“BARRYSTRONG” THANK YOU

Barry Detenbeck is a Bayfielder now living with Alzheimer’s Disease. His wife Gayle organized a local walk in his honor and invited the community to join her. The “BarryStrong Walk for Alzheimer’s” was held on Saturday, May 28 with participants departing from the Clan Gregor Square gazebo. The response was terrific and Gayle would like to thank everyone who participated in the BarryStrong team walk and fundraiser to end Alzheimer’s. She noted it was a very successful day and they had a lovely walk through the streets of this beautiful village on a summery day. (Photo by Gary Lloyd-Rees)

SUMMER SHUTDOWN FOR CONSTRUCTION ON SCHEDULE

Charles Street remains closed as work on the intersection progresses. Once the work at Charles Street and Main Street is finished over the next two weeks, the intersection will be opened, and two-lane traffic will resume. The metal construction fencing will be relocated to the new construction area towards Clan Gregor Square. This image was taken on the morning of May 22. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

Signage and detour routes have been posted for visitors to access the north side of Main Street while construction continues on toward the south end of Main Street. Over the next two weeks the work on the new storm sewers, electrical duct and pedestal placement will continue. (Photo courtesy Municipality of Bluewater)

The Victoria Day Weekend brought bustle and excitement to Bayfield Main Street despite the construction, and as the calendar turns to June, no major delays prolong the project ahead of the summer shutdown.

Signage and detour routes have been posted for visitors to access the north side of Main Street while construction continues on toward the south end of Main Street. Over the next two weeks the work on the new storm sewers, electrical duct and pedestal placement will continue.

Charles Street remains closed as work on the intersection progresses. Once the work at Charles Street and Main Street is finished over the next two weeks, the intersection will be opened, and two-lane traffic will resume. The metal construction fencing will be relocated to the new construction area towards Clan Gregor Square.

Residents can anticipate the break in construction activities in July and August as planned.

During July and August, the Main Street roadway will be open to two lanes of traffic. Parking spaces will also be available. The road will remain gravel. The existing sidewalk will remain functional. During the summer shut down, the fencing that is currently around the active construction area will be removed. There will be a few holes and areas around hydro-poles that will remain fenced off with orange mesh fencing. Signage has been posted on the mesh fen

cing to communicate construction info to visitors. The Municipality of Bluewater will take care of maintenance with regards to such details as dust control and grading.

Signage has now been posted for detours to help direct road traffic to parking and pedestrian traffic to sidewalks. Residents can look forward to great progress over the weeks to come as the contractors work diligently to stay on schedule and keep a safe construction area for visitors and businesses alike.

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.

The “Beautifying Bayfield” bi-weekly construction newsletter will continue to be issued with the construction schedule, info and updates. Click here for the: subscription link. This can be shared with friends and neighbors who may also want to receive the latest information!

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

DONATION DATES FOR RUMMAGE SALE ANNOUNCED

The Pioneer Park Association (PPA)  is very excited to announce the return of the 73rd Annual Pioneer Park Rummage Sale on Friday, July 8 – their number one fundraising event of the year for the park and the unofficial kick-off to the summer season in Bayfield.

Organizers expect this year to be their best ever so be sure to save the date, gather friends and arrive early! This year, they are trying to round off purchases to $1 values so people are requested to save their loonies and toonies. There should be something for everyone at this event.

All sales proceeds go directly to Pioneer Park, a privately owned public space that all can enjoy. People will soon be able to drop by to see progress at the new addition to the park, a generous donation of neighboring land by the Thompson family.

Donations for the Rummage Sale are greatly appreciated.  As in years past, donations can be dropped off at the Quonset Hut on Hwy 21 just North of the village at 76614 Bluewater Highway.

Donation dates have been arranged for three Saturdays in the next month: June 11, June 18 and June 25. On all three of these dates drop off times are 9 a.m. to noon.

Event organizers like to say, “If you are proud to give it, we are proud to sell it!”

The following items are welcome for donation: indoor and outdoor furniture, tables and chairs, linens, draperies, antiques, dishware, housewares, tools of all sorts, gardening tools,  decorative items, festive decor, games, books, DVDs, record albums and stereo equipment, lamps and lighting, sports and recreational items, home electronics and small appliances provided they are CSA approved and in good working order. These are just some of the items in great demand and always popular.

There will also be a silent auction section featuring extra special items, gift certificates and/or gift bundles generously donated by the community and local businesses. In the coming weeks, members of the PPA will be dropping by local businesses to see if they would like to include a donation in this year’s Silent Auction.

As in the past, the following items cannot be accepted: mattresses of any size, sofa beds, children’s furniture or strollers, damaged or soiled toys, large appliances, televisions or monitors, printers or fax machines, no clothing or shoes, Tupperware or plastic kitchen utensils, water bottles, lone coffee mugs and no used candles please.

If anyone has questions, please email info@pioneerpark.ca.  Volunteers look forward to greeting people at the Quonset hut!

WORKSHOPS INSPIRE CREATIVITY

Bayfield Centre for the Arts is hosting two workshops this summer that invite people to play with paint or with their food!

Learning how to paint with more impressionistic strokes will be a highlight of the “Paint Better Reflections in Water” workshop to be offered by John David Anderson on Thursday, June 9.

Anderson enjoys passing the joy of painting on to others. This has led him to teaching summer courses for Fleming College, Southampton Art School and a number of other arts organizations around the province over the last 20 plus years.

This workshop will be held at the Bayfield Community Centre from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $120 per person.

People can register here by clicking on Better Reflection in the Water Workshop.

“Anatomy of the Charcuterie Board” will see participants learning how to create an appetizing and beautiful charcuterie board composed of local food under the direction of Chef Frank Ihrig of Hessenland Inn and Winery on Thursday, June 23.

In addition to learning how to create an attractive food presentation, participants will go home with a live edge charcuterie board created by Hunters Charcuterie Boards, they will also have the opportunity to sample two of Hessenland’s wines during the two-hour session to be held in the Inn’s Garden Room.

The cost for the workshop is $150. Participants may bring one guest for an additional $15 charge to help them build the board, wine sampling included.

Hessenland Inn and Winery is located at 72981 Bluewater Hwy., Zurich, ON.

To register for BCA’s first culinary event click on: Anatomy of the Charcuterie Board.

CANADIAN TALENT TO GRACE STAGE

Sarah Smith of The She Wolves

The Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society will be hosting several concerts this year to raise funds to continue in their efforts to maintain and enjoy the Bayfield Town Hall. Music lovers can look forward to concerts from June to December. The kick-off event features folk music sensations Ken Yates and Jadea Kelly on June 18 while The She Wolves will offer a variety of genres on July 2nd.

Yates, who was born and raised in London, ON, has gained a reputation as one of this country’s brightest rising singer-songwriters. The winner of two Canadian Folk Music Awards for Songwriter of the Year and New Artist of the Year, Yates has spent recent years expanding his sound and touring North America and Europe.  The Bayfield Town Hall concert occurs days before the launch of his upcoming album “Cerulean”.

Kelly, described by CBC’s Tom Power as “one of the shining jewels in the crown of Canadian songwriters”, has performed and showcased her music across the United States and Europe and in Canada at the Winnipeg Folk Festival, Calgary Folk Festival, Edmonton’s Interstellar Rodeo, Metal Toronto and Peterborough Folk Festival.  Kelly was also a recipient of the Contemporary Singer of the Year award at the Canadian Folk Music Awards.

The concert, which will feature Yates and Kelly performing separately, will begin at 7:30 p.m. with the doors opening at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $25.

The She Wolves are next on the docket on Saturday, July 2nd. This group of talented musicians are returning to the village to perform an outdoor concert. The She Wolves is composed of some of the best female musicians in Southwestern Ontario and includes, singer-songwriter Sarah Smith, blues-rock singer Cheryl Lescom, keyboardist and Rhythm and Blues artist, Chuckee Zehr, singer-songwriter Laurie McColeman and drummer Dale Anne Brendon.

Each of these women have recorded their own albums, or recorded for other artists during the years and each has their own style.  Be prepared for a mix of great original music and covers from artists including, Amy Winehouse, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Bonnie Rait, Aretha Franklin (Zehr’s specialty), Etta James, Melissa Ethridge and even a little Joe Cocker.

Tickets for The She Wolves concert are $30 and participants are asked to bring their own chair. The gates will open at 6 pm. and the performers will take to the stage at 7 p.m.

There will be a cash bar at all of the shows. Tickets for these concerts are available now  online at www.bayfieldtownhall.com. Please note there are no additional surcharges.

FAMILY OF FELINES FEATURED

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

Milly, a lovely Tabby, was trapped and admitted to BFF just in time to deliver her six kittens. She is a very attentive mother though she is still not sure about people. It will take her time once her kittens are gone to realize she is safe and can trust humans. In the meantime, she has raised six wonderful kittens – three of which – Cutie, Fred and Ginger – join her as the Adopt-A-BFF family of the week.

Playful and cuddly Cutie is a gorgeous, female Tabby with beautiful markings. Her name says it all, just look at that face!  Fred and Ginger are also very playful and cuddly and can usually be found alongside each other. They are definitely a couple balls of energy. They are very bonded and volunteers would like to see them adopted together.

This trio of kittens will be ready for adoption after June 6 once they have been spayed/neutered and vaccinated.

Anyone who would like to meet this family in-person are asked to 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.

MUSTAKAS RECEIVES MERITORIOUS MEDAL

Alex Mustakas at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, ON, wearing his Meritorious Service Medal. (Submitted photo)

Drayton Entertainment’s Artistic Director Alex Mustakas was recognized on May 26 at Rideau Hall in Ottawa with the prestigious Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division) by the Governor General of Canada, Her Excellency the Right Honorable Mary Simon.

Created by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Meritorious Service Decorations recognize Canadians for exceptional deeds that bring honor to Canada. Meritorious Service Decorations are an important part of the Canadian Honours System and highlight remarkable achievements that are accomplished over a limited time period.

Mustakas is being celebrated for his lifelong commitment to making the performing arts affordable and accessible. His distinctive business model has created one of the largest and most well-respected charitable arts organizations in Canada. At the height of operations, Drayton Entertainment stages over 800 performances annually at its various venues, with attendance exceeding 250,000 each year. The Government of Ontario’s Tourism Regional Economic Impact Model (TREIM) estimates the organization’s economic impact on visitor spending at over $80 million annually, positively affecting multiple communities throughout the province.

“I am beyond humbled to be singled out with this honor, and share this recognition with everyone involved in the success of Drayton Entertainment. It takes an entire creative community to produce such an ambitious lineup of shows each season, including our artists, musicians, technical crew, administrative staff, volunteer Board of Directors, sponsors, donors and front-line volunteers. Each person involved with our organization plays an integral role and shares in this accomplishment,” said Mustakas. “It’s especially meaningful to receive this medal as we launch a new season after two years of closure. It’s a reminder of the success we’ve had in the past and hopefully will continue to have in future.”

Mustakas emigrated from Cyprus at the age of six. As a natural performer, he was drawn to the stage, but he honored his father’s wishes by earning a business degree in Economics from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, ON. He found employment in the corporate sector, but seemed unable to shake his draw to the performing arts.

In a bold move, he handed his degree to his father and said, “This was for you. Now I want to do something for myself. I’d like to become a professional actor.”

Mustakas set off for uncharted territory, but after a few years on the stage, he pursued a Master’s Degree in Arts Administration at City University in London, England.  His dream of a small theatre of his own began to take shape during these years, providing the impetus to become an agent of change. He was acutely aware of the physical, social, economic, and cultural barriers that limited access to the arts, particularly in rural areas. He also recognized the stigma that surrounded the arts in terms of their perceived value and contribution to society.

Mustakas returned to Canada and began to build what would become a thriving theatre organization starting with an all-but-abandoned opera house in the small hamlet of Drayton, ON. Mustakas has repeatedly noted that he’s grateful to his father for encouraging him to pursue economics training – his business acumen and artistic vision converged to create Drayton Entertainment’s unique theatre model that amortizes production and administrative costs across numerous venues, and enables live theatre to flourish on seven unique stages across Ontario: the Drayton Festival Theatre in Drayton, Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge in Cambridge, Huron Country Playhouse in Grand Bend, King’s Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene, and St. Jacobs Country Playhouse and the Schoolhouse Theatre in St. Jacobs. By merging his creative and commerce knowledge, Mustakas has set a path for long-term sustainability within the charitable arts sector.

Meritorious Service Decorations are given to recognize outstanding contributions in any field, from advocacy initiatives and health care services to research and humanitarian efforts.  Past recipients include Colonel Chris Hadfield (Ret’d), Clara Hughes, Colette Roy Laroche, Sarah Burke, and Thérèse Tanguay Dion.

HURON REVIEWING YOUTH ENGAGEMENT 

The County of Huron is reviewing, expanding, and developing new youth engagement opportunities. This includes providing youth with professional development opportunities directly with the County. These internship programs and work placements are of great benefit to Huron’s youth. They help to ensure that the youth of today have access to the kinds of experiences they need to find fulfilling careers in the future. 

The County of Huron is working to develop a youth engagement inventory and strategy. This strategy is being drafted, in part, by youth who are currently participating in an internship program with the County. It will highlight further engagement opportunities and potential future actions by the County. 

“Co-op placements are essential when it comes to gaining valuable experience, and engaging with youth. This placement has afforded me the chance to reevaluate my future career, and find something I truly enjoy doing,” said Maddy Gilbert, a GDCI Highschool Co-Op student. Gilbert recently drafted a report on youth experiences and opportunities on behalf of the County. 

Some of the current youth engagement opportunities available at the County of Huron include: High School Volunteer Credit, Highschool Co-Op Placements, Summer Employment, the Summer Company and University Internships. 

There are many creative ways students can complete their high school volunteer credit, by completing their required community service hours through the County. Opportunities include, event participation at the Huron County Museum and Historic Gaol, becoming a book reviewer at the Huron County Library and engaging seniors at Huronview and Huronlea Homes for the Aged, Students interested in volunteering with the County of Huron can contact the department head directly. 

Highschool Co-Op Placements are unpaid positions that offer local high school students, who are currently registered in a cop-op program at their school, an opportunity to work in their desired field and gain real-world experience. Co-op placements may be arranged by contacting the department head directly. 

The County of Huron offers a variety of paid summer employment positions for students aged 15-30, who are returning to school in the fall. These positions are offered in partnership with Young Canada Works and Canada Summer Jobs. Students interested in these positions should visit the funding website for eligibility requirements and apply for available positions through www.huroncounty.ca/jobs. 

Students between the ages of 15 and 29, who are returning to school in the fall, can receive up to $3,000 as well as the mentorship required to start their own business and become entrepreneurs through the Summer Company program. The deadline for applications for 2022 has closed. 

Students who take part in an University Internship Program at the County of Huron will be offered meaningful assignments that include active participation. By working with staff and leadership, Huron County interns apply their classroom learnings to actual municipal projects that provide unique solutions for Huron’s vibrant community. These positions may be paid or unpaid. Internship opportunities are available in every department. Students interested in an internship with the County of Huron can contact the department head directly. 

“It’s through this type of direct engagement with youth that we’re able to learn what the next generation needs and expects from their employer as well as their municipal government,” said Huron County Warden, Glen McNeil. “This is essential if we wish to remain a modern and innovative county!” 

The report on “Youth Experiences and Opportunities”, drafted by high school Co-Op Student Maddy Gilbert can be accessed by clicking here. 

Learn more about employment opportunities with the County of Huron at www.HuronCounty.ca/jobs, 

FIVE MASTERCLASSES OFFERED AT FESTIVAL

Since the beginning of time we’ve been communicating by telling stories.  And even before humans learned to read and write stories were passed through generations to embed family values and to celebrate cultures. Inspired by one of the greatest storytellers of our time, Nobel Laureate for Literature and Wingham native, Alice Munro, a Festival was created with a mandate to nurture emerging writers and celebrate the short story.

The Alice Munro Festival of the Short Story (AMFSS) is now in its 20th year. In 2022 it hosts a three-day literary festival offering workshops and onstage presentations as well as the annual short story competition for emerging writers in both an Adult and Youth Category. And, in order to bring writers and children of all ages together through storytelling, the Alice Munro Festival of the Short Story was expanded to include programming dedicated just to kids – specifically students in Avon Maitland District School Board.  The Kids Festival is a fundamental part of achieving its goal to nurture the next generation of great Canadian authors and is presented in partnership with the Foundation for Enriching Education.

This year’s guest authors include:

• Alexander MacLeod, a Giller Prize finalist, with “Animal Person”, a magnificent collection about the needs, temptations, and tensions that exist just beneath the surface of our lives.
• Nita Prose brings mystery and a heartwarming journey of the spirit, as her new release “The Maid” explores what it means to be the same as everyone else and yet entirely different.
• Martha Schabas has penned a piercing, poignant novel about truth in art and identity in “My Face in the Light”.
• Danielle Daniel imagines the lives of women in the Algonquin territories of the 1600s in a story inspired by her family’s ancestral link to a young girl who was murdered by French settlers, in “Daughters of the Deer”.
• “Looking for Jane” by Heather Marshalls tells the story of three women whose lives are connected by a long-lost letter, secrets, loss, and the fight for women’s right to choose.
• “Buffalo is the new Buffalo” by Chelsea Vowel tells powerful stories of “Metis futurism” that envision a world without violence, capitalism, or colonization; and the
• Alice Munro Festival of the Short Story for Kids will feature virtual school readings and presentations by David A. Robertson, Tara Anderson, Wesley King and Katherine Battersby.

Workshops are always a popular part of this Festival. This year writers can take five masterclasses with our bestselling Canadian guest authors including: “Process, Prompts and Possibilities”, with Danielle Daniel; “Exceptional Faults – Finding the qualities (and flaws) that make your writing unique”, with Martha Schabas; “Character and Plot in Short Fiction – Who are these people and what is happening to them?” with Alexander MacLeod, and “Publication 101”, with Heather Marshall, a number one, bestselling author.

Workshops and the Awards Luncheon are $30 per person, while the author readings are free.  Friday and Sunday events are virtual and Saturday events will all be held at the Maitland River Community Church in Wingham, ON.

The annual festival is generously supported by: County of Huron, Township of North Huron, Dr. Marie Gear, Royal Homes, Capital Power, Leslie Motors, Stainton’s Home Hardware, Crawford, Mills & Davies Law Office, Joe Kerr Ltd., Hurontel, Britespan Building Systems, MicroAge Basics, John Schenk Legal Howick Mutual Insurance Company and Glassier Physiotherapy Clinic.

Full details and ticket links are available on the website at www.alice munro festival.ca.