PIONEER PARK FUN RACE A SUMMER FAVORITE

The Annual Pioneer Park Association 5 km Fun Race is this coming Monday, Aug. 5th! People of all ages and categories are welcome and encouraged to participate. In this photo from 2023, Ann Laudenbach speaks to the walkers just prior to their start time with a few safety instructions. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

Pump up those tires and dust off those sneakers – the Annual Pioneer Park Association 5 km Fun Race is this coming Monday, Aug. 5th! People of all ages and categories are welcome and encouraged to participate.

“It will mark over 33 years we’ve had this race and we are looking forward to seeing returning racers and newcomers for another year,” said Ann Laudenbach, one of the event organizers.

Participants can walk, run, roll or bike this year, all four categories will be open.

Registration will be held in the park from 8:45-9:30 a.m. Walkers will depart at 9:30 a.m. Dogs on leash are welcome. Cyclists and runners will leave within a space of five minutes starting at 10 a.m. Please remember that helmets for cyclists under the age of 18 years is an Ontario legal requirement.

The entry fee remains at $5 per participant. Donations will also be very much appreciated with all proceeds going to help with the general maintenance of Pioneer Park.

BAYFIELD HISTORY? THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT

Thanks to a web-based, augmented reality app and the digitization efforts of the Bayfield Historical Society (BHS), villagers and visitors can learn about the history of Bayfield’s Main Street on their mobile phone!

Recent University of Waterloo graduate Ben Woodward has developed the app as part of a research study being conducted in Bayfield (as well as New Hamburg, ON). He looks forward to receiving feedback on its usefulness as a tool for learning about local history and built heritage.

“Ben has been a summer student and volunteer for the BHS throughout his undergraduate years. He assisted in the Heritage Centre one summer, digitizing and cataloging our photo albums and postcard collection. Having developed an interest in archives, he returned as a co-op student, using his GIS skills to present our location-based images on Bayfield Historical Webmap. We are delighted that Ben’s student work for BHS has sparked his continuing interest in making heritage information – in particular BHS’s – accessible in new ways!” said Julia Armstrong, archivist with BHS.

Ben invites residents and visitors to participate in a study about the app:

1. Find one of the posters along Main Street and scan the QR code.
2. Complete a short entrance survey, which includes some non-identifying demographic questions and questions about your interest in history and built heritage. You will then be led to the app.
3.  Use the app on your mobile phone or tablet to explore a selection of historic buildings along Bayfield’s Main Street.
4. Complete an exit survey, which includes questions on your experience with the app and your interest in local history and built heritage after using the app.

Participating in this research study will take approximately 20-30 minutes of people’s time. If you choose to participate, you may decline to answer any question(s) in the survey by leaving them blank.

Since the app is designed to provide information for nearby heritage buildings, participants need to be in Bayfield’s Heritage Conservation District (Main Street North) to use it.

This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through a University of Waterloo Research Ethics Board.

AUGUST HIKES INCLUDE COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP

During August, members of the Bayfield River Valley Trails Association (BRVTA) will have a team participating in the “Ninth Annual Love Your Greats Day Community Clean Up” as well as hosting an Indigenous History hike.

The BRVTA Team will be meeting at “The Forum” – the entrance from the River Flats to the new pedestrian walk-way and they will be cleaning up along the River Flats, Hwy. 21 north and south of the bridge, and part of Old River Road to Sawmill Road. Those who wish to help are asked to meet at The Forum at 10  a.m. The clean up will continue until noon. Then there will be a celebration and sorting at the Marine Store until 2 p.m. Participants are asked to please wear a safety vest (or bright colors) and to bring their own gloves.

For more information visit  Love Your Greats Day.

All are welcome to join the BRVTA for their annual Indigenous History hike on Saturday, Aug. 24 at 10 a.m. at the Varna Nature Trails on Mill Road, 1 km west of Varna. They will welcome Jordan George as their special guest. He is a Kettle and Stony Point member who specializes in Indigenous research. He will share the history of Indigenous peoples in the Bayfield area.

To learn more about the First Nations on the Huron Tract, go to Bayfield Historical Society Indigenous History. Dogs on leash are welcome. Participants are asked to please dress appropriately to reduce their risk of ticks.

For more information, contact Ralph Blasting at 519 525-3205 or rjblastingjr@gmail.com

MUSICAL AND FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT GALORE AT BAYFIELD COMMUNITY FAIR

Music in the Park, featuring local musician Lance Bedard, will take place starting mid-afternoon on Sunday, Aug. 18 and continue as long as there is an audience. The licensed refreshment tent will also be open during the entertainment. (Submitted photo)

The Bayfield Community Fair is now just over two weeks away – Aug. 16-18! The Bayfield Agricultural Society (BAS) invites everyone in the community to come and enjoy a weekend that’s jam-packed with events, activities, homecraft exhibits, horse shows, competitions, food and fun. And let’s not forget the entertainment!

A full lineup of quality entertainment is planned for the Fair weekend including music and family and children friendly entertainers:

• On Friday, Aug. 16, Darren Steckle will provide the entertainment during the Rib Dinner and into the evening with his guitar playing and vocals. Steckle participated in the Rise2Fame competition at the Fair a few years ago.  He loves playing the blues but is also influenced by other genres, including jazz, country, alternative and bluegrass.
• On Saturday, Aug. 17, the Rock Revival Concert at the fairgrounds will give everyone a chance to rock out the park after dark to the music of tribute bands “Simply Queen Live” and “Sir Elton’s Greatest”. For tickets to this concert and details, please visit Bayfield Town Hall – Events.
• New this year, musical entertainment has been added to the Sunday afternoon Fair schedule. Starting mid-afternoon on Sunday, Aug. 18, musician Lance Bedard will take the stage. Many will recognize Bedard as the lead vocalist and guitarist of local band “Highway 21”. Bedard’s talents cross over a number of music genres and are sure to be a hit with the Sunday afternoon crowd.
• “Circus Drummer” will be at the Fair on Saturday, Aug. 17 to entertain the kids with his wild and zany antics. His theatrical, musical, acrobatic, circus and performance skills put him in a league of his own. Following his stage show, Circus Drummer will continue entertaining while mingling with visitors on the fairgrounds.
• Wild Ontario, an environmental and science education program of the University of Guelph, will do several educational presentations featuring raptors (birds of prey) on Saturday, Aug. 17. The presenters will bring a number of raptors and answer questions about these interesting birds.
• “The Cutting-Edge Cowgirls”, a mounted drill team based out of Mitchell, ON, are scheduled for two performances on Sunday, Aug. 18. The Cowgirls will provide a thrilling, precision riding show for all to enjoy.

These are just the highlights of what’s in store for entertainment at this year’s Bayfield Fair.

There will also be a booth for kids to explore the world of microscopes and Habitat for Humanity will give kids hands-on experience with building materials. Of course, the always-popular face painting and ballooning by Snippitty the Clown, inflatables, games, and other kid-oriented activities will also be offered.

For the 2024 Fair Schedule and details, please visit www.BayfieldFair.ca  Fair organizers are still working on lots of fun events and activities, so check back often and stay tuned.

Join in the Fun – come and be entertained at the Fair.

HURON HOSPICE BENDER HOUSE TOPIC OF SERIES

Rev. Lisa Dolson welcomed Christopher Walker from Huron Hospice Bender House as the guest speaker at Knox Presbyterian Church’s “Speakers Series” on th afternoon of Sunday, July 28. (Submitted photo)

Knox Presbyterian Church in Bayfield is hosting a “Speaker Series” on topics of interest to seniors and their families.

On Sunday, July 28, Knox Church welcomed Christopher Walker from Huron Hospice Bender House. Walker spoke to their mission which is to provide quality, hospice palliative care in the rural community. Attendees learned that Huron Hospice provides a place where residents can be cared for in a home-like setting in their final months, weeks and days of life. Huron Hospice is jointly funded through the province and community donations, so there is no charge to stay at Huron Hospice. Anyone who may be interested in learning more, is asked to please contact them at the residence 519 606-6600. They have nurses on staff 24/7 to answer calls. Alternatively, people can speak with their physician, nurse practitioner, nurse, or care coordinator.

Organizers would like to extend a thank you to Walker for his extremely informative session. The Knox congregation was delighted to host him. A free will offering was collected for Huron Hospice Bender House.

People can look forward to more information in the coming weeks on the next speaker in the series.

On Sunday, July 28, Rev. Lisa Dolson ordained parishoner Judith Roy as an Elder of the Knox Presbyterian Church. (Submitted photo)

On Sunday, July 28th Knox parishioner Judith Roy was ordained as an Elder of the church. Elders are responsible for the leadership and welfare of the congregation, pastoral care, setting the programs and Bible study, missions, fundraising and much more. As an Elder Roy became part of the Session. To help celebrate this momentous occasion, Martha Lawrance returned to Knox as the musical guest for the special service. To learn more about Lawrance visit: My Harp Heals.

On Sunday, Aug. 4th, Knox Church will welcome musical guest Peter Postill, soloist. All are invited to attend the service that will begin at 11 a.m.

Knox Presbyterian Church Bayfield is located at 2 Bayfield Main Street North. To learn more visit knoxbayfield.ca or follow them on YouTube – Knox, Bayfield.

CLOSE TO 50 PEOPLE ATTEND CHRISTMAS IN JULY

The Christmas in July service at the Trinity St James Chapel of Ease was for the young and young at heart. A time of fellowship and decorating and eating gingerbread cookies was held following the service in the TSJ Hall. (Submitted photo)

On Apr. 15, the oldest Anglican Church in Huron County, Trinity St. James in Bayfield moved from a full church to a Chapel of Ease. The definition of a Chapel of Ease is “a church which has ceased to function for a congregation, but is still used for occasional services up to a maximum of six per calendar year and has the resources, human and financial, to maintain itself.”

On July 28, the chapel played host to “Christmas in July” and organizers were delighted to have close to 50 people of all ages take part in the Carol Sing-a-long, Communion Service and time of fellowship following. In addition, 50 gingerbread cookies were decorated and enjoyed alongside coffee and juice during the social time.

In the remainder of 2024, three more services are planned and it is the hope of those maintaining this beautiful chapel that members of all denominations will come and join in the spirit of celebration.

The dates for these Sunday afternoon services are as follows: Aug. 25, Oct. 6 and Dec. 15. The services will begin at 2:30 p.m.

On Aug. 25, the chapel service will acknowledge the community’s mariner heritage with special music and a sing-along starting at 2 p.m. This full communion service will be led by Rev’d Dr. Justin Comber. Following this service the TSJ Hall Association members are planning a Fish Fry Fundraiser. The menu will include ¼ lb. White Perch and fresh cut fries (supplied by Out of the Blue Fish and Seafood Market); with coleslaw. There is a limited number of tickets available at $20 per person. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Melody Falconer-Pounder by calling 519 525-3830 or emailing melody.pounder@gmail.com. Proceeds from the Fish Fry will help keep the doors of the TSJ Hall open for continued community use.

Formerly known as the Parish Hall, the TSJ Hall, located at 10 Keith Crescent in the village, is now operated for community use by an Association and is available to rent for such uses as club and business meetings, family gatherings or events including, weddings and funerals.

FOURTEEN ADOPTIONS DURING KITTEN PALOOZA

Brioa and her babies from l-r: Fluffer, Peanut and Butter. (Submitted photo)

Volunteers with Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF) are very pleased to announce that their “Kitten Palooza” held on Sunday, July 28 was a huge success. They had 14 kittens adopted into their forever homes and currently have more applications coming in.

BFF would also like to thank Michael’s Pharmacy and their amazing staff for a very successful and enjoyable Silent Auction fundraiser that they held for the Rescue on July 24-25. Their tremendous effort also made for a successful event.

Brioa and her kittens, Fluffer, Peanut and Butter are the Adopt a BFF family of the week.

This beautiful young Mama and her trio of babies recently arrived at BFF when they were spotted by someone who then started feeding them. They found Brioa  to be very friendly.

“It is believed that there were possibly more kittens to begin with,” said Deb Penhale, representing BFF.

According to Penhale, their caregivers happened to notice the little orange guy had a limp, upon closer inspection, they realized he’s missing his back right foot.

“They were fearful that some sort of trauma or predator attack had caused the problem but it has since been discovered that it is actually a birth defect. This little guy, we call, Butter, seems to get along just fine. He was taken to the vet just to make sure. However, he and his siblings did have upper respiratory infections, one of the siblings worse than the others, but they have since been treated and are now doing great,” said Penhale.

She added that they are all playful and energetic while Butter is especially affectionate and playful. The lighter colored Tabby, Peanut, seems to be the instigator of the trio and Fluffer has a super saucy face but is everybody’s best buddy. Mama, who is not much more than a baby herself, is also very affectionate and thrives on cuddles and being petted.

This super sweet family will soon be looking for forever homes.

“Ideally, we try to have kittens adopted in pairs, unless there is another cat at home, as it causes less issues as kittens can suffer from single Kitten Syndrome. This happens when they are under socialized and have not been taught how to behave by other cats or kittens. This can often create issues such as biting, playing aggressively and boredom.”

Reach out to bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com to learn more about this family and others. The adoption fee is $250. Adopted cats are vetted, shots are up-to-date and they are also spayed or neutered. Can’t adopt or foster at this time?  Consider donating for medical care and food to the email address listed above via E-transfer or mail financial donations to P.O. Box 33, Bayfield, ON, N0M 1G0.

LEMONADE FOR A CAUSE

Last week, the children from the Saavedra and Steenstra families held their third annual lemonade stand in partnership with Rosie’s Ice Cream Shoppe on Bayfield’s Main Street to raise money for Bayfield‘s Forgotten Felines (BFF). Emme Saavedra and Quinn Steenstra did an amazing job raising $260 for the cat rescue. Well done! (Submitted photo)

LAVENDER FARM HOSTING SUMMER EVENTS

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

On Saturday, July 14, a lavender wreath-making workshop was held at the Bayfield Lavender Farm. Guided by owner Gemma James-Smith, 14 participants spent the warm summer evening harvesting fresh lavender to create their own unique eight-inch wreath.

Accompanied by much laughter and a lot of focus, James-Smith led the ladies through the steps of this very involved handcraft, using beautiful French Lavender grown on the farm.

This is just one of several special events being held at Bayfield Lavender Farm this summer. Another upcoming event is a “Deep Relaxation Sound Bath” experience on Aug. 10.

Individuals are invited to the farm for a one-hour session starting at 4:30 p.m. The session will include a relaxing, creative visualization experience through the vibrational and resonating power of the harp, and crystal singing bowls, guided by Martha Lawrance.

The cost to participate is $35 and those who wish to take part are asked to register and pay by visiting: bayfieldlavenderfarm.ca  or by calling 519 525-5724.

The Bayfield Lavender Farm is located at 77881 Porter’s Hill Line near Bayfield.

The Farm is open to the public Thursdays to Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, please visit the website listed above.

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POLLS SHED LIGHT ON BUS RIDERSHIP

Huron Shores Area Transit (HSAT) recently conducted a series of six one-question polls published between Apr. 29 and July 19, 2024, to gather basic demographic information about its riders as well as their reason for travelling on a specific day. The polls, which received a total of 635 completed entries, provided a snapshot in time of who rides the buses.

One of the key findings from the collected poll data revealed that 28 per cent of respondents use HSAT to get to work, highlighting the importance of the transit system in supporting daily commutes for the local community. Additionally, the polls showed that other reasons for riding the bus included heading to social or leisure activities, 20 per cent; shopping, 16 per cent; and attending medical appointments.

The poll also provided insights into where passengers call home, with a majority of local passengers living in Lambton Shores. 25 per cent; followed by Kettle & Stony Point FN, eight per cent; South Huron, 6 per cent; Bluewater, North Middlesex and Goderich, all at three per cent each; and Central Huron, one per cent. A healthy percentage of polled passengers live in London, 27 per cent; or Sarnia, 20 per cent; and given the time of year the polls were conducted, it is supposed these passengers were traveling into the area for work or leisure. Additionally, the poll indicated that 34 per cent of respondents work full-time or part-time, 21 per cent are retirees, 13 per cent are students, and eight per cent are stay-at-home parents.

“We are pleased to see the positive response from the community regarding their reliance on public transit,” said Transit Coordinator for HSAT, Susan Mills. “These poll results provide a benchmark by which we can measure future passenger data.”

To encourage poll participation, HSAT offered poll takers a chance to win one of ten Monthly Passes, with each completed poll serving as an entry in the pass contest. The winners will receive their Monthly Pass in the mail within the week and include: Shakira J., Elizabeth D., Tyler K., Dana M. and Lorrie F., all from Lambton Shores; Emal K., Allyson M. and Andrew L., all from London; and Lynda L. and Jocelyn A. from Sarnia.

As HSAT approaches the final eight months of full funding under Ontario’s Community Transportation Grant Program, the poll results, ridership, and revenue data will play an important role in shaping the transit system’s future beyond the transit pilot project’s end date of March 31, 2025.

For more information about routes, schedules, fares and Smart Cards, visit HuronShoresAreaTransit.ca. To speak with a live operator about times and schedules, call 1-888-465-0783 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.

GODERICH ART CLUB TO HOST SHOW AND SALE

The Goderich Art Show and Sale as it looked in 2023 ready for visitors!

The 2024 Goderich Art Club Show and Sale will feature 27 artists and over 400 works of original art at The MacKay Centre from Aug. 9-11.

Started in 1952, the Goderich Art Club has been active for over 70 years and currently has 35 members. This year the feature artist is Jayne Crebolder.

“It is a great community of painters,” said Cindy Fisher, representing the club. “This is a show and sale, so there is no pressure to purchase when you attend the event.”

Jayne Crebolder (left) and Kim Dumont stand at the entrance to The McKay Centre for Seniors prior to the opening of the 2023 Goderich Art Club’s Art Show and Sale. This year the show will be held on Aug. 9-11. (Submitted photos)

The Show and Sale will run Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no charge for admission and all are welcome to come and view what should be a pretty fabulous display of art! Cash, cheque, debit and credit cards are accepted.

Fisher went on to explain that the Goderich Art Club and Mackay Centre do not take a commission or percentage of sales from each artist.  If a piece of art is sold, the entire amount goes to the artist.

“This is not a ‘money making’ venture for either the art Club or MacKay Centre.  Each artist pays a fee to be in the show and that fee supports the programming of the art club and the MacKay Centre for Seniors which is a non-profit organization,” concluded Fisher.

The MacKay Centre, an accessible, air-conditioned building, is located at 10 Nelson Street East, Goderich (corner of North Street. and Nelson).

BUTTERFLY RELEASE SET FOR END OF AUGUST

The butterfly is a universal symbol of transformation. (Submitted photo)

The Annual Butterfly Release is back at Huron Hospice for its eighth year. On Sunday, Aug. 25, people will release their butterflies and remember loved ones at a Huron Hospice Bender House commemoration ceremony.

The butterfly is a universal symbol of transformation, and the release is a much-anticipated event for Huron County families.

“It is a beautiful way to honor and remember those we have lost in our community and recognize the important work done at Huron Hospice,” said Willy Van Klooster. “We think the gardens at Bender House are an ideal location to release butterflies and remember. Families can also pick up and release them at an important place to their family.”

Huron Hospice will livestream the commemorative event at the Bender House and broadcast it on YouTube and social media.

Huron Hospice will sell Painted Lady Butterflies, Butterfly Bushes, Black-Eyed Susans, and Purple Coneflowers. Painted Lady Butterflies are $40, Butterfly Bushes are $38, and Black-Eyed Susans and Purple Coneflowers will sell for $25. These plants are important pollinating plants and make wonderful additions to any garden. The deadline for ordering butterflies is Aug. 1st.

Painted Lady Butterflies are bred in a certified butterfly breeding facility near Peterborough, ON. The perennial plants ordered this summer will be available for planting in the spring. The plants should flower in time for the butterflies and bees in the Spring and Summer of 2025.

The International Butterfly Breeders Association (IBBA) has done thorough research on butterfly releases, demonstrating that these events are safe when done correctly. They state the following:

• Captive butterflies retain their instinct to migrate, so relocation and release will not impact their ability to find resources and migrate during the appropriate season.
• Scientists have no evidence of a negative effect on the gene pool of wild populations after captive-bred butterflies are released.
• Butterflies rarely die in shipping, and the IBBA has a shipping policy that breeders must follow to prevent such a thing from happening.

Butterflies can be purchased at www.huronhospice.ca or by email at reagan.vandewalle@huronhospice.ca or sadie.carter@huronhospice.ca or by phone at 519 525-7352. Again, the deadline for ordering butterflies is Aug. 1st!

PEOPLE ENCOURAGED TO REGISTER FOR TURTLE HATCHLING RELEASE

The Turtle Hatchling Release has been set for Aug. 29. (Submitted photo)

Huron Stewardship Council (HSC) and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) are joining with other community partners to host the return of the annual Turtle Hatchling Release. The popular event will be held on Thursday, Aug. 29 at Morrison Dam Conservation Area.

Admission is free and people are welcome to drop in at any time during the event which will be held from 1-4 p.m.  Donations are encouraged and proceeds will support turtle conservation in Ontario. The event includes live reptiles on display; family-friendly activities; educational displays and more. There will be merchandise for sale as well.

To reserve a spot at the event, visit the Eventbrite link Turtle Hatchling Release.

The turtle release has taken place since 2016 (it was held as a virtual event in 2020 and 2021).

Sheldon Paul is HSC Fieldwork Coordinator. He said the turtle event draws crowds every year and is a great way to educate people of all ages about the need to protect Ontario’s eight turtle species.

“It’s fun, it’s free and we look forward to seeing everyone there,” he said.

Hope Brock is ABCA Healthy Watersheds Technician. She said turtles are important links in food webs and provide essential services. Snapping turtles, for example, help to control aquatic vegetation and clean creeks and wetlands by eating algae and dead and decaying fish and other organisms. They also cycle nutrients and spread seeds which benefit other organisms.

People can protect turtles, she said, by watching for turtles on roads when driving, helping them safely cross roads in the way they are headed, protecting nests from predators, and reporting turtle sightings to community monitoring projects. Enhancing turtle habitat is also vital.

“Preserving and creating habitat for turtles and other species is one of the most important things we can do to sustain our turtle species,” Brock said. “There has been a huge increase in the interest in turtles and protecting turtles in our watershed, so I also want to thank people for these efforts. Thank you for your continued curiosity, for attending this event, and for your desire to help these at-risk animals.”

People attending will not be able to hold the turtles. This is to protect the animals and reduce their stress. Those attending will be able to see the turtles as they are released. The HSC staff releasing the hatchlings are trained and authorized to release them. (Organizers remind the public to never release species, especially non-native species, into the wild).

Ontario’s native freshwater turtles face many threats including habitat loss and road mortality (death by cars and other vehicles). Hundreds of turtles in Ontario are hit by cars each year. These could be gravid (pregnant) females looking for a place to lay eggs, or turtles looking for new habitat and mates. People can help turtles by creating and enhancing habitat on their properties, and working with their local municipalities and communities to erect turtle crossing signs and build safe passages. People can also arrange for transport of injured turtles to the turtle hospital.

To learn more visit the  Huron Stewardship Council website, and the ABCA Turtles webpage, or email HSC at huronstewardship@gmail.com.

Morrison Dam Conservation Area, is located at 71108 Morrison Line, east of Exeter.