facelift begins on century old archives building

The Bayfield Archives is receiving some TLC due to volunteers in the community and members of the Bayfield Historical Society. A work party gathered on Sept. 23 to scrape the exterior walls in anticipation of a fresh coat of paint. (Submitted photo)

STORY BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER

The iconic Bayfield Archives Building in front of the Library on Main Street is in desperate need of some TLC and members of the Bayfield Historical Society (BHS) as well as concerned citizens are coming to its aid.

In early Sept., the BHS received permission from the Municipality of Bluewater to undertake the required upgrades to the building that is owned by the municipality. The society is organizing volunteer work parties to scrape, seal, prime and paint the building.

Last week, volunteers began work on a facelift to the historic 120 year-old building.

“As the centerpiece of Bayfield’s heritage Main Street this building should be a show piece, but its appearance has been getting a bit ragged over the past few years,” said Bill Rowat, society member.

The work is being completed through the generosity of experts as well as with this year’s BHS program money,

John Parker, is donating the sealant and paint for the project along with his expert advice based on years in the paint business. The paint will match the historic colors of the building. Using wood, donated by Rick Schilbe, Bob Merrimen is making new gingerbread trim to replace the broken pieces on the façade of the building.

“Volunteers during the first two work sessions scraped off the old peeling paint,” said Rowat. “It will take at least two or three more volunteer work parties over the next few weeks to sand, caulk and paint the building before the weather turns.”

The date for the next work party is Oct. 2nd from 9-11 a.m. All volunteers are welcome to attend.

Bannockburn Hike as familiar a tradition as thanksgiving meal

The Bannockburn Fall Hike is almost as big an autumn tradition for some people as turkey and stuffing; individuals and families have enjoyed the annual event for more than three decades.

The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) invites everyone to Bannockburn Conservation Area any time between 1-3 p.m. on Oct. 3, for the 37th Annual Bannockburn Fall Hike. The conservation area, formerly known as the Bannockburn Wildlife Area is located at 76249 Bannockburn Line, two KMS north of Huron County Road 3, between Varna and Brucefield.

“Bannockburn Conservation Area is very rich in species diversity, boasting six different types of natural communities including a wet meadow, river systems, old field, marsh and forest,” said Denise Iszczuk, Conservation Education Technician with ABCA.

Plants found there include: highbush cranberry, ninebark, wild grape, goldenrod and many varieties of asters. Raccoons, woodpeckers, white-tailed deer and turtles also populate the area.

ABCA staff will be on hand to answer nature questions. A self-guided tour booklet will be available for those who like to explore on their own or a professionally narrated audio file, can be downloaded free-of-charge from the ABCA website at abca.on.ca. Free compact discs are also available.

The guided audio tour interprets 13 points of interest along the trail. The audio file and new interpretive signs at Bannockburn Conservation Area were developed through a partnership effort initiated by the Friends of the Bayfield River, and funding partners, called the Walk a Mile Trail Information Project. The interpretive points-of-interest talk and digital audio player, pedometers for step counting and GPS units may be borrowed anytime of the year from the ABCA Administration Centre (RR 3 Exeter) for use at Bannockburn Conservation Area.

Participants can help reduce waste by bringing their own mugs to enjoy a complimentary drink of hot or cold apple cider, locally grown apples will also be supplied.

Admission is free but donations are welcome to support conservation education efforts. For further details contact the ABCA at 519-235-2610 or 1-888-286-2610.

Fresh produce at Affordable Prices: It's in the Box

As local farmers’ markets and road-side stands close up shop for the winter season people might wonder how they can continue to support local producers and thus help keep their ‘food dollars’ closer to home – the answer is “The Huron Good Food Box”.

The Huron Good Food Box (HGFB) is a volunteer-based program that provides a monthly box of fruits and vegetables to all Huron County residents for only $15 per month. The HGFB also provides an introduction to delicious new products and recipes.

“This is great program that offers fresh foods that are locally-grown as often as possible,” said HGFB coordinator, Brittany Fry. “The box offers foods at an affordable price to all Huron County residents, not just low-income families. We want to increase access to healthy fruits and veggies for all.”

The HGFB is such great value because the program is able to purchase produce in bulk and pass the savings along to the customers, often saving up to 40 per cent off of grocery store prices. It provides consumers with access to healthy, nutritious food products while supporting local farmers and suppliers, the local economy and the sustainability of a healthy community.

"As outlined in the County of Huron's 'Take Action' report, the Good Food Box is a great initiative to support the long-term health of our communities as well as the local economy", said Huron’s Sustainability Consultant, Lindsey Goodchild.

Bayfield and area residents can purchase the HGFB by calling Nancy Scotchmer at 519 565-2596. Orders must be placed by the first Friday of every month, and must be pre-paid in cash at the time that orders are placed. Trinity Anglican Church, located in Bayfield at 10 Keith Cres., is the neighborhood host site and the pick-up location for the boxes. The boxes should be picked up on the third Thursday of each month, between noon and 4 p.m.

October box orders are due Oct. 1 and will be picked up on Oct. 21 at Trinity. Participants are asked to bring a bag or box to carry their items home.

“There is no obligation to order every month, but we do encourage customers to try boxes over a two or three month period because box contents vary according to season and availability”, said Fry.

The HGFB program has distribution sites throughout Huron County including: Blyth, Brussels, Clinton, Exeter, Goderich, Grand Bend, Seaforth, Wingham, Walton and Zurich.

The HGFB relies on volunteers to pack and deliver boxes, take orders, collect payment and ensure that customers pick up their boxes. Anyone who would like to be involved in this exciting opportunity to build a new food system in their community, please contact Fry at 519 482-3416 Ext. 2244 or bfry@huroncounty.ca.

Quilters' Retreat Produces 26 Quilts Bound for the Congo

The Sunshine Coast Quilters Guild held a weekend retreat recently at Camp Menesetung, north of Goderich.

Twenty-one ladies, many of whom are from Bayfield and area, took part with some spending the weekend and some just coming for the Saturday activities. The group completed 26 baby quilts that are being sent with a guild member’s daughter to the Congo. The rest of the weekend was spent with members working on their own projects. There was also plenty of time to enjoy good food and social activities like playing cards.

Over the course of the event members also made quilt blocks that will be turned into a quilt entitled, "The 2010 Quilters’ Retreat Camp Quilt.”

Time to Vote Aki Ra - CNN Hero

In Week 34 Issue 59 of the Bayfield Breeze, we introduced our subscribers to Aki Ra, a Cambodian with a Bayfield connection, who had been nominated for CNN Hero for 2010.

To update Aki Ra’s progress in the contest, he has now made it to the Top 10 and the public has an opportunity to vote for him by visiting CNN Heroes

Aki Ra is helping to make his native Cambodia safer by clearing land mines; many of which he planted years ago as a child soldier for the Khmer Rouge.

Ten years ago, Bayfield native and photojournalist, Richard Fitoussi, covered the 25th anniversary of the Khmer Rouge social experiment. He went to visit the Cambodia Landmine Museum that Aki Ra established at his home in 1997. Back in Canada, Fitoussi used his photographs to help tell Aki Ra’s story, collected monetary donations and raised awareness for the cause.

The result of their partnership is the Cambodia Landmine Museum and Relief Facility that opened to the public in 2007. It is the first licensed and accredited museum of its kind in the world.

Love Song to...Bayfield

Jason Collett headlined the most recent installment of the Bayfield Concert Series at the Bayfield Town Hall on Sept. 25. The opening act was local performer, Josh Geddes (photo at left). (Photos by Dennis Pal)

Celebration of First Nations

Bayfield will once again be a location for events scheduled for the Celebration of First Nations in Huron County on the weekend of Oct. 2-3.

Blyth and Goderich will also have events scheduled during the third annual event organized by the Heritage and Culture Partnership.

In Bayfield, a screening of the National Film Board of Canada’s acclaimed film “Reel Injun” will be shown at the Bayfield Town Hall on Oct. 3 at 3 p.m. Neil Diamond, the film’s director will introduce the film and will also answer questions following its presentation.

Hollywood has made over 4,000 films about Native people; over 100 years of movies defining how Indians are seen by the world. Reel Injun takes an entertaining and insightful look at the Hollywood Indian, exploring the portrayal of North American Natives through the history of cinema.

Tickets are available through the Blyth Festival box office, 519 523-9300. The cost is adults, $10; and students, $7.

For more information on the events scheduled for Blyth and Goderich please visit The Celebration of First Nations event page on Facebook.

ALL CANDIDATES MEETINGs

Want to make an informed choice when it comes time to vote in the upcoming municipal election?

The Zurich and District Chamber of Commerce is hosting an All Candidates Meeting at the Zurich Complex on Sept. 29 from 7-9 p.m. This should be the perfect forum in which to get acquainted with the candidates and their agendas. All citizens are encouraged to attend.

In addition, the Bayfield Ratepayers' Association will host an All Candidates Meeting at the Bayfield Community Centre on Oct. 2 at 10 a.m.

GOSPEL CONCERT

There should be no crying in the chapel when Las Vegas World Champion Elvis Presley Impersonator, Roy LeBlanc, arrives at Brucefield United Church to perform an evening of the King’s gospel classics on Oct. 3.

Leblanc will also share the stage with some local talent to round out the evening, which is set to begin at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are available for $15, per adult; and $6 for children 12 years and under. Please call Debbie Rathwell, 519 233-9153; or Willi Laurie, 519 482-9265.

HEALTH SERIES

“Here’s to Health!” is an opportunity for area seniors to learn how to maximize their health with self-management tips on how to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. The education sessions will be offered for free on Mondays until Nov. 22.

The sessions will be held at the Bayfield Community Centre starting at 10:15 a.m. and, with one exception on Nov. 1, will be an hour in length. Also please note that due to the municipal election scheduled for Oct. 25, that morning’s session’s location will be announced shortly. There is no need to register to attend.

The session topics are as follows: Learning About Your Bones, Oct. 4; Chiropractic and Optometry Services, Oct. 18; Nutrition and Your Bones, Oct. 25; Healthy Ways to Prevent a Stroke, Nov.1; Exercise for Healthy Bones, Nov. 8; Pharmacy Services, Nov. 15 and Healthy Lifestyles to Protect Your Bones, Nov. 22.

The second session, Learning About Your Bones, to be held on Oct. 4 will feature information on osteoporosis, bone structure and the four main factors that contribute to bone health. The guest speaker will be Nadine VandenHeuvel from Town and Country Support Services.

horticultural society

The Bayfield and Area Horticultural Society (BAHS) will host their Fall Pot Luck for members and invited guests on Oct. 18.

The event will be held at St. Andrew’s United Church starting at 6:30 p.m. Those who attend are asked to bring a dish to share and their own plate and cutlery.

A highlight of the evening will be an Informal Master Gardener Forum, so bring gardening questions as well!

FILM SOCIETY

The Bayfield Film Society has moved their Fall Series to Wednesday nights. The next cinematic experience will be held on Oct. 13. The title of the film to be presented is Mao’s Last Dancer.

The films are shown at the Bayfield Town Hall. Other titles in the series are: The Secret in Their Eyes, Nov. 10; and Me & Orsen Wells, Dec. 8.

This is an opportunity to see Toronto Film Festival Films without having to leave the village. All films will begin at 7:30 p.m.

For more information and for tickets call Jane Rowat at 519 565-5838 or e-mail wjrowat@tcc.on.ca .

BAYFIELD CONCERT SERIES

The fall line up of top tier entertainment has been established for the autumn months in the ongoing Bayfield Concert Series. The concerts feature big town Canadian singers going small town and highlights opening acts of local Huron County talent.

The concert schedule is as follows: Oct. 30, Oh Susanna; Nov. 13, Danny Michel; and Dec. 10, Good Lovelies.

Ticket prices range from $25 to $35. Tickets are available at the Black Dog Pub and Bistro, Ernie King (Goderich) and at www.ticketscene.ca

The concerts are being presented by Meades Bros. Productions and The Little Inn of Bayfield. Overnight packages are now available at The Little Inn; to learn more please call 1-800-565-1832.

FITNESS FUN

Opportunities to stay fit, and have fun while doing it, abound for fall 2010.

Pole Walking is a popular part of many fitness regimes. There is currently a Pole Walking session on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. and Thursdays at 1 p.m. The group departs from 6 Main Street. The session incorporates an hour of walking with an ending cool down stretch. And pole walking is not just a women’s exercise; new sessions are being introduced for men on Mondays and Fridays starting at 8:30 a.m.

Anyone new to Pole Walking can contact Pat Lewington at 519 565-2202 for more information.

Dancefit and Toning classes continue on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9 a.m. The Sit and Get Fit Classes take place on Mondays and Wednesdays at
10:15 a.m. A new class entitled, Let’s Stretch, and hosted by April, from Bayfield Chiropractic will be held on Fridays at 10 a.m. All of these classes are held at the Bayfield Community Centre.

Badminton will resume at Huron Centennial School in Brucefield starting at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays. And Pickleball will continue at Middleton’s Orchards on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9-11 a.m. and Wednesdays from 2-4 p.m.

BRIDGE CLUB

Please be advised that the Wednesday Evening Bridge Club will meet next on Sept. 29 and the decks will be shuffled starting at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

Bluewater Blooms

Bluewater Blooms has received a Four Bloom Rating from Communities in Bloom Ontario.

The Municipality of Bluewater was awarded the rating at the provincial awards ceremony held in Sarnia on Sept. 25.

According to the Municipality of Bluewater website, this level of success is an outstanding achievement for the Bluewater Blooms Committee as it highlighted the efforts of Municipal Council and staff, local volunteers and community groups, residents, commercial and industrial partners.

The top three areas where Bluewater excelled included efforts in heritage, community involvement and municipal operations for community tidiness.

The provincial judges commended the municipality for success in the following areas: tidiness, environmental awareness, community involvement, natural and cultural heritage conservation, tree/urban forest management, landscaped areas, floral displays, turf and groundcover. The judges highlighted the Hensall Town Hall revitaliation project as an outstanding example of what can be accomplished with community dedication and commitment.

An official presentation to Bluewater Council will be held at its first meeting in October.