The Citizen - Nov. 21, 2019

INSIDE THIS WEEK:

SPORTS - Pg. 9

MADD - Pg. 12

GOLF - Pg. 20

Ironmen drop to second place in North Pollock Division

Local OPP officer, MADD seek to stop drunk driving

Lions Club to honour late member with tournament

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Volume 35 No. 44

Serving the communities of Blyth and Brussels and northern Huron County

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Nursing shortage reduces ER hours

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

Time to decorate On Sunday, the Brussels Leo Club kept its members busy.

First, they were at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre helping the Lions Club with its community breakfast, then they were at the Brussels

Library encouraging community members to make a wreath ahead of the Christmas season. Here, Kyra Chisholm, left, and Savannah Chambers put their creative flare into some wreaths.

(Mark Nonkes photo)

With the Clinton Public Hospital’s emergency department hours set to be cut in half next month, Central Huron Council voiced their concerns on Monday night.

Andrew Williams, president and CEO of the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA), spoke to council at its Monday night meeting, explaining that without enough qualified nurses the Clinton hospital’s emergency department simply cannot run in a safe manner, which is why the hours are being cut. Beginning Dec. 2, the department will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., rather than 24 hours a day.

Williams told council the HPHA has been furiously trying to hire new registered nurses for the past year, but to no avail. He said the hospital even beefed up its nightly complement of nurses in the hopes of attracting qualified applicants, but that didn’t work either. The staffing shortage, which is being experienced by rural hospitals all over the province, forced the HPHA’s hand, Williams said, and made it unsafe to keep the department open through the night.

The hospital posted 18 positions in the last year, he said, none of which resulted in the application of a qualified nurse. Furthermore, he said that while young, recent nursing graduates are finding their way to Clinton, they aren’t yet qualified, so they have to work with a qualified veteran nurse until they Continued on page 3

Belgrave water rates corrected, set to rise in 2020

By Denny Scott The Citizen Despite members of North Huron Council being against the move, Belgrave ratepayers will now be charged the full cost of their water bills next year, more than a 50 per cent increase going forward.

Last month staff told council that, in its bid to charge Belgrave and Blyth users the same amount of money for water, they discovered Belgrave users were being subsidized by the rest of the municipality. Users of the Belgrave water system, owned and operated

by Morris-Turnberry, were paying $631 in 2019, slightly over half of their actual bill of $1,054 per

household, while the rest was coming from Wingham and Blyth ratepayers.

While Morris-Turnberry charges North Huron users the same amount as Morris-Turnberry users, North Huron Council decided, years ago, to charge North Huron users the same as Blyth residents. The move created an annual deficit that needed to be absorbed. In 2019, that deficit totalled $15,000.

As a result of council’s dedication to equal billing, Blyth and Wingham ratepayers have been paying increasingly more of Belgrave users’ bills over the years.

To address the issue staff suggested three options for council: continue with the status quo,

immediately resolve to have Belgrave users charged the full amount starting in 2020 or look to phase in the expense over two to five years.

Reeve Bernie Bailey said that,

despite his initial reaction to have Belgrave users support their own system, he has had a change of heart.

He said that charging Blyth and Belgrave the same amount was the right thing to do and was part of

treating North Huron as one community.

His council, however, wasn’t onside with that. Councillor Anita van Hittersum asked if anyone had Continued on page 2

Lions Club takes on park property

By Denny Scott The Citizen After finding historical records indicating that the Blyth Lions Club were to be given the Blyth Lawn Bowling Club property, North Huron Township Council will honour that intent and transfer the land to the club.

After several months of back and forth between the organizations, council discovered that, at a Sept.

17, 2007 meeting, North Huron Council had committed to giving the property to the Blyth Lions Club.

At the time, however, council was unaware of what that would entail according to current Chief Administrative Officer Dwayne Evans.

Originally, council sought out a “quick claim deed process”, however that wasn’t possible, leading to the township expropriating the land at a cost of $10,000 and five years of work.

Based on finding that 2007 motion, staff met with the Lions Club and started drafting possible Continued on page 23

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019.

NH promises final trailer park decision by Aug. 2020

By Denny Scott The Citizen Despite initially presenting a hardline denial of a one-year agreement to run the Wingham trailer park, the

meeting on Monday, Grant Currie, representing the Wingham Legion, requested that, instead of a one-year renewal for the Legion operating the park, council agree to a three-year contract that includes a six-month

Wingham Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion has agreed to the short-term renewal thanks to promises of a long-term plan being put in place.

During North Huron Council’s

Outnumbered It would take more than superior numbers in a tight play for the Minto 81’s to best the Centenaires on the weekend. The two squads faced off in Seaforth on Saturday night with Seaforth earning a big 7-2 win. (Mark Nonkes photo)

Belgrave water fees to equalize Continued from page 1 heard complaints from Blyth or Wingham ratepayers about their subsidizing of their Belgrave neighbours. While Bailey said he hadn’t, others, including Councillor Paul Heffer in Wingham said he had.

Heffer explained that, in hs opinion, the Belgrave system needed to be user-pay. The increased amount would cost users $1.21 a day which, for perfectly safe water, isn’t a lot of money.

“It should be user-pay for the full amount for the people in Belgrave,” he said.

Councillor Chris Palmer agreed, pointing out that if Bailey wanted to treat everyone fairly, this was the way to do it.

“Both Wingham and Blyth are user-pay,” he said. “You said you wanted uniformity, but Belgrave is not currently a user-pay system.”

He pointed to developable land in Belgrave and, with each hookup, the municipality could be subsidizing more and more homes. He also said that subsidizing the water system could lead to a similar expectation if sewers are ever installed in the community.

He suggested utilizing option three: phasing in the increase over what he called “mercy years” in a three-year plan.

Deputy-Reeve Trevor Seip agreed and made a motion to adopt three annual increases until North Huron residents of Belgrave were paying the same amount as their MorrisTurnberry ratepayers.

Three years was too short a time period for van Hittersum, however, who suggested a five-year term. Seip and Palmer, who seconded the motion, received the change as a friendly amendment.

In a recorded vote, however, that motion failed with Seip, van Hittersum and Palmer voting for it while Falconer, Heffer, Bailey and

Councillor Ric McBurney voted against it.

Seip then suggested the full-cost option which will see North Huron Belgrave residents pay $1,076.14 for

water in 2020 with subsequent increases to keep up with their Morris-Turnberry neighbours. That motion passed with van Hittersum and Bailey voting against it.

staff reports would be forthcoming about the site and Evans said it would likely be early 2020.

Some council members felt a oneyear contract actually provided more stability than a three-year contract with a six-month cancellation clause, saying the clause could be implemented any time, giving the Legion less than a year of operating the site.

Currie said that, with a three-year contract, they could tell renters they had an agreement in place. If it fell through, however, that’s something the Legion would have to manage.

Evans told council that if a threeyear contract was signed, the work of establishing a future for the site would move down staff’s priority list as a longer time frame would be available to resolve it.

After some discussion, council suggested a one-year renewal with a hard deadline of Aug. 31, 2020 for determining the future of the site.

The Legion members in attendance were in favour of that because it gave them something to tell their renters about the future of the site.

Council approved the one-year renewal of the agreement to have the local Legion run the site with a promise to determine its long-term future by Aug. 31 of 2020.

cancellation clause for both parties.

Currie explained that the uncertainty of a year-to-year renewal cycle makes the attraction and retention of seasonal renters difficult. He said that the agreement has been good for both the municipality and the Legion, as well as the users of the campground, but a one-year renewal will mean Legion members can’t give guarantees to users and will result in fewer users and thus, lost revenue. He added that, with a one-year term, Legion members couldn’t charge for winter storage, a $2,500 revenue stream.

The entire situation surfaced when North Huron Council directed staff to look at lands that could be developed within the community.

The trailer park was considered, according to Chief Administrative Officer Dwayne Evans, with four options available to council: retain the status quo, have the municipality take steps to develop it as a residential property itself, sell it as a trailer park or sell it as developable property.

Currie said he understood the desire and need for residential development, adding that all the Legion was looking for was stability to be able to deal with renters in good faith.

Council members asked when

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Big win As part of the Wingham Silver Stick tournament, Shallow Lake faced off against the TCDMHA Rebels over the weekend at the Blyth and District Community Centre.

Shallow Lake beat the Rebels 3-2. (Mark Nonkes photo)

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019. PAGE 3.

Hour reduction only temporary: Williams Continued from page 1 learn the skills they need to work alone.

The vast majority of patients come through the department during those daytime hours, he told council, with just 15 per cent of patients coming in between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. That number drops off significantly from midnight to 8 a.m., he added.

Williams told council the decision to cut the emergency department’s

hours in half was not taken lightly, but it was important to ensure the safety of all involved at the hospital – patients and professionals. He added that the cut is not a first step towards closing the hospital, reminding council of similar steps taken 10 years ago in Seaforth and similar provisions currently in place in Chesley.

He added that the hospital has always had a good working

relationship with the Huron County EMS service and if patients are in trouble and require urgent care, the first option should always be to call 911 and the responding EMS team can take the patient to the nearest, most appropriate emergency department for care.

He said the hospital’s emergency department hours will remain cut until they can hire at least four more nurses, one full-time and three part-

time. He also said the HPHA wanted to ensure the complement of nurses is firmly in place before the hospital’s hours are expanded again, saying the last thing the HPHA would want to do is reopen the department, only to reduce the hours again a few months later. He said he wants a firm solution in place for the hospital, adding the HPHA is committed to four strong sites in the region in Seaforth, Clinton, St. Marys and Stratford. No doubt those locations will change and adapt with the times, he said, but the fourlocation model is crucial to the work of the HPHA, he said.

Williams told council he wished he knew when the emergency department would return to a 24hour model, but it’s just an unanswerable question right now.

It’s all based on bringing in qualified nurses, he said, which just isn’t happening.

While there is a nursing shortage across the province, particularly affecting rural areas, he said graduating nurses are much more specialized than they were decades ago. What that means, he said, is that nurses and doctors will come out of school wanting to focus on a

particular division of medicine and with rural hospitals unable to provide the volume of patients in that area, professionals will often move on to larger city centres where they can put their specialized skills to work every day.

Councillor Alison Lobb asked if wages were standardized across the province and Williams said they are.

Huron County’s recruitment challenges are not tied to competitive wages, he said, it’s just a matter of patient volume.

Williams did say, however, that while Huron County is facing a staffing shortage in many areas, not just healthcare, residents are lucky that many can drive to a number of emergency departments within an hour. Deputy-Mayor Dave Jewitt said that while Williams is correct, in Clinton and other areas, those who are unable to drive must be kept in mind, because their travel options are limited.

A public meeting was scheduled for Tuesday night in Clinton to address the issue and take questions from residents. Williams told council he would keep them in the loop regarding any developments in the situation.

Hey Kids. Find Santa. Win Prizes! am Wherehis I in t e! pictur

Tough beat Blyth played host to the first of two Saturdays of Silver Stick tournament action tied to the annual Wingham regional Silver Stick tournament. Over the weekend, it was the Midget teams taking to the ice, one of which was the hometown Blyth Brussels Crusaders, who took on the South Bruce Blades. Unfortunately for the home team, they ended the game on the wrong end of a 5-0 score. (Mark Nonkes photo)

Council extends development

By Denny Scott The Citizen North Huron Township Council has agreed to support a one-year extension for planning processes in the A2A development three months after the project received a sixmonth extension from Huron County.

The project, which includes the development of nearly 500 residential lots, is sorely needed in the municipality as it addresses a housing shortage that has been highlighted as a critical issue by Huron County and North Huron staff and council members.

In April, council declined to support the extension, citing that, for eight years, the A2A project hadn’t moved forward and had tied up developable land.

However, after Waterloo-area business consultant Doug Cerson spoke on behalf of the project, saying he was hoping to facilitate communication to get the project moving forward, North Huron supported the six-month extension.

On Monday evening, Randy von Heyking, representing Cerson, explained six months wasn’t going to be enough time.

Currently the project has 108 coowners in China, he said, and it took a significant amount of time and effort to communicate with them all.

As a result, the project wouldn’t be able to be registered before the sixmonth extension expired.

To address that, Cerson, through von Heyking, suggested a one-year

extension which Cerson hopes North Huron would support.

The extension also came with some changes to the project. While the A2A project originally called for 250 residential lots in the first phase of the project, followed by over 200 in the next two phases, the

redeveloped design would instead focus on 42 houses in a smaller phase one, with additional smaller phases to follow. The change, von Heyking said, would help the project move forward in a more timely manner. After more discussion, council supported the extension.

Don’t miss Santa’s visit at the Brussels Parade November 30th at 5:00 pm

The workings of grace in the heart (by J.C. Ryle) “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:8 The workings of grace in the heart are utterly mysterious and unsearchable.

ENTRY FORM Do you know where Santa has been in Brussels?

Where was this picture taken?

We cannot explain why the Word produces effects on one person in a congregation, and not upon another.

We cannot explain why, in some cases; with every possible advantage, and in spite of every entreaty; people reject the Word, and continue dead in trespasses and sins.

Your name and phone number

We cannot explain why in other cases; with every possible difficulty, and with no encouragement; people are born again, and become decided Christians.

We cannot define the manner in which the Spirit of God conveys life to a soul, and the exact process by which a believer receives a new nature.

All these are hidden things to us.

We see certain results, but we can go no further.

This is deeply instructive. It is humbling no doubt to ministers, and teachers of others.

The highest abilities, the most powerful preaching, the most diligent working, cannot command success.

God alone can give spiritual life.

But it is a truth at the same time, which supplies an admirable antidote to excessive anxiety and despondency. Our principal work is to sow the seed. That done, we may wait with faith and patience for the result. We may leave our work with the Lord. He alone can, if He thinks fit, give success.

A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church, Listowel, ON 519-291-1956

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PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019.

Editorials & Opinions

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

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One-way traffic can’t go on After decades when it seemed the problem in Huron County was finding jobs for those who were laid off after companies moved out of the county, there’s an unexpected challenge these days because employers can’t find enough employees to operate efficiently.

Part of the problem is that there seems to be one-way traffic at the exits of the county as our young people leave to get a post-secondary education and hardly ever return to spend their adult lives here. Often, this is because we just don’t have the sorts of jobs available for which our young people train.

On the other hand, we don’t attract the sort of workers who are needed for the manufacturing jobs that are available. We don’t, for instance, attract immigrants for whom a job in a factory would be a step up from the lifestyles they experienced in their birthplaces.

The current issue of The Walrus magazine includes a story on how companies in rural Quebec’s Beauce region have made use of the program to bring in temporary foreign workers to provide the workers that local employers need. Seldom, however, do these employees apply for permanent residency, partly because they feel unwelcome in their communities. (The area was the riding of Maxime Bernier whose People’s Party of Canada campaigned on cutting immigration.)

If we want to keep the businesses we have, we may need to attract immigrants, temporary or otherwise. If we do, we must be prepared to make these people feel welcome. The only alternative seems to be to watch our communities wither as companies move out. — KR

Something’s got to give One by one, Ontario’s teachers’ unions have been receiving strike mandates from their members, setting up a showdown with Premier Doug Ford’s government.

The teachers can take a strong stand knowing that if they do walk out, parents of children in our school systems will begin to put the pressure on their local MPPs to get their kids back to school. Faced with angry parents who now must either find some sort of day care for their schoolaged kids or stay home from work to care for them, government MPPs may suddenly become more conciliatory.

The school system simply can’t provide everything that everyone wants from it. Teachers want fewer students in each class and more resources to enrich the education of their students. They want salary gains to at least cover the increased cost of living. Parents want schools to provide the best education possible for their children, including broadening resources to deal with the special interests of students.

But everyone is also a taxpayer, and we’d all like to keep more of our income for ourselves by paying as little tax as possible. Parties, like Premier Ford’s Progressive Conservatives, are likely to win support when they promise to lower taxes.

Governments face a similar dilemma with health care, where we want more services covered by our government medicare system and shorter waiting times, but we also resent paying the level of taxes needed to support our wishes.

Something’s got to give. Either we must be willing to pay what it takes to make our education and medicare systems work or we need to ask for less. — KR

Election math doesn’t add up After Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last week, a reporter asked him if, since the majority of Canadians who voted chose parties that supported the federal carbon tax, it might be up to premiers like him to change their minds and stop opposing the tax.

Premier Moe turned the tables on the questioner and pointed out that the majority of Canadians who voted, also voted for parties that support completing the Trans Mountain Pipeline. He also noted that the vast majority of those who voted in Saskatchewan and Alberta voted against the Liberals, who attracted fewer votes than the Conservatives, nationally, but won more seats in Parliament.

Reporters and some politicians have been having fun with figures since the outcome of the Oct. 21 election, teasing out numbers that support their points of view. Listen to the demands made by party leaders who met with the Prime Minister over the past couple of weeks, and you’d think that each of their parties had actually won the election. Each essentially demanded that his or her party’s platform should become the government’s agenda or they would vote to bring down the minority government as soon as possible. It was discouraging to say the least.

Such is the reality of politics that it’s hopelessly naive to believe parties will set aside politicking for the next election and work for what’s best for Canada – to make this minority parliament work. Still, there may be a heavy price to pay at the polls next time for those whom Canadians feel have played politics instead of doing what’s best for Canada. — KR

Looking Back Through the Years November 21, 1973 Donald M. Young of RR3, Auburn was appointed attendance counsellor for the Huron County Board of Education. He accepted the position.

The Farm Show, a theatre production with roots in Huron County, was back in the area with performances set for Listowel, Clinton and Stratford. The production featured members of the original creators, including Paul Thompson, David Fox, Miles Potter, Clare Coulter and Janet Amos.

Larry Walsh was hired on as the new clerk for Blyth. Though he was new to the position, he was no stranger to the community.

Walsh and his wife Barbara were also busy renovating an apartment in the village’s former arcade building.

Earl Plowman of Toronto, and a former resident of Donnybrook near Auburn, was recently featured in a Toronto Star article detailing the emerging auction community in the north end of Toronto where Plowman was working as an auctioneer.

November 22, 1995 To recognize his extensive efforts on behalf of Blyth, Blyth Village Council honoured Everett Scrimgeour with a special plaque.

Blyth Reeve Mason Bailey, during the presentation on Nov. 20, said that if it wasn’t for Scrimgeour, there wouldn’t be natural gas in the village.

“I am so pleased that I had the initiative to get a Canadian product available. My mother and father were always that way, if it was Canadian we had a right to have it.

That was my incentive,” said Scrimgeour.

Huron County Council was set to consider drastically cutting its snow

removal, pulling snowplows off of the roads between midnight and 5 a.m. every night, regardless of how much snow had fallen.

Huron County Engineer Denis Merrall said the proposal, which would be considered by council at its Nov. 30 meeting, was in response to anticipated provincial cuts which were set to be announced the day before the meeting.

Merrall told council departments needed to have their houses in order in anticipation of cuts. The rumours were that road grants would be eliminated entirely and folded in with unconditional grants and those grants would then be cut by 20 per cent in 1996 and by a further 20 per cent again in 1997.

November 19, 2009 The Avon Maitland District School Board officially purchased a Wingham property and announced it would be the site of the new school being built in the town, following the closure of schools in Blyth, Belgrave, Brussels and Wingham and its surrounding area.

The property, which measured at just bigger than 18 acres, was on the east edge of Wingham. And while students from a number of shuttered schools would be heading to the new school, it would only run to Grade 6, with Grade 7-8 students being diverted to a special section of F.E. Madill Secondary School, which would be adjacent to the new school.

Famed children’s author Robert Munsch surprised the staff and students of Brussels Public School by popping into the school. The school’s Grade 2/3 class had written to Munsch, inviting him to the school, but no one knew he was coming until he arrived at the school’s front door.

While in Brussels, Munsch

treated students to a few stories before he was on his way.

After a presentation from Dr. Robert Shipley and three of his University of Waterloo students, North Huron Council was considering making Blyth a heritage conservation district.

November 22, 2018 A long-awaited study on potential adverse health effects from industrial wind turbines failed to launch due to a lack of buy-in from residents living near the turbines.

While there were approximately 30,000 households eligible to participate in the study, being located within 10 kilometres of a turbine, Huron County Health Unit epidemiologist Dr. Erica Clark said that only 113 people signed up to take part in the study. Clark cited that at least 1,000 people would have been needed to legitimize the study.

“What it came down to was people made an informed decision as to whether they participated or not,” Clark said. “They balanced the burden and effort to participate versus the benefit.”

Brothers Mitchell and Lucas Godkin shared the Innovative Manufacturer Award, handed out at the Huron Manufacturing Awards, held in Brussels the previous week.

Mitchell and his work at Leadbury Bat Company and Lucas with his work at The Axe and Adze impressed the Huron County manufacturing community with their innovation, despite their youth.

North Huron Council began investigating potentially increasing snow removal frequency in Blyth after multiple complaints from residents and village businesses about the drop-off in the service in recent years.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019. PAGE 5.

Other Views

Freedom of speech cuts both ways

O

n Saturday night, while millions of Canadians were watching Hockey Night in Canada, waiting to see what the producers would do to fill the spot normally commanded by Don Cherry, at our house we were watching the movie Trumbo. I later realized there was something ironic in that.

The movie tells the story of Dalton Trumbo, probably the most famous of the Hollywood 10, personalties from the film industry who, when called before the House Un-American Activities Committee in Washington in 1947, refused to admit whether or not they had ever been members of the Communist Party or to reveal the names of those who were. He served 11 months in prison for contempt of Congress.

When he was released from prison, he found himself unable to find work in Hollywood, blacklisted like hundreds of others who were suspected of left-wing sympathies.

But when you have the talent of Dalton Trumbo, the capitalist system will find a place for you. Unable to write under his own name, he churned out scripts for a producer of thirdrate action and horror films, at a fraction of his normal fee.

Then he was given the chance to write a first-rate movie, which was produced under the name of a friend. It was the classic Roman Holiday, and it won the Academy Award for best screenplay – but not for Trumbo.

Later, he wrote another screenplay for The Brave One, which won the Academy Award for a writer nobody had ever heard of before – Trumbo’s pseudonym.

Rumours spread and eventually it became more or less an open secret that Trumbo had written these award-winning scripts.

Keith Roulston From the cluttered desk Eventually, Hollywood heavyweights like director Otto Preminger fought against the hypocrisy of the blacklist. He hired Trumbo to write the screenplay for Exodus and put his name on it, despite the threat from anti-Communists like Hedda Hopper, with her 13 million readers, that the film would be boycotted. Soon after, Kirk Douglas revealed that Trumbo had written the screenplay for his blockbuster hit Spartacus.

So what’s all this got to do with the firing of the bombastic Cherry from the pulpit from which he’s been ranting for nearly 40 years?

More than a century ago in 1906, English author Evelyn Beatrice Hall, in her book The Friends of Voltaire, wrote the phrase which has become synonymous with free speech: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it”.

Things got crazy when Cherry, on the weekend before Remembrance Day, mixed a good thing (persuading more people to wear poppies) with a bad one, blaming “you people that come here” with not being grateful enough to wear a poppy.

On one hand, I was unsurprised that social media blew up with outrage over his slur of immigrants because social media seems to run on rage. On the other hand, I was amazed because I didn’t think enough people who would have been outraged by what Cherry said would have been watching in the

first place. I long ago stopped watching Coach’s Corner because, as columnist Roy MacGregor wrote in The Globe and Mail on Saturday, Cherry has become a caricature of himself with his over-the-top suits and his outlandish opinions that too often strayed from hockey commentary, and were seldom enlightening even when he stuck to hockey.

It was probably long past the time when Cherry should have been retired, yet it makes me uncomfortable that he was fired for his remarks. People who would have seen the injustice of the Hollywood blacklist, seem too ready to see people lose their jobs when they express opinions they’d rather not hear. What Cherry said was ignorant and hurtful, but it wasn’t as if he’d set up a burning cross on someone’s front lawn.

Last Saturday, Colin Kaepernick was back in the news. He was the National Football League quarterback who became infamous three years ago for kneeling during the playing of the U.S. national anthem to protest police brutality against African Americans. His protest drew the ire of U.S. President Donald Trump, among others, and he was released from his team and hasn’t worked since. On Saturday, he had a workout to show he still has the skills to play but many doubt that any team will hire him.

Supposedly, we live in a democracy with the right to free speech, yet both right-wing conservatives and left-leaning liberals insist on punishing people because they say things that are objectionable. Persecuting people for their opinions doesn’t make them change their mind, just express themselves to others who think like them, perhaps on social media.

That can be scarier than letting them speak.

One heck of a fun, family road trip

M

y wife and I are (as of writing this) recovering after two days and 26 hours total on the road between our Blyth home and our Floridian island get-away (yes, I’m the kind of guy who works on vacation).

My family is (again, at the time of writing this) at the beach while I catch up on my work so I can truly enjoy my vacation. Don’t feel too bad for me, I’m pool-adjacent, it’s 22°C, the sun is shining and I have a small audience of geckos watching me very intently. As far as working goes, it’s pretty darn awesome.

For the past year, my wife and I have gone back and forth over whether we should drive or fly to Florida and, obviously, driving won out this year.

I have to say, it wasn’t anywhere near as bad as I thought it was going to be. After making our way through some near-white-out conditions south of Thedford, we had pretty clear driving the rest of the way to our midway stop of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Travelling with an in-potty-training toddler was an experience. We stopped every hour on that first day, hoping to keep the training up, which lead to the 10.5-hour drive becoming a 14-hour drive.

We made our way down I-75 and, once we broke free of some Detroit rush-hour traffic, it was a cool, clear and bright day.

This isn’t the first time I’ve made this trip.

My family, more times than I can accurately remember, made this trip when I was much younger. My maternal grandparents, as loyal readers will know, had a place in Winter Haven, Florida that was a magical place for me in my childhood.

The last time I made it, I believe I worked in Goderich, which means it was at least a decade

Denny Scott Denny’s Den ago. Even then, I only did half the trip. I came home with my mother, bringing my grandparents’ car home for them when their snowbird season came to an end.

So, in a very real sense, this was all new to me. Things change over 10 years, and I’ve never been in the driver’s seat for the trip.

Ashleigh and I spelled each other off for driving duty, which was a blessing on day two of our journey. I slept funny for our one night on the road and woke up with a sore neck. If you ever want to feel old, remember how quickly you recovered from such things in your youth. I’m a day-and-a-half later and I’m still not fully able to turn my head without wincing.

Aside from the pain in my neck and a few tense moments in heavy traffic, the trip was enjoyable from my point of view, be that in the driver’s seat or the back seat, keeping my daughter entertained.

As we neared the south of Florida (still a couple hours to our destination) on the second day of our journey, Ash and I started tallying up the trip. See, the way I convinced my wife to agree with driving was to sell it as an experiment: we would see how much it cost to get to Florida and back and compare that with the cost of flying. Then we would see how much of a toll it took on

our physical and mental well-being, put a price on that and set a baseline for the coming years as to whether we would fly again or not.

So while we knew how much the hotel stays would cost and the approximate cost of gas, we didn’t know how we would feel at the end, not to mention how much we would spend on food and incidentals.

As we tallied it up, we came to an agreement about the fact that driving wasn’t as bad an experience as it could have been. Our decision to be two parents to one child definitely played into that, but so did the fact that, for the most part, it was fun.

We set a value on our time and our wellbeing and have successfully set a baseline for our future trips.

Of course, that was on the way to Florida.

Awaiting us at the end of that journey was a pool, a beach, summer weather and a lot of amazing culinary experiences. Maybe we’ll change our tune a bit when we’re driving towards the white-outs and blizzards instead of away from them. Only time will tell.

Final Thought Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it.

– Steve Jobs

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

Mirror, mirror

N

ewspapers, especially those in small communities, have always been there to inform residents and reflect the community back to itself. That’s why so many newspapers carry names like the Mirror or Chronicle or Observer. Even The Citizen evokes a feeling of being a member of the community. A citizen isn’t judging from an ivory tower (though some will know that’s exactly how I jokingly refer to my new second-floor office); a citizen is there on the ground living life alongside everyone else.

Holding a mirror up to a community or to someone doesn’t always reveal nice things.

Sometimes bad news or misdeeds need to be reported. And while The Citizen largely shoots for positivity, bad news is part of the job.

Before he left for some well-deserved time away, Denny and I had a brief discussion about his Morris-Turnberry Council coverage, which he said would no doubt cast some councillors in a not-so-flattering light. What I told him was something he already knew: it’s not our job to cast people in a good light, it’s to report the goings-on of the community accurately.

If councillors wanted to play the Grinch and go candy-less for Santa Claus parades or turn their backs on recreation for residents, it wasn’t Denny who held a gun to their heads urging them to make unpopular decisions.

He’s there simply to report on those decisions.

Last week near Chicago, journalism students at Northwestern University (one of the best journalism schools in the U.S.) apologized by way of an editorial for what can only be described as conducting journalism at a protest outside of a planned speech by former Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Students protesting saw images of themselves pop up in The Daily Northwestern coverage of the event and pitched a fit, resulting in the editorial, which apologized for what its authors said equated to an invasion of privacy.

This about face by the students sparked immediate outrage. Some of the most pointed criticism came from Northwestern alumni and working journalists who were embarrassed by the apology and what it meant for the future of journalism. Furthermore, they were upset to see the student journalists cave to pressure in what could have been a teachable moment ahead of a career in a challenging profession.

Back to who looks bad because of whom, these students congregated in a public place and exercised their right to peaceful protest. If a student newspaper can’t photograph and interview these students and report on their findings, there is no future for journalism.

It strikes at the very heart of my discussion with Denny. If you’re a public figure (like a councillor in an open public session) or someone who chooses to become a public figure for a night (like a protestor or any other participant in an event open to the public), the media should be covering you. It’s not as if someone’s illegally rooting through your emails or banking information and, at a time when everything is documented in painstaking detail on social media, to shame journalists for reporting facts is just getting old for me. Don’t report on important cultural events, but here’s a picture of what I had for lunch.

There’s a simple way to avoid sounding like a curmudgeon in reporting from a council meeting and that’s to not say curmudgeonly things at a council meeting. And if you don’t want to be photographed at a protest, don’t attend a protest. That one’s pretty damn easy.

Don’t shoot the messenger folks. There’s only one person who can make you look stupid and they’re in that mirror I mentioned.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019.

Lions, Leos out in full force at community breakfast A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231

Excited for breakfast The Brussels Lions Club, with help from the local Leos, served up breakfast on Sunday morning at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre. Above, Brooke and Jordyn Laffin enjoy the Lions' community breakfast served

by Leo member Savannah Chambers. (Mark Nonkes photo)

Ralph certainly knew when to head to Tucson to see cousin Barry and Josie Watson. Years slip by and life changes, so it’s always good to look clearly at our days and see what is important. Health issues have made travel for Barry and Josie unpleasant, so his youngest brother Joe and cousin Ralph are enjoying a few warm, snowless days with them, doing what families do best – chat, eat and enjoy each other’s company.

Looking back on this week, several nice things happened. Our village open house was held on Thursday evening and the good weather made it easy for folks to mingle about the stores. It was fun going store to store to see people chatting and checking. It’s a chance to see all the good things on offer in our village. We often miss items when we’re on a mission shopping and it’s also good to visit the store we don’t often frequent. So lines at counters, surprises, smiles and laughter seemed to say it was a good

night for all involved.

The United Church folk, now of Region 8, Western Ontario Waterways met in Fergus on Saturday. In a new way of governing, it was the second general meeting and it was good. New and old faces in abundance were gathered and so they caught up on church life. New ideas were exchanged, challenges were accepted and concerns were shared.

It’s always good to gather with a purpose and we came away knowing that this change was a good thing.

The Brussels Lions Club was out in full force on Sunday morning at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre serving breakfast. This is an event when you can eat with people you often don’t get to chat with, so it’s a nice change. Good food, good cause, good weather, good – well most of it, good company made for a pleasant start to the day.

Mary Ross of Camp Menesetung renown comes to Brussels United Church on a regular basis to help with Christian education for our children. She kept 11 young folks busy on Sunday as they chatted about faith and values, all the while making goodies for the adults later.

Their efforts helped the church coin program by over $50 that will go to the Children’s Aid Society this month.

I’m trying hard to ignore the push for Christmas in November. We

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS haven’t even hit Advent yet, that’s the time for Christmas preparation.

The media has all the stops out to get you to spend now and more later.

Keep your wallet and mind intact as you go about life, knowing yes, Christmas is coming, but so are a lot of other regular days that can be very special too.

Enjoy each day as it comes and don’t fuss about things that you can do nothing about.

Be good to yourself, eat well, sleep long and wash your hands often.

Bye now, Betty G.W.

At the Branch

Branch seeks input for Military Recognition Books Remembrance Day 2019 is over and the poppies are laid to rest for another year. We thank all those who braved the snow and attended the Brussels Legion service. We hope those who could not attend were able to stop and observe two minutes of silence to honour and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us.

There were approximately 130 people attending the Brussels service, led by President Comrade Jamie Mitchell and Padre Sandra Cable. Sergeant-at-Arms Comrade Lisa Glanville led the colour party of seven. Comrades Sandra Brown and Kathy Burkholder organized the 48 wreaths to be placed by various groups, government, organizations, churches and families. Comrade Nancy Bridge was in charge of the music. There were 10 Comrades in formation and eight Cadets and leaders along with seven members of the Brussels Pipe Band.

Following the laying of the wreaths and the Act of Remembrance, everyone was invited to place their poppies on the wreaths in front of the Cenotaph.

The parade was to Melville Presbyterian Church for a wonderful service by their pastor. A lunch by donation of soup and sandwiches was served to about 60 after returning to the Branch. The Branch conducted a service at Huronlea for the residents at 2 p.m. and there were nearly 50 residents enjoying the

service. It was a full and busy day for the Comrades to remind all of the importance of Remembrance; to remember those who served and who gave their lives, those who returned broken in many ways and those who are serving today. We will remember them.

The Catch the Ace tickets are in the retail outlets and at the Branch.

The first draw will be on Nov. 29, so get your tickets today. Food will be available every Friday night and the mystery draws will continue. If you drop in for the draw, you can put your name in for the draw. The prizes will be awarded the night the ace is found. Get your tickets at Bulk and Bargains, Jam Jar, Brussels Variety, Brussels Pharmacy, McDonald Lumber, the Walton Inn and the Brussels Legion.

Thursday night darts is changing time. Darts will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday evenings beginning immediately. There were 19 darters on hand last week and they wanted an earlier start time. Winners were: first, Sharon Robbins, Barbara Codotte and Sandra Josling; second, Ron Schmidt and Sheron Stadelmann; third, Linda Bird and Linda Davis - these three teams were tied after regular play and after playoffs they finished in the above order; high shots, Ron Schmidt , 171 and Sharon Robbins, 111. The first skunk of the year honours goes to team Jim Brown and Louise Poirier.

It was a quiet weekend at the Brussels Legion Branch following a busy week. We are moving into the Christmas season with lots of banquets ahead. Comrades will be contacted to help and we hope everyone can pitch in to aid the Branch with the catering.

Our area businesses may be contacted by Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Command during the next few months. The calls are concerning advertising in the seventh annual Military Service Recognition Book. The calls are on behalf of Legions by Ontario Command and or Fenety Marketing.

These calls are legitimate and support the approved project of the Military Recognition Books available at all Legions.

There are Brussels-area veteran stories in the sixth version of the book and we hope to have more in the seventh edition. Anyone interested in these books can drop into the Branch and get one. They

For breaking news and the most up-to-date information, visit The Citizen at huroncitizen.ca or follow us on Facebook and Twitter

are free of charge to anyone wishing a book.

There are many more veterans out there who can have their stories included. The forms must be filled out and signed by a family member.

The Legion cannot do it on their own, but maybe can be helpful in providing some of the information.

If interested in having your family

Catch the Ace is Here at the Brussels Legion First draw is November 29th at 7:15 p.m.

Tickets available at Jam Jar, Brussels Bulk and Bargain, McDonald Lumber, Walton Inn, Brussels Variety, Brussels Pharmacy and Brussels Legion.

$5.00 each Brussels Legion 218 presents

Ring of Fire ~ A Johnny Cash Experience Saturday, November 22 ~ 8 pm Doors open at 7:30 pm

at 5:00 p.m.

Floats line up at the Brussels Arena (800 Sports Drive) between 4:30 pm and 5:00 pm We hope that you will come out and enjoy the evening!

Brussels Optimist Club will be collecting non-perishable items along the parade route for the local Food Banks and Brussels Lions will be collecting old prescription eye glasses for the CNIB.

Starring Andy Vickers

Tickets $20 in advance • $25 at the door Tickets available at Brussels Legion Supper available from 6-7 pm $10.00

Brussels Santa Claus Parade

Saturday, November 30

members’ stories included, drop into the Branch and pick up a form.

Christmas gatherings may be a good time to acquire some of the information necessary.

The Branch is still collecting pop tabs for the wheelchair program and pop cans for fundraising for the Cadet program. Please leave cans at the back step alcove and the tab bags separate beside them.

The Brussels Morris and Grey Recreation Board is hosting their annual Free Skating Party.

You can skate for free from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm Hotdogs and pop will be available for $1.00 each

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019. PAGE 7.

Heating, duct businesses combine, move to Blyth

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

Expansion Through work with Shiny Ducks Duct Cleaning, Rob Harth’s Harth Heating business has been able to offer a more complete service. He recently relocated to Blyth in the former home of Radford Auto Parts on the village’s main street. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

Blyth’s newest business is a combination of Harth Heating and Shiny Ducks Duct Cleaning. Its owner, Rob Harth, has recently moved into the former home of Radford Auto Parts on Blyth’s main street.

While the location is new, the business is not. Harth opened the heating company that bears his name 11 years ago in Wingham. A Cambridge native, Harth moved to North Huron in 2000 to escape what he called the “rat race” of urban living.

Once in Huron County, he worked for Royal Homes in Wingham for several years before striking out on his own. With Harth Heating, he specializes in the installation of Max Caddy systems, which combine advanced wood-burning technology with a secondary fuel source, whether it be electric or oil.

Because of his history in duct cleaning, Harth says complimentary duct cleaning with the installation of a new furnace is one thing that sets his company apart. With so many furnace deficiencies tied to dirty duct work, cleaning ducts before installing a new furnace just makes sense to him, he said.

He is hoping to provide 24-hour on-call services once the business is open and fully operational, as well as an unstaffed show room to display the furnaces and educate the public on services he provides. He also installs fireplaces and provides a number of other services, including air conditioning work in the summer.

As a new resident of Blyth, Harth said he feels at home in the village and has been treated well since setting up shop on the main street.

To contact Harth Heating, call 519-357-0530 and to contact Shiny Ducks, call 519-357-7770.

Young Seo speaks on Korean missionaries at service From Marilyn’s Desk

By Marilyn Craig Call 523-9318

Greeting worshippers at Blyth United Church on Sunday, Nov. 17 were Mary Lou Stewart and Lissa Kolkman who ushered alongside John Stewart. Marilyn Scott was organist and Katie Dockstader, choir director, while Lavern Clark ran the Power Point.

Young Seo was the guest speaker and welcomed everyone to church.

She lit the Christ candle on the altar table and invited everyone to greet one another. The first hymn, “Come and Find a Quiet Centre”, was sung.

The call to worship was repeated responsively. The opening prayer was repeated in unison while the prayer of confession was repeated responsively along with the Words of Assurance.

The children’s story was‚ “The Butterfly Effect”. Eight volunteers from the congregation helped tell the story. Four were given colourful paper with a mission saying on it and the other four were given butterflies of the same colours. They were to match up with the person with the

Helping to host The Blyth and District Community Centre helped to host Wingham Silver Stick regional tournament over the weekend. Above, the TCDMHA Rebels take on the Shallow Lake in Blyth as Shallow Lake won 3-2. (Mark Nonkes photo)

same colour of paper and express the saying on the paper.

The children’s hymn was, “Child of Blessing, Child of Promise”. The scripture readings were from Isaiah 65:17-25, Luke 4:18-19 and Philippians 1:3-11 read by David Onn. The choir sang the anthem‚ “Thank-you Lord”.

Young’s message to the

Potluck supper set for Nov. 21 Get-well wishes go out to Lorna Whitmore as she recovers from heart surgery.

Happy birthday to David Marshall, who celebrates Nov. 23; Marg Siertsema Nov. 25 and Chad Wheeler, Nov. 26.

Everyone is invited to a family Christmas potluck supper on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the lower hall of Blyth United Church. Come out and bring a friend and join in the singing of Christmas carols after supper with John McDowell at the piano. Please bring an item for the Huron County Christmas Bureau or the Women’s Shelter.

Winners of the Nov. 12 shoot party were: first, Brenda Brooks; second, Jewel Plunkett; third, Edna McLellan; most shoots, Mae Ritchie and share the wealth, Dorothy Carter, Helen Grubb and Mac Brooks. The next shoot party is on Tuesday, Nov. 26 at Blyth United Church. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. with cards beginning at 1 p.m.

Come out and join in on the fun and laughter.

MUNICIPALITY OF MORRIS-TURNBERRY TAX INSTALLMENT NOTICE The final installment of the 2019 property taxes is due on Thursday, November 28, 2019.

Drop by our office in Blyth or Brussels and check out our wonderful selection of books. We have books for all ages.

Payment can be made by mail or directly at the Municipal Office, 41342 Morris Rd., PO Box 310, Brussels, ON N0G 1H0. For your convenience, a drop box is available at the front door for after hours use. Payments can also be made at most banking institutions and by telephone and internet banking.

413 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792

Failure to receive your property tax bill does not in any way exempt you from payment.

541 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-9114

Trevor Hallam CAO/Clerk 519-887-6137

congregation was, “Message in a Bottle”. Young asked a few questions about Korea to see how much the congregation knew about the country. She is from Korea and came to Canada four years ago. She told the congregation stories of how Christianity had come to Korea and of the missionaries who had served in Korea. Cheryl Cronin read a letter from one of the missionaries writing home to her mother and father about her mission. Many Koreans have become Christians. God taught us that we are not alone, God is with us.

The next hymn was‚ “May the God of Hope Go with Us. The offering was received followed by the offertory response, “What Can I

Do?”, the offertory prayer said in unison, the prayers for the people, silent prayers and the singing of the Lord’s Prayer. The commissioning and benediction were followed by the singing of the response, “Wherever You May Go”. Everyone was invited for coffee and fellowship before going home.

Wash & Fold Services Blyth Laundromat 191 Westmoreland St., Blyth 519-523-9687

23 Orchard Lane (West end of Brussels) Open Monday-Saturday ~ 9 am - 6 pm

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY! Saturday, Nov. 23 Free apple cider and fritters!

NEWS FROM BLYTH

519-887-6883

Community Advent Service Sunday, December 1st 7:30 pm Blyth Christian Reformed Church Christmas Message by Rev. JoAnn Offering to Canadian Foodgrains Bank Sponsored by Blyth & area churches: Trinity Anglican Blyth CRC Huron Chapel EMC Blyth, Londesborough, & Auburn United Churches

Please bring a disposable plate of goodies for fellowship time

PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019.

Sports Centenaires beat Minto convincingly at home

The breakout The Centenaires were firing on all cylinders on Saturday night when the squad welcomed the Minto 81’s to Seaforth.

The ‘Cents’ posted a convincing 7-2 victory over the visitors.

(Mark Nonkes photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The Seaforth Centenaires split their games over the weekend, losing a tight one to the Durham Thundercats but then winning big over the Minto 81’s.

The Centenaires were home on Saturday night, welcoming Minto to the Seaforth and District

Community Centre, where the Centenaires would play well from start to finish for a 7-2 victory over their neighbours to the north.

Seaforth began the game in a goalscoring mood, netting four unanswered goals before Minto would find the back of the net.

Rob Vanwynsberghe opened the scoring at 15:14 of the first period with help from Craig Dalyrymple

and Conor Carson. Brady Wiffen would score next two minutes later at 13:14 of the first period with an assist from Nick Jung, while Avery Antone would score at 4:52 of the first period, with an assist from Wiffen, to finish the first 3-0.

Carson then found the back of the net at 13:57 of the second, assisted

by Reuben Smith and Hayden Broomhead.

Wiffen would score his second of the game at 5:17 of the second, assisted by Josh Gaynor and Reuben Smith, but not before Minto scored their first goal of the game. Adam Kawawlec of the 81’s scored at 6:39 with assists from Zach Graham and Wade Pfeffer.

Minto would get back on the board again to start the third period just 11 seconds after the puck was dropped.

Dylan Hoffman scored unassisted.

The Centenaires would score the final two goals of the game, however, with Holdyn Lansink scoring at 18:25, assisted by Adam Corbett and Hayden Broomhead and Wiffen getting his hat-trick at 12:19 of the third with an unassisted goal.

The Centenaires outshot Minto 36-29, while the Centenaires spent 16 minutes in the penalty box, in addition to a game misconduct, compared to Minto’s eight minutes of penalties.

On Friday night, the Centenaires lost a close one to the Durham Thundercats, falling 6-5 on the road.

The Thundercats opened the scoring with the only goal of the first period. Kyler Nixon, assisted by Justin Graham and Jake Brown, scored at 9:17 of the first period to put the Thundercats ahead 1-0 going into the second period.

Jake Brown would stretch the lead to 2-0 with assists from Kyler Nixon and Derek Matheson at 19:27 of the

Flyers post 2-2 tie against Hawks

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The Goderich Flyers continued their challenging season over the weekend, losing one game and tying another as they remain in last place in the North Pollock Division with five points in 20 games.

On Sunday, the Flyers were on the road against the Mitchell Hawks, where they would lose 6-1.

Jarrett Bogdon of Mitchell scored the first goal of the game, a shorthanded goal at 14:42 of the first period, assisted by Tanner Hertel and Callum McMann, followed by another Hawks’ goal by Carter Lewis, a power-play goal assisted by Ryan Murray and Eric Rolph.

Mitchell would score another three unanswered goals to begin the second period before Goderich would score their only goal of the game.

Jake Finlayson, assisted by Tanner Hertel, scored on the power-play 49 seconds into the second period.

Riley Keupfer would score again 20 seconds later at 1:09 of the second, assisted by Ryan Murray and Max Hall, followed by a shorthanded Mitchell goal scored by Hertel and assisted by Jarett Bogdon at 8:10.

Jake Fritzley, assisted by Kyle Langlois, would score Goderich’s only goal of the game at 14:08 of the second period.

Tanner Hertel would score his second of the game in the third period, assisted by Spencer Dowd and Jake Finlayson at 14:45 to ice the game for the Hawks.

Both teams were assessed six penalties each, spending 12 minutes each in the penalty box.

At home on Saturday night, the Flyers tied with the Walkerton Hawks, who sit just one point ahead of the Flyers in the standings.

The teams traded goals in the first period to enter the second tied at 1-1.

Nolan Gagnier scored for Goderich on the power-play, assisted

by Kaden Hoggarth and Parker Gibbings, at 12:29 of the first period. Darcy Scott would equalize for Walkerton at 18:08 of the first,

assisted by Jordan Borth and Colin Brady.

Walkerton would pull ahead in the second period thanks to a goal by Evan Visser, assisted by Justin Donnelly at 17:28. Goderich, however, would equalize in the third period with a Parker Gibbings goal, assisted by Mitch Fraser and Jeff Fritzley.

Overtime would settle nothing, so the game ended in a 2-2 draw.

Both teams played a clean game, with Walkerton only serving six penalty minutes and Goderich incurring four minutes in penalties.

Goderich next takes on the Wingham Ironmen on Friday, Nov. 22 at the Central Huron Community Complex in Clinton, their only game of the weekend.

second period, but the Centenaires would cut the lead in half with a goal from Avery Antone, assisted by Holdyn Lansink.

The teams would then trade backto-back goals to end the period.

Justin Graham (22) would score at 7:46, assisted by Justin Graham (8) and Kyler Nixon, followed by a goal

by Derek Matheson, assisted by Jake Brown. However, Brady Wiffen would score for Seaforth at 3:13, assisted by Danny Bryan and Reuben Smith, followed by a goal scored by Brendon Merritt at 2:27, assisted by Conor Carson and Rob Vanwynsberghe.

The teams would again trade goals in the third period, leaving the Thundercats ahead 6-5 when the final horn sounded.

Justin Graham (8) scored at 18:06 of the third period, assisted by Derek Matheson and Kyler Nixon, followed by a Conor Carson goal for the Centenaires at 11:14, assisted

by Holdyn Lansink and Danny Bryan.

Nixon would score at 4:40, assisted by Todd Ratchford and Justin Graham (22). Vanwynsberghe would score with just eight seconds

left in the game to bring it within one goal, assisted by Lansink and Bryan, but that would be as close as the Centenaires would get.

The Thundercats would spend 22 minutes in the penalty box, compared to just eight minutes for the Centenaires.

With their performance over the weekend, the Centenaires are in sixth place in the Western Ontario Athletic Association Senior Men’s Division with a record of 5-3. They are tied on points with the Clinton Radars at 10. They remain one of the least penalized teams in the league, accruing 89 penalty minutes in their eight games, third-lowest in the league.

On Friday, Nov. 22, the Centenaires head to Shallow Lake to take on the Crushers for their only game of the weekend.

Get breaking farm news on The Rural Voice website at www.ruralvoice.ca

Edgar’s Christmas Trees Christmas Trees • Wreaths • Garland • Urn Arrangements • and More!

Christmas Open House Saturday, November 30 11:30 am - 3:30 pm • Hot Chocolate • Raffles • Pictures with Santa • Vendor Market

Accepting donations to the North Huron Food Bank

222 Bruce Road 86, Wingham (just west of Whitechurch) 519-357-2122 For more information follow Edgar’s Feed & Seed on Facebook

CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HURON TAXES DUE The 2019 final tax installment for the Township of North Huron is due on Wednesday, November 27, 2019. Interest at 1 1/4% per month will be charged on unpaid accounts as of November 28, 2019 and the first day of each month thereafter.

NOTE: Persons who have acquired properties and have not received a tax bill should contact the Municipal Office. Failure to receive a tax bill does not relieve a taxpayer from responsibility for payment of taxes, nor from penalty for late payment. Please contact the Treasury Department in regards to the various payment options available. Preauthorized payment sign up forms are available at www.northhuron.ca or at the Town Hall.

Donna White Director of Finance Township of North Huron

Compression Socks Any style, colour, or size - our Pedorthists provide professional consultation to measure and fit you for your custom and over-the-counter compression sock needs.

350 Josephine St. W. Wingham, ON N0G 2W0 Tel: (519) 357-1383 Fax: (519) 357-1263 www.glassierphysio.com

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019. PAGE 9.

Sports Ironmen edged out

by Patriots, Barons

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

The Huron Atom A Heat continued their impressive season on the weekend posting a 1-0 win over the Saugeen-Maitland Lightning. The win was the squad’s 13th of the season, bringing their record to 13-5-6. The Heat will next face off against the Woolwich Wild in Woolwich on Nov. 23. (Mark Nonkes photo)

Obituaries Chris was the beloved uncle of Chad, Natasha, Curtis, Mathew, Chelsey, Alison, Emily, Cole, Corrine, Janine, Katelyn, Kyra, Janna, Jeron, Kirstie, Jonathan, Joseph, Nathan, Jeanna, Kristen, Gwen, William and Samuel, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends and family were received at the Ayr Chapel of William Kipp Funeral Home. The funeral service was held at Knox United Church, Ayr on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Cremation followed.

CHRIS TERPSTRA Christopher Kenneth (Chris) Terpstra of Drumbo and formerly of Huron County, passed away peacefully and suddenly at home on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019. He was in his 44th year.

Chris was the beloved husband and best friend of Kristy Perrin and best friend of Lucy and Lander.

Chris was the beloved son of Catherine Terpstra and the late Charlie Terpstra (2013). He will be greatly missed by Catherine’s companion Joe Hallahan and son-inlaw John and Mary Ellen Perrin.

Chris was the beloved brother of Tony and Connie, Chuck and Sam, Joe and Barb, Mary and Steve Skinn, Anna and John Van Dyk, Kady and Jeff and brother-in-law of Laura and Josh Yost, Nancy, James and Juliana Perrin.

SIJBREN “SIEP” BOSMA On Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, God called to his home Mr. Sijbren (“Siep”) Bosma of Blyth in his 78th year. Siep was born in Oldehove, Netherlands on Dec. 23, 1941 and came to Canada in 1980 with his beloved wife, the late Anne Harlaar (2005).

Siep was the proud father of Janet (Rob) Kootstra of Clinton and Clarence (Becky) Bosma of Blyth.

He was also a dear opa of Lauren, Hayden, Briony, Matthew, Cassidy, Addison and Emmeline.

Siep was predeceased by his father, Klaas (1990), mother Antje de Boer (1948), and stepmother Sijtske Buffinga (2010). He was the brother of the late Bindert (2017) and Aaltje (1983), Berend (2004) and Corrie, Anneke and Jitze Rinsma, and Klaas and Yolande, all of the Netherlands. Siep is also fondly remembered by the Harlaar family.

Friends will be received from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21 at the Blyth Christian Reformed Church. A service of remembrance will also be held at the Blyth Christian Reformed Church on Friday, Nov. 22 at 11 a.m. A private family interment will be at Blyth Union Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to the Clinton Public Hospital Foundation or the Huron Christian School Capital Campaign would be greatly appreciated.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Falconer Funeral Homes, Blyth. Messages of condolence for the Bosma Family may be placed on the Falconer Funeral Home’s website online at www.falconerfuneralhomes.com.

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Promoting our Community INSIDE THIS WEEK:

FUNDING - Pg. 2

RESPONSE - Pg. 3

CONCERT - Pg. 6

Education Minister in Blyth to hand out grants

Morris-Turnberry Mayor calls for autonomy

Brussels Ministerial comes together for show

Citizen

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The

Big win

The Wingham Ironmen had a tough weekend, losing both of their games on the road by the tight score of 4-3, dropping to second place in the North Pollock Division behind Mount Forest.

On Saturday night in Mount Forest, the Ironmen took on the Patriots, losing in overtime after Mount Forest tied the game up late.

Chase Meurs of Wingham opened the scoring at 6:59 of the first period with a power-play goal assisted by Dawson Fahrer and Tanner Reid.

Mount Forest would quickly equalize, however, on the strength of a Blair Butchart goal, assisted by Ryley Cribbin and Riley Torrie.

In the second period, Mount Forest would pull out to a 2-1 lead with a shorthanded William Black goal at 1:27 of the second period, assisted by Matthew Weiler.

However, Wingham would tie the game up and take the lead before the period would let out. First, Kyle Stanbury scored on the power-play at 4:24 with assists from Brady Becker and Rhys Vollmer, before Vollmer would give the Ironmen the lead with a shorthanded goal assisted by Chase Meurs and Carter Collinson at 15:35.

On the strength of the extra attacker, Blair Butchart would score at 19:19 of the third period to tie the game for the Patriots, assisted by Jack Birkett and Michael Stefanelli, sending the game to overtime, when Ryley Cribbin would score an unassisted goal just 14 second into the overtime period for the 4-3 win.

Wingham would spend 32 minutes in the penalty box, compared to Mount Forest’s 20 minutes of penalties.

On Friday night, the Ironmen fell by a score of 4-3 to Hanover on the road. After a scoreless first period, the teams would trade five goals in the second.

Luke Hoelscher for Hanover would open the scoring, assisted by Zack Cameron and Dayten Lylyk, at 3:33 of the second period. Chase Meurs would answer back for Wingham with a goal at 6:49 of the period, assisted by Logan Tolton and Austin McKeachnie.

Hanover would score the next two goals. Bryan Richardson scored first at 7:01 of the second period, assisted

by Brock Hoelscher and Mark Aljoe, followed by a power-play

goal by Kyle Detweiler, assisted by Tyler Hooker and Noah Johnson, at 8:16 of the second period.

Wingham would get back within one goal at 16:33 of the second period as Chris Adlys found the back of the net, assisted by Rhys Vollmer and Kyle Stanbury.

In the third period, the teams would trade goals, keeping Hanover out front for the win.

Dawson Fahrer scored at 4:25 of the third to tie the game at three, assisted by Hayden Robinson and Kyle Stanbury. However, at 15:42 of the final period, Luke Hoelscher would score his second goal of the game to put the game out of reach for Hanover, securing the final score of 4-3 for the home team.

Hanover spent 25 minutes in the penalty box, while Wingham was assessed 17 minutes in penalties.

The Ironmen have a busy weekend ahead, next taking on the Goderich Flyers on Friday, Nov. 22 at the Central Huron Community Complex in Clinton, followed by a Saturday game against Kincardine on the road and a Sunday night game at home again against Kincardine.

With a record of 14-5-1, they now sit one point behind the Mount Forest Patriots in the North Pollock Division of the Provincial Junior Hockey League, still four points clear of third-place Mitchell.

$1.25

Volume 34 No. 49

Serving the communities of Blyth and Brussels and northern Huron County

GST included

Thursday, December 13, 2018

4-H Clubs awarded

White Christmas The snow was falling on Friday night as Clinton held the final Santa Claus parade of the Huron County season, bringing residents and visitors out to the town to help

celebrate the holiday season. One of the main attractions of the parade every year is the Clinton Pipe Band, seen here appealing to the ears of all in attendance. (Nick Vinnicombe photo)

The Huron County 4-H Leaders’ Association Awards Program was recently held at the Seaforth Agriplex, recognizing 4-H members for their efforts throughout the year.

COUNTY AWARDS Loretta Higgins won the Murray Cardiff Award for Top All-Round Member.

The Don Pullen Award for highest overall score in the county went to Evy Verschaeve. She also won the Dedication Award for dedication to the club. The Warden’s Novice Award for first year competitive member with the highest score went to Emily Datema.

The Ben Lobb Award for the junior member with the top essay went to Kayla Drennan.

Emily Franken won the Ontario Plowmen’s Association Award for outstanding agricultural 4-H member as well as the Longstanding Graduating Member Award. She also received her graduation seal.

The Citizen-Rural Voice Awards for press reporter book competition awards went to Dugald McIntosh (first) and Mercedes Prout (second).

The Huron County 4-H Leaders’ Association Award for club secretary book competition were awarded to Emily Bieman (first) and Kayla Drennan (second).

The winning team for the county Go for the Gold Competition was the South Huron Sheep Club Team which consisted of Amanda Bos, Rachel Gras, Grace Hallahan and Evy Verschaeve.

The Top Gate Sign Award for the Continued on page 12

Seaforth’s Fisher elected Huron East Deputy-Mayor

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Seaforth Councillor Bob Fisher is Huron East’s new deputy-mayor, besting two others who put their names forward at the inaugural meeting of Huron East Council on Dec. 4.

Fisher, Tuckersmith Councillor Ray Chartrand and Grey Councillor Alvin McLellan all let their names stand for the municipality’s secondin-command position. This came

after Huron East eliminated the atlarge deputy-mayor position, reducing the size of council from 12 members to 11 just ahead of October’s election.

It was Fisher who nominated Chartrand for the position.

Chartrand then paid the favour back by nominating Fisher. Former Deputy-Mayor Joe Steffler nominated McLellan for the position.

Fisher told his fellow councillors that he has lived in the community

for over 40 years. In addition, he has been a councillor for 12 years and spent nearly 40 years in business, all experience he felt would aid in being the deputy-mayor.

Fisher also listed a number of projects he’d like to see undertaken or continued both in Huron East and in Huron County.

In Huron East, Fisher said he wanted to see the municipality’s community centres better utilized and to promote a harmonious relationship between residents

of all of Huron East’s five wards.

At the county level, Fisher said he wanted to see a greater focus on tourism, saying that Huron County could easily be the Prince Edward County of southwestern Ontario. He also said that while the county’s accessibility advisory committee has done a lot of great work, there is still more to be done.

Fisher also said that, as someone who is legally blind, he also hoped that being named deputy-mayor would inspire others with disabilities

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saying that if they “get [their] ass off the couch and do something” like he has they can accomplish anything.

McLellan said that his decades of experience as a councillor and on numerous boards and committees would make him an ideal choice for the deputy-mayor position.

He said that being self-employed would ensure that he wouldn’t miss any meetings, adding that he hates to miss any council meetings.

He said he had been asked if he Continued on page 15

Contest opens December 12 Applications will be accepted until January 25th, 2019 at 4:30 pm Forms are available online or at the Township of North Huron office at 275 Josephine Street in Wingham Email: inittowinit@northhuron.ca or call the Project Co-ordinator at 519-441-7629.

IN IT TO WIN IT: brought to you by the Libro Prosperity Fund, Wingham BIA, North Huron Economic Development Committee, Huron County Economic Development and Community Futures Huron.

Recipient will be announced in the last paper of the month.

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PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019.

Australian conference fruitful for foundation

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

Down under Volunteers from the Tanner Steffler Foundation recently attended the fifth International Conference on Youth Mental Health in Brisbane, Australia, working to build relationships and learn as they work towards opening their own resource centre. From left: John and Heather Steffler and Shannon and Jeff McGavin. (Photo submitted)

John and Heather Steffler and Jeff and Shannon McGavin, all volunteers with the Tanner Steffler Foundation, are now back from Australia having learned from and connected with some of the best and brightest minds in youth mental health.

All four attended the fifth International Conference on Youth Mental Health, held in Brisbane, Australia late last month. There, they connected with youth mental health professionals from Australia, Ireland, Denmark and Canada, which represented the second-most attendees to the conference.

John said that while the foundation paid for the foursome’s registration for the conference, all other expenses, including travel and accommodations, were covered by the Stefflers and McGavins and not by foundation funds.

While there was plenty to learn at

Ready, Set, Give!

the three-day conference, John said his real takeaway from Australia was the networking and relationships they were able to build while there.

In addition to the relationshipbuilding, both John and Shannon were impressed with their access to high-ranking officials and clinicians in the world of youth mental health.

Shannon, for example, said she was amazed to be sitting across the table from Ireland’s Health Minister for a discussion.

Many of the speakers, however, were from Canada, with professionals from the Canadian Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), McGill University and Foundry in British Columbia, upon which much of the Tanner Steffler Foundation’s work is based.

In fact, John and Shannon say a trip to B.C. to learn more about Foundry is already in the works.

Other speakers at the conference included Louise Arseneault of Kings College in London, England, Nawira Continued on page 11

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019. PAGE 11.

Foundry tour to work toward foundation’s overall vision

Best of the best On Saturday, the Blyth and District Community Centre played host to a number of games tied to the Wingham Silver Stick regional Midget tournament. Shallow Lake took on the Rebels from the Township of Chatsworth and District Minor Hockey Association (TCDMHA) with Shallow Lake registering a slim 3-2 victory. (Mark Nonkes photo)

Pre-Black Friday Deals

Continued from page 10 Baig from Singapore, Johanna Bergan from the U.S., Ben Brooksby from Australia and Frances KayLambkin from Newcastle, England.

Both John and Shannon agreed that being able to sit down with Foundry officials was truly inspiring and a blossoming relationship between the centres could help the development of the Tanner Steffler Foundation.

John said it was refreshing to hear the discussions at the conference, reinforcing the foundation’s mandate and its path forward in Huron County and beyond. Seeing the knowledge and resources available was also inspiring, he said.

John also said he was emboldened by other professionals who said there will be hurdles, but the best advice is to simply move ahead with initiatives and don’t wait for others.

Shannon, thanks to a career in local education, said she was impressed to hear about the research- and data-driven work being done on youth mental health.

As an educator who focused on statistics and real-life research, hearing the reasoning behind treatment and decisions being made was music to her ears.

Since the foundation was formed, she has been volunteering her time with the foundation for a number of reasons, some of them personal.

Shannon said that when she and Jeff saw one of their daughters struggling with mental health issues, they saw firsthand the lack of resources and programming available to families in Huron County and all of southwestern Ontario. It was “truly frustrating”, she said, to see children in need, whether it be at school or in her own

home, and not be able to access it for a multitude of reasons.

Being part of a change in that culture and hopefully making those resources available to those who need them, Shannon said, will be a powerful development for Huron County.

Really, Shannon said, the four Huron County residents spent most of the conference asking a lot of questions and listening to what people had to say.

When it comes to Foundry, for example, Shannon said that visiting the B.C. centre to learn everything from what its rooms look like to the check-in and check-out processes could aid the foundation in its work, especially when its resource centre opens.

For more information on the foundation and its future projects, visit tannerstefflerfoundation.com.

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PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019. PAGE 13.

DON’T DRINK & DRIVE

Nesbitt nears 20 years working with MADD as OPP liaison to organization

By Denny Scott - The Citizen Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Officer Russ Nesbitt has been a liaison with the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) HuronBruce chapter for nearly 20 years.

Right around the turn of the millenium, Nesbitt signed on with the chapter after it reached out to the Huron County OPP looking for a liaison.

“The MADD board was looking for an officer to join as an information source,” Nesbitt said.

“They wanted someone to help give them perspective on the problem of drunk driving in Huron County.”

Nesbitt said he would do it, thinking it was an important responsibility, and signed up to attend a meeting. “I’ve been there ever since,” he said.

“It’s a worthwhile cause, so I’ve been involved for 20 years.”

For nearly two decades, MADD’s message has remained consistent: save lives and educate, though Nesbitt admits that very recently, the breadth of the message has changed.

“There are now issues in the community with

changes in legislation of marijuana,” Nesbitt said.

“We also have opiate issues. It’s not just alcohol anymore that’s causing impaired driving. MADD has expanded its message to deal with all other threats.”

MADD’s biggest weapon against impaired driving, Nesbitt said, is education.

“MADD gets the message out to elementary and high school students through initiatives like Ontario Students Against Impaired Drivers (OSAID) groups and videos,” he said.

“The videos that are shown are very impactful.”

MADD also supports programs like the Elementary School Fair in Belgrave, Nesbitt said, by hosting essay and poster contests with MADD’s messaging as a theme.

“Some of the submissions we get, even from the younger students, are very powerful,” Nesbitt said. “It’s a good way to get the students involved.”

MADD also conducts many information sessions, Nesbitt said, pointing to last year’s drug presentation at the MADD

Huron-Bruce Chapter’s annual general meeting.

“We work on education through presentations like that and through the media,” he said. “Our biggest goal is to get our name out there and become a household name.”

MADD is always looking for ways to collaborate with community groups and individuals, Nesbitt said, to further get that message out.

This year, MADD Huron-Bruce’s Project Red Ribbon campaign began on Nov. 12 at the Goderich Fire Hall Nesbitt said. The event, called the Festive Ribbon Campaign locally, works to highlight the spike in intoxicated driving throughout the holiday season. MADD hopes that instead of “tying one on” before leaving a celebration, they remember to tie a ribbon on for a sober drive home.

As a police officer, Nesbitt said that impaired driving is always a problem in Huron and Bruce.

“Enforcement is consistent, and we have increased awareness regarding impaired driving,” Nesbitt said. “The OPP are applying the resources as a whole to combat it.”

Tie One On Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Huron-Bruce hold a special ceremony for its annual red ribbon campaign every year, kicking off in communities around Huron County. Above, members, alongside OPP officers, started the campaign in Blyth in 2017. This year, the 32nd annual campaign started in Goderich. (File photo)

More than 75 charges laid in 2019

Decades in the making Huron Ontario Provincial Police Officer Russ Nesbitt is nearing 20 years as the liaison to the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Huron Bruce Chapter. Just under 10 years ago, he was honoured with a 10-year pin at the chapter’s annual year-end raffle. Nesbitt was presented his pin by member Sandra Lee. Nesbitt told The Citizen recently that the partnership between the OPP and MADD Huron-Bruce is a good one that benefits all involved. (Denny Scott photo) 2 miles south of Blyth corner of London Rd. & Hullett McKillop Rd. Repairs to all makes & models of cars & trucks CAR & TRUCK SALES

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In the past year, the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), through initiatives like Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) checkpoints and regular patrols, have laid dozens of charges related to alcohol-impaired drivers.

As of Nov. 5, according to Provincial Constable Jamie Stanley, the Huron County OPP have served 48 charges for impaired driving and/or registering an over-80 reading. On top of that, officers have issued 25 three-day warn range alcohol licence suspensions and four seven-day warn range alcohol suspensions.

Three-day suspensions occur when a driver registers over 0.05 alcohol concentration, but below 0.08. The suspension is accompanied by a $250 penalty. This cannot be appealed. A seven-day suspension occurs when a driver registers between 0.05 alcohol concentration but

below 0.08 for the second time in a five-year period. It is accompanied by a $350 penalty. For a second offence within 10 years, a mandatory education program is also necessary.

Stanley also said there have been no 30-day warn range suspensions. These suspensions include a 30-day licence suspension, a $450 penalty and a treatment program. An ignition

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PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019. PAGE 13.

DON’T DRINK & DRIVE

Nesbitt nears 20 years working with MADD as OPP liaison to organization

By Denny Scott - The Citizen Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Officer Russ Nesbitt has been a liaison with the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) HuronBruce chapter for nearly 20 years.

Right around the turn of the millenium, Nesbitt signed on with the chapter after it reached out to the Huron County OPP looking for a liaison.

“The MADD board was looking for an officer to join as an information source,” Nesbitt said.

“They wanted someone to help give them perspective on the problem of drunk driving in Huron County.”

Nesbitt said he would do it, thinking it was an important responsibility, and signed up to attend a meeting. “I’ve been there ever since,” he said.

“It’s a worthwhile cause, so I’ve been involved for 20 years.”

For nearly two decades, MADD’s message has remained consistent: save lives and educate, though Nesbitt admits that very recently, the breadth of the message has changed.

“There are now issues in the community with

changes in legislation of marijuana,” Nesbitt said.

“We also have opiate issues. It’s not just alcohol anymore that’s causing impaired driving. MADD has expanded its message to deal with all other threats.”

MADD’s biggest weapon against impaired driving, Nesbitt said, is education.

“MADD gets the message out to elementary and high school students through initiatives like Ontario Students Against Impaired Drivers (OSAID) groups and videos,” he said.

“The videos that are shown are very impactful.”

MADD also supports programs like the Elementary School Fair in Belgrave, Nesbitt said, by hosting essay and poster contests with MADD’s messaging as a theme.

“Some of the submissions we get, even from the younger students, are very powerful,” Nesbitt said. “It’s a good way to get the students involved.”

MADD also conducts many information sessions, Nesbitt said, pointing to last year’s drug presentation at the MADD

Huron-Bruce Chapter’s annual general meeting.

“We work on education through presentations like that and through the media,” he said. “Our biggest goal is to get our name out there and become a household name.”

MADD is always looking for ways to collaborate with community groups and individuals, Nesbitt said, to further get that message out.

This year, MADD Huron-Bruce’s Project Red Ribbon campaign began on Nov. 12 at the Goderich Fire Hall Nesbitt said. The event, called the Festive Ribbon Campaign locally, works to highlight the spike in intoxicated driving throughout the holiday season. MADD hopes that instead of “tying one on” before leaving a celebration, they remember to tie a ribbon on for a sober drive home.

As a police officer, Nesbitt said that impaired driving is always a problem in Huron and Bruce.

“Enforcement is consistent, and we have increased awareness regarding impaired driving,” Nesbitt said. “The OPP are applying the resources as a whole to combat it.”

Tie One On Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Huron-Bruce hold a special ceremony for its annual red ribbon campaign every year, kicking off in communities around Huron County. Above, members, alongside OPP officers, started the campaign in Blyth in 2017. This year, the 32nd annual campaign started in Goderich. (File photo)

More than 75 charges laid in 2019

Decades in the making Huron Ontario Provincial Police Officer Russ Nesbitt is nearing 20 years as the liaison to the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Huron Bruce Chapter. Just under 10 years ago, he was honoured with a 10-year pin at the chapter’s annual year-end raffle. Nesbitt was presented his pin by member Sandra Lee. Nesbitt told The Citizen recently that the partnership between the OPP and MADD Huron-Bruce is a good one that benefits all involved. (Denny Scott photo) 2 miles south of Blyth corner of London Rd. & Hullett McKillop Rd. Repairs to all makes & models of cars & trucks CAR & TRUCK SALES

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A big moment In 2017, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Huron-Bruce marked its 30th annual red ribbon campaign. To mark the occasion, a special presentation at the Emergency Services Training Centre just south of Blyth was held, allowing group members and OPP officers to recognize the event. From left: MADD member Barb Ottewell, PC Jamie Stanley, members Sandra Lee and Cathy Beyersbergen, Sgt. Andrew MacIsaac, members Diane Proper, Barb Rintoul and Donna Bieman, Sgt. Russ Nesbitt and PC Scott Mead. (File photo)

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Royal Canadian Legion Blyth Branch 420 Arrive Alive...Drive Sober!

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Be safe this holiday season.

Please don’t drink & drive!

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The Citizen Enjoy the Holidays, but please...

Don’t Drink and Drive

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Drinking & Driving is a gamble that you just can’t win

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Huron East Fire Department Brussels - Grey - Seaforth

519-527-0160 “Buzzed driving is drunk driving, designate a sober driver”

twheeler@mckillopmutual.com OFFICE: 519-357-0155 • FAX: 226-889-8944

In the past year, the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), through initiatives like Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) checkpoints and regular patrols, have laid dozens of charges related to alcohol-impaired drivers.

As of Nov. 5, according to Provincial Constable Jamie Stanley, the Huron County OPP have served 48 charges for impaired driving and/or registering an over-80 reading. On top of that, officers have issued 25 three-day warn range alcohol licence suspensions and four seven-day warn range alcohol suspensions.

Three-day suspensions occur when a driver registers over 0.05 alcohol concentration, but below 0.08. The suspension is accompanied by a $250 penalty. This cannot be appealed. A seven-day suspension occurs when a driver registers between 0.05 alcohol concentration but

below 0.08 for the second time in a five-year period. It is accompanied by a $350 penalty. For a second offence within 10 years, a mandatory education program is also necessary.

Stanley also said there have been no 30-day warn range suspensions. These suspensions include a 30-day licence suspension, a $450 penalty and a treatment program. An ignition

Have a safe holiday season Please don’t drink and drive

Blyth Lions Club

No alcohol. No drugs. No Victims.

Dumpster Rental and Service Residential & Commercial Dumpster Rental & Service R.R. #1 41403 Londesboro Road, Londesboro Jim Anderson 519-523-4894 Cell 519-440-6007 Jason Fleet: Cell 519-525-9473

Royal Canadian Legion Brussels Branch 218 Stay Alive...Don’t Drink & Drive

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Stay safe this holiday season Don’t Drink & Drive 405 Queen St., Blyth ~ 519-523-4792

Municipality of HURON/BRUCE CHAPTER email: madd@hurontel.on.ca 519-357-4552

Interlock device is required for at least six months for three offences within 10 years.

On fourth and subsequent offences within 10 years, a medical evaluation is also required.

Each time a driver’s licence is suspended, a $281 licence reinstatement fee is necessary.

For more information, visit mto.gov.on.ca.

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PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019.

Thomas speaks to Lions on Fall Prevention Month “When someone falls, bad things happen.” Over 40 members of the Brussels Lions Club and guests attended the club’s Nov. 11 meeting when guest Marguerite Oberle Thomas provided information and resources for Fall Prevention Month.

In 2017 for Huron and Perth counties, 1,903 seniors went to the emergency department from being injured by a fall. Of those emergency department visits, 450 involved injuries that were so severe that the senior was hospitalized.

Many more falls and close calls also happened.

Thomas outlined her history working in injury prevention, going back to 1996 with the Huron County Health Unit. She has worked from a home office for the past 11 years as a consultant liaison to the Fall Prevention Community of Practice, sponsored by the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation. Her target audience is mostly healthcare workers.

The Community of Practice started small in 2010 and added a communication platform, Loop (www.fallsloop.com). There are now over 3,000 members who network, plan together and share resources and information. Fall Prevention Month promotion started five years ago and was mainly Ontario-based and English speaking. It is now panCanadian and bilingual. Last year, it expanded to include childhood injuries.

Thomas spoke from head to toe on the many actions we can take to avoid falls, starting with slowing down and concentrating. Topics included vision, hearing, oral care, maintaining muscle mass, adequate nutrition, medication safety and good footwear. Thomas promoted local resource persons: • Laura Edgar, health promoter in the Fall Prevention portfolio at the Health Unit.

• Thomas Kellar, Brussels pharmacist, is available to discuss medications and address concerns around interactions. He will also accept used or expired medication for disposal • Monique Baan, librarian, teaches computer skills at the local library.

There is a wealth of information available online and Thomas encouraged those not yet into the internet to make an appointment with her.

Key points included: • There is much that we do for prevention • Falls can often be the result of many factors coming together at one time.

• Loss of balance and dizziness can be caused by: getting up too quickly, drug interactions or the effects of alcohol or both together, not enough sleep, being dehydrated, missing meals, low blood pressure, extreme pain, fear, or stress or physical conditions such as diabetes or other conditions.

• Fear of falling can cause people to become less active and that leads to a decline in muscle strength, flexibility and balance. Learn how to get up from a fall. We need 150 minutes of activity each week.

• Use assistive devices such as life lines and cell phones.

Indoor hazards can be floors that are cluttered with papers, electrical cords, shoes or other objects, loose mats, area rugs, and poor lighting.

Home safety checklists are available. In the bathroom, toilets and tubs without good grab bars can cause problems as can slippery tubs

and floors. Walkways between and within rooms need to be clutter free and not slippery.

Two potentially dangerous items in the home are stairs and stepstools or ladders. Stairs should be kept clutter free, have a contrast on the edge and above all, a handrail which an older woman with a small hand can grip should she start to trip and need to correct herself. How about getting a younger person to do this reaching if possible? If not, be sure to have a second person there whenever at an elevated height and always have good quality equipment to work with. Unless it is impossible, store the items that you use most at a level where you can reach them easily. Inside and out, anything underfoot that is broken in the area where you walk can be a hazard.

Outdoor hazards can be uneven or icy sidewalks, wet leaves or snow Continued on page 22

Open concept, open house Blyth’s Julie Sawchuk officially launched her book, Build Your Space, a guide to building an accessible home, at her own accessible home on Saturday, welcoming dozens to buy the book and tour her recently-constructed home. Casey Boven of CMB Construction, who built the home, was also on hand to speak with curious attendees. Sawchuk’s book is now available on Amazon and should be in local shops, like The Citizen office in Blyth, soon. (Mark Nonkes photo)

Ready, Set, Give!

Holiday Gift Guide Season’s Readings Seaforth S Jewellers Ltd. The gift that keeps on giving all year long 405 Queen St., Blyth 541 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-523-4792 519-887-9114

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RADAR AUTO PARTS "You will find it at CARQUEST" For all your automotive and sleigh needs, see the friendly folks at Radar for your Christmas gift ideas.

• Hand Tools • Power Tools and more!

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235 Turnberry St., BRUSSELS 519-887-9661 3878 Wellington St., MITCHELL 519-348-8485 20 King St., CLINTON 519-482-3445 Have a safe and happy holiday

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019. PAGE 15.

Community Christmas now set for Nov. 30 PEOPLE AROUND LONDESBORO

By BRENDA RADFORD Call 523-4296

It was a fun evening in the basement of Londesborough United Church last Friday. The church held its craft vendor and bazaar as part of a ladies’ night tour that included stops at Blyth Cowbell Brewing Company, the Old Mill, Nature’s Nest and Greyhaven Gardens.

The committee that planned the evening at the church thanks everyone who was involved. Without

Good eats

vendors, donations, volunteers and shoppers it wouldn’t have been a success. So, thank you!

Nature’s Nest is now deep in preparations for their old-fashioned Christmas the evening of Saturday, Nov. 30. Santa will be making an appearance, the Lions Club will be cooking and there will be carolling around the village. Let’s hope Mother Nature doesn’t send rain again this year.

The Londesborough Lions will be selling Christmas trees again this holiday season. They should be available that evening.

The Advent season begins for Christians around the world on Dec. 1. Londesborough United will hold its White Gift Service that Sunday.

All gifts and monies received that morning will be given to the Huron County Christmas Bureau. A traditional potluck time of fellowship will follow the morning service.

The mitten tree is up in the sanctuary for decorating with mitts, scarves, slippers, etc.

Back to trivia about November.

Nov. 1, in contrast to Halloween, is called All Saints Day. On this day Christians are encouraged to remember all men of good will who

have died through the ages. Saints are men and women of all ages and all walks of life who were outstanding Christians, some of whom died for their faith.

Nov. 2 is similar and called All Souls Day. On this day the Roman Catholic Church chooses to remember all persons who have died. Families are encouraged to visit graves and leave flowers.

Together these two days are known as Hallowtide.

If one is into the tradition of making Christmas pudding for the holidays, the Sunday before Advent is called Stir-up Sunday. This year that will be Nov. 24. That day, members of the family take turns stirring the pudding batter and making a wish.

In 1605, Guy Fawkes, a member of the Gunpowder Plot, attempted to blow up the British House of

Parliament and King James I on the first day of a new session. His plot was foiled, but Parliament declared Nov. 5 henceforth to be known as Guy Fawkes Day. On this date, also known as bonfire day, the British have huge bonfires on which they burn effigies of Fawkes and other supposed hated figures and set off fireworks.

Correction In the Nov. 14 edition of The Citizen, Collar Club owner Ange Lyons was mistakenly identified as Ange Taylor in a photo cutline.

The Citizen apologizes for any confusion the error may have caused.

NEWS FROM LONDESBORO

The Londesborough United Church welcomed the community to its annual smoked pork chop and apple pie supper recently at the Londesborough Community Hall.

(Denny Scott photo)

Princess Street traffic still concerns residents

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The Gowings of Princess Street in Clinton are persisting with their concerns of traffic along the street, now with the support of many neighbours.

Marion and Dan Gowing spoke to Central Huron Council at its Nov. 4 meeting, presenting a petition signed by 67 people with numerous trafficrelated concerns along Princess Street. This comes after the Gowings first presented to council in September with concerns of speeding and drivers failing to stop at stop signs. They also criticized the lack of signage on a street that leads to five schools, suggesting it could be made a community safety zone with a drastically reduced speed limit.

After their first delegation to council, the new Clintonians, who only moved to the town within the last year, opted to survey their neighbours along the street to back up their claims. In approaching 54 households, the Gowings said members from 53 households signed

the petition, for a total of 67 signatures. They also claimed the complaints they heard at front doors mirrored their own.

Mayor Jim Ginn said that after the Gowings’ first presentation, Huron County deployed a traffic tracking machine and didn’t see any significant issues in the data. They have since changed the location, placing it closer to the Gowings’ home, but have yet to receive data back.

Councillor Marg Anderson, council’s representative on the local police board, conducted her own research, visiting an area in Wingham with three schools clustered together. She said there was plenty of signage and the speed limit was reduced to 30 kilometres per hour.

She felt there should be more signage on Princess Street at the very least.

Chief Administrative Officer Steve Doherty said staff was preparing a report for council when the second slate of data comes in, proposing a number of options for council.

Time to get your equipment ready for the next season!

Call our Service Departments to book your Winter Inspection today!

CHESLEY 519-363-3192

LUCKNOW 519-529-7995

MOUNT FOREST 519-323-2755

www.robertsfarm.com

NOMINATIONS WANTED Do you know someone between the ages of 6-17 who is making a difference within their community? Nominate them for an Ontario Junior Citizen Award today!

DEADLINE IS NOVEMBER 30, 2019 Nomination forms are available from this newspaper, and at www.ocna.org/juniorcitizen. Or call 416-923-7724 ext. 4439

COORDINATED BY:

WALTON 519-887-6365

PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019.

Classified Advertisements – RATES – 20 words or less only $7.00 + HST. Additional words 20¢ each + HST. 50¢ will be deducted if ad is paid in advance

DEADLINE 2 p.m. Monday in Brussels 4 p.m. Monday in Blyth Phone 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114 e-mail: info@northhuron.on.ca

Articles for sale STILL DRIVEN DAILY - 2005 GMC Sierra, Z71 off-road, cab and 1/2, w/cap, decent shape, high (all highway) miles, leather, good tires, good winter vehicle, as is, $2,500.

519-528-2284.

46-2 -------------------------------------------CHRISTMAS TREES FOR SALE. Pine, Spruce, Fraser Fir, 1 1/4 miles south of Wingham, turn East onto Jamestown Road (Wingham Golf Club Road). Glen Casemore Farm, also available cut-your-own Spruce.

Call Bruce 519-357-1498, 519-3571328, 519-450-8242.

46-5 -------------------------------------------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 – $4.00, 5x7 – $5.00, 8x10 – $8.00. Phone to order 519523-4792 or 519-887-9114. tfn -------------------------------------------THE CITIZEN IS AVAILABLE TO purchase at these locations – Auburn Co-op, Belgrave Variety, Blyth Variety, Blyth Food Market, Blyth Ultramar, Brussels Bulk & Bargains, Brussels Foodland, Brussels Variety, JR’s, Clinton Convenience, Clinton Foodland, Walton Inn, Dean’s ValuMart in Wingham, Wingham Mini Mart, Brown’s Pharmasave, Wingham. Seaforth Foodland, GT Mini Mart in Seaforth, Fincher’s in Goderich and The Citizen Blyth.

Coming events BRUSSELS UNITED CHURCH IS hosting Dr. Rosie Grobbink, December 2 at 7 p.m. to share insights on the role of Naturopathic Medicine in our health. A donation to Food Share allows you an evening of learning on several expected health changes. Join us on Dec. 2.

46-2 -------------------------------------------AUBURN & DISTRICT LIONS Club Breakfast with Santa, Sunday, Dec. 1, 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Auburn Community Hall. Adults $8.

Maple syrup supplied by Robinson’s Maple Products. Proceeds for fire benefit for Jade Laxton family. 46-2 -------------------------------------------DECK THE HALLS AT ST. PAUL’S Trinity Anglican Church, Wingham, Saturday, Nov. 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Homemade soup, sandwich and dessert $10, following the Santa Claus parade. Raffle, bake table and previously-loved Christmas items. Free coffee. 46-2 --------------------------------------------

Coming events Services AUXILIARY TO WINGHAM AND District Hospital Christmas tea and bake sale, Wednesday, December 4, 1:30 to 4 p.m. Former clinic entrance on Catherine Street. Everyone welcome.

46-2 -------------------------------------------BLYTH FESTIVAL SINGERS & Stratford Concert Choir perform “Messiah”, 3 p.m., December 8, Knox Presbyterian Church, Goderich. Adults $25. Youth 12 and under free. Blyth Festival Box Office 519-523-9300. www.blythfestival.com 46-1

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Take control of your arthritis

Land wanted

➨ Free ad up to 25 words, person to person only (no businesses), items valued at $1,000 or less. Your ad will run three times unless it sells faster! ➨ The Citizen reserves the right to limit the number of items or ads per person.

1 in 6 Canadians have arthritis

CASH CROPLAND WANTED TO rent, good stewardship, competitive rates, call Peter Heinrich 519-5234461.

42-6p

Personals ARE YOU EXPERIENCING AN unplanned pregnancy? Are you a young parent? Do you feel overwhelmed and have questions?

We have answers and we’re here to help. Our services are free and completely confidential. Contact Room2Grow at 519-606-0046 or visit our website: www.room2grow.info e6w

Help wanted

Citizen-To-Citizen

FAXING SERVICE We can send or receive faxes for you for only $1.00 per page. The Citizen, 413 Queen St., Blyth. Phone 519523-4792. Fax 519-523-9140. tfn

That’s nearly 4.5 million people living with the pain and disability of arthritis

Call the Arthritis Information Line at 1.800.321.1433 or visit our website at www.arthritis.ca to get the support and information you need.

You can join the FREE Arthritis Registry to get updates on Society programs and events.

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Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca FOR SALE – brand new microwave, 900 watts, .9 cubic feet, black, $80. 519-357-2789.

46-3 ------------------------------------------WANTED – donations of 3-ring binders 2" and 3", preferably “D” ring for Blyth Repository of History. call 519-523-4792. 46-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE – 2004 Chevy Impala $1,000 or best offer. As is. 192,300 kms. 519-524-8302.

46-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE – girls’ cowboy boots, pink and tan, size 13; Bali ladies top, shimmery silver, new, size large. 226-889-8668, cell 519-4406722.

45-3 -------------------------------------------

FOR SALE – Hot water heater GSW 1500w, 110v, 10 litre, new in box, $150. Phone 519-524-3308.

45-2 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE – sliding truck bed, 48 1/2"x 72 1/2", will fit a short-box pickup, good condition, $150. 519392-6429.

45-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE – 23575R 16 inch snow tires on rims X2, two extra rims available. Tires used less than 500 kms. Asking $250 for all or will sell extra rims separately. Phone 519-522-1196.

44-3 -------------------------------------------

Notice

Notice

The Lucknow & District Recreation Department Requires a Facility Operator & Parks Maintainer (6-month contract position, full-time/temporary) The Lucknow & District Recreation Department is accepting applications to fill a vacancy for a full-time Facility Operator & Parks Maintainer. This full-time position is based on a 40-hour work week to fill a six-month contract position. After the expiry of the 6-month contract position, this position may result in a permanent full-time position.

Reporting directly to the Facility Manager/Recreation Coordinator, the duties of the position include operations and maintenance of the Lucknow & District Sports Complex, outdoor pool, playgrounds, park areas, baseball diamonds, and soccer fields. Supervision of part-time staff and arena students is also a job requirement.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: • Basic Refrigeration, and Ice Maintenance and Equipment Operations Certificates • Essentials of Swimming Pool Operations, or Aquatic Facility Operations Certificates • Propane Cylinder Exchange, First Aid & CPR Certificates A complete job description is available on the municipality’s website at www.acwtownship.ca or by contacting the undersigned.

Written applications and resumes for this position will be received in confidence by the undersigned until Wednesday, November 27, 2019 by 1:00 p.m.

Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh Mark Becker, CAO/Clerk-Treasurer 82133 Council Line RR 5 Goderich, ON N7A 3Y2 Email: clerk@acwtownship.ca We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Personal information is collected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used only for employment purposes.

PUBLIC NOTICE The Council of the County of Huron DECLARED SURPLUS the property described as Huron County Health and Library Complex (building only) located at 77722B London Rd, RR 5, Clinton, ON N0M 1L0, under By-law 2019-080, at the Council Day 1 meeting on November 6, 2019.

The Council of the County of Huron intends to sell the property described as Huron County Health and Library Complex (building only) located at 77722B London Rd, RR 5, Clinton, ON N0M 1L0, at the Council Day 2 meeting on December 18, 2019.

Susan Cronin, County Clerk The Corporation of the County of Huron 1 Court House Square Goderich, ON N7A 1M2

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

www.huroncitizen.ca

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019. PAGE 17.

Huron East OMPF reduction leaves hole in budget

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron East is facing another hole in its budget after the provincial government released its Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) allocations late last month.

Despite assurance from HuronBruce MPP Lisa Thompson that the OMPF formula had remained the

same, it still resulted in a loss of just over $163,000 in annual funding for the municipality. Treasurer Paula Michiels said the bulk of lost funding came from the “transitional” portion of Huron East’s OMPF money. Mayor Bernie MacLellan confirmed it, saying Thompson said Huron East was doing very well with its finances, which is why the funding was set to decrease again.

Huron East Council received the news from Michiels at its Nov. 5 meeting.

For its 2020 budget, Huron East will receive $1,156,100 from the province. This is now just over a third of the funding Huron East used to receive through OMPF. At its peak, Huron East was receiving over $3.15 million per year and the funding is now less than half of the

$2.36 million the townships received before amalgamation in 2001.

Because of its size and high percentage of farmland, however, Huron East is still in the top half of funding totals in Huron County, behind only North Huron, Bluewater, South Huron and Huron County itself.

Michiels said that while Huron East has seen a decrease in its

funding, it was nice to know where the municipality stood early. Huron East had completed the 2019 budget process by the time the provincial government made its funding announcement, which made for difficult budgeting, she said so late in the game.

Huron East Council’s budget deliberations are set to begin in the coming months.

Drivers need to adjust to winter weather PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

Free skate Case Ribey took advantage of the free skate offered at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre on the weekend sponsored by the Brussels Lions Club. (Mark Nonkes photo)

Another week has gone by with little harvest being accomplished.

There was still too much snow on the cobs, which finally had a chance to mostly melt off by late Friday afternoon. A few farmers headed to the fields late Friday night and combined until morning until the fields became too tough and muddy.

Later Saturday, when more snow was melted, a few farmers headed out to the fields. Everyone’s land is different, including the amount of snow in the fields. I witnessed only three combines out in the fields later Saturday when away. Wagons or trucks were up on solid roadways to avoid getting stuck in the fields. This may be a very slow process for harvest in 2019.

We have had many days with snowy roads and yet drivers do not want to slow down. It could have

been tragic one morning last week.

Drivers should always be aware of the traffic. Oncoming traffic and traffic approaching from behind are all a driver’s duty. Last week while driving the bus and looking ahead at the next stop, I can see a vehicle at the end of the lane. You can see children waiting in front of the vehicle and dad is with them. I can see traffic approaching, but the vehicle is going fairly quickly.

Could he not see the same thing I could see? A vehicle and children at the end of the lane? What would an oncoming school bus be doing there? Would that bus be stopping for those children? Seems to make sense to me that slowing down upon seeing a school bus would be the action to take. I am at the point now to activate the flashing amber lights and slow to a stop. The oncoming driver hits the brakes, starts sliding right then left and must have taken a foot off the brakes and gains control of the vehicle, but slides right by the bus before coming to a stop, fully past the bus. Thankfully the father was paying attention and had kept the boys back away from the edge of the road. Dry roads and there would have been no problem, but snow covered roads can be slippery, and they were this day. Just a reminder to

slow down when you see a bus approaching and kids on the side of the road. It is probably going to stop.

Christmas is fast approaching and the decorations are springing up in the stores, on the stores, in the streets and all around homes and houses. Brussels held its annual moonlight sales and open house on Thursday evening and there were a lot of folks around town. Great night!

I was grandparenting on Sunday as most of our family was off to the Eastern final of the CFL in Hamilton. The Hamilton Tiger Cats are our family’s team of choice and they were playing against the Edmonton Eskimos in the hopes of advancing to the Grey Cup. This was a Christmas gift for Rick to go to see his favourite team with his family, or at least most of them. LeeAnn and Craig, Scott and Alicia and Adam joined Rick while I stayed at home and looked after the grandchildren.

Find more photographs from events covered by The Citizen at huroncitizen.ca

The weather looked beautiful in Hamilton, bright and sunny, chilly later on, but no wind. It was a great afternoon with the Tiger Cats winning the game.

Celebrating birthdays this past week include Tristan Rijkhof, Pat Gillis, Michael Grobbink, Blaine Marks, Lynne Godkin, Kristi Dawn Godkin, Mark Sullivan, Brian Warwick, Derek Hoegy and Shirley Ann Boven. Happy birthday to all.

NEWS FROM WALTON

PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019.

519-523-4311

www.ruralvoice.ca

Agriculture

BLYTH 519-523-4244 www.hurontractor.com

Brussels Livestock report

Weather results in lighter cattle run at sale Total receipts for Brussels Livestock for the week ending Nov. 15 were 2,203 cattle and 231 lambs and goats.

On Tuesday due to the weather, there was a light run of cattle with no fancy cattle on offer. Choice steers and heifers sold $125 to $135.

Second cut steers and heifers sold $115 to $122. Cows sold steady. On Thursday veal sold actively at steady prices. Lambs sold slightly higher

while sheep and goats sold steady.

On Friday calves sold on a strong active trade at steady prices.

Yearlings sold steady.

Leonard and Andrew Black of Proton Station, consigned 12 steers that averaged 1,559 lbs. and sold at an average price of $128.16. Four black steers averaged 1,535 lbs. and sold for an average price of $128.50.

John Vanloo of Bluevale, consigned eight head that averaged 1,476 lbs.

and sold for an average price of $122.50. Two charolais steers averaged 1,503 lbs. and sold for an average price of $128.

Neil and Dianne Rapien of Monkton, consigned 15 heifers that averaged 1,251 lbs. and sold for an average price of $128.30. Four black heifers averaged 1,390 lbs. and sold for an average price of $129.

There were 250 cows on offer.

Beef sold $50 to $75 with sales to

WI marks 80th anniversary

$78; D1, $55 to $65 with sales to $67.50; D2, $45 to $55; D3, $45 to $55. Norbert Fortney of Mildmay, consigned one black cow that weighed 1,565 lbs. and sold for $78.

There were 13 bulls selling $70 to $123. Murray and Debbie Duncan of Mitchell, consigned one blonde bull that weighed 1,930 lbs. and sold for $123.

There were 140 head of veal on offer. Beef veal sold $175 to $200 with sales to $209; good holsteins, $130 to $137 with sales to $140; Sl heavy holsteins, $115 to $125; heavy holsteins, $85 to $100; medium holsteins, $115 to $125; plain holsteins, $75 to $85.

Reuben S. Martin of Wallenstein, consigned seven head that averaged 816 lbs. and sold for an average price of $179.74. One charolais steer weighed 895 lbs. and sold for 209.

Lamar Frey of Listowel, consigned four head that averaged 871 lbs. and sold for an average price of $181.37.

One blue heifer weighed 895 lbs. and sold for $188. Garrett Taylor of Auburn, consigned three holstein steers that averaged 702 lbs. and sold for an average price of $125.63. One holstein steer weighed 655 lbs. and sold for $139.

Lambs under 50 lbs. sold $188 to $220; 50 - 64 lbs., $201 to $204; 65 - 79 lbs., $229 to $280; 80 - 94 lbs., $194 to $210; 94 - 109 lbs., $182 to $184; 110 lbs. and over, $126.50 to $147.50.

Sheep sold $100 to $145.

Goats: billies sold $150 to $300; nannies, $50 to $125; kids: meat,

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd.

Milestone

UPCOMING SALES

The Majestic Women’s Institute in Brussels marked its 80th anniversary last week at Melville Presbyterian Church with a special program that included visits from local dignitaries and, of course, cake. From left: Janet Haertel, Treasurer; Yvonne Knight, District Director; Lucy Hesse, First Vice-President; Bev Craddock, Rose Co-ordinator and public relations officer; Kathy Bridge, President; Marie McCutcheon, Assistant Secretary and member Doreen Marks.

Absent were Edna Pletch, Jean Boyd, Elfrieda Klaussen, Secretary Ruth Bauer and Bonnie Lindsay. (Shawn Loughlin photo) Brussels Majestic Women’s Institute celebrated its 80th anniversary on Nov. 13 at 1:30 p.m at the Melville Presbyterian Church, welcoming 21 guests including District President Margaret McInroy, Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb and some lifetime members who have 50 years or more of service.

The Women’s Institute has advocated for product labeling, recycling, school bus safety and more. Over the years, Institutes have supported numerous local and international charities like the food banks, Christmas Bureau, Bears Blankets and Books, Huron Hospice, 4-H, medical dolls for hospitals, pillow cases for independent living and hospital patients, research for Lyme disease, shut-in boxes and more .

The meeting was opened by President Kathy Bridge who welcomed all special guests.

Margaret McInroy congratulated Majestic members on the longstanding success and reminded them they helped to start the Walton Institute in 1956 and they too are

still going. Ben Lobb also congratulated all the Institute members for their work over the years and for their advocacy work.

He reminded us of the strength women have always had and the importance of volunteering.

Numerous cards of well wishes were read. Lucy Hesse then read a story.

Guest speakers Betty Durst and Shelagh Sully from Blue Bayfield spoke on recycling and eliminating single use plastic and polystyrene containers. They explained that we can all make a big difference; bring bags to store, ask for compostable containers and cups. Let your local restaurant and grocer know that you don’t want polystyrene containers or cups. Blue Bayfield members have set up water stations to refill bottles and they promote drinking safe tap water. Please take a minute and check out the website www.bluebayfield.ca They are making a big difference.

After Doreen Marks read some jokes that had everyone laughing.

Door prizes were drawn, Kathy Bridge thanked everyone for

attending and cake and ice cream where served.

Just a reminder that a group is only as successful as the community that supports it so thank you all for your support.

TUESDAYS 9:00 a.m.

Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows

THURSDAYS 8:00 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

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PERMANENT ROAD CLOSURE A portion of Chestnut Street north of the Town of Brussels, as shown on the map and described as Part 3, Plan 22R-2459, will be permanently closed.

$250 to $307.50; dairy, $160 to $206.

Andreas and Petra Aeberhardj of Neustadt, consigned 16 lambs that averaged 70 lbs. and sold for an average price of $255.27. Seven lambs averaged 65 lbs. and sold for an average price of $280. Harry Huber of Mildmay, consigned 31 head. One boer kid weighed 37 lbs. and sold for a price of $307.50.

Top quality stocker steers under 400 lbs. sold $208 to $248; 400 - 499 lbs., $219 to $257; 500 - 599 lbs., $218 to $236; 600 - 699 lbs., $211 to $228; 700 - 799 lbs., $185 to $203.50; 800 - 899 lbs., $195 to $205; 900 - 999 lbs., $190 to $198; 1,000 lbs. and over, $176 to $194.

Top quality stocker heifers, 300 399 lbs. sold $163 to $205; 400 - 499 lbs., $160 to $210; 500 - 599 lbs., $169 to $192; 600 - 699 lbs., $163 to $189; 700 - 799 lbs., $160 to $180.50; 800 - 899 lbs., $160 to $174; 900 lbs. and over, $151 to $172.50.

Baird Bros. of Wingham, consigned 28 head. Fifteen charolais steers averaged 643 lbs. and sold for an average price of $223.50. Six gold heifers averaged 590 lbs. and sold for an average price of $192.50.

Elam Weber of Listowel, consigned 15 steers. Seven black steers averaged 970 lbs. and sold for an average price of $198.

Municipality of Huron East

FINAL INSTALLMENT OF TAXES Property owners are reminded that the due date for the final installment of taxes is November 29, 2019 Paula Michiels Finance Manager-Treasurer Municipality of Huron East 519-527-0160

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019. PAGE 19.

From the Minister’s Study

Just keep calm and pray on says Todd

By Rev. JoAnn Todd Trinity Anglican, Byth St. John’s Anglican, Brussels The parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge from Luke’s gospel is a short parable-just eight verses and just two characters.

Let’s begin with the judge.

Luke tells us the judge had no belief or faith in God so therefore does not live by or obey any of the precepts or tenants of faith that guide the behaviours of people of faith.

This is a man who lives by his own rules; whatever works for him is his guiding philosophy. In my mind’s eye, I see him sitting at the bench in a public courtroom – an older gentleman, rather self-satisfied and self-centered, smugly dispensing his version of justice, within the letter of the law of course – otherwise he couldn’t keep his job, but with no true regard or care for others, especially those whom he feels are beneath him.

We all know people like that, don’t we? Some of them very public figures too, who even run for higher political office, and even some sitting in high political office!

The other person in our story is a woman, a widow of strong character and strong sense of integrity and fairness who has been thwarted by this judge in some way, and she is determined not to give into the wrong that has been committed against her by this man.

Now, widows in biblical times, especially poor ones, were in the lowest echelons of the social strata, along with orphans and aliens – aliens were folks without citizenship. They had no rights either. In a male-dominated society, widows and orphans had no man who ‘owned them’, took responsibility for them or took care of them, so they had no social standing in society, and usually little or no source of income, especially those from poor families. And of course, there was no state welfare in those days. Widows were totally dependent upon charity from extended family or others in their community to survive.

I can picture the widow in our story going to court daily, day in and day out, waiting for just the right opportunity to confront this judge for the moral rights he has denied her—maybe she even follows him out into the street, and approaches him there too. This is the only recourse left to her to get justice, and she’s not letting up. She is publically embarrassing him – his job and his reputation are on the line now. Today that woman would probably go to the press, start a social media campaign or stand outside the court with a banner. And because this widow keeps publicly exposing this judge, and pestering him, he does grant her justice, not because it’s the right thing to do, but as he says in the parable, it’s just to get her off his back.

So, Jesus says, if a corrupt and unjust judge will eventually dispense justice in response to constant pestering how much more will a good and loving God, our loving Creator, grant justice to those who cry out to him day and night.

On its very basest level, this apparently simple story is used to encourage us to be persistent in our prayer requests to God: If you keep asking, if you keep praying, God will eventually grant your wishes.

And yes, God does hear and answer our prayers. But to see this parable only with this conclusion, it’s more

of a fable than a parable! And it provides a truly simplistic and childlike image of God, kind of like God as Santa Claus. And if we only see this ‘moral’ in this parable, we’re missing so much of Jesus’ teachings here. There is more to this story than a naughty and nice request list!

That is part of the problem with just picking one story or a few verses out of the bible: you don’t always get the context in which the story is written. If you just happen to pick up your Bible and look through Luke’s gospel, you will see this story of the persistent widow is about the middle of his narrative of Jesus’ life. It’s part of a grouping of Jesus’ teachings on prayer and teachings on Jesus’ new

way of living as holy people of God. It seems to me that in telling this parable, Luke has used it as a blend of many of the other teachings he’s presented previously, summarizing them, before he moves on again. It’s like this story is almost like a primer of Christian teachings.

Let’s look at it and see if we can pick out the various concepts he touches on in these eight little verses: there are some good points to ponder in this text.

Prayer: Keep calm and pray always! Keep praying! God does hear and God does respond in many ways. God’s gifts and blessings are not always immediately in our sightlines, or come to us in the ways

BRUSSELS

United Church Sunday, November 24 Worship Service & Baptism

expected or just how we’re asking for them or as quickly as we think we need or want them! Answer to prayer doesn’t mean we get something from God just because we asked for it. I had someone once tell me that her faith had changed and grown so much once she gave up believing in a ‘Santa Claus’ God. There is power in prayer in many ways; it changes us at our deepest levels, changing how we see our

needs and the needs of others, for those for whom we pray. As we continue to pray, our faith grows, our understanding of God’s kingdom and our role in bringing about God’s kingdom grows too. And how we pray changes as our faith and understanding of God and God’s response to our prayers deepens our faith.

Now, just before our parable, Continued on page 21

The Regional Ministry of Hope These Anglican Churches Welcome You Rev. JoAnn Todd, Rector 519-357-7781 email: revjoann@hurontel.on.ca The‐Regional‐Ministry‐of‐ Hope

Trinity

St. John’s

BLYTH

BRUSSELS

9:15 am

11:15 am

St. Paul’s Trinity

WINGHAM

11:15 am

COME WORSHIP WITH US!

at 11 a.m.

Worship leader, Sandra Cable

MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

All are Welcome

BRUSSELS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24 You are invited to join us for a special invitational service at Melville at 11 am Potluck lunch to follow.

Come experience the warm and welcoming community at Melville!

Sunday, November 24 You re Invited to come worship with us

at 10:30 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

650 Alexander St. (former Brussels Public School) Sunday School for children 4 to 12 years of age at 9:30 a.m.

Childcare provided for infants and preschoolers during the sermon.

Coffee & cookies after the morning service.

For additional details please contact Steve Klumpenhower 519.292.0965 Rick Packer 519.527.0173

Fridays 11:30 am - 1:00 pm ~ Soup & More 2 - a free community meal held in Melville’s basement, and made possible by the Brussels churches working together.

519-887-6687

Blyth United Church Sunday, November 24

You’re Invited To Join Us In Worship

Worship Service at 9:30 am Baptism Sunday

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22

Guest Speaker: Sandra Cable

GEMS Annual Stamppot Supper from 5:00 - 8:00 pm

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24 Morning Service 10:00 am We welcome the Friendship group from Goderich to our morning service Evening Service 7:30 pm

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

Evangelical Missionary Church

Sunday November 24 9:30 a.m. Sunday School, 10:30 a.m. Worship MISSIONS SUNDAY Focus: Central Asia

Tuesdays 7-9 p.m. Celebrate Recovery Wednesdays 6:30 - 8 p.m. – HEIRBORN (JK-Gr.6) & YOUTH GROUP (Gr. 7-12) Nov. 22-23 “GENERATIONS OF FAITH” Conference - Brett Ullman Thurs. Nov. 28, 6-8 p.m. Seniors / 55+ Potluck huronchapel.com huronchapelkids.com huronchapelyouth.com 519-526-1131 ~ 119 John’s Ave., Auburn

U.C.W. Potluck supper Thursday, November 21st

Office Hours: Thursday ~ 9:30 am - 2:00 pm blythunited@tcc.on.ca Facebook: Blyth and Brussels United Churches Accessible

OFFICE: 519-523-4224

THE CATHOLIC PARISHES OF NORTH HURON AND NORTH PERTH CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO ATTEND HOLY MASS. OUR SUNDAY LITURGIES ARE AS FOLLOWS: Brussels: St. Ambrose Saturday 6:00 p.m.

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

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

1025 Wallace Avenue N.

PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019.

Charlie Shaw tournament set for July 24 in Goderich

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

In the corners The Huron Atom A Heat took on the Saugeen-Maitland Lightning on Sunday afternoon at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre, squeaking out a 1-0 victory against the renowned regional squad. (Mark Nonkes photo)

The Blyth Lions Club hopes to honour the memory of a long-time member and help fund some worthy projects at the same time with the Charlie Shaw Memorial Golf Tournament next July.

Set for Friday, July 24 at Goderich Sunset Golf Club just north of Goderich, the tournament will raise funds equally for the Lions Youth Exchange camp and the renovation and expansion of Blyth Lions Park, a major project the Lions hope to carry out next year, though the specifics have yet to be confirmed.

Long-time Lions Club member John Stewart said when he and three other Lions, Barney Stewart, Ken Stewart and Ryan Lee, were playing in a similar tournament, they were struck with the idea of honouring

Shaw with a memorial tournament.

Shaw, who died in December, 2017 at 91, was a local Lions Club members for decades, earning many awards for his volunteerism. Due to his dedication to the Lions Youth Exchange program, the summer camp for exchange students is now named after Shaw.

The tournament that inspired the Shaw tournament is named for Bruce Murray and was played at White Squirrel Golf Club near Zurich. Its proceeds were also split between two projects, so Stewart said the Blyth Lions have taken plenty of inspiration from that tournament.

Murray and Shaw were good friends. In fact, it was Murray who named Shaw the first-ever Youth Chair for the district, beginning a life-long dedication to Lions youth services for Shaw.

Stewart said the Lions Club has been discussing a golf tournament on and off for years, but that the Shaw tournament began to truly take shape last summer.

The Lions will allow a maximum of 132 players to register for the tournament. It will be a best ball format and golfers are welcome to enter either as a foursome or as an individual. Registration will be $90 per person, which includes golf, a cart and a roast beef dinner catered by the golf club. There will also be a silent auction that night.

The Lions Club is now looking for volunteers for the tournament and those willing to donate silent auction items. Registration will open sometime in the new year.

Those looking for more information can call Ken Stewart at 519-523-9620 or John Stewart at 519-523-4528.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019. PAGE 21.

Faith takes more than prayer says Todd Continued from page 19 Luke tells us that a couple of Pharisees asked Jesus, “When was the Kingdom of God coming?”

Jesus tells them that the Kingdom of God was among them – within them.

The Kingdom of God is within us, within you. When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we pray “thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” That’s why we need to be persistent in prayer!

We are the ones who help God bring about God’s Kingdom, God doesn’t expect us to do it on our own. We can’t do it without God; it’s just too

huge to go it alone. Jesus walks with us, God provides for us when we work to bring about God’s Kingdom on earth, Holy Spirit brings us the strength to do God’s work.

• Persistence: Clearly, God is not like the unjust judge! Yes, we are to be persistent, in our prayer for ourselves and for others, because God hears and responds – in God’s good timing, not our timing! Now, let’s flip that persistence thing over and think about God’s persistence – with us and for us! It is truly unbelievable. Thanks be to God that

God has more patience and perseverance and persistence with us than we have with each other. With all the craziness of this world, the things that humanity does to each other, we give up on others and sometimes even give up on ourselves, but God hasn’t given up on us, or this world. God’s love for us is unshakable.

• Justice: I think this is probably the key theme in our parable for today. Justice – fairness, honesty, integrity, simply doing what is right, especially for those who have been wronged, or those who have little

voice of their own. We call that social justice today. Undoubtedly, this is the work of God’s people – justice for all people, regardless of race, colour, belief, clothing, sexual orientation, social standing, wellness or illness. We are all God’s people and we care for God’s creation as a renewable resource, not one that is there for us to exploit. As followers of Christ, we are to be like that widow who persistently, insistently cried out for justice; we too can work for justice for those who are unable to do so for themselves. How do we do that?

• Stand up for others who are unable to do so for themselves by supporting groups and agencies that represent our society’s equivalent to the biblical call to help the “widow, orphans and aliens”. These are folks who live on the margins of society,

generally the ones we don’t hang out with, if we’re honest.

• Give thought to how you consider others, those of other faiths, colour, economic status, race, gender/sexual orientation. Are they less worthy in your eyes than your social group because of their differences?

• Consider your ecological footprint and how to reduce it.

Western society uses two and three times the resources that many other societies do.

• Think seriously about buying fair trade when and if you can.

So, yes, be like this widow in our story, be persistent and keep praying.

But, it takes more than prayer. Like our widow, it takes action – faith in action, because we know when we do God’s work, in Jesus’ name, the Holy Spirit is with us.

Letters to the Editor

Decrease your footprint: writer

Puck battle The Huron PeeWee HL Heat took on the Lambton Attack on Sunday at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre. The home team, however, was handed a loss at the hands of the Attack by a score of 1-0. (Mark Nonkes photo)

Vodden seeks school records THE EDITOR, I am attempting to write a history of the Blyth Public and Continuation School from the early days before Blyth was incorporated to the closure of our school in 2012.

Fortunately, I have firsthand experience with and memories of these schools, but I need to do a lot of fact-checking to confirm or amend my memories and records, and I would like to delve into Blyth School Board records for authentic background information.

I have made many attempts to obtain help from the Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) to gain access to official records such as minutes of Blyth School Board meetings and other reports and to find out whether these items are still in existence.

I have encountered a stone wall. I have written letters, sent e-mails, left phone messages, but receive no replies. I have responded to a feedback panel on the AMDSB website, but merely get an apology for the fact the message cannot be sent: Please try again later!

Keith Roulston described Blyth’s situation as a disenfranchised in an editorial back in 2012. Sad to say that I also predicted this kind of result when the administrative area for our school system expanded to cover two counties. The distance from the citizen to the school board has reached the point where there is no real access for the individual or community, and there is no accountability on the part of board or its members.

I realize that I was one of the people who gave the AMDSB a hard time during the process of their decision to close our school. I wonder if I have been singled out as a trouble-maker, forever cut off from any communication with this board, or have all Blyth residents been blocked since they have no school and are therefore irrelevant to any educational matters? Or is AMDSB

a fortress, impervious to any outside interference?

My questions to the board are these: Have the official records of the Blyth Public School Board been retained by this board? Is it possible for a citizen to access these records for research purposes? If yes, how can I make arrangements to access the records?

Brock Vodden.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Come on out to the Brussels Santa Claus Parade Saturday, November 30 at 5 pm and help fill the Brussels Optimists Parade float, the famous 22' long barbeque.

The Optimists will be collecting non-perishable food for the Huron County Food Bank this holiday season.

So come on out and have fun at the parade and bring an item to help someone in our community have a better Christmas.

This ad is sponsored by The Brussels Optimist Club

THE EDITOR, It is of paramount importance that we Canadians reconcile the conflicting messages held within our brains. On the one hand, preelection polls showed that 60-70 per cent of Canadians listed tackling the global climate crisis as the ballot box question. In another compartment of our brains, only five per cent of Canadians polled stated that they were willing to give more than $100 per year to help deal with the problem!

What politicians don’t tell us and what we would not like to hear from them is that it is going to be a somewhat painful process for many of us to make the transition to a reduced carbon culture. It is going to be particularly challenging for those of us who have a high carbon footprint. It is not going to happen readily, if we only budget $100 per year to make this happen.

If we are willing to decrease our own carbon footprints and support all levels of government, which confirm the urgency of this situation

and offer plausible solutions, then we have only 11 years in which to do this most critical work. We will not be offered a second chance.

Sincerely, Jim Hollingworth MD, Goderich

Coultes supports Hovius THE EDITOR, This is to express my complete approval of the article “Everything Designed for a Purpose” by Jason Hovius of the Brussels Community Bible Chapel, Oct. 17. Evolution is not chance: it is God’s planning.

There should be no quarrel between science and religion.

Clifford Coultes.

Brussels Fresh food. Friendly neighbours.

Come into Brussels Foodland to find your weekly elf-on-the-shelf deal Elf will be sitting beside this week’s feature November 21 to November 27

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PAGE 22. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019.

Decorating champions The Brussels Horticultural Society recently awarded the winners of its annual fall home decorating contest. Though the snow has now begun to fall, it remains fall in Huron County, despite what Mother Nature may have to say

about it. Gail Wheeler, left, won the best scarecrow theme, while Deb Seili won the most unique doorway, centre, and Candice and Evelyn Riley, right, won for the best decoration by young people. (Photos submitted)

County eyes homelessness transportation program

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron County Council is considering a transportation program to complement its Out of the Cold homelessness program that could cost nearly $190,000.

In a report for council at its late October meeting, Housing Services Manager Christine Hoffman recommended a transportation program that would repatriate users back to their home communities after a stay with the Huron Out of the Cold shelter in Goderich.

This is the other half of the service that has been provided for the past three years, where potential users were encouraged to contact Out of the Cold to arrange transportation to Goderich. They were not, however, offered transportation back to

their home communities the next day.

“The initial consideration examined was the use of cabs from select areas throughout the county.

Guests could arrive at the designated meeting place at a pre-selected time each day and be returned to the same location the next morning following an overnight stay at Huron Out of the Cold,” Hoffman said in her report. “Considerations that need to be explored include monitoring and administration of a transportation program, considerations if an individual arrives too late to catch the transport, who monitors the pickup and drop-off locations of program participants, considerations for guests who cannot or will not be transported together.”

Hoffman also noted that if council was to go ahead with a transportation program, staff would

have to create an Expression of Interest document for a competitive process to procure transportation services for the county’s homeless population.

Hoffman’s report included pertown transportation costs based on taxi service costs, distances and homeless citizens in each community, calculating trips at

$2.30 per minute.

The most expensive destination would be Wroxeter at $32,430 for the next winter season, followed by Exeter at $31,200, Brussels at $28,980, Wingham at $24,840, Seaforth at $20,700, Blyth at $15,180, Bayfield at $13,110, Clinton at $12,420 and Port Albert at $9,660. The total projected cost of

the daily, round-trip transportation is $188,520.

Several councillors expressed concern with the wisdom of the program and repatriating people back to home communities where they have no home.

A decision on the matter was deferred until more information could be presented to council.

Pamphlet offers outdoor tips Continued from page 14 water puddles, poor lighting and being in unfamiliar places. There are many tips in the safe winter walking pamphlet for walking. Two quick winter tips are to walk like a penguin when it is slippery – you might look like you took happy hour too early, but that is way better than being on

the sidewalk. The other tip is to get out of your car with both feet firmly on the pavement. It is so easy to slip with just one foot. Again, go slowly and be sure that your footing is firm.

Finally, injuries from falls can be the result of several factors coming together at the same time. The main advice is to follow the tips and

always to slow down and concentrate.

Thomas is available to provide resources and information at 226889-6995 or by e-mail at marguerite @thomas.name

BUY? SELL? TRY CLASSIFIED

CLINTON PUBLIC HOSPITAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT - TEMPORARY REDUCTION IN HOURS OF OPERATION Beginning Monday, December 2, 2019 the Clinton Public Hospital Emergency Department will be accepting patients daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and will be closed overnight until 8:00 a.m.

This temporary reduction in hours is due to a nursing staff shortage and is in effect until further notice.

For more information, please visit our website: www.hpha.ca @hphanews

@hpha_news

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019. PAGE 23.

Entertainment & Leisure

Major park project slated for next year

Inspection time Brussels’ own resident Santa and Mrs. Claus were in the village recently to put their new Santa Claus parade sleigh through a rigorous inspection process before the real thing at the parade, which is set for Saturday, Nov. 30. The improvements made to the sleigh were completed thanks to a donation from the Brussels Legion’s Catch the Ace proceeds and carried out by local jack-of-all-trades Don McNeil. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

Singers, choir to sing ‘Messiah’ Join the Blyth Festival Singers and Stratford Concert Choir on Sunday, Dec. 8, 3 p.m. at Knox Presbyterian Church in Goderich as the Singers kick off their ruby anniversary season with an extravaganza.

More than 100 singers will raise their voices to perform Handel’s master opus “Messiah”. One of Canada’s foremost organists, Ian Sadler, will accompany the mass choir on Knox’s grand pipe organ flooding the space with the powerful strains of this epic work. This collaboration between Ian Sadler and conductor Sharon Poelstra, together with the Blyth Festival Singers and the Stratford Concert Choir, is the second time the two choirs will have the pleasure of

performing together. The mass choir will be joined by Soprano Leslie Higgins, Alto Charmaine Iormetti, Tenor James Smith and Bass Daniel Van Winden.

Many are not aware that Handel turned to composition when a stroke rendered him unable to perform. He was nearly blind when he composed “Messiah”. Though traditionally sung at Easter or Christmas, the sacred work encompasses the life and passion of Christ. Its first performance was in 1742 in a concert hall on Fishmongers Street in Dublin, Ireland – because it was considered too controversial for a church. Over 275 years after its inaugural performance, audiences still flock to hear this majestic

oratorio at Christmas, and rise in elation as the signature “Hallelujah Chorus” fills the hall.

Adult tickets are $25 each and youth under 12 years of age can get their first taste of this masterwork for free! Tickets can be purchased from the Blyth Festival Singers or the Blyth Festival Box Office at 519523-9300 or online at www.blythfestival.com.

With seating for over 400 at Knox, you can even take your chances at a lastminute ticket at the door.

The Blyth Festival Singers are a community choir, now in their 40th season, under the direction of Sharon Poelstra and under the umbrella of the Blyth Centre for the Arts.

Have something worth celebrating?

BUY? SELL? TRY CLASSIFIED

Please join us at the Wingham Veterinary Clinic

November 28, 2019 from 1-3 pm to celebrate the

Retirement of

Dr. Brian Nuhn

We welcome past colleagues and clients to this come-and-go celebration to wish Dr. Nuhn farewell.

Refreshments and snacks provided and only well wishes please!

Drop by our office in Blyth or Brussels and check out our wonderful selection of books. We have books for all ages.

405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792 541 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-9114

Seaforth Agricultural Society’s

The Citizen today!

33rd Annual

Door Prizes

Toy & Craft Show & Sale

Forthcoming Marriage Add colour to your celebration ad for only $10 extra This is a limited time offer

Love,

Drop in, call, email 405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792 541 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-9114 email: info@northhuron.on.ca

Saturday, November 23 ~ 9:30 am - 4:00 pm Sunday, November 24 ~ 9:30 am - 3:00 pm

your fa mily

th Happy 45 ary Annivers Wedding rews nd Sam

Marie a Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Cook are pleased to announce the forthcoming marriage of their daughter Sarah to Michael son of Mr. & Mrs. Bill Smith The wedding will take place December 21 in London, Ontario

formed, the second country to form clubs behind the United States.

While the Lions Club had originally agreed to take over the property with the specific goal of creating a recreational space, the new agreement made no mention of that. The Citizen has been told, however, that the Lions Club still intends to move forward with a major project in 2020.

Happy Birth Grandm day a!

Place your ad for your special occasion in

Continued from page 1 terms for the organization to take over the land, Evans said.

As a result, the Lions Club suggested a $2 purchase of the land plus the legal costs of transfering the land. In return, the club would grant North Huron the first right of refusal for the land if the club dissolved or decided to get rid of the land.

Reeve Bernie Bailey asked Lions John Stewart and Ryan Lee if a clause that allowed council to buy the land back for $2 would be acceptable and Stewart, after discussing the issue with Lee, the club’s treasurer, said that was fine.

The only question council had as to the transfer was from DeputyReeve Trevor Seip who wondered if the land first needed to be declared surplus to the municipality’s needs.

Seip said similar processes usually started with the property being declared surplus.

Council approved a motion enabling staff to take the necessary steps to transfer the property to the Lions Club and bring a bylaw to council’s Dec. 2 meeting to make the sale official.

Stewart thanked council and staff for their efforts in making the sale happen. He also mentioned that 2020 is an important year for both the Blyth Lions Club and Lions Clubs International. While 2020 marks the former’s 75th anniversary, it also marks the creation of Lions Club International as, in 1920, the first Canadian Lions chapters were

e With lov

at the Seaforth Agriplex and Community Centre Admission $5.00 daily ages 10+

And

Special Gifts, Home Décor, Handmade Crafts, Collectibles, Nascar, Construction & Farm Toys, Sports Cards and MUCH more! y

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For information call 519-527-1321 www.seaforthagriculturalsociety.on.ca

PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019.

Santa Suggests CANADIAN JINGLE BELLS Take a flying tour of Canada with Santa Claus and his sled pulled by beaver in this charming illustrated children’s book. Travel from the Yukon and Yellowknife to the west coast and all the way east to Newfoundland. $19.95

The Little Book of BACKYARD BIRD SONGS Keep this enchanting introduction to backyard birds on your windowsill for the whole family to enjoy and see who becomes the bird-song expert first. $19.95

A MOOSE IN A MAPLE TREE If you want to give someone a unique Canadian take on the 12 Days of Christmas this book will do it, with everything from salmon leaping to mounties and beavers building.

Beautifully illustrated. $19.95

CANADA FOR KIDS In this patriotic celebration of Canada’s superlatives, complete with 300 colour photographs, kids are presented with thousands of unique facts, figures and feats that make the country unique. From inventions to statistics to amazing geography, this book will keep the whole family flipping pages for unique Canadian trivia. $17.95

HOW TO RAISE MONARCH BUTTERFLIES: A Step-by Step Guide for Kids Raising Monarch butterflies is mae easy with the help of this detailed guide that explains what threats Monarchs face today and how readers can help conserve the Monarch’s feeding grounds from encroachment with colourful and detailed photos, including suggestions for starting a butterfly garden. $19.95

THE FAMILY BUTTERFLY BOOK Love butterflies? This book’s for you.

How to attract butterflies to your garden, make butterfly boxes and cages, identify 40 favourite North American species, even build your own butterfly farm. $25.95

Check out our books for all ages at....

The Citizen 405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792 541 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-9114

THE NIGHT BEFORE A CANADIAN CHRISTMAS This illustrated storybook has fun putting a Canadian spin on the Night Before Christmas story, such as the fact Santa can’t come down the chimney because there’s smoke coming out of it. $19.95

Canadian Geographic BIGGEST AND BEST OF CANADA This patriotic salute to Canada’s superlatives offers more than 300 facts and photographs celebrating our firsts, records, achievements and spectacular geography. $24.95

DOG HEROES - A STORY AND POSTER BOOK For the young dog lover this beautiful book includes 30 inspiring images of dogs captured in heroic acts and stories of heroes that have come in all shapes and sizes. $14.95

RALPH, THE NANNY The fourth in the series of picture books features a story by Fran Hook, illustrated by Pattie Armstrong. This time Ralph, the cuddly brown door-stop dog is turned into world famous nannies by Ellie when she comes to play at her grandparents’ house. $10.00

RALPH AND THE DANGLING NOSE Egmondville author Fran Hook and Zurich illustrator Patti Armstrong tell the children’s story about Ralph, the stuffed dog who, after years of loving, suffers a drooping nose before a grandmother stitches it back on. $10.00

RALPH FEELS SPECIAL Seaforth-area author Fran Hook, and illustrator Pattie Armstrong tell the continued adventures of Ralph, the stuffed door-stop dog and his creative friend Stephanie who gets him singing, dancing and joining her for tea parties. $10.00

RALPH GOES VISITING Another story about Ralph and his adventures while going on a visit. Author Fran Hook writes about their family and a moment in time with great-grandparents. Kids can draw pictures of their beloved elder. With special photos meant to be coloured.

Illustrated by Patti Armstrong. $10.00

ONTARIO LULLABY This book for tiny ones captures the essence of our gorgeous province in a few lyrical lines set against gorgeous illustrations by Joy Steuerwald. From cities, to farms to northland wildlife, Ontario Lullaby is an early introduction to our home. $12.95