FamiliAr face returns to main street with fresh eyes

STORY BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER

Visitors to Main Street Optometric may recognize a familiar face. Danielle Durand has returned to the area after a seven-year absence. She is no stranger to Main Street employment having worked at Rosie’s Ice Cream Shop and Bayfield Foodland during her formative high school years. Durand is now the office manager at Main Street Optometric, 25 Main Street North in the village.

Upon graduating from the University of Guelph, she began employment at i)Vision in Guelph, ON which she describes as being a busy optical dispensary.

“Within eight months of employment I was promoted into the management position,” she said. “At i)Vision I managed a staff of eight employees, including two licensed opticians, optician students and retail sales associates.”

Durand has considerable experience in assisting clients with frame selection, and determining most appropriate lens types based on the presented prescription. She is also experienced in frame adjustment, repair and troubleshooting.

At Main Street Optometric she is responsible for bringing in the latest trends in high-quality eyewear including major designers like Gucci, and Jimmy Choo, as well as more unique lines including Vanni and Canadian made Spectacle Eyeworks from Vancouver. She is also happy to advise patients with frame selection and most appropriate lens and coating types based on their eyewear needs.

“I am a strong advocate for a healthy lifestyle from all angles – this includes regular eye-exams with an eye-care professional, as our eyes often act as a window into our overall health,” said Durand.

She went on to say that she is excited to be working with Dr. Richard Samuell, owner of Main Street Optometric, in providing quality service and products to the residents of Bayfield and the surrounding area.

Get a sneak peak at "A Perfect Soldier" before it heads to Sundance and Cannes

On Nov. 16, 3World Media will host a double screening of its two feature length documentaries, “Waging Peace: Canada in Afghanistan” and “A Perfect Soldier” Local documentary filmmakers Randall Lobb, Mark Hussey and Richard Fitoussi will present the films starting at 7:30 p.m.

“Waging Peace: Canada in Afghanistan” (2009) is the only Canadian independent documentary to be produced on the frontlines of the Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan since Canada’s decade long war began. The film explores what Canada is doing in Afghanistan and attempts to illustrate why Canadians continue to die in a mission that has caused more controversy than any other military intervention in its history. The film has received critical acclaim from the UN, the Christian Science Monitor (UK), The Guardian (UK), as well as from educators, international diplomats, and humanitarian groups. The Frontline Club in the UK is currently interested in hosting a screening of the film in London later in the year.

Waging Peace will be followed by a sneak peak preview of “A Perfect Soldier” (2010), 3World Media’s follow up documentary.

“A Perfect Soldier”, currently bound for Sundance and Cannes film festivals, tells the story of Aki Ra, a former Khmer Rouge child soldier from Cambodia who has since become an international hero as one of the world’s greatest living landmine clearers. Aki Ra was recently nominated by CNN as one of its Top 10 Heroes of 2010. Bayfield based filmmaker Fitoussi has a close relationship with Aki Ra having worked with him for the last 11 years.

Fitoussi was responsible for launching Aki Ra’s NGO and for building the Cambodian Landmine Museum that now displays thousands of the weapons that Aki Ra has cleared. The museum is also a landmine relief facility for some 40 children affected by landmines, disabilities and poverty. Fitoussi will fly to Los Angeles the following morning to join Aki Ra as CNN’s Anderson Cooper presents him with his award during CNN’s TRIBUTE TO HEROES broadcast airing American Thanksgiving night, Nov. 26.

People are encouraged to vote for Aki Ra to win CNN HERO OF THE YEAR by visiting: www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/cnn.heroes/archive10/aki.ra.html

There is no cost to view the films but donations are encouraged to clear landmines in Cambodia. Beer will also be available for purchase.

Shop locally - it's in the bag

Huron Local First (HLF) is proud to declare the last full week of November as Shop Local Week across Huron County. With the holiday season fast approaching, people are being encouraged to do their Christmas shopping in the county – HLF believes that if people give shopping locally a try they will be surprised by what the local businesses have to offer.

Part of Shop Local Week, Nov. 21-27, is the “Why do you shop local?” contest, which can be entered at www.shopinhuron.ca. The winner will receive a HLF bag filled with almost $1,000 worth of amazing prizes from our participating businesses.

“More and more shoppers are discovering the local businesses,” said HLF Coordinator Chelsea Burchill. “They’re realizing they can find almost everything they’re looking for right here at home.”

While on www.shopinhuron.ca, visitors can check out some of the fantastic local businesses. They can also find out more about the “It’s in the bag!” campaign. Shoppers can purchase a HLF bag through the Clinton BIA at the Central Huron Municipal building in Clinton. This reusable canvas bag becomes your ticket to discounts at businesses across the county including, The Little Inn of Bayfield.

“Discounts range from five per cent off to no tax,” said Burchill, “Shoppers can save big with their bag.”

HLF is a county-wide program to raise awareness of the importance of keeping businesses healthy in Huron County. With consumers and local businesses working together, we can achieve a more sustainable economy.

“Together, we will enhance the communities, support local businesses and keep the county unique,” said Burchill. HLF has been designed to help businesses bring in more customers, help consumers save and utilize more local businesses and services.

For more information on how you can get involved with the program, please contact Burchill at 519-524-8394 ext. 3 or shop@huroncounty.ca.

Support the BRVTA  - take a hike

The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) has had a busy year and due to ongoing community support, their projects will continue to grow. The Sawmill, Woodland and Heritage Trails cover a total of 10 KMs and are being enjoyed by both local residents and visitors.

People are invited to support the trails financially by joining the BRVTA. Yearly memberships are $20 per individual and $25 per family. Cheques for memberships can be made payable to the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association and mailed to P.O. Box 531 Bayfield, ON. N0M 1G0. Memberships are available from Outdoor Projects, 6 Main Street in the village.

To learn more about volunteering with the BRVTA or for more information please contact Member Coordinator, Helen Varekamp at hvarekamp@tcc.on.ca or call 519 565-5442.

Thousands of hours of volunteer time have gone into creating the trails with the goal to provide walking trails for community health, enjoyment, environmental awareness and tourism. Over the past three years the BRVTA has produced a valuable community asset, but this trail project is still in its infancy and most expensive stage. Bridges, boardwalks, signage and erosion control are all capital investments that must be purchased before trails can be opened.

The BRVTA has brought this community closer together; support and the generosity of our landowner partners have enabled them to sponsor numerous fundraiser walks. Groups from other communities are learning about and walking the trail network. The BRVTA reports that feedback has been wonderful!

Outdoor enthusiasts should take careful note that the Woodland Trail will be closed from Nov. 29 to Dec. 5 for Deer Hunting Season.

To ensure the safety of trail users and to meet the conditions that the association has agreed to with their landowner partners, the BRVTA has placed “Trail Closed” signs at each entry point to the Woodland Trail.

The Woodland Trail will be reopened immediately after the hunting season is finished.

The Sawmill Trail, the Heritage Trail and the Mavis and Taylor Trails in Varna do not permit hunting at any time and are open all year round.

Salvation Army Band returns to hall for Christmas concert

On Nov. 26 the Bayfield Town Hall will welcome back the London Citadel Salvation Army Band for their fifteenth annual Christmas Concert. Their appearance on the town hall stage is a holiday tradition for many and should not be missed. In case of inclement weather the concert will be held on Dec. 3.

The London Citadel Band got its start in 1883. By the early 1900s the band was in demand and performed in such cities as Windsor and Detroit. In the last 127 years the groups’ horizons have broadened considerably and they have traveled to England twice as well as the west coast of Canada and parts of the USA.
Bandmaster John Lam, a native of Owen Sound, joined the band in 1985. Ten years later he became Bandmaster and that year he brought the band to the town hall. Since then they have returned annually excepted for one year when they were “snowed out”.

Show time is 8 p.m. and tickets are selling for $10 per person. For tickets call Charles Kalbfleisch at 519 565-2244 or Pat Langley at 519 565-2894 or online at ticketscene.ca

Coincidentally, the Salvation Army began in Canada in 1882, the same year that the Bayfield Town Hall was built. All proceeds from the concert will go to The Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society for the maintenance of the hall.

Wreath fundraiser culminates this weekend

The Bayfield Agricultural Society is gearing up for its annual fundraiser, the making and selling of wreaths for the Christmas season. There are a variety of ways that people can help make this fundraiser a success.

The wreaths and tails (swags) are hand made of donated greens from the area and are perfect to decorate for Christmas and all winter long. To place an order for home or business please contact Emma VanderWouden at 519 482-3020 or evanderwouden@tcc.on.ca.

People are invited to come to TE-EM Farm and help make the wreaths, just let VanderWouden know you’d like to help. Those who volunteer should bring their own clippers and dress in layers with comfortable shoes for standing. They should also remember that the lunches are potluck and that crock pots work well. To take part in the lunch please also bring your own silverware and dishes.
TE-EM Farm will supply coffee and tea.

“We always have a good time, lots of food in the form or pot-luck lunches and it has been known to be warm enough in the greenhouses to wear shorts!” she said.

On Nov. 10-11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., volunteers are needed to clip, bundle and make the wreaths to sell during the Christmas in Bayfield weekend.

Once the wreaths are made it is time to sell them and the society needs some volunteers to do so on Nov. 12 and 13 in front of St. Andrew’s United Church.

Students encourged to write about their local watershed

The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) is calling all aspiring authors and poets to use the Ausable Bayfield Watershed as their muse.

ABCA is hosting a writing competition called Watershed Tales. Students who live within, or attend a school within, the watershed boundaries, are eligible to enter. This is the perfect contest for young people with both an interest in writing and a concern for their local environment. Those who enter will have a chance to have their work published.

Students can win cash prizes for short stories, essays or poems that have a positive environmental message about their local watershed environment. Prizes will be awarded for prose and poetry in different age groups. There are also short story, poem and essay categories for adults.

“ABCA wants to build environmental conscience and creative writing is a great way to encourage young people to think about the natural environment around them,” said Tim Cumming, ABCA communications specialist. “Their stories about their watersheds can then educate others.”

The deadline for submissions has been extended until Nov. 30. ABCA plans to publish winning submissions in a limited-edition booklet and on a web site. For submission forms and contest rules visit abca.on.ca.

Christmas begins

Christmas celebrations commence in the heritage village on a great lake this coming weekend, Nov. 12-14.

Bayfield will be decked out in holiday splendor for the tree lighting ceremony which will be held in Clan Gregor Square at 7 p.m. on Friday. The jolly old elf, himself will make his first appearance in the village for 2010. Members of the Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society will be selling hot dogs and hot drinks in support of the town hall starting at 6:30 p.m.

The following morning at 11 a.m. the Santa Claus Parade will make its way along Main Street complete with pipe bands, floats, horses and the Shriner’s mini cars.

After the parade, free carriage rides will be offered to anyone wishing to take a little tour of town the old fashioned way. Rides will be offered on Sunday afternoon as well.

Also on Sunday, the Main Street shopping experience will be enhanced by some festive music.

Fire Department

With the onset of the festive season, the members of the Bayfield and Area Volunteer Fire Department would like us to remember those in our community that may be doing without.

During the upcoming Bayfield Santa Claus parade to be held on Nov. 13 at 11 a.m., they will be collecting non-perishable food items from spectators along the parade route. Donations will also be accepted at Bayfield Foodland from noon to 3 p.m. that day.

Anglican Church

Operation Christmas Child is a tradition at Trinity Anglican Church and the latest campaign has commenced.

Participants are asked to take a box and fill it with gifts and necessities for either a boy or girl in one of three age categories: 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14. Instructions are provided as to what will and won’t be accepted in the box; a well-balanced selection of such items as, school supplies, hygiene items, small gifts and toys are acceptable. A donation of $7 per box is also appreciated as this helps with shipping costs.

Filled boxes should be returned to Trinity on or before Nov. 14 as they will be blessed at the church service that morning. The congregation hopes to fill 100 shoeboxes as part of this Samaritan’s Purse project.

United Church

It’s the time of year when local choirs dust off their Christmas carol books to prepare for the festive season.

The choir at St. Andrew’s United Church is now holding practices for their Christmas Carol Service on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. All in the community are invited to join the choir, no matter their denomination.

The St. Andrew’s United Church Women will hold their annual Christmas Holly Bazaar this coming weekend during Christmas in Bayfield.

The event will be held at St. Andrew’s on Nov. 12 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Organizers report that there will be a wonderful selection of items available made and donated by the talented members of the Bayfield Sunshine Coast Quilters Guild. Items include dolls, pillows, table runners, scarves, quilts, and bags – certainly something for all on your shopping list. There will also be a bake table and a craft table plus a lunch booth.

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Elizabeth Sangster, assistant district director of the Ontario Horticultural Association District 8, will be the guest speaker at the Nov. 15 meeting of the Bayfield and Area Horticultural Society.

She will share how to create an Underwater Flower Arrangement for Christmas.

This meeting that will be held at the Bayfield Lions’ Community Building will also be the society’s annual general meeting. The evening shall commence at 7:30 p.m.

Books and Brunch

The Village Bookshop is providing area residents with ample reading material this fall with authors coming to town to share their work.

People are invited to break bread with Judy Fong Bates, author of The Year of Finding Memory, at The Black Dog Pub and Bistro on the evening of Nov. 20. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. and tickets are $35 per person, including dinner.

The Books and Brunch series will return on Dec. 5 with Alison Pick, author of Far to Go as the guest speaker. The event will be held at The Little Inn of Bayfield starting at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person.

Tickets for these two readings are available now from The Village Bookshop.

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 and organizers are pleased to report that the sessions are proving to be quite popular with attendance ranging from 25 to 40 people each week. These educational sessions are offered for free on Mondays until Nov. 22.

The sessions will be held at the Bayfield Community Centre and will be held for one hour starting at 10:15 a.m. There is no need to register to attend.

The session topics are as follows: Pharmacy Services, Nov. 15 and Healthy Lifestyles to Protect Your Bones, Nov. 22.

The seventh session, Exercise for Healthy Bones, will feature guest speaker, Michael Ibrahim from Pharmasave - Michael’s Pharmacy. He will outline what services your pharmacist can offer you. He will also inform those present about vitamins and supplements and how they may interact with other medications.

Film Society

The Bayfield Film Society has moved their Fall Series to Wednesday nights. The next cinematic experience will be held on Nov. 10. The title of the film to be presented is The Secret in Their Eyes.

The films are shown at the Bayfield Town Hall. The final film in the Fall Series will be 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: 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.

Bayfield residents can join the Zumba craze when classes start in the village on Nov. 15. Zumba is a dance fitness class that combines Latin rhythms and easy to follow moves, creating a calorie burning dance party suitable for all ages.

The classes will be held on Mondays from 7-8 p.m. at the Bayfield Community Centre. The first class is $5 and subsequent classes will be $10 each. The class will run for approx. 10 weeks with a two-week break over Christmas.

Licensed Zumba instructors, Alison De Groot and Lorraine Dietz, will teach the class. For more information email De Groot at bayfieldzumba@gmail.com

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.

Optimist Club

A beautiful cedar-lined chest filled to overflowing with toys for boys and girls of all ages may sound like a holiday dream but for one lucky person it will be reality come Dec. 12.

The Bayfield Optimist Club is once again holding a raffle on a hand painted wooden toy chest filled with Christmas wishes. The chest replete with toys was unveiled at the Homes for the Holiday Tour held this past weekend and will be on display at the Christmas in Bayfield weekend festivities. Tickets are available now from Optimist members and at the Bayfield Village Inn.

Toy chest tickets are $2 each or three for $5. The draw on the chest will be made at Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 12.

Bayfield Guiding

Chocolatey Mint Girl Guide Cookies have arrived in Bayfield. These cookies are now available for $4 a box from members of Bayfield Guiding or the Bayfield Village Inn.

Also this Christmas in Bayfield Weekend the girls will be selling cookies at a location on Main Street so please stop by and say hello.

CELEBRATING TCC CAREER

On Nov. 7, an Open House at the Bluewater Community Complex in Varna was held for Sharon Chuter celebrating her 36 years of employment with Tuckersmith Communications Co-operative Limited (TCC). It was noted that the overwhelming turnout of family, friends, fellow colleagues and members of the co-operative is a testament to her loyalty and unwavering service to the company. Sharon Chuter (centre) posed with l-r: Ben Rathwell, Dani Gall, Shelley Dorssers, Eric Chuter, Ken Steckle, Linda Middegaal, Paula Eagleson, Rob Van Aaken and Maegan Gemmel. (Photo by Mike Dixon)