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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2016-06-23, Page 13THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016. PAGE 13. Diehl, McLellan take on chair roles for 160th A pair of chairs Huron East Grey Ward Councillors Dianne Diehl and Alvin McLellan became chairs for this year's Grey 160th anniversary through an organic process. They began holding meetings to gauge public interest and the event simply grew from there with the two of them at the head of the table. (Shawn Loughlin photo) By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Grey Councillors Alvin McLellan and Dianne Diehl are serving as chairs for this weekend's Grey 160th anniversary — and it's a process that just happened organically, they say. McLellan served as chair for the township's 150th anniversary alongside former Reeve and Huron County Warden Leona Armstrong. For Diehl, however, this is her first time around in the chair position. Conversation about potentially holding an anniversary this year began at a meeting for the Ethel Community Centre's annual harvest supper last year, when it was mentioned that Grey had an anniversary coming up. McLellan said he would bring the idea back to Huron East Council, which thought it would be a great celebration. From there, McLellan and Diehl held several early public meetings to gauge interest, which was great, so it was decided that an anniversary celebration would go ahead. While the names McLellan and Diehl appear at the top of the Grey anniversary pyramid, they both say that the event's strength has really been in its event chairs and that things have really "fallen into place" quite nicely. Diehl said that from that very first planning meeting, when she and McLellan didn't even know if there was enough interest to host an event, there were plenty of strong community leaders in Grey ready to step up and volunteer for jobs to ensure that the event was one for the ages. The pair point to people like Beth Earl, among others, who has taken charge in various aspects of the event, or Mervyn and Donna Bauer, who will be in charge of the parade, just like they were in 2006 for the Grey 150th anniversary. While Diehl and McLellan have been chosen to represent Grey in the political arena, representing the community for this special anniversary, they said, is something completely different and is a welcome challenge that's much different than the challenges they face every day as municipal councillors. McLellan said that in serving as chairs of the anniversary, he and Diehl simply get to be members of the community, celebrating history and heritage alongside their neighbours, which is a great vote of confidence for their spots in the community. Similarly, former Grey Clerk Brad Knight, who is now the Huron East chief administrative officer, will be part of the festivities. Known as an avid ball player, Knight will throw out the first pitch of the slo-pitch TUCKERSMITH COMMUNICATIONS CO-OPERATIVE LTD. 0 Your local communications provider for over 100 years Retail Locations: Bayfield, Brussels, Clinton, Kippen & Seaforth 40023 Kippen Rd 519.606.2211 Kippen, ON 519.606.2210 NOM 2E0 tcc@tcc.on.ca www.tcc.on.ca tournament, which begins on Friday night and is part of the event's opening ceremonies. Knight says it will be an honour to throw out the first pitch of the tournament. From his days in Grey, Knight says he remembers the early days of the ball diamond in Ethel, which was improved 20 years ago when the pavilion and booth at the ball park were constructed and the backstop was installed. He says he remembers working on weekends through snow storms during a particularly cold spring. The goal was accomplished, however, when the ball diamond was ready for Grey's 140th celebration in 1996. The weekend (and work on the diamond) was punctuated by a Continued on page 17 • Renovations • New Homes • Sales & Installation of Windows & Doors Call Ken 519-887-9857 Brussels, ON CELEBRATING 160 YEARS! 61ey 1856-2016 Opening Ceremonies at Ethel Ball Park Friday, June 24th starting at 6:15 pm FRIDAY, June 24th • 6:30 PM Co-ed Mush Ball Tournament Food Booth & Beer Garden proceeds to park maintenance Contact: Brenda Boyer - 519-887-6153 • 7:30 PM Euchre Party at North Woods School Admission $5.00/Light lunch provided SATURDAY, June 25th • 9:00 AM Ball Tournament continues • 11:00 AM Hospitality Centre at Ethel Community Hall Historical Display Grey Central School Display • 12:00 PM Parade - please pre -register Contact: Mery Bauer 519-887-6493 Steve Knight 519-887-6588 Bruce Fischer 519-887-6225 Afternoon of Reminiscing and Music at Hospitality Centre Light lunch available after parade • 2:00-4:00 PM North Woods Elementary School Fun Fair Children must be accompanied by adult • 5:00-7:00 PM Smoked Pork Chop BBQ at Ethel Fire Hall Tickets Beth Earl Dianne Diehl Shirley Baker Sue Brubacher Alicia Deitner Leisa Albers Barb Terpstra 519-887-6401 519-887-9442 519-887-6355 519-887-9642 519-887-6502 519-887-6339 519-887-9276 Businesses: Sholdice Insurance Dauphin Country Store Cowboy Loft Seaforth Town Hall SUNDAY, June 26th • 8:00 AM -12:00 PM Firefighter's Breakfast at Fire Hall • 1:00 PM Mount Pleasant Cemetery Decoration Service Please bring lawn chairs/free will offering (Rain venue - North Woods Elementary School) For more information visit www.huroneast.com Grey Township 160th ••ft7. 1�=