The Citizen - Nov. 22, 2024 by North Huron Publishing Company Ltd.

2 • History 4 • Editorials 8 • Sports 11 • Christmas

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Friday, November 22, 2024

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Volume 40 No. 47

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Ironmen request denied By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

All together now The Huron Honour Band and the Blyth Festival Orchestra, above, performed on Sunday at Central Huron Secondary School to benefit the Fields of Faith Growing Project, a group of several local United Churches that make annual donations to the Canadian

Foodgrains Bank. The event was well attended as people from the Seaforth, Brucefield, Brussels and Clinton congregations all made their way to the “Heart of Huron” for the matinee performance. Next up for the project is a Christmas concert at Blyth’s Trinity Anglican Church next month. (John Stephenson photo)

At its Nov. 18 meeting, North Huron Council debated a recent request from the Wingham Ironmen to extend the liquor licence at the North Huron Wescast Community Complex (NHWCC). The Ironmen are hoping to sell alcohol during their home games in at least some capacity, but, according to a staff report by Director of Recreation and Children’s Services Kelly Steiss, the seemingly simple request actually brings with it a host of technical difficulties, making it unlikely that hockey fans will be enjoying a beer in the stands any time soon. The report points out more than a few of the issues surrounding changing the licensing of the NHWCC, including insurance, staffing, and an existing arrangement with the Knights of Columbus, who are currently responsible for the facility’s liquor licence, which covers only the Columbus Centre. As it stands now, the Ironmen have rented the Hot Stove Lounge for licensed events during home games, under a caterer’s endorsement, which only allows for 10 licensed events per year. The Ironmen host over 20 games per season, and so they are seeking permission to apply for a Continued on page 3

Crusaders win Silver Stick regional in Wingham By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The Blyth Brussels U18 Rep Crusaders are the winners of the Wingham Silver Stick Tournament, meaning they will continue on to the next level. The team put the finishing touches on its regional tournament run last Sunday, first beating the Huron-Bruce Blizzard in the semifinals by a score of 3-2 and

then the Shelburne Wolves in the finals by a score of 5-2. The team’s run began, oddly enough, with a 5-2 win over the same Shelburne Wolves back on Nov. 10. Following that opening win, the team then tied the Walkerton Capitals at four on Nov. 12 and then beat the Tavistock Junior Braves on Nov. 15 by a score of 1-0 before the semifinals and finals on Sunday. Meanwhile, last Saturday’s

official opening of the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre, after an extensive renovation and expansion project, was a big one for the Blyth Brussels Minor Hockey Association with 10 teams taking to the new-andimproved ice that day. On Saturday morning, the U6, U7 Burgundy, U7 White, U8 Burgundy and U9 LL Crusaders teams took on their Wingham Ironmen counterparts in exhibition action,

while the U8 White team played the Mid-Huron Huskies and the U9 MD team played the Mitchell Meteors. In the afternoon, the U11 Rep team played the Wingham Ironmen in an exhibition contest and lost by a score of 3-2, while the U13 LL and U15 Rep teams both played Wingham Ironmen teams. Later that evening, there was an Ontario Sledge Hockey Association game between Kitchener and London before the Provincial Junior

Welcome to Karen Lennox-Moore new owner of

blythnow.ca

The Village Barber ~ Blyth

Hockey League clash between the Wingham Ironmen and the Fergus Whalers, which ended in overtime with a 4-3 win for the Ironmen, who were the home team for the night. Last Friday, the U11 LL Crusaders lost to the Mid-Huron Huskies in Brussels by a score of 13-1. The U9 MD team also played their Mid-Huron Huskies counterparts in Brussels that night, but a score was unavailable at press Continued on page 3

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024.

A tale of two families Glimpses of the Past with Karen Webster

n the outskirts of the village of Bluevale lived two families: the Duncan King family at Lot 31 in Turnberry Township and the John Gardner family at Lot 31 in Morris Township. These two locations, though fairly close together, are separated by a branch of the Maitland River. Duncan King was born in Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland in 1819 and came to Canada two years later with his family to settle in Leeds. He and his wife, Mary Warwick, had at least three of their children in Leeds County. Around 1861, Duncan travelled westward to Turnberry Township and it was there that he was chopping down trees on his property when he heard the echo of another person with an axe on the opposite side of the river. He stopped his work immediately and rolled a log down to the riverbank. Straddling the log, he paddled his way across to the water and searched through the dense forest to find out who was there. He found it to be John Gardner, who was starting to make a home for himself and his family in Morris Township. Though there was a difference in age, these two pioneers became fast friends and remained so until death separated them. The King family grew to include five sons and three daughters, namely John Warwick, George, Helen, Mary Jane, Thomas, Isabella, Robert and Peter. The occupations of these offspring included several farmers and school teachers, with one notable exception being Thomas, who became a veterinary

surgeon who trained in Toronto and subsequently practised in Ontario before relocating to Ohio, where he was a professor at the Ohio Veterinary School. Duncan was a progressive farmer who gradually improved his property and also acquired more land until he had amassed 200 acres. The Huron Expositor of September 1887 reported that Duncan had planted a row of maples on his farm three years previously and that he had made a walk between the trees and the fence. “Duncan is one of our tidy, good farmers," the newspaper added. Duncan did not limit his energy to establishing a good homestead; he was also an elder in the Presbyterian Church for 25 years and the superintendent of the Sunday school. In fact, one Sunday in 1889, when the Presbyterian minister was ill, Duncan King gave the sermon. He made his views on liquor consumption well known, as he was a delegate in 1885 at the Temperance Conference in Toronto and part of the delegation to Huron County Council that urged the appointment of a magistrate to hear and determine all prosecutions of the Scott Act (Temperance Act). The heart of this Turnberry pioneer ceased to beat in May of 1894 and he was buried in the Bluevale Cemetery. John Gardner started his life’s journey in Ireland around 1839. He married Jane McGee, who was born in Ontario. The Gardner story is different from that of the King family. John and Jane sold off a

northwest portion of their land to form the Gardner survey, a tract of 30 lots in Bluevale that in 2024 are located on Clyde and Morris Streets. For almost 25 years, John was a rural mail carrier, faithfully keeping the local residents in touch with the outside world. John was also civicminded and was a fence viewer for Morris Township for a few years. John was also a dedicated member of the Loyal Orange Lodge #766. In the era we are examining, newspaper reports were much more

revealing of personal information than they are in the present day. For example, sometimes, the value of property sold made the news. As well, travel information was regular copy. By this means we learn that John Gardner took the train to Rat Portage (Kenora) in 1892. His son was a brakeman for the railway in that location. As the years passed, John’s lifestyle changed and, in 1897, an auction sale was held for his 80-acre farm. It was described as having first class clay loam soil with all of the acreage cleared and being “wellwatered”. The property came with a frame house and barn and an excellent young orchard. In 1909, the brethren at the Orange Lodge honoured John with a social evening on the occasion of his

leaving Bluevale to live with family members. A “kindly-worded” address was given by Bro. Thomas Stewart while Bro. George Johnston presented the man of the hour with a fine black suit. John left Bluevale to visit with his daughter and family in Lion’s Head. John Gardner passed away in Goderich in 1919 and was interred in Bluevale Cemetery. The friendship formed between Duncan King and John Gardner in their pioneering days also extended to the children as well. In 1904, The Goderich Star reported a reunion at the home of Robert King in Goderich when John Gardner Jr. and his wife Minnie came calling. The story of the first meeting of their fathers was retold and many happy hours were spent together.

Consider it stuffed The Huron County Ontario Provincial Police detachment marked another successful Stuff-a-Cruiser event earlier this month in Goderich. Nearly 230 pre-packaged food bags were collected, as well as $370 in cash and one $400 donation of groceries. (Photo submitted)

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024. PAGE 3.

U11 Rep Crusaders begin Silver Stick play

In action The U11 Rep Blyth Brussels Crusaders, seen above taking on the Wingham Hitmen as part of Saturday’s grand opening of the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre, will begin their play in the annual Wingham regional Silver Stick Tournament next week, playing the Minto Mad Dogs in their first game. (John Stephenson photo) Continued from page 1 time. Also that day, the U18 LL team lost to the Huron-Bruce Blizzard Grey team in Ripley by a score of 6-0 and the U13 LL Crusaders lost to the Howick Hornets, also on the road, by a score of 5-0. One night earlier, the U15 LL team was on the road to

play the Central Perth Predators and lost by a score of 9-0. On Nov. 13, the U11 LL team lost to the Listowel Cyclones by a score of 4-1 on the road, while the U15 Rep team lost to the Mount Forest Rams, also on the road, by a score of 6-4. The U18 LL Crusaders beat the Wingham Ironmen in Blyth that

night by a score of 6-3 and the U9 MD team played the Mid-Huron Huskies in Bayfield, but a score for that game wasn’t available at press time. The U11 Rep Crusaders lost to the Listowel Cyclones on Nov. 12 on the road by a score of 6-2. The same night, the U15 Rep team tied

the Drayton Defenders at two in Brussels and the U9 LL team played the Goderich Sailors White team on the road, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time. On Nov. 20, the U9 LL team played the Meteors in Mitchell and the U18 LL Crusaders played the Huron-Bruce Blizzard White team in Blyth, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time. Looking ahead, tonight, Nov. 22, the U11 Rep team will host HuronBruce in Brussels, while the U18 Rep team will be on the road for a game with the Mount Forest Rams. On Saturday, the U7 Burgundy and U7 White teams will host two South Bruce teams in Blyth, while the U8 White and Burgundy teams will be in Ripley to play two HuronBruce Blizzard teams. The U11 LL Crusaders will be in Arthur to play the Vipers that day, while the U15 LL team will play the Kincardine Kinucks, also on the road. The U15 Rep Crusaders will play the Mid-Huron Huskies in Clinton, the U13 Rep team will play the Bruce Peninsula Predators on the road, the U18 Rep team will play the Owen Sound Junior Attack in Brussels and the U13 LL team will play the Kincardine Kinucks on the road. On Sunday, Nov. 24, the U8 White team will play Central Perth and the U9 LL team will play the Zurich Thunder, both on the road. The next night, the U13 LL team will play the Mid-Huron Huskies in Clinton and the U15 LL team will host the Huron-Bruce Blizzard in Blyth. Also that night, the U11 Rep

Crusaders will begin their own Wingham Regional Silver Stick Tournament journey with a game against the Minto Mad Dogs. On Nov. 26, the U13 Rep Crusaders will host the HuronBruce Blizzard in Brussels and the U18 LL team will welcome the Mid-Huron Huskies to Blyth the next night. On Friday, Nov. 29, the U15 Rep team will head to Wellesley for the Twin Centre U15 Tournament with games scheduled against the host Twin Centre Stars and the Kincardine Kinucks on that first day. Also that day, the U11 Rep team will play its second Silver Stick game, taking on the host Wingham Ironmen at 7:15 p.m. that night.

Evans out as NH CAO On Nov. 19, 2024, Dwayne Evans completed his term as Chief Administrative Officer of the Township of North Huron. During this transition period, council has named Director of Legislative Services and Clerk Carson Lamb as the interim Chief Administrative Officer. In a press release, North Huron stated that Lamb has extensive experience in municipal leadership and a deep understanding of the township’s operations and that he brings extensive experience from his role as a valued member of North Huron’s senior management team.

NH won’t explore new liquor licence at Wingham arena Continued from page 1 permanent liquor licence that extends beyond the Hot Stove Lounge into the hallways and stands. Steiss points out in her report that liquor sales, historically, have been low during Ironmen games. The report also explains that, according to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), only a business owner can apply for a liquor licence and the building is owned by the township. This also means the additional risk associated with an expanded licence would fall on North Huron, not the Ironmen. Councillor Mitch Wright felt that the report lacked tangible data. “If council wanted to stay with the status quo, we wouldn’t have directed a report to be done... I thought we were going to get a report that would have already fleshed out what those changes were. I don’t necessarily want to choose an option that’s going to direct staff down a specific road if we don’t know all the options yet. I guess I’d just like some clarification on why we’re getting a report back at this time - there should maybe be more flesh, more options in it,” he pointed out. Steiss explained that the AGCO had told her there could only be one liquor licence per establishment, and at the NHWCC, that licence is already held by the Columbus Centre. To implement the Ironmen’s request, changes would need to be made to North Huron’s Municipal Alcohol Policy, as well as the existing contract with the Columbus Centre. “Before proceeding down that path, I need to understand if that is the direction that council would like to go.” She

added that expanding the licence into the tiered seating area would require approval from the AGCO. “Additionally, I did have a chance to speak with our insurance provider, who advised exercising quite a bit of caution if we proceed in this manner,” Steiss concluded. Councillor Chris Palmer expressed concern about expanding the licence beyond the lounge. “The liability is a bit of an issue for me. Alcohol in the stands just doesn’t seem to sit right with me,” he said. Councillor Anita van Hittersum asked Steiss if all the associated costs incurred during the licensing changes, such as increased staff time, could be recovered from the Ironmen, or if it would become the township’s burden. Steiss responded that the Ironmen could,

indeed, be tasked with covering the costs. Wright recalled that a lack of volunteers to serve alcohol has been an issue at the NHWCC. “They couldn’t get sufficient volunteers from the Knights of Columbus to run the bar anymore. So if we stick with the status quo, the end result would be no liquor served during Ironmen games, right? Because they can’t get the Knights of Columbus, who would have to use their liquor licence to provide the help.” Van Hittersum enquired as to whether or not the Ironmen could receive caterer’s endorsements from multiple sources, such as Cowbell Brewing in Blyth, which would mean the Ironmen would have enough endorsements to cover

every home game, which Steiss confirmed was a possibility. Ironmen President Jamie McCallum also spoke at the meeting, explaining that the hockey club is willing to work with the Knights of Columbus towards a solution that works for all involved. “We have no animosity with anybody - we just want to make things good for our fans.” Van Hittersum put forth a motion to make no changes to the liquor licensing of the NHWCC, but to encourage the Ironmen to work out an arrangement with the Knights of Columbus to at least provide the volunteers to run the bar in the Hot Stove Lounge. Deputy-Reeve Kevin Falconer wanted to know

why the Knights of Columbus have the power to make decisions on behalf of North Huron. “I just don’t see why, once again, we’re leaving the decision of things that go on in the township to another organization. This leaves everything in the hands of the Knights of Columbus, as to whether they proceed or do not proceed with something that goes on within our municipality.” Palmer countered that Falconer’s concerns were irrelevant to the conversation. “It’s down to the fact that they hold the licence. We couldn’t make any changes, anywhere, without their approval.” Van Hittersum’s motion was then brought to a vote, which carried.

Heavenly wisdom (J.C. Philpot) "The Comforter, the Holy Spirit... will teach you all things." John 14:26

HEY SNOWBIRDS! Stay up-to-date on the news at home by switching your regular subscription to our E-edition while you are away Call or email us today 519-523-4792 info@northhuron.on.ca

There is a heavenly wisdom which the Holy and Blessed Spirit alone can give. He sheds a sacred light on His own word of truth, and by His personal and living teachings--opens, enlarges, and persuades the heart to receive what He thus shows and teaches. However valuable and blessed the book of God is, we cannot be made wise unto salvation by the word itself --without the special teachings of the Holy Spirit as a personal and living instructor. He can suit His teachings to our case knows when, where, and how to teach us can bear with our ignorance and stupidity give us the right lesson at the right time and in the right way and do for us what no earthly teacher can--write His own laws upon our hearts and give us will and power to keep and obey them. "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” Isaiah 48:17 A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church Listowel, ON 519-291-3887

PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024.

Editorials & Opinions

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

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Tradition in jeopardy? As we settle into the second week of Canada Post’s national strike, small business owners, local newspaper publishers and greeting card companies are feeling the effects. And stuff is about to get real as the allimportant route to the North Pole for millions of children’s annual letters to Santa is currently shut down. Canada Post has provided direct service for years to the Jolly Old Elf’s workshop with all letters sent from Nov. 1 to the end of January receiving a personal reply. The service has grown in popularity since it was implemented in 1982, the same year that the North Pole got its own postal code (H0H 0H0), with postal workers and volunteers acting as Santa’s helper to get the letters delivered. Children from across the country rely on these letters to tell Santa what they want for Christmas. Let’s hope that the mediator can bring the two sides together in time for the letters to get to the workshop to meet the deadlines in the toy production schedule at the workshop. – DS

It’s time to decide The prospect of a snap election is rarely convenient, especially for a governing party struggling with waning public support. But former Deputy Prime Minister John Manley’s recent comments make a compelling case: holding a federal election now is in the national interest. With Donald Trump poised to retake office in January, Canada must prepare for an uncertain and likely turbulent era in its relationship with the United States. This requires a fresh mandate from Canadians, regardless of which party forms the government. While opposition leaders Pierre Poilievre and Yves-François Blanchet have voiced eagerness for an election, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has remained steadfast, focusing instead on governing until the fixed election date in 2025. Yet governing effectively requires more than occupying the Prime Minister’s Office - it demands public trust and confidence. Trudeau’s Liberals have seen their approval ratings plummet, and internal dissent within the party has further highlighted the erosion of faith in his leadership. This is not a time for divisive rhetoric, internal squabbles or the waving of profane flags targeting political opponents. A snap election offers an opportunity to reset. It allows Canadians to choose a government that can unite the country behind a clear mandate to navigate the coming challenges. Such a government could engage with Washington from a position of strength, showing the world that Canada remains united and forward-thinking. Some might argue that forcing an election now is politically opportunistic or reckless, particularly when polls suggest the Liberals are at a disadvantage. But elections are not about partisan convenience - they are about democracy. Canadians deserve the chance to weigh in on how to prepare for an unprecedented geopolitical landscape. Canada must meet the Trump presidency with unity and purpose, putting a government in place that is ready to act immediately. – SBS

The dawn of a new day The Onion’s acquisition of Infowars is a remarkable and poetic twist in the ongoing saga of Alex Jones. The satirical news outlet, known for its biting wit and fearless skewering of misinformation, has toppled Jones’ once-powerful conspiracy platform. With this purchase, satire delivers not only a cultural victory, but also a measure of justice. Jones built his Infowars empire on falsehoods, most notoriously his grotesque claim that the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was a hoax. This lie, amplified by Jones to millions, inflicted unimaginable pain on families who had already suffered so much. Courts recognized this harm, awarding nearly $1.5 billion in damages to the victims’ families. While Jones evaded full accountability for years, his empire’s dismantling marks a significant step toward justice. Enter The Onion, a publication renowned for crafting headlines so sharp that, during Donald Trump’s presidency, they often seemed indistinguishable from reality. Now, it has moved from parody to direct intervention, shutting down Infowars and promising to rebuild its remnants as a hub for comedic commentary. In a world where disinformation thrives, this shift reclaims a dangerous space for humour and reflection. The Onion’s move also underscores an important principle: words have consequences. Jones’ lies were not harmless provocations; they caused real harm. The Sandy Hook families fought for years to strip him of his platform, and their victory is a testament to resilience in the face of cruelty. The Onion’s acquisition ensures that Infowars’ legacy of fear-mongering ends, replaced instead by humour that critiques rather than deceives. While Jones protests the sale, claiming conspiracies even in his downfall, the reality is clear: his empire of lies is over. The Onion’s purchase is a reminder that justice comes in many forms - sometimes even with a punchline. – SBS

Looking Back Through the Years November 26, 1969 Mr. and Mrs. Earle Noble, of Blyth, marked their 25th wedding anniversary on Sunday, Nov. 10, though their actual anniversary fell on Dec. 16. A turkey dinner was hosted in their honour at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Noble of Brussels. During the evening, the guests of honour were gifted a beautiful living room clock. Those in attendance included Eva and Earle Noble, Edith and George Noble, Ken Noble, Ruth, Aaron, and Larry Fisher, as well as Lily and Ernest Noble. Decorations of pink and silver set the scene for the Installation Tea, Bake Sale and Bazaar hosted by Regal Chapter No. 275, Order of the Eastern Star, at the Blyth Memorial Hall on Saturday afternoon. Blyth merchants announced their hours for the Christmas shopping season this week. Stores would remain open all day on Wednesdays, Dec. 10, 17 and 24. Businesses would open in the evenings starting Friday, Dec. 10, until Christmas Eve to accommodate shoppers. Stores were scheduled to close at 8 p.m. on Friday evenings from Jan. 1 to May 1, 1970. November 23, 1977 There were 15 fewer people living in Brussels this year compared to the previous year, according to figures provided by the Huron County Assessment office. The statistics, based on the 1977 enumeration, were current as of October. Last year, the village had a population of 1,008. The current population was 993.

The Royal Bank opened a temporary office in the Stretton Block on Turnberry Street in Brussels.They would conduct business at that location until renovations to the former “House of Max” building were completed and it was ready for occupancy. Douglas Earl Guy, 19, of Ethel, and Gary M. Keffer, 19-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Keffer of Ethel, died as a result of two separate car accidents over the weekend. November 22, 1989 A 39-year-old Bayfield woman remained in critical condition at University Hospital following a three-vehicle accident south of Blyth on Highway 4 last Thursday at 4:20 p.m. Wendy Hessel was driving a 1989 Ford south on Highway 4 when she was struck by a 1986 truck driven by Robert Bender, 23, of Stratford. Goderich O.P.P. reported that Bender, also travelling south, swerved to avoid a 1990 Ford van driven by William Crawford, 66, of Port Elgin, which was pulling out onto Highway 4 and collided with the Hessel car. Weather conditions were a contributing factor to the accident. All three drivers were transported to Clinton Public Hospital by ambulance. Hessel was later transferred to University Hospital in critical condition. Both Crawford and Bender were released. More than 100 people filled the Lucknow town hall Wednesday night to hear Professor William Andrews discuss the serious trouble facing our environment, while offering hope that we could still make a change. The University of Toronto

environmentalist and part-time resident of Belgrave addressed an audience of all ages and political affiliations, noting that the turnout was indicative of the remarkable shift in people’s attitudes over the past few years. Area farmers put on an excellent display at this year’s Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, returning with numerous livestock awards and honours. November 25, 2004 Children from the Blyth United Church presented a lively array of costumes while participating in a carolling contest on Friday evening during the Lighting of the Lights ceremony in Blyth. Rev. Eugen Bannerman gave the opening remarks for the event. Four local choirs competed in the carolling contest at the Lighting of the Lights ceremony in Blyth on Friday evening. The Blyth United Church choir lent their voices to sing the songs of the season. Other participating choirs included the Blyth United Church youth choir and the youth and adult choirs from the Blyth Christian Reformed Church. The Brussels, Morris and Grey Diabetic Group gathered on Wednesday, Nov. 17, with 13 members in attendance for a productive and informative meeting. The session began with a warm welcome and an opening reading by the group’s co-ordinator, Nelva Scott. She then introduced the guest speaker for the evening, Linda Kieffer, a diabetic nurse educator, who shared her expertise and insights on managing diabetes. The attendees appreciated the opportunity to learn more.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024. PAGE 5.

Other Views

The contrast of the Taylor Swift era

hat a strange country we live in. On the same day that television featured many stories on the rush to throw money around pursuing Taylor Swift, I listened on the radio as a woman described how hard it was to get food to feed her children. The madness surrounding Taylor Swift’s six concerts over two weeks in Toronto - roughly 300,000 tickets - has been extreme. I heard that one set of tickets being offered for resale was set at $13,000 each. People travelled to the city from across Canada, the U.S. and even Europe to attend, swarming hotels and restaurants. Some came early, in some cases for days, to be on hand so they could buy Taylor Swiftassociated merchandise. I saw one woman who had bought $600 worth of clothing. Meanwhile, the city had to pick up the cost of closing streets and increasing public transit. Hundreds of extra police had to be on duty to protect the hordes. And the city got no revenue. Indeed, the extra money made it even more difficult for the city to pay for homeless people living in tents as winter nears. One columnist suggested that one in 10 Toronto families depend on food banks for food to feed their children. This isn’t the first time fans have gone nuts over an appearance of international superstars. Just over 60 years ago, on Sept. 7, 1964, the Beatles performed two concerts at Toronto's Maple Leaf Gardens, and roughly 30,000 fans suffered from Beatlemania. Everything is bigger these days, both good and bad. There were 12 times as many fans lined up for Swift as for the Beatles, partly because we have more people with more money. At the same time, I don’t remember many people living on the street back then, and I was going to

Keith Roulston

From the cluttered desk school in Toronto soon after that. We had homes for people with psychiatric problems back then, so they weren’t left to crowd the streets. It seemed a punishment to keep these people locked away, so we closed hospitals like the one south of Goderich. Meanwhile, the period of drug use that began in the late Beatles era hasn’t digressed, to the point where drug addicts live on the street because they ingested or injected so many expensive drugs they couldn’t afford rent. And of course there are those who simply can’t afford today’s exorbitant rents and so they are left to live in their car or in tents. For whatever reason, this is our modern world: people who can splurge with hundreds or thousands of dollars on a singing star, while, at the same time, we have thousands living on the street. At the same time, even the people living on the street are lucky. They don’t have to worry about being shot at or bombed in Gaza or Ukraine. There aren’t gangs threatening their lives as there are in too many countries in Africa. Given all that, perhaps it’s understandable that people celebrate the music and sound and light show of a Taylor Swift concert. The sheer joy involved makes it possible to drown out the news we hear every other day about homeless people.

And to give Swift credit, she has helped fund various good causes with a portion of the money she has earned. Still, we have the extremes of the billionaire that she is - dating a mere millionaire athlete in Travis Kelce, star pass receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs. Still, there is something wrong in our society that part of the population can spend hundreds or thousands to see a concert, but thousands can’t afford their rent. Sometimes it seems as if we’ve regressed to the early years of Charles Dickens, when people were sentenced to prison for not being able to pay their debts, while others lived in palatial mansions. The difference is a simple shift in numbers where a far larger part of the population today lives in comfort and a smaller part lives in poverty. Right now the people with the money seem to be tired of thinking about those without. In both Canada and the U.S., people seem to have grown tired of governments worried about helping the poor and want to concentrate on the people who want to splurge on the likes of Taylor Swift paraphernalia. I understand that sometimes we want to just forget the unpleasant things there are in the world and concentrate on the joyous. Still, we find the contrasts of Dickensian days disgusting. Do we really want people in future generations to look upon our era in the same way? We must elect governments that can find ways to efficiently and thoughtfully help the poor improve their lives, by humanely curing their addictions, treating their mental illness and just by finding ways for the poor to find apartments or houses they can afford to rent. There’s one thing to appreciate about the Taylor Swift phenomenon: the sheer joy involved in a time of so much heartache.

Poppycock + Malarky = Beaver Chaff!!!!

agerly, we plunge into the waters of language, where meaning bends, breaks and splashes around in unpredictable ways. Today, let us embark on a most delightfully unimportant journey; one that involves coining a phrase that, at its very core, serves no greater purpose than to be pure nonsense, baloney and unadulterated silliness. Yes, we’re talking about the term “Beaver Chaff”. Now, for those unfamiliar with the phrase, let it be known: Beaver Chaff is exactly what it sounds like. A term born from the unfiltered, possibly contaminated maw of creativity, it is the verbal equivalent of the fluff that floats on the wind after an overzealous beaver has, for reasons unknown, decided to empty its cheeks. Chaff, in its simplest definition, is the inedible part of a grain that is discarded; it's the husk, the stuff we don’t need, the useless byproduct. But why Beaver Chaff, you ask? Why not “Squirrel Scraps” or “Moose Muck”? It comes down to a kind of cosmic whimsy, a desire to create a phrase that is as fun as it is meaningless. These creatures - woodchewing, dam-building, tail-slapping champions of the natural world - are the epitome of industriousness, and yet here we are, assigning them to the most ridiculous, counterintuitive concept imaginable: nonsense. It's a paradox, really. A creature known for its tireless work and meticulous craftsmanship is, in the realm of Beaver Chaff, reduced to a symbol of absurdity; a patron saint of things that simply do not matter. The beauty of Beaver Chaff is that it need not justify its existence. There’s no lofty ideal, no intellectual underpinning. It’s just something to say when you’re at a loss for

Scott Stephenson

Beaver Chaff words; an exclamation when you’re kneedeep in an existential crisis and you need a quick escape hatch to release the tension. It’s the phrase you use when the conversation takes a turn into territory so nonsensical that you can’t help but throw your hands up and declare, “This is Beaver Chaff! Pure, uncut Beaver Chaff.” Consider, for example, a typical office scenario: the copier jams for the fifteenth time, the coffee machine starts gurgling like a distressed animal and someone starts explaining a new policy that no one understands. Amidst this gathering storm of paperwork, what else is there to do but mutter, “Well, this is just Beaver Chaff,” as though all the ridiculousness could be distilled into a single, meaningless phrase. There’s no need to explain what Beaver Chaff means, because it’s not about meaning - it’s about existing in the nonsense, about embracing the utter pointlessness of life’s little absurdities. This phrase serves as an acknowledgment of the bizarre, unfathomable nature of existence itself. When you’re confronted with something that defies all logic and reason, why bother trying to make sense of it? Instead, toss your hat into the wind and call it Beaver Chaff. The brilliance of this phrase is that it allows you to laugh at the unexplainable and move on with your life, content in the knowledge that not everything

needs to make sense to be entertaining. The phrase Beaver Chaff is also an open invitation to engage in the most satisfying form of linguistic absurdity: wordplay. Think of all the ways Beaver Chaff can be used to describe the nonsense that floats endlessly through our daily lives. Have a text that’s cryptic and meaningless? Beaver Chaff! That random thought you had at 3 a.m. about the logistics of a penguin uprising? Beaver Chaff! Your cousin's wild, unsupported theories about the existence of aliens? Beaver Chaff, friend, Beaver Chaff! And just like that, you’ve taken the ordinary and transformed it into the most ridiculous, harmless thing in the universe - a playful shrug in the face of life’s mysteries. There is no greater gift to give oneself than the ability to laugh at the absurd and acknowledge that some things are simply meant to be left as Beaver Chaff. In this world of ever-escalating complexity, where social media churns out harmful content at an alarming rate and reality itself feels increasingly like a fever dream, Beaver Chaff stands as a simple reminder that we don’t always have to take everything so seriously. There’s a certain liberating beauty in acknowledging the ridiculousness of the world and embracing it without the need for explanation. Much like the beaver itself, we are often left with little more than the remnants of our labours - useless, discarded, but undeniably part of the whole. And so, as we move forward, let us hold tight to the glorious nonsense of Beaver Chaff. Let it become our rallying cry in the face of confusion, our declaration of freedom from the need to make sense of everything. Life is full of pointless things, and that, dear reader, is precisely what makes it so wonderful.

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

The fight against time

arly in my column-writing career I would hear - not always, but also not infrequently - that my column was always all about sports. More specifically, baseball or soccer - my two real sporting loves. I have, in the years since, made a concerted effort to curb the sports content in my column, absorbing that constructive criticism, learning from it and making the appropriate changes. However, sometimes there’s just a sporting achievement that is too impressive and worldchanging to ignore and I have a journalistic responsibility to recognize it for what it is. That’s right - it’s time to talk about Jake Paul. The 27-year-old alleged boxer and confirmed doofus who beat Mike Tyson, one of the greatest boxers of all time, in a farcical contest over the weekend. Farcical, of course, because Tyson is 58 years old and was one of the greatest boxers of all time… quite some time ago. Tyson is now eligible for a seniors’ discount at some stores and a 27-year-old whose “career” began with dancing on YouTube (indeed, Paul was six months old for Tyson-Holyfield II, the infamous ear-biting fight) has taken great pride in beating him in a boxing match - one of the most physicallydemanding sporting feats. As someone who has loved Tyson as a boxer for many years and one of only two people in Blyth to have seen Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth, Tyson’s one-man show, live at Detroit’s Fox Theatre (the other is Jess), I feel uniquely qualified to weigh in. He certainly looked good for a 58-year-old and the fact that the fight went the distance is admirable. However, how can Paul gloat in any way whatsoever about beating someone in a boxing match - again, tremendously physically demanding - who is twice his age? This is the question being asked by most legitimate sports pundits, of course, but… what do they know? Go break down another trade in the NBA, geek! Paul should be celebrated as the trailblazer and elite athlete that he is. In fact, perhaps it should spark a whole revolution. Should we let these geezers rest on their laurels after they retire from competitive sport? Hell no, gramps. Surely Paul won’t rest on his laurels either. I mean, George Foreman is sitting right there. Two-time World Heavyweight Champion and an Olympic gold medallist, sure, but he’s 75 and hasn’t had a fight since 1997. It’s hard for me, just as someone who has loved boxing, to understand the laziness of Foreman here. If you’re putting together a body of work, do you just stop at some point? Foreman thinks so. And, I mean, Paul wouldn’t even have had to leave the arena to take out Lennox Lewis (59) and the aforementioned Evander Holyfield (62). They were both there to talk with Tyson before the bell rang. Paul should have ambushed them both and got what’s his. Sugar Ray Leonard fought in the lighter classes for most of his career, but maybe now that he’s 68 years old, he’s packed on some pounds and Paul can have a proper fight with him. Weight classes, as we all know, are the most sacred of classifications in boxing. You want to cross weight classes and be taken seriously? Get real. Maybe we should all learn from Paul. Let’s all make New Year’s Resolutions to take dead aim at the most accomplished old person in our lives and take them down, showing them how much better we are at stuff than they are. If you know an octogenarian who used to be a firefighter - challenge that man to a ladderclimbing competition. If he’s man enough, he’ll do it.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024.

At the Branch

Branch awards local Remembrance Day poster winners By Jo-Ann McDonald We had a quiet week at the Branch, but the weekend made up for it. It started on Thursday evening with the Thursday night blind mixed darts. There were 20 darters taking aim at the boards. The first-place team was Eric Ross and Sandra Brown and in second place was the team of Brenda De Forest and Jeremy Glousher. High shots of the night were by Darlene Gibson (126), Chris Brown (121), John Stadelmann (121) and Christina Bradley (114). The third skunk of the year went to Jason Wagatha and Pauleen Pennington. Friday night would normally be the Catch the Ace draw, but it was won last week by Rick Kelly of Listowel. He arrived to claim his prize earlier this week. Sandra Brown and Deb Ross were on hand to do the appropriate paperwork and present the cheque. Congratulations to Rick. Friday night was the November

euchre night and there were 32 tables at play, a few short of our normal goal of 40. The first-place team was Joe and Hannah Nicholson with 78 points, second was Tom and Linda Stevens with 77 and third place was Eric Ross and Derek Douglas with 71 points. Lone hand prize went to Tom and Linda Stevens. The entertainment committee did a great job, as usual. The pub grub was beef on a bun. This week will be peameal bacon on a bun. Saturday was the celebration of Christmas and birthday for Audrey Cardiff. There were approximately 50 family members who gathered to enjoy a turkey dinner. Comrades helping at the Branch included Sandra Brown, Tanya Martin, Deb Seili, Jim Brown, Derek Douglas and Kathy Burkholder. They enjoyed the meal and the family visit for the afternoon. The Branch judging of the Remembrance Posters, Poems and Essays was held on the weekend.

There were 113 total entries from North Woods and Howick Central Schools. The Primary Black and White Poster winners were: first, Tucker Wilson (Grade 3, North Woods); second, Case Ribey (Grade 3, North Woods), and third, Cole Underwood (Grade 3, Howick Central). Primary Colour Poster winners were: first, Colton DeVries (Grade 3, Howick Central); second, Rylie Irvine (Grade 3, Howick Central), and third, Anne Bijman (Grade 3, Howick Central). The Junior Black and White Poster winners were: first, Paige Ellison (Grade 6, Howick Central); second, Bryce McKee (Grade 6, Howick Central), and third, Breanne Zinn (Grade 6, Howick Central). Junior Colour Poster winners were: Byanka (Grade 5, Howick Central); second, Morgan Frey Grade 5, Howick Central), and third, Brooklyn HummitzschHandley (Grade 6, Howick Central). Junior Poem winners

were: first, Caitlin Doig (Grade 5, Howick Central); second, Cassadie Fitch (Grade 5, Howick Central), and third, Sabrina Keil (Grade 5, Howick Central). The Intermediate Black and White Poster winners were: first, Victoria Newman (Grade 8, Howick Central); second, Russell Gibson (Grade 7, Howick Central), and third, Charlie Lawlor (Grade 7, Howick Central). The Intermediate Colour Poster winners were: first, Lyle Cuevas (Grade 7, Howick Central); second, Molly Whytock (Grade 8, Howick Central), and third, Dakota Sanders (Grade 8, Howick Central). The first-place entries will advance to Zone C1 competition, held in December. Congratulations to all and good luck to those advancing.

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

The Ladies Night Committee of the Brussels Ag Society hosted their 6th Annual Ladies Harvest Social at the BMG Arena on October 26th. This event was to help raise funds for the children’s program at the Brussels Fall Fair. The night consisted of a dinner and trivia challenge as well as 6 brave teams from the community who participated in a Lip Sinc Battle. We would like to thank the entire crowd who attended our special night. Through your participation and support the event was a great success yet again and we appreciate your help in making the evening such a fantastic one! We would also like to thank Jeff and Cathy Cardiff for catering a delicious meal for us that night! Thank you also to Ag Society members and a few members of the community for donating the pies and cheesecakes for dessert and to those that helped with clean up in the kitchen and set up of the decorations. Many hands make light work and the help we received was greatly appreciated. We also need to thank the amazing teams who volunteered there talents to our lip sinc battle. The teams were : The Legion, the Chicksters ladies ball team, The RBI’s ladies ball team, TFA ladies ball team, Organized Chaos and Super Troopers. You all were awesome and had the whole crowd entertained and laughing. In the end, the Legion came out victorious and the Ag Society will be donating their winnings of $200.00 to the Legion kitchen renovation on their behalf. Second place went to RBI’s and the Ag Society will donate $100.00 to Soup and More II on their behalf.

And... done Saturday night was a special one for the group above - the Inspiring Our Future campaign - whose members put so much blood, sweat and tears into the renovation and expansion of the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre. It took several years to get to this point, but, on Saturday hockey was on the ice all day and hundreds of people had a great time, all thanks to this group’s hard work and steadfast commitment to their community. (John Stephenson photo)

Majestic WI marks 85 years By Bev Craddock The Majestic Women’s Institute marked 85 years of service on Nov. 13. It was back in 1939 that the institute was founded. On Nov. 13, 2024, past and present members of the Majestic Women’s Institute gathered to celebrate the milestone anniversary at Melville Presbyterian Church in Brussels. President Doreen Marks opened the meeting, welcomed everyone and read the Institute Blessing and other readings before introducing the day’s special guests, past and present Majestic Women’s Institute members and members of other local institutes. Huron-Perth District President Barb Grube, Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario President Michelle Phillippi, Huron East Deputy-Mayor Alvin McLellan, Huron East Mayor Bernie MacLellan and Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb all congratulated the institute on reaching its 85th anniversary, thanking members for

their service to the community. Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson also sent along congratulations as well. Doreen thanked everyone for attending and then turned things over to Marie McCutcheon, who introduced the day’s guest speaker: Cathy Kirk and her husband Bill from Essentially Lavender, just north of Teeswater. They are originally from Cambridge, but purchased the 96-acre farm in 2012 and started planning for the future. Being a landscape architect, Cathy wanted to use her skills, so they took the “agri-tainment” route, growing a variety of lavenders and creating a whole line of products. They now offer tours, special events, dinners, yoga and more on the farm. Marie McCutcheon thanked them for a great presentation and then demonstrated how to decorate Christmas tins for a personalized gift, adding a simple bow to greenery, flowers, bells and balls as

you like, with hot glue or other adhesives. Old tins can be painted, then decorated and a simple cookie tin can then become an extraspecial gift. Doreen then gave the group another reading and invited the guests to enjoy cake, ice cream and refreshments.

Correction A headline on a story about the 2025 meeting schedule for Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh (ACW) Council in last week’s issue of The Citizen was incorrect and misrepresented the content of the story. While the headline reported that the meeting schedule would remain status quo, in fact, council had decided to bring its planning meetings under the umbrella of its existing day meetings, doing away with the evening meetings, as the story accurately reported. The Citizen regrets the error.

Also, thank you to all the people and businesses who made a donation to our silent auction and door prizes. Your generosity contributed to the success of this night! We also want to thank the Brussels Fire Department who lent us five of their firefighters to help serve the ladies beverages throughout the night! Your presence and service added a special touch to our event again this year! Laura Jutzi and Nancy Snell of NJS donated a beautiful back drop for behind the stage as well as stage lights for our performers to shine. Thank you so much for this generous donation that added so much to our big night. Thanks for going out of your way to drop off and set it up. Thank you Matt Snyder for your help with this as well. We also want to thank Glenda Morrison for all of her help with the silent auction and getting us everything we needed! Thank you to Patti Vandermeer for your tech support that night! Special thanks to Mary Ann, Kate, Peggy, Dorothy, Rhonda and Pam for all of your help in the planning process. What a fabulous team to work with! - Jenna Fischer Thank you again to these people and businesses that donated auction and door prize items: McDonald Home Hardware, Murray and Marlene Fischer, Blake Farms, Brussels Transport - Jim and Lynn Jutzi, Jessica Deitner – Norwex, Donna Bauer – Alloette, Coral Gingrich, RMT, Patricia Beuermann, RMT, Amanda White – Buds N’ Blossoms, Judy Somers, Brussels Lions Club, Joan Bernard, Heather Logan – Hcreates, JC Welding, The Purple Bike Cafe, Orr Insurance, Blake Apple Orchard, Pam McLellan, Annette Stephenson, Two Step Wingham, The Citizen, Skips Tire Craft, Its a Shear Thing – Rhonda McArter, Turning Heads and Making Waves Janice Machan, Wright Blooms – Amy Wright, Riverside Funeral Home, Lavender Works, Hometown Pizza, Sandra Clark, June Bloom Aestethics, Peggy and Kate Aitchison, Cowboy Loft, Sandra Machan, Anonymous Donor, Crystal Blake, Becca McArter, Mary Douma, Esther McCutcheon, Wanda Long, Barb Mutter, Greyhaven Gardens.

Note: The Citizen ran the incorrect ad last week. We regret the error.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024. PAGE 7.

‘Blyth Friday’ returns on Nov. 29 from 5 to 9 p.m.

‘Blyth’ the halls The Village of Blyth kicks off the festive season with an evening of shopping, free family activities, and entertainment from 5 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 29. Enjoy tree decorating, caroling, dance lessons, a Holiday Night

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

On Nov. 29, the Village of Blyth will be kicking off the festive season with its annual Blyth Friday community event. Not only will the shops of downtown Blyth be open until 9 p.m. next Friday, there will also be a variety of free, familyfriendly activities going on at locations all over town, including tree decorating, dance lessons, caroling and more. It’s not entirely clear how the American tradition of Christmas shopping on the Friday after their Thanksgiving had its start, nor is it

clear why, in recent years, Canadians have adopted this unofficial celebration of cheerful consumerism as one of their own autumn activities. There are many who are willing to spend an entire day at a big box store hunting for that elusive “Black Friday Deal” the perfect discount gift that will transform their Christmas morning into something worth remembering. The latest addition to the Black Friday family is the so-called “Cyber Monday,” which uses online-exclusive deals to encourage internet-savvy shoppers to do all their gift-getting online. The objective of Blyth Friday is

Decorations mark the beginning of Christmas season By Deb Hakkers Our house is no longer drab and dreary. We got our Christmas urns made on the weekend so there is at least a little bit of colour out there! Maybe this week we will get the lights up to add even more! Soon the hustle and bustle of Christmas will be upon us, so remember to take time to enjoy the season and be sure to remember those who struggle with the season, both financially and emotionally. Reach out to someone, even if it is just a call to say, “I am thinking about you.” Mom continues to rehab at Huronlea. She continues to build strength by standing, still working slowly toward her goal of walking. Her next task is to be able to shift weight from one foot to the other. She is looking forward to the craft show on November 30, so she can join us at our table. Last weekend, we helped Fred’s mom decorate her apartment at Goderich Place, so she is decorated for Christmas. This week, we wish a happy birthday to Keith Lapp on Nov. 22, Dave Marshall on Nov. 23 and

Chad Wheeler on Nov. 28. We hope everyone enjoys their special day! Results from the Blyth Legion Auxiliary’s euchre on Nov. 18 were: ladies, first place, Jane Glousher (67); second place, Evelyn Blake (64); lone hands, Jeanette Buker with two; men’s first place, Edna McLellan (76); second place, Cam Yuill (70); lone hands, Carol Lahey. Share the wealth went to Sharon Thompson, Donna Walsh and Linda Campbell. The next euchre is set for Dec. 16. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. and the game starts at 1 p.m. The cost is $5 per person, which includes a light lunch. To sign up or to cancel, call or text Kathryn Aires at 519895-6764. If there is anything special you would like to see mentioned in this column, please e-mail me at debhakkers@gmail.com or call me at 519-525-8640 (evenings only please). Until next week, take care of yourselves and each other. Remember we have much to be thankful for! We have not seen snow yet, but all too soon winter will be here!

Market and a new scavenger hunt, plus a food drive and “Touch the Truck” event. Local artist Ava Dawe will busk, and a collaborative community art project will also take place at the Blyth Festival Art Gallery. (File photo) to encourage shoppers to support the local economy by buying unique gifts for their loved ones at the stores in their own communities. While Black Friday may have originated as a cynical sales tactic, Blyth Friday seeks to celebrate all the things that make a small town’s festive season special. Louise Dockstader will be organizing the carol singers, and local musician Ava Dawe will be busking around town. The whole community is invited out to help decorate the tree outside of Memorial Hall. People are invited to head to The Cookie Rainbow right across the street to make decorations for the tree. If the weather is favourable, Les Cook and Anne Elliott will also be outside of Memorial Hall, teaching free dance lessons. Event organizer Jennifer Triemstra-Johnston, who owns Pick-a-Posie Vintage on Queen Street, is overjoyed at the effort

being put in by local volunteers to make this year’s event a memorable one. “Blyth Friday has a few more activities this year,” she explained. “And that is all thanks to Deborah Stevenson and Kelly Stevenson. With their suggestions and aid we were able to add a ‘Touch the Truck’ event and Food Drive in the municipal parking lot downtown... Deborah and Kelly have also developed the Blyth Friday Business Boggler Scavenger Hunt.” Kelly will be running the Blyth Festival Art Gallery (BFAG) Holiday Night Market at Memorial Hall again this year, which features one-of-a-kind gifts created by local artists, artisans, authors and makers and has proven to be popular. The 2024 iteration of the Night Market promises to be an even tastier event than last year. “We’ve added Swasthi Jugdave of Swasthi’s Kitchen to our line-up, who will be offering samples of her delicious locally-made authentic South

African Indian food throughout the evening on a donation basis,” Kelly explained. Kelly has also organized a collaborative community art project for the evening entitled “Who We Are”. It’s a patchwork experiment that seeks to explore all that being a part of the community means to the different people of Blyth. “Who We Are” begins at the gallery on Blyth Friday, is open to all ages and skill levels, and all necessary materials will be provided. The finished project will be on display at the gallery’s 2025 Community Show. This will be the third year that the BFAG has participated in the annual event. “It is incredibly important to us that the Blyth Memorial Community Hall is actively involved and active during as many community-wide events as it can be, so we’ve tried to step up and make sure that it happens,” Kelly pointed out. “Each year we’ve tried to diversify and expand on our part of the evening in ways that we hope will drive more people into spending more time exploring what the town has to offer.” So, if you’re looking for a unique gift for a special someone, or just want to kick off the holiday shopping season by making some memories with friends and family, be sure to head to downtown Blyth on Nov. 29, from 5 to 9 p.m.

NEWS FROM BLYTH

MAITLAND VALLEY CAMERA CLUB

Photography by Liz Allan

PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024.

Sports

Ironmen win in overtime at BMG opening

Finding success Saturday night was a good one for the Wingham Ironmen, who beat the Fergus Whalers by a score of 4-3 in overtime on Saturday night as part of the grand opening of the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre. Hometown hero Brett McCutcheon, centre, even got in on the action, registering an assist on the team’s first goal in front of his very own hometown fans. (John Stephenson photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen A “home” game win at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre for its grand opening last Saturday was the lone bright spot of the weekend for the Wingham Ironmen as they dropped two of three games. The Ironmen fell to the Hanover Barons on the road on Friday night by a score of 4-3 before beating the Fergus Whalers in overtime in Brussels on Saturday, also by a score of 4-3, and then losing to those same Whalers on Sunday in matinee action by a football-like score of 10-3. As a result, the Ironmen remain in fourth place in the North Pollock Division standings of the Provincial Junior Hockey League with a record of nine wins and 10 losses for a total of 18 points. In front of nearly 400 people on Friday night in Hanover, Wingham opened the scoring with Noah Bloemberg finding the back of the net at 2:09 of the first period, assisted by Austin Becker and Micah Kraayenbrink, though the Barons were quick to equalize at 4:53 of the first thanks to a power play goal by Alex McGillivray, assisted by Mark McIntosh and Kyle Maloney. The Ironmen then took charge of the game in the second, with Micah Kraayenbrink scoring at 8:23, assisted by Logan Burnham and Noah Bloemberg, and then at 13:03 with a Tanner Dietz goal on the power play, assisted by Burnham and Tayt Bramhill. However, a three-goal third period completed the comeback for the home team and secure a win for the Barons. Sam Barrett scored at 1:16 of the period, assisted by Ryan Colquhoun and Mark McIntosh, followed by a Drayton Howell goal

at 6:48, assisted by Mark McIntosh and Alex McGillivray. Then, a power play goal by Kyle Maloney, assisted by Alex McGillivray and Drayton Howell at 13:29 of the period, pulled the Barons ahead for good. Derek Hartley won the game for the Barons in the Hanover net, stopped 32 of 35 shots, while Noah Ricci was handed the loss, stopping 32 of the 36 shots he faced. The Ironmen spent 24 minutes in the penalty box on eight calls, while seven called on the Barons meant 14 minutes in the box. The next night, the Ironmen headed south from Wingham and hooked a left in Belgrave as they made their way to the grand opening of the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre. There, they would be the main event, taking on the Fergus Whalers in the last game of the night on a day that saw many, many local teams take to the ice. Fergus opened the scoring with the only goal of the first period. Jacob Lesser scored his 10th goal of the season at 8:47 of the first, assisted by Mason Stewart on the power play. However, the Ironmen opened the second period with Damon Murray’s first goal of the season to equalize. He was assisted by Brussels’ own Brett McCutcheon - surely a thrill for his hometown fans - and Adam MacRobbie at 4:01 of the second period. The Whalers scored the next two goals, however, to establish a 3-1 lead. Andrew McClure scored a power play goal at 7:09 of the second, assisted by Jacob Lesser and Jakob Jackson, followed by a shorthanded goal scored by Mason Stewart at 13:57 of the second, assisted by Jacob Lesser and Nolan Drury. The Ironmen would inch back,

however, with Austin Becker scoring a power play goal at 14:46 of the second, assisted by Brandon Bishop and Tyson Fischer. Micah Kraayenbrink then tied the game for Wingham just 38 seconds into the third period, assisted by Noah Bloemberg and Brandon Bishop on the power play. Then, in overtime, Noah Bloemberg scored the winner for Wingham at 2:42, assisted by Micah Kraayenbrink to win the game for the Ironmen. James Hopper won the game for Wingham in the Ironmen net, stopping 31 of 34 shots, while Bradley Boville was tagged with the overtime loss after stopping 30 of the 34 shots he faced. The Ironmen were called six times for a total of 12 minutes in the

box, while the Whalers were called four times and spent 10 minutes in the penalty box. On Sunday, things got ugly for the Ironmen in Fergus, beginning with seven straight goals scored by the Whalers over the course of the first two periods. First it was Boden Brimmell at 6:08 of the first, assisted by Henry Turner and Ethan Broderick, followed by Sam Barry at 11:34 of the first, assisted by Mason Stewart and Jakob Jackson, Andrew McClure at 15:46 of the first, assisted by Jacob Lesser and Justin Ewald on the power play, Ewald at 17:18 of the first, assisted by Ethan Broderick and J.J. Lavigne, and Lesser at 17:51 of the first, assisted by Ethan Broderick. In the second, it wasn’t just all Whalers - it was all Tyler Ewald, who scored both of his team’s goals; first at 11:53 on the power play, assisted by Justin Ewald, and then at 19:24, assisted by Jacob Lesser and Ethan Broderick. With the Whalers up by a touchdown going into the third period, the Ironmen finally found the back of the net. Tanner Dietz scored for Wingham at 2:18 of the third, assisted by Jesse Coombs and Brandon Bishop, followed by a second Ironmen goal - this one scored by Bishop on the power play at 10:39, assisted by Noah Bloemberg and Austin Becker. However, Henry Turner then scored for the Whalers at 11:36 of the third, assisted by Justin Ewald. Micah Kraayenbrink then scored Wingham’s third goal of the game at 13:40 of the third, assisted by Wade Robinson, but on this day the Whalers were too much. Mason Stewart scored the Whalers’ ninth goal of the game at 15:09, assisted by Justin Ewald and Henry Turner and then Tyler Ewald completed his hat trick just seven seconds later, assisted by Jacob Lesser. Noah Ricci is credited with the loss in the Ironmen net, stopping just eight of 13 shots in the first period before he was replaced by James Hopper, who would stop 30 of the 35 shots he would face over the course of the rest of the game. Bradley Boville won the game for

the Whalers in the Fergus net, stopping 19 of the 22 shots he faced. As for penalties, the Ironmen were called 10 times for 21 minutes in the box, while the Whalers spent 19 minutes in the box on nine whistles. In the standings, the Hanover Barons are now the sole occupants of first place with a record of 16 wins, one loss and one shootout loss for a total of 33 points. The Fergus Whalers are in second place with a record of 15 wins, three losses, one overtime loss and one shootout loss, followed by the Mount Forest Patriots in third place with 28 points and a record of 13 wins, three losses, two overtime losses and two shootout wins. Then, a full 10 points later, the Wingham Ironmen are in fourth place with 18 points and a record of nine wins and 10 losses, followed by the Kincardine Bulldogs in fifth place with 17 points and a record of eight wins, 10 losses, one overtime loss and two shootout wins and the sixth-place Mitchell Hawks with a record of five wins, eight losses, two overtime losses, one shootout win and one shootout loss. The Walkerton Capitals and Goderich Flyers are tied with 11 points each, however, the Capitals are in seventh place with a record of five wins, 15 losses, one overtime loss and one shootout win, while the Flyers have four wins, 12 losses and three shootout losses. Looking ahead, the Ironmen play tonight, Friday, Nov. 22, at the North Huron Wescast Community Complex, against the Kincardine Bulldogs, before welcoming the division-leading Hanover Barons to Wingham on Saturday night. Next weekend, the Ironmen play the Walkerton Capitals on Friday, Nov. 29 and then the Kincardine Bulldogs again on Saturday, Nov. 30, both on the road. To start December, the Ironmen will be on the road for a rare midweek game, taking on the Patriots in Mount Forest on Wednesday, Dec. 4 before a home game against the Mitchell Hawks on Friday, Dec. 6 and then a game with the Flyers in Goderich on Saturday, Dec. 7.

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024. PAGE 9.

Sports Heat teams reach Stratford Festival Challenge Cup semis By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen While a few Huron Heat teams were able to make it to quarterfinal and semifinal action at the Stratford Aces Festival Cup Challenge over the weekend, unfortunately none of them were able to capture gold and bring it back to Huron County. On Sunday morning, the U13 B Huron Heat played the London Devilettes in the semifinals, but fell by a score of 2-1. The Devilettes would go on to win the tournament by a score of 3-2 in the finals over the Woodstock Wildcats. The locals began their run in Stratford with a 5-0 win over the Ayr Rockets and a 3-2 win over the Central Perth Predators, both on Friday, before losing by a score of 2-0 to the Woodstock Wildcats on Saturday. Looking to bounce back, the team fell again later that evening, losing to the eventual winners, the London Devilettes, by a score of 1-0. The U13 C Huron Heat fell to the Stittsville Rockets in the Festival Cup Challenge quarterfinals on Sunday morning by a score of 1-0. Stittsville made it to the finals of the tournament, but then lost to the London Devilettes by a score of 30. The Heat opened their tournament with a 4-0 loss to the London Devilettes, the eventual tournament champions, on Friday, before beating the Mooretown Lady Flags by a score of 3-0 later that day. On Saturday afternoon, the Heat beat the South Huron Sabres by a score of 4-0 before tying the Wilmot Wolverines that evening at two. Meanwhile, in Barrie for Sharkfest, the U18 BB Huron Heat lost to the Temiskaming Shores Puckhounds in the semifinals of that tournament on Sunday morning by a score of 1-0. The Puckhounds won the tournament, defeating the host Barrie Sharks in the finals by a score of 2-1. The team opened play on Friday afternoon with a 3-1 win over the Soo Junior Greyhounds, but later lost to the Ancaster Avalanche by a score of 1-0 that night. On Saturday, the Heat tied the host Barrie Sharks at one, but later beat the Greyhounds a second time - this time by a score of 4-2. The U15 A Huron Heat were also in Stratford for tournament action, but they lost all four of the games they played. First, they fell to the St. Catharines Brock Junior Badgers by a score of 4-0 on Friday before being shutout by the Bluewater Hawks by a score of 5-0 later that night. On Saturday, the team lost by a score of 2-1 to the Woodstock Wildcats and then by a score of 2-0 to the St. Thomas Panthers in the quarterfinals. The U15 B Huron Heat made it to the semifinals of the Festival Cup Challenge, but began with a 3-2 loss on Friday at the hands of the Lambeth Lancers. Later that evening, the team lost again, falling

to the Wilmot Wolverines by a score of 3-2. The team bounced back on Saturday morning with a 4-0 win over the Windsor Wildcats and then a 4-2 victory over the London Devilettes that night in the quarterfinal round. On Sunday morning, the Heat faced the Lambeth Lancers again in the semifinals, but lost by a score of 2-1. The Lancers, however, would not end up winning the tournament, being bested in the finals by the St. Marys Rock by a score of 3-2. Also in Stratford, the U18 C Huron Heat opened their tournament on Friday with a 1-0 win over the Woodstock Wildcats, followed by a 6-0 shutout loss at the hands of the Twin Centre Hericanes. The next day, the team lost by a score of 9-0 to the Wilmot Wolverines and then by a score of 6-0 to the Mitchell Meteors, meaning they didn’t see any action on Sunday. The U9 B Heat also took part in the Festival Cup Challenge over the weekend, tangling with the likes of the Woolwich Wild, the Wilmot Wolverines, the Kitchener Lady Rangers, the Cambridge Roadrunners and the host Stratford Aces, but scores were not kept for those games. In regular season action, on Monday, Nov. 18, the U13 HL Heat lost to the St. Thomas Panthers on the road by a score of 2-1. One day earlier, the U13 A Heat hosted the St. Thomas Panthers in Clinton and won by a score of 2-0. Also that day, the U11 C Heat beat the B.A.D. Blazers in Belmont by a score of 7-0 and the U11 HL team beat the Sarnia Lady Sting, also in Clinton, by a score of 2-0. The U11 A Heat tied the Lambeth Lancers at two in Clinton and the U13 HL Heat ended their game with the Bluewater Hawks in Brussels in a scoreless tie. Also that day, the Senior C team played the Upper Maitland Mustangs in Brussels and the Senior team played the Huron Cats in Hensall, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time. On Saturday, the U15 C Heat lost to Lucan/South Huron in Goderich by a score of 1-0. Also that day, the U9 C Heat played the Lambeth Lancers on the road, the U7 team played the Twin Centre Hericanes, also on the road, and the U9 HL team played the Central Perth Predators in Seaforth, but scores were not kept for those games. The U11 A Heat beat the Sarnia Lady Sting on the road by a score of 3-0 that day, the U13 A Heat beat the Lady Sting in Sarnia by a score of 2-0 and the U11 HL team lost to the Ilderton Jets on the road by a score of 3-0. On Friday, the U11 HL Heat beat the St. Thomas Panthers in Blyth by a score of 3-2 and the Senior team hosted the Twin Centre Hericanes in Hensall, although a score for that game was unavailable at press time. On Thursday, Nov. 21, the U15 C Heat welcomed the Central Perth Continued on page 23

Hustle As part of Saturday’s grand opening of the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre, the Kitchener Rangers and the London Blizzards engaged in some sledge hockey action as the penultimate game of the night. (John Stephenson photo)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING REGARDING THE NORTH HURON COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN TAKE NOTICE that the Council for the Corporation of the Township of North Huron will hold a public meeting on Monday, December 16, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the North Huron Council Chambers at 271 Frances Street in Wingham to consider amending the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) for North Huron under Section 28 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, as amended. The PURPOSE of the public meeting is to consider proposed amendments to the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) to add an Agri Tourism Grant Program; a Development Charges Grant Program; a Planning Application, Building Permit Fee and Site Study Grant Program; a Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) Program; and a Start-up Space Leasehold Improvement Grant Program. Additionally, the public meeting is to consider an amendment to extend the existing CIP project areas to include the entire Township of North Huron. The EFFECT of the CIP amendments is to add the above-outlined grant programs for eligible applicants and provide financial incentives for investment in the rehabilitation, development, and redevelopment within the agricultural, residential, commercial, and industrial lands in North Huron. Sections describing the aboveoutlined grant programs, the requirements for successful applications under the grant programs, and eligibility criteria would be added to the CIP and the corresponding North Huron CIP Application Form would also be amended to reflect the new programs. ANY PERSON may attend the public meeting and/or make written or verbal representation either in support of or in opposition to the proposed CIP amendments. ANY PERSON may submit written comments by mail to the Township or via email to Carson Lamb, Director of Legislative Services/Clerk, at clamb@northhuron.ca. Individuals are encouraged to submit their written comments before the meeting for consideration. It is recommended that written comments be received prior to December 11, 2024, to be included on the agenda. Comments, including the originator’s name and address, become part of the public record, and may be viewed by the public and may be published in a report and Council agenda. Members of the public do not have the right to appeal the decision; only the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, a specified person under the Planning Act or public body that has an interest in the matter, may appeal the decision. IF YOU WISH TO BE NOTIFIED of the adoption of the CIP amendments, or the refusal to adopt the CIP amendments, you must make a written request to the Clerk of the Township of North Huron and such request must include the name and address to which such notice should be sent. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - Text showing the proposed amendments to the Community Improvement Plan is available on the Township website (www.northhuron.ca) and at the North Huron Municipal Office (274 Josephine Street, Wingham). Carson Lamb, Director of Legislative Services/Clerk Township of North Huron 274 Josephine St, Wingham N0G 2W0

PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024.

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On Sunday, Nov. 17, worship leader Rev. Colin Snyder welcomed the congregation to Knox United Church, Belgrave. His scripture lessons were from Daniel 12: 1-3, Hebrews 10: 11-25 and Mark 13: 1-8. His reflection was entitled, “Living for Today and Tomorrow”. The church will play host to communion this Sunday, Nov. 24. The Huron County Christmas Bureau is once again asking for financial donations from Nov. 2529 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Wingham United Church. Cheques can be made out to Rural Response for Healthy Children. They can also be sent directly to Rural Response for Healthy Children at 413 MacEwan Street, Goderich, N7A 4M1. Poinsettias in memory of a family member or friend can be brought to the church in Belgrave on any Sunday in December. Change Her World is seeking books for its spring book sale. There is a donation box at the church. Cards will be played on Friday, Nov. 22 at 1 p.m. at the Belgrave Community Centre.

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024. PAGE 11.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS & SONGS Jingle Bells

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

You know Dasher, and Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Doner and Blitzen, But do you recall The most famous reindeer of all . . . Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer, Had a very shiny nose, And if you ever saw it, You would even say it glows!

Dashing through the snow In a one-horse open sleigh, O'er the fields we go, Laughing all the way; Bells on Bob-tail ring, Making spirits bright, What fun it is to ride and sing A sleighing song tonight!

REFRAIN: Jingle Bells! Jingle Bells! Jingle all the way! Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh! Now the ground is white Go it while you're young, Take the girls tonight And sing the sleighing song; Just get a bobtailed bay Two-forty as his speed Hitch him to an open sleigh And crack! you'll take the lead.

All of the other reindeer Used to laugh and call him names; They would never let poor Rudolph Join in any reindeer games. Then one foggy Christmas eve, Santa came to say: Rudolph, with your nose so bright, Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?

Then how the Reindeer loved him As they shouted out with glee: Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, You'll go down in history!

Deck the Halls 2 Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa la la la la, la la la la. ’Tis the season to be jolly, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Don we now our gay apparel, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Troll the ancient Yuletide carol, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Away in a Manger Away in a manger, no crib for a bed; The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head; The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay. The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus no crying He makes; I love Thee, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky, And stay by my side until morning is nigh.

See the blazing Yule before us, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Strike the harp and join the chorus, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Follow me in merry measure, Fa la la la la, la la la la. While I tell of Yuletide treasure, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever, and love me, I pray; Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, And fit us for heaven to live with Thee there.

Fast away the old year passes, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Hail the new, ye lads and lasses, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Sing we joyous all together, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Heedless of the wind and weather, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Frosty 5 the Snowman Frosty the Snow Man was a jolly, happy soul, With a corncob pipe and a button nose and two eyes made out of coal. Frosty the Snow Man is a fairy tale, they say' He was made of snow, but the children know how he came to life one day. There must have been some magic in that old silk hat they found. For when they placed it on his head, he began to dance around. Oh, Frosty the Snow Man was alive as he could be, And the children say he could laugh and play just the same as you and me. Frosty the Snow Man knew the sun was hot that day, So he said, “Let's run and we'll have some fun now before I melt away.” Down to the village with a broomstick in his hand, Running here and there all around the square, sayin’, “Catch me if you can.” He led them down the streets of town right to a traffic cop And he only paused a moment when he heard him holler “Stop!” For Frosty the Snow Man had to hurry on his way, But he waved good-bye, sayin’, “Don't you cry; I'll be back again someday.” Thumpety thump thump, thumpety thump thump, Look at Frosty go; Thumpety thump thump, thumpety thump thump, Over the hills of snow.

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PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024.

CAROLS & SONGS The First Noel

O Christmas Tree 6

Tell it on the Mountain 8

The first Noel The angels did say Was to certain poor shepherds In fields where they lay In fields as they lay Keeping their sheep, On a cold winter night That was so deep.

When I was a seeker, I sought both night and day, I sought the Lord to help me, and He showed me the way, Oh! Go tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and ev'rywhere, Go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born!

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel.

He made me a watchman upon the city wall, And if I am a Christian, I am the least of all. Oh! Go tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and ev'rywhere, Go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born!

They look - ed up And saw a Star, Shining in the East Beyond them far, And to the earth, It gave a great light, And so it continued Both day and night.

(O Tannenbaum) O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, How steadfast are your branches! Your boughs are green in summer's clime And through the snows of winter time. O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, How steadfast are your branches!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, What happiness befalls me When oft at joyous Christmastime Your form inspires my song and rhyme, O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, What happiness befalls me. O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, Your boughs can teach a lesson That constant faith and hope sublime Lend strength and comfort through all time. O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, Your boughs can teach a lesson.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel.

Huron Carol 7 Twas in the moon of wintertime When all the birds had fled That mighty Gitchi Manitou Sent angel choirs instead Before their light the stars grew dim And wond'ring hunters heard the hymn Jesus your King is born Jesus is born In excelsis gloria. Within a lodge of broken bark The tender babe was found A ragged robe of rabbit skin Enwrapped His beauty round But as the hunter braves drew near The angel son rang loud and clear Jesus your King is born Jesus is born In excelsis gloria.

Little Drummer Boy

O Holy Night 11

Come they told me pa rum pum pum pum,A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum,Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum,To lay before the King pa rum pum pum pum,rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,So to honor Him pa rum pum pum pum,when we come. Little Baby pa rum pum pum pum,I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum,I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum,That's fit to give our King pa rum pum pum pum,rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,Shall I play for you? pa rum pum pum pum,on my drum.

O children of the forest free O sons of Manitou The Holy Child of earth and heaven Is born today for you Come kneel before the radiant boy Who brings you beauty, peace and joy Jesus your King is born Jesus is born In excelsis gloria.

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth! Long lay the world in sin and error pining, Till He appear'd and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn! Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices! O night divine! O night when Christ was born! O night divine! O night, O night divine! Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming, With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand. Here came the wise men from Orient land. The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger, In all our trials born to be our friend!

Mary nodded pa rum pum pum pum,The Ox and Lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum,I played my drum for Him pa rum pum pum pum,I played my best for Him pa rum pum pum pum,rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,Then He smiled at me pa rum pum pum pum,me and my drum.

Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His gospel is Peace. Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother And in His name all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, Let all within us praise His holy name!

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024. PAGE 13.

CAROLS & SONGS Angels We Have Heard on High Silent Night Holy Night 12 Silent night, Holy night! All is calm, all is bright. ’Round yon Virgin Mother and Child, Holy infant so tender and mild; Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace. Silent night, Holy night! Son of God, love's pure light, Radiant beams from Thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

David's City Once in Royal David's City Stood a lowly cattle shed. Where a mother laid her Baby In a manger for His bed. Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ, that little Child.

And thro’ all His wond'rous childhood He would honor and obey. Love and watch the lowly maiden In whose gentle arms He lay. Christian children all must be Mild, obedient, good as He.

O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye, To Bethlehem; Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels, O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. Sing, choir of angels, Sing in exultation, Sing all ye citizens, Of Heaven above, Glory to God, In the highest, O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

I saw three ships come sailing in, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; I saw three ships come sailing in, On Christmas Day in the morning. And what was in those ships all three, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; And what was in those ships all three, On Christmas Day in the morning.

Hark the Herald Angels Sing 16 Hark, the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King, Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled. Joyful, all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With angelic hosts proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem.”

The Virgin Mary and Christ were there, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; The Virgin Mary and Christ were there, On Christmas Day in the morning.

God Rest You 19 Merry Gentlemen God rest you merry gentlemen, Let nothing you dismay, Remember Christ your Saviour Was born upon this day, To save us all from Satan's power When we were gone astray.

Refrain: Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King.”

He came down to earth from heaven, Who is God and Lord of all. And His shelter was a stable And His cradle was a stall. With the poor, the meek, the mild, Lived on earth our Savior Child.

O Come All Ye Faithful

Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o'er the plains And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains. Gloria in excelsis Deo, Gloria in excelsis Deo! Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth and angels sing; Come adore on bended knee Christ, the Lord, our new-born King. Gloria in excelsis Deo!

I Saw Three Ships

Refrain: O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy.

Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord; Late in time behold Him come, Offspring of a virgin's womb, Veil'd in flesh the Godhead see; Hail the incarnate Deity, Pleas'd as man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.

Now to the Lord sing praises, All you within this place, And with true love and brotherhood Each other now embrace; This holy tide of Christmas All other doth efface.

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace, Hail the Sun of righteousness Light and life to all He brings, Ris'n with healing in His wings Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die, Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth.

It Came Upon 20 the Midnight What Child Is This Clear (sung to the tune of Greensleeves) What Child is this, who, laid to rest, On Mary's lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, Haste to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate Where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear; for sinners here The silent Word is pleading. So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh, Come, peasant, King to own Him; The King of Kings salvation brings, Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old, From angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold; “Peace on the earth, goodwill to men From heaven's all gracious King.” The world in solemn stillness lay To hear the angels sing. Yet with the woes of sin and strife The world has suffered long; Beneath the angel-strain have rolled Two thousand years of wrong; And men at war with men, hear not The words of peace they bring; O hush the noise ye men of strife, And hear the angels sing.

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PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024.

CAROLS & SONGS We Three Kings

We three kings of Orient are Bearing gifts; we traverse afar Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star. Refrain: A star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to the perfect light. Solo (Melchoir) Born a King on Bethlehem's plain, Gold I bring to crown Him again, King forever, ceasing never, Over us all to reign.

Good King 25 Wenceslaus

O Little Town of Bethlehem 23

Good King Wenceslaus looked out On the Feast of Stephen, When the snow lay ’round about, Deep and crisp and even; Brightly shone the moon that night, Tho’ the frost was cruel, When a poor man came in sight, Gath'ring winter fuel!

O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie. Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by; Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting light; The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight.

“Hither, page, and stand by me, If you know'st it, telling, Yonder peasant, who is he? Where, and what His dwelling?” “Sir, he lives a good league hence, Underneath the mountain; Right against the forest fence, By St. Agnes' fountain.”

For Christ is born of Mary; And, gathered all above While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love. O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth And praises sing of God and King, And peace, to men on earth.

Solo (Caspar) Frankincense to offer have I, Incense owns a Deity nigh; Prayer and praising, all men raising, Worship Him, God most High. Solo (Balthazar) Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume Breathes a life of gathering gloom; Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, Sealed in the stone-cold tomb. Glorious now behold Him arise, King and God and Sacrifice; Alleluia, Alleluia, Earth to the heaven's replies.

While Shepherds 22 Watch Their Flocks

“Bring me flesh and bring me wine, Bring me pine logs hither; Thou and I will see him dine, When we bear Him thither.” Page and monarch forth they went, Forth they went together, Through the rude wind's wild lament, And the bitter weather.

How silently, how silently, The wondrous gift is given. So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven. No ear may hear His coming, But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive Him, still The dear Christ enters in.

“Sir, the night is darker now And the wind blows stronger; Fails my heart, I know now how, I can go no longer.” “Mark my footsteps, good my page; Tread thou in them boldly; Thou shalt find the winter's rage Freeze thy blood less coldly.”

O Holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend on us, we pray, Cast out our sin, and enter in; Be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord, Emmanuel.

In his master's steps he trod, Where the snow lay dinted; Heat was in the very sod Which the saint had printed. Therefore, Christian men, be sure, Wealth or rank possessing, Ye who now will bless the poor Shall yourself find blessing.

While shepherds watch their flocks by night, All seated on the ground, The Angel of the Lord came down, And glory shone around. “Fear not,” said he, for mighty dread Had seized their troubled mind; “Glad tidings of great joy I bring To you and all mankind.” “To you, in David's town, this day, Is born of David's line A Saviour who is Christ the Lord; And this shall be the sign: “The heavenly Babe you there shall find To human view display'd, All meanly wrapped in swathing bands, And in a manger laid.” Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith Appear'd a shining throng Of Angels, praising God, who thus Address'd their joyful song: “All glory be to God on high, And to the earth be peace; Goodwill henceforth, from heaven to men Begin, and never cease.”

519-606-2211

www.tcc.on.ca

Joy To The 24 World

Wassail Song

Joy to the world! the Lord has come; Let earth receive her King; Let ev'ry heart prepare Him room, And heav'n and nature sing, And heav'n and nature sing, And heav'n and heav'n and nature sing.

Here we come a wassailing Among the leaves so green; Here we come a wand'ring So fair to be seen

Joy to the world! The Saviour reigns! Let men their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks hills and plains Repeat the sounding joy; repeat the sounding joy; Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

Love and joy come to you, And to you your wassail too; And God bless you and send you a happy New Year And God send you a happy New Year. We are not daily beggars That beg from door to door; But we are neighbour's children, Whom you have seen before.

He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove, The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of His love, and wonders of His love; And wonders, wonders of His love.

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024. PAGE 15.

Join us for Blyth Friday Sales ~ November 29th ~ Stores Open Late

HOLIDAY NIGHT MARKET

Nov. 29 ~

Gifts they will love!

Nov. 29th, 2024 | @ 5–9 PM FEATURING MAKERS, ARTISTS, AUTHORS, ARTISANS, COMMUNITY GROUPS, AND DELICIOUS INDIAN FOOD HELP CREATE A COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITY ART PROJECT!

431 Queen Street, Blyth, ON /BlythFestivalArtGallery

NO TAX!

Open until 9 pm

Friday, November 29 Blyth Friday ~ Open late until 9 p.m. Stop in and see our great collection of Blyth and area history. Staff will be on-hand to answer your questions.

* Talented Artisans * Gourmet Foods * Gift Baskets * Something for everyone on your list 398 Queen St. Blyth 519.523.4276 December Hours: Open daily 10 am - 5 pm Sundays 12 - 4 pm

Gift Certificates Available

Enjoy some warm apple cider!

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

SWEETS N’ TREATS Blyth

ocking The St Store!! Stuffer

Chocolate Treats and Giftware for Everyone! 413 Queen Street 226-523-6336

Sale Fri. Nov. 29th

20%

off everything one day only 345 Queen Street, Blyth

Nov. 29th 5pm to 9pm

Participating Blyth Businesses Blyth Festival Art Gallery – Crafts & Who We Are – A Collaborative Community Art Project Blyth Festival Theatre – Gift Certificates on Sale Hotel Lux – Open House and Draw Lunar Lounge Salon – Permanent Jewellery Artist – Complimentary Braids and Curls Maple & Moose – December Draw Penny’s of Blyth – Food Tasting Pick a Posie Vintage – 20% Off – Giveaway with Purchase Pine Café & Bistro – Cookie Decorating Sweets N’ Treats – Samples & Games The Blyth Inn – Karaoke The Citizen – Repository of History Open House The Cookie Rainbow – Cookie Ornaments & Pom Pom Making The Village Spaw – Retail Launch & Draw Wild Goose Studio – Hidden Nativity & Meet the Artists Wonky Frog Studio – ½ Price Card Readings – Giveaway with Purchase Be sure to enter the Blyth Friday Business Boggler (Scavenger Hunt)

PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024.

Volunteers harvest fresh produce for food share

Volunteers, including (from left) Phil Beard, Joy Rutherford, Doris Galbraith and Carol Bowyer, at the Wingham Community Garden and Orchard have produced nearly 2,000 pounds of fresh produce for the North Huron Community Food Share in 2024, helping address rising food insecurity in the area. The garden, founded in 2012, thrives on (Above - Scott teamwork, dedication and a shared passion for feeding the community. Stephenson photo; Below - Courtesy photo)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen Food Banks Canada (FBC) has just released new data that shows community food bank use has been rising at an alarming rate. The organization says that, in March 2024, it recorded over two million visits to food banks, nation-wide, which is almost twice as many monthly visits as it recorded in March 2019. According to the report, the food banking system is reaching a breaking point, and food banks across the country are struggling to meet demand. The North Huron Community Food Share (NHCFS) in Wingham is just one of the thousands of food banks in Canada experiencing an upswing in use, and it takes the concerted effort of volunteers and various community partners to keep good food on the tables of North Huron families. One of those community partners is the

Wingham Community Garden and Orchard (WCGO), a volunteerdriven initiative which provides a tremendous amount of fresh produce for the nearby food bank every year. The Citizen stopped by the WCGO for a chat with a few members of the dedicated group of volunteers that work hard every year to keep the garden healthy, hearty and productive. Phil Beard of the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority is the current leader of the eight-person volunteer gardening crew. “We all get together on a Tuesday night for a couple hours and plant, weed and harvest,” he explained. It seems like such a little action, but in 2024, the WCGO produced 1,956 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables, and all of it went to the local food bank. Next year, Beard is hoping they’ll exceed 2,000 pounds for the first time. Storability is always top of mind

when planning the next year’s planting. “We grow the basics, because that’s what the food bank wants. Just the basics, and not anything fancy, because they’re only open once a week.” Early attempts to grow leafy greens like lettuce quickly proved impractical now the team focuses on staples like carrots and potatoes that can stand to wait a few days before consumption. Beard’s favourite thing in the garden is the orchard, a small plot of land which contains a surprisingly vast variety of foodbearing trees and bushes. There are mulberry bushes, a heartnut tree, Liberty apples, German plums, cherries and lots of Asian pears. “Asian pears are really good... they’re not something the food bank normally would get,” he explained. “They don’t normally get peaches, either.” The orchard has two peach trees that provide fruit for the food bank. “These are

Babies of the Year

Local growers

our two pride and joys,” Beard said with a smile. “It’s an old variety, called ‘Reliance’. Commercial growers want big peaches, right? These are small, but they taste so nice. And they’re very productive, and winter-hardy. They’re fantastic.” Wingham’s orchard also contains a plumcot tree, raspberries, black currants and hazelnuts. “Right now the squirrels are getting most of the hazelnuts,” he admitted. The WCGO was actually founded by Beard’s daughter, Emily, as part of a school project, way back in 2012. There’s a reason why Huron County is sometimes referred to as Ontario’s Eden; the backbone of its thriving agricultural economy is the rich, fertile soil that makes farming possible. But the ground they were offered by the adjacent church was anything but welcoming - it’s actually built on a rocky old baseball diamond. “It’s all rock,” Phil explained. Emily’s original plan for a simple vegetable garden was soon elevated with the addition of 20 raised beds. Trellises for cucumbers were soon constructed. After a few years passed, the first fruit trees were planted in the orchard. Volunteer Carol Bowyer can hardly remember how she first became involved with Wingham’s community garden. “It was about seven or eight years ago. I either saw the sign, or Phil maybe talked about it. Or maybe in the newspaper.” However she first arrived on the scene, Bowyer is happy that she did. “I was interested in it because I was interested in the food bank. At that time, seven or eight years ago, there

wasn’t the same need as there is today. It just made sense, because I love gardening, and it went right over - it was fresh, and we could contribute.” Doris Galbraith’s favourite things in the garden are the tomatoes. She first learned of Wingham’s living cornucopia through Phil. “They had some gathering at the library, and he was the guest speaker, and I had no idea it even existed! So I went up and asked him when they met, and could I join, and that’s the way it went.” Galbraith, who used to be a public health nurse, understands the importance of proper nutrition. “Oh, it’s invaluable,” she said. “That’s why I got involved because, you know, there are people who are vulnerable in the community, and I’m an avid gardener. I have a real passion for gardening.” Spending a few hours a week doing what she loves for such an important cause just made sense to her. “This went right into my repertoire of what I do every week. I garden at home, I garden here, I work with the horticulture society in gardening the parks. So yeah, I garden a lot.” Although the community garden attracts a lot of green thumbs, you don’t need to be an expert gardener to volunteer; just ask Joy Rutherford. “For me, it was a great opportunity to learn about how to garden. I’d worked in Mom’s garden as a little kid, but she ran it, right? She just told you what to pick, and what to weed. So learning when you plant things, and how you plant them; that’s really been an education,” she explained. Continued on page 17

2024

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024. PAGE 17.

Group helps combat rising food insecurity

Bearing fruit Emily Beard’s vision for the Wingham Community Garden and Orchard, planted 12 years ago, continues to thrive through the dedication of volunteers who find joy in providing fresh produce to nourish their community. (Courtesy photos)

Continued from page 16 Rutherford is particularly interested in the garden’s irrigation system, which has been essential to the garden’s success during summer dry spells. “I’m probably one of the

newer ones here,” she pointed out. “I left full-time paid work - I don’t say retirement, because I haven’t retired - about two-and-a-half years ago, and I immediately started looking for things to do that were worthwhile, and I enjoyed.” Rutherford found her place in the garden through Bowyer. “I sort of knew she was working at this garden. I didn’t really understand what it was at that time, but I came out a couple of nights, and I’ve been coming out ever since.” Knowing that what they do is helping to nourish the community is a big part of the draw for Rutherford. “You really do feel good at the end of the night, when you start harvesting, when Phil starts loading up the back of his car with baskets of all the stuff we’ve produced. It’s a great feeling.” Twelve years ago, when co-op student Emily Beard first broke ground on the patch of land that would someday grow into the Wingham Community Garden and Orchard, she had no idea that food insecurity would become as severe as it has in Canada - she just believed that everybody deserves to have access to good, healthy food, and that she could help make that happen. It’s a belief that she shares with the project’s current volunteers. They’re just a few hardworking people making a difference in their community. And, as Bowyer pointed out, when you’re doing something you love for a good reason, it hardly feels like work at all. “When I come, and I look at all these beds, and there’s only two or three of us, I think ‘oh man, how are we ever going to do all this?’ And it’s surprising - before you know it, we’re all working together, and we have a good time, and we talk and visit... and it’s amazing how fast things go when we’re doing it together. And I like the idea that you don’t have to have money to contribute; that we can do it by just being here, and giving fresh produce to the community.”

The Citizen

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Advertise your business here! One of the most read areas of the paper

SUDOKU Fun By The Numbers Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mindbending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test! Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024.

From the Minister’s Study

Try to be willing to become a ‘Holy Listener’

By Douglas Allen, Huron Chapel, Auburn Recently I have been challenged by yet another book that I obtained in a local thrift store. Written by Margaret Guenther, Holy Listening: The Art of Spiritual Direction was published more than three decades ago. I suspect it had limited circulation, which is too bad, because I would have appreciated having read it in my early days as a pastor to a small country church. In the beginning, I struggled with fully understanding the role to which I had been called. I quickly learned that there is only so much they teach you at Bible College, and a lot of stuff you have to learn by experience. One being that there is a lot more involved in providing “spiritual direction” than simply writing thought-provoking, Godfocused sermons. Of course, those voices that consistently reminded me of the fact that “this is the way we have always done it,” had a way of stifling change. And so, it was easy to get caught up in the routine of planning services, writing messages, chairing meetings, accepting invitations to special events, etc. I think what prompted me to purchase the book was its title: Holy Listening. To be honest, at my age, I have spent considerable time asking, “Now what?” In these days of retirement, I frequently find myself questioning my purpose in life. I wasn’t prepared to be challenged by a book that is, in essence, a manual meant for those engaged in offering “spiritual direction.” That term was made popular by the Cursillos de Cristianda (Short Course in Christianity), an apostolic movement in Spain in the Roman Catholic Church between 1940 and 1949. Since then, it has been adapted by other Christian groups to encourage the development of the mind of Christ in the lives of the participants in an effort to reach a more mature union with the Lord. Clearly that’s an admirable goal, but one which would seem to suggest the need of a leader who is “properly trained and can be trusted to guide the individual on their faith journey.” That definition implies a level of professionalism for which most people would feel unequipped. Our most likely response is that that is the role we would expect of our pastor or minister. That the author believes there is a need for such a manual assumes

Evangelical Missionary Church

that there is a need that is currently being unmet. She describes a need or hunger for something that helps people struggling in their faith and church practice, discover their significance. She writes, “We are hungry and don’t know for what; we want something, but we can’t name it.” That's the problem with “the routine of church.” I have come to the conclusion that, despite our comfort doing church as we have always done it, our people want something else, something more. We can try changing our external environment with different church practices or church activity, hoping that will somehow fix everything; but what we really hunger for is wholeness and God. I suspect that many people have a genuine hunger that, for the most part, is undefined. They might, in their desperate need, appeal to the pastor for help, declaring their need to “talk to somebody.” And yet, at the time of their scheduled appointment, will apologetically admit, “I am not really sure why I am here; I don’t know what I want.” Guenther says, “They want God of course, but they are not able to say so. They want to know themselves in relationship to God, but they are not able to say that either. They want spiritual direction, but that too, they are often unable to say.” The point she makes is that, most often, people are not looking for pastoral counselling. What is not being sought is someone who can overwhelm the seeker with all kinds of good advice and a list of practical steps to follow. What is really needed is someone who will

listen...really listen. This is where “Holy Listening” comes in. I expect that everyone has had the experience of having someone “talk your ear off” about something in which you have little or no interest. Your attention turns to something else; to the point you’re not really listening. And when there is a pause in the conversation when you are expected to reply, you have to choose between admitting you weren’t listening, or offer some generic answer that most likely still exposes your lack of attention. The author calls on the listener to be willing to put aside one’s own agenda so that attention is totally focused on the other person. It requires being able to listen without giving in to the temptation to offer advice or suggestions… just listen in a way that is both loving yet detached. She says that to be able to do so is really a gift that one gives to the other person. And it is a gift that all of us have the power to give. Over the past few months, a couple of friends have each invited a group of men to join them for an outdoor fire. The idea originates with John Eldredge, author of the book Wild at Heart, who sees the need for, “an authentic gathering where men can experience God through the stories of other men, all around a fire.” Eldredge believes that men need to be released to share the “thrill of victory and the agony of defeat” through the telling of stories, the exchange of thoughts, all the while building up friendships and brother-bonds. I find it interesting how, prior to sunset, conversation tends to be inconsequential; afterwards, in the

The Anglican Churches of Blyth, Seaforth and Wingham Welcome You to Sunday Service! Trinity: 9:00 a.m. Parish of the Holy Spirit: 9:30 a.m. St. Paul’s-Trinity: 11:00 a.m. 166 Dinsley St. W, Blyth

21 Jarvis St. Seaforth 519-527-1522

revjoann@hurontel.on.ca

holyspirit@tcc.on.ca

stpauls@hurontel.on.ca

www.holyspiritseaforth.ca

www.regionalministryof hope.com

The Regional Ministry of Hope

23 John St E Wingham 519-357-4883

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

The Regional Ministry of

BRUSSELS

Sunday, November 24, 2024 9:30 a.m.

Please note there is no service at Melville this Sundayy due to the planned power outage. St. Andrew’s, Molesworth, extends an invitation to their 11 a.m m. service. Soup & More 2 Join us every Friday from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. for lunch. This free meal is made possible by the Brussels churches and many volunteers working together to serve our community. c All are welcome! For pastoral care concerns please call 519-524-7512 2

Blyth United Church Sunday, November 24 at 9:30 a.m.

Nursery & Sunday School during worship Join us Sun. Nov. 24th at 7 p.m. for a special presentation by Honour in Song out of Wingham performing The Faith Report.

On-site and online - live.huronchapel.com To talk to Pastor Mike please email pastormike@huronchapel.com

119 John’s Ave., Auburn 519-526-1131

each of us has a unique opportunity to serve as listeners to someone wishing to be heard. Your immediate reaction might be to ask, “Am I up to this? Am I worthy of such a calling?” Like any other spiritual gifting, it's more a matter of making oneself available to God. When that becomes our focus, we need not worry about our ability or preparedness. We just let God lead! So, my challenge is that each of us would be willing to become a “Holy Listener”!

Celebrating A Special Occasion? Advertise it in

The Citizen Call or email to book your ad today! 519-523-4792 info@northhuron.on.ca

BRUSSELS

United Churc Church

Sunday Wors ship Service "Reign of Chris st Hymn Sing" November 24, at 11:00 a.m (hydro interruption n should be over)

ALL ARE WELCOME ~ Come be part of our Faith Community day, Nov. 30, 7 p.m. ~ “dress for outside weather” OUTDOOR Advent Service, Saturd Contact Alex at ministter.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com y @g Website: brusselsandblythuc.ca b brusselsandblythuc ca P.O. Box 359, Brussels ~ 519-887-6259 P.

Brussels Mennonite Fellowship invites you to worship with us 10:00 a.m. Worship Service 11:00 a.m. Co ee Time The peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard you hearts & minds. ~ Philippians 4:7 Interim Pastor Elwin Garland 250 Princess St., Brussels • 519 887 6388

MEL LV VILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Sunday, November 24, 10:30 a.m. Guest Speakers Doug and Susan Johnstone from Ethnos Canada. Speaking on "What Is My Purpose"

darkness punctuated only by the sparks of burning logs, conversation becomes much more meaningful. Men open up and reveal their deepest emotions. We don’t judge; we don’t offer advice. What is important is that each man is respected and accepted for who and what he is and what he is experiencing in life. And so, we just listen. Quite often God speaks in the silence. It is almost as if we are observers to a conversation between the man and God. Maybe that is what Guenther wanted us to understand by “Holy Listening”. What I have shared shouldn’t come across as too theoretical or impractical. In reality, all of us “rub shoulders” with people who are having difficult problems and deepseated concerns. They carry emotional baggage from which there often seems to be no escape. Yet, for the most part, all they desire is to be heard. And that is something we can all do. I am not suggesting that “the fire” ought to be copied by everyone with a backyard and a fire pit, but

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 The outreach program for November is the Lions sports pad.

Contact Alex at: minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com Facebook: Blyth and Brussels United Churches blythunited@tcc.on.ca ~ 519-523-4224

Sunday, November 24 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

Free supper and Bible study! 6 p.m. on Wednesday nights starting Oct. 16th More details at: brusselscommunitybiblechapel.ca

Join J Jo oin oi n us us Sun S nday, No N ve ember 24 4 Pas P Pastor a asto Toyosii A Aw wesu will be leading us in th the e 10:00 am service The T There ere will be no evening service. Services S ervices a are re llive-streamed ive-streamed a and nd c can an b be e ffound ound b by ys searching earching ““Blyth Blyth C Christian hristian R Reformed effo ormed C Church” hurrc ch”

B YT BLYT BL TH H CHRISTIAN CH HRISTIAN REFO R REF EFORM RMED MED D CHURCH CHURCH Hwy. 4, B Hwy Blyth lyth 51 519-523-4743 -523-474 www.blyt .blythcr hcrc.c .ca

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024. PAGE 19.

BLYTH Y 519-523-4244

+XURQ7UDFWRU FRP

519-523-4311

www.ruralvoice e.ca

Huron 4-H Association wins provincial gold

The golden girls Huron 4-H Association wins Provincial 4-H Go for the Gold at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto on Nov. 2. The team, including (from left) Molly Bolinger, Paige Bruinsma, Evy Verschaeve, Avery Bruinsma and Mackenzie Terpstra, with coaches Carol Bruinsma and Lauren Shiell (not pictured), triumphed in the trivia-style competition. (Submitted photo) On Saturday, Nov. 2, the Huron 4-H Association celebrated its win of Provincial 4-H Go for the Gold at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto. The Huron team included Molly Bolinger, Avery Bruinsma, Paige Bruinsma, Mackenzie Terpstra and Evy Verschaeve, as well as coaches Carol Bruinsma and Lauren Shiell.

“Congratulations to the Huron 4H Association and all the Go for the Gold competitors. Your hard work is evident, knowledge is admirable, and teamwork is second to none,” said Executive Director of 4-H Ontario Christine Oldfield. Go for the Gold is 4-H Ontario's trivia-style competition in which young people between the ages of

nine and 21 compete locally, regionally and provincially for the title of Go for the Gold champion. One team from each of the six regions across Ontario came together at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair earlier this month to compete for the championship title. “4-H Ontario is a special

organization for our Ontario Mutuals, many of whom are alumni themselves,” says John Taylor, Ontario Mutual Insurance Association, the sponsor of the competition. “The provincial finals for Go for the Gold are always a highlight for us as Go for the Gold sponsor. Congratulations to all the finalists

and all the regional playdown competitors!” The 4-H Ontario Go for the Gold competition also celebrated its 42nd anniversary in 2024. The first game of Go for the Gold was played in 1982 when the competition was known as Reach for the Top, modelled after the popular high school quiz competition.

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK REPORT For the week ending November 14, 2024 Total Receipts: 1,960 cattle, 775 lambs, sheep and goats.

Cows: There were 240 cows on offer.

Lambs:

Tuesday – Fed cattle sold fully steady with good buyer demand. Cows sold steady.

Beef Cows: $135 – $171 up to $226 Good Holstein Cows: $143 – $155 Medium Holstein Cows: $135 – $142 Bulls: $158 – $182 up to $226

Thursday – Veal sold on a higher market with stronger buyer demand. Lambs, sheep and goats sold steady.

George Martin of Maxwell, consigned five head. One red cow weighed 1,250 lbs. and sold for a price of $211.

Under 50 lbs.: $500 – $590 50-64 lbs.: $397.50 – $500 65-79 lbs.: $325 – $395 80-94 lbs.: $290 – $360 95-109 lbs.: $290 – $305 110 lbs. and over: $272.50 – $292.50 Sheep: $217.50 – $265

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

Dalvis Farms of Teeswater, consigned 10 head. One holstein cow weighed 1,780 lbs. and sold for a price of $155.

Allan Ribbink of Tiverton, consigned 56 head. Seven lambs averaged 100 lbs. and sold for a price of $305.

Veal: There were 165 veal and 30 bob calves on offer.

Steven Albrecht of Mitchell, consigned 12 head. Ten lambs averaged 100 lbs. and sold for a price of $300.

Fed Cattle: There were 125 fed cattle on offer. Choice Fed Cattle: $250 – $262 Second Cut Fed Cattle: $231 – $249 Aged and Medium Fed Cattle: $210 – $231 Holstein Fed Cattle: $185 – $235 Matthew Brubacher of Wallenstein, consigned 17 head. Two simmental fed steers averaged 1,573 lbs. and sold for a price of $263.

Beef Veal: $275 – $309 Good Holsteins: $290 – $323 SL Heavy Holsteins: $280 – $300 Heavy Holsteins: $250 – $290 Medium Holsteins: $275 – $290 Plain Holsteins: $255 – $270 Holstein Drop Calves: $500 – $1,050 / HEAD

Webhaven Farms Limited of Thorndale, consigned five head. Two red fed steers averaged 1,610 lbs. and sold for a price of $251.

Terry Greidanus of Londesborough, consigned 13 head. One holstein veal weighed 680 lbs. and sold for a price of $323. Ki Westelaken of Hensall, consigned two head. One holstein veal weighed 725 lbs. and sold for a price of $319.

Goats: Meat Kids: $450 – $522.50 Dairy Kids: $380 – $475 Mature Bucks: $350 – $450 Mature Does: $162.50 – $270 Grant Loucks of Georgian Bluffs, consigned six head. One kid goat weighed 51 lbs. and sold for a price of $522.50. Bill Maitland of Georgian Bluffs, consigned 12 head. Four kid goats averaged 60 lbs. and sold for a price of $500.

Stockers: There were 1400 stockers on offer. Top Quality Steers: Under 400 lbs.: $507 – $570 400 – 499 lbs.: $460 – $536 500 – 599 lbs.: $415 – $492 600 – 699 lbs.: $392 – $444 700 – 799 lbs.: $330 – $415 800 – 899 lbs.: $315 – $366 900 – 999 lbs.: $325.50 – $350 1,000 lbs. and over: $298 – $336 Top Quality Heifers: Under 400 lbs.: $445 – $491 400 – 499 lbs.: $365 – $470 500 – 599 lbs.: $390 – $422 600 – 699 lbs.: $344 – $412 700 – 799 lbs.: $325.50 – $353 800 – 899 lbs.: $304 – $342 900 lbs. and over: $253.50 – $300 Phil Connell of Bruce Mines, consigned 70 head. Twelve red steers averaged 609 lbs. and sold for a price of $444. Thirteen charolais heifers averaged 623 lbs. and sold for a price of $412. Jim Shortreed of Walton, consigned 16 head. Five red steers averaged 947 lbs. and sold for a price of $346.50. Shawn Brown of Holstein, consigned 14 head. Five charolais steers averaged 506 lbs. and sold for a price of $492.

Joseph M. Martin of Holyrood, consigned 22 head. Four black steers averaged 1,009 lbs. and sold for a price of $336. Rod Husk of Kincardine, consigned 31 head. Seven charolais heifers averaged 574 lbs. and sold for a price of $422. Brad Patterson of Dobbinton, consigned 100 head. Nineteen charolais heifers averaged 814 lbs. and sold for a price of $342. Ten charolais heifers averaged 784 lbs. and sold for a price of $347.50.

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd.

UPCOMING SALES TUESDAYS 10:00 a.m. Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows

THURSDAYS

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

FRIDAYS

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

Call us 519-887-6461

PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024.

Classified Advertising Walton Hall sells – RATES – 20 words or less only $9.00 + HST Additional words 25¢ ea. + HST

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

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. ------------------------------------------TRUCK FOR SALE - 2002 Chevrolet Pickup with carpenter's top. 266,688 kms. Asking $2500, as is. 519-887-9615 ------------------------------------------REPRINTS OF PHOTOS taken by Citizen photographers are available to purchase. All are in colour. 4x6 $5.00, 5x7 - $6.00, 8x10 - $10.00. Phone to order 519-523-4792 or email info@northhuron.on.ca ------------------------------------------THE CITIZEN IS AVAILABLE TO purchase at these locations - Auburn Esso, Belgrave Variety, Blyth Food Market, Blyth Variety, Blyth Ultramar, Brussels Foodland, Brussels Variety, Clinton Convenience, Clinton Foodland, Fogal's YIG (Wingham), Seaforth Foodland, Fincher's (Goderich), Goderich Victoria St Shell, Goderich Petro-Canada Gas Bar, and The Citizen office in Blyth.

Card of thanks SMITH - From Stuart Smith's family: Sending everyone who sent cards, flowers, gifts, condolences, food, love, hugs, texts, and in-person visits, a huge thank you for the extra love we felt over the past 3 months since Dad passed away in August 2024. Dad’s funeral was beautiful, the luncheon and social following were so full of love, tears and laughter. Just as dad always loved a good get-together. Being surrounded by family and friends from the farm, Goderich, from south, east and north of Goderich, all in one place was so powerful and the love was palpable. You figure Dad had 86 years in our world and made a lasting impact on everyone he met. Dad….your send off was bigger than words can describe. We miss you. Thank you, Dad. Thank you everyone. Bernadette, Brian, Kevin, Andrea, Lisa and our families. ------------------------------------------ADAMS - The family of Don Adams would like to thank family and friends for many beautiful cards, phone calls as well as food and flowers. We appreciated your kind words and messages. Several special people assisted us at our home to make Don more comfortable and enable him to stay home as long as possible thank you. Your visits gave us strength and encouragement in a difficult time. He truly touched so many people in his lifetime. Joyce, Mark and Carrie Adams -------------------------------------------

Card of thanks In memoriam NESBITT - I would like to thank my husband Carl, children Ron, Russ & Kerry, Brenda & Marc for organizing my 80th birthday celebration. Thanks to everyone who stopped by for the afternoon open house to say hello. Thanks to the VIP guests who attended from afar and stayed for dinner. Special thanks to Brenda & Marc for the assortment of yummy afternoon snacks. Russ & Kerry for making the delicious lasagna for our dinner and all the grandchildren for doing the dishes and clean-up . What a great party, I cannot wait for my 90th. - Lena

Coming events AUBURN AND DISTRICT LIONS Club Breakfast with Santa at the Auburn Community Hall, Sunday, Dec 1, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Adults $15, Children $6, Preschool free. Maple syrup supplied by Robinson Maple Products. Eggs supplied by Huron County Egg Farmers. Proceeds for Community Betterment. We Serve. ------------------------------------------MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS FOOD MARKET at St. Ambrose Church, Brussels Saturday Dec. 7th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bake Sale, Raffle Draw and Lunch available. Everyone is welcome. Pre-orders of baked goods and frozen dinners are available. Contact Miriam Terpstra before Nov. 30 if interested, miriamterpstra@gmail.com or 519440-8116.

Help wanted PART-TIME CUSTODIAN needed for Blyth United Church starting in January 2025. Approximately 10 hours per week (varies with seasons). Cleaning, lawn maintenance (mower supplied), light snow shoveling, some repair and maintenance. Contact Dave Onn at 519-525-9509, call or text for further details. -------------------------------------------

out turkey dinner PEOPLE AROUND WALTON By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

It is the middle of November and still we have no snow. How great. It will certainly shorten the winter once it does arrive. Christmas is just around the corner, with only 34 days left to go. Decorations are going up and the lights will go up and be shining brightly soon. Santa Claus parades have started and kids MOORE - Warren, 1956-November at school are preparing for their 26, 2004 concerts. A busy time of year. The Walton Hall held its annual Your presence we miss turkey dinner and it was sold out Your memory we treasure very quickly. The crew fed 130 Loving you always folks in drive-thru fashion on Forgetting you never. Sunday. Saturday was a day for preparation with Margaret Always loved and missed, Donna, McInroy, Judy Lee, Judy Emmrich, Erin, Adam, Mason, Sutton, Brexley Jane Zwep, Jo-Ann McDonald and ------------------------------------------- ladies of the Walton Institute (Helen Craig, Brenda Perrie, Marion Godkin and Ruth Axtman) helping along. wap shop Sunday was also a busy day, with helpers including Chris Lee, Rick McDonald, Murray and Sherry Citizen-To-Citizen McCall, Marni Knight, Heidi McClure, Judy Lee and Jo-Ann McDonald. It was a great day and thanks to all who came out to “SWAP support the Walton Hall. We heard SHOP” ad that lots of great compliments on Call 519-523-4792 the dinner have been passed on to or email: info@northhuron.on.ca the committee! Thanks all. Walton will hold its coffee chat • Free ad up to 25 words, person to on Nov. 23 and we hope we have person only (no businesses), items valued at $1,000 or less. Price must lots in attendance for a lively hour be included in your ad.Your ad will run of visiting and news. three times unless it sells faster! Canada Post is on strike and we • The Citizen reserves the right to limit hope you have found a way to get the number of items or ads per The Citizen and keep up with person. what’s going on. The Citizen is FOR SALE - Yardworks 10.5 hp/29” making the paper available in many snowblower, 6 speed/2 speed, has reverse, places across the county. electric start, used very little, asking $725. The grand opening of the Call 519-525-1863. 47-3 -------------------------------------------------Brussels, Morris and Grey FOR SALE - Seventy gallon fish tank and Community Centre was held on stand. Complete with Eheim 350 filtration Saturday and it looks like it was a system, heater, bubbler, light, python cleaning system. Two clown loaches and great success. Lots of folks were some other fish. $450., 519-440-8390. around for the minor league hockey 47-3 -------------------------------------------------games. There was a full pickleball FOR SALE - Three pictures of old John tournament in the auditorium and a Deere tractors, 22”x12” in one frame, $10 good crowd for euchre upstairs Patrick Roy 200 piece puzzle, never been used, $10 child’s doll, $10. Phone 519hosted by the Brussels Agricultural 357-9467. 47-3 Society. The Brussels Leo Club had -------------------------------------------------the food booth running and there FOR SALE - Vintage 8” Beaver table saw, great condition, moveable base, was a 50/50 draw for minor hockey. fence, mitre gauge and long 18 ft. heavy There was a great crowd for the cord. $75 or best offer. Please text 519887-9577. 47-3 Ironmen game to end the night. -------------------------------------------------Congratulations to all. FOR SALE - Air Care humidifier with The pickleball tournament at the manual. Hardly used. $30 or best offer. 519-357-7240 or 519-357-3608. 46-3 grand opening of the arena had two -------------------------------------------------divisions. There were eight teams FOR SALE - Like new, apartment size in each of the Intermediate and (18”), built-in, Frigidaire dishwaher. Asking $250. OBO 519-357-3622. 46-3 Advanced divisions for the

-------------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Exercise bicycle in excellent, clean condition. Has a 12” wide seat. $150. Call 226-523-2580 after 6:00 p.m. 45-3 --------------------------------------------------

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The Citizen Call or email us today for the details

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tournament. Kristin Fischer and her partner Scott won the Advanced division and the Intermediate division winner was Doug Garniss and partner Sandy. Ages ranged from 20 to 75 and they came from Wingham, Clinton, Woodstock, Belmore, Listowel and Grand River to play. It was a great showing of talent organized by the Brussels Pickleball Club and Marni Knight. We are sorry to hear that Jim Cook has been in hospital, but he is now home and we hope he is feeling better. We are still hoping for positive news for Karen Braecker. She has been put on hold again and is waiting to see a surgeon in London about a very bad break in her upper arm. It has been over two weeks since the fall and we hope she has some answers soon on what is in the future for her. Keep your spirits up Karen, we are thinking of you. Four young ladies, at least that I know of, had the thrill of a lifetime attending one of the Taylor Swift concerts in Toronto last week. Maleah and Macy Taylor and Anna and Natalie Fear made the trip to experience the “amazing” concert. The girls were still smiling when I spoke to two of them. It certainly sounds like something they will always remember! Heidi McClure has returned after a few days of holidays. Heidi and a few of her high school friends gather every year for a girls' time together. They went to Port Huron for some shopping, dinner, visiting, storytelling, reminiscing and just a fun time. Welcome home Heidi! Celebrating birthdays this past week were Lynne Godkin, Charlie Glousher, Kristi Dawn Godkin, Mark Sullivan, Brian Warwick, Mae Ebel, Derek Hoegy, Shirley Ann Boven, Mabel Glanville, Sarah Williamson, Ryder Lee, Carl McCallum and Valerie Shortreed. Happy birthday to all!

NEWS FROM WALTON

THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024. PAGE 21.

Nesbitt celebrates 80th with friends

On Saturday, Nov. 16, the Londesborough Community Hall was full of laughter, conversation and shared memories as family and community folk gathered to celebrate Lena Nesbitt's 80th birthday. As one member of her family commented, they were all enjoying visiting with many people they had not seen in quite some time. Lena and Carl have spent their entire lives in the Blyth and Londesborough areas and have made many friends and memories during that time. Lena’s family had organized a slide show that reminded everyone of the many events in Lena's life over the last eight decades. Following the afternoon visiting, family members enjoyed time together over dinner; likely more stories and laughter were shared during that time. On a sadder note the Londesborough community received news recently of the passing of two persons. Clara “Ann” Potter died at Inglewood Hospice at the age of 90 on Thursday, Nov. 14 . Ann and Bob and two adult sons came to Londesborough many years ago, having purchased the former home of Harold and Mary Longman on the highway. About five years ago, Ann, then widowed, moved to Wingham to be closer to her son, Alan, who continues to reside at Braemar Nursing Home. Although her life had many difficulties and cares, Ann remained cheerful and resolute. Bill Shaddick and his wife Bev moved into the big yellow brick farmhouse on the family property just east of the village in the area of Townsend Tire early in their marriage. He and Bev raised their two children there while farming the property. In his off-the-farm work, Bill travelled the roads of Southwestern Ontario as a salesman for Huron Tractor for many years. His health had been slowly declining in recent years and he passed away last weekend. Details for both of the deceased are being handled by the Falconer Funeral Chapel and can be found on their website. Keep the families of the deceased in your thoughts and prayers in the weeks ahead as they adjust to life without their loved ones. The sympathy of the Londesborough community is extended to their family and friends. Although I don't intend to delve deeply into the phenomenon that is Taylor Swift and her Eras Tour, the media is full of stories about her concerts in Toronto. I do recognize there are always two, or more, ways of looking at all issues and economics is definitely one of them. One of my questions is, will the city of Toronto as a whole benefit from the expected revenue or will it mostly benefit the individual hotels, bars, restaurants, etc.? In the year between March of

2023 and March 2024, there were two million visits to Canadian food banks as more and more people struggled to put food on their tables for themselves and/or their families. This is a 90 per cent increase in visits over 2019 statistics; and one third of the visits involve children. Many of the people needing food help are also employed. So, contrast this with the price of a ticket to see Taylor Swift. People are spending hundreds and, in some cases, thousands of dollars for seats at the Rogers Centre to see the singer/businesswoman. Can this be justified in a world in which people are struggling to live? Also, call me what you will, I can't justify that kind of money for any child under 10. And the tickets are just one expense. What about transit costs, overpriced food in the stadium, etc.? There appears to be a lot of disposable income that isn't being spread around. Rev. Jan Aylward led the morning worship at Londesborough United Church on Sunday, Nov. 17. Her reflection was based on the scripture passage, Mark 13: 1-8. In those verses, Jesus spoke to His disciples of many ominous world events to come. Many of the same circumstances exist in the world still today. Jesus tells us to take heart, to continue in hope, for these events foretell the end of the world and the second coming of Christ. But Jan reminded congregants that it is early days yet. The world has yet much to endure. Therefore, Jan reminded all that a life in Christ readies us for whatever comes. We should prepare our hearts for the end whenever it comes by living in the presence of God every day. Jan’s talk with the children present involved a frisbee. The children recognized that it is the air that supports the frisbee and makes it fly. In the same way, they talked about the many supports children have in their everyday lives parents, teachers, friends and the faith community of Londesborough United Church. The senior choir offered the anthem “God’s Many Blessings”. The mitten tree is on the table in the sanctuary for two upcoming Sundays, ready to accept donations of mitts, scarves, hats, slippers and even children's underwear for the Huron County Children's Bureau. Members of the Official Board are reminded of their meeting on Monday, Nov. 25. This meeting will deal with the budget for 2025.

NEWS FROM LONDESBORO

A musical afternoon The Fields of Faith Growing Project - a partnership between the Brucefield, Brussels, Clinton and Seaforth United Churches to benefit the Canadian Foodgrains Bank - held a fundraiser on Sunday at Central Huron Secondary School to benefit the project. The Huron Honour Band, above, and the Blyth Festival Orchestra, below, performed. (John Stephenson photos)

Obituaries

LARRY HENDERSON Larry Henderson of Wingham passed away peacefully, with family at his side, on Nov. 18, 2024 at the age of 84. He is survived by his loving partner and best friend Judy Mathers. He was predeceased by his parents Art (1982) and Cora (1976) Henderson. He was the cherished uncle of Tracey and Tim Scott (and their sons Cody, Thomas, and Alex) and Lynda Mathers and Brad Johnson. At Larry’s request, cremation has taken place and a private interment will follow at Maitlandbank Cemetery, Seaforth. Donations of remembrance can be made to the Wingham and District Hospital Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences may be forwarded through www.haskettfh.com.

DONNA JEAN DOUGHERTY (née Buckley) Donna Jean Dougherty (née Buckley) passed away peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Huronview Nursing Home, Clinton, in her 81st year.

Donna was the beloved mom of the late Lori Vander Straeten, Terry Vander Straeten, Jeff Vander Straeten and his partner Lana Dobson, Michelle Long-Bauman, Kim and her husband Bruce Hough, and Darcy Long. She was also a proud grandma and great-grandma. Donna will be fondly remembered by her special friend William Dougherty. Donna was a proud member of #73 Cowessess Reservation and past-president and treasurer of the Blyth Royal Canadian Legion Branch 420. Memorial donations to Diabetes Canada, the Canadian Cancer Society or the Alzheimer Society would be appreciated by the family. Private arrangements have been entrusted to Huron Shores Cremation Services. Online condolences may be left at huronshorescremation.com.

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 22. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024.

Grandfather and grandson team up as hockey referees

A gene for refereeing Allan Dickson, right, and grandson Max Staines share an intergenerational bond as hockey referees, blending decades of experience with fresh enthusiasm on the ice. (John Stephenson photo)

By Scott Stephenson The Citizen

Allan Dickson and his grandson, Max Staines, made the news recently when they hit the ice together as a pair of referees at local hockey games. Now that they have a few games under their belts, this dynamic duo is preparing to adjudicate Wingham’s impending U11 Rep Silver Stick tournament on Nov. 29. Ahead of the big event, The Citizen decided to check in with both Dickson and Staines to hear about how they’ve been enjoying the unique intergenerational experience thus far. Dickson entered the fast-paced world of refereeing in 1971, whereas Staines first followed in his grandfather’s footsteps in 2023. At first, it seemed as though the two had missed the chance to police the ice together. Dickson, who had a stroke in 2019, thought he had given up refereeing for good. The

stroke had damaged his occipital lobe, which meant that both his balance and vision were affected. Then, in 2020, he had a quadruple bypass, which further decreased the likelihood that he would return to the ice. Then, in 2023, Staines earned his certification as a Level 1 referee, and the two began traveling to games together. Dickson began to relish his role as a mentor, and was able to teach Staines the same fundamentals that he had been taught all those years ago. At the end of that first season, Dickson found his health to be greatly improved, and he decided to secretly re-qualify as a referee, eventually surprising his 14-yearold grandson with the news they would be working together. Staines has been loving his grandfather’s surprise. “My most favourite thing is spending time with him on the ice. The first game that I refereed with my grandpa was pretty awesome... after his stroke

and everything, I never thought I’d be able to do it with him. I was too young before, to start reffing. But I did, and I am, and it’s awesome! We got to spend the most time together that I’ve ever spent with him, and it was just really fun,” he declared. The veteran referee agrees with his grandson’s assessment of the situation. “He seems to be enjoying it,” Dickson observed. So far, they’ve refereed five games together. “It was really good. I think it was sort of exhausting for him... they weren’t all in a row, or anything - just putting your equipment on, taking it off, putting it on, taking it off, and so on and so forth.” While Dickson has a lot of technical advice for Staines, he feels the most important thing about being a referee is learning to see the game in a new light while remaining calm and collected. “Stay neutral, and do the best job,” he advises. “Particular teams believe that sometimes they’re

And it’s quite unfortunate that they have. Growing up, I played in arenas in Wroxeter, Gorrie, Fordwich, Bluevale... and a lot of those places now don’t have an arena. The building is actually torn down. It takes a lot of money to maintain an arena.” There may be fewer arenas around these days, but it hasn’t stopped young people nationwide from making the trek to their nearest arena to play hockey together. While Staines spends a lot of his ice time with Dickson absorbing wisdom, there is one aspect of being a referee in which he’s able to send a little know-how his grandfather’s way. “They have an iPad for the game sheet now, instead of a piece of paper, so he’s had to switch to that, with my help,” he explained. For both these referees, hockey is more than just a game - it’s an important part of a healthy community. Dickson feels that it teaches young people valuable lessons they can use later in life. “It’s a building block for kids,” he explained. “They learn to win, they learn to lose, they learn to accept who they may be playing with. When they get out and older and everything else, they may not always win at everything. It’s just very good for them to learn to work with different people as a team.” For Staines, the social element of organized hockey is essential. “It gets people to know each other and make more friends, and to experience things with other people, instead of staying away from everybody.” He’s especially excited to be a part of the upcoming Silver Stick Tournament in Wingham. “I’ve done one tournament in the past, and it’s much more fun than a single game, so I’m looking forward to it!” he exclaimed. If you want to see this dynamic duo in action, head on over to the U11 Rep Silver Stick Tournament at the North Huron Wescast Community Complex on Nov. 29.

being picked on, even though they’re not. A lot of teams, or parents, see things through the eyes of their players, or their sons, or their grandsons that are on the ice. A lot of times they don’t see the other team.” Dickson’s dedication to remaining impartial extends beyond the local arena into his personal opinions. “You’re not supposed to have a favourite team when you go on the ice... most referees, if you ask them, don’t really have a favourite NHL team - they just like to see a good game, played well.” It takes years of experience to master the art of neutrality and it seems that Staines is well on his way there, thanks in no small part to the guidance of his grandfather. The 10th-Grader believes in fair calls and knows he can’t let the opinions of others influence the way he observes the game. “You call all the shots, and you have to be the boss about it,” Staines asserted. “There can be repercussions, and everything. You could get yelled at, or, if someone doesn’t agree with you, you could get into a huge argument. Stuff like that.” A great referee may not pledge allegiance to any particular team, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a few favourite players. Dickson has always admired the gentlemanly gameplay of Dave Keon. “He was a nice, clean player. He hardly ever got a penalty. He just played the game.” In terms of current players, he’s a fan of Connor McDavid. Staines’ all-time favourite player is either Wayne Gretzky or Darryl Sittler, who happens to hail from Staines’ hometown of St. Jacobs. In terms of current players, he likes Auston Matthews. Dickson’s lifelong love of hockey began during the golden age of rural arenas. “I grew up in a very small community, in Belmore. We were quite fortunate to have an arena there. And there still is an arena there. But small communities since then have lost all their arenas.

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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024. PAGE 23.

Blyth water effluent levels exceeding limit By Scott Stephenson The Citizen According to North Huron’s Water and Wastewater Operations Report, presented at the Oct. 21 Council meeting, the Blyth Sewage Treatment Plant (BSTP) remains in bypass due to a mechanical failure that took place earlier this year. The BSTP has been in a secondary bypass since the failure of one of its two filters in June, and will remain in a secondary bypass until the filters can be upgraded. As a result of the filter failure, September’s effluent limits for the monthly average for Carbonaceous Biochemical Oxygen Demand (CBOD) exceeded the limit of five milligrams per litre with an average result of 5.5 milligrams per litre. In terms of wastewater monitoring, CBOD measures the potential of wastewater to deplete the oxygen level in the water that receives it.

An increase in CBOD is caused by an increase in organic material in the wastewater, such as human and livestock waste, decaying plant matter and industrial pollutants. The more organic material found in wastewater, the higher the CBOD. The report prepared by Director of Public Works and Facilities Dax McAllister states that staff at both Veolia Water Canada and North Huron are monitoring the situation and continuing to communicate with engineers and inspectors from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks (MECP). Veolia has also increased its sampling of the effluent being discharged. On Sept. 19, MECP completed an on-site inspection at the Blyth and Wingham water sites. All regulatory sampling and monitoring were completed and a report will be forthcoming once the data gathered has been processed.

Tasty creations On Sunday, Nov. 17, 50 children participated in a gingerbread house-decorating event that was spearheaded by Blyth Community Betterment with the help of the Blyth Kids Club, Blyth Firefighters’ Association and BYOB Zero Waste Depot of Goderich. The creations will now be on display throughout the village until the Blyth Santa Claus parade on Dec. 14. (Scott Stephenson photo)

U13 Heat Owen Sound bound Continued from page 9 Predators to Brussels, but a score was unavailable at press time. Looking ahead, the U13 HL Heat will head to Owen Sound for a tournament and, on Friday, Nov. 22, the U15 A Heat will play the St. Thomas Panthers in Hensall and the Senior C team will play Milverton on the road. On Saturday, the U9 B Heat will play the London Devilettes, the U9 C team will play the St. Thomas Panthers, the U9 HL Heat will play the North Middlesex Junior Stars and the U11 A Heat will play the St. Thomas Panthers, all in Seaforth, while the U13 C Heat will host the

Wilmot Wolverines in Blyth and the U18 BB Heat will play the Guelph Junior Gryphons in Clinton. On the road, the U13 A Heat will play the Mooretown Lady Flags, the U11 C team will play the St. Marys Rock, the U11 HL Heat will play the Mooretown Lady Flags, the U13 B Heat will play the Kincardine Kinucks and the U15 B Heat will play the Mount Forest Rams. On Sunday in Clinton, the U13 A Heat will play the Bluewater Hawks, the U15 B Heat will play the Wilmot Wolverines and the U11 A team will play the London Devilettes. The U13 C Heat will host Ilderton/Lucan in Brussels and

the U18 C Heat will welcome the Wilmot Wolverines to Seaforth. On the road that day, the U15 A team will play the Lakeshore Lightning twice, the U11 C Heat will play the Central Perth Predators, the Senior C team will play Monkton on the road at the Elma Logan Arena and the Senior team will play Seaforth on the road. In mid-week action, the U18 BB Heat will play the Wilmot Wolverines on Tuesday, Nov. 26 and then on Thursday, Nov. 28, the U18 C Heat will play the Central Perth Predators in Blyth and the U15 C Heat will play the St. Marys Rock in Brussels.

Blyth U20 broomball teams head to Belleville qualifiers By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen After all the excitement and pomp and circumstance of the annual Blyth Junior Broomball Tournament, it was time to get back to work with regular season broomball in Huron County for Blyth’s teams. Back on Nov. 13, the U16 Girls made their way to Seaforth and came back as the winners by a score of 2-0 in the rare midweek game. The next night, the U20 Boys played The Outlaws at home in Blyth and lost by a score of 1-0. Also that night, the U20 Girls played the Hits n’ Misses in Blyth, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time. On Saturday, Nov. 16, the U14 Boys played the U16 Boys in a local game, with the U14 Boys claiming victory by a score of 2-0.

Also that day, the U9 Bullets played the Mildmay Farmers in Mildmay and won by a score of 1-0, while the U12 Silver team lost to the Mildmay Hawks on the road by a score of 2-0. The U12 Bullets played the Mildmay Moose that night, also in Mildmay, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time. On Sunday, Nov. 17, the U14 Girls, U14 Boys and U16 Girls were all on the road to play their counterparts from Palmerston, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time. On Tuesday, Nov. 19, the U20 Girls played the Bandits and the U20 Boys played CPR, but scores for those games were unavailable at press time. Looking ahead, the U20 Boys and U20 Girls teams will both head to Belleville for the annual U20 Qualifiers with games scheduled

throughout the weekend. On Saturday, Nov. 23, the U12 Silver and Bullets teams will play one another in a local game in Blyth, while the U14 Boys will play the U14 Girls in another local game.

Sudoku Solution

Clear out Even the youngest hockey players had their time on the ice at Saturday’s grand opening of the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre. Above, the U6 teams from Blyth Brussels and Wingham tangle. (John Stephenson photo)

Brussels Lions Club Community Breakfast Sunday, December 1, 2024 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the BMG Community Centre Auditorium

Special Appearance by Santa! Admission by donation with all proceeds going to area food banks

PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024.

Books make great gifts for Kids of all ages

GRANDMA’S CHRISTMAS WISHES Story time is family time. This book is special for every grandchild. A board book which creates Christmas cheer, introduces language patterns and rhyming and strengthens bonds and emotional security. $14.95

GRANDPA’S WISH LIST A grandpa has lots of special wishes for his new grandchild. Most of all, he wishes to share moments and make memories together. A wonderful keepsake from grandfather to grandchild. Padded hardcover. $14.95

GRANDPA’S TRACTOR Grandpa Joe takes his grandson Timmy back to the site of his family’s farm, where the old house and a ramshackle barn still stand. The visit stirs up memories for Grandpa Joe—in particular, the majesty of his own father's shiny red tractor, now rusting in the forgotten fields. $23.99

I THINK MY GRANDPA MIGHT BE SANTA. Story time is family time. This book is special for every grandchild. A board book which creates, strengthens relationships and emotional growth, entertains with imagination and humour, inspires holiday and family traditions. $13.99

101 Things For Kids To Do Outside Let them go outside and play! 101 Things For Kids To Do Outside is ideal for parents, teachers, and all those working with youth. This book is ideal for the children who like gaming, TV and movies. Even kids who believe "there's nothing to do outside" can learn and be encouraged to experience the joy of outdoor play. Perfect for rainy days, sunshiny days, even snowy days. $19.95

CANADIAN JINGLE BELLS Take a flying tour of Canada with Santa Claus and his sled pulled by beaver in this charming illustrated children’s book. Travel from the Yukon and Yellowknife to the west coast and all the way east to Newfoundland. $19.95

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM It's the night before Christmas on the farm, and no creatures are stirring... but what's that sound up on the rooftop? Readers will love sharing in the excitement before Santa Claus arrives in this charming twist on the classic holiday story filled with sweet farm animals, delightful rhymes, and beautiful illustrations. $16.50

FIRST CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM Discover the magic of Christmas with the farm animals as they experience their very first winter in this beautifully illustrated board book. $11.99

THE NIGHT BEFORE A CANADIAN CHRISTMAS This illustrated storybook has fun putting a Canadian spin on the Night Before Christmas story, such as the fact Santa can’t come down the chimney because there’s smoke coming out of it. $19.95

GRANDMA’S FARM Grandma Ginny and Timmy take a trip to visit the site of the family farm, where the old house and some rickety buildings still stand. This heartwarming intergenerational story is perfect for grandparents to share with their grandchildren, and for those looking for a story to share about simpler times. $23.99

The Little Gingerbread House Recipes, templates and step-by-step instructions for creating 8 festive mini houses. $25.95

THE CHRISTMAS FEAST When Wolf, Weasel and Fox steal a turkey for their Christmas feast, no one expects the meal to have her own ideas about the celebration. Don’t they want to fatten her up first? And where is the mistletoe, gingerbread and holly? The more time the friends spend with Turkey, the less anyone wants the fun to end. $23.95

LOVE YOU FOREVER A book both children and adults will enjoy - over and over again. It’s about parents’ love and how it crosses many generations. $6.95

Mega Machines Activity Book Get busy with more than 100 fun-filled puzzles and activities, including colouring, drawing, dotto-dots, mazes, spot the differences, and more! $13.50 H IS FOR HOCKEY From hockey and ringette to basketball and soccer, learning first words has never been this fun! With bright, cheerful art, this padded board book will thoroughly engage and teach young readers as they discover all things sporty. $11.99

THE ITSY BITSY SPIDER Spider climbs the waterspout. Up, up, up! Rain starts falling. Down, down, down! Out come the sun. Hello again, Spider! This indestructible book is built the way babies “read”: with their hands and mouths. It won’t rip or tear and is 100% washable. It’s made for baby to hold, grab, chew, pull, and bend. $7.95

NIGHT-NIGHT CANADA A special way to spend bedtime in Canada! Say goodnight to all your favorite locations, including: Calgary Zoo, Parliament Hill, CN Tower, Montreal Biosphere, Saddledome and more. Board book. $14.99

THE WHEELS ON THE BUS Moving from country to town, this book sends parents and their kids on an adventure that everyone loves to act out, from the wipers that go swish swish swish to the babies who cry wah wah wah. As they say, it’s all about the journey, not the destination. $7.99

A MOOSE IN A MAPLE TREE If you want to give someone a unique Canadian take on the 12 Days of Christmas this book will do it, with everything from salmon leaping to mounties and beavers building. Beautifully illustrated. $19.95

FARM BABIES (Tuffy Book) Introduce your infant or toddler to farm animals and their adorable little babies in this sweetly illustrated first book that doubles as a soothing teether. $13.50

BARNYARD BATH! This bath book and washcloth set from bestselling and beloved Sandra Boynton is the perfect tub time diversion for little ones who love barnyard animals! $12.99

Check out these and other great books at...

The Citizen

405 Queen St., Blyth ~ 519-523-4792