THE ALBION HOTEL – AN UPDATE

It has been one month (Dec. 8) since the roof collapse at The Albion Hotel on Main Street in the village. According to Leigh Graham, co-owner of the property, the rebuilding work has begun both inside and out. She explained, “Now that the scaffolding is complete, local mason Bronson Cook and his team from Twin Oaks Custom Masonry are cleaning and preparing fallen bricks ready to build the sides back up to the roof line. Inside, the Winmar team continues to extract damaged materials including ceilings and walls that were saturated with water.” This image was taken mid-day on Jan. 7. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

EVOKE TO PLAY AT ST. ANDREW’S UNITED THIS SUNDAY

Jack Clarke (left) and Deb Shelley will be performing an acoustic, folk-influenced concert in Bayfield on Jan. 12 (Submitted photo)

Evoke, a singer-songwriter duo featuring Jack Clarke and Deb Shelley, is delighted to be coming to Bayfield this Sunday, Jan. 12.  Their afternoon concert of acoustic, folk-influenced music and song has a theme of “Well-Seasoned” inviting listeners on a musical journey through a year of life and beyond.

All proceeds of this event will be in support of Huron Hospice.  The Province of Ontario covers about half of a hospice’s operating expenses, while all hospice care and grief services are provided at no charge to residents and their families.

Both Clarke and Shelley have a background steeped in music-making, and have performed together in different capacities.

Clarke is a trained and gifted guitarist and composer, creating and arranging songs from a spectrum of musical styles. He is equally at home crafting blues, folk, light jazz, and classical sounding music on his guitar or ukulele, with occasional harmonica woven in. His soothing, gentle voice provides an easy welcome to the listener.

Over the years, Shelley has focused on developing and directing community vocal groups, such as “Solace”, “Driftwood Harmony”, and “Full Circle Singers”.  In 2022, she completed her M.A. in Community Music at Wilfrid Laurier University, and was instrumental in leading Huron Hospice in their quest to become Music Care Certified earlier in 2024. When asked, Shelley claims that her instrument of choice is a “Pilot” gel pen; she appreciates the power, musicality, and poetry of language.  Beyond that, she loves to sing, most often choosing a harmony part.

A few years ago, Clarke sent Shelley the recording of a song he’d created that was in need of lyrics.  They’ve been co-creating songs ever since. Their ever-expanding repertoire is rich with reflective songs that by turns will have the listener tapping their foot, closing their eyes in thought, or humming along.

Cliff and Penny, recent attendees at an Evoke concert, extended their thanks for the “soothing song, beautiful harmony and gentle lyrics,” adding that “the performance was extremely well received.” Another attendee, Doug, declared “Jack and Deb are pure joy.  Evoke creates a journey and brings the listener along for the ride, with lyrics and music harmonized into a feeling of bliss.”

All are welcome to attend Evoke’s “Well-Seasoned” concert on Jan. 12 at 2 p.m., at St. Andrews United Church, Bayfield, which is wheelchair accessible.  Admission is by donation; tax receipts from Huron Hospice will be issued for donations of $20 or more.

An anonymous donor has offered to match all funds collected to a maximum of $5,000, so individual donations will have double the impact!

To add a touch of extra flavor, a delectable basket of seasonings from The Gravy Boat in Bayfield will be offered as a door prize at the event.

Please note that if winter weather is prohibitive on Jan. 12, the concert will be rescheduled to Sunday, Jan. 19, at the same time and location.  Updates will be provided on the Huron Hospice website and on social media.

For further information, please visit www.huronhospice.ca/events

THREE COMMUNITY GROUPS ADVOCATE FOR ALLOCATION OF SALE PROCEEDS

Late in 2024, the Municipality of Bluewater was approached by potential buyers for the Bayfield Lions Club’s Community Building at 6 Municipal Road in the village. The building has been leased to the Bayfield Lions Club from Bluewater for the past 24 years. (Photo by Dianne Brandon)

The Bayfield Lions Club, Bayfield Ratepayers’ Association (BRA), and Bayfield Area Food Bank (BAFB) are calling on concerned citizens to show their support at the Municipality of Bluewater council meeting on Jan. 13 with regards to the sale process for the Bayfield Lions Club’s Community Building.

According to Bayfield Lions Club President Ian Matthew, the municipality has not received any further expressions of interest for the Lions Club building and council is expected to approve a direct deal with a physician from Seaforth who plans to turn the building into a much-needed medical clinic.

In light of this, these three organizations are advocating for the allocation of the initial proceeds from the sale. Their proposal aims to use these funds to relocate the BAFB to a new facility, with any remaining balance reserved for future use within the village of Bayfield.

“We urge all residents to come out and support this important initiative,” said Don Schafheitlin, president of the BRA. “Your voice matters, and together we can ensure that the proceeds from the sale are used to benefit the entire community.”

Matthew added, “The Lions wholly support the addition of a medical practice in Bayfield. This is the highest and best use of the property as correctly decided by the Municipality. Our concern is for the Bayfield Area Food Bank and its continued support of families in need. The building was also widely used by the community, and we will assist all to meet their needs in the future. While we applaud the Council in their decision, we look to the Council for their support of the Bayfield community. The proceeds of the sale represent that opportunity for Council.”

Claire Trepanier, president of the BAFB, emphasized, “Access to medical care and food are critical, especially in rural areas with limited resources. Establishing a medical clinic is a great initiative that will improve health outcomes, while the Bayfield Area Food Bank addresses food insecurity and provides a welcoming, stable environment for those in need. Our growth from 66 clients in early 2024 to now over 100 demonstrates the positive impact of the privacy and comfort we offer. This welcoming environment plays a crucial role in encouraging those who may have been hesitant to seek assistance. A food bank in Bayfield is not just beneficial but essential, and our efforts are making a significant impact on the community.”

The Bayfield Lions Club’s Community Building has a rich history. Once the Bayfield Public School, it later served as the municipal office for the village before amalgamation. The building has been leased from the Municipality of Bluewater for the last 24 years and for 14 of those years served as Bayfield’s only public washroom in the downtown core.

Residents are encouraged to attend the council meeting on Jan. 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber at the Stanley Community Centre (Complex) to advocate for this initiative.

“Alternatively people should feel free to email Mayor Paul Klopp at pklopp@municipalityofbluewater.ca or Councilor Bill Whetstone at bwhetstone@municipalityofbluewater.ca,” said Matthew. “Together, we can work towards a positive outcome for the Bayfield community.”

“AN EVENING WITH HARRY” TO SHOWCASE LIFE IN BAYFIELD IN THE EARLY DAYS

Harry Baker, wrote his memoirs in his early 80s and they were published in 1986. Through his book, Baker sheds some light on what life was like in Bayfield in days gone by. During “An Evening with Harry” on Feb. 8 some of his reflections will be brought to life through a series of readings. Tickets are available now. (Submitted photo)

February is often a time that people crave comfort and companionship and so the TSJ Hall Association is planning “An Evening with Harry” for Saturday, Feb. 8.

Reflections on Bayfield life in the 1900s that can be found in the memoir written by Harry Baker (1903-1997) will be showcased in a series of readings skillfully crafted by local author Judy Keightley. Starting at 6 p.m., prior to the readings, participants will dine on a hearty pasta dinner and a scrumptious dessert.

“This is meant to be a casual social evening and I would like to think that those who attend will have fun and enjoy the occasion,” said Keightley.

The evening will also act as a fundraiser for the TSJ Hall, attached to the rear of the Trinity St. James Chapel of Ease, the hall is now run independently by an association composed of community members and is available for use by local groups and organizations as well as for private family functions.

A limited number of tickets are available now for $25 each increasing to $30 as of Feb. 1st. To reserve a spot at An Evening with Harry please email Melody Falconer-Pounder at melody.pounder@gmail.com or call 519 525-3830.

The TSJ Hall and Trinity St James Chapel has a dedicated website and people are invited to visit it to learn more about other hosted events as well as rental opportunities at www.trinitystjamesbayfield.com.

The TSJ Hall and Trinity St.James Chapel are located at 10 Keith Crescent in the village.

FOSTERS MADE A DIFFERENCE FOR FELINE FAMILY

Storm, Tiggs and Tiger (Submitted photo)

Bengal and Fluffy

Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF) have many cats and kittens looking for their forever homes such as the Adopt a BFF family of the week – Storm, Fluffy, Bengal, Tiggs and Tiger.

Storm is the Momma of this brood of four that were born in the spring. Due to space constraints at the Rescue the wonderful people who found them agreed to foster them until BFF could bring them all in.

“Their rescuers first met Storm as a young stray that started hanging around their home so they started to feed her. She was skittish and kept her distance, but came for meals twice daily,” said Deb Penhale, representing BFF. “Storm disappeared for a while and when she started to come back she appeared to be quite ravenous. Shortly after that she showed up with kittens in tow. There were four in total, another fluffy female like the Momma that they named Fluffy; Bangle a female with a little orange crown on her head; Tiggs and Tiger, who have been referred to as twins, as they like to stick together and look quite similar – Tiggs is a male while Tiger is a female.

“Momma was shy when she first came in but has since warmed up and loves a good head scratch. Bengal is also a little shy until you start petting her then she purrs and likes to head bump. Fluffy is definitely the leader of the gang. She’s always out front and ready for love. She likes to hang out with the other fluffy cats, even though they are much bigger and older than her.”

According to Penhale, they are super friendly, well socialized and used to people. Storm still needs to be spayed but her four kittens are ready to go to their forever homes.

Please reach out to bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com to learn more about Storm, Fluffy, Bengal, Tiggs and Tiger 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.

Want to see and learn more about the felines at the shelter? This can be done easily by visiting 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.

NAVIGATING THE WORLD OF INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES ONE MONTH AT A TIME

Editor’s Note: It may just be January but there is no time like the present when planning a garden! This issue I am pleased to introduce a monthly column prepared by two local residents, Helen Varekamp and Renee Sandelowsky, who are both volunteers with the Canadian Coalition for Invasive Plant Regulation (CCIPR). With this column they are hoping to inspire our readers to help the planet through gardening. 

BY HELEN VAREKAMP AND RENEE SANDELOWSKY 

To easily navigate this “Invasive Plant of the Month” column it will be helpful to understand the differences in plant species.  

 A native plant species is a species that has historically existed in a specific location. Native plants have evolved over time to survive in the soil and climate of their particular ecosystem, and interestingly enough, insects, birds and wildlife have evolved together with these native species to create robust and healthy ecosystems.

A non-native species is one that has been introduced either intentionally or accidentally to an area. Many flowers, shrubs and trees in your garden may be non-native species. They may not be harmful to the ecosystem, but they may not support as much diversity as native plants.

Invasive plant species are those non-native plants that cause harm to the environment, our economy and human health. They crowd out native plants or change the chemistry of the soil, so no native plants can grow. They create havoc for insects, birds and wildlife, who often cannot use invasive plants for food or shelter. A 2008 report on invasive plant species in Canada shows that their annual impacts on agriculture, crops and forestry was approximately $7.5 billion. That doesn’t include costs to human health or the environment. And costs are rising rapidly. 

Garden centers continue to sell invasive species and many of us have unknowingly planted them in our gardens. As we learn more, we can begin to pull out our invasive plants, for example,  Burning Bush, Barberry, Periwinkle, Creeping Jenny – to name a few – and replace them with native plants. 

Congratulations to the Municipality of Bluewater for being the first municipality in Ontario to pass a motion urging the federal government of Canada to reduce the threats posed by invasive plant species introduced through the ornamental/horticultural trades. The resolution in its entirety can be found in the Bluewater Council Meeting Minutes of Apr. 2nd, 2024 or viewed here: Communities in Bloom and Environmental Committee – Resolution Regarding Threat of Invasive Plant Species.

TRIO OF EDUCATION EVENTS MARK ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS MONTH

Dr. Alexandra Peel (Submitted photo)

During Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Alzheimer Societies across Canada unite to challenge dementia stigma and create a community where everyone feels more comfortable talking about dementia and sharing their own experience. Alzheimer Society Huron Perth is featuring three special education events in the community.

“Talk with the Doc! Planning Ahead for Medical Decisions” with Dr. Alexandrea Peel will take place on ZOOM on Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 1:30-3:00 p.m. Dr. Peel, a local geriatrician well-versed in dementia care, will identify and discuss how to prepare for the complex decisions that people and families living with dementia and frailty may face. Talk with the Doc, an annual January event, also includes a lively Q&A session with Dr. Peel after the presentation. Free self-registration at Doc-Talk 2025.

The Dementia Basics Series are free one-hour sessions designed to answer the most frequently asked questions. These sessions, scheduled for 7 p.m. on Mondays and 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, are equally valuable for families and healthcare professionals. Self-register at Education Hour

• Jan. 20/21: 10 Warning Signs – Should I be Worried?
• Jan. 27/28: Types of Dementia
•  Feb. 3/4: Brain Changes – 8 A’s of Dementia
• Feb. 10/11: Communication Tips

The Virtual Memory and Aging Program is the online version of the popular four-week Memory & Aging Course which reviews age-related memory changes, how to optimize brain health, and helpful memory strategies. The program takes place on ZOOM on Thursdays, starting on Jan. 23 and concluding on Feb. 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. There is a $25 workbook fee with financial assistance available. Self-register at Memory and Aging Program. 

Alzheimer’s Huron Perth’s free Awareness Month Movie event returns to the Huron County Museum in Goderich on Feb. 6 and Feb. 13 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The Canadian Film Board’s “Dear Audrey”, is a heartfelt blend of documentary and love story captured by activist photographer, Martin Duckworth, as he cares for his wife Audrey. The uplifting movie, “Headful of Honey”, stars Nick Nolte and his granddaughter Sophia Lane Nolte. The film is the story of a granddaughter who takes her grandfather on a train trip to Venice, in hopes of reconnecting with old memories. Dear Audrey will be showing at 2 p.m. on Feb. 6 and 7 p.m. on Feb. 13. Headful of Honey will be showing at 7 p.m. on Feb. 6 and 2 p.m. on Feb. 13. Stay tuned for more details.

To find out more about these and other upcoming programs, click on the Education Hour banner on the Alzheimer’s Huron Perth  website at www.alzheimer.ca/huronperth.  People can also contact their offices at 1-800-561-5012 or email info@alzhp.ca.