COMMUNITY FAIR  PARADE RETURNING IN AUGUST

Join in the fun – be part of the parade – just like this member of the Stratford Police Band was in 2019! (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

The Bayfield Agricultural Society (BAS) is very pleased to announce that several people from the community have come forward to plan and coordinate a parade for the Bayfield Community Fair this year. What this means is that the BAS will be able to put on a full community parade for the first time since 2019!

The dates for this year’s Fair are Aug. 18-20 with the parade taking place on Main Street on Saturday, Aug 19 at 11 a.m.

The parade organizers are eager to get started on the parade planning. The first order of business is getting all the parade entries lined up.

Members of the community are encouraged to enter a float or group to represent their organization, business, community group, or neighborhood. This is a great opportunity to get exposure for a business or organization. Musicians, dance groups, classic cars, vintage tractors, campgrounds – all are welcome! This year’s Fair theme is “A Tractor Life for me in 2023”. Organizers are hoping that it is easy to have some fun with this year’s theme.

Parade organizer Jenny Shanahan added, “We look forward to coming together with this year’s Bayfield Fair parade after a long break and celebrating all that’s special about our community.”

Anyone interested in entering a float or being part of the parade is asked to email info@bayfieldfair.ca with a few details. The parade organizers are also looking for extra volunteers to help out on the day of the parade. Anyone who can spare a few hours on the morning of Aug. 19 is asked to send an email to the address above.

Over the coming weeks leading up to the Fair, there will be regular announcements made through the Bayfield Breeze and on social media. Lots of fun events and activities are in the works, so check back often and stay tuned! To learn more please visit: www.BayfieldFair.ca; www.facebook.com/BayfieldFair; www.instagram.com/bayfieldagsociety/

BARN RAISER TO KICK-OFF WITH WINE AND CHEESE

“The Penhale Carriage Barn Raiser” has been launched as a fundraiser by the Bayfield Lions Club in partnership with the Bayfield Historical Society (BHS) in an effort to honor the historical significance of Tom Penhale’s Horse-Drawn Landaus (carriages) to the village.

The plan is to create a reproduction of a Bayfield two-cow barn as a permanent location in the village for an original, Penhale Landau. This new home for the carriage is to be built behind the Archive Building, home of the Bayfield Historical Society,  at 20 Main Street North.

To officially kick-off this fundraising project the Bayfield Lions and BHS are inviting everyone to their “Wine and Cheese Launch” at the Bayfield Town Hall on Wednesday, May 31, from 5-7 p.m. where the carriage will be on display. Local dignitaries will be attending the event as well as a member of the Penhale family.

Anyone who would like to learn more and support the cause can attend and/or directly donate online at: bayfieldcarriage.ca.  Donations of $25 and over will receive a tax receipt. Large contributors will also be recognized at this launch.

Penhale grew up on a farm in Huron County and learned all of his skills there as far as building and repairing his own equipment was concerned. These skills led him to create the carriages that made him famous. From the 1970s to the 1990s, Penhale built some of the most beautiful horse-drawn carriages in North America, including carriages for Disney, the Rose Bowl Parade Grand Marshall, Weston Foods and Wells Fargo.

Watch for more updates on this project on the Bayfield Lions Club, Bayfield Historical Society and Bayfield Chamber of Commerce social media pages. People can also visit: bayfieldhistorical.ca for more historical information.

SECOND BAYFIELD WALK FOR ALZHEIMER RESEARCH TO BE HELD NEAR MONTH’S END

Barry Detenbeck is a Bayfielder now living with Alzheimer’s Disease. In 2022, his wife Gayle organized a local walk in his honor and invited the community to join her. The response was terrific! (Photo by Gary Lloyd-Rees)

With spring now underway, the Alzheimer Society Huron Perth is once again urging the community to support the annual IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s, which will take place on May 27.

The Walk raises crucial funds that allow the Alzheimer Society Huron Perth to offer programs and services to meet the needs of people living with dementia and their caregivers in Huron and Perth County. But with the number of people living with dementia rising each year and projected to reach more than 900,000 across Canada by 2030, the need for more support for research projects into the causes of dementia and to advocate on behalf of those living with dementia and their caregivers is greater than ever.

“On May 27, we’re calling on you to show your support by walking your way,” said Cathy Ritsema, Executive director, Alzheimer Society Huron Perth. “Each year, 25,000 more Canadians hear, ‘You have dementia.’ It’s critical that we all get behind this cause and raise as much as possible so the Alzheimer Society can continue to help those affected overcome the challenges of dementia and live to their fullest.”

Barry Detenbeck is a Bayfielder now living with Alzheimer’s disease. His wife Gayle is organizing a local walk and is inviting others to join her or sponsor her team known as “BarryStrong”.

“BarryStrong Walk for Alzheimer’s” will be held on Saturday, May 27 at 10 a.m. with participants departing from Clan Gregor Square for a walk around the village.

To donate visit: BarryStrong 2023. Anyone who would like to learn more about the Bayfield IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s is invited to contact Gayle Detenbeck at 519 565-2468 or bgdetenbeck@hotmail.com.

In addition to supporting the Bayfield walk – there are a number of ways the Huron Perth community can take part in the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s and make a positive difference in the lives of people living with dementia and their families. They can sign up individually or with family, or create a team at WalkForAlzheimers.ca. Organized in-person walks are being held in Clinton, Exeter, Goderich, Listowel, St. Marys, Stratford and Wingham. People can choose one of these locations to pledge their support. During the walk take a photo or video, upload it to social media and include the hashtag #IGWalkForAlz. And perhaps most important of all, have fun raising money for a fantastic cause!

Every move walkers make will show over 3,100 Huron and Perth residents living with dementia, and those that care for them, that they do not walk on their journey alone but that they are supported one step at a time.

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.

“TRIGGER POINT” SPRING SERIES FINALE

Bayfield Indie Film Series is proud to present the third and final film of their Spring trilogy on June 7. Film buffs will want to reserve that date to see the much anticipated, action-packed thriller, “Trigger Point”, filmed right here in Bayfield, Ontario – a first for the village!

Many Bayfield residents will remember the filming of Trigger Point in late October 2020, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Familiar landmarks such as The Village Bookshop, Renegades Diner, The Lake House and the Bayfield Garage all feature in the film. Watch for one stunning scene in particular, that was filmed on the Bayfield pier, with Lake Huron as the backdrop.

Trigger Point stars Barry Pepper, a native of Vancouver, BC, as retired U.S. special operative, Nicolas Shaw, who is coerced back into service to save a former colleague. Co-star Colm Feore, a resident of Stratford, ON, plays Shaw’s former boss and it is his daughter whom Shaw must save.

Director Brad Turner was born and raised in Bayfield. Turner’s list of directorial accomplishments and awards is vast. Some television directing credits include “24”, “La Femme Nikita”, “Homeland”, “The Shannara Chronicles” and “Beachcombers”. Executive Producer, Jessica Petelle and Turner will be joining the audience for a friendly “Question and Answer” before the film starts.

Bayfield Indie Film Series is thrilled to be offering the first public showing of Trigger Point in Bayfield. There are still a few tickets available to purchase for $12 by contacting bayfieldfilms@gmail.com.

RUMMAGE SALE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

Spring cleaning alert! Once again, it is the 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 Arena and Community Centre, 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.

A heartfelt thank-you is extended to Ron and Pat Reder who generously donate the use of their Quonset Hut on Hwy 21, just north of Bayfield – 76614 Bluewater Highway, for the collection and sorting of donations prior to the sale. Drop-off dates for donations at the Quonset Hut this year are June 10, June 17, and June 24 from 9 a.m. to noon.

“Although we can’t imagine the same volume of goods being donated this year, compared with the epic 2022 year, we do expect the unexpected! As with every year, it is always a wonderful surprise to see the enormous quantity of useful household items and treasures generously donated by this community,” said Catherine Tillmann, representing Team Rummage.

This year’s dedicated Team Rummage organizers are Catherine Tillmann, Dianne Jewitt, Sharon Craig, Danuta Wyant, Trudy Book, Lynn Whaley, Jayne Dietrich and Carole Stinson. Additional volunteers are always appreciated and welcome. Whether it’s a morning of accepting and sorting donations at the Quonset Hut or helping out during the set-up of the Rummage Sale, volunteering is a fun way to meet new friends and to get involved in this community fundraising event. For more information on ways to help, please send an email to info@pioneerpark.ca with ‘Volunteer’ in the subject line.

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.

KITTENS CONTINUE TO POUR IN

It continues to rain kittens at Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF).

The most recent arrivals are a little gang of furballs that managed to stay out of sight for over four weeks due to the diligence of their protective Mama that volunteers have named Callie.

Callie was first seen months ago when it was thought that she was pregnant. Although neighbors, and her caretaker, were diligent in trying to track her, she was very elusive and many unsuccessful attempts at trapping her were made.

They noticed that she had likely given birth, and although she picked one particular caregiver whom she trusted to constantly go to for food, the babies were nowhere to be found. It was decided to wait until she brought the kittens to her caretaker, but as fate would have it, they were discovered on May 14. The kittens were successfully taken in and though it took most of the day Callie finally, but grudgingly, went into the trap. They have now been reunited and will be heading to a foster.

“Thank you to the caretaker and neighbors for their diligence, determination and unwavering efforts in taking care of Callie and helping to socialize her until such a time as her kittens were located. Mama and her babies will stay together until they are all vetted and ready for their forever homes,” said Deb Penhale, representing BFF.

She added, “Although we may sound like a broken record, we are constantly looking for Fosters. We still have many more kittens and moms out there to bring in. We have a beautiful black part-Persian pregnant Mama right now who will be heading to foster care tomorrow. But we have more young Mamas with kittens that we can’t bring in until we have a safe place for them until they are old enough to be vetted.”

Penhale went on to say that with the increased number of kittens in need of both food and vetting donations would be gratefully appreciated – wet food is something that is always needed at the Rescue.

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.

CLOCK TOWER PAYS TRIBUTE TO HERITAGE

PHOTOS BY JACK PAL

One of the last remaining Bayfield Lions’ 75th Anniversary projects has been installed on Main Street. The elevated Ship’s Wheel pays tribute to the generations of Bayfield’s fishermen whose dangerous livelihoods were, and still are, shaped by the mercurial waters of Lake Huron.

It also commemorates the original Mackinaw wooden fishing boats first built in Bayfield by Scottish settlers in the 1860s, the later class of “Turtleback” fishing boats first introduced to the Harbour in the 1840s and the internationally renowned Bayfield sailboats designed and built in the Village in the 1960s and 70s.

Despite the beauty of the tower itself, it will take the story behind its symbolism for visitors to fully understand its true significance. To that end, the Lions will soon also be installing two interpretive panels on Main Street. They will articulate to visitors and residents alike the connection between the Clock Tower, and the adjacent flagpole that was installed in 2022, and Bayfield’s historic and sometimes tragic links to Lake Huron. These panels will also explain the purpose and innovative design of the storm warning system constructed at the foot of Bayfield Terrace that was in continuous use by the Canadian Meteorological Service for over 75 years from 1876 to the mid-1950s.

The Clock Tower was designed and fabricated by Jim Wallace of Sharp’s Creek Forge near Goderich. Final landscaping around the clock will be completed in the coming weeks.

CLINTON HOSPITAL RECEIVES GRANT FOR PEDIATRIC TRAINING OF NURSES

Representatives from RBC joined the Clinton Public Hospital Manager and Nurses for a photo following the cheque presentation. They are l-r: Jamie Pereira, RBC; Sarah Brenneman, Laurissa Scruton, Janine deJong, Barb Dalgliesh, and Jennifer Gleason, all from CPH; Scott Suchard and Saquib Ansari, both from RBC. (Submitted photos)

Several people took part in the “Cheque” presentation from the RBC to the Clinton Public Hospital (CPH) Foundation. From RBC were: Scott Suchard, Saquib Ansari and Jamie Pereira. From the CPH Foundation were: Bob Clark, Jane Muegge, Kaushik Patel, Darren Stevenson, Anne Newington, and Steve Brown; as well as Melissa Rathwell and Sarah Brenneman representing CPH and Lori Merner representing the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance.

The Clinton Public Hospital (CPH) Foundation recently ceived a $15,000 grant from the RBC Foundation which will be directed to nurses training. The grant of $15,000 is to be split $5,000 a year over a three-year period.

Pediatric training will be the main focus of the grant. With the increase in pediatric respiratory illness in 2022 and 2023, the training will better equip the nurses in the Emergency, Inpatients and Surgical Departments to look after these young patients.

On Monday, May 9, RBC Community Manager Jamie Pereira along with the Assistant Community Manager Scott Suchard and the Commercial Account Manager Saquib Ansari came to CPH to present the cheque, go for a tour of the hospital, and observe a mock code blue training session.

The heads of the Emergency, Inpatient and Surgical Departments were in attendance along with the Board of Directors from the CPH Foundation.

In 2022, RBC gave the Foundation a $6,000 grant that was directed towards code blue training. The mock code blue training session that RCB observed was to reinforce the skills the nurses learned throughout the year.

The CPH Foundation Board of Directors and Staff would like to express their sincere gratitude to RBC for their generosity and their continued support of training at CPH.

Several people took part in the “Cheque” presentation from the RBC to the Clinton Public Hospital (CPH) Foundation. From RBC were: Scott Suchard, Saquib Ansari and Jamie Pereira. From the CPH Foundation were: Bob Clark, Jane Muegge, Kaushik Patel, Darren Stevenson, Anne Newington, and Steve Brown; as well as Melissa Rathwell and  Sarah Brenneman representing CPH and Lori Merner representing the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance.

DOCTOR’S DAY CELEBRATED AT ALEXANDRA MARINE AND GENERAL HOSPITAL

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Twenty-eight doctors at Alexandra Marine and General Hospital were honored last week for National Doctor’s Day, on May 1st.

Goderich Mayor Myles Murdock said, “We really can’t thank our doctors enough in normal times. What they have done in the last few years is incredible. Thank you, every one of you.”

In any small town, there are a finite number of health care professionals holding a town’s medical services together. During these past few years, they have been asked to extend themselves to staff and support community vaccine clinics, assessment centres and more. Many rural doctors around the country are experiencing burnout as a result. That’s why it was so refreshing and rejuvenating to see all the appreciation from our community on Doctors Day. The huge banner from the students at St Mary’s School was amazing and uplifting.

Dr. Shannon Natuik Chief of Staff, Huron Health System Goderich site, said, “All health care employees, including the team of doctors in Goderich, have continued to go above and beyond in providing service to the hospital and its patients. The response and support received back from the community on this day of physician recognition is greatly appreciated.”

The Doctors were treated with an excellent lunch and cake from AMGH, chocolates from the AMGH Auxiliary, Smile cookies from AMGH Foundation and coffee and muffins compliments of Tim Hortons.  Each doctor took home a beautiful spring plant donated by the Town of Goderich.  Perfect thank you gifts to lift these doctors’ spirits!

“Many thanks to all the physicians at AMGH who have demonstrated tremendous commitment and dedication to our patients. This is a small token of appreciation for all their hard work during these very challenging times,” said Jimmy Trieu, president and CEO Huron Health System.

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

On Sunday, May 28, is the date for the annual fundraising Hike for Hospice and this year it has been designed with activities for the whole family.

The Hike will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the trails at Stanley Community Centre in Varna.

Huron Hospice will also recognize past hiking leader June Robinson at the much-anticipated annual Hike having renamed it the “June Robinson Memorial Hike”.

According to June’s granddaughter Heather, one of the hike organizers, “Grams recruited her family to raise money for the Hospice and hike with her. The Hike was more about bringing family and friends together. While it was not so much about being the top fundraiser, I think she secretly got a kick out of being in the lead! Since the beginning of the idea of a residential hospice in Huron County in 2017 June never missed a hike – pretty impressive for a 95-year-old!”

The family-friendly event will start with a light warm-up. Children can do a woodland scavenger hunt on the trails, and local gyms will offer fun fitness challenges for the whole family. After all that exercise, everyone is welcome to join in a BBQ. There will be hamburgers and black bean burgers on the grill, healthy fruit kabobs, and protein snacks. All will be available for a free will offering.

“While the Hike is about bringing family and friends together, it is an important fundraising event,” said Willy Van Klooster, hiker and Executive director. “The money raised pays for end-of-life care for families. Hikers help pay for essential services like nursing, home hospice and loss and grief support for children, youth and adults.”

“We want to thank local businesses helping at the Hike,” said Christopher Walker, manager of Fund Development.

These supporters include: Corrie’s Foodland, of Clinton, who are donating fresh fruit for the kabobs; Shanahan’s Quality Meats, who are supplying hamburgers and black bean burgers, and Tim Hortons who are providing coffee; both of these businesses are from Goderich.

Three Goderich fitness conscious businesses are also taking part. Fit Body Boot Camp will lead the pre-hike warm-up and bring healthy protein snacks; The Ridge CrossFit and the Yoga Den as well as Workhorse Strength and Conditioning of Clinton will lead fun trail workouts.

“Huron Hospice staff will also be on hand to answer questions that people might have about what a day in the life of the Hospice is really like,” said Walker.

People can form teams with family or friends to hike and obtain pledges to support the Hospice.

“Children could ask parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles to pledge their support by email, mail, or phone. Teams can have fun challenging each other. There will be prizes for the team and the individual who raises the most money,” said Walker.

The walk will be held in-person this year; however, if people are still hesitant, they can hike where they like.

“In person or remotely, we want people to spend time with family. Come for a hike and stay for the BBQ at the Stanley Community Centre, 38572 Mill Road, Varna and swap stories while enjoying the BBQ,” concluded Walker.

To register for the Hike please visit: June Robinson Memorial Hike for Hospice and follow the link to pledge or create a team. Please send the link to family, friends, and contacts and ask them to join. Pledge sheets can also be printed from the Huron Hospice website to bring along on the hike day. Remember – summer starts at the June Robinson Memorial Hike for Huron Hospice!

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