CHILDREN INVITED TO HELP NAME THE LION

The Bayfield Lions Club introduced their newest member at the Bayfield Community Fair Parade on Aug. 17. They are now seeking the help of local children to give him a name! (Photo by John Pounder)

The Bayfield Lions were proud to introduce their newest member at the Bayfield Community Parade held on Saturday, Aug. 17. Many children asked what his name was.

“But we had no answer because he couldn’t tell us!” said Bayfield Lions Club Vice-President Karen Scott. “And now we must register his name on our International Membership List! Our poor nameless Lion! But wait, how do we find his name? A contest! ! Let’s have a contest to name our Lion!”

And so, the challenge goes out to all the children in the community to name the Lion.

Anyone who is under 13 years of age, is asked to please submit their suggestion to: nameourlion@gmail.com. But be quick, the contest deadline is noon on Thursday. Sept. 12.

The winning name will be announced on Sept. 18 in the Bayfield Breeze. The winning contestant will receive a $100 gift card from Renegades Diner for a pizza and pop party for their family and/or friends.

As usual, a few rules:

• No family member of the Bayfield Lions Club can participate.
• Entrants must be under 13 years of age and residents of Huron County.
• Entries must include a contact phone number.
• The winning name will be selected by the Bayfield Lions Club and its decision is final.
• If more than one entrant submits the winning name, a draw will be held to decide the winner.
• The name “LEO” does not qualify.

KNOX BIDS GOODBYE TO THEIR MINISTER

Rev. Lisa Dolson joined with members of the Knox Presbyterian Church family for a group photo earlier in the month. The minister’s last Sunday at Knox Church was Aug. 25. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

Rev. Lisa Dolson welcomed Flautist Jan Searle to the service at Knox Presbyterian Church on Sunday, Aug. 25. Searle’s musical offering was part of the minister’s final service at Knox. (Submitted photo)

Sunday, Aug. 25 was bittersweet for the congregation of Knox Presbyterian Church in Bayfield.

“With heavy hearts we bid goodbye to Rev. Lisa Dolson, as her final service at the ‘little church with the great big heart’ took place on Sunday,” said Teresa Steel, representing Knox Church. “Lisa is moving on to her next calling to share her gifts, and although we are very happy for her and this next leg of her journey, we are sad to see her go.”

Rev. Dolson began her work as Minister of Word and Sacrament at Knox Presbyterian Church, Bayfield on Sept. 2nd, 2018. Rev. Dolson’s formal induction took place on Sept. 9 of that same year, with members of the Presbytery of Huron Perth and the Knox congregation. Her  ever present nature, her ability to show appreciation and her enjoyment in spending quality time with others fosters her desire to connect with people in meaningful ways.

“Rev. Lisa’s positive attitude, pragmatic way and sunny smile is what makes her so special, and it’s these qualities that we will miss most of all. Thank you Rev Lisa for your love and friendship. Your legacy will live on in our hearts. May God go with you,” said Steel.

To mark this special service the congregation welcomed Jan Searle, flautist, to Sunday’s service. Searle is a professional flautist and she shared her musical gifts during the 11 a.m. service.  She has been teaching flute since 1967 and held principal flute positions in operas, ballets, orchestras, symphonies and musical theatre as well as performed for movies and television.  Searle has performed in many notable venues including the Kennedy Centre and the Stratford Theatre. The congregation extends many thanks to her for sharing her gift of music at the service.

Sunday, Sept. 1st, Knox Church will welcome guest preacher Heather Robinson. All are welcome to attend! Service will begin at 11 a.m.

Members of Knox Presbyterian Church in Bayfield are currently gathering items for re-use and upcycling. Upcycling takes something no longer in use and gives it a second life with new functions, for example, the outer milk bag can be upcycled into sleeping mats. These mats are distributed to people in need throughout the world. Knox Bayfield gathers clean outer milk bags that have been previously washed and dried, as well as used stamps, empty egg cartons and eyeglasses.  Items can be dropped off at the church from 10 a.m, to  2 p.m. on Sunday and Monday (excluding holidays). People’s generous contributions are warmly accepted and will change lives.

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.

BAYFIELD AND EXETER FEATURED IN DOCUMENTARY FILM

Members of the community are invited to join Blue Bayfield at the showing of “Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics” (Plastic People) on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at the Bayfield Town Hall.

Plastic People is a new 90-minute film that has been shown at film festivals in Europe and North America and is being recorded in multiple languages. In the spring, it was the feature film shown to delegates at the United Nations (UN) conference on plastics held in Ottawa.

Blue Bayfield and Eco-Exeter, the student environmental group at South Huron District High School, have for many years promoted the reduction of single use plastics.  Bayfield is recognized nationally and internationally for its achievements.  Eco-Exeter likewise has received accolades for its work on plastic reduction. Both communities are featured in the film!

The film will be shown at 7 p.m. with the doors opening at 6:30 p.m.

“We consume the equivalent of one credit card of plastic every week,” said Letheren. “It is in the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we consume. No, this is not just fear mongering by environmentalists—it is the product of peer-reviewed research conducted by teams of scientists around the world. The results are dramatically illustrated in a new Canadian film by White Pines Films, Plastic People.”

He went on to share that multiple studies have made people aware of plastic in the ocean.  It is estimated that 8 billion kilos, that’s the weight of nearly 90 aircraft carriers, on average, enters the ocean each year, from land and the fishing and shipping industry. The accumulation of plastics in the ocean began in the 50s

“Closer to home, studies done on the Great Lakes have demonstrated that the Great Lakes contain twice the number of plastic pieces per square kilometre of that found in the oceans and that more plastic is being added every year,” said Letheren. “A study of three Lake Michigan tributaries discovered that 85 percent of the fish sampled had microplastics in their digestive tracts.”

Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at The Village Bookshop or by contacting Ray Letheren at letherenray@gmail.com or Renee Sandelowsky at sandelowskyr@gmail.com. Any profits from the evening. will be donated to the Bayfield Area Food Bank.

GUIDED GROUP HIKE PART OF TERRY FOX RUN

“Nobody is ever going to call me a quitter.” – Terry Fox

At 18 years-old Terry Fox was diagnosed with cancer and lost his leg. Two years later Terry started training to run across Canada. In 1980 he started his Marathon of Hope, raising funds and hoping for a cure for all cancers. Terry ran over 5,000 km – covering six provinces – to raise funds and share his message. Unfortunately, Terry’s health deteriorated, forcing him to abandon the Marathon. People all across Canada have since run every year in memory of Terry; over 850 million dollars have been raised for cancer research.

Members of the community are invited to run, walk, bike or roller blade and raise funds to keep Terry’s dream alive. Bayfield has raised over $65,000 through Terry Fox Runs, and for this support organizers truly are very grateful. A guided group hike will leave from the Clan Gregor Gazebo at 10 a.m.; participants should also  feel free to choose their own route and time. Participants may register online as an individual, family or team and start collecting pledges. The process is extremely simple; visit Terry Fox Run Bayfield to register.

Donations can be made on the same site; people can sponsor a registrant or make a general donation. They can also scan the QR Codes on all signs, which will bring them directly to the Bayfield site, enabling them to make a donation through their phone.

Those who prefer to donate to the Terry Fox Foundation by cash or cheque are invited to meet the organizers on Sunday, Sept. 15 between 9-10 a.m. at the gazebo in Clan Gregor Square. They will also be selling 2024 Terry Fox T-shirts at $25 each and have 2024 participation seals available. Also, for those interested, selfies can be taken during this time in front of a large Terry Fox poster!

The Bayfield Terry Fox Run is organized by volunteers of the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association. Anyone with questions is asked to please email info@bayfieldtrails.com.

For further information regarding the Terry Fox Foundation, please visit www.terryfox.org.

BLUEWATER PROVIDES COMMUNITY GRANT AND VIBRANCY FUNDING

Eryn (Submitted photo)

Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF) continues to be inundated with kittens, expectant felines and Mommas with their babies throughout the summer.

One such wee soul is Eryn – the Adopt a BFF kitten of the week.

This young kitten was spotted wandering by himself and going door-to-door in a neighborhood looking for food. Because he was vocal he was heard and seen and he was fed. Someone took him into their shed and contacted BFF and he was brought to the Rescue. According to volunteers, he appears to have known people as he is very friendly and seems to be in fairly good health.

The people who took him in think that Eryn is not a solitary kitten but that there is possibly more in the neighborhood along with a Mama and they are keeping an eye out for them as well.

“Kittens seem to be born year round now with longer warmer seasons and ‘false starts’ to Spring,” said Deb Penhale, representing BFF. “Although we constantly say we are full beyond ‘cat-pacity’ as cats or kittens are adopted, we are then able to bring more in.”

According to Penhale, they currently have about 72 kittens in need of spay/neuter.

“If someone wants to calculate and do the math, we are looking at about $18,000 to cover the vet bills for these kittens and that’s if everything goes perfectly well and we don’t have any major health issues with any of them,” she said.

BFF is not government sponsored.

“All the work being done is thanks to donations as well as out of the pockets of the volunteers,” said Penhale.

However, Penhale is pleased to share that the Municipality of Bluewater has given BFF $2,000 to help towards the spay/neuter of community cats as part of their  “Community Grant and Vibrancy Funding” program. BFF applies to receive funding from this program annually and the money generally comes through in the Spring or early Summer.

“This is very much appreciated as you can see there are just so many cats. We are constantly struggling to raise funds because we cannot adopt these cats and kittens out until they are spayed, neutered, and have all their age appropriate shots,” she said. “Our mission is to slow down and eventually stop the crisis of abandoned, feral and community cats. Our community is very supportive and we’re proud to say they have stepped up to the plate and helped on so many occasions. Many communities have not.”

Reach out to bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com to learn more about Eryn 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.

BAYFIELD GARDEN CLUB VISITS WETH MUSHROOMS

PHOTOS BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER

Susan and Ryan Weth, owners of Weth Mushrooms in Central Huron, welcomed members and guests of the Bayfield Garden Club to their farm on the evening of July 8. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

Ryan Weth explains the mushroom growing process to the members and guests of the Bayfield Garden Club during their visit on July 8.

Several members of the Bayfield Garden Club and their guests explored the magical world of mushrooms on Monday, July 8 during a visit to Weth’s Mushrooms in Central Huron.

The group learned, from owners Ryan and Susan Weth, about the business that has operated on the farm on Union Road near Goderich for 25 years. Over that time period they have developed a fine reputation and are suppliers to restaurants in Ontario and Quebec who feature their organically grown lion’s mane, shiitake and maitake mushrooms in their menu items.

Ryan shared that their mushrooms are grown in a natural mixture that is wood-based to recreate growing conditions similar to that of the forest floor.  A new crop is incubated every 10-12 weeks. They’re planted in plastic bags in this mixture which consists of soil, grain and sawdust. This material eventually hardens and colorizes or Incubates, at which stage the bags are removed and within a week the mushrooms can be found sprouting in temperature and moisture-controlled sprouting rooms. Once harvested the block-growing material is composted back into the field.

Following Ryan’s presentation, Susan, and an assistant, prepared a sampling of their products for their visitors to try and shared the many ways she enjoys cooking with their mushrooms!

For their next outing on Monday, Sept. 9,  the Bayfield Garden Club members will find themselves back in the neighborhood of the mushroom farm but on the other side of Hwy. 21. They will tour Jenny Ure’s Dalia Garden located at 33976 Union Road West. Starting at 7 p.m., this is a not to be missed event as it is reported that the Dahlia’s are out in full bloom and are beautiful right now.  Anyone who wishes to carpool should meet at the Bayfield Lion’s Community Building by 6:40 p.m.

JUNIOR CONSERVATIONIST SUMMARIZES SUMMER

Editor’s Note: Graeme Irwin was a Junior Conservationist with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) over the summer. His duties included monitoring water quality and fish species, planting native plant species and helping with outdoor conservation education. The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation (ABCF) funds the Junior Conservationist two-month summer job experience program for local young people. 

Irwin hails from Lucan, ON and is entering his third year of Biology studies at Western University (formerly University of Western Ontario) in London.  

Irwin shares his experiences as a Junior Conservationist in the following article.

STORY BY GRAEME IRWIN

Graeme Irwin, was the 2024 Junior Conservationist with the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority. This two-month summer job experience position is funded by Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation. In this photo, he holds an adult Brook Trout, in a fish viewer. Brook Trout are not common to find, in this watershed, because of their need for coldwater locales. The water in the viewer is drawn from the same stream where the fish was found. This was the largest fish observed on the day this photo was taken. Staff promptly returned the fish to the water after measuring it. (Submitted photo)

I have been fortunate enough to serve as ABCAs Junior Conservationist for the past eight weeks. This two-month job experience program, funded by ABCF, gives young people a chance to experience many aspects of work in conservation.

Growing up in the Lucan area I have always had a familiarity with ABCA and especially Morrison Dam Conservation Area (MDCA). I attended the Wonder, Investigate, Learn and Discover (WILD) summer nature day camp as a young person. I hiked at MDCA during the summer, and tobogganed in the spillway during the winter. So, when I saw the opportunity to work here at Ausable Bayfield Conservation, I had to apply.

When working as ABCAs Junior Conservationist I had the opportunity to help with many projects in the watershed. Whether it was beach sampling, planting native species of plants in a wetland, or helping with monitoring of flora and fauna (plants and animals) in the watershed, I was always outside and always learning.

The team here at ABCA includes some of the most passionate and knowledgeable people with whom I have ever been able to work. Even with living in the area my whole life, I was still learning new things about it every single day.

I was also fortunate enough to help with ABCAs conservation education efforts. As I mentioned, I attended WILD nature day camp when I was younger. That was a key moment in fostering my appreciation of nature. I believe promoting young people’s respect for nature is a crucial step in protecting our environment in the long term. Spending time with campers and encouraging their curiosity was one of the most fulfilling things I will take away from my time here.

When trying to think about my favorite moment, or day, in this job, I find it hard to pick one, but I recently had an amazing time going electro-fishing with our aquatic biologist Kari Jean. She has what I think is the coolest job here. I’m always so excited when I get to work with her. She asked me to head out with her, and our Water Resources Technician, Christie Brown, to help them in a presence and absence monitoring survey for Brook Trout. Brook Trout thrives in cold water so they are only found in a few places in our watershed. We spent the whole day electro-fishing and we were happy to find several Brook Trout. We were only expecting to find juveniles, so finding an adult Brook Trout, about 26 cm in size, was incredible!

Before arriving at ABCA I felt as though I was at a crossroads when it came to my future career decisions. I had always been passionate about field biology, but I wasn’t sure if it was something I could see myself doing in the long term. Thanks to this experience I can honestly say this is a field in which I can see myself working.

This position has allowed me to work with, and learn from, some of the most passionate and hard-working people I have ever met. I am so grateful for my time here at ABCA. I would like to thank ABCF Foundation, and all of those who donate, and support their fundraisers, in order to make this experience possible.

FIREFIGHTERS TAKE PART IN GATEWAY PROJECT

Members of the Bayfield Fire Department along with Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health research assistants, board members and volunteer nurses celebrated the launch of the “Benefitting Rural Area Volunteer Emergency Firefighters” (BRAVE-F) project.

People may not be aware that up to 360 people volunteer at 18 fire departments in Huron County. These volunteers are now first responders as well!

Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (Gateway) proudly launched the “Benefitting Rural Area Volunteer Emergency Firefighters” (BRAVE-F) project on Aug. 20-21.

In support of volunteer firefighters, Gateway developed BRAVE-F to promote and contribute to the well-being of first responders. BRAVE-F is designed to provide medical screening and education of cardiovascular health for rural volunteer firefighters in Huron County. Educational sessions were delivered to the group by Dr. Mike Beazely, PharmD, and Dr. Ken Milne, M.D, to elevate their knowledge and awareness of overall health. The screening pilots took place at Seaforth and Bayfield fire halls.

“I am so proud of the Gateway Team for taking on this challenge,” said Gwen Devereaux, president of Gateway. “These volunteers are so important to the well-being of our community and really are our heroes. Please help us reach every firefighter in Huron County.”

“This project has been an incredible journey for me as a researcher,” said Project Lead, Sage Milne. “We started BRAVE-F in the Summer of 2023 and have ended the Summer of 2024 with our first two pilot screenings. I am happy to be working with such an incredible team of young researchers. I look forward to using the skills I’ve learned as I return to school this fall.”

Members of the Seaforth Fire Department along with Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health research assistants, board members and volunteer nurses celebrated the launch of the “Benefitting Rural Area Volunteer Emergency Firefighters” (BRAVE-F) project.

Gateway research assistants, board members and volunteer nurses all attended and participated in the screenings. The volunteer firefighters were extremely engaged participants in this process. Gateway appreciates the volunteer nurses from Seaforth and Bayfield, who shared their expertise in conducting the screening and their generous donors for this project.

Gateway would like to thank Bayfield and Seaforth fire departments for their eagerness to participate in these initial pilots. In the future, Gateway hopes to expand BRAVE-F to additional fire halls in Huron County. Their goal for BRAVE-F is to bring a meaningful difference to the lives of volunteer firefighters in rural communities.

Anyone who would like to learn more about BRAVE-F or other projects, please contact info@gatewayruralhealth.ca or visit: Gateway Rural Health.

CENTRAL HURON RECEIVES CASINO CONTRIBUTION

The Huron County Plowing Match held in Central Huron in mid-August was the location for a presentation by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) to the Municipality of Central Huron. Taking part were from l-r: Karen Smiley, OLG; Jim Ginn mayor of Central Huron; Kathleen Divine, OLG; Angela Smith, Community Improvement coordinator Central Huron: and Ian Croft, General manager of Gateway Casinos Clinton. (Submitted photos)

The Municipality of Central Huron is pleased to acknowledge the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s (OLG) yearly contribution to the municipality from the operation of Gateway Casino Clinton in Fiscal 2024.

OLG payments are made under an equitable sum from the Municipal Contribution Agreement that determines the funds that municipalities receive for hosting a gaming facility and are based on a graduated scale of gaming revenue that is consistent across all sites in Ontario. In Fiscal 2024 (Apr. 1st 2023 to March 31st 2024), the Municipality of Central Huron received a total of $650,687 through the agreement.

With this funding, Central Huron was able to allocate the revenue to better the community in three areas:  the Facade Program, the Donation Fund and the reconstruction of Isaac Street.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have dedicated OLG partners who understand the importance of sustaining and enhancing our municipality,” said Mayor of Central Huron, Jim Ginn. “Their generous contributions over the years have been beneficial in growth, supporting vital services, and enriching the quality of life for our residents, business owners, and visitors. As we continue to navigate the challenges ahead, their support is not only appreciated but essential in keeping our municipality vibrant and thriving.”

“OLG is proud to be a vital part of the Municipality of Central Huron,” said OLG’s Senior Municipal Relations Manager, Kathleen Devine. “Each and every year, 100 per cent of OLG profits are reinvested in Ontario to support provincial priorities. From critical infrastructure to important local programs, to community festivals, OLG’s profits are hard at work in Central Huron and all across our province to build stronger communities. When you play at an Ontario casino, like Gateway Casinos Clinton, you play for Ontario.”

WHITE PAPER DAY CELEBRATES RESEARCH ASSISTANTS’ ACHIEVEMENTS

Dan Stringer, chair of Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health addressed those gathered for White Paper Day. (Submitted photos)

Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (Gateway) proudly held its combined White Paper Day and Donor Appreciation Event on Aug. 16.

Participants in White Paper Day 2024 were from l-r: Sage Milne, Amy Sturgeon, Nicole Gilroy, Maitland Roy and Neil Haas.

This special occasion, sponsored by Libro Credit Union, took place at the Comfort Inn & Suites in Goderich. The day celebrates the remarkable achievements of Gateway’s research assistants, as well as sending a heartfelt thank you to the dedicated donors who make their work possible.

Throughout the morning, Gateway showcased presentations by each research assistant, highlighting their significant accomplishments and the progress made in their respective projects. The packed room and enthusiastic response from attendees made the event a memorable success, reflecting the deep-seated support for Gateway’s important work in the rural community.

The day was moderated by Dr. Leslie Walker, Gateway’s chair of Rural Artificial Intelligence. Attendees included local donors, sponsors, community leaders, service club representatives, and family members – all gathered to appreciate the hard work and dedication of the Gateway research team. The day emphasized the critical role of community support in advancing rural health initiatives.

“It is amazing to see what our seven research assistants have accomplished in such a short time,” said Gwen Devereaux, president of Gateway. “They have tackled rural health issues, and we are so proud of their dedication to their projects.”

This year’s research assistants include; Amy Sturgeon, Joel Hordijk, Sage Milne, Nicole Gilroy, Neil Haas, Sarah Spacek, and Maitland Roy. The key projects presented were “Farmers’ Well-Being & Safety”, “Legion Lounge & Legion Learning”, “Mental Health First Aid”, and “Benefitting Rural Area Volunteer Emergency Firefighters” (BRAVE-F).

Anyone who would like to learn more about Gateway, and their past or present projects, please visit: www.gatewayruralhealth.ca.

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.