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Bayfield Breeze, 2014-12-30, Page 15/31/2019 BAYFIELD Week 01 Issue 339 BREEZE [AN MATTHEW CA jWAHPX- 519_565�5336 ■ r1 IMMAMY G -IMiNONNNNINNNINMI ROYAL LEPAGEHi]1 NNNINNNINNIN� •••�••�`� ••�•" -! r! BAYFIELD BREEZE rhe vr`hoge's awn orthne news source t 0 SHARE o++®. Dec. 30, 2015 Vol. 7 Week 1 Issue 339 ROGER LEWINGTON RECIPIENT OF OUTSTANDING CITIZEN AWARD On Dec. 18, MPP for Huron -Bruce Lisa Thompson announced the list of recipients for the 2015 Huron -Bruce Outstanding Citizen Award. This year 13 people from across Huron - Bruce will receive the recognition, which celebrates the contributions of local citizens to their communities. Among those who will be recognized is Bayfield's own, Roger Lewington. The following is the nomination letter that was written to Thompson outlining all of Lewington's remarkable contributions to the community: "Roger Lewington's contributions to our regional community have been far-reaching and lasting. "The Bayfield and Area Chamber of Commerce has been revitalized under his leadership. Roger has also been a leader in the Pat and Roger Lewington. (Photo by Jack Pal) development of a Bayfield Main Street "redevelopment plan" and an important contributor to the Municipality of Bluewater's Strategic Planning exercise. "Roger is a founder and is president of the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA). This organization has built 14 KMs of nature trails. Roger is a certified 'Hike Ontario', Hike FIREFIGHTERS HONORED Two firefighters were honoured at the Bayfield and Area Fire Department's annual Christmas Party held recently at the fire hall. Photo above: Fire chief Jack Bender presented Brian Brandon with his 25 year of service certificate. Photo below: cc.villageofbayfield.com/Members/BayfieldBreezelWeek0l Issue339/tabid/757/Default.aspx 1/12 5/31/2019 Week 01 Issue 339 Leader Trainer. "The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association's "Tree Committee" has planted over 350 trees in and around Bayfield. The BRVTA hosts a 'Terry Fox Run' and other fundraisers and is a supporter of Bayfield's "Blue Community" initiative. "Roger is chair of the Huron Tract Land Trust, a member of the board of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority Foundation, he is a member of the executive of Bayfield's 'Home for Good' seniors support group and he is past president of the Bayfield Town Hall and the Bayfield International Croquet Club. "Roger and his wife, Pat, have created a community exercise program through 'One Care'." The nomination letter concluded by saying that, "Roger dedicates countless volunteer hours to make our community better!" The award will be presented at a New Year's Levee that will take place on Jan. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Teeswater Town Hall (3 Clinton St. South). The event is free and open to the public, with a Jan. 13 snow date. ZURICH FARMER PARTICIPATES IN COUNTY CLEAN WATER PROJECT Stu Steckle, of the Zurich area, has planted hundreds of trees on his property through four planting projects. (Submitted photo) Huron County's Clean Water Project has helped county residents and community groups complete more than 1,800 water -quality projects over the past ten years. Stu Steckle, of the Zurich area, is one of more than a thousand landowners who have done projects on their properties with county grants to help make these improvements possible. He has planted hundreds of trees on his property through four planting projects. "I like having trees around and my wife likes trees too," Stu said. Stuart and Ruth Ann Steckle own Staholme Farms and Black Ovation Purebred Angus on Bronson Line, northwest of Zurich. Programs like the Huron County Clean Water Project help make it possible to do new projects, according to the Zurich -area Angus beef farmer. "It gets you started," he said. "It lowers the cost and it makes it more affordable." Planting trees can help to preserve topsoil, reduce erosion, capture runoff, and keep sediment and bacteria from reaching creeks, rivers, and lakes. Stu has been planting trees since the 1980s but he said, "I wish I had started earlier." cc.villageofbayfield.com/Members/BayfieldBreeze/Week0l Issue339/tabid/757/Default.aspx Bender also congratulated Ian Siertsema for his 20 years of service. (Photos by Dianne Brandon) MAYOR'S LEVEE Members of the community are invited to start their year off right by joining in an exhilarating walk in the woods! Starting at 1 p.m. on New Year's Day, Jan. 1, Mayor of the Municipality of Bluewater, Tyler Hessel will lead the second annual Mayor's Levee and Hike in Varna, along with volunteer Hike Leaders from the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA). People will no doubt enjoy the two beautiful Varna Nature Trails that begin at the Varna Complex, just west of Varna on Mill Road. The 1 KM, Taylor Trail, offers gentle slopes, a compacted surface and a variety of landscapes that will delight trail users of all ages. Mavis' Trail is a pleasant, meandering 2.5 KM woodland walk to the scenic Bayfield River. The combination of a healthy walk in the woods and the traditional good luck gesture of extending best wishes for the New Year to our Mayor and members of his Council should start everyone's 2016 off on a positive note. WITCHES WALK The Ashwood Inn played host to a Witches Walk on the evening of Oct. 30 with many community organizations and businesses taking part. A very large number of people of all ages dared to take the walk through the woods, enjoyed a hot dog barbecue, apple cider and building their own treat bag. Donations were collected for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of North Huron. All involved are pleased to announce that over $1,700 was raised at the event. This allowed BBBSNH to bring two children into the program. They had been on the waiting list for one year. FIM ' 0 ' ' II .I : fir. N�: u The Bluewater Area Family Health Team (BAFHT) is looking to the community for financial support in the expansion of the Zurich Clinic. The upcoming expansion of the BAFHT clinic at 43 Main Street in Zurich will go a long way towards meeting the growing health care needs of the community. This significant capital project, set to start in early 2016, will more than double the clinic's footprint and transform the facility into a comprehensive health care hub with 13 examination rooms, an exercise area, and a meeting room for health and wellness workshops. 2/12 5/31/2019 Week 01 Issue 339 His tree planting projects have included native species including Maple, Black Walnut, and With more spaces and resources, the BAFHT will be Cedars. able to see more patients sooner, increase evening quality projects with support of the county program. Projects include tree planting and clinics, deliver more programs and expand the ones "The Cedars are looking better all the time," he said. 1 would encourage anybody to start it currently offers, and provide a rewarding work planting trees early." environment that attracts and keeps quality The Steckle farms total about 150 acres in size. Staff from Ausable Bayfield Conservation healthcare professionals. planted some of the trees at the Steckle farm. Many of the trees are planted between the farm The BAFHT expansion is being funded in part by a and the creek. Some of the trees near the creek are planted where cattle were pastured at one $1.48 -million grant from the Ontario Ministry of time. Stu is one of the landowners who has eliminated cattle access to a creek and planted in Health and Long -Term Care. But $600,000 more is valley lands. This protects water quality at his property and in nearby rivers and Lake Huron. needed. The BAFHT is calling on everyone in the As well as having completed projects with some grant support from the Huron County Clean Bluewater area and in surrounding communities to Water Project, Stu has also completed an Environmental Farm Plan and has done stewardship contribute to this important effort to build a bigger and projects, such as manure storage improvements, working with the Ontario Soil and Crop better BAFHT. Improvement Association. There are several ways to contribute such as Stu has lived his whole life on the farm that his father bought in the 1920s. Stu was a dairy donations to the Circle of Care. Contributions given producer before switching to beef in 2007. Stu and Ruth Ann have two grown children: Dustin, from $1,000 to $25,000 will be recognized with a who is a Bachelor of Commerce graduate from the University of Guelph and who works in the plaque at the clinic. Other ways to give include: room seed and crop industry as Regional Manager for Eastern Canada with Verdesian Life sponsorships, in-kind donations, legacy gifts, and Sciences, and Julie Theurer, an Adjunct Professor at Western University in the School of Friends of BAFHT gifts starting at $10. BAFHT can Communication Sciences and Disorders. The Steckles also have two grandchildren. also customize a sponsorship plan that aligns with a donor's philanthropic goals. There are many water -quality benefits to tree planting and windbreaks. There are other reasons to plant trees too. Stu and Ruth Ann like having birds around and they like the colors A donation to the BAFHT expansion project is a gift of the trees in autumn. Stu said he has enjoyed the autumn colors while visiting Vermont but that will pay dividends for years to come, for there are also gorgeous autumn views here in Huron County in Ontario, Canada. He recalls everyone in the Bluewater area and beyond. Making one day sitting on his tractor and noticing the brilliant fall colors of a neighbor's nearby woodlot. a gift is easy just e-mail Administrator, Ann Brabender at annbafht@hay.net or call (519) 236 - "You couldn't paint a picture like that," he said. 4413. The Huron County Clean Water Project has celebrated its tenth year of supporting water quality improvements. The County of Huron has continued to support this grant program every t7T TAOIST TAT I CM year since its inception. Stu is one of the hundreds of landowners who have completed water quality projects with support of the county program. Projects include tree planting and Taoist Tai Chi arts provide a whole body, mind and windbreaks. Trees along watercourses improve water quality and provide wildlife habitat and spirit practice for people of all ages, bringing health, travel corridors. Windbreaks can help mark property lines and provide a barrier to wind and balance, flexibility, strength, and stillness. Begun 45 water erosion. Windbreaks can keep drifting snow away from homes and farms, reduce winter years ago in Canada by Taoist monk Master Moy Lin heating costs, keep spray application from leaving the field, reduce soil erosion, reduce wind Shin, Taoist Tai Chi arts are now practiced by more stress on field crops, protect livestock from extremes of heat and cold, and more. than 40,000 people in 26 countries. In addition to tree planting and cover crop incentives the Huron County Clean Water Project provides up to 50 per cent grant support for projects in categories that include; manure storage For anyone who has completed a beginner class, decommissioning; clean water diversion; wetland creation and rural storm water management; practice sessions are being offered this winter at the fragile land retirement; livestock fencing; well decommissioning; wellhead protection; forest Bayfield Town Hall. They will start on Jan. 12 from management plans and woodlot enhancement; stewardship guide implementation; and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more information please call composting toilets special projects. Funding from the County of Huron can be combined with Doug Brown at 519 565-5187. other cost—share programs and landowner contributions. The County of Huron funds the Huron Clean Water Project. The Maitland Valley and Ausable PUBLIC SKATING G Bayfield conservation authorities provide service delivery. Landowners may call by phone to apply. Phone Maitland Conservation at 519 335-3557 or Ausable Bayfield Conservation at 519 The Bayfield Optimist Club and Bayfield Arena 235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610. The next review committee meeting is Feb. 5, 2016. Community Partners Association (BACPA) have Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. For more information visit mvca.on.ca, partnered to sponsor public skating during abca.on.ca, or huroncounty.ca. Christmas. COUNTY HAS HIGHEST OBESITY Here are the remaining times to lace the skates over the holidays: Dec. 30 and Dec. 311 from noon to PREVALENCE IN PROVINCE 2 p.m. And then on Sunday, Jan. 3, free public skating will "Diabetes is a serious issue for the communities served by BAFHT," said Dr. Lori Teeple, lead be held from 1-3 p.m. due to the generosity of the physician at BAFHT and author of a workbook called Over Weight is a Disease: A Canadian following sponsors: Bayfield Garage Doctor's Prescription of Self -Management. "Obesity rates are quite high in this area and that and Bayfield Chiropractic Centre. puts many people at risk for diabetes." MILK BAG MATS cc.villageofbayfield.com/Members/BayfieldBreeze/Week0l Issue339/tabid/757/Default.aspx 3/12 5/31/2019 Huron County has the highest prevalence of obesity in Ontario, with close to 40 per cent of adult residents considered excessively overweight. To help address this alarming trend, BAFHT launched a diabetes program four years ago under the leadership of Dr. Teeple. During BAFHT's diabetes clinic days — scheduled for the first Thursday of each month — patients are put through blood tests to check blood sugar and cholesterol levels. BAFHT's clinical staffers also measure key indicators of diabetes -related health such as body mass index and smoking. Education is a key component of the diabetes clinics. Dr. Teeple said the BAFHT team puts significant effort into ensuring patients understand the importance of managing their weight and living a healthier lifestyle. To make the clinics accessible to as many people as possible, BAFHT also offers a once -a -month session on the evening before the Thursday clinic. Dr. Michael Hurley Week 01 Issue 339 Dr. Lori Teeple (Submitted photos) "Our claim to fame is having this Type 2 diabetes clinic," said Dr. Michael Hurley, who started the BAFHT clinic seven years ago with only a team of three people, himself included. "Diabetes is becoming more and more prevalent in Canada, and we want to ensure that our patients in Bluewater and surrounding communities have as much support as possible in preventing and managing this disease." Today, about 560 patients a year take part in the diabetes clinic — a number BAFHT expects will increase as Bluewater and area residents become more aware of the importance of effective diabetes prevention and management. "We all come in early during the day of the diabetes clinic and we have a meeting to get ready for the day," explained Janet Willert, nurse at BAFHT. "We really make an extra effort to ensure we're delivering a quality program. It's valuable to our patients and rewarding to our staff." The diabetes clinic isn't the only program available to BAFHT patients. BAFHT also offers programs focusing on preventative health care, smoking cessation, hypertension, controlled medication, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and mental health. "We are working very hard to keep people well," said Dr. Hurley. "These programs help us ensure that people aren't slipping through the cracks and developing diseases that could have been prevented with preventative care." BAFHT's programs were created to address unmet needs in the communities served by the clinic. Dr. Hurley commented that the clinic expects greater demand for these programs and other services as BAFHT- serviced communities continue to grow and as a significant portion of residents get older or develop chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. Students at Huron Centennial School in Brucefield are taking part in the Homeless Connect initiative weaving sleeping mats for the homeless in Toronto using milk bags. Donations of 100 per cent acrylic yarn would also be appreciated. The group of 25 youths has to date made almost three -dozen mats but to keep the momentum going they need more clean, 4L milk bags. It takes 100 to 125 bags to make one mat and about three hours to complete one. Currently there is a drop off location for these bags at the Nip N' Tuck and the library in Bayfield and people are encouraged to save them from their recycling box and drop them off. As the initiative grows the young people hope to make mats for homeless veterans and supply other agencies in cities like London with them as well. EMPTIES FOR ALZHEEVIERS Dianne Brandon, Carrie and Ava Sabourin would like to remind everyone preparing for holiday gatherings that their tradition of collecting empties for Alzheimer's Disease is continuing this year. The trio will be participating in the Huron County 2015 Walk for Memories in May of 2016 and are now collecting donations for the cause. 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 to their team, "For the Love of Elane and Doris". After living with Alzheimer's, Elane Brandon, Sabourin's grandmother died in April 2015 while Doris Schilbe, Dianne's mother died in August of 2014. Empties of all sorts may be dropped off at Brandon's Hardware in Bayfield, or picked up anytime, just call Brandon's Hardware at 519 525-8884. Empties may also be dropped off at Bayfield Convenience in their names. UKULELE SOCIETY The Bayfield Ukulele Society (BUS) welcomes people with an interest in learning to play to join them at their meetings held at the Bayfield Public Library. They hold meetings on alternating Saturdays starting at 10 a.m. The meetings conclude at 11:30 a.m. And then every Monday afternoon there is an open practice from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The BUS is free for anyone to join who wants to learn in a fun "hands on" group way. No registration required just drop in. Folks do have to supply their own ukulele however. cc.villageofbayfield.com/Members/BayfieldBreeze/Week0l Issue339/tabid/757/Default.aspx 4/12 5/31/2019 CHRISTMAS DINNER IS SERVED Week 01 Issue 339 Ann Wlllert The Bayfield Dining for Seniors group gathered at the Bayfield Community Centre at noon on Dec. 17 to partake in a traditional Christmas dinner including mince meat pie for dessert. Volunteers served 96 patrons, including those who requested take-out, and they all got the most wonderful surprise. Normally the dinners cost a very reasonable $8 each but on this day they were free due to a frugal group budget. Dining for Seniors has concluded for 2015 but will resume in the spring. Anyone interested in joining for lunch is asked to please contact Dianne Argyle at 519 565-2800. Volunteers are a necessary component to assist with both meal preparation and table service. Anyone interested in volunteering should please contact Bud Robinson at 519 565-5322. (Photo by John Pounder) 519-236-4381 REMEMBER ME? Volume 7 ES i DIE51GNG�lf wea bdch. Oat. OESIGNIBUILO LANDSCAPING S?.LES R INSTALLATION GAPOEN CENTER Z4193A BRONSON LINE ZURICH, ONTP.RIO 519 236 7373 519 565 7373 There are countless photographs of people in the Bayfield Historical Society's Archives collection, but sadly their names were never recorded. In this section we will showcase an image with the hopes that one of our subscribers might be able to identify the individual(s) in the photo. Please email your information to the Editor's attention at the address listed near the bottom of the page in "Submissions' or you can email the archivist directly at bayarchives@tcc.on.ca or click on the image and make a comment on Flickr. BLESSINGS Blessings Community Store is a thrift store as well as a food bank on Main Street in Zurich. People may have noticed that their donation box in Bayfield has moved from the old Foodland lot to the Nip N' Tuck lot (just north of the building). Residents are encouraged to drop in the box clean, gently used clothing and household goods they no longer need or want. The sale of these items in the thrift store help to support the food bank as well as help others. Please call 519 236-4376 with questions. MAIN STREET OPTOMETRIC Dr. Rich Samuell at Main Street Optometric wants to let Bayfield residents know that full eye health examinations are available at his Bayfield office. Examinations are fully covered by OHIP for children and teens, seniors, and those with diabetes. Main Street Optometric uses current technology including a "no -puff' eye pressure check, as well as digital retinal photography to monitor for eye conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Please call 519 565-2300 to schedule an appointment. r HEAR 31'ILEZY i Bayfield mews UAN L P,:" Emclwiwe 55+ Community One Floor Townhomes 515 - 555 .4542 www-baylieldmews.ca ISSUE 337 cc.villageofbayfield.com/Members/BayfieldBreeze/Week0l Issue339/tabid/757/Default.aspx 5/12 5/31/2019 Week 01 Issue 339 Editor's Note: We are now adding the archive's code to the information supplied with the photographs so that if anyone would like to learn more from the Bayfield Archives about certain pictures they can use the code to make the process easier. This week, people pose for a photo in a lovely garden setting. Does anyone remember them? (Archives Code: PB13 06a) BAYFIELD FIP BAYFIELv 0 SHARE ®+�©... PHOTO STORY Ate. 44. -/X—,," OF U51 4 TO I c< P`I o `o a `�lrrrlr ��Inistlnas Af D A HAPPY NEW VEA& In Issue 337, Jack, Nan and Margaret Howard are featured in a vintage Christmas greeting from the archive collection of Lucy Woods Diehl. (Archives Code: PB13 05a) ISSUE 338 In Issue 338, four young ladies pose with an airplane. Does anyone remember them? Records indicate they are Annie MacLeod, Grace Jowett, Ella McKay and Josie Sterling. (Archives Code: PB13 17b) .. GARDEMING 579 565 2420 SERVICES BAYFWLD AND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TESTING A UNIQUE TOURISM EXPERIENCE BY THE LIGHT OF A LANTERN PHOTOS AND STORY BY MELODY FALCONER -POUNDER cc.villageofbayfield.com/Members/BayfieldBreezelWeek0l Issue339/tabid/757/Default.aspx 6/12 5/31/2019 Week 01 Issue 339 Judy Keightley (left) walked participants through the steps to decorate their lantern. Translucent stickers depicting both a young and old Admiral Bayfield were used to provide a unique embellishment on the lanterns. Judy Keightley set the stage for the walk to follow by sharing images from a recently published coffee table book that is comprised of a collection of art and poetry inspired by the village over the years. On the night of Nov. 23 a group of people were treated to a unique tourism experience. As they tramped along through the cold their feet crunching snow, guided only by lantern light, many remarked how delightfully unusual it seemed to them to be able to walk down the centre of Main Street in the darkness unimpeded by traffic. They were walking in the footsteps of a few significant village historical figures who they would later have the pleasure of meeting. The Village of Bayfield hosted a Tourism Workshop from Nov. 23-25. Participants had a chance to test drive three new and unique Bayfield experiences. The event kicked off with the guided historical tour. The lantern -building workshop was conducted at the Bayfield Town Hall with Judy Keightley introducing participants to the history of the village. The 24 adults seemed to really enjoy creating their lanterns from twine and mason jars — the end result really made quite a stunning keepsake. Then Leanne Kavanagh, Judy Stephenson and Judy Keightley acted as tour guides. Once out and about in the village the participants encountered a woodsman (Sean Henry) in Clan Gregor Square. They also met Admiral Bayfield (Philip Keightley) and Maude Stirling (Kate Lloyd - Rees) and were treated to the humor of fisherman Hughie McLeod (Gary Lloyd -Rees) in front of the sailor wood carving on Main Street. After the tour it was time to warm up and The Black Dog Pub and Bistro was just the place to do so while enjoying a specialized dinner and pairing. The next day's sessions will remain a secret to hopefully charm and delight tourists of the future. cc.villageofbayfield.com/Members/BayfieldBreeze/Week01 Issue339/tabid/757/Default.aspx 7/12 5/31/2019 Week 01 Issue 339 Large mason jars, raffia and twine were the materials used to make a lantern with a nautical feel. Tourism test participants including Jennifer Pate (centre) engaged in conversation with Admiral Bayfield. But what can be shared is that the test experience utilized the following partners: Love Your Greats, The Bootlegg Sessions, Windmill Lake, The Little Inn of Bayfield, and The Ashwood Bourbon Bar. The workshop was lead by Tourism Cafe. The tour was held on one of the colder evenings of fall 2015 but participants bundled up and enjoyed the novelty of a walk by lantern light. Tourism test participant Heather Ross displays her finished work. cc.villageofbayfield.com/Members/BayfieldBreeze/Week01 Issue339/tabid/757/Default.aspx 8/12 5/31/2019 Week 01 Issue 339 Admiral Bayfield played by Philip Keightley studied his nautical maps. Tour guide Judy Stephenson chatted with Maude Stirling (Kate Lloyd -Rees), a nurse that served with distinction in World War I. Participants worked together to embellish their lanterns. Sean Henry played the part of a woodsman during the guided walk. cc.villageofbayfield.com/Members/BayfieldBreeze/Week01 Issue339/tabid/757/Default.aspx 9/12 5/31/2019 Week 01 Issue 339 Hughie McCleod (Gary Lloyd -Rees) told tall fishing tales under the guise of the wooden sailor on Main Street. Enjoying the stories were Judy Stephenson, Jennifer Pate, Heather Ross and others. integrity ,.. Every+thingr LAKE HURON N1 I re optometric PIULATED - IMAGE OF TBE WEEK Bayfield Beach by Conrad Kuiper cc.villageofbayfield.com/Members/BayfieldBreeze/Week0l Issue339/tabid/757/Default.aspx 10/12 5/31/2019 Week 01 Issue 339 Email your photo in Jpeg format to bayfield.breeze@villageofbayfield.com with the subject line Subscriber Photo of the Week. or ... Upload your photo to Flickr. I am looking for the Bayfield that is a delight to the eye — please share photos with a touch of whimsy, beauty, humor or a sense of fun. If you are to include people in your photos be sure to have their permission to publish their picture on-line and also send in their names and where they are from. And don't forget to tell me who took the photo for proper credit to be issued IASSAGE THERAP --�&Ai, dy.. a- 519.565.4711 SHOP BIME NO �.�. Porte1V 111111 Wild Bird Seed co. SUBMISSIONS The nine days of Christmas — Falconer -Pounder Style: BAY FI E LD (5. OPTIMIST ,4 Dec. 19 — Grandkids and their parents dropped in for an overnight visit enroute to the in-laws across the border at the start of their 10 days of Christmas tour. We hosted a dinner for 10 that evening serving up family favorites barbecued ribs and sausage. Dec. 20 - Attended my favorite church service of the entire year. The Lessons and Carols service is a great time to reflect on the season and catch your breath before the frivolity really begins. Melody Falconer -Pounder Dec. 21-23 — During this time I created and edited the final two 2015 issues of the Bayfield Breeze for publishing. Now I could have a guilt free holiday with family. Dec. 24 - My mother-in-law and I attended the family -centred, early Christmas Eve service along with two members of our California connection. It was so wonderful to see Trinity filled to overflowing with people on this special night. There is nothing better than hearing Christmas Carols sung with gusto by many united voices. Following church we welcomed my step -daughter, and her husband, for an evening of catching up and indulging in a Mexican themed dinner. Dec. 25 — John and I organized and prepared dinner for 28 guests — using the Parish Hall space to host them all. Prior to turkey and all the trimmings, a chaotic round of gift opening was enjoyed. Dec. 26 — Our little bunch opened stockings in the morning. This is undoubtedly my family's favorite part of Christmas. We move from youngest to oldest each pulling one thing out of our stockings and sharing what we find with each other. Even grandson Graham now 4.5 years participates patiently in this activity. Later that evening we headed to John's sisters for a decadent dinner of comfort foods again served to 28 people. Dec. 27 — We hosted members of my maternal side of the family for breakfast and gifts for the younger set. The youngsters in attendance were kept entertained by my mother-in-law's very playful 4.5 year-old feline named Sammy. He disappeared for a long nap once they departed. The afternoon was spent relatively quietly. Hubby and I helped Graham make a Millennium Falcon out of gingerbread and worked on a Lego set. Then we enjoyed a simple supper of pizza and wings and opened our Christmas gifts. There were, however, a few in our clan, including my mother-in-law, who were invited to take part in a little winter wedding on this day. My heartfelt congratulations go to my niece Jessica (the last of our own wedding party to be married) and to her new husband Daniel. They call England home so it was extra special to have them here at Christmas along with Dan's mom and sister. I hope your day was just as you imagined it! Dec. 28 — Ten of us enjoyed lunch at my childhood home lovingly prepared by my mother followed by the opening of gifts. A few of our gang then attended the Tenth Annual Pounder Family Curling Bonspiel. The rest of us opted for a quiet day at home — Graham and I enjoyed a very special afternoon together watching the movie "Home" while munching on popcorn and sipping hot chocolate. Now that everyone has gone back to his/her homes the house seems rather silent. As I write this, Sammy is quietly playing with a new cat toy and my husband is checking out a Christmas gift that came with some assembly required. My mother-in-law is enjoying an afternoon nap and I am thinking time cc.villageofbayfield.com/Members/BayfieldBreeze/Week0l Issue339/tabid/757/Default.aspx 11/12 5/31/2019 with a new biography is in my future. Week 01 Issue 339 Happy New Year everyone! May 2016 bring you just the right blend of chaos and quiet. - Melody Ideas and contributions to the Bayfield Breeze are always welcome. Deadlines for submissions are Sundays at 4 p.m. Please email me at bayfield.breeze@villageofbayfield.com or call 519-525-3830. BAWIELD BREEZE I3 SHARE ®.,. SIGN up FOR 1yBAYFIELD BREEZE �- CLICK HERE Founding Members ........................................................................................................... Goderich Honda Tuckersmith Communications Co-operative Ltd. Bayfield Foodland Outside Projects Brad's Automotive Copyright 2018, The Bayfield Breeze Login Bayfield Garage Pharmasave Michael's Pharmacy The Dock's Restaurant Ian Mathew CA Royal LePage Heartland Realty Brokerge Credits: Writer, editor, photographer: Melody Falconer -Pounder Web publisher/Graphic Designer: Dennis Pal Advertising Sales: Mike Dixon Logo Design: Kyle Vanderburgh, Goderich Print Shop Special thanks to the Bayfield and Area Chamber of Commerce Breeze Committee:Mike Dixon, John Pounder, Dennis Pal, Melody Falconer -Pounder cc.villageofbayfield.com/Members/BayfieldBreezelWeek0l Issue339/tabid/757/Default.aspx 12/12