T H E T O W N S H I P O F S T . C L A I R
Year-end events help raise spirits going into the new year
St. Clair Township came alive during the holidays as several well-attended local public events helped inspire a fes- tive spirit in the community. Still in the pandemic’s shadow, local organizations and businesses joined forces to host outdoor COVID-mindful gatherings. The Royal Canadian Legion Leslie Sutherland Branch 447 hosted the Pay It Forward event to collect non-perishable food and donations for the local foodbank. Visitors were treated to hot dogs, sweet treats and hot chocolate donated by Nicole Smith of Exit Realty, and the Legion hired Claire and Todd Jardine to bring their gorgeous Belgian horses and wagon, and give rides around the neighbourhood near the Branch 447 hall. Although it was windy and cold, horses Ginger, above right, and Mary didn’t seem to mind taking the apprecia- tive visitors for a ride. In the drivers’ seats holding the reins are Claire, left, and his son, Todd Jardine. For more photos of this and other local holiday events, see pages 9 and 10.
Bonnie Stevenson photo
The Beacon of St. Clair Township January 2022 Page 2
Township receives infrastructure grant
St. Clair Township has been allocated a grant of
$2,257,316 for 2022 through the Ontario Community Investment Fund (OCIF). This is double the amount first promised for 2022 by the province. The stated goal of the grant is to support critical infrastructure projects that support economic recovery, growth, and job creation in communities with under 100,000 residents.
Mayor Steve Arnold says the funding will allow the township to undertake important projects that would otherwise have had to be deferred.
“The Capital budget we have tentatively approved has just over $600k already allocated,” he said. Dur- ing a discussion about the grant, several council members noted it will also benefit ratepayers, reduc- ing any tax increase that might be necessary.
See More Municipal Notes, page 3
From page 2
County Council to gather public info re: homelessness/housing
Lambton County Council has endorsed a Huron County resolution requesting that the Provincial and Federal governments provide financial support for housing and homelessness programs, and mental
County staff have been asked to gather public input through an online survey. Information gath- ered in this way will be discussed at the Feb. 2, 2022 meeting of Lambton County Council.
Winter parking by-law amended
The annual winter parking by-law now in force requires all vehicles to be off township streets
health/addiction services. See More Municipal Notes, page 4
Open house in Courtright outlines Lambton G.S. blast plan
Bonnie Stevenson
The Courtright fire hall hosted an open house for the public to review and discuss the proposed blast plan that will put a final end to the demolition of one of St. Clair Township’s largest landmarks in early February, 2022.
Representatives from Ontario Power Generation and from Delsan-AIM, the company now in charge of the dem- olition project, were on hand to explain the process and answer questions with the help of a series of graphic story boards.
The Delsan-AIM team responsible for bringing down the stacks and the remaining structure at the Lambton G.S. site is the same team that performed and demolished the dropping of the Lakeview thermal generating station in Mississauga, an eight-boiler station, and a number of oth- er power plants across Canada, including Nanticoke Gen- erating Station.
Among the visitors who attended the open house were several former Ontario Power Generation employees who spent part of their careers working at the Lambton Gener- ating Station. Above: Dean Sowinski, left, and Lisa Mun- day, both operators at the station for 31 years and 29 years respectively, discuss the importance of wind di- rection to the overall success of the blast plan with Del-
san-AIM Senior Manager, Corunna Southwest, Ralph Cu- ritti.
The exact date of the February demolition effort can- not be determined until the environmental and meteoro- logical conditions are favourable at the time of the blast. Delsan-AIM planners believe February is a good time to carry out the demolition because it is outside of the mi- gratory bird nesting season and the fish spawning season. However, consideration must be given to wind direction and strength to ensure that any dust clouds created by the blast will blow in the right direction, eliminating or limiting the impact it may have on local residential prop- erties and infrastructure.
To limit the dust kicked up by the blasts, Delsan-AIM General Manager Karim El-Khatib noted the dust issue has been addressed at the source, with crews of cleaners that have cleaned all visible dust from the structure and as well as dust that has gathered beneath cladding and in other concealed locations.
The scope of the demolition project will entail the “controlled drop” of the station’s four boilers, three stacks, and two structures that have been cleaned of fly ash. The project will conclude with the site being cleared of all materials and left as a “brownfield” site.
The Beacon of St. Clair Township January 2022 Page 4
valid permit is now required before a sea can is al-
lowed on a property. The container must be located completely on private land (not a township street or
From page 3
from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. to allow winter night shift snow removal crews to do their jobs. However, the amended by-law now requires that roads be clear of all parked vehicles from midnight to 7 a.m. “There have been challenges with the night crew plowing some of these streets,” said Brian Black, Director of Public Works. He added the change will make a positive difference in the plow operators’ ability to clear the roads without having to negoti- ate around parked vehicles on narrow streets.
Deputy Mayor Steve Miller noted it would be better to have no parking on township streets at any time of day. “It might come to that,” said Mayor Arnold. “We only have a certain amount of vehicles and operators out there and they have to make it work somehow.” He pointed out that St. Clair Township is the largest municipality in the county and it is difficult for road crews to keep up with snow removal, especially during heavy, pro- longed storms. He added many of the streets are narrow and parked vehicles cause delays and diffi- culties for the plows as they make their rounds.
Under light snow conditions, there are only two operators out on the streets, but more are called in when more severe conditions are in progress.
Sea can By-law 57 of 2021 approved
Sea cans, those large metal shipping and storage boxes that have become a common site in both res- idential and agricultural areas, are now regulated by a recent amendment to By-law 57 of 2021. A
boulevard), and it must be removed within 10 days of its arrival. If it is to remain longer than 14 days, authorization from council must be obtained prior to the container’s arrival at the site. For agricultur- al use, a permit must be acquired for a sea can, but it may remain longer as long as the owner has a val- id permit for it. For more complete information about By-law 57, go online to the township website. Please note that enforcement of this by-law will be done when a valid complaint is reported to the
township office.
Civic Centre reopening will be delayed
The reopening of the St. Clair Township Civic Centre has been delayed and it will remain closed through March, 2022. The reopening was reconsid- ered and approved at Council’s Dec. 20 meeting.
The decision to delay was made in light of the sharp increase in COVID-19 cases being seen in On- tario. The increase, coupled with growing concern among health officials that the highly transmissible Omicron variant may shortly become the dominant strain in the province, makes it necessary to avoid meetings in the council chambers that may become a “spreader events”.
Removable plexiglass partitions will soon be in- stalled in the township council chambers.
County Council delays reopening
Lambton County Council will also continue to meet virtually through March, 2022. The County ad- ministration building in Wyoming will be open for the public to enter the main atrium, but no further.
St. Clair Township Council in-person meetings delayed
Civic Centre remains closed through March, 2022 due to COVID-19 Up-to-dated details for municipal office operations will be posted at: www.stclairtownship.ca
The following services have resumed but significant delays can be expected:
a) Issuance of Marriage Licenses
b) Issuance of Lottery Licenses
c) Processing of all Planning Act Applications
The following Township buildings are closed until further notice:
a) St. Clair Township Civic Centre
b) Emergency Services Building (Fire Department)
The Township thanks you for your continued patience throughout these
difficult times and it remains our priority to offer professional and courteous service when we are able.
All Planning Applications can be accepted at the Civic Centre by appointment.
Employees will continue to occupy these buildings and can be reached via their email or by calling:
a) Moore Sports Complex 519 -867-2651
b) Public Works 519-867-2993
c) Finance/Drains/Clerks/Building/Planning 519 -867-2021
D) Fire Department 519-481-0111
The Beacon of St. Cl<;1i1r Townshbp January 2022 Page S f?J11YbJ)Ji W@tr lrJ} IPJfftl!rt m m1t After hours emergency Public Works/ Roads...519-867-2993 - 1-888-441-4204 - Water Utility 519-867-2128 Engineering........ 519-867-2125 Fax 519-86 7-3886 Website...... www.stclairtownship.ca Civic Centre, 1155 Emily Street, Mooretown COVID-19 f.,\cc1su1-cs i11 Effect The St. Clair Township Works Department will be con be taken such as pre-screening residents, masks will be tinuing to observe COVID-19 guidelines regarding social worn by staff and 6 feet distance will be maintained be distancing for the well-being of employees and the pub tween the employee and resident. lic. Residents will still be able to call for assistance or Please be patient during this emergency. The health information. Public Works staff have resumed work that and safety of the community will be the priority for all requires entry into a premise, however precautions will St. Clair Township staff. Waste/Recycling Calendar Look for your Waste/Recycling 2022 Calendar the first week in January! l l Water utility appointments require 48 hours notification St. Clair Township By-Law 41 of 2017, requires at least 48 hours notice in advance of scheduling appoint ments with the Public Works department, to avoid ser- vice fees. Amended Overnight Parking The amended St. Clair Township winter parking by law will be in effect as of Dec.1,2021 and continuing until April 1, 2022. Under this by-law, it is against the law to [eave vehicles of any kind parked on public streets and roads overnight from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. See Municipal Notes, page 4. Friendly Waste Reminders Just a few friendly reminders in regards to your waste collection days and some "winter tips" that will make this season's waste collection seamless. Rapid at home Covid tests are considered "medical waste" and can't be put in regular garbage. These must be disposed of in same way as all medical waste. Bulk items are picked up weekly with your regular waste collection. You can place 2 items to the curb as long as the items do not exceed more then "100 lbs" per item. Please tie all garbage bags. Contractors will not collect "loose garoage" so remember to tie them up. As we are approaching winter weather garbage pails are being weighed down by rain and snow. This makes waste collection hard. We suggest drilling holes in the bottom of your garbage pails so that excess wa ter can drain out or placing a lid on top of your gar bage pail. All waste collection days remain the same for the holidays. Works Dept. photo ford, 1s installing a new directional i format1on s Cla1r Parkway near Emily Street in Mooretown. an old wooden structure which was about 20 ye signs are also manufactured and designed by Sign TThhee BBeeaaccoonn ooff SStt.. CCllaaiirr TToowwnnsshhiipp JJaannuuaarryy 22002222 PPaaggee 66 Preventative: FROZEN WATER METER AND PIPES It's that time of year again! With the winter weather around the corner, your home is at risk of frozen water meters and pipes. This can stop your flow of water and may be costly to repair. Property owners are responsible for protect ing water pipes and meters from damage. Here are a few tips to help prevent frozen water meters and pipes: • Eliminate cold drafts near water pipes • Turn off service to external water taps • Insulate your pipes that are most prone to freezing • Make frequent use of your water supply • Know where your shut off valve is inside, in case a pipe bursts If you suspect your pipes are frozen check the following: • Most likely the pipes near an outside wall, or where the water service enters the house through a foundation wall are frozen. Start by opening a faucet near the frozen pipe to avoid a burst line, when water starts flowing • NEVER use a blowtorch or open flame to thaw a line • Begin by warming the pipes using a blow dryer, heating pad or portable heater (Do not leave electrical devices unattended or place near flammable materials) • Once water starts flowing, allow a small stream of water to continue until heating is restored • Eliminate drafts and allow heat to circulate to avoid refreezing Water Department Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 519-867-2128 After Hours Emergency: 1-888-441-4204 The Beacon of St. Clair Township January 2022 Page 7 Third shot / ‘booster’ recommended when vaccine is available Residents can register for their vaccination or attend a drop-in clinic. Full details are available online at getthevaccine.ca . Several local pharmacies are also administering vac- cinations, including third ‘booster’ shots. Information is available at the Lambton Public Health website where a new dedicated “Pharmacy page” can direct individuals to these options. Transportation to vaccination sites are available for people age 50 and over who do not have any other trans- portation options to use. Contact Lambton Elderly Out- reach (LEO) at 519-845-1353, ext. 360, or the Canadian Red Cross at 519-332-6380. Third ‘booster’ doses are recommended for indi- viduals over age 70, health workers, designated es- sential caregivers in congregate settings, retirement home staff, and designated caregivers, and anyone who received two doses of AstraZeneca or one dose of Janssen. You must be at least 168 days past your second dose to receive the third, and every- one is urged to get the booster when they become eligible. Boosters are especially important as more is learned about the most recent Omicron variant, the most easily transmitted variant to date. Data is still being collected, but Omiron is already known to pose a threat to young children and even adults who have had two shots. Boosters are being recommend- ed by infectious disease experts, who say it is a good way to strengthen the potency of the first two vaccinations as we encounter future variants. In ad- dition, vaccinations are still the best way to arm yourself against hospitalization or worse. In late December, Lambton experienced a delay in receiving supplies of the Pfizer vaccine, but it should be noted that the Moderna mRNA vaccine can be used in place of the third Pfizer booster. Now is NOT the time to give up! For the good of everyone you love and your community, and for an eventual future free of this pandemic, please keep observing COVID-19 safety protocols and, if a booster is an option for you, please have one as soon as possible. If you have concerns about the vaccine, talk to your doctor or another licensed medical professional who has the accurate infor- mation you need to know. (See “Know the truth about vaccination”, page 20). Student mental health target of provincial funding Post-secondary students in Lambton County will now benefit from an additional $151,154 in provincial funding to support mental health care. The initial funding in No- vember was part of an $8.7 million program for postsec- ondary institutions through 2021 Ontario Economic and Fiscal Review: Build Ontario. An increase in the need for mental health services in these institutions is attributed to stresses brought on by the pandemic. The funding will also benefit nine Indige- nous Institutes in Ontario, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and l’Université de l’Ontario français. Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities, says, “Ontario’s publicly-assisted colleges, universities and In- digenous Institutes play an important role in supporting the mental health needs of Ontario’s postsecondary stu- dents, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.” This funding is part of the province’s Roadmap to Well- ness, a plan to build a connected and comprehensive mental health and addictions system meant to ensure that children, youth, and adults in Ontario receive appropriate services where and when they require it. The plan sup- ports those living on campus and attending classes virtual- ly, helping to address the needs of vulnerable and diverse groups such as Indigenous students, LGBTQ+ students, and students with disabilities. Businesses benefit from Sarnia Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) programs Grant received for Digital Service Squad Small businesses have experienced challenges during the pandemic that have made it difficult to thrive. Traditional meth- ods of conducting business have given way to new ones through the use of digital technologies. Small businesses now have access to the assistance of trained DSS digital specialists who can help them cope with online tech- nologies and digitally transform their sales, marketing and back- office operations, all at no cost. The squad is already visiting businesses in Sarnia and Lambton County. This is the third year SLEP has been able to offer OGP, which is administered by the Ontario BIA Association in partnership with the Toronto Association of BIAs. Locally, the program will provide 3,000 Digital Transformation Grants to qualified brick-and- mortar small businesses. It will include support for basic website setup, Google My Business profiles, 360o photos, social media presence, and more. Where COVID-19 restrictions are in place, DSS members can provide support through phone and video tools such as Zoom. The SLEP Apprentice Job Match tool can connect Sarnia- Lambton employers with apprentices seeking available opportu- nities. Registration is free and can be found at www.sarnialambtonapprentice.ca . More information about the Job Match Program can be found by calling 519-332-1820, ext. 225 or online at: appren- tice@sarnialambton.on.ca The Rapids Family Health Team clinic, located in the Shell Health Centre at 233 Cameron Street in Corunna, is not yet offering in-person programs. How- ever, the clinic can be contacted online at www.rapidsfhteam.ca or by calling 519-339-8949 to speak to reception. Lab services are offered from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday. The lab is a specimen collection site only. Patients with concerns regarding billing or their online profile for test results, may contact LifeLabs at 1-877-849-3637. The Beacon of St. Clair Township January 2022 Page 9 OPP Operation Christmas Tree drive-through The Optimist Club of Moore’s Operation Christmas Tree hamper pro- gram, partnered with the annual OPP drive-through donation event, brought out the community’s holiday spirit. Above left: Volunteers Mary Laughlin and Carolyn Laughlin make a tag for a bicycle an anony- mous donor contributed. Below left: Volunteers Mary Lou Abrams and Bryce Abrams sort through new donated kitchen items. Above: During the donation event, volunteers staffing the donation area included, from left: Reese; Cst. Jeanine Robertson; Aux. Cst. Caitlyn Gonyou; Aux. Cst. Nelson DaSilva; Cole; Cst. Amy O’Keefe; Brayden; Kian; Cst. Kieran Monaghan; Christie Monaghan; Cst. William Wells. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Royal Canadian Legion Corunna Br. 447 hosts Pay it Forward event The Royal Canadian Legion Leslie Suth- erland Branch 447 hall hosted the Pay It Forward event on Dec. 11 to gather non- perishable food and donations for the lo- cal food bank. The event featured food and hot chocolate supplied by Nicole Smith of Exit Realty, and visitors enjoyed a horse-drawn wagon ride courtesy of Corunna Legion Branch 447. Left: Santa Claus was on hand to hand out goodies to the children. Center: Legion vol- unteers handed out hot dogs and hot choco- late to help visitors fend off the chill. A steady stream of visitors attended the event in spite of the high winds and cold. Bottom: To ward off the cold, Legion volunteers Brooke Ronan and Bonnie Martin handed out cups of soothing hot chocolate. Above: Bel- gian beauty, Mary, sets off with her team mate, Ginger, to take visitors on a 15 minute wagon ride around the neighbourhood. More Memories, page 10 The Beacon of St. Clair Township January 2022 Page 10 From page 9 Little Country Christmas lights up Brigden The Little Country Christmas/lighting of the park event in Brigden, organized by the Optimist Club of Brigden, featured crafter and ven- dor tables, music, and the lighting of the village park at the corner of Brigden Road and Courtright Line. Left: Throwing the switch to light the park is Santa Claus, who dropped by while making his annual pre- Christmas trip to see who had been naughty and who had been nice. Above right: Marie Gorton was busy selling de- lectable pies made by the Brigden Fair Pie La- dies. Customers Martha Arndt, middle, and daughter, Elizabeth, deliberated for a few minutes before making their choice. Below: The Seaway Sounds entertained visitors with Christmas carols and sweet harmonies. Above: Several St. Clair Township Council members also came to wel- come Santa to the municipality and enjoy the festivities. Right: Mayor Ste- ve Arnold; Councillor Pat Brown (black mask) and his wife, Cindy, grand- daughters Lilly Nead, left, and Brynn Brown, and Councillor Tracy Kingston. The Brigden Little Country Christ- mas was organized by the Optimist Club of Brigden. Bonnie Stevenson photos SLEP Apprenticeship Network provides employer/apprentice connection Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership has launched the Apprenticeship Network in an effort to help keep recent graduates in Sarnia and Lambton County and grow the local economy. The goal of the project will be to help employers navigate apprenticeship resources and processes, ac- cess training incentives, and connect directly with apprentices. Activities will include: one-on-one con- sultations; information sessions; employer recogni- tion; and a new online platform to streamline the re- cruitment of suitable apprentices. “As we continue growing our population, this pro- gram is aligned to the longer-term economic strategy of retaining and attracting in-demand skills to our ar- ea,” said Stephen Thompson, CEO of the Sarnia- Lambton Economic Partnership. “A strong talent pool, including apprentices, is also important in attracting future investments and growing our existing business- es. Employers interested in knowing more about the project or how to participate can contact Cari Meloche at SLEP by email: cari@sarnialambton.on.ca or by calling 519-332-1820. The Employment Ontario Project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. Ice harvesting prepared community for summer Winter ice collected for summertime cooling Contributed by Moore Museum staff A frosty winter day in the late 19th and early 20th century was the perfect time to think ahead and pre- pare for summer. Harvesting ice from the St. Clair River or from ponds in inland areas provided ice to preserve food longer in an ice box during warm weather months. This little luxury allowed people to enjoy summertime treats like homemade ice cream and freshly squeezed lemonade over ice. Larger sup- plies of ice were also used by the railroads, as well as hotels and other commercial establishments. Ice harvesting would begin when the ice was at least a foot thick, and preferably, 18 inches. Horses were essential to this harvest. Horse-drawn scrapers were used to clear off the surface of the ice before a horse-drawn plough (see photo bottom right) was used to score the ice in the shape of large blocks. Then, the ice harvesting crew would use saws which resembled crosscut saws, but with only one handle, to cut the blocks along the score lines into approximately two foot squares. The blocks, which often weighed over 100 pounds depend- ing on the thickness, were floated to the loading area using pike poles. Ice tongs were used to lift the blocks out of the water and onto horse-drawn sleighs for transport to ice houses. Individual homes or farms sometimes had well- insulated ice houses, and certainly every good-sized commercial establishment would have one as well. Ice houses were insulated by placing a second wall two to three feet inside the outer wall, then tightly packing the space in between with bark or sawdust. Sawdust was also packed around the ice itself within the building. A well-designed and well-insulated ice house could keep ice available throughout the sum- mer months, although more than half the original volume of ice would eventually melt away. Much of the ice was used to keep perishable food Above: Vintage post card shows a work crew of men with a heavy work sleigh ice harvesting blocks of ice near Stag Island. Below: Ice plough and ice tongs used to harvest and handle ice. The ice plough is five feet in length (not counting the width of the handles) and each blade is eight inches high. ~Photos from the Moore Museum Above: The ice box was once a familiar sight in all kitchens beginning fresh in a household icebox from the 1830s onward. In rural areas, these would be supplied by the farm’s own icehouse. In cities and towns, the iceman would regularly deliver blocks to each home. Iceboxes (like the one shown bottom left) were generally made of wood, and the ice compartment was often lined with zinc panels. The sale of natural ice remained strong in cities and towns until the 1930s, when the widespread use of electric refrigerators removed much of the need for ice supplies, and artificially manufactured ice could be made. In rural areas, the use of ice- boxes continued well into the mid- twentieth century until electricity arrived at each farm. [Note: There are many interesting videos on-line, both his- torical films and modern re-enactments, showing the process of ice harvesting.] Sources: Geikie, John C. Adventures in Canada; or, Life in the Woods [1882. Originally published in 1864 as George Stanley: or, Life in the Woods. A Boy’s Narrative of the Adventures of a Settler’s Family in Canada]. Powell, James. “Remember This? The iceman no longer cometh”. City News, Ottawa. May 18, 2020. Accessed from https://ottawa.citynews.ca/remember-this/remember-this-the- iceman-no-longer-cometh-2359180 Dec. 8, 2021. Scott, Amy. “Ice Harvesting in 19th & Early 20th Century On- tario”. Culinary Historians of Ontario newsletter. Winter 2003. Number 35. in the 1830s. See Moore Heritage, page 12 ~From Sombra Museum archives January 1, 1962 was a bad day for the Sombra Hotel and owner Jerry Cousineau. He and his family awoke to find their residence full of thick smoke. They escaped unharmed, but the hotel didn’t fare as well. Neighbours called the Sombra Township Area 1 (Port Lambton) volunteer fire department for help, but the firefighters lacked breathing equipment and were unable to enter the smoke-filled ho- tel. Other fire departments in the area were called to help handle the blaze and the Sombra ferry’s Daldean was sent across the St. Clair River to pick up the Marine City Fire Department’s heavy pumper. Soon after it arrived it was drawing water from the river and the fire was brought under control. The hotel housed 19 guest rooms, a dining room, a recreation room, a coffee shop, a beauty shop, and a barber shop. Fortunately for the Cousineau’s, who had been living in the hotel, were in the process of renovating a house they had purchased, so they were not left homeless. Above: The Sombra Hotel, originally known as the St. Clair Hotel when it was built around 1897, is surrounded by patrons and vil- lage residents during the summer tourist season. Above Left: In this photo, cut from the pages of the Sarnia Observ- er, a pumper truck with hose extended tries to limit damage to the hotel. The damage was estimated at between $50,000 and 60,000. Promotional calendar from Becher store. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Sombra was a popular place for summer holiday makers to visit in the mid-1800s. The Sombra Hotel was one of several hotels located in the village. They included: the Morning Star (at Baby Point); the Brit- ish Hotel; the Sombra House; The Crown and Anchor; and the Grand Union. Port Lambton was also a popular resort. A May, 1884 advertise- ment in the Sarnia Observer notes the Lambton Exchange in Port Lambton offers first class accommodation, good stabling, good fish- ing, and an attentive hosteler, all for $1 per day. The ad went on to say Detroit and Wallaceburg steamers “...stop opposite the hotel permitting passengers to remain in town five hours between the up and down trips.” See More Heritage, page 13 Artifact searches continue at Moore Museum Two separate artifact searches are on to create new collec- tions and displays at the Moore Museum. All current and retired St. Clair Township firefighters are invit- ed to contribute past and current patches from each of the fire stations in St. Clair Township. They will be used to create a fea- ture in the fire hall exhibit building on the museum site. Anyone with one or more patches to donate can call the Moore Museum at 519-867-2020. When creating a display of fashions or lifestyles, small decora- tive pieces can put the finishing touch on an exhibit. With this in mind, Moore Museum would like to create a small collection of ladies’ compacts. These fashion accessories were popular from the Roaring 1920s to the 1970s, so they represent an era especial- ly interesting to this generation of museum visitors. Anyone with a decorative compact they would be interested in donating can contact Moore Museum at 519-867-2020. While all offers are ap- preciated, only a limited number of compacts can accepted into the collection to provide a small representative sampling of styles. Newly updated Heritage St. Clair page features map showing historic plaques and storyboards situated throughout the township Heritage St. Clair has updated its page on the St. Clair Township website, and one of the features now on view St. Clair Township’s Historic Points of Interest map. This interactive map points out the locations of these colourful and educational installations and includes photographs of them so you’ll be sure not to miss them. Here’s a link you can use to go directly to St. Clair Township’s Historical Points of Interest page: https://stclairtownship.ca/st-clair-townships-historical-points-of-interest/ Mooretown Jr. Flags put the ho-ho-ho in hockey! U13 Tier 1 players and coaches from the Mooretown Jr. Flags raised over $500 for United Way of Sarnia-Lambton just by wear- ing their colourful, and often whimsical, Christmas sweaters. This continues the team’s six-year Christmas tradition of rais- ing donations for the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton, which was started by player Chase Tichnor’s brother, Charlie Brander. Again this year, Chase invited his teammates to wear their favourite Christmas sweaters to their Dec. 19 game against Strathroy ,and to collect donations for the United Way for doing it. Great sweaters , a great fundraiser, and a great performance by the team. They won by a score of 2-0! Submitted photo Ontario Museum Association recognizes Award of Excellence to Oil Museum of Canada The Oil Museum of Canada may not be in St. Clair Township, but the township has flourished from the petroleum industry for well over 150 years. The fact that the industry got its start in nearby Oil Springs, the site of the first commercial oil well in North America, is significant. (It beat Titusville, Pennsyl- vania by one year.) In early December, the Ontario Museum Associa- tion presented the Oil Museum of Canada’s Educa- tional Program Coordinator, Christina Sydorko, was with an Award of Excellence in Programs. The award recognizes programming that creatively engages new audiences or provides exemplary service to ex- isting ones. Christina was acknowledged for her efforts to improve educational reach as a result of the pan- demic by offering both synchronous and asynchro- nous learning op- portunities to ed- ucators, as well as video content for the general pub- lic. These can be viewed on YouTube and through 360° tours. These learning tools have reached be- yond Lambton County to 17 school boards in Ontario and three in Alberta. Among the firsts achieved by the Oil Springs site were: the first drilled oil well; the first gum beds that were commercially used (roads were paved with the tarry substance); the first oil and gas gush- ers in Canada; the first commercial oil field in the world, and the registration of the world’s first pe- troleum company. Men who honed their skills in the Oil Springs oil fields, as well as oil fields in Petrolia and Bothwell, often went on to travel to far-away locations in the Middle East and the Orient. The ability to operate up to 25 wells with the help of “jerker lines” (see photo, right) attached to one huge steam-driven field wheel is one of the technol- ogies the “foreign drillers” might have taught during their time overseas. The Oil Museum of Canada in Oil Springs has been keeping the area’s incredible oil heritage alive for several decades. The site was recognized with a National Historic Site designation in 1925 by the His- toric Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. It is currently on the short list to be considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sites currently include: the Rideau Canal; Wood Buffalo Na- tional Park; Stonehenge; Ven- ice; and Vatican City. All Lambton County Library locations open; hours of operation adjusted All 25 Lambton County Library locations are now open to the public. They all offer in-person browsing according to each site’s provincially designated capaci- ty limit, and scheduled computer use, wi-fi use, and academic research. Curbside pickup will continue. Library COVID-19 protocols require that visitors over the age of two must wear masks or face coverings, and no food or beverage is permitted. Computer appoint- ments are limited to 45 minutes once per day, patrons browsing may spend no more than 45 minutes in the library, and capacity limits are in effect at all sites. To book an appointment for public com- puter use, wi-fi use and academic re- search, cardholders can call the location they wish to visit, book online at www.lclibrary.ca/appointments or call the central booking line at 519-337-3291 ext. 5900, toll free at 1-866-324-6912 ext. 5900. Walk-in appointments will be accom- modated as space and time allows. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Library hours of operation have been adjusted to better align with individual community and operational needs. St. Clair Township locations and public hours of operation are as follows: Brigden 519-864-1142): Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Corunna (519-862-1132): Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Courtright 519-867-2712): Tuesday, Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Thursday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Mooretown (519-867-2823): Monday, Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Wednesday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sombra (519-892-3711): Tuesday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday, Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Port Lambton (519-677-5217): Monday, Sat- urday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. * To become a Lambton County Library cardholder, call or visit your local library during open hours. For more information on locations, ser- vices and hours of operation visit www.lclibrary.ca Keep your community strong. Please support your local businesses. Food banks are an important part of our community. Your donations are always appreciated. Sacred Heart food bank - help your community thrive A constant need for donations of food, personal and household supplies is still being experienced by local food banks and the need is still great. Our neighbourhood food banks continue to come to the aid of the community. Nourishing food and daily sup- plies like personal hygiene items, baby needs, and household cleaning supplies are always needed. In Ward 2, The Sacred Heart Food Bank has shelves that need to be replenished on a regular basis, not just on special occasions. Please keep the Sacred Heart food bank in mind when you shop for your own groceries. St. Andrew’s food bank continues to help those in need The food bank at St. Andrew’s Church on Colborne Street in Corunna is open every Wednesday evening from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and every Thursday morning from 9 a.m. to noon. It operates in association with the Inn of the Good Shepherd in Sarnia. The food bank serves those in need, offering a variety of food products to help people eat healthily, including milk, eggs, bread, and meat, as well as daily requirements like household cleaning supplies, toiletries and baby needs. The fresh food supplied at the food bank costs ap- proximately $75 per week to purchase. Anyone wishing to make a financial donation to the food bank can do so through Food Bank, C/O St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 437 Colborne Drive, Corunna, Ontario, N0N 1G0. Gift cards to Foodland and No Frills are also welcome. ~ ~ ~ St. Joseph-St. Charles Catholic Church Community to participate in food program The St. Joseph-St. Charles’ Catholic Community in Co- runna, along with the Catholic churches in Petrolia, For- est, and Watford, has worked collaboratively with the Boys and Girls Club of Sarnia-Lambton to extend Project Backpack, a food assistance program, into Lambton Coun- ty. The program provides a bag of nutritious food that can be easily assembled to people ages 14-24 who are in need of a healthy meal. Each bag also contains hygiene items and helpful information from community partners. People who qualify for this program can find these bags at the St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish office at 346 Beresford Street in Corunna during regular office hours (Monday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.). Program organizers say the program will continue into the fall and they hope to continue it as long as there is a need for it. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Moore Agricultural Society membership Interested in becoming a member of the Moore Agricul- tural Society or need to renew your membership? Member- ships can be paid either by dropping off payment and mem- ber information (name, telephone number, email address, home address) at the Brigden Fair office or through e- transfer at Finance@brigdenfair.ca . Memberships are $10 per person until further notice. For more information on the membership role, contact info@brigdenfair.ca . Motivated youth seeking adventure The Royal Canadian “1st Hussars” Army Cadet Corps Petrolia is welcoming boys and girls ages 12-18 to learn join the ranks and learn valuable skills they can use for a lifetime. Cadets are not required to join the military. For more information, call 519-332-6555 or visit: www.petroliacadets.com Note: The Down River Jr. Optimist group (Sombra) has been disbanded. New members welcome - Lambton County Junior Optimist Club The Lambton County Junior Optimist Club is al- ways on the lookout for youth who want to make a difference in their community. Club members ages 10 through 18 volunteer in the community and fund- raise to put on their own programs and to donate to other youth programs. Hours spent volunteering with the club can be used toward members’ volunteer hours at school. The club meets the first Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Courtright Community Centre (closed during COVID-19 shutdown). For more information, call Mary Lou at 519-862-3950. Local TOPS weight control group meetings Local TOPS weight control groups can be contact- ed for information as follows: Brigden—519-864- 1865; Corunna-519-381-5584. People of all ages are welcome to attend. Good listeners wanted - Family Counselling Centre The Family Counselling Centre needs good listeners to staff the Distress Line, speaking with individuals who need support and need to feel con- nected. Volunteers are also needed to staff the Tel- Check program line, placing daily calls to seniors and persons with disabilities who live alone and are feeling isolated. To register or to find out more about this effort, call Donna at the Family Coun- selling Centre, 519-336-0120, ext. 251. The Beacon of St. Clair Township January 2022 Page 17 Alcohol/drugs and snowmobiles don’t mix! Snowmobiles, ATVs, ORVs, and other pow- ered vehicles are fun to use, but they also demand that the operator use them re- sponsibly. The opera- tion of such a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or any drug that impairs judge- ment is punish- able under the Criminal Code of Canada, just like a car, truck, or mo- torcycle. Even small amounts can slow reac- tion time, im- pair perception, and limit ability to operate safe- ly. Have fun responsibly! The Breakfast Bunch: The inaugural public Thursday morning breakfast at Wellings of Co- runna attracted this hungry group of friends who were anxious to try the fare and enjoy the spacious surroundings. Wellings has opened its doors for Thursday breakfast food service to answer the need for a local breakfast dining place in the Corunna area. Stan Marsh, President of the Optimist Club of Moore, notes that some local clubs and groups who gather for weekly breakfasts have to go into Sarnia to find a suitable place to meet. The Thursday dining program is being offered on a trial basis to see if there is a demand for it. More information can be found on the Wellings Corunna Facebook page. Above: Discussing the news of the day and catching up on a week’s worth of “doings”, are Optimist Club of Moore members Ross Helps, left, and President Stan Marsh, and friend John Dontas. Pouring another round of coffee is food services staff member Emily McCann. Arena project PHASE 1 now underway! CF Industries south of Courtright produces chemicals like ammonia, nitric acid and other solutions used in agriculture and industrial applications. From page 20 Shibashi: (in-person) **proof of vaccination required & For in-person classes, if you are feeling unwell, please do not attend. Screening will take place prior to every in-person class & Public Health Guidelines will be followed. Please note, our holiday break from programming will begin Monday, Dec. 20, and classes will resume on Jan. 3, 2022. LOW IMPACT EXERCISE Virtual - Low Impact - Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday at 9 a.m. To register, call 519-344-3017, ext. 237 or email adinell@nlchc.com to receive the Zoom link. Mooretown Sports Complex exercise: **Proof of vac- cination is required and capacity rules will be fol- lowed. Please call to reserve your spot. Mooretown Sports Complex is at 1166 Emily Street in Mooretown. Thursday Low Impact - 9 a.m. To register call 519-344- 3017, ext. 237, or email adinell@nlchc.com Thursday Shibashi - 10 a.m. To register call 519-344- 3017 ext. 237 or email adinell@nlchc.com Virtual Chair Exercise: Monday at 1:30 p.m. To regis- ter, call 519-344-3017, ext. 237 or email adinell@nlchc.com to receive the Zoom link. Seated Yoga (virtual): Tuesdays at 11a.m., Jan. 11 to May 10. For more information call 519-344-3017, ext. 237 or email adinell@nlchc.com . Yoga (virtual): Thursdays at 11am, January 13–May 12 To register, call 519-344-3017 ext. 237 or email adinell@nlchc.com to receive the Zoom link. SHIBASHI offered: (Tai chi/qigong is a practice of align- ing breath and movement for exercise and health. Shi- bashi consists of 18 simple steps. It is easy to learn and perfect for beginners. capacity rules will be followed ** Call to reserve your spot** Classes will be held at All Saints Anglican Church, 248 Vidal Street N. on Fridays at 11 a.m. To register, call 519-344-3017 ext. 237 . Shibashi (Virtual): For a Zoom link to join the class, email adinell@nlchc.com Opening Doors: Healthy lifestyle program for individu- als living with mental illness or seeking mental health support. For information, 519-344-3017, ext. 277. Night Light: Virtual and In-Person, Thursdays, Jan. 6– Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. Finding Hope and Wellness while man- aging mental illness. To register call 519-344-3017, ext. 223 *taking registrations for January, 2022 program. Virtual Rise and Shine: Join our social worker Joy Voscatto and learn 10 ways to awaken your resilience! Class held via Zoom on Monday, Jan. 24 at 2:30 p.m. Contact Rebecca at 519-786-4545, ext. 279 to register. Virtual Pulmonary Rehab (existing clients): Mondays & Thursdays at 3 p.m. For people living with lung disease. Learn to self manage through education and exercise. To register or for more information call Brenda at 519- 786-4545, ext. 265 or Lorie at 519-491-2123, ext. 22. Virtual Pulmonary Rehab (new clients): Tuesdays & Thursdays from 1-3 p.m. (New client session begins Tuesday, Oct. 5 for 6 weeks.) For people living with lung disease. Learn to self-manage through education and exercise. To register or for more information call Brenda at 519-786-4545, ext. 265 or Lorie at 519-491-2123, ext. 227 Virtual BMI (Body & Mind Inspired): With a Registered Dietitian. Monthly topics focused on nutrition and healthy lifestyle targeting your best weight. Classes are held on the fourth Tuesday of every month from noon to 1 p.m. Please contact ageorge@nlchc.com or 519-786- 7878, ext. 307 to register. Breastfeeding Support: To learn more about our breast- feeding support that is virtual and free, please con- tact April at 519-786-4545 or ageorge@nlchc.com for more info. MAS office open during regular hours The Moore Agricultural Society office at the Brigden fairgrounds will be observing normal office hours in 2022 beginning on Jan. 3. (COVID-19 restrictions may affect this reopening.) The office will be open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to noon, and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. It will be closed on holidays and weekends. Beacon Bits “Resilience is accepting your new reality, even if it’s less good that the one you had before. You can fight it, you can do nothing but scream about what you’ve lost, or you can accept that and try to put together something that’s good.” ~Lawyer, author, health activist Elizabeth Edwards (written while fighting metastatic breast cancer) Shamrock Midget All-Star games in Mooretown The Shamrock Hockey League (SHL), an OMHA repre- sentative level hockey league consisting of Tier 1-3 teams, is slated to hold its Midget All-Star games at the Mooretown Sports Complex on Jan. 2, 2022 (COVID-19 status permitting). One minor game at 12:40 p.m. ((15-year-olds) and one major game at 2:15 p.m. (16 and 17-year-olds) will be played. The event has become one of the hallmarks from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Monday evenings. The league will run for 13 weeks plus closing tournament. Registration for youth is limited to the first 32 individuals and the adult teams is limited to 16. Please contact the branch at 519-862-1240 for further information or to reg- ister. of the U18 season and the Mooretown Jr. (Please be sure to specify, on Flags have proudly hosted it three times. Don’t miss mi- nor hockey at its best! (COVID-19 safety protocols will be in effect and proof of vaccination will be required.) Corunna policing group in the works Local acts of vandalism and other distressing behav- iours in the Corunna area have sparked the formation of a new group that will combine activities associated with community policing and Neighbourhood Watch. To gauge community interest in this group, a town meeting will be held on Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Corunna Branch 447 hall. The meeting will be led by or- ganizer Tammy Palmer, with OPP and St. Clair Township Council representatives on hand to provide information and guidance. Community-minded residents are invited to attend and contribute feedback. Corunna Legion hosts weekly activities The Royal Canadian Legion Corunna Branch 447 will host four weekly activities. They are: Cribbage, Thurs- days at 1 p.m.; Bridge, Fridays at 1 p.m.; Meat darts, Fridays, 7 p.m.; Meat draw, Saturdays, 4 p.m. All COVID- 19 protocols will be in effect. Join the Corn Hole League! Don’t give in to the Winter Blahs - Join the Corn Hole League! The Corunna Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 447, is starting up a Corn Hole League in January, 2022. A youth league for ages 8 to 16 will play from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and a couples adult league will play The Beacon is issued online only due to COVID-19. For your convenience, your free digital copy can be emailed to you. Email: beacon@stclairtownship.ca and type Subscription in Subject line Just type the word ‘Subscription’ in the Subject line February deadline: Monday, Jan. 17 E- mail: beacon@stclairtownship.ca I f you have a non - profit or charity event or activity coming up in St. Clair T ownship, or an event that will benefit the residents of the township, put your event in the spotlight free of charge here in T he St. Clair Twp. Beacon. Please note : Photos submitted close to the d ead l ine may be held until the following i ssue d ue to lack of space. the top of the form, which program you are registering for.) See More Around the Township, page 19
