SANTA CLAUS RETURNS FOR BREAKFAST
STORY AND PHOTOS BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER
Folks lined up outside the doors of The Albion Hotel on Main Street in Bayfield early on Sunday morning, Dec. 11, as rumour had it that Saint Nick was going to be making an appearance there as a favorite, community tradition returned. The rumours proved true as the Optimist Club of Bayfield’s Breakfast with Santa was indeed back for its 15th year!
The event began in 2005 to replace the Bayfield Lioness’ Children’s Christmas Party when that club was dissolved. It was held at the Ashwood Inn (formerly the Bayfield Village Inn) from 2005 to 2018. Then in 2019 it moved to the former Dock’s Restaurant. The COVID-19 pandemic forced a hiatus in 2020 and 2021 so the excitement of the families who participated in the event at the new venue was quite evident as they streamed through the door for the 9:30 a.m. start of service.
It is estimated that over 140 people enjoyed a menu of pancakes with syrup provided courtesy of Bayfield Maple, scrambled eggs, sausage, potatoes, toast, juice and coffee.
The children that visited with Santa Claus were also presented with a special gift of a stuffed toy and some chocolate treats thanks to an anonymous donor.
The membership of the Bayfield Optimist Club would like to thank the Friends of Optimist that volunteered at the event as well as the staff from The Albion Hotel who joined in the fun. They are especially indebted to Jeff Graham, and his family, owners of The Albion Hotel, for hosting the event.
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The Optimist Club is indebted to Jeff Graham and family, owners of The Albion Hotel, for hosting their 15th Breakfast with Santa.
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Some of the volunteers that made the 15th Breakfast with Santa possible posed for a photo with the Jolly Old Elf before the doors of The Albion Hotel opened to the hungry crowd that descended on the restaurant. Optimist members joined with friends of the club and Albion staff to make the event a success.
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Patiently waiting for the doors to open for Santa's Breakfast at The Albion Hotel on Sunday morning.
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The youngest members of the Geddis family were happy to have a moment to bend Santa's ear.
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Breakfast with Santa began in 2005 to replace the Bayfield Lioness’ Children’s Christmas Party when that club was dissolved.
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Kendra Penhale-Cooper and her son Banks were joined by Christine Graham-Iellamo (left) for his visit with Santa.
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Some of the volunteers busy in the kitchen were Tim Armstrong, from The Albion Hotel; and Optimist members John Pounder and Jeff Kish (front).
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Weylin, Bridget and Luke Shanahan were three of over 140 people who enjoyed Breakfast with Santa at The Albion Hotel on Dec. 11.
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Breakfast with Santa has been hosted at the Ashwood Inn (formerly the Bayfield Village Inn); the former Docks Restaurant and this year at The Albion Hotel.
FIREFIGHTERS AND FOODLAND TEAM UP TO SUPPORT FOOD BANK

Members of the Bayfield and Area Fire Department were out in force at Bayfield Foodland on Saturday mid-day to collect donations for the Bayfield Area Food Bank. (Submitted photo)
Dec. 10 proved to be a very cold day but members of the Bayfield and Area Fire Department persevered and collected donations for the Bayfield Area Food Bank (BAFB) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bayfield Foodland.
The BAFB Board members and volunteers would like to thank the firefighters for their efforts. They would also like to thank Bayfield Foodland staff and management for their time in putting together the most thoughtful packages that people could purchase for donation.
According to Claire Trepanier, president of the BAFB, “There was an amazing cross section of items represented in the bags. Items for special dietary needs as well as cleaning products and feminine and personal hygiene products.”
BAFB now has a new dedicated phone number: 519 525-8286. People can also contact the food bank via email at bayfieldareafoodbank@gmail.com.
Collection boxes for donations can be found at the Bayfield Public Library on Main Street as well as Trinity St. James Anglican Church (outside the entrance to the Parish Hall off the parking lot).
For anyone who would like to support BAFB with a monetary gift, there are a few options available. Cheques can be mailed to: Bayfield Area Food Bank, 10 Keith Cres., Bayfield, ON, N0M 1G0. An e-transfer can be made through BAFB’s gmail account listed above or a donation can be received on-line through the www.canadahelps.org website.
KIND HUMAN SAVES SAVILLE
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.
Saville is the Adopt a BFF cat of the week.
This sweet baby was found wandering alone by the side of the road. She was timid and scared but her rescuer persevered and managed to coax Saville close enough to be able to catch her.
The rescuer contacted BFF and Saville was brought in. She was thin and hungry but seemed to be in fair shape. However, two days later she started to go downhill rapidly. BFF volunteers were able to get her to the vet. Saville had lost a huge amount of weight in just 48 hours. It was learned that she had ear mites, severe ear, upper respiratory and eye infections, worms and a very high temperature.
“Fast forward one week later,” said Deb Penhale, representing BFF. “She has gained weight and is becoming mobile. On Saturday, she ate by herself for the first time and just this morning (Sunday) she even asked for seconds! This little Dolly is coming along and we are hopeful for a full recovery.”
Because of a kind human she survived. And even better, once she is well, Saville has a forever home waiting for her, a Christmas wish come true!
Saville has had her adoption wish come true but there are many other cats and kittens still waiting. 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.
SANTA VISITS ADJUSTED DUE TO COVID

Bayfield Lion Karen Scott (right) and Lion Lorena Toole organized the delivery of 14 Poinsettias during a modified Santa’s Visit for 2022. (Photo by Deb Johnston)
The Bayfield Lions’ Club members have completed their “Santa Visits” for 2022.
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.
As COVID is still circulating, Santa was not able to visit to extend his good cheer in person. However, because he cares for this demographic so very much, he appointed Lions members as his elves and they mailed out 29 gift cards for Foodland to local octogenarians, nonagenarians and shut-ins. Although this is not the same as being able to visit with Santa’s help, it still has proven to be a seasonal event that gives enjoyment.
The Lions also delivered 14 Poinsettias to former village residents now living in nearby assisted living facilities or senior residences.
“A special thank-you to Bayfield Foodland for their assistance with the gift cards, to the frontline staff in the care facilities, and to all those who support us through the year,” concluded Lion Karen Scott. “Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.”
LETTERS TO SANTA

Bridget Shanahan was very excited to post her letter to Santa in the special mailbox at the entrance to Bayfield Foodland recently. Children who wish Santa’s elves to ensure a response from the Jolly Old Elf need to post their letters by Dec. 18. (Photo by Jenny Shanahan)
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 WALKABOUT
The third annual Bayfield’s Walkabout Polker Walk will be held on Saturday, Dec. 17.
The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. People are invited to grab some friends, dress for the festive season and make a winning poker hand with a card from each of the participating Bayfield Main Street venues. Participating shops and restaurants are: Olio Too, The Albion Hotel, Shop Bike Coffee Roasters, The Lake House of Bayfield, Bayfield Brewing Co., Captain Harry’s Bar and Grill, The Pink Flamingo Bakery and Boutique, and Market 29.
This time around there is a $5 entry fee per person that will go to a local Bluewater charity. No purchase is necessary in the participating businesses but patronage is encouraged. In addition, donations of cash, food and new toys will be gratefully accepted at any of the participating venues and will be collected by the Bayfield Lions Club.
Each team will get one playing card from each location after each person has paid their entry fee. Participants will then build their best five card Poker hand from the eight cards they receive after collecting them along the street. Completed hands are to be brought to Captain Harry’s Bar and Grill before 7 p.m. to be eligible for prizes; the winners will be announced shortly after 8 p.m.
UNITED CHURCH
St. Andrew’s United Church’s annual Christmas Carol Service, a community staple prior to COVID, will not be returning this year but everyone is welcome to join the congregation for their Christmas Eve Communion Service on Saturday, Dec. 24.
This special service will begin at 7 p.m.
Please note that there will not be a service at St. Andrew’s on Sunday, Dec. 25th or Sunday, Jan. 1st.
St. Andrew’s is located at 6 The Square in Bayfield.
SIGHTS OF THE SEASON

Trinity St. James Anglican Church in Bayfield is decorated for the Advent Season and would welcome members of the community to join them for two upcoming special services. On Sunday, Dec. 18, the reflective service of Lessons and Carols will begin at 11 a.m. On Dec. 24, the congregation will host a Christmas Eve Service starting at 6 p.m. There will not be a service on Christmas Day but a recorded service will be streamed on the “Trinity St. James Anglican Church, Bayfield Ontario” Facebook Page for all who wish to view it. In-person services will resume on Sunday, Jan. 1st with Morning Prayer. The church is located at 10 Keith Cres. in the village. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)
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.
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).
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!
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.
WALK ACROSS SPAIN RAISES FUNDS FOR HOSPICE
Kevin Kale, of Bayfield, recently completed a journey of a lifetime. From late August to early October, over the course of 38 days (222 hours) he walked the length of the Camino de Santiago Trail across Spain (964 km), all the while raising money for Huron Hospice as his friends and family sponsored him on his trek.
Kale recently met with Willy Van Klooster, Executive director at Huron Hospice, to present the proceeds from his adventure. The donation tallied over $6,000.
Van Klooster commented, “It is possible this was the most exotic location for a hike for Huron Hospice! Kevin is an important part of our Huron Hospice family. We thank him and all of his friends and family for supporting the hospice.”
Proceeds from Kale’s walk will help fund the services that Huron Hospice will provide over the coming year. The Ontario Government contributes 40 per cent of the funds the hospice needs to provide nursing care at Bender House along with in-home and loss, grief and bereavement support. Donations and sponsorships cover the other 60 per cent.
Anyone who has an idea for an event or hike is invited to call Manager of Fund Development, Christopher Walker at 519 525-7352.
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Kevin Kale, of Bayfield, recently met with Willy Van Klooster, Executive director at Huron Hospice, to present the proceeds from his sponsored trek across Spain. The donation tallied over $6,000. (Submitted photos)
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Kevin Kale poses at the final mile marker on his journey on Oct. 6.
COST OF EATING EXAMINED BY HPPH
Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) has released a new report, “The Real Cost of Eating in Huron and Perth”. The report found that in 2022, the cost of groceries for a family of four in Huron Perth was $249 per week, or $1,076 per month. This does not include non-food items such as toiletries, personal care items or cleaning products.
The report shows different income scenarios and the percentage of income a household would need to spend on food. For example, a family of four receiving Ontario Works in Huron Perth would need to spend 39 per cent of their income on food to meet the recommendations in Canada’s Food Guide. This leaves only $261 each month for all other expenses, not including rent.
“Not having enough money affects people’s ability to buy food. They often have to choose between paying rent, paying for utilities and buying food,” said Candace Cunningham, Registered dietitian at HPPH. “What is very concerning is that when people can’t afford to buy enough food, they are more likely to have poorer health.”
The cost of groceries was determined by calculating the average retail price of 59 food items at six local grocery stores. These food items meet the recommendations from Canada’s Food Guide, and assume that people have the time, skill and equipment needed to prepare them.
In 2022 a new tool was used to monitor food affordability and therefore the results cannot be compared to previous years. However, it is known that food costs have risen in Ontario.
The report also includes suggestions for addressing food insecurity. Since poverty is the root cause, the report identifies that solutions need to be income-based. Solutions include:
- Implementing a Basic Income Guarantee
- Increasing social assistance and disability pension rates
- Implementing a Living Wage
- Increasing minimum wage
- Increasing investments for subsidized, affordable and stable housing
- Income protection for precarious employment and low wages
- Providing accessible and affordable child care
- Investing in affordable public transit
The report is available on the HPPH website at: The Real Cost of Eating.
FOOD INSECURITY IN AGRICULTURALLY RICH COUNTIES

On Dec. 6, Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (Gateway) hosted their 19th Virtual Lecture Series discussing “Rural Senior Food Security/Insecurity: The Case of Four Counties”. Participating in this virtual event were clockwise from top left: Dr. Kyle Whitfield, Rim Mouhaffel, Grace Bonnett and Dr. Al Lauzon. (Submitted photo)
On Tuesday, Dec. 6, Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (Gateway) hosted their 19th Virtual Lecture Series discussing “Rural Senior Food Security/Insecurity: The Case of Four Counties”.
“Food insecurity is an economic and a social problem, it’s a health and a healthcare problem, and it’s also a food production system problem. It is ironic that some of the most productive agricultural land in the world is here in our region yet we still have people in these regions that still go hungry,” said Dr. Al Lauzon, professor in the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development at the University of Guelph and chair of Rural Change and Development at Gateway.
The lecture was hosted by Dan Stringer, Gateway chair and featured Dr. Lauzon as keynote speaker.
The event also featured panelists: Dr. Kyle Whitfield, Associate professor at the School of Urban Regional Planning, University of Alberta; Rim Mouhaffel, MPH, RD, Public Health dietician at Timiskaming Health Unit; and Grace Bonnett, BSc, Assistant Project lead at Gateway.
Dr. Lauzon presented a lecture speaking directly to the study that he participated in which included interviewing stakeholders and seniors. The research presented was based on the needs of seniors and the barriers that seniors face regarding food security and insecurity. Dr. Lauzon concluded his lecture by having the audience think about the landscapes of the four rural counties and how they are home to some of the most productive agriculture in the world. He then raised the question related to this, “Why are people in these areas going hungry?”
After the presentation, the guests had the opportunity to direct questions towards the panelists. This conversation centred around COVID-19s serious effect on food accessibility, the factors of limited mobility, ageism, access to food systems in the local rural community, and the preventatives to be implemented.
Bonnett raised the point that Gateway is addressing and attempting to reduce these issues through their Great Local Food project.
Gateway would like to recognize their generous donors for their support of this lecture series.
Gateway is a not-for-profit corporation with charitable status. Its mission is to improve the health and quality of life of rural residents through research, education and communication.
The next Gateway Rural Health Lecture will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 10 and all are welcome to join by registering at www.gatewayruralhealth.ca/. The speaker will be Becky Higgs and she will be introducing “S.H.E.D. Talks”, an engaging process to improve the mental health of members of the farming community.
Anyone who would like to support this unique, community driven, health research organization is invited to visit the Gateway website to make a donation or to learn more. The address is listed above.
AMABILE SINGERS PERFORM IN BRUCEFIELD

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.
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.
ABCA

The Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Drinking Water Source Protection Committee (SPC) met on Nov. 30 and SPC Chair Matt Pearson, on behalf of the committee, thanked retiring members Ian Brebner (left) and Myles Murdock (right) for their years of dedicated service. (Submitted photo)
The Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Drinking Water Source Protection Committee (SPC) honored two retiring members, at its Nov. 30 meeting, for their years of dedicated service to protect local sources of municipal drinking water, Ian Brebner and Myles Murdock.
Brebner served on the committee since it was first formed in 2007, first as a representative of the region’s southern municipalities and later as a property owner representative. He worked with other original SPC members meeting monthly for day-long sessions to review technical material and to negotiate policies that formed the first source protection plans in the region which took legal effect in 2015.
Murdock joined the SPC in 2015 as a North municipal representative having earlier participated in regional source protection working groups which started in 2008.
The SPC develops and updates local source protection plans to protect municipal drinking water sources from contamination and overuse. The committee is currently proposing draft amendments to the plans.
Public consultation, on these policy changes, will begin in January 2023. For more information on the proposed amendments, or to apply for the vacant SPC position, please go to the source protection website: www.sourcewaterinfo.on.ca/.
BLUEWATER NEWS
The office of the Municipality of Bluewater Council has submitted the following to the Bayfield Breeze as highlights of their regular meeting of council held on Dec. 5.
- Declared the 1992 Chevy rescue truck and the 1998 International rescue truck surplus to the needs of the Municipality and directed staff to dispose of them through the public disposal process.
- Authorized an agreement with His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities for Active Transportation Fund (ATF) – Capital for Sidewalk Replacement and Extension in the Villages of Bayfield and Zurich.
- Amended the Speed Limit By-law to instate a 60km/h speed limit zone 585m north of Dashwood Road.
- Authorized the Mayor and Clerk to execute a lease termination agreement with the Hensall Heritage Hall Society.
- Adopted a Best Management Practice for Infection Prevention and Control policy.
HURON HOSPICE
Huron Hospice is excited to announce that Compass Minerals, Goderich has joined Merner Contracting and an anonymous donor and will match all “Wings of a Dove” gifts up to $19,000.
Wings of a Dove is a fundraiser to help pay for Loss and Grief Support at Huron Hospice. This essential Hospice program helps youth and adults learn to manage their grief.
According to Willy Van Klooster, Huron Hospice Executive director, “Everyone experiences loss. It’s only natural. When we do, we grieve. For some people grief becomes a difficult challenge. This kind of grief can affect the family, or school work or work on the job. When this happens, it is okay to say, ‘I need help’.”

In November Compass Minerals, Goderich presented Huron Hospice with a cheque for $10,000. Huron Hospice is pleased to announce that Compass Minerals, Goderich has now joined two other donors in matching all funds raised for their “Wings of a Dove” campaign up to $19,000. Pictured from l-r are: Craig Mainz, Compass Minerals Goderich Mine manager; Amy Boyce, Compass Minerals Mine employee; Lisa Svavich, Compass Minerals Goderich Plant employee; Manager Fund Development Huron Hospice, Christopher Walker; and Chandra Medavarapu, Compass Minerals Plant manager, Goderich Plant. (Submitted photo)
This Christmas, Huron Hospice is asking people to join them and help fund the Loss and Grief Support Program so it can be offered at no cost to the participants. 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. “When Compass Minerals found out about the Wings of a Dove gift match, they asked if they could help and were pleased to join Merner Contracting. The match means gifts are doubled up to $19,000! A gift of $100 becomes $200 and $200 grows to $400. Helping young people and adults learn to manage their grief is an essential service for many families.”
Walker also commented, “Merner Contracting and Compass Minerals have invited other businesses to join them in the match. Giving feels good. It feels even better when you know your gift is doubled.”
Wings of a Dove is an important part of Compass Minerals annual contribution to Huron Hospice. They are also sponsoring the annual “No Place Like Home” telethon in the fall and the year-round “Make Every Day Matter” fundraiser.
People can join the Wings of a Dove fundraising effort by logging in to www.huronhospice.ca or calling 519 525-7352.
It is important to remember if anyone feels like they are having a difficult time managing their grief, they should not hesitate to call Huron Hospice.They are available to help. Please call Sally at 519 525-6331.
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.
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.
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 conclude our look at some pieces of a Victorian Village that are part of the Museum’s collection…
VICTORIAN VILLAGE
These pieces – the Church, Village School, and accessories like the bridge, lamp posts and policeman stored in their original box – 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.
RIVER ROAD BREWING AND HOPS
HOPPED UP HOLIDAY MARKET OFFERS CHANCE TO SHOP SMALL
PHOTOS AND STORY BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER
The “Hopped Up Holiday Market” hosted by River Road Brewing and Hops has returned for a third year.
The market was scheduled to begin on Dec. 3rd but the weather didn’t cooperate so this initial market was rescheduled for Friday, Dec. 9 from 5-8 p.m. and rebranded as the first ever Night Market which proved to be quite popular. The very next day, Dec. 10, the second market was held. Visitors discovered some different vendors from the night before as they strolled the booths while listening to the music of Brad Cassel.
The final market of the season is set for Dec. 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and once again some different vendors will be in attendance.
Visitors will find a scene reminiscent of a Hallmark Channel’s Christmas movie: livestock grazing in the surrounding fields and a rooster strutting across the grounds while market vendors sell their unique wares from the shelter of barn board covered huts near blazing warming fires. There are sampling opportunities of River Road’s craft beer, East Street Cider and Corner Field Wine as well as food courtesy of a visiting food truck. On Dec. 9-10, the Woodland Drive-in Food Truck from Bayfield satisfied the cravings of hungry shoppers with their burgers and fries.
River Road Brewing and Hops is also collecting donations for the Bayfield Area Food Bank during the market.
The Brewery is located at 35449 Bayfield River Road.
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This River Road Rooster kept an eye on things during the Hopped Up Holiday Market on Dec. 10.
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The White Squirrel Bakery, from Exeter, took part in the Hopped Up Holiday Market on Dec. 10.
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Fashion Fusion by Becky (Belfour), from Mitchell, provided visitors with a chance to pick up some fashionable gifts.
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Warming fires and a chance to visit with friends is a special aspect of the Hopped Up Holiday Market.
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Erin Roy was on hand to support her son Dawson Roy at his booth. He operates a local, student-owned business called Great Lakes Glory that produces foaming hand soap made from beautiful, purified Lake Huron water.
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Great Lakes Glory foaming hand soap comes in such scents as Rosemary and Mint, Lavender and Eucalyptus and Lemon and Basil. The business is owned by student Dawson Roy of Bayfield.
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Paige Coulthard, of PaVe Gems from Goderich, was at the market selling her jewellery as well as candles and products by Veronica Hill from Wicks N'' More.
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Thunder Moon, from Bayfield, offered a selection of custom macrame pieces as well as coconut soy wax candles for purchase at the market.
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Umbrella Studio was in attendance at the Hopped Up Holiday Market held on Dec. 10.
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Gnomes are on trend in 2022. These ones could be found in the Umbrella Studio booth at the Hopped Up Holiday Market on Dec. 10.
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Found in the Umbrella Studio booth the subjects in these paintings may be kindred spirits to the real things residing at River Road Brewing and Hops
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Bayfield Lavendar Farm is a favorite booth for many repeat visitors to the market.
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It was a great day at the market for Leanne Kavanagh of Astral Apiaries from Bayfield who was very nearly sold out of honey and related products about half way through the allotted market time on Saturday.
For a closer look at these images click on any one to open a pop up gallery.
SUBMISSIONS

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Melody Falconer-Pounder
Last issue I shared a Christmas story that I had written as a Grade 8 student at Holmesville Public School that was published in a special holiday edition of a local newspaper. When I was a student in Grade 4 one of my Santa letters also made it in the paper and it brings to mind some happy holiday memories. Here now is the letter first printed in December of 1976:
Dear Santa
Hope all is well there in the North Pole. Thank you for everything you brought me last year. This year I would like a typewriter, a real one, not a toy. And my Dad would like an airplane, a real one, not a toy. I will leave you a treat.
Love,
Melody Falconer
This missive demonstrates that even as a precocious nine year-old I had inclinations of becoming a writer. I got the typewriter but Santa must have misplaced Dad’s airplane. My father always wanted to fly so finally as an adult I helped make one of his Christmas wishes come true after a fashion.
For his 60th birthday we sent him, and my rather reluctant Mother, on a flight to visit friends in Calgary. It was 1991 and back then the airlines did things like lucky seat contests. Turns out my Dad, on his very first flight, found himself seated in the lucky seat. He was escorted to the cockpit and got to meet the pilots and enjoyed some of the flight up front with them. He even got pilot wings! The stories he told of that experience were pretty wonderful. He was almost childlike in his recollections as a long wished for dream had more than come true. Aside from the return trip home my Father never had the opportunity to fly in an airplane again.
Dec. 18 marks 25 years since he earned his angel wings. Christmas was his favorite holiday and in celebrating it I feel I honor his memory. In every silly, sentimental moment he is with me. – Melody
Ideas and contributions to the Bayfield Breeze are always welcome.
Deadlines for submissions are Sundays at 4 p.m.