retirement process leads to career in home inspection

Jeff Miller, of Bayfield, has started his own home inspection business. In recent years he has established a permanent residence in Bluewater after having a cottage here for 25 years. He is also a member of the Bayfield Lions' Club and the Bayfield Anglers Association. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER

Jeff Miller, of Bayfield, “is not the type of person to be retired and sit and watch the grass grow.”

In fact, the process of retirement moved him toward a whole new career as a certified home inspector. Miller recently launched his new business known as, Bluewater Huron Home Inspection. As the name implies he can provide certified home inspections for would-be homebuyers.

Miller first became interested in the home inspection process when he was selling his home in Cambridge and his daughter was also selling her home.

“I was there when the home inspections were being done and I was not impressed with them. They didn’t really do a thorough home inspection of things like electrical and plumbing,” Miller, a 30 year employee with BF Goodrich in Kitchener, said.

The Millers had a cottage in Bayfield for 25 years. Four years ago with retirement near, they tore down the cottage and built their permanent residence in Bluewater. Miller has always been interested in the housing industry and home improvement. He once owned a landscaping business and with a number of family members in the trades has helped out in areas of electrical, plumbing, renovations and deck construction.

He is a graduate of the one-year, Home Inspection Course offered at Niagara College in Welland, ON. He took the course on-line through The Centre for Employment and Learning in Exeter.

“The course was five-days a week for a year with lots and lots of information to read,” said Miller. “I had to do onsite assessments and then do a full report on them as well as take exams. Like any course the more you put into it the more you get out of it.”

Miller found the course to be quite detailed, “I was given a problem to solve and I’d have to go out and talk to professional trades to learn how things should be made right from the roof to the basement of the home.”

Miller strongly believes that a home inspection is a good investment for a home- buyer. He stated that an inspection is a negotiating tool for the purchase price of a home and can help prevent future surprises that may not be budgeted for.

“So many people, when they are looking at a home to buy, miss so much. They notice the gorgeous curtains but they don’t pull back the curtains to see if there are any stains around the windows. They don’t try to open the beautifully designed window to see if the crank works.”

He explained that a thorough home inspector would do things homebuyers won’t. For example, he will take four sheets of toilet paper and try to flush them down the toilet to ensure that the commode works; that he or she will also fill the bathtub half full with water and leave it sit for a bit to check for any problems.

“A thorough home inspection is not just a walk through and a waste of money, an average sized home should take two-and-a-half to three house to inspect.”

Miller will provide clients with a full written report including photographs of areas of concern within 24 hours of completing the inspection. He will go inside the attic and up on the roof, places homebuyers rarely are able to venture.

“I will give recommendations and state concerns on both minor and major issues. I will also give advice on major problems and what could occur if the issue isn’t dealt with.”

He added, “A home inspection can turn out to be a real bargain for home buyers if a problem is found it can become a bargaining tool for purchase, if it is found that a home needs work a reduction in the purchase price can help.”

Bluewater Huron Home Inspection is a registered business. Miller is currently getting his name out in the community; contacting real estate agents, mortgage lenders etc.

To learn more visit www.bluewaterhuronhomeinspection.ca or call Miller at 519 441-2929.

ABCA receives donation for work in bayfield watershed

The U.S.-based Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation presented a cheque for $100,000 to ABCA for their work with landowners to protect and improve water quality in the Bayfield River Watershed over the next three years. The presentation was made on July 21 at the Bayfield Community Centre. The people involved in the presentation were (l-r): Tom Prout, general manager and secretary treasurer of ABCA; Fred Dobbs, a former provincial representative and director of the ABCA Board of Directors from 1979-86; Jim Ginn, chairman of the ABCA Board of Directors; John Erb, president of the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation and son of Barbara and Fred; and Bill Dowson, mayor of the Municipality of Bluewater. (Photo by Tim Cumming)

The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) was presented with a cheque for $100,000 from the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation at a recent celebration honoring a milestone anniversary for the Bayfield River Watershed.

The Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation is a U.S. foundation dedicated to nurturing environmentally healthy and culturally vibrant communities in metropolitan Detroit. It also supports initiatives to restore the Great Lakes Basin. The foundation is providing the funds to ABCA for its work with landowners to restore wetlands, conduct community-based planning at the local watershed scale, and other work to improve water quality between 2011 and 2013. The project will involve the main Bayfield River Watershed that includes Trick’s Creek Watershed.

A local announcement of this grant was made during an anniversary celebration at the Bayfield Community Centre on July 21. The anniversary marked 40 years since the Bayfield River Watershed, and some small streams draining into Lake Huron, were added to the area of responsibility of the former Ausable River Conservation Authority (ARCA).

“The generous grant from the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation is very positive news for protection and improvement of the Bayfield River Watershed now and in the future,” said Jim Ginn, chairman of the ABCA Board of Directors. “This donation will engage landowners and residents in more protection and improvement of this important watershed.”

Since the 1920s, four generations of Erb family members have enjoyed a cottage in Bayfield. The family is committed to efforts improving water quality, particularly in the watersheds impacting metropolitan Detroit, MI and Bayfield. Fred and Barbara Erb, of the Detroit area, and their four children, started the foundation.

“The Erb family has appreciated the beautiful Bayfield River Watershed for many years and we are pleased to assist the community’s efforts to protect and enhance water quality here,” said John Erb, president of the foundation and son of Barbara and Fred.

Water quality improvements will include a focused community stewardship effort within the smaller watershed of Trick’s Creek. The grant will make it possible for ABCA to further involve local people in ongoing resource management. The Trick’s Creek tributary of the Bayfield River provides groundwater discharge that can support a cold-water fishery. Improvements to the Trick’s Creek Watershed would help to enhance water quality in the Bayfield River.

The grant will also promote wetland enhancement within the broader Bayfield River Watershed. Other water quality improvements include identification of actions that can reduce E. Coli contributions from the Bayfield River to beaches.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada has published a research document on bio-diversity in Lake Huron and ABCA will work with them to try to implement recommendations from this report.

Forty years ago, the Province of Ontario, with support of local municipalities, expanded the area of the former ARCA to include the Bayfield River Watershed and some smaller streams draining into Lake Huron. The then Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the Hon. William Ross Macdonald, approved the Order-in-Council on July 21, 1971.

The Municipality of Bluewater Communities in Bloom Committee was holding an open house celebration of their own on Thursday evening at the Bayfield Community Centre and generously offered to share the space in order for ABCA to hold the grant announcement and anniversary event on the same date four decades later. Ginn publicly thanked the Communities in Bloom committee for inviting watershed guests to hold and attend the celebration at their event.

The current ABCA Board of Directors also held its monthly meeting in Bayfield on July 21, at the Bayfield Lions’ Community Building, in honor of the board meeting of 40 years ago.

The area of responsibility added in 1971 included the Bayfield River Watershed and all other streams entering Lake Huron from the point where the north boundary of the former ARCA met the shore of Lake Huron to the point where the north boundary of the village of Bayfield meets the shore of Lake Huron. Bayfield River Watershed is in the northern part of the ABCA’s area. The basin includes almost 500 square KMs beginning north of Dublin and out-letting at Bayfield.

Breastworks a highlight of festival of fitness and art

Bayfield will be the place to run, walk, cycle or purchase art in support of a full-field digital mammography unit for Huron County on Oct. 1.

Although most people aren’t thinking of things to do in the fall with summer in full swing, now is the time to mark calendars for what is sure to be an amazing day of events held in an effort to raise a minimum of $10,000 toward the cause.

In fact the event is so big this article is the third of a series describing what will be happening at the Festival of Fitness and Art in Bayfield. This week we learn about what art purchasing opportunities will be offered for participants.

“Breastworks” is the title of the art portion of the Festival of Fitness and Art. Fifty artists have donated their work in support of this fundraising project. The artists include painters, potters, quilters, poets, musicians, bakers, chefs, woodworkers and more. Contributing artists were required to feature and celebrate the breast in their works.

The intent, in addition to raising funds for the unit is to encourage both women and men to use this technology.

Breastworks will open with a wine and cheese reception on Sept. 30 from 7-9 p.m. There will be a silent auction of the donated art that will continue on Oct. 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This portion of the Festival of Fitness and Art is generously hosted by The Little Inn of Bayfield. For more information please visit www.amghfoundation.ca/festival.php.

Student's desk donated to Bayfield Archives

Bayfield’s volunteer archivist, Ralph Laviolette is looking for the assistance of the community in identifying a recent donation to the Bayfield Archives from the estate of Stu Atkinson.

“We received a donation of a number of artifacts from the collection of the late Stu Atkinson from his daughter Elizabeth. One of them was a student’s desk,” said Laviolette.

According to Laviolette, there is a name written in ink in the book box that says, “Douglas Keys” along with the years “1959” and “1967”.

“We hope one of the Bayfield Breeze readers can identify where it came from or might know of the student who signed his name,” said Laviolette.

Anyone with knowledge of this historical treasure can email the archivist directly at bayarchives@tcc.on.ca.

The Bayfield Archives recently received a donation of a number of artifacts from the collection of the late Stu Atkinson from his daughter Elizabeth. One of the items was this child's school desk. (Submitted photo)

Anglican church

The Bayfield Antique Fair is set to open its doors for the 26th season at the Bayfield Arena, Aug. 5-7. The congregation of Trinity Anglican Church organizes this annual event with proceeds going toward church needs and outreach.

Professional antique dealers from across Ontario bring an impressive array of quality antiques and collectibles including: Canadiana, furniture, books, porcelain, ironstone, silver, estate and costume jewelery and antique toys - in short, something for everyone and every pocketbook.

The Gala Evening Opening Celebration is set for Friday, 7-9 p.m. This year the gala will feature nautical theme and will be hosted by the venerable Admiral Bayfield himself. Fine wine and assorted cheeses will be served along with appetizers from the village’s stellar local restaurants. The talented members of Elliott's Liquidation Band will provide the musical entertainment for the evening.

Always a highlight of the weekend, those who attend the gala can mingle with the knowledgeable vendors, chat, browse and even purchase a unique item for their collection.

Gala tickets are available now for $10 in until Aug. 4 at 5 p.m. and then the price increases to $12. Tickets are $5 per day on Saturday and Sunday with the show hours being 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. respectively.

During the show refreshments and light fare can be purchased at the café; in addition to delicious home made sweets, sandwiches made from recipes past down by former tea room hostesses are offered.

According to organizers, the dealers love the show and bring beautiful antiques and collectibles, big and small, to suit every taste. For more information please call 519 565-2974 or visit their website.

fun run, walk & roll

Monday, Aug. 1st, marks the 25th year for the Annual 5 KM Pioneer Park Fun Run, Walk & Roll.

Over time this community event has become a true tradition, bringing people together of all ages together, the participants, the crew that helps put it all together and the noteworthy cheering section.

Those who take part are instructed to follow the arrows that mark the 5 KM route through town. Those who take part may do so by running, walking, biking, or blading. Individuals are often quite creative with the wheels they choose to use. Leashed dogs are welcome to join in the fun. All in the community are invited to attend, grab a coffee, applaud and cheer the folks on.

Anne Laudenbach, event organizer said, “Either way, please come to the park and be a part of it all. For the participants, dust off your wheels, find your sneakers and limber up!”

Registration will be held from 8:30-9:30 a.m.; walkers will depart at 9:30 a.m., the remaining participants at 10 a.m. Registration and the event begin and end in Pioneer Park just off Bayfield Terrace. The registration fee is $5 per participant with proceeds going to Pioneer Park upkeep. 

Please note that this event is held within accordance of the provincial law that states all bikers under 18 years of age must wear helmets. Adults are also strongly encouraged to wear them.

horticultural society

The very future of the Bayfield and Area Horticultural Society (BAHS) may depend on the outcome of the organization’s next general meeting to be held on Sept. 19.

According to Sue van Baardwyk, secretary for the BAHS, “The focus of the meeting will be to discuss and vote on the future of BAHS. We need you to come out, to bring all members and friends of BAHS and to be ready to talk and cast votes for our future.”

She noted that this is an extremely important general meeting for all members, and those who would like to become members. The meeting will be held in the Bayfield Lions’ Community Building starting at 7:30 p.m.

Prior to this discussion and vote, a guest speaker will share his knowledge on a popular subject with the BAHS membership – Trees. The speaker will be Ian Jean from the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA).

midsummer reads

The lawn of The Village Book Shop, on Catherine St., is the perfect place for a midsummer tryst with a favorite author or two.

On July 31, the book shop will present Midsummer Night’s Mysteries with Ontario authors Ian Hamilton and John Schlarbaum.

Hamilton is the creator of the Ava Lee mysteries, The Water Rat of Wanchai and
The Disciple of Las Vegas. Schlarbaum is the author of the Steve Cassidy mystery books.

On Aug. 6, the store will host, A Midsummer Night's Reading with D J McIntosh, author of The Witch of Babylon. Gary Davidson Group and Beate Bowron Etc generously sponsor this reading.

Both events begin at 7 p.m. and are free of charge. Participants are reminded to bring lawn chairs or beach blankets.

town hall

The Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society in conjunction with the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival will be hosting an evening of musical entertainment as part of the Rural Roots Concert Series on Aug. 1.

Comas, with opening act Ashley Anderson, will take to the Bayfield Town Hall stage at 7:30 p.m.

Comas are a band firmly rooted in Irish music, but with enough space to allow in original compositions. Formed in 2003 the four members have performed together all across Europe and following their week at the Celtic Festival will be touring in the Eastern United States.

Translated from the Irish/Gaelic their name means power, Comas is said to be at the forefront of what traditional music is about today.

Tickets are available now for $15 adult; $10 youth; (or $18 at the door) by calling the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival Box Office at 519 524-8221 or emailing festival@celticfestival.ca or in Bayfield by calling 519 565- 2202 or 519 565-2894.

Knox Church

The fish will be frying on July 30th when the congregation of Knox Presbyterian Church holds their first annual Fish Fry at the Bayfield Community Centre. Organizers report that just a few tickets remain for this event.

The meal will be served from 4:30-7 p.m. Two salads, tomatoes, rolls, and a baked potato are sure to compliment the Lake Huron white fish. Delectable homemade desserts will finish things off nicely.

Tickets are $17 for adults; and $10 for children 11 years and under. Take-out will also be available. For tickets please call 519 565-2435, or email ggrant@tcc.on.ca, or consult any member of the Knox Church congregation.

concert series

The Bayfield Concert Series summer line up is really heating up with a Bare Naked Lady now on the docket.

Kevin Hearn, of the very popular Canadian group, Bare Naked Ladies, will show off his solo talents on the Bayfield Town Hall Stage on Aug. 25.

The doors will open at 8 p.m. and the show will start at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 each and are available now at www.ticketscene.ca. 

pioneer park

Pioneer Park is going to be a very active place over the remaining summer months with both fundraising activities and family fun in the works.

For one more Saturday in July as dusk settles over this lakeside park a film will be shown under the stars. Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to cuddle up and watch Despicable Me on July 30. Movies-in-the-Park will return in August with the movie Enchanted on Aug. 13 and something for the older crowd set for Aug. 27 when the classic Rocky Horror Picture Show will be presented.

A new event for families, entitled Art in the Park, will be held on Aug. 6th followed by the Annual General Meeting of the Pioneer Park Association at 10 a.m. on Aug. 13.

fitness fun

Summer is here and now that all those good fitness habits have been established it is time to get out and enjoy not only the weather but a variety of opportunities to keep fit as well.

One Care is sponsoring several programs for both men and women to stay fit over the summer months. The following activities are scheduled to run from now until August.

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 will start at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while the men can venture out on Mondays and Fridays at 8:30 a.m. All walks begin from 6 Main Street and 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. New for the months of July and August is a Yoga Class to be held in Pioneer Park on Thursday mornings at 8:30 a.m. weather permitting. The cost for either yoga experience is $3 per class and participants are asked to bring a yoga mat.

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

For those people looking to exercise their minds, Women’s Bridge is played every Wednesday at 1 p.m. No partner needed to play the cost is $1.50 per game. For more information call Brenda Blair 519 565-2881.

Mah Jongg games and lessons are also offered on the first and third Mondays of the month starting at 1 p.m. Call 519 565-2468 for more information.

Both Bridge and Mah Jongg are played at the Bayfield Lions’ Community Building.