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!
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This image from the 2022 Bayfield Community Fair was a first-prize winning entry in the Photography Competition at the provincial convention. It was taken by Doug Yeo.
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Rhonda Bundy's Liquid White Honey represented both the Bayfield Community Fair and District 8 at the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies convention competition.
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
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
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.
HORNS ON BAYFIELD

Editor’s Note: Last week I shared in my “Submissions” about Corry James’ battle with terminal cancer inviting people to help brighten his day by participating in a little photo challenge. He asked for people to embrace his motto “Horns On” (defined as being “fighting with all your might”) and send him images striking a pose while making the hand gesture. This week Corry, who is shown in this photo demonstrating the pose, would like to thank everyone who has participated thus far. His Facebook Album of pictures has grown by about 100 images since last week but more would be appreciated. If you would like to join in the fun please email your picture to: corrywith2rs@gmail.com. If you happened to miss reading Corry’s story last week please visit Issue 710 to learn more. (Submitted photo)
FOOD BANK
Bayfield Area Food Bank (BAFB) will be holding their Annual General Meeting (AGM) over ZOOM on March 29.
The AGM will begin at 1:30 p.m. and anyone who would like to attend should email the address provided below for a ZOOM link.
Volunteers with BAFB would like to invite people to add canned tomatoes and pasta sauce to their grocery shopping lists in the coming weeks if they wish to donate as these two items are low in stock on the BAFB shelves.
BAFB now has a dedicated phone number: 519 525-8286. People can also contact the food bank via email at bayfieldareafoodbank@gmail.com.
Collection boxes for donations can be found at the Bayfield Public Library on Main Street as well as Trinity St. James Anglican Church (outside the entrance to the Parish Hall off the parking lot).
For anyone who would like to support BAFB with a monetary gift, there are a few options available. Cheques can be mailed to: Bayfield Area Food Bank, 10 Keith Cres., Bayfield, ON, N0M 1G0. An e-transfer can be made through BAFB’s gmail account listed above or a donation can be received on-line through the www.canadahelps.org website.
ANGLICAN CHURCH
The imposition of ashes marking Ash Wednesday will be observed at Trinity St. James Anglican Church during their regular Wednesday morning service today (Feb. 22).
The service will begin at 10:30 a.m. and all are welcome to attend.
The next Men’s Breakfast at Trinity St. James will be held on Saturday, March 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 March 2. .
Trinity St. James Anglican church is located at 10 Keith Crescent in Bayfield.
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 March 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!
LEGO CLUB

Young Lego enthusiasts and their adults are invited to the first meeting of the Bayfield Lego Club on March 18. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)
Families with an interest in Lego design and creativity are invited to come and further “their love for the brick” at the inaugural meeting of the Bayfield Lego Club on Saturday, March 18.
The club’s first session will take place from 10-11:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall at Trinity St James Anglican Church and will be sponsored by the Optimist Club of Bayfield.
Bayfield Lego Club is open to all children ages four and up accompanied by an adult. Bricks will be provided for use at the meetings and participants will be encouraged to build a creation based on a monthly theme.
For more information please email Melody Falconer-Pounder at melody.pounder@gmail.com.
Trinity St James Anglican Church is located at 10 Keith Crescent in Bayfield.
CANDLELIGHT WALK

Weather permitting on Apr. 1 along the Taylor Trail in Varna, volunteers will place hundreds of candle-lit lanterns, lighting the pine forest path for the Second Annual Candlelight Memorial Walk. (Submitted photo)
Members of the community are encouraged to keep the evening of Saturday, Apr. 1 open on their calendars so they might participate in the Second Annual Candlelight Memorial Walk on the Taylor Trail in Varna.
This event is being organized by volunteers from Huron Hospice and the Bayfield River Valley Trails Association to raise funds for the hospice. The walk will begin at 7 p.m. A rain date has been set for Apr. 2.
To learn more visit: Huron Hospice events.
CRAFT SUPPLY EXCHANGE
The Bayfield and Goderich Public Library staff are inviting members of the community to take part in a Craft Supply Exchange.
People are invited to clean out their stash of craft supplies and fabrics that are gathering dust at home and swap them for supplies they can use!
Those who wish to take part are asked to drop off their unwanted items that are in clean, usable condition during regular open hours at the Bayfield Branch from Feb. 28 to March 2. Those who do so will receive an “Early Bird” ticket.
On Saturday, March 4, “Early Bird” ticket holders will get first admittance into the Craft Supply Exchange at the Goderich Branch, from 10 a.m. until noon. The general public will be welcome to attend the event from noon to 2 p.m.
For more information please contact the Goderich Branch at 519 524-9261 or visit: Craft Supply Exchange.
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.
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.
EARLY YEARS
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.
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!
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 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)
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.
EIGHTY PERCENT OF GOAL REACHED

With six weeks to go in the annual campaign, United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) is proud to announce they have raised $1.91 million of their goal of $2.289 million. Top fundraisers for this year’s Stratford Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY), Stratford Snow Striders team captain Jo-Dee Burbach (right) and team member Dr. Cranla Warren (middle), who was named one of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women in 2022, recently joined UWPH Executive Director Ryan Erb (left) to light the 80 percent light bulb on the campaign thermometer. The trio also encourage people to sign up for this year’s CNOY on Saturday, Feb. 25. In addition to the Stratford event, co-hosted by Stratford/Perth Shelterlink, UWPH hosts five other CNOYs in St. Marys, North Perth, Exeter, Goderich, and Wingham in support of local people experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness. To sign up to walk or donate, go to cnoy.org. (Submitted photo)
LIVERY FILM FEST
The Livery Film Fest continues with “Living” on March 23.
“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”.
The film 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.
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.
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.
REMEMBER THIS
TW0-COW BARNS REVISITED
In August of 2022, a pristine, white, horse drawn landau handcrafted many years ago at the Bayfield Wagon and Carriage Works by business founder the late Tom Penhale was returned to the village to become an asset for the community.
Since that time several groups, the Bayfield Lions Club, Bayfield Historical Society, Friends of Bayfield Library, and representatives from the Bayfield and Area Chamber of Commerce have been working together to create a plan for storage and display of the landau.
As noted in last week’s Bayfield Breeze, Issue 710, they are considering creating a replica of a small traditional “two-cow barn” in the backyard of the Bayfield Archives and Heritage Centre on Main Street. Although the project is still in its infancy, volunteers have been exploring the history behind these unique barns. A few photos of the barns that still exist in the area today were shared last issue when we posed the question, “Do you know where these barns are located in the village and surrounding area?” The answers are included with the images this week.
PHOTOS COURTESY HURON COUNTY MUSEUM – HURON ART BANK
Editor’s note: During the month of January, the Tourism Sector staff at Huron Economic Development posted a daily work of art on “Ontario’s West Coast” social media accounts. The pieces shared were part of the Huron County Art Bank. Many of the works depict familiar locations by familiar artists making the collection truly priceless and worth sharing with our readership. It was hard to pick just 11 to highlight!
Currently 50 pieces that compose the Huron County Art Bank collection are digitally displayed on the Huron County Museum’s website and can be viewed by visiting: Huron County Art Bank. Works from the collection are in active use and can be found on display in various Huron County buildings. They are also presented in exhibitions.
According to the Museum website, the Huron County Art Bank was established in 2000, with a generous bequest from the Estate of Susannah Lattimer and since that time the County of Huron has continued to support the initiative. The collection is held in trust by the Huron County Museum for the benefit and education of the entire community.
Acquisitions for this collection are selected from submissions to a semi annual art exhibition and sale organized through the Museum.
For a closer look at these images click on any one to open a pop up gallery.
SUBMISSIONS

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Melody Falconer-Pounder
I am a Viking. Goderich District Collegiate Institute Class of 1986 alumnus.
As teenagers we might not have realized it but we were blessed with some pretty amazing teachers. I had a good look through my yearbook yesterday reflecting on a few of them, this brush with nostalgia brought on by the recent death of one of those teachers – Charles Kalbfleisch. He was a Bayfield resident who died over the weekend at the age of 87 leaving a legacy of service beyond his teaching years and I had the pleasure of knowing him outside the hallowed halls of GDCI. And even though as an adult I was free to call him Charlie or Chuck he will always be Mr. Kalbfleisch to me. – the person who shared his love for history and politics in my Grade 13 History and Sociology classes. Mr. Kalbleisch loved to travel and he wanted to ignite this passion in his students. He, along with fellow history teacher, Mr. Madge, made sure that their students got to see some of the world beyond our Huron County borders.
When I was in Grade 12 I got to travel by bus to New York City with my classmates and in Grade 13 the bus ventured further to Washington D.C. For someone who at the time had never been outside of Ontario these trips were experiences of a lifetime. I enjoyed every second of those trips because I thought I might never get the chance to visit again. And I wasn’t wrong, although I’ve been fortunate enough to travel as an adult to a great number of places I have yet to return to either New York City or Washington D.C.
A lot of teachers have a catchphrase that they use frequently when teaching. Mr. Kalbfleish’s saying was, “That’s enough damage for today!”
This would always bring a chuckle from my classmates as we departed his classroom, our heads verily spinning from the knowledge imparted for better or for worse – but mostly for the better. He will be missed. – Melody
Ideas and contributions to the Bayfield Breeze are always welcome.
Deadlines for submissions are Sundays at 4 p.m.