The Citizen - August 25, 2023

4 • Editorials 8 • Sports 10 • Plowing Match 19 • Art

The

THIS WEEK

Citizen

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Friday, August 25, 2023

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Volume 39 No. 34

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

Milestone Plowing Match a success

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Eyes on the prize Brooklyn Hendriks was one of the young women with her eye on this year’s Queen of the Furrow crown, but first, she had to keep her eye on the land in front of her (and the stick guiding her way) during the plowing portion of the competition at last week’s Huron County

Plowing Match. The competition would eventually be won by Rachel Gras, who joined the previous day’s Princess winner, Rachel Wilts. The match, hosted by Pete and Leisa Albers at their farm, just northeast of Brussels, proved to be a success, despite some cold, wet weather. (Scott Stephenson photo)

Reserves, debt to pay for Goderich project

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron County Council has opted to fund its Gibbons Street housing initiative in Goderich from a combination of a $5 million debenture and $13.5 million from county reserves, complete with a 2.03 per cent impact on next year’s tax levy.

This was one of three funding scenarios presented to council by Treasurer Michael Blumhagen at council’s Aug. 18 meeting. It represents a balance of the two approaches, whereas the other two scenarios were to fund the project completely through a debenture and completely through reserves. The debenture option would have had a 3.51 per cent impact on the levy in 2024, while the reserve option would have impacted the tax levy next year by 1.48 per cent.

Blumhagen spoke to council extensively about the project, saying that the county will have to take on debt in order to fund the project. However, he assured

councillors that the debt load will be within the limits set out by the provincial government and by the county’s own debt policy.

He told councillors that the county is limited to annual debt payments of about $14 million, meaning that the county, at five per cent interest, could support about $175 million in total debt.

However, the county’s debt policy states that the county should stay below half of that limit, which

shouldn’t be a problem under his proposal, leaving room for other projects and unanticipated expenses.

He did note, however, some of the county’s additional budgetary pressures, saying that much of the county’s bridge infrastructure and the like will need to be repaired over the course of the next 10 years, meaning additional taxes will have to be collected.

He has projected that the county

will have to raise just under $71 million for its annual levy by 2041 to support the project and the rest of the county’s infrastructure needs.

The county’s levy was just over $50 million this year. Blumhagen is then projecting the need for a levy increase of 6.89 per cent next year, followed by annual increases of between 1.16 and 2.26 per cent between 2025 and 2041 in order to Continued on page 12

The 95th annual Huron County Plowing Match took place last week northeast of Brussels, and the unseasonably chilly weather didn’t prevent the match from being a great success. Plowers of prowess and fans young and old came out to the event, which was graciously hosted by Pete and Leisa Albers at their farm on Browntown Road.

Many visitors throughout the twoday event commented that the host couple went above and beyond in making the plowing match a memorable one. Co-hosting duties were ably handled by Huron County Warden and AshfieldColborne-Wawanosh (ACW) Mayor Glen McNeil.

McNeil was very pleased with the turnout for the event. Plowing matches in the area have been going on for almost as long as farming has, and continued enthusiasm for the event gives him hope for the future of agriculture in the area. “It all starts at the county level,” he said. “Without the county level, you don’t have anything feeding into the International Plowing Match.” Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson was unable to attend, but she sent word that Huron County sets the bar for regional plowing matches. ACW Councillor Evan Hickey was also in attendance, and noted the robust enthusiasm from participants of all ages, at a time when other plowing associations across Ontario struggle to survive in the face of issues like farmland loss. “There’s just something special about Huron County,” he said.

Outgoing Huron County Plowmen’s Association President Brian Wiersma couldn’t be happier with the results of the 95th annual plowing match. “It was Continued on page 13

U11 Girls undefeated through tournament Last weekend, the U11 Girls Londesborough Legends were in a year-end tournament in Exeter and just kept winning all the way to the end.

The girls won their final game of the tournament over the Stratford Flames Jordan team by a score of 13-7, capping off the team’s undefeated run through the tournament. That win came just hours after an 11-7 win over the Wilmot Thunder 1 team.

The team won both of its games on Saturday of the tournament, beating Stratford Flames Jordan, in what would be a championship game preview, by a score of 14-6, followed by a win over the Wilmot Thunder 3 team by a score of 13-3.

The Legends opened their tournament on Friday night with a 19-11 win over the Mitchell Hornets 2 team.

The U11 Girls now become the second Londesborough team to win

their year-end tournament, following the success of the U17 Girls team, which triumphed in Wilmot the previous weekend.

The U13 Girls Legends team was also in year-end tournament action over the weekend, though in Stratford, but didn’t make it to Sunday. The girls opened their tournament with a 13-6 loss to the Wilmot Thunder on Friday night, followed by losses to the North Middlesex Skeeters (11-10), the

Sebringville Sting (13-10) and the Zurich Thunder (9-7) on Saturday.

The U9 team was in Brussels on the weekend for its year-end tournament, beginning play on Friday night against Lucknow 1, though results from that tournament were not available as of press time.

There are no more games on the schedule for any of the Londesborough Legends youth teams as the season has wrapped up for another summer.

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2023.

New Clinton pool design moves ahead

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

On the run Last Sunday’s action at the Clinton Raceway raised money for the Seaforth Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, while keeping the races on the track coming. (John Stephenson photo)

Theatre evokes Blyth memories

Rev. Jan Aylward led the morning worship at Londesborough United Church on Sunday, Aug. 20.

In lieu of a “message”, Jan chose to elaborate on the people from the scripture passages chosen for the Sunday.

Joseph, known for his technicolour coat and being able to give meanings to dreams, was the subject for the Old Testament. In examining Joseph’s complete life, it became obvious that, although he was clever, he was also devious in his interactions with people. But this man, who had a huge impact on the establishment of the Israeli nation, was a model of forgiveness.

His life had a purpose as destined

by God regardless of the underlying shady things he did.

The New Testament figure from the Book of Matthew was the woman who coined the phrase, “Even the dogs gather the crumbs that fall to the floor.” This woman would be shunned by the Jewish people because, as a Canaanite woman, she dared to ask Jesus to heal her sick daughter. Jesus demonstrated that God’s love pours out to all and we are all children of faith.

The mission story that morning told of the difference a week at camp made in the life of someone who later was instrumental in the founding of Greenpeace. Jan congratulated the Londesborough United Church Women (UCW) for assisting with the camp experience of community youth.

The thread for the service was: every day simple interactions, a kind word, a smile, a hand up, forgiveness, can change another’s life. Very often the giver of these simple things benefits as well. God has a purpose for all of us. That is our value to the world. We need to thank Him for His love for us by reaching out to others with compassion and care.

John and I attended a performance at the 4th Line Theatre last week. I would not be surprised if you, like us, have not heard of this theatre.

According to their newspaper-

style program for the summer, their address is Millbrook. That is in the Peterborough area. However, unless one knew about this theatre, one would be hard pressed to find it. The theatre itself is way out in the country, down truly country roads on a gifted property called the Winslow Farm. The theatre has been in existence for 31 summers.

There are shades of Grand Bend as two old barns are used as the backstage area and sometimes the stage. The play we saw was acted out on the ground/yard and into the surrounding fields. Like the Blyth Festival’s Harvest Stage, the viewing area is outside, some patrons protected by a roof, also part of a farm shed, some in direct sunshine. This year, the white plastic lawn chairs of previous years have been replaced with more comfortable chairs thanks to a “chair campaign”. Seating is not numbered, hence the long lineups each night for what are sold-out performances. I couldn’t get a handle on how many seats there were. Maybe between 200 and 300.

This theatre produces two plays each summer - one in July and a second in August, but it doesn’t have lighting and the plays are very early evening. By the end of August, the curtain calls would likely be in darkness. Also like Blyth, this theatre is dedicated to offering original stories about the people of Canada, and specifically their area and developing or commissioning what the theatre presents. Again, like Blyth.

July’s offering was a musical about the Tilco strike which took place in the mid-1960s in Peterborough. August’s play was

The Cavan Blazers. The Cavan Blazers is the story of two groups of Irish settlers to Cavan Township.

Irish, you say? Yes. And the play reenacts the struggles between the Protestants [think Blazers] and the Catholics, complete with parades and horses and fights. Sound familiar?

The cast is a mix of professionals and volunteers, hence the reason we were there. A grandson, as a result of his performance in a high school production, was offered the opportunity to be part of August’s production. There were 50 persons in the cast, many of them schoolaged youth. The drama productions in that area are watched for potential cast members. This is a great opportunity for youth to learn the “business” of drama under professional guidance, while getting volunteer hours that might be needed to graduate. And it cuts down on the cost of production.

A unique feature of this theatre is that they encourage people to either bring along a picnic meal or purchase food from the vendors, which are different each night, who come in to cook or barbecue. An area for dining is set up with picnic tables and a tent covering. We took a picnic and it made for a really interesting atmosphere.

Another fun feature is “Festival Fridays at the Farm” when a variety of persons involved with education and arts of the area and some cast members offer question-andanswer and conversation sessions.

Arts and crafts vendors are set up those evenings too.

On Wednesdays, local musicians and songwriters entertain under the tent. Another truly Canadian theatre experience.

Central Huron Council is moving ahead with the process of a new pool in Clinton, approving a request for proposals (RFP) to Tillman Ruth Robinson Architects in the amount of $52,700, excluding HST, for the design of a new pool.

Tillman Ruth Robinson was one of six architects to submit proposals for the project and, in his report, Facilities Manager Steve Duizer noted that the recommended tender was the highest scoring. He also noted that Tillman Ruth Robinson has designed several municipal pools in the area, including the pool at the Maitland Recreation Centre (YMCA) in Goderich.

The pool design is unbudgeted, but Duizer recommended funding it from the facilities department reserve.

In his report, Duizer noted that the pool will measure 40 feet in width and 60 feet in length, including a slide, diving board and a ramp and railing system to provide full accessibility. (The shallow end of the pool will be designed for accessibility use and the deep end will be up to 10 feet deep.)

He also noted that the design will include a mechanical room that measures 23 feet by 20 feet, an entrance corridor measuring six feet by 20 feet, a guard house measuring 15 feet by 20 feet and two changerooms each measuring 23 feet by 20 feet.

Prices submitted through the RFP process ranged from $25,000 up to $184,780.

“The responses were scored based on various criteria, including references, relevant experience, approach and methodology,

advisory services and price,” Duizer said in his report. “Tillman Ruth Robinson provided the highest-scoring proposal.”

While council would eventually approve awarding the contract, not all councillors were on board right away, noting the high cost of building a new pool.

Councillor Jennifer Cox said she had been approached by a number of residents who were concerned about the price and asked about building a pickleball or basketball court instead. She also noted the high-quality wake park in the municipality and wondered about a transportation program to bring residents there, instead of the municipality building its own pool.

Other councillors were confused about council’s direction on the project, asking if it had been approved at a previous meeting.

Indeed, staff brought up a motion from the strategic planning session held last May in which council passed a motion directing staff to initiate the RFP process for the design of a smaller pool with anticipated costs of approximately $35,000.

Councillor Adam Robinson, however, was more supportive of the project, saying that, with the high cost of living, a local pool may be the only recreation opportunity that remains affordable for some families.

Mayor Jim Ginn agreed, saying that, as temperatures rise, he worries about some of the youth of the community and their ability to access a pool. He also said he felt a town of Clinton’s size needs to have a pool of some sort, so he was in favour of moving forward.

Council approved the design RFP and authorized staff to move ahead to the next stage of the project.

FREE Guided Walk Wed. Aug. 30 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Meet in the parking lot.

38854 Nature Centre Rd.

$30

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Please bring your dogs on leashes and cats in carriers.

Cash per animal

Protect your pets against rabies

Low-cost Vaccination Clinics St. Helen’s Community Hall

NEWS FROM LONDESBORO

85656 St. Helen’s Line

Wednesday, September 6 1–4 pm | No appointment needed.

Provided by Blyth Veterinary Services in partnership with Huron Perth Public Health

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2023. PAGE 3.

Peel, Driscoll named CNE semi-finalists Leah Lai from the Lindsay Agricultural Society is the winner of the 2023 Ambassador of the Fairs program at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), but several local young people also made a positive showing in the competition.

Taryn Kennedy of the Ilderton Agricultural Society was named the first runner-up in the competition, followed by Luke McBride of the Kincardine Agricultural Society, who was named the second runnerup and also won the Congeniality Award.

Abigail Peel from the HowickTurnberry Agricultural Society and Kiara Driscoll from the Seaforth Agricultural Society were among the semi-finalists, in addition to Kelsey Lennox of the Arthur Agricultural Society and Diane Van Staveren of the Collingwood Agricultural Society.

Lai’s win has proven historic, as it marks the 50th anniversary of the Ambassador of the Fairs program.

The exclusive year-long role of Ambassador of the Fairs will take Lai across Ontario as a representative of the CNE and all agricultural fairs in the province.

Competing among nearly 50 contestants, Lai represented Lindsay Agricultural Society, and was one of seven semi-finalists who participated in the final round on Sunday, Aug. 20. In attendance to celebrate the milestone anniversary was the very first winner of the Ambassador program, Miss CNE 1972, Debby CarterWood from Richmond Hill.

Finalists were interviewed and judged on a wide range of criteria, including knowledge of the CNE and Canadian agriculture, poise, self-confidence, public speaking and overall impression.

The Ambassador of the Fairs program is a longstanding tradition at the CNE, aiming to educate and celebrate Canada’s rich history in agriculture.

The program has seen more than 3,000 contestants from over 100 communities across the province throughout its 50 years. As the newly-crowned winner of the 2023 CNE Ambassador of the Fairs, Lai will participate in a series of official duties at Canada’s largest fair, including special appearances, while also representing her local agricultural community.

Lucky men “Irish” Joe Gahan of Blyth, above, and his band, The Lucky Charms took centre stage at the Brussels Legion on Friday night, performing outdoors for those in attendance.

The Lucky Charms will be on stage again soon for a special concert at the annual reunion of the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association. (John Stephenson photo)

How to find YOUR local news A word from OCNA President Gordon Cameron

By Gordon Cameron, President and Interim Executive Director of the Ontario Community Newspapers Association (OCNA) Well, we knew it was going to happen, and it finally has. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has started blocking Canadian news from its social media platforms.

Why did one of the world’s richest companies decide to take this drastic step? In short, it doesn’t like the fact that after making money from the hard work of Canadian journalists for almost 17 years that they’re now required to fairly compensate the content creators. It basically wants to have its cake and eat it too - Facebook wants to make money from news, but is unwilling to provide the financial resources to ensure that reliable, trustworthy news can be created.

But wait a minute, don’t newspapers choose to post their content on Facebook and Instagram? Why should they be able to make use of the social media tools for free and then expect payment for items that they themselves chose to share? Isn’t this just a case of newspapers not adapting to the times? Hogwash.

What newspapers are doing on social media is the same thing that’s been done for decades with print editions. Many titles have long histories of distributing copies, often free of charge, to local coffee shops, libraries and seniors’ residences in order to improve access to their content and to keep

locals informed of the important community news of the week. Now, imagine that those coffee shops, libraries and seniors’ residences turned around and sold or rented those copies to patrons and residents and kept all the money for themselves. That doesn’t seem right, does it? Well, that’s exactly what Facebook, Instagram and Google are doing when they sell ads based on the traffic that quality community journalism brings to their sites.

So, rather than helping to promote democracy and civic inclusion, as well as preventing the growth of unchecked misinformation on their platforms, the online giants have decided to place their bottom lines ahead of what’s best for their users.

However, despite protests to the contrary, I think they’re going to discover just how important the presence of local news content on their sites is to them. Several large advertisers have already pledged to stop advertising on the platforms, and, if I were a betting man, I’d wager that the amount of time that Canadians spend actively engaging Facebook (one of the company’s key success metrics) will also go down as readers look elsewhere for the news and information they crave.

Fortunately, since Facebook, Instagram and Google don’t create news, the news they’re hiding from you is still being produced by the same local journalists you’ve come to know and trust.

You can start by visiting The

Citizen website at huroncitizen.ca.

This contains all the same stories that you would have previously seen on social media or Google, only without the middleman. And just like Facebook, if you check back often you’ll find new content waiting for you to read.

For those who still wish to receive their news via social media, the paper’s Twitter (now X) handle at @TheHuronCitizen is still active and will continue to send out links to the online versions.

And of course, you can always get your news from the print edition, which is delivered to you each week. If you’re not a subscriber, you can get the paper for $50 for the entire year or $60 for a traditional paper subscription, complete with access to the digital edition, also for an entire year.

Those of us who have chosen to make a career in journalism and newspapers understand the duty we have to keep our communities informed, to ensure that those with power don’t abuse it and to help promote a sense of belonging and pride in the places we call home.

However, we can’t do it for free and we shouldn’t have to sit by while others earn money from our passion and efforts while contributing nothing to the cost of its creation.

It’s like believing that as long as we’re paying the grocery stores, the farmers can get nothing.

In that world, we’d all starve. In the world that Facebook, Instagram and Google seem to want to create, we’d all be starved for credible, reliable local news.

The Citizen offices will be closed on

Monday, September 4 The deadlines for the September 8 paper will be

Tuesday, September 5 at 2 pm The Power of Habit!

(Author unknown) Those habits which seem too weak to be felt — soon become too strong to be broken! They entwine themselves around the soul, and the coil proves fatal.

Beware of trifling with sinful habits. Satan lays his fatal snares for the unwary, adapts the bait — and the soul is taken captive by the devil!

Never open the door to a little vice, lest a great one should enter also!

Hide God’s Word in your heart, that you may not sin against Him. It will be a bulwark to shield you, and a guide to direct you.

If we would walk safely, we must check every approach to evil, and pray, “Hold me up — and I shall be safe!” Psalm 119:117 “Sow a thought — and you will reap an act: sow an act — and you will reap a habit; sow a habit — and you will reap a character; sow character — and you will reap a destiny!”

“As the tree falls — so must it lie; As the man lives — so must he die!

As a man dies — such must he be; All through the ages of eternity!”

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

PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 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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Better safe than sorry All convention seems to have gone out the window on what is shaping up to be the most bizarre presidential election in history. Former President Donald Trump is the front-runner to be the nominee for the Republican Party for 2024, even as he is facing an unprecedented stack of criminal charges, which, if convicted, could earn him a prison sentence. Despite the turmoil, or possibly because of it, Trump’s supporters continue to rally.

In fact, Trump is using the indictments to his advantage by promoting his surrender for fingerprinting and mugshots at an Atlanta, Georgia prison as political persecution to fundraise for his campaign.

The circus that is surrounding the next election should give everyone pause. A far-right autocrat controlling the global superpower that sits on our doorstep has become such a credible outcome that Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly says that Canada is mulling a game plan should it come to pass. Our last go-round with Trump did not go well, as he worked to limit trade in long-established sectors, and he will likely come to his next term with an emboldened attitude, especially when it comes to retribution for anyone he feels has wronged him. If Trump is able to win a second presidential term, Canada needs to be prepared for it. – DS

Should you choose to accept it The four years that lie ahead are going to be challenging for us all.

From private citizens to municipal governments to world leaders, there are issues on the horizon that will require plenty of expertise to solve.

Enter strategic planning. This lengthy, yet necessary rite de passage can be applied to governance, business and everything in between. It helps to set your priorities for the years ahead and attempts to carve out a path by which you can accomplish those priorities in a practical way.

North Huron recently began this process for the 2024-2027 term and councillors and staff members chose to focus on the need for housing, industry, growing the tax base, a thriving business sector and more. It just happened to come after a lengthy debate about the township vision and mission statements, down to grammar and punctuation decisions.

How many people even know the township has mission and vision statements is up for debate. Furthermore, how integral and applicable those statements are is also up for debate. A necessary evil? Perhaps.

But, perhaps that time could be better spent on practical planning.

While practical initiatives were discussed, such as creating housing and attracting industry, so too was whether the term “inclusive” was too aggressive, the placement of commas or very important commas or whether a service was appropriately highlighted under “services” or if it should be broken out to stand on its own in all its service-y glory.

We all need guiding lights, mantras, vision statements, etc., but it can be easy to get sidetracked along the way and lose the forest for the trees. Let’s hope our local officials focus on what’s on the page, rather than in the margins. The next four years may depend on it. – SL

M(icr)o’ plastic, mo’ problems A “micro” problem could have major consequences for the health of the environment, the agricultural industry and the well-being of biological creatures dependent on access to clean and fresh water.

The Great Lakes are a vital water source for more than 40 million individuals in Canada and the United States, holding approximately 20 per cent of Earth’s fresh surface water. The region also sustains a diverse ecosystem of 3,500 plant and animal species. To put it mildly, it would be absolutely devastating if this valuable resource was mismanaged, squandered or, worst-case scenario, completely destroyed due to carelessness, complacency and inaction.

A recent peer-reviewed study conducted by the University of Toronto reveals that approximately 90 per cent of water samples collected from the Great Lakes over the past decade contain hazardous levels of microplastics for wildlife. Of these samples, around 20 per cent exhibit the highest degree of risk. However, the researchers emphasize that prompt action by Canada and the U.S. can reverse the damage. Much like the ozone layer crisis of the 1980s, collective international action could reverse and repair some of the damage done, but only if decisive actions are taken immediately.

While there exists a multitude of sources for microplastics, pollution originating from microfibers shed during laundry cycles and plastic used in manufacturing are identified as common sources. Practical solutions for these problems, such as installing filters in washing machines and storm sewers at manufacturing sites, are available and relatively straightforward to implement.

Despite the awareness of microplastic levels by Canadian and U.S. authorities for the past decade, regulatory actions are still taking too long. Political leaders of all stripes must provide a strategy for dealing with this issue and if they won’t, they need to be replaced with leaders who will. – SBS

Looking Back Through the Years August 25, 1966 Greeted by more favourable weather, compared to the previous year, the Hell Drivers show garnered attention from a substantial gathering.

The Brussels Squirts managed to secure victory in four consecutive games. In the semifinals against Blyth, the Squirts delivered a hardfought 8-5 win and dominated the second game with a score of 10-1, thanks to Gerald Wheeler’s impressive two-hit pitching performance. Facing Ethel, the challenges were somewhat easier as Brussels triumphed with two decisive victories, ultimately securing the championship title.

In the northern region of the county, some areas finally experienced a significant rainfall, marking the first substantial precipitation since June 14.

However, in other regions, ongoing wet conditions remained a source of concern. Approximately 75 per cent of the spring crops had been successfully harvested, with corn showing promising growth. The pastures, which suffered from a dry spell in July, were now recovering and revitalizing.

August 25, 1976 On the previous Friday, the groundbreaking for the upcoming Blyth and District Community Centre took place. Tri-Dign Construction, based in Guelph, initiated the construction process by commencing the foundation work for the new facility. The company secured the contract for the arena and auditorium project, valued at $368,000, following a meeting held on Thursday evening.

Subsequently, the following morning, efforts kicked off to compact the fill material around the

designated area, preparing it for the upcoming construction phases.

The Huron County development committee put forth a proposal designed to encourage communities to establish joint recreation systems with neighboring areas. As such, a meeting was scheduled to take place in Wingham, where various municipalities would convene to explore the potential for collaborative recreation initiatives in the region. Delegates from Blyth Village Council were set to participate in the meeting, and, during the previous council session on Monday night, members had expressed a positive inclination toward the concept.

During the six-week Blyth Summer Festival season, the Board of Directors of the theatre learned that each play’s performance had an average attendance of 213 individuals. This meant that, on average, 53 per cent of the seats in the 405-seat Memorial Hall theatre were occupied for every show.

August 26, 1998 A young individual hailing from Bluevale was on the verge of making a cherished aspiration a reality. Seventeen-year-old Craig Fair, a student at F. E. Madill Secondary School, achieved a significant milestone by securing a spot in the next phase of the Youth Talent Search. His remarkable performance led him to a top-six placement in the 15-21 age group during a competition held in Teeswater. Fair captivated the audience with his rendition of “Candle in the Wind, 1997” during the preliminary round, and this accomplishment paved his way to an upcoming event at Western Fair in London, scheduled for Sept. 11.

Out of the 41 participants who

showcased their talents in Teeswater, a total of 15 performers were selected to move forward in the competition.

The Hullett [U17] Girls baseball team found themselves moving on to the B Championship finals after experiencing a loss during playoff action against Listowel.

In response to multiple complaints of excessive speed and erratic driving, the Ontario Provincial Police successfully located a drunk driver on Aug. 19.

Around 6:45 p.m., reports came in about a green Mercury Sable that had been observed veering off the gravel shoulder while overtaking three vehicles, just east of Lucknow in West Wawanosh Township.

By tracing the license plate number, the police managed to locate the vehicle, which had ended up in a ditch three kilometres west of Wingham. Upon approaching the driver, police detected the presence of alcohol on his breath.

Subsequent to his failure on a roadside Alcotest, he was taken for a breathalyzer assessment. The individual behind the wheel, an 18year-old from Teeswater was charged with care and control of a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level exceeding 80 milligrams.

Following his promise to appear in Wingham court, he was released.

The Huron County Plowing Match of 1998 took place over the course of Thursday, Aug. 20, and Friday, Aug. 21.

August 22, 2013 As a component of the 2013 Massey Expo of North America, George Townsend orchestrated a gathering of numerous Massey tractors and guided a tractor parade from Seaforth to Paisley on the previous Friday.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2023. PAGE 5.

Other Views

Make Canada a welcoming place

A

bit of the past was recalled last week in a Globe and Mail guest column by Jamie Michaels, an instructor at the University of Calgary’s Department of English.

Over the years, I had often heard of the Christie Pits Riot, which occurred way back on August 16, 1933 but I was ignorant of the facts - and the reflection of growing racial tensions of today, some 90 years later.

I became familiar with Christie Pits park and the baseball diamond when I lived, for a few short years, in downtown Toronto. But, back in the 1930s, Nazi-inspired youth unfurled a swastika banner at a baseball game in the park, leading to an all-night brawl involving thousands of people in the nearby streets.

Many were injured in the violence, which pitted Jews and their allies from Toronto’s recent immigrant communities against AngloCanadians, many of whom were in favour of restricting Jews from certain public spaces, jobs and housing.

It all seems so long ago that it is almost irrelevant today, except that we appear to be entering another period when it’s becoming more acceptable to hate non-Christian residents. There was the Quebec City mosque attack five years ago when shooter Alexandre Bissonnette murdered six and attempted to murder another six. There was the London murder, two years ago, of Salman Afzaal, his wife Madiha Salman, their daughter Yumna and her grandmother, Talat Afzaal by a youth who ran them over with his pick-up truck.

Across the border, there was the 2018 attack on the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, which killed 11 people and wounded six.

Meanwhile discrimination against Jews appears to have increased in terms of complaints to police.

I mentioned last week the busloads of migrants from desperate parts of the world who

Keith Roulston

From the cluttered desk have made their risky way across the Rio Grande River from Mexico into the U.S., only to be transported to more liberal northern areas

by Southern Governors. They are avoiding a high-wire wall and in-the-river obstacles designed to prevent crossings that were installed by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Trump has been stirring up much of the current distrust and hatred, going all the way back to his 1989 newspaper advertisements criticizing the Central Park Five, five teenage Black boys accused of killing a white female jogger. The men spent 16 years in jail before another man was convicted of the murder in 2002. It took another decade before the mucholder men were awarded more than $40 million by a court.

Right-wing spokesmen often attribute ulterior motives to George Soros, a Hungarianborn billionaire who has used his wealth to support causes of understanding. Soros, now 93, was a teenager during the days of the Holocaust, when millions of Jews were exterminated by Adolf Hitler. He escaped because his father had his family pose as nonJews in Romania.

Having survived the war, Soros worked as a laborer while he got a degree in Britain, but later became a billionaire through brilliant investment decisions. He used his wealth to support the sort of causes he grew up

understanding from his turbulent youth.

But he has made enemies. When first charged by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Trump accused him of being “handpicked and funded by Soros”. In Hungary, his own country, Prime Minister Viktor Orban won a sweeping election victory by manufacturing and then running against the image of Soros forcing Muslim immigration and liberal social policies on Hungarians.

Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed in 2018 that Soros “assigns people to divide nations and shatter them”.

Against all this, it was refreshing to hear from someone who was a migrant to the U.S. 31 years ago. Though he still speaks with an accent, he has started his own pizza chain and prospered. Now, he told an MSNBC interviewer recently, he welcomes refugees who arrived recently and would offer them jobs and, where he has the space available, housing, if the U.S. government would allow them to work.

The thing that many of today’s residents of Canada and the U.S. seem to forget is that most people in North America are immigrants from elsewhere in the world. Whether in sailing ships (as my ancestors did), ocean liners (as my wife’s ancestors did), aircraft or walking, as some southern migrants do, most of us arrived poor and seeking a better life.

There was already a native population here when we arrived, so we are all - Protestants, Roman Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Daoists and many more - living in a “foreign” land. Yet, we are also living in an exciting country where, with a little tolerance and understanding, we can build a new place embracing all the peoples of the world. What a magnificent possibility! All we have to do is accept people different from us - yet also the same!

Some say it’s way better than Shakespeare

H

ello there, fellow aficionados of absolutely everything that makes no sense whatsoever! Today, I come to you with a revelation that will shake the very foundations of theatre (and perhaps reality as we know it). Prepare yourselves to be swept away on a rollercoaster of illogicality that even the most inventive playwrights wouldn’t dare to venture upon. For I, Scott Stephenson, have concocted a masterpiece that is poised to redefine the meaning of Canadian theatre.

Brace yourselves, dear readers, for I present to you: The Chaff: The Play! (Tentatively scheduled to premiere at the Blyth Festival 2024. Tentatively only because Artistic Director Gil Garratt and the rest of the gang over there at the Blyth Festival are completely unaware of The Chaff: The Play until right…. now!)

Picture this: The curtain rises on a quaint countryside town where characters named Chaffie and Chaffolia engage in philosophical discussions about the meaning of life. Their profound ruminations are interrupted by a chorus line of singing, tap-dancing rutabagas crooning an anthem about the trials and tribulations of vegetable self-expression. Can't you just feel the roots of profundity digging deep into your soul?

In the next scene, the stage is dimly lit, with the only sources of light being old-fashioned desk lamps scattered around an expansive, ornate library. Tall bookshelves filled with dusty tomes reach toward the ceiling, creating an aura of mystery and intrigue. The air is thick with an enigmatic atmosphere as a faint mist curls around the edges of the stage.

Centre stage, a large, ancient book sits open on a lectern. Its pages seem to flicker as if illuminated by an otherworldly glow. Written clearly on the cover - The Chaff.

A lone figure, dressed in tattered and

Scott Stephenson The Chaff eccentric clothing, stands before the book, their face obscured by a wide-brimmed hat.

This character, Dervid Hamson, exudes an air of both knowledge and secrecy.

As Hamson gingerly turns the pages of the book, soft whispers fill the air, as though the words themselves are coming to life. The murmurs are indecipherable, yet they carry a haunting melody that sends shivers down the audience’s collective spine. Hamson’s fingers trace delicate patterns in the air, casting shimmering lights that seem to dance with the whispers.

Suddenly, the book emits a soft, pulsating light, and Hamson’s fingers freeze in place.

The whispers grow louder, building in intensity until they seem to echo from every corner of the library. Hamson’s body tenses, and the hat tilts slightly as if they are listening intently to the voices within the book.

A breeze stirs the mist, causing it to curl and twist around Hamson’s feet. The room seems to come alive, as shadows shift and move along the walls. Hamson slowly raises their head, revealing eyes that shine with a mix of wonder and trepidation. With a deliberate movement, they close the book, and the whispers abruptly cease, plunging the library back into silence.

The character stands still for a moment, their hand resting on the closed book. The mist starts to dissipate, and the library’s lights dim further, leaving only a soft, ethereal glow

emanating from the closed tome. Hamson takes a deep breath, as if absorbing the weight of the knowledge they’ve just encountered.

Next, a moonlit garden is the setting for a scene brimming with romance. Soft strains of a violin fill the air as twinkling fairy lights cast a warm glow over the scene. A wrought-iron gazebo adorned with climbing roses stands at the centre of the stage, its intricate patterns casting delicate shadows on the ground.

As the music swells, Chaffie and Chaffolia step into the garden from opposite sides of the stage. They are dressed in elegant attire, and their eyes meet with a mixture of nervousness and anticipation. Their chemistry is palpable, and the air seems to buzz with electricity as they draw closer to each other.

With a shy smile, Chaffie extends their hand, inviting Chaffolia to dance. The two begin a slow, graceful waltz, their movements guided by the music’s tender melody. As they twirl and spin around the gazebo, their eyes remain locked, speaking volumes without a single word.

At the climax of the dance, the characters come to a stop, their faces inches apart. Their eyes lock once more, and in that moment, the world around them seems to fade away. They lean in, their lips meeting in a tender and passionate kiss. The music reaches its crescendo, and the garden seems to hold its breath, as if in awe of the pure emotion unfolding before it. And then… KABOOM!!!!

They both spontaneously explode and their guts cover the audience (no real guts will be used, only theatre magic). In addition to a buttload of romance, The Chaff: The Play is full of great action sequences.

And there you have it, folks! The Chaff: The Play. Now it’s up to Gil Garratt to deliver what the public is ferociously demanding or forever be branded as the world’s greatest coward.

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

Ceaselessly into the past

A

s a young man interested in literature and the prospect of writing for a living I quickly realized that I was in the wrong place as a student of the high school I attended as a ragamuffin back in Pickering.

This is not to throw shade at the great St. Mary Catholic Secondary School, but rather highlight somewhat of a blind spot in its curriculum at that time. For the Englishinclined, there was... English, something called English Media and Writer’s Craft.

Meanwhile, my friends who attended the two public schools in the area told me about many targeted writing and literature classes at their disposal - too many to fill a course load.

Thinking of all the options available to my friends in public school, but not for me, I was certainly jealous. Not only that, but there was a practical concern. As a student without prerequisite credits for different sciences and no cornucopia of English classes to choose from, I was relegated to a number of math courses to fill out my semester. It didn’t go well.

Anyway, this isn’t another column about me, it stands as a salute to the cool English teacher.

Frankly, at this point, I can’t even remember many of their names, so you’ll have to stick with me, but I can tell you, there’s nothing like a cool English teacher. If you’re interested in books, writing, Shakespeare and the like, and you meet a teacher - often on the young side who shares those similar interests and takes a shine to you, seeing that you’re interested, that is about the best relationship you can have (non-romantic-wise, anyway, we’re not going there - though I will say, I did end up with a cool English teacher or two who, for a teenage boy in the 1990s, fit that bill as well).

I’ve written before about Mr. McLean - the man who lent me money to buy a ticket to a dance after I gave all my money to the girl I wanted to go to the dance with so she could go.

(Smooth playing of the long game, I know.)

I’ve also written about Mr. Flynn, my Writer’s Craft teacher who, for better or worse, readied a whole generation of young writers for the harsh, unforgiving world of writing for real.

Then there was Mrs. McDavid. We read The Great Gatsby with her and that was when I really began to love writing. It was thanks to her care and thoughtful manner in talking with us about the big themes and underlying messages of the text - beyond what was on the page - that I could understand it all. She was also cool about it when she repeatedly caught my friend and I sharing earbuds in the back of class, listening to The Howard Stern Show (not sure how you do that inconspicuously, but we must have thought we were being that).

There was another one in O.A.C. and I can’t remember her name - which is strange because I took the course twice (to fill out my course load, as mentioned) - who found out a friend and I were watching The Party with Peter Sellers. She said she remembered getting together with her friends in the ’70s and *long pause* watching it too. She was special.

I had another who taught us Catcher in the Rye and encouraged my oddball compare-andcontrast book reports on texts like Requiem for a Dream, Fight Club, The Bell Jar, Girl Interrupted, A Clockwork Orange and more.

There was Mr. Polidano, whom I could talk to about Pulp Fiction and who introduced me to the music of David Bowie and Peter Gabriel and the movies of Martin Scorsese (raising The Last Temptation of Christ in a Catholic school is about as bold of a move as there is).

To all the cool English teachers, I salute you.

You’re unique and you mean a lot to those of us who are unique. Here’s to another year.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2023.

Market on today A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231

The ace of bass The Lucky Charms took to the outdoor stage on the Brussels Legion patio on Friday night, playing for a group of Legion supporters and filling the night air with pleasant tunes. (John Stephenson photo)

At the Branch

Brussels Legion mourns Procter

BY JO-ANN MCDONALD It was a busier week at the Branch with extra activities on the horizon.

The week started with the entertainment committee meeting to plan and organize for the Friday night concert - assigning jobs and expanding the patio.

Thursday nights, the Brussels Pipe Band still meets for practice.

Anyone wishing to learn the pipes or the drums should contact Don Martin or Jamie Mitchell or the Branch. New members are always welcome.

While the band practised, Judy and Jo-Ann were busy in the kitchen thawing fish for the fish fry the next day.

Good thing that band members and Branch members were in the building that night. The heavy rainstorm created a massive leak of water around one of the windows upstairs. The sharp eyes of Brian saw the water pouring in and alerted us. We gathered pails to catch the water and he mopped up the floor. The House Chairman was contacted and came to investigate and will continue to monitor and make recommendations to correct the problems.

The fish fry crew then went to Bayfield and the Bayfield Fair on Friday to feed the hungry diners.

The crew included Randy White, Eric Ross, Bruce and Rhonda Fischer and Tanya Martin. Good job by all!

While the crew was away in Bayfield, Comrade Deb Ross was busy cooking hamburgers and fries for the Friday night diners. The Branch had a nice crowd for supper followed by the Catch the Ace draw. Lisa Glanville’s group was in charge and the lucky weekly winners were Mel and Lois

McArter, winning $158. They chose envelope number 38 and the two of clubs was revealed. The estimated jackpot for Aug. 25 draw will be $3,000.

Get your tickets and keep that pot growing.

Next on the list for Friday night was the Lucky Charms playing on the patio. They set up on the deck of a flat bed so all could see them performing. A cool night, but their “hot” music had everyone’s toes tapping and hands clapping and not worrying about the coolness. A great time was had by the small group and great music was enjoyed by all. Another great night planned by the Legion and yet a small crowd arrived to appreciate.

It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Comrade Charles Procter. Our condolences to his wife Grace and the extended Procter families.

Comrade Charles would have been a 50-year member of the Branch this year. He received his life membership in 2016 and was an active member over the years at the Branch.

Charles served in the Royal Canadian Air Force from 19431946. Charles served on the executive of the Branch, was Seniors Chairman for a time, and, along with wife Grace, produced the history books of Brussels and area veterans, and they both enjoyed supporting the Branch in many activities and functions.

He loved to travel, his antique cars, to play the bagpipes with the Brussels Pipe Band and the Ontario Massed Pipe Band, which gave him the honour of travelling to the United Kingdom and playing for the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

Charles was always the gentleman, patient and quiet and was a wonderful member of Branch 218.

Don’t forget this weekend is a full night of music. The dancing crowd will hear the Country Versatiles play upstairs at the Branch. There is a $12 admission charge. Dancing begins at 7 p.m. Downstairs at the Branch will be karaoke for those who love to sing!

Come out and exercise your voice and have a good time. Singing starts at 7:30 p.m.

It really is quite irritating summer is in full swing, the relaxing time of the year is happening and then, suddenly, one evening you smell autumn. It makes you stop and realize the subtle changes have happened, the air is cooler, even cold, at night, the air is different and changes are happening now. Hope you enjoyed that hot weather, it’s gone now.

It’s just a little busy here this week. Wedding plans for Nathan and Chelsea were settled and carried out on a beautiful August day. When weddings happen at home, the noises that are part of a farm are familiar, but, to the guests, it took a while to hear the alpaca voice joining the wedding communications. The sheep, pigs, horses and ducks just politely observed the goings-on in their meadow.

It was a beautiful wedding on a lovely warm day with barn beams, grain bins, great Trish Barbour food and lovely porta-potties all made for a memorable day.

Congratulations Nathan and Chelsea.

Meanwhile, the Graber boys returned to celebrate the wedding, with a few added days after. With Phil, Hark and Weston in from Edmonton and the other cousins from Barrie and Listowel getting days off from various jobs, fun was ready to go. Water fights, foam bullet chases, hammock time and worm digging were all enjoyed at various times. Toss in a little fourwheeling and beach time and the

days fly. The bats and fireflies, satellites and stars were all a welcome sight by the campfire. It really is fun to watch city kids in the country.

I find the older I get, the more I am able to set things up and get out of the road. Regular meals with this many kids is a wonder. Everyone milling about, some starving, others not so urgent, but when food is available, places are found and eating commences - until the next time. This is payback time for raising responsible kids; lots of good food, shared duty and great fun times together.

For Ralph and I, we’ll be in withdrawal by the end of the week, but looking forward to a little less noise and clutter, though it was worth every moment of the time together. Distance makes it very special when we are all in one place at one time. I’m grateful for their commitment to family and good bosses.

See you at the market later today (Aug. 25).

Bye now. Betty GW

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

Brussels Legion 218 Catch the Ace Weekly Winner Winning Ticket: Mel & Lois McArter, $158 Envelope #38 found the 2 of Clubs Next estimated jackpot is $3,000

Planning an Event?

Don’t miss potential guests!

Run your ad at least two weeks prior to the date or deadline to make sure everyone sees it.

The Citizen

info@northhuron.on.ca www.huroncitizen.ca

PO Box 429 Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 519-523-4792

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2023. PAGE 7.

Caldwells welcome Japanese visitors for slice of farm life From Marilyn’s Desk

By Marilyn Craig Call 523-9318

First try, first win Fourteen-year-old Rachel Wilts, from just south of Blyth, was crowned the Huron County Plowmen’s Association Princess last Thursday at Junior Day of the Huron County Plowing Match. She was convinced to get involved by her cousin and outgoing Princess, Jillian Shortreed and won on her first attempt. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

The Reading Web with Cindy Norgate

S

nap, snap, snap went the beans! Last week, as I left a local produce stand with a large purchase of green beans, I paused for a moment and thought about the word: memories.

A favourite summer memory of mine was sitting in my Grandmother Tressie’s living room, with my cousins, breaking beans for her to can. She was so excited to show everyone how many jars she had preserved for that year. But, she was also just as happy to share a jar or two with whoever needed or wanted them. Once our work was done, she would offer us ice-cold cantaloupe she had kept in a gallon glass jug in the refrigerator just for the occasion or one of her homemade fried fruit pies, touched with just the right amount of sweetness.

My grandmother took pride in her garden. Each year, she woke up just in time to see the sun rise, so she could go out and hoe the weeds from around the vegetables. Now, however, the garden hoe sits silent against the sweet little house where a mound of family memories was created. My kind, thoughtful grandmother is no longer here on earth. However, the memories we made together, as a family, will always be.

The word “memories” led me to a children’s book I recently researched and read, titled Memory Jar (2021)

by Vera Brosgol, an award-winning cartoonist and graduate of Canada’s own Sheridan College. According to the author’s website, “Freda is

devastated when she can’t eat all the delicious blueberries she’s picked.

She must wait a whole year before they’re back, and she doesn’t want to lose them! Then Gran reminds her that they can save blueberries in a jar, as jam. So Freda begins to save all her favorite things. However, Freda realizes that some things are best saved as memories.” (verabee.com) Not only are the illustrations colourful and vibrant, but the story is also magnificent.

As my thoughts of the word “memories” continued, I came across a website and found instructions for making a memory jar with your loved ones at https://organisemyhouse.com/ diy-memory-jar-printable/ Check it out, when convenient. I think this could be the makings of a fun adventure for your whole family.

Memory Jar is a sensational book for children between the ages of three and eight. It teaches us how wonderful it is to hold on to memories, but also the importance of enjoying the present. This book can be found at the Huron County Library or Amazon.

Speaking of the Huron County Library, does the little one in your life have his or her own library card?

Our local libraries have an outstanding website with the entire catalogue at your fingertips. Visit huroncountylibrary.ca to see how to get your card. A perk the card brings is a free pass to the Huron County Museum, which my husband and I

visited a few weeks ago. It is impressively maintained and shares the rich history and memories of Huron County. The museum is family-friendly and well worth your time to share this well-preserved treasure with your loved ones

Happy birthday to Terry Daer of Elmwood, who will celebrate on Aug. 27.

Here is some news from the library. The Blyth branch of the Huron County Library will again host Saturday Story Time with Cindy Norgate this Saturday, Aug. 26 at 9:30 a.m. This program is for young children and is a great way to lead them into a love of reading.

The theme this month is ice cream.

Recently, Les and Evelyn Caldwell had the pleasure of entertaining Les’s brother Wayne, his wife Deb, their son Michael and his wife Aimi and Aimi’s parents, Mari and Tomvaki, who are visiting Canada from Japan. While here on the farm, they experienced driving a tractor and enjoyed a hay ride around the pasture field, where they were able to pet one of the cows.

This was all a first-time experience that left them with a taste of Huron County farming.

On Tuesday, as I write this, the sun is shining and the temperature

is very comfortable. The last few days have been pleasant and good for sleeping with temperatures in the teens.

We have a farm of beans planted across the road from us and, as I drove out the lane the other day, I noticed that there were patches of yellow showing up throughout the fields. This is another sign that fall is fast approaching.

Have a good, safe week and give someone a call to let them know you have been thinking of them.

NEWS FROM BLYTH Sudoku Solution

whether young or not so young.

As we leave it here for this week, I want to grab the attention of my little friends. I can’t wait to see you at the Blyth Library this Saturday, Aug. 26 at 9:30 a.m. for our monthly story time. The theme is ice cream!

What is your favourite flavour?

Mine is Rocky Road. I look forward to seeing you then, little ones!

“From an early age, books were my constant companions and my local library, a place I could find a new friend on every shelf” - Sarah Jessica Parker.

MAITLAND VALLEY CAMERA CLUB

Photography by Liz Allan

PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2023.

Sports Stingers win doubleheader to stay in first

The sun setting While the sun has been setting on Huron County Fastball League games quite literally, as the days get a bit shorter, the sun is also setting on the season, with just a handful of games left on the schedule. Last Friday, the Hitmen hosted the Walton Brewers in Wingham, sending them back to Walton with a 3-1 loss. (John Stephenson photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The Belmore Stingers and Brussels Tigers continue to have very little separating them stop the Huron County Fastball League standings.

The Stingers are in first place with a record of 15-3 and have 30 points. The Tigers have 28 points and a record of 14-2, having won their four most recent games.

The Wingham Hitmen are in third place with a record of 12-6 and 24 points, followed by the fourth-place Sebringville Sting at 10-6-1 and 20

points and the fifth-place Milverton Millwrights with a record of 10-4 and 20 points.

The Mitchell Mets are in sixth place with a record of 9-6-1 and 19 points, followed by the Monkton Muskrats at 7-10 and 14 points in seventh place, the eighth-place Fullarton A’s at 6-8 and 12 points, the ninth-place Walton Brewers with 11 points and a record of 5-111 and the Goderich Grizzlies at 512 and 10 points in 10th place.

The Wroxeter Rippers are in 11th place with a record of 3-16 and six points and the Brussels Bangers remain in last place with a record of

Stretch!

Brussels hosted the annual U9 year-end tournament on the weekend, which saw teams from all over the area, including Londesborough and Ethel Yellow, above, get together for one last weekend of baseball this season.

(John Stephenson photo)

2-14-1 and five points to round out the standings.

The Wroxeter Rippers have just three games left to play, while the Belmore Stingers and Wingham Hitmen each have four. The Sebringville Sting, Monkton Muskrats, Walton Brewers, Goderich Grizzlies and Brussels Bangers each have five games left on the schedule, while the Brussels Tigers and Mitchell Mets each have six. The Milverton Millwrights and Fullarton A’s each have eight games left to play.

On Aug. 21, the Belmore Stingers and Wroxeter Rippers played two, five-inning games - one of which was originally scheduled to be played on Aug. 9 - with Belmore winning both by 8-3 and 4-0 scores.

On Aug. 22, the Brussels Tigers played the Brewers in Walton and the Sebringville Sting hosted the Mitchell Mets - in a game originally scheduled to be played on June 25.

The Tigers beat the Brewers by a score of 9-4, while the Mets and Sting tied at seven.

On Aug. 20, the Hitmen beat the Wroxeter Rippers in Wingham by a score of 12-1, while the Sebringville Sting hosted the Brussels Bangers, sending the visitors home on the wrong end of a 7-0 game that took just six innings to complete.

On Aug. 18, the Wingham Hitmen welcomed the Walton Brewers to Wingham to coincide with a youth year-end tournament and won the game by a score of 31. Also that day, the Monkton Muskrats beat the Wroxeter Rippers by a score of 8-1 in Wroxeter.

The Milverton Millwrights were due to play the Sting in Sebringville that night, but that game was postponed and will be made up at a later date.

That was the Millwrights’ second

postponed game in as many days, as the team was scheduled to host the Wroxeter Rippers on Aug. 17 - in a game originally scheduled to be played on July 20 - but that game was also postponed and will be made up at a later date.

On Aug. 16, the Wingham Hitmen hosted the Monkton Muskrats in a game originally scheduled to be played on July 26 and the Hitmen won by a score of 31.

On Aug. 23, the Monkton Muskrats were set to welcome the Goderich Grizzlies to Monkton and, the next night, the Belmore Stingers were scheduled to be in Milverton to play the Millwrights, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

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

Then, on Sunday, there are four games to be played. The Sebringville Sting will host the Wingham Hitmen, the Brussels Tigers and Brussels Bangers will play in a game originally scheduled for Aug. 18, the Milverton Millwrights will travel to Wroxeter to play the Rippers and the Mitchell Mets will be in Fullarton for a contest with the A’s.

On Aug. 29, the Walton Brewers will host the Milverton Millwrights and the Sebringville Sting will be in Fullarton to play the A’s, followed

by Aug. 30 games between the Wingham Hitmen and Belmore Stingers in Belmore and the Mitchell Mets and Brussels Bangers in Brussels.

On Aug. 31, the Fullarton A’s will welcome the Walton Brewers for a game originally scheduled to be played on Aug. 15. Also that night, the Sebringville Sting will host the Monkton Muskrats and the Mitchell Mets will be in Milverton to play the Muskrats.

On Sept. 1, the Brussels Bangers will host the Goderich Grizzlies in a game originally scheduled to be played on Aug. 16.

Just ahead of the last game of the season, designated as Sept. 11, the Mitchell Mets will be in Walton to play the Brewers on Sept. 5, the same night the Fullarton A’s will welcome the Milverton Millwrights to Fullarton.

On Sept. 6, the Belmore Stingers will host the Goderich Grizzlies, the Monkton Muskrats will host the Wingham Hitmen and the Mitchell Mets will be in Brussels to play the Tigers, followed by a Sept. 7 game between the Walton Brewers and the Milverton Millwrights in Milverton.

The final two games on the schedule are on Sept. 8 when the Monkton Muskrats will host the Brussels Bangers and the Goderich Grizzlies will play the A’s in Fullarton.

The league’s annual playoff tournament will be held in Goderich this year, scheduled for the weekend of Sept. 15-17.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2023. PAGE 9.

Sports Brussels hosts U9 year-end ball tournament Legends 3 team by a score of 14-8.

Brussels played host to the U9 division’s year-end tournament, beginning on Friday night with games between Lucknow 1 and Londesborough and Wingham Blue and Lucknow 2. The Ethel Yellow, Ethel Black, Brussels, Mildmay and Wingham Orange teams would begin their tournament play on Saturday.

The Ethel Black team won the B Division after losing their first game to Brussels. They then took the long way back to the finals, beating Wingham Orange to capture the championship.

In the A Division, Londesborough went through undefeated, until the final against Wingham Blue, which ended in a 20-1 win for Wingham.

On Aug. 16, the U13 Boys were due to play Mildmay on the road,

but that game was cancelled. On Aug. 14, the U13 Girls lost their exhibition game with Goderich by a score of 11-3, while the U7 Black team hosted Wingham Orange, though a score for that game was unavailable at press time.

On the weekend of Aug. 11-13, the U17 Boys, U15 Boys and U11 Boys all played in their year-end tournaments, though results were unavailable as of press time.

On Aug. 9, the U11 Girls beat the Mitchell Hornets 1 team by a score of 14-10 on the road, while the Londesborough Legends hosted the U9 team and won by a score of 169. The U13 Girls beat the Sebringville Sting in Brussels by a score of 14-1 and the U15 Boys beat Wilmot on the road by a score of 7-5.

On Aug. 8, the U11 Girls hosted Lucknow 1 and won by a score of

13-2. Also that night, the U7 Red team played Mildmay Grey and the U9 team played Lucknow Gold, both on the road, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time.

On Aug. 7, the U13 Girls beat the Sting in Sebringville by a score of 19-5 and the U7 Black team welcomed Ethel to Brussels, though a score for that game was unavailable at press time. The U13 Boys were scheduled to host the Wingham Blue team that night in Brussels, but that game was cancelled.

On Aug. 21, the U13 Boys hosted Seaforth before heading to Benmiller for a game on Aug. 23, but scores for both of those games were unavailable at press time.

This weekend, Aug. 25-27, the U13 Boys will play in their yearend tournament in Mildmay.

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Up and over Wingham took on Mildmay in this Saturday game as part of the U9 year-end tournament, held in Brussels over the weekend. The bang-bang call proved a tricky one for the umpiring crew. (John Stephenson photo) Several Brussels Tigers youth teams closed out their seasons over the weekend, as the summer of 2023 rapidly draws to a close.

The U13 Girls Tigers played their year-end tournament in Stratford, beginning last Friday night with a game against the Exeter Extremes 2 team, which ended in a dramatic 12-12 tie.

The team would play the St. Marys Rockies the following morning and win by a score of 125, followed by a 3-0 shutout loss to the Goderich Seahawks Lemon team that afternoon.

The action continued for the girls on Sunday, however, with a 14-7 win over the Elma Express, followed by a redemptive win over the Goderich Seahawks Lemon

team by a score of 8-5.

They would lose their final game of the tournament, however, when they faced the Exeter Extremes 2 team again, this time losing by a score of 13-8.

The U11 Girls Tigers were also in year-end action over the weekend, making their way to Exeter for the tournament. The team opened play last Friday night with a 12-1 win over the Wilmot Thunder 2 team.

The following day, the team would split its games, first losing to the Listowel Legends 1 by a score of 13-10, but then bouncing back with a 7-5 win over the Zurich Thunder.

That was enough to earn the girls a game on Sunday, but they unfortunately lost to the Listowel

Action on the infield The U9 year-end tournament host Brussels Tigers took on Ethel Black on Saturday. (John Stephenson photo)

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PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2023.

Lovely weather for Junior Day at the HCPM 2023

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2023. PAGE 11.

‘Misty Match’ endures drizzly Friday forecast

PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2023.

Housing project doesn’t help enough people: Klopp Continued from page 1 reach nearly $71 million by 2041.

While those projections stand on their own merit, Central Huron Mayor Jim Ginn noted that Blumhagen’s estimations do not take into account potential growth in the tax base, which could safely be assumed, given the growth happening right now in the Huron County housing market.

Blumhagen’s proposal would harvest money from the Highways, General Capital, Facilities Capital and Social Housing Capital Reserve Funds. He did note, however, that further complicating matters are two $5 million GICs that are locked in until January of 2027 and March of 2028, respectively. He told council that overall cash balances

would have to be managed if council opted to draw a significant amount of money from reserves.

Councillor Paul Klopp spoke against the project at length, telling his fellow councillors that he could not support it as he watches his friends, neighbours and constituents struggle to maintain their current quality of life, having to make difficult choices in regards to their money. That went not just for now, but for the years to come, if, by Blumhagen’s calculations, the county would need to be nearly doubling its levy to meet infrastructure cost requirements.

He also felt that, despite the hefty price tag for the project, it wasn’t solving enough of the problem for him to get behind it. He said that

housing just a fraction of those experiencing homelessness wasn’t accomplishing enough and he felt he couldn’t support moving forward.

Ginn then called for a point of order, stating that council had already made the decision to move ahead with the project - complete with a legal opinion advising against pulling the plug after issuing a call for tenders - and all that was up for debate was how to fund it, not whether to go ahead with it or not.

Klopp pushed back, saying that his points were still valid, but Warden Glen McNeil asked Klopp to hustle along and arrive at his point. Klopp simply stated that he couldn’t support the project for the

reasons stated above and for the financial pressures the project will put on the county for the years to come.

Huron East Mayor Bernie MacLellan said he was supportive of the project and in moving ahead with the option presented by Blumhagen of a balanced approach, but said it underscored the need for a conversation he’s been wanting to have for a long time regarding the county’s reserve levels. He said council needed to discuss how much money the county should have in reserves and stick to those goals in the years to come at budget time.

Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh Deputy-Mayor Bill Vanstone asked where the county would stand if the

project, like so many others in recent years, happened to come in drastically overbudget. Blumhagen said the county was under no obligation to accept a tender if it came in wildly higher than expectations.

At this point, Director of Social and Property Services Barbara Hall chimed in, saying that she had spoken with Allan Avis Architects just a few days earlier and the project appeared to still be tracking in accordance to earlier estimates, so hopefully Vanstone’s concern wouldn’t come to fruition.

Council approved Blumhagen’s recommended funding model, moving ahead with a mixture of debenture and reserve funding for the project.

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THREE BEDROOM FA AMIL LY Y HOME

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The great room, sepa arated from the foyer by an archway, has a lofty sloped ceiling that t is open to the floor e is flanked by entertainment units, and large windows look onto a covered patio at the above. A gas fireplace back of the home.

From the dining area, access to the covered deck is easy, through sliding glass doors. A prep island divides the kitchen from the dining area, which has large windows overlooking the back garden.

Natural light will enterr the kitchen through windows over the double sink, which is set into a corner at an angle.

The U-shaped counte er configuration will provide adequate working space as well as effficiency. A walk-in pantry will offfer extra storage e space.

Across from the powd der room located near the foyer is a handy coat closet. Another closet is included in the laundry room, which has h access to the double garage, large enough to include a workshop.

Upstairs, the master suite s looks out to the back garden. The generous en-suite includes a soaker tub as well as double basins and a shower stall. The walk-in closet will be roomy enough for a couple’s clothing and accessories.

The second and third bedrooms share a three-piece bath. A linen closet is located outside the entrance to the third bedroom. bedroom Part of the second floor is open to the great room below and is railed for safety.

On the outside, the h home is clad in horizontal siding, with stucco accents and features a 3/12 roof pitch.

Pilasters with stone bases mark the entry and veranda, and stone accents flank the two garage doors.

This home measures 42 feet wide by 58 feet deep, for a total of 2,079 square feet of living space, not counting the unfinished basem ment included with the plans. Ceilings rise to nine feet throughout the main floor, except where otherwise indiccated.

Our 51st Ed dition of the Home Plan Catalogue containing over 300 plans is available for $16.50 (includes taxes, posta age and handling). Make all cheques and money orders payable to "Home Plan of the Week" and mail to: JENISH HOUSE DESIGN LTD. c/o North Huron Publishing #201- 1658 Commerce Ave Kelowna,, BC V1X 8A9 OR SEE OUR WEB PAGE ORD DER FORM ON: www.jenish.com m AND E-MAIL YOUR ORDER R TO: homeplans@jenish.com

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2023. PAGE 13.

BLYTH Y 519-523-4244

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Two Rachels to wear crowns for association

Easy to remember In addition to sharing plenty of time together in the coming 12 months, this year’s Princess and Queen of the Furrow also share a first name. Princess Rachel Wilts, left, and Queen of the Furrow Rachel Gras were both crowned last week at the Huron County Plowing Match, held just northeast of Brussels. (Scott Stephenson photo) Continued from page 1 beautiful. Even with the rain, everything went off without a hitch… I especially want to thank

all our sponsors and donors for everything they do to help keep this association going.”

Thursday was Junior Day, where

keen members of the 4-H Sodbusters Club between the ages of nine and 20 went furrow to furrow against each other in a

variety of competitive classes. It was the more temperate of the two days - perfect weather to listen to speeches from contestants of the Huron County Plowmen’s Princess competition while snacking on a sno-cone served up by the young volunteers of the Brussels Leo Club. The potential Princesses were interviewed by judges and spoke on a number of agriculture-oriented topics, with public speaking champion Rachel Wilts emerging triumphant with a smart and snappy speech on the myriad differences between soil and dirt. Lucknow’s Lillian Beyersbergen-Oakes was declared runner-up.

Friday was a straight-up soil soaker of a day. The horse classes plowed first, and the valiant workers and their brave beasts of burden left it all out in the fields. It certainly wasn’t any of the muscular draft horses’ first trek through the muck.

While the equine pugilists battled it out in the mud, members of the Brussels Optimist Club worked their impressive mobile open air kitchen, helping the crowd to warm up with a breakfast of scrambled eggs, crispy hashbrowns, English muffins, peameal bacon and coffee in great abundance. Pay-what-youcan donations could, fittingly, be dropped into a rain boot. Chocolate milk provided by Andrew Dairy was a big hit with visitors throughout the entire day.

After breakfast, the young women competing for Queen of the Furrow (QotF) participated in interviews with this year’s judges and listened to a talk given by North Huron Councillor Chris Palmer about the importance of farm safety. Blankets were

distributed to keep the contestants warm in the chilly August air.

Ontario QotF Maranda Klaver and Huron County QotF Luanne McGregor were also in attendance at the talk, and offered last-minute advice to the aspiring Queens based on their own experiences.

For those looking for a bit of a break from examining straight pulls out in the fields, there were some real specimens in the antique farm equipment area to check out, including a rare John Deere 8010 diesel tractor, of which only 101 were made. The debut of this innovative monster wowed visitors to Robert Ottilie’s Marshalltown Seed Farm in 1959, and the elegant behemoth continues to dazzle to this day.

There were also vendors on site offering information on agriculture, Huron County history, and local businesses.

The Brussels Agricultural Society, fully shielded from the elements by a flimsy tent, was out there gamely promoting the 160th annual Brussels Fall Fair, which occurs in September. Huron County tourism representatives were also in attendance, handing out copies of the 2023 Ontario’s West Coast Guidebook and Dining Guide - an invaluable resource that highlights all that is special about this unique region of Canada. The Huron County Museum also brought a collection of unusual items from its archives that are connected to the history of farming, from horseshoes to butter stamps.

Maitland Conservation brought examples of cover crops in translucent planters to illustrate each crop’s useful root systems, whether they be nitrogen-fixing Continued on page 20

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK REPORT For the week ending August 18, 2023 Total Receipts: 1,385 cattle and 985 lambs and goats Tuesday Fed steers and heifers sold actively at prices steady to $2 higher. Choice steers & heifers $235 – $246.

Second cut cattle $225 – $235.

Aged & medium fed steers & heifers $140 – $200.

Cows sold on a good steady trade.

Thursday Veal sold actively at steady prices.

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

Friday - Calves and yearlings sold steady.

Fred Riehl of Gadshill, consigned six head. Two red steers averaged 1,548 lbs. and sold for an average price of $246.

Howick Acres of Wroxeter, consigned 10 head. Two grey heifers averaged 1,375 lbs. and sold for an average price of $245.

There were 400 cows on offer: Beef $135 – $178 Good Holstein Cows $133 – $157 Medium Holstein Cows $105 – $125 Bulls $152 – $189 Veal: There were 120 head of veal on offer.

Beef Veal $190 – $265 Good Holsteins $210 – $235 SL Heavy Holsteins $200 – $230 Heavy Holsteins $195 – $220 Medium Holsteins $200 – $209 Plain Holsteins $185 – $199 Emanuel M. Martin of Elmira, consigned one head. One black steer weighed 890 lbs. and sold for a price of $265.

John and Cheryl Bennewies of Bornholm, consigned two head. One holstein steer weighed 665 lbs. and sold for a price of $235.

Larry Graul of Walkerton, consigned five head. One holstein steer weighed 705 lbs. and sold for a price $234.

Lambs: Under 50 lbs.: $279-$285 50-64 lbs.: $271 – $317.50 65-79 lbs.: $275 – $321 80-94 lbs.: $242.50 – $295 95-109 lbs.: $237 – $247 110 lbs. & over: $213.75 – $225

Top Quality Stocker Steers 500 – 599: $329 – $441 600 – 699: $367 – $418 700 – 799: $331.50 – $367 800 – 899: $313 – $334 900 – 999: $306 – $321 1,000 lbs. & over: $291.50 – $302.50

Goats Billies: $300 – $500 Nannies: $100 – $250

Top Quality Stocker Heifers

Kids: Meat: $375 – $450 Dairy: $280 – $405

500 – 599: $316 – $370 600 – 699: $266 – $341 700 – 799: $270 – $302 800 – 899: $271 – $297 900 lbs. & over: $245 - $294

Frank Curiso of Proton Station, consigned 21 head. Five lambs averaged 78 lbs. and sold for an average price of $299.

Huronway Stables of Brussels, consigned 20 head. Nine black heifers averaged 932 lbs. and sold for an average price of $294.

Tammy McAuslan of Petrolia, consigned nine head. Four kid goats averaged 58 lbs. and sold for an average price of $450.

Craig Simpson of Glencoe, consigned 11 head. Eight charolais heifers averaged 949 lbs. and sold for an average price of $287.

Satchell Farms of Gadshill, consigned 49 head. Nine simmental steers averaged 864 lbs. and sold for an average price of $329.

Franken Farms of Teeswater, consigned 10 head. Eight red steers averaged 992 lbs. and sold for an average price of $302.

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd.

UPCOMING SALES TUESDAYS 10:00 a.m.

Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows

THURSDAYS

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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 25, 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

Hay and straw STRAW FOR SALE - Small square bales of straw. Oat and barley mixed.

519-526-7591.

In memoriam

Articles for sale HOCKEY CARDS - One set 195455 Parkhurst. One set 1972-73 OPee-Chee Team Canada. One set 1973-74 O-Pee-Chee. Two sets 1974-75 O-Pee-Chee W.H.A. Also, one box of assorted cards and signature cards. Call 519-531-0116.

Belgrave.

-------------------------------------------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.

-------------------------------------------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.

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.

-------------------------------------------BLUEVALE UNITED CHURCH is having their anniversary service on September 17, 2023 at 11 a.m., Rev. Randy Banks officiating. Lunch to follow. Everyone welcome.

-------------------------------------------There will be a “Celebration of Life” service for Lois Mae McCutcheon (Fitch) on Tuesday August 29th at 1 pm at the Brussels United Church. Please join her family as they remember and celebrate her life.

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

Citizen-To-Citizen “SWAP SHOP” ad “One person’s junk is another’s treasure”

Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca FOR SALE - Utility trailer with hitch and spare tire, and ramp, $800; Child’s electric riding jeep with battery and charger, $200.

519-482-7262 34-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - New ladies’ dress slacks. Assorted colours. Size 12, Alia brand. $15 each. 519-606-4849 34-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Four P225 50RT17 tires, $100; bull pinchers, $35; calf dehorners $10; two ear taggers $10 ea.; three castrators with bands $30.

519-335-6998.

34-3 ------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Cement mixer from Canadian Tire, 4 years old. Used one job, $250, 519-523-4933. 34-3 ------------------------------------------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 - 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 -------------------------------------------

WEISS - In loving memory of Ron Weiss, who passed away two years ago August 27, 2021.

In a quiet country graveyard, Lies the one we love so dearly, And lost two years ago.

Those we love don't go away, They walk beside us every day.

Your memory is our keepsake, God has you in His keeping, We have you in our hearts.

Always remembered by wife Betty, stepsons Kevin and Mark and grandchildren Christopher and Christine and four greatgrandchildren.

Personals Are you pregnant and unsure about your future? Contact Ramoth House.

We can help you discover your parenting potential. You can get more information about our services on our website www.ramoth.ca or by phone 519-323-3751 or email: office@ramoth.ca --------------------------------------------

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

• 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.

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

Goderich mayor passes

Call or email your ad today

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

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

Goderich Mayor Myles Murdock has passed away at the age of 73.

He died on Aug. 18, 2023 and a celebration of life was held two days later at the Goderich Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

The Goderich Signal-Star reported that Murdock had been diagnosed with stomach cancer in January and had since undergone treatment. Recently, however, Murdock was diagnosed with pneumonia and admitted to hospital and he passed away shortly thereafter.

Murdock had been a member of Goderich Town Council since 2006, when he was first elected as a councillor. He would return to his position for the 2014-2018 term before being elected deputy-mayor for the 2018-2022 term.

He was elected mayor of Goderich in October of 2022. He had originally filed to return to his position of deputy-mayor, but ran for the top spot in the wake of the unfortunate death of incumbent Mayor John Grace, who passed away tragically in a boating accident in the late summer of 2022. Murdock remained an active member of Huron County Council until his death.

“On behalf of Goderich Town Council and staff, we extend our deepest condolences on the passing of our mayor, Myles Murdock,” reads a statement issued by the town in the wake of Murdock’s passing. “Myles served the residents of Goderich with dedication, commitment and leadership. Myles had a passion for many different issues and initiatives, with a keen interest in environmental stewardship, health care, housing and economic development.”

The statement went on to say that flags at the Town of Goderich facilities would be lowered in honour of Murdock.

“We mourn his loss and the guidance, leadership and experience that he provided. He was a colleague and a friend to many,” the statement went on to read. “Our thoughts go out to Cathy, Alecia, Mike and children, his family and his loved ones.”

Deputy-Mayor Trevor Bazinet has since assumed the role of acting mayor.

“It’s hard to put into words. It’s a very sad time. This is a huge loss for our community. Myles meant a lot to the community and to a lot of people, including myself,” Bazinet told the Goderich Signal-Star. “He was a mentor to me. Being the deputy-mayor while he was mayor, he involved me in everything. It was great to work with him for the past nine years on council.”

Bazinet also told the Signal-Star that the community was in “shock and disbelief” as a result of the loss.

On a personal level, Bazinet had been a student of Murdock, who spent many years as an educator and a school basketball coach.

Donations in Murdock’s memory are being accepted by the McCallum and Palla Funeral Home on behalf of the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital or the Town of Goderich - Bannister Park.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2023. PAGE 15.

Obituaries

CHARLES GORDON PROCTER At Seaforth Community Hospital, on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023, Charles Gordon Procter, formerly of Belgrave, passed away in his 100th year.

The beloved husband of Grace Procter for 47 years, Charlie was the cherished brother of Ross Procter, George and Elizabeth Procter and Ruth Alton. Charlie will be lovingly remembered by his many nieces and nephews and their families.

Charlie was predeceased by his parents Stewart and Alice (Imlay) Procter, sister Mary Thomas, brother-in-law Ken Alton and sisters-in-law Mary Procter and Jean Robertson.

Charlie lived through amazing changes in his 100 years of life; always embracing and moving forward with the changes he saw.

With a keen mind that was intrigued by anything technical, he started his career working for CKNX radio. A world war changed all that and Charlie bravely volunteered for service in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1943.

Upon returning home, he enrolled at Ryerson Institute of Technology in Toronto before beginning a very interesting career. He started his employment with the Atomic Energy Research Facility located in Chalk River, Ontario, before moving on to help build earlywarning radar stations on the Pine Tree Line - a job that took him across Canada.

Charlie was also employed by Burroughs Corporation, which, at the time, was one of the largest producers of main-frame computers in the world. Charlie never lost his interest in this technology and adapted with the changes in computers through the years.

In 1963, at the age of 40, Charlie came back to his roots, becoming a founding partner of Bodmin Limited, with brothers Ross and George. He used his technical skill to maintain equipment, design and build, as well as to adopt computerized record-keeping systems. His skills allowed him to continually come up with solutions for challenges that are never ending on a farm.

In August of 1976, he quietly left on a trip to Scotland and returned with a surprise: his new wife, Grace. Together they built a loving home, enjoying antique car restoration, gardening, raising sheep, and entertaining friends and family.

Charlie had a curious mind and never stopped learning, which also made him a good teacher. Nieces and nephews, employees, and also countless bagpipe students learned from Charlie, with his quiet and

patient manner. Charlie was a world traveler and a member of several pipe bands, including the Brussels Legion Pipe Band, in which he took on the role of Pipe Major for many years. As a member of the Ontario Massed Pipe Band, he travelled to the United Kingdom and played for the Queen.

Charlie’s mind was busy right up to the end of his life, downloading hundreds of books on his Kindle and continuing to do his own computerized banking and bookkeeping. He passed peacefully with his beloved Grace by his side, surrounded by family.

Private family arrangements have been entrusted to McBurney Funeral Home, Wingham.

A celebration of Charlie’s life will be held at the Belgrave Community Centre on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 1:30-4 p.m. Final resting place, Brandon Cemetery, Belgrave.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 218 or the Wingham and District Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.

Online condolences available at www.mcburneyfuneralhome.com

quiet demeanour, unprecedented dedication and strength. We are incredibly grateful for the staff at University Hospital and London Health Sciences Centre, Alexandra Marine and General Hospital and the Huron Hospice Bender House for their compassion and support.

At Larry’s request, there will be no funeral home visitation. A funeral service took place at Trinity Christian Reformed Church, Goderich, on Saturday, Aug. 19, with Pastor Tim Keep officiating.

Memorial donations to the Trinity Christian Reformed Church, Huron Hospice Bender House or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated and may be arranged through Falconer Funeral Homes Bluewater Chapel in Goderich, to whom arrangements have been entrusted.

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

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy, donations to Adopt-A-Pet Rescue Lucknow would be appreciated.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

ANDREW BELTMAN Andrew Beltman of Clinton passed away suddenly in his home on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, in his 36th year.

Andrew is survived by his daughter Hazel, mother Marian Koch, stepfather Lorne Koch, and father Robert Beltman. He was the dear brother of Bonnie, Cameron, Ashlee and Nick and will also be

In Memoriam Share your memories with a favourite verse and photo

LARRY HUGH JOHNSTON Larry Hugh Johnston passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at the age of 79.

The devoted husband of 57 years of Helen (Buffinga), Larry was the father of Walter (Betty-Ann) and Grace (Joseph) Gowanlock and very proud Opa of Samantha (Ethan) Hamilton, Sarah Gowanlock and Ryan Johnston.

Larry is survived by his brother Allan Johnston, sister Irene Bennett, sister-in-law Peggy Hugill and brothers-in-law Don (Darlene) Fischer, Albert (Mary) Buffinga, Ralph (Margaret) Buffinga and Case (Ruth) Buffinga. He will be remembered by his many nieces and nephews.

Larry was predeceased by his parents, Hugh and Malinda Johnston, in-laws Henry and Grace Buffinga, brother Walter Johnston, sisters Joyce Colyer, Linda Fischer, Shirley Clarke, brothers-in-law Keith Clarke, Kelly Bennett and nephew David Johnston.

It was evident to all who knew Larry that farming was his true passion, as he farmed until the day his illness was discovered. Larry was a dairy farmer for many years and also had a breeder flock, before transitioning into laying hens and broilers.

He looked forward to crop times.

He was hard working and very particular with the condition of his homestead and fields. He often reached out to help those needing support and was a dedicated member of Trinity Christian Reformed Church in Goderich.

Larry was well known for his

JOHN CHARLES MANNING John Charles Manning passed away peacefully at Alexandra Marine and General Hospital in Goderich on Aug. 15 in his 74th year.

John is survived by his great aunt Anna Sterling and many cousins.

He will be missed by many friends and neighbours and specially missed by his cat Humphrey.

John was a proud postmaster in Clinton for 33 years. He was very kind, always had a smile on his face and was very willing to help his friends and neighbours.

Friends and family were received at Riverside Funeral Home Blyth Chapel on Saturday, Aug. 19 for visitation, followed by a graveside service at the Clinton Cemetery.

The Citizen Call or email us today

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remembered by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Andrew was predeceased by his grandparents, uncles, and a cousin.

Friends were received at the Falconer Funeral Homes, Clinton, on Aug. 24, where the funeral service will be held on Friday, Aug. 25, at 11 a.m. Interment at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Dashwood.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to a fund for Hazel would be appreciated.

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

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PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2023.

From the Minister’s Study

God calls us to look through a lens of empathy

BY LAWRENCE WEILER, BRUSSELS COMMUNITY BIBLE CHAPEL The Book of James is often called “the Proverbs of the New Testament” due to it being filled with eclectic words of encouragement, warnings and practical wisdom.

None of this is more evident than in the beginning of Chapter 2 when he instructs us, “My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism.”

(James 2:1, NIV84) Another possible way to read this verse would be, “My dear brothers, you must not, indeed you cannot, hold faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the truly glorious one, while also holding one person in higher esteem than another.”

James is instructing those who believe in Jesus Christ to not show favoritism, also saying that it is a contradiction in terms, an oxymoron, if you will. A true Christian who really has faith in the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, the only one worthy of being called glorious, simply cannot show favoritism to any man, regardless of how much wealth or status they might have in the world.

To illustrate his point, James gives us a real, even if somewhat exaggerated example, saying, “Suppose a man comes into your meeting (synagogue/church) wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, ‘Here’s a good seat for you,’ but say to the poor man, ‘You stand there’ or ‘Sit on the floor by my feet,’ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” (James 2:2-4) James calls this behaviour exactly what it is, discrimination, comparing the ones who do so to corrupt judges. Just as a corrupt judge is concerned with personal gain instead of justice, those who discriminate among their fellow church members by showing special attention to rich, affluent visitors while ignoring or even despising poor visitors and members, are more concerned with what they can gain from the rich than how they can serve others!

James then explains why this behaviour is not only corrupt, but completely backwards from the values that they (as professing believers and followers of Jesus Christ) claim to hold. He implores

Evangelical Missionary Church

Sunday August 27, 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Mike Stanley, "One in Heart and Soul" (Acts 4:32ff)

them saying, “Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have

insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you?

Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court?

Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to

Donations made PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE

By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188

busy summer for some with jobs, swimming lessons, golfing, baseball, soccer, etc.

Some of us have been busy gardening and working in the flowerbeds and trying to get rid of the pesky weeds or maybe at times just enjoying the summer and everything that comes with it in this lovely part of the province.

The Community Coffee Break was held on Tuesday, Aug 22 at the Belgrave Community Centre with a good turnout. It was decided to give a donation to the Out of the Cold program in Wingham, the Maitland River Elementary School for food and the Belgrave arena.

The next coffee break is on Tuesday, Sept. 12. you are welcome to come and enjoy coffee, snacks and fellowship from 9:30 11 a.m.

Birthday greetings are extended to Katie Cottrill on Aug. 31. Enjoy your day. Special birthday greetings are extended to Diane Robinson on her 80th birthday on Aug. 25. Have a super celebration.

In a couple of weeks, the students will be returning to school. Where did the summer go? It has been a

whom you belong?” (James 2:5-7) It is important to understand a bit about the context of this not-sohypothetical situation.

His audience, the ones this letter was originally written to, were Jewish Christians living in the earliest years after the death of Christ.

They were scattered all throughout the Roman Empire and were still in the process of splitting from first-century Judaism, which had rejected Jesus’ claims to Messiahship and Deity, unlike these Jewish believers and James who had complete faith in Christ.

Understandably, there was obviously a lot of friction and bad blood between these two faiths. The rich Jewish leaders were often especially harsh towards Jews who converted to Christianity.

It is these rich Jewish leaders that James is referring to in this scenario, likely in the context of a legal case within a synagogue.

While they had status and influence in the eyes of the world and were accustomed to receiving preferential treatment, James tells us it is the poor that God has chosen

to be truly rich, not in worldly wealth, but in faith. By discriminating against the poor, you insult and dishonour not only them, but God who has deemed them worthy of honor. Did not Jesus say, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

(Matt. 25:40) You might think that this situation is too far removed from you, but are you any better than them when you ignore the homeless man asking for money, assuming he’ll just use it for drugs, which you think are likely the reason he is homeless in the first place? Are you any better when you ignore your more needy extended family members and begin to resent them for being such a burden on you? I’m not saying that there aren’t many complicated factors involved in helping the poor and needy today, I’m just trying to say that instead of viewing everyone through the lens of what they can do for you, God calls us to view people, the poor and needy in particular, through the lens of what we can do for others.

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.

NEWS FROM BELGRAVE

BRUSSELS S

U United Chu ur urch Brussels Unite ed is closed fo for the mon nth of August We are invited to t Worship with Melville Presbyterian att 9:30 a.m each Sunday Services at Brusse els United resume September 3rd Contact Alex at ministter.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.co y @g om Website: b brusselsandblythuc.ca P.O. Box 359, Brussels ~ 519-887-6259 P.

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

Trinity

BLYTH 9:00 AM St. Paul’s Trinity

WINGHAM 10:30 AM

Come Worship with Us!

Brussels Mennonite Fellowship Current Sermon Series...

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

MEL LV VILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS

Sunday, August 27 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 27 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.

Nursery and KidsChurch during worship Join us onsite or online! live.huronchapel.com 119 John’s Ave., Auburn 519-526-1131

"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”

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2023. PAGE 17.

Seven receive IPM Trust Fund Scholarships PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

Our area has suffered the loss of two very wonderful people. Charles Procter, in his 100th year, passed away with Grace and his family by his side. Charlie will be lovingly missed by his wife Grace and the many members of the Procter family.

Charlie was a veteran of World War II and a member of the Brussels Branch 218 for nearly 50 years. His mind was very sharp and he loved technology (which he introduced to Bodmin Farms), farming, travel, antique cars, research on the computer, music (particularly the bagpipes, which he played for 30 years) and entertaining. He was a lovely man and he will be missed by many. Our condolences to Grace and the extended family.

We offer our sympathies to the Dobson and Bremner families on the passing of Barb Bremner Dobson. Barb was the loving wife of Allan Dobson and loving mother of Bill and Mike and the late Jamie.

She will be missed by eight grandchildren and extended family members. She was a sister to eight

Bremner siblings and sister-in- law to five Dobson family members. A large extended family will miss her humour and love.

Barb was an avid curler and I played against her many times over the years. She also loved to go snowmobiling. She was always a lot of laughs and full of fun and she will be missed by many. Our condolences to all.

Congratulations to seven young ladies who received a Huron International Plowing Match (IPM) 2017 Trust Fund Scholarship. They were presented to the recipients at the Huron County Plowing Match last week. The lucky ladies included Emily Bieman, Vicky Nicholson, Olivia Johnston, Mariah Gilmar, Lauren Hoonard, Melissa Jacobs and Walton’s Katrina

Gubelmann. Congratulations to all and good luck in your continuing education.

Congratulations to Karen Hastings on celebrating her 80th birthday. A family gathering was held at the Optimist building in Brussels to celebrate the milestone mark.

Congratulations to Mabel Glanville on celebrating her 80th

birthday. A lovely come-and-go gettogether was held at the home of Lisa and Joan for the many stopping by to wish her birthday wishes.

Don’t forget it is coffee chat at the Walton Hall tomorrow. Join your friends for a chat and visit from 9-11 a.m. Come one, come all - you never know who will be dropping by.

Celebrating birthdays this past week were Susan Nichol, Andrew McDonald, Jacob Flood, Shawn Flaxbard, Nicole McIntosh, Gloria Wilbee, Terri Gulutzen, Pat Nolan, Bradley Shortreed, Cheryl Lee, Earl Pennington, Owen Dalton, Camden Csoff and Sarah Fraser. Happy birthday to all.

That time of year The legacy of the 2017 International Plowing Match (IPM) lives on every year when the Huron IPM 2017 Trust Fund Scholarships are handed out at the annual Huron County Plowing Match. This year, seven recipients, all young women, were honoured at the match. From left: Emily Bieman, Vicky Nicholson, Olivia Johnston, Mariah Gilmar, (Scott Stephenson Lauren Hoonard and Katrina Gubelmann. Absent was Melissa Jacobs. photo)

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PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2023.

The earliest settlers in the area known now as Blyth were Lucius McConnell and Kenneth McBain.

They settled in south-west Morris Township before 1851.

Read more in the Blyth Repository of History.

Fridays

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

The Citizen, Aug. 1, 2013

Leadership in energy and environmental design

Devon Henry 84772 McDonald Line • Box 616 • Brussels

devonjhenry@hotmail.com 519-505-2473

The Citizen, Aug. 29, 2013

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The Citizen, Aug. 26, 1998

The Citizen, Aug. 22, 2013

The Citizen, Aug. 15, 2013

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2023. PAGE 19.

Entertainment & Leisure

Stevenson’s ‘Fallen’ rises to meet the moment

Happy 70th Anniversary!

Mom and Dad

Now, at the Blyth Festival Art Gallery Blyth-based artist Kelly Stevenson, upper right, speaks at the opening of her new art exhibition on Saturday, Aug. 19. Stevenson’s approach to addressing taboos with visual appeal stands out in “How Far I’ve Fallen.” The show runs until Sept. 9. (Scott Stephenson photo)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

There’s been talk around the town of Blyth recently about the unusual addition of an unkempt bed to Memorial Hall’s Bainton Gallery.

Speculations that it was the nest of an eccentric new artist in residence weren't too far from the truth - the messy bed turned out to be just one of the many striking visual elements of “How Far I’ve Fallen,” the latest exhibition from Blythbased artist Kelly Stevenson.

The show’s opening on Aug. 19 welcomed Stevenson’s friends, family and members of the local art scene. The installation’s unique layout and interactive elements sparked animated discussions between strangers and familiars alike.

The exhibition’s narrative is highly subjective, constructed out of Stevenson’s labyrinthine landscapes, populated by a recurring figure known as the Everyman - a Meander-esque character who stares out of the shadowy doorways of crumbling barns and congregates like pigeons on the skeletal buildings of their rural habitat.

Countering these intricately inked renderings of local un-landmarks are red-framed sentiments of negativity and disparagements, askew with criticisms of the work and the artist behind it.

The quality of the works themselves are the only rebuttal the Everymen need against the onslaught of invasive thought-art they exist as their own reason for being, and are impervious to outside influences. But people are not islands unto themselves - we are permeable beings, and negative thoughts and feelings are capable of

overwhelming any of us. Hence the practicality of having a bed in the gallery as a symbol of the universal refuge/prison of despair.

The Bainton Gallery most recently hosted a much more austere showing of Japaneseinspired pottery - an exhibition in which a glowing neon sign cheerfully telling visitors to “Shut Up!” would have seemed out of place. Not so at Stevenson’s show, where rude interruptions are given the same amount of space as the works that they are intruding upon a fictionalized reality that reflects the ratios of real life for so many people. Each person who struggles with mental health travels their own path and “How Far I’ve Fallen” questions whether we must travel

those paths alone, by putting on display the thoughts and feelings that most people keep secret, and exposing the undue power those thoughts can hold over us.

While it obviously requires a degree of bravery to take such a naked approach to taboo subjects, it requires an equal measure of intellect to approach those taboos in a way that is both visuallyappealing and comprehensible for a wide audience. Stevenson has achieved that with “How Far I’ve Fallen.” To paraphrase a guy who fought more than his fair share of dark thoughts: all well-made beds are alike; each messy bed is messy in its own way.

“How Far I’ve Fallen” will be at the Bainton Gallery until Sept. 9.

Stapleton ~ Dinning Vows Daniel Robert Stapleton and

Rachel Marlene Dinning were married on

Saturday, July 8, 2023 in Vancouver, British Columbia

The bride is the daughter of Randy and Sherri Dinning of North Vancouver, while the groom is the son of Rick and Margaret Stapleton, RR 1, Wingham and grandson of Isobel Arbuckle of Lucknow. The couple is residing in Burnaby, British Columbia.

Bill and Maxine Seers Please join us for a visit and coffee

September 2, 2023 2 - 4 p.m.

285 Lakeside Dr., Goderich

Best Wishes Only!

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SUDOKU Fun By The Numbers Like puzzles?

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

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

PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2023.

Plowing Match banquet welcomes over 400 summer flavour that it seemed to single-handedly force the sun out of hiding to warm the hundreds of diners gathered in the Albers barn.

Despite the last-minute surge in banquet ticket sales, Cardiff delivered an ample supply of every item for every diner, finishing off an incredible meal with a wide variety of homemade desserts, from chocolate cheesecake to cherry pie.

After the dinner came speeches and awards. Recipients of the IPM 2017 Trust Fund Scholarships each expressed gratitude for the investment into their education, and Warden McNeil spoke about how important the next generation is for the future of farming. “The most important crop is our youth,” he extolled. The newly-crowned Princess also gave an encore of her crown-worthy speech.

Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb and McNeil hosted the spirited and entertaining live auction. The Queen contestants helped showcase big-ticket items like hedge trimmers, handmade quilts, artisanal maple syrup, and a one-ofa-kind birdhouse. McNeil’s auction energy was infectious, which, when combined with the crowd’s

Same as it ever was Ahh, a scene that has played out too many times to count - Walton’s Brian McGavin, out in a plowing field, imparting some knowledge to a young member of the 4-H Sodbusters Club. This year’s match was another successful chapter for the Huron County Plowing Match, despite some wet, cold weather on the second day. (Shawn Loughlin photo) Continued from page 13 legumes or soil-stabilizing grasses.

Friday also had precision-tiling demonstrations presented by the Huron County Soil and Crop Improvement Association. The informative demonstrations illustrated the ability of modern tillage equipment to reduce erosion and improve soil quality through techniques like precision striptilling.

Silent and live auction tables were piled high with generous donations from local businesses and individuals. Visitors could bid on any number of items, like theatre tickets, gift cards, autumnal garden decor, power tools and gift baskets full of local products. Participants were very generous in their bidding, and every object found a new home.

When it came time for the main event, plowers headed out to the

Setting the foundation You just aren’t yourself without a good breakfast.

Thankfully, members of the Brussels Optimist Club were on hand at the Huron County Plowing Match to ensure everyone had a positive start to their day. Tyler Deitner, front, and Mike Thomas were among those chipping in for the club. (Scott Stephenson photo)

field for the tractor portion of Friday’s match and turned over the rich soil in as straight a line as a person can muster, under the observant eyes of judges Bryan Bertrand, Don Brodhaecker and Steve Speller. The antique and modern machines weren’t bothered by the wet weather, weaving their way back and forth, joined by a battalion of swooping barn swallows devouring insects low over the furrows.

While the tractors worked their rows, the young people of the Brussels Leo Club worked the lunch line, dishing out muchneeded nourishment in the form of burgers, sausages, hot dogs and fries to damp, drizzled-on guests.

The Leo Club raises money through fundraisers like breakfasts and bottle drives, and their plowing match meal was just another example of how good community involvement can taste.

Agriculture-centric speeches from the QotF hopefuls inspired the crowd and were scored by judges Anna Vincent, Samantha Klaver, and Kim Lennox. The would-be queens then moved on to the interpretive cake-decorating portion of the crown-seeking gauntlet before heading outside to show spectators how well they know their way around a field.

When all the soil was turned and all the furrows laid, it was time for the highly-anticipated banquet, catered by Cardiff BBQ, attended by approximately 425 people. Even before the first horses hit the field on Friday morning, the Cardiff clan’s mobile operation was up and running, slow cooking succulent roasts sourced from Green’s Meat Market. The wafting smell of beef intensified throughout the day, hanging on the mist in the air and whetting the appetite of all who caught a whiff. Offerings beyond their signature beef included piping hot baked potatoes, and a variety of vegetarian sides, including a mixed green salad with blueberries, peaches, and candied nuts with a poppyseed dressing so full of

charitable community-mindedness, created a flurry of bids on each and every item. All of the cakes decorated by the Queen competitors were also auctioned off, each one fetching over $100. A great deal of money was raised in a very short period of time, much to the delight of organizers.

The outgoing Huron County Queen gave her farewell speech before the new Queen was crowned, with the ultimate honour going to University of Guelph agriculture student, sheep enthusiast, and Winthrop resident Rachel Gras.

The success of this year’s misty match gives Wiersma a lot of optimism about the 96th annual match. “I hope next year is just as great as this year, and that our hosts are as great next year as they were this year,” he exclaimed. “A big shoutout again to all our donors and sponsors and all the volunteers that helped make this happen!”

If you didn’t get enough plowing at the Huron County Match last week, or if you missed out on it entirely, be sure to head to the International Plowing Match in Bowling Green, Sept. 19-23.

SSeaffo forth rtthh SSto torage raag Prrojojejeccctt

Public Community Meeting BluEarth Renewables is the proud developer of the proposed Seaforth Storage Project, which is located on approximately 25 acres of leased l land within the Municipality of Huron East, approximately 4 km from m the To Town of Seaforth.

The Project will consist of a battery energy storage system and associated infrastructure including inverters, collector lines, fencing, accesss roads and a substation. The Project is anticipated to have a capacity of o up to 200 MW/800 MWh and will interconnect to the existing Hydro o One transmission system.

By storing surplus electricity during off-peak periods of high sup pply or low usage and providing electricity during critical peak times, the Prroject will help increase the overall reliability and stability of Ontario’s electricity system.

Proposed Project Location

HIG HW AY

8

Public Community Meeting As part of our commitment to ensuring open and transparent communication with local stakeholders, BluEarth is hosting a co ommunity meeting for the public to learn more about the Seaforth Storagee Project and meet our team. We We hope you can join us!

Date: Time: Location:

Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (presentation to begin at 6:30 p.m.)

Seaforth Agricultural Society (Small Hall) 140 Duke St, Seaforth, ON

BluEarth Renewables brings together extraordinary people with the power to change the future™ by delivering renewable energy to the power grid every day. We are a leading, independent, power producer that acquires, develops, builds, owns and operates wind, hydro, solar and storage facilities across North America. Our portfolio includes over 1 GWAC (gross) in operation, under construction and contracted pre-construction, and over 8 GW of high-quality development projects that are actively being advanced.

Visit: www.bluearthrenewables.com Email: projects@blu uearth.ca Phone: 1.844.214.2 2578