families invited to break bread with santa claus

Hayden Hessel, of Bayfield, checked out the goodies to be found in Santa's sack at the Optimist Club of Bayfield's Breakfast with Santa in 2009.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER

The jolly old elf himself will be in attendance when the Bayfield Optimist Club hosts their Fifth Annual Breakfast with Santa at the Bayfield Village Inn from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 12.

The cost is 12 years and up, $6; five to 11 years, $3; five and under free.

There will also be an opportunity for guests to have their picture taken with Santa. The profits from the photos purchased go back to the club to support youth projects.

At the conclusion of the breakfast, Santa will draw the winning ticket for the club’s toy chest raffle. The winner will receive a beautiful cedar-lined chest filled to overflowing with toys for boys and girls of all ages. Raffle tickets are available now from Optimist members, Brandon’s Hardware and at the Bayfield Village Inn. Toy chest tickets are $2 each or three for $5.

Odin, Tyler and Hayden Hessel enjoyed a hearty morning meal at the Fourth Annual Breakfast with Santa held at the Bayfield Village Inn and hosted by the Optimist Club of Bayfield in Dec. 2009.

turkey bingo rescheduled

Time to talk turkey!

Yes, the snow squalls may have forced the cancellation of the Bayfield Lions’ Club’s annual Turkey Bingo on the night of Dec. 6. Disappointing for many certainly, however, there will still be an opportunity to win the foul for the Christmas feast. The bingo has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 14. The doors to the Bayfield Community Centre will open at 6:30 p.m. with the games beginning at 7 p.m.

An important holiday tradition for many shut-ins and octogenarians in the community is their annual visit from a member of the Bayfield Lions’ Club. The Lions have been spreading Christmas cheer to seniors and the home bound for over 40 years.

People in the community who may know of individuals who qualify for a visit should call Lion Penny Overboe at 519 565-5786 or call and leave a message at the Bayfield Lions’ Community Building (BLCB) at 519 565-5170. The visits by Santa and his helpers will be conducted on Dec. 11.

Bayfield Lions’ Club members would like to take the opportunity at this very festive time of year to thank every one for supporting their fundraising activities.

Anyone wishing to become involved in the Bayfield Lions’ Club, that has both male and female members, are invited to call the number listed above for the BLCB. One of the members will be only too glad to give you a call or pay a visit.

wreath sales could reach $6,000

The Bayfield Agricultural Society is on the brink of an unprecedented accomplishment with their annual wreath fundraiser. If they sell just a few more wreaths or tails (swags) they will reach $6,000 in sales.

As everyone can imagine this is a very exciting prospect for the members of the organization that bring the Bayfield Fall Fair to life each year. The organizers of the wreath fundraiser greatly appreciate all of those people who have supported their efforts so far and hope that others will help them reach their goal. It is not too late to purchase a wreath to adorn a front door during the upcoming holiday season and well on into the winter.

The wreaths and tails (swags) can be purchased by calling Emma VanderWouden at 519 482-3020 or evanderwouden@tcc.on.ca. The money raised from the sale of wreaths goes to support the Bayfield Fall Fair held on the third weekend in August each year.

Opportunity for youths to work as Pages in Commons

M.P. for Huron Bruce, Ben Lobb, is encouraging local students to apply to the House of Commons Page Program. The program is now accepting applications for 2011-2012.

Each year, approximately 40 students are selected from high schools and Colleges of General and Vocational Education (known as CEGEPS in Quebec) across Canada to come and work as pages in the House of Commons.

Pages begin a year long contract in late August. They work a minimum of 15 hours a week and their work schedule is coordinated with their university schedule. They are paid approximately $11,690 over the course of their employment. In addition, a sum of $1,200 is paid at the end of the employment period.

“This is a great opportunity for students to gain knowledge and experience unlike anything else. They will learn the history and day to day proceedings of one of Canada’s oldest political institutions,” said MP Lobb.

If you are interested in becoming a page, the following criteria must be met: Canadian citizen or a permanent resident; be graduating from a high school or a CEGEP (with no academic interruptions) and be commencing full-time university studies at one of the universities in the National Capital Region in September 2011; have an overall academic average of at least 80%; and speak both official languages at a superior level.

The four universities considered to be in the National Capital Region are Carleton University, The University of Ottawa and Saint Paul University in Ottawa, ON; and The University of Quebec and Ottawa, in Gatineau, QC.

If you are currently in your last year of high school or CEGEP, you can visit the House of Commons Page Program Web site at http://www.parl.gc.ca/hocpage to apply online.

Applications for the 2011-2012 House of Commons Page Program must be postmarked or received no later than Jan. 7.

Donation collection week has arrived for Christmas Bureau

Every year, about 1000 children have a Christmas made merry through the generosity of county residents who support the Huron County Christmas Bureau (HCCB). .

Residents in Bayfield can participate in the HCCB Gift Tag program. The gift tag tree is currently on display at Brandon’s Hardware. Simply select a gift tag or tags for a boy or girl, a suggested clothing size is on each tag, but donors are not limited to purchasing clothing they can donate a toy for someone of that size if they prefer to do so. Once the item or items have been selected, attach the gift tag to the item and place it in any of the HCCB drop boxes located throughout the county.

In Bayfield those drop-off locations are JD’s Restaurant, Main Street Optometric and This N’ That. Gifts can be delivered to the drop boxes from now until Dec. 10.

The HCCB is a county-wide volunteer group that organizes five gift “bureaus” for disadvantaged families. Toys, clothes, 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. There is also a great need for clothing and toys for young boys. For more information regarding donations please feel free to contact Main Street Optometric at 519 565-2300.

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. 10. 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. 13-17 at their closest bureau. They will privately choose suitable gifts for their family at the scheduled appointment.

The five bureaus established for 2010 are: Clinton United Church, 105 Ontario Street; Exeter Pentecostal Tabernacle, 70670 London Road; North Street United Church, 56 North Street, Goderich; Seaforth Agriplex, hosted by St. James Roman Catholic Church; and Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, 220 Carling Terrace, Wingham.

BRVTA membership makes thoughtful gift

The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) has had a busy year and due to ongoing community support, their projects will continue to grow. The Sawmill, Woodland and Heritage Trails cover a total of 10 KMs and are being enjoyed by both local residents and visitors.

People are invited to support the trails financially by joining the BRVTA. Yearly memberships are $20 per individual and $25 per family. Cheques for memberships can be made payable to the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association and mailed to P.O. Box 531 Bayfield, ON. N0M 1G0. Memberships are available from Outdoor Projects, 6 Main Street in the village.

To learn more about volunteering with the BRVTA or for more information please contact Member Coordinator, Helen Varekamp at hvarekamp@tcc.on.ca or call 519 565-5442.

Thousands of hours of volunteer time have gone into creating the trails with the goal to provide walking trails for community health, enjoyment, environmental awareness and tourism. Over the past three years the BRVTA has produced a valuable community asset, but this trail project is still in its infancy and most expensive stage. Bridges, boardwalks, signage and erosion control are all capital investments that must be purchased before trails can be opened.

The BRVTA has brought this community closer together; support and the generosity of our landowner partners have enabled them to sponsor numerous fundraiser walks. Groups from other communities are learning about and walking the trail network. The BRVTA reports that feedback has been wonderful!

SHARING THE GREEN

TEEM Farm played host to the members of the 1st Clinton 4-H Club on Nov. 29. There, under the guidance of Bayfield Agricultural Society volunteers, Emma Vander Wouden, Doug Yeo and Afra Van Wonderen, they made wreaths and swags. The youth were so pleased with their undertaking and creativity that they had to pose for a picture with their finished product. According to club guidelines, they are to give their finished product to someone else. (Submitted photo)

glee sisters

Community members are invited to sing with glee!

The Huron County Glee Sisters, and their new sister organization “Elliot’s Band”, invite everyone in the community to join them for an informal Christmas sing-along on Dec. 17th, at 3 p.m. in St Andrew’s United Church.

The one-hour event will feature both sacred and secular Christmas music plus there will be an opportunity to make song requests interspersed with the group favorites. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

Empties for Alzheimers

Two Bayfield women would like to invite everyone to share your empties for Alzheimers 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 Alzheimer’s Disease, 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 either Dec. 18th or 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.

United Church

Christmas is coming and the congregation of St. Andrew’s United Church is busy preparing for and sharing in the joys of the season.

St. Andrew’s will host their Christmas Carol Service on Dec. 12. This special candlelight performance will begin at 7:30 p.m.

And then on Dec. 24 at 7:30 p.m. a Christmas Eve Service with Communion will be held at St. Andrew’s.

town hall

The Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society, in conjunction with The Village Bookshop, is proud to present a reading of The Gift of the Magi at the town hall on Dec. 18.

Suitable for all ages, the story will be told starting at 3 p.m. The afternoon will feature readings by Paul Ciufo, Mary Brown and Gail Grant accompanied by the music of the Blyth Singers.

Cookies and hot chocolate will be served following the performance.

Tickets are $5.00 and can be purchased at The Village Bookshop, 519 565-5600; Ernie King Music in Goderich, 519 524-4689; or by calling Pat Langley, 519 565-2894. Those who attend are also asked to bring a non-perishable food item or make a donation to the local Bayfield and Area Food Banks that will benefit from the proceeds of the afternoon.

United Communities Credit Union is the generous sponsor of this event.

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 .

Bayfield Concert series

The fall line up of top tier entertainment has been established for the autumn months in the ongoing Bayfield Concert Series. The concerts feature big town Canadian singers going small town and highlights opening acts of local Huron County talent.

The final concert of the fall line up will be held on Dec. 10 and will feature the Good Lovelies.

Ticket prices range from $25 to $35. Tickets are available at the Black Dog Pub and Bistro, Ernie King (Goderich) and at www.ticketscene.ca

The concerts are being presented by Meades Bros. Productions and The Little Inn of Bayfield. Overnight packages are now available at The Little Inn; to learn more please call 1-800-565-1832.

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.

Bayfield residents can join the Zumba craze as classes have now started in the village. Zumba is a dance fitness class that combines Latin rhythms and easy to follow moves, creating a calorie burning dance party suitable for all ages.

The classes will be held on Mondays from 7-8 p.m. at the Bayfield Community Centre. The class will run for approx. 10 weeks, at $10 per class, with a two-week break over Christmas.

Licensed Zumba instructors, Alison De Groot and Lorraine Dietz, will teach the class. For more information email De Groot at bayfieldzumba@gmail.com

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.

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. Both 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 also 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

Opportunities are also available to exercise the mind; for more information on Bridge playing call, 519 565-2881; Euchre, 519 565-2765; or Mah Jongg, 519 565-2202.

Bridge Club

Twenty-two people came out for the Pizza Party organized by the members of the Wednesday Evening Bridge Club on Nov. 24 at the Bayfield Lions’ Community Building.

John Kuntz was the high scorer for the evening.

It was announced that Gordon Kurtz had accumulated the most high scores during the year.

The club will meet next on Dec. 8. The decks will be shuffled at 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

in memoriam

The community will be saddened to learn of the death of Mary Latimer at Clinton Public Hospital on Dec. 4. She was 77. The sympathy of the community is extended to her three children and six grandchildren. A funeral service will be held on Dec. 8 at 2:30 p.m. at the Falconer Funeral Homes Ltd. - Clinton Chapel. Cremation has taken place. Interment of ashes at Bayfield Cemetery will follow at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.