The Bayfield BreezeIssue 709 Week 07 Vol 14
February 8, 2023
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NO FROSTBITE FOR THE ADMIRAL
Only in Bayfield would someone think to dress a statue in deference to the extremely cold temperatures felt late last week. Keeping the garments local he was capped off in a “Trigger Point” toque. (Film memorabilia for a movie shot in the village in 2020.) The sight of Admiral Bayfield dressed for the weather surely brought a smile to the faces of those who braved the chill while out and about on the village’s Main Street. (Photo by Kathy Gray)
BAYFIELD’S FORGOTTEN FELINES SUBJECT OF NEXT SATURDAYS AT THE LIBRARY
Roberta Stemp, a partner in Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines, 24/7 volunteer and respected cat whisperer will be one of the guest presenters at March’s Virtual Saturdays at the Library. (Submitted photo)
The Friends of Bayfield Library (FOBL) and Huron County Library are pleased to co-sponsor another speaker event in the 2023 Virtual Saturdays at the Library program.
All are welcome to join the ZOOM meeting on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 10:30 a.m. The February topic will be “Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines” (BFF) with guest speakers: Deb Penhale, well-known Bayfield resident, real estate broker and founder of BFF; and Roberta Stemp, a partner in BFF, 24/7 volunteer and respected cat whisperer.
Participants will learn how the organization started with a litter of tiny motherless kittens housed in Penhale’s office and what it takes to shelter, foster, and find “fur-ever” homes for hundreds of abandoned, stray and feral cats in the community each year.
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
MARCH HIKES INSPIRED BY WOMEN AND SPECIES AT RISK
The Bayfield River Valley Trails Association (BRVTA) will be hosting two hikes in March inspired by International Women’s Day as well as species at risk.
On Saturday, March 4, the fourth annual International Women’s Day Hike will take place on the Woodland Trail beginning at 10 a.m. Along the route, the stories of inspirational women will be highlighted! Hikers are asked to meet at the David St. trailhead.
Then on Saturday, March 18, Denise Iszczuk, the conservation educator from the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) will be leading a “Species at Risk” hike. Join the hike and learn about species at risk and actions that can be taken to protect these species. Hikers are asked to park and meet at the Pavilion at 71042 Morrison Line, Exeter. Those interested in carpooling to Exeter (as driver or rider) are asked to please meet at the Clan Gregor Square Gazebo at 9:15 a.m.
Both hikes are free and open to the public without pre-registration. 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 by calling 519 525-3205 or emailing rjblastingjr@gmail.com.
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.
DONATIONS SOUGHT TO HELP FELINES GET A SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE
The journey to a happy life with a forever family isn’t always smooth for many of the cats and kittens that find themselves at Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines.
Fig is one such cat.
In May 2022, an older kitten named Peach was admitted to BFF. But as it happens, in catdom, kittens can have kittens and a month after admittance Peach delivered six healthy look-a-like babies. The kittens grew and eventually were ready for their forever homes.
One little boy, Fig, was just about to go to his forever home when disaster hit. Fig was diagnosed with Feline Intestinal Peritonitis (FIP), a devastatingly fatal disease. However, there is now an experimental treatment for FIP that has shown an 85 per cent survival rate and it was decided that Fig deserved a chance at the life that was just within his grasp. According to volunteers at BFF, Fig is currently 34 days into an 84 day treatment and is responding very well.
However the treatment is extremely expensive, over $3,000 is needed and BFF would welcome any donations to help cover that cost.
A “Go Fund Me” page has been set up for Fig, as well as a second feline afflicted with the same disease named Daisy, where donations can be made. Visit Help Save Daisy and Fig to learn more. Alternatively donations can be made via e-transfer to bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com.
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Fig is currently undergoing potentially life saving, groundbreaking treatments. (Submitted photos)
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Peaches litter of kittens - Fig included.
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.
A Trinity St. James tradition is returning albeit with a twist! Drawing on the success of their Chicken Take Out Dinner held in September of 2022 the congregation will be hosting their annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper as a take-out only meal on Feb. 21.
Pancakes and sausages with Maple syrup will be prepared for take-out and served from 5-6:30 p.m. at the church. This will be a pay what you are able event.
Trinity St. James Anglican church is located at 10 Keith Crescent in Bayfield.
UNITED CHURCH
St. Andrew’s United Church is the location for a presentation by Kevin Kale regarding his hike along the El Camino Trail. Kale will share his journey through stories and photos starting at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 12.
Prior to the presentation a Chili Lunch with dessert and a beverage will be held in the church basement starting at noon for a donation.
All in the community are welcome to attend both the lunch and to hear about Kale’s adventures.
St. Andrew’s United Church is located at 6 The Square in the village.
BACPA AGM
The Bayfield Arena Community Partners Association (BACPA) will be hosting their Annual General Meeting on Saturday, March 4.
All are invited to attend to learn about the ongoing efforts of the BACPA. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. at the Bayfield Community Centre.
The Bayfield Community Centre and Arena is located at 4 Jane Street in the village.
POET’S CORNER
Anyone with a flair for, or an interest in, poetry will be excited to learn about “Bayfield Poet’s Corner” to be held at the Bayfield Public Library on Feb. 9.
David A. Bell, of Bayfield, and author of “In the Gardens of our Mind” will host the event that will run for one hour starting at 6 p.m.
All are welcome and encouraged to bring both their writings and a friend!
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.
SKATING CLUB
“Sun, Sand and Skates” is the theme of the Bayfield Skating Club’s Skating Carnival and Showcase to be held on Sunday, March 5 at the Bayfield Arena and Community Centre.
This year’s carnival is being organized to showcase the many talented skaters that belong to the club and will also serve as a reminder that winter won’t last forever!
The skaters will take to the ice at 2 p.m. providing attendees with an hour and a half of great entertainment.
Admission is $5 per person with kids five and under admitted for free.
The Bayfield Arena and Community Centre is located at 4 Jane Street in the village.
IN MEMORIAM
Gerald Lucian Morgan Smith (Gerry) (Submitted photo)
The community will no doubt be saddened to learn of the recent death of a person with strong village connections.
Gerald Lucian Morgan Smith (Gerry) died peacefully on his terms on Feb. 2 at Huronview in Clinton.
Lovingly remembered by his wife Ann of 46 years. Loving father to Cathy Linton and Gerry Smith. Cherished brother of Sally Koonce, and uncle to Abby Armstrong, Mary Lee Barratt and Adam Champ. Survived by his grand and great grandchildren. Predeceased by his parents Brigadier G.L.M. and Edith Smith of Bayfield and sister Debby Boyes of Vancouver.
Gerry served on the Clinton Public Hospital Board, Ontario Hospital Association Board and was Treasurer for the Bayfield Town Hall and the Bayfield Historical Society. Gerry was also an avid bridge player.
A special thank you to Huronview staff for the wonderful care and compassion shown to Gerry and his family.
At Gerry’s request there was no funeral home visitation. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. A Celebration of Gerry’s Life will take place when the lake is blue and the sky is sunny.
Donations to Huron Hospice Bender House gratefully acknowledged by the family.
STRATFORD HOSPITAL ACCREDITED WITH DISTINCTION IN STROKE SERVICES
HPHA team members celebrating being awarded Accreditation Canada’s Stroke Distinction™. (Submitted photo)
The Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) is proud to announce that its Huron Perth District Stroke Centre – Stratford General Hospital, has been accredited with ‘Distinction in Stroke Services’ for 2022 to 2026 by Accreditation Canada’s Stroke Distinction™ program.
Stroke Distinction recognizes health organizations that demonstrate clinical excellence and an outstanding commitment to leadership in stroke care. The Huron Perth District Stroke Program was one of nine stroke centres in the Southwestern Ontario Stroke Network that collectively applied for the distinction award.
During a two-day visit in November, an accreditation surveyor reviewed and evaluated the Huron Perth District Stroke Centre’s programs and services through conversations with staff, physicians, patient and caregiver partners, patients and families, as well as with focus groups representing leadership, frontline staff, patients and families, and community partners. Information was gathered on topics such as how the program plans, monitors, manages and resources stroke services, as well as how the organization collaborates with other community services partners to support patients and families.
“Preparing for and navigating through our on-site survey has been a very rewarding experience,” says Joanna Smorhay, manager District Stroke & Dialysis Programs. “Preparation for Stroke Distinction™ assessment has been a driving force for quality improvement initiatives and has emphasized the dedication of a diverse group of individuals who all contribute to the common goal of providing exceptional stroke care for the residents of Huron and Perth counties.”
HPHA’s Huron Perth District Stroke Centre was recognized for:
- Being an excellent example of a learning health system that is data driven and participates in continuous quality improvement initiatives.
- Engaging a collaborative team across the organization including senior leadership, physicians, stroke leadership and clinical teams.
- Promoting a culture of partnerships integrated across teams and evident in care.
- Having a strong partnership with Southwestern Ontario Stroke Network and London Health Sciences Centre Stroke Team.
- Partnering with patients and families with lived experience, patients and families reported trusting the team, receiving strong support and excellence in care.
- Strong emphasis on continuing education for interdisciplinary teams and outreach across districts to support best practice stroke care
“This recognition is a testament to the incredible team we are privileged to have working and volunteering as part of our District Stroke Centre,” said President & CEO, Andrew Williams. “As the first award of this type in Ontario, where multiple Centres committed to standardizing practices for the benefit of those we serve, our District Stroke Centre is setting the bar for how integrated stroke care should be provided.”
Developed in partnership with the Heart & Stroke Foundation Canada, Stroke Distinction was created to help organizations improve care and outcomes for patients and families. It mitigates risk and reduces the high cost of errors, it recognizes exceptional care delivery, and supports patients and families in their stroke journey knowing they’re receiving high quality stroke care.
In 2021-22, the emergency departments across Huron and Perth provided care for 360 individuals diagnosed with a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke. HPHA’s Huron Perth District Stroke Centre had 448 patient visits to its Secondary Stroke Prevention Clinic, admitted 281 patients with stroke or TIA to the acute stroke unit with 89 of those patients requiring inpatient rehabilitation.
If you witness someone experiencing signs of a stroke, call 9-1-1. Time is brain! Partnerships exist between the designated stroke centres and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Providers to efficiently access care at a stroke centre. EMS providers bypass non-stroke centres and communicate with the Emergency Department while on route to ensure that hyper-acute stroke assessment and intervention occurs as quickly as possible upon arrival.
DARK HORSE ESTATE WINERY FEATURED ARTIST FOR CONSERVATION DINNER
The Conservation Dinner Committee has named its first feature artist in the field of winemaking for the upcoming 2023 fundraiser and the distinction goes to Dark Horse Estate Winery near Grand Bend. (Submitted photos)
Each year, the Conservation Dinner Committee selects a feature artist. Feature artists over the years have included painters and other visual artists, an ice sculptor, craftspersons, a culinary artist, a quilter, and other creative disciplines. This year, in 2023, the Committee has named its first feature artist in the field of winemaking.
“The Conservation Dinner is honored to name Dark Horse Estate Winery Inc. as the Feature Artist for 2023,” said Dave Frayne, chair of the Conservation Dinner Committee. “Dark Horse Estate Winery has excelled in the art of winemaking and combines their artistry in creating fine wines and memorable wine appreciation and culinary experiences with their personal dedication to their local community.”
Co-founders John and Sue Ann Rasenberg, along with their daughter Ashley Horlor, Vice president of Operations, and son-in-law Craig Horlor, Vineyard and Facility manager, established the 85-acre winery and vineyard in 2014. Ashley said the family, and the winery, is proud to be named as the 2023 Feature Artist.
“We’ve been avid supporters of the Conservation Dinner for many years,” she said. “It’s a great cause.”
The Dark Horse Estate Winery Inc. feature, for bidding at the auction, is a Five-Course Wine and Food Pairing for Six People, in the Barrel Cellar at Dark Horse Estate Winery, with Sommelier Andrew Cieszkowski. This feature experience pairs the fruits of their labors in winemaking with the fruits of the labors of local agricultural producers.
The artistry of Dark Horse Estate Winery is found in its fine wines and in its culinary experiences. The winery offers a range of wines for every palate ranging from younger wines to more complex wines. Their varietals include an outstanding Marquette (they are the first winery to have a wine of this hardy winter grape varietal in the LCBO).
Dark Horse Estate Winery has grown to be a leader in the burgeoning Huron County winemaking industry.
“People are really enjoying it,” Ashely said. Some of their other renowned wines range from their Chardonnay to their Baco Noir among others.
Dark Horse Estate Winery’s award-winning wines reflect the unique terroir of their winery near Grand Bend, providing a fruit taste that is the envy of many destinations, and the work of Vineyard and Facility Manager Craig Horlor and their winemaker and consultant, from the Niagara winemaking region, Marc Pistor.
During the first few years, Dark Horse Estate focused on perfecting their wines. Now, having built a foundation of almost a decade of exceptional winemaking, the winery has added culinary experiences to their vineyard with a fine dining area with an exquisite view of the barrel cellar.
“We now offer culinary experiences within the winery,” Ashley said. “We felt it was time. Our culinary experience is farm to table with food sourced locally, incorporating the bounty of Huron County and area. It’s lovely to have this kind of fine dining experience in Huron County.”
The winery not only focuses on the quality of their grapes and their wines and their food but they also work to be leaders in sustainability, adding best practices such as no-till.
“We’re an agricultural destination and a culinary destination too,” said Ashley.
Culinary experiences take place in the dining area by the Barrel Cellar and also for small groups in the VIP Lounge.
Even during the challenges of the past couple of years, when the entire events industry was affected, Dark Horse Estate Winery remained thriving, adapting to change and carrying on strong online orders. In fact, delivering wine during the past two years has been a chance for Craig to get to know his customers better and to build relationships.
The Dark Horse name reflects the family’s love and passion for horses that goes back generations. The name also reflects the fact that a dark horse is an unexpected surprise just as it is such a delight to find this amazing winery and these amazing wines here in the local watershed community. If a dark horse is defined as a competitor not well known previously, reaching sudden prominence, and surpassing expectations, then this estate winery is aptly named.
Dark Horse Estate Winery has grown to be a leader in the burgeoning Huron County winemaking industry. Dark Horse Estate’s wines have won awards at the Canadian National Wine Awards.
“We have wine for everyone,” said Ashley. “We have everything from younger wines to deep, full-bodied, rich, complex wines.”
The Toronto Star has called the estate winery “Ontario’s new destination for wine lovers”.
The winery is located at 70665 B Line, east of Grand Bend. This destination winery is located just minutes from the scenic shores of Lake Huron and next door to the iconic Huron Country Playhouse. The centrepiece of the estate is a 31,000-square-foot manor house. Dark Horse’s manor house includes a full-service banquet facility, ballroom, state-of-the-art production facility, barrel cellar, dining area, tasting room, VIP Lounge, and patios overlooking the vineyards. The winery encourages visitors to “ …come for the sunsets, stay for the wine.” To learn more about Dark Horse Estate Winery Inc. visit their website: Dark Horse Estate Winery.
Ashley credits the entire talented winemaking and viticulture team at Dark Horse for the winery’s success crafting fine wines. Dark Horse Estate has created success by building a memorable local experience that includes domestic vineyards, a tasting room where guests can witness winemaking first-hand, combining world-class quality with hometown Huron County hospitality, pairing local fare with their Ontario wines, and expanding experiences that combine wine appreciation with culinary enjoyment.
John and Sue Ann have combined a passion for fine wine and craftsmanship with a love of farming and Huron County to grow the winery into a major destination in the area.
Co-founder John made a career over forty years in the electrical and mechanical contracting business but as a kid who grew up on the farm he has never lost his love of agriculture so this agri-tourism business was a good fit for him and his family. John has “ …combined his passion for farming, a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and the dark, rich, loamy soil of his beloved Huron County to build an agri-tourism destination winery that would engage and delight visitors from around the world.”
Co-Founder Sue Ann brought her interior design flair and attention to detail to the enterprise and a new tourism destination was born.
“She put a lot of heart and soul into this,” said her daughter, Ashley.
During the first few years, Dark Horse Estate focused on perfecting their wines. Now, having built a foundation of almost a decade of exceptional winemaking, the winery has added culinary experiences to their vineyard with a fine dining area with an exquisite view of the barrel cellar.
The Conservation Dinner takes place on Thursday, Apr. 20 at South Huron Recreation Centre at 94 Victoria Street East in Exeter. Tickets are $100 each. Patrons receive a charitable gift receipt, for income tax purposes, for a portion of that amount.
To buy tickets to the Conservation Dinner, or to donate, phone 519 235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610 or email info@abca.ca or visit the Ausable Bayfield Conservation office east of Exeter at 71108 Morrison Line (just south of Highway 83). Find out more at the Ausable Bayfield Conservation website: Conservation Dinner.
The Conservation Dinner auction event has raised more than $1.285 million for the community over 32 years. The Exeter Lions Club has been a co-partner, with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation and the watershed community, on the Dinner since 1991. Net profits are split 50-50 between community conservation projects of the Conservation Foundation and community conservation projects of the Exeter Lions Club.
The Conservation Dinner gala charitable auction and dinner supports projects that include accessible nature trails in Bayfield, Clinton, Parkhill, Lucan, Arkona, Exeter, and Varna; making it possible for more students to experience outdoor nature education; a $1,000 student environmental bursary benefiting students in local communities; a summer job at Ausable Bayfield Conservation for a senior secondary school student; turtle monitoring and events in Port Franks and Ailsa Craig; aquatic habitat studies in Old Ausable Channel, Grand Bend; and projects like nature day camps, fishing derby and Owl Prowl, and parks and conservation areas.
The annual charitable event features live and silent auctions of art and other distinctive items including travel packages and sports and entertainment memorabilia. The Dinner also includes special raffles, general raffles, appetizers, wine tasting, fun and fellowship, and a wonderful meal.
After two years of hosting the charity auction online, the Conservation Dinner Committee is excited to hold this community fundraiser in person in 2023.
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.
LUTHERAN CHURCH
St Peter’s Lutheran Church in Zurich will be hosting a Pancake Supper on Feb. 21. Potato and flour pancakes will be featured on the menu along with some yummy sausages!
Meal service will be provided from 5-7 p.m. The meals will be provided for a free-will offering with the proceeds being given to the Huron Perth United Way and Huron Homeless.
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church is located at 22 Goshen Line in Zurich.
COVID OUTBREAKS
Outbreaks of COVID-19 at the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) – Seaforth Community Hospital and Clinton Public Hospital have been declared over by Huron Perth Public Health. The outbreak in Seaforth had been declared on the Inpatient Unit on Jan. 28 while Clinton’s outbreak also on the Inpatient Unit was declared on Jan. 31.
“Upon declaring the outbreaks, immediate precautions were implemented, including prevalence testing for patients,” said Erica Jensen, manager Quality, Patient Safety & Infection Control.
The Inpatient Units have been reopened to admissions and transfers. Family and Caregiver Presence on the Units have also been restored. Full guidelines can be found on their website at www.hpha.ca. For the health and safety of patients and team members, a reminder that all individuals are required to wear a mask upon entering any of the HPHA hospitals sites and that COVID-19 self-screening must be completed.
“While these outbreaks are over, we can’t stress enough the importance of layering up your protection to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses that are circulating in Huron Perth,” added Jensen. “Keep up-to-date with your vaccines/boosters, wear a mask when in indoor public spaces, wash your hands often and stay home if you are feeling sick.”
Appreciation is extended to the HPHA team and regional partners.
“Thank you for your dedication to safe and compassionate care. We’d also like to extend appreciation to our community for your support of our outbreak measures,” said Jensen.
LIVERY FILM FEST
The Livery Film Fest continues with two more films booked to share with movie buffs. They will present “Revival69: The Concert That Rocked The World” on Feb. 16 and “Living” on March 23.
Revival69 is a documentary describing how a Toronto rock concert was languishing until the organizer reached out to John Lennon at the last minute. He was hoping that Lennon would act as master of ceremonies for the event, but Lennon agreed to come only if he and Yoko Ono could play. The concert was headlined by the Doors and included Alice Cooper, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry and Little Richard. Lennon brought Eric Clapton and other musicians to fill out the Plastic Ono Band.
The film features interviews with Alice Cooper, Rush’s Geddy Lee, plus recently discovered archival footage. Theatre-goers can relive the whirlwind chaos leading up to the festival, and the aftermath where Lennon broke up the Beatles immediately after the show.
“Living” stars Bill Nighy in an Oscar nominated role as a British Civil Servant forced to re-evaluate his life choices after a medical diagnosis. He tries to cram as much fun as he can into his previously staid life. In addition to Nighy’s Best Actor nomination, the film is also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay. The film has played at both the Sundance Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival, where it has been described as “uplifting” and “deeply moving” and the actors as “pitch-perfect”.
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.
UNITED WAY
February 11th (2/11) is this Saturday and that means it’s time for 211 Day, a day highlighting the information service connecting people to local community programs, social services, government supports, and more: 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year in over 150 languages.
“For almost 15 years, 211 Ontario has been helping people navigate the local network of human services,” said United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) Director Resource Development & Communications Susan Faber. “With the cost of living on the rise, more people are facing challenges in their lives. 211 is an invaluable resource that people can go to for caring and compassionate help to make sure that whatever they are facing, they aren’t facing it alone. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please dial 2-1-1.”
211 assists people in finding resources before they reach a crisis point. From support for individuals struggling with their mental health or substance use, to people looking for in-home support for aging parents or food-related needs and more, calling or texting 2-1-1 — or visiting 211Ontario.ca — can help. A 211 Navigator will talk through a caller’s unique challenges and connect them with the right support.
IN-HOME RECREATION PROGRAM
The Alzheimer Society Huron Perth (ASHP) is currently looking for dedicated volunteers to help with their In-Home Recreation Program.
The In-Home Recreation Program allows short-term respite for the care partner, while providing companionship for the person with Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias.
Fully trained volunteers provide 1:1 weekly visits with the person living with Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementia with visits ranging from one to hours. Volunteers will facilitate activities and provide social and cognitive stimulation for the person living with Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias.
For more information regarding volunteering please contact Paulina Balch via email at paulinab@alzhp.ca or by calling 519 271-1910.
CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR
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.”
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.
BAYFIELD ACTIVITIES
Looking for what is happening now in the village? Look no further than the Bayfield Activities Calendar . People are invited to refer to this website to learn what activities, from Pickleball to Mahjong, are happening and when.
HURON COUNTY MUSEUM
REMEMBER THIS
The Huron County Museum is home to thousands of artifacts that illustrate the history of both the rural and urban populations of the area. Space dictates what wonderful curiosities the public regularly gets to see when they visit the museum located at 110 North Street in Goderich. But where there is wifi, there is an opportunity to time-travel with over 6,700 pieces of the museum’s collection now available to view online at huroncountymuseum.pastperfectonline.com.
“Remember This” highlights items from the collection of the Huron County Museum and Historic Gaol. Items that have shaped the fabric of the county and the people who have lived here since before the county became the county in 1835 up until more recent times.
This week, we look back on how people got around in the snow-filled months of yesteryear…
DELIVERY SLEIGH
This is a Runabout Delivery Sleigh that was used for light deliveries probably around Goderich about 1895. It is a single seat, brown, wood sleigh with red interior and trim (repainted). The seat is made completely of wood and has a slanting low back. On the inside right corner is a whip holder. The runners are attached to the sleigh by three main braces.
ONE-SEATED CUTTER
This is a one seated cutter with the seat reupholstered in a deep rose material. Both seat and back are padded with a coarse material. The cutter has been repainted black. The only design is a raised oval shape on the back. The sleigh has an “s” shaped construction at the front. The cutter is made of wood except for shanks and fittings. The floor on the inside of the cutter is worn and cracked. The entire cutter seems to be warped. The runners are attached to the sleigh by three main braces on either side.
This cutter was brought into Turnberry Township in 1856 by George Nicholson.
TWO-SEATED CUTTER
This is a two-seated cutter. It is black in color with the original stencil still present. The stencil shows groups of flowers in pale yellows and reds. There is also a yellow painted edging encircling the whole cutter. The seat is upholstered in black broadcloth with a storm apron on the front. The cutter also has a convertible-top made of black leather with peek holes on either side and back. The runners are attached to the cutter by three main braces.
This cutter was used by William Young of Colborne Township circa 1910.
Delivery Sleigh
One-Seated Cutter
Two-Seated Cutter
BAYFIELD’S FORGOTTEN FELINES
SWEETHEARTS LOOKING FOR THEIR FOREVER HOMES AT CAT ADOPTATHON
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and there are a few sweethearts at Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF) looking for their love match. Thanks to Pet Valu in Goderich cupid’s arrow just may strike during an upcoming “Cat Adoptathon”.
From 11 a.m to 4 p.m. on both Saturday, Feb. 11 and Sunday, Feb. 12, people are encouraged to come out and meet a few of the over 70 cats currently in need of adoption, 10 of whom are featured alongside this article.
To learn more about adopting any of these 10 fabulous felines 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.
Pet Valu is located at 35400 Huron Road in Goderich.
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Victoria: Smudge's sister, Victoria has just recovered from an illness. She is a bit shy but still loves petting and playing.
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Marshall: This girl can't get enough pets, rubs and love. Marshall is a good support for her sister, Chase, and they should be adopted together.
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Larry: He came to the Rescue with his sibling after being dumped on a farm. Timid at first, Larry now just wants to be a lap cat.
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Chase: She is about six months old and a sibling to Marshall. Chase is still a bit shy and would prefer to be adopted with her sister.
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Finn: He is about eight months old and full of energy. Finn is very curious and always needs to know what people are doing.
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Panda: She came in from a farm with her kittens; Finn being the last one to be adopted. Panda was a loving girl from the start and just keeps getting cuddlier.
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Roxie: For a brief time Roxie was Pet Valu's resident cat. Then she discovered she could open bags of food herself, some quite expensive. Sadly they had to let her go. Now she is looking for her final home, preferable as an only kitty.
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Snow: She came into the Rescue with Panda and her kittens. Volunteers think Snow may be one of Panda's older kittens, or another mom. Either way, they shared the job of raising the kittens, one of which is Finn who is also waiting to be adopted.
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Smudge: Victoria's brother, Smudge is full of beans. He loves pets when he slows down enough to get them.
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Murdock: This lovely little girl will always be tiny. She is already over 8 months old. She is very friendly and loves a belly rub.
For a closer look at these images click on any one to open a pop up gallery.
Submit Your photo
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
I think everyone who takes the time to read my bit here at the bottom will know how proud I am of the Bayfield Guiding members that took part in The Young Canuckstorians Project, “Huron Hometown Heroes”, last year.
Anyone who would like to learn more about how the project evolved as well as view the completed films from the comfort of their own home may want to take part in the next ZOOM meeting of the Huron County Historical Society (HCHS) on Feb. 15.
The HCHS will welcome Sinead Cox, curator of Engagement and Dialogue at the Huron County Museum, as their special guest. She will speak to the Huron Hometown Heroes project and introduce the films that tell the stories of a few of the people and events that have shaped our local history. These stories were researched, scripted and voiced by members of Bayfield Guides, Pathfinders and Rangers as well as students from the Avon Maitland District School Board’s Enrichment Program with animations created by Mickey Maple.
The evening begins at 7 p.m. People can email HCHS1965@gmail.com for the ZOOM link. Please be advised it is strictly “B-Y-O-P” (Bring Your Own Popcorn). – Melody
Ideas and contributions to the Bayfield Breeze are always welcome.
Deadlines for submissions are Sundays at 4 p.m.