lions' turkey raffle big success 

The turkey pickup crew were (l-r): Rick Schinkel, Andy Devries, Lorena Toole, Kathy Gray, Doug Vanderhaar and Brent Gotts. (Submitted photos)

The Bayfield Lions’ Club members are pleased to announce that their first Turkey Raffle turned out to be a big success. As usual, the community jumped on board for a worthy cause and bought up all the tickets. The draw was conducted on Dec. 10th, and 35 lucky tickets were drawn. Winners are posted on Facebook at “Bayfield Lions Club”. Ten of the winners generously chose to redirect their turkeys to the Huron Women's Shelter and Second Stage Housing.

The primary charity for the Raffle was the Bayfield Area Food Bank (BAFB), and they were thrilled to be presented with a cheque for $2,500. President of the BAFB Board, Terry Henderson indicated that the cash will be very helpful in filling their shelves at the Food Bank. Krista Evely picked up the ten turkeys for the Women's Shelter, as well as a $20 Foodland Gift Card. She was happy to be able to brighten Christmas for many of the families in the area.

The Bayfield Lions wish to thank everyone in Bayfield and beyond who bought tickets, donated cash, re-gifted their turkeys or just offered their support.

“In these days of event and fundraiser cancelations, it's heartwarming to see the eagerness of the public to extend their generosity toward others,” said Kathy Gray, representing the Bayfield Lions’ Club. “From all of us to all of you, have a Merry Christmas and a safe, healthy, New Year!”

Next Stage of Admiral Bayfield Tribute installed 

Another piece has been added to the Admiral Bayfield tribute landscape located between the Bayfield Historical Society (BHS) Archives and the Bayfield Public Library.

“We have installed a plaque with a bronze relief portrait of Admiral Bayfield and a text of some of his accomplishments. Go by and have a look!” said Doug Brown, past-president of the BHS and a member of the project committee.

The display on the plaque was created and designed by the committee and manufactured by Fontasy Sign & Display Inc.

“Currently we are working on the next installation that is a display of Bayfield’s charts, nautical instruments and more texts of his contributions. The plan is to have this information displayed on plaques or panels and added to the area in early spring,” said Brown.

In mid-August 2021, the committee hopes to celebrate Admiral Bayfield’s contributions to making the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River safer to travel in the 19th century.

open studio program start delayed due to lockdown  

In anticipation of brighter days ahead, the Bayfield Centre for the Arts (BCA) is hard at work envisioning a safe environment for community members and area residents to engage in creative activity.

"The BCA had plans to operate Create Together Open Studio at the Bayfield Community Centre once a week starting in January," said BCA President Leslee Squirrell. "Due to the new provincial lockdown regulations going into effect on Dec 26 for 28 days, the BCA is delaying the start of this program until we have further direction from the province.

"The Bayfield Centre For The Arts remains committed to offering creative opportunities for the general public in a safe manner and will open the Create Together series as soon as is possible."

The BCA is planning a future fundraiser by paying homage to their temporary location – The Barn at 24 Main Street North in the village, the former home of Kryart Studio behind The Village Bookshop.

Artists are invited to donate an original 12” X 12” art piece depicting an Ontario barn in any medium and captured from any angle. These donated barn paintings will be hung and displayed for sale in The Barn in the Spring of 2021. All proceeds will go toward education and appreciation of the arts.

Please email at the address above to let organizers know of intent to participate and to receive an information package.

 Sparky will need a home where he can stretch his legs  

Sparky (Submitted photo)

Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF) has helped hundreds of feral and abandoned cats find their forever homes but many are still waiting.

Sparky is the Adopt-A-BFF featured cat of the week.

This young male, who will hopefully be vetted very soon, is one spunky, young male. Full of spirit and a lot of love, his hind end seems to be spring loaded and he will leap into a person’s arms whenever given the chance.

Volunteers at the Rescue believe he may have been played with roughly as a kitten or was left alone too long because he will still grab and chew but he is working on learning manners and he doesn’t bite or scratch. He is really, really trying hard to do what he is told is being a “good boy”.

Sparky will need some room to stretch his legs and run off some energy – perhaps your home is the “purrfect” choice?

Anyone interested in adopting Sparky is asked to reach out to Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines at bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com.
Donations are always welcome as the cost of a vet visit is $125 per feline, a lot more for cats with special needs. Any financial amount whether it be large or small would be most appreciated. E-transfers can be sent to the email above or email to arrange for a drop off or pick up of donations. Cheques can be mailed to Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines, P.O. Box 33, Bayfield, ON, N0M 1G0.

PORCH PICS FOR PARK

As the sun sets on 2020, Photographer Dianne Brandon will be taking another round of “front porch pictures” in the Village of Bayfield only. This time the images she captures will raise funds for Pioneer Park. She is currently booking 10-minute, daylight only sessions from now to Jan. 3. The fee is $50 and $25 of that will go directly to the Pioneer Park Association. For more information or to schedule an appointment please email Dianne Brandon at dibrandon@hotmail.com or call 519 525-8884. (Photo by Dianne Brandon)

town hall 

For many years it has been a tradition of the London Citadel Salvation Army Band to come to the village for a Christmas Concert at the Bayfield Town Hall. This year the pandemic made that impossible but a few of the band members got together to perform from their home base and have posted a virtual village concert online.

Here is the link for all who might like to partake in the sounds of the season:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMqOQq6ElQU

Agricultural Society 

A note from the Bayfield Agricultural Society’s Board of Director’s President Pam Stanley:

The Bayfield Agricultural Society (BAS) Board of Directors would like to wish everyone season's greetings. The community supported the "virtual fair" last August in amazing ways that let our members make the best of the times possible. For this, we are ever so grateful!

The New Year brings planning for the BAS 165th anniversary to be held on July 5, and the "Harvesting Memories, Planting for the Future" fair, from Aug. 22-24. There will be competitions, displays and events that will be run according to the health measures necessary at that time.

These past months have proved that things get done when we find ways to focus on what we can do, instead of what we can't do. In Huron County, events that bring town and country together have been "social togetherness", for a very long time. This is our goal to continue, with your help and participation, for years to come. Merry Christmas!

United Church 

Just because the congregation of St. Andrew’s United Church couldn’t hold their annual Christmas Bazaar this past November doesn’t mean they haven’t been working on their usual crafting and quilting projects.

They know that people look forward to purchasing handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts during the holiday season and for that reason the congregation has created a place where people can buy the gifts they might have purchased at the Bazaar online.

People can browse through this online Bazaar by visiting: www.bayfieldunited.church

 Anglican Church

Trinity St. James Anglican Church has now suspended their in-church Wednesday morning, Communion Services. 

Sunday services will continue at 11 a.m. and are provided virtually over ZOOM. All are welcome. The congregation would also like to invite people to join in their relaxed Coffee and Conversation hour also held over ZOOM every Thursday and Friday starting at 11 a.m. To join any of these ZOOM sessions please contact Rev’d Mary Farmer at mary.e.r.farmer@gmail.com.

Trinity St James Anglican Church will host a ZOOM Christmas Eve service starting at 6 p.m. For a direct link to the ZOOM service iinformation visit: www.trinitychurch.bayfield.on.ca. 

KNOX CHURCH

Knox Presbyterian Church, Bayfield is pleased to invite the community to participate in their Church Services remotely.

Each week Reverend Lisa Dolson shares scripture readings and the week’s message. Hymns and anthems are provided by organist Jean Walker.

Church access can be enjoyed anytime by following this link pccweb.ca/knoxbayfieldpc/weekly-sermon/.

Food Bank

“This week, we would like to make a very special thank you to the Bayfield Firefighters, for selecting Bayfield Area Food Bank as recipients of a generous supply of carbon monoxide detectors through Enbridge’s “Project Zero” initiative,” said Terry Henderson, president of the Bayfield Area Food Bank (BAFB) Board. “We have begun distributing these detectors to our client’s homes, and are most thankful for this very valuable donation.”

Volunteers of BAFB and their clients are also most grateful for the many, many donations received from individuals, (often times anonymously) of grocery items, essential personal care products, and as well at this special time of year. wonderful holiday treats.

“Our caring Bayfield area community has more than risen to meet the challenge the pandemic has posed for us these past many months,” said Henderson. “A sincere and heartfelt thank you from the BAFB Board to our hardworking volunteers, our supportive donors, and to Trinity St. James Church for continuing to house us within such an excellent facility, while providing us a safe and covid-clean environment in which to work from. Merry Christmas from all of us at the Bayfield Area Food Bank!”

Anyone in need of assistance at this time, is asked to please reach out through either an email to bayfieldareafoodbank@gmail.com or phone/text 519 955-7444. All enquiries are handled with complete confidentiality.

For anyone wanting to drop off a non-perishable food donation, the outdoor bin located at Trinity St. James Church on Keith Crescent, has been moved to the north entrance of the parish hall. This red bin is sitting next to the recycling container at that doorway facing the parking lot, and is emptied frequently, especially with the freezing temperatures to come.

Please note, monetary donations are always a very welcome gift as well, as this allows BAFB to purchase needed items that aren’t otherwise available, such as specific diaper sizes for young children, or a particular brand of infant formula a young one has been prescribed; dietary products for Celiac clients (gluten free essential); special needs for diabetics, and for the very elderly, or for those recovering from surgery or cancer treatment and so on.

For anyone who would like to support BAFB with a monetary gift this Christmas season, there are a few options available. Cheques can be mailed to: Bayfield Area Food Bank, 10 Keith Cres., Bayfield, ON, N0M 1G0. A collection container for cash donations is located at The Bayfield Garage at the corner of Hwy. 21 and Jane St. An e-transfer can be made through BAFB’s gmail account: bayfieldareafoodbank@gmail.com or a donation can be received on-line through the www.canadahelps.org website.

All donations of $20 or more will be receipted for tax purposes. BAFB is a registered charity with CRA. Anyone who would like a receipt, is asked to ensure that their name and address are clearly provided along with the donation.

Winter Hikes 

Especially during a lockdown, spending time outdoors maintains mental health and well-being. The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) is committed to doing our part to help families and friends enjoy the nature that surrounds us. They will continue to offer guided hikes every Saturday at 10 a.m. from Jan. 2nd through Feb. 27th at the Varna Nature Trails.

Participants are asked to meet at the Stanley Community Complex, Mill Road (Ontario Rt 3), just west of Varna.

The BRVTA will follow Provincial regulations by keeping the hike groups to not more than 10 people, including the hike leader. If necessary, they will run more than one group. Because indoor gatherings are not currently allowed, meeting and sign-in will be outdoors at the trail head. (Sorry, no washrooms will be available).

Hike leaders will guide a one-hour hike (2.5km) on the Mavis/Taylor nature trails. All are welcome, including dogs on leash. Participants will follow social distancing protocols, so please bring a mask. During the hike, hikers may remove their mask as long as they keep 2Ms (6 ft) distance from other hikers. Hikes will be held in any weather as long as the trail is safe, so please dress appropriately.

If the hike is cancelled, organizers will post that information by 8 a.m. on the day of the hike on the BRVTA Facebook page “Bayfield Trails” and website bayfieldtrails.com. For questions or more information, contact BRVTA Hike Coordinator Ralph Blasting at rjblastingjr@gmail.com or call 519 525-3205.

It's cookie season

Bayfield Guiding is pleased to announce that it is Chocolatey Mint Cookie season. For the first time ever, people can order their cookies online and have them shipped right to their door anywhere in Canada! Bayfield Guiding has a limited number of cookies to sell in this format and the profits support the local membership directly. Please note there is a minimum cookie order and a shipping fee.

Here is the link: online cookie portal.

A limited number of cookies have been distributed to the Bayfield membership for in person selling at $5 a box. They will be following COVID-19 protocols. Girl Guides Ontario determined selling limits and Bayfield only received about one-third of what they normally sell. So don’t miss out on supporting Bayfield Guiding directly by emailing melody.pounder@gmail.com to make arrangements for cookie delivery.

theatres and Distribution centre benefit from teachers

The Retired Teachers of Ontario (RTO) District 9 Huron-Perth thought they could put some unused programming money to good use this Christmas. Donations of $1,200 were made to each of the three local theatres in Huron and Perth, and to the Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre in Centralia, ON.

Theatres are important economic drivers in Huron and Perth County and their welfare is of utmost concern to many RTO members who are volunteers, donors and patrons at these theatres. The funds will be directed to youth and education programs in each of the three locations: Blyth Festival, Huron Country Playhouse and the Stratford Festival. And, of course, food bank use is at an all time high - the HCFBDC also services both counties.

RTO District 9 represents approximately 1,200 teachers and education workers in Huron and Perth counties.

L-r: Wilhelmina Laurie, secretary of RTO, along with Cathy Hugill, Goodwill chair and Jean Weigand, Service to Others chair, presented a cheque to Mary Ellen Zielman, Executive director of the Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre recently. (Photo by Joe Laurie)

Food banks and Christmas Bureau benefactors 

Together with the Esso™ Community Program, McDougall Energy Inc. and Edward Fuels (a Division of McDougall Energy) have donated $25,000 toward four local organizations supporting individuals and families over the holidays. Donations will go directly to Kincardine and District Ministerial Food Bank, Walkerton and District Food Bank and Gift Program, Goderich Salvation Army, and Huron Perth Christmas Bureau.

“These organizations are pillars in the community for so many individuals and families who are in need year-round, and they go above and beyond at Christmas to help bring joy and unite families during the holidays,” said Don Edward, General manager, Edward Fuels (a Division of McDougall Energy). “Edward Fuels is proud of our roots in Goderich and nearby communities since 1945, and together with McDougall Energy, we’re grateful for the opportunity to give back where we live.”

By providing essential services such as food banks, Christmas hampers, gifts for Christmas, emergency accommodation and so much more, these organizations are vital to local families and individuals. With the help of many volunteers, community support and generous donations, they help provide comfort to people of all ages and ease any burden caused by additional financial stress during this time of year.

“This has been a very challenging year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we want to help brighten up the holidays for those who receive Christmas Cheer in the communities we serve, and where our customers and employees live,” said Darren McDougall, president, McDougall Energy. “McDougall Energy is built on the support of our customers, and we are committed to giving back to our communities through our Community Investment Program.”

Dianne Waram, manager of the Walkerton & District Food Bank said, “The Walkerton and District Food Bank is grateful for the generosity of McDougall Energy and Edward Fuels, which will go a long way to support our Christmas Hamper and Gifts program. Their support will help us provide food and gifts to those in need living in the communities we serve throughout the holiday season.”

“This year, we have seen a significant increase in need within our community. Without the support of donors and partners such as McDougall Energy and Edward Fuels, we could not continue to meet the growing need we are seeing as individuals and families seek support from our Community and Family Services,” said Lieutenant Angela Kerr, Salvation Army Goderich.

Trish Harris, Volunteer coordinator, Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society Christmas Bureau added, “The Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society is extremely thankful for the generosity of McDougall Energy and Edward Fuels. Their support will help approximately 500 Huron County families experience a positive Christmas this year.”

Nancy Dawson and Pat Stewart, coordinators with Kincardine & District Ministerial Food Bank concluded, “At the Kincardine and District Food Bank, we welcome all persons in need of food and personal items year-round, and the holidays can be a challenging time of year for many people. We are thankful for this donation that will help fill the Food Bank shelves and bring Christmas cheer to our community.”

Part II Bistro is but one story of small businesses stepping up 

In May, the Government of Ontario launched its “Small Businesses, Big Hearts” – initiative - a campaign designed to recognize the remarkable ways Ontario small businesses have stepped up and supported their local communities throughout COVID-19, even when they themselves were struggling with adapting to challenges caused by the pandemic.

The small business community has risen to help the vulnerable and those stuck at home, with countless people generously giving their time and resources to make and deliver food, run errands, and check-in on those who are isolated and alone.

The Small Businesses, Big Hearts Award, launched by Premier Doug Ford and Small Business Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria, solicits stories of small businesses across the province that have shown true Ontario Spirit through their generosity, amidst the uncertainty and challenges brought on by COVID-19. Many of these businesses have altered their business models and paid it forward, providing inspiration and creating hope in their local communities.

“Many Ontarians are facing pressures in ways we’ve never seen before because of the global pandemic,” said Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson. “Part II Bistro (in Goderich) helped their local community by donating services, resources, and time to help others. The Big Heart Small Business award is aptly named for Peter Gusso and his staff for their generosity.”

Associate Minister Sarkaria agreed.

"As I connect and host virtual roundtables with small businesses across the province, I'm also hearing about the tremendous generosity of our small businesses and the many ways they are giving back to their communities," she said. "In so many remarkable ways, these local heroes are demonstrating the Ontario spirit. Part II Bistro is one of the recipients and I would like to congratulate them on the Small Businesses, Big Hearts award.”

Gusso, owner of Part 2 Bistro, made the difficult decision to fully close his restaurant in light of social distancing directives. On the last day before closing, he and his staff sent 90 salads and desserts to staff at the Alexandra and Marine Hospital in Goderich. The logistics of distributing these items to the staff and physicians was done so in a safe manner to respect social distancing, as well as reducing the number of people that had “hands on”.

The government’s Small Business Big Hearts initiative provides a platform to highlight small businesses that have helped their communities and made life a little easier for their fellow Ontarians. Many small businesses have shown true Ontario spirit during this period, strengthening the foundation of their communities and helping Ontarians through this recovery.

Anyone who knows of a small business that has stepped up and shown the Ontario Spirit in their community, is invited to send the story to bighearts@ontario.ca.

public health  

The Huron Perth Public Health website is updated regularly with confirmed case counts received.

“Our online case reporting is not a real-time tool but is meant to keep the community informed on trends we are seeing,” explains Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Miriam Klassen.

For the latest statistics on COVID-19 cases in Huron and Perth Counties please visit: www.hpph.ca

CPH Auxiliary 

The Gift of Lights Committee for the Clinton Public Hospital (CPH) Auxiliary cancelled their Nov. 27th Celebration for the Gift of Lights due to circumstances surrounding COVID-19. It has always been a sincere joy to celebrate the lighting of the lights on the tree across the road from the front entrance to the hospital. The lights have been lit up honoring the many memories of individuals and families that have been a part of the community for a number of years.

Donations have been given to CPH Auxiliary for the purchases of new equipment that has been needed and used at CPH. These donations have been given in memory or as gifts to special people in the donors’ lives. Even though the celebration was cancelled they still lit up the tree so those memories and gifts from past years can continue to shine and brighten up people’s lives at this beautiful time of the year as they drive up Shipley Street.

Donation toward the Gift of Lights for 2020 would be welcome and appreciated. Any donation of $20 or more will be given a tax receipt. A cheque could be mailed to: Gift of Lights, CPH Auxiliary, 98 Shipley St. Clinton, ON, N0M 1L0.

ABC Foundation 

Are you looking for a gift idea for that special someone this holiday season? A present doesn’t have to have wrapping paper, bows, and ribbons to be a gift. A local charity asks people to consider a ‘gift to nature’ this year.

The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation (ABCF) offers a number of ‘green gift’ ideas ranging from donations in the name of someone towards their favorite nature trail, tree planting to green the watershed, education programs for youth, turtle programs, wetlands, or pollinators. Other ideas include snowshoe rentals or purchasing trees for someone to plant on their property – these are gifts that keep on giving.

“You make a difference to the health of your community when you buy a green gift,” said Abigail Gutteridge, ABCF secretary. “A Gift to Nature is something special, something different, and it makes a positive difference locally.”

Nature gifts include outdoor experiences. They benefit local water, soil, and habitat for living things. Donations of more than $20 receive a charitable gift receipt for income tax purposes. Certificates are also available acknowledging the gift.
To find out more about giving a gift to nature, visit abca.ca online or phone 519 235-2610 or toll free 1-888-286-2610.

HPHA 

An outbreak of COVID-19 at the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) - Stratford General Hospital has been declared over by Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH). The outbreak had been declared on the Medicine Unit on Dec. 3 after two staff tested positive.

“Upon declaring the outbreak, immediate precautions were implemented, included enhanced cleaning and prevalence testing in over 140 staff and physicians,” said President and CEO of HPHA, Andrew Williams.

The outbreak affected seven staff members in total. No patients acquired the virus while in hospital.

As there have been no further cases, the Medicine Unit has been reopened to admissions and transfers. Family and caregiver presence on the Unit has also been restored. Full guidelines can be found on their website at www.hpha.ca.

“While this outbreak is over, we can’t stress enough the importance of continuing to follow public health measures such as handwashing, mask wearing, physical distancing, getting tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19, limiting social interactions and staying home if you are sick,” said Williams. “We are seeing cases rise in our communities and the province as a whole and we need to remain vigilant.”

safe restart  

MPP Lisa Thompson has announced the provincial government is providing almost $2 million to local municipalities to offset operating costs for critical services and help ensure that no municipality carries an operating deficit into 2021.

“This funding will provide our communities with the support they need to continue delivering critical services that we all rely on everyday,” Thompson said in announcing the Safe Restart Agreement funding. “The money will help municipal councils in Huron-Bruce to develop a 2021 budget that reflects the reality of COVID-19 and give them the confidence they need to proceed with capital projects that will drive economic growth.”

The Ontario government is allocating an additional $695 million across the province to provide financial relief for municipalities and help ensure they do not carry operating deficits into 2021. This investment builds upon the first phase of the federal-provincial Safe Restart Agreement announced this summer.

“This joint funding will help Ontario’s municipalities recover from the impacts of COVID-19 faster, by helping them to enter into 2021 without operating deficits from this year,” said Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Steve Clark. “By ensuring our municipal partners are in a sound financial position to begin the new year, they can better focus on keeping their capital projects on track while continuing to provide the critical services their residents rely on.”

Thompson also announced that Huron and Bruce Counties also will receive $299,700 and $167,600 respectively for social services relief funding. The discretionary funding can be used to improve the delivery of critical services, protect homeless shelter staff and residents, renovate and purchase shelter facilities, add to rent banks, create longer-term housing solutions and support plans to prepare for potential future outbreaks and/or emergencies.

“Our government is responding to the ongoing needs of COVID-19 by providing more flexible funding to keep our vulnerable citizens safe,” said Thompson. “We know that COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of having a place to call home, and this additional funding will help ensure everyone can find – and keep – a safe and secure roof over their head.”

Following is a break down of the Safe Restart funding amounts going to local municipalities and counties.

Bruce County $500,000 (plus $167,600 in Social Services Relief Funding): Brockton, $53,000;
Huron-Kinloss, $51,000; Kincardine, $75,000; Saugeen Shores, $100,000; and South Bruce, $30,000.

Huron County $367,000 (plus $299,700 in Social Services Relief Funding): Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh, $38,000: Bluewater, $66,000; Central Huron, $249,000* (Application based funding) and $52,000; Goderich, $44,000; Howick Township, $234,000* (Application based funding) and $21,000; Huron East, $48,000; Morris-Turnberry, $19,000; North Huron, $28,000; and South Huron, $57,000.

*The application based section is for 48 municipalities who, after the first round of Safe Restart Funding, in August, still faced 2020 operating budget shortfalls.