HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2016-12-22, Page 11THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016. PAGE 11.
Clark, Douglas aim to serve around Christmas
Giving back
With both Gary Clark and Kathy Douglas serving as ministers throughout Huron County, the
holidays mean a lot of giving back to their communities, including a special Christmas Day
meal that will be in Goderich this year after several years in Blyth. (Shawn Loughlin photo)
By Shawn Loughlin
The Citizen
Gary Clark of Blyth and Brussels
United Churches has been a member
of the community for nearly a
decade — just enough time to start his
own Christmas traditions in Huron
County.
Clark and his partner Kathy
Douglas have planted roots in Blyth
and more recently Brussels, but next
year they will be moving on as Clark
has felt the call to pull him away
from Huron County.
Through his work with the two
churches, Clark has been a valuable
part of the community, also working
with numerous community groups
like the Blyth Lions Club. Similarly,
Douglas has worked with youth
ministries throughout the
community to bring a number of
initiatives to the area.
As a kid, however, Clark was just
as sneaky as the average child
around Christmas, seeking to find
out what he was getting for
Christmas as early as possible.
Growing up on Prince Edward
Island, Clark was one of six siblings
and he says he always remember that
he and his brothers and sisters would
all be up together in the early hours
of Christmas morning.
The goal, he said, was to make
your way downstairs to see what
Santa Claus had left for you under
the tree. However, with six little
bodies making their way up and
down stairs, it could get a little noisy.
The plan, Clark said, was to make
your way down the stairs one or two
at a time so that it was quiet.
Although now, as an adult, Clark is
sure that the travels of he and his
Iosed at 6:00
December 24th
Closed
December 25th
Open 8-6 Boxing D
Canadian Tire Goderich
Canada's Christmas Store
R.R.#2 Highway 8, Goderich • Phone: 519-524-2121
Your local Canadian Tire in Huron County
siblings likely weren't as quiet as
they thought they were at the time.
Once their parents were awake and
everyone was downstairs, the kids
would open all that was in their
stockings first and then their
presents ahead of a big turkey dinner
that night. Members of the family
would come over and partake in the
meal and some of the Clark family's
neighbours would also be fed.
Just one street away, many of the
residents weren't as fortunate as the
Clarks and maybe didn't have family
members to spend Christmas with,
so Clark's parents always made sure
they were looked after during the
holidays.
Douglas was also part of a big and she said she was very fortunate
family growing up near Hamilton Continued on page 15
HAIR SALON
I wish you all a happy holiday season.
My sincere thanks for your goodwill and loyalty throughout the
past year. I look forward to serving you in 2017.
Gift Certificates Available
Holly Dauphin
687 Elizabeth St., Brussels 519-887-8989
���1"l 1%Y l am
Best wishes to all our friends and customers
now and in the coming year.
Caldwell Construction
Blyth/Brussels Gary, Linda & family 519-525-8615
au:sit/ma&
SA% HAPPY
NEW YEAR
Doctors Nisbett, Padfield, Weaver, Taylor
along with their families & staff of
uron Optometric Centres of Goderich,
Clinton, Wingham wish you a very
Happy Holiday Season.
Thank you for your continued
support. We always welcome
new patients!
Goderich I Clinton I Wingham
(519)524-7251 I (519)482-3677 I (226)422-2020