The only game in town where a turkey call is a good bingo

A crisp, clear evening in Dec. 2009 allowed for a good crowd to gather at the community centre for the Bayfield Lions' Club's annual Christmas Turkey Bingo. The same could not be said in 2010, however, as the Bingo was postponed, rescheduled and then cancelled due to two early winter storms that hit the region. The forecast looks better for 2011 with the event set for Monday evening, Dec. 5. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER

All in the community will have the opportunity to win the foul for their family feast on the evening of Dec. 5 when the Bayfield Community Centre doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the Bayfield Lions’ Club’s Annual Christmas Turkey Bingo.

The calling of the Bingo numbers will begin at 7 p.m. There will be 16 oven ready turkeys ready to be won as well as door prizes and share the wealth.

All proceeds from this event will go toward community projects. Please note that no one under the age of 18 years will be admitted.

PIGS AND HORSES TALK OF SOCIETY'S ANNUAL MEETING

Spiced Twisted Bacon on Ice Cream was just one of the special appetizers prepared for the potluck held as part of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the Bayfield Agricultural Society (BAS) held on November 17.

Teresa and Martin Van Raay, owners of The Whole Pig from Dashwood, prepared a variety of appetizers for the supper. Following dinner, the couple spoke to those in attendance. They outlined the misconceptions about the nutrient value of Canadian pork and the cooking times needed for preparing pork.

Several new people to the BAS were present at the meeting and appeared willing to become active members. All committees accept for one, have a leader to begin planning for next year’s fair.

The AGM consisted of reports and the nomination of the new leadership. The financial statement for the year showed a small sum of money that can be carried over to next year. This was due to the tremendous support from individuals, businesses, and service clubs. The BAS is so grateful for their commitment to the Bayfield Fair.

It was also announced at the AGM that tentatively a performance by the RCMP Musical Ride will be co-hosted by the BAS and REACH in June of 2012 at the REACH Centre in Clinton. The Bayfield Fall Fair's theme will be “Horsin' Around in 2012”. This show by the RCMP will be a grand kick-off.

According to Doug Yeo, president of the BAS, “The venue has already been checked and was wholeheartedly approved by the RCMP Musical Ride organization. More information will be shared when the final confirmation is made.”

The annual wreath fundraiser for the BAS is now underway. To have a look at these gorgeous wreaths hand made from donated greens from the area just take a stroll down the village’s Main Street. Many businesses pre-ordered their wreaths and society members delivered them in time for Christmas in Bayfield.

These wreaths are perfect for Christmas decorating and will brighten a door all winter long. A limited number are available and can be obtained by contacting Don Brodie 519 263-2404.
 

Food bank to benefit from an afternoon of shopping

Maggie Brennan is the creative energy behind Intuitive Sense Lotions and Potions by Maggie. She has made by hand a variety of health conscious body products that will be available for purchase at the shopping afternoon.

Two area woman would like all in the community to join them for a unique shopping experience and help raise some money for the local food bank in the process.

“An Afternoon of Shopping with Maggie and Janneke" will be held on Dec. 4 from 1-5 p.m. at The Old Baptist Church at 9 Main St. in Bayfield. Five per cent of all sales will be given to the local food bank.

Maggie Brennan is the creative energy behind Intuitive Sense Lotions and Potions by Maggie. She has made by hand a variety of health conscious body products such as, soaps, Hemp lotions for hands, body and face, body sprays, natural deodorants, Himalayan bath salts and massage oils. She also has lines created with pets in mind called, "Happy Paws" and "Brave Paws".

Janneke Vorsteveld’s mother, the late Jane Vorsteveld, was the owner of Jungle Jane's Jems. She had collected a variety of silver jewelry and beadwork as well as unusual finds from Bali and Thailand. These pieces as presented by Janneke will be for sale as well.

 people  needed for study on health and wealth  links

The Gateway Rural Health Research Institute based in Seaforth and the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy are working together on a new study researching the connection between health and wealth in rural areas.

Bayfield and area residents between the ages of 45-70 are encouraged to volunteer to take part in a study of health and financial planning among the pre-retirement population. The purpose of this study is to determine the present health and financial status and knowledge level in the area’s pre-retirees. The information collected will be then used to determine the best way to address the identified needs of the population, and to create an educational program tailored to the specific needs and demographics of the area.

Participants in this study will be asked to complete a questionnaire discussing detailed health and financial information and meet with a student investigator for one to two interviews about creating an educational tool designed to teach people to manage their health and finances as they retire.

Interested people must have lived in the area for five or more years to be eligible to participate. Participation will involve completion of the questionnaire, which will take approximately 30 minutes, one initial interview session of approximately 60 minutes, and one voluntary follow-up session of approximately 30 minutes.
Participants will receive a $25 Foodland Gift Card in appreciation for taking part.

For more information, or to volunteer for this study, please contact Shelly LeBlanc, administrator, The Gateway Rural Health Research Institute, at 519 600-2273 ext. 246 or email: shelly.leblanc@gatewayresearch.ca with the subject line Re: Wealth to Health.

This study has been reviewed by, and received ethics clearance through, the Office of Research Ethics, University of Waterloo.

Heritage committee offers closer look at Township Hall 

This month the Bluewater Heritage Committee provided information on the Hay Township Hall, 10 Victoria Lane in Zurich. This photo is believed to be from the 1970s.

The Municipality of Bluewater would welcome interested people to serve as members of the Bluewater Heritage Committee (BHC). Their contribution will be invaluable to the past and future history of the community. This Committee of Council meets on the third Tuesday of the month at the Bayfield Lions’ Community Building. For more information please contact Nellie Evans at the Bluewater Municipal Office in Zurich.

The BHC offer December’s “Heritage Feature of the Month”, the Hay Township Hall located at 10 Victoria Lane in Zurich, as a perfect example of Bluewater history. Information on this property was collected from facts contained in the Hay Township Highlights History Book 1846-1996.

According to the BHC, the Hay Township Hall began fulfilling a renewed vision as a community-gathering place this summer when it became a rehearsal hall for actors involved in the historical play, Narcisse. A production based on the life of the founder of the hamlet of St. Joseph. Those involved in the play repaid the generosity for its use with a large donation to a long-term hall preservation project.

An historical plaque was ceremoniously placed on the building in 2010.

A frame structure was built on the present location in 1861 because Zurich was considered the centre of the Township of Hay. After 20 years of using homes and taverns, the first council meeting in the new hall was held on Dec. 16, 1861 with Reeve Frederick Knell and councilors, William Case, David Dick, Gottleib Merner and William Turnbull. The township hall was enlarged in 1870 with a 14-foot addition at the front of the building.

Later, the frame structure was replaced by a brick building and as a result council meetings were temporarily moved to Charles Greb’s Hall (Dominion Hotel property). A municipal election nomination meeting on Dec. 29, 1890 was the first public gathering in the new building.

families can register now for Christmas Bureau assistance

Almost 50 years ago, the Huron County Christmas Bureau (HCCB) was organized around the ideal that no child should be forgotten at Christmas. The HCCB is an independent, community-wide, volunteer organization, but it could not function without the support of community churches and generous citizens as well as such entities as the Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society. The society provides office space, phone lines, and administrative assistance to help the HCCB operate.

Every year, about 1000 children have a Christmas made merry through the generosity of county residents.

According to Gail Grant, HCCB Central Committee public relations chair, “We can all be Santas! 2011 is a critical year: the economic downturn continues and the widespread damage from the tornado was not just local or physical. Former donors may need to request help this year, a difficult reversal; we hope that anyone in this situation will remember that to give and to receive are both acts of gratitude.”

The HCCB is a county-wide volunteer group that organizes five gift “bureaus” for disadvantaged families. They are located in churches in Clinton, Exeter, Goderich, Seaforth and Wingham. The members of these churches donate many, many hours collecting (each community has drop boxes), sorting, organizing, displaying...then helping clients choose their children’s gifts.

“The Central Committee is so grateful to the volunteer churches and their members. They are the Christmas Bureau!” said Grant.

In Bayfield the drop boxes will be located at Nip N’ Tuck, Bayfield Convenience and Brandon Hardware.

Also local residents with a penchant for reading will be pleased to note that if someone purchases a children’s book for the HCCB from The Village Bookshop the store will match it.

Toys, clothes, non-perishable food and food vouchers are donated, or purchased with cash donations, for which the donor can receive a tax receipt. There is an increase in teenagers in need who are living on their own, so such items as socks, undergarments, feminine hygiene products and toiletries would be especially appreciated.

Custodial parents that need help with Christmas this year should call “Christmas Central” at 519 524-7356 x3271 or 1-800-265-5198 x3271 on weekdays from now until Dec. 9. When parents call, they should have ready the ages and clothes’ sizes of their children. They will be given an appointment during the week of Dec. 12-15 at their closest bureau. They will privately choose suitable gifts for their family at the scheduled appointment.

The five bureaus established for 2011 are: Clinton Christian Reformed Church, 243 Princess Street; Exeter Pentecostal Tabernacle, 70670 London Road; Knox Presbyterian Church in Goderich, 9 Victoria St.; Seaforth Agriplex, hosted by St. James Roman Catholic Church; and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Wingham, 281 Josephine St.

Put a good food box under the tree this Christmas

The Huron Good Food Box (HGFB) is teaming up with the Huron County Christmas Bureau (HCCB) this holiday season to provide fresh, healthy food to those in need.

“Huron County is one of the largest agriculturally productive counties in Ontario, but many individuals and families in the county go without food on a daily basis,” said Brittany Fry, HGFB coordinator. “One in 11 Huron County residents, 50 per cent of which are children, live below the poverty level.”

Fry added that many low-income families have limited access to fresh, healthy foods due to the high cost of those items.

The HGFB is a volunteer-based program that provides a monthly box of healthy food items to Huron County residents for $15. One of the goals of the program is to increase access to fresh, healthy and locally grown foods.

“The Christmas Bureau is very excited about the new partnership with the HGFB,” said Barb Hogan of the HCCB. “Providing fresh food through the HGFB is an excellent way to support families in need this holiday season.”

Anyone interested in donating a HGFB to a family in need is asked to visit their neighborhood host site and provide a cash donation for a single box ($15) or more. HGFB donations for the HCCB will be available until Dec. 2 and will be provided to families in the form of a gift certificate to be redeemed when they need it most. Donations will be kept within each community or to the closest Christmas Bureau location.

In Bayfield the neighborhood host site is Trinity Anglican Church, 10 Keith Cres. To make a donation or to order a box please contact Nancy Scotchmer at 519 565-2596.

The program encourages individuals and groups (churches, schools, service clubs, etc.) to donate funds for one month or more to provide families in need with a variety of nutritious foods that they may not have access to otherwise.

The program also encourages all Huron County residents to get involved in the program, not only because it increases fruit and vegetable intake, but also because the larger the customer base, the more self-sustaining the program becomes.

The HGFB program has distribution sites throughout Huron County including: Bayfield, Blyth, Clinton, Ethel, Exeter, Goderich, Grand Bend, Hensall, Seaforth, Wingham and Zurich. Details on ordering and pick-up information can be found by searching the Good Food Box at www.huroncounty.ca/health or calling 519 482-3416 ext 2244.

Orders for next month’s box are due Dec. 2 and can be picked up Dec. 15. There is no obligation to order every month but organizers encourage customers to try boxes over a two or three month period because box contents vary according to season and local availability. To make things more convenient, the HGFB program is now allowing people to pre-pay (with cash or certified cheque) for three, six or 12 month periods.

In addition, the HGFB recently created a Facebook page.

“The page will remind fans of order and pick-up dates, item updates, recipes, food preparation techniques and more,” said Fry.

HGFB gift certificates are also available for those who want a unique gift idea this Christmas. Fry added that gift certificates can be purchased at neighborhood host sites one month in advance and will be mailed to that host site for pick-up the following month.

For more information, please like the HGFB on Facebook or contact Brittany Fry, HGFB coordinator, at 519 482-3416 x 2244 or events@huroncounty.ca.

Optimist club

The Bayfield Optimist Club will be holding a Holiday Raffle featuring special toys for a boy or a girl this festive season. The two prizes offered are sure to fill someone's wish list this year when the draw is made Dec. 11.

The club is holding a raffle on a hand painted wooden doll cradle that can also double as a child's stool. This will be the perfect bed for "Sandie" an 18" Our Generation Doll who is sure to be the best-dressed playmate a child could ever have. She comes with nine hand knit outfits (including a Santa's suit) and four beautifully sewn ensembles as well as a number of accessories - even clothes hangers! Her cradle will also be a cozy place to sleep with handmade bedding. The combined creative efforts of Jan Kuntz, Mike Dixon, Joan Schilbe and Reid Kinnear have made this prize possible.

An amazing remote controlled Chevy SSR will be raffled as second prize.

The raffle prizes were unveiled at the Christmas in Bayfield Tree Lighting Ceremony. Tickets are available now from Optimist members and at the Bayfield Village Inn.

The Holiday Raffle tickets are $2 each or three for $5. The draw will be made at Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 11. This fun family event will be held at the Bayfield Village Inn from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is 12 years and up, $6; five to 11 years, $3; four and under free.

open house

The Bayfield Historical Society Archives and the Bayfield Library have for many years shared their space and so it is fitting that they would co-host a party!

On Dec. 4, the Bayfield Historical Society and the Friends of Bayfield Library (FOBL) will hold an Open House from 2-5 p.m. at the Archives and Library Building on Main St.

Visitors are encouraged to drop by and check out the new archival acquisitions and publications along with the display of Metcalfe library prints. In the library, those who attend can watch demonstrations for using eBooks and accessing a variety of databases such as, Tumblebooks for children and Naxos for music.

In addition, “a taste of Christmas” in the form of refreshments will be served.

The FOBL has been created to promote the library as essential to the community’s quality of life. As enthusiastic supporters, FOBL intends to enhance the profile of the Bayfield Library and to advocate for library services and programs. To become a member of the FOBL, please send an email to friendsofbayfieldlibrary@hotmail.ca or call Clair at 519-565-2135.

To learn more about becoming a member of the Bayfield Historical Society visit their website: www.bayfieldhistorical.ca.

book launch

Area playwright, Paul Ciufo's celebrated play, “The Killing Snow” is now in print. The Village Bookshop will host a book launch on Dec. 4 at 5 p.m. The event will feature a reading from the book by Paul Ciufo, Eric Coates and Duncan MacGregor. There is no cost to attend this event and refreshments will be served.

home for christmas

On the afternoon of Dec. 18, The Bayfield Town Hall and The Village Bookshop are teaming up to present a unique family Christmas event where people can share in some Christmas cheer and help feed those who may otherwise go hungry over the holidays.

“Home for Christmas in Story and Song” will be held at the Bayfield Town Hall starting at 3 p.m. The event will feature a reading of Jan Brett's new Christmas book, "Home for Christmas" combined with music by The Glee Sisters. The readers will be village residents, Mary Wolfe, Judy Keightley and Erin Roy.

Those who plan to attend this afternoon should plan to come early as the first 20 families to arrive will receive a free copy of “Home for Christmas” due to the generosity of local friends of youth, the Optimist Club of Bayfield.

Tickets are available now for $5 for adults and children under the age of 12 years are free. Please call The Village Bookshop at 519 565-5600.

A monetary donation or non-perishable food items will also be accepted at this event as all proceeds and donations will be shared between the Huron County Food Bank Distribution Center (HCFBDC) in Exeter and Bayfield’s Trinity Anglican Church locally based outreach program known as Feed My Sheep.

United Communities Credit Union and the Optimist Club of Bayfield are the sponsors of this event.

ratepayers' association

Ainslie Willock is the new president of the Bayfield Ratepayers Association (BRA) and she would like to encourage village residents to come and observe the monthly BRA meetings.

“I'll make time on the agenda for visitors to bring up any issues they would like us to comment on,” she said recently.

The BRA meets on the first Saturday of the month at 9 a.m. at the Bayfield Lions’ Community Building with the exception of their next meeting. It will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10.

The BRA does not meet in January. So their first meeting of 2012 will be held on Feb. 4.

Reminders of the monthly meetings can be found on the Post Office Notice Board and on the BRA website: http://bra.camp8.org/.

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.

A lot of people came out to The Village Bookshop as well as Shared Times and Bayfield Foodland to try a sample soup and purchase a cookbook on Nov. 26. 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.

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 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 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.

bridge club

The Wednesday Evening Bridge Club will meet next at the Bayfield Lions’ Community Building on Dec. 7. The cards will be dealt starting at 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

Photography club

Photography is a passion best enjoyed when work can be shared with others and a talent best improved when surrounded by like-minded individuals. For this reasons a local photography club is being established.

The Photography Club of Bayfield will meet on Dec. 1 at the Bayfield Lions’ Community Building starting at 7 p.m.

This month the club members will benefit from a presentation by Bob Steer on what makes a good photo. This presentation will appeal to photographers at all levels of proficiency. Bob is a well-known photographer from London and a long time member of the London Camera Club and is a Canadian Association for Photographic Art trained and certified judge.

Anyone who interested in more information can contact Jack Pal at jackandpat@tcc.on.ca or Gary Lloyd-Rees at g.lloydrees@gmail.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 Dec. 20.
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.

chamber of commerce

The Bayfield and Area Chamber of Commerce recently unveiled the result of their second calendar project created to not only raise funds for the chamber but community groups and merchants as well.

The calendar is now available for purchase for $10 and would make a great holiday or customer appreciation gift. They are available from many merchants on Bayfield’s Main Street, as well as some community and church groups.