NEXT PROJECT BY BAYFIELD CENTRE FOR THE ARTS ABOUT TO SET SAIL

Sail painted by Carol Finkbeiner Thomas. (Submitted photo)

The Bayfield Sails Project initiated by the Bayfield Centre for the Arts (BCA) in 2022 is about to culminate in a special viewing of the completed sailboat sculptures at an event in Clan Gregor Square over the weekend of May 13-14.

The Bayfield Sails Project is intended to honor the marine history of Bayfield and Lake Huron. The completed project consists of six sailboat sculptures, made of iron and powder coated, with “sails” made of lexan. Late last year the call was put out for artists to apply to be chosen to hand paint the sails and now it is time to preview the results.

“People are invited to come out to see the six fabulous iron sailboat sculptures before they are installed on municipal land in Bayfield this spring,” said Leslee Squirrell, president of the BCA.

The sailboats were designed and handmade by blacksmith Jim Wallace of Sharpes Creek Forge near Goderich. The design of the hulls replicates specific boats such as the locally renowned “Helen McLeod” as well as the sailboats manufactured by Bayfield Boat Works.

Those who attend the event will also have an opportunity to meet all six of the artists chosen to paint a unique “sail” for the sailboats.

The sailboats will be a permanent installation within the village changing “sails” every one to two years. Each boat will sport a  QR code that will take the viewer to a page of local historical information as well as information about the artist and their website if they have one.

The sailboats will be displayed under a tent in Clan Gregor Square from Noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

The artists involved in the project will be present on Saturday and an opening ceremony with remarks by dignitaries will be held at 12:30 p.m. On Sunday visitors to the installation will not only get to see the works but pick up a free potted Petunia or Geranium courtesy of the BCA in recognition of it being Mother’s Day. There are a limited number of plants available so visitors are encouraged to come early.

“It is hoped that this project will bring further vitality and prosperity to this unique and beautiful village and public marina,” concluded Squirrell.

OVER ONE HUNDRED NAMES READ OUT DURING CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL WALK

Jay McFarlan (Submitted photo)

The Second Annual Candlelight Memorial Walk was a huge success,  despite the cold north wind, the candles flickered and a large number of bundled-up participants attended this special event held on the evening of Apr. 1st.

The Candlelight Memorial Walk, held at the Taylor Trail in Varna, was organized by a team of local volunteers. Hundreds of candles lit up the forest path, making the memorial walk an absolutely magical experience.

Over one hundred memorial names were read during the Dedication Ceremony while, thanks to a generous donation from Tim Hortons in Bayfield, participants were able to keep warm with a cup of hot chocolate.

Special thanks was given to the team led by Willy VanKlooster, executive director of Huron Hospice.

“I am deeply aware of how much work you put into this – both in terms of raising money and in terms of organizing a meaningful event,” said VanKlooster. “I am aware that you did not do this alone, but want to give you my special thanks and appreciation.”

With 51 Huron County business sponsors and a very large number of candlelight donations, over $25,000 was raised in support of Huron Hospice, with donations still coming in. The team was delighted with these results!

For those family members that were unable to attend, or would like to share the event with others, a video has been created of the memorial walk, which includes the sponsors: Candlelight Walk Video.

A special note of appreciation and thanks to all those who contributed to the success of this event. Community members are encouraged to support the sponsoring businesses.

“It was heart-warming to see so many people attend the second annual Candlelight Memorial Walk, despite the chilly winds that evening,” said Jay McFarlan, speaker at the event and chair of the Huron Hospice Board of Directors. “People came out to honor their loved ones, each with their own unique story of loss. By sharing our stories, we help each other through the process of grief and keep those memories alive.”

Anyone interested in joining the volunteer organizational team for next year’s memorial walk, please contact team lead Roger Mather at 905 630-3571 or rogerrogermather@gmail.com.

FILM SERIES DEBUTS TONIGHT AT TOWN HALL

The first offering by the Bayfield Indie Film Series will be held tonight (Apr. 12) when they present “Aftersun” at the Bayfield Town Hall.

The Bayfield Indie Film Series is a new venture brought to the village by six film buffs who hope their enthusiasm for independent features will catch on in the village.

This week the Bayfield Breeze Editor asks the “difficult” questions to create this “just for fun” Q & A. Speaking for the Series are: Lynn Whaley, Walter Gibson, Renee Sandelowsky, Patrick Heffernan, and Rob and Sue McAuley.

Editor: What was your motivation for starting the Bayfield Indie Film Series?

Renee: We know just about everything is available to stream online these days. But it’s just not the same as gathering with friends and neighbors and seeing films on the big screen, the way they were intended.

Editor: How did you pick your movies?

Lynn: It wasn’t easy! We chose current releases for two films because we wanted fresh material for this first series. Home grown ‘Trigger Point’ has never been offered in Bayfield and we thought it was only fitting that we show it.

Editor: Who is funding this venture?

Patrick: We are! We are six Bayfield residents who enjoy seeing great films.

Editor: How much profit do you hope to make?

Walter: It is extremely unlikely we will make a profit. We will be thrilled if we break even!

Editor: What are your expenses?

Rob: Our biggest expense is the royalties we pay to the film companies to show their film to the public. Films are protected by copyright laws and that’s only fair, considering that the creative productions we all enjoy are the result of the dedication, talents, and hard work of many artists.

Editor: What does the future look like for the Bayfield Indie Film Series?

Sue: We’ll have to see how we do at the end of this series. Ideally, we would like to offer another series in the fall. This is all new for us so we would love to hear from our audience. What films would you like to see on the big screen in Bayfield? Please send us an email with your feedback and suggestions to bayfieldfilms@gmail.com.

The doors to the hall will open at 6:30 p.m. with the film starting at 7 p.m. Attendees are asked to arrive early as space is limited. Pass holders may head toward the rush line for the best seats! Tickets at the door are $12 each. Or you may purchase a pass for all three films for $30. Snacks and beverages will also be available to purchase.

The remaining films in the series this season are: “Decision to Leave”, May 10; and “Trigger Point”, June 7.

APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY WILDFLOWER THEMED HIKE

The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) is excited to announce their hiking events for April and May.

To celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 22, the BRVTA is hosting the 9th Annual Earth Day Hike and Village Cleanup. The theme of the hike is ‘What is a Watershed?” with special guest Michele Martin, an environmental consultant from Kitchener.

Hikers are asked to meet at Clan Gregor Square at 9 a.m. The Village Cleanup will begin at 10:30 a.m. following the hike, also meeting at the Clan Gregor Pavilion. Local groups, businesses and individual citizens are invited to check in and choose a route from the Village map. The Bayfield Trails Team will provide garbage bags. Participants will then go for a walk in their assigned area picking up litter. Bags can be returned to the Square for disposal. Those who take part are asked to please wear bright colored clothing and gloves.

On May 6, all are invited to join in a Wildflower Hike at the Bannockburn Tract (74739 Bannockburn Line) starting at 10 a.m. Join Huron County Forester Dave Pullen and wildflower enthusiast Robert Tremain to learn about some of the beautiful indigenous flora in the area. This hike is free and open to the public without pre-registration. Attendees are asked to leave their dogs at home for this hike. Please note that this hike is at the Bannockburn Tract, not the Bannockburn Conservation Area.  The tract is south of Mill Road.  The walk will be about 3 km on mostly flat terrain and will last about 90 minutes.

The BRVTA will also be hosting a Birdwatching Hike on May 20 at Windmill Farm with George Ebers as the guide. The hike will begin at 8:30 a.m. and is open to BRVTA members only. There is a limit of 20 participants, and people are asked to pre-register by emailing Ralph Blasting at rjblastingjr@gmail.com.

Anyone who would like to become a member of the BRVTA can register at Bayfield Trails Memberships. Please leave canine friends at home for this hike as well.

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 co-ordinator Ralph Blasting by calling 519 525-3205 or emailing him at the address given above.

UKULELE SOCIETY AND GLEE SISTERS TO PERFORM AT EARTH DAY CELEBRATION

Following the Ninth Annual Earth Day Hike and Village Cleanup organized by the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association for the morning of Apr 22 members are invited to an Earth Day Celebration hosted by Blue Bayfield.

Starting at 2 p.m., members of the community are invited to St. Andrew’s United Church to hear featured speaker Alexandra Ho, who was a delegate from the University of Waterloo’s Climate Institute at the COP27 Climate Conference, recently held in Egypt.

Ho is a Master of Climate Change student with a background in Psychology and English Literature. She focuses on understanding the relationships between climate change communications and behavioural choice-making as well as the impacts of climate change on mental health and psychological wellbeing, particularly among youth.

Blue Bayfield and the organizing committee are honored to have Jordan George from the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point Community to offer the land acknowledgement.

Bayfield is fortunate, not only to be home to many visual artists, but also instrumental and vocal groups, a few of whom will be highlighted at this day of music and celebration. The afternoon will begin with a performance by accomplished Bayfield artists Mary McGoldrick on piano and Danuta Wyant on cello, performing works by George Harrison and Jay Unger.

The Bayfield Ukulele Society (BUS) and the Glee Sisters that will also offer musical performances.

“The beauty of the earth is expressed through art and language in many forms and on Apr.  22, you will hear musical sounds that honor the earth,” said Ray Letheren representing Blue Bayfield. “As our theme for the day, we have chosen the words of Chief Seattle of the Suquamish and Duwamish Native American tribes, in what is now Washington state. His statement of truth, ‘The earth does not belong to us, we belong to the earth’, was written in 1854 and is more relevant today than ever before. The vocal edition that will be performed at Earth Day is an inspiring rendition of this writing.”

The MC for the afternoon will be Roz Elliott who is well known for her program on Staysh TV.

Attendees at this performance are invited to take with them white pine seeds and growing pods.

“We hope that in a few years, this day will be recalled by many when the trees mature and take their place in our ecosystem,” said Shelagh Sully, representing Blue Bayfield.

Also available at the afternoon event will be the Blue Bayfield Publication, “The Great Lakes: A Time of Reckoning”. Donations would be welcomed.

St. Andrew’s United Church is located at 6 The Square in Bayfield.

OUTDOOR AREA EXPANDED AT BAYFIELD LIONS HOME AND LEISURE SHOW

The annual Bayfield Lions Club Home and Leisure Show is coming up in a couple of weeks – people should mark their calendars for April 22-23. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

Are you ready for a really big show?

The annual Bayfield Lions Club Home and Leisure Show is coming up in a couple of weeks – people should mark their calendars for April 22-23.

“We know homeowners, buyers, renovators, DIYers eagerly await this first sign of Spring and you don’t want to miss it!” said Tony Van Bakel, a member of the Bayfield Lions Home Show Committee.

The show will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.  Although the Lions Club members love to make this a free event for all, they really appreciate food donations at the door for the local food bank. Visitors should also remember to fill out a ballot for a special door prize.

This year along with the usual Expo, food court, free face painting, the Lions Club have added more outdoor exhibitors and have increased the number of new exhibitors to the show.

Van Bakel said he is extra excited about a great show with some captivating exhibitor preparations for inside and outside the community centre and arena. One extra special display will be an original Penhale Carriage showcased on the arena floor. Visitors to the show should be sure to check out the outdoor exhibits that will include some big beautiful boats, park model homes, motorhomes and RV models, golf carts, wood carvings and other vendors.

“Visitors can look forward to seeing close to 100 exhibitors located upstairs and downstairs and outside of the Bayfield Community Centre and Arena, including: trailers, bear chairs, sheds, electric bikes, and even a hot tub,” said VanBakel.

The Bayfield Home and Leisure Show is a great way to celebrate the warmer seasons in the village and the Lions Club invites everyone to help them welcome Spring by experiencing this one-of-a-kind show!

For more information visit: bayfieldlions.ca.

LOVEABLE SMUDGE READY FOR A HOME

Smudge (Submitted photo)

Bayfield Forgotten Felines (BFF) has so many wonderful cats and kittens looking for their forever families right now.

Smudge is the Adopt a BFF cat of the week.

He came into the Rescue with a group of kittens and two Mommas. Since both female felines took on feeding and cleaning duties volunteers were never certain who belonged to who – but this special little family worked together to care for these babies and a few surrogates as well.

Smudge is well socialized and likes to run and play. He even fetches and returns toys too. He also enjoys cuddle time and will melt into his human’s neck and give the best hugs.He is definitely ready for his forever home and family to come and claim him.

To learn more please contact BFF via email at bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com. The adoption fee is now $250. 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.

JUNE ROBINSON MEMORIALIZED BY HOSPICE

Members of June Robinson’s family participated in the Hike for Huron Hospice held in 2022. (Submitted photos)

June Robinson

Huron Hospice will recognize hiking leader June Robinson at their much-anticipated Hike for Huron Hospice.  June passed away late in 2022 and the board, staff and volunteers unanimously agreed to recognize her impact by renaming the event, The June Robinson Memorial Hike for Huron Hospice. Every year June recruited her family to raise money for the Hospice and hike with her.

According to her granddaughters Heather and Patricia, “The Hike was more about bringing family and friends together. Reaching out to support Huron Hospice on the Hike helped to reinforce the connections that Grams cherished with her family and her community. It brought people together.”

Heather went on to say, “It was not so much about the fundraising, but she did keep track of how much money had been pledged. I think secretly she liked being the top fundraiser every year.”

The June Robinson Memorial Hike will take place Sunday, May 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Stanley Community Centre in Varna. The hike will start with a light warm up. After the hike everyone is welcome to join in a barbecue.

“We will walk in person again this year, however, if people are still hesitant, they can continue to hike where they like,” said Christopher Walker, manager of Fund Development “In person or remotely, we want people to spend time with family and to remember June and other loved ones for whom they may be walking. Please join us at the Stanley Community Centre located at 38572 Mill Road Varna and swap stories while enjoying the BBQ. Summer starts with the June Robinson Memorial Hike for Huron Hospice.”

“The hike is an important Huron Hospice fundraising event,” said Willy Van Klooster, hiker and Executive director. “The money raised stays in Huron County and is used to pay for end-of-life care for families. Hikers help pay for day-to-day essential services like nursing, home hospice, and loss and grief support for children, youth and adults. As you can see, donor support is critical to bringing our support to Huron County families.

“This year we are also celebrating the construction of new bedrooms at Huron Hospice. The money is in the bank and the drawings are complete. We are just waiting on final government approval so we can put the shovels in the ground. When you join us at the Hike, you can check out the drawings and plans.”

People can form teams of family members or friends to hike and obtain pledges to support the Hospice. Children could ask parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles to pledge their support by email, mail, or phone.

“Teams can have fun and challenge each other. There will be prizes for the team and the individual who raises the most money,” said Walker.

To register for the hike, go to the Huron Hospice website June Robinson Hike for Huron Hospice.  Just follow the link to pledge or create a team. Please send the link to family, friends and contacts and ask them to join.

For further information, contact: Christopher Walker, manager Fund Development via email at chris.walker@huronhospice.ca or by calling 519 525-7352.

BLUEWATER BUDGET POSTED FOR REVIEW

The Municipality of Bluewater Council provisionally adopted the 2023 budget at their March 20 regular meeting.

A public meeting will be held on Apr. 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at 38594 Mill Road, Varna. This will be followed by adoption of the budget by-law. The budget was posted to the budget and financials page of the municipal website for review on Apr. 3rd.

The 2023 tax revenue will see an increase of 6.81 percent. The budget was deliberated by Council over five meetings beginning with the capital budget on Feb. 8. Outgoing Manager of Finance Charlotte Tunikaitis and Deputy Treasurer Arthur Smith presented. The 2023 budget will include $9,312,703 for operating expenses and $6,633,217 for capital projects, funded by a combination of grants, reserves, and tax levy. The tax bill increase is inclusive of 6.81 percent of municipal taxes, 6.5 percent county taxes, and 0 percent for school boards.

Using the typical assessment value for a home in Bluewater, this would mean that a home assessed at $246,000 would see an annual tax increase in 2023 of $152. This breaks down to a $77 increase for Bluewater and $75 from the County. The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) determines assessment values. For 2023, these rates reflect the assessed value and classification of a property as of January 1, 2016, assessment notice (MPAC).

Since the pandemic and with the current economic climate, the Municipality of Bluewater has recognized a significant increase in the cost of contracted services, materials, and overall tender and RFP costs for projects. Some of these costs are offset by user fees, grants, permitting fees and other miscellaneous revenue. Additional budgetary challenges have come from the implementation of Bill-23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 which is changing the way development charges are collected.

Projects scheduled for completion under this year’s budget will focus on supporting growth, prolonging the life of municipal assets, improving safety and providing important services to the Bluewater community. A few of the projects scheduled include replacing expiring bunker gear for firefighters; paving Airport Line from Kippen Road to Mill Road; replacing sidewalks in Dashwood; completing design work for reconstruction of Hensall Main Street and Richmond Street North; replacing various culverts throughout the municipality; replacing the filter medium at the Bayfield lagoon; recoating Bayfield Water Tower; refinishing steel girders at the Hensall and Zurich arenas; replacing the HVAC unit at the Zurich arena; upgrading LED lighting at the Stanley Community Centre and Hensall arena; replacing stairs at the Howard Street beach access; and replacing the Zurich ball diamond lights.

Projects included this year that are partially funded by grants include replacement of the Hensall Water Tower and replacement of the Hensall Playground with an accessible play structure.

ENHANCING RESILIENCE IN RURAL AREAS TOPIC OF LATEST GATEWAY LECTURE

Participating in the virtual lecture held on Apr. 4 were clockwise from top left: Sarah Versteeg, Todd Kasenberg, Christine Wilde, Michelle Melady-Young and Sheila Schuehlein. (Submitted photos)

On Tuesday, Apr. 4, Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (Gateway)  hosted their 23rd Virtual Lecture Series Event discussing the topic, “Enhancing the Resilience of Our Rural Communities: Moving Knowledge into Practice”, specifically focused on Gateway’s “Lonely No More” Program.

“It really is the loneliness epidemic (and) we’re more familiar with it now since the pandemic and dare I say that rural seniors are still not fully engaging in community as they were before the pandemic,” said Project Lead and Connectedness Coaching Co-Developer of Lonely No More, Sheila Schuehlein.

The lecture was moderated by Michele Melady-Young, Board of Directors member for Gateway and featured speakers, Schuehlein and Sarah Versteeg, coordinator and Connectedness Coaching co-developer of Lonely No More.  Additionally, the event featured panelists: Christine Wilde, Connectedness Coaching graduate and volunteer with Lonely No More and navigator of Huron Shores United Church; and Todd Kasenberg, Connectedness Coaching graduate and volunteer with Lonely No More and mayor of North Perth.

Schuehlein and Versteeg are both highly engaged in the rural community through the Lonely No More Program.

Lonely No More is an effective virtual outreach model that empowers those who self-identify with the negative impacts of social isolation and is currently being used to serve rural older adults. During the lecture, Schuehlein and Versteeg introduced a Knowledge to Action Framework Model that explains the creative process of knowledge and the funnelling effect that could follow. Additionally, they were able to identify that within South-Western Ontario, individuals over the age of 65 make up a significant portion of rural communities with one in three seniors being socially isolated. These statistics led to the establishment of Lonely No More which continues to serve seniors in rural communities, today.

Following the presentation, Schuehlein and Versteeg led a panel discussion, where Wilde and Kasenberg were able to share their personal insights and experiences. Wilde spoke to the outreach programs which she managed for the Lonely No More Program. Within these programs, Wilde was able to engage seniors to stay active during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kasenberg then summarized his experience with Lonely No More by sharing the plan interaction prompts that he organized in order to create positive conversation based on lived experiences and memories within the groups. Wilde and Kasenberg expressed a sense of reward from their time volunteering and encouraged those who wish to make a difference in the community to consider volunteering with the Lonely No More Program.

To learn more about the Lonely No More Program, please visit: Gateway.

The next Gateway Rural Health Lecture will be held on Tuesday, May 9. People can join by registering at: Lecture Series. In this lecture, Board of Directors Member for Gateway and a retired Bank Manager with Libro, Pat Redshaw will be discussing “The Threats of Scams”.

Gateway recognizes their generous donors for their support of this lecture series.

NINTH DRINKING WATER SOURCE PROTECTION VIDEO RELEASED

Municipality of Huron East Utility Operator Shawn Bromley and Public Works Manager Barry Mills are shown here in a clip from the ninth video created by the Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Source Protection Committee. (Submitted photo)

A new video, called “Be Part of the Water Team”, introduces the viewer to the different team players who work behind the scenes to keep local municipal drinking water safe and clean.

The five-minute video is the ninth video in a local series created between 2020 and 2023. These drinking water source protection videos have received more than 20,000 views on Facebook and YouTube.

The host and narrator of the video is Paul Heffer. He is Reeve of the Township of North Huron and a municipal representative on the Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Source Protection Committee (SPC). He represents the region’s central municipalities (Huron East, Morris-Turnberry, and North Huron) on the committee.

The video shares ten categories of drinking water team players. They are municipal councilors, engineering and consulting firms, well drillers, construction companies, the source protection committee, municipal public works and environmental managers, water operators, provincial water compliance inspectors, septic inspectors, and risk management officials. The video also acknowledges the important role of the public and encourages local residents to “be part of the water team”.

The video features scenes in several municipalities and features their staff, local businesses, and agencies all involved in protection and delivery of municipal water.

Matt Pearson is Chair of the Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley SPC. He said everyone has an opportunity to be part of the team protecting drinking water sources and keeping municipal drinking water safe and clean.

“Each one of us has an important role in the process,” he said. “This video gives us a chance to take a look behind the scenes at the work of water operators, public works  managers, and infrastructure planners and inspectors as they collaborate in maintaining a safe drinking water supply.”

The SPC Chair thanked the public for their positive response to the video series.

“The Source Protection Committee is pleased with the public response to our video series and we look forward to developing future topics in drinking water protection,” he said.

The Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Source Protection Region created the Be Part of the Water Team video, it can be viewed by visiting: YouTube.

To learn more, visit the local drinking water source protection website Source Water Info.

ASPIRING LARGE ANIMAL VETERINARIAN RECEIVES JACK RIDDELL SCHOLARSHIP

Emily Bieman and Ned. (Submitted photo)

Emily Beiman a graduate of F.E. Madill Secondary School, in Wingham is following her dreams at the University of Guelph, with help from Ontario’s former Minister of Agriculture and the Sunset Community Foundation.

Bieman received the 2022 Jack Riddell Scholarship. The Scholarship was established at the Sunset Community Foundation to honor the career of Riddell, long-time MPP for Huron Bruce and Minister of Agriculture for Ontario. It was created with generous contributions from Riddell’s family, friends, and colleagues.

“I was honored to be selected for this scholarship,” Bieman said. “It will relieve some of the financial pressure that comes with pursuing a post-secondary education and will help me achieve my educational goals.”

Bieman is in the first year of a Bachelor of Science program with a major in Animal Biology at Guelph. She chose the program, she said, because she has a passion for animals and wants to learn everything she can about them.

While at university, she plans to continue volunteering as the Huron County 4-H webmaster. She also has participated in the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) Beef Science Club, the OAC Sheep and Goat Club, and the College Royal Dairy Show.

“I look forward to more exciting extracurricular opportunities throughout my undergraduate degree,” she said.

Bieman hopes to become a large animal veterinarian.

“The Riddell Fund ensures that each year a student in the Avon-Maitland District School Board receives both recognition and support,” said Tom Prout, chair of the South Huron Vitality Fund at Sunset Community Foundation. “Scholarships like this make a real difference in the lives of students like Emily.”
For more information please contact Executive Director of the Sunset Community Foundation, Lisa Reaume via email at lisa@sunsetcommunityfoundation.ca or by calling 519 280-0944.