The Bayfield BreezeIssue 659 Week 09 Vol 13
February 23, 2022
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DONATIONS TO MEMORIAL WALK MATCHED BY PROVINCE
Bronwyn Bechard (Submitted photos)
The Candlelight Memorial Walk set for March 26, on the Taylor Trail in Varna, is the latest fundraising event that will be held by a group of Bayfield residents in support of the Huron Hospice.
According to Bronwyn Bechard, a member of the group, “We hope to attract support from all over Huron County. The Candlelight Memorial Walk will be COVID safe and it will give opportunities for individuals and families to remember loved ones.”
Since the Hospice building and property were purchased in 2017, the group has been fundraising for the cause by hosting dinners, a garden tour, a ghost themed walk, a presentation of “A Christmas Carol”, a wonderful classical music event and the very successful “Coffee Tree” tea. They also sold Valentine’s Day themed cupcakes.
Arlene Timmins, one of the original members of the fund-raising group is involved because, “It’s morally the right thing to do!” She went on to say, “I was already a visiting volunteer in the community, supporting families and patients who were dealing with end-of-life issues at home. I knew what a difference a residential hospice would make in Huron County.”
Arlene Timmins
The group decided that they would make it their goal to sponsor a future “Children’s Room” which would give children a sanctuary where they can play and be sheltered from the adult emotions in residents’ rooms. Rhonda Fritzley, the daughter of one of Huron Hospice’s residents, shared her feelings about a Huron Hospice “Children’s Room” in a recent video: rediscoveringcanada.ca/2022/02/01/huron-hospice-rhonda-fritzley/
The group’s objective is to raise over $115,000 for the Huron Hospice’s Capital Campaign and since they began, they’ve raised over $82,000. The Candlelight Memorial Walk is particularly timely because the Ontario Government has recognized the need and all donations and funds raised through sponsorships will be matched.
Participants are asked to make tax deductible donations from $30, $50 to $100 to light a memorial candle. To donate, go to www.huronhospice.ca/events or for more information or call Dave Gillians at 519 565-5884.
The event will appeal not only to participants who want to experience the magic of the nighttime forest but also to those individuals and families who can’t attend but want to express their love while contributing to a worthwhile cause.
This will be a self-guided walk and can be done any time between 7- 9 p.m., although members of the BRVTA, and a team of Bayfield volunteers, will be on hand to make sure everyone is safe. A dedication ceremony will be held and filmed at 8 p.m. at the beginning of the trail and posted on the Huron Hospice website.
The Taylor Trailhead can be found at the Varna (Stanley) Complex, 5 km east of Bayfield on Mill Road. Please, no pets at this event.
FIVE LITTLE INDIANS TO BE DEFENDED BY ABBY ARMSTRONG
The countdown is now on for Bayfield Reads! This tradition corresponds with CBC’s Canada Reads. Just as they will do on the National level, Bayfield will choose their winner for this annual event determining the results with the help of a slate of local defenders.
The Village Bookshop invites everyone to join them for Bayfield Reads on Sunday, March 27 starting at 3 p.m. on ZOOM.
This year’s books and defenders are: “Five Little Indians’ by Michelle Good, defended by Abby Armstrong; “Scarborough” by Catherine Hernandez, defended by Sally Leitch; “What Strange Paradise” by Omar El Akkad, defended by Rachel Rishworth; “Life in the City of Dirty Water” by Clayton Thomas-Müller, defended by Duncan McGregor; and “Washington Black” by Esi Edugyan, defended by Ralph Blasting.
The first book on this year’s slate is Five Little Indians by Michelle Good, a book that has flown off the shelves in the last year both at The Village Bookshop and throughout Canada. Five Little Indians is a compassionate and insightful story about a group of Indigenous children who find comfort and community in each other when taken from their families to a remote residential school. The book follows them into adulthood in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside where their lives continue to crisscross as they each face unique consequences of their early trauma.
Defending Five Little Indians is Abby Armstrong, a lifelong Bayfielder and elementary school principal. Armstrong first came to Bayfield 57 years ago when her grandparents moved to town. She spent weekends and summers here growing up and later moved to Bayfield full time to raise her family. An avid reader, Armstrong’s favorite book is often whichever book she finished last. Some recent favorites include: “The Power of Why” by Amanda Lang, “Bird by Bird” by Anne Lamott, and “Your Nose, a Wild Little Love Song” by Sandra Boynton.
On life in Huron County, Armstrong said, “Without a doubt, Bayfield is a great community because of the people who live here. We are all characters in our own way.”
In the weeks leading up to the event, The Village Bookshop will reflect on community by sharing a synopsis of this year’s books as well as introducing the local defenders. Visit their website villagebookshop.ca for more information.
LIFE ON A SCHOOL CAR TOPIC OF SATURDAYS AT THE LIBRARY
The 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, Feb. 26 at 10:30 a.m. The February speaker, Bonnie Sitter, will introduce participants to a little-known piece of Ontario history. Her latest book, “On the Wright Track: Memories from C.P.R. School Car #2”, tells the story of Ontario’s school railcar program through the recollections of four members of the Wright family. Their father, Bill Wright, taught in the railcar that travelled between Chapleau and White River. The book details the challenges and rewards of living and teaching under such unique circumstances.
Sitter lives in Exeter and is a retired travel agent who went on to study photography and then began publishing her own books. These include “Onions and Peach Fuzz: Memories of Ontario Farmerettes”, which is now being developed into a play for the Blyth Festival. Sitter is currently working on a book about Clinton local Fred Sloman, of the School on Wheels, and is hoping to publish the book in 2022.
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
IN MEMORIAM
RUTH MAKINS WILL BE REMEMBERED BY MANY
Ruth Makins (Submitted photo)
The community will no doubt be saddened to learn of the death of a former village resident.
Ruth Makins died peacefully, on Feb. 12, at Extendicare in London, ON in her 94th year.
Ruth was born on July 30, 1928. She will be sadly missed by her three children and their families. She was a proud Nana and Great Nana. Mourning her passing are: daughter, Brenda, and husband Dennis Miskie, grandchildren, Brooke (Chris) Kennedy, Jana (Matthew) Haylor, Blair Miskie and Dragica Radonjic and great grandchildren, Stella, Alexandra, Vivian and Sydney; son, Brian, and wife Donna, grandchildren, Erin and Jill Makins; daughter, Bonnie, and husband David Chapman, grandchildren, Cala (Ryan) Mitra, Lee Chapman and Brian Bigioni, Andrew Chapman and Cody Paquin, and great grandchildren, Jackson and Miles.
She is survived by her brother Jim Wright and sister-in-law Marion Mackie (Ken).
Ruth was born in Toronto and grew up in London, ON until her marriage in 1952 to Arnold Makins took her to Bayfield. Together in Bayfield, they ran a business called, “Makins Plumbing, Heating and Electric” until 1992 when Arnold suddenly passed away.
For the last 30 years, Ruth has found her way on her own with color and grace. She always saw the best in everything and everyone and never had a harsh word. Ruth loved music and was often seen dancing up a storm when a good tune was playing whether or not anyone else was dancing. She enjoyed line dancing at Harry’s, a former local bar in Bayfield.
Ruth loved spending time with her family and friends, she also appreciated her own time and independence.
Her friends were a very important part of her life, probably more than they know.
Her family extends thanks for being a part of her life.
A private family service at Falconer Funeral Homes, Clinton Chapel was held on Feb. 23. A spring interment in Bayfield Cemetery will be held at a later date.
For those who wish, memorial donations can be made in Ruth’s name to St. Andrew’s United Church in Bayfield.
OPTIMIST CLUB
People often ask if they can add an engraved brick to the path around the Splash Pad in Clan Gregor Square and members of the Optimist Club of Bayfield are pleased to announce that there is further opportunity to have a name added to the circle in 2022.
The engraved pavers in Clan Gregor Square are a reminder of how great area residents and visitors are when it comes to supporting such projects as the Playground and the Splash Pad.
“In Memoriam” stones for loved ones as well as “just because” stones can be ordered with the work being done on site later in 2022 using the same two brick sizes that are already installed around the Splash Pad. The cost of these engraved bricks will be medium, $90; and large, $110. The plan is to have the bricks engraved in late May just prior to opening the Slash Pad.
Anyone with an interest in adding a brick can contact Mike Dixon via email at mikedixon@tcc.on.ca or by calling 519 955-5254 for further information.
FOOD BANK
Assisting people in the community facing food insecurity is a year-round commitment for the Bayfield Area Food Bank (BAFB) but the volunteers don’t do it alone.
“We would like to thank those that are continuing to donate at the library, and at our outdoor bin located on the north parish hall porch at 10 Keith Cres. In the village,” said Terry Henderson, president of the BAFB. “We greatly appreciate the continued support from area residents.”
The BAFB is currently looking for household cleaning products including dish soap and laundry detergent.
For anyone who would like to support BAFB with a monetary gift, there are a few options available. Cheques can be mailed to: Bayfield Area Food Bank, 10 Keith Cres., Bayfield, ON, N0M 1G0. An e-transfer can be made through BAFB’s gmail account: bayfieldareafoodbank@gmail.com or a donation can be received on-line through the www.canadahelps.org website. All donations of $20 or more will be receipted for tax purposes. BAFB is a registered charity with CRA. Anyone who would like a receipt, is asked to ensure that their name and address are clearly provided along with the donation.
Anyone in need of assistance at this time, is asked to please reach out through either an email to bayfieldareafoodbank@gmail.com or phone/text 519 955-7444. All enquiries are handled with complete confidentiality.
Collection bins for non-perishable items can currently be found on the north porch by the Parish Hall at Trinity St. James Anglican Church and in the foyer of the Bayfield Public Library on Main Street (during opening hours). The library is the best place to donate if items are in danger of freezing, as the donations are kept indoors until a BAFB volunteer can collect them.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Knox Presbyterian Church, Bayfield will be re-opening for In-person Sunday Services, starting March 6, with social distancing and masks, as before. They will also continue to offer the 11a.m. service on ZOOM and YouTube, for those who are unable to attend in-person.
In addition, Rev. Lisa Dolson will be providing a ZOOM service for “World Day of Prayer” on Friday, March 4. This year’s service was created by the women of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
For a ZOOM link to this special service, as well as regular services, please visit the church website: knoxbayfield.ca or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KnoxBayfield.
BRVTA
The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) will offer three more hikes from now through March 26th. All hikes are open to the public and pets on leash with no pre-registration required unless otherwise noted. On the trails, masks are optional when distanced and the vaccination status of hikers is not checked.
Celebrate BRVTA’s third annual International Women’s Day (IWD) Hike and the 111th IWD by joining in a hike along Bayfield’s Woodland Trail on Sunday, March 6th. IWD celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The hike will begin at 2 p.m. with hike leaders Annerieke VanBeets and Ralph Blasting. They will stop along the way to share stories of how Canadian women have contributed. Friends, partners, families, and individuals of all sizes, shapes, and gender identities welcome. The hike is 3.5 km and will last about 90 minutes. The Woodland Trail has some steep inclines and challenging passages, and may still be icy in March. Participants are asked to meet/park at the David Street trail head. A map can be found by visiting: www.bayfieldtrails.com/woodland-trail
On Saturday, March 19, community members are invited to join Denise Iszczuk, of the Ausable-Bayfield Conservation Authority, to explore the functions of the Morrison Reservoir one of the area’s most attractive hiking routes, during the “All About the Morrison Reservoir” hike. The hike will be about 2.5 km and last about 90 minutes. Families and youth especially welcome. Participants are asked to meet/park at 71042 Morrison Line, at the pavilion. A map can be found at abca.ca/conservationareas/morrisondam/.
A special “Candlelight Memorial Walk” has been scheduled for Saturday, March 26 starting at dusk along the Taylor Trail in Varna. The BRVTA members in collaboration with Huron Hospice and other Bayfield volunteers will create an enchanted walk through the beautiful 1 km Taylor Trail, starting at 7 p.m. For more details please see the article posted earlier in this issue of the Bayfield Breeze.
For more information on any event, contact hike coordinator Ralph Blasting at rjblastingjr@gmail.com or 519-525-3205.
LIFE AT THE RINK
The Bayfield Community Centre and Arena is open once again! Thank you to everyone for their patience.
“We are pleased to announce your Bayfield Community Centre and Arena is back to full operations now that the COVID lock down is over,” said Director of Marketing, Jeff Kish.
The schedule for community sponsored free skating programs is: 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.
The Bayfield Community Centre’s management team continues to work hard to ensure COVID safety procedures and protocols are maintained. Safety for the community is priority one. Masks are required while in the Community Centre and can be taken off once on the ice.
“While we are filling up the Arena with teams and tournaments there is still plenty of available ice times – check out our online events schedule for available ice times and book some fun time for your family and friends,” said Director of Marketing, Jeff Kish.
Check the events schedule for available Ice times and community sponsored free skating by visiting www.bayfieldcommunitycentre.ca
ANGLICAN CHURCH
Trinity St. James Anglican Church in Bayfield has returned to in-person services on both Sunday and Wednesday mornings. In keeping with COVID-19 protocols, worshippers must pre-register to attend the services that begin at 11 a.m and 10:30 a.m. respectively.
In light of the ongoing pandemic, those wishing to attend will be required to observe public health measures such as, wearing a mask and maintaining a safe physical distance from other worshippers.
To pre-register please contact the church warden, Godfrey Heathcote by calling 519 565-5824 or via e-mail at godfrey.heathcote@dal.ca
ONE CARE IN NEED OF VOLUNTEERS
Goderich business professionals, Erin Wilson, of Coldwell Banker; and Jeff Bauer, of Royal LePage Heartland Realty, help to deliver Meals on Wheels during a time when the need for this service continues to be high. (Submitted photo)
The winter season can be a difficult time for seniors, and with the pandemic, the challenges of loneliness and isolation are even greater. Thanks to kind-hearted volunteers, ONE CARE Home & Community Support Services is able to support local seniors and people with health challenges through a wide range of services. As the demand for their services increases, so does the need for volunteers.
ONE CARE supports thousands of people living right in the community with the help from volunteers who donate their time through essential programs such as Meals on Wheels – a service that is imperative to the independence and wellbeing of seniors who are isolated and people with health challenges. Last year, ONE CARE delivered over 50,000 well-balanced, affordable meals to homes across Huron County and the Stratford area. This service would not be possible without the support from local community members, and ONE CARE needs volunteers to make meal deliveries in Clinton and Goderich areas.
ONE CARE volunteers include a wide range of people including families, retirees, and business professionals such as real estate agents Erin Wilson, of Coldwell Banker, and Jeff Bauer, of Royal LePage Heartland Realty. Wilson and Bauer say they see firsthand the difference ONE CARE’s services make to people living right in their community, and know that their delivery also serves as a wellness check, as they may be the only person that client sees in a day.
“We are so appreciative of those local businesses who are supporting their employees to give back to their community by volunteering with ONE CARE,” said ONE CARE Executive Director, Kathy Scanlon. “We are happy that our services are able to meet many needs and that, through us, others can also care for people in need. We are grateful to be part of such a caring and thoughtful community.”
Volunteering is a great way for businesses to get involved in their community, and ONE CARE encourages workplaces to support their employees by allowing flexibility in their schedule so they can help. Delivering Meals on Wheels over the lunch hour is one example of how they can give back during the work week. To help ensure meals are being delivered to those who rely on this service while the agency recruit volunteers, Huron & Area Search and Rescue (HASAR) has generously stepped in to make deliveries. HASAR also supported ONE CARE back in 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic when the demand for this service increased significantly.
For more information regarding how to volunteer with Meals on Wheels or other services such as Transportation, Friendly Visiting, or Telephone Reassurance, call 1-877-502-8277 or email volunteering@onecaresupport.ca.
HURON HYGGE CAMPAIGN RETURNS
To help Huron County residents enjoy the winter season and continue to support local businesses, the County of Huron Economic Development department has relaunched the Huron Hygge campaign. Hygge, pronounced hoo-gah, is a Danish word that emphasizes coziness, self-care, contentment and well-being, especially through the long, winter months.
“It’s not surprising that Huron Hygge has returned after the resounding success of the program in 2021,” said Huron County Warden, Glen McNeil. “Huron Hygge is a great way for people to engage and have fun while also learning more about the amazing activities and services that we have available, right here in Huron County.”
Now in its second year, Huron Hygge encourages residents to engage in a variety of safe and enjoyable activities. Everyone is invited to discover local activities, diversions and experiences that connect them to the coziness and contentment of hygge.
Some of the 2022 Huron Hygge activities include:
- Bird Bingo and other outdoor recreational activities hosted by the Huron County Library
- Explore the world from home with international flavors found at local restaurants
- Discover the perfect wine pairing or craft brew with one of Huron’s many beverage producers
- Relax and rejuvenate with a spa treatment, yoga class, or wellness activity
- Enjoy the outdoors in one of Huron’s outdoor ice rinks, or borrow some snowshoes and get hiking on a local trail
- Huron Hygge Boxes will again be available for purchase, stocked with cozy items from local businesses
To learn more about Huron Hygge, visit OntariosWestCoast.ca/HuronHygge or follow Ontario’s West Coast on Facebook and Instagram
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
MENTORING NEWCOMERS
A new Huron-Perth project is seeking volunteers to assist new residents to Canada. Volunteers will mentor new Canadians and temporary foreign workers as they settle in rural communities in the region.
“Social isolation has been particularly difficult for people who are new to Canada and live in our rural communities during the COVID-19 social restrictions,” said Sheila Schuehlein, Research chair of Rural Health Coaching at Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health. “This project seeks to equip volunteers with the skills to support rural newcomers in our communities.”
Volunteers will take part in a webinar training series where they will learn to build connections, offer appropriate support, and develop tools to become agents of change in their communities.
Following the training, volunteers will be invited to join a peer support pilot program to assist new residents to Canada.
People who have lived experience of immigrating to Canada, and have settled in Huron, Perth, Lambton or Middlesex Counties, are urged to volunteer. Training sessions will be facilitated using digital technology.
“Rural loneliness and social isolation are significant challenges faced by many in Huron and Perth Counties. Newcomers and temporary workers in Huron and Perth face the added difficulties of language barriers, precarious work conditions, and an ineligibility for government support, further compounding the challenges of isolation,” explained Kristin Crane of the Huron County Immigration Partnership.
“Volunteerism is at the heart of our community,” said Huron County Warden, Glen McNeil. “Efforts like these inspire intentional acts of kindness, build the social fabric of our communities and improve the well-being of both the new residents to Canada and the volunteers too.”
To sign up to take the volunteer training, please visit connectedcountyofhuron.ca/newcomer-volunteers
CONSERVATION AWARD
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) has recognized outstanding achievements in conservation, each year since 1984, with conservation awards. Past award winners have included rural landowners and residents, agricultural producers and farms, service clubs, community organizations, companies, nature groups and municipalities.
The local conservation authority is inviting the public to nominate a person, business, farm, community group, or organization in 2022 for the Conservationist of the Year Award. People may nominate someone for the award until tomorrow (Feb. 24).
To submit a nomination, visit abca.ca for the nomination form at this web page link: www.abca.ca
“There are many local stewards helping to protect and enhance our local watershed resources and this award is one way we can say ‘Thank you’ for those positive stewardship actions,” said General Manager and Secretary-Treasurer of ABCA, Brian Horner. “We have been pleased to recognize many deserving recipients over the years. We know there are many others deserving of recognition as well.”
Individuals, organizations or companies who either reside in, or have completed conservation work in, the ABCA area are eligible to win the Conservationist of the Year award. Current ABCA staff members and directors are excluded.
The Conservation Award acknowledges one individual or group per year who demonstrates positive conservation principles. The nominee must have undertaken conservation efforts over a number of years showing long-term benefits for nature and society. Examples of conservation work include: improving local water quality; conservation farming; reforestation; conservation education; providing wildlife and fish habitat; and promoting awareness and action for soil, water, and habitat.
ABCA presents the winner with a hand-crafted gift and makes a donation towards a tree and plaque at a Commemorative Woods site maintained by the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation.
BAYFIELD ACTIVITIES
Now that the community is slowly moving toward group activities the creators of bayfieldactivities.info have 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.
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.
In recognition of Black History month, we take a closer look at the history of some of the earliest settlers in Huron County…
TOOTHPICK
This is a fold-out toothpick carved from bone. It was made by William Curtis, a Black stableman, who lived in Harpurhey, ON. The toothpick is from a set of utensils that also includes a spoon, knife, and fork (not pictured).
LAND REGISTRY RECORD
This is a page from a Land Registry Record for Grey Township it shows that the James family were some of the earliest settlers to the township. The James family were Black farmers from Nova Scotia. Mary Catherine and Samuel James, along with their adult children, Freeman, Coleman, Magdalena “Lena” and Colin, settled on three neighboring lots in the Township.
While most of the family had passed away by the 1860s, siblings Coleman and Lena took over the family farms, with Coleman becoming quite a skilled farmer, winning prizes at the Ainleyville Fall Show (see newspaper clipping). By 1876, the siblings and their families left Huron County to join a larger Black community in Kent County.
To learn more about the James family, their story can be found in the Museum’s Early Settlement exhibit or visit: www.huroncountymuseum.ca/unheard-histories-searching-for-grey-townships-black-pioneers/
NEWSPAPER CLIPPING
BAYFIELD’S FORGOTTEN FELINES
FOSTER CARE ORIENTATION PLANNED FOR EARLY MARCH
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF) is an amazing, volunteer-run service that rescues and rehomes hundreds of feral, orphaned and abandoned felines. Every year more and more cats and kittens are rescued through this organization. BFF has been so successful in their mission that they have reached a point where expansion would be beneficial, for the volunteers who operate it and the cats/kittens themselves.
This expansion can be achieved through the help of volunteers both through foster care as well as at the shelter.
“We believe there are many people in the community able to offer a safe space to some of the felines awaiting their forever homes or help care for the cats housed at the shelter,” said Foster Care Volunteer Coordinator Mary Pounder. “Foster care offers wonderful opportunities for people who love cats but cannot have one due to lifestyle or who want more cat love but are not able to add a new member to their family. Working at the shelter allows you an opportunity to care for and cuddle cats without causing your allergic family member discomfort. It is extremely rewarding to see these frightened, abandoned cats/kittens learn that humans are kind and caring.”
BFF will be hosting a Volunteer Orientation on Saturday, March 5. The one-hour Orientation will take place at 11 a.m. at 16 Keith Crescent in Bayfield. Attendees must be vaccinated and masked. For those who prefer to meet over ZOOM connection details will be sent prior to the event.
Anyone who is interested in becoming a BFF Volunteer, is asked to please email Mary Pounder at jackabunny@gmail.com, or by calling 519 565-2717, with their intent to attend the orientation and whether they would prefer to meet in-person or to use ZOOM.
There are many volunteer opportunities to fit someone’s lifestyle, availability, time/space constraints and experience.
Some of the options are:
- Taming a feral adult cat or kittens
- Providing a safe home for a mother to raise her litter
- Provide a stable environment for cats not suited for shelter life
- Nursing pre-weaned orphan kittens
- Helping clean cages and socialize/cuddle cats at the shelter
“We will go into more detail on the space, time, and skill requirements for each of these volunteer opportunities at the orientation,” said Pounder.
The basic requirements for any foster care opportunity are:
- Separate room for foster cats, safe for the age of the cat/kittens. Depending on the situation, if there are no other cats in the home the entire house can be used.
- Allow a site check of the foster care area (COVID protocols in place).
- Agree to follow all care instructions of BFF including not allowing cats outside.
- Time to spend with the cats/kittens based on their needs.
- Availability to show the cat/kittens to prospective adopters. This will be based on the foster’s schedule and will be arranged between the foster and the prospective adopters.
- Sending weekly updates with pictures, including weights (for kittens), any observations which may indicate illness, general behaviour, taming progress, etc.
“Since many of the kittens and cats at BFF do not have their immunizations, we do require them to be kept separate from other pets in the home. Standard hygiene protocols should be implemented such as handwashing after handling, feeding, playing, or cleaning the foster care animals. As well, if you have pet cats, handwashing should be done before interacting with the foster care animals,” said Pounder.
BFF strives to send only healthy animals into foster care, maintaining medical and intensive care cases on-site.
The basic requirements for a shelter shift are:
- Commit to coming to the shelter one day a week. Morning shifts are 8-10 a.m. and evening shifts are 7-9 p.m.
- Scooping poop, cleaning cages, doing dishes, sweeping, etc.
- Talking to, enriching, petting/cuddling with the resident cats.
What BFF provides:
- 24/7 support in case of emergency
- All required food, supplies and equipment, including a scale for weighing kittens.
- Weekly contact to provide supplies, support, etc.
- Initial health check on the cat/kittens including worming and flea control.
- Training and instruction on care of cat/kittens, either in foster care or at the shelter
Editor’s Note: Currently, BFF has a number of cats/kittens in their care awaiting adoption, a number of these felines and their unique life stories are featured alongside this article.
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Nemo: He was surrendered for euthanasia. His people could not afford to have him neutered or deal with a believed urinary issue. The vet reached out to Bayfield's Forgotten Felines and Nemo is now at the Rescue. He is neutered and it was discovered he has no urinary issues. He is an extremely sweet boy; a ball of affection and love for some lucky person.
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Eve: It was a very sad moment when Eve came to Bayfield's Forgotten Felines. Her family loved her but their child was allergic to cats. They tried everything . The volunteers certainly understand their sorrow since Eve is an amazing kitten. She is extremely cuddly and will purr off anyone's ear. She is just the darling of the Rescue with her adorable face and personality.
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Ollie:This absolutely lovely boy was adopted by a woman at a group home. The fit just didn't work and Ollie was returned. Volunteers believe he may have had some negative interactions. However, he is very cuddly and just loves attention. His huge, green eyes just draw you in for a petting session. He gets along well with other cats but Volunteers feel he may be best in a home without children.
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Jazz: She came to the Rescue from a barn, along with her five siblings. Two have been adopted. She is a beautiful tabby with orange spots. The whole litter were quite feral when they arrived and have been taming down at their own pace. Jazz is pretty unsure of humans but is happy to come out for food. She will need someone with patience to allow her to blossom in her own time.
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Diego: He is a very handsome young cat who was trapped from a dump along with his mother and siblings. His brother, Manuel, is also still at the Rescue. Diego has been slower to tame than Manuel but Volunteers believe he would settle right down in his own home. Ideally, going to a home with his brother as Manuel would probably speed up the process.
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Manuel: He came to the Rescue as a kitten with his siblings. All but Manuel, and his brother, Diego, have been adopted. Diego is still very timid and needs time, or a patient person. Manuel, however, is friendly and loves to be petted. He is also very good with other cats. If adopted together Volunteers believe they would settle in well and Diego would come out of his shell.
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Etoile: She came to the Rescue with two other kittens. She gets along well with other cats. Etoile is very curious and needs to check everything out especially if it involves petting. She does require affection to be on her own terms. Volunteers have found that they can pet her forever and they can invite her onto their laps but she doesn't like being picked up.
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Sassy: She is positive for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) so it would be best if she was an only cat. For more information on FIV please search FIV on the vet.cornell.edu website. Sassy was trapped and Volunteers discovered she was nursing. She was released to go back to her kittens and she brought them to the feeding station. She is timid but does like being pet. Sassy has not done well in shelter life and really needs a home of her own.
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Bubba: This one year-old tabby came to the shelter as a kitten. He is curious and loves to people watch. As Volunteers work around the Rescue, Bubba will be somewhere keeping an eye on them, unless of course, he is coming around for petting and cuddles. No matter what Bubba is around. He seems to really like people and finds then fascinating. He definitely needs a place to call his own.
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Britt: She arrived at Bayfield's Forgotten Felines with a litter of kittens. Although she allowed Volunteers to handle and help care for the kittens, she herself was quite feral. After her work was done and the kittens had homes, she started to come out of her shell. She now likes petting and having a conversation with Volunteers. Such a good Mother, she now deserves her own forever home.
Submit Your photo
Email your photo in Jpeg format to hello@bayfield-breeze.com with the subject line Subscriber Photo of the Week. or…Upload your photo to Flickr.
I am looking for the Bayfield that is a delight to the eye – please share photos with a touch of whimsy, beauty, humor or a sense of fun. If you are to include people in your photos be sure to have their permission to publish their picture on-line and also send in their names and where they are from. And don’t forget to tell me who took the photo for proper credit to be issued.
SUBMISSIONS
Melody Falconer-Pounder
Thank you to everyone who continues to reach out to congratulate us on the new website. Most of the comments have one thing in common – that it is so easy to read! And as that was one of our goals we truly appreciate the positive feedback.
Our new website has been built to include responsive design and that is another way we have made it easier to read. But what is responsive design?
According to Bayfield Breeze Publisher, Dennis Pal, “This means that it will reformat itself to be viewed optimally on any size device. On larger desktop displays you will see a two-column layout while on some smaller tablets or your phone this changes to a single column. This, of course, makes it much easier to read and navigate. There are many other small changes that take place between the different size views from how the menu is displayed to how images are sized.”
Dennis and I both hope you enjoy this new and modern experience as you now have the added convenience of viewing the issues comfortably on a variety of mobile devices – Melody
Ideas and contributions to the Bayfield Breeze are always welcome.
Deadlines for submissions are Sundays at 4 p.m.