The Citizen - September 15, 2023

2 • Reunion 8 • Sports 10 • History 17 • Brussels Fall Fair

The

THIS WEEK

Citizen

Huron County’s most trusted independent news source

Friday, September 15, 2023

$1.50 GST included

Celebrating the 160th Brussels Fall Fair September 19 & 20

Volume 39 No. 37

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40050141 Return Undeliverable Items to North Huron Publishing Company Inc., P.O. Box 429, BLYTH, ON N0M 1H0

Back for more The Lucky Charms, now a popular, recognized local band based in Blyth, recreated the magic of one of their first performances, which began the legend of the band last year at the Blyth Festival’s Harvest Stage on the weekend of the annual Thresher Reunion. The free show was a talking point for many the following day, leading to this year’s

remount, which raised money for the Blyth Kids Club, the creation of Lucky Charms frontman Joe Gahan. Saturday night’s performance received rave reviews and capped off another great reunion weekend in Blyth that welcomed thousands of people to the village for a taste of the past and a look towards the future. (Scott Stephenson photo)

Battery storage project concerns Seaforth residents

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen A proposed $400 million energy storage project near Seaforth found little support from the more than 200 people who attended a public meeting at the Seaforth Agriplex last week.

The project is being put forward

by BluEarth Renewables, the same company that now owns the St. Columban wind energy project that proved controversial so many years ago. It proposes the placement of between 200 and 400 sea can containers (about 20 feet long each) on between 25 and 30 acres of what is considered to be prime agricultural land.

According to the BluEarth website, the Seaforth Storage Project, as it’s being called, will be a 200-megawatt, 800-megawatt hour battery energy storage project.

However, as company representatives repeatedly reminded those at the meeting, the project is in its very early stages and has yet to procure numerous approvals,

meaning there are a number of roadblocks the project could hit along the way that would result in its termination. The project still has to win approval from Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and, in order to do that, it must also win the hearts and minds of Huron East Council in the form of a Municipal Support Resolution (MSR). There is also an extensive site plan approval process, according to BluEarth representatives.

Company representatives stated that the project needs an MSR to move forward. If the company doesn’t get one prior to IESO approval of the project, it has 18 months from that date to obtain one from council. As one BluEarth employee said to the crowd, “if council says ‘no’, we don’t have a project,” which was met with thunderous applause from those in attendance.

While the proposed site is on prime agricultural land, those at BluEarth say it was chosen due to its proximity to existing

transmission line infrastructure and a lack of environmental features on the land. Furthermore, the company says that there is a decommissioning and restoration plan for the land to return it to its pre-project state once the project has run its course. The life span of the batteries, they said at the meeting, is 20 years and 95 per cent of the contents of the batteries that will be used are recyclable.

The company’s website states that batteries, specifically lithium batteries, represent, “the most

scalable form of energy storage technology, because they can be installed nearly anywhere, have a small footprint, and are relatively inexpensive.”

Each sea can unit would have its own HVAC and coolant system, BluEarth representatives said, and they will be spaced out far enough that, in the unlikely event of a fire, the unit in question will not threaten others. The site will also be monitored around the clock for any kind of emergency and, in the case of one, it will be shut

down immediately, they said.

Safety of the project was top of mind for many in attendance and those from BluEarth said it was top of mind for them too. However, because there is no site plan yet and many factors remain up in the air in regards to the project, the company has yet to consult with the Huron East Fire Department or other emergency service providers.

However, they said that the safety of local firefighters is paramount and the company, when the time Continued on page 9

Soccer pitch pitched for Blyth

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen North Huron Council received a delegation from Joe Gahan and Megan Lee-Gahan of the Blyth Kids Club at a regular meeting on Sept. 5. Gahan and Lee-Gahan requested council install community soccer fields at the Blyth Campground.

Reeve Paul Heffer started things off by thanking Gahan and LeeGahan for all they’ve done for the children of Blyth. The married couple started the Blyth Kids Club in 2022 in response to an obvious need in the community, offering different activities four days a week, including soccer, ball hockey, arts and crafts, roller skating, outdoor movie nights, and

monthly disco parties. The club’s end-of-summer party in the park was attended by between 300 and 400 people, about half of whom were children.

The response from local families has been tremendous, and the two volunteers are hoping to expand their soccer programming by installing a permanent field for Continued on page 7

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023.

Something for everyone at Threshers Reunion 2023

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen This past weekend, visitors to the Blyth Campground had a chance to travel back in time at the 62nd Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association (HPTHA) Reunion. It’s the one time a year that the living history of Southern Ontario’s agricultural industry can be found in one place, along with great food, music, dance and demonstrations of the essential skills of yesteryear.

The official opening day ceremony featured a speech by HPTHA President Cole McDonald that was brimming with brevity and concision. A group of local dignitaries that included Huron County Warden and AshfieldColborne-Wawanosh Mayor Glen McNeil, Central Huron Mayor Jim Ginn and North Huron Reeve Paul Heffer also offered greetings. When the reunion finally concluded on Sunday, McDonald was fairly certain that the event had gone off without a hitch, commenting that “I think everything went very well for us… the whole thing is kind of a blur to me now!”

While the sheer variety of things going on at the small campground was astounding, one of the main draws of the weekend is always the steam show. White plumes of steam emanated from the collection of engines at the centre of the festivities, welcoming visitors as they approached the grounds. Each engine has been carefully brought back into top working condition by dedicated enthusiasts, and each one spent the weekend demonstrating what a little ingenuity and a lot of hot air can do. The versatility of these complex antiques was on full display - steam-powered engines crisscrossed the grounds, while others planted themselves to do everything from sawing logs to threshing grain to crushing rocks.

Many of the impressive engines were built right here in Ontario, by companies like the Waterloo Manufacturing Co and Sawyer Massey. These now obsolete machines, once the cutting edge of technology, are still able to pull their weight when it counts, and

look good doing it. The powerful sawmill, run this year by Adam Henderson, was a particularly impressive sight as it carved giant logs into usable pieces of timber.

For guests looking to learn the history before the history, a quiet corner of the grounds was set aside for demonstrations of essential horse-powered farm equipment from the era before steam. In those days, horses helped with almost every aspect of farming, from pulling a plow to powering a bucksaw. Horses still have their place in agriculture, but modernization has lightened their load considerably.

Just down the way a piece from the steam-centric action was a field full of antique tractors organized by brand, creating a rainbow of farm vehicles from throughout the decades. These more modern machines also have their own special place in our collective history. Rows of creations from Ontario farm equipment dynasties Massey Harris and Cockshutt stood proudly alongside American plowing innovations from John Deere, Oliver and International Harvester. The impressive power of these machines was demonstrated throughout the weekend through antique and classic tractor pulls.

On Friday, the association invited Wingham favourites Stoneboat Pullers to put on one of their patented lawn mower pulls, much to the delight of the crowd.

Saturday and Sunday also featured a kids’ lawn tractor pull for any young people in a competitive state of mind.

Friday was also Elementary School Activity Day for lucky students from Brookside Public School and Hullett Central Public School, as well as interested homeschooled students. Student Program Co-ordinator Sheila Orr and her team of volunteers put together a full day of activities that kept the kids engaged while being educated, and their collective enthusiasm for the old ways was infectious. A tour of the two-storey Threshers log cabin (a permanent campground fixture) gave kids a glimpse of what home looked like in a time when

Fun for all ages The Huron Pioneer Threshers and Hobby Association Reunion Weekend included a plethora of activities for enthusiasts of all ages. (John Stephenson photo) each member of a family spent the majority of each day devoted to the chores required to live a sustainable life together. The important role of women in farming communities was highlighted during the tour, with hands-on demonstrations of skills like quilt making, butter churning, wringer washing and rope making. By the end of the day, it was all the rage amongst friends to use their homemade rope to tether their backpacks together in a pack string formation, making moving around the grounds require a concerted effort. Smithing and horse demonstrations were also on the agenda, as well as corn broom and scarecrow making, pedal tractor pulls and a petting zoo put on by the Huron-Perth Junior Farmers.

The students also participated in a demonstration of how a steampowered thresher works, along with

a little history lesson on the enormous impact that these machines had on the agricultural industry and society in general.

Threshers quickly remove the seeds from the stalks and husks of grains, a job that was previously done using hand flails. The kids were intrigued by the vintage contraption as it took in sheaves and beat them.

Hand flailing grain was one of the most labour-intensive parts of farming - threshing machines could do the work of many men in a short time period, and its advent signalled the beginning of the age of mechanized agriculture. Credit for the invention of the thresher goes to Scotsman Andrew Meikle, who stated that his 1786 design was merely an improvement on a machine created by a farmer known only as Leckie. When entrepreneur

John Fisher settled in Hamilton, Ontario in 1835, there was no knowledge of such machines in Canada. Fisher, however, was aware of Meikle’s innovation, and set out to bring threshers and reapers to Southern Ontario. He Continued on page 3

Leadership in energy and environmental design

Devon Henry 84772 McDonald Line • Box 616 • Brussels

devonjhenry@hotmail.com 519-505-2473

I_;V y _V U_V ƕ y"o "U "r Ŗřƕ ŖŔŖŗ 7" "M1r " _UU V; "V r" _o"V 7_ y" ǡ y r "1; oM V ;Vo y"yy;_V

ŘƔŗŔoU _ śƔŔŔoU

or"y"V ;_V V 0"" K y"yy;_V _V 7" r 0 ŖŔŖŘƪ ŖŔŖś V_r 7 7 r_V y r "1; oM V _oo_r V; _ ; M_1 " ; 7 _ r "M" " _00; ; My _V _o; y ;Uo_r V _ _

_ V 7 MM o M; U"" ;V1 śƔŔŔoU _ ŜƔŗŔoU

Paddle powered Attendees of the Threshers Reunion Weekend take in one of the exhibits on display in Blyth, Sept. 8-10. (John Stephenson photo)

_oo_r V; _ yK _ r "M" " _00; ; My q "y ;_Vy ;V o M; 0_r U y" ;V1

0ăĖ ùăĖÄ ÝúÒăĖù§ĦÝăúƕ ēòħĝÄ ·ăúĦ§·Ħ ĦÙÄ òÄĖïƴĝ Äē§ĖĦùÄúĦ §Ħ ăïÄùēÄòǠúăĖĦÙÙĬĖăúƚ·§ ăĖ ƦřŕŝƧ ŗřśƪŗřřŔ ŀŕŖŕ

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023. PAGE 3.

Music and dancing enjoyed by participants

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen For those in the know, the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association Reunion is as much about music and dance as it is about historic farm equipment. This year’s entertainment was spearheaded by Gladys Van Egmond, and included a wide variety of musical performances, jam sessions, and the traditional fiddle and step dance competitions.

The musical revelry began on Tuesday with a well-attended jam session emceed by Albert Walter of Vanastra. Annie Pritchard of Lucknow hosted another successful jam on Wednesday. The jams continued throughout the weekend.

Old-time dancing was held on Wednesday night in the campground’s Shed 3, with Lynden Lidster of St. Thomas calling out the square dances, and Marjorie Love of Exeter as emcee.

Stratford’s Doug McNaughton held a fiddle workshop on Thursday that drew in 14 fiddlers looking to improve their craft.

On Friday, residents from local long-term care facilities were bused in to enjoy a performance by the Irish Cowboys. In the early evening, the Twilight Serenaders entertained visitors with their saxophone-centric covers of hits from the 50s and 60s, and The Country Versatiles offered up their talents to a dance in the arena auditorium Saturday’s fiddle competition had 22 entries, in a variety of age groups.

In the 70-and-over category, first place went to Joyce Anderson of Waterloo, Jim Dolmage of Toronto came second, third place went to Richard Seguin of Alban; and Brussels’ own Ron Howatt claimed fourth. June

McVeigh of Waterloo handily won the 50-and-over category.

In the 12-and-under category, Stratford‘s Claire Brachen placed first; Nia Brachen, also of Stratford, came second, Tiffany Cleland of Listowel took third. The 18-andunder division was dominated by Brady Medvie of Welland.

In the fiercely competitive Open Division, Yvonne Fletcher of Guelph took top prize, Al Widmeyer of Goderich was a close second, and Dorchester’s Ken Cook came third.

In the Duet Class, Open category, Annie Crocker of Georgetown and Jane McVeigh of Waterloo teamed up to win it all, narrowly defeating Claire and Nia Brachen.

The distinguished title of Oldest Fiddler went to Melvin McDougall of Greely, and the draw prize of $100 (donated by Glady Van Egmond) went to Nia Brachen.

The step dance competition attracted competitors from across

Ontario. The dancers were accompanied by Mike McCairley on piano and Leo Stock on fiddle, and the competition was emceed by Judy Waymouth of Stratford. Step dance is a lively event even when it’s not competitive, and every single one of the dancers gave it their all this past weekend.

In the nine-and-under division, first place went to Sabella Ische of Stratford; second to Lucy Abeid of London, and third went to Siobheann Faria of Brampton.

In the 12-and-under category, Claire Jardine of London placed first, Michael Jardine of London came second, and third was a tie between Allie Bell of London and Natalie Duketow of London.

Obviously the 12-year-olds of London, Ontario are doing something right!

Stratford’s own Kennigton Ische won the 18-and-under division, and for those in the 19-and-over category, Aila McCairley of Guelph

out Stratford’s Four on the Floor for the win. Faria Family from Brampton placed third, and fourth went to Dynamic Dancers of London.

Toes were tapping Music and dancing are a big part of the Huron Pioneer Threshers and Hobby Association Reunion Weekend.

(John Stephenson photo)

50/50 draw raises huge sum of money

Antique farm equipment, vehicles displayed in Blyth Continued from page 2 opened the Hamilton Agricultural Works and started building threshing machines in 1836. This company would eventually become Sawyer Massey, one of the leading manufacturers of tractors, threshers and other farm tools.

A showcase of antique road vehicles was also on display all weekend, which included a dairy truck from the Teeswater Creamery - the second creamery ever founded in Canada. A pristine 1929 Packard 733, owned by Ken and Lila Procter of Brussels, made it clear that owning one of these American luxury vehicles is just as impressive as it’s ever been - just ask them! A cavalcade of Studebakers from throughout the years reminded visitors of their rightful position in Ontario’s history. The Studebaker company may have gotten its start manufacturing buggies and wagons in South Bend, Indiana, but its first truly modern automobile factory was established in an anti-aircraft gun plant in Hamilton in 1947. The last-ever Studebaker may have rolled off the line on March 17, 1966, but the vehicle, marketed for years as “Canada’s Own Car!”, remains a favourite of antique automobile enthusiasts from Hamilton and beyond.

Augmenting the vehicular

took first place, Rita Hickey of Brampton came second, and third went to Janet Duketow of London.

In the Junior Group competition, Step By Step from London edged

component of the Threshers Reunion was a whole weekend of food, music and dancing. Whoever said “there’s no such thing as a free lunch” has never experienced the reunion’s daily bean pot, where white beans, slowly simmered over an open flame, get ladled out to anybody who wants a cup, free of charge. The same goes for the nightly corn roast, which always attracts a long line of campers and visitors looking to enjoy a butterdipped ear or two.

Friday night’s fish fry, organized by the Blyth Lions and the Brussels Legion, served dinner to over 250 people, and the Blyth Firefighters Association breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday fed about 1,600 people.

There were many musical elements to the reunion. There was a free fiddle workshop on Thursday, a dance on Friday hosted by The Country Versatiles, and a performance from the Teeswater Pipe Band on Saturday, just to name a few. Step dancing and fiddle competitions took place throughout the weekend, and anybody wandering the campground was treated to the sound of multiple jam sessions mingling in the chilly late summer air.

Saturday also saw the hotlyanticipated reprise of last year’s Lucky Charms concert, which was

held on the Blyth Festival’s Harvest Stage in support of the Blyth Kids Club. It was a free show, but young members of the club went through the crowd collecting money to help fund their activities next year.

Lucky Charms frontman Joe Gahan was particularly pleased, as he is also leader of the Blyth Kids Club.

It is awe-inspiring to see the actual horse-, steam- and gaspowered farm machinery that shaped Ontario in action. Their endurance is not only a testament to the skill of the materials and craftsmen that made them, but the skill and passion of all those over the years who have dedicated their time to keeping them running.

Whether an expert, hobbyist, tinkerer or mechanic, when a person works to preserve or restore one of these machines, their effort becomes intertwined with its legacy. These threshers, reapers, tractors and more were constructed at a time when agricultural and industrial prosperity went hand in hand, shaping the Ontario we know today. From beginning to end, the Threshers Reunion paints a picture of a community driven by innovation, powered by teamwork and protected by resiliency - all great values that we can learn from and use to build a better Ontario for the future.

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen The Huron Pioneer Threshers and Hobby Association (HPTHA) raises funds every year through a daily 50/50 draw, and this year, 50 per cent of the money raised came to a grand total of $3,287.50.

All of that money raised will be going towards the HPTHA’s continued efforts to preserve these

reminders of our collective heritage and educate young and old alike as to the ways of the past.

The other 50 per cent went to the lucky daily draw winners. On Friday, William Merritt from Wheatley won $892.50; on Saturday, Donna Franklin from Guelph won an impressive $1,385; and on Sunday, Blyth’s own June Bakker took home $1,010.

Father knows best!

(Charles Spurgeon) “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away—may the name of the LORD be praised!” Job 1:21 “Shall we accept good from God—and not trouble?” Job 2:10 Let the Lord do as He wills to us! He will never be unkind to us! He has always been our friend—He will never be our foe!

He will never put us into the furnace—unless He means to purge the dross out of us. Nor will there be one degree more heat in that furnace than is absolutely necessary—there will always be mercy to balance the misery— and strength supplied to support the burden to be borne.

Oh, children of God, your Father knows best! Leave everything in His hands and be at peace—for all is well.

“I was silent; I would not open my mouth—for You are the one who has done this!” Psalm 39:9 “He is the LORD; let him do what is good in His eyes!” 1 Samuel 3:18 “Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty—yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!”

Habakkuk 3:17-18 A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church, Listowel, ON 519-492-1359

PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023.

Editorials & Opinions

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

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

The Citizen is published 51 times a year in Blyth, Ontario by North Huron Publishing Company Inc. Subscriptions are payable in advance at a rate of $50.00/year ($47.62 + $2.38 G.S.T.) in Canada; $190.00/year in U.S.A. Advertising is accepted on the condition that in the event of a typographical error, only that portion of the advertisement will be credited.

Advertising Deadlines: Tues. 2 p.m.

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40050141 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO CIRCULATION DEPT. PO BOX 429 BLYTH ON N0M 1H0 email: info@northhuron.on.ca

Member CCNA

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.

Member of the Ontario Press Council We are not responsible for unsolicited newsscripts or photographs. Contents of The Citizen are © Copyright

Disagreeing on disagreement Most people would agree that there seems to be more polarization between different groups, especially generations and political sides. Hotbutton issues ranging from gender and identity to race to Indigenous issues and colonization to climate change and how to combat it have become flashpoints in what is now being labeled as “culture wars”.

A recent Angus Reid poll found that three top words that Canadians use to describe the so-called culture wars are “exhausting” (60 per cent), “divisive” (59 per cent) and “unnecessary” (40 per cent), but just behind those entries you will find positive descriptors “important” (34 per cent) and “informative (29 per cent). We can’t even agree on how we feel about disagreeing.

No matter where you lie on the political spectrum, social issues or gender identity, the one thing that we should be able to agree on is improving communications between all sides. Positive change only comes from listening to all sides and opinions and finding a way forward. Sitting in silos and social media echo chambers may make you feel like you are on the right side of an issue, but actually asking someone else on why they are taking a position could change your mind, or at least bring empathy and understanding to the other side. – DS

Make it worthwhile On Monday, Sept. 25, North Huron is hosting an important meeting in Belgrave that will serve as both a feedback session for its proposed strategic plan and annual town hall public meeting. With so many hotbutton issues and ongoing developments, it’s sure to be well attended.

Or is it? Historically, many residents tend to skip these meetings, choosing to instead ignore the municipal level of government altogether or only take an active interest when an ongoing issue directly affects them. It’s telling that North Huron Council, earlier this year, was considering doing away with its annual town hall meeting.

Cynical residents might suggest this was a move towards limiting transparency, but people who have attended such meetings before will know that they often attract the angry, the bitter, the impossible to please and those with clearly defined agendas. In turn, an opportunity for meaningful dialogue about day-to-day issues that affect most residents is often lost as the meeting devolves into shouting matches fit to be refereed, rather than residents speaking to their elected officials.

From 4:30-7 p.m., the strategic plan for 2024-2027 will be the star, as it has yet to be formalized and council and staff are actively seeking public input on the township’s direction for the next four years. From 7-8:30 p.m., residents can ask councillors questions about anything.

Consider making the time to swing by and reclaim these meetings from the fanatics. Ask your councillor about your local arena, a new housing development that’s being proposed, terms like “inclusive” and “progressive” and if they warrant a place in the new strategic plan or about those high taxes. The more productive and useful a meeting like this is, the more likely they are to continue. Plus, who knows? You may just learn something about your community and its council. – SL

Ain’t no party like a Con. Party The Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) threw itself a big do in Quebec City last week as Tory partisans, political organizers and conservative groupies gathered for a good, old-fashioned convention.

The “government-in-waiting” demonstrated it is clearly focused on the pressing issues that matter to most Canadians, as long as those Canadians are focused mostly on the genitalia of children and preserving the sanctity of the place where those born with vaginas relieve themselves of their natural waste. Once these fundamental (or is it fundamentalist?) issues are dealt with, the dual-crises of affordability and climate catastrophe will probably solve themselves. After all, one can assume that gender-reassignment surgery is a carbon-intensive process and the economy will obviously start booming with the creation of hundreds of Female Body Inspector (F.B.I.) jobs posted at toilets from coast-to-coast-to-coast.

The star of the show was, undoubtedly, CPC leader, saviour and golden-boy Pierre Poilievre, surprisingly not clad in an F.B.I. shirt.

Poilievre’s party is riding high in the polls, partially because of his Clark Kent-ian transformation into a Superman-esque (or is it Übermenschly?) leader by removing his glasses; and partially because of the rising tide of voter fatigue (or is it obsessive hatred?) with the governing Liberals and their beleaguered leader Justin Trudeau.

While the Cons were whooping it up in “la belle province”, Trudeau was stuck in India with a broken down plane (or is it a metaphor that’s a little bit too on the nose?) after an awkward G20 summit. While Trudeau’s delayed return to Canada might have served as his “walk in the snow” moment, the Prime Minister seems committed to facing off against the ascendant Poilievre in the next election, even if it destroys the Liberal Party in the process. – SBS

Looking Back Through the Years September 15, 1966 During a well-attended meeting at the Brussels Library on the evening of Sept. 6, the officers for the upcoming term of Brussels Hi-T were chosen. During the meeting, it was decided that all dances hosted

by Brussels Hi-T would be open to attendees aged 13 and older.

Additionally, it was noted that girls should refrain from wearing slacks, unless specific exceptions are made. A strict policy was established, stating that anyone causing a disturbance during the events would be politely asked to leave.

The Morris Township Council convened on Sept. 7. During the meeting, a delegation from the Walton Library was in attendance to engage in a discussion about the future of local libraries.

The Morris Township School Area Board convened at Brussels School on Sept. 6, with the full attendance of all members.

September 15, 1976 Plans were set in motion to initiate repairs on the Belgrave arena in October, aiming to bring it in line with the specifications set forth by the Ontario Ministry of Labour.

A public meeting concerning the arena’s condition took place in Belgrave, although the turnout was relatively small. A report, prepared by B. M. Ross and Associates of Goderich, estimated the repair expenses to amount to $41,250. During the meeting, it was revealed that grants could potentially cover 75 per cent of the repair costs, with 25 per cent falling under the purview of the Community Centres Act, and the remaining 50 per cent being sourced from Wintario.

Despite a sluggish start, the 1976

Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association Reunion held in Blyth marked a significant milestone as it became the largest in its 15-year history. Although the event was initially hampered by cold, wet weather on Friday, it more than compensated with two successful days on Saturday and Sunday.

Simon Hallahan, the association’s secretary-treasurer, reported that approximately 10,000 people attended the Saturday exhibition, while around 12,000 were present on Sunday. Saturday’s attendance was slightly down by about 800 compared to the previous year, but the Sunday turnout set a new record. Many attendees praised it as the finest exhibition to date, featuring a wide range of attractions and displays. Despite the challenges posed by rain on Friday and the absence of an arena, the event managed to achieve significant success.

On a sunny Sunday afternoon, two exciting baseball games took place at the Walton Recreation Park. The Squirts secured a victory against Blyth S-1, while the Intermediates claimed a commanding 5-0 win over Eden Mills.

September 16, 1998 The final Brussels Lawn Bowling competition of the season took place in the afternoon of Sept. 3, featuring a total of 18 participating teams. This tournament was sponsored by Helen Hetherington on behalf of Associated Financial Planners.

As the Cranbrook Sideroad in Grey Township was set to undergo paving, council passed a motion to install multiple stop signs along this route. According to the bylaw, these stop signs would be placed at every

intersection with concessions along Cranbrook Sideroad, south of Cranbrook.

On Aug. 3, Bernice Gross warmly welcomed 21 members of the Auburn United Church Women to her residence. The gathering commenced with Ruth Armstrong leading a worship session centred around the theme “Finding Faith In A Flower”. Gross proceeded to acquaint the members with the symbolism and significance of various flowers, such as the marigold as a protector with medicinal properties, the rose as a symbol of love, the sunflower as a dependable and versatile worker, the black-eyed Susan as a caretaker of others, and the petunia as a seeker of healing from loneliness.

Marjorie McDougall and Gross presented a musical duet titled “The Garden of Prayer”, while Armstrong provided corresponding scripture readings. Nancy Park presented estimates for painting the church doors and woodwork.

To conclude the meeting, a miscellaneous auction sale was held, resulting in a total of $98.50 raised.

September 12, 2013 Yvonne Knight, hailing from the Cranbrook area, was honoured as the Citizen of the Year for Brussels and the neighbouring communities.

Knight’s exceptional dedication was evident through the six nominations she received for The Citizen’s annual award, all of which highlighted her unwavering commitment and contributions to both the Brussels and Cranbrook communities.

The 52nd annual gathering of the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association was memorable, despite intermittent rainy weather.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023. PAGE 5.

Other Views

Times have changed for women

A

s I contemplated, on the weekend, what to write this column about, outside on our country acreage the sound of steam whistles at the annual Huron Pioneer Thresher Reunion leaked across the fields.

As I recalled the last days of threshing (I’m old enough to remember the experience), I thought about how different the world of women is today from back in the 1950s and beyond.

We threshed (we said thrashed) in my early days on our farm north of Lucknow. My father and bachelor uncle shared work with our neighbour to the west for a short harvest season, beginning with wheat in mid-summer and oats and barley in late summer. Our neighbour across the road stored his grain sheaves in the barn to be threshed later in the fall by a large crew that handled many farms in a wide area. Our neighbours to the east were ahead of the game, drawing a small combine behind their tractor.

The role of women, particularly farm women, was much different in those days.

Though she had worked in a factory when my Dad was overseas during the war, my Mom became a farm wife again when he came home and they bought the farm. She grew the garden and preserved quarts of fruits and vegetables by the dozen (we didn’t have a freezer back then).

Monday was washday with our ringer washer and a clothesline for drying - much better in summer than winter when clothes quickly froze and came into the house as mansized cut-outs. Tuesday was ironing day - a task that was much more serious in the days before nylon and other easy-care materials.

So it went each day in a house that was much more susceptible to dirt from two sons who

Keith Roulston

From the cluttered desk tracked in muck, various pets, two men working dirty jobs and hundreds of flies from the nearby barn.

When I think about the Thresher Reunion, the glory of remembrance is around the men’s work and their machines. But farm women played a huge role. In the days of threshing gangs, like the one that arrived at my neighbours’ farm across the road, preparing two meals a day for a dozen workers who ate like two dozen because they worked so hard, brought all a farm wife’s neighbours to help share the work, whether cooking the meal beforehand or cleaning up afterward (with a short time to share a meal themselves before gearing up for the next meal).

Ironically, though most of the time they worked alone in their own kitchen, I recall a busy social life for farm wives of that era. My mother gathered with all her neighbours once a month for her Women’s Institute meeting.

There were meetings of clubs at the churches.

In the winter, there were Farm Forum meetings in our neighbourhood in a different home each week that brought men and women together to discuss topics of importance, followed by cards (Shoot in our area, Euchre elsewhere) and ending up with lunch and much gossip.

My wife Jill came from a suburban neighbourhood so, aside from church

gatherings, and Bridge instead of Shoot, shared few of the experiences of my mother. But she still stayed home from work, did laundry and kept a spotless house, despite having four kids.

Few things have probably changed more than the role of women in our western society.

I thought of that the other day as I did my exercises and listened as Jill watched the TV news. More than half the voices I heard were female reporters. That was changing when I went to journalism school in the late 1960s when there were many young women in my classes, daughters of mothers, I would guess, who were full-time housewives.

I’ve also spent much of my life around theatre, with many, many young actresses. Go back in history, however, to the days of William Shakespeare, and female parts were played by men. Women weren’t allowed to be corrupted by the world of theatre.

Even today, some of the conflict in the world is still between nations where women are treated equally, and nations like Afghanistan where, when the western powers withdrew, the dominant government forces have declared that women must hide their faces in public and can’t have jobs like doctors, nurses and teachers.

Even closer to home, there is uncertainty among some U.S. voters as to whether women should be running for public office. For that matter, Canada has had only one female Prime Minister when Kim Campbell succeeded Brian Mulroney for a brief seven-month term in 1993. In the U.S., the despicable Donald Trump defeated the only female presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, in 2016.

So, women have come so far since my childhood, but they still have so far to go to attain equality.

Things are getting pretty steamy elcome back to The Chaff, your weekly wander through the weird, wild and wonderful world of whimsy, wantonness, and “We want our money back because The Chaff makes us upset in ways we don’t understand.”

This week, we are bursting with inspiration after a trip to the annual Threshers Reunion held in Blyth. Several “Chaff-heads” made their presence known by saying, “Hey, you’re The Chaff. I really hate what you do,” and “The Chaff is terrible and your personal hygiene needs to be addressed,” and “Scott Stephenson, you and your entire family should be forced to endure hard labour in a prison camp.” Thank you for sharing your passion Chaff-gang!

Getting a glimpse of how things used to be done is giving us good ideas for how things at The Chaff need to be done in the future. We are excited to reveal some of the innovations we are introducing into this column that were greedily gleaned from the good people at the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association (HPTHA).

Hope you’re ready to get steamed, because this column is now 100 per cent steampowered. We’re now using an antique automatic Chaffing machine that makes the difficult and dangerous work of Chaffing a little bit less, or possibly a little bit more, difficult and dangerous.

First, we ignite a fire in a dumpster using old copies of The Chaff that have stacked up around the office due to lack of interest. Our resident hoarder/stack manager Harold expressed concerns that the Chaffing machine would seriously deplete The Chaff stacks and make his job obsolete. Fret not, Harold, because we are certain that the Chaffing machine will create more copies of The Chaff that are alienating to all but the most

W

Scott Stephenson The Chaff despicable and deranged among us, ensuring stacks on stacks on stacks of Chaffs that North Huron Fire Chief Kent Readman will surely flag as an unacceptable hazard and imminent threat to public safety. They say it takes a village to raise a Chaff and we simply couldn’t do it without you, Harold.

Next, we use stagnant water to fill a rusty and decrepit old cast iron tub salvaged from a condemned house rumored to be cursed by a witch. It’s important that the water is perfectly stagnant to achieve the desired tone of The Chaff. We search through swamps, bogs and even sewer systems to find exactly what is needed to get these words to print. Some say there’s a little bit of magic in that murky water, but we just think it tastes good.

Hoses, tubes and pipes are weaved and woven, this way and that, through the tub teetering atop the flaming dumpster, mostly for decoration. They don’t do anything but they look really cool. Think mad scientist’s laboratory meets “crazy straw” factory. The loops will probably make you a little bit dizzy but that just means they’re working.

The rapidly evaporating steam is harnessed to make the Chaffing machines’ pistons start pistoning their little hearts out. The Chaff uses extra long pistons manufactured by LongTek, a company known for its signature Long Screen™ television sets and also for being a pyramid scheme.

This is when the real fun begins.

Dictionaries from all over the world are fed into The Chaffing machine and all of the useful words are separated out and fed directly back into the dumpster fire via word chute. What’s left behind is pure Chaff, ready to harvest for print.

The best feature of the Chaffing machine is the steam whistle. Its incredibly high pitch is deafening and reaches decibel levels known to drive even the most stoic individuals into the depths of absolute madness. Once it starts, you can’t stop it for at least 14 hours. Some call it torture but we can’t hear what they’re saying because of irreversible hearing loss. What did you say? Oh, nothing? Sorry, I thought you said something.

The Chaffing machine has freed up ample time for us to focus on the important things in life like taking in culture. We recently went to see The Real McChaff at the Blyth Festival.

It’s a play about the forgotten Canadian inventor of the lubricating cups used in Chaffing machines, Elijah McChaff.

We also saw the movie BarbenChaffer about radioactive dolls that were used to weaponize a Chaffing machine during World War II. It may have ended the war, but at what cost?!?

Critics are saying the science in this movie is dubious at best and that far too much of the film’s seven-hour runtime focuses on the philandering of the central character, Chaffbert C. BarbenChaffer.

We here at The Chaff are grateful for the incredible efforts of the HPTHA for preserving the important history of the Chaffing machine.

It heartens us to know that some little youngster out there may be inspired to take Chaffing to the next level someday because of what they learned from their school trip to the Threshers Reunion.

Until next time, Chaff unto others the way that you wish to be Chaffed.

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

The next generation

O

ne of the particularly fulfilling aspects of being the parent of a three-year-old is that she’s now become old enough to appreciate things on a new level. Really, what I’m talking about here is that she’s been able to experience and have fun at events that have been part of my life for the last 17 years.

Beginning with The Citizen in October of 2006, I was just 24 years old, I lived in a onebedroom apartment in Goderich and had left behind just about everyone I knew. Starting over - to a certain degree - like that meant that I didn’t really know a lot of people, nor did I know much about the events I would be covering or the people I would be meeting.

Now, all these years later, I have a wife and two children and they’re coming with me to events like the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association’s annual reunion, the Elementary School Fair, the Brussels Fall Fair and Santa Claus parades that I’ve spent the last 17 years covering. But, I’m seeing them through completely new eyes now as a parent.

Saturday at the Thresher Reunion was the latest example and it was just a great time to be a family man. I knew many people on the grounds and many of them knew me. Starting at the Blyth Firefighters Association breakfast and then moving through the grounds, I was seeing people who have known me since that fall of 2006 and now I’m walking around with children of my own and I could see on their faces how happy they were to see Tallulah and Cooper and to see not just how much they had grown in that time, but how much I had.

First, after a neighbour stamped our hands to get into the reunion, we went to the main stage for some music, but it wasn’t really doing it for Tallulah and so we went and saw the animals at the Huron Perth Junior Farmers’ tent. I had to explain to Tallulah the difference between animals you can pet and those you can’t.

From there, we moved on to the fiddle competition, which I knew she would like. The one thing that she did like when we first took her to the reunion last year was when she heard some fiddle music. She started dancing a bit in her stroller and then a bit more on her feet.

I had to drag her out of this year’s fiddle competition, but there was a natural break in the action, so we were able to move on (and I was able to take in some fresh air - those sheds can get pretty warm) and meet up with Cooper and Jess. From there, we headed to the main stage again and the Pierce Country Music band got her toes tapping and she was dancing near the main stage, much to the delight of many of the reunion attendees. However, things really took off when the band took a break to make way for the Teeswater Highlanders pipe band.

We made our way over to the ball diamond and Tallulah went nuts for the band. She danced and ran like crazy, clapping and shouting when they finished each song, before asking me if I thought the band would play another song.

The Pierce band would then wrap things up in time for the parade to go ahead. Things went a little sideways with how loud some of the steam engines were, but it was nothing that a stuffed animal purchase and some quiet time in the arena couldn’t fix (sorry to those trying to catch up with us during that time).

Once the coast was clear of steam engines, Tallulah trusted me well enough to return to the parade for the tractors and antique cars.

As I have enjoyed events like these over the years, albeit as a reporter being paid to attend them, it is amazing to watch my daughter fall in love with them all on her own and it really encourages me to stop and reflect on how far I’ve come after all of these years.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023.

At the Branch

Legion Week begins with fish fry

Nothing to see here, son The Brussels Lions Club’s return to a traditional elimination draw went off without a hitch at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre on Saturday night, where the ticket selection process was held under high security. (John Stephenson photo)

BY JO-ANN MCDONALD Our patio days are winding down at the Branch. The burgers and fries on Friday nights will also come to an end at the end of the month.

Then, we’ll head indoors. Last weekend’s cool weather was a reminder of what’s to come.

Indoor grub will begin on Oct. 6.

Comrades Deb and Sandra would appreciate any helpers. Call the Branch and offer your assistance to help on a Friday.

Congratulations to Comrades Eric Ross and Bob Richardson on participating at the Legion’s provincial golf tournament in Essex Branch 201 last weekend. They did not come home winners, but had a great day. They finished in the middle of the pack of 128 golfers.

They did get to ride home with the winning team from Listowel.

Congratulations!

The fish fry crew went to the annual reunion of the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association in Blyth last Friday evening to feed some hungry campers and others. The crew cooked for over 200 folks. The

CWP applications now open The Huron Clean Water Project is a fund that supports water quality projects in Huron County. There is a total of $500,000 in available funds for water quality projects taken on by Huron County residents, landowners and community groups.

“Now is an excellent time to apply for funding from the Huron Clean Water Project,” said Warden Glen McNeil. “This time of year is ideal to prepare for a spring treeplanting project, submit an overwinter cover crop incentive application, plan a wetland restoration project, or there’s even still time to plant some fall trees!”

Limited funding assistance covering up to 50 per cent of the costs of eligible projects is awarded to county farmers, rural landowners, businesses and community organizations. County of Huron funding can be also combined with other sources, such as the Canada-Ontario Environmental Farm Plan costshare program, Canada Nature Fund, and Forests Ontario treeplanting subsidy programs.

Investing and participating in onthe-ground water quality improvement projects contributes to a healthy environment and will provide lasting benefits for the

residents of Huron County and generations to follow.

The Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) deliver the program on behalf of the county. To apply for funding, or to obtain further information, call Maitland Valley Conservation Authority at 519-335-3557, extension 236, or Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority at 519-2352610, extension 227 or 1-888-2862610.

Learn more about the Huron Clean Water Project online at huroncleanwaterproject.ca.

crew consisted of Judy Lee, Kathy Burkholder, Deb Ross, Bruce and Rhonda Fischer, Joe and Deb Seili and Jodi Houston. Good job by all.

Provincial Legion Week begins on Sept. 17 and the Brussels Legion will kick off the week with a fish fry at the Branch on Sunday, Sept.

17, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

The week will end with open mic night on Sept. 22. Jelly Bean Blue will be on hand to help so you can join in on the fun. Comrade volunteers will be needed for both events, so give the Branch a call and volunteer.

The very popular euchre tournaments are set to return Oct. 13. If you signed up or have forgotten you have signed up and need to check, call the Branch.

There are 24 teams signed up at this point and if you did sign up and cannot make it after all, tell us so the spot can be filled by someone else. There is always plenty of fun to be had, so consider being part of the play this year.

The Catch the Ace draw, held Friday night, was conducted by Sandra, Joan and Lisa. The lucky

weekly winner was Donna Black, who won $156. She chose envelope number 10 and the jack of clubs was revealed. The pot has now grown to an estimated $3,700 for this week. Get your tickets today for the draw, as the grand prize grows every week.

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

Brussels Legion 218 Catch the Ace Weekly Winner Winning Ticket: Donna Black, $156 Envelope #10 found the Jack of Clubs Next estimated jackpot is $3,700

The Brussels Lions Club

ELIMINATION DRAW WINNERS Order 1 25 50 75 100 125 150 175 200 225 250 275 300 325 350 375 400 425 450 475 496 497 498 499 500

Prize Winner Town $200 Bill Watson Listowel $75 Luke McCutcheon & Alyson Irwin Brussels $75 Leanne Exel Brussels $75 Ken & Sheila Cousins Brussels $75 Steve Fritz Brussels $75 Martin & Kathrin Thomet Cranbrook $75 Kim, Amy, Emma & Hailey Alcock Brussels $75 B & C Knight Grandkids Brussels $100 Beau Riegling Bluevale $100 Gord & Dianne Franklin Seaforth $100 John & Ivonne Albers Bluevale $100 Lynne & Tom Cronin Brussels $100 Uli & Dorene Cardiff Brussels $100 Klaas & Shelly Jorritsma Brussels $100 Tyler & Jessica Deitner Brussels $100 Mike & Marylou Albers Bluevale $100 John & Pat Gillis Brussels $100 Kim & Ron Strome Brussels $100 Gene Logel Clinton $100 D & J Waechter Brussels $150 Paul Kirkby Walton $200 Perry Chuipka Brussels $250 Konrad & Melissa Wernham Brussels $500 Carter Cloakey Belgrave $5,000 Robert Boneschansker Wroxeter Early Bird Draw Winners ($100 each) John Lowe, Brussels Mary & Don Henry, Brussels Norma & Leonard Brenner, Kitchener

Rockin’ out The RJ Conspiracy provided the musical entertainment for Saturday night’s Brussels Lions Club Elimination Draw and their music certainly caught the attention of one fan in particular, as two-year-old Silas Edgar could stay in his chair no more and had to get up and dance and play a little tambourine. (John Stephenson photo)

50/50 Draw Winner in Support of the Kidney Foundation $640 Cole McLean, Brussels The Brussels Lions Club would like to thank everyone who supported our annual Elimination Draw.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023. PAGE 7.

NH requests report

Full blast The sawmill, powered by steam, is always a popular attraction at the annual reunion of the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association and this year was no different, as demonstrations brought in big crowds all weekend. (John Stephenson photo)

The Reading Web with Cindy Norgate

O

ne morning, this week, I found myself with a little more time than usual. I delighted in sitting with a steamy cup of coffee, my favourite book, and a chair on the balcony. I could see the sun peeking through the trees. It was simply enchanting.

Suddenly, I heard, “rustle, crunch, plop”. At first, I was startled. Then I peered more closely and discovered two fluffy black squirrels taking on the laborious task of gathering nature’s gifts to store for the coming change in weather.

I smiled to myself when I remembered the first time I saw a black squirrel. My husband was shocked when he learned this was a new concept for me, but I had only ever seen grey squirrels. Every now and again, though, I will see a grey one, and I like to call him “Cletus”. I like to think he followed me from the south and that he is my little friend. Imagine my shock, however,

when I realized there were white squirrels as well. Nature is kind of cool like that, isn’t it?

That precious moment last week reminded me of a book by Kenard Pak, entitled Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn (2016). Winner of the Golden Kite Award for Picture Book Illustration, Kenard Pak, according to MacMillan Publishers, “started out as a visual development artist with DreamWorks and Disney.” His artwork includes those from Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (2012) and The Road to El Dorado (2000).

This book is for children between the ages of four and seven and can be purchased online through Amazon, which describes it as such: “Join a young girl as she takes a walk through forest and town, greeting all the signs of the coming season. In a series of conversations with every flower and creature and gust of wind, she says good-bye to

Anglican Church hosts get-together From Marilyn’s Desk

By Marilyn Craig Call 523-9318

Happy birthday to Edgar Daer, who will celebrate on Sept. 15 and Tricia Daer of London will celebrate on Sept. 17.

Happy anniversary to Jeff and Nicole Layton, who will celebrate on Sept. 14; Blair and Shannon Bieman of Belgrave, who will celebrate on Sept. 16 and Irvin and Linda Pease of Goderich, who will celebrate on Sept. 18. Happy anniversary everyone.

The Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association reunion looked like it was another successful weekend. The weather was cooler and it stayed dry during the day.

Many of us saw people we hadn’t seen in years. It is a good weekend to catch up with old and new friends.

Come out to Monday Morning Smile (coffee) and join in on the

conversation and laughter. Monday Morning Smile is at Blyth Trinity Anglican Church from 10 to 11:30 a.m. See you there.

Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the last Saturday in September for story hour with Cindy Norgate at the library in Blyth.

Stay safe this week and give someone a call that you haven’t talked to in a while.

NEWS FROM BLYTH

summer and welcomes autumn.”

What a great way to spend a special moment with the child in your life to explain how nature changes throughout the year!

When I teach in the local public schools, I always say my favourite room is the library. Therefore, I have to say one of my favourite places in Blyth is its library. As mentioned in a previous writing, rhyming is one of the first skills important to language development for a young child, so I wanted to mention the Huron County Library offers a fun book called The Rhyming Rabbit by Julia Donaldson (2016). Julia Donaldson, CBE, is an accomplished English writer and playwright, so, when I see her name, my eyes pay attention. I hope you will take time to check out this or other rhyming books from your local library.

As I leave it here for this week, I sense a bit of sadness in the air with the passing of summer with some of my Huron County neighbours. As we consider the black squirrels preparing for the changes to come, I wanted to leave you this week with an uplifting quote to consider. “Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each.” - Henry David Thoreau.

Continued from page 1 children to play on. “A permanent location for a field would be great for the community, not just for Blyth, but for every kid that wants to come around,” explained Gahan.

“Since COVID happened, a lot of the kids are shy, and now through the soccer program and the good volunteers in Blyth, the kids are flourishing. We have 60 to 70 kids, but we just have no permanent soccer field…. It’d be really nice if we could find a proper location in Blyth.” The Kids Club already has all the necessary equipment to furnish the field, including goals and line markers, and need only the space and grass seed from council to get the ball rolling.

Lee-Gahan presented council with a map of the Blyth Campground, marked with possible field locations that would not disrupt any ongoing arena, Threshers Reunion, or campground activities. “We are currently using the area by the kids skate park, and the area to the left of the baseball field, but unfortunately it is not level enough and not large enough for us to continue on… so that is the ask.”

Deputy-Reeve Kevin Falconer complimented the pair on the level

$

25

of engagement they have already achieved, saying “I can honestly say I didn’t know we had that many kids!” Councillors Chris Palmer and Anita van Hittersum also congratulated the delegation on their achievement. Council debated the logistics of installing the field, examining things like parking and what camping utilities may need to be moved to make it happen.

Falconer reminded the rest of council that, in the past 10 years, Blyth has seen three different soccer fields taken out of use. “The other ones failed because of support… if we are going to put a pitch on municipal property, we better put some money behind it…

If we’re going to do this, let’s do it as North Huron and do it right.”

Councillor Mitch Wright put forth the possibility of utilizing community fundraising to pay for at least part of the project, saying “if the community is willing to get behind it and help some of the upfront infrastructure costs, it really shows the community is behind it.”

Palmer put forth a motion that staff create a report that details the possible costs and consequences of the project, which passed unanimously.

Belgrave Community Centre Board presents a

1/2 Chicken Drive Thru Dinner Prepared by Pineridge Barbecue Company

Sunday, October 1, 2023 Pick up at the Belgrave Community Centre 5-7 pm Meal prepared by the Community Centre Board Members and Volunteers Baked potato, coleslaw, roll, vegetable and dessert Tickets available for purchase at Stainton’s Home Hardware, Wingham; Belgrave Co-op; Edgar’s Feed And Seed and from Belgrave Community Board Members: Jonathon Van Camp 519-357-8259, Nicole Casemore 519-357-7238, Neil Vincent 519-357-2336, Bruce Higgins 519-357-5109, Kendra Robinson 519-357-4040, Cam Procter 519-357-5663, Peg Procter 519-357-0332, Kevin Scott 519-357-0607, Ron Taylor 519-357-2158 TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 25, 2023

Proceeds to the Belgrave Community Centre

MAITLAND VALLEY CAMERA CLUB

Photography by Liz Allan

PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023.

Sports Tigers finish atop fastball league standings

Hot at the right time While the Belmore Stingers spent much of the Huron County Fastball League season in first place (and undefeated), the Brussels Tigers, seen above battling the Brussels Bangers in late August, got hot in the back half of the season, winning their final 10 games. The Tigers are now in the pole position heading into this weekend’s year-end tournament, which is being hosted by the Goderich Grizzlies. (John Stephenson photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The games have been played and

the scores submitted and it’s the Brussels Tigers who have finished atop the Huron County Fastball League standings thanks to a 10-

Knowles wins Hallahan Trophy

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen Between 6,000 and 7,000 visitors, including around 470 campers, came to check out the huge collection of threshing machines, tractors and other farm vehicles on display at the Blyth Campground last weekend, but the antique equipment wasn’t just there to look cool and perform essential tasks - some of them were there to compete!

The honour of Best Feature Tractor went to a 1943 Oliver 70 owned by Adam Henderson from Brucefield, and the Jack Arthur Trophy for Best Restored Antique Tractor 1910 - 1930 went to Cary Thompson of Clinton with a 1929 Wallis 12-20.

The John Ellacott Trophy for Best Restored 1931 - 1950 winner was Tony Ward from Ethel and his 1949 Farmall H, and the Billy Joe Hallahan Memorial Trophy for Best Restored 1951 and up went home

with Wade Knowles of Breslau and his 1951 Case S Tractor.

The Wayne Houston Memorial Trophy for Best Restored Steam Engine went to Geoff Scholes from Plympton-Wyoming with his 1909 18 HP John Goodison Steam Engine. It was built in Sarnia over 100 years ago, and still runs like a dream!

Celebrating A Special Occasion?

Advertise it in

The Citizen Call or email to book your ad today!

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

game winning streak to end the season.

The Tigers ended the regular season with a record of 20-2 and 40 points. They were perfect at home with a record of 11-0 in Brussels, dropping their only two losses on the road for a record of 9-2 away from their home diamond.

The Belmore Stingers, who spent

much of the season undefeated and in first place, ended the season in second with a record of 18-3-1 and 37 points.

The Milverton Millwrights finished the season in third place with a record of 16-6 and 32 points, followed by the Wingham Hitmen in fourth place with a record of 15-6-1 and 31 points.

The Mitchell Mets finished the season in fifth place with a record of 13-8-1 and 27 points as the last team with a record above .500.

The Sebringville Sting ended the season with a record of 10-11-1 and 21 points in sixth place, followed by the seventh-place Monkton Muskrats with a record of 9-13 and 18 points, the eighth-place Walton Brewers with a record of 8-13-1 and 17 points and the Fullarton A’s in ninth place with a record of 8-14 and 16 points.

The Goderich Grizzlies, who are hosting this season’s year-end tournament, ended in 10th place with a record of 7-15 and 14 points, followed by the Wroxeter Rippers in 11th place with a record of 3-19 and six points and the last-place Brussels Bangers with a record of 2-19-1 and just five points.

On the last day of the season, Monday, Sept. 11, the Mitchell Mets beat the Bangers in Brussels by a score of 7-0, while the Belmore Stingers beat the Goderich Grizzlies by a score of 3-1 in a game played in Mildmay. Both games had been rescheduled, originally scheduled to be played on Aug. 23 and Sept. 6, respectively.

Also that night, the Wingham Hitmen needed eight innings to beat the Monkton Muskrats by a score of 5-2. The game was originally scheduled to be played on Sept. 6, but was moved to the last day of the regular season.

On Sept. 10, the Brussels Tigers hosted the Mitchell Mets in a game originally scheduled to be played on Sept. 6, winning by a score of 10-6. Also that night, the Sebringville Sting travelled to Fullarton to play the A’s for a game originally scheduled to be played on Aug. 29. The A’s won by a score

of 6-5 in a game that took eight innings to complete.

On Sept. 8, the Monkton Muskrats hosted the Brussels Tigers and the Tigers won by a score of 52, while also that night the Sebringville Sting hosted the Milverton Millwrights in a game originally scheduled to be played on Aug. 18. The Millwrights won by a score of 7-3.

The Walton Brewers and Milverton Millwrights split their doubleheader played in Milverton on Sept. 7, with Walton winning the first game by a score of 14-10 and the Millwrights winning the second by a score of 16-6. Both games were five innings with a designated hitter, with one of the games originally scheduled to be played on Aug. 29.

On Sept. 6, the Milverton Millwrights beat the Rippers in Wroxeter by a score of 13-0. That comes after two games on Sept. 5 in which the Mitchell Mets were in Walton and beat the Brewers by a score of 2-1 and the Fullarton A’s hosted the Milverton Millwrights, but lost by a score of 5-3.

On Sept. 4, the Monkton Muskrats hosted the Goderich Grizzlies in a game originally scheduled to be played on Aug. 29 and won by a score of 4-1. The Grizzlies continued playing that day, making up a game with the Fullarton A’s in Monkton, originally scheduled to be played on Sept. 8, and the Grizzlies won by a score of 7-3.

Now, it’s on to the year-end tournament, which will be hosted by the Goderich Grizzlies at Bannister Park this weekend.

Games begin at 7 p.m. tonight (Friday, Sept. 15) and run through Sunday, Sept. 17, when the championship will be decided at 4 p.m.

Twelve teams from across Huron and Perth Counties will take part in the tournament, which will follow the storied double-knockout format.

There will be a licensed bar run by the Goderich Flyers hockey team and a food truck on site for those in attendance.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023. PAGE 9.

HE Council holds veto power over project

Standing room only The Seaforth Agriplex was packed last week with concerned residents and those seeking to learn more about a proposed power storage project on the outskirts of the town. (Shawn Loughlin photo) Continued from page 1 comes, will work with local firefighters in regards to necessary training and equipment needed to fight the specific types of fires that could occur at a battery storage site.

Some in attendance noted that electrical fires like those that may occur at such a site could not be fought with water, so local firefighters may need additional equipment and training in order to safely fight a fire at the site and they felt the company should shoulder those costs.

In regards to the safety of the project, BluEarth also stated that the current generation of battery

projects are a lot more stable and safer than those of previous generations, though some in attendance expressed their doubts.

People also raised concerns about the agricultural aspects of the project, including taking prime agricultural land out of production and the impact, if any, that the project may have on nearby farms in terms of groundwater, stray voltage and livestock.

Company representatives said that the batteries and containers don’t contain liquid that could leak, so groundwater contamination in the event of an emergency shouldn’t be a concern and that the

only liquid that could leak would be the coolant. They also stated that they were not aware of any studies or research that has been conducted that shows battery storage negatively impacting livestock, or humans for that matter.

Some asked about the involvement of Huron East Council to this point and several members spoke to those gathered to set the story straight. Mayor Bernie MacLellan, Deputy-Mayor Alvin McLellan and much of council was also in attendance for the meeting.

The mayor told the group that BluEarth had only spoken to council once before, late last year,

New development in Walton PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

The first couple of days of school started with lots of heat, followed by cold mornings that brought everyone back to reality. The start of school also means the start of fall, it seems. The apple orchards are open with fresh-picked apples.

Advertisements include Halloween costumes and candy, heavy coats and even snow boots. Fall fairs, the Western Fair, the Elementary School Fair in Belgrave and the annual reunion of the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association in Blyth are all signs of Fall.

Fall means the canola, white bean and soybean harvests are just around the corner. The farmers have their combines tuned, greased and ready to go. They just need the cooperation of the weatherman.

The Brussels Lions Club held its very successful Elimination Draw on Saturday evening. It was the first event for the newly-renovated Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre and folks had a

chance to get a peek at the progress of construction. There was a good crowd, a good meal and great music. There were many happy winners, both local and from away, and Walton had four winners, including Ron and Kim Strome, John and Pat Gillis, Steve Fritz and Paul Kirkby. Congratulations to the Lions and all the winners.

The main street of Brussels is getting a little sprucing up. The fixing of soffit and scraping and repainting at the pharmacy and the Solace building is looking very nice. Great job folks.

There have been lots of changes across the countryside this summer, including an addition to our home.

It is coming along nicely. The village of Cranbrook has many new homes and Cranbrook Road has a new home and two new sheds for the Lefors and Cochranes. St. Michael’s Road has two barns with facelifts making them look like new - both belonging to Stevenson families. Newry Road has major changes at the former horse farm in the form of a new shed/feed storage for Speirans, new building at Lavender Works, new shed for Fischers, barn overhauls for Terpstras and the Bakers have removed many trees to brighten the property. Morris Road has had the Terpstra barn removed, the Martin farm has had a major clean-up, a big new shed on the new Terpstra property, some upgrades at

Monoway farm buildings and an addition and work sheds at the new landscaping business at the end of the road. Lots of changes and improvements for the better for all.

It was Coffee Chat time at Walton Hall on Saturday morning. Just a small crowd this week because of so many things going on, but don’t worry! We are not deterred. The next Coffee Chat will be on Sept.

23 from 9-11 a.m. Drop in and have a visit with some old friends or maybe make some new ones!

The Walton Hall Board had a Continued on page 14

and that was for an earlier version of the project that would have been located on a different site. The company says it has not yet returned to a council meeting and has no immediate plans to return, as it is still so very early in the process.

That project, according to the BluEarth employees, could not go ahead for a number of reasons, which is what led them to the site being proposed on Maple Line, east of Seaforth and south of Hydro Line Road.

The employees explained that the project works as a storage for power generated at off-peak times, such as overnight, by wind turbines; it can then be dispatched when called upon by the IESO when needed at high-demand times. They said the company’s only customer is the IESO, which is akin to the provincial government, and that it wouldn’t be buying electricity from the province and selling it back to Ontarians at a profit, as someone at the meeting had suggested.

If approved, the employees said, the project would still not be operational for a number of years, perhaps 2026 or 2027.

As far as the meeting itself was concerned, several members of the public sounded alarm bells over notification and spreading the word, saying they felt the company was trying to fly under the radar. A representative said that was far from the case, noting that BluEarth had gone above and beyond provincial notification requirements.

The company is required to notify landowners within 2,000 metres of the project, which she said the company did, in addition to placing advertisements in local newspapers and posting on the Municipality of Huron East’s website. And yet, some people who claimed to be within the 2,000-metre zone said they had not been notified, which the employees said they would investigate further.

BluEarth also noted a number of community outreach initiatives it undertakes if a project is successful, such as a scholarship program, annual donations to local causes and more. Some in attendance, however, weren’t swayed by those offers, drawing comparisons to the controversial vibrancy funds offered to communities that hosted wind turbine projects years ago.

When asked about setbacks, the employees said that, because it’s so early in the process, proper setbacks had yet to be established, but that 800 metres would be a safe bet, though the reason for the setback would really just be noise.

Representatives said the noise created by the site would be held to a limit of 40 decibels, which they described as a “whisper in a library”. Again, some in attendance had their doubts, raising the issues of noise related to wind turbines which was another topic of controversy at that time.

Representatives also noted that the site will be subject to a number of studies, including hydrogeological and archeological studies, as well as stormwater management and more before site plan approval could be granted.

Residents also expressed concerns about diminished property values as a result of living near the project, but representatives said there have not been any studies that have proven that to be the case.

MacLellan then addressed the crowd, reiterating that no requests on the current project had been made of council. He said that, if and when the group approaches council, seeking approval, council would have the discussion then, but as of right now, nothing is on the table for them.

Seaforth Councillor Bob Fisher then asked what the group’s Plan B is, should council choose not to approve the project.

“If council says no, we don’t have a project,” a company representative stated.

The Citizen

405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792

Advertise your business here!

One of the most read areas of the paper

SUDOKU Fun By The Numbers Like puzzles?

Then you’ll love sudoku. This mindbending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test!

NEWS FROM WALTON

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023.

Glimpses of the Past with Karen Webster

I

f a person were to take the time to peruse the listing of landowners in local history books, they might find the repetition of one name in particular. That name was Hon. George Jervis Goodhue.

Goodhue, along with men like Henry D. Blyth, of England, William Garratt of Kingston, Donald McDonald, William Seymore and many others sought to increase their wealth by purchasing land from the Crown, speculating that it would increase in value by holding it for a few years, then selling it at an inflated rate.

Let’s take a look at Mr. Goodhue.

He was born in 1799 in Putney, Vermont, the son of a prominent physician. We might presume that Goodhue, when he came to Canada in 1820, was in possession of some cash. He established himself as a merchant in Westminster Township before there were any stores in the settlement that has become the city of London. In addition to his store, Goodhue also operated a distillery and an ashery where pearl ash, a key ingredient of soap and glass, was manufactured. He expanded his businesses with an additional store in Ancaster in 1827.

In 1826, London became the district town and Goodhue was there to help shape its destiny. Amongst the first buildings in London was that of the courthouse. In close proximity to this site, Goodhue established a store there in 1830 where he “set up his business to supply all the needs of the early settlers and to buy anything that they had to sell”.

For 10 years, he was in partnership with Lawrence Laurason. First, they were general merchants and then acted as agents for the Bank of Upper Canada. In addition, Goodhue held some minor offices in Westminster and London Townships before being made postmaster of London in 1830.

Goodhue managed to profit from the Rebellion of 1837 and in 1841 he acquired some of the properties in McKillop and Tuckersmith Townships which had been confiscated from Anthony Van Egmond.

The year 1840 saw London being incorporated as a village, and who was on the council and elected as the first village president (mayor)? It was none other than George Jervis Goodhue. Never one to stand still, in

1841, he was appointed as one of the district magistrates after the union of Upper and Lower Canada in the previous year. The next step on his ladder of successes was to be elected as a member of the Legislative Assembly of the Canadas. It was from this position that he added the title “Honorable” to his name.

Outside of his political concerns, Goodhue continued to amass his wealth through land speculation. In the 1830s, he had acquired 30 acres of land north of London and opened this land as the area’s first subdivision. One biographer stated that “the care of his estate became the preoccupation of his life”.

Goodhue also expanded his holdings by being a mortgage broker.

While some mortgages were held at an interest rate of six per cent, in the depressed times after 1857, he charged 24 per cent. When the mortgagees were unable to maintain their payments, Goodhue initiated foreclosure and ruthlessly had them evicted from their properties. One case is recorded that when a young family was tossed from their home, the wife gave birth to their child in the ditch, which resulted in the death of both mother and child. It is said

father in matters of money, the heirs squandered their inheritances on lavish European vacations and huge mansions.

An article by Frederick H. Armstrong puts forth the opinion that Goodhue was neither better nor worse than any of the other Upper Canada pioneer merchants who rose to wealth as their regions opened up. He added that Goodhue was London’s “least beloved citizen”.

The memory of his great wealth and tales of the harshness of his business dealing have not yet died.

Certainly, many properties in Ashfield and Wawanosh townships started out in the hands of this businessman.

Though he was neither “good” nor “honorable”, George Jervis Goodhue’s name remains etched in many of the lists of property owners in Huron as well as in Elgin, Grey, Kent, Lambton, Middlesex, Oxford, Perth and Simcoe Counties.

%[ w Fg

But was he Honorable?

that the distraught husband forced his way into Goodhue’s office to put a “good old-fashioned black Irish curse” on him.

When George Goodhue passed away from tuberculosis in January of 1870, his estate was valued at $650,000 (which is over $15 million in 2023). Curiously, he had sought to control this money after his death in two ways: his children were only to receive interest on specific amounts, with the fortune to eventually pass to his grandchildren; as well, the wealth was not to be distributed until after the death of his wife.

His outraged offspring petitioned the provincial legislature to break the will, which it did decide to do.

There was such an outcry fearing this decision could set a precedent for future disputes that it was overturned. By the time that Goodhue’s widow passed away in 1880, a good portion of the estate had gone to lawyers. Unlike their

& ğ

Clinton’s Leishman marks 100th

_ gl[ ~ _ Xg E [ DZǶg,ɠ l_= ɹǷdzǰ/_,ɺ

E g/F& X? L[& F/ % [Eɠ ǸǶǰDZǶ [ = ?/F ɠ ?l =FLx [ /F g ɡ _ Xg E [ Dzdz[ lX g _ɡ F%l [l ?L ?dzDzǰ LF % F /F_g &[ E

[[/w %g [ ǵXE %L[ %LL F _F =_ [/F& ~Ll[ LxF , /[ F ? F= gɠ w Fg /_ Llg LL[_

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

A new century Last Sunday, Ruby Leishman of Clinton, seen seated front and centre, marked her 100th birthday at her home in Clinton with many family members, seen above, and friends as part of a come-and-go celebration. (John Stephenson photo) Last Sunday, Ruby Leishman of Clinton celebrated her 100th birthday at her home with plenty of friends and family members on hand to help mark the occasion.

Ruby Elizabeth Leishman was born in her family home in Nile on Sept. 6, 1923 to Frank and Mildred Wilson.

Ruby attended school in Nile and later married Jim Leishman Jr. on April 4, 1945. Together, they had nine children, adopted one and fostered eight more.

Along with helping on the farm, Ruby also sold Avon for a period of time and was an active member of the United Church.

Ruby is now an amazing grandmother to numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren

and several great-greatgrandchildren.

A once-avid knitter, Ruby has gifted many homemade sweaters, mitts, socks and scarves to her family members and friends over the years. She also still enjoys puzzles, playing Yahtzee and reading.

In her 100 years, the greatest milestones she witnessed was the

change from oil lamps to electricity and the switch from horse and buggy to automobiles.

Ruby has always lived in Huron County and resides in Clinton. On Sunday, a drop-in celebration was held at her home with many family members and friends in attendance.

Ruby is clearly 100 years young and loved by many.

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

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

Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca FOR SALE - Black and Decker electric leaf blower, $30.

Londesborough 519-501-3289.

37-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Invacare Matrx P5 wheelchair. Model Helio A7. Make an offer. 226-523-4039 37-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - 10" table saw, table is 27"x39". 2HP motor. Can be wired 110 or 220. Currently wired 110. $150.; Scroll saw 18". Cast iron frame. 1/4HP motor. $25; filing cabinet 5-drawer. 14 3/4" x 28"x59". $40. 2-drawer with locks and keys $15. Call/text 226-880-1689. 36-3 -------------------------------------------

WANTED - A crokinole board in good condition, preferably a Willard board. 519-357-9467.

36-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Remington hair kit (new), $45. 519-524-4648.

35-3 -------------------------------------------

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023. PAGE 11.

BLYTH Y 519-523-4244

+XURQ7UDFWRU FRP

519-523-4311

www.ruralvoice e.ca

McGavin, Townsend triumph at Huron match

Tough luck Walton’s Brian McGavin, who triumphed locally at the Huron County Plowing Match, faced some tough luck at the Canadian Plowing Match recently. He had a great start to the competition, but then battled an uncooperative and rocky patch of land on the last day, which knocked him off of the podium and into fifth place.

(Courtesy photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The results are in for the 95th annual Huron County Plowing Match and plenty of locals have reason to be proud of their performance.

On Junior Day, the Huron 4-H

Sodbusters Club held its achievement day at the match, which was held just northeast of Brussels on the farm of Pete and Leisa Albers. There, Clayton Hern proved to be tops, winning the Top Plow Person Award, followed by Wyatt Govers, who won the Ross Gordon Memorial Award for Top

Crown, while Hern also won the William Leeming Memorial Award for Top Finish.

Hern finished the match with 135 points, placing first, followed by Govers in second with 130 points, Peter Albers in third with 121 points, Dugald McIntosh with 119 points in fourth and Brendan Hickey with 118 points in fifth place.

Joel Fleet finished the match with 116 points and a sixth-place finish, followed by Cole Hugill and James Speer who both finished with 114 points in a tie for seventh place.

Ben Speer finished in ninth place with 111 points, followed by Aiden Hickey in 10th place with 110 points, a tie for 11th place with 107 points between James Miller and Ryan Miller and Brooklyn Hendriks and Darcy Fear in a tie for 13th place with 106 points.

As for Friday’s match itself, Dugold McIntosh was named Grand Champion Junior Plow Person, while Brendan Hickey was named Reserve Champion Junior Plow Person, as well as the winner of the Huron County Scholarship Award.

Ben Speer won the Warden’s Award and the McGavin Award for his performance at the match, while Aiden Hickey won the Val-Lea Award as the match’s youngest participant.

McIntosh topped Class 2 (Huron Junior), followed by Brendan Hickey in second, Ben Speer in third, James Miller in fourth and Darcy Fear in fifth. In Class 4 (Huron Green Class), James Speer placed first, followed by Ryan

Miller in second, Aiden Hickey in third and Cole Hugill in fourth.

In the senior competition, it was a familiar story, with Brian McGavin being crowned Grand Champion Senior Plow Person, followed by Lucas Townsend as the Reserve Champion Senior Plow Person two men who are no strangers to representing the county provincially, federally and beyond.

McGavin topped Class 5 (Huron Senior), followed by Townsend in second, Paul Dodds in third, Andrew Fear in fourth and Joe Ryan in fifth.

Alex Cameron placed first in Class 6 (Open Junior), followed by Austin Brodhaecker in second.

In Class 7 (Open Senior - Two Furrow), Brian Davenport placed first, followed by Patrick Sanders in second, Kody Vandevenne in third, Tom Evans in fourth, Craig Cameron in fifth, Paul Robinson in sixth and Darnell Francis in seventh.

No one participated in Class 8 (Open, Three-Furrow) this year, though Gerald Corbett placed first in Class 9 (Reversible Plows), while MacKenzie Reinhart finished in second.

Ken Milligan topped Class 10 (Antique - Trail/Drag Plow), followed by Tom Thede in second, Jim Cox in third, Kent Robinson in fourth, Keith Robinson in fifth, Richard Pepper in sixth and Fred Richardson in seventh, though he was unable to finish due to a malfunction with his tractor.

In Class 11 (Antique - Mounted Plow), Brian Helkaa placed first, followed by Paul Hodgson in

second, Doug Smith in third and Ian Break in fourth.

In Class 14 (Antique - Junior Plowed Drag or Mounted Plow), Cameron Vos was the lone participant and winner.

As a result, Brian Helkaa was named the Grand Champion Antique Plower, Cameron Vos was named the Grand Champion Junior Antique Plower and Brian Davenport (of Owen Sound) won the Don Dodds Award for Highest Visitor’s Score.

Jordan Shortreed won Class 12A (Horse Sulky Plow) as the lone participant and John Dekroon won Class 13 (Horse Walking Plow), also as the lone participant.

Dekroon also claimed the Best Plough Team Award.

Celebrating A Special Occasion?

Advertise it in

The Citizen Call or email to book your ad today!

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

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK REPORT For the week ending September 8, 2023 Total Receipts: 1,300 cattle and 525 lambs and goats

Veal: There were 130 head of veal on offer.

Tuesday- Fed steers and heifers on a good steady market. Choice steers and heifers $232 – $250 sales to $251.

Second cut cattle $225 – $231. Aged and medium fed steers and heifers $215 – $228. Holstein steers and heifers $155 – $215.

Beef Veal $230 – $257 Good Holsteins $226 – $239 SL Heavy Holsteins $220 – $236 Heavy Holsteins $190 – $207 Medium Holsteins $210 – $225 Plain Holsteins $190 – $211

Cows sold steady.

ThursdayVeal sold actively at fully steady to stronger prices. Lambs sold higher.

Sheep sold steady. Goats sold higher.

FridayCalves and yearlings sold actively at stronger prices.

Steers: John Richardson of Harriston consigned 16 head. One black steer weighed 1,345 lbs. and sold for a price of $251.

There were 180 cows on offer: Beef $140 – $196 sales to $211 Good Holstein Cows $130 – $189 Medium Holstein Cows $120 – $129 Bulls $159 – $193

Benneweis Livestock Inc. of Bornholm, consigned two head. One holstein steer weighed 715 lbs. and sold for a of price of $239.

Levi Swartzentruber of Stirling, consigned four head. One holstein steer weighed 745 lbs. and sold for a price of $239.

Lambs: Under 50 lbs.: $287 – $320 50-64 lbs.: $268 – $380 65-79 lbs.: $271.75 – $287.50 80-94 lbs.: $276 – $292.50 95-109 lbs.: $265 – $290 110 lbs. and over: $245 – $270 Goats: Billies: $300 – $350 Nannies: $125 – $220

Kids: Meat: $375 – $435 Dairy: $275 – $410 William Ringgenberg of Walton, consigned 74 head. Seven lambs averaged 96 lbs. and sold for an average price of $290.

Pete Lise of Teeswater, consigned three head. One lamb weighed 84 lbs. and sold for a price of $292.50.

Allan McEwen of of Wyoming, consigned six head. Four kid goats averaged 58 lbs. and sold for an average price of $435.

Top Quality Stocker Steers 500 – 599: $383 – $413 600 – 699: $364.00 – $419 700 – 799: $346.00 – $378 800 – 899: $324.75 – $343 900 – 999: $303 – 326.00 1,000 lbs. and over: $285.75 – $303.50 Top Quality Stocker Heifers 500 – 599: $318.50 – $362 600 – 699: $332.75 – $363 700 – 799: $268 – $280 800 – 899: $271.75 – $289.50 900 lbs. and over: $271.50 – $299.50 Craig Simpson of Glencoe, consigned 16 head. One blue heifer weighed 955 lbs. and sold for a price of $296.

Solomon M. Weber of Holyrood, consigned 30 head. Three charolais heifers averaged 980 lbs. and sold for an average price of $291.50.

Terry Burns of Tamworth, consigned 116 head. Ten charolais steers averaged 1,033 lbs. and sold for an average price of $303.50.

Franken Farms of Teeswater, consigned 23 head. Ten red steers averaged 946 lbs. and sold for an average price of $309.

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd.

UPCOMING SALES TUESDAYS 10:00 a.m.

Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows

THURSDAYS

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

FRIDAYS

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

Call us 519-887-6461

PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023.

History in motion at Threshers Reunion HPTHA President, Cole McDonald

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023. PAGE 13.

Rural traditions take centre stage in Blyth

North Huron Reeve, Paul Heffer

Central Huron Mayor, Jim Ginn

Huron County Warden and Ashfield-ColborneWawanosh Mayor, Glen McNeil

PAGE 14 THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023.

Classified Advertising – RATES – Coming event

20 words or less only $8.00 + HST Additional words 20¢ ea. + HST

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

SEPTEMBER TAKE-OUT LUNCH, Tuesday, September 19, 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Trinity Anglican Church, Blyth. Meatloaf lunch with dessert, $12 per person.

Ordering deadline: Monday, September 18. To order call 519523-9396 or email: mcgregor@ezlink.ca

Articles for sale Help wanted GERBERS FIREWOOD SERVING you for over 15 years. Your number one source of quality slabwood and bodywood. Delivery available. No Sunday calls. 519-274-1236, 519441-2085.

01-50p -------------------------------------------REPRINTS OF PHOTOS taken by Citizen photographers are available to purchase. All are in colour. 4x6 – $5.00, 5x7 – $6.00, 8x10 – $10.00. Phone to order 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca tfn -------------------------------------------THE CITIZEN IS AVAILABLE TO purchase at these locations – Auburn Esso, Belgrave Variety, Blyth Variety, Blyth Food Market, Blyth Ultramar, Brussels Foodland, Brussels Variety, Clinton Convenience, Clinton Foodland, Charlie’s Variety in Clinton, Fogal’s YIG in Wingham, Wingham Mini Mart, Seaforth Foodland, GT Mini Mart in Seaforth, Fincher’s in Goderich, Goderich Victoria St. Shell and The Citizen Blyth.

-------------------------------------------TWO TEN-FOOT DIAMETER gazebos, octagon, built with round cedar logs. One 8 X 16 gazebo built with pressure treated 4x4s. Two blocks north of Whitechurch at 382 Whitechurch St.

Card of thanks SEERS - Bill and Maxine Seers would like to thank our family, Gail and Allan Reid, Carol and Bert Reinink, and all of our grandchildren for the wonderful 70th anniversary party. Also thanks to our friends and neighbours, some who travelled from far away. It was a great afternoon and celebration. Thanks to everyone. Bill & Maxine.

-------------------------------------------ROBINSON - Dianna Robinson would like to thank everyone for making her birthday so special.

THANK YOU!

Coming events Clinton Public Hospital Auxiliary Toonie “Penny Sale” September 22 to 30 at Royal Canadian Legion, 95 Kirk St., Clinton. Hours 10 am to 6 pm. Friday 28th hours 10 am to 9 pm.

-------------------------------------------TAKE-OUT Meal, Saturday Sept 30, 11:30 am to 1pm, at Maitside Orchards, 23 Orchard Lane, Brussels. Turkey and stuffing, potatoes, vegetables, and roll. $19.50. Pie & ice cream extra. For $5 per group, enjoy our outdoor seating and a stroll to the river. For details/reservations call by Sept 29.

519-835-0099.

CANTELON FARMS REQUIRES an AZ driver.

Contact cantelonfarms@tcc.on.ca for more info.

-------------------------------------------HURON TIRECRAFT IN CLINTON is seeking a responsible person to join our team for the position of tire technician. Uniforms supplied. We also offer a safety shoe program as well as many other benefits. Please submit resume in person at 77925 London Road in Clinton, or email to stevefenz@tirecraft.ca

Notices ATTENTION VETERANS' FAMILIES! Legion Br. 420 Blyth is looking for Veterans' families who would be interested in having a banner made to honour their fallen loved one. These banners will be hung from the light standards of Queen Street during the month of November. If you are interested, please contact Jim Button 519-5259670 or visit the Legion for details.

Please submit by Oct. 15.

-------------------------------------------PIES PIES PIES! The Brussels Agricultural Society would appreciate a donated pie for our Fall Fair food booth. Pies may be dropped off at BMG Community Centre no later than 4:30 p.m. on September 19th. We thank you in advance for your generosity and look forward to seeing you at the 160th Fair!!

-------------------------------------------Please note corrections to the 2023 Brussels Fall Fair Book Photography & Art Section: #4 "Bank Barns & Spinning Yarns:" original work, any medium #6 Junior (10-18yrs) 2 photos up to 4"x6"; "Bank Barns & Spinning Yarns" mounted on white or black bristol board with 1" border on all sides and a small space between each photo. #7 Theme of the Fair "Bank Barns & Spinning Yarns AS2 Design a cover of the 2024 Fair book: Pork and Beans, 161st Brussels Fall Fair, September 17 & 18, 2024.

Seaforth Optimist Club Monthly Cash Draw winners SEPTEMBER 2023 WINNERS Tom & Heather Nigh ......$1,300 Janice & Brett Finlayson ..$100 Kent & Marina Scott ..........$100

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

Hitting the stage As always, the fiddle and step dancing competitions were big draws at this year’s Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association reunion in the group’s Shed 3, crowning dancers and fiddle players of all ages, much to the delight of those in attendance. (John Stephenson photo)

Graham speaks to UCW PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE

By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188

Happy anniversary to Blair and Shannon Bieman on Sept. 16.

Congratulations to Kendall Jardin and Kailey Wheeler, who were married on Sept. 9 at the Four Winds barn in Brussels.

On Sept. 9, on my side of the family, we held a picnic in Grand Bend. People travelled from London, Brantford, Kitchener, Grand Bend and Belgrave. It was a cool day, but visiting, looking at photos and taking photos were all enjoyed. The little children enjoyed the playground equipment. An afternoon was brought to a close with hugs and wishes for a safe trip home.

Many people enjoyed the 62nd Annual Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Reunion in Blyth on the weekend. We had no church in Belgrave, so some attended the church service, as well as other events. On Sunday, Sept. 17, Sandra Cable is the guest speaker at Knox United Church, Belgrave. All are welcome.

The Belgrave United Church Women met at the home of Connie Shiell on Tuesday, Sept. 5. Dee Graham talked about alpacas, their hair and items made with the hair

that are in her store on their farm east of Lucknow on Amberley Road. She also had items on display.

Over 30 people attended the Community Coffee Break on Tuesday, Sept. 12. They enjoyed coffee, snacks and fellowship. The next coffee break is on Tuesday, Sept. 26 from 9:30-11 a.m. All are welcome.

It’s getting more like fall. The leaves are starting to change to beautiful red, orange and yellow colours. The flower beds are displaying a lot of colour. Go for a walk or drive out to the country to see what Mother Nature has to offer.

Our summer weather is disappearing, it is getting dark earlier and the nights are cooler.

Enjoy what summer we have left before autumn comes on Sept. 23.

NEWS FROM BELGRAVE

Slo-pitch tourney on this weekend Continued from page 9 short meeting on Saturday morning to discuss a few minor things and what members would like to see happen in the future.

The Brussels/Walton Ladies Slopitch League is holding the yearend tournament this weekend. Drop down to the ball parks in town and catch a game. The league is celebrating 30 years of play. Look for old faces, new faces and for

some fun and innovative costumes.

Celebrating birthdays are Sarah Humphries, Cindy Kerr, Justin Shortreed, Tim Fritz, Katrina Godkin, Brenda Linton, Karen Carter, Jaden Shortreed, Lisa Stevenson, Brian Alcock, Anne Ryan, Kevin Dunbar, Rosanna Grobbink, Foster Blake, Mason Blake, Robert Glanville, Darryl Morrison, Manny Taylor and Randy Zwep. Happy birthday to all.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023. PAGE 15.

Hullett Central welcomes students back to school

Back at it On Wednesday, Sept 6, schools across the Avon Maitland District School Board welcomed students back to classrooms for another year of education. That included those who call Hullett Central Public School their home for much of the year. Principal Lori Stevens (back, centre) was on hand to welcome back students like Sierra Lehmann, front left, William Nesbit, front right, Soryah Patterson, back left, and Alaina McClinchey, back right. (John Stephenson photo) By now, families, children, teachers and bus drivers will be getting comfortable in the routines of a new school year. The halls of Hullett Central Public School will be filled with the sounds of children’s exuberance and bells.

Along with classroom learning, other activities are being scheduled.

Last Friday was children’s day at the annual reunion of the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association in Blyth and Grade 5

and 6 students from Hullett Central were there having a closer, firsthand look at a former way of life.

Hullett Central will celebrate and talk about Orange Shirt Day ahead of Sept. 30. Our federal government has proclaimed that day the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The slogan for that day is: Every child matters. Pupils will learn the significance of the day and be encouraged to wear an orange shirt for their activities that

Saturday out of respect for the lives of Indigenous children.

And respect is the virtue being examined and talked about this month at the school. They will hear that respect means to act in a way that shows caring about another person’s feelings and well-being, in addition to treating others with courtesy.

There have been several staff changes at the school since the end of June. If you have Hullett Central children in your lives on a regular basis, you will recognize the names of staff from former years and be introduced to new people.

Lori Stevens has returned as principal this year and is feeling more settled in her position after a year at the school. If you visit the school, you will be greeted most often by Hullett’s Secretary, Shelley Kirkconnell.

Returning teachers on the Primary wing are Jill Bell, Meaghan Anderson, Christa Haggitt, Tina Taylor, Melinda Ireland and Allison Plumsteel.

Familiar faces on the Senior wing of the building include Leanne Middleton, Sydney Elder and Craig Caldwell. New to Hullett’s senior side are Jessica Goldsworthy, Justin Plant and Claudia Wellwood.

Kristin Workman returns to teach French and Julie Gilroy will be dealing with special education.

Crystal Moir, Donna Douglas, Freda Hill and Keela McIntrye are returning staff in assisting roles.

Sarah Ferreira-Caldwell and Jean Johnston are new faces at Hullett.

Larry Dalton and September Koskela are charged with keeping everything ship shape. Lise Mack, as crossing guard, will be making sure the young

WILMA REININK At Huronview Home for the Aged, on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023, the Lord called home Wilma Reinink of Clinton in her 98th year.

The beloved wife of the late Herm Reinink (2006), Wilma was the loving mother of the late Hank (2006) and Shirley Reinink of Londesborough, Johanna and Herman Ramaker of Clinton, John and Ann Reinink of Auburn, Gieny and Esau Tiesma of Bayfield, Reah Reinink of Clinton, and the late

Clinton Christian Reformed Church on Monday, Sept. 11 and on Tuesday, Sept. 12 until the time of the funeral service. Interment was in Clinton Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to the Canadian Diabetes Society or Huronview Home for the Aged would be appreciated.

Messages of Condolences for the Reinink family are welcome at www.falconerfuneralhomes.com.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Falconer Funeral Homes Clinton.

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

Owned and operated by Mac and Donna Andersoon Assisted by Mandy

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

Remembering your loved one Honour your loved one by placing their obituary in

The Citizen.

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

Obituaries George (2021) and Lois Reinink of Blyth.

She was also loved by 21 grandchildren and 41 greatgrandchildren.

Wilma was the dear sister of Annegien Wilpshaar of the Netherlands, Hendrika Vander Wel of Strathroy and sister-in-law of Betty Lennips of Mattawa. She will be loved and missed by many nieces and nephews.

Wilma was predeceased by her brothers Gerrit-Jan, Albert, Henk and Bill Lennips.

Friends were received at the

people make it to school safely.

Welcome back to everyone and best wishes for the school year.

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

OverSTUFFed? Clear the clutter and cash in at the same time in Swap Shop Free ad up to 25 words, person to person only (no businesses), items valued at $1,000 or less.

Your ad will run three times unless it sells faster!

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

The Citizen PO Box 429, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 405 Queen Street, Blyth 519-523-4792 info@northhuron.on.ca

PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023.

From the Minister’s Study

Adopt disruptive faith in times of disruption

BY REV. ALEX JEBSON, BLYTH AND BRUSSELS UNITED CHURCHES How many types of knots are you able to tie? How many are you able to name? However many you are able to list off, it’s probably a higher number than I could. I was never in Scouts, nor did I ever really find myself on too many boats growing up, so my rope-tying activities were mainly focused on showing the cows, tying the rope halters together.

Even just knowing one or two knots helps in a variety of situations, especially if you’re trying something new, or just feeling untethered in general. We’re certainly living in times in which things feel like they are unraveling.

And a biblical narrative that I tend to tether myself to in times like this is the story of Rahab and the fall of Jericho (Joshua 2:1-21).

Rahab, working by candlelight, pulled fast against the giant knot to ensure it stayed firm. The crimson rope was coarse and heavy in her hands, as she started lowering it out the small window hewn from the city walls, dropping into the darkness of the night outside. She had spelled out to the two men hiding in her thatch roof how best to avoid the soldiers whose torches and spears were disappearing over the horizon. She had to hope that the knot, the rope, the darkness and God would do the work to get the hidden spies out of the city again.

Stronger still than the crimson knot lit up by the candle’s flicker were the knots that filled Rahab’s stomach. She looked around the hovel that was her home, tucked away within the walls of Jericho. As a sex worker, hers was an existence pushed to the margins, to the borders, tucked away - someone forced to live some of the harshest realities that Jericho could offer, but which Jericho tried to deny even existed. The home carved out of the city walls was both something that she felt bound her too tightly, but at the same time, the walls were some of the only assurances that she had, to keep the rain off her head and aggressive neighbours at bay.

But now, she could see even that little bit of security and assurance unravelling. Even tucked away in the dark, Rahab had a better vision of the coming change than anyone else in Jericho. The words of the bumbling Israelite spies had only confirmed what she had long suspected - that the walls would be a-tumblin’ down. A drastic change

Evangelical Missionary Church

Sunday Sept. 17, 10:30 a.m.

Special Guest Missions Speaker DOUG JOHNSTONE (Ethnos Canada) Psalm 25 - “Things I Am Learning from David”

was all but certain, and Rahab needed to figure out to what she needed to tie the rope, so that she could weather what was coming.

Like Rahab, looking out from her window in the wall of Jericho, we both recognize and fear the change that needs to happen in the name of God’s ways, that injustices need to tumble and crumble. This is especially true for those on the margins, those often overlooked and underheard. This is what the Botswanan feminist theologian and professor Musa W. Dube identifies with in her writing, “Rahab is Hanging Out a Red Ribbon”. “As she walks away from the window, I realize that I am her. I am Rahab…

Like Rahab, I am also standing at the window by a great wall that divides the powerful and the less powerful. I am standing in the shadow of death, where the powerful threaten to wipe out cities and they do. I am a witness: war invades the screens of our TV sets and comes straight into our homes, while we sit and watch. It makes us and our children consumers of violence, and perhaps even

collaborators for many of us sit and watch silently.”

In theory and in faith, we want these walls to collapse. We want God’s New Creation, the Kingdom Come, the ways of hope and love and justice that we have been reflecting on the past few weeks.

But, in the face of hearing that the walls are to collapse, the walls in which we have made our home, and surrounded by those who do not see God’s desire for the walls to fall down, we are tempted to not be like Rahab.

Instead, we might cling to the walls, to the powers and attitudes that deny God’s love, or retreat into the walls, failing to connect to the community beyond our walls. Or, we might feel our rope of faith is too frayed to make a decent knot, that it is not long or strong enough to offer a route away from the walls, or we might panic and not know to which we tie that rope.

Rahab, giving the rope one good last yank, ran her one hand over the well-tied knot, and, with the other hand, tossed the crimson rope out of the window, watching it tumble

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

The Regional Ministry of Hope www.regionalministryofhope.com 519-357-7781 email: revjoann@hurontel.on.ca

Trinity

pushing seas to the sides to let a people free. And God was now calling for walls to shake in the call for something new, a land where the last and the least, the stranger and alien, are taken care of. A new Creation where nobody would be forced to live in the walls.

Feeling less frayed and more assured, Rahab ran her fingers along the top of the rope hanging out the window. She now felt more tethered than she had in years. Her faith allowed her to live out her discipleship in co-operation with others (such as the spies), communication and confidence in God in the face of change. Her actions that night were not just about survival, but about her assurance in having a fuller life in God. The inspiration that comes from the faith of Rahab in the midst of change ties into our own times quite neatly. We can even be inspired to Continued on page 22

Brussels Mennonite Fellowsship THE MISSION OF BMF GROW – in the teachings of Jessus LIVE – by His Example CONNECT – people to Jesus

Come Worship W With h Us Sundays at 10:00 am All Are Welcome W

BLYTH 9:00 AM St. Paul’s Trinity

WINGHAM 10:30 AM

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

Come Worship with Us!

BRUSSELS S

U United Chu ur urch Welcome to Brussels United Sundayy, Sep ptember 17 at 9:30 0 a.m.

Come, the invitation is open to all, share in God’s message m for us.

Contact Alex at ministter.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.co y @g om Website: brusselsandblythuc.ca b P.O. Box 359, Brussels ~ 519-887-6259 P.

Sunday, September 17 at 10 a.m.

BMG Community Centre (upstairs room) 800 Sports Drive, Brussels **Please note our new location** Childcare provided for children aged 0 to 4 during the sermon

Worship and Prayer Time Loving Fellowship Expository Preaching

For additional details please visit: brusselscommunitybiblechapel.com

MEL LV VILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS

Sunday, September 17 11:00 a.m. - 12 noon (please note time change) We extend a loving welcome to all to join us as Doug Sargent leads us in worship, praise, and prayer to Go od.

A time of fellowship to follow.

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

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, September 17 Welcome Back Service at 11:00 am Join us Wednesday mornings for visits in the garden starting at 10 am.

Outreach project is backpacks and school supplies for the Women’s Shelter.

"If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” Colossians 3:1 Nursery and Sunday School during worship On-site and online - live.huronchapel.com 119 John’s Ave., Auburn 519-526-1131

down the side of the wall and hang in the pale moonlight. In tying that knot and letting the rope down, Rahab acted in a faith and wisdom from God that had eluded nearly everyone else. This is uplifted by the minister and professor Anna Carter Florence in her lecture “Listening at the Edges and Inside the Wall”. “Rahab sees truth when others don’t. She is persistent, which the scriptures call faith. With her persistent faith, she survives…

Rahab does not assume that God’s liberation is primarily for her people, but she can see it beyond the walls and she is open to it. The truth that Rahab sees, that drives her persistence, is that God has been at work.”

God has been at work. God had been freeing a people in slavery, those considered the last and the least, like Rahab herself. God had been working in unexpected and disruptive ways, nourishing in the desert with manna and water, and

Contact Alex at: minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com Facebook: Blyth and Brussels United Churches blythunited@tcc.on.ca ~ 519-523-4224

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

Worship Time & Sunday School 10:30 a.m.

September 17 ~ Ball’s Chapel October 1 ~ Worldwide Communion with guest minister Rev. Bill McAuslan

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023. PAGE 17.

Come join us at the

160th

Brussels Fall Fair September 19 & 20 “Bank Barns & Spinning Yarns”

PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023.

Walton’s Vinnicombe takes on society presidency

The top job Reg Vinnicombe, seen above at the recent Ambassador competition held at the Brussels Legion, has assumed the presidency of the Brussels Agricultural Society and he thinks there will be something for everyone at this year’s Brussels Fall Fair, which will be the closest to a traditional fair the society has hosted since 2019. (File

With the first full and traditional Brussels Fall Fair since 2019 (including its storied parade and activities at its traditional home of the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre), comes a new Brussels Agricultural Society President: Reg Vinnicombe.

Vinnicombe is a relatively new member of the society, joining during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. After retiring from Johnston and Johnston in Guelph, the Walton-area man found he had more time on his hands and decided to give back through the society. He spoke with friend Monique Baan, who has been an active member of the group for years, and was convinced to give it a try.

It wasn’t long until there was a vacancy at the top and the society came calling, asking Vinnicombe if he wanted to be the president.

Zoellyn Onn had stayed on for a third year to see the society through the pandemic, safely hosting parades in 2020 and 2021 and then a pared-down fair in 2022, held at the Four Winds Barn and other locations throughout the village, and it was now time for someone new to take the reins.

Vinnicombe says it has been great working with a group of dedicated and passionate volunteers that care so much about their fall fair. He is still learning, he said, but the help he has and the people he can lean on for knowledge have made the

transition a smooth one.

He says he’s looking forward to welcoming the fair back to the arena, which is where it belongs. In addition, the main street parade will return, which will be exciting for many who make a point to attend the fair year after year. There will also be some new and exciting attractions, like a mobile escape room and more, that he thinks will be of interest to those attending.

Vinnicombe is being aided by Crystal Blake, the former secretary of the society, who is serving as the first vice-president. So, if nothing changes, she will become the president at the organization’s annual general meeting in January of 2025 once Vinnicombe has completed his two-year term.

He says the stage has already been set for a great fair after the

special Ambassador competition night that was held last month at the Brussels Legion. With three great representatives of the society now in place - Ambassador Loretta Higgins, Junior Ambassador Paislee Ribey and Little Ambassador Isla Fischer - he said it feels like the fair has the perfect people to sing its praises.

As for the fair itself, Vinnicombe encourages everyone to attend because there really is something for everyone. There are displays and activities for those interested in agriculture and for those who aren’t, along with plenty for attendees young and old, so he hopes everyone will make time to come to the fair and enjoy what is truly a return to normal for the Brussels Agricultural Society and the Brussels Fall Fair.

Enjoy the Brussels Fall Fair!

"We've Got Your Lumber" Brussels 519-887-6277

photo)

Last year’s venue change not alone in Fall Fair history

2023 Brussels Fall Fair Events September 19 & 20, 2023 Admission by Donation at the Brussels Morris & Grey Community Centre Tuesday, September 19th

Wednesday, September 20th

Inflatables 4-8 pm

Opening Ceremonies 7 pm

Children’s Program 9:30-11:30 am THE EYRIE: BIRDS OF PREY Exhibits open 10 am Parade 11:30 am Pie Table 12 noon - 3 pm Train Display 12 noon - 3 pm Country Games 1-3 pm Inflatables 12 noon - 3 pm Food Booth 12 noon - 3 pm

Dog Show 7:15 pm

LIVESTOCK SHED AT BMG:

Ambassador Cake

Sheep Show 12 noon

Decorating & Auction 7:30 pm

4-H Beef Show 1 pm

50/50 Draw 9 pm

Little Folks Ag Show 1 pm

Exhibits Open 6 pm Pie Tables 6-8 pm Raffle Table 6-8 pm Train Display 6-8 pm Escape Room 5-9 pm BBQ Dinner 5:30-7 pm

Open ’em up!

At last year’s Brussels Fall Fair, instead of cutting a ribbon to officially open the fair, Ambassador Deanna Haanstra, centre, and Little Ambassador Paislee Ribey, right, opened the doors to the Four Winds Barn to do the honours as then-President Zoellyn Onn looked on.

They were, as you can imagine, quite heavy. (File photo) After the cancellation of the Brussels Fall Fair in both 2020 and 2021, the Brussels Agricultural Society returned last September, though not at its traditional home of the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre. The event marked an enthusiastic return to a traditional fair, held that year at the

relatively new Four Winds Barn.

This year, however, the society will be back at its traditional home, even if parts of it may still be under construction. The storied parade will also return.

A look back at the fair’s history shows that a venue change, like that Continued on page 19

160th Parade Info On Wednesday, September 20th at 11:30 am form up at the ball diamond Parade goes up Sports Drive to Turnberry St., through downtown and ends at the Community Centre.

For more info: John Lowe 519-887-9799

PRIZES FOR BEST THEME, BEST BUSINESS/GROUP OR ASSOCIATION, BEST YOUTH THEME, BEST HOUSES, BEST YOUTH BICYCLE ENTRY

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023. PAGE 19.

Ribey trades ‘Little’ crown for Junior title

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Eleven-year-old Paislee Ribey is back for another year as a Brussels Fall Fair Ambassador - this year trading her Little Ambassador crown for the title of Junior Ambassador.

Ribey stepped up last year as a 10-year-old and wanted to be involved with the Brussels Agricultural Society and the Brussels Fall Fair. She said she was a bit reluctant and shy at first, but organizers of the competition say she has really come out of her shell and into her own in the year that has followed.

Ribey, in an interview with The Citizen, said that, before becoming the Little Ambassador last year, she would shy away from public speaking. However, in the year since, she has sought it out, giving speeches at her school and the local Legion branch, all thanks to the experience she gained from being in the Brussels Fall Fair program.

Now a Grade 6 student at North

Woods Elementary School, Ribey said she has developed keen interests in art, language and French, while spending her spare time playing baseball and figure skating.

Reflecting back on the year that was, Ribey said she really enjoyed spending so much time with outgoing Brussels Fall Fair Ambassador Deanna Haanstra, whether it be at the fair itself, Santa Claus parades or other functions that called for ambassadors to be in attendance.

The experience was so positive, she said, that she wanted to continue to represent the Brussels Agricultural Society, which is why she put her name into the mix to become the Junior Ambassador, giving the society its first full slate of three ambassadors in several years.

While she thinks she and Haanstra had the most fun at Santa Claus parades in the winter, something that will always stick out for Ribey is the happiness on the Continued on page 21

A new beginning Paislee Ribey, right, handed off her Little Ambassador crown to Isla Fischer, but now wears a new one as the Junior Ambassador. She was crowned thusly by outgoing Brussels Fall Fair Ambassador Deanna Haanstra at the special Brussels Ambassador night, held recently at the Brussels Legion. (File photo)

Society changed name in ’66 Continued from page 18 employed last year as a necessity - is not unheard of in the event’s history.

Through the years, there have been significant changes to the fair, from the more recent additions like the fire safety courses hosted by Huron East Fire Department and the change from a traditional midway to inflatable attractions, to older changes like when the Queen of the Fair competition was first incorporated in 1980 and historical changes, like when the fair was originally held in Victoria Park, the site of the Brussels baseball diamond.

Then-Secretary of the Brussels Agricultural Society, Mary Douma, in 2012, provided a brief history of the society and the fair to The Citizen for the special Brussels Homecoming edition produced that year. That history is reprinted below:

By Mary Douma The first Brussels Fall Fairs were held in Victoria Park (where the main ball diamond is today), with the inside department housed in the hall at the Armstrong Hotel (later known as the American Hotel, just south of the Brussels Library on Turnberry Street).

In 1872, three quarters of an acre was purchased for the fairgrounds. It was just north of McDonald Home Hardware, behind the present Optimists’ club house, for $575.

In 1875, the new Agricultural Hall, costing $600, was ready for use.

In 1883, there were also Morris and Grey Township Agricultural Societies that worked with East Huron Agricultural Society (Brussels).

In 1891, 10 more acres were purchased from John Leckie. Horse racing was introduced for the first time. The new competition in 1892 was to determine the “Best Lady Driver”.

In 1895, there was the first Field

Crop Competition. The crops were to be turnips and mangels.

In 1900, the directors decided to hold a big concert on the Friday night following the fair in the Town Hall. Attendance at the 1900 Fall Fair was an estimated 5,000.

In 1901, ladies assisted in setting up and displaying exhibits. This became an annual custom and each year two or three women were appointed as assistants.

In 1903, the first contest for children was recorded, that being an apple-naming contest. The first competition in a “Fancy Drill” by school children was held in 1905.

There were to be at least 16 children in each drill. The prize went to Ethel school with 25 children taking part.

In 1906, the “Crystal Palace” show hall was built for a cost of $3,263. 1928, the palace was wired for hydro.

In 1929, the Fair Board bought two lots facing Turnberry Street to increase its land base.

Until 1929 there was also a spring fair in April (mostly an exhibition of stallions and bulls) as well as a fall fair held in October.

In 1937, the fair was cancelled due to a polio epidemic.

In 1946, a membership to the East Huron Agricultural Society cost $1 and included two admission tickets.

Also in 1946, the field crop section

expanded to include wheat, oats and barley. In 1947, the first school parade was held.

In 1949, the large opening in the second storey of the Crystal Palace was closed in and floored with hardwood, making it an ideal floor for dancing. In 1951 there was a variety concert in the arena starting at 8:30 p.m. followed by dancing at the Crystal Palace Ballroom.

In 1952, the women’s division was taken over by the Brussels and Cranbrook Women’s Institutes. In 1954, a water system was installed in the Crystal Palace Ballroom. In 1959, washrooms were installed in the north-east corner of the palace.

In 1961, the fair and society’s 100th anniversary, a centennial stone gateway was erected at the Turnberry Street entrance. In 1966, the name of the Society was changed to Brussels Agricultural Society.

The first Queen of the Fair Competition was held in 1980. In 1984, the fair moved to the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre. In 1995, the Ambassador competition replaced Queen of the Fair.

In 2006, the youth activities for the two local schools, Grey Central and Brussels Public, were introduced on the Wednesday morning of the fair.

Have a great time at the Brussels Fall Fair!

401 Albert Street, Box 340 , Brussels, ON N0G 1H0 Phone: 519-887-6336 407 Queen Street, Box 199 , Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 Phone: 519-523-4577 email: riversidefuneralhome@hotmail.com www.riversidefuneralhome.ca

Have fun at Brussels Fair!

For all your ex xca c va ation needs including septic sy yst s em installations and repairs Supplying Brussels/Blyth Area with all t ypes of sand, gravel and stone

BRUSSELS • 519-887-8855 • KURTIS CELL 519-496 6-1871

Have ve fun att the 160th F Fa all Fa Fair!

AUTOMOBILE • HOME • FA FARM • COTT TA AGE • BUSINESS • MARINE COMMERCIAL • LIFE • INVESTMENTS • GROUP BENEFITS BL LYTH 519-523-4481 LINWOOD 519-698-2215

BRUSSELS 519-887-6100 SEAFORTH 519-527-1610

GODERICH 519-524-2664 STRA AT TFORD 519-271-4340

Enjoy the 160th Brussels Fall Fairr

P.O. Box 1440 85345 Brusselss Line BRUSSELS, ON N0G 1H0

McCALL LIVESTO OCK • Order Buyers • Slaughter/Feeder Cattle • • We Western/Eastern/Local Cattle • • Cattle Appraisals ~ Processing Av Availab ble •

Ross McCall Office 519-887-9571

mccall.lvstk@huronteel.on.ca

PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023.

Higgins the latest to wear Brussels’ crown both asked to prepare slideshows about themselves and why agriculture is important to their lives. It was an interesting change and one that clearly Higgins made the best of, securing the victory and now wearing the agricultural society’s crown for the next year.

During that presentation, Higgins outlined all the ways that agriculture is present in her life.

Growing up on a farm, she said agriculture was a factor in just about every aspect of her life, from home to work to friends and social activities to travel.

Higgins said she really appreciated the special ambassador night held by the Brussels Agricultural Society at the Brussels Legion. She liked spending time with Koch and getting to know new Junior Ambassador Paislee Ribey and Little Ambassador Isla Fischer.

In addition, she said she knew just about all of the competition organizers from one aspect of her life or another, so that made things a lot easier and more casual.

Initially, Higgins said she wondered if she might be a bit too

old for the position at 24 and that the society may want a younger person representing it, but she was quickly relieved of those concerns when she was chosen as the winner.

Before attending university in Guelph, Higgins was a student at F.E. Madill Secondary School in Wingham and at Wingham’s Sacred Heart School before that.

While she’s happy working in her field at Pine River Cheese, Higgins says that, one day, she would like to explore working in agricultural education, but, for now, she’s quite fulfilled where she is.

Now, she’s simply looking forward to the fair and all that she’ll be able to see and do there as the ambassador. She’s also looking forward to having fun with both Ribey and Fischer. She said she was able to spend some time with Fischer at the Brussels Library for an ambassador event and she was amazed at how much fun they had, despite their 14-year age difference.

It just shows how the Brussels Fall Fair brings people together and has something for everyone of any age, she said.

Have a great me at the Fair!

A new era New Brussels Fall Fair Ambassador Loretta Higgins, above right, was crowned by outgoing Ambassador Deanna Haanstra recently at the Brussels Legion. Below, from left: Little Ambassador Isla Fischer, Junior Ambassador (and outgoing Little Ambassador) Paislee Ribey, Haanstra, Higgins and Ambassador runner-up Madison Koch. (File photos)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Loretta Higgins is this year’s Brussels Fall Fair Ambassador and she’s excited to be back in the world of public service in this manner, after serving as the Huron County Queen of the Furrow a few years ago.

Higgins follows in the footsteps of Deanna Haanstra, who was crowned the ambassador last year.

She came after a lengthy reign by Sean Mitchell, who was crowned back in 2019 and held on to the position throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, seeing it through to a top-seven finish at the Canadian National Exhibition’s Ambassador of the Fairs competition. This was the first time for a Brussels Ambassador since Nicole Lowe had done it nearly 20 years earlier.

In an interview with The Citizen, Higgins said she had always considered putting her name into the mix for the Brussels Fall Fair Ambassador competition, but, after serving as the Queen of the Furrow, life took an expected turn for Huron County residents of her age and she moved away from the community for a few years. First, Higgins studied Nutritional and Nutraceutical Sciences at the University of Guelph and then worked for a time in St. Catharines and then the Ottawa area before returning to Huron County. She now works as a quality control technician at the famed Pine River Cheese Company south of Kincardine.

Higgins says that, while she has participated in the Brussels Fall Fair before as a 4-H participant, she hasn’t been overly involved with the fair over the years and she’s now looking to make that change as the ambassador.

She said the competition this year was a bit different than those of previous years, so she didn’t quite know what to expect. Higgins and competitor Madison Koch were

Have Fun at the Fair!

TILE DRAINAGE PAYS! Let a good drainage system work for you to help improve: • Soil erosion • Aeration 43479 Blyth Road • Crop yields • Soil warm up (R.R. #1) Walton, ON N0K 1Z0 • Crop rotation • Harvest length • Soil conditions E-Mail: kmmfarmdrainage@outlook.com • Land values • Plant growth • Fertilizer efficiency

CALL THE EXPERTS! Business: 519-887-6428 Ron McCallum 519-524-3543 Chad McCallum 519-955-1588 GPS Grade Control & Mapping

HURON FEEDIING SYSTEMS SYSTEMS

connecting communities

519-606-2211 www.tcc.on.ca

Brussels, ON ~ 519-887-6289 9

www.huronfeedingsystems..com

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023. PAGE 21.

Fischer completes first full Ambassador slate in years

Something new Brussels Fall Fair Little Ambassador Isla Fischer, front, was crowned by Paislee Ribey, the outgoing Little Ambassador and new Junior Ambassador at a recent celebration at the Brussels Legion. (File photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The newest (and youngest) addition to the Brussels Agricultural Society is 10-year-old Isla Fischer, who is the new Little Ambassador of the Brussels Fall Fair.

Fischer, however, is no stranger to the fair, as she and her family have been among the biggest contributors to the fair in recent years, submitting crafts and other creative pieces to be considered in

the annual opportunity to show off all the community and its members are capable of.

Just nine years old (though mere weeks away from turning 10 and entering double-digit life), Fischer is a Grade 5 student at North Woods Elementary School near Ethel. She says her favourite subjects right now are math and art and, when she’s not in school (or wearing the Brussels Fall Fair Little Ambassador crown and sash), she likes to play baseball, pickleball and hockey, while attending different camps in the summer months as well.

Fischer and her mother Kristen say the family has been submitting crafts and other things to the fair for years and siblings have even been honoured for having the most submissions in past years.

This year, however, Isla said after seeing Paislee Ribey for the past year (Ribey was the Little Ambassador for the past year and has now taken on the role of Junior Ambassador, clearing the way for Isla to become the Little Ambassador) she was inspired to get involved. Ribey was so happy and enthusiastic about the position and did so much to introduce the fair to people that Isla said she wanted to try her hand at the position.

Sure enough, when she decided to put her name forward, she was the lone candidate and she was crowned in a special ambassador night held recently at the Brussels Legion. There, she was able to read an essay she submitted in order to win the position. In it, she talked about wanting a dog and all she would do with her new pet.

As for what she’s looking forward

See you at the Brussels Fair Brussels Lions Club

Ribey returns Continued from page 19 faces of people attending the fair or watching parades. Meeting new people and being around so many happy faces, she said, was what she will always remember about the past year - something she hopes will continue for the year still to come.

As for the special ambassador night hosted by the Brussels Agricultural Society at the Brussels Legion a few weeks ago, Ribey said she had a lot of fun there.

Not only was she able to reflect back on her year as the Little Ambassador, but she was able to meet new Little Ambassador Isla Fischer and Fall Fair Ambassador Loretta Higgins and learn a bit more about them.

It’s still early in the year, of course, but Ribey said she’s really looking forward to spending more time with them in what’s sure to be a fun year ahead.

Welcome to the 160th Brussels Fall Fair!

to at this year’s fair, Isla says she is excited for the parade, but really she loves being around a lot of people and she says she’s happy to follow Ribey’s lead and spend time with all of the happy people attending the fair, watching parades and interacting with them in the year to come.

She said she has really been encouraged by her first few weeks as the Brussels Fall Fair’s Little Ambassador and hopes to put her

name forward for Junior Ambassador and Fall Fair Ambassador positions when the time comes.

Celebrating A Special Occasion?

Advertise it in

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

Welcome to the Brussels Fair!

Jacquie Gowing Accounting, Income Tax and Business Management Services Personal, Farm, Business & Corporate • Monthly Bookkeeping Services • Electronic Tax Filing jgowing623@gmail.com

519-887-9248 "Y Yoou will find it at CARQU UEST"

AUTO PARTS

RAD AR R AUTO P PA ARTS

235 Turnberr y St., BRUSSELS 519-887-9661 3878 Wellington St., St MITCHELL 519-348-8485 20 King St., CLINTON 519-482-3445

Have a grreat time at the Fair!

Todd Whe eeler Insurance Inc. AGE ENT: TODD WHEELER PO Box 394 75 Sports Dr., Brussels, ON N0G 1H0

twheelerr@mckillopmutual.com r@mckillopmutual com OFFIICE: 519-357-0155

Have a great time at the Fair!

Susan, Doug, Kim, Michelle and Sue

480 Turnberry St., Box 86, Brussels, Ontario N0G 1H0

Brett & Laura Fischer

Phone: 519-887-2662 Toll Free: 1-866-887-2662

Brussels ~ 519-887-8253 Office

www.sholdicefinancial.com

brettandlaura@plantpioneer.com

PAGE 22. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023.

Do you tether yourself to God?

Hot and ready The Blyth Firefighters Association, as it has for years, served up its pair of breakfasts as part of the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association’s annual reunion. The meals took place at the fire hall in the north end of town and members and their supporters saw (Shawn approximately 1,600 people come through over the course of the weekend.

Loughlin photo)

Continued from page 16 lean into different understandings and critiques of the text that this narrative comes from. Anna Carter Florence, even as she draws from the narrative of Rahab to uplift faith and wisdom spoken from the margins and the walls, laments the “violence of chosen-ness as a hollow wall.” The narrative throughout the Book of Joshua, of the Israelites entering the Promised Land, has been rightly critiqued for the way it can be tied up into narratives of colonialism of manifest destiny. Being tethered to God in the midst of change and collapse doesn’t mean that we need to hold onto interpretations and attitudes that have harmed others in the name of power and control confused as faith.

Instead, we are tethered to God in a way that allows us to weather and live out faithfulness in the midst of Creation groaning with anticipation. Like Rahab, the change isn’t right in front of our eyes - the river is yet to be crossed, the alarm bells yet to be raised. But we foresee and have faith in tying ourselves to the God who holds us fast - the God who teaches us to love, care, serve and listen to those on the outside looking in.

The disruptive faith that Rahab has in times of disruption is the faith we need to emulate. We are

being called to reflect on what we truly have faith in, what we tether ourselves to. Do we tether ourselves to walls and systems that not only might, but need to, collapse? Or, do we tether ourselves to God, letting go of things that are holding back Creation and God’s Kingdom Come?

This is the question, and, ultimately, action of faith. This is the terrifying openness, the disruption, to which we are called.

In the words of William Shakespeare, “knit your hearts with an unslipping knot”. Thanks be to God. Amen.

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

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

Busin ness Dire ector ry COME IN AND VISIT YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD PHAR RMASA AV VE

Lakeside

You deserve a fasterr,, friendly pharmacy experiencce Yo

SH HELV VING & RACKING

40 Josep phine St St., Wingham, Ont. 519-357-1629

Houurs: Mon. - Fri. 9 - 6 Sat. 9 - 4

Easy Prescription Transfer Free deelivery in Wingham & suurrounding area

Aff d bl Affordable CAR AND TRUCK RENTALS

Jake’s Sm mall Engine Repair e

Complete Selection of Cars

Lawnmowerss Chain Saws Side by Sidess Snowmobiless Snow Blowerrs Golf Carts & mo ore

Our rates qualify for insurance replacement

Jacob Nonkees

Large & Small Trucks fridge carts - piano dollysmoving blankets

Passenger Vans full size or mini

GODERICH TOYOTA 344 Huron Rd. GODERICH

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

Dave Franken Fr

CONCRETE FORMING For All Y Yo our Concrete Needs!

COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL • Foundations • Floor Finishing • Circular Tanks • Sandwich W Waalls FREE ESTIMA AT TES RR#3 Blyth ~ Fax 519-523-9604 519-523-9971

Licensed Small Engine Technician smallenginejake@gm mail.com

83341 Currie Lin ne, Blyth 519-955-4234 www.facebook.com/jakessmallengine

Largge instock selection of pallet racking, racking storee shelving, display cases and more for f Inddustrial, Residential, Farm & RRetail

417 Parsons Court, Goderich 519-6 612-1387 Open 12-4 Monday M - Friday; 10-4 Saturday S

ww ww.lakesideshelving.com .com lakkesidemarket@gmail.com .com

email: parsonsuseedfurniture@gmail.com facebook.com/pparsonsusedfurniture

519-524-1740

33842 Market Rd., wy. 211 Noorth off Goderich, offf Hw

JK KM

Plumbing Heating H Cooling and Refrigeration Re

306-8897-0156 Clinton n, Ontario Jonmerne er@gmail com

Jon Merner Jo M

Take time to chheck out our Ta great selection of books.

Perfect for all ages and all occcasions.

The Cittizen 405 Queen St., S Blyth 519-523--4792

Renewingg Smiles. Improving Function.

R Restoring Confidence.

Mount Foreest Clinic 111 Queen St. W. 519-5099-5400 Mon, Wed e & Fri 9am to o 5pm

Listowel Clinic 120 Inkerman St. W. 519-418-8844 Tues & Thurs 9am to 5pm

Bernard Enterprises Authorized dealer for

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

519-887-6405 RR #4 Brussels centralboilerr..com

Make M ake a Jump Jump o on n yyour our W Winter inter Sales!

Sales!

Advertise today in

email: durkaalecdentureclinic@outlook.com alecdentureclinic@outlook com www.ddurkalecdentureclinic.com

H Hidden Gems of Huron County

NEW W CONSTRUCTION AGRICUL A TURAL R RENOVA VA AT TIONS RESIDENTIAL

Call

519-524-0253

Call 519-523-4792 to book your spot today!

519-523-4792

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023. PAGE 23.

Main to lend his talents to Little Lakes concert

Ready to return It’s been a while since Wingham’s Phil Main has performed live, but he’s ready to dust off the songbook and lend his talents to the cause of the Save Historic Ball’s Bridge and Little Lakes Road community group and its ongoing efforts. (Scott Stephenson photo)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen The Save Historic Ball’s Bridge and Little Lakes Road community group is making a concerted effort to protect the unique piece of Huron County known as the Little Lakes area from the encroaching expansion of an aggregate mining operation. The group is holding a concert on Sept. 21 at the Huron County Museum in order to raise funds for the fight against the possible mine expansion, which members believe will be very detrimental for the ecosystem. The concert will feature Goderich-based Renaissance radio personality Phil Main and ‘Hometown Harpist‘ Alexa Yao, a 13-year-old harpist who chooses to use her

considerable talents to support local causes she feels are important.

The Citizen sat down with Main in between segments of his morning radio show to talk a little bit about himself and a lot about how much he loves living in this area.

For Main, priority numero uno is opening people’s eyes to the beautiful things that can be found all around midwestern Ontario.

“You can live in a place and just totally miss it because you’re going through life with blinders on,” he explained. “I’m trying to take the blinders off, and look around at where we are and how lucky we are to live here.” The Ball’s Bridge area in Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh is one of the Huron County things he counts himself lucky to have experienced. “It’s a refuge for a lot

of people,” he said. “It’s a place to go for quiet, and the people who are trying to save it deserve to have their voices heard.”

Born in Welland, Main and his family moved to Goderich when he was six years old. He attended elementary and high school there, eventually encountering Huron County’s favourite musical married couple, Warren and Eleanor Robinson. The long-time teachers have had a prolific career writing and directing plays, but are probably best known for cocreating the annual community collaboration that is Kingsbridge!

The Musical. They are also instrumental to the enduring success of Goderich’s Celtic Roots Festival. Main considers himself lucky to have received guidance

from these legendary educators.

“Warren Robinson taught me my first song on guitar,” he said. Main attributes those early experiences with music and high school drama to helping him to find his inner artist.

After considering pursuing a career in acting, Main left Goderich to learn the trade of radio broadcasting at Fanshawe College in London, always hoping to return someday and use his newfound skills to benefit the community he loves so much. He believes that a radio DJ should use his platform to draw attention to causes that matter to the listeners. “You can settle into a community, and help make changes and bring things to people’s attention and do good that way, and that was always my dream: to come home.”

After he finished school, Main spent several months in Hamilton doing an all-night radio show. This led to a few years in which he played in bands and furthered his musical education, before finally realizing his dream and settling back in the area for good in 1990 to pursue a career in broadcasting.

Main has travelled to many beautiful destinations over the years, from Italy to Guatemala, but to him, nothing beats coming home.

“Every single time, when I come home with fresh eyes and go to the beach to see the sunset or even just drive around The Square, I look around where we live and think ‘My God, we live in the most beautiful place that I’ve been.

We’re really, really lucky to live here. And there are a lot of amazing people here too.”

Main’s most recent endeavour is a podcast called A Life That’s Good - a weekly chronicle of all that is enjoyable about living in Ontario. It was born out of his self-imposed challenge to document 65 things he loves in the 65 weeks before he turns 65. Putting together the whole podcast on his own takes a lot of

work, but he couldn’t be happier to be doing it. “It’s like I’ve taken myself back to the beginning of my career, in terms of trying to build a following, but it’s the most exciting thing I’ve done in decades. It takes me back to my AM 920 days….

That’s basically what a podcast is talk radio! It’s really what led me to the whole Ball’s Bridge thing. I wanted to give a voice to the community.”

Though it’s been a while since he’s performed live, the muchloved local radio man/musician is excited to be lending his talents to the cause of conserving the Ball’s Bridge area for this and future generations to experience. If you’d like to support the cause, or just listen to some great local musicians as they support their community, check out the Fundraiser to Defend Ball’s Bridge and the Little Lakes Area Concert at the Huron County Museum at 110 North Street in Goderich on Thursday, Sept. 21 at 7:15 p.m. Tickets cost $25 each.

Food and refreshments will be provided by Huron County businesses, including Maitland Market, The White Carnation, Meeting Place Organic Farm and Firmly Rooted Organic Farm and are included in the price of your ticket.

Sudoku Solution

Terry Fox Run Sunday, September 17 10:00 am - 2:00 pm The Brussels Run will be starting from the Optimist Club House.

There will be a short in-town course or a 5km out-of-town course marked.

Donations can be made at the Club house on run day.

Sponsored by:

Brussels Lions Club

THE BELGRAVE COMMUNITY CENTRE BOARD Invites you to their ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2023 At the Belgrave Community Centre 7 p.m.

At the meeting, members will have the opportunity to:

Is that a face?

There was something for everyone at this year’s Brussels Lions Club’s Elimination Draw, which welcomed people back to the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre for the first time since renovations began. Face-painting proved popular with younger attendees. (John Stephenson photo)

• find out about BCCB’s operations and finances • ask questions about the operations and finances of BCCB • speak about any items on the agenda • vote on any resolutions proposed • accept the minutes of the last annual general meeting • accept the annual financial statements Also the Presentation of the Jim McGee Community Volunteer Award will take place at the Annual General Meeting.

Please contact Jonathan VanCamp - President 519-357-8259

PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023.

Lucknow department welcomes new pumper truck

A day to remember Members of the Lucknow and District Fire Department welcomed their new pumper truck to its home earlier this week, thanks in part to a large grant to Huron-Kinloss Council from the Nuclear Waste Management Organization that did the heavy lifting in covering that community’s portion of the cost. Below, the members simulated a push back ceremony, a tradition in the fire industry upon the delivery of a new truck as both a reminder and a celebration of how times have changed. (Scott Stephenson photos)

vehicle meets all of the Fire Protection Association criteria and ensured that it will improve the safety of firefighters and allow for more efficient operations.

Huron-Kinloss Deputy-Mayor Jim Hanna said the new pumper truck is the result of teamwork.

“We’re very, very proud and very, very grateful. We’ve been able to work with our partners in ACW on this fire service. And with Chris’ leadership, we’ve been able to acquire this truck.”

Representatives of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) were on site to deliver a cheque for $300,000 to HuronKinloss to help cover the community’s share of the cost.

Michael Pahor, NWMO Site Director, South Bruce, said, “We are pleased to support the municipality as they announce the acquisition of a critical piece of firefighting equipment. As an organization we prioritize public and employee safety and this investment into lifesaving equipment will help keep residents safe for now and years to come.”

Earlier this year, with limited

notice, ACW Council approved $333,307.25 for the new pumper, electing to move $250,000 from the Lucknow Fire Truck Reserve and $84,000 from the COVID-19 Reserve in order to pay its share.

ACW Mayor Glen McNeil said, “As Mayor and on behalf of ACW Council we are happy to partner with Huron-Kinloss in the purchase of a new fire truck for the Lucknow Fire Department. This collaboration provides efficiencies for our residents, and up-to-date equipment for our volunteer fire fighters to use in the coverage areas of both municipalities.”

After the cheque presentation, Chief Cleave and members of the Lucknow and District Fire Department conducted a simulated push back ceremony. This practice dates back to the days of horsedrawn equipment that required firefighters to manually push fire engines into bays after penning their horses. With the emergence of motorized vehicles, the tradition carried over as a reminder and celebration of how fire departments across the country have evolved and improved over the years.

End of Summer Reads

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

The Lucknow and District Fire Department received delivery of a new pumper truck on Monday, Sept. 11. The truck is a Spartan FC94 manufactured by Dependable Emergency Vehicles in Brampton and is intended to serve residents of Huron-Kinloss and AshfieldColborne-Wawanosh (ACW) as a primary response vehicle for the next 15 years. The total cost of the

truck is $666,614.50 split between both municipalities.

Lucknow and District Fire Chief Christopher Cleave, whose last day on the job is Friday, Sept. 15 after recently tendering his resignation, was excited to see the new emergency vehicle arrive on site just after 3 p.m. on Monday afternoon. “It’s always a proud moment when you get a really nice, big, shiny red fire truck show up at your doorstep,” said Cleave. The Fire Chief emphasized that this

BEYOND REACH Set in Perth County and in the Muskokas, this novel follows three generations of women who struggle to connect with each other. It explores chronic depression and how it affects not only the one who suffers from it but the whole family. Local author Sandi Plewis highlights the need for women to find their voices and claim their own power and takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and hope. $25.00 (10% of sales will be donated to Huron Hospice).

TOWERS OF TIME Post offices are at the centre of nearly every small community.

Some of the elderly, Victorianera post offices in particular set the tone of the town. Post offices from across Ontario are featured, including many from the local region. $22.95

THE SEASON FOR STRAWBERRIES Newly established as the parish’s first female pastor, Aleda struggles with feelings of inadequacy and questions the relevance of her ministry as she faces all the characters and challenges, large and small, that define village life. What happens when the strawberry social is threatened, and when a tragedy shakes the village to its core? $20.00

BARNYARD GAMES & PUZZLES Join your favourite farm animals for games, jokes and puzzles - barnyard style!

Crawl your way through a worm squirm, or find out how to tell if there are cows in your refrigerator. $12.95

AGGIE’S DREAM Donna Mann follows Grey County’s legendary Agnes Macphail to high school as she shows her determination not to let town ways intimidate her as she moves closer to her goal of teacher training. A sequel to Aggie’s Storms. $20.00

ALICE MUNRO WRITING HER LIVES Author Robert Thacker takes us on a fascinating journey of Munro’s life including growing up poor in Wingham and following through all her life stages including the slow but steady rise in her writing career. $24.95

THAT FREEDOM MIGHT SURVIVE BIRD BRAINTEASERS STORIES OF HURON COUNTY DURING THE Fun and games based around SECOND WORLD WAR (Author David Yates) the bird world with more than From pacifism to war to peace and 300 pages of puzzles, games remembrance That Freedom Might and trivia. “There’s a smile or Survive is a collection of fascinating more on every page and I’m stories covering Huron County’s vital still smiling,” said Rick Norris, contributions on land, air, sea and the homefront during the Second World crossword editor of the Los Angeles Times. $14.95 War. $25.00

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