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The Citizen, 2008-01-10, Page 20Take Heart Huron is hoping to seeproposals soon for new projects thatwill help people in Huron Countylead healthier lives.The Opportunity Fund, sponsored by Take Heart Huron, has start-up funding for new projects. Alycia Collins, Take Heart Huron co- ordinator with the Huron County Health Unit, says she’s hoping many community groups across the county will apply. “We’re hoping see proposals from a variety of community groups who are interested in helping Huron County residents eat healthier foods, be more physically active and be smoke-free. We’ll be watching especially for plans that work withchildren and youth, people living inlow income situations and olderadults.”Collins says the Opportunity Fund is available for not-for-profit community groups that want to make an impact in their community. Projects funded last year included community kitchens and physical activity opportunities for isolated groups. If your not-for-profit group has an innovative new project that focuses on healthy living, you can apply for up to $750 in start up funding. It must be used by the end of 2008. Projects that show they can continue beyond the start-up phaseand that develop partnerships withother community organizations willbe given priority.Take Heart Huron encourages Huron County residents to eat healthier foods, be more physicallyactive, and be smoke-free. Leadinga healthy, active life helps to preventchronic diseases such as heartdisease, stroke, type II diabetes, and some forms of cancer. To receive your application kit,contact Alycia Collins, Take HeartHuron Co-ordinator, at 519-482-3416 or 1-877-837-6143 if longdistance. Applications are due by Feb. 1. PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2008. Despite the persistent efforts of a ratepayer, Morris-Turnberry councillors decided at their Dec. 18 meeting not to reopen the distribution of land from a closed street allowance in Lower Town, Turnberry Ward. Jake Kikkert argued that he should have been allowed to submit a bid for a portion of a street allowance that was in front of a neighbouring property belonging to the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority. The conservation authority had said it did not want to acquire this share of the closed street so councillors decided to give it to neighbour Cam Sweiger. Jim Nelemans, deputy mayor, told Kikkert he had made the motion to divide the property as it was because, to give the section of lane to Kikkert would have created an L- shaped lot with a small strip of property that would be difficult for anyone to do anything with. But Kikkert argued that he hopes to build a house on his property some day and the strip of land would give him additional distance from the river. “We have a policy to try to keep things square,” said councillor Bill Thompson. But Kikkert argued that the resulting configuration of lot lines is still not square. Councillor Mark Beaven agreed it’s not, but that it’s not as much out of line as it would have been if the property was given to Kikkert. Kikkert argued that since this portion of the closed road did not front on anyone’s property who wanted it, it should have been put up for bids among the nearest neighbour. “I’m willing to submit an offer tonight on the property,” he said. Councillor Paul Gowing turned to Huron County planner Sandra Weber who was in attendance for another matter to ask if there was anything in the municipality official plan that favoured squaring up of lot lines. Weber said there is a provision in the provincial planning act that encourages orderly boundaries. “From a planning standpoint our (the planning department’s) preference would be that it (the section of road) go to the Sweiger property,” she said. Councillors eventually told Kikkert they would reconsider the matter later in the meeting but when they did, they did not want to change their minds on the original decision. “We made a decision and we should stick with it,” said Nelemans. “The planner says that’s the way it should be so it should stay the same,” said Beaven. Councillor Paul Gowing made a motion that the original bylaw dividing the surplus land remain in effect. It was carried. Start up funding available for healthy living M-T councillors won’t change land division Plunging into success Morris-Turnberry council took the top prize last weekend at the North Huron Hockey Days annual toilet races. The boys from Morris-Turnberry were head and shoulders above the competition winning by a large stretch of ice. Former NHLer Rick Nattress, who was on hand to play in the All-Star game, presented the trophy to the winners. From left: Councillor Paul Gowing, councillor Mark Beaven, Nattress, deputy-mayor Jim Nelemans. (Shawn Loughlin photo) 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 23rd 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 March 31, 2008. Name and phone number of nominator ❑❑Blyth & area ❑❑Brussels & area BUY? SELL? TRY CLASSIFIED