The Bayfield BreezeIssue 791 Week 37 Vol 16
September 4, 2024
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SUMMER RESIDENT RECIPIENT OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Bayfield summer resident, John Erb, was honored recently by the Michigan Environmental Council as the 2024 recipient of the Helen and William Milliken Distinguished Service Award. This award recognizes individuals who show outstanding leadership, enduring commitment, and extraordinary public service in protecting the air we breathe and our waters.
John, through the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation. is a long-time supporter of Blue Bayfield and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA). The Foundation has offered support for water protection projects, education programs and many other initiatives designed to raise awareness of the threats to the environment and how we should work towards remediation.
Members of Blue Bayfield Shelagh Sully and Ray Letheren recently met with John Erb (centre) to congratulate him on receiving the Helen and William Milliken Distinguished Service Award from the Michigan Environmental Council. Erb noted that he was inspired by Blue Bayfield’s efforts to develop similar initiatives across the border. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)
In his remarks at the Aug. 29 award ceremony, John shared how a Blue Bayfield display at a 2011 environmental event at the Bayfield Town Hall inspired him to think about the resources that are wasted in producing single use plastic water bottles. The display showed that to create one plastic bottle of water for the consumer one-quarter of a bottle of oil and three bottles of water are required. That knowledge prompted John to suggest that the Detroit Zoo consider eliminating the sale of bottled water. The Zoo planned a three-year effort to educate visitors and move away from selling bottled water. However, the response from guests was so positive the Zoo was able to stop sales after only two years. It has since used the experience to encourage other zoos and museums nationally to successfully eliminate the sale of bottled water.
Blue Bayfield and ABCA extend their congratulations to John on receiving this award and express their gratitude for his support over many years.
PROVINCIAL FUNDING FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY EXPANSION GIVEN
The Ontario government is investing a total of $12,331,672.80 to enable the construction of new homes in the Municipality of Bluewater, Town of Goderich, and the Municipality of South Bruce. The funding is being delivered through the first round of investments under the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF), which includes $970 million to help municipalities develop, repair, rehabilitate and expand drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.
This funding will support the following Municipalities and their individual projects:
“This funding is key to unlocking the potential of realizing more homes in Huron and Bruce,” said MPP for Huron-Bruce, Lisa Thompson. “Investing in drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities is a must in order to accommodate the demand for more housing throughout rural Ontario.”
The government is also allocating an additional $250 million and accepting a second round of applications through the HEWSF, bringing the province’s total investment in the fund to $1.2 billion.
“By investing in drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities and connecting pipes to land, we are helping municipalities build more homes,” said Minister of Infrastructure, Kinga Surma. “Homes can’t be built without connections to drinking water and wastewater.”
In this year’s budget, Ontario announced more than $1.8 billion in housing-enabling infrastructure funding through the $825 million HEWSF and the $1 billion Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, in addition to funding announced previously through the province’s Building Faster Fund. In response to the significant demand for investments in water and wastewater infrastructure to enable the construction of more homes, and after consulting with municipalities, the province is transferring $275 million from the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program to the HEWSF in order to meet this demand. In addition, the $120 million from the Building Faster Fund that was reserved for small, rural and northern communities is being flowed to these communities through the HEWSF
“Being part of a rural council, we appreciate the province of Ontario supporting growth in our rural communities through grants like the HEWSF,” said Mayor of the Municipality of Bluewater, Paul Klopp. “And with the help of the Minister of Rural Affairs and our MPP Lisa Thompson, the province is putting words into action by awarding the residents of Bluewater with $8,347,185.00 through HEWSF in support of expanding the Bayfield Wastewater Treatment Facility.
“This funding is paramount to supporting growth in the Municipality of Bluewater and providing much needed housing for families and individuals choosing to make Bluewater home.”
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.
FILM EXPLORES HIDDEN CRISIS
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.
According to Ray Letheren, representing Blue Bayfield, “Lorena Rios of the University of Wisconsin, found 1,500 to 1.7 million plastic particles per square mile (2.5 square kilometres) on average in three of the lakes, with the highest concentration in Lake Erie. Rios collaborated on the study with the ‘5 Gyres Institute’, a Los Angeles-based research group that studies water pollutants.”
Typically, the oceans contain plastic debris in the five-millimeter-diameter size, whereas in the Great Lakes studies have found that the plastic particles measured less than one millimeter in diameter. The smaller particles are more dangerous than the larger particles because aquatic species unintentionally consume them and most filtration plants are not equipped to filter out these microscopic particles.
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.
KITTEN WITH BROKEN LEG LOVES ATTENTION
Zara (Submitted photos)
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 Zara – the Adopt a BFF kitten of the week.
“This absolutely beautiful little love sponge was spotted by some people who encouraged her in with food. She absolutely adores wet cat food. She was found in the same area as Issue 790s featured kitten – Eryn. Both Zara and Eryn are similar in their looks,” explained Deb Penhale, representing BFF.
Evidence of Zara’s broken leg (back left).
Penhale went on to say that Zara was skittish at first but when people started feeding her, she started hanging around more and was very vocal almost like she was asking for help.
“They were able to trap her. She was very, very thin and hungry. She was brought to the Shelter and upon initial examination we realized that she may have been mauled by something as she had some scab wounds on her back. And it looked like there might have been a cyst on one of her legs as she was limping and did not really want us touching her leg, although she was walking on it a bit,” Penhale shared.
Upon closer inspection it was discovered this was actually her bone at the surface of her skin and not a cyst. The vet was called and Zara was brought in for examination immediately.
“Turns out this poor sweetheart has a broken leg. It looks like it had been broken about eight weeks ago because it was almost healed. Unfortunately, it did not heal properly and because the vet saw her on the Friday of a long weekend we are waiting for the results from both the ortho vet and a specialist for next steps,” said Penhale. “Since the leg has healed, it’s not overly painful, but because of the different heights in her front to back legs, she has a very pronounced limp and we’re not sure what the long-term effects might be.
“Given all she has been through and all the pain she must’ve endured, this girl is the sweetest and it is amazing how loving she is. She rolls over and offers her belly for pets and will affectionately head butt and then she will hang onto you when you try to stop petting her. We will keep people posted as to Zara’s progress as we move forward with her care.”
Reach out to bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com to learn more about Zara 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.
COUPLE LEAD FELLOW CANADIANS IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE GROUP OF SEVEN
PHOTOS BY JACK PAL STORY BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER
Sue and Jim Waddington spoke to a full house at the Bayfield Town Hall on Aug. 20 sharing their nearly 50 year adventure in finding the locations inspired by paintings made by the Group of Seven artists.
The Bayfield Town Hall was filled with a very receptive audience on the afternoon of Aug. 20 when the Bayfield Centre for the Arts (BCA) welcomed two distinguished guests to share their passion for following in the footsteps of the Group of Seven.
Jim and Sue Waddington have spent 47 years documenting more than 800 locations that the renowned Group of Seven artists, and Tom Thompson, famously painted. And in their presentation Jim humbly and humorously provided some insight into the planning that goes into seeking out these locations as well as the adventures the couple have had while discovering them. The couple have given over 200 presentations and each time Jim edits the slides to be relevant to the audience. And although the renowned artists didn’t venture Bayfield way the images Jim shared, from northern Ontario to the Arctic, were still embraced by the audience. Many “oohs and awes” emanated from the crowd as a painting was shared on the big screen followed closely by a photograph taken by Jim of the landscape that inspired it.
The fact that the artists had not traveled in the direction of Huron County is likely the reason the Waddingtons, who reside in Hamilton, ON, had never been to Bayfield before.
“We’ve traveled all over Canada including many places in Ontario and somehow managed to miss this little village but we can now add it to our list,” Jim said.
He explained that their hobby began in 1977 when Sue joined a local rug hookers group and was challenged to reproduce a traditional work of art. She chose an A.Y. Jackson painting, “Hills Killarney (Nellie Lake)” and while crafting the hooked rug pillow she decided she wanted to see the spot in real life. So the couple, avid canoeists, packed up the kids, a canoe and a tent for a week of travel, paddling and portaging in Killarney Provincial Park to find the place that was suspected to be in the North West corner of the lake.
“The kids were picking wild blueberries and climbing a hill as they did so. As we went up the area started to look more like the painting and it was then that we found the location we had been looking for,” said Jim.
The couple turned 80 in 2022 and their kids and grandkids asked them if they wanted to go back and find that spot again. They did. The second time around they used a much lighter canoe but the 28 kilometres of paddling and seven kilometres of portaging remained the same. Some of their family, along with an experienced film maker of wilderness adventures, documented the journey creating a YouTube video to mark the occasion.
As the artists left no detailed records of the exact locations they painted, the couple research thoroughly before venturing out. Sue has read everything she could find on the painters and learned where they liked to camp, what cabin or cottage they stayed in, studied sketches and poured over topographical maps, and even talked to a family member of one of the artists to narrow down location sites.
“We have worked with A.J. Cassen’s daughter, who is now in her 90s, to determine where her family summered in the Bancroft area and with her help over three summer visits we found 200 locations – 60 in just one week,” said Sue.
According to Sue, the artists were prolific painters and over their careers thousands of sketches and works were created and many of these are now stored away in museums and galleries and unfortunately the public will never see them as there just isn’t enough money available for them to be framed and properly displayed.
In 2013, the couple, in collaboration with the Art Gallery of Sudbury published, “In the Footsteps of the Group of Seven” with the proceeds going to the construction of a new art gallery. The book traces the couple’s journeys and discoveries from coast to coast to coast. And it is very nearly sold out! It proved to be a very popular purchase at the BCA presentation with the copies available being scooped up almost as soon as they were put out on display.
At the end of the presentation and question and answer session BCA President Leslee Squirrell thanked the couple for coming to Bayfield and no doubt spoke for all gathered when she said with regards to keeping the Group of Seven works alive, “I really appreciate what you have done for us as Canadians.”
And the couple continue to be inspirational. In early October Sue will be presenting at “The International Guild of Handhooking Rugmakers” in Niagara Falls, ON where she will be sharing more pillows she has hooked that were inspired by scenes of the Group of Seven. Something of a full circle moment, perhaps? Not likely, as the couple plan to visit Grace Lake in Ontario in early September on the quest for more discoveries.
RATEPAYERS’ ASSOCIATION
At the start of 2022, a consulting firm was hired by the Municipality of Bluewater to provide an in-depth analysis of municipally-owned assets including buildings. The Municipality of Bluewater Recreation Master Plan (adopted by Council in January of 2023) estimated costs for the future upkeep of these assets, including repair, maintenance and capital dollars.
At the Bayfield Ratepayers’ Association Annual General Meeting held on Aug. 3, it was shared that based on the findings of the report, Bluewater Council is now considering no longer funding capital costs for municipally owned buildings operated by service groups including three buildings in the village: Bayfield Town Hall, the Bayfield Lions Community Building and the Bayfield Heritage Centre and Archives.
A copy of the report can be found at Recreation Master Plan. Findings on the three buildings, as well as others in the municipality, can be found on pages 75 to 83 of the document.
The Bayfield Town Hall currently has a lease agreement with the Municipality until April 30, 2030. This year marks the end of the current lease agreement for the Lions Community Building and according to the document the Archives’ lease expired in May of 2023. As noted at the Ratepayers’ AGM, without taxpayer-municipal help, the future of these buildings is uncertain.
Bluewater Council has established a sub-committee, consisting of Deputy Mayor John Becker and Councilors Bill Whetstone and Winona Bailey, to meet with various service groups regarding the report.
The goal of this sub-committee will be to make recommendations to Council regarding how a new Leased Municipal Buildings Policy can be crafted and implemented this budget cycle. These recommendations are in anticipation of council voting on a new budget for 2025 this Fall.
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
The Ministry of Education recently approved the license for the Bayfield Before and After School Program (BASP) to be operated from the Bayfield Community Centre and Arena just in time for the start of the school year!
Parents who register their children in the program can expect nutritious snacks, registered staff and quality programming that is community driven with low ratios.
BASP will run from September to June from 7-8:30 a.m. and 3:30-6 p.m. and offers bussing to and from schools in the Bluewater area.
In addition to being licensed under the Ministry of Education, the program will be monitored by Huron Perth Public Health.
Registered Early Childhood Educators and their classroom assistants will provide a challenging and supportive environment where those children in their care can feel appreciated, respected, heard and valued.
For more information please email Bayfieldbasp@gmail.com.
The Bayfield Community Centre and Arena is located at 4 Jane Street in the village.
BAYFIELD TRAILS
On Sept. 7, a guided hike along the Woodland Trail will be the next experience offered by the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association.
All are welcome to join in the hike that will begin at 10 a.m.
The Woodland Trail presents a diversity of natural environments including dense cedar groves and towering deciduous trees. Participants are sure to enjoy the scenic beauty of the ravines, pastures, and glacial hills as they walk along deer trails, lumber paths, and old gravel quarry roads.
The trail is approximately 5 km in length. Those who take part are asked to meet at the entrance on David Street. To access the entrance, turn onto Mill Road from Hwy 21 and then take an immediate left onto Sarnia Street, then right onto MacTavesh Court followed by another right onto David Street, until the t-intersection, turn left and the starting point is there. Parking is available along the road. Furry friends on a leash are welcome. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and to reduce the risk of ticks.
For more information contact Ralph Blasting at 519 525-3205 or rjblastingjr@gmail.com.
GARDEN CLUB
On Monday, Sept. 9, the Bayfield Garden Club members will travel North of the village to explore a garden filled with an abundance of colorful flowers.
Jenny Ure’s Dahlia Garden located at 33976 Union Road West in Central Huron is the destination for the tour 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.
PILATES
Starting next week, Pilates by The Wellness Potion will be offered for six weeks at the Bayfield Community Centre for all levels.
These classes will be held on Monday and Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m.
The Monday classes will run from Sept. 9 to Oct. 21. The Thursday classes will begin on Sept. 12 and conclude on Oct. 17.
The Wellness Potion offers a signature Pilates class with a carefully planned and curated workout designed to provide a comprehensive and challenging exercise routine. The class encompasses various classical and creative Pilates exercises and sequences aimed at targeting every muscle group in the body. Whether a beginner or an experienced enthusiast, this class is perfect. It aims to enhance overall strength, flexibility, and balance while helping tone and sculpt.
Those who attend are encouraged to bring a yoga blanket and strap for support during certain poses. These optional items will help participants get the most out of their practice.
Participants are asked to wear comfortable clothes to sweat in and arrive at least five minutes before the class begins.
Those who wish to participate are asked to register online at The Wellness Potion. The exchange is $60 HST for all six weeks.
For more information, please call Maria at 416 587-9913 or email maria@thewellnesspotion.com.
POLLINATOR GARDEN
Just one of the colorful blooms that can be found in the Pollinator Garden behind the Bayfield Branch Library. (Photo by Nancy McHardy)
The Friends of Bayfield Library, in collaboration with the Bayfield Garden Club, have been busy watering and weeding the new Pollinator Garden located in the Reading Garden behind the Bayfield Branch Library. The Pollinator Garden was planted at the end of May with native plants and, thanks to the many volunteers, it continues to thrive.
There will be a public Grand Opening of the Pollinator Garden on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 10:30 a.m. Some brief acknowledgements will be followed by refreshments. All are welcome to attend!
LEGO CLUB
The next meeting of the Bayfield Lego Club will be Saturday, Sep 14 at the TSJ Hall. (Submitted photo)
Families with an interest in Lego design and creativity are invited to come and further “their love for the brick” again this month as the Bayfield Lego Club will meet on Saturday, Sept. 14.
This free activity, thanks to the sponsorship of the Optimist Club of Bayfield, will take place from 10-11:30 a.m. in the TSJ Hall.
Bayfield Lego Club is open to all children ages four and up accompanied by an adult. Bricks will be provided for use at the meetings and participants will be encouraged to build a creation of their own accord.
TSJ Hall is located at 10 Keith Crescent in Bayfield.
TSJ HALL ASSOCIATION
Fresh off the success of their recent Take-out Fish Fry Fundraiser the TSJ Hall Association will be hosting a “Baking, Books, Bits and Bobs Sale” on the morning of Oct. 5.
Community members are invited to attend the sale to buy some yummy baked goods in anticipation of Thanksgiving the following weekend. In addition visitors can browse through and purchase from a selection of books from light reading to more enlightened titles. Over the last six months the hall has been undergoing a refresh and a few “treasures” now in need of a new home will also be available with all proceeds going to keeping the doors of the TSJ Hall open.
Anyone who would like to contribute home baking or books to the sale is asked to reach out to Barb Scott via email at bscott53@hotmail.com for further details.
Then on Sunday, Oct. 6 the Trinity St. James Chapel will host the third in their series of services for 2024. The Harvest of Thanks Service will be held starting at 2:30 p.m. led by Rev’d Justin Comber and is open to all in the community, including families.
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.
The TSJ Hall and Trinity St James Chapel now has a dedicated website and people are invited to visit it to learn more about events and rental opportunities at www.trinitystjamesbayfield.com.
LIONS’ CALENDAR
The front cover of the Bayfield Lions’ Calendar for 2025 features a photograph by Conrad Kuiper. (Submitted photo)
The Bayfield Lions’ Club is proud to announce the launch of its 2025 Bayfield Calendar. This is the 15th edition of the calendar and the 13th as a joint project of the Bayfield Lions and the Photography Club of Bayfield.
These beautiful calendars would make an ideal Christmas gift or souvenir and can be purchased for $20 from any Lion member as well as from Bayfield’s premiere volunteer salesperson, Justyne Chojnacka. The calendars can also be purchased at Bayfield Convenience, Bayfield Foodland, or The Village Bookshop or by going directly to www.bayfieldcalendar.ca and following the instructions there.
COFFEE & CHAT
The Coffee & Chat group reconvened at the Bayfield Library on Sept. 3rd. (Submitted photo)
The “Coffee & Chat” group at the Bayfield Branch Library is back! The Friends of Bayfield Library (FOBL) extend a warm welcome to all who would like to join in. Participants can enjoy a hot cup of coffee while engaging in conversation with other community members. The conversation is neutral and inclusive with an endless list of interesting topics for discussion!
The “Coffee & Chat” group meets in the Bayfield Library Meeting Room every Tuesday, 2-3:30 p.m., from now until the end of June 2025.
This is a great way for newcomers to meet new people, learn about the village, and share ideas. Seasoned villagers are also very welcome. There is no need to register for this program. Just show up and be prepared for some lively discussion!
GLEE SISTERS
Women who love to sing are invited to attend the 2024 opening rehearsal of the Glee Sisters on Friday, Sept. 6.
Weekly rehearsals are held on Fridays at St. Andrew’s United Church in Bayfield from 2-3:30 p.m. until Winter break – this date is still to be determined.
Those who attend are asked to enter the church through the front West door facing Hwy. 21.
This non-auditioned choir has been performing throughout the community and surrounding areas since 2006. The choir is directed by Lisa Stewart and accompanied by Mary McGoldrick.
Anyone who would like to take part is asked to RSVP as their sheet music will need to be prepared in advance. Please contact Lisa Stewart by email at lgstewart@cabletv.on.ca or phone 877 210-0586.
MEN’S BREAKFAST
The next Men’s Breakfast is scheduled for this Saturday, Sept. 7. All men in the community are invited for a fabulous meal and camaraderie served up at the TSJ Hall.
Coffee will be served at 9 a.m. with breakfast following at about 9:30 a.m. This is a pay what you are able event. To ensure enough food is available anyone planning to attend is asked to please email John Pounder at bvi@tcc.on.ca by Sept. 5 at noon.
The TSJ Hall is located at 10 Keith Crescent in Bayfield (formerly Trinity St James Parish Hall).
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Laurie Hazzard (Submitted photo)
The Bayfield Historical Society (BHS) Speaker Series is returning on Thursday, Sept. 12.
All are welcome to attend an informative evening with the first guest speaker in this new series, Laurie Hazzard. She will discuss the incredible, and often forgotten, contribution nurses made during the First World War. The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. at the Bayfield Lions Community Building
Hazzard, who is retired and lives in Bayfield, is a former nurse, secondary school teacher and principal, and education officer for the Ontario Ministry of Education. After working for 15 years as a registered nurse, she returned to university and, as part of a master’s degree, wrote her graduate thesis on nursing history in Canada up to 1925. Her talk will provide an overview, with a focus on the role of nurses during WWI.
Admission is free for Bayfield Historical Society members, or $5 at the door for non-members. Please sign up to attend by emailing bhsmembers@gmail.com.
The Bayfield Lions Community Building is located at 6 Municipal Rd.
CHRISTMAS IN BAYFIELD
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.
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LONG TABLE DINNER RAISES FUNDS FOR GODERICH HOSPITAL
A highlight of the evening was the “Fund a Need” segment, where more than $22,000 was raised in just a few minutes to contribute toward the $52,000 replacement cost of the Panda Warmer in the obstetric unit. (Submitted photos)
The Alexandra Rose Long Table Dinner was another stunning success, both in ambiance and financial support, so far raising more than $174,000 in net proceeds for the hospital’s capital equipment needs.
Alexandra Marine and General Hospital Foundation Board Chair Justin Pearson announced that “these funds will be invested in essential equipment upgrades, ensuring the continued excellence of care at our hospital.”
A highlight of the evening was the “Fund a Need” segment, where more than $22,000 was raised in just a few minutes to contribute toward the $52,000 replacement cost of the Panda Warmer in the obstetric unit. Chief of Staff Dr. Shannon Natuik and Nurse Patti Harnett delivered compelling presentations, emphasizing the vital role this equipment plays in supporting new families.
The event’s signature “dress all in white” theme added to the elegance of the evening, with even the entertainment – “Trash Panda Brass” – donning summer whites as they provided lively background music. The Live Auction, conducted by the dynamic “Ben and Glen Auctioneer Team”, generated an impressive $45,000. The most intense bidding was for the coveted Salt Mine Tour, which attracted significant interest.
This year’s Alexandra Rose Long Table Dinner not only brought the community together but also made a substantial impact on the hospital’s ability to deliver high-quality care. The funds raised will go a long way in meeting the hospital’s current and future needs.
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Th Alexandra Rose Long Table Dinner signature "dress all in white" theme added to the elegance of the evening,
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Members of the Goderich IODE were in attendance at the Alexandra Rose Long Table Dinner held on Aug. 25.
GATEWAY BIDS FAREWELL AND SAYS HELLO TO RESEARCH ASSISTANTS
Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health’s “Super Seven” Research Assistants from left to right: Neil Hass, Nicole Gilroy, Amy Sturgeon, Joel Hordijk, Maitland Roy, Sage Milne and Sarah Spacek. (Submitted photo)
Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (Gateway) shares mixed emotions on the departure of their summer Research Assistants. The dedication and hard work of these Research Assistants has significantly advanced Gateway’s mission over the summer, and they will be greatly missed. The end of summer always feels bittersweet as these Research Assistants return to school and move on in life.
As Gateway bids farewell to the departing team members, the organization is excited to introduce their new research assistants, Megan Tamming and Neeliah Lewis. Having Research Assistants year-round has proven to be beneficial to the incredible volume of work and research. Both bring a new wave of enthusiasm and expertise to the team.
This past year has been Gateway’s most successful yet, marked by significant accomplishments. Gateway has seen unprecedented engagement in research projects, including groundbreaking studies and community outreach efforts. Highlights include the launch of the “Legion Learning & Legion Lounge” program, “BRAVE-F”, and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training. These add to the successful completion of key research milestones that promise to advance rural healthcare. It was only through the hard work and dedication of the Research Assistants that so much was accomplished.
Gateway looks forward to the continued progress and contributions from Tamming and Lewis as they build on this year’s successes. Their fresh perspectives and skills will be instrumental in driving Gateway’s mission forward.
For more information about Gateway and ongoing projects, please visit www.gatewayruralhealth.ca.
UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRS ANNOUNCED
United Way Perth Huron Executive Director Ryan Erb (left) is shown in this photograph with the incoming Campaign Co-Chairs, Kristin Sainsbury and John Wolfe. (Submitted photo)
United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) announces Kristin Sainsbury and John Wolfe as 2024-25 campaign co-chairs.
“Kristin and John have been long-time supporters of UWPH and are well-respected for their ongoing support of the community,” said UWPH Executive Director, Ryan Erb. “Pressing local issues like poverty, housing and mental health aren’t going away. We are looking forward to getting the campaign underway and, with Kristin and John’s help, building on the strength of our organization.”
“We are seeing communities in flux with issues becoming bigger and more challenging,” said Sainsbury, incoming co-chair. “United Way is central to helping ensure that core agencies working on housing, homelessness, food security, DEI, mental health and youth have a foundation for their programs. I hope we can help move the needle to fund programs that will continue to be central support for the most vulnerable in our community.”
“It’s inspiring watching Ryan and his team create new programs and services to help the community,” added Wolfe. “Having been involved in the early days of ‘The Local Community Food Centre’, I saw how an organization can use United Way support to get their feet under them, then soar. Now with ‘United Housing’, we have another opportunity to watch a critical new organization emerge. We’re looking forward to being part of the campaign.”
Sainsbury has over 20 years experience working in municipal, private sector, and not-for-profit land use policy planning, operations, marketing, tourism, real estate and economic development. Sainsbury is passionate about community development and has served on boards and committees including Stratford Tourism, Huron Perth Foundation for Education, UWPH, Stratford Chefs School and the Economic Developers Council of Ontario.
Owner of RE/MAX a-b Realty in Stratford, Wolfe has served on UWPHs United Centre Advisory Committee, and on boards including the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance, where he also served as chair; the Huron Perth Real Estate Association, the Stratford City Centre Committee, as well as being a member of the transition committee establishing the Stratford Tourism Alliance, now Tourism Stratford.
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.
LIVERY FILM FEST
“Ghostlight” is the next film presented by The Livery Film Fest. It will be shown at the Park Theatre in Goderich on Thursday, Sept. 26.
Ghostlight is a drama about a troubled family dealing with trauma. The father, Dan, a burly construction worker with a hot temper, stumbles upon a low-budget community theatre troupe rehearsing “Romeo and Juliet” and gets recruited to fill the role of Romeo. This story shows how one family heals through art and community.
The cast are actual family members. Mother, Tara Mallen; father, Keith Kupferer; and their teenaged daughter’s (Katherine Mallen Kupferer) performances are authentic, heartfelt and deeply moving.
Reviewers are giving this film a top rating and 100 per cent on the Tomatometer (Rotten Tomatoes).
The doors of the Park Theatre will open at 6:30 p.m. for showtime at 7 p.m.
Park Theatre is located at 30 Courthouse Square in Goderich.
BLUEWATER YOUTH WORKSHOPS
In fall 2024, the Municipality of Bluewater will be hosting free learning workshops for youth funded by the Huron County SLED Grant 2024.
Youth ages 12 to 18 can expect to see opportunities to gain hands-on experience in workshops while having fun with their peers. Topics for the workshops include: Municipal Government 101, Developing and Implementing Community Programs and Fundraisers, Becoming an Effective Leader, acting on a Volunteer Committee and the Various Committee Roles, and the Youth Volunteer Leadership Program.
The first two sessions have been scheduled. Municipal Government 101 will be held in the Bluewater Council Chambers on Thursday, Oct. 17 with the Mayor and councilors of Bluewater. Community and Event Planning with the Recreation Coordinator for the Municipality will be held on Thursday, Nov. 21 at the Zurich Arena and Community Centre.
Both evenings will run from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Pizza and soft drinks provided. Registration is required. To register visit: Youth Workshops
GOOD NEIGHBOURS OF BLUEWATER
Every Thursday morning Good Neighbours of Bluewater has the coffee on and warm muffins are served fresh out of the oven. Starting at 10 a.m. folks are invited to drop in and join in a conservation with friends.
This Autumn they will be adding a “Meet Your Community Neighbour “ segment on the second Thursday of each month. This will be a casual time of conversation including a question and answer time.
This new program will begin on Sept.12 with the editor of the Bayfield Breeze, Melody Falconer-Pounder as the special guest. The Bayfield Breeze, an online publication, has grown over the last 15 years to become a great provider of information and community events
Bluewater Fire Chief, Dave Erb will be the special guest at the session to be held on Oct.10 in honor of Fire Prevention Week which runs from Oct. 6-12.
And then on Nov. 14, Patty Laporte will be in attendance to share the process and techniques used to turn milk bags into useful sleeping mats and how individuals in the community can support her in this helpful recycling project.
Another event that may be of interest happening at Good Neighbours of Bluewater is a “Salsa Making Demo and Taste Testing to be held on Tuesday, Sept.24. 6:30 – 8:30 People are invited to register to join Linda Hendrick and Dawne Erb for this activity starting at 6:30 p.m.
For more information about happenings at Good Neighbours of Bluewater, 28 Goshen Street North in Zurich, please visit their website: gnob.org or find them on Facebook.
GATEWAY LECTURE SERIES
For four years, Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (Gateway) has been hosting a free, educational and accessible online webinar series, and audience members can expect that there is a whole lot more to come including one in-person event this September.
On Tuesday, Sept. 10, at the Huron County Museum in Goderich, Gateway will be facilitating, “Health in Huron: Exploring Community Care”. Attendees will be encouraged to grasp the history, challenges, and possibilities of healthcare in rural communities by posing poignant questions and enthusiastic engagement throughout the event.
Event speakers will include: Local Historian and Author, David Yates; Gateway Research Chair of Rural Geriatrics, Dr. Alexandrea Peel, and one of few Rural Geriatricians; PhD Candidate at Guelph in Rural Studies, Casandra Bryant, and Gateway Research Chair of Human Health Resources; and Huron Hospice Volunteer, Deb Shelley. Each presenter will carry a conversation concerning the unique circumstances of rural living and how that influences health and wellbeing. This eclectic mix of presenters will cover topics ranging from dementia prevention and treatment to music care, history, and the health of rural healthcare workers.
This event will be moderated by Dr. Mike Beazely, pharmacist, professor at the University of Waterloo and Gateway Research Chair of Rural Substance Use.
Those who attend should be prepared for an incredible event with catering from Cait’s Café, hair-raising history, memorable music and the cultivation of conversation all about rural health. Gateway looks forward to seeing people there and encourages them to bring a friend!
Limited tickets available for the event which will run from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online for $20 by Sept. 3rd. Any remaining tickets can be bought at the door for $25.
For tickets go to: Health in Huron Exploring Community Care.
The Huron County Museum is located at 110 North Street in Goderich.
There are also more online lectures coming in the future. This “Health in Huron” in-person event officially launches Season 5. During upcoming lectures people will learn about rural emergency services, pharmacists, and how to #growourown healthcare workers. To discover more visit: Gateway Lecture Series.
MACKAY CHORISTERS
Anyone looking for a choir family, especially one that rehearses in the daylight hours, might want to learn more about the Mackay Choristers.
Open to Huron County seniors this choir will start their new season on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 9:30 a.m. at Lakeshore United Church in Goderich.
For more information please email singer@themackaychoristers.ca
Lakeshore United Church is located at 56 North Street in Goderich.
TEXTILE SHOW AND SALE
The Huron Tract Spinners and Weavers and the Goderich Quilters’ Guild are combining their talents once again to present their annual Textile Show and Sale during the first weekend of November in Goderich.
The public will be able to view and purchase unique traditional and modern weaving, basketry, beading, spinning, knitting and felting. Also for sale will be quilts and quilted items from wall hangings through to bedding.
There is no admission fee to this event that will feature two of Huron County’s most creative groups at the same time in one location. The show will run on Saturday, Nov. 2nd from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 3rd from noon to 4 p.m. It will be held at the Huron County Museum, 110 North Street in Goderich.
For more information please visit the Huron Tract Spinners and Weavers Facebook Page or www.goderichquiltersguild.ca.
Remember This
The Huron County Museum is home to thousands of artifacts that illustrate the history of both the rural and urban populations of the area. Space dictates what wonderful curiosities the public regularly gets to see when they visit the museum located at 110 North Street in Goderich. But where there is wifi, there is an opportunity to time-travel with over 6,700 pieces of the museum’s collection now available to view online at huroncountymuseum.pastperfectonline.com.
“Remember This” highlights items from the collection of the Huron County Museum and Historic Gaol. Items that have shaped the fabric of the county and the people who have lived here since before the county became the county in 1835 up until more recent times.
Today (Sept. 4), the start of the 2024-25 school year for many youth in our area and so in recognition of this we feature an artifact with a school theme.
BRASS BELL
Circa 1985, this is a yellow brass school bell with a curved dark wood handle. The base of the school bell is wider in circumference and curves in and upward toward the base of the wood handle. The handle is narrow and gradually curves out wider near the tip. At the end there is a small metal decorative knob. The bottom of the bell has a grey metal weight attached to a copper pipe which is curled around a hook inside the bell.
Engraved on the top centre of the bell reads “Bob Peck For Service Huron County Board of Education 1975-1985”.
The bell was given as a gift to member of the Huron County Board of Education Bob Peck upon his retirement.
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Front of bell
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Inside of bell
BAYFIELD AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
RCMP MUSICAL RIDE SPECTACULAR DISPLAY OF PRECISION AND SKILL
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The Bayfield Agricultural Society (BAS) and REACH Huron were proud to present the RCMP Musical Ride at the Clinton Raceway on Labour Day weekend – Aug. 31st and Sept. 1st.
PHOTOS AND STORY BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER
The Bayfield Agricultural Society (BAS) and REACH Huron were proud to present the RCMP Musical Ride at the Clinton Raceway on Labour Day weekend – Aug. 31st and Sept. 1st.
Hundreds of people were in attendance to watch the riders and their horses performing a variety of intricate formations and cavalry drills set to recorded music performed by Canadian artists. It was truly a spectacular display of precision and skill!
In addition to the RCMP the spectators were treated to a performance by the Cutting-edge Cowgirls from Mitchell, ON who also led those gathered in the singing of the national anthem. Members of the Steenbeek family from Stonecreek Friesians of St. Marys, ON also shared their beautiful horses as well as their carriage driving skills to an appreciative audience.
And then it was time for the main event. The crowd was abuzz as the scarlet tunics came into view and the anticipation built as the officers and horses that composed the musical ride made their way down the hill from the stables to the front of the grandstand.
Inspector Godard, the officer in charge of the musical ride since 2024, addressed the crowd from atop Police Horse, Comet. She shared that the ride members like to recognize their members when they are performing near their hometown. During the Clinton performances she noted that Constable Scott Peever, riding Police Horse, Greg, hailed from Goderich. She also shared that Police Horse, Victoria, ridden by Corporal Coleman had been gifted to the RCMP by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2018.
Following these introductions the ride began and the Mounties and their horses delighted the crowd with such formations as the “Bridal Arch” and the “Dome”, famous for being the picture on the back of the Canadian $50 bill in the mid-1970s; and the always exhilarating “Charge” formation.
At the end of the 30-minute performance the audience was invited to the raceway fence to engage with both the officers and their horses as well as the members of the Cutting-edge Cowgirls.
Both before and after the show the public was invited to the stables at the REACH Centre to visit with the horses and the Mounties. Members of the BAS took full advantage of the opportunity in between fulfilling volunteer duties.
“We had the pleasure of chatting with Constable Scott Peever in the REACH Huron stables before Saturday’s RCMP Musical Ride performance. Constable Peever joined the RCMP in 2010 and has been a Musical Ride member since 2020. He rides Police Horse Greg, who measures 16.2 hands, was born in 2009 and has been with the Musical Ride since 2015. Welcome home, Constable Peever!” said Janet Vogelsang, a director with BAS. “Each horse and rider combination has its own trading card, similar to a baseball/hockey card, that visitors can collect. Visiting the stables was a perfect opportunity to see these beautiful horses up close and to speak with the riders. They’re very happy to talk about the horses and their training!”
They are also very happy to help non-profit groups raise money for their causes from coast to coast to coast. Any profits realized from hosting the two performances will be shared by the BAS and the REACH Huron.
Editor’s Note: The photos accompanying this article were taken at the performance on Saturday, Aug. 31st. (Sources used for photo captions include rcmp.com and Horsejournals.com.)
Submit Your photo
Email your photo in Jpeg format to hello@bayfield-breeze.com with the subject line Subscriber Photo of the Week. or…Upload your photo to Flickr.
I am looking for the Bayfield that is a delight to the eye – please share photos with a touch of whimsy, beauty, humor or a sense of fun. If you are to include people in your photos be sure to have their permission to publish their picture on-line and also send in their names and where they are from. And don’t forget to tell me who took the photo for proper credit to be issued.
SUBMISSIONS
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Melody Falconer-Pounder
On Saturday I had the honor of watching the RCMP Musical Ride for the second time in my journalistic career. Sitting in the grandstand at the Clinton Raceway, along with 10 members of my family and extended family, ranging in age from 87 to 10 years of age, I couldn’t help but think about how different this experience was compared to my first go around and yet a couple of things remained the same.
Back on Victoria Day weekend 1989 I was a Junior Reporter with the Clinton newspaper. It was Klompen Feest and the RCMP Musical Ride was to be a featured part of this Dutch festival. After only two months on the job full-time it was the most important weekend I would have had to cover. I remember borrowing my father-in-law’s lens extender so that I could capture some close up shots of the riders in the field and I had ground level access to the show. It was both a thrilling and nerve wracking experience and there was some tension in the darkroom as I developed the roll or two of black and white film I had taken at the event and at the stables afterward. All developed fine and I was quite proud of the two page centerspread my work garnered – and a front page picture too! I can still see in my mind’s eye the best image that that lens extender helped me capture – a mountie with his lance extended advancing directly at the photographer!
Flash forward a trio of decades to this past Saturday, I still watched a good portion of the ride through a camera lens but this time I wasn’t limited to a couple of rolls of film and I now have a workhorse of a lens that serves both as a wide angle and a telephoto to capture the details. And in the developing I now spend a little time in “Lightroom” instead of anxious minutes in the dark.
This time It was nice to have people to share the experience with too. It was a first for the majority of our group and a bucket list experience for a couple of them. My Mom recalled seeing the spectacle at the Western Fair in London, On, back in the late 1950s and my husband also remembered seeing them on two different occasions in his youth.
Perhaps the most crucial element that hasn’t changed too much is the Musical Ride itself. It remains iconic and one that people of all ages will remember witnessing for years afterward. My thanks to the Bayfield Agricultural Society and REACH Huron for bringing them to our little corner of Canada. – Melody
Ideas and contributions to the Bayfield Breeze are always welcome.
Deadlines for submissions are Sundays at 4 p.m.