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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 1998-12-09, Page 28Adding the decorations Members of the Belgrave Guides, Brownies and Sparks trimmed a glowing tree while spectators sang carols during the hamlet's lighting of the lights ceremony, Dec. 1. The kickoff to the Christmas season was held in the community's new park. Bailey wants issue put to rest Blyth Festival Singers present The Messiah with Richard Hanse, Co-ordinator TWO PERFORMANCES: Saturday, December 12 Knox Presbyterian Church, Goderich - 7 p.m. Sunday, December 13 Northside United Church, Seaforth - 3 p.m. Tickets: $10 advance, $12 at door Blyth Festival Box Office 523-9300 WIN! Blyth Festival Vouchers Tell us your holiday tradition For this year's "Season's Greetings" issue we are looking for personal anecdotes from our readers. In 50 words or less tell us about your favourite family holiday tradition, something that you and your loved ones have enjoyed, a memory that continues with each generation. Submit them to either of The Citizen offices until Dec. 18. Drop them off, fax them to 523-9140 or 887-9021 or mail to Box 429, Blyth, ON NOM 1HO. Make sure to include your name, address and telephone number as the entries will be put together for a draw. One winner will receive a gift package of two coupons for two Blyth Festival productions in the 1999 season. ,y4 Villav Christmas presented by Blyth Business Association Saturday, Dec. 19 6:30 p.m. - Jingle Bell Walk starting at Blyth Membrial Hall Courtyard 7:00 p.m. - Carol Singing 7:30 p.m. - Christmas Pageant at Blyth Memorial Hall, featuring lots of local talent. Anyone wishing to share their talents, please call Fran or Karen 523-9300 or Don Scrimgeour 523-4551 Silver and canned or non-perishable food collection with proceeds to North Huron Community Food Share 9:00 p.m. The party continues with Karaoke at The Blyth Inn This ad generously sponsored by Radford Auto, Farm and Industrial Parts Ltd. Blyth 523-9681 or 1-800-276-4163 Brussels 887-9661 or 1-800-383-8749 PAGE 28. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1998. Villages set Patrol meetings Continued from page 3 flicts of interest and left chambers, leaving the passage of the bylaw to Reeve Mason Bailey and Council- lor Jeff Howson and Murray Nes- bitt. Howson voted against the bylaw while Nesbitt and Bailey supported it. Bailey said later in the session that it was a tough decision but he wanted to put the issue to rest and keep outside influences out of Blyth's business and the village out of court for such a "picky thing". During the public question period at the end of the meeting, Krieger told council that by agreeing to pay the one private assessment involved in the Dyk Drain, they were again acting illegally, as•they had come close to doing with the Cummings Drain. "The drainage act is a statute. What you are doing here is break- ing the law," said Krieger. Having spoken to the drainage co-ordinator for the province, Krieger said he was told the act does not allow any council to pay any property own- ers' assessment. Clerk-Treasurer John Stewart said that although the village's lawyer had not done a full legal investigation into the matter, he felt there was some grey area in the act. "He felt council had the option to pay it out of general funds," said Stewart. Though Stewart was unaware of any legal precedent, he was aware of other urban municipalities who pay assessments out of general funds. Rcinink and Krieger said they would again take money from their own pocket to challenge the deci- By Bonnie Gropp Citizen staff A public meeting will be held at Memorial Hall, Blyth, Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the Citizens on Patrol. There will be a meeting for the Brussels program on Jan. 11, at 7:30 p.m. at the arena. Response to the program there has already been overwhelming with 26 volunteers signing on, according to Co-ordina- tor Mary Stretton, one of the vil- lage's two representatives on the Community Policing Committee (CPC). At the Blyth meeting will be Kathy Bromley and Brenda Burkholder, Blyth's CPC reps as well as Community Policing Offi- cer Const. Dell Mercey and other representatives from the OPP. The idea for a patrol. came up several months ago at a regular meeting of the CPC. "Essentially the committee got the snowball rolling and now we want to get the rest of the people involved," said Bromley. Burkholder notes that in addition to getting volunteers for the pro- gram, the meeting will also provide an opportunity for people to learn more about what's being proposed and about the CPC. "Many have heard by now about the patrol, but Starry Nights at Doon Crossroads The 'Friends of Doon' invite everyone to their fifth annual fundraising event 'Starry Night' to be held at Doon Heritage Crossroads on Monday, Dec. 21 from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Visitors will have the pleasure of wandering through the beautiful lantern lit village and buildings of Doon. Musical entertainment, samplings of traditional seasonal fare, chestnuts roasting on an open fire and horse-drawn wagon rides makes this Christmas event an extra special evening. Every ticket purchased will automatically be entered into a draw for a number of prizes, including a full size hand-made quilt that has been repioduced from a quilt in Doon's collection. Tickets are $15 per adult, $7.50 per child and can be purchased in person or by phone at 748-1914. (Mastercard and Visa accepted). few realize the months of discus- sion and planning that the commit- tee had already put into this," she said. The Citizens on Patrol will have pairs of volunteers cruising the vil- lage during late evening and early morning hours and inform the police of-any suspicious behaviour. Its formation was discussed due to increasing crime in villages like Blyth and Brussels. "I have kept a record of newspa- per reports and I can't get over what's been happening in Brussels and Blyth over the last 10 months," said Bromley. The meeting is for everyone, said Bromley. "Even seniors who won't want to be out riding around in the By Janice Becker Citizen staff The deadline is nearing for Blyth council to choose a group of municipalities with which to amal- gamate and they are seeking public input. Councillors agreed at the Dec. 7 session to hold a public meeting, Monday, Dec. 14, at Blyth Memo- rial Hall at 7:30 p.m. early morning hours, should come to hear what the program's about. Application forms for people interested in helping to protect their communities will be available at the meeting. The forms in Brussels can be obtained at the municipal office. Individuals will need to be willing to have a police search done- on them. "We are hoping for at least 24 volunteers," said Bromley. People need only to commit to, whatever time they are willing to give. "If everybody gives a little then no one has to give a lot," Bromley said. "And they know that they're out there doing something good for their community." At that time, interested residents will be given the opportunity to voice their opinion, obtain informa- tion on the choices available and advise councillors as to their pref- erence. Council will make their final decision after hearing from the peo- ple as a meeting with the south group (Clinton and Hullett and Goderich Twp.) is scheduled for Dec. 17. sion. Krieger asked if they were pay- ing the Dyk Drain assessment, what would stop them from changing their decision on the Cummings Drain. He also questioned whether- Councillor Scrimgeour "could even sit on council." "I don't know why council is digging in their heels so much on this issue. Do you resent being challenged?" Krieger asked. Both Scrimgeour and Lawrie responded saying the men had every right to challenge council's decision, but that they believed they did the right thing. Blyth council seeks input for amalgamation talks