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The Citizen, 2007-06-07, Page 24MPP Carol Mitchell couldn’t have picked a better venue to bear her good news than the Huron Community Matters conference in Clinton last week. Scheduled among a full slate of meetings at the House of Commons last Wednesday and Thursday, Mitchell was able to make it back to Clinton to announce a $675,000 commitment to Huron County. This funding comes to help the county and its partner, the Huron Business Development Corporation to promote community revitalization, economic growth and youth engagement. This announcement came on behalf of Leona Dombrowsky, minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs. “The McGuinty government understands that strengthening and diversifying the local economy is essential to this community’s future,” Mitchell said. “Over the next three years, Huron County and the Huron Business Development Corporation will work with community partners to achieve greater economic prosperity and growth.” Mitchell assured everyone that the McGuinty government has not forgotten rural Ontario, saying they think a strong rural Ontario is key to the health and vitality of the province as a whole. “It’s been hard,” she said. “But one thing you can count on is that we’ll face it together.” Mitchell said that now is Huron County’s time, saying that the sense of community is stronger than it ever has been before, giving Huron a leg up on the cities. “We’re used to working together,” she said. “We need to come up with a plan on how we’re going to move into the future.” Mayor of South Huron, Ken Oke, on behalf of Huron County warden Deb Shewfelt, thanked Mitchell for the news. “You couldn’t have picked a better occasion to make this announcement,” he said. “There are numerous groups with projects ready to go.” Pamela Stanley, president of the Huron Business Development Corporation, also thanked Mitchell, saying that she will have no problem putting this money to good use. “We’ve been waiting for this and we’re ready to rock and roll starting tomorrow morning,” she said. Stanley said she had no trouble putting together a management team. The team will include Stanley and Paul Nichol from the Huron Business Development Corporation, Shewfelt and Scott Tousaw, director of planning and development for the County and Huron East mayor Joe Seili. When asked, Stanley said the only choice for a third representativefrom Huron County council wasSeili.The investment was made throughthe Rural Economic Developmentprogram. The three priorities of this program are to improve access to health care services, revitalize communities and downtowns and to enhance skills training. “This partnership with the Countyof Huron will allow us to create andact on opportunities in the county,”Stanley said.“There will be many benefits toour community, including growth opportunities, revitalized downtowns, new opportunities for seniors, and increased youth awareness.” PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2007. Up close It was the opening of the community art show at the Bainton Gallery this past weekend. Works from local artists using a variety of mediums were submitted for this annual event. (Vicky Bremner photo) A community investment MPP Carol Mitchell attended the second annual Community Matters conference in Clinton to announce a $675,000 commitment from the province to assist Huron County’s business development. From left: Scott Tousaw, Huron County director of planning and development; Pamela Stanley, president of the Huron Business Development Corporation; Ken Oke, mayor of South Huron; Mitchell; Paul Nichol, Huron Business Development Corporation and Joe Seili, Huron East mayor. (Shawn Loughlin photo) County gets $675,000 provincial funding The Citizen541 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-9114 404 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792 We have books everyone will enjoy! THE KIDS’ BUILDING WORKSHOP Kids can learn and gain confidence in woodworking. 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This international guide describes 300 different flies: dry, wet, nymphs and pupae and lures, all in colour. $12.95 NIGHTWATCH Nowhere but in the countryside can you really explore the wonders of the night sky and this popular book provides a practical guide for exploring the universe. Revised edition for use through 2010. $29.95 HAWKS & OWLS Of the Great Lakes Region Beautiful colour photographs and information on the hunting birds of our region from the American Kestrel, our smallest falcon to snowy owls. $16.95 By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen On the weekend of June 8-10, the Friends of Hullett will have a display at the Great Canadian Outdoor Expo in Woodstock. Members and staff will be on hand to answer questions regarding Hullett Provincial Wildlife Area and the amazing contribution made by people like you to our organization. The Expo will be open to the public from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. There are tickets for the yearly Pheasant Challenge fundraiser. Our pheasants are raised and subsequently released in stages during the fall, for hunting at Hullett. We will be receiving 1700 pheasants in June. After arrival, pheasants are checked, fed and watered daily. They are a lot of work as they can eat up to 200 kg of food a day when on a growth spurt. Specs are fitted on the birds to dissuade them from pecking at each other. This allows them to co-exist in harmony and stay healthy until released. All monies raised go towards the purchase and upkeep of birds for the next year’s Challenge. We will be holding our Butterflies Walk at the Marsh on June 23rd, beginning at 9 a.m. Come out and join us on this day to get a glimpse into the wonderfully diverse world of butterflies at the Hullett PWA. We have an opportunity to observe a wide variety of butterfly species on this date. Each butterfly species varies in size, colour, markings, shape and behaviour. Grab a butterfly net and join us to enjoy an early summer morning of butterfly watching at the Marsh. For more details about this or any other Hullett event, or if you have any questions, please call 519-482- 7011 or visit www.hullettmarsh.org. The website for the Great Canadian Outdoor Expo is www.CanadasOutdoorPark.com The expo is located 10 minutes off the 401 on the NW side of Woodstock, near Hwy. 59. Follow the signs. Dogs are welcome at the Expo, as long as they are leashed. We hope to see you out! Hullett Marsh Happenings Scot Russell Outreach Co-ordinator Friends of Hullett