The Citizen - Oct. 8, 2020

4 12 13 15

• Editorials • R2R 2020 • Agriculture • Obituaries

The

THIS WEEK

Citizen

Huron County’s most trusted independent news source

Thursday, October 8, 2020

$1.25 GST included

Volume 36 No. 41

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

‘Citizen’ to host contest

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Fall has arrived With its crisp air and cool winds, fall is now here in Huron County, which, for many, means pumpkins and apples just days before Thanksgiving. While many fall staples in Huron County have been cancelled, like fall fairs and bountiful meals, some things are still moving ahead, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The Play and Learn

Centre at Maitside Orchards in Brussels has been humming along, welcoming families to the orchard every Saturday for a special, hands-on experience. Last Saturday, Hayley Bettles of Mitchell and her 18-month-old son Kayden were among those who took in some fall activities in Brussels, which included a wagon ride through the orchard. (John Stephenson photo)

Local COVID-19 cases continue to rise

By Denny Scott The Citizen With four more confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Huron and Perth Counties, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Miriam Klassen and Huron Perth Public Health are advising people to celebrate upcoming events in safer ways.

Huron and Perth Counties have 133 confirmed cases, four more than last week, with those four cases being classified as active at this time. Of those four new cases, two are in North Perth, one is in Goderich and the final new case has been identified in AshfieldColborne-Wawanosh (ACW).

Klassen said two of the cases are as a result of household contact with an isolating individual, while one was connected to out-of-the-area travel. The fourth case is an asymptomatic healthcare worker, who Klassen said is being treated as

active until more information is available.

Aside from those four new cases, there have been no known outbreaks in schools, childcare centres or longterm care centres, Klassen said during a press conference on Monday.

Klassen encouraged people to follow provincial suggestions to pause interactions with people outside of their social circles, limiting interaction to people within the same household.

She said people need to maintain a two-metre space from anyone from outside of their home.

With that in mind, she said Thanksgiving and Halloween will likely need to be celebrated differently than in past years.

Those looking to celebrate Thanksgiving should consider online celebrations, she said, or sending letters or cards or a contactless delivery of treats. She

also suggested that outdoor celebrations, like taking a walk with family, could be safe.

For Halloween, she advised trickor-treating should be approached differently this year. If people are set on going out, she said, they should make a non-medical mask part of their costume, and not wear another mask over top of it as the two could make it hard to breathe.

She also said people should only participate in trick-or-treating if they are feeling well.

Trick-or-treaters should travel in their home groups, wash their hands before going out, after coming home and before eating treats. They should also not touch their faces.

Those giving out treats should not use a bowl and instead hand out sealed, pre-packaged treats.

They should also not hand out candy from inside, she said, unless

surfaces like the door, doorbell and railings are sanitized often Continued on page 2

With suggestions coming down from the provincial government and Huron Perth Public Health to look for different ways to celebrate Halloween, The Citizen wants to make sure all those cute, fun and adventurous costumes still get seen this year.

To that end, the staff at The Citizen are donning their black robes, white wigs and mallets and becoming judges for a Halloween contest that will stretch throughout Huron County. The Citizen is inviting everyone from its coverage area to submit a picture of themselves in their Halloween costume for a chance to win a spooky prize and be featured in a special photo display in the Oct. 29 issue of The Citizen and on The Citizen’s website.

A grand prize will be awarded to the winner in each of four categories: Under 12 years of age, 12 years old to 18 years old, 19 or older and a special pet category.

So don your cutest, spookiest or scariest duds and aim for the top prize.

Photos must be submitted digitally to reporter@northhuron .on.ca or through The Citizen’s Facebook page or mailed to Box 429, Blyth, Ontario. All entries must be received by Oct. 23 to be eligible for prizes.

The winners will be announced in the Oct. 29 issue of The Citizen, alongside the big reveal for the spooky grand prizes. Runners-up and other contestants may be featured in the issue as well.

For more information, or to submit your costume, e-mail reporter@northhuron.on.ca.

Seniors cancel season The impact of the COVID-l9 outbreak has created a unique situation that is still evolving. The Western Ontario Athletic Association (WOAA) continues to work with its senior hockey committee and participating senior hockey teams to prepare for the return to regular competition.

However, the WOAA senior hockey membership held its annual meeting on Sept. 24 and at that time a motion was moved, seconded and carried “that collectively as members of the WOAA Senior Hockey League a decision was made that there would be no playing season for 2020-2021 hockey season. It will be the responsibility

of each member team to remit their 2020-202I insurance premium and the WOAA registration fee.”

The WOAA senior hockey records show that the program began in 1948-1949 and has run continuously for 72 hockey seasons. Officials are hopeful that 2021-2022 will see the return of regular competition in our Senior Hockey League.

At this time, the WOAA would like to take this opportunity to thank all its senior hockey participants, team officials, game officials, executives, league sponsors, fans and valued volunteers for their past and present support.

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020.

M-T approves Stacey Street upgrade agreement

By Denny Scott The Citizen Stacey Street in Wingham’s Lower Town is in need of upgrading to allow for infilling development in the community, according to Morris-Turnberry Director

of Public Works Mike Alcock.

During council’s Sept. 15 meeting, Alcock explained that the road is not up to standard and would need to be improved given potential development there.

“The open portion of Stacey Street in [Lower Town] is approximately

160 metres long and consists of a four-metre-wide paved surface along its length,” Alcock said in his report.

“There are three existing entrances [onto] Stacey Street from the south side, with three additional existing adjacent lots having the potential to request entrances

onto the street as of now.

The municipal standard for a road such as this is a width of six metres.”

Alcock said a review of a severance application could be forthcoming to council, creating two entrances onto Stacey Street.

“We wouldn’t allow building on a substandard road,” he said. “The road was meeting the needs for use, but it won’t if the proposed development goes through.”

He went on to say the municipality had an opportunity to upgrade the road, which is usually paid for by the developer, however it’s more complicated when the road services an existing development area. He said upgrading the road will benefit the potential new development, alongside existing houses, so the

municipality has an obligation to contribute to the project, according to staff.

“In discussions, the developer agreed to contribute approximately [one third] of the cost of the project,” he said, adding he estimates a $25,000 cost. “That would be to add base and surfacing to a one-metre strip on either side of the road. If we get a good quote, and there’s room for it, we could put a cap on the whole road to avoid breaks or lines.”

Alcock said he would be looking for approval to budget for the upgrade in 2021, and, in the meantime, was asking council to enter into a development agreement for the near one-third payment of $8,000 from the developer.

Council approved the move.

The Citizen will be closed Monday, October 12 for Thanksgiving Hay rides!

Deadlines will be

The weekly Play and Learn Centre activities at Maitside Orchards near Brussels will continue throughout the month, featuring hayrides, apple picking, games and other activities. (John

Friday, October 9

Stephenson photo)

The Citizen Building in Morris-Turnberry this year has increased in terms of both permits and total value of construction over last year, though zoning certificates are down significantly.

Twenty zoning certificates have been issued between January and August of this year compared to 36 over the same period last year.

In his report to Morris-Turnberry Council, Chief Building Official Kirk Livingston said the total value of construction in Morris-Turnberry between January and August of this year was $5,996,960 over 85 permits while, in 2019, there was $3,966,303

in construction value with 70 permits.

Between July and August, nearly 20 permits were issued. *** With a new property standards bylaw in place, Chief Building Official Kirk Livingston feels several ongoing property issues should be handled shortly.

“Some reports will be acted on now with the property standards bylaw in place,” he told council during its Sept. 15 meeting. “There will be action in Walton.”

Livingston’s report indicated there were multiple property owners in

Walton with complaints leveled against them.

Livingston said he and bylaw enforcement officer Bruce Brockelbank were busy with the department. *** During his activity report, Director of Public Works Mike Alcock said the installation of catch basins on Morris Street and at the intersection of George and Queen Streets in Bluevale had been completed.

The work was necessary as part of the ongoing infrastructure work in the community, he said.

541 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-9114

info@northhuron.on.ca

Citizen Huron County’s most trusted independent news source

Build Your Brand with The Citizen

4 COVID-19 cases remain Continued from page 1 throughout the evening.

Of the 133 cases, four remains active, five have resulted in deaths and the remaining 124 have recovered.

In Huron County, Central Huron has the highest number of confirmed cases since the outbreak started with 14. Bluewater has had 12 cases while South Huron has had 10 cases.

ACW, Goderich and Huron East each have had three cases while Morris-Turnberry and North Huron have each had one case. Howick continues to have no confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Stratford has had 32 confirmed cases, the most in Perth County, followed by North Perth at 19, Perth East at 15, Perth South at eight and West Perth and St. Marys at six each.

405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792

Our real estate package is your gateway to an attentive local audience. Get access to our nearly 2000 devoted subscribers and a further 2000 on-line readers each month with flexible packages to meet your needs.

Preferred Packages (includes guaranteed placement of 4" wide x 3" high colour ad on Page 2, with a rotation in our on-line header ad while the print issue is on newsstands).

Real Estate Packages available (1 month - 1 year) Call us today Advertise your property in The Citizen Call Brenda 519-887-9114 or Heather 519-523-4792

Recognized At the Londesborough and District Lions Club meeting on Oct. 1, President Bert Vandendool, left, presented charter Lion Ian Hulley with a Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, recognizing his years with the organization. (Photo submitted)

REAL ESTATE in Huron

By Denny Scott

The

M-T building permits, value up

2 pm in Brussels 4 pm in Blyth for the October 15 paper

Your ad here

Your ad here

Your ad here

Your ad here

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020. PAGE 3.

North Huron approves self storage, residential plans colour and design as the existing buildings, Eelman explained to council, but will have basements.

The first two units, built at the east end of the former public school site, were slab-on-grade, meaning they were built on concrete pads. The next two units will have full foundations with basements, he said.

While council approved the site plan for the development, there were concerns with the way services will be connected to the properties because repairs are still not finished from services being connected to the previous builds.

Eelman said that, after the experience of the first two builds, which saw King and Wellington Streets dug up to run services and they still have not been repaved, the workflow for the two new buildings is being altered.

He said the services won’t be run until next year, despite the foundations going in as soon as this month.

“What we did last year we don’t want to do again. It wasn’t ideal,” he

New business

said. “We put all the services into the project in October, got caught in bad weather and couldn’t get it paved and it had to sit unpaved until spring.”

He said spring came and went without paving due to the pandemic, but said the road should be finished within the next week.

The problem, he said, was working with the municipality’s approved list of companies to pave the road. There was difficulty finding one of the approved companies that could commit to the project this year.

Even now, he said, the project should have been completed, but the company he had enlisted to finish the paving hadn’t hit its midSeptember estimated completion date. He said he has lined up a backup company, so, one way or another, the project will be finished next week.

Council approved the site plan, which will see two four-unit multiple attached dwellings built fronting on Mill Street.

With site plan approval for a property at the very north end of Blyth on Queen Street, highlighted in black, a proposed self-storage business is one step closer to becoming a reality in the village. (File submitted)

By Denny Scott The Citizen North Huron Council is supporting two developments moving ahead in Blyth after its Monday night meeting, including a self-serve storage business at the north end of town and further residential development.

The self-serve storage business’ site plan received the go-ahead, and, once built, the two structures will become the northernmost buildings in the village. The business will be located at 766 Queen Street, just

BIA seeks job creation partnership The Blyth Business Improvement Area (BIA) wants to partner with the Community Futures Huron organization, based out of Brussels, to take advantage of the “Shift Your Spending” program.

The program, part of the Fight Unemployment campaign, involves determining how an increase in local spending could result in the creation of more local jobs. The program will not cost the BIA anything.

During the BIA’s Sept. 24 meeting, Chair David Sparling explained that Community Futures Huron will gather information from residents and businesses and then, through marketing and social media, will tell people in Blyth how much of a change they could make by shopping more in Blyth.

“They will analyze demographics of the community and create projections, saying that if we increase consumer spending by X, we can create Y jobs,” Sparling said.

“The BIA doesn’t have the resources, ability or time to do that, so it will help.

“At the end of the day, anything we can do to make our main street more viable is important,” Sparling said.

He said the program is seeking 10 communities to participate, and has already signed on Seaforth and Clinton.

“This is an easy ask for us,” Sparling said.

The BIA executive voted in favour of pursuing the partnership.

north of the recently-developed residential units on the east side of County Road 4.

Developer Diamond Concrete will build the two structures, according to documents presented by Huron County Planner Monica WalkerBolton. Each of those structures, Walker-Bolton reported, will contain 18 rental storage units and the two structures, according to drawings, will be built parallel to County Road 4.

The land, which already includes an entryway, is designated Highway Commercial – Special Zone (C3), which fits the development after council had approved a minor variance for the plan in February of this year, Walker-Bolton said.

While Walker-Bolton’s report stated there was one outstanding item to be dealt with before approval, she said her understanding is that the issue had been addressed since she prepared the report.

While council did approve the site plan, there were concerns about how the development could impact adjacent residential properties.

Councillor Kevin Falconer said he felt the people living in the multiunit residential properties just south of the proposed site should have a say about the proposal. He said he brought the issue up when the minor variance was approved earlier this

year, and was told that, since they are renters, it’s up to the property owner to speak regarding it.

Falconer was particularly concerned about the impact lighting from the proposed self-storage development would have on the residential properties.

Councillor Chris Palmer agreed, saying council will “hear about” the problem in the future. He asked Walker-Bolton to carry those concerns to the developer.

After questions regarding what the buildings would look like and how tall they would be, both of which weren’t able to be answered with the information at hand, council approved the site plan.

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT The final two residential lots on the former Blyth Public School site are one step closer to being developed after council approved a site plan for two multi-unit developments for the property.

Being built by J&S Eelman Holding Ltd., the same company that built the multi-unit buildings fronting on King and Wellington Streets on the former school property, the units will be similar to the first two multi-unit developments, according to Jonathan Eelman, but have one significant difference.

The two buildings will be the same

Neews depends endss on facts. ts. Whe Where are you our facts ts coming com ng from? ro

Potato pickers While the annual Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association’s reunion couldn’t be held this year, the potatoes planted for the potato picker demonstration at the event still had to get out of the ground. A group of volunteers took on the task and the potatoes will be donated to a local charity. (Photo submitted)

The Christliest life!

(J.R. Miller, “Christian Essentials”) “Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18 Thanksgiving should never be lacking in a Christian life. It is not enough to observe one day in the year for ‘Thanksgiving’ although that is a beautiful thing to do. Nor is it enough to put a sentence of thanksgiving into our daily prayers, although that, also, is proper.

It is the grateful spirit which pleases God, the spirit that is always full of praise. There should be a note of thanksgiving running through all our life.

Too many of us go to God only with... our requests, our burdens, our worries, our troubles - while we but rarely go to Him with any word of thanks.

We are not to be thankful only for the pleasant and agreeable things that come into our days — we are to be thankful, too, for the things that appear to us to be adversities.

“Give thanks in everything.” That means... in the sad days — as well as in the glad days, when clouds are in the sky — as well as when the sunshine is pouring everywhere.

It is said here that this is the will of God for us. The Christliest life is the one that is always keyed to the note of praise and thanksgiving.

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful!” Hebrews 12:28

News Media Canada is a passion ssionate advocate for the news industry. We support our mem mber m publications in their pursuit of quality journalism nalism.

Wee believe that when society has factss they can W trust, better decisions will be made.

“Overflowing with thankfulness!” Colossians 2:7 “At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father!” Ephesians 5:20

newsmediacanada.ca

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

PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020.

Editorials & Opinions

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

The Citizen P.O. Box 429, P.O. Box 152, BLYTH, Ont. BRUSSELS, Ont. N0M 1H0 N0G 1H0 Ph. 519-523-4792 Phone Fax 519-523-9140 519-887-9114 E-mail info@northhuron.on.ca Website www.huroncitizen.ca

The Citizen is published 51 times a year in Brussels, Ontario by North Huron Publishing Company Inc. Subscriptions are payable in advance at a rate of $38.00/year ($36.19 + $1.81 G.S.T.) in Canada; $180.00/year in U.S.A. and $380/year in other foreign countries. Advertising is accepted on the condition that in the event of a typographical error, only that portion of the advertisement will be credited.

Advertising Deadlines: Mon. 2 p.m. - Brussels; Mon. 4 p.m. - Blyth.

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40050141 Member RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO CCNA CIRCULATION DEPT. Member of the Ontario Press Council We acknowledge the financial support PO BOX 152 of the Government of Canada.

We are not responsible for unsolicited newsscripts or BRUSSELS ON N0G 1H0 photographs. Contents of The Citizen are © Copyright email: info@northhuron.on.ca

Video again tells the tale Once again it has taken video evidence for society to take notice of racism. Now Canada is forced to deal with the systemic racism that our Indigenous people have been pleading with us to recognize for years.

Joyce Echaquan’s Facebook Live video in the hours before her death at a Quebec hospital showed nursing staff calling her stupid, questioning her life choices, saying she’s only good for sex and would be better off dead. Because Echaquan had experienced racism while trying to receive medical care previously, she had taken to recording her visits.

With the harsh reality of a smartphone video casting this country’s relationship with its Indigenous population into the international spotlight, we can no longer claim any kind of moral superiority over the United States and the race riots we witness on the evening news.

A nurse and a patient attendant have been rightly fired, and a public inquiry into Echaquan’s death has been called, but Canadian society as a whole must do better to create an atmosphere where no one feels the need to film a trip to the emergency room. – DS

On the rise With COVID-19 cases rising steadily in the province, Ontarians need only to look to Quebec, specifically Montreal, for a fearful prediction of the future if we fail to contain the spread of this deadly virus.

After keeping Ontario’s daily confirmed cases around 100 for a while, cases are now exploding, rising by hundreds every day as much of the province is now open again and students are back to school. Quebec’s provincial government has taken swift action in an attempt to curb its rising caseload, closing dine-in options for restaurants and bars in “red zones” and restricting travel between certain districts. Politicians, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, warn that the country is in the midst of the dreaded second wave, which has come right on time, consistent with much of the scientific modelling early in the pandemic.

And while many in the restaurant industry feel unfairly targeted, figures in Ontario seem to point to these locations being part of the problem.

Recent research shows that 44 per cent of Toronto’s outbreaks in late September can be linked to restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.

While cases continue to rise, schools are quietly seeing infections, though most don’t meet “outbreak” criteria, allowing the schools to remain open, which is perhaps why there has been a lack of reporting.

Late last week, Ontario had just under 400 cases in students and while epidemiologists have insisted that student cases are to be expected, it’s another worrying ingredient in a stew that’s threatening to boil over.

If Ontario doesn’t get its case count under control, it’s possible we could face another shutdown, negating all the progress of recent months and further harming the province’s already fragile economy. – SL

A positive outlook Wading through the memorable moments like the “will you shut up man?” and the analysis of the first U.S. presidential debate, including expletives being used by news media to describe it, could leave people feeling overwhelmingly negative about the entire experience. There was, however, one shining light that will speak to a number of people in the United States and that was Joe Biden’s support of his son Hunter.

The debate saw fairly one-sided discussion, however, in one of several departures from the questions at hand, President Donald Trump took what some may consider a cheap shot at his would-be successor’s son Hunter Biden, who has struggled with drugs.

It was bad enough that Trump used Biden’s tribute to his late son Beau, who died of cancer in 2015, as the starting point for this personal attack that has next-to-nothing to do with the election. However from there he was savage and wrong; not a bad slogan for the entire debate.

While he could have focused on Biden’s (and his son’s) international dealings (his interest in which led to Trump’s own impeachment), Trump briefly mentioned them only to attack Hunter for a dishonorable discharge from the military for cocaine use (untrue).

While Biden could have easily answered every one of Trump’s challenges to his family with a dozen more about how Trump’s nepotism has run rampant, he decided to handle it differently. He looked at the camera and spoke to those watching at home, and admitted his son had a problem with substance abuse. Unlike other political personalities who may have tried to hide it, Biden was open and honest about it.

“My son – like a lot of people, like a lot of people you know at home – had a drug problem,” he said. “He’s overtaken it, he’s fixed it, he’s worked on it. And I’m proud of him. I’m proud of my son.” It was a refreshing moment and, given the recent focus on mental health and drug addiction here, likely one that has crossed borders.

So while the debate itself may have been the kind of circus that Trump wanted, in it Biden found a chance to show his humanity, which is what the leadership of the United States of America is missing. – JDS

Looking Back Through the Years October 10, 1963 Jack Hall purchased the Walker Barber Shop and Pool Room from Robert Walker in Brussels. Hall had been renting the barber shop for the past year, but officially took possession of the entire business on Oct. 7.

The Huron County Plowing Match attracted a large number of teenage participants in 1963, according to Huron County Plowmen’s Association President Simon Hallahan. Of the 34 entries at the match, approximately 50 per cent were from those under 30, Hallahan said, which was a “healthy sign” for the match going forward.

The sheer number of entries was also encouraging, Hallahan said, setting a record for the match, which was held at the home farm of William Dennis in McKillop Township.

A new burial chapel and storage vault was being planned for the Brussels Cemetery after years of discussion as to whether the structures were needed for the cemetery.

D.A. Rann, chair of the cemetery board, said they would be accepting donations for the structures as they moved forward with the plan.

The Belgrave Intermediates defeated Wellesley three games to none to win the Intermediate B Championship, earning them a spot in the Grand Champion playdowns.

October 6, 1971 The Blyth Lions Club’s draw for a new snowmobile was set to take place at the upcoming Bingo game at Memorial Hall on Oct. 9. The Lions were holding the draw to help pay for the extensive renovations made to the village’s ball park over the summer.

The Lions Club’s regular Bingo

game had been a hit with locals. The jackpot of $125 per game had been an enticing target for players and had, in fact, been won every game that had been held.

In the most recent game, Ruth Dougherty won the draw, while the share the wealth pot went to Mrs. Elmer Lee of Clinton and Wayne Riley of Londesborough.

October 13, 1999 A group of Morris Township residents were told they would have to wait until at least 2001 to have their concerns addressed as they requested annexation into the Village of Brussels.

At its Oct. 5 meeting, Morris Township Council decided that the ongoing amalgamation process wouldn’t allow council to make that kind of decision and that it would have to wait.

On another amalgamation front, the Town of Goderich saw its request for a one-month delay in Huron County approval for the amalgamation plan of Hullett and Goderich Townships with the Town of Clinton denied by Huron County Council. As a result, Goderich Mayor Deb Shewfelt then threatened to call in a provincial restructuring commissioner to help with the issue.

On the table was Goderich’s request that urban properties in Central Huron on the outskirts of Goderich near the Canadian Tire, Wal-Mart and Zehrs development be annexed for further expansion.

West Wawanosh Reeve Doug Miller was one of three people who put their name forward as hopefuls for the position of Huron County Warden. Miller joined Howick Reeve Norm Fairles and sitting Warden Carol Mitchell in the race, which would be decided that winter.

A meeting was scheduled for Oct. 13 in Wingham to discuss the concept of county-wide policing through the Ontario Provincial Police.

October 7, 2010 Blyth Public School teacher Leeanne Middleton put her creative juices to work and released a new children’s book entitled Sweetest Joy. A labour of love for Middleton, she had been working on the book for several years before its release, which was marked at the Maple and Moose with a special launch party and book signing.

Middleton had her story approved by a publisher in Maryland before teaming up with a Toronto-based illustrator to make the book happen.

Doctor Barnardo’s Children, a play about 100,000 British Home Children, was set to be produced at the Goderich Little Theatre, directed

by Blyth’s Duncan McGregor. The piece was a timely choice for the theatre, as 2010 was declared the Year of the British Home Child.

The Wingham Ironmen remained undefeated in Western Junior C Hockey League action with a 7-0 record after the first four weekends of play.

Members of Blyth United Church were set to open a time capsule left for the church, labelled to be opened in 2010.

Judy Gleave and Lorna Fraser found the time capsule box in 2004 while organizing the Sunday school room at the church. The box was dated 1960 and was signed by Mr. Fred Howson.

In October, the church was planning a special ceremony to honour 50 years of Sunday school at the church and opening the time capsule would be part of the ceremony.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020. PAGE 5.

Other Views The bottom line’s more than dollars

R

ecently I ran into a headache getting a prescription renewed by my city-based specialist. I’d called my doctor’s office well in advance but then the bureaucratic runaround began.

As doctors increasingly do these days, his staff said my pharmacist would have to send a fax requesting the renewal. The problem was, when he did, nobody replied. Days went by and my supply of medication kept diminishing.

My local pharmacist recontacted the doctor but still the new prescription didn’t come through.

Finally I called the doctor’s office in desperation, saying I had taken my last pill, and eventually the fax arrived securing my supply for the next few months.

While I was going through this ordeal, I had the comfort of knowing my local pharmacist was on my side. It’s an example of what I call “collateral benefit”. That’s the opposite of the phrase “collateral damage”, which describes the destruction that can happen to uninvolved bystanders while armies concentrate on an attack.

Collateral benefit is why I choose to shop in my own community whenever possible – because there are rewards that go beyond the obvious. These days many shoppers focus on one goal – saving a few dollars here or there, or enjoying the greater variety offered by a large chain of stores, or even more frequently, online retailers. They may save money or have more variety to choose from, but they won’t have that person who knows them personally and will make the extra effort required to help them in their time of need because they care.

It’s something we’ve lost in our small towns and villages in the past few decades as people drove farther to shop at Walmart or large grocery chains instead of local stores. Recently I was glancing through an old history of the

Keith Roulston From the cluttered desk village where I grew up. Among the 1,000 people who lived there at the time there was a village council, a school board for the elementary school and one for the high school.

There were familiar faces in all three photos – the same people who sold us our groceries, hardware, clothing and furniture.

As a kid, I was resentful of these people who I saw as high and mighty rich people. It was only later, when I ran a newspaper in a different town, that I realized these businesspeople were just like the rest of us – trying to get by. But they also cared enough about their community to volunteer on council or the school boards.

Much has changed since then, of course.

The high school is gone, the elementary school is run by a remote board that covers two counties and the municipality was amalgamated with three others and the council abolished. There also aren’t clothing and furniture stores – we killed them off by seeking bargains elsewhere without thinking of the collateral damage. In that once-thriving town, you can’t even buy groceries anymore.

In this time of isolating and staying at home, this Christmas even more shopping is likely to be done with online retailers like Amazon – convenient for shoppers and perhaps even cost saving, but causing collateral damage in the local community. This newspaper is an example of collateral benefit.

Local retailers trying to get information out to potential shoppers buy advertising which helps The Citizen pay its bills. (Amazon doesn’t buy ads in The Citizen. It simply puts your money in Seattle banks.) The newspaper, in turn, publicizes the work of local service clubs and churches and helps make the community a richer place to live.

There are still collateral benefits all around us, even if we have devastated our local retailers. It’s been fascinating to watch the creativity local service clubs have managed after the pandemic shut down their regular barbecues and fish fries. They’ve found ways to still serve their meals. And besides getting a tasty meal, those attending create collateral benefit because the money the service clubs raise will be invested right back into the community, making it a better place to live – something that won’t happen if people drive to the city for dinner.

There have been big holes left in our lives this year because the pandemic made it impossible to hold well-attended events like fairs or the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association Reunion. The latter, for instance, not only brings thousands to Blyth, but boosts the sales of local stores and restaurants and even puts extra cash in the hands of residents because of yard sales.

And then there’s the case of the Blyth Festival, sadly missed this year. Not only does it bring dozens of actors and technicians to town, but it also fills local hotel rooms and restaurants. Once thought of as a nice little addition to a healthy downtown in the 1970s, it’s become the reason many of today’s shops are even here.

So think of all the collateral benefits the dollars that you spend can buy. It makes buying local seem a huge bargain.

We’ve reached critical idiot mass

O

ne thing that’s always fascinated me is the amount of time it takes for things to change in people’s minds.

Whether it’s when we start feeling like something is part of our everyday lives, like cell phones or, now, masks, or whether it’s when we’re finally comfortable to talk about a tragic event or even joke about it, I’m intrigued by how long it takes us to get comfortable with things.

There have actually been some studies about the latter that say the sweet spot to joke about a tragic event is 36 days, which, in my opinion, seems a little bit too soon. I follow the South Park rule of 22.3 years.

My question to the public today, however, is when can we stop being passive aggressive about people not wearing masks and start being plain old aggressive about it?

I’ll warn you that, like climate change, the need for and efficacy of masks isn’t up for debate as far as I’m concerned: if you’re one of those people who go on about everyone being “sheep” for wearing masks, take your tin foil hat and go live in a trailer in the untamed north, because, in the parlance of locally-inspired hit television show Letterkenny, “you’re spare parts bud.”

I think that, since we’ve been told for months now that masks can protect those around us, we should all be wearing them unless you have a medical condition that prevents it.

So, again, I’ll ask, when can we start treating people who endanger those around them like the ill-informed cretins they are?

I’ll give you an example: last month, after dropping off my daughter at school, I was coming back through Blyth on my way to work and decided to pick up a decaf coffee to start my workday.

Unfortunately, the drive-thru at Tim Hortons was backed up to the road, so I decided to

Denny Scott Denny’s Den head into the store to save sitting and being late.

Before I went in, I grabbed a fresh mask from the pile of a half-dozen clean ones I keep in the car (and wash a couple times a week) and then sanitized my hands because I was just at a school. If there’s going to be anywhere that a disease like COVID-19 will flourish, it’s at a school. (You may be asking yourself, if that’s the case, why do I send my daughter to school instead of homeschooling? It’s a calculated risk. She needs to be with other children to learn socialization and, on top of that, I’m not an educator, so I doubt I’d be able to help her much with her homeschooling or online learning.)

Anyway, I’m very aware of how close to the line of fire having a child in school puts me, on top of the fact that, through my job, I’m not as sheltered as people who are able to work from home or sit in their office day in and day out.

So, as I said, I grabbed a mask, sanitized and walked in where I was lined up behind members of a crew from a local roofing company. I won’t say which company, I’ll just say they are local. In talking with the good, masked-up folks behind the counter, one roofer explained that they didn’t feel they needed to wear a mask.

Three lessons I was taught as a child and teenager were bubbling up and conflicting with each other in me. The first was to treat service employees better. How

selfish do you have to be to put service employees like those at Tim Hortons at risk?

I spent a lot of time behind counters working my way through high school and university, including a couple of Tim Hortons locations, so when I see someone mistreating people behind the counter, I’ll usually be the first to say something. This time, however, with the barricades in place, it seemed like a waste of time given the person already as much as admitted they didn’t care about the people behind the plexiglass.

The second was not to suffer idiots. And yes, if you think you shouldn’t wear a mask because it doesn’t suit you, you are an idiot.

In the words of Bill Engvall: “Here’s your sign.”

Lastly there was a voice in my head saying that the fight wasn’t worth it because, no matter how well I illustrated the need for masks, in the words of Mr. Engvall’s comedian friend Ron White, “You can’t fix stupid.”

When I started typing up this column, I put the question to folks: when can we start telling people they’re being stupid and selfish by not wearing masks? However, I’m pretty sure that, after writing it all, I have an answer, for me at least: we’ve reached that critical mass of selfish and stupid that means we’re all allowed to call people out on their bologna.

No one is important enough that their life matters more than everyone around them, so let them know.

For those who have a medical condition and can’t wear a mask: we understand. For those, however, who say they have a medical condition and then order a double bacon, double cheese breakfast sandwich and a large sugar-filled drink, maybe use the drive-thru next time.

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

A new lease on life

L

ast week the Blyth post office received a long overdue facelift, complete with new boxes and a renovated front desk.

And as I walked in, following a straight line from the front door forward to where my box used to be, perfectly centred from the ceiling to the floor at waist level, I found, much to my horror, that the box was no longer there. It is now in a corner where it opens into the corner into another box that opens into the corner (kind of like the opening credits for Laverne & Shirley), making it nearly impossible to fit my massive dad hands into it to retrieve my mail.

“Hey, Loughlin,” you might be saying, “it’s just a mailbox. Get a life you whiny dirtbag.”

And you’d be right, it is just a mailbox, but it got me thinking about the simple things we take for granted in this life of ours.

Citizen founder Keith Roulston has been known to quote Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi” in his column and its iconic message of, “Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone.” Now, with my poorly-designed box location, I yearn for the days of easily reaching in and coming out with my mail, especially in the days of COVID-19 and our quest to limit touchpoints.

Also this week, I spoke with Peter Smith for a story on this November’s virtual Rural Talks to Rural conference. He said so many of life’s simple pleasures, many of which are primal in nature, like hugs between loved ones and or sharing a meal, have been stolen by the pandemic. When we have a vaccine and can safely return to our normal lives, we will likely not fail to wholly appreciate those moments we had, for so long, taken for granted.

Last week, COVID-19 claimed its one millionth life. Perhaps when we get to the other side of this pandemic, we’ll have a lust for life we never had before. Like those who lived through the Great Depression, World Wars I or II or who fled civil unrest abroad for a better life – not to be overly dramatic – this pandemic could offer us a new perspective.

Many of us, frankly, have had it easy here in Canada. That’s not to say, of course, that we haven’t experienced hardship. There will always be disease, crime, financial pressures, climate change and many daily struggles, but most Canadians born after 1945 would say they have been spared from major tragedies here like war, famine, widespread disease or limited access to medical services or medicine.

This pandemic has changed that. Things we long took for granted have become foreign concepts for us. For those of us with family and friends in large city centres, we’ve lost the ability to hug, kiss or spend time in close quarters together. This has been especially hard in our family when all people want to do is hold our new daughter Tallulah. But, with her developing immune system, we have to be so very careful, so the number of people who have held her can be counted on one hand.

This is time we’ll never get back and it breaks our hearts, but our first responsibility as parents is to keep her safe.

Whether it’s dinner with a loved one at a fantastic restaurant, attending a wedding or a funeral or hugging your mom or holding your granddaughter, the worldwide pandemic has taken these things from us for now. When we can again do these things safely and without putting one another in danger, we should endeavour to enjoy them more, understand their importance and know they won’t always be there for us.

COVID-19 has shown us the fleeting nature of some of our most beloved experiences, we need to start appreciating them accordingly.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020.

Jebson looks to create local youth ministry

Reaching out Blyth and Brussels United Churches’ Student Minister Alex Jebson, shown at right during a recent outdoor music event hosted by the churches, wants to start reaching out to the youth of the two communities he serves by way of a youth ministry for the two churches. (File photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Alex Jebson, the new student minister for the Blyth and Brussels United Churches, is working to establish a youth ministry for the churches, seeking input and participation from the communities.

In his early consultations with

members of the congregation, Jebson identified a need for youth outreach and felt a youth ministry would fit the need in the community.

In the era of COVID-19, he also was told that online or outdoor events would likely best serve the youth of the community, especially with winter on the horizon.

In the first few weeks, Jebson and

his Sunday school volunteers have hosted a pair of events, including a hike between Brussels and Blyth and an outdoor craft day in Brussels with more sure to come.

“As routines start to stabilize and kids are getting more comfortable with the new ways of doing school, our congregations are discerning how best to provide meaningful faith

This Friday will mark the final Brussels Farmers’ Market of the season at the Brussels Four Winds Barn, giving shoppers the chance to pick up fresh fruit, vegetables, meats and decorations just in time for Thanksgiving. (John Stephenson photo)

Reworking Thanksgiving plans

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231 It’s so good to watch people dealing with our new way of life.

They are coping with the required changes in our daily habits while maintaining their dignity. We celebrate our low COVID-19 case numbers. Our area has shown respect and acknowledgment of our health authority. Keep it up. We may mutter, but we do what has been asked and are able to get on with life with a few restrictions. Watching the news, we are shown clearly what

happens when we fool with this new virus.

This has been the year for doing things differently, and as we approach Thanksgiving, we need to rethink our way of celebrating our many blessings. Meals with family need to be in much smaller numbers, so a little figuring needs to take place if available family counts more than 10. Burgers on the patio, pie on the porch, picnic in the bush; the possibilities are great. Whatever you do, be safe.

Time continues to fly and the information that the Peanuts comic strip is 70 years old seems unreal. I guess it has been around forever.

Snoopy and the gang all seemed to be like some of the people I know.

It’s been fun watching the television specials, reading the comics or enjoying one of the many books and seeing how often our lives and the gang’s meshed. So the dedication of

Charles Shultz needs a snappy salute. He drew 18,250 strips in his 50 years for our pondering and enjoyment.

As the COVID-19 days continue, the organizations that normally hold events to raise money for their causes have rejigged, redone or have reviewed their methods for this year.

For us, we need to think about the causes we support, think how they impact community and donate as able.

It seems depressing but the good news this week was that the Terry Fox Foundation saw an increase of 20 per cent in donations this year. A tip for others, be clear in the cause, be open with the finances and keep things simple; no gimmicks or giveaways. So, good for them, and for us for the needed support of cancer research.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Bye now, Betty G.W.

feedback as he can get, which is why he’s asking community members to call or text him at 705-344-3385 or to e-mail him at minister. brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com.

Some of the first steps for Jebson will be to introduce himself properly to members of the congregation, including parents of children who want to be part of the youth ministry.

Having just arrived in the community, Jebson said it’s crucial to get to know members of the congregation and the community and build a relationship so they know him and feel comfortable reaching out to him.

In the coming weeks, Jebson hopes to expand the programming to include Zoom get-togethers and weekly projects. There will be weekly activity bundles – somewhat of a “church in a box’ – that can be picked up at the church and then youth ministry members can get together later in the week over Zoom and work on them together, but from home to ensure safety.

For more information or to get involved with the newest project being undertaken by the Blyth and Brussels United Churches reach out to Jebson.

At the Branch

McDonald wins draw

By Jo-Ann McDonald It is hard to believe we are into October already and Remembrance Day is only five weeks away. The Poppy Committee is still in the planning stages, but the supplies arrived this past week, along with the wreaths. Keep watching for the plans.

The first early bird winner of 2022 dues is Scott McDonald. Get in today and pay your dues and maybe you will be a winner in October or November.

The only activity at the Brussels Legion Branch was the Catch the Ace draw on Friday evening at 7:15 p.m. The winner of $230 was Rick McDonald. He chose envelope number 24 and found the eight of diamonds. The ace remains hidden for another week. The estimated jackpot for next week is $8,100 and there are 11 draws left if the licence plays out to the end. Get your tickets today and watch that pot grow. The

Wrapping up

A NOTE FROM BETTY

formation that allows for the safety of all, while still encouraging community building and, most importantly, fun,” Jebson wrote in a post on the churches’ website. “I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with some of the families in our congregations, hearing what their needs and hopes are for Christian education. However, we want to hear from even more families to ensure that we can best support and celebrate our learning in the midst of these strange times.”

The post goes on to suggest a number of alternative activities to reach out to the young and young at heart, such as nature hikes, Thanksgiving crafts, online singalongs and more.

Those are just some of Jebson’s original ideas, he said, but he’s looking to hear from members of the community as to how else the church can aid the youth of Blyth and Brussels.

Jebson said he hoped to roll out this youth-oriented programming as soon as he arrived, but with the COVID-19 pandemic in full swing, he said it made sense to wait for a while before planning anything too robust. Now, he wants as much

draw was conducted by Comrades Sandra Brown, Kathy Burkholder and Joan Smith.

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

Brussels Legion 218 Catch the Ace Weekly Winner Winning Ticket: Rick McDonald $230 Envelope #24 found the 8 of Diamonds Estimated jackpot for October 9 is $8,100

Getting Married?

Announce your upcoming wedding in

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

MUNICIPALITY OF MORRIS-TURNBERRY 2020 FALL YARD WASTE COLLECTION The Municipality will be picking up leaves, grass clippings and yard waste in the Morris-Turnberry Urban areas on the following dates:

Tuesday October 13, 2020, and Monday November 2, 2020 For more information, please refer to the flyer you received by mail, or on the website at www.morristurnberry.ca

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020. PAGE 7.

Local skateboarders need better park: Brooks

Speaking out Connor Brooks, left, shown with his skateboarding company Culture Shock co-owner Joe Pizzati, spoke to North Huron Council on Monday night. He says Blyth needs a new skate park to not only draw people to the community but to replace the existing park which he claims is dangerous and not conducive to people learning skateboarding or scootering. (File photo)

By Denny Scott The Citizen

North Huron Council received a presentation from local skateboarding business owner Connor Brooks regarding constructing a new skate park in Blyth, but deferred any action on the issue.

While council was thankful to Brooks for his presentation and information, council felt the idea of building a new skate park should be dealt with after the municipality finalizes a recreation master plan for infrastructure within the community.

Council members did, however, encourage Brooks to continue to fundraise for the project and approach community service groups for support.

Brooks' presentation highlighted the need for a new skate park, saying the existing skate area, which is made of wood and metal, is not conducive or approachable for new skaters and is weathered and dangerous.

Brooks said the equipment, which includes wooden ramps built on metal frames, is stored outside every winter, which has resulted in degradation like “cracks in the surfaces” of the wood and “metal rusting away.”

He also said that, in past years, the skateboard community in Blyth has run into problems having the equipment set up in a timely fashion when skateboarding season starts.

On the other end of the season, he says it’s taken down early.

Staff reported that the park is taken down due to the annual reunion of the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association and, if staff feel the weather is conducive to skateboarding, it may be put back up for a time after.

Brooks also lamented the location of the equipment, which is on a

concrete pad in the middle of the Blyth Campground when it is usable.

“It’s hard to get to and in the middle of nowhere,” he said. “Gusts of wind make it difficult to use. It seems to be a bit of a problem.”

Brooks said that, in comparing it to other communities like Clinton and Goderich, the facility is lacking.

He said that when he and some other skateboarders started bringing their own, home-made ramps to the site it was better, but that practice had to be discontinued due to liability, which he understood.

To display the need for the park in the community, Brooks pointed to Culture Shock, his business, which hosted a stand as part of the weekly Blyth Outdoor Market. The booth, which was beside the Old Village Sud Shoppe car wash, brought out both skateboarders and scooter users to do tricks on small ramps set up in the space he said, showing there is an interest in having a space in Blyth for the extreme sports community.

“That in itself said something to the lack of recreational things for kids to do,” he said. “They were showing up every Thursday to do that.”

Brooks also had petitions to present to council during the meeting.

He said that a properly-built skate park, made out of concrete, would require little maintenance and provide a draw to the community, as well as preventing property damage that can be caused by skaters utilizing public spaces. He also said that such a site would be selfsupervised, which is in line with other area skate parks.

Councillor Kevin Falconer asked how the skate park in Clinton, which is part of a community area including a splash pad and playground, came into being.

Brooks said the project was

spearheaded by someone who worked with council to make it happen.

Falconer then asked whether the municipality is responsible for the maintenance of the skate park equipment which Brooks had said was unsafe. Staff explained that the equipment, built in 2007 through a local fundraiser, was the responsibility of the municipality.

North Huron Chief Administrative Officer Dwayne Evans said that, currently, there is one board splintered, but staff feel the rest of the equipment is safe.

Evans also reported that a small park of approximately 300 square feet made of concrete would cost a minimum of $135,000 while a larger “neighbourhood skate park” would cost $450,000 and cover approximately 10,000 square feet.

Brooks and the other youth that had attended the meeting felt those numbers weren’t accurate, pointing to other projects that saved money by utilizing existing landscape and including large stone and rock formations to help build the park.

Councillor Chris Palmer asked how many users the park currently had and was told that there is anywhere from 50 to 75 users.

Councillor Anita van Hittersum, picking up on Brooks’ comment about the remoteness of the park, asked if there was another site he would recommend. She suggested working with the Blyth Lions Club to locate it in the Blyth Lions Park.

Brooks said centralizing the park and working with service clubs would be great for the project.

Councillor Paul Heffer suggested that, alongside working with local community groups, Brooks should also look to opportunities like a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to make the project a reality.

Deputy-Reeve Trevor Seip said,

Wastewater upgrade approved North Huron Council took the first steps to bring the Blyth waste water treatment plant in line with federal regulations by requesting an engineer’s report on the system which will cost $50,000.

During North Huron Township Council’s Sept. 21 meeting, Director of Public Works and Facilities Jamie McCarthy explained that the system required an upgrade to meet the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA).

The current system uses chlorine to disinfect effluent prior to

discharge, McCarthy said in her report.

“In order to address concerns related to the negative environmental and health impacts of the release of chlorine into aquatic environments, the [CEPA] has designated inorganic chloramines and chlorinated wastewater effluents as priority toxic substances.”

McCarthy’s report said the township needs to remove chlorine for disinfection, requiring a new system to be installed, which will cost as much as $350,000. The

project is part of the servicing master plan presented earlier to council.

McCarthy suggested having BM Ross as the sole provider for the engineering on the project at a cost of up to $50,000, given the firm’s knowledge of the water system thanks to the service master plan they presented.

McCarthy explained that there is a $400,000 allowance for the project in the 2020 budget, so it should have no impact on current taxation.

Council approved the move.

however, that asking anyone to support a project like this during the pandemic, when fundraising opportunities are lean, may not be fruitful. He said he was fully supportive of the project, but wanted to wait until the completion of the recreation master plan.

“We just need more information, like finances, and a long-term strategy for recreation,” he said.

Reeve Bernie Bailey told Brooks the important takeaway here is that there isn’t a single council member saying no to the proposal, just saying more information is needed. He said council will keep the proposal in mind and encouraged Brooks to stay in touch with council, reach out to community groups and, when necessary speak to North Huron staff.

Council officially deferred the issue until after the master plan is finalized, with Seip directing staff to

keep in touch with Brooks.

Later in the meeting, after Brooks and his party had left, Seip lauded the efforts and conviction of Brooks and his group.

“I was impressed by Connor,” he said. “It’s good to have youth come to the municipality, show initiative and tell us what they want in their municipality.”

He said the municipality does belong to the youth because, for the next 50 years, they are going to be the ones who use it.

“I’m so impressed with what they provided in an informational package,” he said. “I’m so impressed with that delegation. That’s the type of delegation I like to see come to this council.”

Seip said council may not have had the “right” answer to Brooks’ plans, but that it will always be willing to listen when youth come forward with ideas like that.

Blyth church set to offer holiday dinner From Marilyn’s Desk

By Marilyn Craig Call 523-9318

Happy birthday to Gord Haggitt and Jeffery Walden who celebrate Oct. 9 and Kyle Martin, Gowanstown, Oct. 12.

Hope everyone has a good day.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

This Thanksgiving will be different for many families due to the COVID-19 restrictions placed on gatherings but we can be thankful that we are here to celebrate another Thanksgiving.

Blyth United Church is hosting a traditional turkey supper with all the trimmings: turkey, two vegetables, homemade buns and dessert on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. To pre-order your meals call John Stewart at 519-523-4528 and he will put your order on the list.

Adults are $20, children 6-12 $10 and children under five years of age are free.

It seems we have been dealing with COVID-19 a long time and when I looked it up on the calendar it has been 29 weeks. It has been hard

remembering which day of the week it is, at least for me. The days all seem to be the same. This week why not call a friend or an elderly neighbour just to say hi and let them know you are thinking of them.

Stay safe everyone and have a good week.

NEWS FROM BLYTH

Laundromat Blyth Laundromat 191 Westmoreland St., Blyth 519-523-9687

Direct Structural Improvement Grant Program 2020 Intake The Township of North Huron is receiving applications for the Direct Structural Improvement Grant Program for the 2020 intake period under the North Huron Community Improvement Plan.

The Direct Structural Improvement Program offers grants to eligible building owners and tenants for interior improvements within the designated Community Improvement Project Areas. The acceptance period for applications is open until October 21st, 2020 at 4:30 p.m.

The Direct Structural Improvement Grant Program application form can be found on the Township website or at North Huron Municipal Office. For inquires and details, please contact the undersigned.

Please send completed applications to: Township of North Huron, Attention: Carson Lamb, Clerk P.O. Box 90, 274 Josephine Street, Wingham, ON N0G 2W0 Email : clamb@northhuron.ca, Phone : 519-357-3550

PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020.

Locals participate in several fundraisers

Oink, oink, oink, oink, oink Who let the hogs out? That’s the question on everyone’s minds as the pigs are being spotted across Huron and Perth Counties. Huron Perth Junior Farmer President Lauren Bos is responsible for the fundraiser for local food banks, which has seen the family of swine showing up on local properties. Call Bos at 226-222-0254 for more information. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

Well, we have seen quite a change in the weather from just over a week ago. Cool and wet weather has prevailed and has put an end to harvest at this time. There are still plenty of soybean fields out there and some white bean fields as well.

Some farmers are getting ready to move into the dry corn harvest, but we will wait and see.

There are couples out there celebrating happy occasions, but unfortunately without the big parties. Small family gatherings with just the immediate family are all that can move forward.

We send anniversary wishes to Gary and Beth Earl for 50 years, Wayne and Lois Todd for 50 years, Ron and Betty McCallum for over 40 years, Kevin and Heather Dunbar for nearly 20 years, Steve and Teresa Baan for over 20 years, Paul and Janice Machan for 22 years, Steve and Marni Knight for 13 years, Matt and Julie Shortreed 13 years and Dave and Jenn Hastings for six years.

Our sympathies are extended to Paul and wife Thu Van on the

passing of Paul’s mother, Jeanne Kirkby. She will also be missed by her grandchildren Sean and Melanie.

Jeanne was a special lady who excelled at most any task she chose.

She was a teacher and education was an important part of her life. She always encouraged her family to seek higher education and to be the best they could be. She loved to be active in the community, church, agriculture interests and she even coached ladies slo-pitch.

Jeanne had a love for books and reading, music, listening and playing, and she could play a mean game of bridge. She loved her fourlegged friends and when MS tried to slow her down, she fought on. She had a strong will and was always a pleasure to visit with. Our condolences to the Kirkby family.

Our sympathies are extended to the Stewart family on the passing of Les Stewart of Ethel. He will be missed by his wife Jane and daughters Lindsay and Lauren and families. He was a volunteer for the Grey Fire Department and was a long-time truck driver. He loved his family and community and will be missed. Our condolences to all.

Keep your eyes open for the hot pink pigs wandering the counties of Huron and Perth Counties. They are appearing on the front lawns of many pig farmers and others. The herd was grazing on the lawn of John and Karen Braecker for a day or so this week and then they appeared on the lawn of a home in

Seaforth on North Line the next day.

The fundraiser by the Huron Perth Junior Farmers is a very unique and interesting project to raise funds for the local food banks. The story in The Citizen last week has raised everyone’s attention asking “Who Let The Hogs Out?” A small fee is required to get the “herd” moved to your address or someone else’s, plus a trucking fee. Lauren Bos is the herder for the pigs and options include loose penning, let the pigs fly and have a pig roast. Call Lauren at 226-222-0254 and support the Junior Farmers and local food banks.

Congratulations are in order for our friend George Langlois. George was a participant in what is called the “Grand Parade” fundraiser for centres across the counties including the Betty Cardno Centre in Clinton.

George’s team included his wife Pat, her sisters Mary Bradshaw and Betty Glew and his daughter Susan.

George exercised, walked, did crossword puzzles, and danced, which is his motto “Keep on Dancing”, and the team of five raised $1,200. The team was the seventh-highest money-making team of the area.

George praises his team for their support, their encouragement and their help in raising the funds for One Care and the Centre. The Betty Cardno Centre has been an important part of George’s life for many years now. He attended the Centre for rehabilitation after his stroke and became an active

participant and helper to many when they came to the centre. He is so happy that the centre has now reopened and he can return to being a welcoming face for old and new clients of the centre. Congratulations to George for his continuing support of the community.

With many normal fundraising activities cancelled, it is great to hear the CKNX Health Care Heroes Radiothon is still a go. It is on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are raising money for hospital foundations in Clinton, Goderich, Hanover, Listowel, Chesley, Mount Forest, Palmerston, Walkerton, Wingham and Seaforth.

They are offering many ways to give to our local hospitals after making your pledge during the Radiothon.

The Seaforth hospital is raising money for a new digital imaging machine with a goal of $50,000.

Look for the signs and posters and remember to support your local hospital on Oct. 17.

Congratulations to Cole and Jessica McLean on their wedding on Saturday. Thankfully it was a nice day for the outdoor nuptials, which included a tent for food and dancing for the small crowd to enjoy the evening.

The month of October birthdays

begins with Fannie Somers, Cindy Carter, Mary Ann Grobbink, W. Doug Mitchell, Annette McCutcheon, Helen Craig, Gerry Rijkhoff, Michelle Dalton, Christopher Blake, Chantelle den Dekker, Melva Fraser, Valerie Gratto, Bryce Shortreed, Matthew Shortreed, Pauline Bennett, Shaye Flaxbard, Paul Kirkby and Dianne McCallum. Happy birthday to all.

NEWS FROM WALTON

The Citizen wants you to stay connected wherever you are in the world with an

Electronic Subscription • Easy access • Read on your phone, tablet or computer • Perfect for travellers, students or snowbirds • Timely reading (no waiting for mail delivery)

38

$

00

per year

Go to our website and pay by Pay Pal or come into the office and pay by cheque, cash, credit card or debit

Moving along The reconstruction of Seaforth’s downtown continues and looks to be approaching its conclusion with the colder weather now on the way. (John Stephenson photo)

The Citizen 405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792

541 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-9114

www.huroncitizen.ca

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020. PAGE 9.

M-T to refinance Belgrave project

By Denny Scott The Citizen

A taste of fall With the start of October, Maitside Orchards’ Play and Learn Centre sessions are half over for the year, normally running in September and October. The events are held Saturday afternoon and there is plenty to choose from for attendees both young and old. The activities include pick-your-own-apple fun, hay rides, frisbee golf, nature studies and a walk along the river lookout trail. Here, Michelle Verstoep of Seaforth and her 19-month-old son Daxton revel in the simplest of pleasures from that with a bite into a freshly-picked apple. (John Stephenson photo)

Morris-Turnberry Council has approved refinancing the loan supporting a significant municipal development in Belgrave to take advantage of low interest rates.

Director of Finance Sean Brophy explained, during council’s Sept. 15 meeting, that the bank loan the municipality had secured for the project, totalling $850,000, was to be repaid when one of several criteria were met, one of which was a deadline of Nov. 30, 2020. The project, however, has been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brophy suggested pursuing a loan through Infrastructure Ontario, which would let the municipality pursue the project with more favourable rates and terms.

He explained the municipality has a loan with CIBC, however the 2020 budget called for a 3.5 per cent rate, which has dropped to 1.95 per cent, however the Infrastructure Ontario loan could be locked in at 1.8 per cent for 15 years.

Brophy gave council six options, each with a lower interest rate than the last. If council took 30 years to pay off the loan, the interest rate would be 2.36 per cent, resulting in a $39,857 annual payment. At 25 years, the interest rate would be 2.26 per cent with an annual payment of $4,887. Taking 20 years to pay off the loan would result in a 2.07 per cent interest rate and annual

payments of $52,335. The 15-year term, which council approved, has the 1.8 per cent interest rate and will see the municipality paying $65,166 annually. The 10-year term comes with a 1.48 per cent interest rate and annual payments of $92,071 while the five-year term has an interest rate of 1.05 per cent and an estimated annual payment of $175,392.

Councillor Jim Nelemans suggested council follow Brophy’s recommendation for the 15-year term, saying high interest rates could be devastating to the project.

Deputy-Reeve Sharen Zinn asked if the municipality would be able to pay off the loan early if the opportunity arose, and Brophy said it was possible, but those kinds of details would be worked out during the loan application process.

“Even if it is locked in, it’s at 1.8 per cent which is rather good at this time,” he said, “even if we have to hang on for a few extra years.”

Councillor Jamie McCallum asked if renewing the loan with CIBC was an option, which Brophy said it couldn’t be for nearly the same rate.

Council approved Brophy’s recommended motion to pursue refinancing the loan.

Follow The Citizen on Twitter and Facebook

WE WISH 2020 WAS FAKE NEWS, TOO. Happy National Newspaper Week to the readers who need it most.

OCTOBER 4-10TH, 2020

PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020.

Ontario Diagnostic Days offers new video series Trifoliates are counted as they unfold. Before the plant goes to seed, Bohner said you want to see six trifoliates on the plant. “In Ontario, that is ideal but it’s one of our challenges – to get those nodes built before flowering begins.”

When the soybean has its first flower, it is in the R1 stages. R2 stage is when there is an open flower on one of the top two nodes. R3 is the beginning pod while R4 is when one pod is three quarters of an inch long. R4 and R6 plant stages are when the soybean really starts accumulating dry matter in pods and seeds, producing the oil and protein that are the soybean plant's ultimate cash product. “It’s the most crucial stage of yield development and when the plant is most susceptible to stress. So if the plant gets hit with drought or aphids or spider mites, that’s when you will see a major reduction in yield,” said Bohner.

Going back to R5, Bohner

suggested that it's the worst time for hail because at this stage, maximum growth height has been attained.

Defoliation at this time from a hail storm would be disastrous.

If the crop manages to make it to R6 without major stress, then farmers can relax because there is nothing growers can do at this point in terms of management. The seed pod is fully developed and the plant is drying down. Farmers like to see a pod with seeds from one end to the other at this point.

The R7 stage sees the seeds in the pods turning from green to a brown or tan. “That seed is considered physiologically mature,” said Bohner. Now it’s a matter of waiting for the R8 stage when 95 per cent of the seeds on the plants have turned to brown and tan. It will still take a week or two before the combine can get in the field because the plants can still be at 60 per cent moisture when 14 to 18 per cent moisture is

ideal for harvest.

Bohner listed these key strategies to maximize yield in soybeans: • Protect the soybean flowers from disease by spraying a fungicide early in the R1, R2 or R3 stage • If spraying twice, have the second spray on by R4 at the very latest but R3 is ideal in order to protect the whole plant • Don’t give up on management strategies until the R6 stage.

Diagnostic Days are created by OMAFRA, the University of Guelph and the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association. Normally offered in Ridgetown, they were held virtually this year on the RealAgriculture website due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can watch Bohner’s soybean growth stage video at this link: h t t p s : / / w w w. r e a l a g r i c u l t u r e . com/2020/09/ontario-diagnosticday-5-staging-crops-for-yield-andproductivity/

How it’s done Horst Bohner, a soybean specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Rural Affairs, leads viewers through the stages of a new soybean crop as part of the Ontario Diagnostic Days video series, which will be airing until Oct. 21. (Courtesy photo)

By Lisa B. Pot The Rural Voice

Recognizing and understanding growth stages takes some practice and experience but it can play a huge role in effectively managing your crop fields. To help farmers identify growth stages in beans and wheat, Ontario Diagnostic Days offered a series of videos on the topic as part of their virtual video series airing until Oct. 21.

Horst Bohner, Soybean specialist with OMAFRA started right at the beginning as the seed absorbs water and issues a little radicle, then primary root and then a hypocotyl

which pushes the seed through the soil surface.

“When 50 per cent of the seed emerges, that is the VE stage,” explains Bohner, in the video, while standing in a soybean field. Crusting of the soil at this stage is detrimental because the hypocotyledon can break off at this stage.

As the cotyledons open up, the first unifoliate opens. This is called the VC stage. Next are the trifoliate stages. “Those early cotyledons are important because they store a lot of energy for the future seed. We don’t like to see it broken off because then we will have a yield reduction of up to 20 per cent,” said Bohner.

Looking good The Diagnostic Days video series has been created by the Ontario Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the University of Guelph and the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association. One of the recent videos shows off the way to grow soybeans.

(Courtesy photo)

Spend more time in the Kitchen!

Celebrating A Special Occasion?

Advertise it in

The Citizen Call or email to book your ad today! **Buck & Doe **Anniversary **Wedding **New Baby **Graduation **Birthday

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

The Citizen now accepts Visa & MasterCard by phone Order from the comfort of your own home • advertise • subscribe • buy books Call our Blyth office 519-523-4792

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020. PAGE 11.

Stage your wheat crop to maximize results

Staging In a still photo from their virtual presentation on growth stages of cereal crops, wheat expert Peter Johnson, left, and Joanna Follings, right, a Cereal Specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, were just a few of the speakers sharing advice during Diagnostic Days, a series of videos available on the RealAgriculture website. (Courtesy photo)

By Lisa B. Pot The Rural Voice

Learning to stage your wheat crop lets you make the most money out of your crop, said Joanna Follings, Cereal Specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), who teams up with Peter Johnson (Wheat Pete) in a video series explaining growth stages.

Created by OMAFRA, the University of Guelph and the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, Diagnostic Days are normally offered in Ridgetown in July. This year, they went virtual when bi-weekly videos were posted on the RealAgriculture website. In an early September episode, Follings

and Johnson can be seen in a wheat field, teaching viewers about wheat stages using the Zadoc scale.

“You’ve likely heard Pete and I talk about growth stage 32 or growth stage 15 but what the heck does any of that mean,” asked Follings. “The Zadok scale refers to growth stages 0-9 as being the germination stage.

Stages 10-19 is where we get into seedling growth. The first number means seedling and the second number means leaf stage so if a seedling has four leaves, that is stage 14.”

Following the seed stage, the scale takes the plant through the tillering, boot, inflorescence, anthesis and milk development stages onto ripening and maturity.

“We want to talk about what

growth stages mean in terms of the decisions you make in terms of your management,” stated Follings.

Johnson said at the seedling stage, farmers are looking for 25 plants per foot of row. “Does that mean we get 25 plants. Not a chance!” admitted Johnson. However, this is the time to do the counts to assess what is going on.

Key management strategies at seedling growth 10 to 19 are: • Assess for uniform emergence • Herbicide application • Early disease scouting • Assess for grub feeding and cereal aphids • Apply nitrogen to spring cereals

by GS14 Planting time is critical. If planting in September, growers can achieve a

75 per cent seeding rate no problem, advised Johnson. However, if they wait until November, then growers can expect a 60 per cent successful seeding rate and as such, will need to up their seeding rates to get enough hits.

Nitrogen should be applied in the early growth stage before the tillering stage commences.

Tillers are the most important part, said Follings. “You want to go out and check this fall because we want to see at least two to three good tillers before winter.” Multiple tillers improve chances of survivability and fall tillers produce more yield than spring tillers. To identify them, dig up some plants and get to the main stem. Then count the tillers coming off the stem.

“This is where decisions need to be made in regards to nitrogen,” advised Follings. “If you have no fall tillers, then in spring you want to get out there to put nitrogen on. If you have lots of growth and tillers in the fall, you can pull back on the nitrogen application and wait until further along the growth stage before making an application.”

Stem elongation is another critical time to make the right management decisions, advised Johnson. When wheat gets its “good posture” by standing erect, that’s when the growing point starts to move. You can dig up a plant and slice it open to see the head moving away from the base of the plant. When the head is half an inch away, that is growth stage 31. It's a good time to look at growth regulators and nitrogen timing.

When you feel two growth bumps, that is stage 32 which is “extremely critical” said Follings. At this point, all the herbicide applications should be made and farmers should have good weed control in the field. This is also the critical point for the second nitrogen application. “All nitrogen should be applied and wrapped up by GS32.” If you see a fourth leaf, known as the flag leaf, then no more herbicide.

It’s just too risky, said Johnson.

However, now is the time to talk about fungicides. When that flag leaf emerges, that’s a good time to apply fungicide.

Once wheat gets to the heading stage, it’s time to look for Day Zero.

Day Zero is when 75 per cent of the heads have fully emerged. It’s also a fungicide window that may be larger than previously believed. “You may have heard us say to target Day 2 after Day Zero but we know that you can time T3 fungicide application up to Day 3 and Day 4. In some instances we may have to go to Day 5 but we really do want to target Day 2 to Day 4,” said Follings.

Lastly, sometimes a farmer needs to burn down a field if it has intense weed pressure or a crop is not dying down as evenly as it could. Or perhaps new tillers are emerging.

“This stage is so critical because we do not want to get uptake into that crop.” said Follings and Johnson.

The trick is to look for the peduncle, which is the uppermost stem just below the head of the wheat. Once the peduncle turns from green to gold, then you know you can safely apply herbicide.

“It can’t be just a little yellow,” noted Johnson. “It has to be golden across the field.”

You can watch Follings and Johnson’s wheat stage video at this link: https://www.realagriculture. com/2020/09/ontario-diagnosticday-5-staging-crops-for-yield-andproductivity/

Getting Married?

Announce your upcoming wedding in

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

Fall Happenings Rediscover what Huron County has to offer.

Pick up your free guide to Stops Along The Way and see what’s happening in your area!

FREE

A Visitor’s Guide to Huron o County Fall 2020

Available at many local tourist spots throughout Huron County or pick it up at

’Tis the season The Witherspoon family from the Benmiller area has taken a big-scale approach to marking the arrival of fall, not just for their family, but for those passing by as well. Not only is the family showing off its seasonal enthusiasm, but a fair bit of artistic talent as well. From left: Gus, Clara and Rhett Witherspoon. (Courtesy photo)

The Citizen 405 Queen St., Blyth ~ 519-523-4792 www.stopsalongtheway.ca

PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020.

R2R returning this November, Smith seeks videos what the future will be for rural communities.

That will be something the conference will seek to explore in its two-week run.

From the inception of the conference, Smith said, the University of Guelph has been a great supporter of R2R. Smith said the virtual format will open the conference to many new opportunities, including the recording of seminars so they can be watched live or later by those attending. He also said it will make it possible for people from all over the world to take part for minimal cost.

The lunchtime sessions being planned for the conference will be compiled under the title, “This Rural Life” and they will explore numerous aspects of rural life in 2020 and beyond, Smith said.

Those discussions will mimic conversations around the lunch table, while another aspect of the conference will be food oriented

with the help of Exeter chef and restaurateur James Eddington.

Smith’s hope is that Eddington will make available a recipe that utilizes locally-sourced ingredients early in one of the weeks of the conference, allowing people time to gather what they need. Eddington will then release a video of him making the recipe and then finally there will be a set time to have the recipe completed so that everyone can have dinner together, virtually.

More information on the conference, including panels and panelists, will be released in the coming weeks. To take part in the “End of the Lane” project, simply record a video between three and five minutes in length of a conversation between you and a neighbour, friend or family member and e-mail it to Smith at peter@ruralcreativity.org. Smith is hoping to find unique stories of life during a pandemic in rural Canada.

Back at it The Canadian Centre for Rural Creativity is forging ahead with its third Rural Talks to Rural (R2R) conference this November in a virtual format over two weeks. Organizer Peter Smith has partnered with the Goderich-to-Guelph (G2G) Rail Trail for this year’s event with guidance from Walton’s Chris Lee, above standing at the 2018 conference, and he is seeking videos for the “End of the Lane” conversations portion of the conference in an attempt to take the temperature of those living in rural Canadian settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. (File photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen This November’s Rural Talks to Rural (R2R) conference, organized by the Canadian Centre for Rural Creativity, will be moving ahead virtually and organizers are asking for participation from across the country.

The virtual conference is planned from Nov. 16-28. Smith says he is scheduling lunchtime sessions and nightly sessions and while the original plan was to have sessions every two days, Smith says planning has gone well, so the sessions may be daily by the time November arrives.

Smith said many of the panels and other aspects of the conference are still being organized and finalized, but for others, he is hoping members

of the community and beyond will help provide some content.

First and foremost is the “End of the Lane” conversations, which came about as a result of an exchange between Smith and Keith Roulston, founder of The Citizen, co-founder of the Blyth Festival and a driving force behind the first conference held in 2016.

Smith said that, in speaking with Roulston, the idea of two neighbours speaking at the end of their laneways when they go to retrieve their mail proved to be fruitful. Smith, quoting Roulston, said that while there are a million different ways to be in touch with neighbours and friends now, there will always be something special about a face-to-face conversation like those at the end of the lane. So, Smith is hoping people will record conversations with their

neighbours asking simple questions like how they’re doing and submit those videos to being featured in the conference.

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit people in many different ways, Smith said, so checking in with a friend or a neighbour is more important than ever. In rural areas of Canada, the challenges can be different, he said, and he’s hoping those conversations, as part of the conference, can help tell the story.

Submissions can be sent to Smith at peter@ruralcreativity.org.

Smith says he, through Al Lauzon, who has been at both conferences thus far, has enlisted the help of university students to help determine the form and direction of this year’s conference.

One of the prevailing questions that came out of those discussions is

News Media Canada is a passion ssionate ad dvocate for the news industry. We support our mem mber m publications in their pursuit of quality jo ournalism nalism.

We believe that when society has facts they can trust, better decisions will be made.

newsmediacanada.ca

Are you tired of getting a second-hand newspaper?

Be first in line and get your own subscription!

One year subscription to

The Citizen $ only

3800

Enclosed is $38.00 for a 1-year subscription Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Coming together At the 2018 Rural Talks to Rural conference, dinner table sessions were held at Memorial Hall with the goal of gathering like-minded individuals around a table to discuss issues important to rural communities across Canada. Among the participants was Citizen founder Keith Roulston, centre, who served as an inspiration for the conference when it was created in 2016.

(File photo)

Town . . . . . . . . . . . . .Postal Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

On-line subscriptions available too at www.northhuron.on.ca

Phone or mail cheque made payable to

North Huron Publishing to: P.O. Box 429, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020. PAGE 13.

519-523-4311

www.ruralvoice.ca

Agriculture

BLYTH 519-523-4244

www.hurontractor.com

Brussels Livestock report

Fed steer, heifers sell on easier demand Total receipts for Brussels Livestock for the week ending Oct. 2 were 2,385 cattle and 670 lambs and goats.

On Tuesday, fed steers and heifers sold on an easier demand. Choice steers and heifers sold $138 to $141.

Second-cut steers and heifers sold $132 to $147. Cows sold on a steady market. On Thursday, veal sold actively at steady prices. Lambs sold higher, sheep sold steady and goats sold higher. On Friday, quality calves sold at fully steady prices.

Second-cut calves sold on an easier market. Yearlings sold on a strong active trade with a strong demand of grass cattle.

Connell Farms Inc. of Palmerston, consigned 12 head. One simmental

heifer weighed 1,465 lbs. and sold for a price of $141.

There were 275 cows on offer.

Beef sold $80 to $90 with sales to $99.50; D1 and D2, $75 to $85; D3, $69 to $74; D4, $50 to $68.

There were 18 bulls selling $80 to $126. John Vander Vloet, Parkhill, consigned three head. One black bull weighed 1,145 lbs. and sold for a price of $126.

There were 140 head of veal on offer. Beef veal sold $165 to $210 with sales to $213; good holsteins, $125 to $137 with sales to $142; SL heavy holsteins, $122 to $137; heavy holsteins, $110 to $115; medium holsteins, $115 to $124; plain holsteins, $85 to $110.

Owen B. Martin of Wallenstein,

consigned four head. One red steer weighed 915 lbs. and sold for a price of $213. John and Cheryl Bennewies of Bornholm, consigned four head. One holstein steer weighed 715 lbs and sold for a price of $144.

Lambs under 50 lbs. sold $305 to $335; 50 - 64 lbs., $303 to $326; 65 - 79 lbs., $291 to $325; 80 - 94 lbs., $280 to $315; 95 - 109 lbs., $265 to $286; 110 lbs. and over, $236 to $258.

Sheep sold $125 to $200.

Goats: billies sold $150 to $400; nannies, $100 to $230; kids: meat, $325 to $400; dairy, $250 to $325.

Steve Delorme of Plympton, Wyoming, consigned 25 head. One kid goat weighed 65 lbs. and sold for

a price of $390. Lars Steunebrink of Kirkton, consigned 31 head. Ten kid goats averaged 69 lbs. and sold for an average price of $325. Craig and Brian Salverda of Londesborough, consigned 48 head. Twelve lambs averaged 84 lbs. and sold for an average price of $310.

Top quality stocker steers under 400 lbs. sold $228 to $279; 400 - 499 lbs., $242.75 to $273.50; 500 - 599 lbs., $224 to $260; 600 - 699 lbs., $213.50 to $237; 700 - 799 lbs., $214 to $221.75; 800 - 899 lbs., $202 to $214.50; 900 - 999 lbs., $190.50 to $198.50; 1,000 lbs. and over, $181 to $190.50.

Top quality stocker heifers, 400 499 lbs. sold $196 to $230; 500 - 599 lbs., $195.50 to $224; 600 - 699 lbs.,

$187.50 to $202.50; 700 - 799 lbs., $178 to $189; 800 - 899 lbs., $165 to $189.50; 900 lbs. and over, $160 to $183.

Scottslea Farms Inc. of Blyth, consigned 40 head. Fifteen charolais heifers averaged 918 lbs. and sold for an average price of $183. Five charolais steers averaged 786 lbs. and sold for an average price of $221.75.

Amsey H. Martin of Kincardine, consigned 35 head. Sixteen black steers averaged 918 lbs. and sold for an average price of $195.50.

Kevin Horsburgh of Holstein, consigned 46 head. Twenty-two charolais steers averaged 1,058 lbs. and sold for an average price of $190.

Belgrave’s Vincent recognized for volunteer work

Recognized Joan Vincent, left, was named the recipient of the 2020 Jim McGee Volunteer Award presented by the Belgrave Community Centre Board recently. Vincent was presented the award by McGee’s son Cody. (Photo submitted)

Joan Vincent has been named recipient of the 2020 Jim McGee Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by the Belgrave Community Centre Board after a glowing recommendation from retired elementary school principal and fellow Belgrave-area volunteer Alice McDowell.

McDowell, who was principal of both Blyth Public School and Maitland River Elementary School before retiring, nominated Vincent for her “quiet, selfless behind the scenes” efforts for both her community and Huron County.

Vincent, according to McDowell, used her Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education degrees to benefit both her own family farm and advocate for fellow farmers throughout the province, eventually becoming part of the Huron Federation of Agriculture Executive. “[Vincent] has used her extensive knowledge to help grow this organization and promote the importance of agriculture and agricultural issues throughout Ontario but most importantly in her own community,” McDowell’s said.

She went on to say that Vincent was a driving force behind the East Wawanosh 150th Reunion in 2017 as the reunion committee’s secretary-treasurer.

McDowell credits Vincent with pursuing grant applications, keeping task lists organized for the committee and making sure the reunion was as successful as possible.

“Vincent was also instrumental in helping the Elementary School Fair to continue, rebrand and grow to the successful activity it is for the students of [northern Huron County],” McDowell said in her nomination of Vincent. “Each year since the consolidation of schools in [northern Huron County], Joan has assumed the responsibility for the advertising and sponsorship for our fair. This is not an easy task and Joan has been incredible in her efforts.”

McDowell said Vincent’s commitment to the fair and the students was exemplary, and that, alongside her efforts volunteering, Vincent also helps annually to pick up, judge and organize school work.

Vincent can often be found, McDowell said in her nomination

Harvest season: a time to reflect, promote

By Tracey Arts, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture Ontario’s agri-food sector has navigated a challenging year as a result of COVID-19. Nevertheless, our industry continues to prove its resiliency, strength and an unshakeable devotion to provide Ontarians and the world affordable, nutritious, high-quality food.

Since 1998, our province has recognized Ontario Agriculture Week as the perfect opportunity to celebrate our dynamic industry and the abundance of food our farmers produce, the Ontarians our industry employs, the rural communities we support and the economic engine we fuel.

This year, Ontario Agriculture Week runs Oct. 5-11. Traditionally, the week falls close to Thanksgiving as it intends to celebrate the bountiful harvest and encourage consumers to source local produce and meats for their Thanksgiving dinners. The OFA’s food literacy initiative, Six by Sixteen, has

partnered with Farm and Food Care Ontario, the Turkey Farmers of Ontario and the Apple Growers of Ontario for ‘Thanksgiving 101’. The pandemic will restrict traditional holiday gathering sizes resulting in many more first-time people cooking a Thanksgiving feast. The virtual event will walk viewers through the process of sourcing and making their own turkey dinner.

As we steer into the heart of harvest, it is the perfect time to reflect, acknowledge and give thanks to all of the farm families that dedicate their livelihoods to driving our economy forward and providing Ontarians with safe, fresh, highquality products. Your hard work, passion and dedication are second to none.

For our industry to fully flourish, the agri-food sector needs to continue to garner consumer and stakeholder support. Earlier this week, the OFA’s “Always in Season” initiative launched a new social media planning kit”. The kit,

which includes templates for community groups to initiate support for agriculture, local food and beverage producers, has three main goals: • Support municipalities and community organizations with communications materials that increase public knowledge of Ontario Agriculture Week and other awareness events • Make it easy for municipalities, community organizations and the general public to think of Ontario agriculture, food, beverage and other agricultural products year-round • Boost support for local producers by increasing local food sales and encouraging agri-tourism.

The agri-food sector is a powerhouse of possibilities that has the potential to single-handedly jumpstart economic recovery in Ontario. Contributing more than $47 billion to Ontario’s annual GDP, agri-food generates over 860,000 jobs and supports more than $8.1 billion in annual wages and salaries.

Our industry is a valuable homegrown resource, positioned for growth, and all involved should be extremely proud of its economic contributions and potential.

A sliver of positivity that has come out of the pandemic situation is that it has showcased consumer interest and demand for locally grown and produced food. So let’s all do our part this Thanksgiving to support our farm families by filling our plates with an array of fresh, local, Ontario-grown products.

As an industry, we have a lot to celebrate and be thankful for this agriculture week.

Follow ‘The Citizen’ on Facebook, Twitter or through our website at huroncitizen.ca

submission, assisting the Belgrave Community Centre Board on weekends.

Vincent’s work with 4-H organizations was also noted by McDowell, who said that, while Vincent raised her own family, she tirelessly advocated for other families, including McDowell’s, to have their children take part in 4-H clubs.

“I believe it would be an absolute shame not to recognize one of the most amazing women in Belgrave and in fact Ontario, Joan Vincent,” McDowell said in her submission.

The Belgrave Community Centre Board, alongside members of the community and the family of the late Jim McGee presented Vincent the award on Sept. 29 during the committee’s annual general meeting at the Belgrave Community Centre.

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

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

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd.

UPCOMING SALES 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

PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020.

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

Help wanted

Mill Staff

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

Apartments for rent FOR RENT Belgrave New seniors apartment, open concept living. One and half baths, two bedrooms, fireplace, air conditioning, garage and patio.

For more details call Kevin 519-357-5023

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

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

Card of thanks HAMM. A sincere thank you to all who sent cards, e-mails, phone calls, gifts and flowers for our anniversary.

Special thanks to our family for having a fun Come-and-Go Sunday.

Pictures were great! Every wish was deeply appreciated. – Murray and Donna.

41-1p

Coming events BLYTH LEGION TAKE-OUT Luncheon, Oct. 8. Chicken legs, carrot cake included, $10, 11 - 1.

Deliveries call 226-523-5888. Thursday Only call 519-523-9535. 41-1p -------------------------------------------BLYTH UNITED CHURCH Traditionall Drive-Thru Fall Supper, October 17, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Adults $20, children 6-12 $10, five and under, free. Turkey dinner with homemade buns. Call John 519-5234528 to pre-order with pickup time.

41-2b

Help wanted

Howson & Howson Limited is a family owned and operated Flour Mill located in the Village of Blyth, Ontario. Established in 1875, Howson’s commitment and investment have seen the company develop from a small stone mill to their current Durum Mill using the latest technology.

Howson & Howson Limited currently has an opening for Mill Staff in its Flour Mill in Blyth, ON. Requirements: - Able to work on rotating shift - Effective communication skills - Good problem solving skills and decision making - Able to work efficiently as part of a team and independently - Good organization, time management and prioritizing skills - High level of personal integrity - Strong work ethic - Accountable and Dependable Interested persons can forward resume and cover letter to: Email - rick@howsons.ca Fax 519-523-4920 Mail Howson & Howson Limited Attn: Human Resources P.O. Box 390 Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Municipality of Central Huron

Pets

Services

MALE BOSTON TERRIER breeding service available. A great cross for Boston Terriers, Pugs and English Bulldogs and small Terriers.

Great disposition and muscle definition. Call Ron or Kathy for details 519-522-0864.

39-3p

FAXING SERVICE We can send or receive faxes for you for only $1.00 per page.

The Citizen, 405 Queen St., Blyth.

Phone 519-523-4792. Fax 519-5239140. tfn

Tenders

Tenders

FARM FOR SALE BY TENDER 42103 Salem Road, RR#1, Wingham, Ontario Being Part of Lot 8 Concession 6; S/T TRA105777 Municipality of Morris-Turnberry (part of PIN 41041-0013) 50.1 acres, ≈ 46 workable. No buildings.

26.69 acres on Hydro Lease, ≈ 17 workable Net total after severance = 63 acres workable ( all in 1 field ) Hydro Lease Expires December 2023 Renewable Sale conditional on successful severance consent application.

All offers shall be accompanied by a deposit of no less than $25,000.00 in the form of a certified cheque or bank draft to “Tarbush Dickey Giller & Associates PC, In Trust” All offers must be delivered in a sealed envelope no later than 4:30 pm on October 21, 2020 to the following address: Attn: David C. Dickey Tarbush Dickey Giller & Associates PC P.O. Box 67 140 Barber Avenue South Listowel, ON N4W 3H2 (519) 291-2710 An approved form of offer is available at Tarbush Dickey Giller & Associates PC Office.

The vendor need not accept the highest, or any tenders submitted

The Municipality of Central Huron is now accepting applications for the following position:

Citizen-To-Citizen

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR 1 Full-Time Position available, 40 hours per week

“SWAP SHOP” ad

Wage Scale $21.55-$26.94 (as per Appendix ‘D’ Municipality of Central Huron Collective Agreement IBEW Local 636)

Reporting to the Roads Foreperson the applicant will have proven operating and maintenance experience. Preference will be given to those applicants with extensive grader and heavy equipment experience.

The applicant must have the ability to operate and maintain a wide range of equipment, assist in maintaining storm sewers, municipal drains, bridges, signs, roads, sidewalks, and road side trees, responsible for snow and ice removal and maintain proper health and safety.

Employment to commence immediately. Applicants are asked to submit a detailed résume in confidence to the undersigned by 2:30 p.m.

Friday, October 9, 2020.

Human Resources Municipality of Central Huron Box 400, 23 Albert Street, Clinton, Ontario N0M 1L0 ph. (519) 482-3997 fax: (519) 482-9183 email: HumanResources@centralhuron.com Terms and conditions of employment as per collective agreement, Local Union 636 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and all Human Resources policies and procedures of the Municipality of Central Huron. The Municipality of Central Huron is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. We thank all applicants and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Thinking about quitting?

TO L L - F R E E

1-877-513-5333

“One person’s junk is another’s treasure”

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

Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca FOR SALE - wood stove, asking $600. Phone 519-357-7131. 41-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE - infant/toddler girl’s clothes 6-24 months, $1 per item or make a deal. 519-357-2768. 41-3 -----------------------------------------FREE - white single bed headboard, footboard and side frames, box springs and beside table, 519-357-2768.

41-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE – attention woodworkers - 15 inch Oscars Thickness Planer. Heavy cast iron construction, like new, has very little usage. Single phase, 220 volt, 2 hp. $950. 519-887-9137. 40-3 ------------------------------------------

D — SOL

—

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

www.huroncitizen.ca

FOR SALE – four Michelin radial winter tires with rims, fits 2014 Equinox - 225/65R17, 102H - half tread remains, $160. 519-887-9300.

40-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE – Dr. Scholl’s electric foot bath, $25; vintage metal suitcase, $25; metal butter churn, $20; vintage wooden rocking chair, $60; steam trunk, $30; vintage bedroom dresser with oval mirror, $70. 519-524-1138.

40-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE - four golf cart tires, wheels and hub caps. Best offer.

519-357-3608 or 519-357-7240.

39-3 ------------------------------------------

D — SOL

—

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020. PAGE 15.

Obituaries

JEANNE LETITIA KIRKBY Mrs. Jeanne Letitia (née Perrie) Kirkby passed away peacefully on Sept. 29, 2020 at Huronlea Home in Brussels. She was in her 79th year.

Jeanne was the beloved wife of the late Douglas Kirkby (1993) and special friend of John Gaunt (2020).

She was the loving mother of Paul (Thu Van) Kirkby, Walton, and the late Jennifer Elaine Kirkby (1973) and grandma of Sean and Melanie Kirkby.

Jeanne was the sister of David (Joan) Perrie, John (Mary) Perrie, Will (Chi) Perrie, Leslie Perrie and the late Margaret Perrie (1971). She was predeceased by her parents John and Clara Perrie and will be missed by her furry friend, Sophie.

Jeanne was a kind, organized, intelligent, common-sense mother and grandmother. Family was very important to Jeanne. She was always supportive and gave good advice no matter what the problem. She was very involved in the lives of her grandchildren, pushing them to be better, to get an education and she was always a good role model. She was a strong person with a positive outlook on everything.

Jeanne loved to listen to classical

music in her special chair and read her books. She played the piano and loved music. Jeanne was a serious card player, especially with bridge, and offered to teach the grandkids how to play every time she saw them.

Jeanne always had at least two dogs around to keep her company on her walks in the back garden. She loved to travel and saw a lot of the world when she was able. She was active in her community and church and will be missed by both.

A graveside funeral service took place on Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Brussels Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers or as expressions of sympathy, donations to the MS Society or Melville Presbyterian Church would be appreciated.

Cards of sympathy may be sent to Box 340, Brussels, N0G 1H0.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

Jessica’s House to receive funds Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson has announced that the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has approved Jessica’s House for annual base funding to cover end of life nursing and personal support services.

“Since the beginning, volunteers and supporters of Jessica’s House have worked so hard to make this legacy for an amazing young lady a reality. The support of the local businesses, organizations and residents has been truly heart warming.” Thompson added, “In light of the community’s support and vision, it goes without saying

that I was more than pleased when I learned the funding had been approved,” Thompson said.

In its first two years, Jessica’s House has provided a much needed service to the local area and beyond.

It also complements additional hospices in the region.

The funding announcement was welcome news for Pat O’Rourke, Chair of Jessica’s House Governance Board and South Huron Hospital Foundation. “We are extremely pleased that our provincial government has decided to extend funding to Jessica’s House, our residential hospice in

Exeter. Lisa Thompson, our Member of Provincial Parliament, has been a champion of Jessica’s House from the beginning and without her continued support this would not have taken place. The community is forever grateful to her and the provincial government in recognizing the quality end of life care that is available at Jessica’s House,” she said.

Jessica’s House is a three-bed residential hospice providing around-the-clock nursing care with one-on-one bereavement support in partnership with VON along with community support and outreach.

LESLIE “LES” STEWART Leslie “Les” Stewart of Ethel, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020. He was 68.

Les enjoyed spending his time raising chickens and selling the meat and eggs, doing home renovations and tending his flowerbeds. He drove a transport truck for 42 years and volunteered at the Ethel firefighters’ breakfast and the former Grey Central Public School, now North Woods Elementary School flipping pancakes.

Les enjoyed playing baseball and helping with various ball tournaments. Les and his wife Jane entertained many children as Santa and Mrs. Claus for the last three years at the Ethel Hall.

Les was the beloved husband of Jane (Pfeiffer) Stewart, with whom he celebrated 30 years of marriage on Sept. 1. He was the loving father of Lindsay (Tyler) Gingrich and Lauren (Rob) Gray and special papa of Levi and Jackson. Les was the brother-in-law of Mike (Debbie)

Pfeiffer and will be fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews Donnie, Jeff, Vincent, Holly (Matt) and Tom (Dana).

Les was predeceased by his parents Clarence and Doris (Marsh) Stewart, sister Eva Stephens and nephew Jason.

A private visitation and service was held at Brenneman Funeral Home, Atwood, on Saturday Oct. 3.

Pastor Brian Hymers officiated.

Interment followed in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Ethel.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to ALS Society or the Grey Firemen’s Association – Ethel Station would be appreciated by the family.

Condolences may be left at www.brennemanfuneralhome.ca

STRATFORD MEMORIALS Creating Memories in Stone for Over 95 years

We are now open but by appointment only and following government recommended protocols to ensure the safety of all visitors and our staff. Please call or email us to set up an appointment.

519-524-8457 email: mfalconer@stratfordmemorials.com

Goderich/Clinton Michael Falconer Memorial Counsellor www.stratfordmemorials.com

PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020.

County to address Airport Line intersection

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron County Council is looking to develop an intersection control improvement solution at County

Road 83 and Airport Line just west of Exeter, an intersection of growing concern.

Manager of Public Works Mike Hausser presented his report on the intersection to Huron County

Council at its Sept. 16 meeting, which was held virtually via Zoom.

He recommended the development of a solution in co-ordination with other scheduled capital projects in the area to be considered

‘Wild Side’ club walks tract

Getting wild The Walk on the Wild Side 4-H Club met at the Lobb Tract for its third meeting late last month.

Above, members compare notes on how to identify creatures in the wild. From left: Denise Iszczuk, Jolande Oudshoorn, Emily Bieman, Lauren Bos, Grace Theophilopoulos, Mercedes Prout, Molly Groot, Halle Barton, Lily Shapton, Alex Trick and Frank Schaefer. (Photo submitted)

By Lily Shapton On Tuesday, Sept. 22, the Hensall 4-H “Walk on the Wild Side” Club met at the Lobb Tract for its third meeting.

This meeting focused on identifying nature’s animals and how to spot them. The meeting started with the 4-H pledge and the junior leader led members through some warm-up stretches. Once the group was ready to go, they hiked until they came to a clearing.

Members stopped and observed some signs that animals were near or what their homes might look like.

They were each then given a wooden tag with an animal track outlined. They then had to search the clearing to match any animal tracks to the ones on the ID sheet. The group stopped and reviewed a fun fact about each animal or bird they had identified.

The hike continued, pausing to notice the sights and sounds, such as geese flying above and the squirrels chattering in the trees. Along the river, members paused and learned about the bedrock that was exposed and the importance bedrock plays with our water and soil structures.

Towards the last quarter of the meeting, as they hiked with flashlights, leader Denise led the group though an owl prowl. They tried a few times to call owls in, but none were spotted. Fun fact: you can learn and remember owl calls using words such as “Who cooked for you?”

Once the group reached the starting point back at the parking lot, they reviewed the time and the meeting spot for the next meeting.

Repeating the 4-H motto, “ Learn to Do by Doing”, the meeting was adjourned.

Trump’s illness a global concern PEOPLE AROUND LONDESBORO

By BRENDA RADFORD Call 523-4296

Well, do we call it fake news or karma?

The news out of Washington, D.C. last Friday has definitely been the topic of conversation since. One could conclude President Donald Trump jinxed himself, given the way he handled and talked about the pandemic. However all reports in the papers offer concern for his health given his age and physical condition. And none of us truthfully wish him great harm.

More concern should be directed toward the American people who have an ill leader less than a month before a national election. The whole world is on edge for the situation, which is actually a global concern.

Given the other news about Trump and his tax situation one wonders how he can continue to be so bombastic as the president.

Canadians, I’m sure, breathed a sigh of relief last week when our

country’s leaders came to an agreement over the recent throne speech proposals by the Liberal party. An election, in the midst of pandemic economic measures, seemed, to the ordinary citizen, foolhardy. Good to realize wise adults are in charge of Canada.

Another reassuring piece of news last week was that a municipality in our area has created a bylaw forbidding Christmas parades before Nov. 11. Our veterans deserve that respect from all of us.

The community of faith which constitutes Londesborough United Church met in their sanctuary on Sunday, Oct. 4 for their morning worship. This was the first time since mid-March to be together. The turnout was very encouraging to the committee in charge of the safety protocols.

Psalm 19 was the scripture on which minister Susan McIlveen based her message, a Psalm to the glory of God. Definitely going to church has changed due to the pandemic. The building has been adapted, rituals (the way things used to be or were always done) have changed and activities are altered. What has not changed is the reason for our faith and attendance at service. God’s love is there guiding us all. God’s love is not dependent on standards and rituals but on Christians going

forward to spread the news of Him. This coming Sunday, Londesborough United will offer a Thanksgiving greeting on its website. Be sure to look it up.There will be no service in the church building.

It’s a sure bet most of us will be celebrating by ourselves this coming weekend. An unfortunate situation, but I encourage you to keep in touch by phone or social media. Perhaps a small price to pay to flatten the curve again and save lives.

as part of the county’s 2021 budget.

“The intersection of County Road 83 and Airport Line is a growing concern as traffic volumes on both roads continue to grow,” Hausser said in his report to council. “County Road 83 carried the highest traffic volume of all Huron County roads.

There is a history of collisions at this intersection and informal reports of a number of close calls.”

Hausser said the installation of stop and stop ahead signs with flashing LED lights has been successful, however, some collisions have continued to occur, resulting in both personal and property damage.

For the intersection, Hausser said Burnside Engineering Ltd. will undertake a review of the intersection and a preliminary design to ensure that a roundabout is a feasible option. For the specific location, Hausser said a set of traffic lights would cost approximately $400,000, while the installation of a roundabout would cost approximately $1.5 million, which does not include land purchase costs.

He did say, however, that there are still a number of known constraints with the intersection, including a cemetery on the northeast corner, major water infrastructure on the southeast corner and planned water infrastructure installation on the southwest corner in the coming weeks.

“If an intersection upgrade is justified and approved by county

council, ideally, construction would be co-ordinated with Bluewater so that the Airport Line bridge replacement can be done at the same time as the intersection upgrade of County Road 83 and Airport Line in 2022. This will minimize the overall impact to residents and traffic in the area,” Hausser said in his report.

Council approved the recommendation and will investigate further a solution to the traffic concerns at the Exeter-area intersection.

Local Coverage Where You Work, Play & Live

Catch up on sports, shopping deals, restaurants, events, new businesses, politics, job openings, homes for sale, cars for sale and more with your local newspaper!

Subscribe Today!

The Citizen In Print & Online 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114

huroncitizen.ca

DRIVE-THRU ONLY

BBQ CHICKEN DINNER Sunday, October 18, 2020 Pick up at the Belgrave Community Centre 5-7 pm Dinner tickets to be purchased by October 11, 2020

1/2 Chicken Dinner $20.00 (Includes chicken, baked potato, corn, roll, coleslaw, and butter tart)

CHICKEN BARBECUED BY ROBERT FOREMAN MEAL PREPARED BY THE BELGRAVE COMMUNITY CENTRE BOARD Tickets available from Mary Cook 519-357-4741 Neil Vincent 519-357-2336 Ron Taylor 519-357-2138 Jonathan Van Camp 519-357-8259 Cam Procter 519-357-5663 Bruce Higgins 519-357-5109 PROCEEDS TO BELGRAVE COMMUNITY CENTRE t

men

ence

m Com

Deadline October 9

WHO’S LOOKING AT YOU?

en Citiz rsary ive n n A

Deadline October 16

Put your business in front of the RIGHT eyes!

The Citizen has special interest issues coming up.

dy Rea Get Winter r Fo

NEWS FROM LONDESBORO

Deadline October 23

Call or email our marketing specialists today!

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

ce

ran emb Rem Day

Deadline October 30

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020. PAGE 17.

From the Minister’s Study

Focus on all we have this Thanksgiving

By Pastor Gary van Leeuwen Blyth Christian Reformed Church A few days ago, a friend commented that only large turkeys remained in the grocery store. In the ensuing discussion, we surmised that many people who normally buy large turkeys for Thanksgiving, because of restrictions on our gathering sizes, have decided to buy smaller turkeys because they were going to have a smaller celebration. I don’t know if our anecdotal evidence reflects reality. Maybe there just weren’t too many small turkeys produced this year, and that is why there seems to be a lack of them. Perhaps everything is normal, but I suspect there may be something to my friend’s experience.

As we make plans for our Thanksgiving celebrations, most of us have probably made plans that are different from our normal ones.

Perhaps we will not be gathering with the whole extended family this year, or we might avoid travelling to another community as has been our habit in past years. Maybe this year we will not be able to see family who have moved abroad and who have made it a habit to return to our October celebrations. As I write this article, I am aware that we haven’t made firm plans yet because we don’t know if there will be more

restrictions by the end of the week.

It is difficult even to plan something with things constantly changing as they do.

It may well be that this Thanksgiving our focus will be not on what we can be thankful for, but rather what we don’t have that we had last week. Instead of counting our blessings, we may be tempted to count what we don’t have. So, let me encourage us all to pause this weekend and remember what we do have.

We have a beautiful place to live.

This autumn many have commented that the colours are more vivid than other years. That may be true, or it may also be true that we have more time to see them because we aren’t so busy doing other things. Huron County, beyond the colours, is beautiful in any season, with its farms, fields, forests, rivers, beaches and sunsets. We can be thankful for the beauty of our home.

We have a great community, and our community has become better through this virus. I find, personally, that people are friendlier, more willing to stop and talk and a little more relaxed. For me, the restrictions in some areas of life have created opportunities in others.

We have marvellous technology. I don’t expect that I will ever be a fan of online meetings, but I am grateful

Radiothon returns In an unprecedented year for healthcare, tune in to CKNX AM920 or cknx.ca on Oct. 17 for the annual CKNX Healthcare Heroes Radiothon to help raise funds for 10 local hospital foundations.

The Wingham and District Hospital Foundation aims to raise $62,000 towards lab testing equipment. Support towards this goal may be made in advance by visiting www.wdhfoundation.ca or by mailing your contribution to PO Box 1228. On Oct. 17, phone in your pledge during the live broadcast by calling toll free 1-877CARE-4U6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Or text “Hero Wingham” to 41010 to give $10 throughout October.

Tune in to the broadcast all day on AM920 and cknx.ca, or catch hourly updates on 101.7 The One and Cool 94.5.

Listeners will hear heartwarming patient stories and descriptions of equipment needs at each participating hospital.

Don’t forget to submit your entry to the annual story contest for a chance to win a brand new tablet by visitingwww.cknx.ca/health-care-

Evangelical Missionary Church

Watch Livestream OR Pre-register to Attend Sundays 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 11 THANKSGIVING SUNDAY Pastor Rob Campbell “The Recipe for a Thankful Heart” (Php.4:4ff)

Call 519-526-1131 to pre-register for Sunday attendance (max.60) Check out our midweek virtual LifeGroups!

huronchapel.com huronchapelkids.com huronchapelyouth.com 119 John’s Ave., Auburn 519-526-1131

heroes-radiothon and listen for the two “Power Hours” on Oct. 17 for a chance to win prizes from many local businesses.

that we can have them. I have some responsibilities that would have normally taken me away from Blyth, but I have been able to have those meetings in the comfort of my office. We got the work done, and I wasn’t on the road for two hours.

Further, with our technology, we are not completely isolated from distant friends and family.

My daughter, like so many others, is able to attend university for the first time and to do so completely from home. In the past she would have missed out on the entire year of education. It’s not ideal, but it works.

We can be thankful for technology which keeps us informed and connected.

We can be thankful for our leaders.

Often we complain about our governments, and we might disagree with their decisions regarding restrictions, etc. That being said, it seems to me that our politicians are actually more concerned about the welfare of those under their care than they are about their own reelection. This is refreshing, and I am glad they are leading us in this difficult time, for there is no right decision, but instead, oftentimes, just a best one to be made from many rather undesirable choices.

We can be thankful for food and clothing and all the other essentials that, while sometimes in short supply, remain available. It is true that the grocery store shelves may lack a few things, but they are not empty as we sometimes see in other places in the world where war or government corruption or drought have resulted in poverty. We also recognize that there are places in the

BRUSSELS

United Church This Sunday we look forward to worship with Alex Jebson via YouTube “Brussels and Blyth United Churches” Contact Alex at minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com Keep Safe. Be Kind.

MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS

world where the virus has resulted in the unavailability of life’s necessities, but we can be thankful for a good harvest thus far that will enable us to provide food for thousands and thousands of people.

Above all, we can be thankful for a God who cares for us more than we can imagine. He may not always give us what we want and sometimes we may even feel we don’t have everything we need, but He is yet our God who is able and willing to provide for us. We know that He loves us because of the greatest gift we could ever receive: hope not only that someone cares for us as we live on this earth but who also has ensured us of eternal life. He has given us a way to be assured of that

wonderful eternal life through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We can be thankful that though God may not take away a difficult situation, He promises to be with us through it. He will never abandon this world, but continues to watch over it. In fact, we can be assured that everything that we have this Thanksgiving has come from His gracious and compassionate hand.

These are some of the things for which we can be thankful. It is easy, in times like this, to focus on what we don’t have. Let’s not do that this Thanksgiving. Rather, let’s focus on what we have, giving thanks to the Giver, our God in heaven who provides us with all good things.

Brussels Mennonite Fellowship HOPE that has its foundation in GOD will not crumble under the pressures of life. (Hebrews 10: 23) BMF Mission = our church exists to GROW in the teachings of Jesus to LIVE by His example, and to CONNECT people to Him

HOPE

Closed Until Further Notice

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

The Regional Ministry of Hope St. Paul’s Trinity, Wingham and Trinity, Blyth are now open - join us this Sunday for worship See our Facebook page 10:30 a.m. on Sundays for a live broadcast of our service.

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

Trinity

St. John’s

BLYTH

BRUSSELS

9:00 am

Not open

St. Paul’s Trinity

WINGHAM

COME WORSHIP WITH US!

10:30 am

Blyth United Church This Sunday we look forward to worship with Alex Jebson via YouTube “Brussels and Blyth United Churches” Come and join Alex Wednesday mornings at 10 am for our “Visit in the Garden” Bring your lawn chair and enjoy a social distance visit.

Contact Alex at minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com DRIVE-THRU FALL SUPPER COMING OCTOBER 17

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

Worship indoors at 9:30 am Please wear a mask and use the sanitizer at the door Virtual worship still available each week at "St. Andrew's and Melville Sermon" on Youtube.

Brussels Soup and More 2 is cancelled until further notice.

519-357-5273

Our 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. services have resumed with a limited capacity.

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

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

THE CATHOLIC PARISHES OF NORTH HURON AND NORTH PERTH

OUR CHURCHES HAVE RE-OPENED. WELCOME BACK. Brussels: St. Ambrose Saturday ~ 6:00 p.m.

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

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

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

PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020.

Klassen urges caution for Thanksgiving, Halloween

By Dr. Miriam Klassen HPPH Medical Officer of Health As our province and regions continue their response to the COVID-19 pandemic, I continue to be impressed by the patience and dedication that the people of HuronPerth have displayed in protecting our community. I also understand that the changes in COVID-19 response over the last few weeks have been challenging. Please allow me to share information that I hope will help you in continuing to do your part to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Huron-Perth hospitals and some primary care centres, working under direction from Ontario Health West, continue to work diligently to provide assessment and testing for Huron-Perth residents. Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) is grateful for their commitment and excellent work, as well as the work of the labs which are processing the tests.

We understand from our partners that there is still a considerable

demand for tests; please remember that the province has prioritized testing for: • Those displaying symptoms of COVID-19 • Those who have been instructed by public health to get tested • Those eligible for testing as part of a targeted testing initiative directed by the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Long-Term Care, which includes visitors to long-term care homes.

People who live in a household with a sick person who is going for testing do not need to go for a test unless otherwise advised by their family doctor or public health. This guidance is so that testing capacity is best deployed to prevent and control outbreaks and identify people who need treatment and support.

If you are in Huron-Perth, and wondering if you should get tested, complete the provincial assessment tool available on the province’s website at Ontario.ca or if it’s a school or daycare situation, as in you

are a staff member or your child is feeling ill, use the provincial screening tool for school at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/schoolscreening/.

If your screening results show you are recommended to be tested, follow up with your healthcare provider and follow their direction about isolating and when to return to work, school or childcare.

Testing is not recommended for those without symptoms or risk who are seeking reassurance or who want to be “cleared” prior to an event or gathering, as the result is only valid on the day of collection. Instead, continue to keep two metres from others who are not in your social circle, wear a mask indoors and keep your hands clean. In this way, you are unlikely to encounter the COVID-19 virus.

I would like to remind employers and workplaces that clearance swabs are not recommended for general workplaces. Nor is a clearance swab necessary for employees who are

asymptomatic parents of children who are being swabbed. At this time, household members of a person (such as a child) who is going for testing or who is sick do not need to self-isolate; they can continue to go to work, school or daycare, unless otherwise advised by their healthcare provider or public health.

For schools, parents can advise a school of when a doctor has allowed a child to return.

I realize that some children are being kept home with symptoms that may not be COVID-19 related, and HPPH does recognize the inconvenience this places on families –many of us are parents of daycare-age and school-age children so we understand just how different this school year is.

I am grateful that despite the inconvenience, so many parents and caregivers are performing daily screening, keeping sick kids home and contacting their healthcare provider for direction. These are all very important actions so schools

and childcare centres can stay open.

We are also grateful for our many primary care partners who are assessing and providing direction to families, as well as employers who are being supportive for employees who need to take time off. We are extremely grateful to our school and childcare partners for their continued support and co-operation.

Parents and caregivers, please continue to screen each of your children daily using the provincial online tool. School and childcare staff must also complete daily screening. You can find the screening tool at https://covid19.ontario.ca/school-screening/ It’s important to realize that every situation is different. If you are talking with your neighbour or another parent and feel like they are receiving different messages or advice from their healthcare provider, this may be because their situation is different than yours. The assessments and recommendations Continued on page 20

Business Directory - COMPLETE MECHANICAL SERVICE COMPUTERIZED TUNE-UPS - TIRES - BRAKES MUFFLERS - VEHICLE INSPECTION STATION

COME IN AND VISIT YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD PHARMASAVE

BROWN’S PHARMASAVE

37452 Glen’s Hill Road R.R. #2, Auburn, Ont. N0M 1E0

198 Josephine St., Wingham, Ont. 519-357-1629

Ph: 519-529-7212 Fax: 519-529-3277

Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9 - 6 Sat. 9 - 4 Rear Parking Available

Snowblowers, Land Rollers, Stone Windrowers, Sweepers, Crimper Rollers, Quick Attach Buckets & Woodsplitters.

Full Machine Shop & Repair Services

Easy Prescription Transfer

PAUL COOK ELECTRIC Home, Farm & Commercial Wiring BELGRAVE

519-357-1537

Email: info@smythwelding.com

Free delivery in Wingham & surrounding area

www.smythwelding.com

Owned and Operated by Dan & Heather Snell

RR 3, Blyth, Ont. N0M 1H0 (on the Westfield Rd.)

DAN SNELL,

Automotive Technician

519-523-4356

INSTANT FAX AS FAST AS A PHONE Send your paperwork by FAX instantly! eg. statements, contracts, auction ads, favourite recipes, obituaries, messages...

The Citizen has a FAX machine in our Blyth office that lets you contact any other FAX machine in the world ... instantly.

Our FAX number is also your number so if you want to be reached instantly — we will receive your messages as well.

The Citizen Call Us Today For Details 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114

Fax: 519-523-9140

Affordable CAR AND TRUCK RENTALS

Large & Small Trucks fridge carts - piano dollysmoving blankets

Complete Selection of Cars Our rates qualify for insurance replacement

Passenger Vans full size or mini

GODERICH TOYOTA 344 Huron Rd. GODERICH

Dave Franken

519-524-9381 1-800-338-1134

Lakeside

SHELVING & RACKING

Large instock selection of pallet racking, store shelving, display cases and more for Industrial, Residential, Farm & Retail

CONCRETE FORMING For All Your Concrete Needs!

COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL • Foundations • Floor Finishing • Circular Tanks • Sandwich Walls FREE ESTIMATES RR#3 Blyth ~ Fax 519-523-9604 519-523-9971

DAN'S AUTO REPAIR

Talk to us instead.

TO L L - F R E E

1-877-513-5333

NOW available in Huron East

Call Sharon 519.743.3249 info@cleanerliving.ca

Bernard Enterprises Authorized dealer for

Central Boiler Classic Outdoor Wood Furnaces, Edge Outdoor Wood Furnaces & Maxim Wood Pellet and Corn Burners Gasification units available Inquire about our new edges Carman Bernard

519-524-1740

Call

519-524-0253

The Blyth Walk-In Clinic

Open Monday & Friday 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm with Family Physician Dr. Farahnaz Farzadfar

226-532-9500

BLYTH PHARMACY Easy prescription transfers Monday to Friday 9 am - 6 pm Free Delivery

519-887-6405

Ph: 226-256-8383 Fax: 226-256-8503

RR #4 Brussels centralboiler.com

442 Queen St., Blyth, ON

Take time to check out our great selection of books.

Perfect for all ages and all occasions.

www.lakesideshelving.com lakesidemarket@gmail.com 33842 Market Rd., North of Goderich, off Hwy. 21

NEW CONSTRUCTION AGRICULTURAL RENOVATIONS RESIDENTIAL

The Citizen 405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792

Call 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114 to book your spot today!

541 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-9114

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020. PAGE 19.

Trillium Mutual spearheads monitoring system According to the Canadian Farm Builders Association, over 40 per cent of farm fires are caused by faulty electrical systems. Fire is one of the leading causes of loss to

agricultural operations across Ontario resulting in millions of dollars in damages every year.

Trillium Mutual Insurance Company is very pleased to

announce that it has partnered with PrevTech Innovations to reduce agricultural structure fires. Trillium has pre-purchased a number of PrevTech Smart Sensor units, which

No tail-twisting here Several members of the Blyth Lions Club were awarded recently for their multi-year perfect attendance records. From left: John Stewart, 45 years; Steve Howson, 35 years; Ken Stewart, 30 years; Barney Stewart, 35 years and Alex Blair, 30 years. Absent was long-time member Bill Logue, who was honoured for 30 years of perfect attendance. (Photo submitted)

BIA replaces wayfinding signs

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Thanks to other projects being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Blyth Business Improvement Area (BIA) was able to finish replacing blue wayfinding totem signs in Blyth.

The replacement of the signs was identified as an important project

earlier this year, however, even with leaving one sign for replacement later, the project came in approximately $500 over budget.

Chair David Sparling said he was impressed by the job the Blyth Printing did in creating the signs and was glad to have them up. *** Blyth Business Improvement Area (BIA) Chair David Sparling

announced that the Huron County “In Your Backyard” sign program has been renewed and local signs were to be replaced.

He said the beige road signs that currently bear Blyth’s logo were being replaced with new signs featuring a photo of main street.

The project was fully funded by Huron County, Sparling said.

will be immediately made available to any of their agri-business members who are invested in effective risk management. Trillium Mutual has also developed an industry unique incentive for members who adopt the solution.

PrevTech provides Prevention and Protection for Agricultural operations. The solution is simple to install and non-invasive. The unit continuously monitors the network for electrical and thermal anomalies and provides early warning of potential failures and preventative diagnostics. When a fault is detected, it simultaneously alerts the farmer, their electrician and PrevTech’s team. The information can then be consulted through a simple user interface. PrevTech’s team will accompany the producer to assess criticality and discuss potential corrective measures.

“PrevTech has developed a proven solution that will allow our members to quickly identify and resolve minor issues before they become a serious problem. Fires on a farm can have devastating impacts beyond replacing a structure. This diagnostic tool, in addition to PrevTech’s expertise, will provide farmers with an extra set of eyes to help prevent this devastation and costly downtime. It is our aim to provide a solution that will be a valued asset for many farm operations across Ontario” said Tracy MacDonald, President and CEO of Trillium Mutual Insurance.

“We are excited by the launch of our partnership with Trillium. We have been working closely together through a diligent and successful pilot program. We are now looking forward to serving their members by providing a helping hand in keeping their electrical network safe and efficient. We are particularly pleased by the recognition of our servicebased approach to prevention; a determining factor in reducing the risk of barn fires” said Pierre André Meunier, CEO of PrevTech.

To learn more about Trillium Mutual Insurance Company’s PrevTech Program or to have the solution installed on your farm, contact any one of Trillium Mutual Insurance Company’s qualified farm insurance brokers across Ontario.

Welcome Your New Arrival in

The Citizen

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

Congratulations John and Florence Wiersma Happy 60th Anniversary on October 12th

NH to restructure child care

By Denny Scott The Citizen

North Huron Township Council will be restructuring its child care services to be part of the Director of Recreation and Community Services portfolio as of Jan. 1, 2021.

Current Manager of Child Care Services Valerie Watson submitted her notice of retirement during council’s Sept. 21 meeting. Instead

of refilling the position as it was, Chief Administrative Officer Dwayne Evans suggested making Watson’s position one that reports to Director of Recreation and Community Services Vicky Luttenberger. While admitting she doesn’t know much about the program, Luttenberger said she would take it on with the support of a new manager and other staff.

The change would add a seventh

Yo Y our voice, e your community comm ommunity ty, your neews.

News M Media Canada is a passion ssion ssionate ad dvocate for the news industry. We support our mem mber m publications in their pursuit of quality jo ournalism nalism nalism.

We believe that when society has facts they can trust, better decisions will be made.

newsmediacanada.ca

group reporting to Luttenberger, alongside fitness, recreation, marketing, aquatics and facilities in Blyth and Wingham.

Under the newly-created position will be supervisors and EarlyON facilitators, as well as support staff through the program.

Watson’s retirement is effective Dec. 14.

Love and Best Wishes from your family and friends

Brighten Their Day with our Celebration Special During this time of social distancing don’t forget your loved one’s special day with our limited time special price for celebration ads (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.)

4" wide x 3" high 2" wide x 3" high

$30 + tax includes colour

The Citizen

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

$60 + tax includes colour

PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020.

HC meetings remain virtual

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen With no end in sight to the COVID-19 pandemic, Huron County Council has voted to continue meeting virtually via Zoom to keep councillors, staff and members of the public safe.

At a recent council meeting, which was held virtually via Zoom, council discussed the future of its meetings with three options presented by staff. Council’s options were to continue with entirely virtual meetings, return to in-person meetings in a large building to enable physical distancing and other safety measures or a hybrid model allowing some councillors, staff and members of the public to attend in person or virtually if they wish.

Most councillors spoke in support of the first option to continue with completely virtual meetings for the foreseeable future.

Bluewater Deputy-Mayor Jim Fergusson said that as long as the business of the county is being handled effectively, he didn’t see a reason to change things.

Huron East Mayor Bernie

MacLellan and Goderich Mayor John Grace agreed.

“I don’t think we should be in any hurry,” Grace said. “I also think we need to think of the message we’re sending to the public.”

Grace said that if council were to hold gatherings of several dozen people, even if physical distancing and other safety protocols are in place, it would send the wrong message and that council needs to lead by example. He added that with COVID-19 cases rising dramatically in Ontario and school back in session, there’s no telling what the next few months hold, so it’s best for council to keep safe and not open meeting attendees to risk for the foreseeable future.

One meeting that had councillors considering in-person attendance is December’s inaugural session of council when a new warden will be elected.

Chief Administrative Officer Meighan Wark said she and staff members have already given some thought to that and some options will be presented to council in the coming weeks. Councillors agreed that it would be important to host

that meeting in person if possible.

Council recommended continuing with entirely virtual meetings for the foreseeable future.

Celebrating A Special Occasion?

Advertise it in

The Citizen Call or email to book your ad today! **Buck & Doe **Anniversary **Wedding **New Baby **Graduation **Birthday

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

Happy Thanksgiving Putting in work The Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation’s Youth Corps was hard at work on Saturday morning on the shores of Lake Huron in Goderich, harvesting and transplanting culms of beachgrass in order to transform a rear dune behind Goderich’s main beach area with native vegetation.

The Youth Corps project brings together local Grade 9-12 students to help improve their environment. The final session of the year for the group will be held on the weekends of Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 24-25. (John Stephenson photo)

Klassen suggests new traditions Continued from page 18 made by each healthcare provider depend on each individual situation.

While our case count has remained steady in Huron and Perth Counties, the province is seeing an increasing number of cases and the risk is getting higher.

With the beginning of October, so many people are wondering about celebrations such as Thanksgiving and Halloween. The province will be recommending how these celebrations can be safely carried out this year. In the meantime, think about what you can do to make these celebrations safer.

Remember that provincial gathering limits for private events are now 10 people for indoor events or gatherings and 25 people for outdoor events or gatherings. And indoor and outdoor events and gatherings cannot be merged together.

You also need to remember that if the people at the event are not part of the same social circle, they must maintain physical distance and avoid sharing food and drink.

So what can people consider?

Consider other ways to connect with family and friends, such as calls or video chats, online celebrations or dinner parties, letters or cards or contactless delivery of gifts or treats.

Reflect on traditions. One of the

most difficult things about our new normal is that traditions are upended. But we can do something about it: • Which traditions are you able to continue? Make a recipe, sing a traditional song or read a book • Start a new tradition – try calling an old friend or finding a new way to be active • Consider what you can do to help others in the community or let others know if you need help. Call 211 to find programs and services in your community.

This has been a difficult time, not being able to connect with our friends and loved ones in the ways we used to. But while there is disappointment and frustration, there is also resilience and caring.

Please continue to create new, safer ways to be social. We all need to think about how we can contribute on a personal, family and organizational level; and we need to remain kind to others who are making the best decisions they can based on their circumstances and needs.

No action is too small. If we continue to work hard now, we have a better chance at seeing the benefits of our efforts sooner.

I am confident that we will get through this by supporting and showing kindness to each other, so please keep up the great work.

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER It’s back to the barn again for Dr. Dave, with the final installment in his best-selling Adventures of a Country Vet series. Set in the rural Kootenay region of British Columbia, Dave introduces readers to a diverse mix of the funniest, cheekiest, and sometimes just plain exasperating animals—and owners—you’ll probably ever read about. $23.95

300 BEST POTATO RECIPES Our most common vegetable can also be the most versatile.

Information on potato history and varieties and recipes for everything from appetizers, snacks, salads, soups, main courses, breads and desserts. $27.95

OUT OF THE BLUE: Further Discoveries in Huron County History The second book written by David Yates is an eclectic collection of stories about Huron County’s people, places and events between 1884 and 1939. This volume covers an era just before the social welfare AGGIE’S VOICE state that emerged in the aftermath Donna Mann continues her series of the Second World War. $25.00 of novels based on the life of legendary Grey County farm leader Agnes Macphail. Now a young woman, the feisty Agnes is off to Stratford Normal School to train to become a teacher. $20.00

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

Total

Qty.

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER OUT OF THE BLUE AGGIE’S VOICE 300 BEST POTATO RECIPES RALPH FEELS SPECIAL SCOTTISH ROOTS Prices subject to change with increases in wholesale prices, postage, taxes, etc. Please refer to current issue for correct figures.

Incorrect payment will delay delivery.

SCOTTISH ROOTS — From Gravestone to website: Here’s a step-bystep guide to tracing your Scottish ancestors which incorporates both on-line and offline sources of information. 180 pages of tips and instructions. $23.95

$23.95 $25.00 $20.00 $27.95 $10.00 $23.95 Total for Books Shipping & Handling $9.00 Add 5% GST on subtotal Order Total

Visit our NEW online Marketplace at huroncitizen.ca for more rural living books and local authors.

New titles being added as we build the site.

Mail order or curbside pick up available.

The Citizen

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

MAIL BOOKS TO: Name:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ______________________ Code _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Phone: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _