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The Citizen, 2019-09-05, Page 9THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2019. PAGE 9. NH to offer fitness programs in Belgrave, Blyth North Huron Township staff are attempting a permanent extension of some of the fitness programs available in Wingham to the Blyth and Belgrave Community Centres. While this will be the first attempt at holding regularly scheduled programs outside of Wingham, North Huron fitness supervisor Melissa Scott explained that the municipality’s recreation department has run programs in the communities before. “We’ve been in the communities for quite a few years,” she said in an interview with The Citizen. “We had free yoga in the park in Blyth and we’ve done some pound parties, which is drumming and exercise. We’ve had our toe in for a little bit.” These new, scheduled events are a realization of North Huron’s new director of Facility and Community Service Vicky Luttenberger’s goals. “Vicky really wanted us to move out into the public with programming,” she said. “We haven’t done this much before.” Programs will run on Tuesdays and Fridays at the Blyth and Belgrave community centres. Tuesday programming in Belgrave consists of a post-coffee workout program from 11 a.m. to noon. In Blyth, healing yoga runs from 1-2 p.m. followed by full body fit from 2-3 p.m. On Fridays, stroller fit is scheduled in Belgrave from 10-11 a.m. while family pound/zumba is set for the Blyth Community Centre from 6-7 p.m. The classes will be offered for free on a trial basis through the weeks of Sept. 16 and 23. “People can come out and try the programs, check out the instructors and see if they fit,” Scott said. “The [paid] programs will then start the first week of October.” She said that the programs are very accessible, with participants welcome to wear whatever is comfortable. They simply need to bring shoes in which they can easily move. “Our classes in Wingham have always been open to every group of the population,” she said. “We have 25-year-old new moms with 70- year-old retirees. Instructors are used to a wide range of programming groups. We can really accomodate everyone.” Scott said that, with previous programs, there has been a good response. “We’ve had some really good feedback from members in [these communities],” Scott said. “We also have had good feedback from the ambassadors for the communities that want to see them grow regarding the energy being brought in by the programs. They’re great at promoting these programs and bringing people over.” For more information, including a video detailing the programs, visit North Huron fitness and wellness on Facebook, or contact Scott at mscott@northhuron.ca. By Denny Scott The Citizen OPP urges safety as school is back in session The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Huron County Detachment would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that children have returned to school. As with years past, it is a busy time for everyone settling back into the routine of school time. So let’s make this school year a safe time of year for everyone. Parents please talk with your children about being safe when going to and coming from school. Listed are a few reminders: • Cyclists under the age of 18 are required by law to wear a properly- fitted and fastened bike helmet. Cyclists must obey the same rules of the road that other vehicles do and always keep their eyes and ears open as sometimes other vehicles may not see them. • Pedestrians should stay on sidewalks and where there are none, they should be walking on the left side of the road as far off onto the shoulder as possible facing traffic. Both pedestrians and cyclists should make use of the crossing guards who will be returning to their posts to help our children get safely across the streets. • Drivers are reminded that the traffic volume will increase, and your commute time may be affected by the bus routes. Just a reminder that the registered owner of a vehicle can be charged if that vehicle is identified as one that fails to stop for a school bus when its overhead red signal lights are flashing. Huron County OPP will be on patrol with all available units patrolling the roads with special attention being directed at school zones and bus stops. The fines and penalties for endangering pedestrians on roadways throughout Ontario increased as of Sept. 1, 2018. This includes higher fines and more demerit points for drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians at crossovers, school crossings and crosswalks with a school guard present. • Failing to yield at pedestrian crosswalks, school crossings and crossovers – fine up to $1,000 and four demerit points • Running a red light - fine up to $1,000 and three demerit points • Failure to stop for a school bus – fine up to $2,000 for a first offence, six demerit points and possible jail time for up to six months. • Careless Driving – fine up to $2,000, six demerit points, possible jail time of six months and a driver’s licence suspension of up to two years. Staff Sergeant David Sink, operations manager for the Huron County OPP, reminds all drivers to watch for school buses and children using them. “It is now back-to-school time. The safety of our children boarding and exiting school buses relies on drivers paying attention and watching for the flashing lights,” he said. “Drivers need to remember that summer is now over. The buses are back and, hopefully, the consideration by drivers for the children aboard these school buses is back as well.” And they’re off September 1 marked the last day of races at the Clinton Raceway as well as the 39th annual Charity Drivers’ Challenge. The event featured fundraisers for local Royal Canadian Legions, a bake sale, a 50/50 draw and a silent auction. The Ontario Sires Stakes were featured with the two-year-old colt pacers. (Shawn Loughlin photo) Getting ready With the first day of school held earlier this week, the Brussels Fall Fair is just around the corner. To prepare for the annual event, a special craft day event was held at the Brussels Library late last month. From left: Ambassador Contestant Megan Exel, Elias Hilt, Lenyx Campbell, Danielle Campbell, Korlee Campbell, Jillian Hilt and Jillian, Josiah and Chloe Hilt. (Photo submitted) Our popular Stops Along The Way is the premier visitor’s guide to Huron County. Our print version is distributed FREE at tourist information booths, town halls, retail outlets, accommodations, and restaurants throughout the county and beyond. Our tourism partners tell us that it is one of the most picked-up year-round! Do you have an event happening Oct. 4, 2019 - May 2020 which you would like added to our community event listings? Stops Along the Way is the go-to publication for information about the Huron County that the locals know. Take advantage of the year- round draw of ALL of our attractions - theatre, beaches, trails, and our blossoming food and beverage industry! Email deb@northhuron.on.ca and get your upcoming event in our Fall/Winter issue of Stops Along The Way or call 519-523-4792. Deadline for this issue is September 13th. Promote Your Autumn & Winter Events