The Citizen - March 8, 2024

The

THIS WEEK 2 • Women’s Day 4 • Editorials 10 • Farm Safety 19 • Jam Session

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Friday, March 8, 2024

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Volume 40 No. 10

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Wingham HC plans progress

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Around the world Last Friday, churches all over the world marked a special day on the Christian calendar: World Day of Prayer. The service is written annually by a group of Christian women from a new country each year and this

year it was the Christian women of Palestine who had the honour. Above, the women of Melville Presbyterian Church in Brussels celebrated the service with many in attendance to take part. (Scott Stephenson photo)

On Monday, North Huron Council received a presentation from Joe Carter of the 2024 Wingham Homecoming Committee that included both an overview of the progress the committee has made in recent months and a request of council for the donation of municipal services in lieu of a financial contribution.

Carter took advantage of the improved council chambers video feed by wearing clothing emblazoned with prominent “Wingham” branding - a preview of some of the commemorative merchandise that will be available at Wingham’s Homecoming, which will be held from June 27 to July 1.

Carter and his wife Heidi currently make up the entire Homecoming Committee, and have been working with a number of local businesses and community groups to bring the celebration together. Red, black and white have been selected as the official colours, and flowers will be provided by both Lewis Flowers and House of Bloom. Apparel will have a “Village of Wingham” logo, as well as the unofficial mascot of ‘Wing-ham’ - the flying pig. Events Continued on page 9

U13 Heat bring back gold from Mitchell tournament

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The U13 HL Huron Heat prevailed over the weekend in Mitchell at the annual girls’ hockey tournament, defeating the Twin Centre Hericanes by a score of 4-1 in the championship final.

The team opened its tournament with a 1-0 defeat at the hands of the very Hericanes they would defeat in the final, followed by a 4-1 win over the TCDMHA Rebels later on Friday.

On Saturday, the Heat beat the Kincardine Kinucks by a score of 21, punching their ticket to the championship game on Sunday.

The U11 HL Heat were also in Mitchell for tournament play and they finished second. The team opened play on Friday with a 3-1 win over the South Bruce Blades, followed by a 1-0 win over the Collingwood Lightning.

The next day, however, the Heat fell to the London Devilettes by a score of 3-1, followed by a 2-1 win over the Kincardine Kinucks.

Then, in the championship game,

the Heat played the St. Thomas Panthers, but fell by a score of 3-0, winning a silver medal for their efforts.

In addition to their tournament success, the U13 HL Heat are also still undefeated in the playoffs, registering seven wins and one tie thus far. Most recently, the team put up two, 5-0 wins, first on Feb. 23 over the Woodstock Wildcats and then again on Feb. 24 over the Wallaceburg Lakers.

The team is next in action against the St. Thomas Panthers on March 9 and then the Ilderton Jets on March 17, both on the road.

The U11 C Heat remain undefeated in the playoffs as well, with a record of seven wins and five ties.

The team beat the Woodstock Wildcats on March 1 on the road by a score of 3-2, followed by a win over the Upper Maitland Mustangs in Seaforth on March 2 by a score of 6-0 before tying the Grand River Mustangs at one on March 3.

The team played the Central Perth Predators on the road on March 7, but a score was unavailable at press

time, followed by a March 8 playdown with the South Huron Sabres and a March 15 game with the Stratford Aces, both in Seaforth.

The U11 BB Heat have three wins and one loss in the playoffs, most recently beating the Grand River Mustangs in Blyth on March 2 by a score of 3-1.

The team played the Owen Sound Ice Hawks on the road on March 3, but a score was unavailable at press time. The teams will clash again on March 9 in Blyth.

The U11 HL Heat have five wins, two losses and a tie in the playoffs, with their most recent game ending with a 4-1 win over the Bluewater Hawks in Seaforth on Feb. 24.

The team next plays the Ilderton Jets on March 9 and the Lucan Irish on March 16, both in Seaforth.

The U13 C Heat have won nine playoff games compared to three losses and one tie. The team most recently beat the Lucan Irish on the road by a score of 6-1. The girls were in action again on March 5 for a playdown with the South Huron Sabres on the road, but a score was unavailable at press time.

The U13 BB Heat have won two playoff games, lost one and, most recently, tied one. The team played the Lakeshore Lightning on March 2 on the road and lost by a score of 4-2 before playing the Lightning again in Seaforth on March 3 and playing to a 1-1 tie.

The girls next play the London Devilettes twice - first on March 9 in Seaforth and then again on March 10 in London.

The U15 C Heat have played to two wins, two ties and four losses in their playoff journey. The team lost to the Lambeth Lancers on the road on March 3 by a score of 1-0. This was the first in a series of six games in six days (and seven in eight days) for the team. The girls played the B.A.D. Blazers (March 4), St. Marys Rock (March 5 and March 6) and Central Perth Predators (March 7), but scores for those games were not available at press time.

The team then play against the Predators again in Seaforth on March 8, followed by a March 10 game with the Upper Maitland Mustangs in Howick.

The U15 BB Heat have won two

playoff games, lost four and tied one. The team tied the Lakeshore Lightning at two on March 3 in Clinton after losing to the South Huron Sabres in Seaforth on March 1.

The team then played the South Huron Sabres again on March 4, although a score was unavailable at press time, followed by a March 9 game with the Lakeshore Lightning on the road.

The U18 C Heat have four wins, six losses and four ties in their playoff journey, most recently losing to the London Devilettes on March 3 by a score of 1-0 and the Wilmot Wolverines on March 2 by a score of 2-1.

The team then played the Tillsonburg Lightning on March 5 on the road and the Lucknow/Wingham 86ers on March 7 in Blyth, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

The U18 BB Heat won their playoff game with the Waterloo Ravens on the road on March 3 by a a score of 3-1 after losing to the Continued on page 8

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2024.

Huron Heat creates a community for girls’ hockey

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

Better together On Saturday, the U11 C Huron Heat beat the Upper Maitland Mustangs in a playdown in Seaforth by a score of 6-0. The next day, the competition was a bit stiffer, with the team playing to a 1-1 tie with the Grand River Mustangs B team in another playoff. The team’s head coach and a former hockey player herself, Stacey Prescott, says the Huron Heat organization has brought together a community of hockey-playing girls throughout the county that allows for these young women to learn and play the sport they love in a way that’s specific to them, rather than having to fit in with the boys. (John Stephenson photo)

For this International Women’s Day, The Citizen chose to focus on, well, over 250 of them within the Huron Heat Female Hockey Association.

By President Shane Taylor’s figures, there are 254 girls registered within the league scattered among 16 teams, ranging in ages from U7 to U22, in addition to one senior women’s team. The membership is joined by many female coaches, assistant coaches, trainers and executive members (indeed, over half of the executive is comprised of women).

This year marks the ninth anniversary of the founding of the association, though its first season went ahead in the winter of 2016 and 2017. In May of 2015, the girls hockey divisions from Bayfield, Central Huron and Hensall (BCH), the Blyth Brussels Minor Hockey Association and the West Huron Wave Female Hockey Association teamed up to create a new league for girls wanting to play hockey in Huron County. The new league was then sanctioned by the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) and went ahead with its first season the following winter.

Since that first season, the body has only grown to further its reach and include more players every season. This came at a time when girls hockey was really expanding throughout southern Ontario, so it’s

proven to be a golden era for youth female hockey in the province.

Stacey Prescott is a member of the Huron Heat executive, the coach of the U11 C Heat team and the mother of two Huron Heat players. She also played girls’ youth hockey about 30 years ago and she says many things have changed in those three decades.

Prescott remembers regularly driving for an hour or more to play another girls’ hockey team, which made it tough for young female hockey players and their families.

She was a member of the Monkton Wildcats organization and another thing she remembers that sets the Huron Heat apart is that, years ago, girls’ hockey was often incorporated under the same umbrella as boys’ hockey, rather than as its own entity.

To this day, that is often the case and, Prescott says, because of the sheer number of participants and traditional views of the hockeyplaying youth, the girls’ hockey aspect of an organization is very often treated as an afterthought without the resources available to the boys.

Prescott played for about 15 years before returning as a young coach in South Huron before she had her children. At the time, the team was looking for a coach who was not a parent of a player on the team, knew she loved the sport and asked her if she was interested.

Now, as a coach with the Heat, Continued on page 3

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2024. PAGE 3.

County plans mural launch for Saturday

Making a statement Jeannette Ladd has created a one-of-a-kind mural for the Huron County Museum and this Saturday members of the public are invited to come out and celebrate it and to meet the accomplished Anishnaabe artist. (Photo submitted)

This weekend, the Huron County Museum will launch a new mural in the museum created by Anishinaabe artist Jeannette Ladd.

All are welcome to drop into the museum on Saturday, March 9 at 1 p.m. to meet the artist and to learn more about the mural, which is featured prominently in the museum’s lobby.

Ladd is an Anishinaabe-kwe from Saugeen First Nation in the Saugeen Ojibway Territory. She graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture. Throughout her life she has always been drawn to expressing her thoughts and experiences through art.

“I love creating pieces of art, it gives me an outlet to express myself and I love learning and working on pieces to honour my culture,” said Ladd. “Through the mural, I wanted to show that our love and respect for Mother Earth, Turtle Island, is necessary to ensure that we have a world for future

generations. The piece shows that we are all connected to the sun, moon, stars, nature, and water, which need to work in harmony to provide a good life for everyone and everything.”

The mural was commissioned by the museum, which specifically sought out an Indigenous artist for the project to build on the museum’s goal of providing space to share local Indigenous culture.

“Indigenous people have called this land home for millennia and the Huron County Museum is focused on growing our understanding of local Indigenous cultures and histories by providing space to share their stories,” said Senior Curator Elizabeth French-Gibson.

To celebrate the mural, prints of Ladd’s art will be available for purchase in the museum gift shop, along with the children’s book and colouring book Memengwaa: The Monarch Butterfly, which were illustrated by Ladd and written by her mother Dorothy Ladd.

U7 team unique in Ontario, promotes internal growth age, making them comfortable with girls’ hockey and establishing a foundation that will stick with them throughout their youth hockey journey. Until recently, most girls played with their local associations and perhaps make their way to the Heat later. The U7 team aims to bring girls into the organization sooner and Taylor says it’s a step in the right direction.

The support for the organization also continues to grow, Taylor said.

Just recently, the league raised funds to buy new jerseys for the first time since the founding of the association, bringing in $50,000 for the purchase, showing tremendous investment and support for the Heat.

Prescott also notes that, because of the regional approach to the

Heat, it draws players from all over the county, bringing a lot of girls together who may never have met each other if not for the Heat. And because of that, Prescott says, the Heat has truly meant more to the players and the parents than anything that could happen on the ice.

The Huron Heat has created a community for these girls and their families that wouldn’t have otherwise come together, she said, and that feels like the true legacy of the organization.

Eleven Huron Heat teams are currently working their way through the playoffs, and try-outs for a number of teams for the 2024/2025 season are coming up in April. For more information, visit huronheat.com.

Behind the bench U11 C Huron Heat head coach Stacey Prescott, seen here rallying the troops on Sunday as the team took on the Grand River Mustangs B team in a playoff game in Clinton, says there are more female coaches and executive members in the Huron Heat than ever before and that number is continuing to grow. (John Stephenson photo) Continued from page 2 Prescott has seen a shift in the world of girls’ hockey in Huron County that is manifesting in all corners of the organization. Sure, the association caters to over 250 young girls’ hockey dreams, but Prescott says the number of female coaches, trainers and assistant coaches is definitely on the rise and the fact that women compose over half of the executive is also a step in the right direction for a girls’ hockey association.

The Heat organization has also helped to bring about a feeling of equality for the girls within it.

Prescott says the ice times are better for the girls than they were when she was playing and the league is treated equally when it comes to all things hockey.

President Shane Taylor, who also has daughters in the organization, feels that some of the seemingly smaller steps have made the players feel at home and excited about a league they can call their own. One of the biggest improvements has been the expanded availability of Huron Heat merchandise.

Everything from branded hockey pants to jackets, hats and bags is available now to Huron Heat players, so they can represent their

league proudly alongside the boys who are doing the same for their league.

In addition, this year marked the launch of the Huron Heat logo on the ice at the Central Huron Community Complex. Some of the players mentioned it to their parents and coaches, asking why the MidHuron Huskies logo was the only one on the ice when the Heat play there, perhaps just as often. The executive agreed and looked into it.

Soon enough, the Heat logo had become a part of the Clinton ice. In fact, some of the young players have said that they think it might just be a bit bigger than the Huskies’ logo.

As for the inner workings of the association itself, Prescott says that the Heat being exclusively focused on girls hockey means that coaches and executive members can focus their attention strictly on the girls and, in fact, teach them how to play the game in a way that’s specific to them.

Speaking about her playing days, Prescott said that, very often, male coaches would teach their male players and it was really up to the girls who were on the team as well to adapt and fit into that mold on their own. With the Heat, it’s all

about the girls, so the game can be taught to them their way.

When asked, Prescott says there aren’t a ton of major differences, but, in her time as a coach, she’s found that girls really tend to thrive within the team structure, working as a unit and wanting to achieve things together, as opposed to boys’ hockey, which she finds can sometimes focus too intently on the “star” players and the rest of the team working to service them, as opposed to a full team approach.

Both Prescott and Taylor say that the camaraderie of the teams is evident in their songs and chants during games. This, they agree, is another divergent point between girls’ and boys’ players, with the girls more freely chanting and cheering one another on in a way that a lot of boys may not really want to do.

And while the success of the current players and teams has been great, Taylor says that the Huron Heat organization is looking ahead to the future in a way that not a lot of other girls’ hockey associations are.

The Heat is one of the few organizations to have a U7 team.

This means that the Huron Heat is bringing in girls at a very young

Remember Clocks go ahead 1 hour

Sunday, March 10th How to pray in our own Gethsemanes (J.R. Miller) “And being in agony — He prayed more earnestly!” Luke 22:44 This the record of our Saviour’s Gethsemane experience. Like a bright lamp, this Scripture shines amid the olive trees of that garden — to show us the path to comfort in our time of sorrow. Never before nor since, has there been such grief as the Redeemer’s that night — but He found comfort in His prayer. His agony lessened as He prayed, until at last its bitterness was all gone—and sweet, blessed peace took its place.

The ‘gate of prayer’ is one of comfort. There is no other place for true comfort and help. We learn from our Lord’s Gethsemane agony — how to pray in our own Gethsemanes.

God never blames us for asking to have the bitter cup removed, nor for the intensity of our prayers; but we must always pray with submission to His will.

When we sincerely pray, “Not my will, but may Your will be done” — comfort comes, and then peace.

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

PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2024.

Editorials & Opinions

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

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Art... but so much more A recent addition to the Huron County Museum has taken shape over the last few weeks. Jeannette Ladd, an artist from Saugeen First Nation, spent her weekends this winter creating a mural that features an Anishnaabe-kwe, an Indigenous woman, wearing a traditional ribbon skirt representing wisdom and strength. The painting shows the woman connected to the sun, which is connected to a band of water which holds fish, symbolizing the connection between people and nature.

The mural is part of the effort to be more inclusive to Indigenous communities and provide a space to share their culture, according to Amy Zoethout, the marketing co-ordinator for the museum. Creating room in institutions like regional museums and providing an opportunity to learn about each other’s cultures and traditions is an important step towards reconciliation. Land acknowledgments give us a brief reminder that we are sharing the land with a culture that long predates our own history, but are only the first step in understanding the Indigenous connection to this area and how colonization affected these communities.

The Huron County Museum has long been known for its pioneer history and the story of the European settlement of this region, and should be celebrated for its work to now also provide space for teaching about the Indigenous roots of the area. – DS

The truth is out there It’s hard not to be overwhelmed and depressed by earthly dangers that so many of our fellow citizens are facing. War in Ukraine and the Middle East. The rise in everything from homelessness to addiction to mental health crises. Climate change. Lack of housing. Inflation.

Divisive politics. The slow erosion of democracy. It’s all getting to be a bit much. The only respite we have from these earthly dangers is, of course, taking the time to focus on the non-earthly dangers.

It’s comforting, then, to know that Canada’s Chief Science Advisor Dr. Mona Nemer will be releasing a report on unidentified flying objects (UFOs) this fall. Tired of things you know about that might want to kill you? Focus on the things you don’t know about that might just want to kill you. Of course, there’s a distinct possibility that the report could include nothing too horrifying and that we could all learn a bit more about the world from it, but, for now, let’s assume horror.

“I think that there is room for improvement in terms of the gathering, reporting on the information, and also making it available to researchers and to the public,” Nemer said to Ottawa’s science and research committee last week. “I can appreciate that some, you know, may be of national security concern, but I believe that by and large, that you can make the information public - and I think that’s the best way to mitigate conspiracy theories and disinformation.”

This comes after CTV News revealed the existence of the Sky Canada Project about a year ago, the first known Canadian UFO study in almost three decades. The project now has a government website.

Now, we wait. The report could be interesting, it could be horrifying or it could be full of redactions and not worth the paper on which it’s printed. Time will tell. In the meantime, keep watching the skies. – SL

A lost art One of the all-time great Canadian debate performances took place during the race to form the federal government in 1984. The leader of the Progressive Conservative (PC) Party effectively delivered a knock-out punch against the incumbent Liberal leader with an absolutely devastating line: “If I may say respectfully, that is not good enough for Canadians… this country needs leadership. You had an option, sir. You could have done better.” The PCs then won a record number of seats and formed a historically dominant majority government.

Following the passing of former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, heartfelt condolences and warm tributes have poured in from individuals spanning the political spectrum. Among these expressions of respect and admiration is a poignant offering from Steve Paiken, a prominent figure associated with TVO. In his tribute, Paiken reflects on Mulroney’s significant contributions to Canadian politics and his lasting impact. He acknowledges Mulroney’s leadership during a transformative era and praises his dedication to public service. Paiken also highlighted Mulroney’s ability to foster relationships across party lines, emphasizing his commitment to civility and co-operation in governance.

Paiken’s tribute also serves as a stark reminder of the current state of Canadian politics. In 2024, political discourse has become increasingly acrimonious and divisive. Paiken laments the departure of an era marked by co-operation and respect among political rivals, contrasting it with the current landscape characterized by animosity and polarization.

Paiken underscores the need for civility and statesmanship in Canadian politics. His tribute to Mulroney serves as a call to action for politicians to prioritize unity and collaboration for the betterment of the country in the face of ideological differences and partisan strife. – SBS

Looking Back Through the Years March 12, 1969 Lions Club officers from Owen Sound and Orillia in the north, and St. Marys and Grand Bend to the south, gathered in Blyth last Sunday afternoon for a cabinet meeting of District A-9 of Lions International. Representatives from every area within the district were present.

The Harmony Unit convened in the Church parlour of the United Church on Tuesday, March 4. Mrs. Charles Johnston led the Worship Service, while Mrs. A. Pierce recited the scripture. Mrs. F. Marshall then delved into the Study Book on China, captivatingly outlining the governmental transformations in China since 1940.

The “Belgrave Meat Balls” convened their meeting on March 3 in the basement of the United Church, with 11 members present for roll call. The session commenced with the 4-H Pledge and Motto. Joyce Taylor read the minutes, followed by Mrs. Glenn Coultes preparing meat stew and Alice Beecroft making dumplings to accompany it. All the attendees sampled the stew.

March 9, 1977 Hoppe Home Hardware, Brussels, recently changed ownership, with John Cousins assuming control as of Tuesday of that week. A native of the village and the son of Mr. and Mrs. R.B. Cousins from Brussels, John was a familiar figure in the community.

Having spent his entire life in Brussels, he was previously involved with his family in the Cousins Creamery until its sale.

The possibility of curling in Brussels next year hung in the balance, contingent upon Brussels

council's decision to either request the new arena building committee to incorporate four sheets of curling ice into the new facility or to consider selling the old arena to the Brussels Curling Club. These were the two options presented to Brussels council on Monday night by a nine-member delegation from the club.

During last Thursday’s meeting, Huron County Councillors approved an increase of $7,000 to the 1977 County Library Board budget. This augmentation was facilitated by a grant from Wintario intended for the acquisition of Canadian books or periodicals.

Consequently, the total budget now stood at $354,650.

March 8, 1989 Huron County Elementary teachers and the Huron County Board of Education reached a new two-year Collective Agreement, effective retroactively from Sept. 1, 1988. The agreement, ratified by teachers on Feb. 21 and approved by the Board, granted each teacher 120 minutes of weekly preparation time for individual program planning and consultation.

Additionally, the agreement set maximum class sizes: 25 children in Kindergarten, 29 in primary, 33 in junior and 35 in intermediate classes.

Brussels was poised to become the second village in Huron County to embark on an economic development strategy, following the village council’s decision on Monday night to accept the Huron County Planning and Development Department’s offer to conduct the study.

This comprehensive assessment would analyze the village’s strengths and weaknesses regarding economic development

and formulate a five-year plan to capitalize on strengths and address weaknesses. The study’s duration could range from one to three years.

The Brussels, Morris and Grey recreation committee was facing significant cash-flow challenges, prompting councillors to authorize an advance of $10,000 (equivalent to Brussels’ share of last year’s budget) pending final approval of the 1989 budget, which would determine the village’s contribution. “They’re in dire straits,” remarked Clerk-Treasurer Hugh Hanly to the council. He noted the committee’s inability to settle its utility bill as an additional concern.

March 11, 2004 Following heavy rainfall on Friday, the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) issued a flood advisory to municipalities within the watershed due to a significant increase in water levels. Jayne Thompson from MVCA noted that although water levels were “extremely high,” they were gradually receding. “They peaked from Friday night to Saturday and are now gradually subsiding through the system,” she stated.

Over 200 secondary school students attended the annual Sears Drama Festival in Blyth.

Originating in Toronto in 1946, the festival had grown into one of the world’s largest student festivals, with notable alumni including Sonja Smits and David Cronenberg.

Clerks and treasurers from various municipalities in Huron County adopted a “strength in numbers” approach to finding solutions to alleviate the financial challenges encountered by municipalities in 2004.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2024. PAGE 5.

Other Views

We’re so much better informed now

T

he news these days, besides updates from Palestine or Ukraine, is often about the latest infection of measles. As of last week, there were nine confirmed cases of the disease.

In some cases, the problem is that fewer parents want their kids vaccinated, believing the dissident voices that claim children are endangered by vaccines. Federal data in Canada showed that in 2021, 79 per cent of children under the age of seven had been vaccinated, but this is down from 83 per cent in 2019 and 87 per cent in 2017. Doctors say we need a 95 per cent vaccination rate. Measles has been called one of the world’s most contagious diseases.

Polls show that 17 per cent of parents say they are really against getting their children vaccinated, up from four per cent in 2019.

Perhaps popular U.S. television personality Jenny McCarthy preaching against vaccination following the teaching of British doctor, Andrew Wakefield, whose work was later discredited, was the starting point for the hesitancy we’re seeing today. It seems there are always people willing to listen to this kind of argument – after all, despite the dozens of people who have experienced space travel and seen the round earth from space, there is still a flat earth society.

My parents and nearly all parents in the 1950s were grateful to see an end to the many communicable diseases we faced as children: scarlet fever, typhoid fever, yellow fever, rheumatic fever and smallpox being the leading candidates. I almost laughed when I heard about the current fear of measles because in my childhood we’d have had more cases than that just in one class of 30 kids at school. I remember having measles; my mother bringing my bed downstairs and setting it up in the living room, blocked off from the rest of the

Keith Roulston

From the cluttered desk house by a curtain of quilts, to protect our eyes from the damage that could be done to measles-sufferers by bright light from windows.

Later, I again got used to sleeping in the living room when I suffered rheumatic fever. I missed three months of school that winter, but I seemed to have escaped the heart damage that affected my cousin who also had the disease earlier, and was warned by her doctor not to risk getting pregnant, given the possible dangers. I had a normal childhood after that, and played many sports, but my sharp-eared family doctor heard a heart murmur years later and by 2000 it had deteriorated to the point I had to have a heart valve replaced.

But mention to someone much younger than I am that I had rheumatic fever and I’ll get a blank look. Thanks to the medical advances of the 1950s (and in the case of rheumatic fever, wide-spread availability of antibiotics) and many of these diseases disappeared.

Dr. William Victor Johnston, a native of West Wawanosh and my early childhood family doctor, wrote a book in 1972, when he retired to Lucknow after serving as the president of the Ontario Medical Association as well as the founding director for 11 years of the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

In his book, Before the Age of Miracles, Dr. Johnston recalled waves of polio that hit Ontario. For instance, in 1945 there were only

143 cases in Ontario, but that surged to 2,109 in 1953. I remember Lucknow’s Lorne Reid, a victim of polio who was forced into a wheelchair and fixed shoes and sharpened ice skates in my childhood.

But post-war there was suddenly much more research going on in top hospitals and solutions to common diseases were being found. Polio vaccinations reduced incidence of the disease from 1953’s high before vaccinations were available, to zero in 1963.

I remember being screened for tuberculosis in a portable X-ray lab sent around by the provincial government. By a few years later, special homes that had been set up to treat people with permanent effects of TB were closing for lack of use.

This is what vaccinations did for us. Today, not just hospitals, but also drug companies maintain research laboratories, finding preventions for more and more diseases.

Thanks to federal government pressure, we also have more free medical care than ever before. Yet we tend to forget all this and concentrate only on the world in which we exist.

I heard last week about new surgery that cured a young child of spina bifida (a condition that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don’t form properly). On the weekend, I watched U.S. college basketball in which one of the star players had recovered from having a club foot when he was a child but still had one leg smaller than the other.

Researchers have made our lives so much better in my lifetime. But some daffy doctor and daffier media personality can undo all that with misinformation that keeps some people from getting the vaccinations to make their kids invulnerable. We are so much better informed, but some people don’t listen to the truth.

The deconstruction of the ‘maybe pile’

J

ourney forth, esteemed connoisseurs of wit and wisdom, for in but a fleeting moment, The Chaff shall unfurl its resplendent tapestry once more, poised to bedazzle even the most discerning of razzlers!

In just a minute from now, our grand spectacle shall commence, so we implore you, indulge in discourse amongst yourselves whilst we meticulously arrange the stage for your imminent delight. Juxtapose your thoughts upon the weather’s recent tumultuous dance, a topic ripe for contemplation as we ready ourselves for the unveiling of another Chaff masterpiece. Journey with us through the labyrinthine corridors of creativity as we delve into the inner sanctum of the “maybe pile” that mysterious realm where ideas frolic freely, occasionally emerging into the limelight of realization, but more often than not, ensnared in the tendrils of forgetfulness.

Ah, the enigmatic allure of the “maybe pile”, where dreams take flight, concepts germinate and procrastination finds solace in its cozy alcove. It stands as a veritable trove of potentiality, teeming with glistening nuggets of creativity awaiting the caress of inspiration’s hand. However, let us not eschew candour; it also bears semblance to a cluttered attic, replete with half-formed musings, forsaken endeavours and the occasional cobweb of indecision.

At the zenith of this mound lie the buoyant notions, those that seize our imagination and refuse to relinquish their hold. They are the ones we hastily jot down on sticky notes, scrawl in the margins of notebooks, or fervently debate over steaming cups of coffee.

These are the ideas imbued with that ineffable spark, possessing the capacity to burgeon into something sublime. They beckon us with their allure, entreating us to bestow upon them the attention they so rightfully merit.

Scott Stephenson The Chaff Yet, amidst this exuberance, looms the nebulous middle of the “maybe pile”, where concepts teeter on the precipice of obscurity.

These are the ones that elicit a tentative “maaaaaaaaybe” as we contemplate their pursuit. They languish in patient anticipation of their moment in the sun, yet, more often than not, that moment remains elusive. They languidly collect dust as we shuffle them from one recess of our consciousness to another, ensnared in a perpetual state of liminality.

And then, dear readers, there exists the nadir of the pile - the murky abyss where forsaken dreams find their final repose. These are the ideas that dawned with a glimmer of promise only to languish in the shadows, eclipsed by newer, shinier distractions. They are the ones we pledged to revisit in due time, yet watched with a pang of regret as they slipped through the crevices of our bustling lives.

But fret not, for the “maybe pile” is not merely a sepulcher of abandoned aspirations; it stands as a testament to the boundless expanse of creativity, a reminder that inspiration is wont to strike unannounced, in myriad guises. Let us embrace the tumult of the “maybe pile”, revel in its capriciousness, and who knows? Perhaps, just perhaps, amidst the chaos, we shall unearth a hidden gem or two, gleaming amidst the detritus.

At the bottom of the pile lies a terrain akin to decomposing compost, rich with the nutrients of discarded thoughts and failed endeavours.

Here lies fertile ground for the cultivation of new ideas. Just as compost breaks down organic matter to nourish future growth, so too does the bottom of the “maybe pile” serve as a breeding ground for fresh inspiration. Ideas that have fallen by the wayside decompose into raw material, providing essential nourishment for the germination of innovative concepts. In this fertile darkness, where old notions undergo transformation, the seeds of creativity take root, drawing sustenance from the lessons learned and the experiences gained.

It is from this primordial soup of discarded dreams that the most unexpected and vibrant ideas emerge, bursting forth with renewed vigour and vitality.

Ah, but heed this solemn advice, intrepid explorers of the “maybe pile”, for amidst the chaos of creativity lies the necessity of upkeep.

Prune away the overgrown thickets of uncertainty, lest they overshadow the seeds of potentiality waiting to sprout. Remember, a well-tended “maybe pile” is not only conducive to clarity of thought, but also provides ample space for the cultivation of fresh and vibrant ideas.

As we bid adieu to our exploration of the “maybe pile” let’s envision it as the bustling backstage of a zany circus. Here, forgotten acts and potential headliners coexist in a riotous symphony of chaos and creativity. Picture clowns practising juggling while lions nap nearby, and the occasional daring acrobat taking a leap of faith amidst the commotion.

But amidst this delightful pandemonium, there’s a method to the madness. By keeping this backstage bustling and organized, we ensure that the show goes on with flair and unexpected twists. Each discarded dream and half-baked idea contributes to the colourful tapestry of our creative circus, waiting for its moment to shine under the big top.

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

It’s time to focus

R

emember watching Schindler’s List?

The World War II epic directed by Steven Spielberg? You may not recall every detail, but, what do you remember? You remember the girl in the red coat.

The film is shot in black and white, but, at one point, anyone who has seen the film will remember that a young girl - the actor was three years old when she appeared in the film walks past in a vibrant red coat during the liquidation of a Polish ghetto. She is seen later in a scene in which dead Jewish bodies are being exhumed to be incinerated. Seeing her dead is a turning point for Oskar Schindler.

Throughout the movie, many, many Jewish people are killed as the Holocaust plays out, but it’s the young girl in the coat who sticks with you. Her innocence and unfair fate is just one of millions of similar stories, but, as humans, we connect to other human stories.

We can, understandably, get overwhelmed by scale and, in a way, desensitized to the heinous violence of war or tragedy. But, through one person’s story, the enormity of a tragedy can quickly snap into focus as you see that people are suffering, it’s not just numbers spouted by a news anchor or printed in the paper.

Remember about eight years ago, before the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing war in both the Middle East and Ukraine? Remember the name, Alan Kurdi? He was a two-year-old Syrian boy who drowned off the shores of Turkey. Horrific pictures of his dead body, as he lay face-down on the beach, quickly made their way around the world at a time when people were complaining about Syrians fleeing their country, seeking refuge around the world.

Then there was a toddler lying dead on the beach and a lot of people took a step back and reconsidered what was going on in the world and what was happening to people out there.

Many people had lost their lives, both back in Syria and on journeys to other countries, but it was a single picture of a single person that made many stop, think and understand.

I’m reading Disillusioned by Benjamin Herold. It’s a book about the failed experiment of the suburbs. It examines the extreme taxes, crumbling infrastructure, eroding services of smaller communities that cannot be funded by smaller and smaller tax bases. Sound familiar?

In fact, there are a lot of similarities between the communities covered in this book and the struggles of rural Canadian communities such as Huron County, although a lot of Herold’s work focuses on race and gentrification.

And how does Herold tell us this story? He does it through the personal stories of five diverse American families. By telling us their hyper-specific, deeply personal experiences and following their lives, he tells us a much bigger story that has no chance of being nearly as impactful if it were all facts and figures.

We’ve now arrived at my monthly mention of Common Ground, J. Anthony Lukas’ book about the desegregation of Boston schools. In it, he tells the story of racism in Boston and, really, race relations in America, through the stories of a working-class Black family, a working-class Irish family and a middle-class Yankee family. It’s universal in its specificity.

In 1999, Lisa Belkin wrote Show Me A Hero, a book about the desegregation of public housing in Yonkers, New York that owes much of its structure to Common Ground, focusing on the few to tell the story of the many.

Most of us will stare at pie charts and graphs and zone out, perhaps not understanding or not caring. But, when people’s stories are told, we take notice and can relate, from the mundane to the unbelievably tragic.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2024.

Edmonton is a real winter destination A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231

We’re back. Edmonton is the place that keeps calling us. Not Jamaica or Florida or The Bahamas, sweet, chilly Edmonton calls. Mind you, all those other places have folks from our community checking things out. All is well there too I’m told.

Hark and Weston, now four and seven, are growing and changing, as is normal. They are fun and busy and in search of the next thing to do and see. Again I see why we have children when we’re young.

On this visit, we had another reason to go. Brother Clif has been

a Kinsman for years and was being recognized for his time and effort, but notably on their Kinsmen Twin Ice Arena; a success story that involved a lot of work and people who worked well together.

Years ago, I recall the details being worked out to make this project possible and worthwhile. It was, and still is. Imagine an arena that makes money for the club and the city.

The evening was lots of fun and, even better, brother Bill came from Hamilton, reminding several of them of antics at their house, the gathering spot for several national conventions, including a notorious one in Sudbury.

Ah, the joys of being with old friends and remembering good stories. Another reason to be proud of my brothers. Yes Ken, I’m working on them to all come home to Bluevale in August.

A bit of our history died last week with the demise of Brian Mulroney.

That got me thinking of people with

vision and the determination to follow things through. Reading his story as we have in the past few days, new details came to light and it can put a new spin on what I thought at the time. This was also Murray Cardiff’s time in Ottawa, so I think we were more aware of happenings. My wish is that our

politicians would see the best for our land as the goal, and work together for that and stop playing king of the castle.

World Day of Prayer is held the first Friday of March, all over the world and has been for well over 100 years. Our gathering was held at the Presbyterian Church, hearing

the words of the women of Palestine. Considering the level of peace in that area, it was noted this service was organized in 2022.

Education, awareness and prayers started this event and still remain the purpose of this time together.

Bye now. Betty GW

Well said The Brussels Legion hosted its public speaking competition last week and honoured the speakers. Above, from left, was the Primary Division: Case Ribey, third; Ellie Wilson, second, and Tucker Wilson, first. Below, from left, was the Junior Division: Paislee Ribey, third; Olivia Cochrane, third; Sophia Burkholder, second; Nathan Baillie, third; Jenna Gallant, third; Avery Cochrane, first. Jamie Mitchell, left, and Nanci Ducharme, right, made the presentations (Courtesy photos)

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS At the Branch

Are you tired of getting a second-hand newspaper?

Lions enjoy lasagna at meeting

By Jo-Ann McDonald The week started with the Brussels Lions Club holding its regular meeting at the Branch. They enjoyed a lasagna dinner and then their meeting. Legion helpers were Judy Lee, Deb Ross, Marni Knight and Jo-Ann McDonald.

Tuesday evening was the monthly meeting of the Branch executive.

There were 10 members in attendance.

Another new membership application was accepted.

We have a team of senior darters going to provincial play. The catering group has five functions this month.

The executive also acknowledges the generous donation received from the Anglican Church.

The application for a minor variance is with Huron East, as is the summer patio application.

Estimates for construction are needed for grant applications and will be gathered.

Fish fry dinners begin at the end of March and help will be needed; expect a call from Deb. The zone convention will be held in Blyth in March and District Convention in Owen Sound in April. Reports are due two weeks before.

A donation was made to junior broomball. Pub grub on Friday

night will be chili dogs. Euchre night will be downstairs and beef on a bun will be available.

The Catch the Ace draw will begin March 15 and tickets will be in the stores now. The Branch is hosting zone public speaking on March 16.

Many are now looking ahead to the summer Dominion Convention in St. John, New Brunswick and the Branch hopes to have someone attending. There will be lots of information to cover and events coming up for the Brussels Legion.

The Branch received the sad news of the passing of Comrade Grace Procter. She was predeceased by her husband Charles Procter. She will be missed by the many Procter extended family.

Grace was born in Scotland and Charlie went to England, met her, married her and brought her back to Canada, much to the surprise of his family. Grace worked alongside Charlie when compiling the veteran books at the Branch.

She was lovely lady who tried very hard to teach four of us how to make hard candy many years ago.

She always made it and gave it to us for Christmas. She was a thoughtful, funny and always had a beautiful smile for all. Our sympathies to the Procter families.

The public speaking event was

moved from Wednesday night to Thursday night due to the inclement weather. There were nine speakers in the two categories and they presented some great speeches.

Speaking in the Primary Division were Casey Ribey, Ellie Wilson and Tucker Wilson. Paislee Ribey, Olivia Cochrane, Sophia Burkholder, Nathan Baillie, Jenna Gallant and Avery Cochrane all spoke in the Junior Division. The winner of each division will advance to zone public speaking on March 16. The winner of the Primary Division was Tucker Wilson and the winner of the Junior Division was Avery Cochrane.

Congratulations to all the speakers and good luck to the winners at the zone competition.

The Thursday night darts had 18 darters out for an evening of fun.

The first place team was Rhonda Davis and Chris Brown. Second place went to Sandra Brown and Jim Forgett and third place was Sheron Stadelmann and Tim Nyholt. The high shots of the night were by Paul Willie hitting 131 and Barbara Cadotte hitting 124.

Huron County darts were held Saturday at the Legion and the usual crew of 40 or so men had a good day of play. Thanks to Branch workers Deb Ross and Sandra Brown.

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2024. PAGE 7.

Broomballers!

Last Sunday, Blyth Junior Broomball honoured the players who made a difference. Back row, from left: Carmen Harris, most dedicated (U14 Boys); J.T. McNaught most improved (U14 Boys); Clay Hoggart, sportsmanship (U14 Boys); Nathan Westra, sportsmanship (U16 Boys); Keegan Mcinally, most improved (U16 Boys); Bryce Dale, most dedicated (U16 Boys); Rachel Wilts, sportsmanship (U16 Girls); Alex Johnson, most dedicated boy (U12 Ice); Jase Caesar, most dedicated boy (U12 Silver); Sonya Teatro, most improved girl (U12 Silver) and Sarah Hallahan, most improved (U16 Girls). Middle row, from left: Leah Westra, sportsmanship (U14 Girls); Marie Bolen, most dedicated (U14 Girls); Edyn Beyersbergen, most improved (U14 Girls); Kaden Watkins, most improved boy (U12

Silver); Liam Greig, sportsmanship (U12 Ice); Heather Brannon, most improved girl (U12 Ice); Addison Hoekmeijer, most dedicated girl (U12 Bullets); Lainey Stryker, most dedicated girl (U12 Silver); Ashley Dekens, sportsmanship (U12 Silver); Ryder Neutel, most improved boy (U12 Ice); Logan Hoffmeyer, sportsmanship (U9); Mackenzie Shannon, most improved girl (U12 Bullets), and Kaleigh McCallum, most dedicated (U16 Girls). Front row, from left: Connor Souch, most improved boy (U9); Vienna Dykstra, most improved girl (U9); Wyatt Lloyd, most improved boy (U12 Bullets); Addison Bosma, most dedicated girl (U9); Colbie Greig, most dedicated girl (U12 Ice); Hunter Arnold, most dedicated boy (U9); Aiden Hoeckmeijer, most dedicated boy (U9), and Beckett Noble, sportsmanship (U12 Bullets). (John Stephenson photo)

The Reading Web with Cindy Norgate

B

eep… beep… beep. Can you hear that? That is the sound my first video game made.

Can you guess what the game was?

It was Pong! My Uncle Bobby, who was our family tech genius at the time, brought this game to our home.

I thought this was cutting-edge technology that some sort of game could be hooked up to our television.

Not long after this, my parents allowed my brother and me to have an Atari game station. You remember those, don’t you? The games that seemed most popular were Space Invaders, Donkey Kong, and Pac Man. I truly thought my family was extraordinary because we had this technological capability in our home.

This was short lived, however, because my dad discouraged extended times of play. In fact, as children, my brother and I were never allowed to sit for long periods of time watching cartoons either. My dad thought we needed to be doing something productive with our time and minds, such as helping him with a Saturday morning project he had going on.

Confession time: I often woke up early on Saturday mornings, so I

could watch Super Friends at 7 a.m. and sometimes I would sneak and get in an episode or two of my favourite cartoon: Scooby Doo. Don’t judge, please! I just had to see what mystery Shaggy, Scooby and the gang were working to solve that week. It was important for my survival. Well, not really. But, in my young mind, I thought my weekend wouldn’t be complete without it.

Of course, like most children, I thought to myself, “My dad doesn’t want me to have any fun!” That’s funny to me now, because I know he was trying to create, in me, a productive member of society with a good work ethic. Does this mean a child who is allowed to watch television and play video games won’t have a good work ethic or become a productive adult? Of course not! However, let’s look at what the facts say about the effects of too much screen time on the young mind.

According to an article published in 2023 by The National Library of Medicine, “New technologies, such as mobile and interactive screen media, are now ingrained in a young child’s daily life. Children today are ‘digital natives,’ having been born

into an ever-changing digital ecosystem augmented by mobile media. The age at which kids engage with media on a regular basis has fallen from four years in 1970 to four months in the present day.

Electronic devices have revolutionized learning, communication and information dissemination, but recent research indicates that screen media use may have serious adverse effects on children’s health over the long term, making this a pressing public health concern.”

Young children begin to develop language skills very early. Imitating, mimicking and back and forth sounds comes from interacting with an adult. If the young child has no or very little interaction with an adult, then it could possibly

delay language development.

I realize that families, as I’ve said in previous articles, are quite different nowadays in regard to many things including, but not limited to, both parents working outside the home and the internet being readily available, so it is important to find a “happy medium”.

There are many things to consider, and my point in sharing this information with you is to encourage you to make informed decisions about how much screen time your child gets each day. I truly don’t believe there is a one-size-fits-all solution. Be realistic, stick to the rules you implement regarding screen time, and find ways to use technology as a learning tool.

I researched and found an interesting article by the Canadian Paediatric Society from 2022 titled, “Screen time and preschool children: Promoting health and development in a digital world”. I thought it might be of interest to you and is free to read.

As I leave it here for this week, I

NEWS FROM BLYTH

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devonjhenry@hotmail.com 519-505-2473

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P.I.E. Day set

By Deb Hakkers This week, we wish a happy birthday to Grace McNichol on March 9, Nellie Mason and Lillian Appleby on March 10, Mary Lou Stewart on March 11 and Diane Howson on March 13. Hope everyone enjoys their special day!

Blyth United Church is making pies for Easter: raspberry, mixed berry, apple and pecan. The church is also taking orders for individual meat pies.

Check out the upcoming (P.I.E.) Day/Affirming Day activities at Blyth United Church on March 14 at 7 p.m. with board games, fellowship and food.

would invite you to contact me if you have a topic you would like to see mentioned in this article. I realize there may be needs parents have that I am not aware of, and I want to help. You can e-mail me at cindyeslteacher@gmail.com.

Remember, technology isn’t going away, so you need to figure out what is best for your family.

“Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important.” - Bill Gates

Photography by Sylvia Nonkes

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

Ironmen in tough against Kincardine in first round

From the jump The Kincardine Bulldogs have taken an early lead in their first-round playoff series with the Wingham Ironmen, winning two of the first three games, but the Ironmen are still alive. The teams played on Wednesday night, although a score was unavailable at press time, all leading to another meeting for game five on Friday night in Kincardine. If the Ironmen can extend the series, they’ll play again in Wingham on Saturday night, (John followed by a deciding game seven in Kincardine on Sunday, if necessary.

Stephenson photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The Wingham Ironmen will play this weekend, continuing their playoff series with the Kincardine Bulldogs, but whether the series will be tied 2-2 or the Ironmen will be on the edge of elimination remains to be seen.

The Bulldogs won the first two games of the series last weekend an 8-1 win in Kincardine on Friday night and a 4-2 victory in Wingham on Saturday - but then the Ironmen fought back on Sunday with a 2-1 over the Bulldogs in Kincardine.

As of Wednesday morning, the Bulldogs have a two-game-to-one advantage in the series, but the teams were scheduled to play in Wingham on Wednesday night and a score was unavailable at press time.

The fifth game of the series is scheduled to be played tonight Friday, March 8 - in Kincardine.

Games six and seven, if necessary, will be played on Saturday in Wingham and Sunday in Kincardine.

On Friday, the Bulldogs opened the series with a decisive 8-1 victory at their home arena, thanks in no small part to a hat trick scored

by Carter Servais.

Servais opened the scoring at

4:50 of the first period on the power play, assisted by Jordan Moulton, followed by another Bulldogs’ goal scored by Cooper Schneider at 15:10 of the first, assisted by Dylan Richardson and Jordan Beisel.

The Ironmen scored their only goal of the game at 16:59 of the first when Tayt Bramhill found the back of the net, assisted by Coleson Fischer and Nigel Kreager. For the next two periods, it was all Kincardine.

Carter Servais scored his second of the game at 5:46 of the second, assisted by Liam Colhoun and Jackson Phillips, followed by a Chad Lawrence goal scored at 9:52, assisted by Blake Hellyer.

Trent Houghton scored a shorthanded goal at 1:55 of the third period, assisted by Jordan Beisel, followed by a Jackson Phillips goal scored at 3:18, assisted by Jordan Moulton and Carter Servais.

Servais then completed his hat trick at 6:32, scoring his third goal of the game, assisted by Jackson Phillips and Cooper Schneider.

Schneider then scored his second goal of the game, a power play marker, at 13:32 assisted by Jordan Moulton and Blake Hellyer, to close out the game.

Garrett Golley stopped 20 of the 27 shots he faced for the Ironmen

before being replaced by Kaleb Meyer, who stopped two of the three shots that came his way in the dying minutes of the third period.

Carter Garvie stopped 22 of 23 shots for the Bulldogs, earning the win.

The Ironmen had players in the penalty box for 20 minutes over six infractions, while the Bulldogs spent 24 minutes in the box spread across eight penalties. That included a pair of unsportsmanlike conduct misconduct penalties handed out to Wingham’s Nigel Kreager and Kincardine’s Wilson Shipp at 6:51 of the third period.

On Saturday, the Bulldogs continued their playoff success, beating the Ironmen by a score of 42 in Wingham. The Bulldogs started

on the right foot thanks to a goal by Jordan Beisel at 14:58 of the first period, assisted by Jordan Moulton and Gavin Downs.

Logan Burnham then tied the game for the Ironmen with a power play goal at 13:36 of the second period, assisted by Nate Bloemberg and Micah Kraayenbrink.

The teams traded goals again near the end of the second period, beginning with Beisel scoring his second goal of the game for the Bulldogs at 18:14, assisted by Cooper Schneider and Kyle Dolmage, followed by an Ironmen goal scored by Coleson Fischer, assisted by Logan Burnham and Austin Becker.

In the third period, the Bulldogs pulled away thanks to a Nolan MacKinnon goal at 6:55 of the third period, assisted by Dylan Richardson and Chad Lawrence, and an empty-net goal scored by Cooper Schneider at 19:25 to put an end to the game.

Carter Garvie won the game in the Kincardine net, stopping 19 of the 21 shots he faced, while Garrett Golley stopped 30 of 33 shots for the loss for the Ironmen.

The game was a relatively clean affair, with the Bulldogs only serving six penalty minutes from three infractions, while the Ironmen were assessed six penalties for 12 minutes.

It was a different story on Sunday when the teams met again in Kincardine and the Ironmen won by a score of 2-1 and 75 minutes of penalties and five game misconducts were handed out.

Jesse Coombs scored the first

Belgrave Minor Ball Registration March 9 and 16 at the Belgrave Community Centre from 10 am - noon Any questions please contact Bruce Higgins 519-357-5109

Youth Winter Sports Pages Coaches and parents ~ we need your team’s picture and players’ names

Heat looks ahead Continued from page 1 Ravens in Clinton on March 2 by a score of 3-2.

The team played two games with the Owen Sound Ice Hawks on March 4 in Owen Sound and March 6 in Seaforth, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

The Senior team has played Milverton three times in the playoffs - Feb. 18 in Hensall, March 1 in Milverton and March 3 in Hensall again - but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

In regular season action, the U9 HL team played the St. Marys Rock in Seaforth on March 5, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time.

On March 9, the U9 B Heat will welcome the Cambridge Roadrunners to Seaforth, while the U9 HL team will be on the road for a game with the St. Marys Rock.

Looking back, on March 3, the U9 B Heat played the St. Marys Rock in Clinton and, on March 2, the Wilmot Wolverines on the road, but scores were not kept for those games.

goal of the game for the Ironmen at 14:10, assisted by Micah Kraayenbrink and Tayt Bramhill.

The Bulldogs evened the score at 10:47 of the second period, assisted

by Kieran Moore.

Coombs, however, scored again for Wingham, finding the back of the net at 15:41 of the third period on the power play and assisted by Micah Kraayenbrink and Nate Bloemberg.

Garrett Golley stopped 28 of the 29 shots he faced in the Ironmen net for the win, while Ryan Wheeler stopped 27 of 29 shots for the Bulldogs.

The Ironmen spent 43 minutes in the penalty box, while the Bulldogs were in there for 32 minutes. Both teams had 13 infractions.

In the first, Bryce Martin of the Bulldogs was called for a head contact game misconduct, followed by a misconduct penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct called against Wingham’s Tayt Bramhill, also in the first.

In the third, Wingham’s Owen Rahn was given an unsportsmanlike conduct misconduct and Josh Pham, also of the Ironmen, was booted from the game for a crosschecking misconduct. Kieran Moore of the Bulldogs also received a misconduct penalty for removing a helmet.

The two teams were due to meet again in Wingham on Wednesday, March 6, followed by games five, six and seven, if necessary, of the series, set for Friday, March 8 in Kincardine, Saturday, March 9 in Wingham and Sunday, March 10 in Kincardine.

1. Please submit team photo A.S.A.P. 2. Please include players’ and coaches’ names for under the photo.

Deadline March 29

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2024. PAGE 9.

Palestine pens World Day of Prayer service

A time to reflect Melville Presbyterian Church played host to this year’s World Day of Prayer service in Brussels, written by the Christian women of Palestine. (Scott Stephenson photos)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen Every year, Christian women around the globe participate in the World Day of Prayer - an ecumenical event in which everyone is welcomed to come together with prayers and actions directed towards peace and justice.

This year, Melville Presbyterian Church in Brussels observed the day with scripture readings and songs.

The Christian women of a different nation are selected each year to write the international program for the World Day of Prayer - this year, the chosen nation is Palestine. Since being asked several years ago to handle the task, a group of Palestinian Christians has been praying and reflecting

together in response. They ended up selecting the theme - “I Beg You... Bear With One Another In Love,” which comes from Ephesians 4:1-7. Their program calls Christians to bear with each other in love, despite all difficulties and oppression, with the hope that the power of prayer will be able to bridge barriers and forge bonds that transcend borders and cut through chaos by capturing a shared spirit through the harmonious hymn of hope.

World prayer hopes to create a collective conduit capable of creating real change and fostering compassion, the very vibrations of voices striving to reach from the world’s collective sacred spaces all the way to the heavens. In these trying times, it certainly can’t hurt.

Homecoming on the way: Carters Continued from page 1 will include Alice Munro walking tours, free public swimming, live music, a business-decorating contest, dances, a parade, an artisan market, breakfasts, dinners, cornhole tournament, fireworks and more.

Joe has been impressed with the level of participation from Wingham so far - both from the many community partners that are pitching in and the people of Wingham who are planning to come out. “The Sportsman Club Cornhole Tournament has already sold out - it sold out in two weeks!” he emphasized.

The two-person committee has also become a sub-committee of the Wingham Lions Club to help handle the financial side of things.

While the crew has made a lot of progress so far, Joe did have a request for council. “Instead of giving money, could you waive the fees for the public swim, and the two rentals for the dance on Saturday and the church service on Sunday?”

Reeve Heffer thanked the couple for all the work they’ve put into the planning. Councillor Chris Palmer also thanked the team. “I am very pleased that you and Heidi have taken this on, and I think I speak for all of us. It’s just a monumental task. I want to make a motion that we, North Huron Council, sponsor something. We need to have some skin in this game, I feel. The two swims and the arena rentals would

help out.” A motion to waive those fees was put forth, and passed unanimously.

U18 Crusaders hit a slide

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen After a promising start to the playoffs, the U18 LL Blyth Brussels Crusaders have lost their most recent playoff games.

The team beat the Mid-Huron Huskies, Mitchell Meteors and the Central Perth Predators twice in February before losing to the Arthur Vipers by a score of 14-2 on March 2 and the Mitchell Meteors on March 2 by a score of 7-0.

The team was set to play the MidHuron Huskies on the road on March 4, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time; it was followed by a rematch with the Arthur Vipers on March 11 in Blyth.

The U18 Rep Crusaders have won three playoff games and lost two, most recently beating the South Bruce Blades on the road on March 3, which came just after a 42 loss to the Mid-Huron Huskies in Brussels on March 2.

On March 5, the team was on the road to play the Drayton Defenders, but a score for that game was

unavailable at press time. Then, the Crusaders will play the Mitchell Meteors on the road on March 8 and the South Bruce Blades in Brussels on March 9.

The U21 team has registered three wins, three losses and a tie in the playoffs, most recently beating the Arthur Vipers in Blyth by a score of 3-1 on March 2 and the Huron-Bruce Blizzard by a score of 3-2 on March 1.

The team next plays the Vipers again on March 10 in Arthur.

The U15 Rep team beat the Saugeen Valley Steelheads in Brussels on March 2 by a score of 6-5. The Crusaders are next in action against the Walkerton Capitals on March 9 and the Shallow Lake Lakers on March 10, both on the road.

The U15 LL team has an even record of two wins and two losses.

They beat the Mid-Huron Huskies in Brussels on March 1 by a score of 3-2, but then lost to the Ironmen in Wingham by a score of 6-5 on March 3.

The team played the Mid-Huron Huskies in Seaforth on March 4 and

the Huron-Bruce Blizzard on March 6 in Blyth, but scores were unavailable at press time.

They next take on the Drayton Defenders on March 15 in Blyth.

The U13 Rep team has posted three losses in the playoffs thus far, most recently falling to the Wingham Ironmen on the road by a score of 4-1 on March 3.

The team then played the Minto Mad Dogs on March 6 in Palmerston, but a score was unavailable at press time. They then take on the Drayton Defenders on March 9 in Blyth and the AEMHA Ice Dogs in Paisley on March 10.

The U13 LL Crusaders have two wins and one loss in the playoffs.

They lost to the Mid-Huron Huskies in Brussels on March 2 by a score of 6-3, followed by a March 6 game with the Howick Hornets in Blyth, although a score for that game was unavailable at press time.

The team will now play the Mitchell Meteors on the road on March 16 and the Goderich Sailors, also on the road, on March 17.

The U11 Rep team has three Continued on page 20

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PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2024.

Early signs of spring are beginning to show PEOPLE AROUND LONDESBORO

By BRENDA RADFORD Call 523-4296

Well, March certainly came in like a lamb this year. One can only hope the lion won’t roar at the end of the month when many people will be on the road celebrating

Easter with friends and family.

Moreover, on our walk on a warm Monday afternoon, we spotted snowdrops and yellow crocus.

Licensed Worship Lay Leader Sue Barnett led the morning worship at Londesborough United Church on Sunday, March 3, the third Sunday of Lent. The Lenten Liturgy spoke of Jesus overturning the tables of the money lenders in the temple. The lesson asks Christians to work to overcome oppression, poverty and injustice in the world.

Sue’s scripture passages were Psalm 19, in which David speaks of

King advocates for approval of flowers tender

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Blyth Festival General Manager Rachael King, at Monday’s North Huron Council Meeting, spoke during the public comment period to advocate that council approve a tender bid from Londesborough’s Greyhaven Gardens to provide flowers to the township. “[This year is] the 50th anniversary season of the Blyth Festival,” she pointed out. “This momentous occasion will see up to 30,000 tourists from across the continent attend the village of Blyth in the Township of North Huron, and experience the streetscape that council chooses this evening.” King went on to refer to North Huron’s strategic plan, which prioritizes a healthy economy supported by tourism. “Growth and tourism require attention to destination

hygiene,” she said. “And that includes things like identifying, fixing and enhancing physical visitor experience issues. A key piece of that destination hygiene is maintaining the presence of flowers in the Township’s downtowns.”

The proposed contract is for a three-year term, with a price of $12,780 for the 2024 season, plus applicable taxes. Each respective year of the contract would see a slight increase in cost for the annual flowers - $13,163 in 2025, and $13,557 in 2026. Greyhaven Gardens was the only local vendor to submit a tender for the project.

North Huron’s previous provider of flowers retired at the end of their contract last year.

When it came time to vote on the flower tender, a motion was put forward to accept it, which was approved by council.

the glory of God, and John 2: 1322, in which Jesus foretells His crucifixion and resurrection.

The Londesborough United Church Women ladies will gather on Monday, March 18. The guest that evening will be Harriet Shillinglaw to help with an outreach project.

Knitters and crocheters are encouraged to meet Tuesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. at the church with their projects on a trial basis.

Bring along your projects and work while enjoying conversation and, perhaps, a little help.

This last week of classes before

the March Break for children in the Avon Maitland District School Board was a spirit week at Hullett Central Public School. On Monday, the children were encouraged to “dress to impress”. In other words, come to school in one’s nicest attire or, as our mothers might have said, one’s Sunday best.

Then, in a complete change on Tuesday, children could wear the jersey of a favourite sports team, maybe even their own sports team.

Wednesday morning, parents might have been c alled upon as hairdressers to do their children’s hair in new

Goose eggs The U11 C Huron Heat battled to a 0-0 tie against Grand (John River at the Clinton arena on Sunday, March 3.

Stephenson photo)

ways to be part of Funky Hair Day. The idea of these spirit days is to instill pride in the school and on Thursday the children could show that pride by wearing clothes in the school colours of black and gold.

To finish off the week and head into days of the break when pajamas might be in order for many mornings, everyone could choose to wear their pajamas to school.

Appropriate for a spring month, the virtue at Hullett in March is optimism. Wouldn’t the whole world be a happier place if everyone looked forward with hope?

NEWS FROM LONDESBORO

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OFA working to mentor new women farmers

By Vanessa Renaud, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture Historically, agriculture in Canada has been a male-dominated industry, but women have always played very pivotal roles in farm businesses - just mostly behind the scenes or in a supportive rather than leading capacity.

This is now changing. Along with the general demographic shift in agriculture as older farmers are facing retirement and a new generation is taking over the management and ownership of farm businesses, there are also more women stepping into leadership roles in farms of all types and sizes.

I know first-hand that this is happening, as I work with my father on our family farm near Green Valley in eastern Ontario. As a Certified Crop Advisor, I also work as a crop input consultant with farmers in our area.

But my experience is not the only thing that shows us that the world of agriculture is changing. The latest Canadian census numbers show that women represent a greater proportion of our farmers than in the past. About 30 per cent of Canada’s farmers are women, and in 2021 we saw the first increase in the number of female farmers in Canada in 30 years.

According to Statistics Canada, this is due almost entirely to the fact that more women are now farming

on their own. The numbers also illustrate that women are running larger farm businesses than in the past.

For young women in particular, it’s not always easy to step into roles in this sector, whether it’s part of a farm business or in a wide range of other jobs and careers, from agronomists and animal nutritionists to equipment operators and more.

Now there’s a new agricultural mentorship program designed specifically for women that can help provide some additional support.

AgriMentor offers individual, one-on-one mentorship coaching nationwide in English or French for women working in agriculture.

The program launched last year as a pilot project by the Agricultrices du Québec, Quebec’s organization of farm women, through a program called Dimension E, which offers services to female entrepreneurs in the agriculture and forestry sectors.

Funding for Dimension E is provided by the federal government through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

The success of the Quebec pilot, combined with the identified need across the agriculture sector for more training opportunities for women, led to the expansion of the program Canada-wide and the launch of the AgriMentor program

for 2024. It is led in Ontario by the Union des cultivateurs francoontariens (UCFO), with the support of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), where I serve as a member of the board of directors.

UCFO will match mentors and mentees who each must commit to at least one monthly meeting, whether virtual or in-person, for a period of six months. The program is open to Canadian women who are both looking for a mentor and those who wish to serve as one. It is free for mentees; an honorarium of $500 is offered to women who serve as mentors.

Mentorship is about sharing experience and knowledge and having someone you can use as a sounding board when you are in need of advice or different perspectives. Being able to have some outside feedback is so beneficial both mentally and emotionally, especially when it is delivered in a constructive and thoughtful way.

Knowing you’re not alone and being able to draw on the experiences of someone who has been in your shoes offers encouragement and empowerment.

Having a mentor is also very motivating, as it can help you

increase your confidence in yourself, your business and your career.

Mentorship is something I couldn’t access earlier in my career, and although I had colleagues in similar situations that I could lean on, we weren’t able to give each other the type of guidance and insight a more experienced mentor can offer.

That’s why I’m so passionate about this program and I would encourage any woman in agriculture to consider participating in this opportunity, whether as a mentee or someone who can fill that critical mentor role.

For a good cause It was a full house on Sunday at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre as members of the local Ontario Provincial Police and the Huron East Fire Department settled their differences on the ice, all in the name of raising money for Victim Services of Huron. (John Stephenson photo)

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK REPORT For the week ending March 1, 2024 Total Receipts: 1,335 cattle, 400 lambs and goats Tuesday - Decent run of quality fed cattle traded higher. Cows sold steady.

Thursday - Veal sold stronger at prices $3 - $5 higher. Lambs and sheep sold on a strong active trade at steady prices. Goat kids sold higher, goat nannies sold steady.

Friday - Calves and yearlings sold on a strong active trade at steady prices.

Fed Cattle: There were 90 fed cattle on offer:

Beef Cows: $140 – $184 Good Holstein Cows: $135 – $150 up to $186 Medium Holstein Cows: $125 – $134 Bulls: $160 – $170 Borthview Farms Inc. of Mildmay, consigned four head. One black cow weighed 1,625 lbs. and sold for $165.

Cookhill Farms of Gadshill, consigned four head. One holstein cow weighed 1,335 lbs. and sold for $186.

Lambs: Under 50 lbs.: $449 – $449 50-64 lbs.: $365 – $450 65-79 lbs.: $385 – $435 up to $450 80-94 lbs.: $352 – $415 95-109 lbs.: $300 – $355 up to $362 110 lbs. and over: $240 – $370 Sheep: $145 – $267 up to $272 Knoll Ridge Farms Ltd. of Palmerston, consigned five head. Three lambs averaged 69 lbs. and sold for an average price of $450.

Frankhaven Farms of Teeswater, consigned 40 head. Two lambs averaged 85 lbs. and sold for an average price of $415.

Veal: There were 110 veal on offer: Choice Fed Cattle: $236 – $249 up to $257.50 Second Cut Fed Cattle: $227 – $235 Aged and Medium Fed Cattle: $213 – $226 Holstein Fed Cattle: $150 – $210 K/C McAlpine Farms of Ailsa Craig, consigned eight head. One heifer averaged 1,555 lbs. and sold for $257.50.

Beef Veal: $275 – $293 Good Holsteins: $245 – $259 SL Heavy Holsteins: $235 – $250 Heavy Holsteins: $200 – $229 Medium Holsteins: $235 – $244 Plain Holsteins: $220 – $234 Drop Calves: $560 – $850 / HEAD Jim Maw of Forest, consigned one charolais veal that weighed 925 lbs. and sold for $293.

Cows: There were 185 cows on offer: John and Cheryl Bennewies of Bornholm, consigned two head. One holstein veal weighed 775 lbs. and sold for $253.

Goats: Meat Kids: $600 – $612 Dairy Kids: $500 – $599 Mature Bucks: $300 – $400 Mature Does: $120 – $270 Markus Gaehwiler of New Liskeard, consigned 12 head. Four kid goats averaged 60 lbs. and sold for an average price of $612 Kent Wilson of Conn, consigned 12 head. Seven kid goats weighed 63 lbs. and sold for an average price of $600.

Stockers: There were 950 stockers on offer

Top Quality Steers: Under 400 lbs.: Too few to establish a market 400 – 499 lbs.: $342 – $440 500 – 599 lbs.: $314 – $398 up to $425 600 – 699 lbs.: $299 – $407 up to $425 700 – 799 lbs.: $310.50 – $370 800 – 899 lbs.: $303 – $342 900 – 999 lbs.: $277 – $327.50 up to $332 1,000 lbs. and over: $287 – $314 Top Quality Heifers: Under 400 lbs.: $295 – $393 400 – 499 lbs.: $354 – $381 500 – 599 lbs.: $252 – $364 up to $370 600 – 699 lbs.: $270 – $352.50 up to $360 700 – 799 lbs.: $291 – $333 800 – 899 lbs.: $290 – $309 900 lbs. and over: $267 – $288 Gary Johnson of Annan, consigned 25 head. Nine black steers averaged 616 lbs. and sold for an average price of $425.

Alex & Robert DeMichele of Melancthon, consigned 15 head. Ten red steers averaged 726 lbs. and sold for an average price of $370.

Luke M. Martin of Teeswater, consigned 10 head. Four charolais steers averaged 1,028 lbs. and sold for an average price of $314.

Tim Hackett of Dobbinton, consigned 14 head. Seven charolais heifers averaged 654 lbs. and sold for an average price of $360.

A-J Acres of New Liskeard, consigned 40 head. Seven charolais heifers averaged 792 lbs. and sold for an average price of $325.

Sidney Brubacher of Linwood, consigned 11 head. Eight charolais heifers averaged 1,018 lbs. and sold for an average price of $284.50.

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd.

UPCOMING SALES TUESDAYS 10:00 a.m.

Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows

THURSDAYS

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

FRIDAYS

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

Call us 519-887-6461

PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2024.

Classified Advertising – RATES – card of thanks Swap shop s

20 words or less only $9.00 + HST Additional words 25¢ ea. + HST

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

Articles for sale To all persons who have any houses, lands, tenements farms tenements, farms, ships ships, vessels, goods, wares or merchandises to be sold or let, may have the same inserted at a reasonable rate.

North Huron Publishing 405 Queen St., Blyth for particulars.

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

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

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

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

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BROWN - The family of the Late John Brown would like to thank everyone for the kindness and support received during the recent loss of our Dad. We We so appreciate all of the cards, tributes, donations and kind words. Thank you to Rev. Alex Jebson for his comforting visits and wonderful service for Dad and to Sandra Cable for her readings and remembrances. Thank you also to the pall bearers, pianist Marilyn Scott and the Blyth UCW W. Thank you to Christopher Smith and the Falconer Funeral Home for the guidance and compassion. compassion To To Dad Dad'ss Huronlea Family and Dr. Uniac, thank you for the excellent care, the smiles and the laughter that made Dad's day everyday. The kindness we have received will be forever remembered. Sharon Brown, Elaine & Eldon Chamney

In memoriam PEACOCK - In loving memory of W. Ross Peacock who passed away March 12, 2023.

Those we love don't go away.

They walk beside us every day.

Unseen, unheard, But always near.

Still loved, still missed, And always dear.

Until we meet again.

Love, Bunny y, Dave, Debra, Paul, Vince and Amelia.

-------------------------------------------TAYLOR - Harold Boyd Taylor, May 10, 1933 - March 10, 2009 Never more than a thought away y, Quietly remembered every day y, No need for words, except to say y, Still loved, still missed in every way.

Much love, Muriel

Citizen-T To-Citizen o “SW S AP SHOP” ad Call 519-523 3-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca • Free ad up to 25 words, person to person only (no o businesses), items valued at $1,000 0 or less. Price must be included in yo our ad.Y Yo our ad will run three times unlesss it sells faster!

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

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

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

226-880-1689 10-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE- Guun cabinets, one is a pine, corner-uniit 6’ plus tall, glass front, door below w. Other is a double cabinet with draawers below, approx.

6’ x 4’. $500. ea. Call 519-357-3117.

9-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Patz silo unloader, reconditioned annd painted for a 12-20 P only. Call for diameter silo. Parts details $1,000. 519-345-0446 9-3 --------------------------------------------WANTED TO BUY - Used, plastic WA chicken cage. Phhone 519-357-7678.

8-3 ---------------------------------------------

Services

Last Friday, churches all over the world marked World Day of Prayer - a special women-led Christian initiative that sees a new service written each year by the Christian women of a new country. This year, the Christian women of Palestine penned the service.

Above, Mary Douma plays piano at the Brussels service, (Scott Stephenson held at Melville Presbyterian Church. photo)

Knox UCW marks World Day of Prayer PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE

By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188

Personals Post Abortion Healinng. Are you sufffering from the emotional aftermath of an aboortion? For support and healing please call Project Rachel at their confidential number 1-888-355-11100.

A day for faith

Local Coverage Where Y Yoou W Woork, Playy & Live

A.J's Delivery - Needd something picked up? Groceriies, cofffee, snacks, car parts, phaarmacy y, and more! Call A.J.'s todaay! Brussels 343-585-6735 --------------------------------------------INCOME TA TAX PREP PA A ATION ARA farm, business, personnal. Stephen Thompson, 519-482-3244.

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Jim Hess was the guest speaker at Knox United Church on March 3.

Mr. Hess’ message was entitled “Third Week of Lent: Worship.” It was the third Sunday of Lent and we are heading into Easter and the day’s topic was Worship.

We are called to worship God. His time to worship with us is not in vain. We need to share the gospel with other people. We come to Church to thank God for what he has done. In all the things we see and do we need to recognize God for what he has done. Anything that honours God is a form of worship.

Let’s learn to worship now so that when we get to heaven we will be prepared.

On Sunday, March 10, Elwin Garland is the guest speaker.

Everyone is welcome.

Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour when you go to bed Saturday, March 9. Daylight Saving Time begins March 10.

The Community Coffee Break is set for March 12 from 9:30 a.m. 11 a.m. at the community centre.

Everyone is welcome.

Cards will be played on Friday, March 8 at 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Monday was a beautiful day with sunshine and double-digit temperatures. I even noticed some of the students walking to their bus stop wearing shorts. We have seen some early signs of Spring. The robins have been back for a couple of weeks and the snowdrop flowers

are blooming. Snowdrops are a bulbous plant bearing white flowers in early spring and they come up every year.

March Break starts next week. Be careful when you are out driving; the students may be out playing road hockey, rollerblading or biking and not be thinking of traffic. We hope the weather is good for them.

Enjoy your holidays!

On Friday, March 1, the Knox United Church Women hosted World Day of Prayer in Belgrave.

This program has been developed to help others become aware of the worldwide community and the burdens many people have to carry.

The service was written by Christian women in Palestine. The theme was “I Beg You...Bear With One Another In Love.”

We heard the stories of three Palestinian Christian women and the difficulties they have encountered in their lives. A display of Mediterranean foods was set up and everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch.

NEWS FROM BELGRAVE

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2024. PAGE 15.

Community mourns several recent losses PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

We had rollercoaster weather again this week, but spring is just 13 days away. Hopefully things will turn around.

It has been a sad time for many in our area in the past couple of weeks. Our condolences are extended to the family of the late Pete Van Veen. He will be lovingly missed by Margaret and children Brenda, Murray, Peter, Bonita, Douglas and Michael and their families. His siblings Gerrit, Alie and Martha and their families will mourn his loss.

He was predeceased by siblings Clara VanMerkestien and Agnes (Henk) TenPas. Pete was a farmer in Grey Township and retired to Listowel.

Many times when he came to visit with Henk and Agnes, there was always a chance for us to chat. He was a very kind and friendly man.

Our sympathies to all.

Our sympathies to the Brown family on the passing of John Brown. He will be missed by daughters Elaine (Eldon) Chamney and Sharon. He was predeceased by his wife Elva.

John and Elva farmed on the Walton Road (9th of Morris) and had beef and laying hens. They would come weekly to our place when we had the egg depot for Gray’s. John loved to chat, so it was never a quick drop-off.

The couple retired to Brussels and, after Elva’s passing, John could be found at the coffee shop

visiting with the men’s group. He was always pleasant with lots of time for a visit. Our condolences to the girls.

Our sympathies are extended to the Armstrong family on the sudden passing of Jason Armstrong. He was the son of Don and Lynne Armstrong and Joan Hart and Roland Schlosser. He was the loving father of Jaxon, and companion of Nohemi Perez and her daughter Mireya. He was the brother of Heather and Shelby. He will be missed by his extended family and his many friends. Our condolences to all.

Our condolences also go out to the Wagatha family on the passing of Gilbert (Gil) Wagatha. He will be lovingly missed by his children, Jason and Jolene (Jamie) McNichol, his five grandsons and his sister Cheryl.

Gil was a man who loved life. He loved hunting, fishing and fast cars.

Fraser, Melissa Glanville Brand, Dean Hackwell, Ruthann Hoegy, Andy Pethick, Nicole Stevenson, Brian Wilbee, Paisley McGavin, Kaleigh McCallum, Neil McDonald, William Ringgenberg, Jerry Zwep and Allison Braecker.

Happy birthday to all.

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

Owned and operated by Mac and Donna Andersoon Assisted by Mandy

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

Remembering your loved one

Guns vs Hoses A charity hockey game was held in Brussels on Sunday, March 3 to support Victim Services Huron County. In the game, the Huron East Fire Department was defeated by the Huron OPP by a score of 8-1.

(John Stephenson photo)

Obituaries

WILLIAM (BILL) JOHN CAMPBELL Dec. 12, 1939 - Feb. 24, 2024 Bill passed away on Feb. 24, 2024 in his 85th year due to a heart condition in Guadalajara, Mexico.

He will be sadly missed by his wife and children.

The beloved husband and best friend of Diana Campbell, married for 65 years, Bill was the loving father of Lorie Fischer (Mark), Randy Campbell (Jamie), Suzanne

He loved his job as a Gold Seal Construction superintendent. A proud supporter of his children, he would come to cheer on Jolene at baseball, and she would play the worst game possible - he made her so nervous - but we all had a lot of laughs. He was a very nice man with a great smile for all. Our sympathies to the Wagatha family.

Our sympathies to the Procter family on the passing of Grace Procter. She will be missed by the extended Procter family.

Grace was a lovely lady who liked to smile and loved to listen to the bagpipes her late husband Charlie played. She supported many worthy causes, travelled, and rode in Charlie’s old cars. Grace had been living in Goderich for the last year or so and will be missed by many. Our condolences to all.

It is the time of year that many head north to go snowmobiling.

Unfortunately, even the trails in the north are closed and many folks have had to change their plans. A group of friends from the Walton area had to do just that. Maybe next year!

I am not sure if they were heading north or south, but I did see a group of Tundra Swans swimming in a pond. The crazy weather probably has them confused as well; summer one day, winter the next. The swans migrate north to the Arctic for nesting for the summer, so they could be on their way from the winter grounds of the south. Keep your eyes open because there could be more arriving soon.

Celebrating birthdays this past week and into the start of March includes Stacy Linton Courtney, Emmett Houston, Jeff Huether, Holly Ryan, Crystal Whyte, Adam and Owen Ryan, Wren Williams, Megan den Dekker, Kathy Ryan, VeraLyn Smith, Sloane McCallum, Hazel Lynn Bachert, Sandra Watson, Elaina Jarosz, Debra

Campbell-Wilson (Dave) and the brother of Nancy Wasson (Albert), Frances Bearss (Steve). Bill was also the proud grandfather of many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Bill was predeceased by parents Harold and Adeline Campbell, brother and sister-in-law Dwight and Joan Campbell, and son Curtis Campbell.

Bill lived a happy and full life, eventually retiring with his wife in Mexico.

Bill was the proud and dedicated owner of J&H Campbell Transport.

Bill could always be found behind a wheel of a truck or figuring out how to fix a truck. He always figured it out.

Bill, in his early years, was a volunteer with the Blyth Fire Department. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge.

Bill’s passion was his wife, children and Mexico. He enjoyed fishing, reading and playing pool.

He will be greatly missed by his wife and family. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Honour your loved one by placing their obituary in

The Citizen.

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

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

PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2024.

Harm reduction centre opens in Brussels

A haven from harm Recent Brussels transplant Leesa Stephenson, pictured above, has opened The Haven - a harm reduction centre located at 422 Turnberry Street. (Scott Stephenson photos)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Located in The DeWit building at 422 Turnberry Street, the new harm reduction centre in Brussels is called The Haven because it hopes to literally be a safe, nonjudgmental place for any member of the community that finds themselves at risk of undue harm.

The Haven acknowledges that modern life is full of modern risks, and strives to assist any individual in need on their journey towards living a fulfilling and purposeful life. Their approach to community assistance is centred around helping clients to identify their individual values, cultivate self awareness, set goals and create actual steps towards achieving them.

Proprietor Leesa Stephenson is originally from Listowel, and moved to Kitchener-Waterloo in the early 1990s. There, she faced challenges with substance health, which led to homelessness.

Discovering harm reduction, she gradually embraced it as a path towards recovery, valuing its principles over immediate abstinence.

This approach eventually helped her achieve her goal of sobriety.

Harm reduction centres are often associated with drug use, but Stephenson wants locals to know that it’s so much more than that. It means, quite simply, trying to reduce harm in any way possible. “I happened to be a gay person in rural Ontario in the 80s - not a great idea,” she explained. “We don’t just deal with addiction [at The Haven], we try to address social dynamics.”

Stephenson’s journey took her to the University of Waterloo, where she earned a BA in Social Development Studies. She then dedicated six years to the AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, and Area as an outreach co-ordinator, notably contributing to early naloxone distribution efforts and supporting individuals through SafePoint Needle Exchange.

Returning to Listowel 14 years ago to care for her ailing father, and later her mother with dementia, Stephenson expanded her understanding of harm reduction to everyday safety practices and its importance for seniors.

When she relocated to Brussels and began working as a therapist specializing in deep muscle therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, and cranio-sacral therapy, the role rekindled her passion for helping others, so she combined her personal recovery experience and professional background to launch The Haven. This initiative aims to enhance the wellbeing and safety of

her adopted community, reflecting her commitment to supporting others on their paths to recovery and healthier living.

One of the main goals Stephenson currently has is getting local businesses on board. “I want them to know that this is a super positive thing. The Purple Bike Café has just been amazing - so supportive!” The other thing she needs - the donation of a few more card tables. “Food donations are

also always welcome - it’s all about asking ‘am I in a better place today than I was yesterday?’ Do enough of those things, and you’ll be in a much better place!”

While they are subject to change, The Haven’s current hours are Monday, 1-4 p.m. for 60+ drop in; Thursday, 3-9 p.m. for all ages drop in; Friday, 5-9 p.m. for all ages drop in; and (first and third of the month) Saturday, 1-5 p.m for all ages drop in.

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2024. PAGE 17.

From the Minister’s Study

Use Lent to develop a closer relationship with God

By Rev. JoAnn Todd, Trinity Anglican Church, Blyth We’re in the season of Lent: the 40-day period before Easter. Each Lent we read of the story of Jesus’ 40 days of preparation for his ministry by going into the wilderness.

We could liken it to a time of an extreme retreat! And this year, we read Mark’s version, which admittedly doesn’t provide us with the detail that we get from either Matthew’s or Luke’s narrations.

And Mark’s gospel is often not big on sharing the finer details of the stories, so we need to look closer at just what he is saying; the words he is using to get his points across.

That reminded me of Chris, a classmate at seminary. He was one of those quiet types, didn’t speak out much in class, I often wondered if he was even paying attention, because he was always on his computer. He was a man of few words and, on occasion, he would offer a comment or opinion. And we came to learn that when Chris said something, listen closely, because it was usually something quite profound. Mark’s gospel, I find, is kind of like this. Like many people of few words, often when they do say something, it behooves us to pay attention to what they’re saying and how they’re saying it, because those few words may well say something insightful.

Jesus’ baptism comes immediately after John has announced that the one whose coming he was called to proclaim is a super special kind of person; so amazing, in fact, that John doesn’t feel worthy to even be the lowliest of his servants. John used water for his baptisms, but this special one will baptize with the Holy Spirit.

And this man with the power of God comes from an unassuming home in Nazareth, which, in its day, was considered a backwater kind of a place. Yet, Jesus wants John to baptize him, to wash him clean in the Jordan, even though this is the Son of God who has no need to repent of any sins!

What does this tell us about this very special man? He is a humble sort, from a humble town, and his coming to John for baptism “signified Jesus’ commitment to John’s cause and expressed his agreement with (John’s) message”.

So all that to say John’s message of repentance is definitely something that calls for attention!

What is also of interest is that Mark describes Jesus’ baptism from Jesus’ point of view, instead of a

Evangelical Missionary Church

Sunday, March 10, 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Mike Stanley, "Ephesians: God's Encouraging Word for You" (Eph.6:18-24)

bystander who was watching it. So, this baptism may well have been as much for Jesus’ sake as it was for those who witnessed it.

Mark says it was Jesus who saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending upon him like a dove as he was coming out of the water. It was Jesus who heard the voice saying to him, “You are my Son, the beloved, in whom I am well pleased.”

This was Jesus’ confirmation of his ministry, of his calling, of his very special identity, as he is infused with the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus now knows his time has come.

What does that mean, to see the heavens torn apart? Ancient peoples believed that the realm of God was in the heavens, and it was clearly a separate realm from the earthly one in which people lived. The heavens being torn apart by the Holy Spirit of God, means the in-breaking of God into humanity’s realm - the Spirit of God coming into the human sphere and to fill, to infuse the man, Jesus.

The Spirit of God that moved over the waters at the creation descended upon Jesus. “The descent of the Spirit signals that God is now remaking the broken, sin-filled creation.” Clearly Mark is telling his readers that, without a doubt, this man Jesus was filled with the Spirit of the Divine God. Jesus was a human being, and yet a divine being, all in the same person, the same body, the same man. The only other time in his gospel that Mark uses the words “torn apart” is at Jesus’ crucifixion, describing the tearing apart of the curtain that separated the very inner sanctum of

the temple, where the Jews believed God resided. The curtain was torn in two from top to bottom, as though through the act of Jesus’ crucifixion, God has released Godself from the place of humanity.

After his baptism, Jesus is escorted by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness, for 40 days. There’s that number 40 again, a symbolic number signifying a time of change pending, often a time of trial or testing, something new was in process, waiting to come to be. Like the 40 days of rain in the flood story we heard in our Old Testament reading, or Elijah’s 40 days in the wilderness. Forty days in the wilderness. That’s why Lent is 40 days long.

Lent provides a time to develop a closer relationship with God. It’s a given period of time to reflect on those aspects of our own lives that are maybe not so godly, the things in our lives that draw us away from God. So, Lent can be a time for our own spiritual strengthening. And how can we do that?

It starts with being intentional about it. It requires discipline to make a change to how we do things.

So, Lent is a time of opportunity, to be intentional about taking time time for God. Maybe that Lenten calendar will be helpful.

Set aside time to read your bible, a good study bible is instructive, because it comes with explanations helping to make more sense of confusing passages. Take time for prayer - even 10 minutes a day is a good way to start. Some people like to pray while walking, some people are better sitting quietly after lighting a candle. Others find

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him, God was there with him in his time of trial. God does not abandon Jesus, God’s spirit-infused Son to his own considerable devices. And Jesus accepted the ministrations of the angels.

In his time of testing and challenge, God was with Jesus. And we know Jesus often withdrew to a time of prayer in his three years of ministry. Even Jesus needed God! God didn’t expect Jesus to go it alone, nor does God expect us to go it alone. God so loves the creatures of God’s creation that God came to earth in the man Jesus to teach, to heal, to show God’s people the way of God’s Kingdom. We are not abandoned in our own times of trial, of testing, or challenge. God is with us, strengthening us, ministering to us, and God uses all kinds of means, ways and people to do just that. We are God’s beloved ones!

You too are God’s beloved daughter or son!

The crux of Mark’s gospel is actually pretty simple. Jesus reiterates the message that John was Continued on page 18

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praying with a daily prayer book, or a daily prayer guide helpful.

There are many meditation apps and books available if you’ve been looking for a reason to start a meditation practice. These 40 days of Lent are an opportunity to strengthen our relationship with God; with Christ. And like every relationship, if you want it to be a close relationship, it benefits from quality time spent with the other!

So, Mark doesn’t elaborate on what trials Jesus encounters in his 40 days, but tells us that it was the Spirit that sent him there, the same Spirit that filled him with the power of God. Forty days... a long and difficult time of testing by Satan, so we know that this was a time of preparation for his ministry, spiritual tests to overcome and strengthen Jesus’ own spirit, which Jesus willingly undergoes.

There were genuine physical risks involved as well, as the mention of wild beasts tells us. Yes, he was the Son of God, but also lived in a physical body, so the risk was real.

Mark tells us angels waited on

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PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2024.

Letters TO THE

Editor Seili laments council treatment over roof repairs THE EDITOR, To Huron East Mayor Bernie MacLellan, Council and staff, I will start off by thanking you, some of the councillor members, and some of the members of the senior management team, for the total disrespect of the volunteers, donors and ratepayers of Brussels, Morris, Turnberry and Grey.

With the passing of the upcoming budget, even in the middle of last year, they were asking for more donations from our service clubs.

The Brussels Trust has donated to

our library, and now $100,000 to the arena project over the last five years. To not ask the Seaforth Trust or the residents of Seaforth and further south shows total disrespect towards our communities.

Our roof has leaked for more than 10 years and will be repaired thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers that took on the task to improve our community centre. The Seaforth arena got a grant for arena updates and fundraised years ago. And a thanks to the Vanastra Lions for their efforts to that centre when the councils of the past failed them.

Council, in its wisdom, cancelled all the area committees because they can do a better job. The “Dear John” letters went out before council adopted the resolution.

They had all the information in the past, but failed to read the committee minutes or ignored them.

These are my own thoughts.

Joe Seili

Repent at Lent Game at a glance Last Saturday, the Wingham Ironmen and Kincardine Bulldogs clashed in the second game of their best-of-seven series. Kincardine would go on to win that night, which turned into a rough affair with a number of game misconduct penalties handed out. The Ironmen would bounce back on Sunday to win game three, but remained down in the series two games to one. The two played again on Wednesday night, although a score was unavailable at press time, ahead of meeting for the fifth game of the series in Kincardine tonight, March 8. (John Stephenson photo)

Continued from page 17 preaching: “The time has come ...

The kingdom of God has come near.

Repent and believe the good news!”

(Mk 1.15 NLT) The kingdom of God most certainly was near. It was literally right in front of them, and in the person of Jesus no less! And while the person of Jesus is not with us, the Spirit of Christ is always present to us.

Lent is a time for us to remember that we too need to repent and

believe the Good News! So, turn your lives around, ask for forgiveness of those things that are less than godly in your lives, those things that create rifts in our relationship with our Creator that’s what repent means. And look to the life of Jesus, God incarnate, to show us how to live God’s way; a way of unending love, of healing, of understanding and compassion, by believing in the Good News of Jesus the Christ and God’s saving grace. Amen.

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2024. PAGE 19.

Musicians gather ahead of tribunal hearing

The band plays on The Saturday Night Jam Session at Bluewater Village Resort has long been a cherished social event for residents. However, recent disputes with the landlord have strained the atmosphere. With an impending tribunal hearing, the latest session served as a powerful show of solidarity, attracting support from both within and beyond the community. (Scott Stephenson photos)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

For many of the residents of Bluewater Village Resort, the Saturday Night Jam Session, a.k.a.

“The Jam”, has long been the social event of the week. For many years, seasonal residents looked forward to arriving in Goderich, opening their trailers, RVs and mobile homes for the season, and heading down to the open-air pavilion to check out the well-known, freewheeling bluegrass performance put on by the park’s coterie of talented musicians.

Anybody interested in joining in was always encouraged to do so, no matter their skill level. Over the years, the Bluewater Village “Jam” grew from a few retirees noodling around on the edge of Lake Huron to the living heart of the community itself. Not only did musicians from outside the park start showing up on Saturday nights, more than a few residents and visitors to “The Jam” have come just to listen and ended up uncovering some hidden musical talent that then blooms into a lifelong passion.

In the winter months, when the tourist season had come to an end, “The Jam” always carried on, albeit in a scaled-down fashion, in the park’s clubhouse. It was mostly just the permanent residents, doing their thing on Saturday nights. And for a long time, that was how the years went. Bluewater Village was a place with a “vibe” - a haven for the

elderly and low-income tenants lucky enough to call the beautiful park on the edge of Lake Huron home.

However, in recent months, the year-round tenants have been coming together for another reason - to prepare for a tribunal date with the Landlord Tenant Board (LTB) to address a park-wide dispute with their landlord, 79681 Bluewater Investments, Inc. Rather than lodge a series of individual complaints with the LTB against their landlord, over 20 tenants have elected to band together as the Bluewater Village Resort Tenants Association with the plan of presenting their case to the LTB collectively. They have a long list of allegations against their landlord, including intentional neglect of the park and fiduciary misconduct.

The tenants are claiming that everything started changing for them a few years ago, when they were informed that the park had been sold to Forge & Foster, a real estate investment firm out of Hamilton. Initially excited about promised improvements to their community, the tenants soon became concerned about what they say was a marked decrease in park maintenance. They also allege that the change has interfered with their right to sell their own homes, their utility bills have been erratic, and they’ve been pressured to convert their land leases from year-round to 11.5 months.

A sense of tension replaced the

once idyllic atmosphere of their waterfront community. But not on Saturday nights. “The Jam” became the place where that tension was released.

Then, one day, their clubhouse was torn down. There was talk at first of building a new clubhouse, but weeks turned to months, and the lot where the clubhouse once stood remains vacant. Rather than give up their cold weather musical collaborations, the tenants scaled back the number of people at each gathering, and began holding a “Moveable Jam”, rotating the location from one of their mobile homes to the next each week. As long as unofficial “Jam” leader Betty Fonville Blasdell didn’t end up under the ceiling fan with her stand-up bass, there was more than enough room to make a little bit of music together.

Last year, all the seasonal tenants received eviction notices, and the Bluewater Village Jam lost its beloved summertime audience. But they still play together at the pavilion when it’s nice out. Their numbers are low, and their sessions are shorter, but “The Jam” has jammed on.

After years of anticipating a chance to speak their piece, the Bluewater Village Tenants Association LTB tribunal date fast approaches - it will be happening virtually next week. So it’s no surprise that “The Jam” that went down this past Saturday was an absolute banger of a session.

Blasdell received so many RSVP’s, in fact, that there was nowhere in the park capable of holding the sheer number of jammers intending to come - it had to be relocated to a more suitable venue at the last minute. Banjo players came from Brussels, a friend from near Wiarton came out to play the spoons, Blasdell played her bass, and about 20 other musicians came out to show their support with ukuleles, guitars, shakers and Kajon drums. Some of the few remaining seasonal residents made a special trip out to Goderich to add their own signatures to the sound of protest songs like “Help Me Make it Through the Night” and “All Along the Watchtower” and wish the tenants good luck. Whatever the

result of next week’s tribunal hearing, it was one hell of a memorable “Jam”.

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PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2024.

Country music prodigy Memphis is ready for the stage

Old country for young man In between radio interviews and rounds of Fortnite, Memphis regularly belts out classic country music hits at esteemed venues across Ontario.

(Scott Stephenson photo)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen Not a lot of 10-year-olds already have a stage persona, but Memphis isn’t just any 10-year-old - he’s Huron County’s youngest singing cowboy.

The classic country gentleman first gained widespread recognition at last year’s Barn Dance Jamboree in Blyth, when he was still only nine years old. At the afternoon open mic, he impressed the Barn

Dance Band so much with his song stylings that he was invited back to perform with them that night for the big show, where he became an instant favourite with the crowd.

Memphis was kind enough to sit down with The Citizen ahead of his upcoming matinee performance at the Wingham Columbus Centre, which will be happening on March 10. The show’s theme is “Nashville Opry” and will also feature classic country music from Sue Weber, Randy Satchell and Richard Marier.

U13, U15 Crusaders head to Goderich for Young Canada Week Continued from page 9 playoff wins and four losses, most recently beating the Bruce Peninsula Predators in Blyth on March 4 by a score of 3-1. The team then played the Mid-Huron Huskies in Seaforth on March 4, although a score for that game was unavailable at press time.

After four straight playoff losses, the U11 LL Crusaders won their first playoff game on March 3, beating the South Bruce Blades in Blyth by a score of 3-0.

The team will now take on the Mitchell Meteors in Brussels on March 8, the South Bruce Blades on the road on March 9 and the Mitchell Meteors again on March 13 in Mitchell.

This weekend, the U11 Rep team will take part in the Elmvale Maple Syrup Tournament, opening on Friday, March 8 with games against the Penetang Flames and the Lucan Irish.

The U13 LL team will be in Goderich for the annual Young Canada Week tournament, first playing the Walkerton Capitals on Friday. On Saturday, the U13 LL Crusaders will then continue tournament play with a game against the Wingham Ironmen, while the U11 Rep team will play the Wasaga Beach Stars.

In regular season action on

Friday, the U7 Black team will welcome Central Perth to Brussels and then, on Saturday, the U9 MD team will head to Arthur to play the Vipers, the U9 LL team will host the Huron-Bruce Blizzard in Brussels and the U8 Black team will be in Lucknow to play the Huron-Bruce Blizzard.

On Monday, the U15 Rep Crusaders will take their turn in Goderich for Young Canada Week, first taking on Central Perth on March 11, followed by games with the Saugeen Valley Steelheads and the Tavistock Royals on March 12.

On March 13, the U9 LL team will play the Listowel Cyclones on the road.

Looking back, on March 3, the U9 MD team beat the Drayton Defenders on the road by a score of 7-0. On March 2, the U7 Black and White teams played two Wingham Ironmen teams on the road, while the U7 Burgundy team hosted Central Perth in Blyth, the U8 Burgundy team welcomed HuronBruce to Brussels and the U8 Black team travelled to Wingham to play the Ironmen, but scores were not kept for those games. The U9 MD team lost to the Wallace Sabres by a score of 5-4 in Blyth and the U9 LL team played Huron-Bruce in Ripley, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time.

Since his big debut, Memphis has been singing everywhere from Kincardine to Lucan. He’s also appeared on the stage of some of the area’s most venerable of rural venues, from Wingham’s Town Hall Theatre to the Purple Hills Country Hall in Thorndale. Being called up on stage by George Taylor to sing at Purple Hills has been a career highlight so far. “It was so cool performing there,” he recalled.

He’s also opened for Canadian music legends like George Fox and Jamie Warren, and will soon be performing in Wingham with Georgette Jones. Jones’ show in Wingham is the only Canadian stop on the singing scion’s current tour, which is perhaps a nod to the town’s important position in the history of country music.

Beyond his singing abilities, one of the remarkable things about seeing Memphis perform is how at ease he is on stage. “I’m just happy and glad to be up there talking to all those people,” he explained. “I have a little shake in my spine before I start singing, but then I’m just excited!” Everywhere he goes,

crowds really react to the tiny titan in the black cowboy hat. He’s even made an impression on urban audiences, having recently brought his talents to the Richmond Tavern in London, Ontario.

While most of his classmates may not have the same appreciation for Buck Owens and David Ball as Memphis has, he just hears some special kind of magic in that oldtime music. He’s seen firsthand the way it still brings so much joy to fans. “Country music just gets you going. It makes you happy, and it makes a grandma go from sad to happy. That’s what makes it so special.” While he’s known for singing some pretty deep cuts, Memphis has also been known to sing an Elvis song on occasion.

Even though his musical career and school keeps his schedule pretty full, he still finds time to relax with a little Fortnite or some football.

Memphis also plays the harmonica, which came as a delightful surprise to his proud parents, Natasha and Richard. Both musicians themselves, it makes sense to them that their youngest

son would be of a musical mind, but neither of them plays harmonica.

He just taught himself one day a few years ago. “He’s gone through three cases of harmonicas already,” Natasha pointed out. Both his parents are tremendously proud of their son’s talents and work ethic. “I love seeing this powerful little guy who just has his own identity,” remarked Richard.

When he’s not on stage, he keeps developing his vocal skills by attending jams all over Huron County, including the Bluewater Village Jam in Goderich, which is frequented by members of his newly-formed back-up band, Shelby County. He has also been singing some songs for local radio stations. “I like the exposure of singing for radio stations. I just want to get out, and have more people see who I am.”

So, if you’re an old-time music fan or just classic country curious, check out Memphis at the Nashville Opry show at the Wingham Columbus Centre on Sunday, March 10. Reserve tickets by calling Sue at 519-357-1270.

Winter Reads for the whole family

FIRST OVERTIME With so many hockey stories to tell and share, Dave Scott is back with a sequel to his Huron County Hockey Heroes’ book. $30.00

THE CURRENT BETWEEN The Current Between is a terrifying fictional account of those caught in the Great Storm of 1913, the most devastating marine disaster in the history of the Great Lakes. $20.00

BROKEN CHAIN Brody Rivers faces many obstacles. Being part Native in a bigoted town; there’s been family violence. As a series of events torment him Brody struggles with everything.

When a January blizzard comes out of nowhere, so does the spirit of a woman who triggers a vague memory. The confrontation that erupts between the main characters is as intense as the winter storm that crippled Huron County in 1971. $25.00

ADMIRAL HENRY WOLSEY BAYFIELD David Yates brings to life the powerful personality and extraordinary career of Henry Bayfield, taking us on travels through the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River and Atlantic coast in small boats on rough waters. This is a story that deserves to be remembered. $20.00

SOMETHING I’VE BEEN MEANING TO TELL YOU Nobel prize winner Alice Munro shares the mysteries, dangers, joys and bewilderment in the lives of ordinary girls and women in this collection of thirteen rich stories. $20.00

ONTARIO’S GHOST TOWN HERITAGE Ron Brown, chronicler of Ontario’s history, tells the tales of ghost towns across the province including western Ontario communities like Sunshine, St. Joseph, Rogerville, Newbridge and Balaclava. $24.95

PLAIN JANE Jane Ovington shares stories of her childhood 101 Things For Kids To Do Outside while exploring Let them go outside and play! 101 Things For OF BANDS AND BUDDIES: rural living in a Kids To Do Outside is ideal for parents, The Adventures of our 1960s simpler time. teachers, and all those working with youth. Rock 'n' Roll Bands Whether seen This book is ideal for the children who like This book depicts stories from rock 'n' through a local gaming, TV and movies. Even kids who roll bands of the 1960s that originated history lens, or as believe "there's nothing to do outside" can from Goderich, Ontario. Read about a lookback at the learn and be encouraged to experience the the adventures the Concords, the Ovington family, these recollections joy of outdoor play. Perfect for rainy days, Mojos and the Del-Reys. $15.00 are informative, entertaining, and sunshiny days, even snowy days. $19.95 offer something for everyone. $29.95

The Citizen

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