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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2013-04-11, Page 9THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013. PAGE 9. Spring signs start to show with melting snow, flora It was a mixed bag of weather to enjoy this past week. The snow has gradually disappeared and flooding has not been a problem. Bush areas still have snow around the edges and many folks are out breaking up the solid banks to help thaw the snow. Some folks have been seen raking the drier areas of their lawns and checking the flower beds. There are sightings of new growth – crocus, tulips, daffodils. The cold wind does not make us think of spring, but there are signs it is on the way. One sign is the “pairs” of Canada geese you see. I have spotted numerous pairs, in the same places, every day, while driving the bus. No doubt they are preparing for their welcome to spring. Another sign of spring is the “sweet” smell of spring. Some farmers are busy spreading manure. They may be running out of storage or just getting a head start on the job. Another sign of spring is the start of the baseball season. The Blue Jays are being touted as having the best team ever, but unfortunately, they are having a rather poor start to the season, losing the home opener and a few more. I witnessed a couple of kids practising at the Brussels diamond already, so ball will soon begin. A sign that spring is here and progressing is maple syrup season is almost over. The Freedom Syrup producers have stopped collecting sap and the pails have been taken off the trees. They will finish up the boiling and then of course, cleanup will be done. Speaking of clean up, now that the snow is mostly gone from the side of the roads, you can see folks out picking up bottles and such. The lack of snow also reveals many plastic water bottles, cups and other garbage littering the side of the road and fields. Time to get out to pick up the litter! Checking on our community members with various health issues include Clint Emmrich. He has had surgery in London and is expected home this week. We hope he is recovering as well. Our get-well wishes go to Brian Rutledge who has undergone surgery as well. We hope he is soon home and has a good recovery. We understand that Shirley Clarkhas had knee surgery in London andwe hope she comes along well.Our condolences to the families of Mervyn Schneider. Merv was married to the late Lois Hart and was a resident of Brussels for many years until moving to Listowel. Our sympathies to all his family and friends. Congratulations to Michelle (Mitchler) and Wayne Fenton on the birth of twin boys, Caleb and Cody arrived last week and both over six pounds. Their big sisters Amelia and Brianna, are excited to welcome the boys home. The Fentons live near Wingham and Michelle works at Crawford, Mill and Davies here in Brussels. Welcome back to snowbirds Jim Alton and Dianne Machan. They have returned after spending a few months in Florida. I expect to see many of the Brussels snowbirds returning during the next week or so. A very popular lady is Anna McNichol. She is still celebrating her birthday, which was March 13. She has had small groups of family members dropping by to visit and celebrate with her during the entire month. A group spent the day with her again last week. Daughter Dianne says she has enjoyed everyone’s visits and gets a chance to spend time with each and everyone of her family. Her children, grandchildren and her great- grandchildren all enjoy the special visit with Anna. Welcome back to Dale Chesher who has returned from a three-week trip to Denmark. She was visiting her daughter Melody and family. She spent the better part of her vacation in Copenhagen with Melody and husband Teit and children Xander, Quinlan and Alexa. She reports that from the harbour in Copenhagen, you can see the rooftops of homes in Sweden. They are also enjoyingwinter weather and it was cold, butthey had no “snowstorms”. Thefamily went for a week’s skiing trip and drove through Sweden to go to Norway to ski. They stayed in a new hotel that featured large suites with kitchenettes. They took food and made their own meals because food is very expensive in Norway. Norway does not belong to the European Union and has a very stable financial state and its own currency. The two boys, who are seven and five, took skiing lessons. They are taught to ski with no poles so they learn to balance properly. Quinlan, five loved to ski and advanced quickly and could be heard singing as he skied down the mountainside. The family returned to Denmark and travelled to Jutland, an arm of Denmark, to Tiet’s parents to celebrate Easter with them. This is a prominent area for the manufacturing of windmills, which are exported. The windmills in the country are seen everywhere on hilltops in remote areas, or out at sea. Dale reports having a wonderful time with the family, but it is always nice to come home. I was the lucky winner of tickets to a production at the Blyth Festival last weekend and good friend Judy Lee accompanied me, as Rick was busy. The show as “Oh What A Night” tribute tour, taking everyone back to the musical career of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. The night was not only about the music, but was a short and interesting history lesson about the group. The spokesman of the group told stories about the beginnings of the group, originally known as “The Lovers” and their journeys through their 50 years in the music business. The foursome of George, Paul, Josh and Rick were great singers and entertained the full house with the great songs many remembered andcomical interludes, stories anddancing. Many will remember thegreat songs like, “Oh What A Night, “Sherry”, “Breaking Up is Hard to Do”, “You’re Just Too Good To Be True” and more. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996 celebrating their many years in the music business, over 20 number one hits and many more songs that made the top ten. It was a wonderful evening of song enjoyed by folks from all over the area. I recognized many old friends from the Mitchell, Staffa, Seaforth, Brussels, Blyth and Walton area. It was a great night! Jim and Linda McDonald have returned from a week away in Las Vegas. They were accompanied by Bill and Vicki Brophy of Wingham. They enjoyed great weather, a lot warmer than here, reports Jim. They enjoyed going to shows, fine dining, shopping, lazing by the pool and of course, games of chance. They saw the show Rock of Ages, Cirque du Soleil – Zarkana and went to a Def Leppard concert. They felt they had a great week and are ready to tackle the spring season of work. Members of Duff’s United Church were greeted at worship by Ryan, Adam and Emma Baan on the second Sunday of Easter. The scripture reader was Gloria Wilbee and Rev. Peter’s sermon was entitled “We are Witness”. Announcements included that this Sunday, April 14 is the breakfast sponsored by the 4H Breakfast Club. Donations will be accepted to offset the cost of the meal and everyone is welcomed to stay and enjoy the delicious and bounteous fare. There are still some tickets for the evening with Margaret Trudeau available and we are hoping everyone will support thisfundraising venture of theWalton/Bluevale pastoral charge.Mental health issues affect many families and the information gathered can help in recognizing the need for help. Margaret Trudeau is an advocate for Canadian Mental Health and speaks of her own life experiences on issues that can affect anyone at any time. Tickets are available from members of either church or call Lee-Anne at 519-887- 8796 or Heidi 519-887-9348 or drop into McGavins in Walton or Georges to Jo-Ann in Brussels. Celebrating birthdays this past week include Nate Fritz, David Baan, Colleen Bromley, Donna Hannon, Stephen Gulutzen, Shelley McGavin, Doug J. Mitchell, Janet Mitchell, Wayne Regele, Ron Driscoll, Matthew Huether, George Love, Kevin Wilbee, Marie McGavin, Betty McDonald, Bonnie Hastings, Heather Dunbar, Shannon Craig and Cole Zwep. By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570 PEOPLE AROUNDWALTON NEWS FROM WALTON Beat the temptation. TOLL-FREE 1-877-513-5333 Looking for local heroes There are so many people out there who do so much to improve their community. Now you have a chance to say thanks. Nominate that special person for the 28th Annual Citizen Citizenship Awards. Each year a committee chooses an outstanding citizen from each of the Blyth and area and Brussels and area communities to receive an award for contribution to the community. If you know someone you think should be honoured, please fill in the ballot and send it in. You may attach a longer explanation of why you think your nominee should win, if you like. If you have nominated someone before and he or she didn't win, please feel free to try again. I nominate as Citizen of the year for I feel she/he deserves this award because Nomination Deadline April 30, 2013. Name and phone number of nominator ❑Blyth & area ❑Brussels & area