CHRISTMAS IN BAYFIELD WEEKEND HAS ARRIVED

Christmas in Bayfield Weekend is just two sleeps away! The jolly old elf and his entourage will be making a few appearances in the village on Nov. 17 and 18 including a trip down Main Street In the Santa Claus Parade. (Photo by Jack Pal)

This is the week when the Bayfield and Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) unwraps the magic of the season at their 32nd Annual Christmas in Bayfield celebration. This enchanting event, known for kicking off the holiday shopping season, is scheduled to unfold from Nov. 17-19.

Christmas in Bayfield begins Friday evening with the lighting of the lights in the park. All are welcome to come and experience live entertainment and countdown to the magic. The lights will go on at 7 p.m. casting a warm glow over the town. Stay and visit with Santa who will arrive to entertain young and old in the gazebo. Families are encouraged to capture the moment by taking their own pictures.

The celebration is taken up a notch on Saturday with the highlight event – the Santa Claus Parade starting at 11 am. Following the parade, guests are invited to explore Bayfield’s charming boutique shops, many will be tax free, offering sales or special promotions. People are encouraged to warm up by the inviting fire pits, and partake in a variety of delights including food, beverages, free horse carriage rides, live entertainment, and a special opportunity for children to meet Santa at 12:30 p.m. in front of the Bayfield Branch Library – again pictures are encouraged.

The festivities carry over into Sunday as Bayfield welcomes visitors once again. Return to enjoy the warmth of the fire pits, complimentary horse carriage rides, delectable food offerings, and live entertainment throughout the day while finding the perfect gift for that special someone or for yourself and one of the many beautiful Bayfield shops.

People are reminded to follow BACCon Facebook and Instagram and enter the contest to win one of five $100 gift certificates redeemable before Dec. 31st at any participating Christmas in Bayfield business.

For an updated schedule of events and specific times take a peek here: Schedule of Events 2023 — Village of Bayfield.

RIBBON TO BE CUT ON TWO-COW BARN

The Two-Cow Barn project is now complete. A ribbon cutting will be held on Saturday, Nov. 18. (Submitted photo)

On Saturday, Nov. 18, after the Bayfield Santa Claus Parade, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony on Main Street behind the Bayfield Heritage Centre and Archives celebrating the completion of the traditional Bayfield two-cow barn and the permanent home of the beautiful Bayfield Wagon and Carriage Works horse-drawn Landau carriage.

The ribbon cutting will be held at 12:30 p.m.

The Landau display will be an enduring tribute to Tom Penhale and his team of local craftsmen who created some of the world’s finest horse drawn wagons and carriages in Bayfield from the 1970s to the 1990s.  Penhale carriages not only participated in most North American draft horse competitions but were also featured in the Tournament of Roses Parade and Disney World. Their horse drawn wagons and carriages were not only practical, they were works of art.

A joint venture between the Bayfield Historical Society and the Bayfield Lions Club, this has been a project that has had universal community support. It adds another chapter to the Heritage District’s unique and special story.

The Bayfield Heritage Centre and Archives is located at 20 Main Street North in the village.

WALKWAY FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN BEGINS

This is a concept image of what the proposed walkway connecting the Bayfield River Flats and the existing under the bridge walkway could look like. The image used to generate the concept drawing was taken in May of 2021 prior to the new bridge’s completion. (Submitted photo)

A new pedestrian walkway can complete the dream of Bayfield and area residents to “connect the community with nature” at the Bayfield River Flats, according to people involved with the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC) and Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA).

It will cost more than $50,000 to complete the walkway and the organizations say public support is needed to make the walkway a reality. The project team plans to hold a fundraising campaign between Nov. 15 and Dec. 15. Fundraising activities include a “Walkway to the Finish Line” evening to be held at the Bayfield Town Hall on Wednesday, Dec. 13  from 7-9 p.m.

The fundraising team hopes the evening will be the “Walkway to the Finish Line” in terms of raising the more than $50,000 needed for this project to extend the under-bridge pathway, from Shorthill Road, to the Bayfield River Flats, which will allow children and senior citizens and people with limited mobility to reach the riverside parkland without having to cross the busy highway.

The Bayfield River Flats is owned by HTLTC and the land trust protects it permanently as a habitat for wildlife.

“The Flats is a natural gem only a short walk from Bayfield’s Main Street,” said HTLTC Chair Max Morden. “Home to eagles and ospreys and species at risk, it’s a place where people can both appreciate and preserve nature.”

Volunteers from the BRVTA manage the property at no cost to the public.

The land trust’s Chair encourages local people to watch for announcements about the fundraising campaign and for details on the evening in support of the project. Updates, and opportunities to donate, will be posted to the web page: Bayfield River Flats.

Roger Lewington is Past Chair of HTLTC. He thanks the trail association for leading the fundraising initiative to make the walkway possible. The new walkway will connect to an existing under-the-bridge walkway at the Bayfield River Flats site. This new feature will make it safer and easier for people to reach and enjoy this special riverbank nature area.

“The trail association and the community had a dream to buy and preserve the Bayfield River Flats,” Lewington said. “The creation of the new pedestrian walkway will safely link people and nature and it will make it possible to fully realize the dream for this site.”

BRVTA led a fundraising campaign, in 2017, to purchase the Bayfield River Flats site. Community support was overwhelming, with donations of more than $70,000 to buy the property. The trail association manages the property and donated it to the land trust so the property will be preserved permanently.

The project team is excited to announce the proposed walkway has received the permissions required to make it happen and now the team will turn its attention to mobilizing the public support needed to make it reality.

CALENDAR ERROR RECTIFIED WITH INSERT

The front cover of the Bayfield Lions’ Calendar for 2024 features the mural painted on the side of the Bayfield Community Centre and Arena as photographed by Jack Pal. (Submitted photo)

The Bayfield Lions Club calendar team goofed!

They have all been very proud of their 2024 calendar and it has proved, once again, to be very popular. However, they have discovered an error which may have an impact for those who use the calendar to track appointments and events. The month of November, instead of being for the 2024 year, unfortunately is for the 2023 year thereby putting out all the dates by one day. The Bayfield Lions Club members sincerely apologize for this error.

The good news is they have created a simple fix for the problem. They have reprinted just the actual calendar block for the month of November making sure it is for the year 2024. The insert can be picked up at The Village Bookshop or at Bayfield Convenience and Gifts. It fits directly over the block in the calendar and can be simply attached with cello tape and be totally unnoticeable. The Lions regret the inconvenience that this has caused and are confident this will not recur in the future.

Although the Lions are running out of calendars, there are still some available at The Village Bookshop, Bayfield Convenience and Gifts and Bayfield Foodland and each will have the appropriate insert.

The Lions thank everyone for their understanding and look forward to creating the 2025 calendar nine months from now.

BAYFIELD COMMUNITY CENTRE TO OFFER BEFORE AND AFTER PROGRAM IN NEW YEAR

It has become apparent that the Municipality of Bluewater is in desperate need of daycare as well as before and after school programs. It has recently been discussed at Bluewater Council the severity of the lack of accommodation.

The Bayfield Community Center, which is operated by a not for profit organization, has heard the call and has stepped up to help.

The Bayfield Community Centre is very excited to announce that, beginning in January 2024, they will be offering a Before and After School Program at the Community Centre, Monday to Friday from 6:30-8:30 a.m. and 3:30-6 p.m. Bussing will be provided to these students enrolled and a form will be available to those parents once Registration is confirmed. This program will have 20 spaces in each program ( a.m. and p.m.) and parents can register on the Google form link on the Bayfield Arena Website located at the top of the page.

Both before and after school programs will incorporate the four foundations of learning: Expression, Well Being, Engagement and Belonging. Students will also be given a simple snack at both sessions.

The Bayfield Community Centre is excited to be offering this program to the residents of  the Village of Bayfield and surrounding areas. With limited space they are asking parents to register quickly.

Registration in a monthly link will be sent out to parents. This Google form will be filled out each month to reserve a space in the program. Bussing for students has also been arranged for this program.

Anyone who would like more information on this program is asked to please contact Emma Campbell at Bayfieldbasp@gmail.com.

To learn more or to register for the session from Jan. 8 to Feb. 2nd please go to: Bayfield’s BASP January Registration Form

Organizers are excited to meet all of the students and families in this new program.

KNOX HOSTING AUCTION AND CONCERT

On Sunday, Nov. 19 Knox Presbyterian Church in Bayfield will welcome musical guests Roy Price, soloist, and Lynne Price, flautist. All are invited to attend the service that will begin at 11 a.m.

Knox Church  is holding an auction as a church fundraiser, featuring a beautiful 60″ x 80″ quilt.

The pattern is called “Wind and Waves”. It was pieced by Judith Roy and long arm quilted by Teresa Jantzi. The quilt has a reserve bid of $400.

The auction also includes two bird houses: the Condo and the Cottage, both designed and created by Peter Nijp. Each birdhouse offers four nesting boxes, perches, a lovely tin roof and a real sense of community for feathered friends!

The items are on display in the church sanctuary along with sign-up bid sheets to record the bids. Alternatively, bids will be accepted via email to: knoxpcbayfield@gmail.com. The auction will close at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16 and winners will be notified within 24 hours.

Also, on Dec. 16, “Our Christmas Gift” concert will be held beginning at 3 p.m. featuring Martha Lawrance’s Bluewater Harp Ensemble and “thatotherchoir”. Free will donation. All are welcome!

Prayer requests can be shared in several ways. Please contact the minister by emailing revlisa.knoxbayfield@icloud.com for more information.

Knox Presbyterian Church Bayfield is located at 2 Bayfield Main St. N. To learn more visit knoxbayfield.ca

CRAFTING, MOVIES AND AUTHOR VISITS AT THE BAYFIELD LIBRARY

This film from 1986 will be shown at the Bayfield Branch Library on Dec. 14. (Submitted photos)

The Bayfield Branch Library is offering a special  author event this coming weekend and plenty of crafting opportunities to look forward to in December.

An  “Author Talk” is set for this Saturday, Nov. 18 and will feature a local author and coincidentally a local librarian! On this day, Avery Greaves will be celebrating the launch of her debut children’s chapter book series, “The Creature Collection” (featuring The Creature Collection and “The Curious Case of the Canadian Cryptids”).

For one hour starting at 10 a.m. visitors to the library can have their burning questions about sasquatches, garden gnomes, swamp monsters, and more answered, plus they can pick up their free activity book, and have their book signed! In addition, a limited number of copies of books will also be available for purchase.

Those who wish to attend Greave’s presentation are asked to register by email or by phone at the contact information listed below.

“Homemade Holidays” will offer library guests the opportunity to create an adorable craft during the festive season. These sessions are open to all ages and the creations may prove to be the perfect gifts for some special people.

All the craft sessions are one hour and start at 5:45 p.m. What people can make and the session dates are as follows: Festive Garden Gnomes, Tuesday, Dec. 5; Puzzle Piece Wreaths, Thursday, Dec. 7; Evergreen Pine Cone Trees, Tuesday, Dec. 12; and Painted Plaster Ornament, Tuesday, Dec. 19.

The Bayfield Library will also offer a Family Movie Night on Thursday, Dec. 14 starting at 5:45 p.m. “The Christmas Toy” is the title of this  holiday classic by Jim Henson. The movie tells the story of Rugby the Tiger who was young Jaimie’s favorite toy last year. Those who wish to attend are also requested to register using the information above.

Participants must register to take part in the craft sessions as well as the movie night and can do so by emailing bayfieldlibrary@huroncounty.ca or phoning 519 565-2886.

Both the crafting evenings and the holiday movie night are generously sponsored by the Friends of the Bayfield Library.

The Bayfield Branch Library is located at 18 Main St. North.

HELP FILL THIS TRUCK WITH GOODNESS

Those who attend the Bayfield Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, Nov. 18 should be on the look out for this red pickup truck as it will be wending its way along the route with volunteers from the Bayfield Area Food Bank who will be collecting donations of dried and canned goods from the spectators. It should be noted at this time BAFB are also in need of children’s snack items. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

NEW PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT INSTALLED

An excited group of youngsters and their parents/caregivers joined with dignitaries to cut the ribbon on new playground equipment at the Hensall Kinsmen Park. Dignitaries from l-r were: Kevin Jefferies, Bluewater Parks and Recreation; Laurie Spence Bannerman, Bluewater CAO; Winona Bailey, Zurich Councillor; President of Hensall Kinsmen, Darrin Durand; MPP for Huron Bruce Lisa Thompson; Emma Bartz, a volunteer with the Ontario Trillium Foundation; Mayor of Bluewater Paul Klopp; and Deputy Mayor John Becker. (Submitted photos)

Although the temperatures have gotten chillier, young people will be able to play on the new, accessible play structure equipment that’s been installed at the Hensall Kinsmen Park. On the morning of Nov. 7, MPP Lisa Thompson and Emma Bartz, an Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) volunteer, were there with municipal officials for the ribbon-cutting at the park, and recognized the impact of the $100,000 Capital grant the Municipality of Bluewater received last year from OTF to carry out the work.

“This new playground equipment is a great addition for the community of Hensall,” said MPP for Huron Bruce, Lisa Thompson. “It will be a great space where youth can explore, play, socialize and have fun! In supporting this structure, the Ontario government is affirming its commitment to creating family-oriented, safe communities.”

The Hensall play structure is an important source of fun and activity for many local children and youth. It provides countless hours of entertainment and joy. Replacing the outdated equipment with a new, accessible structure ensures that the playground can be enjoyed by children of all abilities, creating a safe, inclusive environment that supports play and social development.

A closer look at the newly installed playground equipment at the Hensall Kinsmen Park.

“Play is an important part of a child’s early development,” said Maggie Off, manager of Facilities, Municipality of Bluewater. “Through play, children develop social skills, build friendships, and participate in physical activity. By supporting the development of our youngest residents through investing in safe, inclusive spaces where they can grow, we’re supporting our residents in building a healthy, active future.”

Bluewater recognizes that children are the future and an important part of the community. The Municipality would like to thank area residents who participated in the process by providing suggestions for the design. With their contributions, the Municipality was able to choose a playground design that meets the needs of the community. It hopes the new play structure will be used and enjoyed by children and youth for many years to come.

The OTF, an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations, celebrates 40 years of grant-making in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. Last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

 PARTNERSHIP SEEKS TO STRENGTHEN RURAL HEALTH COLLABORATION

Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (Gateway) is proud to announce partnerships with both Huron Health System and The University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy – several people gathered for the officially signing of the partnership agreements at the end of October. (Submitted photos)

Oct. 26 marked a significant advancement in the ongoing commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of rural residents in Southwestern Ontario. Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (Gateway) is proud to announce partnerships with both Huron Health System and The University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy.

This meeting built upon Gateway’s well-established relationships with both organizations. Notably, Gateway has formalized its collaborative partnership with The University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reflecting their shared dedication to rural health.

The focus of this union is to further streamline inter-organizational collaboration and communication. The objective is clear: to enhance the health outcomes of the rural population in Southwestern Ontario. The collaboration will mobilize resources and expertise across the three institutions, emphasizing health research, education, and communication as the pillars for improvement.

“We are excited to be entering into a regional network with a multi-disciplinary partnership with healthcare delivery, health research, and academics in the health field,” stated Gateway President Gwen Devereaux. “This represents more than an agreement; it’s a commitment to our rural residents in Southwestern Ontario.”

President and CEO of Huron Health System Jimmy Trieu signed a partnership document while University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy, Hallman Director Andrea Edginton and Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health President Gwen Devereaux look on.

President and CEO of Huron Health System Jimmy Trieu said, “HHS looks forward to forming deeper collaboration initiatives in research and is excited to be partnering with leaders in this space. Collectively, we will develop solutions to improve the healthcare of our rural communities.”

“With innovation as the backbone of our institute, we are eager to collaborate with HHS and (Gateway) CERH to address the challenges facing rural healthcare and positively impact rural communities,” said Hallman Director, University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy, Andrea Edginton. “Through education and research, fostering this relationship will ultimately strengthen our future healthcare system.”

The three organizations recognize the strength of collaboration and anticipate that the united front presented by this partnership will facilitate effective research initiatives, enhance educational offerings, and promote better communication pathways – all to the benefit of the rural communities they serve.

HHS includes the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital (AMGH) in Goderich and the South Huron Hospital (SHH) in Exeter and supports more than 19,000 patient days and over 25,000 emergency department visits annually. Across the two hospitals, there are approximately 360 employees, more than 35 physicians and specialists, and more than 200 volunteers working together to meet the healthcare needs of their communities.

S.H.E.D TALKS LAUNCH AT BRUSSELS EVENT

The Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (Gateway) Team is excited to announce that they will be hosting a Rural Southwestern Ontario S.H.E.D. Talks launch on Friday, Dec. 1, at the Brussels Four Winds Wedding and Event Barn.

This event is the first of its kind and it will include a morning of information sessions discussing S.H.E.D. Talks and how to host one. The guest speaker will be Peter Johnson (Wheat Pete) who is a recognized leader in the agriculture community and sure to entertain with his talk on crops, better farming, and increasing production.

Peter Johnson, aka Wheat Pete, will be the guest speaker at the launch of S.H.E.D Talks in Brussels on Dec. 1st. (Submitted photo)

S.H.E.D. stands for Sustaining Healthy Farms through Empowerment and Dedication. The main objective of the S.H.E.D. Talks project is to focus on reducing social isolation and lessening the daily stressors that farmers experience. S.H.E.D. Talks aims to do this by creating a communal and collaborative space for farmers to gather, build connections and support one another. The four areas encouraged by this project are connection, collaboration, community and conversation.

Tickets for the Dec. 1st event can be purchased through Eventbrite for $20 each. With the purchase of a ticket, those who attend  will get a catered lunch from Pineridge BBQ as well as the opportunity to listen and interact with the various guest speakers.

Please visit www.gatewayruralhealth.ca and follow the link from the homepage to purchase tickets.

GIFT OF LIGHTS TREE LIGHTING RETURNS AFTER FOUR YEARS

The Auxiliary of Clinton Public Hospital (CPH) is once again lighting the Gift of Lights tree.  The tree will be lit on Friday, Nov. 24 radiating its lights throughout the holiday season.

“It has always been a sincere joy to celebrate the lighting of the lights on the hospital’s special tree.  This tree lights the area across the road from the front entrance to CPH,” said Shirley Carter, chair of CPH Auxiliary Gift of Lights.

This year more lights are being added to this celebration. People can look for the new lights on CPH’s front entrance veranda.

The lights are meant to honor the many memories of individuals and families that are special to the donor or as a gift to special people in the donor’s lives.  Many of those being honored in this way have been a part of the community and the hospital for a number of years.  The donations that have been made over the past years have been a gift in another way as well. Those donations have assisted in the purchase of many new items and equipment that has been needed and used at CPH.

“We have been unable to hold a gathering to celebrate the light lighting since 2019.  This year we are happy to announce that we are once again holding a gathering to celebrate this event starting at 6:30 p.m. on  Nov. 24,” said Carter.

There will be entertainment, draw prizes and the drawing of the ticket that announces the winner of the Auxiliary’s 50/50 Draw.  The purchase of a ticket or tickets will help the tree to shine brightly with each light honoring someone special to the donor.

People are encouraged to drive up Shipley Street past CPH and see the glow from the shining lights as a happy reminder of how many people have been helped.

“We would really appreciate your continuing support,” said Carter.

Anyone who would like to make a donation towards the Gift of Lights for 2023 can mail a cheque to: Gift of Lights, CPH Auxiliary; 98 Shipley St., Clinton, ON, N0M 1L0. Any donation of $20 or more will be given a tax receipt.

Tickets can also be purchased from Auxiliary members or at the CPH Gift Shop as a way of continuing to support the tree lighting and the hospital and as a way to continue to honor those special people by gifting them a light.