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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2011-12-22, Page 16PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011.Vodden recalls past holidays Blyth concert rich in tradition Brock Vodden remembers when Christmas in Blyth was a far more intimate affair. The North Huron Township Councillor was raised in the small community where his family ran a bakery and he remembers Christmas being all about the downtown core. “A lot has changed,” he said. “There were a lot more community activities around Christmas because most people shopped locally.” Vodden stated that there were many businesses on main street so people didn’t need to travel far to find what they need. “The bakery, for example, made a lot of bread, buns and pastries for the holidays, people didn’t need to go out of town for things like that,” he said. “My parents were usually pretty exhausted when Christmas arrived.” The reason, however, that many people stayed local to shop as early as 70 years ago, was simply that transportation wasn’t as advanced and easy then as it is now. “The amount of snow had a lot to do with people shopping locally,” Vodden said. “We had no snow blowers and concessions weren’t plowed. Highway 4 between Clinton and Wingham was basically a one- car wide tunnel carved out of the snow.” The snow and lack of equipment to manage it inhibited travel and really encouraged people to stay close to home according to Vodden. “I remember visiting and celebrating Christmas with family members on what is now Stone School Road,” Vodden said. “We had to park on the highway and, soon after, my uncle came with a horse and cutter and transported us theseven miles to his home, then at night we had to make the return trip. During the winter, it just wasn’t as simple as it is now to visit people so people were more apt to stay home.”Vodden said now people tend to driver further as part of finding the best deals and dealing with the bad While the parts of a wiseman, a star and a goat may not seem like centre-stage roles to those who dreaded them as students, the resurgence of a classic Christmas tale for Blyth Public School’s last Christmas concert had students very excited. Elizabeth Thorpe-Hearn, a teacher at the school in charge of the play this year, said that their play, composed primarily of Christmas carols pulled straight from the King James version of the Bible, was met with a better reception than she every expected. “I’m amazed at how many kids were excited to be a king, a star, a shepherd, an angel or a wise man,” she said. “For older generations, it used to be those were bit roles but the kids are excited to be a part of the play regardless of their role. With this being the year the King James Bible is celebrating its 400th anniversary, Thorpe-Hearn thought that it would make good source material for a return to the roots of Christmas plays to make the last The Municipality of Central Huron Council and Municipal Staff join together to wish you peace and serenity this holiday season. COUNCIL MAYOR Jim Ginn DEPUTY MAYOR Dave Jewitt COUNCILLORS Marg Anderson Brian Barnim Dan Colquhoun Alison Lobb Burk Metzger Alex Westerhout ADMINISTRATION Clerk: Brenda MacIsaac, Director of Finance: Terri Taylor, Brenda Armstrong, Belinda Axford, Florence Stalenhoef, Steve Doherty, Judy Dixon, Jane Harris, Sheryl Moran, Sharon Romphf, Deb Stephenson, Angela Smith. FACILITIES DEPARTMENT Facilities Manager: Steve Campbell Doug Dolmage, Shawn Gautreau, Bev Marriage, Sabrina Baldwin, Paul Handy, Jean Bernard, Nathaniel Peel. BUILDING DEPARTMENT - PROTECTIVE SERVICES Chief Building Official: Lesley Adams, Andy DePutter, Fire Chief: Steve Cooke, Bylaw Officer: Bruce Brockelbank, Animal Control Officer: Bob Trick. ROADS DEPARTMENT Roads Manager: Tom Sinclair Jason Cox, Ritchie Cox, Roger Cunningham, Mike Dixon, Ian Hulley, Jim Johnston, Randy Marriage, Stan McClure, Rick Pickett, Mark Wallace. UTILITIES Utilities Manager: Steve Gibbings Greg Mayhew, Mark Krahn, Adam Wilson, Ian Koetsier, Craig Snell, Mike Ladd. THE MUNICIPALITY OF CENTRAL HURON PLEASE NOTE: THE MUNICIPAL OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2011 AT NOON AND REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2012 at 8:30 am www.centralhuron.com Dear Residents, During this Christmas season, take the time to reflect on the past year and be thankful for all the opportunities that have been made and the ones to look forward to in the new year. Remember those who are less fortunate and be grateful for the friends and family that surround you. As the new year makes its entrance, Central Huron Council will continue to serve the best interests of our entire community. In our efforts to connect and exchange ideas and perspectives, Council is committed to providing open communication lines. Contact any one of us at any time. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family. Jim Ginn BLYTH PRINTING INC. BLYTH 519-523-9211 Wishing all our customers and friends a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year! Wishing all our customers and friends a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year! BLYTH 519-523-9211 Blyth Decor Shoppe Have a merry and safe holiday season from Barney (Don) & Linda Stewart & family Queen Street, Blyth 519-523-4840 By Denny Scott The Citizen Look out Osmonds Brother Eli and sister Sadie Baxter took to the stage at the Londesborough United Church for the third annual church Christmas concert to make their world-wide debut. The siblings sang their heart out performing “Down by the Bay” and “Away in a Manger”. (Denny Scott photo) Continued on page 36 By Denny Scott The Citizen Continued on page 38