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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2010-01-21, Page 10PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2010. With tough times facing beef producers all over Canada, the Huron County Beef Producers (HCBP) met for their annual meeting in Brussels last week to go over the year that was. In his last speech as president, Harvey Hoggart reported the year’s figures. Huron County sales were down significantly in 2009. Huron County beef producers sold 1,690 less head of cattle in 2009 than they did in 2008, accounting for nearly one third of 2008’s sales. With sales just under 2,000 for the three spring sales and just under 1,800 for the fall sales, total sales coming out of the area were just over 3,700 for the year. Hoggart said the markets had been down in 2009, something echoed later in the meeting by Gord Hardy of the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association, who called the 2009 market for Canadian beef “terrible.” Hoggart urged everyone to stay positive, saying “there’s still a lot of optimism in the industry yet.” Hoggart said that while the waiting game can be tough in the business of farming, it might be the key to the predicament that many beef producers find themselves in right now. “If we can manage to keep waiting, it will likely turn around,” he said. “But it’s going to take a bit of time.” Hoggart also thanked his wife and family for standing by him through his three years as HCBF president. Hoggart has decided to stay on as the organization’s advisor councillor, so he insisted that he is not gone, that he is just stepping aside and giving someone else their turn at the presidency. Passing the torch Harvey Hoggart, left, stepped down from his position as president of the Huron County Beef Producers at the group’s annual meeting last week, passing the position on to Matt McCall. Hoggart will stay on as the organization’s advisory council and was presented with this artwork from the Beef Producers. (Shawn Loughlin photo) HCBP president sums up year Villagers may want to keep a closer watch over their small dogs and cats when letting them out of doors. Edna Reid was up early on Sunday morning, to let her cat out and found a coyote on her front lawn quite close to the house. He headed east through their pasture likely to follow the creek. The catastrophe in Haiti is fillingthe air waves these days with manyorganizations making it easy to sendrelief funds. You may recall an itemin an earlier column about the‘winter vacation’ the Klasen familytakes at this time of year. The group they travel to Haiti witheach January includes a number ofpersons from this area and was due to leave Monday. They work on a compound which has an orphanage and school, etc. The airline has cancelLed their trip. Aid workers would seem to be needed at this time. However getting into Haiti right now is difficult with the Port au Prince airport and harbour having suffered damage. The roads into the outlying areas are said to be impassable as well.Moreover, Jane remarked that thepastor of the compound where theywork expressed concern about beingable to obtain enough water, foodand other supplies for aid workerssuch as they in addition to his regularflock.Jane prays that they can take their‘vacation’next year for the people of Haiti are going to need their help even more in the coming months. Condolences from the community are extended to Dorothy Airdrie and family on the loss of her mother, Elizabeth Matilda (nee Aikenhead) Collins Foster who passed away at the Seaforth Manor on Jan. 15. Dodie, as she was known, had resided at the Seaforth Manor for 10 years, most of that time on the retirement floor. There are 10 Collins children grieving the loss ofa mother.Pearl Mason is now home andtaking it easy for a time. Pearl wasfortunate to have had her daughterand family living with her when shebecame ill.This emphasizes the need to keepan eye on your neighbors, especiallythose who live alone. Winter tends to keep all of us indoors more and away from the windows. Be a nosy neighbour. I’ve heard of several folk in the village who have been dealing with the ‘flu and colds and could use a cheery word or two. Ken Hunking is currently testing the health care system. He is experiencing heart issues and he and Bernice, who recently had foot surgery, will need some support and help in the coming weeks. On Tuesday, January 12th, Clinton suffered a major loss in the downtown area. The loss was significant, but would have been much worse if it was not for the amazing efforts of our Central Huron Firefighters, along with neighbouring volunteer fire departments. Thank you so much for evacu- ating everyone safely. Thank you to staff and all involved in the cooperation, especially office staff for co-ordinating the emergency. Thank you to utilities and roads department for your prompt response. We are fortunate to have a strong community where people pull together in time of need. Thank you again. Reeve Bert Dykstra. Thank You. NEWS FROM LONDESBORO By BRENDARADFORDCall 523-4296PEOPLE AROUND LONDESBORO “What’s in a name?”, Terry Fletcher mused with the children who came to the front for the children’s time at Londesborough United Church on Jan. 17. He had a baby names book with him and told the children that their parents may have consulted such a book when they chose their name(s). He read what several of the children’s names meant according to the book for their interest. Jesus means ‘God saves us’. Terry indicated that Jesus’ parents chose for Him an appropriate name that indicated His special service to the world. From the Father, Virgin-Born was the anthem offered by the senior choir that morning. Psalm 36 was the responsive psalm, about the steadfast love of God for His people. An account of Christ’s first miracle at a wedding in Cana found in John 2:1-11 was the scripture reading by Terry. During the three days since the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist when He was filled publicly with the Holy Spirit, the disciples had been watching and waiting for signs of Christ’s ministry. Then they attended the wedding in Cana with Jesus and His mother. It was/is very important for the host at a wedding/party to adequately provide for the needs of his guests. It would be a stain on the marriage of the young couple at this wedding if the food or wine ran out. As Mr. Fletcher explained, in Biblical times, wine was perhaps the only safe fluid to drink. And the gift of wine was considered to be a blessing and an honour. Moreover it represented monetary value and was also used as a medicine. Mary acted on her belief in Jesus’ powers when she asked Him to do something about the shortage of wine. The disciples watched in anticipation and witnessed this first miracle. Jesus realized the shame of running out of wine and turned His small act into abundance. Thus did His ministry on earth begin. Throughout His time on earth, Christ ate and enjoyed times of fellowship with family and persons of all means. He gives poor lives the same grace and abundance today. Like Mary one has only to believe. During the minute for missions, Don Goodall told of the United Church of Canada’s response to the need for relief and rebuilding in the nation of Haiti. An immediate gift of $20,000 has been made to the Action by Churches Together and an appeal to congregants has been launched. The church office can assist with any personal donation. Join the Sunday school for soup and sandwiches next Sunday, Jan. 24, following the morning service. The children will have a special guest during their time at the front that day. Robert Hulley, who works with an orphanage in Mexico, will speak with the boys and girls. Terry asks that any young person, ages 13 and up, who is interested in Confirmation classes give him a call. He and his wife, who ministers in the Seaforth area, are considering joint classes, depending on the interest. SAVE up to $2850 a year Off the newsstand price Newsstand price - $1.25/week Subscription price - 68¢/week Yes - I want to save money. Enclosed is $34.00 for a 1-year subscription Names theme of children’s message By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen