The Citizen - August 18, 2023

2 • G2G Trail 4 • Editorials 8 • Sports 10 • Music

The

THIS WEEK

Citizen

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Friday, August 18, 2023

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Volume 39 No. 33

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

Legends win in Wilmot

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

Foul territory Wingham was the place to be for a baseball fan over the weekend, as the Wingham Hitmen hosted the Brussels Bangers on Saturday afternoon in Huron County Fastball League action, while the community also welcomed U11 Boys teams from throughout the

community to take part in their year-end tournament. The Hitmen beat the Bangers by a score of 6-0, while teams from Benmiller, Brussels, Londesborough, Mildmay and Wingham all battled it out in the youth tournament’s championship finals. (John Stephenson photo)

North Huron begins new strategic plan

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen North Huron is looking ahead to the next four years by way of a twopart strategic planning session for council members and staff, which began last week in Blyth.

With the township’s current strategic plan coming to an end this year, staff and council participated in a session with Rob Browning of Capstone Project Solutions Inc. on Aug. 10 at the Blyth and District Community Centre to look ahead to the next four years and begin the process of creating a strategic plan for 2024 to 2027.

To begin the session, Chief Administrative Officer Dwayne Evans reviewed the outgoing strategic plan and highlighted a number of successes. Namely, Evans boasted the completion of 33 of the 48 action items laid out in the 2020-2023 strategic plan, which, given the circumstances, not the least of which was the COVID-19 pandemic, he felt was rather impressive. The remaining 15 are

still in progress, he said, with some due to be completed later this year or early next year.

The action items fell under six pillars: Economy, community, governance and modernization, infrastructure, services, and environment.

High points included creating an inventory of available land, divesting the township from ownership of the Richard LeVan Airport, creating a more efficient development process and meaningful progress on the Hutton Heights development lands, among others.

Evans also acknowledged that there is still some work to be done.

Items that have yet to be completed include establishing a visitor information centre, further waste reduction and diversion, a health and safety update and further accessibility updates. He also acknowledged that the township has some work to do in regards to staff recruitment and retention, asset management and creating youth-friendly opportunities.

Looking ahead, Browning took over and facilitated the rest of the meeting, asking members of council and staff what they envisioned for the future of the township and what they hoped North Huron would accomplish between the years of 2024 and 2027.

He began with potential changes to the township’s vision statement, which currently reads, “The Township of North Huron is a prosperous and engaged municipality that welcomes visitors, families and residents through strong agriculture, development, culture and tourism.”

Chief Building Official Nancy Small immediately suggested adding recreation to the vision to acknowledge a number of recreational opportunities in the township, such as its arenas and outdoor recreation opportunities like trails.

Evans suggested recognizing volunteerism and the contribution of staff in the vision, noting a cooperative approach, while

Councillor Mitch Wright felt that the delivery of services should be mentioned.

Browning acknowledged the collaborative approach being heralded, but wondered aloud if it would be more at home in the township’s mission statement, which was the next thing the group would tackle. In terms of volunteerism and co-operation, he also threw out “civic engagement” as a term the group may want to consider.

Browning then sent those in attendance away, broken into four groups, to brainstorm some potential additions to the vision statement.

One staff member wondered if it was wise to omit “prosperous” from the vision statement, as, in these trying economic times, not everyone is necessarily prospering and the township can’t necessarily provide that to everyone.

Clerk Carson Lamb’s group suggested a change that would identify North Huron as a township Continued on page 3

The U17 Londesborough Legends Girls team recently capped off an impressive season with an undefeated run through the division’s year-end tournament, held last weekend in Wilmot.

The team won its last game of the tournament, the final on Sunday, over the Fullarton A’s in a thrilling contest that ended with a score of 87 for the Legends.

This was the first time the Legends faced Fullarton in the tournament.

The locals opened tournament play with a Friday night win over the Shakespeare Falcons by a score of 12-4, followed by Saturday wins over the host Wilmot Thunder (162) and the Exeter Extremes (19-1).

By the time the Legends faced the A’s in the finals, the locals had outscored their opponents 47-7.

The U17 Girls don’t have any further games on their schedule for the year.

The U11 Boys also took part in their year-end tournament, held in Wingham, but scores and game information from that tournament were unavailable at press time.

On Aug. 10, the U11 Girls were in Mitchell to play the Hornets 2 team and they could not decide a winner and the game ended in a 1313 tie.

On Aug. 9, the U13 Girls were in Zurich to play the Thunder and lost by a score of 18-12. Also that night, the U9 team hosted the Brussels Tigers, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time.

On Aug. 8, the U17 Girls played an exhibition game with the Seahawks in Goderich and won by a score of 3-1. The U11 Girls were also in action that night, beating the Seaforth Wolverines in Londesborough by a score of 1514, while the U11 Boys hosted Benmiller A in Auburn, though a score for that game was unavailable at press time.

On Aug. 3, the U17 Girls beat the Listowel Legends in Londesborough by a score of 21-5, while the U11 Girls beat Lucknow 1, also in Londesborough, by a score of 20-14.

On Aug. 2, the U17 Girls shut out the Wilmot Thunder in Londesborough by a score of 7-0, while the U13 Girls lost to the Clinton Mustangs 1 team by a score of 12-6.

On Aug. 1, the U11 Girls lost to the Zurich Thunder in Auburn by a score of 17-6, while the U17 Girls Continued on page 20

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023.

Lee reflects as G2G marks 10th anniversary

The long road Chris Lee of Walton, seen in recent years at the Blyth Greenway Trail portion of the Goderich-to-Guelph Rail Trail, has been instrumental in pushing the extensive trail forward. Now, as it marks its 10th anniversary, he’s taken the time to reflect on how far it has come and the jump in usership and support. (File photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen On Tuesday, Aug. 22, the Goderich-to-Guelph Rail Trail will mark its 10-year anniversary as an end-to-end trail, connecting nearly 130 kilometres of communities, nature and people.

No special events are planned to mark the milestone, but those at G2G Inc. are asking that supporters and users of the trail consider

contributing to some of its ongoing projects to help celebrate the occasion.

Chris Lee of Walton, who was instrumental in the creation of the trail over 10 years ago, took time earlier this week to reflect on the origins of the trail and how far it’s come in the decade since.

Lee says he has been engaged with the trail - first as a railway and now as a trail - since he was a young boy living just a few hundred

Clearing the way Last winter, one of the major projects along the Goderich-to-Guelph Rail Trail was the removal of dead ash trees, thanks to a grant received by the organization. When the dust settled, Chris Lee figures about 8,000 trees were removed from end to end. (File photo)

metres away from the railway in Walton. As a kid, he said, he could remember seeing the lights and hearing the sounds of the train as he was making his way out to milk cows in the morning. In those days, smaller train stations like Walton, Blyth and others were bustling with activity and people (and animals) were always coming and going with the trains.

When the railway shut down and the infrastructure was dismantled, Lee says he was among the earliest users of the trail. Familiar with its destinations, he would often walk, run or cycle on the trail years before anyone considered it a trail. Then, he and other nearby landowners would do their parts to clear it of downed trees when necessary or repair small imperfections along the way.

It wasn’t until the turn of the century and beyond that the concept of an end-to-end trail began to really take shape.

Lee says it all began with smaller portions of the trail being revitalized and developed in the wake of the railway infrastructure being removed. At the time, he said, usage was discouraged. The infrastructure was removed in a way that made it difficult to access the line, as concerns about liability and bad actors led the former owners to want to make the trail as unattractive of a recreation option as possible.

However, development of the Kissing Bridge Trail in the east and the Goderich to Auburn Rail Trail (GART) in the west and the Blyth Greenway Trail in and around Blyth began to show local trail users what could be possible on an abandoned old railway.

In the years following the development of those trails, it was Doug Cerson, who had ties to the Wingham area but was living in West Montrose at the time, who really got the ball rolling on the concept of a trail that would run the length of the old railway from Guelph to Goderich with no breaks in between.

Cerson made a simple

presentation in Brussels about the idea of curating a trail experience along the entire 132 kilometres and it scratched Lee right where he itched. He immediately became involved and asked how he could help.

As a result, he, Cerson and a handful of other early advocates became the inaugural steering committee for the trail, working to understand the logistics involved and gauge interest among members of the public.

One of the first ventures in that vein that Lee remembers is attending an outdoor activity show in the Toronto area. Among eyecatching and interactive booths from all manner of outdoor adventure vendors, Lee said it was the humble G2G Rail Trail booth, consisting of a few people and a map with a line on it (the trail) that attracted much of the attention. He says there was a line and people crowded around wanting to learn more about the trail, which hadn’t even yet been approved or created.

That was a real eye-opener for Lee, he says, when he saw the potential for the trail and the interest from outdoor enthusiasts based in the Toronto area, he and the others felt the trail could be something special for Huron County and the other communities situated along the trail.

As the group began to lay the groundwork for the trail, they discovered that the former railway was being held by a company contracted by Infrastructure Ontario to manage property on behalf of the provincial government. That was a unique and important piece of the puzzle, Lee said, because it meant that, aside from a few leases that had been issued before the trail was proposed, the trail was kept intact, rather than fragmented to a number of landowners, which would make an end-to-end trail a near impossibility.

Lee credits the foresight of the provincial government with that decision that paved the way to make the trail a reality. However, there were no supports or funding for such a project at the time. The

government was in touch with Lee and his group regularly, asking if they were ready to move ahead with an end-to-end lease and keen to see the project move ahead, but without any sort of monetary support.

Then, one day, Lee said, a lease arrived and it was time to get started. The group would then incorporate to take control of the lease, which is the anniversary being celebrated this year.

However, another phase of the project then began, as some of those living adjacent to the trail and local farming groups opposed the development of the trail, citing concerns about misuse, trespassing, litter, cross-contamination on farms and more.

As a result, Lee and other trail advocates began consultations with municipal and county councils, as well as farming groups and individual stakeholders to try and demonstrate the potential they saw in the trail.

While those were difficult times, Lee said, he felt he could see the light at the end of the tunnel. In addition to the enthusiasm he saw at that outdoor show, the group behind the Kissing Bridge Trail was a few years ahead of the G2G clan. They had faced similar opposition, coming out the other side with few of the worst-case scenarios coming to fruition and some of the most vocal opposition to the trail had since become some of its most fierce defenders and dedicated users.

With those two things in their back pockets, Lee and the team felt there was support for the trail just waiting to be discovered.

Naturally, the G2G team approached those behind the Kissing Bridge Trail and the Maitland Trail Association (which had worked to develop the GART) and neither of them were interested in or capable of taking on an endto-end project like the one being proposed. So, they began working on it themselves and garnering support from wherever they could find it.

While the group was facing Continued on page 3

AUDITIONS AT AT THE LIVER RY Y ELIZABETH REX Sunday August 20, 1:00 pm Tuesday August 22, 7:00 pm Elizabeth Rex by Timothy Findley: a thoroughly modern play play, set in London 1601, nearing the end of the reign of Elizabeth I. Performances will be the last week of February and first week of March, 20244 at The Livery Theatre There are roughly 20 roles. Most of the parts are written for males; however, iin keeping with the themes of sex and gender, many can be played convincingly by players oof any sex. The play is not a musical, but does present opportunities for music of the pperiod; so, we encourage singers, musicians and dancers to try out.

As part of your audition, you will be asked to play a character with script in hand. Prepared performance pieces are not required but welcomed.

A LITTLE ABOUT THE PLAY It’s Shrove Tuesday, 1601. Robert, the Earl of Essex is to be beheaded in thhe morning for leading a rebellion against the crown. Queen Elizabeth I, widely supposed tto be his lover, caught by political forces she cannot overcome, awaits the morning with dread. She "requires distraction” and has commanded a performance of Much Ado About Nothinng. Afterwards, she joins Shakespeare and his company overnight in the barn, to wait out thee curfew. What follows is a confrontation among three great minds on the nature of power, love, sex, and gender.

The play will be advertised as mature content.

For more information contact Dave Armour (the Director). 519 524-8546 Goderich Little Theatre / The Livery 35 South Street Goderich ON N7A A 3LA 519.524.6262

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023. PAGE 3.

Seamless, end-to-end experience the goal for G2G

From then to now Making its way from a decommissioned railway to one of the most-used trails in the province has been a journey for the Goderich-to-Guelph Rail Trail and now, with grading, clearing and stone dust application, it is, for the most part, accessible for all.

Local accessibility advocate Julie Sawchuk, above, has been a fierce advocate for the trail, which she now often uses. She is seen above using the trail with a group of family members and friends several years ago. (File photo) Continued from page 2 opposition from some in the community, the practical aspect of readying the trail to welcome users wasn’t going well either. Lee said there was a lot of hard work to be done by just a handful of people and not a lot of money with which to do it. However, as progress was made (and people saw that progress being made), more supporters came on board in the form of both individuals and service clubs wanting to help.

Significant progress was made in

2017, ahead of the International Plowing Match being held in Walton. Then, Lee said, the group was able to purchase some gates and signage and other improvements that were able to show people that the project was real and moving ahead.

The wheels really began turning in late 2019 and early 2020. The group received a Rural Economic Development (RED) grant to improve the trail and then some other supporters came on board because they believed in the trail,

one of whom underwrote a line of credit. (It was expected to be paid back within three years but the group paid it back within one.)

That was when significant clearing, grading and stone dust application began to take place and the trail, as users know it today, began to take shape.

The funding really would have only covered about 20 kilometres of stone dust, Lee said, but the support from the line of credit was able to accomplish so much more. As a result, one group worked its way

Process underway in NH Continued from page 1 is “progressive, inclusive and welcoming to all”. Another group included “progressive” in its draft vision statement, while Wright championed “inclusion”, saying it would bring in terms like “welcoming” and “accessibility” under its umbrella.

Another staff member chimed in on the “inclusive” versus “welcoming” debate, saying that being inclusive denotes a sense of belonging. She relayed an anecdote she had often heard about rural Ontario, saying that residents are often known to be polite on the street, nodding and greeting newcomers, but not necessarily welcoming them into their homes or activities. She felt “inclusive” would take being welcoming to the next level.

Furthermore, others said that “welcoming” was misleading for residents who already live in North Huron who don’t necessarily need to be welcomed, but included and served by council and staff.

Councillor Chris Palmer, however, disagreed. He pushed back on terms, such as “progressive” and “inclusive”, saying they were “too aggressive” and felt “welcoming” accomplished what the group was trying to accomplish with the vision

statement for North Huron. He also said he felt that people will use the term “inclusive” without truly knowing what it means.

Next up was the township’s mission statement, which, as written in the 2020-2023 strategic plan, reads, “The Township of North Huron strives to offer an affordable and sustainable, high quality of life by delivering excellent and efficient services to our residents, businesses and visitors.”

There wasn’t nearly as much discussion on this task, but Wright suggested adding community engagement into the mission statement somewhere along the way.

The group then moved on to the six pillars established in the last strategic plan and asked the groups (which Browning shuffled since the previous exercise) what changes, if any, they would make for the next four years.

Wright suggested perhaps eliminating the “environment” pillar, suggesting that the good of the environment, energy conservation and reducing the township’s carbon footprint is so ingrained in everything North Huron does that perhaps it doesn’t need to be an individual pillar any longer. Another staff member

suggested making accessibility its own pillar, but the same case was made that, essentially, accessibility is being considered in every aspect of work being done by the township, so that wouldn’t be necessary.

Looking ahead, Economic Development Officer Demetri Makrakos presented his group’s recommendations, which included business retention and expansion, acquiring land to attract new businesses, supporting remote work, industry roundtables and a visitor information centre.

Furthermore, he said the township needed to create more opportunities for young people, potentially consider a multi-year budget process, professional development for staff, asset management and the expansion of childcare services to Blyth. He added that his group felt the council composition and size debate should not be revisited under any circumstances over the next four years.

In regards to the environment, he said his group felt the township should focus on a revitalized treeplanting policy and further energy efficiency.

Small spoke to her group’s findings, suggesting the Continued on page 7

west from about Millbank to Blyth.

Meanwhile, Lee said the group got lucky when a group of farmers and supporters of the trail began doing the same work on the other side, beginning in the Auburn area and working its way east. In fact, the two groups finished in Blyth within a day or two of one another.

Then, last year, the group was able to remove about 8,000 dead ash trees from along the trail, which went a long way towards beautifying it even more.

In addition to the support from different grant programs and supporters of the trail, Lee said there have been a number of individuals who have stepped up over the years and municipal partners like North Perth, North Huron and others.

Over the past 10 years, Lee said a lot has changed. Not only has the trail improved significantly, but the usership has changed as well.

At that outdoor meeting all those years ago, Lee said the people really taking an interest in the trail were hardcore, outdoor enthusiasts who were committed to activities like mountain biking and hiking.

Now, many average people are cycling, hiking, riding e-bikes and walking on the trail who wouldn’t have all those years ago.

That’s been rewarding to see, Lee said, as has been talking to users of the trail who have come from all over the province to use it. That has been really fulfilling, Lee said, and demonstrates the project’s worth.

But, the work is not done. Major projects include a tunnel just west of Blyth, a bridge in Wallenstein and a way around the lengthy detour on the way to Goderich to ensure a true, accessible and smooth end-to-end trail experience.

Fundraising has been successful for the Blyth tunnel project. The group has raised about $300,000, which is more than halfway to its goal. Huron County has the tender documents ready to go for that project, but needs the money in hand before the process can begin.

This comes after a year of partnerships with groups like the Blyth Lions Club to install infrastructure along the trail last year and, in total, about $750,000 in investment.

Reflecting back, Lee says it’s amazing to see all that’s been accomplished and all the trail has become. He said the trail would be the envy of most in the province and those in Huron County are slowly but surely realizing the gem of a trail they have in their backyard.

Visitors are also amazed with the beauty of the trail and the doors it opens for them. To be able to cycle on a magnificent trail and end on Lake Huron in a town like Goderich is magical for many people, but Lee says it’s also easy to take for granted for those who live in the area.

To contribute or to get involved, visit the G2G website online at g2grailtrail.com.

Morning devotion (James Alexander, “My Brother’s Keeper”) “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus!” Hebrews 12:2 The habit of early rising is surely a friend to the soul. If it is the best time of study, it is also the best time for devotion. When prayer and praise are neglected in the morning, they are commonly neglected all day. If you let the world get the start of your soul in the morning, you will seldom overtake it all day.

Morning devotion... sweetens every succeeding hour, pours a balm on the conscience, gives a pleasant savour to business, locks the door against wicked thoughts, furnishes matter for pious reflection all the day.

It is better to go from prayer to business—than from business to prayer.

Fellowship with God prepares for fellowship with our fellow creatures—and for every event, whether pleasing or painful.

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

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

Editorials & Opinions

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

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A “crap-pee” idea A local company is really thinking outside the box when it comes to green energy. According to an article on CBC News, Francis Veilleux, president of Bluewater Recycling Association (BRA), says his company has a truck that is not carbon-neutral, but actually carbon-negative.

The BRA has one truck in its fleet of 44 vehicles that runs 100 per cent on cow manure. Yes, you read that right. Apparently, the daily business of approximately 100 cows provides enough natural gas to power one recycling truck. The manure is loaded into a digester and the gas is collected, leaving the remnants to be spread on the fields as fertilizer, but without releasing gas into the atmosphere.

Once again, rural Ontario is leading the way in creative sustainability by using one problem and a bit of ingenuity to solve another problem.

For years we have heard that the methane from cows is one of the driving factors behind climate change (the jury is still out on how much of a factor bovine methane is). By finding a way to harness a little of that gas, and use it as a replacement for fossil fuels, the BRA is setting an example for the next generation of businesses and business owners. We need to keep trying new things and pushing the envelope if we are to have any hope of slowing down climate change. – DS

*Pretends to be shocked* It would be shocking, scathing and damning - all at the same time if it wasn’t just so predictable. When Premier Doug Ford - friend to all who develop - started selecting sites to be removed from Ontario’s Greenbelt, critics immediately felt something fishy was going on. Sure enough, Ontario Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk released her report, which found that site selection was heavily influenced by a small group of developers who stand to make billions.

Mistakes were made, says Ford, but only because his government is working diligently and quickly to build more homes for more people.

In fact, Ford has said his government will implement 14 of Lysyk’s 15 recommendations. The lone orphan? Revisitation and possible reversal.

This report should concern all Ontarians, regardless of their stance.

If you believe the Ford’s government’s actions are borderline criminal (or straight-up criminal), it should concern you, but if you accept Ford at face value, it should still concern you. Not doing its due diligence in carving up some of the province’s most sensitive and important land shouldn’t sit well with Ontarians either. But, regardless of what you may think, Ford is moving ahead. He’s answered questions about this like New England Patriots Coach Bill Belichick did after his team started slowly in 2014, when he parried every question with a look to the future and the team’s next game. “We’re on to Cincinnati.”

Ford is on to Cincinnati, but Lysyk said the future of her findings is in the hands of the Ontario Provincial Police. Where the police or some diligent and dogged journalists take it from there is anybody’s guess.

When businessman/politician (not politician/businessman) Ford was elected Premier, many speculated he’d take care of his friends. He, it seems, is no friend to Ontarians, only to his friends. – SL

No direction home The affordable housing crisis has left a profound impact on most Canadians, whether through awareness, personal experiences or enduring its hardships. Two recent news articles underscore the severity of this crisis, providing a stark perspective.

The first story is about Natasha Salonen, the 28-year-old mayor of Wilmot Township near Kitchener. Despite her substantial annual income of about $90,000, she is unable to afford a home in the very community she governs. The situation has forced many of Wilmot’s younger residents to relocate due to the inaccessibility of housing. Instead of following her peers out of town, Salonen has opted to remain living with her parents to continue fighting for affordable, local housing options.

The second story shifts the spotlight to Canada’s most-populous city and consistently one of the nation’s hottest real estate markets. The escalating housing costs in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) have reached such extremes that certain families with a combined household income of $100,000 now qualify for support from Habitat for Humanity. Sixfigure incomes previously represented comfortable living, but times have changed and a loonie doesn’t stretch nearly as far as it once did.

These anecdotes, if not reflecting the painful reality faced by many Canadians, could easily seem like absurd plots for unfortunate situation comedies. Don’t miss the new seasons of Mom, Dad and the Mayor and $100,000 Is Not What It Used To Be coming to television screens as soon as the writers’ strike is over.

Unfortunately, this is no laughing matter. The ongoing struggle with housing affordability demands serious attention and solutions. Only through concerted efforts, policy reform and community engagement can we hope to rectify this sobering reality and pave the way for a more equitable and secure future for all. – SBS

Looking Back Through the Years August 18, 1966 The Brussels Post offered a reminder to readers: “STOP! Stop means ‘STOP’. Persons who persist in ignoring the stop signs on streets in this village are going to be taken to task for the offence. The council have had these signs erected for your protection, that of both motorists and pedestrians and intend to see that they are obeyed before someone is killed. Watch it folks, YOU may be the one who dies.”

Lester Machan of Toronto, who had recently come back from a journey to Europe, enjoyed the weekend with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Machan, both at their residence and at their lakeside cottage. Meanwhile, Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Smith, along with Mr. and Mrs. Ross Smith, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wheeler, participated in the Burnett-Wilson wedding in Blind River over the weekend.

August 18, 1976 The Huron Pioneer Threshers convened in the Hallahan shed on Saturday evening. The turnout was substantial, with 21 new members enrolling, thereby increasing the overall membership count to 196.

Chairman Fred Mote expressed his satisfaction with the significant attendance at the gathering. He remarked that the future of the Huron Pioneer Threshers appeared promising.

The previous week, the Belgrave Juvenile Girls emerged victorious over the Brussels Girls’ team in a consecutive pair of games. The scores were respectively 40-37 and 18-15.

Doreen Taylor, the successful pitcher in both matches, contributed to the wins. As a result of their triumph, Belgrave progressed to the final round,

engaging in a best-of-seven series against Bluevale.

On Tuesday, Aug. 17, a celebration was organized for Miss Lynne McDonald, who was set to become a bride later in the month.

The event took place in the basement of Duff’s United Church.

Mrs. Don McDonald extended a warm welcome to all attendees on the special evening. The program commenced with a poem and song presented by Mrs. Jan Van Vliet, with musical accompaniment on the piano by Mrs. Bill Humphries.

Jeannie McDonald delighted the sizable audience with her tap dancing performance, followed by a solo rendition by Joy-Anne Van Vliet. The piano accompaniment for Joy-Anne’s performance was provided by Debbie Van Vliet.

August 19, 1998 A burglary occurred at Huron Tractor’s Blyth location, resulting in the theft of equipment exceeding a value of $10,000. On the morning of Aug. 13, an employee stumbled upon evidence of a break-in at the establishment. The intruders had managed to pry open a ventilation grate to gain entry. Once inside, the thieves made off with a range of items, including computer equipment, a chainsaw, and a weed eater. The stolen computer equipment included an IBM p11 p300 computer, a Daewoo 17-inch monitor, a Lexmark optia laser printer, and an Epson 400 colour printer.

Brussels Reeve Ralph Watson demonstrated his culinary prowess in a showdown at the Blyth Festival on Aug. 6. He outshone eight other reeves and mayors in the inaugural chili cook-off. The inspiration for this event was drawn from a chili cook-off that held a significant role

in the play Jobs! Jobs! Jobs! by Keith Roulston, which made its debut at the Festival on the same night. Fortunately for Watson, his fellow participants took the competition in stride, refraining from pouring chili on his head as befalls the victorious mayor in the play.

Dusty Hill, the morning host at CKNX radio, served as the official judge for the cook-off, with members of the opening night audience also participating in the judging process. The People’s Choice Award from the audience turned out to be a three-way tie among Mayor Dave Scott of Seaforth, Huron County Warden Jack Coleman, and Colborne Township Reeve Stu Steenstra.

August 15, 2013 Kabrina Bishop from Bluevale was designated as the Brussels Fall Fair Ambassador during an event at the Brussels Legion.

Bishop competed alongside three other young women for the title.

Supported by the Majestic Women’s Institute, Bishop emerged as the ambassador, surpassing Katelyn McKay, Ami Schimanski, and Meagan Sholdice. Among them, Meagan Sholdice received the Friendship Award.

In the Huron County Fastball League action of the week, the Brussels Tigers faced off against the top-ranked Wingham Hitmen on two occasions. Unfortunately for Brussels, the outcome remained consistent in both matches, with the Tigers falling short.

In the recent Canadian Men’s Fastpitch Championship held in Owen Sound, Brussels’ Ty Sebastian and the Wiarton Red Devils emerged victorious by defeating Napanee in the final.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023. PAGE 5.

Other Views Ignorance isn’t really bliss

T

here’s an old saying that, “Ignorance is bliss”, and sometimes that seems especially true. The current situation in international news proves the point.

Recently, the news that 41 people had drowned and only four people lived to tell the tale after a boat carrying desperate migrants sank off Tunisia barely made the news in Canada. The four survivors were protected from harm because they were kept afloat by inflated inner tubes.

As shocking as that news was, what made the information worse was the news that the latest victims were among more than 1,000 refugees who have perished this year alone on the Mediterranean as people seek desperately to reach Europe, escaping the warfare and hunger in northern Africa.

We are generally isolated from these horrifying realities by our ignorance of the harsh lives people suffer through in other parts of the world.

Closer to home, a three-year-old refugee whose family had successfully crossed the U.S. border from Mexico died on a bus taking the family and others from Texas to Chicago. The Texas government has been busing these people to liberal areas like Los Angeles, Chicago and New York as a sort of revenge.

“Here, let you liberals have a taste of putting up with the problem.”

There’s something about these migrants that makes some see them as not “people” like us whose lives matter, but somehow human beings seeking to “steal” safety in a peaceful country.

We don’t want to hear this news, but one in 10 people on the planet is undernourished.

That’s roughly 800 million people who don’t have enough food. In 2021, 193 million people

Keith Roulston From the cluttered desk were in need of “urgent food assistance”. If that population were a country, it would be the eighth-largest in the world.

Meanwhile, Canadians complain about the high cost of food, for many the rising cost robbing them of money they’d prefer to spend on a vacation in one of those “fortunate” countries on the Caribbean Islands or South America which are the source of many of the refugees desperate to cross the Rio Grande River into the U.S. We seem to have established a “them” and “us” world in which “they” are the danger.

However, it’s our thoughtless lifestyle of piling up as much material success as possible, despite the danger that may mean for the climate, that’s being treated as something to celebrate. And those who want to escape the misery of living in a less fortunate part of the world are an enemy the way many of us see it.

But, of course, those migrants crossing the Mexican/U.S. border fill important jobs in the U.S. that Americans don’t want to do, such as working in packing plants and in orchards producing a surplus of food that we complain is too expensive. Similarly, here in Canada, we have people working in greenhouses, pig farms and growing vegetables who are allowed into Canada from the Caribbean for a few months at a time, while their families remain at home.

What are the lives of the migrants like? A taste of that life is available in the movie The Swimmers, still available on Netflix. It tells the story of real-life teenage sisters Nathalie Issa and Manal Issa. The girls are swimming stars in Syria and when Syria faces civil war they are not permitted to try for the Olympic team.

Their father opens the door for them to escape to Europe by paying the fees demanded by smugglers to get them into Europe. When the boat taking them across the Aegean Sea from İzmir towards Lesbos begins sinking because it is overloaded, the sisters get into the water and swim beside the boat, lightening it so that they help 18 refugees to reach shore safely. Their subsequent struggles as refugees are vividly depicted, but Nathalie Issa’s swimming career sees her reaching the Rio 2016 Olympics as a member of the Refugee Olympic Team.

Dramatic as this movie is, and dangerous as it was for the sisters, they at least started out from a prosperous lifestyle. Most of the refugees from Africa or at the U.S. border started with far less, and many of them paid dearly for the gangs that helped them cross to a more prosperous part of the world.

Aside from those left living on the streets, the vast majority of Canadians are wealthy by comparison. When we complain about what we want but can’t afford, we must seem impossibly selfish by comparison. When we have to import people to work on jobs that we turn our backs on (while leaving their families at home for months), we must seem impossibly rich. And these aren’t even the starving people.

We need to put ourselves in perspective - to realize that we are incredibly prosperous to the point of being wasteful, while 800 million people in other parts of the world don’t even have enough food to eat.

Bleep, bloop, bleep, bloop, common sense...

W

elcome back, dear readers, to another edition of The Chaff, where we separate the wheat from the conspiracy theories. This week, we’re diving headfirst into the wacky world of Canadian politics, where the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, Pierre Poilievre, seems to have sprouted his very own set of tin-foil antennae.

Rumour has it that our esteemed Conservative leader has been brushing up on his sci-fi classics, and not just for his bedtime reading or book club of one. Whispers in the corridors of power suggest that Poilievre is more than just a politician; he’s the latest model in the World Economic Forum’s line of conspiracy-promoting automatons. That’s right, Canada’s Leader of the Official Opposition is… A robot!

According to the hush-hush sources, Poilievre was crafted in a secret factory deep in the Swiss Alps by the World Economic Forum itself. Why, you ask? To spread awareness about the World Economic Forum, of course! It’s a brilliant ploy: instead of pamphlets and PowerPoints, they’ve enlisted their very own automaton, programmed to spout eyebrow-raising theories about global agendas and secret handshakes. Forget about campaigning, Poilievre’s primary function is to be a walking, talking billboard for Davos, complete with a detachable tin-foil hat.

Spectacles not included.

And let’s not forget our Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, who seems to be holographically projected straight out of a terrible sci-fi nightmare. Is it really him waving from the podium, or are we just watching an elaborate light show? Either way, he’s mastered the art of the hologram handshake, a feat that even the most advanced tech wizards would envy. But hey, who needs

Scott Stephenson The Chaff flesh and bones when you can have pixels and projectors?

They say (and “they” are always a reliable source, especially when “they” are “saying”) Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau only just learned the real truth behind her husband of 18 years and our holographic head of government.

Considering news of their separation was recently announced, it’s pretty easy to connect the dots as to what happened. I pray, every day, that Sophie can come to terms with the fact that her children are half-human, halfhologram hybrids who will undoubtedly face discrimination from anti-light factions lurking in the shadows.

Let’s not forget about NDP leader Jagmeet Singh. It’s pretty obvious to anyone paying attention that he is just two children doing a “Little Rascals” where one sits on the other’s shoulders and they wear an adult-sized suit to conceal the fact that they are really just two children under there. How does it make you feel to know, for a fact, that the so-called supply and confidence agreement keeping this sham-fraud-hoax-fake-not real-stupid-very bad-ugly government propped up is a deal done between a hologram and two children in an adult-sized suit wearing a fake beard? It should make you feel so messed up that the only remaining option is to scream and convulse, letting strands of frothing saliva flow freely from your wrenching and clenched jaws like a dog experiencing the throes of a

rabies infection before a merciful bullet wraps the wretched creature in the welcoming embrace of death. That’s how it should make you feel.

And what about Maxime Bernier? Alien enthusiasts, unite! We’re not talking about little green men here; we’re talking about the leader of the People’s Party of Canada. With his alien-like charisma and out-of-this-world ideas, it’s no wonder he’s got the conspiracy theorists’ tongues wagging. Who would’ve thought that the key to intergalactic diplomacy was opening a rally with a talk on border control?

But wait, there’s more! It appears that cloning technology isn’t reserved for sci-fi novels alone. Enter Deputy Conservative Leader Melissa Lantsman, a purported clone of none other than Pierre Poilie-bot himself.

Yes, the Conservatives are apparently so impressed with their fearless robot leader that they’ve decided to replicate him, much like a scientist growing petri dish peas or an astronaut growing potatoes on Mars. It’s our very own Multiplicity.

So, there you have it, folks, a tantalizing tale of robots, holograms, aliens, two children wearing an adult-sized suit and robo-clones in the Canadian political arena. Is there a kernel of truth in these ludicrous speculations? Yes. The fattest darn kernel you’ve ever envisioned in your wildest kernel dreams or most erotic kernel nightmares. “Mr. Kernel-President, nobody has ever touched me there. I’m very afraid. But also aroused.”

One thing’s for sure: as long as politics is served with a side of conspiracy, we here at The Chaff will be ready to sift through the absurdities and serve up a hearty helping of truthful and accurate analysis. Until next week, keep those antennae twitching and your holographic handshakes firm!

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

It makes no difference

T

HIS FILM SHOULD BE PLAYED LOUD. That’s what greets viewers just seconds after pressing play on The Last Waltz, the Martin Scorsese-directed concert film of the last show The Band ever played.

The Band was four-fifths Canadian and I’ve written about my love for them before. We’ve already lost Rick Danko, Richard Manuel and Levon Helm and, last week, we lost Robbie Robertson, who many viewed as the frontman.

Only Garth Hudson is still with us, despite being the oldest member of The Band.

Years ago, at a friends and family dinner for the opening of Part II Bistro in Goderich, those at my table got talking about concerts they’d seen and concerts they wish they’d seen. So came the inevitable question: if you could see anyone, alive or dead, who would it be?

There were classics, of course, like Nirvana for the younger folks and Pink Floyd or Jimi Hendrix or The Beatles for the older. My answer was The Band. I had to explain to some, while others knew The Band, but raised an eyebrow with so many options in play.

I grew up on The Band. As a young fan of both music and film, it was inevitable that I would seek out a list of the best concert films of all time. Two were always in the mix at the top of any list. One was Stop Making Sense with Talking Heads and the other was The Last Waltz. Plus, I was starting to appreciate Martin Scorsese, so it was only a matter of time.

Working at Rogers Video, we could either watch the half-hour promo video of the month 16 times in an eight-hour shift or we could watch a movie. Anything PG and under was allowed and I would always watch The Last Waltz and Stop Making Sense.

Not only was I inculcated with the music of those bands, but, in the case of The Last Waltz, I was introduced to the music of legends like Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Mavis Staples, Van Morrison, Dr. John and more. The finale of that concert became the blueprint for any great concert. It had to end with everyone on stage singing one great song together just like The Band did with “I Shall Be Released”.

At the forefront of it was Robbie Robertson.

Scorsese fell in love with Robertson’s vibe at that concert and focused much of his attention on him. He is, certainly, the star of that show.

The Band would back Ronnie Hawkins, then Bob Dylan when he went electric in 1966 on one of the most famous tours in music history.

And then they struck out on their own, making music that will live on forever.

Robertson would then continue to make music on his own after the members of The Band went their separate ways and he forged a relationship with Scorsese that saw Robertson compose music for several films, including Raging Bull, The Departed, The Irishman, The Wolf of Wall Street and even the yet-to-bereleased Killers of the Flower Moon.

And yet, Robertson and The Band seldom come up in conversation when Canada’s best musical talents of that era are discussed. Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell? Sure. But not often Robertson.

Perhaps posthumously he will be revered in the way he should be. It has been heartening to see the tributes pour in from near and far.

“It goes without saying that he was a giant, that his effect on the art form was profound and lasting,” Scorsese said of Robertson upon news of his death. “There is never enough time with anyone you love. And I loved Robbie.”

Robertson’s music was, simply put, special stuff, and I’ve spent plenty of time listening to it over the years. Do yourself a big, big favour and do likewise - and do it loud.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023.

Bounty of County evident all around says columnist A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231

Right down the middle The Brussels U11 Girls Tigers hosted the Mitchell Hornets 1 team on Friday night and sent the team home on the wrong end of a 13-6 loss. The Tigers will now play in their year-end tournament, which is planned to be held in Exeter. (John Stephenson photo)

At the Branch

Legion hosts Winthrop fish fry

BY JO-ANN MCDONALD It was a very quiet week at the Branch with just the Catch the Ace draw and a fish fry.

The weekly winner of the Catch the Ace draw was MaryAnn Thompson and she won $137. Her envelope choice was number 31

and the ace of diamonds was revealed. The estimated jackpot for this week could be $2,700. Get your tickets to have your chance at winning. Tickets are available at Brussels Pharmacy, Brussels Variety, McDonald Home Hardware and the Brussels Legion.

The fish fry crew was busy serving at Winthrop United Church on Sunday. Judy and Jo-Ann prepared the fish and the cooking crew included Jim, Sandra and Chris Brown, Keith White, Jayne Ross, Nancy Bridge and Kathy Burkholder. Great job by the crew!

The abundance of summer is clear. The bounty of the gardens is evident by the amount and quality at the markets. The fields are changing, as they should - colour, height and crop each doing their best. The rain and heat of the sun are doing their magic, along with the good farmers we have here.

Enjoy the bounty and the scenery.

The river is a popular spot this year. Many days you can see several activities happening.

Kayaks are popular just now. Often several folks are enjoying the water in their own light vessel. Canoes and paddle boards are in use, and also serve as a means to get up the river, well, at least to the bridge.

Swimming, fishing and walking the dam are also leisure time events that many have taken to this summer. Enjoy the Maitland.

It does my heart good when city kids appreciate farm animals and their associated smells. It seems they drop their guard and truly enjoy the unusual scene. Ella and Sloan, Curt’s lovelies, were here last week and had a round out of Mike and Val’s menagerie. Each

species was enjoyed for the moment, touched, studied, appreciated and questioned. No favourites were picked, but time spent petting seemed to indicate several almost-favourites.

Anticipation and planning are good parts of holiday time. The more people involved, the more exciting it gets. So, with Nathan Watson and Chelsea Bedard getting married on Saturday, then add on Phil, Hark and Weston to our agenda, it looks like a fun week coming up. Add in Chris and Curt as outlaw uncles and the anticipation rises. So, plans are set for several directions and our role is to be ready to join the fun. Yippee wedding and grandkids!

When we feel overwhelmed with all the bad news in our world, we need to take a big breath, stop thinking and decide what we can do. For many things, such as fires, floods and shootings, the answer is nothing. The crisis in the environment? There we can our your bit. You know all the stuff: recycle, reuse and reduce what we consume. Take the extra moment and think about what we are leaving for the next generation. We can each make a difference when we think of the future. Be aware, conserve, feel good and do something to save the planet.

COVID-19, in a new way, is increasing again. Be cautious, be alert and keep your mask handy.

Use it and be safe.

Bye now Betty GW

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

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

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

Brussels Legion 218 Catch the Ace Weekly Winner Winning Ticket: MaryAnn Thompson, $137 Envelope #31 found the Ace of Diamonds Next estimated jackpot is $2,700

Brussels Lions Club

Elimination Draw Hitting the diamond The Bluevale Community Committee hosted its annual cornhole and baseball tournament over the weekend as the committee works to raise funds for next year’s homecoming celebration. The Orange Street Bombers captured the A Division championship, while the Crusaders were crowned B Division champions. (John Stephenson photo)

Saturday, September 9 Tickets can be purchased from any Lions Club member Email: BrusselsLionsClub.A9@gmail.com for any questions or inquiries.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023. PAGE 7.

The Reading Web with Cindy Norgate

B

lueberries are everywhere!

Oh, that little, blue, round morsel pops in your mouth and bursts with summer flavour.

It is blueberry picking season, which always reminds me of one of my favourite books, Blueberries for Sal, written and illustrated by Robert McCloskey (1948).

It’s true, Blueberries for Sal was written 75 years ago, but its meaning still holds a timeless treasure with life’s lessons of human and animal behaviour, motherhood and childhood innocence.

Set in Maine, Blueberries for Sal won the Caldecott Medal in 1949 for

the most distinguished American picture book. With its delightful storyline and articulate line drawings, Blueberries for Sal takes us on a journey with a little girl named Sal and her mother who go blueberry picking before winter arrives. In the meantime, there is also another type of mother, a bear, with her cub, who, too, is preparing for winter by picking the same.

What happens next is a mixed-up afternoon on Blueberry Hill.

Still available through many libraries or Amazon, this lovely story will warm your heart when you read to the “little cub” in your life,

A good decade Blyth Lions Club member Joel Jenkins recently received his 10-year Chevron as a decade-long member of the club. Zone Chair and Blyth Lion Victoria Sider made the presentation. (Courtesy photo)

while also sparking meaningful discussions of cultural differences, human behaviour and obedience.

This week, I want to feature an awesome website called Starfall.

Created by Stephen Schutz, who struggled to learn how to read, it creates a fun and interactive environment for children.

According to the website, Starfall now offers a fully-developed Kindergarten English and Language Arts curriculum and a comprehensive pre-Kindergarten curriculum, as well as mathematics activities and songs for children up to Grade 3.

The site is free, however, it also offers an enhanced version for $35 U.S., which includes its own mobile app. You can search for yourself at www.starfall.com to see if it meets your needs.

As I began to consider suggestions of ways to incorporate reading into your daily family routine, it took me back to when my oldest son, now 39, asked me to read stories to him at night. I think I purchased every Little Golden Book there was or could pick up at yard sales and read to him often. Sometimes, however, I felt my energy waning from working all day and the reading time was foregone. That still makes my heart hurt because I know, now, the time has passed and will never be reclaimed, so I want to encourage you to set a specific reading time at the end of every day; like an appointment of sorts. This will show the little one in your life you “mean business” when it comes to reading and spending time with him/her.

Sometimes, when we read

together, my little guy would say, “Mama, let’s talk about our day.”

Those were some special times that I will hold in my heart, and I hope you, too, are finding or will find that treasure as well.

As we leave it here for this week, I realize, from experience, there

have been or will be nights when you feel like you failed the test as a parent/grandparent/neighbour/friend . However, I want you to heed the words of Charlotte the spider from Charlotte’s Web (1952), “Chin up, chin up, everybody loves a happy face.”

Reunion coming From Marilyn’s Desk

By Marilyn Craig Call 523-9318

Happy belated birthday to Nancy Wasson of Seaforth on Aug. 11.

Brenden Howson celebrated on Aug. 17 and Diana Robinson of Wingham will celebrate on Aug. 25, and she is asking that friends and neighbours come in the afternoon and help her celebrate her 80th birthday with cake, coffee and conversation. Happy birthday!

Happy anniversary to Scott and Sal (Colleen) Bromley, who will celebrate on Aug. 19, and Richard and Cathy Bromley, who will celebrate on Aug. 22.

Many Richmond relatives gathered at the Blyth Lions Park for their annual summer picnic. Sheila Nixon oversaw the event. They came from Lefroy, London, Goderich, Belgrave, Blyth, Atwood, Gowanstown, Windsor, Fullarton and Stratford.

The afternoon was spent reminiscing and catching up on what was new.

On Tuesday, as I write this column, it is raining at times and it’s been just an overall dull and

damp day. It has been hard on the farmers trying to get the wheat harvest cleaned up as the sun shines for a couple of days and then we get rain for a couple of days.

The summer is flying by when you think it is only three weeks until the annual reunion of the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association. Last year was the first year back to normal after the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown.

I’m sure all of the organizers are hoping this year will be a success.

Have a good and safe week and give someone a call.

NEWS FROM BLYTH

Next meeting now set for Aug. 25 Continued from page 3 development of Huron Countyowned lands and the next steps of the land known as the A2A development. She also wondered aloud about opportunities for North Huron related to the expansion at Bruce Power and the deep geological repository, if South Bruce is chosen as the ideal location for it.

She said recreation, tourism and housing need to be priorities, while the recent closure of Wescast could be turned into a positive as a potential vendor location for a Bruce Power-related industry.

The group also felt North Huron could better utilize the Wingham Town Hall Theatre for weekend matinees, driving economic development and that further development of hotels, bed and breakfasts and more would be of use. She also suggested a QR code program by electrical vehicle chargers that would tell drivers about things to see and do around them as they charge their car.

She said the community should be more age-friendly and there should be more of a focus on recreational opportunities for adults, not just children.

The group also felt North Huron lacked an identity and that branding the community should be a priority going forward. She said her group also felt the township should prioritize arts and culture and maintain a high standard for its public spaces.

She also stated that residents wanted to be reached in a variety of

ways, utilizing digital outreach with the township’s website and social media, as well as traditional methods like local newspapers and newsletters to ensure everyone is reached, regardless of their preferred method of communication.

Lamb’s group also heralded many of the same things, such as youth engagement, a visitor information centre, accessibility improvements, volunteer recognition and professional development for staff members. He also said the township should be developing childcare options in Blyth and utilizing the Blyth Library, while also taking the next steps in the township’s recreation master plan and increasing the co-operation between the township’s two fire departments.

Evans spoke to the work of his group, talking about building up recreational opportunities for the Hutton Heights development, such as a trail system, park and more. He said his group felt that affordable housing and addressing homelessness needed to be on the agenda for the next four years, while continuing to improve accessibility.

He also noted the importance of reliable health care in the community, noting the nursing shortage in Wingham. Evans said that a high percentage of nurses in Wingham are on maternity leave and, as a result of not being able to access reliable childcare, they are extending their maternity leaves, meaning that the nursing

shortage only continues to be an issue.

Browning noted that the Aug. 10 meeting was only the first step in the process. He would take all of the recommendations discussed that day and attempt to find some common themes and craft a draft strategic plan for North Huron that

will be up for consideration and input at the next meeting, which is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 25 in Blyth.

After that meeting, he said, there will be a lengthy public engagement process before the plan is before council for potential approval.

Leadership in energy and environmental design

Devon Henry 84772 McDonald Line • Box 616 • Brussels

devonjhenry@hotmail.com 519-505-2473

MAITLAND VALLEY CAMERA CLUB

Photography by Liz Allan

PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023.

Sports Hitmen take down Bangers in Brussels

Creeping inside The Sebringville Sting came to Brussels last Friday night for a contest with the Brussels Bangers. The locals have been on a bit of a skid lately, however, having lost six straight games, one of them to the Sting that night by a score of 6-2. (John Stephenson photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The Belmore Stingers and Brussels Tigers remain entangled at the top of the Huron County Fastball League standings, both with 26 points and records of 13-3 and 13-2, respectively.

Behind the Stingers and the Tigers are the Milverton Millwrights in third place with a record of 10-4 and 20 points, followed by the fourth-place Mitchell Mets at 9-6 and 18 points, the fifth-place Sebringville Sting at 9-5 and 18 points and the Wingham Hitmen in sixth place at 9-6 and 18 points.

The Monkton Muskrats are in seventh place with a record of 6-8 and 12 points, followed by the eighth-place Fullarton A’s with a record of 5-8 and 10 points, the ninth-place Goderich Grizzlies with a record of 5-12 and 10 points, the 10th-place Walton Brewers with nine points and a record of 4-9-1, the Wroxeter Rippers in 11th place with six points and a record of 3-11 and the Brussels Bangers in last place with a record of 2-13-1 and six points.

Last Sunday, Aug.. 13, the Walton Brewers beat the Sebringville Sting on the road by a score of 9-3, while the Fullarton A’s hosted the Wroxeter Rippers and won by a score of 10-8.

In a rare Saturday game, the Brussels Bangers travelled to Wingham to play the Hitmen on Aug. 12, but the Hitmen shut out the visitors by a score of 6-0.

On Aug. 11, the Milverton Millwrights travelled to Monkton to play the Muskrats and won by a score of 12-6. Also that night, the Sebringville Sting were in Brussels to play the Bangers and won by a score of 6-2.

The Mitchell Mets and Wroxeter Rippers played a double-header that

day and split it, with Mitchell winning the first game by a score of 7-1, followed by a Wroxeter victory by a score of 1-0.

On Aug. 10, the Fullarton A’s beat the Sting in Sebringville by a score of 13-9 in a game originally scheduled to be played on June 30 and the Belmore Stingers played host to the Milverton Millwrights and won by a score of 8-0 in a game originally scheduled to be played on July 30.

One night earlier, on Aug. 9, the Brussels Tigers beat the Goderich Grizzlies in Brussels by a score of 4-3 in a game that took eight innings to complete. Also that night, the Mitchell Mets hosted the

Wingham Hitmen, with the Mets emerging victorious by a score of 53.

On Aug. 8, the Walton Brewers welcomed the Goderich Grizzlies to Walton and won by a score of 4-1, while, on Aug. 4, the Milverton Millwrights beat the Bangers in Brussels by a score of 13-9.

On Aug. 15, the Fullarton A’s hosted the Walton Brewers, followed by an Aug. 16 game between the Goderich Grizzlies and the Brussels Bangers in Brussels and the Wroxeter Rippers travelling to Milverton to play the Millwrights in a game originally scheduled to be played on July 20, but scores for those games

were unavailable at press time.

There are four games on tonight’s schedule (Aug. 18). The Brussels Tigers will be playing the Brussels Bangers, with the Bangers as the home team, while the Walton Brewers will be in Wingham to play the Hitmen, the Milverton Millwrights will be in Sebringville to play the Sting and the Monkton Muskrats will host the Wroxeter Rippers.

On Aug. 20, the Sebringville Sting will host the Brussels Bangers and the Wroxeter Rippers will play the Wingham Hitmen in Wroxeter.

On Aug. 21, the Belmore Stingers and Wroxeter Rippers will play a double-header with one of the games serving as a make-up for a game scheduled to take place on Aug. 9.

The next night, the Brussels Tigers will head south to play the Walton Brewers and the Mitchell Mets will be in Sebringville to play the Sting in a game originally scheduled to be played on June 25.

On Aug. 23, the Monkton Muskrats will host the Goderich Grizzlies, followed by an Aug. 24 game between the Belmore Stingers and Milverton Millwrights in Milverton.

There are five games on the schedule for Aug. 25. The Brussels Tigers will be in Sebringville to play the Sting, the Belmore Stingers will be in Brussels to play the Bangers, the Walton Brewers will be in Monkton to play the Muskrats, the Wroxeter Rippers will host the Fullarton A’s and the Goderich Grizzlies will host the Wingham Hitmen.

Two days later, on Aug. 27, there are four games on the schedule. The Wingham Hitmen will play the Sebringville Sting on the road, the Milverton Millwrights will play the Rippers in Wroxeter, the Mitchell Mets will play the A’s in Fullarton and the Brussels Tigers and Brussels Bangers will play each other once again.

On Aug. 29, the Walton Brewers Continued on page 9

A high-ball hitter After a 6-2 loss to the Sebringville Sting on Friday night, the Brussels Bangers were in action again the next day, in Wingham to take on the Hitmen. The Hitmen would be the (John best team on the field that day as well, securing the win by a score of 6-0.

Stephenson photo)

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023. PAGE 9.

Sports Brussels to host U9 tournament this weekend welcomed the Sebringville Sting to Brussels and won by a score of 141 and the U15 Boys beat Wilmot on the road by a score of 7-5. The U9 team was in Londesborough that night as well, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time.

On Aug. 8, the U11 Girls hosted the Lucknow 1 team in Brussels and won their game by a score of 13-5. The U7 Red and U9 teams were both on the road that night, playing Mildmay Grey and Lucknow Gold, respectively, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

On Aug. 7, the U13 Girls beat the

Sebringville Sting on the road by a score of 19-5. The U7 Black team hosted Ethel that night, but a score was unavailable at press time.

Also that night, the U13 Boys were scheduled to host Wingham Blue, but that game was cancelled.

On Aug. 14, the U13 Girls were set to play an exhibition game in Goderich and the U7 Black team was scheduled to host Wingham Orange, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

The U13 Boys were due to play on the road against Mildmay on Aug. 16, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time.

Seven games left for Wingham Hitmen

Popped up On Friday night, ahead of the Huron County Fastball League game between the Brussels Bangers and Sebringville Sting, the Brussels U11 Girls Tigers hosted the Mitchell Hornets 1 team, sending the visitors home with a 13-6 loss. (John Stephenson photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen This weekend, the U13 Girls, U9 and U11 Girls Brussels Tigers teams will be playing in their yearend tournaments in Stratford, Brussels and Exeter, respectively.

The U13 Girls will begin their tournament with a game against the Clinton Mustangs 1 team on Friday

night, followed by games against the St. Marys Rockies and the Goderich Seahawks Lemon team on Saturday.

Following that weekend tournament action, the U13 Boys will welcome Seaforth to Brussels on Aug. 21 before taking on Benmiller on the road on Aug. 23 and heading to their year-end tournament in

Mildmay on Saturday, Aug. 26.

Looking back, the U11 Girls welcomed the Mitchell Hornets 1 team to Brussels on Aug. 11 and won the game by a score of 13-6.

On Aug. 9, the U11 Girls were on the road to play the Mitchell Hornets 1 team and came back with a 14-10 win. The U13 Girls

Continued from page 8 will host the Milverton Millwrights and the Sebringville Sting will be in Fullarton for a game with the A’s.

The next night, the Wingham Hitmen will play the Belmore Stingers in Belmore and the Brussels Bangers will host the Mitchell Mets.

Then, to round out August, the Sebringville Sting will host the Monkton Muskrats and the Mitchell Mets will be in Milverton to play the Millwrights.

The season is winding down and teams only have a handful of games left on their schedules.

The Fullarton A’s have nine games left to play, while the Milverton Millwrights, the Sebringville Sting, the Monkton Muskrats, the Walton Brewers and the Wroxeter Rippers each have eight regular season games left to play in the coming weeks.

There are seven games left on the schedule for the Brussels Tigers, Mitchell Mets and Wingham Hitmen, while the Belmore Stingers and Brussels Bangers each have six games left to play. The Goderich Grizzlies are the lone team closest to the end of their season with just five games left to play.

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

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

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

Rounding second On Friday night, the Brussels U11 Girls Tigers beat the Mitchell Hornets 1 team by a score of 13-6. This weekend, the girls will be in Exeter for their year-end tournament. (John Stephenson photo)

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PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023.

Goderich Celtic Roots Festival delights and enchants

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen This past weekend, Goderich’s Harbour Park was filled with the spirit of the ancients as it played host to the 31st annual Celtic Roots Festival. The three-day celebration featured world class musical performances, an international, outdoor food court, an artisan market, and unique workshops for visitors of all ages. A team of over 200 volunteers worked to make the weekend a smashing success, and thousands of guests came from all over North America and overseas to participate in the experience.

There were many Celtic-themed craft workshops on offer, including a chainmail boot camp, faerie wreath and goddess headdress making, mosaic craft and violin repair. A special children’s craft area allowed young people to get creative with stones, glitter and found objects. The face-painting station was very popular with many of the children in attendance.

Spidermen and Tigers tried their hand at step dances, and Dragons were spotted eating pizza in the shade of a catalpa tree. The artisan market featured intricate chainmail jewelry, woodcut art, quilts, fairy doors, pottery, henna tattoos, photography and other fine art of all kinds.

Diverse culinary offerings kept festival-goers, performers and volunteers energized and restored throughout the weekend. Picnic tables were full of families enjoying hearty handhelds from Goderich’s own V’Sandwiches, and butter chicken poutine from Pabla’s Street Food of India. Pizza was provided

by Grassroots Farm, which was on hand with its signature travelling oven. The Turkish treats from Toronto’s Bahaar Bazaar were a real hit with hungry crowds providing refreshing dips, naan, vegetables and locally-sourced salads. While their hummus proved popular with patrons, the crowd favourite was definitely their muhammura - a delectable pepper dip served with warm naan. The owners of Goderich’s Maple Leaf Motel, Tahseen and Iqbal, teamed up with Khawla from Khawla’s

Living legend Iconic Canadian musician Loreena McKennitt cast a spell over her enraptured audience at the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival on Saturday night. McKennitt’s performance drew the largest audience in the festival’s Kitchen to bring Pakistani fusion cuisine to the masses. Their falafel, samosas and chicken rolls paired perfectly with the team’s quick service and flavourful fare. For those in the mood for a sweet treat, Mapleton’s Organic Ice Cream brought a rainbow of frozen favourites and Kintail’s Coastal Coffee provided doughnuts, croissants and other pastries alongside their hot and cold caffeinated beverages.

One of the many standout things about the Celtic Roots Festival is its educational component. In the days

leading up to the main event, an intensive college and kids’ camp takes place, giving keen individuals the opportunity to learn and hone skills in music, dance and art from the talented coterie of festival performers who double as teachers for the week. “It’s a way for us to get the next generation involved,” explained Artistic Director Cheryl Prashker. “Every class gets 10 minutes to perform what they’ve learned during the week,” said Prashker. “For the kids, it’s dance, singing and playing instruments.

They also did a play. It’s amazing.

31-year history. The set featured a selection of McKennitt’s earlier work, focused predominantly on traditional Irish songs.

The headlining performance capped off an incredible lineup of international talent. (Scott Stephenson photo) And they are all proud little kids, I’ll tell you that.” The hands-on and intensive college system is a unique extension of the Celtic tradition of transmitting knowledge directly down from one skilled individual to the next. For thousands of years, Celtic ways were passed down without writing anything down.

Prashker first became involved

with the Celtic Roots Festival as a performer with her band RUNA in 2011, which is when she fell in love with the town of Goderich. Years later, when a sudden opportunity to help run the festival revealed itself, she jumped at the chance and never looked back. “I fell in love with everything Goderich, but the event Continued on page 11

The Citizen

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SUDOKU Fun By The Numbers Like puzzles?

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Up and comers Virgina’s Julie and Josh Kinn, collectively known as Kinnfolk, won the 2023 Robinson Emerging Artist showcase, named after festival founders Warren and Eleanor Robinson.

Kinnfolk’s prize included a series of artist development sessions and an opportunity to perform on the festival’s main stage. (Scott Stephenson photo)

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

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023. PAGE 11.

Large crowds entranced by impressive roster of talent Continued from page 10 as well, and the college environment. I asked to come back and teach every year.”

Any celebration of Celtic culture needs a strong musical presence, and the dozens of artists gathered in tiny Harbour Park last weekend delivered a truly tremendous exhibition of songs this year. Five separate stages utilizing slightly staggered start times meant that there was always something happening - guests could focus on entire sets at each stage, or let songs blend softly into each other as they wandered the grounds at will. “This is like an oasis in the year,” said Board of Directors member Ian Davies. “It’s something to look forward to all year. You can be with like-minded people, and just have a wonderful experience. It’s the friendliest festival I’ve ever been at.”

The Greeting Stage was home to bands and themed jam sessions throughout the weekend, and was adjacent to not only the entranceway, but also the pop-up pub, much to the delight of those quaffing a beverage. (Here’s to the charming gentlemen tending bar at The Celtic Cross!)

Wild, weird and experimental music emanated from the West Stage, tucked away in a tiny corner of the park, featuring fiddling femmes, Irish jams and strange minglings between members of RUNA, The Consequences, The Murphy Beds and Steáfán and Saskia, just to name a few. The West Stage also stood out for its proximity to Lake Huron - the shifting light of the setting sun was visible over the shoulders of the performers, and the smell of fresh water could be detected on the warm evening breeze.

The Kevin and Regina Dailey Stage (named in honour of longtime friends and volunteers of the festival) featured many great musical acts within a covered area as a respite for those needing a break from the resplendent weather.

Mi’kmaq fiddler/singer Morgan Toney invigorated listeners with his one-of-kind interpretation of centuries-old songs, and Scotland’s Heron Valley blew people away with their bagpipe-infused stylings.

The Dailey Stage also devoted the entirety of its Friday stage time to performances from the members of the Celtic College and Kid’s Camp so they could showcase their new skills. Scottish fiddle virtuoso Ryan Young played incredible sets throughout the whole weekend, but a stand-out moment for fans occurred on the Dailey Stage when a particularly loud horn blare from the harbour interrupted his playing, sending him off on an infectious giggle fit while attempting to soldier on with his set.

The banner-bedecked Main Stage was populated by an incredible slate of talent throughout the weekend. Friday’s acts included incredible performances from upand-coming charmers Kinnfolk this year’s Robinson Emerging Artist recipients. The award is named after event founders and local musical icons Warren and Eleanor Robinson, who remain festival participants to this day.

Kinnfolk is comprised of married Appalachian Mountain dwelling duo Josh and Julie Kinn, who spent the festival pleasing those familiar with their music and impressing those who weren’t, and left Sunday night with an even larger fan base than they had when they arrived.

On Saturday night, the Main

Stage was graced with the presence of the legendary Loreena McKennitt. A recent inductee to the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, McKennitt‘s performance was a rare retrospective of songs from early in her career, focusing on traditional Irish songs. Her onenight-only set helped to draw in the biggest crowd the Celtic Roots Festival has ever seen, and her music was met with the reverence and joy of a collection of people who are well aware that they are part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience. “It’s been massive!” exclaimed Davies. “She plays live so rarely these days, and people travelled great distances to come and hear her play. Saturday night was probably double what

we’ve had on a Saturday ever.”

There was one merch table to rule them all in the centre of the festival - in addition to the expected CDs, records, and t-shirts was an assortment of trees, from red maples to Kentucky coffee trees. It was a fitting addition to the collection of souvenirs - the tree is one of the most important Celtic symbols, representing humanity’s connection to nature. Some Celts even believed that man descended from trees long ago.

Each year since 1993, Huron County artist Linda Wiebe has created a piece of original art celebrating the animism of Celtic culture - 2023’s chosen animal was the frog. In Irish lore, frogs are the friends and helpers of fairy folk,

and ancient tribes regarded the frog as a connection between life and death. Frog bones have often been found at Celtic burial grounds. The chosen animal is featured on tshirts, and retired shirts from years past are resourcefully turned into a colourful recycled bunting to decorate the festival grounds.

This year’s Celtic Roots Festival may have just ended, but there’s no rest for the tireless and dedicated team behind the scenes. “The second this festival ends, we start looking for the talent and the teachers for next year,” said Prashker.

Whoever ends up performing next year, it promises to be another enriching experience for music fans of all ages.

Myths and Mirth Goderich hosted a wellattended weekend celebrating Celtic culture that included dancing, music, and Sparky the Dragon.

(Scott Stephenson photos)

38th Annual Citizen of the Year Award Nominations Open Pictured on right, Karen Webster being presented her 2022 Citizen of the Year award by North Huron Publishing editor Shawn Loughlin.

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

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

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

q

Blyth & area

q

Brussels & area

q

Huron County

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

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

PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023.

Local love on display at Goderich’s Cork & Coast

Huron County cuisine Brussels native and chef Wyatt Ducharme, upper left, opened Cork & Coast fine-dining restaurant in Goderich in July of 2023. The menu includes smaller dishes for sharing, traditional entrees and daily specials. The bar list includes local beer and wine options as well as an array of creative cocktails. (Scott Stephenson photos)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

In celebration of a Sunday night of no particular significance, The Citizen had dinner at Goderich’s newest restaurant. The team at Cork & Coast, led by Brussels native and chef Wyatt Ducharme, have been using fine-dining techniques to honour the essence of local ingredients for a little over a month now, and it seems like they’re already having a lot of fun.

The menu is small and focused, but allows diners to approach it in a number of different ways. There are small plates and large plates diners can go the classic appetizer/entree route, share small plates tapas style, or a little bit of both. The difficulty is in deciding which direction you want to go.

Having decided ahead of time to go the small plates route, we will forever be haunted by the road of specials not taken - namely a Sunday night roast served with vegetables, mashed potatoes and Yorkshire pudding and a lamb bolognese with fresh spinach noodles. Cork & Coast’s core philosophy seeks to explore what it means to respect local ingredients vegetables and proteins are collected from local markets and farms, and Ducharme believes that sourcing whole animals leads to less waste and a deeper connection to the final dishes.

When Goderich’s much-loved

restaurant Thyme on 21 closed its doors for the last time in October of 2021, it didn’t take long for the team at Cork & Coast to make it their own. Much of the heritage building at 80 Hamilton Street has stayed the same, much to the delight of Thyme on 21 regulars, but a sharp olive green interior and well-chosen artwork let guests know right away that the new crew is putting their unique stamp on things. As guests traverse the walkway to the restaurant entrance, they pass between beds of native flowers with purple, yellow and pink petals that often end up garnishing dishes. The restaurant seats fewer than 50 people, but is divided into rooms that each only have a few tables - it feels like every seat is tucked into a secluded corner all on its own.

The first few months for any new restaurant are typically chaotic, but if Goderich’s newest restaurant has been going through growing pains, it doesn’t show. With inventive dishes, smooth service and consistent attention to detail, Cork & Coast is already impressing locals and tourists alike. The frontof-house staff is attuned to the vibes of each table and adjusts themselves accordingly unobtrusive with one group wrapped up in their own conversation, quietly informative with another, and animated and involved with guests looking for more engagement with staff.

In addition to their well-curated selection of wines and local beers, there is also a short and whimsical list of cocktails that also feature local fruits and vegetables. A snap pea and dill spritz is refreshingly weird, and their “Bunny with a Bite” cocktail arrives topped with a whimsical curl of shaved carrot.

While each of the large plates has a simple presentation, allowing free range hens, wagyu beef and local lamb to shine with a minimalist clarity, the 26-year-old chef’s small plates sparkle with mirthful momentum. Velvety chicken liver parfait is carefully piped into the nooks of crisp, snowflake-like waffles that arrive at the table in a wire basket, encouraging diners to use their hands instead of utensils.

It’s a move that both subliminally puts guests at ease and prevents a single crumb of these sweet and savoury snacks from going to waste.

Beetroot ribbons, bearing a striking resemblance to pappardelle noodles (if pappardelle noodles were purple, of course) beg to be wound around the tines of a fork.

The resemblance to a pasta dish deepens as the act of twirling coats each ribbon with creamy soubise, feta and citrus crumbs, creating an experience in which beets can only be described as slurpable.

Reuben croquettes are a clever idea, well executed. Rye-encrusted orbs filled with succulent morsels of house-made corn beef come with

the restaurant’s own 1,000 Island dressing. Sauerkraut tuiles round out the composition with familiar flavour and unusual texture. Softshelled crab served on house-baked bread is light, yet flavourful, evoking an afternoon tea.

The menu’s description is enjoyably light on details, creating moments for joyful surprises in technique and preparation when plates hit the table. A dish described only as scallops with cauliflower, fennel and cedar jelly arrives with the featured bivalves (sourced from Out of the Blue in Bayfield) resting on a dune of rich purée amidst puddles of herbaceous oil. The dish is strewn with shaved fennel, cauliflower and coneflower petals,

and gelatinous globules of cedar jelly brings about aquatic vibes and forest flavours. The entire presentation was like a tailored take on a messy Lake Huron beach scene after everybody has gone home for the day.

Choosing a dessert is just as difficult as deciding on dinner, but with a little guidance from the charming and informative server, Jeff, a chocolate, peanut and toffee concoction was well chosen - a perfect end to the meal.

From start to finish, Cork & Coast is an absolute gem of a dining experience. It’s not just a perfect place to celebrate a special occasion - eating dinner here is occasion enough to celebrate.

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023. PAGE 13.

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Fall fairs celebrate, educate every year: OFA

By Drew Spoelstra, Vice President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture A sure sign that the end of summer is approaching has always been the opening of the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) in Toronto. This year’s kick-off at the Exhibition grounds alongside Lakeshore Boulevard is this week –

and, although it’s in a thoroughly urban location, the CNE is actually one of North America’s top agricultural fairs.

Across Ontario, fall fairs are an important part of the community fabric. In the early days of many communities, the fall fair was the first event they hosted regularly and, for many, it’s still one of the

biggest community events on the yearly calendar, if not the biggest.

The role of the fair is one of both celebration and education.

Historically, it was at the fall fairs that farmers brought their best livestock, crops, baking, preserves and other items to enter into competitions as a way to both celebrate the bounty of another

The next generation On Saturday, the Wingham Hitmen hosted the Brussels Bangers in Huron County Fastball League action, defeating the visitors by a score of 6-0. Wingham was also the site of the regional U11 Boys year-end tournament, so, members of the Hitmen did double duty and handed out some medals to the next generation of local ball players.

Above, two teams from Benmiller duked it out for the C Championship, while Brussels and Londesborough met for the B Championship and Wingham and Mildmay played for the A Championship. (John Stephenson photo)

season and honour those with excellent production.

And that’s still the case at fall fairs across Ontario. My family and I farm within the city limits of Hamilton, near the community of Binbrook, for example, and we’re active participants at our local fair every year, showing horses and taking part in the grain competition.

I’m a strong believer in the ongoing value that fall fairs bring to not just our communities, but also to farmers and Ontarians provincewide. That’s what has been a driving force behind my own volunteer involvement with my local fairs in Binbrook and Ancaster for many years.

The agricultural societies that run fall fairs have an official mandate through Ontario’s Agricultural and Horticultural Organizations Act to promote agriculture and agri-food in our province. Many farmers and farm organizations volunteer their time every year to run demonstrations, staff displays and talk about all sorts of agricultural topics, from how farm animals are raised to the importance of farm safety.

For agriculture, it’s a valuable outreach tool that can help build public trust in our food supply and, for consumers, it’s a great opportunity to meet and speak with real farmers, see farm animals and crops up close, and learn about where food comes from.

That unique opportunity to bring together farmers and non-farmers also means that many agricultural societies are involved in outreach efforts all year long, not just at fair time. It’s an important role that was recognized by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs recently with the

announcement of a three-year program to promote careers in agriculture through agricultural societies.

Through the Promoting AgriFood Careers Initiative, $1.7 million will be available to Ontario’s 213 agricultural societies for projects and programming that will increase awareness and promote jobs in the agri-food industry.

The chronic labour shortage in agriculture and the high average age of Canadian farmers are well known, so we welcome support like this that will help our sector attract the next generation of workers and leaders.

In addition to education, many agricultural societies also make their grounds available to host other community events or rent facilities to community groups and organizations as a way of generating revenue to help support their operations.

The COVID-19 pandemic cancelled fairs across Ontario for several years and they’re only now just starting to rebound.

Throughout the pandemic, the provincial government recognized the challenges those cancellations caused and provided support to help these organizations survive.

So, starting with the CNE over the next couple of weeks and ending with the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in November, I encourage all of you to take an opportunity to visit a local fair in your area. Check out the displays, speak to exhibitors, taste the food and enjoy the rides and special performances that make up that special fall fair atmosphere.

We look forward to seeing you there.

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK REPORT For the week ending August 11, 2023 Total Receipts: 1,225 cattle and 892 lambs and goats Tuesday - Fed steers and heifers sold on a steady market. Second cut cattle $225 – $238. Aged and medium fed steers and heifers $195 – $220.

Holstein steers and heifers $162 – $220. Cows sold steady.

There were 225 cows on offer: Beef $135 – $178 Good Holstein Cows $133 – $157 Medium Holstein Cows $105 – $125 Bulls $152 – $189 Veal: There were 140 head of veal on offer.

Thursday - Veal sold barely steady.

Lambs sold steady. Sheep sold higher. Goats sold steady.

Good Holsteins $190 – $215 SL Heavy Holsteins $190 – $209 Heavy Holsteins $180 – $204 Medium Holsteins $180 – $189 Plain Holsteins $165 – $179

Friday - Calves sold steady. Yearling steers sold $2-4 higher. Yearling heifers sold steady.

Royaldawn Farms Ltd of Ripley, consigned nine head. One holstein steer weighed 650 lbs. and sold for a price of $215.

Larry Reinhart Junior of Mildmay consigned eight head. Two red steers averaged 1,453 lbs. and sold for an average price of $238. Two red heifers averaged 1,308 lbs and sold for an average price of $237.

Lambs: Under 50 lbs.: $306.75 – $360 50-64 lbs.: $287.50 – $310 65-79 lbs.: $278.75 – $300 80-94 lbs.: $250.50 – $275 95-109 lbs.: $247 – $258 110 lbs. & over: $242.75 – $252.50

Goats Billies: $150 – $350 Nannies: $100 – $250 Kids: Meat: $375 – $455 Dairy: $250 – $375 Grant Campbell of Iona Station, consigned 38 head. Eight lambs averaged 84 lbs. and sold for an average price of $275.

Jim and Marianne Batte of Teeswater, consigned five head. One kid goat averaged 60 lbs. and sold for a price of $455.

Top Quality Stocker Steers 500 – 599: $413.50 – $429 600 – 699: $378 – $398 700 – 799: $331 – $366 800 – 899: $313 – $347 900 – 999: $314.50 – $330 1,000 lbs. & over: $296 – $310

Franken Farms of Teeswater, consigned 30 head. Fourteen charolais steers averaged 987 lbs, and sold for an average price of $314.25.

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd.

Top Quality Stocker Heifers 500 – 599: $280 – $300 600 – 699: $289.50 – $318 700 – 799: $267 – $303 800 – 899: $268.75 – $284 900 lbs. & over: $249.50 – $288.50 Stewart Farms of Douglas, consigned 65 head. Nine charolais heifers averaged 958 lbs. and sold for an average price of $288.50. Six charolais heifers averaged 934 lbs and sold for an average price of $330.

Emerson Martin of Eganville, consigned 16 head. Nine charolais heifers averaged 935 lbs. and sold for an average price of $283.75.

UPCOMING SALES TUESDAYS 10:00 a.m.

Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows

THURSDAYS

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

FRIDAYS

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

Call us 519-887-6461

PAGE 14 THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023.

Classified Advertising – RATES – 20 words or less only $8.00 + HST Additional words 20¢ ea. + HST

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

Coming events Coming events BRUSSELS OPTIMIST CLUB Breakfast by donation. Friday, August 18th 7:30 - 10 am. Location: 42894 Browntown Road as part of the Huron County Plowing Match.

All are welcome. Proceeds to playground refurbishment at North Woods Elementary (Ethel).

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

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

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

-------------------------------------------FOR SALE - 6 TICKETS TO "Alabama: Roll On Tour". Saturday, August 26 in Toronto, section 118. $125 each OBO. Contact Shelby 519-998-0966.

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

Card of thanks Can’t believe they pulled it off but I was definitely surprised!!!

Thanks for all the cards, tickets, gift cards & refreshments lol!

Thanks also to friends and family for setting up a great meal and fantastic birthday party.

It was a blast! ~ Jill Sholdice

Coming events HOPE CHAPEL CEMETERY Annual Memorial Service, Sunday, August 27 at 2 p.m.Pastor Mike Stanley will lead the service. In the event of rain, service will be held at Londesborough United Church.

ROBINSON. In Loving memory of Maxine Robinson, who passed away August 20, 2022.

Sadly missed along life's way, Quietly remembered every day.

No longer in our lives to share, But in our hearts you are always there.

Bill, Steve, Jamie & families.

Notices Seaforth Optimist Club Monthly Cash Draw winners AUGUST 2023 WINNERS Kevin & Karen Young......$2,100 Jane & Doug Smale............$100 Paul Vander Molen ............$100

Citizen-To-Citizen “SWAP SHOP” ad “One person’s junk is another’s treasure” • Free ad up to 25 words, person to person only (no businesses), items valued at $1,000 or less. Price must be included in your ad.Your ad will run three times unless it sells faster!

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

Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca FOR SALE - Classy, well-made vintage cradle, $75, 3' long on 3' sturdy, adjustable stand. Could make a nice planter.

67rwing@gmail.com 33-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - 4 P225 50R17 car tires, $100. 519-335-6998.

33-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Three glass-sided display cases, approximately 6' x 2', best offer. Must be picked up (very heavy). Call Crystal White 519-5256600.

33-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Ladies’ small leather motorcycle jacket with liner, $75.

Call 519-450-8415 33-3 ------------------------------------------TO GIVE AWAY - Child’s crib-tobed with mattress, small playpen with change seat on top, 2 strollers: one umbrella, one heavier. 519-8876920 33-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - HP Envy Inspire 7220e All-in-one wireless printer (value $310), selling for $250 firm.

Includes delivery within Huron County. Brand new - never used.

Call/text: 226-963-1366.

32-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Inversion table for back pain. $100; treadmill, $25; assortment of Athena dishes. 519357-3117.

32-3

FOR SALE - Brand new, unused Logitech 4K Pro Magnetic Webcam for Pro Display XDR, with 2 cables/cords: short/long (value $282.44), selling $200 firm, includes delivery. Call/text: 226963-1366.

32-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Pioneer P39 chainsaw $50; large cattle dehorner $100; cow kicker $35; large calf jack $100. 519-335-6998.

32-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Bandsaw 14" wood cutting. Extras, 2-1/4" blades, 11/2" blade. Instruction manual, and a complete illustrated guide to bandsaws. $450. 519-523-4485 31-3 -------------------------------------------

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

Knight, Wood impress at Ont. Senior Games PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

It was hit-and-miss for rain last week. I went through two downpours on Thursday, one in Cranbrook around 11 a.m. and then in downtown Brussels around 1 p.m. It was raining so hard, a person would have been drenched in moments. Both events lasted about 15 minutes and then were over and the sun came out. Of course, I thought that Thursday night ball would be cancelled and, to my surprise, Walton did not have any rain - so it was game on!

We thank Paul Humphries and Margaret McInroy for tidying up the flower beds at the Walton Hall.

They looked fantastic!

Everybody noticed the flower beds when they arrived at the Walton coffee chat on Saturday morning. It was a nice little group of 20 enjoying coffee, tea and juice and lively conversation for a couple of hours. Coffee chat will be held again on Aug. 26 from 9-11 a.m.

Come join us!

There is always something to learn at coffee chat and this time it was words of wisdom! Two phrases caught my attention. The first was by a man who said, “There is nothing better than sitting between two good-looking women!” I think he thought the good looks would rub off on him! Ha! The second phrase was, “You are supposed to grow smarter as you grow older.”

That one is up for debate.

I think most people will admit that they have made the same mistake more than once in a lifetime. Hopefully, just not on the same day!

We are sorry to hear that Jack McLlwain is in Seaforth Hospital.

We hope he is soon home again.

McGavin/Roberts Farm Equipment have had some thieves at work. Last Sunday, evening the brazen thief pulled up with truck and trailer and loaded a skid steer and post hole digger into the trailer and drove away in three minutes.

Police were notified and the truck was located, but not the stolen items. For years, Walton residents have kept on eye on the coming and goings at the McGavin location after hours. Time to step it up.

That’s what our community does look out for one another.

It was party time on the weekend for the graduates of 1975 (or at least 65-year-olds) of Seaforth High School. The group gathered at the home of Al Murray and enjoyed a great day of visiting and

socializing. They enjoyed a catered meal and lots of laughs. Some of our locals attending included Margaret Shortreed McInroy, Angela Phillips Huether, John Van Vliet and Mary Searle Pennington and Peggy Dennis. There were about 75 folks attending and they enjoyed a delicious smoked pork chop dinner and a great band for entertainment. It was a great time and more great memories were made.

Congratulations to our newest participant in the Ontario Senior Games. The summer games were held in Brantford and Marni Knight, with partner Donette Wood of Chesley, partnered in pickleball doubles. They represented District 27 (the Chesley area), playing in the 55-65 age division and did very well.

They started play on Thursday and placed third in their pool.

Following another two games, they were eliminated from advancing to the playoff round.

Marni reports it was a fantastic experience and hopes to go again.

The Governor General attended the opening ceremonies to light the torch on opening day. There was registration, a banquet, opening ceremonies and some fantastic entertainment. It was a great time and what was really special was how supportive everyone was towards one another during the competitions. Marni reports they were playing at the Walter Gretzky Sports Complex that had six pickleball courts. Congratulations to Marni!

Celebrating birthdays this past week includes Wendy Bachert, Taylor McKee, Christopher Bernard, Craig Sullivan, Alicia McDonald, Floyd Nesbitt, Shirley Coleman, Amanda Hoegy, Josh Nichol, Marina Glanville, Elvie Jane Smith, Joan Perrie, Cooper Verkley, Amanda Fraser, Shayna Melady, Devin Blake, Marion Godkin, Rob McIntosh and Hayden deVos. Happy birthday to all.

NEWS FROM WALTON

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

Before the school bells ring Glimpses of the Past with Karen Webster

T

A Stewart Bros. advertisement from the Aug. 23, 1935 issue of the Huron Expositor

hese days, it is very difficult to avoid all the back-to-school hype that is present in advertising and in the retail stores.

Have you ever wondered what the case was in the month of August in our yesteryears?

In looking at past issues of the county’s print media in the digitized newspaper archive of Huron County, available online through the Huron County Museum, it would seem that back-to-school advertising took a while to become common, only starting to show up in the weekly newspapers of this area in the 1920s.

Our first settlers’ children did not have schools, so they acquired their learning from their parents and most of this education would be in basic life skills. The Bible was the first (and sometimes only) book used for reading instruction. As the tiny, rudimentary schools were built, the students would attend in the same practical clothing that they wore every day at home. Simply put, there was no need for a back-to-school sales blitz. As older children grew, their handmade clothing was handed down to the next-sized sibling, and so on, until the material was completely worn out. Collars could be turned to prolong wear and suit coats could be cut down for a smaller wearer or even made into a vest.

There was no scrambling for the latest designer label in those days!

Because most items were homemade (or by a seamstress if the family could afford it), the first advertisements that could be construed as school-related offered yard goods.

By 1905, mass produced, readyto-wear clothing was becoming more available, as well as affordable, and the McKinnon and Co. store in Blyth was selling boys’ tweed knickers at the price of 35 cents (reduced from 50 cents).

Fast-forward to August of 1925 and take a peek in the Blyth

newspaper where we find the Standard Book and Stationery Store selling scribblers, rulers, inks, slates and pencils. A slate was a thin slab of dark stone that had a wooden frame around it. A slate pencil, probably made of shale, was used to make letters and numbers on the slate. Students could do their spelling words or math sums on the slate and then erase them to do other work.

My father, who went to school in that era, told me that each student was responsible for bringing their own rag and water holder to use to clean their slate. He was a great proponent of doing mental arithmetic, maybe because he disliked cleaning his slate.

Basic school supplies were in short supply. Paper was a valuable commodity and was used sparingly.

Some old letters bear this out as, not only were the sentences written sideto-side, but were also continued up and down on the paper - difficult to read, but economical.

The first advertisement that I found which specifically targeted the back-to-school crowd was from the W.D. Fair Co. of Clinton. This business inserted a rather bold advertisement in the Aug. 25, 1925 edition of the Clinton News Record with the heading of “Don’t Blame the School Teachers”. It stated that if students failed to receive honours in their school work, then the remedy was the purchasing of good quality textbooks, pencils and scribblers from their establishment. Parents were advised to “be ready when the bell rings”.

By looking at a random sampling of newspapers through the years, I came across an advertisement from the Stewart Bros. store in Seaforth, dated Aug. 23, 1935. Its style, wording and size showed a more commercial effort to cash in on the back-to-school marketing that has evolved through the years. If the prices look good to our eyes, we should also take into account the fact that a general labourer of that era earned 35 to 40 cents an hour.

Moving up to 1940, Olive McGill in Blyth had boys’ zippered windbreakers for only $1.49 and girls’ plaid dresses for 59 to 95 cents

each while, in Lucknow, Templeman and Company had rayon and wool tartans at 75 cents a yard, stating that plaid was ever popular F. R. Smith in Brussels, in 1950, was advertising high school and public school texts, as well as fountain pens for one dollar and mathematical sets and school bags in “exciting” colours. The trend was turning to more manufactured goods available for school use.

The Arcade store in Blyth in 1960 was right into the current fashions with blue denim jeans for boys, oxford shoes and high bulk Perry Como sweaters. The young ladies were not forgotten as they could purchase striped slim jims, orlon cardigans and pullovers, as well as twister socks. Down the street, the Needlecraft Shoppe had dark cotton dresses and fall car coats. Not to be outdone, Madills had slim slacks in green or black. They also sold children’s shoes by Savage, Sisman, Wragge and Humberstone.

To end our little journey through preparations for September classes, we look at the offerings of the Stedmens store in Clinton. They had yard goods for sale, particularly crimpknit and backed wool.

Crimpknit clothing had a reputation of rarely wearing out, which was likely their downfall.

Getting students outfitted with clothing and supplies has been a perennial occurrence throughout the years. Recent reports indicate that the costs of markers, paper and like supplies have increased greatly in just the past year. Perhaps some parents may be wishing they could turn the clock back to an earlier time.

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Good Employees are hard to find

On the run Earlier this month, the Clinton Raceway proved that its facilities are for more than horse racing, as wiener dogs took to the track in one of the raceway’s most widely-anticipated and fun special events of the season. This weekend, the raceway will host its annual (John fundraiser for local Legions in addition to its weekly slate of harness races.

Stephenson photo)

Big Jobs Let us help Little Jobs you find the ideal Odd Jobs person!

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PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023.

Obituaries Cremation has taken place. There will be a family service at the cemetery at a later date. The family is having a celebration of life at the Fish and Game Club in Clinton on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 2-5 p.m.

Donations can be made to any charity of your choice.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Falconer Funeral Homes Clinton.

Messages of condolence for the Daer family are welcome at www.falconerfuneralhomes.com

A special week Fresh Wind Revival Centre in Wingham held its second annual Vacation Bible School event and the theme was “Stellar”. The camp welcomed about 60 children throughout the week to engage in a number of activities, including Zoo to You, an interactive experience with several exotic animals. (Courtesy photo)

OPP lay charges over Civic Holiday Members of the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and the Huron OPP Marine unit took part in the Civic Holiday long weekend traffic campaign from Aug. 4-7.

Focus was placed on traffic moving over for emergency vehicles and tow trucks, as well as the “Big Four” which include distracted driving, alcohol/drug

impaired driving, speeding/ aggressive driving and lack of occupant restraint use.

Huron OPP officers laid 108 charges during the initiative including: 81 speeding charges, three stunt driving charges and one charge under the Cannabis Control Act. Officers also issued 54 warnings during the campaign period.

Cottrill celebrates PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE

By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188

The Community Coffee Break is on Tuesday, Aug. 22 in the Belgrave Community Centre. You are welcome to come and enjoy coffee, snacks and fellowship 9:30 11:00 a.m.

Birthday greetings are extended to Donelda Cottrill on Aug. 19.

Best wishes to Karen Gaunt, whose birthday is Aug. 18. Enjoy your day.

NEWS FROM BELGRAVE

MARY (BETTY) DAER At Clinton Public Hospital on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, Mrs. Mary (Betty) Daer passed away in her 83rd year.

Betty grew up in Brussels Ontario and moved to Goderich in 1956 to work for Bell Telephone.

When the Goderich office closed, she started working at the Clinton office before retiring from the Stratford office in 1995. She lived in Clinton most of her life.

Betty is predeceased by her husband Joseph, son Perry Daer, parents Jack and Isabel Alcock (Brussels), brothers Ken, Ross and Bill (Helene) Alcock, stepbrothers Tom and Frank Alcock and by her goddaughter and niece Pamela Alcock Baker (2018).

She is survived by son Dean and wife Debra (Bayfield), their son Catlin and his daughter Alaena; daughter Debbie Jones and her children, Kevin and Jodi Jones (Clinton) Randy Jones and his friend Malika Kelly (London) and Michael and Bobbie Jones (Manitoulin Island); greatgrandchildren Tristan and Taylor Jones, Reese, Hanna and Payton Jones, Perri Lynn Jones; greatgreat-grandson Kastan, and grandson Tyler Daer (Perry Daer).

She is also survived by her brother Murray (Barb) Alcock (Goderich), sisters-in-law Carol Alcock (Goderich) Cora Alcock (Brussels), and daughter-in-law Shelley Jaco (Port Coquitlam).

Betty will be missed by all her family, nieces and nephews, best friend and travel companion Marion (Durnin) Oke, neighbour and friend Deanna Delve, as well as other friends and neighbours. She was truly a wonderful soul. We were all truly blessed to have her in our lives.

DOUG KEMP At his home on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, Doug Kemp of Wingham, passed away, surrounded by his family, at the age of 58.

The loving husband of Judy (Sholdice) Kemp of 37 years, Doug was the devoted dad of Jessica and Ian, Brandi-Lee, Justine, Allyson and Will, Kerri and Aaron Wolfe, and Daniel and Kaylin.

He was the special Poppa of Rylie, Skylar, Oaklee, Nevaeh, Tyson, Savanna, Sophia, Lucie, Huntleigh, Roddy, Kobi, Ez, Kylo, Arianna and his beloved grandpups, Blue, Charlie and Rodium.

He was the dear brother of Patti and Darrell Parsons, Steve and Joy Line, Sandy and Greg Simpson and Dave Line and best friend of Tom

McIlwrick and Gord White. Doug was the son-in-law of Gary Sholdice, brother-in-law of Paul Sholdice and Mark and Debbie Sholdice. Doug will be lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews and their families.

Doug was predeceased by his parents, Robert Kemp and Andrena and Ron Line, mother-in-law Barb Sholdice, bonus son Rod Adams and uncle Bruce Ruddy.

Doug’s spirit will forever live on through his children, grandchildren and all the lives he touched throughout his many years of coaching and his love of sports.

A celebration of life was held Thursday, Aug. 17 at the Wingham Knights of Columbus Centre.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to a trust fund set up to allow his grandchildren to continue their sports. Donations can be made by visiting a Libro branch or by etransfer to this account: kerrikemp94@hotmail.com.

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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 $8.00.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023. PAGE 17.

From the Minister’s Study

Why not try Jesus? He’s the answer: Stanley

BY PASTOR MIKE STANLEY, HURON CHAPEL, AUBURN I have a question for you. Would you consider yourself a religious person? I have often experienced that when a conversation starts to touch on something spiritual, or when someone finds out that I am a pastor or a Christian they will quickly give the caveat, “I am not religious, but….”

We live in a culture now that is growing less and less familiar with the idea of participating in some form of organized religion and, for that matter, more and more distant from the idea of there even being a supernatural being outside of ourselves.

But I would like to challenge that notion for a moment. The definition of the word “religion” is simply, “a set of beliefs”. Based on that definition, I would say that, as human beings, we are all religious, because we all live our lives according to what we believe is most important.

Another way of saying it is that we live our lives according to our values. It is what we value as most important in life that becomes the biggest factors in our decisions, and determines what we are going to spend our time and effort doing. For some people, their values align with those of an organized religion, for others, they are determined more by the culture around them or the community of which they are a part.

Maybe, instead of using the word “religious”, it would help to call it our “philosophy of life”, because it is the truth by which we live.

It seems, at first glance, that the philosophy of life of a “religious” person is miles apart from someone who would consider themselves “non-religious”, but, in actual fact, at the core there is the common experience of being human and trying to figure out how to best live life in this world. From that point of view, we are all on the road of life searching for the answers to life.

The question is, “what’s the right answer?”

The search for the truth to life’s big questions and a right philosophy of life is as old as humanity itself.

Throughout history, there have been many different philosophies and value systems to live by. Of course, we usually think that, as a society, we have progressed, and so our values and ways of life are the best. But have we really progressed? Have we figured out a better philosophy of life than the cultures of the past?

I was reading a historical account of when the Apostle Paul visited Athens (modern day Greece) as recorded in Acts, Chapter 17. The historian Luke records that Paul was in Athens waiting for some travelling companions to join him, and, as he walks around the city, he notices all kinds of idols and altars to various gods; one of the altars even had the inscription “to the unknown god”. This stirs Paul’s interest as a teacher and so he goes to the centre of town and begins to dialogue with anyone who will listen about how Jesus came so that we could know God. Well, it doesn’t take long, and a variety of philosophers invite Paul to their amphitheatre to share with all the great thinkers of the day about this God he was proclaiming.

Luke specifically mentions two main philosophies of that day (about 51 AD): those of the

Epicureans and the Stoics. Now, you would think that, after almost 2,000 years, we must have progressed as a society a lot, but take a look at these philosophies of life.

The Epicureans strived for a life of comfort, free from pain or anxiety; so they strived for pleasure while maintaining a life of balance.

They were materialists. That means they explained the world by what they could see (much like science today). They believed that if there was a god, he was impersonal and had nothing to do with our reality (agnostic). Their truth was determined by their own personal experience.

The Stoics stressed the importance of being self-sufficient and in control of their own personal lives. What was most important to them was to follow their own thinking and to be independent.

Spiritually, they were pantheists, meaning that god was in everything - like a force in all things - and so they focused on living harmoniously with nature.

Does any of that sound familiar? I found it amazing that many of the

things that we value as a society today, as if we just discovered them in our progressive society, are things that were part of philosophies of life 2,000 years ago. It would seem that we are still searching for the answers to the question of how to live our lives.

I think that Paul recognized that same thing, because, when given the chance to speak to these great philosophers and thinkers of the day, he responded by addressing the three big questions that are common to every one of us as humans, no matter what culture or beliefs we grew up in: “Where did I come from?” “What is the meaning of life?” “What happens when I die?” These three questions are at the core of every religion and philosophy of life.

Paul explained what is as true today as it was back then, that there has to be an ultimate being, eternally existing and not made of matter, but with the power to intricately create anything and everything. That is the only possible answer to where everything came from because, eventually, if you go back far

enough, at some point, something created everything from nothing.

But, not only did God create the material universe, He also created the non-material things that are unique to our human experience, like love, reason, beauty, morality and our consciences. These aspects of our human experience are unique to us; it’s not like a turtle is going to consider the beauty of a painting or the moral impact of its decisions.

Why did God give us this unique human experience? Paul explains that God’s desire is to have a relationship with us like we are His children. That is the purpose that He created us for, and that is where we will find meaning in life. It is amazing to realize that the allpowerful God who created us also wants us to know Him personally.

And it only makes sense that the God who created life would know the best way to go about living it.

Lastly, Paul answers the question about our destiny when we die by telling his audience (and us through what is recorded in the Bible) that Jesus came to this earth as God in

the flesh, and He made a way for us to have eternal life with Him in Heaven after we die. Not only that, but Jesus demonstrated the proof of that eternal life by raising from the dead Himself.

Paul ends his speech with this plea: God has commanded everyone to turn from trying to determine their own philosophy of life, and come find the truth about life in Jesus, because there is coming a day when we will all stand before Him. What we decide to do with Jesus is what will determine our destiny. Is your philosophy of life working? Why not try Jesus? I promise, He’s the answer.

Celebrating A Special Occasion?

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Brussels Mennonite Fellowship Current Sermon Series...

Come Worship With Us Evangelical Missionary Church

Sunday, August 20, 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Mike Stanley, “Speak the Word with All Boldness” (Acts 4:23-31)

On-site and online live.huronchapel.com

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

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

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

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

Trinity

BLYTH 9:00 AM St. Paul’s Trinity

WINGHAM 10:30 AM

Come Worship with Us!

Sundays at 10:00 am All Are Welcome 250 Princess St., Brussels • 519 887 6388 • Pastor Ken Gazley

BRUSSELS S

U United Chu ur urch Brussels United is closed for the month h of August We are invited to Worship with Melville Presbyterian at 9:30 a.m eac ch Sunday From Aug. 14 to Aug. 27 p please phone 519-88 p 87-6259 for urgent g Pastoral Care..

Your message will be answered as soon as possible.

Yo

MEL LV VILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS

Sunday, August 20 9:30-10:30 a.m.

We extend a loving welcome to the Brussels United Church familyy and to all, to join us as Mary Jane Bisset leads us in worship, praise and prayer.

A time of fellowship to follow.

Soup & More 2 Join us every Friday from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. for lunch. This free meal is made possible by the Brussels churches and many volunteers working together to serve our community. c All are welcome!

For pastoral care concerns please call 519-524-7512 2

Sunday, August 20 at 10 a.m.

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

For additional details please visit: brusselscommunitybiblechapel.com

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

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

"If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” Colossians 3:1 Contact Alex at: minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com Facebook: Blyth and Brussels United Churches blythunited@tcc.on.ca ~ 519-523-4224

Worship and Prayer Time Loving Fellowship Expository Preaching

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

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

ers t t e L THE TO

R

TO I D E

Resident urges those concerned to make voices heard THE EDITOR, This is in response to the news article “Seaforth Long-Term Care Proposal Concerns Council” from a recent issue of The Citizen.

We, the advocates for long-term care remaining in our Seaforth community may have been left in the dark about the decision to move the long-term care beds to a new facility being built in Exeter, which

is projected to open in 2025, but we still can voice our concerns.

Please, if anyone reading this letter has any concerns, make them known by contacting the following people: • Southbridge Health Care GP Inc. and Southbridge Care Homes at contact@southbridgecare.com • Executive Director Carolyn McCorkindale at cmccorkindale @southbridgecare.com • Long-Term care Family Support and Action Line at 1-866-434-0144 • Lisa Thompson MPP constituency office, Unit 3, 807 Queen St., Kincardine, ON, N2Z 2Y2, 408 Queen Street, Blyth, N0M 1H0, 519-523-4251, Lisa.Thompsoco@pc.ola.org or 519-396-3007, 1-866-396-3007 • Ben Lobb MP constituency office, 30 Victoria St.N., Goderich, ON, N7A 2R6, 519-524 6560, fax: 519-612-1141 or Ben.lobb@parl.gc.ca, 613-9951522, fax 613-995-6350.

Our concerns need to be heard.

Please do your part.

Joyce Ribey.

Week after week Weekly harness racing action has continued at the Clinton Raceway, with the last three weeks bringing audiences wiener dog races, a special ladies’ day and a fundraiser for the Vanastra Curling Club, in addition to the harness racing action audiences have come to know and love. (John Stephenson photo)

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023. PAGE 19.

Lucknow to welcome back Mackenzie Leigh Meyer

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen As Lucknow’s Music in the Fields fast approaches, The Citizen connected with up-and-coming country star Mackenzie Leigh Meyer by phone to talk about her upcoming performance at the beloved country music festival.

Meyer has only been performing live for a few years, but she has already received a lot of attention for her strong vocal stylings and unique genre-blending style. Her neo-roots singles “Dive Bar Diva” and “Dial Tone” have gotten her noticed by country music fans and critics alike. After several years of being nominated, Meyer is this year’s Country Music Association of Ontario’s Roots Artist of the Year winner. Past winners include The Good Family, The Western Swing Authority and The Abrams.

The storytelling element of country music is one that drives Meyer’s songwriting style. “I like to say that my songs are kind of exaggerations of my truth… stuff I’m going through or the way I feel about what’s going on in the world.

It’s good to start from a point of honesty.”

Her 2022 single “Barbie Doll” is a ferocious feminist anthem in its own right, but has she seen any benefits from Greta Gerwig’s smash hit film Barbie? “I’ve seen a little bit of a Barbie bump, but I’m also trying to make my own Barbie bump and I hope that that bump

gets bigger … I’m going to keep pushing it because now is the time to own that Barbie thing!”

The Ancaster native grew up just outside of Hamilton, and attended Humber College, where she received a Bachelor of Music for Vocal Studies. After her graduation in 2017, she launched her country music career. “I’ve just kind of been releasing singles, and participating in the Ontario [music] community,” she said.

In 2019, Meyer competed in the Music in the Fields Emerging Artist Contest and placed second, scoring herself a spot performing on one of the side stages. She remembers the experience fondly. “It’s such a fun festival - the hospitality is exceptional, everyone is so kind, and all the fans that come out are always ready for a good time, which makes it fun for somebody like me. I’m on the newer side of the country music industry - but, even if the people might not know your stuff, they just want to hear music and be entertained. Last time it was a blast and I’m hoping this time is going to be the same!”

This year, Meyer has the opportunity to increase the number of people who know her stuff she’s going to be performing on the main stage. “It’s something I’m really, really looking forward to.

The people there are just super excited to hear music! It’s a much bigger stage than the one I played last time, but, for me, I guess a stage is a stage - the only thing I

like to think about a bit more with a bigger stage is making sure that every inch of the stage is seeing me at some point. On a small stage, it’s pretty easy to cross from one side to the other.”

Meyer’s experiences at Music in the Fields go back much further than her 2019 performance - about 10 years ago she camped out in the field as a fan. “I just think there’s something so special about that summer outdoor festival vibe… I think it just lifts the spirit of all the people there.” She may be featured on the main stage this year, but Meyer is still just a fan at heart.

“I’m a massive fan of Owen Riegling… I’m excited to see his set on Friday - he’s the person I’m looking forward to seeing most!”

Meyer’s recommendation for young people interested in joining Ontario’s country music community is to pursue authenticity. “What makes someone stand out is them being genuinely themselves,” she advised. Her recommendation for anybody going to Music in the Fields this year?

“Be prepared for a great time!”

If you’re prepared to see Mackenzie Leigh Mayer have a great time being herself, get your tickets and head on over to Graceland in Lucknow on Saturday, Aug. 26.

MLM at MitF Lucknow’s Music in the Fields returns to Graceland Aug. 24-26. (Courtesy photo)

Miller’s first Music in the Fields set is coming

Happy 70th Anniversary!

Mom and Dad

Bill and Maxine Seers

By Scott Stephenson

Please join us for a visit and coffee

The Citizen

September 2, 2023

Between his summer full of shows and his impending acoustic tour in the United Kingdom in September, Tyler Joe Miller is going to squeeze in a set at Lucknow’s Music in the Fields festival, much to the delight of his many fans in the area. Miller was kind enough to press pause for a moment and chat with The Citizen about how his year has been going.

“It’s been crazy busy - last summer was absolutely nuts,” he exclaimed.

“We thought it was going to be a bit more quiet this year, but we’ve ended up having a super-full summer this year too!”

His jam-packed schedule shouldn’t come as a surprise - being the first independently-signed artist to top the Billboard Canada country charts with a debut single tends to get a person noticed, especially when your follow-up single hits number one as well. He is also the winner of the 2021 SiriusXM “Top of the Country” contest, and he has already been nominated for a plethora of other awards, including the 2023 Canadian Country Music Award for Single of the Year, Video of the Year, and Musical Collaboration of the Year.

For Miller, the secret to writing a successful country song is trying to tell a good story. “It’s not just having the steel guitar or the fiddle.

I can enjoy a song more when somebody just has an acoustic guitar, telling a really good story with a good melody than some upbeat honky tonk song that doesn’t mean much… my favourite

2 - 4 p.m.

285 Lakeside Dr., Goderich

Best Wishes Only!

Time to Celebrate!

It’s Miller time!

Surrey, BC native Tyler Joe Miller is performing at Music in the Fields for the very first time on Saturday, August 26. (Courtesy photo) song in the world is ‘Rainin’ You’

by Brad Paisley, and it’s just super low key. I think country music is about life, not just country life.”

Miller worked in construction in the time just before his career really took off, and had the surreal and humbling experience of hearing his own songs on the radio while he was working for clients. “Just because your songs are famous doesn’t mean you’re famous… I feel like if I’d just gotten into music without a background in a totally different industry, I wouldn’t have Continued on page 20

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PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023.

M-T drafts investment policy

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen Morris-Turnberry Council convened in a virtual session on Tuesday, Aug. 8, to discuss a newly-drafted Municipal Investment Policy. The policy, crafted by Treasurer Sean Brophy, outlines a strategic framework for the investment of $250,000 in surplus funds, an outcome of the 2022 sale of land in Belgrave.

Council had initially tasked staff back in March with the drafting of an investment policy to establish a clear blueprint for the investment of the aforementioned surplus.

Brophy began his presentation by outlining the policy saying it encompasses a set of objectives, standards, governance procedures, reporting requirements and investment guidelines.

The draft document establishes a hierarchy of investment objectives, prioritizing adherence to statutory requirements, capital preservation, competitive return rates and liquidity maintenance.

Brophy’s draft emphasizes a prudence-driven approach to

investment decisions, stressing the importance of exercising judgment akin to that of responsible private investors, while safeguarding capital and income prospects.

The draft mandates that council adopt the policy through a bylaw, and outlines the areas where council approval is requisite, including changes to the investment policy, changes to the investment guidelines and the transferring of funds out of the investments.

The policy also includes provisions for reporting. The treasurer will be tasked with presenting investment outcomes to council on an annual basis, or as necessitated by legislation, in an effort to ensure accountability and transparency.

Brophy’s presentation also included discussions on the current investments held by the municipality, as well as guidelines for the allocation and management of the $250,000 surplus. Brophy classifies the investments into two distinct categories. Investment Category A encapsulates investments received from the Lattimer Estate, along with those

dedicated to school awards and fairs. These investments are intended to be held indefinitely, with generated interest earmarked for park maintenance and educational initiatives. Investment Category B pertains to the surplus proceeds of $250,000 stemming from the sale of property. The policy outlines precise guidelines for splitting, investing and utilizing the generated interest to offset municipal expenses.

Mayor Jamie Heffer said, “From our discussion back in March, I think you’ve captured the areas that we as a council were wanting to be included in this policy. So, it looks good to me.”

Councillor Jamie McCallum said, “Sean, I think you’ve done a great job creating this policy and I agree with the principles that you’ve got laid out there.”

McCallum motioned to accept the policy as presented and to proceed with investing the surplus funds as recommended by Brophy. The motion carried unanimously and the investment policy will be up for adoption by bylaw at the next meeting.

Fiddle me this Canadian Mi’kmaq fiddler and singer Morgan Toney performing at the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival on Sunday, Aug. 13. (Scott Stephenson photo)

Miller says playing outdoors ‘feels right’ Continued from page 19 the work ethic I need to succeed.”

This year’s festival will be the B.C. native’s first time setting foot on the hallowed grounds of Graceland, and the in-demand artist is excited about the prospect. “It’ll be my first time playing there and my first time being there - I’ve never even been to that part of Ontario, and I can’t say that I know what to expect, but I think it’s going to be an awesome time!”

Miller is also excited about performing at Lucknow’s premier outdoor venue. “I overheat really easily,” he laughed, “so I don’t get as sweaty! And beyond that, there’s something about playing outdoors that just feels right.”

Over the past few years, Miller has travelled across Canada playing music, and he’s seen his fair share of fans from coast to coast. “There’s

country people out here on the west coast, and in the cities, people put boots on and come out, and they have a good time and they sing along, but then you go to Atlantic Canada, and those people are just crazy! There was a show last year where somebody put their dog on stage. There were some people with a flamethrower in the crowd during one of our slow songs - it’s nuts!

But all the way across Canada, country fans are the best fans, just the way that they show it is a bit different. The one thing that’s always the same no matter where I go, is people singing my songs back at me. And that’s the coolest thing.”

If you want Tyler Joe Miller to see how fans on Ontario’s West Coast show their love of country music, check him out at Music in the Fields in Lucknow on Aug. 26.

U11 Girls set to play year-end tournament Continued from page 1 were in Shakespeare to play the Falcons and won by a score of 1810.

On Aug. 14, the U9 team was in Mildmay, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time.

This weekend, the U11 Girls will play their year-end tournament in Exeter, while the U9 team will end its season with a tournament in Brussels.

The U13 Girls will head to

Stratford for their year-end tournament, beginning with a game against the Wilmot Thunder on Friday night.

The team then has three games scheduled for Saturday. They’ll play the North Middlesex Skeeters at 10:15 a.m., followed by a noon contest with the Sebringville Sting and a 5:15 p.m. game with the Zurich Thunder.

If they’re successful, the Legends will then see action on Sunday.

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