COUNCILOR’S CORNER

There is a considerable number of items on the agenda for the next Councilor’s Corner hosted by Bayfield Ward Councilor for the Municipality of Bluewater Bill Whetstone scheduled for tonight (Dec. 3) at the Bayfield Community Centre and Arena.

The public is invited to attend the session that will run from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

The topics on the docket include: 2026 Budget Review; Mill Road-Cameron Street and  Hwy 21 intersection; Coyote Bounty Program; Bluewater Generation Project on Mill Road; Bayfield Sewage Capacity Expansion Update; Bayfield Community Centre Expansion Update; Short Term Rental Program Licensing Update.

As always there will be time set aside for open discussion as well.

The Bayfield Community Centre and Arena is located at 4 Jane Street in the village.

CHESS CLUB

Check mate! Bayfield resident Gayle Beuermann is hoping to start a Chess Club in the village and is looking for like-minded individuals who might want to join.

The club would meet weekly and be open to all ages and experience levels and offer people an opportunity to improve their game or simply learn the basics to play.

To learn more or to express interest please contact Gayle Beuermann at 519 525-6498 or email gaylbeue@tcc.on.ca.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS NEEDED

The Bayfield Centre for the Arts (BCA)  is now looking for six individuals who would be willing to be members of a selection committee for the intended public art installation in Clan Gregor Square in 2026.

“Members do not need to have a background in the arts. In fact we encourage diversity in this representation of Bayfield’s community,” said Leslee Squirrell, president of the BCA.

Meetings will take place in December and again in early Spring.

“This is not an onerous undertaking. It is a few meetings to ensure that the community has input into the project along with our previous survey outreach,”said Squirrell.

Those who are interested in participating are asked to kindly email lsquirrell@bayfieldarts.ca with their interest.

The BCA recently announced plans for a Public Art Sculpture to be installed in Clan Gregor Square to celebrate Bayfield’s founding in 2026! This piece will not be a monument or statue, but rather an artist’s interpretation of what makes Bayfield truly special – its character, history, and surroundings.

MEN’S BREAKFAST

The next Men’s Breakfast is scheduled for this Saturday, Dec. 6. All men in the community are invited for a fabulous meal and camaraderie served up at the TSJ Hall.

Coffee will be served at 9 a.m. with breakfast following at about 9:30 a.m. This is a pay what you are able event. To ensure enough food is available anyone planning to attend is asked to please email John Pounder at bvi@tcc.on.ca by Oct. 30th at noon.

The TSJ Hall is located at 10 Keith Crescent in Bayfield (formerly Trinity St James Parish Hall).

BAYFIELD BENNY

Huron County Authors is  hosting a book launch for a local talent at the Bayfield and Goderich branches of the Huron County Library system.

On Saturday, Dec. 6, Huron County Authors will help Mike Shiell launch his latest book, “Bayfield Benny”.

People are invited to join in an inspiring and laughter-filled event with author-illustrator Shiell as he celebrates the launch of his brand-new picture book, Bayfield Benny – a delightful story that’s sure to become a local favorite! Shiell will also be sharing insights into his hit book, “Linty: A Pocketful of Adventure”, and offering a peek behind the curtain at his incredible 25-year career in animation and illustration, including work on beloved children’s shows like “The Backyardigans” and “Mike the Knight”.

The Bayfield Library will be the location for Shiell’s book launch. It will be held for one hour starting at 11 a.m. He will also attend the Goderich Library for the same length of time starting at 2 p.m.

As space is limited at both of these free events, registration is required. People can RSVP at huroncountyauthors.com/events

TRADITIONS AND CAROLS

Trinity St. James Chapel will be decorated for the Christmas season, enhancing the charm of the historic building, for the special “Traditions and Carols” service to be held this Sunday, Dec. 7. All denominations and ages welcome. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

The Trinity St. James Chapel will host their last service for 2025 this Sunday, Dec. 7 and it is shaping up to be a very special one as those who gather will be treated to stories about the origins of beloved holiday traditions mixed with the singing of carols.

“Traditions and Carols” with Eucharist will be held starting at 2 p.m. led by Rev’d Justin Comber and is open to all in the community, including families. The origins of many Advent and Christmas symbols, such as the colored candles and Poinsettia, will be explored in story and song.  Following the service there will be a time of fellowship and refreshment in the TSJ Hall. Rumour has it there may be gingerbread cookies!

Formerly known as the Parish Hall, the TSJ Hall, located at 10 Keith Crescent in the village, is now operated for community use by an Association and is available to rent for such uses as club and business meetings, family gatherings or events including, weddings and funerals.

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

TURKEY BINGO

The Bayfield Lions Club will host their very popular Turkey Bingo at the Bayfield Community Centre and Arena on Dec. 8. (Photo by Jack Pal)

One of the village’s favorite pre-Christmas events returns with the Bayfield Lions’ Turkey Bingo on Monday, Dec. 8.

The games will begin  at 7 p.m. sharp at the Bayfield Community Centre and Arena. The doors to the centre will open on this three hour event at 6:15 p.m.

This fun evening is always well-attended. There will be 16 turkeys up for grabs (14 game prizes and two as door prizes) and in addition, there will be five Share-the-Wealth games to boost the lucky winners’ holiday spending allowances. Participants must be 18 years and up to play.

The funds raised are to be split between the Bayfield Area Food Bank (BAFB) and Artemis Huron (Women’s Shelter). The Lions will also accept donations of non-perishable items and toys at the door. AGCO Licence #: M855521

SANTA LETTERS

Santa Claus has gone digital! The good news is the North Pole has the technology to accept letters by email and so everyone is invited to send their wish lists to santaslittleworkshopnp@gmail.com.

Parents should ensure that their child’s full name is included with their letter. Please only send one letter so as not to overload the workshop! Emailed letters will be accepted until Dec. 19.

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (Gateway) is hosting a “Mental Health First Aid Training” in Bayfield on Thursday, Dec. 11 at the Bayfield Community Centre and Arena and they need a few more registrants to ensure the training occurs.

It will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This training is to support someone experiencing a mental health or substance use issue/crisis. Participants will gain knowledge and learn about local resources. It would be suitable for anyone who is hoping to expand their knowledge and understanding of mental health and substance use issues or wants to improve their confidence in supporting someone experiencing a mental health decline or crisis.

Participants are asked to register in advance here: Registration: Mental Health First Aid Training Registration. For further details as well as the training cost and how to pay visit: Mental Health First Aid Training Payment. Questions? Please contact mhfatraininggateway@gmail.com  to learn more.

LEGO CLUB

Children two and up, accompanied by a caring adult, are invited to the next meeting of the Bayfield Lego Club on Dec. 13. (Photo by Oliver Sharp)

The Bayfield Lego Club would like to invite all enthusiastic Lego builders to their next meeting this Saturday, Dec. 13. They are also encouraged to spread the news and invite friends to join in the fun of creative and imaginative play!

This free activity, thanks to the sponsorship of the Optimist Club of Bayfield, will take place from 10-11:30 a.m. in the TSJ Hall. For those who attend regularly there is also now an opportunity to earn free Lego to take home!

Bayfield Lego Club is open to children two years and up, accompanied by an adult, as the club has some bigger blocks in the collection so younger kids can build too!

TSJ Hall is located at 10 Keith Crescent in Bayfield.

BRICK FUNDRAISER

Looking for a unique Christmas gift idea? The Bayfield Optimist Club is organizing their annual “Engrave Your Brick” campaign starting now instead of in the winter months to allow people the opportunity to give them as presents!

Large bricks are available for $130 while medium size bricks will cost $100.

Bricks will be engraved in the Spring but can be purchased in advance by contacting Optimist Jeff Kish via email at jeff.kish.home@gmail.com.

VIGIL CEREMONY

December 6 marks the tragic anniversary of the 1989 mass shooting at Polytechnique Montréal, where 14 young women were murdered because they were women. Gender-Based Violence Prevention Huron honors and remembers these women each year, reaffirming their community’s shared commitment to ending gender-based violence in all its forms.

They remember: Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Barbara Klucznik Widajewicz, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault, and Annie Turcotte.

Although 36 years have passed since the Montréal Massacre, violence against women and girls remains a pervasive issue across Canada. In Ontario, 43 lives were lost to femicide in the past year alone, according to the Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses (OAITH). Since 1990, more than 1,120 women and children have been killed in acts of gender-based violence across the province.

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women falls within the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, observed each year from Nov. 25 (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to Dec. 10 (Human Rights Day).

During these 16 days, people around the world come together to raise awareness about gender-based violence, challenge discriminatory and misogynistic attitudes, and call for improved laws and services to end violence against women. Communities recognize this time through awareness banners, flags lowered to half-mast, and social media campaigns that amplify the message that violence against women must end.

Gender-Based Violence Prevention Huron has once again planned an annual public ceremony to honor and remember the women killed at Polytechnique Montréal, and all women who have lost their lives to femicide in Ontario.

This Vigil Ceremony in Honor of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 11 a.m. in Courthouse Square Park in Goderich.

Community members are encouraged to attend to stand in solidarity, reflect, and take action toward a future free of gender-based violence.

HOMEMADE HOLIDAYS

“Homemade Holidays” is a program being offered at the Bayfield Branch Library in the days leading up to Dec. 25th, sponsored by the Friends of Bayfield Library.

On Tuesday, Dec. 9, the theme of the evening will be “Cooke Sheet Countdown” as participants will create their own festive Christmas countdown using cookie sheets and Cricut-cut vinyl to mark the days leading up to Santa’s arrival! This one-hour session will begin at 5:45 p.m. and is for ages 12 and up.

Please note that registration is required for this session. People may register by contacting the library at 519 565-2886 or via email at bayfieldlibrary@huroncounty.ca.

The Bayfield Branch Library is located at 18 Main Street North in the village.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

The Optimist Club of Bayfield will be serving up fun at “Breakfast with Santa” this year in an all new location, in a new style and at a new time of the month! Started in 2005, this will be the 17th iteration of this very popular family event!

The Bayfield Town Hall will be the location for the Buffet Style Breakfast that will be held on Sunday, Dec. 21. The meal will be served from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

The cost will be $10 for adults and $5 for children or youngsters can eat for free with a donation to the Bayfield Area Food Bank.

For further details please email optimistbayfield@gmail.com.

The Bayfield Town Hall is located at 11 The Square in the village.

SEASONAL SERENADE

All are welcome to attend “A Seasonal Serenade” with Harpist Martha Lawrance and Pianist Mary McGoldrick on the afternoon of Dec. 14 at St. Andrew’s United Church.

The duo will be joined by special musical guests, “The Blyth Festival Strings”, when the concert begins at 2:30 p.m.

Admission is by donation with proceeds going to the Huron-Perth Centre for child and youth mental health. Visit hpcentre.on.ca to learn more.

St. Andrew’s United Church is located at 6 The Square in Bayfield.

UNITED CHURCH

At St. Andrew’s United Church the Advent Season has begun. Rev. Dr. Sheila Macgregor will be leading in worship during the season and on Christmas Eve.

On the third Sunday of Advent,  Dec. 14,  starting at 2:30 p.m. there will be a wonderful concert at St. Andrew’s with Martha Lawrence, harpist, Mary McGoldrick, pianist, and the Blyth Festival Strings!

On the fourth Sunday of Advent, Dec. 21, St. Andrew’s is delighted to welcome Rev. John Bannerman and the congregation of Knox Presbyterian Church to share in their service, at which Rev. Bannerman will be preaching. Later that same evening St. Andrew’s will join their friends at Knox at 7 p.m. for their very beautiful and meditative Longest Night worship service.

The Christmas cycle then begins on Christmas Eve with a worship service at St. Andrew’s at 4 p.m. Everyone is welcome!

UNITED WAY

United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) is looking for community members to volunteer in local tax clinics for the 2026 tax season.

“Volunteer tax clinics are one of the most direct ways we can help our neighbors struggling with affordability,” said UWPH Director of Community Impact and Research, Kristin Crane. “Filing taxes enables households to get the refunds and benefits they’re entitled to, which can make such a big difference. Supporting that process is an immensely rewarding volunteer opportunity.”

Volunteer clinics are powerful community initiatives supporting seniors, newcomers, students and those receiving income from social assistance programs. In 2024 alone, 1,780 returns were filed through the program in Huron and Perth, garnering an estimated $4.8 million in refunds and benefits for local households.

Volunteer tax filers work with local organizations to file taxes for individuals with modest incomes and simple tax situations. The CRA provides tax-filing software, training and funding for supplies.

Clinics across the region need volunteers to maintain their services and expand to serve new communities. South Huron in particular needs more volunteer support.

“For anyone with some experience and comfort with computers and paperwork, this is a great way to give back,” added Crane. “If you use online banking or have ever filed your own taxes online, you can play a valuable role helping others.”

To learn more about volunteering with tax clinics, please visit perthhuron.unitedway.ca.

WINGS OF A DOVE

A dedicated team of volunteers came out on Nov. 18 to put the letters in the mail. And with that, Huron Hospice launched its annual “Wings of a Dove” fundraiser. The annual campaign raises money to fund the Loss, Grief and Bereavement Service at Huron Hospice.

“The Grief Service helps children, as young as four, to youth, and adults of any age, learn how to manage their grief,” said Executive Director Willy Van Klooster. “Loss is something we experience at any age, and when we do, we grieve. Some people have difficulty managing their grief. That’s where Huron Hospice can help. It’s okay to say I need help.

“This year, when people give to Wings Of A Dove, Compass Minerals, Merner Contracting, the Lions Club of Brussels and an anonymous donor will match all gifts up to $20,000. Compass Minerals, the Lions Club, and Merner Contracting have been wonderful supporters of the Wings Of A Dove campaign for several years. This year, just after volunteers put the letters in the mail, an anonymous donor called and expressed interest in participating. The match means a gift of $100 becomes $200, and $250 grows to $500, or $500 becomes $1,000.”

People can support Huron Hospice by making a gift online at www.huronhospice.ca, by E-transfer, or over the phone. If people want to donate by cheque, it can be mailed to Huron Hospice at 98 Shipley Street in Clinton or dropped off at Bender House located near Clinton at 37857 Huron Road.

For any questions, please call Manager of Fund Development, Christopher Walker at 519 525-7352.

The grief service is offered at no cost to the user because the last thing a family should have to worry about at a challenging time is the cost of services. It’s all about ensuring that compassionate care is available throughout Huron County.

If anyone feels like they are having a difficult time managing their grief, they should call Sally at 519 525-6331.

HURON HOSPICE

The Goderich Firefighters will face off against a full line-up of former NHL hockey heroes on Sunday, March 8.

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 at Maitland Recreation Centre in Goderich starting at 2 p.m. The doors will open at 1 p.m.

This game is in support of Huron Hospice.  For 31 years, families have turned to Huron Hospice for support at the end-of-life.  Huron Hospice provides care at Bender House and in the community for people with life-limiting illnesses. Huron Hospice also provides loss and grief support for children, youth and adults.

Since opening the residence in 2018, Huron Hospice has made moments matter for more than 300 individuals and their families at Bender House, and for 700 individuals and their families in the community.  There are no costs for any services.  Huron Hospice is a place where families make moments matter.

If available tickets will be $34 each at the door but tickets purchased in advance are discounted. To learn more call the ticket and information line at 1-888-777-97923 or visit www.ProHockeyHeroes.com.

A portion of the promotion for this event will consist of a telemarketing campaign in Goderich and the surrounding area.

The Maitland Recreation Centre  is located at 190 Suncoast Drive East in Goderich.

CANDY CANE HUNT

The third annual Candy Cane Hunt will be happening at the Varna Nature Trails on Sunday, Dec. 7.

The countdown to this free event will begin at 1 p.m. and it will happen rain or shine – so those who attend should dress for the weather.

The Municipality of Bluewater is partnering with the Bayfield River Valley Trails Association (BRVTA), Seeds Rooted in Youth, and the Bayfield Optimists to provide this community event for kids under 12 years old.

Participants are invited to walk along the Taylor Trail to find candy canes “growing” from the trees! Hot chocolate and treats will be available afterwards in the community centre, as well as a special activity provided by Seeds Rooted in Youth and the Bayfield Optimists.  No registration is necessary, but all children must be accompanied by an adult.  Dogs must be kept on leash at all times.

Organizers would like to thank Exeter Canadian Tire for donating the candy canes and Tim Horton’s in Bayfield for generously providing the hot beverages and snacks!

The Varna Nature Trails are located at 38594 Mill Road in Varna. The Taylor Trail is 1 km in length and is stroller/wagon accessible.

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.

The sending and receiving of holiday cards is a long standing tradition for many…this week, we highlight one such card handcrafted by a county arist…

CHRISTMAS CARD

This Christmas Card is entitled, “Fordwich Train Station”. The image was painted and the card was handmade by Dorothy Cruickshank. It depicts a train pulling into the snowy Fordwich train station where two boys and a horse-drawn sleigh wait outside.

Artist Dorothy (Wade) Cruickshank, was the wife of Gerald William “Bud” Cruickshank, and the daughter-on-law of Doc Cruickshank, the founder of CKNX. She was a member of the Wingham Art Club and was known for her watercolor drawings and paintings.