STEENBEEK CONFIRMED PROVINCIAL DIRECTOR FOR DISTRICT 8

Jentje Steenbeek (right), from the Bayfield Agricultural Society, was confirmed as Provincial Director for District 8 on the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) Board. Steenbeek is shown here with OAAS Manager Vince Brennan (left) and OAAS President Glen Syme. (Submitted photos)

Over 950 delegates from Agricultural Societies across Ontario attended the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) convention held Feb. 16-18 in Richmond Hill, ON.

The OAAS convention provides the opportunity to learn about novel approaches to organizing fairs, the current issues affecting Agricultural Societies, and up and coming entertainment groups. There are also some competitions.

Winners of certain classes at the local fairs competed at the District level and those winners competed against winners in all Districts across the province at the OAAS Convention.

Rhonda Bundy, who won for her liquid white honey at the Bayfield Community Fair, advanced to the District 8 level and won again, thus advancing to the OAAS Convention competition where she received solid marks but an entry from Eastern Ontario took top honors.

Some talented Bayfield area photographers also took home prizes at the convention. The OAAS Photography competition is a competition of photos taken at the most recent fair and entered by Dec. 1st of each year before the convention. Photos taken at the 2022 Bayfield Community Fair were entered into several photography classes and received four prizes – a first, a second and two third-place prizes. Congratulations to Doug Yeo who won first prize for his picture of two antique tractors beside the brand-new John Deere tractor all displayed near the gates at the 2022 Fair!

Local convention attendees were also pleased to see that the winner of the hand-quilted competition was Jill Thorpe, a quilter from Stratford.

There was also exciting news off of the competition floor as Jentje Steenbeek, from the Bayfield Agricultural Society, was confirmed as Provincial Director for District 8 on the OAAS Board. He will be travelling throughout Huron and Perth Counties visiting fairs and lending them support.

Agricultural fairs are cultural events that take place throughout Ontario showcasing rural life to all visitors. Fairgoers have the opportunity to participate in and experience competitions, see farm animals, and enjoy the entertainment. The Bayfield Community Fair is always the third weekend in August. This year’s Fair will be held on Aug.18-20 and everyone is encouraged to join in the fun!

BAYFIELD READS RETURNS TO TOWN HALL

The countdown is now on for Bayfield Reads! This tradition corresponds with CBC’s Canada Reads. Just as they will do on the National level, Bayfield will choose their winner for this annual event determining the results with the help of a slate of local defenders.

And for the first time since prior to the pandemic, Bayfield Reads will be live and in person. People are invited to attend the event to be held at the Bayfield Town Hall on Sunday, March 26 starting at 2 p.m.

This year’s defenders are: Dave MacLaren, Judy Whittaker, Tina Bax, Kristin Strang and Tyler Hessel. In the weeks leading up to Bayfield Reads, these defenders and the books they are defending will be profiled in the Bayfield Breeze. This week Judy Whittaker is the featured defender.

Prior to retiring to Bayfield, Judy was an Entrepreneur and Corporate Executive.  Judy is passionate about reading. She reads between 40 and 50 books a year on a broad range of topics.  She enjoys both the visual and written arts and has a passion for photography.  Her husband Don’s family has been a part of the Bayfield community for over 100 years while Judy has been loving Bayfield with Don for the past 22! She will be defending “Greenwood” by Michael Christie.

In the novel Greenwood, it’s the year 2038 and most of the world has suffered from an environmental collapse. But there is a remote island with 1,000-year-old trees and that’s where Jake Greenwood works as a tour guide. The novel takes readers back in time as they learn more about Jake, her family and how secrets and lies can have an impact for generations.

Tickets to Bayfield Reads will be $5 at the door and refreshments are included.

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

WOODLAND TRAIL LOCATION FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY HIKE

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.

DASH IS IN NEED OF DENTAL SURGERY

Dash (Submitted photo)

BFF has so many wonderful cats and kittens looking for their forever families right now.

Dash is the Adopt a BFF cat of the week.

Dash came to the Rescue some time ago as a big tomcat. He was brought in by people who realized he was being attacked on a regular basis by some neighborhood cats. They were not sure where he had come from. When he arrived at the Rescue he was pretty beaten up.

“You can still see some scars on his face,” said Deb Penhale, representing BFF. “We called him Dash because he was very quick to hide if someone came into the shelter.”

Since his arrival it has been discovered that he has a lot of dental issues and although he has now been neutered and had his shots he will be in need of dental surgery soon to remove some obsessed and broken teeth.

“He is coming along and does not overly object to human touch at this point in time,” said Penhale. “He will need a little more time to socialize but once his dental surgery is complete he will be looking for his forever home.”

To learn more about adopting Gina 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. Not able to adopt but still want to help? Donations are always gratefully accepted and can be e-transferred to the email above.

IN MEMORIAM 

CHARLIE KALBFLEISCH LEFT A LEGACY OF SERVICE TO THE VILLAGE AND SURROUNDS

Charles Kalbfleisch (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

The community will no doubt be grieved to learn of the death of a long time resident who leaves a legacy of service to the village and surrounds.

The family of Charles Edward Albert Kalbfleisch, known lovingly to many as Charlie or Chuck, are deeply saddened to announce that he passed away on Feb. 18 at the age of 87.

Born and raised in London, ON, Charles spent his summers from a young age in Bayfield, at his family cottage, and in Zurich, visiting his many relatives.  He lived in Varna from 1965 to 1991 before he moved to Bayfield where he spent the rest of his life.  He graduated from the University of Western Ontario and became a high school teacher in 1958. He married Marilyn Codlin in 1959 and together they founded a family of five children.

Charles started his teaching career at Norwich High School and then moved on to Medway High School in Arva.  In 1965 he became the head of the history department at Goderich District Collegiate Institute and a proud Viking.  He was a strong supporter of Viking clubs and sports, especially their football program.  After his retirement from GDCI in 1991, he worked part-time for 17 years at Ellison Travel in Exeter, where he sold educational tours.

Teaching, music, history, politics, sports and his family were his passions. Charles led numerous different bands in the 1960s and 1970s:  The Goderich Laketown Band (1967-1970), The Zurich Centennial Band (1967-1977), and the GDCI Viking Band (1965-1971).  In 1978 ‘Chuck’ took over the ailing Seaforth and District High School (SDHS) All Girls Marching Band and revitalized it.  He recruited members from across Huron County and taught them how to play various brass and woodwind instruments.  Under Chuck’s direction, the band played in countless fair and Christmas parades throughout southwestern Ontario.  Every year there was an exciting trip where they performed at competitions, festivals and parades.  Destinations included the Calgary Stampede, Florida, South Carolina, Arizona, Tennessee, Georgia, London (England), Paris (France), and the Dominican Republic.  In 2012, Heather Dawe, a former band member, joined forces with Chuck and became co-director of the band.  Chuck continued to teach girls to play instruments and attend practices as much as his health permitted.  When he could no longer march parades he began driving his Mustang in front of the band.  Chuck’s final parade was in September 2022.

Charles was profoundly dedicated to his community.  He served on the council of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Zurich. He became a member of the Bayfield Lions’ Club in 1991, serving as both president (2000-2001) and treasurer (2001-2007).  He participated enthusiastically in their community fundraisers and events, and was the Chair of the Bayfield Lions’ Home and Garden Show for 10 years.  Charles’ helped coordinate the Bayfield Town Hall concert series (1993-2005), helped with the Bayfield Community Fair and Christmas parades, and was an organizer for the Rise2Fame Youth Talent Search competition at the Bayfield Fair (2012-2020).

Charles’ compassion, humor, positive energy and charm endeared him to his many students and band members over the years.  He always had a joke or a kind, supportive word for all of the young people, and made a special effort to help kids who needed support.  Going anywhere in Huron County with Charles was like traveling with a local celebrity as he was recognized and greeted so warmly.  He would stop and chat about a funny story from days past or discuss local events.  Charles had an incredible gift to build positive relationships with everyone.

Charlie Kalbfleisch was the longest-standing current member of the Bayfield Lions Club. He died on Feb. 18 at the age of 87. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

Above all, Charles was a dedicated father and grandfather.  His unwavering love, affection, and down-to-earth and calm nature made him the rock and the glue of the Kalbfleisch family.  He always set high expectations for his children, and he modeled the integrity and hard work he demanded.  He was a gifted storyteller, reveling in family lore, local history, and the antics of his childhood and teaching career.  He had a keen interest in politics and current events and enjoyed discussing these topics with others.

He cherished his nine grandchildren and took an active interest in their lives.  They will always remember their visits to Bayfield:  swimming, sunsets, beach time, campfires, delicious local treats. Grandpa always offered hilarious commentary while watching movies. His contagious laughter and his big, warm hugs will never be forgotten.

Charles was predeceased by his wife, Marilyn (2005) and leaves behind his children Marianne (Bill MacKinnon) Robinson, David (Patty) Kalbfleisch, Paul (Anna) Kalbfleisch, John (Iris) Kalbfleisch and Julia (Paul Mezo) Kalbfleisch-Mezo as well as his grandchildren Thomas, Anna Maria, Daphne, Nikko, Christian, Simon, Jesse, Klara and Harrison.  He will also be greatly missed by his lifelong friend, Margaret (Margie) Garbarino and her family.

Visitation will take place at McCallum Palla Funeral Home in Goderich on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m..  The funeral will be on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Zurich.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the SDHS All Girls Marching Band or the Bayfield Lions Club.

WINNER OF STOCKHOLM JUNIOR WATER PRIZE TO SPEAK AT PARTNER APPRECIATION

Annabelle Rayson is a Grade 12 student from St. Patrick’s Catholic High School in Sarnia. In 2022, she received the Stockholm Junior Water Prize, in person, from HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden. (Submitted photo)

Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) is pleased to announce the return of their Partner Appreciation Evening.

This annual early-evening event (5 p.m.), to honor community conservation partners and to present the Conservationist of the Year Award, was last held in 2019. The event was not held from 2020, 2021 and 2022 due to the pandemic. The Partner Appreciation Evening will take place on Thursday, March 16 at the Ironwood Golf Club.

This conservation awards event will feature a presentation by Annabelle Rayson, 2022 winner of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize. She will speak on harmful algae blooms and her research to treat them and prevent them in Lake Huron and the other Great Lakes.

“I’m excited to present at the Partner Appreciation Evening about my research,” Annabelle said. “Lake Huron is very important to me and I look forward to sharing some information on strategies we might use to protect our Great Lakes.”

Annabelle is a Grade 12 student from St. Patrick’s Catholic High School in Sarnia. She received the Stockholm Junior Water Prize, in person, from HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden. Annabelle has attended three national, Canada-wide Science Fair competitions, including 2022, and has been an award winner. Also in 2022, Annabelle took part in the European Union Contest for Young Scientists held in the Netherlands.

Annabelle has researched how distinct genotypes of Daphnia magna (a type of Zooplankton, a tiny organism that eats algae, and a naturally occurring keystone species to the Great Lakes), could be used to eat algae and reduce algal blooms. At the partner appreciation evening, Annabelle will share some of her research findings, why she loves the Great Lakes, and some strategies that might be employed to protect them.

Also as part of the evening, staff at ABCA will also provide an introduction to the 2023 Ausable Bayfield Watershed Report Cards. The report cards are to be released on World Water Day (March 22).

An additional highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Conservationist of the Year Award, for the 40th consecutive year.

To learn more about the Conservationist of the Year Award, and the Partner Appreciation Evening, visit the web page: Conservationist of the Year. To attend the Partner Appreciation Evening please RSVP by March 9 to Sharon Pavkeje by emailing spavkeje@abca.ca or by calling 519 235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610.

The Ironwood Golf Club is located at 70969 Morrison Line, 2 km east of Exeter.

DONOR ESTABLISHED FUND TO GIVE BACK

Bob Down (Submitted photo)

Bob Down remembers his father saying to him, “You should give back to the community because of what the community has given to you.”

Down took those words to heart. He established a fund within the South Huron Vitality Fund, SHVF, in 2019 and recently added an additional $10,000 to it.

Down grew up on the family farm in Usborne Township, on land that his great-great-grandfather received from the Canada Company in 1848. Down raised hogs and cattle, and grew livestock feed and cash crops, including peas and corn.

“In the early days it was a tough go,” he said. “I had my nose to the grindstone from the start.”

He and his late wife Pat raised four daughters, Patti, Barb, Cyndi and Deb, all born within six years. Down has warm memories of the years the girls grew three acres of cucumbers, learning important lessons about hard work and paying for their postsecondary education with the proceeds. He now has 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

After graduating from Ridgetown College, Down was recruited to serve in the cooperative movement locally and provincially. He also provided his wisdom to the Corn Producers Board and other farm organizations, and eventually served on the national board of Cooperators Insurance.

“We’re delighted that Bob has chosen to add to his Family Fund,” said Tom Prout, chair of the South Huron Vitality Fund. “His generosity reflects the true spirit of our Community Fund and will make a difference for many years to come.”

The South Huron Vitality Fund is held within the Sunset Community Foundation, one of nearly 200 community foundations across Canada. The donated funds are invested permanently, with a portion of the income granted to community organizations in South Huron each year.

Down plans to continue building his fund in the years ahead, saying he contributes on behalf of his wife and daughters. He knows the fund will support community organizations that in turn help the most vulnerable in our communities.

“It’s like when you throw a pebble into a pond and the ripples expand out from it.”

Down hopes these ripples will encourage other families and businesses to start similar funds under the SHVF to support the community.

NEW CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR FOR ABCA

The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) Board of Directors held its Annual Meeting on Thursday, Feb. 16 and elected a new Chair and Vice Chair. This photo shows new Chair Marissa Vaughan (left) and new Vice Chair Ray Chartrand. The new Board of Directors of ABCA also includes: Adrian Cornelissen, North Middlesex; Dave Marsh, Lambton Shores and Warwick; Greg Lamport, Bluewater; Jaden Hodgins, Lucan Biddulph; Jim Ginn, Central Huron; Marissa Vaughan, South Huron and Perth South; Ray Chartrand, Huron East; Steve Herold, West Perth; and Wayne Shipley, Middlesex Centre and Adelaide Metcalfe. (Submitted photo)