AUCTIONS PROVIDE VALUABLE OPPORTUNITY FOR FOLK ART AND CANADIANA COLLECTORS

STORY BY SAMANTHA LAWSON

This dining room incorporates Canadian furniture and early folk art to create a modern but timeless space. The dining table is Canadian made from the 1920s, while the buffet at the far end of the room dates back to the early 20th century as well. A black, folk art horse pull-toy atop the buffet is being used as a napkin holder, and the fish bowl beside it is a 1970s Quebec folk art piece carved by Lucien Bouchard. (Photo courtesy Sandra May)

There is a valuable opportunity on the horizon for art collectors in Bayfield. This weekend, Miller & Miller Auctions is expected to host a pair of online auctions that will showcase a vast array of desirable folk and Canadiana art pieces.

On Oct. 12 the Canadiana auction goes live at 9 a.m., while the Canadian Folk Art auction happens the following day on Oct. 13.

Sandra May, owner of The Gallery House in Bayfield, said the pair of auctions are a great opportunity for local art collectors to add some amazing pieces to their home.

“It’s fun to watch, but secondly there’s some fantastic pieces in there,” May said.

“To be able to grab a piece from these auctions says a lot, even if you get one, you’ve now bought into part of our history as being Canadian. [Folk art] is historically exciting because it’s our past, but it lives timelessly with the future.”

In a description for the Canadian Folk Art auction, Miller & Miller Auctions said the sale “offers a wide range of sought after and collected artists from the Maritimes, Quebec and Ontario.”

“Artists such as Maud Lewis, Joe Norris, Joseph Sleep, Collins Eisenhaur, and Wilfrid Richard are well represented, along with exciting works by lesser known but equally interesting artists.”

Based in New Hamburg, Miller & Miller Auctions has been a trusted source for collectors to buy and sell their items since 2016. Just a couple years ago, the auction house sold a Maud Lewis painting for an astounding $350,000 – the most a Lewis painting had ever fetched at that time.

The critically acclaimed Nova Scotia native can be considered a household name in the Canadian folk art world, and more of her work is available for purchase at the Oct. 13 auction.

Miller & Miller Auctions describes the Oct. 12 sale as offering “objects ranging from hard-to-find museum-quality pieces to the basic ‘signature’ items that form the cornerstone of every collection.

“Included are burl bowls, weathervanes, sculpture, a rare miniature Alaskan kayak, a collection of canoe cups, decorated game boards, an extremely rare Ontario fraktur with two birds by Anna Weber, and some terrific decoys for all budgets.”

May said Canadiana art is something that is Canadian made and could be from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. It can add depth to your home in a historically valuable way.

“You put it in together with some very interesting, modern furniture, but you make it not something that is just the standard,” May said.

Items from the Canadiana auction as well as the Canadian Folk Art auction are available for preview on Miller & Miller Auctions’ website now before the shows go live on Oct. 12-13. To view items, visit: Canadiana and Folk Art.

MAELSTROM WINERY LOCATION FOR BOOK LAUNCH

“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.

It was a fundraiser for the Bayfield Historical Society that prompted 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.

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.”

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.

BAYFIELD’S FORGOTTEN FELINES LAUNCHES WEBSITE

These new arrivals at Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines are hungry! Donations to help cover food costs are always welcome.

Four of the latest kittens to arrive at Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines are the Adopt a BFF kittens of the week. (Submitted photos)

“As we say good-bye to summer and hello to fall, we also say hello to the fall crop of kittens,” said Deb Penhale, representing Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF). “And so it begins again.”

In fact a gorgeous litter of adorable playful wee felines are the Adopt a BFF kittens of the week.

They were brought in recently along with their Mama. Penhale would like to remind everyone that when live-trapping kittens it is very important to catch their Mama as well, bringing her in last being the ideal, so starving, uncared for kittens aren’t left fending for themselves.

“The people who found this gang along with Mama had been feeding the adult cat and were worried there might be babies and sure enough there were!” said Penhale. “This delightful gang are but a few of the kittens out there looking for a safe haven. They will of course be spayed or neutered and given all age appropriate shots and be available for adoption when that is done.”

Penhale laments that this bunch represents a small percentage.

“There are hundreds of kittens just in this area alone that need help.  We just don’t have the room or finances to take on more.  If you see a cat or kittens in need of help – step up and be the someone to do something.

“So many of you have been supportive and are so very much appreciated but there is still much to do.  The Adopt a BFF kittens of the week are some of the lucky ones so many won’t have this opportunity.”

Exciting news for BFF is the launch this week of their website! Included on this website is lots of helpful information on how people can help feral kittens.

The site, www.bayfieldsforgottenfelines.ca, features a searchable index of all the cats and kittens available for adoption. This includes pictures and descriptions of their personalities. Plus there is  a new option for making donations by credit card. The website also includes online forms that automate the adoption and volunteer application processes as well as testimonials from previous adopters who found their purrfect matches at BFF.

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

BONNIE SITTER GUEST SPEAKER AT RTO MEETING

Bonnie Sitter (left), co-author of “Peach Fuzz and Onion Skins – The Story of the Farmerettes”, was the special speaker at the RTO’s Annual Meeting and Fall Banquet. At the event Sitter was introduced to June Partridge, a real life Farmerette! (Submitted photos)

RTO District 9 Huron-Perth hosted its annual meeting at the Libro Community Hall in Clinton on Oct. 3.  This was the final celebration of the organization’s 50th anniversary. Among over a hundred retired educators were special guests from teacher’s federations and education workers’ unions, and the directors of both the public and separate school boards.

After elections the Core Executive remained the same with Bruce Whitmore as Past President’ Willi Laurie, President; Marty Bond,Treasurer; and Joanne Carr, Secretary.  An executive board of 13 other members also supports RTO in Huron and Perth.

During the meeting a community grant award was presented to Margaret Smart, coordinator at the Local Community Food Centre (Local) in Stratford, as part of RTO’s outreach to the community. This will fund a pilot program at the Local to help seniors learn new recipes and foster social connections. The Kitchen Skills Program, developed in partnership with the Stratford Family Health Team, demonstrates a true collaboration between two community partners and RTOERO, noted Smart.

The seniors who take part in the Kitchen Skills Program will have the opportunity to learn recipes that meet their physical and nutritional needs, and get hands-on experience. This pilot program targets the growing issue of food insecurity, poor nutrition and social isolation among seniors.

The community grant was one of 31 projects funded by RTOERO for a total of $122,252 this year.  Over the years the parent organization has put over $2 million into community projects.

RTOERO is also looking forward to a tree building project which involves planting 50 commemorative trees at the West Perth Wetlands at 10 a.m. on Oct. 17. This project has been spear-headed by Joanne Carr and David McClure

Also at the meeting Linda Brunkard was awarded the Exemplary Contribution Award for her many years of providing support as social convenor on the RTOERO Executive Board. Past President Bruce Whitmore made the presentation.

President Willi Laurie introduced Bonnie Sitter, author and photographer, who was the occasion’s guest speaker. Sitter spoke about the history of the Farmerette program, about the connections she had made along the way in her research journey, and specifically to the many photographs she was able to collect in compiling her recent book, “Peach Fuzz and Onion Skins – The Story of the Farmerettes”. Sitter collaborated with fellow author Shirelyan English and their book has since been turned into a play which premiered at the Blyth Festival Theatre and the Fourth Line Theatre this summer. A group of District 9 members attended the play at Blyth. A documentary is also in the works.

A special moment in the day came when special guest, June Partridge, a former Farmerette, was introduced to those assembled and met with Bonnie Sitter.

RTO District 9 Huron-Perth represents more than 1,100 retired and still-employed teachers and education workers.

RTOERO is a bilingual trusted voice on healthy, active living for the broader education community in their retirement journey. With 85,000+ members in 51 districts across Canada, it is the largest national provider of non-profit group health benefits for education retirees.

CHSS MUSIC DEPARTMENT ADDS STRINGS

The Central Huron Secondary School Music Department recently started a strings program. Participants include students (l-r): Ava Dawe, violin; and Emma Story, cello; who are seated alongside the CHSS teacher directing the program, Cam Bowman, viola. (Submitted photo)

From jazz, to wind band and rock, the Central Huron Secondary School (CHSS) Music Department is pleased to announce the start of a new strings program at the school.

“We were incredibly grateful to the community of Central Huron for donations of strings that helped get this program started.” said Aaron Neeb, CHSS Music teacher. “Our goal is to provide as much variety to our students as possible as instrumental music is linked to higher academic achievement and creativity.”

New additions to the music department include three violins, a viola and a cello. Students enrolled in music receive the opportunity to play these instruments as part of course work and a quintet has started at the school.

“Having a strings program compliments a lot of the work that our band program offers,” said Cam Bowman, string director. “Playing a string instrument helps students learn many skills from self-discipline to focus and hand-eye coordination.”

Bowman, a Math teacher at CHSS, has played both viola and french horn with the Windsor Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Windsor Community Orchestra.

“Even though I teach Math, I knew that music would always be a part of my life and this is just one way that I get to share my love of music,” said Bowman. “It is exciting to get to make music and share what I have learned with young adults.”

The CHSS Music Department is seeking any additional donations of string instruments including violin, viola, cello and double bass. Any community members that have donations are encouraged to contact Aaron Neeb at aaron.neeb@ed.amdsb.ca or by calling CHSS at 519 482-3471.

A full moon is expected to light up the night on Friday, Nov. 15, for Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority’s (ABCA) popular annual Owl Prowl. The event will take place at Morrison Dam Conservation Area (MDCA), east of Exeter.

WILD ONTARIO TO ATTEND OWL PROWL

Owls are incredible creatures of the night. Over the years, hundreds of people have learned about owls and their amazing nocturnal adaptations at the annual Owl Prowl.

People must pre-register to take part. To register go to Owl Prowl. Registration is free but organizers encourage donations to Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation (ABCF) in support of Foundation programming.

The event includes one group from 5:30-7 p.m. and a second group from 7:30-9 p.m. There are a maximum of 75 participants in each group. It has been confirmed that participants will have a chance to view live owls, courtesy of WILD Ontario.

Cassie Greidanus is the Conservation Education Coordinator with ABCA. She shared that the Owl Prowl offers people a way to be active in nature, listen for owls, learn about local animals active at night, and to show their support for conservation education.

“This event is possible thanks to the donations by those taking part,” she said. “That generous support raises money to support conservation education programs for the next year.”

She would like to invite participants to “explore our nocturnal world, including owls and other nocturnal species of Ontario.” She shared that people registered for the event should “…be prepared to learn all about the nightlife happening when we are normally tucked into bed…” and to “…discover the adaptations of our owls and the creatures with which they co-exist.”

To find out more visit the Ausable Bayfield Conservation events page: ABCA Events or contact Greidanus by emailing cgreidanus@abca.ca or by calling  519 235-2610, or toll-free 1-888-286-2610, Ext. 262.

The Owl Prowl will run rain, snow or shine but not if there is thunder or lightning. In the case of a cancellation, registrants will be notified via email.

The Owl Prowl is possible thanks to the support of ABCF, and its donors and community supporters, and the support of ABCA and its member municipalities.

Morrison Dam Conservation Area is located at 71108 Morrison Line, RR 3 Exeter. It is two km East of Exeter and just south of Hwy 83.

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.

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.