ACHIEVEMENT DAY AT THE FAIR

The Bayfield Agricultural Society hosted their 168th Bayfield Community Fair on Aug. 16-18. One of the highlights of the fair for many is watching youth compete in the South Huron 4-H Sheep Achievement Day sponsored by the Libro Credit Union. Coverage of this event as well as the many other happenings at the fair will be showcased in next week’s Bayfield Breeze to be published on Aug. 28. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

---

PLANS FOR CHRISTMAS IN BAYFIELD UNDERWAY

The countdown is on to Christmas in Bayfield weekend – Nov. 15-17, 2024. (Photo by John Pounder)

Christmas in Bayfield planning is well underway and the organizers are now building toward the best year ever!

According to Bayfield and Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) Secretary-Treasurer Terri Louch, “We have created a sponsorship package this year and sent it out to many of our community partners. If you would like the opportunity to partner your business with this amazing event please reach out to Wendy Vasco at socialmediabacc@gmail.com. She will gladly meet with you to discuss the variety of opportunities available.”

The BACC would like everyone to know that the Parade Committee will shortly be accepting parade participant requests. They can be sent to the Committee here: committeecibparade@gmail.com.

“Would you like to volunteer to help this year or know someone who might? We would love to have you join us,” said Louch. “Finally we are looking for artists and performers who may want to showcase their talents. This will be an outdoor venue so that would need to be taken into account.”

Volunteers, artists and performers are asked to contact villageofbayfield@gmail.com with expressions of interest.

Christmas in Bayfield will be held Nov. 15-17, 2024.

OPPORTUNITY TO MEET THE RIDERS AND HORSES DURING RCMP VISIT

The RCMP Musical Ride is a symbol of tradition, honour, and pride. Don’t miss out on this uniquely Canadian experience! (Photo courtesy of: Royal Canadian Mounted Police)

The Bayfield Agricultural Society and REACH Huron are proud to present the RCMP Musical Ride at the Clinton Raceway on Labour Day weekend – Aug. 31st and Sept. 1st.

The RCMP Musical Ride features riders and their horses performing a variety of intricate formations and cavalry drills set to music. The result is a spectacular display of precision and skill!

The horses will be stabled at REACH Huron, which is located at 169 Beech Street next to the Clinton Raceway. As an added feature, the stables will be open to the public when the riders and horses are not performing on Saturday, Aug. 31st from mid-afternoon until 9 p.m. and on Sept. 1st from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Each horse and rider combination has its own trading card, similar to a baseball/hockey card, that visitors can collect. Visiting the stables offers a perfect opportunity to see these beautiful horses up close.

There will be two performances: Saturday, Aug 31st at 5 p.m. (gates open at 4 p.m.) and Sunday, Sept. 1st at 5 p.m. (gates open at 3 p.m.).

Both performances will take place at the Clinton Raceway, 129 Beech St., Clinton Ticket prices are: Adults – $15 and Kids aged six to 12 – $10; Kids aged five and under – free. This early-bird pricing applies to tickets purchased in advance. All tickets are $5 extra if purchased at the gate.

Tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime experience can be purchased online at https://events.frontdoor.plus/event/555  Please call 519 482-3998 or email info@bayfieldfair.ca to purchase traditional tickets.

INDIGENOUS HISTORY HIKE SATURDAY

The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) is a volunteer organization that develops and maintains hiking trails in the Bayfield area. They maintain over 18 km of trails in six locations in support of health and enjoyment of nature. They also conduct regular guided hikes.

The next guided hike will be 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 or visit bayfieldtrails.ca.

SAMPSON IN A CLASS OF HIS OWN

Sampson (Submitted photo)

Male cats aren’t often credited with being good caregivers and so the Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines’ Adopt a BFF cat of the week –  Sampson – may be in a class all his own.

Sampson was first spotted nearly a year ago and a kind person began feeding him. After a while another cat began appearing at the feeding station and not long after that three kittens joined in the visits. It was then that the people minding the station decided to try and trap the bunch.

“Mama was trapped first which wasn’t the most ideal scenario. Her name is Effie and she has been profiled in the Bayfield Breeze before,” said Deb Penhale, representing Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF). “In the week that the kittens were separated from their mother, this young male cat, Sampson, who might actually be their father, would show up at the feeding station with the kittens. He’d sit back while the kittens ate, then he would eat, and then he would usher the kittens away. He was very careful and watching out for them and would run interference if someone tried to get too close to the kittens.”

Eventually the kittens were trapped and brought to the Rescue where they were given the names Willow, Midnight and Frank.

Once the kittens were trapped, Sampson didn’t show up for about a week but he did eventually start showing up again.

“Sampson would sit back and wait for a while before approaching the food. He was very wary of the people and seemed very sad. He would sit there for hours watching for the kittens to return,” said Penhale. “They were finally able to trap him, and he was also brought to the shelter where he was able to meet up with Effie and her trio of kittens.”

According to Penhale, It took him a few days to come around and he wasn’t able to be handled but he did allow for head pets and ear scratches, and has now graduated to allowing a full body pet.

“When this little family was reunited the kittens were sick but they are now well on their way to recovery. Everyone will soon be vetted, altered, and ready for adoption,” she said.

Penhale would like to thank the people who were so patient working with these cats and kittens, taking care of them, feeding them, making sure that where they ate and drank was a safe haven until they were all trapped and brought into the Rescue.

Reach out to bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com to learn more about Sampson, Effie and her trio of kittens, and the other felines ready to go to their forever homes. 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.

COUNTING DOWN THE HOURS

The Bayfield Town Hall volunteers will host their last outdoor concert of the season on the afternoon of Saturday, Aug. 31st. “Counting Down the Hours” will perform tunes from popular country artists including, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert. Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton and more! Those who attend should bring their own lawn chair. Members of the Bayfield International Croquet Club will serve up hot dogs and hamburgers. Tickets are $20 for this event that will run from 3-6 p.m. and are available now at www.bayfieldtownhall.com. (Submitted photo)

LODGE DONATES TO LONG TABLE DINNER

Taking part in a cheque presentation by the Maitland Masonic Lodge #33 A.F. and A.M. to the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital Foundation (AMGHF) in support of their upcoming Alexandra Rose Long Table Dinner were from Back row l-r: Michael Sweeney, Bill Pfannenstiel, Cam Whiting, Dean Wilson, Larry Park and Wes Morley. Front row l-r: Justin Pearson, AMGH Chair; Stephen Doney, Steve Bruce, Jason Philip, Emma Bartz and Sherry Marshall, both AMGH Board members; and David Yates. (Submitted photo)

The organizers of the Alexandra Rose Long Table Dinner are thrilled to announce a generous $10,000 donation from the Maitland Masonic Lodge #33 A.F. and A.M. This significant contribution highlights the Lodge’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Goderich community and enriching local initiatives, in particular support for the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital Foundation (AMGHF).

The Maitland Masonic Lodge #33 A.F. and A.M. has a long-standing tradition of giving back, and this donation is yet another example of their dedication to fostering community spirit. Their support will go a long way in ensuring the success of the Alexandra Rose Long Table Dinner, an event that celebrates community, connection, and an essential community hospital.

“We are incredibly grateful for the Maitland Masonic Lodge’s generous donation,” said Justin Pearson, chair, AMGHF. “Their support is invaluable in helping us bring the community together for this special event, and we appreciate their continued commitment to making our community a better place for everyone.”

The Alexandra Rose Long Table Dinner, known for its unique dining experience, brings together residents and visitors alike to enjoy a communal meal in the beautiful downtown Courthouse Square. The event not only promotes community engagement but also raises important funds for the local hospital and patient centred equipment, further emphasizing the spirit of generosity that the Maitland Masonic Lodge #33 A.F. and A.M. embodies.

The organizers extend their heartfelt thanks to the members of the Maitland Masonic Lodge #33 A.F. and A.M. for their unwavering support and look forward to a successful and memorable event.

For more information about the Alexandra Rose Long Table Dinner, please visit www.amghfoundation.ca  or contact the office at 519 524-8508.

The AMGHF is a cornerstone of the community, dedicated to providing capital equipment purchases for the hospital, improving patient care close to home.

NO PLACE LIKE HOME EVOLVES INTO FARM TO FORK FUNDRAISER

On Saturday, Sept. 21, the team at Huron Hospice will serve dinner at the Holmesville Community Centre as their “No Place Like Home” event is now a Farm to Fork fundraising dinner and auction.

First held in 2020, No Place Like Home was an original solution to fundraising during a pandemic.

“We thought it would be one night only! However, the event was so successful we just had to do it again and again and again,” said Huron Hospice Executive Director, Willy Van Klooster. “This year, we are celebrating a completely different aspect of Huron County: its food producers. And yes, we are in-person at the Holmesville Community Centre.”

Celebrating the theme of home invites conversations, memories and stories about hospice and also the best of Huron County where many call home. By profiling home, the No Place Like Home event has become the signature Huron Hospice fundraiser. It supports end-of-life care as close to home, and as much like home, as possible.

The dinner provided by Part II Bistro of Goderich will evoke visions of a 100-mile diet. If the ingredient is not available in Huron County, it will come from Ontario or Canada.

According to Christopher Walker, Huron Hospice manager of Fund Development, “We will have to travel further than 100 miles for the salmon. The dinner will feature local wine and beer tastings and a unique raffle. There will be an auction with some fun locally themed items.”

The organizers announced that Alecia Anderson, Huron County coordinator of Tourism and Local Food, will act as co-emcee and be joined by MP Ben Lobb, as co-emcee and celebrity auctioneer.

“We are pleased to have Alecia and Ben join us again. Each of them knows Huron County and the food scene better than most. The fact that Alecia and Ben are making time for Huron Hospice shows how important the Hospice is for everyone across the county,” said Walker.  He also thanked Gil Garratt, artistic director at the Blyth Festival, who supported the telethon for the past four years and was instrumental to the event’s success.

Tickets for the Dinner are $150 each or $1,200 for a table of eight. Again, this year, complimentary dinner shuttles are available. However, guests must reserve their shuttle seats by calling Walker. Murphy Bus Lines has generously donated the use of three buses for the evening.

Funds raised each year help pay for the care at Huron Hospice. Last year, Hospice nurses and volunteers provided care for 72 people at Bender House. Home hospice and respite volunteers made 687 visits to 104 families, and 103 people attended 591 grief group sessions.

Huron Hospice services are free, and public support ensures they remain free to all who need them. Individuals or their family members who are in need of Huron Hospice care, please call 519 606-6600.

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.

TICKET SALES SURPASS MILLION DOLLAR MARK

Split the Pot Lottery is thrilled to announce the phenomenal support for its latest lottery program, achieving exceptional results in just eight days after launching on Aug. 7. Supporting 62 Ontario hospitals, the lottery remains a top priority for Ontarians, with ticket sales surpassing $1,000,000. More tickets sold means more advancements in health care and a larger payout for supporters.

Supporters have the power to make a difference with their purchases. They can direct the proceeds from their ticket purchase to a specific local hospital partner or share them equally among all 62 hospital partners by selecting “All Participating Hospitals” at checkout.

To increase players’ chances of winning, Split the Pot Lottery’s grand prize payout will be divided among 13 winners, with the current payout being estimated to grow to $1.2 million! Additionally, thousands of dollars in early rewards are still available for early ticket purchasers.

Split the Pot Lottery has captivated multiple communities, attracting new and loyal supporters dedicated to enhancing health care across Ontario. These funds are crucial in driving critical healthcare initiatives within these communities, ensuring a positive and lasting impact.

“Thank you to all of our players for supporting Ontario hospitals by participating in Split the Pot Lottery. It’s exciting to see the grand prize go over the top of the guarantee so quickly,” said President & CEO, Grand River Hospital Foundation, Paul McIntyre Royston. “We look forward to awarding great prizes to supporters across the province as they help our hospital teams provide the best care for all of us.”

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting the Split the Pot website: splitthepot.ca or by calling 1-833-804-6262 to place an order over the phone. All other information including ticket prices, prizes, draws, important dates and rules can be found on the website as well.

Split the Pot Lottery (Licence Number: RAF1383479), is a joint venture of

of 62 hospitals across the province including two hospital foundations close to home: Alexandra Marine and General Hospital Foundation, Goderich and South Huron Hospital Foundation, Exeter.

WEST NILE VIRUS PRESENT IN HURON

Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) is reminding residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites after mosquitoes collected from traps in Stratford and southern Huron County tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). These are the first positive mosquito findings of the season for Huron and Perth counties; the findings indicate that WNV-positive mosquitoes could be present anywhere in Huron and Perth. HPPH was also notified of an American Crow testing positive for WNV in the North Huron area. Crows are a known carrier of WNV.

“It’s not surprising to see positive mosquito pools in the month of August,” said Senior Public Health Inspector, Dale Lyttle. “People are at greatest risk of contracting West Nile virus in late summer, so it is important to protect yourself while outdoors when mosquitoes are most active.”

As part of its annual surveillance, HPPH has been trapping and testing mosquitoes in locations across Huron and Perth since June 17. To help reduce mosquito breeding and lower the risk of potential WNV transmission, larvicide has been applied to roadside catch basins in Stratford, St. Marys, Listowel and Mitchell this summer.

In Ontario, three confirmed human cases of WNV have been reported in 2024. Not everyone who is bitten by an infected mosquito will show symptoms of the virus. Of those who do show symptoms, most will experience mild illness, including fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and a rash on the chest, stomach or back. About one in 150 people infected will get seriously ill, with symptoms like high fever, muscle weakness, vision loss and coma. WNV can lead to death.

Symptoms usually develop between two and 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. People older than 50 and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk for WNV infection.

People can protect themselves from mosquito bites by:

• Using an insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin when outdoors. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions.
•  Covering up with light-colored clothes, long sleeves and pants when outdoors or in areas where mosquito activity is high.
• Taking extra protection measures between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
•  Removing standing water around the home at least once a week to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.

For more information visit:  www.hpph.ca.