The St. Clair township
E A C O N
THE TOWNSHIP
ISSUE 2
VOLUME 17
FEBRUARY 2024
OF ST. CLAIR
Inside
Brigden Legion hosts District A pool tournament
MUNICIPAL NOTES
Pages
2-4
WORKS DEPARTMENT
Pages 6-8
AROUND THE TOWNSHIP
Pages 20-17
Above: Brigden Legion Br. 635 member Eldon Krohn watches as the #7 ball he has just hit sinks obediently into the corner pocket. Watching intently is Eldon’s pool partner Ben Taylor. The team finished the game with a win.
The recent Royal Canadian Legion District A 8 Ball Pool Tournament, hosted by
Brigden Legion Branch 635, was held at the Brigden Optimist Hall on Jan. 20. The tour- ney featured teams from 17 Legion branches within the district, including: Melbourne, Donnybrook, Parkhill, Delaware, Blenheim, St. Thomas, Thamesville, Essex, Tecumseh, Ambassador, Windsor, and Alvinston. Some branches, including Brigden, fielded more than one team. Three pool tables were in play as the teams squared off against each other.
When the battle was over, Essex Legion Branch 201 won the tournament.
*First Place – Jim Hamilton and Chris Vuckan – Branch 201 Essex
*Second Place – John Malot and Roy Parnell – Branch 367 Thamesville
*Third Place – Harry Bissonnette and Lou Driessen -Branch 594 Windsor
*Fourth Place – Brad McLellan and Don Collar – Branch 594 Windsor
*Fifth Place – Eldon Krohn and Ben Taylor – Branch 665 Brigden
Royal Canadian Legion Brigden Branch 635 appreciates the support and sponsorship of
Mainstreet Credit Union Brigden branch and St. Clair Mechanical of Brigden.
Winter is a difficult time for your elderly and disabled neighbours.
During bad weather events and power outages, please make sure they are NOT in distress and have the things they need to get through the emergency.
Notice of 2024 Budget Meeting
St. Clair Township’s 2024 draft budget presentation and deliberation meeting will be held on Thursday March 7, 2024, in the Council Chambers starting at 5:00 p.m. The budget meeting is open to the public and all ratepayers are welcome to attend.
Appreciation and thanks expressed for departing Dog Catcher
The Township would like to extend heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Gayle Farr for acting as the Township Dog Catcher from 2006 – 2024. Gayle served the entire Township tirelessly throughout her tenure and her contributions are greatly ap- preciated.
Like many neighbouring municipalities within Lambton County, the Township opted to go with a new centralized dog catching program facilitated by the Sarnia District Humane Society (SDHS). Through that contract, the SDHS has secured the services of Jeff Dewhirst to act as the Township Dog Catcher. Jeff can be reached at 519-312-1322.
Council Meeting Schedule
All regular council meetings are open to the public, and can also be seen online by going onto the township website at: www.stclairtownship.ca.
Upcoming council meetings will be: Feb. 5 at 3
p.m.; and Feb. 20 at 6 p.m.
An Operating Budget meeting is slated for March 7 at 5 p.m.
To make a presentation to council or for more infor- mation, call the St. Clair Township municipal office at 519-867-2021 (1-800-809-0301).
NOTE: This information is accurate at publication time and may be subject to change.
Official Plan updates near completion
Lambton County Planner Ken Melanson attended the Jan. 15 meeting of council to present an infor- mation update on how the County has been working to address comments gathered through public meetings, open houses, and in written form. The other purpose was to let St. Clair Township Council know how the municipality was doing in respect to conforming with the Lambton County Official Plan.
Mr. Melanson explained, “Updates also cover off some topics of recent concern in the planning realm as of late such as short term vacation rentals, to give you some policy guidance on these issues.”
Council members received a pamphlet outlining each key area of the official plan being updated for conformance. Housing was the first issue to be dis- cussed. “The housing area will be updated to continue to encourage a wide range of housing types for people in various social and economic situations,said Mr.
See More Municipal Notes, page 4
More Municipal Notes, page 3
The St. Clair Township Beacon is issued monthly by St. Clair Township
as a public service to township residents. Production by Bonnie Stevenson.
The Beacon of St. Clair Township FEBRUARY 2024 Page 3
MORE MUNICIPAL NOTES
Continued from page 2
Mayor’s Honour Role 2023
St. Clair Township is fortunate to be the home of countless community-minded peo- ple and businesses that give countless hours of their time working for the better- ment of their community. Whether it’s through service groups, fundraising com- mittees, community event planning groups, and charitable causes, or through individu- al efforts, they step up to make life better for their friends and neighbours and some- times, total strangers. Most of the time, their good work goes unnoticed.
Mayor Jeff Agar has developed a list of names and organizations that consistently improve the quality of life for residents of their community. The inaugural list for 2023 acknowledges individuals and groups that continue to make a positive difference in St. Clair Township from year to year.
Each year, a new Honour Role will be is- sued to honour those who have, in some way, advanced the quality of life for the people of St. Clair Township. The list will include about 15 individuals, groups and businesses, and honourees will be invited to attend a dinner in their honour to be held at the newly refurbished St. Clair Parkway Golf Course Clubhouse.
Honour Role 2023
Geoff Dale (Captain Kidd Days/ Presi- dent Mooretown Minor Hockey Associa- tion); Stan Marsh ,(Optimist Club of Moore / Operation Christmas Tree); Ni- cole Smith (Captain Kidd Days); Ashley Robbins (Captain Kidd Days); Rick Mitch- ell, (Optimist Club of Brigden/ Brigden Decorating group); Bob Barnes, (Courtright ball diamond/ Mooretown Flags); Irene Jardine (Brigden Fair Board members, Ducks Unlimited, Upland Games); Michelle Maitland (Captain Kidd Days/St. Clair River Run); Craig Bezaire (Port Lambton Pirates Baseball); Frank Johnson, (Port Lambton Food Bank); Chuck and Betty Lauwereys, (Wilkesport Hall); Colin Miller (Port Lambton Days); Jamie Bogaert and Caroline Peters (Sombra Days).
More Municipal Notes page 4
From Municipal Notes, page 3 MORE MUNICIPAL NOTES
Melanson. Urban Settlements, or Secondary Settlements in order
He told council the most critical update had to do to preserve agricultural land and to avoid conflicts
with Billl-23 and changes to the additional dwelling between farm and non-farm uses.”
unit provisions under the Planning Act. It also includes Cultural heritage is also being updated to align St. some pre-work on settlement area concerns for resi- Clair Township’s official plan recent changes with the dential development…subject to the County official Heritage Act.
plan review process. Mr. Melanson says, “Natural heritage is probably one
For those who are unfamiliar with Bill-23, it is also of the major changes that is being updated in the town-
known as the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022. ship’s official plan as a result of the County changing its Reviewing economic development, Mr. Melanson natural heritage process simply to align and adjust.”
said,” We’re updating policies to ensure they are con- Urban sign policies will have minor updates to already sistent with provincial planning goas to support and existing urban sign policies to align with the Planning Act grow the economy in the township.” He added short and recent PPS updates.
term vacation rental policy is being added to address “At this point, the public engagement process is now some of the concerns that have been raised about complete. We are preparing final versions of the final red short term vacation rentals relating to housing chal- lined amendment,” said Mr. Melanson. “We’ve received lenges that have been experienced. some last minute comments which we are addressing be-
On the subject of Agriculture, policies are being fore we bring the final amendment package to you.” updated to ensure updates from provincial policy Master Plan being developed for EMS framework on agricultural uses, surplus farm dwell- All municipalities in Lambton County are being asked ings, and agri-tourism uses are incorporated and con- to review a new master plan being developed for the sistent. As an example, in the updated St. Clair Offi- Emergency Medical Service (EMS) to address new chal- cial Plan viewed by Council at the meeting, under Ag- lenges that will come with the County’s aging population, riculture, item 1.3, the updated wording reads, how to efficiently use existing resources to serve future “Agricultural uses will be given highest priority in the demands, and what new resources will be necessary to Agricultural designation. Land uses that do not re- meet the increase in demand. Some considerations in-
quire a location in the Agricultural Area and most non clude: the relocation of some EMS stations; a rebranding
-farm development will be directed to Urban Centres, of the EMS uniforms, and a 24 hour per day service.
Emergency response time discussed at ROMA conference
Seated from left: St. Clair Fire Chief Richard Boyes, Mayor Jeff Agar, and Deputy Mayor Steve Miller recently met with Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, standing centre, at the annual ROMA (Rural Ontario Municipal Association) Conference in Toronto in an effort to decentralize 9-1-1 dispatch to decrease response time within St. Clair Town- ship. The conference gives municipal leaders an opportunity to discuss matters of concern to their communities with cabinet ministers and members of provincial parliament. Standing left: Ontario Fire Marshall Jon Pegg and standing right, three Deputy OPP Commissioners. Photo submitted
Caring community and preparedness helps mitigate fire outcome
Caring Community comes through
The Templeton Crescent fire that left two Courtright fam- ilies homeless just before Christmas was an unimaginable tragedy. It no doubt left a feeling of helplessness in the hearts of those who witnessed it or heard about it in news reports.
But when Courtright resident Cathy Vickerd heard about it, her immediate instinct was to act. “I just reached out to Cindy at the Courtright Variety store and asked if we could put something on the counter for a week,” she said. As a Watson Timber Mart employee at the Courtright store, she was given approval to do the same at the front counter of the store. And it didn’t take long for her to start accepting donations via e-Transfer and posting the effort on her Face- book page, promising to report the total of funds collected during a one-week period. “We hoped to collect two- thousand dollars or so,” she said.
The donations started pouring in immediately and the collection total rocketed up. In only 5 days, between Watson Timber Mart, Courtright Variety, and the online donations, the collection total amounted to an incredible $21,250.00 “I was quite shocked,” said Cathy. As good as her word, she quickly posted the total on her Facebook page.
Understanding that the families were in need of immedi- ate help, Cathy quickly contacted them so the money could be used for necessities. “I met them on the Saturday before Christmas and gave each family $10,625.00,” she said. “They were in tears. They could not be-
lieve what the community had done for
them.”
structures were already in flame by the time the fire trucks could respond. A fire scene investigation was carried out and the fire was deemed to be accidental. It began in an unat- tended deep fryer being used in the garage and quickly spread to the second house, as well as a parked pickup truck and a fifth wheel trailer.
Chief Boyes praised the firefighters for their handling of the inferno. All occupants of the two houses escaped with- out injury. Three dogs were also brought from the buildings by firefighters who found them in distress. Although the fire vehicles carry pet resuscitation units, the firefighters deter- mined there was no time to retrieve the units and used their own masks to sustain the animals during their evacuation.
Training and constant practice gave firefighters the knowledge and skills they required to perform without hesi- tation.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
St. Clair Fire would like to remind everyone that cooking is the number one cause of residential fires in Ontario. Remember these tips to help keep your family safe:
*Always stay in the kitchen when cooking.
*Keep a proper-fitting lid near the stove when cooking.
*If a pot catches fire, slide the lid over the pot and turn off the stove. Do not move the pot and never put water onto a grease fire.
*If a fire occurs, get out and call 911.
Preparedness saves lives
The real life professional training our firefighters receive, and the individual study they do with important texts like the ones Enbridge Gas recently donated to St.Clair Fire, contribute to the good out- comes exemplified by the recent Temple Crescent emergency. The St. Clair Town- ship Fire Department scrambled units from the Courtright, Corunna and Brigden sta- tions to fight the fire, and the Becher sta- tion also responded to bring an air unit to the site. The unit is used to refill the air packs used for entry into smokey or toxic buildings.
St. Clair Fire Chief Richard Boyes said the
The aftermath of the fire showing garage where the fire began, left, and the
damaged second house. B. Stevenson photo
Age-Friendly Sarnia-Lambton the place to contact for 55+ services
PW General – Roads/Drainage – Water/Sewer – Utility Billing – Engineering St. Clair Township Civic Centre, 1155 Emily St. Mooretown, ON N0N 1M0 After Hours Emergency 1-888-441-4204
(519) 867-2993 (T) stclairpw@stclairtownship.ca
(519) 867-3886 (F) www.stclairtownship.ca
http://fb.com/stclairtwppw
St. Clair Township By-Law 26 of 2023 requires at least 48 hours notice in advance of scheduling appointments with the
Water utility appointments Public Works department to avoid service fees.
OVERNIGHT PARKING NOW IN FORCE
The St. Clair Township winter parking by-law is now in effect and will continue until April 1, 2024. Un- der this by-law (By-law #5 of 2022) it is against the law to leave vehicles of any kind parked on public streets and roads overnight from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m.
Clear the Road
All homeowners are reminded to clear recreational sports equipment (e.g. basketball nets, goal- ie nets, etc.) off and away from roads and streets. This includes sports nets that are located on the street surface near the back of the curb. A verbal and/or written warning will be issued to homeowners with sports nets on or near the road.
Please take notice – Failure to remove sports nets and other equipment from roads and streets will result in this equipment being collected by the Public Works Departments and stored at the Public Works Operational Centers.
Attention: Changes to Yard Waste Collection BRUSH COLLECTION CANCELLED
Due to operational budget cuts, St. Clair Township will not be offering any brush collection
for the Spring or Fall collection going forward. Christmas tree collection will remain the same
for January, 2024.
• Residents wishing to report any recycling collection issues are to contact the Contractor (Emterra Environmental) directly at 1-888-597-1541.
• Alternatively, visit their website at: emterra.ca, and click on “Customer Service” section.
• For further recycling issues / concerns residents may also contact “Circular Materials” by email
at: customerservice@circularmaterials.ca
More Works Dept. page 7
Preventative:
Winter weather brings cold temperatures that put your home at risk for frozen water meters and pipes. This can stop the flow of water through them and may lead to costly repairs. Property owners are responsible for protecting water pipes and meters from damage, so here are a few tips to avoid unnecessary damages.
• Eliminate cold drafts near water pipes.
• Turn off service to external water pipes.
• Insulate pipes that are most prone to freezing. (Insulating wraps can be found at
hardware and home improvement stores.)
• Make frequent use of your water supply.
• Know the location of the inside shut off valve to deactivate burst pipes.
If you suspect your pipes are frozen, check the following:
• Pipes near outside walls or where water pipes enter the foundation are most at risk. Open the faucet nearest to the frozen pipe to release pressure that can burst the pipe when water starts to flow. NEVER use a blow torch 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 devic- es unattended or placed near flammable materials.
• Once water starts to flow, allow a small stream of water to continue until heating is restored.
• Eliminate drafts and allow heat to circulate to avoid refreezing.
Active Transportation Master Plan Survey requires input
St. Clair Township is developing its very first Active Transportation 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, comfort- able, and enjoyable.
Complete the project survey at:
www.stclairtownship.ca/atmp and sign up for project up- dates to stay informed as the project moves forward.
Please take the survey and be part of the plan.
Power Outage/Emergency Line
1-800-434-1235 (operates 24/7)
Residents can call this number to report power outage, fallen
CRIME STOPPERS SARNIA-LAMBTON
Your information can be submitted by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or going online to: www.p3tips.com
Callers are guaranteed 100% anonymity. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to any call display services. If your tip leads to an arrest or charges being laid, you may receive a cash reward.
H E R I T A G E C O R N E R
In praise of the noble but much maligned outhouse
It’s been called a latrine, a backhouse, a dunny, a jakes, a comfort station and a necessary house, but there is noble lore behind the genesis of the outhouse that few are privy to. Local historian Lau- rel Pattenden has done some scholarly research and written an enlightening story to elevate our opinion of this lowly, but necessary, facility.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
When Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen wrote the song Anthem, he observed how cracks let in the light. He was absolutely right, and he could even have been referring to how cracks were im- portant to outhouses. Yes, outhouses!
We don’t take much note about the history of outhouses, or to use a more polite way of referring to it – the privy, which is obviously the short form of the word privacy.
Have you ever noticed that out- house doors always have a hole cut out of the upper portion of the door?
That hole lets in the daylight, but also allows for privacy…and bugs! It can also let out the light, when someone is using the privy at night and has carried in a lantern.
Outhouses located near home- steads and farm houses had doors with holes cut in many shapes or de- signs. However, when it came to pub- lic outhouses, a standard cutout shape was developed for their doors. The cutout shape was used instead of
a printed sign because the literacy rate was very low in the 1800‘s. We still use standard symbols in our multilingual world so everyone can understand.
According to commonly held theories, the wom- en’s privy door always had a cutout of a crescent moon which, throughout history, has been known to represent Luna or the Goddess Diana. It was later used as a symbol indicating feminine.
Cutouts made in the door of a men’s privy were either a sun or a star. It is difficult to find infor- mation on these two symbols, but it has been sug- gested they also relate to gender mythology, and they have become masculine signs.
The crescent moon shape on an outhouse door tends to be seen more often today than a star or sun door. One theory for this is preference is that men’s outhouses were not as well maintained; they deteriorated more quickly, so fewer of them sur- vived. Outhouses are hard to find
these days but fortunately, a perfect example of a joint public outhouse can be found behind the schoolhouse at the Moore Museum. One door bears a cutout of the crescent moon, while the other door bears a differ- ent shaped cutout. Is it a sun or a star?
The answer to this intriguing ques- tion is yours to discover the next time you visit the Moore Museum. We look forward to seeing you this spring.
~Laurel Pattenden
Above: Moore Museum volunteers work to restore a vintage piece of farm machinery that sits in an open air display area at the Shaw Building. Just one of the interesting tasks our volunteers enjoy with the
Tuesday Group.
Moore Museum photo
Enbridge Gas donation supports St. Clair Fire firefighter training
St. Clair Fire personnel find out early in their training that there is a lot to know about the job. Their rigorous training includes study, but training manuals are expensive.
Enbridge Gas, through the Enbridge Safe Community Project Assist pro- gram, recently made a substantial do-
nation toward the purchase of several boxes of these vi- tally important text books that will reinforce the training our firefighters receive.
St. Clair Fire Chief Richard Boyes expressed thanks to Enbridge for the important donation of learning materi- als. “Their generous contribution of training materials will assist our firefighters in learning new procedures and maintaining their existing fire fighting skills,” he said.
Wes Armstrong, Enbridge Gas Director of Storage, says providing support for Ontario firefighters is a core con- cern for the company. “We’re equipping the heroes of tomorrow to better protect the communities we live and work in…keeping them healthy and vibrant,” he said.
Jon Pegg, Ontario Fire Marshall and Chair of the Fire Marshall’s Public Fire Safety Committee (FMPFSC) com- mented, “Fire departments train every day and that’s why it’s important for them to have access to the right materials to keep their members and the public safe.” He added the Enbridge program, which is supplying 50 Ontar- io fire departments with funds to purchase training mate- rials this year, improves the ongoing learning that occurs across the province.
The important work of St. Clair Fire is carried out by
150 paid on-call firefighters from six township fire sta- tions including: Becher, Corunna, Courtright, Port Lamb- ton and Wilkesport.
The firefighters receive training under the guidance of skilled trainers and their skills are continually honed to ensure that St. Clair Township firefighters have the knowledge and the confidence they need to perform well as a team.
Follow on Facebook at: @stclairfire and Instagram @stclairfire.
Above: Enbridge and St. Clair Fire representa- tives recently met to look over a shipment of the newly purchased firefighter training man- uals. Enbridge is helping purchase the expensive manuals through its Safe
Community Project Assist program. Present at the meeting were, from left: Robin Elwood, Enbridge Operation Supervisor Sarnia; St. Clair Township Mayor Jeff Agar; St. Clair Fire Chief Richard Boyes; Wes Armstrong, Enbridge Gas Director of Storage; St. Clair Fire District, Corunna, Chief Tom Mitchell; and St. Clair Fire Deputy Fire Chief Andrew McMillan. B. Stevenson photos
SCRCA Seeking Landowners interested in Stewardship and Tree Planting Projects
Tree planting and stewardship specialists at
the St. Clair
Region Conser- vation Authori-
ty (SCRCA) are planning for the 2024 season and are looking to engage landowners interested in implementing projects on their properties.
The St. Clair Region watershed consists of over 80% agricultural land. Stewardship and tree plant- ing projects implemented on farmland not only
improve habitat for many plants and animals to
thrive, including Species at Risk, but can also help reduce soil erosion, protect rural water quality,
increase crop yields, and potentially reduce the
amount of fertilizer needed to ensure a successful harvest. The Authority supports a variety of pro-
jects including wetland creation, tree planting,
cover crops, erosion control structures, and plant- ing riparian buffers.
Since 1980, SCRCA projects have resulted in the planting of over 4 million trees and created 100
hectares of wetland thanks to property owners taking on naturalization projects.
Interested landowners are welcome to connect with Authority staff who can help manage projects from start to finish and answer questions related
to funding sources and grants that are available to
offset eligible project costs for projects like the creation of shallow wetlands, the planting of ri-
parian buffers to separate agricultural fields from watercourses, the installation of erosion control
berms, and development of grassed waterways in farm fields which help slow runoff. Programs also include the installation of fencing and alternative water sources to limit livestock accessibility to
local waterways.
For more information and to discuss potential projects, contact Jessica Van Zwol, Healthy Watershed Specialist
(jvanzwol@scrca.on.ca; (519) 245 -3710,
ext. 241) or Jeff Sharp, Conservation Ser- vices Specialist (jsharp@scrca.on.ca; (519) 245-3710, ext. 217).
Lambton County Library announces One Book Lambton title for 2024
The Lambton County Library One Book Lambton title for 2024 has been announced.
Women Talking by Miriam Toews takes place over 48 hours and focuses on eight women tasked with deciding how to respond to over one hundred violent night-time assaults perpetrated against the women and girls in the community.
The author describes her book as a fictional response to real-life events that took place between 2005 and 2009 in Manitoba Colony, a secluded Mennonite community in Bolivia. Miriam Toews’ response to
her book being chosen for One Book Lambton was enthusiastic. In a video message, Toews remarked, “I hope that when you read the book you can enter this loft and be part of this discussion that the women and [the main character, August] are having.” Her hopes for the book are that it will stimulate conversations through- out Lambton County.
Miriam Toews has penned nine books, including A Complicated Kind- ness, All My Puny Sorrows, and Wom- en Talking. She has won many liter-
ary awards, including the Governor General’s Award for Fiction (2004) and the Writers’ Trust Engel Findley Award (2010). Women Talking was adapted into a feature-length film in 2022, directed by Canadian filmmaker Sarah Polley and was awarded Best Adapted Screenplay and nominated for Best Picture at the 2023 Academy Awards®.
One Book Lambton is a literary event, designed to cel- ebrate Canadian authors and to unite people from around Lambton County through reading the same book. Everyone is invited to read Women Talking and participate in dis-
cussions and activities that explore
the book’s themes.
Reserve a copy of Women Talking through the online cata- logue at lclibrary.ca or by calling or visiting any Lambton County Library location. eBooks and eAudiobooks are available to bor- row through the Libby app using your Lambton County Library card.
Visit onebooklambton.ca and follow @LCLibraryca on Facebook and X to stay up to date on up- coming programs and events.
Canada-wide project post-secondary education grant information
Many families are concerned about the crushing cost of post-secondary school tuitions, but few are aware of the Canada Learning Bond that has been available since 2004.
Information recently sent to The Beacon by Lorri Kerrigan from County of Lambton Social Planning
explained the Canada Learning Bond (CLB). It is a grant of from $500 to $2,000 from the Government of Canada to help eligible families pay for the cost of their child’s education after high school.
The CLB is deposited directly into a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for the child. Par-
ents don’t have to contribute any money to be eli-
gible, but they can add to the RESP if they wish. Grandparents and other family members can also contribute to it.
To be eligible, a child must: have been born in
2004 or later; have a Social Insurance number; and reside in Canada.
The parent or guardian must have: a net family income under $53,359 (based on family size it is adjusted every year); a Social Insurance number;
and fixed taxes for at least one year since the eli- gible child was born.
The Government of Canada will contribute up to
$2,000 to an RESP for an eligible child.
This includes: $500 for the first year of eligibil- ity; $100 each year the child is eligible (up to and including the year they turn 15); and if your in-
come increases, you don’t lose the CLB that is al- ready in the RESP for the child.
An application for the program can be made at a bank, credit union, or on-line.
Visit: LambtonLearns or Canada Learning Bond— Canada.ca to obtain more information.
It should be noted that only 36% of income-
eligible children in Lambton County are cur- rently accessing
this free $2,000
for post-secondary education, which
includes skilled
trades apprentice- ships, college, or
university.
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.
COURTRIGHT FRIENDSHIP CLUB IS ONE-OF-A-KIND
Above: The new 2024 Courtright Friendship Club executive poses with some of their club members after enjoying one of their pre-game pot-luck meals. Seated, from left, are: Presi- dent Joyce Brock; Vice-President Malcolm
Rogers; Secretary Ruth Ann Piggott; and
Treasurer Marilyn Johnson.
Left: Good natured controversy breaks out during a pre-potluck practice card game. “Referee” Marilyn Johnson tries very hard to adjudicate the matter, which ends with a change of subject.
Bonnie Stevenson photos
EXTREME COLD IS DANGEROUS: LPH ISSUES TIPS TO HELP YOU FIGHT FROSTY FEBRUARY
The cold and snow of winter has become frigid enough to trig- ly and become life-threatening when body temperature drops ger several Extreme Cold warnings from Lambton Public Health. below normal body temperature of 36.1 degrees C to 37.8 de- Since we tend to forget the meaning of those warnings when grees C (97 degrees F to 100 degrees F). Symptoms include: pale we’re sweating through a Lambton County heat wave, please skin; lethargy; confusion; excessive shivering; and hallucinations. remember that warnings are issued when the forecast calls for Please visit LambtonPublicHealth.ca for more information and one or more of these conditions: Daily low temperatures are to locate warming centre locations and hours of operation in predicted to be –15 degrees C or below without wind chill added; your area.
Environment Canada issues a wind chill warning for Lambton Anyone experiencing homelessness or who knows someone in County; or extreme weather conditions like a blizzard or ice this situation should call Lambton County Social Services at 519- storm are predicted. Take the warning seriously and dress in 344-2062 from 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. For layers, covering as much exposed skin as possible from head to hours outside these hours, call the Good Shepherd’s Lodge at toe, and limiting time outdoors. Overexposure can happen rapid- 519-344-1679.
51st Annual U21 Silver Stick held in Mooretown
Above: Presiding over the ceremonial puck drop for the 51st Annual U21 Silver Stick tournament, St. Clair Township Mayor Jeff Agar, President Craig Lane, Ontario Minor Hockey Association (holding puck), and Al McColl, Inter- national Director of Silver Stick, prepare to begin the tournament. The teams facing off are the Mooretown Flags and the Central Perth Predators.
Right: The Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Dave Schieman by Maureen McKellar. Susan Agar photos
The winners of the Mooretown tournament included: A Division, New Hamburg; B Division, Thorold; AA Division, Ennismore; C Division, Tweed.
SILVER STICK ORIGIN: Named after the Ottawa Silver Seven team of the early 1900s, the Silver Stick was created by famous sports columnist Jack
Kinsella in 1957. The original Silver Stick, which was used during the 1958 opening ceremonies, is displayed in the Hockey Hall of Fame at 30
Yonge Street, Brookfield Place, in Toronto.
Each year, a plaque listing the team names of the new Silver Stick champions is placed in the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Silver Stick display.
Left: The Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
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.)
In Person Programs
Coffee Time Social Drop-in: Join us for coffee and conversation, free of charge! Anyone is welcome to attend! To register, call 519-344-3017 ext. 237, or email reveraert@nlchc.com
– Brigden: Thursdays at 10:45 a.m. (at Brigden Optimist Hall, 3016 -1 Brigden Rd., Brigden). Donations for the Optimist Hall are accepted but not required.
– Sarnia: Fridays at 10:45 a.m. (at West Lambton CHC). Please do NOT arrive prior to 10:45 a.m. as we have other programming happening and the Coffee Time volunteers need adequate time to set up. Cooking Buddies: Children’s cooking classes for ages between 6-12 years old. The class will focus on learning to read recipe cards, measure ingredients, try new foods, and to have fun! Classes will run monthly. CLASSES ARE FULL AT THIS TIME! Locations: (Brigden—2435 Courtright Line in Brigden), Jan. 2 at 6-7:30 p.m. (Corunna-St.Joseph’s Church, 346 Beresford St).
Drum Fit: Drum Fit’s Music, Motion, and Memory program encourages participants to socialize and move together for brain health. Runs every Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (at Oakdale YMCA, 60 Oakdale Ave., Sarnia). To register please call 519 -344-3017, ext. 237 or email: revera- ert@nlchc.com .
Garden Fresh Box: The Garden Fresh Box is an inexpensive monthly food buying club for anyone who wants fresh vegetables and fruit all year round. For info, call 519 -344-3017, ext. 237 or email: revera- ert@nlchc.com Orders are accepted in person with payment. Cash ONLY
Line Dancing: Mondays, until Feb. 12 at 1:30 p.m. at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, 120 Russel St. S. Everyone is welcome but space is limited. To register, call 519 -344-3017 ext. 237 or email: revera- ert@nlchc.com .
Living Well with Adult ADHD: Runs until Feb. 20 at 2-4 p.m. (at West Lambton CHC). Do you struggle with concentration, forgetfulness, impulsive behavior? Were you diagnosed with ADHD as a child or adult? Or suspect you may experience ADHD? This group may be for you. To register, call 519 -344-3017 ext. 237 or email: reveraert@nlchc.com
Low Impact Exercise: Low impact exercises performed using body weight and resistance bands. All abilities welcome. To register, call 519-344-3017, ext. 237, or email: reveraert@nlchc.com
**We are looking to add to our Volunteer Instructor Team! No experience necessary, all training pro- vided! Call 519-344-3017, ext. 237 for details**
– Brigden Low Impact: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. (at Brigden Fair Grounds, 2976 Brigden Rd.in Brigden)
– Mooretown Low Impact: Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. (at Mooretown Sports Complex, 1166 Emily St.)
Virtual Programs
Conquering Anxiety Workshop: On Feb. 12 at 2:30 p.m. join us to learn practical strategies for man-
aging anxiety. To register, call 519-344-3017, ext. 277 or email: mhyatt@nlchc.com .
Eat Well, Live Healthy Wellness Workshop: Virtual discussion with our Registered Dietitian to talk about healthy eating, nutrition tools, resources and more! For more information about dates/time and to register, call 519-786- 4545, ext. 307.
Feeding Your Toddler: To be held on Feb. 14 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Toddlers can be a challenge. Learn how to support your picky eater and get healthy snack and meal ideas. To register, call 519 -786- 4545, ext. 307.
Heart Healthy Living: Virtual discussion with our Registered Dietitian to discuss about types of cho- lesterol, heart smart diet and healthy heart lifestyle habits. For more information about dates/time and to register, call 519-786- 4545, ext. 307.
Shibashi/Sit or Stand Combo: Fridays from 10:15 a.m. This 75 minute class combines movements used in Shibashi and Sit or Stand Classes. Shibashi, 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. Sit or Stand is performed with the options of either standing or being seated in a chair. Resistance Bands are used. All exercise abilities are welcome. To register, call 519 -344-3017, ext. 237 or email: revera-ert@nlchc.com
Sit or Stand: Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m., join this 60 minute class. This exercise is performed with the options of either standing or seated in a chair. Resistance bands are used. All exercise abilities are welcome. To register, call 519-344-3017, ext. 237 or email: reveraert@nlchc.com.
Sacred Heart food bank helps community thrive
The Sacred Heart Food Bank continues to aid the com- munity address food insecurity all year long. Nourishing food items and daily supplies like personal hygiene items, baby needs, and household cleaning supplies, as well as grocery store gift cards and monetary donations, are always gratefully accepted. Food bank shelves need to be replenished on a regular basis.
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. The food bank serves those in need, offering a variety of food products to help people eat healthily, including dairy products, bread, and meat, as well as daily requirements like household cleaning supplies, hygiene products, and baby needs. The fresh food supplied at the food bank costs approx- imately $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, 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 pro- gram provides a bag of nutritious food that can be easily dis- tributed to people ages 14-24 who are in need of a healthy meal. Each bag also contains hygiene items and helpful in- formation 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 dur- ing 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.
Courtright Friendship Club activities
The Courtright Friendship Club meets every first Thursday of every month next to the Courtright Library,1533 Fourth Street. Annual membership is $10, but non-members are welcome to come out to weekly card games. Euchre is played on Wednes- days at 1 p.m., and Pepper is played on Fridays at 7 p.m. The cost per game is $3 per person.
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.
Get your copy of the ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP BEACON at your local library!
Lambton Elderly Outreach (LEO) offers seniors Diner’s Club offered
SOMBRA: On Tuesday, February 13, Lambton Elderly Outreach (LEO) Diner’s Club will host a monthly light lunch and entertainment by Great Lakes Law from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at a cost of $12 per person at the Sombra Museum Cultural Centre.
CORUNNA: On Wednesday, February 21, the Diner’s Club offers a monthly hot meal and entertain- ment from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for $17 at Wellings. Entertainment by Oil Museum of Canada. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND. To register for lunch or for more information, con- tact Della at 519-845-1353, ext. 301 or email: dcroxford@lambtonelderlyoutreach.org
From page 19 M O R E A R O U N D T H E T O W N S H I P
M.A.S. Bulldog fundraising raffle
The Moore Agricultural Society has always been a continuous supporter of the youth in our com- munity and surrounding area. M.A.S. has currently partnered with the Grade 8 graduating class from Brigden Public School to host a fundraising raffle.
The proceeds from the raffle will go towards graduation activities, which include a graduation trip to Muskoka Woods.
Three prizes have been generously donated: a Brigden Bulldog lap quilt donated by Always Quilt- ing; a family photography session donated by
Lolaz Snaps Photography; and a hair care basket
and gift card donated by The Tousled Chair.
Tickets are $5 each or 3 tickets for $10.
Tickets are available at Always Quilting, The Tousled Chair, or by contacting Marcy Scott
at pickin.dazies@gmail.com or Lynette Brown
at lolazsnapsphotography@yahoo.ca, and at most
M.A.S functions.
20The draw will be held on Sunday, March 24th, Showing off the fantastic Brigden Bulldog lap quilt are Grade
Di 24 at 7:30 pm at the M.A.S Annual Roast Beef 8 student Lily Scott and MAS President John Scott.
nner.
Literacy Lambton project continues
The Baby Bookworms project will continue through 2024. Every new baby born at Bluewater Health (1,100-1,200 annu- ally in Lambton County) is greeted with a literacy wel-
come. Waiting in each crib is a handmade tote with new books, 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten keepsake log en-
couraging new parents to read right from birth and track books read, and connections to programs and
services every new parents needs to know.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Are you a sewist or belong to a guild or sewing circle? Want to be part of the Baby Bookworms project? Con- sider joining the Literacy Lambton Sewing Army infantry unit and sew
totes to welcome these new babies. For more information
reach out to Tracy,
info@literacylambton.org
Attention Bookworms of all ages
The Rotary of Sarnia Bluewater- land Used Book Sale continues on Feb. 9 and 10 in the sunny DeGroots greenhouse at 1840 London Line.
The sale includes thousands of pa- perbacks and hardcover fiction, as well as non-fiction. There are also books on art, how-to books in every medium biographies, military and science, self-help, sports, transpor- tation and travel. The children’s area has books for every reading level from beginner to young adult priced from $.50 to $2. The Better Book section now includes collecti- ble books of higher value, recent publications, and sets all priced
accordingly.
Corunna Legion Br. 447-Elimination draw results
On January 17, Branch 447, Leslie Sutherland, Royal Cana- dian Legion Ladies Auxiliary held a successful Elimination draw. Five hundred tickets were printed with 348 sold with a grand prize of$2,000.
The winners were as follows: Ticket # 77 – Eric Hancock –
$100 Ticket # 223 – Steve Gryzelak – $50 Ticket # 32 – Debbie Crown – $50 Ticket # 217 Bonnie Brown – $50 Ticket # 371 Karin Pennington – $100 Ticket #348 Wendy Toms – $50 Ticket # 245 Roger Newby – $50 Ticket #25 Brian Beaudoin – $50 Ticket #295 Jen Beaudoin – $150 Ticket #334 Ruth Bechard – $50 Ticket #178 Bill Johnston – $50 Ticket #264 Jerry Johnston – $50 Ticket #15 Jeff Lowen – $150 Ticket # 130 Melinda Stevens – $50 Tick- et # 100 Margaret Neal – $250 Ticket #322 Matt Lloyd – $300 Ticket #294 Marg Emery – $2,000.
Thank you for supporting Branch 447 – Corunna Legion
From page 20 M O R E A R O U N D T O W N S H I P
Share your Lambton hockey-related experiences with its museums/archives
The Lambton County Archives and the Lambton Heritage Museum are looking for Lambton Coun- ty hockey stories, photos, and objects. Anyone willing to share them can submit stories or photos
electronically at lambtonmuseums.ca/hockey. The Archives can assist with the digitization of these materials for the project by calling 519-845-5426 or book an appointment online at lambtonar- chives.ca. Submissions are now being accepted until February 29, 2024.
An effort is currently underway to preserve Lambton County’s hockey history. Nicole Aszalos, Ar-
chivist/Supervisor with Lambton County, said, “Hockey has a strong history here in Lambton Coun- ty….There are fantastic stories out there of youth leagues, playing pond hockey with friends, and notable players or teams with roots in Lambton County.”
Lambton County Archives is specifically seeking stories related to playing or watching hockey within the county, including stories of organized leagues, recreational teams, and casual pick-up games with friends that took place within Lambton County.
Submitted stories and photos may be displayed as part of the larger feature exhibition, HOCKEY, to be presented at Lambton Heritage Museum this year from July to October.
Other hockey-related items in relatively good condition, such as hockey skates, jerseys, sticks, trophies and medals which could be included in the exhibition, are also being sought on a tempo- rary basis. They must also have a Lambton County connection. To submit an object
for consideration, please fill out the form available at: lambtonmuseums.ca/hockey by February 29.
Museum staff will follow up directly regarding objects selected to be part of the exhibit.
For more information about Lambton County Archives, visit: lambtonarchives.ca .
For more information about Lambton Heritage Museum, visit: heritagemuseum.ca
More Moore Agricultural Society info from page 20
at 1 p.m. Cash bar will be open and scalloped potato and ham supper will be offered for $15 per person at 5 p.m. Musicians are welcome. Dance the afternoon away with your favourite leprechaun.
*Annual Beef Dinner is back on Sunday, March 24. More details to come.
*Easter Sunday and Mother’s Day Brunches are sched- uled with more details to follow.
Please watch the Brigden Fair Facebook page and Website for additional events that are being planned as well as details on the above items.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Need volunteer hours?
Students in need of volunteer hours are invited to col- lect them by helping with fundraising events or banquets.
Contact: info@brigdenfair.ca or
michelle.evanitski@brigdenfair.ca
Brigden Fair sponsors invited to get on board If you’ve ever thought about being part of the Brigden Fair, now is the time to do it. Let’s discuss opportuni- ties for you and/or your company to become a class sponsor at the fair. It’s easy. Just give us a call at 519- 864-1197 to discuss opportunities or email: in- fo@brigdenfair.ca or
michelle@evanitski@brigdenfair.ca
A Homecraft sponsorship can cost as little as $25. Livestock sponsorship is higher, so please call for de- tails and you’ll discover all of the possible categories from which you can choose.
Moore Agricultural Society Homecraft Division 2024 Executive elected
Above: The new MAS Homecraft Division Executive was elected during the Homecraft Annual Meeting on Jan.
13.The 2024 executive includes, from left: Marcy Scott; Lori Ouellette; Kathy Scott; Cheryl McGuire; and Mari- lyn Shaw.
Quilt for 2024 quilt raffle revealed
Right: At the Moore Agricultural Society Annual meet- ing, the new quilt
for the 2024 Quilt Raffle was re- vealed. Tickets are available for $5 each or 3 for $10. Quilt committee members with the quilt are, from left: Lori Ouellette and Kathy Scott.
More Around the Township, page 18
A R O U N D T H E T O W N S H I P
519-862-1240
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Membership is NOT necessary to enjoy the facilities.
Our hall is wheelchair accessible
ALL ARE WELCOME
Regular Legion Br. 447 Activities
*Mondays: Pepper played at 1 p.m.
*Thursdays: Cribbage played at 1p.m.
*Fridays: Bridge played at 1p.m.
*Meat Darts, Friday, Feb. 9 & 23 at 7 p.m.
*Saturdays: Meat draws begin at 4 p.m.
*Open Jam, Saturday, Feb. 24
General Meeting is slated for Feb. 6
*Wednesday evening yoga
Chair yoga – 6:30
Stretch and restore – 7:30
For Elimination Draw results, see page 18
Online Subscription
Available
A free subscription to The St. Clair Township Beacon
is available by emailing:
beacon@stclairtownship.ca Please type “ Subscription ” in the Subject l ine and include
your full name.
To find THE BEACON online, visit the township
website homepage at:
www.stclairtownship.ca
and click on The Beacon icon.
Items that qualify for publication
THE BEACON is open at no charge to not-for-profits in St. Clair Township (i.e. service clubs, youth/seniors groups, agricultural groups, charity initiatives, etc.) AND groups, events, or activities that will benefit and/or interest residents of St. Clair Town- ship.
Saturday, Feb. 3,2024 – Double teams
Register from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.; play at 11 a.m.
$5 per event and food will be available.
Hall is wheelchair accessible.
FB: The Royal Canadian Legion Leslie Sutherland Br.447
More information on the above events is available by calling (519) 862-1240
or on Facebook: The Royal Canadian Legion, Leslie Sutherland Br.447
Thursdays and Fridays Branch opens at 6 p.m.
*Saturday, Feb. 3: Progressive Euchre starting at 7 p.m.
Branch opens at 6 p.m.
*Saturday, Feb. 10: Meat Raffle starts at 4:30 p.m.
Branch opens at 4 p.m.
*Saturday, Feb. 17: Trivia starting at 7 p.m.
Branch opens at 6 p.m.
*Saturday, Feb. 24: Meat Raffle starts at 4:30 p.m.
Branch opens at 4 p.m.
*******************************************************************
Moore Agricultural Society events
*Valentines Country Jamboree will take place on Sun- day, Feb. 11 with the doors opening at 12 noon and mu- sic starting at 1 p.m. Cash bar will be open and scal- loped potato and ham supper will be offered for $15 per person at 5 p.m. Musicians are welcome. Come dance the afternoon away with your Valentine.
*Everyone’s a Lil’ Irish Country Jamboree will take place Sunday, March 10. Doors open at 12 noon and music starts
More Around the Township, page 19
PRINTED BEACON now available at all St. Clair Township library branches and at the St. Clair Town- ship Civic Centre at front door.
To submit information, photos, or a notice, email:
beacon@stclairtownship.ca
DEADLINE FOR MARCH SUBMISSIONS
is Monday, February 19, 2024
