RECORD BREAKING DONATIONS COLLECTED AT BAYFIELD HOME AND LEISURE SHOW

PHOTOS BY JACK PAL

The Bayfield Lions Club hosted their annual Home and Leisure Show this past weekend. Although there was no charge for admission, attendees were asked to bring a donation of food or cash to the Bayfield Area Food Bank (BAFB). And boy, did they ever! Record attendance brought record donations, to the surprise and delight of all the volunteers who work with and for the BAFB.

On Monday morning, members of the Lions met with BAFB volunteers in order to present them with a cheque, and walk eight full Foodland shopping carts over to Trinity St. James Anglican Church, home of the BAFB.

Treasurer Karen Smith, acting on behalf of BAFB President Claire Trepanier, accepted a cheque from Lions Treasurer Dave Nearingburg for a whopping $3,016.50! Stay tuned to find out how many pounds of food were collected.

Thank you to the community and all who contributed to make this the most successful event ever!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Full coverage of the Bayfield Lions Club’s Home and Leisure Show will be featured in next week’s issue of the Bayfield Breeze.

HURON COUNTY’S ORIGINAL BEVERAGE AND FOOD FESTIVAL FAST APPROACHING

Huron County’s Original Brewery, Stonehouse Brewery near Varna, will once again be attending Huron County’s original beverage and food festival on May 13. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

Bayfield Arena Community Partners Association (BACPA) and the Bayfield Community Centre Team (BCCT) are gearing up for the return of Huron County’s original and largest beverage and food Festival on Saturday, May 13.

Twenty-two beverage and food vendors will be showcased at this most highly anticipated spring event returning for its seventh year at the Bayfield Community Centre and Arena.

Tickets are going fast for the Festival that includes entertainment provided by three bands, “Steph & the Roadhounds”; “Side Road Reunion”; and solo, acoustic performer, Darryl Romphf.

“This is our major fundraiser and 100 percent of the proceeds go back into both youth sports and senior programs for equipment and subsidies at our facility so everyone can play and stay fit,” said Bill Whetstone, co-event chair.

The event will run from 2-9 p.m. Tickets are $45 per person and will include eight food sample tickets and eight drink tickets. Designated Driver tickets are also available for $30 and include eight food sample tickets.

Limited tickets are available now via: Eventbrite – Bayfield Beer & Food Festival or at these Bayfield Main Street locations: Shop Bike Coffee Roasters, Bayfield Brewing Company, and The Albion Hotel. They are also available at River Road Brewing and Hops, 35449 Bayfield River Road; or by calling Whetstone at 519 955-0682. For more information visit their Facebook page @ Bayfield Beer & Food Festival.

OPTIMISTS PREPARING DUCKS FOR BIG RACE

In 2022, 1,000 rubber ducks were dropped into the river as part of the annual Bayfield Optimist Club’s Rubber Duck Race courtesy of the duck launcher created by Glen Steinson. Which ducks will cross the finish line first in 2023? (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

The ducks are preparing to go for a swim! The Club will be holding their annual Rubber Duck Race on May 21.

The race can be best viewed at the South Pier of the Bayfield Harbour – the plastic waterfowl will be set free at 1 p.m.

Tickets are now available from club members and are selling for $5 each or five chances for $20. Only 1,250 ducks will be “sold”. This event is always a sell out so to avoid disappointment at the pier don’t wait until the last minute to purchase.

This year the first six ducks that cross the finish line will win prizes. First prize is a gas barbecue valued at $450 and donated by Lake Huron Realty. Second prize is a television set, donated by Brian Coombs’ Remax Reliable Realty. It is valued at $250. Third prize is an Amazon 8”’ Fire Tablet 32 GB valued at $140 and donated by Lighthouse Money Management. Fourth prize is a $100 gift certificate for Rona donated by Meinen Custom Homes. Fifth prize is a $100 gift certificate donated for and by Gold Coast Landscaping. Sixth prize is a $50 gift certificate donated for and by The Albion Hotel.

Tickets are available from club members or by contacting John Pounder at 519 525-3830 or via email at bvi@tcc.on.ca.

Money raised from the race will go toward the Optimist Club’s many “friends of youth” projects. Licence #M800587

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

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.

MURDER MYSTERY THRILLER SET IN SOUTH KOREA NEXT IN INDIE FILM SERIES

It is with great anticipation that Bayfield Indie Film Series prepares to launch their second film of the spring series on Wednesday, May 10 at the Bayfield Town Hall. For this offering, they have chosen “Decision to Leave”, a murder-mystery thriller set in South Korea, directed, produced and written by Park Chan-wook.

Decision to Leave is described as a seductively twisted, romantic, Hitchcockian thriller. Detective Hae-joon investigates a man’s mysterious death. Did he jump or was he pushed from the mountain peak? As the investigation continues, he begins to suspect the victim’s wife. This is a timeless story of romantic obsession, a detective who falls for his suspect and is trapped in a web of deception and desire.

Decision to Leave is one of the best films of the year according to The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Indiewire, The Guardian, and former U.S. President, Barack Obama! Accolades include Best Director Award from Cannes, Best Actress and Best Film Award at Blue Dragon and nominated for the prestigious Best Motion Picture in Non-English category at the Golden Globe Awards, to name a few. Please note that this film is in Korean with English subtitles.

There are only a few Bayfield Indie Film Series – Season One Passes available to purchase for the two remaining films. Cost is $20. Please contact bayfieldfilms@gmail.com to purchase and pick up at the door. If there are seats remaining, single tickets may be purchased at the door for $12.

TIME TO LAUNCH A NEW YACHT CLUB SEASON

Time to launch…a new racing season for the Bayfield Yacht Club (BYC)!

Generous donors have purchased four new marks for a course out in the lake.  The layout of these marks will allow the BYC to set eight different courses with a combination of windward, leeward and triangle courses, with lengths set to match weather conditions.

Races are planned for every Sunday as well as more sociable and fun Wednesday Night Beer Can Racing. And the William Given Memorial Race will be held on Saturday, Aug. 19  followed by the traditional bash!

There is also potential for some cruise weekends for both power and sail  to Grand Bend, Goderich and Sanilac based on interest.

To support these great events the BYC needs volunteers! They are looking for people to fill roles on the following committees: Race, Social and Membership as well as the BYC Board. The BYC is currently looking for input from people with regards to what they would like to see from their yacht club and how they want to participate.

Member dues are due May 1st. The fee is $100. This is used to cover the costs of the Ontario Sailing Association membership that gives the BYC members OSA status and insurance for BYC sponsored events.

For more information please email: bayfieldyc@gmail.com.

PREPARATIONS FOR GENERATIONS-OLD EVENT BEGINS

The date is set for the annual Rummage Sale and Silent Auction presented by the Pioneer Park Association. People are invited to mark their calendars for Friday, July 14.

The annual Rummage Sale is the largest revenue generating event to support and maintain Pioneer Park, a vibrant, healthy and open park space for all to enjoy. This is a generations-old community event, now in its 74th year, that pulls the village together and kicks off the summer season.

This year’s hardworking Team Rummage organizers are Catherine Tillmann, Dianne Jewitt, Sharon Craig, Danuta Wyant, Trudy Book, Lynn Whaley, Jayne Dietrich and Carole Stinson. Additional volunteers are encouraged! For more information on ways people can help, please send an email to info@pioneerpark.ca with ‘Volunteer’ in the subject line.

Every year the Rummage Sale relies on the generosity of the community to donate their no longer needed, clean, complete and in good working order items for the sale. Donation drop-off dates are June 10, June 17 and June 24 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Quonset Hut on Hwy 21, just north of Bayfield.

The following items are always very popular and in great demand: indoor and outdoor furniture (nothing too heavy); tables and chairs; linens, towels, draperies; antiques and collectibles; housewares including, dishes, glasses, pots and pans; baskets; purses and jewellery; garden decor and garden tools; tools of all sorts; decorative items including figurines, vases, framed mirrors and art prints; festive decorations; adult and children’s games, books and puzzles; DVD’s, record albums and stereo equipment; floor lamps and table lamps; sporting goods are very popular; all recreational items including bicycles; home electronics and small appliances.

The following items are not acceptable: mattresses of any size; sofas and sofa beds along with any large, heavy furniture; children’s furniture, strollers, damaged or soiled toys; no large appliances or televisions; monitors, printers or fax machines; Christmas trees, strings of lights; clothing, shoes or hats; Tupperware, plastic utensils, water bottles, lone coffee mugs; plastic garden pots; life jackets or bike helmets; window blinds with pull strings; unframed mirrors and no used candles.

HIKE FOR HOSPICE TO BE HELD IN VARNA

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.

FOSTER HOMES NEEDED TO ASSIST WITH KITTEN SEASON

Kitten season has officially arrived at Bayfield Forgotten Felines and once again volunteers are witnessing babies having babies!

“Not unlike all Rescues we are bursting at the seams with both pregnant young females, and ones who have just given birth, “ said Deb Penhale, representing BFF.  “As of today we already have 22 kittens ranging in age from one to four weeks old. We currently have three very pregnant Mamas in foster care waiting to deliver.  And I receive numerous calls about countless, possibly pregnant cats, needing to come into safety for proper nutrition, while awaiting the birth of their babies.”

According to Penhale, if you see a pregnant cat or one shows up that you feel has had kittens, please continue to feed them as they need the extra nutrition to help these babies have a good start.

“They may eventually bring their babies to you if they are feeding them,” said Penhale.

Last year BFF had over 60 kittens that needed to be vetted, neutered or spayed, and then rehomed.

“We are hoping our numbers will be lower this year but we are fairly certain they will not be,” said Penhale. “Anyone having a spare room, or a warm shed somewhere, where they would be willing to foster an expecting Mama or Mama with kittens is encouraged to give it careful consideration and reach out to us please.”

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.

HURON HONOUR BAND ADDING JAZZ ENSEMBLE

The Huron Honour Band shown here in the summer of 2022 performing in Exeter, ON in support of the South Huron Connection Centre. (Submitted photo)

The region’s most promising musicians are coming together this summer to learn and perform in towns across Huron County.

Started in the summer of 2022, the Huron Honour Band is Huron County’s premier youth concert band showcasing Huron County youth up to the age of 18.

“It is exciting to have the opportunity to play into the summer,” said Spencer tenHag, a music student at Central Huron Secondary School. “The Honour band has been a great place for me to do something unique in a fun environment.”

As the Huron Honour Band enters its third performance season, the group is also starting a Jazz ensemble.  The Huron Honour Jazz Band will showcase rock, jazz, swing, blues and funk music in a fully inclusive setting. Special guest conductors will work with the groups in order to develop skills including playing an instrument and reading music.

“We know the importance of music making and creativity to all young people, which is the reason for the creation of the Honour Band last year,” said Aaron Neeb, the director of the Honour Concert and Honour Jazz Band. “Our goal is to be as inclusive as possible so that all youth have an opportunity to learn performance skills but also collaborative skills across numerous ages, backgrounds and skill levels.”

The opportunity is free for youth and rehearsals begin in June. If a student doesn’t have an instrument, one can be provided for free for the summer. Young musicians who play flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, bass, drums, guitar or piano are encouraged to contact huronhonourband@gmail.com.

DR. MICHAEL BORRIE TO SHARE RESEARCH INTO MEMORY AND AGING BRAIN

Dr. Michael Borrie (Submitted photo)

The Alzheimer Society Huron Perth has a new line up of spring online Education Programs, included among these programs is a special presentation by Dr. Michael Borrie on Tuesday, May 2nd.

Dr. Borrie is the Medical Director of the Aging Brain and Clinic and the Cognitive Clinical Research Group, at the Parkwood Institute in London, ON.

He will share insights from recent research efforts focusing on memory and the aging brain. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation – participants are asked to please bring their questions! This one-hour program is being offered over ZOOM starting at 2 p.m. People can pre-register at Dr. Borrie 2023.

Whether people are concerned about memory changes or want to learn more about brain health and current research, the Alzheimer Society Huron Perth is the place to start to find out more.

People can register for the following programs on their website at: Education Hour.

The Alzheimer Society Huron Perth’s popular Dementia Basics Series –  including 10 Warning Signs, Types of Dementia, Brain Changes, and Communication Tips will take place on Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. throughout the month of  May.

New to the lineup of programs is Demystifying Memory Clinics. On May 18 and 25 at 1:30 p.m., participants can join Christy Bannerman to find out what happens at a Memory Clinic and the steps involved in getting a diagnosis.

Their online “Let’s Talk About…”  sessions are back for another year! Each week they will focus on a topic people have requested. These one-hour sessions will take place on Tuesday afternoons starting at 1:30 p.m. from June 20 to July 18. This year’s selected topics are: Women and Alzheimer’s disease; Sleep and Brain Health; Nutrition and Dementia; Incontinence; Sensory Changes and Dementia.

For more information, contact the Alzheimer Society Huron Perth office by calling 519 482-1482 or 1-800-561-5012 or by emailing jeanettes@alzhp.ca.

COUNTY EMPLOYERS INVITED TO LEARN ABOUT HIRING INTERNATIONAL WORKERS

Employers from across Huron County who are experiencing labor shortages are invited to learn about hiring international workers during an upcoming three-hour event.

Hiring International Workers – Huron County is organized by Huron County Immigration Partnership, Huron Chamber of Commerce – Goderich, Central and North Huron; Community Futures Huron and WILL Employment Solutions to help local employers explore what’s involved in hiring international workers.

“Immigration addresses labor shortages in key sectors from health care to technology, sciences to social services, manufacturing to education,” said Mark Nonkes, Local Immigration Partnership manager, Huron County Economic Development.

Employers will be introduced to the Newcomer Talent Retention Network (NTRN) and will learn how to gain access to consultants at no cost. Consultants specialize in: immigration law; intercultural communication; diversity, equity and inclusion in workplaces; relocating international staff to communities; inclusive onboarding strategies; and human resource solutions for international staff.

Some of these consultants will be on site and available during a “speed dating” session during the event.

“We’re pleased to partner with WILL Employment Solutions, which is embarking on this project that brings together strong partnerships and expertise to support employers with their retention strategies,” Nonkes said.

Employers will also get a chance to complete a needs assessment, the first step to building a customized action plan to bring and retain internationally educated and trained workers to business.

“The Chamber is helping to promote this event to employers because we see a diversified labor force as an important key to success in our rural community,” said Heather Boa, Operations manager, Huron Chamber of Commerce – Goderich, Central and North Huron.

NTRN is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

This event takes place Thursday, May 25 from noon to 3 p.m. at the White Carnation, Holmesville. Complimentary light lunch provided. For more information and to register, please visit: Hiring International Workers – Huron County.