Issue 4
Volume 15
April 2022
T H E T O W N S H I P O F S T . C L A I R
This country field is about to undergo a dramatic change. One of the most popular Canadian whisky brands in the world will soon be setting up shop at the corner of Highway 40 and Moore Line. The new Crown Royal distillery, blend- ing, and warehouse facility will be part of a $245 million investment by the whisky’s parent company, Diageo. For more about the township’s newest corporate citizen, see Municipal Notes, page 2.
Municipal
Notes Pages Works Dept.
Notices Pages Around
The Township
2-6 7-9 Pages
20, 19
The Beacon of St. Clair Township April 2022 Page 2
Respect and Safe Access for All policy addresses harassment on township properties
Council has taken steps to curb the growing tendency toward bad behaviour and disrespect being noticed on St. Clair Township properties. The Respect and Safe Access for All policy is designed to safeguard the well-being of service users and township staff. The policy is meant to nurture an environment where there is respect for others and accountability for all negative actions. The policy provides guidelines and expectations for everyone within township facilities, and it makes clear the town- ship’s zero-tolerance approach for any form of vio- lence, discrimination, vandalism, or inappropriate be- haviour in its programs or facilities, or on its proper- ties.
The policy is broad in its scope, covering township staff and volunteers, and all those who use, attend or are patrons of structured and unstructured activities.
As owner/occupier of all township property, the township may take action against those who breach the policy under the Trespass to Property Act and the Oc- cupier’s Liability Act. A few examples of actionable behaviour include: aggressive or intimidating verbal or physical actions; vandalism of township-owned build- ings, structures, or property; being on the premises while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; refusal to follow township permit details/township policies/ procedures; possession of weapons or use of weapons of opportunity; racial or ethnic slurs; harassment or bullying; etc.
Signs bearing a brief description of the policy and a QR code will be posted at township properties. Instructions for the use of the QR code will link the reader to the poli- cy and a form which can be filed out if anyone has a con- cern regarding the township property.
The Respect and Safe Access for All policy can be found online at: www.stclairtownship.ca .
Crown Royal whisky distillery planned for township
By Bonnie Stevenson
St. Clair Township Mayor Steve Arnold believes forward
-thinking, environmentally-responsible industrial facilities like the new Crown Royal whisky distillery/blending/ warehouse complex will become a paradigm for future industrial builds in St. Clair Township. The Crown Royal complex will be built on a 400-acre site at the southwest
See More Municipal Notes, page 3
The Beacon of St. Clair Township April 2022 Page 3
Economic Partnership, allows for the unimpeded, cost- effective transportation of oversized loads, such as pre- fabricated pipe assemblies and processing vessels.)
From page 2
corner of Highway 40 and Moore Line. Construction is due to begin in the second half of 2022 and the distillery is expected to be operational by 2025.
“It’s a really positive thing for us,” said Mayor Arnold. “One of the big things for me is that they’re going to have a carbon neutral footprint. It’s their first carbon neutral distillery on a new build and their goal is to be carbon neutral by 2030 in all of their existing facilities in North America.”
The township’s newest corporate resident will be the first original carbon neutral distillery for Diageo, a global beverage alcohol leader and Crown Royal’s parent compa- ny. The facility’s annual production will be up to 20 mil- lion LAA’s (litres of absolute alcohol, equivalent to 10.5 million proof gallons). The company notes dozens of jobs will be created locally but the approximate number of permanent jobs has not yet been established.
When the facility is operational, it will supplement Diageo’s existing manufacturing operations in Amherst- burg, Ontario; Gimli, Manitoba; and Valleyfield, Quebec, representing a $245 million investment in Canada.
“Crown Royal is the heart of our whisky business…the most valuable whisky brand,” said Sophie Kelly, Senior Vice President of Whiskies, Diageo North America. “We are thrilled by this new world-class distillery. It will ena- ble us to drive momentum to 2030 and beyond to elevate Crown Royal as a best-in-class whisky brand that leads innovation in the industry.” Ms. Kelly says Diageo has op- erations in over 180 countries and produces in over 140 sites around the globe.
According to a Diageo media release issued March 9, 2022, Crown Royal is the #1 selling Canadian whisky in the world and it is North America’s most valuable whisky brand. Other popular brands produced by Diageo include: Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray, Don Julio, and Guinness. The media release explained Diageo is part of a group of organizations cham- pioning a green recovery and supporting Sustainable De- velopment Goals through membership in the United Na- tions Global Compact. Diageo is also a signatory to the global Race to Zero campaign, a commitment to achieving net-zero-emissions by 2050.
When considering a suitable location for the new dis- tillery, a number of factors were considered. Amy Cole, spokesperson for Diageo, noted (property) size, current zoning, access to the necessary utilities, and a number of other factors were discussed. “Ultimately, this was the right one for the business,” she said.
Easy access to main roads and highways, and perhaps the special oversized load corridor, will also be helpful, especially during the construction of the new distillery. (The corridor, developed through a partnership between Lambton County, St. Clair Township, the City of Sarnia, Sarnia Lambton Industrial Alliance, and Sarnia-Lambton
Lambton County’s wealth of skilled workers and heavy industrial support businesses are resources Mayor Arnold sees as the keys to a bright, healthy future for the munici- pality and the county. “In Lambton County and the chemi- cal area, with the people who work and live around here, you have the best engineering firms, the highest and best safety records for tradesmen, and people with the skills to build and work in your facilities,” he said. “We have a lot of good infrastructure here to attract those types of businesses. And we have a lot of knowledgeable suppliers right here who specialize in heavy industry.”
The trend toward environmentally-responsible growth is a sentiment shared by the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) group. Spokesperson Matthew Slotwin- ski says SLEP expects the trend will favour non-petroleum- based growth. “We’re incredibly optimistic about the next decade. Given the assets and stakeholders in Sarnia- Lambton, and with our location, infrastructure, and strengths, there is tremendous opportunity to see signifi- cant investment and job creation, especially related to low carbon and no carbon investment, whether that is related to the sustainable chemistry industry, the chemi- cal industry or, similar to the Diageo investment, the food and beverage industry,” he said.
Mr. Slotwinski noted the success of the Crown Royal negotiation was a group effort. “This wouldn’t have been a success without all the other community partners that were involved,” he said, citing one partner who excelled throughout the process. “The St. Clair Township staff has been fantastic to work with, providing the information and knowledge base required to bring this investment to the area,” he said.
“We’re looking to the future,” said Mayor Arnold. “We have to get to that same place with all new industries being developed. The technology exists now.
Township to participate in new way to compost
Council has approved the township’s participation in the Pilot Option 2 Food Waste Diversion trial. With the use of a small, quiet unit the size of a bread maker, house- holds will have an easy way to recycle a wide range of food waste, including a lot of unusual items such as egg shells, meat, cheese, chicken and fish bones, pet food, and tea bags. A small amount of useful powdered fertiliz- er will be all that’s left without the arduous fussing, smell, and possible attraction of nuisance animals and insects associated with most compost heaps.
The subsidized pilot proposal for the trial is meant to introduce the community to a new compost alternative with the goal of having 150 homes in St. Clair Township utilizing the FoodCycler™ over a 12-week period. At the end of the 12 weeks, residents will be asked to report their usage and answer a number of survey questions. As
See More Municipal Notes, page 4
https://www.voterlookup.ca/home.aspx
April 2022 Page 4
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an incentive to complete the survey, FoodCycler™ will provide an opportunity for residents to win several prizes. The estimated value of prizes is $150-$200. Trial partici- pants may keep the units they purchased for the subsi- dized price when the 12-week trial is completed.
The township will purchase 150 FoodCycler™ units and 300 replacement filter packs to be funded from the Edu- cation and Environment Fund at a “trial” cost of $325 per unit, including a one year supply of replacement filters. (The regular cost per unit is $550 plus HST.) The units will then be sold to residential customers at a subsidized cost of $175 plus HST per unit.
The FoodCycler™ is a closed-loop indoor compost alter- native, which speeds up the natural decomposition pro- cess through aerobic digestion of waste. The unit dries and grinds food waste into a dry, odorless, nutrient-dense by-product that is significantly reduced in weight and vol- ume from its unprocessed state. The resulting product is free from bacteria and weed seeds, and food-borne path- ogens are eliminated in the process. A carbon filtration system eliminates odors so that the unit can be kept in the kitchen or anywhere in the house with access to hy- dro. The company estimates the cost to operate the unit to be from $2 to $4 per month in electricity depending on how often the unit is operated.
The FoodCycler™ is easy to use. The unit takes up only one cubic foot of space on a kitchen counter and is plugged into an electric outlet. Open the lid, put food scraps into the small bucket inside the unit, press the but- ton, and the process is underway. The FoodCycler™ breaks down food waste into a tenth of its original volume and creates a nutrient-rich fertilizer ready to use for plants or grass.
FoodCycler™ has been chosen as a semi-finalist in the Government of Canada’s Food Waste Reduction Chal- lenge, run by Impact Canada, and Agriculture and Agri- Food Canada for their project entitled: “Residential On- Site Food Waste Diversion for Northern, Rural, and Re- mote Communities.”
As a way for council and township staff to independent- ly use and assess the FoodCycler™, Food Cycler Science, the company running this trial, will be providing St. Clair Township with one of its units for use in the St. Clair Township Civic Centre lunchroom. Township residents will be able to make their own assessments of the product by ordering their FoodCycler™ from the municipal office.
Council will also donate one FoodCycler™ to each Pub- lic and Catholic school in St. Clair Township to promote
the reduction and diversion of food waste within our schools. The donation will cost $2,275.00 which will come from the Education & Environment Fund.
The diversion of organic waste from landfills is an im- portant component in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the waste sector and achieving the goal of a zero- waste future. Ontario’s waste stream is comprised of ap- proximately 32% organic waste (Source: Adapted from Reports on Organic Waste Management in Ontario, pre- pared for the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, 2015).
Anyone interested in participating in this pilot trial can purchase a FoodCycler™ at the St. Clair Township Civ- ic Centre. To order a unit, call Public Works at 519-867- 2993 or contact Erica Cote, Works Administration, via email at: ecote@stclairtownship.ca
The Foodcycler™ pilot project is currently underway in 33 municipalities in 7 provinces across Canada.
Mermaids and Mariners
requirements discussed
The logistics of a major summer event slated for Brander Park was discussed at council’s March 21 meet- ing. The Mermaids and Mariners on the St. Clair, the re- cipient of a County of Lambton Creative County grant as well as sponsorships from local businesses and organiza- tions, will be a “family-friendly event celebrating all things nautical”. The event was originally planned to take place before COVID-19 pandemic protocols were put in place. A request from event organizers asked that town- ship staff help prepare the site for the event.
See page 14 for more information about the Mer- maids and Mariners on the St. Clair 2022 festival.
ORV draft by-law not required
A recent report to council recommended draft Bylaw 2 of 2021 remain withdrawn and not enacted. The problem- atic bylaw has been considered at several meetings and amended many times, but council has decided not to pass a bylaw to regulate the use of ORVs on township roads at this time.
The bylaw was made in reaction to a change in Prov- ince of Ontario legislation which would effectively author- ize the use of ORVs on municipal roads if there was no municipal bylaw to prohibit their use.
The report noted that, since the provincial regulations were enacted on January 1, 2021, there has not been a noticeably higher volume of complaints to the township regarding the use of ORVs on township roads.
See More Municipal Notes, page 5
The Beacon of St. Clair Township April 2022 Page 5
Request for Proposal (RFP) for refreshment vehicles in township parks
The Corporation of the Township of St. Clair is inviting refreshment truck operators to submit proposal to operate food and beverage trucks within township parks at designated locations.
Proposals shall be properly labeled with proposal
number, sealed in an envelope, and delivered to the Moore Sports Complex, Attention: Kendall Lindsay, Township of St. Clair, 94 Moore Line, Mooretown, ON, N0N 1M0 OR emailed to: klindsay@stclairtownship.ca and submitted NOLATER thanApril 14, 2022, at12p.m.
Submissions received after the closing time will be labeled accordingly and will remain unopened and disqualified.
Sarnia Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) offers Summer Company Grants
Students in Sarnia-Lambton who wish to start and run their own business this summer can apply to the Ontar- io Summer Company program for a $3,000 grant. The program is a joint venture between SLEP and the Minis- try of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade. Students ages 15 to 29 who are returning to school this fall and have not received a Summer Company Grant in the past, are eligible to apply. Successful applicants will receive $1,500 to get started and, upon successful completion of the program, another $1,500.
For 23 years, this program has given Ontario students the opportunity to learn by doing to obtain entrepre-
neurial experience.
“Over the years, this initiative has impacted the lives of many local youth and has created small businesses that continue to thrive and contribute to our local economy long after the program ends,” said Judith Mor- ris, interim CEO of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Part- nership.
Students interested in this program are urged to vis- it: www.sarnialambton.on.ca/summercompany for more information. Information about the application process can be obtained by contacting Chantelle at: chantelle@sarnialambton.on.ca .
Businesses benefit from SLEP programs
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: apprentice@sarnialambton.on.ca
All Lambton County Library locations open; hours of operation adjusted
All 25 Lambton County Library locations are now open and offering in-person browsing To book an appointment for pub- lic computer use, wi-fi use and academic research, card- holders can call the location they wish to visit, book online at www.lclibrary.ca/appointments or call the central book- ing line at 519-337-3291 ext. 5900, toll free at 1-866-324- 6912 ext. 5900. Walk-in appointments will be accommodat- ed as space and time allows. Library hours of operation have been adjusted 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.; Thurs- day, Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Port Lambton (519-677-5217): Monday, Saturday, 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, services and hours of operation visit www.lclibrary.ca
The Beacon of St. Clair Township April 2022 Page 6
The Beacon of St. Clair Township April 2022 Page 7
More Works, see page 8
The Beacon of St. Clair Township April 2022 Page 8
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More Works, see page 9
The Beacon of St. Clair Township April 2022 Page 9
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The Beacon of St. Clair Township April 2022 Page 10
The Beacon of St. Clair Township April 2022 Page 11
H E R I T A G E C O R N E R
Baldoon Mystery subject of spooky virtual presentation
The McDonald house in Sombra Township, left, will be the subject of the Lambton County Archive Awareness virtual presentation, The Baldoon Mys- tery, on Thursday, April 7 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The house was the site of disturb- ing paranormal activity that terrified a family in 1829 and 1830, and became the stuff of nightmares, stories, and plays. On page 17, you will find out more about this spooky saga and how you can view the virtual presentation.
Warning: Don’t watch alone…
Moore Museum’s Downriver Craft and Gift Sale returns
It’s that time again…PLAY BALL!…or whatever sport you choose
It’s the end of the 1955-56 baseball season and the St. Clair River League Jr. Champs have fought hard to make this glorious day happen. The coveted league trophy is theirs. The team members are, back row: Bill Mundy, Ron Walker, John McKeegan, Dave Walters, Barney Hodgins, Bob Johnson, John Gaw, and Joe Chalk. Front row: Jack Scott, Jim Hodgins, Ron Chalk, Al Adams, Bill Nahmabin, Bill Churcher, and kneeling, bat boy Dave Pirrie.
Good luck to all of the teams that will do battle on the St. Clair Township sports fields this season!
Knowledgeable candidates needed for upcoming municipal election
As the 2022 municipal election approaches, some com- munity-minded St. Clair Township citizens will choose to run for council. The new council, like those that have gone before, will be required to build upon a legacy that began almost 200 years ago.
Moore began on New Year’s Day in 1840, when a group of settlers met to elect the first municipal officers. The assessment roll included 138 ratepayers with taxes rang- ing from 50 cents to $1.50 for every 100 acres owned.
Sombra became a township unto itself in 1826, when records showed 64 ratepayers and taxes of ₤12 16s (12 pounds sixteen shillings) collected that year.
The days of foot paths and dusty trails, water wells and outdoor plumbing left councils free to address basic
issues for the survival of their communities. The job of running a municipality required basic decisions.
In 2022, councils are faced with complicated financial responsibilities and sometimes harrowing decisions, prop- erty disputes, and decisions that affect whole communi- ties. It’s a demanding position and councillors must un- derstand it thoroughly in order to properly execute their duty.
To help prospective candidates understand what it means to be a member of municipal council, two spe- cial virtual sessions are planned for May 2 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. See “Running for a seat on council?” on page to find out how to obtain the information you will need to make your decision.
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:
The Beacon of St. Clair Township April 2022 Page 13
Busy time ahead for Brigden Fair Homecraft Division
Things at the Brigden fairground have been pretty quiet over the two years that COVID-19 held Lambton County hostage.
So now, there is a lot of work for MAS and its Homecraft Division to do to get things up and running smoothly again. Three popular monthly events are already planned, with a musical event in the works for Friday, June 17. (See Around the Township, page 20).
The first order of business for Homecraft was to hold its first formal meeting in two years and elect a new executive. It includes: President Cheryl McGuire; 1st Vice President Diane Murray; 2nd Vice President Kathy Scott; and Past President Michelle Evanitski.
Clockwise from above left: *Norma Jean White, Marilyn Shaw and Joan Bogaert took a walk down memory lane at the photo wall before enjoying a sumptuous pot luck dinner. *Michelle Evanitski, (now Past President) presided over the meeting, which included the election of the new Homecraft Division exec- utive. *Maureen McKellar and Diane Murray received a special aprons in appreciation for their tireless effort to help the Home- craft “Pie Ladies” produce a 300-pie order on short notice.
Bonnie Stevenson photos
Guest MAS President Mal- colm Rogers raised his hat to remind everyone of the 2022 fair theme, “Hats Off to Brigden Fair”.
Here comes the summer we’ve waited for! The Mermaids and Mariners are coming!
St. Clair Township will welcome back several of the annual family-friendly special summer events we look forward to. In Port Lambton, the “new kid on the block” will be Mermaids and Mariners on the St. Clair, a family-friendly event celebrating all things nautical on the scenic St. Clair River. On Saturday, Au- gust 20 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Brander Park will come alive as lovely mermaids mingle with hearty mari- ners. Pirates, privateers, sea captains, sirens, selkies, wenches, landlubbers, and all manner of jolly fun seekers are invited to find some treasures and have a splashing good time .Organizers invite everyone to “Swim on over to www.mermaidsandmariners.ca to “sea” what’s happening”. You can also sail with the Mermaids and Mariners crew on Facebook and Instagram.
“SAVE THE DATE and #SHELLebratetheshoreline with us!”
www.mermaidsandmariners.ca
Watch the St. Clair Township Beacon for more messages in a bottle from the Mermaids & Mariners crew!
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Part- nership 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.
Lambton County Library eliminates fines for overdue books
The Lambton County Library stopped charging fines for overdue books as of March 1 at all of its 25
branches across the county. Existing fines will be removed from library card holder accounts. This move has already been adopt- ed by hundreds of libraries across North America. The removal of fines has been the subject of research by many libraries and library professional organizations, and it has been shown to dis- proportionally affect those with low or no income.
However, items not returned by 30 days after the due date will be considered lost and borrowers will be charged replacement fees for those items.
Fines for children’s materials were eliminated in March of 2020 to ensure children have access to library material at an early age to build literacy skills that will benefit them for life.
Library membership is free. In addition to books, cardhold- ers can borrow a wide variety of items including DVDs, electron- ic books, music, movies, audiobooks, and even snowshoes.
To become a Lambton County Library cardholder, call or visit your local library branch. For more information on loca- tions, services, and hours of operation visit www.lclibrary.ca .
Sacred Heart food bank –
help your community thrive
A constant need for donations of food, personal and house- hold 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 supplies 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 Shep- herd 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 approximately $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, Corun- na, 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 Corun- na, along with the Catholic churches in Petrolia, Forest, and Watford, has worked collaboratively with the Boys and Girls Club of Sarnia-Lambton to extend Project Backpack, a food assistance program, into Lambton County. The program pro- vides 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 com- munity 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 Agricultural Society or need to renew your membership? Memberships can be paid either by dropping off payment and member information (name, telephone number, email address, home address) at the Brigden Fair office or through e-transfer at Fi- nance@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 Pe- trolia is welcoming boys and girls ages 12-18 to learn join the ranks and learn valuable skills they can use for a lifetime. Ca- dets 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 always on the lookout for youth who want to make a difference in their com- munity. Club members ages 10 through 18 volunteer in the com- munity and fundraise to put on their own programs and to do- nate 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 contacted for infor- mation 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 connected. 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 Counselling Centre, 519-336-0120, ext. 251.
Lambton County Archives Awareness
talk reveals Baldoon poltergeist
Our Lambton County Archives provide valuable archival services that reveal the county’s rich and fascinating past. To celebrate and raise the public profile of this important insti- tution, the Archives Association of Ontario (AAO) has orga- nized Archives Awareness Month.
To celebrate this occasion, Lambton County Archives will host a virtual talk – The Baldoon Mystery – on Thursday, April 7 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. This well-known story reveals infor- mation about Canada’s oldest and most widely reported pol- tergeist, dating back to late 1829 and 1830.
The virtual talk is free and pre-registration is required. Register online at: lambtonmuseums.ca/en/lambton-county- archives/lambton-county-archives.aspx
Background
The McDonald homestead in Baldoon has been the sub- ject of numerous plays, short stories, and novel focusing on the plight of the McDonald family at the hands of un- seen forces. However, little serious historical analyses has been done about this mystery. The archival record reveals fascinating insights into the events in early Sombra Town- ship, where the occurrences took place.
See the McDonald homestead, page 11.
JNAF now accepting funding
applications
Funding applications are now being accepted for local capital pro- jects through the Judith and Norman Alix Foundation (The Founda- tion). The deadline to submit applications is set for Sunday, May 1 at
4 p.m. Successful projects announced later that month. The stated goal of The Foundation is “To improve the com- munity at large and the lives of residents of Lambton County.”
Over its 30 year history, the long list of projects supported by The Foundation have ranged from: portable bleach- ers for Lambton County fairs; a food trailer for the Lions Club; and a simulated intensive care unit for Lambton Col- lege; to Withdrawal Management Services at Bluewater Health; and the expansion of the outdoor patio for Day Pro- gram space for the Alzheimer’s Society.
To be eligible, projects must be in Lambton County. To determine eligibility for funding, criteria can be found on The Foundation’s website at www.inaf.ca , under Contribute an Idea.
Moore Agricultural Society preparing for Brigden Fair 2022 and familiar favourite events
After a two-year absence, the Brigden Fair will be back this Thanksgiving weekend, and community favourites like the Sunday Jamborees and popular brunches are back! (See page 20).
The 170th anniversary of the fair was can- celled in 2020 due to the pandemic, so the theme originally proposed for it, Hats Off to Brigden Fair, will be retained for the 2022 edi- tion.
Sponsors are being sought to be part of this year’s fair. Companies or individuals who have thought about being a part of Brigden Fair can now call and discuss opportunities to become a class sponsor. If you are interested in being a sponsor, please email info@brigdenfair.ca and put SPONSOR in the subject line.
If you would like to sponsor a class listed in the Brigden Fair Prize Book, be sure to call prior
to May 20, 2022 so you can be sure your name will be noted in the Prize book. As an example, to sponsor a typ- ical Homecraft class it could cost as little as $25. Live- stock class sponsorship is higher, so please call for de- tails.
Other advertising opportunities for your company are also available by calling 519-864-1197 or email: michelle.evanitski@brigdenfair.ca
Message from MAS
The membership of Moore Agricultural Society understands that everyone is excited about the 2022 Fair this year.
Plans are being put in place, so please be pa- tient with the directors and committees as the 2022 Brigden Fair will be a large undertaking after two years without a fair.
Fair books for 2022 will be issued and a no- tice will be put on the webpage as soon as they are ready, which is normally after June.
If you are interested in being/or returning as a vendor, please email Finance@brigdenfair.ca and mark VENDOR in the subject line.
If you are interested in being one of the en- tertainers, please email info@brigdenfair.ca and
put ENTERTAINMENT in the subject line.
Information will be posted as soon as the details are worked out, so keep checking the Brigden Fair Webpage or Facebook page.
Thank you for your patience. We look forward to see- ing you at the fair!
~MAS Board of Directors, Office Staff, and Committee Chairpeople
Please support your local ag societies with 50/50
Supporting our local Agricultural Societies in these unpredictable times has never been more important as they are today. By purchasing 50/50 tickets, you are helping Moore (Brigden), along with Petrolia & Enniskillen and Brooke- Alvinston Agricultural Societies with fairground improvements. Our grounds are used by many organizations in our respective communities.
Watch for the three Early Bird Draws by checking each fair’s web and Facebook pages. Lottery License #RAF1214882 Tickets can be purchased online but will also be available at “in person” events.
Fair Share 50/50 Draw – final two draws
Lottery License #RAF12144882
From page 20
Yoga (virtual): This class is held Thursdays at 11a.m. until 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 aligning breath and movement for exercise and health. Shibashi consists of 18 simple steps. It is easy to learn and perfect for beginners.
Shibashi (Virtual): For a Zoom link to join the class, email adinell@nlchc.com
Virtual Physical Activity Presentation: (Benefits and guidelines) Monday, April 11 at 2:30 p.m. For infor- mation, contact Rebecca at 519-344-3017, ext. 277.
Opening Doors: Healthy lifestyle program for individ- uals living with mental illness or seeking mental health support. For information, 519-344-3017, ext. 277.
Virtual Pulmonary Rehab (existing clients): Mondays
& Thursdays at 3 p.m. For people living with lung dis- ease. Learn to self manage through education and ex- ercise. To register or for more information call Brenda at 519-786-4545, ext. 265 or Lorie at 519-491-2123,
ext. 22.
Virtual BMI (Body & Mind Inspired): With a Regis- tered 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 con- tact adinell@nlchc.com to register.
Virtual Kids Cooking: This class is slated for April, so please email: adinell@nlchc.com or call 519-344-3017, ext. 237 for more information.
Virtual Baby Food Making: Wednesday, April 27 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Learn up-to-date guidelines, how to progress with textures, baby-led weaning, and healthy meal and snack ideas. To register, call 519- 344-3017, ext 259, or email: cbaron@nlchc.com to receive the virtual link.
Virtual Grocery Store Tour: Wednesday, April 20 at 1:30 p.m. Virtual grocery store tour with Lynne Brown, Registered Dietitian. Learn tips and strategies to successfully navigate a grocery store while shop- ping for nutritious foods. To register, contact Rebecca at 519-786-4545, ext 279.
Night Light: Virtual or in-person: Thursdays until May 12, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Find hope and wellness while managing mental illness. To register, call 519-344- 3017, ext. 223.
In-person activities will be dependent upon COVID-19 safety measures and requirements in force at the time of the activity.
Corunna Legion hosts ham bingos
The Royal Canadian Legion Corunna Branch 447 will host an Easter ham bingo on Friday, April 1, 2022. Doors open at 6 p.m. with play at 7 p.m. For addition- al information call 519-862-1240.
(Please be sure to specify, on the top of the form, which program you are regis- tering for.) 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 fol- lowed.
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 (MSC) exercise: **COVID
-19 protocols will be observed and capacity rules apply. Please call to reserve your spot. The Moore- town Sports Complex is at 1166 Emily Street in Moore- town. (To check for current information about in- person activities in the event that government pro- tocols have changed, call 519-867-2651.
Thursday Low Impact – 9 a.m. To register call 519- 344-3017, ext. 237, or email adinell@nlchc.com Shibashi (Tai chi/gong) is a practice of aligning breath and movement for exercise and health. Shi- bashi consists of 18 simple steps, is easy to learn, and perfect for beginners.
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 reg- ister, call 519-344-3017, ext. 237 or email adinell@nlchc.com to receive the Zoom link.
Seated Yoga (virtual): Tuesdays at 11a.m., until May 10. For more information call 519-344-3017, ext. 237 or email adinell@nlchc.com .
See More Around the Township, page 19
