Loading...
The Citizen, 2017-05-11, Page 35THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017. PAGE 35. Entertainment & Leisure Dutch Princess to attend Goderich celebration The Dutch -Canadians Remember As One organizing committee is pleased to announce they have received official word that Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands and her husband Professor Pieter van Vollenhoven have graciously agreed to be present in Goderich May 14 this year for a celebration of friendship between Canada and the Netherlands. Princess Margriet was born in Ottawa during WWII and has become an enduring symbol of the special relationship between the two nations. "It is gratifying that Princess Margriet and her husband are coming to unveil a plaque at Liberation Memorial Park in Goderich in May this year, as Canada marks its 150th anniversary celebration of the confederation," says committee chair Sid Bruinsma. "Princess Margriet and her husband will be visiting this region — where many Canadians with Dutch roots live — to celebrate the historical ties between our countries and to support our current co-operation in a variety of fields, such as innovation, economy, and defence. Both countries share the same values and a vision for the future, and I like one of the one-liners of the Netherlands Embassy in Ottawa: "Canada and the Netherlands — two countries, one spirit" Through the month of May, Ontario celebrates its Dutch heritage and pays tribute to the close bonds of friendship our two countries have developed since 1945, when Canadian Forces played a pivotal role in liberating the Netherlands. After the Second World War, Canada became a popular destination for Dutch immigrants and many settled in Ontario. Currently, Canada counts more than one million Canadians of Dutch descent and almost every Dutch family has relatives in Canada. In Goderich, the upcoming visit Continued on page 36 Blyth group's Ottawa trip `successful' says Lee Big trip, big aspirations A delegation from Blyth was in Ottawa last week to spread the good news about the village and its many initiatives. From left: Allan Thompson, Chris Lee, Steven Sparling, Gil Garratt, David Peacock, Karen Stewart and Peter Smith. (Photo submitted) Continued from page 34 evening's reception. He said that with the Rural Caucus he could see definite partnership possibilities going forward. Will Amos, Pontiac MP and vice - chair of the Rural Caucus, in fact said he wished the Blyth representatives would come to his riding to implement some of their ideas, Smith said. At the Taste of Rural event, the group hosted between 100 and 150 people and treated them to beer from Cowbell and cheese from Blyth Farm Cheese while discussing a number of initiatives in Blyth. Thompson said that the legacy of the Taste of Rural event will be the connections that were made that evening in Ottawa. Smith agrees, saying that the more people who are aware of what's going on in Blyth, the more likely it is that federal funding will be brought to the table to help the good work already being done in the village. Chris Lee, representing the G2G Rail Trail, said he found the event fascinating and that everyone he talked to was genuinely interested and surprised at the work being done in Blyth. Rapp,* sem Nick & Joan Whyte May 13, 1967 Love from your family Lee admits that he was skeptical of the event, having been involved with similar efforts in the past, but he felt the Blyth reception was "remarkably successful". For his part in the effort, Lee said that many government officials, including several cabinet ministers, MPs and Senators, were interested in both the active transportation and accessibility aspects the trail brought to the table. Also during the visit to Ottawa, Smith was able to discuss the project with local journalists and speak about Blyth on CBC Radio. They also spent time with Huron -Bruce MP Ben Lobb, who made a point to visit with the group during its time in the nation's capital. Thompson said that the connection between what's going on in Blyth and the Ottawa event is a perfect marriage of what the current government, and specifically the Rural Caucus, is trying to achieve. The goal, Thompson said, is to redefine "rural" which he often feels is associated with a different way of life that's a bit behind the times. While rural is definitely a different way of life, he said, many rural Ontario communities are hubs of cutting-edge technology and plenty of creativity and Blyth is a perfect example of that changing narrative. As for the impact of the visit, Smith, Lee and Thompson all agree that it may not be fully known for months, even years, as the Blyth ideas percolate within those in Ottawa and the Rural Caucus. However, those who made the trip are optimistic. Smith said that he hopes that what's going on in Blyth will change some minds about how arts and culture projects have traditionally been funded and the potential to change that model by seeing the . 30 The Square GODERICH 519 524 7811 FOR MOVIE INFORMATION... www.movielinks.ca long distance?1 -800-265-3438 IfirgeSt Tiravelling la 20th Annual FEATURED ARTISTS Larry Mercey Gerald Davidson Naomi Bristow Gerry Smith Linda Elder Bruce Robertson CAMPING PACKAGES AND ARMBANDS FOR ALL EVENTS AVAILABLE AT DOOR SPONSORED BY THE BARN DANCE HISTORICAL SOCIETY BOX 68 WINGHAM, ON NOG 2W0 4111704,4, r V. , rte, -BARN DANCE JAMBOREE/CAMPOUT May 25, 26, 27, 28, 2017 I a ena. COMP May 25th, 2017 - Campers Jam May 26th, 2017 Bluegrass Show & Open Stage May 27th, 2017 Barn Dance Show & Dance Mu 28th, 2017 - Gospel Show Early Bird R www.thebarndance.ca Call 519-530-8000 or email barndance2013@gmail.com economic development possibilities for small, rural communities. He says that just as there are new and innovative ways to make rural communities relevant and competitive, there will always be new and innovative ways for government to support those projects if decision -makers are willing to open their minds and embrace them. ■ 4•11. 14114°4111 Inejna-k Make Your Own Beer, Wine, Coolers and Fruit Wine (Ovrew here or at home') 84 Kingstonst'St., GODERICH 524-2323 1 1 WHO ARE ANIMALS YOUR MEETING? Ontario is seeing more cases of rabies in wild animals. Wild animals can infect your animals with rabies, a disease fatal to�both humans and animals. asp-., kir .*„r - iti t � � I r.�: i �1 +1�1lW I I IA l� ,f. >~ I kril �,,. ,•, y 1 14 t. .�. Protect your dogs and cats: - Watch your animals - don't let them roam free. - Vaccinate your dogs and cats against rabies. - Check your animals for bruises and wounds. For more information, visit huronhealthunit.ca/rabies