BAYFIELD UKULELE FESTIVAL

The Bayfield Ukulele Society held their first ever Bayfield Ukulele Festival on Saturday, Sept. 28 with workshops in three locations around the village. The workshop led by Ben Hassenger at the Bayfield Community Centre and Arena kept participants smiling as they strummed along. This Festival will be featured in next week’s issue of the Bayfield Breeze. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

LOCAL AUTHOR TO HOST BOOK LAUNCH AT WINERY

Judy and Philip Keightley (Submitted photo)

“Murder at the Winery” the next instalment in Judy Keightley’s Rose Blair Murder Mystery series is ready to launch. Fans of the series are invited to the Maelstrom Winery on Saturday, Oct. 12 for an opportunity to purchase signed copies and meet the author.

The meet and greet will run from 2-4 p.m.

The author’s life could surely be the inspiration for an adventure book on its own. Born in the heart of Africa, Judy has traveled the world. She lived in England, Cyprus, Indonesia and Iraq before moving to Canada with her husband Philip and four children and now resides in lovely Bayfield. She’s currently working to complete one of her goals of visiting 100 countries! She’s managed 82 to date and will be heading overseas again this winter.

Her love of the arts, writing in particular, is well documented.

“When we first moved to Bayfield it was as if my creativity exploded,” Keightley said. “In a period of ten years I proceeded to write a whole load of historical plays as fundraisers for the community.”

It was, indeed, a fundraiser for the Bayfield Historical Society (BHS) that provoked Keightley to write her very first murder mystery, “Murder on Bayfield Beach”, with the proceeds from the first fifty copies being donated to the Society.

After the initial success of Murder on Bayfield Beach, Keightley was urged to write a sequel and then another. This latest instalment of the Rose Blair Murder Mystery is the tenth in the series.

To date, Keightley has ten novels, twenty novellas, six plays, four murder mystery dinner theatres, three cabarets and two heritage street theatre events to her credit. She is currently working on Rose Blair Murder Mystery number 11.

Over the years the main characters, Rose and Tom Blair and their sometimes-dysfunctional family, have played a dominant role in the book’s appeal.

“Many people think that Rose and Tom are actually Philip and I,” Keightley said with a twinkle in her eyes. “But they truly are fictitious characters. I have, however, had fun embellishing their relationships.”

When asked about her many novellas, Keightley responded by saying that they will eventually be published as short story collections. A number of them are set in Africa where Keightley was born and lived for many years.

“I have extensively traveled and lived all around the world and have drawn upon my experiences to write the novellas. One of my African stories was shortlisted for the Alice Munro competition some years ago,“ Keightley said. “This was before we moved to Huron County and I had no idea who Alice Munro was.”

Of the many historically themed plays she has written, Keightley says that they were great fun and if she heard anyone in the audience say, “Well, I never knew that,” she felt immediately gratified.

“History can sometimes be quite dry and boring, but it can be brought to life on the stage. I loved the fact that I was given the opportunity to bring the history of Bayfield alive for the community at large,” she said.

When asked if she would be writing any more plays, Keightley answered, “Well, my last play was, Admiral Bayfield, just before Covid. I also wrote the dinner theatre version of ‘Murder at the Townhall’ that same year. I’m not sure that I’ll be writing any more plays or dinner theatres, certainly not in the near future. My next novel to be published is one written a year ago and is called, ‘Five Sisters’. It’s based very loosely on the fact that I am one of five girls and after I lost my two sisters and mother during Covid, I felt the need to write about the lives of five sisters. It was, as much as anything, a therapeutic exercise.”

All are invited to visit Maelstrom Winery for the book launch on Oct. 12 and take the opportunity to relax, try a glass of Maelstrom’s wine and enjoy an afternoon at a beautiful rural winery…. without a murder! Books will be on sale at $20 each and pre-orders are welcome by calling 519 525-4515.

Maelstrom Winery is located at 78925 Sanctuary Line, Seaforth, ON.

NEARLY TIME TO MAKE THE WREATHS

The Bayfield Agricultural Society (BAS) is looking for people who enjoy being outdoors and can spare a few hours to help out with the annual wreath-making fundraiser. Some volunteers are returning from last year’s wreath-making project, but a few more volunteers will be needed.

The volunteer activities will include:

•  cutting down grape vines and/or evergreen boughs
•  making the grapevine bases
• assembling the evergreen wreaths on grapevine bases

If anyone has grapevine, cedar, white pine, spruce or juniper trees that can be used for bough cutting, that would also be a great help.

All of this work will be completed between mid-October and mid-November. The first session will be on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 1:30 p.m. to pull grapevines and fashion them into wreath bases. The location will be confirmed closer to the date. All other dates and times will be communicated to volunteers.

Final assembly of the wreaths will take place in November inside the BAS shed/barn in the Agricultural Park in preparation for the Wreath Sale (Nov. 15-16).

Volunteering on the wreath-making project is a great opportunity to work with a friendly and fun group of people. Anyone interested in helping out or contributing evergreen boughs is asked to contact info@bayfieldfair.ca.

KNOX CHURCH FUNDRAISER SUCCESSFUL

Knox Presbyterian Church, Bayfield held its BBQ, Baking and Book Sale on Saturday, Sept. 28 and it proved to be a great success!

“To all the folks in our community, and those visiting from near and far, from our great big hearts to yours we extend a heartfelt thank you for being part of our accessibility efforts fundraising day and making it such a great success!” said Teresa Steel, representing Knox, Bayfield. “Your generosity means everything to us and to the community we serve, and we truly appreciate your support.”

All proceeds from the day will go towards accessibility efforts underway at the church.

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

The next instalment of the Speaker Series scheduled for Sunday, Oct 13 has been canceled as it conflicted with the Thanksgiving holiday. Organizers will  reschedule this talk by Historian and Archivist Ralph Laviolette.

Therefore the next instalment of the Speaker Series will actually be held on Saturday, Oct 26 at 1 p.m.  At that time, Knox Church will host Lori Ver Vermeersch, Huron County Emergency Medical Services. More information to come as the date draws closer.

Sunday services are held at 11 a.m. and are open to everyone.

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.

OVER A DOZEN ADOPTED AT  “KITTEN PALOOZA”

PHOTOS BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER

Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF) held their second Kittenpalooza of the year at their satellite branch in the village on Sunday morning, Sept. 29. The result was over a dozen felines found forever homes.

“We are thrilled to make that announcement and with the fees collected from those adoptions we can pay it forward to have another group of kittens vetted in order to get them ready for their forever homes,” said Deb Penhale, representing BFF.

Penhale, would however like to remind everyone of the never ending cycle that BFF finds itself in.

“Every time some go out, more come in,” she said. “Fortunately with ongoing community support we have been able to get over 50 kittens spayed/neutered. That being said, we still have over 50 left to go.”

Despite seemingly overwhelming odds the atmosphere among the many volunteers that came out to help host Kittenpalooza was very upbeat. Around 75 visitors dropped in to view, cuddle and coo over the abundance of all ages and varieties of kittens. And everyone involved could feel a certain electricity in the air when a successful match was made – a reminder of why BFF does what it does.

Another reminder is the Adopt a BFF kitten of the week – Waldo.

Waldo – the Adopt a BFF kitten of the week. (Submitted photo)

Waldo is a gorgeous, medium haired, soft as silk, black kitten.

“He arrived at BFF after being dumped in a barn with some very aggressive barn cats. He was terrified of the bigger cats and they were definitely not embracing his presence,” said Penhale. “Waldo is young, probably five or six months old, and has made enough biscuits* in the short time he’s been in the shelter I’m sure to feed all of the county. He is also a purring machine – all you have to do is look at him and he starts purring. So far, he’s not much of a conversationalist, he prefers to work with his actions instead of his voice, he will jump in your arms, snuggle in and purr immediately. He just wants to snuggle.”

Penhale noted that his markings are quite unusual. He has black fur on top and red underneath. He has a white tip on the very end of his tail and a little white dot on his chest.

“We named him Waldo because when he arrived, he was in a darker kennel on a gray blanket, and we honestly could not see him at all until he opened those great big golden eyes,” Penhale said.

Please reach out to bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com to learn more about Waldo 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.

*Cat kneading or “making biscuits” is a behavior kittens utilize to get milk from their mother. Cats also “make biscuits” when they are being petted, kneading is their way of telling humans that this petting feels good.

UNITED WAY SETS GOAL FOR ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

One of the United Way Campaign Kickoff events was held recently in Goderich. (Submitted photo)

United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) is proud to share its 2024-25 campaign goal of $2,624,772.

“We know it’s a big goal for us,” said UWPH Executive Director, Ryan Erb. “This year, there’s a tremendous focus on our partners and helping them. We know that, like most of us, nonprofits are struggling. They’re facing increased wait times and higher demand, so we need to make sure they can meet the needs of vulnerable people.

“United Way is the largest funder of social services next to the government and we’ve always been about making sure people who are struggling get the immediate help they need. But we also want to make sure we’re creating long-term solutions to the challenges our region is facing. So, whether that’s funding Connection Centres to ensure people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness can access basic needs and services to help them on their journey to stable housing or working to create housing through our new United Housing initiative, we’re committed to changing local conditions for the better.”

The 2024-25 UWPH campaign kicked off with events and announcements in Goderich, Listowel, Seaforth, Wingham, Exeter, Stratford and St. Marys.

UWPH supports over 40 programs and services across Perth-Huron, including the organization’s own Urgent Needs Fund, United Housing and the Social Research and Planning Council. Last year’s campaign raised $2.3 million.

COLLABORATION BOOSTS SUPPORT FOR THOSE LIVING WITH ADDICTION IN HURON

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South Huron Hospital and the County of Huron have partnered in collaboration with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Huron Perth to provide support for individuals facing addiction. Three of the people working on this initiative are from l-r Catherine Kutzner, CMHA Huron Perth Addiction and Mental Health Services; Christian Atkinson, Huron County Paramedic Services; and Nicole MacMillan, CMHA Huron Perth Addiction and Mental Health Services. (Submitted photo)

outh Huron Hospital and the County of Huron are pleased to announce a new partnership. In collaboration with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Huron Perth, they have dedicated their time to enhancing community care through a pilot initiative that began in June 2024. This initiative supports individuals facing addiction challenges and has already demonstrated significant positive impacts on community health and well-being by expanding access to primary care.

“This partnership marks a significant step forward in our collective effort to provide comprehensive and accessible care to our community,” said President & CEO at Huron Health System Jimmy Trieu. “The early successes of this initiative emphasize the importance of collaboration in addressing complex health challenges and improving the well-being of Huron County residents.”

CMHA Huron Perth offers individual counseling and case management services weekly at the South Huron Medical Centre, which is now being supported by Huron County Community Paramedicine. The Paramedicine Team will utilize South Huron Hospital’s facilities to conduct critical tests, alleviating the need for additional patient visits. By attending the clinic one day per month, they will perform services like blood draws and vital checks, providing the nurse practitioner with a detailed overview of the client’s health status for optimal care planning. This additional service is crucial as many clients encounter challenges such as the absence of a primary care physician, transportation difficulties, or the inability to attend multiple appointments.

“Addiction is a complex issue that deeply impacts individuals, families, and communities,” said Nurse Practitioner, Community Withdrawal Services, CMHA Huron Perth, Addiction and Mental Health Services, Geoffrey Wheatley. “Having this program available to support individuals with addiction needs can transform their journey to recovery.”

Partnerships such as this one optimize resource sharing, reduce service duplication, and ensure that patients receive the right care at the right time. Together, they streamline services, adding value to an already essential program.

“We all have something unique to offer and each organization plays a vital role in this partnership,” added Director, Emergency Services, Chief, Paramedic Services for Huron County, Jeff Horseman. “Our collective commitment to overcoming addiction reflects our broader goal of building a healthier, more resilient community.”

For more information please contact CMHA Huron Perth at 1-888-261-9350.

NEW ULTRASOUND DISINFECTION UNIT ON CLINTON HOSPITAL’S RADIOTHON WISH LIST

Representatives of the five hospital foundations that come together for the annual CKNX Radiothon gathered recently for a photo. They are from l-r: Elizabeth Dwyer, Listowel Memorial Hospital Foundation: Amy Van Huss, Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation, Mount Forest; Dale Franklin, Palmerston & District Hospital Foundation; Sandy Campbell, Clinton Public Hospital Foundation; and Nicole Duquette-Jutzi, Wingham & District Hospital Foundation. (Submitted photo)

On Saturday, Oct. 19, the 23rd Annual CKNX Health Care Heroes Radiothon will be broadcasting in support of eight midwestern Ontario hospital foundations, including the Clinton Public Hospital (CPH) Foundation.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., CKNX will be dedicating the AM920 airwaves to healthcare: sharing interviews with each of the Foundations about their fundraising goals, airing patient “Stories from the Heart”, and encouraging listeners to phone in a donation in support of their local hospital.

Since its inception in 2002, the CKNX Health Care Heroes Radiothon has raised a total of $14,497,905 in support of the eight participating hospitals, $508 087.72 of it in support of the CPH Foundation, thanks to its generous local donors.

This year, the CPH Foundation has set a Radiothon fundraising target of $33,335 for a new ultrasound disinfection unit.

CKNX Healthcare Heroes Radiothon will broadcast on AM920 and cknx.ca with updates on the hour on 101.7 The One and Cool 94.5. Callers can make their pledge during the broadcast on Oct. 19 by calling toll free 1-877-227-3486; volunteers will be on hand to answer the phone lines and accept donations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Text giving is also available throughout the entire month of October: simply text HERO CLINTON to 41010 to make a donation of $10. More information about the CKNX Healthcare Heroes Radiothon or the CPH Foundation can be found at cknx.ca or www.cphfoundation.ca.

BUS STOP MOVES FROM ST. JOSEPH TO WEST HURON CARE CENTRE

As of Sept. 20, Huron Shores Area Transit (HSAT) permanently moved the St. Joseph bus stop (#3000), previously located at the intersection of Hwy 21 and County Road 84, to the West Huron Care Centre, home to Blue Water Rest Home and West Huron Early Childhood Learning Centre.

The decision to move the bus stop was in response to passenger feedback that reported walking or using a scooter on the gravel shoulder of County Road 84 to reach the Zurich bus stop in front of Bluewater’s Municipal building on Mill Road was too far, difficult and dangerous.

Although located on the Blue Water Rest Home’s property, the bus stop is available to everyone. Conveniently located on the turning circle, the new bus stop location provides trouble-free manoeuvrability for the bus, and the concrete sidewalk makes it easier for passengers to board and exit the bus.

The West Huron Care Centre is not only the location of the Blue Water Rest Home long-term care facility and seniors’ apartments, it is also the hub of various community programs, such as wellness initiatives, the West Huron Early Childhood Learning Centre, and training programs. Now, staff, volunteers, residents, and guests have convenient, safe access to public transit right on the doorstep.

“HSATs mission is to enable people to get where they need to go,” said Huron Shores Area Transit Coordinator Susan Mills. “This new bus stop location allows us to better serve passengers of all abilities and ensure that public transit is accessible and inclusive for everyone.”

The Bluewater Route 3 bus stops at the centre at 12:12 p.m. and 2:52 p.m. when heading to Zurich, Hensall, Bayfield and Goderich. The return trip from Goderich to Grand Bend stops at the complex at 2:20 p.m. and 5 p.m.

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

TAYLOR SWIFT CONCERT TICKET RAFFLE TWO-THIRDS SOLD

As of Oct. 1st, due to tremendous response from the Perth-Huron community, tickets in United Way Perth-Huron’s (UWPH) Taylor Swift raffle are two-thirds sold. Every ticket purchased helps support UWPH’s United Housing initiative.

Thanks to the generosity of Dr. Erin and Mike Heisz, (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.