HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2016-04-14, Page 12PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2016.
Letters to the Editor
Concerns raised over council's treatment of Blyth
THE EDITOR,
It seems that every week the
citizens of Blyth are offered a
window into the workings of North
Huron Council. I appreciate the
efforts of these individuals and trust
they are making sound decisions.
But I am not sure.
Two weeks ago, we read that some
members of council were trying
really hard to find defeat in the
success of Campaign 14/19. A few, it
seems would prefer failure.
Last week, we had the spectacle of
a Wingham Councillor advocating
for three local projects that are
important to him to the tune of a
$500,000 contribution from council
to the hospital and the elementary
and secondary schools in
Wingham.
At the same meeting, a Blyth
Councillor suggested that North
Huron staff undertake a study to
determine how much would be
saved if we (North Huron Council, I
suppose) ceased putting ice in
arenas. If it is decided to take the
ice out of arenas, the implications
of this decision would be
devastating on many levels.
Of great concern is the negative
impact of our youth. Without ice
there would be no opportunities for
public skating, family gatherings,
organized hockey, broomball and
etc. Busy "kids" don't get into
trouble if they are involved in
worthwhile experiences. Activities
at the arena give our youth
opportunities to maintain a level of
physical fitness and participation.
When youth are involved in an
organized sport they not only learn
the physical skills but also develop
Heart & Soul chair rallies
Blyth to protect its arena
THE EDITOR,
Years ago, our humble village
arena that created so many
memories, friendships and where
little boys and girls grew into great
people, was in need of repairs. I had
the privilege of being chosen as
chair of the campaign that went on to
raise $1.2 million LOCALLY
to rebuild and refurbish the
Blyth and District Community
Centre.
The campaign was called Heart &
Soul. With a great team and great
community spirit, we got the job
done, even though the North Huron
recreation director of the day
said it could not be done.
So here we are now, in 2016. We
have a local councillor who feels he
should take away the heart and soul
of our thriving community. I have
had so many people approach me at
the arena since last week's issue of
The Citizen. They are hurt and very
angry about the thought of taking
away our beautiful low -maintenance
arena. Everyone knows how much
money the Wingham Wescast pool
loses every year, but it seems to be
protected while North Huron looks
for a reason to pick on the Blyth
arena.
The Heart & Soul campaign
committee and all those who
donated money, time, labour and
sweat, should be proud of what we
achieved. We helped to build our
kids a place to play, learn and have
fun. It is just as important today as it
was then, and from ages three to 83,
we should rally to protect the
Blyth and District Community
Centre.
Get creative North Huron. Find
new ways to generate revenue and
publish your plan. Better yet, invite
the kids, their parents and the
community to a public meeting
where you can tell us all about it.
Todd MacDonald.
Obituaries
private interment of ashes at Blyth
Union Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial
donations to the Alzheimer Society
or a charity of one's choice would be
appreciated.
Condolences may be placed
through www.falconerfuneralhomes.
com
FAY McCLINCHEY
Fay McClinchey of Clinton passed
away at Queensway Nursing Home,
Hensall on Saturday, April 9, 2016.
She was in her 85th year.
Fay was the beloved wife of the
late Bill McClinchey (2012) and
loving mother of Marnie and
John Hill, Hensall and Terry
Harcourt and Cheryl Anderson,
Goderich. She was the cherished
grandmother of Caitlyn, Jordan,
John and Riley Hill and the great-
grandmother of Hudson Pardaens.
Fay was the dear sister of Dorothy
and Jim Carter, Hugh Cook,
Larry Cook and sister-in-law of Joan
and Don Bell and Gloria Cook.
She is also survived by several
nieces and nephews. Fay was
predeceased by her parents Grace
and Pop Cook, her brother Freddie,
her sister June, her son Richard
Harcourt, her granddaughter Molly
Hill and her sister-in-law Martha
Cook.
Visitation was held at the Falconer
Funeral Homes, Clinton on
Wednesday, April 13, 2016 followed
by the funeral service.
Cremation will follow with
JOHN FREDERICK PECKITT
November 1, 1932 - March 31, 2016
John Frederick Peckitt, Captain
(Retired) Royal Canadian Air Force,
ct!P,6 MP//neitn' 4
Do you have fond memories that
you'd like to share of someone
whose obituary has been
published recently in The Citizen.
Send us a few lines or
paragraphs with your story.
E-mail editor@northhuron.on.ca,
Fax 519-523-9140 or mail to:
The Citizen, P.O. Box 429, Blyth,
NOM 1H0 or P.O. Box 152,
Brussels, NOG 1 HO. There is no
charge for comments we choose
to publish.
passed away peacefully, after a
valiant battle with cancer, on
March 31, 2016 at the Queensway
Carleton Hospital, Ottawa, with his
family at his side.
Born Nov. 1, 1932, John was the
son of the late Frederick and Gladys
Peckitt, Londesborough. He was the
beloved husband and soulmate of
Marguerite Anne (Appleby) for
nearly 60 years and dear father of
Jacquelyn (Martin), Jeffrey (Janet),
Michael, Stephen (Christine) and
Kimberly.
He was "Grandpa John" to
Andrew, Kristopher, Jon, Jordan,
Stephanie and Olivia.
He is also survived by his two
sisters Peggy and Barbara Jewitt
(John) and sister-in-law Joyce. John
was predeceased by his sister Patsy
and brother Russell.
John proudly served his country as
an officer in the Royal Canadian Air
Force and later in the civil service
during a career that spanned over 50
years.
In memoriam donations may be
made to the Royal Canadian Legion
Poppy Fund.
A cemetery is a history of
people, a perpetual record of
yesterday and a sanctuary of
peace and quiet today. A
cemetery exists because every
life is worth loving and
remembering - always
Distinctive Memorials of
Lasting Satisfaction
North St. West, Wingham
Mac & Donna Anderson
519-357-1910
skills in the areas of responsibility,
respect, leadership, teamwork, co-
operation and self reliance.
Characteristics we want to develop
in the youth of our community.
On the same note, it would be
interesting to know how much
money would be saved if "they"
ceased plowing snow, or if "they"
shut down the sanitary treatment
facility, or "they" asked themselves
to serve as volunteers. North Huron
long ago ceased rebuilding Blyth,
for example paving streets,
expanding residential capacity and
maintaining the Blyth Memorial
Hall, our community's cenotaph.
Where have the savings gone with
these cuts over the last few years?
With the money saved from these
cuts how can "they" be in a difficult
budget situation?
Just once, it would be encouraging
to hear some positive feedback about
how to grow the economy by
promoting activities at the
campground, the ball diamonds, the
soccer fields, the arena and
community centre and the Blyth
Memorial Hall. Instead we
hear negative talks about "cuts"
and see no signs of forward
involvement in our village.
No organization in history has cut
its way to prosperity. I am certain
North Huron Council won't be the
first either. We grow or we die! You
may cheer for failure and choose to
die, but don't you pretend that you
are doing it on my behalf.
A Concerned Taxpayer.
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