WRAPPED UP IN THE SPIRIT

Marten Arts won the prize for best dressed/decorated shop in the village. Janet Snider (left), from the Bayfield and Area Chamber of Commerce, presented the banner to store owner Judy Stephenson and her staff person, Bronyn Bechard. (Photo by Scott Bradford)

Bureau an independent Entity created nearly 50 years ago

STORY BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER

Almost 50 years ago, the Huron County Christmas Bureau (HCCB) was organized around the ideal that no child should be forgotten at Christmas. The HCCB is an independent, community-wide, volunteer organization, but it could not function without the support of community churches and generous citizens as well as such entities as the Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society. The society provides office space, phone lines, and administrative assistance to help the HCCB operate.

Every year, about 1000 children have a Christmas made merry through the generosity of county residents.

According to Gail Grant, HCCB public relations chair, “We can all be Santas! 2010 is a critical year: the economic downturn hit us hard and, for many people, their EI or severance has reached the limit. In fact, we may have former donors who are recipients this year, a difficult role change, but we hope that anyone in this situation will remember that to give and to receive are both acts of gratitude.”

The HCCB is a county-wide volunteer group that organizes five gift “bureaus” for disadvantaged families. They are located in churches in Clinton, Exeter, Goderich, Seaforth and Wingham. Toys, clothes, food and food vouchers are donated, or purchased with cash donations, for which the donor can receive a tax receipt.

Hundreds of volunteers and donors participate each year to ensure this program’s success. Volunteers collecting donations from drop boxes placed in businesses throughout county communities. They are also kept busy sorting, organizing, and displaying the gifts. Then they assist participants in the program choose their children’s gifts.

Custodial parents that need help with Christmas this year should call “Christmas Central” at 519 524-7356 x3271 or 1-800-265-5198 x3271 on weekdays from Nov. 29 to Dec. 10. When parents call, they should have ready the ages and clothes’ sizes of their children. They will be given an appointment during the week of Dec. 13-17 at their closest bureau. They will privately choose suitable gifts for their family at the scheduled appointment.

“How can you help the Christmas Bureau?” said Grant. “First, open your hearts, then open your wallets! Please donate new toys, new clothing, non-perishable food stuffs or money. Cheques or cash can be brought to the Goderich CAS offices, clearly marked ‘Christmas Bureau’. Do keep in mind the teenagers.”

Gifts can be delivered to the local church gift bureau or to the drop boxes between Dec. 6-10.

“Perhaps you would like to give the gift of time to the church group in your community. Perhaps you would consider organizing your neighbors...your work-mates...your sports team...your club...your school chums? Working together as Santa groups increases the pleasures of giving!” added Grant.
“This is an important year for all of us. The community’s needs are great. The rewards are also great – the opportunity to share the true meaning of Christmas by sharing the joy of the season. A gift to a child is a gift to yourself.”

The five bureaus established for 2010 are: Clinton United Church, 105 Ontario Street; Exeter Pentecostal Tabernacle, 70670 London Road; North Street United Church, 56 North Street, Goderich; Seaforth Agriplex, hosted by St. James Roman Catholic Church; and Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, 220 Carling Terrace, Wingham.

Residents in Bayfield can participate in the HCCB Gift Tag program. The gift tag tree is currently on display at Brandons Hardware. Simply select a gift tag or tags for a boy or girl, a suggested clothing size is on each tag, but donors are not limited to purchasing clothing they can donate a toy for someone of that size if they prefer to do so. Once the item or items have been selected, attach the gift tag to the item and place it in any of the HCCB drop boxes located throughout the county.

Movember challenge raises funds to fight Prostate Cancer

The Mo, slang for moustache, and November come together each year for Movember.

Movember challenges men to change their appearance and the face of men’s health by growing a moustache. The rules are simple, start Movember 1st clean-shaven and then grow a moustache for the entire month. The moustache becomes the ribbon for men’s health, the means by which awareness and funds are raised for prostate cancer. Much like the commitment to run or walk for charity, the men of Movember commit to growing a moustache for 30 days.

Here in Bayfield, one gentleman participating in the event is Bill Steenstra. He is a member of a team based out of Toronto called the “Greasy Staches”.

According to his wife, Lynda, “He has not run into any other men in the village participating but I know that Goderich has a few groups. Donations may be made by visiting Http://ca.movember.com. You can donate to a specific individual or to a team. It really does not matter as the money all goes to the same cause. There are Movember parties, and a variety of prizes to be won all centering around the growing of a stache for the month and of course getting sponsors.”

Information posted on the Movember website states that the idea for the challenge was sparked in 2003 over a few beers in Melbourne, Australia. The plan was simple – to bring the moustache back as a bit of a joke and do something for men’s health. No money was raised in 2003, but the guys behind the Mo realized the potential a moustache had in generating conversations about men’s health. Inspired by the women around them and all they had done for breast cancer, the Mo Bros set themselves on a course to create a global men’s health movement.

In 2004 the campaign evolved and focused on raising awareness and funds for the number one cancer affecting men – prostate cancer. Over four hundred Mo Bros joined the movement that year, raising $55,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia - representing the single largest donation they had ever received.

The Movember moustache has continued to grow year after year, expanding to Canada, the US, UK, New Zealand, Ireland, Spain, South Africa, the Netherlands and Finland.

In 2009, global participation of Mo Bros and Mo Sistas (who assist by promoting and fundraising for their men) climbed to over 250,000 with over one million donors raising $47 Million for Movember’s global beneficiary partners. Organizers are proud to announce that last year’s Canadian campaign was the second largest in the world behind Australia, with 35,156 Mo Bros and Mo Sistas coming together to raise $7.8 million for Prostate Cancer Canada.

photographers invited to snap shots at conservation areas

People across the province are being encouraged to show off their talents as well as their favorite conservation area by getting out and taking pictures for the 2011 Ontario Conservation Areas Photo Contest (OCAPC).

A photo of Rock Glen Falls at Rock Glen Conservation Area in Arkona, taken by Corrie White, won an honorable mention in last year’s contest.

Ideas are limited only to the fact that your image must be taken within an Ontario conservation area – so ideas abound amongst the flora and fauna.

The OCAPC is looking for your best photograph in three categories: People of all ages enjoying conservation areas; my favorite conservation area; or wildlife is everywhere in conservation areas

Judges will be looking for outstanding images that showcase the best of what Ontario’s conservation areas have to offer.

The OCAPC runs from now until October 31, 2011 and offers prize packages totaling more than $1,500.

The contest has two purposes. First of all, it will get people out exploring their local conservation areas. Secondly, it’s a way for Conservation Ontario to build its image library.

“We have more than 260 conservation areas across Ontario that offer a variety of recreational opportunities and special events all year round. Because Conservation Areas are close to urban centres, they are accessible outdoor destinations and play an important role in the health and well-being of Ontario’s residents,” said Don Pearson, general manager of Conservation Ontario, the main sponsor behind the contest. “It might seem like a long wait to find out if you are one of the winners, but we wanted people to have a chance to send in pictures from each season and reflecting the range of activities and special events that we offer.”

For more information on the prizes, rules, regulations and how to submit photographs, go to www.ontarioconservationareas.ca

CPR Education to conclude Here's to 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. 29.

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: Healthy Lifestyles to Protect Your Bones, Nov. 22; CPR Education Session.

The eighth session, Healthy Lifestyles to Protect Your Bones will be hosted by Nadine VandenHeuvel, of Town and Country Support Services. She will share ways to preserve bone health and minimize symptoms of bone condition. She will also offer tips on how to modify behaviors to ensure bone safety.

A ninth session has been added for Nov. 29 and it will be held for one hour starting at 10:30 a.m. This final session of the series will be an education session in CPR led by Kendra Craig, a CPR trainer. She will also show participants how to operate the AED machines now located in all municipal arenas. There is no cost or preregistration and everyone is welcome. Please note that participants will not get a CPR certification out of this session but will gain knowledge of and information about CPR.

why do you shop local? your answer could reap rewards

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.

HOPE IS FASHIONABLE

Anita Looby (left), of the Canadian Cancer Society, accepted a cheque for $500 from Kristyn Watterworth, of the Bayfield and Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC), at Bayfield's Tree Lighting Ceremony held on the evening of Nov. 12. The BACC raised the money at their fashion show held this past Mother's Day. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

Town Hall

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.

united church

It’s the time of year when local choirs dust off their Christmas carol books to prepare for the festive season. St. Andrew’s United Church will host their Christmas Carol Service on Dec. 12. This special candlelight performance will begin at 7:30 p.m.

agricultural society

The Bayfield Agricultural Society (BAS) had a very successful weekend selling their handmade wreaths at St. Andrew’s Church during Christmas in Bayfield and the membership would like to thank everyone who bought one.

They would also like to let people know that it is not too late to purchase a wreath to adorn their front door during the upcoming holiday season and well on into the winter.

The wreaths and tails (swags) can be purchased by calling Emma VanderWouden at 519 482-3020 or evanderwouden@tcc.on.ca. The money raised from the sale of wreaths goes to support the Bayfield Fall Fair held on the third weekend in August each year.

The annual meeting of the BAS is set for Nov. 19 and will be held at St. Andrew’s United Church starting at 6 p.m. with a potluck supper. Guest speaker, Tammy Sparling will share her experiences with the 4-H Club. All BAS members, friends and volunteers are invited to attend. For more information please contact VanderWouden at the number listed above.

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 a three-course dinner. A limited number of tickets are still available for this event.

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.

Film society

The Bayfield Film Society has moved their Fall Series to Wednesday nights. The final cinematic experience of the fall series will be held on Dec. 8 and is entitled, Me & Orsen Wells.

The film will be shown at the Bayfield Town Hall beginning at 7:30 p.m.

This is an opportunity to see Toronto Film Festival Films without having to leave the village. 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 final concert of the fall line up will be held on Dec. 10 and will feature the 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.

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.

CHAP

Village residents may be surprised to learn that they don't have to drive to a larger centre for heart healthy care.

Blood pressure measurement and monitoring sessions are being held right here in Bayfield as part of the Cardiovascular Health Awareness Program (CHAP).

The goal of CHAP is to promote cardiovascular health in the local community and to raise awareness about the importance of blood pressure monitoring.

Trained volunteers will help participants measure their blood pressure and complete a heart and stroke risk profile. A copy of these results will be given to the participant and, with their permission, sent to their family physician and regular pharmacist.

The sessions are run from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the third Thursday of every month, at Pharmasave Michael's Pharmacy.

To learn more please call local CHAP Coordinator, Kelly Webster, at
519-236-4373 ex 632

Fitness fun

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

Bayfield residents can join the Zumba craze as classes have now started in the village. 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 class will run for approx. 10 weeks, at $10 per class, 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 is also being played at Huron Centennial School in Brucefield starting at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays.

There is also an opportunity to play pick up volleyball at Huron Centennial on Monday nights from 8-10:30 p.m. People have been sharing in the fun of this sport for over 30 years and newcomers are always welcome; all participants need is $2 to help cover the rental fee and clean running shoes. For more information email jlaurie@tcc.on.ca

Bridge club

Pizza will be served at the next gathering of the Wednesday Evening Bridge Club on Nov. 24 at 6 p.m. at the Bayfield Lions’ Community Building. Cards will be played after the meal is finished. All are welcome to attend.

Gordon Kurtz and Peggy Utting were the high scorers when the members of the club gathered to play on Nov. 10.

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