4 • Editorials 8 • Sports 15 • Obituaries 19 • Theatre
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Friday, August 2, 2024
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Volume 40 No. 31
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The perfect summer day Seaforth Summerfest, which has continued its growth in recent years, marked one of its most successful outings yet last Saturday. Organizer Brenda Campbell, with the support of businesses from Seaforth and beyond, has willed the family-friendly event into the success that it has
become, attracting hundreds to the town over the weekend. Also, for the second year in a row, the event served as somewhat of a lead-in to the Tanner Steffler Foundation’s Six String Music Festival, which went ahead on Saturday night at the Seaforth Agriplex. (John Stephenson photo)
Ginn, Anderson detail Denmark trip for CH Council By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen At their last meeting of July, Central Huron Mayor Jim Ginn and Deputy-Mayor Marg Anderson reported to council about a recent trip they’d taken to Denmark to learn more about the sustainability hub being proposed for the former Bluewater Youth Centre property. The pair were able to take advantage of a trip to the home of Hamlet when two of the scheduled attendees had to drop out. The trip was designed for potential American investors, so it wasn’t exactly tailored to what is being proposed in Central Huron, Ginn said, but they found it to be informative nonetheless. A spot first opened up that was offered to Ginn and, once a second spot opened up, Anderson was asked to join. They presented council with a number of reports related to the trip, including a trip to Renew Energy on June 17 and trips to BioCirc and Nature Energy on
June 18, as well as pictures from the visit. “On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark’s Biogas and Food and Agricultural Advisories, we’re proud to officially welcome you to the public delegation on the topic of leveraging sustainability as a rural economic strategy,” reads the welcome message in the package from Jens Lehman Christensen and Frederik Hyldgaard Thomsen. “Denmark is one of the world’s leading nations when it comes to innovative agricultural practices, waste management and biogas value chain solutions, best illustrated by the fact that biogas makes up nearly 40 per cent of Denmark’s natural gas consumption,” the statement continues. “The value chain is set to strengthen further in the coming years, as the Danish government has committed to a 100 per cent biomethane gas grid by 2030. Combined with an innovative food and agricultural sector, this makes
the Danish food cluster among the most energy efficient and sustainable in the world.” The theme of the first day, June 17, was “Sustainability as a Rural Economic Strategy” and it included meetings with the Danish Agricultural and Energy Agencies and an afternoon reception with the Ambassador of the United States to Denmark, The second day focused on “The Danish Biogas Model” and included a visit to Nature Energy HQ and Laboratory in Odense, a tour of the Gemidan Ecogi Waste Handling Facility, a visit to BioCirc
HQ and tours of Naturbiogas Sode with CioCirc and GrainIT and Nature Energy Glansager with Nature Energy, Ammongas and Biogasclean. The third day, “Danish Innovation in the Dairy Sector”, included a visit to the Agro Food Park in Aarhus and the Arla Innovation Center and a tour of the Arla Farm. The final day focused on publicprivate partnerships as sustainability levers and consisted of meetings, roundtables and a debrief of the trip. In speaking with council, Ginn said he was fortunate to get talking
to one of the group’s bus drivers at one point. His son lives very close to a GreenLab project similar to the one being proposed for Central Huron. He asked him about odour and other concerns and was told that the aforementioned bus driver’s son didn’t have any complaints. Anderson also said the trip was very informative, though she too was disappointed to have not seen GreenLab while there. Ginn said another meeting was scheduled with those from the Danish Consulate the following Friday. Council does not meet again until Monday, Aug. 12.
Group will host fall meeting By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The Community Working Group, as it’s come to be known, led by retired Dr. Maarten Bokhout, has continued its work and engagement in an effort to keep Clinton Public
Hospital open and viable following its April 16 public meeting. Bokhout hosted that first meeting in April at the Libro Hall at the Central Huron Community Complex as somewhat of a response to a recent public meeting held by the Huron Perth Healthcare
Alliance (HPHA). At the HPHA meeting, many residents expressed concern over the nightly emergency department closures at the hospital that have now been in place for nearly five years. Furthermore, with the HPHA’s Continued on page 3
PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2024.
Cookie Rainbow opens storefront in Blyth
Pretty sweet The Cookie Rainbow, known for its signature sugar cookies with printed images, has opened a new storefront on Queen Street in downtown Blyth. (Scott Stephenson photos)
By Scott Stephenson The Citizen
It’s always exciting when a new business opens in downtown Blyth,
and it’s extra exciting when that new business is all about cookies! That’s right, The Cookie Rainbow is open on Queen Street in the space previously occupied by Finds &
Consigns Consignment Shop. Although the brick-and-mortar store is new territory for The Cookie Rainbow, you’ve probably seen their signature sugar cookies
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at some kind of Huron County event or another over the years they’re the ones with the perfectly printed images on them that can look, to the uninitiated, like a real “miracle on icing”. Those surreally clear picto-cookies are made possible by “Eddie”, the edible ink printer, at the behest of Cookie Rainbow owner and head baker Charlene Hakkers. But Hakkers also wants people to look beyond the surface of her classic cookies. “It’s more about the ingredients - we bake with good, fresh ingredients, and we try to get local ingredients when we can.” If thin cookies with cute images on them aren’t your thing, The Cookie Rainbow is also planning to serve cookies of another kind. “I also do big, monster cookies, and stuffed cookies with all kinds of chocolate and nuts and candies in them.” She’s also has plans to make chocolate chip cookies that she knows customers will keep coming back for, and don’t be surprised if Hakkers’ own favourite cookie, oatmeal raisin, makes an occasional appearance in the display case. Hakkers has always enjoyed baking, but after a high-stress stint working in a long-term care home during the pandemic, she decided it was time to shift gears. “I kind of thought, I want to open up the kind of business that makes people happy... my mom was kind of the inspiration for all this.” Cookie Rainbow started out as a home business, but demand has risen, and Hakkers feels that it’s
about time her baking business expands to include everything under the cookie rainbow. When she first began dreaming of opening her own bakeshop, Hakkers had her eye on 2025 as the potential ‘open-by’ date, which means this local entrepreneur is rather ahead of her own selfimposed schedule. She also feels that she’s lucked out with her location on Queen Street. “I thought it would be in a mall, or something like that... it took about a year and a half to find a space that suits what I need. And I think Blyth is going to be just fine - we have the theatre there, and Cowbell’s there, and we do have tourists coming, and stuff like that. But maybe our next franchise will be in a mall!” Expanding into a physical storefront has inspired Hakkers to add even more cookies to her repertoire, in addition to those she already offers through her online business. She’ll also be serving coffee, and plans to someday expand more into the retail side of the cookie world by selling cutters and other baking gear. “I want it to be an experience that everybody can enjoy. You’re going to come into my store to have an experience.”
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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2024. PAGE 3.
NH denies charge exemption for HH By Scott Stephenson The Citizen
A fun-filled fest Seaforth Summerfest, last Saturday, brought hundreds of people to the town to enjoy some fun in the sun, all for free, courtesy of generous businesses and sponsors who stepped up to help make the event a success. (John Stephenson photos)
At a regular meeting on Monday, July 15, North Huron Council denied a request to remove a cashin-lieu of parkland condition from the development charges associated with a subdivision building project in Hutton Heights. The request was presented by Casey Kulchycki, a representative of Southside Construction Management Ltd. Kulchycki began by expressing support for the approval of the subdivision’s draft plan, but went on to advocate that the township’s cash-in-lieu of parkland condition should be removed from the agreement. He pointed out that the township had not included the condition as part of the negotiations when the land was being purchased, nor was it addressed during the severing of the parcel of land to be developed from the larger land holdings. “We feel that through the negotiations with the township, a fair price was paid for the subject lands, and Southside is a little concerned about the omission... in addition, when we look at the overall land area that the development lands were severed from, there is a municipally-dedicated park immediately to the west that is in excess of the required amount under the Planning Act. So, through the consent process, it could have been deemed that the parkland dedication for both retained and severed parcels prior to the sale being finalized could have been satisfied. We are just here tonight to request that council consider striking that requirement from the list.”
Clerk Carson Lamb offered some context on the township’s cash-inlieu of parkland condition, saying, “This condition was recommended by the development team, as the township’s fees and charges bylaw prescribes that the cash-in-lieu will be collected at the time of lot creation. This is a standard condition that’s attached to files for lot creation township-wide... the funds collected are then held in the reserve and are then used for recreational purposes for the public to enjoy. When we go through this process, the current amount of land holdings that the township has, or the amount in reserves, are not factors we consider when we are deciding whether or not to collect cash-in-lieu, or whether parkland is available on neighbouring properties.” Councillor Mitch Wright was curious as to why the charge had come as a surprise to the developer. “Is this a fairly standard fee, or not?” he asked. Lamb responded that it was, in fact, a standard fee for many municipalities. “Any time we’re creating lots, across the county, this fee is charged,” he said. Deputy-Reeve Kevin Falconer questioned if council changing its mind in this particular situation would start a trend, asking, “Would that be a precedent that would then trigger a refund for all of everyone else that had to pay that fee?” Lamb wasn’t sure, but he believed that any existing agreements would stand as is, adding that, “For future developments, there’s always that potential - you’d be likely to continue to receive requests. And, in fairness to those people, why wouldn’t they, right?”
Working Group meets with HPHA board Continued from page 1 plan to amalgamate the four hospitals in regards to paperwork and bookkeeping, many feared that the hospital would be slated for closure by the HPHA, despite CEO Andrew Williams saying that is not the case. He told residents that the HPHA remains committed to a viable Clinton Public Hospital and that staffing challenges have made reopening the emergency department overnight an impossibility. In correspondence sent to The Citizen and other media outlets, Bokhout said that members of the Community Working Group (CWG) met with the HPHA at its board meeting on June 6 in Stratford. At the meeting, Bokhout said, the group expressed its opinion that sustained closure of the Clinton site was unfair, suggesting instead that a staff rotation could be employed throughout the HPHA. In the document, Bokhout said the HPHA rejected the concept of a rotation as being unworkable and pledged to improve communications between the HPHA and the CWG. Also at the meeting, Bokhout said, the HPHA outlined previous
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and ongoing efforts to recruit professionals and improve staffing levels to solve some of the issues being seen in Clinton. After that meeting, members of the CWG congregated on June 20 in Clinton to review the June 6 meeting. At that meeting, members
decided to write to Huron County Council with some of the group’s concerns, also noting that the emergency department closures negatively impact timely patient transfer to available emergency departments within the county. That letter, Bokhout said, was sent to
Huron County Council in late June. Bokhout now says that the group is planning another meeting in an
effort to further update concerned members of the community, likely in the fall.
The transforming power of the Spirit! (J. C. Ryle, "The Lord's Garden") "To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints." Romans 1:7 Believers are separated from the world by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit calls them out from the world, and separates them as effectually as if a wall were built between them and it. He puts in them... new hearts, new minds, new tastes, new desires, new sorrows, new joys, new wishes, new pleasures, new longings. He gives them . . . new eyes, new ears, new affections, new opinions. He makes them new creatures. They are born again--and with a new birth they begin a new existence. Mighty indeed is the transforming power of the Spirit! A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church Listowel, ON 519-291-3887
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Monday, August 5 for Civic Holiday The deadline for the August 9 paper will be
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PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2024.
Editorials & Opinions
Founding Publisher: Keith Roulston Publisher & President: Deb Sholdice Editor: Shawn Loughlin • Reporter: Scott Stephenson Advertising Sales: Brenda Nyveld
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Claims, opinions, views A recent TikTok post claimed that tourists in Wasaga Beach have been setting up privacy tents and using the sand to poop on the beach. The Town of Wasaga Beach and Ontario Parks have responded that they have not observed any of this behaviour on their regular patrols of the popular resort, but encouraged anyone who witnesses it to contact authorities. It didn’t take long for social media to extrapolate the situation, and most recently comment threads on Facebook have been speculating that the tourists in Goderich must be also using their tents to poop on the beach. It is true that Goderich has enjoyed exponential growth in tourism numbers over the last decade or two, and that many of those visitors appear to be from urban centres. Modern beachgoers tend to arrive in large family groups and come prepared to spend the day, with coolers, chairs and various types of structures. The faces of these groups are now decidedly more diverse and cultures tend to clash about how the waterfront is best enjoyed, creating friction between locals and tourists. Tents with sides are banned from most beaches now, as they take up more room and don’t allow everyone to enjoy views of the water, but the accusations of them being used as toilets seems to be a new development. Sunshades and shelters are still allowed, so everyone can use the waterfront and get a little reprieve from the sun. Goderich (and other towns) can use the economic boost that tourism provides, and we can learn to share, or avoid the busy weekend times. Unless you have actually seen someone from another culture pooping on the beach, social media speculation is just thinly-veiled racism. If you do see it, report it to the local authorities so charges can be laid. – DS
Defending champions As the Canadian women’s national soccer team worked to defend its gold medal win in 2020 in Tokyo, a cloud of scandal has hung over the team; a cloud placed above them by a careless, reckless coaching staff and an apparent case of organization-sanctioned drone spying. The “tactic” is reported to have been used by both the men’s and women’s teams, dating back years and encompassing that gold medal run. Former players like Stephanie Labbé and Christine Sinclair have called on Canadians to support the team after it was docked six points for the scandal, in addition to insisting that they had not ever been shown any drone footage. Similarly, defender Vanessa Gilles has delivered a fiery, impassioned plea to separate the players from the staff wrongdoing. “We’re not cheaters. We’re damn good players, we’re a damn good team, we’re a damn good group,” she said. For now, most Canadian soccer fans have taken the players at their word, pinning the blame on rogue staff. However, even if those words are true, the extent to which the players benefitted from cribbed information, without even knowing it, may never truly be known. For years, Canada Soccer has failed its players. Organizations like Canada Soccer ask young Canadians to turn their lives over in service of sport, scooping up talented kids at young ages. The organization needs to adhere to that covenant, helping those players to succeed. By failing to do that, Canada Soccer has derailed the careers and aspirations of current players and jeopardized the recruitment of future players and the very program itself. Canada is better than this and, in the years ahead, we’ll have to prove ourselves all over again. – SL
What’s the plan? You! Yes, you reading this! What are you doing to adapt to climate change? What are your friends and families doing to adapt to climate change? This question should be on everyone’s minds, lips, eyes, ears, skin and noses. Well, maybe not noses. At a party and feeling awkward? Ask everyone in the room how they’re adapting to climate change. Quiz your local representatives. “What’s the plan?” If they don’t have one, suggest they come up with one or step aside. Ontario’s government doesn’t seem to have a solid plan for dealing with climate change. If it does, they’re keeping it a secret. We need transparency and action, not empty promises and vague reassurances. Climate change isn’t waiting for us to get our act together. We’ve seen the flooding rains in Ontario and the horrific wildfires in Jasper. Investing in climate adaptation now will save us the exorbitant costs of cleaning up after catastrophes later. This isn’t just about avoiding disaster; it’s about creating a resilient future. We don’t need to feel despondent about the ravages that are upon us. Instead, let’s ask ourselves: What are we doing to adapt to climate change? Small steps can make a big difference. It’s not just the government that needs to act; every individual has a role to play. Support sustainable practices and advocate for change. Small actions, when multiplied by millions, can create a tidal wave of positive impact. So, what’s the plan? Ask your nieces, nephews and uncles. Ask your friends, colleagues, and neighbours. Challenge the status quo and push for real solutions. We can’t afford complacency. Ask everyone! – SBS
Looking Back Through the Years August 6, 1969 The Memorial Hall received a fresh coat of white paint this week, enhancing its appearance. The Blyth Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion donated the paint, while the Blyth Council funded the labour through the Recreation Committee. Jim Reece completed the painting. Additionally, local heating contractor Lyle Youngblut installed a new oil furnace, ready for use in the upcoming fall and winter months. Early last Sunday at around 1:40 a.m., Blyth firemen were called to extinguish a fire in Tom Thompson’s car. The vehicle was parked in front of his residence on Queen Street North. The damage was limited to the front seat. Area farmers had the chance to view new varieties of cereals and white beans last Thursday during a twilight meeting sponsored by the Huron Soil and Crop Improvement Association at Jack Peck’s farm in Kippen, one of three sites where the Association would conduct various trials. The Blyth Lions Bantams won the first game of their best-of-five playoff series against Brussels on July 29, with a score of 5-4. Brussels scored first, but Blyth tied it when Dave Cook singled Don Stewart to come home. Brussels regained the lead with two runs in the fourth inning. Blyth tied the game in the fifth with a two-out triple by Jim Johnston followed by a home run from Wayne McDougall. In the sixth inning, Cook scored on a wild pitch, giving Blyth a 4-3 lead. Brussels tied the game in the seventh inning. Arnie Pease won the game for Blyth with a lead-off home run in
the bottom of the seventh inning. McDougall and Stewart pitched for Blyth, while Gerry Wheeler pitched for Brussels. August 3, 1977 Despite widespread showers across the county over the weekend, the central part of Huron County still badly needed rain, according to agriculture representative Don Pullen. “The rain will do a lot of good, but more is needed,” he said on Tuesday. The north and south ends of the county were in relatively good shape but, “The dry weather is starting to show its effects,” added Pullen. Although the quality of the hay harvest had been good, the dryness led to a smaller harvest, with some farmers seeing their yields cut in half, Pullen also noted. An early Monday morning fire at Chris Lee’s farm in Walton, completely destroyed a large frame barn. The Brussels fire department was called to the scene around 5 a.m. but couldn’t save the building. The exact cause of the blaze was unknown, although the owner suspected it may have been caused by damp hay. The barn was insured. The ladies of Trinity Anglican Church held a bridal shower for Miss Marjorie Procter at Mrs. Clare Van Camp’s home on Friday evening. Contests were conducted by Mrs. Alex Nethery, Mrs. Harold Jardin, and Miss Mary Isobell Nethery. Miss Lillian Potter read an address expressing best wishes to Marjorie from everyone. Miss Nora Van Camp read a poem titled “How to Preserve a Husband.” The bride-to-be then opened her
gifts with the help of her mother, Mrs. Robert Procter. Afterward, Marjorie thanked everyone for the gifts, and lunch was served by the hostess and Mrs. Clarke Johnston. During a severe storm on Sunday afternoon, an old tree fell on Mrs. Cliff Logan’s home, damaging the eavestrough, roof and window. Neighbours with chainsaws helped clear the debris. August 2, 1989 Brussels firemen were called to extinguish a blaze in a wheat field in Morris Township, just north of Brussels, on Wednesday, July 26. Jim Bolesworth of Ethel was unloading grain when he noticed a fire had started behind his combine’s cab. Fortunately, according to a Fire Department spokesman, the firefighters managed to put out the flames before any of the wheat was ignited. The estimated damage to the combine is unknown, but the cab and wiring harness were destroyed. The cause of the blaze was undetermined. Mrs. Hugh Johnston of Brussels was the final winner of the “Sounds Fishy” contest in The Citizen. Her entry was selected from those who correctly identified the four letters in the “Sounds Fishy” promotion page from the previous week’s issue. She received a fish and chip dinner for four at the Brussels Hotel. This was the contest’s final week. Dr. Ronald Taylor of St. John’s, Newfoundland, returned home on Saturday, July 29, after spending a couple of weeks with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John R. Taylor, and visiting other relatives in the area.
THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2024. PAGE 5.
Other Views
Watching the intriguing U.S. vote
I
t’s strange that, given how much American media influences what we Canadians watch, we still think so differently on many things. A recent poll, for instance, showed Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris was far more popular with Canadians than Republican ex-president Donald Trump, who is seeking to be re-elected in this November’s federal election. This despite American voters being tied in recent polls in that country. Harris, the current vice-president, has made amazing progress in just over a week since current President Joe Biden listened to advisers and decided not to run. Voters were turned off by his age of 81. On the other hand, they were excited by Harris, donating $200 million in the first week. The bulk of those donations - 66 per cent - came from first-time contributors in the 2024 election cycle. Meanwhile, over 170,000 volunteers have also signed up to help the Harris campaign with phone banking, canvassing and other get-out-to-vote efforts. It’s been an extraordinary last few weeks in the U.S. First, there was the troubled presidential debate between Biden and Trump. Trump spoke, one fact-checker said, close to 50 lies or untruths. The talk, though, was all about Biden stumbling or searching for answers. Nobody talked about Trump’s mistakes. All the talk was about Biden, and his age. After a month of the Democrats tearing themselves apart, there was the attempted assassination of Trump the weekend before the Republican convention. Sympathy for Trump grew as he attended the convention with a large bandage over his ear where he was wounded. But with all the attention on Trump, making it appear that he was certain to win the presidency back come November, Biden seized
Keith Roulston
From the cluttered desk focus again by withdrawing from the presidential race and throwing his support behind Harris. The party quickly turned its attention from Biden to Harris and she seemed to suddenly take the lead in America’s attention, though not in pro-Trump right-wing media outlets like Fox News. For Canadians, who dreaded the conflict with our neighbour that seemed certain if Trump was returned to the presidency, the popularity of Harris was welcome. However, all Canadians don’t think the same. I was speaking to someone last week who has some Trump supporters among normal friends and said conversations disintegrated when his name was mentioned. Elsewhere, someone I generally agree with for his wisdom, is a Trump supporter because Trump is against abortion, something that this man also seriously detests. While Trump deplores the loss of potential lives caused by abortion, he shrugs at the thousands of innocent people who die yearly in the U.S. because of lax gun ownership laws. Some Republicans blamed Biden for the attack on Trump, saying he had encouraged it with harsh descriptions of Trump. But Republicans seem unconcerned about Trump’s description that Harris is “evil”. He warned that “the American dream is dead” if she is elected. Meanwhile, speaking to a right-wing
Christian organization in Florida, Trump promised, “You won’t have to vote anymore” if they just helped him get re-elected in November. Should he win re-election, Trump may seek to stay in power and not face another election. His agenda seems to be outlined in the 900 pages of Project 2025, created by the Heritage Foundation. The saving grace for Americans who value their 250-year democracy, is that at 78 as he seeks election, Trump is the oldest person ever to contest election, succeeding Biden who would have held that designation if he’d run. He makes Harris, at 59, seem like a kid,. Quite frankly, I’m mystified by polling information that came out earlier this week that shows Harris and Trump in a virtual tie in voter support for the presidency. While he attacks her for being a woman, he carries a string of losses in court (though he blames these on Biden’s interference in the justice system). He was convicted in a lawsuit for sexually attacking E. Jean Carroll and ordered to pay more than $80 million in damages to the victim. In another case, he and his associates were found liable for fraud regarding overvaluation of The Trump Organization and Trump’s net worth and fined $364 million, plus $100 million interest. In 2024, Trump was convicted on 34 counts of fraud for falsifying business records related to hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. And all this doesn’t even include undecided cases regarding his attempt to stay in power despite losing the last election. And none of this seems to matter to half of America’s eligible voters? Frankly, I’m bewildered. I can understand the relief and excitement Kamala Harris has given, but I’m shocked there’s any question of who should be elected president.
Chervid Jamson or not Chervid Jamson?!
U
nprepared, unassured but, somehow, undaunted, I’ve wandered into a whirlwind wonder of wild, wooly words, folks. I’m Chervid Jamson, pinchhitting for my perplexed, possibly fictitious cousin, Dervid Hamson, who, in turn, was subbing for the mysteriously MIA maestro of mayhem and mischief, Scott Stephenson and his gonzo gang of “Whoomp (There It Is)” party-people pranksters. Yes, Scott and his crew of cheeky chums, those merry miscreants with a knack for nonsensical novelty, have been causing chaos from the cozy confines of their basement bunker while the rest of us are left scratching our heads. You see, I’m not the regular rabble-rouser of The Chaff. Frankly, this whole affair feels as flimsy as a feather in a fox’s den. Is this a column about jazz music? I don’t know! Am I supposed to summon the spirits of scat and swing? Shall I wail whimsical riffs on the saxophone of syntax? Perhaps, but my skills in such sonic sorcery are severely lacking. Let’s untangle this twisted tale together, shall we? Dervid, dear cousin Dervid, gallantly agreed to ghostwrite for the regular renegades of The Chaff. Alas, the true truth, the hidden hoax, is that those so-called vacationers were merely lurking in the labyrinthine lair of the basement, biding their time, brewing up who-knows-what. Crafty critters, those Chaff chaps, chuckling away while Dervid’s very existence teetered on the precipice of profound panic. Yes, Dervid had an existential crisis, a meltdown of metaphysical magnitude. “Am I real?” he queried, quaking in his quizzical boots. The Chaff crew, mischievously muddling through mayhem, claimed he was but a figment, a phantom, a fabrication! And so, here I am, cousin Chervid Jamson, stepping into the breach, bewildered and
Scott Stephenson The Chaff befuddled but brimming with bravado. So, what do I do now? Do I dip into the diatribes of daily drama? Do I mock the mundane or celebrate the silly? Here’s a haphazard homage to humour and an ode to the odd. The Chaff may be a conundrum wrapped in a riddle, but with a sprinkle of sparkle and a dash of dazzle, we’ll navigate these nebulous narratives. Let me give you a glimpse into my own swirling vortex of personal chaos. My marriage, oh dear, my marriage, is teetering on the brink of disaster. It’s like trying to balance a teeter-totter on a tightrope while juggling torches, and the tightrope is made of tacos. Ttump! My spouse and I, we seem to have drifted into different orbits, like celestial bodies in a cosmic dance gone awry. We’ve tried everything: couples’ therapy, romantic getaways and even synchronized yoga, but nothing seems to anchor us in this chaotic cosmos. And as if the turbulence in our relationship weren’t enough, there’s the absolute pandemonium at home with our four children. Oh, those wicked little weasels! They are a tempest of trouble, a fierce, flailing foursome of failures, with an extra dose of torment thrown in. It’s as if they’ve taken a masterclass in mayhem and emerged as experts in havoc.
The eldest, Tetris, is a whirlwind of chaos in a tiny suit. He’s got the sickly energy of a thousand caffeinated coughers and the cunning of a phlegmy fox in a horrible, gross henhouse. The messes he creates are pretty messed-up, and we can barely keep up with the trail of destruction he leaves in his wake. Then there’s Salami, the upper-middle child, who combines a fiery temper with a talent for turning any situation into a disaster. Her room looks like a tornado hit a crap factory. Next up is big, little, beefy Billy, the portly, pint-sized dynamo has a penchant for causing pa-pa-pa-problems. He’s a disappearing act artist, vanishing into unfathomable spaces and emerging with a grin and a live skunk in tow. He’s mastered the art of dangerous evasion to such a degree that finding him during hide-and-seek feels like trying to locate a piece of hay in a needlestack. And finally, there’s the newest addition, baby Bort, who has redefined the concept of sleepless nights and incessant noise. He seems to have an internal alarm clock set to “cry all night” and “make as much noise as possible.” His ability to turn even the smallest issues into monumental crises is truly a feat of extraordinary annoyance. So, here I am, juggling a faltering marriage, four wild little weasels, and a column that I barely understand. It’s a life of relentless chaos and unending frustration. But, as they say, when life gives you lemons, you make a zesty lemonade, or in my case, a zesty lemon Chaff. If nothing else, at least my awful personal life gives me something to write about. Here’s to making the best of a maddening situation and finding humour in the madness. Truthfully yours, Chervid Jamson
Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense
Letting the days go by
A
s anyone who has talked to me out on the street or over a drink in a backyard will tell you, it’s common to hear me extolling the virtues of the newspaper - more specifically, our work here at The Citizen. Well, if my enthusiasm for it is at, say, an eight in those interactions, it’s up to an 11 after the past few days I’ve had, combing through 50 years of archives and sharing what I’ve found. For our Blyth Festival 50th anniversary retrospective, which can be found as part of this week’s issue, I scoured the archives from the 1970s until the present day. There were the old issues of The Blyth Standard, chronicling the advent of a new Blyth Summer Festival, followed by the earliest issues of The Citizen as 1985 turned into 1986 and Katherine Kaszas began her historically-successful time as the artistic director, the tumult of the early 1990s and the heroic rescue effort of Janet Amos in the mid-1990s, all the way up to the mid2000s, when I started with The Citizen, up to the present day. Along the way, I found plenty of material on the Blyth Festival - its characters (both written and real), its shows and its off-the-stage work and fundraisers within the community - more than enough to fill a few retrospective issues. Along the way, I also found plenty of archival stuff of interest to people who are still living and active in the region. There were 40th birthday greetings, wedding announcements, new pastor introductions and plenty of pictures of young members of the community who aren’t so young anymore - in fact, many are engaged, married or now have their own young members of the community. To be able to look back on those memories through the eyes of your community’s newspaper of record is such a blessing and you, dear readers, are lucky to have it. I grew up in a larger city centre and I wasn’t lucky enough to have what you have. My newspaper of record covered two towns, - Ajax and Pickering - with a combined population of over 220,000 people. I popped up in the paper once or twice, sure, but I don’t have the kind of lineage that many people in this area can claim thanks to the work of The Citizen staff. I have a clipping from a baseball game here or there, or a picture of me getting back to first base after a pick-off attempt, but that’s about it. Oh, and there was the time, in Grade 8, that my St. Anthony Daniel basketball team won the regional championship and a photographer took a team picture. I even remember the caption... “Court Kings”. Awesome. Enough about my left handed skyhook - let’s get back to Blyth and Brussels. Seeing people grow up in the pages of The Citizen was a real joy and a testament to why we do this. Seeing people get married and have children and then seeing those children grow up in their schools or local sports, graduate and then volunteer, work jobs and have children of their own is an amazing history to behold. And it’s all being done by your own neighbourhood journalists. The day-to-day work being done here, and, to a degree, the week-to-week stories being produced may not move the needle beyond an eyebrow raise or an exhausted head shake (North Huron Council - I’m looking in your direction), but when those stories, especially those about the people of this community are collected over generations, the body of work and its importance is astounding. Next year, The Citizen will mark its very own 40th anniversary. Not stealing any of the Blyth Festival’s thunder here, but the telling of local stories, in all forms, has to be preserved. They’re too important to fall by the wayside.
PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2024.
Busy week for Brussels Tigers baseball At the Branch
Dietrich wins $176
Down the pipe Above, the Brussels Tigers host their annual tournament on Sunday, July 28, but did not advance to the championship final. Seen in action are the Fullarton A’s and Townsend Tide on Saturday. Below, the Tigers took on the Wingham Hitmen in a Huron County Fastball League game as part of a double-header on Wednesday, July 24. The Tigers would win both games by scores of 4-0 and 1-0. (John Stephenson photos)
By Jo-Ann McDonald Life around the Branch was busy this weekend. Friday night was the Catch the Ace draw with Sandra, Judy and Jamie. The lucky winner was Carmel Dietrich, winning $176, and her envelope of choice was number 42. The ace of hearts was revealed, so the jackpot will grow. The estimated jackpot this week will be $5,000. Following the draw was karaoke with Stubby D. A smaller crowd attended, but there were some great singers. Nice weather must have kept folks away. On the last Friday of the month, Stubby will return! The normal burgers and fries were available last Friday evening, but this week will be beef on a bun. Drop in and pick up your supper or stay and enjoy some social time. Saturday was busy for the Branch and the members. The day started with the preparations for the funeral luncheon for the Gulutzen family following the funeral service for the late Dorothy Gulutzen. Comrades helping with the day’s work were Judy Lee, Mabel Glanville, Jo-Ann McDonald, Marni Knight, Sandra Brown, Deb Ross and Linda Bird. Our condolences to the Gulutzen family. Later Saturday afternoon, the fish fry crew went to Blyth to serve about 200 patrons for the Blyth
Community Betterment Committee. The crew included Eric and Deb Ross, Linda Bird, Chris Brown and Joe and Deb Seili. Great job by all. Sunday had a trio of Comrades gathering to be crafty. The Branch needed to make more Poppy stones for the cemetery. They are placed each year on the headstones of veterans. Taking the afternoon to paint the stones were Comrades Jim and Sandra Brown and Kathy Burkholder.
NEWS FROM BRUSSELS
Brussels Legion 218 Catch the Ace Weekly Winner Winning Ticket: Carmel Deitrich, $176. Envelope #42 found the Ace of Hearts. Next estimated jackpot is $5,000.
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Athletic excellence on display A NOTE FROM BETTY By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231 The Olympics have begun! What a show of determination, skill, confidence and external support. The personal snippets that are shared on television and in print about the athletes are extraordinary and inspiring. The stories make them very human, not the mighty machines that hit the pool, the track, the floor to show the world what they have achieved. The grace they portray when the event is over is wonderful, a hug for the second-place finisher, a smile, a wave to let each other know, they tried their best and the thrill of being there makes it great. Now, if only society would follow suit and see the best in each other and celebrate our differences, however slight, our world would be a much nicer, safer place.
Summer is a good time for pondering life. The shade of a maple, the hammock or nice chair and hours can slip away in your own thoughts. Life changes and when friends and family are in a changing situation, all you can do is think and support. We all deal with life in different ways and advice is not appreciated, so when tempted to tell someone what to do, even when you mean well, don’t. Silent support is a commodity we should use more often. The plums are ripe in the Cannington area, so Rev. Alex Jebson’s parents came for a visit to share their abundant crop, oh yes, and to visit Alex and Jean-Luc as well. Folks worshipping at the United Church on Sunday were offered brown bags full of nice ripe plums that had had a long drive that morning; a nice treat, a nice gesture and a relief that their plums would be enjoyed by others. For August, the United Church is on a break and Melville Presbyterian is ready to welcome you. The bounty of our land is so obvious just now. The crops coming off, the gardens offering their abundance and the market and stores full of good local food.
Good, fresh food is here and now. If you’re blessed, like us, the garden fairies leave nice surprises - lettuce, cucumbers, beans - just enough to make our day. Be sure to hit the market on Friday to see the selection of fresh produce - there are only three markets left for the summer, so fill up on the fresh stuff. Join this community effort. Be aware that the COVID-19 virus family is here to stay. We need to be careful and watch our health and vaccination status, as the numbers of infections have taken a rise lately. Back to the motherly advice - cough carefully, wash your hands, stay home when sick, keep all your vaccinations up to date and, again, wash your hands. Bluevale Homecoming is next week and with that come three of my four brothers to remember our growing up years. I’ve even done some cleaning! Bob, Bill and Clif are looking forward to seeing people from the past and enjoying the hospitality Bluevale will supply. Enjoy the days of summer - go out of your way to do something fun. Bye now. Betty GW
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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2024. PAGE 7.
Very rainy and hot summer continues
Giving back The Blyth Legion and Legion Ladies Auxiliary each donated $1,000 to the Blyth Lions Club for its ongoing fundraising efforts towards a new sports pad at Blyth Lions Park. Lions Ken and John Stewart, left, were on hand to accept the donation from Ric McBurney from the Legion, second from right, and Val Pethick from the Auxiliary. (Courtesy photo)
The Reading Web with Cindy Norgate
C
ome with me on a journey. Picture it: 776 B.C. We are in Olympia, Greece. Look around. The Panhellenic Games were held in Ancient Greece at a religious sanctuary in Olympia. After Greece was under Roman Rule, the games were eventually abolished around the year 400 C.E. However, a revival of the Olympics came in the late 19th century, with the first modern Games being held in Greece in 1896. As a Canadian, it would be meaningful and educational for our children to follow our achievements in the Paris Olympic Games of 2024. This could teach crosscurricular lessons such as mathematics/statistics, history, sports and reading. Even if the child isn’t interested in sports, the interest in the Games is what is important. You might be interested in sharing this educational experience with your child, but it might be difficult to understand how. CBC.ca/kids is a great website designed with children in mind. The site currently has “The Ultimate Olympics Games Quiz” along with other educational articles, stories and activities. It is
my new favourite website to share. Your child, with your assistance, could also follow Canada’s success in the 2024 Summer Games by going to Olympic.ca. Children can find a current count of Canada’s gold, silver and bronze medals, as well as photos of current athletes. Also included on this website is a history of Olympic competitors from this country. The information is quite extensive, colourful and interesting. It could be a great idea for a family night to discuss and have fun with this. Another website I want to mention for toddlers is teachingyourtoddler.com/olympics. The Olympic-themed page on their website offers everything from learning letters, numbers, a special song, snack and story. Check it out. It was quite extensive and can be an awesome way to use the Olympics to interact with your younger child. My book choice for this week is How Do You Become an Olympian? A Book about the Olympics and Olympic Athletes by Madeleine Kelly and illustrated by Srimalie Bassani (2024). According to Amazon, Canadian Olympic runner
and author Madeleine Kelly explains the history of the Games, how athletes train for their event, and so much more! Each topic is explored through illustrations and informative and engaging text in this new addition to the “How Do” series. This book is for children ages eight to 12. As I leave it here for this week, I want to encourage you to take a bit of time to spend with your child and discuss the Olympic games. It doesn’t have to be a “pro sports” conversation. There are so many other lessons to learn and share here. Try it. I think you just might enjoy it. “The home is the child’s first school, the parent is the child’s first teacher, and reading is the child’s first subject.” - Barbara Bush
forget to fill in your recreation services survey, as the results will affect how Council hands out the money for recreation and sets priorities as far as arena use, etc. Hard copies are available at North Huron Wescast Community Complex, North Huron Town Hall, Blyth and Wingham Libraries, or you can fill it out online at northhuron.ca/2024CommunitySur vey. Be sure to make your voice heard! It has been nice to see all the antique cars around the area over the past week. Based at the Blyth Campground, they have done tours around the area and welcomed the public to a car show on Wednesday night with music, a Brussels Leo Club barbecue and more. If there is anything special you would like to see mentioned in this column, please e-mail mcraig1@tcc.on.ca or call 519525-8640. Until next week, take care of yourselves and each other and enjoy summer while it is here, because it’s short, and fall will be here before we know it! And with that, the students will be heading back to school for another year. Boy, the summers sure do go fast.
NEWS FROM BLYTH
MAITLAND VALLEY CAMERA CLUB
Donation The Blyth Legion recently donated $1,500 to North Huron Community Food Share. From left: Kathy Herd from the Food Share, Branch President Ric McBurney (Courtesy photo) and Branch Secretary Deb Lannin.
By Deb Hakkers The heat continues, but we missed the torrential downpour that happened from Clinton south to London on Monday. After travelling home through that, we were shocked to find our rain gauge empty. We met friends, who we had gotten to know through Nancy McInnes, for supper in London. We have been planning to get together since we sold Nancy’s house in 2020, but first the COVID-19 pandemic got in the way and then both of our lives were busy, but we finally got together. We had a great time getting caught up. Fred and I were on holiday this past week. This year we stayed close to home and just did the things we don’t normally have the time to do. On our anniversary, we toured Bayfield and ended up at Cornerfield Winery, where we had a very nice visit with one of the owners, a former Blyth resident Carrie (Ansley). They have a beautiful patio with samples of their wines available for tasting. It was a really nice and relaxing afternoon. On Monday, I attended a training day for daycare. I was honoured for my 17 (almost 18) years of service and presented with several gifts and cards, as I am retiring from daycare to restart my sewing business, Designs By Deb. I will be doing custom sewing, adaptive clothing as well as alterations and repairs, which will allow me more flexibility in my schedule and let me do more of the things I want to do. Fred’s mom has made the decision to move to Goderich Place in respite for now with the plan to move to an apartment when one becomes available. She is looking forward to all the activities they have to offer. This week, we wish happy birthday to Sara Kerr on Aug. 5, Zoellyn Onn and Don Edgar on Aug. 6, Rory Jamieson and Lavern Clark on Aug. 7, and Jeff Howson on Aug. 8. We hope everyone enjoys their special day! North Huron residents, don’t
Photography by Liz Allan
PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2024.
Sports Stingers remain undefeated in Fastball League
Down the line The Brussels Tigers and Wingham Hitmen played a doubleheader last week at a diamond with which neither were familiar - in Belgrave! The two teams cut their travel distance in half and met in the middle to play. Unfortunately for the team from the north, the Brussels Tigers were
By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen With a 12-4 win over the Wroxeter Rippers, the Belmore Stingers remain undefeated in the Huron County Fastball League season with a lucky 13 wins and no losses. The Stingers, as a result, are a full 10 points clear of the Wingham Hitmen, who are 8-4 with 16 points and have sole possession of second place. The Brussels Tigers and Monkton Muskrats are then tied with 14 points each and records of 7-5 and 7-4, respectively, followed by the 6-6-1 Elmira U20 team and its 13 points. The Brussels Bangers are in sixth place in the standings with a record of 6-5 and 12 points, followed by the Goderich Grizzlies, Mitchell Mets and Sebringville Sting, who each have earned 10 points this season with records of 5-7, 5-5 and 5-3, respectively. The Walton Brewers are in 10th place with a record of 4-8-1 and nine points, followed by the Fullarton A’s and Wroxeter Rippers who each have six points and records of 3-10 and the Milverton Millwrights, who sit with a record of 2-7 and four points in last place.
As mentioned, the Wroxeter Rippers hosted the Belmore Stingers on Sunday, July 28, but lost to the first-place Stingers by a score of 12-4. On July 24, the Brussels Tigers won both games of their doubleheader with the Wingham Hitmen in Belgrave - the first by a score of 4-0 and the second by the slimmest of margins, 1-0. The games were played with the designated hitter rule in place and the first game of the double-header was originally scheduled to be played on June 5. Also that night, the Mitchell Mets hosted the Monkton Muskrats, but lost by a score of 13-7, while the Elmira team beat the Brussels Bangers in Linwood by a score of 17-2. On July 23, Elmira beat the Brewers in Walton by a score of 76, and on July 22, the Mitchell Mets were in Goderich and beat the Grizzlies by a score of 9-1. On July 30, the Brewers hosted the Brussels Bangers in Walton and, the next night, the Belmore Stingers were scheduled to play the Milverton Millwrights in Milverton, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time. Looking ahead, on Tuesday, Aug.
Tigers youth teams approach year-end By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Next weekend, Aug. 9-11, the U13 Brussels Tigers Girls will be in Stratford for their year-end tournament, followed closely by the U11 Girls and U9 Red teams, who will play their year-end tournaments the following weekend in Stratford and Benmiller, respectively. In regular season action, the U7 Red team will host Londesborough
II on Aug. 5 - the same night the U17 Boys will welcome Cambridge to Brussels. The next night, the U5 T-Ball Black team will play Wingham I and the U11 Boys will play Benmiller, both on the road. The U9 Red team will host Lucknow that night and the U9 Black team will welcome Ethel to the village, while the U13 Girls will play an exhibition game with Blyth in Brussels. The next night, Aug. 7, the U9 Continued on page 9
victorious in both games, winning the first by a score of 4-0 and the second by a score of 1-0, denying the Hitmen so much as a run over the two games. The Tigers next played the Goderich Grizzlies on Wednesday night, although a score for that game was not available at press time. (John Stephenson photos)
6, the Sebringville Sting will host the Wingham Hitmen to make up a game originally scheduled to be played on July 21. Also that night, the Wroxeter Rippers will head to Goderich for a game with the Grizzlies. The next night, the Walton Brewers will play the Hitmen in Wingham, while the Mitchell Mets will host Elmira. Then, on Aug. 8, the Brussels Tigers will be in Milverton to play the Millwrights. There are two games on the schedule for Friday, Aug. 9. The Brussels Bangers will look to hand the Belmore Stingers their first loss of the season in Brussels, while the Fullarton A’s will play the Hitmen in Wingham. The Monkton Muskrats were originally scheduled to host the Sebringville Sting that
night, but that game has been postponed and a new date for it has yet to be set. On Saturday, Aug. 10, the Milverton Millwrights will host a pair of games - first playing the Monkton Muskrats, followed by a
game with the Wroxeter Rippers. Then, on Sunday, Aug. 11, the Goderich Grizzlies will be in Wroxeter to play the Rippers and the Mitchell Mets will head to Fullarton for a game with the A’s.
Summer Sports Pages Coaches and parents We need your team's picture and players' names 1. Please submit team photo A.S.A.P. 2. Please include players' and coaches' names for under photo.
Brussel
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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2024. PAGE 9.
Sports
Brussels teams shut out in Tigers tourney
High and tight The 52nd Brussels Tigers Tournament was one to remember for baseball fans, but not for either Brussels team, as they were both kept from the finals. Above, the Townsend Tide beat the Fullarton A’s in some Saturday tournament action. (John Stephenson photo)
Brussels U13 Girls beat Londesborough Continued from page 8 Black team will play Wingham on the road, while the U11 Girls and Boys will play the Elma Express I team and Wingham, respectively, both in Brussels. Then, on Aug. 8, the U7 Black team will play Londesborough I on the road. Looking back, the U9 Black team beat Benmiller on the road on July 29 by a score of 19-5, while the U13 Girls, also on the road, lost to the Elma Express I team by a score of 9-6. The U7 Red and Black teams played Londesborough I and Benmiller, respectively, both at home, while the U13 Boys hosted Wingham and the U17 Boys played Sebringville at home in Brussels, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time. Back on July 25, the U15 Girls were in Clinton to play the Mustangs and lost by a score of 139. One day earlier, the U11 Girls beat the Listowel Legends Beirnes team by a score of 15-13 and the U11 Boys lost to Wingham by a score of 15-5, both in Brussels. On the road, the U13 Girls beat Blyth by a score of 6-2 and the U17 Boys defeated Tavistock by a score of 145. One night earlier, on July 23, the U9 Red team beat Lucknow on the road by a score of 12-8 and the U15 Girls hosted the Clinton Mustangs, losing by a score of 15-6. The U7 Black team played Wingham I on the road that night, but a score was unavailable at press time. On July 22, the U13 Girls beat the Londesborough Legends at home in Brussels by a score of 13-3, while the U17 Boys, also in Brussels, lost to St. George by a score of 12-1. Also that night, the U15 Girls had a rough trip to Mitchell to play the Hornets Eisler team, losing by a
score of 15-1. The U7 Red team played Ethel on the road and the U7 Black team hosted Wingham II that night, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time. On July 30, the U11 Girls were scheduled to play an exhibition game in Clinton, the U11 Boys were in Benmiller for a game, the U7 Red team played Wingham II on the road, the U13 Girls hosted the Goderich Seahawks Lemon team, the U9 Red team played Ethel on the road, the U15 Girls hosted the Goderich Seahawks Lemon team and the U17 Boys played Wilmot II on the road, but scores were unavailable at press time. On July 31, the U9 Black team was scheduled to play Wingham on the road, the U15 Girls were due to host Elma Express I White and the U11 Girls welcomed the Listowel Legends Fowler team to Brussels for an exhibition game, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time. Three games were scheduled on the road for Aug. 1, with the U7 Red team playing Londesborough II, the U11 Boys playing Lucknow and the U17 Boys playing Cambridge, but scores were unavailable at press time.
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Over a beautiful, hot weekend, the Brussels Tigers hosted their 52nd annual tournament in the village. Unfortunately, neither the Brussels Tigers nor Bangers were around to play for a championship on Sunday, falling in semifinal rounds. Play began on Friday night with a game between the host Brussels Tigers and the Walton Brewers, and the Tigers took the win in the opening game by a score of 8-1. Also that night, the Chatsworth Longhorns beat the Fullarton A’s by a score of 3-0, the Monkton Muskrats beat the Townsend Tide by a score of 6-5, the Simcoe Rostock Braves beat the Rockwood Rush by a score of 2-0 and the Brussels Bangers edged out the Milverton Millwrights by a score of 11-10. On Saturday morning, the Harwood Corners beat the Delaware Highlanders by a score of 7-0 before the playoff rounds began. In the D bracket, Rockwood beat Walton in the semifinal, setting up a game between Rockwood and Delaware, which had a bye, in the D final, which Rockwood won by a score of 12-3.
In the C bracket, the Townsend Tide prevailed, first beating the Fullarton A’s and then Milverton in the finals, who had defeated Kitchener to punch their ticket to the finals, by a score of 6-5 to win the championship. The Brussels Tigers and Bangers were both in the B bracket, but lost to Monkton (7-6) and Wiarton (103), respectively, in the semifinal round, before Wiarton beat Monkton by a score of 12-5 to win the B championship. Rostock was the big winner in the A bracket, defeating Harwood by a score of 7-2 in the A championship. This came after Harwood beat Tavistock by a score of 4-0 and Rostock beat Chatsworth 7-3.
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PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2024.
One Health Tour highlights health watersheds
A closer look In late June, a group of students from the University of Guelph toured the Scott and Walker farms in North Huron as part of the One Health Tour: Healthy Watersheds, People and Wildlife. Above, ecologist Erin Gouthro showed students the 10 different varieties of bees on a flowering shrub at the Scott farm, where current owner Melanie Pletch carries on the work of her parents Murray and Wilma to create a wetland to improve water drainage from farm fields and create a wildlife habitat. (Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot photo)
By Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot The Citizen Doug Walker has lived on Fairview Farm in North Huron all his life and the farm’s woodlot helped make major mortgage payments when needed. However, Doug and his wife Cathy believe this woodlot and others like it serve a greater purpose toward a vision of One Health - an integrated, unifying approach to balance and optimize the health of people, animals and the environment. “I worked in healthcare all my life
and I think it is amazing how the forest contributes to the health of human beings,” said Cathy, before leading a group of students from the University of Guelph through the forest as part of the One Health Tour: Healthy Watersheds, People and Wildlife, held in early June. “I walk in the forest every morning and it reduces my cortisol levels and lowers my blood pressure. I’m curious how it does that. How can we replace that? What the forest provides and the complexity of what it does for our bodies and brains is tremendous,” said Cathy. The Walker farm was the second stop on
the One Health tour which started at Scott Farm on Nature Centre Road near Belgrave and ended at the Wingham Ecological Park. Phil Beard, General Manager of the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA), helped organize the tour saying, “a healthy environment is the foundation for health for people and wildlife. Healthy rivers, lakes, forest, wetlands, clean air and a stable climate are needed for human health and for our economy,” said Beard. Veterinarian Jane Parmely believes this also and it’s why she is so passionate about One Health
concepts as a member of the program committee for the Bachelor of One Health program at the University of Guelph. Students Alaina MacDonald of Clifford, Mysha Chowdhury and Tsai-Ping Liao came on the tour to see the practical side of One Health on farms in Huron County. MacDonald is a veterinarian who has returned to school to pursue a PhD because she is interested in markers of health and becoming better at disease surveillance. Specifically, to understand the balance of health before diseases emerge. “Understanding how to maintain human health we need to consider how wildlife and ecosystems affect health,” she said. In order to learn that, MacDonald says it’s important to have honest conversations from a variety of experts. “My background is veterinary medicine, so walking through a woodlot is all new. Listening to Erin (Gouthro) speak about the synthesis of ecosystems is very interesting.” Gouthro is a water ecologist with the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority who took a leading teaching role on the tour. Starting at the Scott Farm, the group heard owner Melanie Pletch explain that the 220-acre farm was started by her parents, Murray and Wilma Scott, who embarked on a multi-year project to transform the Scott Drain into a healthy creek for brook trout and other aquatic wildlife to thrive. Live sod, rocks and berms were used to create a meandering path to slow water down and reduce sediment loss from the surrounding farm fields. “We wanted to keep as much water on the farm as possible before it roars off to Lake Huron.” The project was designed to improve the land base on the working farm. Tile drainage allows fields to dry out faster to grow better crops but when farmers crop too close to a creek or drain, and pull out trees to create more farmland, they
create a heated water course that is either rushing with water or a lifeless trickle. Pletch remembers when her father had to clean out the drain every few years. “He looked for a solution and that started the ball rolling for the wetland project,” she said. Berms, tree planting, reforestation, ponds and a controlled wet/dry pond are all part of the solution at Scott Farm to conserve water and soil while creating wildlife habitat. Beard explained to the students that Huron County was once covered in forest. Now, about 16 per cent of that forest cover remains. Dan Kraus, the Director of National Conservation for the Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, then told the students they are graduating at “an awesome time because the urgency of the climate crisis and the health crisis are colliding.” It’s not just a Huron County issue, it’s a planetary issue and “we need new solutions because, if we lose nature, we lose everything.” One Health isn’t a new concept. In fact, many cultures have holistic views of human health in connection to wildlife and ecology. Unfortunately, many Canadians view health “in structures like silos” keeping human health separate from systems that protect wildlife when, in fact, “what is designed for wildlife protection also helps the climate and cleans water for humans,” said Kraus. That’s why getting the students to the farms to see ecosystems in action is vital. Parmely said students spend hours in classrooms learning concepts, but they need to see it in real time, on real farms, where real people are making real changes. Gouthro first led the students to a weigela bush on the property to identify over 10 different kinds of bees that were feeding from the flowers. This diversity is not something Gouthro sees on every farm, but diversity and partnership are key components Continued on page 11
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Race day On Sunday, the Clinton Raceway, as it does every year, played host to wiener dog races - a staple of the raceway’s calendar and a must-attend for many race fans and Clinton residents. This year’s races did not disappoint, with several heats, some upsets, some triumphs and definitely some dogs getting distracted and forgetting that they were racing one another. (John Stephenson photo)
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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2024. PAGE 11.
Farms demonstrate pillars of ecosystem Continued from page 10 of a healthy ecosystem, she said. “If there was only one bee, that would be an alarm bell that the system is out of sync,” said Gouthro as the students peered into the bush, looking at the bees. Gouthro walked the students through the farm talking about the foundational importance of insects, how plant breeders are creating sterile shrubs that don’t feed the bees, and how landowners need to offer more native and flowering shrubs in the landscape to support the declining numbers of insects. Gouthro also explained what a drain was, why they are needed for farming, how they can destroy fish habitat when water flow isn’t managed and the “energetics” of moving water and creatures. “If you are a fish and you have to spend too much energy managing your life from raging currents to silty water, then you can’t thrive,” explained Gouthro. That also goes for insects that don’t have skin like humans to buffer them against excessive nutrients that can be in drain water. “When you take down trees, the water heats up. Oxygen dissolves better in cooler water so it affects how creatures breathe,” added Gouthro. The wetland project on the Scott Farm has rejuvenated the drain/creek and the result is clean water and a diverse habitat for wildlife to thrive. Gouthro encouraged the students to really look, then close their eyes and listen to all the sounds of birds singing in the area… to immerse themselves in the experience. From a farming perspective, Beard explained that rural stormwater management is about keeping soil on the fields and slowing water down so it has time to seep into the soil and nourish the crops, instead of rushing away.
Convincing farmers to create wetland projects is an uphill battle, so he continues to organize field days like this One Health tour to create awareness of soil and water conservation as part of the One Health vision. The Walkers are certainly on board and were delighted to walk everyone through their woodlot where Gouthro pointed out native plants that indicate this forest is in balance. “It’s an incredible forest because of its structure,” said Gouthro. “This is because the landowner chose to look after it, and harvest it in such a way to keep both larger and smaller trees.” The “mother tree” is huge and some estimated it to be over 100 years old, but Gouthro said it is likely a young adult, just approaching the 100-year mark. Maples like this mother tree can live to be over 300 years old and serve a vital purpose in regenerating the forest with seeds. The problem with many forests is the lack of mother trees to broadcast seed to the forest floor. As the students moved through the forest, Cathy Walker stopped to admire a maidenhair fern, an indicator species of a healthy forest. This is what she likes to show her grandchildren and she takes them to the forest as often as she can. “These children are part of the ‘anxious generation’ and they will be the environmentalists of tomorrow. If we don’t get them engaged with forests, then we won’t have the forest protectors of tomorrow,” she said. On this day, at least three students were given an overview of the ecosystem pillar of One Health to see examples of healthy aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. This practical experience is vital as they develop an understanding of the importance of ecosystems (nature) to human health and well-being.
Calm before the storm On Saturday, the Seaforth Agriplex played host to the annual Six String Music Festival, created by the Tanner Steffler Foundation to raise funds for youth mental health. First, the foundation sponsored the youth music stage at Seaforth Summerfest, followed by free outdoor performances before the main event indoors at the Agriplex. But first, as is so often the case in Huron County, there must be cornhole. (John Stephenson photo)
101 A NOV VEL Sally Walke er ’s 101 is based on her own n experiences (a decade of her h life in T To oronto and in Go oderich) and will resonate with w anyone who has ever experienced the feelings off, “How on earth did I everyy get myself into this stinking g mess?” to “Life is veryy g good indeed.” And everything in between. $22.95 ALWA WA AY YS KISS ME GOODNIGHT Losing her mom at an early age has impacted Deborah Dickson in so many ways. This book is a resource for parents to help them should they and their children face a tragedy like the loss of a spouse, grandparent, or friend, to help explain loss to their children. $19.99
Class is in session Doug Walker’s Fairview Farm and Melanie Pletch’s Scott Farm, both in North Huron, provided some realworld, out-in-the-field education for many University of Guelph students for the One Health Tour: Health Watersheds, People and Wildlife. The day’s tour teachers were Dan Krause, left, Pletch, centre, and Phil Beard, right. (Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot photo)
WA W ALKING HOME The former CP Rail line from Guelph to Goderich is about to become the 127 km. Guelph to Goderich Rail Trail. In 2014 Lynda L. Wilson and her husband Doug walked the future trail and this book tells of the adventure and the people they met. $20.00
GLUTEN-FREE BAKING G CLASSICS These recipes use preccise mixes of nonwheat-based, gluten-freee flours that only the baker need know are allerrgy safe. Gluten-Free Baking Classics is designeed for all skills levels, from beginner to seasonned. The book also explains why baking wholeesome and delicious breads, muffffins, cakes, and a other items is so important for emotional and physical wellbeing $30.50
DEAR LIFE The fourteen stories in this brilliant collection show Alice Munro coming home to southwestern Ontario, with Toronto looming on the To horizon. Exalted by her clarity of vision and her unparalleled gift for storytelling, Dear Life shows how strange, g , perilous, p , and extraordinary ordinary life can be. $22.00
THE BA ACKYARD YA GOA ATT This is the complete beginneer's guide to raising goats at a home. Whether you wannt to raise goats for their millk and fiber or keep them ass pets or companion animalss, this book covers all the essentials. Y Yoou'll also learn how to milk, shear, breed,, raise newborn ew kids, and more. $22.95
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ONION SKINS AND PEACH FUZZ Memories of Ontario Farmerettes Authors Shirleyan English and Bonnie Sitter dedicate this book to the thousands of Farmerettes who volunteered on farms during the years 1941-52. $49.00
THE LITTLE BO OOK OF WOODLAND BIRD B SONGS Brings the sounds of the forest to life. Learn and recognize these bird sounds - from thhe hermit thrush to the downy woodpecker. No walk in the woods will bee the same again. $19.95
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PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2024.
‘There’s no place like it’ says Austin of Hullett
The next generation Scott Austin, the manager of the Hullett Provincial Wildlife Area, says the conservation area is unique and special and one of the joys of his professional life is to show young people just how special and interesting nature can be there, especially when it comes to habitat and wildlife. (Courtesy photo)
By Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot The Rural Voice
Finding a wood turtle - an endangered species - and helping it cross the road on Hydro Line in the Hullett Provincial Wildlife Area (HPWA - also known as the Hullett Marsh) is just one of the cool wildlife experiences Scott Austin has experienced during his tenure as manager. “It was a male with only three legs and had a transmitter installed by the Huron Stewardship Council (HSC), but the transmitter had been dead for a few years. The turtle was last tracked near Vanastra,” remembers Austin, who is retiring as manager this year and hoping to pass the baton to Hullett’s Wildlife and GIS Technician, Ben Elliott. “I contacted Huron S.C. and a biologist quickly came out to collect the turtle… they have very secret studies in place regarding this species!”
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When Austin first started working at the Hullett Marsh in 2013, he remembers being thrilled to see a bald eagle nest. This is more common now, but back then it was a
rare experience. Austin is also enamored with the whitetail deer population in the marsh and seeing the nesting sandhill cranes. Working at the Hullett Marsh fits
right in with Austin’s career trajectory. From 1987 to 2001, he worked for the Ministry of Natural Resources, taking samples of commercial fish for the Lake Huron Assessment Unit. That led to a stint owning Bayfield Fish, a fish market at the Bayfield Harbour. “I was a fishmonger,” he says. He also served as a professional Canada goose hunting guide. Between the fish and guiding, work was very consuming and Austin felt like “I missed a bunch of my life” so when the management job came up at the Hullett Marsh, “I was ready for a change. My education was in fish and wildlife management so this brought me back full circle.” The marsh was also dear to his heart. He was a founding member of the Board of Directors for the Hullett PWA, serving as the treasurer. He filed the corporation papers and opened the first bank account for the marsh. It’s not surprising, then, as he looks forward to retirement from managing the marsh that he hopes to stay on as a part-time employee. Being the manager entails a number of different tasks. Applying for funding is one, along with dayto-day business. The 5,400-acre property requires $250,000 a year to keep going. Austin also manages the habitats, grasslands and fallow field mowing to stop successional forest growth; manages water levels (there are 20 water control structures) in partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada; controls invasive species such as phragmites; maintains trails, roadways, parking lots, signage, etc. Also, he organizes many events with educators, co-ordinates with volunteers and trains summer students who help on the property.
It’s a lot of work, but Austin says there is no place like the marsh. It is a man-made wetland, reclaimed from poor farmland, where waterfowl, birds and mammals are free to live and thrive. As a hunter, Austin also appreciates that the Hullett PWA is pro-hunting. People can also ride horses in the marsh, hike, canoe and take photographs. “There are so many different kinds of wildlife you don’t see anywhere else,” says Austin, referring to species-at-risk like the least bittern. It’s a great spot for nesting turtles, though Ben and the summer student are busy this summer putting boxes on the turtle nests because the raccoons will “dig them out almost as soon as she lays them,” says Austin. Austin’s favourite part of the property is the Orange Trail off Summerhill Road in the north end of the marsh. “It has the highest elevation and the view from the stand is amazing,” he says. He encourages volunteers to join the Friends of Hullett to experience the place first hand. Volunteers can prune, mark trees and help with trail maintenance. Reflecting on his time managing the marsh, Austin says one of the most rewarding parts of the job was working with young people who volunteered or worked as summer students. He runs into them now and again, and one recently shared how working at the marsh changed his life. “I see these kids doing well in life and that makes me feel good,” he says. “It’s so rewarding being able to help young people and educate them. People tell me I am full of information and I love being able to share that and teach someone.”
39th Annual Citizen of the Year Award Nominations Open Pictured on left, Wayne Clausius being presented his 2023 Citizen of the Year award by North Huron Publishing publisher Deb Sholdice.
There are so many people out there who do so much to improve their community. This is your opportunity to show your appreciation for all they do.
Each year a committee chooses an outstanding citizen from each of the Blyth and area and Brussels and area communities and wider Huron County area to receive an award for contribution to the community. If you know someone you think should be honoured, please fill in the form and send it in. You may attach a longer explanation of why you think your nominee should win, if you like. If you have nominated someone before and they didn't win, we encourage you to submit again. Emailed submissions can be sent to Shawn Loughlin at editor@northhuron.on.ca I nominate ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ as Citizen of the year for
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Blyth & area
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Brussels & area
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Huron County
I feel she/he deserves this award because ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Nomination Deadline September 27, 2024. Name and phone number of nominator Fax: 519-523-9140 Box 429, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0
THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2024. PAGE 13.
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Senate recommends soil preservation after report By Drew Spoelstra, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture The Senate of Canada has made a series of recommendations around the future of Canada’s soils and their strategic importance to our country. The findings are part of a report released last month by the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry called “Critical Ground: Why Soil is Essential to Canada’s Economic, Environmental, Human, and Social Health.” They’re particularly welcomed by farmers whose livelihoods depend on healthy, productive soils. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) would like to congratulate the Senate for tackling a topic that isn’t always headlinegrabbing, but is fundamentally important to Canada’s food security and economic prosperity. In particular, we’d like to give a shout out to Senator Rob Black of Ontario and his colleagues, whose leadership and drive helped move this study forward. Nearly two years in the making, this report follows the Senate’s last report on soil health released in 1984, and signals the need for renewed attention on the issue of soil health, conservation and protection in presenting 25 recommendations for government consideration.
These recommendations reflect how attitudes towards soil health and conservation have evolved in the last 40 years and point to today’s greater urgency to not only recognize how vital healthy soil is to maintaining a robust and resilient agricultural sector, but also how critical it is to protect and maintain it. The recommendations focus on themes of understanding soil health and its evolution, building soilbased incentives and initiatives for agriculture, and promoting soil health and agricultural and forestry land preservation for a better future. The OFA supports these recommendations to government and now is the time to take action. The agriculture sector is keen to turn these ideas into reality across the landscape. Farmers want to help Canada be a leader in soil health and conservation, preserve our soils and ensure that we leave our soils in better condition than we found them, so that future generations have the opportunity to grow food, fibre, fuel and flowers if they wish to do so. For the OFA, this means continuing to advocate for the funding and resources that will support soil health improvement on the farm, as well as making sure our members are aware of what they can do to continue to implement best management practices that will
contribute to better soil health. Canada’s soils are very diverse across the country, so it’s important to recognize that soil health solutions and practices can’t be a one-size-fits-all approach. At the same time, we encourage the federal government to put a greater focus on soil health nationally and incentivize farmers across Canada to work towards the same goals. Recommendations aren’t functional without the proper resources to implement them, and we appreciate that the report recognizes the need for financial and resource support for soil health initiatives. One recommendation in particular calls for funding soil extension services and peer-to-peer learning, which recognizes that implementing soil health beneficial management practices may need technical support to be adapted to the wide variety of farms and agricultural landscapes in Ontario. “Collaboration” and “consensus” are recurring themes in the recommendations. This is absolutely necessary, and there are many positive activities already underway, spearheaded by organizations and groups like the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, the Ontario Soil Network, the Greenbelt Foundation and the Soil Action Group, which is working towards the
implementation of Ontario’s Soil Health and Conservation Strategy. Farmers themselves are keen partners in soil research and adopters of new soil health practices and technologies, and we’ll need all the pieces to come together to see successful action and impact. For the OFA, it was also encouraging to see a recommendation focused on ensuring the economic viability of farm businesses - this is a very necessary pillar of environmental sustainability. Agriculture must be able to be profitable and competitive in order to have the resources to make
investments in the new technologies and practices that will encourage soil health and conservation. This means farmers need tools and programs that will mitigate the risks of adopting new practices and encourage implementation of new technologies. Long-term, this will benefit all Ontarians. After all, soil is a fundamental building block of our ability to produce food - and food security is a key pillar of our national security. That’s why preserving our soils and making sure our prime agricultural land is protected and available to farm is so important.
BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK REPORT For the week ending July 26, 2024 Total Receipts: 1,310 cattle; 1,214 lambs, sheep, and goats. Tuesday – Fed cattle sold on a steady trade. Cows sold actively at prices $3 $5 higher. Thursday – Veal and lambs sold steady. Sheep sold stronger. Goat kids sold steady; cull goats sold stronger. Friday – Choice calves and yearlings sold on an active trade at fully steady prices. Fed Cattle: There were 90 fed cattle on offer: Choice Fed Cattle: $245 – $265 Second Cut Fed Cattle: $234 – $244 Aged and Medium Fed Cattle: $215 – $229 Holstein Fed Cattle: $180 – $220 Bill Finlay of Durham, consigned 17 head. Two black fats weighed 1,578 lbs. and sold for an average price of $265. Larry Reinhart Jr. of Mildmay, consigned 12 head. Four limousin fats weighed 1,185 lbs. and sold for an average price of $264.
Tyson Van Osch of Lucknow, consigned two head. One charolais cow weighed 1,645 lbs. and sold for a price of $213. Ferme Alfadair of Earlton, consigned four head. One holstein cow weighed 1,080 lbs. and sold for a price of $192. Darren Johnston Farms Ltd. of Bluevale, consigned 17 head. One black bull weighed 2,005 lbs. and sold for $221. Veal: There were 140 veal and 30 bob calves on offer: Beef Veal: $260 – $286 Good Holsteins: $228 – $247 SL. Heavy Holsteins: $220 – $235 Heavy Holsteins: $200 – $245 Medium Holsteins: $215 – $227 Plain Holsteins: $200 – $214 Holstein Drop Calves: $400 – $1,000 / HEAD
Lambs: Under 50 lbs.: $330 – $335 50-64 lbs.: $310 – $335 65-79 lbs.: $300 – $320 up to $335 80-94 lbs.: $305 – $325 up to $327.50 95-109 lbs.: $302.50 – $317.50 up to $324 110 lbs. and over: $250 – $307.50 up to $335 Sheep: $240 – $265 up to $295 Steve Hallam of Kincardine, consigned 16 head. Two lambs averaged 124 lbs. and sold for an average price of $335. Brian and Craig Salverda of Londesboro consigned 64 head. 8 lambs averaged 76 lbs. and sold for an average price of $335.00. Goats:
Allen Kistner of Monkton, consigned four head. One blue cross veal weighed 1,005 lbs. and sold for a price of $286.
Meat Kids: $400 – $475 Dairy Kids: $360 – $410 Mature Bucks: $300 – $400 Mature Does: $220 – $295
Steve Kuipers of Palmerston, consigned five head. One holstein veal weighed 710 lbs. and sold for a price of $247.
Peter and Amy Vingerhoeds of Hensall, consigned three head. Three kid goats averaged 58 lbs. and sold for an average price of $475.
Cows: There were 150 cows on offer: Beef Cows: $180 – $213 up to $218 Good Holstein Cows: $165 – $192 up to $213 Medium Holstein Cows: $140 – $169 Bulls: $200 – $221
Van Nuland Holsteins Ltd. of Monkton, consigned 11 head. One holstein bob calf sold for $1,000/head.
Edwin Gerber of Wingham, consigned 11 head. One kid goat weighed 74 lbs. and sold for an a price of $420.
Stockers: There were 900 stockers on offer: Top Quality Steers: Under 400 lbs.: $525 – $925 400 – 499 lbs.: $420 – $480 500 – 599 lbs.: $400 – $525 600 – 699 lbs.: $380 – $415 700 – 799 lbs.: $299 – $347 up to $397 800 – 899 lbs.: $343 – $384 900 – 999 lbs.: $330 – $359 1,000 lbs. and over: $310 – $328 up to $330 Top Quality Heifers: Under 400 lbs.: $505 – $625 400 – 499 lbs.: $390 – $445 500 – 599 lbs.: $280 – $382.50 600 – 699 lbs.: $362.50 – $408 700 – 799 lbs.: $314 – $340 up to $360 800 – 899 lbs.: $295 – $335 up to $342 900 lbs. and over: $286 – $303.75
Ben Kleemann of Parkhill, consigned 29 head. Five charolais heifers averaged 699 lbs. and sold for an average price of $398. Four charolais heifers averaged 831 lbs. and sold for an average price of $342. Hugh Ryan of Ailsa Craig, consigned seven head. Seven charolais heifers weighed 889 lbs. and sold for an average price of $335. Samuel M. Sherk of Wroxeter, consigned 10 head. Three simmental cross heifers averaged 1,022 lbs. and sold for an average price of $295.
BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd.
UPCOMING SALES TUESDAYS
Rose Isle Farm of Bayhead, Nova Scotia, consigned eight head. Seven charolais steers averaged 821 lbs. and sold for an average price of $384.
10:00 a.m. Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows
Elam and Annie Martin of Lucknow, consigned seven head. Five charolais steers averaged 916 lbs. and sold for an average price of $359.
9:00 a.m. Drop Calves 10:00 a.m.Veal 11:30 a.m. Lambs, Goats & Sheep
THURSDAYS
FRIDAYS 10:00 a.m. Stockers
Flynn Farms of Clinton, consigned 203 head. Ten charolais steers weighed 1,033 lbs. and sold for an average price of $330. Eleven simmental steers averaged 1,141 lbs. and sold for an average price of $316.75.
Visit our webpage at: www.brusselslivestock.ca email us at: info@brusselslivestock.ca
Call us 519-887-6461
PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2024.
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Articles for sale GERBERS FIREWOOD SERVING you for over 15 years. Your number one source of quality slabwood and bodywood. Delivery available. No Sunday calls. 519-274-1236, 519441-2085. ------------------------------------------SHADE TREES, SPRUCE, White Pine, Cedars, windbreaks and privacy hedges, Shrubs, Apples, Pears, Peaches, Plums, Sweet & sour Cherry Trees at (Emanuel E.M. Martin) Martin's Nursery 42661 Orangehill Rd, Wroxeter ON N0G 2X0. ------------------------------------------THE CITIZEN IS AVAILABLE TO purchase at these locations - Auburn Esso, Belgrave Variety, Blyth Food Market, Blyth Variety, Blyth Ultramar, Brussels Foodland, Brussels Variety, Clinton Convenience, Clinton Foodland, Fogal's YIG (Wingham), Wingham Mini Mart, Seaforth Foodland, Fincher's (Goderich), Goderich Victoria St Shell, Canadian Tire Gas Bar, Goderich and The Citizen office in Blyth. ------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------WE OFFER A WIDE selection of Poly outdoor furniture in 11 different colours at approx. half price of competition. Located 2 blocks north of Whitechurch at 382 Whitechurch St. Clearance pricing on gazeboes. ------------------------------------------GREY, S-SERIES FORTRESS scooter; purchased August 2023; used briefly due to declining health; in new condition; phone evenings. 519-523-4223 for more details. -------------------------------------------
Card of thanks Blyth Community Betterment Committee would like to thank Brussels Legion, Blyth Lions, and The Blyth Inn for their help with the Fish Fry that was held on July 27. A special thank you to our volunteers and patrons. It all helps off set costs for the Santa Claus Parade and New Years Eve Fireworks. We appreciate all your support. Thank you again! -------------------------------------------
Card of thanks Swap shop CRONIN - The family of Tom Cronin thanks neighbours, friends and family for their support, kindness and generosity since his death. We thank you for the gifts of food; the beautiful flower arrangements; the purchase of trees and the generous charitable donations made in Tom's memory. Thanks also for the cards, calls and texts of sympathy. It seems that Tom cultivated and maintained many friendships every time he went for the mail. We were deeply moved by the overwhelming attendance in honour of Tom at the visitation and funeral. Special mention goes to the Blyth Lions members and the Unpredictables ball team. Thanks to Dr. Loretta and Krista, for their thoughtful care and genuine friendship; to the medical teams at Clinton and Goderich Hospitals and to the staff at Maitland Manor for the friendly, excellent care Tom received. We are extremely grateful for the guidance of Zoey at Riverside Funeral Homes and Rev. Alex Jebson of the Blyth United Church for their immediate response and attentiveness to our wishes. Together, they provide professional and supportive services when a family needs expert advice and support. Thank you to Katie Mitchell and Rev. Alex Jebson for their beautiful duet during the service and to Marilyn Scott, the pianist. Finally to the members of the Blyth U. C. Funeral Committee and helpers; thanks for the luncheon served following the service. Tom was an active supporter of Blyth his whole life and we are privileged to live in this caring community. Cheryl, Michelle and Ron McNichol, Scott and Kim Cronin and their families. -------------------------------------------
Help wanted
Citizen-To-Citizen “SWAP SHOP” ad Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca • 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. FOR SALE - Three piece luggage set. One large, one smaller, plus carryon bag. Burgundy, like new, $45 or best offer. 519-357-1691 31-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Yamaha keyboard, pedal, carrying case, stand and amplifier; $500, Wingham. 519-3571722 30-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Worx 40V battery weedeater. 13”, two years old, moving, no longer needed. $125. 519357-9694 30-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Kreisler apartment-size piano and bench, $300; 7 ft. toboggan $30; Burgundy reclining lift chair $25; lawn sweeper $50. Call Wingham 519-357-2768 30-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Used Poulan 15.5 hp with new 38” blade 5 speed lawnmower. $500; Assorted farm tools - picks, shovels, sledges - no handles $5 each. 519-335-6998 30-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Set of three stackable Tupperware pie shelves, $10 for the set. 519-357-4935 29-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Metal plant rack with plastic cover that converts to a mini greenhouse. $10. 519-357-4935 29-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Two heavy duty Troybilt garden tillers. Good running condition. $975 each. Can be seen at 382 Whitechurch Street. (2 blocks north of Whitechurch). 29-3 --------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Four antique chairs best offer. 519-357-2760. 29-3 --------------------------------------------WANTED - Four gallon crock for pickling. 519-357-2760. 29-3 --------------------------------------------
Help wanted
COASTAL RESILIENCE SPECIALIST This is a full time 43-month contract position based at the Administration Centre in Wroxeter. Key tasks include: n Coastal project administration n Preparing background reviews, case studies
and policy summaries n Active communications with shoreline communities and public agencies n Supporting partners’ needs relating to nearshore projects The full job description and application details are posted on the Employment Opportunities page at: mvca.on.ca
All word ads in The Citizen classifieds are put on our webpage at www.huroncitizen.ca
Robbed The Brussels Tigers won both games of a doubleheader with the Wingham Hitmen, played in Belgrave, last week, thanks in part to defence like this home runrobbing catch by one of the Tigers. (John Stephenson photo)
Dow reaches Quebec despite heavy floods PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188
Elly Dow’s most recent trip to Quebec for a visit with her son and family proved to be somewhat unusual. She travelled by train, on July 16, a bright sunny, clear day and was stopped numerous times due to train tracks under water, caused by flash flooding; flooding that made getting to Toronto Union Station uncertain despite the sun continuing to shine. In the end, her destination was reached some four and a half hours later than scheduled and time spent with family in Lévis sped by too swiftly. Good times, good weather, good food - c’était le bon temps - all very much enjoyed! On the afternoon of July 23, the Belgrave Knox United Church Women hosted their annual Over80 party. The afternoon started with Connie Shiell welcoming everyone and reading a poem entitled “Nature’s Way.” This was followed by a very entertaining fashion show that displayed Belgrave’s finest fashion designs. Muriel Coultes then read a poem entitled “The House Behind the House.” Paul McLaren played the piano and Lila Procter played the guitar, leading the guests in a singa-long, singing a few good old tunes. Wanda Weber celebrated her 80th birthday this year and snuffed out the candles on a cake while everyone sang “Happy Birthday.” Cake and ice cream was served to the guests and a social time was enjoyed by all. On the afternoon of Sunday, July 28, a double bridal shower was held for Lauren Bos, fiancée of Chris Shiell, and Laura Hutt, fiancée of Ryan Shiell. The shower took place downstairs at the Knox United Church in Belgrave with
neighbours, friends and relatives in attendance. It was a nice afternoon with food, refreshments and a social time. Also on Sunday, July 28, Worship Leader Colin Snyder welcomed the congregation at Knox United Church, Belgrave. Scripture readings were read from 2 Kings 4:42-44, Ephesians 3:14-21, and John 6:1-21 and the reflection was entitled “Beyond Imagining.” August services, weather permitting, will be at Ken and Lila Procter’s pond. If it’s raining, the service will be at the church. The Campbell clan held its annual family get-together on Sunday, July 28 at the Belgrave Pavilion. Families came from Kitchener, St. Catharines, London, Shedden, Goderich and of course, Belgrave and the surrounding area. This year, John and Linda Campbell and family were in charge. After Chris Campbell said the grace, a delicious buffet was enjoyed. As well as games and fellowship, the little children enjoyed the playground equipment. All enjoyed a good time and Mother Nature supplied the beautiful weather. The afternoon ended with hugs and wishes of each having a safe trip home. Enjoy your long weekend, whatever you choose to do and stay safe.
NEWS FROM BELGRAVE
THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2024. PAGE 15.
Obituaries
DOROTHY MABEL GULUTZEN née BRINDLEY Dorothy Mabel Gulutzen née Brindley passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at Huron Hospice on Wednesday, July 24 in her 84th year. Dorothy was the loving wife of Michael for 61 years. She was the mother of Stephen Gulutzen; Stanley and Cornelia Gulutzen and grandmother to Kelsey, Michael, Ryan, Nicole, Hunter, and Parker; Sheila and Anthony Bosciglio and grandmother to Connor and Morgan Smith; Christine Gulutzen and Derek MacMillan and grandmother to Sarah Longlade and Wes Penelton, Jessica Longlade and Kevin Sawyers and Dustin MacMillan and great-grandmother to Fierren, Brixton and Brinley Penelton; Malcolm and Jenn Gulutzen and grandmother to Savanna, Owen, Brody; Alec and Ashley Gulutzen and grandmother to Nora, and Felix; Daniel and Vesna Gulutzen and grandmother to Marcus, Nash, and Lena Gulutzen and Hayden and Maja McGee; Jason and Melissa Gulutzen and grandmother to Ava, Jaron, Callum, and Myelle; Crystal Gulutzen and grandmother to Lynette and Tyler Woods. Dorothy was the sister of Karen Hoegy, Velma and Fraser Hubbard, Doug and Judy Brindley, and Glen Brindley. She was predeceased by parents Lloyd and Margaret Brindley, brother Brian Brindley, son Michael in infancy, and brother-in-law Barry Hoegy. Dorothy was a beacon of kindness and a gentle soul, whose presence brought warmth and comfort to everyone she met. Dorothy was a devoted wife to Michael Gulutzen for 61 years, with whom she shared a loving marriage on a dairy farm. Together they raised nine children and took great pride in their family, which grew to include 25 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Her family was her greatest joy and her dedication to them was evident in every aspect of her life.
She was known for her unwavering generosity, always putting others’ needs before her own. Her nurturing and compassionate heart carried on after her children left the home and she began her puppy business. Dorothy touched the lives of many, leaving a lasting impression that will be cherished forever. Friends and family recall countless moments of laughter, love and support that will be deeply missed. Her funeral service was held at Brussels United Church on Saturday, July 27 with Rev. Alex Jebson officiating. Interment at Brussels Cemetery. In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy, donations to Brussels United Church, Huron Hospice or Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance would be appreciated. Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca
LEO GREIDANUS Leo Greidanus of Seaforth passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at Stratford General Hospital on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at the age of 77. Leo was the cherished husband of Eileen (Spears) for 54 years. He was the proud dad of Anthony “Tony” and Maureen Greidanus, Steven and Joanne Greidanus, and Krista and Jim Appleby. Leo was the adored grandpa of Duncan and Emily, Allysa, Holly, and Brayden and great-grandpa of Blake. He was the dear brother and brother-in-law of Don and Greta Greidanus, Joane and Jack Koetsier, Gary Haak, Ken and Vangie Spears, Ruth and Carmen Howatt, and Helen Spears and Bill Belrose. He will be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Leo was predeceased by his siblings and their spouses; John and Grace Greidanus, Jim and Teresa Greidanus, Janny and Albert Valkenburg, Corry Haak, Alice and Niel Bakelaar, Bert and Riek Greidanus, and Wilma and Tom Holland and sister-in-law and brother-in-law; Wilma and Claire Vincent.
Leo and his family immigrated to Canada on May 6, 1951, and he was always proud of both his roots in The Netherlands and in Canada. He played baseball, curled and attended Northside United Church for many years. He most enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s sporting events and being together as a family, spending time with everyone. Visitation was held at Haskett Funeral Home, Seaforth on Thursday, July 25 and the funeral service was held at Northside United Church, Seaforth on Friday, July 26. Cremation has taken place and there will be a private family interment at the Clinton Cemetery at a later date. Donations to the Stratford General Hospital Foundation or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Condolences may be forwarded through www.haskettfh.com.
DOREEN GLADYS (ARMSTRONG) CARTER Doreen Gladys (Armstrong) Carter of Seaforth passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at the Ritz Villa, Mitchell. The loving wife of the late Glen Carter (2015), Doreen was the dear mother of Cathy Broome (Kevan), Larry Carter (Colleen), and Colleen Carter. She was the cherished grandma of Wade (Domenica), Tonya (Joe), Adam (Lindsey), and Nicole (Mat) and the extremely proud great-grandma (“GG” or “Grammy”) of Zackary, Mia, Alex, Carter, Brooklyn, Luca, Liam, Owen, Jackson, Mathew, and Heaven. Doreen is survived by her brother Ken Armstrong (Marlene) and will
be fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, John and Gladys Armstrong, and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Beryl and Watson Reid. Our mother was a strong-willed woman who treasured being with her family and looked forward to gathering together. She loved to attend family sporting events and was an enthusiastic supporter from the stands! A private family service took place at Haskett Funeral Home, Seaforth on Friday, July 26. Interment at Egmondville Cemetery. Donations in Doreen’s memory may be made to Diabetes Canada or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
LUANN JOYCE TAYLOR Luann Joyce Taylor passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on July 29 at Huron Hospice in her 61st year. The loving wife of Ken Hesselwood for 40 years, Luann was the proud mom of Taylor and the late Blake Hesselwood, who predeceased her in 2011.
Luann was the sister of Janet (Fred) VanderHaar and sister-in-law of Brenda (Brian) Finlayson. She will be sadly missed by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Luann was predeceased by her parents, Joyce and Ron Taylor, and in-laws Kay (Keith) Hesselwood, Verna and Elaine Hesselwood. Luann was a force in her community. She was consistent in supporting local youth, young entrepreneurs and their businesses. She was a great listener and had a soft spot for youth who needed encouragement. If she believed in you, then she wouldn’t let you fail. She saw the good in everyone, but was realistic with her advice and mentorship. Luann was passionate about her family; she loved her boys and was very proud of them. She loved to work and spread joy with her stunning floral arrangements. Luann made everything beautiful, she brought happiness to countless couples, comforted families in times of sorrow and brightened many a person’s day. May her garden be forever in bloom. She will be greatly missed. Family and friends are invited to a come and go celebration of life upstairs at the Blyth and District Community Centre on Friday, Aug. 16 from 6-8 p.m. Luann would like everyone to commit a random act of kindness in her memory. In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy, donations to Huron Hospice or the Wingham and District Hospital Oncology Unit would be appreciated. Please send cheques to Box 199, Blyth, N0M 1H0. Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca
Remembering your loved one Honour your loved one by placing their obituary in
The Citizen. This is a free service provided by The Citizen. We encourage you to share the story of your loved one in a special remembrance of their life. Cards of thanks can be placed in our classified section, starting at just $ .00.
PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2024.
United Church services to resume Aug. 4
Just a reminder that Sunday services will resume at Londesborough United Church this coming week, Sunday, Aug. 4 at 10:30 a.m. The knitters will also be resuming their work/chat afternoons beginning Friday, Aug. 2. Rev. Pat Cook led the Londesborough and Auburn congregations some 20 years ago now. She and husband, Bob, were the last church personnel to live in the manse before it was sold. They returned to the Tillsonburg area when they left Londesborough but have continued to stay in touch with our church in the interim. The community here is invited to an
open house at the Pinafore Park Dance Pavilion in St. Thomas on Aug. 11 to celebrate Rev. Pat’s 80th birthday. The celebration is between 2-4 p.m. and light refreshments will be served. I learned last week that Damon Allen, son of Drew and Liz, has purchased the home of Kody and Shalena Reid on Anthony’s Lane. Kody and Shalena have lived in that home for approximately nine years and started their family in the village. They are moving into the home of Edgar Daer, Kody’s grandfather, in Blyth. Their children will still be able to attend Hullett Central Public School. Although we are always sorry to see a village family leave, they are not far away. Best wishes for your future. Moreover, it is great to learn the home will be lived in by one of the village’s native sons. Have you noticed the colourful blooms on the main street in Clinton? I am not sure when they were painted, but they are a colourful and bright touch to the parking spaces.
This next comment is a bit of a rant. We were in the audience for the Jersey Boys in Grand Bend on the weekend. I thoroughly enjoyed the show. John not so much. Just 15 minutes into the show he was adversely affected by someone near us wearing a strong perfume. He spent the whole performance dealing with an allergic reaction, which must have been uncomfortable for the woman on the other side of him. In today’s world, so many places are posted about “scent-free environments” that this should not have happened. We all need to be more aware of making life enjoyable for all. It wasn’t until the second act when my eyes started to burn that I recognized what his problem was. So, theatregoers, be considerate! It is a very enclosed situation. Well, did you watch the opening ceremonies for the Olympics? What did you think? It was quite a show. I found it overwhelming to have so many things going on in so many locations at the same time. The
camera kept moving from tableau to tableau before I could get a good feel about each one. France/Paris obviously wanted to show off. Frankly, I would have been satisfied with the light show from the Eiffel Tower. It was spectacular! I know I missed things through the evening and likely you did too likely each of us noticed different things about the various sites and remembered totally different things about the evening. It was easy to lose sight of the fact that the whole event is about the athletes and the games. Did you tear up when Celine sang? I did. Hers was a thrilling performance up there on the tower one we will likely all remember for years. It was both exciting because she is ours, so to speak, and because she seems to be recovering from a nasty ailment that affected her throat and vocal cords. Another performance that I particularly enjoyed were the dozens of dancers on two levels of huge shallow troughs of water in front of a gold backdrop. Did you
happen to hear the commentators mention that their costumes were all individually “thrifted” with no two alike, in keeping with the idea of Paris thinking about climate change? Kudos to all the performers who carried on in spite of the rain. Another “thrift” touch is the medals. Each one carries a hexagon of scrap iron from the Eiffel Tower. Seems the Parisians have a warehouse of Eiffel scrap metal from constant repair work on the structure. In keeping with the patriotism of the Olympics, there is a really cute advertisement running on TV right now. Perhaps you’ve seen it. Two kids are standing in a group of other kids drawing up sides for some game or other. Kids have been doing this for decades. We’ve all been there either as the choosers or the hopefuls. The two make first picks - a newcomer, a shy kid - but they eventually pick athletes of all kinds from all across Canada. It ends with the slogan, “Canada is a team we all belong to.”
NEWS FROM LONDESBORO
Beat Canada Post! Going to the dogs The Clinton Raceway held their annual “wiener dog races” on Sunday, July 28. The competitors are as fierce as they are adorable. (John Stephenson photo)
Year-end tournaments approach By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Next weekend, Aug. 9-11, three Londesborough Legends teams will be taking part in their league’s yearend tournaments, wrapping up another successful local baseball season. The U11 Legends will head to Milverton for their year-end tournament that weekend, while the U13 Girls will be in Stratford. The U13 Boys will also be playing in year-end action, though a location for that tournament has yet to be determined. The following weekend, Aug. 1618, the U21 team will have its yearend tournament in Innerkip. Looking ahead to regular season action for the teams, the U7 Yellow team will play Brussels Red on the road on Aug. 5, followed by a trio of games on Aug. 6 - the U11 team will play Elma BB on the road, the U9 team will host the Seaforth Wolverines and the U13 Boys will
play Wilmot II on the road. On Aug. 8, the U7 Purple team will welcome Brussels to the village, while the U21 team will play the Innerkip Junior Eagles on the road that night. Looking back, the U21 team beat the Wilmot Thunder on the road last Monday night by a score of 13-2. Also that night, the U7 Purple team played Brussels and the U11 team played Elma A, both on the road, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time. The U21 team was also in action on Friday, July 26, welcoming the Goderich Seahawks to Londesborough, but lost the game by a score of 11-9. One day earlier, the U7 Purple team played Benmiller at home and the U13 Boys played the Twin Centre BB team on the road, but scores were unavailable at press time. On July 24, the U11 team hosted Tavistock and won by a score of 1411, while, that same night, the U13
Girls were in Listowel to take on the Legends Johnston team and lost by a score of 9-7. The U21 team beat the Fullarton A’s by a score of 14-6 on July 23 on the road. That same night, the U9 team hosted Wilmot and the U7 Yellow team was in Wingham to play the Wingham II team, but scores were unavailable at press time. On July 22, the U13 Girls lost to the Brussels Tigers on the road by a score of 13-3, while the U13 Boys hosted Fullarton, although a score for that game was unavailable at press time. On July 30, the U21 team played the Fullarton A’s on the road, followed by a July 31 game between the U13 Girls and the Mitchell Hornets VanNess/Krug team and an Aug. 1 game between the U7 Yellow and Brussels Red teams in Londesborough, though scores for those games were unavailable at press time.
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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2024. PAGE 17.
From the Minister’s Study
A closer look at the first lines of The Lord’s Prayer By Rev. Alex Jebson, Blyth and Brussels United Churches In this article, we are going to be delving into the first few lines of The Lord’s Prayer - that timeless, treasured passage that has been used for personal and community devotion for countless generations. (For those who either attended the Lord’s Prayer study that I offered earlier this year or those who had to sit through my sermon series on the Lord’s Prayer, you have my permission to skip over to the classifieds or sports section.) As beloved and well-known as the Lord’s Prayer is, particularly to folks who were raised in the church, there’s always something that can be discerned or discovered if we spend some time really delving into it. Sometimes we can almost take this prayer for granted, just saying it instead of praying it. Like a collection of photos sitting on the side table, or a cross-stitch hanging on the wall, it can almost fade into the background. Yet, in many ways, the Lord’s Prayer is deep and radical. This was the way that those who first heard Jesus’ teaching on prayer embraced it in Matthew 6:5-14. Gathered on the hillside for what we know as the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus was expanding minds and invigorating faith in his teachings and actions. And when it came time to sum it up and encourage these new disciples to reach out to God themselves, the words Jesus offered dared to suggest a closeness and nurturing from God that their lives would be forever changed. Even just the first two words, “Our Father,” carried with them a wondrous and impactful way of understanding God and ourselves. In the Temple and in the synagogues, the people on that mountainside were used to not saying God’s name at all - a name so hallowed and holy, it dares not be spoken; I AM WHO I AM. In the Psalms and other prayers booming from the religious leaders around the sanctuary, there were descriptions of the sheer majesty and might of God, a God who was stronger than the seas, yet also had great mercy. These descriptions of God were familiar and comforting to many gathered, but for others, it made God seem remote - it felt to them as if only those who were leading the services could offer their voices and concerns in prayer. When they heard the voice of Jesus bellowing down the mountainside, “Pray then in this way,” the crowds were
Evangelical Missionary Church
Sunday, August 4, 10:30 a.m. Pastor Mike Stanley preaching on Nehemiah 6:15-7:4, “Finished the Work”
expecting a litany of awestruck wonder and five-dollar words. But instead, the word they heard was “Abba”. And no, Jesus wasn’t referring to the Swedish superstar band of the 1970s and 1980s - that being said, I wholeheartedly believe that when we get to heaven and hear the angel choirs, they will be singing out a divine rendition of one of Abba’s greatest hits. I change my mind pretty much every day in terms of which song it will be - today feels like a “Chiquitita” kind of day. No, this Abba was a very familiar word to those on the mountainside. It was the Aramaic word for “Father”, but not in a formal way. Abba was the word that a young child would endearingly call their parent, along the lines of “Dadda” or “Pop”. It was a word that, at its very core, meant a level of familiarity, nurturing and guidance that could only be used for some of the most integral people in that child’s life. To claim that one could be this familiar with God, and that God could be this present and
caring in a person’s life, was a radical and faith-affirming call to prayer. This idea of divine closeness might seem contradictory to a God “who art in heaven”, but in this case, Heaven isn’t necessarily referring to a specific location. God is beyond our full comprehension, ever before us, but also ever beyond us and inviting us forward. Saying that God art in heaven recognizes that we cannot try to contain God or try to make God in our image, and yet God wants to be in a relationship with us. Whether you use Father or some other way to describe God, it is this closeness that we acknowledge and celebrate whenever we pray. Carl P. Daw explores this reality in his hymn “When We Seek Language”, which is in the More Voices hymnal that our churches use. Even just the words evoke this wonder about a God who knows and loves us so deeply, we can only call God Abba, Dadda or Pops: “When we seek language to praise you, O God,
All we can utter seems stale, tame, or odd. Tongue-tied and word-lost, we struggle to find Phrases that slight neither heart, soul, nor mind: Infinite intimate unbounded friend, Cosmic companion who loves without end, Nearer than heartbeat, more subtle than breath, Keener than insight, and stronger than death.” We can celebrate the many wondrous ways people come to
The Regional Ministry of Hope Come Worship with Us! Trinity Anglican BLYTH 9:00 AM
Weekly service live-streamed at 11:00 a.m. on our Facebook page or on youtube @St. Paul’s-Trinity Anglican Church Wingham.
BRUSSELS S
U United Chu ur urch No services ser vicess at at Brussels Brussels United during the e month of August August We are invited i to Worship with Me elville Presbyterian each week at 11 a.m.
Services are live-streamed and can be found by searching n “Blyth Christian Reformed Church”
Contact Alex at ministter.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com y @g Website: b brusselsandblythuc.ca P.O. Box 359,, Brussels ~ 519-887-6259 P.
Worship with us at Brussels Mennonite Fellowship
MEL LV VILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Sundays at 10:00 a.m. All Are Welcome
BRUSSELS
Sunday, August 4, 2024 IInterim i P Pastor El Elwin i Garland G l d 250 Princess St., Brussels • 519 887 6388
Golden G ld sheaves h off harvest h t are God’s good gift
11:00 am - 12 noon We welcome the Brussels United Church family to our worship servicees this month, along with all who would like to join us. Doug Sargent will lead us in praise and prayer to God. 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!
Sunday, August 4 at 10 a.m. BMG Community Centre (upstairs room) 800 Sports Drive, Brussels Childcare and Sunday School provided for children 0 to 8 during the sermon
Worship and Prayer Time Loving Fellowship Expository Preaching
For pastoral care concerns please call 519-524-7512 2
NORTHERN HURON-PERTH CATHOLIC FAMILY OF PARISHES All are welcome to visit or join with us, and to become disciples of Jesus, sharing in Christ’s mission.
Brussels: St. Ambrose Saturday ~ 6:00 p.m. 17 Flora Street
brusselscommunitybiblechapel.ca
Blyth United Church
Wingham: Sacred Heart Sunday ~ 9:00 a.m. 220 Carling Terrace
See you in September “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11
Listowel: St. Joseph’s Sunday ~ 11:00 a.m. 1025 Wallace Avenue N.
Outreach project for July and August is back-to-school supplies for the Women’s Shelter.
On-site and online - live.huronchapel.com 119 John’s Ave., Auburn 519-526-1131
St. Paul’s-Trinity Anglican WINGHAM 11:00 AM
519-357-7781 • email: revjoann@hurontel.on.ca www.regionalministryofhope.com
No Services for the month of August
Nursery & Sunday School during worship
know God’s presence. But again, you don’t need to be a Reverend or a master wordsmith to open up to God. In praying to our Abba, Jesus is saying that the simplest words, if offered in a heartfelt and faithful way, can be used to speak with God. The other aspect of this first line of prayer that Jesus offers is that it is “Our Father”. In our reaching out to God, we are reminded right off the bat that we are not alone - not only do we live in our Abba God’s world, but we live in this world with all of God’s beloved Continued on page 18
Join us Wednesday mornings for conversation in the garden starting at 10 am Contact Alex at: minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com Facebook: Blyth and Brussels United Churches blythunited@tcc.on.ca ~ 519-523-4224
Website: nhpc.dol.ca
Telephone: 519-357-2435
PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2024.
Walton, Cranbrook alive with development PEOPLE AROUND WALTON By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570
What a great week of weather last week. It was certainly hot, but lots of wheat is in the bin and manure is now being spread on the fields in some places. There’s always something to do - cleaning the combine of all the wheat chaff and then greasing it ready for the next use. Our condolences to the Gulutzen family on the passing of Dorothy Gulutzen. She was the wife of
Michael Gulutzen and the mother of Stephen, Stanley, Sheila, Christine, Malcom, Daniel, Jason, Alex and Crystal; the grandmother of 25 and great-grandmother of three. She will be missed by her siblings, Karen Hoegy, Velma Hubbard, Doug and Glenn Brindley. She was extremely proud of her children and was nurturing and compassionate. She started a puppy business, which she loved. Our sympathies to the Gulutzen family. A milestone and celebration was held for the Rev. Randy Banks on Saturday, July 27 at the Brucefield Community United Church. It was celebrating his retirement from the ministry after 41 years. I believe he started in B.C. and served in many parishes. He came to Walton in 1992 and served Duff’s United Church for many years. We are missing a couple of
Let’s do it again Joe Gahan of the Blyth Kids Club is seen above at last week’s wildly successful foam party at Blyth Lions Park. It was so successful, the club is having another one again tonight, Friday, Aug. 2. (John Stephenson photo)
friendly faces at Foodland these days. We have said goodbye to Gail and Colton Bender and (husband Randy) who have moved to Mount Forest. We hope you enjoy your new home and we hope to see you back in Brussels for a visit sometime. I have been travelling some old, but familiar roads these days and have seen many changes over the last six months. St. Michaels Road has a barn with a new roof, a new barn under construction and a new house being built. Moncreiff Road also has a new building going up at Capella Meadows. It is going to be a cheese manufacturing building sometime within the next year. There was a great story about it in last week’s issue of The Citizen and Erik and Edda are a lovely couple. The village of Cranbrook is booming with five new houses, a new shed and a pool going in. The good news is that the new barn at Joe and Barb Terpstra’s should be ready to use within the next few weeks. It was last June that the fire destroyed the dairy barn and they will soon be back in business. The new housing unit on McNaught looks occupied and there is a nice new storage shed on Newry Road. Morris Road has a new house going up and, around the corner on Cranbrook Road, there is another new house, a new addition, a new shed and a sheep barn under construction. The construction companies are busy! Pickleball is a growing sport everywhere and Brussels is no exception. The Friends of Founder Frank are going to host a tournament in Brussels for both the competitive and the noncompetitive players of the area. It is being held on Aug. 17 at the courts beside the arena. Funds are being raised to help resurface the courts. If you’re interested, call Marni Knight, Gary Pipe or Brenda Wheeler to find out more. Food will be available and come out and watch and have a burger! A fun bunch were away for a great four-wheeling weekend and
concert nights. They were at Voyageurs Days at Mattawa. There are great trails to ride and at nights great music to enjoy. They heard Washboard Union and Pearl Jam, to name a couple. They stayed in a cabin on the Lake and the food at the lodge was excellent. Enjoying the time away were Kevin and Rose, Joan and Lisa, Mike and Gail, Pam and John, Linda and Cal and Cory and Ansley. A great time was enjoyed. Celebrating birthdays this past week include Jayne Ross, Naomi Pryce, Tina Driscoll, George Townsend, Tyler Eckert, Donna Blair, Cathy Flaxbard, Tyler Leslie Ribey, Olene Dennis, Sandra Huether, Paul Ryan, Jordan Shortreed, Marion Sellers, Bridget Blake, Jeanne Dionne and Jennifer Grobbink. August is started by Lily Grobbink, Jacob Roth, Sarah Strome, Susan Alexander, Sherry
Hoegy Delay and Rick Schmeltzer. Happy birthday to all.
NEWS FROM WALTON
God is Abba to all Continued from page 17 children. In this intentional inclusion of “our” in this prayer, we are called to always be thinking about the world around us, and the ways in which God is not just present in our lives, but in the lives of our loved ones, neighbours and even enemies. It doesn’t mean that we can’t approach God with our personal issues, but we are always reminded of the needs of others, as well as the support that others give to us through the grace and workings of God. In his study on the Lord’s Prayer, writer Dan Levin puts it in this delightful way: “A little boy once said to his pastor, ‘If I pray with my hands pointed up, that means that I am praying for someone, right?’ ‘Yes,’ said the pastor. ‘When I pray with my hands pointed down, does that mean that I can pray against someone?’ ‘No,’ said the pastor. ‘When we pray Our
Father, that eliminates praying against anyone.’” With this reminder that we are not alone, and that our relationships with God and with those around us are nurturing and loving and supportive, we can be more assured both in our praying itself, and how our prayers are lived out. In this way, to hallow God’s name, to make it holy and important in our lives, means praying for and caring for one another with the same love and justice and holiness that God offers. I hope that this first little dip into the most beloved prayer of our faith tradition inspires you to dwell in God’s closeness and care. And I encourage you to spend some time this week in prayer, exploring the words and ways that make you most comfortable to reach out to God, remembering the God who is a close and loving Abba, and the fact that God is Abba to all around us. Thanks be to God. Amen.
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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2024. PAGE 19.
Entertainment & Leisure
Blyth Festival stages new murder mystery
Killing it! Birgitte Solem’s terrific new play - Resort to Murder - opened on Friday, July 26. The murder mystery features a talented ensemble of actors, including knife-wielding Hallie (Gemma James Smith photo) Seline.
By Scott Stephenson The Citizen Resort to Murder, Birgitte Solem’s escape room murder mystery begins, rather expectedly, with the declaration that there’s been a murder. If readers would like to hear any more details of the plot of this particular play, they won’t find them within the pages of The Citizen, as it is certainly not within the purview of one’s local community newspaper to spoil a good mystery - especially when it’s an exciting new work by an up-andcoming Canadian playwright. No, there will be no clues, hints, tips, winks, spoilers or reveals to be found herein - this mystery’s virtue is worth keeping intact. True, at intermission, an astute young audience member, was overheard uttering a cryptic remark, which, in
retrospect, proves unequivocally that the heart of this mystery is not, in fact, entirely un-figure-out-able, but there were many more patrons of the play who professed that they were kept perplexed, right to the end. Turning attention now to the show’s cast, it’s rather hard to know who to trust throughout the twists and turns of this tragedy-tinged comedy. The Blyth audience was just recently introduced to Jamie Mac during his Festival debut in The Farm Show: Then and Now, which premiered out on the Harvest Stage earlier in the season. But what does anybody know about him, really? Mac’s character, Brett, in Resort to Murder is the macabre mind that first concocted the whole concept of the ill-fated escape room on which the whole story hangs. Is it possible that Brett might also be
proficient in planning a permanent end for one of his fellow characters? Lucknow native Fiona Mongillo first worked her way through the Blyth Festival’s Young Company, which means that nobody knows the ins and outs of Memorial Hall more than this flare-haired thespian. Her character, Viv, sure has a positive outlook on life, but what shadowy secrets are hidden beneath that bubbly exterior? Does Viv have a twisted mind driven by the impulse of dark desires? You could say that Landon Doak has a habit of portraying hapless chaps. In their first role this season, Doak played Canadian theatre legend Miles Potter, way back in the day when he was still wearing shorts in the hayloft. In Resort to Murder, Doak takes on the role of lovestruck goofball Josh. Josh may
come across as a fine and upstanding young man, but maybe that’s just what he wanted us to think. Is Josh just lulling audiences into a false sense of security until he musters up the courage to finally make his move... his move to murder, that is! Multiple witnesses have recently reported seeing Hallie Seline hanging around the Blyth Festival grounds - first in The Donnellys: A Trilogy last summer, and then again in The Farm Show: Then and Now this season. Much like the proverbial bad penny, Seline has turned up yet again as Gayle in Resort to Murder. Gayle may project a tough persona and espouse a fatalistic worldview, but is she really ready to put her murder where her mouth is? Veteran stage actor Geoffrey Armour is becoming one of the most familiar faces at the Festival. But familiarity should never assuage one’s suspicions - after all, is it ever possible to truly know the heart of another human being? This go-round, Armour has been cast as Silas, the hors-d'oeuvres-toting caterer whose canapes might just be a cover for something far more sinister.
Whichever member of this motley cast of characters eventually ends up on murderer’s row, there’s one thing for certain - the ones who really ‘dunnit’ this time are playwright Solem and director Randy Hughson, who’ve come together to create a real crackerjack of a Blyth Festival play. Even on opening night, Resort to Murder is a show that carries itself with confidence. The writing is quite funny and the ambience is just a bit spooky, thanks in large part to a spot-on effort from the entire design team.
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The Citizen One hold at a time The best view of Seaforth Summerfest, which shut down a large chunk of the town’s main street, must have been from the top of this climbing tower, set up at the north end of the closure. It provided the daring and adventurous children of the community the opportunity to see the world from a different perspective. (John Stephenson photo)
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PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2024.
Norgate details her long citizenship journey
A banner day Blyth’s Cindy Norgate recently completed the process to become a Canadian citizen - a proud moment for a woman who has been working towards it for years. She is seen here on the very special day. (Photo submitted)
By Cindy Norgate After living here for over seven years, I took my Oath of Citizenship and became a Canadian Citizen on July 29 in a virtual ceremony in my home on Drummond Street in Blyth. I was one of nearly 150 people to do it. The ceremony was beautiful with videos of this lovely country, a welcome from the Prime Minister, and information about the Indigenous peoples. After saying our oath as a group, we were officially welcomed to Canada as citizens and allowed to take a photo. I have had people ask me the difference between being a permanent resident and a Canadian Citizen, which is a fair question. Unless you’ve been through, or know someone who has been through the process, you might not understand. When I arrived in Canada in May of 2017, I was a visitor. I could stay for six months. After that, I didn’t know what to do, as I had no immigration experience. My husband, being Canadian, suggested we go to the office of our local MP, Ben Lobb. That relationship changed my life. I met Mr. Bill Strong and through numerous phone calls to the federal immigration office, I navigated my way, with his help, through the process. After a visitor extension was
approved, I then applied for permanent residency, allowing me to work, have health insurance, and, yes, pay taxes. That amounted to over 100 pages of documents, photos, fingerprinting by both the U.S. and Canadian federal governments, references, medical exams, chest x-rays (tuberculosis), and bloodwork. This was the most grueling time I had ever encountered, but I knew it was all for a reason. After landing as a permanent resident in 2019, I then set my eyes to achieve my goal of becoming a Canadian citizen. I wanted to finish the course. However, after going through the grueling process of permanent residency, I just didn’t know if I had it in me, but I decided to go for it. I wanted to be able to vote in the new land where I lay my head and have put down roots. If you are a permanent resident in Canada, I want to encourage you to go for citizenship. It made me no longer feel as though I was in between two countries. It made me feel that, yes, I am an American, but I can now call myself a Canadian, too. As stated earlier, I can register to vote. I can have a voice that so many the world over can only hope to have. It always troubles me when I hear people speak badly of their home country in North America, because we live in a place where, although both of my countries have their
faults, because no country is perfect, we have such a fantastic life, compared to refugees trying to flee violence and suffering. We truly are living in a bounty of hope. Days before my ceremony, I asked my husband to watch a series on YouTube that the Canadian government, along with the CBC, ran during Canada’s 150th birthday. It is called, “Canada; The Story of Us”. I wanted to know all about Canada’s history and this documentary does not disappoint. I strongly encourage every Canadian to watch. Before I leave you, I want to thank God, most of all, for, without Him, I could have done nothing. To my husband, Jeff, who has stood beside me through every step of the way, my wonderful parents in western Tennessee, who have been supportive throughout the entire process, the office of MP Ben Lobb, whose staff helped me to navigate this process, my pastor Sam Katchikian who encouraged me to finish the immigration process when I wasn’t so sure I could do it, and to all of you, who have been so welcoming and supportive to this girl from Tennessee who speaks with a Southern drawl, thank you. “Citizenship is the chance to make a difference to the place where you belong.” - Charles Handy
Unemployment rate at lowest point since 2019 In June, the unemployment rate for the Stratford and Bruce Peninsula economic region continued to decrease by 0.6 percentage points to 2.4 per cent. This is the lowest the unemployment rate has dipped since November of 2019. Meanwhile, the provincial unemployment rate remained unchanged at 6.9 per cent, both unadjusted for seasonality.
The region’s overall population increased by 400 in June, whereas the labour force size increased marginally by 100, resulting in the size of the population not participating in the labour force to increase by 300. The participation rate remained unchanged from last month at 59.8 per cent. The region experienced an increase of approximately 1,200 in total employment size, with 2,600
full-time employment gains and 1,400 part-time employment losses. The number of goods-producing sector employees decreased marginally by 0.9 per cent (500) in June. Forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas experienced the biggest percentage loss this month (400, 17.4 per cent), followed by manufacturing (900, 4.3 per cent) and construction (300, 1.7 per cent). On the other hand,
utilities experienced the biggest percentage gain (700, 10 per cent), followed by agriculture (500, 5.4 per cent). Employment in the servicesproducing sector increased by 1.6 per cent (1,600) this month. With an employment increase of 1,600, professional, scientific and technical services experienced the biggest percentage gain this month (21.1 per cent), followed by
accommodation and food services (1,000, 12 per cent) and finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing (1,100, 11.5 per cent). However, business, building and other support services (700, 11.3 per cent) experienced the biggest percentage loss this month, followed by educational services (500, 6.9 per cent) and health care and social assistance (1,200, 5.4 per cent).
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The art of words Jillian Morris, Collingwood’s current Poet Laureate, was the second poet featured in the Blyth Festival Art Gallery’s “Poetry in the Gallery” series late last month. (Photo submitted)
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