The Citizen - May 12, 2022

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• Editorials • Agriculture • Home & Garden • Obituaries

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Thursday, May 12, 2022

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Volume 38 No. 19

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Council approves wake park

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

Finishing touches Hullett Central Public School (and all the schools throughout the Avon Maitland District School Board) finished up its Mental Health Week activities on Friday after a week of daily lessons, exercises and special events. At the Londesborough school, after a llama

encounter earlier in the week, students concluded the important week with some rock painting. Above, Jane Spaleta, left, and Kinsley James exercise their artistic vision on some of the best rocks the Hullett Central school yard had to offer. (Denny Scott photo)

After a few months of discussion, Bluestone Wake Park in Central Huron has been given the green light to open this summer.

Central Huron Council made the decision at its strategic planning meeting, held Monday night in Clinton. Council deferred the issue at its May 2 meeting, asking for a report from municipal staff to be presented at the Monday night meeting, in the hopes of allowing the park to begin planning for the summer ahead, considering the seasonal nature of the business.

Council’s decision flew in the face of the recommendation of planner Nathan Garland of the Huron County Planning and Development Department. Garland had recommended deferral on May 2 and then returned on Monday night with a recommendation of denial.

The temporary bylaw amendment would be in place for a requested three years and would allow the wake park to operate adjacent to Teeswater Aggregates. The two properties would also share a body of water.

“The county is recommending the application be denied as the information (studies and mitigation) to support the use in the location shown has not been Continued on page 8

Alice Munro Festival to mark 20th anniversary Since the beginning of time, people have been communicating by telling stories. Even before humans learned to read and write, stories were passed through generations to embed family values and to celebrate cultures. Inspired by one of the greatest storytellers of our time, Nobel Laureate for Literature and Wingham native, Alice Munro, a festival was created with a mandate to nurture emerging writers and celebrate the short story.

The Alice Munro Festival of the Short Story (AMFSS) is now in its 20th year. It will take place on the weekend of June 3-5 this year as a three-day literary festival offering workshops and onstage presentations as well as the annual short story competition for emerging writers in both an adult and youth category. And, in order to bring writers and children of all ages together through storytelling, the Alice Munro Festival of the Short Story was expanded to

include programming for kids – specifically students in the Avon Maitland District School Board.

The Kids Festival is a fundamental part of achieving its goal to nurture the next generation of great Canadian authors and is presented in partnership with the Foundation for Enriching Education.

This year’s authors include: • Alexander MacLeod, a Giller Prize finalist, with Animal Person, a magnificent collection about the needs, temptations and tensions that

exist just beneath the surface of our lives.

• Nita Prose brings mystery and a heartwarming journey of the spirit, as her new release The Maid explores what it means to be the same as everyone else and yet entirely different.

• Martha Schabas has penned a piercing, poignant novel about truth in art and identity in My Face in the Light.

•Danielle Daniel imagines the lives of women in the Algonquin

territories of the 1600s in a story inspired by her family’s ancestral link to a young girl who was murdered by French settlers, in Daughters of the Deer.

• Looking for Jane by Heather Marshalls tells the story of three women whose lives are connected by a long-lost letter, secrets, loss and the fight for women’s right to choose.

• Buffalo is the new Buffalo by Chelsea Vowel tells powerful Continued on page 31

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022.

Mitchell claims District 8 Ambassador crown feed a growing population, all while retaining public trust. And if that weren’t already enough, farmers have to accomplish this with less land, using modern farming techniques, while combating herbicide resistance — and still somehow try to make a profit!

Though daunting at times, the challenges facing food production can actually be viewed as an opportunity, but only if we have a motivated workforce equipped with the skills and ability to confront it head-on. To attract and retain people from all backgrounds, we must overcome outdated conceptions of farming. It is incumbent upon all of us, as ambassadors, to share that the agrifood industry is innovative,

adaptable, highly skilled, datadriven and diverse. To transcend the rural-urban divide, we must extend the pride we feel as producers to include all who work in the agri-food industry. And we shouldn’t be shy about sharing that jobs in agri-food are well paid and that there are three jobs waiting for every ag. graduate in Canada!

My role as an ambassador is to share the opportunities in agriculture, and by doing so, we can help others choose a path into agriculture. Promoting ag. as a progressive industry with excellent employment opportunities will bolster the talent pool by attracting and retaining the skills and talent we need to feed the world. I challenge you all to do the same!

Thank you.

& Claiming the title Brussels Fall Fair Ambassador Sean Mitchell, who was crowned back in 2019 and has served in the capacity ever since due to fair cancellations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, won the title of District 8 Ambassador over the weekend. This is the first step towards Mitchell potentially claiming the Ontario Ambassador title later this year.

Mitchell, second from left, came out on top at the competition, held in Mitchell over the weekend, thanks in part to his speech championing agriculture. From left: Crystal McCallum, Mitchell, Maggie Speer and Dorothy Cummings, all of the Brussels Agricultural Society. (Courtesy photo)

By Denny Scott The Citizen After three years, Walton-area native Sean Mitchell has taken the next step towards the Ontario Association of Agricultural Society (OAAS) Ambassador position by winning the District 8 Ambassador Competition.

Held over the weekend in Mitchell, the event saw Mitchell take part in a number of activities, leading to him being crowned the representative for the area.

Mitchell, who has been the ambassador for the Brussels Agricultural Society for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, said he has been looking forward to the competition and the prospect of winning for some time.

“The competition is one of those things, considering the impact of the pandemic, that’s been a long time coming and I’ve been looking forward to it for a long time,” he said in an interview with The Citizen on Monday. “It was really nice just to be able to compete, and more so to be successful.”

Mitchell explained that the competition, which was held on Saturday, followed a workshop two weeks ago which helped him and his fellow contestants to prepare for the event.

When the competition itself rolled around, Mitchell said there were a number of components to it, including an “elevator pitch”, an interview with the judges and his speech, which is printed at the end of this article.

“They have really structured the whole program towards being a professional development asset, which is not new, but does make the whole ambassador program really relevant for competitors,” he said.

“In the past few years, it has shifted towards a very practical opportunity to develop professional

skills and leadership, which is very applicable for someone in my position beyond the [Brussels] Agricultural Society.”

Mitchell, who is a University of Guelph graduate, is involved in his family’s farm and also works as a parliamentary and policy assistant at the House of Commons, making the skills he worked on through the ambassador program good for all aspects of his life.

His speech is a call to action, he said, encouraging more people to be part of the agricultural community.

He said that organizations like agricultural societies need to share their stories and talk about the opportunities in agriculture, as well as the pride these societies and agricultural communities have in their producers.

“That way we can help include more people in the industry and address not just the labour shortage, but the skill shortage as well,” he said.

The interview portion of the competition let him show who he is not just as a person, but as an ambassador, and also delved into how much support his local agricultural society has offered him.

His feedback was that both the Brussels Agricultural Society and the ambassador committee have been nothing short of excellent in their support of his efforts.

While the OAAS ambassador competition happens later this summer, the Brussels Agricultural Society will, in the coming months, be selecting its first new ambassador in three years. Mitchell said his best advice for those looking to follow in his footsteps would be to focus on their own strengths and how they can be utilized as an ambassador. He said there is no one-size-fits-all approach to the title so his efforts, which focused on agriculture and how local community intersects

with agricultural efforts, may not work for someone with a different background.

“That’s what it comes down to: being able to focus on being who you are, being authentic and showing how that can help you succeed as an ambassador,” he said.

Watch The Citizen for more information on the upcoming ambassador competition.

MITCHELL’S SPEECH How did you get here today? I don’t mean to ask whether you drove a pickup truck, or rode a horse. I mean: what path did you take to find yourself involved in agriculture and at an agricultural society event? Were you born into it or was it a choice? In my case, it happens to be both. I farm with my family and in my professional life, I make good use of my farming background and my degree from the University of Guelph.

Judges, agricultural society members, family, friends, and contestants: We need more people who choose to become a part of our agricultural community, especially when you consider that the number of farmers under the age of 35 in Canada has declined by over 70 per cent since 1991. We can’t be a “closed shop” or we are putting the future of food production at risk. We need to be enticing more than the country kids to bring their talents and experience to the agri-food industry. No matter how we got here, we must address the dramatic rural-urban divide with accurate information that will include urbanites in learning about and valuing food production from farm to fork.

As stated in Canada’s next agriculture policy framework, also known as “The Guelph Statement”, producers and the entire agri-food supply chain must rise to the climate change challenge, increase international competitiveness, and

CALL FOR VENDORS FOR OUTDOOR MARKET The Blyth Repository of History is hosting the annual Blyth Used Book Sale and is looking to partner with vendors selling antiques, collectibles and vintage items.

SPACES ARE JUST $50 (you must supply your own tent and table)

BLYTH LION’S PARK - JUNE 3, 4 & 5 Friday Set up noon to 3:30 Show opens at 4 pm - 7 pm Saturday 9 am - 6 pm Sunday 11 am - 3 pm For vendor application or more info contact deb@northhuron.on.ca

The Citizen offices will be closed on

MONDAY, MAY 23 for Victoria Day The deadline for the May 26 paper will be Friday, May 20 by 2:00 pm Drop in, call or email ads 519-523-4792 email: info@northhuron.on.ca 405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792

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

Splash pad truly a community project: Wood businesses to raise money for the project, while those at Total Image II have been recognizing donors with water droplet stickers on the salon’s windows and also matching donations.

The Seaforth Centenaires donated $1,500 from their Easter egg hunt and breakfast towards the project, while Larry Dolmage donated $1,000 from his annual Big Buck Show, which was held in Brussels earlier this year.

Wood also said a number of other businesses have donated both money and services to help the project. With a final fundraising goal of $350,000, Wood said the group is well on its way, with progress being tracked via a

thermometer stationed on the town’s main street.

As for the progress of the project, the group has been working with Huron East Council to make it a reality, making several presentations in recent months and gaining the support of both council and the Huron East/Seaforth Community Trust. A recent site visit set the wheels in motion with the goal of having the splash pad ready for this summer.

Wood said the group is still looking for donations towards the project. Those willing to donate can do so via e-transfer to c4thlionsparkandpool@gmail.com or by cash or cheque by contacting Wood at 519-606-2189.

Running here and there like ants on an anthill!

(J. C. Ryle) Oh, that men and women would learn to live with the awareness that one day they are going to die! Truly, it is waste of time to set our hearts on a dying world and its short-lived comforts and pleasures; and for the sake of momentary pleasures — to lose a glorious eternity in Heaven! Here we are striving, labouring, exhausting ourselves about little things, and running here and there like ants on an anthill!

And yet after a few years, we will all be gone — and another generation will take our place. Let us live for eternity! Let us seek His Kingdom and His Righteousness that can never be taken from us!

Cooler days

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things! When Christ, who is your life, appears — then you also will appear with Him in glory!” Colossians 3:1-4

The goal for Dean Wood and others who are behind the Seaforth splash pad project is to have the new site open in time for the summer, which likely felt a long way off during a site visit earlier this year, above, when there was still snow on the ground. While Wood at Envira-North and Luke Janmaat at Progressive Turf have led the way in bringing a splash pad to the town, Wood says the project has truly invigorated just about everyone in the community. (Courtesy photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Work to create a splash pad in Seaforth is moving ahead, with the goal of having it installed and open by the end of June, thanks to tremendous co-operation between the community’s residents, service clubs and business community.

Dean Wood of Envira-North Systems Limited is spearheading the project, which began to take shape in the later summer months of 2021. Wood said his company wanted to take the lead on a large project in the community, similar to when it aided a daycare in the town, though that was before Wood’s time with the company.

Wood said he approached Luke Janmaat of Progressive Turf in Seaforth about the idea and he was immediately supportive. EnviraNorth and Progressive Turf aimed to take the lead on creating a splash pad and contributed $30,000 and $25,000 respectively to the project right off the bat to show their commitment to the $350,000 endeavour.

A splash pad just made sense for the community, Wood said, looking at the existing infrastructure and in speaking with residents. Wood, who is himself a parent, said he has often had to drive to other communities for the use of a splash pad with his children, so he personally felt it was a good fit for Seaforth, in addition to what he was hearing from the residents.

Because of the infrastructure in place at the Seaforth Lions Park, the pair approached the club for a partnership on the project and soon enough they were all working together.

Wood said that Envira-North has a strong history of giving back to its communities and this is no different. He said the company has donated in smaller chunks over the years, whether it be to the Huron County Christmas Bureau, local

food banks or others, but this was a larger project that he felt would bring the community together.

So, when Envira-North and Progressive Turf donated large sums of money to kick off the campaign, Wood said he and Janmaat were hoping to bring the rest of the Seaforth business community along, in addition to showing the amount of commitment involved for such a high-cost project.

Wood and Janmaat began making calls and most businesses in town have jumped aboard, contributing money and/or services and encouraging residents and employees to do the same, often creating matching donation campaigns or other creative forms of fundraising to infuse money into the project.

Jenny Richie of Jenny Richie Artistry, for example, started a regular Facebook auction with several of Seaforth’s main street

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

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PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022.

Editorials & Opinions

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

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Only the beginning?

After Politico published a leaked U.S. Supreme Court draft opinion that seems to indicate that Roe v. Wade is set to be overturned, it is difficult not to draw references to The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, which cautions society about the consequences of an unrestrained patriarchy. The book and subsequent television mini-series are about a strong and totalitarian society where women are treated as property of the state with little control over their own bodies.

After 50 years of the Supreme Court decision protecting women’s right to choose to have an abortion without excessive government restriction, at least 13 states already have trigger laws that will come into effect in as little as 10 days after Roe v. Wade is overturned. The laws will severely punish anyone providing an abortion. In some cases, even seeking information about terminating a pregnancy will result in harsh jail sentences and monetary fines.

On top of this, some conservative Republican states are refusing to give guarantees that some forms of birth control, such as IUDs and Plan B, won’t come into question if Roe v Wade is ultimately overturned by the Supreme Court.

One can only imagine that abortion is the gateway right, making other rights such as gay rights, equal rights and civil rights that much easier to erode under the watch of this Supreme Court. – DS

A Canadian throwback Last week, an interaction between Toronto Blue Jays fan Mike Lanzillotta and young New York Yankees fan Derek Rodriguez at the Rogers Centre made its way around the world and back again as an example of the kindness for which Canadians have long been known.

When Yankees’ slugger Aaron Judge put one in the left field seats in a game between the two teams, the ball ended up in Lanzillotta’s hands.

He immediately turned around to see the young Rodriguez, wearing a Judge shirt, and handed the young fan the ball. The boy immediately burst into tears of joy and instinctively hugged Lanzillotta in thanks.

The touching moment earned both fans a visit with Judge the following night in the Yankees’ dugout. It also spawned many articles refuting manager Jimmy Dugan’s famous line in A League of Their Own proclaiming that “there’s no crying in baseball.” And what didn’t get past the first or second sentence in most of those articles was that the hero of the story is Canadian. In most cases, your chances of ever catching a home run ball are akin to winning the lottery and in this case, Lanzillotta used the opportunity to make a child’s day and perhaps provide a memory that will no doubt last a lifetime.

Depending on which side of a number of recent debates you’re on, the reputation of Canadians around the world has shifted a bit from the cuddly, aw-shucks, overly-apologetic Canadian to something a little more sinister, calculating and rough around the edges. It was nice then to see Lanzillotta’s actions beamed out to the world and upheld as an example of the foundational values on which this country is built.

With politics, the pandemic and the politics of the pandemic tearing us apart at home, it’s nice that a simple act of Canadian kindness, at least for one day, was this country’s gift to the news cycle. – SL

Walking the tight rope London City Council made the decision, earlier this month, to partially censor any graphic flyers not distributed through Canada Post as a means of protecting people from offensive material.

The move came two years after complaints started in 2020 when the Alberta-based Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform circulated a flyer featuring graphic images of human fetuses. The decision came after a recommendation from the city’s community and protective services committee that worked on the bylaw for the past year, looking to avoid an outright ban that could result in the city facing legal challenges.

London City Council, with a 13-1 vote, decided to try and walk a tight line between censorship and protecting citizens from graphic material by saying that questionable flyers must be in an envelope or package with a warning about the material within. Violating the bylaw comes with a penalty of a $350 fine. Mail delivered by Canada Post, or delivered by request, doesn’t fall under the ruling. In making the decision, council demonstrated an understanding of both the need for freedom of speech and the need to protect residents, especially children, from the kind of graphic material that led to the discussion in the first place.

While some may say this marks the start of a slippery slope into widespread censorship, the fact of the matter is that material that is made shocking for that effect alone is typically controlled in other media (with movies, video games and television shows having ratings, for example) and it just makes sense to have similar controls placed on flyers.

Other municipalities should consider similar legislation as a means of keeping graphic material in the hands of those who welcome it, instead of in front of everyone unfortunate enough to receive a flyer. – JDS

Looking Back Through the Years May 13, 1965 The Brussels Lions Club installed its executive for the coming year, electing Hank TenPas as president, George Mutter as first vicepresident, Leonard Machan as the second vice-president and Calvin Smith as the third vice-president.

James Armstrong Jr. would serve as the secretary, while Cecil Parker would be the treasurer.

The Brussels-Exeter 4-H Tractor Club held its first meeting in Clinton and elected its officers for the year. Graeme Craig took on the presidency, while Ken Oak was named the vice-president. Keith Strang was made the secretarytreasurer and Don Storey would serve as the press reporter.

The rail station in Brussels was forcibly entered for the second time in just a few weeks. The person responsible broke an office window to gain entry to the station, though, in the end, nothing of value was taken. The Wingham detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police was investigating.

May 14, 1975 Ratepayers living in Morris Township were facing a 12-mill tax increase as a result of the coming budget after nearly all aspects of it saw increases over the previous year’s budget.

In Hullett Township, however, council was able to hold the year’s tax rate increase to five mills. That increase was said to be mostly due to the Huron County tax rate increase of 19 mills for the year.

The Clinton Wheel’n Dealers Modern Square Dance Club held its last dance of the season at Clinton Public School. The graduating class from Londesborough joined the club for its last dance.

Organizers said that, if there was

enough interest in square dancing, the club could reconvene for another session in the fall.

May 14, 1997 Huron MPP Helen Johns said the new provincial budget had a lot of potential for those in her riding and that she hoped to aid locals in tapping into programming that could help them at the provincial level.

In what was being called a “cornerstone” event for the hospital, the Wingham and District Hospital had signed an affiliation agreement with the London Regional Cancer Centre to provide cancer treatment to residents in Huron County.

The agreement was the first of its kind since the provincial government announced that changes were on the way for cancer services in the province.

Several local dignitaries were on hand to cut a pair of ribbons at Hullett Central Public School in Londesborough. The school was celebrating the opening of its new administration offices and library.

The Falls Reserve Conservation Area implemented an alcohol ban for the upcoming Victoria Day long weekend. Geoff King, Falls Reserve Superintendent, said the ban was meant to promote a familyfriendly atmosphere at the area for the long weekend. It was the eighth year the ban had been in effect at the conservation area.

May 10, 2012 A date had been set for a meeting to discuss the creation of a new fire service in Morris-Turnberry. It would be held on May 24 in Wingham.

Residents would be able to make presentations at the meeting, but were asked to register beforehand

in order to do so.

An open house at Brussels Public School was scheduled for June 16.

All students, teachers and staff, both past and present, were welcome, as the school was set to shut down at the end of the school year.

The Citizen was moving offices, uprooting from its Blyth location at 404 Queen Street across the street to 413 Queen Street, opening to the public at the new address on Monday, May 14.

Blyth native Anthony Peters was the recipient of three prestigious awards in his rookie year playing hockey for the St. Mary’s University Huskies in Halifax. Not only was Peters named to the team’s all-star squad (composed entirely of rookies that year), but he was named Male Rookie of the Year at his school and named to the Canadian Interuniversity Sport first team, which included athletes from across the country.

After months of debate, the Blyth Business Improvement Area board decided to order 43 hanging banners to be displayed on lamp posts throughout the village.

Huron County Warden Bernie MacLellan relayed information to Huron County Council about a recent meeting he’d had with Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson.

At the meeting, he said, he expressed the importance of the government looking at legislation through a “rural lens” before it’s passed in order to anticipate how it might affect regions like Huron and Bruce Counties.

After a slight delay, Huron East Council approved the purchase of a new tanker truck for the Grey Fire Department at a total cost of up to $206,000.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022. PAGE 5.

Other Views

We’re putting nature in peril

T

he other morning, as I did my exercises (the price of living to old age), I was entertained by a rabbit hunting food under some nearby cedar trees on our country property and some blue jays seeking material to build their nest.

Later, a turkey vulture took a break from scanning the ground for something to eat by landing on the old farm silo just off our property and a red squirrel stole feed I had intended for birds when I put it out. Such are the pleasures of living in a rural area.

It’s becoming an increasingly rare experience. Our federal government is welcoming 400,000 new residents to Canada every year, most of whom settle in a relatively small number of large cities – many in Ontario. Our provincial government recently announced a number of new super-highways north of Toronto to let the city expand.

This was cheered by one Globe and Mail columnist who thought the more city people the better.

Meanwhile, one of the farm newspapers delivered to my mailbox stated that between 2000 and 2017, more than 72,000 acres of Ontario’s prime agricultural land had been lost for urban development, 83.5 per cent of it in Central Ontario, 12.1 per cent in Southwestern Ontario. So we keep expecting more people to move into Ontario, but eat just as well from the equivalent of 600 fewer of the original 100acre farms – and that’s just what we lost in 17 years!

That Globe and Mail columnist I mentioned didn’t see any problem with this. We are producing more on each of the remaining farm acres in the province, so why shouldn’t we be able to feed more people on fewer acres?

At the same time, climate scientists tell us

Keith Roulston From the cluttered desk that farming must use less energy. One of the biggest changes since I was young is the increased use of artificial fertilizers to boost crop yields. Fewer farmers also cover more land using larger, fuel-guzzling equipment.

We’re going to need to grow more food with less artificial fertilizer and less petroleum. Can we? At this point, we don’t know.

But our increasingly urban population becomes more cut off from nature every day.

When I was a kid, even most urbanites were only a generation away from the farm.

Today, we have fewer food producers and more people who never get closer to the earth than a little bit of soil on a root vegetable at a city farmers’ market or watching farmers at work as they zip by on a highway on the way to a cottage.

There are a limited number of cottages, of course, and most urbanites don’t enjoy winter at the cottage, so more and more people (including our local residents) are heading south to resort areas in Florida, Mexico or other warm southern spots, burning gasoline for their cars or jet fuel in their airplanes as they go. And then, of course, there are those who choose the cruise ships. Recently my wife told me about a cruise ship that will be stopping on Canada’s east coast this summer, carrying the equivalent of the population of Goderich on each trip.

And all these travellers feel this vacation is

their due. After all, two years of COVID-19 have kept them suffering at home without the chance to travel!

But if we don’t meet our climate targets, if we continue to see the Arctic and Antarctic ice melt, wildfires and floods threaten life in vulnerable areas like California and British Columbia and we see islands completely disappear because of rising ocean levels, most of us won’t blame ourselves. Instead, we’ll punish the government for somehow not having solved the problem. Oh, and we’ll grouch if the cost of gasoline goes up, too.

Look, if our grandchildren are to enjoy life on this planet, we all must be willing to pay the cost – especially urbanites who seem to think that it’s up to others to change in order to solve the problem. People my age have a responsibility to people just being born – let alone the rabbits, squirrels and birds that depend on the natural world – to use less. Go back to the 1950s and hardly anyone flew in an aircraft. Today, hardly anyone in North America and Europe and, increasingly in Asia, doesn’t.

We’ve just come through a pandemic that, conservatively, killed more than a million in North America and six million worldwide. At least part of the reason is that we travel so much we quickly spread this disease – yet many see one of the biggest problems from the pandemic is that it cramped their travel.

That’s asking a lot, of course, from people who now take travel as a right. I’m showing my age again when I say I remember when people who went south for the winter stood out as unusual. Now, most of my retired relatives spend at least part of the winter down south.

My generation won’t pay the maximum price for our environmental blindness. Our grandchildren will.

‘Faith the size of a mustard seed’

L

ast week, with the exception of a few hours Tuesday morning, I was out of the office almost the entire week due to a cold (which didn’t start out as mine).

On Saturday night, my daughter Mary Jane had a swab up her nose as we tested her for COVID-19 after she developed some pretty rough cold symptoms. While that test (and all subsequent tests) came back as negative, the cold was likely the worst one she’s had in years. She was out of school Monday through Thursday, and on Friday, and even on Monday this week, the lingering cough/congestion had me telling her to keep a mask on just to make sure no one was overly concerned.

As I’ve said before in this column, I’m blessed to have a job that lets me work from home when the need arises and I had to take full advantage of that last week, not just when Mary Jane was cuddled up on the pull-out couch recuperating, but also when she did what all good kids do and shared. She shared her cold with me, which I have to say was a pretty bad one (though it didn’t sideline me for as long as it did her; I guess that year and a bit of living isolated maybe weakened her fledgling immune system more than my triedand-true one). So as she was on the bus back to school on Friday, I worked from home, fighting to keep myself upright and my eyes open.

Over the weekend I thought I was faring better, but a couple hours of seasonal work on Saturday morning sapped what little energy I had and left me near-comatose for the rest of the day. Sunday was much the same, with my energy leaving me mid-afternoon right after we finished preparing our trailer for the summer season (which left me apologetic to my wife as she ended up having to do a lot more work than she should have on Mother’s Day when I crashed).

Even on Monday, I was struggling with a

Denny Scott Denny’s Den lack of energy as the day wore on, and that was just from the creative work of writing and editing stories and photos.

The whole thing had me looking back on the past two years and being reminded of the fact that threats come in all sizes, and those sizes aren’t directly tied to how much of an impact they will have.

COVID-19, a microscopic entity, brought our world to a halt for months on end, just like this cold bug brought me to a screeching halt over the past week.

It reminded me of a few different experiences in my life when I realized that the smallest of things can change everything around them.

Maybe it was kismet that, last week, The Citizen had a photo of the clean-up of Camp Menesetung in the newspaper, courtesy of Ralph Watson. As a youngin, I attended that camp and while there are wisps of memories here and there about things happening at the camp (including sitting on the Camp Director’s stairs for a time-out or three), I have two very clear memories of the camp, both of which happened the same year, I think (or if they didn’t, they certainly should have for the purpose of my parable).

That year (and no, I don’t remember which it was) the theme of the camp was “Faith the size of a Mustard Seed” following Matthew 17:20 which partially reads, depending on your version of the Bible, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you

can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

That year, the water pump at the camp stopped working and, after spending a small fortune to repair it, the camp director was told the repair people discovered what had stopped the system from working: some kind of insect had gotten inside and stopped the whole mechanism from working. This tiny little bug, which some would likely consider insignificant, caused a mess of trouble that cost a lot of money to fix. The campfire story time that week kind of wrote itself.

We had a similar situation at the Scott house a few years back when our central air system was similarly sabotaged by an invading insect getting into an electrical component.

While all these examples are of small things causing problems, we have to remember that small actions can do the opposite and make the world a better place.

Whether it’s taking the time to explain a situation to my young daughter instead of just saying, “Because I said so,” (which I’ll admit I was tempted to do many times over the weekend as she recovered her energy while I lost mine), holding a door open or calling an old friend, the smallest of actions can make huge changes in the lives of those around us.

So whether it’s faith, kindness or even just basic human decency, remember that the smallest amount can have a huge impact on the world around you.

Final Thought All our dreams can come true — if we have the courage to pursue them.

– Walt Disney

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

Don’t look back

B

ecause I am someone with more than a passing interest in the work of the great Jane Fonda, the cover story from this month’s issue of Glamour made its way to me last week. Fonda is on the cover an amazing 60 years after she first graced that page.

In addition to being a life retrospective of one of the world’s greatest actors and activists, the article serves as a commentary on aging.

(That’s right - the countdown to turning 40 continues for those who were worried.) The headline that made the rounds, pulled from the article itself, was that upon turning 60, Fonda undertook a “life review”, saying she didn’t want to “get to the end with a lot of regrets.”

Another article from a few years back with similar keywords shows that Fonda regrets not sleeping with Marvin Gaye when he was up for it. And while the rank-and-file residents of the world like you and I might not have a sexual encounter with Gaye on our list of regrets, the idea of regret is an interesting one.

In Magnolia, Paul Thomas Anderson’s sprawling 1999 movie, a character played by Jason Robards is on his deathbed and his big speech is about regret before he passes on (made all the more gripping by the fact that Robards was terminally ill while filming).

So often, it seems like when someone has an opportunity to look back at something: a life, a career, a years-long project, an education, etc., they focus on regrets and missed opportunities rather than accomplishments and positive turns of fortune. Fonda, when she still had time (she described turning 60 as entering the third act of her life) took stock of her life and threw herself into the things she wanted to do so she wasn’t left lamenting regrets instead of celebrating achievements. (Think of the famous Wayne Gretzky quote, “you miss 100 per cent of the shots you don’t take.)

As I’ve tried to shift my perspective a bit in recent years, I’ve actively tried to focus on the positives in life; enjoying what I have instead of complaining about what I don’t, basically. It hasn’t always been easy, but I can safely say I live my life pretty free of regrets. (Marvin Gaye died before I turned two, so that one wasn’t really an option for me, I suppose.)

That’s not, of course, to say that my life has been perfect. No one’s life is. But really, regret is just like worrying (something I’ve been guilty of my whole life), in that it doesn’t change anything... under any circumstances.

Could Jess and I have gotten married earlier?

Sure. Could we have five children now instead of one? Sure. But there’s just no sense in lamenting things you can’t change.

I guess this is something that’s worth passing down to Tallulah as she learns more about life, opportunity and, yes, regret. Right now, I doubt she regrets much. She’s pretty focused on her toys, her family and her food.

But surely those days of regret will come and it’s on me and Jess to ensure that Tallulah knows that, with few exceptions, whatever she’s battling will not be the end of the world.

No doubt, we both want Tallulah to live her life without regrets, to seize every opportunity that presents itself and to look back one day and know that she did all that she could in the time that she had. We’re not all that lucky, but that is a parent’s hope for their child.

As for me, reflecting back on nearly 40 years of decisions, actions and reactions, I don’t regret much, not just because there’s no point, but because I feel like I’ve lived life the best I could with what I’ve been given.

We could all travel more, do more and be in better shape, but the trick is to focus on what you’ve done, rather than what you haven’t.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022.

Warmth is welcome A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231

Signs of spring While it had a few false starts, spring is definitely here and local photographer and member of the Maitland Valley Camera Club Liz Allan has the proof with the above shot of a snowdrop. The flowers often bloom in late winter or as soon as the snow disappears, making it a sure sign that spring has sprung. Share your photos with The Citizen by emailing them to reporter@northhuron.on.ca. (Photo courtesy of Liz Allan of the Maitland Valley Camera Club)

At the Branch

Three-way tie for top dart spot

By Jo-Ann McDonald Happy Mother’s Day to all. We

hope you had an enjoyable day with family.

It was a quieter week at the Brussels Legion Branch with the normal groups like Cadets, Pipe Band practice and Thursday night darts. There was a three-way tie for first place and after the playoff, the first-place team was Lynda Davis and Rob Anderson; second, Evelyn Hillier and Tyler Verbeek; third, Sandra Brown; high shots, Ty Sebastian, 142 and Evelyn, 123.

There was another skunk and the lucky pair was Tim Harrison and Kathy Burkholder. There were 15 darters out for the night’s play and there are two more nights to play.

The Friday night Catch the Ace draw had the winner Jeff Heinbein win $193. He chose envelope number 18 and the seven of hearts was revealed. The estimated jackpot for this week will be $2,300.

The pub grub was pulled turkey and it was great. This week will be a choice of chili or beef stew.

On Saturday, the Branch was the venue for the funeral luncheon for the late Marjory Fraser. Our condolences to the family. Helping for the Branch were Sandra Brown and Kathy Burkholder in preparation and again on Saturday with Deb Seili, Mabel Glanville and John Lowe.

Can’t you just feel the earth warming? The added sunshine has caused marvellous things to happen. It all depends on what you think, and those thoughts will bring you joy. It could be the new baby animals, the fresh field ready for the next step or it could be the growth spurts of flowers and seeds.

No matter, spring is a lovely season.

Spring seems to indicate the impending future, so it makes sense that folks are busy getting their summer equipment ready. Tents airing, patio furniture ready, lawn mowers checked and travel trailers prepared for the coming weeks. A busy time and mostly with little complaint.

Another Mother’s Day is gone.

Connection with your children is a good thing and being together is no longer a given. Each face-to-face encounter is a blessing and a reminder of how quickly our world can change. The pandemic has made us more aware of the fragility of life and how quickly details can change, sometimes forever.

I hope you had a pleasant and thankful time with your people.

My mind is on 1970 as I write this. On Wednesday, Linda Keifer and I head to Guelph to see the

women with whom we spent our student nursing days. It was a lifechanging time and friends made in those years know us like no others.

For this Bluevale girl, learning to live with other females – I had four brothers – and coping with all the student nurse requirements was quite eye-opening. Even recalling our dress habits of those years brings a smile; ah, the pink mini dress or the short shorts with the orange top.

As we share lunch and laughter, memories and stories will be brought forth, some I really don’t think happened, but that’s only my opinion. Checking up on 52 years with the other St. Joseph’s graduates is a neat experience and a nice review of life.

Enjoy the May days. Be safe. Be kind.

Bye now, Betty G.W.

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

Brussels Legion 218 Catch the Ace Weekly Winner Winning Ticket: Jeff Heinbein $193 Envelope #18 found the 7 of hearts Estimated jackpot for May 13 is $2300

If you are a former business from Brussels or a family who would love to share their Brussels history, we invite you to be a part of

The Citizen’s Commemorative issue of

Brussels 150th Anniversary in the July 28 edition 1/4 page (6” wide x 6 1/4” high) . . .$187.50 + HST 1/2 page (10” wide x 7.5” high) . . . .$375.00 +HST Please note: This special pricing is for former businesses of Brussels and for families who wish to be a part of this commemorative issue.

Drive-through delicacies Blyth and Brussels United Church Student Minister Alex Jebson was on hand to help during the Blyth United Church drive-through dinner over the weekend, preparing the buns for hungry diners to pick up. (John Stephenson photo)

You send the story and photos

by July 15 and we do the rest!

Email: info@northhuron.on.ca or mail your story and photo(s) to The Citizen PO Box 429, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 519-523-4792

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022. PAGE 7.

NH approves three funding applications

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Working hard Volunteers at the Blyth United Church were busy over the weekend with the church’s drive-through supper. Above, a line of hard workers put together the meals that were then delivered to waiting motorists outside the church. (John Stephenson photo)

Blyth G2G crosswalk discussed

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Blyth Business Improvement Area (BIA) Deputy-Chair Shane Yerema suggested moving the parking entrance for the Blyth Greenway/Goderich-to-Guelph (G2G) Rail Trail to allow the installation of a crosswalk.

Currently, the parking/rest area for the paths is just off of Queen Street, just north of Westmoreland Street. Due to vehicular traffic

using the entryway, the BIA has been told a crosswalk can’t be installed there.

Yerema suggested moving the vehicle entryway to a green space between Bainton’s Old Mill and Howson and Howson on Westmoreland Street, which would allow for the crosswalk to be created.

“It’s a quick fix to the existing problem,” he said.

The BIA took no action as a result of the suggestion.

*** Members of the BIA discussed painting the water tower on the G2G trail to make the trail more appealing.

The idea was brought up both by Deputy-Chair Shane Yerema and by North Huron Councillor Kevin Falconer.

The group feels that the tower is weathered and not as much of a draw as it could be.

The group took no action as a result of the discussion.

North Huron Township Council approved the submission of three funding applications during its May 2 meeting.

Two of the three applications are for the Regional Tourism Organization 4 (RTO4) Relief Tourism Fund, while the remaining is for the Huron County Supporting Local Economic Development (SLED) grant.

The two RTO4 projects are the Blyth Greenway Trail Entrance Project and the Wingham Town Hall Theatre sound system project.

The trail entrance project is designed to encourage Goderichto-Guelph (G2G) Rail Trail users to spend time and money in Blyth. It includes signage for shopping, washrooms and restaurants, as well as website information for the G2G trail system. It also includes picnic tables, benches, bike racks and an outdoor information kiosk system.

The sound system project includes a soundboard and new sound system for the theatre, though the fundraising for the portion not covered by the grant will be tackled by the Wingham theatre group.

The final project, through the SLED program, is for Wingham’s Cruickshank Park and is called the “Community Living Room Project”. It involves installing an outdoor speaker and microphone system, picnic tables, benches and bike racks.

Council approved all three applications, with some discussion about the potential for vandalism at Cruickshank Park before approval. *** North Huron Township Council is searching for a new Human Resources/Health and Safety Coordinator after realigning responsibilities from the eliminated

It All Comes Out In The Wash Blyth Laundromat 191 Westmoreland St., Blyth 519-523-9687

Sharing the story Lincoln Dinning, third from left, told the participants of the Matthew Dinning Memorial rugby tournament at F. E. Madill Secondary School the story of his late son Matthew.

Dinning told the players how important rugby was to Matthew, and how glad he is to be a part of the tournament. (Denny Scott photo)

Wood takes top euchre spot From Marilyn’s Desk

By Marilyn Craig Call 523-9318

Happy birthday to Tony deCorte, Zurich, who will celebrate on May

16, and Ian Caldwell, who will celebrate on May 19. Enjoy your special day.

Happy anniversary to Matt and Ashley Bromley, Belgrave, who will celebrate May 14.

Last week’s euchre winners were: first, Shirley Wood, 77 and Harold McClinchey, 76; second, Susan Harman, 72 and Carol Lahey, 68; lone hands, Pauline McMichael and Harry Smith, four each and share the wealth went to Veronique Harman and Pat Bernard.

Mother Nature is finally bringing us warm weather.

Our temperatures are predicted to get up into the high 20s this week. The good weather has all the farmers out and about, so we all should be careful and not have any accidents.

Give the big machinery space to pass safely.

Have a safe and good week and give someone that you haven’t talked to in a while a phone call just to say “hello, I’ve been thinking of you.”

Clerk/Health and Safety Coordinator position.

During council’s May 2 meeting, council approved a motion that would eliminate the Clerk/Health and Safety Co-ordinator position in favour of a Clerk/Planning Coordinator position, then create the Human Resources/Health and Safety Co-ordinator position.

Councillor Chris Palmer asked how much more work Clerk Carson Lamb would be taking on through this change and Lamb said it was just recognizing responsibilities he already had taken on.

Council approved the change, which includes establishing a Human Resources/Health and Safety Co-ordinator position.

NEWS FROM BLYTH

Welcome Your New Arrival in

The Citizen

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

Crusader hockey registrations now open for the upcoming season.

Please go to Blyth Brussels Minor Hockey website, under Registration drop down and register Online Registration.

Programs that BBMHA offers throughout the season are: - Skills and Drills, which is extra ice to develop players’ skills monthly for U7-U15 age groups - Specialty Clinics throughout the year include: • Goalie Clinics U9-U15 • Defence position clinics U9-U15 • Body Checking/angling U13-U15 • Cycling, stick checking U11-U15 • Full ice positional play U9 - Host U6 and U7 Jamboree’s a fun tournament for these age groups!

- FREE registration for first-time registrants in the U5, U6 or U7 division. First-time players in these divisions also receive a free hockey stick!

- U5 to U21 age divisions Coaching/Bench Staff Applications: Please apply on the BBMHA website Bench Staff Application. Deadline for applications is

PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022.

Local COVID-19 cases still rising

Loom round-up Students at Hullett Central Public School have been learning some hands-on knitting practices with circular looms. Shown above tackling their projects are Reese deBoer, left, and Alexis Ansley. (Denny Scott photo)

Council content with agreement Continued from page 1 provided,” Garland stated in his report to council.

“Concerns expressed by staff and the need for the required studies relate both to the potential impacts of the wake park operation on the aggregate operations and the potential aggregate processing impacts on the wake park operation and the guests in attendance,” Garland continued. “The aggregate operations are currently in place and operating with significant resources still available. The licences through the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry allow for the unrestricted hours of extraction and operation on site as per the required health and safety measures and licence conditions.

Therefore, in the absence of any formal agreements, the potential for concurrent uses exists.

“Staff would comment that a much more robust buoy system along the property line (in the water body) is now proposed, which is more typical of an adjacent recreational use to industrial

operation you would see around dams.”

In her report to council, Clerk Kerri Ann O’Rourke said that the site plan and development agreement proposed had been reviewed by the municipality’s legal team. However, she said that the hours of operation would still have to be determined and potentially amended, subject to the completion of several studies and mitigation, as well as the lifting of the holding zone.

In addition, Bluestone owner Andy Oke presented a signed and notarized document to the municipality stating that, if at any time, the operations of Teeswater Aggregates were negatively affected in any way by the wake park, the wake park would cease operation until a resolution between the two parties could be reached.

While the document had not yet been signed or agreed upon by a representative of Teeswater Aggregates, councillors said they were comfortable with the level of effort put forward by Oke and his team.

Deputy-Mayor Dave Jewitt spoke to the report from staff, saying he was prepared to support the temporary bylaw amendment, which was contrary to the recommendation of Garland.

He did suggest putting the amendment in place for one year, rather than the recommended three. However, O’Rourke said the applicant had asked for three years, so that was why she kept it that way in her report.

Jewitt suggested that perhaps the next council could look favorably upon a renewal in one year’s time, waiving any associated costs.

However, the recommendation remained that the amendment be in place for three years.

O’Rourke also stated that the holding provisions would be in place for 90 days, but could be lifted earlier if the studies and mitigation measures were completed sooner.

Council then passed a number of bylaws with little discussion allowing the wake park to move ahead.

Jenny Craig reminds us that: “It’s not what you do once in awhile. It’s what you do day in and day out that makes the difference.”

We are still hearing reports, almost daily, of someone close to us who has contracted COVID-19. In many cases, the contact for the illness is unknown as a result of the loosening of mandates. Consider the circumstances you have found yourself in recently when masks were scarcely being worn. I shudder watching sports on TV recognizing how few people, sitting cheek to jowl in the venue, are masked.

It is really the long-term effects of having COVID-19 which scare me the most. My time here is reaching its limit and I don’t fancy this disease impinging on that time.

Many of the health professionals offering comments about this pandemic continue to say how much has been and is still being learned about this virus that will affect the handling of the next one, all to the good.

I have just read a recent historical fiction novel by London, Ontario writer Emma Donoghue. Maybe 100 years from now the world will laugh about the handling of COVID-19, just as we might raise eyebrows about the thoughts people had when dealing with the Spanish flu which raged around the end of World War I. Emma’s novel, The Pull of the Stars, is about three days in the life of a nurse in the maternity/fever ward of a Dublin, Ireland hospital in 1918. There are so many parallels to the dealing with COVID-19 as to be uncanny and yet they were also learning along the way as they battled to combat that influenza with limited medical understanding.

It is an interesting read for

anyone who has lived through this pandemic and particularly persons in the medical field who will relate to the tiredness of frontline workers. I enjoyed Emma’s writing and will try to pick up one of her previous novels at the Blyth Repository book sale in early June.

Have you remembered to buy your little rubber duck? They will be swimming for the Londesborough Lions Club on May 28.

Rev. Jan Aylward led the morning worship at Londesborough United on May 8, Mother’s Day. Her reflection was supported by the scripture passage, John 10:24-30 in which Jesus speaks of himself as a shepherd looking after his flock.

This was an image to which the people of his time could relate.

Jan encouraged the congregation to listen for, recognize and heed the loving and caring voice of Christ in their lives.

Nancy Park, organist at Knox United, Auburn, was the lucky winner of the quilt donated to that church by the late Laura Mae Chamney.

Londesborough UCW will hold their May meeting on Monday, May 16 at 7 p.m.

NEWS FROM LONDESBORO Follow The Citizen on Facebook, Twitter or through huroncitizen.ca

3 ON 3 BALL HOCKEY

U11 & U13 FRIDAY, JULY 29 & SATURDAY, JULY 30

Shopping locally The “Spring Fling’ vendor event was held at The Londesborough Community Hall earlier this month, gathering all different kinds of products and some large crowds under one roof. (John Stephenson photo)

Brussels Arena Tennis Courts Cost: $175 per team Coffe e 6 Players + 1 Goalie Q Donu & B B ts Register your team at https://blythbrusselsminorhockey.ca Registration and Payment Due June 25, 2022 Email: ballhockey@blythbrusselsminorhockey.ca

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022. PAGE 9.

519-523-4311

www.ruralvoice.ca

Agriculture

BLYTH 519-523-4244

www.hurontractor.com

Brussels Livestock report

Beef veal sells steadily, Holstein veal under pressure Total receipts for Brussels Livestock for the week ending May 6 were 1,800 cattle and 732 lambs and goats.

On Tuesday, fed steers and heifers sold fully steady. Choice steers and heifers sold $169 to $179. Second-cut cattle sold $165 to $168. Aged and medium-fed steers and heifers sold $145 to $160. Holstein steers and heifers sold $80 to $148. Cows sold steady.

On Thursday, beef veal sold steady. Holstein veal sold under pressure. Lambs sold slightly easier due to the week’s decline. Sheep and goats sold steady.

On Friday, calves sold on a strong

trade with grass-type cattle selling $10 to $20 higher. Yearling steers sold $5 higher. Yearling heifers sold $2 to $4 higher.

Larry Reinhardt Jr. of Mildmay, consigned 16 head. Two gold heifers averaged 1,320 lbs. and sold for an average price of $176.

K/C McAlpine Farms of Ailsa Craig, consigned three head. One charolais steer weighed 1,690 lbs. and sold for a price of $179.

There were 275 cows on offer.

Beef sold $96 to $119 with sales to $122; good holstein cows, $85 to $118 with sales to $123; medium holstein cows, $75 to $84.

Bulls sold $105 to $142.50.

There were 190 head of veal on offer. Beef veal sold $185 to $215 with sales to $229; good holsteins, $155 to $174; SL heavy holsteins, $145 to $163; heavy holsteins, $120 to $145; medium holsteins, $140 to $155; plain holsteins, $130 to $140.

Reuben S. Martin of Wallenstein, consigned nine head. One blue heifer weighed 900 lbs. and sold for a price of $229.

Lambs under 50 lbs. sold $419 to $427.50; 50 - 64 lbs., $375 to $415; 65 - 79 lbs., $366.75 to $377; 80 94 lbs., $362 to $370; 95 - 109 lbs., $345 to $362.50; 110 lbs. and over, $331 to $340.

Sheep sold $75 to $275.

Goats: billies sold $150 to $400; nannies, $100 to $250; kids: dairy, $250 to $470; meat, $300 to $520.

Carrie and Randy Francis of Hanover, consigned 28 head.

Twelve lambs averaged 52 lbs. and sold for an average price of $415.

Rick Caryn of Thamesville, consigned 28 head. Three lambs averaged 100 lbs. and sold for an average price of $362.50.

Top quality stocker steers under 400 lbs. sold $212 to $278; 400 499 lbs., $268.75 to $284; 500 - 599 lbs., $263.50 to $289; 600 - 699 lbs., $260 to $275; 700 - 799 lbs., $228 to $242; 800 - 899 lbs., $203.25 to $212.25; 900 - 999 lbs.,

Protect farmland for food security: OFA

By Drew Spoelstra, Vice President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture For decades, farmers have been losing prime farmland to urban sprawl. I have seen several productive farms turned into housing developments, soccer fields, shopping malls, movie theatres and highway extensions.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) “Home Grown” campaign paints a very concerning picture using a time-lapse view to illustrate the far-reaching impacts urban development has had on specific regions across the province. As we continue the trend of losing acreage every day, I think it’s time we ask ourselves, “How do we plan on producing safe, sustainable food for a growing population if our farmers are losing the finite resources needed to grow and produce these commodities?”

On March 30, the Ontario government introduced legislation that will help support plans to increase the province’s housing supply. The government committed to completing a housing supply action plan every year for the next four years, beginning this year.

These legislative changes came shortly after the Ontario Housing Affordability Task Force released its recommendations report.

The OFA supports the goal of building more homes to accommodate a growing population. We recognize the challenges Ontarians face with soaring housing costs, so we believe the answer for farmers and non-farmers alike lies with smart land use planning policy. For Ontario to continue to grow and prosper, we must have a long-term plan to preserve productive land for the purpose of food production.

With the global population projected to rise to 9.8 billion by 2050, an increase in affordable housing supply will need to be accommodated, but so too will the demand for food production.

To put this into perspective, less than five per cent of Ontario’s land base can support agricultural production for human consumption.

In fact, we’ve lost 1.5 million acres of farmland to development between 1996 and 2016 alone – which is the equivalent of 175 acres per day. New research also shows

that southwestern Ontario lost more than 72,000 acres of prime agricultural land to urban development from 2000 to 2017.

Ontario cannot sustain these continuing losses while still maintaining our ability to produce food, fibre and fuel from a limited and declining agricultural land base.

The OFA has been addressing the issue of farmland preservation and local food production in recent meetings with provincial election candidates. As farmers, we’re happy to meet the demand for more local food, but that means our province needs to make preserving farmland and containing urban sprawl a priority. Long-term landuse planning must balance responsible urban growth with protecting agricultural land to ensure that future generations have the resources necessary to continue to grow food for Ontarians and Canadians right here at home.

Within my community, I have seen constant urbanization of farmland. I have known many farmers who have been forced to relocate due to urban sprawl, and only a few decades later, they are finding themselves in the same situation. Several factors outside of a farmer's control, such as rapidly changing housing markets, planning processes and political decisions, force them to work without the security and stability necessary to maintain a modern farm business and land base.

Many farmers are also seeing development arise in close proximity to their land, which also puts our operations at risk. Farming near urban development creates heavy traffic pressures when moving equipment around or trespass issues when our fields become mistaken for walking trails or dirt bike paths, endangering our livestock or crops. Normal farm practices, like noise, dust, odour or flies, can also become an issue for nearby residents when urban and rural communities intersect.

Privacy also becomes a concern when urban development begins to encroach into agricultural areas resulting in farmers having to work next to residential developments.

Although our day-to-day work on the farm may seem normal to us, spraying against someone’s fence

or working in the late hours of the day may become an uncomfortable task when being observed.

Another concern we are facing is the unprecedented use of Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs) in municipalities that have robust land-use planning systems. MZOs have been used to quickly advance sprawl-induced housing developments, leading to further loss of farmland in Ontario. Since 2019, 2,000 acres of farmland have been lost to MZOs. Once land has been developed and paved over, it is lost forever.

The OFA believes fixed, permanent urban boundaries will help limit the loss of agricultural land. By redeveloping vacant or underused space, utilizing areas with poor soils or drainage, reinventing existing infrastructure, or building higher density development, we would be able to preserve Ontario’s productive land for food production.

Urban intensification can also be utilized to protect agricultural land, by boosting economic growth, creating new jobs, providing affordable housing options, supporting municipal infrastructure systems, ensuring food security and contributing to environmental stewardship.

We will continue to advocate for the protection of productive farmland and keep this message at the forefront of political party platforms.

$189.75 to $194; 1,000 lbs. and over, $179.75 to $186.75.

Top quality stocker heifers, 400 499 lbs. sold $161.75 to $253; 500 - 599 lbs., $208 to $234; 600 - 699 lbs., $201.50 to $222; 700 - 799 lbs., $183 to $207; 800 - 899 lbs., $179.75 to $193.75; 900 lbs. and over, $172.50 to $180.

David Collins of Ripley, consigned 22 head. Twelve charolais heifers averaged 661 lbs. and sold for a price of $221.

Ken Shortreed of Walton, consigned 32 head. Six charolais heifers averaged 731 lbs. and sold for an average price of $207.

Casey and Cathy Hendricks of Lucknow, consigned 18 head. Eight charolais steers averaged 750 lbs. and sold for an average price of $238.

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd.

UPCOMING SALES TUESDAYS 10:00 a.m.

Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows

THURSDAYS

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

FRIDAYS

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

Call us 519-887-6461

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PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022.

From the Minister’s Study

Is worrying not working for you? asks Dow

By Pastor Ernest Dow, Huron Chapel EMC, Auburn Have you noticed that life seems to be getting more stressful?

We tend to become what we worship. When we figure we “want to do it all”, the abundance of opportunities and pressures and demands can become overwhelming. But, when we invite Jesus to be our “one thing”, He helps us sort through what’s most important and to be at peace knowing what’s really worthwhile.

An expert recently recommended a bestselling book called When Your Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress by Dr. Gabor Mate. It exposes the role emotions and psychological stress can play in chronic illness, including diseases such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s and others.

I was fascinated by the chapter on rheumatoid arthritis, from which my father suffered for many years.

In his 40s he became so debilitated he had to hire someone to act as dairyman while he went to Midwest Clinic in Excelsior Springs, Missouri for months of rehab. He learned ways to cope, such as dipping his hands in molten wax to soothe the pain. Finally in his early 60s, he sold the cows and stuck with just crop farming. His arthritis improved amazingly. He lived to the age of 97. In later years he would look back and attribute much of his arthritis to stress.

The pace of modern life has been accelerating. We seem busier and doing more in less time, but are we accomplishing as much? Since the invention of the smartphone, everybody can carry their own personal computing device with them at all times, and be at the mercy of whoever wants to contact you by text, instant messaging, email, video call, or even old fashioned phone call.

Congratulations, you have become infinitely interruptible (and distractible)!

There’s some concern amongst experts that we are losing our ability to think deeply. Notifications keep us shallow. You try to get into a book or significant planning, but your phone screams at you – even when it’s not actually on, just present and within sight. We are in danger of losing our capacity to concentrate; the little dopamine hits of notifications and scrolling down to those next items on social media get in the way of deep reflection and study.

Once, Jesus paid a visit to a home

where two sisters, Mary and Martha, lived. “...A woman named Martha opened her home to him.

She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.” (Luke 10:38f) Martha seems to be the one used to running the show, taking control and getting things done. She gripes to Jesus, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

(10:40) Martha is an activist, she’s busy about something, moving the project ahead. Her motto might be, “Git ‘er done”. No time to waste.

These are two very different sisters. Martha is the “DO-er”, Mary is the “BE-er”. Martha is hustling about getting things done, Mary is totally absorbed in whatever the Saviour is saying.

Martha is all about the work, Mary is focused on the word. Meanwhile, the pressure in Martha’s frustration gauge is growing steadily. Sooner or later she’s going to burst!

How does Jesus sum up her condition? “‘Martha, Martha,’” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things...’”

(V41) The word “worried” can mean “anxious”; she’s suffering some severe anxiety. The word “upset” comes from a root like “disturbed”, a crowd or tumult; Martha’s got so many things on her mind, when she tries to go to bed at night she has trouble quieting down the “village of idiots” in her head.

Martha the capable Domestic Engineer has taken on so much it’s overwhelming. Do you hear the self-pitying whine? “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” (V.40) Jesus had cautioned the crowds repeatedly about excessive worry in the Sermon on the Mount.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?... And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow.

They do not labour or spin... So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’” (Matthew

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one course would have done, instead of several. Jesus probably would have preferred to have her listening, rather than running around the kitchen, stressed out. He observes she’s worried and upset about many things, “but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (V.42) “Only one thing is needed.”

Clearly the “one thing” Mary has chosen is to sit and listen, rather than fuss over a complex Continued on page 27

Brussels Mennonite Fellowship Come Worship With Us Sundays at 10:00 am All Are Welcome (Masks are optional) 250 Princess St., Brussels • 519­887­6388 • Pastor Ken Gazley

The Regional Ministry of Hope Churches are now open for in-person worship.

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

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

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BRUSSELS

United Church WELCOME to WORSHIP Sunday, May 15 at 9:30 a.m.

Service on YouTube later Sunday Help fight world hunger by donating to Canadian Food Grains Bank Masks and distancing encouraged

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MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS

Worship 11:00 am every Sunday Masks are encouraged while indoors.

All are welcome to join with us in joyful worship to the Lord!

Evangelical Missionary Church

6:25,28,31) Do you suppose the Lord of your life, the Master of the universe, wants us not to worry?

Worry can be subtle failure to trust our Sovereign Loving God wholeheartedly. Bishop Fulton Sheen said, “Worry is a form of atheism, for it betrays a lack of faith and trust in God.” Martha was distracted “by all the preparations that had to be made” – did they really have to be made?

New Living Translation puts it, “by the big dinner she was preparing.”

Maybe it didn’t have to be so big;

Brussels Soup and More 2 is cancelled until further notice.

519-357-5273

Blyth United Church Sunday, May 15 Join us for in-house worship service at 11 am Service is also online later "But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him." (Romans 6:8) Outreach project is Food Grains Bank.

Donations can be sent to church treasurer.

Contact Alex at: minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com

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

Sunday, May 15 Join us for our 10:00 am service 10:00 am - Welcome to Teen Challenge who will be leading the service No Evening Service Services are live-streamed and can be found by searching “Blyth Christian Reformed Church”

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022. PAGE 11.

Spring Home & Garden

PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022.

Home & Garden Bosmas build cabins for trail users, local visitors

By Denny Scott The Citizen

A stop along the way The Bosmas near Blyth are in the process of building three cabins, complete with services, to house visitors to the community. The Blyth Trailway Cabins are located just off the Goderich-to-Guelph (G2G) Rail Trail. (Photo submitted)

The Bosma family, located just outside of Blyth, is looking to cater to visitors to the area, specifically those who use the Goderich-toGuelph (G2G) Rail Trail, with their new initiative: Blyth Trailway Cabins.

The family started building three cabins, according to Becky Bosma, earlier this year after preparing the site last year. Their property is located just off of County Road 25 where the G2G crosses the county road just west of Blyth, and where, eventually, there will be a tunnel under the road, according to G2G representatives.

Bosma said the move made sense because of the increased use of the trail.

“We really like what’s going on with the G2G and this seemed like a good match,” she told The Citizen in an interview. “We’re trying to work on the tourism hub in Blyth and be a part of that.”

Each cabin is approximately 350 square feet, she said, and will each feature one queen-sized bed, a bathroom including a shower and a sink, and a kitchenette with a fridge and a microwave.

The cabins are almost directly on the trail, she said, which will make them ideal for those using the trail

to visit the area. She said the cabins are also about 1.5 kilometres from the Blyth Festival’s Harvest Stage outdoor performance space, making them a great place for visitors to the theatre to stay.

While the cabins are still under construction, Bosma said she has received positive support from friends and family, as well as from the Blyth Business Improvement Area and the G2G trail group.

Construction started in April, but site preparation started late last fall, she said, as each cabin represented a need for infrastructure work before foundations could be laid.

“We had to excavate, build a new driveway, drill a new well and have septic system work done as well,” she said. “That was the big prep work and we had to wait until it was done.”

Bosma said that, fortunately, they haven’t run into many problems with the builds associated with COVID-19, saying that there were no hurdles she could directly attribute to the pandemic or associated lockdown.

“People were busy, so it took time getting them in to work, but I can’t say if that was COVID-19related or not,” she said, adding that it may have been better, financially, if they purchased construction materials earlier, saying it Continued on page 14

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022. PAGE 13.

Home & Garden Aspiring gardeners should consider starting small harvesting or cooking them in a timely fashion.

• Assess the soil: Plants need nutrient-rich soil to encourage extensive root systems and produce strong, hardy plants, according to the gardening resource GrowVeg. Nourish soil with organic matter, such as manure, compost, shredded leaves and natural mulch. Add this organic matter in the off-season to give it enough time to be incorporated into the ground before spring. You can have your soil

Read Rhea Hamilton Seeger’s Gardening column on the Rural Voice website at ruralvoice.ca

Getting it right Gardens can offer numerous benefits from their aesthetic benefits to opportunities to offset rising grocery bills, but only if plants therein are cared for properly. (MS photo) MS - Homeowners enjoy gardening for many different reasons. In addition to adding beauty to a property, gardens can offset grocery costs by yielding tasty produce. They also offer important habitats and food sources for both insects and animals.

While growing a vegetable or flower garden can turn into a rewarding hobby, or even a passion, gardening also can be overwhelming - particularly when the results are less than stellar.

Novice gardeners have scores of resources at their disposal, including the advice of gardeners who have made mistakes and learned from them.

The following guidance can make home gardens that much more successful.

• Start small: You may have visions of an expansive garden growing rows of crops or acres of flowers. But it is smart to start small and build on what you find successful, which includes plants that thrive in your lawn and garden.

This also is beneficial if you are unsure of vegetable yields. Several blooming plants producing bushels of crops can be overwhelming, especially if you can’t get to

Spring Home & Garden

tested for pH and other characteristics that make it friendly or averse to plants at a local garden centre.

• Arm yourself with knowledge: Do you know how deeply to plant seeds and how far part to space plants? Are you aware of the sunlight needs of certain flowers or plants?

If not, read the packaging and do your research so your plants have the best chance of not only Continued on page 14

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PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022.

Home & Garden

Blyth Trailway Cabins to open later this year Continued from page 12 “probably would have been nice to do [that] sooner.”

The cabins are now under construction, she said, but there is still some work to do to finish them, including completing the structures, furnishing them inside and out and some outdoor excavating.

“We’re hoping to have them open some time this summer,” she said.

“Hopefully, they will be ready sooner rather than later.”

Bosma said she is pursuing

certification under Ontario By Bike as well, which will recognize the site as being ideal for cyclists.

The minimum requirements, according to the organization’s website, include, among other criteria, a covered/secure bike storage area, cycling information available, both in terms of maps and in terms of someone being able to direct people around the community, and a basic bicycle repair toolset on site.

For more information, contact Bosma at 519-525-5096.

Garden growing tips

Home away from home The Bosmas’ Blyth Trailway Cabins will offer most of the amenities of home for visitors to the area, including a bed, bathroom and kitchenette in 300 square feet. (Photo submitted)

Continued from page 13 sprouting, but also surviving. Many people prefer to start seedlings indoors in late winter and then transfer those plants outdoors when they are stronger and more established.

• Sit in your yard and observe: Watch the way the sunlight dances over areas of your landscape. Take note of which areas get the most sun and shade. This will help you plan what to plant and where to plant it. Vegetable gardens tend to need ample sunlight to bear pickworthy produce. You can give plants a leg up by growing them in optimal conditions.

• Choose hardy varieties: Certain plants have been bred to

thrive in your climate, including heat-tolerant plants for climates with sweltering summer sun.

Consult with a local gardening centre to figure out which plant zone you are in and which plants will do best within that zone.

• Use rainwater: Rainwater contains fewer contaminants and additives than tap water, which can benefit garden plants. Collect rainwater in rain barrels and use irrigation systems to deliver it to the garden.

Home gardens can yield many gifts, from flowers to fruit.

Beginners can utilize some timetested strategies to increase their chances of planting a successful garden.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022. PAGE 15.

Home & Garden Morris-Turnberry takes lead on Belgrave development During his interview, Heffer said he didn’t think anyone expected it to take three years of work.

“Whether it was us or a private developer, there was tremendous frustration in the process,” he said, adding that promises from the provincial government to eliminate red tape were not what council had experienced.

He said there were other challenges as well, with buffer zones, the presence of a cemetery and oddly-shaped properties, but he was happy staff was able to get the project to where it is now.

Morris-Turnberry Chief Administrative Officer Trevor Hallam, in an interview with The Citizen, said municipalities like Morris-Turnberry are pursuing these kinds of projects because they are able to create developable parcels in a quicker manner than developers. He said municipalities do still have to follow steps, like registering a plan for the properties, getting a survey and registering the properties, but it saves some steps that landowners have to undertake.

“In this sense, the municipalities Continued on page 19

Looking ahead In 2018, the previous session of Morris-Turnberry Council was encouraged to start looking for more residential development options, leading to the purchase of a property that was both in and around the village of Belgrave. After four years, the property has been studied, severed and is now ready for purchase and development. The properties are located on the east side of London Road and east of the village. (Image submitted)

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By Denny Scott

Undyed Decorative Mulch

The Citizen To help combat the shortage of residential properties available in Huron County, some municipalities are taking the first steps towards the creation of residential properties to entice developers.

Morris-Turnberry is one such municipality as, four years ago, council realized there was an issue and purchased lands in and around Belgrave that are now, after three years of work, ready for development and available for sale.

Mayor Jamie Heffer, who was on council when the land was purchased in the fall of 2018, said the move wasn’t so much a desire from council to get into developing properties as it was others saying council should.

“There was a lot of encouragement from above us, at the provincial level, to come up with ways to find more housing,” he said in an interview with The Citizen. “For [that session of council], we looked around and there were a lot of private opportunities being dealt with well, but there were other options as well.

As a municipality, we felt we could expand what has been set aside for residential development.”

When council was last briefed on the issue in April, several members commented on how long it had taken to get the properties to the point at which they could be sold.

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PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022.

Home & Garden Beekeepers across the country find dead colonies in the United States too,” added Wiehle.

Of all the Canadian provinces, Ontario seems to have been hit the hardest, but Wiehle admits since all the numbers aren’t in, reporting averages could be skewed.

What makes these losses even more challenging is that this spring has been slow with “goofy weather”, which further stresses the bees and could lead to more colony deaths.

When beekeepers were asked the Continued on page 17

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By Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot The Rural Voice Beekeepers are reporting staggering losses as they open hives and discover colony after colony of bees dead.

“This is all across Canada,” reports Bernie Wiehle, owner of Wiehle’s Wildflower Honey near Rodney, who spoke to members of the Ausable Bee Club last month.

Wiehle is also president of the Ontario Beekeepers’ Association (OBA) which is collecting the data, a process that is still ongoing.

“We are seeing huge hive losses

and we knew that going into winter, things were not going to be good,” said Wiehle. More than 520 beekeepers have responded to OBA’s winter loss survey so far and these submissions indicate that 53 per cent of beekeepers have lost more than 50 per cent of their colonies this past winter.

“It ranges from just a few colonies lost to 100 per cent loss for some beekeepers. It is spread across the whole province and across Canada,” said Wiehle. Western beekeepers were hit hard and Quebec has “been hammered”.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022. PAGE 17.

Home & Garden Mites, colony strength, size lead to devastating losses starvation, suspected pesticide and fungicide poisoning and infestation of the small hive beetle (very few beekeepers reported this last one as a concern).

“We know we’ve had a real problem with farm sprays and we’ve been talking with the Ministry of the Environment to do studies and surveys with beekeepers to find out what is going on with fungicides and the bee population,” said Wiehle.

With so many colony collapses, there are concerns from fruit growers in Niagara and out east that there may be not enough bees for

pollination services. Also, it may be difficult for beekeepers to source nucleus colonies (nucs) to replace their bees. Other beekeepers who plan to split hives may not have enough healthy hives to replace the hives they lost.

Inevitably, this year’s losses will force some beekeepers out of business, predicted Wiehle.

Particularly hobby beekeepers. “It’s an expensive hobby if you have to keep buying nucs,” he said.

Not all beekeepers experienced tremendous losses. Bill Ferguson, of Ferguson Apiaries near Hensall,

reported less than 6.5 per cent loss of his hives. He credits his bees’ survival with time-learned techniques of only using young, healthy queens. He treats all the hives in September after harvesting all the honey to remove any potential pesticide residues being eaten by the bees. Then he feeds all the hives a 1:1 sugar syrup so they can fill the hives with honey before winter.

Jonathan Cucksey is a newer beekeeper from Clinton who works in partnership with Adi Treasurywala, a beekeeper with Continued on page 18

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Checking it out Jonathan Cucksey (right) tours local beekeepers’ operations to check and advise on how to open the hives for the spring. Above, Cucksey and a member of his crew treat the hives with mite strips and oxalic acid as part of the seasonal reopening. Those hives that survived the winter, which are scarce few according to statistics, are also given pollen patties to help the hive recover. (Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot photo) Continued from page 16 reasons for their colony deaths, three main reasons emerged: • Colonies were too weak and small going into winter • The fluctuation of weather this winter was stressful on the bees • An overload of varroa mites in late summer.

Wiehle explained that these winter losses actually began last spring when the early warm weather created a bee population explosion.

As bee numbers increased, so did the population of varroa mites, a parasite which sucks the fat bodies of bees, spreading viruses and weakening the bees so they cannot fight off the viruses.

“It was always our recommendation that if you didn’t have mites, you didn’t have to treat it in the spring,” said Wiehle. “Now we are thinking beekeepers should treat anyway.”

Beekeepers traditionally treat for mites in the fall, though experienced beekeepers do mite checks and treat as needed.

Beyond varroa mites, other reasons cited for winter hive deaths include problems with queens,

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PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022.

Home & Garden Housing an ongoing challenge for Blyth Festival

By Denny Scott The Citizen Housing continues to be an annual concern for the Blyth Festival, according to General Manager Rachael King, and in recent years it has become even more difficult to manage.

In an interview with The Citizen, King said that housing, throughout the history of the Festival, has been a challenge, but in the last decade, and especially in the last few years, that concern has grown.

She said that, as the Festival has grown, the community has grown as well, and houses and other living spaces are now harder to come by.

King said that, over the years, the housing strategy has evolved into a multi-pronged effort, taking advantage of different opportunities to make the system work.

“First of all, we look at fostering skills, ability and interest in the local area,” she said. “Historically, the vast majority of people that

work with us in the summer have had to come from away. Over the past several years, we have been working on identifying people with skills and abilities locally, as well as interest, to foster the growth of those abilities. Then we can have some cast and crew that can reside at home and participate.”

While the 2022 season will bring more artists to the village than the 2021 season, King said the Festival is going to be housing fewer artists than it did in the pre-pandemic years. That said, there are a number of formerly reliable rental opportunities that have gone other directions, such as being sold as family homes, which will provide a struggle this year.

The Festival, King says, also continues to foster relations with local landlords, many of whom have worked with the Festival for years.

“In order to ensure we have a base stock, there are some properties we manage year-round,”

Varroa mites lingering

she said. “Most recently, as a sign of how challenging the housing situation is, we acquired a small apartment building.”

The building, located on the outskirts of Blyth, was purchased to “strengthen the foundation” of the housing program, King said.

The apartment building is a cornerstone of the housing strategy that has become a lifeline during the housing crisis, King said.

“For us to do the work we do, we have reached a crisis level in terms of having a reliable stock of places to house artists,” she said.

The decision to purchase the apartment building, made by the board committee for housing, looked at different strategies for long-term plans, King said, and the acquisition was the way the committee went with that particular option.

“We’re not looking to own properties, but this was a no-brainer for us,” she said. “We have taken on a mortgage and other expenses, but to be able to know we have this foundation to operate from is important. It also opens up opportunities for artists to come other times of the year. The building is a fantastic growth and stability piece for the Festival.”

With the advent of programs like

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rentals, King said another group of Continued on page 20

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Busy as, well, bees Local beekeepers will be splitting thriving hives this year to help make up for a number of hives that didn’t survive the winter. (Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot photo) Continued from page 17 decades of experience. They did a spring hive check and treatment on April 10 and discovered only eight out of 22 hives had died. Cucksey was pleased so many hives survived.

Treasurywala believes varroa mites linger in every hive and recognized that last year’s ideal conditions for bees also created

ideal conditions for varroa mites. He treats his hives routinely. This spring, every hive was treated with mite strips, oxalic acid (also for mites) and given two pollen patties to start them off. Many of the colonies were thriving and will be split to replace hives that were lost.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022. PAGE 19.

Home & Garden

From purchase to sale, project took nearly 4 years

Long-term planning Those outside the development industry may not realize just how long it takes to study, rezone and prepare a property for development. When Morris-Turnberry Council decided to prepare a Belgrave property Continued from page 15 are in a position where [they] have the ability to make this process a little easier,” he said. “We didn’t want to circumvent the processes that are in place for good planning decisions, so we worked with the planning department to determine what studies would need to be done.”

The process, Hallam said, removes barriers for builders and developers, so they don’t have to jump through as many hoops and can start construction earlier.

“Many people don’t know what’s involved with a development of this size,” Hallam said. “People may not realize we’ve been working on these things for a few years.”

Hallam said the number of studies to be done can be daunting for people looking to build their own houses, so any help municipalities can give the people who buy these properties, from individual homeowners to multiunit developers, will help to populate the area more quickly and create more residential opportunities.

Among the studies that were

necessary to create the parcels in a shovel-ready fashion, according to Hallam, were three stages of archaeology studies, environmental impact studies and hydrogeological studies. The municipality also took care of zoning bylaw amendments, further fast-tracking the properties towards development.

Environmental impact studies take time, Hallam said, and some people don’t realize that.

“To complete one, you look at the site over the period of a year to get everything,” he said. “You need to look at everything from aquatic life to migratory birds and for that you need to look at it for a year.”

The archaeological studies cover a range of investigations, Hallam said, with stage one usually being a desktop exercise involving a review of maps and records. Stage two typically requires a site visit and has those doing the studies examining features of the site, while stage three, if necessary, requires excavation.

“Some of the studies are very involved and, like the archaeological studies, are sequential, requiring one stage

Spring

for residential development, no members of council thought it would be a fouryear-long project from purchase to the sale of the lots, but that is what happened, as shown by the graph from a recent council report. (Image submitted)

being completed before the next is taken on,” he said.

Morris-Turnberry Council also decided to rezone the land. The studies, Hallam said, were able to

determine the best lot size and arrangement possible, as well as the buildable spaces that would work with the particular lots.

The lands are now ready for

development, Hallam said, marking the end of the four-year process, and could result in development starting there later this year or next.

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PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022.

Home & Garden

Lee happy with success of G2G Rail Trail

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen A vision a number of years in the making, the Goderich-to-Guelph (G2G) Rail Trail has quickly become one of the most popular and well-used trails in southwestern Ontario.

The journey began several years ago when Chris Lee, who owned the Walton Raceway at the time, partnered with Paul VanderMolen and others to champion an effort to revitalize an abandoned rail bed that ran from Goderich to Guelph.

Early in the process, the group faced opposition from politicians, residents, agricultural representatives and others who felt the trail would lead to nefarious behaviour, such as littering and trespassing, rather than serve as the tourist attraction that Lee and others thought it could be.

However, as the years have gone on and G2G Inc. has earned the support of service groups and residents, and won some government grants along the way, the trail has developed into one of Huron County’s most cherished

tourism assets, lauded in the other counties it travels through as well.

In an interview with The Citizen, Lee said that he’s very happy to see how far the trail has come in recent years. To see that vision come to fruition has been great, he said, but it’s something that’s happened that he didn’t anticipate that really warms his heart.

He said that seeing cyclists and hikers on the trail is something he looked forward to and it’s great, but it has been those with accessibility and mobility issues using the trail as a safe way to be outside and active that has been the real surprise. Older people with walkers, mothers with children and others, like avid hand cyclist Julie Sawchuk, who was paralyzed from the chest down when she was struck by a car years ago, making regular use of the trail has really blown Lee away, he says.

However, he and others have been driven by making the trail usable for everyone, so, the way the trail is being used now has been a goal of the group since the outset.

Lee says he sees the trail as one Continued on page 21

Population growth limits housing stock Continued from page 18 people have been added to the Festival’s index of local partners.

While, typically, those types of accommodations are used by patrons of the Festival, King said she has worked with Airbnb owners to fill shorter-term needs during some seasons.

However, in recent years, there have been fewer vacancies available, King said.

“We’re fortunate to have the long-term reputation and reliability of the Festival on our side, so we’re a known quantity when talking to landlords. However, there are fewer vacancies, possibly due to

population growth,” she said, going on to say that programs like Airbnb and the upward pressure on rental fees play their part. “The rental rates when I arrived at the Festival in 2017 don’t compare to what they are now. Prices are at least double what they were five years ago.”

The early days of the Festival, she said, when people would live on farm properties with no electricity or running water, aren’t comparable to today, she said.

“We’re bringing artists, grown adults, to come and work with us and, just like anyone else, they have needs as far as space and amenities,” she said.

Vision to reality Goderich-to-Guelph (G2G) Rail Trail committee member and supporter Chris Lee didn’t know how quickly the trail would become a huge local tourist attraction, but did know it would get there sooner or later. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022. PAGE 21.

Home & Garden Accessibility a focus of G2G trail from the start demonstrating upkeep and pride to users of the trail.

And while fundraising and grants and governmental support have meant a lot to the trail, it’s been the relationships with the community that have really shone through in recent years, Lee said. Whether it’s service clubs, local trail organizations or just citizens and users of the trail, the organization can always count on assistance when it’s in need.

Just recently several dozen volunteers worked together to clean

Come one, come all Chris Lee, not pictured, says that the fact that people of all accessibility levels have been using the Goderich-to-Guelph (G2G) Rail Trail is proof of its success. He said the original goal was to make the trail accessible for everyone and the fact that athletes like Julie Sawchuk, left, have been able to get out on the trail after significant grading projects shows that goal was achieved. (File photo) Continued from page 20 step towards making all of Huron County accessible for everyone.

And, within that step are many mini-steps; projects that need to be accomplished to make the trail entirely accessible for all from one end to the other.

The cost of that all-encompassing project, he said, would be about $3 million. However, dividing the project into portions has been the way to tackle them, which is what they’re working on presently.

Right now, Lee and his organization are raising money for a tunnel to run under Blyth Road

just west of the village and for the installation of a bridge near Auburn over the Maitland River. In subsequent years, the group hopes to install bridges over the Grand and Consetogo Rivers as well.

Lee says fundraising for the projects on tap for this year is going well, with about a third of the fundraising for the tunnel project already collected. The group is also applying for a number of grants, any one of which would provide sufficient funding for the project, but with a number of projects on the docket, any funding would be welcome, Lee said.

The group is also working to SUN & MON TUES WED THURS & FRI SAT

grade the trail right now after a major grading project just last year.

Lee said the goal is to grade the trail again later this summer. Not only does that kind of maintenance keep the trail smooth and accessible, but it’s also aesthetic, he says,

up a portion of the trail between Auburn and Goderich and after a heavy wind storm earlier this year, Lee said volunteers came out of the woodwork to clean up the trail in just two days.

For more information on the 132kilometre trail, visit its website at g2grailtrail.com. There, you can find an interactive map of the trail, which includes detours, parking availability and more. There is also donation information and further details about the projects on tap for the trail in the near future.

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PAGE 22. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022.

Home & Garden Garden tour only available online due to pandemic some one-of-a-kind gardens.

Rhea Hamilton-Seeger, who maintains the annual pamphlet, told The Citizen that COVID-19 has continued to be a stumbling block to the group putting out a new printing of the guide, so the best way to find out what’s new as far as gardens that are open to the public in the area is to visit the group’s website.

Hamilton-Seeger said the sites can all be visited while maintaining physical distancing and that many of them were popular throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

A number of new gardens have been added to the website this year, including in the northwest, the northeast, the east and the west central portions of the map.

In the northwest, Big Rock Gardens, a space owned by Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot on Baseline Road near Auburn is a new addition to the tour.

Timeless Before, during and after the pandemic, the Discover the Gardens of Huron Perth tour showed some of the best green spaces throughout the two counties. While the COVID19 lockdowns did see some activities sidelined and still recovering now, taking in the gardens on the tour, like Willow Park Patch in Wingham, shown above, provided an important outlet during the darkest times of the pandemic. (File photo)

By Denny Scott The Citizen Due to the uncertainty of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the

Discover the Gardens of Huron Perth organization is once again directing visitors to local gardens to the group’s website instead of printing its annual pamphlet.

The organization, through the pamphlet and its website, annually features gardens throughout the two counties that feature both unique flora and opportunities to take in

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The garden is “a fine example of regenerative gardening with prairie meadow, beehive, native plants, traditional perennial beds and raised vegetables beds,” according to the website. It’s open by appointment only and contact information can be found on the garden tour website at gardensofhuronperth.com.

In the northeast, Pathway to Paradise has been added, a garden which belongs to Willard and Mary Ropp.

The garden is located in Bluevale on Jamestown Road and is described as a a “big beautiful perennial garden” with a bird garden and a miniature forest space.

The garden is open by chance during the week and by appointment on the weekend.

In the east, two new gardens have been added: Milkweed Madhouse Butterfly Garden in Clinton and Continued on page 23

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022. PAGE 23.

Home & Garden New gardens added to annual Huron-Perth tour kids and the dads sit and talk in the gazebo while the kids run around.”

She said the visitors include people walking their dogs, families and older couples and a day doesn’t go past that someone isn’t there.

“There’s such a variety of people,” she said. “We had a couple of ladies that must have sat and talked for an hour there.”

Kuyvenhoven said that, even in the summer of 2020, there were people touring the gardens, remembering one 12-year-old who

visited and then returned a week later with his grandmother.

“Kids love running around with the trees to hide behind,” she said.

“They don’t run through the flower beds, and it’s a place to have fun.

That’s the idea I want it to be - just like a park.”

For more information, visit willowparkpatch.ca.

To check out the gardens, both new and tried and true, visit www.gardensofhuronperth.com.

Great gardens Despite not being able to put out a pamphlet this year, the Discover the Gardens of Huron Perth organization continues to show off gardens like Willow Park Patch, in Wingham, through their website, www.gardensofhuronperth.com. (File photo) lakeshore to Shakespeare and Dashwood to Wingham. The new gardens join a cadre of tried and true spaces that have welcomed people over a number of years.

One such space is Willow Patch Park, Debbie Kuyvenhoven’s garden in Lower Town Wingham.

In a previous interview with The Citizen, Kuyvenhoven said the garden is more like a park to the surrounding community with people visiting and bringing family often.

“People wander through,” she said. “It’s right beside our house, and it feels like a public park, so people don’t feel like they’re snooping around by visiting.”

She said she has an open garden sign and a number of people have been through the garden throughout the pandemic, though it’s not a matter of numbers, but of repeat visitors.

Continued from page 22 Blomsterhav in Huron East.

The Milkweed Madhouse Butterfly Garden, owned by Mike Ward, is located on Princess Street East in Clinton. It’s described as a “pollinator haven full of native plants” that contains a “good selection of host plants [for butterflies]”. It is open by appointment.

Blomsterhav, owned by Anita Hansen, is located on Centennial Road and includes more than 20 collector gardens featuring hostas, lilies and interesting flora all season.

The last new garden, called Garden at 22 is in the west central region and is located in Bayfield.

Called “a garden of inspiration”, the site features “mature trees and bursts of colour, combined with art and whimsy.” The site also includes an artist studio and shop, a labyrinth and is open by appointment or by chance.

In total there are 31 gardens in this year’s tours, stretching from the

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PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022.

Home & Garden Tips and tricks for DIY safety DIY projects, while projects that are completed without incident could later pose safety hazards that require work to be redone, which is both expensive and a threat to personal safety in the interim.

DIY projects need to be safe to be DIYers need not be discouraged worthwhile. (MS photo) from taking MS - Home improvement projects on themselves, but they projects can be costly. Depending should heed these tips to stay safe on the scope of the project, the when working on their homes. choice of materials and the skill • Make sure you choose the right level involved to see the project ladder: DIYers may spend ample through to successful completion, time shopping for drills and other homeowners could be on the hook electronic tools and gadgets that are for thousands of dollars or even fun to use. But ample time also must more when renovating their homes. be afforded to the type of ladder you One popular way homeowners intend to use on a project. look to cut such costs is to do some, Estimates from the West Bend if not all, of the work themselves. Insurance Company indicate that Indeed, do-it-yourselfers can save a roughly 90,000 people visit the considerable amount of money. emergency room due to ladder Estimates from the U.S. Census accidents each year in the U.S. Bureau’s American Housing Survey Never use a broken ladder or an indicate that homeowners can save aging ladder that’s uneven. In anywhere from 50 to 80 per cent on addition, do not use a ladder that DIY projects, compared to what forces you to reach far away. If they might pay for comparable you’re leaning while using a ladder, work to be performed by a the ladder is either too short for contractor. However, the key there your project or positioned too far is “comparable”. Cost overruns away from the wall. could derail DIY savings rather The National Home Security quickly if homeowners have little Alliance advises DIYers to place renovating skill or experience. But their ladder one foot from the wall homeowners’ wallets aren’t the for every four feet it rises above the only thing in jeopardy if a DIY ground. Test your ladders for their project goes awry. sturdiness prior to beginning work Renovation projects require so you aren’t tempted to use a attention to detail, and that includes subpar ladder. an emphasis on safety.

• Be especially careful with Homeowners cold be injured on power tools: Power tools can do a

Safety first

lot and they’re fun to use. But it’s important that DIYers do not let fun distract them from safety.

The Power Tool Institute (PTI) urges power tool users to wear personal protective equipment including eye and hearing protection and a dust mask whenever using power tools. The PTI also advises users to make sure tools are powered down before plugging them in and to inspect the tool before using it. Inspections can confirm that all guards are in place and that tools are up to the task at hand. Much like it’s unsafe to overreach on a ladder, overreaching when using power tools increases the risk for mistakes, accidents and injuries.

• Avoid electrical work: Complicated electrical work is best left to the professionals. Estimates from the Electrical Safety Foundation International indicate that electrical malfunctions cause more than 50,000 house fires each year. Such malfunctions can occur for myriad reasons, and a lack of experience working with electrical circuits and breakers could make homes vulnerable to malfunctions and fires.

It’s also worth noting that homeowners’ insurance policies may not cover damage caused by DIY electrical work. So at the very least, homeowners should contact their insurance providers to determine if any accidents or injuries caused by DIY electrical work would be covered by their policies.

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According to AARP’s 2021 “Home and Community Preferences Survey”, more than three-quarters of U.S. adults who are 50 and older prefer living at home. But getting older often comes with certain challenges that may not make current living situations the safest for seniors.

Retirement Living reports that an older person is treated in an emergency room for a fall-related injury nearly once every 10 seconds. Falls cause millions of injuries and 32,000 deaths a year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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• Clear clutter/move obstructions: One inexpensive modification is to remove extraneous furniture and accessories. Such a change widens walking spaces in a room and accommodates walkers and wheelchairs. In addition, furniture can be pushed to the room’s perimeter to make moving around easier. It’s also important to remove area rugs, as they’re often tripping hazards.

• Install grab rails and supports: Minimizing falls could come down to providing support in key rooms of a home. Adding grab rails in the bathroom near the toilet and in the shower can help a person use those facilities without assistance. Install a grab rail close to seating in the kitchen to add support.

• Consider smart lighting: Motion-activated or darknessactivated lighting switches and fixtures can automatically turn on lights, thereby improving visibility.

Also, rocker light switches are easier to maneuver than standard toggles.

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Stairlifts make it easier to traverse staircases and reduce the risk for falls.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022. PAGE 25.

A few lines to remember you by Glimpses of the Past with Karen Webster When part of a verse about worrying popped into my head one day, I turned to my little autograph book. This plaid-covered booklet with pastel pages was a treasured object when I was about 10 years old. An autograph book was not for signatures, but rather for little verses and tidbits of wisdom that friends and relatives shared.

One such gem given by an aunt of mine was, “Choose not your friends from outward show. For feathers fly high, but pearls lie low”. Not all verses were platitudes and some were downright silly such as “By hook or by crook, I’ll be the last in your book” (written on the book’s last page, of course!). Many people had their own special verses that they would write in a book when requested. Because they were concerned about not duplicating someone else’s verse, they would page through the book first to make sure that their verse was unique.

One young lad cleverly penned “2 Ys U R, 2 Ys U Be. I C U R, 2Ys 4 Me”. Although the guys wrote some of the autographs, I never saw any of them with a book of their own.

This was in sharp contrast to the historical beginnings of the autograph books.

In the 1500s, German scholars (all men), upon graduation, invited their classmates and instructors to sign their Bibles. Along with the

signatures, bits of scholarly advice as well as poetry and sketches were included. These books were kept as evidence of their credentials, shown in the remarks and signatures of intellectual associates. Publishing companies sought to accommodate this practice by including blank pages in Bibles for just this purpose. Eventually, booklets containing only blank pages were offered for sale.

Autograph books, called “album amicorum (book of friends)”, originated in areas with Germanand Dutch-speaking populations.

The oldest autograph book on record is from 1545.

The popularity of autograph books was revived again periodically throughout the years and German immigrants carried the practice to the New World. The popularity of autograph books has ebbed and flowed over the centuries. For instance, in the mid1800s, the autograph book became a status symbol among young women of the middle class. Some of these books survive to this day.

Not only were verses included, but also some detailed drawings suggesting that the book would be in the signer’s possession for quite a while. Other items that might be found in autograph books of that era were embroidery, locks of hair and pressed flowers.

In another era, we find in a book from the 1930s with such verses as: “Friendship is a silken tie, That binds each heart together. And if you never break that tie, we shall be friends forever”. Another bit of wisdom was penned by “Grandma” and advised “Your future lies before you, Like a sheet of driven snow.

Be careful how you step on it, For every step will show.” A more lighthearted one reads “You can fall from a steeple, you may fall from above. But for heaven’s sakes, Nellie, don’t fall in love!”

In the circular pattern of life, the collecting of autograph books interests some people. One such person is Diana, a collector from Vermont who has shared selections from two autograph books from the late 1800s in a blog. She frequents flea markets and garage sales in search of these little books, eventually selling them for much more than she invested in them. A survey of offerings on the buy-andsell website, Kijiji, finds that these little books can have prices that range from $10 to over $100 showing that autograph books can have more than sentimental value.

Not surprisingly, entities such as Disney mega-business have found a way to capitalize on this fad by offering items such as the “Disney Princess Autograph Book” for children to collect the signatures of

such animated and movie notables as Snow White, Cinderella and Ariel, while visiting the magical kingdoms.

Whether you still have an autograph book or it has been lost through the years, perhaps, in perusing the verses included here, you too, may have memories of autographed verses. Do they bring back memories of another time and of the people who wrote them?

Autograph books may be a thing of the past, or, perhaps, they may have morphed into another form. How many times on Facebook or some similar platform have you seen

verses both of serious and frivolous nature being shared with others?

And then re-shared many times over? Just how many of those online gems of wisdom do you remember in the way that you remember the verses from your autograph book?

Oh, and that verse that I was trying to remember? My aunt had suggested “Don’t worry about tomorrow, Just think about today.

Remember, today is the tomorrow, you were worrying about yesterday.

So, don’t worry.” Good advice, no matter what the year, but one that is not so easily followed.

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PAGE 26. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022.

Classified Advertisements – RATES – 20 words or less only $7.00 + HST. Additional words 20¢ each + HST.

DEADLINE 4 p.m. Monday Phone 519-523-4792 e-mail: info@northhuron.on.ca

Articles for sale GERBERS FIREWOOD SERVING you for over 10 years. Your number one source of quality slabwood and bodywood. Delivery available. No Sunday calls. 519-656-2057, 519441-2085.

01-50p -------------------------------------------REPRINTS OF PHOTOS taken by Citizen photographers are available to purchase. All are in colour. 4x6 – $5.00, 5x7 – $6.00, 8x10 – $10.00. Phone to order 519523-4792 or 519-887-9114. tfn -------------------------------------------THE CITIZEN IS AVAILABLE TO purchase at these locations – Auburn Co-op, Auburn Esso, Belgrave Variety, Blyth Variety, Blyth Food Market, Blyth Ultramar, Brussels Foodland, Brussels Variety, Clinton Convenience, Clinton Foodland, Dean’s Valu-Mart in Wingham, Wingham Mini Mart, Seaforth Foodland, GT Mini Mart in Seaforth, Fincher’s in Goderich, Goderich Victoria St. Shell and The Citizen Blyth.

Card of thanks BROOKS-KENNEDY. My heartfelt thanks for cards, calls and flowers on the loss of brother Mark. He was a great brother who I’ll miss every day. RIP Mark. – Love Brenda.10-1 -------------------------------------------DEMARAY. The family of the late Max Demaray would like to show sincere appreciation to the staff at Listowel Hospital for their compassionate care, the staff at Riverview Residence for every minute of care shown to Dad, Riverside Funeral Home for a memorable service planned by Dad, and absolutely everyone who showed us their love and concern through visits, food and time to say goodbye to our Dad. Rev. Snyder was a true friend to Dad, as Dad had been to him. Thank you to his chosen six pallbearers representing a world of hockey.

Many thanks to the Brussels Lions Club and the Brussels Legion for duties above and beyond. Dad’s life will live long in our hearts through his collection of photos and hockey memorabilia. Max’s dad’s 1941 International A tractor sat by his grave, kept in the family. Please feel free to share your stories with us at anytime. May we all live such a rich full life as he did. Dad told us, lately, his “final call” has been made. Enjoy the heavenly hockey, Dad. –Debbie, Rick, Rob and Dave and extended families.

19-1

Coming events ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FAIR 100th Birthday Party on Friday, May 27 at the Belgrave Community Centre. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with entertainment. Roast Beef dinner catered by the Belgrave Kinsmen from 6 to 7 p.m. Advance tickets only. $20 available at the Belgrave Co-op. Followed by Ambassador Competition and entertainment. 19-2

Help wanted Help wanted Help wanted Help wanted MUNICIPALITY OF HURON EAST PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT requires a

Full-Time Heavy Equipment Operator/Labourer Applications are now being received by the Municipality of Huron East.

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications: • Valid DZ Driver’s Licence with a clean driver’s abstract • Grade 12 in Province of Ontario or Equivalent • Previous grader/heavy equipment operator experience preferred • Snow plowing experience is a definite asset Working overtime and unusual hours including weekends and holidays is required.

The Municipality of Huron East offers a comprehensive benefits package.

A complete job description is available at the Huron East Municipal Office and on the website at www.huroneast.com Please submit résumé on or before 12:00 noon on Wednesday, May 18th, 2022 to the attention of: Barry Mills, C.Tech., Public Works Manager Municipality of Huron East Municipal Office 72 Main Street South, PO Box 610 Seaforth, Ontario, N0K 1W0 Phone: 519-527-1710 Fax: 519-527-2561 Email: bmills@huroneast.com

is hiring for a

full-and part-time position We are a 7th generation family farm near Seaforth.

BMG Community Centre is hiring a

Duties include cleaning and disinfecting barns, pressure washing, maintenance and repair. Most weekends off. Extra hours during planting and harvesting. Competitive wages based on skills and experience.

Will train. Must be willing to learn, follow instructions, be a team player, have a full G licence, and a mature attitude.

FULL-TIME SUMMER STUDENT

Please email résumé and solid work references to wbfl@tcc.on.ca or mail to Whyte Bros. Farms Ltd., 41992 Bridge Road, RR 2, Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0

to help with outdoor maintenance of facilities and indoor summer maintenance at the arena.

It will include but not limited to cutting, weeding and trimming grass and gardens, helping in maintaining sports fields and some painting of buildings.

Please résumés to bmgcc@huroneast.com or 800 Sports Dr., PO Box 209, Brussels, ON N0G 1H0

For rent 210 SQ. FT. OFFICE SPACE FOR rent, includes private entrance, alarm system, internet and utilities. Contact Deams Holdings 1-888-281-2746.

19-2

We thank all that apply, however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

LOOKING FOR ADMINISTRATOR/BOOKKEEPER Huron-Perth Cattle Feeder Co-operative Ltd. Is seeking applicants for the position of Office Administrator. The Co-operative is a feeder cattle finance lending organization, consisting of approx. 100 members in the Counties of Huron and Perth. The office administrator will be hired by and answer to a Board of Directors.

Duties include: • Day-to-day bookkeeping, including accounts payable and accounts receivable • Attending meetings – recording minutes, mostly in the evening • Processing loan documents, in partnership with our lending facility • Accepting/processing loan payments from members, forwarding profit to members • Filing correspondence with the lender • As a Co-operative, we are subject to an annual audit, preparation of documents in support • PMSI registration and maintenance • Other Ministry Filings, as required • Knowledge of accounting practices and related computer software is required; QuickBooks and Excel in particular • Knowledge of agricultural terminology and a farm business background would be an asset Position: This is a part-time contract position.

Monthly hours range with the seasonal activity, averaging 35-40 hours.

Individuals or Businesses are eligible to apply.

Business office is located in Walton, Ontario.

Tenders

Tenders

For Sale by Tender Vacant Agricultural/Woodlot Land Property Information: 222 acres total: 136 woodlot, 86 workable Legal Description: 40647 AMBERLEY RD CON 1 PT LOTS 7 TO 14 PT; ROAD ALLOWANCE CLOSED Tender documents can be accessed through the following link: https://northhuron.bidsandtenders.ca/Module/Tenders/en/Home/ BidHomepage Paper copies of the tender documents are also available at the Township Office: 274 Josephine Street, Wingham.

Closing date: Thursday, May 26, 2:00 PM

HURON COUNTY HOUSING & PROPERTY SERVICES Reference #: RFQi(HPS) 2022-03 JANITORIAL SERVICES, SNOW REMOVAL, LANDSCAPE & SITE MAINTENANCE Bids are invited to supply all labour, material, and equipment necessary for janitorial services, snow removal, and landscape and site maintenance at 400 Alexander Street, Brussels, ON (34 unit apartment building) effective June 1, 2022.

Bids will be received for the above until 11:00 a.m. local time, Wednesday, May 25, 2022.

Contact Please send résumés to hpcfco-op@ezlink.ca before May 24, 2022

Thinking about quitting?

Whyte Bros. Farms Ltd.

Package and details may be obtained by contacting lhayter@huroncounty.ca and referencing above number.

TO L L - F R E E

1-877-513-5333

THE LOWEST OR ANY BID NOT NECESSARILY ACCEPTED

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

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022. PAGE 27.

M-T Council splits animal control responsibilities

By Denny Scott The Citizen After a working group of lowertier municipal representatives failed to find someone to replicate the work of the late Bob Trick, an animal control officer for much of the county, Morris-Turnberry is spreading the responsibilities of the officer across other positions.

During council’s May 3 meeting, Chief Administrative Officer Trevor Hallam explained that the lower-tier municipalities had set up a working group to try and find Trick’s replacement after he passed away, however, the working group’s proposal

elicited mixed responses.

“Several of the municipalities in Huron County used the services of [Bob Trick] as their animal control officer on a contract-for-service basis,” Hallam said in his report.

“Following Mr. Trick’s passing, the Huron County working group that was established to consider an alternative for animal control service delivery posted an Expression of Interest for animal control services in local print media and on their respective websites.”

Hallam said the goal was to find a qualified individual to provide the same services that had been provided by Trick on a contract basis.

While there were seven responses when the group called for Expressions of Interest, none of them were fully qualified or experienced, Hallam said, and would require extensive training and equipment before being able to provide the same services as Trick.

“The working group developed a proposal for councils for the sharing of a full-time animal control officer through a shared service agreement,” he said. “The proposal was not accepted equally by all councils, making a sharing of the service on the proposed scale no longer feasible.

“For the most part, municipalities

Taking a break Last week, students at Hullett Central Public School enjoyed a plethora of activities that provided a chance to decompress as part of Children’s Mental Health Week. Above, Kinsley James, left, and Georgie Garrity, right, paint rocks to beautify the school yard while Genevieve Garrity waits her turn. (Denny Scott photo)

are looking to figure out their own way forward, either finding contract employees to cover the gap or using existing staff to [backfill] the responsibilities,” he said.

He added that Trick’s ability to help with wild animals was a benefit to local municipalites, but those services weren’t needed according to legislation, and could be provided by the private sector.

Hallam said that Huron East, Central Huron and North Huron looked to work together, since several of them already shared staff members.

In his report, Hallam explained that, due to the difficulty of finding someone to take on the role, staff were recommending splitting the role into its bylaw enforcement duties and the handling of domestic animals.

The bylaw enforcement responsibilities would be assigned to the municipality’s bylaw enforcement officer, Bruce Brockelbank, who has “expressed a willingness [to] accept the increased workload” according to Hallam. He went on to say that Brockelbank has also agreed to take on extra responsibilities in other municipalities Hallam said that Brockelbank’s weekly minimum hours for MorrisTurnberry would be increased from four hours to six hours as a result if council approved the recommendation.

“The additional two hours would amount to $3,707.60 per year,” Hallam said in his report. “In the 2022 budget, $12,500 is budgeted for animal control services.

Approximately $10,000 of that

amount is earmarked for wages and benefits related to animal control.

The additional two hours could be allocated to this budget, leaving approximately $6,300 per year for the [animal control officer] contract and the duties of livestock evaluator, which has already been separate from the… role.”

Hallam went on to say the livestock evaluator position had already been filled.

Hallam said there is a pool of people who are interested in the modified position.

“Part of the reason we went this way was that the applicants had facilities to deal with animals, but not the means to handle the legal issues,” he said. “This lets us go back to that pool.”

He also said there are local kennel owners who had the ability to temporarily house animals expressing interest in the position. “[The working group] had discussions about some of the services [Trick] was offering,” he said. “[Those services] were of great benefit to the municipality, but not strictly required under our bylaws.”

Hallam went on to say there had been few of those calls recently, though that could be tied to the COVID-19 pandemic keeping people at home.

“Our call volume has been very, very low since [Trick] passed,” Hallam said.

Council received the report with little discussion, going on to pass a motion to direct staff to provide a recommendation for the appointment of a suitable candidate for the animal control position.

Practice caution on road around farm equipment PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

Happy Mother’s Day to all. We hope you had a great day with family, received lots of cards, flowers, food and, mostly, hugs and kisses and a chance to be together.

The good weather of last week, really made the farmers move.

Manure is being spread, lots are out cultivating, sprayers are in the fields, stone pickers hard at work, some baling corn stalks, fertilizer spreaders moving in and out of the dealers and corn is being planted.

This means farm machinery is moving on our roads. Keep a watchful eye, slow down and have some patience. They can’t always see you and you can miss a turn

signal. They can also cause a lot of dust trying to run off the paved road as much as possible. It is spring, so be careful! It is great to have the 2022 planting season underway, unfortunately, the price of diesel fuel has gone through the roof, along with fertilizer costs; the good, the bad and the pricey.

Our week of news in Walton begins with the sad news of the passing of Marjory Fraser. She was the wife of the late Doug Fraser and will be missed by her children Carolyn, Dianne, Clayton and Cheryl and their families. Marjory was a lovely lady who was quiet spoken and a hard worker. She was a faithful member of the Walton United Church Women, helping at the Walton church for many years.

She had a beautiful smile for all and was a pleasure to visit with. Our sympathies to all.

Our sympathies are extended to the Bird family on the passing of Victor Ray Bird. He will be lovingly missed by his wife Joan and his family Fred, Tony, David, Tim, Rosemary and Naomi and

their families. Our condolences to all.

I was on an adventure on Saturday with my brother Paul. We went to Davison, Michigan for a birthday celebration. It was our aunt’s 90th birthday party. We celebrated at a lovely park with shelters and picnic tables, a huge playground and very clean washroom facilities. We had a lovely meal with Aunt Grace and family ( about 25) and then opened gifts, took some pictures, had a visit, and then it was time to drive home. We only were semi-lost in our travels, once on the way and once on the way home. We had the GPS system, but sometimes we were maybe not listening quite as good as we should. No problem, we corrected easily and made it where we needed to be. It was a cool day, but a very nice day of seeing our

with His eternal and lasting purposes. He’d rather have just a bowl of soup, or a peanut butter sandwich instead of a full-course meal if it means He could have engagement with you.

Author Francis Chan has observed, “Worry implies that we don’t quite trust God is big enough.” As we learn to worry less and prioritize more what’s most important to Him, may we experience just how mighty the Lord is and relish His care for us.

in May for us! We gathered at the McDonald household to celebrate their birthdays on Mother’s Day. Celebrating birthdays this past week includes Pat Melady, Armand Roth, Gerry Sullivan, Brian Workman, Scott McNaughton, Adam Jarosz, Scott Bann, Brandon Blake, Kyle Stevenson, Brandon Dalton, Jim Shortreed, Maddy Bernard, Carman Bernard, Calvin Flood and Nathan Wharton. Happy birthday to all.

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

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

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

Worry shows lack of trust Continued from page 10 menu. Jesus is emphasizing that is the “good”, the “better” thing – and He’s not going to rob her of that by telling her she should go help her sister prepare a banquet.

Are you a human doing or a human being? Jesus doesn’t want your works – He wants you. He seeks your attention. He wants fellowship with you, interaction with you, quiet time alone with you during which He can communicate the Father’s will to you, and you can align your wants and desires

relatives and making the near threehour drive to and fro. It was also really nice to catch up with my brother on lots of different topics. I really enjoyed my day!

Mother’s Day is always a dual celebration day for our family as we have five birthdays to celebrate in May. We have son Scott and grandsons Wes and Nate from that household and we have son-in-law Adam and grandson Owen from Kelly’s household. Lots to celebrate

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

NEWS FROM WALTON

FOR SALE - large vintage doll carriage, asking $40. Phone 519482-7262, ask for Mildred. 19-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE - Cockshutt 252 disc for parts, $200 for whole or will part out; 2 - 18/4/34 tires for duals, no cracks, $150 for pair; parts for 256 New Holland rake, $350 or will part out; 5-furrow Allis plow for parts, $300 or part out; 2 land rollers, $100 each; WD Allis tractor for parts, $300 or part out. 519395-2225.

19-3 ------------------------------------------

FOR SALE - four good summer tires on aluminum rims off Dodge Caravan. 215-65-R16, $300. 519527-2676.

18-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE - 7 foot, 3 point hitch blade, $100. 519-357-6085. 18-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE - back problems? inversion table like new, $250 or best offer. Ph: 519-357-3117. 18-3 ------------------------------------------

PAGE 28. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022.

Obituaries

VICTOR RAYMOND BIRD Victor Raymond Bird passed away peacefully with his family at his side at Listowel Memorial Hospital on May 5, 2022. He was in his 94th year.

Ray was the beloved husband of Joan Little for 50 years and the loving dad of Wendy (Robert), Fred, Tony, David, Tim (Gorete), Rosemary (Carlos) and Naomi (Mark).

He was the grandpa of Monica (Clint), Melissa (Harry), Roslyn (Kris), Matthew, Ana Laura (Juan Carlos), Sara, Emily (Chris), and Alexandra and the great-grandpa of Cameron, Thomas, Ellie, Ruby, Tiago, Graysen and Alden.

Ray is survived by siblings Olive and Ernest (Maureen). He was the brother-in-law of Nancy (Larry) and Robert (Luanne). He will be missed by nieces Alice (Jeff), Charlene (Brandon) and Natalie (Dave).

Ray was predeceased by his parents Victor and Mabel Bird (née Cook), in-laws Ellis and Margaret Little (née Broughton), his first wife and mother of his children, Sally Bird (née Penner), daughter Wendy, sister Marjorie (Jim; Cor) and brother in-law Bob. He was a special uncle and mentor of many friends and relatives, including close relatives in Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia. Ray also thoroughly enjoyed the 20-year tradition of the Chilean camping weekend at the farm. There are too many names to mention. This shows the genuine love and richness of his deep connections with people.

Ray was born in Saskatchewan and raised on a farm in Manitoba.

After high school, he left home to work in the mines in Northern Manitoba. As a young man, Ray ran a store on the Peguis Reserve, guided canoe expeditions, and had many other interesting adventures.

Ray was in the Air Force when he met Sally. They married and started a family in Montreal. Soon after, they moved to Clinton, where he continued and eventually finished his career in the Air Force as a civilian instructor. At the same time, Ray was expanding his farming operations, as well as his growing family. Then, he began work for Kongskilde where he was involved with new innovations in farming machinery. He was also known as an innovator in his own farming practices.

Ray moved to a farm in Brussels where he and Joan began their life together. He stayed on the farm and enjoyed a wonderful quality of life.

Even in his 94th year, he loved to see the crops grow. Among his many passions was sailing in the remote wilderness of Georgian Bay and the North Channel and he loved sharing this experience with Joan and his sailing friends, who he loved so dearly.

When it came to the arts, Ray appreciated the Paul Thompson type of theatre where many friendships developed, which were very important to him. His own artistic expression was in the form of painting. He loved to paint life.

Those fortunate enough to have a personal tour with Ray will know that each painting tells a story.

These tours would often include a trip to the famed wine cellar, where Ray would make the wine about which poets write. For 50 summers in a row, Ray filled the woodshed in preparation for the winter, even into his last year. The warmth of the woodstove is very symbolic of the friendships and company who would visit the house.

A celebration of Ray’s life will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy, donations to the Listowel Memorial Hospital Foundation or the North Huron FoodShare would be appreciated.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca.

MARJORY ETHEL (née Hackwell) FRASER Marjory Ethel (née Hackwell) Fraser, passed away peacefully, on May 5, 2022 at Columbia Forest Long Term Care Home in Waterloo.

She was in her 97th year.

Marjory was the loved wife of the late Doug Fraser (2003) for 55 years and the loving mom of Carolyn and Gerry Sullivan, Dianne and the late Phil Blake (2016), Clayton and Bev Fraser and Cheryl and Glenn Mader.

She was the adoring grandma of Mark (Melinda), Craig (Chrissie), Jeremy (Renee), Amanda (Andrew), Sarah (Mike), Emily, and Garett (Cass); the greatgrandma of Kacie, Connor, Caden, Porter, Lydia, Everly, Bennett and

the sister-in-law of Melva Fraser.

Marjory will be missed by many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents Ethel and Elmer, sister Lois (Rae) Houston and many in-laws.

Marjory was very active in her community at Duff’s United Church serving in the UCW for over 40 years. She loved to dance at Family Paradise with Doug and their group of Walton friends. She was an avid gardener and liked to preserve the fruits of her labour.

She liked to sew and knit afghans, baby blankets and scarves and hats for the homeless shelter. She hosted many family gatherings on the farm serving made from scratch pies, Christmas pudding and then angel food cake with lemon. She farmed alongside Doug for over 40 years, milking cows for cream and raising beef cattle, pigs and chickens; all the while raising four kids making sure they finished their homework and made it on time to music lessons. Marjory instilled a work ethic and need for education in her children. She will be missed greatly by her family and community.

Friends and family were received at Riverside Funeral Home on Saturday, May 7 for visitation, followed by the funeral service.

Rev. Judy Astley officiated. Burial was at Brussels Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy, donations to the North Huron Food Share or the Canadian Red Cross (Ukrainian Relief) would be appreciated.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

Linda and the late Dave Dale, and Bill Brown, both of Seaforth. He was the dear brother of Taunya Brown, Jennifer Raszmann (Kevin), Christine Dale, Andrew Dale (Kerry), and Stephanie Saunders (Jeff) and the proud uncle of 12 nieces and nephews. William will be missed by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandparents Neil and Marilyn Hodgert and Eva and James Brown.

William was a quiet but caring man. He had a passion for tinkering with electronics and guitars.

William also enjoyed trips in his smart car throughout the United

States and Canada. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Visitation was held at Haskett Funeral Home, Seaforth, on Sunday, May 8. The funeral service was held in the funeral home on Monday, May 9 with interment at Exeter Cemetery.

Donations to Diabetes Canada or a charity of one’s choice would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be forwarded to the family through www.haskettfh.com.

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The Citizen.

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

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

The Citizen WILLIAM EDWARD BROWN William Edward Brown of Seaforth, passed away unexpectedly at his home on May 3, 2022, at the age of 45.

William was the cherished son of

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022. PAGE 29.

Wilbee leads service at Knox PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE

By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188

A tasty task There are certainly worse ways to spend your time than taste-testing cakes, as members of the Wawanosh 4-H “Batter Up” Club learned recently. From left: Hailey Hanna, Nora Gulutzen and Blakely Hanna. (Courtesy photo)

Joyce Van Camp from Alberta was a guest of her parents, Jim and Mary Hunter. While here, she visited with other family members, relatives and friends.

On a sunny spring day, many people enjoyed the Kinsmen buffet breakfast on Mother’s Day on May 8 at the Community Centre.

Birthday greetings are extended to Karen McCallum on May 13.

Anniversary greetings are extended to Matt and Ashley Bromley on May 14.

The guest speaker at Knox United Church on Sunday, May 8,

Mother’s Day was Gloria Wilbee, Licensed Lay Worship Leader.

The scripture lesson was read from John 10:1-9 and 27-30.

Gloria’s message was entitled, “A Mother’s Prayer”.

Bill McAuslan will be the guest speaker on May 15. Everyone is welcome.

It won’t be long now until we are out planting our gardens. Some of us have been getting plants, but it is still too cold to plan or put them out. We are blessed with warm spring days, but the temperature drops at night. The spring flowers are in bloom and so are the flowering trees, which are beautiful. The farmers are out in the fields working up the land getting it ready to plant their crops.

We need to keep our guard up as COVID-19 cases are still around.

Do your part to stay safe. Wear a mask when in a store or group, wash your hands and sanitize. Stay home if you are not feeling well and

NEWS FROM BELGRAVE test to make sure it isn’t the virus.

When you are able to book for your next vaccine, make sure to do it.

Together we can beat the virus.

‘Batter Up’ 4-H club meetings focus on pies, cakes

By Clara DeBoer The fourth meeting of Wawanosh 4-H “Batter Up” Club was held in the Auburn Hall on May 5 at 6:45 p.m. The meeting started with the 4H pledge. The members then broke into groups and got to work

making apple hand pies and strawberry pie with graham cracker crust.

While the pies were baking, President Cassandra Bos led roll call, which asked members their favourite kind of pie. The favourite

pies of the members were pumpkin and strawberry.

When the pies were cooling, the members played ingredient match to help them better understand the different ingredient groups in baking and what they do. The club

then played musical chairs. The two winners got to take home the extra pie shells so they could make a pie at home.

When the games were over, it was time to do some taste testing.

Everyone enjoyed both pies.

Cassandra closed the meeting with the 4-H motto, “Learn to do by Doing”.

By Reese DeBoer The third meeting of Wawanosh 4-H “Batter Up” Club was held in the Auburn Hall on April 28 at 6:45 p.m. After opening the meeting with the 4-H pledge, the members got right to work. They broke into four groups to make two different cakes: butter cake and a cake from a cake mix; cream cheese frosting and fruit filling with raspberries.

While the cakes were baking, President Cassandra Bos led roll call, which asked the members what their favourite kind of cake was and when you would eat it.

Members then judged shoes for working in the kitchen. A good shoe for working in the kitchen is closed-toed, anti-slip, easy to

clean, light and water resistant.

The club then played a game of charades acting out different baking actions and items. Some members then iced the cakes while the other members played some minute-towin-it games with cups and balloons.

When the games were over, it was time to do some taste testing. The cake with the raspberry filling was a club favourite, but the butter cake was delicious too.

Cassandra Bos closed the meeting with the 4-H motto, “Learn to Do

By Doing”.

Leadership in energy and environmental design

Devon Henry 84772 McDonald Line • Box 616 • Brussels

devonjhenry@hotmail.com 519-505-2473

Happy to help The Belgrave Kinsmen held a special Mother’s Day breakfast at the Belgrave Community Centre on Sunday and the volunteers had plenty of smiles to offer. Below, diners lined up for the meal which was, undoubtedly, worth the wait. (John Stephenson photo)

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PAGE 30. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022.

Women entrepreneurs benefit from county program

Sole sister Julie Grimminck of Sole Purpose was able to tap into Huron County Starter Company Plus funding to get her business off the ground. She’s one of several women who were able to jump-start their business concepts thanks to the program. (Courtesy photo)

By Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot The Rural Voice Women entrepreneurship is growing in Canada, as Statistics Canada reports a 30 per cent increase in women-owned businesses in the last 10 years. That number has certainly increased during the last two years with the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the Government of Canada’s investment of $2 billion into the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy to double the number of womenowned businesses in 2025, The Rural Voice was curious about the business and the “why” women are

launching their own businesses.

Interviewing three women entrepreneurs, it’s clear women want to use their skills, make money and find that balance between motherhood and career.

Following are stories from three women entrepreneurs in Huron County. Look for stories about women entrepreneurs from other counties in future issues.

Julie Grimminck Sole Purpose Growing up on a farm in Huron County, then working as a nurse for 25 years may explain why working with feet doesn’t faze Julie Grimminck of Sole Purpose

A new chapter Becky Nethery is now writing for a living after leaving her teaching career to pursue her passion. Since she threw herself into writing, Nethery has brought on many local businesses as her clients. (Courtesy photo)

“I love feet!” exclaims the new entrepreneur, who was recently awarded a $5,000 grant from Huron Economic Development Starter Company Plus program after delivering a winning pitch to three judges. She will use the money to purchase an autoclave and ultrasonic cleaner to speed up the process of cleaning and sterilizing her tools.

“I used to clean them by hand, but this will save time and also means I can provide the gold standard in IPAC (infection, prevention and control) sterilization,” explained Grimminck.

Grimminck is a registered nurse with an advanced foot care speciality so she can keep feet healthy for the elderly and those with diabetes. She launched Sole Purpose in June of 2021, so she could travel with her tools and skills to the homes of people who need the specialized care.

For her, the change was necessary.

She had worked 10 years at the London Psychiatric Hospital, five years in retirement homes and then 10 years in home care and was ready for a new challenge. “I had reached my full potential in those other jobs and I needed something that was fulfilling,” she says. Feet was it. “I wanted a job where I could make a difference and with foot care, I have that impact.”

With over 240 clients, Grimminck visits five to eight clients a day in an area stretching from Grand Bend to Lucan to Exeter to Goderich and Seaforth. She starts with a health history, then assesses the client’s feet, checking the blood circulation and skin integrity. She checks for range of motion and also inspects the client’s shoes to make sure they are supportive. “Feet say a lot about a person’s health,” says Grimminck.

Then she trims nails, reduces callouses, removes corns and sometimes diseased flesh.

Many of her clients are elderly and have mobility issues. Many cannot reach their feet any more and require a nurse to take care of them. Some have arthritis, visual impairments and dexterity issues.

Viewing some pictures of her work is hard for some people to stomach. Grimminck has had cases where people with diabetes do not feel bruising or ulcers in their feet.

They require an advocate to get them to a wound centre or else they could lose their feet.

“Prevention. I can’t say enough about that,” says Grimminck. She works with other health care

professionals including doctors who specialize in orthotics, which can fix a lot of problems.

Education is a huge part of her work. She wants to reach out to people of all ages via Facebook to teach them about foot care and educate the sons and daughters of her clients to check their parents’ feet as well. The sessions end with a foot massage and that is everyone’s favourite part, she says.

Grimminck’s favourite part is listening to the stories of the elderly in her care. “I just love hearing people’s stories.”

As an entrepreneur, Grimminck was excited to take part in the Starter Company Plus program which offers new entrepreneurs training, coaching and mentorship.

Participants have to make a business plan, a financial plan, take a specific number of courses, then pitch their business to experienced business owners for the chance to win two $5,000 grants. This year, 10 entrepreneurs vied for the grants with two receiving $5,000 and two receiving $2,500.

“Through this program, I gained more confidence and I learned so much from hearing other people’s stories and ideas,” said Grimminck.

Genny Smith, Entrepreneurship and Business Program Co-ordinator with Huron Economic Development, said Grimminck’s business was a winner because of how much she could expand her business by having an autoclave to clean her instruments at a faster rate.

“Julie can service more clients and change more lives by streamlining

her cleaning and disinfection process,” said Smith. She added that the Starter Company Plus program is a full-scale program from business basics to operations to financials to sales and marketing. “It’s like if you have a cake business and you know how to make great cakes, but you may not know how to sell those cakes and how to manage a cake business. This program helps people understand the full scope of a business and what’s all involved.”

The best part? It is free. “When people start out as an entrepreneur, they don’t have the money to hire a business coach. This program is free and we can also connect to our Digital Service Squad to help with detailed marketing.”

Becky Nethery, Copywriter and Communications Consultant Growing up on a small dairy farm outside of Blyth, Becky Nethery knew from a young age she wanted to work on her own terms.

She decided to pursue a career as a teacher and worked for 10 years in Calgary, Moosonee in Northern Ontario and at Central Huron Secondary School in Clinton.

“I loved working with the students and helping kids learn about English and the power of words because I think being able to write is one of the biggest skill sets one can have,” says Nethery, speaking from her Goderich-area home on break from working with small businesses to create their stories.

However, she wanted to travel.

She wanted freedom and flexibility Continued on page 31

5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

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For tickets call Marg at D&D Glass 519-525-7641 or Lorne at Tirecraft 519-357-0233 or visit ticketscene.ca/events/40489

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022. PAGE 31.

Hagle has advice for future women entrepreneurs

A few tips Kim Hagle opened Radiant Vitality Wellness on March 11, 2020, the day the world changed and the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a worldwide pandemic. She’s now able to work at something she’s passionate about every day. (Courtesy photo) Continued from page 30 to work anywhere in the world.

“Honestly, one of the biggest things I wanted was to go to a bathroom whenever I wanted without having to leave a class,” she says, laughing.

Nethery sometimes felt limited in her role as a teacher and wanted to be her “whole self”. She was also missing a sense of creativity and being able to tap into her own creative self with potential to make

money from her own ideas.

These ideas floated around for a while because teaching is a highpaying vocation with many safety nets in place. However, a quote by Anais Nin finally prompted her to resign from her job. The quote was, “It was more painful to stay than to leave.”

Nethery, now 37, decided to become a copywriter and instructional design consultant. “I

Workshops, kids’ programs all set Continued from page 1 stories of “Metis futurism” that envision a world without violence, capitalism, or colonization.

The Alice Munro Festival of the Short Story for Kids will feature virtual school readings and presentations by David A. Robertson, Tara Anderson, Wesley King and Katherine Battersby.

Workshops are always a popular part of Festival. This year, writers can take five masterclasses with bestselling Canadian guest authors, including: “Process, Prompts and Possibilities” with Danielle Daniel, “Exceptional Faults: Finding the qualities (and flaws) that make your writing unique” with Martha Schabas, “‘Who are these people and what is happening to them?’

Character and Plot in Short Fiction” with Alexander MacLeod, and “Publication 101 from a #1

Bestselling Author” with Heather Marshall.

Workshops and the awards luncheon are $30 per person, while the author readings are free.

Friday and Sunday events are virtual and Saturday events are all held at the Maitland River Community Church in Wingham.

The annual festival is generously supported by: the County of Huron, Township of North Huron, Dr. Marie Gear, Royal Homes, Capital Power, Leslie Motors, Stainton’s Home Hardware, Crawford, Mills & Davies Law Office, Joe Kerr Ltd., Hurontel, Britespan Building Systems, MicroAge Basics, John Schenk Legal, Howick Mutual Insurance Company and Glassier Physiotherapy Clinic.

Full details and ticket links are available online at www.alicemunrofestival.ca.

50th Anniversary John and Sheron Stadelmann are celebrating their

50th Wedding Anniversary Please join them on Saturday, May 21st, 2022 at Auburn Hall 44 Hardwood Line

Open House 1-3 pm Best wishes only

help businesses with their marketing and branding material so they can show up with confidence and, ultimately, make them more money,” says Nethery. She helps businesses get clear on their messaging and tell their story.

She started by contacting her friends and letting them know she was launching her own business.

She also attended networking events and encouraged everyone she worked with to share her name to potential clients. Once Nethery had helped a few clients, she used their testimonials to attract more.

She has done website and copywriting work for such clients as Coastal Coffee, Schaefer’s, West Wawanosh Insurance, Dr. Kate Hazlitt, and Firmly Rooted.

Nethery also reads many books about entrepreneurship and listens to business podcasts regularly to help her reach her goals. She has now become a speaker herself, sharing her journey into business with events such as the Starter Company Plus program offered by Huron Economic Development.

Two-and-a-half years later, she now has a full-fledged business.

“Every year my profits have doubled,” says Nethery. While she hasn’t reached her former teacher income yet, she’s close. More than that, she feels fulfilled in her work.

“When I get to show up for a client, I get to be 100 per cent myself, not a robot version of who I am,” says Nethery. “Plus, I can go to the bathroom whenever I want!”

Kim Hagle Radiant Vitality Wellness There is more to health and nutrition than weight loss. That message prompted Kim Hagle to use her background in nursing and as a personal trainer to embrace body diversity and help women enjoy simply moving via her business, Radiant Vitality Wellness.

Her body-positive fitness and nutrition coaching service is offered in-person at her Goderich studio, as well as online to equip women with sustainable tools to heal their relationship with exercise, food and their bodies.

“After I had my last child, I felt I could not go back to fitness training because I no longer fit the mold of what a personal trainer should look like,” remembers Hagle. “I did not have a perfectly chiselled body and believed I could not be a role model for fitness if I did not conform to the ideal.”

She left the fitness world and took a job, but her heart was really with women and fitness, so she started to work through the roadblock of body image. Hagle embraced the anti-diet movement and realized women can be healthy at every size. It gave her renewed passion and indeed, a mission, to revamp what fitness looked like. She opened Radiant Vitality on March 11, 2020, the very day the World Health Organization declared the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.

That required an immediate pivot into the online world, which was a journey in itself. “Now, two years later, I can say it is going wonderfully. Most of my business is online and I work with women all over the world, including Japan, Australia and the United States.”

Being an entrepreneur requires so many skills that it can be overwhelming, admits Hagle. “I was passionate about one thing, an expert about one thing: health and fitness. I am not an expert on social media, marketing and tech integration. I had no idea how much technology I would have to learn.”

And learn she did, to the point she also launched a podcast in which she talks about body image issues, including motivation, diet culture and toxic messaging from the fitness industry. The podcast really helped her business take off. She used Buzzsprout podcast hosting and isn’t shy about asking experts for help.

Now, she’s at the point where she makes a “decent living” and, equally important, she gets to do what brings her joy. “This is what I am passionate about,” says Hagle. “I traded in easy work and a steady paycheck for a ton of stress and way more hours, but I would do it again and again because I am so passionate about this mission.”

Her advice for future women entrepreneurs is: • Outsource: “Get the best help you can afford and search out the rest. There is a lot of free information out there. Try to sift through it all and pick out the pieces that are relevant to you.”

• Stay the course: Be patient and know there is a lot to learn and mistakes will be made. “There will be great months and not so great months,” says Hagle. “It takes time in the online world to get a following and credibility and traction.”

• Do not neglect your own needs: Being an entrepreneur can be all encompassing. “I wanted to do it all

and hit sales targets and that can lead to burnout,” says Hagle. She did fall into that trap so now she sets firm boundaries around her hours, makes sure to get her own movement in, and manages her stress so she gets quality sleep.

Sudoku Solution

PLEASE JOIN US TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF

ROBERT FRANCIS O’BRIEN February 3rd, 1937 - January 30th, 2022

We would like to extend an invite to you with hopes you will join our family as we honour what an amazing man he was and cherish all the good times and memories he left us with.

Bob’s Celebration of Life will take place on

Saturday, May 21st, 2022 A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am at the St. James Catholic Church in Seaforth (22 Victoria St. Seaforth, ON) Following the service there will be a Celebration of Life at the Smith Farm from 2-4 pm Luncheon Provided (43407 Cranbrook Rd., Brussels, ON) There will be a committal service for both Bob and Donna O’Brien at the Aylmer Cemetery (8152 Imperial Rd., Aylmer, ON)

Sunday, May 22nd, 2022

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PAGE 32. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022.

Unemployment rate decreases to 3.3%

For the mothers The Belgrave Kinsmen took to the grills and griddles of the Belgrave Community Centre on Sunday morning to cook breakfast for the mothers of the community (and their families) on what turned out to be a beautiful day in Huron County. (John Stephenson photo)

In April, the unemployment rate for the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula economic region decreased by 1.2 percentage points to 3.3 per cent, remaining the second-lowest in Ontario.

The provincial unemployment rate also decreased by 0.6 percentage points to 5.6 per cent, both unadjusted for seasonality.

Overall net employment in the region increased by 2,800, with full-time losses (-200) and parttime gains (+3,000).

The number of goods-producing sector employees increased by net 800. The main driving force came from gains in utilities (1,400) even though construction experienced a loss of 900.

Employment in the servicesproducing sector increased by net 2,000. However, healthcare and social assistance continued to experience losses (-2,300). Gains in wholesale and retail trade (+2,600) and other sectors offset the losses, which resulted in positive net gains.

“While we are seeing increases in

employment in some sectors, including utilities and wholesale and retail trade, the extremely low local unemployment rate continues to be challenging for employers who are struggling to fill positions,” says Sarah Pelton, Executive Director of the Four County Labour Market Planning Board.

Current job postings for the Bruce, Grey, Huron, Perth region have increased over time since the pandemic and can be found at www.connect2JOBS.ca.

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HEAR forum live

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron East has launched an online platform through which staff and council hope to engage with residents, not just for immediate projects, but for the future.

Chief Administrative Officer Brad McRoberts raised the concept of such a forum as one of his early “deliverables” to improve efficiency at the municipality, presented to council just a few months after he took over for longtime Chief Administrative Officer Brad Knight.

The site, Huron East Asks Residents (HEAR) is now live at huroneastasksresidents.ca and asks those who live in the community to provide some feedback on the municipality’s new communication strategy and its economic development strategic plan. In time, McRoberts said, there will also be other topics on the site, such as the service delivery review and the citizens’ committee reviewing council composition and compensation.

However, while those are all tied to McRoberts’ early work with the municipality, he hopes to keep the site live indefinitely. The portal allows the municipality to engage in two-way communication with residents on any number of issues,

rather than the one-way communication that is standard with traditional or social media, allowing for residents to have a direct line to the municipality.

Users are asked to create an account for the website, but McRoberts says it’s a great way to stay engaged with Huron East when further input is needed.

In an interview with The Citizen, McRoberts said he proposed the community engagement portal for Huron East after finding success with it at a previous posting when he worked for South Bruce Peninsula. At the time, he said, the federal government was asking local councils if they would be willing to host cannabis facilities in their communities and McRoberts said it seemed like the ideal question to ask residents of the area.

Soon, he said, members of the citizens’ committee on council compensation and composition will be reaching out to residents for their thoughts ahead of presenting a final report and recommendation to council in June. While that issue has generated a lot of interest, the forum can be used to provide feedback when the committee begins that phase of its work.

For more information or to create an account, visit the website at huroneastasksresidents.ca.

Report on proposal coming to M-T

By Denny Scott The Citizen Morris-Turnberry Council wanted to give staff time to digest the recently-proposed cross-border servicing agreement between Morris-Turnberry and North Huron before deciding whether to proceed further.

During Morris-Turnberry’s May 3 regular council meeting, the agreement was included on the agenda as correspondence, but wasn’t referenced by council.

During an interview after the meeting, Mayor Jamie Heffer said that staff, led by Chief Administrative Officer Trevor Hallam, wanted time to review the document and put forward a full report on it before council weighed in on it.

The proposed agreement, which was originally sent by North Huron Council in the middle of April, will be reviewed by Morris-Turnberry staff, Heffer said, and presented at a future council meeting, possibly in June.

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THE COMPLETE STENCILING HANDBOOK GROWING AND USING HERBS SUCCESSFULLY MAILBOXES GROW FOR FLAVOR HIVE MANAGEMENT HOW TO BUILD YOUR OWN GREENHOUSE

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Total for Books Shipping & Handling $9.00 Add 5% GST on subtotal Order Total

Send cheque or money order for full amount to: Books: North Huron Publishing P.O. Box 429, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 or call and pay by credit card 519-523-4792

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