At Col. Cameron Public School, CF Industries representatives recently delivered food and funds in support of the students’ lunch and snack program. Helping to un- load the generous donations are, back row left: Lunch volunteer Dawn Schinkel; Col. Cameron Principal Denise Ladd; CF rep Rachel VanDamme; CF Senior Procure- ment Specialist Ashleigh Shortridge; lunch volunteer Cindy Gilbank. Front row left: Siblings Zack, Jillian, Charlotte and Ben Gilbank.
More about the lunch program on page 18
CONTACT THE BEACON: beacon@stclairtownship.ca
Strategic Plan meeting reveals residents’ priorities and suggestions for next five years
At a public meeting on Sept. 21, St. Clair Township Council received some valuable guidance from resi- dents of the municipality it governs. Attendees were divided into several workshop groups and asked to an- swer and discuss questions aimed at gathering public consensus. The resulting answers were intended to identified and prioritized key areas of focus the town- ship must address to ensure the municipality and its people will thrive in the next five years.
Facilitator Bryan Boyle led the process, which re- quired attendees to write down their answers for col- lection and display in columns according to the com- mon general theme of each answer. Each column was then classified according to the theme that defined its overall subject.
In the category of PRIORITIES, attendees identified seven areas of importance. In order of importance
Bryan Boyle, the facilitator for the Sept. 21 Strategic Plan public input event, reviews the columns of written answers to specific questions the attendees were asked, then labels each column with a title the attendees be- lieve embodies the general theme of that column. The column titles may be helpful in guiding the priorities, decisions, and in general, the governance of St. Clair Township for the next five years.
from #1 to #8 they were: #1, Vital Agriculture; #2, Access to the water; #3, Vibrant Industrial and Com- mercial Viabilities; #4, Adequate Housing; #5, Di- verse Recreation and Leisure; #6, Balanced Commu- nity; #7, Competent Citizens.
The category of CHALLENGES, from #1 to #8 were: #1, Effective balanced land use; #2, Lack of essen- tial services; #3, Tax pressures; #4, Effective devel- opment of the waterfront; #5, Environmental Repu- tation; #6, tied between *Excessive Bureaucracy &
*Financial Efficiencies; #8, Changing demographics.
Canvasing the attendees at the conclusion of the event, the following recommendations were made:
• Promote our community merits
• Make optimal capital investments
• Reduce bureaucratic barriers
• Improve financial management
• Ensure effective planning
• Improve essential services
With the help of a histogram, (a visual represen- tation of the general feelings/attitudes of the at- tendees generated by their answers to the questions they had been asked) Mr. Boyle showed that the overall feelings of township residents are positive.
Mayor Agar believes the meeting will be helpful to council’s deliberations going forward. “It was a good meeting-a lot of good information. It was nice to see the turnout and hear the different versions of people’s visions of our community. ,” he said.
Notice to property owners to
destroy noxious weeds
Notice is hereby given to all persons in possession of land, in accordance with the Weed Control Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter W.5, Sections 3, 13, 16, and 23, that unless noxious weeds growing on their lands within the municipali- ty of the Township of St. Clair are destroyed throughout the season, the municipality may enter upon said lands and have the weeds destroyed, charging the cost against the land, plus an administration charge as set out in the Act. (Minimum charge per parcel is $80.)The cooperation of all land owners is earnestly solicited.
Jeff Baranek, Clerk 519-867-2021
The St. Clair Township Beacon is issued monthly by St. Clair Township
as a public service to township residents. Production by Bonnie Stevenson.
Lambton County launches new online permit and by-law portal
Lambton County’s Building Services Department is now accepting building permit applications and by-law reports through Cloudpermit, an online, cloud-based software. Residents can apply for a building permit and submit by-law reports easily and securely online.
Cloudpermit allows applicants to monitor the progress of their application or report and allows building inspectors and by-law officers immediate access to information and updates while conduct- ing on-site visits. “With this program, our staff can update and review reports and applications while they are on-site, saving time for staff, ensuring the most up-to-date information is used, and re- ducing wait times for responses to applicants,” said Corrine Nauta, Chief Building Official for Lambton County.
In addition to submitting and monitoring a permit application and submitting a by-law report, appli- cants can check the status of the permit, book an inspection, communicate with the Building Ser-
vices Department, request changes to an existing permit application, and receive results all within the online system. This streamlined process will help increase processing efficiencies, modernize
service, and provide more real-time information to both applicants and Building Services Department
staff. Online building, plumbing, and septic permit
applications, as well as by-law reporting, are
available through the County for residents of nine Lambton County municipalities except Sarnia and Lambton Shores, although paper applications and inspection requests by phone will still be accept- ed.
More information is available at:
www.lambtononline.ca/building .
More Municipal Notes, page 4
MCRF g rants presented to community g roups
The Moore Community and Recrea- tion Foundation (MCRF) recently pre- sented five worthy community groups with grants to help them continue their great work.
Grants were awarded to: The Brigden volunteer Decorating group for their work keeping the village beautiful year ‘round; the Moore Mu- seum, for the installation of a paved walkway to make the farm displays on the north side of the Shaw build- ing accessible for all visitors; Moore Agricultural Society, to repair/ upgrade damages to the administra- tive office building during the COVID shutdown; the Sombra Museum, for a
On hand to receive grants from MCRF were, from left: Logan and Rick Mitchell, Brigden Decorating group; Michelle Evanitski, Moore Agricultural Society (Brigden Fair); MCRF Representative Jane Marsh; Sombra Museum representatives Kailyn Shepley and David Lee. Absent from photo: Representatives from Moore Museum and Sombra Community Volunteer Garden Club. ~B. Stevenson photo
shelter to protect the 1829 Abraham Smith cabin and work inside the cab- in to make it accessible for visitors; the Sombra Community Volunteer Garden Club, in support of the volun- teers’ village beautification efforts.
Victim support grant will help
victims of intimate/partner violence
The Ontario government is investing more than $4 mil- lion across the province to help support victims and survi- vors of intimate partner violence/domestic violence, hu- man trafficking, and child exploitation.
The funding comes as good news for Lambton County residents in harm’s way because of domestic/partner vio- lence. The provincial effort acknowledges a crisis that Lambton County Council identified locally at its Sept. 6 regular meeting after a presentation by Jennifer VanSteenkiste, Executive Director of Women’s Interval Home. Council declared Intimate Partner Violence is now an epidemic in Sarnia-Lambton and agreed to advocate for the proper funding of the Women’s Interval Home, Sexual Assault Survivors Centre, and Victim Services.
The funding being delivered through the Victim Sup- port Grant program includes $98,998 for the Sarnia Police Service.
The Sarnia Police Service will work with the Sarnia- Lambton Coordinating Committee on Violence Against Women, and Victim Services of Sarnia-Lambton to address the significant increase in incidents of domestic and inti-
mate partner violence. Collaborative initiatives will in- clude a trauma-informed response for those reporting in- cidents (frontline training), investigative training, and the integration of a Victim Services Coordinator into the SPS to review incidents of intimate partner violence and pro- vide ongoing outreach and support to victims/survivors.
The Victim Support Grant (VSG) is part of Ontario’s Guns, Gangs and Violence Reduction Strategy and comple- ments the province’s $307 million Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy, 2020-2025 and Combating Human Trafficking Act, 2021.
This funding will be available to municipal, OPP, and First Nation police services to apply for funding through
the VSG program. The VSG can be used for a variety of projects and initiatives, including specialized training for law enforcement, culturally responsive education and awareness campaigns, and purchasing technology and equipment to enhance police investigations and provide survivors with the option to complete interviews remote- ly.
Contact information for organizations that can help victims of intimate or domestic abuse.
www.womensintervalhome.com or 519-336-5200
www.victimservices.on.ca or 519-344-8861, ext.5238
Drone demonstrations at Corunna200 street festival
St. Clair Fire drone operators Scott Barnes (foreground) and Zac Nicholson were at the Corunna200 Street Festival demonstrating the drone they use during emergencies. In addition to daylight ca- pabilities, the drone is equipped with heat detection abilities for night time and fire rescue situations.
Enbridge pipeline creeps south through St. Clair Township
The Enbridge pipeline is slowly making its way south through rural St. Clair Township. This photo, taken Sept. 2 where the pipeline project intersects Courtright Line, shows the process being used to lower the pipes into the ground. On the south side of Courtright Line, the new pipe segments are assembled above -ground waiting for the trench to be extended. The inset, bottom right, shows the assembled pipes winding like a metal snake into the distance.
The Enbridge Gas Dawn Corunna pipeline project involves the construction of a 36-inch pipeline to carry natu- ral gas between the Corunna Compressor Station in St. Clair Township and the Dawn Operations Centre in the Township of Dawn-Euphemia. Additional project details can be found at: https://www.enbridgegas.com/about-
enbridge-gas/projects/dawn-corunna-project.
October 8 to 14
Tips to avoid cooking fires
Key safety tips to avoid risk of cooking fire
1. Always stay in the kitchen when cooking; turn stove completely off if you have to leave.
2. Keep proper fitting lid near stove in case fire starts. Use lid to smother the flame and turn off stove. DO NOT MOVE THE POT and never throw water on a burning pot.
3. Keep anything that burns i.e. plastic or paper items, dishcloths, etc. a safe distance from stove.
4. Set a “kid-free, pet-free zone” of at least 1 metre/3 feet around stove, grill, or anything else where hot food or drink is carried.
Mooretown Flags hockey season underway
It’s never too early to start supporting your home teams. Right: At the Mooretown Flags’ season-opener at the Mooretown Sports Complex on Sept. 16, St. Clair Township Mayor Jeff Agar presided at the puck-drop.
The rinks are in fantastic shape and the action will be non-stop, so come out and cheer on our players. Octo- ber home games at MSC will be at 7:30 p.m. on Satur- days, Oct. 7, Oct. 14, and Oct. 28.
Water utility appointments
require 48 hours notice
St. Clair Township By-Law 16 of 2022 requires at least 48 hours notice in advance of scheduling appointments with the Public Works department to avoid service fees.
BRUSH COLLECTION CANCELLED
• Due to operational budget cuts, St. Clair Township will not be offering any brush collec- tion for the Spring or Fall collection going forward.
• Yard waste will continue through both seasons. The number of collection weeks has been reduced from 14 to 11. Collection will be cancelled again on Oct. 16 and 18.
• Christmas tree collection will remain the same for January, 2024.
St. Clair Township has introduced a new Water Treatment, Transmission and Metering fee that now appears on your water/sanitary bill. The new water fee is being introduced to help the municipality pay for costs related to water treatment, metering and distribution facilities that, with the growing water demands and aging infrastructure, will enable the ongoing delivery of safe drinking water to every cus- tomer in St. Clair Township and ensure that it is properly metered.
Residents will notice a new line item on their bill containing the Treatment, Transmission and Meter- ing Fee information. An average residential customer with a 3/4 -inch water meter will see “Water Fixed Fee Res Qtly < 1 inch”. The fee is based on your meter size and rate class. For example, residential customers with a 3/4-inch diameter meter will receive a monthly Water Treatment, Transmission and Metering Fee of $4 ($12 billed quarterly) in 2023. The new water fixed fee will be adjusted over the next two years until new infrastructure costs are being financially balanced with the added revenue.
St. Clair Township will continue to ensure that its Municipal customers receive reliable, safe, and ef- fective service related to its infrastructure and related systems.
• Residents wishing to report any re- cycling collection issues are to con- tact the Contractor (Emterra Envi- ronmental) directly at 1-888-597-
1541.
• Alternatively, visit their website at emterra.ca, and click on "Customer Service" section.
• For further recycling issues / concerns resi- dents may also contact "Circular Materials" by email at: customerserv-
More Public Works, page 8
The Beacon of St. Clair Township October 2023 Page 8
From page 7
More Public Works, page 8
Active Transportation Master Plan Survey requires input
St. Clair Township is developing its very first Active Trans- portation Master Plan to improve conditions for people as
they walk, bike or wheel through the community.
We want to hear from you! We want to learn more about how you use the Township’s trails, sidewalks, and cycling routes,
what types of changes you would like to see.
And how the Township and our partners can make walking, cycling and wheeling more convenient, comfortable, and enjoyable.
Complete the project survey at: www.stclairtownship.ca/atmp and sign up for project updates to stay informed as the project moves forward.
Please take the survey and be part of the plan.
Hydro One Power
Outage/Emergency Line
1-800-434-1235 (operates 24/7) Residents can call this number to report power outage, fallen trees or power lines.
Hydro One Community Relations
Hydro One’s Media and Community relations staff members are available to answer questions and concerns from elected officials (e.g. MPPs, Mayors)
Monday-Friday at 1-877-345-6799
Recycle used batteries at Lambton County Libraries
Lambton County Library has partnered with Call2Re- cycle Canada, Inc. to host battery recycling collection boxes in select Lambton County Library locations to en- courage the proper disposal of used batteries.
Anyone wishing to recycle batteries must prepare them for recycling by following the Call2Recycle guide- lines, which include bagging the battery in a provided
clear bag or taping over the battery’s terminals before depositing them in the Call2Recycle collection boxes. Lambton County residents can drop off their used sin- gle-use and rechargeable household batteries (weighing up to 5 kg each) at the following Lambton County Library St. Clair Township locations: Brigden, Corunna, and Petrolia.
Corunna200: Street festival to remember!
The Corunna200 Lyndoch Street Festival on Sept. 23 attracted a crowd that packed the street with families enjoy- ing the perfect weather while taking in the many sights and attractions the Corunna200 Committee brought in for the occasion. The event included: a remarkable comic juggler; a stilt-walking butterfly; a range of children’s attractions; vendors that lined both sides of the street; and other fascinating attractions. And throughout the day, renowned mul- ti-media artist Will Graham worked on a massive original chalk design to commemorate the day. It’s permanent home will be Two Waters Brewing Co. on Lyndoch Street. Here are a few highlights from the event.
Crowd cruises Lyndoch Street visiting with friends and neighbours, and enjoying the day.
Emmie flies from the in-
flatable SCFD
fire
house.
Juggler
on wobble board juggling 3 knives
Sofia, Vivian,& Aticus Hula Hoop
The Beacon
Trillium Grant helps MAS upgrade exhibition hall kitchen to better serve the community
Every year during the Brigden Fair, the Moore Agricul- tural Society Homecraft Division keeps fair-goers nour- ished with home-cooked food and delicious baked goods.
But the exhibition hall kitchen isn’t just a bustling hive of activity on Thanksgiving Weekend. The hall plays host to special events, like weddings, banquets, and communi- ty gatherings throughout the year, which means the kitch- en is called into service, kitchen equipment and applianc- es get heavy duty use, and everything eventually needs to be upgraded or replaced.
Thanks to a $90,100 Ontario Trillium Foundation Resili- ent Communities Fund grant, the kitchen is now able to cope with the heavy use it receives. The money was put to good use by an army of volunteers who pitched in to update the floor plan, install a bank of new cupboards and stainless steel countertops, update and enlarge re- frigeration capabilities and labour-saving storage systems.
“The Ontario Trillium Foundation Resilient Communi- ties Fund grant will help to ensure that the great work of the Moore Agricultural Society continues for generations to come,” said Director Michelle Evanitski.
She noted the project not only turned the kitchen into a place where food can be prepared more efficiently, but volunteers were able to upgrade other sectors of the fair- grounds with the materials that were removed. “The Brigden Fairgrounds believes in the 4Rs - Rethink, Reuse, Reduce and Recycle - to lessen our environmental foot- print. Any cupboards, countertops and shelving units re- moved from the kitchen were repurposed for use in our volunteer diner, emergency trailer, and workshop,” she said, adding, “The procurement of up-to-date equipment and the space renovation ensures the kitchen volunteers
are able to safely continue to provide the community with the excellent service they are used to, and help the or- ganization on the road to recovery.”
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario that has been giving grants in support of community
projects and partner- ships for 40 years. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
MAS HOSTS CELEBRATION TO SHOW APPRECIATION FOR ONTARIO TRILLIUM FOUNDATION GRANT
A group of Moore Agricultural Society members, volunteers and dignitaries gathered at the Brigden Fair Exhibition Hall on August 28 to show off the new hall upgrades and improvements. Shown here assembled to commemorate the comple- tion of the much-needed project are, front row left: Connie Courtney, Michelle Evanitski, Homecraft President Cheryl McGuire, Christine Greydanus (Ontario Trillium Foundation representative), Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey, St. Clair Township Mayor Jeff Agar, MAS President John Scott, Donna DeGurse. Middle row: Norma Jean White, Marilyn Shaw, Joan Bogaert, Donna Hiller, Marie Gorton, Orrie Wigle, and Duncan MacRae. Back row: Mike Courtney, Isabelle Clark, Peter McGuire, St. Clair Township Councillors Cathy Langis and Pat Brown. ~Bonnie Stevenson photo
The Beacon of St. Clair Township October 2023 Page 12
Brigden Fair 2023 - Aprons & Overalls
~ Celebrating 173 Years of Progress ~
Friday, Oct.6
Seniors/Student Day Admission $5 until 5 pm then $20 Weekend Pass - $30 for Four (4) days admittance Elementary Students & Younger – Free
MIDWAY OPENS AT 10 A.M. DAILY
FREE PARKING ON
~ ~ ~ ~ 9:00 am Exhibit Buildings Open
THE GROUNDS
10:00 am Agriculture Awareness Day (until 3 pm) (C)
& Emergency Response Displays 9:00 am Mainstreet Colouring Contest (MCS) 11:00 am Crystal Gage (ET)
11:30 am Official Fair Opening (ET) 12:15 am Crystal Gage (ET)
2:00 pm Pickin’ n Fiddlin’ at the Fair (ET)
7:00 pm Tractor Pull - Southwest Ontario Tractor Pullers
Association (G)
8:00 pm Exhibit Buildings close at 8 pm
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Saturday, Oct. 7
Admission $10 Adults; Elementary Students & Younger – Free
Weekend Pass - $30 for Four (4) days admittance
9 am Exhibit Buildings Open
9 am Mid Western Horse Show (HR1/2)
10 am Ontario Vintage Tractor Pull (G) 10:30 am Poultry Show (PB)
11 am Open Sheep/Market Lamb Show (C)
11 am ProRider Freestyle MX– Show, Meet & Greet (G) 11:25 am Bluewater Chordsman (ET)
11:30 am Great Canadian Lumberjacks (LS)
PARADE at NOON
12:30 pm Randy Satchell Band (ET)
1 pm Beef Cattle Breed Show (C)
1 pm Pumpkin Catapult- Decorate and take aim (HR3) 1 pm ProRider Freestyle MX– Show, Meet & Greet (G) 1:15 pm IPM Awards Presentation (ET)
1:30 pm Charity Auction (MCS)
1:30 pm Great Canadian Lumberjacks (LS) 1:30 pm Randy Satchell Band (ET)
3 pm Beauty& Beast Story Time/Meet & Greet (MCS) 2:45 pm Steppin’ Up Dance Club (ET)
3 pm ProRider Freestyle MX– Show, Meet & Greet (G) 3:30 pm Christine Storey and Friends (ET)
3:30 pm Great Canadian Lumberjacks (LS) 6 pm Team Sorting (C)
8 pm Exhibit Buildings Close at 8:00 pm
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Sunday, Oct. 8
Admission $10 Adults; Elementary Students & Younger – Free
Schedule continues on page 13
*Park free at the Courtright Line entrance.
*CASH ONLY AT ENTRY GATES
*NO DOGS, PETS, OR ANIMALS
(unless registered for
exhibiting or showing).
*NO PETS allowed in any buildings.
Exception will be given for legitimate Working Service Animals.
LOCATION LEGEND
C – Coliseum
MCS – Mainstreet
Community Showcase
ET – Entertainment Tent EXH – Exhibition Hall
FY - Ploughman’s Farmyard G – Grandstand
HHR – Heavy Horse Ring HR1 –Horse Ring 1
HR2 – Horse Ring 2
HR3 – Horse Ring 3
LS – Lumberjack Stand PB – Poultry Barn
The Beacon of St. Clair Township October 2023 Page 13
Brigden Fair 2023 - Aprons & Overalls - 2
Sunday, Oct. 8 continued from page 10
9 am Exhibit Buildings Open
9 am Mid Western Horse Show (HR1/2)
10 am Brigden 4-H Sheep Show (C)
10 am Children’s Rabbit & Guinea Pig Show (PB) 10 am Adult Rabbit & Guinea Pig Show (PB)
10 am Meet & Greet - Superheroes (MCS)
10:30 am Western Ontario Outlaws – Lawnmower Races 11 am Interdenominational church service (ET)
11 am ProRider Freestyle MX– Show, Meet & Greet (G) 11:30 am Great Canadian Lumberjacks (LS)
12 Noon Neufeld Studio of Highland Dance (MCS)
12 Noon Highland Cattle Show (C)
12 Noon Working Wagon Teams Show (HHR) 12:15 pm Borderline Band (ET)
12:30 am Meet & Greet – Heroes (MCS)
1 pm ProRider Freestyle MX– Show, Meet & Greet (G) 1:15 pm Piano Time with Barry Betts (ET)
1:30 pm Intercounty 4-H Sheep Show (C) 1:30 pm Great Canadian Lumberjacks (LS) 1:30 pm Twisted Chris (MCS)
2 pm Candy Scramble for Kids (C)
2 pm Farm Olympics (C) 2:15 pm Borderline Band (ET)
3 pm Western Ontario Outlaws – Lawnmower Races 3:15 pm Joan Spalding and Friends (ET)
3:30 pm Great Canadian Lumberjacks (LS)
3:30 pm Meet & Greet – Fairies & Pirates (MCS)
4 pm ProRider Freestyle MX– Show, Meet & Greet (G) 6 pm Exhibit Buildings Close at 6 pm
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Monday, Oct. 9
Admission $10 Adults; Elementary Students & Younger – Free
9 am Farm Truck Displays – All Day (G) 9 am Exhibit Buildings Open
9 am Heavy Horse Show (HHR)
9 am Brigden 4-H Beef Show(C)
9:30 am Open Light Horse & Miniature Horse Show (HR3) 9:30 am Brigden Fair Open Speed Show (HR1)
10 am Baby Show 9 – 12 months (MCS)
11 am Twisted Chris (MCS)
11 am Great Lakes Woodland Dance Troupe
Cultural Teachings (G) 11:30 am Great Canadian Lumberjacks (LS)
11:30 am Baby Show 5 - 8 months (MCS)
12 Noon Sarnia School of Irish Dance (ET)
1 pm Buck and Boys Classic Country (ET) 1:00 pm Elite Star Dance (MCS)
1:00 pm Great Lakes Woodland Dance Troupe– Mini PowWow(G)
Monday schedule continues on page 14
The Beacon of St. Clair Township October 2023 Page 14
Brigden Fair 2023 - Aprons & Overalls - 3
Monday, Oct. 9 continued from page 13
1 pm Intercounty 4-H Beef Show (C) 1 pm Beef Cattle Breed Show (C)
1:30 pm Great Canadian Lumberjacks (LS) 2 pm Baby Show 0 – 4 months (MCS)
2 pm Mark Blayney (ET)
3 pm Buck and Boy’s Classic Country (ET) 3 pm Great Canadian Lumberjacks (LS)
3 pm Harvest of Gold Draw (ET)
3:30 pm Annual Quilt Draw (EXH)
4:00 pm Exhibit Buildings close at 4:00 pm to all patrons 4:30 pm Buildings re-open for exhibitors to claim their items
Take a helicopter ride!
Saturday, Sunday, Monday
Protect your child with the Masoni CHIP
(Child Protection Program) on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
near the OPP trailer at the large flag pole
Tickets for the Brigden Fair Homecraft Division annual Quilt Raffle are available from any Homecraft member (in person), at the fairgrounds, or by e-transfer at quiltraffle@brigdenfair.ca . The cost is $2 per ticket or 3 for $5. The winning ticket is drawn Thanksgiving Monday.
Demolition Derby slated for Saturday, Oct. 14
The popular Brigden Fair Demolition Derby will keep the excitement going with a masterful display of automotive deconstruction. Classes competing in this showcase of motorized mayhem include: stock cars, stock trucks, stock vans, modified cars, modified V8s, and modified trucks. Bring the whole fami- ly . Gate admission is $10 each and everyone pays EXCEPT elementary and pre-school children. Gates open at 9 a.m. and the show starts at 1 p.m. Details can be found on Facebook on the Brigden Fall Fair Demolition Derby page.
St. Clair River Trail Committee holds completion celebration
They may not have blazed a trail across the nation or chopped their way through a dark swampy jungle, but this group of St. Clair River Trail Committee mem- bers are proud of the paved 34 kilometre foot/bicycle path it has realized. Since its inception in 1997, the committee has had several changes of membership, but the project’s driving force,
Mary Jane Marsh, has been with the committee from the beginning.
The original committee first addressed Moore Township Council in 1997, proposing a 17 km. stretch of trail to create a safe pedestrian walkway running south from the Shell dock. The amalgam- ation of Moore and Sombra Town- ships expanded the project’s scope to include Sombra Town- ship, and today, it extends south to the township borderline.
To celebrate the official com- pletion of the trail, a reception was held for the people who had some role in its creation, including volunteers and past council mem- bers, including Steve Arnold, who presented Jane with a memento of her achievement.
Right: Assembled outside the St. Clair Parkway Golf Course club-
house are the current members of the trail commit- tee. They include, clockwise from top left: Julie Dol- bear, Jill Williams, Janis Paulley, Dave Cram, Susan Vollmar, Jim Hodgins, Cathy Van Praet, Anne Strat- ton, Rose Atkins, and Jane Marsh. ~B. Stevenson photo
Three Port Lambton Pirates teams capture championships
After 14 years of pursuing the elu-
sive Ontario Senior C Championship, the Port Lambton Senior Pirates would not be denied this year. Their ‘A’ game
yielded the outcome the team and their devoted fans had waited so long to achieve- the coveted Provincial Cham- pionship.
The Pirates opened the tournament in Port Hope with an 11-3 victory over Essex Friday night. Saturday saw the Pirates defeat Creemore 11-2, River Canard 15-5 and Tillsonburg 10-2. Sun- day morning's semi-final was a rematch with Tillsonburg and they defeated them 23-3, sending the Pirates to the finals undefeated. Game 1 of the finals saw Essex come out on top 5-2, but in Game 2 the Pirates came out unde-
terred and were able to regroup and emerge victorious 14-5.
Elusive Ontario Sr. C Championship finally captured! S
Matt Liberty; Curtis McCallum; Austin McCready; Brett
Team members, in no order, were: Beau Berkvens; Paul Bezaire; Trevor Bogaert; Riley Brown; Kyle Bushey; Mitch Donahue; Travis Eveson; Jackson Fawdry; Austyn Green; Greg Hay; Cody Johnston; Logan Klompstra;
Championship won with undefeated game
Miskokomon; Drew Pepper; Casey Reaume; Brian Reid; Brian Riedel; Dave Smith ; Noah Wiseman.
Coaches: Craig Bezaire, Christopher Bonneau, Matt Johnston; Bat Boy: Colton Reid.
The U15 team went undefeated over Labour Day weekend in Port Lambton, beating Simcoe (18-8), Mitch- ell (11-6), Waterdown (10-8), Exeter (8-7), and then
Waterdown in the finals 7-2.
The team would like to thank all the family and fans that came out to support and cheer them on all weekend.
The team is coached by Ryan Barnes, Jeremy
VanRuymbeke, Chris Bonneau, Ryan Richardson and Dustin Howlett.
The team was managed by Connie Rosseel.
Team members, in no order, were: Blake Barnes; Nate Bastow; Jackson Brunt; Jace Burgess; Brady
Debot; Campbell Ewing; Graeme Hazzard; Axel How- lett; Seth Highfield; Brock Lane; Tyson Lozon; Ethan Rosseel; Noah VanRuymbeke.
The U18 team competed in the OBA Champion- ship weekend August 18-20th in Kingsville. They lost their first game to Kingsville (0-7), but then went on to win the next 6 games straight against Dresden (12-2), Exeter (6-1), Leamington (13-1), Clinton (24-1), Kincardine (15-2), and a rematch in the finals against Kingsville (11-7).
The team would like to thank the support they received from all the family and fans that came out to cheer them on all weekend. They would also like to thank the 15U AP players that joined them in Kingsville (Nate Bastow, Brady Debot,
Brock Lane, Ethan Rosseel and Noah VanRuymbeke).
The team is coached by Bill Bunda, Larry Laprise, Jeff Sterling and Mark Grealis and managed by Connie Rosseel with their biggest fan/helper Dax Bunda.
Championship performance yields the prize
Team members, in no order, were: Ryan Bowen; Drew Bunda; Brier Dawson; Nash Grealis; Nash Lane; Lucas Laprise; Jack Martin; Connor McCallum; Caleb Rosseel; Chase Sitzes; Jackson Sterling.
Photos and details courtesy the Pirates organization
Downriver Craft Show and Sale attracts hundreds to Mooretown
The Moore Museum’s an- nual Downriver Craft Show on Sept. 17 attracted 1,094 people. As always, the crowd included its share of out-of-town shop- pers of all ages.
Right: Sarnia resident Samantha had her two sons in tow as she checked out vendor stalls in the Shaw Building. Four-year- old Jude, sporting a knit- ted Batman cap, and his two-year-old brother, Oli- ver, were enjoying the ride and couldn’t resist the chance to mug for the camera.
Left: The Corunna range light, an artifact from the early days of commercial shipping on the St. Clair River, stands proud as commerce is conducted in its shadow.
B.Stevenson photos
Community-minded Foodland owner Roy Juschka retires
A good friend of the community for 38 years, Corunna Foodland owner Roy Juschka has retired.
During that 38 years, Roy has supported the local community when there was need, with sponsorships of local sports teams, and dona- tions to service clubs, church, and school groups. In times of emergency, such as the 2003 blackout that threatened to spoil the store’s fresh meat and deli inventory, Roy gathered as many barbecues as possible to cook it all and feed whoever needed a meal. The OPP chipped in to announce the free barbecue throughout the town and Roy says hundreds of resident formed a long line around the store. “It turned a negative event into a positive outcome from a community perspective,” he said.
Roy says he and his wife, Cindy, have several things on their retirement to-do list, including visiting family out west and checking out other travel destinations, as well as doing home renos, golfing and enjoying free leisure time.
Stan Marsh, president of the Optimist Club of
Moore, told The Beacon that Roy has done a lot
for club efforts such as Operation Christmas Tree, and was a tremendous supporter during the COVID pandemic.
Moore Optimist President Stan Marsh, left, wishes retiree Roy and Cindy Jushka a happy retirement. Also shown in the group is new Foodland franchise owner David Stewardson, and Moore Optimists Ken and Davida Nimmo. ~B.Stevenson photo
We now offer online program registration!! Please visit https://www.nlchc.com/services/wellness-programs/ (Be sure to specify which program you are registering for on the top of the form.)
To register, call 519-344-3017 ext. 237 or email adinell@nlchc.com to register and/or receive the Zoom link.
*Brigden/Mooretown exercise will start after Thanksgiv- ing long weekend.
VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
Virtual Programs Clutter & Declutter Wellness Workshop: Sept. 18 (Zoom) at 2:30 p.m. Learn strategies to manage clutter in your home and improve your mental wellbeing. To register,
call 519-344-3017, ext. 277 or email reveraert@nlchc.com Master Your Health— Chronic Pain: Until Oct. 26th (Zoom) at 9- 11:30 a.m. The six-week virtual program includes light exercis- es, techniques to deal with stress, pain, and pain medications & treatments. To register, call 519-786-4545, ext. 327.
Mindful Eating Program: Until Oct. 18 (Zoom) at 1:30-3:30 p.m. Learn how to practice mindful eating and become more in tune with your body’s natural hunger response. To register, call 519- 786-4545, ext. 307.
Sit or Stand Exercise: Tuesdays (Zoom) at 10:15 a.m.
Virtual Chair Exercise: No impact exercise performed standing or seated in a chair, resistance bands are used. All exercise abilities are welcome.
Shibashi: Tuesdays, (Zoom) at 11:15 a.m. 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
Weekly St. Clair Township libraries hours of operation
*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, Saturday, 10a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
*Wilkesport (519-864-4000): Tuesday, Saturday, 9 a.m.
to 1 p.m.; Thursday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
1533 Fourth Street. Annual membership is $10, but non- members are welcome to come out to the groups weekly card games. Euchre is played on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and Pepper is played on Fridays at 7 p.m. The cost per game is $3 per per- son.
All Saint’s Christmas Market Nov. 4
The congregation of All Saint’s Anglican Church, corner of Charlotte and Vidal in Sarnia, will host the Christmas Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4. Admission is free and the tea room cost is just $3. Lots of treats and treasures!
CF Industries supports school lunch program
Continued on front page
A generous donation from CF Industries near Sombra has given the kids at Col. Cameron Public School food for thought...study thought. Through its Inclusive Re- source Group (IRG), company representatives delivered four shopping carts worth of food and a cheque for
$4,000 to help sustain the valuable program.
CF “delivery person” Ashleigh Shortridge, a Senior Procurement Specialist from CF Industries, explained the IRG program is a community outreach effort sup-
ported by employee fundraising events. This summer, CF Industries employees collected non-perishable food for the program.
The lunch/snack program is operated by volunteers who work each day to prepare the food and set up for each meal. It is available to any student who needs it.
School Principal Denise Ladd says the students also have an opportunity to have a hot lunch at school four times a year thanks to Foodland.
Harvest Home Dinner & Auction
The Harvest Home Dinner and Auction returns on Friday, Nov. 3 after a five-year break. The event is be- ing held at the Wilkesport Community Hall as a fund- raiser for the Sombra Museum’s Smith Log Cabin Preser- vation Project and Wilkesport United Church. A scrump- tious dinner of roast beef and chicken with all the fix- in’s, dessert and non-alcoholic beverages will be fol- lowed by a live and silent auction. Doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets for this fundraiser will cost $35 per person age 11 and over, and $20 for children. They can be purchased by contacting Karen Annett at 519-350- 3198, or by leaving a message with Sombra Museum at 519-892-3982, or on Facebook or Instagram direct message, or purchasing online at: https:// sombramuseum.square.site .
um this fall.
Sunday, Oct. 1 from 1-4 p.m., take a guided century barn tour with its owner Darrell Randell at 648 Lambton Line. The tour is being offered in conjunction with the release of the museum’s informative full-colour barn calendar.
On Oct. 26-28 weekend, the museum’s Victorian Bury House will be transformed into a spooky Hallow-
een House, open from 6-9 p.m. Come and let this haunted house put you in the Halloween spirit!
Winter storage in Brigden
Winter storage at the Brigden fairgrounds will begin on Saturday, Oct. 21 from 8 a.m. until 12 noon. It will continue on Saturdays until storage buildings are full.
RVs, boats, vehicles, equipment and other items will be stored on a first-come-first-served basis. An information booth will be set up for paperwork and payment behind the Junior Building (please do not go to the front office). Volunteers will be available to direct any inquiries.
Specialized art program for youth
A free specialized art program for youth aged 10-14 with special needs and an interest in the arts is being presented at the Judith and Norman Alix Art Gallery (JMAAG) 147 Lochiel Street in Sarnia. The Art Pod pro- gram, led by practicing professional artists, will use var- ious materials to make art. On Thursday, Oct. 21 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Imagined Landscapes will teach how to create a landscape using mixed media. On Thurs- day, Nov. 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Printed Maps will teach how to create map prints using Gelli plates and string. Registration is required and can be done by visiting the Art Pod page on the JNAAG website at jnaag.ca. The gallery can also be contacted by calling 519-336-8127.
Great War presentation from LCL
History buffs will not want to miss the Lambton Coun- ty Library presentation The Great War In Colour at the Sarnia Library Theatre on Thursday, Oct. 5 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This presentation is for ages 14+. Learn about the history of the Great War from military histori- an and world war expert Andrew Robertshaw. This presentation is being offered in conjunction with the Lambton County Library Culture Days program.
Courtright Friendship Club
activities
The Courtright Friendship Club meets every first Thursday of every month next to the Courtright Library,
More Around Township, page 18
The Beacon of St. Clair Township October 2023 Page 20
PUBLISHING DEADLINE NOTICE: The JANUARY 2024 DEADLINE FOR THE BEACON will be early to
allow for Christmas holiday business closings.
It is set for Monday, December 11 by noon.
Corunna Legion Br.447
350 Albert St., Corunna 519-862-1240
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Membership is NOT necessary to enjoy the facili-
ties.
Wheelchair accessible
Regular Legion Br. 447 Activities
Every Monday is Pepper at 1 p.m. sharp. Every Wednesday is Chair Yoga at 6:30 p.m.
Every Wednesday is Beginners Yoga at 7:30 p.m. Every Thursday is Cribbage at 1 p.m. sharp.
Call the Corunna Legion to register at 519-862-1240. Arrive 15 minutes before actual start time.
Br. 447 Special events
Legion membership is not required
Ham bingo, Thursday, Oct. 5 at 6:30 p.m. doors open, play at 7 p.m. Food available, top prize $1,000. $30 for 25 ham games, $3 for special strip, wheelchair accessi- ble.
Meat Darts, Friday, Oct. 13 & 27 at 7 p.m. wheelchair accessible.
Trivia Night, Thursday, Nov. 19 from 7-9 p.m., NO CHARGE. No limit on team size, just come, test your knowledge, and have fun! In honour of the late Jimmy Buffet, it’s Margarita Night! Wheelchair accessible.
Johnson Memorial Cribbage Tournament, Sunday, Oct. 22: register between 11 a.m. -12:30 p.m., $10 per per- son, 2 people per team. Food will be available. Wheel- chair accessible. To register, call 519-862-3200, or Fa- cebook: The Royal Canadian Legion, Leslie Sutherland Br447.
Halloween Jam, Saturday, Oct. 28: Get your spook on at the starting at 3 p.m. Enjoy the music, dance
like no one’s watching, or even try out your tal- ents. Dig out your best costume if you’re so in- clined. Wheelchair accessible.
~Lest we forget~
Saturday, Nov. 4: Remembrance/Honours and Awards Banquet. See page 19 for details.
Saturday, Nov. 11: REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE, 11
a.m. at the Corunna Clock Tower park. See page 18 for details.
Demolition Derby slated for Brigden
The Brigden Fair Demolition Derby will roar onto the fairgrounds on Saturday, Oct. 14. See page 14 for more information.
Brigden Country Jamborees resume
Polish up your dancing shoes and mark your calendar to be at the Brigden fairgrounds exhibition hall every second Sunday of the month beginning in November and running through April, 2024. Doors open at 12 noon and music starts at 1 p.m. And at 5 p.m., enjoy dinner. Din- ner tickets are available at the door.
More Around the Township, page 19
