The Citizen - September 29, 2023

2 • Truth & Reconciliation 8 • Sports 10 • Anniversary 19 • Entertainment

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Friday, September 29, 2023

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Volume 39 No. 39

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Shelter approved

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

Well, what do you think?

Always a popular, profitable and tasty part of the Brussels Fall Fair is the cake decorating contest and auction, which takes place just after the opening ceremonies. This year, it was a full house, with ambassadors, queens and more circling the 160th

Brussels Fall Fair on their calendars. Above, Brussels Junior Ambassador Paislee Ribey, left, and Lucknow Fall Fair Ambassador Shelby Barger ponder their creation before offering it up to the highest bidder, all to raise funds for the Brussels Agricultural Society. (John Stephenson photo)

North Huron Council faces the public

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen North Huron Council and senior staff held an open house at the Belgrave Community Centre on Monday, Sept. 25 as part of the ongoing process of crafting a multiyear strategic plan intended to guide the municipality towards a successful future. The open house was followed by a town hall-style meeting in which residents could voice their concerns, opinions, ideas and complaints about living in North Huron.

The evening started out with an opportunity for community members to have some one-on-one time with council members. Senior township staff were also on hand to answer questions and take down suggestions, and printed surveys were available for visitors looking to offer information on service satisfaction, building permits, road and sidewalk maintenance, property taxes, economic development and customer service.

The survey also asked specific

questions about the strategic plan.

The draft of the plan was presented by Rob Browning from Capstone Project Solutions and covered the proposed vision for the township, which, as currently written, is “The Township of North Huron strives to be a prosperous and engaged community that welcomes visitors, families, residents and businesses through strong agriculture, development, culture, and tourism.”

The presentation also included the proposed mission, principles, and values for North Huron, which touch on the themes of integrity and responsible leadership, with a focus on exceptional and efficient service, inclusive and accessible design, transparent community engagement, growth, development and modernization.

Economic goals, ideas to increase community engagement and potential plans for action were also roughly outlined in the plan, and the importance of maintaining and creating infrastructure was highlighted. Service quality was

deemed essential, as was environmental stewardship.

After the strategic plan draft presentation came the town hall meeting. Reeve Paul Heffer and Council moved from the audience to a long table with a microphone, and discussed any topic residents were interested in for 90 minutes.

Huron County Director of Economic Development Vicki Lass moderated the event to keep the conversation moving and the discourse civil.

The top concern of those who spoke were North Huron property taxes, which were deemed abnormally high by several people.

Councillor Mitch Wright offered the explanation that the primary driver of the increase was the policing cost. “The decision was made last year to drop police service in Wingham to match other wards,” he said. “It was a one-time adjustment.” Councillor Chris Palmer added that “we hope that we can make some changes to that in the future - it’s people that need policing, not land.”

East Wawanosh residents in particular felt that policing costs are too high for the farm-centric community, and the suggestion was made that Blyth and Wingham should pay more than they do currently.

MPAC assessments were also a concern to homeowners, as properties in Ontario have not been assessed since 2016, and the real estate landscape in Huron County has changed considerably since then. Reeve Heffer explained that it is a work in progress.

Councillor Anita van Hittersum had concerns about the future, saying that “the taxes will continue to go up, and it won’t be a little bit - it’ll be a lot. I am really concerned about what it will do to East Wawanosh - it is taxed unfairly in my opinion.”

Complaints about council’s projected costs for their new council chambers were met with the reassurance from Reeve Heffer that, “We feel in the long run, this will benefit the municipality.” New Continued on page 7

Huron County Council is moving ahead with a new model and a new approach to aiding its homeless population through the winter.

The model will utilize a Goderich hotel to offer 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week shelter for county residents experiencing homelessness, along with roundthe-clock staffing and support for those using the program. This is in contrast to the previous model, which used a local church through the night, releasing them into the community for the daylight hours.

Housing Services Manager Christine Hoffman and Elise Metcalf of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) presented the plan on Sept. 20.

The program will provide 14 beds and admission to the program will be done via signed occupancy agreement with CMHA. Intake would be from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., though emergency intake would be available if necessary. Furthermore, staff support would be on site from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Monday to Friday and on weekends from noon until 8 p.m. with the CMHA supporting 24-hour on-call support.

The program would be in place for six months, which is one month longer than it has been in the past in its previous forms. Hoffman said that the complete estimated cost for the program, including secured deals with the Goderich hotel and staff time, would be $861,383.

Costs for such programs, Hoffman said, had been entirely covered by the provincial government, but that support has recently ended in its previous form, so the county will be on its own.

The county will be able to offset $426,000 of the cost due to provincial funding. Hoffman also said that the United Way will be providing over $25,000, leaving under $410,000 for the county.

She said there could be about $20,000 in donations received by the county, which would be in line with previous years. In addition, she said that the county has made a funding application that could cover up to half of the cost.

While some councillors were concerned about the small number of people who would actually be served, Hoffman told council that the program has not yet exceeded the amount of available beds, which has always sat around 15.

She also noted that emergency provisions could be made if that situation should arise. Furthermore, the pair said that the hotel model is easily replicable, meaning that it could be brought to other Continued on page 20

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2023.

Keeping knowledge for the next generation past. “We are the Seven Generations - who we are today is because of the last seven generations, and what we do with ourselves now affects the next seven generations. You have a chance to break the cycle, to become a better person… we are a very resilient people, and we can change things, we don’t need to be victims or victimizers. That was a really cool thing to learn from those horses, and I’ve loved them ever since.”

Years before that transformative experience, Dennis had another encounter with the Spirit Horses not in the flesh, but in stone, at the Peterborough Petroglyphs. “I see this petroglyph that looked like a horse, and I thought ‘that can’t be a horse, it must be a deer’… and when I found out about these horses, I thought ‘of course, there were horses, they were indigenous to these lands, and they tried to teach us that horses weren’t here.’”

The Peterborough Petroglyphs are the largest known concentration of Indigenous rock carvings in Canada. The stones depict people and animals, and the site is known as “The Teaching Rocks.”

Dennis first visited these sacred stones when he was a younger man, searching for his identity as an artist and an Indigenous Canadian. “I’m a Sixties Scoop survivor, which means that instead of going to a Residential School, I was taken off reserve and adopted out into the community. I ended up not knowing or learning about my culture. I knew about my culture when I was six, and that’s when I was adopted.”

The Sixties Scoop was not the name of a specific government program - it is a catch-all label for a series of policies in which Indigenous children were taken away from their families in mass numbers, often with no explanation

Sharing the truth Knowledge keeper and artist, Christin Dennis is helping to educate children about Canadian history. He will be at the Falstaff Family Centre in Stratford with artwork and a demonstration of the Ojibwe Spirit Horses on Saturday, Sept. 30. (Scott Stephenson photo)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen When the Elementary School Fair was held in Belgrave on Sept. 13, hundreds of energetic local kids came together to enjoy a wide range of autumnal activities both fun and educational. One of the happenings that the children found most engaging was Aboriginal artist Christin Dennis’ Ojibwe Spirit Horse demonstration.

The Listowel-based knowledge keeper has been involved for years with the Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB), helping to bring the missing pieces of our nation’s history to students young and old. At the Elementary School Fair, he told the story of these beautiful horses to a rapt audience of local youths, and brought several of the unique equines along as his companions.

Dennis was kind enough to sit down with The Citizen to talk about himself and the Spirit Horses ahead of Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept 30.

“The horses are a part of our

history,” he explained. “They were Boreal horses, they lived in the forests. And all this land here was forest then.”

A Spirit Horse is smaller and furrier, with a distinctly different demeanour, than its European cousins. These animals have been the subject of legend and art since the very beginning of human culture and, for centuries, they were an essential element of Indigenous life in North America. Spirit Horses were treated as teachers and guides, helpers and spirits, and they roamed these lands long before European colonists arrived with their large work horses in tow. All of this continent’s ‘wild’ horses - including the iconic stallions of the Wild West - are descended from these domestic beasts of burden, except for Spirit Horses, which are native to North America.

When colonists arrived, Spirit Horses were labelled as nuisance animals, and a concerted effort was made to hunt them to extinction.

Their very existence was intentionally left out of the history books and, for hundreds of years,

Canadians were taught that there had never been horses here until they were imported from other places. Spirit Horses, once such an essential part of the evolution of humanity, were turned into dog food, their hooves rendered into glue. The last four Spirit Horses in Canada were ordered to be slaughtered by authorities in 1977.

A few dedicated activists worked together to smuggle the invaluable animals across the U.S. border in the dead of night, saving them from annihilation. Now, six generations of horses later, that number has expanded to 195.

Dennis became involved with the horses through Monique Pregent, Indigenous Lead Educator for the AMDSB. She asked him to work with the descendants of those very same horses. “I remember going inside the stables, and I started drumming and singing the song, and all five of them started coming towards me. I kept singing, and they surrounded me, and put their heads on my shoulder and listened intently.” It was as though their DNA remembered the songs of the

or cause. These children were adopted by mostly white middleclass families, never to return home.

“It wasn’t until I was in my mid20s that I actually went back into my culture, and learned about it.

And then I went to college for fine art. I wanted to be a fine artist, instead of an Indigenous artist.”

When he began to study art history, Dennis was struck by a conspicuous omission. “They have art history of the world throughout all the thousands of years, but they did not have Indigenous art. I’m sure that’s changed now, but that was how it was back then.”

When he first began attempting to bring out his Indigenous heritage through his art, he started by imitating well-known masters like Norval Morriseau. “I needed to change my process. Rather than be a copycat, I had to learn how to submerse myself into my culture. I went to sweat lodges, pow wows, talked to elders. It’s funny - things you think you’ve forgotten, you begin to remember when you begin the process of who you are.” It was during this journey that he went to the petroglyphs and caught his first glimpse of a Spirit Horse, and that led to a collection of his work being put on permanent display at the Longyear Museum of Anthropology in New York, alongside works by some of the most famous Indigenous artists of our time.

In addition to his work with the horses, Dennis also gives talks on Indigenous cultural traditions and shares the story of his own place in those traditions. He was originally approached by the AMDSB to engage with children about photography; it quickly evolved into talks about his experience as a survivor of the Sixties Scoop. This Continued on page 3

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2023. PAGE 3.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is Sept. 30

Every child matters Christin Dennis at the microphone offering a land acknowledgment during opening ceremonies at the Elementary School Fair in Belgrave on Sept. 13. Behind Dennis are, from left to right, Morris-Turnberry Mayor Jamie Heffer, Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, Avon Maitland District School Board Trustee Patricia Smith, Fair Ambassador Farrah Henderson, Board President Margaret Vincent, Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb and North Huron Reeve Paul Heffer (Scott Stephenson photo) Continued from page 2 was in the days before the bodies of over 200 Indigenous children were found buried in the yard outside a residential school in British Columbia - something long suspected by devastated parents, but denied by the government for decades. “I was doing it for free, just because I wanted it known that this is part of the process of what happened to the Indigenous people.“ Eventually, one of the Indigenous lead educators heard about Dennis’ talks and came and asked him to share his story with other schools. “Not just Avon Maitland, but Catholic and Christian schools, churches and multicultural festivals.”

The willingness of these institutions to acknowledge the role they played in the darkest part of our collective history is a step in the right direction, though much work still needs to be done to dispel the long shadows these crimes have cast across Canada.

The Residential School System is a horror unique to our country thousands of children taken from their families never to return, or to return beaten, abused and sometimes broken. The first Residential School opened in Brantford in 1834, and was run by the Anglican Church. That school became the model for all of the others. By the early 1900s, physicians and educators were already sounding the alarm over the appalling conditions and high mortality rates found in these institutions. These schools also played their part in the formation of Canada as we know it now. Part of anglicizing Indigenous people often involved getting them to sign documents renouncing their native status, which in turn caused the nullification of the land rights promised to them by the Crown.

Treaty law could be circumvented if a native person is no longer native by law. That is the seized land we now call “our home and native land”.

Dennis is able to see the potential for light in these dark discoveries.

“Those children that were found, it

was a horrible thing, but also they were seeds planted to help us in this day and age right now. There were 138 Residential Schools in Canada, that we know of, and there’s over 10,000 kids that have been found buried in playgrounds where the children would play. They would bury them at night.” That means that thousands upon thousands of concerned parents waiting for their children to return home from school were told by the schools, the churches and the government that they must have just run away.

Changing that erroneous narrative is essential to Dennis in his role as a speaker and educator, and as an Indigenous knowledge keeper. “I’m a knowledge keeper of all the knowledge I know now. It’s not the knowledge that I know everything, because I don’t. I don’t speak my language,” he said. “I’m a knowledge keeper of Sixties Scoop stories. I am a knowledge keeper of sweat lodges because I am a sweat lodge facilitator. I am a knowledge keeper of some of our traditions like the medicine wheel, and a knowledge keeper as an artist, too, because everything I’ve learned in art is actually my diary.”

Dennis runs a sweat lodge in Gowanstown, where he gathers traditional red willow and field stones for the ceremony. “You can’t just use any stone. I have to go searching, and it can take a long time. You have to use the ones that are important, that are hard.” He noted ruefully that he has to ask property owners if he can search for stones and willow in areas that, according to treaties, should be accessible to him.

Plans to construct a large teepee are in the works, which will be used to further educate visitors and children about Canada’s true history. “That’s our next big excursion, next year.” He hopes that this teepee will aid in Canada’s quest for a collective truth.

“Everybody needs to wake up to what is really going on here… there were 68,000,000 Indigenous people here before Europeans came, and now we’re only 9,000,000.”

The discovery of these

government-sanctioned crime scenes also led directly to the government acknowledging history head-on, for the first time, which is also one of the core intentions of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, which Dennis feels is a step in the right direction. “The reconciliation is the healing of two cultures, it isn’t really just about us, it's actually about non-Indigenous people. You had the wool pulled over your eyes, and we’re sorry that happened to you, because it happened to us too. And that’s where we’re coming together to learn with each other, and to heal together, in the process of truth and reconciliation.”

The Falstaff Family Centre in Stratford has held Truth and Reconciliation Week events all week long, which culminates on Saturday with a huge slate of activities, featuring Dennis and his art, among other things. “I will be there with the Spirit Horses, and giving a talk on them. There’s also a teepee there, a drummer and a dancer.” The goal of these events is to foster learning, awareness, inclusivity and to commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools.

Only through reconciliation can we come to a collective understanding of a long obscured history that need be obscured no longer.

There is a great deal of trauma woven throughout that history, but there is also so much more than that. When Indigenous history was intentionally excised from the story of Canada, the vast majority of a branch of human history was hidden away. Spiritual philosophy, the advent of agriculture, feats of civil engineering, advancements in medicine - all these Indigenous stories are fascinating, essential and important, and they deserve to be heard, and to become our stories, as Canadians. These stories, like the Spirit Horses, have endured for centuries, despite countless efforts to silence them. All we have to do is listen.

For more information, artwork and resources, please visit christindennis.com.

He puts us in our right place!

(J. C. Ryle, “Having the Spirit”) “When He comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgement.” (John 16:8) All who have the Spirit are convinced by Him of sin.

He alone can open a man’s eyes to the real extent of his guilt and corruption before God. He always does this when He comes into the soul. He puts us in our right place! He shows us the vileness of our own hearts, and makes us cry with the publican, “God be merciful to me a sinner!” He pulls down those proud, self-righteous, self-justifying notions with which we are all born — and makes us feel as we ought to feel — “I am a sinful man, and I deserve to be in hell!”

Sin is no more pleasant to those who are taught by the Spirit. It is their sorrow when tempted by it. It is their shame when they are overtaken by it. Their desire is to be free from it altogether. Their happiest times are when they are enabled to walk most closely with God. Their saddest times are when they are furthest off from Him. A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church, Listowel, ON 519-492-1359

The Citizen n will be closed Monday, Octoberr 9 for Thhanksgivingg Dead dlines will be

Tuesda u yy,, October 10 2 pm for the October 13 papeer

405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792

info@northhuron.on.ca

PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2023.

Editorials & Opinions

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The man who sold the world Sure, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has backed down on the decision to allow development in the Greenbelt, but the public isn’t convinced that he did it out of any concern for the environment or a sudden moral awakening after the damning Auditor General report. The move was purely self-preservation at this point as voters were clearly upset with the Ford government’s scheme to open up the protected lands in such a way that certain developers had advance knowledge.

And, on Monday, the provincial Conservatives shot down a proposed bill by the NDP that would have protected the more than 7,000 acres that were removed by the Ford government last year, and return land taken from the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan.

Yet, the Greenbelt Act needs even more reach and power. There has to be a way to make environmentally-protected land beyond the reach of political whim. With real estate development running into billions of dollars, politicians cannot be trusted to do the right thing. Ford and his ministers have proven that the temptation is just too great. – DS

Rebel, Rebel Despite a brilliant proposal by a brilliant columnist in this brilliant newspaper last week, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is coming to terms with the fact that Wild Rose Country can’t split from Canada. It can, however, take its ball (and pension contributions) and go home.

Under the current Canadian Pension Plan structure, a province can withdraw with the appropriate notice and a plan to go it alone. Smith, however, has some wonky thoughts (imagine that) on how much of the CPP pie Alberta gets to eat. Smith’s government has said the province is entitled to more than half of the CPP’s worth, a number that has been questioned by experts. Furthermore, while Smith has vowed to hold a referendum on bringing the pension plan in-house, she doesn’t seem to have a lot of support. Non-Albertans aren’t big on the idea of Alberta pulling out an amount of money that would cripple the CPP and many Albertans aren’t in favour of Smith managing their pension money.

How such a decision would affect Alberta, as well as the rest of the country, remains to be seen. However, it’s a situation that demands all Canadians take notice, because it could affect us all. Wherever the math lands - in the real world or Smith’s fantasy land - and whatever the will of Albertans, there are sure to be strong opinions on both sides.

And, as for what will happen as a result of this unprecedented step, should it go forward, we will all just have to wait and see. – SL

The Spiders from Mars Incredible and/or terrifying news landed in the Utah desert last week, the culmination of a seven-year project led by NASA known as OSIRISREx. While the mission’s name may sound like a dinosaur-themed constellation or the name of a progressive rock band, the acronym actually stands for Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resources Identification and Security-Regolith Explorer, which also sounds like the name of a progressive rock band.

The success of this project could turn out to be a phenomenal new resource for scientists to explore and better understand the origins of our solar system, or perhaps, particularly in the minds of science-fiction readers and horror film fanatics, an opportunity for an extraterrestrial creature to hasten the enslavement and subsequent annihilation of the human species. Fifty-fifty odds, really. A coin-toss. Always remember to factor in gravity when engaging in a space-based coin-toss.

The mission’s spacecraft blasted off from Earth in 2016 and snatched up the samples in 2020. The incredible journey ended outside of Salt Lake City on Sunday, for better or worse. Canadian contributions to the project entitle our scientists to partake in a sweet little slice of that potentially magical space dust. Congratulations to all the hardworking and brilliant minds who contributed to this monumental achievement, even if it does end up destroying us all. Totally worth it!

The goods won’t be arriving on Canadian shores until appropriate facilities are built to store the special samples. Suggestion: build a multipurpose complex to house the Prime Minister and the regolith acquired from the asteroid known as Bennu. The sit-com writes itself!

It’s too soon to know whether we should be welcoming our new alien overlords or running and taking cover from the relentless onslaught of space-laser weapon attacks, but until we know for sure, let’s celebrate this amazing human achievement before it’s too late. – SBS

Letters Policy The Citizen welcomes letters to the editor.

Letters must be signed and should include a daytime telephone number for verification only. Unsigned letters will not be printed.

Submissions may be edited for length, clarity and content, using fair comment as our guideline. The Citizen reserves the right to refuse any letter on the basis of unfair bias, prejudice or inaccurate information.

Looking Back Through the Years September 29, 1966 On Saturday, Sept. 20, a delightful surprise party was thrown in honour of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas MacFarlane’s 25th wedding anniversary. They were presented with a multitude of lovely gifts.

Guests from various places such as Kitchener, Listowel, Wingham, Bluevale, Brussels, Clinton, Londesborough, and Dublin graced the occasion with their presence.

Additionally, on Friday, Sept. 16, the couple was treated to a sumptuous turkey supper, followed by an enjoyable evening of card games with their neighbours.

In Brussels, hotels were granted the privilege of having beverage rooms for both ladies and their escorts, along with the approval for a dining lounge licence. This decision was made on Monday, with an impressive 85 per cent of eligible voters participating in the two crucial questions.

The monthly gathering of the Huron County Mutual Aid for Firefighters took place at the Wingham Fire Hall on Monday, Sept. 14. Fire Chief Gordon Stephenson and Assistant Chief Jack McWhirter from Brussels were both present for the meeting.

September 29, 1976 During the standard gathering of the Blyth Lions Club on Sept. 23, all members expressed unanimous support for a $15,000 pledge to the new Blyth and District Community Centre. This generous commitment would be distributed over a threeyear span, bringing the total fund contribution to $115,000.

The Auburn Women’s Institute celebrated Grandmother’s Day and Young Mother’s Day, an annual tradition hosted at the Community

Memorial Hall. The event commenced with a delightful smorgasbord dessert, thoughtfully served by Mrs. Lawrence Plaetzer, Mrs. Oliver Anderson, Mrs. Maurice Bean, and Mrs. Ed Davies.

The Auburn Community Memorial Hall Board convened last week, with Chairman James Glousher presiding over the meeting. The following decisions were reached during the meeting: It was agreed to host a dance on Nov. 13, featuring music by Mr. Egbert Jacobs for square dancing, waltzes and fox trots. The admission fee was set at $5 per couple, with refreshments included; The board decided to increase the rental rates for stag parties; Initial plans were initiated for a New Year’s party; and memorial donations were received, and arrangements were made to refurbish the table tops in the hall.

September 30, 1998 Thieves scored a significant haul when they burglarized the Brussels LCBO store on the evening of Sept.

24, making off with $13,500 worth of liquor. The break-in was uncovered at 9 a.m. the following Friday. According to the OPP, the suspects gained access by manipulating the front door lock. A staggering total of 300 bottles, each 40 ounces or larger, containing rum, rye, vodka and gin, were removed from the store’s shelves.

On Sept. 23, the Blyth Swinging Seniors gathered at the Memorial Hall for their customary potluck dinner. This gathering marked the group’s first meeting since the summer, and approximately 23 members were in attendance.

Following the dinner, President Lawrence Plaetzer called the meeting to order. The group sang

“Happy Birthday” to celebrate the special days of Jim Walsh, Edgar Howatt and Jean Nethery.

Additionally, they sang “Happy Anniversary” in honour of Jim and Elsie Walsh, Edgar and Ferne Howatt, and June and Bob Peck, all celebrating their milestones.

Accompanying them on the piano was Brock Vodden.

Earl and Martha Heywood returned to captivate the audience during Belgrave’s 50th anniversary celebration of its turkey supper event held on Sept. 26. This event was a nostalgic moment for many, as the Heywoods had been performers at the early concerts.

Mabel’s Moms convened at their customary meeting time on Wednesday, Sept. 23, marking their inaugural gathering of the season.

The attendees included: Cindy McKee with Drew, Mary Jane Hobden with Stephen, Kim Higgins with Laura, Jarrod, and Ashley, Connie Shiell with Andrea and Lindsay, Karen Rundle with Holly, and Lila Procter with Jessica.

During the meeting, they discussed the topic of “Getting Acquainted”.

September 26, 2013 The Wingham Ironmen remained unbeaten after three games of the 2013-2014 season in the Western Junior C Hockey League.

During their open house and “meet the teacher” event, the staff of Hullett Central Public School hosted a barbecue for students and their families on Sept. 19.

On Sept. 14, the Wawanosh Country Canners convened at Auburn Hall for their food preservation club meeting, focused on the techniques of freezing and drying. At the meeting, the club made comparisons between fresh produce and prepared preserves.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2023. PAGE 5.

Other Views

Be involved; lives may matter!

I

n a week when Ontario Premier Doug Ford decided he was risking his government’s electability in pushing the sale of portions of the Greenbelt around Toronto for new housing, there was an even bigger scandal continuing in Alberta where 350 children in several Calgary daycares were infected with E. coli, with 20 severe cases.

Perhaps Premier Ford recalled that it was ambivalence about public health that undermined the previous Progressive Conservative government of Mike Harris, which could be seen as leading to the infection of 2,300 Walkerton residents with seven being affected so severely they died.

If you were old enough to have been aware of the Walkerton tragedy, it’s hard to ignore the similarities to the Alberta case. In both cases, governments in Ontario and Alberta, with a detestation of interfering in the lives of the public, de-emphasized the role of provincial inspections, and in both cases the result was mass infections.

I was reminded nearly every day of my closeness to the Walkerton infection. The outbreak took place in May, but in January I had been in the building that was often shown in connection with the outbreak because it held the office of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (also a victim of the Harris government’s cuts), which was right in front of a Walkerton Public Utilities water well and pump house, where PUC employees (no longer worried about provincial inspectors double-checking their records) skimped on testing of the water. That water, unknowingly, had been infected by E. coli that drained into the area from a nearby beef farm (the owner of which was also a vet, sometimes speaking at those meetings at the OMAFRA office that I attended).

Keith Roulston

From the cluttered desk The news stories continued day after day as more and more people got sick and, in some cases, died. The truth about the infected, untreated, water eventually was unearthed and the employees were charged with their neglect of duty. While people disliked so much government interference in their lives, they realized, once again, that it was necessary. The Harris government’s pledge of less government control of our lives seemed hollow. Premier Harris resigned two years later and the Liberals took over the government in 2003 for more than a decade.

Liberals are definitely not about to replace the United Conservative Party (UCP) in Alberta, but Rachel Notley and the New Democratic Party (NDP) did hold power before Premier Danielle Smith regained control for the UCP and polls have her in a very competitive position if another election were held.

Also reminding Ontario government voters of the Harris government is the constant trouble with keeping emergency rooms working in hospitals in Clinton and Chesley.

Under Harris’s health care proposals, both these hospitals were scheduled for closure.

Today, the provincial government has shown little reaction to how staff shortages have kept these two - and many other rural hospitals unable to staff their emergency rooms and keep

them available for residents in need of care.

It’s a constant struggle for Ontario voters and Ontario governments. How do you, on one hand, give hospital administrators the staff they need, without encouraging them to hire more than necessary? How do you have regulations that prevent a Walkerton or Calgary water crisis, without, at the same time, allowing health care costs to mushroom?

Most of us want both - we want to be protected, but we resent paying higher taxes. In Ontario, this has meant we have alternated between Progressive Conservative governments that vowed to keep costs under control, and Liberal and NDP governments that promised to give us the services we wanted.

But there are also the party supporters hidden behind the scenes, such as the land developers in the case of the Greenbelt lands, who want governments to let them have free access in protected areas. In this case, the government displeased enough voters that it soon feared for the future of the party and its reign of power.

The result demonstrates how important it is for us to stay involved between elections. The Greenbelt lands are not simply potential land for houses (and making money for developers).

That land is rare - prime food-growing land that can’t be replaced. That doesn’t matter to developers who worry only about building new subdivisions, but it is essential to the people who’ll live in the houses they build and who will continue to need to have Ontario’s surplus of food.

As the Walkerton or Calgary water crises prove and the loss of farmland in the Greenbelt demonstrates, we voters need to remain constantly on the alert as to what the end result of government actions is. Our lives just might be at stake.

Things are getting pretty weird around here

E

verybody shut up! There’s definitely, absolutely, without a doubt, for sure, totally no time for pleasantries this week at The Chaff because “Chaff-ston, we have a problem.” We are pretty much certain that The Chaff is being haunted by a ghoul, or a ghost, or a goblin, or maybe something way worse like a witch, or a wicked warlock or a weird werewolf, we’re not sure. What we do know is that we’re worried as heck about all the wildly inexplicable things that have been happening around here lately. We’re too scared to do anything about it, so the haunting of this column is probably just going to keep getting worse until The Chaff turns into nothing but a bunch of complete and cockamamie nonsense cooked up in a fright machine set to “bake, broil, and terrify.” Awooooooooooo!

Last week, we provided, perhaps foolishly, an opportunity for the Devil to pen a few words about the changing colours of autumn leaves - typical fall fluff stuff for readers to cram-in between slices of fair pie and pluckin’ pumpkins for doing pumpkin stuff like making pumpkin cocktails, pretending pumpkins are the family members with whom you no longer speak, and playing traditional pumpkin games like “Pumpkin Dunk-Off Classic”, “Pumpkin Hunters II: Pumpkin of Destiny”, and “Pumpkin or President?” the game where you guess if a famous quote was originally spoken by an ex-President or a pumpkin. “Ask not what your pumpkin can do for you but what you can do for your pumpkin.”

We think the Devil mistook our kindness for weakness (the joke’s on the Devil though - it’s actually equal parts stupidity and carelessness) and saw an opportunity to get those horrible hooves and the horniest of horny horns through a portal between the netherworld and the very real and serious world of The Chaff.

What evidence do we have? Well, we looked

Scott Stephenson The Chaff into it and, apparently, there is no such game as “Pumpkin or President?” We didn’t write that - it just appeared on our office’s TypeTron2000 all of a sudden without an explanation while we were preparing this week’s Chaff and also competing in several spirited rounds of “Pumpkin Dunk-Off Classic”. And, yes, we were enjoying a couple of bottles of pumpkin brandy purchased from a somewhat shadowy figure going by the name “Old Scratch”.

“Four gourds and seven pumpkins ago….”

That wasn’t us! We didn’t write the above sentence. That kind of wordplay is beneath The Chaff and you can Chaff that to the bank while filling your pipe and Chaffing it until the Chaffs come home. Whoever, or whatever, wrote that must have been a seductive succubus or sneaky shapeshifter or some kind of other sexy-spooky hybrid entity but it definitely wasn’t us here at The Pumpkin…

The Chaff, it’s The Chaff. This column is called The Cha… The Ch… The Pumpkin.

How ya doing, Pumpers?! Pumpsters?!

Pump up that jam-a-lama-Pump-Pumps?!

Welcome back to another wild and wonderful waltz across the patch here at The Pumpkin.

We are thrilled to be able to share our passion with you every week in this space devoted to the Queen of the Cucurbita, the guru of the gourds, and the sweet, sweet sorcerer of seeds: the stately pumpkin.

This week on the vine: an ode to orange - a colour that pumpkins make look easy. Stem

stumpers for pump-heads - tough questions to patch up your pumpkin knowledge and knowhow to grow-how. Also, an interview with Dervid Hamson about how pumpkins saved his marriage. That and much, much more here at southwestern Ontario’s number one source for gourdly knowledge: The Pumpkin.

(Representatives of The Chaff gasping for breath) Don’t listen to all that pumpkin nonsense.

This is The Chaff that you all know and love, or know and tolerate, or know and are creating a petition against, or don’t know and don’t care, but sure, yeah, I’ll sign your petition.

We’re in a struggle against evil and we need your support. Please help us wrestle the reigns of these pages back from the infernal grip of the master of damnation. There is not much time remaining before it's too late.

Here’s what you need to do: Go to the closest broken mirror - the more shattered, the better. It should look like you’re gazing into an infinite number of splintered universes. Next, say “The Chaff” three times, spin around in a circle 16 times, as fast as you can, and then say “Ffach Eht” (codebreaker: The Chaff, backwards) three times while jumping on the spot for 30 consecutive minutes. Light a candle and say the Latin phrase “Quid est ille odor?” It is critically important that you are in possession of the “Wand of TaunTaun” throughout the entirety of the process, or we don’t stand a chance. Good luck. And may Chaff have mercy on our souls.

(Deafening shriek followed by a distant cackle) That’s about all the time we have left for this week’s edition of The Pumpkin. Be sure to check out our website for some drawings of pumpkins that were made by adorable, smart and talented children.

THE END IS HERE!

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

My city of ruins

R

emember the concept of the bustling city, full of activity, excitement and noise? Of course you do. I certainly do.

Growing up in two Toronto suburbs (Pickering and Scarborough), I spent much of my teenage years and early 20s in the heart of Toronto and now, it seems, that experience may be dying.

An article in Fortune magazine, quoting a study commissioned by the University of Toronto, states that many of North America’s great downtowns are “dead, dying or on life support” in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Not to posit that I’m smarter than the average bear, but I’ve been having this conversation with more than a few people in the last year or two. As people have continued to work from home and overhead costs rise on everything from energy to food to heat, I’ve been wondering what cities like Toronto, New York, Chicago, etc., will look like in a decade.

Think about it. A city like Toronto is built with a certain critical mass in mind that makes it viable. And, as a result, it makes all of its satellite businesses viable at the same time.

The story quotes a number of facts and figures. Office vacancy rates in New York City, for example, have risen by more than 70 per cent since 2019, and Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, which is a stretch of stores and restaurants known the world over, had a vacancy rate of 26 per cent in the spring, meaning that one in four storefronts on that portion of Michigan Avenue was sitting empty.

John Rennie Short, the author of the article and a professor of geography and public policy at the University of Maryland, says the writing of this decline has been on the wall for decades due to overbuilding of commercial space in big cities. The pandemic finally burst the bubble.

So, what will these cities look like in, say, 10 years. As I mentioned before, all of these office buildings are just the beginning. Coffee shops, lunch spots, bars, dry cleaners, corner stores, small supermarkets and more were all built with the promise that a set number of people would be making their way into these cities from bedroom communities every day.

Now, without those people to support these businesses, they would then be in jeopardy as well, putting more people’s jobs at risk.

And that’s not even it. You think of public transit, transportation services like taxis and Uber - if they don’t have enough people paying to ride, they too will suffer. Toronto has seen that with its famed TTC lines. An article published about a year ago by Global News said that TTC ridership was at 61 per cent of its pre-pandemic levels. Businesses can’t just lose half of their customers overnight and be expected to survive, regardless of the service they provide.

Housing is greatly needed all over the country, as we know, so a reasonable answer to this question should be converting office buildings into housing for people. However, those communities will then be destined to look different and really never go back to the way they were before the pandemic.

Casually talking with friends of mine, they say that being in Toronto just isn’t the same as it used to be. They have told me that it feels weird. A big city, full of buildings towering over you, but without all of the people running around, is destined to feel a bit odd.

People are flocking back to concerts and sporting events, filling restaurants and bars, but, they’re then returning to their homes.

The delicate ecosystem of a city during the day is a fragile balancing act and every piece of it needs to make sense. The pandemic, it seems, has thrown a wrench into that dream.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2023.

At the Branch

Legion feeds nearly 700 for Londesborough fish fry

End of a long day As is annual tradition, the Brussels Legion teamed up with the Londesborough and District Lions Club for its annual fish fry and, this year, the groups fed 677 people. Seen wrapping up operations after a long day are, from left: Randy White, Eric Ross, Joe Seili, Keith White, Jim Brown, Deb Seili, Deb Ross and Judy Lee. Absent: Kathy Burkholder, Chris Brown, Sandra Brown, Jo-Ann McDonald and Linda Bird. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

Fall Fair delights Brussels A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231

The Brussels Fall Fair is over and a good one it was. Good use was made of available spaces, giving a new look to a tradition. Well done, folks.

Everyone has a story and we learn so much when we hear those stories. The Brussels Cemetery is a serene place, full of history, peace and memories. Working on the bylaws opened a whole new thought process for me.

Then, I met Lori Carter this week, who volunteers her time to getting the history in cemeteries straight.

Marker by marker she checks, takes a picture, confirms dates and spelling of names and notes the facts, for history. Between the need for updated bylaws, mistakes on monuments of names and dates and locating stones that have been buried for years, it’s been an interesting week. Listening to Lori’s stories of happenings in cemeteries in Huron County was a good use of time.

All that talk of time reminded me of the turtle who lives in the natural museum in Halifax. On our visit, a large beige turtle met us. The story goes that the curator of the museum found the turtle and brought it home. Now, 80 years later, visitors marvel at Max and go on in and enjoy the history on display.

Canadians are known for respect and fairness. Lately stories of ignorance and hate are becoming common, usually aimed at a specific group. Religion, poverty, colour, nationality, sexual orientation and gender identity are easy targets for those who hate. A sense of superiority, fear of the unknown and unwillingness to hear a story are often the cause of the intolerance.

With increasing stories of such, in the daily papers and news outlets, the United Churches in Blyth and Brussels have taken a step to do the right thing. The Affirm process is a national church process that educates, improves communication and hears stories. Starting with

education, on Sunday our congregations were offered details, definitions and shared learnings from the queer community.

As a start to the diversity here, we begin to show our love to the forks who need it most. We have much to learn and the Affirm process is a great start.

Enjoy the beauty of autumn and the bounty of our land.

Bye now. Betty GW

BY JO-ANN MCDONALD It was a busy weekend at the Branch for many. Friday night had the Catch the Ace draw, fish thawing ahead of Saturday’s fish fry in Londesborough and open mic night with Jelly Bean Blue. The weather has been great, so the patio has been open and busy. Burgers and fries are popular for Friday night pub grub. Thanks to Deb Ross for her weeks of cooking.

The Friday night Catch the Ace draw had Bob and Teresa Watkins as the lucky weekly winners and they won $156. The envelope number 23 was their choice and the ace of hearts was revealed. The pot grows and is estimated at $4,000 for next week. Get your tickets at McDonald Home Hardware, Brussels Variety, Brussels Pharmacy and at the Legion.

During the supper hour and the draw, Jo-Ann and Judy were upstairs preparing for the fish fry for the next day - thawing fish, making batter and getting things gathered up. By the time they were done, Jelly Bean Blue was playing.

A small crowd was on hand to start, with a few arriving later for the night of music. A few jammed with the group and it was a fun night.

The fish fry crew then had a big day on Saturday cooking for the Londesborough Lions Club - the biggest fry the Branch does. They fed 677 folks and everything went very smoothly with a very short wait time. The Legion equipment worked well as did the crew of Deb Ross, Jim, Sandra and Chris Brown, Randy White, Keith White, Linda Bird, Kathy Burkholder, Judy Lee, Joe and Deb Seili, Jo-Ann McDonald and Eric Ross. A great

crew that did a fantastic job.

Now it’s time to put the fryers away and take a break. Thanks to all the helpers of Branch 218 who have made our summer fundraising a success.

There will be more music at the Branch on Friday night with Stubby D and karaoke on tap. Come on down and belt out a tune and have some fun. It begins at 7:30 p.m.

Upstairs will be Country Versatiles providing the best dancing music around. Come out and join the dancers from 7-11 p.m. with a price of admission of only $12.

The early-bird campaign is on, so stop in and pay your dues before Oct. 1 and you may be the September winner! You can win your 2025 dues. There will also be winners in October and November.

Stop in today and you will have a chance to win in one of those months.

A celebration of life will be held for the late Comrade Charles Procter, our last World War II veteran, on Oct. 7 in Belgrave from 1-4 p.m. There will be a Legion service and we hope many of our Comrades can attend.

The Brussels Lions Club resumed their meetings following the summer hiatus and the elimination draw. They enjoyed a roast beef dinner and there were 35 in attendance.

Catering helpers included Jo-Ann, Marni Knight, Deb Seili and Mabel Glanville.

Good job ladies.

Watch for more details on the busy schedule of events for October. There will be lots of music, euchre and a Huron County dart competition.

Brussels Legion 218 Catch the Ace Weekly Winner Winning Ticket: Bob and Teresa Watkins, $156 Envelope #23 found the Ace of Hearts Next estimated jackpot is $4,000

Shop Local incluudes Local Advveertisiing

When you buy an ad from us, you are supporting ti llocal.l O Our entire e ti staff t ff - editor, dit publisher, bli h repporter, t sales l rep. production coordinator, designer, photographer, columnists, coorrespondents, freelancers, proofrreaders and mail crew all live and spend right here in Huron County.

County

Correction

Mark Zuckerberg and Google probably won’t send a photographer to your event or a reporter to interview nterview the chair of your service club or attend five municipal councils on your behalf.

In the Sept. 15 issue of The Citizen, specifically within the special section for this year’s Brussels Fall Fair, Brussels Agricultural Society First VicePresident Crystal Blake was misidentified as former Society Secretary Crystal McCallum.

The Citizen apologizes for the error.

We have 2000 newspapers that go out every week that are each read by an average of four people. le. These readers shop locally, so this is a win-win-win scenario.

Suppor t your community newspaper so that it can suppor ppor t you!

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

PO Box 429 Blyth, ON N0M 1H0

The Citizen

519-523-4792 huroncitizen.ca

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2023. PAGE 7.

Mother Nature smiles on Huron From Marilyn’s Desk

By Marilyn Craig Call 523-9318

The new way North Huron Council and staff were on double-duty on Monday night at the Belgrave Community Centre, presenting their draft strategic plan for the next four years and then facing the public for the annual town hall-style meeting. Above, Reeve Paul Heffer, left, and Blyth Ward Councillor Ric McBurney were among those who navigated the questions of the night. (Scott Stephenson photo)

New residents needed: council Continued from page 1 chambers are required due to accessibility mandates handed down from the province.

Bringing in new residents is part of North Huron’s plan to increase revenues, but residents fear the high tax rate will dissuade people from

moving to new development projects like Hutton Heights.

Wright pointed out that every available lot in Wingham is being built upon, which leads him to believe that developers will have no trouble selling homes.

The meeting was adjourned only

when all the formal questions were asked, but council members and residents mingled for some time afterwards, continuing to discuss the future of the municipality in an open and respectful fashion - which is all part of the plan.

The Reading Web with Cindy Norgate

A

s I walked along the sidewalk of our quaint village to read to the children at the library last Saturday, I noticed the colourful leaves, the orange and white pumpkin decorations, the activity of the Canada geese in the sky, and the slow, gentle breeze of the autumn season on my face. It reminded me of when I played in piles of leaves after my parents had worked tirelessly to gather them from our little lawn on Maywood Street.

I entertained myself a lot during my childhood because my brother was too young to play with me, being six-and-a-half years my junior. Children often ask me what video games I played when I was a child. As you can imagine, I get some strange looks when I tell them I had never heard of video games during that time in my life. Then, the obvious question is asked, “If you had no video games, what did you do for fun?” I used my I-M-A-G-IN-A-T-I-O-N. Sometimes, I feel as though children don’t utilize that innate gift designed to strengthen the mind. Why? Maybe because of the invention of technology, which gives it to them freely.

BrightHorizons.com shared this quote in an article from 2020 entitled, “Nurturing Creativity and Imagination for Child Development”.

“Imagination fosters cognitive and social development. Everyone wants to raise children who reach their

highest intellectual and social/emotional potential. In early childhood education, critical thinking skills and creative problemsolving abilities are goals for children’s development. Imagining, trying new ways of doing things, and experimenting help develop critical thinking in children and foster creative problem solving.”

In future articles, I want to share healthy and positive ways adults can help utilize technology, as it would be silly of me to assume children will never return to the screen. This is now a way of life that we must embrace. However, how we, as adults, choose to present it to children is crucial.

In consideration of the word imagination this week, I wanted to share a wonderful book that can be ordered from Amazon entitled, If You Found a Leaf by Aimée Sicuro (2022). According to the author, “In this story a young artist draws inspiration from the leaves she collects and every leaf sparks a new idea. She imagines turning a Japanese Zelkova leaf into a boat to sail far away, a Honey Locust leaf into a swing to sway in the gentle breeze, and an American Basswood leaf into a hot air balloon to float high above the trees.”

Aimée Sicuro is an award-winning author and illustrator. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Parent Magazine and many other publications. Her book Dancing Through the Fields of Colour won

her the New York Library’s Best Book for Kids in 2019. She lives in Brooklyn, New York with her husband and two young children.

As we leave it here for this week, I want to share a website called

Happy birthday to Jesse Hakkers, who will celebrate on Sept. 29; Ty Fraser, who will celebrate on Sept.

30 and Bill Anderson of Goderich, who will celebrate on Oct. 1. Enjoy your special day everyone.

The Blyth United Church is back making meat pies for the fall. If you wish to order, call Donna Moore at 519-523-9855. They are also making apple pies for Thanksgiving. If you wish to let the church do your Thanksgiving baking for you, call Joann MacDonald at 519-523-9274 for the apple pies. Either Donna and Joann will put your names on the lists.

On Tuesday, as I prepared the news for the week, the sun was shining and it does not seem like fall temperatures, but we will take advantage of this beautiful weather.

When you drive through the countryside, you can notice the leaves are turning from their bright green to the reds, oranges and yellows.

We are lucky to live in Huron County where Mother Nature shows off her very best at this time of year.

Persil that shares 10 fabulous ways you can incorporate imaginative play with the young one in your life.

Check it out and see what you think. https://www.persil.com/uk/dirt-isgood/real-play/what-is-imaginativeplay.html “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.” - Albert Einstein

Stay safe this week and give someone a phone call. As the summer turns to fall, be sure to connect with your friends and family before the snow comes.

NEWS FROM BLYTH 1st Blyth Scouting

Apple Day Saturday, October 7 10 am - 2 pm

Scouting youth will be asking for donations to finance local scouting at the Blyth Food Market and Blyth Ultramar Express Thank You for your support

MAITLAND VALLEY CAMERA CLUB

Photography by Gail Jaycock

PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2023.

Sports Local trio earns national lawn bowling gold

Sweeping the floor (lawn) The team of Skip Rick Wood, left, Vice Murray Bennewies, centre, and Lead Dave Johnson, right, won the Senior Triples Canadian Championships for lawn bowling earlier this month after having to make last-minute arrangements to get to Alberta to play after winning provincially in Hanover, earning the right to represent the province on the national level. (Courtesy photo)

Brewers win Challenge Cup

The lawn bowling Senior Triples Canadian Championships were held from Sept. 12-16 in Edmonton and Ontario was represented by a team of local men Rick Wood (skip) and Murray Bennewies (vice), both of Seaforth, and their teammate Dave Johnson (lead) of London.

To advance to the Canadian Championships, the team first had to compete in Hanover at the end of August. Sixteen teams from all across Ontario competed, with the top two teams winning their way to the Canadians. The local team went undefeated through this event to become the Ontario A representatives at the Canadians.

Travel arrangements were quickly made to get the team to the event. The winning men’s and women’s senior teams from across the country converged on Edmonton to play. Ten teams of women and eight teams of men played full round robin tournaments with the top four teams of women and men qualifying for the medal rounds. The team of Rick, Murray and Dave won five of their 7 round robin games putting them in top place in the standings and sending them to the Gold Medal game on Saturday the 16th.

For the first time since the start of play the smoke from the BC forest fires affected the air quality and caused a one hour delay in the final games. The Ontario men won decisively over the men from Saskatchewan (25-6). The team enjoyed great western hospitality in Edmonton, both at the club and the hotel.

Skip Rick Wood credits their success to their ability to work together as a team. They enjoyed the experience and had fun. The support of family, friends, the Seaforth and Lambeth Bowling Clubs and the lawn bowling community were greatly appreciated.

The team advanced to the provincials, which were held in

Hanover in late August, coming out of District 2 (London) to play in a group of 16 teams. The team played our first game (Aug. 29) against District 7 (Kitchener). Winning that one, they then played District 16 (Ottawa). The third game was against a team from District 13 (Barrie/Muskoka). After playing extremely well on day one winning all three games - the team was in the gold medal match. The gold medal game was against District 10 (Toronto) and the win advanced the team to the Canadian Senior Men’s Triples in Edmonton.

The team members had a short amount of time to book flights, rooms and meals, but they made it work and everything was finalized in time.

The opening ceremonies were held on Tuesday, Sept. 12. The teams were led in the parade by an Alberta para-bowler named Terry Ryan. The members made Terry an honourary member of the team and he became one of their best cheerleaders. The members met a lot of bowlers from across Canada.

On the men’s side, there were two teams from British Columbia, two from Alberta, one each from Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and two from Ontario.

After round-robin play, the team placed first. The team played well all four days, as a strong team, working together.

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British Columbia bound The Walton Brewers - with the help of Brussels Tiger Ty Sebastian - won the Ontario Challenge Cup last weekend, punching their ticket to the International Softball Congress’s world tournament next August in British Columbia. (Courtesy photo)

BY JO-ANN MCDONALD The Walton Brewers had a great weekend in Chepstow participating in the Ontario Challenge Cup. Teams from all leagues were eligible to attend and they could pick up to three players from any other team within their league.

There were 12 teams participating in the weekend-long tournament. The Walton Brewers faced a tough team in the Georgian Bay Giants on Friday evening, but came out on top with a 1-0 win. On Saturday, they faced the Harwood

Corners team and won by a score of 4-0.

The next game was against the St. Thomas Storm and it was a 4-1 win for Walton. Sunday morning had the Brewers play against the tough Chepstow Aces and Walton opened the game with a home run! They went on to win by a score of 3-1.

They advanced to the finals and there they had to face the Chepstow Aces again. It was a good game, but Walton Brewers came out on top with the 5-0 win.

The trophy was presented to Scott

McDonald of the Brewers team.

The Most Valuable Player for the Brewers team was Colton Quipp and the Most Valuable Pitcher Award went to Ty Sebastian, playing for the Brewers. The Brewers only gave up two runs and scored 17 in the five games they played.

Winning this tournament gives the team a berth in the International Softball Congress (ISC) World tournament in Surrey, British Columbia next August.

Congratulations Walton Brewers!

Huron East Fire Department

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2023. PAGE 9.

Sports Ironmen tied for second place after weekend wins

Scramble in front The Wingham Ironmen won their first home game of the season on Friday night, triumphing over the Fergus Whalers by a score of 4-1 in front of the home fans. They then took the trip to Kincardine, where they beat the Bulldogs by a score of 3-2. The team is now tied for second place in its division. (John Stephenson photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen After a two-win weekend, the Wingham Ironmen are on the right side of .500 with a record of 3-1 through the first two weeks of the Provincial Junior Hockey League season.

The Ironmen opened the weekend with a Friday night win over the Fergus Whalers in Wingham by a score of 4-1. The Ironmen scored the first four goals of the game, with the Whalers finding the back of the net late into the third period, which proved to be too little too late.

Nigel Kreager scored the first goal of the game, finding the back of the net at 6:43 of the first period, assisted by Brandon Bishop.

Owen Rahn then scored his second goal of the season just 55 seconds into the second period, assisted by Noah Wettlaufer and Tayt Bramhill.

Tyson Fischer scored the Ironmen’s third goal of the game, and his second of the season, at 4:36 of the third period, a power play goal assisted by Ethan Smith, followed by Rahn’s second goal of the game and third of the season at 10:02 of the third period, assisted

by Nate Bloemberg and Coleson Fischer.

Keegan Clarke scored the lone Fergus goal at 13:05 of the third period, a power play marker assisted by Boden Brimmell and Conner Bradley.

Garrett Golley won the game in the Ironmen net, stopping 22 of the 23 shots he faced, while Bradley Boville lost it for the Whalers, stopping 31 of the 35 shots he faced.

The referees were able to take the first half of the game off, with no penalties called, while Boden Brimmell of the Whalers was called

for hooking at 15:08 of the second period, followed by Wingham penalties called against Darcy Scott for interference at 15:45 and Nigel Kreager for roughing at the very end of the second period.

In the third period, Fergus’ Noah Sabourin was called for roughing at 2:38, followed by a tripping call against Wingham’s Noah Wettlaufer at 2:51 and a highsticking call against Jack McDonald of the Whalers at the four-minute mark of the period.

Noah Sabourin of the Whalers and Josh Dales of the Ironmen were both called for roughing after a skirmish at 11:53, followed by a slashing call against Wingham’s Tyson Fischer at 12:43 and an unsportsmanlike conduct game misconduct penalty assessed to Tayt Bramhill of the Ironmen at 14:14.

At 14:23, Fergus’ Ty Anselmini and Wingham’s Damon Murray were both handed cross-checking penalties, while the Whalers’ Evan Ahearn and Nolan Burnside were assessed interference and roughing penalties, respectively, and Wingham’s Brandon Bishop was called for roughing, all at 15:42 of the third period.

Then, on Saturday, Sept. 23, the Ironmen were in Kincardine to play the Bulldogs and returned with a 32 win in their pockets.

Darcy Scott opened the scoring for the Ironmen, finding the back of the net at 9:12 of the first period, assisted by Ethan Smith and Tyson Fischer. Tayt Bramhill then put the Ironmen up by two goals, scoring at 6:58 of the second period, assisted

by Coleson Fischer and Austin Becker.

The Bulldogs would fight back and even the score in the third period, however, with goals from Carter Servais at 6:33, assisted by Liam Colhoun and Jordan Moulton, and Wilson Shipp at 8:10, assisted

by Cooper Schneider and Austin Waite, before Nigel Kreager scored his second of the season for what would eventually be the winning goal for the Ironmen at 9:42 of the final frame, unassisted.

Garrett Golley again earned the win for the Ironmen, stopping 34 of 36 shots, while Carter Garvie lost the game for the Bulldogs, stopping 21 of the 24 shots he faced.

Cooper Schneider of the Bulldogs was called for high sticking at 7:19 of the first period, followed by a second high sticking call, this time against Austin Becker of the Ironmen at 8:40. Noah Wettlaufer of the Ironmen was called for interference at 13:30, followed by slashing calls against Kincardine’s Carter Servais at 15:56 and Wingham’s Owen Rahn at 17:03, the same time Gavin Gibbons of the Bulldogs was called for slashing.

Micah Kraayenbrink had the first two penalties of the second period for the Ironmen - the first for holding at 1:52 and then for handling or falling on the puck at 7:12. Kincardine’s Austin Dunlop was called for roughing at 9:39 of the second period, while Darcy Scott of Wingham was called for hooking at 14:15 and Wingham’s Coleson Fischer was called for tripping at 15:33 of the period.

To begin the third period, Kieran

Moore of the Bulldogs was called for interference, followed by a high sticking call against Wingham’s Darcy Scott at 10:53 and a crosschecking penalty called against Jordan Beisel of the Bulldogs as the game ended.

The Hanover Barons are the only undefeated team remaining in the North Pollock Division of the league, sitting in first place with a record of 4-1. The Ironmen are then tied with the Walkerton Capitals for second with records of 3-1 and six points.

The Fergus Whalers are in fourth with a record of 2-1-0-1 and five points, followed by the Kincardine Bulldogs in fifth with a record of 11-1-1 and four points, the sixthplace Mitchell Hawks with a record of 1-3-0-0 and two points, the seventh-place Mount Forest Patriots with one point and a record of 0-2-1-0 and the last-place Goderich Flyers with a record of 03-0-0 and no points.

The Ironmen have two games this weekend, both at home in Wingham. They will play the Mitchell Hawks on Friday, Sept. 29 and then the Hanover Barons on Sept. 30.

To begin the month of October, the Ironmen will welcome the Mount Forest Patriots to Wingham on Friday, Oct. 6 before heading to Kincardine for another contest with the Bulldogs on Saturday, Oct. 7.

Blyth Christian Reformed Church 354 Queen St., Blyth

Invites You to join us throughout the week! – We have programs for all ages.

SUNDAY SCHOOL:

Sunday School

3 to 6 yrs. old during morning service.

Grades 2 to 8 Sunday at 11:00 am Contact Hillie VanAmersfoort - 519-525-2783

GEMS: A non-denominational youth ministry for girls Grades 4-8.

Music, crafts, badges!

Every Wednesday beginning September 27th 7:30-9:00 pm For more information contact Kirsten Passchier 519-807-5728 or email: dkpasschier@hotmail.com

CADETS: A non-denominational youth ministry for boys Grades 4-8.

Woodworking, outdoor skills, badges!

Every Wednesday beginning September 27th 7:30-9:00 pm Contact: Donny Greidanus 519-281-4042 or email: kgreidanus21@gmail.com

COFFEE BREAK: Interdenominational Women’s Bible Study Every Wednesday starting October 4th 10 am to 11:30 am - Babysitting available Contact Brenda Sjaarda 519-440-2744 or email: sjaardabrenda@gmail.com Madison Topic 519-525-5894 or email gmtopic@gmail.com Becky Bosma 519-525-5096 or email bosmafarms@gmail.com Also Monday Evenings starting October 2 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm Contact Hillie VanAmersfoort 519-525-2783

YOUTH GROUP/FAITH INSTRUCTION: For high school aged youth - meetings TBD Facebook: Blyth CRC Youth

PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2023.

Township, volunteers mark St. Helen’s Hall milestone

A worthy celebration Twenty years of the St. Helen’s Hall being run by volunteers was marked last Saturday with a special celebration and social time at the hall. Those behind the success of the hall posed for a picture with Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb and MPP Lisa Thompson, who were in attendance. Back row, from left: Mel Lyons, Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh Mayor Glen McNeil, Marlene MacDonald, Ron Snowden and Lobb. Middle row, from left: Thompson, Lila Rintoul, Allan MacDonald, Wayne Todd, Barb Snowden and Councillor Jennifer Miltenburg. Front row, from left: Gavin McQuabbie, Hannah Wheeler and Kathy Todd. Absent were Ed Shetler and Tom Blackwell. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Last Saturday, the St. Helen’s Hall marked its 20th anniversary of being owned by Ashfield-ColborneWawanosh (ACW) and run by a dedicated board of volunteers.

Several dozen were in attendance for the celebration of the hard work and dedication shown by the group of people who have kept the centre updated and relevant in recent years, making it an accessible and affordable option for rentals in the area.

Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb,

MPP, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson and ACW Mayor and Huron County Warden Glen McNeil were among the dignitaries in attendance for the celebration, which was

emceed by ACW Councillor Jennifer Miltenburg, who is currently council’s representative on the hall board.

Lobb commended the group on its work and said halls like the one

in St. Helen’s are the backbone of small communities throughout both Huron and Bruce Counties, while Thompson recalled her own personal history with the hall.

Growing up on Belfast Road, just east of St. Helen’s, she said she was no stranger to the community and to the hall, which she would frequent as part of snowmobile poker rallies and other events.

McNeil commended the group and its dedicated volunteers in an emotional speech, saying that volunteerism and halls such as the one in St. Helen’s are so important to rural life in Huron County and he said ACW is proud to play host to the St. Helen’s Hall.

The hall itself has a storied history, going back to the St. Helen’s Women’s Institute. This was a fact highlighted by Thompson in her speech, saying that a shrine celebrating the history of the group, set up in a corner of the hall, is so important to its history.

In the early 2000s, some St. Helen’s residents banded together in an effort to save the hall. In October of 2002, about 20 residents gathered at the hall to discuss the hall’s future and ways it could be saved. It had fallen into disrepair at the time and was in desperate need of renovations. In addition, the financial viability of the hall was also in question, with its expenses far outweighing its revenue.

This came after the Women’s Institute sold the hall to West Wawanosh Township in 2000, just prior to amalgamation. According to a Lucknow Sentinel article at the time, the agreement stated that if the hall could no longer be maintained, the building would be removed and the land would be maintained by the township.

After that fateful meeting in 2002, the group began fighting for the hall, which ACW Council was considering closing at the time.

Donations of money, windows and roofing materials began coming in and volunteers began to put their

time into saving the hall.

As the group began its grassroots efforts, JoAnn Todd, who now serves as an Anglican minister in the area, spearheaded an application for a Trillium Grant for renovations to make it safe and accessible, which was successful.

The hall then officially reopened to the public in early 2004 with a party that drew a packed house and then-Huron-Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell. At the time, Todd estimated that 550 volunteer hours had been spent at the hall, with more work left to be done, including work on the roof, soffit and fascia and renovations to the washrooms.

A public meeting to discuss the future needs of the hall was set for that April and the rest is history.

The group would eventually raise tens of thousands of dollars through various events to keep the hall alive.

Since then, the hall has been painted, its flooring has been refinished and a number of purchases have been made in an effort to make it more attractive to potential renters. There is even a new playground at the site, which volunteers say helps bring in younger people, which is always on the minds of the volunteers.

The hall played a big role in the St. Helen’s Homecoming celebration of 2012, which also helped raise money for the hall.

Now, the hall hosts several annual events, such as its fish fry, Valentine’s Day roast beef dinner fundraiser and more, all in an effort to keep improving the hall and bringing in a new generation to keep the hall thriving for years to come.

Celebrating A Special Occasion?

Advertise it in

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

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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!

Greetings Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb, left, brought greetings to Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh Councillor Jennifer Miltenburg, right, and everyone else gathered to celebrate the anniversary for the St. Helen’s Hall, while above, Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, left, presented a certificate from the provincial government to Barb Snowden. (Shawn Loughlin photos)

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!

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2023. PAGE 11.

160th Brussels Fall Fair brings out the best

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

The Brussels Fall Fair celebrated 160 years of all things related to autumnal agriculture on Sept. 1920, and the well-attended community event couldn’t have asked for nicer weather.

Sunshine and a bright blue sky brought out onlookers for the parade on Wednesday, which featured fire trucks, festooned floats, a pipe band, a 1952 Fargo truck, and local students embodying this year’s theme, which was “Bank Barns and Spinning Yarns.” The parade started at Victoria Park, made its way past the historic buildings of downtown Brussels, and ended at the Community Centre, where all this year’s fair entries were gathered for the grand old tradition of judging.

The Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre has been undergoing some extensive renovations of late, but respectful construction workers stuck to unobtrusive tasks in order to facilitate the livestock judging, therapy animal petting and bounce housing that was going on outside.

Inside the building, a tremendous amount of talent had been put into the entries in every category. There were towering cornstalks all vying for the title of tallest, painted pumpkins, bushels of cash crops,

and pies upon pies upon pies. A Cthulhu of a carrot took home top prize for most misshapen vegetable, and the pickled egg category was divided into ‘general’ and ‘men’s’, for some reason. There were stunning quilts, intriguing crafts, fine art, found art, photography, and a painting dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the film Titanic being released, which we can all agree is a beautiful film. There were flying saucer-sized sunflowers, Japanese flower arrangements, Christmas ornaments, date squares, a giant fuzzy snake, an egg painted to look like a skunk, and many, many more objets d’art to examine and enjoy.

Outside, The 4-H Clubs brought the sheep and cows they’ve been working with all summer to be judged. The 4-H program teaches young people valuable skills, practical farming, responsibility and the value of community, and is one of our most valuable rural traditions. The work of 4-H Clubs bridges the gap between generations, and helps to ensure the future of agriculture in our area.

Ewes were judged for their breeding and market potential, and calves competed in various categories. Each ungulate was judged on things like size, attitude and comportment, and the human competitors were asked a variety of questions about their relationship with their chosen beast, like, “What

would you change about your calf?” Contestants also had to walk their cows around the ring, walk them into place, and set them up for judging. Some heifers were more than happy to comply, but others were less so inclined, and more than one promising young bovine ended up facing the wrong direction during judging, which didn’t necessarily count them out - it was all about how each cow carried what it had to offer, and how it responded to its young trainer.

Award winners for the BelgraveBrussels 4-H Beef Show: Grand Champion Showperson Nick McArter Reserve Champion Showperson Troy Coultes Champion Calf - Trace Boven Reserve Champion Calf - Tori Cutting Charolais Award - Donated by MBC-McLean Bros: Kortney Hoggart Hereford Award - Donated by MBC McLean Bros: Ty Somers Angus Award - Donated by Darren and Melissa Johnston and family: Dakota Coultes Simmental Award - Donated by Time View Farms - Coultes family: Tori Cutting Novice Award - Donated by Lila Rintoul: Trace Boven Junior Award: Tyler Boven Intermediate Award: Kortney Hoggart Senior Award: Nick McArter

Test Your Smoke Alarm Day September 28

Fire Department of North Huron

PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2023.

Cross-border animal control paying off: Heffer

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Morris-Turnberry Council conducted regular business virtually at a meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 19. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., adjournment arrived at 8:09 p.m. with council devoting an almost equal allotment of time to open and closed session discussions. *** Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk Trevor Hallam presented a report on a three-year shared services agreement entered into in August of 2022 with Central Huron and Huron East for animal control activities. Hallam’s report concludes that service levels are

adequate and he recommended no change in the arrangement.

Mayor Jamie Heffer said, “One year in, it looks like it’s working well.” Councillor Jamie McCallum followed with, “This is an example of three townships working well together and in collaboration with one another and it’s benefitting the taxpayers in all three municipalities.” Heffer punctuated the discussion with, “Just an example to tell us it can be done.” *** A report from Chief Building Official Kirk Livingston indicates that 2023 building activity in Morris-Turnberry is down from last year. This year, 63 building permits have been issued with an estimated

value of $11,274,700, down from 96 issued permits in 2022 during the same time period worth $14,875,878.50.

Heffer said, “[Livingston] warned us that he expected this year would be a little slower and we are seeing that, but we’re still seeing some activity and building projects moving ahead. So, there’s still things being done in MorrisTurnberry.” *** Hallam presented another report, this one detailing a change to the board rotation schedule for the North Perth-North Huron Family Health Team Board.

Councillor Jodi Snell was appointed by council to the board in

July but now will not assume the role until September of 2024.

Hallam’s report says the change was made to better align the board’s cycle with the anticipated municipal election schedule and claims the change was not previously communicated to Morris-Turnberry staff.

The report notes the organization has been rebranded as the Listowel – Wingham and Area Family Health Team.

Heffer viewed the situation through the lens of an optimist, saying “We’re ahead of the game and we’ve got [Councillor Snell] in place for when the time does come up.” ***

The reports from Hallam continued rolling in, this time offering details about renewing an agreement with the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) for the continued provision of the water quality program.

Hallam recommended council continue with the agreement, saying the cost to the municipality is relatively low.

Council passed a motion to authorize the agreement with the SVCA and will return with a bylaw to make it official. *** It was reported that the closed session discussion conducted at the meeting was on the topic of negotiations of a cross-border servicing agreement.

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2023. PAGE 13.

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Lucknow’s 160th Fall Fair pleases crowd

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Lucknow recently held its 160th Fall Fair, and it was a whirlwind weekend of traditional fair fare like parades, preserves and pumpkins, mixed with contemporary elements like zucchini car races, wrestling, glitter tattoos and zorb balls.

Traditional fair games, like hay bale rolling, charmed some of the many new residents who have recently moved to town, as did the vast array of fair entries inside the arena complex. Betty Lou Dalton of Goderich entered a lemon loaf that took first prize, and Lucknow’s own Angie Middelkamp’s chocolate chip cookies conquered the squares and cookies category. Which is not to be confused with the winner in the chocolate chip cookie category, which was Susan Irwin’s entry.

Irwin, also from Lucknow, took top spot in penmanship as well. Entries like Hanover’s Heather McRonald’s pine cone decorated to look like an animal were real charmers, and the corn stalks and hay bales brought in to be judged also worked as decorations for line dancing at night.

The Friday night spectacle of Mid-Western Wrestling was a huge hit with local children, who were quickly whipped up into a fair foodfuelled frenzy. Each wrestler who was introduced immediately had competing hordes of fans and detractors, all of them hollering into the encroaching twilight. The spirit of Donnie Dinnie was strong at the fairgrounds that night.

The return of the annual parade was a real highlight - vehicles marshalled at Graceland on

The contenders Shelby Barger, right, was acclaimed Lucknow’s Fall Fair Ambassador for 2023. Meanwhile, wrestlers from MidWestern Wrestling, above, put on a great show as part of Friday night’s fair festivities. (Scott Stephenson photos) Saturday at 10 a.m. and proceeded down Campbell Street, Lucknow’s main drag. Vintage cars, trucks and tractors were in the procession, as were the newly-crowned Lucknow Ambassador, Shelby Barger, and the new Junior Ambassador, Lillian Beyersbergen-Oakes. Barger had impressed audiences and judges alike with her engaging speech about all the ways she loves agriculture, highlighting her time working at St Jacob’s Farmers Market and her past experiences with 4-H. The winning Junior Ambassador, Beyersbergen-Oakes, faced stiff competition from Monique Cooper, Gabby Miltenburg and Jasmine Scott. All

of the contestants gave great speeches, but Beyersbergen-Oakes’ recent experience competing for Princess of the Huron County Plowing Match provided the edge needed to win.

The parade ended at the fair, where visitors got to enjoy the good-old fashioned fun of 25-cent carnival games, pumpkin decorating, livestock shows, pony rides and pedal tractor pulls.

The 160th Lucknow Fall Fair came to a close with an excellent breakfast at the arena, hosted by the Lucknow Agricultural Society. The breakfast happened to take place at the exact same time as a planned town-wide power outage, and

proved a perfect refuge for local Lucknowians who had awoken that morning to discover their toaster was unable to toast their toast. The arena, not impervious to the power outage, utilized a generator to keep the lights on and the coffee on time.

The meal consisted of fluffy scrambled eggs, succulent pork sausages, hashbrowns, fruit and, of course, toast. As an extra treat, slices of a variety of prize winning loaves from the fair were on offer a sweet end to a great fall fair.

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK REPORT For the week ending September 22, 2023 Total Receipts: 1,550 cattle and 939 lambs and goats Tuesday Fed steers and heifers sold actively prices $2 - $3 higher. Choice steers and heifers $235 – $259 sales $260.

Second cut cattle $225 – $234. Aged and medium fed steers and heifers $205 – $233. Holstein steers and heifers $156 – $200.

Cows: There were 200 cows on offer: Beef $140 – $183 Good Holstein Cows $135 – $168 Medium Holstein Cows $120 – $134 Bulls $173 – $204 Veal: There were 135 head of veal on offer.

Cows sold on a steady market.

Thursday Veal sold actively at steady $3 - $5 higher. Lambs sold steady with week’s decline. Sheep and goats sold steady.

Friday Calves and yearlings sold on a fully steady market.

Steers: Tom Riley of Walkerton, consigned 16 head. Two black steers averaged 1,228 lbs. and sold for an average price of $246.

Beef Veal $235 – $267 Good Holsteins $230 – $257 SL Heavy Holsteins $235 – $245 Heavy Holsteins $200 – $250 Medium Holsteins $210 – $230 Plain Holsteins $175 – $225 Mosie Byler of Auburn, consigned 10 head. One holstein steer weighed 680 lbs. and sold for a price of $257.

Lambs: Under 50 lbs.: $256 – $320 50-64 lbs.: $246.50 – $285 65-79 lbs.: $245 – $290 80-94 lbs.: $232 – $265 95-109 lbs.: $218 – $260 110 lbs. and over: $197 – $215 Goats: Billies: $220 – $400 Nannies: $80 – $210 Kids: Meat: $325 – $370 Dairy: $300 – $350 Grant Campbell of Iona Station, consigned 28 head. Five lambs averaged 83 lbs. and sold for an average price of $265.

Mark Pfeffer of Clifford, consigned two head. One holstein steer weighed 705 lbs. and sold for a price of $255.

Carmen and Cheryl Bridge of Kincardine, consigned 16 head. Four lambs averaged 98 lbs. and sold for an average price of $260.

Dan Stewardson of Thedford, consigned three head. One holstein steer weighed 705 lbs. and sold for a price of $255.

Johnny and Shelby Franken of Atwood, consigned 36 head. Two kid goats averaged 71 lbs. and sold for an average price of $370.

Top Quality Stocker Steers: Under 400 lbs.: $437 – $470 400 – 499: $404.50 – $500 500 – 599: $384 – $442 600 – 699: $337.50 – $395 700 – 799: $301.50 – $357 800 – 899: $327.50 – $341.50 900 – 999: $308.50 – $327 1,000 lbs. and over: $291 – $301 Top Quality Stocker Heifers: 500 – 599: $339.50 – $362 600 – 699: $302.75 – $347.50 700 – 799: $309 – $319.50 800 – 899: $269 – $309 900 lbs. and over: $253.50 – $306 Kevin Horsburgh of Holstein, consigned 35 head. Seventeen gold steers averaged 990 lbs. and sold for an average price of $327.

Dave Onn of Blyth, consigned 10 head. Ten black steers averaged 807 lbs. and sold for an average price of $341.50.

Amos Martin of Douglas, consigned 20 head. Twelve charolais heifers averaged 957 lbs. and sold for an average price of $294.

Russell Denney of Paisley, consigned 15 head. Five black white-face heifers averaged 815 lbs. and sold for an average price of $296.00.

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PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2023.

Classified Advertising Card of thanks Help wanted

– RATES –

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

Articles for sale 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.

-------------------------------------------

Card of thanks NETHERY - To all our King Street neighbours, friends and family, we wish to thank everyone for their assistance, kindness and generosity as we start our new adventure on Vancouver Island. We were very blessed to live and share with great neighbours who became our friends.

Larry will miss making the skating rink each winter and enjoy watching the families use it. A special thank you to Jeff and Janice Peters, Lorie and Kevin Falconer, Nathan and Sarah Shannon, Don and Lenore Scrimgeour, Sophie and Dietmar Schroecker, Cheryl Peach, Colleen, Kendra, and Derwin Carter, David and Annie Sparling, Shawn and Jess Loughlin, Frank and Marian Hallahan and Sharon Jackson. After living on King Street for close to 20 years, a wonderful friend who will be terribly missed by Larry and I because of all the laughs, support and assistance over the years is Graham Jackson. Each of you will be missed, but we both have several fond memories of our time at 298 King Street. The generous gifts, going away party, crochet-crowd get togethers, covid virtual meetings, as well as assistance preparing to move, will always bring a smile to our faces. We have been greatly blessed by all of you. If you ever come to Vancouver Island, please stop by for a visit! We'll be glad to see you! Larry and Cathy Nethery.

SIERTSEMA - Thank you everyone for cards and condolences. Also thank you for the food brought to our home and visits at the hospital and hospice. With much appreciation, Annie, Marge, Jim and Rebecca, Nancy and Peter, and grandchildren.

-------------------------------------------LEISHMAN - Ruby would like to thank her children for the lovely sit down dinner. Also, a special thanks to her children, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and great-greatgrandchildren. A very special thanks to daughters Ann and June and friends for making my 100th birthday a very special day. Thanks for the endless hours of preparation and their artistic ability. Ruby

Coming events MELVILLE CHIMES, BRUSSELS will be calling you to "An Afternoon of Music" at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 15. Come and enjoy special guests Seaforth Harmony Kings Barbershop Chorus along with local talent Don Chesher and Friends; Marcy Bremner-Flutist and Mary Douma- pianist; Rev. Alex Jebson and Katie Mitchell; and Melville Trio - Mary, Peggy and Margaret.

Freewill offering. Refreshments provided.Proceeds to Brussels United and Melville Presbyterian Churches.

-------------------------------------------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 detailseservations call by Sept 29.

519-835-0099.

-------------------------------------------WINGHAM HOSPITAL RUMMAGE SALE at the Wingham Legion. Wednesday, October 18 2 to 6 p.m. and Thursday, October 19 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Seasonal clothing can be dropped off Wednesday until noon at the Legion.

Pickup of articles call Lois 519-3573326. Articles we need are seasonal clothing, small household items, books, toys, puzzles, jewellery etc.

No furniture or electronics please.

Support your local Wingham Hospital Ladies Auxiliary.

Just in time for your Thanksgiving Celebration

Bake Sale at Brussels United Church Saturday, October 7 10 a.m. to 12 noon Fruit pies (frozen, unbaked) plus lots of assorted home baking etc.

Soup & More 2 Annual Meeting and Volunteer Appreciation Night is being held on

Tuesday October 3 at 7 p.m. at Melville Presbyterian Church, Brussels.

CANTELON FARMS REQUIRES an AZ driver.

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

-------------------------------------------STEVE HANEY TRUCKING IS looking for a full-time driver to haul bulk in Ontario. Weekends off, home at night. Three years AZ required and clean driver’s abstract. Based out of Seaforth. Call Steve 519-6152130. stevehaney2@gmail.com

In memoriam In Loving Memory JACKLIN - In loving memory of Joyce Jacklin (Kellington), who passed away nine years ago September 29.

God saw you getting tired, And a cure was not to be.

So he put his arms around you, And he whispered “come with me” With tearful eyes we watched you.

We watched you fade away.

Although we loved you dearly, We could not make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating, Hard-working hands at rest.

God broke our hearts to prove to us, He chose to take the best.

It’ss lonesome here without you, We miss you more each day.

Life doesn’t seem the same, Since you have gone away.

When days are sad and lonely, And everything goes wrong, We seem to hear you whisper “Cheer up and Carry on”.

Each time we see your picture, You seem to smile and say, “Don’t cry, I’m in God’s hands, We’ll meet again someday”!

Lovingly remembered and dearly missed Don, Dave, Janice and families.

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.

-------------------------------------------The Wingham and District Horticulture Society held their annual raffle draw (M831706) on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at Cruickshank Park. The first prize quilt, made by Lorraine Meech, was won by Gayle Neil of Wingham; the second prize, gardening tools, was won by Shirley Nicholson of Bluevale; the third prize, a basket of Fear’s Honey Products, was won by Bonnie Mair of Teeswater.

Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all the folks who supported the WDHS by purchasing tickets.

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

Citizen-To-Citizen “SWAP SHOP” ad “One person’s junk is another’s treasure” • 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 - Used patio stones, (50) 8x6; (60) 6x6; (72) 6x3. $90 Text/call 519-440-6415 39-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Yard Commander utility trailer, $50; wheelbarrow, $40; sandblaster, $150. Phone 519887-9615.

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Mary Vair named Grand Champion at Lucknow Fair PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE

By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188

Congratulations to Brittany Weber and Chad Foxton who were married on Sept. 2.

Recently at the Lucknow Fall Fair, in the quilting section, Mary Vair received the Grand Champion award for her queen-sized quilt.

The pattern was a dragonfly done in grey, black, taupe and silver material. It will then go on to the next level for competition.

Congratulations Mary.

On Sunday, Sept. 24, Gloria Wilbee, licensed lay worship leader, was the guest speaker at Knox United church, Belgrave. She welcomed the congregation and the Christ Candle was lit. “All Things Bright and Beautiful” was the first hymn which the congregation sang.

The Call to Worship was read responsively. The scripture lesson was read from Matthew 18 verses 15-22 (Forgiveness). Mrs. Wilbee’s message was entitled “Walls.”

“Would You Bless Our Homes and Family” was the closing hymn.

On Sunday, Oct. 1, Sandra Cable will be the guest speaker at the Belgrave United Church. It is World Wide Communion.

Everyone is welcome.

There were over 30 people at the Community Coffee Break on Sept.

26 at the Belgrave Community Centre. Fellowship, coffee and snacks were enjoyed.

The next coffee break is on Oct. 10, 9:30-11 a.m. Everyone is welcome.

Sympathy is extended to the family of Jean Cloakey, who passed away on Sept. 16.

NEWS FROM BELGRAVE

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2023. PAGE 15.

Long-COVID still a concern for many

Fun for the whole family The Van Egmond House near Seaforth held its annual Ciderfest celebration on Sunday, which is among its biggest events of the year. Volunteers for the historic home and museum serve up cider and treats, while the grounds are covered in vendor booths and historic displays for the young and young-at-heart alike. (John Stephenson photo)

McGavin provides history PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

The month of September is almost over and we have enjoyed some great weather for harvest - or at least the last week or two of it.

White beans and more white beans have been taken off, canola fields on my travels have been harvested and soybeans are next. Some have tried them with a few fields done, but if the weather has held this past week, there will be a lot more harvested by now. There will be happy farmers as, one by one, the crops come off and they are thankful for a good harvest.

Chris and Judy Lee have had visitors from England this past week. Tim and Christine Tuson arrived from Storrington, West Sussex, on Sept. 21 in Walton to visit. Tim is Chris and Christine Lee’s cousin.

Tim says, “We’ve been overwhelmed by the welcome we’ve received from everyone.

We love the long, straight roads, and are really interested in the differences and similarities in farming methods compared to the U.K. As my church’s Eco Champion, I have loved seeing the habitat schemes like the one at Walton and at Ball’s Bridge. We hope this

won’t be our last visit to Walton.”

The couple enjoyed a Lee family dinner on Tuesday with all the Lee family attending. They all enjoyed meeting and making new family friends and the social evening together.

The Walton Coffee Chat was last Saturday and there were about 14 on hand for some lively conversation. There are always some words of wisdom to come away with and this week it was, “You can always have an opinion, but there are always one, two or three more.”

Neil McGavin arrived with some history books of Walton and area, as well as clippings from newspapers for the last 50 years, which everyone found very interesting. The next Coffee Chat is Oct. 14. Come one, come all and

NEWS FROM WALTON

enjoy a social time with your friends in Walton!

Celebrating birthdays this past week include Mike Boven, Lucas Godkin, Sean Kirkby, Tim Nolan, Kathy Burkholder, Tara Smith, Peggy Sloan, Raymond Wilts, Sebastian Andrades, Karen Hoegy, Ashley Stevenson, Brandon Williamson, Gary Sutcliffe, Aliya Haggitt, Bill Gulutzen, Crystal McCallum, Nancy Schmeltzer, Michael Bernard, Ron Clarke, Brittney Pryce, Bryn deVos, Mary Bradshaw and Lorren Poland.

Happy birthday to all.

Everyone in the community is invited to attend an open house at the Kinburn Hall on Sunday, Oct. 15 to help Ken Hunking celebrate his 80th birthday. He would be pleased to welcome you from 2-4 p.m. that afternoon.

By the time you are reading this edition of The Citizen, we will have reached the end of September.

Some falls, the leaves are fully dressed in their end-of-summer colours by now. How lucky have we been to have such warm weather this month? Anyone travelling next weekend for Thanksgiving celebrations may be hoping for some beautiful scenery along the way. Get out for a walk and enjoy this fine weather. Winter can be long.

We are again hearing about COVID-19 cases and being reminded to wear a mask. I have learned that the Stratford Hospital has now reopened after having several cases there that were caught in-house - meaning those people contracted the virus after being admitted to hospital, likely from staff. Tough to be ill enough to be in hospital without getting sicker while there.

As I was wondering what to include in this space this week, I came across a newspaper clipping I had “filed” at the back of my desk.

It was a column by Heather Mallick from the Toronto Star back in May of this year. At that time, she was dealing with long COVID, eight months from the time of dealing with short COVID. Seems that about 15 per cent of adults who contracted COVID-19 have symptoms three months or more after the initial infection. And most often it is women who suffer from this. This means work is interrupted and maintaining a home and family life can be very difficult The symptoms are many - sudden and extreme fatigue, breathlessness, coughing, chest pain, brain fog,

insomnia, muscle pain, headaches and loss of taste and smell.

Moreover, the symptoms can come and go. It seems there is little the medical professionals can do to help these people. Some long haulers are fortunate to be accepted into a clinic which offers sessions on coping with the virus. No timeline on recovery is known.

So, stay up to date with your vaccinations, limit your involvement with large crowds and keep that mask and those test kits close at hand. The virus shut down every country in the world at some point during the first months of its spread. All of us speculated on what the long-term effects of the Continued on page 17

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PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2023.

From the Minister’s Study

Hard job? That can be up for interpretation

BY JASON HOVIUS, BRUSSELS COMMUNITY BIBLE CHAPEL There are many hard jobs in our world. Maybe you have one of them. Perhaps you are with the rest of us in thinking that you have one of them.

The reality is that every job has some difficult aspects. Work may look different than it did decades or centuries ago, but work is still difficult for many of us, and we may or may not be compensated fairly for it.

Thanks to the Industrial Revolution and the Computer Age, work is physically easier in most industries, but the stress of it has not been eased. My guess is that the usage growth of artificial intelligence over the next number of years will neither reduce the hours we have to work nor make those hours any easier to bear.

One of the consequences of sin in this world is that work would change from being a joyful privilege into a necessary burden.

“By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food” (Genesis 3:19).

It is by one of God’s graces that

some aspects of work are still enjoyable and give meaning to our days.

Paul uses a few of the most difficult jobs as metaphors for the Christian life. If work is your life, this should be an easy metaphor to grasp. (But let this be an opportunity for you to evaluate your priorities and schedule time for other more important things.

God wants people to work hard, but He also wants you to invest in a relationship with Him and in the well-being of others.)

In 2 Timothy 2:2-6, the careers of a soldier, an athlete and a farmer are used as illustrations to motivate Timothy to persevere without compromise. If someone intimates to you that they are looking for a risky job that may require a commitment of more than 100 hours per week, you should encourage them to investigate these career choices. As an added incentive, make sure to tell them that if they get paid at all, they may have to wait months or years for compensation, assuming nothing goes drastically wrong in the meantime.

When Paul says that a Christian’s life is hard, he knew what he was talking about. A couple of days after he met Jesus on the road to Damascus, God told Ananias in a vision that He would show Paul how much he would have to suffer for His Name.” (Acts 9:16). The difficulties for Paul, then called Saul, started almost immediately when he faced the threat of death at the hands of unbelieving Jewish leaders who hated his new message about the Christ. He had to escape by being lowered in a basket down the city wall by night.

This was only the beginning. In the next decade, he was shipwrecked (repeatedly), stoned, beaten (repeatedly), imprisoned (repeatedly) and in constant danger at every turn. He endured cold, hunger, thirst, lack of sleep and high stress without reprieve. As he writes this letter to Timothy, he is again in a cold, Roman prison, about to be beheaded at the whim of the Roman emperor of the day.

Every day around the world, Christians are hunted, tortured and killed because of their faith in Jesus. Thankfully, not every

Majestic WI resumes meetings

BY BEV CRADDOCK The Majestic Women’s Institute met on Sept. 13 at 1:30 p.m. in the Brussels Library’s meeting room.

The meeting started with members and guests enjoying a card-making class run by member Bev Craddock.

Lots of wonderful cards were made by all and then drinks and snacks were served.

The meeting was called to order and the business of the institute was handled before Julie Pearce presented about growing and using garlic.

She told the group that garlic should be planted in the fall, two inches into the soil. When you see signs of growth, cover the garlic with straw and, after the spring thaw, curly scapes will grow in order to promote bulb growth. Cut off the scapes and use them in stir fry dinners or soups.

When the leaves die off, there is only a little green time until harvest, which is best done on a sunny day. Be gentle and wipe off the excess dirt and leave them out to dry. For long-term storage, freezing them works best.

On Sept. 5, the UFO (Unfinished Objects) group met, and then, on Sept. 14, Kathy Bridge and Bev Craddock represented the Majestic

Evangelical Missionary Church

Sunday October 1, 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Mike Stanley, “Salvation through Jesus” (Ephesians 2:1-10) Report from Medical Ministry to Peru - Lynn Bowman

Women’s Institute at the Meet Your Neighbour program at the Brussels Library. It was great to see so many people, many of whom commented on the welcoming and friendly feeling of the community. Keep up the good work, Brussels.

Andrea Bridge won the Brussels Fall Fair display quilt draw. The quilt was made by Janet Haertel.

Sheila Bauer won a gift basket as second prize.

Congratulations to all of the winners and thanks for supporting the quilt draw year after year and a “high five” goes to all who work so hard all year to bring the Brussels Fall Fair to life. It really is the best local fair and a great time was had by all.

BRUSSELS S

U United Chu ur urch Welcome to Brussels United World Wide Com mmunion Service Sunday, Octo ober 1 at 9:30 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: ebsite: b brusselsandblythuc.ca P.O. Box 359, Brussels ~ 519-887-6259 P.

Christian has the same experiences.

It makes me wonder if I would be ready to suffer or die for what I so easily say I believe now while the going is relatively easy.

What makes the soldier, the athlete or the farmer keep on doing what they’re doing? Paul provides a few clues. The soldier wants to please his commander, and the athlete and farmer have their eyes on their reward. In other words, there is a motivator that makes their hard work worthwhile.

Paul suffered more than most, and yet never once did he say he wishes he had never started following Jesus. Instead, as he faces imminent execution, he tells Timothy, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8) Being a disciple of Jesus Christ isn’t for the timid. It’s not a way to get through life with a free pass to comfort. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

But I know it’s worth it, because Jesus also said that anyone who sacrifices something for Him in this life would receive back 100-fold, besides eternal life (Matthew 19:29). I know of many Christians, today and in history, who gave up their rights and relationships and possessions for their Saviour, and had no regrets.

If you have read this far, I would also ask you to please investigate for yourself whether Jesus is worth following. He didn’t live a hard life and die a brutal death for nothing.

Neither did Paul, nor any of the other servants of God written about in the Bible. Find a Bible and read the gospel of John, or find Paul’s two letters to Timothy. One of my friends started with the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament. It doesn’t matter where you start, but if you keep reading, please be forewarned that you may find hope and joy that you didn’t know were possible.

Jesus keeps his promises, so He will somehow make it worthwhile for those who choose to serve Him.

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

BLYTH 9:00 AM St. Paul’s Trinity

WINGHAM 10:30 AM

Come Worship with Us!

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

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

MEL LV VILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS

Sunday, October 1, 2023

11:00 am - 12 noon We extend a loving welcome to all to join us as Rev. Peter Nijp leadss in worship, praise, prayer, and the celebration of Holy Communion.

A time of fellowship to follow.

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

Sunday, October 1 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

Blyth United Church Sunday, October 1 ~ 11:00 am Worldwide Communion Service Join us Wednesday mornings for visits in the garden starting at 10 am.

Outreach project for October is the Food Grains Project.

"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

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

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

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2023. PAGE 17.

Surprise!

Glimpses of the Past with Karen Webster Sept. 28, 1958 Sunrise Farm, Huron County Dear Brenda, It is difficult to think how much my life has changed in just a short time. Thank you so much for being the maid of honour at our wedding in July (between haying and harvest, you know). It was a lovely ceremony with all our friends and relatives in Toronto attending and Mike’s folks from Huron able to come as well.

I didn’t realize at the time when I visited Aunt Gladys near Brussels last year that I would soon meet my life partner. I was reluctant to go to the Junior Farmers’ dance in Auburn with my cousin Bonnie, but I did go, and that is where I met Mike. And now I am living on a farm in the middle of Huron County. Mike’s parents live next door and his mother, Beth, has been sharing food from her large garden and, as well, she has also been teaching me how to can and pickle the produce.

The nights are so dark and quiet here, which makes for a restful sleep. That is, until the Friday night, a week after our honeymoon. We were sound asleep when all of a sudden there was a huge racket on the lawn with pots and pans being banged together. I was terrified but Mike only laughed and said “I guess it is my turn now”.

I quickly dressed and went downstairs to let in the crowd of

neighbours and friends who had come to chivaree us. Yes, Brenda, “chivaree” is a word.

Most of these folks stayed in the kitchen with the food and refreshments that they had brought with them, but others mysteriously disappeared only to return to the kitchen later with smirks on their faces. It seems that my quiet husband had been the ringleader for quite a few of these midnight visits to newlyweds in the past. And, oh, the tales I heard that night about some of the pranks that had been pulled! After a couple of hours, the partiers started to leave with comments about chores being only a short sleep away.

It was after they had left that I started to find evidence of what those smirks were about. All the cans of food in the pantry had their labels removed. That made for some mysterious meals for a few weeks.

Some of my intimate clothes were found the next morning in the trees outside the house and even crammed in our mailbox. And then, when we finally tried to crawl back in our bed, we found corn flakes between the sheets. It took a while to put things right again, but strangely, all that commotion has made me feel more welcome in my new home. I cannot imagine anything like this happening back in Toronto!

Since that chaotic night, I have

gone to the local library to do some research into what a chivaree is and where it all started. It seems to go way back to the Middle Ages when the community’s disapproval of a marriage was expressed. Perhaps a widow or widower wed too soon after their bereavement or there may have been a huge disparity in the couple’s ages. The bridegroom seemed to get the worse of the deal in most cases. He might have been dunked in the water trough or even worse, blindfolded, stripped of most of his clothing and abandoned away from home, doomed to find his way back in the dark.

While most chivarees occurred with little lasting effects, that has not always been the case. In one Texas town, many years ago, shotguns were brought along to add to the noise factor. Unfortunately, in the confusion, a shot hit one of the revellers and a cousin of the bride died.

Some pranks were not thoroughly thought out beforehand. I read that one group fastened the doors of a couple’s house tight, then placed a burning bale of straw on top of the chimney causing the home to fill with smoke and ruin some of the newlyweds’ possessions Through the years, the intent of the chivaree (or shivaree) became more of mere mischief, music and food. In 1928, after Marian Massey

and Rev. Sandy Nicholson were wed in Saskatchewan, they journeyed to his Lucknow-area birthplace. The first evening they were there, the town band as well as a host of neighbours and friends, came to the home carrying brooms that had been soaked in coal oil and set ablaze.

What fun everyone had that night with just a few pranks, lots of food and many solos and sing-a-longs.

Not all chivarees have been for newlyweds. A couple of years ago, Bob and Marg Hulley were treated to an old-fashioned chivaree of noise and laughter on the occasion of their 20th anniversary. Several of the

merrymakers had also been at their original chivaree. And I even found one reference to a chivaree for a couple on the occasion of their 50th anniversary. Hopefully, the antics at that one were less robust!

Well Brenda, I don’t imagine you will ever hear of a chivaree in Toronto. Just imagine what the neighbours would do if one broke out on your street?

Please write soon and let me know how things are in your life.

Your friend, Linda.

Writer’s note: Linda and Mike are not actual people but their story is based on true facts.

Pandemic brought change Continued from page 15 virus would be. It was generally agreed that the world would never be the same.

Everyone can acknowledge a number of these changes three years later - high food costs, homelessness, inflation, high finance rates, gas prices, etc. And, I don’t believe the whole situation has entirely shaken out even yet.

There is nothing more constant than change, be it for better or worse, depending on one’s lifestyle or perspective, it is something to which we all have to adapt.

Persons in Huron County receive a blue bag each week, at least at present, full of retail flyers. One of our sons and his family in the Clarington area - that’s east of Durham Region - have been delivering a similar package each week for about eight years now.

This has been reasonably lucrative over those years and for many

young folk, this has been/is their first job. Not always a fun job given weather conditions and having to do collections, but it is a taste of the working world.

Last Thursday, as usual in that area, the flyers were delivered.

Friday morning the practice was terminated. That means several hundred people, from printers to truck drivers to delivery people were, without prior warning, suddenly without a job. Obviously this way of reaching out to potential customers is no longer costeffective given that people are watching how they spend their money and the same information can be found online.

Although it might seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, it is a direct result of how the world is changing as a result of COVID-19. I don’t expect the hundreds affected by this are calling it insignificant.

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PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2023.

In 1854, William Ainlay bought two hundred acres of land on the Maitland River. In 1855 he laid out the village plot and named it Ainleyville; a clerk misspelled the name. Later Ainleyville was renamed Brussels.

Read more in the Blyth Repository of History.

Fridays

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

Leadership in energy and environmental design

Devon Henry 84772 McDonald Line • Box 616 • Brussels

devonjhenry@hotmail.com 519-505-2473

The Citizen, Sept. 19, 2013

The Citizen, Sept. 2, 1998

The Citizen, Sept. 23, 1998

The Citizen, Sept. 30, 1998

The Citizen, Sept. 12, 2013

The Citizen, Sept. 5, 2013

The Citizen, Sept. 9, 1998

The Citizen, Sept. 26, 2013

The Citizen, Sept. 16, 1998

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2023. PAGE 19.

Entertainment & Leisure

Blyth Festival Artistic Director reflects on season

Looking back through the cheers Artistic Director Gil Garratt planned an ambitious lineup for the 49th season of the Blyth Festival. Despite some challenges, it was a very successful season for the cultural institution, attracting thousands of visitors to the area. (Scott Stephenson photo)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

When the leaves begin to change colour all around the Harvest Stage, it can only mean one thing - that the Blyth Festival’s 2023 season has come to a close. This year, the festival produced a true bounty of rural theatrical treats. It started with phenom Sophia Fabiilli’s Liars at a Funeral - a straight-up firecracker of a farce that had audiences rolling in the aisles and clashed to a close with the non-stop, multi-night historical jaunt that was Gil Garratt’s abridgement of James Reaney’s The Donnellys Trilogy.

After such an ambitious undertaking, Garratt is ready to take a moment to reflect on how things went.

One of the biggest successes of this season was certainly seeing people react to the Harvest Stage, which hosted The Donnellys Trilogy on days when the weather was permitting. The stage is now finally in full swing in a COVIDnormalized world, and audiences and artists alike fell in love with Canada’s newest jewel in the crown

of outdoor theatre. Garratt has since been flooded with requests to be involved in the future. “People keep saying ‘I want to be on the stage, I want to design for the stage, I want to direct on this stage.”

The stage itself, already a feat to behold, got a few more bells and whistles for good measure. “This year we actually did build it out a little bit more - besides the seating

for the audience, we also added two staircases - there was one already there from the original design and then we added a second flight of stairs, and then a secret set of stairs in the back so you can plant people up there.”

Those new staircases definitely had a trial by fire for their inaugural season - Garratt’s ambitious adaptation of The Donnellys Trilogy

SUNDAY 15TH OCTOBER YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN US IN CELEBRATION

KEN HUNKING

TURNS 80!

Our party is incomplete without you!

Please join us as we share in stories and laughter with Ken! Help us double the joy and excitement as we celebrate 80 years!

ADDRESS Kinburn Hall 41588 King St., Kinburn

2:00-4:00 PM SOCIAL

had the 10-member cast using every inch of the stage, to great effect.

“To have the opportunity to direct all three of those shows and really adapt them with that space in mind and build the work towards to, was just incredible.”

Reaney’s original trilogy came out over the course of several years, and it is very unusual for all three plays to be put on at the same time.

Garratt took a gamble on local audiences having a hunger for more than one serving of local lore, and that bet paid off. “The scope of the palate of the audience to come for all three of those shows back-toback-to-back was incredible. The bulk of the people who came to see The Donnellys came for three consecutive nights. A thing that I hadn’t anticipated that was so wonderful was an instant community that formed… even to hear it from the performers. It was awesome for them to come out and see the same people in the audience.”

Garratt is also very pleased with the productions that went on in Memorial Hall this year. “The three Donnellys shows were so distinct from the shows we put on in the hall. Liars at a Funeral was hilarious, so was Chronicles of Sarnia. Chronicles of Sarnia was very, very funny. And The Real McCoy was absolutely brilliant.”

Garratt and company must be doing something right - over 18,000 theatre-goers came to Blyth this season, a huge increase over the 5,000 guests in 2022. While still not up to pre-pandemic levels, things are moving in the right direction.

The increase in visitors is extra heartening when you consider that regional theatres are closing all over North America, something Garratt believes has reached crisis levels.

This year also boasted a company of 27 actors, the largest it has had in years. “We brought a huge number of people back to being on stage, which was thrilling. And they’re

absolutely brilliant company members. Every day they came into every moment with energy and optimism. They just gave and gave and gave.”

The year was not without its trials and tribulations. There was a play that ended up not going forward as planned - with the last-minute cancellation of The Waltz - and COVID-19 reared its head near the end of the season. “COVID stole the last week from us with Real McCoy and that was a painful dagger in the back.“ Andrew Moodie’s interpretation of the life of Black Canadian inventor Elijah McCoy was written with compact strength and presented with his impactful directing, and the life of the largely forgotten man was writ large by a powerful performance from Peter Bailey. The premature ending of the show was a real shame, and also meant that Garratt was robbed of the opportunity to get Elijah McCoy actor Peter Bailey to ride on a turn-of-thecentury steam engine at the Threshers Reunion weekend - a personal failure that Garratt describes as ‘profound.’

Despite these issues, Garratt is truly happy with the season that has now passed. “The best part of my job is giving other artists opportunities,” he said, “and that is finally happening again.”

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PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2023.

Chaffe wins second straight CCMA Award and to evolve. For him, it shows a tremendous amount of confidence in him on behalf of the musicians who keep bringing him on.

However, he’s also become close with many of them, so he looks at it as working with his friends and helping them succeed, which, in turns, means that he succeeds as well.

Having won last year, Chaffe said he felt he was continuing to do good, award-worthy work, so he wasn’t surprised to be nominated, but, with so many other talented people nominated alongside him, he’s certainly proud to be the one to take home the gold.

This year, Chaffe said he was most proud of designing and building albums with bands like The Reklaws from the ground up, expanding his role from video work, which is where he started.

Doing that work and having acts he respects tremendously put their faith in him, he said, means the world to him.

He said it can be stressful and exhilarating all at the same time.

However, it’s been some of the musicians he’s worked with who

have calmed his nerves at times of uncertainty and ensured him that he’s good at what he does and that he’s on the right track, even when he’s doubted himself at times.

In an interview with The Citizen after last year’s CCMA Award win, Chaffe said his career in country music began at the 2017 International Plowing Match, held in Walton, which is where he met Eric Ethridge, who was opening for George Canyon that day.

During that conversation, Chaffe asked Ethridge if he could shoot a video of Ethridge’s performance.

He agreed and, when Chaffe sent the video to Ethridge, it impressed the well-known artist and Ethridge asked Chaffe to work with him.

Chaffe then began recording shows on weekends while he worked at Cowbell Brewing Company in Blyth throughout the week.

From his work with Ethridge, he was introduced to The Reklaws, who found themselves looking for someone to shoot their shows as well, and that relationship was born.

He studied television broadcasting at Mohawk College,

but, it wasn’t until he attended a James Barker Band concert that he considered getting involved with the country music scene as a potential career path. He was there, talking shop with the band’s videographer and at that point, realized it was something he could pursue.

This came after he had graduated from Mohawk and began working in the world of television, but quickly decided it wasn’t really for him.

After this second win, he said the support has been amazing. He’s heard from so many friends and colleagues along the way and he appreciates every bit of correspondence, knowing that people don’t have to take the time out of their days to send it. He says that, being able to make his parents proud, has meant so much to him and his parents have been among his biggest supporters, cheerleading for him whenever given the opportunity.

For a full list of winners from the awards ceremony, which was held on Sept. 16 in Hamilton, visit the CCMA website at ccma.org.

Time for some Fall Reading

Back-to-back For the second straight year, Belgrave native Austin Chaffe has been honoured nationally, winning a Canadian Country Music Association Award for his ever-expanding work with some of Canada’s top country musicians. (Courtesy photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Belgrave native Austin Chaffe has won his second Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Award in as many years, this year claiming victory in the Creative Team or Designer of the Year category.

Chaffe was recognized for his work with managing brands, album marketing, tour marketing, merchandise and single promotion for artists like Dean Brody, Griffen Palmer, The Reklaws, the James Barker Band and Jade Eagleson.

Eagleson was honoured that night with the CCMA Award for Entertainer of the Year and Male Artist of the Year, while the James Barker Band won this year’s CCMA Award for Group or Duo of the Year and the Fans’ Choice Award, sponsored by TD Aeroplan Visa.

The Reklaws were also honoured that night for having the Top Selling Canadian Album of the Year, while Brody received the 2023 Gary Slaight Humanitarian Award and Eagleson was also honoured with the Innovative Campaign of the Year Award for the “She Don’t Know” wedding contest.

Chaffe was honoured with a CCMA Award last year as well as the Creative Director of the Year and his work with Brody, The Reklaws and Eagleson. It represents his work as a creative director with Starseed Entertainment, an Ontariobased music label.

Speaking with The Citizen on Tuesday, Chaffe, the son of Tony and Candace of Blyth, said that it was such an honour to win a national award for the second straight year. He said he felt it honoured consistency and a continuing body of work that involves always trying to be better

Program approved Continued from page 1 communities on an emergency basis if necessary.

Bluewater Mayor Paul Klopp asked about the breakdown of costs and he was told that nearly $560,000 of the total cost would be going towards staff costs, with the rest covering insurance, a deal with the hotel and more.

Central Huron Mayor Jim Ginn said that the homelessness issue is, admittedly, a difficult one for councillors to understand because many of them have never been in such a position. However, he felt that 24-hour shelter and support would be far superior to previous iterations of the program that didn’t offer as much to those in need.

Council was also comforted by the fact that the program could be reviewed after it concludes next spring. Staff could report back on what worked, what didn’t and what changes could be made, which councillors appreciated.

Hoffman also noted that this recommendation was being made to council unanimously from the homelessness and housing task force that had been struck for the county in previous years. The plan, she said, had been presented to that group first before presenting it to council.

Council approved the proposal, which will now run from Nov. 15 to April 15, with little more discussion.

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