The Bayfield BreezeIssue 868 Week 09 Vol 17
February 25, 2026
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INAUGURAL ROUND FOR APPLICATIONS OPENING SOON
Brigadier Morgan and Edith Smith (Submitted photo)
In honor of Bayfield’s Sesquicentennial, Sunset Community Foundation (SCF) is pleased to announce the Bayfield Community Fund Group’s initial grant to be drawn from the Brigadier Morgan and Edith Smith Fund.
The (Smith) Fund will support a not-for-profit event, service, or program that serves the Bayfield community. The initial round opens online on March 1st and it is expected that a funding announcement will be made on Saturday, Apr. 25, in the “Community Birthday Booth” at the Bayfield Lions Home and Lifestyle Show.
While the inaugural grant of $1,500 to $2,000 may be modest, the fund will grow over time, creating a lasting, sustainable source of support for Bayfield organizations and initiatives.
“This initial call for applications is about more than funding,” said Lisa Reaume, executive director of SCF. “It’s about building a long-term model that empowers Bayfield to invest in the programs and services that matter most to its residents.”
“We’re excited to begin supporting organizations that are doing meaningful work in Bayfield,” said Abby Armstrong, advocate of the Bayfield Advisory Committee and a member of the SCF Board of Directors. “This inaugural grant is the first step in creating a lasting fund that reflects our community’s priorities and strengthens the village we care so deeply about.”
Registered charitable organizations and their collaborative partners are invited to apply for funding to support initiatives that enhance community well-being, strengthen local connections, and contribute to the vibrancy of Bayfield. The application period will remain open until Apr. 1st.
Bayfield Community Funds are a group of community-purposed bequests and gifts held and managed in perpetuity within the SCF. Grants are awarded by a local advisory group with a deep understanding of Bayfield’s needs and priorities, ensuring that funding decisions reflect the values of the village and exert maximum impact.
Application details, eligibility criteria, and deadlines will be available beginning March 1st at sunsetcommunityfoundation.ca.
Community members who wish to donate or establish a family fund in support of programs serving Bayfield are encouraged to reach out.
Volunteer applications are now being accepted from anyone interested in participating on the Bayfield Advisory (Granting) Committee,
The SCF welcomes conversations about meaningful ways to give back locally. More information is available at: Ways to Give.
BAYFIELD RETIREE TO DEFEND DEBUT NOVEL
In the novel, “Searching for Terry Punchout”, Adam has one final chance to save his sports writing career: a shot at a Sports Illustrated profile of the notorious hockey goon, Terry Punchout. To complicate matters, Terry is Adam’s estranged father, and writing this piece requires Adam to return to his small, Nova Scotia hometown, and dredge up old feelings and frustrations. As he spends more time with family and friends, he begins to realize that the sleepy town and people he left behind deserve more credit than he ever gave them.
Author Tyler Hellard grew up in Prince Edward Island (PEI) and is now based in Calgary, AB. He writes commercial copy, technology criticism and essays that have appeared in THIS Magazine, The Walrus and on CBC Radio. Searching for Terry Punchout is his debut novel, which was shortlisted for the Kobo Emerging Writers Prize and the Amazon First Novel Award.
This Canada Reads finalist, will be defended by retired high school union executive Jo Dean. Mother, grandmother, best friend and community volunteer are just some of the words that describe her. Born and raised in London, ON she grew up with Lake Huron as her playground making the decision to retire to Bayfield an easy one. She has been a life long reader and is looking forward to proving that Searching for Terry Punchout is “the one book that builds bridges”.
The public can have their say in which of the five books will best meet this year’s Canada Reads theme by attending Bayfield Reads on Sunday, March 29 at 2 p.m. The event will be held at the Bayfield Town Hall again this year and all audience members will be invited to participate in the People’s Choice award. Judges Gemma James-Smith, Shannon Lough and Ben Woodward may or may not agree with those gathered.
The five selected books and their defenders include: “A Minor Chorus” by Billy-Ray Belcourt, defended by Anna Peirce; “Searching for Terry Punchout” by Tyler Hellard, defended by Jo Dean; “The Cure for Drowning” by Loghan Paylor, defended by Brian Heagle; “Foe” by Iain Reid, defended by Pat Heffernan; ”It’s Different This Time” by Joss Richard, defended by Maggie Peirce.
All five Canada Reads Books are available at The Village Bookshop. Winter hours are noon to 5 p.m. Thursday to Sunday or check their website at www.villagebookshop.ca
The Village Bookshop is located at 24 Bayfield Main Street North in Bayfield.
YOUNG MOTHER READY TO BE THE BABY OF THE FAMILY
Sienna (Submitted photo)
Volunteers with Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF) do their best everyday to try and ensure healthy and happy lives for those who come into their care including this week’s featured feline.
Sienna is a beautiful medium haired, black and white Tuxedo cat. According to Deb Penhale, representing BFF, “She’s all dressed up and ready to go…
“This elegant, quiet young lady will let you know when she’s looking for attention. She likes nothing better than to be brushed and enjoys belly rubs.”
Penhale shared that Sienna is only 14 months old. She came in pregnant and had a litter of kittens seven months ago. All but one of her litter has been adopted.
“This sweet girl was just a baby herself when she became pregnant and had her first litter. It was also her last litter,” stressed Penhale. “Now she deserves to be babied as she never got to be a kitten before becoming a Momma.”
Please reach out to bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com to learn more about adopting Sienna 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 other news, Pet Valu in Goderich played host to an Adoption Event featuring felines from BFF on Feb. 21-22 and Penhale is pleased to share that seven cats from the rescue found their forever homes!
BFF will be hosting two volunteer orientations in the coming weeks. The first will be held on Saturday, March 7 from 10:30 a.m. to noon, followed by a second session on Tuesday, March 10 from 6:30-8 p.m. Anyone who may be interested in helping at the rescue is asked to register by emailing Mary Pounder at jackabunny@gmail.com.
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.
FOR THE LOVE OF HOCKEY
OFF ICE DEVOTION TO WIFE MADE BABE SIEBERT A LEGEND
Editor’s Note: We hope everyone enjoyed last week’s instalment of Cortina Connections by E.J. Bauer, unfortunately, there has been “a delay of game” for the second period but no one is going to the penalty box as local historian, David Yates, graciously agreed to fill Bauer’s skates and share some Huron County hockey history with us this week.
BY DAVID YATES
In 1925, ‘Babe’ Siebert played his first NHL game with the Montreal Maroons. (Photo courtesy David Yates)
Zurich’s ‘Babe’ Siebert was known as one of the toughest players in a rough game. His fast, aggressive style of play earned him the Hart Trophy, two Stanley Cups and a spot in Hockey’s Hall of Fame. Yet, it was his off ice devotion to his invalid wife that made him a legend with hockey fans.
Charles Albert Siebert was born in Plattsville on January 14, 1904. The youngest of five children born to William and Emma Siebert, he was nicknamed ‘Babe’. In 1910, the Sieberts moved to Dashwood and then to Zurich where Babe’s father ran a general store.
Young Siebert, according to the “Zurich Herald”, grew “into a husky boy with a liking for athletics.” He played baseball “fast and fair” in the Zurich-Exeter League but it was in hockey that he excelled.
Siebert left Zurich to play hockey in Seaforth. In 1922, he played in the Ontario Hockey Association for the Kitchener Greenshirts and, later, the Niagara Falls Cataracts. In 1924, while playing in Kitchener, he met 18 year old Bernice Millhausen, a female hockey fan. They married and had two daughters Judy and Joan.
In 1925, Siebert played his first NHL game with the Montreal Maroons. He won his first Stanley Cup with the Maroons in 1926. Siebert was part of Montreal’s famed S-Line consisting of Hooley Smith, Nels Stewart and Siebert. The Hockey Hall of Fame called the S-Line the league’s’ “most feared” scoring squad. Siebert had a reputation for points and penalties. In his seven seasons with the Maroons, Siebert earned 157 points and led the team in penalties with a total of 619 minutes.
Siebert was a “digger” who could get the puck and deliver it to any team mate positioned to score. With exceptional speed, and strength, Siebert was impossible to stop. With a violent on ice temper, Siebert was a vicious adversary in a fight.
In an era when brawling was part of the game, some of Siebert’s thrashings shocked even hardened hockey fans. His hard knuckle fights often provoked jeers from the crowd.
The S-Line was broken up in 1932 when the cash strapped Maroons traded Siebert to the New York Rangers where he won his second Stanley Cup ring in 1933. Although Siebert scored no points in the finals against Toronto he spent 10 minutes in the penalty box.
In 1934, he was traded in mid-season to the Boston Bruins. Tensions in the Bruins dressing room ran high as legendary Boston defenceman Eddie Shore refused to speak to Siebert. The feud stemmed from an earlier incident when one Maroon player pinned Shore to the ice while Siebert savagely beat his face to a bloody pulp.
Yet, off the ice, Siebert was a “soft spoken” and devoted family man. Siebert was ever faithful to his wife, Bernice, who was paralysed in the spine and legs while giving birth to their second daughter Joan. Much of Siebert’s income went to pay for his wife’s expensive medical bills. With a crippled wife, Siebert did the household chores and raised their girls.
Before every game fans silently watched Siebert carry his invalid wife to her box and then retrieve her afterwards. It was a moving scene that endeared him to hockey fans everywhere.
In 1936, ‘Babe’ Siebert was traded to the Montreal Canadiens where coach, Cecil Hart, still saw potential in him as a defenceman rather than a forward. (Photo courtesy David Yates)
“Montreal Gazette’s” sports editor, Elmer Ferguson, wrote that “the Babe would become embroiled in fistic battles. Perhaps he would suffer penalties and earn the disfavor of the crowd by his bruising style of play. Perhaps the game would make him seem like a crude and uncouth person, rough and brutal. From the dressing room, the Babe would stride along the promenade until he reached the chair where his fragile bit of an invalid wife sat. Bending down, he would kiss her, then he would gather her up into his great muscular arms, stride out of the rink, and deposit her carefully in a waiting car that would take her home to the kiddies that he adored so much.”
One biographer noted “those things were never in the headlines” but were known throughout the hockey world.
Although he had three good seasons with Boston. It seemed Siebert’s best hockey years were behind him. In 1936, he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens where coach, Cecil Hart, still saw potential in Siebert as a defenceman rather than a forward.
The change reinvigorated Siebert’s career. In his first season, Siebert won the Hart Trophy for Most Valuable Player. The following year, he became the Canadiens’ team captain. In 1939, knowing his playing days were ending, Siebert became the Canadiens’ head coach.
It seemed that financial security had finally been achieved to help pay for his wife’s medical bills and remain active in the sport that he loved. Yet, tragedy prevented him from taking up his new position.
On Friday, August 25, 1939, while vacationing at his parents’ home in Zurich, Siebert took his daughters swimming by the old wooden pier at St. Joseph’s beach with childhood friend Clayton Hoffman. Siebert swam after an inflatable tire which got away from one of his daughters. About 150 feet from shore, Siebert was about to grab the tire when he shouted for help. A Zurich woman, Burnette Mousseau sitting in a nearby automobile saw him “throw up his arms” and go under the water. She alerted Hoffman who dove into the lake in his street clothes to rescue his friend.
After failing to find Siebert, Hoffman ran to Napoleon Cantin’s home to phone for help. Dozens of men and a fishing boat from Grand Bend dragged the waters near St. Joseph’s shore. It was not until Monday morning that his brother, Frank, caught his lifeless leg with a grappling hook and retrieved the hockey star’s body.
Siebert, a strong swimmer, seems to have been seized with a cramp and drowned. His body was taken to Hoffman’s Funeral Home where the funeral service was conducted by Reverend C.B. Heckendorn of the Zurich Evangelical Church. His remains were taken to Kitchener for burial.
Tributes flowed in to the widowed Bernice Siebert from all over North American. NHL President Clarence Campbell called Siebert’s sudden death “a tremendous shock”. His death also left his family in dire financial straits as all of the money had been spent on medical treatments for his wife.
A benefit hockey game was held for Babe Siebert’s family on October 29, 1939 between the Canadiens and an NHL All-Star team. The game raised $15,000 for the family. It was also the forerunner of the annual All-Star game. In January 1950, the A. C. Siebert Memorial Arena was opened in Zurich as a tribute to ‘Babe’.
Throughout Siebert’s 15 seasons in the NHL, he scored 140 goals and earned almost 1,000 penalty minutes. Charles Albert Siebert was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1964. Yet, for many, it was the unwavering devotion of this strong man off the ice to his crippled wife that made him a true hockey legend.
VOTE DAILY FOR BFF
The America’s Favorite Pet voting competition has now become Olympic level and Osprey is dreaming of gold and the opportunity to raise $10,000 USD for BFF. But she needs people to cast their free daily vote everyday to help make her dream comes true! The Quarter Final Round ends Thursday evening! (Submitted photo)
Osprey has made it to the Quarter Finals – the top one per cent – and there are just hours remaining in this round of competitive voting.
The community, and beyond, has shown tremendous support in getting this kitten representing Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF) in the America’s Favorite Pet Competition, into the Quarter Finals beating out 58 other cats and kittens in her Grouping. She’s now up against 14 other furry competitors but she must finish in first place to make it to the Semi-finals.
The Winter Olympics may be over but not for Osprey. She is dreaming of gold and the opportunity to raise $10,000 USD for BFF. However, she can’t achieve her goal without the help of her community. Osprey needs everyone to continue to cast their free daily votes via Facebook through the Quarter Finals which runs until Thursday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. PST (10 p.m. local time). To ensure she makes it to the next round please Vote for Osprey.
The cat, and subsequently BFF, would also be greatly helped if people would share her story with their social media networks, family, friends, co-workers – once again it will take a village to make Osprey’s dreams of taking the Gold and the title of America’s Favorite Pet come true.
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
An opportunity to take a globally recognized training that empowers everyday people to recognize when someone may be experiencing mental health challenges and equip them with practical skills to provide initial support is coming to Bayfield this Spring!
A Mental Health First Aid course will be held in the village at the TSJ Hall on Wednesday, Apr. 29 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This full-day, in-person courses will equip participants with:
- Knowledge and confidence to recognize and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges and crises
- Information on local, regional and national resources
- Enhanced knowledge and awareness of mental health and substance use issues and illnesses
- Strategies and tools to improve and maintain personal mental wellness
Those who take the course will build confidence to respond calmly and offer meaningful help during tough moments – all without need to be a mental health expert.
The cost of the training is $182.02 including fees and HST. To register visit: Mental Health First Aid Training.
Anyone would like to learn more about this valuable training opportunity to help build more supportive, healthy communities is asked to contact Grace Bonnett via email at mhfatraininggateway@gmail.com.
The TSJ Hall is located at 10 Keith Cres. in Bayfield.
MS HEALTH AND FITNESS
Jennifer Fleury (Submitted photo)
Bayfield entrepreneur, Jennifer Fleury, owner of Bluewater Fitness, has entered a contest to become Ms Health and Fitness, to appear on the cover of “Muscle & Fitness Hers” magazine, and to win $20,000 USD.
According to Jennifer’s husband, Mike Croteau, the contest is an annual activity in the Health and Fitness industry to promote and encourage a healthy lifestyle for women of all sizes, ages and abilities. It also serves as a major fundraiser to the “Be Positive Foundation” in the field of childhood cancer research. While a daily online vote is free, it is also possible to “purchase” votes through donation, however, this is not necessary.
The contest, which commenced on Jan. 28, will run through February and into March. Voting for the Top 5 of the Group Phase will end tomorrow night (Feb. 26) at 7 p.m. PST. There will be a series of voting rounds to pare the contestants down to three finalists by the end of the month. At the time of this writing, Jenn currently sits in second place in her grouping and with continued voter support should make it through to the next round.
To cast a daily free vote for Jenn please visit: Jennifer Fleury | Ms. Health & Fitness.
SOLD OUT EVENT
Tickets for Adam Shoalts’ presentation at the Bayfield Town Hall on Apr. 1st sold out in an hour. (See Bayfield Breeze Issue 867 for more details.)
The Village Bookshop started selling them at noon on Feb. 21, with people lined up at the door. By 1 p.m., they were gone.
“We knew that Adam would be a strong draw,” said Bayfield River Valley Trails Association Board Member Ralph Blasting, “but we weren’t expecting the intensity of the rush in the first hour. We really appreciate the warm welcome that Bayfield is already showing, and regret having to disappoint those who couldn’t get tickets.”
Shoalts is the Explorer-in-Residence for the Royal Canadian Geographic Society and has written six books about his expeditions in Canada’s Far North.
BRVTA
March is the perfect time to experience the quiet beauty of nature. As winter loosens its grip and the first hints of spring begin to emerge, the trail comes alive with crisp air, melting snow, and the gentle sound of birds returning for the season. Hiking in March offers a peaceful escape before the busy summer months, giving people space to fully appreciate the towering trees, winding paths, and fresh scent of the forest awakening around them.
The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) is offering two guided hikes in March.
On Saturday, March 7 at 11 a.m. the hike will be on the Woodland Trail. Although the Woodland Trail is located within the village’s boundaries, the diversity of the natural environment is surprising. The hike is medium difficulty with the options of a 3.5 or 5 km loop. Hikers are asked to meet at the David Street trailhead parking lot. A map is available at: Woodland Trail.
Bannockburn Conservation Area will be the location of a guided hike on Saturday, March 21 also at 11 a.m. This hike will be along an almost 2 km recreational trail and will travel through six different natural communities including: Wet Meadow, Eastern White Cedar, Deciduous Forest, Old Field and Mixed Scrub and Marsh. Bannockburn Conservation Area is located at 76249 Bannockburn Line in Bluewater.
These hikes are open to all and free of charge. Canine companions are welcome but they should be kept on leash.
For more information, contact Ralph Blasting at 519 525-3205 or rjblastingjr@gmail.com.
MARCH BREAK AT THE LIBRARY
The Bayfield Branch Library will be the location for some family-friendly fun over the March Break – with a trio of activities planned!
On Tuesday, March 17, Trash Theatre will be at the library for an afternoon of playful, eco-friendly adventure where creativity and nature come together.
“Wildlife Costume Design with Trash Theatre” will allow participants to look at some cool examples, then use fabrics, recycled treasures, and all kinds of fun materials to make their very own creature costumes.
Anyone who love animals, arts and crafts, dressing up, or just making something awesome is invited to participate. Registration is required and the program is open to ages six and up but youth aged nine and under will require adult accompaniment. This program is generously sponsored by Friends of Bayfield Library (FOBL) and will be held from 2:45 to 4:15 p.m.
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) staff will be at the library on Wednesday, March 18 to present, “ABCA Drip Drop Splash”. They will provide quality nature programming about the many creatures that start their lives underwater!
Although best suited for children ages six to 12 years, all are welcome. Participants are asked to register for this event which will be held from 2-3:30 p.m.
One hour of “Book BINGO” starting at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 19 will have participants aged six years and up shouting that exhilarating word, “BINGO” with a chance to win prizes.
This fun, book-themed game has been designed for kids. Winners will be able to choose from an exciting selection of books to take home and enjoy! Those who wish to take part are asked to register in advance for this fun afternoon generously sponsored by FOBL.
To register for any or all of these March Break programs please email bayfieldlibrary@huroncounty.ca or phone 519 565-2886.
The Bayfield Branch Library is located at 18 Main Street North in the village.
LIONS TREASURER NEEDED
For 79 years, the Bayfield Lions Club members have served this community – supporting those in need and helping enhance the quality of life in Bayfield and surrounding communities. People can learn more about their history and impact at www.bayfieldlions.ca
The members are currently looking for someone interested in applying their unique skills to the accounting needs of the Club.
This volunteer role offers a meaningful challenge and plays an important part in providing the membership with the financial information needed to continue their strong tradition of service.
They would welcome the chance to talk with those interested about the scope of their operations and the time commitment involved.
Anyone who is interested is asked to please speak with any Lions member or contact the Club at bayfieldlions@gmail.com.
GATEWAY PROMOTES FARMER FOCUSED PROGRAMS AT DAIRY SYMPOSIUM
Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health attended the Southwestern Ontario Dairy Symposium in Woodstock, ON, on Feb. 19. Representing the organization were from l-r: Dan Stringer, Board chair; Gwen Devereaux, president; Nyden Greenfield, Research assistant; and Pat Redshaw, vice-president. (Submitted photo)
On Thursday, Feb. 19, Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (Gateway) attended the Southwestern Ontario Dairy Symposium in Woodstock, ON. Gateway proudly participated as an exhibitor and delivered a brief presentation, discussing the Farmer’s Safety and Well-Being Program.
Gateway connected with farmers, dairy producers, industry leaders, and agricultural professionals throughout the event while attendees visited the Gateway booth to learn more about the organization’s programs and research initiatives.
During the symposium, Gwen Devereaux, president of Gateway, delivered a brief presentation highlighting several key priorities, including:
- Promoting the Farmer’s Safety and Well-Being Program and SHED Talks
- Advancing research that reflects real world agricultural needs
- Collaborating with industry partners to strengthen rural well-being
By participating in the Dairy Symposium, Gateway continues to strengthen relationships within the agriculture sector and advance the program’s mission to support the health, safety, and well-being of farmers in rural communities.
For more information about Gateway and its Farmer’s Safety and Well-Being Program initiatives, please visit Shed Talks
WINGHAM BASED COMPANY PLEDGES TO MAGNETIC MOMENTS
Britespan Building Systems Inc recently pledged $500,00 over the next five years to the Alexandra and Marine General Hospital Foundation’s Magnetic Moments Campaign to bring an MRI to the hospital in Goderich. Participating in the cheque presentation were from l-r: AMGHF Executive Director Kimberley Payne; Ben Hogervost and Rob Stute, co-owners of Britespan Building Systems Inc; AMGHF Board Chair Laura Herman; and Dan Hayden, a member of the Magnetic Moments cabinet. (Submitted photo)
Dedicated to supporting regional health care, Wingham-based Britespan Building Systems Inc has pledged a donation of $500,000 over five years to the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital Foundation’s (AMGHF) “Magnetic Moments” capital campaign, bringing them closer to their $6.5 million campaign goal.
“My business partner Rob Stute and I have always believed in the importance of supporting our local community and the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital is a leading regional facility here in Huron County,” said Britespan Building Inc Co-owner Ben Hogervorst. “We feel strongly that the addition of an MRI in Huron County will help ensure the facility remains vibrant and attractive in recruiting doctors while providing Huron County with outstanding care close to home.”
Neither Huron nor Bruce Counties currently have an MRI, with the closest MRIs located in Stratford, London and now Palmerston, ON. For local residents in need of a life-changing scan, this often means significant travel times and financial strain, in addition to lengthy wait times.
“Magnetic Moments is the largest capital campaign in the hospital’s history and it will take all of us pitching in with gifts of all sizes to bring an MRI to Huron County,” said Dr. Tiffaney Kittmer, Magnetic Moments campaign chair. “It is incredibly inspiring to see community champions like Britespan Building Systems Inc leading the way with such generosity.”
With Britespan Building Systems Inc’s gift, the total raised to date is $1,800,748 including a five-year $250,000 pledge from COAST Goderich.
Pledges to the Magnetic Moments campaign may be fulfilled over a period of up to five years, allowing donors to plan longer-term and commit larger gifts through multi-year giving. Donors keen to discuss pledges or one-time gifts are encouraged to contact the AMGHF at amgh.foundation@amgh.ca or by calling the office at 519 524-8508.
CONSERVATION AUCTION RAFFLE TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE
The 36th Conservation Auction will be held online (Apr. 9-16) this year. During the auction week, the 50-50 raffle draw is to be held on Thursday, Apr. 16. (Submitted photo)
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation (ABCF) is selling 50-50 raffle draw tickets. There are 1,500 tickets printed and they will be available until Apr. 16. The cash prize could be as high as $7,500 if all tickets are sold. Tickets are $10 each. The draw supports needed local community projects that could not happen otherwise.
Janet Clarke is Co-Chair of the Conservation Auction Committee. She said net proceeds from the draw are donated to local community projects.
“Buying a ticket for the 50-50 draw in 2026 is a great way to support needed projects in local communities while also giving the purchaser a chance to win up to $7,500,” she said.
The 36th Conservation Auction will be held online (Apr. 9-16) this year. During the auction week, the 50-50 raffle draw is to be held on Thursday, Apr. 16 at 4 p.m. at the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Administration Centre.
The Conservation Auction Committee already has some wonderful items donated but they are looking for more donations from the community. Anyone who may have items to donate, or would like to make a cash donation or sponsorship, is asked to please contact Ausable Bayfield Conservation. Donations before the end of February would be appreciated by the committee.
When the online Conservation Auction is live, a link will be posted on the web page: Online Auction. The virtual Conservation Auction will end at 8 p.m. on Apr. 16.
The Conservation Auction is a partnership of ABCF, Exeter Lions Club, and the community. The Auction and raffle draw have raised more than $1.42 million in support of needed local projects over the past 35 years. The 50-50 raffle draw and annual charitable auction support needed initiatives in the area. These local projects include parks and trails and conservation areas, outdoor recreation events and experiences for youth and families, conservation education for the young and young at heart, job and education opportunities for youth, and other local conservation projects that depend on the auction for support.
People can buy their ticket from a Conservation Auction Committee member or at 71108 Morrison Line, east of Exeter, just south of Highway 83. Alternatively, they can phone 519 235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610. Tickets must be sold in Ontario (Lottery Licence #M835243).
TREK TO ELORA ORGANIZED BY HURON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
After the success of previous treks, the Huron County Historical Society is planning another fully guided coach excursion on Wednesday, May 13. This year, their destination is the beautiful village of Elora in Wellington County, and it promises to be another memorable event.
Their first stop will be Drew House, where they will enjoy coffee and a snack in the lovely coach house dining room of this historic bed and breakfast. George Alexander Drew (1826–1891) purchased the property in 1855 and later had the large stone house and coach house constructed.
From Drew House, they will travel to downtown Elora, where local guides will lead participants on a walking tour of this historic village along the Grand River. The tour will conclude with free time to explore the many shops and sites in the downtown area. The group will then meet at the Elora Green Space and cross the street to The Wild Tart for a delicious pre-booked lunch, with three menu options to choose from.
Following lunch, they will board the coach for a short drive to Elora Gorge Conservation Area. There, they will see the “Hole in the Rock,” an important site for local Indigenous peoples, and take in the stunning scenery of the gorge.
Next, they will travel by shuttle to the Wellington County Museum and Archives, where they will enjoy behind-the-scenes tours of both facilities.
On Wednesday, May 13, participants will gather at the Huron County Museum on North Street in Goderich at 7:45 a.m., with a planned return to the museum at approximately 5:30 p.m.
The cost per person is $100. To reserve a seat and select a lunch choice, please email or call David Armstrong at 519 524-1156 or davidarmstrong@hurontel.on.ca.
HURON COUNTY PRIDE TO HOST WEEKEND OF COMEDY
Huron County Pride is excited to announce their Spring Fling Comedy evenings, bringing queer comedic talents to this neck of the woods. Come and join in an evening of good vibes, great jokes, and awesome company!
They are very excited to team up with this roster of fantastic comedians and wonderful venues to give Huron County a fun evening (or two) out. They will be having two evenings of comedy – one in Exeter and one in Goderich. These are age of majority events. Organizers would like to thank Community Futures Huron for their financial support.
On Friday, March 20, Imposter Brewing Company in Exeter will be the location for this evening of comedy starting at 8 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Tickets Price: $15 until February 28, $20 after February 28
Tickets must be purchased in advance; until Feb. 28 they are selling for $15 plus fees, after that date tickets are $20 plus fees. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite at: Comedy Weekend Exeter
On Saturday, March 21, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #109 in Goderich is the spot for a second evening of comedy starting at 8 p.m. with doors opening once again at 6:30 p.m. Ticket pricing is the same as above. Tickets must be purchased in advance from Eventbrite at: Comedy Weekend Goderich.
Four incredible comedians, Steve Degay, Jenna MacAskill, Kari Johnson and Aidan O’Loughlin, will be performing at both shows.
Steve Degay, the Rock n Roll Comedy Homo, is a high-energy, guitar-slinging, unapologetic old school gay who smashes together stand-up, music, and outrageous NSFW fun. From big cities to small towns, Degay delivers de-party: the perfect Friday (and Saturday) night comedian!
Jenna MacAskill is described as a little filthy, a lot gay, and silly the whole time. An absolute favorite at the Guelph Comedy Festival, attendees will laugh non-stop at the absurd trials and tribulations that are this comedian’s day-to-day.
Kari Johnson is a stand-up comedian and actress based in Toronto. She’s a rostered comedian at multiple clubs including the Corner Comedy Club and most recently finished filming High Voltage Horror, a dark comedy where she was not only the main character, but also the only character with a mustache. She was a featured comic at the Galway Comedy Carnival and Just For Laughs Toronto. Her imaginative observations center around her racial ambiguity, mental health and anything else that might justify her otherwise useless liberal arts degree.
Aidan O’Loughlin is a gay, award-winning comedian and comedy television writer. His stand-up has been featured on OutTV. He’s written for queer icons like Lisa Rinna, Brooke Lynn Hytes, Nelly Furtado, T.S. Madison, Carson Kressley, Orville Peck and Paula Abdul. He’s also written on legendary Canadian television shows like CBC’s “Workin’ Moms” and “Small Achievable Goals” starring Meredith MacNeill and Jennifer Whalen of “Baroness Von Sketch Show” as well as Crave’s “Bria Mack Gets a Life” and “Canada’s Drag Race”. He’s known for telling edgy, funny and deeply relatable stories and aims to one day be Canada’s Sweetheart™. Aidan is a Leo… obviously.
Imposter Brewing Company is located at 190 Thames Road East in Exeter. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #109 can be found at 56 Kingston Street in Goderich.
BLUEWATER OFFICIAL PLAN PUBLIC MEETING SET FOR EARLY MARCH
The Municipality of Bluewater has initiated a review of its Official Plan. After ongoing community consultation and revisions to Official Plan policies and mapping, Municipality of Bluewater Council has scheduled a Public Meeting to gather public input before they consider adopting the draft amendment.
The Bluewater Community is invited to participate in this Public Meeting on Monday, March 2, at 5:30 p.m. at the Bluewater Council Chambers, 38594 Mill Road, Varna. The purpose of this meeting is to consider the Official Plan amendment under Sections 17 & 26 of the Planning Act.
A number of policy and mapping changes are proposed in the Official Plan Amendment as a result of the review. Key proposed changes include:
- Aligning development direction with projected growth;
- Implementing policy changes in accordance with updated provincial planning legislation;
- Implementing policy changes in accordance with the Huron County Official Plan;
- Updating mapping for urban settlement, agricultural, and natural environment areas;
- Including a Land Acknowledgement statement in the document; and
- Providing direction for energy projects proposed on agricultural lands.
If approved, these changes will be incorporated into the document. A copy of the second draft document will be made available at the following site prior to the public meeting: Official Plan Review. A copy of the proposed amendment is also available for review at the Municipal office in Zurich Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (with the exception of statutory holidays).
Any person may attend the public meeting and/or make written or verbal representation, either in support of or in opposition to the proposed Official Plan amendment. Comments, objections, or concerns may be submitted by email to op@municipalityofbluewater.ca or they may be submitted by mail to Municipality of Bluewater, 14 Mill Ave., Zurich ON, N0M 2T0 Attention: Lindsay Whalen, Planning coordinator. People may also call the Planner at 519 524-8394 Ext. 3 or the Planning Coordinator at 519 236-4351 Ext. 235. Individuals may also speak during the public meeting. They are encouraged to submit their comments before the meeting for consideration. Staff encourage written comments to be submitted by Feb. 25.
Please note that comments and opinions submitted on these matters, including the originator’s name and address, become part of the public record and may be viewed by the general public and published in a Planning Report, council agenda, or council minutes.
Verbal representation may be made via electronic participation, however, in-person attendance is encouraged. For those persons who wish to request to participate electronically at the meeting, please contact the Planner and Planning Coordinator using the contact information listed above no later than 3 p.m. on the date of the public meeting. All public meetings will be livestreamed where possible to the Municipality of Bluewater’s YouTube channel.
Anyone who wishes to be notified of the decision of the County of Huron on the proposed Official Plan Amendment must make a written request to the Municipality of Bluewater, Attention: Lindsay Whalen, Planning coordinator.
The Office for the Municipality of Bluewater is located at 14 Mill Avenue, in Zurich.
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
“Rest for the Weary” by Gift Amarachi Ottah was the artwork chosen for the 2026 World Day of Prayer program. She drew inspiration from her home state of Abia in Nigeria. Following her family’s tradition in creative arts and printing, she has developed a unique artistic voice that speaks to the struggles and strength of Nigerian women. She was motivated to design this artwork for the program because of the burdens that Nigerian women are facing. She hopes that her art will help to amplify their voices. (Submitted photo)
All are welcome to join together for the 2026 World Day of Prayer service on Friday, March 6.
This year’s service will be at Salvation Army Suncoast Citadel starting at 2 p.m.
Nigeria, a west African country with a rich heritage and diverse ecosystem, is the represented country for the 2026 prayer service. The theme is “I will give you rest: come” and it is an opportunity to learn about Nigeria’s history, culture and concerns.
World Day of Prayer is an international, ecumenical movement that began around 100 years ago bridging social, geographic, and political barriers in 146 countries. Together participants pursue justice, peace and reconciliation by standing together in prayer and action. It enables people to hear the thoughts of women from all parts of the world: their hopes, concerns and prayers. The Day of Prayer will begin in Samoa, and prayer in native languages will travel across the world, – through Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas before finishing in American Samoa some 38 hours later – a worldwide wave of prayer. Goderich has held this event since 1954. And over those 72 years there have only been a half dozen years missed due to weather or the pandemic.
The local service is organized by the following churches: Knox Presbyterian Church, Lakeshore United Church, Salvation Army Suncoast Citadel, St. George’s Anglican Church and St. Peter’s Catholic Church Everyone is welcome.
The Salvation Army Suncoast Citadel is located at 303 Suncoast Drive East, Goderich.
CONNECTING LINKS
As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the government continues to invest in roads in two Huron County municipalities. A total of $6,453,115, will be invested in both the Municipality of Central Huron and the Municipality of South Huron for local road priorities.
The funding is being delivered through the 2026-27 Connecting Links program, which helps maintain vital roads and bridges that connect people to good jobs, support the movement of goods and drive economic growth in rural and northern communities.
“It is great news for Central Huron and South Huron communities. These investments will help strengthen critical transportation infrastructure that supports local businesses, improves road safety, and keeps our communities connected,” said MPP for Huron-Bruce, Lisa Thompson. “By supporting upgrades to these key routes, our government is ensuring that residents, visitors, and commercial traffic can travel more efficiently and safely throughout Huron-Bruce. I look forward to seeing the positive impact these improvements will have on our region’s continued growth and prosperity.”
The Municipality of South Huron will receive $2,765,109 through the Connecting Links program to go towards the reconstruction of Main Street South from Victoria Street to Sanders Street (Exeter). The Municipality of Central Huron will receive $3,688,006 through the Connecting Links program to go towards the reconstruction of Huron Street (Highway 8) from Victoria Street/Albert Street (Highway 4) to the Western limit of the connecting link (Clinton).
A connecting link is a designated municipal road or bridge that connects two ends of a provincial highway through a community or to an international border crossing. This year, the Ontario government is investing over $46 million in 21 projects to repair roads and bridges in 20 municipalities across the province.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is making historic investments in highway infrastructure to drive economic growth and protect Ontario,” said Minister of Transportation, Prabmeet Sarkaria. “By helping municipalities invest in critical road repairs, we’re improving connections across the province and building a stronger, more competitive and resilient Ontario.”
Eligible costs for Connecting Links include the design, construction, renewal, rehabilitation and replacement of designated municipal roads and bridges. Municipalities are encouraged to apply for the 2027-28 Connecting Links program funding when the intake opens later this year.
GATEWAY WEBINAR
Transportation is one of the largest barriers for people in rural areas seeking health and healthcare services. On Tuesday, March 3rd, Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (Gateway) will be featuring a collaborative conversation on transportation networks and the connection to rural health.
This one-hour of conversation will be held via ZOOM starting at noon.
The keynote speaker is Dr. Sarah-Patricia Breen, BC Regional Innovation chair (RIC) in Rural Economic Development at Selkirk Innovates. Dr. Breen’s goal is supporting rural communities across Canada to thrive under conditions of rapid economic and social change. Her more recent publications have focused on rural transportation funding and the need for public transit.
She is joined by Stephanie Ellens-Clark, Executive director and Charlene Tolton, manager of Programs and Services at ONE CARE, a not-for-profit based in Huron and Perth Counties. They will explain how their team provides instrumental home and community-based services, ranging from the transportation of patients for medical appointments to the facilitation of wellness programs for older adults and caregivers.
The final speaker is Stephanie Stewart, manager of Community Transit at County of Grey. She will be discussing the role of municipal governments and collaboration for regional transit networks.
Anyone in the community is welcome to attend. To attend this event and future presentations, please register on the Gateway website at Lecture Series.
HOCKEY HEROES FOR HOSPICE
On Sunday, March 8, former NHL hockey players will suit up against Goderich Firefighters at the Maitland Recreation Centre in Goderich. This benefit hockey game will support the Goderich Firefighters’ Charity of Choice, Huron Hospice.
The Goderich Firefighters will face off against a full line-up of NHL hockey heroes at 2 p.m. To date the NHL roster includes: Dave McIlwain, Gary Leeman, Adam Munro, Bernie Nicholls, and Dave Hutchison.
“Although the NHL Players call themselves the Hockey Heroes, both teams are heroes in our eyes.” said Huron Hospice Board Chair, Lisa Taylor. “This fantastic community event promises lots of skill and lots of laughs and is guaranteed to be a memorable event for all ages! The puck will drop in Goderich at 2 p.m. Doors will open at 1 p.m. The event usually sells out, so you want to be early to get a good seat.”
“For 30 years, families have turned to Huron Hospice to make moments matter at the end-of-life. Huron Hospice provides care in the community for people with life-limiting illnesses and at Bender House. Huron Hospice also provides loss and grief support for children, youth and adults. In the past year, 59 people died at Bender House. Forty-five individuals received Huron Hospice supplied care in the family home. One hundred and sixty-four people participated in the loss, grief and bereavement program,” said Willy Van Klooster, Huron Hospice Executive director.
Van Klooster added, “Over the past 18 months Bender House occupancy was over 80 per cent. Proceeds from fundraising and events like this hockey game ensure that there are no costs for any hospice services. Huron Hospice is a place where families make moments matter.”
Tickets can be purchased for $30 each or four for $100, from Christopher Walker at Huron Hospice 519 525-7352 or 1-888-777-9793 or at www.ProHockeyHeroes.com.
UPPER HERITAGE HALL
The Municipality of Bluewater is seeking Expressions of Interest for a long-term, multi-year lease of the Upper Heritage Hall in Hensall.
Examples of potential uses for the property include, but are not limited to: office or professional services; studio or creative workspace; community services; program delivery; arts and culture; rehearsal and/or theatre space.
The Upper Heritage Hall is part of a designated heritage building and has a shared entrance/lobby with the Huron County Library. This second-storey space is approximately 2,700 square feet and is accessible via stairs and a lift. Although there are no upper level washrooms there is an accessible washroom on the main floor. Public parking is adjacent. Walkthroughs are available by appointment.
To request the full Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) document and submission instructions, please email facilities@municipalityofbluewater.ca using the subject line: REOI – Upper Heritage Hall (Hensall). The closing for REOI has been set for Friday, Feb. 27 at noon.
The Upper Heritage Hall is located at 108 King Street in Hensall.
The Maitland Recreation Centre is located at 190 Suncoast Drive East in Goderich.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“Living in God’s Mission Today”, a study and discussion group for adults during the season of Lent, began on Monday, Feb. 23, at Knox Presbyterian Church in Bayfield.
The world is undergoing many changes, and people are finding themselves in a fresh and challenging context for mission. What does the word “mission” mean? If you were asked to explain what Christian mission is, what would you say? Is mission something that is done overseas by missionaries or something done by a congregation in its local situation or both? Do you consider yourself to be a kind of missionary?
Anyone who is interested in these and other similar questions, is invited to participate in this six-session study of Living in God’s Mission Today, a statement from The Presbyterian Church in Canada.
The study group will meet at Knox Church in Bayfield on Mondays at 2 p.m. from now to March 30th. Copies of the study are available at the church office and online at presbyterian.ca. For more information or to register for the study group please contact Rev. John Bannerman at 226 919-9180.
Knox Church also holds regular weekly services at 11 a.m. on Sundays.
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.
CHESS CLUB
Check mate! The Bayfield Chess Club had determined that their meetings will be held on Thursday afternoons commencing March 5 at the TSJ Hall in the village.
The club is open to all ages and experience levels and will offer people an opportunity to improve their game or simply learn the basics to play. The afternoon sessions will run for two hours starting at 1 p.m. The participation fee is $5 per session.
Anyone who would like to join is asked to please contact Gayle Beuermann at 519 525-6498 or email gaylbeue@tcc.on.ca.
The TSJ Hall is located at 10 Keith Crescent in Bayfield.
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.
Guides and Scouts around the globe marked the 100th anniversary of World Thinking Day on Feb. 22 and there is no better way to mark the occasion than with a Scouting related artifact from the Museum’s collection…
TALKING STICK
This is a talking stick. It is made of cedar and has been varnished. It is carved with the words: “1985, CJ, BARTS BANDITS” (black); “ABEGWIT, PC+F, CJ93” (red); and “PEI ’89, CJ 97” (green). The stick has other carvings: canoe (red on white background, black); cartoon character Bart Simpson (yellow with white eyes, outlined in black), smiling face at top; purple stone inlaid; green written signature of Marc Garneau; on top engraved in black “CJ19”.
This talking stick belonged to a former Boy Scout who grew up in Huron County and joined the Scouts in Goderich in 1958. The cedar stick was first carved when the owner was a Scout Leader with the 1st Blackburn Hamlet Scout Troop in Ottawa at the Canadian Scout Jamboree in 1985 (CJ85) held at Guelph, ON. The stick was also taken to CJ 1989 at Charlottetown, PEI; CJ93 at Kananaskis Country, AB; CJ97 in Thunder Bay, ON, and CJ2001 at Cabot Beach Park, PEI. Notable on this talking stick is the signature of Canada’s first astronaut, Marc Garneau, on the 1985 portion of the stick.
A talking stick is carved to tell its own story and is used at campfire ceremonies as a tool to determine who is allowed to talk. He/she who holds the stick is allowed to talk, sing, etc. The stick gets passed from person to person to help keep the gathering in some semblance of order.
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Talking Stick
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BAYFIELD GUIDING
CENTENARY OF WORLD THINKING DAY JUST ONE HIGHLIGHT OF YEAR TO DATE
PHOTOS AND STORY BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER
For over 70 years, Bayfield Guiding has been active in the village and in the years since the pandemic have seen a resurgence in interest in the program that offers empowerment for both girls and women. There are currently close to 60 youth and adult members registered with Bayfield Guiding. Youth ages range from five to 17 years of age.
So far in 2025-26, the girls have completed the “WWII Dig for Victory” Challenge created by the Guides in the United Kingdom, where they learned about rationing and how Guides supported food production during shortages. This tied in nicely for an evening out for the oldest members of the group, the Pathfinders, as they attended a screening of the documentary, “We Lend A Hand: The Forgotten Story of Ontario Farmerettes” at the Bayfield Town Hall. These girls aged 12 to 14 also helped put the finishing touches on the Poppy Blanket that was draped on the village cenotaph in November by hosting a Poppy tying night for the community. All the members of Bayfield Guiding who participated in the village Remembrance Day services in early November were very excited to see that the completed blanket had pride of place on the monument, its rich red flowers “glowing” under a covering of freshly fallen snow.
Special guests are always welcome at Bayfield Guiding as they share their expertise, skills or passions thus expanding the horizons of the membership. In September, they were visited by White Owl from Alice Springs, NWT, Australia – who has been leading the Outback Guides since the 1980s. The youth there have also been Bayfield Guiding’s pen pals since 1987. This was White Owl’s second visit to the community, her first being in 2005. She shared some stories with Bayfield Guiding about what life is like for the Guides in her country and also brought a decoding activity for everyone to try. In October, an outdoor educator was in attendance to teach the girls all about bats. In early November, a former member, now a university student, “Zoomed”-in remotely to share her knowledge of story telling and writing, and then in late November, animator and children’s author Mike Shiell was a special guest who encouraged the youth to create their own comic book characters.
Field trips are also a lot of fun for the membership and in mid-November they made the short trek to the Bayfield Area Food Bank where volunteers gave an excellent tour and allowed the girls to participate in some of the tasks that the volunteers do to best support their clients. In turn, Bayfield Guiding held a food drive of their own to collect some of the most popular items needed by the charity.
The youth requested a puppet making meeting and this was accommodated in the New Year with the girls creating some remarkable creatures using sport socks and materials from Bayfield Guiding’s craft inventory.
Once February arrived it was time for another challenge: the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) Our Friendship Challenge for World Thinking Day (WTD) 2026. The first WTD was held in honor of the Founders’ joint birthdays on Feb. 22, 1926 so this year the 100th anniversary is being celebrated.
A highlight of celebrating the centenary for Bayfield Guiding’s Sparks, Embers and 1st year Guides was an overnight at the London Children’s Museum on Feb. 21-22. After an evening of activities with over 100 fellow Guiding members from across the region, the group settled down in the “Above and Beyond” exhibit to sleep in Mission Control surrounded by an astronaut theme. It was, literally, out of this world!
Camping is, of course, the highlight of the Guiding season and two have been held so far. The first was a “Secret Agent” Camp held in the Autumn followed by a Winter camp that took place at the end of January for the oldest members. Everyone is looking forward to visiting Klahanie again in early June.
The current membership has also proven to be pretty stellar cookie sellers – selling out of the Chocolatey Mint Cookies last Fall. Funds from these cookie sales are so very important to Bayfield Guiding as they help keep costs down for weekly program activities, field trips, overnights, camps and the purchase of all those badges that the girls earn!
The Spring Classic Chocolate and Vanilla Cookies are slated to arrive in March and included in that shipment will also be a limited number of the mint cookies. Members will have them for sale shortly after they arrive. Be sure to also look for the girls selling cookies at two upcoming April events: the Pancake ‘N Sausage Brunch and Schilbe Sugar Bush Tour on Apr. 11 and the Bayfield Lions Club’s Home & Lifestyle Show on Apr. 25-26.
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
The Bayfield Lions Club’s Home & Lifestyle Show is set for Apr. 24-25. There is a plan to have a special booth set up with the focus being the village’s sesquicentennial. Community groups are invited to participate in what has been dubbed, “Bayfield’s 150th Birthday Booth”. The deadline to sign up for display space in this booth is fast approaching – in fact, it is this Saturday, Feb. 28.
According to Nancy Lowrey, chair of the Bayfield Lions Home Show Committee, “The Birthday Booth is designed to be an easy, low-lift way for community groups to participate.”
Two volunteers from each organization represented in the booth will be asked to fill one hour of time to oversee the displays in the tent.
Groups can: share photos or memorabilia; highlight their organization’s history in Bayfield; promote upcoming events and provide information about volunteering or getting involved
“This is about celebrating our collective story — not selling,” explained Nancy. “Bayfield’s 150th is such a special moment, and it would be meaningful to showcase the organizations that help shape our community.”
For those who’d like to learn more please reach out to Nancy by calling 416 576-6272 or emailing bayfieldhomeshow@gmail.com.
Anyone who has ever spent time in this village knows that it runs on volunteers and the history of service is rich and vibrant. This is something to be proud of and to shine a light on – the light from 150 birthday candles perhaps? While I can’t guarantee there will be cake, I am sure the booth displays will be a celebration of what this community is all about, let’s make it a real party by participating! – Melody
Ideas and contributions to the Bayfield Breeze are always welcome.
Deadlines for submissions are Sundays at 4 p.m.