PLENTY OF FUN UNDER THE SUN AT LIONS/ALBION GOLF TOURNEY

PHOTOS BY JACK PAL

Under beautiful sunny skies, 76 golfers from as far away as Windsor teed it up for the Bayfield Lions/Albion Charity Golf Tournament at the lovely Bluewater Golf Course on Friday, Sept. 8.

Under beautiful sunny skies, 76 golfers from as far away as Windsor teed it up for the Bayfield Lions/Albion Charity Golf Tournament at the lovely Bluewater Golf Course on Friday, Sept. 8.  This was the 35th anniversary of the tournament that is always a sell out.

A great day of golf was followed up with a delicious dinner of smoked pork chops hosted by The Albion Hotel. As dinner ended Jeff and Leigh Graham introduced the Albion staff to a loud applause of appreciation. Ian Matthew, Lions president, then briefly addressed the crowd highlighting the hundreds of thousands of dollars the Lions have put back into worthwhile charities, organizations and local initiatives over its 76 years.

Local golfers Cody Symes, Andy Heard, Mike McMann and Dustin Steckle topped the field with a nine under par score for the scramble format.

Attention was then turned to the several silent auction packages local businesses donated including golf, restaurant, accommodation and beauty gift certificate packages.  The live auction was conducted by Lion Tom Grasby who drew on his unique auctioning skills by fluttering his lips to the delight of the crowd who mimicked his novel approach. The crowd had great fun. Jerseys available included John Tavares, Maple Leafs; Scotty Barnes, Raptors; and Ryan O’Reilly, Maple Leafs.  A special one-of-a-kind item donated by Melaine Buffinga, whose dad Larry Jeffrey played on the last Maple Leafs’ Stanley Cup winning team in 1967 was a great hit.  The original photo was signed by many Leafs legends.

All in all, a very successful night raised $16,500 for local initiatives and charities.  The Lions Club would like to express their gratitude to all the sponsors and local businesses that make this event a fabulous success.

CAMPY MASTERPIECE ENCOURAGES DRESSING UP

Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry) in a 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)

“Rocky Horror Picture Show” is described as a campy masterpiece and a tribute to the science fiction and horror B movies of the 1930s.  Forty-eight years after it premiered, it is the longest running theatrical release in film history. It is believed Rocky Horror became a cult classic because the film celebrates people who may feel like outcasts. It created a safe place for everyone to celebrate their own uniqueness.

Bayfield Indie Film Series will present Rocky Horror Picture Show at Bayfield Town Hall for one showing only on Tuesday, Oct. 31st at 7:30 p.m. Those who attend are invited to dress up in their finest Halloween, Rocky-inspired costumes and join in the mayhem! Advance tickets are available to purchase for $10 at The Village Bookshop. Or people can purchase tickets by emailing bayfieldfilms@gmail.com. Tickets will be $12 at the door.

This will be a licensed event with a cash bar. After the film, all movie goers are invited back to Bayfield Brewing Company where the festivities will continue! For more information, stay tuned by following Bayfieldindiefilmseries on Instagram and FaceBook.

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.

BAYFIELD CEMETERY LOCATION OF MEMBERS ONLY HIKE

The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) has two final guided hikes of the season scheduled on two consecutive Saturdays in October with opportunities to enjoy the fall colors, learn more about Bayfield’s history and support the local food bank.

On Oct. 21, a BRVTA members only event will be held. The membership is invited to a Historic Cemetery Tour with Dave Gillians, author of “For the Love of Bayfield”. Much of Bayfield’s history is reflected through the headstones in this sacred place. During this walk, stories about some of Bayfield’s most fascinating people will be respectfully told. This 1.5 hour hike is limited to 20 people. No dogs, please! Participants are asked to meet at 10 a.m. at the cemetery on the north side of Mill Road, 1 km east of Hwy. 21. Pre-register by contacting Ralph Blasting at rjblastingjr@gmail.com or call 519 525-3205.

Not a member yet? Go to www.bayfieldtrails.com and click “Memberships”. Dues are $20 per year for individuals and $30 for a family. By becoming a member, you’ll be supporting an organization that actively promotes environmental awareness, outdoor recreation, as well as fitness and community engagement.

The final guided hike of the season is the Harvest Hike in support of the Bayfield Area Food Bank (BAFB). Join the BRVTA on Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. at the Varna Nature Trails, just west of Varna on Mill Road. As they hike the 2.5 km Mavis’ Trail, participants will recognize the important work of the BAFB. Please bring a non-perishable food item or a donation (cash or cheque made out to Bayfield Area Food Bank). Dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash.

These hikes are free and open to the public except where noted. The schedule is subject to change, so always check for updates in the Bayfield Breeze, the BRVTA Facebook page or the Municipality of Bluewater events calendar. Or people can contact the hike coordinator, Ralph Blasting, via the contact information listed above.

VALDY CONCERT THIS FRIDAY

Valdy (Submitted photo)

Members of the Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society are excited to announce that Valdy will be performing at the Bayfield Town Hall on Friday, Oct.  20.

Valdy has been part of the fabric of Canadian pop and folk music for almost 40 years and has performed at the Bayfield Town Hall many times.

A man with a thousand friends, from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island to Texas to New Zealand, he’s a singer, guitarist and one of Canada’s most influential songwriters, capturing the small but telling moments that make up life. Remembered for “Play Me a Rock and Roll Song”, his bitter-sweet memory of finding himself, a relaxed and amiable story-teller, Valdy has sold almost half a million copies of his 13 albums, has two Juno Awards (Folk Singer of the Year and Folk Entertainer of the Year), a total of seven Juno nominations and four Gold albums to his credit.

The doors to the hall will open at  6:30 p.m. The concert will start at 7 p.m. There will be a cash bar.

Tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased online at www.bayfieldtownhall.com.

PET VALU TO HOST ADOPTION WEEKEND

Catkin, and his siblings, look forward to meeting potential adoptees at the Adoption Event being held at the Goderich Pet Valu on Oct. 21-22. (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 sweet creature is featured in this issue.

Catkin is the Adopt a BFF cat of the week.

Catkin is always the first to poke his nose into whatever is going on – sweeping is always a fun activity! He also loves a good cuddle and will reward those who oblige him with his big purr. Catkin is full of energy and would do best with another kitten to play with or an older cat companion. He is neutered and has all his vaccinations and is ready to go to his forever home!

If someone has a place in their hearts for Catkin they are asked to reach out to BFF through Facebook or email bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com.

Catkin is but one of the felines currently in need of homes at BFF. People will have the opportunity to meet a few of them at Pet Valu in Goderich this coming weekend, Oct. 21-22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. during a special adoption weekend event.

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.

A ROSIE PAINTING

The beautiful weather last month drew local artist Robert Johnson out to do some plein air painting along Bayfield’s Main Street on Sept. 16 with Rosie’s Ice Cream Shoppe being his muse of choice. Johnson’s no stranger to the village as he was one of the artist’s involved in the Bayfield Sailboat Public Art Project launched earlier this year by the Bayfield Centre for the Arts. (Photos courtesy Sandra Young)

SENSORY DELIVERY ROOM A CANADIAN FIRST

Celebrating Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance’s, and Canada’s, first Sensory Delivery Room are l-r: Leah Cocker, patient partner; Medical Program Director Maternal Child Dr. Cheryl Hillyer; Lori Merner, director Patient Care; Perth Wellington MPP Matthew Rae; Martin Ritsma, mayor of Stratford; Vice President Partnerships & Chief Nursing Executive, Lynanne Mason; Audra Boersen, manager Maternal Child & Scheduling Office; Clinical Nurse Educator, Katie Fearns; RN Julie Thistlethwaite, Team leader; and Catherine Goudy, midwife, Countryside Midwifery Services. (Submitted photo)

The cutting of an umbilical cord is normally accompanied by the cries of a newborn and tears of joy from new parents. On Oct. 11, a cord was cut, this time to ecstatic cheers of the Maternal Child team at the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) – Stratford General Hospital as they celebrated their new Wavecare Sensory Delivery Room (SDR).

“We are so excited to share with our community the benefits of this type of delivery room,” said Audra Boersen, manager Maternal Child Unit and Scheduling Unit. “This project has truly been a labor of love and we are so proud to have the first delivery room of this kind in Canada.”

Installed in several hospitals in Denmark and China, the Wavecare SDR provides a stress-reducing environment and supports the labor process with customized programs for childbirth.

A SDR has the same equipment and features as an ordinary delivery room but also includes a digital screen that plays nature scenes, dynamic lights in calming colors and specially designed sound programs such as wave ripples, all of which help to create a more relaxed environment that seems less clinical.

First-time mom Leah gave birth to her son in the SDR in September.

“I was nervous about my labor experience and didn’t know what to expect,” she said. “When we learned the SDR was available I was thrilled as I was hoping this would help put my mind at ease. From the moment we arrived in the room, I felt a sense of calm. I was induced and as we waited for labor to start we were taken to the SDR and we met our nurse. The digital screen was on and was displaying colored lights along with calming music. It made the room feel so cozy and home-like. This set the tone for how the rest of our experience went.”

As Leah’s labor progressed the team made use of the different programs to support her through the different stages of birth.

“In total there are nine different themes and patients and their partners are encouraged to change themes as they desire,” said Dr. Cheryl Hillyer.

“For example, the breathing program is beneficial for pain relief and focus and can also be used for relaxation between contractions.”

“We used the welcome program when our son was born and the breastfeed one as well,” added Leah.

“The Welcome program creates a “nest” ambience, supporting the skin-to-skin contact with the child and the lighting is dimmed reddish, positively affecting the newborn’s rooting and sucking reflex and attachment to the parent,” explained Dr. Hillyer. “The Breastfeed program creates a relaxing environment to instil a sense of security and calm to promote successful breastfeeding.”

Not only does the SDR offer benefits to the laboring patient and their family/caregiver, but it has also been valuable to the team members working on the Maternal Child Unit.

“Being a nurse, physician or midwife is physically and mentally demanding,” said Audra. “When team members are working in the SDR they are reporting decreased stress levels and more professional satisfaction.”

Catherine Goudy, Registered Midwife is one of these team members.

“I value the ability of the SDR to create a calm and relaxing environment for the healthcare providers as well as the patient,” she said. “I’ve really seen the benefits with my students. Labor is not always predictable and things can get a bit intense and I’ve seen it work at calming my students. For me, it’s like I just walk in and it’s like a breath of fresh air. The lighting is amazing and I do have favorites, the optimism theme with the waterfall being one of them. You do have the option of keeping it at one theme, if it is helping the patient.”

With the first SDR now fully operational, and based on positive feedback, the hope is to add more of these rooms.

“I would highly recommend the sensory room to any laboring person. I am so grateful it was available for my family and I to use!” added Leah.

AMGH FOUNDATION RAISING FUNDS FOR ENDOSCOPES

Laura Herman, (far left) a director with the AMGH Foundation Board, is joined by Dr. Tiffaney Kittmer and Dr. Aaron Daters (far right) for a cheque presentation with donors Sarah and Matthew Evans who organized a lemonade stand in support of the Endoscope fundraising event. The youngsters raised $73 for the cause. (Submitted photos)

Zehrs in Goderich was a happening place on Friday, Oct. 6 as it was the site of the second annual Radiothon for Hometown Health with the support of “morning men” J.C. Coutts and Roland Archer from Shoreline Classics FM. The phones were ringing and people were coming in the door with their generous donations for the Endoscopes needed at the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital (AMGH).

Event organizers had a fun volunteer team working together both at the store and back in the AMGH Foundation’s office. They are so thankful for the volunteers who helped bring the event together.

Plus there was a fabulous team on the grill for the BBQ, featuring ‘grill masters’ Gerry Potter and Chief Financial Officer Matt Trovato assisted by Chief Nursing Executive Michelle Wick. The BBQ Captains were Jen Yule and Chelsea Adamson, both staff from AMGH, who demonstrated incredible organizational skills looking after the BBQ which raised over $1,000!

At the end of the day, just over $38,000 in donations were received compared to $29,000 last year, a remarkable achievement. Organizers are so proud of their community and their ability to rise to the occasion whenever needed.

The AMGH Foudation’s fundraising goal for the Endoscopes is $50,000. Organizers are still hoping people will fill out the Radiothon postcard they received in the mail with a donation and help them reach their goal. Donations can also be made online www.amghfoundation.ca by visiting: Donate, by calling 519 524-8508 or in person at the office at 120 Napier Street in Goderich.

Why are Endoscopes so important? They provide enhanced visualization which helps with precision and accuracy during procedures. They are used to get tissue samples to help with early detection of cancers etc. and thus assist with improved diagnosis and biopsies.

“Endoscopes are fantastic instruments that allow us to look inside the body without making any incisions. With them, we can find cancers before they are big enough for people to have any symptoms. Earlier treatment leads to better outcomes. Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer and by removing the polyps early, we can even prevent cancer before it happens! Endoscopes also help us in emergencies. We can remove swallowed objects or chunks of food stuck in the esophagus and we can stop bleeding ulcers that would otherwise require surgery. Endoscopy services at AMGH are an important part of keeping our community healthy and safe,” said Dr. Aaron Daters, a General Surgeon at AMGH.

The AMGH Foundation supports AMGH’s goal to provide quality health care in their community. They do this by raising funds to ensure the equipment, services and resources are there when needed.

IMMIGRATION EXPERTS EXPLAIN PROCESS OF HIRING INTERNATIONAL WORKERS

Jennifer Roggeman (Submitted photo)

Local employers interested in hiring and retaining internationally trained and educated workers are invited to join a presentation by two immigration experts at the Blyth Memorial Hall on Oct. 24.

The event, which will run from 5-7 p.m., will focus on the legal processes that employers need to take to support temporary foreign workers and international students to become permanent residents. Participants will also have an opportunity to ask the immigration experts questions.

“More and more employers are exploring the opportunity to hire international workers as a key tactic for alleviating the labor shortage. This event can help to provide a roadmap through the process,” said Mark Nonkes, who is manager of the Huron County Local Immigration Partnership, part of the County of Huron’s Economic Development department. “This offers a free forum for asking questions and hearing answers from two immigration experts. With a gathering of employers, there are bound to be answers that will benefit everyone.”

Featured speakers are lawyer Jennifer Roggeman, owner of Jennifer Roggeman Law Office in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, which specializes in immigration law, and Gemma Mendez-Smith, an immigration consultant and owner of Live by Design Immigration Services Inc. based in Paisley, ON.

Mendez-Smith was executive director of the Four County Labour Board and a 20-year veteran of labor market research and workforce engagement before launching her own business in 2021. As an immigrant herself, she took the path of the Caregiver program many years ago. She has lived through the experience of the immigration process.

Roggeman was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea. She came to Canada as a teenager to complete her BA at the University of Guelph and LLB (law school) at University of Victoria, B.C.  She started practising law in 2000 and now focuses on immigration law exclusively in Kitchener/Waterloo where she has resided for over 25 years with her spouse and two children.

These immigration specialists have helped hundreds of employers navigate the legal processes of bringing internationally trained workers and students to Canada and to help secure workers as permanent residents of Canada.

This event is organized by the Huron County Immigration Partnership, Huron Chamber of Commerce, Community Futures Huron, WILL Employment and Huron County Economic Development. It is funded with support from the Government of Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Refreshments will be served. Cash bar is available. Employers may register to take part in this event at Huron Employers Registration.