The Bayfield BreezeIssue 862 Week 03 Vol 17
January 14, 2026
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FORTY-FIVE PEOPLE TOOK PART IN FIRST GUIDED HIKE OF THE YEAR
The first guided hike of the year hosted by the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association was held on Jan.10. A few of the benefits of winter hiking are the beautiful scenery, the ability to spot animal tracks and there are no bugs! (Submitted photo)
Volunteers with the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) advise folks not to let the weather get them down. They believe that Winter can be the most enjoyable season. One way to embrace the season is to get outside for a hike or snowshoe. A few of the benefits of winter hiking are the beautiful scenery, the ability to spot animal tracks and there are no bugs!
The first guided hike of the year hosted by the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association was held on Jan. 10. Organizers would like to thank all those who joined them for the hike around Mavis’ Trail and/or the Taylor Trail in Varna. Following the hike, the approximately 45 participants warmed up with a wonderful chili lunch.
There will be guided hikes every Saturday in January at Mavis’ Trail starting at 11a.m. Anyone interested is asked to meet at the Stanley Community Centre parking lot at 38595 Mill Road in Varna. If conditions allow, people are invited to bring snowshoes. These hikes are open to all and free of charge. Canine companions are always welcome but it is asked that they please be kept on a leash.
Upcoming guided hikes are published in the “Bayfield Breeze”, on the Municipality of Bluewater calendar, through monthly electronic newsletters and on the BRVTA website: www.bayfieldtrails.com.
For more information, contact Ralph Blasting at 519 525-3205 or rjblastingjr@gmail.com.
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!
WANTED: VOLUNTEERS, VOTES AND REFUGE FOR MOLLY
Molly (Submitted photo)
Readers can help Osprey win the title of “America’s Favorite Pet” by casting a free vote via Facebook. (Submitted photo)
The New Year has begun and Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines’ (BFF) volunteers find themselves in desperate need of two things: more volunteers and votes!
Volunteering with BFF might not be glamorous but it is definitely rewarding. People are now being sought to scoop out litter boxes and to feed the cats at the shelter. Folks who can commit to a shift or two a week will be rewarded with plenty of purrs and quite a bit of cuddling thanks to the shelter’s furry residents. Please reach out via the email address listed below if interested.
Something anyone with a Facebook account can help with is voting for a BFF kitten named Osprey who has been nominated to be “America’s Favorite Pet”. Osprey has a chance at winning $10,000 USD for the shelter and also be on the cover of “Modern Cat Magazine”, but she’s got to make it through the first round of voting and into the Top 20. This first round of voting ends at 7 p.m. PST tomorrow (Jan. 15). Voters are allowed one free vote per day. Please visit Osprey – America’s Favorite Pet to learn more and to cast a vote for BFF!
And now let’s learn about the Adopt a BFF cat of the week – Molly.
Volunteers believe that a life on the streets is the only life Molly has likely ever known and she is estimated to be eight years and three months old!
“We can’t imagine how many babies this poor cat has given birth to and what has happened to them over the years,” said Deb Penhale, representing BFF. “She came to the shelter in May of 2025 with a litter, Salt and Pepper, and was also introduced to an orphan, Cumin, who she accepted as her own. These were her last kittens as she has now been spayed.”
It is Penhale’s wish to find Molly a quiet foster home as soon as possible as she is suffering from some sort of allergy, which is affecting her skin. She is currently on a special diet and medication but the issue has persisted.
“We are beginning to think that it might be related to environmental-stress and that all the activity in the shelter is just too much for her. We’re hoping to find her a foster residence to see if that makes a difference,” said Penhale.
According to Penhale, Molly is one of the sweetest, most loveable little cats she has encountered. And she’s met a few!
“Now that she’s retired from baby making she deserves a comfortable loving home of her very own so foster-to-adopt would be a great option for someone as well,” concluded Penhale.
Please reach out to bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com to learn more about adopting Molly 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.
EUCHRE NIGHT
Both seasoned Euchre players or people just learning the ropes are invited to come out for an evening of laughs, friendly competition and great company starting on Tuesday, Jan. 27 and subsequent Tuesdays until Apr. 21.
All skill levels are welcome to attend “Euchre Night” as players will rotate throughout the evening, plus there will be prizes awarded for first and second places as well as most lone hands, all for an entry fee of $1 per person.
People are invited to just drop in, no need to RSVP, for these fun-filled evenings of cards and community to be held at the Bayfield Landing for two-hours starting at 6:30 p.m.
Anyone who would like to join in but doesn’t know how to play will be provided instruction. Organizers encourage folks to come out, bring their friends, and spread the word!
For more information please contact Nancy Lowrey at 416 576-6272 or Pat Lewington at 519 525-8568.
The Bayfield Landing is located at 21 Bayfield Main Street North.
BAYFIELD LIBRARY
The Bayfield Branch of the Huron County Library has some entertaining activities planned throughout February which should appeal to a variety of ages and interests.
Individuals aged 13 and up, can become certified Huron County Library Cricut users! Starting on Feb. 3rd, and then throughout February on Tuesdays and Thursdays for one hour starting at 1 p.m., the Cricut will be available at the Bayfield Branch. Those who are interested in trying out the machine are asked to contact the branch to book their certification session, and once completed, they’ll be able to drop in during library hours all month long to create and explore the technology.
Adults can celebrate Valentine’s Day with a hands-on Cricut crafting session on Thursday, Feb. 5. During this session which will be held from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., participants will use pre-cut decorative Cricut pieces to assemble a charming Valentine’s-themed wreath to take home. This Adult Craft Night has been generously sponsored by Friends of Bayfield Library (FOBL). Participants must register for this activity.
The Bayfield Branch will host a cozy afternoon of family fun on Saturday, Feb. 14. From noon to 2 p.m., people are invited to watch a family-friendly, PG rated movie, ”A Sloth Story” on the big screen while enjoying popcorn, candy, and hot chocolate. This should be a perfect way to relax and spend time together! This program is generously sponsored by FOBL. Those who wish to attend are asked to register.
To register for these events please email bayfieldlibrary@huroncounty.ca or phone 519 565-2886.
The Bayfield Branch Library is located at 18 Main Street North in the village.
PA DAY LEGO PLAY
The whole family is encouraged to drop by the Bayfield Branch Library on the next PA Day, Friday, Jan. 30, for some LEGO® fun!
The library staff will provide the bricks, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., library visitors just need to bring their creativity.
Whether building towering castles, speedy cars, or anything that can be dreamed up, there’s something for everyone. This unstructured, hands-on program is perfect for kids and parents to build and play together at their own pace.
The Bayfield Branch Library is located at 18 Main Street North 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.
IN MEMORIAM
Ken Larone (Submitted photo)
The community will no doubt be saddened to learn of the death of one of its most respected citizens.
Ken Larone passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at the age of 90. Beloved husband of the late Nancy Larone (née Spittal, d. 1993) and the late Mary-Beth Larone (née Ryan, d. 2025). Loving father of Cindy (Peter Mordaunt), Bonnie (Tom Johnston), and Kathy (Steve Huether). Proud Papa of Jenny (Henry), Ian (Diana), Christine (Eric); Robert (Amy), Shane (Melissa), Sarah (JJ), and Dean (Shelby); and loving grandfather of the late Matt, Ray, and Kenny (Sarah). He was a Great‑Papa to 18 wonderful great‑grandchildren. Dear stepfather of Adam Scott and Alanna Scott (Hercules Fortis) and cherished Papa of their children Kaia, Max, and Oscar. Predeceased by his parents, Elmer and Norah Larone.
Ken graduated from the journalism program at Ryerson University and went on to build a distinguished career in Canadian media. Raised near Seaforth, he began at “The Huron Expositor” before moving to the “Vancouver Sun”. He later served as assistant managing editor of the “Toronto Star” and was appointed publisher of “Canadian Living” in the 1970s, helping to shape the magazine during its formative years. Ken also served as managing editor of “TV Guide Canada”, influencing media consumed in more than a million households.
A devoted community member, Ken volunteered with the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association, belonged to the Bayfield International Croquet Club, and advocated for the development of vineyards in Huron County, a natural fit for someone who took genuine delight in a well‑crafted wine. Curious by nature, he had a deep love for adventure, travel, and the great outdoors. Above all else, Ken cherished time spent with his family, which brought him his greatest joy.
Visitation was held at Haskett Funeral Home, 87 Goderich Street West, in Seaforth on Jan. 13.
Ken’s memorial service will be held at the Anglican Parish of the Holy Spirit (formerly St. Thomas Anglican Church), 21 Jarvis Street North, Seaforth today (Jan. 14) at 1 p.m. Cremation with interment at Egmondville Cemetery.
Donations to the Seaforth Community Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
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.
GATEWAY VOLUNTEERS CELEBRATED AT APPRECIATION LUNCH
On Jan. 9, Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health hosted a volunteer appreciation lunch and the participants posed for a photo. Seated along the left side front to back were: Nyden Greenfield, Michele Melady Young, Tanya Thompson, Judy Ward, Marlene Jackson, Stephanie Greenfield and Gwen Devereaux. Seated along the right side from front to back were: Karissa Overholt, Peggy Denomme, Nancy Simpson, Rowland Howe and Dan Stringer. (Submitted photo)
On Friday, Jan. 9, Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (Gateway) hosted a volunteer appreciation lunch, bringing together dedicated volunteers for an afternoon of connection and recognition. The lunch provided an opportunity to thank volunteers for their continued commitment while strengthening relationships across the Gateway community.
The lunch created a space for volunteers to engage with one another, reflect on their collective impact, and learn more about ongoing and upcoming initiatives. Gateway leaders expressed appreciation for the vital role volunteers play in advancing their mission and supporting rural health research, education, and communication efforts.
“Today’s gathering was about recognizing the people who make our work possible,” said Nyden Greenfield, a Research assistant at Gateway. “Our volunteers are essential partners in driving meaningful impact, and we’re grateful for their time, expertise, and dedication.”
One Gateway volunteer, reflected on the lunch saying, “Being part of Gateway CERH means being part of a community that truly values collaboration and service.”
Gateway looks forward to continuing to engage and support its volunteers throughout the year. Anyone who is interested in volunteering with Gateway is asked to please contact them at info@gatewayruralhealth.ca or 519 612-1053.
NEW BUS STOP COMING TO BRUCEFIELD IN FEBRUARY
Huron Shores Area Transit (HSAT) has added a new bus stop in the Municipality of Bluewater in Brucefield, expanding access to affordable and accessible public transit for area residents and placing the service within easy reach of nearby communities such as Clinton and Vanastra.
The new bus stop is located on Ellen Street South at Mill Road and will be served by Route 3 (Grand Bend to Goderich via Bluewater) starting Monday, Feb. 2nd.
Route 3 operates on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons, stopping in Brucefield at 12:39 p.m. and 3:19 p.m. when travelling toward Goderich, and at 1:53 p.m. and 4:33 p.m. on return trips to Grand Bend. Other stops along Route 3 include St. Joseph (West Huron Care Centre), Zurich, Hensall, and Bayfield.
Passengers can travel to Goderich and return the same day by taking the 12:39 p.m. bus from Brucefield and returning on the 4 p.m. bus from Goderich. The Goderich stop is located at the RioCan plaza on Huron Road near the Walmart entrance, providing convenient access to major retailers including Walmart, Zehrs, PetValu, Canadian Tire, and Mark’s Work Warehouse.
When Route 3 returns to Grand Bend at 5:12 p.m., the bus switches over to operate Route 2 to London via South Huron, with stops in Dashwood, Exeter, Huron Park, and Centralia. This makes it possible to travel from Brucefield to London and arrive near the Masonville Mall at 6:20 p.m. Currently, same-day return service from London to Brucefield is not available.
Fares are $6 to Grand Bend and $12 to Goderich and London. A bike corral is scheduled to be installed at the Brucefield stop in Spring/Summer 2026, enabling passengers to bike to the stop and securely store their bicycles before boarding the bus.
For complete details on routes, schedules, fares, and Smart Cards, visit HuronShoresAreaTransit.ca.
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.
LIVERY FILM FEST
The Livery Film Fest is pleased to announce its next film presentation, “Blue Moon”, screening for one night only on Thursday, Jan. 29. To date, Blue Moon has won thirteen notable awards and received over forty nominations including two prestigious Golden Globe Awards in the Comedy or Musical category and the film is generating strong Oscar buzz.
Directed by Richard Linklater, Blue Moon is a biographical drama starring Ethan Hawke as Lorenz “Larry” Hart, the brilliant and troubled lyricist best known as one half of the legendary songwriting duo Rodgers and Hart. Together, they created enduring songbook standards such as “The Lady Is a Tramp” and “My Funny Valentine.”
The film is set on March 31, 1943, during the opening night of the Broadway musical “Oklahoma!”. By this point, composer Richard Rodgers has taken a break from his long-standing collaboration with Hart, citing Hart’s alcoholism and growing unreliability. As the evening’s celebrations unfold, Hart – bitter, wounded, and sharp-tongued – offers caustic commentary on the show’s success, particularly the lyrics written by Rodgers’ new collaborator, Oscar Hammerstein.
As the party winds down, Hart lingers behind, sharing drinks and conversation with a bartender and a piano player he affectionately calls “Knuckles”. The night brings a series of poignant and awkward encounters, including a chance meeting with author E. B. White, whom Hart encouraged to write a children’s story about a mouse named “Stuart”.
Anchored by a stellar cast and a deeply nuanced performance from Hawke, Blue Moon is a wry, moving exploration of artistic brilliance, personal decline, and creative legacy.
The Livery Film Fest will present Blue Moon on Jan. 29 at the Park Theatre in Goderich. The box office opens at 6:30 p.m. for a 7 p.m. showtime.
Park Theatre is located at 30 Courthouse Square in Goderich.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
The Municipality of Bluewater is currently undertaking an expansion to the Bayfield Waste Water Treatment Plant (BWWTP); the project is projected to meet completion in the Summer of 2026, subject to weather and project milestones.
This expansion is necessary as the BWWTP has been operating at capacity and planning proposals for new and/or infill development were not feasible within the settlement area. The Municipality is also working towards the development of a Servicing Allocation Policy in Bayfield which will help manage and distribute available allocation. The expanded capacity and allocation policy will allow for new development in Bayfield.
In anticipation of this additional reserve capacity, and as of Jan. 5, the Council of the Municipality of Bluewater has authorized planning staff to formally accept planning applications within the Bayfield settlement area for new development with the understanding that the expanded plant will not be fully operational until Summer 2026 (estimated). By accepting applications at this time, applicants will have time to prepare necessary studies, submit applications, and to allow for required review and processing time under the Planning Act. This only applies to the settlement area of Bayfield.
Questions or requests for further information can be directed by mail to: Bluewater Municipal Office, 14 Mill Ave., Zurich, ON, Attention: Planning Coordinator Lindsay Whalen, or by email to planninginfo@municipalityofbluewater.ca. Individuals may also call Sarah Smith, planner at 519 524-8394 Ext. 3 or Lindsay Whalen, Bluewater Planning coordinator at 519 236-4351 Ext. 235.
CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR
Each year, Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) recognizes outstanding achievements in conservation and stewardship with a conservation award. This year, in 2026, the award will be presented in the ABCA’s 80th anniversary year.
The local conservation authority has presented the Conservationist of the Year Award for more than four decades. Award winners have included rural landowners and residents, agricultural producers and farms, service clubs, community organizations, companies, nature groups, and municipalities.
ABCA invites the public to nominate a person, business, farm, community group, or organization in 2026 for the conservation award. They may submit a nomination form until Feb. 15. To submit a nomination, visit the abca.ca website. The nomination form can be found at: Conservation Award.
Ray Chartrand, chair of the ABCA Board of Directors, said the Conservationist of the Year Award is one of the ways the conservation authority can thank local stewards for protecting and enhancing local watershed resources.
“We are thankful for the land and water stewardship by watershed landowners, residents and community groups,” he said. “Our conservation authority began in 1946 and, in our 80th anniversary year, we are pleased to present this award of recognition once again. We encourage the public to nominate worthy nominees for this award.”
Individuals, organizations or companies who either reside in or have completed conservation work in the ABCA area are eligible to win the Conservationist of the Year award. Current ABCA staff members and directors are excluded. The Conservation Award acknowledges one individual or group per year who demonstrates positive, sustainable conservation principles. The nominee must have undertaken conservation efforts over a number of years showing long-term benefits for nature and society. Examples of conservation work include: improving local water quality; conservation farming; reforestation; conservation education; providing wildlife and fish habitat; and promoting awareness and action for soil, water, and habitat for all living things.
ABCA presents the winner with a hand-crafted gift and makes a donation towards a tree and plaque at a Commemorative Woods site maintained by Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation.
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 is National Oatmeal Month and this seems appropriate as it coincides with one of the coldest and bleakest times of the year when a heart-healthy bowl of warm porridge can offer a most comforting start to the day. However, it may be a surprise to some of our readers to learn that there once was an Oatmeal Mill in Huron County as evidenced by this week’s selected artifact…
GRAIN STORAGE BAG
This is a waxed grain storage bag; beige color on outside, dark grey on inside. The exterior of the bag has printing in green, red and dark blue script. The center has a logo with a medallion of wheat sheaves under the words: “MY T NICE – Toasted Flake Wheat Berries”. Text on the bag indicates it would hold two pounds when packed and the contents would cook in three minutes. The bag also bears the slogan: “The Flavor Lingers Longer”. The mill name is printed near the bottom of the bag: “James Wilson & Sons Ltd of Wroxeter, Ontario”. On the sides of the bag are instructions for making porridge, and recipes for griddle cakes and muffins using the flaked wheat berries.
James Wilson & Sons Oatmeal Mill, located in Wroxeter, ON, burned down in 1966. It stood on the location of an earlier flour and grist mill.
Screenshot
Grain Bag
THE BEST OF THE BAYFIELD BREEZE 2025
A RETROSPECTIVE OF VILLAGE HAPPENINGS FROM MAY 7 TO SEPT. 3RD
STORY BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER
This week in our retrospective we look back on the village happenings from May 7 to Sept. 3rd.
Bayfield is pretty amazing all 12 months of the year but in the Summer months it truly shines – and it is the volunteers at the heart of the community that really deserve the credit for this. Just in this second retrospective alone over a dozen very active volunteer groups were highlighted. And there are several more that also deserve recognition as well. We invite you to have a look back through some of our old Issues or delve into our Archives section and you’ll see what we mean!
Those of us at the Bayfield Breeze believe strongly in community and we are grateful for everyone who subscribes and reads this publication weekly. With each month that passes we continue to grow. This year we surpassed 2,000 followers on Facebook and we have over 2,200 email subscribers who remain quite engaged! We hope to continue this forward momentum into 2026 so please like and follow us on Facebook, share the issues with others, and invite them to subscribe to receive the issues directly to their email inbox on Wednesday morning.
It should come as no surprise in today’s climate that the costs involved in producing this weekly endeavor continue to increase so we are truly grateful to those individuals and organizations who donated financially to our publication this year, whether it was a one time gift or a recurring monthly donation. Thank you for your continued trust in us as we continue to be “the voice of the village” – since 2009.
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
Ken Larone speaking at the Bayfield Historical Society’s annual meeting on Jan. 24, 2011. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)
January 24, 2011, that was the day I first became acquainted with Ken Larone. He was the guest speaker at the Bayfield Historical Society’s Annual Meeting and Luncheon and I was invited to attend to cover his lecture.
Ken Larone could easily be described as an integral part of Canada’s journalistic scene for over 50 years. I say this not only because that was my lead in my story written 15 years ago, but also because it was so true. He could also be easily described as a Huron County boy at heart and even at the age of 90 years that too was true.
What I didn’t realize in that first introduction to Ken was that I would become his editor as he took on the role of volunteer council reporter for the Bayfield Breeze for a period of time around 2017. Despite his varied and stellar career he was a humble person and willing to accept suggestions and changes to his stories. He, like me, got really excited when a great lead presented itself. I will forever treasure the times he complimented my writing. Ken was a kindred spirit. I feel that we shared a similar belief that journalism at its heart is simply telling a good story well while remaining true to the facts. For that reason, and in honor of Ken, I invite you to read the article that I wrote for Vol. 2 Week 5 Issue 82 of the Bayfield Breeze (found in our Archives section) where Ken shares highlights of his long and storied career.
Rest easy my friend, you’ve “put the paper to bed”. – Melody
Ideas and contributions to the Bayfield Breeze are always welcome.
Deadlines for submissions are Sundays at 4 p.m.