GREENHOUSES GROWING GREENER THANKS TO BENEFICIAL BUGS

The Ontario pesticide ban which went into effect on Apr. 22, 2009 has area greenhouse operators, like Ted Vanderwouden, exploring alternatives for plant maintenance and health. TEEM Farms is now using beneficial bugs to combat the insects that may spread disease and kill plants within the greenhouse environment. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder. )

BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER

Ted and Emma Vanderwouden, owners of TE-EM Farm just north of Bayfield, are highlighting the “green” aspect of their greenhouse operation this season by switching from chemical to biological insect control.

With the introduction of Ontario’s Pesticide Ban on Earth Day 2009, everyone from the greenhouse operator to the backyard gardener are having to think of less toxic ways to keep their plants healthy. 

“This is our first year trying this, you have to change your way of thinking. You have to be proactive instead of reactive, which we were when using spray. I always looked at spray as medicine for plants but spray has become a bad word for a lot of people now so we are trying a little different route and so far we’re doing pretty good,” said Ted Vanderwouden.

The “little” different route is the use of beneficial bugs, and they can be quite small, in fact some of the plant defenders being released into the greenhouse in the evenings every week can only be seen through a microscope. 

“The numbers are staggering,” said Vanderwouden. “Some of the bottles contain 50,000 beneficials.”

Vanderwouden explained that every greenhouse in the world has insects which can spread disease and kill the plants.

“There is no exception and control of these insects has always been done with sprays, Canada is extremely strict with the chemicals that you can use plus insects can become resistant to a spray within two to three years,” he said.

TE-EM Farm gets its beneficial bug supply from two suppliers one in B.C. and another in Holland. Two weeks ago the volcano in Iceland which brought air travel in Europe to a halt prevented the bugs from arriving from Holland but the B.C. supply was not affected.

“No bugs came in from Europe due to the volcano, imagine it, a little guy in Bayfield could be affected by an event like that,” he said.

The Vanderwoudens, and their staff, are learning the difference between a good bug and a bad bug. Since insects are attracted to yellow they have placed sticky yellow cards around the greenhouses to collect bugs on. These cards are replaced once a week and upon their examination the Vanderwoudens can keep track of any problem areas.

“Varieties of Thrips are the bad guys, as they climb into the flower and cause problems. Thripex are the good guys,” said Vanderwouden.

And in this form of eco-friendly pest control the good guys eat the bad guys.

Thripex can be a combination of predatory mites and grain mites mixed with bran. The bran mixture is spooned into the planter baskets while others come in plastic bottles which are strategically placed around the greenhouse. Some arrive live and others are dormant, ready to hatch.

A greenhouse operator must use beneficial bugs specific to what is being grown in the greenhouse. The Vanderwoudens received advice as to how many bugs to release in relationship to the number of square feet they have.

“Beneficial bug control works very well in a vegetable greenhouse. There are so many different plants in a floral greenhouse that it becomes more of a challenge,” he said.

Vanderwouden went on to say that it is a more expensive process but it is also a nicer environment to work in.

“When applying sprays you had to wear a suit and take extra precautions where you don’t have to do these things when releasing the beneficials,” he said.

It is hoped that once enough beneficial bugs have been introduced to the greenhouses they will begin reproducing and do their work for some time thus reducing the rate of introduction.

Meanwhile, Vanderwouden will be taking extra time to examine his plants for bugs – both bad and good.

“We have to trust in the good bugs and give them a chance to do their job,” he said.

TE-EM Farm will be holding their annual Open House this weekend, May 1-2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This would be a perfect time for visitors to come out and learn more about the beneficial bugs working hard in the greenhouses to provide customers with healthy plants for their gardens this season.

CHOIR OF GOLDEN VOICES COMING TO BAYFIELD TOWN HALL
 

The golden voices of The Medway High School Senior Choir will echo through the Bayfield Town Hall on the evening of May 16.

The choir, which hails from the school in Arva, ON, is considered the best in Southwestern Ontario. In 2009, and again this year, they were the proud recipients of several gold medals at the Kiwanis Music Festival.  They were also presented with gold medals at the 2009 Ontario Music Festival.

The Medway High School Senior Choir has 30 to 35 members. Under the able leadership of Mrs. McNaughton and Mr. Bynum, the choir presents a varied program from classics to modern.

“The choir has come to the hall on previous occasions and we in Bayfield who have enjoyed their performances can attest to the wonderful musical experience they provide. The perfect acoustics of the hall make the experience all the more enjoyable,” said Pat Langley, of the Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society (BTHHS) in a recent press release.

The concert will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 each and are available by calling Langley at 519 565-2894; or Charlie Kalbfleisch at 519 565-2244. They are also available at Ernie King Music in Goderich. 

All proceed from this event will go to the BTHHS.

BAYFIELD DINERS' CLUB PAYS TRIBUTE TO PIONEERS

At their Easter luncheon on Apr. 1 members of the Bayfield Diners’ Club honored Pearl Hartman and George Youmatoff for their long term commitment to the program.

As it was still early in the season, several people were away and unable to attend the luncheon and expressed disappointment at missing it. Therefore the organizers decided to hold a “Part II” celebration following the Apr. 15 luncheon. The event was held at the Bayfield Town Hall.

The event was entitled, a "Tribute to Bayfield Seniors Dining Pioneers”.  Inaugural volunteers, and those who helped establish the group in 1987 including local restaurants, were recognized as were long time volunteers.

“The Diners’ Club is probably one of the longer groups to remain in business in Bayfield and enjoyed as much by so many people 55 and over,” said Joyce Chilton, an event organizer, in a recent press release. “Many hundreds of delicious and healthy meals have been prepared and served, even delivered, by faithful volunteers.”

George Youmattoff started the Senior Citizens Diners’ Club with the late Helen Owen and the late Ruby Fitzsimons. The first luncheon was served on August 19, 1987.  The first meal was prepared by Dawn Erb, of Brucefield, and volunteers for that day were Wynn Graham, Melisse Kurtz, Gail Grant, all of Bayfield, as well as Mavis Freeman, now residing in Windsor and JoAnne Telford, who now lives in Stratford.

Peggy Cunningham, of Bayfield, is the present day cook providing wonderful meals for the participants.

Pearl Hartman has been the coordinator of the Bayfield Diners’ Club for about 17 years, taking over after the death of Helen Owen in 1993. Hartman is currently in the process of passing the job of coordinator over to Patti MacDonald.

At the same time, a committee of three or four advisors is currently being established to help fill the very capable shoes of Rev. Youmatoff. 

Geordie Palmer and Joyce Chilton acted as co-masters of ceremonies at the event. Ralph Laviolette, archivist of the Bayfield Archives brought write-ups and pictures from the club’s early days.  David Gillians, president of the Bayfield Historical Society brought his greetings and his personal thanks to the club before and now, as did the Mayor of Bluewater, Bill Dowson. A minute of silence was dedicated to both deceased volunteers and diners.

One of the club’s first volunteers, Melisse Kurtz, of Bayfield, was invited to cut the cake made in honor of the occasion by the pastry chef at the Little Inn.

Several door prizes were also provided at the event. These were won by Ann Louise McAllister, David Gillians, Gordon Kurtz and Herb Beattie.                                

The event was organized by Joyce and Don Chilton, Jane Davidson, Bev McKee and Olga and Geordie Palmer, all of Bayfield.

“We wish to thank everyone who helped in any way to make this happen and to all who contributed information and donated funds. It was a truly memorable affair,” said Chilton.

New members are always welcome to attend the meals held on Thursdays at noon at the Bayfield Community Centre. Participants should be 55 years of age or over. Please contact Pearl Hartman at 519 482-5283 to reserve a spot at the luncheon. 

CHAMBER MEMBERS INVITED TO BREAK TOAST WITH THE MAYOR

On May 21, the directors of the Bayfield Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) would like to invite their membership to enjoy a cup of coffee and some breakfast with the mayor and others.

Mayor of Bluewater, Bill Dowson, and Bluewater council members are scheduled to attend the breakfast as is MP Ben Lobb. It is hoped that MPP Carol Mitchell will also take part.

Interested BACC members may have two tickets to the breakfast; these are available at no charge on a first requested, first given basis. 

The event will be held at the Bayfield Town Hall with coffee being served at 7:30 a.m. followed by breakfast at 8 a.m.

The guest speaker will be Mike Pullen, senior economic development officer for Huron County. His topic is entitled, “Creative Potential: Bluewater and the Economy”.  

To reserve tickets please email Roger Lewington at rlewington@tcc.on.ca or info@villageofbayfield.com

In other BACC news, copies of the Bayfield Businesses and Events Brochure for 2010 are now hot off the press and ready for distribution.

The chamber would like to thank Carol Harrett for designing the brochure as well as Huron Business Development Corporation (HBDC) and Tuckersmith Communications Co-operative Ltd. (TCC) for sponsoring its production.

Any merchants who would like to make the brochure available in their stores can pick up bundles of 50 at Outside Projects or Pharmasave Michael’s Pharmacy. 
 

 FORBIDDEN RIDE TAKES CYCLISTS ON THE ROADS LESS TRAVELED

On May 29, a few of the roads less traveled in Huron-Perth will be on the route for many motorcyclists cruising their way from Shakespeare to Goderich as they take a Forbidden Ride.

Jamie and Barb Caldwell are the forbidden couple chosen to lead the 2nd annual Forbidden Ride motorcycle event that will tour through Huron and Perth Counties on May 29. (Submitted photo)

Huron and Perth Counties have once again partnered together to support the Perth and Huron Big Brothers and Big Sisters organizations while offering all motorcycle fans a fun weekend adventure they’ll never forget.

The ride will begin at the Perth County Welcome Centre and Artisan Market in Shakespeare. The cost to participate in the ride is $25 for the first rider and $15 for a passenger, with all of the proceeds being donated to the Perth and Huron Big Brothers and Big Sisters organizations.

The Forbidden Ride will take participants from countryside to coastline, with bikers stopping in at least five different towns to collect stamps. They will stop at various attractions throughout the two counties to explore. The ride will end on The Cove Beach in Goderich, where a savory BBQ featuring local foods, live music and great prizes await.

The first 300 participants registered are guaranteed the barbecue at the end of their journey so early registration is encouraged. Register by May 7 to be eligible to win a brand new patio set valued at $700.

This second annual Forbidden Ride event is also the launch of the second edition of the “Ride Huron-Perth Motorcycle Map” that guides motorcyclists to motorcycle-friendly roads, restaurants and accommodations in the two counties.

Leading the ride will be the ‘Forbidden Couple,’ Jamie and Barb Caldwell.

Please go online to www.ridethecounties.ca to download your copy of the registration form today. If you have any questions, please contact the Perth County Visitors’ Association office at 1-888-366-0160. This event has also been sponsored by Stratford Tourism Alliance and Wighty’s Repairs.

The Forbidden Ride weekend will kick off on the evening of May 28th with a police escorted ride through downtown Stratford to the Stratford Shakespeare Festival for ‘Biker’s Night’. All ‘Forbidden Riders’ can purchase tickets to the witty romantic comedy ‘As You Like It’ for $50. To order tickets call Stratford Shakespeare Festival at 1-800-567-1600 and quote savings code 31394.

BLUEWATER JOINS COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM COMPETITION

Bayfield residents have always shown a strong sense of pride in their horticultural efforts but this year they may be recognized for it.

The Municipality of Bluewater has entered the provincial competition in the 2010 Communities in Bloom (CIB) program. The committee is referred to as the Bluewater Blooms Committee.

The “kick-off” for the Bluewater Blooms initiative will be held on June 19 on Main Street in front of the library at 11 a.m. All interested groups and individuals are welcome to attend and sunflower seeds will be available.

The Bluewater Blooms Committee would like to make everyone aware that the flower colors chosen for the project are white, yellow, orange and bronze. Residents and businesses might take these colors into consideration when organizing their spring plantings.

CIB is a Canadian non-profit organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement and the challenge of a national program, with focus on the promotion and value of green spaces in urban settings. The program consists of communities receiving information and being evaluated either provincially or nationally by a volunteer jury of trained professionals on the accomplishments of their entire community (municipal, private, corporate and institutional sectors, citizens) on eight key criteria.

Bluewater will participate with other communities in its population category, and be evaluated by CIB judges on the eight program criteria. Bloom ratings from one to five blooms (five being the highest ranking) are awarded to participating communities at a provincial awards ceremony annually in the fall. The program provides for two communities in each province to participate in the following year’s national edition.

A MOST WINNING SEASON

The Goderich Sailorettes Atom A Hockey Team learned how good gold could taste this season when they capped off the year by winning the Provincial Championships in Mississauga on Apr. 11. Three Bayfield area residents play on the team. (Submitted photo)

The Goderich Sailorettes Atom A Hockey Team had a most winning season taking top honors in every competition they entered. Three Bayfield area residents play on the team, which just won the Provincial Championship held in Mississauga on Apr. 11th. 
 
The team is based in Goderich but includes players from Bayfield, Seaforth and Mitchell.  The three local players are Tara Vader, Sierra Burt and Brooklyn Schroeder. 

The team posted an impressive record this season winning every competition they entered including, the Kitchener Fall Classic, Pink Ribbon of Hope Challenge Cup Tournament, International Silverstick Tournament, Brampton Canadettes Tournament and the LLFHL League Championship.

Did you know that some of these advertisements are actual links to the business’ website? We encourage you to click on the advertisements and see what these entrepreneurs have to offer.

TRAIL ASSOCIATION

Wild Turkeys and hikers beware it’s hunting season again.

The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) would like to let the community know that the Woodland Trail will be closed from now until June 1 for the Wild Turkey Hunt.

The other two BRVTA trails remain open, the Heritage Trail, through the village, as well as the Sawmill Trail, on the north side of the Bayfield River. Other local trails, such as, Bannockburn and Naftel’s Creek do not permit hunting and are available to walkers throughout the year.
 

BOOKS AND BRUNCH

Best selling author, Catherine Gildiner will be the featured guest at the Book and Brunch event to be held at The Little Inn of Bayfield on May 2.

Her most recent work, “After the Falls” was published in Oct. 2009. It tells of the author’s life from 13-21 years and coming of age in the 60s.

Books and Brunch will begin at 12:30 p.m.

Tickets are $30 and are available by calling The Village Bookshop at 519 565-5225. 

The event is sponsored by The Village Bookshop and Beate Bowron Etcetera.
 

BAYFIELD GUIDING

Looking for an easy supper idea and an opportunity to help a community group in the process? On the evenings of May 3-5 people can support all levels of Bayfield Guiding simply by ordering a pizza.

The New Orleans Pizza Fundraising Nights will be held on those three dates. Starting at 4 p.m. until close, 50 per cent of the money from food items purchased at the New Orleans Pizza restaurants will be donated to the charity or school the purchaser designates. Please consider Bayfield Guiding as your charity of choice.  Members of Bayfield Guiding will have forms available that can be handed in at the time of purchase. They will be accepted at all New Orleans Pizza Restaurants. Don’t have a form? There will be ones available at the stores on the nights of the event.

How about a Girl Guide cookie or two for dessert? Members of Bayfield Guiding will be selling cookies at the Liquor Store Plaza and door-to-door in some neighborhoods after school on May 4. These classic chocolate and vanilla crème filled cookies sell for $4 a box.

The profits from both cookie sales and the pizza fundraiser will help cover the costs of the local Guiding program.

BAYFIELD PATHFINDERS

The 1st Bayfield Pathfinders, together with the 1st Clinton Pathfinders, will be hosting their 5th annual Spaghetti Supper and Silent Auction on May 5.

The event will be held at the Bayfield Village Inn with meal service starting at 6 p.m.

Donations of silent auction items are always gratefully appreciated from those in the community; items will be accepted until May 4. At past auctions everything from apple trees to homemade cakes has been up for bidding.

The evening is almost always a sell-out so be sure to reserve your tickets now by calling Melody Falconer-Pounder at 519 565-2443. Tickets are also available from members of the Pathfinder units.

The profits from the event will be put toward the girls annual year end adventure. 

OPTIMIST CLUB

Ladies mark your calendars because a night just for your indulgence is approaching fast.

The Bayfield Optimist Club is holding a Ladies’ Night on May 7 at the Bayfield Community Centre.

The doors will open at 8 p.m. and a variety of entertainment is planned including, an elimination draw, a belly dancing demonstration and a silent auction. A highlight of the evening will be a performance by comedian Elvira Kurt.

Tickets are available for $15 a person at Brandon’s Hardware. Proceeds to the Optimist Club’s youth related projects. 

BACC FASHION SHOW

“Body Garnish – the Figure as this Year’s Canvas” is the title of the upcoming Luncheon and Fashion Show to be held on May 9 at the Bayfield Town Hall.

The Bayfield and Area Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring the show with profits going to the Breast Cancer Society of Canada.

The doors will open at 12:30 p.m. Fashions from area businesses will be featured in the show starting at 1 p.m. Tickets are available now for $25 from Inspirations please call 519 565-2710 or Pat Lewington at 519 565-2202. 

CONCERT SERIES

Luke Ducet, with Beth Moore, is the next performer to be showcased in the “Big Town Canadian Singers Going Small Town” Bayfield Concert Series to be held on May 8 in the Bayfield Town Hall.

The series featured some of the countries’ top talents, who when mixed with some locally grown entertainers performing as their opening acts, created the perfect blend for an exciting evening of music.

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 Concert Series proved to be so popular that an extra date has been added.

On June 3, Basia Bulat, along with Fourth Avenue, will perform at the Bayfield Town Hall. Doors open at 8 p.m. with the concert following at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are available now for $25 at the locations listed above.

The concerts are 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.

MORE MUSIC

The Docks Bar and Restaurant will be a happening place on the evening of May 1 as Maestro Fresh-Wes takes to the stage.

The Godfather of Canadian Hip Hop will be performing classic tracks from such LPs as "Symphony In Effect" and "Black Tie Affair".

In addition, Bayfield legends, Wise Boyz Noize will be performing. Waffle will also stop by to perform some of his solo material. DJ Hullewud will be on the decks all night as well.

As this is a licensed event those who attend must be 19 years of age or over and have photo identification. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in advance at Ernie King, Goderich or Outside Projects, Bayfield.

The evening is presented by Meades Bros. & Top Billin Entertainment.

FITNESS FUN

There are plenty of ways to get in shape for summer in Bayfield – check out the options listed below, one may be perfect for you!

Playing badminton is a terrific way to get in shape. The sport is offered at Huron Centennial School every Tuesday night from 7-9 p.m. There is no charge and all participants need to bring are running shoes. Organizers state that it is basically backyard badminton, played inside and is great exercise and lots of fun.
 
Pole walkers meet Tuesday mornings at 9 a.m. at 6 Main Street. The session incorporates an hour of walking with an ending cool down stretch. Introductory lessons for new pole walkers will be held on May 11 at 9:15 a.m. Walking with poles increases the cardiovascular effectiveness of walking by engaging your upper body and reduces stress on knees and other joints and improves posture.  Four lessons will cost $10.  
 
Exercise classes will continue through the summer months.

Dancefit and Toning classes are held 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 in the Bayfield Community Centre. 

RUBBER DUCKS WILL RACE BETWEEN THE PIERS MAY 23

“Rubber Duckie, you're so fine
And I'm lucky that you're mine
Rubber Duckie, I'm awfully fond of you.”

Three lucky people will be singing this old Sesame Street classic on May 23 when their rubber ducks are the first to cross the finish line in the Bayfield Optimist Club’s Rubber Duck Race.

This race is a first for the village and will be held between the piers at the harbor’s mouth at 11 a.m. on the Sunday of the Victoria Day weekend.

Only 500 ducks are available and tickets are on sale now for $5 each at Brandon’s Hardware, local restaurants and club members.

Three prizes will be awarded to the fastest ducks: 1st place, a barbecue valued at $500, donated by Bayfield Garage-Auto Pro; 2nd place, $200 gift certificate to Bayfield Foodland, donated by Janet and Marty Maidment; 3rd place, a $200 gift certificate to Walmart, donated by Brian Coombs-Remax.

LAKE HURON LEARNING

Village of Bayfield Archivist Ralph Laviolette will facilitate one of the topics on the schedule for the Enhanced Aging Series sponsored by the Lake Huron Learning Collaborative Centre, May 13.

Laviolette’s talk on The History of Furniture Making in Huron County will be held at the Huron County Museum in Goderich from 2-4 p.m. The lecture will be followed by a guided tour of Made in Bayfield - The Work of Johann Gemeinhardt on exhibit at the museum from May 8 to Dec. 5.

Gemeinhardt (1826-1912), was born in the Bavarian area of Germany and settled in Bayfield around 1850. He had completed his cabinet making apprenticeship before leaving Germany. The display includes, various tools, drawings and furniture pieces, both large and small, which show the intricacies of his life's work.

To attend the lecture the cost is $15. To register call Anna Dalton-Needles at the LHLCC, 519 524-4154 or email info@lakehuronlearning.ca. 
 

FILM SOCIETY 

Cairo Time is the title of the final film in the spring series of movies being offered by the Bayfield Film Society. The curtain will go up on this film on May 13.

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.

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  
 

CMC MEMBERS VISIT

The number of motorcycle enthusiasts per capita increased dramatically on Apr. 18 when 77 chapter members of the Canadian Motorcycle Cruisers (CMC) traveled to Bayfield enjoying a brunch and exploring the shops.

The participants’ bikes filled the parking lot of The Docks Restaurant where the brunch was held. Chapter members who took part came from as far away as Chatham.

The CMC is the largest motorcycle Club in the nation with over 5,000 members in 82 chapters and according to event organizers, “Bayfield is always a high spot for bike rides.”
 

BRIDGE CLUB

Members of the Wednesday Evening Bridge Club invite anyone interested in joining them for an evening of cards to their Apr. 28th meeting at the Bayfield Lions’ Community Building. The decks will be shuffled starting at 7 p.m. 

PRESBYTERIAN

Camp Kintail is coming to Bayfield this summer.

Knox Presbyterian Church is partnering with Camp Kintail, the area Presbyterian Church camp, to offer a Christian based Day Camp every Wednesday at the church during July and August. 

This Day Camp will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It will be led by the very capable and well trained young adult staff of Camp Kintail who will provide the program and activities. The camp will be for children who have completed JK up to Grade 6. The children are welcome to attend all eight day camps or just one or two.

According to Rev. Susan Moore, in a recent press release, “It is the hope of the Knox congregation that we can provide a camp for the children who live in our community all year round, just during the summer months or for those who come for one or two week holidays.”

The first camp will begin on July 7.

To pre-register for all or any of the Day Camp sessions please call the church at 519 565-2913 and leave a message that will be returned as soon as possible or call Rev. Susan Moore at 519 238-8272.