuracy when renewing farm insurance

By Jackie Kelly-Pemberton, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture Farming is regularly influenced and impacted by adverse conditions and unique situations. A level of risk is also assumed within the agriculture industry, whether it’s the risk of extreme weather, supply chain interruptions or market volatility. Another form of risk that needs to be considered is potential damages to your farm business caused by fire, flooding or other unexpected causes. Every farmer manages risk on their farm, and ensuring they have the proper insurance coverage is a form of risk

management that can protect their most valuable assets.

We appreciate the efforts of our grassroots members, the Leeds Federation of Agriculture and Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) representatives for taking action on addressing insurance concerns and bringing this important topic to the forefront.

OFA joined together with The Cooperators to host a webinar on this subject matter in response to a resolution brought forward by Leeds Federation to the OFA’s 2021 annual general meeting. The resolution highlighted a growing number of member concerns related

to farm property insurance coverage and a lack of clarity on the issue. The webinar, which was delivered by expert representatives from The Co-operators, provided an opportunity for members to learn helpful tips on what they should know when renewing their insurance policy. The session provided beneficial information to 315 participants.

This has been a great example of the function of the OFA’s resolution process and how grassroots involvement and input gives active direction to the OFA’s Board of Directors. Opening this discussion created the opportunity for our

Putting in the time Several members of the Blyth Lions Club recently received Chevron Awards to mark long-time club membership. Blyth Lion and Zone Chair Victoria Sider and Vice-District Governor Larry Irwin were on hand to make the presentation. Recipients were, from left: Sheron Stadelmann, 20 years; Mary Lou Stewart, 10 years; Fred deBoer, 10 years; Steve Howson, 35 years; Lisa Bromley, 10 years; Sider and Irwin. (Photo submitted)

organization to engage with benefit partners and deliver a resource that benefits our membership as a whole.

A key takeaway from the presentation was to ensure members have open communication with their insurance broker to make sure they have a policy in place that is specific to their farm business.

Working with an agent that has experience in dealing with farm policies is beneficial in limiting the potential for oversight on properties or assets. It is extremely important to make sure the insurance plan is right for you. That means it should be current and covers the needs of your business to prevent an unexpected loss, leaving you to deal with financial hardships. Attention to detail when renewing your farm insurance is vital to ensuring your valuable assets are protected.

Another helpful tip is to coordinate an annual check-in meeting with your broker to cover any new farm assets that have been purchased. It can be hard to keep track of new purchases, but if all items aren’t listed, you risk missing out on coverage. Keep a detailed inventory of your farm assets, and remember to regularly add new equipment, machinery or buildings to your policy.

Discussing farm management plans, maintenance plans and the things you do to make sure your farm is protected are also important to share with your insurance professional. Have you completed electrical upgrades? Do you have a regularly scheduled maintenance plan? Understanding your policy and providing accurate and detailed information will help you make the best decision for your coverage and could also lead to saving on insurance premiums.

With rapid advancements in farm technology, a barn built 40 years ago is nothing like a barn built today. Working with your insurance

broker, you should also make sure the description of each farm asset is clear and reflects the actual worth.

It is also strategic to make sure your property insurance limits reflect current market conditions to make sure an insurance payout will be enough to replace your damaged property.

This webinar provided an excellent opportunity for members to actively engage in questions, comments or concerns with those working in the insurance industry with The Co-operators. Participants submitted an overwhelming number of questions, including inquiries about how insurance rates will be impacted because of increased costs due to supply chain issues, how trespassing and vandalism affect insurance and, more specifics about liability insurance.

Working together to address the lack of clarity on farm property insurance can ensure that more farmers are aware of how to set up adequate coverage. Although we don’t like to consider the thought of any type of loss, being prepared can help maintain financial security for the future of your farm business.

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd.

UPCOMING SALES TUESDAYS 10:00 a.m.

Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows

THURSDAYS

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

FRIDAYS

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

Call us 519-887-6461

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

PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022.

From the Minister’s Study

Jesus knew not everyone wanted to hear His word

By Rev. JoAnn Todd Trinity and St. John’s Anglican Churches We’ve been looking at Jesus’ Sermon on the Plains in Luke’s gospel as a sermon series in the three weeks before Lent begins. We discovered that Jesus is teaching His apostles and disciples some challenging lessons; difficult because they’re counter-cultural and they go against what is the popular way to do things, what society tells us is the right way. And He knows it too, Jesus knew that not everyone would want to hear what He had to say, because He begins by saying: “So to those of you who are willing to listen”, in other words for those who really want to hear God’s way, here is some more oppositional thinking: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you – turn the other cheek. If someone steals from you, offer them more, give to anyone who begs from you.

Honestly, that just goes against the grain, doesn’t it? We’re not only to be nice to “those kinds of people”, but love them? When all my instincts tell me to do otherwise? If someone smacks me on the cheek, my first reaction is to want to smack him back, not to say, “Here, want to hit the other one?” If someone steals from me, I want to call the police and get my stuff back, and see they’re prosecuted for theft, not ask them to come back and get what they missed the first time. Heck, if someone even says something really nasty to me, I just want to throw a mean zinger right back at them.

So then, is this more of Jesus’ hyperbole, His exaggeration to make a point? Well, maybe a little bit, yes. Jesus is preaching the opposite of what our base instincts lead us into behaving. Instead of countering with the hatred, the mean-spiritedness that’s been dished out, respond instead with love. Now having said that, we need to be careful how far we go in our interpretation of this. Responding with love doesn’t mean unreservedly accepting abuse, passively accepting all the bad stuff that may come our way. Jesus never preached that we should willingly become doormats!

These are not directives to be so meek and mild that you allow yourself to be taken advantage of, or allow yourself to be abused.

Jesus stood up for those in His society who were the underdogs:

the poor, the ill, the disadvantaged.

However, if we are wronged, and it happens to all of us to some degree or another, the message is, don’t automatically retaliate in kind, or strike back with vengeance at the perpetrator. Our response should be one of love and care. Behaviour that results in willfully hurting people comes from a place of hurt and pain, and that cannot be healed with more hurt or more pain, no matter how good we think retaliation or vengeance might make us feel at the time.

You’re familiar with the phrase, breaking the cycle? I think that explains it nicely.

Violent retaliation only begets more violence, even something as “relatively minor” as verbal abuse.

Love and care heals.

I know, easy for me to say that, easier said than done, especially for deeply painful physical and emotional injuries. It’s hard in the heat of the moment to respond lovingly. In fact, in some situations, it may not even be safe to do so. But tit for tat, eye for an eye vengeance will not break the cycle or stop the hate. And for some situations, to be able to respond with love may take a lot of time and soul searching for that healing to come to pass, it might even take therapy! But healing, for both parties, will only come from a place of love and care.

Do to others as you would like them do to you really is a good rule of life – even if the other wasn’t so wonderful to you to begin with.

And Jesus goes on with even more, for those who want to hear it: love your enemies, do good to them even expecting nothing in return.

Lend expecting nothing in return.

Well, that is not a successful business model, certainly not politically expedient and it makes no earthly sense! No, it doesn’t, and that’s the point. One commentary I read said that “this ‘good news’ sounds like ‘bad advice’”! This is the behaviour of the children of God, not the children of a Fortune 500 company. It is easy to love the loveable, and to be good to good people. Anyone can do that. Even the sinners do that, Jesus tells them.

The challenge is loving the unloveable, the difficult, the problematic ones. We want, even expect compassion from God, should we not give back the same?

For those with ears to hear, Jesus says do not judge, do not condemn, forgive them. Why? Well, that’s what we’d expect a good God to do for us, and what God does for us.

That’s the example Christ gave to us. Matthew records Peter asking Jesus, “How many times should I forgive someone, seven times?”

“No, Peter, not seven times, but 70 times seven.” (Matt 18: 21-22) This really is not easy stuff to hear.

Think for a minute, when you’ve royally messed up, you are generally more than aware of it; and condemnation, reprisal and judgment really isn’t helpful. True forgiveness comes from a loving heart, and is the first step in healing.

And if all of the above reasons don’t work for you, well, there’s always the old adage: “What goes around comes around.” Only Luke has Jesus saying it this way: “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you.

Brussels Mennonite Fellowship

Sunday March 6, 10:30 a.m.

1st Sunday in Lent - COMMUNION Pastor Ernest Dow, “Redeemed & Reborn: Obedient Love that Bleeds” (1Pet 1:17-25)

Rev. JoAnn Todd, Rector 519-357-7781 email: revjoann@hurontel.on.ca The­Regional­Ministry­of­ Hope

Trinity

St. John’s

BLYTH 9:00 AM

BRUSSELS 12 NOON

St. Paul’s Trinity

WINGHAM 10:30 AM

COME WORSHIP WITH US!

BRUSSELS

United Church WELCOME to live, in-person Worship 1st Sunday of Lent Masks are required, social distancing encouraged

Also on YouTube Sunday afternoon Joint Ash Wednesday Service March 2 at 7 p.m. Blyth United Church Global Covid Vaccine project continues Send or give donation to Church Treasurer

Contact Alex at minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com Website: brusselsandblythuc.ca P.O. Box 359, Brussels ~ 519-887-6259

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

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

MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS Indoor Worship 11:00 am every Sunday As per HPPH Unit requirements, masks are mandatory to be worn during

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

THE CATHOLIC PARISHES OF NORTH HURON AND NORTH PERTH

OUR CHURCHES HAVE RE-OPENED. WELCOME BACK.

Brussels Soup and More 2 is cancelled until further notice.

519-357-5273

Blyth United Church Global Covid Vaccine Project continues Send/give donations to Church treasurer

In-person and online! live.huronchapel.com 119 John’s Ave., Auburn 519-526-1131

Churches are now open for in-person worship.

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

Social distancing and masks required

Join us for worship in person at 11 am or online later

Sunday School during Worship

The Regional Ministry of Hope

Join us for our 10:00 am and 7:30 pm services

In­person services closed until further notice

worship services and social distancing practiced. In addition, all other meetings held in Melville require proof of double vaccination.

Evangelical Missionary Church

ugly that life throws at you? What guides your decision making?

Jesus’ teachings provide the template for us to follow, for those who want to listen, for those who take these teachings to heart and choose to live by them.

Is it easy to follow Jesus’ teachings? Are these teachings the way our society or our culture expects us to behave? Not always.

Sometimes the right decision is the most difficult one, the most unpopular one, maybe even the riskiest one. Jesus’ teachings were counter to the culture of His time, and still are today! As I was writing Continued on page 26

Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The measure you give will be the measure you get back.” (Luke 6: 37, 38) If you don’t give some thought to it, it can sound pretty self-serving; maybe even a bit superficial – kind of like doing all the right things for all the wrong reasons.

It comes down to what or who is guiding what you do, how you respond to all the stuff, all the people, all the good, the bad and the

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10) Contact Alex at: minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com

Facebook: Blyth and Brussels United Churches blythunited@tcc.on.ca ~ 519-523-4224

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

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

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

1025 Wallace Avenue N. Facebook: Search for St. Joseph/Sacred Heart/St. Ambrose Live Sunday Mass, Sundays at 10:00 a.m.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022. PAGE 25.

Letters TO THE

Editor Writer applauds apartment decision I must say that I am at a loss to understand how the citizens who have opposed the development of the five-storey apartment building on the former trailer park continue to be so badly misrepresented.

It has been made clear over and over again that we are not opposed to development or addressing housing issues, but to an unsuitable development for this particular site, which affects not only those living nearby but those who use the park, the children’s park, the Jack Reavie Centre and daycare. Wingham currently has very little to offer to encourage growth of the town with the exception of our beautiful park, river and trails and if the only place left to build a large apartment is this tiny little piece of green space then I fear they did not look hard

enough. Good planning should be taking the needs and complexion of the community into consideration not just change the rules to accommodate development at any cost and in any place.

Even if you are not particularly concerned about this park and this neighbourhood, the next development may be in an area that affects you more directly.

I am very grateful to Chris Palmer, Paul Heffer and Ric McBurney, who had the courage to listen to our concerns, recognize their validity and stand by us by voting down the larger building.

As a reporter, Mr. Scott has the opportunity to make his voice heard by a much larger audience than we do. He has a chance to share information with the public responsibly. He has chosen to instead use trendy acronyms to portray us as a small number of unreasonable and selfish people.

Omitting to tell both sides of the story is not fair to your readers, and to tell us to “put up or shut up” seems a less than professional choice of words.

Due to the lack of transparency

with this process, most of the residents are still unaware of what has transpired or what has been proposed. However, despite that we are not just a few people who oppose this for personal reasons, which is how we are consistently described.

Saying that a 73-unit building has no more impact on traffic than a 26unit trailer park (or even a 41-unit building) does not make it true.

Saying there is no choice but to put a high density building on the edge of a children’s park and walking trail does not make it true. Sadly once this lot is developed and the traffic and safety concerns are now apparent to everyone, it will be too late to fix the problems that are imminent with squeezing a high density building into the wrong place.

Sincerely, Jackie Cribb.

‘Citizen’ references ‘not helpful’ In his op-ed entitled “One is too many” in the Feb. 10 issue of The Citizen, editor Shawn Loughlin wrote that “seeing who else is on

your side is a real window into the reality of your stance’. To paraphrase in context, he is saying that protestors should all be painted with the same brush if they knowingly stand beside protestors of different persuasions. There is an element of truth here. Rightly or wrongly, we are judged by the company we keep.

When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau participated in Black Lives Matter protests a year-and-a-half ago, he knowingly aligned himself with other protestors in the same movement who committed private and public property crime and who called for the defunding and even abolishment of the police. He even aligned himself with those who blatantly disregarded COVID-19 restrictions and health measures that encouraged people to stay home if at all possible.

It is sad to see name-calling flying in all directions, and our leaders are equally guilty of it.

When emotions get heated, we have to remind our fellow citizens that it is okay to disagree with, and even to protest, one another’s ideas and choices, but not to attack

personally. We also have to remind ourselves to listen to the other side with respect. During the past few weeks, I have been concerned that some of our political leaders have not even dialogued with people whose livelihoods, and in some cases, reputations, have been taken away due to mandates. These Canadians are told “just get the shot and you’ll have your job back’. To most, that’s tantamount to blackmail.

It’s interesting that both protestors and our Prime Minister have been labelled as “Nazis”.

Shawn rightly disagreed with Nazi ideology. He has also pointed out recently that what anyone in Canada is experiencing is a far cry from the Holocaust. However, what is not a far cry are the early actions of the National Socialist Party in late-1920s Germany. Let us watch that we don’t continue to escalate this over the next decade. The Citizen making undisguised reference to the Ku Klux Klan by labelling members of the trucker convoy as the “Flu Trucks Clan” is not helpful in healing the rift.

Jason Hovius.

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PAGE 26. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022.

Family Day enjoyed with different activities PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

We have been through another week of yo-yo weather. We had a couple of mild days, fog, snow, ice, rain, wind, lots of wind, then icy cold temperatures. Hard to know what to put on; snow boots to start, rain boots for all the water, better boots with lots of grip for ice, and I did see some folks in running shoes at some point. A different decision everyday it seems. But the good

news is, it is only a little over two more weeks until spring! The first day of spring is March 20, so maybe we will have an early spring and some warmer weather.

Family Day was last week and the children told me of some of the activities they enjoyed for Family Day. One family went to the cottage up north and enjoyed snowmobiling, another family went

Family fun Players from the Blyth Junior Broomball Association faced off against their parents for fun on the weekend. (John Stephenson photo)

Ignore the left, right, love thy neighbour Continued from page 24 this sermon this week I came across this post on Facebook entitled: Theology 101. It said: The question should never be, “Is this action left wing or right wing, socialist or capitalist... The question should be does this action love my neighbour, look out for their interests more than my own... manifest the fruit of the Spirit?” I think that sums it up nicely.

So is there truly a reward for

doing the right thing for the right reasons? Yes, and it’s more than getting our full measure back in return. Living the ways of Christ changes us; it is a process, a process of becoming. As we live Christ’s way, we become closer to God, become more Christ-like in our thoughts, in our behaviours, and in our lives, as we are emboldened and empowered and changed by Christ’s Holy Spirit.

Amen.

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to Haliburton and also snowmobiled, skied, went swimming, enjoyed lots of snacks and slept very soundly due to the fresh air. There were reports of going to the movie theatre, fourwheeling, more snowmobiling, snowshoeing, making crafts together and some went to St. Marys to enjoy tubing. Sounds like lots of fun to celebrate Family Day. A getaway to a Caribbean island sounds like a great thing to do and that is what two area couples did.

Jim and Linda McDonald went to Antigua for two weeks. They were joined the second week by Brad and Christine Knight. They report a great, relaxing, laid-back vacation at the St. James’s Club resort. The usual sun, sand, great food was enjoyed and the fantastic company of friends together!

Our sympathies are extended to the Campbell family on the passing of Isabel Campbell. She was the wife of the late Peter Campbell and will be dearly missed by children Ron, Wayne, Marilyn Frieburger, Carolyn Henderson, Murray, Dianne Campbell, Brian Campbell and Gayle Prout and their families.

I met Isabel many years ago working at the local motocross track. She was part of the St. John Ambulance crew that gave its time at the track for years. Many weekends and the week-long event of TransCan meant seeing each other everyday. I can picture her sitting there knitting when not busy.

She always had time for a chat and was a great lady. Our condolences to the Campbell and Daer families.

The beginning of re-opening starts Monday with the opening of capacity limits and the option of the QR code for entry. Masks are still required and passive screening upon entry is still going to be in use and physical distancing is always recommended. It is up to each individual business to make its own decisions about requiring proof of vaccination for admission to their business. Hopefully, those who were preaching “Freedom” in Ottawa, will respect those who chose the “freedom” of choice by business owners to require persons be vaccinated to enter their business. “Freedom” works both ways. Mandates are being lifted,

but the virus is still active in our communities, so better to be safe than sorry.

We are pleased to report that Val Gratto is home again after a stay in hospital. We hope she continues with steady improvement and will be out and about when spring arrives.

Celebrating birthdays this past week were Carly Terpstra, Terry Nichol, Andrew Black, Beverly Stevenson, Drew Wilts, Leap year babies Nathan Bachert, Ryan Baan and Pam McLellan. March begins with Stacey Linton Courtney, Emmett Houston, Jeff Huether, Holly Ryan, Crystal Whyte, Adam Ryan, Owen Ryan, Wren Williams, Megan den Dekker, Kathy Ryan and Ava Sutcliffe. Happy birthday to all.

NEWS FROM WALTON

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022. PAGE 27.

Entertainment & Leisure

Laurie to star in Blyth Festival’s ‘Drawer Boy’ year. Fox, a Farm Show co-creator himself, originated The Drawer Boy role of Angus. He also felt the show would honour the legacy of Jerry Franken, a Festival regular who passed away in 2016, who was also in the original production of The Drawer Boy. Garratt said having the show under the Huron County sky will bring a new perspective to the show and he thinks it’s a brilliant fit for the production.

In addition, Garratt said there will be live music to score the production, courtesy of Anne Lederman of the 2004 Festival production of Spirit of the Narrows and Graham Hargrove of 2019’s A Huron County Christmas Carol.

The Drawer Boy will Huron County native Cameron open the season, Laurie will be headlining The running from June 22 to Drawer Boy in this year’s Blyth July 16. The two-act show will feature a Festival season. (Photo submitted) single intermission.

Continued from page 1 The season’s second show is David Fox, who passed away last Cottagers and Indians by

Heading home

celebrated Indigenous playwright Drew Hayden Taylor, whose work was last featured at the Blyth Festival in 2017 with The Berlin Blues.

Garratt says the comedy about a land claims conflict premiered in 2019 and was ready to be featured in theatres across the country before the COVID-19 pandemic stopped the theatre world in its tracks.

He says the show is funny and smart and innovative in the way that it’s presented. With both characters on either side of the conflict on stage the entire show, Garratt said, the story is told in a unique way that includes interactions between the characters, as well as them directly addressing the audience at times as well.

He said it’s an interesting approach to a topic that is at the forefront of many discussions happening in the country today.

Cottagers and Indians is one act without an intermission and it runs from July 21 to Aug. 6.

The third show is The Waltz from Marie Beath Badian, who is no stranger to the Blyth Festival. The show is the sequel to her 2013 Festival production of Prairie Nurse and the second show in a trilogy surrounding those characters.

Badian began writing the third and final show, The Cottage Guest,

Answer ‘not fair’ says Palmer

By Denny Scott The Citizen North Huron Township Councillor Chris Palmer feels that Central Huron isn’t giving as much as it gets when it comes to recreation spending between the two municipalities.

Council’s Feb. 22 meeting marked the second time council had discussed responses to letters sent out by North Huron staff about the deficit faced by North Huron running multiple community centres that saw significant use by non-residents. Council received both the response from Central Huron on Feb. 22 as well as one from the Municipality of Kincardine.

Central Huron Chief Administrative Officer Steve Doherty penned his municipality’s response, saying that North Huron Reeve Bernie Bailey and Central

Huron Mayor Jim Ginn discussed the issue and both agreed that there was “sufficient sharing of recreational facilities between [the] two municipalities” so financial support wasn’t necessary.

Palmer, however, felt that wasn’t the case.

“The answer is it’s not fair,” he said. “Blyth people do not go to Clinton, but a whole bunch of Central Huron [residents] come to Blyth. Mayor Ginn doesn’t want to face that.”

Palmer asked how Bailey’s conversation went and Bailey said Doherty’s letter is accurate.

“I was quite happy with the letter,” he said. “They have theirs, and pay for it, and we are free to use it.”

Bailey reiterated that the entire exercise was designed to point out that North Huron wasn’t targeting Morris-Turnberry, but asking all its neighbours for support so that

Morris-Turnberry Council couldn’t claim North Huron hadn’t discussed the issue with other neighbours.

During the previous discussion, Bailey noted that Morris-Turnberry has no recreational facilities comparable to the Blyth and District Community Centre or the North Huron Wescast Community Complex in Wingham, so the kind of reciprocal use that other neighbours have claimed doesn’t apply.

Council took no action as a result of the discussion or the responses to the township’s letters.

after Prairie Nurse, but became sidetracked and enamored with The Waltz and finished it before she was able to close out The Cottage Guest.

Prairie Nurse was set in the 1960s, with The Waltz set to take place in the early 1990s. The Cottage Guest will be set in 2017.

Badian says The Waltz is meant to be produced outdoors under the night sky, so it will be a perfect fit for the Festival’s Harvest Stage.

Badian’s history with the Festival stretches nearly two decades, as she directed the Young Company for two years in the early 2000s before acting in 2006’s Schoolhouse and directing 2007’s Reverend Jonah.

Garratt said he loves the show and Badian called it a romance that she hopes will sweep up audiences.

The Waltz is a one-act show and it runs from Aug. 11-27.

The final show of the year is Cheryl Foggo’s John Ware Reimagined, which features music

by Miranda Martini and Kris Demeanor. Foggo’s work was last featured in Blyth in 2012 when The Devil We Know was produced at the Festival, co-written by Foggo and Clem Martini.

Garratt said the show is about personal exploration and history and will appeal to those who enjoyed Bruce Horak’s Assassinating Thomson at the Harvest Stage last year.

The play will address the legend of John Ware, a Black Canadian cowboy living in Alberta in the 1880s, and the many stories of other Black cowboys in the country at that time. The play builds on Foggo’s 2020 National Film Board of Canada documentary, John Ware Reclaimed.

John Ware Reimagined will close the Festival season from Sept. 1-24.

It is two acts with one intermission.

Blyth Festival Members can begin booking tickets on March 7 at 9 a.m. by phone. For more information, visit the Festival website at blythfestival.com.

CHEERS TO 65 YEARS!

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Debating the lineup Are the Blue Jays going to make the playoffs? Liz Allan caught these two experts debating that and shared it with The Citizen. (Photo courtesy of Liz Allan of the Maitland Valley Camera Club)

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PAGE 28. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022.

North Huron begins Official Plan review

By Denny Scott The Citizen

North Huron Council started the five-year review of the township’s official plan on Feb. 24, setting the goal of having it completed by the end of the year.

Guided by Huron County Manager of Planning Denise van Amersfoort and planner Hannah Holman, council reviewed some of the plans put forward by the Huron County Planning and Development Department.

Between the two of them, Holman and Van Amersfoort walked council through the process, which will include updating mapping, reviewing land stock and considering changes for zoning to help the municipality grow.

The process will include implementing provincial and uppertier planning policies based on the planning act, the 2020 update of the provincial policy statement and the Huron County Official Plan, updated in 2021, and including policies that match the vision councillors have for the future of the municipality.

As for specific changes, Holman and Van Amersfoort outlined anticipated changes for three land uses.

Agricultural land policies will be changed to allow for more diversified uses, opening up opportunities for wineries and agritourism, as well as updates to Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) implementations.

Natural environment zones will see map updating to reflect the most up-to-date information, including hazardous lands and floodplains and implement policies to recognize stewardship efforts.

Finally, work in urban/settlement areas would include calculating how much land is available for different uses, setting targets for growth allocation, intensification and affordable housing, encouraging a mix of housing forms and updating natural hazard mapping.

Van Amersfoort highlighted several examples of areas that have changed significantly in the past several years, including the intersection of County Roads 4 and 25 in Blyth, the development of the former school property in Blyth and the north end of the village as well the intersection of County Roads 4 and 86 in Wingham.

The two planners explained that open houses and public meetings would be held as part of the next steps in the process, as well as meeting with key community groups. A web page will also be hosted on the Huron County Connects website to allow for more information to be shared.

The schedule for the project started with the meeting. From there, a draft amendment of the plan will be presented to council in March, followed by open houses in April. Another draft amendment will be presented in June, followed by a public meeting to consider the adoptions of the amendment by North Huron.

The approval of the amendment

by Huron County Council would be set for September or October, however Van Amersfoort said she wouldn’t present the document immediately to the new council if the timeline ran longer than anticipated, meaning if it ran into the election, it might not be

approved until the new year.

Councillor Chris Palmer did eventually vote to go ahead with the schedule, however he did so after voicing several concerns including agricultural land being lost to natural environment uses.

Palmer made several comments throughout the presentation regarding the proposed policies, saying they would lead to natural environment zones taking precedence over existing agriculture use.

He said the goal of 30 per cent tree coverage in the county is a problem because East Wawanosh already has approximately 22.7 per cent and he felt farmers would be required to give up land to afforestation projects. He said even poor farming land has value in agriculture and he was concerned that this was a slippery slope.

He then discussed further concern about the buffers around treed areas and wetlands, which factor into whether buildings would be allowed within 165 feet of treelines or 400 feet from wetlands.

“Someday, someone can say, ‘farmers should grow grass [in those buffers]’,” he said, indicating the buffer zones were the first step in stripping agricultural land for natural environment purposes.

Reeve Bernie Bailey said that wasn’t really an issue to deal with during the meeting, saying council had to focus on what was in front of it, not what may be in front of it “20 or 200 years” in the future.

Van Amersfoort said the buffer zone isn’t as prohibitive as it sounded, as permission to build would depend on the proposed structure. She said something like a shade stand could be permitted, as an example.

Furthermore, Van Amersfoort said it wouldn’t be prudent for her department to suggest anything that could limit agricultural usage.

Aside from going against provincial policy, she said doing anything that limits agriculture will hurt Huron County because agriculture uses are “huge economic and social drivers” for the county. She said she was concerned that there is any suggestion that her department would want to undermine the agricultural industry in the county.

Despite Van Amersfoort’s assurances, Palmer made several more comments about natural environment clauses being overreaching, and going on to say farmers might not be aware of the impacts of the situation.

While there were several questions about how council could utilize lands that were marked for development or future development, Van Amersfoort said most of those decisions would need to be made by the landowner. Lands around communities could be rezoned for residential, commercial or industrial use, but until the owner decided to change its use, the land would stay as it is. She pointed to lands at the north end of Blyth which are currently used for agriculture but could be developed as residential, saying that won’t change until the owner says so.

After more questions about the future of specific lands in the municipality, council directed township staff to evaluate community requests for changes through consultation processes and prepare draft policy and mapping amendments for a future meeting.

Virtual or not, it was cold The Manchester United team for the virtual Coldest Night of the Year, organized by Jacqui Empson Laporte, raised nearly double its $2,000 goal, hitting $3,855. The team took part in the walk virtually over the weekend, travelling through the community of Auburn. The team raised money for the Huron Homelessness Initiative. (John Stephenson photo)

March Reads

THE BEAUTY AND BOUNTY OF HURON COUNTY Stunning photographs by 3 Huron County photographers, including Brussels’ David Bishop, show Huron County as you’ve never seen it with aerial shots, wildlife, landscapes, nature. $40.00

AGRICULTURE TODAY A Portrait of Family Farms in Ontario Photographers Telfer Wegg, Bonnie Sitter and Fred Helwig capture the complexity of modern farm life: crops from planting to harvest, livestock and specialties. Includes informative text. $45.00

GRASS-FED CATTLE: How to Produce and Market Natural Beef With more and more consumers discovering the healthy benefits of grass-fed beef, there is a growing market for farmers. This comprehensive manual provides nearly 400 pages of management advice. $37.95

HATCHING AND BROODING YOUR OWN CHICKS Hatching your own chicks is almost a lost art but it’s a fascinating and fruitful practice.

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THE BEAUTY & BOUNTY OF HURON COUNTY AGRICULTURE TODAY HATCHING AND BROODING YOUR OWN CHICKS GRASS-FED CATTLE STOREY’S GUIDE TO GUIDE TO RAISING DUCKS STOREY’S GUIDE TO GUIDE TO RAISING HORSES Prices subject to change with increases in wholesale prices, postage, taxes, etc. Please refer to current issue for correct figures.

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