The Bayfield BreezeIssue 859 Week 52 Vol 17
December 24, 2025
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CHRISTMAS TREE BOAT PART OF GREAT LAKES LORE
Editor’s Note: I invited local historian, David Yates, to share a bit of Great Lakes Christmas history with our readers this Christmas Eve issue and he kindly obliged with the bittersweet story of the “Christmas Tree Boat”.
BY DAVID YATES
Christmas Tree Schooner by Charles Vickery. (Courtesy of the Clipper Ship Gallery, La Grange, Illinois)
Known as the “Christmas Tree Boat”, the “Rouse Simmons” was a legendary schooner that delivered Christmas trees to thousands of Chicago, Illinois, families at the turn of the last century. The annual Christmas tree run became a marine tradition that began the Yuletide season for countless Midwestern homes. The Christmas Tree Boat is one of the most oft told sagas in Great Lakes lore.
“Rouse Simmons”, a legendary schooner, also known as the “Christmas Tree Boat”. (Submitted photo0
The schooner Rouse Simmons launched in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1868. Named after an imminently forgettable Wisconsin businessman, the Simmons was a three masted schooner, 124 feet in length and 28 feet abeam. She was built with a shallow hold so she could sail into the shallowest ports. Most of her cargo could be carried on her deck so she was an ideal vessel for loading and unloading her cargo. However, the deck cargo made her rolling decks dangerously top heavy in heavy seas. For most of the Simmons sea life, she made weekly runs of lumber between Grand Haven, Michigan and Chicago.
At about the turn of the century, Captain Herman Schuenemann, purchased a one-eighth share in the Simmons and became her sailing master. Schuenemann, born to German immigrant parents in Wisconsin in 1865, had sailed the lakes since a child. He had traded in Christmas trees since at least the 1890s. His brother, August, was drowned when his boat the “S Thal” capsized and foundered in a storm on Lake Michigan in November 1898 while he was shipping Christmas trees into Chicago. Captain Herman Schuenemann only missed the catastrophe because he was at home with newborn twin daughters. Yet, despite the family catastrophe, Captain Herman continued the tradition of bringing Christmas trees, in the shipping season’s last run, from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to Chicago. For nearly 30 years, Captain Schuenemann’s boat was affectionately known as the “Christmas Tree Boat”.
Schuenemann was not the only ship’s captain who dealt in Christmas trees. Other ships made the late season Christmas tree run into Chicago. However, unlike other ships’ captains who preferred to sell wholesale to dealers, Captain Schuenemann sold direct to families who lined the Chicago harbor quayside to buy a tree direct from Schuenemann’s boat. Schuenemann’s Christmas Tree Boat was easily recognizable because she was bedecked in electric lights as families boarded her to pick out a Christmas tree straight from the boat’s deck. Prices for a full boughed, freshly cut evergreen tree with a fragrant smell ranged from .50 cents to a dollar.
Yet, it was not all about the money. Captain Schuenemann was known as a “jovial” sort who gave many of the trees to needy families every year. Chicago newspapers and grateful families affectionately gave Schuenemann the nickname “Captain Santa”. Schuenemann became a beloved figure to Chicagoans who looked forward to purchasing their Christmas tree on the decks of the captain’s boat.
On Friday, Nov. 22, 1912, the Simmons set sail from the port of Thompson on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula heavily laden with 5,500 Christmas trees lashed to her decks, masts and holds. One eyewitness said the Simmons looked like “a floating forest”, according to marine historian Glenn Longacre. It was the last run of the season and the weather fair when Captain Schuenemann steered the Christmas Tree Boat to the south towards Chicago with 15 men and one woman on board. Captain Schuenemann was fated to sail into one of the worst storms recorded on the Great Lakes.
A violent winter storm with gale force winds and blinding snowfall whipped up Lake Michigan’s waters. On Saturday afternoon, a schooner matching the Simmons’ description, was spotted by a US Coast Guardsman at the Life Saving Station near Kewaunee, Wisconsin. The unidentified vessel was on a southerly course with her flag flying at half staff, indicating that she was in distress. The lifeboat station south of the Simmons’ position was alerted and dispatched a gas tug to attempt to rescue the Simmons’ crew. By the time the tug arrived at the Simmons’ position, no trace of the old schooner could be found. Darkness, heavy snow, fog and high winds forced the intrepid coast guardsmen to call off the search.
After the storm subsided the next morning, Captain Schuenemann’s wife, Barbara, and their daughters, still held out hope that her husband and ship had weathered the storm by seeking shelter in some remote port or bay. Tragically, after several days’ wait, their worst fears were confirmed when the Simmons failed to arrive in port. Other vessels reported finding hundreds of Christmas trees strewn afloat on Lake Michigan’s waters.
Some idea of the terror of the Christmas Tree Boat’s final hours as she vainly struggled for survival against the fury of wind and wave was found in a message in a corked bottle which washed up near Sheboygan, Michigan. The message purported to be Captain Schuenemann’s final message which read “everybody goodbye. I guess we are all through. During the night the small boat washed overboard. Leaking bad. [Crewmen] Invald and Steve lost too. God help us.”
It appears that the Simmons cargo of Christmas trees made her load top heavy and unstable. Snow and ice caught on the tree boughs added greatly to the ship’s weight causing the Simmons’ aged hull to buck violently in the waves before she finally rolled over and foundered taking all 16 lives that were aboard her. Three other ships were lost in the same storm.
Captain Schuenemann’s widow and daughters tried to keep the Christmas Tree Boat tradition alive by selling Christmas trees from the deck of a boat moored in the Chicago harbor into the early 1920s. However, these trees were brought into Chicago by rail.
According to Great Lakes legend, for decades, mariners on the upper lakes reported seeing the ghostly apparition of Captain Schuenemann at the helm of the Christmas Tree Boat, bristling with evergreens, in search of a port. It was a romantic legend that was put to rest when the wreck of the Christmas Tree Boat was found, in 1971, lying on Lake Michigan’s bottom off the shore of Two Rivers, Wisconsin. She was still carrying hundreds of Christmas trees in her holds.
LARGE MALE CAT WITH HUGE CAPACITY FOR LOVE NEEDS HOME
Lyon (Submitted photo)
While volunteers with Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF) are quick to point out that most cats should be adopted in pairs or join a home with existing cats, that can’t be said of all cats – some are simply better off solo not for behavioral reasons but due to a health concern.
Such is the case for this week’s Adopt a BFF cat of the week, Lyon.
Lyon is a large boy with a huge capacity for love!
“This fabulous boy came to us in pretty tough shape but with lots of love, good food, and vet care, he has come along and grown into a big cuddle bug,” said Deb Penhale, representing BFF.
Lyon had crystals (mineral formations) in his urine. These can irritate the bladder or more seriously block the narrow urethra and cause a life-threatening blockage. Male cats are sometimes more prone to blockages due to their anatomy but with proper diet all can be well.
“He does need to stay on special food for urinary care as a result of the earlier issue,” said Pehnale. “Also, because of his poor start in life, he ended up having some dental issues that have also been addressed.”
Penhale shared that Lyon is very social and does like other cats. The only issue with another cat in his forever home would be they would also need to be on urinary food as it is essential for Lyon’s well-being.
“If you want a great, big, love bug, who absolutely gives the best hugs, Lyon is your guy,” Penhale said. “He will wrap his paws around your neck and hold on for as long as you’re willing to hold him. He loves to be brushed, enjoys ear scratches and belly rubs but most of all he loves giving and receiving hugs.”
Please reach out to bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com to learn more about adopting Lyon. 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.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Knox Presbyterian Church in Bayfield will host their Christmas Eve service tonight (Dec. 24).
This Christmas Eve service shall commence at 7 p.m.
Christmas worship will follow on Sunday, Dec. 28 at 11 a.m.
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
Tonight (Dec. 24), the congregations of St. Andrew’s United Church in Bayfield will hold their Christmas Eve service.
People are warmly invited to join in their celebrations at 4 p.m. as they recount the story of the Lord’s birth, through the singing of favorite carols, the reading of the scriptures, and special anthems provided by the choir and guest musicians. The service will close with the lighting of the candles as those gathered sing “Silent Night.” All are welcome and encouraged to bring their friends and family!
St. Andrew’s United Church is located at 6 The Square in Bayfield.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Bayfield Historical Society (BHS) would like to remind everyone of the importance of renewing, or purchasing, a membership to the organization responsible for preserving local history.
President of the BHS, Barb Durand said, “We are grateful for the continuing support of our wonderful members who help make our work happen. If you are not a member, it’s a perfect time to give yourself and others the gift of history by joining our family. If you are already a member, we encourage you to renew your membership before the end of December.”
Members receive regular e-newsletters, are the first to know about special events such as the BHS “Speakers Series”, and enjoy a 10 per cent discount on BHS books, postcards, prints and posters. Fully paid-up members also receive invitations to annual general meetings with voting privileges.
“Memberships are well worth the investment because historical preservation has never been so vital in keeping communities like ours strong and connected,” said Durand.
Individual memberships cost $30, while family memberships are $40 and cover the period of January through December.
Whether renewing or joining for the first time, please visit Bayfield Historical Society – Membership and click on the blue button that applies. Happy holidays!
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.
MAHJONG
Mahjong will be held on Wednesdays at the Bayfield Branch Library on a weekly basis.
Anyone who would like to learn this fun tile game are invited to join returning players starting at 1:30 p.m. Instruction will be given to those wanting to learn. Individuals who already know how to play are encouraged to come out to enjoy meeting others in a social setting.
Those who would like to learn more about MahJong are asked to please contact Marlene McDougall by calling 226 441-2075 or emailing marlenemcdougall7@gmail.com.
The Bayfield Branch Library is located at 18 Main Street North in the village.
WEDNESDAY BRIDGE
The Bayfield Bridge Club meets on Wednesday afternoons at 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.
PHOTOGRAPHS SOUGHT
To help celebrate Bayfield’s 150th anniversary, the Photography Club of Bayfield (PCoB), the Bayfield Lions Club, and the Bayfield Historical Society are producing a high-quality coffee table book featuring photos of Bayfield. The call is now going out for people to submit images for possible inclusion. The images above are examples of what organizers are looking for. (Submitted photos)
In 1876, with a population of 800 people, Bayfield was incorporated as a village.
To help celebrate Bayfield’s 150th anniversary, the Photography Club of Bayfield (PCoB), the Bayfield Lions Club (Lions) and the Bayfield Historical Society (BHS) are producing a high-quality coffee table book featuring photos of Bayfield.
This is an exciting opportunity for individuals who have created great Bayfield images over the years to have their photos take a place of honor in what will be a legacy book that will be valued for decades.
The book will be a high-quality, hard-covered book with stunning photographs and short historical vignettes celebrating 150 years of Bayfield. The book will be developed and produced wholly in Canada with photos contributed from PCoB members, the BHS and other area photographers. The book will be sold through multiple channels in and around Bayfield, making this a great opportunity to showcase a photographer’s work.
To participate:
- Please submit high resolution (>7.5 MPixels) stunning photos of Bayfield to pcob.book150@gmail.com.
- Photos can be emailed directly (no more than two per gmail) or via DropBox, Google Drive or any other transfer app.
- Photos can be any size/aspect ratio, and portrait, landscape, square or panorama.
- Individuals may submit as many as they like and are encouraged to invite their friends to submit as well.
Organizers are seeking photos of all aspects of Bayfield: Main Street, historic buildings, beaches, Bayfield Harbour, sailing, bridges, fishing, industry, retail, hospitality, parks, Two-Cow Barns, war memorial, churches, trails, sunsets, seasons, golf course, croquet court etc.
Participants are asked to please submit as soon as possible, the deadline for submissions is Friday, Jan. 30th. The sooner organizers can collect the photos; the sooner they can get the book into print.
Please note that submission will constitute permission to use these images in both the book and marketing materials.
Those who wish to take part should feel free to reply with any questions or suggestions to the email listed above. Organizers are very excited about this project and feel it will be a great legacy gift for Bayfield that all can be an integral part of it!
STUDENT SEEKS DONATIONS FOR TURTLE NESTING BOX PROJECT
Ryan Wilson, a Grade 11 student attending South Huron District High School (SHDHS) in Exeter, is benefitting nature while acquiring skills through self-directed learning. Ryan has just completed construction of 23 birdhouses as part of his project and is planning to build Turtle Nesting Boxes next. (Submitted photo)
Ryan Wilson, a Grade 11 student attending South Huron District High School (SHDHS) in Exeter, is benefitting nature while acquiring skills through self-directed learning. The local student, from the Grand Bend area in the Municipality of Lambton Shores, is taking the Grade 11 Interdisciplinary Studies Course. Ryan has just completed construction of 23 birdhouses as part of his project.
Grade 5/6 students from Exeter Elementary School visited Ryan’s classroom in December to help assemble and paint the birdhouses and take them home. Ryan said he likes the idea that his birdhouses will be dispersed throughout the community. He looks forward to seeing chickadees; wrens; and bluebirds use the birdhouses.
What does Ryan have planned next? In addition to birdhouses, Ryan’s final project includes turtle nesting boxes for community use. He plans to help build these turtle nesting boxes to help protect freshwater turtles in the area.
Anyone who would like to donate for supplies to help Ryan create these turtle nesting boxes, may donate to the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation (ABCF). A donation of $20 is enough to purchase materials for one turtle nest protector. Visit: Donate to ABCF or phone 519 235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610 to contribute today. Please let them know the donation is for turtle nesting box supplies.
Ryan said he likes working with wood and working with his hands because “working with wood has been a thing I do with my Dad in the wood shop, and I’ve always loved running the machines with him.” His interest in this kind of craftsmanship began “when I was a little kid and I grew up on the farm. I always worked with my hands, so I was naturally drawn into farm work. Working with wood started shortly after that, when my Dad would run the wood through the machines. I loved the smell of the cut wood, and I loved working with it.”
“I like working with my hands because it brings me joy to do something real,” he added.
Ryan has a long-standing interest in nature. Things he loves to do in the Great Outdoors include camping; hiking; and canoeing.
Things he really enjoys about his course include working with others; woodworking; and self-directed learning. Something he didn’t like so much, and found challenging, was dealing with issues such as the drill press stopping in the middle of creating the birdhouses. Ryan said he has used the following skills in his project: decision-making; critical thinking; and progressive improvement. He also said he has learned how to use the “SketchUp” application in his project.
In the future, Ryan is thinking of becoming an engineer as a possible career.
There are 23 students in the Interdisciplinary Studies Course class, and each student is doing practical and active work in their own self-learning projects.
Paul Colbourne is an Interdisciplinary Studies Course teacher at SHDHS. The Interdisciplinary Studies course provides students a chance to design and carry out a self-directed project. This work combines skills and knowledge from different subject areas. The course explores real-world problems and creative ideas through collaboration, research, and practical application, Colbourne said. Students set personal goals and manage their own timelines. They use journals and reflections to document what they learn. Students also create and present a final product or project. Their creations benefit the school and the community, the teacher added.
Students gain skills in leadership, teamwork, initiative, communication, and critical thinking.
Colbourne said it took a lot of work, by Ryan, to complete the project, “Ryan demonstrated dedication, patience, and a strong work ethic throughout the entire process. His craftsmanship and commitment to doing the job well were impressive.”
The fact that Exeter Elementary School students have painted the birdhouses and are taking them home “helps to foster a connection in the community, between schools and families, and with nature,” Colbourne said.
Nathan Schoelier, Stewardship, Land and Education manager at Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA), said Ryan’s work has been really valuable for the watershed community.
“Ryan’s project shows how young people can make a meaningful difference,” Schoelier said. “The habitat structures he has built will support local wildlife, and just as importantly, he is helping to foster environmental stewardship and community involvement within our local schools. We are grateful to Ryan, Paul, and both schools involved in this initiative.”
GOOD NEIGHBOURS OFFERING JANUARY PROGRAMS
On Dec. 18, Good Neighbours of Bluewater (GNOB) hosted a Christmas Sing-along with “Mary Lou & Friends” on Dec. 18 which was well attended. (Submitted photo)
On Dec. 18, Good Neighbours of Bluewater (GNOB) hosted a Christmas Sing-along with “Mary Lou & Friends”. The program was well attended and participants had lots of fun singing favorite Christmas carols.
GNOB will be closed from Dec. 22 to Jan. 2nd with programs resuming the week of Jan. 5.
On Jan. 8, “Muffin Time” should be of interest to the mechanically inclined as Brian Gumb from Industrial Solutions of Value will be talking about all things mechanical. Then on Jan. 22, Grace Gough from Jessica’s House Hospice will share resources and speak about their impact in the community.
Good Neighbours of Bluewater is located at 28 Goshen Street North in Zurich.
PROVINCE INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE IN HURON-BRUCE
The Ontario government is continuing to invest in infrastructure in Huron-Bruce. A total of $21,185,778 to help renew and rehabilitate more critical infrastructure for municipalities in the two counties.
The funding will be delivered through the 2026 Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) as part of the government’s more than $200 billion capital plan to protect Ontario by building key public infrastructure that will strengthen the economy and keep workers on the job in the face of tariffs and economic uncertainty.
“This OCIF investment is a vital boost for our rural communities in Huron-Bruce,” said MPP for Huron-Bruce, Lisa Thompson.. “By renewing critical infrastructure – roads, water systems, bridges – we’re not only supporting local jobs, but also empowering each of our municipalities to grow stronger, safer, and more resilient. I’m proud our government is making long-term commitments so our region can thrive for generations.”
In 2026, Ontario will allocate $400 million in OCIF funding to help 423 small, rural and northern communities address critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water and wastewater systems. The minimum grant amount for municipalities will increase to $125,000 from $100,000. Funding allocations are based on a formula that accounts for the different needs and economic conditions of each community. Communities may accumulate funding for up to five years to address larger infrastructure projects.
The following are the 2026 OCIF allocations for each municipality in Huron-Bruce: Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh, $687,063; Municipality of Bluewater, $962,552; Municipality of Brockton, $866,983; Municipality of Central Huron, $1,208,849; Town of Goderich, $1,533,501; Township of Howick, $212,852; County of Huron, $6,017,436; Municipality of Huron East, $1,331,133; Township of Huron-Kinloss, $611,222; Municipality of Kincardine, $1,929,278; Municipality of Morris-Turnberry, $367,632; Township of North Huron, $648,047; Town of Saugeen Shores, $1,137,110; Municipality of South Bruce, $1,133,243; Municipality of South Huron, $905,349; and County of Bruce, $1,633,528.
“Small, rural and northern communities are essential to the growth and prosperity of Ontario,” said Acting Minister of Infrastructure, Todd McCarthy. “That is why we’re increasing the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund’s minimum grant amount to provide predictability and stability for these communities and ensure they have the resources they need to thrive. With our record investments across all infrastructure programs, we’re driving an unprecedented wave of construction – highways, transit, hospitals, schools, and more – to make communities stronger, keep workers on the job, and drive economic growth for generations to come.”
The OCIF provides funding for local infrastructure projects in municipalities with populations under 100,000, rural and northern municipalities, as well as for Local Services Boards that own water or wastewater systems.
BLUEWATER NEWS
The office of the Municipality of Bluewater Council has submitted the following to the Bayfield Breeze as highlights of their regular meeting of council held on Dec. 15.
- Awarded Tender BW-RDS-08-2025 for the supply and application of Dust Suppressant on gravel roads in 2026 to Da-Lee Dust Control in the amount of $156,084 excluding HST.
- Awarded Tender BW-RDS-07-2025 to supply, apply, and stockpile Granular ‘M’ to McKenzie Henderson in the amount of $522,437.30 excluding HST.
- Directed Staff to tender for the lease of a used excavator.
- Adopted the Huron County 2026 Annual Accessibility Plan as required under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
- Authorized the Mayor and Clerk to enter into a Shared Services Agreement with the Municipality of Central Huron for the provision of a Drainage Superintendent.
- Adopted the 2026 Fees and Charges By-law.
- Directed Staff to no longer provide Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (IC&I) recycling services at the Stanley Landfill.
COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR
United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) invites Mid-Huron residents to register for the Goderich Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) walk happening Saturday, Feb. 28.
“Six years ago, I joined the Coldest Night of the Year walk in Goderich to help people living on the street,” said Bernice Glenn, “Bernie’s Bunch” team captain and CNOY Goderich committee member. “As I head into my seventh year being involved with CNOY, I can’t believe we are still facing this crisis — a crisis that continues to grow in our community and across Huron County.
“More than ever, the need is real. Please do whatever you can to support this event and to educate yourself before speaking. The people who endure these gruelling elements are someone’s neighbor, friend, colleague, son, daughter, brother or sister. Please, be kind. Help however you can. Register. Donate. Walk with us on February 28. And if nothing else, offer a simple hello to the people who need us more than ever.”
Everyone is encouraged to visit cnoy.org, register and start fundraising. Participants raising over $150, or $75 for youth under 18, receive a CNOY toque. Details on toque pick-ups to follow. For updates, follow the “Goderich Coldest Night of the Year” page on Facebook.
By fundraising and walking, people are helping support the Huron Homelessness Initiative, including emergency shelter for women and children escaping violence, youth shelter supports, counselling services, food insecurity, “Heart to Home”, transitional housing and the Huron Supportive Housing Advocate.
UWPH thanks returning Lead sponsor Jayden’s Mechanical, along with Canadian Tire Goderich, Capital Power, Compass Minerals, McDonald’s Goderich and the West Wawanosh Mutual Insurance Company.
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.
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.
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.
The big night has finally arrived, it is Christmas Eve 2025! So, there are no better museum artifacts to share than ones featuring Jolly Old Saint Nick…
SANTA ORNAMENTS
The Huron County Museum was the benefactor of a large collection of Santas and Christmas decorations in 2004. They were collected by Doug and Gemey Bland beginning in 1943, the year they were married. They continued to collect for the next 61 years of their marriage.
Many of the Santas were collected while travelling both personally and professionally. Some came from as far away as Honduras and Mexico, as well as many from the United States including: Tennessee, Florida, California and Texas.
Two pieces of the collection are featured here: Santa riding on a reindeer is made from salt dough while Santa checking his list is made from plaster.
BAYFIELD ARTIST GUILD
MANY VILLAGE LOCATIONS HIGHLIGHTED IN EXHIBIT
PHOTOS BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER
The Goderich Co-op Gallery regularly showcases some wonderfully skilled craftspeople and artists and during the month of December ten of those remarkable artists also happen to be members of the Bayfield Artist Guild (BAG) The public is invited to visit the gallery to see their works on display; several pieces in the show depict familiar village locations and much of the work is available for purchase.
“The Bayfield Artist Guild is appreciative of the opportunity to feature members’ artwork in the dynamic setting that is the Goderich Co-op Gallery,” said Deb Grasby, president of BAG. “Currently we are over 26 members strong and inclusive of all media and level of practice.”
The BAG members gather on Wednesday mornings at St. Andrew’s United Church in Bayfield to create,share and support each other.
Outside of regular meeting times they attend galleries, and invite artists from outside the group as well as their own members to demonstrate and/or teach.
“Social time is important and to that end we have an annual Summer Social and a Christmas Party,” said Grasby.
Their Annual General Meeting held in May offers members an opportunity to make plans for the following year as well as review year to date activities.
Interested artists are most welcome to attend a meeting. Please email Deb Grasby at dgrasby@tcc.on.ca or Kathy Wilson at kathleenwilson2880@hotmail.com to learn more.
The Goderich Co-op Gallery is located on the lower level of 54 Courthouse Square in the Town of Goderich. Visit Goderich Co-op. Gallery to check for holiday hours.
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
A gift from Dad, 1997. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)
When I was about 10 years old I got my very first pair of blue jeans for Christmas from my grandmother on my paternal side.
My excitement knew no bounds. I ripped open the wrapping paper, unfurled the length of denim, quickly pulled off the pants I was wearing and wriggled my way into those crisp new jeans and zipped them up. It didn’t matter that there were people in the room. I had a pair of blue jeans. Up until that point my Mom had been intent on making my clothes and polyester pantsuits had been the norm.
It’s funny what can trigger holiday memories – wrapping some clothes for my granddaughter to open tomorrow morning prompted that one. Kids don’t really wear jeans much anymore, do they?
From that thought came other recollections of favorite Christmas gifts. There was the doll, Mrs. Beasley, I received when I was six; my first two-wheeler, my first typewriter, my one and only portable radio-cassette player and my very own key to the family car when I turned 16.
As I grew older, favorite gifts with familial touches began to overshadow the shiny new toys. Being presented with my maternal grandmother’s refurbished porcelain doll comes to mind. Knowing this woman that I only know from photographs once played with her made it a gift I still treasure.
Gifts from my other half also hold a prominent place in my heart. We were engaged on Christmas Eve, so my diamond ring will always be a favorite present. But I think a picture frame he designed, constructed and painted himself is still my most favored gift from him. It only comes out at Christmas as it frames a print of Santa, several tiny elves and some penguins ice fishing. The frame itself has penguins carved down its sides and ocean waves across the bottom. Every time I hang it up, when decorating the house for the holidays, it makes me smile. It is perfect not only because he put so much effort into surprising me with it but also because I have a soft spot for penguins. In fact his very first Christmas gift to me – a set of penguin salt and pepper shakers – started the collection of these comical, flightless birds.
As I have recounted many times before penguins take centre stage in our home over the holidays – especially on the Christmas trees. I have one particular ornament that always has pride of place as it was one that my Dad left for me under the tree in 1997. I had the honor of opening it seven days after he died. This sleepy, little penguin sitting on a block of ice trying to stay up for Santa’s arrival is a fond reminder of the holidays my Dad and I shared together.
In the years since my father’s passing, we have been blessed with some new family members and one such little lady gave me my most recent favorite Christmas gift just last year. My granddaughter finger-knit a scarf for me in various shades of blue – including Girl Guide blue! I love it so much I wore it in the Bayfield Santa Claus parade just a few weeks ago when I had the honor of being Grand Marshall. She wasn’t able to attend the event so it was my way of including her.
I have been extremely fortunate to receive some wonderful gifts in my lifetime. Listing them here, a couple of common denominators become evident. Most offer a generational connection and they all bring back joyous memories – two of the greatest gifts we can receive, and also, give.
From our family to you and yours – Happy Christmas! – Melody
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