LOCAL CONTRACTOR AWARDED TWO-COW BARN CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

A sketch of the two cow barn by Architect Adolpho Spaleta. Construction is set to begin on the project very soon. (Submitted photo)

Soon, construction of a traditional Bayfield two-cow barn behind the Bayfield Historical Society Archives and Heritage Centre on Main Street will begin. This building will display a beautiful horse drawn Landau created by Penhale Wagon and Carriage Works Ltd.

Most of the details and permits have been worked out by Mike Decorte and Doug Vanderhaar, the volunteer Project Managers for the joint Bayfield Lions Club and Bayfield Historical Society endeavor. Soon work crews will be starting to excavate, fill and compact to prepare for a cement pad.

Mike Graham, a local contractor, has been chosen to build the “barn” and he has already ordered windows, doors and the building materials. Mike’s family have been important contributors to Bayfield since the 1930s. His great-grandfather was the minister at Trinity St. James Anglican Church and his grandparents, Wyn and Pat Graham operated a general store on Main Street (now the location of Main Street Optometric). Pat was also Bayfield’s last Village Clerk in the 1990s.

Depending upon sub-trade availability, it is anticipated that building construction will be completed in October. This will add another chapter to the Heritage District’s presentation of some of the stories that make Bayfield unique and special.

NATURE AND BIRD PHOTOGRAPHER KEYNOTE

Kyle Blaney (Submitted photo)

The 10th annual Fall Foto Fest (FFF), presented by the Photography Club of Bayfield, will take place on Friday evening, Sept. 29 and all-day Saturday, Sept. 30.

The theme this year  is “Travel: Near and Far”. The presenters, Kyle Blaney, Vanessa Dewson, Don Johnston and Stuart Heggie are eager to provide people with great learning opportunities to expand their photographic horizons regardless of their current skill level.

Kickoff to the weekend will be with Keynote speaker Kyle Blaney on Friday evening at 7 p.m. at the Bayfield Community Centre and Arena. All are welcome to attend, payment is at the door or in advance online. Blaney has travelled extensively in every Canadian province and territory and is an avid bird photographer.

On Saturday morning, Blaney will lead participants to a natural spot to learn how to photograph scenes and living things through various photographic techniques.

Workshops will run throughout Saturday with morning and afternoon sessions along with a bonus evening workshop (weather permitting). The workshops are each limited to 15 registrants to ensure the maximum interaction and learning. Given the limited number of registration spots available, interested individuals are therefore encouraged to register now so that they can guarantee getting the workshop of their choice.

Follow the link to: Fall Foto Fest  to learn more details about presenters and instructions on how to register.

THAT’S A WRAP BAYFIELD LATEST PROJECT BY BAYFIELD CENTRE FOR THE ARTS

The Bayfield Centre for the Arts (BCA) is calling for submissions from photographers to wrap the eight hydro transformer boxes now installed on the village’s Heritage Main Street. The 2023 call for submissions is for nature and outdoor-themed designs. Through this public call, it is hoped that the beauty and natural splendor of Huron County will be captured, displayed and promoted on the pad-mounted transformer boxes on Main Street Bayfield for years to come.

The “That’s a Wrap Bayfield” hydro box art program will enliven the landscape, help to camouflage the presence of the many boxes on the heritage street and visually connect the community of Bayfield to residents and visitors.

The BCA is seeking photographers to submit large format images of flora, water, river and other natural, lush and blooming vegetation such as plants, shrubs, ivy, bushes, weeds, flowers, grasses, fields, rivers, (no sky in image) all captured in full bloom in August, September and October. Please note no late fall or winter photography will be considered. Original photographs only.

This opportunity is open to photographers who live, work or operate in Ontario. The theme of the design must include plant life from nature that is natural to Huron County. No imagery that includes people, buildings, man-made structures or vehicles will be considered.

Photographers must complete entry submissions by Nov. 30. The target installation date on the hydro boxes is early summer 2024. Upcoming events surrounding this project for which dates have yet to be determined, include an exhibit of the project entries, People’s Choice Award voting and the announcement of winning photographs.

GUIDED WALK PART OF TERRY FOX RUN 

 “Nobody is ever going to call me a quitter. ” – Terry Fox

The Terry Fox Run shirt designed for 2023 “celebrates the countless messages Terry received from the millions of people he continues to inspire.” This shirt will be available for purchase at the Bayfield event. (Photo courtesy terryfox.org)

At 18 years-old Terry Fox was diagnosed with cancer and lost his leg. Two years later Terry started training to run across Canada. In 1980 he began his Marathon of Hope, raising funds and hoping for a cure for all cancers. Terry ran over 5,000 km – covering six provinces – to raise funds and share his message. Unfortunately, Terry’s health deteriorated, forcing him to abandon the Marathon. People all across Canada have since run every year in memory of Terry and as a result over 850 million dollars has been raised for cancer research.

On Sunday, Sept. 17, people are encouraged to run, walk or bike and raise funds to keep Terry’s dream alive. Bayfield has raised over $55,000 through Terry Fox Runs, and for this support organizers are truly very grateful. A guided group will be leaving from the Clan Gregor Square gazebo at 10 a.m. to walk a 3 km route.  If people would prefer to run, bike or rollerblade, they should feel free to choose their own route and time. Participants may register online as an individual, family or team and start collecting pledges. The process is extremely simple; visit: Terry Fox Run Bayfield to register at the Bayfield site.

Donations can be made on the same site; people can sponsor a registrant or make a general donation. They can also scan the QR Code on all the signs posted in town, enabling them to make a donation through their phone. 

Those who prefer to donate to the Terry Fox Foundation by cash or cheque are invited to meet the organizers on Sunday, Sept. 17 between 9-10 a.m. at the gazebo in Clan Gregor Square. They will also be selling 2023 Terry Fox T-shirts at $25 each and have 2023 participation seals available. Also, for those interested, they can take a selfie during this time in front of a large Terry Fox poster!

The Bayfield Terry Fox Run is organized by volunteers of the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association. If you have any questions, please email info@bayfieldtrails.com.

For further information regarding the Terry Fox Foundation, please visit www.terryfox.org.

STELLAR VOLUNTEER MANAGES ORPHANS

Audrey (Submitted photo)

Every week the volunteers at Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF) encounter seemingly unimaginable challenges in protecting the cats and kittens that come into their care, one such feline is the focus of Adopt a BFF this week.

Audrey is the Adopt a BFF kitten of the week.

“Audrey is a six week-old orphan that was found alone and once again our amazing bottle feeding miracle worker stepped up and raised her to be a beautiful, saucy, little ball of fun,” said Deb Penhale, representing BFF.

And if that wasn’t enough this volunteer then took on another six orphans that came into the Rescue at just under a week old.

“They are now just about to turn four weeks old,” said Penhale. “It certainly hasn’t been without its struggles and these sweet littles have had a bit of a roller coaster ride but our Wonder-Mom seems to keep one step ahead of them and keeps them going.”

But Penhale notes that there are still many more kittens out there and soon the autumn babies will be arriving. For that reason she appreciates the efforts of people and groups that hold fundraisers for BFF.

“A great big shout out and thank you to Melody and John Pounder for putting on a very successful yard sale last weekend to help the many kittens and cats of Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines. Your dedication and support have been unwavering and so very much appreciated! And thank you for adding an extra day of sales to your already extraordinarily busy schedule. The gang at BFF think you are ‘pawsitively pawsome’.”

Anyone interested in adopting Audrey is asked to reach out to BFF through Facebook or email bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com. BFF now has a new Facebook group dedicated to adoptions known as “Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines ADOPTION Group” so people can view even more of the fur babies ready for homes.

In addition to accepting monetary donations, BFF now has an Amazon wish list. This list contains items they need for the day-to-day care of their cats and kittens as well as some truly “wish” items. Items are marked as to their priority, number needed, and many explain what their use will be. There is a wide variety of prices and BFF appreciates whatever you can supply. Items need not be purchased through Amazon, the list is merely a guideline.

To view the items on the list please visit:  BFF Wish List.

Financial donations may also be sent via E-transfer to the email listed above or mailed to P.O. Box 33, Bayfield, ON, N0M 1G0. The adoption fee is $250. Adopted cats are vetted, shots are up-to-date and they are also spayed or neutered. Adoption inquiries may also be made to the BFF’s email address above.

TORONTO ARROWS RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB PRESIDENT LEAVES LEGACY

Bill Webb (Photo courtesy Toronto Arrows website)

The community will be saddened to learn that a person whose family has  long-standing ties to the village has died.

William “Bill” Reid Webb was born Oct. 17, 1963. He passed away peacefully at North York General Hospital on Monday, Aug. 28, in the presence of family after a bout of prostate cancer.

Bill was the loving son of the late Roberta Webb (née Heard) and was survived by his father, William A. Webb. He was the beloved husband and “the rock” to Dr. Agnes Wong for more than 26 years. Devoted and proud father of sons James and Stephen. Loving brother to Robert J. Webb, brother-in-law to Noriko, and a caring uncle to Masato and Aiko. Bill’s unwavering dedication to his family truly reflected his character.

Bill was born in Toronto, ON. Throughout his 59 years, Bill led a life of accomplishments filled with adventures. He was a proud graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University (BBA ‘86). After spending two years working in the UK and travelling extensively around the world, including being a trekking guide in the Himalayas, he went on to obtain a Master of Business Administration degree from McGill University (MBA ‘93), where he met his wife and soulmate, Agnes. Bill had a long and distinguished career, including being the Executive Vice-President and Chief Investment Officer at Gluskin Sheff + Associates (1995-2015), a founding partner and later an advisor at Waypoint Investment Partners (2017-present), and most recently, the Co-Founder and President of the Toronto Arrows Rugby Football Club (2018-present).

Rugby was a fundamental part of Bill’s life, from his early days with Brantford Collegiate Institute, the Brantford Harlequins, and the Laurier Golden Hawks to leading Canada’s first and only professional rugby union team. He also served on the Rugby Canada Board of Directors, co-chaired the campaign for building the Al Charron National Training Centre, and passionately supported the Toronto Inner-City Rugby Foundation (TIRF). His friends and family will deeply miss him, as he left a lasting legacy in the rugby community.

Bill will be remembered as a loyal friend and compassionate man who believed in giving back to the community through his actions and philanthropy. His legacy of kindness and integrity will live on in the hearts of those who had the opportunity to know him.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests a donation be made in memory of Bill to Toronto Inner-City Ruby Foundation;  the Canadian Cancer Society or True Patriot Love.

The family will receive visitors at Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes (6191 Yonge St, Toronto, ON) on Sept. 8th from 4-8 p.m. Another brief visitation will be held from 9-10:00 a.m. on Sept. 9, followed directly by a funeral mass at Blessed Trinity Parish (3220 Bayview Ave, North York, ON). The funeral service will be followed immediately by a reception at the Miller Tavern (3885 Yonge St, Toronto, ON) from noon to 3 pm.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kanejerrettnorthyork.ca for the Webb family.

To read the tribute to Bill published by the Toronto Arrows visit: Club Message.

GATEWAY LECTURE SERIES RESUMES

Sage Milne (Submitted photo)

Ready to learn this fall? Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (Gateway) is beginning a new semester of their Virtual Rural Health Lecture Series.

Started in 2021, this series continues to offer monthly hour-long lectures and panel discussions the first Tuesday of every month. With every lecture, a new expert speaker and group of panelists offer insight into their field of expertise and the impact on rural health. Lectures take place on ZOOM.

The new semester will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 12, via ZOOM at noon, where Gateway Research Assistant and Project Lead, Sage Milne will present “Cultivating Memories: A Community Gardening Project”. This lecture will discuss a Gateway initiative that added raised accessible garden beds to six different long-term care facilities and retirement residences within Huron County.

Joining her are three local panelists Michell Melady-Young, Ruby DeBrouwer and Betty Hendricks.

Melady-Young is a member of Gateway Board of Directors, a retired nurse and a Master Gardener. After a successful nursing career in Canada and the United States, she returned to her roots in Huron County. Since 2016, she has held the designation of Master Gardener providing the public with relevant, evidence-based horticultural information.

DeBrouwer, Recreation Manager at Harbour Hills in Goderich, grew up in Lucan and eventually settled in Goderich. She studied at Brock University, earning an undergraduate degree in Community Recreation and then a Master’s degree with a specialization in Community Sport. During her studies she was able to study abroad for a year at the University of Kent in Canterbury, England.

Hendricks is the President of the Goderich and District Horticultural Society and a volunteer at the Huron County Museum in Goderich. Since retiring as a Registered Nurse, Hendricks has assisted with administering vaccines for the Huron-Perth Public Health Unit and dedicates her time to various community initiatives supporting food security, celebrating local culture and beautification through gardening. She founded the Huron Historic Gaol Garden in 2015 and the Huron County Museum Garden in 2016. Both supply local food banks with fresh produce and educate visitors on local gardening traditions.

All are welcome to sign up on the Gateway website at: Lecture Series Registration to learn and engage in relevant, diverse topics. Other upcoming lectures are scheduled for Oct. 3rd, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5.

Past lecture topics have included: “Taking Leisure Seriously”; “Societal Implications of Artificial Intelligence”; and “Food Insecurity Am

LIVERY FILM FEST BRINGS TIFF TO TOWN

This fall, the Livery will be showing Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) movies at the Park Theatre on The Square in Goderich once again.

On Thursday, Sept. 21 the first film will be “The Lesson”; followed by “You Hurt My Feelings” on Oct. 19.

The Lesson is the story of Liam, played by Daryl McCormack (Good Luck to You, Leo Grande) who is an aspiring and ambitious young writer. He eagerly accepts a tutoring position at the family estate of his idol, renown author J.M. Sinclair, played by Richard E. Grant (Gosford Park). But soon, Liam realizes that he is ensnared in a web of family secrets, resentment, and retribution.  Sinclair, his wife Hélène, played by Julie Delpy (Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, Before Midnight), and their son all guard a dark past, one that threatens Liam’s future as well as their own.

Organizers of the showing are very excited to see this film, with its twisty noir plot and great actors!

You Hurt My Feelings stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Seinfeld, Veep). She plays a writer, whose husband, played by Tobias Menzies (The Crown) praises the draft of her book, but whom she later hears saying it isn’t very good. Critics say the film is “smart, funny, and above all entertaining”.

Event organizers believe this film experience should be a lot of fun!

Both films will begin at 7 p.m., with the box office opening at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $12, or $8 for Livery members. People are reminded to renew their memberships before the first film!

Plans are in order to show films monthly on Thursdays through the fall, winter and spring. And after each viewing attendees are encouraged to meet up afterward at Paddy O’Neils in the Bedford Hotel.

For more information, please email Chair of the Livery Film Fest Committee, Rob McAuley at rob@rmcauley.ca.

SEPTEMBER BUSY MONTH FOR HURON HOSPICE FUNDRAISING EVENTS

Get Ready! In September, Huron Hospice has something for everyone.

Join them on Saturday, Sept. 23, when the lights go up on the “No Place Like Home” concert Live from the Kingsbridge Centre.

The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. with headliners: Amanda McClure and Tom Burke from Seaforth; Josh Geddis, Steve Dawe and Jess Langan from Bayfield and Clinton; and Clinton’s own Grant McMillan.

First held in 2020 as a virtual event, No Place Like Home was an original Huron Hospice solution to fundraising during a pandemic.

“We thought it would be One Night Only! However, the event was so successful and so much fun that we just had to do it again and again and again,” said Christopher Walker Huron Hospice, manager of Fund Development. “The event allows us to celebrate the best of our home, Huron County.”

Artistic Director of the Blyth Festival, Gil Garratt and Member of Parliament, Ben Lobb will join Huron County Coordinator of Tourism and Local Food, Alecia Anderson as celebrity emcees.

“We are honored to have the three of them join us again. Each brings a commitment to Huron County and a deep understanding of the arts scene. The fact that Alecia, Ben and Gil are making time for Huron Hospice shows how important the Hospice is for everyone across the County,” commented Walker.

Walker also thanked the creative team at Faux Pop Studios in Goderich for their dedication to the event.

“Faux Pop helps us put together a wonderful show. It will be an entertaining evening,” he said.

For those who wish to attend the concert in person, tickets are selling for $50 each. This ticket price includes a complimentary Concert Shuttle. Guests must reserve their shuttle seats when they buy their tickets on a first-come, first-serve basis. The event will have a cash bar service and beef-on-a-bun. A vegetarian option and chocolate chip cookies will also be available. Goodwill donations will cover food costs.

Funds raised at the event ensure the Hospice can support over 200 families across Huron County at no cost. The last thing a family should worry about is the cost of hospice palliative services at the end of life.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit: Telethon 2023.

Anyone looking for ways to bring harmony and balance to their life may like to participate in a two-day workshop helping people understand the principles of Feng Shui in the home, garden and workplace.Led by Feng Shui instructor Helen Varekamp, participants will learn to change their thinking, their surroundings, and their lives. Huron Hospice will receive proceeds from this workshop. To register visit: Feng Shui Workshop.

EDUCATORS UNITE FOR NATURE WORKSHOPS

Denise Iszczuk, Educational consultant (left) and Janneke Vorsteveld of Seeds Rooted in Youth are excited to offer a couple of workshops for educators with regards to getting youth outdoors this Autumn. (Submitted photo)

Fall begins on Sept. 23.  At the same time, a new education series will also begin – “No Boundaries Nature Workshops – Falling for Nature”.  Partnering for this educator professional development workshop series is Janneke Vorsteveld of Seeds Rooted in Youth and Denise Iszczuk, Educational consultant.  Together they have a combined total of almost fifty years of teaching.

“Any outdoor space provides a valuable learning experience for students,” said Vorsteveld.

Celebrate back to school, with fall themed strategies for teaching outside.  This workshop is geared to anyone who wants to learn more about teaching and learning outdoors.

“We wanted to give back to the community through a workshop which would help give educators the tools and confidence to bring learning beyond the walls of the classroom,” said Iszczuk.

Sign up now for the session to be held on Sept. 23, 9:30-11 a.m. at Bad Apple Brewing in Bluewater and Sept. 27 from 4:30-6 p.m. at the West Perth Community Centre in Mitchell.

Registration is limited and registration can be found at seedsrooted.org.  All registrants will receive access to curated teaching materials with Ontario Curriculum connections for teaching outdoors this Autumn because children need nature.

Register by Labour Day to be entered into a draw for a new book from local author Jon-Erik Lappano called “Martin and the River”.  Organizers are pleased to support Lappano’s new book as it examines a child’s perspective on making meaningful connections to nature in the city and on finding ways to accept changes.

For more information, please contact Denise Iszczuk by calling  519 200-8662 or Janneke Vorsteveld at 519 440-2189.

Bad Apple Brewing is located at 73463 Bluewater Hwy near Bayfield and the West Perth Community Centre is located at 185 Wellington Street in Mitchell, ON.

PUBLIC INPUT REQUESTED FOR NEW WATERSHED STRATEGY

Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) is preparing for the future of local conservation by creating a new watershed strategy. The local conservation organization is looking to the public to provide input into this plan to guide local watershed management beyond 2023.

The new strategy builds upon the work of the community to develop the Conservation Strategy (in 2011) and the work of staff to develop the previous Watershed Management Strategy in 2015.

A new Watershed-Based Resource Management Strategy (WBRMS) will fulfil requirements of the “Conservation Authorities Act” (CA Act). It will also meet local needs to protect life and property from natural hazards and to manage and protect resources on a watershed basis.

Kate Monk is ABCA Projects Coordinator. She describes the new strategy as an “overarching document” that guides all of the conservation authority’s work with the watershed community.

“This Strategy goes beyond a traditional watershed planning document,” she said. “It is also a business plan for ABCA that includes financial information. It identifies opportunities to engage landowners in the work needed to address issues facing our watershed communities. It also identifies opportunities to collaborate with other organizations.”

The Strategy will:

• Evaluate programs and recommend future programs and services to address watershed issues facing local communities.
• Identify infrastructure needs such as stream gauges, flood forecasting and warning communications, water and erosion control projects, and major maintenance of existing projects.
• Identify future studies and knowledge needs such as subwatershed studies, inventories, research, and stormwater management plans.
• Include a business plan for delivering programs and services.
• Integrate climate change adaptation and resiliency into watershed management.
• Incorporate previous reports and studies.
• Meet the requirements of the CA Act.

The purpose of the CA Act is “…to provide for the organization and delivery of programs and services that further the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources in watersheds in Ontario.”

The ABCA Board of Directors has approved release of the first part of the WBRMS document for public review. Interested people can review the first phase of the Strategy and provide feedback through a survey which includes spaces for written comments. The feedback period for the first phase of the document continues until Sept. 15 at 1 p.m. This first phase of consultation includes the mission and vision statements, strategic priorities, guiding principles for decision-making, and objectives. The Strategy includes characterization of the watershed, setting priorities and objectives, evaluating progress made through the previous strategies, identifying gaps, and creating action plans.

To learn more about the WBRMS, people can visit the: Public Consultation Page on the ABCA website. If they have questions, they can contact staff by telephone at 519 235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610.