SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE THIS SUNDAY

During a scaled-down 2021 service, Piper Matt Hoy led the parade of participants in the Bayfield Remembrance Day services from the Gazebo to the Cenotaph. The 2022 service will be held this coming Sunday, Nov. 6. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

The Village of Bayfield will observe Remembrance Day on Nov. 6 starting at 10:45 a.m. at the Cenotaph in Clan Gregor Square.

Bayfield’s services are held on the Sunday prior to Nov. 11th when musicians, clergy and legion members can avail themselves to the smaller centres. The ceremony will begin with a short parade of veterans, legion representatives and members of Bayfield Guiding forming up at the gazebo in the park.

CHILDREN’S CONCERT RETURNING FOR CHRISTMAS IN BAYFIELD

Audience participation is a big part of The Glee Sisters’ concerts – these youngsters were enlisted to help with a song about the jolly old elf during the last concert held in November of 2019. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

The Glee Sisters will be presenting “Olaf’s Night Before Christmas” through song, story and puppets at the Bayfield Town Hall during the Christmas in Bayfield weekend.

There will be two performances on Saturday, Nov. 19, the first at 1:30 p.m. followed by a second at 3 p.m.  The Village Bookshop will have the book on sale at both performances.

Young children will no doubt love to sing seasonal favorites and play interactive musical games with a gift of a safety-approved rhythm instrument donated by Greg Stewart.  The Village Bookshop will have the book on sale at both performances. The Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society will provide hot chocolate and cookies following the shows.

The choir is directed by Lisa Stewart, accompanied by Mary McGoldrick. Helen Latimer will be puppeteer and Jen Smith will be acting as technical consultant.

Admission is free but donations to the Bayfield Area Food Bank will be gratefully received.

FAIR EXHIBITORS PLACE WELL AT DISTRICT

The Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) District 8 Annual General Meeting held in Brussels, ON last week was a successful event for the Bayfield Agricultural Society (BAS). Of the six items entered in the Homecrafts competition, three were prize winners.

Rhonda Bundy’s honey won first place, Joanne Walper’s machine quilt won second place, and Teresa Hendriks’s handmade quilt won third place.

Lynda MacDonald’s butter tarts were also entered, and the Robinson family had two children’s efforts on display: Sam’s chocolate chip cookies and Lucy’s 2023 theme poster, which will feature in the 2023 Bayfield Fair Prize Book.

The BAS Nominations Committee is currently looking for a volunteer to fill the position of Youth Class convenor for the 2023 Bayfield Community Fair. Anyone interested in this position is kindly asked to contact info@bayfieldfair.ca.

GINGERBREAD COOKIE DISTRIBUTION MOVES TO CLAN GREGOR SQUARE

Youngsters will be able to pick up their “Take & Make” Gingerbread Cookie Kits from the FOBL again this year but this time the group will be set up in Clan Gregor Square to distribute. (Submitted photo)

It wouldn’t be Christmas in Bayfield without a Gingerbread Cookie Decorating event for the kids! And the Friends of Bayfield Library (FOBL) elves are busy getting it all ready. Like last year, the event will be a “Take & Make” format.

The gingerbread cookie decorating kits will be ready for pickup in Clan Gregor Square on Saturday, Nov. 19 from noon to 1:30 p.m., right after the parade. There is no need to register for this event. Please note the location change as the gingerbread event has been at the library in previous years.

Each cookie kit will contain a gingerbread cookie with all the decorations needed to create a delicious, one-of-a-kind masterpiece at home. A gluten-free cookie option will be available. The kit will also include a “gingerbread” themed bookmark as well as some other fun items and a draw ticket to be filled out at the event for a chance to win one of two $25 gift certificates from The Village Bookshop. Complete the draw ticket and leave it in the jar at the pickup table. The draw will take place on Nov. 19.

FOBL is very grateful to The Village Bookshop and Bayfield Foodland for their generous donations to support this year’s Gingerbread Cookie Decorating event.

As in past years, parents (and grandparents too!) are invited to send photos of the completed cookie masterpieces to contact@fobl.ca. The photos will be posted on the FOBL Facebook page over the following week. For privacy reasons, no photos of children will be posted.

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS IN BAYFIELD HAS BEGUN

The Christmas in Bayfield (CIB) committee continues to work hard to bring excitement to town with the opening of the holiday season.

Parade organizers indicate that the parade line up continues to grow. Once again during the parade there will be an opportunity to support those experiencing food insecurity in the community. Please bring a non-perishable food item to the parade and a member of the Bayfield Area Food Bank will collect it along the parade route. Shoreline Classics will be back this year as well playing some Christmas music and announcing the floats in the parade from the balcony of The Albion Hotel! The CIB committee cannot thank them enough for their participation!

So far the outdoor crafter’s market will be small but will feature some very interesting vendors! Visitors should ensure that they stop to see them over the weekend. Organizers will announce who will be here and where shoppers will be able to find them in the next couple of weeks. There is still time for crafters and artisans to attend by completing the application. The application can be found here: Form.  Cost for the weekend is $100 and applications will be accepted until Nov. 11th.

“Our entertainment line up is going to be great! Not only will we have talented people sharing their skills with us, but Santa will make an appearance on Saturday and welcome children with their wish lists! A complete list of where and when you can see all the wonderful events will be posted soon,” said Secretary-Treasurer of the Bayfield and Area Chamber of Commerce, Terri Louch.

She went on to add, “​​“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!”

To view the list of businesses that have donated to date please visit: Christmas in Bayfield Donors. 

The CIB committee would also like to offer thanks to all of the wonderful community members who have volunteered their time to help out over the weekend! They look forward to meeting with these volunteers and sharing the excitement of Christmas in Bayfield.

Be sure to watch for further updates here in the Bayfield Breeze, or on the Christmas in Bayfield Facebook and Instagram pages where organizers will continue to highlight those who will be participating in the maker’s market, performing in the Library Square as well as those who are making a difference through financial contributions.

FOUR FRATERNAL FELINES FEATURED

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.

These four handsome brothers – Apricot, Fig, Papaya and Persimmon are the Adopt a BFF kittens of the week.

They were born to their mother Peaches on May 23, 2022 and volunteers report that they look just like her! They are very affectionate and, like most kittens, extremely playful. They would be an amazing addition to any household, even better would be adding two. They are quite bonded and Rescue volunteers would prefer that they be adopted in pairs. They are vetted and ready to go to their forever homes.

Anyone who would like to meet these fine gentlemen is invited to contact Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines via email at 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.

REMEMBRANCE ROCKS CHARGED WITH MEANING FOR THOSE WHO SERVE

Bayfield resident Master Corporal (MCpl) Danielle Tarnawski CD Retired from the Canadian Armed Forces (right) and Jordyn E. Mock, an Aviation Electronics Technician Petty Officer 1st Class (AT1) (AW) currently serving with the American Navy were pleased to find rocks painted with Remembrance Day significance at a shop on Main Street on Sunday afternoon.

PHOTOS AND STORY BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER

When Bayfield resident Danielle Tarnawski and Jordyn E. Mock, a very special guest visiting the family from her home in Illinois, USA, went to explore the shops on Main Street on Sunday afternoon little did they know they would discover an opportunity to honor their fellow servicemen and women.

Master Corporal (MCpl) Tarnawski CD Retired from the Canadian Armed Forces and Mock, an Aviation Electronics Technician Petty Officer 1st Class (AT1) (AW) currently serving with the American Navy, noticed in a shop along Main Street some beautifully hand painted rocks honoring, both in pictures and words, war veterans. Curious, they asked the shop owner about them.

Kaytlyn Creutzberg, owner of Metamorphic Rock Shoppe and Gallery, shared that the stones were painted by Lyn Lusse of Bayfield who provided them to her for display as Remembrance Day approaches. Creutzberg invited the two women to place the stones in front of the shop in an informal ceremony. The two were delighted to do so and Creutzberg now plans to place the stones in the same place in front of her shop daily until Nov. 11th.

NINETY-TWO NOMINEES TO BE RECOGNIZED AT SPIRIT OF SUCCESS AWARDS

The community has offered up a record 92 nominations of businesses, organizations and individuals for the Huron Chamber of Commerce – Goderich, Central and North Huron 2022 Spirit of Success Awards.

Nominations include organizations that run events that make an impact in the community, young people with the courage to start businesses, businesses that provide stellar service and give back to the community and other criteria of excellence in 10 sponsored award categories.

“This year we have nominations from every corner of our coverage area. The number of unique nominations is an indication of the strength of our business community. There are a lot of people out there doing really wonderful work and contributing to the community,” said Heather Boa, operations manager for the Chamber.

To view the full list of nominees please visit: Spirit of Success Award Nominations.

Winners will be announced at the 2022 Spirit of Success Gala with a return to a live event on Friday, Nov. 25 at the Knights of Columbus Centre in Goderich. The dinner will be catered by Part II Bistro, with Master of Ceremonies Nick Sawicki of 101.7 The Morning Show. A motivational keynote address will be given by John Kiser, who is the regional manager of business banking for Libro Credit Union. Dinner entertainment will be provided by local musician John Power.

Tickets to the event are $95 and can be purchased online at huronchamber.ca or by contacting the Chamber office at 519 440-0176.

Awards nominations categories include: Compass Minerals Environmental and Sustainability Award; Goderich Signal Star Community Impact Award; John C. Grace Young Entrepreneur Award; Downtown Goderich BIA Award; Small Business Enterprise Centre New Business Award; MicroAge Basics Service Award; K2 Wind Ontario Technology / Manufacturing Award; Tourism Goderich Hospitality Business Award; Zehrs Goderich Retail Business Award and Huron County Diversity Award.

The Huron Chamber of Commerce – Goderich, Central and North Huron will present the Business of the Year Award.

This event is co-sponsored by Libro Credit Union and Zehrs Goderich. Awards are sponsored by Artech Signs and Graphics. Entertainment is sponsored by Community Futures Huron. Media sponsor is Blackburn Media Inc.

FIRST CASE OF INFLUENZA CONFIRMED IN HURON COUNTY

Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) announced on Oct. 28 that it has received confirmation of the first case of influenza (flu) in a Huron County resident. The lab-confirmed result means that flu is circulating in Huron Perth.

“We can all expect this respiratory illness season to be more complicated with influenza, COVID-19, and other viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) circulating at the same time,” said Medical Officer of Health for Huron Perth Dr. Miriam Klassen. “I encourage all residents aged six months and older to get their influenza immunization (“flu shot”) this fall. It is the best way to protect yourselves and your loved ones from severe illness due to flu. Also, remember to ‘layer up’ precautions so you can protect yourself, your loved ones and the community during this respiratory illness season.”

As of Nov. 1, flu shots will be available to everyone aged six months and older through their primary care provider’s office (family doctor or nurse practitioner). Contact your primary care provider’s office for information on how to get the vaccine.   Pharmacies will offer the shot to those ages two years and older. Contact a local pharmacy for more information.

HPPH clinics will provide shots for families with children six months to less than two years of age who do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner. An appointment is needed. To book an appointment, please call 1-888-221-2133 Ext 3558.

These clinic dates, times and locations are:

• Monday, Nov. 14, 3-6 p.m. at the HPPH Clinton site, 77722B London Road, Clinton, ON
• Monday, Nov. 21, 3-6 p.m. at the HPPH Stratford West Gore site, 653 West Gore Street, Stratford

Please note that HPPH will not be offering community flu shot clinics for the general public, nor will the flu shot be available at HPPH COVID-19 vaccination clinics.

The influenza vaccine does not protect against other viruses, such as norovirus (the ‘stomach flu’), or COVID-19, but it does protect against severe illness from the influenza virus. It is important to get an influenza vaccine annually.

HPPH encourages all residents to “layer up” to help prevent the spread of influenza and other respiratory viruses in the community. Each of the below actions adds a layer of protection against contracting and spreading illness:

• Staying home when sick.
• Wearing a mask for 10 days after the start of respiratory illness symptoms, a positive COVID-19 test result, or exposure to someone with COVID-19. Also consider wearing a mask in indoor settings if you are at higher risk of severe illness, or interact with elderly or immunocompromised individuals.
• Not visiting immunocompromised individuals or high-risk settings such as long-term care homes for 10 days after you are sick. This will reduce the chances of spreading illness to this vulnerable population.
• Washing hands often with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after touching your face or high-touch surfaces.
• Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirt sleeve, not your hands.
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, such as toys, doorknobs, light switches and cell phones, especially if someone is sick.
• Avoiding crowded indoor spaces.
• Maintaining physical distance.
• Staying up to date on all eligible vaccinations. COVID-19 booster doses are recommended to everyone aged five and over to help restore protection that may have decreased since the last dose. Visit www.hpph.ca/getvaccinated to decide the right timing.

INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE EXPLORED IN SEASON TWO OF POSTCARDS FROM HURON COUNTY

To inspire entrepreneurship and highlight the county’s diverse industrial heritage along Ontario’s West Coast, Mandy Sinclair is returning with a four-part, season two podcast “Postcards from Huron County”. The first instalment was released on Oct.  25. A new podcast episode will be released weekly until Nov. 15.

“As a creative entrepreneur, I’m always keen to meet other business owners and seek out makers, I’m curious about the trades in areas I visit on my travels, and often find connections with these individuals,” said podcast host Sinclair. “Having returned to Huron County after 20 years away, I was keen to explore this aspect of Huron County’s heritage when thinking about season two of Postcards from Huron County. I wanted to know what industries developed here when the settlers arrived? What industries were supporting the creation of our beautiful downtowns? Who were the entrepreneurs? What ideas didn’t come to life? And what did?”

Recorded on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Neutral peoples, an area now known as Huron County, each episode explores an aspect of the industrial heritage as told to Sinclair in conversation with historians and community members who have a close connection to each subject.

Three of the four podcast guests and their topics have been revealed. They are: David Yates, on the rise of tourism in Huron County; Cathy Elliott, on the development of Seaforth’s historic downtown; and Marc Cantin, on his ancestor’s vision for St. Joseph, ON.

A little teaser on the topics is available here: Postcards Listen In  and more information at postcardsfromhuroncounty.ca

Season one of Postcards from Huron County is and season two will be available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and other popular podcast networks.

Postcards from Huron County is made possible with funding from the Huron Heritage Fund and Community Futures Huron Community Projects Initiative. Audio production was completed by Clint Mackie at  Faux Pop Media.