The Bayfield BreezeIssue 832 Week 25 Vol 16
June 18, 2025
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CELEBRATE THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR WITH THE OPTIMIST CLUB
Members of the Bayfield Optimist Club hosted their first School’s Out event at the Bayfield Community Centre and Arena midday on June 29, 2024 with over 110 children participating. In 2025, the event is set for June 28. (Photo by Tara Heard)
Building on last year’s successful “Kids Schools Out for Summer” event, the Bayfield Optimist will be holding a similar experience for children on Saturday, June 28 at the Bayfield Community Centre and Arena.
This free, family friendly event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with activities and booths to explore on both the arena floor and upstairs in the community centre. Children must be accompanied by an adult to attend.
Local sports organizations will offer demonstrations and provide follow along active play plus children will have the opportunity to meet with people from local youth groups to learn more about what they have to offer. There will also be plenty of creative and imaginative play stations and a chance to win prizes during a Lego Building Competition organized by Bayfield Lego Club participants. A barbecue is also in the works!
The Optimists are currently looking for youth oriented organizations to participate in this event. To date the Huron County Library, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of South Huron and Bayfield Guiding will be in attendance but more are welcome. There is no charge for a booth!
Organizations with an interest in participating are asked to email optimistbayfield@gmail.com.
“GARDEN VIBES” CHANCE TO MEET COMEDIAN IN CASUAL SETTING
Ron James (Photo courtesy ronjames.ca)
Ron James, a Canadian comedian offering an East-coast flavor, is coming to the village to perform two shows at the Bayfield Town Hall on Saturday, Aug. 2nd and Sunday, Aug. 3rd.
His performances will be a fundraising partnership between the Bayfield Centre for the Arts (BCA) and the Bayfield Town Hall and it has been an event five years in the making.
“At the beginning of 2020 when Brad Turner was on the BCA Board and we had an offer on a building he reached out to his friend, Ron James, who at that time agreed to help us with a fundraiser,” said Leslee Squirrell, president of the BCA.
“Ron and I met on SCTV and he starred in the first film I directed. The film isn’t memorable but we’ve been friends ever since,” said Turner. “As the BCA was forming and we were looking for interesting opportunities for talent to bring to Bayfield, Ron and I were reconnecting and he was excited to spend time in our community and to help raise funds for a great cause.”
The COVID-19 pandemic, of course, changed everything. It wasn’t until this summer that there was an opening in James’ schedule to allow him to do the shows in Bayfield.
And the organizers are doing things up right not only offering the two shows but also an exclusive garden party for guests to meet and mingle with the comedian while raising additional funds for the two organizations.
“It is an unique opportunity for two community groups to work together and set an example,” said Squirrell. “The town hall needs a bathroom renovation and new windows as the hall still has single panes. And the BCA is looking toward doing another public art project in 2026. The net proceeds will be split between the two groups and the funds raised will be spent right here in Bayfield for the benefit of the entire community.”
“Garden Vibes” will be held at Squirrell’s home at 15 Dow Street in the village and will feature charcuterie, wine and beer, music, and both silent and live auctions. Tickets to “Garden Vibes” are $150 per person and include priority seating at the Aug. 2nd show at the town hall at 7 p.m.
“It will be a chance for people to meet Ron in a casual environment, a perfect opportunity for a group of friends to come and just have a good time. We are hoping that Ron might be willing to do part of the live auction which might be quite entertaining,” said Squirrell.
Tickets for the Saturday and Sunday performances are $75 per person with the shows starting at 7 p.m. Squirrell is excited to see James perform in such an intimate setting as the town hall holds just 120 people. This is a sentiment echoed by Brad Turner, who initiated this visit back in 2020.
“I’ve seen Ron in bigger forums and I’m really excited to see him in such an ‘up close and personal way’. This is very unique for all of us. And, I’m extremely grateful to the BCA and Ron for this opportunity,” Turner said.
Tickets for both “Garden Vibes” and the two shows at the town hall are available through Eventbrite and can be accessed off the BCA website at: Garden Vibes Tickets and Ron James Up Close.
RUMMAGE SALE JUST THREE WEEKS AWAY
The Pioneer Park 76th annual Rummage Sale and Silent Auction takes place on July 11 at the Bayfield Community Centre and Arena – that’s just three weeks away!
The outdoor sale begins at 5:30 p.m. and the Zamboni doors to the arena will open at 6:30 p.m. sharp.
“A big thank you for the generosity of all those who donated items at the first donation drop off last Saturday. Volunteers were thrilled to receive and sort the treasures that were brought to the Quonset Hut,” said Catherine Tillmann representing Team Rummage.
Team Rummage will be back at the Quonset Hut, located at 76614 Bluewater Highway at the north end of Bayfield, this coming Saturday, June 21, from 9 a.m. to noon, ready to greet all who bring donations for the sale. Anyone who may be in doubt about what items can be donated is asked to visit: www.pioneerpark.ca to see the lists of items that can be accepted and those that cannot. This information can also be found on a postcard, displayed at most retail locations in the village.
The Silent Auction adds to the fun and excitement of the Rummage Sale. Anyone who may have an item to donate that they think would generate buzz and bidding action, is asked to contact info@pioneerpark.ca, subject line: Silent Auction.
Those who have never participated in volunteering to work with Team Rummage are missing out on an opportunity to enjoy the laughs and the camaraderie generated each year. People often come together as strangers, and leave as friends. Anyone who would be interested in volunteering is asked to email: info@pioneerpark.ca, subject line: Volunteer. Friendships are waiting.
BILLY JOEL TRIBUTE CONCERT END OF JUNE
“Still Rock and Roll” a tribute to “Billy Joe” will kick off the outdoor concert series on June 28 at the Bayfield Town Hall. (Photo courtesy Picture That Photography)
The Bayfield Town Hall has planned a trio of concerts, featuring four tribute bands for the entertainment of all this summer. The funds from these shows will be used toward the ongoing operation and maintenance of the hall.
The concert lineup this year includes two outdoor shows on the grounds of the Bayfield Town Hall, “Still Rock and Roll”, Saturday, June 28 and “SheWolves of London”, Saturday Aug. 30th; plus “Listen to the Music” and “Diamond Mine” at the Bayfield Fairgrounds, in conjunction with the Bayfield Agricultural Society (BAS), Saturday, Aug. 16.
Still Rock And Roll a Billy Joel Tribute Band will kick off the outdoor concert season at the town hall on June 28.
Leo Frantz has been astonishing audiences all over North America with his dead-ringer appearance, great voice and high energy, interactive performance. His repertoire includes well known Billy Joel hits like “You May Be Right”, “I Go To Extremes”, ”Just The Way You Are” and the ever popular “Piano Man”. Still Rock And Roll performances have taken Frantz from the East coast of Newfoundland Canada to the West coast of California in the United States. Encore performances keep him in demand in most major cities in between.
This is a ‘bring your own chair’ event. Cash Bar. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with the concert to follow at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased online at www.bayfieldtownhall.com.
EXHAUSTING KITTEN SEASON IN FULL SWING
Phoebe (Submitted photo)
According to Deb Penhale, “Kitten Season at Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF) is in full swing and the phone hasn’t stopped ringing! ”
Phoebe and Celeste are the Adopt a BFF kittens of the week.
“We got a call that someone said a cat had given birth to four kittens that they had seen around, but the Mama had disappeared along with two of the kittens. These two little ones, Phoebe, a fluffy little Tabby and Celeste, a little black and white, seem to have been left behind,” said Penhale.
Phoebe was caught on Wednesday, May 28 and Celeste the next day. Penhale reports that BFF volunteers are still diligently trying to find Mama and the other two siblings.
“These two little fluffers put on a brave front when first brought in. They were very scared and tried to intimidate the people who found them with some hisses and slaps. They were just doing what Mama taught them to do! Within a few hours of arriving and after being gently held, their little heads rubbed and of course their little bellies filled, they came around pretty quickly.”
Phoebe and Celeste appear to be about six weeks old. When they are old enough, they will be spayed and given their rabies shots. They have already been given their first boosters, dewormed, deflead and given lots and lots of cuddles.
“We’re hopeful that we can reunite this little family and get Mama off the streets and end her baby-making cycle. We’re hoping that she can become somebody’s baby and have all the love she also deserves,” concluded Penhale.
Celeste (Submitted photo)
Please reach out to bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com to learn more about Phoebe and Celeste. 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.
In addition to accepting monetary donations, BFF has an Amazon wish list. This list contains items they need for the day-to-day care of their cats and kittens as well as some truly “wish” items. Items are marked as to their priority, number needed, and many explain what their use will be. There is a wide variety of prices and BFF appreciates whatever you can supply. Items need not be purchased through Amazon, the list is merely a guideline.
To view the items on the list please visit: BFF Wish List.
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.
ON VACATION
We hope you enjoy this Hiatus Issue of the Bayfield Breeze as the Editor is currently on a holiday and hopefully enjoying calm seas and the midnight sun!
Those with events occurring between now and June 22 are encouraged to submit their own coverage of these happenings through photos and stories for publication at a later date. The next deadline for submissions is Sunday, June 22 at 4 p.m.
Live issues of the Bayfield Breeze will resume on June 25.
LEGO CLUB
The Bayfield Lego Club will not have a regular monthly meeting in June instead all enthusiastic Lego builders are invited to attend the Bayfield Optimist Club’s “Kids Schools Out for Summer” event at the Bayfield Community Centre and Arena on June 28th.
The Bayfield Lego Club will host a special building competition upstairs in the community centre during the event which will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Bayfield Community Centre and Arena is located at 4 Jane Street in the village.
WESTERN ALUMNI
Supporting students who have financial needs and are bound for Western is a worthwhile cause, one that opens up educational opportunities for a wider range of students. (Submitted photo)
Western alumni within Huron County have been supporting Huron County students attending Western, with the creation of the Huron County Western Alumni Bursary. The first bursary was awarded in the fall of 2024.
Supporting students who have financial needs and are bound for Western is a worthwhile cause, one that opens up educational opportunities for a wider range of students.
Persons who are likewise interested in this initiative can join Western alumni in helping sponsor these deserving students. Different events are held throughout the year in an effort to increase the funding that is being made available
In June, the Huron County Western Alumni & Friends Network will be hosting two events that all Western alumni and friends are invited to attend.
A Dinner at Cornerfield Winery on June 19 will feature guest speaker, Dr. David Sills, director, Northern Tornadoes Project and deputy director of the Canadian Severe Storms Lab at Western University speaking on “The Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory – A New Era in Storms Research”. Interested people are asked to Register to attend.
Alumni and friends are welcome to an evening at the Blyth Festival with Emma Donoghue on June 27. Those who take part will enjoy pie and coffee/tea with Donoghue before watching her world premiere play, “The Wind Coming Over the Sea” at the theatre. Limited seating is available. Participants are asked to please Register to attend.
For those who cannot attend either event but would like to support this Huron County cause, donations eligible for tax receipts can be made through Western’s secure website. The financial encouragement for these students will ensure that Huron County is well represented at Western by young scholars.
BRVTA
The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) will host a hike in honor of National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21.
Starting at 1 p.m, Jordan George from the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation (KSPFN) will lead a hike on the Sawmill Trail in Bayfield.
George is a communications specialist at KSPFN whose research focuses on the Indigenous history of the Huron Tract area and revitalization of the Anishinaabemowin language. He will share his knowledge on this hike along the Bayfield River. Those who take part are asked to meet and park on the north side of Sawmill Road. From Hwy 21, just north of the Bayfield bridge, turn east on Old River Road. Proceed 1/2 km and turn right at Sawmill Road.
All are welcome including canine companions (on leash). For more information, contact Ralph Blasting at 519 525-3205 or email rjblastingjr@gmail.com.
FRIENDS OF BAYFIELD LIBRARY
Book lovers are invited to shop locally from an abundance of donated books available in a variety of ways at the Bayfield Branch Library over the coming weeks.
Browse the Friends of Bayfield Library (FOBL) Red Cart all year, and the FOBL Red Table in July and August, plus FOBL book sales are scheduled on three Saturdays this summer: June 28, Aug. 2nd and Aug. 16. These sales will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the library entrance.
People will discover books in a variety of genres including: fiction, non-fiction, mysteries, thrillers, science fiction, romance, fantasy, memoirs, plus books for young adults and children. The supply of books is frequently replenished so check the titles often for the next great read.
FOBL are now collecting gently used fiction, non-fiction, biographies, memoirs, sci-fi, mysteries, thrillers and children’s books. Please note that coffee table books and cookbooks will not be accepted at this time. Books donated will help turn stories into support of library programs and needs.
FOBL will be at the Bayfield Library during the following times to gratefully accept book donations:
FOBL will be at the Bayfield Library one last time to gratefully accept donations on Friday, June 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Bayfield Branch Library is located at 18 Bayfield Main Street North in the village.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Knox Presbyterian Church Bayfield hosts services on Sunday mornings at 11 a.m. and 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 Sunday and Monday (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.
UNITED CHURCH
On Saturday, June 21, the congregation of St. Andrew’s United Church will hold a Bake Sale with proceeds going to the Bayfield Area Food Bank.
The Bake Sale will start at 10 a.m. and go until sold out.
St. Andrew’s United Church is located at 6 The Square in Bayfield.
EARLYON BAYFIELD
A sure sign Summer is very nearly here is the migration of the Bayfield Playgroup, hosted by EarlyON, to the great outdoors! This will happen on Thursday, June 12 when the group moves to Clan Gregor Square for their time together until September.
The sessions are free to all families/caregivers with infants to children aged six years and runs from 10-11:30 a.m. Participants are invited to join in a variety of activities to enhance all areas of their child’s development, connect with EarlyON staff, other families, as well as community resources. They always end the group with songs and a story.
When the weather proves unfavorable the playgroup will move back indoors to the TSJ Hall located at 10 Keith Crescent in Bayfield.
Anyone who may have questions or require additional information, is asked to please contact Kelly Kyle via email at kkyle@goderich.ca or earlyon@goderich.ca or by calling 519 524-9999.
CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
A peer-led Cancer Support Group will hold their next meeting at the Bayfield Branch Library on June 21.
This group is for anyone navigating the journey of cancer, undergoing treatment, managing a long-term condition or is a survivor. It will provide a safe and welcoming space to connect with others who understand the experience and can offer mutual support and encouragement.
This community-led programming will be offered for one-hour starting at 12:30 p.m.
The Bayfield Branch Library is located at 18 Main Street North in the village.
COFFEE & CHAT
The Friends of Bayfield Library (FOBL) extend a warm welcome to all who would like to join in the “Coffee & Chat” group that is held at the Bayfield Branch Library. Participants can enjoy a hot cup of coffee while engaging in conversation with other community members. The conversation is neutral and inclusive with an endless list of interesting topics for discussion!
The “Coffee & Chat” group meets in the Bayfield Library Meeting Room every Tuesday, 2-3:30 p.m., from now until the end of June 2025.
This is a great way for newcomers to meet new people, learn about the village, and share ideas. Seasoned villagers are also very welcome. There is no need to register for this program. Just show up and be prepared for some lively discussion!
INTRODUCING THE SUMMER STUDENT TEAM AT GATEWAY
Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (Gateway) is excited to welcome a new group of students to its Summer 2025 Team. These emerging professionals bring fresh perspectives, academic excellence, and a shared passion for improving health and wellness in rural communities. Their work will support a range of impactful projects focused on health, community, and innovation across rural areas.
The five students are Madison Cardno, Julie Wein, Erica Maloney, Kate Maloney and Grace Allen.
Madison Cardno
Madison Cardno, a Health Sciences student at Western University, is excited to join Gateway as a Summer Research Assistant. In this role, she will support meaningful rural health initiatives focused on improving health outcomes in underserved populations. This opportunity aligns with her passion for public health, teamwork, and continuous learning as she works toward enhancing rural health equity! Beyond this work, Madi enjoys coaching and playing hockey, running and spending time outdoors.
Julie Wein
Julie Wein recently finished her second year in Health Science at Wilfrid Laurier University. Julie was born and raised in Exeter and has developed a passion for the community aspect of rural health. She is very excited to work with the Gateway team this summer to contribute to the innovative projects taking place and to give back to the community that raised her.
Erica Maloney
Erica Maloney will be entering her third year at the University of Ottawa, pursuing a degree in Health Sciences. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers, healthcare professionals, community leaders and the entire Gateway team. As a Summer Research Assistant, she is specifically looking forward to applying her knowledge and experience to contribute meaningfully to ongoing projects. She is deeply passionate about improving health outcomes and enhancing quality of life, with a particular interest in rural healthcare. Having grown up in Huron County, Erica has a strong personal connection to addressing the unique challenges faced by rural communities. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, she enjoys playing hockey and volleyball, as well as relaxing with a good book.
Kate Maloney
Grace Allen
Grace Allen has been accepted and will attend Brock University in September 2025 for her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. As a new co-op student research assistant at Gateway, she will be contributing to Brave-F and Nourish projects. Grace has developed a passion for rural health issues, particularly mental health and psychology regarding children in rural areas. Outside of her academic and professional career, she enjoys travelling, seeing her friends and playing hockey.
Gateway is proud to support the growth of these young leaders and excited to see the lasting impact their contributions will have on rural health. Their passion, curiosity, and commitment to community are helping to shape a healthier future for rural residents.
Founded in 2008, Gateway is a not-for-profit rural health research organization run by a community-based volunteer board of directors. Gateway’s main mission is to better the health and quality of life of rural residents through research, education, and communication. Learn more on their website at www.gatewayruralhealth.ca.
TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW FOR TURTLE HATCHLING RELEASE
The Turtle Hatchling Release has been set for Aug. 28. (Submitted photo)
Huron Stewardship Council (HSC) and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) will join together with other community partners to hold the 10th Annual Turtle Hatchling Release event on Thursday, Aug. 28.
The event will take place east of Exeter at Morrison Dam Conservation Area from 1-4 p.m. To reserve a spot, visit Eventbrite for Turtle Release Tickets.
Admission is free and people are welcome to drop in at any time during the event. Organizers encourage visitors to donate. Net proceeds support turtle conservation in Ontario. The event includes live reptiles on display; family-friendly activities; educational displays and more. There will be merchandise for sale as well.
The turtle release event has taken place since 2016. It was held as a virtual event in 2020 and 2021. Many hundreds of people have attended the event over the past ten years.
“It’s amazing how many people have learned about turtles at this event,” said Sheldon Paul, HSC Fieldwork coordinator. He said the event is a great way to educate the young and the young at heart about Ontario’s eight freshwater turtle species which are all at risk.
In advance of the event, trained personnel, with required permits, collect the turtle eggs at the site of the release and then incubate them. The eggs are not likely to hatch successfully if left on their own.
Staff releasing the hatchlings back into the wild in the area they were found are trained and authorized with required permits to release them.
People attending the turtle release will not be able to hold the turtles. This is to protect the animals and reduce their stress. Those attending can see the turtles as they are released and learn about them. Organizers remind the public to never release species, especially non-native species, into the wild.
Ontario’s native freshwater turtles face many threats including habitat loss and road mortality – death by cars and other vehicles. Hundreds of turtles in Ontario are hit by cars each year. These could be gravid (pregnant) females looking for a place to lay eggs, or turtles looking for new habitat and mates. People can help turtles by creating and enhancing habitat on their properties, helping turtles cross the road in the direction they are heading, when it is safe to do so; and working with their local municipalities and communities to erect turtle crossing signs and build safe passages. People can also arrange for transport of injured turtles to the turtle hospital.
Turtles are important links in food webs and provide essential ecological services, said Hope Brock, Healthy Watersheds specialist at ABCA. Snapping turtles, for example, help to control aquatic vegetation and clean creeks and wetlands by eating algae and dead and decaying fish and other organisms. They also cycle nutrients and spread seeds which benefit other organisms.
People can protect turtles, she said, by watching for turtles on roads when driving, helping them safely cross roads in the way they are headed, protecting nests from predators, and reporting turtle sightings to community monitoring projects. Enhancing turtle habitat is also vital.
“Preserving and creating habitat for turtles and other species is one of the most important things we can do to sustain our turtle species,” Brock said. “There has been a huge increase in the interest in turtles and protecting turtles in our watershed, so I also want to thank people for these efforts.
Thank you for your continued curiosity, for attending this event, and for your desire to help these at-risk animals.”
To learn more visit the Huron Stewardship Council and the ABCA Turtles webpage, or email HSC at huronstewardship@gmail.com.
Morrison Dam Conservation Area is located at 71108 Morrison Line, Exeter.
BENDER HOUSE TO OPEN FOR TOURS TODAY
For anyone who has ever wondered what happens at Huron Hospice Bender House as they drive past it on Hwy 8 an upcoming Open House and Tour may provide the answers.
Today (June 18), from 2-6 p.m., people are welcome to visit Huron Hospice Bender House and learn more about all the Hospice services and its role in the community.
For close to 30 years, countless families have relied on Huron Hospice services during difficult times. Huron Hospice began making moments matter for Huron County families by offering home hospice care and respite along with loss, grief, and bereavement support.
In 2018, when Huron Hospice Bender House opened, nurses supported by volunteers began offering 24/7 professional hospice palliative care at the residence.
“At Huron Hospice, we believe that death is a natural part of living, and everyone should have access to hospice and palliative care,” said Huron Hospice Executive Director Willy Van Klooster. “We know most people want to receive that care at home surrounded by loved ones, and we help make that possible. However, when care at home is too complex, families turn to the nurses and volunteers at Bender House to do the heavy lifting while they make their moments matter. Families focus on being family.”
The numbers demonstrate the dedication of Hospice volunteers and staff. In 2024, trained home hospice care and respite volunteers made 567 visits across the county. Fifty-four people died at Bender House, and the year before, the number was 72. Ninety people attended grief group sessions. Twenty of them were children.
“Loss, grief and bereavement, home hospice care and respite or 24/7 nursing care, it’s another day at Huron Hospice and we want to show you around,” concluded Van Klooster.
STUDENT ENVIRONMENTAL GRANT
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation (ABCF) is offering a $1,000 Student Environmental Grant in 2025.
Dave Frayne is ABCF Chair. He said the Foundation has been pleased to present this scholarship to more than one dozen different local students since 2010.
“We are honored to provide this financial support to help a local student in their studies,” he said. “We encourage eligible young people to apply.”
The deadline to apply is 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 20.
The application form and complete details can be found at: Foundation’s Projects.
The $1,000 Student Environmental Grant is awarded to a graduating secondary school student or a student enrolled in university or college. The student receiving the award is someone pursuing a post-secondary education in a course of study related to conservation/environment. Examples are: biology; ecology; geography; forestry; fish and wildlife; agriculture; and outdoor education.
The student must be between 17 and 25 years of age and have a permanent address within a member municipality of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) watershed area. Those municipalities are: Adelaide Metcalfe; Bluewater; Central Huron; Huron East; Lambton Shores; Lucan Biddulph; Middlesex Centre; North Middlesex; Perth South; South Huron; Warwick; and West Perth.
Past winners of the Student Environment Grant are: Ryan Finnie, 2010; Raina Vingerhoeds, 2011; Greg Urquhart, 2012; Ryan Carlow, 2013; Connor Devereaux, 2014; Barb Alber, 2015; Samantha Bycraft, 2016; Marina Lather, 2017; Ethan Quenneville (2018); Meghan Glavin, 2019; Kirsten McIntosh, 2022; Gwen Taylor, 2023; and Emily Dearing, 2024.
POPPY’S HAVEN
Poppy’s Haven is planning some fun activities during the lead into summer that will allow for some fun interactions with their Newfoundland Ponies.
Do you remember “Art in the Barn” in Bayfield? Well, instructor Robin Ellis is back to offer it again, this time at Poppy’s Haven on two dates: July 8 and July 20.
On Wednesday, July 8, children aged six and up can be dropped off for 90 minutes of art in the barn at Poppy’s Haven between 9:30-11:30 a.m. The cost is $45. Drop-ins are welcome but numbers are limited so registration is preferred. More dates are coming soon!
Ellis will also be offering a “Family Paint Night” where participants get to paint the “portraits” of the exquisitely beautiful Newfoundland Ponies. This program will run from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, July 20. The cost is $25 for adults and $20 for children 12 and under. Register and pay via e-transfer by July 16.
Please use poppy@poppyshaven.com to register and e-transfer for all of these offerings. Poppy’s Haven is located at 39148 Mill Road near Varna.
ALZHEIMER SOCIETY HURON PERTH
“What is her name? What did I come down here for? Where did I put….?”
The Alzheimer Society Huron Perth will be offering their “Memory and Aging Program” this June at the Mackay Centre in Goderich. The Memory and Aging Program is designed for anyone experiencing normal age-related changes in memory or anyone interested in learning more about this topic.
The Memory and Aging Program describes what memory is, how it changes with age, and when to be concerned. Brain healthy lifestyle choices and practical memory strategies are reviewed and practiced, improving an individual’s ability to remember those everyday things – including those pesky names and things they intend to do! Equally important, the Memory and Aging Program is enjoyable and seeks to build confidence in one’s own memory ability.
The Memory and Aging Program consists of four sessions, 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays, from June 18 to July 9. There is a fee of $25, which covers the cost of the program workbook and materials. All sessions take place at the MacKay Centre for Seniors.
Please register for the Memory and Aging Program by contacting Jeanette at the Alzheimer Society Huron Perth at 1-800-561-5012 or via email at jeanettes@alzhp.ca.
MacKay Centre for Seniors is located at 10 Nelson Street East in Goderich.
GOOD NEIGHBOURS OF BLUEWATER
Good Neighbours of Bluewater’s (GNOB) is a happening place!
GNOB is continuing their regular weekly activities of coffee and conversation on Monday mornings at 7 a.m., followed by the card game, “Solo” at 1 p.m. On Thursday mornings at 10 a.m., GNOB welcomes guests for “Muffin Time”, then Euchre. Scrabble and games in the afternoon starting at 1 p.m. GNOB will be open on June 30 and all summer long!
People may not be aware that West Huron Care Centre hosts Exercise & Falls prevention every Friday at 10 a.m., and Line Dancing on Fridays in May and June at 2 p.m. at GNOB.
The Fourth Annual Strawberry Social, will be held on Thursday, June 19 from 4-7 p.m. This event will feature fresh local strawberries, cake and whipped cream. There will also be live music provided by the BUS. All are welcome and donations gratefully accepted.
GNOB is located at 28 Goshen Street North in Zurich. To learn more please call 519 236-7081.
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.
MAH JONGG
Mah Jongg is played at the Bayfield Branch Library on the first and third Wednesdays of the month.
Participants are asked to arrive at 1:30 p.m. and games will be played until 4 p.m.
All are welcome to take part in this Rummy type game that is played with tiles instead of cards. Instructions are always available.
For more information please email Pat Lewington at plewington6@gmail.com.
The Bayfield Branch Library is located at 18 Main Street North in the village.
WEDNESDAY BRIDGE
The Bayfield Bridge Club members have moved the games to a new location – St. Andrew’s United Church.
Players do not need to attend with a partner to participate in these “drop-in” sessions. New people are invited to join in this great opportunity to make new friends as partners are switched after every four hands. There are weekly reviews on bidding responses at the beginning of each session for example, responses to a No Trump open etc. Snacks are served mid-session.
The cost to take part is $4 per player. The cards are shuffled at 1 p.m. All levels of players are welcome to take part in these games that are played year-round.
St Andrew’s United Church is located at 6 The Square in the village.
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 is National Fishing Day and so we are featuring some museum artifacts with a fishing theme that tell an even broader tale or two…
FISHING BUOYS
These are a sampling of the fishing buoys that the Museum has in their collection which belonged to R. Graham MacDonald. The buoys are thought to have been used between 1880 and 1970. They were used by Captain William MacDonald and later Captain Peter “Paddy” MacDonald who were shipbuilders in the Goderich area.
Captain William was a shipbuilder who originally built small fishing vessels for local mariners in Goderich and along the shoreline. Later he worked at the Marlton Yards, Goderich, building ships.
Captain William’s son, Peter, was introduced to shipbuilding as an apprentice at Marlton Yards. He inherited his father’s tool chest. Later, Peter, as a skipper on the tug “Dorothy May”, lost the tool chest and its contents overboard as the vessel struck rocks on a stormy night attempting to navigate into Kincardine Harbour. That same tool chest, and some of the original contents, washed up within the next few days along the beaches.
Peter later became a long-term Captain for the tug “William Forrest”. The William Forrest was owned by ‘Big’ Bill Forrest and his partner Bill Bermingham. They were marine contractors who constructed the Goderich Harbour breakwalls between 1904 and 1908.
Captain Peter piloted the William Forrest as it towed the top-heavy Forrest dredge between Chicago, Illinois and Montreal, Quebec for many years in the summer months at a speed of three nautical miles per hour. Peter retired at age 84, in 1960, from his own tug, the “Ivy Rose”.
A gold plastic fishing net buoy with a red stripe in the centre.
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A wooden fishing net buoy.
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A black plastic fishing net buoy.
BAYFIELD GUIDING
PROGRAM OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPLORE AND EXPERIENCE THROUGH CHALLENGES
PHOTOS AND STORY BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER
Earlier this Spring a Bayfield Guiding member approached one of her leaders to express the fact that she liked attending Guides because she learned more at the meetings then she did at school. Whether that statement is a fact is rather difficult to prove but Bayfield Guiding does pride itself in allowing its members opportunities to explore and experience themes that they might not have the benefit of trying in other environments.
Take the last half of the year for example, members enjoyed visits from a representative from Bayfield Forgotten Feline’s and they got to interact with a special kitten while learning all about cats and the struggles rescues face. They even joined together to collect and donate food and toys in support of the organization.
They took part in Peyton’s Challenge earning a special badge. The challenge which explored creativity and eco-consciousness was created by Rangers in British Columbia in memory of one of their youth members.
They got crafty during a paint night and cozy in their favorite pajamas for a movie night. They wrote letters and made cards for folks in the future to discover as part of The Albion Hotel time capsule project. They learned about leadership and their right to peacefully protest for a cause they believe in with special guests. They enjoyed some imaginative play, with math and history thrown in for good measure, at a Pirate-themed night and they discovered just how many useful things have been invented by Canadians as they “hiked” across the country.
To round out their year they celebrated each others’ achievements along with their families at their Advancement Night and Family Picnic. Members advanced from Sparks to Embers; Embers to Guides; and Guides to Pathfinders. Three Sparks: Phoenix, Gabi and Scarlett were recognized for earning all 32 badges in their program. Guide Briar successfully completed her Lady Baden-Powell Award, the highest honor presented at the Guide level. And Riley, a Ranger, was recognized with both the Youth Commitment Award and the Gold Trailblazer Award. The latter being the highest honor that a Ranger can earn with Girl Guides of Canada. Riley was the first member of Bayfield Guiding to earn the Youth Commitment Award. The award was created in 2014 and recognizes a youth who has completed all sections of the program from Sparks through to Rangers.
Bayfield Guiding finished their 2024-25 season in their happy place – Camp Klahanie. This season’s camp theme was “Our Amazing Planet” and the members learned about Biomes – from the Tundra to the Savanna and all environments in between. A highlight of the camp was designing their own animal by blending the traits of two creatures together – “Reinoose”, “Shargators”, “Polarmoths” and “Geckulas” were among the names of the interesting creatures crafted from the imaginations of the membership. Another highlight was a visit from Reeka Spence who showed the senior members how to make amazing art from beach glass, pebbles and tiny shells! Their results were beautiful and sure to be displayed on walls in their homes.
Registration for Bayfield Guiding’s 2025-26 is now open at girlguides.ca.
Email your photo in Jpeg format to hello@bayfield-breeze.com with the subject line Subscriber Photo of the Week. or…Upload your photo to Flickr.
I am looking for the Bayfield that is a delight to the eye – please share photos with a touch of whimsy, beauty, humor or a sense of fun. If you are to include people in your photos be sure to have their permission to publish their picture on-line and also send in their names and where they are from. And don’t forget to tell me who took the photo for proper credit to be issue
SUBMISSIONS
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Melody Falconer-Pounder
Regular readers may have noticed that the Bayfield Breeze team is currently on hiatus allowing for some vacation time. John and I have ventured off to explore Norway and Iceland aboard the cruise ship Norwegian Star. Our adventure began with an overnight in Copenhagen, Denmark and we decided a nice way to see some of the city while working through the jetlag that comes with adjusting to the six-hour time difference would be a tour of the city from the water using their harbor taxi system. This self-guided tour did not disappoint but wetted our appetite to return someday to see more of the city from the land side of things.
Once on board the ship we enjoyed three consecutive days of cruising along Norwegian Fjords with their many small islands, isolated farms and stunning islets. Lighthouses are a photographers’ dream and we were fortunate to sail past a couple that were ruggedly charming in their design.
Kristiansand, our first port of call, is referred to by many as the Riviera of Norway. We arrived there on Whit Monday, a national holiday so it was abnormally quiet but rather pleasant to walk around in all but a deserted city centre. At its heart was the main place of worship, the neo-Gothic Kristiansand Cathedral and we were able to take a peek inside. Strolling throughout Kristiansand I was struck by how elements of very old architecture have been blended seamlessly with the new owing to much destruction during WWII. This small city is neatly kept with vibrant beach and harbor areas and the loveliest cascading floral displays. Their flowers inspired thoughts of what we could do with our gardens back home save for the fact that they get a significantly larger allotment of daylight than we do at this time of year!
At our next stop, Maloy, Norway we enjoyed chatting with the friendly shop merchants and locals learning more about their community. Their Main Street is currently dug up for revitalization and we know from first-hand experience it will be wonderful when it is completed. We had great fun browsing through their two grocery stores and were sure to make purchases in both to support the local economy and our cravings for licorice flavored treats.
The trip thus far has been filled with many pinch-me moments – I have to keep reminding myself that I am really exploring Norway – something I’m sure I will only truly appreciate when I am back at writing at my desk on the farm in good old Huron County. – Melody
Ideas and contributions to the Bayfield Breeze are always welcome.
Deadlines for submissions are Sundays at 4 p.m.