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.

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

Saville (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.

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.”

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.

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.