STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY CONNECTION FOCUS OF FUNDRAISER
A Bayfield based outdoor school is holding a fundraiser to help create and strengthen community connection.
“Seeds Rooted in Youth” presents “Growing Connections”, a fundraiser to be held on Sept. 30 at Bad Apple Brewery. The evening will be chock full of activity and local fare, from a vendor market featuring local artisans to live music, special guest speakers, food trucks, and a showing of the dazzling film “Fantastic Fungi”.
Janneke Vortesveld, founder of Seeds Rooted in Youth, and one of the speakers for the evening, is excited to see the community come together at this special event.
“Connection is something that we see as an important part of our educational practices and business model”, she explained. “Through our connections to those around us we have a greater sense of belonging and an overall better mental and physical health. We are hardwired for Connection.”
Voresteveld will be speaking about what Seeds Rooted in Youth does, as well as the importance of connection to land, community, and self.
Tickets are $20 and are available at: Growing Connections. The event kicks off with the market beginning at 4 p.m., with the film showing at 8:30 p.m.. A detailed schedule and list of participants can be found at Programs.
Bad Apple Brewery is located at 73463 Bluewater Hwy, Zurich, ON.
CASTLE descendants SECURE PAINTING AT AUCTION

Doug Darnbrough’s work entitled, “Lighting the Lantern on the Bayfield wharf” featuring lamplighter Tom Castle, was auctioned online to raise funds in August for the Bayfield Historical Society. The successful bidder was Robert Castle (left), of Toronto, who purchased the painting as a gift for his sister Mary Jean Castle (right). (Photo courtesy Bayfield Historical Society)
The Bayfield Historical Society (BHS) held an online art auction in August to raise funds for their ongoing digitization project.
Robert Castle, of Toronto, was the successful bidder on the beautiful painting of Tom Castle created by artist Doug Darnbrough. The painting was a surprise gift from Robert to his sister Mary Jean.
Tom was Robert and Mary Jean’s great uncle. The siblings recently made the trip together from Toronto to Bayfield; the first home in Canada of their ancestors, George and Mary Elizabeth Castle from Weedon Bec, Northamptonshire, UK circa 1850.
George and Jane Castle came to Bayfield with three sons and one daughter-in-law, all in their 20’s. Three generations of the Castle family made their home in Bayfield; were fishermen; and are buried in Bayfield Cemetery.
During their visit, BHS volunteers were very pleased to be able to show them original historical artifacts stored at the archives from their ancestors.
FINAL TWO HIKES OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED
The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) reminds hikers that the Woodland Trail will be closed for the month of October for turkey hunting season. Please abide by the posted signs.
There will be two guided fall hikes in the coming weeks: Climate Change on the Great Lakes and National Take a Hike Day.
On Saturday, Oct. 22 at 11 a.m., environmental educator Michele Martin will lead a walk through the village and down to the waterfront, pointing out how climate change is affecting the area and what people can do to help. Those interested are asked to meet at the Clan Gregor Square Gazebo for a walk lasting about 90 minutes.
The final guided hike of 2022 will be on Mavis’ Trail and the Taylor Trail on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. National Take a Hike Day celebrates the nearly 300,000 km of trails in Canada, 80,000 of which are in Ontario.
This little hike of 3.5 km will start at the Varna Complex parking lot and take participants through evergreen and deciduous forests, over small streams, and down to the Bayfield River. A map can be found at Mavis-Taylor Trail.
For questions or more information contact Ralph Blasting via email at rjblastingjr@gmail.com or call 519 525-3205.
SOUNDBATH EXPERIENCE HAPPENING TOMORROW
Ever wonder about the relaxing properties of a soundbath? Harp Therapist Martha Lawrance will be using guided imagery along with the sounds of the harp to introduce the process tomorrow afternoon (Sept. 29) at the Bayfield Community Centre.
This will be a free, hour-long, introductory session and everyone is welcome!” said Lawrance. “We are hoping to offer this session regularly and wish participants to experience it.”
The session will begin at 3:30 p.m. and those who attend are asked to bring their own mat. Me!
The session will offer a deep relaxation soundbath that combines the vibrational and resonating power of the harp with Guided Imagery (GIM) techniques and voice. Creative visualization and deep relaxation aims at enhancing our ability to reconnect with ourselves. It can be adapted to suit various therapeutic intervention needs such as stress management, PTSD treatment, sleeplessness, meditation or yoga and mindfulness practice.
Once deeply relaxed the listener is transported through a series of visualizations, guided with harp and voice prompts. Participants create their own journey and finish with peaceful images and feelings to keep with them to return to when needed.
Any questions? Please email Martha Lawrance at harpheals@gmail.com.
AUTUMN JOY CONCERT THIS SUNDAY
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
EGRET HAS SUCCESSFUL SURGERY
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 was the case of last week’s (Issue 689) Adopt a BFF featured feline of the week – Egret.
BFF put out word that they were looking for the public to help with providing donations to go toward Egret’s upcoming surgery. Penhale and her fellow volunteers were overwhelmed by the outpouring of generosity.
“We would like to give a shout out and great big thank you to all of those who donated towards Egret’s surgery,” Penhale said. “He had his leg amputated on Friday and seems to be doing very well. He is adjusting quickly. He would not have been able to use this leg in its condition so it likely makes mobility a bit easier. Nothing seems to slow down his appetite which is also a good sign of recovery.”
This week’s featured Adopt a BFF is Moreno.
Moreno was a young stray who was found alone, hungry and scared. It took awhile to win his trust (food is always a great seducer for little kitties). He has become a long, lean, love machine who is ready for his people and a home. He loves attention and gentle affection from humans is pure bliss!
Volunteers note that Moreno can be timid when first approached but a few treats go a long way and once the petting starts the purring kicks in.
He has some friends at the Rescue but seems to be content with alone time. He is likely close to a year old now and is a quiet boy and ready to move in with a family to call his own.
Anyone who might be interested in adopting Moreno 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 in October.”
The adoption event at the Pet Valu in Goderich 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.
SKATING CLUB
The Bayfield Skating Club is offering skating programs this 2022-2023 season at the Bayfield Arena and Community Centre!
Their programs suit a range of skating levels. Skaters will have fun staying active this winter through a variety of programs: learning the basics in Learn to Skate, building skills for all ice sports in CanSkate, an introduction to figure skating in Intro to STAR, and fast-paced Power Skills and Drills.
Tuesday classes are: Learn to Skate, 5-5:30 p.m.; CanSkate, 5:40-6:30 p.m.; and Intro to STAR, 6:30-7:20 p.m. Power Skills and Drills are offered on Thursdays at 5:30-6:20 p.m. and 6:30-7:20 p.m.
Their season begins Oct. 25. Learn to Skate is currently full, but registration is open for all other programs! For further details or to register online, visit: Bayfield Skating Club Registration.
Email bayfieldskatingclub@gmail.com with any questions. Instructors can’t wait to see their skaters on the ice!
COFFEE & CHAT
The Friends of Bayfield Library (FOBL) extend a warm welcome to all for a new “Coffee & Chat” program starting up on Oct. 11 in the Bayfield Public Library Meeting Room.
Participants can enjoy a hot cup of coffee while engaging in conversation with other community members. The conversation is neutral and inclusive with an endless list of interesting topics for discussion.
The “Coffee & Chat” group will meet every Tuesday, from 2-3:30 p.m., until the end of March.
This is a great way for newcomers to meet new people, learn about the village, and share ideas. Seasoned villagers are also very welcome. There is no need to register for this program. Just show up and be prepared for some lively discussion!
WREATH MAKING

This archival photo shows many Bayfield Agricultural Society volunteers hard at work during a wreath-making event. Volunteers are now being sought to help make a supply of wreaths for the upcoming holiday season. (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
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!”
BAYFIELD CALENDAR
The Bayfield Lions’ Club is proud to announce the launch of its 2023 Bayfield Calendar. This is the thirteenth edition of the Calendar (eleventh as a joint project of the Lions and the Photography Club of Bayfield).
These beautiful Calendars would make an ideal Christmas gift or souvenir and can be purchased for $20 from any Lion member. The Calendars are also available for purchase at Bayfield Convenience, Bayfield Foodland, or The Village Bookshop or by going directly to the Bayfield Lions’ website: Bayfield Lions’ Calendar and following the instructions there.
FOOD BANK
Volunteers report that at this time of year Bayfield Area Food Bank shelves can use restocking of soup, rice, tuna, and beans.
Collection boxes for donations can be found at the Bayfield Public Library on Main Street as well as Trinity St. James Anglican Church (outside the entrance to the Parish Hall off the parking lot).
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.
CHRISTMAS PARADE
The Bayfield and Area Chamber of Commerce is happy to announce that the Christmas Parade will once again be part of the Christmas in Bayfield Weekend activities. The parade will be held on Saturday, Nov. 19 with a start time of 11 a.m.
Of course a parade needs participants and those are being sought now. Anyone who would like to take part in the parade is asked to email Bayfield.Ontario.Chamber@gmail.com indicating their intention to participate, the length of their entry and the contact person’s name and email.
Participants will be sent notification of their position in the parade as well as further details two days prior to the event. Participants are asked to line up at 10 a.m. in anticipation of the start of the parade one hour later.
UNITED CHURCH
The Tuesday Morning Quilters are happy to be able to gather again for quilting/coffee time on Tuesday mornings at St. Andrew’s United Church. All are welcome to join in quilting at 9 a.m. or just drop in for coffee at 10 a.m.
St. Andrew’s United Church is located at 6 The Square in Bayfield.
WEDNESDAY BRIDGE
The Bayfield Bridge Club is inviting new people to come out for a few friendly games of Bridge on Wednesday afternoons at the Bayfield Lions’ Community Building.
The cards are shuffled at 1 p.m. Players do not need a partner to participate in these “drop-in” sessions. The cost to join in the fun is $4.
All levels of players are welcome to take part in the games that are played year-round at the building located at 6 Municipal Road in the village.
BAYFIELD ACTIVITIES
Now that the community is slowly moving toward group activities the creators of Bayfield Activities Calendar 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 Mahjong, are happening and when.
RATEPAYERS’ ASSOCIATION ORGANIZES DEPUTY MAYOR CANDIDATES MEETING
All across the province, voters will be going to the polling stations to elect Municipal Officials for the next four-year term on Oct. 24.
In the Municipality of Bluewater, there are positions for one Mayor, one Deputy Mayor and seven Ward Councillors. Two-thirds of these candidates have been acclaimed to their positions this election.
“In Bayfield, Bill Whetstone has already been acclaimed as our Ward Councilor and Paul Klopp has been acclaimed as Mayor of Bluewater. This leaves only the Deputy Mayor and French School Board Trustee positions open for Bayfield Ward constituents to decide,” said Brian King, a director with the Bayfield Ratepayers’ Association (BRA).
Along with Klopp and Whetstone, Scott Harris, Hensall; Peter Walden Stanley East; Joseph K. Groot, Hay East; and Tyler Hessel, Hay West have all been acclaimed to their seats around the council table until the next election in 2026.
“This may seem like a ‘who cares at this point’ moment but be aware that every vote counts at Bluewater Council and Huron County Council so it is important that we elect a Deputy Mayor who is favorable to Bayfield issues and concerns and will help us all to achieve our goals for Bayfield. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor represent you on Huron County Council,” said King.
Two candidates are contesting the Deputy Mayor position: John Becker and Alwyn Vanden Berg. Both currently on council Becker representing Hay East and Vanden Berg, Hay West.
The BRA are inviting voters to attend a Deputy Mayor Candidates Meeting on Saturday, Oct. 8, starting at 10 a.m. in the Bayfield Community Centre, to hear from these two candidates for Deputy Mayor of Bluewater.
“Find out who will support Bayfield at Bluewater and Huron Councils. There is significant importance of voting for the position of Deputy Mayor. There are nine members on Bluewater Council, including seven Ward Councillors. Since our Ward Councillor has only one of these votes, the Deputy Mayor could cast the deciding vote on any issue affecting Bayfield,” explained King. “In addition, the Deputy Mayor will be one of two Bluewater representatives on Huron County Council.
“More of your taxes go to the County levy than to Bluewater and Huron County Council has the final word on many important issues affecting the Municipality including Planning and Zoning direction and setting the County budget. The quality of Deputy Mayor is critical to everyone’s interest.”
There are two other races in the municipality. In Zurich, incumbent Shawn LaPorte is being opposed by Winona Bailey and in the Stanley West Ward, Councilor George Irvin is being challenged by newcomer Greg Lamport.
Positions on the Huron Perth Catholic District School Board and Avon Maitland District School Board were filled by acclamation. Races are being run for the French Public and French Separate School Board Trustee positions.
David O’Hara and Joseph Vandermeer are competing for the French Public spot while Sylvie Barbeau-Chmielewski and Meghan Reale are opposing each other for the French Separate position.
Canadian citizens who are 18 years of age and are residents, owners or tenants of property, including campgrounds, can vote in Ontario’s upcoming municipal and school board elections.
The Municipality of Bluewater Election will be conducted using internet and telephone voting. Voter Information Letters will be mailed out after Sept. 30 and will contain a PIN number, a telephone access number and an internet address for voting.
The voting period will open on Oct. 11 at 9 a.m. and will close on Oct. 24 at 8 p.m.
Visit the municipal website at www.municipalityofbluewater.ca for more information. Anyone with questions regarding the municipal election, should contact the municipal office at 519 236-4351.
“Of all the elections held in Canada the Municipal Election is the one that affects us all most personally, at the local level. Remember, it’s about your local issues, your local taxes and your future,” concluded King.
BIVALENT VACCINE OFFERED TO ALL OVER 18
The bivalent vaccine targets both the original COVID-19 virus and the Omicron BA.1 subvariant, and also generates a good immune response against the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants.
“As we head into fall and winter, there will be a rise in respiratory illnesses,” said Medical Officer of Health for Huron Perth, Dr. Miriam Klassen. “By staying up-to-date with vaccinations, you maintain your protection against vaccine-preventable diseases and reduce the chances of severe illness. Vaccination allows us to safely participate in activities and spend time with the people we love.”
Individuals who are eligible to receive a bivalent booster can do so at a recommended interval of six months (168 days) from their previous dose, or a minimum interval of three months (84 days), regardless of how many booster doses they have already received.
Vulnerable individuals such as those aged 70 and over, and moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals aged 12 and over are strongly recommended to receive their bivalent booster at three months (84 days) since previous dose, upon discussion with their health care provider, to protect themselves this fall as people spend more time indoors. Those interested in booking a booster appointment at three months since their previous dose must call either the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre (PVCC) or the HPPH booking line. Details are below.
Also, as of Sept. 26, the new paediatric Pfizer vaccine will be another vaccine available for children ages six months to under five years old. This vaccine was approved by Health Canada on Sept. 9. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for infants and children aged six months to under five years, including those who are immunocompromised, is a three-dose primary series, with a recommended dosing interval of eight weeks between doses. Mixing products for an infant or child’s primary series doses is not recommended. Infants and young children should receive the same product for all their primary series doses, whether it is Pfizer or Moderna.
Book your appointment for an HPPH clinic:
- Online at Book Vaccine
- By calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre (PVCC) at 1-833-943-3900, or
- By calling the HPPH booking line at 1-833-753-2098 (open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
Individuals who would like to receive their bivalent booster between three months and the recommended six-month interval, or who otherwise have difficulty booking their appointment online, should call the PVCC or the HPPH booking line to make an appointment.
HPPH has opened up clinics to Oct. 29. Dates and locations, as well as walk-in opportunities, are available at Get Vaccinated.
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
SOUTH HURON CHOIRS
The South Huron Community Choirs are preparing for a new season of song and music.
Musical Director, Dr. Richard Heinzle and Lori Danylchuh, accompanist, are extending an invitation for people to join them as rehearsals will be held on Tuesday nights starting on Oct. 11 until Dec. 6 – with a winter break until March 2023.
The Handbells Choir meets from 6-7 p.m. followed by the Adult Choir from 7-9 p.m. at Exeter United Church, 42 James Street.
For more information visit www.southhuronchoirs.com; email southhuronchoirs@gmail.com or call Jean at 519 235-0629 or Carol at 519 235-0759.
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.
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, we get into the spirit of Oktoberfest season with a look at some beer-themed artifacts in the Museum’s collection…
BEER MUG
This is a machine-molded, yellowed clear glass drinking mug with a handle. The capacity is approximately 12 oz. A printed-paint decorative label on the outside faces the person holding the mug in their right hand. The label bears the words “GODERICH RACEWAY.” Between the words, a color sketch shows a brown horse in harness racing gear pulling a sulky; the driver is wearing red.
BEER KEG
This is a wooden beer keg with the initials “C & N Huether, Berlin, Ontario” on the top. The keg is painted green and black.
Berlin, Ontario was a bustling industrial city in Waterloo County that celebrated its German heritage. However, anxiety grew in non-German residents with the advent of the First World War. By June of 1916 the city created a shortlist of new city names including: Adanac, Brock, Benton, Corona, Keowana and Kitchener. The vote passed in September of 1916 that Berlin, Ontario would be renamed Kitchener, Ontario.
Kitchener, Ontario has been celebrating Oktoberfest since 1967.
PHOTOS AND STORY BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER
Eight years after the first Volkswagen Microbus and Beetle drove onto the lawn in Clan Gregor Square for the inaugural Bayfield Volkfest the event continues to grow in popularity both with vehicle owners and visitors.
Clan Gregor Square was a feast for the senses on Sunday, Sept. 25 with the smells from the food trucks doing a bustling business, the sounds of a large contingent from the Bayfield Ukulele Society (BUS) singing and strumming, and the sights of the colorful vans as well as many people dressed in tie dye reminiscent of the era in which the vehicles once reigned.
The Volkswagen Microbus celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2020. Throughout those decades has it ever really fallen out of favor? Not according to the owners of the 200 or so vehicles that were on display and definitely not to the large crowd of nostalgia seekers that walked through the show, ate the food, shopped at the vendor booths and delighted in the performance by the BUS members. May peace and love never go out of style!
↑For a closer look at these images click on any one to open a pop up gallery.
SUBMISSIONS

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Melody Falconer-Pounder
On our weekly virtual call with our grandchildren on Sunday evening my granddaughter politely asked if I’d like to buy a box of Girl Guide Cookies? She lifted the carton of cookies up toward the screen as a visual selling tool. Now she of course knows that there are 140 cartons of said cookies stacked in a corner of my house waiting to be sold – but that is besides the point – selling Girl Guide Cookies isn’t just about the sale. It is about building confidence and practising good manners, it’s about being responsible, it’s about building numeracy skills and it’s even about rising above disappointment when someone declines to purchase.
I, however, didn’t disappoint our young Brownie. I told her to reserve two boxes for me because I will never underestimate the power of a cookie.
Cookie sales empower our youth members and provide them with the funds to do special activities.
Chocolatey Mint Girl Guide cookies are available now from members of Bayfield Guiding for $5 a box. These cookies have not been available to the public since autumn 2020 and there is a limited supply so they are sure to sell quickly. I would be happy to reserve a box or two for anyone not familiar with a youth member. Please call 519 525-3830 or email melody.pounder@gmail.com – Brown Owl Melody
P.S. Just a reminder that all in the community are invited to drop by The Albion Hotel on Main Street from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 2nd to celebrate Mike Dixon’s 80th birthday. Among the many hats Mike rests upon his head is Bayfield Breeze Advertising Manager so we are delighted to be celebrating with him! Hope to see you on Sunday.
Ideas and contributions to the Bayfield Breeze are always welcome.
Deadlines for submissions are Sundays at 4 p.m.