“DISCOVER OUR HIDDEN TREASURES” NEW CHAMBER TAGLINE

“It was a wonderful long weekend in the area! There were lots of visitors appreciating all there is to offer,” said Secretary-Treasurer of the Bayfield and Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC), Terri Louch. “Businesses in the village reported that people were thrilled with the revitalization efforts to Main Street and made mention of the changes many times.”

Louch noted that there are a few items left to complete and then there will be “a wonderful celebration”. She invited everyone to stay tuned for the exciting details.

“Recently we asked for input from businesses via a ‘SurveyMonkey’ survey about what the Chamber can do to help businesses in the area succeed,” said Louch.

The survey is now closed and the BACC members involved will take time to unpack all of the information they have gathered and develop move- forward strategies based on the information that was provided to them.

“Thanks so much to all of you who took the time to answer and be involved!!  Watch for upcoming action plans,” said Louch.

Early last summer the Executive talked about the tagline they were developing for the BACC.

“We asked business owners to give us their feedback on what makes Bayfield, and area, special. We utilized that info, as well as the many responses from visitors and other stakeholders, to develop a tagline that was inclusive of all the businesses we support!” said Louch.

Why is this so important? A good tagline is memorable and becomes part of a community’s or company’s culture. It can reflect the personality, goals and voice of a business or community. It increases recognition. Customers remember strong taglines and the communities they represent. This can help generate new customers and increase brand awareness.

“A very special thank you to Wendy Vasco and her Marketing Committee, which is made up of small business owners in the area, who worked extremely hard to develop this perfect representation,” said Louch. “Drum roll please…

“The Bayfield and Area Chamber of Commerce’s new tagline is ‘Discover Our Hidden Treasures’.”

She shared that this tagline encompasses so much of the feedback they received regarding what people loved about the village and surrounding area – shopping, food/beverage establishments, hiking, wine/beer tours, beach, cottage life, peaceful environments, calming atmosphere and so much more.The statement has an implied call to action and promotes curiosity as to what those hidden treasures could be. Watch for this tagline to appear in all of the BACC’s social media and traditional advertising.

Louch explained that the Executive would love to share what the BACC can do to help support business success. Reach out for information today to villageofbayfield@gmail.com.

COMMUNITY INVITED TO BE PART OF HISTORY AT BARN RAISER 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.

All in the community are welcome to a complimentary evening of wine and cheese on May 31 at the Bayfield Town Hall. From 5-7 p.m. attendees can explore the fascinating history of the Penhale Landau, a magnificent carriage made by Bayfield Wagon & Carriage Works. This event is being graciously sponsored by the Bayfield Lions Club allowing all funds raised for the barn project to go toward its completion.

The carriage will be on display and 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 while contributions of $1,000 or more will be acknowledged with a commemorative plaque displayed on the building.

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 IN JUNE

The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) will be hosting two specially themed hikes during the month of June. .

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.

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” VIEWING WILL FEATURE Q&A

Both village residents and visitors may have been surprised to find themselves in the heart of a film being shot on location if they failed to heed the signs back in the autumn of 2020. The movie filmed here will finally have its local screening on June 7. (Photo by EJ Bauer)

Bayfield Indie Film Series is proud to present the third and final film of their Spring trilogy. People are invited to save the date – June 7 – for the much anticipated, action-packed thriller, “Trigger Point”, filmed right here in Bayfield — a first for the village!

Director Brad Turner and Executive Producer Jessica Petelle will be joining the audience for a friendly Q&A before the film starts. Bayfield Indie Film Series recently had a chance to chat with Jessica Petelleabout her role as Executive Producer and to learn some interesting scoop on how the film developed.

BIFS: For those of us who are not familiar with the role of Executive Producer, can you give us a brief description.

Jessica:  As Executive Producers, we are able to get involved in a project at an early stage. We spend a lot of time with the writers working on the script and discussing casting and location.

BIFS:  What made you decide to film Trigger Point in Bayfield?

Jessica: The script included a bookshop. Other towns we were considering didn’t have a bookshop which meant we would have to create one. That was our opportunity to pitch Bayfield because we have a bookshop on our Main Street!

BIFS: Your filming was delayed due to the COVID pandemic. Did that pose any extra challenges for you?

Jessica: The film was originally meant to take place during the winter, so filming in the fall definitely changed the vision. Since we were one of the first productions to go back to work in Ontario, the COVID safety protocols were still very new and it made everything more difficult. But we felt very fortunate to have no Covid cases on our set and we kept everyone healthy and safe.

BIFS: Do you see yourselves returning to Bayfield to film again?

Jessica: Our hope is that we can bring another film to Bayfield in non-Covid times so that the community and our crew can truly enjoy all that Bayfield has to offer!

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.

For more information and updates, be sure to follow @bayfieldindiefilmseries on Social Media.

SILENT AUCTION HIGHLIGHT OF RUMMAGE SALE

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.

One of the most successful attractions at the Rummage Sale is the Silent Auction. Each year the PPA team reaches out to the local business community for their support. Members of Pioneer Park are encouraged to consider what they may have to add to the Silent Auction tables this year. Some items of interest that have been donated in past years are antiques, framed paintings, fine crystal and figurines, a brand new rototiller, extension ladder, power washer and an inflatable boat.

Pattie McDonald, who heads up the Silent Auction said, “Your generosity in donating to the Silent Auction helps ensure the overall success of the Rummage Sale and is critical to raising operating funds necessary to help Pioneer Park.”

To donate something special for the silent auction table, please reach out to info@pioneerpark.ca with Silent Auction in the subject line.

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.

PERFECT CAT IN NEED OF A FAMILY

Roxie and friend. (Submitted photo)

The journey to a forever family sometimes isn’t a straight line for a few of Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF).

Roxie is the Adopt a BFF cat of the week.

Volunteers at BFF believe this two-year-old is the perfect cat just waiting for her perfect person. Born to BFF two years ago, Roxie quickly found a home but it wasn’t to be forever. Her people’s lives changed and there was no room for Roxie. She was returned to BFF. While up at Pet Valu in Goderich for potential adoption opportunities, Roxie endeared herself to the staff and became their official store cat…until she decided to open some expensive bags of cat food. Sadly they returned Roxie to BFF once again.

“The fact that this beautiful girl hasn’t been snatched up is unbelievable,” said Mary Pounder, representing BFF. “Roxie really is the perfect cat. An affectionate lap kitty, gentle, playful, good with children, the whole package. Roxie would prefer to be an only kitty but could possibly get along with another cat.”

To learn more about Roxie 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.

SEEDS ROOTED IN YOUTH HOSTS JAMBOREE

PHOTOS BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER

Earth day should be every day so when inclement weather caused the postponement of the Jamboree in Pioneer Park on Apr. 22 the date for the event was moved to May 13 which proved to be a much nicer day to learn, explore and have fun!  Families that attended had an opportunity to celebrate plants and animals through hands-on lessons.

The day was organized by outdoor educator and facilitator Janneke Vorsteveld from Seeds Rooted in Youth with the support of the Bayfield Optimist Club and Blue Bayfield.

Families were encouraged to visit stations set up in both the old and new sections of Pioneer Park. These stations were provided by: Bayfield Garden Club, Cam Oates, Denise Iszczuk,  Huron Stewardship Council, Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA), Saratoga Custom Bows, Huron and Area Search and Rescue (HASAR) and Folk Craft Herbs.

FUND FOR NEWCOMERS RECEIVES GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION

Participating in a recent cheque presentation from the Sunset Community Foundation to the Huron Area Newcomer Fund were from l-r: Gord Grant, Goderich Lion; Mark Nonkes, of the Huron County Immigration Partnership; Peter Shepherd, John Maskaant and Michael Daley, all Goderich Lions; and Sunset Community Foundation Chair Charlene Masschelein. (Submitted photo)

At its Annual General Meeting on May 17, the Sunset Community Foundation announced a $10,000 contribution to the Huron Area Newcomer Fund, which supports Ukrainian families dealing with the challenges of life in a new country.

The funds come from the Ukraine Emergency Relief Fund, created by the Sunset Community Foundation shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

“We wanted to give people in our communities an opportunity to help in a direct, local way to support the struggles of the Ukrainian people,” said Foundation Chair Charlene Masschelein. “As always, our communities responded with exceptional generosity. Now we’ve found a way to put those funds to use right here at home.”

Sunset Community Foundation was proud to match all donations to this fund.

The Goderich Lions Club created the Huron Area Newcomer Fund in August 2022, in collaboration with the Huron County Immigration Partnership, the Goderich Ministerial Association, the Wingham Community Connectors, and other groups.

“Our goal was to provide a financial solution for temporary service and support gaps that are experienced by newcomers in their first 18 months,” said Michael Daley, director of Communications for the Goderich Lions Club. “It’s a way for us to welcome and support people who are trying to rebuild their lives in our communities.”

Since April 2022 more than 70 people from Ukraine have arrived in Huron County. The Newcomer Fund provides up to $1,500 to each newcomer family. The Fund committee expects that as much as $30,000 will be needed to meet the needs of newcomer families in 2023.

“This contribution from Sunset Community Foundation really helps,” said Mark Nonkes of the Huron County Immigration Partnership. “The Fund committee will ensure that the funds are focused on urgent needs and have as much impact as possible in the lives of Ukraine newcomers.”

Already, several newcomer families have received assistance from the Huron Area Newcomer Fund, which helped families pay for unforeseen expenses that include emergency dental work and other unplanned financial needs.

The Goderich Lions Club has a 100-year history of helping to build community through recreation projects and by supporting the needs of seniors, children and youth.

The Sunset Community Foundation, one of nearly 200 Community Foundations across Canada, has made grants to community organizations throughout the region totaling nearly $2 million. Founded in 2000, it currently holds an endowment of more than $3 million.

“This is a marriage made in heaven!” said Lisa Reaume, Executive director of the Sunset Community Foundation. “Thanks to the Huron Area Newcomer Fund, we are confident that the funds so generously donated by our communities will find their way to the right people.”

SOUTH HURON GROUPS RECEIVE GRANTS

On May 17, the Sunset Community Foundation announced grants to a variety of organizations in South Huron, totaling more than $6,700.

“We are thrilled to support a diverse group of organizations that truly reflect the spirit and vitality of South Huron,” said Sunset Community Foundation Chair Charlene Masschelein. “From children to seniors, from sport and social services to culture and heritage, these grants are helping to make great things happen in our communities.”

The organizations receiving grants are:
• Thames Road Elimville Community Park, to build a toddler swing set
• Stephen Central Public School, for outdoor learning resources
• Community Volunteer Income Tax Program
• South Huron Arts Centre toward creation of pottery studio
• Huron Waves Music Festival for specialty program for LGBTQ2S+
• Foundation for Enriching Education Perth Huron, to support the Caring Fund
• Exeter Skating Club for skating bursaries
• Big Brothers Big Sisters South Huron to support the summer day camp program
• Alzheimer Society of Huron Perth to support the Minds in Motion program
• The Exeter and District Heritage Foundation for Exeter 150th celebration programming

The grants were made from the South Huron Community Fund, held by Sunset Community Foundation. The Fund includes the South Huron Vitality Fund, established by the Municipality of South Huron, and several family funds created by generous community members.

“The grants committee was impressed by the number and quality of applications,” said Tom Prout, liaison of the South Huron Community Fund. “They chose the recipients they felt would make the greatest impact in our communities. We’re delighted with the results.”

Amy Wilhelm is Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters South Huron.

“We are so grateful to receive this support,” Wilhelm said. “It will help us provide new experiences for children from six to 13 who might otherwise not have these opportunities.”

HIKE FOR HOSPICE DESIGNED FOR FAMILIES

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.