BAYFIELD BRANCH LIBRARY TO HOST COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS

Since construction in 2012 (the year this image was taken) the new home of the Bayfield Branch of the Huron County Library has matured into a community hub but there is always more that can be done! People are encouraged to join in the conversation on how the community as a whole can become more inclusive at an upcoming event to be held at the library on Apr. 25. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

The Huron County Library is excited to announce it is resuming its Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC) project and invites the public to join the conversation!

As part of this project, the Huron County Library is hosting a series of Community Conversations. The next conversation will be held at the Bayfield branch of the Huron County Library on Tuesday, Apr. 25.

This evening will run from 5:30-7 p.m. and light refreshments will be provided. Those wishing to participate are asked to pre-register by calling the Bayfield Branch at 519 565-2886 or by emailing bayfieldlibrary@huroncounty.ca.

Based on the method developed by the American Library Association, the library is hosting roundtable community conversations and interviews across Huron County to identify what people’s concerns and aspirations are for their communities. These conversations provide residents the opportunity to share their aspirations for their local community with the goal of becoming more inclusive.

Facilitated by library staff, these community conversations began in the winter with the Brussels Branch starting things off in early February. For those not able to join a conversation at their closest branch a virtual session is taking place today (Apr. 19) from 6:30-8 p.m. In addition two more Branch sessions are scheduled, in Clinton on May 9 and in Exeter on May 11, both from 6:30-8 p.m.

“The goal of these conversations is to gather information that will be shared and used to help achieve the aspirations identified by the community,” said County Librarian and Director of Cultural Services Beth Rumble. As the Huron County Library also prepares to develop a new strategic plan, this information gathering will support this work by identifying the role the library plays in helping create safe and inclusive communities for all.

This is the second round of LTC information gathering being undertaken by the library. The first round was interrupted by the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, but led to some substantial outcomes. “Welcome to the Neighbourhood” packages were developed and distributed through the library in response to the struggles many newcomers face in finding connections. Community calendars and newsletters were distributed in response to the concern that the lack of community event and service information served as a barrier to community participation. Networked community groups were also established to continue the work of coming together to address community concerns.

For more information about the Libraries Transforming Communities project, visit: Huron County Library.

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.

FILM SERIES APOLOGIZES FOR SOUND QUALITY ISSUES  ON DEBUT EVENING

Organizers behind the Bayfield Indie Film Series were overjoyed to have such a great turnout for their first film shown on Apr. 12 at the Bayfield Town Hall but sometimes the unexpected happens…

Bayfield Indie Film Series wanted their audience’s experience to be outstanding and perfect in every way, especially for a full house! Unfortunately, the sound quality made their debut film just too difficult to understand. “Aftersun” is a film so filled with subtle nuances that were probably missed because it was too difficult to understand the dialogue. As a result, the overall experience did not meet their expectations. They are disappointed and embarrassed about the sound quality.

Bayfield Indie Film Series would like to make it up to those who attended. Please contact bayfieldfilms@gmail.com for a cash refund of your ticket price.

Rest assured, they are working to resolve the issue. By this time next month, they will be better prepared with the May 10 film, “Decision to Leave”. Stay tuned for details about this murder mystery. They look forward to gathering again under the big screen with everyone soon!!

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who attended the first film night in Bayfield. It takes a village and the Bayfield community did not disappoint. The list of people that helped is long and while this isn’t the Oscars, they would like to mention a few—Danuta Wyant for her cello performance while the hall filled with movie lovers, Noni Brennan and Mike Peirce and the rest of the gang at The Village Bookshop for selling the Season Passes, the Bayfield Breeze for helping to promote the event each week, the local restaurants, shops and businesses who helped to spread the word and the Bayfield Town Hall folks for their assistance during set-up.

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.

BAYFIELD LIONS HOME AND LEISURE SHOW HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND

During the Home and Garden Show held in 2022 volunteers were kept busy in the kitchen serving up snacks and light lunches to visitors. They were from l-r: Kim Muszynski, Nellie Van Bakel, Don Vance, Kathy Gray, Brent Gotts, Lynne Gotts and Lisa Downs. (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.

NEW BEGINNING FOR FERAL FELLOW

Jimmy Feral (Submitted photos)

Not everyone adjusts to their new circumstance quickly.

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

Jimmy Feral is the Adopt a BFF cat of the week. He may not be wonderful yet but with time he will be.

Jimmy is a good example of some of the cats that are trapped and brought to the Rescue – not everyone comes through the door of the shelter willingly or are overly happy about coming in.

“This boy was in one of the Bayfield OATES? SHOULD THIS BE BOATS? and no doubt partly responsible for the explosion of kittens that are coming in this spring,” explained Deb Penhale, representing BFF.

He was trapped while trying to secure some of the pregnant females.

“He is young and scared and needs to be neutered in order to help slow down the never-ending number of kittens being born,” said Penhale. “Jimmy Feral will not be released but will spend some time being socialized, however long it takes him to be friendly and accepting of people. He will likely end up being a super suck as most of the Tom’s that come in turn out to be and then he will be ready for a home.

“We just wanted to share the process that comes along with cat rescue – this young boy did not choose to be born outdoors and be terrified of people – people made that choice for him. People let him down. But now the people who trapped him and brought him in are stepping up to give him a chance at a life that he deserves.”

Penhale promises to share Jimmy Feral’s progress on his journey to becoming Jimmy Friendly.

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.

VOLUNTEERS WEAVED THROUGH SUPPORTS OFFERED AT BENDER HOUSE

A complement of both paid professionals and caring volunteers working together provide essential services at Huron Hospice Bender House yet many people may wonder what precisely happens inside the walls of the Hospice located along Hwy. 8 just west of Clinton.

Volunteer Coordinator at Huron Hospice Bender House, Deb Shelley said, “Sometimes I think that ‘hospice’ is the world’s best kept secret. “We’re doing all we can to change that!”

At least two nurses can be found at Huron Hospice Bender House at any time, 24 hours a day. Their care goes well beyond meeting the array of residents’ physical needs. Their training and skill sets support a reduction of psychological, emotional, spiritual, social, or practical suffering for both residents and their family members. They maintain contact with local doctors and hospitals, liaise with family members, and document all aspects of care provision.

Volunteers, ranging in age from late teens to nonagenarians, engage in a surprising number of ways at the residence. They can be found doing delivery runs, grocery shopping or preparing meals, taking inventory of pantry or freezer items, welcoming visitors, making tea and visiting with family members or residents, offering live music, cleaning, watering plants, arranging décor or maybe stopping in to assist with a mailing or tend to maintenance tasks. Outdoors, they keep the bird feeders filled and the grounds cared for through planning, mowing, planting, pruning, and patio enhancement. They wheel out the garbage and recycling bins and wheel the empty containers back in again.

Beyond the Bender House property, throughout Huron County, volunteers engage one-to-one with palliative and bereaved clients. They provide visits, phone calls, emails or text check-ins. They co-facilitate Grief Recovery groups and WINGS (a support group for widows) and a support group for widowers. Sometimes, they prepare a light meal for a client or read aloud, or sing with one who loves having someone to sing along. They stuff envelopes and plan and execute fundraising events. They provide vision and cohesive leadership through their various roles on the Board of Directors.

“Our talented, trained volunteers truly are the backbone of Huron Hospice,” said Shelley. “We’re always welcoming new volunteers who want to make life better for someone else by being themselves and engaging in the ways they love to engage.”

If you’d like more information about hospice, or ways to volunteer with Huron Hospice, please call, text or email Deb Shelley anytime at  519 525-8648 or deb.shelley@huronhospice.ca.

HIKE FOR HOSPICE TO BE HELD IN VARNA

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.”

June and family. (Submitted photos)

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.