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The Citizen, 2019-10-03, Page 6PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019. Environmental ‘tipping point’ shown by activists Oh dear, September is gone. Another good month done for this year. It’s always a busy time, last kick at holidays, school preparations and fall fairs while meetings resume and the work involved with impending cold winter starts. No wonder it seems to fly by in a flash. Malcolm Gladwell wrote a book a few years ago called The Tipping Point. He pointed to examples of how everyday events seem to suddenly propel themselves into our consciousness. It was a fascinating read at the time and it came clearly to mind as I thought about Greta Thurnberg and Autumn Peltier this week. Since Autumn was about eight, growing up on Manitoulin Island, she knew water was precious and she started speaking the truth for all to hear. For Greta, the air and all that entails was her focus and, by herself, she challenged her school, her government and finally the world to improve. The United Nations heard. The tipping point of climate chat had arrived. Greta and Autumn have persisted in their truth and they do not let pressure divert them. As leaders, they are way beyond their calendar years. They know their facts, they speak well, they don’t belittle and they persist – ah, climate concern has hit the tipping point and is now called a crisis. Protest points were noted in 85 cities and towns last Friday, called a massive global climate strike. Way to go girls! Now what are we going to do? When Blyth United folks came to worship with Brussels United friends on Sunday we celebrated six years of working co-operatively. By sharing ministry we continue to be church in our communities. As the world changes and many do not see the merit of organized religion, we do. We know that when we work together, we strive to get things get one. Along with the church service and, of course, lunch, we donated coins and bills towards the United Church relief work in the Bahamas. Our joint effort on this Sunday morning was $885, a very nice co- operative effort. The Friday market days are closing in fast with only two left. A good time to say thanks to the vendors for bringing such good stuff to one spot. A great opportunity to get a start on Christmas gifts. The market offers community at work, the exchange of want and need, the best of our products on display and the appreciation and purchase of items. It’s also a fun place to watch people. Plans are getting underway for Thanksgiving; the gatherings, the visits, the meals, details to be considered so as many as possible can gather. As families grow and drift afar, more planning is needed. Gone are the days that everyone lived nearby and were free to visit on a Sunday. Being together is still just as important. By now, Betty G.W NEWS FROM BRUSSELS By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231 A NOTE FROM BETTY By Jo-Ann McDonald The week began at the Brussels Legion Branch with the Brussels Lions Club meeting. The group of almost 30 enjoyed a barbecued pork chop dinner prepared by Jo-Ann and Rick McDonald, Judy Lee and Kathy Burkholder. Downstairs at the Branch was the meeting of the financial review committee. The trio of independent ladies met with Treasurer Nancy Bridge and Poppy Chairman and Catch the Ace Treasurer Sandra Brown to go over the books associated with the records, bills, receipts, deposit books, etc. to verify the accounting of the accounts. They also did the Nevada books. They found all to be correct and in good order. The trio of ladies have a background in accounting and included Pam McLean, Nicole Noble and Alicia McDonald. The books are looked at about every four to six months by the committee. Tuesday evening was very busy with both the general meeting of the Branch and the special event of the changing of the command for the Brussels Army Cadet Corps 2967. Captain Paul Dawson led the Corps for eight-and-half years and has now handed over the command to new Captain Patty Coulter. Special guests attended from across the area including Major Tim Poole of Wingham and former Commanding Officer of the Corp Captain and Patty’s mother Louise Wegg. It was a very nice ceremony with about 50 attending. Congratulations and good luck to Captain Coulter in her new role as the commanding officer. The general meeting of the Branch was held downstairs with 10 Comrades in attendance. The normal business was looked at and the Treasurer Nancy Bridge gave her report on the Branch’s year-end financial status and reported the recommendations given by the financial review committee. The entertainment committee members reported on their plans for the next year with “The Johnny Cash Experience” booked for November, Christmas meat draws, karaoke monthly, wing nights for Halloween, Valentine’s and St. Patrick’s Day and maybe others. They are still making plans into the spring for other special events, a dance and if any one has any suggestions on a fun time, let Lisa Glanville know. Our new membership chairman is now Sandra Brown. In her capacity as full-time bartender, she is the first person Comrades are seeing to pay their dues, so she will now complete the process to submit all renewals. The early-bird program is on with the dues in September, October and November being $50. Pay your dues and your name goes into the month’s draw for your next year’s dues. Come Dec. 1, dues will rise to $55. Pay early, save money and maybe be a winner for your next dues. New members are always welcome, so drop in and pick up an application and talk to Sandra about joining the Royal Canadian Legion. Friday evening was the first draw of the new Catch the Ace draw. The draw was conducted by Comrades Kathy Burkholder and Jamie Mitchell. The lucky weekly winner was Sheila Prescott winning $225. She chose envelope number 12 and found the five of diamonds. The estimated jackpot for week two is $670. Folks attending the draw entered their name into the draw for mystery prizes to be drawn the night the ace if found. Each night you attend the draw, your name can be entered. Come on down for the draw and social time. Following the draw was karaoke with Stubby D. Only a small group was in attendance, but there were some really good singers. It was a good time and fun for all. Saturday was the first men’s Huron County darts day for the Branch. Over 40 men enjoyed the day and food. Comrades Jo-Ann McDonald and Judy Lee did double duty feeding the men and thawing the fish for the Sunday fish fry. Downstairs at the Branch was the Saturday afternoon progressive euchre. There were five tables of players and the Comrades in charge were Bob Kellington and Linda Bird. Linda also did double duty by coming upstairs to help with serving lunch for the darters and some other jobs in the kitchen. The first-place lady for the day was Jean Foster and the high man was Mac Ritchie. Second place was Lorna Ellis for the white and Florence Machan for the pink. The lone hand prize went to Marion Harrison. Euchre is every two weeks. The Sunday night dance had a nice crowd of 70 enjoying the music of the Country Versatiles. There was a good crowd for a good band. The four ladies, Jo-Ann, Judy, Mabel and Mary enjoyed birthday cinnamon buns to celebrate Mary’s birthday. The fish fry season is winding down with the crew going to Exeter Legion to feed the 250 hungry folks. The crew consisted of Eric and Deb Ross, Jamie Mitchell, Julena Pipe, Chris Brown and Nancy Bridge. It was a cool night but the rain held off. One more dinner to go this week and the fryers will be put away for the season. At the Branch Prescott wins first ‘Catch the Ace’ draw Catch the Ace is Back at the Brussels Legion Draws are Friday evenings at 7:15 p.m. Tickets available weekly at Bulk and Bargain, Jam Jar, McDonald Lumber, Brussels Variety, Walton Inn and Brussels Legion. Get yours today! Brussels Legion 218 Catch the Ace Weekly Winner Winning Ticket: Sheila Prescott $225 Envelope #12 found the 5 of Diamonds Estimated Jackpot for October 4 is $670.00 Giving back After the wildly succesful Brussels Legion Catch the Ace contest ran for its full length, the committee behind it decided to give back to the community. Above, the Brussels Figure Skating Club, represented by Camryn, left, and Heather Logan, second from left, receive $500 from committee members Sandra Brown, right and Lisa Glanville. Below, Brussels Minor Baseball, represented by Jamie Hickling, receives $500 from Brown and Glanville. (Photos submitted) Thank you to the 22 ambassadors, who came from far and near, to make the Tuesday night so special and to Cole McLean and Ben Lobb, who gave their time to get the best bid for each of the specially decorated cakes. Also a special thank you to the 11 winning bidders, who hung in there and took home a piece of cake/history and to the Brussels community for supporting this great new event. A very special note of thanks to KMM Farm Drainage, who fully sponsored the entire event, so all the proceeds of the cake sale went to support the Brussels Fall Fair. – Thank you to all of you! The Brussels Agricultural Society would like to recognize the following people who made the first ever Ambassador cake auction such a success. Thank You!