VOLKFEST HAPPENING THIS SUNDAY

Clan Gregor Square will be bustling with activity on Sunday, Sept. 24 when Volkfest comes to Bayfield. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

Two-hundred classic and vintage VWs are expected to descend onto the village for the ninth Volkfest on Sunday, Sept. 24.

Clan Gregor Square will be the place to be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Volkswagen enthusiasts as well as those who love music, food and arts and crafts.

Scheduled to perform are: Derek O’Halloran, Jay Kipps, The Honey Sweethearts and the Bayfield Ukulele Society (BUS).

There will also be food trucks and an arts and crafts market to round out the event.

VW owners are invited to attend a weekend campout at the Rock Glen Family Resort in Arkona, ON in the days leading up to the festival and then on Sunday they will cruise to Bayfield via Hwy. 21 starting at 9:30 a.m. The Beetles and Microbuses are scheduled to arrive at the park about 10:30 a.m.

For more information please contact bayfieldvolkfest@gmail.com.

FIELD TRIP TO HULLETT PART OF FEST

Don Johnston (Photo courtesy Ontario Mining Association)

The 10th annual Fall Foto Fest (FFF), presented by the Photography Club of Bayfield (PCoB), 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.

Did you know that one of the Club’s aims is to promote an increased awareness and interest in photography, regardless of skill level, throughout the community? Everyone is welcome to attend the kickoff event to the weekend with Keynote Speaker, Kyle Blaney, on Friday evening at 7 p.m. at the Bayfield Community Centre and Arena. Payment is at the door or in advance online.

Don Johnston is a Canadian, professional outdoor and nature photographer with 35 years of experience!

On Saturday morning, Johnston will present his program on, “Travelling Canada With Your Camera”. His program will cover some of the joys and challenges of photographing landscapes and wildlife while on the road. In the afternoon, he will lead “Travel to Hullett”, an interactive workshop at the Hullett Provincial Wildlife Area.

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.

VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR CHRISTMAS IN BAYFIELD WEEKEND

The Christmas in Bayfield kick-off weekend is set for Nov. 17-19 and the committee behind the magic is working hard to make it happen. They are currently inviting people to support the event in a variety of ways be it with ideas, donating funds or volunteering. (Photo by Jack Pal)

Christmas in Bayfield (CIB) is fast approaching.

“We look forward to hosting guests the weekend of Nov. 17-19. The committee has already been working hard to be prepared. Look for posters and bag stuffers at supporting businesses, if you are shopping in the village,” said Secretary-Treasurer of Bayfield and Area Chamber of Commerce, Terri Louch. “The posters are also distributed across Southwestern Ontario in order to spread the word.”

Louch would like to thank the businesses that have already pledged funding to support this event and encourage people to follow and support the CIB participating businesses. The list is constantly evolving and a current list can be viewed by visiting: link here. These businesses will be eligible places to spend the gift certificates which will be given away. Watch for the upcoming social media contest to enter!

“As we look to build an even bigger attendance than usual, the Chamber is getting the word out as early as possible. While CIB is a great weekend, we want to ensure that people know we are here year round as well,” said Louch. “We utilize CIB weekend to kick off the holiday shopping season with most businesses remaining open for business until the end of the year. Look for print ads, the posters as discussed and this year we have introduced double sided bag stuffers with one side advertising CIB and the other offering information about shopping and activities year round in the area.”

Each year one of the many highlights of CIB is the parade. CIB has a new coordinator for the parade this year!

“Thanks to Paul Hill for taking on this role. If you or someone you know would like to be part of the parade this year for CIB please have them send an email to: committeecibparade@gmail.com. We would love to have you join us,” said Louch.

She went on to say that they are looking for street performers and buskers to once again entertain guests.

“This was quite successful last year and we would like to be able to expand this type of offering. If you or someone you know would like to be considered, please send an email to villageofbayfield@gmail.com,” Louch said.

The CIB Committee will not be organizing an outdoor artisan market this year. Given the unpredictability of the weather they cannot ensure success for those vendors. Last year the weather and placement of the vendors did not lend itself to success. The CIB Committee learned from the vendors feedback and until they can support this type of opportunity in a better way they will refrain.

“As you might imagine, this weekend requires a great deal of work both prior to the weekend and during the weekend to ensure everything runs smoothly. Have some time and would like to volunteer to help out?  We would love to have you,” said Louch.

Interested individuals are asked to please drop an email to villageofbayfield@gmail.com.

“We will find something that interests you and utilizes your considerable skills. No time but have ideas that we could incorporate into the weekend? Once again email us as we would love to discuss your ideas,” she said.

Finally, the costs to create the magic for the holiday season continue to increase. The CIB Committee looks to their businesses, grant funding and community for financial support in order to continue offering this great opportunity for guests and locals alike! Anyone who would like to support with a financial contribution is asked to please reach out to the BACC at villageofbayfield@gmail.com with an E-transfer or to find other ways to contribute.

Louch went on to say that BACC would like to acknowledge and thank the Municipality of Bluewater for their support.

“We were awarded funding to help support this event through the Vibrancy Funding grant stream allowing us to do more but not ask more of our businesses!” explained Louch.

The BACC and the CIB Committee would like to thank everyone very much for their continued support.  Businesses are encouraged to reach out to discuss ROI for their investment.

Currently in the works for CIB 2023 with more to come are:

• The Lighting of the Lights in Clan Gregor Square Friday evening where Santa will stop by for a visit.
• The annual CIB Parade starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the north end of Main Street.
• Santa will see children in front of the Bayfield Branch Library after the parade on Saturday
• Free Horse and Carriage Rides Saturday and Sunday
• Buskers
• Face painting both Saturday and Sunday in the lobby of the Post Office Box Building (Library)
• Social Media event and gift certificate giveaway – All CIB participating merchants will be eligible to redeem gift certificates. A running list will be available in all social media channels acknowledging those businesses and ensuring guests know where they will be able to spend their winning gift certificates.

KITTEN FOSTERS DESPERATELY NEEDED

Maisie (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 cat is the focus of Adopt a BFF this week.

Maisie is the Adopt a BFF cat of the week.

Maisie came to BFF as a kitten, she was found on Christmas Day in a parking lot having come out from a parked car and over to people who were standing in the lot having a conversation. She was crying, her fur was full of snowballs and she was very thin. Her rescuer kept her for a week, while she tried to find out if she had a owner, when none was found Maisie was surrendered to BFF.  She then made a visit to the vet.

She appears to be 1.5 years old.

“Maisie loves all the attention that she can get people to give her,” said Deb Penhale, representing BFF. “Just ask the volunteers at the shelter…her little paws are always reaching out to us to let us know that she is there and ready to be petted! Maisie would prefer not to be picked up, however this may change in time once she is in a loving home with her people.”

At BFF, Maisie lives in a kennel as she requires a “special” diet for “food sensitivities”. She should be the only cat in the house as she must stay on her own special food.

“Maisie loves chilling in her hammock, after playing with her toys. This little lady has a special place in the hearts of her caretakers,” added Penhale.

If someone has a place in their hearts for Maisie they are 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.

BAYFIELD LANDING SHARES

Tyler Hessel, owner of 1851 Bayfield Landing, recently presented Bayfield Optimist Club Past President Mike Dixon with a $500 donation to the club. Bayfield Landing, on the village’s Main Street, has been raising money for local charities since it opened in the Spring of this year and the Optimists benefited from their August fundraising. (Submitted photo)

MORRISON DAM LOCATION OF WORKSHOP

On Saturday, Sept. 30,  the South Huron Art Centre will be hosting a one-day ‘plein air’ workshop with Paint Ontario winner, Denise Antaya, at the Ausable Bayfield Morrison Dam pavilion located just outside Exeter, ON.

Antaya received signature status in Oil Painters of America and the National Oil and Acrylic Painter Society. She is a member of the International Guild of Realism where she received numerous awards which included “Best in Show” for “Catching the Light”. She is a member of the Salmagundi Club in NY, one of North America’s oldest clubs where noted artists like Norman Rockwell, Emil Carlsen, N.C. Wyeth (to name a few) belonged.

Her work has received numerous awards and is in collectors’ homes in Canada, the United States, the UK and even as far as Singapore. She was chosen for an article in Fine Art Connoisseur as “Five to Watch”.

Antaya just returned from jurying a National Show in Colorado and doing a demo to kick off their ‘plein air’ event for the National Oil and Acrylic Painting Society.

In addition to winning this year’s Paint Ontario, Antaya recently won honorable mention in a prestigious ‘plein air’ exhibit in Spain.

Plein air painting is about leaving the four walls of the studio behind and experiencing painting and drawing in the landscape. The practice goes back for centuries but was truly made into an art form by the French Impressionists. Their desire to paint light and its changing, ephemeral qualities, coupled with the creation of transportable paint tubes and the box easel—the precursor to the ‘plein air’ easels of today—allowed artists the freedom to paint “en plein air,” which is the French expression for “in the open air.”

Recently, Ruth Anne Merner, one of the board directors for the South Huron Arts Centre, caught up with Antaya and asked her about her work. Part II of their conversation follows in the form of a Q&A:

On Sept. 30, the South Huron Art Centre will be hosting a one-day ‘plein air’ workshop at the Ausable Bayfield Morrison Dam pavilion located just outside Exeter, ON. (Submitted photo)

Merner: What do you enjoy most about painting in nature?

Antaya: The sights, sounds, the breeze, the feeling of capturing a moment in time. I also enjoy when people come by and talk to you. The process of painting outdoors fascinates people. I enjoy the surprise when the viewer has low expectations and their surprise when they see the painting actually looks like what you are trying to portray. The best is when you see the painting it takes you right back to the day. You can remember it like it was yesterday…that’s really great!

Merner: How do you capture the essence of a scene in a limited time frame?

Antaya: Practice, practice, and more practice. You take great care in reproducing what is there – as quickly as possible, get in drawing, big shapes, lights and darks. Once that is established you can take time to fill it in. I like doing smaller panels – 6” x 8” or 8” x 10” because they take less time to cover.

Merner: Do you plan your compositions in advance, or do you work spontaneously?

Antaya: Depends, sometimes it’s a no brainer, there is a good lead in, balance, light etc. Sometimes I have to work at it by using my viewfinder and look around. I look for a good lead in, balance, atmosphere, and determine what my focus is. But you should have a plan, or you are destined to fail. I use the simple rule of 1/3, 2/3 for composition.

Merner: Are there any specific locations or landscapes that have deeply influenced your work?

Antaya: Country scenes, nature untouched by man. I’m a sucker for water, be it a lake, stream, ditch, or a puddle in a lane. I love the way the light and sky reflect. Open fields and big skies. Man made structures are really not my thing.

Merner: Do you have any tips for beginners interested in ‘plein air’ painting?

Antaya: Beginners need to be patient, and don’t give up. It’s hard, don’t get me wrong. I have boxes of terrible paintings in my closet of shame. Expect bad paintings starting out. But in time they will get better. I always say to myself in this long Art journey “How bad do you want it.” I really want to make it in this highly competitive field. It’s my passion and I am determined. Slow but sure, I will get there. You can’t fail by working hard, so just keep at it. You have to fill miles and miles of canvas. And use the best materials you can afford.

Missed Part I of Ruth Anne Merner’s interview with ‘Plein Air” Artist Denise Antaya? It can be found in the previous issue of the Bayfield Breeze published on Sept. 13 (Issue 740).

To register for the Sept. 30 (rain date Oct. 1st) workshop please visit southhuronartscentre.ca.

TIME TO ORDER TREES FOR AUTUMN PLANTING

Autumn doesn’t begin until Sept. 23 but now is a good time to order trees for fall planting, according to Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA).

Local landowners plant tens of thousands of trees each year through spring and fall tree order programs. This tree planting provides benefits to individual properties and also to the larger watershed community, said Ian Jean, Forestry and Land Stewardship Specialist with ABCA.

“People who plant trees can see benefits at the property scale in terms of wind protection and shade and more birds and wildlife,” he said. “The benefits of individuals planting trees extend to the entire watershed community in protecting our shared soil and water resources and improving the resiliency of our natural systems which face new pests and a changing climate.”

Spring and fall are both good times to plant trees, Jean said. “Weather cools in these seasons,” he said. “While trees are in dormancy in fall or spring, they are better able to handle the stress of transplanting.”

Certain trees, types of planting stock, and locations are better suited than others to fall planting.

“Frost heaving can be a problem for fall planting of very small, bare-root seedlings, which are available in spring,” Jean said. “In the fall, we handle only larger trees in pots or in root-ball-in-burlap format and we have good success planting those larger-size trees.”

The two-foot Cedar and Spruce are great choices for field windbreaks and watercourse buffers. The potted deciduous trees can be planted to add diversity to help make forests more resilient to future environmental pressures across the watershed. Properties, landowner goals, and projects are all unique, which makes it important to plan tree planting projects on an individual basis for site success, staff say. However, what all tree planting and other stewardship projects have in common, is their contribution towards watershed health, providing benefits which extend beyond the limits of the project site itself.

“Each individual project is part of a larger, collaborative effort,” Jean said.  “Every year this involves hundreds of people planting tens of thousands of trees, maintaining watercourse buffers, planting cover crops, each doing their part to improve watershed conditions. It is important to recognize the tremendous support for watershed stewardship within our community.”

The Forestry and Land Stewardship Specialist encourages interested landowners to visit abca.ca for the fall tree order form or to give him a call at 519 235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610 to discuss planting projects.

“We’re happy to help with project design and help to apply for funding for eligible projects,” he said. There is a cost to order trees through the fall tree planting program but there may be incentive grants available for some tree planting projects. Cost-share funding may be available depending on the type and size of project, location and specific program details.

People can order trees in person or by phone, accompanied by payment, until Sept. 29. To access the form visit: Tree Orders.

ABCA thanks those who support, and contribute towards, improving watershed conditions. These include federal, provincial, county and municipal partners as well as agencies and private donors.

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, Sept. 21-22 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.