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The Bayfield BreezeIssue 722 Week 20 Vol 14

May 10, 2023

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Issue 722 Week 20 Vol 14
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HURON COUNTY’S ORIGINAL BEVERAGE AND FOOD FESTIVAL THIS SATURDAY

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Huron County’s original beverage and food festival is set for this Saturday, May 13 on the floor of the Bayfield Arena. Tickets will not be available at the door so now is the time to purchase them! (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 this 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. Please note tickets will not be available at the door.

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 519 955-06

OPTIMISTS DUCKS SELLING QUICKLY

Volunteers were busy conducting some dry-land training exercises with the ducks last week at the Bayfield Arena. Well, actually they were sorting to ensure every duck was accounted for prior to race day, May 21st! (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

The ducks are selling quickly! 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.

A limited number of 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 at Brandon’s Hardware, 15 The Square in the village; and from club members.

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

SAILS CAN BE VIEWED THIS WEEKEND

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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 this coming weekend 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.

THEMED HIKES UPCOMING FOR BAYFIELD TRAILS

The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) will be hosting three specially themed hikes over the next few weeks.

To start things off a Birdwatching Hike will be held 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 interested individuals are asked to pre-register by emailing Hike Coordinator Ralph Blasting at rjblastingjr@gmail.com. Anyone who would like to become a member of the BRVTA can register at: Memberships. Please leave canine friends at home for this hike.

On Saturday, June 10 at 10 a.m. the BRVTA is proud to host their First Annual Pride Hike in recognition of Pride Month. All are welcome with a special invitation to members of the LGBTQAI2S+ community. The hike will be on the Woodland Trail but participants will meet at the gazebo in Clan Gregor Square in the village.  The hike from there is 5 km and will last about 90 minutes.  Dogs on leash welcome. For more info please go to bayfieldtrails.com/events or contact Blasting at the email listed above or by calling 519 525-3205.

This hike is being offered in association with the first Huron County Pride Festival to be held in the Courthouse Square in Goderich also on June 10. This full day of Pride fun and community will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  More information is available at huroncountypride.ca.

The annual National Indigenous Peoples Day hike will take place on Saturday, June 17 at 10 a.m. at the Varna Nature Trails on Mill Road, 1 km west of Varna. Organizers will welcome Jordan George as their special guest. Jordan is a Kettle and Stony Point member who specializes in Indigenous research. He will share the history of Indigenous peoples in the Bayfield area. He has recently collaborated with the Bayfield Historical Society. To learn more about the First Nations on the Huron Tract and to meet Jordan, go to www.bayfieldhistorical.ca/. All are welcome for the hike including canine companions.

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 the hike coordinator. His contact info is listed above.

“DECISION TO LEAVE” SHOWING TONIGHT

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Tonight, May 9,  Bayfield Indie Film Series presents the much anticipated murder-mystery film “Decision to Leave”, showing at the Bayfield Town Hall.

The doors will open at 6:30 p.m.  and showtime is 7 p.m.

To add to the excitement, there will be a short trivia challenge prior to the film. The audience is encouraged to brush up on their knowledge of murder-mystery films. Prizes will be awarded to the first person to call out the correct answer.

Decision to Leave received an eight-minute standing ovation from the audience after its Cannes Film Festival premier. It 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.

The film 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. Decision to Leave is a timeless story of romantic obsession, a detective who falls for his suspect and is trapped in a web of deception and desire.

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 for a pass to both films. 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.

For more info, be sure to follow @bayfieldindiefilmseries on Facebook and Instagram.

PIONEER PARK OFFERS MORE THAN SUNSETS

Spring cleaning alert!! Once again, it is that time of year to prepare cottages or homes for another summer season of fun. The organizers of the annual Rummage Sale, set for Friday, July 14 at the Bayfield Community Centre and Arena, encourage everyone to save their no longer needed, clean, complete and in good working order items for this community fundraiser in support of Pioneer Park.

Pioneer Park is a privately owned public space, first established in 1945 by Lucy Woods who appealed to friends to contribute funds to raise the $2,000 needed to purchase the land and to preserve it as parkland.  The annual Rummage Sale is now in its 74th year. It is the largest revenue generating event to support and maintain Pioneer Park and would not be possible without the efforts of many volunteers, a dedicated board of directors and generous donors.

Pioneer Park is host to free, bi-weekly yoga classes throughout the summer held in the open air and regularly attended by over 50 yogis. The public is invited to capture the sunset on canvas with free guided painting classes taking place on weekends in the summer or they can simply enjoy free musical performances. Stay connected to pioneerpark.ca for more updates and events.

Want to meet new people? Pioneer Park is the place where the Bayfield community gathers each evening for the best views of the sunset over Lake Huron.

Donation drop-off dates for the Rummage Sale 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 – 76614 Bluewater Highway.

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.

FOSTERS DESPERATELY NEEDED

It’s raining kittens at Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF).

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There are currently 31 kittens in the care of Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines all under the age of two months. (Submitted photos)

There are currently 31 kittens in the Rescue’s care all under the age of two months.

“We know that there are at least four more Mamas with kittens and three more pregnant cats on our radar,” said Deb Penhale, representing BFF. “We desperately need people who are willing to help by fostering some of these babies and their Mamas, at least until the kittens are weaned. At that time everyone will need to be vetted, spayed and neutered, and they will then be looking for their forever homes.”

Penhale added that there is a huge amount of satisfaction and joy that can be derived by taking these little nuggets home and watching them grow and develop.

“They’ll make your heart smile every day,” concluded Penhale.

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.

Right now there is a Go Fund Me campaign being run to encourage more donations for BFF. For more information visit: Go Fund Me – BFF.

VIRTUAL HIGH SCHOOL STAFF CLEAN UP

PHOTOS COURTESY VIRTUAL HIGH SCHOOL

On Monday, Apr. 24 staff from the Virtual High School, 27 Main Street North, held their own clean up event with several staff members heading out to such areas as Short Hill Road and Long Hill Road to collect trash.

EARTH DAY JAMBOREE

Village Earth Day celebrations will continue on Saturday, May 13 when Seeds Rooted in Youth will host a free youth Jamboree in Pioneer Park with the support of the Bayfield Optimist and Blue Bayfield. This event will be a fun afternoon of engaging with this amazing community about our home, Earth.  Youth will learn about plants and animals through hands-on lessons.

The afternoon will start at 1 p.m. with an opening from Jordan George of the Chippewas of Kettle Point and Stoney Point Community. From there the mini lessons will begin at 1:20 p.m. with the last session starting at 2:35 p.m. Each session will be 20 minutes in length,with a maximum of 10 youth per session.  Sign up for sessions will start at 12:30 p.m. at the Jamboree.

For a list of presenters and topics please visit www.seedsrooted.org.

LIONS CLUB

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Lion President Tony Van Bakel (right) served pancakes and eggs to guests who came along the line during the 2022 Bayfield Lions Community Breakfast. The 2023 event will be held on May 21. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)


The Bayfield Lions Club would like to invite everyone to their 54th Lion’s Community Breakfast on Sunday, May 21 at the Bayfield Arena and Community Centre.

This breakfast is one of the village’s annual Spring rituals for residents, cottagers, and visitors from the surrounding area, raising funds for important community services. It offers both good food and a good time for the whole family.

On the menu will be eggs, sausage, home fries, pancakes with local Maple syrup, toast, jams, juice and lots of coffee.

Attendees pay at the door. The cost for the breakfast will be $12 per person; children three and under eat for free.

TRINITY ST JAMES GARDEN

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Trinity St James is looking for some community assistance in maintaining their beautiful gardens this season. This would be the perfect opportunity for people with an interest in gardening to both learn and share skills in horticulture. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

Nestled behind the oldest Anglican Church building in Huron County can be found one of Bayfield’s best kept secrets – a garden that its caretakers would love to share with the community both as a tranquil place to meditate, sit and read, or enjoy lunch, as well as a place to learn new skills and take pleasure in the beauty of gardening.

Trinity St. James Anglican Church is in need of some volunteer gardeners to help with the upkeep of this most serene and beautiful spot.

“No gardening experience is needed,” said Barb Graham Scott, representing  Trinity St James. “We are asking if people would be willing to spare one hour a week to help with weeding and watering? You can choose to look after your own little spot on your own time or meet with others to garden together.”

Trinity St. James garden volunteers will meet regularly on Wednesdays starting at 8:30 a.m.

Please call Hattie Alcock at 519 955-6033 or Barb Graham Scott at 519 318-0708 for more information.

Trinity St James Anglican Church is located at 10 Keith Crescent in the village.

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 May 11.

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. This month’s topic will be “Displaying Your Poetry”.

All are welcome and encouraged to bring both their writings and a friend!

CRAFTERNOONS

Come and get creative with a variety of fun craft supplies on Tuesday afternoons at the Bayfield Branch Library.

“Crafternoons” will be held for one hour starting at 4:30 p.m.

This is a drop-in program with no registration required – just show up and start crafting!

SOUND BATH SESSIONS

Harp Therapist Martha Lawrance, will be offering Harp Therapy and Guided Imagery Spring Sound Bath Sessions on the last Thursdays in May and June at Trinity St. James Anglican Church in Bayfield.

These one-hour sessions will be held starting at 3:30 p.m. on  May 25 and June 29 and will be dedicated to the sixth chakra (area of the third eye) in a listening and resonance space. Participants will use imagination and visualization to achieve a state of deep relaxation.

Those who attend are asked to bring a mat or chair and a pillow. The cost to participate is $20 per session. To learn more visit www.myharpheals.com and to register please email harpheals@gmail.com.

Trinity St. James Anglican Church is located at 10 Keith Crescent in the village.

CENTRE FOR THE ARTS

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The Bayfield Centre for the Arts (BCA) will be hosting a fantastic art exhibition of images painted of Bayfield as featured in the book published in 2015 titled, “Reflections of Bayfield – Images Across the Decades” compiled by Barbara Brown and Joyce Lambert. (Submitted photo)


The “Reflections of Bayfield Exhibit” is coming to the Bayfield Town Hall, June 10-11.

The Bayfield Centre for the Arts (BCA) will be hosting a fantastic art exhibition of images painted of Bayfield as featured in the book published in 2015 titled, “Reflections of Bayfield – Images Across the Decades” compiled by Barbara Brown and Joyce Lambert.

More than 50 recognizable paintings will be displayed along with some very important paintings of Bayfield by renowned Canadian painter J.W. (Jack) McLaren.

The exhibit will run on Saturday 2-7 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m.

The BCA is now looking to both owners and painters of Bayfield art to expand the exhibition.

“If you own a painting of Bayfield not in this book we would be happy to hear from you to have it included in the exhibition,” said Leslee Squirrell, president of the BCA. “If you are a painter of current Bayfield scenes we will have a section of the show dedicated to contemporary scenes of Bayfield called ‘The Tradition Continues…’ Please email us at hello@bayfieldarts.ca to enter the exhibition.”

HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Thanks to a Youth Employment Grant the Bayfield Historical Society (BHS) is looking to fill a summer staff position with a person between the ages of 15 to 30 to work at the Archives & Heritage Centre.

The successful applicant must be comfortable welcoming visitors and answering queries as well as opening and closing the facility.  They will be in charge of renting and securing quadricycles; selling merchandise; recording money received and balancing; and assisting with in-house projects. Direction and training will be provided.

This is an opportunity to learn local history and have first hand experience of how museums and archives work.

The position offers a 30-hour week – Wednesday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with 30 minutes for lunch. The rate of pay is $16 per hour with Mondays and Tuesdays off. The preference would be for the successful candidate to begin on June 7 but this is negotiable. The position will end on Sept. 3.

The Archives & Heritage Centre is located at 20 Main St. N. in Bayfield.

Interested persons are asked to contact bhsmembers@gmail.com.

GARDEN CLUB

Spring has sprung and the Bayfield Garden Club (BGC) is looking forward to another great gardening year and welcoming new members.

The BGC is a community group most interested in the planting, trimming and tidying of planters and beds in many of Bayfield’s public gardens.

They have garden-type activities planned for the summer months and into the Fall. They are always looking forward to sharing their gardening stories, best practices and suggestions for future meetings or garden tours. Anyone who has an interest in gardening, flowers, vegetables or the environment may want to consider becoming a Garden Club member. BGC members are eligible for discounts at many of the local garden centres.

Memberships can be purchased here for $10. Anyone wishing to purchase a membership can contact Nancy Kale at 519 565-4018, Anny Johnston at 519 565-2955 or Lori Hill at 519 565-5278.

People are also invited to please mark on their calendars May 13 as this is the date for the annual Plant Sale that the BGC will be holding in Clan Gregor Square from 9-10:30 a.m. There will be a wide variety of perennials, annuals, shrubs, trees and herbs for sale. Anyone who is interested in donating plants to the BGC Plant Sale is asked to please contact Lori Hill at the number listed above for more information.

JEWELRY JAM

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Friends of Bayfield Guiding are organizing a jewelry making night as a fundraiser for the organization on May 24. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

On May 24, Friends of Bayfield Guiding will be hosting a Jewelry Jam Session for grownups at Trinity St. James in the Parish Hall.

For $25 participants will have at their disposal everything needed to create as many jewelry pieces as their time allows resulting in some new bling to take home!  And in addition professional designers from Elements of Design in Seaforth will be on hand to guide and assist DIYers through the process.  A trio of Mocktails will also be on offer.

This is a fundraiser for Bayfield Guiding to help cover expenses for their upcoming trip to the Toronto Zoo to participate in their Serengeti Bush Camp overnight experience.

Reservations for this evening that will run from 7-9 p.m. are requested by Sunday, May 21st at 8 p.m. by emailing melody.pounder@gmail.com Space is limited so early reservations are suggested.

GIRL GUIDE COOKIES

Bayfield Guiding members are pleased to report that there are a very limited number of Classic Chocolate and Vanilla Cream Sandwich Cookies remaining.

Members of Bayfield Guiding are currently selling these cookies for $6 a box.

Profits from this campaign will go toward helping with the cost of bussing for an overnight adventure at the Toronto Zoo’s Serengeti Bush Camp. Anyone who would like to make a purchase is asked to contact Melody Falconer-Pounder at 519 525-3830 or email melody.pounder@gmail.com. Cookies are also available at Schaefer’s Ladies Wear, 162 Courthouse Square in Goderich.

WALK FOR DOG GUIDES

The Lions of Bayfield are holding one of their favorite events again this year, “The Walk for Dog Guides”.

In 1999 the average cost per dog to raise and fully train, was $6,000.   It is now approximately $35,000.  The program has expanded to include  a multitude of services, these are: Canine Vision, Hearing, Service, Seizure Response, Autism Assistance, Diabetic Alert and Facility Support.

“We appreciate the support of the community and hope that you will continue to do so to help us meet this growing need.  All proceeds go directly to the Dog Guides,” said Karen Scott, chair of the Walk for Dog Guides Committee, and second vice-president of the Bayfield Lions Club. “Last year, our small village was number 20 in all of Canada for the amount of money raised.  Way to go all!  Let’s work on achieving at least that this year.”

People are invited to get their pledge forms, or pledge a walker, and bring their dogs on Sunday, June 4th to Clan Gregor Square. Registration will take place at 9:30 a.m. and the walk will start at 10 a.m.

For further information and pledge forms please contact Karen Scott at karendscott@eastlink.ca or 226 441-2042.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Knox Presbyterian Church, Bayfield is gearing up for spring and summer!

The congregation is currently collecting used stamps, empty egg cartons, outer milk bags and used eyeglasses. Each item will be sent on to be reused or recycled. For example, the milk bags are made into sleeping mats for people in Canada and around the world. Anyone who is interested in contributing is asked to please bring  items to the Church, on Mondays, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Thursdays from 1-3 p.m. church members  will be starting up the “Knox Café”. It will be held downstairs in their Church basement. Those who attend can play cards or just drop by for coffee and a chat. All are welcome.

Also in May people can look forward to Soloist Linda Street as a featured musical guest at the Sunday service, May 21; and Communion Sunday, May 28.

Knox Presbyterian Church is located at 2 Main Street in the village.

LEGO CLUB

Families with an interest in Lego design and creativity are invited to come and further “their love for the brick” again this month when the third meeting of the Bayfield Lego Club will be held on Saturday, May 20.

The club’s third 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 of their own accord or based on a monthly theme. Following a time on display in the Parish Hall the projects will be broken down by volunteers to make the bricks available for use at the next meeting.

Judging from the turn-out at the first two meetings the club is going to need some more Lego to satisfy the demand of their creators. Organizers are now accepting donations of any Lego pieces or sets that people may no longer have a use for. To donate please email Melody Falconer-Pounder at melody.pounder@gmail.com.

Trinity St James Anglican Church is located at 10 Keith Crescent in Bayfield.

WIND PHONE HELPS PEOPLE DEAL WITH GRIEF WHILE RECHARGING IN NATURE

This is a Wind Phone that people can use to remember deceased loved ones by speaking to them in a nature setting It was recently installed at Ausable River Cut Conservation Area by Lambton Shores Nature Trails. (Submitted photo)

Lambton Shores Nature Trails (LSNT) has installed a Wind Phone, on the Ausable River Cut Conservation Area (ARCA) trail, in partnership with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA). The ARCA is located west of Hwy 21, between Port Franks and Grand Bend.

What is a wind phone? A wind phone (also called Phone of the Wind) is an idea that began in Japan. The phone is not connected and there is no dial tone but it is located in nature for people who want to speak to loved ones who have died. A wind phone is a chance to deal with their grief by speaking words meant for their loved ones. To learn more visit mywindphone.com.

Nathan Schoelier is ABCA Stewardship and Lands Manager. Connecting with nature is something many people find benefits their mental health, and it can help when dealing with grief, he said.

“I was not familiar with the Wind Phone when Lambton Shores Nature Trails approached us with this inspirational idea,” he said. “Community partnerships help bring new perspectives to our conservation areas. The Wind Phone is a great example of how these partnerships benefit the needs of the community.”

The wind phone is a distinctive opportunity for people to become aware of some of the mental health benefits nature provides to them, according to Schoelier.

Since the phone was installed this spring, there has been a great deal of interest by the public and by the media, he said.

“The positive public response to the wind phone has really been exceptional,” he said.

The Ontario Conservation Areas website, at ontarioconservationareas.ca/, helps people locate conservation areas to visit.

“I encourage people to visit a conservation area and to explore these incredible natural spaces and take some time to recharge,” said Schoelier.

Mental Health Week in Canada was May 1-7. The theme this year was #MyStory.

Conservation authorities across Ontario are promoting healthy hikes and a step into nature as one way to improve mental health – #HealthyHikes #StepIntoNature.

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. 

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.

SHARING THE WEALTH

Janet Clarke, a director on the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation (ABCF) Board of Directors, at left in photo, presents a cheque for $3,860.00 to Vicki Gerth, winner of the 2023 50-50 Raffle Draw of ABCF. The winning ticket was drawn on Thursday, Apr. 20, at the Conservation Dinner at South Huron Recreation Centre in Exeter. Gerth has generously donated $1,000 of her winnings, back to the Conservation Foundation. The ABCF would like to thank everyone who purchased a 50-50 raffle draw ticket in support of work in the community. Net proceeds from the draw are to be donated to local community projects such as the South Huron Trail. The draw was conducted through licence #M835214. (Submitted photo)


RIBBON CUTTING

Bluewater Fire Chief Dave Renner (Photo courtesy Municipality of Bluewater)

The Municipality of Bluewater and Bluewater Fire Department would like to invite community members to a two-fold celebration to be held at the Zurich Fire Hall on Saturday, May 13.

The two celebrations will take the form of an open house and a ribbon cutting. The open house will celebrate the retirement of Bluewater Fire Chief Dave Renner while the ribbon cutting will mark the completion of renovations of the Zurich Fire Hall. The celebrations will begin starting with speeches at 11 a.m. A light lunch will be served at noon.

Chief Renner has served as Bluewater Fire Chief for eight years, working with a dedicated team of volunteer firefighters and four district chiefs to promote fire safety, prevent fires, and protect homes and businesses from fire. The Municipality of Bluewater would like to thank him for his years of service and send best wishes for his future retirement.

The Zurich Fire Hall is located at 19 Mill Ave in the village.

SPAGHETTI DINNER

Knox Presbyterian Church in Goderich is hosting a Spaghetti Dinner in support of Impact Zambia for Adult Education on Thursday, May 11.

Volunteers will be serving Spaghetti with Caesar salad, garlic bread, dessert, juice, coffee and tea from 4-7 p.m.

Tickets cost $10 for people 13 years and up and $5 for children five to 12 years. Youngsters four and under are free.

Tickets are available at Knox Church, 519 524-7512 (daytime); Schaefer’s Ladies Wear, 162 Courthouse Square; or by calling Deb Bell at 519 524-2394.

Knox Presbyterian Church is located at 9 Victoria Street North in Goderich.

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

The Clinton Horticultural Society will once again be hosting their Annual Plant Auction. This year it is scheduled for Wednesday, May 17 and will be held under the Clinton Raceway Grandstand on Beech Street.

The event, which will include annuals, perennials and lots of other items of interest, will commence at 6 p.m. The evening will also include a silent auction.

Those planning to attend are encouraged to arrive early so they will have time to register and get a good look at everything before the fun of bidding begins.

ALZHEIMER SOCIETY

The Alzheimer Society Huron Perth will be offering their Memory and Aging Program again this May at the Mackay Centre in Goderich. The Memory and Aging Program is designed for anyone experiencing normal age-related changes in memory or anyone interested in learning more about this topic.

The Memory and Aging Program describes what memory is, how it changes with age, and when to be concerned. Brain healthy lifestyle choices and practical memory strategies are reviewed and practiced, improving a participant’s ability to remember those everyday things – including those pesky names and things people intend to do! Equally important, the Memory and Aging Program is enjoyable and seeks to build confidence in one’s own memory ability.

The Memory and Aging Program consists of four sessions and will be held on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon from May 10 through to May 31. There is a fee of $25, which covers the cost of the program workbook and materials. All sessions take place at the MacKay Centre for Seniors, located at 10 Nelson St E in Goderich.

Pre-registration is required for this program. Please contact Jeanette at the Alzheimer Society Huron Perth by calling 519 482-1482 or 519271-1910 or via email at: jeanettes@alzhp.ca.

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 using the contact information listed above.

REMEMBER THIS

The Huron County Museum is home to thousands of artifacts that illustrate the history of both the rural and urban populations of the area. Space dictates what wonderful curiosities the public regularly gets to see when they visit the museum located at 110 North Street in Goderich. But where there is wifi, there is an opportunity to time-travel with over 6,700 pieces of the museum’s collection now available to view online at huroncountymuseum.pastperfectonline.com.

“Remember This” highlights items from the collection of the Huron County Museum and Historic Gaol. Items that have shaped the fabric of the county and the people who have lived here since before the county became the county in 1835 up until more recent times.

In recognition of Mothers and Mother figures whose special day in Canada is this Sunday, May 14 we highlight an item of baby clothes from the Museum’s collection…

INFANT “ONESIE”

This “onesie” has a top that is white with a collar lined with pale green. It has short sleeves with pale green cuffs. It is embellished on the front with two little lambs and flowers. The pant bottom is lined with plastic. It is all pale green and opens with two buttons. There is also a zipper from bottom to top.

This piece of clothing was worn by Jeanette Maria Creech and her mother Catherine Sheere.

Catherine Sheere, and her husband Nelson, along with daughter Jean, moved from Fort William (Thunder Bay) to Exeter, ON in 1915. They arrived in the area, landing in Goderich via one of the passenger steam ships which sailed the Great Lakes during that era.

Catherine took up her housekeeping and mothering duties while Nelson worked as a tailor in Exeter’s pre-eminent dry goods store.

BRVTA

EARTH DAY HIKE AND VILLAGE CLEAN UP PROCEEDS DESPITE RAINY WEATHER

PHOTOS BY DENNIS PAL

An enthusiastic group of hikers and litter collectors were busy on the morning of Apr. 22, also known as Earth Day, learning about the Ausable Bayfield watershed and making it tidy.

Michele Martin led a group of hikers down the Woodland Trail to the banks of the Bayfield River, crossing over creeks and through wetlands to see first hand how the watershed works.

Following the hike, many participants stayed on and were joined by others to collect litter from Bayfield’s streets and lakeshore.  In spite of the rain and modest number of helpers, almost every street of the village was cleaned up.

The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA)  who organized both events would like to offer many thanks to Doug Vanderhaar for hauling away the trash, the Municipality of Bluewater for help with logistics and disposal, and to all of who helped with the Ninth Annual Village Litter Walk.

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PIXILATED

 IMAGES OF THE WEEK

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Email your photo in Jpeg format to hello@bayfield-breeze.com with the subject line Subscriber Photo of the Week. or…Upload your photo to Flickr.

I am looking for the Bayfield that is a delight to the eye – please share photos with a touch of whimsy, beauty, humor or a sense of fun. If you are to include people in your photos be sure to have their permission to publish their picture on-line and also send in their names and where they are from. And don’t forget to tell me who took the photo for proper credit to be issued.

SUBMISSIONS

Image of Melody Falconer-Pounder

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Melody Falconer-Pounder

Piano origin details. (Submitted photo)

If antiques could talk, what tales would they tell? Such was the question I posed to myself recently when I received an email from a village merchant with a request for help with regards to an old piano she inherited with the purchase of a business.

Joanne Oliver, became the owner of the former Little Inn Cottage, located at 29 Main Street North in the village, in 2017. She is currently in the process of renovating the business which has evolved into what is now known as Market 29.

Oliver noted in her email that she thought, “It’s a shame to get rid of these older pieces but at the same time they are difficult to fit into business and life now.”

She wondered if anyone in the village might know the story of the piano.

I reached out to former owner of The Little Inn of Bayfield, Gayle Waters to see if she could help fill in the blanks and she obliged. She shared that she, and her husband Pat, had purchased this square grand piano at a fundraising auction for the Bayfield Town Hall in 2001. It had been donated to the auction by Charles Rogers, then owner of the Gairdner House (today’s Fab) located at 10 Main Street North. This house itself has an impressive village history, the property being in the Gairdner family from 1853 to 1974 when it was purchased at auction by Rogers. Built in 1856 the Gairdner house had over the years served not only as a home but a general store and post office as well as a telegraph office.

Waters stated that the piano has never been out of the village and was a fixture in the Gairdner home.

“We bought it because we didn’t want it to leave the village and we didn’t know what we were going to do with it,” Waters said. After purchasing it the couple had it looked at and learned at that time that it was no longer playable. “It would have cost a great deal of money to have it restored as parts would have had to be handmade for it.”

The answer to what to do with the piano was to use it in the Little Inn Cottage as a decor piece.

However, the story does not end there. Lift up the lid and one will find stamped inside the piano’s origin story: “J.B. Dunham, 75 East 13 St. New York”. A quick search of the internet reveals a few interesting details. The credit for the following goes to the historians at Antique Piano Shop.

John B. Dunham was one of the earliest and most celebrated piano makers in American history.  Born in 1799, J. B. Dunham settled in New York City in 1834 where he worked as a cabinet maker for the piano manufacturer of Nunns, Clark & Company. For about 13 years, starting in 1836 he worked in various partnerships with other craftsmen until he began building pianos under his own name J.B Dunham in 1849.

It was at that time that Dunham employed the famous piano designer Frederick Mathushek who built one of the earliest over-strung square pianos for Dunham’s company.  This improved “over-strung” design was hugely successful and gained nationwide recognition for J. B. Dunham’s firm.

If the stamp on the square grand piano currently owned by Oliver is any indication it was likely built between 1849 and 1854 when the firm was reorganized as “J. B. Dunham & Company”. The business was reorganized several times over the years with Dunham’s sons joining the firm and continuing it on after their father’s death in 1873. It appears they went out of business in the early 1900s.

So what will become of this approximately 170 year old square grand piano? Well, that my dear readers is up to you!

“I would like to offer  the piano to anyone who wants it if they wish to keep it in the village,” said Oliver. “I can’t store it and I can’t use it but it does seem a shame to let it leave the village.  If you know of anyone who would like to take it on just let me know – it’s currently stored on the porch of my building. Otherwise I will offer it up for sale online to a wider audience.”

Anyone with an interest in the piano is invited to reach out to Joanne Oliver via email at: joanneoliver66@gmail.com.  – Melody

Ideas and contributions to the Bayfield Breeze are always welcome.
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