club supports youth with down's syndrome

The Huron County Club 21 group has created a calendar featuring members of the club to raise money for their ongoing support of youth with Down Syndrome and their families. (Submitted photo)

STORY BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER

Huron County's Club 21 is a new non-profit group for families and individuals with Down's Syndrome living in the county.

The local Club 21 has members with Down’s Syndrome ranging in age from two to 35 years of age.

“We currently offer social activities and support to our members and are hoping to add needed programs as our numbers grow,” said Rose Dundass, of Bayfield and a parent of an adult child with Down’s Syndrome.

Some of the membership is still in school and living at home while others are young adults either living at home with their parents or in a group home environment; all are leading productive lives.

Events that Club 21 members currently can enjoy include: Mom's Night Out, pumpkin carving, a summertime barbeque and a Christmas Dinner and Dance.

“These events allow our members to support each other and let our children bond with others who are facing similar life challenges,” said Dundass.

The county club has produced a calendar to provide funds to help support the children and their families. Members of the county Club 21 are featured in the calendar that is on sale now for $15 each. Anyone who would like to purchase a copy of the calendar can contact Dundass at 519 565-2235.

Turkey Bingo a most anticipated part of season

One of the most anticipated events of the festive season will be held at the Bayfield Community Centre on Dec. 6. Yes, that’s right, it’s time for the Bayfield Lions’ Club’s annual Turkey Bingo. The doors to the centre will open at 6:30 p.m. with the games beginning at 7 p.m.

An important holiday tradition for many shut-ins and octogenarians in the community is their annual visit from a member of the Bayfield Lions’ Club. The Lions have been spreading Christmas cheer to seniors and the home bound for over 40 years.

People in the community who may know of individuals who qualifies for a visit should call Lion Penny Overboe at 519 565-5786 or call and leave a message at the Bayfield Lions’ Community Building (BLCB) at 519 565-5170. The visits by Santa and his helpers will be conducted on Dec. 11.

The members of the Lions’ Club are pleased to report that the interior of their community building received some sprucing up during the summer. Club members pitched in to paint the meeting rooms and install new drapery and flooring. The hallway was also painted. Refurbishments to the building are paid entirely through the rental income derived from the support of the groups and individuals who chose to use the meeting rooms.

Bayfield Lions’ Club members would like to take the opportunity at this very festive time of year to thank every one for supporting their fundraising activities.
Anyone wishing to become involved in the Bayfield Lions’ Club, that has both male and female members, are invited to call the number listed above for the BLCB. One of the members will be only too glad to give you a call or pay a visit.

Two local women organize "Empties for Alzheimers"

Two Bayfield women would like to invite everyone to share your empties for Alzheimers this holiday season.

Dianne Brandon and Carrie Courtney will be participating in the 2011 Walk for Memories on Jan. 29 and they have come up with a unique idea as a fundraiser.

It is, of course, hoped that everyone will celebrate responsibly this festive season and when doing so plan to donate the empty beer bottles and cans; wine and liquor bottles and even soda cans as well, to their team, “For the Love of Elane and Doris”. The ladies being honored are currently living with Alzheimer’s Disease, Elane Brandon, Courtney’s grandmother, and Doris Schilbe, Dianne’s mother.

Empties of all sorts may be dropped off at Brandon's Hardware in Bayfield, or arrangements can be made for pick up on either Dec. 18th or Jan. 9 (other times can be arranged as well). For more information call Brandon’s Hardware at 519 565-2677.

Seaforth woman wins shop local contest

Over 150 shoppers entered the Huron Local First (HLF) “Why do you shop local?” contest during Shop Local Week held Nov. 21-27.

And the winner is Shirley Brugger, of Seaforth. She was rewarded with a HLF Bag filled with almost $1,000 in prizes from participating Huron County businesses.

The prize package included hundreds of dollars in gift certificates as well as some useful household items such as a blanket and a carbon monoxide detector plus a few holiday treats like candy.

“This contest has shown us again that many people in the community rely on shopping local,” said Chelsea Burchill, HLF coordinator.

Burchill would like to invite people to visit www.shopinhuron.ca to find out about all of the businesses that are part of the “It’s in the bag!” program.”

“Shop Local Week might be over, but that doesn’t mean the importance of shopping local has disappeared. Why fight traffic and crowds plus pay for gas to get to the city, when you can shop in the comfort of your own community? Local businesses offer great customer service, unique products and services and competitive prices,” said Burchill.

HLF is a county-wide program to raise awareness of the importance of keeping businesses healthy in Huron County.

Salvation army Concert enjoyed by full house

On Nov. 26 a full house welcomed the London Citadel Salvation Army Band for their fifteenth annual Christmas Concert at the Bayfield Town Hall.

According to organizers, one of the many highlights of the evening was a delightful tuba solo by Jonathan Lam the son of Bandmaster John Lam.

“The audience joined in with enthusiasm singing Christmas Carols and it became very evident that this village, and area, is home to many talented singers. What a lovely way to start the Christmas season,” said Pat Langley, of the Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society (BTHHS).

The festive season continues at the town hall on Dec. 18 when a reading of The Gift of the Magi will be held. The BTHHS are proud to present this wonderful story in conjunction with The Village Bookshop.

Suitable for all ages, the story will be told starting at 3 p.m. The afternoon will feature readings by Paul Ciufo, Mary Brown and Gail Grant accompanied by the music of the Blythe Singers.

Cookies and hot chocolate will be served following the performance.

Tickets are $5.00 and can be purchased at The Village Bookshop, 519 565-5600 or Ernie King Music in Goderich, 519 524-4689. Those who attend are also asked to bring a non-perishable food item or make a donation to the local Bayfield and Area Food Banks that will benefit from the proceeds of the afternoon.

United Communities Credit Union is the generous sponsor of this event.

Just five days left to view "Made in Bayfield"

BY DAVID YATES

Johann Gemeinhard (John Gemeinhardt) was one of the most influential master craftsmen in nineteenth century Canada. His Bayfield workshop turned out thousands of pieces of handcrafted household items ranging from fishing bobs to coffins to ornately carved parlor tables. Gemeinhardt’s creations combined the artistry of a master craftsman with the functional needs of the rugged pioneer household.

A significant collection of his work, entitled, "Made In Bayfield" is now on display at the Huron County Museum in Goderich until Dec. 5 giving local residents just five more days to see this remarkable compilation of furnishings.

Through his long life, Gemeinhardt operated a wide range of commercial ventures such as cider maker, beekeeper, cooper and village undertaker (he built the horse-drawn hearse in his shop). However, his primary interest was always woodworking. Gemeinhardt began putting his woodcraft to work as a homebuilder.

The Gemeinhardt name can be found on the wood work or trim of many of Bayfield’s older homes. The earliest known Gemienhardt signature is dated Sept. 7, 1857 on a board found on the gable of one of three houses he built for Dr. Ninian Woods. The Gemeinhardt date and signature has become an important trademark in identifying Gemeinhardt’s work.

Gemeinhardt’s Louisa Street shop produced some of the most important pieces of furniture and craftsmanship in mid-nineteenth century Canada. Indeed, the late Dr. Michael Bird, former professor of Fine Arts, at the University of Waterloo, argued that Gemeinhardt’s “craftsmanship was of a truly high order.”

Dr. Bird, wrote in “Perpetuation & Adaptation” (2000) that Gemeinhardt’s clientele probably did not extend beyond the western part of Huron County but the importance of this “little known cabinet-maker far outreaches his modest productivity.”

Even though Gemeinhardt apprenticed in the Germanic craft guild tradition, he embraced modern technology. Gemeinhardt used steam powered engines to operate his saws and lathes to produce machine milled wood boards and panels. Gemeinhardt’s work combined the artistry of the master woodcarver who turned out pieces by hand and the skill of the industrial machinist.

Gemeinhardt’s work has been divided into two categories. His “general line” which was produced for sale in the surrounding community and his specialty pieces that were custom made for family members or by special order.

In the general line, wide ranges of household items were crafted for daily use. His most common works for general use were corner cupboards, ‘fancy’ parlor tables, harvest tables, rope beds, washstands, wardrobes, rocking chairs and various styles of chairs including the solid ‘Kitchen Windsor’ chair for household use. In 1903, Gemeinhardt fulfilled an order for over a 100 chairs for the Bayfield Town Hall at .45 cents each.

However, it is the specialty pieces of the 1880s and1890s created as dowries for his four surviving daughters that Gemeinhardt’s craftsmanship reached its “highest artistic level,” according to Bird. As a wedding present, Gemeinhardt crafted bedroom suites for each daughter consisting of a bed, nightstand, dressing table and dresser along with parlor tables and a captain’s chair for the groom.

Bird states that the bedroom suites include “the best traits of the German woodcarver.” Each suite is unique and was carved with the personality of each daughter in mind.

When John Gemeinhardt died on Sept. 24, 1912, he could not have known that he would be hailed as “one of the finest folk craftsmen” in Canadian history. His works are highly sought after by Canadiana and folk art collectors throughout Canada.

Christmas Bureau

Every year, about 1000 children have a Christmas made merry through the generosity of county residents who support the Huron County Christmas Bureau (HCCB). .

Residents in Bayfield can participate in the HCCB Gift Tag program. The gift tag tree is currently on display at Brandon’s 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.

In Bayfield those drop-off locations are JD’s Restaurant, Main Street Optometric and This N’ That. Gifts can be delivered to the drop boxes from Dec. 6-10.

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

There is an increase in teenagers in need who are living on their own, so such items as socks, undergarments, feminine hygiene products and toiletries would be especially appreciated. There is also a great need for clothing and toys for young boys. For more information regarding donations please feel free to contact Main Street Optometric at 519 565-2300.

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 now until 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.

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.

intuition

A course on Intuition Development will begin Dec. 1 starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Bayfield Town Hall. This course is based on the work of Penney Peirce, author of The Intuitive Way. The course will focus on developing intuitive ability so that it can become the “vehicle for knowing, becoming and creating from the soul.”

The first session will be two hours in length and two additional sessions will be scheduled in December; the participants will determine suggested dates.

Admission is free. Please contact Frances at the Soul Purpose Studio 519 565-2154 for more information and to register.

United Church

Christmas is coming and the congregation of St. Andrew’s United Church is busy preparing for and sharing in the joys of the season.

On Dec. 4 at 4:30 p.m. they invite people to come and join the 3Ms Group in the “Hanging of the Greens”. A potluck supper, sing-a-long of Christmas carols and a social time will be held following the decorating of the church.

The next day, White Gift Sunday will be observed at St. Andrew’s. Financial gifts will be shared with the Bluewater Youth Centre and the Huron County Christmas Bureau. Unwrapped gifts may be donated in suitable bags.

Following the church service (approx. 12:15 p.m.) on Dec. 5, a Loaf and Ladle Lunch will be held with donations going to St. Andrew’s Furnace Fund. The community is welcome to join the congregation for a medley of homemade soups and rolls, relishes, dessert and a beverage.

St. Andrew’s will host their Christmas Carol Service on Dec. 12. This special candlelight performance will begin at 7:30 p.m.

And then on Dec. 24 at 7:30 p.m. a Christmas Eve Service with Communion will be held at St. Andrew’s.

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.

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.

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 this event 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.

Fitness Fun

The season of New Year’s resolutions is almost upon us and there are plenty of opportunities to keep those promises made to stay fit right here in Bayfield.

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

The following activities are scheduled to commence the week of Jan. 3 and continuing until Apr. 21.

Indoor Walking sessions will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bayfield Community Centre on Mondays and Wednesdays.

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. Both classes are held at the Bayfield Community Centre.

A Yoga Class will be held at the Bayfield Town Hall starting at 7 p.m. on Mondays.

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

Opportunities are also available to exercise the mind; for more information on Bridge playing call, 519 565-2881; Euchre, 519 565-2765; or Mah Jongg, 519 565-2202.

BRVTA

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 until 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.

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 to be held at the Bayfield Village Inn from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is 12 years and up, $6; five to 11 years, $3; four and under free.