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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2017-03-16, Page 10PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2017. Cenotaph Day to be part of Blyth 140th celebration By Denny Scott The Citizen Plans for the Blyth 140th Anniversary committee are continuing to coalesce according to committee chair Crystal Taylor. Taylor, in an interview with The Citizen, said that some plans had been confirmed for the event's July 28-30 celebratory weekend, while a few others had changed since she last presented the itinerary to the Blyth Business Improvement Area (BIA). Friday, July 28 the celebration will kickoff with the rededication of the Blyth Memorial Community Hall cenotaph starting with a parade from the Blyth Legion at 6:30 p.m. as part of Cenotaph Day. That evening, alongside the Huron County Health Unit, a family - friendly, smoke-free movie night will be held at the Blyth and District Community Centre. Taylor said the event will be determined by the weather. "If there is rain, it will be on the arena floor, but, if the weather is good, it will be outside and projected on to the wall of the arena," she said. On Saturday, July 29, the committee had decided to avoid significant events throughout the day as it would clash with the BIA's annual Streetfest event and the Blyth Lion's 100th anniversary of Lionism celebration. The Lions celebration has changed, however, leaving the Blyth 140th committee looking to set up a meal on Saturday evening. A representative of the Blyth Lions, John Stewart, explained that originally the organization was considering a reunion celebration to co-incide with the 140th event, however the group didn't know if it was feasible. A tentative event to be included in the weekend is being considered by the Blyth Lions Executive. Saturday will also feature some time for people to look back on the history of the Village of Blyth. Taylor explained that trinkets and paraphernalia from Blyth's past will be on display at the community centre and that registration will be held, allowing people's participation in the anniversary to be enshrined in a book detailing the event. Taylor also said that Brock Vodden, a well-known historian of Blyth and the surrounding area, will be hosting a slide show highlighting How it used to be done One of the best parts about visiting Blyth Creek Maple Farm is undoubtedly the syrup. Another one of the best parts is taking a tour through the sugar bush and learning how syrup used to be made at the site. Owner Steve Bachert, left, takes visitors on the tour showing them how early pioneers in Canada learned to boil syrup down until it was only sugar as that was the only way to keep it all year round. (Denny Scott photo) Third draft of budget comin Continued from page 1 entirety of the coming year after the needed $19,000 in repairs are made. Mills said that the backhoe is crucial for maintaining Huron East's current service levels. If the backhoe wasn't replaced, or the current machine wasn't restored to working order, municipal service levels would be lowered, he said. Both Dalton and Deputy -Mayor Joe Steffler, who worked for decades in the Huron County Public Works Department, advised repairing the backhoe, rather than purchasing a new one. Dalton said she knew from experience on her own family farm that repairs, if done properly, can extend the life of machinery further than many would expect. Steffler agreed, saying that he had been on "both sides" of the argument as both a politician and a public works employee, and he felt that repairs were the way to go under the current budget. He did say, however, that Mills and council could "argue" about buying a new backhoe next year. Mayor Bernie MacLellan said that the math worked out perfectly in order to reach the proposed five per cent increase to the tax levy. If the purchase of a new backhoe, in the amount of $150,000, was removed from the budget, and $19,000 to repair the backhoe was added, council would essentially make up the needed $135,000 to get to a five per cent increase. MacLellan and council then directed Michiels to prepare a third draft of the budget based on the recommendations made at the March 7 meeting. This would include the removal of the backhoe purchase, the addition of backhoe repairs and a tax levy increase of five per cent. Seaforth Chiropractic Centre Retirement Announcement I would like to announce my retirement on March 31, 2017. I am selling my practice to Dr. Kim Blok B.Sc., D.C., owner of Optimal Health & Chiropractic at 53 Main St. S. in Seaforth. Past or present patients, your clinical records will be at Optimal Health 519-600-2200. Dr. Kim and Dr. Mitch welcome you to their practice and I know you will be in good hands. I totally appreciate my patients, this community and working "Downtown Seaforth" since 1979. It's been wonderful. Thank you and take good care. Dr. Tom Devereaux the history of the village. A dance will be held in the upper hall of the Blyth and District Community Centre featuring the local band The Containment Unit. Sunday, the celebrations will be held at Lions Park where the Blyth Ministerial group has decided to host an outdoor church service. "We're trying to firm up plans for a picnic lunch after the service," Taylor said. Sunday night there will be family fun and games at the Lions Park. The group's next meeting is set for March 22 at the Blyth Legion at 6:30 p.m. When the meeting is concluded, a bow -making session will be held to help prepare for decorating the community for the homecoming weekend. "If anyone is interested in helping, they are more than welcome," Taylor said. The group also recently marked a successful pancake breakfast on Monday, Feb. 13 as part of North Huron Township's Family Day celebrations. The breakfast was hosted by the Blyth 140th Committee and the BIA. The breakfast opened at 8 a.m. and sold out by 9:40 a.m. Volunteers made two runs to get more supplies but couldn't keep up with the number of people. The two groups served 211 breakfasts that morning, raising $700, which was donated to the North Huron Food Share. The group's calendar fundraiser will continue and has been called a success at several past meetings of the organization by committee member Cat O'Donnell, the calendar chair for the Blyth 140th committee. The first print of 100 calendars sold out and, after deciding to have another run, it took less than a week to sell the second order out as well. O'Donnell said anyone wishing to order a calendar can contact her at the Wonky Frog Studio in Blyth at 519-440-2717. The committee is currently looking for volunteers according to both Taylor and O'Donnell. So far, 15 people have signed on to the group including Chair Crystal Taylor, Co -Chair Lissa Kolkman, O'Donnell and North Huron Representative Councillor Bill Knott and North Huron Economic Development Officer Connie Goodall. "A handful of people could equate to a handful of activities over the three-day weekend," she said. "Community support for these community events is vital." Taylor said the group isn't looking for people to spearhead any initiatives, but more looking for people to help make the events a success. "We need helping hands," she said. "We have people to lead the event, but we need people to help make it a reality." She said anyone interested in participating with the group can sign up by contacting a committee member directly or by finding the Blyth 140th Anniversary page on Facebook. North Huron to help after Westfieldfire By Denny Scott The Citizen In a report from North Huron Township Council Director of Public Works Jeff Molenhuis North Huron Township Council explained that rural areas usually has made concessions to help a local restrict loads during spring due to pork producer recover after a freeze/thaw conditions which could devastating fire last year. result in damage to the road due to A pig barn burned down on heavy vehicles. Westfield Road last year resulting in A formal agreement between significant debris being transferred Manchester Farms and the to North Huron's landfill. municipality outlined the exemption The company that owns the site, including routes, times and repair Manchester Farms, requested that responsibilities. council waive some of the The township also reimbursed 10 significant costs for disposing of the per cent of the $47,670 Manchester concrete and other building Farms was charged in tipping fees. materials from the original structure. Councillor Trevor Seip, prior to A request was also submitted to approval of the reimbursement and allow half loads of concrete to be the agreement, asked if they were transported to the site in the spring setting a precedent with this which typically would not be decision, however Reeve Neil allowed as a result of potential Vincent stated council would deal damage to roads. with issues on a case-by-case basis. r,; Huron PUBLIC NOTICE 2017 Municipality of Central Huron Budget Meetings Tuesday, March 28, 2017 5:00 p.m. Review Consolidated Budget Tuesday, April 18, 2017 5:00 pm Regular Council and Public Budget meeting for adoption of Bylaw All meetings are held in the Council Chamber, 23 Albert St. Clinton. Please check the municipal website for further details and postings as they become available. www.centralhuron.com