ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY A HIGHLIGHT OF FEST

Stuart Heggie (Photo courtesy Stuart J. Heggie)

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.

Stuart Heggie is an avid photographer and astronomer who merged his two passions into Astrophotography.  He is a proud PCoB member who willingly shares his expertise.

On Saturday afternoon, Heggie’s talk will focus on, “Travel – To the Stars and Beyond – Night Sky Astrophotography”. He will share equipment, techniques and his “out of this world” images. Saturday evening – weather permitting – he will host an evening shoot guided by his expertise.

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.

MOVIEGOERS INVITED TO COME IN COSTUME

Brad and Janet meet Dr. Frank-N-Furter in this scene from the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” playing on Halloween Night at the Bayfield Town Hall courtesy the Bayfield Indie Film Series (Image courtesy 20th Century Fox)

“Let’s do the Time Warp again!”

Bayfield Indie Film Series is bringing “Rocky Horror Picture Show” to the Bayfield Town Hall for one showing only on Tuesday, Oct.31st at 7:30 p.m.. People are encouraged to dress up in their finest Halloween, Rocky-inspired costumes and join in the mayhem!

For those who have not experienced this comic, cult classic, be forewarned, it can get pretty exciting! The story begins when sweethearts, Brad and Janet, are stranded on a wild and rainy night with a flat tire and they innocently approach a spooky mansion for assistance. They are greeted by Dr. Frank-N-Furter and this odd story unfolds, revealing a cast of interesting, bizarre and extravagant characters.

This will be a licensed event with a cash bar. Advance tickets are $10 and are available by contacting bayfieldfilms@gmail.com. Tickets at the door are $12. After the film, all movie goers are invited back to Bayfield Brewing Company where the festivities will continue!

Bayfield Indie Films is proud to premiere their newly acquired surround sound system, purchased at the Pioneer Park Rummage Sale and donated to Bayfield Town Hall. Bayfield Indie Film Series is the creation of six local movie enthusiasts who thought it would be fun to offer unique entertainment to this community. All profits from the films will continue to go back into the community to support and nurture creativity in beautiful Bayfield.

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 Melody Falconer-Pounder)

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.

GINA IS READY FOR HER FOREVER HOME

Gina (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.

Gina is the Adopt a BFF cat of the week.

Gina was one of the many mothers BFF took in last year. She raised her kittens in foster care and they all quickly found homes. For some reason, Gina became quite timid while raising her kittens. After moving to the shelter, she hid most of the time but that is all changing.

Now Gina comes out looking for pets and has her eye on getting her own forever home. This girl is ready to go!

If someone has a place in their hearts for Gina 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.

GRAND BEND ROTARY SHIPS HUNDREDTH CONTAINER FOR GLOBAL LITERACY

On Sept. 8-9, volunteers with the Rotary Club of Grand Bend, including those from other Rotary clubs in the region, loaded the 99th and 100th container that will soon be bound for a developing country in need of school supplies.

A remarkable project led by the Rotary Club of Grand Bend is marking a milestone in its journey to turn surplus furniture, equipment, and books into weapons in the global struggle for literacy.

Appropriately, the event happened on International Literacy Day, created by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to shine a light on the role of literacy in building more inclusive, peaceful, just and sustainable societies.

The Rotary Club’s Global Literacy Project started in 2009, as many rural schools in Ontario were closing, and their contents were being consigned to landfill sites. The club members, together with many other volunteers from the area, began loading shipping containers with the surplus equipment and sending them to schools in developing countries, including South Africa, Guyana, Uganda, Philippines, Haiti, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Eswatini.

In addition to school supplies, the containers have been filled with medical supplies, wheelchairs, hospital beds, and sports equipment. More than 2.5 million books have been shipped, helping to create school libraries where they often didn’t exist in rural schools. Dozens of volunteers have been involved over the years. Roary Clubs in the destination countries share in the cost of shipping and handle final distribution to the schools.

On Sept. 8-9, volunteers, including those from other Rotary clubs in the region, loaded the 99th and 100th container. The cost of shipping these containers is approximately $7,500 a cost covered by the Rotary Club during its annual fundraiser, “Autumn Indulgence” held on Sept. 23.

The total cost of shipping 100 containers is approximately $550,000, and the estimated value of the contents of each container is $125,000. That means the total value of the project to date is more than $12 million.

Rotarian Brian Hall, who has led the project for many years, says this milestone is significant.

“It means that we’ve stayed the course, continuing to seek items to load and then counting on an army of eager volunteers to do the hard work. What started as an idea from Rotarian Peter Twynstra, who knows well the challenges faced by schools in Africa, has blossomed into an ongoing community effort.”

Hall added that container #100 is by no means the last that will be shipped.

“The containers will continue, but this is an opportunity to pause and celebrate,” he said. “Then it’s back to work!”

For more information, please contact Brian Hall by calling 519 238-6116.

RECYCLING IN PUBLIC SPACES CHALLENGING

Editor’s Note:  This is a semi-regular feature from Blue Bayfield highlighting simple ways people can make a difference in their community to create a healthier environment.

Did You Know…that Bayfield is the only town in the Municipality of Bluewater that has both recycle and trash bins in its public spaces? People have probably seen the bins on Main Street and at the entrances to the parks and beaches.

Unfortunately, in Bayfield, as well as in many other municipalities around Ontario, there is no satisfactory method to make recycling successful in its public parks or downtown areas.

The problem is that sometimes people don’t pay attention to what they throw in the receptacle and if waste gets mixed with recycling, the entire load is contaminated and Bluewater staff have no choice but to send the contaminated bins to the landfill.

However, there are plans in the works to improve this situation. Starting in 2024, the recycle receptacles in public areas will be clearly labelled to show what recyclable items are acceptable. At this point in time, staff is seriously considering limiting recyclables to just bottles and aluminum cans, which would make it easier for residents and visitors to recycle effectively. This would ensure that items placed in the recycling bins are actually recycled rather than thrown out with the trash.

Please note this does not affect personal recycling which will continue to allow a variety of recyclables. For more information on personal recycling, please go to Bluewater Recycling Acceptable Material List.

What you can do…

• Try to be aware of what you are putting into the public recycle receptacles. You may not have realized this, but by accidentally throwing in a bag of dog poop, you may be inadvertently undoing the efforts and good intentions of others.
• And if you’re not sure, call the Bluewater Recycling Association, look at their website, or put it in the trash. If in doubt, throw it out!

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.