Const. Jamie Stanley (Submitted photo)

Friends of Bayfield Library (FOBL) and Huron County Library are pleased to co-sponsor the Winter 2022 “Virtual Saturdays at the Library” speaker series.

All are welcome to join the ZOOM meeting on Saturday, Jan. 22 at 10:30 a.m. The January speaker will be Constable James Stanley, OPP. His topic will be “Don’t be the Next Victim” and will cover such issues as trending scams, common scam techniques, how to detect a scam, and what to do if you become a victim.

Savvy con artists are creating more and more sophisticated scams designed to trick unsuspecting and trusting victims into giving them money. Examples include: phishing emails and texts, fake online shopping ads, prize notifications, and emergency scams among others.

Constable Stanley is the Community Safety Officer/Media Relations Officer for the Huron County OPP Detachment. He has been in policing for twenty-one years. Prior to his policing career, Constable Stanley was with the Canada Border Services Agency in Windsor, ON.

Constable Stanley’s message should be of great interest to many in the community.

Anyone wishing to participate in the ZOOM meeting is asked to pre-register by clicking on the link provided on the FOBL website: www.fobl.ca

BORIS WOULD LIKE A HOME IN EXCHANGE FOR LOTS OF LOVE

Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF) has helped hundreds of feral and abandoned cats find their forever homes but many are still waiting.

Boris (aka Romeo) is the Adopt-a-BFF cat of the week.

Boris is an extra-large, bundle of love who is anxious to find a forever home!

His story has many chapters. He was a stray and some kind people went to the effort of getting him neutered even though they couldn’t keep him. He then became a neighborhood cat with several people feeding him but no one was able to give him the home he so desperately wanted.

His benefactors moved and took him with them but they were fearful he would try to go back to where he came from and that would include crossing the highway. He was going from door to door as it got cold, looking for a home. He decided on one, however, the resident cat was not happy with the competition. And then more kind people were feeding him while looking for an owner but the ferals in the area were not kind to this gentle giant.

It was decided that rather than be an outdoor, community cat, as that is obviously not to his liking, he should have the opportunity to find his forever home and share all the love he is so eager to give. And that is how the Rescue became involved in his story.

Who will help write the next chapter for Boris (Romeo) by providing him with a forever home? Please email bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com for more information if you have room in your home for him.

The adoption fee is now $200. Adopted cats are vetted, shots are up-to-date and they are also spayed or neutered. Donations are also always appreciated. E-transfers can be sent to the Rescue’s email or email to arrange for a drop off or pick up of donations. Cheques can be mailed to Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines, P.O. Box 33, Bayfield, ON, N0M 1G0.

TRAIL ASSOCIATION TO HOST WINTER HIKE WITHOUT LUNCH

Hike? Yes! Lunch? No (sorry).

The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) will kick off its 2022 season with a Winter Hike and on Saturday, Jan. 15 but unfortunately, they have cancelled the traditional lunch following the hike.

The hike will begin at 11 a.m. at the Varna Complex.

“In the current circumstances, we didn’t feel comfortable serving food to our hiking guests – and we weren’t sure they would want to gather closely, even outside” said Hike Coordinator Ralph Blasting. “But we have an exciting series lined up for 2022 and we hope lots of folks will join us on our first outing.”

Hikers of all ages are welcome to join a guided walk on the Taylor Trail and Mavis’ Trail. The Taylor Trail is an easy one km loop through the woods, while Mavis’ Trail is a more challenging 2.5 km circuit to the Bayfield River. Hikers may choose to do one or both, with the full distance taking about 90 minutes. Of course, on Jan. 15 trail conditions could be snowy or icy, so warm clothes and snow/ice cleats are recommended. On the trails, masks are optional when distanced and the vaccination status of hikers is not checked. The Varna Complex is 5 km east of Bayfield on the Mill Road. Map at
www.bayfieldtrails.com/mavis-taylor-trail.

This is also the event at which BRVTA members are encouraged to renew their annual memberships and new hikers to join. Membership is $20 for individuals and $30 for families of two or more. All funds go to support the volunteer work of the BRVTA.

BAYFIELD YACHT CLUB

The Bayfield Yacht Club Executive are looking forward to the 2022 boating season.

The BYC Executive are very much looking forward to the upcoming boating season with more activities and races for all of their fantastic members. The uncertainty of COVID-19 continues to call the shots; however, they will continue to strive to do their very best to navigate through whatever the restrictions might be to provide an eventful summer in 2022.

They will be sending out an email this month detailing their proposed events and races, committee recruitment and the new lower $100 membership fee.

LIFE AT THE RINK

“We are pleased to announce that our community sponsors continue to support free public skating in January,” said Jeff Kish, director of Marketing for the Bayfield Community Centre.

On Jan. 8 and Jan. 15 Wade Berard Plumbing is sponsoring a free skate from 1-2 p.m. at

In addition, the community sponsored free community skating programs continue: Moms and Tots and Seniors on Mondays from 10:30-11:30 a.m.; Kids Shinny also on Mondays, 7-8 p.m.; and Public and Family Skate on Sundays, 1-3 p.m.

As the COVID-19 situation in Ontario continues to evolve, please visit www.bayfieldcommunitycentre for updates on changing protocols and availabilities.

The Bayfield Community Centre’s management team continues to work hard to ensure Covid safety procedures and protocols are maintain. Safety for our community is priority one. Masks are required while in the Community Centre and can be taken off once on the ice.

Kish also said, “We were very pleased that so many families booked and enjoyed skating throughout the holiday season. It made the rink a special place to be. We would like to remind the community that there is still plenty of available ice time in January. Visit our website and click on events to check availability and book your family skate.”

ANGLICAN CHURCH

Due to the evolving COVID-19 situation, the congregation of Trinity St. James Anglican Church in Bayfield has decided to move services back online for the foreseeable future.

To learn more visit trinitystjamesbayfield.ca

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Knox Presbyterian Church, Bayfield is now open for in-person worship Sundays at 11 a.m. These worship services are also live streamed and recorded. For those who would prefer to participate from home the livestream can be found on YouTube at Knox Bayfield Sunday Service. The worship services are also recorded for later viewing on YouTube.

To learn more visit pccweb.ca/knoxbayfieldpc/ for a link to the Knox YouTube page or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KnoxBayfield.

UNITED CHURCH

The Church Council of St. Andrews United Church in Bayfield has decided that as of Jan. 3 the church facility will be closed to all groups and activities until the end of the month at which time ongoing closure will be re-evaluated based on public health information at that time.

This is an attempt to be pro-active, while protecting the health and well being of their congregation and their community, in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the new Omicron strain of the virus.

BAYFIELD ACTIVITIES

Now that the community is slowly moving toward group activities the creators of bayfieldactivities.infohave completed a recent update and refresh on the website. People are once again invited to refer to this website to learn what activities, from Pickleball to Majong, are happening and when.

GATEWAY CENTER WELCOMES THREE NEW TEAM MEMBERS

Gateway Center of Excellence in Rural Health (Gateway) takes pride in their volunteers and team members. They would like to take the time to give a warm welcome to the newest members of their family.

Jenn Evans (Submitted photos)

Jenn Evans is very excited to join the Gateway team. She has had the pleasure of supporting Gateway in the past with the Hometown Heroes: Raise a Little Health fundraising event. Her background is a little bit of everything from fund development, advocating for our community’s most vulnerable people, managing projects, grants, and leading volunteers. Evans is looking forward to growing her skills and working with a strong and passionate team that is leading the way in rural health research as the Fundraising Coordinator.

Michael Luba

Michael Luba is a pharmacy student at the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy where he has been studying since January 2020. He has volunteered for several healthcare-related avenues including several hospitals, long-term care homes, and as an assistant in vaccine education for youth. He has also worked in several pharmacies spanning the Waterloo Kitchener and Oshawa Whitby areas. Other areas of interest for him include reading, creative writing, and playing musical instruments with a focus on brass and French horn. He hopes to contribute to better research, health outcomes, and practices for geriatric patients working with Gateway.

Summer Osborne

Summer Osborne has joined Gateway as the Marketing & Communications Coordinator. Osbourne has an educational background in Behavioral Neuroscience and Business Marketing. She brings a variety of experiences and knowledge to the team. In her spare time, Osbourne enjoys fitness, outdoor exploring, and spending time with her small family. Summer is very excited to join Gateway.

PERSONAL RESILIENCE SUBJECT OF WINTER VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS

People are invited to start their New Year by enhancing their personal resilience, and discovering how to lead and support others on their own journey to rediscover their resilience.

The Connectedness Coaching team, in partnership with the McKay Centre for Seniors, would like to announce a sponsored virtual workshop series, “Reconnecting Seniors with Resilience in Huron County”, with a choice of offerings in January, February or March 2022. The workshop should equip older adult Huron County residents, service providers and community volunteers with the knowledge and tools they need to enhance their resilience. This educational offering is also the level one training required to become a Resiliency Trainer.

The schedule is as follows:
January Workshop Offering – Mondays and Wednesdays at 1 p.m. (Jan. 10-12, 17-19, 24-26)
February Workshop Offering – Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m. (Feb 1-3, 8-10, 15-17)
March Workshop Offering – Mondays and Wednesdays at 1 p.m. (Feb 21-23, Feb. 28-March 2, March 7-9)

Additional benefits to attending the workshop series include: a three-month subscription to an online knowledge hub, a journal to capture the participant’s learning journey, access to a facilitator guidebook and additional resiliency training (free admission to a Connectedness Coaching Workshop Series). Please visit empowerresilience.eventbrite.ca to register. Call-in options, technology mentorship and tablets are available to support participants in their journey with us. For more information contact Sarah Versteeg, Connectedness Coaching’s Program coordinator, at sarah@gatewayruralhealth.ca.

Reconnecting Seniors with Resilience in Huron County (RSR) is a train-the-trainer adaptation that engages and empowers resilience through a modified version of Seniors Action Quebec’s resilience education and Connectedness Coaching. RSR is hosted in collaboration with the MacKay Centre for Seniors, Connectedness Coaching Service Providers, and Seniors Action Quebec, and is funded by the Seniors Community Grant Program 2021-22.

COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR WALK RETURNING TO GODERICH

Those who participate in the Coldest Night of the Year Walk that raise over $150 – $75 for youth under 18 – will receive a CNOY toque. (Submitted photo)

United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) is encouraging residents to bundle up and raise money for the third annual Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) walk in Goderich, a family-friendly winter fundraising event for local individuals experiencing homelessness, hunger and hurt.

“We’re very happy to welcome CNOY back again this year,” said UWPH Goderich & Area Community Committee Chair Beth Blowes. “Funds raised address real challenges in Goderich and area around the issue of chronic homelessness. Based on the success of the past two walks, our community truly understands how important this issue is. We invite everyone to join us in working to raise $94,000 in support of our most vulnerable residents.”

By walking, participants will better understand the experience of being on the streets during a cold Canadian winter while raising funds to aid UWPH’s local work in support of the Huron Homelessness Initiative in Goderich. The initiative includes programs such as the Huron supportive housing worker, shelter for women, children and youth and temporary emergency shelter during the cold months.

This year’s Goderich walk includes a COVID-safe, outdoor event on Saturday, Feb. 26, and a virtual option to walk any time, any distance during the month of February. The in-person walk begins at 5 p.m. and features a two or five km circuit around Courthouse Square. Participants raising over $150 — $75 for youth under 18— receive a CNOY toque. To register as an individual or team, visit cnoy.org.

Last year’s all-virtual CNOY raised $92,492 during the month of February thanks to the efforts of 232 walkers, 44 teams and 1,421 donors.

PUBLIC HEALTH

The Huron Perth Public Health website is updated regularly with confirmed case counts received.

“Our online case reporting is not a real-time tool but is meant to keep the community informed on trends we are seeing,” explains Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Miriam Klassen.

For the latest statistics on COVID-19 cases in Huron and Perth Counties and also the per centage of people vaccinated please visit: www.hpph.ca

HPHA

It was announced on Dec. 30, that with staff absences mounting, and in an effort to preserve essential services, the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) is postponing non-urgent surgeries.

“As of today (Dec. 30), almost 80 staff are unavailable to be scheduled to work because they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms with a test result pending, have tested positive for COVID-19 or have had a high-risk exposure. With many of the patient care units and supporting departments across our sites already strained for staffing, adjustments need to be made to both allow for the re-assignment of staff and to help reduce the risk of exposures that may lead to additional COVID-19 cases,” said President & CEO Andrew Williams. “We obviously regret having to postpone these surgeries, however the uncertainty we are facing with the Omicron variant requires these added safety measures to be implemented.”

Those impacted by surgical postponements will be contacted directly by their surgeon’s office.

OVERDOSES

Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) has learned of five, suspected, opioid-related overdose deaths in the region this December. Police responded to four deaths in Huron County and one in Stratford between Dec, 4-24.

“We’re saddened about these deaths and loss in our communities. Every death makes an impact with families and service providers who support residents of Huron and Perth counties,” said Public Health Nurse, Michelle Carter. “We want to ensure lives are protected through prevention and awareness of risks when using any substance, including drugs and alcohol.”

HPPH and police advise people to never use substances alone and to take the following steps when someone overdoses:
• Call 911
• Give naloxone if an opioid is suspected
• Do not give stimulants (e.g. crystal meth) as this can make the overdose worse
• Continue to help the person until emergency responders arrive
• Go to the hospital to be assessed and monitored. A rebound overdose may occur.
“Please don’t hesitate to call 911,” said Huron OPP Detachment Commander – Inspector Jason Younan. “It could save someone’s life.”

The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act (www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/opioids/about-good-samaritan-drug-overdose-act.html) provides some legal protection for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose.

In addition, people who use substances, their family members and friends are encouraged to pick up a free naloxone kit. Naloxone can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. Kits are available from HPPH and participating pharmacies. To learn where to get a free naloxone kit visit: www.ontario.ca/page/where-get-free-naloxone-kit

If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out. Several agencies in Huron Perth provide addiction and mental health services and supports to individuals, families, and loved ones:
• Choices for Change – choicesforchange.ca
• Huron Perth Public Health – www.hpph.ca/en/index.aspx
• Tanner Steffler Foundation – www.tannerstefflerfoundation.com
• Huron Perth Centre for Children and Youth –www.hpcentre.on.ca
• Canadian Mental Health Association – cmha.ca

Individuals may also speak with a family member, friend or neighbor, their doctor or nurse practitioner, a teacher, or a faith-based community leader. There is no wrong door to start the process to getting help.

HPPH, police, and community organizations continue to monitor overdose trends and work together to promote prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and enforcement.

PIONEER PARK

Bring Pioneer Park home in 2022! For the Pioneer Park Association (PPA) Brad Turner, internationally acclaimed filmmaker and director, and Bayfield resident, has donated a limited edition of four images of Pioneer Park that capture a lifetime of memories.

All proceeds from the sales go to the PPA. These 8” X 10” photographs have been handprinted, by Turner, on archival paper, hand signed “in composition”, and authenticated on the reverse. Individual prints are available for $125 each, or a full set can be purchased for $400.

They are available for purchase through the Pioneer Park Association. Inquiries may be sent to: info@pioneerpark.ca or by calling 519-525-8836.

REMEMBER THIS

The Huron County Museum is home to thousands of artifacts that illustrate the history of both the rural and urban populations of the area. Space dictates what wonderful curiosities the public regularly gets to see when they visit the museum located at 110 North Street in Goderich. But where there is wifi, there is an opportunity to time-travel with over 3,000 pieces of the museum’s collection now available to view online at huroncountymuseum.pastperfectonline.com.

“Remember This” highlights items from the collection of the Huron County Museum and Historic Gaol. Items that have shaped the fabric of the county and the people who have lived here since before the county became the county in 1835 up until more recent times.

We take a closer look at some of the fancier packaging used to house everything from underwear to chocolates around and about 100 years ago…

RED LICORICE BOX

This is a rectangular box for candy. Printed on the lid it reads: “Pure Licorice (red) Hellor & Rittenhouse Philada. PA.” On the lid there is a picture of a baby holding a black licorice club in their hand. There is also also printing on the underside of the lid. It reads:

PURE LICORICE

This Licorice is offered to all consumers of the article as being EQUAL to the BEST, and very much SUPERIOR to most of the FOREIGN brands.

It is made by the most approved process, and with the best modern apparatus.

The PRICE being LOWER and the QUALITY BETTER, we can confidently ask a trial.

Manufactured by MELLOR & RITTENHOUSE Nos. 214-220 N. Twenty-second St. Philadelphia

All of these boxes were once owned by Thomas and May Taylor of West Wawanosh Twp. (near St. Helen’s).

UNDERWEAR BOX

This is the lid of a clothing box. The background of the front of the box is black with “Woods Hatchway No Button Underwear” written at the base of a picture of a man in long underwear carrying a robe.

The sides of the box are orange. On the sides the box reads: “Woods Hatchway No Button Underwear/ Woods Underwear Company Limited, Toronto”. The size of the clothing was 40 1/12. “Patented 1916 – 22; Registered 1921”.

WOMEN’S CLOTHING BOX

This is a medium sized, rectangular box lid probably for women’s clothing or a dress. The top extends out from the box. The top features a gold border and a painting/print of a woman in a white dress with a blue sash, holding a yellow hat. She is looking up toward a wall at a man on the otherside looking down. The right corner has a pink ribbon and bow across the corner. The word “Nepster” is written in black ink.

YEAR IN REVIEW
A LOOK BACK AT THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 2021

Editor’s Note: 2021 may become known as the year of one step forward and two steps back when it comes to how our little corner of the world navigated through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the dancing, or maybe because of it, many in the community came together while staying apart. They didn’t look back but instead kept hope alive by pressing forward.

Here are just a few highlights of that journey…

Feb. 10 – Issue 605 – UNDER CONSTRUCTION – ARCHES LIFTED INTO PLACE ON NEW BAYFIELD BRIDGE: The Village of Bayfield was divided by the absence of bridge access for a few hours on Tuesday, Feb. 9 to allow for the lifting of the first arch to be placed alongside the new bridge currently under construction. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

March 17 – Issue 610 – HARBINGERS OF SPRING – TUNDRA SWANS MAKE ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE Mid-March people had the opportunity to make the short trip from Bayfield to just south of Grand Bend to view and take images of the migrating Tundra Swans. The Lambton Heritage Museum website keeps regular track of their arrival, stay and departure. Viewing is very accessible, as they can be easily seen from Greenway Road (off Highway 21, 3 KMs south of Grand Bend) from the comfort of your vehicle. (Photo by Gary Lloyd-Rees)

June 9 – Issue 622 – CENTRAL HURON – HURON COUNTY ARTISTS SHOWCASED IN BACK ALLEYS: At the start of 2021, Central Huron and the Central Huron Business Improvement Area (BIA) put out the call for Huron County residents of all ages and artistic skill levels to participate in “The Back Alley Art Extravaganza”. The project idea was launched to brighten the community’s back alleys where shoppers will be redirected as a major construction project in the community’s downtown core will block access to the fronts of businesses in the coming weeks.

June 9 – Issue 622 – CENTRAL HURON – HURON COUNTY ARTISTS SHOWCASED IN BACK ALLEYS: At the start of 2021, Central Huron and the Central Huron Business Improvement Area (BIA) put out the call for Huron County residents of all ages and artistic skill levels to participate in “The Back Alley Art Extravaganza”. The project idea was launched to brighten the community’s back alleys where shoppers will be redirected as a major construction project in the community’s downtown core will block access to the fronts of businesses in the coming weeks.

June 16 – Issue 623 – LIONS’ CLUB MEMBERS REFURBISH COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD: Bayfield Lions’ Club members put about 60 man/woman hours into the refurbishment of the Community Bulletin Board on Main Street. Putting the finishing touches on the project were l-r: Brent Gotts, Dave Nearingburg, Kathy Gray and Bob Merrimen. (Submitted photo)