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The Citizen, 2010-12-02, Page 11THE EDITOR, This letter is responding to the Oct. 21 article in The Citizen regarding a better financial return from the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association Inc. to the Township of North Huron. The Board of Directors, representing the membership, want to clarify some of the history and actual expenses paid by the Association. The Threshers, currently made up of over 850 members, in almost 50 years have never felt the need for public acknowledgement of their accomplishments, but perhaps now is the time to openly express themselves. In the past 50 years, the Threshers have paid for and developed three different parcels of land, erected and maintained three sheds, a working sawmill, tractor-pull track and restored and furnished a log cabin. The property was donated to the Village of Blyth and now to the Township of North Huron. As a non-profit organization, profits made have been used for maintenance and development, they have been donated toward the renovations of the Blyth Arena in the amount of $25,000 and in the past three years profits have been donated in the form of a very reasonable sum to the Make a Wish Foundation, Sick Children’s Hospital - London and this year to the Trillium Camp for children with cancer in honour of our volunteers. The Threshers have worked with local church groups, minor sports, Ladies Auxiliary, Boy Scouts, Blyth Public School and four area Lions Clubs, providing a major fundraising event for these and other non-profit groups. Although the Association’s relationship with North Huron has experienced some strain recently, our agreement with the Township has been reasonably good. The Threshers have the use of the campground for one week before the show and one week after the event. The Threshers do get the income from the very reasonable camping fees, but do pay for all hydro used during that two-week period as well as the use of the arena while the show is on. The Threshers also pay the fee set by North Huron for any meetings held there during the year and the Association Annual Banquet. The following is a list of payments paid to the Township of North Huron in 2010: arena rental, $3,201.25; hydro, $4,338.04; water, $240; bathroom supplies, $489.86; North Huron Staff (cleaning bathrooms and showers), $365.19. We also assume all responsibility for our own garbage pickup and cleanup of grounds at show’s end in the amount of $3,225. The Threshers have also been fortunate to work with an exceptionally supportive group of local businesses. The Reunion has now been deemed a Community Festival and although not being boastful, the Association does take pride in the fact that we are self-supporting and have not had to ask the Township of North Huron for a financial donation to support our show. Yours Respectively, The Board of Directors Huron Pioneer Threshers and Hobby Association Inc. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2010. PAGE 11. THE EDITOR, (re: Mandatory Septic System Inspections proposed by the Huron County Health Unit) Having helped to install septic systems in the 1970s and having studied septic systems at the library over the years, I feel I am well informed on how these systems work. Factory farms spread hundreds of thousands of gallons of untreated waste on land. Town sewage systems have released thousands of gallons of untreated sewage into rivers because of heavy rains. With home septic systems, the solids are enclosed in the tanks and weeper or drain beds are just one foot or so underground so rain doesn’t affect them very much, if at all. There is also a misconception as to where the water goes after leaving the tank. Many people think it seeps into the ground, actually, most of it evaporates up through the ground purified 100 per cent. Therefore, if septic systems aren’t the problem, and owners have to pay, shouldn’t the 14,000 or so septic system owners have a vote to determine if we want it or not? Furthermore, why is the Huron County Health Unit conducting the inspections? Shouldn’t it be licensed plumbers or septic system installers who conduct the inspections? They will have the knowledge and the experience. After all, you wouldn’t hire a nurse to safety your car, would you? William J. Dougherty RR1, Londesborough Threshers respond to ‘better return’ comments Septic inspections raise many questions Letters to the Editor $70 MAIL-IN REBATE Buy 4 safe MICHELIN®tires From October 1 to December 15, 2010. On Passenger or Light Truck tires only. Huron Tire & Auto 519-482-3752 or 519-482-9796 Hwy. 4 South, Clinton, Ont. Stop in to Huron Tire & Auto today and get your mail-in rebate to save $70. with the purchase of 4 Michelin®tires.* You’re Our Security. Priority. Whatever the conditions, choose Michelin®winter tires; an uncompromising combination of starting, stopping and cornering traction that lasts winter after winter. AND RECEIVE A Wedding Announcement Kris and Amy Wright (nee Douma) were marreid on August 7, 2010 at Melville Presbyterian Church, Brussels. The reception was held at the Belmore Community Centre. Love and Best Wishes from the proud families of Owen and Kim Wright and Maurice and Mary Douma. Two Locations To Serve You Better 222 Josephine St., Wingham 519-357-3466 120 Inkerman St. E., Listowel 519-291-4920 Bri ng in a dona t i on for the F ood B a nk an d r eceiv e 5% off any purchase and Pandora’s will donate $5 to the Food Bank Until December 24, 2010 ON $6.00 THURSDAYS Drop into either of our offices any Thursday with your word classified (maximum 20 words) and pay only $6.00 + HST (paid in advance). That’s $1.00 off regular rates. The Citizen BUY? SELL? TRY CLASSIFIED