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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2011-03-03, Page 10PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2011.Don’t forget to celebrate “Hug a GI” day on March 4 I’ve heard a lot of folk suggesting that we’ve had quite enough winter. It has been here since November and just doesn’t seem to want to let go of its grip on Southwestern Ontario. But when one watches the news from around the world I’ve decided I like what we’ve got just fine. We all know spring will come. Besides wasn’t it just a beautiful morning last Saturday? There was just enough fresh snow to create a winter wonderland again. And speaking of weather around the world, Marjorie Duizer stopped by the post office one day after the latest earthquake in Christchurch. Tom and Marjorie’s daughter, Lisa, lived in Christchurch for a few years and had looked up a former teacher there. Longtime residents of the area will remember a teacher from Hullett Central Public School, Debbie Bennett. After a few years in a Hullett classroom, Deb did a teacher exchange to New Zealand. She married and settled inChristchurch. Lisa received an e-mail following the earthquake fromDebbie to assure her that their househad not been damaged, but their car had. You likely saw pictures of the historic Christchurch Cathedral whose spire toppled in the quake. Marjorie commented that she and Tom had climbed to the top of that spire on one of their visits with Lisa and Shane. Well, here we are in March. So, since we are on the topic of weather let’s make some connections. The birthday flower for March is the daffodil and who in dreary March wouldn’t be gladdened by a bouquet of daffodils? Yes, spring will come and March is ‘optimism month’. This month known for its winds is also national kite month. The news from around the world about political situations should make us thankful to live in Canada. March 4 is “hug a GI day”. If we can’t physically do this, we could all at least send a ‘thank you’ heavenward that day. Tired of the snow? March 20 is “national snowman burning day”. A couple I particularly like are March 14, “potato chip day”; March 22 is “as young as you feel day” followed on March 23 by “make your own holiday day”. The Happy Gang Seniors held their February meeting at theLondesborough Community Hall onWed., Feb. 23.Members in attendance werereminded of the card party on Thursday, March 10 in support of the Clinton Public Hospital Auxiliary. Dessert will be served at 1 p.m. followed by cards. The Spring Rally for this district of the seniors’ organization will be held in Brucefield United Church on April 14. The Happy Gang Seniors had no guest at their February meeting but played several game of Bingo as entertainment. Their next regular meeting will be March 23. Their next regular card party will be March 11 at 8 p.m. Edythe Beacom spent a week or so in Seaforth Hospital but by the time you read this column she is expected to be back at the Seaforth Manor. Londesborough residents wish her a speedy recovery. She might appreciate a card or a note from her friends in the village. The annual skating party sponsored by the Sunday School of Londesborough United Church last Saturday was a great event. Approximately 60 persons of all ages from seniors to preschoolers enjoyed the outing. The teachers thank everyone who participated in any way to make it a fun happening. Christians around the world willbe asked to consider “How ManyLoaves Have You?” this Friday,March 4 as they participate in theWorld Day of Prayer. Christians in some 170 countries around the world and 2,000 communities across Canada will come together to pray and support the people of Chile. The women of the churches in Chile prepared the service for 2011. During the service one will learn about Chile and its unique culture and heritage. The Londesborough UCW invites the community to their service in the church basement at Londesborough United Church at 1 p.m. on Friday. A time of fellowship will follow the service. During the children’s time at the front of the sanctuary on Sunday, Feb. 20 Terry Fletcher told them a story about four friends, a duck, a bunny, a squirrel and an eagle. The moral of the story was that birds and animals and children, too, need to realize they cannot do well everything others can do. For example, bunnies should not expect to fly. But one should concentrate on the things one can do well and enjoy that gift from God. The senior choir chose the anthem, “The King of Love My Shepherd Is” to share that morning. The responsive reading was part three of Psalm 119. First Corinthians 3:10 and 11: 16-23 was the New Testament reading. In the scriptures the body is spoken of as God’s Temple. To the adults gathered in the pews Terry asked the question, “Are our bodies worthy of the respect due a temple of God or could they use some housecleaning?” God cares for us and has given His life for and love to us. Thus we need to be a worthy place of worship, a place valuable to a friend, a lover and travellers on the road of life. By BRENDA RADFORD Call 523-4296 PEOPLE AROUND LONDESBORO NEWS FROM LONDESBORO Central Huron Councillors learned at least a few ratepayers are interested in seeing a road permit bylaw introduced to the municipality. Central Huron Chief Administrative Officer Kevin McLlwain delivered that news after Councillor Alison Lobb inquired as to whether there was any feedback following council’s earlier decision not to move forward with a road permit bylaw as originally presented. At issue for Central Huron is a desire to protect municipal roads and drains in the event they sustain damage when overweight or oversized trucks navigate through the area. While Council turned down the original draft proposal, administration is working on a new draft bylaw. *** Central Huron staff could soon have a lifeline to EMS crews in the event of a sticky situation. McLlwain reports administrators are pondering the purchase of panic buttons so the proper authorities can be alerted in the event of an emergency. McLlwain notes the panic buttons are part of a plan to address health and safety issues under the province’s Bill 168, which is dedicated to protecting employees from danger and harassment. *** Councillors are gearing up for a tour of the municipality’s new arena complex. At the request of Councillor Marg Anderson, McLlwain reported that councillors can tour the facility once they don the proper safety gear. Councillors also learned the new Clinton fire hall is also ready for operation and, as such, council plans to visit that site on the same day as the arena complex tour. *** Councillor Burkhard Metzger wants to know what is up at REACH. After reviewing the REACH CEO’s year-end report for 2010, Metzger says he was confused by another report from the program services director that notes some weekend clinics are not as popular as anticipated. Councillor Alex Westerhout, who sits on the REACH board of directors, says the director’s report is referencing clinics held in 2011, while the ones held in 2010 were successful. He adds that the REACH is set to play host to several much- anticipated events in 2011, including a series of Knights of Valour shows. *** Reeve James Ginn will once again chair the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority’s board. In presenting his monthly report, Ginn reported the Authority is seeking a 10.3 per cent increase in its budget for 2011. He adds the board unanimously endorsed the proposed budget. *** Huron County Council could one day soon be seeking out new chambers. Reeve James Ginn reports seeking out new quarters is a distinct possibility for county staff and councillors now that the courts require more room. Councillor Brian Barnim, who also sits on Huron County Council, notes security concerns are an increasingly pervasive issue. By Cheryl Heath The Clinton News-Record 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 26th 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, 2011. Name and phone number of nominator ❑Blyth & area ❑Brussels & area Ratepayers express interest in road permit bylaw in CH