The Citizen - March 7, 2025

4 • Editorials 8 • Sports 10 • Women’s Day 19 • Living Library

The

THIS WEEK

Citizen

Huron County’s most trusted independent news source Volume 41 No. 10

Friday, March 7, 2025

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Thompson completes drive for five in Huron-Bruce

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Heeding the call Last Thursday night, Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, right, was returned to office by the riding’s voters with just a hair over 50 per cent of the vote. This is the fifth time she has been chosen to represent the area at Queen’s Park and, with all that’s going on geopolitically, it certainly has the potential to be the

most eventful. The race was called for returning Premier Doug Ford not long after polls closed at 9 p.m., and Thompson’s Constituency Assistant Dawson Hallahan, left, was quick to receive good news over the phone that was music to the ears of Thompson and her elated supporters at the Maitland Links Golf Club, just outside of Wingham. (Scott Stephenson photo)

Lisa Thompson secured reelection as the Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Huron-Bruce in the provincial contest held on Thursday, Feb. 27.

The victory was called shortly after the polls closed at 9 p.m.

Thompson celebrated the win at an event held at the newly-renamed Maitland Links Golf Club, formerly the Wingham Golf and Curling Club, attended by nearly the full slate of Huron County’s lower-tier municipal leaders, as well as Warden Jamie Heffer.

According to Election Ontario’s unofficial results, Thompson, representing the Progressive Conservative (PC) Party of Ontario, garnered 24,461 votes, or 50.01 per cent of the vote, securing her fifth consecutive win in the riding.

Her nearest competitor, Ian Burbidge of the Ontario Liberal Party, received 13,703 votes (28.02 per cent), followed by Nick McGregor of the Ontario NDP with 5,749 votes (11.75 per cent).

Matthew Van Ankum of the Green Party earned 2,727 votes (5.58 per cent), Zack Weiler of the New Blue Party received 2,065 votes (4.22 per cent), and Bruce Eisen of the Alliance Party captured 206 votes (0.42 per cent).

Thompson, who has represented Huron-Bruce since 2011, expressed gratitude for the continued support of the community. “It means I have a chance to keep working on behalf of Huron-Bruce,” she said. “I’ve worked incredibly hard since 2018, bringing in over $600 million worth of investments, and I can tell you with the municipal leadership that I have, there are more projects to work on collectively. I can’t wait to Continued on page 3

North Huron locks in budget, modest levy increase

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen Before February came to a close, North Huron Council held a special meeting in which they approved the proposed 2025 budget in principle, with a tax levy increase of 3.15 per cent. This brings the township one big step closer to finalizing its 2025 budget - all that’s left is a mandatory public meeting and final approval later this month.

The draft budget (read a full story on the township’s operational budget on page two) was presented by a team of senior staff, led by Interim Treasurer Annette Fletcher a surprise mid-season replacement who came from the Huron County level last month. Reeve Paul Heffer began the meeting by praising the experienced number cruncher for the extra effort she and North

Huron staff have put in this budget season. “I appreciate all the work that’s been done the last few weeks - you’ve brought something really good towards us,” he said.

Fletcher offered council an overview of how the draft budget was brought to fruition this year, and the manner in which the surprisingly-low tax levy was tabulated. “As a municipality, we are allowed to incur debt to pay for our large capital acquisitions, but we are legislatively required to ensure that we have enough revenue sources to pay for the expenses that we’re putting before you,” she explained. “As we go through and determine what our revenue sources are, and what our expenditures are, we are left with a net balance that we need to fund from our levies.

That levy requirement, from a total dollar perspective, is then going to

determine what the tax rate is that we apply to residents within the township.” The 3.15 per cent tax levy increase means an additional $236,423 in taxation over 2024.

The total tax levy requested for 2025 is $7,745,348.

The rest of the budget was determined by compiling projected operating and capital needs for 2025, while incorporating the cost of implementing previous council decisions, including any pre-budget approvals. Department heads and staff then discovered savings throughout the budget, which were used to offset new financial demands, such as inflation. The 2025 fees and charges bylaw, already approved by council, was used to calculate projected revenues for each department.

The draft budget predicts that the total revenue for 2025 will be

$8,246,964, which is $2,222,764 less than 2024. This is due to $2,668,000 in proceeds from onetime land sales in 2024.

Of that total revenue, operating

revenue from external sources, like grants, interest and user fees, is predicted to be roughly $6,913,951.

An additional $353,900 would be Continued on page 18

Remember Clocks go ahead 1 hour

Sunday, March 9th

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

North Huron approves budget in principle

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Following its Feb. 26 budget meeting, North Huron Council voted to approve the proposed 2025 budget in principle, with a tax levy increase of 3.1 per cent. Final approval will come after a mandatory public meeting is held later this month. This year, the draft budget was presented by senior staff, department heads, and interim Treasurer Annette Fletcher.

Fletcher is on loan from Huron County while North Huron searches for a permanent replacement for the municipality’s previous Treasurer, Chris Townes, who recently vacated the position. Fletcher began the operations portion of the budget discussion by going over a few notable changes in the General Government portion of the budget.

“Most of the revenues for the General Government are remaining consistent,” she pointed out. “Our interest income has been increased… but that is fully dependent on external interest rates.” Nearly $1.4 million is expected to come in from the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) - an increase of $140,100 over 2024. “There’s some additional OCIF [Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund] funding that we are eligible for in 2025,” she added. The amount coming from OCIF is $604,826.

“Some expenses of note are the Physician Recruitment - that has been budgeted,” Fletcher explained.

She also reminded council that the $604,826 from OCIF will be transferred directly to reserves.

Clerk Carson Lamb went over the Council budget for the year. It includes a standard 2.1 per cent cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase to the council honorarium and meeting pay, $20,000 budgeted for training, travel and workshops, $10,000 for legal expenses, and $6,000 in community partnership funding.

Councillor Chris Palmer asked Lamb about the budget for training, travel and workshops. We have the $20,000 for member training, and, looking back, we never seem to reach that. Is it there as a just-incase amount, or should it be reduced?” Lamb responded that the figure is based on the provisions within council’s remuneration and expenses bylaw. “In 2023, one of the changes that was noted was that those funds wouldn’t carry over for each individual council year after year…if you don’t expend it, it would just go into the general surplus,” he explained.

North Huron’s Administrative budget includes an increase in salary costs. “That includes the 2.1 per cent,” Lamb explained, in reference to the annual COLA increase. “But really the major increase reflects the costs incurred because of some council decisions related to those former employee transitions.” An upgrade to the payroll system comes with a budget of $50,000.

The operating budget for Wingham’s Town Hall Theatre is net zero for 2025, with no impact on taxes, which reflects the updated 2025 fees and charges strategy. It has a projected revenue of $12,2000, based on a predicted 12 rehearsals, an equal number of performances, 56 hours of staff time, and the theatre’s electricity, heat and water usage. At the meeting, Community Engagement Co-ordinator Denise Lockie told council that bookings are already underway.

For the Fire Department budget, Fire Chief Chad Kregar’s report emphasizes fiscal discipline. His department’s focus for 2025 is the modernization of critical, aging equipment and investing in training. Top of Kregar’s list are the replacement of Rescue 7, and auto extrication equipment for Blyth to match the eDraulics equipment Wingham received in 2024. Then, $12,000 is required to replace

damaged fire helmets, He also recommends a $100,000 transfer to reserves to create a strategic buffer for future capital needs and emergencies.

Lamb presented the 2025 Police budget to council, which includes a policing contract of $1,207,352 for all of North Huron. The township’s portion of Huron County’s OPP Detachment Board expenses is $4,300. The Ministry of the Solicitor General is also refunding $176,589 to North Huron for overcharging for services in years prior. Councillor Mitch Wright expressed concern about the future of police costs in North Huron.

“I’m just concerned about what’s going to happen next year for our policing costs, because the base amount is going to go up, and we’re not going to have a refund next year,” he pointed out.

“The first line of attack for this one certainly seems to be advocacy,” Lamb replied. “I know North Huron is not the only one to experience significant increases.”

Lamb suggested working with other neighbouring municipalities to see about reducing significant spikes in OPP costs. He recommended communicating through Councillor Anita van Hittersum, who sits on the county’s OPP Detachment Board, council’s concerns about the large annual increases that are expected to come.

Palmer made the point that many East Wawanosh farmers feel overcharged for police services, as it is currently based on property assessment. “Is it possible that the full fee could just be divided by the households of North Huron equally?” he asked.

Van Hittersum also advocated for charging by property, not total assessment. “There’s so much farmland everywhere, and the value of farmland is increasing way more than the residences, so there’s an exorbitant pressure on the farmland that’s providing our food for the police costs, the way it's calculated

right now.” Fletcher promised council she will look into other possible options for dealing with the bruisingly high policing costs.

Director of Public Works Chip Wilson presented the details of his department’s operating budget, which is largely unchanged from last year. The transition to the producer responsibility model of recycling collection means changes in the operating budget for the township’s waste collection services, including reduced contract costs. Revenues should see a slight uptick due to an increase to bag tag costs, and an anticipated increase in tipping fee revenue. The Wingham landfill requires $37,000 for brush grinding that was originally supposed to occur in 2024. The PFAS study at the Wingham Landfill also has a proposed budget of $50,000.

Kelly Steiss, the Director of Recreation and Children’s Services, had some major updates to the Children’s Services budget to relate to council. “Historically, the main centre daycare, located on Williams Street, has realized an annual operating deficit that was offset by other programs, including Early Learning and the Before- and AfterSchool programs to produce a balanced budget. Our budget for 2025 is based on what we understand as ‘actuals.’ The majority of expenses in this budget are to cover full-time and part-time staff wages,” she explained. “We are anticipating a lot of change and growth within Children’s Services over the next years - on Dec. 20, 2024, the provincial government introduced a new funding model, designed to improve financial stability for programs like the one at the main centre,” Steiss told council. “We, along with the county and the province, are still trying to realize what that looks like, and how that will be budgeted for.”

Last year, at the direction of council, a number of part-time positions were combined to create two new full-time positions within Children’s Services in the hopes that it will create more staff stability. This change will continue this year. The Blyth daycare expansion, which will be located at the Blyth Campground, will also begin this year, using a $350,000 grant from Huron County.

The Blyth Campground saw an increase in rental revenue last year, which is reflected in the 2025 budget. Van Hittersum wanted to hear more details from Steiss about the recent transition to a QR codebased payment system at the campground, which has been the source of numerous complaints and concerns from North Huron

citizens. “The QR code is something we have utilized to support people’s payment of their fees. Let’s say they were coming after hours - they could pay through their phone,” Steiss responded. “But feedback received through council, as well as the public, was that the QR code perhaps created more barriers than accessibility for people… I’ve had a chance to speak with a past volunteer who has helped us in this regard, and he is available to support us moving forward,” she said.

Steiss also presented the annual Recreation and Culture budget.

Programs like summer day camps, PD Day camps and Hockey for Fun are always offered at full costrecovery basis, which means minimal impact for taxpayers.

Funding for the Seniors Active Living Centre was just announced in January, and is reflected in this year's budget. The program will require $55,000 annually to be paid through grants. “What we had applied for was to really support the engagement of older adults, which is 55-plus,” Steiss explained. “We want to make sure we are actively engaging with older adults utilizing our recreation services. So really mobilizing our services in Wingham, as well as Blyth. We also have the fortune of partnering with One Care, who will be bringing in a hot meal program, as well as an exercise program specifically designed to help prevent falls.”

The proposed budget for the Economic Development Department caught the attention of Palmer, who took umbrage with a few of its line items, including $92,000 for special projects like job fairs, $7,000 for volunteer recognition, and $25,000 for the removal of the hedgerow at Hutton Heights. “You’re not going to like what I’m going to say. Staff was asked to come with basically, a pared down, best budget that they could have, and yours is the one that’s up $100,000-plus,” he began.

“It’s way too rich, in my mind.

Going back a bit, Ec. Dev. brings in housing, and development, which in turn brings in tax dollars… I’m really upset that it’s too high. It’s way too high.”

Both Lamb and Councillor Mitch Wright defended the Economic Development budget on the grounds that it falls in line with North Huron’s Strategic Plan.

Despite Palmer’s protestations, when it came time to vote on the proposed budget in principle, it passed 4-1, with Palmer as the lone holdout. Deputy-Mayor Kevin Falconer was not in attendance at the meeting.

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Fair is fair Attendees explore employment opportunities at the Seaforth and District Community Centre during the Feb. 22 Job Fair, where local businesses and organizations connected with job seekers. (John Stephenson photo)

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

Thompson secures fifth consecutive victory

Five-timers club Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson secured her fifth consecutive victory after the PCs’ decision to call an early election in the dead of winter. Facing voters amid snow-covered roads and freezing temperatures, Thompson emphasized protecting Ontario, economic stability and continued investment in the riding. (Scott Stephenson photos)

Continued from page 1 get back to work with everyone who makes a difference on behalf of the people of Huron-Bruce.”

During the media scrum following her victory, Thompson reflected on the priority issues that resonated with voters throughout the campaign, including the protection of Ontario and the economy. “When I was knocking on doors, meeting with people, attending annual general meetings, the top priority was protecting Ontario,” she said. “In the past couple of weeks, we’ve seen two premiers retire [Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King and Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey], and that’s proof that Doug Ford takes his job seriously. We need a strong, stable government to go up against the threats we face.”

Thompson also emphasized the support she received from all corners of the riding. “From a Grade 7 student who volunteered yesterday to a gentleman in a longterm care facility who told me to ‘give ‘em hell,’ people want to see someone fighting for them here at home, and that’s my number-one priority.”

The re-elected MPP expressed her readiness to get back to work immediately. “We’ve got a job to do,” she said. “That’s why we chose to go early, and I’m so happy we did. At the end of the day, we have our rural economies to protect, our employers to protect, and our communities to protect as well.”

Thompson also acknowledged the historic significance of the victory, noting that a majority government has not been elected three times in a row since Leslie Frost’s government from 1949 to 1961. “I thank the people of Huron-Bruce for having faith in me to continue representing them to the best of my ability,” she said. “I’m proud to be part of a team standing with Premier Ford to ensure Ontario remains strong.”

Thompson took a moment to address those who did not vote for the PCs, reassuring them of her commitment to represent everyone in the riding. “I work incredibly hard for all constituents,” she said.

“I will continue to bring it home for Huron-Bruce.”

In a speech to supporters,

Thompson reflected on her journey in politics, particularly her first campaign in 2011. “It’s an honour to stand before you tonight,” she said. “A fifth time is something I never dreamed of in 2011. And it’s because of each and every one of you. Whether you’re a direct volunteer, a family member, or a leader in your local municipality, we have so much to be proud of in this riding, and there’s so much more we can do.”

The MPP expressed her determination to continue advocating for the riding, setting her sights on increasing investments even further. “I’m challenging myself to take that number [over $600 million] up to a billion,” Thompson said. “There are amazing things in the hopper right now, and I can’t wait to work with everyone to achieve them.”

Thompson concluded by emphasizing the importance of protecting Ontario’s resources, citing the growing demand for Ontario’s agricultural products, including soft wheat, as well as the need for water conservation in light of global challenges. “We have so much to stand tall for, and so much to be proud of,” she said. “We’ll

continue to work together to ensure Ontario’s future is strong, both for those of us here tonight and for the next generation.”

In an interview with The Citizen, Heffer commended Thompson on her re-election. “First of all, I just

want to congratulate Lisa on her fifth win at Queen’s Park,” Heffer said. “She’s always put HuronBruce first, and we’re looking forward to working with her and knowing that she’s advocating for us at every step of the way.”

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PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 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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Freedom of the press The first six weeks of Trump’s second term as President of the United States has been a wild ride, leaving many wanting to send Marty McFly and the Doc back in the DeLorean to see if they can find out where the space-time continuum was interrupted. Last week, the Trump administration announced that it was taking control of the White House press pool, in a move that stripped the role from the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) 111 years to the day that the organization had been founded. The WHCA was created in response to an unfounded rumour that a congressional committee would select who could attend press conferences of then-President Woodrow Wilson.

While the Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt framed the move as democratizing access to the President, even Fox News called it a “shortsighted” decision. In reality, Trump would prefer right-wing media and podcasters to frame his message, rather than traditional journalists.

The announcement seems to be ramping up from Trump’s decision to bar the Associated Press (AP) from the White House after it refused to amend the Gulf of Mexico in its style guide. Shortly after AP was out, a Huffpost reporter was ejected from the press pool rotation and Reuters was removed from its traditional spot, even as Trump mused on Truth Social about legal action against journalists and publishers.

In a time when democracy and sovereignty are under threat, and fascism and autocracy are on the rise, we need to seek out independent, quality journalism that can report on events around the world in a fair, balanced and investigative manner. – DS

Lifting the curtain After months of secrecy and confusion, collaborative reporting by Fatima Syed and Terry Pender on behalf of both The Narwhal and The Waterloo Region Record posits that the controversial land assembly and potential expropriation of land in Wilmot Township is being done in an effort to attract a future plant from Japanese automaker Toyota.

Residents, allies and farm organizations have come to the defence of farmers who could lose their land, while no one has definitively been able to put their finger on why exactly the land was needed. Now we know. And because they know, residents, landowners and others can decide if they feel that the juice is worth the squeeze and that taking land from established farms is an appropriate trade-off for investment.

This is sure to spark debate, as significant investment would raise all boats in the area, but, as the past few months have shown, very few are supportive of scooping up someone’s land out from under them, especially in one of the most agriculturally-productive areas of the province, no matter the reason. The point is that now the cards appear to be on the table. It may have taken some dogged reporting and circumvention of tight-lipped official channels, as it so often does, but the totality of this situation now seems to be coming into focus.

And, with Donald Trump making good on his threat of tariffs on Tuesday, this could be another case of best laid plans.

The future of this project, if it even goes ahead, is uncertain, now more than ever, but reporting, once again, has revealed the truth. – SL

Elbows up, Canada Success in Canadian entertainment follows a familiar pattern: toil in relative obscurity at home, cross the border, make it big, and only then earn recognition back in Canada. We export our best and brightest, and when they succeed in America, our reward is getting to point out - to anyone who will listen - that they are Canadian. The system works, even if it leaves us wondering why an American stamp of approval is required before we properly celebrate our own.

One of the great Canadian actors who conquered American show business is Mike Myers. The beloved comedian first honed his craft at Toronto’s Second City before launching to international fame via Saturday Night Live. Last weekend, he returned to the show that made him a star, delivering an irreverent and unhinged impression of Elon Musk. But it was in the episode’s final moments that Myers made an even sharper statement. Standing centre stage in a black T-shirt emblazoned with the words “Canada is not for sale,” Myers mouthed a rallying cry: elbows up. A knowing nod to hockey culture, the gesture was unmistakable: Canada doesn’t back down from a challenge.

Donald Trump’s rhetoric is about stoking division between Canada and the U.S., but also within them. His goal is not negotiation, but resentment, turning allies into enemies and manufacturing a crisis. The best response isn’t just to reject his provocations, but to ensure the unity Myers invoked with his “elbows up” cry isn’t just symbolic. A country that stands together cannot be shaken by a bad-faith bargaining ploy.

Myers is proof that Canadians belong on the world stage. But on Saturday Night Live, he reminded us of something even more important: we don’t need anyone else’s permission to stand our ground.

Elbows up, Canada. – SBS

Looking Back Through the Years March 11, 1965 The World Day of Prayer service was held at St. John’s Anglican Church on Friday, March 5, at 3 p.m. The leaders were Mrs. George Davis, Mrs. James Mair and Mrs. C. Watson. The topic, “What Doth the Lord Require,” was presented

by Rev. A. L. Jennings. Miss Irma Bernard sang the solo “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” accompanied by Mrs. B. Elliott. A joint choir assisted in the service.

The offering, which was sent to the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada, amounted to $25.15.

A large crowd was on hand to witness the Western Star No. 149 I.O.O.F. hockey game between the CKNX Sports of Wingham and the Brantford City Police. The game took place in the Brussels arena on Friday night, with the CKNX Sports coming up with an 8-0 win.

Brian Huether was the lucky winner of the draw for the freezer.

On Tuesday, March 5, the Brussels hockey team returned home from Milverton with the championship for the third year in a row. The great team spirit enabled them to upset the Newry Pee Wees in two straight games.

March 5, 1980 Brussels Village Council accepted a proposal to take over the administration of the Brussels cemetery when it met in a regular council session on Saturday afternoon. Norman Hoover and Jim Cardiff, who were appointed members of the Brussels Cemetery Board by the United Church, approached council with the request because the board didn’t think the United Church should be responsible for a cemetery that offers a service for the entire community.

“The other reason is we can’t find enough people on the church board to look after it. Why shouldn’t somebody in the municipality be responsible?” Mr. Hoover said.

At Brussels Public School, country children were sent home on early buses at about 1:15 p.m., while town students remained at the school until the regular dismissal time. This was the first time this year that students had to be sent home due to stormy weather.

At Belgrave, the visibility was so poor in the morning that buses were turned around and sent home as soon as they reached the school.

Morris Township Council hired a dog catcher for the township when it met in regular council session on Monday.

Greg Smith from Arteeka Canine Control in Mount Forest appeared before council to explain how he conducted his patrols. All dogs picked up would be identified at the municipal office. Any dog believed to be rabid or diseased would be taken to the vet at the owner’s expense.

The dogs picked up would be taken to the pound for three days, and if the owner hadn’t claimed the dog after that time, it would be destroyed. Owners would be charged $5 per day for the dog’s keeping, and if a dog was not claimed, the township would be charged $3 per day and $15 for disposal.

March 8, 1995 A meeting to begin planning for Brussels’ 125th anniversary in 1997 was scheduled for April 19, as decided by Brussels Village Council on Monday night.

Wingham OPP laid charges following an investigation into a robbery that occurred at the

Brussels Variety on Feb. 27.

An 11-year-old Monkton area boy managed to escape serious injury following a snowmobile accident in Grey Township late Sunday afternoon.

March 11, 2010 Denny Scott joined The Citizen as a reporter/photographer. A 2008 graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University with an honours degree in communications, he had been working for the Goderich SignalStar as a reporter, photographer, and webmaster for the past two years.

He grew up in Goderich and Seaforth, completing his high school education at Central Huron Secondary School after the closure of Seaforth District High School.

He developed a passion for journalism while at university, working on the student newspapers The Sputnik and The Cord Weekly.

Huron County Council’s committee of the whole recommendation from Feb. 10, suggesting that the “mandatory” septic system program be optional for each lower-tier municipality, was approved at council’s March 3 meeting.

The system, which was initially proposed as an “all or none” initiative, became available to each lower-tier municipality, which would decide if it wants to “buy in” to the program or not.

Shots were fired between Walton and Winthrop at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 8, leaving OPP officer Constable Vu Pham of Wingham killed in action.

Pham, 37, had pulled over a white pick-up truck on North Line when the approximately 70-year-old suspect exited the vehicle carrying a rifle, according to eyewitnesses.

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

Other Views

We have so much to be happy about

A

s I cast my ballot in last week’s election, I spared a minute to think about why I’m glad to be a Canadian (although having a snap election in February was hardly an asset).

We keep being reminded by U.S. President Donald Trump that we should want to become the 51st state in the United States, although his 51st state would be larger than the entire U.S. and have a larger population than any state and I’d just like to see you try to get rid of provincial premiers.

But as I voted I thought how easy it was.

With one choice to make it took a few seconds.

When Americans vote they decide on a whole raft of political offices.

All I had to do was hand in my postcard showing I was on the voters’ list and I was ready to vote. We have a bureaucracy that compiles a voters’ list, irrespective of who you might vote for. In the U.S., it’s a game in some states to shift voting boundaries to manipulate who votes for whom.

As well, it’s up to you down there to register to vote. Some states make it difficult to register. Back in the days when southern states tried to prevent Black residents from voting, they would have to prove that they could read before getting voting permission, and tests for Black voters were often impossible to pass.

But there are benefits to being Canadian, not just reasons not to be American. We have had free healthcare for more than 50 years, so long it’s hard to remember when we didn’t have it.

Recently, through the pushing of the NDP whose votes kept the federal Liberals in power, we got free dental care.

As a senior I’m happy to have both my seniors’ pension and my Canada Pension Plan, which I’ve paid into since my first paycheque.

Recent cuts in the U.S. have cut pensions,

Keith Roulston

From the cluttered desk while at the same time cutting taxes on billionaires like Elon Musk, who’s helping gut various programs while being rewarded with new government contracts for his various companies.

Meanwhile, though I sympathize with local farmers and hunters who suffer our restrictions in Canada, free gun laws in the U.S. mean there are 100 deaths a day from gun violence. In Canada, we had 600 gun deaths for the entire year of 2023. In 2016, a U.S. male aged 15-24 was 70 times more likely to be killed with a gun than a French male or British male. Yet all attempts to make more sense in gun purchase and ownership are thwarted.

How about medicine? During my childhood we had huge breakthroughs in vaccines that helped eradicate deadly diseases like polio.

Red measles infected nearly all of us, but the measles vaccine nearly wiped that disease out.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, however, many kids went without getting vaccinated.

Southwestern Ontario is currently suffering its worst outbreak of measles in years, and in Texas, one young girl died from a measles infection.

But among U.S. President Donald Trump’s strange choices for his cabinet is Robert F. Kennedy who embarrasses his family by being against vaccines, alongside other questionable views on other health-related issues.

We’ve already seen the results of vaccine hesitancy during the COVID-19 outbreak in Trump’s first presidency. He suggested people would be able to drink bleach instead of getting vaccinated. In the U.S. nearly 1.2 million people died from COVID-19. In Canada, as of March 1, there had been 63,000 deaths.

If I were an American, I probably wouldn’t know that. The U.S. is so big, and its media dominates so much, that people aren’t aware of what’s happening in the rest of the world.

The other day, President Trump and VicePresident J.D. Vance embarrassed themselves in the eyes of most people in the democratic world by loudly attacking Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in front of the media.

Did Americans know how embarrassed they should be? Media is so split in the U.S. that I’m sure that, on some channels, Trump was seen as right and Zelenskyy was the problem.

On television the other day, I saw a story of a woman in Ontario who had been born in the U.S. but had lived in Canada for decades. She was so embarrassed by Trump’s raging that she wanted to renounce her American citizenship.

It wasn’t so easy. She found out it would cost her thousands of dollars not to be an American.

I feel so fortunate to have been born a few miles from this side of the U.S. border.

Certainly there are attractions to being part of the world’s most powerful nation, but we have a view of the world that is much more educational than being inside the American dome. We have had visionary leaders who have given us free healthcare and generous pensions, following European examples and not being held up by backward leaders, such as some southern governors who have prevented change.

I feel so fortunate to be Canadian and there is no lure to join the U.S.!

This is some kind of jazz music

A

ll at once, the alto sax of unnecessary parentheticals (which, despite being widely regarded as a woodwind instrument, is made of brass, raising the question of whether its classification is a matter of sound production, material, or an arbitrary decision that no one is willing to challenge, much like how Pluto is sometimes a planet and sometimes not, depending on which astronomer is loudest that year) lets out a meandering, directionless wail. It stretches across several lines, weaving through unrelated anecdotes before finally resolving in a long, breathy note that adds nothing to the conversation. Haaaaaaaaaaa!

The trumpet of needlessly overwritten sentences chimes in, loudly proclaiming: “One might suggest that the very essence of this piece - nay, its entire raison d’être - is a labyrinthine, anfractuous attempt to construct a composition so utterly devoid of narrative momentum that, should any poor soul attempt to summarize it, they would find themselves ensnared in an ouroboros of their own making, a literary Möbius strip, an everrepeating….”

It cuts off, not because the idea has reached its natural conclusion, but because the trumpeter has run out of air.

The double bass of comically unusual analogies rumbles beneath it all, an undertow dragging the reader out to sea, like a confused jellyfish caught in the bureaucracy of an underwater tax audit. The metaphor does not hold up, but the double bassist insists, nodding as if it makes sense. The audience nods back in silent, confused agreement.

Then, disaster.

The trombone of indulgent self-revisions enters, sliding between half-thoughts. It begins a phrase, stops, adjusts, tries again. It changes direction mid sentence, realizing

Scott Stephenson The Chaff only afterward that this ruins the entire structure. It then attempts to justify the mistake as “intentional” before giving up entirely.

The pianist, whose job was once to provide structure, has now abandoned their original purpose and is working on something that can only be described as “ornate floundering.”

The right hand is performing a delicate waltz while the left hand hammers out a rhythm that is either in 7/8 time or completely unintentional. It is the equivalent of typing an e-mail, rewriting it three times, deleting the whole thing, and then sending “Looks good!”

The xylophone of utterly useless lists takes over, hammering out a steady rhythm as the band rattles off every synonym for “confusing”: perplexing, befuddling, enigmatic, bamboozling, downright mystifying. Meanwhile, the double bassist, seemingly inspired, begins listing types of chairs: Windsor, Adirondack, Eames, folding, high, barstool, chaise lounge, throne, loveseat (which, arguably, is more of a bench), and papasan (which is just a bowl that humans sit in).

The tenor saxophonist, eager to contribute, attempts a list of their own, but instead of sticking to a single category, they oscillate wildly between unrelated concepts. The resulting improvisation touches on breeds of cattle, types of precipitation, and at one point, the ISBN number of a book they once meant

to read but never did.

The audience shifts. They glance at their watches. One man leans over to his friend and whispers, “I think this is about late-stage capitalism.” His friend nods solemnly, though neither of them is quite sure why.

The band does not care.

The clarinet of pretentious conclusions takes centre stage, swaying like a person who has just discovered philosophy and espresso in the same afternoon. It offers a single, airy note, pauses dramatically, and then attempts to explain what has just transpired.

“Thus, one might argue that this piece, in all its illogical grandeur, mirrors the very essence of human existence….”

And then, without warning, the sousaphone of abrupt endings cuts the performance short.

The final note dangles; unfinished, unresolved. The silence stretches just long enough to make everyone uncomfortable. ……………………………………

The audience sits in stunned silence.

Someone coughs. Someone else snores. ……………………………………

The Chaff jazz band bows. *** Review: The Chaff, in its purest jazz form, is less a composition than an endurance test; an unrelenting spiral of self-consuming absurdity. The alto sax of unnecessary parentheticals and the double bass of comically overused analogies engage in a duet so circuitous that coherence becomes collateral damage. Structure is teased, mocked, abandoned. Meaning flickers briefly before being drowned in a deluge of utterly useless lists. To read is not to enjoy, but to submit. One does not critique The Chaff as jazz; one merely survives it, forever stranded on the final, unresolved… … … … ... ... ...

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

Buyer’s remorse

L

ast week, much was made by CNN and The Washington Post about Ryleigh Cooper, a young Michigan woman who was happy to cast her vote for Donald Trump, only to be fired from her position with the U.S. Forest Service as part of the purge of federal workers by billionaire Elon Musk and his cretins in the Department of Government Efficiency. (If you want to know how I feel about Trump, roly-poly wingman J.D. Vance and their raft of enablers, dust off your old The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan vinyl and listen to “Masters of War”.) Speaking with those media outlets, Cooper outlined her reasons for voting for Trump - paramount among them struggles with infertility and a glimmer of hope in Trump’s promise of free IVF - and said that she did, indeed, feel regret about her vote.

Cooper’s willingness to speak candidly on the issue led to ridicule, especially from those who hate Trump, who were quick, as so many people are, to get nasty online, with some even going so far as to wish her a childless future.

Now, I don’t have a whole lot of time for the vitriol being spread online or the idea of buyer’s remorse after voting for a convicted felon who tried to undermine democracy and is doing exactly what he said he was going to do.

Nor do I have time for the spiking of the football happening at Cooper’s expense, but it does offer us an opportunity to discuss one of the central paradoxes at the heart of Trumpism, his Make America Great Again agenda and the rise in far-right support all around the world.

Cooper’s story, which is no doubt one of many though most will have a hard time with coming forward to admit they got it wrong, is an example of the lack of empathy at the root of this movement. It is a true every-man-forhimself, my-way-or-the-highway version of politics that will leave many people behind.

During his campaign, Trump was quite open in regards to slashing the federal workforce (all while promising to create more jobs Trump contradicting himself? Well, I never), deporting people by the thousands, vilifying members of vulnerable populations and callously cutting off resources for those in need both in the U.S. and abroad.

Trump following through on such things should not come as a shock. What changed?

What changed, in this situation, is that he has hurt the one who voiced her support; bitten the hand that feeds. When it was others who would suffer at Trump’s hand, everything was fine and dandy. But, now that a Trump supporter has been burned, something’s gone wrong.

This wasn’t how it was supposed to be.

The Cult of Trump, for those other than the ones so deeply ensconced that they’ll follow the guy off of a cliff, shows the dangers of acting selfishly; not thinking about other members of your community or your country when you cast your vote. And now people who will suffer at his hands will be looking for sympathy; the same sympathy for others they neglected to invoke when casting their vote.

Again, this is not to take aim at Cooper or anyone else who finds themself in this unenviable position, but an opportunity to look at politics in a different light. Perhaps voting for someone who wants to create a rising tide that lifts all boats because, as uncertainty and disruption become more and more a part of the world of politics, groups of voters who have spent so much time as the hammer may find themselves as the nail when greedy, personal interests take over for empathy and care.

An election is no time for navel gazing.

Thinking beyond your four walls is an essential part of democratic responsibility.

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

At the Branch

Stephenson explains The Haven

Ice, ice baby The U11 Rep Blyth Brussels Crusaders were defeated by the Huron-Bruce Blizzard 7-1 in a tough match at home on Friday, Feb. 28. (John Stephenson photos)

By Jo-Ann McDonald The week at the Branch began with the Legion meeting on Tuesday evening. It started with a presentation by Leesa Stephenson on The Haven. She explained what her program is and her plans for it.

She was asking for a donation towards her program.

Veteran Service Chair Eric Ross visited with veterans Glenn Bridge and George Adams, gave them Valentine’s Day gifts and spent some time with them.

The provincial tax relief ended and the canteen prices have returned to normal. The Senior Chair prepared small Valentine’s Day gifts for the senior ladies luncheon. Some projects for the house to look at are the ice build-up on both sides, a new log for the service of exit lights and fire extinguishers (which have all been done) and some repairs to the kitchen ceiling are being done. A grant application to the Trillium Foundation will be sent concerning the kitchen renovation. The application for the patio will be sent to Huron East. Some small changes

will be made to the design of the patio, adding flower boxes.

It is convention time and the zone convention is in Brussels March 16, the district convention is on April 12 in Kincardine and the provincial convention is on May 10 in London. The forms will need to be sent.

Wednesday was the February birthday luncheon for the ladies’ group. They had 18 ladies come to enjoy schnitzel. Birthday ladies were Marcy Bremner and Bev. Palmer. They were joined by Nora Stephenson, Isobel Wheeler, Dona Knight, Jan Hook, Joan Bernard, Lois Lee, Esther McCutcheon, Betty Campbell, Barb Watts, Mary Clark, Betty Cardiff, Bessie Johnston, Edna McLellan, Dale Chesher, Marion Keller and Mabel Glanville. Happy birthday ladies!

The catering helpers were Sandra Brown, Judy Lee, Deb Ross and JoAnn McDonald.

Wednesday evening was changeover to become the polling station for Brussels in the provincial election. The Brussels Legion welcomed the group of 10

workers to conduct the election work on Thursday.

Thursday night was the normal blind mixed darts downstairs. There were 19 darters taking aim at the boards. The first-place team was Evelyn Hillier and Tyler Verbeek.

Second place went to Rhonda Davis and John Stadelmann. The high shots were by Tyler hitting 140, Randy White hitting 119, Jason Wagatha hitting 116 and Louise Poirier hitting 110.

Friday was the Catch the Ace draw, pub grub and karaoke. Pub grub was chicken burgers and fries.

The Catch the Ace draw was administered by new members Bonnie Gropp, Heidi Johnisses and replacement helper Kathy Burkholder. The winner for the night was Barry O’Krafka, winning $171. He chose envelope number two and the 10 of clubs was revealed. The estimated jackpot for this week is $1,200. Following the draw, it was time for karaoke with Stubby D. There were a good bunch on hand to test their voices. Great job everyone.

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS Catch the Ace Weekly Winner Branch 218 Brussels, ON

Winning Ticket: Barry O’Krafka, $171.

Envelope #2 found the 10 of Spades.

Estimated jackpot for the next draw is $1,200.

BGW shares cosmic thoughts A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231 Did you check the sky this week?

It was a lovely sight with lots of stars and a bright partial moon. It made me pause and think about the world beyond our earth. Who else is admiring this wonder and how do we fit in the big picture? It was a classic moment and another time to just enjoy the moment.

We’re now watching the snowbanks diminish, like we did when they were growing. Nicer view. The piles of snow and ice around buildings is quite remarkable and happy it’s there and no longer on the roof. Now my

waiting entails a dryer vent all covered over with about four feet of roof ice and snow. Rethinking laundry is my thought for this week.

We are a people of hope. Being capable of ignoring all the “whatifs” while keeping your life going, can be a struggle some days.

Getting right back to basic parental teaching, it is time to deal with today and your personal realities.

Yes, tough times happen, but fussing about it does not help. Take stock of your worry. What can you do about it? Then, either get busy and do what you can, or work on your attitude. Your attitude is the difference-maker. Ninety per cent of what we worry about never happens. Be kind to yourself and your work and worry only about you and yours.

For the school crew, March Break is here. A time to play and have some fun. It’s maybe not so crucial this year, as weather made for a few extra free days. Anyway, enjoy the

week with sports, sleepovers, pool time, maple syruping or whatever suits your fancy. Enjoy the people you’re with.

Brussels has always been a cooperative place. When the snow load on the United Church took the hydro out last Monday, on a day set for meat pie production and the Lions club dinner, co-operative ideas flew. Dale and Tim Machan had the basic snow issue organized in order to do their work, and a call to Murray Keffer got the outside work in motion. With piles of snow about, pie assembly was rescheduled, with food safety foremost. Heroes here were Julie, Erica and Zoey.

The sweet folks at Melville Presbyterian Church opened their doors to the Lions Club and the travelling dinner. Thanks for all the co-operation. You just never know when you may need a friend.

Take care of yourself.

Bye now. Betty GW

Local musicians are welcome to take part in the entertainment

Snowshoe views you can use

One of the living-in-Canada bucket list activities for our family is snowshoeing and, whilst we had bought snowshoes soon after moving to Blyth, they had stubbornly remained in the basement year after year due to a lack of time and snow... until the other day.

We decided, on a whim, that as we certainly have enough snow this year, we couldn’t keep procrastinating and finally decided to try out snowshoeing.

So, we planned a route and, after our usual Sunday skate at the arena, we pulled the snowshoes up from the basement and put our plan into action.

The first challenge was to strap

the snowshoes to our boots, but this was swiftly and simply done; certainly compared to the events that followed.

We set off on our trail, carefully negotiating a downhill slope, gliding smoothly on the top of the snowpack, which we knew was about waist-deep. It was a surreal experience for first-timers, to only drop an inch or two, rather than a foot or two, with every step. At the bottom of the slope, we headed north, around a frozen pond, which thankfully we knew was there, as little evidence of its location showed through the overlying smooth snow.

Once around, we headed uphill, targeting a stand of trees. Once

there, we noticed how the young spruce saplings, sticking only a foot or so above the snow, are being feasted upon by local rabbits, who have little else to sustain them through these winter months. It turns out that blue spruce was a favourite on the rabbits’ menu, whereas white spruce was definitely less favoured, judging from the lack of nibbling and associated droppings!

A patch of scrub followed shortly after in our journey, and we discovered the rabbits’ burrow; an interesting hole in the snow, with a trail of paw prints leading back towards the trees.

Turning east, across what we know in summer are leafy green meadows, but here the snow was hard and more compacted, which made progress easier.

Shortly after this, my husband, trailblazing the way for us, broke through a drift near a hedgerow, and, in a scene that wouldn’t have been out of place in a comedy sketch, he fell over in slow motion, and then his left snowshoe became trapped under the deep snow, fixing him in place. The only way out was to unbuckle the snowshoe and whilst hardly a 911 emergency, it did make us reflect on what it must

By Scott Stephenson

minister at the Blyth and Brussels United Churches. “I’ve been in this position for five years, and it’s time to move on,” Todd explained.

“Alex willingly accepted the role, and I’m excited for him to take over.”

After approving the minutes from last year’s meeting, the group moved on to financial matters.

Despite Sparling’s absence, the group reviewed the 2024 financial statement, which included a note stating that the audited financial statements for 2023 had not yet been received.

The BBIA reviewed its proposed 2025 budget. The association will draw $11,260 from the annual levy and associate member fees, with additional $2,599.74 available from a 2024 surplus.

Key projects continuing into 2025 include the installation of new signage, Main Street banners,

Christmas décor and a town brochure, with a total of $17,592 already allocated for these initiatives in earlier budgets.

In addition to operational expenses, such as meeting costs, office supplies, audit fees and bank charges, the BBIA budgeted $550 for memberships with the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) and the Huron Chamber of Commerce.

Marketing and promotional efforts will also be a priority in 2025. The budget includes funding for website maintenance at $1,500, the Hometown Holiday Weekend and fireworks display at $1,850, Blyth Friday events at $2,000, grand openings for new merchants at $2,000, the ticket holders program at $2,000, and miscellaneous advertising at $679.74. The BBIA also plans to replace its changeable letter

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

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

We can be heroes The Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund donated its most recent defibrillator to The Blyth Inn on Friday night in the memory of Fund stalwart and former Blyth Fire Chief Paul Josling, represented by his wife Dianne, son Jeff and daughter Joanne, right, alongside Fund Founder Patrick Armstrong, right back. (Submitted photo) be like to be caught under the snow from an avalanche.

Once free, we were on our way again, and this time coming up towards some outbuildings, we coincidentally met up with some of our neighbours who had similarly enjoyed the comedy of the snowpack “rescue”!

Light was fading and some snowflakes were starting to fall, so

we said our goodbyes and retraced our steps; back past the bunnies and the woodland, the pond and the slopes, until finally we were back at the beginning of our family’s snowshoeing adventure! What an experience it was; something to tell our family across the pond about, and all without leaving our own backyard in Blyth!

Blyth BIA plans out its year at AGM The Citizen

The Blyth Business Improvement Association (BBIA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, Feb. 27, at the Blyth and District Community Centre. The meeting coincided with Ontario’s provincial election day, with voting taking place in the same venue.

Chair Angela Cullen led the meeting, welcoming attendees and ensuring quorum was met. ViceChair Shane Yerema was absent, as was Treasurer David Sparling.

Service Club representative John Stewart filled in as secretary for the meeting.

One of the first items discussed was the transition of the Church Representative role. Outgoing representative JoAnn Todd passed the baton to Alex Jebson, the

MAITLAND VALLEY CAMERA CLUB

signs, allocating $2,000 for this project.

The total projected expenditures for 2025 amount to $31,451.74, with the budget still requiring final approval from North Huron Council.

The meeting also included nominations of board members for the coming year. Cullen was reelected as Chair, with Leonie Dolmage nominated as Secretary.

Sparling and Yerema will continue their roles as Treasurer and ViceChair, respectively.

These appointments remain subject to confirmation by North Huron Council.

NEWS FROM BLYTH

PRINTING IS OUR BUSINESS • Colour • Business Printing Forms • Posters • Brochures • Letterheads • Flyers • Envelopes • Carbonless • Business Forms Cards • Labels WE CAN DO IT ALL!

BL LY YTH PRINTING INC. Photography by Liz Allan

BL LY YTH 523-9211

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

Sports Scoreless tie for U15 B Heat, Lady Rangers While there are no tournaments on the Huron Heat schedule this weekend, there is a full slate of playoff and playdown games as February has turned to March and the 2024/2025 hockey season officially approaches its conclusion.

Tonight, Friday, March 7, the U11 HL Heat will welcome the West Oxford Inferno to Blyth for a playoff game, while playoff action will continue for the U13 B Heat in Milverton against the Central Perth Predators and for the U15 C Heat in Watford against the Lambton Attack.

The next day in playoff action, the U13 B Heat will play the South Huron Sabres on the road, the U15 C Heat will welcome the London Devilettes Red team to Seaforth, the U15 A Heat will play the Saugeen Maitland Lightning in Mildmay, the U13 A Heat will play the South Huron Sabres on the road, the U13 C Heat will host the Wilmot Wolverines in Blyth, the U11 HL Heat will play the Central Perth Predators in Seaforth, the U13 HL Heat will play the Tillsonburg Lightning on the road and the U18 C Heat will play the Woodstock Wildcats, also on the road.

In regular season action that day, the U9 C Heat will play the South Huron Sabres in Seaforth, the U7 team will play the Devilettes in London and the U9 B Heat will play the Guelph Junior Gryphons on the road.

On Sunday, the playoffs continue for the U13 A Heat, who will play the South Huron Sabres in Clinton

and the U13 B Heat, who will play the Walkerton Capitals and the U13 HL Heat, who will play Lucan/Ilderton, both in Brussels.

The U11 HL Heat will be on the road for a playoff game with the West Oxford Inferno, the Senior team will host a playoff game with Seaforth in Hensall and the U18 C Heat will welcome the B.A.D. Blazers to Seaforth for a playoff game.

The U9 HL Heat will also head to Ilderton that afternoon for a regular season game with the Jets.

Looking back, on Monday, March 3, the U15 A Heat lost their playoff game with the Stratford Aces by a score of 2-0 on the road.

Also that day, the U15 B Heat played the South Huron Sabres, the U18 C Heat played the St. Marys Rock and the U18 BB Heat played the Stratford Aces, all on the road, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

In playoff action on Sunday, March 2, the U15 B Heat ended their game with the Kitchener Lady Rangers in Clinton in a scoreless tie, the U15 A Heat lost to the South Huron Sabres by a score of 4-0, also in Clinton, the U13 B Heat lost to the Kincardine Kinucks by a score of 4-0 in Brussels, the U18 BB Heat beat the Stratford Aces on the road by a score of 2-1, the U11 C Heat lost to the Lambeth Lancers on the road by a score of 4-0 and the U18 C Heat fell to the B.A.D. Blazers in Seaforth by a score of 42. The U11 A Heat played the South Huron Sabres on the road, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time.

In regular season action, the U9 B Heat tied the Waterloo Ravens at Continued on page 17

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By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

Winding down The playoff slate is full for a number of Huron Heat teams, with games being played all over the county to see who will reign supreme in the 2024/2025 postseason. Above, the U15 B Heat played to a scoreless draw with the Kitchener Lady Rangers, while below, the U15 A Heat lost their playoff game with the South Huron Sabres by a score of 4-0.

Both games were played on Sunday in Clinton. (John Stephenson photos)

Ironmen fall to Bulldogs

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen A middling season for the Wingham Ironmen in the Provincial Junior Hockey League’s North Pollock Division came to an end last Friday night with a 2-1 loss to the Kincardine Bulldogs, giving the Bulldogs their fourth win in five games to end the series.

Wingham actually scored first on Friday night when Tate Berfelz found the back of the net just 15 seconds into the game, assisted by Dawson Dietz. However, two goals

by Bulldogs named Jordan would sink the Ironmen and end their season, beginning with Jordan Moulton’s power play goal at 13:02 of the first period, assisted by Caeleb Bowler and Trent Houghton, followed by Jordan Beisel scoring the winning goal at

12:35 of the second period, assisted

by Blake Hellyer and Aidan Yarde.

Sebastian Moncada won the game for the Bulldogs, stopping 33 of 34 shots, while James Hopper absorbed the loss for the Ironmen, stopping 31 of the 33 shots he faced. Referees called the Ironmen seven times for a total of 12 minutes in the box, while the Kincardine Bulldogs were called three times for six minutes.

That result came after the Ironmen made a last-gasp effort in game four, winning by a score of 42 in Wingham last Wednesday, after losing the first three games of the series played the previous weekend.

In that game, Jesse Coombs opened the scoring for the Ironmen at 2:21, assisted by Carter Coates, which Trent Houghton answered for the Bulldogs at 19:39 of the first, assisted by

Caeleb Bowler and Carter Servais.

Wingham then scored the next two goals to open the second period. First, Ethan Smith scored at 7:17, assisted by Brett McCutcheon and Seth Doney, then Tayt Bramhill scored at 14:04, assisted by Jesse Coombs and Tanner Dietz.

Trent Houghton scored his second goal of the night for Kincardine at 16:15 of the second period, but it wouldn’t be enough with Tayt Bramhill scoring his second goal of the night, an emptynetter, at 18:32 of the third, assisted

by Tyson Fischer.

Sebastian Moncada stopped 32 of 35 shots in a losing effort for the Bulldogs, while James Hopper earned the win for the Ironmen, stopping 42 of 44 shots. Both teams were called by referees five times, with Kincardine serving 18 minutes and the Ironmen serving 10.

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

Sports Crusaders ready for Young Canada Week

Getting after it The playoffs are in full swing for the Blyth Brussels Crusaders, with games being played all over the province to determine regional and provincial champions. Above, the U13 LL Crusaders hosted the Huron-Bruce Blizzard in Brussels last Wednesday, winning that game by a score of 5-1 while below the U11 Rep team hosted the Blizzard, also in Brussels, but lost by a score of 7-1. (John Stephenson photos)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The playoffs continue for the Blyth Brussels Crusaders, with the 2024/2025 season winding down and spring around the corner.

The U11 LL team has two playoff wins and one loss thus far and are next in action tonight at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre, welcoming the Listowel Cyclones to the village.

The U11 Rep team has played eight playoff games so far, with no new contests on the schedule. The team won two and lost five, tying one.

Tomorrow, March 8, the U13 LL Crusaders will be back in playoff action, playing the Arthur Vipers on the road, followed by a March 9 game with the Rams in Mount Forest. This comes after the team has won three of its playoff games and lost two. In addition, the

Crusaders were scheduled to play the Mount Forest Rams in Blyth on March 5, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time.

The U13 Rep Crusaders have three playoff wins and two losses in five games. They were due to play the Central Perth Predators next in Brussels last Tuesday, their last remaining game on the schedule, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time.

With two wins and one loss so far in the playoffs, the U15 LL Crusaders will continue their postseason play tonight with a game against the Huron-Bruce Blizzard in Lucknow and then welcome the Wingham Ironmen to Brussels on Saturday.

The U15 Rep team has lost all six of its playoff games, the most recent being a 6-1 defeat at the hands of the Huron-Bruce Blizzard in Ripley on March 3.

It’s been a mixed bag for the U18

LL team, with two wins, two losses and one tie in the playoffs. The team’s last game on the schedule was a contest with the Listowel Cyclones in Blyth on March 5, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time.

After winning their first game of the playoffs - a Feb. 20 game with the Ironmen in Wingham by a score of 3-1 - the U18 Rep Crusaders have lost four straight. They were due to be in action again on March 4, welcoming the Huron-Bruce Blizzard to Brussels, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time.

The U21 team will host the Huron-Bruce Blizzard tonight in

Brussels, followed by a March 8 game with the Saugeen Valley Steelheads in Hanover and a March 9 game with the Mitchell Meteors in Blyth. This comes after winning one and losing four playoff games.

Looking ahead to this weekend, the U9 MD Crusaders will head to Elmvale for the annual Elmvale Maple Syrup Tournament, beginning with Friday, March 7 games with the Bruce Peninsula Predators and the Honeywood Hurricanes, followed by a game with the host Elmvale Coyotes the next day.

Also on March 8, there will be regular season games between the U7 Burgundy and White teams against two Huron-Bruce teams in Lucknow, followed by March 9 games between the U8 Burgundy and White teams against a pair of Mid-Huron Huskies teams in Seaforth and a home game for the U6 team, welcoming the HuronBruce Blizzard to Blyth.

On Sunday, March 9, the U9 LL team will be in Lucknow for the annual Ron Alton Tournament, playing the Arran Elderslie Ice Dogs and the host Huron-Bruce Blizzard.

Then, on Monday, March 10, as March Break begins, the U15 LL team will be in Goderich for the annual Young Canada Week in Goderich, beginning with a game

against the Wingham Ironmen on Monday afternoon, followed by games with the Saugeen Valley Steelheads and the Ilderton Jets the next day.

Following Young Canada Week, the U7 Burgundy and White teams will head to Guelph to play one another at the Sleeman Centre during the Guelph Storm game against the Owen Sound Attack on Friday March 14, while the U11 Rep team will be in Huntsville for the annual Knights of Columbus Tournament.

Looking back at the regular season action of the week that was, the U9 LL team beat the Goderich Sailors Black team in Blyth by a score of 6-0 and the U9 MD team beat the Goderich Sailors White team by a score of 5-3, also on in Blyth, on March 3.

On Feb. 28, the U9 MD team beat the Owen Sound Junior Attack in Brussels by a score of 3-2 and the U8 White team played the MidHuron Huskies in Brussels, although a score was not kept for that game.

On Feb. 26, the U9 MD team was in Ripley to play the Huron-Bruce Blizzard and won by a score of 102. One day earlier, the U9 LL Crusaders shut out the Goderich Sailors Black team on the road by a score of 4-0.

2025 Belgrave Baseball Registration Saturday, March 15 10 am - 12 noon at the Belgrave Community Centre Or pre-register by email James: j.elston02@outlook.com Bruce: bhiggins@hurontel.on.ca

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.

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

Natasha Fritzley leads the team at Cowbell

Beer baroness Natasha Fritzley, president of Cowbell Brewing Co., has been with the company since before its grand opening in 2017, rising through the ranks from Director of Business Development. With a background in sports and entertainment, she brought her expertise to the rural Ontario brewery, helping shape its growth and future. In celebration of International Women’s Day, Fritzley sat down with The Citizen to discuss her journey, the challenges facing craft brewers, and Cowbell’s exciting plans for 2025.

(Scott Stephenson photo)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Cowbell Brewing Co. first flung open its doors in 2017; the brand new brewery was met by a veritable deluge of curious customers. In the years since, the company has changed a lot - and Natasha Fritzley has seen it all. Fritzley started out as Cowbell’s Director of Business Development, and she’s risen through the ranks all the way to president of the company. In celebration of International Women’s Day, The Citizen stopped by the brewery for a chat with the woman at the top of this ambitious rural beer company.

Although Fritzley and her family only moved here 15 years ago, both her parents are from Huron County, so the move felt more like a homecoming than a big transition.

“I don’t miss downtown Toronto,” she confessed. “I live here because all of my extended family are here, and family is number one for me… and I live here because I like the country lifestyle. I don’t like sitting in traffic, and I love the outdoors, love all the trails, and the lake, and all that fun stuff.”

Before moving to rural Ontario, Fritzley worked in the fast-paced world of sports and entertainment.

She got her start working for a Philadelphia-based company that handled sales, marketing, and operating logistics for professional sports teams like the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers. She started out in sales, moved on to marketing, then operations, and, eventually, management.

One of the projects she most enjoyed during that time in her life was the rebuild of Maple Leaf Gardens, which is now the Mattamy Athletic Centre. “It was an incredible project, because I am a hockey fan. So I got to be in there, to see the shell of the building and the clock come down, and you’re finding old ticket stubs from like, the 1960s, when the Leafs were winning Stanley Cups - it was really cool,” she recalled.

Eventually, Fritzley was in line for a general management position, but her potential promotion came along with a bit of a catch. “The

format of the company was, ‘if you want to grow, you gotta go!’ meaning you go where they tell you. And I happen to draw the ‘80,000-person soccer stadium in Dubai’ card. But I was a 26-yearold female… it intimidated me to the point that I started considering my options.” Working 80-hour weeks was also taking its toll. “A lot of people get out of the sports and entertainment industry by the time they’re in their late 20s, early 30s, because the hours are insane,” she explained. “So that was my time.”

Fritzley ended up taking a job with Huron County in the economic development department. “At that time, the county was launching a private sector-led, third-party board to help steer the economic development strategic plan for the region. And one of the members of that board just happened to be working on a new little craft brewery start-up called Cowbell.”

Her position with the county put Fritzley in the perfect position to help Cowbell expedite the long process of opening a multi-milliondollar brewing facility in a previously empty field. “We had some things come up through the process where they had challenges with approvals, and I was fortunate enough to be asked to help work towards the solution,” she explained. “They started recruiting me, I think, in the summer of 2016.

And by January 2017, I thought, ‘oh, I like beer, I like cool venues, I like the private sector - I’ll give it a try.”

Fritzley took a temporary leave of absence from the county, and climbed on board Cowbell as their new Director of Business Development. “I was able to help with approvals and licensing, and got to work on some of the foundational community partnerships, and then, over time, my reporting portfolio just seemed to grow and expand and include different departments at different times.”

She quickly realized that being a leader in the craft brewing industry really agreed with her. “Everything changes constantly, which is why my job is so much fun,” she said.

“It sounds so cliche, but it really is true.” This past winter, when the role of company president opened up, Cowbell’s ownership team offered her the position. “I thought that at this point I was kind of ready to give it a shot.”

As the president of the company, Fritzley’s days tend to be taken up with government relations work. In her opinion, the provincial government can do a lot more to support craft brewers. “The beer tax structure in Ontario is really punitive,” she explained. “We’re actually the highest-taxed brewers in the country. And what that does, is it eats away at our margin… a lot of breweries cannot make a profit, because of the way that we’re taxed right now. The government has committed to not only simplify the model, but come up with a model that’s a fit for producers - especially in light of the tariffs threat. So we’re really excited about that. That would be a pretty big game changer for us, if they were to alleviate or give us some formal tax relief.”

When she does get some time off, Fritzley likes to travel the world, visiting historical sites and eating local cuisines. “I’m a big foodie! I love travelling around, trying all sorts of food from the very, very, cheap street food to like, these cool,

crazy, fine dining experiences.”

Fritzley realizes that it’s somewhat uncommon for a woman to be a leader in the craft beer world. “I am often the only woman in the room,” she explained. “On the Ontario Craft Brewers (OCB) board, there’s one other woman… but that’s about it.” She may be a rarity, but Fritzley has always felt at ease around other beer-based bigwigs. “You know, I came from sports and entertainment - again, a male-dominated industry. And certainly, there were some awkward scenarios over the years in that industry. Beer is the opposite for me… the OCB board in particular, is the most respectful group of people that you could ever hope to work with. I don’t ever feel vulnerable or different because I’m a woman. If anything, I feel supported and propped up. It’s pretty cool. And here, in the building, it’s the same thing.” She feels the same way about the culture at Cowbell. “To this date, I’m still the only woman on the leadership team, and always have been. But the business has always made a point to ensure that the team is representative and, you know, that there’s women in positions at every level. I’m really fortunate.

And I think it’s important to say that I think that’s rare.”

She believes that there are a number of ways to make it less rare.

“I think the first thing that women can do for themselves, and for other underrepresented groups in the workplaces, is make the point to support one another… as a leader, or a teammate, or a coworker, if you can be a part of the solution for someone, why would you not do that?”

Cowbell has rolled out a vast variety of potable products over the years - Fritzley’s favourites are Boxing Bruin IPA, and the brewhouse’s limited edition nitro espresso martini. Choosing each year’s beverage line takes a lot of foresight. “A lot of what we do is dictated by which of our products get listed at major retailers, like the LCBO, our grocery partners, and our big box partners. Once we know what we’re selling through those partners, we can start to plan out the fun stuff, like seasonal beers and ciders - the sort of smaller batch stuff that our team is really passionate about.”

There are a lot of new things for Cowbell staff to be passionate about this year. “We’re getting spirits in this store - we actually just finalized the labels and bottles this week,” she divulged. “We have an interesting nitro beer dessert pack coming out in the fall. We have a

new light lager that we think will be very popular in Huron County, coming out probably in the spring at the very latest.”

It’s not just exciting new drinks on the horizon for 2025 - Cowbell is also planning to expand their Blyth facilities this year. “We’re building a 10,000-square-foot warehouse on site, with a pasteurizer going in, which gives our products a much longer shelf life… we’re doing a brand refresh, and reintegrating the usage of Blyth and Ontario in a lot more of our merchandise here in the store and our branding. We’re really excited to roll out a refreshed logo - just a little bit more modern.”

The company may expand into different markets each year, but for Fritzley, the real action is still at Blyth’s original brewhouse. Being a top attraction in a tourist town means that the bar and restaurant side of Cowbell experiences a real summertime surge of customers.

“Summer is a crazy time in the brewhouse, and in the restaurant, and in the store,” she explained.

Fritzley also acknowledges that all the local support the brewhouse receives in the off-season is an essential part of its continuous success. “Shout-out to the snowmobilers!” she exclaimed.

“They have been so supportive! We were cringing - when it started to go crazy with all the winter storms and road closures. It starts closing down, and we were like, oh my gosh, this is going to be terrible! We were worried about the team getting shifts. The next day, I think there were like, 50 sleds in the parking lot. They have been incredible.”

Fritzley firmly believes that 2025 is the year that the company returns to one of its original core concepts namely, that young people don’t have to leave Huron County to find meaningful employment. “There’s really intelligent, really hardworking people right here,” she pointed out. “That’s the priority now - just letting people know in the community that we’re here to stay, we’re investing here. We want more jobs here. We won’t be moving our office anywhere anytime soon. That’s the vibe right now.”

All the years Fritzley has spent as a leader in male-dominated fields has given her some insight into what it really takes to rise above the rest. “Don’t be afraid to use your voice!” she declared. “I often, especially in my 20s, was intimidated to speak, period, in a room full of colleagues that maybe weren’t like me… so use your voice, don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty, and work hard!”

Raising the bar Celebrating International Women’s Day, Fritzley gathers with female colleagues at Cowbell Brewing Co., highlighting the women shaping the industry. (Scott Stephenson photo)

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

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OFA chimes in as U.S. implements tariffs on Canada

Learning to do by doing The Londesborough 4-H Sewing Club began its journey in its home community with a project on felt wallets, which the members all made themselves with the help of leader Holly Holyoake and others. (Photo submitted)

4-H Club tackles sewing

By Lucas Johnston The first meeting of the Londesborough 4-H Sewing Club was held at the Londesborough Lions Club Hall on Jan. 23 at 7 p.m.

We held the elections for the club and Clara de Boer was elected president, Reese de Boer will be the vice-president, Lucas Johnston is

the secretary and press reporter. No treasurer was elected that night.

President Clara de Boer called the meeting to order and led the members in the 4-H pledge.

Secretary Lucas Johnston did the attendance. Seven of the 11 registered members were in attendance.

There were no minutes taken or

roll call done at this meeting.

Holly Holyoake, one of our leaders, then held a quiz about sewing materials, followed by a discussion about the answers to the quiz. Then we started and finished our felt wallet projects.

President Clara de Boer then closed the meeting with the 4-H motto, “Learn to do by doing”.

On Wednesday morning, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) issued a statement on the tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump across the Canadian economy at a rate of 25 per cent, and 10 per cent on energy imports.

The statement reads...

“On March 4, 2025, the United States imposed 10 per cent tariffs on energy imports from Canada and 25 per cent tariffs on all other imports from Canada. In response, Canada has imposed initial reciprocal tariffs of 25 per cent against C$30 billion in imports of goods from the U.S., effective March 4, 2025. “‘This continues to be a very uncertain and fluid situation, but tariffs and resulting impacts on currency and markets will have severe negative consequences for farmers and consumers on both sides of the border,” says OFA President Drew Spoelstra. “‘Canada and the U.S. share one of the most significant agricultural trading relationships in the world and we cannot overstate the importance of a balanced trade position that does not harm agricultural commodities, or the deeply integrated relationship Canadian farmers have with

processors and markets in the U.S. “‘We are working with our partners to understand what the impacts will be on our sector and encourage Canadians at every opportunity to support Ontario and Canadian products, goods, and services.’”

The statement continues to say, “Canada exports a large part of its agricultural production around the world, ranking eighth in the world behind the U.S., Brazil, Netherlands, Germany, China, France and Spain. In 2023, Canada exported nearly $99.1 billion in agriculture and food products and approximately 60 per cent of those exports go to the United States.

More than 85 per cent of Canada’s greenhouse vegetable production is exported and Statistics Canada data shows that 99.5 per cent of those exports go to the United States; we also export a large part of our beef, pork and canola oil production.

“Canadian agriculture also sources a significant amount of livestock feed, veterinary products, farm machinery and agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizer and crop protection products from the U.S., making the agri-food-sector tightly connected across our shared border.”

LIVESTOCK REPORT

For the week ending February 28, 2025 Total Receipts: 1,835 cattle, 700 lambs, sheep and goats.

Please note: Prices are recorded as lbs. per cwt Tuesday – Fed cattle sold actively at steady prices. Cows sold strong at prices $2 - $3 higher.

Thursday – Veal sold strong at prices $2 - $3 higher. Drop calves sold steady.

Lambs, sheep and goats sold on a strong active trade.

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

Fed Cattle: There were 110 fed cattle on offer.

Choice Fed Cattle: $275 – $289 Second Cut Fed Cattle: $260 – $274 Aged and Medium Fed Cattle: $245 – $259 Holstein Fed Cattle: $210 – $233.50 Zetterdale Farms of Chepstow, consigned nine head. One fat weighed 1,690 lbs. and sold for an average price of $289*** $4,884.10 / head*** Neil Weppler of Ayton, consigned nine head. One fat weighed 1,665 lbs. and sold for an average price of $289*** $4,811.85 / head***

Cows: There were 315 cows on offer: Beef Cows: $175 – $198 up to $240 Good Holstein Cows: $165 – $186 up to $198 Medium Holstein Cows: $152 – $164 Bulls: $168 – $233.50 Joseph Nolan of Dublin, consigned two head. One simmental cow weighed 1,890 lbs. and sold for an average price of $198*** $3,742.20 / head*** Jim Blake of Blyth, consigned six head.

One holstein cow weighed 1,520 lbs. and sold for an average price of $189.50.*** $2,880.40 / head *** Veal: There were 135 veal and bob calves on offer.

Beef Veal: $300 – $329 Good Holsteins: $295 – $321 SL Heavy Holsteins: $290 – $314 Heavy Holsteins: $280 – $308 Medium Holsteins: $280 – $294 Plain Holsteins: $265 – $279 Holstein Drop Calves: $500 – $1,600 / HEAD Abraham B. Martin of Wellesley, consigned four head. One charolais veal weighed 1,005 lbs. and sold for a price of $322*** $3,236.10 / head*** John Martin of Lucknow, consigned nine head. One holstein veal weighed 745 lbs. and sold for a price of $321*** $2,391.45 / head***

Van Nuland Holsteins Ltd. of Monkton, consigned nine head. One holstein bob calf sold for $1,600 / head.*** $1,600 / head***

Dave Lawson of Clinton, consigned eight head. Seven kid goats averaged 62 lbs. and sold for an average price of $672.50. ***$416.95 / head***

Lambs: Under 50 lbs.: $ 570 – $590 50-64 lbs.: $450 – $502.50 65-79 lbs.: $432 – $477 80-94 lbs.: $399 – $422.50 95-109 lbs.: $365 – $384 110 lbs. and over: $313 – $361

Stockers: There were 1,275 stockers on offer.

Sheep: $175 – $292.50 Carmen and Cheryl Bridge of Kincardine, consigned 15 head. Ten lambs averaged 59 lbs. and sold for an average price of $502.50. ***$296.48 / head*** Jason Devet of Thedford, consigned 11 head. Eleven lambs averaged 91 lbs. and sold for an average price of $402.50. ***$366.28 / head*** Goats: Meat Kids: $580 – $680 Dairy Kids: $500 – $600 Mature Bucks: $350 – $450 Mature Does: $125 – $250 Jonathan Stein of Holyrood, consigned four head. Three kid goats averaged 63 lbs. and sold for an average price of $680.*** $428.40 / head***

Top Quality Steers: Under 400 lbs.: $500 – $582.50 400 – 499 lbs.: $445 – $470 500 – 599 lbs.: $398 – $487.50 600 – 699 lbs.: $380 – $445.50 700 – 799 lbs.: $350 – $444 800 – 899 lbs.: $343.50 – $398 900 – 999 lbs.: $334 – $382 1,000 lbs. and over: $308 – $359

T and A Dalton Farms Inc. of Lucknow, consigned 115 head. Twenty black steers averaged 682 lbs. and sold for an average price of $445.50. ***$3,038.31 / head*** Luke M. Weber of Holyrood, consigned 20 head. Eleven charolais steers averaged 853 lbs. and sold for an average price of $398*** $3,394.94 / head***. Eight charolais steers averaged 934 lbs. and sold for an average price of $382*** $3,567.88 / head*** Gary Zehr of Newton, consigned seven head. Four charolais steers averaged 1,010 lbs. and sold for an average price of $359*** 3,625.90 / head***

Top Quality Heifers: Under 400 lbs.: Too few to establish a market 400 – 499 lbs.: $377.50 – $477 500 – 599 lbs.: $345 – $462 600 – 699 lbs.: $342 – $415 700 – 799 lbs.: $311 – $367 800 – 899 lbs.: $312 – $350 900 lbs. and over: $295 – $342 Dan Coulthard of Stratford, consigned 94 head. Fifteen black steers averaged 591 lbs. and sold for an average price of $472*** $2,789.52 / head***. Sixteen black steers averaged 701 lbs. and sold for $444*** $3,112.44 / head***

Courtesy of Brussels Livestock website

Cameron Martin of Wallenstein, consigned 60 head. Twelve charolais heifers averaged 511 lbs. and sold for an average price of $462*** $2,360.82 / head*** Dave Rabe of Drumbo, consigned 12 head. Eleven charolais heifers averaged 607 lbs. and sold for an average price of $415*** $2,519.05 / head*** Nathanael W. Martin of Wroxeter, consigned 42 head. Fifteen charolais heifers averaged 887 lbs. and sold for an average price of $350*** $3,104.50 / head***.

Eleven charolais heifers averaged 942 lbs. and sold for an average price of $342*** 3,221.64 / head***

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

From the Minister’s Study

Let your face shine in the face of God’s glory

By Rev. Alex Jebson, Blyth and Brussels United Churches We are coming to the end of the Epiphany season. Ash Wednesday and Lent are just around the corner and, even though Easter is late this year, it will be upon us before we know it. To lead into all that, we have Transfiguration Sunday, something that we reflect upon every year, but still is a bit of a lesser-known narrative in the Gospels (Luke 9:28-43). After we have spent weeks upon weeks learning more about who Jesus is and what his ministry focuses on in his initial teachings, miracles and challenges, we now have this breathtaking scene on a mountaintop.

It’s a moment of brilliance and clarity this Sunday symbolized in the shining faces - in our Gospel narrative, we hear of Jesus shining in a transfigured state on that mountain. I’ll be honest, I almost sort of picture it as a Neutrogena commercial or some other skin care advertisement in which everything is bright and sunny and Jesus is running through a meadow or rocking a presentation at a board meeting, and then a shot of Jesus splashing water on his face. Side note: I’ve always been annoyed by those advertisements because just think how much water you’re splashing onto the floor doing that.

In any case, with this narrative, both we and the disciples are starting to get a little bit of a glimpse into more of Jesus’ nature.

Having washed off the layer of sweat and dirt from the mountain climb, the disciples then see their leader and teacher seemingly glow and, in the company of Moses and Elijah, the representatives of the Law and the Prophets in their religious tradition. The disciples were seeing a few more layers cleared up, seeing how Jesus was fulfilling what God has promised, yet in a completely unexpected and dazzling way.

There isn’t a whole lot of clarity or details about how Jesus was shining; Christ didn’t drop his skincare routine to his disciples at that moment. In fact, the disciples were completely astounded and overwhelmed. What they were witnessing was the glory of God through Christ; no teaching or admonishing, just pure shining brilliance.

These days, we often tend to focus on the teachings of Jesus and more so his human nature - and that’s fair since, for much of the Church’s history, God made known in Christ was seemingly too distant or inaccessible. But it is still important for us to recognize that God is still glory and majesty too.

As much as we are made in the image of God, God is still the Holy Other; the one who is the source of love and care and justice. In a way, God does shine, and in the Transfiguration we see how God’s Beloved Son shines.

But in reality, as much as the Transfiguration, and Epiphany in general, has been about discovering who Jesus is, cleaning and exfoliating the layers of discipleship and faith, the real focus on this narrative isn’t on Jesus’ shining face and splashing water all over in a skincare commercial, but rather on how people respond to that glory. In fact, that’s how the word “glory” really functions. In the face of a wondrous, loving and just God who can be so brilliant and

overwhelming that we are at a loss for words, we focus on how we respond to this presence.

Here’s your language lesson for the day: the Hebrew word for “glory” is kabod. It literally means “to be loaded down with riches”. In the face of a glorious God who not only wants to be in relationship with us, but chooses to be close to us through Christ, we are enriched in ways of faith and love that we could never be otherwise. In Jesus’ conversation with Moses and Elijah on the mountain, they speak about Jesus’ “departure”, but the word they actually use is Exodus leading others into glory and freedom.

And this is the key difference to the divine glory of God and the “glory” that is used these days to describe those who are extremely wealthy or hold a large amount of power. Their “glory” is based ultimately on greed and power and hate, usually exploiting those who are oppressed so that they can make a few more bucks or feel even more important. But God’s glory made known through Christ leads and

lifts up everyone, particularly those who feel lost and abandoned.

The disciples on that mountaintop recognized that; seeing the glory of Christ, they wanted to erect monuments and clean up their faces so that they could stay on that mountain with Christ forever.

However, Jesus’ response shows that one can’t just hide away in the glory of God. Instead, they would have to follow Jesus back down the mountain. Instead of finding out how Jesus achieved that perfect glow, they would come to know Jesus even better by getting down in the dirt. Where glory meets suffering - that is where the identity of Jesus and the reality of glory is most clear.

In the healing scene that happens the day after the Transfiguration, the disciples hadn’t been able to help the child who was in distress.

They wanted to be renowned as workers of miracles and wonders, perhaps desiring some kind of worldly “glory” of status and fame.

In Jesus’ presence, the child experiences the glory of God; the wondrous love and care and

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they would learn and cultivate this understanding. But, ultimately, they were being called to shine by reflecting Christ in what they did as followers.

So, what does all this mean for us today? What does it actually mean to reflect God’s glory? It doesn’t mean having some brilliant moment on a mountaintop or having a face shine as clear and bright as a model for a skincare campaign. Certainly not for me at any rate; my pores wouldn’t have it, and I was born with bags under my eyes. It means Continued on page 16

compassion that is both completely Other, yet offered to all.

In this meeting of divine glory and human need/suffering, the disciples learned that their role would be to reflect God’s glory made known in Christ. Instead of chasing after glory and fame themselves, they needed their faces, their voices and their actions to reflect the kind of love and wonder that they experienced in God’s closeness. It would take them a while to fully understand that lesson - in fact, one could spend an entire Lenten season exploring how

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United Chu ur urch Join us for Worshiip this 1st Sunday of Lent

Sunday y, March 9 at 11::00 a.m.

Rev. v. Alex Jebson worship leader Come, the invitation is open to t all be part of our Fa Faith Commu unity Contact Alex at ministter.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.co y @g om Website: brusselsandblythuc.ca b P.O. Box 359, Brussels ~ 519-887-6259 P.

MEL LV VILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS

Sunday, March 9, 2025

Sunday, March 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

9:30 a.m.

We extend a loving welcome to all to join us as Doug Sargent leads us in worship, prayer and praise to God. G

NORTHERN HURON-PERTH CATHOLIC FAMILY OF PARISHES

We encourage you to stay for refreshments and a chance to visit following the service.

All are welcome to visit or join with us, and to become

Soup & More 2

disciples of Jesus, sharing in Christ’s mission.

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

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

Sunday, March 9 ~ 9:30 am Lenten Communion "So if there is anyone in Christ, there is a new Creation."

2 Corinthians 5:17

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

1025 Wallace Avenue N.

The outreach project for March is the Food Grains Project 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 14. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2025.

Classified Advertising – 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

Help wanted

Help wanted

In memoriam

Supreme Concrete Forming, Blyth is looking for help starting in April.

Enquiries please call Mike 519-5258546.

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

Citizen-To-Citizen “SWAP SHOP” ad Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca

Articles for sale WINCO Generator. 540 PTO, 50kw, 208 amp, continuous. Phone 519526-7521 or 519-441-2642.

------------------------------------------Snowmobiles. 2004 550cc Polaris Edge 136 Fan cooled Touring; 2005 550cc Polaris Classic Fan cooled; 2010 F570cc Arctic Cat Fan cooled.

Call David in Glencoe at 519-2873013.

------------------------------------------GERBERS FIREWOOD SERVING you for over 20 years. Your number one source of quality slabwood and bodywood. Delivery available. No Sunday calls. 519-274-1236, 519441-2085.

------------------------------------------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 AVAILABLE TO purchase at these locations - Auburn Esso, Belgrave Variety, Blyth Food Market, Blyth Variety, Blyth Ultramar, Brussels Foodland, Brussels Variety, Charlie’s Variety (Clinton), Clinton Convenience, Fogal's YIG (Wingham), Seaforth Foodland, Fincher's (Goderich), Goderich Victoria St Shell, Goderich Petro-Canada Gas Bar, and The Citizen office in Blyth.

Help wanted

Swap shop

is seeking

Seasonal Box Office Staff More details available at www.blythfestival.com/employment

A Career That Connectss You With Community Yo

HELP WANTED WA Community Correspondent for Lucknow The Citizen is looking for a communitty he correspondent to tell our readers all th news of Lucknow and area.

Call T To oday

The Citizen

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

PEACOCK - In loving memory of W. Ross Peacock who passed away March 12, 2023.

God looked around his garden and found an empty space.

He then looked upon the earth and saw your tired face.

He saw the road was getting tough and the hills were hard to climb, So he closed your weary eyelids and whispered 'Please be Thine'.

He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest; God's garden must be beautiful for he only takes the best.

It broke our hearts to lose you but you did not go alone, For part of us went with you when the good Lord called you home.

Love, Bunny, Dave, Debra, Paul, Vince and Amelia.

Notices

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

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

Monthly Cash Draw winners

Habitat for Humanity Huron County seeks a passionate candidate to lead our mission to unite communities to help families achieve stability and independence through affordable home ownership.

Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in non-profit management, business, or related field.

• 5+ years of progressive management experience.

• Familiarity with construction or real estate is an asset.

• Experience with non-profit governance and proficiency in necessary software.

• Valid Ontario G2 license and a reliable, insured vehicle.

FOR SALE - Five cases of 12 small jam jars. $20; two fire safes. $100 and $150.

519-600-9513.

03-10 -------------------------------------------------FREE FOR THE TAKING - Upright piano originally came from the Presbyterian Church in Clinton, and was moved to First Presbyterian Church in Seaforth. Call 519-482-5762.

03-7 -------------------------------------------------WANTED - Piano keyboard suitable for a young person. Preferably in the Wingham area. 519-357-2768.

03-7 --------------------------------------------------

Seaforth Optimist Club

Help wanted

The ED will provide leadership, manage resources and work with the Board of Directors to support organizational goals.

• Free ad up to 25 words, person to person only (no businesses), items valued at $1,000 or less.

Price must be included in your ad.Your ad will run three times unless it sells faster!

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

MARCH 2025 WINNERS Larry/Susan Wheatley ........$2,500 Jason/Melanie Denys ..............$100 John/Ruth Snell ........................$100

Tenders

Tenders

Tenders

Working Conditions: The office is located at the Goderich ReStore, though the job requires engagement across multiple sites in Huron County.

Salary Range: Competitive with other non-profits in Huron County.

How to Apply: Submit your cover letter and résumé as one document to chair.hurhab@gmail.com with the subject line: Habitat Huron County Executive Director. Include salary expectations.

Find what you’re looking for in the classifieds!

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

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

Wightman plays PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE

By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188

Giving back As the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association wrapped up its 2024 activities, it made donations to worthy causes. Outgoing President Cole McDonald presented cheques for $1,000 each to the Wingham and District Hospital’s oncology department, represented by Gord Baxter above, and the YMCA Strong Kids program, represented by Amanda Bergsma below. (Photos submitted)

Obituaries Canadian Forces in Ottawa and a reception.

In memoriam donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion or the charity of your choice.

Marguerite Anne (née Appleby) Peckitt July 1, 1936 – February 24, 2025 Marguerite Anne (née Appleby) Peckitt passed away peacefully on Feb. 24, 2025 at Venvi, Prince of Wales Retirement Community at the age of 88.

Marguerite was predeceased by her beloved husband John. She was the loving mother of Jacquelyn (Martin), Jeffrey (Janet), Michael, Stephen (Christine) and Kimberly, the proud grandmother of Andrew (Danielle), Olivia, Jon, Jordan, Kristopher (Jill), Stephanie (Nolan) and great-grandmother of Leo, Quinn, Blair and Wren.

She will be dearly remembered by her extended family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to visit the Beechwood National Memorial Centre on Saturday, May 17 after 10 a.m., followed by a graveside service at 11 a.m. at the National Military Cemetery of the

LINDA (HAKKERS) PEASE Linda (Hakkers) Pease passed away peacefully at Stratford General Hospital on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

The loving wife of Irvin Pease, Linda was the dear daughter of Alie and the late John Hakkers, the cherished sister of Ben, Helen and Keith, Gary and Debbie, Fred and Deb, Evelyn and Ron, Jerry and Cathy and Mike and Kari and the sister-in-law of Arnold.

Linda will also be greatly missed by her many nieces, nephews and her fur baby Sparky.

Linda was predeceased by her parents-in-law Lloyd and Mae Pease, brother-in-law Elgin and a nephew.

Linda loved her sports. She was

an active member of the Blyth Broomball League for many years as a coach for Junior Broomball.

She played a big part in forming the local broomball league as a solid defenseman for Yogi’s. Linda also had a passion for baseball, with a long run as a softball pitcher for Angela’s Angels and as a coach for the Blyth Softball League. She loved participating in sports but she also enjoyed being a spectator of wrestling, roller derby, baseball (go Jays!) and hockey (yay, Leafs!); she liked them all.

Linda was also an active volunteer with the Goderich Friendship Group.

Linda had a few jobs over the years. She worked on the Hakkers home farm, drove a delivery truck for Wallace Turkey Products, worked the order desk at Acklands Grainger, was a co-proprietor of the Blyth Corner Cafe and also helped Irv on the egg farm. She was always busy! Linda was always there to help out anyone in need and we will miss her greatly.

It was Linda’s wish to be cremated and have a private family funeral service.

A public celebration of life will be held at a later date.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to the Stratford Hospital Foundation or One Care Stroke Centre in Clinton would be greatly appreciated.

Arrangements entrusted to Falconer Funeral Homes Bluewater Chapel, Goderich.

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

Cards were played at the Belgrave Community Centre on Friday, Feb. 28. The winners were: high gold card, Muriel Taylor; most shoots gold card, Bonnie Ross; high white card, Gord Machan, and most shoots white card, Al Webster.

On Friday, March 14, cards will be played at the community centre again, beginning at 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

On Sunday, March 2, Mackenzie Wightman played prelude music, accompanied all the hymns and postlude music at Knox United Church in Belgrave.

Rev. Colin Snyder read scripture readings that morning from Exodus 34: 29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12, 4:2 and Luke 9: 28-36. His reflection was entitled, “Jesus bids us shine”.

After the service, a delicious lunch was served, followed by the church’s annual general meeting.

On Friday, March 7, Knox United Church will be hosting the annual

World Day of Prayer service. The theme is “I Made You Wonderful”, written by a group of Christian woman in the South Pacific.

Everyone is welcome.

The Belgrave coffee group will meet on Tuesday, March 11 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the community centre.

Birthday greetings are extended to Connie Kuc on March 1, Roy Diesveld on March 2, Don Vair on March 13 and Doug Walker and Jack Marks on March 16.

NEWS FROM BELGRAVE Remembering your loved one

Honour your loved one by placing their obituary in

The Citizen.

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

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

The Citizen

405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792

Advertise your business here!

One of the most read areas of the paper

SUDOKU Fun By The Numbers Like puzzles?

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

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

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

Columnist reflects on March’s lions and lambs PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

We have had the first of March arrive and the “old wives’ tale” of March coming in like a Lion and going out as a Lamb, or the other way around, obviously saw the month come in like a “Lion”. Roads were closed, high winds, blowing snow and snow squall warnings kept many off the roads and led to cancellations. We look forward to the “lamb” part of March!

The kids have been back at school for eight weeks and have just had the second full week of classes. No snowstorms to keep them home. It was a little foggy one day, but not bad enough to cancel. Yeah! March Break is next week, so kids will be out and about.

Our thoughts are with Brian and

Dianne Huether and the devastating event of a house fire. Thankfully, they are both OK, although Dianne did spend the night in the hospital due to smoke inhalation, but is out now.

The snow loads on roofs became too much for many buildings with the added weight from the mild weather and rain and has caused many roofs to collapse. Some have been just porches, or the eavestroughs, soffit and facia coming down, some part buildings and larger barns included.

McDonald Lumber suffered a partial roof collapse, but they are very thankful it happened during closing hours.

There has been a lot of ice buildup and I have heard of many folks dealing with leaks from the backups. It has been quite a year. The carpenters will be busy doing repairs inside many homes this spring.

Our sympathy is extended to the Wasson family on the passing of Albert Wasson. He will be missed by his wife Nancy and by his daughters Valerie and Shelley and their families. He was a brother of

Barb and Terry Richmond and Clara Blake.

He was a community man, serving as a town councillor and reeve during his life, as well as a supporter of Blyth United Church, serving as Sunday school superintendent and member of the choir. Our condolences to all.

We send our thoughts and prayers to Jason Hoggart and his family as he has suffered a severe medical issue. It has left him unable to perform any day-to-day duties on their farm near Londesborough. He is 37 and his wife Sandra and his three young children cannot manage the operation. Jason is the son of Harvey and Yvonne Hoggart and any help for the family is appreciated.

Our sympathies to the Campbell family on the passing of Ruth Campbell, the wife of the late Bob, formerly of Winthrop. She will be missed by her children Sandra, Lisa, Pam, Doug and Dianne and their families. She was the grandma of 15 and great-grandma of 11. She was a lovely lady with a smile on her face. We met when her husband drove bus for Winthrop Bus Lines

and there would be a social gathering. Our condolences to all.

Many folks have a “bucket list” of things they would like to do during their lifetime. Well, strike one of those things off the list of Steve and Marni Knight and Gerry and Brenda Wheeler.

They went to Pittsburgh to watch the Leafs play the Penguins, in a Sunday afternoon game. They left in the storm Saturday morning, but drove out of the storm by Kitchener.

When they arrived, they checked into the hotel and then went for supper. Cards ended their night and next day was game day. They were only two blocks from the PPG Paints Arena and were there early for game time. It was a great game with the Leafs coming away with an overtime victory 6-5! They report there were a lot of Leafs fans there and they were behind some folks from Tiverton in the line-up to go in. It was a great weekend and they can now strike that off the bucket list!

If anyone out there has lost a loveseat, it is on the side of the road on St. Michael’s Road. Maybe it fell off a truck during a move. The other option is someone threw off the beige, orange, blue plaid loveseat a mere three miles from the dump. Thanks!

Returning from a great vacation are 12 folks from Brussels and area.

The group went to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and the Riu Palace Bavaro resort. It was beautiful and had everything one needs to relax, sun, sand and food and drinks. All great. There was parasailing for some and lots of other water activities. The group

included Lisa Glanville and Joan Smith, Mike Thomas and Gail White, Mike and Michelle Dauphin, Kevin and Rose Kellington, Anthony and Sheila Bosciglio, Cathy Goetz and Pam McLean.

Welcome home!

Celebrating birthdays and to start the month of March is Stacey Linton Courtney, followed by Emmett Houston, Jeffrey Huether, Holly Ryan, Crystal Whyte, Adam Ryan, Owen Ryan, Wren Williams, Megan den Dekker, Kathy Ryan, Vera Smith, Sloane McCallum, Hazel Lynn Bachert, Sandra Watson Webb, Elaina Jarosz, Melissa Glanville Brand, Brooklyn Murray, Dean Hackwell, Debra Fraser, Ruthann Hoegy, Andy Pethick, Brian Wilbee and Paisley McGavin.

Happy birthday to all.

NEWS FROM WALTON “Trying to do business without advertising is like winking in the dark.

You know what you are doing but no one else does.”

Puck yeah!

The Huron-Bruce Blizzard couldn’t catch the storm brewing in Blyth on Wednesday, Feb. 26, as they fell 51 to the U13LL Brussels Blyth squad.

(John Stephenson photo)

Jebson on glory Continued from page 13 when facing the pains and situations of the world, when facing people who try to grasp at the worldly “glory” of wealth and fame and power, we choose to reflect love and justice and care. Like the smile or laugh of a child that can light up a whole room, we are called to brighten and care for the world with our faith.

In a time when we are seeing politicians and billionaires seeking glory and fame for all the wrong reasons and in all the wrong ways, we can reflect God’s glory instead.

That will look different depending on where we’re facing and who we’re shining on. For our elected officials and other people in positions of authority, it means holding them accountable to shine in the ways of love and justice into which God calls all of us to look.

And for those seeking compassion and healing, we can reflect God’s closeness and care in the ways that we love and serve. However you are called to, let your face shine in the face of God’s glory and love.

Thanks be to God. Amen.

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

Columnist comments on constellations

Well, at least in Huron County, March came roaring in like a lion last Saturday. We are all hoping the month will quiet down and slip into April like a lamb. Ever wonder about that expression? The constellation Leo, the lion, rises in

the eastern sky at the beginning of March and the constellation Aries, the ram, sets from the western sky at the end of the month. Hence the expression, “in like a lion; out like a lamb.”

That short stretch of road at the south end of Londesborough, just by the cemetery, lived up to its reputation around noon on Saturday. During a real wintry winter such as this one, on a windy day, the visibility driving along there can be reduced to nil. It is just a short stretch, but it can be nasty.

Having driven it every day for 45 years, I dreaded a windy winter day.

And so it was on Saturday. I

received a report of a six- or sevenvehicle pile-up in that stretch.

Police and ambulances attended.

Two persons, I believe, were transported to hospital, but I know no other details. This is why police caution against unnecessary driving in winter conditions.

March is known for its unpredictable weather. For this reason, Lewis Carroll named the rabbit in his children’s book, Alice in Wonderland, the March Hare.

Apparently English hares demonstrate erratic behaviour during mating season, erratic like the weather can be in this month.

Last Tuesday, March 4, the day

Underheated The U15 A Huron Heat were shut out 4-0 by South Huron at Clinton Arena on Sunday, March 2. Despite some solid plays, the Heat couldn’t find the back of the net, as South Huron’s relentless offence and tight defence earned them the win. (John Stephenson photos)

before Ash Wednesday, is known as Shrove Tuesday. This name and day originated in the historic United Kingdom. Shrove comes from “shriven”, which means to be absolved from one’s sins as Christians enter into the season of Lent. To remind churchgoers to attend services that day, the church bell was rung. Churches in some parts of the world ring that reminder still today.

That Tuesday is also known as Fat Tuesday. The idea was/is to have a final feasting on richer, fatty foods before the ritual of leanness during Lent. The idea was to use up all those ingredients from the pantry and the day became known also as Pancake Day. There is symbolism in the ingredients of pancakes: the egg for creation: flour for the staff of life; salt for wholesomeness and milk for purity.

The tradition was not to consume those foods during the weeks of Lent.

So, back to erratic behaviour.

March 4 was Mardi Gras, a time of feasting and celebration that we associate with the French City of New Orleans in Louisiana. Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday, another connotation for the day.

Just a reminder that this weekend begins daylight saving time. Don’t forget to turn your clocks ahead on the night of Saturday, March 8, so as to be on time on Sunday, March 9. It will be good to have more afternoon sunlight.

This coming week is March Break for area schools. So many times the weather is chilly and the ground muddy and soggy. Perhaps this year the weather will invite children out of doors for activities.

During this last week before the break, Hullett Central Public School has been having “Spirit

Days”, meaning the children get a chance to wear other clothing to school. Monday was team jersey day. I hope the sun shone on Tuesday, for that was beach attire day. The Hullett colours of black and gold were worn on Wednesday.

Pupils were asked to plan ahead and wear on Thursday clothing for the career they hoped to pursue one day. And, as always, Friday was comfort day when pupils came to class in pajamas.

The Student Advisory Council group invites the community to attend their Hawaiian Carnival on Friday, April 25 at the Blyth and District Community Centre. Funds raised that evening will help fund the extras that make life and education at Hullett Central special and fun. On Wednesday, May 8, the older classes will present Junie B. Jones, the Musical, Jr. Staff and pupils hope to see you at both events.

NEWS FROM LONDESBORO

Need Your

SPACE? Declutter With Swap Shop

Free ad up to 25 words, person to person only (no businesses), items valued at $1,000 or less.

Your ad will run three times unless it sells faster!

Huron Heat teams compete Continued from page 8 one on the road, while the Senior team hosted the Upper Maitland Mustangs in Brussels, but a score for that game was unavailable.

On Saturday, March 1, due to poor road conditions, several Huron Heat games were cancelled, though a few went ahead. The U9 B Heat won its regular season game with the Wilmot Wolverines in Seaforth by a score of 6-2, the playoff game between the U15 B Heat and the St. Marys Rock in Goderich ended tied at one and the U15 B Heat lost their playoff game with the St. Marys Rock on the road by a score of 1-0.

It was all home games for the Heat on Friday, Feb. 28, with the

U11 HL Heat tying the South Huron Sabres at one in Blyth, the U15 A Heat beating the Saugeen Maitland Lightning by a score of 21 in Hensall and the U13 A Heat tying the South Huron Sabres at two in Seaforth.

One day earlier, the U18 C Heat tied the Lucknow/Wingham 86ers at two in Blyth, the U11 C Heat beat the Upper Maitland Mustangs in Howick by a score of 3-2 and the U18 BB Heat played the Ice Cats in Brantford, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time.

On Feb. 26, the game between the U18 C Heat and the South Huron Sabres on the road ended in a scoreless tie, while the U18 BB

Heat welcomed the Brantford Ice Cats to Hensall for a playoff game, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time.

On Feb. 25, the U15 A Heat lost their playoff game with the Chatham Kent Crush on the road by a score of 4-1, the U11 C Heat lost their playoff game with the Lucknow/Wingham 86ers on the road by a score of 3-1 and the U13 B Heat ended their playoff game with the South Huron Sabres in Seaforth tied at one.

Meanwhile, on Monday, Feb. 24, the U13 B Heat lost to the St. Marys Rock on the road by a score of 2-0 and the U18 BB Heat lost to the Aces in Stratford by a score of 2-1.

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

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

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

NH Council passes capital budget for 2025 Continued from page 1 transferred from reserves, and $979,113 will come from external capital funding, such as development charges. There will also be a net decrease in expenses this year, from $17,978,653 in 2024 to $15,992,312 in 2025.

There are a hearty number of capital projects planned for 2025.

The list of Priority One capital projects contains 23 items, which come with a total cost of $2,105,413. This includes the $161,113 upgrade to the racquet sports courts at the North Huron Wescast Community Complex (NHWCC), which will be paid for by a grant from the Vance Foundation.

The NHWCC is also in need of two new dehumidifiers, which are budgeted at $120,000, a $10,000 fire alarm panel, $10,000 for a water filtration system, and $14,000 for an ice plant compressor overhaul. The facility also requires $50,000 in roof repairs. All of these costs are projected to be funded through taxation.

The Blyth Community Centre also requires a dehumidifier, and maintenance work is required at the Blyth Campground. These two budget items will cost $60,000 and $40,000, respectively, which will be funded through taxation. The $350,000 needed for initial project costs of the Blyth daycare will be funded through a grant from Huron County. Next, $25,000 worth of design work is needed to increase the accessibility of Wingham’s Town Hall Theatre.

Several pieces of equipment are being requested by the township’s Emergency Services Department.

Extrication equipment, essential to rescuing people trapped in vehicles, will cost $60,000 - half of which will be funded through taxation, half through grants. Two new emergency road closure trailers are also on the list of Priority One projects, and will be paid for by Ontario’s Emergency Preparedness Grant. The most expensive line item for Emergency Services is the

replacement of Rescue Vehicle 7, a nearly 30-year-old vehicle that will require $300,000 to replace. This would also be paid for through a combination of grants and tax dollars.

A total of $357,300 in tax dollars is earmarked for a tandem plow truck, a roadside tractor, and a pickup truck with dump box and sander.

Reserve funds will be used to resurface various stretches of North Huron roads to the tune of $185,000. This includes parts of Park Drive, Boland Street, Patrick Street, and Farley Lane.

Councillor Mitch Wright asked how the streets to be resurfaced were chosen. “Is there a rating system?” he asked. “I know there’s streets like Frances, right out here which are in very poor shape, so I just want to get an understanding on how the decisions are made.”

Interim Director of Public Works Chip Wilson explained that the roads to be resurfaced are chosen after consultation with staff as to the amount of maintenance each road requires, and the amount of traffic they receive.

Parking lot resurfacing at three Wingham locations: the Wingham Town Hall Theatre, the fire hall, and the library is budgeted at $250,000, to be funded through taxation. Councillor Anita van Hittersum asked Wilson if this project involved putting asphalt down, or if it only entailed smoothing and augmenting the lots with gravel. Wilson responded that it was the former. “This would be to have them asphalted to clean them up,” he explained. “I believe there were some concerns and some comments coming back from people using the theatre on the condition of them. I believe the accessibility committee was there, and did a site visit… obviously, when it’s gravel there is no accessible parking available, but once you get it paved, then you can mark these out and designate them for accessible parking.”

Wingham’s current columbarium

has reached 50 per cent capacity the purchase and delivery of a second columbarium would cost a total of $70,000, to be paid for out of reserves. The sale of the new columbarium’s niches would then be used to replenish the cemetery reserve fund.

Priority Two projects include rubberized flooring for the NHWCC ($175,000) and the BCC ($150,000), light replacements for the Wingham Ballfield ($75,000), and a crosswalk for F.E. Madill ($45,000). Director of Recreation and Children’s Services Kelly Steiss noted that, if one rubberized flooring project were to be prioritized, the floor at the NHWCC is in worse shape. She also added that the BCC floor could be replaced in stages, as the layout of the floor would allow for it to be done one section at a time.

Councillor Chris Palmer asked

new technology too, that would allow staff to make changes remotely from their phones, allowing for even better communication, should there be outages or road closures.”

Councillor Anita van Hittersum wanted to know if the potential skate park would be permanent or mobile. “My understanding is that it’s for a mobile skatepark,” Steiss responded.

The first phase of the multimillion dollar reconstruction of Mill Street was completed last year - completion of the second phase has been slated for 2026, with the third phase to occur 2027.

The approval of the budget in principle means that North Huron will likely move forward with all of the proposed Priority One capital projects, barring any changes made following the public meeting later this month.

Steiss if the lights at the Blyth Baseball Diamonds were being considered for repairs. “If memory serves me right, there could be a few light stanchions that are maybe leaning - do you know the condition over there? Is there thoughts of fixing or replacing anything there?” he enquired. Steiss responded that she did not know, but would look into the matter.

The list of Priority Three projects includes a sound system upgrade for the NHWCC ($45,000), a skate park replacement for the BCC ($27,000), a soccer field at the Blyth Campground ($75,000), and digital sign replacements at both the BCC ($50,000) and the NHWCC ($50,000). According to Steiss, neither sign can be repaired. “The technology for those signs are now out of date,” she explained. “So a full replacement is required for the signs at both locations… there is

Stretch On Friday night in Brussels, the U21 Crusaders lost their playoff game with the MidHuron Huskies by a score of 5-2. It was a game that saw Herculean efforts from both teams and a few fans ejected by local law enforcement. (John Stephenson photo)

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

F.E. Madill hosts third edition of ‘Living Library’

‘Get busy living...’

F.E. Madill Secondary School held a “Living Library” event on Feb. 26, allowing students to engage with community members from diverse backgrounds. (clockwise from upper left): National team softball pitcher Ty Sebastian; Indigenous educators (from left) Autumn Fisher, Matt Baker and Jesse Dew; retired Canadian military explosives disposal operator Kyle Crich; Filipino cultural ambassador Zairah Lagana; historian Bonnie Sitter; and Chinese student Shane Wu. (Scott Stephenson photos)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen F.E. Madill Secondary School hosted its third annual “Living Library” event on Wednesday, Feb. 26, bringing together students and community members to share stories, experiences and perspectives.

Organized by Teacher Librarian Anne Guay, the event aims to foster understanding, celebrate diversity and promote inclusion by bringing students together with “Living Books” - people with unique lived experiences.

“A ‘Living Library’ allows people to connect with individuals in their community who they may not normally have the opportunity to interact with,” Guay explained.

Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to engage in oneon-one conversations, ask questions, and learn about different cultures, careers and experiences.

There were many participants who volunteered to be this year’s “Living Books,” including members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), the Wingham Historical Society, Indigenous educators, a military veteran, representatives from social support organizations and individuals from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

Journalist and photographer Cory Bilyea of The Wingham Advance Times participated in the event to inspire students to consider careers in local journalism.

Multihyphenate Bonnie Sitter attended to highlight her work with the Farmerettes, a multifaceted project highlighting the women who worked on farms during wartime. Sitter shared that a documentary on the Farmerettes is nearing completion and that she will soon be travelling to promote the film.

Several newcomers to the community participated in the event, offering insight into their cultural backgrounds. Zairah Lagana, originally from the Philippines, was excited to share the beauty of her homeland. “The

Philippines is a tropical country with over 1,000 islands, and it’s a really beautiful place to relax,” she said. Having arrived in Canada in May of 2022, she described her transition as challenging at first but said she has since grown to love the community. “The people are really nice and polite.”

Shane Wu, a student from China, wanted to correct misconceptions people may have about his home country. “Some people learn about China from funny videos, but I want to share real information what it actually looks like, the food, the culture,” he said. Originally from a city near Shanghai, Wu enjoys the peacefulness of Wingham, but admitted it can sometimes be quiet compared to home.

Matt Baker, the Indigenous Education Lead for the Avon Maitland District School Board, attended the event with colleagues

Jesse Dew and Autumn Fisher, who serve as Indigenous graduation coaches. Their focus was on sharing their history and culture with students, while working toward truth and reconciliation. “We are still very much in the truth phase of truth and reconciliation,” Baker said. “We want to empower both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to take ownership of our shared history and to work toward a future where we all do well together.”

Baker spoke about the importance of Indigenous students feeling seen and valued within the school system. “In the last two years, we’ve seen a huge increase in engagement,” he said. “More students are wearing traditional cultural items like medicine bags and beading, and we’ve also seen improvements in attendance and self-esteem.”

Kyle Crich, a retired explosives

disposal operator with the Canadian military, shared his experiences serving in a highly-specialized field. “There are only about 70 of us in the whole country who do this job,” he said. “Every bomb disarmed is a life saved.”

Originally from Lucknow, Crich was encouraged by students’ curiosity. “A few have come up to me asking about joining the military. They’ve been really interested in the videos and stories.”

Former F.E. Madill student and national team softball player Ty Sebastian returned to his alma mater to share his experiences as a professional athlete. He brought along his championship rings, which immediately caught the attention of students. “Some of the kids I coach at Between the Lines in Listowel were here today, so it was great to see them,” he said.

Guay reflected on the event’s impact over the past three years, noting that both students and participants look forward to it.

“Some of our ‘Living Books’ have

come every year. As soon as I send out the e-mail invitation, they say ‘yes’ right away,” she said.

She also highlighted the event’s role in fostering cultural understanding in Wingham. “Our area hasn’t historically been very multicultural, but as more people move here, events like this give students a chance to ask questions and learn about different cultures in a welcoming environment.”

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

Dungannon Social to shed light on IgAN Foundation

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Later this month, Cassey Rivett of Dungannon and her partner Preston Jamieson, both Canadian ambassadors for the IgA Nephropathy Foundation, will host a special fundraiser for the foundation that is so close to both of their hearts.

Rivett has this disease and has benefitted greatly from the foundation’s support, she says. She was profiled in The Citizen in 2021 when she was on the hunt for a kidney donor, which she would find when her neighbour and co-worker, Amanda Haak, stepped up and offered to make the donation. It has since been two-and-a-half years since the transplant and Rivett says she is doing well, though there have been some challenges and further treatments along the way.

However, in speaking with The Citizen for this story, she notes that the challenge is ongoing and it is a constant struggle to remain healthy, even with the new kidney, saying she has had to leave parts of her life

The road to recovery Cassy Rivett and her partner Preston Jamieson will be hosting an event in Dungannon later this month to shed light on the IgAN Foundation and its good work, while also giving back to the community that has given them so much, while also raising funds for the foundation.

behind, such as attending concerts, and will often wear a mask when interacting with others, needing to remain as healthy as possible to facilitate a continuing healthy and relatively normal life.

As a result of the new lease on life Rivett has and the support she has seen from the foundation, as well as from her community of Dungannon, Rivett and Jamieson are hosting the Dungannon Social on Saturday, March 29 at the Dungannon Hall from 6-11 p.m. It will feature a dinner of chili, soups and buns, a trivia competition and live music by Zach Zell, who is donating his time and talents to the event. Both the trivia and music begin at 8 p.m. that day. Entry and dinner are by donation and there is a cash bar and all proceeds will benefit the IgA Nephropathy Foundation.

Rivett is one of four ambassadors for the foundation on the patient side, while Jamieson is an ambassador on the caretaker side.

They are planning on having a third ambassador in attendance that day, meaning that 75 per cent of the

country’s ambassadors to the foundation will be in Dungannon that night to help raise funds for the foundation, as well as awareness just over a month after Rare Disease Day, which was marked on Friday, Feb. 28.

When Rivett was in the early stages of her battle, she said she was not only greatly supported by the foundation, but by her community as well. There was essentially a daily schedule of people who would drive her to London for dialysis treatment every day and that, in addition to a local coming forward to be her kidney donor, is support that will never be forgotten.

Jamieson was also a big part of that journey, making his way to London daily to be with her as she navigated her journey.

She says that local businesses have donated door prizes and other items, but she and Jamieson are still looking for chili and soup donations, if locals would like to support the cause that night. She can be reached at 519-441-0137 or by e-mail at cassy@igan.org.

Enjoy the W inter season with a grea at book!

(Photo submitted)

Alice Munro Festival disbands, remaining funds to be donated

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The Alice Munro Festival of the Short Story, which has encouraged local writers and brought to Huron County some of the country’s literary giants, such as Margaret Atwood, Michael Ondaatje and Emma Donoghue, to name a few, is no more as organizers have unanimously decided to shutter the festival.

The announcement was made via the festival’s Facebook page late last week. Organizers have declined to comment beyond what was posted, even when reached by the CBC and others. The post reads, “The Alice Munro Festival of the Short Story has unanimously decided to bring the festival to a close in 2025.

“The committee would like to share their sincere appreciation to the community, volunteers and funders for their many years of

support and to the authors who continued to bring exceptional programming to the event. The remaining funds will be donated to community charities supporting women and youth.

“The festival website will continue to host the archive of authors and short stories for an undetermined amount of time....”

This comes after the op-ed piece

by Andrea Skinner in the Toronto Star last summer that detailed sexual assault at the hands of her stepfather Gerald Fremlin when she was nine years old and into her teens. The piece also detailed Skinner, as an adult, telling Munro of the abuse and Munro deciding to stay with him.

Munro died at the age of 92 in May of last year, leading to an outpouring of tributes to the celebrated short story author who called Huron County home and who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2013.

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