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The Bayfield BreezeIssue 700 Week 50 Vol 14

December 7, 2022

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Issue 700 Week 50 Vol 14
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CLAN GREGOR SQUARE LIGHT DISPLAY  ENHANCED DUE TO TOURISM FUNDING

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Over 22,000 lights have been draped over roughly 30 trees to create the magical display that can be accessed on foot or viewed while driving around Clan Gregor Square. (Photo by Wendy Vasco)


“The Government of Canada’s $78-million investment through the Tourism Relief Fund is helping communities across southern Ontario. With this funding, southern Ontario’s Regional Tourism Organizations and Indigenous Tourism Ontario are providing hundreds of local businesses and organizations with the support they need to create jobs, attract more visitors and grow local economies, now and into the future, “ said The Honorable Filomena Tassi, minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.

The Municipality of Bluewater has received a non-repayable contribution of $31,000 from the Regional Tourism Organization 4 (RTO4) to create a unique winter experience in the heart of  Bayfield. This is part of the Government of Canada’s Tourism Relief Fund, delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). RTO4 received $5 million from FedDev Ontario to help local tourism organizations and businesses safely welcome back visitors, recover from the impacts of the pandemic and prepare for future growth.

The Municipality of Bluewater along with the Village of Bayfield are inviting visitors to stroll through their winter wonderland in Clan Gregor Square this winter season. Over 22,000 lights have been draped over roughly 30 trees to create the magical display that can be accessed on foot or viewed while driving around Clan Gregor Square. The switch was flipped on the upgraded illuminated display on Nov. 18 to coincide with the Bayfield and Area Chamber of Commerce’s kick off to Christmas in Bayfield.

The winter-themed display also includes opportunities for visitors to take a snapshot at two different illuminated selfie stations. The close proximity to Bayfield’s heritage Main Street retail district has the added benefit of making a visit to Bayfield’s winter wonderland a one-stop-shop for winter entertainment. Visitors can stroll down the picturesque Main Street and stop in for a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants or find that perfect gift at one of the many shops. The display is turned on daily between 6 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. and  will remain lit well into the New Year to help residents and visitors chase the winter blahs away through the end of February.

“We hear each year how people come back to Bayfield in the winter specifically for the heritage Main Street holiday experience and Christmas in Bayfield. We’re very thankful that funding for the winter wonderland will allow us to make Bayfield a winter destination beyond the holiday season,” said Maggie Off, manager of Facilities, Municipality of Bluewater.

The tourism sector is vital to the economy and jobs in Wellington County, Waterloo Region and Perth and Huron County. Bayfield’s heritage Main Street is well known for its summer lakeside vacation atmosphere, and it can be harder to attract visitors to the lakeshore in the winter months. However, over the years, Bayfield’s heritage Main Street has developed a reputation as a winter holiday destination with its Christmas in Bayfield festivities. A significant amount of revenue is generated for local businesses during the holiday season as people make their way to the unique shops to check items off their holiday shopping lists. It is hoped that creating a winter wonderland and lighting up the dark nights of December, January and February will continue to draw people to the Main Street by creating a winter destination for everyone to enjoy.

This investment should help the Municipality of Bluewater and the Village of Bayfield adapt and recover to attract new visitors in the off-season and drive economic growth in Bayfield.

“We are immensely grateful to the Government of Canada and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario for the ability to support local businesses and organizations in Waterloo, Wellington, Huron and Perth Counties, like the Municipality of Bluewater. Projects like this will make an impact on the road to recovery and reimagination by allowing stakeholders to make strategic investments in product and destination development,” concluded Andrea Gardi, Executive director RTO4.

RTO4’s mission is to develop, enhance and strengthen a results-oriented and sustainable tourism economy through strategic industry partnerships.

FIREFIGHTERS TO HOST FOOD DRIVE AT FOODLAND SATURDAY

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Bayfield Area Food Bank volunteers Lily and Rosie pose with the donations collected at the Santa Claus parade on Nov. 19. (Submitted photos)

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Bayfield Foodland is currently running their brown bag campaign to collect donations for the Bayfield Area Food Bank.


The generosity of the community is shining through this festive season as the Bayfield Area Food Bank (BAFB) reports the results of several fundraising events held over the Christmas in Bayfield Weekend.

“We received $504 in monetary donations from the parade as well as 370 lbs of food,” said Claire Trepanier, president of the BAFB.

She added that the Glee Sisters Children’s Concert held at the Bayfield Town Hall collected $130 and 170 lbs of food.

“Crichet Handmade Designs was also a strong supporter with $200 in donations collected from their portrait project,” said Trepanier.

Opportunities for donations continue as Bayfield Foodland is now hosting their brown bag program – almost 300 lbs of food has been collected to date.  They will also be accepting cash donations at the check out.

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Bayfield Area Food Bank volunteers Catherine Tillmann and Claire Trepanier were all bundled up to collect donations from parade watchers along the Santa Claus parade route on Nov. 19.

In addition, the Bayfield Firefighters will be at the grocery store this Saturday, Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to collect brown bags and monetary donations.

SANTA’S BREAKFAST COMING TO THE ALBION

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Back in 2019, the Heard brothers were ready for their close up with Santa – all of them except for wee Huntley that is. Santa and the Optimist elves are happy to share that Breakfast with Santa is returning in 2022! (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)


The Bayfield Optimist Club has received word that Santa Claus has time in his schedule to come down from the North Pole to visit the village on the morning of Sunday, Dec. 11. He is looking forward to partaking in a breakfast with the young and young at heart!

Yes, Breakfast with Santa is returning after a two year hiatus and a few things have changed – like the venue and the times. The Albion Hotel will host from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Instead of a buffet, the meals will be plated and the menu will consist of pancakes, sausage, potatoes, eggs, toast and a beverage. The meal will cost $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12 years of age. Children will also be presented with a special gift (while supplies last).

What is staying the same for this fifteenth breakfast is the chance to make some fun family memories!

GENTLE GIANT KC WOULD LOVE A HOME

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KC (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.

KC is the Adopt a BFF cat of the week.

This handsome, gentle giant has quite the tale to tell. Trapped in Bayfield, neutered and vetted almost four years ago he went to a foster home where he became a great friend of the family dog.

“His foster was allergic to the cat and was never able to actually go close enough to pet him or socialize him but despite this felt a connection with him and gave him his own room,” said Deb Penhale, representing BFF.   “Skip forward – the family dog passed and it was determined that KC was now leading a very lonely life with no real interaction with humans so the tough decision was made by his human to let him come back to the shelter.”

Volunteers note that KC seemed skepitcal of his new surroundings at first and was quite shy.  He stayed away from the volunteers for some time. But he loved having friends.

“He has slowly come out of his shell and now likes pets and scruffles, even belly rubs if the mood hits,” said Penhale. “He’s a little overweight – in part because we deny this love nothing when he uses those big green eyes to ask.  Also free range kibble doesn’t help either! Once he finds his forever home he will slim down because he won’t feel the need to dine with each one of his friends throughout the course of the day.”

KC has nothing but love to give and soaks up the love he gets like a sponge. If you think you may be KC’s perfect human companion please contact BFF 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.

And back by popular demand are The Pink Flamingo Bakery and Boutique’s “Christmas Paint Your Own Cookies” with 100 per cent of the proceeds raised from their sale going to BFF. The bakery hours are currently Thursday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is located at 28 Bayfield Main Street North.

LETTERS TO SANTA

For many years children have been invited to write a letter to Santa and drop it in a special box at the entrance to Bayfield Foodland and then patiently wait for a personalized reply. Pandemic restrictions required the Jolly Old Elf to pivot to accepting digital letters only but this year with the dropping of most protocols Santa is back to accepting traditional handwritten letters And the box is back at Foodland!

In fact, to keep up with the times, this year, Santa will accept both physical letters and emailed ones as well. However, so as not to confuse the elves Santa is requesting that children submit only one letter no matter what method they choose to communicate by.

Parents should ensure that their child’s full name and address are included with their letter. Emails may be sent to SantasLittleWorkshopNP@gmail.com. Letters will be accepted until Dec. 18.

BAYFIELD TREE PROJECT

Members of the Bayfield Tree Project (BTP) would like to remind village homeowners that now is the time to think about Spring planting.

“This is the time of year when the Municipality of Bluewater starts to order trees for the upcoming planting season,” said Sondra Buchner, on behalf of the BTP.

Anyone who does not have a tree planted on their property’s municipal frontage (boulevard) and is interested in having one planted should contact the Municipality as soon as possible.

To do so please phone Becky at 519 236-4351. She will inform callers about the procedure for receiving a tree in the Spring.

AG SOCIETY AGM

TBayfield Agricultural Society Logohe Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Bayfield Agricultural Society has been rescheduled to Friday, Dec. 9.

The meeting will be held virtually by Zoom starting at 7 p.m.

This meeting is for the purpose of receiving reports and statements required to be placed before the Annual Meeting, electing Directors and Committee Chairs, appointing someone to review the financial records and prepare a report for the Society, and for the transaction of such other matters as may properly be brought before the meeting.

In addition to receiving reports and financial statements for the period that ended Oct. 31, 2022, there will be greetings from the OAAS Provincial Director, Jentje Steenbeek and OAAS awards presented.

The AGM is open to the public. Anyone planning to attend is asked to RSVP to info@bayfieldfair.ca. A Zoom link and passcode will be sent by email.

HOLIDAY HIGH TEA

The Bayfield Area Food Bank will benefit from the First Annual Engel & Völkers Holiday High Tea hosted by Lady Mary Couturier at the Bayfield Town Hall on Saturday, Dec. 10.

The event will be held from 4-7:30 p.m. Complimentary tea and snacks will be offered while attendees enjoy a Fashion Show by local boutique, Déjà Vu. There will also be a silent auction and a raffle draw.

Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite little black dress and pearls.

The cost is $60 per person. In addition, donations will be graciously accepted.

Those who wish to attend are asked to RSVP by calling, 905 979-1715 or by emailing, ADMIN@evgrimsby.com

TURKEY BINGO

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One of the most anticipated traditions of the holiday season is returning on Monday, Dec. 12 – Bayfield Lions Turkey Bingo is back!

The doors to the Bayfield Community Centre will open at 6:30 p.m. with both regular and share the wealth games being played by folks 18 years of age and older.

Proceeds from the evening will be shared between the Bayfield Area Food Bank and the Huron Women’s Shelter. (AGCO Licence #: M800583)

SANTA VISITS

For many years the members of the Bayfield Lions’ Club have arranged for Santa to visit area Octogenarians, Nonagenarians and shut-ins and bring them a small gift. Christmas is approaching but once again, as COVID is still circulating, Santa will not be able to visit to extend his good cheer in person. However, because he cares for this demographic so very much, he has appointed Lions members as elves and he wanted the community to know that they will be sending something out in the mail very soon!

Anyone who may know of someone who has recently joined this demographic is asked to please email Karen Scott at karendscott@eastlink.ca or call her at 226-441-2042 to ensure no one is missed!

The Bayfield Lions’ Club members extend their best wishes to the community for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Knox Presbyterian Church in Bayfield continues to hold services on Sundays at 11 a.m. both in-person as well as on ZOOM for those who can’t physically attend.

The congregation is currently collecting new, warm socks during November and December, for those in need locally.

Sometimes the Christmas season is anything but “merry”.  People are  invited to just “be” in the candlelight, blanketed with quiet song, on the longest night as Knox Presbyterian Church in Bayfield hosts “Moments of Solace” on Wednesday, Dec. 21. The Solace Bedside Singers will lead this service that shall start at 7 p.m.

On Dec. 24 they will host a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7 p.m. with special music by soloist Linda Street.

Knox Presbyterian Church is located at 2 Bayfield Main Street North.

YOGA SESSIONS

Metamorphic Rock Shoppe & Gallery is currently the location for Tuesday and Wednesday sessions of yoga.

Three yoga teachers lead five different styles of classes: Tuesdays –  Vinyasa with Kim, 5:30-6:30 p.m.; Yin with Kim, 7-8:15 p.m. Wednesdays – Master Your Breath Yoga with Shannon, 9-10 a.m.; and two sessions of Yoga with Liz, 11 a.m. to noon and 12:45-1:45 p.m.

Liz Murtha is an active member of The Society of Yoga Practitioners (UK).

She is a Yoga Teacher Trainer, a Yoga Therapist and a Vedic chant teacher. She has studied and trained in England, France, India and Canada. Murtha can be reached at 519 441-3558.

Shannon Malolepszy leads a gentle and mindful vinyasa flow yoga practice where participants will master their breath, quiet their minds and journey on their mats towards deep relaxation. Malolepszy can be contacted at 519 404-5199 or email shannon@saintongealliance.com.

Kim Westbrook is offering classes suited for the evening, with a style for moving between poses smoothly, using breath and as a quiet end of day practice. Text her at 519 955-2728 or email kimberlyjane19@hotmail.com.

All sessions are $15 (please check space availability in advance). People can also check the door of the shop for contact information and updates for the different classes.

Metamorphic Rock Shoppe & Gallery is located at 22 Bayfield Main Street North (beside Rumba).

GIRL GUIDE COOKIES

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Bayfield Guiding started their Chocolatey Mint Girl Guide cookie campaign with 1,680 boxes to sell – less than 20 remain –  so don’t hesitate to reserve a box or two today! These delectable treats make terrific hostess gifts for holiday events.

A limited number of cookies are also now available at Schaefer’s Ladies Wear and Lingerie at 162 Courthouse Square in Goderich.

The cookies are selling for $5 a box.

Anyone who would like to ensure they get some cookies before the campaign ends is invited to contact Melody Falconer-Pounder at l 519 525-3830 or email melody.pounder@gmail.com.

COFFEE & CHAT

The Friends of Bayfield Library (FOBL) extend a warm welcome to all to attend their  “Coffee & Chat” program in the Bayfield Public Library Meeting Room. The “Coffee & Chat” group meets every Tuesday until the end of March.

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 session runs from 2-3:30 p.m..

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!

AMABILE SINGERS PERFORM IN BRUCEFIELD

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The Junior Amabile Singers from London will perform on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 4 p.m. at Brucefield Community United Church. (Submitted photo)


For many, nothing says Christmas like the angelic voices of children singing out the familiar carols of the season.

Huron County citizens are in luck if they want to experience that warm festive feeling again this December.  The Fields of Faith Growing Project, under the auspices of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFB) are presenting the Junior Amabile Singers from London on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 4 p.m. at Brucefield Community United Church.

The Amabile Choirs is a non-profit organization with the purpose of bringing together young singers from London and area. The Junior Amabile Singers, which began in 1989, is an all-female choir for singers aged nine to 14 and is regarded as among the premiere choral ensembles for children and youth in Canada. Under the direction of Jacquelyn Norman and Wendy Landon, the choir has a number of significant accolades to boast of.

It competed in the 2012 Golden Gate International Children’s and Youth Choirs Festival in Berkeley, California winning first place in the Children’s Folk Music Category and second in the Children’s Historical Music Class. The choir previously earned gold medals in the 1st Choir Olympics, in Linz, Austria and 3rd Choir Olympics, in Bremen, Germany. In 2010 they performed at the welcome ceremony for the Olympic Torch in Victoria Park, London. And that same year the Jack Richardson Music Awards inducted them into the London Music Hall of Fame.

A quality choir such as the Junior Amabile Singers usually performs in larger venues in London and beyond. But they are bringing their concert, “That’s Christmas to Me” to Huron County and the village of Brucefield, for a great cause.

All proceeds from the concert tickets will go to the Fields of Faith Growing Project, and then on to the CFB to help feed the world’s hungry. And monies earned will also be matched by government funding, to go even farther!

Recently the CFB was named, for the fifth year in a row, one of Canada’s Top 10 Impact Charities.  Not only does the Foodgrains Bank deliver emergency food assistance for people in times of crisis, but the organization also uses conservation and agricultural projects as an approach to train people in third world countries through a food-for-work program.  Most CFB workers are volunteers, so the lion’s share of donations go to feed the hungry.

Locally, the Fields of Faith Growing Project has been growing crops to raise funds for the CFB for over 30 years. Originally begun as a growing project of the Varna-Goshen United Church congregation, now Brucefield, Brussels, and Seaforth-Cavan churches work together to increase their efforts to feed the hungry.  Last year over $20,000 was raised by this local project even before the government top up.

Advance tickets for this wonderful concert are only $20 and available from Doug Norman at 519 482-7148 or from any member of the Fields of Faith Growing Project.

TENET SECURITY GROUP ENFORCES RULES ON CONSERVATION LANDS

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Mary Pavey, Bylaw Compliance and Enforcement agent with Tenet Security Group, makes sure bylaws and rules are followed at local conservation areas and trails so everyone can enjoy their outdoor nature experiences. Tenet Security Group is contracted by Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA). The security officers educate visitors and enforce the rules to protect the safety of all trail and conservation area users and to ensure these nature areas are not damaged. (Submitted photo)


Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) has contracted Tenet Security Group to enforce the rules in place for conservation lands and trails that ABCA owns and/or manages.

Off-road vehicles, along with dogs off leash and littering, are among the biggest unauthorized uses of ABCA properties. The vast majority of users of conservation areas and trails follow the rules but enforcement is needed for the few exceptions who break the rules, according to Nathan Schoelier, ABCA Stewardship and Lands Manager.

“I appreciate all the conservation area and trail users who help to keep conservation lands safe and clean and who protect these important nature areas,” he said. “Enforcing the rules, such as prohibiting all-terrain vehicles and all other off-road vehicles from ABCA property, is important to protect all the people who use these areas responsibly and to protect the environmental health of the properties.”

ABCA has utilized enforcement officers since the 1990s, to educate visitors and to enforce the rules. In 2022, ABCA appointed Tenet Security Group officers to provide these services. Tenet Security Group is an agency started by a small group of security professionals experienced in legislative enforcement, incident investigation, emergency response, risk awareness and mitigation. The Tenet management team has a combined experience of more than 40 years in the public and private security industry.

Authorized uses are posted on signs at conservation area entrances and listed on the parks and recreation page on the conservation authority’s website (link below). People can email info@abca.ca or call ABCA at 519 235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610 to speak to a staff person, if they are unsure about an activity, or would like to report unauthorized activity on ABCA owned and/or managed land.

Section 29 of the Conservation Authorities Act and Trespass to Property Act (engage in a prohibited activity) are the two pieces of legislation most commonly used to enforce the rules. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) also enforces provincial regulations on ABCA lands. With the combination of these services (Tenet Security Group, MNRF and ABCA), rules and regulations can be enforced and appropriate action will be taken, according to ABCA. As with all public spaces, people are responsible and liable for their own conduct and the behaviour of their pets. This includes keeping dogs on leashes and maintaining complete control at all times.

ABCA has acquired 9,000 acres of natural areas over more than 75 years. Public access to these green spaces is an important secondary use, according to the conservation authority. Regulations and rules are in place to protect the local environment as well as visitors and their pets.

For those dog owners who want their dogs off leash, the Crediton Conservation Area has a fenced area where dogs are permitted to be off-leash. Dogs must be under control and well-behaved. Dog owners/handlers are responsible for the behaviour of their dogs and need to adhere to the ‘stoop and scoop’ bylaw. Learn more here: Crediton Conservation Area. 

For more information on ABCA properties, including conservation area brochures and trail maps, please visit abca.ca/recreation or call the toll free number listed above.

FUND HELPS NEWCOMERS WITH UNFORESEEN EXPENSES

Since the summer of 2022, more than 50 people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine have arrived in Huron County. The new arrivals, who have been hosted by long-time residents in the area, are starting over and are being supported by Knox Presbyterian Church in Goderich as well as other community partners.

Every month in the autumn, the newcomers and their hosts have been gathering in the lower part of Knox Presbyterian Church to share food, meet one another, and learn about various aspects of life in Huron County. Children’s activities have been coordinated by volunteers from the Huron County Library.

The monthly events, coordinated by volunteers and the Huron County Immigration Partnership (HCIP), are an opportunity for people to gather with others who share experiences and language.

“Because Huron County is so large, many people who were arriving in this area were not able to meet each other or didn’t know other people from Ukraine were here. These meet-ups are a chance for people to share information and build community in a new land,” explained Mark Nonkes, manager of the HCIP.

The meet-ups have also been a way to address needs that people face. In October, the Goderich Salvation Army provided new winter coats to adults and children who were in need, along with signing families up for their food assistance program. Gift cards to a department store were also distributed at that meeting, thanks to a donation from the congregation at Knox Presbyterian Church.

A settlement advisor from the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario has also been on hand to provide information to the Ukrainians. Information about health care in Huron County has been provided by community volunteers, along with information about various funds that are available for people in need.

The Goderich Lions Club, in collaboration with community partners, have set up the Huron Area Newcomer Fund (HANF) to provide funds of up to $1,500 to families for unforeseen expenses during their first 18 months in Canada.  While this committee was founded with the intent of assisting Ukrainians in need of support, it is available to support newcomers from various countries.

Rev. Amanda Bisson represents the Goderich Ministerial Association on the HANF. She joins John Maaskant, Paul Good and Michael Daley of the Goderich Lions, along with Mark Nonkes of the HCIP and Christine Marshall of the Wingham Community Connectors who collaboratively administer the fund.

For people interested in donating to the Goderich Lions Club’s HANF, cheques can be written to The Goderich Lions Club, with Huron Area Newcomer Fund listed in the subject line. Charitable receipts will be provided for all donations of $20 or more. Cheques can be sent to the Goderich Lions Club, PO Box 65, Goderich ON, N7A 3Y5.

More information about the HANFis available at: www.goderichlions.ca/donate.

SUNSET COMMUNITY FOUNDATION HOSTS FIRST GRANTS GALA

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On Nov. 29, the Sunset Community Foundation (Sunset) hosted its first Grants Gala to award 25 grants to community organizations serving Lambton Shores and Huron County totaling $100,00

0. The event was sponsored by the White Squirrel Golf Course in St. Joseph.

Earlier in the year, the Sunset granted $20,000 through the South Huron Vitality Fund serving the South Huron area.

“This is the first time we have gathered grantees and our generous funders at an event to share our appreciation for their contributions. We were overwhelmed in a positive way by the level of grant applications. The grant recipients provide much needed programming and services to our rural area in areas of focus important to the community,” said Sunset Community Foundation Chair Deb Gill.

The Sunset focus areas include children and youth, family and community vitality, health and physical activity, education, social services and low-income impact, preservation of the environment, diversity, equity and inclusion, and arts and culture.

The Sunset has grown its initial endowment started by the Grand Bend PUC to over $3.2 million. In its 20 years, the Sunset has granted approximately $1.2 million to area organizations.

2022 Grant Recipients: 

The Grand Bend PUC Fund supported four causes. The charity known as the Jingle Bells Group partnered with the Municipality of Lambton Shores and received $2,000 to purchase lights and decorations to Light Up Grand Bend for the 2023 Holiday Season. Southcott Pines Park Association partnered with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation and was given $5,000 for their OAC Clean Up 2023. These funds will provide the labor costs for two people for four weeks to manually remove vegetation and debris having a negative impact on aquatic life. The West Coast Lions Club partnered with the Municipality of Lambton Shores and garnered $3,000 for their Wednesday Familiar Favorites concerts on the beach. Workout for Your Life partnered with Huron Shores United Church and was granted $1,600 for their Seniors Wellness Program to provide workouts three times a week to encourage a wellness program for seniors.

The Reloux Fund supported three causes. North Middlesex YMCA (a satellite site of the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario) was presented with $3,000 to go toward their 2023 Summer Day Camp Bussing for campers ages four to 12. The Optimist Club of Ausable Port Franks partnered with the Municipality of Lambton Shores and received $2,000 for The Ausable Port Franks Fire, Water and Ice Safety Program to provide youth programs related to fire, water, and ice safety. Rural Response for Healthy Children was given $3,000 for Mobile Food Bank Resource Funding to provide activity kits to families via mobile food banks.

The M.J. Muma Fund supported Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health in the amount of $10,000 in support of sustainable community wellness – community based mental health training for two providers to obtain their Mental Health Facilitator Association certification.

The Catherine Campbell Fund provided $2,500 to Huron Shores United Church & Grand Bend Place for their Including Everyone Through Accessibility Upgrades project to provide grab rails in all washrooms and headphones for all individuals with hearing impairment.

The Maureen Cole Family Fund gave $1,900 to Scouts Canada for a Dune Restoration & Environmental Education Day. This event provided hands-on activities such as planting dune grass, cutting down invasive pines and the study of bees and raptors. This day took place just last month!

The Stephanie & Ted Donaldson Family Fund provided $4,000 to Family Connections Cheer Group who partnered with Order of Alhambra, Algarva Charity Council for the Cheer Group’s ongoing learning and a food program that supplies snacks and lunch for a full day respite program that supports adults with intellectual disabilities.

The Bob Down Family Fund presented $2,500 to the Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation (operating as Lake Huron Coastal Centre) for their Lake Huron Microplastic Awareness Project where teams of volunteers are created to pick up litter along the shorelines and categorize the different types into a database to help create different decision making.

The Environment Legacy Fund supported Lakeshore Eco-Network who partnered with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation with $3,900 for their Reconnecting with Nature Series, activities include speakers, displays, screenings, and guided hikes to further develop an appreciation of nature.

The Grand Men Fund provided $3,000 to the Veterans Memorial Branch #498, Royal Canadian Legion, Grand Bend, Municipality of Lambton Shores for a new sound system.

The Grand Women Fund selected the Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Huron Big Bunch to be the recipients of $10,000. This program partners adults with school age children to participate in weekly activities for the duration of the school year. The funds will assist in expanding the existing Big Bunch program to include an additional site in either Clinton or Seaforth.

The Brian and Irene Hall Fund will benefit the Grand Bend Area Community Health Centre in the amount of $2,000 for Health Promotion Groups in Hensall and Zurich for refrigeration, rental space, food and art costs.

The Hay Communications Fund provided Jessica’s House Hospice $3,000 for their Grief and Bereavement Outreach Program for guest speakers, workshops and print materials.

The Hank Krech Family Fund selected the Grand Bend Non-Profit Housing Corporation to receive $15,000 to provide replacement carpet in the common rooms and hallways at Sauble Court.

The Joyce Lavender Fund gifted $5,000 to the Boys and Girls Club Sarnia-Lambton for Kid Food Nation – three, eight-week sessions that teach children how to prep and create nutritious food in Forest, ON.

The Arnold & Ila Mathers Fund gave $600 to the Blyth Festival Theatre.

The Jack Riddell Family Fund provided the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy with $2,000 for the Warner Wildlife and Nature Preserve Outdoor Launch Day event to be held in late Spring or early Summer 2023 for key stakeholders as well as native tree planting.

The Charlotte Edwards Robinson Memorial Fund donated $4,000 to the Huron Waves Music Festival (HWMF) for the HWMF 2023 Season to provide specialty programming to celebrate First Nations, Metis and Inuit Cultures on June 21-22, 2023.

The Sabourin Family Fund presented $2,500 to the Grand Bend Canada Day Organizing Committee that partnered with the Municipality of Lambton Shores for the Grand Bend Canada Day Event for the musicians playing that day, attracting crowds from all over Lambton Shores and South Huron.

The Henry & Nancy Winters Fund gave $6,000 to the Friends of Pinery Park for a Moth Wall that will create an appreciation for moths in the ecosystem and contribute to the moth database in the area of Pinery Park.

The Prout Family Fund donated $2,500 to the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program that partnered with Huron County Food Bank for a Community Volunteer Income Tax Program supporting travel costs for volunteer accountants travelling to income tax clinics for low income families across Lambton Shores and Huron County.

The Sunset Community Foundation serves the Lambton Shores and Huron County regions in providing grants and stewardship to grow and support vibrant, healthy, diverse and economically sustainable communities.

For more information please contact Lisa Reaume, Executive director, Sunset Community Foundation by calling 519 280-0944 or by email at sunsetcommunityfoundation@gmail.com.

PUBLIC HEALTH

HPPH is changing how it displays local COVID-19 information for Huron-Perth. Up until this point, they have been updating their own dashboards on COVID-19 testing, cases and vaccination; now, similar weekly information for Huron Perth region is also available through Public Health Ontario’s: COVID-19 and Influenza Activity dashboard.

While HPPH prepares a new way to display local information on respiratory illness that will be the most helpful to residents, the previous Tableau dashboards will not be updated.

Public Health Ontario’s dashboard includes a wide range of COVID-19 data about Huron Perth, including case counts by hospitalizations and deaths, vaccine uptake by age, sex and public health unit, outbreaks, and more.

HURON HOSPICE

Huron Hospice is asking local residents to give and support an essential hospice program. The annual Christmas fundraiser called “Wings of a Dove” this year is all about securing funds to pay for the Loss and Grief Support Program, an essential support program for families across Huron County.

According to Huron Hospice Executive Director, Willy Van Klooster, “Everyone experiences loss. It may be the death of a loved one. Maybe it was the death of a beloved pet, or a lost job, or even a relationship that ended. When we experience loss, it is natural to grieve. We all grieve in different ways. Some accept the loss and grieve privately. Others sweep it under the carpet. However, when that happens, people could experience other long-term effects. Unresolved grief not only affects the person, it can also affect the whole family. Sometimes it is important to say, ‘I need help’. Each year we work with more than 80 people who need help learning how to manage their grief.”

This Christmas, Huron Hospice is asking people to join them and help fund the Loss and Grief Support Program. The program is offered at no cost to the participants, because the last thing a family should have to think about at a challenging time is the cost of services. It’s all about making sure that support is in place for a family member who needs help.

According to Christopher Walker, manager of Fund Development, “Again, this year, Merner Contracting and an anonymous donor approached us and said they wanted to help. They are matching all gifts to Grief Support at Huron Hospice.  We are excited to announce that Merner Contracting, and our anonymous donor are matching all gifts up to $15,000!  This means that every gift will be doubled. They also issued a challenge inviting other businesses to join them in the match.  Giving feels good.  It may feel even better when you know a gift is doubled.”

People can join the fundraising effort by logging in to www.huronhospice.ca or calling 519 525-7352.

HURONSONG CHORUS

HuronSong Chorus will be performing two Christmas Concerts in support of the Huron Women’s Shelter via a freewill donation.

“We Come A-Caroling” will feature special guests: Mary Paige St. Onge, soloist; Jan Searle, flutist; and Capucine Onn, violinist.

The concerts will be held on Monday, Dec.19 at Knox Presbyterian Church, Goderich and Tuesday, Dec. 20 at Northside United Church, Seaforth. Both performances will begin at 7:30 p.m.

HPPH

As a challenging respiratory illness season continues, Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) is extending the availability of flu shots at its COVID-19 vaccine clinics until the end of December.

HPPH began offering flu shots on Nov. 15 to individuals receiving a COVID-19 vaccine and has seen good uptake.

Anyone aged five and older who is receiving a COVID-19 vaccination at an HPPH clinic can also receive a flu shot if they wish. HPPH is not offering influenza vaccines on their own at these clinics.

“I strongly recommend that everyone six months and older get a flu shot, especially as we head into the busy holiday season,” said Medical Officer of Health for Huron Perth, Dr. Miriam Klassen. “Influenza is a serious illness that can lead to severe outcomes to the very young, the very old and those who are immunocompromised. The flu shot is your best defence against the flu.”

Influenza is circulating in Huron Perth and causing severe illness in children and youth this year. Together with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) this is putting pressure on the pediatric acute care system.

Influenza vaccines continue to be available at pharmacies, for those ages two and older, and at primary care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner) offices for those ages six months and older.

For more information about influenza vaccines, visit www.hpph.ca/flu. To find a list of HPPH COVID-19 vaccination clinics for the month of December, visit www.hpph.ca/getvaccinated.

PAINT ONTARIO

Artists and visitors that attended Paint Ontario this year will be well aware that the show, although a critical success, was much smaller in size than in earlier years.  This was due to the significantly reduced display space available at Lambton Heritage Museum, which resulted from renovation decisions made at the county level.

Unfortunately, a smaller show leads to reduced opportunities for artists to show their work and less choice for buyers to make their purchases.  Lambton Heritage Museum no longer has sufficient space to sustain and grow the show. To remedy this situation, the Board of the Grand Bend Art Centre (GBAC), Paint Ontario’s governing body, is currently exploring an alternative venue that will bring the show back into Grand Bend, where it was originally founded by Barry Richman 26 years ago.

The GBAC sincerely thanks the Lambton Heritage Museum and its staff for all the help and support that it’s given to Paint Ontario over the years.  They look forward to working together in the future on other projects, as new opportunities arise.

For most of its life Paint Ontario has been a Spring event, only moving to September in recent years as a result of COVID.  To make proper preparations for a new location and a return to spring scheduling, the next Paint Ontario is being planned for May 2024.  Artists and patrons can look forward to a revitalized show, in a new location in the heart of Grand Bend, that is expected to offer the tremendous benefit of accessibility for walk-in traffic.  Organizers aim to offer buyers over 200 pieces of original art, together with a wide range of demonstrations and additional show features.   A detailed announcement will be made in Spring 2023.

Among other 2023 GBAC initiatives to be noted is the success of the very popular Pottery Facility located at 16 Municipal Drive; the introduction of the “Stewie the Sturgeon” metal sculpture near the Main Street turn-around and the highly appreciated series of kids’ summer camps that included local indigenous cultural teachers.

LIVERY FILM FEST

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The Livery Film Fest will present “Moonage Daydream – A Portrait of David Bowie” for one showing only on Dec. 8 at the Park Theatre in Goderich.

A kaleidoscopic weave of archival performances and candid interviews, this portrait of David Bowie will begin at 7 p.m. with the box office opening at 6:30 p.m. The film from director Brett Morgen, who was also the creative behind, “The Kid Stays in the Picture, Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck”, immerses viewers in the restless Starman’s singular galaxy of music, art and identity.

Bowie had a multitude of personas as a musician, painter, actor, and world traveller. This documentary portrait, told in his own words from decades of interviews, is as bold and visually inventive as he was. Coming six years after his death, the film celebrates the immortality of his art, drawing upon an astonishing depth of rare footage including live performances of quintessential songs such as “Moonage Daydream”, “Space Oddity”, “Sound and Vision”, “Heroes” and more.

Morgen has previously profiled figures as varied as Robert Evans, Kurt Cobain, and Jane Goodall, reinventing his film style to embody each life uniquely. He meets the challenge of Bowie’s career with a kaleidoscope of imagery that moves through the artist’s different phases — from the experimental identities of Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane in the 1970s, to the mass appeal of “Let’s Dance” in the 1980s, to later explorations when Bowie’s main goal was to please himself.

Despite his reputation as a trickster, Bowie’s interviews are surprisingly frank, reflecting on his suburban childhood, his years of restless seeking, and falling in love with his wife of 24 years, Iman. The film reminds us how frequently he was ahead of his time, including his normalizing attitude toward bisexuality and gender bending in the early ’70s.

For more information, email rob@rmcauley.ca.

UNITED WAY

Now more than ever, charities and nonprofits are playing a key role in addressing persistent and complex social problems faced by all Canadians. The Community Services Recovery Fund is a $400 million investment from the Government of Canada to support charities and nonprofits as they build resilience by making investments in their people, organizations and program innovation.

“The Government supports a more inclusive model of economic growth that creates opportunities for everyone in Canada as the long-term recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic continues,” said Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Karina Gould. “The Community Services Recovery Fund will strengthen the ability of charities and non-profits to deliver services and resources where they will have the most impact. Because of the National Funders’ strong connections with local organizations, they will ensure funding is distributed efficiently to organizations that provide services to communities in need across Canada.”

“This is a tremendous opportunity for local charities and nonprofits to access funding to help them build back from the pandemic,” added UWPH Director Governance & Community Impact Megan Partridge. “We encourage potential applicants to visit communityservicesrecoveryfund.ca and learn more about eligibility requirements, how to apply, explore resources and sign up for webinars in advance of the application period which runs January 6 to February 21, 2023.”

United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) is proud to be taking part in the Community Services Recovery Fund, a collaboration between United Way Centraide Canada, Canadian Red Cross, and Community Foundations of Canada to provide funding to Community Service Organizations, including nonprofit organizations, Indigenous Governing Bodies and Registered Charities located across Canada. The Community Services Recovery Fund responds to what charities and nonprofits need right now and supports organizations as they adapt to the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

HOCKEY HEROES

Pro Hockey Heroes in support of Huron Hospice will present a benefit hockey game where Former NHL All-Stars face off against the Goderich Firefighters at Maitland Recreation Centre on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023.

This exciting game starts at 2 p.m. and will feature members of the Goderich Fire Fighters facing off against a full line-up of former NHL hockey heroes. This fantastic community event promises lots of skills and lots of laughs, and is guaranteed to be fun and memorable for all ages!

Recent Pro Hockey Hero lineups have included: Wendel Clark, Gary Leeman, Bernie Nicholls, Steve Thomas, Dave McLlwain, Craig Muni, Dave Hutchison, Daryll Shannon and more!

This game is in support of the Goderich Firefighters’ charity of choice: Huron Hospice.

For more than 29 years, families have turned to Huron Hospice for support at the end-of-life providing both community-based palliative care and residence-based hospice care for people as well as loss and grief support for adults and youth.

Since opening in 2018, Huron Hospice has made moments matter for more than 100 families at Bender House and for 280 families in the community.  There are no costs for any of their services.

Tickets for the game start at $30 (plus HST) with additional discounts available by calling 1-888-777-9793.

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.

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.

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 the holiday season by continuing to look at some pieces of a Victorian Village that are part of the Museum’s collection…

VICTORIAN VILLAGE

These pieces – Olde Stonehouse Inn, Main Street Library and a Redbrick House – are part of a Victorian Village that comprise a portion of a large collection of Christmas decorations once owned by Doug and Gemey Bland. The couple began collecting the year they were married (1943) and continued for the next 61 years of their marriage.

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Olde Stonehouse Inn

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Main Street Library

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Red Brick House

NEW BUSINESS

CURATING A LIFE WELL LOVED AT HEART OF METAMORPHIC ROCK SHOPPE

PHOTOS AND STORY BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER

When Kaytlyn Creutzberg opened the Metamorphic Rock Shoppe & Gallery on Main Street in the village this past August she wished for her customers to have an experience of wonderment that is transformative, perhaps even metamorphic, when they browse through the items found in her gallery-like store.

Creutzberg has fashioned something of a niche for herself curating a selection of semi-precious stones in all colors of the rainbow as well as geodes and crystals that people can showcase on their mantels, in their gardens, give as wedding gifts or treasure as collector’s specimens.

She carries arts and crafts in a variety of forms, all with an element of the earth at its heart – be it sand, rock, beach pebbles, glass or gemstone. Works by local artists and artisans are showcased in addition to other creatives from across Ontario as well as British Columbia.

By opening a business in Bayfield, Creutzberg is following her passion and is excited to offer her diverse experience and love for rocks and minerals that are “dazzlingly awe inspiring and ancient by millions of years”. In 2016, she returned to school to complete a Masters degree after more than two decades working at a career in local food and as a sheep farmer.

The entrepreneur first discovered Bayfield in 2020 during the COVID pandemic. Over the subsequent two years she would return often, renting a cottage for extended periods to take part in a writer’s retreat or simply “soak up the vibe” of the Christmas in Bayfield season. These visits perpetuated into staying for a winter followed by a growing desire to open a business here. Synchronicity happened near the end of June and Creutzbearg opened her business at 22 Bayfield Main Street North in the space beside Rumba on Aug. 5.

“As much as I can I would like to help promote, not compete with, the other businesses on Main Street,“ said Creutzberg. “And in the slower winter season I would also like to offer my space to members of the local community to use.”

In this vein she currently has four yoga instructors offering six different styles of yoga in the store on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. And there are also Monthly Moon Circles held in the space facilitated by Cadence Moffatt McCann.

“The use of the space needs to be sparked by those who have something to offer, book clubs, bridge groups, all will be considered,” Creutzberg said.

Whether shopping, or simply benefitting from the offered space, visitors are sure to be inspired by both the beauty of the handcrafted art and the energy of the crystals, colorful rocks and gemstones that compose the Metamorphic Rock Shoppe and Gallery.

Current store hours are: Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For a closer look at these images click on any one to open a pop up gallery.

PIXILATED

 IMAGE OF THE WEEK

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Rootless…By Peter Ferguson

Submit Your photo

Email your photo in Jpeg format to hello@bayfield-breeze.com with the subject line Subscriber Photo of the Week. or…Upload your photo to Flickr.

I am looking for the Bayfield that is a delight to the eye – please share photos with a touch of whimsy, beauty, humor or a sense of fun. If you are to include people in your photos be sure to have their permission to publish their picture on-line and also send in their names and where they are from. And don’t forget to tell me who took the photo for proper credit to be issued.

SUBMISSIONS

Image of Melody Falconer-Pounder

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Melody Falconer-Pounder

This week we celebrate the publication of our 700th issue. This also translates into seven hundred times I’ve written here. As you might imagine some weeks a topic is easier to come by than others but today I am inspired by Christmases past and am turning this space over to an aspiring journalist who had the good fortune of having her Christmas story published in a special holiday edition of a local newspaper. – Melody  

Goderich Signal-Star – Tuesday, December 23, 1980

WHY CHRISTMAS IS SPECIAL AT MY HOUSE 

Can I get up yet is the main question running through the heads of children old and young alike early in the morning and I mean early in the morning of December 25. The same is true at our house.

The first thing done is the opening of the stockings which is done upstairs and is a cherished event.

After that we must get dressed before we set foot downstairs.

The suspense is killing as father turns the Christmas lights on the tree and then finally we are allowed in the room. Then pictures are taken of the tree which is gaily decorated with presents galore beneath it.

After the admiring is finished, the presents are passed out, opened and cherished for years to come. We place the open gifts beneath the tree and eat breakfast.

Dad gets out and does the barn chores.

When he comes back in we take time to be thankful for the Lord’s gifts and then we eat our Christmas dinner. What a dinner it is, there are at least seven courses! After that we relax and enjoy the remainder of what has been a busy day.

And before you know it the sun leaves the sky and for another year Christmas is over!

By Melody Falconer – Grade 8 – Holmesville P.S.

Ideas and contributions to the Bayfield Breeze are always welcome.
Deadlines for submissions are Sundays at 4 p.m.