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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2003-06-04, Page 4PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2003. Editorials & Opinions Publisher, Keith Roulston Editor, Bonnie Gropp Advertising, Alan Young, Patty Van der Meer The Citizen is published 50 times a year in Brussels, Ontario by North Huron Publishing Company Inc. Subscriptions are payable in advance at a rate of $28.00/year ($26.17 + $1.83 G.S.T.) in Canada; $80.00/year in U.S.A, and $100/year in other foreign countries. Advertising is accepted on the condition that in the event of a typographical error, only that portion of the advertisement will be credited. Advertising Deadlines: Monday, 2 p.m. - Brussels; Monday, 4 p.m. - Blyth. We are not responsible for unsolicited newsscripts or photographs. Contents of The Citizen are © Copyright We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP) toward our mailing costs Publications Mail Reg. No. 09244 Canadian Publication Mail Agreement No. 40050141 The Citizen P.O. Box 429, BLYTH, Ont. N0M 1H0 Phone 523-4792 FAX 523-9140 RO. Box 152, BRUSSELS, Ont. NOG 1 HO Phone 887-9114 FAX 887-9021 E-mail norhuron@scsinternet.com Website www.northhuron.on.ca jxocna ^cna Member of the Ontario Press Council The mystery of vandalism For people who try to build things, the fascination with destroying things remains a mystery, but one that threatens progress in our small communities. The latest demoralizing example of this urge to smash things arose in Blyth last week when someone demolished one of the handsome signs that welcomes people to the village: the ones that have been the envy of many other communities. The sign wasn’t just damaged, it was smashed to pieces by someone who was intent on doing the maximum damage possible. What’s particularly sad about this happening is that it undoes the work of one individual who was so worried about the village looking its best for last year’s homecoming activities that she paid to have the signs refurbished when the municipality said it didn’t have the money. That’s an example of the kind of commui ity pride more of us must have if we are to overcome the wanton destructiveness that some people seem to have energy for when they can’t raise a finger for anything positive. Imagine how much effort went into smashing this sign or into stealing the heavy fire siren from a Brussels rooftop last year and imagine what could be accomplished if that energy had been expended for beneficial purposes. People must take ownership of all aspects of their community if we’re to overcome this kind of destructiveness. Everyone needs to be on the lookout to stop vandalism and report suspicious activities to police. We must make it plain that this kind of activity, whether by children, teenagers or adults, will not be accepted in our communities. The risk of inaction is great because we may lose the efforts of those who work so hard to improve their communities if the vandals are encouraged by any sense of community tolerance. Everybody must send the message that vandalism is not acceptable. — KR They just don’t get it The fuss over the promise of new federal Progressive Conservative Leader Peter McKay to appoint a party committee to re-examine the value of the North American Free Trade Agreement doesn’t bode well for the ability of the party to rebuild support among ordinary Canadians. Many in the party were outraged that McKay could sign a deal to win the suppport of David Orchard at the cost of casting any doubt on what many feel is the proudest achievement of their party: free trade. They’re also upset because Orchard extracted a promise that the Conservatives would not try to set up a deal with the Alliance Party to “unite the right”, the fondest dream of many of the right-wing members of the party. Some of these people felt Orchard shouldn’t be in the Conservative party at all, even if he did have support of 25 per cent of the delegates at Saturday’s leadership convention, enough to put him in second place on the first and second ballots. These are the people who see future success in appealing to people on the right side of the political spectrum, the territory held by the Alliance. But despite the apparent mathematics that adding up the Alliance and Progressive Conservative votes would lead to defeating the Liberals in many ridings, it’s never been that easy. Mr. Orchard’s support shows that even many party members are concerned with some effects of free trade, want protection of the environment and support many other issues that will be obliterated if the Conservatives cosy up to the Alliance. The Conservatives have always found success in the middle of the political scene, not at the far right. In fact Mr. Orchard’s success seems proof that trying to appeal to the Alliance might actually deliver a quarter of the Conservative party to the Liberals.— KR Letters to the Editor Looking Back Through the Years DEAR EDITOR, ALS. Three letters that change people’s lives forever. Each year, more Canadians diq of ALS than multiple sclerosis and cystic fibrosis combined. June is ALS Awareness Month. Every day two to three Canadians die of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. A rapidly progressive and fatal neuromuscular disease, ALS strikes those in the prime of life attacking the nerve cells in the brain and spinal column that control the voluntary muscles. As the nerve cells die, people with ALS lose control of their muscles which atrophy, making breathing, eating and the simple acts of daily living impossible. There is no known cure for ALS. And most die within two to five years of a diagnosis. Research provides hope for thousands of Canadians affected by ALS. This is paying off as our Canadian ALS researchers are on the cutting edge of worldwide efforts to find a cure. During ALS month, various activities are held across the country by local volunteers of the ALS Society to increase community awareness of the disease and encourage financial support to fund research. Sincerely, Susan GrahamWalker Director Communications and Program ALS Society of Canada sgw@als.ca www.als.ca June 4,1958 The 50th anniversary of the Brussels, Morris and Grey Telephone Systems was a red-letter day in its history. At noon the cutover, putting into operation their new system, was made. The modernization was accomplished by long-range planning. W.S. Scott, who had served the company for 22 years had the honour of cutting the ribbon declaring the new building on Mill Street. Donald Dunbar, organist and choir leader of Melville Presbyterian Church was presented with a leather billfold inscribed with his name by members of the choir, in appreciation for his work. The presentation was made on Dunbar’s birthday. It was strawberry season and Cousins were featuring strawberry fruit and strawberry ripple ice­ cream. At a joint meeting of members and adherents of Knox Presbyterian Church, Belgrave and Melville in Brussels, a unanimous call was extended to Rev. Jonathan Greene of Saskatchewan. At the Capital Theatre in Listowel the weekend feature was Night Passage, starring Audie Murphy and James Stewart. At the Llashmar drive-in it was The McConnell Story with Alan Ladd and June Allyson. The Regent in Seaforth was offering a weekend double bill with Frankie Lane and Lucy Marow starring in He Laughed Last and Rory Calhoun and Susan Cumming in Utah Blaine. A 16-oz jar of York peanut butter was selling for 41 cents at Rutledge Grocery. June 6,1968 A Brussels-area man was among the first graduates from Fanshawe College of Applied Arts and Technology. Ross Yuill received his certification as an electrical technician. Tri-County intermediate softball standings at Belmore in first place with Moncrieff second and Brussels third. Next were Kurtzville, Gorrie, Walton, Jamestown, Ethel and Bluevale. The double feature at Brownie’s Drive-in in Clinton was Deadlier Than the Male with Richard Johnson and Elke Somer and The Reluctant Astronaut with Don Knotts, Joan Freeman and Arthur O’Connell. On Saturday it was The Dirty Dozen with Lee Marvin gnd Robert Ryan. Specials at McCutcheon Grocery included giant size Oxydol for 87 cents and the 8-oz package of cheese slices for 37 cents. Stephenson’s Bakery and Grocery had TV dinners for 59 cents and 10 packages of Sheriff’s bud puddings for $ 1. June 8, 1988 The Ontario Provincial Police tactics and rescue squad were in Walton in full combat gear during a tense stand-off situation. Police contacted the TRU team after surrounding a house where a man, armed an unknown quantity of weapons was threatening to kill himself. The man eventually surrendered. A broken pump created an emergency water shortage in Brussels. Marie Hicknell, reeve of McKillop was One of two Huron County reeves announcing they planned to seek the wardenship of the county. June 2,1993 Lewis Pitman, a potter and owner of The Pottery in Blyth made limited edition mugs as commemorative souvenirs of the Blyth and district community play Many Hands. No more than 100 of the mugs, featuring the logs will be sold. Lucknow Community Centre was the site for the selection of the Huron Bruce federal Liberal candidate. In a first-ballot win, Paul Steckle received 434 votes. Janice Becker joined the staff of The Citizen as part-time reporter/photographer. Debbie Reid, formerly of Harriston, opened Sips and Nibbles, a take-out restaurant in Belgrave. Wingham Canadette Candice Irwin of Belgrave received the Founders Trophy, donated by former coach Patty Robertson. It was presented to the majorette who demonstrates self-discipline, dedication, determination and integrity. Most improved Canadettes were Lori Bridge, Tamara Koehler, Cheryl Armstrong, Lindsay Michie and Stephanie Hills. Cpl. Dennis Schneider, son of Jim and Dorothy of Auburn, returned to his base in Pettawawa having completed his tour of duty with peacekeeping forces in Somolia. Susan Carter of Walton completed 36 4-H projects. Marris and David Hatherly were welcomed as the newest members of the Blyth Optimist Club. June 3, 1998 Neil McGavin was named Citizen of the Year for Brussels and area. Paul Carroll retired as director of education for the Avon Maitland District School Board. When a power outage struck the area, Blyth PUC foreman Bill Bromley spent more than an hour and a half trying to contact Ontario Hydro. Bromley decided to drive to Clinton to see if there was anyone in the office there. Confirmed at Brussels United Church were Nicholas and Tyler Campbell, Sean Hoegy, Kendall Jutzi, Kyle Stephenson, Nicole White.