GOOD WORKS OF RED CROSS CELEBRATED WITH VISIT

Dinner at a local eatery was on the agenda when Janice Elloway, returning overseas delegate with the International Committee of the Red Cross, stopped by Bayfield for a brief visit. Seated with Elloway clockwise from left are, Millie Blair, Rev. Susan Moore, Joyce Lambert and Patricia Hutchison. (Submitted Photos)

BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER

The good works of the Red Cross were first and foremost in the minds of several village residents on Aug. 31 when they had the opportunity to meet with a returning overseas delegate of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Janice Elloway was back in Canada for a bit of a break from her duties and made a brief stop in Bayfield to visit her good friend, Joyce Lambert.

Lambert wanted to celebrate her visit and share her friend’s work with others so a gathering of 18 people was organized at the home of Judy and Philip Keightley.

Elloway spoke to the group about her recent work in Lebanon and her more than a decade of work in Afghanistan, North Korea, and Nigeria.

Those present were also delighted to meet several other representatives of the Canadian Red Cross Society including, Patricia Hutchison, who worked in Kenya and Millie Blair, current head of International Services for Ontario.

“Red Cross continues to be wherever there is a need such as in Goderich right now and is dependent on people like Janice Elloway,” said Lambert.

Gala dinner to be held at bluewater shores resort

Plans for the third annual, award-winning Taste of Huron Culinary Festival were well underway when the tornado struck the heart of Goderich on the afternoon of Aug. 21.

The event planned for now to Sept. 10 is organized to celebrate all things food and blues in Huron County. New this year plans were being made to combine with two other festivals, the West Coast Bluefest in Goderich and the Huron Pioneer Threshers Reunion in Blyth. The organizing committees of Taste of Huron and West Coast Bluesfest canceled the event that were to be held in Goderich over the Labour Day weekend as well as all scheduled workshops.

"Both committees are re-focusing their efforts on organizing a fundraiser in early fall, with all proceeds going towards the Goderich Tornado Relief Fund through the United Way of Perth-Huron," said Jenna Ujiye, tourism marketer for the County of Huron. "Understanding that there are many organizations and individuals wanting to help, we invite them to contact us to get involved so that we can work collaboratively to host a meaningful event in support of the community."

If you are interested in helping or contributing to Tornado Aid 2011, please contact Ujiye at goderichtornadoaid@gmail.com or 519-440-2673.

Food for Thought Dinners planned for outside of Goderich are going ahead with $5 from each meal served going to Tornado Relief. The dinner series will see various dining establishments located in the county present a special menu to compliment a food-related topic discussed by a guest speaker at a $40 price point. All dinners will be served starting at 7 p.m. All menus can be found online.

The Development of Huron County’s Wine Industry will provide plenty of food for thought when The Little Inn of Bayfield hosts a dinner on the evening of Sept. 7.

It is believed that where peaches can grow, so can grapes. To learn more about this blossoming new industry plan to attend the meal. A wine flight will be available for an additional $20, one glass per course; featuring all grape styles that will be grown in the county. For reservations call The Little Inn at 1-800-565-1832 or visit www.littleinn.com.

On Sept. 10, the Taste of Huron Gala Dinner will be held at Bluewater Shores Resort in Bayfield. For $100 per person, an elegant five-course meal that emphasizes the quality and taste of ingredients produced within Huron County will be served. A portion of ticket sales will go toward Goderich Tornado Relief.

Prepared by a team of the best chefs found in the county, the gala dinner highlights a different locally produced ingredient with each course. Each course will be paired with a glass of Pelee Island wine.

Shuttle services will be provided from Goderich and Bayfield to Bluewater Shores Use of the shuttle costs $10 per person. It will depart from the Bayfield Town Hall at 7 p.m. for Bluewater Shores and depart from at approx. 11 p.m.

Musical artist, Andy McGuire will be performing between courses. McGuire has just released his second album, “Body of Work”. For information visit www.andymcguire.ca

For ticket or event information visit www.tasteofhuron.ca or call 1-888-524-8394 ext.3. Taste of Huron Gala Dinner tickets can be purchased through the Blyth Festival box office at: 1-877-862-5984. Reservations for the Food for Thought Dinner can be made by calling the restaurant directly. Maps and accommodation information is available online: www.ontarioswestcoast.ca.

master gardeners to hear the buzz on bees

Bayfield is very fortunate to have several Master Gardeners residing locally. Individuals such as Sue van Baardwyk, Susan Beatty and Leigh and Jerry Selk volunteer both in the community as well as for the Bayfield and Area Horticultural Society.

They are also a part of Huron Master Gardeners, one of 39 Master Gardener groups across Ontario comprised of 750 dedicated volunteers. These individuals are dedicated to providing accurate and relevant home gardening horticultural information to the public. In other words, they love to talk gardening!

Huron Master Gardeners will be holding a special speaker evening on Sept. 26 and invite all in the community to attend. Paul Kelly, manager of the University of Guelph Honey Bee Research Centre will present the topic, “What's the Buzz about Bees?”

This evening will be held at the OMAFRA Building at 100 Don St. in Clinton starting at 7 p.m. Cost to attend is a donation. Please note this meeting will be held in a “fragrance free” building.

Master Gardeners aren’t just active in Bayfield, volunteers can be found residing in Wingham, Seaforth and Hensall as well.

united way continues to collect for tornado relief

On Aug. 23, the Bayfield Breeze received a press release from the United Way of Perth-Huron in which Ryan Erb, executive director, announced that a Goderich Tornado Relief Fund has been created.

As of Aug. 31 at noon the fund had collected $38,900. To assist in receiving donations, United Way of Kitchener Waterloo & Area, with sponsorship from Libro Financial in Kitchener-Waterloo, had generously offered to support via-text donations. The opportunity to text in donations has now ended but donations will continue to be accepted via telephone and online for as long as needed.

One hundred per cent of all donations made to the Goderich Tornado Relief Fund will support the community of Goderich. People can contribute by calling, 1-877-818-8867 (toll-free); or online, perthhuron.unitedway.ca; or email, campaign@unitedwayperthhuron.ca.

The United Way of Perth-Huron would like to thank the United Way of Kitchener-Waterloo for helping in fundraising efforts.

Auction will benefit tornado relief, make-a-wish and youth

The “Bids 4 Kids” Auction, organized by the Optimist Club of Bayfield, is set for Oct. 1.
The membership took a break from this fundraising staple, holding their last one in the fall of 2008, but the members are now ready to host their biggest and best auction yet.

The idea for this fundraiser for the Bayfield Optimists began in the early 90s. Back then; the items auctioned off were primarily handcrafted by area wood working talents. In more recent years anything and everything has been added to the mix, with a few key pieces of handcrafted wood being auctioned to pay homage to the early days.

The event will be held at the Varna Complex with cocktails and viewing beginning at 6 p.m. and dinner to follow at 7 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by The Cheap Shirts.
Twenty-five percent of the proceeds from the auction will go to the Make A Wish Foundation of Southwestern Ontario, a cause dear to the hearts of the membership. In light of the recent disaster in Goderich it has been determined that another twenty-five per cent of the auction proceeds will go to tornado relief. The remainder of the funds will benefit local youth activities.

Donations of all sorts are now being accepted for both the live and silent auctions until Sept. 12. If you would like to make a donation please contact Optimist Tara Hessel at 519 565-2136.

If you would like tickets for this social event of the season they are available now for $30 each at the Bayfield Village Inn, Brandons Hardware or by calling Hessel at the number listed above. Anyone who wishes to reserve a table of eight or ten can also do so by contacting Hessel. To provide more support for our neighbor to the north through the Optimist's Bayfield "Hearts" Goderich campaign $5 from every ticket sold will go to tornado relief.

terry fox run fast approaching

The 3rd annual Terry Fox Run hosted by the BRVTA will be held on Sept. 18. There was an increase in the number of cyclists who took part in the second annual event and organizers hope to build on that trend this year. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) are asking members of the community to save the date for the of the village’s 3rd Annual Terry Fox Run set for Sept. 18.

Since the Bayfield run was started in 2009, it has raised over $5,500.

It will be an all-inclusive, non-competitive, family oriented event. The Bayfield run is a BRVTA initiative and is scheduled to start and end at Clan Gregor Square. Registration will open at 8:30 a.m. with the event to begin at 9:30 a.m.

To be a part of the Terry Fox Run people can choose to walk, run, bike or wheel. In town there are two routes; the two kilometer route is suited to wheelchairs, strollers or roller blades and the five kilometer route is perfect for running and walking. Participants up for more of a challenge can choose to walk or run distances of either seven or 10 kilometers. These longer distances include the Sawmill Trail Loop, which travels along the Bayfield River. There is also an in-town 10 kilometer route for cyclists.

There is no minimum pledge and donations can be collected through pledges, personal donations or on-line pledging. Pledge sheets will be available soon.

According to Heidi Hessel, event organizer for the BRVTA, The Terry Fox Foundation is an industry leader in fundraising accountability as three cents of every dollar goes towards administration and 10 cents goes towards fundraising costs, leaving 87 cents of every dollar raised going towards cancer research.

take to your bicycle for 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. The Festival of Fitness and Art in Bayfield will be held on that date with organizers hoping to raise a minimum of $10,000 toward the cause.

An opportunity to cycle for the cause is being offered as part of the festival. There will be two courses open to people depending on their fitness level. The event will begin at noon with registration check-in being held from 9-11:30 a.m. The 45 km Course begins at the Bayfield Arena and meanders through the Huron countryside. All roads are paved. The terrain, while basically flat, offers regular climbs over moraines. The course runs parallel to Lake Huron with the lake in view at many points. The event ends in the village centre. The 3 km Course is designed for those people wishing to participate while avoiding a more strenuous ride. The course is within the village on flat paved roads.

Cyclists can opt for either the 45 km or 3 km course. For the 45 km route, participants who register in advance will pay a fee of $40. This fee increases to $45 on the day of the event. Youth under the age of 16 can register anytime for $10. Adults who wish to do the 3 km route can register for $20. Registration forms are available online at www.amghfoundation.ca This portion of the festival is sponsored by CKNX AM 920 in Wingham and Outside Projects of Bayfield.

rally for goderich

On Sept. 17 the people of Bluewater can make a difference for residents of Canada’s Prettiest Town by attending “Goderich Tornado Fundraiser” in Bayfield’s Pioneer Park at 10 a.m.

This “rally” is being organized to bring together concerned citizens – there won’t be any speakers but a donation box will be passed around for people who would like to contribute. One hundred per cent of the money collected will be donated to the people of Goderich.

optimist club

Bayfield “Hearts” Goderich is a fundraising campaign established by the Optimist Club of Bayfield just hours after the tornado struck on Aug. 21.

Club members have placed collection boxes in prominent locations around the village to accept cash donations and “spare” change.

The money collected will go to the Goderich Salvation Army to help people affected by the disaster.

partners in learning

Environmentalist, and photographer, Peter Kelly, will be making a presentation based on his latest book, “The Last Stand: A Journey Through the Ancient Cliff-Face Forest of the Niagara Escarpment” on Sept. 8.

The event hosted by Partners in Learning will be held at the Grand Bend Community Health Centre starting at 7 p.m. and is free of charge and open to all.

The most ancient and least disturbed forest ecosystem in eastern North America clings to the vertical cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment. You will hear about the amazing discovery of these unique eastern white cedar trees and the amazing properties that they possess.

Partners in Learning is based on a peer-learning concept that has proven to be a great success in many communities throughout Canada and the world. A local, non-profit group of volunteers has undertaken to provide this unique enrichment program to the Grand Bend and area community, including Bayfield residents.

The autumn program starts on Sept. 19 and runs every Monday until Nov. 28. For more information or to register see www.partnersinlearning.ca or email Lynn Wilbur at lwilbur@hay.net

toastmasters

Clinton Communicators Toastmasters Club is coming to Bayfield!

The group will be holding an Open House at the Bayfield Lions’ Community Building on Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m. For any local residents interested but unable to attend the Bayfield event a second Open House will be held on Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the OMAFRA building, 100 Don Street, Clinton, ON. Guests are invited to attend one or both meetings.

Toastmasters is a non-profit organization that encourages its members to improve their public speaking, communication and leadership skills, in a mutually supportive environment.

For more information, contact Dorothy Griffith at 519 565-2879 or email griffraser@gmail.com.

bayfield concert series

Jazz artist, Denzel Sinclaire will be the next performer to grace the stage at the Bayfield Town Hall as part of the Bayfield Concert Series.

The show is set for Oct. 1 at 8:30 p.m. Doors open at 8 p.m.

The cost is $45 per person. Tickets are available at ticketscene.ca

film society

The Bayfield Film Society’s autumn season will kick off on Sept. 13 with a viewing of The First Grader.

Three other films will be viewed at The Bayfield Town Hall as part of the season including: Made In Dagenham, Tamara Drewe and Brighton Rock.

Season tickets are now available for $35 and can be obtained by contacting Jane Rowat at 519 565-5838; or Lynne Gillians, 519 565-5884.

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).

books and brunch

The always popular “Books and Brunch” returns to the village with an opportunity to dine with a talent behind some contemporary titles.

On Sept. 18, Brian Francis is scheduled to be the guest author at the luncheon.

The Little Inn of Bayfield will play host to Books and Brunch starting at 12:30 p.m. Tickets for both luncheons are $30 each. They can be purchased at The Village Bookshop, 20 Catherine St. or by calling 519 565-5600 or emailing mbrown@thevillagebookshop.com

hearing clinic

Have you heard the news? A new monthly hearing clinic is being established in the village at Pharmasave Michael’s Pharmacy. The next date for the clinic is Sept. 19.

The Kincardine Hearing Clinic will be offering their services on the third Tuesday of every month from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The clinic will offer: hearing aid adjustments and repairs to all makes and models, no cost hearing tests, new prescription of hearing aids, wax removal, hearing aid battery sales as well as hard of hearing assistive devices.

To book an appointment please call The Kincardine Hearing Clinic at 1-855-396-6026.

fitness fun

Summer is fleeting and thoughts are now turning to fall routines but there are some new fitness opportunities on the horizon – read on to learn more.

One Care is sponsoring several programs for both men and women to stay fit over.

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. 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. The cost for is $3 per class and participants are asked to bring a yoga mat.

Starting on Sept. 26 people will have the chance to play indoor pickle ball (think, slower paced tennis indoors) or indoor badminton 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.

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.

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 return to Bayfield starting Sept. 7 at the Bayfield Community Centre from 7-8 p.m. and continue every Wednesday evening. Participants are asked to arrive 30 minutes early the first night. 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.

bridge club

John Kuntz and Brenda Blair were the high scorers when the Wednesday Evening Bridge Club met next on Aug. 31 at the Bayfield Lions’ Community Building.

The club will meet next on Sept. 14. The cards will be dealt starting at 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend.