The Citizen - Oct. 25, 2024

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Friday, October 25, 2024

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Volume 40 No. 43

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Heat Day a success in Seaforth

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

A time for celebration After last year’s successful Diwali celebration in Wingham, organizers had to expand and upgrade, moving the festivities from the Wingham Legion in 2023 to the Columbus Centre at the North Huron Wescast Community Complex this fall - and even then, more chairs than expected were required. As the years

have gone on, the event has become one that many locals circle on their calendar - not just for the culture, music and dance, but for the food and community-building that comes along with a celebration that may be relatively new in Huron County, but whose history dates back centuries. For Scott Stephenson’s full story, see page 25. (Scott Stephenson photo)

HE rethinks FHT committee structure

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron East Council has revisited and changed the decision to create an ad hoc committee to discuss the Family Health Team request for a rent subsidy in Seaforth.

Mayor Bernie MacLellan asked that the issue return for further discussion at the Oct. 15 meeting of council. He didn’t want to revisit the creation of the committee itself, but rather its composition, returning to the original recommendation of a five-member body with representation from each of the five wards.

After some discussion at council’s previous meeting, council decided to create a three-person committee comprised of Mayor Bernie MacLellan, Deputy-Mayor Alvin McLellan and Seaforth Ward Councillor Bob Fisher. However, the mayor said he spoke to councillors after the vote who felt it should be revisited.

Councillor Gloria Wilbee advocated for Councillor Brenda Dalton’s inclusion, saying that not only was she part of the Family Health Team committee when the current lease was negotiated, but she is also the only councillor with real-world healthcare experience, so she would be an asset on that committee.

MacLellan also said that, if the committee were to handle healthcare-related affairs, with the Brussels Medical Dental Centre, that community should also be represented. Fisher agreed and withdrew his name from the committee, opening a spot for someone else.

In the end, the committee structure will be MacLellan (representing Seaforth) and McLellan (representing Grey), in addition to Councillors Justin Morrison of Brussels, Brenda Dalton of McKillop and Ray Chartrand of Tuckersmith. ***

Council has entered into an official cost-sharing agreement with the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) for maintenance at the Brussels Mill Dam. Stewart Lockie from the MVCA spoke to a potential agreement at council’s Oct. 15 meeting, saying that annual small repairs could be expected to cost between $500 and $1,000 per year, which would be split between the MVCA and the municipality. Such repairs could include touch-up painting, small sections of concrete repair, safety signage replacement as examples.

For larger repairs, the costs would also be split, but only on the condition that the MVCA were to be awarded Water and Erosion Control Infrastructure (WECI) funding. In the event that the MVCA does not get this funding for the project of the day, the financial responsibility for the repairs would fall solely to the municipality. In his report to council, Chief

Administrative Officer Brad McRoberts noted that known issues include cement repairs to the overflow section ($30,000 to $35,000, likely to be explored in 2026), gabion basket replacement with armour stone ($10,000 when required) and stop log replacement ($15,000 expected in 2046).

If council chose not to enter into a cost-sharing agreement with the MVCA, Lockie said the organization would be forced to explore decommissioning options.

In that case, the MVCA would be able to help cover half of the cost with the help of WECI funding.

McRoberts noted that the shortterm costs would be minor, while more significant capital costs could be expected over a longer period of time.

Council voted to enter into an agreement with the MVCA, knowing that it could decommission the dam if significant repairs were needed, but Continued on page 19

Huron Heat Day - now a two-day extravaganza of girls’ hockey at the Seaforth and District Community Centre - saw a number of Heat teams hit the ice last Friday and Saturday, with many finding victory along the way.

Friday night began with a pair of draws, as the U13 A Heat finished square with the London Devilettes at two goals each and then the U13 HL Heat tied the Bluewater Hawks at one. After those games, the U15 A team lost an exhibition game to the Stratford Aces by a score of 32, followed by a 3-1 defeat for the U18 BB Heat at the hands of the Walkerton Capitals.

The next day, Seaforth played host to exhibition games between the U7, U9 C and U9 HL Heat teams and their Twin Centre Hericanes friends, while the U11 A team played an exhibition game with the South Huron Sabres.

The U13 B Heat beat the Central Perth Predators by a score of 2-1, the U11 C Heat lost to the Twin Centre Hericanes by a score of 2-1, the U13 C Heat beat the Stratford Aces 1-0, the U15 B Heat shutout the Bluewater Hawks 2-0 and the U18 C Heat lost to the Twin Centre Hericanes by a score of 5-1. The U11 HL, U13 HL and U15 C Heat teams all played their Hericane counterparts from Twin Centre that day as part of the Huron Heat Day action, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

The only non-Huron Heat Day game of the day was played in South Huron, with the U13 A Heat ending their game with the South Huron Sabres in a scoreless draw.

The next day was another busy one. The U15 B Heat lost to the Kincardine Kinucks in Clinton by a score of 3-2, followed by a 4-1 win by the Lakeshore Lightning over the U15 A Heat, also in Clinton.

The U9 HL Heat played the Irish in Lucan, though a score wasn’t kept for that game. The U13 C Heat beat the South Huron Sabres on the road by a score of 3-0, the U18 C Heat lost to the Twin Centre Hericanes, also on the road, by a score of 6-0, the U13 HL Heat beat the Hawks in Bluewater by a score of 2-0 and the U18 BB Heat lost to the Ice Hawks in Owen Sound by a score of 1-0.

Also that day, the U15 C Heat lost to the Central Perth Predators by a score of 9-0. Meanwhile, the Senior team played the Kitchener Lady Rangers in Hensall and the U11 A and U9 B Heat teams played exhibition games against the Kincardine Kinucks at Budweiser Continued on page 8

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024.

Yates and Kuiper shine light on cenotaphs

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

New book Historian David Yates has sent his latest book, “Never Shall Their Glory Fade”: The Cenotaphs of Huron County, to the printer. Co-authored with photographer Conrad Kuiper, the book explores the creation and stories behind the county’s cenotaphs. (Courtesy photo)

One of Huron County’s foremost historians has sent his most recent book to the printer with hopes that, by the time you’re reading this newspaper, you should be able to buy it.

“Never Shall Their Glory Fade”: The Cenotaphs of Huron County is the writer’s next project, which he worked on with noted local photographer and teacher Conrad Kuiper. As its title suggests, the book details the cenotaphs of Huron County with stories of their creation and erection, along with some fun facts and interesting anecdotes, complemented by Kuiper’s photography.

Yates and Kuiper had originally approached Huron County Council for the project on a non-profit basis, hoping to cover costs and then return any profits to the county.

However, with the Huron Heritage Fund discontinued, council turned down the request and the pair went back to the drawing board with the project sitting dormant for a time.

Luckily, the team had a believer in the project in Goderich Mayor Trevor Bazinet, who suggested they reach out to Bruce Power for funding. They did, they were successful and the rest is history.

Now, the book has been printed and will be for sale locally with proceeds going to benefit a veterancentric charity that has yet to be determined by Yates and Kuiper.

As for the creation of the book itself, Yates said its genesis can be chalked up to the intersection of a number of his lifelong interests: history and war monuments. He said he had always been fascinated

by them and felt there should be a complete, comprehensive history of the area’s monuments and thought he could be the man to do it. And while the Huron County Historical Society had dedicated the 2005 installment of its Historical Notes to the region’s cenotaphs, he felt this volume could be a welcome addition to the discourse with a lot more detail and more modern photography.

The research aspect of the project, he said in an interview with The Citizen, was complicated in some ways, heavily reliant on the Huron County Museum’s digitized newspaper archive. In some cases, he said, information was relatively easy to find, with local councils or citizens’ groups stepping up to fund a monument to those who fought and died in World Wars I and II. However, with differing terminology and gaps in newspaper coverage, depending on the community in question, had to extend his reach to the meeting minutes of organizations that would have worked on the projects.

But, as he worked, he found out more about each cenotaph’s design and the stories behind the monuments in each community. He learned more about the artists and creators of each cenotaph and why they told the stories that they did.

In Brussels, for example, Yates was unable to find issues of The Brussels Post that would coincide with the creation of the cenotaph, so research for that village’s monument was especially difficult.

As his research continued, he found some pretty interesting stories. In Goderich, for example, the cenotaph featured the name of a man who was still alive. The man eventually pleaded his case as a

living human being in a letter to the local newspaper, questioning his inclusion on the monument.

Furthermore, Yates lauded the design of that monument, a soldier tipping his hat, looking down east street and seeming to almost bid the soldiers farewell as they would have boarded the train at the end of the street at the East Street Station.

In Wingham, the design was that of a soldier who might have walked off the front lines, Yates said, and was criticized by some at the time who wanted a more stately-looking soldier, thinking the one portrayed looked almost “homeless”. And yet, Yates said, the artist defended his design as the type of soldier he had seen when serving in The Great War. He was only one of two artists making cenotaphs who had served and incorporated his experiences this way into his art and creations.

During his research, Yates even found that the search terms had changed, with the word “cenotaph”, meaning “empty tomb” in ancient Greek, having been brought in later.

He finds the reference to be more apt, as residents use the cenotaph as a way to mourn those who were lost and buried overseas, gathering in their collective grief.

He said he was also fascinated by each community’s differing approach to a cenotaph and who came together to make it a reality.

There are monuments, of course, but then there is something like Memorial Hall in Blyth - a glorious, historic building that serves as the community’s cenotaph.

Yates says the book, when it’s available, can be purchased at Fincher’s in Goderich, The Village Bookshop in Bayfield and at The Citizen office in Blyth.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024. PAGE 3.

Nivins serving as groom for champion filly ‘Chantilly’

Grooming for success Candace Nivins, a Dungannon native, has made a name for herself as the groom of Ontario harness racing sensation Chantilly, North America’s fastest two-year-old.

Despite Chantilly’s undefeated season and rising fame, Nivins keeps her focus on the horse’s health and well-being. (Above - Scott Stephenson photo; Below - Clive Cohen/New Image Media photos)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

From the moment she burst onto the scene earlier this year, twoyear-old Chantilly has been making a name for herself in the highly competitive world of Ontario harness racing. The pacing filly has had a perfect rookie year - she’s won every race she’s run, is officially the fastest two-year-old in North America, has already won somewhere around three-quartersof-a-million dollars, and she’s still just getting started.

But for Chantilly’s groom, Dungannon native Candace Nivins, all of that success is just background noise. In fact, when The Citizen sat down with Nivins to discuss the art of grooming a champion, it barely came up that the four-legged phenom had clinched her ninth-straight victory just a few days earlier. “I try to focus away from all that, because I’ll psych myself out when I get to thinking about it,” Nivins admitted.

For Chantilly’s team, the health of the horse always comes first.

Nivins has a great deal of respect for owner George Millar and trainer Nick Galucci, who don’t like pushing their two-year-olds too hard, too early, even if it means more money and accolades.

“They’ll say ‘yeah, she did amazing this year - let’s save something amazing for next year, when she’s three and a little more physically strong. Let’s not break her just to get our name out there.’” Though content to be a groom for now, Nivins hopes to someday be a trainer like Galucci.

While Chantilly may be their breakout star, Nivins also works with some of the other horses on Millar Farms. Currently, Chantilly is sharing her groom with Silver Label, Power Train, Chain Gang, and Win Me Back. Each one has their own distinct personality that requires respect, and their own individual wants and needs. “I love all of them. They’re all different, and they’re all their own horse... pretty much, they all get along.

Silver and Chantilly are getting pretty jealous of each other. Silver is another good mare that I look after. When she’s in a big race, I’m more focused on Silver, so Chantilly gets a little jealous. When

Chantilly is in a big race, Silver gets a little jealous,” Nivins explained. “The groom’s job is to know your horse as well as you can, to help them be the best that they can be…. You know how professional athletes get massages and stuff? That’s usually what the groom does. Some horses need asthma medication, other horses, like Train, get a really sore back easily, so he needs a lot of liniments and stuff to try and soothe it. He gets a cold back really easily.”

Nivins has been working longer with Power Train than any of the other Millar horses. “He’s my baby.

I’ve had him since he was three... my favorite all-time horse, who was sadly sold for bigger and better things, was Better Buckle Me Up he was my heart horse.”

Despite growing up on a steady diet of classic young adult literature like Black Beauty, Nivins didn’t start thinking about seriously pursuing an equine-oriented career until high school. “I did my co-op at a ranch, and I liked that avenue. I went to school through Ridgetown at the Clinton campus. I job shadowed for two weeks at a standard-bred racing farm, and that’s when

I fell in love with racing.”

It wasn’t long before Nivins landed the job at Millar Farms, and the opportunity to groom Chantilly soon followed. “I was lucky enough that her previous groom moved on, and I was picked to look after her.

That was before we knew she is what she is.”

Even when it isn’t race day, Nivins stays as close to Chantilly and the other horses as she can. “I live on the farm, so it’s really nice it’s a 10-step walk to where my horses are. And when the work is done, it’s not really done. I go out for them a lot. If they’re sick, I go out for antibiotics for them in the afternoon. Sometimes, it’s hard to sleep, because my bedroom is right beside where they’re stalled. So if they’re making a racket, I can hear it… one of them really likes feed time, and they can start learning how to tell time - like ‘if the sun’s at this position, I get worked up, because I’m hungry, and I’m excited for food’. One of them is scared of grass cutters, so when the grass cutter is around, they’re a little anxious, a little rowdy. One of them really likes to jog, so if they’re not jogging first, they get a little anxious. A little ‘come on, let me go!’” During rare moments of horse-free downtime, Nivins likes to go to the gym

and play Dungeons and Dragons.

But what is it about Chantilly that makes her such a once-in-a-lifetime racehorse? She’s obviously in top form, physically, but Nivins believes that there’s more to her than just good, old-fashioned horsepower - Chantilly is a horse with heart. “She has a really good attitude about racing. She loves racing. She doesn’t want anyone to pass her. I don’t know - she’s a professional.” From a groom’s perspective, the emotional temperament of an animal is just as important as physical fitness. “The one horse I had, who has moved on to be a brood mare, was Velvet Stinger. She was a lot of hands-on.

You had to race her right, you had to keep her in shape, you had to groom on her a little extra hard.

And then you have ‘Tilly - she has the talent, and she has more of an easy time. You can just go ‘okay, Chantilly, we’re racing. I’m going to point you in the right direction, you do all the rest. It’s more about keeping her happy than keeping her sound. Velvet was the other way around - she was always happy, but she needed a little more extra help.”

Whenever possible, Nivins attends the races to ensure everything goes as well as possible. “I go with my horse. Some grooms don’t, but I like the one-on-one.”

Home Cooking for the Holidays He always give sufficient grace (J.R. Miller, “Help for the Day”) "Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves! About three o'clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them, walking on the water!" Matthew 14:24-25 God adapts His grace to the peculiarities of each of His children's necessity.

For rough, flinty paths--He provides shoes of iron. He never sends anyone to climb steep, sharp, rugged mountainsides--wearing silken slippers.

He always gives sufficient grace.

Do your friends come to you for cooking advice and ask (or beg) you for your delicious recipes?

Well, we want your recipe too!

Send in recipes for your favourite holiday meals, desserts, appetizers, sides or cocktails, and be featured in The Citizen’s upcoming special section on November 29, Home Cooking for the Holidays. This section will feature tons of delicious recipes from talented readers like yourself, just in time for holiday entertaining!

As the burdens grow heavier--His strength increases.

As the difficulties thicken--He draws closer.

As the trials become sorer--the trusting heart grows calmer.

Mail your recipe(s) to:

Jesus always sees His disciples when they are toiling in the waves, and at the right moment comes to deliver them. The sharper the temptations--the more of Divine grace is granted. There is, therefore, no environment of trial or difficulty or hardship--in which we cannot live beautiful lives of Christian fidelity and holy conduct.

PO Box 429 Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 or email them to info@northhuron.on.ca

"My grace is sufficient for you!" 2 Corinthians 12:9 A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church Listowel, ON 519-291-3887

The Citizen

Be sure to include your name with your recipe.

Deadline for submissions is November 15

PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024.

Editorials & Opinions

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

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Outside the pumpkin Port Elgin hosts two pumpkin-themed events each October. The first is the internationally-renowned Pumpkinfest, where growers from across the continent compete to grow the largest pumpkin and assortment of other vegetables. The festival extends the tourism season, bringing an economic boon to the town and raises money for more than 30 community groups, charities and non-profit organizations.

The second event is a little newer and not as well known... yet. The Saugeen Shores Community Church has developed a fundraiser by hauling the leftover giant pumpkins and gourds to the top of a four-storey crane and dropping them to watch them explode as they hit the ground.

Kudos to the church for coming up with a unique way of piggybacking off the Pumpkinfest’s success. Fundraising is always hard and finding new ways of catching the public’s attention can quickly tire out committees.

Maybe in Blyth we could toss rutabagas off of Howson’s Mill or the bell tower at Memorial Hall at the end of the Rutabaga Festival! – DS

In the people’s hands As Canadians in British Columbia and New Brunswick have gone to the polls, with Saskatchewan soon to follow, not far from here, residents are being asked to cast a very different vote in South Bruce.

Voting for the public referendum on hosting a deep geological repository for nuclear waste in South Bruce opened last Monday and will close this Monday, Oct. 28. South Bruce and the Township of Ignace, a Northern Ontario community that voted in favour of hosting the facility earlier this year, are the two remaining potential sites for the repository. In Ignace, over 77 per cent of voters voiced their support.

In South Bruce, there are very strong opinions on both sides of the argument, with one touting the economic benefits of the site and a need to find a solution to storing Canada’s nuclear waste, while the other is critical of the process and wary of the perceived dangers of nuclear.

Both are sure they have the right answer and yet, Canada cast its vote years ago by using nuclear power in the first place. With that choice came the inevitability that waste would need to be properly and safely disposed of one day. Now that day has come and a long-term solution is needed. Whether this is it is up for debate and, by Monday, the residents of South Bruce will make it clear where they stand as part of a voting system whose inner workings are clear and transparent.

And yet, years and years of jockeying for position and well-staffed campaigns to win the hearts and minds of residents could amount to nothing with local First Nations groups, rightfully, being given veto rights, regardless of the will of the voters. It’s a wonder that the First Nations communities, given their veto power, weren’t asked first, then saving the need for a referendum if they choose to vote it down.

However the vote shakes out, it has been just that: a vote. People have been given the choice and they will decide their community’s fate. For that, we should always be grateful. – SL

Buck-a-vote As provincial elections sweep across Canada, there’s a distinct air of uncertainty and potential change in the air - except in Ontario, where Premier Doug Ford appears ready to manipulate the political landscape for his own personal gain. While British Columbia, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan have engaged in hard-fought contests over policy, reports suggest Ford is taking a more cynical route: buying votes with taxpayer money and calling an unnecessary election.

Rumours abound that as part of his fall economic statement, Ford’s government will issue rebate cheques of at least $200 per person, at a staggering cost of $3.2 billion. This blatant vote-buying scheme mirrors his previous move, when he refunded licence plate sticker fees ahead of his second election victory.

Ford is betting that Ontarians’ memories are short and their votes can be cheaply bought. But his past scandals haven’t faded from public consciousness. The Greenbelt scandal, in which protected land was opened for development against the advice of experts, has left a deep scar on Ford’s credibility. The Ontario Place scandal - where public land is being handed over for private development - and the ill-advised Science Centre relocation have only compounded the public’s distrust. In addition, there is also the mounting cost of fast-tracking alcohol sales in convenience stores, a blatantly populist move with questionable, dubious benefits.

Provincial elections in other parts of Canada are being fought over issues like housing, healthcare and the economy. Yet, in Ontario, Ford is turning elections into transactions, reducing politics to a cynical exchange in which voter loyalty is purchased with their own tax dollars.

There are no real consequences for Ford choosing to call an election early - perhaps as soon as March - more than a year before the mandated date. And the troubling part is that he may get away with it. – SBS

Looking Back Through the Years October 29, 1969 During a meeting last week, the directors of the Blyth Agricultural Society resolved to sponsor a Trotting Pony Club and organize pony races every second week next summer.

A considerable amount of effort was anticipated to construct a new quarter-mile track, which might need lighting. The directors planned to use their new barn for housing the ponies. The estimated cost of upgrading the track, installing hydro, building fences, and constructing judges’ stands was expected to be around one thousand dollars.

Brenda East, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ted East of Auburn, was the valedictorian at the commencement ceremony at Goderich District Collegiate Institute last Friday evening.

Brenda, an Ontario Scholar, received the Robert McKay Memorial Scholarship for achieving the highest average in grade 13. She also earned the A.J. Moore Memorial Scholarship for excelling in French and Latin, and was awarded the Goderich District Labour Council Award for being the senior student who demonstrated the most industry, cooperation and dependability.

Brenda planned to continue her studies in languages at McMaster University in Hamilton.

Witches, goblins and all sorts of spooky creatures were expected to be making noise at Memorial Hall this Friday evening when the Lions Club hosted their annual Halloween Party for the local kids.

As always, there would be lots of fun, prizes and treats for all the children.

This event had consistently been a

favourite for both parents and youngsters.

October 26, 1977 The Brussels Optimists installed new officers during a dinner and dance at the Legion Hall on Saturday night.

A key moment of the evening was the presentation of a $4,000 cheque from the Optimists to the arena fund. The funds, raised through Optimist-sponsored events, were handed over by outgoing president Dan McDonald to arena committee chairman Jim Prior.

Work on extending the southwest drain along Flora Street has been progressing over the past week. The council is hopeful that this project will address a long-standing drainage issue that has previously caused basement flooding in the area.

A story in last week’s Post about two subcontractors not being paid for their work on the arena incorrectly stated that the two attended a council meeting to voice their complaint.

This was inaccurate. While the issue was discussed at a council meeting, the subcontractors in question did not attend. The Post regretted the error.

October 25, 1989 Streets and drainage issues took centre stage during the annual ratepayers meeting on Wednesday night, where around 40 residents gathered to discuss concerns with their local government officials.

The Brussels Legion was once again the target of a break-in, though this time, fortunately, with little to show for the perpetrators’ efforts.

Legion member Ross Bennett reported that the building was

entered around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 24. The intruders damaged several door and window locks, eventually accessing the building through the bar door. It’s believed that the alarm system startled them, causing them to flee before any further damage was done or anything was stolen.

Bennett noted that there were no suspects at the time, and the Wingham OPP were investigating.

The Blyth Festival announced plans for an Ontario tour of Dan Needles’ hit comedy, The Perils of Persephone, scheduled for the fall of 1990, running from Sept. 18 to November.

October 28, 2004 The Township of North Huron received positive news last week, as it will be granted a substantial sum to assist with public transportation costs.

On October 22, the provincial government announced that, through its commitment to invest two cents per litre of provincial gas tax into public transportation, North Huron will receive $68,349 for this purpose.

Donna White, Director of Finance and Treasurer, expressed the municipality’s enthusiasm about the announcement but mentioned that they “would like to have more details” regarding the funding.

“It’s wonderful news for us, and we’ll be meeting with all parties to determine the next steps,” White said.

Despite the chilly rain, the annual Witches’ Walk at the Blyth Greenway Trail on Saturday was a success, with many courageous youngsters enjoying a spooky journey along the trail.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024. PAGE 5.

Other Views

Amalgamation - 25 years later

S

ometimes I wonder if former Premier Mike Harris was wise enough to know how, 25 years down the line, his efforts to reduce municipalities in Ontario would be as successful as it seems to be recently.

If you were in the municipal world, or in the news media as I was in the late 1980s and early 1990s, municipal amalgamation was top of the list of local topics. Harris, the Premier of the day, was determined to make it happen.

Previous Progressive Conservative provincial governments had dangled the idea in front of municipalities, but most had always rejected it.

The Harris government made it a firm decision: either municipalities came up with their own partners, or the government would pick the amalgamations.

Given those alternatives, municipalities took action. I remember that Blyth’s reeve at the time, Mason Bailey, proposed a municipality that would include all the municipalities in the northern half of Huron County. But some rural areas quickly shot down that idea.

In the long run, municipalities worked out agreements to join with unions they felt they could work with. Howick Township chose not to be involved and the provincial government went along.

Huron East became an agreement among Grey, Brussels, McKillop, Seaforth and Tuckersmith. Morris didn’t like that group, so it joined together with Turnberry, separating from Brussels on one side and Wingham and Blyth on the other, and splitting the unincorporated Belgrave down the middle.

Another rural amalgamation was formed when West Wawanosh joined with Colborne and Ashfield.

Blyth, Wingham and East Wawanosh were left to form their own municipality. The Harris government accepted the reduction of

Keith Roulston

From the cluttered desk municipalities and the new political groups began.

People like Nancy Michie, former clerktreasurer of Morris, took the same job in Morris-Turnberry. John Stewart, former clerk of Blyth, served North Huron, and Brad Knight, former clerk in Grey, became the treasurer of Huron East. Those public servants were aware of the delicacy of bringing municipalities together. Blyth, for instance, provided fire service to part of Morris and part of Hullett, in Central Huron, and West Wawanosh, while arenas served across borders.

But in the 25 years since, people like Michie, Knight and Stewart have all retired and have been replaced by staff, often with no ties to the founding municipalities, who think totally differently than those who preceded them.

Often they’re career-oriented and are only in the local municipality until a job opens up in a larger municipality, The difference in government has taken amalgamation to a new level.

Staff isn’t aware of the delicacies of local community pride and treats the municipality as if it were part of the dominant centre that must somehow deal with subordinate hangers-on.

Recently, North Huron staff suggested the downtown Blyth Library, which they rent, could be moved to the upstairs of the Blyth and District Community Centre.

Last week, I attended the Rural Talks to Rural conference at Blyth Memorial Community Hall. The key word there is “Community”. Back at the end of World War I, when the building was planned, Blyth was a tiny village with big plans. Small though it was, it was part of a community and each of the surrounding municipalities provided funding.

People in the community raised the money to build the structure. At its opening, people filled not just the theatre upstairs but the downstairs meeting hall and the lawn outside - far more than the population of Blyth.

When I was helping kick off the Blyth Festival back in 1975, I had to get the permission of a community board that ran the hall. During the recent renovation, North Huron generously supported the project, along with the provincial and federal governments, but then it turned the building over to the Festival to run, not the community, resulting in the building feeling separated from the community that built it.

Events that used to be held in Blyth are now held in the theatre at the Wingham Town Hall, but rehearsing bands upstairs bother staff working downstairs, causing tension between the performers in the community-run theatre upstairs and the municipal employees.

Meanwhile, Harris’s plan for amalgamation was designed to reduce the number of councillors, but this has also helped separate local residents from their government. Blyth, East Wawanosh, Brussels, Morris and Grey and even Wingham, Seaforth and Clinton once had councils dealing with local issues and people felt free to attend local council meetings. Staff worked for councillors. Now it often feels as if that has been reversed.

Is this what Mike Harris had in mind - to not have local control anymore?

Getting used to being a werewolf column

I

n every transformation, there is a moment of disbelief, a moment when the extraordinary reveals itself and we’re forced to confront a new, unsettling reality.

Last week, Werewolf Chaff entered that moment. No longer just the whispered jest of ink-stained wits, no longer merely the fanciful imaginings of a news desk gone rogue - Werewolf Chaff is real. This is no ephemeral tale to be forgotten by the next full moon, no passing shadow on the streets of our proud region. No, dear readers, it is now our living, howling reality.

Now we must ask ourselves: what does it mean to live in the era of Werewolf Chaff?

First and foremost, it is essential to recognize that this transition is not, as some might have feared, a descent into chaos. Far from it. What we’re witnessing is not a breakdown of journalistic integrity, but its natural evolution. This is adaptation in its finest form, a seamless blend of civic duty and primal instinct. The Chaff, much like the werewolf itself, is simply adapting to its environment. It has sensed the blood in the water - or perhaps the scent on the wind - and responded with a transformative ferocity that is to be applauded.

Let us address, then, the first question on everyone’s minds: Is Werewolf Chaff here to stay? We say yes. Not because we have no other choice, but because this metamorphosis represents the truest expression of what community journalism should be. No longer tethered to the dull rhythms of daily life, we are free to hunt down the most elusive truths, to prowl the alleys of injustice, to bite into the flesh of corruption. Gone are the days of passive reporting and detached observation.

Werewolf Chaff is engaged, enraged and ready to tear through the noise with teeth bared.

Scott Stephenson

Werewolf Chaff It’s important to consider the benefits of this new phase. Werewolves, as we all know, possess heightened senses - vision sharp enough to spot a budgetary oversight from 200 metres, hearing acute enough to pick up on the faintest of murmurs at town hall meetings and a sense of smell that is unrivalled in detecting political backpedaling. This new approach to journalism is poised to usher in an era of unprecedented accountability. No longer will half-truths and evasive statements slip through the cracks; Werewolf Chaff will be there, sniffing them out, howling them into the light.

Some readers, of course, may express concerns about this radical shift. They may worry that Werewolf Chaff’s ferocity will alienate the community, that its snarling prose will prove too much for those accustomed to the polite, restrained columns of yesteryear.

To those readers, we say: do not fear the wolf.

Fear stagnation. Fear complacency. The Chaff was never meant to be a tamed, domesticated thing. It was always, at heart, a wild creature, barely contained by the ink and paper that bound it. And now, free from those constraints, it has emerged in its truest, most powerful form.

What will this new era bring? For one, expect more thorough investigations, delivered with a bit more growl. Municipal coverage, while still essential, may take a

turn for the theatrical as Werewolf Chaff embraces the inherent drama of local governance. Who needs another dry account of council proceedings when you can have a play-by-play of councillors shifting uncomfortably under Werewolf Chaff’s gaze, keenly aware that their every word, every nervous tick, is being scrutinized by this furcovered force of nature?

And then, of course, there’s the matter of tone. Will Werewolf Chaff adopt a more guttural lexicon? Will sentences be shorter, sharper and punctuated by the occasional bark? Quite possibly. But this is not a step backward into barbarism - this is progress.

The Chaff is merely shedding its skin, embracing a more primal, direct method of communication. A howl, after all, carries much farther than the polite whisper of bureaucracy. Why explain when you can roar? Why reason when you can rend the truth from its hiding place with the force of fangs and claws?

Still, let us not become too enamoured with the aesthetics of the werewolf. Yes, there is power in this transformation, and yes, there is beauty in its raw, untamed form. But, at its core, Werewolf Chaff remains committed to its primary mission: to inform, to engage and to provoke thought. Whether we are shredding through the latest, most-whack proposals or sniffing out li’l inconsistencies in council minutes, our aim is always the same. And if we occasionally leave a trail of fur and claw marks in our wake, well, consider it the price of progress.

We are no longer the column we once were.

We are something more. Something wild.

Something free. As we stand beneath the moon, let us not mourn the passing of the old Chaff, but celebrate the birth of the new. This is not a phase. This is the future.

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

Shakin’ all over

I

n June of 2020, two esteemed experts that a lot of unintelligent losers hate, Dr. Anthony Fauci and myself, opined about the impending death of handshakes; Fauci in one of his many press conferences as the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic raged, and me in this very column space. However, like many other things that have been buried prematurely, the rumours of the death of the handshake, to bastardize a popular misquote, have been greatly exaggerated.

Back in June of 2020, I was mere weeks away from becoming a father; the prevailing sentiment from leading public health entities was that the day of the handshake might be done. Of course, there wouldn’t be handshake patrols cruising around, locking up those who dared to shake, but the discourse was that it might be smart, germ transmission-wise, to keep your hands to yourself.

One thing I didn’t get into in that column I mentioned was all of the hand-shaking I had coming to me. I was having my first child, damnit, and I would not be denied my hand being shaken and my back being slapped, all while I was being handed fat Cuban cigars.

None of that happened - I couldn’t even leave the maternity ward to get Wendy’s; a poor substitute for a cigar, but likely equal on the scale of how healthy it is for you. Friends, family members and neighbours were so very generous with porch chats and online gifts, in addition to understanding our overly cautious approach to visits, but it just wasn’t the same.

And yet, here we are. Just four years after that fateful column, handshakes did not suffer the doomed fate we might have forecast for them. They are back. Maybe they never left.

Either way, we are so back, as the kids say.

So, since handshakes are so hot right now, how can this column best serve all you handshakeless lost souls in a world full of handshakes? A quick Google search yields a Pinterest link with 16 “cool” handshake ideas for 2024. I’ll spare you as I spared myself.

Instead, I found another result much more helpful. Thanks to Virginia Tech University’s “Career and Development” tab on its website, we know some of the elements of a good handshake to make a positive impression on your handshake mate. (I was going to invoke a shaker/shakee relationship, but I think, in a proper handshake, one shouldn’t be shaking the other - it should be more a co-shake.)

Firm, dry and full, palm-to-palm contact are the first rules. Consider those to be Handshake 101. Another is that handshakes are genderneutral, so the people who have made yelling about gender identity their identity are out of luck here - handshakes are for everyone.

A few other basics: a handshake is held for two to three seconds, maintain eye contact during the handshake and exchange a brief verbal introduction during the handshake. You are to smile during a handshake, unless it takes place during a solemn occasion. Keep the teeth in your mouth during a funeral, you maniacs.

That leads us to some other circumstances. If a person is not able to shake with their right hand, shaking the left is acceptable. Further, if a person is unable to shake hands, a polite nod will do (try not to be too hard on this person who is blatantly disregarding how handshakes are back and better than ever). Etiquette, reads the article, dictates you use kindness and adaptability over strict handshake rules.

Happy shaking to all and to all a good shake; I’m very happy to have been wrong on this.

So, as the great prophet Taylor Swift foretold in the Book of 1989, Chapter 6, the time is nigh to shake it off, shake it off (hoo-hoo-hoo).

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024.

At the Branch

Poppy campaign to begin this Friday

Stuff it!

Recent Stuff the Bus food drives went ahead in Blyth and Brussels courtesy of Montgomery Bus Lines to benefit the North Huron Community Food Share. Above, Pamela Patterson and Hayden and Payton Piper collect in Brussels. (John Stephenson photo)

Columnist mourns lost friends A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231 Wow, what a wonderful weather week we’ve just had. October has been so good. The fields are swept clean and the crops are in and secured. Lots of outside work was willingly done as the sun shone.

The moon continues to be a source of conversation. We’re just done with super moon number three for this year; watching each one we learn a little more. This moon was 30 per cent brighter and 100 kilometres closer than the one in September. Mind you, when we’re talking distances between 3,000 and 4,000 kilometres from the moon to us, it really is not all that important.

Mary Jane Conboy from the Ontario Science Centre added information to an article in the Toronto Star last week that filled in facts about the moon, the magnetic fields, the craters and dark spots.

She summed up the moon’s travel on its oval orbit as “humbling and awe inspiring”. How right she is!

I believe life is a cycle, or a circle, or whatever neverending word you want to hear. Life is our own personal journey, taken in our own way and in our own time.

Schedules are unknown and each day a new beginning for the rest of our lives. Babies are born, people die. We know not when.

On Oct. 15, Bert Watson died. He was raised here and moved on to insurance work in many parts of the

world. Bert’s parents were brother and sister to Ralph’s Alma and Carson and the families farmed and lived across the road from each other as the boys grew. Four Watson boys on one side of the road, two on the other, oh my. On Saturday, good stories were shared, life was celebrated and life without Bert was acknowledged.

Alice Marks, a resident of Morris Township, then Brussels, has died.

Raising her three daughters with Davy, Alice was well-known and loved here. A smile is what comes to mind with Alice as she always offered her support and helping hand in many places. Community events, Presbyterian Church work and Soup and More II are where I remember Alice. Now, other memories will surface and Alice’s family will hear how loved and respected their mom was here.

A very timely show on YTV last week showcased a book called

Nineteen; a father’s view of his son’s life and death from cancer shared. The son’s lessons he left behind, 19 of them, and his take on our role in the world is there. It’s always good to hear another point of view as we are really just guessing how death affects this life.

What I took away from this program was life is a unit of something bigger; we are here to do good and bring joy to others, to live in gratitude - all this is preparation for the next unit of our life. The father talked about the nine months we spend in our mother’s uterus as preparation for life as we know it.

His son maintained that our next preparation is equally important.

I’ll be looking for Nineteen and reading the ideas of a young man preparing to die and his advice for our living.

Celebrate the day and leave some good memories.

Bye now. Betty GW

WI meets at library

By Bev Craddock The Majestic Women’s Institute of Brussels met on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at the Brussels Library.

Julie Pearce welcomed the guests from the Walton Women’s Institute before Doreen Marks opened the meeting with a reading, “The Pine Wood Walk”.

Isabell Hough told a joke and then Doreen read the five facts about Thanksgiving that you didn’t know. Julie gave a talk on making vinegars and oils infused with fresh herbs for cooking and salad dressings. It’s quite simple, she said, to just make them - just ensure your container is very clean, choose your oil or vinegar and fresh herb of your choice, add a clove of garlic

and a sprig of herbs and leave it in a cool, dark spot for two weeks.

Then, taste it, strain it and bottle it.

The group then enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by Bonnie Lindsay and Sue Sheppard before closing the meeting.

The Majestic Women’s Institute met on Thursday, Sept. 12 at the home of member Yvonne Knight.

President Doreen Marks welcomed all with a reading and members welcomed new member Nancy Jardin. Yvonne then introduced guest speaker Glenda Morrison, speaking on the Huron County Cemetery Enthusiasts.

This group is working to update cemetery records and repairing Continued on page 24

A big thanks goes out to the municipal workers for putting up the veterans’ banners last week.

Stop and take a look at them and remember. Many served our country and did not come home, while others survived and returned, but came home changed. Take time to look up and give thanks for our veterans and remember.

The Royal Canadian Legion Poppy campaign starts on the last Friday in October. Poppy boxes will be distributed to retail locations on Friday around noon.

Please support the Poppy campaign by wearing a Poppy on your left side, above your heart.

The Brussels Branch of the Legion now does a mail-out in our local area, and now the area the Howick Branch covered. Last Thursday evening, a group gathered to help Poppy Chair Kathy Burkholder prepare the envelopes for mailing. The “stuffers” included Kathy and her sister Donna, Deb and Eric Ross, Joan Smith, Lisa Glanville, Ben Lootsma, Tanya Martin, Deb Seili, Jody Houston, Jim Brown and Jo-Ann McDonald.

A mere two hours and just over 1,200 envelopes were done. Our thanks go to the Cadet Corp, who had stuffed the first 1,000 on Tuesday evening, so 2,200 in total were ready to go out. Good job everyone!

Friday night was a busy night with the Catch the Ace draw and the first euchre of the season.

Euchre starts at 7 p.m. and beef on a bun was the pub grub for those who needed to have a bite first.

There were 38 teams there to play.

The first-place team was Nancy Bridge and Jim Brown, second place was Angie Dunn and Shellie Lyn Riley and third place was Heidi Johuschies and Monica Dolamite.

Lone hand winners were Alyssa Sampson and Amanda Ripper.

Euchre is held once a month with a maximum of 40 teams.

The Catch the Ace draw was then held upstairs with Deb, Kathy and Lisa. The lucky weekly winner was Sarah Overholt and she won $279.

Her envelope of choice was number 45 and the six of spades was revealed. The jackpot will grow and be an estimated $9,100.

Next week is Halloween karaoke and wing night, so bring your appetite, dress up and bring your voice. It is sure to be a good time for all.

The Brussels Branch 218 did its part in supporting the CKNX Healthcare Heroes Radiothon on Saturday. The Branch donated $100 to each of our local hospitals.

It was the District Convention last weekend in Exeter with Comrades Jamie Mitchell, Eric Ross and John Lowe attending in their respective positions within the Royal Canadian Legion. As usual, members of the 50 Branches in the District contributed to many causes they support. Almost $100,000 was given to 12 worthwhile and Royal Canadian Legion-supported causes.

Notable was $8,500 to Bursary, $4,500 to Youth Education, $20,000 to the Poppy program, $16,000 to the Service Dog program, $1,000 to the Veteran Comforts Fund at Parkwood, in addition to seven other Legionsupported causes. Great job by all Branches!

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

Brussels Legion 218 Catch the Ace Weekly Winner Winning Ticket: Sarah Overholt, $279.

Envelope #45 found the 6 of Spades.

Estimated jackpot for the next draw is $9,100.

HEY SNOWBIRDS! Stay up-to-date on the news at home by switching your regular subscription to our E-edition while you are away Call or email us today 519-523-4792 info@northhuron.on.ca

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024. PAGE 7.

Velvet & Ivory show to benefit Huron Hospice

Smooth jazz for a good cause Velvet & Ivory, a Stratford-based jazz duo featuring Beverley Maranger and Tim Elliott, will perform at a fundraising concert for Huron Hospice at Trinity Anglican Church in Blyth on Friday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m.

(Courtesy photo)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

On Friday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m., Trinity Anglican Church in Blyth will be hosting another fundraising concert in support of Huron Hospice.

This time, the entertainment will be provided by Stratford-based Velvet & Ivory,

otherwise known as Beverley Maranger and Tim Elliott. The Citizen recently had a great threeway Zoom call with this smooth jazz duo to learn a little bit about how they came together as musicians and why they believe that hospice care is a cause well worth supporting.

Though they’ve only been

performing as a duo for a few years, a big part of the magic of Velvet & Ivory is their trust in each other.

“It’s a true musical partnership,” Elliott said. “From day one, Beverley made it very clear that this is not just me the accompanist and her the soloist. There’s a real musical collaboration here. We prepare our music, we rehearse a lot, but also, we can be spontaneous! So there’s a lot of trust. And I just love playing the piano. I could play the piano for days... and when you play the piano for somebody who loves to sing, it’s an incredible gift. And we’ve found that groove.”

Maranger believes that the key to a successful musical duo-ship is clear communication. “Right before we begin performing, we ask each other why we are doing this,” she explained. “And the answer is always because of how much fun that we think it is! It’s just a great, great amount of fun for us to be able to perform this music together.”

Their pre-show huddle is also one of Elliott’s favourite things about working with Maranger. “It’s a little time together to reassure ourselves, because there’s a lot going on. We have an audience, we have our own preparations, our nerves - there’s

Hands up!

More than 100 attendees put their “hands” up on Saturday, Oct. 19 at a Loonie-Toonie auction fundraiser held at the Blyth Arena and Community Centre. Proceeds are benefiting the Northern Huron Connection Centre in Wingham. (John Stephenson photo)

Next euchre will be Nov. 4

By Deb Hakkers We spent a lot of this weekend cleaning out Fred’s mom’s house.

We are almost finished, but it seems to take forever. Then we spent Sunday at the Vendor’s Market in Belgrave.

Mom continues with rehab in Huronlea; she managed to stand again several times last week. They have removed her footrests so she can paddle with her feet, allowing her more mobility and some independence, which is great for her morale and another step towards her goal of walking again.

This week, we wish a happy birthday to John Nesbit and Chad Haggitt on Oct. 25, Matt Bromley on Oct. 26, Catherine Howson on Oct. 27, Dave Craig and Bill Young on Oct. 28, Bonnie Bearss and Danielle Bromley on Oct. 29 and Rev. Cecil Wittich on Oct. 31. We hope everyone enjoys their special day!

Results from the Oct. 21 euchre at the Legion were as follows: Ladies: first place, Brenda Brooks, 67; second place, Susan Harman,

66; lone hands, Else Dale, two.

Men’s: first place, Shirley Woods, 76; second place, Carol Lahey,74; lone hands, Doug Trewartha, three.

Share the Wealth went to Shirley Wood, Dave Caesar and Brenda Brooks.

The next euchre is on Nov. 4. The doors open at 12:30 p.m. and the game starts at 1 p.m. The cost is $5 per person, which includes a light lunch.

Branch 420 Blyth

the sound system, there are sometimes glitches. So it’s just a little reassurance.”

Both Maranger and Elliott are happy to be bringing their musical talents to Blyth to help raise money for a cause they truly believe in: end-of-life hospice care. As a longtime Stratford resident, Maranger has seen the positive impact that access to hospice care can have on a community. “We have a hospice that was done by our Rotary organization in Stratford a few years ago, and you could just see the difference that it makes in the community to have a facility like that. It’s a tremendous benefit for everyone in the community to have the hospice. I just think it’s a really worthwhile, needed, facility to have,” she said. “It’s a big commitment to fundraise for hospices, but so, so, well worth it, for the end-of-life comfort they provide for people.”

Elliott has a personal connection to the Stratford Perth Hospice. “My mother-in-law died at our hospice in Stratford in April, and I had the privilege of being with my wife and our family, and seeing her excellent care and the freedom from worry.

For her, and for us. It’s a wonderful resource. We know the importance of it. And I know that, when the Huron Hospice was getting launched, there was a lot of collaboration with Stratford about best practices and design, and how to make it a wonderful transition at the end of life, for the patients and their families.”

Although their upcoming concert will be the first time that Velvet & Ivory have performed together at Trinity Anglican Church, it won’t be the first time that Elliott has tickled the ivories of the church’s grand piano - in fact, he believes he was the first person to play a concert on it - an experience in which he felt very honoured to be included. As is his custom, Elliott arrived on the scene well ahead of that first show to ensure that the new instrument was in working order, and was pleased to find it was. “Every piano player is, unless you bring your keyboard, always playing somebody else’s piano, and

the piano is a dynamic instrument... it always has a feel to it. They had it tuned and set up properly; it was a great privilege, and a great evening.”

Elliott is sure that their upcoming fundraising concert will be equally as memorable. “It’s live music in a sacred space,” he explained.

“There’s something about a historic building like Trinity Church, and the windows, and all the prayers that have gone into the walls over the years. There’s something about us offering who we are, and sharing that with people.”

While Velvet & Ivory love performing jazz standards, their sets are often peppered with a few contemporary songs - whatever music they feel has those timeless vibes for which they’re looking.

“It creates just a very special ambiance,” Maranger pointed out.

“Whether it’s the background for a party, or a nice dinner out, or a concert setting. It’s music that people just love to listen to... I like to see the effect that it has on people. You can see, when you’re playing to a room full of people, the effect that music has on them.

Young and old. Music is a great way to bring people together because it’s a universal language that everyone can speak, and that everyone loves.”

MAITLAND VALLEY CAMERA CLUB

If there is anything special you would like to see mentioned in this column, please e-mail me at mcraig1@tcc.on.ca or call me at 519-525-8640.

Until next week, take care of yourselves and each other.

Remember we have much to be thankful for! Enjoy this beautiful weather while it lasts, because all too soon, winter will be here!

Blyth h Legio on

November 3, 2024 Blyth Branch 420 Church Service will be held at the Blyth Christian Reformed Church, Blyth..

Service will begin at 10:00 a.m. Please be reaady to assemble at the church at 9:30 a.m.

NEWS FROM BLYTH

Photography by Joan Perrie

PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024.

Sports Heat teams destined for Fall Challenge Cup in Nov.

Sweet victory As part of the two-day Huron Heat Day extravaganza in Seaforth over the weekend, 15 games were played on the Seaforth and District Community Centre ice. One of them was the U15 B team taking on the Bluewater Hawks on Saturday, above, which saw the locals triumph by a score of 2-0. (John Stephenson photo)

Continued from page 1 Gardens and the Bluewater Hawks at the Gemini Sportsplex Arena, respectively, and scores were not available for those games.

On Wednesday, the U13 C Heat played the St. Marys Rock, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time.

Looking ahead, on Saturday, Oct. 26, the U13 B Heat will be in Walkerton to play the Capitals, the U9 C and U9 HL teams will be in Seaforth to host two South Huron Sabres teams, the U11 C Heat will host the Tillsonburg Lightning in Seaforth and the U15 B Heat will play South Huron/Lucan on the road.

Also that day, the U11 HL Heat will play the Ilderton Jets in Seaforth, the U15 C Heat will play the St. Marys Rock on the road, the U11 A Heat will play the Lancers in Lambeth, the U15 A team will play the Panthers in St. Thomas and the Senior team will be on the road to play the Kitchener Lady Rangers.

The U13 A Heat will also play an exhibition contest with the London Devilettes that day, also on the road.

On Sunday, the U9 HL Heat will welcome the St. Marys Rock to

Clinton, the U15 C Heat will play the Aces in Stratford, the U15 B Heat will play the Walkerton Capitals in Clinton, the U15 A Heat will play the Chatham Crush, also in Clinton, and the U13 A Heat will play the Bluewater Hawks on the road.

The U11 C Heat will also play the Wildcats in Woodstock that day, while the U13 HL team will play Lucan/Ilderton in Brussels, the Senior C team will welcome Elma Logan to Brussels and the U18 BB team will play the Ayr Rockets on the road.

On Oct. 29, the U9 B team will play an exhibition game with the London Devilettes, while, the next night, the U15 C Heat will play the Mitchell Meteors on the road.

Then, on the weekend of Nov. 13, the U11 A and U13 A Heat teams will both travel east to take part in the Waterloo Fall Challenge Cup.

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

Ironmen bounce back

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen While the Wingham Ironmen only had one game on the schedule last weekend, they made the most of it, scoring eight goals to defeat the Kincardine Bulldogs on the way to getting off the schneid and breaking a five-game losing streak.

The team’s lone game of the weekend was on Friday night in Wingham and the Ironmen beat the Kincardine Bulldogs by a score of 8-1. Kincardine actually opened the scoring, leading Wingham 1-0 at 4:38 of the first period thanks to a Carter Servais goal, assisted by Kohen Matthews and Aidan Yarde, but after that, it was all Ironmen.

Serving under assistant coaches Jim Fritzley and Jarod Logan after Dawson Smith stepped down from the head coaching position last week, the Ironmen tied the game at one at 11:29 of the first period with a Tanner Dietz goal, assisted by Micah Kraayenbrink, before taking a 2-1 lead at 19:26 of the first period on a goal from Kraayenbrink, assisted by Dietz and Tate Berfelz.

In the second period, Kraayenbrink scored his second of the game at 13:48, assisted by Berfelz and Dietz, followed by Dietz scoring at 16:38 of the second, assisted by Logan Burnham.

Just 48 seconds into the third period, Nate Bloemberg scored for the Ironmen on the power play, assisted by Logan Burnham and Tanner Dietz, followed by another power play goal at 11:30, scored by Burnham and assisted by Dietz and Tate Bramhill.

At 15:25, Kraayenbrink secured his hat trick on the power play, assisted by Noah Wettlaufer and Tyson Fischer, followed by yet another power play goal for the Ironmen, scored

by Noah Bloemberg at 16:52 of the third,

assisted by Tayt Bramhill and Tanner Dietz.

With his two goals and five assists, Dietz was named the first star of the game, followed by Kraayenbrink and his three goals and one assist and Logan Burnham’s one goal and two assists, making the three stars of the game an all-Wingham affair.

Kaleb Meyer stopped 22 of the 23 shots he faced to earn the win for the Ironmen, while Rowen Cherrett was tagged with the loss for the Bulldogs, stopping 22 of the 27 shots he faced. Keenan Bender would provide relief for Cherrett in the third, stopping four of seven shots to finish the game.

The win hasn’t changed things for the Ironmen in the standings, as the team still sits in fourth place in the North Pollock Division standings in the Provincial Junior Hockey League. The team has a record of 6-5 and 12 points.

The Hanover Barons are in first place in the division with a record of 10 wins, one loss and one shootout loss for a total of 21 points, followed by the secondplace Fergus Whalers with a record of 10-3 and 20 points.

The Mount Forest Patriots are in third place with 14 points and a record of six wins, three losses, two overtime losses and one shootout win. The fourth-place Ironmen are next in the standings, followed by the Mitchell Hawks, who also have 12 points, with a record of five wins, five losses, one overtime loss, one shootout win and one shootout loss.

The Goderich Flyers sit in sixth place with four wins, six losses and one shootout win for a total of nine points, followed by the Walkerton Capitals in seventh place with a record of four wins, nine losses and one shootout win, and the last-place Kincardine Bulldogs with just five points and a record of two wins, eight losses and one overtime loss.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC OPEN HOUSES Huron East Zone Map Modernization Members of the Huron East community are invited to Public Open Houses to review the proposed Zone Maps of the Huron East Zoning By-law. The purpose is to modernize the Zone Maps to improve readability and accuracy; there has been no major update to the maps since 2006, when the consolidated Zoning By-law for Huron East was first passed.

To view the proposed Zone Map drafts, review the GIS mapping viewer, and for information on how to participate in the process, please visit the Huron East website at: https://www.huroneast.com/en/businessand-development/zoning-information.aspx or by scanning the QR Code below.

Some of the proposed changes include: • Re-formatting to have less zone maps overall (reduce from 95 to 44 maps); • Colour maps to aid interpretation (the current maps are black/white); • Reformatting to enhance accessibility and overall user-friendliness; • Improved accuracy based on current aerial photography; • Minor text changes that relate directly to the maps (for example, remove special zones that no longer apply).

Open Houses are being held: Thursday, November 14, 2024 – 1:00pm to 7:00pm – Brucefield United Church at 10 London Road, Brucefield Tuesday, November 19, 2024 – 9:00am to 4:30pm – Huron East Council Chambers at 72 Main Street, Seaforth Thursday, November 21, 2024 – 1:00pm to 7:00pm – Brussels Library at 402 Turnberry Street, Brussels Open Houses are designed as ‘come and go’ sessions. There will be the opportunity to review the draft maps, text amendments and to speak one-on-one with staff. Staff will also be available during normal office hours (8:30am to 4:30pm) and by appointment on Tuesdays in the Huron East Town Hall to meet with landowners who cannot attend an open house.

Please send any comments or questions via email, mail, or telephone to Shae Stoll, Planner (sstoll@huroncounty.ca) or 519-524-8394 ext. 3. Mail can be sent to the Municipal office with Attention to Shae Stoll.

Dated at the Municipality of Huron East this 17th day of October, 2024.

72 Main Street S, P.O Box 610, Seaforth ON N0K 1W0 Phone: 519-527-0160 1-888-868-7513 (toll free) Fax: 519-527-2561

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024. PAGE 9.

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4-H Club impresses at Brussels Fall Fair

Winners The 4-H Beef Club celebrated its achievement day recently at the Brussels Fall Fair, with members being awarded. Clockwise from top left: Dakota Coultes, Champion Senior Showperson; Alex Coultes, Reserve Senior Showperson; Clay Hoggart, Champion Junior Showperson (above), Ty Hoggart, Champion Intermediate Showperson (below); Tori Cutting, first place senior yearling and champion calf; Trace Boven, champion novice showperson; Hailynn Greidanus, first place junior yearling heifer; Seth Moffat, first place market steer, and Hailey Laing, first place 2024 heifer.

(Scott Stephenson photos)

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK REPORT For the week ending October 18, 2024 Total Receipts: 1,500 cattle; 590 lambs, sheep, and goats.

Tuesday – Fed cattle sold actively at prices $3 - $5 higher. Cows sold actively at prices $5 higher.

Thursday – Veal sold steady. Lambs sold slightly higher, on good demand. Sheep and goats sold steady.

Friday – Calves and yearlings sold on a strong active trade with choice cattle and grass-fed bringing a premium.

Fed Cattle: There were 70 fed cattle on offer.

Choice Fed Cattle: $251 – $268 Second Cut Fed Cattle: $236 – $250 Aged and Medium Fed Cattle: $215 – $228 Holstein Fed Cattle: $192 – $230 Trevor Pfeffer of Ayton, consigned three head. One black fed steer weighed 1,605 lbs. and sold for a price of $267.50.

George Hinz of Monkton consigned seven head. One simmental fed heifer weighed 1,405 lbs. and sold for a price of $267.

Cows: There were 160 cows on offer:

Beef Cows: $150 – $194 up to $228 Good Holstein Cows: $151 – $170 Medium Holstein Cows: $140 – $150 Bulls: $200 – $233 Walter Beef Farms Ltd. of Walkerton, consigned six head. One black cow weighed 1,585 lbs. and sold for a price of $194.

Evergreen Holstein of Ethel, consigned nine head. One holstein cow weighed 1,650 lbs. and sold for a price of $170.

Veal: There were 120 veal and 25 bob calves on offer: Beef Veal: $275 – $290 Good Holsteins: $270 – $292 SL Heavy Holsteins: $265 – $280 Heavy Holsteins: $230 – $272 Medium Holsteins: $250 – $269 Plain Holsteins: $235 – $249 Holstein Drop Calves: $290 – $1,125 / HEAD Ki Westelaken of Hensall, consigned three head. One holstein veal weighed 735 lbs. and sold for a price of $292.

John Martin of Lucknow, consigned six head. One holstein veal weighed 735 lbs. and sold for a price of $290.

Jim Maw of Forest, consigned six head.

One black veal weighed 990 lbs. and sold for a price of $290.

Lambs:

Top Quality Steers:

Under 50 lbs.: $401 – $405 50-64 lbs.: $340 – $400 65-79 lbs.: $340 – $395 80-94 lbs.: $310 – $360 95-109 lbs.: $295 – $320 110 lbs. and over: $270 – $322.50

Under 400 lbs.: $507 – $540 400 – 499 lbs.: $470 – $510 500 – 599 lbs.: $415 – $487 600 – 699 lbs.: $383 – $418 700 – 799 lbs.: $330 – $380 800 – 899 lbs.: $305 – $338.50 900 – 999 lbs.: $300 – $341 1,000 lbs. and over: $290 – $330.25

Sheep: $215 – $285 Glen Voisin of Formosa, consigned 39 head. Five lambs averaged 85 lbs. and sold for an average price of $360.

Wesley Bennett of Kirkton, consigned six head. Four lambs averaged 103 lbs. and sold for an average price of $315.

Goats: Meat Kids: $430 – $505 Dairy Kids: $380 – $440 Mature Bucks: $350 – $450 Mature Does: $145 – $240 Allan McEwen of Wyoming, consigned two head. One kid weighed 67 lbs. and sold for a price of $505.

Darrin Durand of Hensall, consigned nine head. Six kid goats averaged 58 lbs. and sold for a price of $474.

Stockers: There were 1125 stockers on offer.

Top Quality Heifers: Under 400 lbs.: $345 – $505 400 – 499 lbs.: $340 – $425 500 – 599 lbs.: $322.50 – $397.50 600 – 699 lbs.: $301 – $337.50 700 – 799 lbs.: $300 – $337.00 800 – 899 lbs.: $291 – $324.50 900 lbs. and over: $267 – $324.50 Dan McComb of Chatsworth, consigned 117 head. Twenty-four black steers averaged 954 lbs. and sold for a price of $341. Thirteen black steers averaged 1,000 lbs. and sold for a price of $330.25.

Paul B. Bowman of Lucknow, consigned 37 head. Thirteen charolais steers averaged 988 lbs. and sold for a price of $332.

Charles Connors of Scoudouc Road, New Brunswick, consigned 16 head. Seven charolais steers averaged 614 lbs. and sold for a price of $418.

Bob Cooper of Kippen, consigned 11 head. Six charolais heifers averaged 762 lbs. and sold for a price of $330 Greg Hendrick of Crediton, consigned 16 head. Five charolais heifers averaged 896 lbs. and sold for a price of $324.50.

Edwin H. Weber of Wroxeter, consigned 21 head. Nine black heifers averaged 947 lbs. and sold for a price of $324.

Chris Glavin consigned nine head. Three black heifers averaged 818 lbs. and sold for a price of $311.50.

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Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows

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PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024.

Sports Crusaders’ hockey returns to Brussels arena U18 LL team played the MidHuron Huskies 2 team in Hensall, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

Looking ahead, tonight, Friday, Oct. 25, the U11 LL team will play the Drayton Defenders White team and the U21 Crusaders will play the Shallow Lake Lakers, both in Brussels.

The next day, the U11 Rep team will play the Capitals in Walkerton, while the U15 Rep team will play the Owen Sound Junior Attack in the first game of the season to be played at the Blyth and District Community Centre. That evening, the U18 Rep team will play the Mitchell Meteors in Brussels and the U15 LL team will play the Kincardine Kinucks in Tiverton.

On Sunday, the U13 LL team will play the Mount Forest Rams on the road, the U9 LL team will host the Minto Mad Dogs in Blyth, the U15 Rep team will play the Sailors in Goderich and the U21 team will play the Mitchell Meteors on the road.

The U13 Rep Crusaders will then head to Hensall for a game with the Mid-Huron Huskies on Monday, while their U15 LL counterparts will also play a Mid-Huron Huskies team in Blyth that night.

On Oct. 30, the U11 Rep team will play the Meteors in Mitchell before all teams skip Halloween, allowing the Crusaders to do some trick-or-treating in the neighbourhood. Action for all teams will then resume in November.)

Broomball season is back in Blyth Tangled up Last Friday night saw the first Blyth Brussels Crusaders’ games of the season played at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre. Above, the U11 Rep team tied the Kincardine Kinucks, while below, the U21 team played Huron-Bruce with no score available for that game. (John Stephenson photo) The first home game of the season for a Blyth Brussels Crusaders team ended in a 2-2 draw last Friday night when the U11 Rep team tied the Kincardine Kinucks at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre.

Also that night, the U21 team welcomed the Huron-Bruce Blizzard to the Brussels arena, although a score for that game was unavailable at press time. The team was back in action the next night,

however, and lost to the Shallow Lake Lakers on the road by a score of 9-0.

On Sunday, the U21 team played its third game in as many days and lost to the Capitals in Walkerton by a score of 7-1. Also that day, the U11 Rep team played the Bruce Peninsula Predators in Wiarton, but the high-scoring affair ended in a 66 tie. In Goderich that night, the U18 Rep team played the Sailors and that game too ended in a tie,

with both teams scoring three goals each.

On Tuesday, the U15 Rep team hosted the Central Perth Predators in Brussels and, on Thursday, the

With hockey in full swing and skating programs beginning, it also time for the non-skated tradition of winter sports to return: broomball.

Blyth Junior Broomball teams played their first regular season games of the year last weekend.

On Saturday, the U9 Bullets played Palmerston and lost by a score of 5-0, while the U12 Bullets beat Palmerston by a score of 4-0 and the U14 Boys beat Palmerston by a score of 8-0. All games were played in Blyth at the Blyth and District Community Centre.

There are then five home games on the schedule for this weekend, but not before four teams were on the road on Wednesday. The U9 Bullets, U12 Silver, U14 Boys and

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U16 Girls teams were all in Seaforth for games, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

On Friday night, the U14 Girls and U16 Girls teams hosted their counterparts from Palmerston in Blyth, while, on Saturday, the U12 Silver team welcomed Palmerston to Blyth and the U12 Bullets and U16 Boys both played teams from Seaforth, also in Blyth.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024. PAGE 11.

Get Ready For Winter

PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024.

The importance of lighting in fall/winter months • Prioritize safety: Check lighting fixtures and cords for wear and replace as needed. Use timers or smart plugs to avoid leaving lights on too long. Ensure lighting set-ups don’t block walkways.

Balancing cozy ambiance with

safety is key to winter lighting.

With careful planning, you can enjoy a beautifully lit, safe and inviting home all season long.

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Keep your home cozy

Get ready for winter When many think of the holidays, their illumination-themed thoughts may tend to be more exterior-oriented, but neglect your interior illumination at your own peril, as the right lighting in the colder seasons can achieve your cozy goals. (News Canada photo) NC - As days grow shorter, the role of lighting in our homes becomes more important than ever.

The right lighting can transform your living space into a warm and inviting haven, perfect for cozying up during those cold winter nights.

However, while creating a cozy atmosphere, it’s equally important to consider safety.

Here’s how you can help to achieve a balance between comfort and security with your winter lighting.

• Incorporate warm, soft lighting: Use warm-coloured light bulbs to create a cozy glow. Table lamps with fabric shades and dimmable floor lamps add warmth, while string lights provide a soft, whimsical effect.

• Enhance the atmosphere with candles: Flameless candles add an intimate, flickering light, perfect for winter.

• Combine lighting with decor: Use accent lighting to highlight key areas like artwork or plants, enhancing the room’s ambiance.

Decorative fixtures like lanterns or chandeliers can serve as both lighting and decor, adding style and warmth.

NC - As winter approaches, transform your home into a warm, inviting space. Here are some tips: Stop drafts: Seal gaps around windows and doors to help to keep cold air out and save on energy bills.

Add indoor plants: They improve air quality and add freshness to your space. Snake plants, spider plants and peace lilies are particularly effective.

Maintain humidity levels: Using a humidifier to prevent dryness will help make your home warmer and more comfortable.

Layer with soft furnishings: Use rugs, heavy curtains and

flannel or fleece sheets to add warmth and texture.

Embrace Danish hygge: Surround yourself with things that make you happy, like books, blankets and a warm cup of tea.

Optimize heating efficiency: Make sure your heating system is serviced and working efficiently.

Consider installing a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature and reduce energy consumption when you’re not home.

Use draft-stoppers: Place draftstoppers at the base of doors to prevent cold air from entering through gaps.

This small investment can make a big Continued on page 17

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024. PAGE 13.

Prepare your vehicle for winter in Huron • De-icing your car safely is important. Use a proper ice scraper and de-icer spray, and avoid using hot water, which can crack your windshield. To prevent frost buildup, park your car in a garage or use a windshield cover.

Preparing your car for winter will help ensure you stay safe and avoid

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PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024.

Cleanliness crucial for paint longevity in all seasons improve the appearance and life expectancy of a vehicle, which is something drivers

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Keep it clean The image of washing the car in your driveway on a warm, sunny day is fine and dandy, but washing your car regularly, regardless of the season, is an important step to maintaining the integrity of its paint job. (MS photo) MS - Drivers go to great lengths to ensure what’s under the hood of their vehicles is well taken care of.

But it’s equally beneficial to tend to the exterior of a vehicle, including its paint job.

According to Popular Mechanics, oxidation can adversely affect ironbased metals. That can put vehicles in jeopardy and take significant time off their life expectancy. The good news is that rust and other issues that can affect a vehicle’s paint job and appearance are typically avoidable.

That should be music to the ears of new vehicle owners, who likely need no reminder of the sizable financial investment required to drive off the lot with a fresh set of wheels. Drivers who want their cars and trucks to maintain their looks over the long haul can consider these simple strategies to protect their paint jobs.

• Make car washes part of your vehicle maintenance routine.

Seasoned drivers are undoubtedly familiar with the conventional wisdom surrounding oil change intervals, but those same motorists may not recognize the importance of routine car washes. Over time, contaminants such as pollen, dust and pollution can settle on a vehicle’s exterior, potentially jeopardizing the paint job. Routine car washes can prevent such damage and help a car look like it was just driven off the lot.

• Wax the exterior of the vehicle. The automotive experts at Carfax® report that waxing is a significant and simple way to protect vehicle paint. Carfax® notes that certain paste waxes contain mild abrasives that help remove fine scratches from painted surfaces. Wax also can protect paint jobs from fading related to exposure to ultraviolet rays. That’s especially noteworthy for drivers who do not routinely park their cars in a garage.

• Use a car cover. Car covers may or may not be practical for cars drivers use every day, but they are an effective way to protect a paint job from the elements. Drivers who have a spare car they rarely drive or even those who do not drive their primary vehicle a lot each day can purchase a universal-fit car cover or a premium cover designed

specifically for their vehicles. Car covers protect paint jobs from ultraviolet rays and the elements and may reduce the need for more frequent trips to the car wash.

• Park in the shade, but choose spots wisely. Parking in the shade may protect vehicles from the ultraviolet rays of the sun, but it’s important that drivers pick the right shady spot to park their cars and trucks. A shade tree might seem like a great ally to vehicle owners, but if birds nest or rest in the tree, drivers could be exposing their cars to bird droppings. That’s no small threat, as bird droppings are high in uric acid, which quickly damage a vehicle’s exterior. Parking directly beneath a tree also might expose the paint job to sap or fallen leaves or berries, each of which can adversely vehicle exteriors. If you plan to park in the shade to protect the paint job, ideally choose a spot

that is not directly beneath the tree.

A well-maintained paint job can

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PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024.

Have a plan for holiday decor

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That time of year Thinking outside of the box when decorating your home for the holidays could be just the thing to give it a different feel from winter to winter. (MS photo) MS - The end of the year is upon us and that often involves decorating a home in its holiday finest. According to Today’s Homeowner, nearly 70 per cent of Americans plan to display outdoor holiday decorations. Among those choosing to decorate, 34 per cent will do so before American Thanksgiving.

Everyone has a different vision of a well-appointed holiday home, but there’s always room to make things more unique and creative. These ideas can add a little extra to holiday displays.

• Decorate other rooms: Who says holiday decorating is exclusive to living and dining areas? Think about decorating unexpected places, like swapping out everyday towels and shower curtains with something festive. Swags of greenery wrapped in lights can be added to bed frames.

• Co-ordinate the ornaments: Identify a colour theme and then showcase it with ornaments. Think about matching the ornaments to the presents wrapped under the tree as well. Purchase white package paper and colour or paint the paper to be the same hues as the ornaments on the tree boughs.

• It’s hip to be square: While round wreaths are traditional, make your own wreaths in a different geometric shape by using wire or another material as the frame.

Square wreaths may be unexpected, and you also can turn the square on its side for a diamond shape.

• Add a spot of colour: Certain holidays are known for their particular colour palettes, such as red and green for Christmas. But you also can do something unexpected. Whether using a lighter shade of the same colour family or adding an accent colour like purple or blue, you can change things up in a creative way.

• Make an unexpected bouquet: Swap flowers for pine cones, berries and greenery in unique vessels. For example, arrange your centerpiece in a tall fountain glass or even a cocktail shaker.

• Try a different accent tree: Use a styrofoam cone as the base of a tree for a centerpiece or sideboard.

Attach poinsettia branches for a vibrant red tree, or stacked lemons or oranges filled with greenery for a fresh-smelling citrus creation.

• Suspend belief: Instead of attaching a tree topper to the tallest bough, hang one from the ceiling just above the tree to add even more whimsy.

• Mix and match: When it comes to a holiday table, mix and match table settings for an eclectic

tableau.

• Shift into neutral: Instead of a large holiday display in familiar colours, rely on neutral, wintery tones that will blend in with the home but add a festive

touch. Natural wood, whites and creams, and muted greens can fill spaces.

Unique holiday decorations and schemes can be a great way to add new life to a home this December.

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024. PAGE 17.

The benefits of safety cameras at home are growing greater availability and increased affordability of security cameras has made it easier than ever for homeowners to make their homes less appealing to prospective burglars.

• Security cameras may help to lower insurance premiums.

Exterior security cameras can help individuals lower the cost of their homeowners insurance policies.

The extent of those savings may depend on the type of cameras homeowners install and whether or not the cameras are integrated into a whole-home security system. The Insurance Information Institute notes that whole home security systems can save homeowners anywhere from two to 15 per cent

on their homeowners insurance policies. More advanced systems, such as those which feature alarms and exterior cameras, can earn homeowners greater savings on their policies.

• Security cameras provide peace of mind while traveling.

Modern security camera systems now provide remote access through smartphone apps. That can give homeowners peace of mind when traveling, as they can monitor their properties when they’re away from home and potentially alert local authorities if they notice anything suspicious on their remote feeds.

• Security cameras can give parents peace of mind. Much like security cameras help travelers

keep an eye on their property while they’re away, parents also may find that access to real-time video footage of their homes can calm their nerves when children are in the house.

Parents can utilize cameras to keep tabs on youngsters playing in the yard and monitor feeds to see what older kids are up to while Mom and Dad are at work or away from the home for other reasons.

Home security cameras are a worthwhile investment that can save homeowners money and provide peace of mind that they're doing everything possible to make their homes comfortable, safe spaces to live.

The eye in the sky As home security cameras have become more affordable, their benefits have become clear, especially in areas in which property crime levels have risen in recent years. (MS photo) MS - Homeowners go to great lengths to make their properties comfortable places to call home.

Whether it’s new interior furnishings or renovated outdoor living areas or the installation of various smart home technologies, there’s no shortage of ways to upgrade a home with comfort in mind.

When homeowners renovate a home in an effort to make spaces more relaxing and welcoming, it’s important they recognize the relationship between comfort and safety. A home is only as comfortable as it is safe, as residents might struggle to relax if they’re concerned about their safety. Security cameras can help

quell such concerns, which is one of a handful of reasons homeowners should consider these increasingly popular safety features for their homes.

• Security cameras can help to deter criminals. Property crimes may not garner the same level of news coverage as violent crimes, but a recent report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation indicated that there were still nearly 900,000 burglary offences in the United States in 2022. That figure represents a decline of more than 50 per cent since 2012, when FBI data indicates more than 1.8 million such offences were committed. A host of variables undoubtedly contributed to that decline, and the

Keep your home cozy Continued from page 12 difference in keeping your home warm.

Cook at home: Use your kitchen to cook warm meals and bake. The heat from the oven and stove will help warm up your home, and the smell of fresh food adds to the coziness.

Add area rugs: Lay down area rugs, especially in rooms with hard flooring, to add warmth underfoot.

They also help insulate the floor and keep rooms cozy.

Use thermal curtains: Install thermal or insulated curtains on your windows to help keep the cold out and retain the warmth inside.

This can be especially effective during the night when temperatures drop.

Creating a cozy space is essential

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PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024.

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Guest rooms get the most use around the holidays. You owe it to your loved ones to make them a welcoming space when they make their way to your home. (MS photo) MS - Millions of celebrants welcome family and friends into their home as overnight guests each holiday season. Hosting loved ones during the holiday season is a selfless act that enables families to create the kind of lasting memories that make December such a special time of year.

As hosts prepare their homes for loved ones this holiday season, they can consider these tips to make guests rooms as welcoming as possible for friends and family.

• Check the bedding and replace, if necessary. It’s easy to overlook the comfort of bedding in a guest room, particularly since hosts may never sleep in their own guest rooms. When furnishing a guest room, it’s not unheard of to repurpose an existing mattress from an owner’s suite or another room and use for guest room bedding.

Though that’s acceptable, it’s necessary to periodically inspect a guest room mattress to make sure it’s still comfortable and supportive. If not, replace the mattress. A mattress topper, a new comforter and a new set of soft sheets also can make guest room bedding more comfortable.

• Clear out the clutter. Guest rooms can easily become depositories for old furniture and other items, which can create a cluttered and less-than-welcoming atmosphere in a space. Give each guest room a thorough once-over before guests arrive, removing pieces that might be creating a

claustrophobic vibe. Keep in mind that guests will bring luggage, so a less-cluttered space with ample room for their bags can make it easier to settle in.

• Take a cue from hotels. Hotels ensure guests have ample creature comforts at their fingertips. Holiday hosts can do the same when welcoming loved ones into their homes. Provide ample bed and bath linens, ensure the room has ample lighting so guests can read at bedtime and get dressed in plenty of light in the morning. A foldable luggage rack is another nice touch that can keep guests from having to dig through their suitcases on the floor.

• Add an armchair, where possible. A spacious guest room allows hosts to provide some extra creature comforts. If the room allows, place a comfortable armchair and side table in the space so guests can read a book or catch up on the news on a tablet or smartphone. A comfortable, quiet and secluded place to sit provides guests a respite from the hustle and bustle of a home filled with holiday guests.

• Install window coverings, if necessary. A feeling of privacy is another important creature comfort guests will appreciate. Replace existing window treatments if they do not provide adequate privacy or if they do not keep the elements out in the morning. For example, a room that is sun-soaked by early morning each day may make it hard

for guests to get sufficient sleep.

Some blackout curtains or a new set of blinds allows guests to determine the amount of natural light that will greet them each morning.

Some simple tips can help holiday hosts turn their guest rooms into welcoming spaces for their loved ones.

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024. PAGE 19.

CKNX Radiothon raises $375,209 for hospitals

Making waves The Seaforth Hospital Foundation is $5,000 richer after receiving a generous donation.

The financial boost is a result of the CKNX Health Care Heroes Radiothon, which raised over $375,000 for vital health care projects in midwestern Ontario. (Submitted photo) On Oct. 19, 2024, the CKNX Health Care Heroes Radiothon took

to the airwaves with a mission to inspire support for local hospitals in

midwestern Ontario.

At the end of the seven-hour

broadcast, $375,209 had been raised toward vital health care projects for hospitals in the participating communities, including Mount Forest, Wingham, Palmerston, Walkerton, Listowel, Clinton, Hanover and Seaforth.

Each year since 2002, the CKNX Health Care Heroes Radiothon has dedicated a day to helping local hospitals share their message and inspire giving within their communities. This year, the Radiothon was broadcast on AM920 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and featured patients’ stories, interviews highlighting each foundation’s fundraising goals and projects, and motivational challenges encouraging listeners to make a donation and become a “Health Care Hero”. In addition to the on-air broadcast, many of the participating hospital foundations also held in-person events to support their cause, including community breakfasts, photo sessions and bake sales.

Prior to going on air, each foundation selected an important project for which they were raising funds, including essential equipment like hematology analyzers, information technology

(IT) support and upgrades, patient beds, laboratory equipment, and vital signs monitors. The cost of capital equipment in Ontario hospitals is not supported though government funding, and these projects depend on gifts made from within the community. A number of philanthropic businesses and organizations, including Germania Mutual Insurance, Bruce Power, Howick Mutual Insurance, and Axiom Mutual Insurance directed their support towards multiple participating hospital foundations.

Throughout its 23 years, the CKNX Health Care Heroes Radiothon has raised a grand total of $14,874,093 for local healthcare.

For many of the participating hospitals, the Radiothon is one of their major fundraising campaigns each year, helping them to fund essential capital projects and equipment.

If you would like to contribute, text giving is open until the end of October, and you can make a $10 donation simply by texting the word HERO followed by the name of the hospital you are supporting to 41010. Alternately you can visit cknx.ca/health-care-heroesradiothon online to donate.

OPP costs increasing for Huron East council Continued from page 1 council would discuss that decision at the time. *** Huron East Council is facing a 19 per cent increase in its Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) costs from 2024 to 2025 for a total cost of $1,937,842.

In her report, Director of Finance Stacy Grenier noted that the major factor in the increase is the repeal of Bill 124, which had capped public sector salary increases in Toronto to one per cent for a three-year period, but was later found to be unconstitutional.

As a result, officers will receive a

retroactive raise of 4.75 per cent for 2023, a 4.5 per cent increase for 2024 and 2.75 per cent raises for 2025 and 2026. That represents a 12.5 per cent increase in the municipality’s 2025 budget, Grenier said, with the assumption of no increase in the number of uniformed officers, auxiliary officers or civilian employees.

Neither council nor staff could negotiate the increase with the OPP, but Grenier said the burden is “unbelievable” for Huron East. She said that the increase alone will account for a nearly three per cent increase to the municipal levy in the 2025 budget.

*** While council had discussed making changes to its council conference budget allowances, at their Oct. 15 meeting, councillors opted to change the policy with little discussion, allowing for up to $2,500 in conference costs per councillor per year to a maximum of $10,000 over a council member’s four-year term.

The amount will then be increased on an annual basis based on the province’s consumer price index (CPI). *** At its Oct. 15 meeting, council voted to approve a recommendation

from the municipality’s personnel committee, authorizing a 2.1 per cent cost of living adjustment (COLA) to be applied to all staff wages for 2024.

Mayor Bernie MacLellan noted that such an increase would be within council’s approved range and it passed with little discussion. *** At its Oct. 15 meeting, council approved its schedule of meetings for 2025.

Council has opted to have single meetings in January, July, August and December, while sticking to its traditional two-meeting structure in all other months.

Meeting dates are as follows: Jan. 14, Feb. 4, Feb. 18, March 4, March 18, April 15, April 29, May 13, May 27, June 10, June 24, July 8, Aug. 12, Sept. 9, Sept.

23, Oct. 7, Oct. 21, Nov. 4, Nov. 18 and Dec. 9.

Councillor Bob Fisher suggested adding a second meeting in January, acknowledging the need to accommodate staff holiday time, but noting that council will be in the midst of the budget process.

Clerk Jessica Rudy said that council could always add another meeting or a special budget meeting in the weeks prior, if council wished.

Morris-Turnberry approves $400 staff rebate

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen Morris-Turnberry Council met on Oct. 1 to discuss a report and recommendation from the Joint Health and Safety Committee regarding the distribution of rebates from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) Health

and Safety Excellence program.

Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk Trevor Hallam presented the report, which was prepared by DeputyClerk Kim Johnston.

Hallam explained that the committee’s decision follows the municipality’s successful completion of seven topics under the WSIB Health and Safety

Excellence program, resulting in a rebate of $14,000. The report notes that once three additional policies are finalized over the next couple of years, the total rebate could reach $20,000.

The Joint Health and Safety Committee, which includes representatives from the municipality, proposed that the

rebates be distributed to employees as a token of appreciation for their commitment to safe work practices.

Hallam explained that the committee had also provided suggestions for how employees could utilize the gift cards, including purchasing healthy food or exercise equipment.

Since cash disbursements would

On the hunt Shoppers eagerly explored a treasure trove of bargains at the annual fall rummage sale, sponsored by the Auxiliary to the Wingham and District Hospital. Held at the Wingham Legion on October 15 and 16, the event

the Wingham Legion on Oct. 15 and 16, the event attracted a lively crowd, all excited to uncover unique finds and great deals. Attendees rummaged through a diverse selection of donated items. (Submitted photo)

be taxable, the committee advocated for the use of gift cards up to $500, which fall under noncash gifts according to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) regulations.

Deputy-Mayor Kevin Freiburger offered a reminder that a $100 gift card is already given to employees at Christmas time, suggesting that this new initiative should not exceed a total of $400 in gift card value for any employee. Hallam acknowledged Freiburger’s point and confirmed that the committee would consider this limit when finalizing the details.

In acknowledging Johnston’s efforts, Hallam pointed out that the Joint Health and Safety Committee has worked diligently to draft and implement these policies, ensuring that employees are educated on them through onboarding quizzes and other methods.

Councillor Sharen Zinn expressed her support for the initiative.

Councillor Jodi Snell highlighted the importance of offering options that will be useful to all employees.

In a unanimous decision, Council approved the motion to distribute WSIB Excellence Program rebates as gift cards, with a limit of $400 per employee.

PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024.

Cappy Onn to perform at anniversary service PEOPLE AROUND LONDESBORO

By BRENDA RADFORD Call 523-4296

Rev. Jan Aylward led the morning worship at Londesborough United Church on Sunday, Oct. 20. Her reflection was based on the scripture passage Mark 10:35 - 45.

In those verses, Jesus tells His

disciples that He came to earth to serve others. In His ministry of three years, He did just that, setting an example for the 12 disciples to learn from and follow. He assured them that to be great in God’s eyes is to serve others with a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.

Christians today, disciples in our world, should endeavour to serve others with love following Christ’s example.

Londesborough United will hold its anniversary service this coming Sunday. Cappy Onn will share her musical talents during the service and refreshments will follow in the Sunday School room.

This last week of October, the pupils at Hullett Central Public School are having fun with spooky activities. From now until Oct. 30, pupils can buy raffle tickets for 50 cents each to win a carved jack-olantern and other Halloweenthemed prizes.

Spirit days start on Monday with a Halloween colouring and/or design contest. Tuesday, kids will wear spooky socks to class and Wednesday is Halloween hair or hat day. Thursday, the halls will be full of black and orange clothing. All grades will have a chance to participate in Halloween stations appropriate for their ages.

And, although it seems as if this year has just started, the board is looking ahead to the 2025/2026 school year. Hullett will hold its registration for Kindergarten that year on the afternoon of Nov 6.

I was disappointed to have missed seeing any of the displays of Northern Lights recently. Some people were more diligent in seeking them out on the clear nights. I saw some spectacular photos of the lights taken in Nova Scotia making me realize they were visible all across Canada.

However, one would be hard pressed not to have seen that super moon last week. For three days, it was almost spooky in its brightness.

The moon on those three nights, from Tuesday through to Thursday, was at its closest point in its orbit to the earth, called perigee, when that coincided with a full moon. At that time, the moon appears 30 per cent brighter and 15 per cent larger than when it is at the furthest point from earth. And the detail of the surface of the moon was incredible!

According to scientists, we are experiencing a string of super

moons; four of them, starting in August. But October’s was apparently the brightest. However, in the event you missed it, there will be a full/super moon again in November. Let’s hope a snowstorm won’t prevent us from enjoying it.

NEWS FROM LONDESBORO

Cowbell earns gold, silver at Beer Cup Breakfast Guests devour stacks of pancakes at a breakfast hosted by the Londesborough Lions Club on Sunday, Oct. 20. (John Stephenson photo)

Brookses mark 60th anniversary and Noah and Navy).

Mac was a member of the Blyth Lions Club and enjoys fishing, hunting and working in the shop, as well as having coffee with the boys, while Brenda volunteers at the ReStore, the Blyth Festival, her church and more.

At the celebration, the couple welcomed their soloist, Agnes Moon, and pianist, Anne Fairservice to help them celebrate their special day.

Diamond anniversary Mac and Brenda Brooks marked 60 years of marriage on Oct. 24. (John Stephenson photo) Over the weekend, Mac and Brenda Brooks of Blyth celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with friends, family members and neighbours at their daughter Nicole’s house in Blyth.

It was on Oct. 24, 1964 that Brenda Kennedy, the daughter of Chris and Joyce of Londesborough, married Mac Brooks, the son of Edwin and Margaret Brooks of Strathroy’s Adelaide Village. The wedding took place at Londesborough United Church with Rev. William Carson officiating. Attendants were Bob Feasey, Wayne and Brad Kennedy, Grant Brooks, Tony Duizer, Gerrie

Duizer (Kennedy), Sharee Kennedy (Bartliff), Shirley Brooks (Reave) and Lori Kennedy.

After the wedding, the Brookses went to Northern Ontario for their honeymoon before returning to Blyth to begin the rest of their lives.

There, Mac worked as a selfemployed carpenter, while Brenda worked as an office manager. Mac retired in 1985 due to health problems and Brenda worked until 2013.

Together, they had two children, Brent and Nicole, and they have four grandchildren (Colton, Kelsey, Connor and Tanner) and four greatgrandchildren (Owen and Darcy

Blyth’s Cowbell Brewing Company is one gold and one silver medal richer after Friday’s Canada Beer Cup, held in New Westminster, British Columbia.

The local brewery won gold in the Fruit Beer category for its Cencerro Cerveza and silver in the Standard American Lager category for Shindig.

About 1,500 Canadian beers were judged as part of the Beer Cup, which is the only not-for-profit competition of its kind in Canada.

This was the third installment of the competition, which supports the Canadian Craft Brewers Association.

For a full list of winners, visit canadabeercup.com.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024. PAGE 21.

Farming around Walton wrapping up for 2024 season PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

Ho Ho Ho! It is only a little over eight weeks until Christmas! Once Thanksgiving is over, the time will fly with lots of activities to attend and gifts to buy. Make a plan and maybe it will not hurt the pocketbook so badly.

Buying a couple every week would put a dent in the list and not

be so hard on the bank account - so perhaps consider that this season.

Your mailbox will begin to fill with flyers, flyers and more flyers full of gift ideas and sale items.

Christmas hits midweek this year, so many will celebrate either the Wednesday or Thursday. Some families will celebrate the weekend before or the weekend after. Just remember, Christmas is celebrating many things. The birth of Jesus, the love of family and the joy of good friends.

The good weather has many farmers on the last leg of farming in 2024. There are not many soybeans left, if any, after such a good week.

The wheat should be planted and field after field of corn is disappearing quickly. It started with

moisture in the upper twenties and now it has dropped to the low twenties. Weather is co-operating with lots of sun and no rain.

Farmers are busy getting the manure spread and then plowing or working the ground with other equipment, cultivating or they’re busy washing and putting equipment away. The farming year of crops for 2024 will soon be over!

Home to Ontario to help with harvest are Weldon and Joanne (Knight) Black from New Brunswick. They are staying at Steve and Marni’s and are working alongside Steve and Brad.

Combining, chopping corn stubble, running folks and machinery from field to field. Weldon reports he is really enjoying being a farmer!

The Walton Hall had planned the opening day of Coffee Chat at the Walton Hall for Oct. 26, but it is cancelled due to another rental. We will host a Coffee Chat on Nov. 9.

They should then be on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 9-10:30 a.m., so come join us then.

There is always upkeep required for the hall, so a drive-thru turkey dinner is planned. Look for the information or call Margaret or me for tickets.

Celebrating birthdays this past week are Travis Wilts, Chase Grobbink, Harper Lee, Ron McCallum, Brett Lee, Janice McCallum MacGillvary, Mike Parr, Doug Bauer and Wayne Todd.

Happy birthday to all!

NEWS FROM WALTON

DREA AM HOME OF THE MONTH M

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To be part of the Home of the Month contact Brenda Nyveld, sales rep for The Citizen newspaper at 519-523-4792 fax: 519-523-9140 email: ads@northhuron.on.ca

PLAN NUMBER 1-3-659 LIV VING AREA ALL ON ONE FLO OOR A cozy b bungalow l with i h the h liliving i area allll on one floor, fl this hi two- or three-bedroom h b d h home features f skylights in the great room and nine-foot ceilings throughout. t Entry is through a covered veranda, which span ns part of the facade, into a foyer with a vaulted ceiling that extends into the great room and dining g area. A coat closet is on the left, and the L-shaped staircase to the optional basement to the right. Ne earby is a display case for collectibles.

The great room includes a fireplace flanked by built-in b shelves that will accommodate a sound system and books, as well as knickknacks. A doorrway between the great room and dining area leads to a sundeck overlooking the back garden.

In the kitchen, separated from the dining area by a prep island, a handy phone desk is located near the walk-in pantry. Natural light will come in the window i d over the th double d bl sink, i k and d the th L-shaped L h d counter configuration spells effficiency for the cookk.

Next to the kitchen is the laundry room and a co oat closet. A separate mud-room, complete with bench and hooks, has access to the double garag ge.

The master suite looks out to the back garden fo or privacy and includes an en-suite with an oval soaker tub, as well as a glassed-in shower stall. The T walk-in closet will accommodate a couples clothing and accessories.

The second bedroom and third bedroom/den sh hare a three-piece bathroom. Bedroom No. 2 boats a window with an extra-wide sill, and the den looks over the front veranda.

This home measures 60 feet wide and 37 feet feet, 10 inches deep, for a total of 1,596 square feet.

Plans for design 1-3-659 are available for $855 (set of 5), $920(set of 8) and $972 for a super set of C. or $55.00 outside of B.C. Please add 7% P.S.T., 10. Also add $30.00 for Priority charges within B.C oth the plan price and Priority charges.

13% H.S.T. Or 5% G.S.T (where applicable) to bo ogue containing over 300 plans is available for Our NEW 52nd Edition of the Home Plan Catalo $16.50 (includes taxes, postage and handling). Make all cheque and money orders payable to "Jenish House Design Ltd." and mail to: SE DESIGN LTD. JENISH HOUS uron Publishing c/o North Hu Ave Av #201- 1658 Commerce C V1X 8A9 Kelowna, BC B OR SEE OUR WEB PAGE ORD DER FORM ON: www.jenish.com AND E-MAIL YOUR ORDER R TO: homeplans@jenish.com

L Laverne’s Cusstom Wood Products Custom made furniture, kitc chens, vanities, wood trim and much more ...d designed to fit your home.

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PAGE 22. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024.

Classified Adver e tising g – RA AT TES – 20 words or less only $9.00 + HST Additional words 25¢ ea. + HST

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

Articles for sale GERBERS FIREWOOD SER RV VING you for over 15 years. years Y Yo our number one source of quality slabwood and bodywood. Delivery available. No Sunday calls. 519-274-1236, 519441-2085.

------------------------------------------Shade trees, Spruce, White Pine, Cedars, windbreaks and privacy hedges, Shrubs, Apples, Pears, Peaches, Plums, Sweet & sour Cherry Trees at (Emanuel E.M. Martin) Martin's Nursery 42661 Orangehill Rd, W Wrroxeter ON N0G 2X0 ------------------------------------------REPRINTS OF PHOTOS taken by Citizen photographers are available to purchase. All are in colour. 4x6 $5.00, 5x7 - $6.00, 8x10 - $10.00.

Phone to order 519-523-4792 or email info@northhuron.on.ca ------------------------------------------THE CITIZEN IS AV VA AILABLE TO purchase at these locations - Auburn Esso Belgrave Variety Esso, Va y, y, Blyth Food Market, Blyth V Vaariety, Blyth Ultramar, Brussels Foodland, Brussels Va y,, Variety Clinton Convenience, Clinton Foodland, Fogal's YIG (Wingham), Seaforth Foodland, Fincher's (Goderich), Goderich V Viictoria St Shell, Goderich Petro-Canada Gas Bar, and The Citizen offffice in Blyth.

Card of thanks The Belgrave Community Centre Board would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the community members and local businesses who made a donation towards our Silent Auction for our 4th Annual V Veendors Market on October 20. These acts of generosity from our community help us to maintain our facility for all to enjoy.

Thank you also to anyone that came to support the local vendors and/or made a donation to help make this event such a success. Y Yo our patronage is very much appreciated and we hope everyone enjoyed themselves.

It is gestures such as these that make us appreciate the community we live in. A huge thank you to Dana W Weeber who organized this event to make this event a success again. The Belgrave Community Centre Board

Coming events AUBURN AND DISTRICT LIONS Club Breakfast at the Auburn Community Hall, Sunday y,, Nov 3, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Adults $15, Children $6, Preschool free. Maple syrup supplied by Robinson Maple Products. Eggs supplied by Huron County Egg Farmers. Proceeds for Community Betterment. W Wee Serve.

------------------------------------------BL LY YTH UNITED CHURCH Drive Thru Beef Supper. Saturday y,, Oct. 26, 4 to 6 p.m. Tickets $25. Call Joann at 519-523-9274. Order by Oct. 25.

Coming events Cominng events Swap shop ETHEL HALL F FA ALL SUPPER. Roast turkey and all the fixings. Nov. 3 at the Ethel Community Center.

Adults $20, kids 6 to 12, $10. 5 and under, free. 4 and 6 pm sittings.

Tickets and information, call Brenda at 887-6153, and Sue at 291-8876.

------------------------------------------VEL LV VET & IVORY RY Y - Join us for an evening of smooth jazz standards and classic favourites.

Beverley Maranger, vocals and Tim Elliott, piano. Friday y,, November 1 at 7:30 pm at T Trrinity Anglican Church, 166 Di l St Dinsley St, Bl Blyth. th Free F will ill offfffering f i or tax-creditable donations. Event is being held to raise funds for Huron Hospice.

Charity C y Co oncer t

“SW WA AP SHOP” ad

in n support of

Ronaald McDonald House

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

Sunday, Nove ember 3, 2024 a at 2:00 P.M. Blyth United Church 430 Mill M Street, Blyth

JELL LY YB BEAN BLUE & Friends F

Services

Katie Mitchell & Rev. Alex Jebson Blyth Unitted Church Choir

CUSTOM APPLE PRESSING! Drop your apples offff & pick up your fresh cider later ! Maitside Orchard, 23 Orchard Lane, Brussels 519-8352228.

Help wanted

Cittizen-To-Citizen o

Free Will Offffering Complim mentary Refreshments

Help wanted

The Belgrave Community Centrre Board is looking to fill the positio on of

Booking Coordina ator Duties include but are not limited to: Corresponding and Preparing rental contracts with patrons, Receiving payment for contracts Corresponding with Board Members and other parties involved regarding rentals Be available to attend scheduled monthly meetings of the Belgrave Community Centre Board Any questions can be directed to Jonathon V Va anCamp 519 357 8259 Applicants can mail their résumés to: Jonathon V Va an Camp PO Box 176 Belgrave, ON N0G 1E0 Deadline closes Wednesday November 6,2024

• Free ad up to 25 words, person to n only (no businesses), items person valued at $1,000 or less. Price must be include ed in yyour ad.Y Yo our ad will run three times unless it sells faster!

• The Th Citizen Citi C reserves th the right i ht to t limit li it the num mber of items or ads per person.

FOR SA ALE - Collector-type, licensed memorabbilia Blue Jay players-style shirt.

Tags stiill attached, never worn, player Ta number 19 Bautista, $75; Great Christmas gift for a Blue Jay’s team fan. Call 519887-8046.

43-3 -------------------------------------------------FREE - Used kitchen cupboards, suitable for shed or garage. 519-524-7891. 43-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR SA ALE - Sunbeam vaporizer with new filteer; computer cabinet; two sets dirt bike ggeaar youth XS; Moen shower head (new); ffour shrub covers. Moving. Must go. Make an offffer. 519-357-2768. 43-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR S SALE - Honeywell Cool Mist humidifiier, $15; Pond pump 800 gal/hr. $50. 5199-345-0446.

43-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR SA ALE - 1,000 piece puzzles, many to choose fr from. Mostly Cobblehill puzzles; 2 for $15. Call 519-482-5762.

43-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR SA ALE - Y Yaardworks Snowblower 10.5 HP / 29”” 6 speed / 2 speed, has reverse, electric sstart, used very little, asking $725.

519-525-1863.

43-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR SA ALE - Four new 17” Mopar factory steel rim ms, $100; Powerfist 2500W digital inverter ggenerator, $675. For more info call 519-525-1863.

42-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR SA ALE - John Deere lawn mower, $200 or bbest offer ff r.. 519-357-6338. 41-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR SA ALE - Body Break tread mill, $40; child’s bbed and mattress, $30; Mastercraft scroll saw w 500-1700 SPM, $50; expanding steel bedd frame on rollers, $10. Call 519528-3717.

41-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR SA ALE - T Tw wenty-five pieces of wood 3”x3” sqquare 29” long .75 each; 30 pieces wood 1 33/4” x 1 3/4” 29” long .50 each; 3 boards 14 3/4” (w) x 1”x69” $8. 519-8879083.

41-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR SA ALE - Numerous old yard sticks $3 each; Insurance and T Trrust company collectorr items (signs, stationeryy,, pens, etc.)

519-887-9083 41-3 --------------------------------------------------

Vendor Market a success PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE

By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188

Rev. Colin Snyder welcomed the congregation to Knox United Church, Belgrave on Sunday, Oct. 20. It was a beautiful sunny day.

Rev. Colin read scripture from Hebrews 5:1-10 and Mark 10:3545.

There is no church service on Oct. 27 at Knox United Church, Belgrave. We are invited to attend the Wingham United Church anniversary service at 9:30 a.m.

Also on Oct. 27, Wingham United Church will be celebrating their 161st anniversary at 7 p.m.

The Vendor Market and Silent Auction this past weekend was another successful day! See you all next year.

Coffee break was well attended on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at the Belgrave Community Centre. We all enjoy getting together.

Our weather has just been fabulous. The leaves are beautiful with colours of red, gold and orange. Take a walk if you can or enjoy a drive in the countryside.

We are blessed with lots of beauty.

Many of us are busy raking, cleaning up our garden as well as outside work that has to be done.

Cards will be played again on Friday, Oct. 25 at 1 p.m. You are welcome to come and join in. It doesn’t matter how good you are at cards. Come out and enjoy the afternoon.

The Campbell families are grieving the sudden loss of their brother Allan.

The Belgrave Community Centre Board is looking to fill the position of

Treasurer Duties include but are not limited to: Creating Bank Deposits Processing Accounting Entries to be remitted to Auditors Paying Invoices Experience with Simply Accounting would be an asset Be available to attend scheduled monthly meetings of the Belgrave Community Centre Board yq Any questions can be directed to Jonathon V Va anCamp p 519 357 8259 Applicants can mail ttheir résumés to: Jonathon V Va an Camp PO Box 176 Belgrave, ON N0G 1E0

Send Se end them a special thank you in

The Citizen Call orr email us today for the details

Deadline closes Wednesday November 6,2024

HELP WANTED

Diid someone do som mething special for you?

BBlytth Corresspo s ondent

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

The he Citizen

is looking for a community correspondent to tell our readers all the news of Blyth and area.

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

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024. PAGE 23.

Obituaries

DON ADAMS At Jessica’s House in Exeter on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, Don Adams of Wroxeter passed away, surrounded by family, at the age of 73.

The loving husband of Joyce Adams of Wroxeter, Don was the devoted dad of Mark and Carrie Adams of Utopia. He was the brother of Marion and Jim Schefter of Gorrie and Keith and Donna Adams of Kincardine, and the brother-in-law of Shirley Tims of London, Florence Carr of New Hazelton, British Columbia, and Mary-Ann and Dick Heggie of Edmonton, Alberta.

Don will be lovingly remembered by his close friend Brittney and her son JR, as well as by his nieces and nephews and their families.

Don was predeceased by his parents, Dewey and Gladys (McBurney) Adams, sister-in-law Alice Wildfong (Bob) and brothersin-law Alf Tims and Tom Carr.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held at the Wroxeter Hall on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 from 2-4 p.m.

Interment will take place at Wroxeter Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Jessica’s House, Exeter or the Wingham and District Hospital Foundation - Oncology Unit would be appreciated.

Online condolences at www.mcburneyfuneralhome.com

FRED STEPHEN ANDREWS At Victoria Hospital in London, on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, Fred Stephen Andrews of Bluevale, and formerly of Mount Forest, passed away at the age of 82.

The partner of Joyce Noble, Fred was the father of Wayne, Kimberly and the late Christopher. He will be missed by his six grandchildren and their families, his brother Cliff and

by Joyce’s sons, Paul and Brian.

Fred was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Alice Stephens, brother Jack and sister Shirley.

Fred worked as a stationary engineer at the University of Guelph for many years.

Interment will take place at Wingham Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to a charity of choice would be appreciated.

GERRIT (GARY) HAAK Gerrit (Gary) Haak passed away and entered the arms of his loving Saviour Jesus Christ on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024.

Gary was predeceased by his wife Cornelia (Corry) and infant son John Leo. Throughout his 92 years, Gary was a quiet, caring, fun-loving person within the circle of his family, friends, and community.

He will be dearly missed by his children: Clarence (Diane) Haak, John (Janet) Haak, Margaret (Jack) Kroes, Gary (Yolanda) Haak, Wilma (Raymond) Drost, Albert Haak, Benita (Scott) Koeman, 21 grandchildren and 20 greatgrandchildren.

Gary will also be missed by his siblings and their spouses: Joukje Haak, Mynie Haak, Greetje Spoelstra, Arie and Margaret Haak, Clara and Michel Galipeau, Don and Greta Greidanus, Jack and Joanne Koetsier, and Eileen Greidanus.

Visitation took place at the Vanastra Community Christian Reformed Church, on Monday Oct. 21, followed by the service and interment at the Clinton Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Falconer Funeral Home, Clinton.

As an expression of sympathy, the family would appreciate donations to the Clinton Public Hospital Foundation. Online condolences can be made by visiting Gary’s memorial at www.falconerfuneralhomes.com It is with love and fond memories that we lay to rest our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

JANET (DEITNER) BROPHY At Huronlea Home for the Aged in Brussels on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, Janet (Deitner) Brophy of Wingham passed away at the age of 88.

The beloved wife of the late Jack Brophy, who predeceased her in 2003, Janet was the devoted mother of Carol and Wayne Horton of Wingham, Joe and Adrienne Brophy of Wingham, Theresa and

Ed Haines of Stratford, Teddy and Mike Stewart of Wingham, Rita and Don Haasnoot of Seaforth and Jackie Brophy and Don Hawkins of Carleton Place.

She was the loving grandma of Ashley and Jeremy Schnurr, Byron Horton, Shawn Brophy, Adam and Helen Brophy, Jenny and Kevin Hallahan, John and Nicole Haines, Nicole and Matt Weber, Tyler and Marla Stewart, Josh Stewart and Natalie Irwin, Devan Haasnoot and Shawn Butler, Jaleesa and Geoff Alderice, Kaitlynn and Scott Forrest, Julia Hawkins, Kathryn Hawkins and Jack Hawkins and the great-grandma of 20.

Janet was the sister of Rita and Jack Keys of Niagara-on-the-Lake and Karen and Willie Tweedy of Winnipeg, Manitoba, and the sisterin-law of Dennis Leddy of Kitchener, Ozzie Pickett of Kitchener and Norma Brophy of Wingham.

Janet will be missed by her many nieces and nephews and their families. She was predeceased by her parents, Bill and Delma Deitner, brother Ross Deitner, and sisters Aileen Leddy and Joanne Pickett.

Visitation was held at McBurney Funeral Home, Wingham on Thursday, Oct. 24. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Wingham on Friday, Oct. 25 at 11 a.m. Interment will take place at Wingham Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Diabetes Association would be appreciated.

Condolences may be left at www.mcburneyfuneralhome.com

CONSTANCE “Connie” JEAN STEPHENSON (née HOUSEMAN) It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Constance “Connie” Jean Stephenson on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at Courtyard Gardens Retirement Residence in Richmond, British Columbia. Born on Mar. 14, 1923 and raised on a farm in Central Butte, Saskatchewan, Connie lived a long and fulfilling life dedicated to her family and her passions.

A woman of many talents, Connie was known for her exceptional baking, homemade jams and jellies, beautiful Dahlias and impressive needlepoint work, which she created with great care and skill.

She also had a fondness for Intellivision video games, especially Buzz Bombers, and enjoyed indulging in chocolates from Purdy’s. She relished playing keyboard and singing songs, bringing joy to those around her.

Connie loved to travel, enjoying many memorable trips to destinations all around the world.

Additionally, she was a dedicated volunteer with the Green Coats at the Vancouver International Airport, where she took great pride in helping fellow travelers.

Connie met the love of her life, Gordon Edward Stephenson, while training as a nurse in Toronto. They shared over 61 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2008.

They raised their family in Dunnville, Sudbury and Willowdale before settling down in Richmond in 1979.

Connie is lovingly remembered by her son, Wayne (Kim); her sonin-law Dave McKelvey; her grandchildren, Stephanie Chartier (Stephen) and their children Alex, Avery and Abby; Brooke (Dave Green); and Scott (Chelsea Gamble). She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Gordon; her son Robert; her daughter, Lynn McKelvey; her parents, Erick and Elizabeth Houseman; her brothers Walter, Werner, Victor and Arthur; and her sisters Eleanor McCallum, Lillian “Billie” Wakarchuk, Gloria Allin and Marlene Howard. She is survived by her sister, Donalyn Carlin as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff at Courtyard Gardens Retirement Residence and Gilmore Gardens Retirement Residence for their compassionate care during Connie’s later-in-life transitions.

ALICE née VERBEEK MARKS Alice née Verbeek Marks passed away suddenly on Oct. 20, 2024 at the Highland Apartments in Brussels in her 80th year.

The beloved wife of the late Dave Marks for 51 years, Alice was the loving mom of Rosie and Kevin Kellington, Susan and Mike Hendsbee and Sandra and Darrell Weber.

She was the adoring grandma of Tori and Brandon, Mitchell and Laura, Logan and Ashley, Victoria, Lisa, Laura and Trevor, Owen and Katie, Mason and Emma and Brock and the proud GG of Brooks and Chase.

Alice will be remembered by many nieces and nephews.

She is survived by brothers and sister-in-law Jack, Peter and Harry and Connie, sisters and brothers-inlaw Millie, Edith, Dorothy and Stanley.

Alice was predeceased by parents Gerrit and Marie Verbeek, and brother Hans Verbeek.

Alice was very well known in her community. She was a member of Melville Presbyterian Church for many years. She was actively

involved in Soup and More, the Brussels Coffee/Birthday Ladies, the Friday night supper ladies, the Melville church choir, and catered many events for Melville.

Alice was an avid televised sports enthusiast; she loved to watch the Toronto Blue Jays, the Toronto Maple Leafs and ladies curling. She was competitive at cards and liked to win.

Alice was very proud of her family and enjoyed spending time with her daughters, grandkids and great-grandkids and supported all their interests. Alice was a very social person; she loved to visit and chat with everyone over a caesar.

Alice liked her technology and learned how to excel at being the messenger of Facebook posts/pictures.

She really enjoyed her independence in her short time at the Highland Apartments at Huronlea. We will miss her kind and pleasant personality and knowing smile.

Friends and family were received at Riverside Funeral Home on Thursday, Oct. 24 and the funeral service will follow at Melville Presbyterian Church on Friday, Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. with Doug Sargent officiating.

Interment at Brussels Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy, donations to Melville Presbyterian Church would be appreciated.

Cards of sympathy or donation cheques may be forwarded to Box 340 Brussels, N0G 1H0.

Condolences may be left at www.riversidefuneralhome.ca

ALLAN (BERT) CAMPBELL At his home on Oct. 19, 2024, Allan (Bert) Campbell of Wingham passed away at age 86.

The beloved husband of Georgie Campbell, he was the cherished dad of Dean and Nancy Campbell, Cindy and Dave Thompson, Craig Campbell, Shawn and Hannah Campbell, Jason and Caroline Campbell, Rick August, John and Erin Hockey.

Bert was the loved grandpa and great-grandpa of many and the brother and brother-in-law of John and Linda Campbell, Gorden and Maureen Campbell, Susan Campbell, Eleanor Campbell and Linda Campbell.

He was predeceased by his first wife Marilyn Campbell, granddaughter Tara MacDonald, brothers Donald, Lorne, Ron, Bruce and sisters Ivy Cloakey, Marilyn Galbraith and Gladys VanCamp (Clare).

Interment has taken place at Brandon Cemetery, Belgrave.

A celebration of life will be held at Belgrave Community Centre on Sunday, Nov. 3 from 2-4 p.m.

PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024.

From the Minister’s Study

Earning your way to Heaven, there are no shortcuts

By Lawrence Weiler, Brussels Community Bible Chapel In my last article, I wrote about how one can never be too far gone or too unworthy to receive God’s forgiveness. No matter what you have done or how far you have fallen, Christ paid the price for your forgiveness on the Cross.

However, just as I’ve heard many non-Christians say that they don’t deserve, or belong, in church due to some perceived sense of their unworthiness, I’ve also heard and seen many people who think that they don’t even need God’s forgiveness, believing that either they are morally good enough to earn their place in Heaven or that even acknowledging God’s existence and provision is unnecessary and a sign of weak character.

To these particularly moral and self-sufficient individuals, the idea of needing God for anything can seem insulting. If they admit that they are either not as moral as they perceive themselves to be or that anything they do in their own effort is ultimately only possible because of God’s grace, they often become defensive of their own achievements or self-worth.

Christ immediately shuts down this self-sufficient way of thinking when he responds to a rich young man, asking him, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” Jesus tries to subtly point out his error in relying on good deeds for salvation when he says, “Why do you ask me about what is good?

There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.”

The young man, clearly not getting it, says, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus then bluntly states, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” The young man, most likely beginning to understand what Jesus was trying to tell him, went away sad, not willing to give up his many possessions (Matthew 19:16-22).

It’s unclear what exactly motivated this young man to ask Jesus for his advice. Perhaps he wanted to use the answer to puff himself up, as evidenced by his reply of, “All of these I have kept.”

Or perhaps he was legitimately seeking the means of salvation, recognizing that all his good deeds up to that point were not quite enough to assure him that he had attained it. However, what is clear is that his resolve to find the answer

Evangelical Missionary Church

Sunday, October 27, 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Mike Stanley speaking on Nehemiah & our Witness (Nehemiah 13:23-31)

had its limits, since, when challenged to sell all his possessions to gain true treasure in Heaven (eternal life), he went away sad and defeated. Maybe he really was earnestly seeking eternal life, but he was apparently not expecting to have to enter it empty-handed.

To put it another way, he might have seemed willing to do anything, but when told there was nothing he could do except entirely give up the security of his selfearned wealth and possessions and instead have faith in God’s grace and the unearned security of eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven (essentially giving up any semblance of control and selfsufficiency in his life), he was unwilling to take that risk. He arrogantly thought he was morally good enough, according to the letter of the law, but when confronted with his love of wealth being a barrier to achieving eternal life, he was humbled, being found morally wanting.

This is why Jesus says to his disciples afterwards that, “It is

easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” The more well-behaved and self-sufficient a person is, having health, wealth and the means to take care of themselves and others, the less they can recognize their ultimate need of Christ and that all their righteous works are like filthy rags before a Holy God. Not only that, their self-sufficiency (more accurately, the illusion of such) often makes them less willing to relinquish control and rely on outside help.

However, it doesn’t matter how good you are, how much you give to charity, how many beggars you’ve fed, or how many lives you’ve saved. It also doesn’t matter if you’ve done great things or have enough power or wealth that you can demand respect from the people of this world. None of that matters in the face of eternity. Whether rich or poor, moral or depraved, there is only one way to Heaven and eternal life. Forgetting about any notion of being good enough to earn your

The Anglican Churches of Blyth, Seaforth and Wingham Welcome You to Sunday Service!

Trinity: 9:00 a.m. Parish of the Holy Spirit: 9:30 a.m. St. Paul’s-Trinity: 11:00 a.m.

66 Dinsley St. W, Blyth

21 Jarvis St. Seaforth 519-527-1522

revjoann@hurontel.on.ca

holyspirit@tcc.on.ca

stpauls@hurontel.on.ca

www.holyspiritseaforth.ca

www.regionalministryof hope.com

The Regional Ministry of Hope

There will be a fundraising luncheon after the service for the El Salvador Missions Team to raise money to build houses while they are away.

On-site and online - live.huronchapel.com To talk to Pastor Mike please email pastormike@huronchapel.com

119 John’s Ave., Auburn 519-526-1131

his achievement of paying your debt of sin on the Cross. No one is good enough to be able to get there any other way.

Majestic WI meets Continued from page 6 and photographing tombstones, some of which have sunk underground. All of the work is to help preserve history, helping people to find past family members, keeping history alive and helping to fill in family trees.

Glenda’s true love is genealogy and she is always looking for more details to add to her family history.

She has helped numerous people to fill in gaps in their family trees.

She uses a lot of online sites, newspaper archives and other sites.

She warns that all information should be verified before adding it to your family story. The more you

search, the more information and photos you can add to your own story.

A lot of members had questions for Glenda, as they are working on their own family histories. Yvonne then thanked Glenda for her time and information.

Secretary Marie McCutcheon read the minutes of the last meeting and the correspondence, followed by the treasurer’s report by Julie Pearce and a reading by Kathy Bridge.

President Doreen Marks then presented Julie Pearce with her one-year pin. Yvonne then served a light lunch that was enjoyed by all.

Brussels Mennonite Fellowship invites you to worship with us 10:00 a.m. Worship Service 11:00 a.m. Co ee Time 11:15 a.m. Sunday School

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. Psalm 106:1

23 John St E Wingham 519-357-4883

Interim Pastor Elwin Garland 250 Princess St., Brussels • 519 887 6388

Service Livestreamed Sundays at 11 a.m. on our facebook page

The Regional Ministry of

BRUSSELS S

U United Chu ur urch Joint Worship Sunda ay October 27 at 11 a.m.

Guest Speaker, H. Reinders, Ont. Foodgrains Regional Rep. Everyone welcome at lu unch after worship.

Donations to Canadian Foodgra ains, gratefully accepted.

Tuesday, November 5 att 7 p.m. ~ the Affirm Steering Committeee invites everyone to o a Community Storytelling Circle.

Please use thee front entrance at the Church.

Note: For pastoral concerns Oct. 144 to 27 contact Pastor Sandra Cable at 5119-531-0696 Website: b brusselsandblythuc ca brusselsandblythuc.ca P.O. Box 359, Brussels ~ 519-887-6259 P.

Londesborough United Church 338 King’s Rd., Londesborough 519-523-4225

Anniversary Service October 27 Rev. Aylward Special Music: Cappy Onn Worship Time & Sunday School 10:30 a.m.

Everyone Welcome

MEL LV VILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS

Sunday, October 27, 2024 9:30 a.m. (Please note time change) We extend a loving welcome to all to join us as G Mary Jane Bisset leads us in worship, prayer and praise to God. Refreshments and a time to visit will follow the service.

Soup & More 2 Join us every Friday from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. for lunch. This free meal is made possible by the Brussels churches and many volunteers working together to serve our community. c All are welcome!

For pastoral care concerns please call 519-524-7512 2

Blyth United Church Sunday, October 27

Nursery & Sunday School during worship

way to Heaven or relying on your wealth and resources to save you, you must instead place your faith solely in Christ’s righteousness and

No service in Blyth.

Joint service at Brussels United at 11 a.m.

Guest speaker from Foodgrains. Lunch to follow.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 The outreach program for November is the Lions sports pad.

Contact Alex at: minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com

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

Sunday, October 27 at 10 a.m.

BMG Community Centre (upstairs room) 800 Sports Drive, Brussels Childcare and Sunday School provided for children 0 to 8 during the sermon

Worship and Prayer Time Loving Fellowship Expository Preaching

Free supper and Bible study! 6 p.m. on Wednesday nights starting Oct. 16th More details at: brusselscommunitybiblechapel.ca

Join us Su unday y,, October 27 Dorothea Vuyk will be leading us in the e 10:00 am service There will be no evening service.

Services S ervices a are re llive-streamed ive-streamed a and nd c can an be be ffo found ound b by ys searching earching ““Blyth “B Blly yth C Christian hristian R Reformed effo orrm med C Church” hurrc ch”

BLYT B TH CHRISTIAN REFO RE R EFO E RMED CHURCH Hwy. 4, Blyth 519-523-4743 www.blythcrc.ca

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024. PAGE 25.

Wingham hosts vibrant Diwali celebration

Cultural showcase North Huron celebrated Diwali on Sunday at the Columbus Centre in Wingham, with an afternoon of food, entertainment and cultural education. Guests, including Ruth Dobrensky (upper righthand photo), enjoyed henna tattooing, performances and a buffet featuring traditional dishes. (Scott Stephenson photos)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

On Sunday, North Huron celebrated Diwali once again with an afternoon of great food, entertainment, demonstrations and education. This year, the event was held at the Columbus Centre in Wingham, which is also where the town’s first Vaisakhi was held in the spring.

As they arrived, visitors helped themselves to snacks and beverages and found their seats. It quickly became clear to volunteers that some extra tables would be needed to accommodate the abundance of guests in attendance - a sure sign of a successful celebration!

Before host Gurpreet Singh began his presentation, he thanked all the people who had helped make the celebration possible, including North Huron Reeve Paul Heffer and Huron County Immigration Partnership Manager Mark Nonkes.

Nonkes and Singh are the same duo who brought cricket to the fields of Wingham in recent years.

Singh’s presentation offered an overview of the history and significance of both Diwali, which is celebrated by people of many faiths, and of the Sikh celebration of Bandi Chhor Divas. For Hindus, Diwali is the Festival of Lights, which celebrates the return of Prince Rama to his kingdom after many years spent exiled in the forest with his wife, Sita, and his brother, Lakshmana. Prince Rama Hindus observe Diwali by wearing their best clothes, creating intricately patterned rangoli designs, lighting lamps, giving gifts, fireworks and feasting.

The Sikh celebration of Bandi Chhor Divas is “Prisoner Release Day”, or the “Day of Liberation”. It commemorates the day that the sixth of the Sikh Gurus, Guru Hargobind, earned his freedom and arranged for the release of 52

prisoners who had been wrongfully imprisoned by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir in 1619. As the story goes, Hargobind, having found favour with the Emperor, was granted his freedom from prison, but the Guru was unwilling to leave without the 52 other prisoners.

As a compromise, the Emperor told Hargobind that he could bring as many prisoners with him as could hold onto his coat tails and walk out with him, which would have been a fraction of the total group. The Guru quickly had a coat constructed that had 52 tails attached to it - one for each prisoner to hold onto. His plan worked, and Hargobind walked out of the jail with all the prisoners in tow. Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas by illuminating their homes with lamps, fireworks, celebratory processions, gathering with families and eating together.

People lined up to have intricate designs drawn on their hands by

A delicious feast was served after the demonstrations that consisted of rice, various vegetarian curries, butter chicken, curried goat, vegetables, naan, raita and dessert.

The food was set up buffet style, which allowed guests to be as adventurous as they wanted.

Wingham Homecoming 2024 organizer Joe Carter had never tried pakoras or tamarind chutney before, but it turned out he’s a big fan of both. “It’s sweet, and it’s sour!” he observed. Volunteer Patricia Smith was feeling the heat when she loaded up on peppers, and forgot to add a scoop of cooling raita, and Reeve Heffer relished the assorted curries he’d assembled on his plate, mopping up the last bits of sauce with a piece of naan.

Henna artists - some folks chose to have their names or flowers incorporated into their tattoos, others, like Ruth Dobrensky, went with a less traditional cat design.

Everybody in attendance was very impressed with the vigorous performance by a troupe of Bhangra dancers from Brampton. Bhangra has evolved into an internationallyrecognized dance style that incorporates modern elements like hip hop, but it began as a traditional folk dance in the rural communities of the Punjab region of India.

Bhangra was first performed mostly by farmers in celebration of the spring and autumn harvests, much in the way that step dancing has become associated with the fall harvest in Huron County.

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PAGE 26. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024.

Saturday, May 19, 1978 Blyth Centre for the Arts sponsored a craft show featuring a number of local artisans. These included Toni Vos who demonstrated spinning and Harold Vodden who demonstrated chair caning.

Read more in the Blyth Repository of History

405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792 blythrepositoryofhistory.ca

The Citizen, Oct. 7, 2004

Fridays The Citizen, Oct. 22, 2009

The Citizen, Oct. 24, 2019 The Citizen, Oct. 23, 2014

The Citizen, Oct. 29, 2009

Leadership in energy and environmental design

Devon Henry 84772 McDonald Line • Box 616 • Brussels

devonjhenry@hotmail.com 519-505-2473

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024. PAGE 27.

Entertainment & Leisure

McClincheys celebrate platinum wedding anniversary By way of a private, quiet family celebration, Harold and Doris McClinchey marked their 70th wedding anniversary on Oct. 23.

It was on a beautiful, warm, sunny fall day - Oct. 23, 1954 when all the leaves had fallen from the trees, that Harold McClinchey, the son of Sydney and Elva McClinchey of Auburn married Doris Glousher, the daughter of Henry and Vera Glousher of Blyth, were married at the Auburn United Church Manse.

Lloyd McClinchey, the brother of the groom, and his soon-to-be wife Eileen Cunningham (now

Happy day!

Oct. 23 marks 70 years of marriage for Doris and Harold McClinchey, which they celebrated with their family. (Courtesy photos)

McClinchey) stood by the couple.

Interestingly enough, Lloyd and Eileen were married not long after and will soon be celebrating their 70th anniversary as well.

After the wedding, Harold and Doris travelled to Niagara Falls for their honeymoon, then made their way to Detroit to visit Harold’s aunt and uncle. To make the trip, the couple borrowed Harold’s brother Garth’s car.

When the couple returned, they lived on their farm just east of Auburn, where they lived for 40 years. Harold worked as a farmer, electrician and plumber. He sold Funks Corn for many years, even earning a trip to Hawaii thanks to corn sales. When he wasn’t out doing chores in the barn or working in the fields, Harold might have been out on a service call for a plumbing issue or pulling wire as an electrician. He was truly a jack of all trades.

Doris was a house cleaner,

waitress and farmer’s wife. She loved milking her Jersey cows, had a passion for gardening, preserving and baking, having made thousands of pies from scratch over the course of her life. To this day, Doris will still serve up a delicious, homecooked meal to anyone hungry at her table.

The McClincheys retired from the farm in September of 1994 and built a new home in the VLA, Goderich, where they still live today.

Together, they had three children: Doreen (Bob), Doug (Karen) and Glenyce (Murray). They now have seven grandchildren, 14 greatgrandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Square dancing was a hobby for the couple in their younger years and they have done a lot of travelling, taking many bus trips over the years. They still never miss a card game or a Lions Club breakfast and remain always on the go.

‘The Streamliners’ hits the stage in Goderich

New play!

The Streamliners by Andy Sparling and James White explores the journey of the RCAF Streamliners Band during World War II, blending history and personal narrative through the eyes of a son longing to connect with his father. (Courtesy photo)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

If you’re hoping to catch one of the final performances of The Streamliners at The Livery Theatre in Goderich this weekend, you better have your tickets already, because every show is already sold out! It’s not hard to see why - Andy Sparling and James White have written a play that’s sure to please theatre fans and history buffs alike.

The subject matter is compelling enough stuff on its own - The RCAF Streamliners Band started

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out in St. Thomas as a few musically-inclined young soldiers and went on to tour all over Europe, which would have been a truly glamorous experience, if not for the deadly throes of World War II that raged all around them. The Streamliners, some of whom hailed from Huron County, became known as one of the best dance bands in all of Europe, dodging death more than a few times and even attracting the

attention of the legendary Glen Miller shortly before he went MIA over the English Channel.

But The Streamliners isn’t content to merely relate a straightforward chapter of local history to its audience. One of the members of The Streamliners Band, Phil Sparling, was the father of playwright Andy Sparling, who has written himself into the play as a sort of semi-omniscient narrator.

Andy, who is portrayed by Rob Bundy with empathy and gentle humour, brings us the story of The Streamliners as a son longing to connect with his father, and, in doing so, the carefully researched wartime vignettes of this play become more complex.

There are a number of smart choices on the part of director Duncan McGregor that really bring this story to life. To give the play that dance hall feeling, he positively packed The Livery with festive swing dancers, which makes the surprisingly dark tone of the opening scene even more impactful.

The sound design is overly loud at times, causing the actors to have to really shout to be heard - just as the real band would have had to when flying over combat zones during the war. Phil Sparling is ably played by Graham Howard, who manages to walk the line between courageous and terrified with aplomb. There is a stark and poignant joy in seeing

this young local actor dressed in a costume and pretending as though he is at war, instead of wearing a real uniform and experiencing the true horror of war. The band of brothers is filled out with panache

by Ben Hustis as Don Hilton, Steve Cook as Jake Perdue and Art James as Billy Carter.

The Streamliners is the story of a story - one of a son as he believes his father was, as he never got to know him. The story both draws us closer to history and gently reminds us that there is a distance caused by death. The distance is underscored by the choice to use real recordings of the actual Streamliners in the show. Andy is not hearing his father’s music the way those wartime dancers heard it - all he has are a few imperfect BBC recordings, once thought lost.

You may have missed your chance to catch The Streamliners

during its debut run, but this historical gem will most certainly be staged again in the near future.

JUD HAKKERS July 10, 1981 ~ October 4, 2024

We invite you to join us in celebrating the life of Jud Hakkers, who brought joy, love and laughter to all who knew him.

November 2, 2024 12 pm to 5 pm Blyth Arena and Community Centre

vs

Saturday, October 26 1 pm Central Huron YMCA, Clinton

Happy 60th Anniversary

Join us for an afternoon of fast-paced, highly physical Sledge Hockey as these two teams face off in an effort to raise awareness of this incredible sport within our surrounding communities.

Marg and Ken Caldwell October 24, 1964

Sledge Hockey, the Paralympic version of Ice Hockey, made its debut at the 1994 Lillehammer Paralympic Games and has since become a major attraction for spectators. The game is played by athletes with lower-body disabilities as well as able-bodied players, offering an inclusive and thrilling experience for all.

Love from Paul and Ruby, Carla and Don and Evan and Ryan

Don’t miss the chance to witness this amazing sport and support your local community!

Proceeds from this event will go toward purchasing Sledge Hockey equipment for the Central Huron Community Complex, ensuring that the game can be enjoyed by everyBODY.

PAGE 28. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024.

Blyth hosts ‘Rural Talks to Rural’ conference John Marshall

Peter Smith

Angela Keeley

Talk rural to me Delegates and guests gathered at Blyth Memorial Hall last week for the fifth biennial Rural Talks to Rural (R2R) conference, themed “Exploring Our Differences Together”.

(Scott Stephenson photos)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Last week, delegates, dignitaries, artists and honoured guests gathered together for some collective brainstorming at Blyth Memorial Hall as part of the fifth biennial Rural Talks to Rural (R2R) conference. Ten years ago, when the R2R Conference first began, it had a simple but radical goal - to bring together people from different rural communities in one place so they could collectively consider potential solutions to the issues that mattered most to them. This year’s conference brought in visitors from as nearby as down the street and from as far away as Scotland to discuss this year’s theme: “Exploring Our Differences Together.”

As the conference began to come together in the Lower Hall, visitors were offered a caffeine boost from local roaster Coastal Coffee, and encouraged to explore the multimedia exhibition of artwork from The Grand River Community Play Project (GRCPP) that was being installed in the Bainton Gallery. The exhibit included community quilts, puppets, handmade costumes, mosaics, drawings and paintings.

One of those GRCPP artists, actor Austin Silversmith of the Cayuga Nation Wolf Clan offered a bilingual thanksgiving address that thanked the earth, plants and animals for sustaining life and providing nourishment. His stirring words were accompanied by a delicious Middle Eastern meal provided by Khawla’s Kitchen of Goderich.

As the lunch plates were cleared, Warden Glen McNeil offered some post-lunch welcoming remarks. “A little bit of context on Huron County - we are the leading county in Ontario for agricultural value products. And we are all very proud of that. And I would like to also suggest that our most important crop in Huron County is our youth.

They are our future. We make decisions not only for today, but for the next generations.”

Following additional remarks from Minister of Rural Affairs and Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson and event organizer Peter Smith, the event moved upstairs for the opening keynote speech, entitled ‘“What Does It Mean to Meet This Moment in Time?” by rural futurist Dr. S. Ashleigh Weeden. While the idea of “meeting this moment in time” may have made guests feel like they were in for a standard motivational speech, Dr. Weeden’s

remarks, though motivating, were anything but standard. “I’ve been asked to consider what it means to meet this moment,” she began, “and being with you here, in this space, is a moment I don’t want to waste… . To be honest, the world is on fire, and people are suffering in immeasurable and unnecessary ways, and we’re all letting ourselves be distracted by snake oil salesmen on all sides of the political and philosophical matrix. If the work that you're doing today, or next week, is more focused on producing a shiny sizzler reel, or a three-word slogan that you put across stock footage, than it is on solving real problems for real people, then it’s time for a wake-up call... we are failing. That means you, and that means me. Big red Fs all around.”

She went on to point out that none of us really know what we’re doing, and that failing is a good chance to try something different.

She asked everybody to consider the stories they tell themselves about themselves, and why they tell them. “Everything, besides the laws of nature, is entirely made up.

There is no such thing as the laws of economics. There is no inevitable order of things, really, and there’s no gospel from the mount. We have literally created everything around us, through the stories we tell, and we have the ability to create something new.”

She warned against the trap of considering one’s own actions as somehow separate from the actions of one’s community and the society of which they are a part. Dr. Weeden then shared poetry, personal stories about the moments that shaped her, and advice on how we can begin planning new ways of being and thinking. “We cannot pretend that everything is business as usual when the world is on fire, and there is not a damn thing that is inevitable except for death. The world we live in today is the result of millions and millions of choices and decisions... we can say that we value healthcare, or justice, or equality, or anything at all, but if we’re not willing to invest time, resources and effort into maintaining those things, then we don’t really value them.” she concluded. The standing ovation she received at the end of her powerful speech may have been started by Warden McNeil, but the rest of the audience was right behind him.

After the keynote speech, guests broke into groups for creative brainstorming sessions and snacks, which were provided by Pine Cafe

and Bistro from right across the street.

The final event of the day was an interactive theatre piece from Porte Parole Productions out of Montreal.

Documentary theatre facilitators Alex Ivanovici and Brett Watson

were accompanied on stage by a variety of thought leaders, including locals like organic farmer Katrina McQuail, NDP riding representative Angela Keeley, and entrepreneur John Marshall. The group sat at a long table and had a dinner party-style discussion about rural issues like the housing crisis, unemployment, income inequality, and a lack of transportation. As part of their process, Ivanovici and

Watson recorded the conversation, which will now potentially be turned into a play, with professional actors playing the community members who participated.

Following the fictional ‘dinner party’ there was a real-life pizza party courtesy of Wingham’s Cornerstone Pizza in the lower hall, which signaled the conclusion of the opening day of the 2024 R2R conference.

FaBoolous Books THE LIVING GREAT LAKES The most complete book ever written about the history, nature, A HALLOWEEN SCARE IN CANADA A perfect Halloween gift for kids, this fun read-aloud and science of these remarkable lakes at the heart of North book is packed with colorful illustrations and America. It is also the narrative of a six-week voyage through the lakes and beyond as a crewmember on a tallmasted charming rhymes featuring iconic locations and schooner, and a memoir of a lifetime spent on and near the landmarks from Canada. $14.99 lakes. $27.00 BROKEN CHAIN Brody Rivers faces many obstacles. Being part Native in a bigoted town; there’s been family violence. As a series of events torment him Brody struggles with everything. When a January blizzard comes out of nowhere, so does the spirit of a woman who triggers a vague memory.

The confrontation that erupts between the main characters is as intense as the winter storm that crippled Huron County in 1971. $25.00 GOTHIC HURON HEROES, ALWAYS KISS ME GOODNIGHT ROGUES, MURDER, DARING, Losing her mom at an early age has impacted BAWDY HOUSES AND OTHER Deborah Dickson in so many ways. This book is a TALES (Author David Yates) resource for parents to help them should they and This is Yates' fifth book in the their children face a tragedy like the loss of a series and covers the period from spouse, grandparent, or friend, to help explain the War of 1812 to Queen loss to their children. $19.99 Victoria's death in 1901. During the era of the Gothic revival in the nineteenth century, most Huron County residents were hardworking, profoundly Christian who lived austere lives. They also had a profound fascination with death and were fascinated by devilish criminal acts or heroic deeds, of which there are many tales in Yates' book. Indeed, it is the era of the death cult, where murder and acts of valour were entertaining object lessons discussed by their neighbours. $25.00

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