THE TOWNSHIP OF ST. CLAIR
WORKS DEPARTMENT
Pages 6-8
Around the Township Pages
20-16
Warm Christmas greetings and best wishes for 2025 from St. Clair Township Council and Staff
Triple C
Carvers create Theatre Sarnia
FOOD BANK
OPENS NEW HOME – Page 16
Please Help
group 100th
anniversary Basswood Logo
Page 12
The Sacred Heart Food Bank now has a bright, spacious location open to those who need help in these trying
times.
The Beacon of St. Clair Township DECEMBER 2024 Page 2
NOTICE
2025 Capital Budget
Meeting
St. Clair Township 2025 Capital Budget presentation and deliberation meeting will be held on Thursday November 28, 2024, starting at 5 p.m. The budget meeting is open to the public and all ratepayers are welcome to at- tend.
All regular council meetings are open to the pub- lic, and can also be seen online by going onto the township website at: www.stclairtownship.ca.
The regular Council schedule of two monthly council meetings are held the first and third Mondays of each
month.
Winter Parking By-law
In accordance with St. Clair Township By-
Law 5 of 2022, as of Dec. 1, it is against the law to leave vehicles of any kind, whether licensed or unlicensed, parked overnight from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m. on public roads or streets.
They must be kept clear to allow the unimpeded pas- sage of snow or any winter control operation conducted by municipal forces or contractors. The by-law will be in effect until April 1, 2025. It includes: camping trailers, commercial trailers, derelict vehicles, marine vehicles, and recreational trailers. All obstructions, including bas- ketball nets and garbage cans, must also be kept off the streets.
Residents are reminded it is against the law (Highway Traffic Act) to shovel snow from driveways and sidewalks out onto public streets. These snow piles create danger- ous obstacles that can contribute to needless automobile collisions and the loss of control of a vehicle.
Problem intersection to receive secondary stop signs
The rural intersection of Courtright Line (Hwy. 80) and Mandaumin Road (County Road 26) in St. Clair Township, recently the site of a multiple-fatality triple-vehicle crash, will soon receive more stop signs.
At the Nov. 6 meeting of Lambton County Council, it was decided secondary stop signs would be installed on Mandau- min Road and Courtright Line, as well as Petrolia Line (County Road 4).
County staff was also asked to consider the installation of flashing beacons at locations like that.
The horrific October 13 crash took the life of a 19-year-
More Municipal Notes, page 3
(Schedule may be
altered to accommodate holidays.)
Upcoming council meetings will be:
Monday, December 2 at 3 p.m.
December 16 at 6 p.m.
To make a presentation to council or for more information, call the St. Clair Township munici- pal office at 519-867-2021 (1-800-809-0301).
NOTE: This information is
accurate at publication time but may be
subject to change.
Hunting licences NO LONGER available at St. Clair Township
office
Township of St. Clair will NO LONGER issue municipal hunting licenses.
Government of Ontario hunting requirements still apply.
For more information, visit:
http://www.ontario.ca/ page/hunting-licence-ontario
-residents
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 DECEMBER 2024 Page 3
Continued from page 2
Operation of any motor vehicle on St. Clair River Trail is illegal
Recent complaints to the St. Clair Township office indicate there are still some people operating their motor ve- hicles on the St. Clair River Trail.
It is not only a Provincial offence to operate a motor vehicle on the trail, but it violates St. Clair Township By-Law #45 of 2018, in which motor vehi- cles are defined as any type of vehicle drawn, pro- pelled, or driven by any kind of power except muscu- lar power. This includes automobiles, motor scooters,
Municipal Notes Continued from page 3
old St. Clair Township resident and another person sus-
tained life-threatening injuries.
RV fee increase sparks objections
Deputations of RV campers from Branton-Cundick Park and Cathcart Park attended the Nov. 4 meeting of Coun- cil to question the need for fee increases recently pro- posed for St. Clair Township parks.
Laurie Duffield, spokesperson for the Branton-Cundick Park attendees, offered a well-researched argument dur- ing her presentation. Referring to a report issued by Ken- dall Lindsay, Director of Community Services, Mrs. Duf- field cited Mr. Lindsay’s use of many recent articles that have been written about what has been called the RV cul- ture crisis that is taking place across North America. Mr. Lindsay used these articles to illustrate that St. Clair Township has not been spared from the negative effects that are plaguing the RV culture in general.
For instance, the cost of everything increased substan- tially after COVID, including municipal utilities like elec- tricity and water. This, coupled with the ensuing effects of inflation, has caused the same inevitable increase in the cost of operating a township RV campground as it does for a permanent household. Since RV residents enjoy access to the same municipal utilities during their stay in municipal campgrounds, Mr. Lindsay reasoned it is only fair RV owners pay the same rate for the utilities they use.
In addition, he explained that because of the reduced campground staffing caused by the departure of some staff and rising cost of wages for others, it was not possi- ble to deliver the level of services RV residents have come to expect during past visits. Mr. Lindsay explained fewer staff are being called upon to handle the same burden of jobs in an effort to keep costs to the campers down as much as possible.
“We have a lot to take care of…There are well over 100 staff… There are just the three managers now and we take care of it all,” said Mr. Lindsay, adding staff take care of 85 facilities with fewer staff than in past years. These facilities include the St. Clair Parkway Golf Course and the Mooretown Sports Complex. “We have staff short- ages; we have a lot of challenges with people leaving,” he said.
Although young, inexperienced staff members were hired to replace some of the older experienced staff that left the department, Mr. Lindsay says the new hires did relatively well. “We’ve done a great job with the young people who are working here,” he said. “We know they’re green, but we are trying to work with them to help them get better and they are getting better.”
With the burden being faced by the Community Services Department, Mr. Lindsay has an acute awareness of the financial difficulties his department is facing. When the
mini-bikes, motorized snow vehicles, golf carts and ATVs.
The St. Clair River Trail exists to provide pedestrians of all ages with a safe place to walk and enjoy the natural beauty the St. Clair River Trail affords.
Every person who contravenes any provision of the by-law is guilty of an offence and if convict- ed, faces a set fine of $200.
annual budget has to be considered, he has to advise Council with real-world information. “I have to make sug- gestions that are relevant,” he said.
In response to criticism voiced by Mrs. Duffield and Cathcart Park representative Kevin Button, Mr. Lindsay said, I have to look at the bottom line, I can’t come back to council every time and say Branton-Cundick’s in the hole…Cathcart’s in the hole… I have to make suggestions that are relevant to what is happening.”
He added, “I don’t think it’s fair to anybody…it takes more for me to run my household right now because eve- rything’s gone up in price. Recreation is one of those things that’s getting hit right now.”
The Nov. 4 discussion about municipal campground mat- ters led to an enlightening explanation of challenges be- ing faced by St. Clair Township Council. Mayor Agar re- minded the delegations that some of the campgrounds in St. Clair Township had originally been the property of the St. Clair Parkway Commission and were downloaded to the township when the Commission folded.
“When we were given them…downloaded from the province, we were told we had to run them off the reve- nue we made off them,” said Mayor Agar. “The golf course is paying (for the work being done there) with the revenues they take in.” To illustrate the financial respon- sibilities the township would have faced to update the existing facilities at Cathcart Park, including the new re- ception building, washrooms, store, etc, the cost of doing the project would have been $500,000. “That’s why it wasn’t done at that time,” said Mayor Agar. “It has to be feasible…maybe the municipality shouldn’t be owning campgrounds.”
Councillor Bill Myers expressed his admiration for Mr. Lindsay and his staff. “I’d like to give credit to our staff because they have looked forward and tried to project some revenue into the budget so that things can be done in the future. The money has to come from somewhere. These campgrounds have to generate their own reve- nues.”
Mrs. Duffield clarified the purpose of her presentation, saying that her issue was not with the staff at Branton- Cundick Park. She praised the young staff for their con- duct and their service.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Sidebar to RV fee increase
From the The Hamilton Spectator to the Financial Post, there have been feature stories about the economy’s strong negative effect on RV culture this year.
In the online July 22, 2024 Financial Post story, There is Trouble Brewing in RV Country, it was revealed that the RV camping industry is teetering on the brink of a full
-blown existential crisis. In Canada, the problem is being seen throughout the nation. The Post writes, “…there has never been more demand among Canadians for RV campsites, nor more interest among institutional inves- tors to buy up RV parks from weary owners.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Responsible Pet Ownership by-law Dog kennels and runs; Pound keeping and penalties for such
infractions as abandoning a dog or litter; Leaving an animal
By-Law 40 of 2024 unattended in a motor vehicle if weather conditions are not reasonably suitable for that containment; Not having a cur-
rent license for the dog and the fine for failing to do so.
New draft By-Law 40 of 2024 provides for the regulation, While discussing the new by-law, council also discussed the restriction, and prohibition of the control and keeping of Dogs inclusion of cats that run loose unlicensed and unrestrained. and other animals within the Corporation of the Township of This subject has been discussed at other council meetings in St. Clair. the past and issues such as enforcement have rendered such a The by-law has been developed to protect township resi- by-law impractical. But should current circumstances change,
dents and their dogs. It includes subjects such as: Prohibiting amendments can be considered.
dogs from running at large or trespassing; Control of animals;
Township office staff and personnel conduct the business of the township as it is written in the by- laws and in the decisions made for the smooth operation of the municipality. When interacting with these people, remember they must adhere to these by-laws and decisions when trying to assist you. PLEASE BE COURTEOUS TO STAFF. Remember they are doing their job. Even if the answers you re- ceive in the course of your interaction are not satisfactory to you, ask them politely who would be able to help you and how to contact them.
Please treat our staff the way you want to be treated.
Emergency notification system recommended for township
The deterioration of the emergency notification system poses a threat to the community and the environ- ment, so St. Clair Fire has been exploring solutions to the problem.
The most viable solution is the SARNIA-Lambton ALERTS system, which boasts partners like Lambton County, City of Sarnia, BASES, everbridge, and now, St. Clair Township. It is a regional public alerting system used by other Sarnia-Lambton municipalities and other community partners to send emergency alerts and other important community notices to subscribers in a timely manner.
Users can subscribe FREE OF CHARGE and customize which types of notifications they would like to receive, indicat- ing how they would like to receive them. The available notifications include: shelter-in-place advisories; drinking wa- ter emergencies; evacuation advisories; extreme temperatures; Lambton Public Health notices; and industrial up- dates.
Stay informed when minutes matter!
To subscribe to this emergency notification system,
go online to: sarnialambtonalerts.ca
Stay active with new sports kits from Lambton County Library
To promote health and wellness by encouraging physical activity and learning through play, Lamb- ton County Library is expanding its collection to include new Sports Kits.
There are four separate Sports Kits, each one focused on a particular sport, containing basic equipment needed to play the sport.
The four Sports Kits include:
• Basketball: Includes a basketball and pump.
• Pickleball: Includes two paddles and balls.
• Baseball: Includes four bases, a pitcher’s mark- er, bat, and ball.
• Soccer: Includes a ball, cones, and pump.
Patrons can enjoy a seven-day lending period for each Sports Kit. This timeframe allows them to explore a new sport at their own pace, practice their skills, or enjoy a friendly game.
Sports kits can be borrowed with a valid Lamb- ton County Library card. Library cards are free for anyone who lives, works, studies, owns property in Lambton County, or is a resident of a First Na- tions community in Ontario. For more information on how to become a Lambton County Library
cardholder visit: www.lclibrary.ca/apply
Trail Talk – Gift Ideas for people ‘On The Move’
Gifts for walkers:
Safety light – i.e lighted hat, flash light, shoe lights
Reflective vest, reflective body sash Reflective or bright-coloured clothing Arm band to hold ID, key, cards/cash Walking sticks – to assist with balance A pedometer
Water bottle Hand warmers
Cyclists Gifts:
Reflective vest, reflective body sash Reflective or bright-coloured clothing
Bike bell, horn
Bike lights – front and rear An odometer
Carrier for front or rear of the bike Water bottle holder
Bicycle rack – transport bikes to discover new trails Straps to secure pant legs
Thank you ‘Trail Neighbours’ for
kindly giving the gift of sweeping and edging the River Trails.
Happy Trails, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
H A R V E S T H O M E B E Y O N D T H E B U F F E T
Once again this year, the Wilkesport Commu- nity Centre hosted the Harvest Home commu- nity dinner, featuring a home-cooked dinner followed by homemade pies, a 50/50 draw and entertainment by the duo of Cheryl McFarlane, left, and Cathy Landeryou, collectively known as Girls Night Out. The ladies covered a variety of music, from ballads to up-tempo contempo- rary tunes.
Right: As a large crowd of diners finished their scrumptious Harvest Home dinners, the kitchen came alive with the rattle of dishes and cultery as volunteers Jeff Shepherd and Mary Lou Denning began the chore of clean- inig up.
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.
The Beacon of St. Clair Township DECEMBER 2024 Page 6
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
Water utility appointments St. Clair Township By-Law 11 of 2024 requires at least 48
require 48 hours notice hours notice in advance of scheduling appointments with the
Public Works department to avoid service fees.
77:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
April 2024 to December 2024 Contact information for recycling provider
• Residents wishing to report any recycling collection issues are to contact the Contrac- tor (Emterra Environmental) directly at 1-
888-597-1541.
• Alternatively, visit their website at: em- terra.ca, and click on “Customer Service” section.
• For further recycling issues / concerns resi- dents may also contact “Circular Materials” by email
There is a new “Where to Recycle” website that has launched that offers residents the ability to look up items they are unsure of where to recycle:
RPRA (Resource Productivity & Re- covery Authority) – RPRA’s “Where to Recycle” map displays locations across Ontario where you can drop off used
materials to be recycled, such as bat- teries, electronics, household hazard- ous waste, lighting and tires, for
free. Materials collected at these loca- tions are reused, refurbished, recycled, or properly disposed of to help keep them out of landfill, recover valuable resources and protect our environ- ment.
See More Works Department, page 8
From page 6
Yard Waste Collection:
Yard waste collection (leaves, grass, etc.) will be collected for the fall season until Nov. 20. *Christmas tree collec- tion will remain the same for Jan. 6, 2025.
*Brush collection (bundles of sticks) is no longer provided. See below chart for suggested disposal sites.*
Suggested locations to take brush:
(All locations require a fee)
Transco Recycling, 387 McGregor Side Rd., Sarnia; Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat. 8 a.m. to Noon; 519-332-4045
Curran Recycling, 526 McGregor Side Rd., Sarnia; Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat. 8 a.m. to Noon: 519-332-0849
Waste Depot, 456 McGregor Side Rd., Sar- nia; Mon.-Fri. 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sat. 7
a.m. to 3 p.m. 519-333-08252
Wallaceburg Leaf and Yard Depot, 505 Water St., Wallaceburg Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m. to Noon
519-627-8101
NOTE: Call ahead to confirm hours and fees which are all are subject to change.
See More Works Department, page 9
More Foodcycler® units NOW AVAILABLE!
The Foodcycler® Waste Diversion Pilot composter trial, in which St. Clair Township participated in 2023/2024, resulted in the township selling 277 Foodcycler® units and having a waiting list of 19. The success of that trial has prompted Council to approve another order of Foodcycler®
units; the original FC-30 and the larger capacity ECO 5 Maestro.
To learn more about the program, please
contact Public Works at:
stclairpw@stclairtownship.ca
519-867-2993
FC-30 ECO 5 Maestro
Lambton Public Health warns—TEST YOUR WELL WATER SUPPLY
Lambton Public Health (LPH) urges residents with private wells to regularly test their well water to ensure the water is safe to drink. High-water levels, flood conditions, and saturated grounds could allow harmful bacteria to enter the drinking water, making it unsafe to consume. Test wells routinely several times a year or after flood conditions to test for harmful bacte- ria such as E.coli. Bacteria testing and water sampling kits are available FREE OF CHARGE at: Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital in Petrolia, Monday—Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 3:30p.m. OR Lambton Public Health, 160 Exmouth Street in Point Edward, Monday- Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Property owners who dig without knowing where buried utility, pipelines, and cables are located are looking for trouble, expensive repairs, and maybe even tragedy.
Contact on1call.com or call 1-800-400-2255 to be sure you know where the buried hazards are and what they are.
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.
The Beacon of St. Clair Township DECEMBER 2024 Page 9
Keep fire safety in mind this holiday season!
By Andrew McMilanm, CFEI what to do if the smoke or CO alarms Deputy Fire Chief, Fire Prevention sound.
The holiday season is a time of joy and celebra- By following these fire safety tips, you can en-
tion, but it also brings an increased risk of fire joy a safer holiday season. For more updates hazards. To ensure a safe and festive holiday, and tips on fire safety throughout the year, fol-
it’s essential to follow these fire safety tips: low us on our social media channels! Stay in-
• Always stay in the kitchen when something formed and help spread awareness in your com-
is cooking on the stove top. munity about keeping the holidays safe for eve-
ryone.
• Place lit candles away from anything that
can burn and out of the reach of children and pets where they can’t be knocked over. Remember to extinguish the candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
Consider using battery-operated or electric flameless candles.
• Drink responsibly. Attempting to cook while under the influence of alcohol is too often a contributing factor in fatal fires.
• Make sure the base of real Christmas trees is immersed in water at all times, to pre- vent them from getting too dry.
• Check all sets of decorative lights before
putting them up and discard any sets that Have a safe
are damaged;
• Lithium-ion batteries may pose a fire risk. Merry Christmas
Stay fire safe and don’t overcharge, don’t and a
use mismatched chargers, don’t use home-
made batteries, or aftermarket replace- Happy, Healthy
ments.
Test your smoke and CO alarms every month New Year!
and install new batteries if needed.
• Develop and practice a home fire escape ~From St. Clair Fire
plan so that everyone in your home knows
West Lambton Community Health Centre Programs for November
Coffee Time West Lambton Community Health Centre (#100-429 Join us for free coffee and conversation every Friday Exmouth St., Sarnia)
at 10:45 a.m. Everyone is welcome! Every Friday, Mooretown Low Impact Exercise Class 10:45 – 11:45 a.m. at West Lambton Community Health Enjoy low-impact cardio, bodyweight, and resistance Centre (#100-429 Exmouth St., Sarnia) band exercises on Wednesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at
Coping with Stress & Preparing for the Mooretown Sports Complex (1166 Emily St., Moore-
Holidays Online Workshop town)
Learn how to navigate holiday obligations and manage Sit or Stand Exercise Class (Zoom)
seasonal stress. November 18th, 3:00 p.m. via Zoom. This class offers exercises with resistance bands, with
Cooking Buddies in Corunna options to stand or sit. All fitness levels are welcome! Join our children’s cooking classes for ages 6-12! Kids Mondays, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. & Wednesdays from 1:30 – will learn to read recipe cards, measure ingredients, 2:30 p.m. via Zoom
try new foods, and have fun! Classes will run once a **To register for any programs, please call Rebec-
month. November 28th, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. in Corunna
(346 Beresford St., Corunna) ca at (519) 344-3017 ext. 237. For our virtual pro-
Meditation Class grams, don’t forget to email rever-
Join our seated meditation class designed to boost self aerert@nlchc.com to receive the Zoom link!
-esteem, improve focus, lower blood pressure, and
reduce stress. Every Monday, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at
Below Left: The Corunna Legion Br. 447 honour guard at the Remembrance Day service on Nov. 11 listen as Br. 447 Padre Paul Woolley delivers a moving message about the mistaken philosophy that there is glory in war. He noted glory is found in compassion.
Left: 50 year Legion member Bob Churchill receives his 50 year pin from Br. 447 Presi- dent Shawn MacNeil. Mr. MacNeil thanked Bob for his many years of service to the Le- gion. Mr. Churchill says he followed in the footsteps of his father, a WWII veter- an, by joining the Pe- trolia Legion as an associate in 1974.
Right: Trying out one of two new steel art
benches on the property of the updated Brigden Legion Br. 635 cenotaph are, left: Legion members Terry MacDonald and Debbie Crown.
St. Clair Township Mayor Jeff Agar approaches the cenotaph to place a wreath in the name of the people of St. Clair Township. Bonnie Stevenson photos
The Beacon of St. Clair Township DECEMBER 2024 Page 11
Recalling the fallen and offering comfort to survivors
Wounded Warriors dogs are life-changers
Our Legions have been busy this year, as they are every year, making sure those who have died for their country will be remembered. But their efforts extend far beyond remembrance when they provide help for those who have survived with crippling wounds that cannot be seen. They spread the message that all battles do not happen on the battle field and that there is help for those who struggle every day to cope with invisible ene- mies inside.
Two of these courageous soldiers, Tammy, left, and Britney, right, battle severe psychological issues from their deeply traumatic pasts. With the help of Laura, who operates the Wounded Warrior Service Dog organi-
zation and is a trau- ma victim herself, Tammy and Britney now have specially trained dogs who can help those with se- vere trauma issues not only cope, but find their way back into the world.
At Tammy’s feet is her super smart Liga- to breed service companion, Bruno. He attended the re- cent Corunna Legion Remembrance and Awards Banquet and kept watch over his good friend to see
she remained comfortable and able to cope. He’s so
smart he can sense when Tammy is agitated and he knows how to comfort her. Britney also has a service dog. During her presentation at the Legion event, she confided that the day before she received her dog, she had contemplated taking her own life, but the arrival of her new companion opened up a better life for her. “My life absolutely changed when I got my first service dog,” she said.
The dogs don’t become attuned to their owners immediately. Wounded Warriors operator Laura says it takes two years of training with a dog and its handler before the dog is ready to work, and before that, the puppy that is chosen to be trained must be assessed to be sure it is compatible with the person it will serve.
Another road block is the cost of each service dog. Keeping in mind the years of conditioning and training the dog and its handler must go through, the cost of acquiring a dog works out to $50,000.
The Corunna Legion Br. 447 is now conducting a “break-down draw” to raise the funds to obtain a service dog for someone in need. The Corunna Br. 447 Legion Ladies Auxiliary donated $12,000 early in the draw and recently donated another $8,000 dur- ing the Nov.9 Rembrance/Awards banquet.
The Wounded Warrior service dog program has shown itself to be effective in liberating victims from overwhelming thoughts, feelings and behaviours that manifest due to horrors they have encountered at some time in their lives.
The victims of PTSD, severe anxiety disorder, severe depression and other psychiatric disorders are waiting to receive a service dog that will pro- tect them from their invisible tormentor.
Cont
Updated Brigden Cenotaph Dedicated
The original cenotaph monument in Brigden was erected and dedicated in 1968 by a group of local veterans of World War I, World War II, and Korea. The group, known as “The Brigden Vet- erans Association”, in cooperation with the Township of Moore, raised the funds necessary to construct and install this first cen- otaph and flagpole.
In the subsequent years, Canadian Armed forces members have continued to serve throughout the world, with many making the supreme sacrifice.
Sadly, their sacrifice has often been overlooked in the collective national consciousness. It was with this in mind that a commit- tee of volunteers within Branch 635 of the Royal Canadian Le- gion, proposed and worked on memorializing those brave men and women who have given their lives in service to Canada’s participation in numerous North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Operations, and over 30 United Nations (UN) Peacekeep- ing missions.
The new memorial markers, and the addition of the inscription remembering Canada’s involvement in the war in Afghanistan, are our community’s tribute to those who have served and con- tinue to to serve in the defense of this nation.
Upgrades/additons to Brigden Cenotaph made possible by:The Arnold family; Brigden United Church;Tom Chlebowski; Tom Hawkins; Pete&Ang McRae; Moore Agricultural Society; Darlene
Nottley; Darlene Pepper memorial donations; Linda Sangster; Sean Maas-Stevens; Township of St. Clair; Vandenheuvel Auto Sales; Brigden Optimist Club; Colin Brooks; FCPCJC Limited; Knights of Columbus Council 9447; Percy Metcalf; Deanna Mun- dy; Bill Newman; Steadman Brothers Funeral Home; Charles Ste- vens; Kathi Vandenheuvel.
Project Partners: Township of St. Clair; St. Croix Memorials Inc.; BKR Home Services; Br. 635 Royal Canadian Legion; Feddes Fabrications Inc.; MorLo Yardscapes Ltd.
The Beacon of St. Clair Township DECEMBER 2024 Page 12
Theatre logo carving marks 100th anniversary
Above: Tragedy & Comedy, the Triple C Carver’s masterful creation in basswood, will soon hang in the foyer of the Imperial Theatre.
The Beacon of St. Clair Township DECEMBER 2024 Page 13
Rememberyourfood bank when you shop Help Sacred Heart food bank help others
The Sacred Heart Food Bank continues to aid the community addressing food insecurity all year long. Nourishing food items and daily supplies like personal hygiene items, baby needs, and house- hold cleaning supplies, as well as grocery store gift cards and mon- etary donations, are always gratefully accepted. Food bank shelves need to be replenished on a regular basis. The Sacred Heart food bank appreciates all donations and the basics are always in high demand. Drop off bins are located for your convenience at: DG Grains Becher location; Mainstreet Credit Union in Port Lamb- ton; Port Lambton Food Market; Port Lambton United Church; Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Port Lambton.
St. Andrew’s food bank helps those in need Please help St. Andrew’s with your donation
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, hy- giene products, and baby needs. The fresh food supplied at the food bank costs approximately $75 per week to purchase. Anyone wishing to make a financial donation to the food bank can do so through Food Bank, C/O St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 437 Colborne Drive, Corunna, Ontario, N0N 1G0. Gift cards to Foodland and No Frills are also welcome.
Courtright Friendship Club activities
The Courtright Friendship Club meets every first Thursday of every month next to the Courtright Library,1533 Fourth Street. An- nual membership is $10, but non-members are welcome to come out to weekly card games. Euchre is played on Wednesdays at 1 p.m., and Pepper is played on Fridays at 1 p.m. The cost per game is $3 per person.
People in rural and underserved areas will be able to find a Wi-Fi hotspot at their local library thanks to a new initiative by Lambton County Library. Paired with a library cardholder’s own device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer, a Wi-Fi hotspot will provide reliable internet service. Wi-Fi hotspots are available for a 14-day lending period for adult and teen borrowers.
The hotspots offer unlimited data access, but content restrictions are in place to comply with vendor policies. These restrictions include streaming services like Netflix, Prime, and Disney+, as well as gam- bling and adult content sites.
Hotspots must be reserved and can be delivered to any Lambton County Library location for pickup.
(Library cards are free for anyone who lives, works, or studies in Lambton County, owns property in Lambton County, or lives in a First Nations com- munity in Ontario. Identification, including proof of address, must be pre- sented.)
Visit lclibrary.ca for more information on Lambton County Library’s loca- tions and collections.
The Beacon of St. Clair Township DECEMBER 2024 Page 14
Wilkesport United Church selling seasonal message signs
Wilkesport United Church coming events
The Wilkesport United Church women will offer some tasty events in the coming months, right through
until April.
The first event is already here! Ready-to-bake frozen pies are now available in these flavours: pumpkin, apple, cherry, and blueberry. At $20 each, you can treat your family and guests to de- licious freshly cooked pies during the holiday sea- son. To purchase, contact Betty at 519-381-9874.
Next Easter, the Wilkesport United Church will host a pancake supper for Shrove Tuesday. On Tuesday, March 4 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the church, 3214 Mill Street in Wilkesport. A free will offering will be the cost of enjoying this deli- cious holiday meal and take-out will be available. The meal includes: pancakes, sausage, tea and coffee.
And when spring rolls around, the Wilkesport United Church will host a stew supper on Thurs- day, April 10 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the church, 3214 Mill Street, Wilkesport. The meal includes: biscuits, coffee/tea and dessert. The cost is a free will offering and take-out meals will be available. Address inquiries or large orders to Betty at 519-381-9874.
MOORETOWN SPORTS COMPLEX-DECEMBER 2024
FALL Sunday Public Skate 1:00pm – 2:15pm $3.00/child, $4.25/adult, $10.00 / family.
Fall Weekday Public Skate Wednesday – 10:30am – 12:00pm Monday and Friday – 12:30pm – 2:00pm
$2.50/person, $10.00/family Shinny Hockey (18+) Tuesdays 9-10AM – $5/person.
Family Shinny Nov 15th, Dec 27th, Jan 3rd, Jan 31st, Feb 17th, Mar 14th, April 4th, June 27th. 11AM-12PM
– $5/person.
Get Fit at the Moore Sports Complex! Join us for a variety of energizing fitness classes, including Mat Pilates, Guns and Buns, Spin, and Yoga! Whether you prefer to pay as you go, purchase a punch pass, or commit to a membership, we have options that suit your needs. Check out our full fitness schedule at: www.stclairtownshipcommunityservices.ca and take the first step towards a healthier you!
Winter Swim Lessons Registration opens Dec 11th, 2024, at 9am. Login to your account or call 519-867- 2651 for more information!
Looking to become a Lifeguard/Swim Instructor? Registration for Winter Advance Courses such as Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, National Lifeguard, Swim Instructor and Lifesaving Swim Instructor will open on Dec. 11, 2024.
Check our website for our Fall Pool and Fitness Schedule For more information or to register for any of the programs, contact the Mooretown Sports Complex at 519-867-2651.
Moore Sports Complex HAPPY
Dec. Holiday Closures @ NEW
24 & Dec. 31 – CLOSED
12 p.m. (Noon) Dec. 25, 26 & YEAR!
Jan. 1 – CLOSED all day.
From page 17 M O R E A R O U N D T H E T O W N S H I P
New home for Sacred Heart food bank blessed and operational
Sacred Heart Food Bank event planned in December
COMING EVENT: Monday, Dec. 2
The Sacred Heart Food Bank Fowl Bingo will be held at the Sombra Community Centre at 7 p.m.
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NOTE OF THANKS FROM SACRED HEART FOOD BANK
On behalf of the Sacred Heart Food Bank, Frank Johnston thanked the St. Clair Catholic School Board for donating a surplus portable school room to be used as the permanent home of the Sacred Heart Food Bank. He also thanked Father Dariusz Lewandowski and the parish family for their support. Father Lewandowski delivered a beautiful blessing.
Mr. Johnston also thanked St. Clair Township Council for contributing a donation and for offering guidance when the lo- cation of the portable was being determined and accomplished on land belonging to the London Dioceses of the Catholic Church.
Before a permanent home was found for the food bank, St. James Anglican Church in Port Lambton opened their base- ment rent-free for use as the Sacred Heart Food Bank. Mr. Johnston expressed his gratitude for the 15 years the food bank was able to serve those in need. He also praised the Sacred Heart Food Bank Committee and those who served on the Building Fund Committee over the years.
The portable was moved to its new site by Warne Construction of Blenheim, and Mr. Johnston praised the company for its great work on the move and for the substantial cost reduction the company gave. Mr. Johnston says the company only charged $8,000 when $14,000 had been quoted. Volunteers Marshall and Colin Miller, who generously
donated many hours of their time to the building of the accessible deck and wheelchair ramp, were also acknowledged for their fantastic work. Mr. Johnston thanked those who donated financially and those who donated their volunteer labour and expertise in all matters, from engineering to general contrac- tors. In closing, Mr. Johnston said, “Without the Grace of God and community involvement, this would never have happened.“
The Sacred Heart Food Bank opened its doors to those in need on Nov. 1
Lambton Public Health
says it’s vaccination time
Lambton Public Health (LPH) reminds everyone that fall immunization is now available for everyone in the general pub- lic. This year there are expanded access points for COVID-19 and flu shots. Pharma- cies and health care providers should now have these vaccines, allowing public health units to reach people with limited vaccine access options.
These high-risk individuals are urged to
be vaccinated: children ages 6 month to 4 years; people in or from First Nations com- munities; pregnant individuals; People 65 and over; and first responders.
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Regarding vaccination for RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), which is currently being rec- ommended on TV ads: LPH Supervisor of Health Promotion Matthew Butler says this vaccine should be discussed with your health care provider to see if you should receive it.
From page 18 M O R E A R O U N D T H E T O W N S H I P
A book is a gift you can open again and again: Give-a-Book for Christmas
For decades, babies to teens have been matched with the gift of a new book through the Literacy Lambton Give-a-Book campaign. It allows children the joy of a new book for the holidays thanks to a generous com-
munity.
This year’s campaign runs Nov. 1 through Dec. 15. Donations of new, unwrapped books may be dropped off:
The Book Keeper in Northgate plaza (20% of the books purchased are donated to Give-a-Book);
Coles bookstore in Lambton Mall; and Literacy Lambton’s headquarters, Room 103 in the Lochiel Kiwanis Community Centre at College Ave. N and George St. downtown Sarnia.
OR consider making an online donation to: literacylambton.org/donate to help purchase books and fill needed age gaps (tax receipt issued for donations of $20+).
In 2023, 3,786 new books were gifted through 34 frontline agency partners that ranged from county-wide holiday hampers and client parties to new Habitat homeowner children and used by Sarnia-Lambton Victim Services volunteers.
Every donation helps make the holidays brighter for our community’s most vulnerable families.
Whether you are an individual, a book club, a business, a group of employees, or a family that wants to get involved, when you give a book, you not only spread the love of literacy, but you help a child build empathy, inspire curiosity, unlock imagination, and expand their world view.
Trust special events to Br. 447 Ladies Auxiliary
For your special event, check out the banquet facility at the Royal Canadian Legion Corunna Br.
447 hall, 350 Albert Street in Corunna. From weddings and sports banquets to corporate/business meetings and trade
shows, Branch 447 Ladies Auxiliary Banquet Hall can com- fortably accommodate up to 289 people; it’s fully acces- sible with plenty of parking. The more intimate atmos- phere of the Club Room offers space for 143.
Each of the recently renovated facilities offers its own
L.C.B.O. licensed bar. The large industrial sized kitchen boasts an experienced staff that can handle food offer- ings for any occasions. To find out more regarding food and table information, please call Ladies Auxiliary Presi- dent Denise Taylor at 519-491-5627. For banquet hall bookings and prices, please call 519-862-1240.
Grow your business with free expert guidance
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partner- ship is here to help your business thrive in Sarnia-Lambton.
Take advantage of our complimentary consulta- tion and business visits to explore expansion op- portunities and enhance your business strategy. Email: chantelle@sarnialambton.on.ca to book an appointment.
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 sub- scribe to any call display services. If your tip leads to an arrest or charges being laid, you may receive a cash reward.
More Around the Township page 17
DECEMBER 2024
Moore Optimists Christmas underway
The Optimist Club of Moore is once again making sure those in need throughout our community will have a reason to be merry this Christmas. Walk-in donations will start on Dec. 2 until Dec. 20. The Christmas ham- per delivery date will be Dec. 21 starting at 8 a.m.
The Optimist commitment to their commu- nity can be seen all year long. Last Christ- mas, the Moore Club looked after 120 fami- lies, including 120 children and 179 adults, as well as three emergency donations for house fires, and one house that was hit by a car.
Please greet the holiday season with kind- ness and generosity, and please help the Optimist Club of Moore make the season bright for those in need.
While you are out shopping,
please remember to shop locally whenever possible.
Free Online Subscription Available
Email:
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.
THE BEACON is open at no charge to not-for-profits in St. Clair Township (i.e. service clubs, etc.) and groups, events, or activities that will benefit and/or interest resi- dents of St. Clair Township.
More Around the Township page 18
A R O U N D T H E T O W N S H I P
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
For December/January Schedule
DECEMBER
Pepper – Monday – 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 – Starts 1p.m.
Cribbage – Thursday 5, 12, 19 -Starts 1 p.m.
Bridge – Friday 6, 13, 20, 27 -Starts 1 p.m.
Fun Meat Darts – Friday 6, 13, 20, 27 -Starts 7 p.m.
Meat Draws – Saturday 7, 14, 21, 28 – Starts 4 p.m.
Turkey Bingo – Dec. 5th, Doors. Open at 6:30 p.m.
Play at 7 p.m.
Friday Night Fun Meat Darts -Dec – 6, 13, 20, 27
– start 7 p.m.
Pay It Forward, Free Wagon Rides
Saturday – Dec. 14 – 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
With a food or cash donation to St. Andrews Church
Food Bank
This is an outdoor event, please dress accordingly.
Free Hot Chocolate, Cider and Hotdogs – Donated by
Nicole Smith of Exit Realty
Santa pictures with cash donation to the Food Bank
-Donated by Studio in the Attic.
Open Jam – Dec. 28 – Starts 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Come on in and play, sing or dance along
New Years Eve “Neon” Party – Dec. 31
Entertainment by The Travis Laur Blues Band
-Tickets $35 each Doors Open 7 p.m. – Starts at 8 p.m.
Light Lunch & “Bubbly” at Midnight
Only 150 tickets available – No Reserve Seating
Leslie Sutherland Br.447
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sombra Museum seeks info – Sombra
Rangers
*Sombra Rangers, St. Clair River League: Do you re- member the Sombra Rangers hockey team and/or the St. Clair River League? The Sombra Museum wants to hear your stories about the team and the league. Contact us by phone (519-892- 3982), email:
(www.sombramuseum.ca), or Facebook or Instagram
Moore Agricultural Society
STUDENTS, DO YOU NEED VOLUNTEER HOURS?
Students who need volunteer hours are invited to collect them by helping the Moore Agricultural So- ciety (Brigden Fair). To discuss opportunities call 519-864-1197 or email: info@brigdenfair.ca OR
michelle.evanitski@brigdenfair.ca
JANUARY
New Years Day Levee – Jan. 1 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Elimination Draw Saturday Jan. 18 – at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $20 each, on sale now. Available from an Executive Member or at the Legion Br. 447 in Corunna Only 300 tickets to be sold
Cash Prizes Total of $2950 – Grand Prize $2400
Proceeds to Wounded Warriors, Service Dog Program
This is an Age of Majority Event
ALL ARE WELCOME TO CORUNNA LEGION BR. 447 – YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A MEMBER TO ENJOY THE EVENTS, BUT IT DOES HAVE MANY PERKS!
Our hall is wheelchair accessible
Contact: arodgers89@hotmail.com
Join the congregation at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 94 James St., Mooretown, on December 24 at 7:30
p.m. Rev. John Cruickshank will pre- side and special music will be provid- ed by the joint choirs of St. Andrew’s and Knox Moore.
JANUARY 2025 BEACON DEADLINE WILL BE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2024.
Early information/photo submissions will be welcome.
More Around the Township page 19
