take time in 2012 starts jan. 9

BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER

January and February days often seem longer than they are short so once again the congregations of the village’s four local churches have joined together to offer an interesting series of programs designed to combat the winter blahs.

The fourth year of the “Take Time in 2012” programs will run from Jan. 9 to Feb. 6. They are a perfect opportunity for friends and neighbors to learn and share with one another.

The programs will be held on Mondays from 1:30-3 p.m. Each participating church will host one event.

In the past a registration coffee has been held to get the program going but this year that has been dispensed with. The cost will be $3 per session.
Want to attend but don’t have the transportation needed to get to the location of the presentation? Rides can be provided, just call the coordinator of that session.

Bayfield’s own Lynn and Dave Gillians will be the presenters at the first session to be held at Knox Presbyterian Church on Jan. 9. “Two Years Down South on a Small Boat” is the title of their presentation and should know doubt be filled with several very entertaining anecdotes. The coordinator for this session is Barb Harkins and she can be reached at 519 565-2098.

The beauty of exotic flowers will be explored at the session hosted by the Church on Way on Jan. 16. “Exotic Orchids made Easy” will be the topic shared by Master Gardeners, Leigh Selk and Sue Beatty. This presentation will be held at the Bayfield Lions’ Community Building and the coordinator is Anne Laviolette, she can be contacted by calling 519 565-2454.

The following week, Jan. 23, the Take Time in 2012 programs will take a break to encourage everyone to go to the Bayfield Historical Society Dinner meeting to be held at St. Andrew’s United Church at noon. For more details and also for tickets people are invited to call Pat or Bud Langley at 519 565-2894.

On Jan. 30, thoughts will turn to spring rejuvenation when Helen Varkamp of Huron, Hearth and Home, presents the topic, “Spruce Up for Spring” – a new look for your home. This session will be held at St. Andrew’s United Church and Flo Keillor is the contact. For more information she can be reached at 519 565-2640.

The final session will be held on Feb. 6 at Trinity Anglican Church with Elfi Elfin sharing her knowledge on the creation of quick and tasty appetizers. “Small Plates for Sharing” is the topic of this presentation. To learn more contact the session coordinator, Helen Latimer, at 519 565-2792.

Bureau's central committee offers thanks for donations

Despite a great of deal of adversity faced by many in the county this year, Christmas will be a merry one thanks to the efforts of all those who supported the Huron County Christmas Bureau (HCCB).

Gail Grant, PR Chair of the Central Committee, stated in a letter to the editor that almost 500 families and over 1,000 children were assisted this year.

She said, “We asked you to open your wallets and your hearts. You certainly did so, with enormous generosity. So...from the bottom of our hearts, thank you…

“We are fortunate to be part of such a caring community where giving and receiving are seen as reciprocal gifts, where volunteers spend countless hours organizing your generous donations, where we have media who care and who get the word out each year. With gratitude, Merry Christmas to all!”

DON'T FORGET "EMPTIES FOR ALZHEIMERS" WHEN imbibing

Last year two local women started a unique initiative to raise money for their participation in the Walk for Memories that raises funds for the Alzheimer Society. By collecting empty beer cans and bottles, pop cans, wine and liquor bottles, as well as some other fundraisers; their team “For the Love of Elane and Doris”, was the top fundraising team in the county.

It is a title Dianne Brandon and Carrie Courtney would like to maintain this year during the 2012 Walk for Memories to be held on Jan. 28.

It is, of course, hoped that everyone will celebrate responsibly this festive season and when doing so plan to donate the empties to the cause. The ladies being honored are currently living with Alzheimer 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 before Dec. 24 or after Jan. 5. Empties can also be taken directly to Bayfield Convenience, just mention you’d like to donate “For the love of Elane and Doris” Courtney and Brandon will even come to your door on Jan. 9 to pick them up just call Brandon’s Hardware at 519 565-2677 or 519 565-2545 to make arrangements.

In addition, Brandon is currently selling Rheo Thompson Mint Smoothies at Brandon’s Hardware for $2 each all proceeds to the cause. A sweet stocking stuffer!

seasonal approach to future village calendar theme 

The Photography Club of Bayfield (PCOB) membership is excited to announce that they have taken on the Bayfield and Area Chamber of Commerce Calendar project for 2013.

A new Flickr account has been created so all in the community can submit their photos for possible inclusion on the calendar pages. It is
flickr.com/groups/bayfield-calendar-2013.

“It is important to note that anyone can contribute up to 10 photos per day; you don’t need to be a member of PCOB. Please invite your friends to contribute to this project. The more photos we have, the better the calendar will be,” said Jack Pal, representing the PCOB.

The main theme for the 2013 Bayfield Calendar will be “Bayfield and area through the four seasons”.

“We would like the photos to be recognizable as being truly Bayfield and area,” said Pal.

In attempting to achieve this goal the submissions will be divided into five subcategories: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, Christmas in Bayfield and Holidays.

“In our selection process we will assign submissions to these five streams. To assist us in this process it will be helpful if those who post could tag their photos with one of these subcategories, although this is not mandatory,” said Pal.

The final selections will be sent for publishing in early July to allow for more time to sell the calendars.

“This earlier publishing date, however, means that photos that fit a few of these will already have been taken...perhaps by someone in the community or by a visitor,” Pal concluded. “Why not sort through your favorites and start contributing to the new Flickr group? This will encourage others to do the same.”

The Photography Club of Bayfield will hold their next meeting on Jan. 5 at the Bayfield Lions' Community Building starting at 7 p.m. The theme for this month's assignment is "Red and/or Green"...perfect for holiday snapping! 

HOLIDAY WORSHIP 

Village churches extend an invitation to all in the community to join them in their services marking the arrival of the Christ Child.

At Trinity Anglican Church a Holy Eucharist will be observed starting at 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 24. And then on Dec. 25, Holy Eurcharist will be held at 9:30 a.m.

Knox Presbyterian Church in Bayfield would like to invite all in the community to their “Longest Night Service” to be held on Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.

This service is for anyone who is finding it difficult to be joyful during this festive season. Whether this is due to the loss of loved ones or other circumstances all are invited to share in scriptures and carols.

Those who take part will also have the opportunity to place a star on a tree in the sanctuary, a place where their personal sadness may be acknowledged and absorbed.

The members of Knox Church will then celebrate with their Christmas Eve Service on Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. 

The congregation of St. Andrew’s United Church will be hosting their Christmas Eve Communion Service and a Celebration of Baptism on Dec. 24 at 7:30 p.m. There will be no service on Christmas Day, services shall resume on Jan. 1 at 11 a.m. 

BRIDGE CLUB

Please note that due to dwindling attendance, the alternate Wednesday Evening Bridge has been discontinued. Organizers also state that there would be no reason to think at some point this activity could be restarted if there is renewed enthusiasm for it. They would also like to thank all those who joined in some very fun and competitive games over the years.

Pioneer Park

In 1945, Lucy Woods Diehl, a life-long resident of Bayfield, enlisted the aid of several friends of the community to preserve the last piece of undeveloped lakefront property on the bluff overlooking the Bayfield River and Lake Huron.
Woods also decided that the land should be owned and operated by an association and not by individuals. The original directors chose the name Pioneer Park as a tribute to the early settlers of Bayfield. Their vision remains today and is still driven by the support of volunteers.

The Pioneer Park Association is currently looking for volunteers to join the board of directors. They are looking for a secretary as well.

The secretary will be responsible for recording the minutes at the board meetings (held four or five times per year) as well as the Annual General Meeting.

Please contact Neil Duffy at duffyne@gmail.com if you would like to learn more about either of these positions.

Town hall 

Back in February, the Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society (BTHHS) held a very successful fundraising event for the Clinton Food Bank to coincide with the Family Day Weekend. “Soups On, Bayfield” was guaranteed to provide participants with some comfort food on a cold winter’s day and now those soup samplings prepared by local restaurants, church and community groups can provide comfort all winter long as the recipes have been compiled into a first edition cookbook.

The cookbook entitled, “Soup's On in Bayfield” is said to be a delectable collection of soups from the event as well as village restaurants, friends and neighbors.

There are still a limited number of cookbooks remaining and they can be purchased at the bookshop.

All proceeds from the cookbook will be used for the maintenance of the Bayfield Town Hall as well as cultural outreach by the BTHHS. The book is selling for $20.

fitness fun

The season of indulgence and merriment is upon us, the perfect time to focus on exercising both the body and mind. One Care is sponsoring several programs for both men and women to keep up with their desire to stay fit.

Dancefit and Toning classes are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9 a.m. The cost is $40 for four months or $3 per class. The Sit and Get Fit classes are offered on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m. The cost is $1 per class.
Both of these fitness opportunities are held at the Bayfield Community Centre.

For the more adventurous among us, there is Pole Walking. Walks for women are scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays while walks for men are held on Monday and Friday mornings All walks begin from 6 Main Street and begin at 8:30 a.m. Poles are provided free for those who require them.

A Yoga Class will be held at the Bayfield Town Hall starting at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays. The cost for is $3 per class and participants are asked to bring a yoga mat. Starting on Nov. 1, a time of quiet reflection and meditation will follow the yoga class starting at 11:15 a.m. All in the community are invited to take part.

Indoor badminton is played on Monday evenings at 7 p.m. at the Varna Complex The cost is $3 each and no experience or equipment is required to play.

Call 519 565-2202 for more information on the above exercise opportunities.

Are you ready to dance yourself into SHAPE? ZUMBA is a Latin inspired, easy to follow, calorie burning dance fitness party and participants say it is so much fun. ZUMBA classes are held Wednesday evenings at the Bayfield Community Centre from 7-8 p.m. Drop-ins and beginners are welcome. Drop in rate is $11 or you can purchase a Ten Pass for $90. Please contact Alison de Groot at bayfieldzumba@gmail.com for more information.

Bayfield Guiding

In need of a last minute gift? Bayfield Guiding has just six boxes of cookies left to sell.

The chocolatey mint Girl Guide Cookies are selling now for $4 a box and are available from Bayfield Guiding members or at the Bayfield Village Inn. Get them now at this bargain price in the Spring cookie prices will rise to $5 a box.

Profits from the cookies are used to support the girls in their varied activities and to subsidize outings.