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T.H.E. Bus lends a variety of toys and fun learning tools for children from newborn to six years of age. Melissa Wormington keeps the items organized and ready to be lended to families across the county. (Melody Falconer-Pounder photo)
T.H.E. BUS: A BEACON OF CHILDHOOD FUN AND LEARNING WITHIN COUNTY
BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER
The wheels on T.H.E. Bus go round and round Huron County each week making stops in a total of 18 communities, lending toys for homes everywhere.
According to Melissa Wormington, Family Support/Education Worker and also T.H.E Bus driver, there are 70-plus active memberships in the program.
“I travel from one end of the county to the other on a two week rotation. The program is used by daycares, both town and home. Plus individual families also take advantage of what T.H.E Bus has to offer,” said Wormington.
T.H.E. Bus is supported by Rural Response for Healthy Children and funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
T.H.E. Bus is very well stocked with board games, puzzles, infant and toddler toys, cognitive materials, flash cards, videos, DVDs and some books. There is even a bin of trucks, three giant roller coaters ready for assembling, a toy work bench and a beauty shop. Although geared for youngsters aged newborn to six years of age there are games and materials available for children aged seven to 12 years as well.
Parents can also benefit from a membership to the program as resource materials are available to them dealing with all kinds of parenting issues. And if a parent fails to see a topic of interest on the bus all they need do is ask, as over 1,000 titles are in stock at the Rural Response for Healthy Children office in Clinton.
Memberships to T.H.E. Bus are available for one year at $20. Seasonal memberships are offered for $10. These limited time memberships are great for summer cottagers or grandparents expecting children for an extended visit. Daycares may sign up for $50 for the year and they can take advantage of Theme Kits that are also available – Canada, Outer Space, Nutrition and Wild Animals - are just a few of the titles offered in these kits filled with a variety of items and activities that deal with a specific topic.
Melissa Wormington, Family Support/Education Worker for Rural Response for Healthy Children, brings T.H.E. Bus to the village every other Wednesday afternoon. Her next visit will be March 17. (Melody Falconer-Pounder photo)
Anyone wishing to borrow from T.H.E. Bus is asked to fill out a registration form with their name, address and telephone number. Families are allowed to take out five items every two weeks while Daycares can borrow up to 15 items. The only stipulations are that the items must be returned at one of the county locations clean and complete.
“It is our sign-up policy that toys are brought back sanitized but we always suggest that the receiving parent ensure it is clean before they give it to their child. The onus is on the parent in this regard but we do try and check them over to ensure that they are clean and in good condition before loaning them out again as well,” said Wormington.
T.H.E Bus has received an Active Living Grant in the past and from that they were able to purchase summer outdoor toys, blocks, Lego, Little People, lacing beads etc. however, they are always thankful for donations.
“We are a not-for-profit so we don’t have a budget to buy new toys, unless we are able to get some from a grant, so we do welcome donations of toys from families,” she said.
And the registration fee is flexible as the organization wishes that all children are able to benefit from the program regardless of their family’s financial situation.
“Our membership fee is flexible, we do have some families that pay as they go, and we are willing to work with them in that manner,” she said.
T.H.E. Bus program has been available in county communities for 10 years now. Every other Wednesday afternoon it can be seen parked in front of the Bayfield Library from 1-1:30 p.m. It will visit the village next on March 17 and all are welcome to climb aboard and check out what it has to offer first-hand.
BAYFIELD NORTH WATERSHEDS MANAGEMENT PLAN TO BE CELEBRATED
Residents north of Bayfield are invited to share in the sweet nectar of the maple tree while celebrating the completion of the Bayfield North Watersheds Management Plan (BNWMP) on March 20.
The plan is now complete after two years of community involvement in its creation. This public launch of the plan will provide an opportunity for citizens to see the results of their work.
The planning committee invites the community to the Schilbe Sugar Shack, located at 77340 Orchard Line from 1-3 p.m. All who attend will see how this operation works and sample the final maple syrup product. Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) staff will also be available to discuss the plan with landowners.
Please reply to Hope Brock at the ABCA at 519-235-2610, or toll-free at 1-888-286-2610, or by e-mail to hbrock@abca.on.ca, no later than March 12.
The 40-square-kilometre area of the Bayfield North Watersheds is home to 20 small creeks that flow directly into Lake Huron. The area also contains several significant forested areas.
The new watershed management plan has been created co-operatively by community members, government departments and local agencies to manage the water, land and water interactions and aquatic resources within the watershed to protect and enhance the health of the ecosystem as land uses change.
According to Brock, Healthy Watersheds Technician with the ABCA, the process of developing a community-based watershed plan has created an opportunity to ensure that people’s concerns and interests are addressed along with ways to protect water quality.
“Members of the community have volunteered their time to develop this plan and they are improving the natural environment through their efforts,” she said.
The watershed management plan document will provide information about the natural environment and community interests and issues to landowners north of Bayfield and to other local decision makers, as well as local and government agencies. The land management, aquatics, and erosion sections of the plan provide background information, community interests and issues, a management goal and recommended actions.
STUDENTS CELEBRATE 106TH BIRTHDAY OF ACCLAIMED CHILDREN'S AUTHOR
The Grade 3 and 4 students at St. Boniface School have been getting better acquainted with the works of Theodor Seuss Geisel over the past two months.
Green ham was on the menu for Dustin Rau, Bradley Meidinger and Nathan Paulger. They, and their classmates, also tried Cat in the Hat cookies and bread. (Submitted photo)
Of course this acclaimed children’s author is better known as Dr. Seuss.
St. Boniface School’s librarian, Diane Ryan, has introduced students to stories written by Dr. Seuss each week during their library visit. Therefore, it seemed appropriate to celebrate the birthday (March 2, 1904) of the late author at the conclusion of the class’ study of his books. A party in true Seuss spirit was organized. The class’ menu included green ham, Cat in the Hat cookies and bread, representative of “The Butter Battle Book.’
Dr. Seuss wrote 47 books. Some of his more popular stories included, “Green Eggs and Ham”, “The Places You’ll Go” and “Horton Hears a Who”. While Dr. Seuss is remembered as a children’s writer, his books are enjoyed by readers of all ages and much of the humor is best appreciated by the older audience.
BAYFIELD HISTORICAL SOCIETY TO VISIT STONE AGE THROUGH GUEST SPEAKER
Imagine what it must have been like to be one of the first modern men to observe and live amongst the “Stone Age” tribes in Dutch New Guinea soon after they emerged from the jungle.
Such first hand experiences will be explored at the March 22nd meeting of the Bayfield Historical Society.
Ray Holley, a Varna resident, along with his wife Florence, were missionaries and teachers in Dutch New Guinea in the early 1960s and they experienced what life was like for ancient man 20,000 years ago. They observed the profound impact on a society that had no written language, no metals, no containers that would hold water and no medicines. Cannibalism was still practiced in some areas and inter-tribal warfare was common.
Reverend Holley has lectured extensively at Universities and has produced a documentary film about their experiences.
Those who attend this presentation will learn how their most ancient ancestors lived and how humans and societies have evolved. The historical society’s meeting will be held at the Bayfield Lion’s Community Building starting at 7:30 p.m.
HORSE DRAWN SLEIGH RIDES A FAVORITE ACTIVITY AT SATURDAY EVENT
John Decroon, from near Dublin, brought his team of horses and sleigh to the Brodie farm on Airport Line to give people rides on a warm winter's day. He was assisted by Brian McDonald. (Rev. C. Love photo)
The 3Ms Group at St. Andrew’s United Church held an afternoon of winter activities at the farm of Don and Joan Brodie on Airport Line on the afternoon of March 6. .
A favorite opportunity for the approximately 50 people in attendance was a sleigh ride. The horses and sleigh belong to John Decroon, from near Dublin. Other activities included, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The day was also highlighted by a campfire and refreshments.
In addition to St. Andrew’s, people were in attendance from churches in Goderich (North St. United), Varna and Blyth.
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BAYFIELD GUIDING
Recent reports have indicated that the Clinton Salvation Army Food Bank (CSAFB) alone helps 1,500 people a week. As the community is aware, on Jan. 12, the CSAFB was destroyed by a devastating fire.
The 1st Bayfield Pathfinders are organizing “Dance, Dance Resolution – Resolve to Fight Hunger”, to raise money and food donations for this local food bank. This chaperoned dance is set for March 12 from 7 to 10 p.m. and will be open to pre-teens in Grades 6 to 8. It will be held at the Bayfield Community Centre. Admission will be $5 a person and a minimum of two non-perishable food items.
This fundraiser will also be part of the Girl Guides of Canada (GGC) Feed the Hungry Centenary Project. As Pathfinders they are challenged by GGC to collect 50 KG (110 lbs) of food for their community food banks. This event will also help the girls complete challenges in the leadership portion of their program.
Even if you aren’t a youth in Grade 6 to 8 and can’t join in the dancing fun you are still welcome to donate to the cause by giving what you can to a member of Bayfield Pathfinders or contacting Melody Falconer-Pounder at 519 565-2443.
OPTIMIST CLUB
The Bayfield Optimist Club will be holding its annual Chili Cook-off on March 14, at the Bayfield Community Centre.
The event will run from 1-4 p.m. Both individuals and local restaurants are encouraged to enter their chili for a chance to win the coveted People’s Choice Award. Entries will be accepted in crock pots from 12:30 to 1 p.m.
Public skating will be offered from 1-3 p.m.
Upstairs from 2-4 p.m. the Optimists will host a Family Fun Day providing hot dogs and ice-cream sundaes as well as face painting, children’s crafts and the unpredictable antics of a couple of clowns.
This is just one of the fun events organized by the Optimists of Bayfield throughout the year to show their thanks to the community for their ongoing support.
ANGLICAN
It is a Lenten tradition at Trinity Anglican Church to join in fellowship over a hearty bowl of soup while delighting in a great cinematic work.
“Soup and a Movie at Trinity” will be held over the next two Mondays from 6-9 p.m. A free will offering is asked to cover the cost of soup and buns and all in the community are welcome.
The schedule of movies is as follows: The Soloist, March 15; and Glory Road, March 22.
CONCERT SERIES
“Big Town Canadian Singers Going Small Town” is the theme for the upcoming spring installment of the Bayfield Concert Series to be held in the Bayfield Town Hall.
The headliners are some of the countries’ top talents, who when mixed with some locally grown entertainers performing as their opening acts, create the perfect blend for an exciting evening of music.
Scheduled to perform are: Melissa McClelland with Brad Cassel, Apr. 17; Luke Ducet with Beth Moore, May 8.
Individual show ticket prices range from $10 to $25. Tickets are available at Ernie King Music in Goderich and Black Dog Village Pub and Bistro in Bayfield.
The series is being presented by Meades Bros. Productions and The Little Inn of Bayfield. Special Concert Getaways are now available at The Little Inn; to learn more please call 1-800-565-1832.
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AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
Volunteers are now needed to help make the 154th Bayfield Fall Fair an extraordinary event.
The fair which will be held on Aug. 20-22 is an integral part of the village summer calendar but it can only be a success with great volunteers. This year new chairs are needed for such departments as flowers and concessions, but help for any area of interest to people is always appreciated.
The volunteer position of Talent Show coordinator is also available. Someone who might enjoy nuturing the talents of area youth is needed to take up the reigns of this always popular event. The outgoing coordinator has organized the event in such a way that the person stepping into the role should do so with ease. If a coordinator can not be found this show will not go on; a genuine disservice to the talented young people of the region who have got their start in Bayfield and gone on to excel at higher levels of the competition.
For more information on how you can help the Bayfield Agricultural Society with their upcoming fair please contact Emma VanderWouden, secretary, at 519 482-3020.
LENTEN SERVICES
Local residents are invited to take a Journey through Lent with services being offered at three local churches: Trinity Anglican, St. Andrew’s United and Knox Presbyterian.
“These services began at Knox in 2007, last year Trinity joined us and we are really excited to have St. Andrew's join us this year,” said Rev. Susan Moore, minister at Knox.
“Every minister will have their own way of leading this time of scripture reading, reflection and prayer but in past years those who attended found this a wonderful time to prepare themselves for Holy Week and Easter,” said Moore.
Last year there was an average attendance of 27-30 people.
The schedule of Lenten Services will be as follows: St. Andrew’s United, March 10; Knox Presbyterian, March 17 and 24.
The services will be 30 minutes in length and will be followed by lunch and fellowship.
BRIDGE CLUB
Alice Brandon and John Kuntz were the high scorers when the Wednesday Evening Bridge Club met at the Bayfield Lions’ Community Building on March 3.
The club will meet next on March 17. The decks will be shuffled starting at 7 p.m. All are welcome to join in the fun.
FILM SOCIETY
Happy Go Lucky is the title of the second film in the spring series of movies being offered by the Bayfield Film Society. The curtain will go up on this film on March 11.
A later start time is being tried for this season and the films will commence at 7:30 p.m. in the Bayfield Town Hall.
Other movies scheduled for the season are The Secret Life of Bees, Apr. 8; and Cairo Time, May 13.
Tickets cost $10 per person at the door the night of the film.
For more information please contact Lynne Gillians at 519 565-5884 or by email at lynnegillians@hotmail.com
UNITED CHURCH
Communities around the world will demand action on climate change by marking Earth Hour on March 27. All are encouraged to turn their lights off for 60 minutes starting at 8:30 p.m. (local time).
To celebrate Earth Hour in Bayfield everyone is invited to turn off lights at home and head to St Andrew’s United Church for a sing-along in celebration of the earth and to express joint concern about its future. The program will commence at 8:30 p.m. It will feature songs by both the Glees Sisters and St. Andrew’s Church Choir, plus the two choirs combined. The choirs will also lead a sing-along of popular old-time songs.
Organizers suggest participants bring a flashlight, candle or hurricane lamp to view the words for the sing-along by because the lights will be off in the church as well!
FITNESS FUN
Playing badminton is a terrific way to get in shape for spring. The sport is offered at Huron Centennial School every Tuesday night from 7-9 p.m.
Organizers state that it is basically backyard badminton, played inside and is great exercise and lots of fun.
For those looking for something to exercise the mind – Mah Jongg is offered on Thursdays from 1-3 p.m. at the Bayfield Lions’ Community Building. There is a $2 fee. All are welcome and lessons are available. If Mah Jongg isn’t your game bring one that is – Scrabble or Crib anyone?
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