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The Citizen, 2003-11-26, Page 6PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2003. Brussels Pipe Band continues drive for members By Elyse DeBruyn Citizen staff The familiar sound of bag pipes and drums can only mean that a pipe band is just around the corner, but like The sound of music Bessie Johnston of Jamestown,a member with the Brussels Pipe Band, begins practising on her pipes for upcoming parades in the area. The band is encouraging people to join and learn how to play the bagpipes or drums. (Elyse DeBruyn photo) Theft from Works yard On Nov. 19 at 8:15 a.m. OPP were called to the Grey Twp. Works yard located on Newry Road in Huron East over a theft. The officer found that sometime that night a person entered the yard and removed a gas-siphoning pump. Then the culprits used the pump to steal 200 litres of gasoline most pipe bands, Brussels' membership fluctuates and at now they are looking for new members. Don Martin, second-year pipe major for the Brussels Pipe Band, said every from a tank at the rear of the building. The total cost of the theft of the pump and gasoline will set back the municipality approximately $1,000. If you have information that can assist the police in finding the persons responsible call the Huron OPP or Crime Stoppers. organization has its ups and downs. When he began playing over 30-years-ago, the band had about 25 members, now there are about five or six. “Our drum section is sparse, but . we have drummers in training,” he said. The band joined forces with the Listowel Pipe Band because they had few pipers. Together, they appear in parades for both areas and they take turns having practices in their home town. Ah. it’s good to be back! I apologize for not submitting an Ethel column in the past few weeks, and especially for not bringing to attention Mr. and Mrs. Alf Sutton’s 69th wedding anniversary a few weeks back. Sometimes I see the Suttons pull up in front of Brubachers Restaurant (and it always goes like this: Mr. Sutton parks with the passenger door as close to the restaurant entrance as possible. He gets out of the vehicle, goes to her side and opens the car door, then helps her into the restaurant) and I hope that someday, should my husband and 1 be fortunate enough to celebrate 69 years together, we might care for each other in the noble, loving manner the Sutton’s exemplify. Congratulations to the young women in town who recently received their snowmobile licences. That must be pretty thrilling. Be sure and drive safely. Recently I was asked if I knew whether or not people can burn garbage in town. Don’t shoot the messenger ... at council John Forrest, public works co-ordinator explained that there is a bylaw in place now that states that urban areas can only have fires for cooking. Does this apply to Ethel? Apparently. Who enforces it? It is to be enforced by the fire chief. The town is seeming more festive lately and some pretty interesting light displays are being turned on. My children keep wondering when Mr. Alexander’s “amazing Christmas light extravaganza” will turn on. “Gotta wait ‘til the corn’s off,” was his reply. Mrs. Dobson has graciously Martin said people are starting to show more of an interest after he placed an ad encouraging people to come and join the band. “We would like to get everyone involved,” he said. Bessie Johnston, a piper with the Brussels Pipe Band, said she thinks people have too many other things going on to try and learn the pipes or drums. Martin said it usually takes about seven years to learn the pipes and he said he still learning. “It’s teaching control of the fingers. You can practise agreed to let the community put the rink on her property again this year. Other areas were considered by those who attended the winter events committee meeting but the general decision was primarily based on the safest location for the younger members of the community. For those willing to help out. Andrew Versteeg and Mark Westra are beading the rink up and they have a tentative building date set for Saturday, ida making this change? without lowering their Employment Insurance benefit rate on a future claim. The new threshold of $225 for a regular week of work (up from $150) reflects increases in Canadian wages. This change makes El more responsive to the needs of Canadian workers. Some things remain the same: • All insurable hours will still be used for eligibility purposes, even if they •ment Insurance (El) may benefit you. ■ Canada is increasing the Small Weeks threshold to $225. When nd we calculate yourbenefit rate, we will, where possible, ignore earnings fall below this level CHANGES TO EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE are not used to calculate your benefit rate. • You must continue to report all earnings in the weeks you earn them. • Earnings allowed while on claim are $50 per week or 25 percent of your weekly benefit rate, whichever is higher. • Employers must continue to remit El premiums on every dollar paid and complete Records of Employment. For information on Small Weeks: 0 1 800 O-Canada (1800 622-6232) TTY: 1800 465-7735 0 www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/ei E -go fi Human Resources B m B Development Canada hard, but not necessarily learn faster, it takes time. If you put the time in, you’ll realize you can do it,” he said. Johnston started to learn the pipes with her sister-in-law, but never imagined joining the band. “It takes a long time to learn the pipes. It all depends on the amount of time put into it, but it is fun.” she said. Martin said the beginners have a one-on-one practice every Tuesday evening at Johnston’s house and every Thursday they practise as a group with Listowel. “We have fun and try not to Dec. 13 at 9:30 a.m. I am really enthusiastic at the number of youth coming forward and asking if we are going to make a rink again this year. When they hear “yes”, the response is often “Cool! Can I help build it?” ■ Volunteers are also working on the second annual “Ethel Community Christmas” scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Ethel Town Hall. Again this year we plan "no have a carolling wagon ride get too critical because everyone makes mistakes,” said Martin. He said to become a piper is easy, all that is necessary is a beginner’s book on piping and a chanter. A chanter simulates the real bagpipe which is what isused for practice, but the real bagpipes are used for entertaining crowds. Martin said a real bag pipe can cost about $1,000. “It’s never too late to try,” said Johnston. For more information contact Don Martin at 519- 887-6328. and a social time at the hall. Mr. Alf Suttop has agreed to play the piano - remember how dapper he looked last year in his red vest, tophat and tails? There is no cost to attend the festivities but we are asking for either monetary or food donations to be given to the Salvation Army in Wingham. Everyone is welcome so please plan to attend. Have a great week. Canada The flu shot. It’s free. Now, it’s easier. This year, many employers are offering workplace clinics to make it easier for you to get your free flu shot. As well, many local pharmacies are holding clinics so you can get the shot when you shop. We have all seen how serious infectious diseases can be. Getting your free flu shot is a good way to protect yourself, protect your family and protect the people you work with. You can also see your doctor or call for a clinic near you. l-866-FLU-’N-YOU TTY 1-800-387-5559 www.health.gov.on.ca Ddveloppement des ressourcas humaines Canada