The Citizen - Feb. 7, 2025

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THIS WEEK 4 • Editorials 8 • Sports 12 • Finance 16 • Expansion

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Friday, February 7, 2025

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Volume 41 No. 6

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

Election taking shape

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

The good old days After a 20-year break, organized hockey was back on the Belgrave Community Centre ice on Saturday, with two youth exhibition games, followed by an alumni game that evening, all before a packed house. The U11 Local League Blyth Brussels Crusaders took on their

Wingham Ironmen counterparts first, in a game that ended tied at four, followed by the U15 Rep Wingham Ironmen taking on the South Bruce Blades in a game that ended with a 7-1 score in favour of the visitors in what was a great day for hockey in northern Huron County. (John Stephenson photo)

Crusaders to host annual Jamboree

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen This weekend will be a fun one for the youngest Blyth Brussels Crusaders of the bunch as the association hosts its annual Jamboree for U6, U7 and U8 teams in both Blyth and Brussels.

That means that, locally, the U8 Burgundy and White Crusader teams will be taking part in the Jamboree in Blyth, while the U6 and U7 White and Burgundy teams will be busy playing in Brussels.

Teams from Clinton and Seaforth, Saugeen Valley, Kincardine, Goderich, Mitchell, Lucknow and Wingham and Wallace will all

make the trip to the area for the tournaments.

In other tournament action, the U13 LL Crusaders will be in Seaforth and Hensall to take part in the annual Doug Perkes Tournament, beginning on Friday with games against the Mid-Huron Huskies and the Schomberg Red Wings, followed by a Saturday contest with the Saugeen Valley Steelheads.

Also that day, the U18 LL team will head to Ripley for the annual Ripley District Lions Club Tournament, beginning on Saturday with a game against the Kincardine Kinucks.

In regular season action on

Friday night, the U11 LL Crusaders will play the Listowel Cyclones and the U11 Rep team will play the Minto Mad Dogs, both in Brussels.

The next day, the U9 LL Crusaders will play the Hornets in Howick and the U9 MD team will play the Mitchell Meteors, also on the road.

To round out the weekend on Sunday, the U11 Rep team will be in Kincardine to play the Kinucks, the U18 LL Crusaders will play the Huron-Bruce Blizzard Grey team in Brussels, the U9 LL team will play the Wingham Ironmen in Blyth and the U15 LL team will be in Mitchell to play the Meteors.

On Monday, Feb. 10, the U18 LL Crusaders will host the Kincardine

Kinucks in Blyth, followed by Feb. 12 games between the U18 LL Crusaders and the Mitchell Meteors in Blyth and the U15 LL Crusaders and the Mid-Huron Huskies on the road in Hensall.

That next weekend, beginning on Valentine’s Day, the U18 Rep team will be in Exeter for the annual Exeter U18 Rep Tournament, beginning with Feb. 14 games against the Riverside Rangers and the Mitchell Meteors, followed by a Saturday game with the Lucan Irish.

Looking back, on Monday, the U15 LL team lost to the Mitchell Meteors in Blyth by a score of 8-2 Continued on page 3

The 44th Ontario general election will take place on Thursday, Feb. 27 after Premier Doug Ford called a snap election late last month, insisting he needed a “strong, stable, four-year mandate” from Ontarians.

Locally, as of Wednesday morning, only incumbent HuronBruce MPP Lisa Thompson of Ford’s Progressive Conservative party was officially listed as a candidate in the riding on the Elections Ontario website.

Thompson, who has served as the Minister of Education, Minister of Government and Consumer Services, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and, most recently, the Minister of Rural Affairs, was first elected in 2011, upsetting long-time local representative Carol Mitchell. She has since been re-elected in 2014, 2018 and 2022. This will be her fifth election.

In a press release sent to members of the media Tuesday morning, Jim Newman of the Huron-Bruce Provincial Liberal Association announced that Ian Burbidge will represent the Liberals in the upcoming election.

Burbidge grew up in Simcoe and Port Dover, but moved to Kincardine in the early 1980s to teach math and music. He now lives near Port Elgin with his wife Sandy and their pets.

The Owen Sound Sun Times is reporting that the Green Party has selected a familiar face, Matthew Van Ankum, as its candidate for this election. A second-generation farmer in Howick Township, Van Ankum ran for the Green Party in the last election, garnering the support of nearly 2,000 voters, which equates to just over four per cent of the total votes cast in HuronBruce.

Van Ankum is a member of the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority’s Agricultural Advisory Committee and the Avon Maitland District School Board’s Boundary Assessment Committee, in addition to being involved with the local National Farmers’ Union 335.

In a press release issued on Wednesday morning, the New Democratic Party of Huron-Bruce named Nick McGregor as its candidate in the upcoming election.

A lifelong Huron County resident, dedicated educator and community advocate, according to the release, McGregor holds an Honours Continued on page 20

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025.

Seaforth church’s coat project finding success taking over 150 coats or other winter garments from the church’s donation racks.

Snowdon first brought the idea to Seaforth after speaking with her sister-in-law who told her about a similar program in the Grimsby area. Thinking that there were enough people in need in Seaforth to give it a try, Snowdon went ahead and presented it to the church’s board of directors, and they approved.

The team then began working to gather donations, first with the congregation of the church, but the effort soon expanded to the rest of the community and residents were going out of their way to contact the church and drop off donations.

The spirit that got behind the project, Snowdon said, was really inspiring and continues to be.

The church began pulling the racks out and placing them in Seaforth’s Parish of the Holy Spirit has seen tremendous success with its free winter coat initiative front of the church on this winter. Since the snow started to fly, Mary Anne Snowdon, one of the church’s two wardens, Tuesdays and says that over 150 coats or other winter garments have been taken by community members who Thursdays - to coincide could use one. The hope is to have the racks back out on the street the weekend of Feb. 14 after with the regular food bank pick-up days - and a short break. (Shawn Loughlin photo) occasionally on weekends, depending on the weather and the Parish of the Holy Spirit Anglican Mary Anne Snowdon, one of the

By Shawn Loughlin church in Seaforth is hoping to two wardens at the church, says the availability of a member of the The Citizen return to its free winter clothing program has really taken off this congregation to bring them out in which has seen year after dabbling in it in previous the morning and bring them in Later this month - the goal is the program, years, with members of the public again later that afternoon. weekend of Valentine’s Day - the tremendous uptake this winter.

Community outreach

Some days, the rack was more popular than others, Snowdon said, with some days seeing one or two coats taken, while on others there would be as many as 10 taken. All told, she believes that between 150 and 160 coats have been donated over the course of this winter.

And, of course, the donations haven’t just come from the congregation and community members, she has made some retail connections that have paid off.

Early on in the process, Snowdon would drive around the county to various second-hand stores to see what was available. When in Stratford one day, she mentioned the project to an employee at Giant Tiger and said she’d be happy to discuss a donation. She didn’t think much of it until, several months later, she received a phone call from someone at the store who said they had several boxes of brand new children’s coats and pairs of snow pants. Those proved to be hot commodities, Snowdon said. The church has also had good participation from a second-hand store in Exeter.

Snowdon, a life-long member of the church, said the program has been a success thanks to the buy-in and hard work of those at the church who have given of their time to make it successful, like Steve Miners, her fellow co-warden at the church - and Helen Southgate and Bill Nesbitt, two members of the congregation who live right in Seaforth, allowing for them to get to the church easily on snowy days to bring the coats out when other members might not be available.

To assist in any way or to make a donation, contact the church at 519-527-1522, Snowdon at 519522-0036 or Miners at 519-4823692.

North Huron reconsiders, opts to repair plant

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen At its Feb. 3 meeting, North Huron Council chose to reconsider a recent decision made regarding the rental of a mobile filter from Veolia Water for the Blyth Sewage Treatment Plant (BSTP). Council has, instead, voted unanimously to reconsider that decision, and are now pursuing an alternative, more cost-effective option that was brought to their attention by a staff report.

The decision to rent portable sand filters from Veolia Mobile Services

(VMS) was made at North Huron’s Jan. 13 meeting, in response to a letter from the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) that issued a deadline of Apr. 15 to repair or replace the broken filter system in order to meet ministry regulations.

At its Feb. 3 meeting, council received a staff report from Interim Director of Public Works Chip Wilson, which recommended that council rescind its decision to rent the filters from Veolia, suggesting instead that the municipality grant pre-budget approval for Maitland Welding to conduct repairs on the

existing sand filters, with a spending limit of $200,000 for the project. The cost of renting the filters from VMS had previously been estimated at $400,000.

The idea was inspired by a similar situation that had occurred in a neighbouring municipality “The Brussels plant is basically similar,” Wilson explained. “And they went through a similar process over there with their filtration system - having it rebuilt and fabricated, and it worked out for them, so they suggested it might be something for North Huron to

consider… I spoke with Maitland Welding last week, and they said ‘not a problem!’”

After the vote to reconsider went through, council had a hearty discussion about the proposed repair plan for the BSTP wastewater filter, which has been out of commission since June of 2024. Councillor Mitch Wright wanted to know how long the welding repairs would last. “I gather it’s good for a few years, and not any more than that,” he said. Wilson confirmed that the potential repair was not a long-term solution.

“It’s a temporary fix… we’ve had a discussion with BM Ross to continue on and expedite the design work, and get whatever costing they need so they can get prepared to go to tender. Hopefully that will be in the spring or early summer, and then construction in 2026.”

Wright also wanted to know if the proposed repair was approved by MOE, which Wilson confirmed was accurate. “We’ll be keeping them up to date as to what’s going on,” he said. “I think the goal here is to just get this repaired so that we can move forward.”

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025. PAGE 3.

U11 Rep Crusaders play in South Bruce tourney

Out of reach The U11 LL Blyth Brussels Crusaders hosted the Minto Mad Dogs at the Blyth and District Community Centre on Sunday and it proved not to be their day, as they lost by a score of 14-0. (John Stephenson photo)

Brussels Club completes seasons’s first curling draw

By Jo-Ann McDonald The Brussels Curling Club finished its first draw of the season in early January.

The first-place team was Mike Alexander with Katherine Thomet, Jo-Ann McDonald and Anne Fear with 47.5 points. The second-place team was Brent Alexander with Mary Ann Thompson, George Zwep and Ryan Lewis with 42.5 points.

Right behind them was the team of Matthew Cardiff with 42 points and players Andrew Fear and Mike Thomas. The next four teams were very close in points with the team led by Steve Knight in fourth with Diana Dolmage, Ben Lootsma and Sarah Alexander with 40 points.

The team led by Douwa Top placed fifth with Reg Vinnicombe and Darcy Fear with 39 points, followed

by Doug Bremner with Tyler Jutzi, Paul Fear with 37.5 points, and Steve Steiss, Alex Jebson and a spare with 37 points.

Last place went to Don Chesher with 25.5 points and Martin Thomet, Jeff Cardiff and Dona Knight.

Curling is held on Monday nights at 6:45 p.m. at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre and you can still come out and give it a try, as there is room on a few teams for more players.

The club has hosted two games out of the six in this draw and will play until March 3 at the Brussels,

Continued from page 1 while the U18 LL Crusaders lost their game against the Goderich Sailors on the road by a score of 31. The U7 White and Burgundy teams played a pair of Goderich Sailors teams in Blyth that night as well, but scores were not kept for those games.

On Sunday, the U8 Burgundy and White teams played a pair of Mitchell Meteors teams in Blyth, but scores were not kept for those games. The U18 Rep team lost to the Kincardine Kinucks on the road by a score of 6-3, the U9 LL Crusaders lost to the Listowel Cyclones by a score of 7-5 and the U11 LL Crusaders lost to the Minto Mad Dogs, both in Blyth, by a score of 14-0. On the road, the U15 Rep team beat the Mount Forest Rams by a score of 4-3, the U13 LL Crusaders lost to the Mitchell Meteors Black team by a score of 50 and the U18 LL Crusaders lost to the Mitchell Meteors 7-0.

On Feb. 1, the U9 MD Crusaders lost to the Mitchell Meteors by a score of 4-2 and the U13 Rep team beat the Bruce Peninsula Predators, both in Blyth, by a score of 6-2. The U15 Rep team lost to the Listowel Cyclones by a score of 5-1, also in Blyth, while the U6 team played the Mid-Huron Huskies in Brussels, but a score was not kept for that game.

The U18 Rep team beat the MidHuron Huskies in Brussels by a score of 6-2 and the U11 LL ended their exhibition game with the Wingham Ironmen at the Belgrave Community Centre tied at four.

Also that day, the U13 LL team played the Zurich Thunder in Brussels, the U8 White team played the Mid-Huron Huskies in Clinton and the U15 LL team played the Mid-Huron Huskies in Hensall, but scores for those games were not available at press time.

On Friday, Jan. 31, the U11 LL team lost to the Central Perth Predators by a score of 11-1 and the U21 team lost to the Listowel

Cyclones, both in Brussels, by a score of 3-1.

Over the course of that weekend, the U11 Rep team played in the annual South Bruce Blades Tournament in the Teeswater area, first losing to the host South Bruce Blades on Friday by a score of 4-1 and then tying the Shallow Lake Lakers at five later that day.

On Saturday, the team lost to the Penetang Flames by a score of 6-1.

Also that day, the U9 LL team was in action in Drayton for that association’s annual Jamboree. The team lost to Kincardine 1 by a score of 2-1 before beating the Fergus Fusion by a score of 6-1 and then losing to another Kincardine team by a score of 5-4.

On Jan. 30, the U13 LL team lost to the Wingham Ironmen Yellow team on the road by a score of 5-0, while, back on Jan. 28, the U18 Rep team was in Mitchell and lost by a score of 8-0 to the Meteors.

On Feb. 4, the U18 Rep team was scheduled to host the Saugeen Shores Storm and the U15 Rep team was due to play the Kincardine Kinucks, both in Brussels, followed by three Feb. 5 games between the U13 LL Crusaders and the Listowel Cyclones and the U18 LL team and the Mid-Huron Huskies, both in Blyth, and the U9 MD Crusaders and the Mitchell Meteors in Brussels, but scores were unavailable at press time.

Morris and Grey Community Centre if the weather co-operates, with no curling on Family Day.

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Worldliness!

(Frederick Marsh) "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does-comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." 1 John 2:15-17 Separation from the world is the Lord's clear and definite direction. To be specific in our desires and efforts to be separate from the world--the following rules should be followed: 1. Go to no place where the Lord would not take you.

2. Be found in no company that is not helpful to your Christian life.

3. Be no party to any transaction upon which you cannot seek your Lord's approval.

4. Listen to no voice which would lead you away from the truth of God's Word.

5. Allow no pleasure to interfere with your attendance at the means of Grace.

6. Whatever you do--do all to the glory of God! Prayer is the secret of a holy life! We cannot do without prayer. The spiritual life is born in prayer--and it flourishes, and is strong, as it lives in that same atmosphere!

"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much!" James 5:1 A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church Listowel, ON 519-291-3887

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PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025.

Editorials & Opinions

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

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Supporting our own Donald Trump’s recent tariff announcement created an instant backlash among consumers, with calls to shop and source Canadian.

Grocery lists are changing, travel plans are being re-routed, streaming services are shifting. It’s a defence mechanism that seems to have empowered average citizens, who, in all honesty, feel helpless when world politics threaten our average, work-a-day lives. While booing the U.S. national anthem at a sporting event might feel good in the moment, it probably does about as much good as howling at the moon. Joining the “Shop Canadian” movement might just have some real impact.

Now the question is, “what is Canadian?” and, judging from the online comments, everyone has a different opinion. Some companies are wholly Canadian, using only Canadian materials and labour, but others are a confusing mix of ownership. Free trade has been around for decades, so American companies buy Canadian ingredients, assemble their products in the U.S. and ship them back. Canadian companies buy and sell American products. Companies are owned by international conglomerates. It’s hard to know what is Canadian. Even Tim Hortons is a big question mark. The company is owned by a Canadian-American multinational in which a Brazilian company has a 32 per cent stake.

However, franchises are locally owned. Is your morning double-double supporting Canada? Who knows. The key is to buy as many Canadianmade products as possible to help our economy weather the storm. Your shopping list may not eliminate all U.S. products, but the key is to not let perfection be the enemy of good intentions. – DS

Lightning Round On Jan. 28, Premier Doug Ford made the 44th general election of Ontario a reality, sending Ontarians to the polls a mere 31 days later.

For a weekly community newspaper and its responsibility of keeping its local residents informed of the happenings of the election on a closest-to-home level, this presents a significant challenge.

You are reading the Feb. 7 issue of The Citizen - the first issue since the election was technically called (there were rumblings one week earlier that an early election would be called) and the deadline for nominations is Thursday, Feb. 13, meaning the Friday, Feb. 14 will not include a complete and final list of candidates for Huron-Bruce. That leaves the Feb. 21 issue as the only opportunity to get to you, our dear readers, accurate and confirmed information ahead of the Feb. 27 vote (the Feb. 28 issue will be too late for that information, but too early for the election results). A detailed election guide, dependent on the participation of the candidates on such a short timeline, is likely out of the question, so the only hope will be coverage of an all-candidates meeting, tentatively scheduled for Feb. 18 and hosted by the Huron County Federation of Agriculture. Aside from your existing level of familiarity with the candidates, that, it seems, will be all you get.

Perhaps this was done to keep everyone, including the media, on the back foot. Perhaps not. One thing is certain, Ontarians have a great responsibility to seek out accurate, vetted information on their local candidates. Look to your local media sources for the information they can provide. Whatever you do, do it quickly. The clock is ticking. – SL

A human authenticity American film actor Nicolas Cage recently made an impassioned plea about the dangers of artificial intelligence infiltrating the arts. “Robots cannot reflect the human condition for us. That is a dead end,” he said.

His words carry weight in a time when technology threatens to replace the heart and soul of artistic expression.

Huron County is privileged to host the Blyth Festival, the Livery Theatre, the Kingsbridge Centre and other dedicated community groups working tirelessly to truthfully tell local tales. These are places where real actors bring life to stories born from lived experience. Good theatre is a mirror that reflects a community’s history, struggles and triumphs in a way that no machine ever could. Not even a threshing machine.

Theatre thrives on authenticity, something AI will never be able to recreate. An algorithm may be able to generate a script, but it cannot understand the weight of a well-timed pause, the crackle in a voice signaling devastation and heartbreak, or the particular cadence of familiar dialects and local speech patterns. It cannot replace the magic of a community seeing its own stories reflected on stage by actors who have walked the same streets and observed the same sunsets.

Cage warns that, “if we let robots do that, it will lack all heart and eventually lose edge and turn to mush.” This is why community theatre groups are so vital. They safeguard a future in which art remains rooted in human creativity rather than being dictated by algorithms.

As audiences, we must recognize the value of what we have and support it fiercely. Every ticket sold, every standing ovation and every conversation sparked by a performance helps preserve not just theatre, but the essence of human storytelling in Huron County. – SBS

Looking Back Through the Years February 11, 1965 A fire that broke out shortly before midnight gutted the kitchen of Mrs. Stanley Rutledge’s home on Mill Street in Brussels on Friday night. The remainder of the house suffered extensive smoke damage.

The prompt action of the local fire department kept the fire contained to the rear of the building, preventing it from spreading to the front portion of the house.

Sincere congratulations were given to the Brussels Girls Broomball team and their coach, Barry Machan. The team was well on track to matching its achievements from the previous year. They remained undefeated, securing the full 16 points available. They wrapped up their current series with a decisive 6-0 victory over Wingham at the Brussels arena on Monday night.

Having triumphed over Blyth, Belgrave, Seaforth and Wingham, they moved on to the finals. The schedule for those games had yet to be finalized, so fans were encouraged to stay tuned and show their support.

Melville Presbyterian Church held its annual meeting in the church’s schoolroom. A potluck supper took place before the business meeting, and despite the stormy weather, many families from the congregation attended.

While the meeting was underway, a program of games, songs and activities was organized for the children of the congregation.

February 6, 1980 Prime Minister Joe Clark faced questions on a wide range of topics, from the disclosure of news about the Americans hidden in the Canadian embassy in Iran to the

possibility of eliminating the 18cent-per-gallon excise tax on oil for agriculture, during his appearance on an open-line program on CKNX-FM in Wingham on Wednesday.

Clark answered questions from host Bill Thompson, as well as from local residents and students.

Many callers commended his handling of the Iran situation, in which six Americans had been sheltered in the Canadian embassy.

However, one caller questioned why the news had been made public, potentially putting the remaining American hostages in Iran at risk.

Clark explained that a Canadian journalist had uncovered the story and, after holding onto the information for some time, decided it was the right moment to publish it. He noted that he would have preferred for the story to remain undisclosed a little longer.

He also refuted a report claiming he had sent a letter of apology to Iranian officials following the incident.

Tony McQuail, the NDP candidate for Huron-Bruce, considered energy, Canadian control over the economy, and resource management to be key issues in the election campaign.

February 8, 1995 Brussels Village Council voted on Monday night to pass a bylaw regulating pit bulls and Rottweilers within the village.

Animal Control Officer Bob Trick had recommended that council either prohibit the breeds entirely or impose a high licensing fee, while also requiring them to be muzzled in public.

Although there were no pit bulls in Brussels at the time, Clerk-

Treasurer Donna White noted that at least one Rottweiler lived in the village. When asked whether Rottweilers were considered a dangerous breed, Councillor Joe Seili described them as very temperamental.

Neil McGavin of Walton was acclaimed as president of the Huron-Bruce Federal Liberal Association last week when approximately 100 riding members gathered in Lucknow for the annual meeting.

“It’s an honour to be your president,” McGavin said. “I’ve never been deeply involved in politics; my dad was a few years ago, and for a while, I felt like it became a bit of a dirty word.”

The human resources department at Wingham and District Hospital took on a new director: Larry Hindle. Hindle assumed the responsibilities of his new role on Jan. 19.

February 11, 2010 The Blyth Brussels Bantam girls made a strong statement against Howick with a 5-0 victory in their opening provincial playoff game on Saturday.

Streetcore, a band from the Clinton area, brought high energy to Memorial Hall in Blyth on Sunday during the Epic Shift Youth Festival.

What an incredible game it was on Saturday for Blyth’s own Justin Peters.

In his National Hockey League debut with the Carolina Hurricanes, the butterfly-style goalie made 34 saves on his way to a 3-1 victory over the New York Islanders. He was named the game’s first star for his performance and received widespread admiration for his composure under pressure.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025. PAGE 5.

Other Views

The effect of war on growing food

O

ne of the outcomes of the recent ceasefire between Israel and the government in Gaza was the welcome inflow of food and other supplies to the starving people of Gaza.

What I learned in reading an article by Brenda Schoepp in a recent issue of Farmtario was that, until the outbreak of war two-and-ahalf years ago after the Hamas government of Gaza attacked Israel, killing more than 1,000 at a music festival and taking hostages who are only now being gradually released, Gaza was self-sufficient and food secure. The war forced them to become food insecure and dependent on imports.

The recent war wiped out most agricultural land, greenhouses, trees and water infrastructure - the ability to nurture food.

Gazans are the victims of 42 million tons of contaminated bombing debris that they must now deal with.

This is the high cost of war, aside from the multitude of deaths. In 2023, Schoepp reports, there were 59 conflicts in 35 countries where 300,000 lives were lost. Not reported is damage to land and water that erodes a nation’s ability to feed itself now and in the future.

We in Canada and the western world are familiar with the cost of two World Wars. The base content of a bomb is usually highly flammable white phosphorus, which itself causes decades of soil destruction and water contamination.

During the first 18 months of war in Ukraine, there were vast amounts of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide released into the atmosphere. This was free to blow in the wind to unknown places.

Schoepp argues Canadian farmers like our neighbours in Huron County cannot be thought

Keith Roulston

From the cluttered desk of in isolation, “for what happens a world away is part of the greater ecology”.

Areas of Europe where the First World War was fought are still scarred more than a century later. Soil is disturbed by the digging of trenches. Chemicals from weapons still affect the soil. Now and then farmers working the land still unearth unexploded weapons.

One would think that Russians, having had the Germans invade their country in World War II and be battled back, with who knows what poisons were left in their soil, would think twice about inflicting more damage on Ukraine, especially since they hope to make Ukraine part of an expanded Russia. Under Vladimir Putin, that lesson has not even been learned.

Ukraine was one of the major sources of food imported to feed starving people in Africa.

How many people will not get food to eat because of Russia’s invasion?

The population of the world continues to increase and we destroy food-producing soil needed to feed the expanded population. No doubt there will be wars in future years as starving countries seek to insure food for their people, which will destroy even more foodproducing land.

Meanwhile, we well-fed people in Canada, particularly those of us who live in southern

Ontario, continue to expand cities; our citybound leaders see little of the worth and necessity of growing food on the land we pave over. Because we have lots of food, we don’t understand its value. We also regularly elect leaders from urban areas who don’t see the necessity of growing food, because food, to them, comes from a grocery store where the shelves are always full.

Other urbanites are always casting doubt on the need to grow food in the earth because they invent ways of growing food indoors in buildings.

Of all the animals on earth, humans are the only one that destroys the very environment we depend on for life. We are creative enough to find ways to make war or build cities, but we are not wise enough to understand our need to eat when we have plenty and understand how fragile our food-making world is.

Our human population continues to expand.

More and more of us want to live in cities, leading to the loss of the very land we require to feed all those urban-dwellers. And we continue to find reasons to fight each other, leading to the destruction of the food-growing ability of land.

We Canadians living safely here in North America are blessed. We aren’t losing family members, friends and neighbours as those in Gaza, Ukraine and other war-torn places in the world are. But we need to remember how valuable the food-growing land is that we keep burying to enlarge cities.

Human life, the life protected by the growing of food, is so valuable that we need to preserve the soil that food is nourished by.

Something in humans gives little value to something that is so common. Yet soil is also precious and should be valued.

The cold, hard truth about ‘ChaffHog Day’

A

shadow fell upon us all that day. A long, writhing shadow, thick with implication. We awoke with the same familiar dread, the kind that gnaws at the corners of memory, but this time, it had form.

And movement. And, though we hesitate to say it, a knowing smile. ChaffHog Day had come again.

We don’t need to remind you what that means. No one wants to be reminded. The council has asked us not to dwell on it, the emergency services have made their stance clear and the remaining witnesses - the ones who still speak - have nothing more to add.

But let’s be honest. The scars run deep, the asphalt still bears its wounds and there are places we do not walk anymore.

Could it have been prevented? That’s a complicated question. The task force, hastily assembled in the aftermath (and even more hastily disbanded), would tell you that mistakes were made but also, crucially, that mistakes were not made. The official report contains both statements in equal measure, bound together in what can only be described as a kind of legal Möbius strip. The point is, we move forward. We must move forward.

The festival board maintains that next year’s celebrations will go ahead as planned, but noticeably, no one is committing to a venue. The mayor remains at large.

The sun rose in the east that morning. That was the last normal thing that happened. By noon, there were already signs. At first, just the kind of oddities that make you tilt your head and squint, wondering if you’re seeing what you think you’re seeing. The air felt too thick, like it was carrying something weightier than moisture. The birds weren’t where they should have been, or perhaps they were, but not in the numbers they should have been. And then, the hoofprints.

Scott Stephenson The Chaff No one wanted to be the first to point them out, but they were there, deep in the mud, deeper than hooves should sink. At first, just in the fairground. Then at the intersection.

Then outside homes. Outside our homes. By the time the sun hit its highest point, they had begun to change; widening, stretching, becoming something else entirely.

The first whisper came from the river. A sound like water should not make; a low, guttural churn, thick with weight, thick with something else. Those who heard it first said it pulled at them, not with force, but with suggestion, as though the current had learned speech and was testing its voice. By the time we gathered at the banks, the water had stilled, unnaturally so, the surface smooth as glass, reflecting nothing.

Then the trees bent. Not with the wind, for there was none. They leaned in concert, as if listening, as if waiting. A man we do not name anymore stepped forward to touch one, to test it, and the bark gave way beneath his fingers like wet paper. The smell that rose from within - acrid, metallic - sent us stumbling back. He did not.

We do not talk about what happened next.

What we can say is that when we left, the river had gone. Not dried up, not receded: gone. The trees had straightened, but their shadows pointed in no direction we could understand. The man was still with us. And yet, in every way that mattered, he was not.

That was when the phones stopped working.

By then, people had started running, but where do you run when there is no confirmed threat, only the certainty that something has begun? The task force later dismissed the reports as hysteria, but the footage exists. The council won’t release it, the authorities deny its authenticity, but the eyes of those who have seen it tell a different story. You can tell when someone has watched the tape. Their breathing changes. They develop little tics, micro-movements in response to things that aren’t there. We don’t ask what they saw. We don’t want to know.

The barn is gone. That much is undeniable.

What remains of it isn’t burned, isn’t shattered, isn’t even damaged in the conventional sense. It simply isn’t there. The ground where it stood is cold to the touch, even now. Scientists came to test it. Their results were inconclusive. They left quickly.

There are theories, of course. There are always theories. That it was a gas leak. That it was mass hysteria. That it was a hoax.

People love to call things a hoax when the alternative is too large to hold in their minds.

The festival board has announced next year’s ChaffHog Day will be a more “modest” affair, focusing on “community” and “heritage.” It will not be held at the fairgrounds. There will be no re-enactments this time. No livestock. No drums.

No one has seen the mayor.

There is no official curfew, but no one lingers outside after dark anymore. If you must go out, don’t go alone. If you hear hoofbeats, check your clock. If it’s midday, find shelter. If it’s midnight, it’s too late.

Above all, whatever happens next, don’t look directly at it.

Happy ChaffHog Day!

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

Wave of Ruination

A

TTENTION! Lightning Round of all that Donald Trump, U.S. President and budding imperialist, has ruined: GO! (This is, of course, a fun exercise that will not be focusing on the things that he has actually ruined, like the international reputation of his country and its people; democracy; life for any person who isn’t white, straight, male and rich; relationships with his close international allies; civility of any kind in politics, etc.)

• The role of hats in politics. This one’s big.

As someone who once wrote an entire column about breaking in a new hat (must have been a slow news week), take it from me that I never thought that hats would play such an outsized role in the world of today’s politics. This came about when Trump debuted the internationallyrecognized flag of the moron, his now-iconic “Make America Great Again” hat.

Why speak when your hat can do all the talking? We’ve now seen Premier Doug Ford with his “Canada Is Not For Sale” hat and now his opposition, Liberal Party leader Bonnie Crombie has worn a hat with big letters saying “Real Leaders Fix Healthcare”. There’s been no indication as to what type of hat Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles will wear on the campaign trail; maybe one with her name on it so people can familiarize themselves with it.

• Slogan politics. I’ll direct you again to the aforementioned “Make America Great Again” slogan that has swallowed up the entire rest of the political landscape. After Trump changed the slogan game forever, if you ran for office without a catchy, easily-digestible phrase or two, what were you even doing with your life?

Pierre “Axe-the-Tax, Bring-it-Home, Spikethe-Hike, Fighting-for-You, Stop-the-Crime, Build-the-Homes, Fix-the-Budget” Poilievre has accepted three-word slogans as his Lord and Saviour, but have you? Accept the slogans.

• Finding out some people you used to like are trash. One by one, people are confidently and aggressively tightening up the rope around their pants and shouting their Trump allegiance from the rooftops. Of course, this is expected from some, but not others. Those who despise Trump didn’t care about losing Jon Voight or Tim Allen or James Woods or Dean Cain or Kid Rock. But when the likes of Snoop Dogg and Wayne Gretzky bowed to Trump, it hurt.

• Killing social media for anyone who isn’t braindead. We all saw the line of the world’s most powerful men at Trump’s inauguration.

Billionaires who run companies like Meta, X, Amazon and Google were there, seated in front of Trump’s cabinet picks. One by one, they have bent the knee to Trump; Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos in very obvious ways and others, like Mark Zuckerberg, in more “subtle” ways, like Facebook ending its fact-checking process and paying Trump $25 million to “settle a lawsuit” over suspending Trump’s accounts regarding posts around the Jan. 6 insurrection.

These spaces are destined to become more putrid than they already are and, with all these goofs chasing A.I. and space travel supremacy, we should all take a pause before willingly and excessively pumping their servers full of our personal data and our children’s data. They are up to something in the evil Bond villain way.

Always remember that famous quote, “If something is free, you are the product.”

• Curb Your Enthusiasm. Larry David’s hit HBO show is now ruined for those who once enjoyed it. This is because Cheryl Hines, the actor who played Larry’s wife, is, in real life, married to RFK Jr. and is now ever-present in some of the most surreal moments in history that you can’t help but wait for the famous theme to kick in, amplifying the folly of it all.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025.

‘Come from Away’ cast performs show 1,000 in Toronto A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231

All in the family Above, Councillor Justin Morrison of Huron East extends greetings from Council during the Brussels Agricultural Society’s annual general meeting on Jan. 30. Below, BAS (Scott Stephenson Treasurer Glenda Morrison presents the financial report to attendees. photos)

February: a new month with endless possibilities. The famous rodent has made the guess and one way or another this winter will pass.

Travel this past week has been interesting, with each day giving us a new view depending on which direction you were headed, determined whether you went or not. Our ever-changing weather is one of the things that makes Huron County such an interesting place to live.

Several snippets were in the press last week concerning the Canadian play Come from Away. It was marking its 1,000th performance in Toronto. Partners Irene Sankoff and David Hein worked with an incubator program at Sheridan College to premier the show in 2015. It is in the big leagues of theatre productions, going across Canada in addition to 1,600 showings on Broadway. It’s running now at the Royal Alex until April; an excellent play on the generosity of people and the human qualities of the 38 planeloads of visitors that landed in Gander, Newfoundland on Sept. 11, 2001. This story is part of our history; a proud moment captured in the play.

A horror was remembered last week as well. It’s 80 years since the

liberation of Auschwitz, where it is estimated that 1.1 million people were murdered. Some of the survivors spoke at the ceremony in Poland. World leaders laid wreaths at the death wall. Their horror stories told of people lined up at this wall and shot. They said that the Holocaust was “step-by-step antisemitism” and their fear for today is the rising hate around the world. The term, “Lest we forget” is very relevant here, as we need to see how words can start such a horror and 80 years ago, six million people were murdered because of hate. We have to be aware of how words unchecked can do such harm... yes, even today.

I hope you had a few good books to read on the stormy days Take care of yourself.

Bye now. Betty GW

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

BRUSSELS MINOR BALL 2025 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN Visit www.brusselstigersfastball.ca to register online, or attend in-person registration on

Thursday, February 20 from 6-7:30 pm

At the Branch

Planning meeting cancelled

By Jo-Ann McDonald The weather seems to make the rules these days on what’s happening at the Branch.

A planning meeting for the zone convention to be held at the Branch last Monday evening was cancelled because of weather. I’m not sure about the Cadets, but they did not have school that day. The Citizen of the Year Award presentations were to be held Wednesday evening but, again, the weather forced the cancellation of that evening.

The Thursday night blind mixed darts went on as usual, but I have misplaced the results!

On Friday, it was pub night at the Branch with wings and fries at the Branch. Stubby D was on hand for karaoke. A good crowd enjoyed the evening.

The Branch had six Comrades attend the zone mixed darts

competition on Sunday. Jim and Sandra Brown finished fifth in the doubles event and Jim, Sandra, Chris Brown and Catrina Josling finished fifth in the team event.

They will advance to the district darts competition in April.

Looking ahead to February, there are five events booked: the regular Brussels Lions Club meeting, the Birthday Ladies group, the monthly euchre tournament, karaoke on the last Friday of the month and the public speaking competition being held on Feb. 22.

There is a maximum of 40 teams for euchre, so call today to reserve your spot to play.

We encourage the youth to start working on a speech for the public speaking competition. Being able to speak in public is a talent you will use all your life. Look for the posters around town or call or speak

with Nanci Ducharme for more information.

at the Brussels Morris and Grey Community Centre, 800 Sports Drive, Brussels All registration closes March 31, 2025.

Kids born between 2004-2021 Follow Brussels Minor Baseball on Facebook for more details.

Correction In last week’s issue of The Citizen, Mary Ann Thompson was misidentified in a cutline discussing her third-place finish at the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies’ annual District 8 competition.

The Citizen regrets the error.

Celebrating A Special Occasion?

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

Branch 218 Brussels, ON

Public Speaking Contest

Saturday, February 22 12:30 pm - Doors open for registration 1:30 pm - Speeches begin

Open to all school-aged children Public Welcome Participating schools: North Woods Elementary & Howick Central Questions regarding public speeches call 519-531-1205

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025. PAGE 7.

Locals fall victim to ATM scams

Living the dream The once-in-a-decade snowmobile season being enjoyed right now in Huron County and beyond continued throughout the weekend as dozens of riders made their way to Blyth for lunch and perhaps a beverage at Cowbell Brewing in the south end of the village.

Thanks to the mountain of snow and persistent cold temperatures, snowmobilers have been able to ride the trails for weeks, a luxury that hasn’t been afforded to them in some time. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

Arena connects community NEWS N EWS F FROM ROM BLYTH BLYTH Sarah Malpass Sarah Malp pass malpass.blyth@gmail.com m malpass.bl alpass.blyth@gm mail.com

By Sarah Malpass In the depths of winter, when it’s well below freezing outside and snow is falling from the sky, what do the residents of Blyth enjoy doing? Well, if it’s a Sunday afternoon, our family loves nothing better than to head to the Blyth and District Community Centre for a warm-up and some light exercise!

We love going to the arena because there is always someone different to talk to. When everyone is hibernating from the winter

weather, it’s a warm place to gather, relatively speaking, and there you can really feel the sense of community that we have in Blyth. I have spoken to a number of people on the ice who I’ve never spoken to properly before; that person who regularly says good morning as you pass in the street, the school bus driver who you never normally have a chance to really get to know in the brief seconds that the bus doors open!

It’s great to see such a variety of

people and abilities using the rink.

There are people, like me, just skating around slowly. Mothers getting some light exercise with their newborns. Toddlers taking their first glides on the ice.

Children and young adults practising their fancy footwork and those trying to get faster and faster.

This, all in addition to the seasoned veterans showing off the silky smooth skills that a lifetime of skating gives.

And it isn’t just confined to those on the ice, as there is often a friendly face on the sidelines; a parent or grandparent carefully watching over their brood, but still able to talk and catch up with other community members as they come off the ice.

So, whether you prefer to take to the ice or watch from the stands it’s a wonderful place to meet new people or chat with friends and neighbours! There is always a great community spirit and someone to chat with too!

MAITLAND VALLEY CAMERA CLUB

Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating three recent scams that took advantage of Huron County residents while using ATM machines at local banks.

Huron OPP have determined that, on Jan. 18, 2025, at least three separate incidents took place at two different banks in Exeter (South Huron) and in the Town of Goderich.

In both incidents that occurred in Exeter, victims (aged 64 and 67) were using the bank ATM when they were “assisted” by an unknown person who appeared to be trying to help the victims. The real bank cards were swapped with fake cards during the interactions.

The suspect(s) then stole money from the victims’ accounts after obtaining their PINs. One victim lost $900, while the other lost $1,400.

In the Goderich incident, the victim, who is 95 years of age, was using the bank ATM when their debit card showed an error on the machine and would not eject from

the ATM. The victim departed the bank and later discovered that her debit card had been used to remove $1,500 from the ATM and another $2,000 in purchases at a local retail store.

Police are still investigating the frauds and are asking the public to come forward if they have any information that may assist police.

“This is a good time to remind everyone that while using bank ATMs, be mindful of who is in or around the area before using the machine. Never provide your PIN (password) digits to anyone. They may tamper with the ATM, and try to ‘help’ you with your debit card,” says Constable Craig Soldan of the Huron OPP. Call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online at antifraudcentre.ca to learn more.

BLYTH UNITED CHURCH PRESENTS

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Saturday, February 8th Take-out only 4:30 - 6:00 pm Adults: $25.00 Children: 6-12 years: $10.00 Under 6: Free

NEWS FROM BLYTH

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PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025.

Sports Three Huron Heat teams heading to Buffalo

Sweater Day Below, the U13 B Huron Heat welcomed the Central Perth Predators to Brussels on Sunday for a playoff game, but fell by a score of 2-0, while the U13 C Heat played the Stratford Aces, also in Brussels, above, and won that playoff game by a score of 2-0.

(John Stephenson photos)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen This weekend, three Huron Heat teams - the U13 A, U15 A and U18 BB squads - will be crossing the border to Buffalo, New York to take part in an international girls’ hockey tournament there.

On the morning of Friday, Feb. 7, the U13 A Heat team will take on the Mooretown Lady Flags, the U15 A Heat will play the North Bay Junior Lakers and the U18 BB Heat will play Gilmour, followed by a second round of games for the U13 A team with the Burlington

Barracudas, the U15 A Heat with the Mooretown Lady Flags and the U18 BB Heat with the Barrie Sharks.

On Saturday morning, bright and early (the puck is scheduled to drop at 6:30 a.m.), the U13 A Heat will play the Potomac Lady Patriots, followed by a game later that day with the North Halton Twisters.

Tournament action in Buffalo will continue for the U15 A Heat with a game against the Oswego Lady Buccaneers, while the U18 BB Heat will play the Scarborough Sharks.

As for local action on the weekend, on Friday, the U11 HL

Heat will host a playoff game with the Lucan Irish in Blyth, while the U9 B Heat and the Senior C Heat teams will play regular season games with the Lambton Attack in Hensall and Belmore on

the road, respectively, that night.

The next day, the U11 C Heat will play the Devilettes in London as the playoffs continue. In other playoff action, the U11 HL Heat will play the Lucan Irish, the U13 C Heat will play the St. Thomas Panthers and the U13 B Heat will play the Mount Forest Rams, all on the road.

In regular season action that day, the U9 C Heat will play the South Huron Sabres on the road, the U7 Heat will play the Devilettes in London, the U11 A Heat will play the Bluewater Hawks on the road and the Senior team will play the Twin Centre Hericanes at home in Clinton.

To round out the weekend on Sunday, the U15 B and U13 C Heat teams will host playoff games in Clinton with the St. Marys Rock and St. Thomas Panthers, respectively, while, over in Brussels, the U13 B Heat will host a playdown contest with the St. Marys Rock and the U13 HL Heat will welcome the Central Perth Predators to the village for a playoff game.

Late that night, the U11 C Heat will host the South Huron Sabres in Hensall for playdowns, while the U15 B Heat have a playoff game with the Central Perth Predators on the road.

In regular season action, the U9 B Heat will play the Grand River Mustangs in Clinton, the U9 HL Heat will play the Panthers in St. Thomas, the U9 B Heat will play the Lambton Attack in Alvinston and the U11 A Heat will play the Lambeth Lancers, also on the road.

On Tuesday, Feb. 11, playdowns continue for the U13 C Heat with a game against the St. Marys Rock in

Brussels, with a regular season game between the U9 B Heat and the Wilmot Wolverines on the road also scheduled for that night.

The next day, the U13 A Heat will play a regular season game with the Devilettes in London, while the U18 C Heat will head to Howick for a playdown game with the Upper Maitland Mustangs.

On Feb. 13, the U18 C Heat will host a playoff game with the Lucan Irish in Blyth, while, the next day, the U15 A Heat will host a playoff game with the Stratford Aces in Hensall.

That weekend, also Family Day weekend, the Huron Heat will host its Bring The HEAT Tournament for the U11 HL and U11 C divisions with all of the games being played in Seaforth over the course of the weekend.

Looking back, on Monday, the U13 C Heat beat the Woodstock Wildcats in a playoff game on the road by a score of 1-0.

In playoff action one day earlier, Sunday, Feb. 2, the U15 B Heat lost to the Kitchener Lady Rangers by a score of 3-2, the U13 B Heat lost to the Central Perth Predators in Brussels by a score of 2-0, the U13 C Heat beat the Stratford Aces by a score of 2-0 in Brussels and the U11 HL Heat lost to the Central Perth Predators on the road by a score of 4-1. The U11 C Heat and the Woodstock Wildcats, the U13 HL Heat and Lucan/Ilderton and the U15 C Heat and Lucan/South Huron, all played on the road, all ended their playoff games tied at one, while the U15 B Heat and the Central Perth Predators, also on the road, ended their Continued on page 9

Family Day Open House

Winter Carnival Step right up for the Huron County Museum’s annual Family Day Open House featuring Winter Carnivalthemed games and activities!

Monday, Feb. 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | FREE admission

110 North St., Goderich www.HuronCountyMuseum.ca

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025. PAGE 9.

Sports

Ironmen lose two, win one to remain in fifth

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen It was another weekend of extremes for the Wingham Ironmen, who beat the Goderich Flyers, but then lost to the Hanover Barons, resulting in little movement in the Provincial Junior Hockey League’s North Pollock Division standings. A mid-week loss to the Fergus Whalers on Tuesday night followed for the Ironmen.

It began on Saturday night in Goderich with an 8-5 victory over the Flyers and a five-goal first period for the Ironmen.

At 8:29, Nigel Kreager scored, assisted by Noah Wettlaufer, to put Wingham on the board, followed by a Cole Kuipers goal at 10:35, assisted by Tayt Bramhill and goaltender Noah Ricci, Tate Berfelz scoring on the power play at 16:55, assisted by Tanner Dietz and Adam MacRobbie, and a pair of Dawson

Dietz goals 11 seconds apart.

Dawson Dietz scored his seventh and eighth goals of the season at 18:04 of the first period, assisted by Seth Doney and Noah Wettlaufer, and at 18:15, assisted by Doney.

Goderich began scratching back as the second period began, with affiliated player Kingston Powell scoring at the two-minute mark, assisted by Nate Bloemberg, followed by an Ayden Hakkers goal at 5:52, assisted by Jared Houghton.

However, Jesse Coombs then scored a pair of goals for the Ironmen to put the game out of reach, first at 6:06 of the second, assisted by Tanner Dietz, followed by another at 14:09 of the second, on the power play, assisted by Tanner Dietz and Tayt Bramhill.

In the third period, the Flyers scored the first three goals to close the gap, but it wouldn’t be enough.

Kaeden MacDonald scored at 1:30, assisted by Ryan McGee, followed

by Nate Bloemberg scoring a power play goal at 5:58, assisted by Jack Stecho and Ayden Hakkers, and a Jared Houghton goal at 6:50, assisted by Kingston Powell.

However, Jesse Coombs would complete his hat trick for the Ironmen at 18:29 with an unassisted goal to end the game.

Noah Ricci won the game in net for the Ironmen, stopping 31 of the 36 shots he faced, before Carter Garvie ended the game in net stopping all nine of the shots he faced. For the Flyers, Tomas Brintnell started the game, stopping just 12 of 17 shots, before Christian DeJong relieved him, stopping 29 of the 32 shots he faced to finish the game, getting tagged with the loss.

It was a relatively clean game, with the Flyers falling afoul of the referees just three times for a total of six minutes in the penalty box, compared to four infractions for eight minutes for the Ironmen.

The next day, the Ironmen travelled to Hanover for a matinee with the Barons, which ended in a 7-3 win for the home team. The Continued on page 20

Blyth Legion Branch 420

Family Day Breakfast Monday, February 17th, 2025 (Scrambled Eggs, Sausage, Ham, Hashbrowns, Pancakes, Toast, Juice, Coffee & Tea)

Big win The U13 C Huron Heat welcomed the Stratford Aces to Brussels for a playoff game on Sunday and sent the visitors packing after beating them by a score of 2-0 to continue their playoff run. (John Stephenson photo)

Playoffs continue for Heat Continued from page 8 playoff game in a scoreless tie.

In regular season action, the U13 A Heat beat the Bluewater Hawks in Clinton by a score of 6-0, the U15 A Heat lost to the Bluewater Hawks, also in Clinton, by a score of 4-1 and the U9 C Heat lost to the Panthers in St. Thomas by a score of 6-4. The U18 BB Heat played the Junior Gryphons in Guelph that day as well, in addition to the U11 A Heat hosting the Kincardine Kinucks in Clinton, the Senior C team taking on Belmore in Brussels and the Senior team playing the Woolwich Wild in Seaforth, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

On Saturday, the U15 C Heat lost its playoff game with Lucan/South Huron in Goderich by a score of 10 and the U11 C Heat lost its playoff game with the Lambeth Lancers in Seaforth by a score of 50, while the U13 C Heat were in Wilmot for a playoff game with the Wolverines and lost by a score of 10.

In regular season action that day, the U9 C Heat lost to the Lucan Irish by a score of 2-0 in Seaforth, the U13 A Heat beat the Sarnia Lady Sting on the road by a score of 2-1 and the U18 BB Heat beat the Brantford Ice Cats in Clinton by a score of 2-0. The Senior C team played Monkton on the road, the U11 A Heat played the Kinucks in

Kincardine and the Senior team played the Kitchener Lady Rangers on the road, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

The lone regular season game last Friday was the U15 A Heat hosting the Woodstock Wildcats in Hensall in what would end up being a 2-0 win for Woodstock.

The U9 B and U18 C Huron Heat teams both took part in the annual London Devilettes Tournament over the weekend, with the U9 B Heat beating the Oakville Hornets (2-0) and London Devilettes (4-2) on Friday, but losing to the Stoney Creek Sabres (4-3) and then beating the Burlington Barracudas (10-0) on Saturday. The U18 C Heat team played the Woodstock Wildcats and London Devilettes on Friday and the Twin Centre Hericanes on Saturday, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

On Jan. 30, the U15 C Heat beat the Ilderton Jets in a playoff game in Brussels by a score of 2-0, while, on Jan. 28, the U11 C Heat lost its playoff game with the South Huron Sabres in Seaforth by a score of 2-0 and the U9 B Heat won a regular season game with the Wilmot Wolverines on the road by a score of 4-2.

The U11 C Heat hosted the Central Perth Predators for a playdown game in Seaforth on

Tuesday, Feb. 4, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time.

From 8 am to 11 am at 192 Dinsley Street, Blyth $12/person, children 6-10 - $6/person & children 5 & under are free Thank you for supporting the Blyth Legion Branch 420 & Legion Ladies Auxiliary.

Youth Winter 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 the photo.

Deadline March 28

Please help us get ALL the Winter Sports teams published.

The Citizen

405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792 info@northhuron.on.ca

PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025.

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www.ruralvoice e.ca

OFA focuses on priorities at election time

By Sara Wood, Vice President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture It’s election time in Ontario and, across the province, candidates have started meeting with voters and sharing their platforms. It’s a great time for all of us to be involved in our democratic process; focusing on the issues that matter and learning what candidates would do about them if elected.

At the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), where I serve as a vice-president, we regularly meet with politicians from all political parties and all levels of government, not just during an election. It’s part of our ongoing commitment to ensure that agricultural and rural needs and concerns are put in front of decision-makers.

During an election, however, the OFA puts a particular push on engaging with politicians from all parts of the province as they vie for votes on the campaign trail.

That’s because agriculture isn’t just a rural issue. As the largest contributor to the Ontario economy, a thriving agriculture sector helps keep communities healthy, making investment in rural and agriculture an investment into food sovereignty and sustainable farm production.

Protecting our ability here at home to grow as much of our own food, fuel, fibre and flowers as possible is critically important, especially in the face of trade disruptions, geopolitical upheaval and the impacts of a changing climate on the world’s foodproducing regions.

To do so, we need strong farming

businesses and a competitive, supportive economic and legislative environment that will let them be sustainable and profitable.

At the OFA, we believe candidates must show leadership in three priority areas to best support food, farming and rural development in Ontario: protecting farmland through responsible landuse planning, supporting the agricultural sector to secure Ontario’s food supply, and investing in rural infrastructure Farmland preservation Our farmland is the cornerstone that supports every major aspect of life in Ontario. For Ontario farmers to maintain supply and meet demand for local products, farmland needs to be protected, and urban sprawl contained.

Agricultural land is a finite resource, making up less than five per cent of Ontario’s land, and when it is lost, it is lost forever.

Long-term land-use planning must balance encouraging urban and industrial growth with protecting agricultural land to ensure we have the resources available to continue producing food for the future.

We are asking candidates to support: protecting domestic food and farm production by preserving farmland through smart land use planning policy and intensifying development in the existing urban footprint and distributing economic development province-wide.

Supporting local food and farming businesses Buying local matters. Studies have shown that if every Ontario household spent an additional $10 a

week on local food and farm products, it would generate $2.4 billion annually and create 10,000 new jobs.

At the same time, farmers need government policy that supports production, reduces regulatory burdens, improves farm business’ capacity to manage risk from challenges like climate change and market fluctuations, and helps address labour shortages in the sector.

We are asking candidates to support: prioritizing local production to strengthen our control over the availability and safety of our food and protect against disruptions, creating better programs and strategies to promote jobs and careers in the agri-food sector, and the education programs

that feed those jobs.

Investing in rural Ontario’s physical and social infrastructure Infrastructure is an essential part of Ontario’s economy and is critical to attracting new businesses and residents. Investments into physical and social infrastructure across the province support distributed economic development and growth of Ontario’s rural hubs - the only practical, long-term solution to ease our transportation and housing crises.

This means roads, bridges and proper drainage; affordable, accessible energy; reliable and affordable cellular and high-speed internet coverage, and quality schools and healthcare.

We are asking candidates to

support: much-needed investments in the maintenance, repair, resilience and growth of rural Ontario’s critical infrastructure, an integrated energy plan that balances reliability, affordability, and sustainability, and continued expansion of rural communications infrastructure to address current inefficiencies and barriers.

Local food and farm products, preserving farmland and strong communities affect all Ontarians, whether rural or urban. Regardless of where you live in the province, I encourage you to connect with your local candidates and talk about these issues.

It’s important that candidates from all parties and in all ridings are aware of the important role that agriculture plays in our province.

Giving Back At its recent annual general meeting, the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association approved three donations, one of them in the amount of $1,000 to Huron Hospice. Now-Past-President Cole McDonald, left, made the presentation to Christopher Walker of the Hospice. (Photo submitted)

LIVESTOCK REPORT

For the week ending January 31, 2025 Total Receipts: 1,670 cattle, 450 lambs, sheep and goats.

Tuesday – Fed cattle sold on a strong active trade $2 - $3 higher. Cows sold on a strong active trade.

Thursday – Veal sold steady, lambs and sheep sold steady. Goats sold higher.

Friday – Calves and yearlings sold on a strong active trade.

Fed Cattle: There were 65 fed cattle on offer.

Choice Fed Cattle: $270 – $287 Second Cut Fed Cattle: N/A Aged and Medium Fed Cattle: N/A Holstein Fed Cattle: N/A Mervin Martin of Flesherton, consigned 11 head. Four black fed steers averaged 1,616 lbs. and sold for an average price of $284.

Henk Dejong of Fordwich, consigned nine head. Six black fed heifers averaged 1,373 lbs. and sold for an average price of $278.

Cows: There were 225 cows on offer:

Beef Cows: $155 – $221 Good Holstein Cows: $164 – $215 Medium Holstein Cows: $155 – $163 Bulls: $185 – $200.50 Jonathan M. Martin of Wroexter, consigned four head. One simmental cow weighed 1,310 lbs. and sold for a price of $221.

Rolling Land Farms Ltd. of Blyth, consigned four head. One holstein cow weighed 1,360 lbs. and sold for a price of $215.

Veal: There were 140 veal and 40 bob calves on offer.

Beef Veal: $301 – $360 Good Holsteins: $280 – $315 SL Heavy Holsteins: $275 – $290 Heavy Holsteins: $250 – $285 Medium Holsteins: $260 – $280 Plain Holsteins: $240 – $260 Holstein Drop Calves: $675 – $1,625 / HEAD Peel Dominium of Bluevale, consigned seven head. One holstein cross veal weighed 745 lbs. and sold for a price of $351.

Cranbrook Farms of Brussels, consigned 10 head. Two holstein bob calves sold for $1,625 per head.

Dean Furlan of Chatham, consigned 13 head. Four kid goats averaged 102 lbs. and sold for an average price of $462.50.

Lambs:

Stockers: There were 1,200 stockers on offer.

Under 50 lbs.: $455 – $515 50-64 lbs.: $415 – $425 65-79 lbs.: $363 – $427.50 80-94 lbs.: $360 – $412.50 95-109 lbs.: $310 – $366 110 lbs. and over: $245 – $300 Sheep: $105 – $302.50 Steve Zettle of Tara, consigned 18 head.

Nine lambs averaged 62 lbs. and sold for an average price of $425.

K & S Bouwman of Teeswater, consigned 28 head. Ten lambs averaged 81 lbs. and sold for an average price of $412.50.

Goats: Meat Kids: $500 – $582.50 Dairy Kids: $420 – $500 Mature Bucks: $350 – $450 Mature Does: $142.50 – $250 Leo Webster of Parkhill, consigned eight head. Six kid goats averaged 57 lbs. and sold for an average price of $582.50.

Dan Coulthard of Stratford, consigned 70 head. Twenty-one black steers averaged 718 lbs. and sold for an average price of $440. Twenty black heifers averaged 719 lbs. and sold for an average price of $399.

Top Quality Steers: Under 400 lbs.: $485 – $620 400 – 499 lbs.: $465 – $573 500 – 599 lbs.: $430 – $532.50 600 – 699 lbs.: $425 – $493 700 – 799 lbs.: $404 – $449 800 – 899 lbs.: $378 – $437.50 900 – 999 lbs.: $366 – $405 1,000 lbs. and over: $355.50 – $371.25

A-J Acres of New Liskeard, consigned 74 head. Twenty-one black steers averaged 810 lbs. and sold for an average price of $437.50.

Top Quality Heifers:

Maurice Martin of Listowel consigned fifteen head. Ten charolais steers averaged 912 lbs. and sold for an average price of $397.50.

Under 400 lbs.: Too few to establish a market 400 – 499 lbs.: $400 – $480 500 – 599 lbs.: $405 – $474.50 600 – 699 lbs.: $385 – $447.50 700 – 799 lbs.: $358 – $407.50 800 – 899 lbs.: $344 – $390 900 lbs. and over: $325 – 369.50 Rob Droefke of Chepstow, consigned 59 head. Eight limousin steers averaged 483 lbs. and sold for an average price of $573. Ten limousin heifers averaged 623 lbs. and sold for an average price of $416.50.

Dutchdale Farms of Lucknow, consigned six head. One holstein veal weighed 705 lbs. and sold for a price of $301.

Courtesy of Brussels Livestock website

Reuben S. Martin of Wallenstein, consigned 30 head. Sixteen charolais steers averaged 1,047 lbs. and sold for an average price of $370.50.

Argyle Farms of Dutton, consigned 44 head. Eleven black heifers averaged 525 lbs. and sold for an average price of $444.

Amos Martin of Douglas, consigned 20 head. Fifteen charolais heifers averaged 933 lbs. and sold for an average price of $369.50.

Laverne G. Martin of Moorefield, consigned seven head. Five red heifers averaged 1,000 lbs. and sold for 345.50.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025. PAGE 11.

From the Minister’s Study

Choose to wait patiently for God to act: Allen

By Douglas Allen, Huron Chapel Evangelical Missionary Church, Auburn For some, Feb. 3 has significance as the “Feast of Saints Simeon and Anne”. It gives us the opportunity to recall the events recorded in Luke 2:22-38. Based on Luke’s account, tradition has placed this feast day the appropriate number of days after Christmas. Strangely, the story of the wisemen, which chronologically occurred much later, is usually celebrated in early January. After studying the passage, I suggest that Simeon’s story, which we often overlook, is important to our understanding of God’s purpose in the sending of His Son in human form. The prophecy included in this passage ought to be seen as a significant contribution to the series of divine revelations that cumulatively form the Christmas narrative.

That narrative, as we are so used to having it portrayed, does us a disservice in that it fails to show how the “story” consists of a series of divine revelations concerning Jesus, both before and after His birth. Just as the revelations given to Zechariah and Elizabeth (Luke, Chapter 1) are significant, so too are those attributed to Simeon. We should not limit our attention just to the accounts of Mary, Joseph and the shepherds.

The passage is introduced with Luke’s typical attention to historical detail. Eight days after His birth, Jesus had been circumcised and officially named.

After another 33-day period, during which Mary was considered ceremonially unclean, Jesus’ parents come to the temple to offer a sacrifice on her behalf: that of her first-born son. While possibly inconvenient, the trip was necessary to be faithful to the law.

They likely had no inclination that something very special was about to happen in a “chance meeting” with a stranger. But this was no chance meeting; God has orchestrated the circumstances in such a way as to confirm a promise, and as a further elaboration of His purposes that began with the recent birth of their son (that’s another article).

We aren’t told much about Simeon, except that he was “righteous and devout”. To be righteous describes a person having a right relationship with God; to be devout suggests a deep religious commitment that leads to a growing spiritual maturity that is evident in daily life. The result was that “The

Holy Spirit was upon him.” Luke has already shown the connection between spiritual character and God’s presence when Zechariah and Elizabeth are described as “righteous and walking blamelessly”. Similarly, it is implied when Mary was addressed by the angel as “favoured one”.

Simeon is described as having a great yearning for the salvation that was to accompany the Messiah promised by the Old Testament prophets. To have unwavering faith that the promise would be fulfilled after 400 years of waiting would have put Simeon among a small remnant of believers. It was that uncommon faith that led to the revelation that he would not die before seeing the promised saviour.

There is no indication of how much of a time lapse occurred between receiving the promise and its fulfillment. While Simeon is believed to be advanced in age, we have no indication when the promise was received. Whether the time lapse was long or short, Simeon’s faith is characterized by

patience. We can only guess how often he had gone to the temple wondering if that was the day.

Finally, his wait was over: “He came in the Spirit into the temple” (Luke 2:27). One scholar suggests that Simeon would have met Jesus’ parents in the court of women or the court of the Gentiles, a part of the temple not usually frequented by devout Jewish men. This offers further evidence of his willingness to follow God’s leading.

We cannot know whether Simeon had heard about the miraculous circumstances surrounding the birth in nearby Bethlehem of a boy-child, who was rumoured to be the longexpected Messiah. Nor can we assume that he had knowledge of the claims of the shepherds. What we do know is that God had revealed to him that the one he was about to meet is the Messiah.

Imagine Mary and Joseph’s reaction when they first encounter Simeon. His overwhelming joy as he recognizes the fulfillment of the long-awaited promise would be unmistakable. Luke reports that as

Evangelical Missionary Church

Pastor Mike Stanley will be preaching on “Born Again into the Kingdom” John 3:1-16

Brussels Mennonite Fellowship Come Worship with us Sundays at 10:00 am Co ee Time 11:00 am To stay the course, trust the compass of God’s Word.

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

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

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

166 Dinsley St. W, Blyth

21 Jarvis St. Seaforth 519-527-1522

23 John St E Wingham 519-357-4883

revjoann@hurontel.on.ca

holyspirit@tcc.on.ca

stpauls@hurontel.on.ca

www.holyspiritseaforth.ca

www.regionalministryof hope.com

The Regional Ministry of Hope

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

The Regional Ministry of

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Services e v are live-streamed s d and can be found o by s b searching h ng “Blyth l Christian h ia Reformed e Church”

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United Chu ur urch

119 John’s Ave., Auburn 519-526-1131

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Worship Service Su unday Feb. 9 at 9:30 a.m m.

Mufffins, f scones, coffffee and discusssion following service “MESSY Y CHURCH” Feb. 12 4:45 – 7 p.m. dinner included Contact Alex at ministter.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.co y @g om Website: brusselsandblythuc.ca brusselsandblythuc b ca P.O. Box 359, Brussels ~ 519-887-6259 P.

MEL LV VILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS

Sunday, February 9, 2025 9:30 a.m.

We extend a loving welcome to all to join us as Rev. Amanda Bisson leads us in worship, prayer and praise to God. Join us every Friday from 11:30 - 1 p.m. for lunch. This free meal is made possibble by the munity.

Brussels churches and many volunteers working together to serve our comm All are welcome!

Sunday, February 9 at 10 a.m.

Cranbrook Hall, 84335 McNabb Line Childcare and Sunday School provided for children 0 to 8 during the sermon

Worship and Prayer Time Loving Fellowship Expository Preaching

Please note temporary venue change!

More details at: brusselscommunitybiblechapel.ca

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 pastoral care concerns please call 519-524-7512 2

Blyth United Church

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

220 Carling Terrace

Lunch and Annual Meeting to follow

To talk to Pastor Mike please email pastormike@huronchapel.com

C h b

Note time change: 11:00 am

On-site and online - live.huronchapel.com

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Sunday, February 9

Nursery & Sunday School during worship

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BRUSSELS S

Soup & More 2

Sunday, February 9, 10:30 a.m.

was said about him” (2:33).

There is much we can learn in this story of Simeon. Consider the emotional release that came when he recognized that the promise had at last been fulfilled: “Now Master, dismiss your servant in peace according to your word.” Notice how his first reaction reveals his spiritual mindset. In language that closely resembles a Psalm, he compares himself to that of a servant who has been instructed by his master to remain watchful through the long dark night for the Continued on page 18

“he took Jesus in his arms, he blessed God.” It wasn’t the first time that strangers had reported a supernatural insight into the future significance of their child. When the shepherds found the child of whom they had received an angelic vision, “they had made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child” (Luke 2:18).

Luke goes on to add that, “Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.”

Similarly, after this encounter with Simeon, he writes, “Jesus’ father and his mother marveled at what

“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” Isaiah 40:3

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

1025 Wallace Avenue N.

The outreach project for February is North Huron Connection Center Contact Alex at: minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com

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

Website: nhpc.dol.ca

Telephone: 519-357-2435

PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025.

Understanding CPP benefits at different ages Crown Corporation that operates at arm’s length from the federal and provincial governments. The independent Office of the Chief Actuary, which monitors the

long-term health of the Fund, says in its latest review that the CPP Fund is financially sustainable for at least the next 75 years.

Plan with your kids NC - Many parents today believe their children will face greater financial challenges in life than they did, especially when it comes to achieving major milestones like buying a home or retiring. One way to help set your kids up for success is by talking about money and teaching good financial habits.

“By fostering an open dialogue about finances, parents are not just teaching their kids about saving and budgeting, they’re helping them to build a more secure financial future,” explains Emily Ross, vicepresident of everyday advice at TD. Here are some tips to get started.

• Create age-specific finance goals. Tweens and teens can work towards a bigger purchase, like a new laptop or special activity.

Younger kids can save birthday money for a toy or learn about saving money at the grocery store by comparing prices of items.

• Provide an allowance.

Consider this When you opt in for Canada Pension Plan matters. Make sure you understand the differences, benefits and potential drawbacks. (News Canada photo) NC - Financial planners used to ask their clients, “What if you die?

How will you look after your family?” Nowadays, with people living longer, the question is, “What if you live?”

One of the key decisions that many Canadians need to make in retirement planning is when to begin receiving your Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits. It’s an important decision that can have a significant impact on retirement income, but it’s a decision that is different for everyone based on personal circumstances.

Understanding the impact of early and late benefits: The standard age to receive CPP benefits is 65. You can start as early as 60, but you’ll receive a smaller amount, or you can delay until 70 and receive higher benefits. (The maximum monthly amount is reached at 70, except for increases due to inflation.)

Here’s how it works: If you choose to start receiving benefits before age 65, payments will decrease by 0.6 per cent each month (or 7.2 per cent per year), up to a maximum reduction of 36 per cent if you start at age 60.

If you start after age 65, payments increase by 0.7 per cent each month (or 8.4 per cent per year) up to a maximum of 42 per cent if you wait until age 70.

Based on those figures, if you were eligible to receive $10,000 a year in CPP benefits at 65, the amount would be $6,400 if you started taking payments at age 60 versus $14,200 at 70.

Factors to consider before deciding: It can be daunting to

make the decision, but there are several questions you can ask yourself before you decide - and of course you can choose to begin receiving benefits any time between ages 60 and 70.

For example, you may consider taking CPP earlier if you are ill or have a family history of shorter lifespans. You may also want to pay off debts or invest the money. On the other hand, you may consider

waiting longer if you are healthy, have a family history of living longer and don’t need the money for immediate needs.

Benefits assurance: Whatever you decide, the benefits will be there for you - and you’ll keep receiving payments for as long as you live. As of Sept. 30, 2024, the Fund stands at $675 billion. It’s professionally managed by CPP Investments, the independent

Consider starting with a small amount, and chat with parents who have kids of a similar age to see what they’re giving. You can consider connecting the allowance to completing chores like setting the table or vacuuming.

• Take your child along on bank visits. If you’re looking to start your child’s saving journey or have a teen who’s ready to take the next step towards their financial goals, you can speak with a personal banker at your branch.

• Check out online resources.

There are online resources and games that can help build financial literacy at home for kids as young as three up until the age of 18.

• Develop a budget together.

Look for money management tools.

For example, TD has MySpend, which can help teenagers who have a debit or credit card account create a budget and work towards their saving goals.

DONALD A ANDREW ACCOUNTING

Accounting & Income Tax Services for FARMS, BUSINESSES & INDIVIDUALS 296 Ross St., Lucknow

Ph. 519-528-3019 dandrew@hurontel.on.ca

Last Wishes Pre-Planning...

Providing accounting, financial reporting and tax planning services for our diverse rural and urban community.

One of the best gifts you can give your family is the gift of a pre-planned funeral. Start today.

The primary advantages of pre-arranging your funeral is to relieve the burden on your loved ones in an already emotional time, and to ensure your funeral is carried out according to your wishes. Pre-planning and pre-paying your funeral is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give to your family. Pre-payment also protects you and your family from inflation, and the growth is non-taxable.

Don't wait! Start Your Pre-Plan Today

125 Ontario Street, Stratford Phone: (519) 271-7581 Fax: (519) 271-2737 E-Mail: office@fammeandco.on.ca 25 Water Street N., P.O. Box 1228, St. Marys Phone: (519) 284-1030 Fax: (519) 284-4393 E-Mail: st.marys@fammeandco.on.ca

401 Albert Street, Box 340,Brussels, ON N0G 1H0 Phone: 519-887-6336

210 Oxford Street, E. London Phone: (519) 432-1663 Fax: (519) 432-7662 E-Mail: london@famme.ca

407 Queen Street, Box 199, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 Phone: 519-523-4577 email: riversidefuneralhome@hotmail.com www.riversidefuneralhome.ca

Fax: 519-887-6438

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025. PAGE 13.

Build stronger financial habits that will stick • Make a budget and track your spending. These are two important habits that can improve your financial wellbeing. Start by looking at your spending habits and then create a budget that aligns with your monthly earnings. Make sure to capture all expenses, big and small, and to review your budget regularly to ensure you are staying on track.

• Monitor your cash flow.

Knowing and staying on top of your cash flow is an important step to not only ensure you have enough money to cover your expenses today, but to make long-term planning easier by identifying how much money you have to put towards savings and investing

goals. It can also help you determine if you need to tighten up your spending.

• Save and invest when and what you can. With everyday expenses adding up, it can sometimes seem impossible to find money to save or invest. A common misconception is that it takes a lot of money get started or make a difference. In reality, finding even a small amount of money to put away can add up over time. The most important thing is to just get started.

• Chip away at debt. Knowing how much debt you have is a good first step. Make a list of all your current debts, along with interest rates, then look at your budget to see how much you can put towards

paying off your debts. While there are many approaches you can take, one strategy is to focus on your highest-interest debt first.

• Get expert advice and use tools that can help. Get expert advice and use tools to help you keep your financial habits on track.

For example, digital tools like RBC’s NOMI, which provides a suite of capabilities that use artificial intelligence to help Canadians manage their money, can help remove some of the barriers and friction that can come with creating better financial habits.

Find more tips to help you navigate creating better financial habits at rbc.com/nomi.

Barry Elliott Mutual Fund Representative

HUB Capital Inc. 340 Bruce Road 86 R.R. #1 Lucknow, ON N0G 2H0

Time to get better If you want to develop strong financial habits, here are six tips to help get you there. (News Canada photo) NC - According to recent research, while three-quarters of Canadians say they have strong financial habits, many are still making money mistakes that could be impacting their financial wellbeing. These actions range from not setting financial goals to not keeping track of expenses. The research also uncovered that many Canadians feel they lack the time or knowledge to make good financial habits stick.

Want to avoid money mistakes and build stronger financial habits?

Here are six actions to help get you started.

• Set goals and create a plan.

Knowing what you want to achieve and creating a plan is an important step in making new financial habits stick. It allows you to see where you are financially and identify the habits you will need to create, and stick to, in order to reach your goals.

o: 519-357-1532 c: 519-357-5375

t: 1-877-357-1532 f: 519-357-1532

barry.elliott@hubcapital.ca www.hubcapital.ca

ʹʼˁʴˁʶʼʴʿ ˃ʿʴˁˁʼˁʺ ˊ˘ ˢ˙˙˘˥ ˙˜ˡ˔ˡ˖˜˔˟ ˣ˟˔ˡ˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˔˗˩˜˖˘ ˙ˢ˥ ˔˟˟ ˘˩˘ˡ˧˦ ˜ˡ ˬˢ˨˥ ˟˜˙˘ ʠ ˙˥ˢˠ ˢˡ˚ˢ˜ˡ˚ ˙˜ˡ˔ˡ˖˜˔˟ ˣ˟˔ˡˡ˜ˡ˚ ˧ˢ ˙ˢ˖˨˦˘˗ ˜ˡ˩˘˦˧ˠ˘ˡ˧ ˦˧˥˔˧˘˚˜˘˦ ˧˛˔˧ ˜ˡ˖˟˨˗˘ ˚ˢ˩˘˥ˡˠ˘ˡ˧ ˣ˥ˢ˗˨˖˧˦ʡ ʹ˜ˡ˔ˡ˖˜˔˟ ˣ˟˔ˡˡ˜ˡ˚ ˘ˡ˦˨˥˘˦ ˬˢ˨Ϡ˥˘ ˢˡ ˧˥˔˖˞ ˙ˢ˥ ˙˜ˡ˔ˡ˖˜˔˟ ˦˘˖˨˥˜˧ˬʡ ʿ˘˔˥ˡ ˠˢ˥˘ ˪˜˧˛ ˢ˨˥ ˙˜ˡ˔ˡ˖˜˔˟ ˔˗˩˜˦ˢ˥˦ ˧ˢ˗˔ˬʠ˪˘Ϡ˥˘ ˛˘˥˘ ˧ˢ ˛˘˟ˣ ˬˢ˨ ˥˘˔˖˛ ˬˢ˨˥ ˚ˢ˔˟˦ʔ

˝˞˟˨ˠˣ˘˥ʳˢ˥˥˜ˡ˦˨˥˔ˡ˖˘ʡˡ˘˧

˪˪˪ʡˢ˥˥˜ˡ˦˨˥˔ˡ˖˘ʡˡ˘˧

PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025.

Classified Cl ifi d Ad Advertis tising i Snow Moon set S C to come Feb. 12 – RATES –

20 words or less only $9.00 + HST Additional words 25¢ ea. + HST

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

oming events

FEBRUAR RY YT TA AKE-OUT LUNCH, Tuesdayy,, February 18, 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Trinity Anglican Church, Blyth. Meatloaf lunch with dessert, $12 per person. Ordering deadline: Mondayy,, February 17. T To o order call 519-523-9396 or email: mcgregor@ezlink.ca

Articles for sale Help wanted GERBERS FIREWOOD SER RV VING you for over 20 years. Y Yo our number one source of quality slabwood and bodywood. y Delivery y available. No Sunday calls. 519-274-1236, 519441-2085.

-----------------------------------------SALE ON CANNED PRESER RV VES!! Stock up your supply! Take Ta $1 offff every 'Maitside' canned jar you buy!! Maitside Orchards, 23 Orchard Lane , Brussels. 519-835-0327.

------------------------------------------REPRINTS OF PHOTOS taken by Citizen photographers are available to purchase. All are in colour. 4x6 $5.00, 5x7 - $6.00, 8x10 - $10.00.

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

Maitland Conservation has seasonal and contract positions available: n Communications Assistant n Falls Reserve Securitty y n Falls R Re eserve Maintenance Operations Te T echnician n Falls R Re eserve Student Seasonal positions Position descriptions and application details posted at: mvca.on.ca

In memoriam

Card of thanks COUL LT TES - I would like to express my sincere thanks for all the wonderful greetings when I celebrated my 90th birthday. I have been overwhelmed by all the greetings on Facebook, cards and visits. A big thank you goes to my family for all the decorations, the wall full of pictures, and all the preparations for the Open House, and also to the Belgrave Community Centre for having the ice ready for skating. I was so pleased to see friends from far and wide, who had made the trips from Haliburton, Sarnia, W Waaterloo and Stratford and all the local communities surrounding Belgrave. I really appreciate all who helped me celebrate my birthday.

Muriel Coultes

Coming events KARA AT TE CLASSES BEGIN FEB. 19. SCHWEITZER'S MAR RT TIAL AR RT TS. Self-defense, Self-discipline, Self-confidence. GROUP CLASSES FOR AGES 4 TO ADUL LT T. T Taaught

by Renshi Becky Schweitzer, 4th Degree Black Belt and 12X W Wo orld Karate Champion. Location Hutton Heights Community Church - 21 Lloyd Street, Wingham.

EARL LY Y BIRD SPECIAL ONL LY Y $105+HST FOR 9 WEEKS. Uniform extra. Special ends Feb. 12.

Regular price $125+HST. Call 519-580-1418 or e-mail becky_schweitzer@hotmail.comww w.schweitzersmartialarts.com

CRAIG - Rememberring Graeme Craig, a dear husbandd and father who passed away Februuary 8, 2021.

Always in our hearts.

Helen, Michael, Shannoon and Dave ------------------------------------------KLEMKE - In meemory of a wonderful father, granndfather and great-grandfather, Paaul Klemke, F 12, who passed away February 1994.

Dad you left us beautifu ful memories, your love is still our guide, gu uide, and though we cannot see you, you’re always at our side.

Loving remembered by your family

Wanted Looking for land to rent - KTM Family Farms is a progressive farm operation using the latest in agricultural technology. W Wee have been in the Wingham area for 25 years and are looking to expand our land base. Interested in rental or share crop agreements. T To o discuss further give Scott a call or text 519276-7171.

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Ah, February: the shortest month of the whole year with just 28 days, coming between two of the longest ones, January and March. February is often thought of as the “Love Month” because the world celebrates Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14. For that reason, it is also Heart and Stroke Month in Canada. Feb. 15 is termed National Flag of Canada Day. This is also Black History Month.

Awareness and teaching about the conditions that existed for that segment of our population should ensure they never happen again. We need to recognize that all persons are equal and accepted. It begins with education.

Although the 17th of this month is called Random Acts of Kindness Day, it is really just a reminder that we need to be thinking about kindness of all sorts every day.

February comes from the Latin word, “februa”, which means “to cleanse”. “Februalia” was the Roman festival of purification, a month-long festival intended for purification and atonement.

February’s full moon happens on the 12th and is called Snow Moon because of the heavy snowfall that is typical of this month. Can it be any worse than January was?

Native Americans refer to this full moon as Eagle Moon, Raccoon Moon and Hungry Moon.

The fun event of early February is Groundhog Day when Wiarton Willie and several other animal forecasters make their prediction about the arrival of spring.

Sunday dawned dreary, so apparently we will be having an early spring. After the snows of January, that would be welcome.

But I have learned that Willie is correct only 29 per cent of the time!

This week, the term “Buy Local” took on a whole new meaning. For the foreseeable future, we need to be thinking “Buy Canadian”. We

need to make a real concerted effort to read labels, protect our own industries and stand united against American tariffs. Choose Canadian products when possible even if it means choosing Canadian apple juice over Florida orange juice as the breakfast beverage. I applaud our government for standing firm and legislating Canadian tariffs to protect our industries and the people of Canada.

We have all heard how even the smallest choices and actions we make on a daily basis in the fight against climate change are important. So, too, our choices at the till should make a difference.

Unfortunately our choices may make life more difficult for the average American citizen.

However, we need to protect our Canadian families.

I have heard many comments questioning the wisdom of those $200 cheques to Ontario citizens.

Perhaps you could donate those monies to your charity of choice to mitigate the shortfalls in other areas of government spending. Another small choice in the larger battle.

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025. PAGE 15.

No Belgrave service Feb. 9 PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE

By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188

Rev. Colin Snyder welcomed the congregation to Knox United Church in Belgrave on Sunday, Feb. 2, Groundhog Day, and began by going over the life and work of the church. His reflection for the

Hockey day in Belgrave Organized hockey returned to the Belgrave Community Centre’s natural ice surface on Saturday, Feb. 1, for the first time in 20 years. The day featured games between the U11 LL Blyth Brussels Crusaders and the Wingham Ironmen and the U15 Rep Wingham Ironmen and South Bruce Blades, followed by a local alumni game and an evening social. (John Stephenson photos)

day was entitled “And the Greatest of These is Love.”

There will be no church service in Belgrave on Sunday, Feb. 9, but Knox United Church members are encouraged to join Wingham United Church for its weekly service at 9:30 a.m. that morning. A presentation from Teen Challenge Canada’s Ontario Men’s Ministry Team is scheduled for that day, which will feature testimonies and stories of finding freedom from addiction.

There were two free snow day public skating sessions last week and another for Friday’s P.D. Day at the Belgrave Community Centre.

The ice is seeing a lot of use and many community members are coming forward to sponsor free public skating days at the centre.

On Saturday at the centre, two minor hockey exhibition games were played, marking the first time in 20 years that organized hockey has been played at the centre on its natural ice surface. The Belgrave Kinsmen were also on hand to maintain a food booth to keep everyone well-fed throughout the day.

Public skating and shinny hockey are both scheduled at the centre for this weekend, keeping the centre very busy this winter. There is also an Early Years program at the centre every Wednesday.

Sympathy is extended to John

and Ruth and Bill and Susan for the loss of their mother, Hazel Haines, who passed away on Jan. 26 at the Wingham and District Hospital.

Sympathy is also extended to her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

For those who like snow, we did get our fair share of it and more this winter. Maybe the weather of February will be better. I guess we will just have to wait and see.

Cards will be played on Friday, Feb. 14 at 1 p.m. at the Belgrave Community Centre. Everyone is welcome.

NEWS FROM BELGRAVE Remembering your loved one

Honour your loved one by placing their obituary in

Obituaries

ANTHONY “TONY” VERBURG Tony Verburg of the Belgrave area passed away peacefully at Huron Hospice, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025 in his 79th year.

The beloved husband of Sylvia Nonkes (née VanderVeen) and the late Roely Verburg (née Lubbers), Tony was the loving father of Raymond Verburg (Tonya), Keith Verburg (Miriam), Michael Verburg (Sarah), Angela Oosterom (Jeroen), and Julie Hunse (Jonathan) and the stepfather of Mark Nonkes, Peter Nonkes (Tammy), Aron Nonkes and Angela Mourao (Brad).

Tony was the proud opa of

Nathan Verburg, Justine Verburg (Mitch), Jared Verburg (Amanda), Hannah deVisser (Lennart), Johannes Verburg (Rachel), Micah Verburg, Joel Verburg, Danielle, Gabriella and Elijah Verburg, Jake, Aimee, Lena and Max Oosterom, Willem, Janelle, Ethan, Mia and Cor Hunse, West, Monty, and Harlan Nonkes, Jack and Ava Nonkes, and Maitland and Adele Mourao. He was the great opa of Levi, Micah and Bennett deVisser, and Eliana Verburg.

Tony was the dear brother of Peta Branderhorst, Janie Wilts, Koos Verburg (Rita), Wilma Hessels (John), and John Verburg (Margaret) and the dear brother-inlaw of George Lubbers (Cathy).

Tony was predeceased by his parents, Johannes and Antje Verburg, brothers-in-law John Branderhorst, Martin Wilts, brother- and sister-in-law Henry and Jean Lubbers, brother-in-law Andy Lubbers and niece Tina Hessels.

Tony moved to Canada with his family from the Netherlands at the age of three. He attended a oneroom schoolhouse in Hullett Township and finished Grade 12 at Central Huron Secondary School.

Tony and his family were dairy farmers and, from a young age, he learned the value of hard work, an appreciation for spending time outdoors, and the importance of

keeping tight-knit family connections, all principles he maintained throughout his life.

Tony was a lifelong carpenter who enjoyed constructing barns, renovating homes, creating furniture and displaying museum artifacts. Tony had an adventurous spirit and loved travelling, whether it be pulling a trailer to Alaska, snowmobiling in northern Ontario or Quebec, camping with family or going to Asia, Africa, Latin America or the Caribbean with friends and family.

He was an avid reader. Tony lived his life as a follower of Jesus, modelling love, patience and gentleness to everyone he met. He was a dedicated volunteer with various organizations.

Tony has left his family and friends with many great memories.

He will be dearly missed.

Visitation was held on Thursday, Feb. 6 at the Blyth Christian Reformed Church. The funeral service will be held at the Blyth Christian Reformed Church on Friday, Feb. 7 at 1 p.m.

Spring interment will take place at Hope Chapel Cemetery.

If desired, memorial donations in Tony’s memory can be made to the Huron Hospice or a charity of your choice.

Messages of condolence for Tony’s family are welcome at www.falconerfuneralhomes.com.

The Citizen.

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

Cards of thanks can be placed in our classified section, starting at just $ .00.

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PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025.

Lucknow Kinsmen plan ambitious expansion

The show must grow on Above, Lucknow Kinsman Rick McMurray stands outside his home in Lucknow, reflecting on the club’s ambitious plan to build a multi-purpose facility at Graceland. The new space will serve as a year-round daycare and a hospitality hub for events like Music in the Fields (MITF). Below, Mildmay’s Owen Riegling basks in the moment during his 2023 MITF main stage performance. (Scott Stephenson photos)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Over the years, the Lucknow Kinsmen have mastered the art of the makeshift music festival. Every summer, thousands of music fans flock to Huron-Kinloss to attend Music in the Fields (MITF), and every summer, the Kinsmen work together with hundreds of volunteers to transform 55 acres of former cow pasture known as Graceland into a massive, weekendlong musical wonderland complete with hundreds of campsites, multiple performance stages, a hospitality tent, and an outdoor food court. They also create production space, a kitchen, and change rooms for the performers, achieving it all through a cobbledtogether system of tents, trailers, and rented furniture.

The festival has developed a reputation for drawing big name acts, big crowds and big money.

MITF seems to grow exponentially each year, and, as a result, the Kinsmen have realized that they need a more substantial solution to the persistent problem of their continuous success.

They’ve devised a plan to construct a fullyserviced, multi-purpose building in the field. It will provide the Kinsmen with some much-needed storage space, a meeting area where they can plan events, and, during events, it will act as a hospitality headquarters. The building will also contain a year-round daycare facility for local families.

Kinsman Rick McMurray is the one to ask when it comes to this ambitious new project. He’s been with the organization for almost 40 years, and feels that it’s high time the service group has a place to hang their collective hats. “We really are running a multimilliondollar business now,” he pointed out. “It’s kind of a big business, so we need a place to anchor us, and go to, and hold our files and things like that.”

The Kinsmen put all the money

they raise through events like MITF right back into the community.

Some of the money goes to local hospitals, some goes to schools in Lucknow and Ripley, and some goes to the Kinsmen Club’s national cause: fighting cystic fibrosis. “We’re hoping eventually that this disease will have less impact on our fellow Canadians and around the world.”

The Lucknow branch of the Kinsmen Club has been around since 1973. Back then, the group used to meet in a room over a garage near the town tennis courts.

When that property changed hands a few years ago, the Kinsmen started holding their meetings at the Lucknow Community Centre.

“We’ve always kind of wanted a place where we can call our own and keep our stuff, so to speak,” McMurray explained.

The Kinsmen used to organize musical concerts at the local arena, but limited seating space meant that they couldn’t attract the sort of bigname acts they knew would bring the crowds to Lucknow. “We needed a bigger venue. So we talked about it, and we decided to go up to the soccer fields.” The soccer fields worked just fine for a while, but MITF just kept growing.

The move to Graceland allowed the festival to grow even faster. “We’ve definitely made over two million today,” he said. “It’s been a really good event… this year’s sales are through the roof for both tickets and camping, and we still haven’t announced our lineup yet!” The Kinsmen are hoping that the new building will help them bring the event to the next level of professionalism.

The Dungannon Super Pull (DSP) has also found a home at Graceland.

“They just outgrew their place in Dungannon,” McMurray explained.

“And then at this venue here, with the space that we have for parking and camping - it just went fwoosh!”

The DSP has its own committee that works with the Kinsmen to put on the annual vehicular-themed

weekend, which now attracts thousands of visitors every year.

McMurray and the other Kinsmen couldn’t be happier with how successful both events have become in such a short time period. “It’s crazy and unheard of,” he said. “‘It’s awesome,’ is a really good way to say it. And it just makes you smile - watching the community come together to put it on. We have over 300 volunteers for MITF and another big number for the tractor pull. Everybody comes together, we all have a common cause, and a common goal, and it happens, and at the end of the day there’s money to give out to things that really make sense for our community.”

Rather than let their soon-to-be building sit empty during their extensive off-season, they wanted to come up with a way to make it useful, year-round. That’s when the idea for a daycare came into play.

“The Kinsman motto is ‘serving the

community’s greatest needs,’” he said. “So it falls right into what we try to do.” Lucknow does already have a daycare on Campbell Street, but the demand for childcare far exceeds its capacity. “There is an 82-child waiting list in Lucknow.

So, we can put the daycare centre there - we’ll use it for one week a year, for green rooms for the bands.

It keeps the building being used… and there’s also synergies, like the kitchen! We put a kitchen in, but now it’s going to be used all the time - to feed the children. It’s winwin,” McMurray explained.

Of course, the Kinsmen won’t be minding the children themselves the daycare space will be rented out to trained childcare professionals.

McMurray counts this as a big additional benefit of the project new jobs will be created, and the revenue will be used to fund community betterment initiatives.

It’s taken a lot of work to bring the building project to this point. As a former pasture, Graceland was not zoned for any kind of building. The Kinsmen were not deterred. “We had to go for new zoning, and change the official plan and whatnot, so that takes a lot of time.

And time it took,” McMurray recalled. On Jan. 13, Huron-Kinloss Council finally voted to approve and support the club’s plan.

There’s also a lot to do before the new building is up and running, but the Kinsmen are hoping to have it ready by this year’s MITF. “We developed a building committee, but in order to have this completed by mid-August, we’ll have to follow the schedule really closely.

It’s going to be a tight, tight timeline. Like, really tight,” he

admitted. “We might be in various stages of construction but we’re going to have to make sure we can actually use the building.”

At a time when many service clubs seem to be struggling, the Lucknow Kinsmen are thriving, and McMurray feels that anchor events like MITF are a big part of their success. “We still have a good foundation, and we’re still attracting new members,” he pointed out. “We try to get people involved in projects like this, and try to show them the tremendous value in Kinsmen. I’m not going to say it’s easy to keep the clubs going - we’re all now getting up in years, but we still have some younger people in our club… it’s encouraging to see them take on roles. I will also say that our MITF Committee has a lot of community members that aren’t just Kinsmen.”

At the moment, the Lucknow Kinsmen aren’t looking to add any more big events to their repertoire they just want to keep on perfecting the ones they already help put on.

“We always look at continuous improvement for each event, and the lessons learned, and try to keep it fresh and exciting… we have transitioned from a complete country music festival to a mishmash now - there’s a bit of rock, and a bit of other genres. And I think that’s keeping it fresh as well,” McMurray explained. “We certainly welcome any new members, in any capacity. They’re always helpful. And that’s what keeps us strong, is some fresh people and different perspectives that make us better as a whole, for sure. And it really does work.

We’ve got a good club.”

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025. PAGE 17.

Brussels Ag. Society hosts delayed AGM

Let them eat cake (clockwise from above) Outgoing Homecraft President Linda Garland celebrates her birthday at the Brussels Agricultural Society’s annual general meeting on Jan. 30.

Brussels Fall Fair 2024 Junior Ambassador Bridget McCallum was on hand to recount activities from the year. Incoming President Crystal Blake is stepping up to lead the BAS, while outgoing President Reg Vinnicombe was thanked for his dedicated service.

(Scott Stephenson photos)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Last week, the Brussels Agricultural Society (BAS) found a lot to celebrate at its annual general meeting (AGM), not the least of which was the birthday of outgoing Homecraft President Linda Garland, who was serenaded by the society after a potluck dinner.

Planning for this year’s various events is already well underway, and the dinner featured pizza, lasagna, and no fewer than three different varieties of meatballs, all of which were equally delicious.

In 2024, the BAS held a number of well-received community events, including their popular Ladies’ Night, a successful euchre tournament at the grand opening of the Brussels, Morris, and Grey Community Centre, and of course, the fall fair. It may still be early February, but the BAS is already hard at work organizing its roster of

2025 events. The first meeting of the Ladies’ Night planning committee will be on Feb. 11, and talks were had about potentially hosting a monthly card game. The fall fair book will need to be printed soon, and choosing a theme for the 2026 fall fair was also a hot topic.

The popular choice of the night “Grow it, sow it, show it!” Better luck next year, “Country roots and cowboy boots”.

Discussions were had about potential avenues for fundraising, including running a 50/50 draw or selling concessions at the Clinton Raceway. Outgoing President and incoming Past-President Reg Vinnicombe advocated for the idea, saying that it was a natural fit. “The patrons expect somebody to be there, selling hot dogs or hamburgers. The concession stand inside does that as well, but a lot of people do support the community groups that are there fundraising.

They sort of expect some group to

Big winner Above, Sophia Burkholder is presented the Junior Award from BAS Secretary Rosie Kellington; below, Burkholder accepts the Optimist prize from Kevin (Scott Kellington for most-overall points accrued.

Stephenson photos)

be there, selling 50/50 tickets,” he explained.

A presentation from Priyanka Gupta of Agriculture Wellness Ontario discussed the importance of mental health in agricultural communities, and touched on subjects like farmer suicide.

Gupta’s speech added a serious note to the jovial tone of the meeting, but also served as a reminder that agricultural societies are a valuable tool in alleviating stress on farmers by providing a social support network between neighbours.

As BAS tradition dictates, the 2025 AGM was the last meeting led

by Vinnicombe, who was offered a heartfelt thank you for his stellar service before stepping aside so incoming President Crystal Blake could take the reins.

THE INVESTIGATORS The latest novel by author Arnold Mathers is a fictional f story of three families and how theey became connected over the years. The Wenntworth family is a well-to-to family that ownned two insurance companies, the Voisin f family had connections to the medical p profession and the Sanders fami family ily were farmers and entrepreneurss.

By Arnold Mathers M

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PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025.

Groundhogs deliver mixed spring forecasts PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

We had a different weather event to cause a bit of transportation issues: fog! No buses were cancelled that I heard, but the driving was somewhat slower. It wasn’t bad in the morning by 7:30 a.m., but it rolled in rather thick after lunch for the afternoon drive.

The fog didn’t affect Wiarton Willie’s call for an early spring - he did not see his shadow. Did you

know that Willie has only a 29 per cent accuracy rate for his predictions?

Shubenacadie Sam of Nova Scotia has a 58 per cent accuracy rate, but he predicts six more weeks of winter. Balzac Billy, who is really a man-sized ground squirrel mascot, agrees with Willie on an early spring and he is right 42 per cent of the time. Billy is from South Alberta, where there are no groundhogs!

If you want 100 per cent accuracy, you must look to Van Isle Violet, who predicts six more weeks of winter. Manitoba Merv, who is actually a puppet, predicts an early spring. Punxsutawney Phil of Pennsylvania also predicts six more weeks of winter. Fred LaMarmotte of Quebec has passed away, but Fred Jr. took over the job

and agrees with six more weeks of winter.

That leaves Lucy the Lobster of Nova Scotia, who also agrees with six more weeks of winter. It seems six more weeks of winter or an early spring as it is tied at four.

The folklore of the tradition is, “if the groundhog sees his shadow, he will be scared and return to his burrow for six more weeks of winter.” Whatever it is, six more weeks of winter brings us to just four days short of the first day of spring!

As I write this on Monday, it is a milder day and quite nice. Many other creatures must have thought the same, because there was quite a bit of wildlife out and about. An opossum was out for a stroll along the side of the road. A skunk was also out enjoying the mild weather.

shovelling or snow blowing, staying in and catching up on odd jobs, reading or whatever. Staying in from the cold. Number two: let’s go somewhere warm. Trips to the south have been in the cards for some. The Dalton family headed to the Dominican Republic for a week and reported it was great. How about going to Hawaii like Will and Kelsey King? Florida for some, although they have had snow!

Yikes! Some have told me that the American dollar is keeping them home.

Number three is for those who love the snow, it is snowmobile trips for them. There are great trails around here, but, for some, heading north to see new areas is the thing to do. Whatever you choose, enjoy and be safe!

Celebrating birthdays this past week and starting out the month of February include: Thys DeJong, Sarah Mitchell, John Braecker, John Driscoll, Marilyn McDonald, Amy Whyte, Pamela Hackwell, Clinton Pryce, Abby McNichol, Arnold den Dekker, Katie Dionne, George Kruse, Catherine Terpstra, Theo Melady, Emilee Bennett, Cody Nichol and Lois Todd. Happy birthday to all.

There were three squirrels playing follow the leader out in the field and a fox was out for a stroll not far from the squirrels. Tuesday’s colder temperatures and gusty winds had them hiding away again.

Our condolences to Trudy, Greg and Amber Ryan on the passing of Trudy’s father, Don Upshall of Egmondville. He will be missed by his wife Betty and sons Dan and Mark and their families.

Our sympathies to the Higgins family on the passing of Wilda Higgins, who was a lovely lady I knew from her many visits to my shop. She was also a lovely knitter and pleasant lady. Our condolences to Wayne and Greg and family.

The winter weather brings three choices for our area residents. The first one is to grin and bear it, as they say. Lots of snow, lots of

Allen points to ‘patron saint of old people’ Continued from page 11 salvation that is to come. And now, the wait is over!

Here another unlikely individual is called upon to serve as God’s messenger! The conversation that follows resembles that of the

shepherds, who, in their return to their sheep, are inspired, “to glorify and praise God for all that they had heard and seen, as it had been told to them” (2:20).

Simeon is sometimes referred to as the patron saint of old people.

Too often “old people” adopt a “retired lifestyle” when it comes to serving God. Simeon might well have thought that his duty was done and that God would have no further use for him. It was enough to be released from further waiting. Yet, I

Fair minded The Brussels Agricultural Society gets into the agenda at the annual general meeting on Thursday, Jan. 30. (Scott Stephenson photo)

believe Simeon was prepared to carry out any further assignment the master might have for him. He would have wanted to “finish well”.

Simeon’s encounter with the Christ-child is a lesson for those who have a history of walking with God. Perhaps some have sensed a special promise, which God has said would be fulfilled in their lifetime; a promise that is both personal and unique. At first, you’ve responded with joyful anticipation - but, no response has been forthcoming. All you sense is silence on the part of a God that in this instance seems aloof. “God, I am running out of time (or patience),” we cry, “And yet the promise I sense you giving me, remains unfulfilled!”

Simeon may have days in which he entertained similar doubts. Yet, his faith stood strong in the face of those doubts. We need that same resolve; choosing to remain faithful, to continue to pray, and determine to wait however long, knowing that God will act according to His timing and His schedule.

NEWS FROM WALTON

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025. PAGE 19.

Entertainment & Leisure

Blyth-based artist discovers mysterious predecessor

The art life Blyth Festival Art Gallery celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025, with Exhibition Committee Chair Kelly Stevenson uncovering the gallery’s history through local archives. (Scott Stephenson photo)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Twenty-twenty-five marks the Blyth Festival Art Gallery’s (BFAG) 50th anniversary season.

Exhibition Committee Chair Kelly Stevenson has been busy combing through various newspaper archives in search of stories of gallery days gone by. What started out as a simple, two-day task has since snowballed into a months-long quest to unravel just a few of Blyth’s many artistic mysteries.

Last week, The Citizen sat down with Stevenson at her downtown studio to hear all about how the distant past is inspiring her present programming ethos.

Stevenson’s research really began in earnest when her enthusiasm for local history led her to a position on the Blyth History Book Committee.

“I’m doing the gallery section,” she explained. “I’d just started, and I thought ‘it’ll be a quick thing.’” As she sorted through the available information about the BFAG, she found a great many details about the history of the gallery she’s been involved with for over 10 years, some of which she knew already, some of which she didn’t.

Stevenson also noticed a number of small inaccuracies and gaps in the generally-accepted timeline of the gallery’s founding. She quickly

Sudoku Solution

referred to the digitized newspaper archives hoping to separate the rights from the wrongs.

One of the most surprising things she discovered early on is that 2025 isn’t necessarily the 50th anniversary of the BFAG, as the Festival has been displaying art in Memorial Hall since the very beginning, in 1975! “The first year that the theatre festival existed, there was art specifically in the building, to complement the shows.

There was no gallery room per se, but they used the stairways of Memorial Hall,” Stevenson explained. After a few seasons, the Lower Hall became the Festival’s designated display area for local art. “As much as that was a great space to put art up, it was also used for rehearsal at that point, because they didn’t yet have the Phillips Studio.”

For years afterwards, the Festival’s temporary gallery space jumped around from spot to spot in order to accommodate the ever-expanding festival.

A generous donation in the 1990s allowed the BFAG to establish a permanent room, with proper lighting. In 1990, the Bainton Gallery opened between the Lower Hall and the Box Office,

where it has remained ever since.

As she’s scoured the newspaper archives, one thing that has impressed itself upon Stevenson is the sheer number of local people who have volunteered their time and talents to make the gallery succeed for half a century. “I think what’s got lost in the shuffle a little bit is that Memorial Hall on the outside says ‘Community Hall’ on it. Like, 500 times… So we’re trying to look at what we can do to bring the community back into this building. We’ve lost track of some of the other people who had ideas,” she lamented.

This year, Stevenson wants to pay tribute to all those past committees, volunteers, fundraisers and supporters that have made the BFAG a reality. People like Betty Battye, a local public school teacher who helped longtime gallery managers Ron and Bev Walker in the formation of the annual Student Show, which has carried on to this day. “She was a massive supporter of the gallery, and the theatre, from the get-go,” she explained.

Stevenson has also found herself inexorably drawn to articles involving a Blyth-based artist who died in 1974 - the year before the Festival began displaying the work of rural artists. Her name was Anne Fairservice, and, while she never had any direct contact with the BFAG, Stevenson believes that this semi-forgotten local artist has left an indelible mark on the Huron County creative scene. “Anne was a local woman who grew up just outside of Londesborough. She went to high school in Clinton, and then at some point, in the 1950s, she graduated and went to Detroit,” Stevenson explained. Fairservice attended Wayne State University for art. “If you know anything about Wayne State in 1963, it was a fairly radical place.”

Scouring the archives has yielded numerous references to the life of this enigmatic artist. There is mention of a recurrent illness, a side hustle as a professional pianist, a time spent in Toronto, working as an interior decorator for Eaton’s. ”When you look at the amount of things that she accomplished in a short period of time, considering she was also ill… she was a painter.

She was a potter. She taught sewing classes, she did caning of chairs, she made rugs in 500 different ways. It’s just more and more things.”

Stevenson has become intrigued by all aspects of this young artist’s

life. In 1966, Fairservice and another Huron County woman, Claire Taylor, purchased an old schoolhouse - SS #12 Morris, just outside of Blyth. “They spent a year renovating it, to open a studio/classroom… they seemed to have run that for about three or four years.” They called their creative space, “The Country Studio”, and its opening weekend festival was attended by both Jack McLaren and Group of Seven member A.J. Casson. “They had concerts. They had classes. They had exhibitions.

They did tours of other art things that they tried to take local people to show them, you know, possibilities.

They taught conversational French,” Stevenson listed. “For some reason, there seemed to not have been a whole lot of community support for it… by 1970, they’d closed up shop and sold the building.” Fairservice passed away four years later, while visiting her brother in Montreal.

Stevenson sees parallels between what she wants to accomplish with the BFAG and what Fairservice tried to do with her Country Studio.

They both want to make art more accessible to the rural community they call home. “It’s become a thing,” she stated. “What can we do with the space that we have, that’s not a repeat of what else is available around here? What boundaries can we push? What things can we do to diversify the types of artists we have in the types of work? What can we do in terms of more community outreach?”

One such outreach initiative concerns the annual Community Show. “We’re really going to try and push this year for younger people to be involved,” Stevenson explained. “I have changed some of the rules for that - we’re doing away with framing requirements.”

She knows from experience that making this one simple change really can make a difference. The annual student show recently dropped the framing requirement,

and the range of student submissions has already expanded enormously. “If we’re looking at it from a perspective of wanting to open this up to as many community members as possible, in as many different groups as possible, it does not, socio-economically, make sense to say everything needs to be framed. If you’re adding an extra financial barrier, doesn’t that continue to limit the people that you can get to participate? So we’re not having framing requirements - if people want to bring stuff on paper, we’ll deal with it.”

She’s hoping that, through her research, she’ll be able to locate some of Fairservice’s actual art. “I have not seen what her paintings look like. I haven’t seen an actual piece of pottery. I’ve got like, really badly scanned newspaper photos…

I’ve got nothing.”

While she’s going to continue to focus on Fairservice, Stevenson is broadening her research to include any and all forgotten artists from Ontario. “You have musicians, you have artists, you have writers - all of these people that have existed, and done things, and kind of been left out of even our own local histories.”

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Cooper Loughlin turning 2 & Grandpa Stephen Mann turning 68 Love your family

PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025.

Thompson seeks fifth election win

Consider it kicked off The Seaforth 150th Homecoming, scheduled for the Civic Holiday weekend later this year, marked its official kick-off late last month with a special concert and get-together at the Seaforth and District Community Centre, featuring the musical stylings of Weekend Never Ends. (Courtesy photo)

Ironmen tread water Continued from page 9 action started early with the teams exchanging goals within the first minute of the game.

Just 30 seconds into the first period, Hanover’s Ryan Colquhoun found the back of the net, assisted

by Mark McIntosh and Danny Scott, followed by an Ironmen goal at the 47-second mark scored by Jesse Coombs and assisted by Tate Berfelz and Brandon Bishop.

The Barons then scored the next two goals, with Erick Gulutzen finding the back of the net at 2:39 of the first, assisted by Spencer Davidson and Jacob Duggan, and then Alex McGillivray scoring at 3:08 of the first, assisted by Mark McIntosh and Jaden Shiell.

Seth Doney cut the lead in half for the Ironmen, scoring an unassisted goal at 4:31 of the first, followed by another Alex McGillivray goal for Hanover at 8:23, assisted by Ryan Colquhoun and Wyatt Connelly.

Just 31 seconds into the second period, Hanover scored again thanks to a Drayton Howell goal on the power play, assisted by Kyle Maloney and Alex McGillivray.

However, the Ironmen scored again to keep it close, with Dawson Dietz finding the back of the net at 14:52 of the second, assisted by Tanner Dietz and Tayt Bramhill.

The Barons then scored the only two goals of the third period, with Liam Wood scoring on the power play at 14:35, assisted by Danny Scott and Eliott McCarey, followed

by Alex McGillivray earning his hat trick at 16:57, assisted by Mark McIntosh and Ryan Colquhoun.

Carter Garvie had a rough start for the Ironmen in net, stopping just three of six shots in just over three minutes before getting the hook.

James Hopper, who took the loss, came in and stopped 38 of the 42 shots he faced, while Derek Hartley stopped 35 of 38 shots for the win for the Barons.

As for penalties, the Ironmen were whistled five times for a total of 10 minutes in the box, while the Barons were called four times for eight minutes.

On Tuesday night, the Ironmen fell to the Fergus Whalers in Elora by a score of 3-1.

The Whalers scored the first two goals of the game, both power play markers, with Andrew McClure first finding the back of the net at the 13-minute mark, assisted by Jacob Lesser and Justin Ewald, followed by a Patrick Brown goal at the 19-minute mark, assisted by Sam Barry and Nolan Drury.

Wingham fought back in the second, with Tanner Dietz scoring at 2:19, from Noah Bloemberg and Dawson Dietz, but the Whalers would put it away in the third period thanks to a Mason Stewart goal at 10:06, assisted by Boden Brimmell and Ryan McDougall.

Bradley Boville earned the win for the Whalers, stopping 39 of 40 shots, while James Hopper was handed the loss in the Ironmen net with 30 saves over 33 shots. The Whalers were whistled six times for a total of 12 minutes in the penalty box, while the Ironmen were called five times for a total of 10 minutes.

In the standings, the Barons remain in first place, pulling away from the pack, with 65 points and a record of 31 wins, three losses, two overtime losses and one shootout loss. The Mount Forest Patriots remain in second place with 61 points and a record of 29 wins, seven losses, three overtime losses and three shootout wins, followed by the third-place Fergus Whalers with 26 wins, seven losses, three overtime losses and one shootout loss and 56 points.

The Kincardine Bulldogs are in fourth place with 20 wins, 15 losses, three overtime losses and two shootout wins and 43 points, followed by the Wingham Ironmen with 39 points on the season and a record of 18 wins, 17 losses and three overtime losses.

Rounding out the standings are the sixth-place Mitchell Hawks with 28 points and a record of 12 wins, 21 losses, two overtime losses, one shootout win and two shootout losses, the Walkerton Capitals in seventh place with 20 points and a record of nine wins, 27 losses, two overtime losses and one shootout win, and the last-place Goderich Flyers with 16 points and a record of six wins, 28 losses, one overtime loss and three shootout losses.

Continued from page 1 Bachelor of Arts in History and a Bachelor of Education from Thunder Bay’s Lakehead University.

He also serves as a director with Huron County Pride and assisted the local organization in hosting the region’s first-ever Pride Festival.

McGregor currently works as a high school teacher in Goderich and is a member of District 8 of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation.

In the 2022 election, Thompson won handily with 24,369 votes, just under 52 per cent of the votes cast.

Shelley Blackmore of the Liberals followed by 18.71 per cent of the vote, followed by Laurie Hazzard of the NDP at 16.38 per cent, Matt Kennedy of the New Blue Party at 7.22 per cent, the aforementioned Van Ankum and the Green Party with 4.1 per cent, Gerrie Huenemoerder of the Ontario Party with 1.01 per cent of the vote,

independent Ronald Stephens with just 0.45 per cent of the vote and Bruce Eisen of the Ontario Alliance with 0.16 per cent of the vote.

Nominations for candidates for this election close on Thursday, Feb. 13 at 2 p.m.

Correction On page 19 of last week’s issue, the beneficiary of the Dungannon Rodeo’s charitable donation was erroneously reported. The group receiving the funds is the Lucknow Firefighters’ Association.

In addition, Susanne Pentland was not listed in the photo identification portion of the included image. Pentland is the third individual from the left, seen presenting the cheque to Chief Bradley.

We apologize for any confusion.

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