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

Moreno (Submitted photo)

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.

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.