The Bayfield BreezeIssue 818 Week 11 Vol 16
March 12, 2025
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THE BOOK THAT WILL CHANGE THE NARRATIVE TO BE CHOSEN ON SUNDAY
Once again, The Village Bookshop is making CBC’s Canada Reads local. Bayfield Reads is set for this Sunday, March 16 at the Bayfield Town Hall.
All are welcome to attend the event that shall begin at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door. Attendees will be encouraged to participate in selecting the People’s Choice Award winner.
According to the CBC, for 2025, “the great Canadian book debate is looking for one book to change the narrative. The books on this year’s list all have the power to change how we see, share and experience the world around us.”
The Village Book Shop’s selection of ethically uncompromised Judges include Catherine Tillmann, Faith Wyant, and Madison Thornton – all previous participants in Bayfield Reads. Organizers believe they are up to the task of choosing the book that will “change the narrative”.
Ready to debate this year’s titles are: Shannon Lough, a talented writer and avid reader; Ben Woodward, a master’s student, community volunteer, and Bayfield cottager; Anne Marie Madziak, a retired librarian, and book lover; Tony Pemberton, whose family has a 100 year relationship with Bayfield; and Gemma James-Smith, an artist, Humanist, and owner of the Bayfield Lavender Farm.
The Canada Read book selections being defended locally are:
- “Watch Out for Her”, by Samantha Bailey, is psychological suspense at its very best.
- “A Two-Spirit Journey: The Autobiography of a Lesbian Ojibwa-Cree Elder”, by Ma-Nee Chacaby, chronicles memories of life and abuse in a remote Ojibwa community.
- “Jennie’s Boy: A Newfoundland Childhood”, by Wayne Johnston, offers a sad, tender, and at times extremely funny memoir of his Newfoundland boyhood.
- “Dandelion”, by Jamie Chai Yun Lie, tells the story of an Asian woman who traces her mother’s past journey in order to learn who she really is and where she belongs.
- “Etta and Otto and Russell and James”, by Emma Hooper, is a love story that spans fifty years.
This year’s Bayfield Reads book selection, and so many more, are available at The Village Bookshop located at 24 Bayfield Main Street North in Bayfield. The shop is open Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. People can also shop online by visiting: village bookshop.ca.
PANCAKE BRUNCH FEATURES GENUINE MAPLE SYRUP
On Saturday, Apr. 12, hundreds of pancakes will be flipped in readiness for many hungry brunch goers! The 13th Pancake ‘N Sausage Brunch and Schilbe Sugar Bush Tour will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at Pine Lake Campground. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)
On Saturday, Apr. 12, hundreds of pancakes will be flipped in readiness for many hungry brunch goers!
Volunteers with, and friends of, the TSJ Hall Association and Trinity St James Chapel, are joining together to host the 13th Pancake ‘N Sausage Brunch and Schilbe Sugar Bush Tour. It will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at Pine Lake Campground.
On the menu for brunch will be genuine Maple syrup poured over hot pancakes and sausage accompanied by coffee, tea and juice.
For those who can’t get enough of the sweet stuff Rick and Rusty Schilbe’s Maple Syrup will be available for purchase. Folks will also be able to purchase a box or two of Classic Girl Guide Cookies as members of Bayfield Guiding will be in attendance as well.
Before or after partaking in the brunch served in the Campground’s Recreation Hall, people can hop on a wagon for a short tractor ride from the campground through Rick and Rusty Schilbe’s Sugar Bush to the shanty. Once at their destination they will see first hand how Maple Syrup is produced.
Tickets will be sold at the door: $12 for adults; $6 for children aged six to 12 years; and children five and under are free.
The Pancake Brunch is a fundraiser for the TSJ Hall Association in support of the TSJ Hall, located at 10 Keith Crescent in Bayfield.
Pine Lake Campground is located at 77794 Orchard Line, Bayfield.
ORIENTATION SESSIONS FOR VOLUNTEERS UPCOMING
Jeff (Submitted photo)
Love cats? Want to give back to the community? Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF) is looking for volunteers!
Volunteer roles include cleaning, feeding and cuddling (socializing) at the shelter, fostering Mama cats and kittens, driving and delivering supplies, helping to plan and run adoption events and fundraising. Time commitment can be a few hours a week, a few hours a month or on an ad hoc basis to support events.
Interested individuals are invited to attend a Volunteer Orientation Session to get more information and sign up to help. Two sessions have been scheduled, the first is to be held on Saturday, March 22, 10:30 a.m. to noon; and the second is set for Tuesday, March 25, 6-7:30 p.m.
Sign up to attend one of the orientation sessions by emailing Mary Pounder at jackabunny@gmail.com.
One exceptionally good reason for volunteering are felines like the Adopt a BFF cat of the week, Jeff.
Jeff was named after Jeff Douglas, an actor who hails from Nova Scotia, who recently revived his “Joe Canadian” character, from a beer advertisement that was first broadcast 25 years ago, for a new video created to elevate patriotism among his fellow Canadians.
The feline version of Jeff may not ignite patriotism but volunteers with BFF hope he will stir up some compassion and empathy.
According to Deb Penhale, representing BFF, Jeff was hanging out in a neighborhood where a very kind hearted person was feeding him. One night he showed up limping badly so this same person set out a trap for him and within 15 minutes he was in the trap.
“He was brought to the shelter and assessed,” Penhale said. “He is terribly underweight and appears to have been in some sort of a fight as he has a puncture wound on his leg, the cause of his limping.”
Penhale went on to say that although Jeff is quite nervous he is definitely not a feral cat.
“Even during his initial exam upon arrival, he did not try to scratch or bite. He just allowed the examination to take place although we could tell he was very scared,” she said. “His wound seems to be healing and we’re hoping to get his weight back up. We also hope to put a ‘smile’ on that very sad little face, and find him a forever home.”
Please reach out to bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com to learn more about Jeff 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.
TAOIST TAI CHI
In the Taoist tradition true health comes from cultivating body, mind and spirit to achieve harmony within the self and with the Universe. The movements contribute to better balance and posture, increased strength and flexibility and improved circulation.
Taoist Tai Chi ® arts Open Houses and Introductory Sessions will be held Thursday, Apr. 3rd at 6:30 p.m. at St. George’s Community Hall, Goderich and Monday, Apr. 14 at 1:30 p.m. at Bayfield Community Centre and Arena.
BLUE BAYFIELD
Back in October of 2024, members of the community were invited to join Blue Bayfield at a showing of “Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics” (Plastic People) at the Bayfield Town Hall.
For those who weren’t able to attend this special screening but would like to still view it, or for those who’d like to watch it again, the documentary will be making its CBC debut on Thursday, March 20 at 9 p.m. as part of “The Nature of Things” 64th season.
The film will also be available for streaming on demand on CBC Gem after its CBC debut.
Plastic People is a 90-minute film that has been shown at film festivals in Europe and North America and is being recorded in multiple languages. In the spring of 2024, it was the feature film shown to delegates at the United Nations (UN) conference on plastics held in Ottawa.
Blue Bayfield and Eco-Exeter, the student environmental group at South Huron District High School, have for many years promoted the reduction of single use plastics. Bayfield is recognized nationally and internationally for its achievements. Eco-Exeter likewise has received accolades for its work on plastic reduction. Both communities are featured in the film!
FRIENDS OF BAYFIELD LIBRARY
All are invited to the Friends of Bayfield Library’s (FOBL) Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, Apr. 5 at the Bayfield Branch Library.
The meeting will commence at 11 a.m.
The most recent FOBL AGM was held on Oct. 1st, 2024. FOBL is transitioning the timing of their AGM to April to better align with their fiscal year, which is January to December. It is FOBLs intention to continue scheduling the AGM in April going forward.
Anyone who would like to attend is asked to RSVP to contact@fobl.ca.
The Bayfield Library is located at 18 Main Street in the village.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
For the month of March the congregations of Knox Presbyterian Church Bayfield and St. Andrew’s United Church will be worshipping together at St. Andrew’s on Sunday mornings.
St. Andrew’s United is located at 6 The Square in the village. These services will begin at 11 a.m.
Rev. Joe Gray will be leading the services and some members from the Knox congregation will help to “meet and greet” as well as do some of the scripture readings. People of all ages, stages, and faith experiences are welcome to join!
Knox Bayfield holds their Book Study on Mondays at noon (excluding holidays) on the lower level of the church. Their current focus is “Sensible Shoes – A Story About the Spiritual Journey” by Sharon Garlough Brown. For those who wish to take part, the book can be purchased at: The Village Bookshop. All are welcome!
Members of the congregation are currently gathering items for re-use and upcycling. Upcycling takes something no longer in use and gives it a second life with new functions, for example, the outer milk bag can be upcycled into sleeping mats. These mats are distributed to people in need throughout the world. Knox Bayfield gathers clean outer milk bags that have been previously washed and dried, used stamps, empty egg cartons and eyeglasses. Items can be dropped off at the church from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays (excluding holidays). People’s generous contributions are warmly accepted and will change lives.
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.
PILATES
The Bayfield Community Centre and Arena warmly offer Pilates for all levels, from beginners to experienced enthusiasts on Mondays and Thursdays for eight weeks starting later this month.
Monday classes will commence on March 17 while Thursday classes will begin on March 20. These one-hour classes will start at 6:30 p.m.
Monday evening’s Signature Pilates Class with props is a meticulously curated and well-planned Pilates workout designed to provide a comprehensive and challenging exercise routine. The class is centred around a wide range of classical and creative Pilates exercises and sequences designed to target every muscle group in the body. It aims to improve overall strength, flexibility, and balance while helping tone and sculpt.
Thursday evening’s Foam Roller Pilates is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a dynamic and invigorating workout routine. This class uniquely combines the best elements of Pilates with the foam roller, allowing participants to elongate their muscles, tone their bodies, and enjoy a regenerative massage.
Those who wish to participate, are asked to please register online at The Wellness Potion. A minimum of 10 participants are required to run a class.
For more information, please call Maria at 416 587-9913 or email maria@thewellnesspotion.com.
BRVTA
The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) will be hosting a guided hike on March 22 to celebrate World Water Day.
World Water Day is an annual United Nations Observance focusing on the importance of freshwater. On this day, people celebrate water and inspire action to tackle the global water crisis. What better way to celebrate World Water Day than by joining a hike along the shores of Lake Huron? The BRVTAs special guest will be Ben Woodward from the University of Waterloo. Ben is pursuing an MSc in Earth Science investigating coastal erosion in southern Lake Huron and will share his knowledge and insight during the hike.
All are welcome to join in this hike that will also begin at 10 a.m. Participants are asked to meet at the gazebo in Clan Gregor Square.
This hike is free and open to the public. Canine buddies may attend as long as they are on a leash. Please be sure to dress for the weather.
For more information, contact Ralph Blasting at 519 525-3205 or rjblastingjr@gmail.com or check the BRTVA website at www.bayfieldtrails.com.
NAVIGATING THE WORLD OF INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES ONE MONTH AT A TIME
Editor’s Note: Despite a wintery start to March people are looking forward to getting outside and turning the soil to commence the growing season. Two local residents, Helen Varekamp and Renee Sandelowsky, who are both volunteers with the Canadian Coalition for Invasive Plant Regulation (CCIPR), are hoping to inspire our readers to help the planet through gardening with this monthly column.
For support in navigating some of the terminology used in this article please visit: Bayfield Breeze Vol. 16 Issue 809 Week 2 published Jan. 8, 2025.
BY HELEN VAREKAMP AND RENEE SANDELOWSKY
As consumers, we assume that garden centers would never sell plants that can do harm. Sadly, this assumption is incorrect as the sale of many high-risk invasive plants is not regulated in Ontario. Invasive plants are plants that have been introduced from other parts of the world and are known to have detrimental impacts on human health, the environment and the economy.
Some high-risk invasive species on the Ontario Auditor General’s “Do Not Plant or Sell List” include Burning Bush, English Ivy, Amur Maple, Lily of the Valley, Periwinkle, Japanese Barberry, Pachysandra and Japanese Honeysuckle.
Next time you go to a garden centre, consider asking if the plant you are buying is invasive or not, and if it is, ask why it’s not labelled. As a consumer, we all have a right to know what we are purchasing.
ENHANCING WETLANDS THEME OF PARTNER APPRECIATION EVENING
David Carter (Submitted photo)
Enhancing wetlands is the theme of Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority’s (ABCA) annual Partner Appreciation Evening at Ironwood Golf Club to be held on Thursday, March 20. The keynote speaker will be David Carter, a director with Phil McNamee Charitable Foundation (PMCF).
The presenter will speak about “Creating a Wetland: A Growing Collaboration at Serenity Nature Reserve”, Grand Bend. Serenity Nature Reserve is located at 70050 Corbett Line in South Huron.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to showcase the PMCFs passion for nature and education, and specifically, the creation of a new wetland at Serenity Nature Reserve,” he said.
Carter was raised in Sarnia, ON. He now lives in London, ON and works at Robarts Research Institute as a molecular biologist. Although busy as a father of six children, he enjoys camping, canoeing, backpacking, hiking, photography and coaching soccer. His love of nature was fostered at a young age through many family camping trips at Point Farms Provincial Park, through Scouting at 23rd St. Barts, and later, wilderness backpacking where he met Phil McNamee.
Carter helped with the construction of campsites at Solitude Nature Reserve near Port Stanley, sits on the Board of the Phil McNamee Charitable Foundation, and will be making the presentation on behalf of Phil McNamee to talk about the creation of a new wetland at Serenity Nature Reserve near Grand Bend.
In addition, ABCA will announce the Conservationist of the Year Award winner at the March 20 event. There will also be years of service awards for ABCA directors and staff.
It is free to attend the Partner Appreciation Evening but seating is limited and interested people must reserve a week ahead of the event. There will be a complimentary, light supper served at the Partner Appreciation Evening. To attend the event, please reply to ABCA, by Thursday, March 13, for meal numbers.
RSVP to Jackson Janmaat, Corporate Services Assistant. She can be reached by email at jjanmaat@abca.ca or by phone at 519 235-2610, or toll-free 1-888-286-2610, Ext. 221. Those who plan to attend are asked to let organizers know if they have any dietary restrictions
Ironwood Golf Club is located at 70969 Morrison Line, two kilometres east of Exeter and south of Hwy 83.
To learn more about the PMCF project visit: Serenity Nature Reserve .
To find out more about the Partner Appreciation Evening visit abca.ca.
HURON AND PERTH NOW AREAS OF CONCERN FOR MEASLES
As of March 6, Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) has identified six lab-confirmed cases of measles in Huron and Perth, with more cases pending lab results. All cases were connected to the ongoing outbreak in the Southwestern Public Health and Grand Erie Public Health regions.
At this time, Huron and Perth counties are now considered areas of concern for measles. Measles can easily spread to people who are not immune when someone with measles coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. The virus is airborne and can remain in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours.
HPPH strongly recommends residents make sure they and family members are up to date with measles vaccinations.
The best way to protect against measles is vaccination. Two doses of measles-containing vaccine (i.e., MMR and/or MMRV) is over 97 per cent effective in preventing a measles infection. The majority of cases reported in the current outbreaks are unvaccinated.
With HPPH being an area of concern for measles, and in consultation with the Ministry of Health, measles vaccine eligibility is now expanded to those who live, work, play, travel to, or worship within the HPPH region.
Infants aged six to 11 months are eligible to receive a first dose of measles-containing vaccine for earlier protection against measles. Typically, in Ontario, children receive their first dose of measles vaccine (MMR) at one year of age.
A second dose of measles-containing vaccine for children can be given before the age of four years in consultation with a healthcare provider. Typically, in Ontario, children receive a measles booster dose between the ages of four and six – preferably before starting school. HPPH strongly recommends under-immunized children who are in school or childcare receive the measles vaccine.
Adults born in 1970 or after: Two doses of measles-containing vaccine are advised for adults born in and after 1970.
Adults born before 1970 are generally considered protected against measles. Specific populations of adults born before 1970 (e.g., people who work in healthcare, members of the military) are advised to consult with their healthcare provider for measles-containing vaccine doses.
HPPH will be holding measles vaccine clinics from now until March 15 to help families without a healthcare provider get up to date with their measles immunizations. Clinic times and locations will be shared at www.hpph.ca/measles.
HPPH is completing case and contact tracing for measles cases, reaching out to anyone who may have been exposed to the virus.
If HPPH cannot contact everyone who may have been exposed to measles, they will notify the public of a possible community exposure. This information will be shared through their website and media releases.
Anyone who thinks they or a family member has been exposed to measles or has the virus should assess their risk of exposure using the online Measles Exposure Self-Assessment Tool, which can be accessed from www.hpph.ca/measles.
More about measles symptoms and protocols can be found in Bayfield Breeze Issue 817 under the headline, “CASE OF MEASLES CONFIRMED IN HURON PERTH”.
TAYLOR TRAIL WILL BE LIT WITH CANDLES FOR FOURTH CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL WALK
The fourth annual Candlelight Memorial Walk for Huron Hospice will be held on Saturday, Apr. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Taylor Trail at 38572 Mill Road, Varna. (Submitted photo)
In its fourth annual Candlelight Memorial Walk, Huron Hospice invites families and friends to remember loved ones who have passed by donating to light a memorial candle in their name. In a special evening of remembrance, candles will line and light the way of the Taylor Trail starting at the Stanley Community Centre in Varna.
“This event continues to grow in participation in attendees and support by our incredible local sponsors. Our goal this year is to raise $40,000 towards the ongoing operating costs of Huron Hospice. It’s often a surprise to learn that Huron Hospice receives approximately 50 per cent provincial funding,” said Roger Mather, volunteer co-chair of this year’s walk.
Varna’s Taylor Trail becomes a deeply moving, lantern-lit nature walk thanks to the volunteerism of the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) in helping to set up the trail. Hospice volunteer Jay MacFarlan will emcee the event, which begins with the Clinton Pipes and Drums band setting the ambience. Executive Director Willy Van Klooster will provide a reflection followed by the reading out of memorial names by Helen Varekamp, committee co-chair.
The Clinton Pipes and Drums will musically escort attendees along both sides of the trailhead to begin the walk. Further along the trail, the beautiful soulful voices of “The Solace Bedside Singers” will resonate through the trees. The community is invited to donate to light a candle in memory of any family member or friend. Donations may be given at the event or online at 2025 Candlelight Memorial Walk — Huron Hospice.
“Last year we moved the event out a week to the first Saturday in April. It’s a little milder and lighter for participants. We are equipped with seating, quilts, and donated hot chocolate and snacks to create a warm and inviting experience,” added Mather.
The event will take place on Saturday, Apr. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Taylor Trail at 38572 Mill Road, Varna. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held Apr. 6. The Municipality of Bluewater will allow access to the Stanley Community Centre’s washroom facilities for this event.
The Memorial Candlelight Walk welcomes sponsors in support of the event. Sponsorships contribute to operational costs such as grief groups, monthly food costs, training for bedside volunteers, and daily hospice care. If you wish to support through sponsorship, please reach out to Roger Mather at 905 630-3571.
BLUEWATER NEWS
The Municipality of Bluewater is updating its business sign regulations. Council has been asked to decide on the draft by-law at its Apr. 7 meeting.
Currently, signs are regulated by four municipal by-laws. The regulations that currently apply to Bayfield, Zurich and the former Hay Township were adopted in the 1990s. Overhaul of local sign regulations is overdue. The new by-law will regulate signs everywhere in Bluewater including residential properties where zoning permits home-based businesses.
Updating sign regulations was a goal of the 2024 Bayfield Heritage Conservation District Plan and the 2023 Bayfield Secondary Plan. The heritage Plan contains guidelines for signs. Businesses are free to use their corporate colors and typefaces. Signs should complement the architectural features of the building and the overall aesthetics of the heritage conservation district.
Proposed changes include requiring a permit for all signs including sandwich boards and billboards and prohibiting large pylon signs in the Bayfield Settlement Area. Municipal staff issue sign permits.
COASTAL CONSERVATION YOUTH CORPS
The shovels and work gloves are ready and waiting for the return of the Coastal Conservation Youth Corps program in Goderich. Offering coastal conservation knowledge and hands-on environmental skills for high school aged youth, the Lake Huron Coastal Centre is welcoming volunteers to register now for the opportunity to participate in a week-long session.
Kincardine will be hosting a week July 7-11 and the program is coming to Goderich July 21-25. There is no cost, and youth will have the opportunity to earn 30 volunteer hours through this immersive educational experience.
Community based projects aim to protect water quality and habitat through dune restoration, shoreline cleanups, coastal monitoring, investigating microplastic pollution, identifying species, managing invasives and exploring community sustainability.
“Training young leaders to take conservation action to protect and restore coastal ecosystems can save financial resources over the long-term and ensure our shoreline is resilient for generations to come,” explained Alyssa Bourassa, Executive director of Lake Huron Coastal Centre.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming young and enthusiastic volunteers this summer,” added Coordinator Kerry Kennedy. “Thanks to funder and partner support for authentic projects, participants can learn about conservation while gaining valuable experience. They’ll have a chance to explore environmental career paths and gain a foundation for their future innovation and decision making.”
Registrations are now being accepted at www.lakehuron.ca/ccyc. Email education@lakehuron.ca for further information.
The Lake Huron Coastal Centre is a non-government charity dedicated to supporting a healthy ecosystem through education, restoration, and research. To learn more visit www.lakehuron.ca, or follow @coastalcentre on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
HURON HOSPICE
On Saturday, March 15 at the Eastlink Arena in Clinton former NHL hockey players will suit up against Central Huron Firefighters in a Benefit Celebrity Hockey Game supporting the Central Huron Firefighters’ Charity of Choice, Huron Hospice.
The Central Huron Firefighters will face off against a full line-up of former NHL hockey heroes. The NHL roster includes: Dave McLlwain, Gary Leeman, Matt Martin, Dave Reid, Mike Zigomanis, Bernie Nicholls, Mike Krushelnyski, Larry Murphy, Dwayne Hay and Jamie Wright.
This fantastic community event promises lots of skill and lots of laughs and is guaranteed to be a fun and memorable event for all ages! The puck will drop in Clinton at Eastlink Arena at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. The event usually sells out, so attendees may want to be early to get a good seat.
This game is in support of Huron Hospice. For 30 years, families have turned to Huron Hospice to make moments matter at the end-of-life. Huron Hospice provides care in the community for people with life-limiting illnesses and at Bender House. Huron Hospice also provides loss and grief support for children, youth and adults. Last year 72 people died at the Bender House Hospice. The home support team worked with 87 individuals in their homes and 89 participated in the loss grief and bereavement program. Proceeds from fundraising and events like the hockey game ensure that there are no costs for any hospice services. Huron Hospice is a place where families celebrate lives, lived.
Tickets can be purchased for $30 each or four for $100, from Christopher Walker at Huron Hospice 519 525-7352 or at Home Hardware 230 Bayfield Road in Clinton or 1-888-777-9793 or www.ProHockeyHeroes.com.
GOOD NEIGHBOURS OF BLUEWATER
Good Neighbours of Bluewater (GNOB) is a happening place!
Every Monday morning, GNOB invites people to join them for coffee and conversation, followed by the card game, “Solo” at 1 p.m. On Thursday morning at 10 a.m., people are welcome to attend “Muffin Time”, then Euchre and games in the afternoon also starting at 1 p.m. On Wednesdays GNOB continues to host “Room 2 Grow” at 9:30 a.m. and “Intergenerational Knitting & Crocheting” at 3:30 p.m.
On Thursday, March 20 during Muffin Time, Michelle Carter, Branch manager, Zurich Public Library will be the guest. She will share that there is more to the library than just books!
On Tuesday, March 25 at 5:30 p.m., GNOB attendees will enjoy a dinner followed at 7 p.m. by a Book Reading by Jody Durand author of “Country Boy Soul”. Tickets for this dinner and reading are $20 and need to be reserved by March 14.
Anyone who would like more information about any of these programs or who would like to receive the GNOB monthly calendar by email, is asked to please send a request to gnob@hay.net or call 519 236-7081. People can also visit their website at www.gnob.org or their Facebook page GNOB2022 (Good Neighbours of Bluewater). Better yet, visit their location in person at 28 Goshen St. N., Zurich!
CONSERVATION DINNER RAFFLE
The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation (ABCF) is selling 50-50 raffle draw tickets, leading up to the 35th Conservation Dinner to be held Apr. 3rd. The 50-50 tickets are in support of needed local community projects that could not happen otherwise.
There are 1,000 tickets printed and the cash prize could be as high as $5,000 if all tickets are sold. Tickets are $10 each.
Chris Keller, of the Exeter Lions Club, is Chair of the Conservation Dinner Committee.
“Buying a ticket for the 50-50 draw is a great way to show support for your community and to earn a chance to win a large cash prize,” he said.
The Conservation Dinner is a community fundraiser of the Conservation Foundation, the Exeter Lions Club, and the watershed community. The 50-50 Raffle Draw will be held during the 35th Conservation Dinner at the South Huron Recreation Centre in Exeter. The draw takes place at 8 p.m.
50-50 draw tickets are available now. People can buy their ticket from any Exeter Lions Club or Conservation Dinner Committee member. They can also contact ABCF (at the office at 71108 Morrison Line, east of Exeter, just south of Hwy 83) or by phone at 519 235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610.
Tickets must be sold in Ontario (Lottery Licence #M835225). Net proceeds from the draw will be donated to local community projects.
SOUTH HURON CLINIC
The South Huron Medical Centre Walk-in Clinic is open on Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays (except for Christmas Day) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration opens at 10:45 a.m. and closes at 1:45 p.m. or earlier if capacity is reached.
No appointment is needed. Please bring your health card.
The South Huron Medical Centre is located at 23 Huron Street West in Exeter, ON.
BAYFIELD ACTIVITIES
Looking for what is happening now in the village? Look no further than the Bayfield Activities Calendar . People are invited to refer to this website to learn what activities, from Pickleball to Mahjong, are happening and when.
Remember This
The Huron County Museum is home to thousands of artifacts that illustrate the history of both the rural and urban populations of the area. Space dictates what wonderful curiosities the public regularly gets to see when they visit the museum located at 110 North Street in Goderich. But where there is wifi, there is an opportunity to time-travel with over 6,700 pieces of the museum’s collection now available to view online at huroncountymuseum.pastperfectonline.com.
“Remember This” highlights items from the collection of the Huron County Museum and Historic Gaol. Items that have shaped the fabric of the county and the people who have lived here since before the county became the county in 1835 up until more recent times.
Today (March 12) has been heralded as “Plant a Flower Day” but in this region that might be a bit premature so instead we are sharing a painting from the Museum’s collection that showcases some very pretty summer blooms…
FLORAL PAINTING
This is an unframed floral painting from 1960. The artist’s signature and the painting’s title appear in the bottom right hand corner: “SUMMER FLOWERS LU LEGG/60”.
The painting’s background has a dark lower section, then blue, fading to lighter shades and a white upper section. The summer flowers featured are pink roses, white daisies and white lilies with dark green foliage. The scalloped container the flowers are in is white, shaded with blue and pink.
The painting’s artist, Lu Legg, was one of the founding members of the Goderich Art Club.
THE ALBION HOTEL
WALKTHROUGH OF BUILDING BOTH HEARTBREAKING AND HOPEFUL
STORY AND PHOTOS BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER
On the afternoon of Feb. 25, Leigh and Jeff Graham invited me to step inside The Albion Hotel for a tour to view the current state of the business since it sustained significant damage following the collapse of the iconic Main Street building’s roof in the early hours of Dec. 8, 2024.
The walkthrough, led by Leigh, was both heartbreaking and hopeful. The couple were expecting the delivery of roof trusses that very afternoon so that work could truly begin in earnest on the rebuild. Due to the diligent efforts of the crew from Twin Oaks Custom Masonry the brickwork around the top of the building had been restored and the work of constructing a new roof could soon begin.
Jeff shared that as much of the brick original to the building that could be salvaged following the collapse was cleaned and reused. The remainder was sourced from the former Roman Catholic Church, just around the corner on Louisa Street. The church has been lovingly converted into a residence.
Stepping into the bar area it became quickly evident that this room that has welcomed visitors for over a hundred years sustained the brunt of the damage on the first floor not from the initial collapse but from the ongoing and steady leaking of water from above.
Leigh shared that when they went to move the bar it all but fell apart and it quickly became apparent that the bar had been reconstructed and added onto over many years. In fact, no one knows for certain if it was original to the building. Leigh said that it has been suggested that the first bar may have had a glass front.
Heading up the stairs it was noted that the stairwell had fared pretty well, and the railing and spindles had been covered to aid in preservation. The four hotel rooms upstairs sustained various levels of damage. The way in which the roof collapsed resulted in Room #1 receiving the least amount. Unfortunately the same could not be said for the adjacent Room #2, where water continued to pool on the floor despite their best efforts to continuously drain buckets daily in the past 11 weeks. As damaged walls had to be removed from many places on the second level Room #3 and #4 were gutted to the point that you could now see between the rooms.
Leigh lamented the fact that they had only recently completed renovating the bathrooms for the hotel rooms installing all new fixtures and finishes in keeping with the period of the building and now that work would have to be repeated.
The majority of the historic windows in the building were broken during the collapse and/or removal of the roof and front verandah. Sadly, only a couple remain intact, but Leigh and Jeff are hoping they can find a local business that can help with their replacement to maintain this unique heritage feature.
Back downstairs, the dining room is now a shell of what it once was but the bones are good and ready and waiting to be put back together. Leigh shared that they were able to save the light fixtures that once hung there and matched the period of the building. She is now on the hunt to find sconces that match for additional lighting in the space as the renovation allows.
The couple are hopeful that heritage allowances can be made for the reconstruction of the building’s verandah ensuring that the railings are built higher for safety and that both the first and second levels are the same width. In the original design the upper level was shorter than the lower level.
The Grahams are also hoping to use as many locally skilled trades in the rebuild of The Albion Hotel as possible. Jeff himself has taken on the role of contractor for the project, and although he would probably prefer to be serving up drinks and meals to both locals and visitors, his enthusiasm for the construction process is palpable. So too is his love for the building.
Stepping back outside, he pointed out that part of the words “ALBION HOTEL” in large block letters had become visible along the front of the building when the front porch had been removed. A detail that someone passing by might not notice but a little glimpse into the business’s past that is intriguing to its owners.
One of the worst winters in recent history hasn’t been helpful in the rebuilding process and the couple appreciate both the patience and ongoing support of the entire community and their staff. After several requests of how people could help Leigh organized the sale of Bayfield Strong hoodies and t-shirts with two orders selling out almost immediately. There is unlikely to be a third campaign as now that work is progressing on the building Leigh will have to turn her attention to other projects. She is most thankful to Teresa McCann, owner of Nabit, for allowing her to sell the items out of her store. Although no longer able to accommodate orders, she is planning to have a space at the Bayfield Lions Club’s Home and Lifestyle Show on Apr. 26-27 at the Bayfield Community Centre and Arena where she will sell hoodies and t-shirts while supplies last, on a first come, first served basis. Leigh would personally like to thank everyone for their support.
“People care a lot and it’s been a pleasure directly conversing with our amazing community,” Leigh said of the fundraising experience.
Even with all the work ahead the couple are looking toward the future and the day The Albion Hotel reopens. Leigh expressed the desire to have a big block party where everyone could come out and celebrate with them.
And it is with that excitement for the future that they and the crew from Twin Oaks Custom Masonry climbed up to the roof top to have a picture taken for posterity – a special photo of the building before the new roof was constructed – just another chapter in the 183 year** story of The Albion Hotel.
Editor’s Note: The roof trusses arrived in the afternoon of Feb. 25 and the roofing team worked diligently to get the roof on in two short days – just before the next onset of winter weather. Onward and upward friends. Bayfield Strong!
**age is an approximation only
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Melody Falconer-Pounder
March Break 2025 and Camp Gramel is back in session. As soon as our grandchildren got out of the car they changed into their snow gear and were out in our big backyard to make a small army of snowmen. When they were finished It was then time to guess which snow creation would survive the longest. I can attest that as you read this not a remnant remains…well, just some twigs, buttons and carrots…
My granddaughter loves being in the great outdoors and she took it upon herself to pick up 517 spruce cones from our front yard where the snow has all but disappeared. Truth be told she would likely do this just for fun but I pay five cents a cone – so she currently has $25.85 banked for a future purchase. And there are still plenty of cones left on the ground if she feels the urge again – I may need to find an ATM!
Trips to the playground, visiting some friendly felines, blowing bubbles, making gummy treats, painting masks, building forts, reading stories and watching movies – we’ve packed a lot into the first two days of Camp Gramel. And I cherish every moment. – Gramel
Ideas and contributions to the Bayfield Breeze are always welcome.
Deadlines for submissions are Sundays at 4 p.m.