FUTURE OF HELEN MACLEOD II TO BE DETERMINED BY NEW COMMITTEE

When Louie MacLeod’s health declined the schooner he built was sold and left for Detroit. (Photo courtesy of the Bayfield Historical Society)
After 25 years and with some false starts, the Bayfield Historical Society (BHS) is hoping to give the Helen MacLeod II project one last try with a twist on the original intent. They are looking for former committee members and new recruits with an interest in preserving this historic schooner for future generations to discover. The first meeting regarding the project is set for Jan. 24.
The Helen MacLeod II (HMII), a 38 foot wooden schooner, was built and launched in Bayfield in 1926. The HMII was built by Louie MacLeod (1888-1961), a third generation of the family who had immigrated from the Isle of Lewis, Hebrides, Scotland.
When Louie’s health declined the boat was sold and left for Detroit. After changing hands and uses, it was acquired by the Great Lakes Schooner company of Toronto who donated the schooner to Bayfield in 1997.
The average lifespan of a wooden boat is anywhere from 10 to 25 years. The HMII was retired after 70 years. She sits in a shed north of Bayfield – still large and imposing but with visible rotting and decay.
The BHS formed a committee in 1997 with the purpose of “restoring/reconstructing” this historic boat.
“After several starts and stops; many good times and some flat times, we have come to the conclusion that the original idea will not fly. Previous committees have also talked about displaying the old HMII either on a moveable trailer or in a stationary building. Another issue will be where could something this large be permanently displayed?” said Ruth Gibson, past president of the BHS.
Over 25 years (and with investment and interest), BHS has $49,000 in a reserved account for the Helen MacLeod II Project.
BHS is in the process of forming a committee including former committee members as well as people who would have an interest in this project. The object of the committee will be to do costing and establish a realistic plan to complete the project without needing fundraising or future expenses.
“We have six people signed, but if you have missed prior notices and would like to join the group, please email bhsmembers@gmail.com,” said Gibson.
The first meeting regarding the project will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 2 p.m. It will be held at the Bayfield Archives and Heritage Centre located at 20 Bayfield Main Street North.
PRIVATE LIFE OF REUBEN SALLOWS TOPIC OF LIBRARY SERIES
The Friends of Bayfield Library (FOBL) and Huron County Library are pleased to co-sponsor the first guest speaker in the 2023 Virtual Saturdays at the Library program.
All are welcome to join the ZOOM meeting on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 10:30 a.m. The guest speaker will be local historian and genealogist Colleen Maguire, whose topic will be “The Man Under the Black Cloth – the Private Life of R.R. Sallows”. In this session, Maguire will pull away the black photographer’s cloth to reveal details about the private life of Sallows – where he lived, who his family was, and what they were like.
Maguire has spent many years researching the life of Reuben R. Sallows, and she was instrumental in establishing the Reuben R. Sallows Gallery at the Goderich Public Library in 2001. Maguire is a recipient of both the Governor General’s History Award for Community Programming and the Huron Arts and Heritage Network’s Heritage Award.
Anyone wishing to participate in the ZOOM meeting is asked to pre-register by clicking on the link provided on the FOBL website: www.FOBL.ca.
BROTHERS BORN IN VILLAGE DOWNTOWN
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.
What’s better than one fluffy black cat? Of course it’s two fluffy black cats!
The Dandy Brothers are the Adopt a BFF cats of the week.
These boys were born in downtown Bayfield and have been at the Rescue, along with their gorgeous, grey, fluffy Mama, for some time now.
“They have been tough to socialize but they are finally coming around and deciding people might not be such bad pets to have after all,” said Deb Penhale on behalf of BFF. “They feed you. They clean your bathroom. They clean your house. They wash your dishes and give you treats, all while trying to win you over with a couple of gentle strokes. It’s as if they have been thinking once you’ve got your people trained and where you want them it doesn’t hurt to give in and to start to flirt a little bit and tease them into thinking that they’ve won the battle!”
Penhale went on to say that when these brothers were smaller the only way the volunteers could tell them apart was because one of them had a white whisker.
“However, once that white whisker was gone they became very difficult to tell apart so we just started calling them Dandy One and Dandy Two,” she said. “Now though one is a little fluffier than the other so when together they’re not as hard to tell apart.”
These two super handsome, very sophisticated and rather stubborn boys will soon be ready for their forever home!
If you can’t resist the Dandy Brothers you can grant their 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.
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!
YOUTH READING CHALLENGE
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.
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 is by visiting: Bluewater Tree Planting.The deadline for requesting a tree planting is Feb. 24.
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.
WINTER SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED FOR LIVERY FILM FEST
The Livery Film Fest organizers have their first two film dates of 2023 confirmed for Jan. 19 and Feb. 16.
The new season opens on Jan. 19 with “Three Thousand Years of Longing”, starring Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton.
Swinton plays an academic – content with life and a creature of reason. While in Istanbul attending a conference, she happens to encounter a Djinn (Elba) who offers her three wishes in exchange for his freedom. This presents two problems. First, she doubts that he is real and second, because she is a scholar of story and mythology, she knows all the cautionary tales of wishes gone wrong. The Djinn pleads his case by telling her fantastical stories of his past. Eventually she is beguiled and makes a wish that surprises them both!
Then on Feb. 16, “Revival69: The Concert That Rocked the World” will be shown.
This is the story of a young concert promoter in Toronto, who was having problems selling tickets to a show at the Varsity Arena. He had a good line up, featuring: The Doors, Chicago, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, and others. John Lennon and Yoko Ono had been in Toronto for their Peace tour, so he called them up to see if they would act as masters of ceremonies for the show. Lennon said he would only attend if he could bring a band and play! Of course the promoter agreed, and The Plastic Ono Band were such a hit, that John quit the Beatles immediately upon his return to England. This is the story of how the rock festival came to be, and possibly led to the breakup of The Beatles.
Both films will be shown at the Park Theatre, located at 30 Courthouse Square in Goderich and begin at 7 p.m.
A new opportunity at the Film Fest is a film talk to be held immediately after the shows at Paddy O’Neil’s Restaurant Pub. The pub is located in the Bedford Hotel at 92 Courthouse Square.
For more information, please email: Livery Film Fest Chair Rob McAuley at rob@rmcauley.ca.
TIME TO NOMINATE A CONSERVATIONIST
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) has recognized outstanding achievements in conservation each year, since 1984, with conservation awards. The conservation authority will present the Conservationist of the Year Award, for the 40th consecutive year, in 2023.
Past award winners have included rural landowners and residents, agricultural producers and farms, service clubs, community organizations, companies, nature groups, and municipalities.
The local conservation authority invites the public to nominate a person, business, farm, community group, or organization in 2023 for the Conservationist of the Year Award. People may nominate a nominee until Feb. 15.
The nomination form can be found by visiting here: Conservationist of the Year.
“There are many local stewards helping to protect and enhance our local watershed resources,” said General Manager and Secretary-Treasurer of ABCA, Brian Horner. “This award is one way we can say ‘Thank you’ to them for the needed positive stewardship actions they are taking.”
Individuals, organizations or companies who either reside in, or have completed conservation work in, the ABCA area are eligible to win the Conservationist of the Year award. Current ABCA staff members and directors are excluded. The Conservation Award acknowledges one individual or group per year who demonstrates positive conservation principles. The nominee must have undertaken conservation efforts over a number of years showing long-term benefits for nature and society. Examples of conservation work include: improving local water quality; conservation farming; reforestation; conservation education; providing wildlife and fish habitat; and promoting awareness and action for soil, water, and habitat for all living things.
ABCA presents the winner with a hand-crafted gift and makes a donation towards a tree and plaque at a Commemorative Woods site maintained by the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation.
“We have been pleased to recognize many deserving recipients over the years,” Horner said. “We also know there are many others who may not receive an award but who are worthy of recognition and we thank them as well.”
HOCKEY IN SUPPORT OF HURON HOSPICE THIS SUNDAY
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.
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.
RECOVERY FUND OPEN
Now more than ever, charities and non-profits 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 non-profits as they build resilience by making investments in their people, organizations, and program innovation.
“We are now accepting Community Services Recovery Fund applications,” said United Way Perth-Huron Director Governance & Community Impact Megan Partridge. “With this funding provided by the Government of Canada, we will support a broad and diverse range of charities and non-profits to adapt and modernize so they can better support recovery in their communities. We encourage organizations to visit communityservicesrecoveryfund.ca and learn more.”
“The Government is supporting the long-term COVID-19 pandemic recovery in communities across Canada through this historic fund,” said Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Karina Gould. “This transformational investment with the National Funders supports a more inclusive model of economic growth that creates opportunities at the community level. The Community Services Recovery Fund will strengthen the ability of community service organizations, including charities, non-profits and Indigenous governing bodies, to deliver services and resources where they will have the most impact.”
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 non-profit organizations, Indigenous Governing Bodies and Registered Charities located across Canada. The Community Services Recovery Fund responds to what charities and non-profits need right now and supports organizations as they adapt to the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications will be accepted until Feb. 21.
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.
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.
The cold weather has arrived and so we explore artifacts within the Museum’s collection that can keep people warm…
DOOF POT
This is a warming stove known as a “Doof Pot”. Doof means to extinguish.
Black turf would be burned in a stove to heat the house. As it was burning down, the still intact hot turf was removed with tongs and placed in the Doof Pot thus extinguishing the turf, leaving briquettes to be used for other things.
Briquettes were used for:
- cooking on a special element with relit briquettes
- warming feet with relit briquettes in a clay bowl; or setting them in a wooden box with holes in the top called a “Stoof” then setting the Stoof on the floor and putting feet on it while sitting at the table in the evening
- keeping a pot of tea, coffee or hot chocolate milk hot using relit briquettes in a “Thee Stoofje” with keeping a pot of tea, coffee or chocolate milk hot using relit briquettes in a “Thee Stoofje”
This Doof Pot was bought by Cornelius (Casey) and Wybrig (Wilma) deHaan in May 1939 as part of their household goods for their wedding. The couple immigrated from Holland on June 15, 1948 landing at Quebec City. They took a train to Goderich where Casey started work as a farm hand in Kingsbridge.
A RETROSPECTIVE OF VILLAGE HAPPENINGS FROM APR. 27 TO AUG. 17
THE BEST OF THE BAYFIELD BREEZE 2022
STORY BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER
After more than a decade of publishing the Bayfield Breeze we launched a new website early in 2022 and we are pleased to share that it has been tremendously well received.
One of the benefits of the update was being able to provide an avenue for people and organizations who wish to contribute to the costs associated with creating and publishing this weekly online newspaper an opportunity to donate. Not only can people donate via cheque or E-transfer but they can now also donate using their Credit Card or through Paypal. They can opt to become a Sustaining Patron by pledging a monthly amount – several people have chosen to do this – some giving the equivalent of a cup of specialty coffee monthly. Still others have become Spontaneous Supporters with an equally appreciated one time gift.
Several of these donors have sent along nice notes thanking us for our efforts in providing an outlet to connect the community (and beyond) since 2009. I am so grateful for these notes. I keep them in a drawer beside my desk and when I need to reignite the spark I will get them out and read them. Just before Christmas I received a most unexpected card all the way from Queensland, Australia. It had a Canadian paper $20 bill tucked inside. The special person who sent it had not been to her home and native land since 2008 but one of the ways she remains connected to Huron County is through our publication. This one small gesture truly touched my heart. Notes sent from closer to home are appreciated as well and I am delighted to share a few with you this week as our 2022 retrospective continues from Apr. 21 to Aug. 17.
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I look forward to reading the Breeze every week and wish to thank you for all of your hard work and your journalistic and talented efforts that go into each issue. I enjoy so much reading the stories of artifacts from bygone eras. The Breeze is the lifeline to Bayfield and surrounds and so important to the community’s social fabric. – L.E., Bayfield
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I’ve enjoyed the Bayfield Breeze over many years. I love the articles, the great pictures, including the Image of the Week. It’s always a delight to read – informative, entertaining, a tribute to its many contributors and your committee, your “merry little band”. My thanks – P.P., Chatham, ON.
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Thank you for what you do and all you give! The Bayfield Breeze is a life-line to a place in my heart! To all the volunteers, I thank you. – B.K., Downington, PA, USA
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I do enjoy the Bayfield Breeze. I like to know what is going on in the village. Thank you. M.B., London, ON
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We appreciate all you and your team do. Keep up the great work! – K.C., Birmingham, MI, USA
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Thanks for keeping me up to date with the Bayfield “happenings”. I always look forward to each edition of the Bayfield Breeze. – M. C., London, ON
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The Bayfield Breeze keeps us “in the know” of all Bayfield activities. Thank you for continuing to keep us informed. Much appreciated. – M.M., Bayfield
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Thank you for all you do for the local community with your stellar online newspaper. You are a vital link between many local organizations and draw attention to events taking place. We are grateful. Thank you. P.P., Bayfield.
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Apr. 27 - Issue 668 - BAYFIELD AREA FOOD BANK - VOLUNTEERS REFLECT UNSELFISH CARING: Volunteer Appreciation Week is happening now so there is no better time to thank the incredible people who devote countless hours to the Bayfield Area Food Bank (BAFB). For example, Dave Wilson (left) and Jim Knox pose with the new Bayfield Area Food Bank shelving they assembled recently. This will allow for better storage of inventory and easier set up for monthly distribution. (Submitted photo)
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May 4 - Issue 669 - CONSTRUCTION ALONG STREET PROGRESSES: The Bayfield Main Street Revitalization Project (BMSR) continues to progress along the street.This image of work being conducted along Catherine Street was taken on Apr. 20. (Photo courtesy Municipality of Bluewater)
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May 4 - Issue 669 - BAYFIELD LIONS CLUB - HOME SHOW ATTENDANCE CLOSE TO PRE-COVID LEVELS: “As one of the first big community events coming off the two-year COVID hiatus, the Bayfield Lions Home & Garden Show was a resounding success,” said Tony Van Bakel, Lions Club president. “We had a good roster of exhibitors, many of whom were new to the Show. Attendance was close to the levels achieved in pre-COVID.“ One of the exhibitors, Watson's Home Hardware in Goderich, had a cheerful spring display at the Home and Garden Show. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)
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May 11 - Issue 670 - HELLO AND GOODBYE: The disassembly of the temporary Bailey Bridge continues and as progress is made a better view of the new contemporary bridge is slowly unveiled. These images were taken on the afternoon of Sunday, May 8. (Photos by Melody Falconer-Pounder)
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May 18 - Issue 671 - BAYFIELD BEER, WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL - SIXTH SOLD OUT EVENT SUPPORTS ARENA:The most anticipated event on the spring social calendar was sold-out once again! The Bayfield Arena Community Partners Association (BACPA) and the Bayfield Community Centre Team (BCCT) hosted their sixth Bayfield Beer, Wine and Food Festival on Saturday, May 14. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)
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May 25 - Issue 672 - OPTIMIST CLUB OF BAYFIELD - RUBBER DUCKS RETURN TO RIVER FOR RACE: After a two year absence from the community events calendar, a crowd of people returned to the South Pier on Sunday afternoon, May 22, to see the Bayfield River turn to a sea of yellow as 1,000 rubber ducks were dropped as part of the annual Bayfield Optimist Club’s Rubber Duck Race. The services of canoeists Jess Langan (left) and Janneke Vorsteveld (right) as well as young duck wranglers Kyle and Nolan Geddis were very much appreciated. Not only were they instrumental in controlling the ducks during the race they also plucked hundreds of them out of the river following the event. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)
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June 1 - Issue 673 - LIONS CLUB OF BAYFIELD - LIONS’ MOTTO ADAPTED: WE SERVE…BREAKFAST: The Annual Lions’ Breakfast returned to the Bayfield Community Centre after a two-year absence on Sunday, May 22. For the 53rd time, Lions served up eggs, sausages, hash brown potatoes, pancakes, toast, juice and lots of coffee. (Photo by Kathy Gray)
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June 8 - Issue 674 - LIONS CLUB OF BAYFIELD - PEOPLE AND THEIR POOCHES WALK FOR DOG GUIDES: On Sunday, June 5, members of the Bayfield Lions Club were able to host their Walk for Dog Guides just like in the days prior to COVID. And it was perfect weather for people and pooches alike to enjoy the walk. Goderich's Pet Valu was represented by Kendyl DiFonzo, and dog Gizmo, and Kylie McNaughton, with dog Bailey. (Photo by Jack Pal)
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June 15 - Issue 675 - CONSTRUCTION WORK MOVED SOUTHBOUND: The Main Street Revitalization project continues with the reopening of the intersection at Charles Street and Main Street. Two-lane traffic has resumed from Charles Street and Main Street and North on Main Street. This image was taken on Sunday, June 12. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)
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June 29 - Issue 677 - BAYFIELD LIONS CLUB - FORMER LIONS AND LIONESS ATTEND OPEN HOUSE MARKING CLUB’S 75TH: As part of ongoing 75th Anniversary projects, the Bayfield Lions Club invited the public to an Open House at the Lions’ Community Building on June 18. Organizers noted that it was wonderful to see former Lions and Lioness, as well as interested members of the community. Bayfield Lions' President Tony Van Bakel cut the cake, with Lions Gary Sitton, Kathy Gray, Lorena Toole, Rolly Scott, Karen Scott and Andrew Widdis anticipating a slice! (Photo by Jack Pal)
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July 6 - Issue 678 - SIGNAL POLE RAISED FOR CANADA DAY: As part of their 75th Anniversary celebrations, the Bayfield Lions Club decided to commemorate the Signal Pole which once stood at the foot of Bayfield Terrace. On June 23, members of the Lions Club formed their own “pole walkers” club to move the 40 foot flagpole from its storage place at the arena to a new traffic island being constructed as part of the Main Street Revitalization project near the northwest entrance of Clan Gregor Square. On June 27, prior to hoisting the large Canada flag 40 feet in the air a photo was taken for posterity of Lions Club members and Municipality of Bluewater officials. From l-r: Rolly Scott, Bayfield Ward Councilor Bill Whetstone, Karen Scott, EJ Bauer, Don Vance, Brent Gotts, Bill Rowat, Dave Nearingburg, Andrew Widdis, Doug Vanderhaar, and Bluewater’s Facilities Manager Dave Kester. (Photo by Jack Pal)
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July 13 - Issue 679 - ADMIRAL BAYFIELD SQUARE DEDICATED: On July 9, about 90 people gathered in the glorious sunshine for the dedication of Admiral Bayfield Square on Main Street (next to the Bayfield Archives & Heritage Centre). Bayfield resident Frank Moore created and generously donated the sculpture of Admiral Bayfield - the crowning touch to the new Square. Following the unveiling, Bayfield Historical Society President Ruth Gibson thanked him for sharing his talents with the community. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)
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July 13 - Issue 679 - PIONEER PARK ASSOCIATION - A SALUTE TO TEAM RUMMAGE: There is no more appropriate event than the Pioneer Park Rummage Sale to use the old adage, “It takes a village”. Here many of the 100 plus volunteers gathered prior to the opening of the 73rd sale on July 8 to pose for posterity. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)
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July 20 - Issue 680 - PIONEER PARK ASSOCIATION - RUMMAGE SALE BIGGEST TO DATE: The 73rd Pioneer Park Rummage Sale and Silent Auction, held on Friday, July 8, is now a part of history but it will long be remembered in the annals of time as being the biggest and best to date. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)
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Aug. 3 - Issue 682 - PIONEER PARK ASSOCIATION - FUN RACE SPARKS JOY AMONG PARTICIPANTS: For more than three decades the Pioneer Park Fun Race has been encouraging people in the community to get out and exercise and have some fun while raising money for beautiful Pioneer Park on the Monday morning of Civic Holiday Weekend. The past two Civic Holiday Mondays the park was empty and quiet as COVID-19 made it problematic to host such events. But in 2022 the park was a buzz with people meeting and greeting each other like long lost friends. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)
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Aug. 17 - Issue 684 - PIONEER PARK ASSOCIATION - TRANQUIL UNTOUCHED GREENSPACE THOMPSON FAMILY LEGACY: Seventy-five years after Pioneer Park was incorporated for the enjoyment of all, it has officially grown by one full acre. On Sunday afternoon, a small gathering was held on the property just across Tuyll Street to recognize the family that made the generous gift of land and all those who have worked since late 2018 to make it possible. This image captures the descendants of Walter and Juanita Thompson who were in attendance at the plaque dedication on Sunday, Aug. 14. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)
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SUBMISSIONS

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Melody Falconer-Pounder
I love a winter wedding! Perhaps because my husband and I chose the first advent weekend to say our “I do’s”, nuptial celebrations in the bleak, mid-winter always lift my spirits. We had the good fortune of being invited to two parties recently, one in early December and another just this past weekend.
The first was a Harry Potter inspired wedding. Imagine if you will, 60 candles floating as if by magic above the head table – chandeliers and drapery disguising the hall ceiling and a variety of silvery Patronus figures adorning the reception tables. Magic was summoned and hopefully many magical memories were created for the bride, groom and their respective family and friends. Thank you for including us Christina and Jamie!
This past Saturday we were part of a different kind of magic – a vow renewal ceremony marking 30 years for a couple who have climbed a few mountains over three decades but continue to look at each other like they just met yesterday. They celebrated this milestone with their children and grandchildren, extended family and friends, in an evening filled with fun, much laughter and a lot of dancing like no one was watching. Thank you for including us Danielle and Keet!
I wish both these couples, one just starting their journey and the other continuing along their path with renewed strength, sincere best wishes and congratulations. – Melody
Ideas and contributions to the Bayfield Breeze are always welcome.
Deadlines for submissions are Sundays at 4 p.m.