CRAFTS FOR CANCER DRIVE TO HELP TURN LITTLE FROWNS INTO BIG SMILES
BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER
Little Julia Ramsey, of Vanastra, was first in the news in December of 2009 when family and friends appealed for community support for her immediate family, including her parents and two older siblings, as the tot had been diagnosed with a Wilms’ Tumor and had to undergo both surgery and chemotherapy.
Julia’s mother, Lori Carter, is known to many in the village as she works for a Bayfield business. The family was most appreciative of the communities help and is now looking to do their part to give back.
“My 22-month old daughter, Julia, is currently undergoing treatment for cancer,” said Carter in a recent email. “I am saddened each week to see so many children fighting for their lives. With that being said we would like to try to turn some frowns upside down by holding a Crafts for Cancer Drive.”
On the wish list for the drive are new craft items such as, crayons, markers, coloring books, paper, paint, glue and stickers. The items will be donated to the Pediatric Oncology Department at the Children’s Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre.
Items will be collected until March 31 and arrangements can be made for pick up in the Bayfield area by emailing Carter at loriamcarter505@hotmail.com
On March 3rd, an update on Julia’s condition was posted to the CaringBridge.org website. It tells of Julia’s current state of health:
“The test results came back from Julia's MRI & CT scan last week. No cancer found...Yippee. We don't want to get too excited because generally with Wilms’ Tumor the cancer doesn't return for a few years. We are counting down chemo treatments and thinking positive about the future.”
Julia’s last chemo treatment is scheduled for Apr. 21 and the family hopes to present the craft items collected during the drive to the hospital on that date.
Wilms' Tumor is a rare type of kidney cancer that affects children.
CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Grace Mayhew, of Holmesville and Lana Clancy, of Mannheim, were the two winners of the Bayfield North Watersheds Advisory Committee’s (BNWAC) “Name Your Creek” contest.
Tyler Hessel (left), of Outside Projects in Bayfield, and Jim Ginn, chair of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) and member of the Bayfield North Watersheds Advisory Committee, presented a $50 gift certificate from Outside Projects to Grace Mayhew, of Holmesville, on March 11. Grace was one of two winners in the ‘Name Your Creek’ contest recently held for the Bayfield North Watersheds Plan, which will be unveiled at a public event on March 20. (Submitted photo)
The BNWAC said residents north of Bayfield responded enthusiastically to the idea of a contest suggesting meaningful names for their local creeks.
Mayhew won for her submission of Cuttlefish Creek and Clancy for her suggestion of Fiddlehead Creek. For their winning efforts, they both received $50 gift certificates from Outdoor Projects in Bayfield.
“The committee asked the community to provide more meaningful names for these creeks, or to let us know what they have been calling the creeks that run through their property,” said Hope Brock, Healthy Watersheds Technician with the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA). “The community really liked the contest idea, and some of the information provided with the submissions was very interesting.”
All of the new names can be viewed in the Management Plan for the Bayfield North Watersheds, which will be available online at abca.on.ca, in the Bayfield and Clinton public libraries, and at the launch of the management plan on March 20 at the Schilbe Sugar Shack.
The BNWAC has accepted these names for their use but to be officially recognized, the names must be submitted with an application, for consideration, to the Ontario Geographic Names Board. Once they review these applications, that board will make the final decision on whether the proposed names can be accepted or not.
The Bayfield North Watersheds is a 40-square-kilometre area, just north of Bayfield, which is home to 20 small creeks that flow directly into Lake Huron. These creeks had been assigned such bland scientific names as ‘Creek GO39,’ as part of the Bayfield North Watersheds Management Plan. These alphanumeric names likely didn’t mean much to people. The committee hopes the new names will enhance the sense of ownership area residents already feel towards their local creeks.
The BNWAC would like to thank all of those who submitted creek names.
“We’re hoping that this contest has brought more awareness to the creeks in the area north of Bayfield, and that the community feels a greater sense of ownership for these natural features,” said Brock.
For more information on the Name Your Creek contest results or the Bayfield North Watersheds Management Plan, please contact Hope Brock at the ABCA at 519-235-2610 or 1-888-286-2610 or hbrock@abca.on.ca.
VILLAGE TREES TO BE SHOWN SOME TLC
A local group is standing tall with the trees in the community.
The Bayfield Tree Inventory and Renewal Project is an initiative born out of the concern of local residents about the status of trees in the village.
The intention of the group is to engage the community in a plan to restore Bayfield's trees through a collaborative effort involving community groups, interested individuals and government partners. They envision a process involving, first, an inventory to assess the number, type and health of the existing trees in the village. Second, on the basis of the inventory results, they hope to create a plan for replacing dead and dying trees with species appropriate to soil and moisture conditions. Third, they would like to develop a plan for planting new trees in areas of the village where there are few.
Their goal is to produce a sustainable plan of tree care and renewal and to secure the necessary funding to restore the village's beautiful community forest.
For more information on The Bayfield Tree Inventory and Renewal Project please email Sondra Buchner at tsbuchland@tcc.on.ca or by phone at 519 565-2518.
UNITED WAY OF PERTH-HURON EXCEEDS 2009 FUNDRAISING TARGET FOR HURON
United Way of Perth-Huron is pleased to announce that the Huron County campaign for 2009 exceeded its fundraising target.
The Huron County campaign collected $215,087 with an additional $3,983 raised for other United Ways.
The total represents 104 per cent of the $207,001 goal the organization had set at the beginning of the campaign. To reflect an uncertain economy the 2009 goal was set to match the 2008 campaign achievement.
“We knew that it was going to be a challenging year. The people of Huron County rallied to ensure continued support of the programs that impact those living in their own community, right here at home,” said Shelley Groenestege, board president.
The results were announced in front of an enthusiastic crowd of volunteers and donors at the campaign’s celebration event held at the Clinton Slots on March 10. Awards were presented to corporations and employee groups who gave generously to support their community through the United Way.
“A steady campaign led by volunteer Campaign Chair Chuck Hall and Campaign Manager Benita Rooney, proved that even in uncertain times this community found it in their hearts to give and believe in the United Way’s ability to make lasting positive change. This is truly what makes Huron County such a wonderful place,” said United Way of Perth-Huron’s Executive Director, Ellen Balmain, in a recent press release. “The achievement is credited to the dedication and collective work of community volunteers, committed workplaces, media support and the generosity of hundreds of donors.”
United Way volunteers are now beginning the process of investing the money raised in Huron back into the community.
“Over the next few weeks our Program Review & Allocations Team will review all of the funding applications to ensure that we address real and pressing needs in the community,” said Balmain. “That way we make sure that the money helps the people who need it the most in Huron.”
WATERSHEDS MANAGEMENT PLAN TO BE LAUNCHED AT SCHILBE SUGAR SHACK
Residents north of Bayfield are invited to share in the sweet nectar of the maple tree while celebrating the completion of the Bayfield North Watersheds Management Plan (BNWMP) on March 20.
The plan is now complete after two years of community involvement in its creation. This public launch of the plan will provide an opportunity for citizens to see the results of their work.
The planning committee invites the community to the Schilbe Sugar Shack, located at 77340 Orchard Line from 1-3 p.m. All who attend will see how this operation works and sample the final maple syrup product. Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) staff will also be available to discuss the plan with landowners.
The 40-square-kilometre area of the Bayfield North Watersheds is home to 20 small creeks that flow directly into Lake Huron. The area also contains several significant forested areas.
The new watershed management plan has been created co-operatively by community members, government departments and local agencies to manage the water, land and water interactions and aquatic resources within the watershed to protect and enhance the health of the ecosystem as land uses change.
According to Brock, Healthy Watersheds Technician with the ABCA, the process of developing a community-based watershed plan has created an opportunity to ensure that people’s concerns and interests are addressed along with ways to protect water quality.
“Members of the community have volunteered their time to develop this plan and they are improving the natural environment through their efforts,” she said.
The watershed management plan document will provide information about the natural environment and community interests and issues to landowners north of Bayfield and to other local decision makers, as well as local and government agencies. The land management, aquatics, and erosion sections of the plan provide background information, community interests and issues, a management goal and recommended actions.
TIME IS RUNNING OUT ON BRICK SALE
It has been more than 20 years since a committee was formed to save the Bayfield Town Hall from demolition. Since that time a number of fundraising efforts have been held in an effort to preserve it and make it a vital part of the community social scene.
Now The Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society is looking to improve the entrance to the building to make it more visibly appealing for weddings, festivals, concerts and business meetings.
Time is running out to be part of the society’s latest fundraiser. The sale of commemorative bricks to be installed in the front walk, at the hall entrance and a new walk leading to the property’s “great lawn”, will end on March 31.
The paving stones can be engraved to showcase a family name, honor loved ones or celebrate a special occasion such as a wedding or an anniversary.
According to the fundraising brochure, “These stones will be placed along the walkway so that generations to come will enjoy this wonderful legacy left in honor of the revitalization of the town hall.”
There are three stone styles to purchase: a large stone, 8X12, with two lines of engraving up to 12 characters per line, $250; a medium stone, 8X8, with one line of engraving up to 12 characters, $100; and a place holder, 4X8, no engraving, $50. Tax receipts will be provided. Cheques can be made payable to The Bayfield Town Hall and mailed to PO Box 2078, Bayfield ON, N0M 1G0. Further information can be obtained by contacting Margo Robeson at 519 565-2827.
The society hopes to have the brickwork installed this spring.
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UNITED CHURCH
The Clinton Hospital Auxiliary’s Card Cavalcade will be visiting Bayfield for one fun-filled day of cards and socializing over dessert and coffee. The date is March 26.
A “Bridge Party” will start the day off at 1 p.m. followed by a “Euchre and Games Party” at 7 p.m. Both events will be held at St. Andrew’s United Church. Admission is $5 per person.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Imagine what it must have been like to be one of the first modern men to observe and live amongst the “Stone Age” tribes in Dutch New Guinea soon after they emerged from the jungle.
Such first hand experiences will be explored at the March 22nd meeting of the Bayfield Historical Society.
Ray Holley, a Varna resident, along with his wife Florence, were missionaries and teachers in Dutch New Guinea in the early 1960s and they experienced what life was like for ancient man 20,000 years ago. They observed the profound impact on a society that had no written language, no metals, no containers that would hold water and no medicines. Cannibalism was still practiced in some areas and inter-tribal warfare was common.
Reverend Holley has lectured extensively at Universities and has produced a documentary film about their experiences.
Those who attend this presentation will learn how their most ancient ancestors lived and how humans and societies have evolved. The historical society’s meeting will be held at the Bayfield Lion’s Community Building starting at 7:30 p.m.
EARTH HOUR
Communities around the world will demand action on climate change by marking Earth Hour on March 27. All are encouraged to turn their lights off for 60 minutes starting at 8:30 p.m. (local time).
To celebrate Earth Hour in Bayfield everyone is invited to turn off lights at home and head to St Andrew’s United Church for a sing-along in celebration of the earth and to express joint concern about its future. The program will commence at 8:30 p.m. It will feature songs by both the Glees Sisters and St. Andrew’s Church Choir, plus the two choirs combined. The choirs will also lead a sing-along of popular old-time songs.
Organizers suggest participants bring a flashlight, candle or hurricane lamp to view the words for the sing-along by because the lights will be off in the church as well!
ANGLICAN
It is a Lenten tradition at Trinity Anglican Church to join in fellowship over a hearty bowl of soup while delighting in a great cinematic work.
The final “Soup and a Movie at Trinity” for this Lenten season will be held on March 22 from 6-9 p.m. The movie to be presented will be Glory Road. A free will offering is asked to cover the cost of soup and buns and all in the community are welcome.
CONCERT SERIES
“Big Town Canadian Singers Going Small Town” is the theme for the upcoming spring installment of the Bayfield Concert Series to be held in the Bayfield Town Hall.
The headliners are some of the countries’ top talents, who when mixed with some locally grown entertainers performing as their opening acts, create the perfect blend for an exciting evening of music.
Scheduled to perform are: Melissa McClelland with Brad Cassel, Apr. 17; Luke Ducet with Beth Moore, May 8.
Individual show ticket prices range from $10 to $25. Tickets are available at Ernie King Music in Goderich and Black Dog Village Pub and Bistro in Bayfield.
The series is being presented by Meades Bros. Productions and The Little Inn of Bayfield. Special Concert Getaways are now available at The Little Inn; to learn more please call 1-800-565-1832.
BAYFIELD GUIDING
The 1st Bayfield Pathfinders organized “Dance, Dance Resolution – Resolve to Fight Hunger”, a dance open to children in Grades 6-8 to raise money and food donations for the Clinton Salvation Army Food Bank and area youth responded. About 45 pre-teens attended the event held at the Bayfield Community Centre and 34 KG (75.5 lbs) of food was collected.
The Pathfinders are pleased to report that everyone seemed to have a great time and the dance floor never emptied over the course of the evening. Music and special lighting were generously provided by MCL Sound’s professional DJ service and this did much to add to the dance party atmosphere.
This fundraiser was conducted as part of the Girl Guides of Canada (GGC) Feed the Hungry Centenary Project. As Pathfinders the girls are challenged by GGC to collect 50 KG (110 lbs) of food for their community food banks. This event put the girls more than half way to their goal and they are very grateful to the young people of the community for their support.
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
Volunteers are now needed to help make the 154th Bayfield Fall Fair an extraordinary event.
The fair which will be held on Aug. 20-22 is an integral part of the village summer calendar but it can only be a success with great volunteers. This year new chairs are needed for such departments as flowers and concessions, but help for any area of interest to people is always appreciated.
The volunteer position of Talent Show coordinator is also available. Someone who might enjoy nuturing the talents of area youth is needed to take up the reigns of this always popular event. The outgoing coordinator has organized the event in such a way that the person stepping into the role should do so with ease. If a coordinator can not be found this show will not go on; a genuine disservice to the talented young people of the region who have got their start in Bayfield and gone on to excel at higher levels of the competition.
For more information on how you can help the Bayfield Agricultural Society with their upcoming fair please contact Emma VanderWouden, secretary, at 519 482-3020.
LENTEN SERVICES
Local residents are invited to take a Journey through Lent with services being offered at three local churches: Trinity Anglican, St. Andrew’s United and Knox Presbyterian.
“These services began at Knox in 2007, last year Trinity joined us and we are really excited to have St. Andrew's join us this year,” said Rev. Susan Moore, minister at Knox.
“Every minister will have their own way of leading this time of scripture reading, reflection and prayer but in past years those who attended found this a wonderful time to prepare themselves for Holy Week and Easter,” said Moore.
Last year there was an average attendance of 27-30 people.
Knox Presbyterian Church will host the last two services on March 17 and 24.
The services will be 30 minutes in length and will be followed by lunch and fellowship.
BRIDGE CLUB
Looking for a fun evening of fellowship and card play?
Then why not join the Wednesday Evening Bridge Club on March 17 for their meeting to be held at the Bayfield Lions’ Community Building.
The decks will be shuffled starting at 7 p.m. All are welcome to join in the fun.
FILM SOCIETY
The Secret Life of Bees is the title of the third film in the spring series of movies being offered by the Bayfield Film Society. The curtain will go up on this film on Apr. 8.
A later start time is being tried for this season and the films will commence at 7:30 p.m. in the Bayfield Town Hall.
The final movie scheduled for the season is Cairo Time. It will be shown on May 13.
Tickets cost $10 per person at the door the night of the film.
For more information please contact Lynne Gillians at 519 565-5884 or by email at lynnegillians@hotmail.com
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