The Citizen - Aug. 4, 2023

2 • History 4 • Editorials 8 • Sports 10 • Agriculture

The

THIS WEEK

Citizen

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Friday, August 4, 2023

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Volume 39 No. 31

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

Youth arrested in triple stabbing

Fighting the good fight Members of the Fire Department of North Huron’s Blyth and Wingham stations were busy on Monday, as they were called out to a field fire on Reid Road, just southwest of Wingham. The fire was said to have started when a piece of farm machinery caught fire and

the field soon followed. The blaze was kept under control rather quickly by the firefighters, who utilized a number of fire suppression methods, though not easily, as winds continued to spread the flames and create new hot pockets and small fires throughout the field. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

Belmore Stingers’ undefeated season over

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The Belmore Stingers have now been twice stung in Huron County Fastball League action, bringing down their previously-undefeated record, though they remain firmly in first place.

The Stingers have 24 points, but have now been defeated twice, losing their two most recent games for a record of 12-2. The Brussels Tigers are also fresh off of a loss, dropping their second-place record to 10-2 with 20 points.

The Sebringville Sting have climbed into third place with a record of 8-4 and 16 points after their most recent pair of wins, followed by the Milverton Millwrights in fourth place at 7-3 with 14 points, followed by the Wingham Hitmen in fifth place with a record of 7-5 and 14 points.

The Mitchell Mets are in sixth place with a record of 6-5 and 12 points, followed by the seventhplace Goderich Grizzlies who are 59 on the season with 10 points, the Monkton Muskrats in eighth place

with a record of 5-6 and 10 points and the ninth-place Fullarton A’s with a record of 4-7 and eight points.

The Walton Brewers are in 10th place with a record of 3-8-1 and seven points, followed by the Brussels Bangers in 11th place with a record of 2-9-1 and five points and the last-place Wroxeter Rippers with a record of 2-10 and four points.

On July 30, the Monkton Muskrats beat the Fullarton A’s in a game that took eight innings to complete by a score of 8-6. Also that day, the Wingham Hitmen beat the Brussels Bangers in Brussels by a score of 11-2 in a game that was originally scheduled to be played on June 23.

The Milverton Millwrights were scheduled to play the Belmore Stingers in Belmore and the Brussels Tigers were due to play the Goderich Grizzlies in Goderich, but those games have been postponed and will be made up at a later date.

On July 28, the Belmore Stingers fell for the second time this season, losing to the Sebringville Sting in

Sebringville in the muchanticipated second “Sting-off” of the season. The first-place team lost by a score of 6-4.

The Goderich Grizzlies hosted the Wroxeter Rippers that night and won by a score of 9-8 in eight innings. Also that night, the Walton Brewers travelled to Brussels and defeated the Bangers by a score of 11-5.

On July 27, the Mitchell Mets travelled to Belmore to take on the

then-undefeated Stingers and triumphed by a score of 5-4 in eight innings, breaking up the Stingers’ perfect season. Also that night, the Milverton Millwrights handed the Brussels Tigers just their second defeat of the season, beating the Tigers in Milverton by a score of 11-5.

Both of the games scheduled for July 26, the Brussels Tigers hosting the Fullarton A’s and the Monkton Continued on page 9

An arrest has been made in a triple stabbing that occurred just after midnight on Sunday, July 30, though Huron Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers are continuing their investigation.

On July 30, at 12:45 a.m., Huron OPP officers received a report that several youths had been attacked by someone with a knife at a residence in Central Huron (Clinton). Police discovered that three victims under the age of 18 had been injured and taken to Alexandra Marine and General Hospital in Goderich. One of the victims was subsequently transported by Air Ornge to London’s Victoria Hospital. Injuries have been deemed non-lifethreatening at this time.

The suspect fled the scene prior to police arrival, but the involved weapon believed to have been used in the incident has been recovered.

Police have arrested a 15-year-old male from Stratford and have charged him with one count of Aggravated Assault, two counts of Assault with a Weapon, three counts of Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purposes, and one count of Failure to Comply with Undertaking.

The accused is in custody awaiting a bail hearing.

The Huron OPP is seeking any information that may assist investigators in this incident. Any witnesses to the incident are encouraged to contact police. Any video surveillance capturing pedestrian traffic between 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. on July 30 may be helpful to police. Further, if anyone in Clinton has located or locates discarded items that may be related to this matter, please call the OPP. Anyone with information regarding this incident is being asked to contact Huron OPP at 1888-310-1122 or 519-482-1677.

Coates wins directing Dora

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Recently, the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts handed out Dora Mavor Moore Awards for the 43rd time, honouring the best in Toronto theatre over the course of the previous year. Several artists honoured that night may have names familiar to audiences of the Blyth Festival.

Eric Coates, the long-time artistic director for the Blyth Festival, was

honoured in the Theatre for Young Audiences category, winning Best Direction for Bentboy at the Young People’s Theatre.

The play was also nominated in the Theatre for Young Audiences category for Outstanding Production, Outstanding New Play and twice for Outstanding Performance by an Individual (Dillan Meighan-Chiblow and Dylan Thomas Bouchier).

In the General Theatre category, Dan Mousseau won the

Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role for his work in PRODIGAL, produced by The Howland Company and Crow’s Theatre. The Howland Company is a Toronto-based theatre that was co-founded by Huron County native Cam Laurie, his wife Hallie Seline (who are both in The Donnellys: A Trilogy this season), among others.

Philip Akin, who directed The Wilberforce Hotel at the Blyth Continued on page 16

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2023.

Harvest excursions Glimpses of the Past with Karen Webster

An advertisement placed in the Aug. 6, 1908 issue of the Wingham Advance

T

here is an old saying that, in springtime, a young man’s fancy turns to love. In the Huron County of a few generations ago, that saying could have been that a young man’s fancy turns to harvesting, specifically to the harvest excursions to Western Canada to help thresh the millions of acres of wheat grown there. A promise of decent wages, low train fares and a sense of adventure awaited the local lads once Ontario’s crops had been safely taken care of.

When the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) company took on the task of uniting Canada from sea to sea with a ribbon of train tracks, it acquired large land grants in the bargain. To realize a profit on its holdings, CPR instituted the “Homeseeker Excursions” to lure settlers to the Northwest Territories

as it was then known.

The population began to grow, but not as quickly as the fields of grain.

In that non-mechanized era, much manpower was required to cut the grain, bundle it in sheaves, stack it in stooks of sheaves and then draw it to a steam engine and a threshing machine which separated the wheat from the straw. The straw byproduct was used for fuel for the steam engine or for feed or bedding for livestock. Once the grain was separated, it was taken by wagon to the farmyard for storage in bins until the time that it was taken to the rail terminal for shipment to market. Each step in the process required many men to complete the tasks.

In 1890, CPR land commissioner, Lauchlan Hamilton came up with a scheme to benefit both the railway

and the struggling farmers. He proposed the “Harvest Excursions” that, for a very attractive rate, would carry men from the Maritimes, Quebec and Ontario to the wheat fields of Manitoba and beyond, the first terminus being Winnipeg. This call for migration of manpower westward was met with cries of foul play from the owners of the fisheries, mines and lumbering camps that stood to lose their labourers, some of them permanently. It was Hamilton’s hope that once these men had experienced life in the west, they would want to settle on their own acreages (purchased of course from the CPR).

In 1890, 2,175 excursion tickets were sold. By 1912, that number had risen to 26,500.

The Aug. 19, 1898 issue of the Clinton New Era reported that town agent W. Jackson had ticketed through several local people in the CPR Harvesters’ Excursions: J. and Miss McElroy, Blyth; R. McClinchey, Stanley Township; R. Stephenson, R. Robinson, A. R. Foote, Brucefield; A. Thompson, Hugh Gilmour, B. Stiles, Mrs. Stiles, J. Moffatt, Miss Moffatt, W. Johnson, J. Johnson, Miss Parker, Stanley; W. J. Yeo, J. Watson, R. J. Evans, Holmesville; and A. MacRae, Clinton. Some other local harvesters through the years have included James Jackson, John Smith and Robert McBlain from Brussels, Percy Plumsteel from Clinton and Stuart Taylor from Wawanosh. Not only men travelled west to work in the wheat fields, but also some women, who were employed to do the cooking.

For those who went on the harvest excursions, life was not easy. First, the train accommodation included hard, wooden benches. Some lunches were available for sale, but mostly the men carried their own food. The trains were often overcrowded. Because freight trains were given track preference, the passenger cars were often shunted off to the side. When this occurred,

some of the passengers would hop off to see the countryside and, in the scramble to board a moving train, some accidents did occur. The tired workers were met at the Winnipeg station by farmers who wished to hire them, but there was an additional fee if the workers wanted to travel further west.

Once hired, the workers usually travelled in gangs of between 10 and 12 people, going from farm to farm, harvesting the wheat as they went.

Accommodations could be sparse and sometimes consisted of a blanket in a barn or granary.

Manpower was not the only thing that was headed to the west. Blytharea horse breeder, Fred Toll Sr. sent 66 carloads of draft horses in railway boxcars to the Canadian frontier to help haul the wagonloads of grain to the threshing machines and also to the railways for export.

By 1948, mechanization was on the rise. The Massey-Harris Company mounted a clever marketing ploy announcing that there was a “modern harvesters’ excursion helping Canadian farmers”. Trainloads of MasseyHarris combines were rolling across the country to the grain harvesting areas replacing the once-familiar annual harvesters’ excursions of men. They touted that one man with a combine could cut and thresh several acres of grain in a day, dispensing with all the extra hired labour.

Land Commissioner Hamilton’s experiment lasted for over 40 years.

Were his goals achieved? Certainly thousands upon thousands of men and women made the trip to the fields of Western Canada to reap the harvest. However, it is difficult to know how many of these people did decide to make a new home in the west. Some may have stayed there at the time, while still others may have returned home, only to head west permanently later on.

Probably most of the harvest crews came back to their home base, like Thomas Higgins of the Exeter area. On his return home in 1893, he acknowledged that the harvest had gone faster than in earlier years but that he did not think that the area was “the most desirable country on earth” and that “there was no place like home”.

Through the infield The Walton Brewers took on the Brussels Bangers last Friday night in Brussels and the Brewers went home with an 11-5 win. The Bangers would lose again on Sunday to Wingham. Both teams remain in the bottom half of the Huron County Fastball League standings,

with the Brewers occupying 10th place with a record of 3-8-1 and the Brussels Bangers sitting in 11th place with a record of 2-10-1. Both teams will be in action this week, with the Bangers hosting Milverton on Aug. 4 and the Brewers hosting Goderich on Aug. 8. (John Stephenson photo)

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2023. PAGE 3.

Belgrave’s Chloe Foreman to take next steps out east

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Huron County has no shortage of high school students juggling the responsibilities of education with part-time employment, collecting skills and experiences that will inform their choices as they transition into the adult world. One such enterprising youth is Belgrave’s own Chloe Foreman, who is less than a month away from heading off to St. Francis Xavier University to pursue a postsecondary degree in business administration. The Citizen caught up with Foreman as she prepares for the long trip out east to Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

Foreman’s family has deep roots in agriculture. Her father, Robert, owns 100 Mile Produce, a bustling business that sells local vegetables at farmers’ markets and to area restaurants. 100 Mile Produce is best known for delicious sweet corn, homegrown garlic and giant green onions, in addition to a plethora of other locally-grown vegetables. As the heir apparent to the family business, Chloe has been involved in the food scene for almost as long as she can remember. “I don’t actually remember how I started [at the] market. It was just like, OK you’re at [the] market now,” she recalled.

In Grade 5, she started out at the family’s smaller booth at Keady Market near Owen Sound. Keady Market is known for its busy livestock sale, interesting food options and eclectic flea market. “I like people watching, and there’s always a lot of interesting people there.”

After a few years cutting her teeth at Keady, Chloe was ready for the big show - St. Jacob’s Market just outside of Waterloo. The pace at St. Jacob’s ranges from non-stop to completely relentless - they say that if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. On a typical day, one can find Robert trimming up broccoli, cauliflower and cabbages while doling out sage advice to the hordes of veg-heads that mob the booth from the break of dawn to mid-afternoon, and Chloe sorts and organizes beans, zucchinis and cucumbers while handling even the most difficult customers with a smile, adding up their totals in her head at lightning speed. The two are aided by an ever-rotating crew of hired hands that restock squash and onions, sort beets and assist in handling the constant deluge of visitors. “It’s not the favourite job I’ve ever had, but it’s the most useful job I’ve ever had,” she explained.

The fast pace of the market has served Chloe well at her other jobs - working at a number of local restaurants. She started out as a host and more recently became a fullfledged server. “I do really love serving but I don’t think I would be good at serving if I wasn’t working [at the] market” She’s currently working at Cowbell in Blyth, one of the busiest restaurants in the area not that it feels that way to Chloe after so many years moving at the breakneck pace required at the market. “At Cowbell, even if I’m working 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., it really just feels like a break. I’m not doing any math in my head at all, I’m just asking you what you want to eat,” she laughed.

The two jobs in tandem create a jam-packed schedule for Chloe.

“Monday, Wednesday and Friday I work at Cowbell and Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, I work [at

Go east, young woman Chloe Foreman, above, is going to attend St. Francis Xavier University for a degree in business administration. She comes from a family deeply rooted in agriculture and has been involved in her family’s business, 100 Mile Produce, since a young age. Her the] market, and I don’t work on Sundays… I love to be busy - if I’m not busy, I don’t know what to do!

Sometimes I complain about having to work and I just want to stay in bed all day, but then when I do have a day off, I go OK - what am I going to get done?”

While this work ethic will certainly serve her well as she pursues her business degree, it can occasionally have its downsides.

“It’s kind of hard because it means in the summer I can’t go out.

Monday nights I can’t go out.

Wednesday nights I can’t go out.

Friday nights I especially can’t go out, and that’s when everyone’s going out, so I never really get that social thing…. Do you know how hard it would be to book a day off or call in sick with my dad?”

Which is not to say Chloe never has any fun - when she wants to cut loose, she likes to travel to different cities and go to concerts. She’s been to a number of high-profile shows

in London, Toronto and Detroit, including Harry Styles, Chris Stapleton and even Taylor Swift. A recent hang-out in a friend’s basement led to a somehwat impulsive decision to rent an AirBnB in Toronto to go see Snoop Dogg at Budweiser Stage.

So, how are Chloe’s preparations going for her move to Antigonish?

“I’m super excited and nervous, but I also don’t think it’s hit me yet. I’m leaving in a month… but, in my head, I’m just going an hour away and not leaving everything behind…. It was a bit of a spur of the moment decision, which is so not like me. I’m going in with low hopes so I can just enjoy the experience without worrying about enjoying it!” Chloe also applied to Waterloo, Laurier, Western, Brock, Guelph and Trent, just to be on the safe side, and was accepted at almost all of them. She chose St. Francis Xavier because the school has an excellent business program,

busy schedule leaves little time for socializing, but she enjoys attending concerts and traveling to different cities. Excited and nervous about the move to Antigonish, she chose St. Francis Xavier for its excellent business program and smaller, diverse student body. (Scott Stephenson photo) specializing in the areas that Chloe feels will be most useful to her as she learns what she’d like to do next.

“I chose business administration because I’m not sure what I want to do, and a business degree is useful no matter what job you want to do. I’ll be getting a Bachelor’s in Business Administration (BBA).”

The school’s smaller size and diverse student body also appeals to Chloe - in her opinion it offers the best of both worlds. Antigonish has a population of under 5,000 people, but it also has the vibrant cultural offerings and restaurants one would expect from a university town. St. Francis Xavier also has a number of programs to support and celebrate

its Black students, including a Diversity Engagement Centre, a specialized Black Student Advisor, and the B.L.A.C.C. Students Society. As one of the few biracial students at her school, Chloe has felt the lack of those kinds of supports in Huron County. “At a certain point you just realize that no one is going to get it,” she explained. She is very much looking forward to expanding her experiences at her new school.

With only a few short weeks to go before the two-day journey from Ontario’s West Coast to Canada’s East Coast, Chloe’s goals for her first year are simple ones. “Not failing any classes, and learning to like seafood!”

Have you, my reader, wept for sin?

The following is from Octavius Winslow’s sermon, “The Disciple Washing Christ’s Feet, or, The Service of Love” “A certain immoral woman heard Jesus was there and brought a beautiful jar filled with expensive perfume. Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping.

Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them.” Luke 7:37-38 Those tears! who can analyze them? Where shall we find pearls so priceless, or stones so precious and of fairer colours?

She washed Christ’s feet with the tears of penitence. There are no tears in Christ’s view more costly or precious than these.

This woman was poor in spirit, humble and contrite, and as she stood behind her sin forgiving Saviour, her tears of godly sorrow for sin rained fast upon his feet.

Have you, my reader, wept for sin?

Does the recollection of past transgression make you sorry? Does the memory of the sins of your youth, the transgressions of riper years, the sinful infirmities of old age, humble you in the dust?

Holier and more precious tears were never shed than those wept for having sinned against God at Christ’s feet.

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

The Citizen Offices will be closed

Monday, August 7 for Civic Holiday The deadline for the August 11 paper will be

Tuesday, August 8 at 2 pm 405 Queen St., Blyth ~ 519-523-4792

info@northhuron.on.ca

PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2023.

Editorials & Opinions

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

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When does it end?

In case anyone had any faith left in Loblaws (or Metro or Sobeys), the latest financial reports might smash it. Loblaws posted a $508 million profit in the first three months of 2023, a 31.3 per cent increase over the same quarter last year. Of course, the backpedaling began immediately, with the company saying that the huge increase is due to a write-off last year, and, on an adjusted basis, profits were up only 10.8 per cent.

Communications from the company also claim that it is absorbing a lot of the double-digit inflationary increases from its suppliers, and that the end of the pandemic is driving a resurgence in health and beauty sales as people return to the office, resulting in the healthy bottom line. The public is not accepting this and there are increasing calls to boycott Loblaws, for those who have still been able to afford to shop there.

Not all of the responsibility is on Loblaws. There is a high inflation rate now, and the wholesale prices have risen, but with so few chains left and virtually no independent grocers, there is little pressure to keep retail prices affordable and pay shareholders less. Consumers have to eat and have to buy their basic groceries from whatever chain has set up shop in their neighbourhood. For rural shoppers, the choices are even more limited. Gone are the days when you could pick up a newspaper and shop the loss-leaders from four different stores on your local main street. A boycott of Loblaws will only drive up Sobeys’ profits next quarter. – DS

A new way of thinking A recent Canadian court ruling is presenting some forward thinking and redefining - for some - of what terrorism means. For the first time, an incel’s fatal act of rage has been called what it is: terror.

An incel, for those of you who don’t know, is someone who considers themselves “involuntarily celibate” and these people are increasingly turning to violence as they find online communities filled with hate - often directed at those of the opposite sex - with some turning that hate into violence that often results in death.

In the case of a killer who stabbed and killed a woman and injured another at a North York massage parlour in 2020 (the killer cannot be named due to his underage status at the time of the crime), Superior Court Justic Suhail Akhtar agreed with prosecutors in their assertion that killing in the name of incel ideology constituted a terrorist attack.

Many will point to the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing as one of the first times they heard of domestic terrorism. At the time, it felt like we were learning together about a new kind of terrorism. This feels like another unfortunate step on that journey. At the same time, it feels like a forward-thinking ruling that will treat these hate crimes - which have disproportionately victimized women - as the heinous acts they are.

Too often, citizens and politicians have thought of terrorists as being “foreign” threats to a certain “way of life”, while domestic threats have been given a pass, regardless of their targeted brutality.

If these crimes are treated with the severity of terrorism after they occur, one can hope the governments within Canada will follow suit and dedicate similar resources to perhaps preventing them before they occur, potentially saving the lives of many in the process. – SL

Know when to hold ’em Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a major announcement last week, shaking up his cabinet in an attempt to inject “fresh energy” into Parliament Hill. But, after eight years in power, Trudeau is grappling with voter fatigue and dwindling confidence in his leadership. Recent polling data shows the Liberals trailing behind the Conservatives, and the urgency of the situation is evident in the major overhaul.

A staggering 23 ministers were reassigned, while only eight retained their positions. This move comes ahead of the 2025 election, signaling Trudeau’s desperation to revive his government’s waning fortunes.

Several key portfolios were affected, including defence, justice, immigration, procurement, health and transport. Notably, seven new ministers were introduced, four of whom were appointed to fill vacancies left by peers who are choosing not to seek re-election. The other three replaced ministers who were dropped from cabinet positions altogether.

Predictably, opposition critics say the shuffle is merely political theatre and that Trudeau’s new cabinet just isn’t serious. This approach is reminiscent of Stephen Harper’s unsuccessful “Justin Trudeau is just not ready” rhetoric from the 2015 election. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre might be better served introducing and promoting members of his own shadow cabinet more broadly to Canadians rather than considering trendy sunglasses and full-sleeve tattoos or whatever image makeover he thinks might trick Canadians into liking him.

Trudeau’s cabinet overhaul represents a gamble on reviving his government’s prospects. However, it remains to be seen whether these changes will resonate with voters or merely reflect a desperate attempt to rekindle support. The next election will serve as the ultimate litmus test of Trudeau’s revamped team and its ability to regain trust. – SBS

Looking Back Through the Years August 4, 1976 Over the previous weekend, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Shobbrook, along with Mrs. Laura Saundercock, paid a visit to Mr. and Mrs. Harold Crich and their family at their cottage located north of Goderich.

Marcella McNall, after dedicating 26 years of service at the Blyth Post Office, retired. In recognition of her long and admirable career, she was celebrated at a party held at the post office, where she was presented with a scroll from Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau himself.

On Wednesday, July 28, the annual Lake Huron Zone Track and Field meet took place in Owen Sound. Blyth emerged as the dominant force, securing the title of overall winners by claiming four out of the six individual trophies, and achieving runners-up positions in all remaining categories.

In an awe-inspiring display of talent, 11-year-old Kevin Coultes led a pack of 40 runners to a remarkable victory in the senior boys’ mile, clocking an impressive time of 6 minutes and 50 seconds.

Shelley Patterson clinched the senior girls trophy, with Jayne Snell and Bernice Passchier earning welldeserved runners-up positions. The senior boys’ category saw Robert and Bruce Hunking securing firstand second-runners-up spots, respectively. Meanwhile, in the intermediate girls’ division, Darlene Hunking claimed the trophy, and Lori Charter took the position of second-runner-up. Kurt Whitfield emerged victorious in the intermediate boys’ category, with Scott Miller and Blaine Coultes as the high-scoring first- and secondrunners-up. Seven-year-old Shane Snell showcased an outstanding

performance to win the junior boys’ trophy.

Julie Howson stood out in the junior girls’ category, securing the first runner-up spot. Notably, Julie achieved a remarkable 3.90 metres leap to win the long jump event.

Blyth athletes also demonstrated their prowess in the relay events, triumphing in both the girls’ and boys’ divisions.

August 5, 1998 Limited rainfall kept local firefighters on their toes, as the dry grass and woodlands became increasingly susceptible to fires, including a blaze that erupted at the residence of Keith and Carol Nicholson. Mrs. Nicholson had been burning a small paper bag filled with paper garbage and had carefully watched it until she believed it was completely extinguished. However, after she returned to her house, a concerned neighbour alerted her that the lawn was on fire. The fire rapidly spread in close proximity to the barn and even caught some railroad ties ablaze. Fortunately, a helpful neighbour used their bulldozer to scrape the earth, which aided in getting the fire under control.

Victoria Park in Brussels buzzed with activity on the weekend as 16 men’s fastball teams gathered to participate in the village's 27th annual invitation tournament. In an intense battle for victory, the Monkton Muskrats emerged as the triumphant team, earning the honour of being crowned that year’s champions.

During a meeting of Blyth Village Council, Clerk/Treasurer John Stewart shared that there were no submissions received for the flag contest intended to acquire a flag design to represent the village

at the 1999 International Plowing Match in Dashwood.

In a letter addressed to the council, Wingham Police Chief Jim Dore conveyed that the plan to expand the police force was currently on hold. Howick Township Council had decided to continue with the services of the OPP. Dore explained that the cost of expanding the force would be too prohibitive due to the limited number of participants.

Additionally, a start-up grant offered by the provincial government would be forfeited as a plan needed to be established before the end of 1998.

August 1, 2013 Despite taking an early 3-0 lead in the second inning, the Walton Brewers suffered a significant 14-5 defeat at the hands of the Sebringville Junior Sting in Huron County Fastball League action the previous week.

The inaugural Blyth Business Improvement Area (BIA) Blyth Streetfest, a spiritual successor to the 2012 Blyth Buskerfest, proved to be a resounding success, according to organizer Lorna Fraser, despite facing some inclement weather. The event took place on Saturday, July 27, running from noon until 5 p.m. It showcased local entertainers and featured a farmers’ market-style midway where visitors could enjoy treats, baked goods, and fresh vegetables available for purchase.

The festival also offered games tailored for younger attendees and a stage that hosted entertainment throughout the afternoon. To accommodate all the exciting activities, County Road 4 was closed from King Street to Drummond Street.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2023. PAGE 5.

Other Views A salute to all of our volunteer leaders

U

ncertain about the actual meaning of the term civic, as in the Civic Holiday, which is this coming Monday, I looked up the term on the internet and found the definition, “strives to help foster the spirit of community among residents”.

Though we’ve come to accept it as if it were, this is not a national or even a provincial holiday. Back in my early days, when I edited The Blyth Standard, Larry Walsh, the clerktreasurer of the old Municipality of Blyth, bought an advertisement this week every year to declare the first Monday in August a Civic Holiday.

Thankfully, although life has changed so much in my lifetime, ordinary people are still contributing so much to our civic life. Last week in his editorial, Editor Shawn Loughlin pointed out that in the coming weeks, the Huron County Plowing Match, Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association Reunion, and fall fairs in most local communities will take place, all kept going by community volunteers.

Hockey and broomball will be played, nearly all of it because dozens of community leaders give their time away from the TV set to coach or referee young people. Many other activities are kept alive in our communities by volunteers in Lions and Kinsmen Clubs, Women’s Institutes and church groups.

If you study history, there’s a long tradition of participating to make our communities fulfilling places. Most churches were built, or at least funded, by church members participating in fundraising and sometimes even carpentry and brick-laying. We can often see, around the countryside, one-room school houses that served local communities until the 1960s. Each of those schools had its own school board, when I was a child. My father, who wasn’t a big participant in community

Keith Roulston From the cluttered desk affairs, served his term on our local school board.

By the time I was in high school, those oneroom school houses were replaced by central schools and township school boards. As I became a newspaper editor, the provincial government had created county-wide boards of education. Later, two counties were joined to further reduce volunteer representation. That led to the closure of schools in places like Belgrave, Blyth and Brussels and a further distancing of parents from the levers of control.

Similar distancing in municipalities began with Premier Mike Harris’s decision to implement municipal reform. Municipalities were given the ultimatum to reform themselves or the government would do it for them.

Towns, villages and townships lost their sense of control, and many local politicians lost their jobs.

With the government deciding so many forms of control would be put in the hands of people more distant from the people who paid the taxes to support them, would the sense we had of running our communities be lost?

Certainly most urbanites, after whom the government seemed to be modelling rural communities’ future, sit back and let various forms of government offer services.

Local volunteers didn’t follow the tradition

of their urban cousins. Perhaps it was because our local schools and municipalities couldn’t afford to provide all the services people wanted. Instead, they continued to be involved to form what makes our communities such interesting places today.

Will this sense of local ownership continue?

As senior governments continue to make it seem like our role is to pay taxes and wait for government to provide the services, will we begin to lose services? Already we see local leaders of clubs and organizations complaining that they need members to keep all these festivals and fairs going.

Yet, there are sterling examples of stubborn volunteers who continue to keep things going.

This September, the annual Belgrave Elementary School Fair will be held. Last year the fair reached its centenary. It began when there were one-room schoolhouses where students needed to learn that there was a world outside their own school district. When those schools changed, it adapted to serve the centralized schools in Belgrave, Blyth and Brussels. Those closed and again it adapted.

Similarly, volunteers have kept the Belgrave arena going with the annual Fowl Supper.

Farther afield, the Belmore Maple Syrup Festival turns the volunteer power of the community into support for the Belmore Community Centre, built by a community that supposedly wasn’t large enough to support an arena when structural changes brought about by the collapse of the Listowel arena meant the futures of most arenas were put on the line in the 1970s.

So, on Civic Holiday, here’s a salute (and a thank you) to the hundreds of volunteers to continue to make our small communities such well served and interesting places to live. Keep up the good work.

Three simple ingredients make a fine Bugloni

L

adies and gentlemen, thrill-seekers of taste, and epicurean explorers, brace yourselves for a jaw-dropping journey into the elusive world of the Bugloni! This extraordinary three-ingredient drink has taken the world by storm and is revered as a marvel of mixology.

Picture this: a sun-drenched oasis amidst the scorching heat, where laughter intertwines with the gentle hum of cicadas, and time slows down to a languid rhythm of delight. Enter the Bugloni! A drink so legendary that merely mentioning its name evokes a symphony of harmonious “oohs” and “aahs” from the adoring crowds.

Named after the enigmatic calico called Rorschach the One True Hydruian - a mysterious figure known as Buggley to those close enough to witness her ethereal charm this libation is more than just a mere beverage; it’s an experience of pure audaciousness and refreshment! The Bugloni epitomizes the essence of summer by capturing fleeting moments of bliss and transforming them into liquid gold.

And oh, the flavours that dance upon your palate! The Bugloni’s blend of essences boasts a crescendo of sensations that would make the finest sommelier weak in the knees. A symphony of tastes, orchestrated by the deities of decadence themselves, catapults your senses into a state of euphoria!

As the sun blazes high in the cerulean sky, the Bugloni’s allure beckons you like a siren’s call. Every sip unleashes a tsunami of flavour, sending ripples of joy through your very being.

Each delicate note pirouettes like a ballerina, leaving your taste buds awe-struck and craving more.

Imagine yourself amid a gathering of adventurers, their eyes alight with wonder, sharing tales of this epicurean legend. It’s the

Scott Stephenson The Chaff kind of drink that ignites conversations that linger long after the sun sets, leaving you yearning for just one more taste of its alluring magic.

For anyone fretting about the inevitable return of autumn and the end of summer drinking season, I say fret not, my fretting friends, for the opportunity to enjoy a Bugloni does not expire when summer comes to a close. Embrace the magic of the changing seasons with a drink crafted to perfection for your autumnal, wintry and springtime indulgences! This exquisite concoction is designed to be your faithful companion through all the ups and downs of the year, offering a symphony of flavours that dance upon your taste buds like falling leaves in the breeze.

As the crisp air envelopes you, take a sip of Bugloni and let its warm embrace sweep you off your feet. The rich blend will wrap you in a comforting hug, evoking the nostalgic essence of bonfires and the vibrant hues of foliage.

Or picture yourself snuggled up by a crackling fireplace, savouring the velvety goodness of Bugloni. Let its smooth and luscious texture be your delightful escape from the winter chill, making every snowy evening a memorable and heartwarming affair.

Next year, embrace the freshness of spring with Bugloni’s invigorating zest. As the world awakens from its slumber and the raindrops

play their music, this enchanting elixir will rejuvenate your senses, infusing a burst of energy and joy into your days.

A Bugloni adapts to every occasion, whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering, celebrating with friends or simply unwinding after a long day. Its versatility makes it the goto choice for any moment, enhancing the ambiance and spreading smiles all around.

Don’t just drink, but experience the essence of summer, fall, winter and spring in every glass. Bugloni’s unique blend encapsulates the spirit of each season, offering a kaleidoscope of tastes that will make you feel more connected to nature and the passing of time.

So, whether you’re surfing under the summer sun, cherishing the changing leaves of autumn, welcoming warmth by the fireside, or feeling fine in the freshness of spring showers, Bugloni is your ultimate companion. Raise your glass and join us on this delightful journey through the seasons, one sip at a time.

Buglonis are now available premixed in a convenient can! No more searching for hidden speakeasies or secret lounges; the whimsy of Buglonis is now at your fingertips with a simple pop of the can.

So, my intrepid friends, as you embark on your quest for the extraordinary, do not miss the chance to seek out the mythic Bugloni.

Revel in the euphoria it bestows upon your senses, and let it be known that you have tasted the greatness of the One True Hydruian’s namesake! This is no ordinary drink; this is an enigma in a glass, an adventure in a sip, and a tale worth telling for generations to come!

Raise your glasses high, and let us toast to the audacious spirit of the Bugloni and to the endless pursuit of thrilling flavours that make life an exquisite journey! For more information, ask any bartender worth their salt or someone at your local L.C.B.O.

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

Here’s a tip for you

Y

ears ago, I remember a debate around the movie Reservoir Dogs and the potential impact it would have on tipping in restaurants. In the film’s crass and rather gross opening scene, Steve Buscemi’s Mr. Pink goes on a bit of a tangent about his philosophy of not tipping at restaurants. How many people who watched that movie at a young age bought what Mr. Pink was selling?

Jane Thier of Fortune magazine postulates that the art of tipping is disappearing in younger generations. This, at the same time as complaints of tip-flation abound. In an article last week, she cited figures from Bankrate that show just 35 per cent of those in Generation Z (26 and under) always tip their server at a sitdown restaurant. This, compared to those of the Baby Boomer generation, who said they always tip their server 83 per cent of the time.

While that disparity is eye-catching, Thier says it appears to be part of a larger decline in tipping. Just under two-thirds of American adults (65 per cent) report always tipping their server at a sit-down restaurant, which is down significantly from 73 per cent in 2022, 75 per cent in 2021 and 77 per cent in 2019.

This is part of a much bigger conversation.

Tipping fatigue and tip-flation are very real and have kicked people while they were down in recent years. Where once tipping was reserved for sit-down restaurants and taxi rides, everyone now seems to be asking for a tip and some people are over it. Furthermore, tip-flation has seen tip options on iPads begin at 15 or 20 per cent, which used to be the norm for good service, and rise from there. Another factor is that we just have less money to give.

And, while business owners may see red when their employees are stiffed, there is a flip side to that coin, as some (over 40 per cent in the aforementioned Bankrate survey) would welcome the demise of tipping in favour of employers paying employees more, rather than expecting patrons to bridge the gap with tips.

I have to say that it was refreshing to dine at Restaurant Pearl Morissette for my birthday and have all-inclusive pricing, as the company has made a point to pay its employees well.

Both from a practical standpoint and an ethical one, it’s reassuring to spend your money there.

I have always been a good tipper. Around the holidays, I bring a gift to my chiropractor. I leave chocolates for regular couriers and sanitation guys. A little gift goes a long way.

When Jess and I were on our honeymoon, we had a miscommunication at a restaurant in Edinburgh (we both thought the other had left the tip - tipping is not nearly as much of a thing in Scotland and Ireland as it is here) that treated us very well. It bothers me to this day.

I can count on one hand with fingers left over how many times I’ve left nothing for a server and such a decision has always been the result of truly atrocious service or outright hostility. Sometimes the wallet has to close.

I have worked (briefly) in a restaurant (but in the kitchen) and I put in over seven years at a retail job. Knowing the beats and challenges of those jobs goes a long way to understanding why you should tip those who work so hard.

(I’ve always thought Canada should make a year of retail work mandatory to craft a better, more caring society - like mandatory military service in other countries around the world.)

I know money is tight and groceries are expensive, but, until employers can fully take care of their employees, I hope those of all ages will see the value in tipping the people working hard to provide hospitality as the restaurant world crawls back from the brink of extinction following the COVID-19 pandemic.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2023.

Reflection on the pandemic sobering says columnist A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231

Touring and frying Members of the Brussels Legion once again found themselves on the road as they lent their services to the Blyth Community Betterment Group for its fish fry fundraiser on Saturday. The group fed about 250 diners at Blyth Lions Park, making it a great day for both the Legion and Blyth Community Betterment. (John Stephenson photo)

At the Branch

Legion makes donations

BY JO-ANN MCDONALD The week at the Branch began with the executive meeting for July.

There were nine members present.

The regular business and committee reports were heard.

Members of the executive were glad to hear the cheque for $500 had been presented to the North Huron Community Food Share by Eric Ross. We are also pleased to have presented a $1,500 cheque to Kaleb Koch to help with his expenses at the provincial track and field competition in Brampton. We are happy to

report he placed eighth at the event.

The Catch the Ace draw on Friday night was undertaken by Lisa Glanville, Joan Smith and Sandra Brown. The lucky winner of week 10 was Joe Seili and he won $149. He chose envelope number 21 and the nine of spades was revealed. The jackpot for week 11 is estimated to be $2,200. Get your tickets at the Brussels Pharmacy, Brussels Variety, McDonald Home Hardware and the Brussels Legion.

Friday night was busy with the Country Versatiles playing for the

Warming up The Brussels U11 Girls Tigers were in action last Friday night in Brussels, welcoming the Exeter Extremes 1 to the village. In the end, however, it was Exeter that won the game by a score of 8-5. (John Stephenson photo)

mature crowd that loves to dance.

There were nearly 50 enjoying the great music.

Downstairs, the singing crowd was enjoying the music with Stubby D. Fun was everywhere at the Legion for every age group on Friday night.

The burgers and fries have proven to be a hit on Friday evenings and we are glad that so many are enjoying them.

Saturday was fish fry day and a crew helped feed around 250 folks as part of a fundraiser for the Blyth Community Betterment Group. The crew included Deb Ross, Ken Pennington, Keith White, Jodi Houston, Jim and Sandra Brown and Devon Josling.

The crew was glad the rain stopped and the weather cleared and the sun shone for the event.

The holidays are slipping along.

There are lots of good things to do and see. Time and money are the big considerations, but the choices are pretty fine. The good weather has continued and to be somewhere on the water or at least nearby is the ideal situation. For the rest of us, the humidity has been quite trying to say the least.

Last week’s Toronto Star reviewed research papers and the report proved to be very sobering.

COVID-19 is almost old news, but data collected showed we need to do better the next time. After the 2003 SARS invasion, the Public Health Agency of Canada was set up; this agency was ready and able to collect COVID-19 information from across our country.

As of July 18, 53,063 Canadians have died from this deadly virus.

There were seven pandemic waves.

Each one showed the fragile state of our health system. Our willingness to be vaccinated and to follow public health advice was noted as very positive for Canada.

It could have been much worse.

A federal inquiry is being

strongly suggested to acknowledge and improve the care received by folks in long-term care facilities, where 14,000 died. Varying standards and staffing levels showed their effect. Family income and living conditions for lowincome families were also noted in the increased number of deaths in this sector. So, as much as the panic is past, we still need to address the injustice in certain parts of society that brings death at a faster rate.

That was a pretty serious paragraph and I really can’t think of anything to make it a bit brighter.

Just keep being kind. Think of the other person when you make comments. Learn about people who are not like you. Read about and chat with people not in your group.

We’re all on this earth together, we all share the same genes and we all deserve respect, love and care. Be aware. Do your part to make the world better.

Enjoy August and the joys of summer.

Bye now. Betty GW

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NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

Brussels Legion 218 Catch the Ace Weekly Winner Winning Ticket: Joe Seili, $149 Envelope #21 found the 9 of Spades Estimated jackpot for week 11 is $2,200

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2023. PAGE 7.

Construction coming From Marilyn’s Desk

By Marilyn Craig Call 523-9318

A way with words The Blyth Festival Art Gallery hosted the second of three special poetry nights in the Bainton Gallery at Memorial Hall on Friday night. Following the success of June’s night with Nathanya Field, the gallery hosted London-area poet Blair Trewartha for a reading.

The trilogy will conclude on Aug. 25 with Joanne Stryker. Trewartha, left, is seen above being introduced by Gallery President Carl Stevenson, right. (Courtesy photo)

Happy birthday to Eldon Chamney on Aug. 2; Sara Kerr on Aug. 5; Zoellyn Onn of Brussels on Aug. 6; Don Edgar of Wingham on Aug. 7; Lavern Clark on Aug. 7; Jeff Howson on Aug. 8; Lorna Whitmore of Brussels on Aug. 9. I hope everyone enjoys their special day.

Happy anniversary to Myrtle and Larry Badley, who will celebrate on Aug. 8.

Many relatives, friends and neighbours gathered on Saturday, July 29 at the farm of Henry Rouw to honour the life of his wife Mary, who passed away earlier this year.

As I am writing this column, it is Aug. 1 - where did the month of July go?

Even with the hot weather, the summer seems to be going by very fast. Today, the sun is shining and the temperature has cooled off, so we can turn off the air conditioning, open the windows and doors and let the cool air in.

Road construction is all over the

area and now it is Blyth’s turn to have detours around the intersection of London and Blyth Roads as they try to make it safer for traffic and people.

Wednesday mornings from 1011:30 a.m., come and join in on the laughter and conversation and have a coffee or two at the Blyth United Church garden on the Dinsley Street side of the church Bring along your lawn chair. Everyone welcome.

Stay safe this coming week and give someone a call letting them know you are thinking of them.

NEWS FROM BLYTH

Local Tim Hortons locations make donations Tim Hortons restaurant owners and millions of generous Tim Hortons guests helped to break a new Smile Cookie record by raising $19.7 million for local charities and community groups across the country.

“We’re so proud and humbled that Tims’ guests have once again shown incredible support for our Smile Cookie campaign and important charities and community groups where they live by helping us raise a record-breaking $19.7 million,” said Axel Schwan, President of Tim Hortons. “To achieve such an amazing result means baking and hand-decorating millions upon millions of Smile

Cookies over the course of just a week. My heartfelt thanks goes out to everyone who made this happen, including all of our passionate restaurant owners, team members and volunteers who helped us dot eyes and create smiles.”

Across Huron-Perth, nine Tim Hortons restaurants participated to raise funds for the Ontario Student Nutrition Program (OSNP) and raised $80,042.12. This year in Clinton, Seaforth and Blyth, local Tim Hortons restaurant owners Dan and Lisa Monyihan, staff and volunteers helped raise $23,903.11 at their three restaurants to support Ontario Student Nutrition Program Huron-Perth. They have been

supporting the charity for two years.

The funds from the Monyihans will be spread between schools in Clinton, Seaforth and the surrounding area of Blyth to be utilized in their snack programs to support student health and nutrition. In Huron-Perth, over 10,862 students over 60 schools are served by the Ontario Student Nutrition Program with a projection of over 1,844,683 healthy meals and snacks for the 2022/2023 school year.

OSNP South West is a program housed within the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON), Windsor-Essex site. VON is one of 14 lead

MAITLAND VALLEY CAMERA CLUB

Photography by Deb Griffey - Canada Day Celebrations

agencies that are part of the provincial body Student Nutrition Ontario (SNO) that administers provincial grant funds to support the development and implementation of healthy breakfast, snack and/or lunch programs across the province.

Student nutrition programs serve thousands of children across the province to ensure that they attend school well nourished and ready to learn.

The first-ever Smile Cookie campaign in 1996 raised funds to support Hamilton Children’s Hospital. Since then, the annual charitable campaign has raised a total of more than $111 million for charities and organizations that are selected every year by Tim Hortons restaurant owners. Nationally, Tim Hortons restaurant owners support over 600 local charities and community groups through the Smile Cookie campaign.

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PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2023.

Sports Tigers look ahead to year-end tournaments

A tight one Last Friday night, the U11 Girls Brussels Tigers team hosted the Exeter Extremes 1 in Brussels. Unfortunately for the locals, the game ended with the Tigers on the wrong end of an 8-5 score. (John Stephenson photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Action continues for the Brussels Tigers youth teams as they say

goodbye to July and make way for August.

On Monday, Aug. 7, the U13 Girls will be in Sebringville to play the Sting, while the U7 Black team

will host Ethel and the U13 Boys will host Wingham Blue in Brussels.

The next night, the U11 Girls will host Lucknow 1, while the U7 Red team will play Mildmay Grey on the road and the U9 team will play Lucknow Gold in Lucknow.

Both the U11 Girls and U9 team then play their second games in as many nights, as the former travels to Mitchell to play the Hornets 1 team and the latter makes its way to Londesborough to play the Legends. Also that night, the U13 Girls will host the Sebringville Sting - completing the home-andhome series that began on Aug. 7 and the U15 Boys will be on the road for a game against Wilmot.

On Aug. 11, the U11 Girls will host the Mitchell Hornets 1, playing

their third game in five nights.

Over the weekend, the U17 Boys, the U15 Boys and U11 Boys will all take part in their year-end tournaments. The U17 team will be in Stratford, while the U11 Tigers will head to Wingham. The location for the U15 team’s year-end tournament has yet to be determined.

On Aug. 14, the U13 Girls will play an exhibition game on the road against Goderich, while the U7 Black team will host Wingham Orange.

A few nights later, on Aug. 16, the U13 Boys will head to Mildmay for a game. Then, on the weekend of Aug. 18-20, the U13 Girls, U11 Girls and U9 Girls will all play in their year-end tournaments. The U13 Girls will play in Stratford, while the U11 Girls will be in Exeter and the U9 Girls will host the tournament in Brussels.

The U13 Boys are then in action on Aug. 21, hosting Seaforth, before heading to Benmiller on Aug. 23 for a road game.

They’ll then wrap up their season on the weekend of Aug. 25-27 with their year-end tournament, which will take place in Mildmay.

Looking back at the week that was, the U11 Girls beat the Mitchell Hornets 2 on July 31 on the road by a score of 8-5. Also that night, the U13 Boys welcomed Mildmay to Brussels, but lost by a score of 1211.

The U17 Boys played Wilmot on the road that night, while the U11 Boys travelled to Mildmay and the U7 Red team hosted Wingham Blue, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

On July 28, the U11 Girls hosted the Exeter Extremes 1, but lost by a score of 8-5.

The previous night, the U13 Girls posted a big win, beating the Stratford Flames by a score of 10-1 on the road. The T-Ball Red team played Wingham on the road, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time. Also that night the

U17 Boys were due to play Fingal on the road, but that game was cancelled.

On July 25, the U11 Girls made their way to Londesborough for a game with the Legends and came back with a 14-9 win. Also that night, the U9 team beat Mildmay in Brussels by a score of 13-11 and the U13 Girls lost to the St. Marys Rockies on the road by a score of 81.

The T-Ball Black team played Belgrave at home, but a score for that game was unavailable. Also on July 25, the U15 Boys and U17 Boys teams were both due to travel to Wilmot for games, but they were both cancelled.

On July 24, the U11 Boys beat Benmiller on the road by a score of 13-7, the U15 Boys hosted Wilmot 1 and lost by a score of 11-7, the U9 team went to Mildmay and came back with a 16-1 win and the U17 Boys welcomed St. George but suffered a crushing defeat by a score of 18-0. Also that night, the U7 Red team hosted Belgrave, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time.

On Aug. 1, the T-Ball Red team travelled to Belgrave, the U11 Girls were on the road to play the North Middlesex Skeeters and the U9 team hosted Benmiller, but the scores for those games were unavailable at press time. The U15 Boys were due to host Sebringville that night, but that game was cancelled.

The U11 Boys hosted Wingham on Aug. 2, the same night the U13 Girls hosted the St. Marys Rockies and the U7 Black team travelled to Mildmay, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

On Aug. 3, the U13 Boys were set to travel to Wingham for a game with Wingham Blue, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time. Also that night, the U17 Boys were due to play the St. Clements Twin Centres on the road, but that game was cancelled.

Summer Sports Pages Coaches and parents We need your team's picture and players' names 1. Please submit team photo A.S.A.P. 2. Please include players' and coaches' names for under photo.

Legend Ben Blackwell, one of four members of the original Wingham Ironmen team from 1973, kicked off the team’s 50th anniversary year by starting the anniversary golf tournament late last month. Over 85 past and present members of the team played at the Wingham Golf and Curling Club that day. The festivities will continue this fall, when the team begins its 50th anniversary season. (John Stephenson photo)

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• Soccer • Baseball • Lacrosse

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2023. PAGE 9.

Sports Tigers fighting through second half of season

Heads up!

Safe to assume here that this Brussels Bangers player got under this pitch, as everyone’s eyes are turned to the sky waiting for it to come down. The Bangers welcomed the Wingham Hitmen to Brussels on Sunday for a game originally scheduled to be played in late June. The Bangers fell to the Hitmen by a score of 11-2.

(John Stephenson photo)

Continued from page 1 Muskrats travelling to Wingham to take on the Hitmen, were postponed and will be made up at a later date.

On July 25, the Monkton Muskrats travelled west to take on the Walton Brewers and went home with a 7-5 win in their pockets.

The Goderich Grizzlies beat the Wroxeter Rippers on July 23 by a score of 9-8.

The Mitchell Mets hosted the Walton Brewers and the Brussels Tigers welcomed the Belmore Stingers to Brussels on Aug. 2, while the Milverton Millwrights hosted the Monkton Muskrats on Aug. 3, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

On Aug. 4, the Brussels Bangers will host the Milverton Millwrights in Brussels, followed by an Aug. 8 game between the Goderich Grizzlies and Walton Brewers in Walton.

There are three games on the schedule for Aug. 9. The Belmore Stingers will host the Wroxeter Rippers, the Brussels Tigers will host the Goderich Grizzlies and the Wingham Hitmen will be in Mitchell to meet the Mets.

On Aug. 10, the Fullarton A’s will travel to Sebringville to take on the Sting in a game that was originally scheduled to be played on June 23.

On Aug. 11, the Milverton Millwrights will be in Monkton to take on the Muskrats, while the Sebringville Sting will take on the Bangers in Brussels and the Mitchell Mets will be in Wroxeter for a game with the Rippers.

The Brussels Bangers will then play their second game in as many days when they travel to Wingham to take on the Hitmen on Aug. 12.

On Aug. 13, to round out the weekend action, the Walton Brewers will take on the Sebringville Sting on the road in a game that was originally scheduled to be played on July 30. Also that day, the Fullarton A’s will host the Wroxeter Rippers.

Now in the second half of the season, teams are looking at a dwindling number of games left on the schedule.

The Milverton Millwrights have 12 games left to play, while the Mitchell Mets, Monkton Muskrats and Fullarton A’s all have 11 games left to play.

There are 10 games left on the schedule for the Brussels Tigers, Sebringville Sting, Wingham Hitmen, Walton Brewers, Brussels Bangers and Wroxeter Rippers, while the Belmore Stingers and Goderich Grizzlies each just have eight games left to play.

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Chronicles of Sarnia

The Real McCoy

August 3-18

August 24-September 9

A quirky community, and comical characters lead to side splitting giggles.

Find out why Elijah McCoy is the man behind the phrase “the real McCoy”.

Severn Thompson. Photo by Terry Manzo

Peter N. Bailey. Photo by Terry Manzo

Written by Matt Murray Directed by Miles Potter

Written and Directed by Andrew Moodie

PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2023.

Food costs, labour shortage affecting farmers’ markets

Thinking deeper Erika Schilthuis of Maitland Market and Supply, seen above with her son, says the question about food costs should have more to do with consumers asking if what they’re paying for food will allow the farmers who produced it to afford to grow it again next year. (Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot photo)

By Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot The Rural Voice As consumers continue to question the power of Canada’s highly consolidated grocery industry and watch both the price of food and the cost of living continue to rise, how are local growers and farmers’ markets faring? Are farmers’ markets experiencing higher foot traffic from disgruntled grocery store customers?

It appears not, say vendors and market organizers, though some markets are maintaining their client base, while others struggle to have enough vendors.

When news outlets reported that Galen Weston, CEO of Loblaws Companies Ltd., received $8.4 million in salary, bonuses and stockbased compensation for running the grocery store conglomerate in 2022, up from $5.4 million in compensation in 2021, there was a

huge outcry from families struggling to pay for what was in their grocery cart.

“I thought for sure we would get slammed with customers once they realized food price increases have nothing to do with the actual cost of food,” said Erica Schilthuis of Maitland Market and Supply outside of Goderich. “We didn’t.”

While she hasn’t noticed a decrease in sales, Schilthuis says she gets people from all levels of

socioeconomic status coming into her market. “From wealthy customers to those struggling to put food on the table, people who come in here want to support local food.

Their primary factor is not price.”

Her loyal customers are the ones who understand that resilient food systems are important and, if you have to pay a bit more to buy local, it’s an investment in sustainability.

“What everyone should be asking is, ‘if the farmer who grew your lettuce or cucumbers is making enough this year that he can continue to grow it next year?” says Schilthuis. “That concept is lost on the majority of the population.”

Heidi Danen agrees. She is the market manager for the Stratford Farmers’ Market and says that, while prices are typically higher at farmers’ markets, it’s because customers are paying for quality.

“The fruit and vegetables you are buying were picked during the last two days. They weren’t picked weeks ago and then shipped from the United States,” said Danen.

As she walks through the market every Saturday, checking with vendors and chatting with customers, she hears people saying, “Well, I can get it cheaper at the grocery store.” Danen agrees that might be the case, but on the other hand, as a buyer they were likely just suckered into buying cookies or sugary snacks while there. Large grocery stores can offer low prices as loss leaders and then snag you with all the unhealthy options that turn a profit down the aisles.

Plus, customers buying fresh produce can literally meet the farmer who grew it or visit their farm.

“Every weekend, I visit Scottview Orchards’ stand and I hear people asking where the fruit comes from and every time he says, ‘It comes from Scotland, Ontario and you are welcome to visit the farm.’”

Overall, she believes there has been an increase in foot traffic at the market. She was also surprised in

July when a busload of people from Toronto came to Stratford for a day trip and had the market on their itinerary. “They were super excited about buying eggs, because they were less expensive here than in Toronto,” recalls Danen.

Her problem is keeping enough vendors to provide enough variety.

She is down two vendors who offer produce and says it’s the same issues that are being felt everywhere: staffing, personal labour hours and whether that business survived the pandemic.

The Kincardine Farmers’ Market is also struggling to keep enough vendors to keep the market afloat, says Susie Stoeckli, who manages the market.

“Smaller farmers are finding it hard to find employees, which makes it hard for them to harvest produce and to have time to spend at the market,” says Stoeckli. Also, farmers who started with the market are getting older and giving up the farm, while the new generation isn’t as eager to grow produce. “They like to sell baking or plants,” says Stoeckli. Sometimes what people want to sell doesn’t fit the market’s rules and philosophy, which requires that vendors have to produce 75 per cent of what they sell. “They cannot just buy it elsewhere and sell it here,” she said.

Stoeckli is curious if generalized markets that sell craft work and all sorts are more popular. “But then, it is more a flea market than a farmers’ market,” she says.

The Bayfield Farmers’ Market is front and centre on Clan Gregor Square and has been operating for almost 10 years. The Rural Voice chatted with vendors in July about the foot traffic and food sales. One of its vendors, Eagleson Farms near Parkhill, is owned by Matt Eagleson.

His parents, Gary and Chris, are part of this intergenerational, organic farm, which sells organic beef, lamb and pork, along with jams, jellies Continued on page 11

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Egg-cellent Stratford Farmers’ Market Treasurer Ruth Moore, left, and Manager Heidi Danen, right, are seen above visiting with Orval and Jordan Zehr of Zehr Farm Products, who sell produce and eggs at the market weekly. Recently, when a busload of Torontonians (Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot made its way to the market, the Zehrs’ eggs proved to be a big hit. photo)

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2023. PAGE 11.

Farmers’ markets all about ‘fresh’ says Boersma Continued from page 10 and pickles. Chris believes traffic is down.

“People are not buying like they used to,” says Chris, who has been attending markets for a dozen years.

“I don’t understand… are people tired of going to both the grocery store and markets or do they think costs are too high at the market?”

The thought raises the ire of husband Gary, who says he is tired of hearing about people complaining about the price of food. “In 1963, people spent 18 per cent of their disposable income on food. In 2019, Canadians spent 9.2 per cent of their income on food,” he says. While that percentage rose to 11 per cent in 2021, Gary thinks people should realize that the cost of food is cheap compared to what it costs to produce it.

“And if the high cost of purchasing farms was factored into the cost of food, well then you’d better hold your hat!” he said, quite passionately.

Young farmers strapped by debt can’t incorporate that cost into their food. “We’ve had

Fresh princes Stephen Boersma, seen above with his father-in-law Bill Groot-Nibbelink at the Bayfield Farmers’ Market, believes freshness will keep farmers’ market customers happy, though he is relatively new to the farmers’ market scene. (Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot photo)

Federal, provincial governments grant funding for housing The Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario are providing $6,424,000 to help create 20 affordable community housing units in the Municipality of South Huron. According to the provincial government, the new housing development will contribute to supporting a new diverse neighbourhood and strengthen social networks of those residing in the community.

This project is part of an investment of over $46 million through the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) to create 267 affordable housing units across the province.

COCHI is an initiative of the Canada-Ontario Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy (NHS).

“This investment is good news for the people in our communities,” said Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron-Bruce. “Ensuring that our residents have comfort in accessing housing is critical to creating a place where they can live, grow and thrive, while simultaneously facilitating economic growth and development.”

Located at 134 Sanders Street, Exeter, the two-storey, onebedroom-per-unit apartment building will offer each future resident their own independent living space. This facility will include on-site laundry, an elevator and common space, as well as a

kitchen, bathroom and living room in each individual unit. The new apartment building has been designed to exceed energy efficiency standards by 18 per cent, as well as exceed the Ontario Building Code’s accessibility standards by 20 per cent. The design also includes seven barrierfree units.

“This investment is improving affordable and supportive housing in the region and is facilitating real change for those that need it most,” said Tim Louis, Member of Parliament for KitchenerConestoga. “Projects like this one in Exeter are the result of a partnership between the Governments of Canada and Ontario, who are responding to local housing needs. Today’s announcement puts us one step closer to our goal of ensuring that every Canadian has a safe and affordable place to call home.”

“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home”, said the Honorable Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for Ontario. “That is why our government is working hard to help more Ontarians find a home that is affordable and meets their needs. I am pleased to see the strong relationships we have built with all levels of government, and we will continue to work hard to tackle Ontario’s housing crisis.”

people argue over 25 cents and tell us they can buy meat somewhere else cheaper. “Then go there,” Gary says he would like to say.

When I asked Matt if attending a farmers’ market is still profitable for their business, he hesitated. “Some days,” he said.

Joan Brady of Smokey Hollow Farm in Dashwood says farmers’ markets need to thrive because they are about power in the marketplace.

“Farmers’ markets are our chance to set a price to meet our cost of production (COP),” says Joan, who sells fruits, vegetables and flowers from her stand at the Bayfield Farmers’ Market. “That is what direct marketing is all about - the creation of a relationship, standing behind our products and charging for our COP.” She agrees that attendance is down both in Bayfield and Grand Bend, where she also has a tent. “It’s not like it used to be. Eating local does cost more and, after COVID19, families don’t have as much money to spend on food.” Like the Eaglesons, she hears, “we can get it cheaper at the grocery store,” over

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and over. Yet, when it comes to the flower arrangements, no one bats an eye while plunking down the $15 asking price.

Stephen Boersma is a newcomer and has been selling his vegetables at the market for two years now. He was busy and running out of certain vegetables due to demand. “I’m a one-man operation so sometimes it’s tough to meet demand,” he said.

Sweet corn is a big seller for him and he sells it cheaper than it can be found in grocery stores, making it a popular seller. He doesn’t have years of experience as a comparison, but says there are fewer vegetable vendors at the Bayfield and Grand Bend markets this year, which is why he is seeing an increase in business.

He believes farmers’ markets are all about “fresh” and that is what he offers. “And people like to have a face behind the food,” he says.

Sometimes he gets asked if his produce is organic, but it doesn’t seem to be as large a concern as the price of it. “As long as it is local and home-grown, customers seem to want it,” said Boersma.

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PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2023.

Sports Legends teams look ahead

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The Londesborough Legends youth baseball teams are looking ahead to August, often referred to as the Sunday of summer, with many teams just weeks away from their year-end tournaments.

On the weekend of Aug. 11-13, the U17 Girls will play in their year-end tournament in Wilmot, while the U11 Boys will finish their season in Wingham. The next weekend, Aug. 18-20, the U13 Girls will have their year-end tournament in Stratford, the U9 team will be in Brussels and the U11 Girls will wrap things up in Exeter.

Looking ahead to league play in the next few weeks, the U11 Boys will play Benmiller A in Auburn on Aug. 8, the same night the U11 Girls will host the Seaforth Wolverines and the U17 Girls will play an exhibition game on the road against the Goderich Seahawks.

The U9 team will host the Brussels Tigers on Aug. 9, while the U13 Girls will play the Thunder in Zurich that night.

On Aug. 10, the U11 Girls will play the Mitchell Hornets 2 on the road and the U9 team will play Mildmay on the road on Aug. 14.

Looking back at the week that was, the U17 Girls beat the Shakespeare Falcons at home by a score of 13-7, while the U11 Girls were on the road for a game with the North Middlesex Skeeters, though a score for that game was

unavailable at press time.

On July 26, the U11 Boys were in Mildmay and the U9 team was in Wingham to play Wingham Blue, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

On July 25, the U11 Girls lost to the Brussels Tigers at home by a score of 14-9, while the U7 team played Benmiller on the road, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time.

The U17 Girls hosted the Innerkip Junior Eagles on July 24 and won the game by a score of 118. Also that night, the U11 Boys were in Mildmay and the U9 team hosted Wingham Orange, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

On July 20, the U13 Girls lost to the Clinton Mustangs 2 on the road by a score of 16-13, but the U17 Girls beat the Exeter Extremes in Londesborough by a score of 10-9.

Also that night, the T-Ball team welcomed Brussels to Londesborough, but a score for that game was unavailable.

On July 18, the U11 Girls lost to the Wolverines in Seaforth by a score of 15-5 and the U13 Girls lost to the Exeter Extremes 1 on the road by a score of 14-13. Also that night, the U7 team hosted Mildmay Grey and the U11 Boys travelled to Wingham, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

On July 17, the U17 Girls beat the Fullarton A’s by a score of 16-4 in Fullarton. That same night, the U9

team was in Lucknow to play Lucknow Gold and the U11 Boys hosted Brussels, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

On July 31, the U11 Boys played Benmiller A on the road, the U11 Girls played Mitchell Hornets 1 on the road and the U9 team hosted Ethel Yellow, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

The U11 Girls hosted the Zurich Thunder in Auburn on Aug. 1, while the U7 team held a yearend scrimmage and the U17 Girls were in Shakespeare for a game against the Falcons, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

On Aug. 2, the U13 Girls hosted the Clinton Mustangs 2 and the U17 Girls welcomed the Wilmot Thunder to Londesborough, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

The next night, the U11 Girls hosted Lucknow 1 and the U17 Girls played the Listowel Legends in Londesborough, but scores for those games were unavailable.

Lawn bowling resumes After an inconsistent few weeks due to rainy weather, members of the Clinton Lawn Bowling League have been back in action, playing a few games.

Last week, Cor vander Hoven was the top winner for the week with three wins and 39 points, followed by Gerrit Van Walderveen with three wins and 37 points.

Sam Bradica, Joan Beierling and Bruce Haselgrove found themselves all with 33 points each, creating a three-way tie for third.

Bradica and Beierling each had three wins and one loss and Haselgrove had two wins and two losses.

In the previous week’s action, Sam Bradica placed first with 19 points and two wins, followed by Alan Lavis with 16 points and a record of one win and one loss, Randy Berdan with 16 points and one win and one loss, Bruce Haselgrove with one win and one loss and 16 points and Joan Beierling with one win and one loss and 13 points for the week.

The Clinton Bowling Club plays its games right next to Foodland in Clinton on Monday and Thursday nights, commencing at 7 p.m. The first five nights are free and free lessons are always included for newcomers.

Rounding second The Brussels Bangers welcomed the Walton Brewers to the village last Friday night, but it was the visiting Brewers who would head home with an 11-5 win in their pockets. (John Stephenson photo)

38th Annual Citizen of the Year Award Nominations Open Pictured on left, Lissa Kolkman being presented her 2022 Citizen of the Year award by North Huron Publishing publisher Deb Sholdice.

There are so many people out there who do so much to improve their community.

This is your opportunity to show your appreciation for all they do.

Each year a committee chooses an outstanding citizen from each of the Blyth and area and Brussels and area communities and wider Huron County area to receive an award for contribution to the community. If you know someone you think should be honoured, please fill in the form and send it in. You may attach a longer explanation of why you think your nominee should win, if you like. If you have nominated someone before and they didn't win, we encourage you to submit again. Emailed submissions can be sent to Shawn Loughlin at editor@northhuron.on.ca I nominate ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ as Citizen of the year for

q

Blyth & area

q

Brussels & area

q

Huron County

I feel she/he deserves this award because ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Nomination Deadline September 29, 2023.

Name and phone number of nominator Fax: 519-523-9140 Box 429, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2023. PAGE 13.

BLYTH Y 519-523-4244

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Sustainability extends beyond environment: OFA

By Peggy Brekveld, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial ministers of agriculture get together once a year to discuss issues that are important to our sector across the country. Their most recent meeting just took place in New Brunswick, immediately following the summer boarding

meeting of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), which brought together farm leaders from across Canada, including the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA).

This was also an opportunity for the CFA to host its annual federalprovincial-territorial agriculture ministers’ roundtable to provide ministers with farmer perspectives

on issues like the proposed national Sustainable Agriculture Strategy, the financial health of farm businesses and the industry-led Grocery Sector Code of Conduct.

As farmers, we know that one of the key pieces of any sustainability strategy for agriculture means making sure that we’re talking about more than just the environment. The economic and

That time of year again Members of the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association were busy just west of Blyth harvesting ahead of this year’s reunion, scheduled for next month. This annual right of passage has been going on for decades and is a necessity if threshing demonstrations are to continue at the reunion. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

social pillars of sustainability are just as important - critical, in fact, to making sure that the investments needed for environmental sustainability are possible.

Economically, we need business risk management programs to provide the support we need to address the risks that naturally come with farming, and a regulatory environment that is responsive, representative of the modern needs of our sector and doesn’t place our farmers at a competitive disadvantage compared to their international counterparts.

We also want to see that markets are fair, whether through our international trade agreements or in our domestic markets through the new Grocery Sector Code of Conduct that is currently in development and slated for implementation by the end of 2023.

Socially, we need our rural communities to be healthy. Farmer mental wellness matters, as that’s the key to our sector’s future.

Simply put, we can’t farm without farmers. Social sustainability also means protecting and strengthening our food security to ensure Canadians continue to have access to affordable, high-quality food and that we protect our ability to grow, raise and produce as many different farm products as possible right here at home.

Equally important, our environment needs to continue to be healthy. More than most people, farmers depend on the weather, healthy soils and clean water for their livelihoods. We’ve long been committed to reducing our environmental footprint and working to leave our farms to the next generation of farmers in better

condition than when we took them over at the start of our farming careers.

There are, of course, many more ways that agriculture can continue to improve its environmental footprint, from precision farming technologies that reduce our fertilizer use, and plant breeding that produces more disease resistant and drought-tolerant crops to smart irrigation systems and automated tools and equipment that can help reduce the labour shortage on our farms.

Governments of all levels can support the environmental, economic and social sustainability of the farming sector by helping to fund initiatives and programs of all kinds that are broader and more costly than individual farmers can afford to pay for on their own.

Some of these are already being addressed through the newest federal-provincial agricultural policy framework, the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

In Ontario, for example, the federal and provincial governments just recently announced funding for three programs under the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Initiative that will help farm businesses be more productive and resilient.

Here in Ontario and nationally, there will also continue to be conversations around other important issues like animal health and biosecurity, international trade and emissions reductions and it’s important for farmers to continue to be included in those discussions so that new strategies, policies and legislation will work for all involved and help ensure a sustainable future for the sector.

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK REPORT For the week ending July 28, 2023 Total Receipts: 1,050 cattle & 1,039 lambs & goats Tuesday - Fed steers and heifers sold steady.

Second cut cattle $220 – $235 Aged & medium fed steers & heifers $195 – $215 Holstein steers & heifers $145 – $175 Cows sold steady.

Thursday - Veal sold steady. Lambs sold higher. Sheep sold steady. Goats sold on higher.

Medium Holstein Cows $110 – $139 Bulls $125 – $181 Veal: There were 190 head of veal on offer.

Beef Veal $205 – $229 Good Holsteins $205 – $225 SL Heavy Holsteins $200 – $218 Heavy Holsteins $180 – $202 Medium Holsteins $190 – $204 Plain Holsteins $180 – $189

Friday - Calves & yearlings sold on a strong active trade at steady prices

Ezra M. Bauman of Wallenstein, consigned 2 head. One grey steer weighed 1,095 lbs. and sold for a price of $229.

Joseph Oscar Brubacher of Desboro consigned 7 head. Two black steers averaged 1,340 lbs. and sold for an average price of $227.50.

Grant Bergsma of Londesoboro, consigned 2 head. One holstein steer weighed 720 lbs. and sold for an average price of $225.

Cows: There were 200 cows on offer: Beef $140 – $180 with sales to $197 Good Holstein Cows $140 – $180

Lambs: Under 50 lbs.: $274.75 – $320.

50-64 lbs.: $300 – $350 65-79 lbs.: $273.50 – $291 80-94 lbs.: $269.50 – $287.50

95-109 lbs.: $261.75 – $265 110 lbs. & over: $240 – $250 Goats: Billies: $150 – $350 Nannies: $100 – $250 Kids: Meat: $420 – $475 Dairy: $350 – $420 Shepherd Creek Farms Ltd. of Staffa, consigned 31 head. Two lambs averaged 107 lbs. and sold for an average price of $265.

Brian & Craig Salverda of Londesboro, consigned 31 head. Ten lambs averaged 90 lbs. and sold for an average price of $272.50.

Top Quality Stocker Steers 500 – 599: $344.75 – $374 600 – 699: $353 – $380 700 – 799: $354 – $383 800 – 899: $323 – $333.50 900 – 999: $295.50 – $310 1,000 lbs. & over: . $272.50 – $297.25

Top Quality Stocker Heifers 500 – 599: $323.50 – $372 600 – 699: $292 – $360 700 – 799: $274 – $310 800 – 899: $266.50 – $271 900 lbs. & over: $253.50 – $275 Amos Martin of Douglas, consigned 20 head. Eleven charolais heifers averaged 969 lbs. and sold for an average price of $276.50.

Clarence Martin of West Montrose, consigned 22 head. Seven red heifers averaged 1,005 lbs. and sold for an average price of $277.

Bruce Ross of St. Marys, consigned 21 head. Seven charolais steers averaged 911 lbs. and sold for an average price of $323.

Abram G. Martin of Wroxeter, consigned 10 head. Seven gold steers averaged 944 lbs. and sold for an average price of $306.

Gary Zehr of Newton, consigned 17 head. Eleven gold steers averaged

977 lbs. and sold for an average price of $306.50.

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd.

UPCOMING SALES TUESDAYS 10:00 a.m.

Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows

THURSDAYS

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

FRIDAYS

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

Call us 519-887-6461

PAGE 14 THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2023.

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Articles for sale ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 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.

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-------------------------------------------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 Co-op, Auburn Esso, Belgrave Variety, Blyth Variety, Blyth Food Market, Blyth Ultramar, Brussels Foodland, Brussels Variety, Clinton Convenience, Clinton Foodland, Fogal’s YIG in Wingham, Wingham Mini Mart, Seaforth Foodland, GT Mini Mart in Seaforth, Fincher’s in Goderich, Goderich Victoria St. Shell and The Citizen Blyth.

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

Card of thanks PAPPLE. For everyone that offered food, sent flowers, made a donation, sent a card, attended the Lions Pavilion or stopped in the street to offer condolences, thank you for doing something nice for Gwen's family. Bruce, Shelley, Barb, Chop (Kent).

-------------------------------------------ROUW - We would like to thank our friends and neighbours for their help, support, gifts, cards, flowers and donations to the Wingham and District Hospital in memory of Mary. We had a wonderful celebration of life for Mary and we thank you - thank you - thank you.

Henry and family.

Looking for work?

Check out the classifieds!

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Wednesday, August 16 3:00 p.m.

Wingham Columbus Centre

RSVP to Dorothy at 519 357 3562 x 101

Help wanted Help wanted Facilities Labourer Wage Scale $18.00-$22.00/hour This is a full time / part time contract position.

The Facilities Labourer duties include providing day to day operational, janitorial and maintenance services to REACH facilities and properties.

The ideal candidate will have: General experience in farm equipment operation and maintenance Knowledge of basic plumbing, HVAC and electrical Must have a valid drivers licence and weekend shift work as required.

Applicants are asked to submit a detailed résumé in confidence to the undersigned: Human Resources Box 248, 169 Beech Street, Clinton, Ontario N0M 1L0 Fax: (519) 482-3088 Email: info@reachhuron.ca Only those applicants receiving an interview will be contacted.

Local Coverage Where You Work, Play & Live

In memoriam

DUCHARME. In loving memory of Oscar Ducharme, a dear husband, father and grandfather who passed away August 4, 2018.

We cried when you passed away, We still cry today.

Although we loved you dearly, We couldn't make you stay.

Your golden heart stopped beating, Hard working heart at rest.

God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.

- Dorothea, Murray, Kim and Greg Ducharme.

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Time to learn The Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health recently held its annual Discovery Camp with the help of Alexandra Marine and General Hospital in Goderich.

The camp brought together local high school students and taught them some of the basics of a career in rural healthcare. (Courtesy photo) During the week of July 10-14 at the Goderich Lions Club’s Camp Klahanie, the Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (CERH), in partnership with the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital in Goderich, hosted the Discovery Healthcare Camp (DHC). This is a one-week camp allowing local high school students to explore career opportunities in the healthcare field.

DHC counselors Aaron Lewis, Nathan Gould and Emily Horsey (medical students from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University) engaged with students to serve as teachers and mentors throughout the week-long program.

During camp, representatives from the local government, economic development, the medical community and the funding partners were provided opportunities to meet with the medical students socially.

Jimmy Trieu, President and CEO of Huron Health System Goderich and Exeter hospitals, said, “I extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all involved in organizing this healthcare camp. As the healthcare industry grapples with significant human resources challenges, we recognize the importance of innovative approaches for recruiting healthcare professionals in the future. This camp serves as a remarkable platform to introduce the younger generation to the world of healthcare. I am grateful for the opportunity it provides participants to engage in informative sessions and gain hands-on experience.

Through these interactive experiences, we hope to ignite a spark of interest in healthcare within their hearts, motivating and guiding them as they progress on their educational journey. This camp plays a vital role in nurturing and cultivating the potential talent that will contribute to the future of healthcare and make a positive impact on the well-being of our communities.”

A shortage of healthcare

professionals is an issue in many rural areas, a trend that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and is expected to continue in the future. The economic costs associated with this are severe. We hope to continue to grow and develop this Discovery Healthcare Camp in partnership with Schulich School of Medicine.

Gateway CERH is dedicated to supporting the sustainability of our local healthcare resources. Through networking with local healthcare professionals and partners, we hope to continue to provide an educational camp experience that provides students both knowledge and hands-on skills related to rural healthcare for years to come.

“We are pleased to partner with Goderich Hospital at Schulich’s DHC for a second year. This is an innovative strategy for future recruitment of our health human resources. The students learn about healthcare careers in such a fun motivating environment.” said Gwen Devereaux, President, Board of Directors, Gateway CERH. Highlights of the 2023 camp included: a career panel with local professionals where students were able to learn about careers such as general surgery, nursing, paramedic and more. Hands-on workshops with a surgeon, in which students learned to do sutures with real medical equipment on stuffed animals, were also a highlight.

Students were able to participate in a workshop with a family medicine physician and obstetrical nurse regarding delivering babies, obstetrical assessments and more.

Students were able to tour the Goderich hospital and interact with professionals within departments and ask questions regarding their careers. A highlight of the week was also participating in a mock disaster, in which they could be the patient or part of the treatment team.

The week ended with a great barbeque provided by the Goderich Lions Club and a fun graduation ceremony with students’ families attending.

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

Entertainment & Leisure

Aaron Goodvin set to return to Lucknow

Goodvin vibes only Alberta-born country musician Aaron Goodvin, above, is returning to Lucknow’s Music in the Fields festival taking place this year from August 24 to 26. (Courtesy photo)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

If you live in Huron County and have listened to the radio in the past five years, you’re probably already familiar with the music of Albertaborn Aaron Goodvin. “Bars and Churches”, “Boy Like Me” and “Good Ol’ Bad Days” are just a few of his songs to find critical and commercial success, and his smash hit “Lonely Drum” is an inescapable earworm that’s been inspiring cowboys, farmers and country gentlemen across the county to switch out their whiskey and beer for a crisp, quaffable glass of Chardonnay.

The Citizen caught up with the Nashville-based musician by phone ahead of his upcoming performance at Lucknow’s Music in the Fields.

Goodvin was part of the festival’s 2018 lineup and the artist and his band couldn’t be more excited to be coming back. “We played it once five years ago, and obviously COVID has stopped us from coming back. I love it up there - I‘m from a small town, so I’m always super happy when I get to play a small town,” explained the affable young star.

Playing smaller venues and events has been the mandate this year for Goodvin and his band of merry troubadours.

“This summer has been really great. I played Thunder Bay a week ago, and it’s just been really cool to hit the smaller festivals this year. Next year, we’re going really big. We’re so busy in the U.S. right now - we’ve got quite

a few dates coming up,” he said.

The country singer partially attributes his early success in the north to the support of radio stations. “We’ve had some big hits in Canada, and radio up there’s been a huge help, and I thank them every day for that. There’s a lot less

of that down here. I think there’s something like 10,000 songs uploaded to Spotify a day. We just want to get the word out and we’re doing it the grassroots way - play some venues and then go back six months later and try to sell [them] out.”

Though he’s not one to be deterred from his country music dreams for any reason, Goodvin recalls experiencing some challenges during the height of COVID. “The word rollercoaster really comes to mind. COVID was a hard time for me because I believe my purpose is to be out there on stage, connecting with people and playing my music for people. It’s truly what I love.” Not being able to perform for a few years wasn’t all bad, though - it helped him gain perspective on his personal life and career. “The whole experience humbled me in a really big way to know that every time I get up on stage it could be the last time.

There’s no guarantees.”

Returning to live performances in 2022 was a welcome relief for the charismatic performer and his band.

“Last summer, we weren’t sure if COVID was going to knock it out or not, but what ended up happening for us was that a bunch of people that were confirmed to play places but then couldn’t play, so they’d call us and we’d fill in we ended up doing a lot of shows!”

Goodvin remembers his previous performance in Lucknow as being very positive - one of the many reasons he’s so excited to return. “I remember the hospitality. It was a really, really well-put-on event. For a small town, you never know what to expect. I was just blown away by how accommodating everybody was. We got treated very well. The bands were great. It was just all around a really great festival.” In 2018, the lineup included Brett Eldredge, Brett Kissel, and Gord

Bamford, and this year features Chris Young, LoCash, and Jade Eagleton.

Much has changed between those two festivals, and Goodvin is looking forward to reconnecting with Lucknow fans to experience the fruits of those changes together.

“The biggest thing that I think is so cool is that we’re going to play a bunch of songs that everybody knows. We can almost do a full set of songs that have played on the radio and been hits for us, and that’s such a blessing… I absolutely love what I do and I feel like when I go out there my band and I are best friends - we are always cutting up

and we’re always having a blast.”

If you’re interested in having a blast with one of country music’s rising stars as he cuts it up with his best friends, be sure to turn on, tune out, and drop in to Music in the Fields at Graceland in Lucknow August 24 - 26. Buying tickets well in advance online is highly recommended, as they tend to sell out quickly.

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Belgrave coffee One of the most read areas of the paper break on Aug. 8 SUDOKU PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE

There are no church services in August at Knox United Church, Belgrave. Have a safe and enjoyable Civic Holiday.

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!

By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188

Birthday greetings are extended to Nancy Jardin on Aug. 1.

Karen and Dan Gagne and family from Texas enjoyed a twoweek holiday here with Karen’s mother Arlyn Montgomery.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Edith (Cook) Walker, who passed away on July 24 at Woodstock Hospital.

The Community Coffee Break will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 8 at the Belgrave Community Centre 9:30 -11 am. You are welcome to come and enjoy coffee, snacks and fellowship.

Fun By The Numbers

NEWS FROM BELGRAVE

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

PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2023.

The art of cranking dingers Matt Shortreed (number seven) of the Walton Brewers makes solid contact at the plate in a Huron County Fastball League game against the Brussels Bangers on Friday, July 28. (John Stephenson photos)

Burkett wins Dora Award for costumes Continued from page 1 Festival in 2015, was nominated for Outstanding Direction for Maanomaa, My Brother, produced

by Blue Bird Theatre Collective and Canadian Stage.

Ronnie Burkett, who notably brought Edna Rural’s Church Supper to the Festival’s Phillips Studio in 2015, won Outstanding Costume Design for Little Dickens, produced by Canadian Stage and Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes.

Deanna H. Choi, who has previously worked at the Blyth Festival, recently in sound design and composition for Jumbo in 2019, was part of a trio - alongside Maddie Bautista and Erin Brubacher - that wrote Love You Wrong Time for Bad Muse Collective and Nightwood Theatre, which was nominated for both

Outstanding Production and Outstanding New Play in the Independent Theatre category.

Choi and Bautista would go on to win the Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble and Outstanding Sound Design and Composition Dora Awards for Love You Wrong Time in the Independent Theatre category.

PJ Prudat, who was one of the two actors to perform in the Blyth Festival’s 2021 production of Café Daughter on the Harvest Stage, was also nominated in the Best Performance by an Ensemble category as part of the cast of Niizh, produced by Native Earth Performing Arts. Prudat was also nominated in the Theatre for Young Audiences category for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in Bentboy.

Haley McGee, who has acted on

the Blyth Festival stage in 2011’s Early August, 2012’s Having Hope at Home and The Lonely Diner: Al Capone in Euphemia Township, won the Outstanding Performance by an Individual Dora Award for her starring role in The ExBoyfriend Yard Sale, which she also wrote, produced by Never Mind the Noise, Soulpepper, Outside the March and red light district.

McGee’s play was also nominated in both the Independent Theatre’s Outstanding Production and Outstanding New Play categories and its director, Mitchell Cushman, was also nominated for Outstanding Direction.

Michelle Ramsay, who worked on the lighting design for Ipperwash at the Blyth Festival in 2017, was nominated in the Independent Theatre category for Outstanding Lighting Design for

Rain interrupts wheat harvest and hay cutting PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

It was a busy few days for the wheat harvest and then the rain came and everyone was able to take a break. There was up to a half-inch of rain around the area on Wednesday evening, so, now we wait until it is dry enough to get back on the land.

Some farmers are busy cutting hay, again, and they too will have to wait till it dries. They’ll have to cut it, rake it, dry it, rake it, bale it, wrap it, load it and store it. There is lots of work to be done before it gets to storage and then it’s ready to feed the cattle, cows and horses.

We had our yearly gathering of friends last week and we went to a show. Jane Zwep, our leader, Marni Knight, Judy Lee and myself went to the Huron Country Playhouse to see the wonderful show, Kinky Boots. It was fantastic, funny and entertaining with plenty of great dancing and singing. It also came along with a great message for all:

to accept people for who they are.

The foursome had planned on seeing it in 2020, but COVID-19 put a stop to that plan. We had a great evening, enjoying dinner before the show.

Another foursome of Brussel-ites was Mary Douma and her three daughters attending the show.

Mary, Heather, Laura and Amy also enjoyed dinner at the same restaurant as our crew and then headed to Grand Bend.

I took a drive on Sunday afternoon to Tiverton. I went to Tiverton Park Manor to visit with old friend Lily Fincham. Lily lived in Brussels at the former Kerr apartments for 20 years and moved to Tiverton in November to be near family. She is really enjoying her new residence and meeting many new friends. There, she says, they have great food, nice people, a great nursing staff, and very important, a good hairdresser! She has a grandson, his wife and four greatgranddaughters who drop by frequently for a visit. She’s happy and well and says hello to her Brussels friends.

We hear that Gail Godden is now in Crescent Care in Listowel. She would be pleased to have friends and acquaintances drop in to visit with her.

Celebrating birthdays this past week includes Donna Blair, Cathy

Faxbard, Tyler Leslie Ribey, Olene Dennis, Sandy Huether, Paul Ryan, Jordan Shortreed, Marion Sellers, Bridget Blake Williams, Jeanne Dionne and Jennifer Grobbink to end July. August starts with Lily Grobbink, Cory Coleman, Jacob Roth, Sarah Strome, Susan Alexander, Sherry Hoegy Delay, Rick Smeltzer, Jacob Nolan, Courtney Price, Heidi McClure and Jodi Houston. Happy birthday to all.

NEWS FROM WALTON

her work on MARTYR, produced by ARC. In the Musical Theatre category, Alice in Wonderland, produced by Bad Hats Theatre and Soulpepper Theatre won Dora Awards for Outstanding Production and Outstanding New Musical.

Fiona Sauder, who worked in Blyth as part of the group that put together The Fighting 61st under theatre legend Paul Thompson, wrote the book for the show. She shared the awards with Landon Doak and Victor Pokinko, who wrote the music, and Matt Pilipiak, who served as the dramaturg.

Sue Miner, with Pilipiak and Sauder as associate directors, won

the Dora Award for Outstanding Direction for Alice in Wonderland as well.

Tess Benger won the Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role for Alice in Wonderland. Vanessa Sears, from the same show, was also nominated in the category, while Sauder, Doak, Pilipiak and Breton Lalama were all nominated in the Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role category, but lost to Hailey Gillis in The Shape of Home.

The play would also win Dora Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Design (Ming Wong, costume design) and Outstanding Original Choreography (Cameron Carver).

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2023. PAGE 17.

From the Minister’s Study

The parable of the seeds and weeds: a timely lesson

BY REV. JOANN TODD, THE REGIONAL MINISTRY OF HOPE Sharing with you a parable about harvesting wheat seems to be very timely, so, here we have the parable of the seeds and weeds.

Interestingly, this parable is unique to Matthew. Matthew’s gospel was most likely written between 80 and 90 CE (of the Christian Era), probably by someone writing within that specific church community in Matthew’s name; written at a time when that church community was forming, attracting a diverse group of people, both Jews and Gentiles.

They were coming together to form a like-minded community of followers of the ways of Jesus. And, as this community was coalescing in those early days, there would no doubt be a variety of differing opinions about what was the right way to do this, or the correct way to do that, how to interpret Jesus’ teachings and how to live as Christ’s believers. No doubt much discussion had to do with who was right, and who was wrong.

Times of new development are full of stress as people find their way and determine the baselines of their belief systems that guide their conduct. There might well have been difficult discussions about how to deal with those whose behaviours and beliefs just didn’t fit the bill - so, who was in and who should be out! And so, it seems, we have this parable about right and wrong, good and evil, and how to deal with it.

Our story of seeds and weeds tells us that the farmer’s wheat field has been sown, and while everyone was sleeping, an enemy has sown weed seeds in the field, which would, of course, substantially reduce the harvest. The farmer’s workers notice the weeds, and question his choice of seed quality. And the owner says the weed seeds were sown by an enemy. The workers want to rid the field of the weeds, but, in pulling the weeds out, the wheat would be damaged and then there would be little crop left to yield anything. So, it would be better to wait until the wheat was ripe, harvest the field and then separate and destroy the weeds.

When Jesus explains the parable, he tells his listeners that he is the farmer who sowed the seeds - and they are the people who are of his kingdom. The weeds, well, they are those who follow the way of the evil one, the devil, who sows the seeds of evil everywhere. The evil working in others is the enemy, those who work against the coming of God’s kingdom, those who promote the things that get in the way of a life of following Jesus, or lead us away from him.

Weeds that are uncontrolled have a way of taking over a field or garden. Have you ever gone past a grain field or a vegetable garden that’s been overtaken with weeds?

What do you see first? The weeds.

They generally tower over the crop and fill in the spaces between the grain or vegetables. But, when you stop and take a closer look, you see the heads on the grain or the tomatoes and beans between the weeds, and it’s like finding nuggets of gold in a rock pile.

A number of years back, I was working at the head office of a provincial health care agency. I’d stay in a hotel through the week and go home on weekends. The hotel I

stayed in was on the edge of the city, in an industrial district. In the evenings, the area was very quiet, everyone had, of course, gone home and I would go for long walks.

One spring evening, I found an abandoned golf course which had become badly overgrown with weeds after years of neglect, and, as I wandered the paths, I found one spot where the thistles were extraordinarily high! I looked more closely and was surprised to find flowers among the thistles, early spring perennials valiantly blooming away. As I looked more closely, it was evident that this was a former flower garden that had

been planned, planted and taken care of before it was abandoned.

And the thistles had obviously benefited from the care that the garden had been provided in the past, because they were the healthiest and biggest thistles in the entire golf course.

Both good and evil will benefit and even thrive under the same situations. The gardener in me wanted to tidy that garden up, but, even if I had tried to pull out those massive and very healthy thistles, the beautiful spring flowers would have been uprooted as well, destroying them in the process.

Evil thrives and lives among us,

sometimes even seeming to get the upper hand. But that doesn’t mean we have to stop blooming!

However, weeds are easier to pull before they get big and the roots spread too far and deep. So it behooves us to remain aware of the evil that can seed itself and grow in our midst, and pluck it out before it can get a real toehold. Better yet, try to prevent those seeds from even being sown!

So, who or what are the thistles in our lives? And how do they get there? Our Bible story said that the weeds were sown while everyone

slept. So, these weed seeds, those things that get in the way of a full relationship with God, prevent us from hearing God’s word, or living Christ’s way. They sneak up on us, catch us unawares, get good and firmly rooted, and grow really quickly before we know it.

They can be things that we have become a part of the fabric of our society, things to which we’ve grown quite accustomed. We have learned to live around the weeds the evil in our midst - and we don’t even see them anymore. Here Continued on page 19

Brussels Mennonite Fellowship Current Sermon Series...

Come Worship With Us Evangelical Missionary Church

Sunday, August 6, 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Mike Stanley, “Provoke our Hearts” (Acts 17:1-34)

On-site and online live.huronchapel.com

Nursery & Jr. Church (to Gr.3) during worship

119 John’s Ave., Auburn ~ 519-526-1131

BRUSSELS S

All Are Welcome 250 Princess St., Brussels • 519 887 6388 • Pastor Ken Gazley

MEL LV VILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

U United Chu ur urch Brussels United is closed for the month h of August We are invited to Worsship with Melville Presbyterian at 9:30 a.m a each Sunday

BRUSSELS

Sunday, August 6

August 11 check out Brussels United’s hospitality booth b at Brussels Market Contact Alex at ministter.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.co y @g om Website: brusselsandblythuc.ca b y P.O. Box 359, Brussels ~ 519-887-6259 P.

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

Sundays at 10:00 am

Trinity

BLYTH 9:00 AM St. Paul’s Trinity

WINGHAM 10:30 AM

Come Worship with Us!

9:30-10:30 a.m.

We extend a loving welcome to the Brussels United Church familyy and to all, to join us as Doug Sargent leads us in worship, praise and prrayer.

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

Blyth United Church No Service during the month of August Enjoy your summer vacation Join us Wednesday mornings for visits in the garden starting at 10 am.

Outreach project is backpack supplies for the women’s shelter which can be brought to the garden on Wednesdays.

"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 Contact Alex at: minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com

Sunday, August 6 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

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

NORTHERN HURON-PERTH CATHOLIC FAMILY OF PARISHES All are welcome to visit or join with us, and to become disciples of Jesus, sharing in Christ’s mission.

Brussels: St. Ambrose Saturday ~ 6:00 p.m.

17 Flora Street

For additional details please visit: brusselscommunitybiblechapel.com

Wingham: Sacred Heart Sunday ~ 9:00 a.m.

220 Carling Terrace

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

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

1025 Wallace Avenue N. Website: nhpc.dol.ca

Telephone: 519-357-2435

PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2023.

ers t t e L THE TO

R

TO EDI

There’s only one taxpayer: writer

Kick-off Lucknow-based singer-songwriter Natalie Irwin took centre stage last Friday night at Grassroots Wood-fired Pizza in Lucknow as Huron-Kinloss launched its Secrets of the Back Forty series of tourism events.

(Scott Stephenson photo)

THE EDITOR, In last week’s North Huron Council meeting report, I disagree heartily with Councillor Mitch Wright’s quoted comment regarding childcare staffing, that “just in case, you know, people watching this are not aware that these staff positions are wholly funded by the county. Right? So they’re not taxpayer funded....”

Where does he feel county funding comes from? How about provincial and federal funding?

Mitch, it’s all taxpayer funding! I think that we, the taxpayer, have allowed all levels of government, be it federal, provincial, county or local to pull the wool over our eyes about where the millions and billions of dollars actually come from.

Just reach into your pocket or purse, jingle that change and how much do you pull out? Is it $19,000 (plus tax of course) for eight park benches? That’s $2,500. per bench!

Do we all even have $2,500 sofas in our living rooms? In fact, do we all

even have living rooms for those sofas?

Reach back into that same pocket. Do we pull out a $15,000,000,000 (that’s 15 billion dollars by the way) gift for Volkswagen and another $15,000,000,000 gift for Stellantis/Chrysler, two of the world’s largest automotive conglomerates and wealthiest companies? Shouldn’t they be paying us for the privilege of having plants in the stable environment of Canada? But it’s alright, because only one-third is provincial - the rest is federal and doesn’t really matter.

People - all these dollars came from your pocket. No one asked, yet took it anyway. Kind of like a pickpocket.

Those dollar amounts, be they thousands, millions or, lately, billions just roll off of our tongues just as they roll off the tongues of our “trusted” politicians without any concept of responsibility for this debt.

Every day we hear of people who can no longer carry their mortgages or even feed their families, yet these same people have no concept that their real debt is our government spending at every level. We should be scared, and Mitch Wright should have been aware that it is indeed all taxpayer money, regardless of where it appears to come from. Look in your pocket, look in your purse - I bet you didn’t know there were millions of dollars in there, but every government knows and they want it all!

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2023. PAGE 19.

Continue to grow for God’s Kingdom Continued from page 17 are a few examples: rampant consumerism, easier-than-ever access to gambling, the increasing destruction of the environment under the guise of progress or massive conglomerates whose sole reason for being is profits (to the detriment of all but their stockholders).

We can readily justify those things. “It’s the cost of progress” we say. We have become desensitized, or even apathetic, and accept those things as part of modern life and a “necessary evil”.

And there are other things that can take control of our personal lives: cigarettes, food, drugs/alcohol, shopping, gambling, pornography or social media, to name a few.

I have no doubt that each one of us, given a bit of time, could come up with a few weeds that have taken root within us, or those whom we love, things that keep us from hearing God’s word or living the way of Jesus. They sneak up on us, taking us unawares, and we don’t even realize it; it’s as if we’ve been sleeping. It is good to every now and again take stock of the weeds in our own gardens!

The parable ends with an apocalyptic message - a message for the end of times. “The enemy who planted the weeds among the wheat is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world, and the harvesters are the angels. Just as the weeds are sorted out and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the world. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will remove from his Kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. And the angels will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s Kingdom.

Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!” (Mt 13, NLT) So, how are we to understand that? Well, God knows full well what is happening on the earth.

Matthew says in Chapter 5: “For God gives the sunlight to both the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.”(vs 45) Evil has been around as long as people have been around! It’s the story of Adam and Eve, and good and evil is a constant battle, back then and still! Nonetheless, there is great comfort in knowing that God really is with us, is aware of what’s happening, and is there supporting the growth of the good, the growth of God’s kingdom continues in the midst of the evil that also grows all around it.

And the example of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection tells us that evil doesn’t succeed; good always trumps evil, and God wins in the end. And it is God’s decision when that time of final harvest will be.

And, when the time comes, God will deal with the weeds, with the evil, in God’s good time, in God’s good way.

In the meantime, we do our best to tend to the wheat, ourselves, and the garden we grow in, not despite the weeds, but in spite of the weeds.

We’ll root out the weeds when we can, when they’re small enough to handle, and continue to grow and bloom among the weeds, knowing that God’s tending to us too! And even if some of the weeds get too large for us to handle, we will continue to bloom and grow and produce as much fruit as we can for God’s Kingdom. Amen.

Sudoku Solution

A perfect summer day Saturday, July 22 was the perfect day for Seaforth Summerfest, which took over the town’s main street with games, food, vendors and music, which served as a precursor to the Tanner Steffler Foundation’s Six String Music Festival. The event was well attended and took advantage of a beautiful late-July day in Huron County. (John Stephenson photo)

Happy Retirement Dianne Josling

Come elebrate Isabel Young is 90 years young!

August 13, 2023 Wingham Legion 1 to 4 Enjoy an afternoon of music and conversation!

In lieu of gifts, a donation to the Legion Ladies Auxiliary would be appreciated.

Everyone at The Citizen wishes you the very best in your retirement.

Thank you for 38 years of exemplary service!

PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, AUGUST 4, 2023.

FILL YOUR

GRILL

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