The Bayfield BreezeIssue 707 Week 05 Vol 14
January 25, 2023
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BAYFIELD MEWS KNITTING GROUP SUPPORTS PROJECT LINUS
Members of the Bayfield Mews Knitting Group display the fruits of their labor – 20 blankets to be donated to Project Linus Canada. From l-r: Sally Koonce, Penny Beacock, Diane Leonard, Cathie Ross, Kathleen Siertsema, Rachel St. Aubin, and Barb Smyth. (Submitted photos)
A blanket is like a hug when you need it the most.
The members of the Bayfield Mews Knitting Group have been busy this past fall knitting, crocheting and quilting blankets to donate to Project Linus Canada’s London, Ontario Chapter.
According to the organization’s website, Project Linus was named after the adorable security blanket toting character from the Peanuts comic strip. Creator Charles Schulz was aware of the organization’s effort and was delighted to have Linus inspire blanket makers to help comfort children in need of security.
The goal of Project Linus is to provide a blanket of security to children facing substantial distress in their lives. Although originally focused on cancer patients, Project Linus Canada has expanded its focus to include any seriously ill or traumatized child. Their website also noted that the list of recipients grows daily.
The members of the Bayfield Mews Knitting Group have a lot of fun together while creating their blankets. Sharing a laugh are l-r: Rachel St. Aubin, Sally Koonce, Cathie Ross, Barb Smyth, Ginny Steckle, Diane Leonard and Penny Beacock.
The members of the Bayfield Mews Knitting Group have completed 14 blankets and six small quilts. These will soon be dropped off at Fabricland, located on Wonderland Road in London, where they will be distributed to needy children up to the age of 18.
“This will be an ongoing project for these gals, as there is a great need for them,” said Cathie Ross, a member of the knitting group. “Patterns are usually quite simple, so the group can continue to chit chat without making too many mistakes.”
The Bayfield Mews Knitting Group would be happy to accept donations of 100 per cent acrylic yarn for this cause. For more information please email Cathie Ross at cathiej.ross@gmail.com.
BLUE BAYFIELD LOOKING FORWARD TO EARTH DAY COMMUNITY EVENTS
At the Apr. 22 event, Blue Bayfield will present a brief overview of their book, “The Great Lakes: A Time of Reckoning”, a look at the many threats to the lakes and what individuals can do to prevent further degradation. (Submitted photo)
“At no time in history has it been more important for all humans to take stock of our behaviour as it relates to Mother Earth. Storms, floods, fires, droughts in every corner of the globe. While there is a limit to what an individual can do for many of these devastating events, we can think globally and act locally. We can make a difference in our home and communities,” said Ray Letheren, representing Blue Bayfield.
He added, “Earth Day is a time for us to resolve to make a change, or make further changes, in our relationship with Mother Earth.”
On Apr. 22, Blue Bayfield and its many partners are hosting a full day of activities that will highlight what people can do to reduce their impact on the planet and also to celebrate their bond with nature.
The morning will be highlighted with a hike on the Woodland Trail. It will be led by Michele Martin, an authority on woodlands and watersheds. This will be followed by a village cleanup. Both these events are hosted by the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association.
Over the lunch period, local eateries will serve delicious food with a focus using local produce.
“The afternoon will feature a full program at St. Andrew’s United Church with presentations about our waters and our relationship to earth,” said Letheren.
Performances by the Bayfield Ukulele Society, The Glee Sisters as well as a cello-piano duet will be given between presentations.
Blue Bayfield will present a brief overview of their book, “The Great Lakes: A Time of Reckoning”, a look at the many threats to the lakes and what individuals can do to prevent further degradation. Following this, the keynote speaker will be Alexandra Ho, a Canadian representative at COP27, the UN Climate Change Conference held last November in Egypt. She is a University of Waterloo student in the Master of Climate Change program with a background in Psychology and English Literature. She focuses on understanding the relationships between climate change communications and behavioural choice-making as well as the impacts of climate change on mental health and psychological wellbeing, particularly among youth.
Whilst the older set enjoy these performances and presentations, over in Pioneer Park, children will be engaged in Earth Day activities with the guidance of Janneke Vorsteveid, who is respected for her work with youth through her program, Seeds Rooted in Youth.
At the conclusion of the day’s events, participants will be provided with white pine tree seeds and growing material. When these trees are mature, they will produce enough oxygen for two people and absorb 10 kg of CO2 per year.
All events are free and everyone is welcome. Donations for seeds would be appreciated. This will truly be a day to remember!
TRAIL ASSOCIATION LEADS SATURDAY WINTER WALKS AT VARNA
The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) recently announced its 2023 hiking season. Twenty-four hikes and events are planned from now through October (to view the full list please view Issue 706 of the Bayfield Breeze).
From now through Feb. 25, Guided Winter Walks will be offered every Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Varna Nature Trails. Participants are asked to meet at the Varna Community Centre, 1 km west of Varna, to hike the Taylor Trail and Mavis’ Trail. These walks will be between 1 km and 3.5 km and last an hour or less, depending on the group and the weather.
This year’s hikes include the fourth annual International Women’s Day Hike (March 4), the third annual Indigenous People’s Day Hike (June 17), and the first annual Pride Hike (June 3).
The BRVTA will also support the Earth Day Village Litter Walk (Apr. 22), the Terry Fox Run (Sept. 17), and the Candlelight Walk in support of Huron Hospice (Apr. 1).
Guest guides George Ebers, Jordan George, Dave Gillians, Denise Iszczuk, Michele Martin, Dave Pullen, Robert Tremain, and David Yates will offer their expertise on topics from wildflowers to Admiral Bayfield.
All hikes are free and open to the public without pre-registration, unless noted otherwise. The schedule is subject to change, so always check for updates in the Bayfield Breeze, the BRVTA Facebook page, and the Municipality of Bluewater events calendar, or contact hike coordinator Ralph Blasting at 519 525-3205 or rjblastingjr@gmail.com.
It should be noted that the Woodland Trail is closed twice a year during hunting season. In 2023 those dates will be Nov. 6-12 and Dec. 4-10.
RESCUE GRATEFUL FOR DONATIONS
Donations both large and small are what help Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF) succeed in their efforts in supporting cats and kittens in need.
The volunteers at BFF are so very grateful to the Wawanosh Mutual Insurance Company for their most generous donation of $1,000. They also appreciate those people who contributed to last week’s Second Annual Betty White Challenge raising $450 for the Rescue’s work. BFF volunteers are always touched by the generosity of the community, E-transfer donations can be made via the email address below.
BFF has so many wonderful cats and kittens looking for their forever families right now.
Skittles is the Adopt a BFF cat of the week.
This feisty little girl had a rough start and has had lots of hurdles to cross but according to her adoring foster mom hurdle jumping is now something she excels at.
“She came to us as a young kitten along with four siblings,” said Deb Penhale, representing BFF. “Unfortunately two succumbed to illness but this little fighter has pulled through and will be looking for her forever home soon.”
According to Penhale, Skittles does still get the zoomies. “But honestly that’s one of the best things about kittens. They go full tilt and then crash and pass out in the most peculiar places.”
Anyone who is looking for a spectacularly spirited, adorable, well- socialized, tough little cookie who loves to purr, play fetch with her crinkle ball, give kitty kisses and cuddle, Skittles fits the bill!
To learn more about adopting Skittles 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.
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Skittles (Submitted photos)
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Skittles is just one of the lovely cats waiting for their forever homes through Bayfield Forgotten Felines.
ANGLICAN CHURCH
The congregation of Trinity St. James Anglican Church is currently hosting an Online Pampered Chef Party with the Pampered Chef Consultant donating 20 per cent of sales to be shared equally with Trinity St. James and the Bayfield Area Food Bank.
Items purchased will be shipped directly to the purchaser so people who live outside the community can participate as well. Not a big online shopper? No worries – Rev. Mary Farmer has catalogues available for people to browse through as well. Please email her at trinitystjamesbayfield@diohuron.org for more information.
Culinary enthusiasts and those who shop for them can find the link to the sale here: Pampered Chef Party. The last date for placing an order is Feb. 17.
The Men’s Breakfast is returning to Trinity St. James on Saturday, Feb. 4 and men in the community are invited to attend. Coffee will be served at 9 a.m. with breakfast following at about 9:30 a.m. This is a pay what you are able event. To ensure enough food is available anyone planning to attend is asked to please email John Pounder at bvi@tcc.on.ca prior to Feb. 2.
This Sunday, Jan. 29, following the 11 a.m. church service, the congregation of Trinity St. James will hold their annual Vestry meeting. To accommodate the needs of the congregation both in-person and virtual attendance will be offered.
Trinity St. James Anglican Church is located at 10 Keith Crescent in Bayfield.
OPTIMIST CLUB
People often ask if they can add an engraved brick to the path around the Splash Pad in Clan Gregor Square and members of the Optimist Club of Bayfield are pleased to announce that there is further opportunity to have a name added to the circle in 2023.
The engraved pavers in Clan Gregor Square are a reminder of how great area residents and visitors are when it comes to supporting such projects as the Playground and the Splash Pad.
“In Memoriam” stones for loved ones as well as “just because” stones can be ordered with the work being done on site later in 2022 using the same two brick sizes that are already installed around the Splash Pad. The cost of these engraved bricks will be medium, $90; and large, $120. The plan is to have the bricks engraved in late May just prior to opening the Splash Pad.
Anyone with an interest in adding a brick can contact Mike Dixon via email at mikedixon@tcc.on.ca or by calling 519 955-5254 for further information.
EARLY YEARS
The Bayfield Community Centre is the new home of the Bayfield Playgroup organized by the Ontario Early Years Child and Family Centre. (Submitted photo)
The Ontario Early Years Child and Family Centre is now hosting the Bayfield Playgroup at the Bayfield Arena and Community Centre, 4 Jane Street, on Thursday mornings.
The sessions are held from 10-11:30 a.m. and are free to all families/caregivers with infants to children aged six years.
The Playgroup offers indoor, outdoor and virtual program options as well as telephone and email support for parents and caregivers. In addition to the program being welcoming, fun and interactive, they provide parents with ideas of activities to do at home to enhance their child’s development.
Pre-registration is recommended by emailing earlyon@huroncounty.ca or calling 519 482-8505. To learn more visit www.keyon.ca or follow them on Instagram and Facebook at @HuronEarlyON.
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.
FRIENDS OF BAYFIELD LIBRARY
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.
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.
MOVIES AND MORE PLANNED FOR ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS MONTH
January is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and the Alzheimer Society Huron Perth is pleased to announce it is launching a nation-wide campaign reminding people that the organization is the First Link® to Support, Knowledge and Community. The Alzheimer Society is the first place to turn to for support, care, knowledge, expertise, and referrals.
They have many events taking place throughout the month! They have programs that will provide answers to the questions people may have including:
- On the first Wednesday of each month there are opportunities to learn about support and services offered at their ZOOM Information session called, “Your Journey of Support Starts Here”.
- Meet public education coordinators at local libraries across Huron and Perth Counties throughout the Month of January.
- Tune into their “Dementia Basics” sessions on Monday afternoons or evenings to learn about Warning Signs, Types of Dementia, Brain Changes and Communication Tips.
- Join their virtual “Memory and Aging Program™” for information about memory changes that are associated with normal aging and strategies to support memory function.
- Attend free awareness month movies at the Huron County Museum, 110 North Street in Goderich. “The Artist’s Wife” will be shown at 7 p.m. on Jan. 26 and 2 p.m. on Feb. 2. “The Cuban” will be offered at 2 p.m. on Jan. 26 and 7 p.m. on Feb. 2.
- They also have Awareness Displays at North Perth Public Library in Listowel, Stratford Public Library and the Goderich Co-op Art Gallery, 54 Courthouse Square in Goderich. The public is invited to check these out!
To find out more about Awareness Month Events or other Alzheimer Society Huron Perth education opportunities, visit: Education Hour; contact their office at 519 482-1482 or 1-800-561-5012; or email info@alzhp.ca.
CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR AWARD TURNS FORTY IN 2023
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.”
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.
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 Jan. 16.
- Adopted a new procedural by-law to govern the proceedings of Council and Committee meetings.
- Authorized Staff to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Pineridge Snowmobile Club for the use of Babylon Line from County Road 84 to Kippen Road as a snowmobile trail for the 2022 – 2023 winter season.
- Awarded engineering services for the Richmond Street North reconstruction design from Hwy 4 to Lorne Avenue to BM Ross and Associates in the amount of $9,000 excluding HST.
- Directed staff to keep the current Hensall location at the west end of Richmond Street South for green waste drop off and to look at potential options to divert some green waste disposed of at the facility to another location.
- Directed staff to amend the Recreation Master Plan based on the correspondence received by the Pioneer Park Association and to receive the Final Recreation Master Plan by Thinc Design as a guide to assist in the strategic management and decision making in the provision and sustainability of parks and recreation services for the Municipality of Bluewater.
- Adopted a By-law to approve Zoning By-law Amendment Z08-2022 with inclusion of ARUs (Accessory Residential Unit) in Fully Serviced Settlement Areas, and Agricultural Zones, but removal of ARUs in Partially Serviced Settlement Areas. Per Z08-2022 By-law ARUs are not to be permitted in the Lakeshore Residential Area.
MEMORY AND AGING PROGRAM
What is her name? What did I come down here for? Where did I put…? The Alzheimer Society Huron Perth has your back! They will be offering their “Memory and Aging Program” again this winter on ZOOM. The Memory and Aging Program is designed for anyone experiencing normal age-related changes in memory or anyone interested in learning more about this topic.
The Memory and Aging Program describes what memory is, how it changes with age, and when to be concerned. Brain healthy lifestyle choices and practical memory strategies are reviewed and practiced, improving a person’s ability to remember those everyday things – including, those pesky names and things you intend to do! Equally important, the Memory and Aging Program is enjoyable and seeks to build confidence in a person’s own memory ability.
The Memory and Aging Program consists of four weekly ZOOM sessions, 1:30-3:30 p.m. on the following Tuesdays: Jan. 31, Feb. 7, 14 and 21. There is a fee of $25, which covers the cost of the program workbook and materials.
People are asked to register online at Memory and Aging Program Winter 2023 or go to the Education Hour section on their website. For information about this or any other programs, please contact Jeanette at the Alzheimer Society Huron Perth by calling 519 482-1482 or emailing jeanettes@alzhp.ca.
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, inspired by the first snow in the local area for 2023 we searched out a form of winter transport suitable for youngsters in the late 1800s…
WOODEN SLEIGH
This is a handmade sleigh from 1895 painted in a cream color. The sleigh is made of wood including the runners and handle.
This sleigh was built by Samuel Deitz (1867-1944) for his first-born son, Milton Deitz (1895- 1975) with wife Annie Koehler (1875-1963). The family first lived on a farm on Con. 11 and then on Con. 12, Lot 23, Goshen Road South, before they moved to the Village of Zurich.
As well as farming, Samuel framed many barns in the area. He also helped build the first Sarnia-Port Huron railway tunnel. After retirement, he continued woodworking, making many handmade sleighs, clothes dryers, cedar chests and cases for grandfather clocks.
BAYFIELD GUIDING
HERE’S TO MORE ADVENTURES, LEARNING AND FUN
STORY AND PHOTOS BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER
Bayfield Guiding resumed in September of 2022 with several brand new members joining.
In September they learned about their Promise and Law as well as the power of a cookie as the Chocolatey Mint Cookie Campaign was a great success thanks to the support of the community.
In October they made their annual visit to the Point Farms Market for mini-golf, a trek through the Corn Maze and an ice cream! Then the membership had the good fortune of visiting Poppy’s Haven near Varna where they learned about the beautiful Newfoundland Ponies that are bred and trained there for both therapy and learning. The youth had the opportunity to groom the ponies and also lead them through an obstacle course. They also indulged in a sweet treat learning about the process of harvesting honey as Poppy’s Haven’s owners are also beekeepers! Also during October the youth participated in International Day of the Girl activities earning a special challenge badge and learned about rallying for their rights.
The highlight of October was no doubt the Magical Adventures Camp held Oct. 21-22 at Camp Klahanie located just south of Goderich. After a couple of years of no overnights due to COVID restrictions it was a first camp for many of the members and it was truly a memorable one! The group was blessed with stellar weather and the activities proved to be very exciting – after all who wouldn’t want to make film canisters fly, capture Dragon Eggs, make Essence of Troll Boogie Elixir and eat chocolate frog cookies with transfigured milk?
In early November, the focus was on learning about “Women in the War” and a few youth were able to take part in Bayfield’s annual Remembrance Day services by laying a wreath. Over the course of two meetings the group was inspired by robots “playing” with a variety of robot themed toys, designing robots using LEGO and even building a functioning “Bristlebot” of their very own!
On Dec. 7 Bayfield Guiding visited the Huron County Museum where they held a special enrolment ceremony where new members made their promise to the organization and received their membership pin. It was also time to hand out all the badges everyone had earned since September. A highlight of the ceremony was having the new members ring the train bell! Following a “candlelit” scavenger hunt of the museum in search of references to women who have made contributions to Huron County over the years it was time to watch some of the Huron Hometown Heroes animated films in the museum’s theatre. These were all the more special to watch as the Guides, Pathfinders and Rangers from 2021-22 had been a part of the creative process in the making of these films and they got to show their friends the results of their efforts.
Following a break for the holidays Bayfield Guiding has resumed. The first meeting of 2023 was a Different Together Painting Challenge where members were invited to paint using acrylics and canvas creating whatever they wished! It was a great start and all are looking forward to more adventures, learning and fun in 2023.
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Bayfield Rangers have been exploring the world of pottery this fall and winter creating bowls on the pottery wheel and rolled clay lanterns with the support of the Backyard Potter, Kimberly Wilbee of Bayfield.
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Members of Bayfield Guiding have been very busy earning badges and completing challenges since September that were presented at their enrolment in December. The members enjoyed a "movie" themed enrolment watching several of the Huron Hometown Heroes videos that several of their members were involved in as part of the Young Canuckstorians Project.
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Point Farms Market Mini Golf is a Bayfield Guiding autumn tradition where the older members help the younger Sparks play the course.
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Potions class was a highlight of Magical Adventures Camp held at Camp Klahanie in October. Here members study the results of creating their "Tonic of Bubbling Newt".
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In December the newest members of Bayfield Guiding were enrolled at a special meeting at the Huron County Museum. Following their enrolment ceremony the new members were honored with ringing the train bell. (Photo by Clara Greer-Armour)
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January meetings commenced with a Different Together Paining Challenge where Bayfield Guiding members got creative with acrylic paint on canvas.
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In November the members explored the world of robots. The theme culminated with them creating their own robot designs using LEGO.
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In October, members of Bayfield Guiding participated in an overnight experience at Camp Klahanie just south of Goderich. The weather was terrific for their Magical Adventures theme during which they made "Essence of Troll Boogie Elixir".
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Members of Bayfield Guiding were encouraged to lead a Newfoundland Pony through an obstacle course during their visit to Poppy's Haven near Varna in October.
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Bayfield Guiding members visited Poppy's Haven near Varna in October where they were introduced to some very special Newfoundland Ponies.
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During robot themed meetings in November members of Bayfield Guiding played with Ozobots, Hexbugs and flying hover UFOs before designing their own robots using LEGO.
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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 during their October visit.
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Email your photo in Jpeg format to hello@bayfield-breeze.com with the subject line Subscriber Photo of the Week. or…Upload your photo to Flickr.
I am looking for the Bayfield that is a delight to the eye – please share photos with a touch of whimsy, beauty, humor or a sense of fun. If you are to include people in your photos be sure to have their permission to publish their picture on-line and also send in their names and where they are from. And don’t forget to tell me who took the photo for proper credit to be issued.
SUBMISSIONS
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Melody Falconer-Pounder
The village recently lost an eternal Optimist as Wayne McKaig died on Jan. 18. I was one of many who counted him as a friend and he was truly a person you could count on!
For many years he, and his wife Pat, owned and operated Pineridge Country House in the village, blending a passion for antiques with splendid elements of decor and design, but he was perhaps best known for his generous nature and giving of his time to such organizations as the Bayfield Optimist Club. He was co-chair of the club’s biggest project ever raising the funds needed to build a Splash Pad in Clan Gregor Square. But he could always be counted on for helping with a myriad of small tasks too. If eggs needed cracked or batter stirred for Breakfast with Santa he would crack and stir. If chocolates needed to be tossed at the annual Easter egg hunt he would toss them. If money needed to be raised for the Bayfield Lions’ Walk for Dog Guides he would raise it with a little help from an adorable golden retriever named Mollie.
If anyone in town wasn’t familiar with Wayne they would no doubt recognize him as the man who walked this special dog who’s happy expression was as big as her human’s grin. Mollie crossed the rainbow bridge in the winter of 2021. Without question Wayne will be sorely missed by all who knew him but I can’t help smiling a bit at the thought of his reunion with Mollie. There surely were some happy barks in heaven. Rest easy friend. – Melody
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Wayne McKaig working behind the scenes at the Optimist Club of Bayfield's Breakfast with Santa in 2012. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)
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Wayne McKaig, sporting a red cap, surrounded by children as he tosses out chocolates at the Bayfield Optimist Club's Easter egg hunt in 2014. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)
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Wayne McKaig and Mollie participating in the Bayfield Lions' Walk for Dog Guides in 2017. (Photo by Jack Pal)
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