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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2002-09-25, Page 1ts;TA 1.1'1(SfiED tag All mine It- was a big hug for a new friend. Rachel Miners was all smiles as she travelled the Brussels Fall Fair with her prize, a big stuffed puppy, that she won at the midway. The annual fair was blessed with balmy temperatures and sunny skies. (Bonnie Gropp photo) Auction raises $35,000 foriHeart & Soul campaign NH NORTH HURON PUBUSHING COMPANY INC. Inside this week Blyth Lions give Pg. generously Blyth celebrates Pg. ky Heart & Soul Pg.-7 Results from the Brussels Fail Fair 12 More Belgrave fair Pg. id results n (. Blyth Festival names rg. " new artistic director e Citizen Serving the communities of Blyth and Brussels and northern Huron County Volume 18 No. 37 Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2002 75 Cents (70c + 5c GST) Sun shinesi on fair By Janice Becker Citizen staff The Brussels Fall Fair went off without a hitch under brilliant blue skies and unseasonably warm temperatures, attracting hundreds of exhibitors and spectators to the event held Sept. 17 and 18. "This was a really great fair," said David Perrie, president of the Brussels Agricultural Society. "Exhibits were up and the people really liked the format change to the fair." Amongst the changes were relticatiOn of the stage for _Tuesday evening's opening ceremonies and talent show, new displays such as antique tractors, OPP safety information. an expanded children's play area and more display area for home crafts and school entries. David Blaney, one of the architects of the change. said there was concern that they would run out of space for increased number of exhibits. "The photography entries were up four or fib times and most other categories at least doubled." he said. • - It was impossible to gatige the number of attendees because,. in a change for this year. there was just donations at the gate, no charge. Blaney said it felt like there were more in attendance, but there is no way to know. Perrie noted the very good attendance from local school children. "The turnout was excellent," he said. He was also very pleased with the response from those at the fair regarding the many changes. "The executive appreciated all the support they received." Jenny Schimanski, emcee of the Tuesday night events, said she also heard a lot of positive feedback regarding the changes. With the talent on stage, including the McMichael Sisters, live pipe music for the highland dancers and a uud pie 'auction. Schimanski said it was the hest fair she has seen i n the live years she has been in Brussels. By Bonnie Gropp Citizen editor The newly-renovated Blyth and District Conimunity centre was celebrated this past Sturday and organizers couldn't be more thrilled with the result. Though fundraising efforts will continue, Heart and Soul committee vice-chair, .Steven Sparling, sang the praises •of the community which supported not just the event, but the entire project. "In our small communities we don't often have opportunities to undertake significant projects such as this. The success of this past weekend confirmed what most of us have known. There is tremendous support for this; a broad base of suppiirt." Sparling gives credit to special events chair Doug Walker for his work in planning the celebration. which included tours, a barbecue and auction. "He did a tremendous job." Committee spokesperson Anne Elliott, said that people began arriving for the tours right at noon and the flow was steady until the barbecue, done by the Belgrave Kinsmen, began. There were 550 served and attendance at the auction was at capacity as well. Elliott stated that comments regarding the revitalized facility were favourable with many noting that the additions were a big improvement: The food court also met approval. - . "The biggest comment I heard was how nice and fresh everything was. that the facility was Wonderful." said Elliott. "People couldn't believe it was the same building." Auctioneer Tony Chaffe did an excellent job, said Sparling. "He was energetic and enthusiastic." Rick and John Elliott and John Watson as spotters helped keep the bidding moving, he said, so that over $35,000 was raised. "It was just a lot of fun and as the numbers show, a success," said Sparling. "The community support for this event, for the facility, • is quite - impressive, actually pretty incredible," he concluded. Committee member Fran Cook was also overwhelmed by the support shown. "It was a great community event. And especially wonderful to see everyone there because ifs ih,-;‘• building." Task force to hear from local Ms. By Stew Slater Special to The Citizen A task force examining the Ontario government's educational funding formula has accepted applications for oral presentations from the two publicly-funded school boards in Huron and Perth Counties, as well as a parents' group spearheaded by Shelley Kaastra and Colin Pritchard from Holmesville Public School. All three organizations will make 15-minute presentations to the Education Equality Task Force during two days of public consultations this week at the Hilton Hotel in London. Trustees Ron Marcy and Bernard Murray will handle the bulk of the presentation duties for the Catholic board, at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25, while Avon Maitland Chair Colleen Schenk will get her chance to speak on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 11:30 a.m. Kaastra and Pritchard will speak at 6:57 p.m. on Wednesday. Also of regional interest, the president of Murphy Bus Lines, which controls well over a quarter of the bus routes in the two counties will appear on behalf of an association of bus route operators at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday. According to Director of Education Gaetan Blanchette, much of the Catholic board's presentation will be based on a longer written submission, which will also be sent to the Task Force. Avon Maitland officials. meanwhile, given the advantage of appearing near-the conclusion of the London consultations (public meetings are also being held in five other cities), may monitor the submissions of other stakeholders before making decisions about their final presentation. "For the most part, we expect that a lot of these organizations and school boards are going to be singing primarily from the same songbook," commented Avon Maitland communications director Steve Howe. He added the board may choose to add further emphasis to points which have repeatedly 6e-en raised, or highlight issues which haven't received much attention. The task force was formed in May by the ruling Conservatives, with former University of Guelph President Dr. Mordechai Rozanski at the helm. According to the task force's website. Rozanski has been asked "to make recommendations on-ways to improve equity. fairness, certainty and stability for Ontario's students and schools." based on its examination of the funding formula. Recommendations are to be handed down in November. According to Howe. task ford Continued on page 7