THRILL OF THE HUNT RETURNS THIS EASTER

Sunday, Apr. 21, 2019 was the last time the village had an Easter Egg Hunt. Following the relaxation of some provincial COVID-19 protocols the Bayfield Optiimst Club is bringing the hunt back for 2022. It is set for Apr. 17. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

It has been a couple of years since children have experienced the thrill of the hunt but it will be back on Sunday, Apr. 17. That’s right, folks – the Easter Egg Hunt hosted by the Bayfield Optimist Club is on for 2022!

Four thousand, molded, chocolate Easter eggs, will be worth their weight in gold to countless youngsters when they are tossed on the lawn in Clan Gregor Square for the annual Easter Egg Hunt. Children will be invited to scramble for the eggs starting precisely at 1 p.m.

Those youngsters who participate in the event are reminded to bring a container to collect their chocolate treasures in and remember the hunt happens very quickly so be sure to be on time.

MAIN STREET REVITALIZATION PROJECT BEGINNING THIS MONTH

Anyone who has walked or driven along Bayfield Main Street in the past couple of weeks will have noticed some physical prep work has been done ahead of the start of the Bayfield Main Street Revitalization (BMSR) project.

The Municipality of Bluewater Council awarded the tender for the BMSR construction to Lavis Contracting Co. Limited during the council meeting held on Jan. 24th.

Construction will take place in the commercially zoned areas of Bayfield Main Street North from the Square to Catherine Street, including extension of sidewalks adjacent to the commercially zoned areas of Charles St. (Photo courtesy Municipality of Bluewater)

Construction will take place in the commercially zoned areas of Bayfield Main Street North from the Square to Catherine Street, including the extension of sidewalks adjacent to the commercially zoned areas of Charles St.

It is anticipated that the project will start this month and run until November 2022 with a break from construction activities in July and August to allow for the tourist high season. This break in construction is scheduled to run from June 24 to Sept. 5, with landscaping becoming the focus of the project from Sept. 5 to Nov. 10. The plan is to have the top coat of paving completed in May 2023 with an end to construction work set for May 31, 2023.

The scope of the reconstruction work includes burying of hydro, exposed aggregate sidewalks, road reconstruction including parking spaces and curbs, landscaping, tree planting, street lighting, and replacement and installation of drainage infrastructure including rain gardens.

Communication with the community as the project evolves is a key component and the Municipality of Bluewater will endeavor to provide updates in the Bayfield Breeze on the first and third Wednesdays of every month.

They also welcome people to sign up for the municipality’s “Beautifying Bayfield” newsletter to get all the latest updates!

Other ways of keeping up with Public Works construction news and updates in the Municipality of Bluewater can be found by visiting:

• The Municipality of Bluewater website
• Huron County Connects
• https://www.facebook.com/BluewaterOntario/
• https://twitter.com/BluewaterOn

FRIENDS AND FAMILY CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED

Bayfield Centre for the Arts (BCA) Art Truck travelling studio is ready to head out on the road again this summer. A fundraising campaign has recently been launched to support the vehicle as well as the many other projects provided by the organization. (Photo courtesy BCA)

The Bayfield Centre for the Arts (BCA) is asking people to help fuel the arts in Huron County.

“The BCA is grateful for the support the Bayfield community has shown us over the past two years,” said Leslee Squirrell, president. “With your help we have been able to accomplish some amazing milestones.”

The Centre had more than 400 people participate in 50 BCA classes led by five full time students and they had over 450 people participate in their successful Year of the Barn Exhibit.

“With the support of Lake Huron Chrysler and government partners, our unique Art Truck travelling studio was launched, and the ‘Arts Trails on 21’ driving adventure began,” she said.

In addition, more than 1,500 people now follow the BCA on social media and their posts engage with more than 35,000 people.

“All this during one of the most difficult times in history as pandemic restrictions affected our ability to operate. While we do receive some government grants, as with many arts organizations the bulk of support comes from individuals who believe in our vision,” said Squirrell.

For this reason, they have launched a “Friends and Family Campaign” to ask for financial help.

“Your donation will help us operate the Art Truck, offer visual art workshops and events and move closer to our goal of making Bayfield and Huron County a more vibrant place to live and work,” she noted.

To assist with the campaign, BCA has partnered with Canada Helps, a national agency that has supported over 24,000 partner charities in their 21-year history. Please donate now by going to: https://bayfieldarts.ca/donate/ One time or monthly donations will receive an instant tax receipt.

DUFOUR RETIRES FROM HOSPICE PALLIATIVE CARE

Eugene Dufour (Submitted photo)

On Friday, Apr. 1st, Eugene Dufour retired after a 42-year career in Hospice Palliative Care.

Dufour, a Bayfield resident, is a clinically trained Individual, Marital and Family Therapist, Bereavement Specialist, Compassion Fatigue Educator and Therapist and Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Facilitator. At the time of his retirement, he was working as a Psychosocial Spiritual Care Clinician with the Huron Perth Palliative Care Outreach Team.

“It has been an honor and privilege to “walk” with over 7,300 individuals that have died and supported their many family members,” he said.

He offered a thank you also to all the First Responders that have allowed him to walk with them as they dealt with so much trauma. “I have received much more than I gave,” he noted.

“Spirit means “breath” and soul means “from the depths of your being” It has been such an honor to hear people share their vital breath that comes from the depth of their being as they approach their death,” he shared.

He went on to say that when someone is given the news that they have a life-threatening illness the focus in Hospice Palliative Care is on living – not so much on dying. It is so sacred to walk with people as they struggle with the themes of meaning, purpose, misery and then mystery as they approach their final stage of growth.

“Thank you to all the clients and family members that have put their trust in me as one of their caregivers. Thank you for the incredible team members that have supported me. One does not work in Hospice Palliative Care alone and I have had many fantastic team members,” he said.

Upon his retirement, he wanted to extend a thank you to his family and friends for their ongoing support.

“Most of all, thank you to Taunya and Mike, Derek and Alison, and Brittany and Alex for your unending support that you provide for your Dad. Thank you for my wonderful grandchildren, Julia and Everly, Dylan and Owen, Aroura and Oaklyn and little one for making retirement so exciting.”

He also wished to acknowledge some special people that have died that are his inspiration – his mother and father as well as Richard and recently, David.

He noted that his partner has taken the fear out of retirement and filled it with so much joy. “Thank you to Grace for all the support and healing you provide as we share our vital breath that comes from the depths of our being.”

“All of you have helped me be a better person, and therapist, and have given me a life with deep meaning and purpose. I am feeling very blessed,” said Dufour.

He added that Bayfield residents have been, and will continue to be, a fantastic support for him.

 “My first retirement project will be to write a book on ‘Complicated Grief’ with all proceeds going to Hospice. COVID-19 created a great deal of Complicated Grief and this will be a book of ‘how to’ deal with this kind of grief. I will be doing all the writing in my writing studio nestled in the woods along the Bayfield River,” he concluded.

Dufour received his Bachelors and Masters degree from King’s College at the University of Western Ontario. He had been working in the area of bereavement and trauma work, hospice palliative care, and the HIV/AIDS movement for the past 30 years. He is a past president of the Ontario Palliative Care Association and the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association. In 2002 Dufour was presented with the Commemorative Medal for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth IIs Golden Jubilee by the Governor General of Canada for his work in hospice palliative care.

SPRING DATE SET FOR FESTIVAL

Bayfield Arena Community Partners Association (BACPA) and the Bayfield Community Centre Team (BCCT) are gearing up for the return of a highly anticipated spring event. The Bayfield Beer, Wine and Food Festival is back for year six on May 14th.

“The Bayfield Beer, Wine and Food Festival is scheduled back to its normal weekend and now at full capacity,” said Bill Whetstone, co-event chair. “This is our major fundraiser and 100 per cent of the proceeds go back into youth sports, programs, equipment and subsidies at our facility so everyone can play.”

Whetstone went on to say that, just like everyone else, BCCT and BACPA have been hit hard by the pandemic and the organizers are hoping that people will return to support the festival that raises funds for the not-for-profit organization now running the Bayfield Community Centre. He would also encourage newcomers to attend.

“If you’ve never been, consider coming to this great event,” he said. “There are 22 vendors signed up to participate and three bands scheduled to play.”

The event will run from 2-9 p.m. Tickets are $45 per person and will include eight food tickets and eight drink tickets.

Tickets are available now at Eventbrite.ca (Bayfield Beer & Food Festival), at ShopBike Coffee Roasters on Main Street, or by calling Whetstone at 519 955-0682. Check Facebook at @ Bayfield Beer & Food Festival for more information.

APRIL HIKE DETAILS FROM BRVTA

The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) is pleased to announce three events for April: “Agriculture and Nature in Harmony”, Apr. 9; “The Woods are Waking Up”, Apr. 16; and Bayfield’s Eighth Annual Earth Day Litter Walk, Apr. 22.

Huron County is the most productive agricultural region in Ontario and also home to beautiful natural areas.  Did you ever wonder how they coexist?  Wayne Cantelon is a third-generation Huron County Farmer.  Nathan Schoelier oversees stewardship and conservation programs for the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority. Join them for “Agriculture and Nature in Harmony” a hike in the Linfield Conservation Area on Saturday, Apr. 9 at 2 p.m.

Participants are asked to meet at 37940 Pavillion Road in Bluewater. The Area is west of the Pavillion Road and Goshen Line intersection, southwest of Varna and north of Zurich.  This is an easy walk through woodlots and open trails for about 2 km and will last about 90 minutes.

“The Woods are Waking Up”, with environmentalist Michele Martin will take place along the Woodland Trail in Bayfield on Saturday, Apr. 16 starting at 11 a.m. Martin has supervised environmental education programs in Toronto, Waterloo and the Seychelle Islands. A regular visitor to Bayfield, the BRVTA is excited to welcome her as a guest hike leader.  As the forest wakes up from a long winter, Martin will show participants what to look for on the Woodland Trail. Those who take part are asked to meet at the David Street trail head. A map can be found at www.bayfieldtrails.com/woodland-trail.

Bayfield businesses, visitors and residents of all ages are invited to join the BRVTA for their Eighth Annual Earth Day Litter Walk. This annual spring clean-up event will be held on Friday, Apr. 22 starting at 2 p.m. with Clan Gregor Square the base of operations. Participants are asked to wear gloves and brightly colored clothing or borrow one of the BRVTA’s safety vests. Organizers will provide garbage bags and people can choose the area in the Village where they want to pick up litter. Registration will take place from 2-3 p.m. with garbage to be returned by 4 p.m.

“Together we can keep our streets clean, protect the environment from harmful plastics and household waste, and enjoy an afternoon in the great outdoors,” said Ralph Blasting, hike coordinator for BRVTA.

April hikes are open to the public without registration.  Dogs on leash are welcome. For more information on any event, contact hike coordinator Blasting by calling 519 525-3205 or emailing rjblastingjr@gmail.com.

MUFFIN RECENT ARRIVAL AT RESCUE

Muffin (Submitted photo)

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

Muffin is the Adopt-a-BFF cat of the week.

Muffin just arrived at the rescue on Monday, Apr. 4. She was found wandering out in the country where she showed up at a park. She was going from door to door trying to get in and begging for food. Although she was being well fed by some of these neighbors no one was able to keep her. Some of her benefactors checked around to see if they could find her owner but none were found so she was brought to the Rescue.

Volunteers note that Muffin is very sweet and very affectionate. She is also very, very hungry. Once she is checked by the vet, given her shots and is spayed she will be available for adoption.

If Muffin is tops in your book please email bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com for more information.

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.

UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN SURPASSES GOAL

United Way Campaign Co-chairs Rob and Leslie Edney celebrate a record breaking 2021 campaign. (Submitted photos)

United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) marked the end of the 2021 annual campaign and announced a record-breaking total of $2,236,904, well over the campaign goal of $2.002 million.

United Way Perth Huron had a record breaking campaign for 2021 – giving the campaign two thumbs up were: (l-r) Ryan Erb, UWPH Executive director: Elizabeth Cooper, manager Community Development, Stratford & Area; and Rob Edney, Campaign co-chair.

“We appreciate the incredible support donors have shown,” said UWPH Executive Director Ryan Erb. “Vulnerable local people are still struggling and we know that with the cost of everything rising, more people need a helping hand. We are committed to continuing our work addressing pressing needs across Perth-Huron.”

“We’re grateful to our communities for supporting UWPH,” said UWPH Campaign Co-chair Rob Edney. “All over Perth-Huron, people really demonstrated their support for United Way’s mission. That’s something I will definitely take away as a memory from the past seven months.”

“Being co-chairs meant we were lucky enough to experience the local love in our communities,” added UWPH Campaign Co-chair Leslie Edney. “That spirit of generosity and caring will help so many get the support they need. Thank you to everyone who gave to UWPH.”

Through a series of Spirit of Community videos, UWPH celebrated the positive impact local donors, workplaces, volunteers, partners and communities had in supporting UWPH’s work across the region; including through community committees in Exeter, Goderich, North Perth, St. Marys, Stratford and Wingham, as well as events such as Coldest Night of the Year. The organization also shared stories of local people who have the chance for a brighter future thanks to UWPH and supported partners and programs. The videos can be viewed at perthhuron.unitedway.ca. UWPH is also grateful to Famme & Co. Professional Corporation, investStratford, McCutchen & Pearce Professional Corporation and Monteith Ritsma Phillips Law Offices for sponsoring this year’s videos.

As part of UWPH’s celebration of donors, the organization also acknowledged the support of local workplaces. This year’s top five workplace campaigns, including employee giving, corporate matching dollars and event gifts, are: 1- FIO Automotive Canada, 2- Steelcraft, 3- Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance, 4- City of Stratford and 5- Scotiabank.

HEALTHCARE WORKERS SOUGHT FOR STUDY

Cassandra Bryant (Submitted photo)

Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (Gateway) and the University of Guelph Research Partnership are continuing their research on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rural healthcare workers and would like to invite healthcare workers, including, personal support workers and health support professionals to participate.

Gateway and the University of Guelph partnered on a project in June of 2022 that sought to identify COVID-19 stressors that rural healthcare workers were experiencing and forms of support to mitigate the stress they experienced. The project’s first phase included a survey completed by 153 respondents in Huron county. This follow-up study will help to continue the research into the impact on the well-being of rural healthcare workers.

Dr. Al Lauzon, professor at the University of Guelph and lead researcher on the project, shares that, “to use a running analogy, the first wave was similar to sprinting where circumstances, information, preparation, the uptake of a large amount of stress and fear occurred in an extremely short period of time. Since then, rural healthcare workers are now running an ongoing marathon.”

This second phase will seek to learn more about how rural healthcare workers in Huron are managing and the impact it has had on mental, physical and emotional health. It will also seek to understand if sources of support at home and at work have changed. Lastly, this research aims to uncover possible experiences, challenges and impacts specific to rural healthcare workers as there appear to be very few studies focused on rural healthcare.

According to the study’s initial findings in terms of stressors, fear was the overriding stressor. Fear for their own health, fear that they might infect loved ones, and the fear that arose from the delivery of services to patients and changing protocols. Other stressors were: increased workload or feeling overworked, constant change, and management and communication challenges in an environment that was continually changing. Furthermore, 65 percent of the respondents indicated these stressors did not exist prior to the pandemic. In addition, 76 percent of respondents indicated that workplace stressors impacted their life outside of work with over 50 percent indicating it impacted their physical and mental health. Ten percent indicated that some of the protocols such as social distancing resulted in them feeling isolated and feeling lonely, especially for those who lived on their own.

Gateway’s President Gwen Devereaux said, “We are extremely happy to partner with Dr. Lauzon and the University of Guelph on this very important project. I hope you are able to help us by taking the time to do the interview. It would be so appreciated.”

They would like to invite healthcare workers, including, personal support workers and health support professionals to participate in this follow-up study. Participation in the study requires 60 minutes of time for a phone interview. The interviews will take place from April to May of this year. Anyone who is interested in participating or would like more information is asked to please contact Casandra Bryant, Ph.D. student and Research Associate, at cbryant@uoguelph.ca. People can also submit their interests and availability here: https://bit.ly/3HcYgw3.

HPPH UPDATE COVID MANAGEMENT AS HEALTH MEASURES RELAX

It was noted on March 31, that nearly two weeks after the lifting of many public health measures, some COVID activity indicators are rising; Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) reminds residents to follow measures still in place and to make informed decisions on managing COVID.

Some activity indicators, such as wastewater signals, have plateaued or increased recently.  In the last few days, there has been a re-increase in percent positivity, hospitalizations and ICU admissions after several weeks of plateau or decline.

“This was expected after the lifting of public health measures and we continue to monitor the situation,” said Medical Officer of Health for Huron Perth, Dr. Miriam Klassen.  “Since transmission rates are still quite high, I encourage everyone to make decisions that will best protect themselves and their loved ones; remember that some public health measures remain as well.”

Although there is widespread immunity against severe infection – through a combination of high vaccination rates and previous infections – the following groups remain at higher risk of severe outcomes (long COVID, hospitalization or death) from COVID-19: people of advanced age, those living in congregate settings, people with underlying health conditions, the unvaccinated and the marginalized.

While not a replacement for vaccination, antiviral treatment for COVID-19 is available and can protect against severe outcomes for certain highest risk individuals who are identified early.

To learn about eligibility to receive COVID-19 antiviral treatment and where to get it visit: covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-antiviral-treatment. People can also contact their health care provider or Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000.

Individuals can lower the risk of COVID-19 transmission by continuing to: wash hands often or use alcohol-based hand rub; use high quality masks when necessary to protect vulnerable people or yourself ; limit the number of close contacts indoors; and stay home when sick or symptomatic

Have symptoms? Tested positive? Here’s how to isolate: Individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19 or who test positive for the virus must still isolate.  Anyone who thinks they may have COVID-19, or were exposed to the virus, should visit Ontario.ca/exposed to learn what to do.

They can also call the toll-free Provincial Testing and Isolation Information Line for answers about COVID-19 testing and isolation guidance. The line can be reached at 1-888-777-0730, and is available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Sunday.

Provincial requirements for face coverings remain in place for several settings, including: public transit, long-term care, retirement homes, other health care settings, including clinics that provide health care services, shelters, jails and congregate care and living settings, including homes for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Also, some people will be required to wear masks for a limited amount of time if they have been exposed to a case of COVID-19 or if they have travelled internationally.

Finally, some individuals are choosing to wear masks due to their personal or loved ones’ risk factors.  Please remain patient and kind, and respect that people’s comfort levels may vary during this time of transition away from public health measures.  Wearing a well-fitted mask in public spaces will continue to lower risk and is especially important when rates of community transmission are high.

Vaccination continues to be the best defense against COVID-19.  HPPH strongly encourages everyone eligible, including those who have previously had COVID-19, to get the doses recommended for them including boosters. Visit www.hpph.ca/getvaccinated to learn more.

HPPH is also seeing people who are requesting a fourth dose but are not eligible. More information on current fourth dose eligibility can be found at www.hpph.ca/getvaccinated.

HPPH will continue to offer vaccination clinics in several locations throughout April.  Some clinics are walk-in while others are appointment only. All clinics are family-friendly. Dates and locations are posted at www.hpph.ca/GetVaccinated.   Vaccines are also still available through pharmacies and primary care providers.

HPPH will soon be receiving a limited supply of Novavax Nuvaxovid, the recently approved protein-based COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals who are eligible and interested in receiving this vaccine can call COVID Intake at 1-888-221-2133 Ext 3299 to be placed on a waitlist.  Appointments will be booked once the supply is confirmed.

Novavax Nuvaxovid has been approved by Health Canada for adults 18+ who: have not received any doses of the COVID-19 vaccine; have allergies to mRNA vaccines or who are looking to receive a non-mRNA vaccine. More information about Novavax is available at www.canada.ca/