LACK OF VOLUNTEER SUPPORT LIMITS ACCESS TO VILLAGE HISTORY

Bayfield Harbour was a major entry point for settlers in Huron County starting around 1830 and became an important fishing centre on the shore of Lake Huron.  The village of Bayfield grew around the harbor and has changed many times over the years.  The Bayfield Historical Society (BHS) works to preserve the village’s history and maintain its appeal as a tourist destination.  In 2021 there were 858 visitors to the Heritage Centre on Main Street North.

After the Huron County Historical Society was formed and had made provision in its constitution for branch societies, BHS was established on Jan. 27, 1965. A major focus of the Society’s work over the past three years has been the digitization of articles, letters and photographs documenting the history of the village.  Until now they have been able to support a part-time archival assistant to undertake this work but funds for this salary will be exhausted by the end of December.

“BHS is the only local heritage centre funded largely by donations.  Guaranteed funding from the government does not exceed $1,600 per year, and BHS must compete with other community groups, 20 known groups in Bayfield, for additional provincial and municipal funding.  BHS is now facing increasing costs associated with the internet, museum software support, utilities and mandatory insurance,” said Ruth Gibson, past-president of BHS.

Gibson went on to say that there has been no response to recent requests for volunteers and it has now become necessary to close the Heritage Centre to visitors except by appointment. Appointments can be made by emailing the address listed below.

“We need volunteers to fill positions on the Board of Directors, including those of President and Treasurer as well as volunteers to assist with administrative and archival research,” said Gibson.

Anyone who is able to maintain the work of the BHS through either financial support or volunteer time, is asked to please contact Gibson at bhsmembers@gmail.com.

CHOIR BRINGS AUTUMN JOY TO FULL HOUSE

The Glee Sisters Choir, directed by Lisa Stewart and accompanied by Mary McGoldrick, brought “Autumn Joy” to a full house at St. Andrew’s United Church in Bayfield on Sunday, Oct. 2nd. The benefit concert for the Children’s Room at Huron Hospice Bender House raised $1,835.

At the event, Executive Director Willy Van Klooster spoke of plans to expand Bender House to six beds along with the dedicated Children’s Room. Construction is likely to begin next spring.

Van Klooster also shared that the hospice’s former garage was renovated last year to accommodate a meeting room, two offices and an accessible washroom.

Since all Ontario hospices are only partially funded by the Ministry of Health, the community is expected to fundraise the remainder. Patients and their families can use the facility at no charge.

Unlike the hospital model, hospices are run in large part by volunteers. Huron Hospice Bender House has about 130 volunteers working in such areas as: resident care, janitorial services, kitchen duties, gardening, fundraising and maintenance.

VanKlooster highlighted how creative Huron County residents have been with numerous fundraisers over the years. He gave thanks that events have been picking up once again since COVID.

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APPLICATION FOR MARKET AVAILABLE NOW

The Christmas in Bayfield committee has kicked into high gear now that they know the Municipality of Bluewater Council will hear their bylaw exemption request on Oct. 17.

“We are so excited to announce that, pending Municipal approval, we will be hosting a crafters’ market this year and as such we are looking for interested vendors,” said Secretary-Treasurer of the BACC Terri Louch.

Vendors will be considered who create original and unique items which are not mass produced. The market will be outdoors, so participants should be prepared to bring a tent and tables. Please note that tents cannot be hammered into the ground so they must be weighted. The application can be accessed here: Application Form . Cost for the weekend is only $100.  Responses will be sent and money required after the meeting on Oct. 17.

“We are also thrilled to be able to include music and buskers! The Chamber of Commerce will have a 10 x 10 tent set up in the Library Square where we will present all entertainment,” said Louch. “Do you or your group sing, dance, juggle, play an instrument or perform magic?  Would you like to be part of our amazing Christmas in Bayfield weekend?”

There will be 30 minute and one hour time slots available Saturday, Nov. 19 or Sunday, Nov. 20. Interested people are asked to send an email to the address given below with the details and their preferred time slot and organizers will work to include them in the line-up. Are you a Busker? There will be an opportunity to be placed around the town one or both days of the weekend.

Christmas in Bayfield organizers would like to remind everyone that their bottle fundraising drive is going forward as well. Any coins or cash from returned empties can be dropped in the container at Bayfield Convenience and Gifts. Anyone who would like to donate is asked to please email villageofbayfield@gmail.com.

“We could not host Christmas in Bayfield without support from our businesses. Thanks so much to the members who have generously supported Christmas in Bayfield with a donation so everyone can enjoy a fun-filled weekend:  It takes a village to put this event together, and we are very grateful to have amazing supporters. Where possible, stop in and visit their businesses today!” said Louch.

To view the list of businesses that have donated to date please visit: Services 1 — Village of Bayfield.

“Be sure to watch for further updates on the Christmas in Bayfield Facebook and Instagram pages where we will continue to highlight those who are making a difference in our little village!”

TWO SOUNDBATH SESSIONS UPCOMING

After a successful introductory session regarding the relaxing properties of a soundbath, Harp Therapist Martha Lawrance will be offering two more opportunities this year for those interested in experiencing the process of using guided imagery along with the sounds of the harp.

The program will be offered on Oct. 27 and Nov. 24 both at 3:30 p.m. at the Bayfield Community Centre. The program will not be held again until March of 2023. The cost is $20 per session or $35 for both. Payment can be made by e-transfer. Participants are asked to register. They can sign up on Wednesday morning during exercise classes at the centre or by contacting Lawrance at her website: harpheals.com

As the floor can be a little hard, those who take part are asked to bring a comfortable mat plus a pillow and/or blanket if desired.

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.

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.

CAT POPULATION CAN GROW EXPONENTIALLY WHEN LEFT UNCHECKED

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 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.

Two young moms and their Spring and Autumn litters of kittens are the Adopt a BFF cats of the week. And they are a fine example of just how fast the cat population can grow if felines are not neutered or spayed.

“These two Momma cats had over 20 kittens between them – each having two litters,” said Deb Penhale, representing BFF. “We were able to catch the Spring litter several months ago but not their mothers. Finally this Fall, we managed to get the moms with the fall litters but not all the babies survived.”

Penhale explained that these two young moms take turns nursing the kittens so volunteers really aren’t certain who birthed which ones.

“They don’t seem to mind sharing nursing duties at all,” she said. “They are super friendly and very loveable and all these felines are now off the streets and none of them will be making more babies.

“In theory this will save hundreds of kittens being born in the elements and all these kitties will find loving forever homes. Thank you to the kind couple who spent so much time and effort catching, fostering, mentoring and socializing all these babies.”

Anyone who might be interested in adopting any of this week’s featured cats and kittens is 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.

JOHN ERB RECOGNIZED AS MICHIGAN EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR

Editor’s Note: John Erb, a person with a strong connection to Bayfield has been recognized for his philanthropy and contributions to life in the State of Michigan. 

The Erb Family Foundation is excited to announce that their chair, John Erb, is the 2022 recipient of the Michigan Executive of the Year Award from the Wayne State University Mike Ilitch School of Business. He will be honored at the Ilitch School’s 42nd annual Recognition and Awards Program on Thursday, Nov. 10 at the Roostertail in Detroit, Mich.

John is deeply engaged in the Erb Family Foundation’s work to improve watershed quality; promote environmental health, justice, and sustainable business; support the arts in metropolitan Detroit; and advance Alzheimer’s research. With his experienced leadership and dedication to his parents’ vision, the Erb Family Foundation has made more than $100 million in grants since its inception and will award $14 million in grants this year.

Established in 1999 by the Wayne State University Mike Ilitch School of Business, the Michigan Executive of the Year Award recognizes an individual in a senior leadership position at a business, government, or nonprofit organization that is based in or has a substantial presence in the State of Michigan. In addition, the actions of the honoree and/or their organization reflect positively on the State of Michigan and the disciplines researched and taught within the Mike Ilitch School of Business.

John’s dedication to community is also reflected in his service on the boards of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Detroit Zoological Society, and The Nature Conservancy. He shares his enthusiasm for education by serving on the Board of Governors for Cranbrook Institute of Science. He also serves through the University of Michigan as a member of the Strategic Advisory Council for the Erb Institute for Sustainable Enterprise and the Advisory Board for the Graham Environmental Sustainability Institute.

John’s leadership is informed by these roles and by his past contributions as a board member for Council of Michigan Foundations, Cranbrook Educational Community, Detroit Public Television, Stratford Festival, and Bank of Birmingham.

The Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation, founded in 2009, advances environmentally healthy and culturally vibrant communities in metropolitan Detroit and a flourishing Great Lakes ecosystem. The Foundation will award $14 million in grants this year. For more information, visit erbff.org.

VARIETY OF TASTE OF HURON EVENTS HAPPENING THIS COMING WEEKEND

Taste of Huron invites Huron County residents and visitors to support local farmers, producers, suppliers and chefs as they savor the flavor of local food and drink this October.

“Participants are sure to feel good about celebrating the Huron Harvest at several events while enjoying the food we grow, produce and prepare,” said Project Coordinator Karen Stewart.

The following is a full lineup of activities from now until Oct. 23 at locations across the County.

Participating farm-to-table restaurants from across the County will feature their own unique in-house menu options through Taste of Huron’s “Huron Harvest Tables” dining program.  Prix Fixe, three-course menus, for $55, will be available throughout the 10 days of this program, Oct. 13 – 23. Suggested pairings with local wine and beer products will also be available at each site.

Restaurants taking part in the dining program are: Cowbell Brewing Co., Blyth; Eddington’s of Exeter, Part II Bistro, Goderich; The Lake House of Bayfield, The Little Inn of Bayfield, Bayfield Brewing Company’s Public House.; Black Dog Pub and Bistro, Bayfield; and The White Squirrel Restaurant, Zurich.

Taste of Huron’s Oktoberfest on Ontario’s West Coast, a Bavarian celebration, kicks off Friday, Oct. 14 at the Exeter Farmers’ Market.  Walter Ostanek (Canada’s Polka King) will set the tone during a concert from 4-6 p.m., while market-goers enjoy samples from local wineries and breweries, as well as traditional German sausage paired with mustard and sauerkraut. Then, on Saturday, Oct. 15, three farm visits are supplemented with opportunities for learning and fun through Eat Local Huron’s “Farm Crawl” (a pay-what-you-can activity).

The participating farms are Trick’s Creek Farm, Clinton; Farm Little, Bayfield and Cedar Villa Angus Farms, Zurich.

Oktoberfest continues when five wineries and five breweries in Huron County serve as stops along the “Vine & Ale Trail” on the weekend of Oct. 15-16. Aside from offering samples of their in-house beer and/or wine, each brewery and winery will be paired with a local food truck, restaurant or caterer allowing visitors a taste of delicious bite-sized fare on tasting plates featuring locally grown and produced ingredients. Entertainment will be available at each site to enhance the atmosphere and participants may travel via self-guided driving tours or by a free shuttle service available first-come, first-served from four sites within the County (Blyth, Goderich, Bayfield and Exeter). The Vine and Ale Trail runs both Saturday and Sunday from 1- 5 p.m. Passports are valid for samples at three sites either day.

Participating Breweries are: Bayfield Brewing Co.; Bad Apple Brewing Company, Bayfield; River Road Brewing and Hops, Bayfield; Square Brew, Goderich; and Cowbell Brewing Co, Blyth. Wineries taking part are: Maelstrom Winery, Seaforth; East Street Cider Co, Goderich; Dark Horse Estate Winery, Grand Bend; Hessenland Inn and Shatz Winery, St Joseph; and Cornerfield Wine Company, Bayfield.

The Bavarian bonanza continues Saturday night (Oct. 15) with R’oktoberfest, an open-air concert featuring Bif Naked and Coleman Hell at River Road Brewing and Hops at 6:30 pm. Gemütlichkeit!

Taste of Huron wraps up with an information sharing and networking opportunity for Huron County producers, growers and chefs. “ Bounty of the County”, a B2B industry event will be held in Clinton at the Libro Community Hall on Oct. 19.

For more information about all these fabulous events and ticket links, please visit tasteofhuron.com.

Taste of Huron is coordinated through a Huron Community Futures and Huron County Economic Development partnership.