The Bayfield BreezeIssue 861 Week 02 Vol 17
January 7, 2026
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ARTS COMMUNITY INSPIRED BY SESQUICENTENNIAL
A village. A moment. A milestone. To celebrate Bayfield’s 150th anniversary in 2026 a new song by ATLIS was released on Jan. 1st. (Cover art by Reeka and Guy Spence)
STORY BY DAVE GILLIANS with support provided by the Bayfield Historical Society
Logo designed by Leslee Squirrell.
In 2026, Bayfield will be shining a light on all of the wonderful things that this place has to offer. Community groups and individuals are already planning to make this year’s celebration of 150 years since the village’s incorporation special.
Already the Lions Club has stepped up with an offer to provide ‘seed capital’ to individuals and groups who want to create special memories. The deadline for applications is Jan. 12. The Lions are also working with the Bayfield Historical Society (BHS) and the Photography Club of Bayfield to produce a high-quality coffee table book featuring images of the village.
The Bayfield Centre for the Arts is undertaking to commission a public sculpture which will be placed in Clan Gregor Square. They want this piece of art to serve as a lasting landmark which honors Bayfield’s history while enriching the square as a place for gathering and civic pride.
Individuals such as Guy Spence are using their talents to highlight the spirit of Bayfield. He has written and produced a song with beautiful lyrics that can now be streamed on Spotify and “Bayfield Breeze” readers can listen to it via an embedded link at the bottom of this article! Spence encourages everyone to turn it up and let Bayfield in.
This is just the beginning and any person or group that wants to host an event or volunteer to assist others, should contact Jeff Kish via email at jeff.kish.home@gmail.com or Diane Snell at diane@dianesnell.ca. They are acting as coordinators to minimize duplication of efforts and conflicts.
Will This Year Outdo Past Celebrations?
The community is really going to have to step up if it wants to outdo Bayfield’s 1976 centennial celebrations. The village’s permanent population was about 500 but the effort and enthusiasm magnified that number many times over. In the Spring, the Maple trees in Clan Gregor Square were tapped and the syrup was used at a pancake brunch which served over 500 people. In May, there was the Centennial Queens Dance and Crowning at the Bayfield Town Hall. The main events took place on July 1st, 2nd, and 3rd when there was a talent show which had 31 entries, a chicken barbeque, a fashion show, dances, the finish of the 100 mile Lake Huron sailboat race and a parade.
At the Agricultural Fair Grounds competitions included; log sawing, shingle making, nail driving, horse-shoeing, horse shoe pitching, tug-o-war, ball games and antique farm equipment displays.
The Bayfield Lioness Club purchased and installed children’s playground equipment in Clan Gregor Square.
The most heroic feat during the 1976 celebrations was the publication of the 73-page “Bayfield Bugle – Centennial Edition” in the Clinton News-Record. Ethel Poth and Milvena Erickson, with help from BHS members, spent countless hours researching and writing this first ever history of Bayfield.
The festivities in 1976 were just a warm-up for the 1984 Provincial Bi-centennial celebrations. Instead of focusing on one weekend in July, the events were spread out throughout the year. There was a skating carnival, concerts, a Fireman’s Ball, pancake breakfasts and a Beef Barbeque at St. Andrew’s United Church, the Bayfield Garden Club planted two dozen flowering trees on Howard Street and hosted a garden walk. The Community Centre was transformed into a nightclub, local men took on CFPL radio personalities in a Cricket match, the boating community participated in a large sail-past, and each weekend there were films and music in Pioneer Park.
Children enjoyed a “Mad Hatters Tea Party” and many participated in a Music Camp. They also celebrated “Grandparent’s Day” with family members.
To commemorate the 1984 celebrations, a time capsule was buried under the old school stone outside what was until recently the Bayfield Lion’s Community Building and is now the Bayfield Medical Clinic. The plan was to dig it up in 2034 but given the changes to the property, it might be wise to request permission to unearth it this year.
VILLAGE PHOTOGRAPHS SOUGHT FOR COMMEMORATIVE PROJECT
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!
VOLUNTEERS RESOLVED TO FIND HOMES FOR SISTERS
Mistique (Submitted photo)
The New Year has arrived and there are several cats and kittens at Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF) that volunteers have resolved to find homes for in 2026 including: Wanda, Mistique and Gamora – the Adopt a BFF kittens of the week.
“These eight month-old grey beauties are anxiously awaiting their forever homes. They are all sweet girls who adore cuddles, brushing and all the attention they can get. Don’t let their age fool you, they have lots of kitten energy in them and will play as much as they can,” said Mary Pounder, representing BFF.
These sisters were brought to BFF with nine other siblings from a large colony.
“They have watched patiently as their siblings have travelled off to their forever homes, but now it’s time for their dreams to come true. You won’t regret adding one (or more) of these sleek, grey lovelies to your family,” said Pounder. All three have been fully vaccinated and spayed.
Please reach out to bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com to learn more about adopting Wanda, Mistique and/or Gamora and others. 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.
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Gamora (Submitted photo)
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Wanda (Submitted photo)
RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR
Did you hear the village bells ringing early on New Year’s Day? It was a last minute idea put into action! Folks at the Bayfield Town Hall and at least two of the churches took their turns to ring the bells 150 times, heralding in the start of Bayfield’s Sesquicentennial year.
It was reported that Kevin Kale got things started by ringing the bell at St. Andrew’s United Church, and then Phillip Keightley over at Trinity St. James’ Chapel of Ease chimed in. Shelagh Sully organized the bell ringing at the town hall with six others joining her in taking turns ringing the bell.
“The town hall bell sounded great,” Sully said. “There weren’t many people around (it was a blustery evening) but one gentleman, Scott Gregory, came in, all excited, as he didn’t know there was a bell in the hall. And, just as we were preparing to finish up, a whole gang of newer village residents came in and all wanted a turn. It was a blast and a great way to welcome Bayfield to its 150th.”
A brief sample of what the bells sounded as they rang out shortly after midnight on Jan. 1st can be found here:
LIONS CLUB
The members of the Bayfield Lions Club hope everyone had a lovely Christmas season as they reflect on the year just concluded while looking ahead to events in 2026.
“The Lions were able to finish 2025 by distributing 40 Poinsettias and 30 boxes of chocolates to our most senior, seniors and shut-ins,” said Bayfield Lions President Karen Scott. “This is always an event that brings a smile to our faces – and to theirs. That was followed with our most successful Turkey Bingo ever. Thanks to all who came out to participate.”
The Lions are now getting ready for their first three events of the year. The Home and Lifestyles Show will take place on Apr. 25-26. Their ever popular community breakfast will be held on the Victoria Day Weekend, Sunday, May 17. And another favorite, the Lions Foundation Walk for Guide Dogs is set for June 7.
“Please mark your calendars for these three events, and if you don’t have your Lions’ calendar yet, featuring local scenery by local photographers, they are still available,” Scott said. Calendars may be purchased by calling Lion Rolly Scott at 226 441-2042.
Scott also shared that time is running out to apply for funding through the Community 150th Projects Program – the deadline for submissions is Monday, Jan. 12. For more information on this funding program visit: 1-5-0 Projects.
Scott also noted that after a few months of meeting in different locations the Lions Club members have decided their “homebase” for meetings will be the Bayfield Community Centre and Arena. This was the space they used prior to establishing the Bayfield Lions Community Building around twenty-five years ago. The Community Building which was municipally owned was sold by Bluewater in early 2025.
LEGO CLUB
The January meeting of the Bayfield Lego Club should be “snow-much” fun. All are welcome Jan. 10 at the TSJ Hall. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)
The Bayfield Lego Club would like to invite all enthusiastic Lego builders to their next meeting this Saturday, Jan. 10. 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.
PILATES
The Bayfield Community Centre and Arena warmly offers Pilates for all levels, from beginners to experienced enthusiasts, on Monday and Thursday evenings starting in January.
Monday evening’s class is a great way to discover the transformative power of “Pilates with Props”, a dynamic workout designed to enhance physical and mental well-being. This unique routine incorporates hand-held weights and a small Pilates ball, allowing participants to deepen their practice and challenge their body in new ways. Whether a beginner or an advanced practitioner, this class can be customized to fit individual needs and abilities.
Monday classes began on Jan. 5 and will run for seven weeks starting at 6:30 p.m. These classes will enhance overall fitness, boost energy levels, and cultivate a sense of calm and well-being.
Thursday evening’s “Foam Roller Pilates” class offers a dynamic and invigorating workout for anyone looking to enhance their fitness routine. This class combines key elements of Pilates with a foam roller, a small Pilates ball, and resistance bands. Participants will work to elongate their muscles, tone their bodies, and enjoy a rejuvenating massage experience.
Jump into the fun on Thursday evenings for eight weeks starting on Jan. 8 at 6:30 p.m.
To learn more, for fees, and to register online participants are asked to visit: www.thewellnesspotion.com
The Bayfield Community Centre and Arena is located at 4 Jane Street in the village.
UNITED CHURCH
Anyone who may have ever wondered what Jesus’ Parables really mean is invited to join in a four week series to be led by Rev. Dr. Sheila Macgreor starting in mid-February.
The sessions will be held on Friday mornings starting at 10 a.m. from Feb. 13 to March 6 downstairs in the hall at St. Andrew’s United Church.
No previous knowledge of the Bible is necessary to enjoy this video-based study: “Short Stories by Jesus” by A. J. Levine. People are invited to come and learn how these ancient stories can speak to us in the 21st century! All are welcome.
Anyone who is interested in attending or would like more information is invited to contact Sheila by calling 519 235-0613 or emailing sheilagmacgregor@gmail.com.
St. Andrew’s United Church is located at 6 The Square in Bayfield.
BAYFIELD TRAILS
Winter is a great time to get outside and take advantage of the local trails by hiking or snowshoeing. The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) maintains seven recreational trails in and around Bayfield.
A few of the benefits of winter hiking are the beautiful scenery, the ability to spot animal tracks and the fact that there are no bugs!
The list, and maps, of the trails maintained by the BRVTA can be found here: Trail Maps.
The first guided hike of 2026 will be a hike and lunch on Saturday, Jan. 10. A hike along Mavis’ Trail (2.5 km) or the Taylor Trail (1 km) at 11 a.m. will be followed by a chili lunch at the Varna Community Centre. At this time, the guided hike schedule for 2026 will be available. This hike is open to all, free of charge. Furry friends are welcome but organizers ask that they remain on a leash.
Everyone is also invited to join a guided hike or snowshoe on Saturdays in January along Mavis’ Trail. The dates for these hikes are: Jan. 17, Jan. 24 and Jan. 31st. Those who wish to attend are asked to please meet at the trail entrance at 11 a.m.
The Varna Community Centre is located at 38595 Mill Road in Varna.
CHANGING THE WORLD ONE NATIVE PLANT AT A TIME
EDITOR’S NOTE: Following 12 months of sharing their knowledge on invasive plant species that can be found in many area gardens, Renee Sandelowsky and Helen Varekamp, volunteers with the Canadian Coalition for Invasive Plant Regulation, are looking to “dig a little deeper” in 2026. Many of this year’s upcoming monthly articles have been inspired by questions and feedback they received from readers, and as they continue on their journey of learning and sharing about native, non-native, and invasive plants, they are both most appreciative of the community support.
BY RENEE SANDELOSKY AND HELEN VAREKAMP**
It’s a new year and lots of people are thinking about how to make the most of it. What are the priorities for the new year? What do we want to accomplish?
Like many of you, we are concerned by global conflict and climate change, and often feel helpless. What can ordinary people do?
We discovered that it’s possible to make a big difference on a small scale in our own yards by getting involved with native plant gardening. We can garden in our own time and in our own way, and that feels good. And we don’t have to be skilled gardeners or have a big yard to do it!
Once we started learning about native plants, we also learned about invasive plants and the harm they do. We realized that like us, many others don’t know much about invasive plants either – we grew up in a time when Ivy, Periwinkle, Lily-of-the-Valley, and Pachysandra were the “go to” plants for filling the empty spaces in our gardens.
But over time, we’ve come to learn how dangerous these invasives are and we see that perspectives and behaviours are beginning to change. Instead of thinking about our gardens only as something pretty to look at, why not also value them as habitat and food supply for the living creatures with whom we share the planet? Our gardens can be both aesthetically pleasing and functional if we try to eliminate invasive species and plant more native plants!
By removing invasive plants and planting natives instead, we are protecting biodiversity (the total variety of all life in nature). That’s important, because without all the different types of organisms on our planet, we wouldn’t have the air we breathe or the food we eat. Pollinators are responsible for one-third of the world’s crop production. A single teaspoon of rich garden soil can hold up to one billion bacteria, several meters of fungal filaments, several thousand protozoa, and scores of nematodes. Oceans are teaming with fish that provide us with protein. Trees, bushes and grasslands slow down water flow and decrease the risk for flooding, and the list goes on and on…
Remember, even if you don’t have more than a small balcony, you can still plant a couple of native plants in a pot and watch the bees come! Get your neighbors on board and your balconies will be buzzing with birds and bees!
So, have a happy and healthy new year and if you are looking for something you, as an individual, can do to make the world a better place, why not plant some gorgeous native plants or trees and enjoy watching the birds, insects and wildlife in their natural habitat.
To learn more visit the Canadian Coalition for Invasive Plant Regulation at CCIPR – Canada.
WINTER SOWING WORKSHOP LOOKING FOR SEED SITTING VOLUNTEERS
People looking to make a tangible difference for the environment are invited to attend a “Winter Sowing and Native Seed Sitting Workshop” on Saturday, Jan. 17.
“Join us in nurturing the next generation of native plants! We’re looking for volunteers to help with winter sowing, a simple and rewarding method of starting seeds during the colder months. No gardening experience is needed, just a willingness to get your hands a little dirty and enjoy the quiet satisfaction of growing something meaningful,” said Tri-County Master Gardener, Michele Young, event organizer.
Volunteers will fill containers with soil and sow locally significant native species seeds. The containers will go home with them to be placed outside and tended, supporting the natural cycle. These seedlings will later support pollinators, restore habitat, and contribute to healthier local ecosystems.
This would be a great experience for individuals, families, students, and anyone who wants to spend time in the community and learn a new skill. All materials and instructions are provided free of charge.
The sponsoring organization for this event is the Maitland Trail Association (MTA) with additional support from Lakeshore United Church. Participants will be asked to return their container of seedlings in May in exchange for coupons to obtain their choice of plants at the 2026 June Plant Sale. The plant sale will support MTA’s continued work on the local trails to remove invasive plant species and restore native plants and habitat. The MTA Winter Sowing Group will be coordinating the return of the seedlings in May as well as preparing the seedlings for the plant sale. The plant sale date is yet to be confirmed as they need to see what Mother Nature’s timeframe is for germinating the seeds but it will be held during the month of June.
There will be two workshop sessions on Jan. 17. The time slots are 9-10:20 a.m. or 10:30-11:50 a.m. They will be held in the gymnasium at Lakeshore United Church.
Please pre-register with Michele Young by January 14. To register, email: Wellness4UsAll@gmail.com or phone/text 519 891-4775. Participants are asked to provide their name, contact phone number or email, and which time slot they prefer.
Lakeshore United Church is located at 56 North Street in Goderich.
SEVERAL EVENTS SCHEDULED FOR ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS MONTH
Dr. Alexandrea Peel (Submitted photo)
During Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Alzheimer Societies across Canada unite to challenge dementia stigma and create a community where everyone feels more comfortable talking about dementia and sharing their own experience. Alzheimer Society Huron Perth is featuring three special education events in the community.
“Talk with the Doc! Top Five Geriatric Papers” with Dr. Alexandrea Peel will take place on ZOOM on Wednesday, Jan. 28 from 1:30-3 p.m. Local geriatrician, Dr. Peel, will discuss hot topics from the research world. New medication and treatments? Join and find out! Talk with the Doc, an annual January event, also includes a lively Q&A session with Dr. Peel after the presentation. To self-register for this free event visit: Doc Talk 2026.
Alzheimer Society Huron Perth is also once again offering the “Dementia Basics Series” free one-hour online sessions that are designed to answer individual’s most frequently asked questions. What is the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia? What are the early signs of dementia – and should I be worried? People can join on ZOOM this winter on Monday afternoons and evenings. To self-register visit Education Hour .
The dates and topics for the Dementia Basics Series are: Jan. 19, Dementia Overview; Jan. 26, What is Mild Cognitive Impairment?;
Feb. 2nd, 10 Common Signs – Should I be Worried?; Feb. 9, Types of Dementia – What is the difference between Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?; March 2nd, Brain Changes; and March 9, Communication Tips.
The “Virtual Memory and Aging Program” is the online version of the popular Memory & Aging course. It includes the review of age-related memory changes, how to optimize brain health, and helpful memory strategies. The Memory and Aging program will take place on ZOOM on Wednesdays, from Feb. 4th to Feb. 18, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. The cost for a workbook is $25 and financial assistance is available. To self-register visit: Memory and Aging Program Winter 2026.
Alzheimer Society Huron Perth’s free Awareness Month Movie event will return to the Huron County Museum in Goderich on Jan. 29 and Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The uplifting movie, “Headful of Honey”, starring Nick Nolte, portrays a granddaughter who takes her grandfather on a train trip to Venice, in hopes of reconnecting with old memories. “The Leisure Seeker”, starring Donald Sutherland and Helen Mirren, depicts John and Ella, a couple both dealing with terminal illness, who take a cross-country road trip in their treasured RV and review life circumstances along the way.
Headful of Honey will be shown at 2 p.m. on Jan. 29 and 7 p.m. on Feb. 5. The Leisure Seeker will be shown at 7 p.m. on Jan. 29 and 2 p.m. on Feb. 5. Stay tuned for more details!
To find out more about these and other upcoming programs, click on the Education Hour banner at www.alzheimer.ca/huronperth. People can also contact the offices directly by calling 1-800-561-5012 or emailing info@alzhp.ca.
GOOD NEIGHBOURS OF BLUEWATER
Good Neighbours of Bluewater (GNOB) will host their first “Muffin Time” of the New Year on Jan. 8.
This “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.
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.
January marks National Hot Tea Month. For many the ritual of making and drinking tea is a time honored tradition and a great way to warm up in the cold weather months. For this reason it isn’t surprising the Huron County Museum has a few tea related accessories among their artifacts, including this week’s featured item which looks more decorative than functional…
TEA CUP AND SAUCER
This is a beige colored porcelain tea cup. The rim is scalloped with points and outlined with gold. There are raised scrolls on the side in gold. There is a circle of raised balls in gold on it also. The centre circle displays a picture of the first Goderich Courthouse with shrubs in front and trees alongside. The tea cup handle is white with gold along the edge; the bottom of the cup and inside the cup is white. There is a green china mark on the cup bottom. The saucer is of matching design.
The Historic Huron County Courthouse, featured on this teacup, was built in 1856 by Brantford architects Mellish, Morrell, and Russell. It was destroyed by a fire on Feb. 26, 1954.
The tea cup and saucer belonged to Alma (Trewartha) Langford who lived her life in Huron County just outside of Holmesville, ON.
THE BEST OF THE BAYFIELD BREEZE 2025
A RETROSPECTIVE OF VILLAGE HAPPENINGS FROM JAN. 1st TO APR. 30
STORY BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER
January is here and so it is time for our annual look back at the year that was ushered out by the sound of bells ringing from the village’s three church towers as well as the Bayfield Town Hall tower. The New Year, the 150th for Bayfield as an incorporated village, was well and truly welcomed.
The year 2025 wasn’t without its challenges for many in the village but thankfully the resolutions would prove inspiring. The collapse of The Albion Hotel roof in late 2024, and the resulting eight month restoration of the iconic building that followed, had the entire community invested. The sale of the Bayfield LIons Community Building, owned by the Municipality of Bluewater, to make way for a medical clinic, displaced many community groups, including the Bayfield Area Food Bank (BAFB). The myriad groups were welcomed by other local spaces while the BAFB persevered and found a new home which was then suitably renovated for their growing needs thanks both to the herculean support of volunteers and the community at large.
This issue we revisit the weeks in 2025 from Jan. 1st to Apr. 30. As we look back on this time period we would like to take this opportunity to extend a heartfelt thank you to those people who contribute both stories and photos from events that happen in the community. It just isn’t possible for us to attend everything so your talents are very much appreciated by not only our committee but our readers also.
Sending wishes for a healthy, happy New Year with plenty of time to remember the past as well as look forward to the future.
From the Bayfield Breeze committee – Dennis, John and myself!
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
This item came across my social media feed at the 11th hour before launch this week and I thought it was something worth sharing. Our village is filled with some incredibly creative individuals that might not be aware of this unique opportunity being offered by the Municipality of Bluewater. If anyone feels compelled to give new life to the remnants of the once majestic Willow tree that stood for over a century at the corner of Main and Catherine Streets they have until this Friday, Jan. 9 to apply. (The deadline was recently extended from Dec. 10.) Introductory details are below. To learn more including how to apply before the deadline visit: Willow Tree Wood.
I for one am very interested to see how this project might evolve especially during the village’s Sesquicentennial year! – Melody
“The Municipality of Bluewater is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from individuals, community groups, artisan collectives, or organizations interested in repurposing wood salvaged from the historic willow tree formerly located on Bayfield Main Street North in front of the Little Inn. The tree, a long-standing local landmark, was removed following structural failure during a storm event for public safety reasons. This initiative supports waste reduction and celebrates local heritage by giving new life to salvaged wood. Council has directed staff to invite proposals that honor the tree’s legacy through creative, community-oriented, or commemorative uses.”
Ideas and contributions to the Bayfield Breeze are always welcome.
Deadlines for submissions are Sundays at 4 p.m.