MICHAEL’S PHARMASAVE RAISES FUNDS FOR HURON HOSPICE

Michael Ibrahim, owner of the three Michael’s Pharmasave pharmacies, and Kelsey Johnston, General manager of Front Store Operations, presented Huron Hospice Board Chair Jay McFarlan (right) with a cheque in the amount of $5,000 on Thursday, Sept. 15. (Submitted photos)

The staff of all of Michael’s Pharmasave’s three stores joined in the fun of raising money for Huron Hospice back in August. Here a few of the Bayfield staff pose in their Pirate themed costumes.
Michael’s Pharmasave in Bayfield held a “Pirates of the Pharma-Sea” Fundraiser in support of the Huron Hospice on Aug. 12 to coincide with Customer Appreciation Day.
The pharmacy was decorated to support the theme and staff dressed up and had a lot of fun while fundraising for a great cause. The purchase for a donation of special loot bags and a Silent Auction were highlights.
All of Michael’s Pharmasave’s three stores joined in the fun of raising money for the cause with the Clinton pharmacy embracing a Wild West theme and Goderich going Tropical!
These three fundraising events combined raised a total of $5,000 for the Huron Hospice. And organizers have deemed the events a great success! Michael Ibrahim, owner of the three pharmacies, and Kelsey Johnston, representing the Bayfield location, presented Huron Hospice Board Chair Jay McFarlan with a cheque on Thursday, Sept. 15.
Michael’s Pharmasave in Bayfield is located at 2 Main Street South.
PHOTOGRAPHER INSPIRED BY GREAT LAKES TO PRESENT TO PUBLIC FRIDAY
As a Canadian artist and photographer Robert Burley’s work is widely acclaimed, published and exhibited and he’ll be speaking in Bayfield!
Burley grew up in a rural community along Lake Ontario and while he now lives with his family in Toronto, he’s drawn to the water. His photographic project based on the Great Lakes is a response to the presence, beauty and history of these large bodies of water.
His presentation on Friday, Sept. 23 upstairs at the Bayfield Arena and Community Centre is open to the public with tickets available in advance on Eventbrite at: Robert Burley Presentation or at the door. The event is at a reduced capacity with masks welcome.
Photos of his work will be shared as Burley discusses his passion for creating a visual representation of the relationship between nature and the city, architecture and the urban landscape.
Burley is the recipient of numerous awards and was named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 2018 and a Senior Mellon Fellow (Canadian Centre for Architecture) in 2010. He is represented by the Stephen Bulger Gallery: www.bulgergallery.com.
All in the community are welcome to take in this opportunity to see and hear from this accomplished Canadian Photographer. This event is part of the Bayfield Fall Foto Fest.
AUTUMN JOY CONCERT TO BENEFIT CHILDREN’S ROOM
For over 15 years the Glee Sisters women’s choir have enthusiastically entertained young and old alike with an eclectic and spirited assortment of music from various genres.
After a two-year hiatus, the Glee Sisters are ready and eager to perform once again. Their “Autumn Joy” Benefit Concert for Huron Hospice Bender House will be held on Sunday, Oct. 2nd at 2 p.m. at St. Andrews United Church in Bayfield. The concert will feature a joyful mix of folk, pop, swing, rock, novelty, classical, and spiritual songs. All proceeds will support the new Children’s Room at Bender House.
“Many choir members have a close connection to our local hospice and we are delighted to have this opportunity to show our support by doing what we love,” said Lisa Stewart, who is preparing the program.
There is no need to purchase tickets; people are invited to simply show up and enjoy the performance. Of course, they are welcome to show their appreciation with a donation to Huron Hospice. Tax receipts can be issued for all donations of $20 and over.
The Benefit Concert will be conducted by Stewart, accompanied by pianist Mary McGoldrick and Laurie Hazzard on guitar, bass and banjo ukulele.
Everyone is welcome to attend the concert, a delightful event not to be missed!
For further information, feel free to contact Helen Varekamp at hvarekamp@tcc.on.ca
SURGERY FUNDS NEEDED FOR EGRET
Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF) has so many wonderful cats and kittens looking for their forever families right now that they have temporarily closed their doors to intakes.
“We receive calls every day but being able to take in more cats is directly linked to the number that can be adopted or fostered,” said Deb Penhale, representing Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF). In very special cases BFF is allowing emergency intakes as is the case of the Adopt a BFF featured feline of the week – Egret.
Egret recently showed up on someone’s deck and after feeding him for a few days they noticed that he seemed to have a bad limp even though he would still come and go.
“This person called us on Friday and after many attempts, he was caught and taken to the vet. It has been determined that his leg is broken and will likely need to be amputated. It seems to be a very clean break but this fellow has likely been in excruciating pain. It appears he was grabbed by an animal as he has puncture marks as well as an upper respiratory infection,” said Penhale.
Penhale added that at BFF they have been able to get him on antibiotics and pain meds over the weekend and he will be going to the vet again this week for an update.
“In other aspects he seems to be very healthy and his organs are in good condition. He appears to be a young cat and seems to be fairly calm,” Penhale said.
BFF is looking for the public to help with providing donations to go toward Egret’s upcoming surgery.
Anyone who might be interested in adopting Egret or helping with his surgery costs is asked to please email bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com for more information.
“We currently have over 60 kittens and have many waiting to come in,” explained Penhale. “We will be doing an adoption event at Pet Valu in Goderich at the end of September and another one in October.”
This month’s adoption event at the Pet Valu in Goderich will be held on Sept. 25 from noon to 4 p.m. The following month an event will be held on Oct. 22-23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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.
WREATH MAKING

Volunteers are sought to create some beautiful wreaths for the upcoming holiday season as a fundraiser for the Bayfield Agricultural Society. (Submitted photo)
The Bayfield Agricultural Society (BAS) is looking for people who like being outdoors and can spare a few hours to help out with activities for the annual wreath-making fundraiser.
The volunteer activities will include:
- cutting down grape vines and/or evergreen boughs
- making the grapevine bases
- assembling the grapevine and evergreen wreaths
If anyone has some cedar, white pine, spruce or juniper trees that can be used for bough cutting, that would also be a great help. The BAS does not trim hedges though!
All of this work will be completed between mid-October and mid-November, with dates and times to be announced. Assembly of the wreaths will take place inside the new BAS shed/barn in the Agricultural Park.
This is a great opportunity to work with a wonderful group of people. Anyone interested in helping out is asked to contact info@bayfieldfair.ca
COUNCILOR’S CORNER
Bill Whetstone, Bayfield Ward Councilor for the Municipality of Bluewater is pleased to announce the return of “Councilor’s Corner”.
“After way too long a break from Councilor’s Corner. I am happy to announce that it’s back!” he said.
Everyone is invited to attend these monthly sessions; the first one is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 27 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Bayfield Community Centre and Arena.
“As always the purpose is to discuss with residents the items council is dealing with and get their feedback,” he said.
This month’s topics will include Bayfield Secondary Plan Update, Fall Municipal Election, Main Street Revitalization Schedule Update and a Recreation Master Plan Update. There will also be an open questions period regarding any other topics of interest.
LIBRARY FRIENDS AGM
The Friends of Bayfield Library (FOBL) Annual General Meeting (AGM) is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 27.
The one hour meeting will start at 7 p.m. and be held via ZOOM. The meeting will cover FOBL’s progress over the past year, including special events and projects undertaken.
The AGM is open to the public and all are welcome. Anyone interested in attending the meeting is kindly asked to email contact@FOBL.ca to receive the ZOOM link.
PAINT THE SUNSET
Mother Nature had other plans on the evening of Sunday, Sept 4 and what was to be the final “Paint the Sunset” of the summer at Pioneer Park was postponed due to rain. Good news is there will be one last chance to capture the sunset on canvas as the event has been rescheduled to coincide with Volkfest weekend on Saturday, Sept. 24.
On that date the sunset time is 7:20 p.m. Artist RobIn Ellis will offer two demonstrations – the first at 6 p.m. followed by a second at 6:45 p.m. All are welcome to take part. The event courtesy of Pioneer Park is free to all with materials and instructions provided.
VOLKFEST
Clan Gregor Square will be the location for the Eighth Annual Bayfield Volkfest on Sunday, Sept. 25.
Visitors to the park can look forward to seeing a wide array of vintage and classic VWs, shopping at an Arts and Crafts Makers Market and indulging in treats from Food Truck vendors all while enjoying live music. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
VW owners are invited to join in the Weekend Campout at Rock Glen Resort in Arkona, ON. On Sunday morning, participants will leave the resort at 9:30 a.m. for a cruise to Bayfield.
For VW owners there is a $20 entry fee to Clan Gregor Square with the first 200 vehicles getting a welcome bag.
For more information please contact Ryan Somers at bayfieldvolkfest@gmail.com.
CHAMBER NEWS
The Bayfield and Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to report that things are progressing well with the plans for Christmas in Bayfield. Excitement is building and details are falling into place!
“Last time we reported, we asked you to stay tuned for an update about how you can help through our bottle drive,” said Secretary-Treasurer of the BACC Terri Louch. “We are excited to announce that the Bayfield Convenience Store now has a collection jar where you can drop your change from any empties you redeem at the store. It could not be easier! Take your empties and drop your money in the jar!”
This campaign will run from now until Nov. 18. Anyone who doesn’t have empties to offer but would still like to contribute can make a donation via collection jars at Nabit, The Purple Peony of Bayfield and DejaVu all on the village’s Main Street or the BACC will gladly accept e-transfers at villageofbayfield@gmail.com (please note CIB in the memo field).
“We thank you so much for your help,” said Louch.
She added that the BACC are still looking for a few volunteers to help support all the exciting new events they have planned.
“This will not take much of your time, but would make a huge difference to the weekend. Volunteers are the lifeforce of community events and this community has some of the very best. Did you know the Chamber Board of Directors are volunteers? Look for a Board introduction coming soon!” said Louch.
Ready to help out? Drop a note to villageofbayfield@gmail.com indicating when available. Students should indicate that they will require a volunteer sheet signed.
“We look forward to working with all of you,” said Louch. “We are also looking forward to having a list of events for the Christmas in Bayfield weekend to share with you soon so stay tuned!”
GUIDED HIKES A NEW ASPECT OF TERRY FOX RUN
PHOTOS BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER

Members of the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association who helped to organize the Terry Fox Run or acted as guides on the hikes were l-r: Jack Pal, with Bailey; Helen Varekamp, Chris and Pam Bowers, Pat and Roger Lewington, and Heather Hamilton.
Members of the community were invited to run, walk or bike and raise funds to keep Terry’s dream alive on the morning of Sept. 18th. Those who wanted to run, bike or rollerblade, were welcome to choose their own route and time. New this year three hikes guided by members of the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) were organized and participants were able to choose between 1 km, 3 km and 5 km routes with the groups departing from Clan Gregor Square at 10 a.m.
Although a few pledges are still to come in, Bayfield raised $4,895 for the cause this year bringing the tally to nearly $55,000 since the village Terry Fox Run, organized by the BRVTA, began in 2009.
At 18 years-old Terry Fox was diagnosed with cancer and lost his leg. Two years later Terry started training to run across Canada. In 1980 he started his Marathon of Hope, raising funds and hoping for a cure for all cancers. Terry ran over 5,000 km – covering six provinces – to raise funds and share his message. Unfortunately, Terry’s health deteriorated, forcing him to abandon the Marathon. People all across Canada have since run every year in memory of Terry; over 850 million dollars have been raised for cancer research.
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Hike participants left Clan Gregor Square at 10 a.m. on Sunday - rain was in forecast but hopefully most of these participants managed to stay reasonably dry.
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Taking care of registrations were l-r: Helen Varekamp, Donna Martin and Heather Hamilton. Also volunteering but missing from the picture was Bronwyn Bechard.
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Every year the Terry Fox Run makes available a new t-shirt to mark the occasion.
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People and their pups were eager to participate in the 13th annual Bayfield Terry Fox Run.
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Ava McCann, of Varna, was once again was a tremendous supporter of the Terry Fox Run raising over $1,100 for the cause. She checked in at the gazebo in Clan Gregor Square on the morning of Sept. 18. (Photo by Helen Varekamp)
INTEGRATION STARTING TO YIELD RESULTS
Since announcing their intention to integrate a few months ago, Choices For Change and Resilience Huron Perth Mental Health Services are beginning to clearly identify benefits of becoming a single agency. Now, the combined organization is taking the next step to rebrand itself as a branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).
In June, Choices For Change and Resilience Huron Perth announced their intent to become one organization. The integration brings together Huron and Perth’s addictions’ agency, Choices For Change; and mental health agency, Resilience Huron Perth).
As that integration unfolds it’s evident that the combination of these two agencies and their dedicated and committed staff will lead to enhanced care in Huron and Perth Counties. These enhancements include:
- A centralized and consistent intake process will mean easier access for clients seeking service and community partners looking to refer individuals.
- Clients will only have one agency to tell their story to and one intake process; their experience with service will improve.
- Clients will have more programs available to them and be able to move between programs seamlessly.
- Staff at both agencies are gaining a better understanding of all programming and identifying opportunities to grow and create more effective services. As one example, the court support programs are already working more collaboratively and looking for ways to support the clients of both agencies.
- There are opportunities to cross-train the workforce which will help to retain staff, cover vacancies and maintain or increase service capacity.
“On behalf of the leadership at Resilience Huron Perth and here at Choices For Change, I would like to thank staff at both agencies for their patience and understanding during the integration process,” said Executive Director, Choices For Change, Catherine Hardman. “The important thing is that we all have a shared goal in mind and that’s to provide the best mental health and addiction services for residents of Huron and Perth Counties.”
Becoming the 26th branch of the CMHA in Ontario, meanwhile, provides additional benefits for the integrated agency.
“CMHA has a 70-year history in Ontario and is a key player in the community mental health and addictions sector,” said Claudia den Boer, the supervisor appointed by Ontario Health to lead Resilience Huron Perth during this transition period. “CMHAs across the province provide a supportive network where guidance and the sharing of information and best practices is always readily available.”
“CMHA Ontario is also a powerful government relations advocacy organization that promotes positive system change for the community sector,” Hardman added. “The impact of their advocacy, which relies heavily on the successes of the branch network, can only serve well our organization, clients and the communities we support.”
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 percentage of people vaccinated please visit: www.hpph.ca
OWL PROWLS
The popular Owl Prowl is returning in 2022 with two dates and locations.
These Owl Prowls will take place at Rock Glen Conservation Area (RGCA), Arkona, on Saturday, Oct. 22 and at Morrison Dam Conservation Area (MDCA), east of Exeter, on Saturday, Nov. 5. There will be two time slots for the Owl Prowls – 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on both dates.
Nina Sampson is a Conservation Educator with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA). She said the two Oct. 22 sessions are the first times this conservation authority is hosting an Owl Prowl at Rock Glen.
“We are excited to bring back the Owl Prowl in 2022 and we are also excited to host our first Owl Prowls at Rock Glen Conservation Area,” she said. “It’s wonderful to host this event at different times and at different locations in our watershed area.”
The Owl Prowls are held to raise awareness of nocturnal creatures in the watershed and to raise funds for conservation education programs provided by ABCA.
“These events are a great chance to get out and get active in nature, listen for owls, learn about animals that are active at night, and to support needed conservation education programs.”
The maximum number of people at each time slot is 50. Half of each group starts inside to learn about adaptations owls make. The other half of the group begins with a short trail walk to listen to, and call for, owls. Afterwards, each half switches so the inside group goes outside and the outside group goes inside. Space is limited for the events and tickets must be reserved in advance, according to organizers.
Rock Glen Conservation Area is located on the outskirts of Arkona at 8680 Rock Glen Road. Morrison Dam Conservation Area is located at 71108 Morrison Line, just two km east of Exeter, just south of Highway 83.
To learn more about the events go to: Owl Prowl. Register here for the Rock Glen Owl Prowl or the Morrison Dam Owl Prowl .
When registering for the event, registrants have the option to add a donation to Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation. The Conservation Foundation provides charitable gift receipts, for income tax purposes, for donations of $20 or more.
Owls are incredible creatures of the night. Over the years, hundreds of people have learned about owls and their amazing nocturnal adaptations at the annual Owl Prowl.
UNITED WAY
The application period for United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH)’s annual Youth in Action Grants initiative is now open for 14–25 year olds who have ideas to address pressing issues among youth in Perth and/or Huron County.
“UWPH is happy to be able to offer Youth Grants again this year,” said UWPH Director of Governance and Community Impact Megan Partridge. “It’s inspiring to see the projects local youth create to support their peers. We look forward to seeing the creative ways young people address important local issues among their peers.”
To be eligible for a grant, the project must be planned and implemented by youth aged 14–25, clearly engage their peers in Perth and/or Huron Counties and have an adult trustee over the age of 25. Grants up to $1,000 are available. Details regarding criteria and timelines are available at perthhuron.unitedway.ca.
Previous Youth in Action Grant recipients have addressed a wide range of issues and challenges including mental health awareness, promotion of equity and inclusion, creation of outdoor learning spaces, increased social connection, mentoring, access to art materials to explore creativity and wellness and connection.
LIVERY FILM FEST
Film buffs will be delighted to learn that the Livery Film Fest is returning to the Park Theatre in Goderich.
There will be screenings of Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) movies shown monthly, at the theatre located on The Square.
Rob McAuley is the Chair of the Livery Film Fest committee. He said, “We have a great line up planned for the fall.”
The Livery Film Fest will feature “Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song” playing on Oct. 20th, and “Official Competition” on Nov. 10.
The Leonard Cohen film features interviews with a number of artists, including, Bob Dylan, Rufus Wainwright and Judy Collins. Official Competition is a Spanish farce about a rich benefactor who wished to produce a film that he hopes will win the Palme d’Or at the Cannes film festival. It stars Penelope Cruz and Antonio Banderas.
All showtimes are 7 p.m. and tickets are available at the Park Theatre box office at 6:30 p.m. on the night of the show. They cost $12. Livery Theatre members pay $8.
McAuley noted, “The Park Theatre was closed all through the COVID pandemic, but finally opened in May. TIFF also shuttered their Film Circuit program, which promoted festival films, and arranged for them to be played in other venues across Canada. Now, with the Park going strong, they are letting us show these films every month, and TIFF is offering some great titles!”
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
Clinton Horticultural Society, proudly presents a Bluewater Recycling Information Night featuring guest speaker, Special Projects Coordinator Wendy Yamamoto-Chapman on Wednesday, Sept. 21.
The presentation will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be held in the Libro Hall, upper level, 239 Fleming Drive, Clinton, ON.
Everyone is most welcome. Those who attend are encouraged to have questions ready.
GREEN GODERICH
Fridays for Future International, which was founded after Greta Thunberg began a school strike for the climate in 2018, has declared a Global Climate Strike on Friday, Sept. 23.
A local environmental group, Green Goderich, will be hosting a lunch hour gathering in Goderich at the Courthouse Square in the South Plaza (near the fountain) from noon until 1 p.m.
The purpose is to create awareness that Huron County, and all of Canada, is being impacted by the climate crisis. Changing weather patterns and extreme weather events are forcing all people to adapt. Climate change affects everyone. There will be some music, short speeches, and visible support for the growing movement of school strikes worldwide.
Alex Robinson, the Chair of Green Goderich, said “We are a volunteer environmental group of concerned citizens. Our planet is literally burning. The young organizers of the Global Climate Strikes are inviting all adults, organizations, and businesses to support their desire for a safe and liveable planet. It has been almost three years since over 200 people in Goderich joined millions worldwide in the 2019 Global Climate Strike. Hopefully we can surpass that number this year!”
Striking has historically been one of the most impactful methods for achieving considerable gains in matters of equality and social justice. The time has come to channel that social power towards facing humanity’s most important collective challenge ever: Climate change.
Everybody, young, old, and in between are welcome to attend. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch and a climate sign. The event location is accessible to all.
More information on the event can be found by visiting the Green Goderich website here: Climate Strikes.
Huron County Museum
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 6,700 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.
- This week, as many continue to mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth II after her remarkable 70 year reign, we take a closer look at a museum artifact that represents her heritage, a medal bearing the likeness of her grandfather, King George V.
KING GEORGE V MEDAL
This is a British War Medal 1914-18. It is a round, silver military medal, embossed on the front is a man riding a horse and on the back is the bust of King George V. The ribbon bar is attached. It was awarded to Gordon Moore for his service (1915-1916) in the First World War. A bit of Gordon’s family history has been included with the artifact.
Gordon’s mother, Mary Elizabeth McCrea was born on May 1, 1860. Her parents were John McCrea and Jane Pierce whose home was near Belgrave, ON (most likely, Lot 1, Concession 5 Morris Township). On Feb. 12, 1884, Mary married Archibald L. Moore in the Algoma District of Northern Ontario. In 1916, Archibald was noted to be an employee of Dome Mines at South Porcupine, ON. He and Mary lived in that community at the time.
Mary and Archibald had three children, John born around 1893, Gordon born around 1895, and Laura, date of birth unknown.
At the outbreak of WWI, John was employed by the F.T. James Company in Toronto and lived with his aunt, Mrs. D.D. Murdock at 93 Isabella Street, Toronto. Gordon was a telegraph operator with the Temiskaming and Northern Ontario Railway at South Porcupine. In 1916 Laura was recorded as a nurse at Wellesley Hospital, Toronto. She married Charles E. Thompson and moved to Vancouver B.C.
Sometime around 1915, John enlisted with the 84th Infantry Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force (#163992 and went overseas where he was transferred to the 75th Battalion. About the same time, Gordon enlisted with the 87th Battalion (#178038) for active service. On Sept. 21, 1916 Gordon was killed in action in France, soon to be followed by his brother, John, on Nov. 18 (probably in the Battle of the Somme).
During the war, Mary lived for a time with her sister-in-law Mrs. Murdock in Toronto, and also spent time at the Homewood Sanitarium in Guelph, ON. Mary died in Alexandra Marine and General Hospital, Goderich on Oct. 10, 1946 and is buried in Ball’s Cemetery, Hullett Twp. A few years before her death, she had come to Auburn to live with her cousin, Miss Susanna Blair.
BAYFIELD CENTRE FOR THE ARTS
COMMUNITY ART IS A CONVERSATION
PHOTOS AND STORY BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER
In the late afternoon of Sept. 13, about 40 people gathered along the side of the Bayfield Arena and Community Centre on Jane Street to celebrate the completion of the Bayfield Mural Project.
In his opening remarks, Executive Director of the Bayfield Centre for the Arts (BCA) John Rishworth said, “Today’s celebration is reflective of why public art helps a community to cultivate a strong cultural identity. It brings people together and makes art accessible to everyone. Public art activates our imagination through its visual presence and ability to tell a story. And boy, does this tell a beautiful story!
“Today we all get a chance to take a moment and reflect on this wonderful mural. The Bayfield Centre for the Arts had a vision for bringing a mural to Bayfield, so when we heard that the County was applying for a federal grant, we jumped on the idea of curating the project in our community.”
Members of the BCA first made a presentation to the Municipality of Bluewater Council on June 20 where approval was given with the caveat that council was allowed final approval on the mural’s design. Their approval was granted at the council meeting held on Aug. 8.
Huron County Economic Development agreed to provide a maximum of between $15,000 – $20,000 in funding to BCA for this public art project and as a result there was no financial impact to the Municipality of Bluewater.
A Community Mural Committee was organized to ensure the mural fairly represented the village. The committee members were: Diane Snell, Pegi McCrae, Mike De Corte, Bob Skivington, Sandra May and Crawford Service.
The artist selected to create the design and complete the project was Meaghan Claire Kehoe, a mural artist and painter based in Oshawa,ON. She began working on the mural, with her medium of choice – spray paint – the week of Aug. 22.
Bayfield’s Mural is the first to be completed among the six planned for Huron County and dignitaries and county representatives were invited to share their insights and thoughts on the initiative at the launch. The speakers were Mayor of Bluewater Paul Klopp, Warden of Huron County Glen McNeil, and Vicki Lass, the director of Huron County Economic Development.
Leslee Squirrell, president of the BCA, was asked to introduce the mural artist and encouraged her to share the story behind her creative process.
Kehoe noted that she was first contacted by Huron County’s Economic Development Officer Rick Sickinger who forwarded her on to Squirrell whom she organized a site visit with.
“Leslie was obviously the huge hype woman here that filled me in on everything Bayfield,” Kehoe told those gathered. “I really wanted to capture the spirit here. I knew it had to have sunset colors. The color palette would have to reflect that Bayfield beach evening that everyone shows up for and I thought basically how better than three versions of clouds going on so that the blue sky clouds are in the back and the sunset clouds almost moving into night time storm clouds are at the bottom.”
The orange sunset sky is central to the mural that “wouldn’t have been complete without some marina life with sailboats in the background over the water.”
Kehoe noted she added aspects to the mural that were tributes to local flora and fauna with the Blue Heron in the foreground, a bird that Kehoe noted, “is naturally sighted here often” and the indigenous Sweet Pea flowers. “Someone told me I nailed it on those,” she said.
An important attribute of the mural is that it also acts as a wayfinding tool directing people to the shopping district.
“Obviously your Instagram social media moment is there with the Bayfield directional sign, loud and proud, with a quick reminder to go shopping just over there,” Kehoe said.
The artist explained that although she loves doing private art projects she is very passionate about creating public art.
“I love doing community public art because I get to speak to so many people, not just like, verbally speaking, but with my work. Public art is a conversation and it’s a back and forth and it comes together with so many people’s voices involved,” Kehoe said.
The artists expressed her thanks to the County of Huron, to Squirrel, to the mural committee and the council for bringing the project to fruition.
She shared that she was honestly overwhelmed by the community support for the process as people not only stopped to chat and share a friendly word but they brought her muffins and beverages as well.
“I got to be a local for a second here and got to meet a lot of people who make this community so awesome and for that I thank you.”
“Working with the Economic Development team, and the representatives from the other five communities commissioning murals has been a great experience,” said Squirrell, in a county media release. “We hope that with Bayfield’s mural now complete, it will help to generate more interest and excitement for the other communities participating in the Mural Project as well as for the upcoming Public Art Trail!”
The goal of this creative project is to enhance the cultural vibrancy of Huron’s communities and support ongoing tourism recovery in Huron County through public art. Additional murals are planned to be installed in Clinton, Exeter, Goderich, Seaforth and Wingham.
The finished murals will become part of a public art trail across Huron County and are expected to remain in place for approximately 10-15 years.
Anyone taking pictures with the mural for Social Media are invited to #bayfieldmural.

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Executive Director of the Bayfield Centre for the Arts (BCA) John Rishworth welcomed the approximately 40 people who attended the Bayfield Mural Launch held late in the afternoon of Tuesday, Sept. 13.
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Mural artist Meaghan Claire Kehoe, her husband Alex and dog Molly posed in front of the completed work on Sept. 13. (Photo by Jack Pal)
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It is hoped that this vibrant mural will be a feature in the community for the next 10-15 years.
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Anyone taking pictures with the mural for Social Media are invited to #bayfieldmural. (Photo by Jack Pal)
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The sun streamed down on Bayfield's mural while artist Meaghan Claire Kehoe and her husband, Alex listened to the speakers at the presentation.
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Mural Artist, Meaghan Claire Kehoe, of Oshawa, shared the story behind her creative process at the gathering.
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Leslee Squirrel, president of the Bayfield Centre for the Arts, was given the honor of introducing the mural artist at the gathering.
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Mayor of Bluewater Paul Klopp expressed his appreciation for the mural at the launch.
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Warden of Huron County Glen McNeil was on hand to congratulate the community on the completion of the project.
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More of Meaghan Claire Kehoe's work can be found at www.meaghanclairekehoe.com.
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Members of the community and the Bayfield Centre for the Arts, as well as county staff, dignitaries and the media gathered alongside the Bayfield Arena and Community Centre on Jane Street for an official launch of the Bayfield Mural on Sept. 13.
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Vicki Lass, the director of Huron County Economic Development, shared the county's perspective on the project with those gathered.
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SUBMISSIONS

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Melody Falconer-Pounder
An integral member of our community – and one of my favorite people – is celebrating a milestone birthday on Sunday, Oct. 2nd and his family would like to invite everyone to come and bring him well wishes at a party to be held in his honor.
Yes, that’s right, folks, Mike Dixon will be entering his eighth decade. For many of those years he has been a tireless volunteer ensuring that Bayfield is a wonderful and welcoming community for all and especially for the kids!
The Open House style party will be held at The Albion Hotel, on Main Street from 1-4 p.m. Weather permitting the gathering will be held on the back patio. Light snacks will be served.
Hope to see you there! – Melody
Ideas and contributions to the Bayfield Breeze are always welcome.
Deadlines for submissions are Sundays at 4 p.m.