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The Lucknow Sentinel, 2016-11-23, Page 101 U Lucknow Sentinel • Wednesday, November 23, 2016 Huron County Pride hopes to offer local LGBTQ a 'beacon of hope' Darryl Coote Goderich Signal Star To sailors lost at sea, a lighthouse is a beacon of hope, a sign that safety is near. To local LGBTQ residents, Greg Anderson hopes his organization Huron County Price can offer that same beacon of hope, that same promise of safety. This is the why the newly formed group has chosen the lighthouse as its emblem, Anderson told The Sig- nal Star on Nov 20, 2016. "The lighthouse is our symbol for two reasons. First reason why is because Goderich is known for its lighthouse, it's pretty famous. And the other reason is a lighthouse to those out at sea is a beacon of hope, safety and guidance to come back in in troubled times," he said. The group held its inaugural open house on Sunday at the local Canadian Mental Health Association offices with the plan to hold one every third Sunday of the month to both those who identify as either lesbian, gay, bi- sexual, transgendered or queer (LGBTQ) and their supporters. He said the reason for forming the group was because there was noth- ing here like it for this community. "It actually came out as just an excuse to have coffee together once a month," he said. Laurie Gibson, who is also a member of the committee, says she hopes the group will make Goder- ich less lonely for LGBTQ people. "This town is very lonely," she said. "There's nothing here for us and it was to the point where the only place I could find anyone like me was to move and I don't really want to move because I like it here:' And she said she hopes the Sun- day meetings will attract a commu- nity of inclusivity so others don't feel they have to move to find those like themselves. Tracey Taylor, another member of the committee, said there are probably many people in Huron County who identify as LGBTQ but until Huron Country Pride formed there was no place for the commu- nity congregate. "And it's not that the county is overly closed," said Gibson, "it's just that there's nothing here. There's nowhere for people to turn if they need [community]." Taylor said she has two hopes for the group: One is to offer a safe place for LGBTQ people and their supporters to come together. And other is to create a visible presence of LGBTQ people in the wider Huron community. "I think that's the only way people really become accepted by commu- nities is being visible," she said. "So us as a LGBTQ group, it normalizes [us] and the more you see something the more normal it seems." She said she just wants the larger community to realise that they're just "normal folk" Aside from a few homophobic comments, Anderson said the reception to the announcement of the group has been positive. They even participated in the Goderich Santa Claus parade the day before and Taylor said most people were cheering them on. "It felt good being out there," she said. "There was a lot of people waving, cheering." Next, they are looking to see how else they can participate in the com- munity. Right now they are thinking about offering a board game night, but in the future they are eyeing a queer film festival in town. "I think it could really fly here," Anderson said. Darryl Coote/Goderich Signal Star Huron County Pride committee members hold up a banner at the start of their inaugural open house on Nov. 20, 2016. From left, Anne Clark, Greg Anderson, Tracy Taylor, Gail Huber and Laurie Gibson. He sees it as a possible tourist opportunity for Goderich and could be a boon for the local community. However, for now he said the group is going to concentrate on being that beacon for the community. "A refuge where they can be safe Scone Crokinole prepares for Nov. 30 competition Seven tables of players com- peted on Nov.16 at the School House in Scone for an evening of crokinole. First time players Al and Beverly Arnold from South- ampton were welcomed. Finishing top for the men was Clare Kuepfer with 62 points, Neil Cook had 54 for second and Carman Hodgkin- son was third with 46 points. Clare also topped the twenties with 46, Neil had 44 and Al The Lucknow Sentinel Birthday Club Sean Hogan November 24, 2004 12 years old Tristan Bender November 25, 2008 8 years old Coye Edgar November 26, 2004 12 years old Your child can be a member of the Sentinel's birthday club call 519-528-2822 to register Lr Stinel 619 Campbell Street 519-528-2822 Carter was third with 36. Cathy Kuepfer was top lady with 53 points, Amelia Hartman had 51 for second and Carol Cook was third with 50. Jo -Ann Carter topped the twenties with 40 followed by Maxine Iucknowsentinel.com Ripley's 16th Annual Country v. ��sPVm�s Celebyaton SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27 6:oo PM } Palade of Lights 6:3o -7:3o a''Public Skating at Arena SL Meet Santa Enjoy the Christmas savings at participating businesses! Chili and roll available at Ripley Variety Parade Categories: Commercial/Residential/Organization and new this year "Best Lawnmower" Division For further info, please CONTACT: JOHN 519-395-5717 OR SHERRY 519-395-4409 RIPLEY BUSINESS COMMUNITY SPONSORED BY: RIPIEY UONS CLUB BRUCE POWER & NWMO Whitmore with 38 and Cathy had 33 for third. Lucky prize winners were Murray Mizen, Neil, Jo -Ann and Janet Diebel. Our next competition at Scone will be Wednesday, a wait out the storm," he said. Huron County Pride meets every third Sunday of the month from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Goderich Canada Men- tal Health Association offices at 52 Newgate St, For more information, visit the Huron County Pride Facebook page. November 30 followed by the regular scheduled evening of Dec. 7. Many of the players will be attending the Scenic City Tourna- ment on Saturday, Nov. 26 in Owen Sound. Bayfield dubbed the third friendliest town in Canada" on expedia.ca Justine Alkema Clinton News Record Bayfield has bode well on the internet recently with their title of the "third friendliest town in Canada" on expedia.ca. The title was given based on 2015 verified user reviews. Bluewater Mayor Tyler Hessel recently commented on the designa- tion saying he believes Bayfield's strength is, "Bayfield's heritage nature and community involvement." Hessel commented that people care about and are invested in their community. "Bayfield has such a strong volun- teer base that makes things happen," he said. He commented that it's important to have momentum coming from the community to cre- ate projects, hold events and "cele- brate it all': "I think the big thing is its heritage main street [...] [We have] that herit- age block right in the main street and core, and we're fortunate to have had it for so long. All the business and store owners are so involved with keeping that look and creating a wel- coming environment" The friendliest town was given to Carp, Ontario in the greater Ottawa area with second place going to North Hatley in Quebec which is an hour and a half east of Montreal. Under the description for Bayfield, it reads, "Bobbing boats, charming boutiques, and ringing bicycle bells make it easy to think you're in some kind of fairytale when you're walking through Bayfield."