TWO LOCAL GROUPS FEATURED IN DOCUMENTARY 

PHOTOS AND STORY BY SAMANTHA LAWSON 

Blue Bayfield member Ray Letheren was interviewed by science journalist Ziya Tong (White Pine Pictures) when she visited Bayfield last fall. The pair can be seen in the documentary, “Plastic People” walking Main Street and discussing the town’s efforts to become plastic free. The film was screened at the Bayfield Town Hall on Oct. 8.

Members of the community gathered at the Bayfield Town Hall on Oct. 8 to watch the village make its debut on the big screen. 

Bayfield is featured in a documentary called “Plastic People” that follows the journey of science journalist Ziya Tong as she travels around the world to investigate the growing harmful effects of plastics on the human body.

The film explains that every piece of plastic ever created in history still exists on the planet to this day. The plastic is broken down into fragments and is considered microplastics when it’s less than 5 mm in length. 

These microplastics are becoming a permanent part of the environment. They can be found as microscopic particles drifting in the air, floating in all bodies of water and mixed into the soil as well. 

It’s a dilemma that is growing in concern as Tong discovers that small amounts of microplastics can even be found in several areas of the human body, including the brain. 

Bayfield plays an important part in sharing awareness about this problem, particularly the effects microplastics can have on natural water sources. 

A community organization called Blue Bayfield has been trying to reduce the harmful human effects on Lake Huron for the past 30 years.

Blue Bayfield member Ray Letheren was interviewed by Tong when she visited Bayfield last fall. The pair can be seen in the documentary walking Main Street and discussing the town’s efforts to become plastic free. 

Blue Bayfield member Shelagh Sully spoke to the over 90 guests who attended the viewing of the documentary. Blue Bayfield donated the profits of the evening, $230, to Bayfield Area Food Bank.

Letheren said it’s important for him to get involved in this cause for the future of the next generation. 

“From a personal perspective, I’m an older man, but I worry about little kids,” Letheren said. 

“As we saw in the movie, [microplastics] are in our brains, it’s in our liver, in the fetus, it’s everywhere and I’m sure some of the illnesses we, as adults, experience are caused by plastic.”

Letheren said reducing plastic waste is a community effort, and Blue Bayfield is very proud of the businesses and residents in Bayfield for all they’ve done. 

Grace Theophilopoulos, a student at South Huron District High School in Exeter, was also featured in the documentary. 

She is a member of a group of high school students called Eco Exeter who want to make a positive change on the environment. 

“Seeing all the waste on our local beaches that we all have cottages on and like to walk on, I don’t like. And animals, it’s harmful to them,” Theophilopoulos said.

 “Our mission is to create a change in our small community.” 

The film crew for “Plastic People” stopped in Exeter in October 2023 to film the students’ effort to reduce the use of single-use plastics. 

Members of Eco Exeter can be seen in the documentary distributing reusable produce bags to shoppers at a local grocery store.

“I thought it was very cool that they went all over the world and then they came to our little town of Exeter to see us and what we’re doing to try and make a change,” Theophilopoulos said. 

The next North American screening of “Plastic People” is at the Windsor International Film Festival on Oct. 18 at 4 p.m. and on Nov. 1 at 2:25 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase here.

The documentary is also being shown in Norway, France, Switzerland, Malaysia, Australia and several other locations around the world.  

FILM SHOT IN BAYFIELD SCREENING IN THE FOREST CITY

Filming “To Hold the Night” on Pioneer Park Beach in October 2023. (Photo by Dianne Brandon)

Early in October 2023, Bayfield was the location for the making of a short film, “To Hold the Night”, with Bayfield resident Jessica Petelle at the helm as director and producer.

Since August of this year,  the film has received several accolades on its tour of North American film festivals and Petelle is pleased to share that it will be shown closer to home near the end of the month at the Forest City Film Festival (FCFF) in London, ON.

The short was filmed in various locations around the village including Pioneer Park, the area around Catherine and Main Street, as well as Jowett Lane to the beach and pier areas, the harbor and The Little Inn.

Executive Director of FCFF Dorothy Downs said, “We have so much talent that lives among us throughout all of Southwestern Ontario, and the beauty of our Great Lakes countryside and shores are ideal for filmmaking.  We are always so excited at the Forest City Film Festival when we can celebrate the talent that chooses to call this region home.  They are respected and work across the country and worldwide, but this region is where their heart is.

“Jessica Petelle is a great example of this with her deep roots in Bayfield and a talent and skill that has her in demand all across the country!  We are thrilled to have her short film To Hold The Night at the FCFF!”

Director and producer of “To Hold the Night”Jessica Petelle (left) is shown in this photo with cast members Chris Potter, Anwen O’Driscoll and Megan Hutchings. (Photo by Peter Mabrucco )

The screening of To Hold the Night  will be held on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 10 a.m. at the Wolf Performance Hall.  Tickets are on sale now. Adults are $15 and students and seniors are $12.75. The film will be presented as a part of the shorts program: “Human Connections”.  Tickets can be purchased at: To Hold the Night.

“There are a lot of Bayfield residents planning to come and I wanted to get the word out to invite others,” said Petelle.  The director and producer of the short film will be attending and she will be joined by Brad Turner, cinematographer and producer; and Nikki Andrew, producer; along with other cast and crew.

The story is set in the 1960s, where Nadine wakes up in her father’s house on her wedding day.  Not only does she not remember getting there, she doesn’t remember the groom or their courtship…

To Hold the Night stars Anwen O’Driscoll, Megan Hutchings, Mike Taylor and a very special resident of Bayfield, Chris Potter. It was written by Alyson Shelton, who is also credited as a producer.

The Wolf Performance Hall is located at 251 Dundas Street, London, ON.

OWL PROWL COMING TO SAWMILL TRAIL

Over the summer,1851 Bayfield Landing, located on the village’s Main Street, designated a portion of their profits for a specified period of time to support local not-for-profit community organizations. Tyler Hessel, manager, is shown here presenting a cheque for $500 to the Bayfield River Valley Trails Association (BRVTA). The money will be used for the on-going maintenance of the trails. Accepting for the Trails Association is Board Chair Kelly Vader. (Submitted photo)

The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) are offering just two more guided hiking opportunities to participate in this year.

On Saturday, Oct. 26 at 11 a.m. people are invited to take part in a “Soup and Stroll”. This will be a guided group hike followed by soup and fellowship at the Pavilion at the Varna Nature Trails. Please bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the Bayfield Area Food Bank. Participants are asked to meet at the Stanley Community Centre parking lot (38572 Mill Road). Dogs on leash are welcome. No registration necessary.

The final guided hike of the year will be an “Owl Prowl” on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. Participants will have the opportunity to be active in nature, to listen for owls and to learn about local animals that are active at night. BRVTA will be joined by special guest Cassie Greidanus of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority. The Owl Prowl will take place at the Sawmill Trail. The Sawmill Trail entrance can be found by turning right off of Hwy 21, north of the Bayfield Bridge, onto Old River Road, then proceed about ½ km and turn right at Sawmill Rd. The trail entrance is at the end of this short road. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear and some listening ears. Please do not bring lights as red lights will be provided.

These hikes are free and open to the public. For more information contact Ralph Blasting at 519-525-3205 or rjblastingjr@gmail.com.

“JAM FOR BRITAIN” CAMPAIGN FOCUS OF UPCOMING HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETING

The “Jam for Britain” campaign was launched by a small group in Norfolk County during WWII. The history behind the initiative will be the focus of the next meeting of the Bayfield Historical Society on Nov. 6. (Submitted photo)

As Remembrance Day approaches, the Bayfield Historical Society (BHS) will host a second talk on women and the war effort. In September, Laurie Hazzard’s excellent presentation focused on the role of Canadian nurses during the First World War. And now, BHS turns to the Second World War and a story about Canadian women who mobilized on the homefront.

The “Jam for Britain” campaign was launched by a small group in Norfolk County who wondered what they could do to help. Britain relied on fruit imports; with access blocked, jam would need to be shipped! What started as a local campaign was featured in the press and spread across the province, with Women’s Institutes, the Red Cross, and even corporate kitchens joining in. Guest speaker Samantha George has delved into newspapers and other sources to uncover this grassroots war effort. George is a museum specialist and culinary historian. Since 2000, she has been the curator of Parkwood Estate National Historic Site in Oshawa.

The free talk will be presented on ZOOM on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. (there will not be a recording available). Both BHS members and non-members are welcome to attend. To register and receive the ZOOM link, please email bhsmembers@gmail.com.

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.

ADULT FELINES HAVE LOVE TO GIVE TOO

Marmalade (Submitted photo)

While the kittens often take centre stage at Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF) the shelter also has several adult cats waiting to be adopted such as, Marmalade, the Adopt a BFF cat of the week.

According to Deb Penhale representing BFF, this beautiful, young, buff-colored girl had been roaming Bayfield for some time.

“Several people had reached out expressing concern about Marmalade, “ said Penhale.“ One person in particular had not seen her for a week and was growing increasingly worried but then the cat turned up looking for food and this concerned citizen took action and was able to pick her up and put her in a carrier.”

Penhale went on to say that, “Marmalade seems super happy to have been brought in. She’s very friendly.”

Penhale noted that Marmalade seems to be in good overall condition as she was being fed but her coat is a little scruffy. Once this improves and she has the proper vet care she should be ready for adoption.

Exciting news for BFF as they recently launched their website! Included on this website is lots of helpful information on how people can help feral kittens. And if people want to view some of these cats and kittens in person BFF will be hosting an adoption event at Pet Valu in Goderich on Oct. 26-27 both days from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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 Marmalade and others. The adoption fee is $250. Adopted cats are vetted, shots are up-to-date and they are also spayed or neutered. Can’t adopt or foster at this time? Consider donating for medical care and food to the email address listed above via E-transfer or mail financial donations to P.O. Box 33, Bayfield, ON, N0M 1G0.

BAYFIELD TRAILS BENEFITS FROM PROVINCIAL SUPPORT ALONG WITH OTHERS IN REGION

MPP Lisa Thompson visited the Bayfield River Flats on Monday, Oct. 7, in recognition of a successful grant submitted by the Bayfield River Valley Trails Association (BRVTA). The Trails Association has received $107,900 from the Ontario Community Environment Fund for a project to protect the banks of the Bayfield River Flats from further erosion. This project will help keep the current riverbank in place and will create new habitat for fish. The Bayfield River Flats is protected by the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy and is maintained by volunteers from the BRVTA. Pictured are (FR): Kelly Vader, Chair of BRVTA, and MPP Lisa Thompson. BR (l-r) are: Jack Pal, Roger Lewington, Peter Jeffers and Ralph Blasting. (Submitted photo)

On Monday, Oct. 7, MPP for Huron-Bruce Lisa Thompson recognized $10.86 million in provincial contributions that will be invested to support local initiatives in Bayfield, Goderich, Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh and the County of Huron.

The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) received $107,900 from the Ontario Community Environment Fund in support of their efforts to install erosion protection and improve fish habitat, so people at home and from afar can enjoy the amazing trail along the edge of the Bayfield River Flats.

The Huron Women’s Shelter received $170,800 through the Partnership Facility Renewal program in support of their important efforts. The funding is earmarked for updating and enhancing the facility.

The Town of Goderich received a $20,000 Experience Ontario 2024 Grant in support of their Salt and Harvest Festival. Goderich also received $1,394,092 from the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) to assist with 2025 infrastructure priorities. MPP Thompson was pleased to visit the MacKay Centre for Seniors in Goderich as well, to share that the valuable seniors’ centre continues to be supported by the province, as they received $51,137 to support activities for 2024-2025.

The County of Huron received $7,310,485 through the provincial Land Ambulance Services Grant, in recognition of the ongoing partnership that the county and province share, enabling ambulance services across the county. The County of Huron also received an additional $1,085,200 in provincial support for Huron County’s Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

The Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh received $672,926 from the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) in support of infrastructure projects next year, and additionally, they received $50,000 through the province’s Community Emergency Preparedness Grant (CEPG). The Community Emergency Preparedness Grant will support the installation of a generator at the Lucknow arena, enabling the arena to be used as an evacuation centre if needed.

These significant investments underscore the Province of Ontario’s unwavering commitment to fostering growth, safety, and well-being across Huron County. By partnering with local municipalities, the province ensures that essential services, infrastructure, and community programs receive the support they need to thrive.

LEVEL 1 LOW WATER ADVISORY ISSUED FOR BAYFIELD RIVER WATERSHED

The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) Water Response Team (WRT) has declared a Level 1 Low Water Advisory for the Bayfield River watershed. The WRT based its decision on watershed conditions that have resulted from a very dry August and September. The Ontario Low Water Response (OLWR) Level 1 indicator is 80 per cent of the three-month average, and the indicator station totaled rainfall amounts of 75 per cent of normal.

This period of dry weather is having an impact on streamflows, particularly in the Bayfield River, according to Christie Brown, ABCA Water Resources Technician.

“While the three-month totals do not fall too far below the Advisory threshold, it is important to remember that a very wet July factors into this figure.  Where we are seeing the impacts of a dry August and September, is in the stream flows, and this will have an impact on seasonal transitions within the aquatic ecosystem,” said Brown. Monthly flows for September were only 14 per cent of normal.

WRT Chair Marissa Vaughan said everyone has a role to play in water conservation. While water usage demand typically lowers in autumn, she encourages all water users to look for ways they can conserve water and prevent further reduction in water levels and availability of water.

“During a Level 1 Low Water Advisory condition, we encourage water users to proactively conserve water by voluntarily reducing their water use by 10 per cent,” Vaughan said.

For ways people can reduce water use, please visit the water quantity and water conservation page at abca.ca at this link: Water Quantity. 

The WRT relies on both precipitation and streamflow indicators to support any decision to move into a Low Water Advisory. Indicators include one-month streamflow and one-month or three-month precipitation. A Level 1 Low Water Advisory includes a request for a 10 per cent voluntary reduction in water use. A Level 2 Low Water Advisory calls for an additional 10 per cent (total of 20 per cent) voluntary reduction in water use. A Level 3 Low Water Advisory may involve mandatory water use restrictions.

The WRT was formed in 2001 in response to the low water and drought conditions that year and the team has been active ever since. The WRT includes representatives of major water users (such as aggregate industries; agriculture and vegetable growers; and golf and recreation) and includes local municipal representatives and staff of provincial ministries (such as Natural Resources and Forestry; Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness; and Environment, Conservation and Parks). ABCA staff will continue to monitor rainfall and streamflow data and keep the public informed of any changes in watershed conditions.

Visit www.ontario.ca/lowwater for further resources on the Ontario Low Water Response program or the website at abca.ca for the dynamic low-water advisory tool which alerts people to low-water advisories in effect in the watershed.

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 in this event to be held on Friday, Nov. 15.  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.