Ladies' night crowd enjoys some laughs with elviRa kurt

A local belly dancing group was part of the entertainment provided during the Bayfield Optimist Club's Ladies' Night held at the Bayfield Community Centre on May 7. (Photo by Dianne Brandon)

Over 130 women took part in the Ladies’ Night hosted by the Bayfield Optimist Club on the evening of May 7. Due to the closeness to Cinco de Mayo a Mexican theme was chosen for both food and décor – the fact that it was Mother’s Day weekend was also not lost on organizers.

Featured entertainment for the evening included a local group of Belly Dancers in addition to comedienne Elvira Kurt.

Part of the fun of Ladies' Night is trying new things, here several of the women who attended take a belly dancing lesson. (Photo by Dianne Brandon)

Kurt is currently the host of MTV’s “My Fabulous Gay Wedding” and she had her own TV show on the Comedy Network known as “Popcultured”.Organizers were extremely pleased to have this highly sought after performer, who was also voted Funniest Female Comedian at the Canadian Comedy Awards, grace the stage at the Bayfield Community Centre.

“The evening was a success and the ladies had a great time,” said Optimist Dianne Brandon. “We had beautiful centerpieces donated by TE-EM Farm and they were given away as door prizes. We would like to thank all that came out and to all who donated to the silent auction and the elimination draw.”

The profits from the event will go toward youth related local projects which is the mandate of the Bayfield Optimist Club, “Friends of Youth”.

ATTENDEE AT SAIL AND CANVAS FESTIVAL IS MARINE HERITAGE AWARD RECIPIENT

Bayfield’s Sail and Canvas Festival is about one month away. This unique festival to be held in the village on June 19 and 20 highlights both local marine heritage and art. So there is no better person to be featured at the event than Paul Carroll of RR2 Goderich.

Paul Carroll, of RR 2 Goderich, was recently honored with the 2010 SOS Marine Heritage Award. His latest book, The Wexford, will be unveiled at a book launch in Bayfield on June 20 during the Sail and Canvas Festival. (Submitted photo)

Not only will he be at the festival in his role as local artist but on June 20 he will be guest of honor at the book launch for his most recent work at a reception hosted by The Village Book Shop. 

Carroll has combined a talent for writing, a skill for watercolor and an enthusiasm for the Great Lakes into an award winning opportunity.

He was recently announced as the winner of the 2010 Save Ontario Shipwrecks (SOS) Marine Heritage Award.

The SOS Marine Heritage Award is presented to an individual who demonstrates a special effort promoting marine heritage awareness and conservation in Ontario. The award was created in 1981 by Ian L. Morgan, a marine historian and artist. The shipwreck model that forms part of the award is an artist’s rendition of a shipwreck upright on the lake bottom. The master award will be on display at the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston, ON, for the foreseeable future.

Carroll is the co-author of Four Years on the Great Lakes: The Journal of Lieutenant David Wingfield, Royal Navy (Dundurn, 2009).  The book tells the story of the War of 1812 through the eyes of David Wakefield, who joined the Royal Navy in 1806 at the age of 14. 

He is also sole author of the soon to be released book The Wexford (Dundurn, 2010) which will be the focus of the upcoming book launch.

Carroll has published numerous articles on the local history of Huron County and maintains www.ShipwreckWexford.ca which documents the history and loss of the Wexford in the Great Storm of 1913.

Save Ontario Shipwrecks is a Provincial Heritage Organization dedicated to the study, preservation and promotion of marine heritage.

BACH, SCHUMANN AND MORE  FEATURED AT FESTIVAL OF SONG

The Bayfield Town Hall will once again be filled with the sound of world renowned musical talents when the fourth annual Bayfield Festival of Song returns to the village for concerts on the first two weekends of June.

The Aldeburgh Connection Artistic Directors Stephen Ralls and Bruce Ubukata are offering up a variety of unique experiences for music lovers.

The festival kicks-off on June 5 with Coffee Concert: SLEEPERS, WAKE! This concert will offer an eclectic mix of Bach to Broadway, featuring piano-duets performed by Ralls and Ubukata and songs by visiting artists.

A Celebrity Recital will be held on the evening of June 5 at 8 p.m. Two dazzling singers, Virginia Hatfield, soprano; and Lauren Segal, mezzo, will perform favorite songs, arias and duets under the accompaniment of Ubukata on piano. These two women are stars with the Canadian Opera Company and have also been busy performing for audiences in Europe and across North America.

On the afternoon of June 6 at 2:30 p.m. a concert to celebrate the arrival of early summer, entitled, “A Harvest of Song” will be held. Four brilliant young singers, Leslie Ann Bradley, soprano; Erica Iris Huang, mezzo; Frank Mutya, tenor; and Vasil Garvanliev, baritone; will share their talents while evoking the splendors of both countryside and gardens. They will be accompanied by Ralls and Ubukata on piano. The concert will be followed by an audience party with the artists.

For the second half of the festival a long weekend is in the offing with a Singers’ Masterclass being held on Thursday, June 10 at 4 p.m. In this new event for the festival, the combined expertise and wisdom of Mary Lou Fallis and Peter Tiefenbach, mixed with a generous measure of humor and sympathy, come into play as they coach young singing students preparing for their careers. Audience goers are invited to join the singers afterwards for a Bistro Night at the Little Inn of Bayfield. Seating for this meal is limited so please contact the inn at 519 565-2611 for reservations and details.

The soprano, Fallis; accompanied by Tiefenbach on piano will return to the hall on June 11 at 8 p.m. for the “Primadonna Sails In!” This evening should prove to be a unique vocal recital - Bayfield will be treated to an affectionate send-up. This is a great opportunity to experience at first hand the personality that has delighted millions on radio, television and around the world!

Another Coffee Concert is scheduled for 11 a.m. on June 12. This time Ralls and Ubukata will perform on piano, “Schumann in the Morning”. Songs from visiting artists will also be on the program. This concert will be a birthday celebration of one of the most romantic of composers. The concert will highlight Schumann’s Spanische Liebeslieder or Spanish Love Songs, for four voices and piano-duet.

Susan Platts, mezzo, will be the featured performer for the Celebrity Recital to be held on June 12 at 8 p.m. She will be accompanied by Ralls on piano. Platts is one of Canada’s most acclaimed singers, with an international reputation. She has been invited to open the Toronto Symphony’s new season. Included in her recital will be a  tribute to composer, Robert Schumann, in honor of the 200th anniversary since his birth (June 8, 1810).

Young artists, Bradley, Huang, Mutya and Garvanliev will be performing, accompanied by Ralls and Ubukata in approximately ten schools in Huron and Perth counties during the week between the scheduled concerts. They will be performing for over 2,000 students under the auspices of the Foundation for Education.

According to organizers, this is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the festival for the performers. They are delighted to be able to visit so many smaller centers across the countryside.

The young artists will return to the hall on June 13 at 2:30 p.m. for an encore performance of “A Harvest of Song”. Following the concert the artists will join in a party with the audience.

The Bayfield Festival of Song is proud to have as its Honorary Patron, author Alice Munro. Since its inception in June 2007 when four concerts were held over one weekend the festival continues to grow.

It is presented by the Aldeburgh Connection, a concert organization based in Toronto, which was founded by Ralls and Ubukata in 1982. Aldeburgh, on the East coast of England, is the small town where Benjamin Britten, Peter Pears and Eric Crozier founding the Festival of Music which flourishes to this day. Ralls and Ubukata have visited and worked there for many summers, as have many of the artists who appear with them.

For the Bayfield Festival of Song tickets are available locally by calling Gail Grant at 519 565-2435. They cost $25, Saturday mornings; and $35, Saturday evenings, Friday evenings, Sunday afternoons. The Masterclass on June 10 will cost $15. There is also a subscription price: if buying tickets for more than one concert, please deduct $5 from each ticket.
 

THINK OF PIONEER PARK WHEN SPRING CLEANING

The annual Pioneer Park Rummage Sale doesn’t happen over night, organizing this large fundraiser which benefits beautiful Pioneer Park takes a lot of time and planning, and that is why organizers are asking people to think of the sale when spring cleaning.

They are looking for unique, nearly new, antique or quality cast offs for the 63rd annual sale to be held on July 9 from 7-9 p.m. in the Bayfield Arena.

Anyone requiring an early drop off of items can contact Terry at 519 565-2972 or Bud at 519 565-5322, otherwise items can be dropped off at the arena on July 8-9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

The following items cannot be accepted: clothing, shoes, magazines, encyclopedias, large appliances, building materials, mattresses, soiled or broken items. Please note that baby furniture, sports equipment and electrical items must be approved by the CSA.

Items are also being sought for the Silent Auction. If you would like to provide an article or service to be bid upon please contact Bud at the number listed above.

General inquiries about the event, including, volunteer information can be directed to Julie at 519 824-0141.
 

RON SEXSMITH ADDED TO SERIES

The Bayfield Concert Series designed to provide springtime entertainment is now segueing right into summer, with the aptly titled, Bayfield Summer Concert Series.

On June 3, Basia Bulat, along with Fourth Avenue, will perform at the Bayfield Town Hall. Then on July 22, Six Shooter recording artist, Justin Rutledge, will take to the town hall stage, along with Andy McGuire. Tickets are available for $25 per person per show.

Headliner, Ron Sexsmith was recently added to the summer concert schedule. Tickets are sure to sell out for this well- known artist. Tickets are available now for $30 per person. 

Tickets are available at the Black Dog Pub, Ernie King (Goderich) and at www.ticketscene.ca. 

For all three concerts the doors open at 8 p.m. with the concert to follow at 8:30 p.m.

The Bayfield Summer Concert Series is pleased to support Childhood Cancer Awareness.  "Cure Childhood Cancer" silicone bracelets will be available for purchase at all of the concerts.  Donations are greatly appreciated.

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.

NINE PIANISTS TO PLAY GRAND

Music lovers will delight in an evening of the tinkling of the ivories when St. Andrew’s United Church hosts a “Concert on the Keys” on June 20.

This evening of piano music will feature nine pianists from Huron County playing a variety of different musical selections on St. Andrew’s baby grand piano.

The music will begin at 7:30 p.m. and admission is a free will offering. 

UNITED CHURCH

Along with spring flowers, the fifth month of the year also brings the annual May Pole Luncheon hosted by St. Andrew’s United Church UCW.

The luncheon will be held on May 19 at the church starting at 11:30 a.m. Tickets cost $10 and are available by calling 519 565-2479.

Proceeds from the meal will go to the Weekend to End Breast Cancer Walk-a-thon and a purchase from the United Church Hope Book.

BACC NEWS

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 The event is sponsored by OLG.
 

NEW BUSINESS

What’s your favorite number? For Judy M. Roth, glass artist and owner of the newest art gallery to grace Bayfield’s business section, it is the number 22.

JMR Art Gallery is now open for their first full season in the Shops on Charles Street. A reception to open “Exhibit 22” will be held on May 22 from 12:22 to 2:22 p.m. All of the art on display has been supplied by Ontario artists and all the pieces feature a 22 element to celebrate the new gallery space Gallery Twenty2.

The exhibit will close on June 19. 

YARD SALES FOR CHURCHES

Two of the village’s churches will be hosting upcoming yard sales and would encourage all in the community to keep them in mind for donating the contents of cupboards and closets from spring cleaning.

Trinity Anglican Church will be holding their yard sale, combined with a plant sale, on May 21-22. If anyone has toured the church’s lovely gardens they should be thoroughly excited about the plant portion of the sale as the more “green thumbed” in the congregation will be sharing their plantings.

The sale will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

Then on June 19, St. Andrew’s United Church will hold their yard sale and bake sale. Antiques and treasures will be featured in the sale and those who work up an appetite while shopping will not be disappointed.  An Egg ‘N Bagel Breakfast will be offered as well as hot dogs and coffee.

St. Andrew’s sale will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For information regarding the event call Joan at 519 263-2404 or Gordon 519 524-1284. Anyone wishing to donate to the bake table should contact Joan at 519 565-2730.

OPTMIST CLUB

“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.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Marg Garbarino and Charlie Kalbfleisch will be the featured lecturers in the next installment of the Bayfield Historical Society’s Speaker Series on May 24.

They will describe what Bayfield was like the decade after World War II and talk about the fire at the Ritz Hotel on Labour Day weekend 1947 which almost destroyed the whole village. This was one of the most significant events in Bayfield's history and it changed the village for ever. And they were there!

The evening will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Bayfield Lions’ Community Building.
 

BLYTH FESTIVAL SINGERS

The Blyth Festival singers have been delighting audiences with their captivating music for 30 years and they will be showcasing their special talents at an event to be held at the Stanley Recreation Complex in Varna on May 29th.

“Hot Jazz! Cool Licks!” is the title of their popular cabaret concert which includes dinner, and a silent auction. The Blyth Festival Singers will be performing jazz and blues favorites from the golden age of jazz.  Special guest is the Howlin' Dog Jazz Band.

Tickets are available now: adults, $25; and children, 12 years and under, $12. They are available in Bayfield at The  Village Bookshop.
 

BOOKS AND BRUNCH

 Drew Hayden Taylor will be the guest author at the next Books and Brunch event, sponsored by The Village Bookshop, to be held at the Little Inn on May 30. 

Originally from the Curve Lake First Nations, in Central Ontario, he has spent the last two decades traveling the world and writing about it from the Aboriginal perspective. An award-winning playwright, author, columnist, film maker and lecturer, he has managed to bridge the gap between cultures by tickling the funny bone.  He has recently published his first adult novel, Motorcycles and Sweetgrass.
 
Tickets are $30 and are available now at The Village Bookshop. 
 

TOWN HALL

The Historic Bayfield Town Hall, built in 1882, has graced the edge of Clan Gregor Square since it was moved to that location in 1920.

It is now time for the annual meeting for the Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society, the committee that ensures the building’s ongoing care. The meeting will be held on May 31 at 4:30 p.m. in the basement of the town hall.

For more information please contact Margo Robeson at 519 565-2827.

DINERS’ CLUB

The Bayfield Diners’ Club was recently featured in the Bayfield Breeze demonstrating just how much they appreciate their volunteers, well now they are in search of some new helpers.

The meals are served at noon on Thursdays at the Bayfield Community Centre. There are two shifts of volunteers that work to ensure the meal is produced each week. The first shift runs from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. while the second goes from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It is the second shift that could use additional hands.

If you could help in this time slot or would like some more information please contact Pearl Hartman at 519 482-5283.

BRVTA

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.

CHAP

Village residents may be surprised to learn that they don’t have to drive to a larger centre for heart healthy care. Blood pressure measurement and monitoring sessions are being held right here in Bayfield as part of the Cardiovascular Health Awareness Program (CHAP).

The goal of CHAP is to promote cardiovascular health in the local community and to raise awareness about the importance of blood pressure monitoring.

Trained volunteers will help participants measure their blood pressure and complete a heart and stroke risk profile. A copy of these results will be given to the participant and, with their permission, sent to their family physician and regular pharmacist.

The sessions are run from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the third Thursday of every month, at Pharmasave Michael's Pharmacy.

To learn more please call local CHAP Coordinator, Kelly Webster, at 519-236-4373 ex 632
 

FITNESS FUN

There are plenty of ways to get in shape for summer in Bayfield.

If you are an early bird the Tuesday sessions of Pole Walking may be perfect for you. Those experienced at this fitness activity can join in the 8 a.m. trek. Or if you’d like to learn how to properly practice this popular activity plan to attend the introductory lessons held at 9:15 a.m.

There is also a Pole Walking session held on Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. All groups depart from 6 Main Street. The session incorporates an hour of walking with an ending cool down stretch.   
 
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. 

BRIDGE CLUB

Jean Bowman and Alice Brandon were the high scorers when the Wednesday Evening Bridge Club met at the Bayfield Lions’ Community Building for an evening of cards of May 12.

The next games will be played on May 26. The decks will be shuffled starting at 7 p.m. and all are welcome.