LOCAL YOUTH CHALLENGED TO READ IN THE NEW YEAR
Calling all Bayfield area tweens and teens! The Bayfield Public Library (Bayfield Branch) is challenging youth ages 12 to 18 to read at least one book a month from January to June 2023 for a chance to win some amazing prizes. Are you up for the challenge?
For every book a youth reads, their name will be entered to win one of the prizes listed below. Draws will be made at the end of the program. The Bayfield Branch has a tracking form which can be picked up from the branch during regular hours, or can be completed by downloading a form at: Bayfield Teen Reading Challenge Form.
Looking for ideas of what to read? Explore the Huron County Library’s online catalogue or speak with branch staff who are eager to offer reading recommendations.
Prizes for the Bayfield Branch reading challenge include, but are not limited to: $250 gift card from Forever Furniture; $25 gift card from The Village Bookshop; four, $25 gift cards to The Village Bookshop from Pioneer Park; four, Kids Kraft Workshop gift cards from Crichet Handmade Designs; a selection of graphic novels from Friends of Bayfield Library; selection of gift cards from the Bayfield Optimist Club; Hyacinth Bulb kit from Huron Ridge Greenhouses; Sherpa blanket from the Little Inn of Bayfield; selection of books from the Bayfield Agricultural Society; handmade products from the Bayfield Lavender Farm and Great Lakes Glory; Bayfield booklets from the Bayfield Historical Society; and swag from the Virtual High School & Bruce Power.
All completed tracking forms must be returned to the Bayfield Branch or emailed to bayfieldlibrary@huroncounty.ca by the contest deadline of Wednesday, June 28.
LAST OF LITTER IN NEED OF A HOME
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.
Eddy (also known as Jaun) is the Adopt a BFF cat of the week.
Eddy was one of six adorable kittens born to his beautiful Calico mama named Catalina.
Catalina was found hiding in a shed. She was very scared and very pregnant. When she was brought into the Rescue she had the good fortune to be sent to a wonderful foster home. There she had a quiet place to get comfortable and to deliver her six kittens. Eddy is the only kitten from the litter still in need of a forever home.
He is an energetic, playful and expressive kitty who is now about seven months old. His foster has shared that he is fabulous company but as she was going away for several months she could no longer take care of him. As Eddy is now at the shelter the need to find him his forever home is amplified. Volunteers note that he gets along with everyone: cats, dogs and kids! He would surely make a wonderful addition to any family.
If you can’t resist Eddy’s expressive eyes you can grant his adoption wish by contacting 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.
Paula Brent, along with the folks at Bayfield Pet Corner, are working together to organize a Cat Food and Toy Drive in support of BFF.
Bayfield Pet Corner has kindly agreed to collect donations. They are collecting such items as, new or like new, cat toys and beds. Cat themed purchases can also be made in store to be donated.
Bayfield Pet Corner is located at 19 Bayfield Main St N, Unit E, in the village (across from Ollio Too).
CHRISTMAS TREES
The Municipality of Bluewater would like to let everyone know that they have drop off locations again this year for Christmas trees. The service will be provided until Jan. 7. People can find full details here: Christmas Tree Disposal.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The congregation of Knox Presbyterian Church, Bayfield would like to wish all a Happy New Year and remind everyone that their Sunday services continue to be in-person starting at 11 a.m.
Unfortunately, their Christmas Eve service was cancelled, due to the blizzard, however, on Sunday, Jan. 8, Linda Street, the person scheduled to be their Christmas Eve soloist, will attend and feature “O Holy Night” as one of her solos. All are invited to share in this wonderful music.
BRVTA
The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) welcomes all to attend the first hike of the 2023 season at the Varna Nature Trails on Saturday, Jan. 14.
Hiking will begin at 11 a.m. and will be followed by a free lunch in the Stanley Community Complex at noon. The event is free, open to the public, and no reservations are required. Voluntary donations to offset the cost of the lunch will be happily accepted.
Hikers may choose the 1 km Taylor Trail or the 2.5 km Mavis’ Trail, both guided by Hike Ontario-certified leaders. All are welcome, including dogs on leash. Ice cleats and a walking pole are recommended as the trails may be hard-packed with snow and ice.
Check-in will be indoors at the Stanley Complex located at 38572 Mill Road in Varna, 5 km east of Bayfield. A map can be found here: Mavis’-Taylor Trails. A light lunch will be offered at noon inside the Complex, where the full 2023 season will be announced.
Hikers may also choose to become members of the BRVTA or renew their memberships: the annual cost is unchanged at $20 for individuals or $30 for family.
For more information, contact BRVTA Hike Coordinator Ralph Blasting at rjblastingjr@gmail.com or 519 525-3205. See you on the trails!
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
It is that time of year! Time to consider obtaining or renewing a 2023 Bayfield Historical Society (BHS) membership.
This yearly membership allows BHS to continue to keep the doors open and helps them maintain a safe storage space to preserve the many wonderful Bayfield artifacts and archival records. In addition, the fee helps support the current digitization project, which ultimately will be populated with all of the precious treasures and stories of Bayfield.
The membership fee is $20 for an Individual and $30 for Family. Please either send a cheque or e-transfer using the information provided below.
As a thank you for the support, all members will receive a 10 per cent discount on BHS books. Please also note that only paid members are allowed to vote on BHS business.
Cheques for memberships may be sent to the Bayfield Historical Society and Archives at 20 Main St. N., PO Box 161, Bayfield, ON, N0M 1G0. Alternatively, E-transfers for memberships may be emailed to bhsmembers@gmail.com attention Deborah Curran, memberships.
Donations are also gratefully accepted and can also be sent by cheque or E-transfer. BHS is a registered non-profit and receipts for Income Tax purposes on donations over $20 will be provided.
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.
The easiest way to request a tree planting and to learn more about this process if by visiting: Bluewater Tree Planting.
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!
WARDEN EXPRESSES THANKS TO THOSE WHO OFFERED SUPPORT DURING BLIZZARD

A sample of how Bayfield Main Street North looked when Blizzard conditions gripped the region over Christmas weekend 2022. (Photo by Ryan Berkley)
The County of Huron would like to thank all of Huron’s many first responders, essential workers, and volunteers for the exceptional effort put forth in response to the storm that affected this region over the holiday weekend.
“I cannot thank our essential workers enough,” said Huron County Warden Glen McNeil. “These dedicated professionals worked tirelessly throughout the storm to ensure that our roads were cleared, emergency services remained available, and our vulnerable citizens were cared for. Thank you for everything you’ve done and continue to do.”
McNeil cited Public Works employees, emergency services providers, first responders, those who provide care at the county seniors’ residences and the Out of the Cold Emergency Shelter, as well as volunteers and the families of essential workers for the contributions and sacrifice they made when blizzard conditions swept the region.
- Thank you to the County of Huron Public Works department who worked tirelessly throughout the duration of the storm to ensure that roads were clear and emergency services remained available.
- Thank you to all Huron County Paramedics who continued to provide emergency coverage to the residents of Huron County throughout the storm.
- Thank you to the staff at Huronview and Huronlea Homes for the Aged, many of whom worked extended hours to ensure that residents were well cared for.
- Thank you to all the staff at Choices for Change for significantly extending hours at the Out of the Cold Emergency Shelter to ensure the continued safety of the community’s most vulnerable citizens.
- The County of Huron would also like to thank all of Huron’s many first responders, including Huron’s local fire departments, medical professionals, and OPP officers for their hard work and quick response in a crisis.
- Thank you to the entire community of volunteers, friends, and family who pitched in to remove snow, check on neighbors, or support essential workers in a variety of different ways over the holiday weekend.
“The type of dedication and fast action required to address a storm of this significance is commendable on any day,” continued McNeil. “But this was not just any day. The contributions made over the Christmas weekend meant that many individuals had to sacrifice precious time spent with family and loved ones. Thank you again to everyone involved for your above and beyond effort.”
The County of Huron wishes everyone in Huron a safe holiday and happy New Year.
NEW FACES AT GATEWAY CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN RURAL HEALTH
Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (Gateway) is pleased to announce that two individuals are joining their organization to fill roles in Fund Development as well as Marketing and Administration.
Donna Jean Forster has joined Gateway as a Fund Development Consultant. She is a freelance consultant from Goderich who focuses her work exclusively with small not-for-profit charitable organizations. In her work she walks alongside organizations in the areas of fund development, fundraising and grant writing, strategic management and organizational development, critical financial operations, as well as many other projects to help organizations grow their impact. With over two decades of experience at the management and executive levels of charitable organizations she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Gateway team.
Forster, who lives in Goderich with her family, has been a freelance consultant since 2016 working with organizations at the local and national level in a variety of sectors including violence against women, recreational camps, education and early literacy, healthcare and others. She has been successful in writing grants valued at over $3 million in 2022 alone.
“Organizations reach a point in their evolution where they understand certain building blocks are required to get to the next phase of their growth. I’m delighted to start working alongside the Gateway team to help them achieve their mission of improving the health and quality of life for the residents of Huron, Perth, Grey and Bruce counties,” Forster said.
Dan Stringer, Board chair of Gateway, said: “We have identified that our organization is entering a period of growth and change. In order to increase our impact in the community a focus on fund development is required. We are very pleased to have such skilled expertise in our community and our organization.”
Gateway also welcomes Karissa Eckert as the Marketing and Administration Coordinator. Eckert is the Founder of an e-commerce loungewear company and was previously the Communications and Marketing Coordinator at a local catering company. Additionally, she brings five plus years of experience in the marketing industry to Gateway.
“I am very fortunate for the opportunity to be a part of such a lovely team at Gateway CERH! I also look forward to helping the organization grow and expand while continuing to deliver positivity within the community, said Eckert.
Eckert graduated from Fanshawe College with a Business Marketing Diploma in 2019, a Business Administration Advanced Diploma in 2020, and an Honors Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Digital Marketing in 2021. Eckert is also very involved with the community through participating in sports and local groups, coaching hockey and being a long-time resident of Seaforth, ON.
Eckert will be overseeing all projects organized by Gateway, providing the drive behind many of the marketing initiatives and assisting Gateway in continuing to be a leading organization in rural healthcare within the community, province, and country.
Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health is a registered charitable, not-for-profit organization located in Goderich, ON that aims to improve the health and quality of life of rural residents. To learn more about Gateway or to make a donation, please visit their website at www.gatewayruralhealth.ca.
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.
SOURCE PROTECTION COMMITTEE
A local committee working to protect drinking water sources is proposing updates to source protection plans for the Ausable Bayfield and Maitland Valley areas.
The plans have been prepared under the Ontario Clean Water Act, 2006, to protect municipal sources of drinking water and to ensure their sustainable use into the future. The Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Source Protection Committee (SPC) invites the public to review and comment on the proposed updates to these plans. Please submit written comments by Feb. 10 to mmacdonald@abca.ca
The local committee developed the source protection plans and the Province of Ontario approved them in 2015. The plans need to be updated, according to the committee, because of recent changes. The wellhead protection area for Belgrave is updated to reflect a new water well. There are also minor changes to wellhead protection areas for Wingham, Palmerston, and Auburn. Policies in the plans are revised to reflect new provincial technical rules and to improve implementation. Key policy changes address road salt, fuel storage, and snow storage.
The proposed changes may affect properties close to municipal wells. For those who live or work in these vulnerable areas, plan policies may affect how and where certain activities which could impact drinking water sources can occur.
Matt Pearson, chair of the SPC, says people are invited to attend open houses, or a webinar, to learn more and to ask questions.
“Locally developed plans have helped to protect municipal drinking water sources since 2015,” he said. “It is now time to revise the plans to keep them current. We want the public to know about proposed changes to policies and we would like to hear people’s questions and comments.”
To review the proposed updates to source protection plans, visit: Source Protection Consultation.
A short video featuring SPC member Allan Rothwell, describes some of the proposed changes. People can view the video, entitled, “Have your Say” here.
People are invited to find out more at the following public events:
- Webinar – Wednesday, Jan. 11, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Please pre-register by email to mmacdonald@abca.ca
- Wingham Open House: Wednesday, Jan. 18, 4:30-7 p.m., Hot Stove Lounge, North Huron Wescast Community Complex, 99 Kerr Drive.
- Clinton Open House: Wednesday, Jan. 25, 4:30-7 p.m., Board Room, Central Huron Community Centre Complex, 239 Bill Fleming Drive.
For more information or to review a paper copy of the documents please call source protection staff at 519 235-2610, or toll-free 1-888-286-2610, Ext. 247.
RECOVERY FUND
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.
Potential applicants are encouraged 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.
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 game is in support of the Goderich Firefighters’ charity of choice: Huron Hospice.
Tickets for the game start at $30 (plus HST) with additional discounts available by calling 1-888-777-9793.
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.
Now that Christmas 2022 is in the past and all of the surprises under the tree have been revealed, we take a look back at a special toy in the Museum’s collection that one young girl may have found under her family Christmas tree many, many years ago…
BABY TOOTSIE
This is a Composition Doll. (The type of material a doll’s head is made from determines its type.) She is known as “Baby Tootsie” and was made by the Reliable Toy Company circa 1950.
This doll’s head and hands are made from a material known as composition, a mixture of glue mixed with sawdust. Her body is made from beige cloth and she is stuffed with wood wool. The doll has brown hair, black eyes, red lips, and brown eyebrows that have been painted on. There are several hairline cracks on her head and hands. She is wearing a yellow and white dress with a blue and red oval print. The collar and cuffs of the dress are light blue. The collar is trimmed with lace. The dress does not close up at the back.
Baby Tootsie was part of the original stock of the Five and Dime Store in Brussels.
A RETROSPECTIVE OF VILLAGE HAPPENINGS FROM JAN. 19 TO APR. 21
THE BEST OF THE BAYFIELD BREEZE 2022
STORY BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER
Progressive may be the most appropriate word used to best describe 2022 in Bayfield. At the start of 2022 the pandemic was still front of mind but as the weeks passed COVID-19 restrictions were gradually lifted and many long treasured community events were resumed.
Construction on the new Bayfield Bridge continued and by mid-April the bridge was opened to traffic allowing for the next phases of the project to commence – the removal of the temporary Bailey Bridge and the creation of a pedestrian walkway. And spring saw work commence on the long anticipated Main Street Revitalization project. Two major projects that when completed will hopefully serve the community well for many years to come.
This week we revisit the period of 2022 from Jan. 19 to Apr. 21. As we look back on this time period we would like to take this opportunity to extend a heartfelt thank you to those people who contribute both stories and photos from events that happen in the community. It just isn’t possible for us to attend everything so your talents are very much appreciated by not only our committee but our readers also.
Sending wishes for a healthy, happy New Year with just the right amount of progress to suit one’s fancy. From the Bayfield Breeze committee – Dennis, Mike, John and myself!
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Jan. 19 - Issue 654 - WINTER IN BAYFIELD - MOTHER NATURE CREATES ALLURING IMAGES: There is nothing like a good Arctic blast of cold air to allow Mother Nature an opportunity to create gorgeous works of art – water, wind and snow her mediums of choice. Bayfield photographer Jack Pal captured several stunning images on Jan. 8-9 including this one shared here. (Photo by Jack Pal)
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Feb. 15 - Issue 658 - BAYFIELD RIVER VALLEY TRAIL ASSOCIATION - WEATHER COOPERATED FOR WINTER HIKE IN VARNA: A Winter Hike was held on the Varna Nature trails on Feb. 12 and as evidenced by the photo this hike truly lived up to its name. (Photo by Don Munro)
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Feb. 2 - Issue 656 - BAYFIELD GUIDING - KEEPING THE SPIRIT OF GUIDING ALIVE - DURING COVID: Guiding has been active in the Bayfield community since it was first introduced in 1953 and the program continues despite the challenges of navigating pandemic protocols.The corn in the maze at Point Farms Market always seems to grow to the perfect height for developing navigation skills while not worrying about getting really lost. Bayfield Guiding members enjoyed the opportunity to find their way through the maze several times during their September visit. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)
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Feb. 23 - Issue 659 - BAYFIELD’S FORGOTTEN FELINES - FOSTER CARE ORIENTATION PLANNED FOR EARLY MARCH: Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF) is an amazing, volunteer-run service that rescues and rehomes hundreds of feral, orphaned and abandoned felines. Every year more and more cats and kittens are rescued through this organization. BFF has been so successful in their mission that they have reached a point where expansion would be beneficial, for the volunteers who operate it and the cats/kittens themselves. (Submitted photo)
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March 2 - Issue 660 - BRVTA SUPPORT COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR: The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) sent a team to participate in Goderich’s “Coldest Night of the Year” walk in support of the Huron Homelessness Initiative. The team contributed $1,765 to the over $105,000 that was raised at the event. Three hundred plus walkers, making up 53 teams, braved the chilly but dry weather on Saturday, Feb. 26 to walk around The Square, with all funds raised remaining to help the homeless in Huron County. Pictured are Ralph Blasting, George Cantin, Peter Brent, Conrad Kuiper, Roger and Pat Lewington. (Photo by Ralph Blasting)
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March 9 - Issue 661 - WOMEN’S DAY HIKE MOVED TO HERITAGE TRAIL: A lively group of 27 learned about Canadian women authors on the International Women’s Day walk through the Village of Bayfield, along the Heritage Trail, on Sunday, March 6. (Photo by Jack Pal)
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March 16 - Issue 662 - GLORY TO UKRAINE - PEOPLE BRAVE BITTER COLD TO WALK IN SOLIDARITY: Approximately 150 souls braved the bitter cold to walk in solidarity for the people and the nation of Ukraine on Saturday, March 12. (Photo by Jack Pal)
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March 23 - Issue 663 - 75 YEARS OF SERVICE - BAYFIELD LIONS CLUB ROSE FROM THE ASHES OF THE RITZ HOTEL: Can you imagine what the Village of Bayfield would be like today if the Lions Club had not formed 75 years ago? They continue to serve the community by assisting other groups with their projects as well as many of their own choosing. In this photo are the members of the Bayfield Lions Club when they first formed in 1949. FR l-r: Bob Stirling, Rit McDool, Robert Walsh, Grant Turner, Jack Scotchmer and John Howard. Second Row: Charles Scotchmer, Ted Davies, Ken Merner, Ken Brandon, Ted Mack, Lloyd Scotchmer, Rev. Stotesbury and Alf Scotchmer. Third Row: George Little, Les Elliott, Ernie Hovey, Reg Francis, Mel Davidson, Bill Parker, Grant Stirling and Tom Arkell. BR: Bird Sturgeon, White Weston and Spinny Ervine. (Courtesy Bayfield Historical Society)
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March 30 - Issue 664 - HURON HOSPICE - ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY WALKERS ENJOYED MAGIC OF FOLLOWING A CANDLELIT TRAIL: Most of the candles remained lit in the blustery cold winds in the forest on the Taylor Trail in Varna last Saturday evening, March 26, when approximately 150 walkers experienced the magic of a nighttime candlelit path. “A very big thank you to all donors and the 30 sponsors of the Candlelight Memorial Walk, who contributed almost $30,000. Since the Ontario Government will match every dollar raised for Huron Hospice’s Capital Campaign, this generous support will be multiplied to become close to $60,000,” said Dave Gillians, an event organizer. Preparing the lanterns for the Candlelit Walk were from l-r: Peter Kolkman, Mike Dietrich, Nancy Kale, Kevin Kale, Wayne Nielsen and in back was Trailblazer leader, Peter Jeffers. (Photo by Jack Pal)
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March 30 - Issue 664 - NEW BRIDGE UNDERGOING TESTING: Site work for the new Bayfield Bridge project commenced in September of 2019 and the temporary Bailey Bridge came into use in mid-April 2020. Almost two years later the project is nearing completion with the hope that the new bridge will be opened to traffic mid-April. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)
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APR. 6 - ISSUE 665 - BOTH LANES OPEN: Although no official report was available from the Municipality of Bluewater at deadline, photographic evidence shows that at least one lane of the new bridge was open to traffic midday on Tuesday, Apr. 5. And by 4 p.m. it was reported that both lanes were open! (Photo by Sally Leitch)
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Apr. 13 - Issue 666 - BRIDGE CROSSING: The Bayfield Bridge was opened to two lanes of traffic on Apr. 6 as a result of some good weather that allowed the crew opportunity to progress with the project. Although the bridge is now open the construction project is estimated to continue until August with the dismantling of the temporary Bailey Bridge and the construction of the pedestrian walkway. People should expect that the bridge moves to single lane traffic occasionally until the work is completed. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)
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Apr. 21 - Issue 667 - OPTIMIST CLUB OF BAYFIELD - THRILL OF THE HUNT RETURNS: Approximately 115 youngsters brought their adults to Clan Gregor Square for the return of the Bayfield Optimist Club's Easter Egg Hunt held on Sunday afternoon, Apr. 17. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)
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
Do you remember the first time you stayed up to watch the ball drop on New Year’s Eve? I’m afraid I don’t. But I know it is a milestone moment to make it to midnight when you are a youngster.
This year, for the very first time, our grandchildren and their parents were at the farmhouse for Dec. 31st. Their presence added an anticipation that has been sorely lacking for the last several ball drops. My granddaughter and I made posters to welcome the New Year and used these creations to decorate the dining room. We set the table in a gold and silver color scheme befitting this special occasion and sat down to a lovely dinner of home cooked brisket, roast vegetables, cauliflower slaw and baked beans. There was sparkling juice for the younger set and wine for the older.
During the meal both grandchildren declared that they would be staying up to midnight and so then by default would the adults. The time after dinner was spent playing board games and indulging in assorted cheesecakes for dessert as well as a fun little scavenger hunt.
At about 11:50 p.m. our granddaughter started to fade. She put herself to bed and couldn’t be enticed to join the rest of the family downstairs to watch the hands on the clock tick over to midnight. The big moment needed saving, if the granddaughter wouldn’t come to the party, the party would come to her. The room she sleeps in happens to have a small TV in it so it was fired up and the channel offering “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” was located just in time for the countdown to begin. She did chime in but her head never lifted from her pillow. Celebratory cheers followed and then good night kisses were extended to the wee lass who very quickly fell asleep.
Will she remember the first time she stayed up to watch the ball drop on New Year’s Eve? Not likely…but I will. Sending best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2023 from our house to yours. – Gramel
Ideas and contributions to the Bayfield Breeze are always welcome.
Deadlines for submissions are Sundays at 4 p.m.