GIFT CARD COLLECTION HELPS FOOD BANK

The Bayfield and Area Food Bank (BAFB) received a donation of over $1,500 before Christmas thanks to a fundraiser created by concerned community member Danielle Tarnawski (left). The fundraiser, a collection for grocery cards at the arena, was supported by Operations Director of the Bayfield Community Centre and Arena, Sandy Scotchmer (far right). Joining them for the photograph was Claire Trepanier, president of the BAFB. (Photo by Samantha Lawson)

STORY BY SAMANTHA LAWSON

The Bayfield and Area Food Bank (BAFB) received a donation of over $1,500 before Christmas thanks to a fundraiser created by a concerned community member.

Danielle Tarnawski had the idea to encourage people to donate grocery gift cards to the food bank after learning that 100 people in Bayfield were relying on it to feed their families.

“I never thought that anyone in Bayfield would ever be hurting for food, so that kind of surprised me,” Tarnawski said.

“Bayfield is a community. I’ve lived all over Canada. This place is home. Always has been, always will be. The people here are wonderful, it’s like a big town family. So, when you hear about 90 some people not being able to eat every day, that kind of hits you in the heart.”

Tarnawski was inspired by the giving time of Christmas and approached Sandy Scotchmer, Operations director at the Bayfield Community Centre, asking if she could set up a donation box in the arena.

Scotchmer teaches fitness classes upstairs at the community centre and set up another box up there, encouraging her participants to donate what they could.

“I’m a big supporter of the food bank… I’m a giving person, so it just made sense that I was going to introduce it upstairs,” Scotchmer said.

Scotchmer said it’s devastating to think of all the people who rely on the food bank in the Bayfield area.

“For an affluent area, it makes you stop and think. We’ve got a lot of people that are in that situation, and we need to be there for them, that’s just the way it has to be, that’s what I believe,” Scotchmer said.

President of the food bank, Claire Trepanier, said the gift cards allow the food bank to purchase items that don’t usually get donated, such as cheese, diapers and baby formula.

“It was great to get the gift cards. We get our food donations from the community and also from the central distribution centre in Exeter. And so, what we don’t receive from these sources, we buy with the gift cards,” Trepanier said.

The gift cards will also allow the food bank to provide special dietary products such as gluten free and lactose free items.

The boxes were in the arena for about a month, from the beginning of November to the second week in December, and Trepanier said the donations totaled $1,555.

“It’s fantastic, it’s something that is very much needed,” Trepanier said.“People are now able to shop for the things that they need. We used to prepare hampers for people, but now they have a time slot. They come in, they have the privacy to shop for what they want, and we provide them with a well-balanced meal.”

The food bank saw a stark increase in clients over the past year. At the beginning of 2024, Trepanier said they were serving about 65 people. That number rose to 100 people by the end of the year, a third of whom are children.

“Bayfield is like a retirement place, or used to be. Now there’s a lot of young families here, we’re growing,” Tarnawski said. “The unfortunate part is with the economy, a lot of people, even though they’re working, can’t eat, they can’t afford to pay rent and buy food, so that gets to me.”

Tarnawski encourages residents to continue donating to the food bank even after the fundraiser has ended.

“It’s community, help where you can. It doesn’t matter how little or how much, but help where you can,” Tarnawski said. “The boxes [at the arena] might be down until next Christmas, because the idea was to help at Christmas time, but someone can give a card to the food bank at any time.”

Donation bins for the BAFB can be found at the Bayfield Foodland and the Bayfield Library. Those wishing to support the food bank with a monetary donation can send cheques to Bayfield Area Food Bank, P.O. Box 42, Bayfield, ON N0M 1G0 or send an e-transfer to bayfieldareafoodbank@gmail.com.

WRITINGS OF LAST VILLAGE RESIDENT WITH TRUE PIONEER SPIRIT FEATURED AT DINNER

Harry Baker is pictured here with his twin sister Greta Scotchmer in a photo taken to mark their 80th birthdays. The twins were born in Bayfield on June 28, 1903. In Baker’s book, “My Memoirs”, he comments that “the village was electrified to have twins in its midst.” (Submitted photo)

It may be safe to say that Harry Baker (1903-1997) was the last Bayfield resident with a true pioneer spirit. In 1986, at the age of 83, he sat down and penned his memoirs detailing incidents that had occurred in the village during his lifetime. This self-published book was never formally edited or organized but remains a testament to a way of life all but forgotten and a tribute to the people that shaped this community.

Reflections on Bayfield life in the 1900s that can be found in Baker’s memoir will be showcased in a series of readings skillfully crafted by local author Judy Keightley during “An Evening with Harry” to be held on Saturday, Feb. 8.

Starting at 6 p.m., prior to the readings, participants will dine on a hearty pasta dinner and a scrumptious dessert.

The evening, hosted by the TSJ Hall Association 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.

Tickets are available now for $25 each increasing to $30 as of Feb. 1st. Organizers report that tickets are selling well with only a dozen tickets remaining so don’t hesitate reserve a spot today!  To do so 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.

KNOWING WHERE TO GO FOR HELP WITH ANIMAL WELFARE CHALLENGING

Reno (Submitted photo)

Sometimes situations arise when multiple felines are found to be in difficulty and people don’t know where to go for help. Navigating through government channels can be difficult and result in dead ends. It is also a challenge for volunteer driven rescues such as Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF) to assist although they are most certainly compelled to try because it is the cats themselves that will suffer the most otherwise.

Such is the story of the Adopt a BFF Cat of the week – Reno.

Deb Penhale representing BFF explained that Reno came to the shelter recently along with eight other cats from a hoarding situation.

“The caretaker became ill and is now in a long term care facility and the kitties were left to fend for themselves,” said Penhale. “A kind person who knew of the situation and a neighbor stepped up to try to care for the cats while at the same time trying to find a solution.”

Penhale went on to say that in November, six young kittens and four adults were removed but the situation was far from rectified.

“The neighbor reached out to government organizations but was consistently told there wasn’t enough staff, they had no authority, the problem was out of their jurisdiction and/or they had no funding. The list of reasons why they would not or could not help goes on and on,” said Penhale.

Eventually the person in need of help was directed to BFF. Their volunteers worked with both individuals and were able to get most of the cats.

“Several were emaciated and we weren’t sure they would survive. Reno is likely two years-old and was barely 3 lbs but we are pleased to say that he is a fighter and through a strict feeding plan and round the clock monitoring he is making great strides,” said Penhale. 

Penhale added that stories like this one reveal why it is so important to have local governments understand and support animal welfare and rescues.

“Most municipalities currently do not support animal care, especially rescues,” said Penhale. “We are fortunate that the Municipality of Bluewater has a Community Grant and Vibrancy Funding program that we can apply for each year. And although there is no guarantee that we will receive it every year we have been fortunate to receive the grant in previous years. They are one of the few municipalities, if not the only one, that has delegated some funding for an organization such as ours and cats like Reno truly benefit from the support.”

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

EVOKING MEMORABLE MUSIC

Evoke, a singer-songwriter duo featuring Deb Shelley and Jack Clarke, delighted concert-goers in Bayfield on Sunday, Jan. 12. Their afternoon concert of acoustic, folk-influenced music and song had a theme of “Well-Seasoned” and invited listeners on a musical journey through a year of life and beyond. All proceeds from this event were in support of Huron Hospice. More coverage on this concert will be featured in the next issue of the Bayfield Breeze, Jan. 22. (Photo by Jack Pal)

CONSERVATION DINNER SUPPORTS PROJECTS IN AUSABLE BAYFIELD WATERSHED

Jayden’s Mechanical is supporting local community projects, of Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation (ABCF) and Exeter Lions Club, by being the first business to purchase a table of 10 tickets for the Conservation Dinner and Auction on Apr. 3. Shown in photo, from l-r, are: Chris Keller, of Exeter Lions Club, chair of the Conservation Dinner Committee; Chad Insley, General manager of Jayden’s Mechanical; Keisha Stacey, controller with Jayden’s; and Dave Frayne, Conservation Foundation chair. The Conservation Dinner Committee would like to thank Jayden’s Mechanical for their leadership and community support and the committee encourages other businesses to consider the purchase of a table of tickets in support of the community. (Submitted photo)

The Conservation Dinner Committee thanks Jayden’s Mechanical Ltd. for being the first business in 2025 to buy tickets for a table of ten for the community fundraising event on Thursday, Apr. 3.

Chris Keller, of Exeter Lions Club, is Chair of the Conservation Dinner Committee.

“On behalf of the Committee, I would like to thank Jayden’s Mechanical for their support of the community and for buying the first table of ten for the Conservation Dinner,” he said. “Their generosity will help to realize many important local recreation, education, youth and nature projects that could not happen otherwise. I hope their example will inspire other businesses and individuals to get their tickets as well for this enjoyable and worthwhile event in support of needed community projects.”

Chad Insley is General Manager of Jayden’s Mechanical Ltd. He said the company is pleased to support the Conservation Dinner which benefits local projects such as the family-friendly fishing derby, youth programs, educational projects to protect turtles and aquatic species in the area, and parks and trails and conservation areas.

“We look forward to the Conservation Dinner in April and we are pleased to support this community fundraising event of Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation and Exeter Lions Club,” he said. “We encourage other businesses and residents to also get their tickets for an event that is lots of fun and which benefits important projects in our area.”

This gala dinner and auction has raised more than $1.39 million, for projects in local communities, over its history dating back almost three and a half decades.

The annual charitable event features live and silent auctions of art and other distinctive items including travel packages and sports and entertainment memorabilia. The Dinner also includes special raffles, general raffles, appetizers, fun and fellowship, and a wonderful meal.

The Conservation Dinner takes place at South Huron Recreation Centre at 94 Victoria Street East in Exeter. Tickets are $100 each and patrons receive a charitable gift receipt, for income tax purposes, for a portion of that amount. To buy tickets to the Conservation Dinner, or to donate, phone 519 235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610 or email info@abca.ca or visit the ABCA office east of Exeter at 71108 Morrison Line (just south of Hwy 83).

Find out more at conservationdinner.com and ABCF Conservation Dinner.

ORDERS FOR SPRING TREE PLANTING OPEN NOW

Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority staff Reese Thompson and Brooklyn Rau plant trees at the property of a participating landowner in the watershed. The time to think about spring tree planting is now with ordering options available until the end of February. (Submitted photo)

Trees are good for the environment and for people, according to Ian Jean, Forestry and Land Stewardship specialist with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA). Trees and forests contribute to cleaner air and water, can provide sustainable wood products, and also promote physical and mental health, he said.

Spring is not far away, and ABCA provides the opportunity for bulk-ordering trees through the Spring Tree Order Form now through the end of February. It is posted at the conservation authority website at abca.ca on the Order Trees web page Tree Order Form. The final order deadline is Feb. 28. Ordering sooner is encouraged as availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.

ABCA offers a wide range of trees through its spring tree planting program. The Forestry and Land Stewardship Specialist encourages interested landowners to visit abca.ca for the spring tree order form or to give him a call at 519 235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610 to discuss planting projects.

“We’re happy to help with project design and help to apply for funding for eligible projects,” he said. Funding is available in many areas to support planting trees for windbreaks, for reforestation and for naturalization.

Local landowners plant tens of thousands of trees each year, totaling more than one million trees in the past two decades.

“These efforts have helped tree cover to double in the last 60 years,” said Jean.

However, forest cover in local watersheds remains quite low at only 14 per cent according to the Ausable Bayfield Watershed Report Card (2023).

People plant trees for many different reasons, said Jean. “Everything from field windbreaks, wildlife habitat, bordering walking trails, to retiring unproductive acres or corners of fields to create private natural areas,” he said.

These tree planting projects help protect and improve our soil and water quality that are so important to agriculture, tourism, and quality of life.

Spending time in trees and natural areas has been shown to have physical and mental health benefits, according to Jean. Planting trees is one way a local landowner can achieve recreational and physical and mental well-being benefits on their own property. An article published on Jan. 2nd by “Farmtario” documents how 15 minutes spent around trees and nature can make a big difference in someone’s personal well-being: “Spending time outside, particularly in nature, is important because it can help regulate stress, boost mental health, and improve immune function … But the good news is you don’t need to spend hours outdoors each day to see benefits. Even just 15 minutes a day in nature is enough to boost your mood, concentration and physical health.”

To read the full article visit: Farmtario.

ABCA thanks grant program funding partners including member municipalities; Huron County Clean Water Project; Forests Canada; the Government of Canada’s Canada Nature Fund; the Government of Ontario’s Great Lakes Local Action Fund; Sunset Community Foundation; and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation; along with other community donors and other valued funding partners.

Anyone who has property on which trees can be planted should consider purchasing a tree through the tree order program. Anyone who doesn’t have room on their property for trees, can still help to improve forest conditions by donating to tree planting through the program Footprints to Forests.

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.