Much ado about santa at village tree lighting

PHOTOS AND STORY BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER

Santa's arrival caused quite the commotion with large numbers of children vying for a place on his lap and parents and grandparents ready to take a picture of their big moment on the old gent's knee.

The gazebo in Clan Gregor was filled with musicians and singers from Holmesville Public School who came out to entertain the people at the tree lighting ceremony.

The Christmas in Bayfield Weekend, Nov. 11-13, may very well have exceeded last year's attendance which was noted for breaking records. Without benefit of an official head count at Friday’s tree lighting ceremony one might guess that well over 400 people were present to see the lights come on.

Children from Holmesville Public School comprised the choir and band that entertained the crowd with holiday music. Janet Snider, representing the Bayfield and Area Chamber of Commerce, welcomed all who attended and then asked that the lights be turned on at the stroke of 7 o’clock.

The Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society sold hotdogs and hot drinks were supplied by Tim Hortons. The Bayfield Girl Guides sold boxes of chocolaty mint cookies for dessert. The Bayfield Optimist Club was also present selling tickets on their Holiday Raffle of extra special toys.

Santa himself arrived in style – on a fire truck supplied by the Bayfield and Area Volunteer Fire Department. He mingled with the crowd as a mass of children waited in line to have their turn at bending his ear a little.

It may have been a little chilly and damp following an afternoon rain but the tree lighting still broke previous attendance records.

QUILT RAISES HOPED FOR FUNDS

It was a fairy-tale ending to the St. Andrew’s United Church Women’s Christmas Holly Bazaar on Saturday afternoon when as the bazaar was coming to a close a couple arrived with a $1,000 in hand to purchase a quilt earmarked as a fundraiser for Goderich Tornado Relief.

The Sunshine Coast Quilters Guild, in conjunction with the Goderich Quilting Guild, were displaying this gorgeous quilt and matching wall hanging at the bazaar held on Nov. 11-12, in the hope that someone would like to purchase the set. They were donated to the Goderich guild to help raise funds for Goderich Tornado Relief. It had been appraised for $2,800, was a one of a kind collector's creation and originated in the Ottawa area.

The quilt set was generously purchased by Wanda and James Airsworth, of Mississauga, ON.

Goderich Quilters Guild President Bev VanNinhuys (right) was no doubt pleased to sell this quilt donated to the guild for Goderich Tornado Relief during the St. Andrew's United Church Women's Holly Bazaar held this past weekend. The quilt was generously purchased for $1,000 by Wanda (right) and James Airsworth of Mississauga. (Submitted photo)

“It was a great way to end the bazaar,” said Kathleen Siertsema, of The Sunshine Coast Quilter’s Guild and St. Andrew’s UCW. “On Friday this couple came in with two friends and were standing looking at the quilt and I went over to them and proceeded to explain about it and they seemed especially interested because the money was going to the Goderich Tornado Relief Fund. They were going to Goderich on Saturday to take a donation from their parents’ estate to help restore the steeple on the Baptist church in Goderich that was damaged in the tornado. Their parents had once lived in Goderich for about 15 years. They said they would think about it and would be back on Saturday if they wanted it.”

Siertsema went on to say that she had all but forgotten about their encounter when about 2:45 p.m. on Saturday they came back in with the money for the quilt.

“There was great excitement and the quilt went to a wonderful couple. Everyone was happy, the couple got the quilt and a tax receipt for $1,000 and the disaster fund will get $3,000 when it is matched by the government...so it was a great day,” concluded Siertsema.

Wreath fundraiser moves to Goderich this weekend

The annual wreath fundraiser for the Bayfield Agricultural Society (BAS) is now underway. To have a look at these gorgeous wreaths and tails (swags) 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 held this past weekend.

These wreaths are perfect for Christmas decorating and will brighten a door all winter long. Over the course of the Christmas in Bayfield weekend the BAS sold wreaths and swags in front of St. Andrew’s United Church during the UCW’s annual Christmas Holly Bazaar. This proved very successful and very few large wreaths and swags are left but several regular sized wreaths are available. Please contact or Don Brodie 519 263-2404 to order one.

Or visit the ReStore in Goderich this coming weekend and pick one up as the BAS will be selling them there. All proceeds from ribbon sales will go to the ReStore.

The Annual General Meeting of the BAS will be this Friday, Nov. 18 at St. Andrew’s United Church. There will be a potluck dinner at 6 p.m. with appetizers created by Teresa Van Raay of The Whole Pig. Following the meal, at 7:30 p.m. Van Raay will provide a presentation on cooking opportunities with pork.

The actual meeting begins at 8 p.m. with some exciting news being presented in one of the reports. And just to get the community excited about next year’s fall fair the theme can now be revealed: “Horsin’ Around in 2012”. All are invited to attend the AGM and volunteers from the 2011 event are most welcome.

According to Doug Yeo, BAS 1st vice-president, “Our Society has been saddened by the loss of its Secretary, Emma VanderWouden, in September and most recently John Fisher, who was a former president of the society. Our thoughts and support are with their families. They both contributed greatly to the success and stability of the organization.”

While VanderWouden’s contribution to the society was irreplaceable the BAS is now searching for someone interested in continuing her legacy as secretary.

This individual should have excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills and will receive an honorarium reimbursement. Responsibilities would include: taking minutes, record keeping, dealing with correspondence, handling fair books, compiling all fair entry data, problem solving issues concerning the fair, and working closely with the Board of the BAS. Office and computer skills are also necessary for this position.

A full job description is available by emailing dbrodie@tcc.on.ca. Interested people are asked to apply by emailing a resume to the above address by Nov. 30.

 Christmas Bureau may see greatest need in 2011

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.

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 Nov. 21 to 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.

“This is a very important year for all of us. Our community’s needs are great. The rewards are also great – the opportunity to share the true meaning of Christmas by sharing the joy of the season. A gift to a child is a gift to yourself,” concluded Grant.

All low water advisories lifted for area watersheds

Conditions throughout the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) watershed have improved with the return of wetter weather through late September and October. As a result, the Water Response Team (WRT) has removed all low water advisories that were still in place for the Upper Ausable River and Bayfield River watersheds.

Total monthly rainfall for October was above normal in the Ausable River watershed (92.2 mm at Exeter), 109 per cent of the October normal; 97 mm at Springbank, 130 per cent of the Springbank normal; and the Varna stream gauge totaled 108.4 mm or 122 per cent of the normal.

“The majority of the rainfall occurred within a 10-day period in the middle of the month,” said ABCA Lands and Water Technologist, David Heinbuck. “Combined with the wet weather experienced in the last half of September, flows in local watercourses have gone from below-normal throughout much of the summer and early autumn, to above-normal in October.”

The Chair of the Water Response Team (WRT), Dave Frayne, thanked both the industries and individuals who voluntarily reduced their water usage in response to the dry weather observed through the summer.

“Conservation of water is an important measure in preventing further declines in water supplies and ensuring that everyone has access to water at the most critical times, especially during a low-water condition,” Frayne said. “Everyone has helped to play an important role in preserving our water supply.

ABCA staff members will continue to monitor rainfall and stream-flow data and keep the public informed of any changes in watershed conditions. Visit www.ontario.ca/lowwater for further resources on the Ontario low water response program or the ABCA website at abca.on.ca and view the dynamic low-water advisory tool which alerts people to low-water advisories in effect in the watershed.

united way of perth-huron allocates donations

Following on their promise to receive and distribute tornado relief donations where needed most, the United Way of Perth-Huron has allocated $100,000 to the Goderich and Area Disaster Relief Committee. United Way Program Review and Allocation Committee members, including five residents of Goderich, recently made the decision to support rebuilding homes, businesses and lives through the provincially matched program.

Ryan Erb, executive director said, “We were happy to receive donations for tornado relief efforts, especially in the early days after the disaster when the Goderich and Area Disaster Relief Committee was just getting off the ground. People across Canada responded and used our text to give, online portal, and other donation vehicles to respond quickly. It was something we could do right away and do well and now we are forwarding a significant sum to the Goderich and Area Disaster Relief Committee.”

“We want to thank the team at the United Way of Perth-Huron who have assisted us over and above their normal mandate. For them to be raising funds for tornado relief while they are still trying to raise funds for their annual campaign shows a significant commitment to our community”, says Tom Jasper, chair of Fundraising for the Goderich and Area Disaster Relief Committee.

The United Way of Perth-Huron will also distribute some funding to local non-profit agencies in the near future.

“Agencies have been stretched beyond their mandates and their financial limits as they cope with the disaster”, said Susan Moffat, chair of the United Way Program Review and Allocation Committee. “Our plan is to support where we can, recognizing there are many, many needs.”

DECKING THE SQUARE

Members of the Bayfield and Area Horticultural Society had some fun decorating Clan Gregor Square for the Christmas in Bayfield weekend. L-r: Leigh Selk, Sue Van Baardwyk, Carol Morley and Susan Beatty took a moment from the decorating to pose for a picture. All in the community are welcome to join them for the society's Annual General Meeting to be held on Nov. 21. Carol Steckle, of Huron Ridge Acres, will be the featured guest. She will inform those in attendance how to display and care for Poinsettias and other Christmas plants. The meeting will be held at the Bayfield Lions’ Community Building starting at 7:30 p.m. (Submitted photo)

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 will be unveiled at the Christmas in Bayfield Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 11. After that date tickets will be available 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.

salvation army band

On Nov. 25 the Bayfield Town Hall will welcome back the London Citadel Salvation Army Band for their sixteenth annual Christmas Concert. Their appearance on the town hall stage is a holiday tradition for many and should not be missed. In case of inclement weather the concert will be held on Dec. 2.

The London Citadel Band got its start in 1883. By the early 1900s the band was in demand and performed in such cities as Windsor and Detroit. In the last 128 years the groups’ horizons have broadened considerably and they have traveled to England twice as well as the west coast of Canada and parts of the USA.

Bandmaster John Lam, a native of Owen Sound, joined the band in 1985. Ten years later he became Bandmaster and that year he brought the band to the town hall. Since then they have returned annually except for one year when they were “snowed out”.

Show time is 8 p.m. and tickets are selling for $10 per person. For tickets call Charles Kalbfleisch at 519 565-2244 or Pat Langley at 519 565-2894 or online at ticketscene.ca.

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 Nov. 22.

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

The time has come to get back into the routines of autumn and fitness for both mind and body is once again a focus. 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 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.

Residents of Northwood Beach, just north of Bayfield on Hwy. 21, would like to invite adults with an interest in Line Dancing to join them at their club house on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. This opportunity for some fun exercise costs $5 per session. For information call Jan Leake at 519 482-1103.

BRVTA

The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) would like to thank everyone who has supported this project, either by membership or volunteer hours. If you are already a member, they encourage you to renew your membership for 2012.

The BRVTA has had another busy year and with the continued support of this community, this project will continue to grow. The Sawmill, Woodland and Heritage Trails, created an opportunity to hike a total of 10 KMS worth of trail and two new trails are under development near Varna, which will bring many new opportunities for the area.

Yearly memberships are $20 per individual and $25 per family. Cheques may be made payable to the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association and mailed to P.O. Box 531, Bayfield N0M 1G0. Memberships can also be purchased at Outdoor Projects on Main Street in Bayfield.

If you have further questions regarding membership, please contact Varekamp, at 519 565-5442. If you are a member but are not receiving our newsletters by e-mail, please contact Varekamp at hvarekamp@tcc.on.ca with your e-mail address, so that the BRVTA can inform you of new developments.

Bayfield Guiding

Got milk? Bayfield Guiding has the cookies to go with it.

The chocolatey mint Girl Guide Cookies are back for a limited time this autumn. They are selling now for $4 a box and are available from Bayfield Guiding members or at the Bayfield Village Inn.

Profits from the cookies are used to support the girls in their varied activities and to subsidize outings.

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 2012 Bayfield Calendar features photography by Jack Pal, Cate Cuerden, Dianne Brandon, Kristyn Watterworth, Maggie Brennan and Gary Lloyd-Rees.

2011 marked the first calendar initiative and it is reported that this unique reminder of the heritage village on a Great Lake was sent to family and friends around the world.

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.

Library Friends

For many people the Bayfield Library is the hub of the community. These people have recently united as The Friends of the Bayfield Library (FOBL).

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.

abca

Area students are being encouraged to pick up a pen and write creatively about their local watershed as part of the Watershed Tales writing contest.

In 2010, more than a dozen local students were recognized for their winning submissions in the first Watershed Tales writing contest. Following on that success, the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) has announced the student environmental writing competition is back for a second year.

Students from Ausable Bayfield watershed schools, with an interest in writing and an interest in their local environment, are invited to submit poems, short stories or essays for the competition until Nov. 30. All watershed schools are eligible.

For map of watershed boundaries, contest rules, submission form, and more information:Watershed Tales Submission Form

Last year’s winning entries were published on a website at: watershedtales.ca. ABCA presented the inaugural Watershed Tales student environmental writing awards at the Conservation Awards evening in March of this year.

Students can win prizes for short stories, essays or poems that have a positive environmental message about their local watershed environment. Prizes will be awarded for prose and poetry in different age groups. There are also short story, poem and essay categories for adults.

diners' club

Anyone who is 55+ years of age is invited to join the members of the Bayfield Diners’ Club for their weekly Thursday lunches. Newcomers and summer residents are most welcome to join in the meal.

The meals are served at noon at the Bayfield Community Centre. The cost for the lunch is $8 per person. Anyone who wishes to enjoy the meal but cannot make it to the community centre is invited to order a take-out lunch.

Participants should call Betty Brodhagan at 519 565-4123 on the Monday prior to the Thursday lunch to inform organizers of their intention to attend or not to attend the luncheon.

bridge club

The Wednesday Evening Bridge Club will meet next at the Bayfield Lions’ Community Building on Nov. 23. The cards will be dealt starting at 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

photography club of bayfield

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 these reasons a local photography club has been established.

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

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