REMEMBERING SENIORS THIS SEASON

On Dec. 11, member of the Bayfield Lions’ Club set out to visit those people in the community who have achieved the age of 80 plus as well as homebound individuals. Over 75 visits were made with all octogenarians receiving a small gift and exuberant wishes for a Merry Christmas. It was discovered that some members of the community had moved but Santa’s helpers managed to find them again this year. Before heading out in their respective sleighs, Santa’s helpers Bob Merriman, Dave Overboe and Tom Grasby posed with their elves, and fellow Lions: Ingid Rath, Jerry Stirling, Tony Van Bakel, Tom Dawe, Dave Nearingburg, Ron Harris and Bill Rowatt.

In other news, the always-popular Lions’ Turkey Bingo came up against, not just one but, two winter storms and so it was cancelled. The Lions are hoping for a calmer start to December 2011 and have scheduled the event for the first Monday of that month. (Submitted photo)

"gift of the magi" presentation results in many gifts of food

STORY  BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER

A presentation of the “Gift of the Magi” resulted in the presentation of many more “gifts” for both local and area food banks. Six hundred dollars was raised from the Dec. 12 event held at the Bayfield Town Hall. Several hundred dollars of donated food items were also collected.

Rev. Angela Brands, of Trinity Anglican Church, and Mary Ellen Zielman, Operations Manager, Huron County Food Bank Distribution Center (HCFBDC) each accepted $300 from the event presented by the Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society (BTHHS) as well as The Village Bookshop. Bayfield’s Trinity Anglican Church operates a locally based outreach program known as Feed My Sheep. The HCFBDC is located in Exeter.

Approximately, 75 people attended the reading of the "Gift of the Magi". Margo Robeson, president of the BTHHS, welcomed all to the historic town hall and thanked The United Communities Credit Union, Clinton Branch, for their sponsorship of the afternoon. She also thanked The Village Bookshop, guest readers and Blyth Festival Singers for their support and participation.

Three guest readers told the story. They were Playwright Paul Ciufo, author of the recent Blyth Festival production, “The Killing Snow”; Mary Brown, owner of The Village Bookshop; and tireless Bayfield community worker, Gail Grant.

Thirty members of the Blyth Festival Singers graciously donated their afternoon to provide musical accompaniment for the reading. The choir performed a variety of Christmas Carols, some with accompaniment and some a cappella ending with “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”.

Key players in the “Gift of the Magi” event (l-r): Gary Coursey, of the Blyth Festival Singers; readers, Paul Ciufo and Mary Brown were thanked by Bayfield Town Hall representative, Pat Langley, at the conclusion of the performance. Reader, Gail Grant was not present for the photograph as she was off making the hot chocolate to be served afterwards. (Photo by Roger Lewington).

Christmas Bureau helps over 1,000 children and their families

Not only will it be a White Christmas in the county it will also be a very 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 1,089 children and their families were assisted this year.

“Year after year, you (the community) demonstrate the true spirit of Christmas through your concern for others. Thank you!” wrote Grant.

She went on to say that the weather certainly disrupted the appointment schedule, but the needs of every family that contacted the HCCB were met. Appointments for families to visit the five bureaus located in Goderich, Clinton, Exeter, Seaforth and Wingham were scheduled for the week of Dec. 13 to 17.

“The volunteers at the five bureaus again did yeoman duty, the whole community thanks them,” she wrote.

She also thanked the local media, the Bayfield Breeze included, for getting the word out about the HCCB.

“We in Huron County do indeed care about each others’ Christmas. How fortunate we are to have concerned media; thank you. Merry Christmas to all!” concluded Grant.

Winter a great time to visit a conservation area - don't forget your camera!

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

worship services

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 Sung Eucharist will be held starting at 10 p.m. on Dec. 24. And then on Dec. 26 a Lessons and Carols Service will be held at 9:30 a.m. There will also be a Holy Communion Service at 8 a.m. on Dec. 26.

The congregation of Knox Presbyterian Church in Bayfield will celebrate with a Service of Carols and Candlelight, featuring, “The Shepherd’s Tale” on Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. And then on Dec. 26 at 11 a.m. the first Sunday after Christmas will be recognized with a Service of Prayer, Scripture and Song.

The congregation of St. Andrew’s United Church will be hosting their Christmas Eve Communion Service to be held on Dec. 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Empties for AlzHeimers

Two Bayfield women would like to invite everyone to share your empties for Alzheimer's Disease 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 Alzheimers, 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 Jan. 9 (other times can be arranged as well). For more information call Brandon’s Hardware at 519 565-2677.

club 21

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.

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.

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 Rose Dundass at 519 565-2235.

Film society

The Bayfield Film Society has moved their Fall Series to Wednesday nights. The final cinematic experience of the fall series was to be shown on Dec. 8 but has now been rescheduled for Jan. 12.

The film, entitled, Me & Orsen Wells, 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.

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.

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.

For the more adventurous among us, Pole Walking will also begin again. Walks for women will start at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while the men can venture out on Mondays and Fridays at 8:30 p.m. All walks begin from 6 Main Street and poles are provided for those who require them.

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. On Fridays at 10 a.m., April Hulley will teach a Stretching Class, participants are asked to bring a yoga mat. These three 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 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.