VETERAN BANNER PROGRAM COMING TO VILLAGE

In a continuing commemoration of the community’s veterans, the “2024 Veteran Banner Program” will be added to Bayfield’s downtown this coming October. Please note that this is a sample of a banner design, not the final design. (Submitted photo)

The Bayfield Lions Club in cooperation with the Municipality of Bluewater is organizing a “2024 Veteran Banner Program” in a continuing commemoration of the community’s veterans.

Any man or woman, living or deceased, who served or continues to serve Canada or its allies, in a war or on a peacekeeping mission are eligible to be honored on a banner. The person should have some connection to the Bayfield area, either having been born, grown up in or now living in the community and/or currently serving on a peacekeeping mission.

The photo submission must have sufficient resolution to be reproduced on the banner; an original photo would be preferred.

The banners will be displayed annually from mid-October to after Remembrance Day in downtown Bayfield. The exact location of the banners will be random; special requests for placement locations will not be permitted. When wear and tear prevents the banner from being further displayed sponsors will have the option to replace it.

The cost per banner is $300 including tax. Deadline for submissions is Wednesday, Sept. 18.

For more information regarding the order form, payment and the photo drop-off location please contact EJ Bauer via email at  veteranbannerproject@bayfieldlions.ca or by calling 519 807-5890.

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.

Blue Bayfield volunteers offer up the following facts for people to ponder:

• 83 per cent of bottled water tested contained micro plastics.
• A single laundry load can produce millions of micro plastic fibres that end up in the lakes.
• Plastic wrap on food products leaches into that product.
• The first piece of plastic developed still exists in some form.

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.

 CAT AN EXAMPLE OF HOW PATIENCE IS KEY TO SUCCESSFUL RESCUE

Chucky (Submitted photo)

Although Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF) has been navigating through a lot of kitten rescues and placements over the last few months there are older cats in need as well.

Chucky is the Adopt a BFF cat of the week.

“This very handsome young cat has been a work in progress and thanks to the wonderful man, who many in the community will know as Bobo’s Dad, that spent endless hours feeding and talking to him, he is now safe at the shelter,” said Deb Penhale, representing BFF.

Chucky’s story began about six months ago when Bobo’s Dad noticed him hanging around his residence. It was then he started leaving food out for him and determined that Chucky should have a loving home.

“Chucky was super skittish but more hungry than scared and so started the bromance,” explained Penhale. “Chucky was determined to just ride the gravy train and started setting his own schedule. Like any teenager he was always hungry and showing up at random times even late at night seemed good to him but  this didn’t sit so well with the Bobo’s Dads resident cats including Bobo. However, Chucky knew a good thing when he saw it and decided to start hanging out with this kind human.”

According to Penhale, he started to allow conversation while being hand fed treats. This escalated to slipping into the house for a quick sniff about and an occasional indoor dining experience.

“And then he marched into the house as if to say, ‘Hey guys, let’s hang out!’ He followed one of the resident cats into the bathroom, hopped up on the sink and sat down.  It was then that Bobo’s Dad closed the bathroom door and Chucky settled down for what was left of the night.”

Penhale went on to say that he was brought to BFF the next morning.

“He was a bit less than thrilled about going into a carrier for the trip but it was managed,” said Penhale.

Chucky went to the vet on Sept. 9 for this neuter appointment so will be very soon looking for a human of his very own train.

“This guy is full of charm and character and has learned his way around humans.  He is sure to make someone’s life all that much more interesting and has plenty of love and purrs to give,” said Penhale.

To learn more about Chucky’s story as well as the remarkable Bobo and his pal Moochie, who are both BFF rescues, visit: Bobo in Bayfield on Instagram.

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

LION NAMING CONTEST ENDS THURSDAY

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.

NURSING DURING WWI FOCUS OF TALK

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.

BAYFIELD ONE OF THE SETTINGS FOR DEBUT CRIME NOVEL BY STRATFORD AUTHOR

STORY BY SAMANTHA LAWSON

Author Al Wakelin provides a sense of familiarity for Huron County readers in his first ever novel “Unforgiven Trespasses” by using Stratford, Goderich and Bayfield as some of the settings in his story.

The book begins in Los Angeles and details the stalking and attack of a young, rising TV actress Claire Cascales. She escapes to a family friend’s Bed and Breakfast in Stratford but the mystery follows her there and continues on, with murder and mayhem happening in Goderich and even Bayfield.

Wakelin said he drew inspiration for this story from the real-life death of actress Rebecca Schaeffer in 1989. She was in the height of her career, scheduled to audition for a coveted role in “The Godfather Part III”, when she was killed by a man who had been stalking her for three years.

“It was all preventable, and that really stuck with me as a police officer,” Wakelin said.

Wakelin is a Stratford native with extensive law enforcement knowledge following a 23-year career with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). He draws from this experience to tell this story, highlighting the issue of internet stalking and the plight first responders endure in their work.

“I wanted to make sure the same unsettling and disturbing feelings I had, the reader should have that too, I wanted them to have that taste of a first responder,” Wakelin said. “And that’s not what the book is about, but it allowed me to do some of that, kind of purging some of those demons that stay with you.”

Wakelin said he has always written poetry and short stories but it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic that he finally had the time to dedicate to writing a novel. He said the writing was therapeutic in a way and helped him address some of the issues he had dealt with in his RCMP career, such as his PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).

“It was COVID that – as much as I hated that period and it was a dark time – certainly gave me that opportunity and was part of the inspiration to sit down and do a novel, and now I can’t stop writing.”

Wakelin said he decided to have the story come to Bayfield because of memories of his own time visiting a family cottage down Lane of Pines Sideroad north of the village when he was younger.

“We spent many summers up there. You write what you know, so I love Lake Huron. It’s still near and dear to my heart and I wish we still had the cottage to tell you the truth,” Wakelin said. “I remember riding my bike to the Bluewater Golf Course there and playing golf, and you can just imagine, at 12 or 13, that’s a pretty nice summer life. So, I have some action that occurs in that area, an exciting rescue over Lake Huron between Bayfield and Goderich.”

“Unforgiven Trespasses” is available for purchase now in locations such as Fincher’s in Goderich and online at Cottage on Caleonia’s website.

TAYLOR SWIFT CONCERT TICKET RAFFLE IN SUPPORT OF UNITED HOUSING

Thanks to the generosity of Dr. Erin and Mike Heisz, United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) is excited to announce a charity raffle offering two tickets to see Taylor Swift live in concert in Toronto on Nov. 23. The raffle supports UWPH’s United Housing (UH) initiative, the region’s first non-profit housing organization dedicated to developing and operating mixed rental units.

“We are so appreciative of Erin and Mike for providing these two tickets,” said UH Director, Kathy Vassilakos. “We are thrilled to offer local Taylor Swift fans the chance to experience the Eras Tour while supporting a cause that directly impacts our community. Every ticket purchased helps us continue to build on our mission to provide affordable housing solutions for those in need.”

“United Housing is a cause that our family passionately supports, recognizing the immense value it brings to our community. We have experienced in our own families and workplaces the difficulties obtaining safe and affordable housing in Perth Huron and also Grey Bruce, where we both are originally from. We are so happy that 100 per cent of the proceeds will help advance this local initiative,” said Dr. Erin Heisz. “By making the raffle tickets affordable, we hope to give every Taylor Swift fan the chance to experience an unforgettable concert while also contributing to a truly meaningful cause!”

The two seated floor tickets are in section C3, row 10, and are part of the “Karma is My Boyfriend” VIP package including four Taylor Swift prints, a commemorative Taylor Swift/Eras Tour VIP tote bag, pin, sticker and postcard set, souvenir concert ticket, and special VIP tour laminate and matching lanyard.

United Way and United Housing would like to extend thanks to all the businesses selling raffle tickets across Perth Huron: Blowes Stationery, Juno, Junction 56 and the United Centre, all in Stratford; BK Brand Name Clothing and Gifts and Bakelaar Jewellers, both in Listowel; Wuerth’s Shoes and All Around the House, both in Goderich; Wuerth’s Shoes in Exeter; Sun Rayz in St. Marys; Annette’s Treasures and I Want That Bag Consignment, both in Wingham; Blooms N’ Rooms in Seaforth; and Penny’s and the Pine Café and Bistro in Blyth. Tickets are $10 each. The draw will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at Junction 56 Distillery in Stratford, 45 Cambria Street, starting at 6:30 p.m. The winner will be notified. Individuals must be 18 years of age or older to purchase tickets.

Across Perth Huron, there are people experiencing homelessness, people escaping violent home situations who can’t afford an apartment, workers who can’t afford to live in the same community as their jobs are located and seniors having to leave their homes who don’t have enough to afford anything in the rental market. UH aims to help address the crisis and work toward a vision of everyone living in housing suitable and affordable to their needs by 2050. To learn more about UH’s work, and to sign up for the newsletter, visit United Housing.

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.