Inside
Municipal Notes Pages
7 to 9
Update on “new” Official Plan
Student Summer Employment Info
Page 5
Grain Farmers of Ontario 2025 March Classic
Info Page 13
Mooretown Sports Complex Info
Page 16
Around The Township
Pages
20 to 18
A familiar St. Clair Fire boom truck attracted a lot of attention
for the OPP Drive-through donation event to benefit Operation Christmas Tree.
The Ontario Provincial Police Corunna detachment, St. Clair Fire, and the Optimist Club of Moore welcomed Mayor Jeff Agar, Fire Chief Richard Boyes, members of St. Clair Fire, Moore Optimist
O.C.T. President Stan Marsh, and Mr. and Mrs. Santa to Corunna on Dec. 7. As a team, this intrepid force for good collected food, toys, and donations to benefit the annual OPERATION CHRISTMAS TREE hamper program. Above: The Santas greet a drive-through donor, one of the many who at- tended the event and let their holiday spirit manifest itself in a generous donation to O.C.T. For a glimpse of the donations taken in during the event, see page 17.
St. Clair Fire Recruitment Information Night will be held on Jan. 15, 2025 at Courtright Fire Station, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
For more information, see page 17
New Official Plan ready for review
The updated version of the St. Clair Township Official Plan was presented to council at the Dec. 2 meeting by Mary Lou Tanner, President of NPG Planning Solutions. She reiter- ated issues that had been discussed with council earlier in 2024 which had been referenced to develop the updated plan.
The first issue at the time was the rapid population growth being seen in the township. “In a one-year period, it grew by three-and-a-half per cent, which is high across On- tario municipalities,” said Ms. Tanner. She explained ad- dressing the importance of both housing and jobs in the township would position the municipality for the growth it
More Municipal Notes, page 3
Council Meeting Schedule
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.
(Schedule may be
altered to accommodate holidays.)
Upcoming council meetings will be:
Monday, January 13 at 3 p.m.
Monday, February 3 at 6 p.m.
Tuesday, February 18 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.
MORE MUNICIPAL NOTES
Mayor Jeff Agar elected to be Lambton County Deputy Warden
On Wednesday, Dec. 4, Ennis- killen Township Mayor Kevin Marriott was acclaimed to his third term as Warden of Lamb- ton County by his peers on Lambton County Council. The County Warden is the Head of
Council for The Corporation of the County of Lambton.
Warden Marriott (centre) will not only be the 161 Warden of the County of Lamb- ton: he will be the longest-serving Warden, having served the County for six consecu- tive years.
The election was also a first for St. Clair Township Mayor Jeff Agar (right), who was elected Deputy Warden. First elected to St. Clair Township Council in 2006, Mayor Agar served three terms as a St. Clair Township Councillor and ran successfully for Mayor in 2022. A man of few words, Deputy Warden Agar said, “I am pretty pleased!”
Deputy Warden Agar was put to work almost immediately. He represented War- den Marriott on Dec. 9 to make a presenta- tion in Petrolia which recognized the town’s 150 anniversary.
On the left side of the photo is Brian White, who also ran for Deputy Mayor on Dec. 4.
Photo courtesy of Lambton County
Lambton County area municipalities recognize Petrolia’s 150 anniversary
Petrolia’s momentous 150th anniversary was celebrated at the Pe- trolia Council’s December 9 meeting with three delegations from Lambton County’s area municipalities. Lambton County Deputy Warden Jeff Agar was also in attendance representing Warden Kevin Marriott who was not available to attend.
Bringing commemorative plaques to mark the occasion were: Plympton
-Wyoming representatives Deputy Mayor Netty McEwen and Chief Ad- ministrative Officer Adam Sobanski; Warwick Township Mayor Todd Case; and Lambton County Representative (and St. Clair Township Mayor) Jeff Agar.
During the delegate presentations, Petrolia was recognized for the legacy the town had created during its celebration, the way the town cooperated with other communities over the years, and the way the community had joined together to appreciate and preserve the town’s history over the past 150 years.
During his closing remarks, Mayor R. Brad Loosley said, “…This Council and staff are so proud to have been a part of the history books as Pe- trolia turned 150,” He acknowledged the dedication of the town volun- teers in their effort to make the anniversary one for the ages. “Our community spirit, which shone with celebrating this milestone with hosting many 150 anniversary events, was made possible through the dedication of the five-year commitment of our 150-anniversary commit- tee.” (The volunteer Petrolia 150 Committee, which was responsible for planning the anniversary celebration events over a period of 5 years under the leadership of Chairperson Denise Thibeault.
The Beacon of St. Clair Township
JANUARY 2025 Page 4
Continued from page 3 MORE MUNICIPAL NOTES
Mayor’s New year’s GreetiNG
Welcome 2025!
I cannot believe 2024 is over already and 2025 is underway. Although, the much anticipated Diagio Crown Royal project has taken a pause, the coming year will still be a very prosperous one.
I remain determined to keep pressure on our senior government for finan- cial assistance. Determination truly paid off to the tune of $33,800,000 toward our new addition to the township’s wastewater treatment plant. I have never seen St. Clair Township receive such a substantial amount.
This year we have $73,000,000 in Capital work to be done, which includes
$46,500,000 for the wastewater addition. We managed to bring all of this in
with a 0% increase for our Capital budget.
This year, the construction of a new hydro plant on the old OPG property is being discussed, as well as other exciting projects. The outlook for St. Clair Township is a cause for optimism we can all share.
The construction project on the new clubhouse at the St. Clair Parkway Golf Course should be complet- ed in early 2025. It looks stupendous and it will be a versatile and beneficial venue for all residents.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank and salute the hundreds of volunteers in our Township. With- out them, our many organizations could not operate.
As the new year begins, I and my family have great reason to greet 2025 with positivity and hope. In July, we welcomed a new member to our family with the birth of baby Fallon. She has made our family complete. On behalf of St. Clair Township Council and Staff, we wish all St. Clair Township residents good health,
happiness and prosperity for 2025.
Happy New Year to All!
~Mayor Jeff Agar
FYI: Once again the excitement of hockey starts early with the U21 Mooretown Interna- tional Silverstick finals taking place from January 9th to the 12th 2025. See you there!
From page 3
MORE MUNICIPAL NOTES
was experiencing. Aside from housing and jobs, she point- ed out an increase in services needed to support the rapid growth would be required.
Another issue that required attention was the town- ship’s natural heritage policies. Ms. Tanner noted work was needed to bring the township’s policies into line with the County of Lambton’s Official Plan, in which there had been updates to its natural heritage system.
Transportation and the development of good transpor- tation servicing policies, as well as good agricultural poli- cies were also identified.
Not only had the County of Lambton made changes to its Official Plan, but the Province of Ontario had also made changes by replacing the Provincial Policy State- ment with its new Provincial Plan Statement. Ms. Tanner said the new document required further consideration regarding its effect on the St. Clair Township Official Plan. “There were a number of key changes (in the Pro- vincial Plan Statement)…we had a bit more work to do before we brought it (the updated Official Plan) forward for you to adopt,” she told Council. The NPG group real- ized substantial changes would be required to bring the township’s official plan into compliance with both levels of government. “It would be a brand new Official Plan you were adopting…(but) the changes from the 2024 Provin- cial Planning Statement would give you the tools in terms of how you look at growth and give you new opportunities
for both housing and jobs, which are important to every community,” explained Ms. Tanner. “Also, the changes fundamentally change how you plan for growth. In many ways, we thought it was important to adopt it as a new Official Plan. It gives you the ability to get this plan in place to do a 10-year review as opposed to a five-year review. That is a better place for the township to be in because you can move forward with implementing the growth that is coming to you.”
Key changes cited in the Provincial Planning Statement apply to every municipality in Ontario. For instance, ap- plicants can come forward if they have property they want you to consider for inclusion for future development in an urban area or a settlement area…Potential opportu- nities can now be realized by a private application; they couldn’t before.
Employment areas are now defined; they now exclude residential, offices, and retail areas. They protect areas where you want to see jobs and protect a full range of job opportunities. “This gives you the ability to ensure those people who want to grow their business or develop a new business in St. Clair Township have full protection.
AGRICULTURE
Ms. Tanner says the Provincial Planning Statement still allows a number of the previous provisions that allowed investment into on-farm diversified uses such as farm
More Municipal notes, page 5
The Beacon of St. Clair Township JANUARY 2025 Page 5
From page 4 MORE MUNICIPAL NOTES
markets, or bed and breakfasts, but now it also allows for additional residential units on farms. Although this is not a new concept for farms, it is new to the Provincial Plan- ning Statement. Ms. Tanner says it is similar to what’s going on in urban areas where second dwelling units can be made or garages converted to a second dwelling. “It’s similar but not the same in agricultural areas, but it does provide the opportunity for additional housing in agricul- tural areas,” she said.
The impact Green Energy might have on the community has been a subject of concern in discussions Ms. Tanner has had with both members of council and residents of the community. Ms. Tanner says Green Energy policies were also included in the new Provincial Planning State- ment. “There will be requirements for a detailed study should anyone come forward with a Green Energy policy. This will require a rezoning,” she said. “It takes a deci- sion of council and that decision cannot be appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal.”
In closing, Ms. Tanner summed up the objectives of the
“New Official Plan”. “The plan positions St. Clair Town-
ship for the coming years and works in collaboration with the County of Lambton to plan for growth, housing and jobs, but continues to develop communities in a way that reflects St. Clair Township and the growth that has oc- curred”, she said.
Sign By-Law Discussed
At the Dec. 2 meeting of Council, a by-law to amend By
-Law No. 13 of 2017 to prohibit offensive or potentially offensive language on any sign, was discussed.
Under the by-law, any language that is, or could be considered to be offensive , including but not limited to the use of foul, derogatory, insulting, rude, or abusive language, as determined by a Township official, would be subject to removal and a fine.
Councillor Brown asked if there was anything men- tioned about flags and was informed there was no men- tion of it.
Councillor Langstaff suggested the discussion might be cutting a fine line toward ‘freedom of speech’.
The inclusion of flags in the sign by-law can be revisited if there is a will to do so at a later time.
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
Property owners who dig without knowing where buried utility, pipelines, and cables are lo- cated 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 JANUARY 2025 Page 7
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.
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.*
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.
Rinsing food residue from containers prepares them
to be
recycled. Lear
circ n more:
ularmaterials.ca/
See More Works Department, page 8
(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; Call: 519-332-4045
Curran Recycling, 526 McGregor Side Rd., Sarnia; Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat. 8 a.m.
Call: 519-332-0849
Waste Depot, 456 McGregor Side Rd., Sar- nia; Mon.-Fri. 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call: 519-337-7668
NOTE: Call ahead to confirm hours and fees which are all are subject to change.
See More Works Department, page 9
The Beacon of St. Clair Township JANUARY 2025 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.
Christmas 2024 was spread throughout the Moore Museum to the delight of the young visi- tors who came to look and learn. Everywhere they went there was a lot to take in and enjoy.
Top left: In the one-room school house, JK/SK students from Mooretown Courtright Public School receive a lesson from museum staff member and “schoolmarm” Melissa Westbrook. Her lesson was about how what a school room would look like in pioneer times.
Top right: Another part of the student’s visit was conducted by museum staff member Kari Boone in the main museum building. Surround- ed by Victorian Era Christmas decorations, Kari Boone taught the students about Christmas around the world and the different traditions each of the countries observed. In this picture, Kari holds a wooden shoe filled with small gifts in the tradition of the Netherlands. Instead of hanging stockings to collect their gifts, chil- dren leave their wooden shoes out for St. Nich- olas to fill with trinkets and sweets.
Left: In the marine room, a brilliantly execut- ed model of the Imperial Sarnia provides the backdrop for one of the international Christ- mas trees that could be seen in every display room. Each tree was adorned with decorations that represented the traditions of a different country.
Photo credits: JK/SK teacher Tanya King Niehuis and Fiona Doherty.
The Beacon of St. Clair Township JANUARY 2025 Page 11
Brigden Optimist Club and volunteers meet to light up the Brigden Park
The Brigden Park at the corner of Courtright Line and Brigden Road received some bright, colourful Christmas decora- tions on Nov. 23 as members of the Brigden Optimist Club and much appreciated volunteers joined forces to light up the night.
LEFT: The work force consisted of: Calvin Nesbitt, Brandon Lester, Rick Mitchell, Dylan Mitchell, Logan Mitchell, Walt Farr, Bob Mitchell and Joe Thompson. Helpers who are absent from the photo are: Andrew Doran and Ross Hiller from the St. Clair Fire Department; as well as Councillor Holly Foster, Larry Mitchell, and Tracy Kingston. The team met at the park to prepare it for what Councillor Foster calls,”A little county Christmas.”
Councillor Foster says Brigden Optimist is very much in need of more local volunteers to keep the communi- ty events going. “Even if you’re not interested in joining the Optimist Club, many hands make less work for all,” she said. She added the community is fortunate to have some young volunteers who will help keep the park lighting tra- dition going when the older volunteers are unable to continue their community service. Holly Foster photo
SLEP Launches Career Accelerator Program to strengthen local workforce
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership has launched the Career Accelerator program which provides tailored services designed to boost the career readiness of graduating international students. The aim is to retain skilled talent through resulting connections with local employers. The program outcome will support local employers in accessing top-quality talent and foster a competitive economy.
“The Career Accelerator program is designed to enrich our local talent pool, ensuring businesses have access to expertise they require,” said Matthew Slotwinski, CEO of
the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership.
For more information about the Career Accelerator Program, visit: sarnia-lambton.on.ca/careeraccelerator .
Trees planted through Re/Max Reforestation program celebrated
ABOVE: On hand for the “inspection” of the newly planted trees, from left: St. Clair Township Mayor Jeff Agar; Re/Max representatives Andrew Howell; April Barnard; Jane Baker; Madelyn Best; Councillor Holly Foster; Deputy Mayor Steve Mil- ler; Re/Max rep Pat Derochers; Councillor Pat Brown; Nursery Owner Brian Sipkens; Councillor Cathy Langis. (Newly planted tree, right side of photo with Brian Sipkens).
Renewing the lush green forest that once covered Lambton County is not an easy goal, but the RE/MAX Reforestation Project, started in 2021, is helping some municipalities take on that challenge.
“Our goal is to combat the impacts of climate change, increase tree canopy coverage, and beautify local com- munity green spaces to enhance our citizens’ enjoyment of them,” said RE/MAX spokesperson Andrew How- ell.
The Reforestation Project is primarily funded by do- nations from the RE/MAX Sarnia Realty Inc. team.
“For the last two years, we have partnered with Sip- kens Nurseries, which has generously supplied and planted the trees at their cost,” said Mr. Howell. He
noted in past years the project has employed a partner- ship with Sarnia to plant trees in Germain Park, and a partnership with the Township of Plympton-Wyoming and Sipkens Nurseries to plant over 90 trees in the Er- rol Woods Park area.”
The 2024 effort fortunately included St. Clair Town- ship, when a partnership with the township and Sipkens Nurseries led to the planting of 34 Ornamental Pear trees throughout Guthrie Park and Brander Parks, as well as other parks along the St. Clair River. (Those who are not familiar with this species of flowering tree, have probably seen the lovely white-bloomed trees that al- ready line Lyndoch Street in the Corunna business area.)
Brian Sipkens, owner of Sipkens Nurseries, explained the repeated use of the Ornamental Pear along the St. Clair Parkway unites its varying features into a cohesive landscape.
St. Clair Township Mayor Jeff Agar expressed thanks and gratitude for the generous tree donations on behalf of township’s residents. “I would like to thank Andrew and RE/MAX for their donation of these trees. They provide shade and beautify our parks for everyone to enjoy,” he said.
***
The Beacon of St. Clair Township JANUARY 2025 Page 13
Grain Farmers of Ontario 2025 March Classic set for March
Grain Farmers of Ontario, the province’s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmers will open registration for the 2025 March Classic, Leading The Way on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
Grain Farmers of Ontario’s March Classic will take place on March 18, 2025, at RBC Place in London, Ontario.
The 2025 March Classic: Leading the Way celebrates 15 years of strength, leadership, and a legacy of making a difference for grain farmers. This event will look at what the future may hold for the agriculture industry and find new opportunities for grain farmers in Ontario to continue leading the way.
Speakers for the 2025 March Classic include:
*The U.S. Farm Report with host Tyne Morgan
*Vance Crowe, Communications Specialist
*Linda Nazareth, Economist, Futurist, and Author
*Innovation in Agriculture panel with moderator Joe Dales, RHA Ventures
“The speaker line-up for the 2025 March Classic will offer attendees a unique perspective of Ontario’s agriculture industry,” says Victoria Berry, Director of Communications of Grain Farmers of Ontario. “The sold-out trade show, fantastic hospitality of RBC Place, and exceptional banquet entertainment means that this is an event you won’t want to miss.”
“Fifteen years is a big milestone, and we expect that this year’s March Classic will be the best one yet,” says Crosby Devitt,
CEO, Grain Farmers of Ontario. “I’m looking forward to connecting with farmer-members and industry and hearing from top-notch speakers as we look ahead to the future.”
Save the date – registration for the 2025 March Classic opens on January 6, 2025. For more information, please visit www.gfo.ca/ MarchClassic. Attendees who register early will be entered into an early-bird draw, with two chances to win before February 28.
Interested in Sponsorship? Contact Joanne Tichborne, advertising/sponsorship consultant, 226-332-3637
LAMBTON AGRICULTURAL HALL OF FAME COMMITTEE MEETS
The annual general meeting of the Lambton Ag- ricultural Hall of Fame met Dec. 12 in Wyoming. The small attendance did not hamper commit- tee business and a new board was elected.
Below: SUBJECT FOR THE EVENING: Lambton
County, Celebrating 175 Years, 1849-2024.
Members of the new Nominating Committee
pause for a group portrait.
Back row left:Gary Atkinson, Blair Williamson, Dave Ferguson, John Young, Kyle Maw. Seated left:Bryan Boyle, Irene Jardine, Joanne Sanderson, Debbie Coke.
Photo right: Guest speakers for the evening were Andrew Meyer, Deputy
CAO/General Manager, Cultural Services, County of Lambton AND Laurie Webb, Manager, Museums, Gallery and Archives, County of Lambton.
Bonnie Stevenson photos
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.
The Beacon of St. Clair Township JANUARY 2025 Page 14
Lambton County Library becomes
FamilySearch Affiliate Library
Lambton County Library is now a designated FamilySearch Affiliate Library. As an affiliate library, library patrons now have expanded access to 400 million exclusive digital images and records not available to standard FamilySearch users.
To access these exclusive resources, patrons must connect through Lambton County Library networks by either: 1. Using a public computer at any of the 25 Lambton County Library locations. 2. Connecting to
the library’s public wi-fi with a personal device.
“This new partnership will expand the research material that is available to library patrons who are conducting family history re- search,” said Darlene Coke, Manager, Library Services. “Whether you’re just beginning to explore your family history or are an experienced ge- nealogist, these additional records may help people build their family tree or help provide new leads to solve some longstanding gaps in their research.”
FamilySearch, the world’s largest genealogy organization, provides access to over 6 billion searchable names and 2 billion images of histori- cal records. FamilySearch users have access to birth, mar-
riage, death, census, land and court records from over 130 countries, and 2 billion historical images.
“Libraries are cornerstone institutions for local learning,” said Paul Nauta, FamilySearch Public Relations Manager. “We are thrilled to welcome Lambton County Library as a
FamilySearch Affiliate Library. This partnership expands op- Oil Museum of Canada –
portunities for local communities to make personal discover- Bonnie Stevenson photo
ies and connect with their family histories.”
To learn more or to access FamilySearch visit lclibrary.ca/genealogy
YOTO players available at Lambton County Library
Lambton County Library now offers YOTO play- ers to cardholders. The YOTO player can be borrowed for children ages three to 13 for up to 21 days with a valid Lambton County li- brary card as part of a kit that includes the portable device, a charging cable, and a se-
lection of plastic cards that play stories and music when inserted into the player.
Kevin Coates, Public Services Coordinator for Collections, says, “This a great tool for literacy development for early learners and children with print disabilities including dyslexia.”
Library cards are free and available to anyone who lives, works, studies, and owns property in Lambton County, or is a resident of a First Nations community in Ontario. For more information to ac- quire a library card visit:
http://www.lclibrary.ca/apply .
The Beacon of St. Clair Township JANUARY 2025 Page 15
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.
MOORETOWN SPORTS COMPLEX-JANUARY, 2025
Moore Sports Complex Holiday Closures January 1 – CLOSED all day
*WINTER Sunday Public Skate: 1 p.m. – 2:15 p.m., $3.25/child, $4.50/adult, $10.50/ family.
*WINTER Weekday Public Skate: Wednesday – 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., Monday and Friday – 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.
$2.50/person,$10.50/family
*Family Shinny: Jan. 3, Jan. 31, Feb. 17, March 14, April 4, June 27 from 11 p.m.-12 p.m. – $5/person.
*Get Fit at the Moore Sports Complex! Join us for a variety of energizing fitness classes, including Mat Pila-
tes, Guns and Buns, Spin, and Yoga! Whether you prefer to pay as you go, purchase a 10 pass, or commit to a mem-
bership, 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: Lessons begin the week of Jan. 6. Log in to your account and 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.
*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.
*Babysitting Course: April 4, 2025, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. *For ages 11 to 15.
*Stay Safe Course: Course Information: Jan. 31 (PD Day), 9:30 a.am. to 3:30 p.m. *For ages 9 to 13.
Before Care (8:30 a.m.) and After Care (4:30 p.m.) available for an additional fee.
Check our website for our Winter Pool and Fitness Schedule! For more information or to register for any of the
programs, contact the Mooretown Sports Complex at 519-867-2651
West Lambton Community Health Centre
We Now Offer Online Program Registration!!
Please visit https://www.nlchc.com/services/wellness-programs/
Coffee Time Eat Well, Live Well Workshop
Fridays, 10:45 a.m. at West Lambton Community Health Virtual Workshop: Discuss nutrition with a Registered Centre Dietitian (Zoom). Call for more details.
Tuesdays, 10:45 a.m. at Brigden United Church. Heart Healthy Living Workshop
Low Impact Exercise Virtual Workshop: Explore cholesterol and heart- Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:30–10:30 a.m. at Brigden Fair smart diets (Zoom). Call for more details.
Grounds. Other Highlights:
Wednesdays, 9:30–10:30 a.m. at Mooretown Sports Garden Fresh Box Program
Complex. Order by the first Friday monthly for fresh produce
Understanding Grief Workshop (West Lambton Community Health Centre)
Virtual Workshop: January 27th, 2:00 p.m. (Zoom/ **To register for any programs, please call Rebecca at
Telephone). (519) 344-3017 ext. 237. For our virtual programs, don’t forget to email reveraert@nlchc.com to receive the Zoom link!
BEACON BIT You can always give something, even if it is just kindness.
St. Clair Fire recruitment open house set for Jan. 15
St. Clair Fire will be recruiting paid-on-call firefighters and paid-by-event fire safety educators. A recruitment open house is planned for the Courtright Fire Station on January 15, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Recruitment of both fire- fighters and Fire Safety Educators will close January 31 at 4 p.m.
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~Here’s how to maintain your smoke alarm~
Smoke alarms are crucial for home safety, but false alarms can be a nuisance. One common cause of false alarms is the accumulation of dust and debris in the device. Regular cleaning of smoke alarms is essential to ensure proper functioning and reduce false alarms.
Here are some tips from St. Clair Fire:
• Clean the smoke alarm at least once a month. Gently vacuum the outside of the alarm using your household vacuum’s soft brush attachment. Alternatively, you can blow out dust and debris using com- pressed air. Always remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Avoid using water, cleaning sprays or solvents, as these can damage the alarm.
• Once you have cleaned your alarm, test it.
• In addition to regular cleaning, it’s crucial to:
• Test monthly: Press the test button on each smoke alarm to ensure it’s working properly
• Replace batteries: Change batteries at least once a year or immediately when you hear the low- battery warning chirp
• Replace old alarms: Smoke alarms don’t last forever. Replace them every 10 years, even if they seem to be working.
By keeping your smoke alarms clean, regularly tested, and up to date, you’re taking a crucial step in protecting your home and loved ones from the dangers of fire. Don’t underestimate the im- portance of this simple maintenance task – it could save lives.
OPP drive-thru donors drop off the makings of a Merry Christmas
Operation Christmas Tree donations for children pile up ready to be loaded into Christmas food hampers according to the age of each young recipient.
During the OPP Drive-thru donation event on Dec. 7, Moore Optimist Club members and volunteers were kept busy gathering and sorting donated items for Operation Christmas Tree. From non-perishable food and grocery gift cards to teddy bears to LEGO sets and warm whimsical quilts, this year’s Christmas hampers were sure to be stocked with the makings of a bright, happy holiday. On the job during the event were, from left: Optimist members Ken Nimmo; Brad Coté; Davida Nimmo; Moore Optimist Pres. Tracy Kingston; Mary Lou Abram; O.C.T, Pres, Stan Marsh; Optimist mem- ber Gord Dawson. Bonnie Stevenson photo
The Beacon of St. Clair Township JANUARY 2025 Page 18
ABOVE: The onset of cold, holiday season weather at the beginning of December inspired township staff to create a stunning Christmas tree and a lobby adorned with lush garlands and bows at the St. Clair Township Civic Centre. After digging out dusty boxes of decorations from a storage room deep in the building’s basement, the ladies held a brief meeting before their work began to arrive at the most effective way to use the decorations. The resulting overall effect resembled a lovely 3D Christmas card. The decorating triumph was cele- brated with hot chocolate and congratulations all around.
Shown with the fruits of their labours are, from left: Theresa Catonio; Jessica O’Neil; Teri- ann Weeke; and Carlie McClemens. Thanks to the staff members who pitched in to take care of business while the transformation was being made. The Christmas atmosphere created by this joint effort was something everyone, in- cluding visitors to the Civic Centre, could enjoy.
The Lambton Elderly Outreach monthly Diners Club luncheons are BACK AGAIN!
LEO CORUNNA: Lunch will be held at the Corunna Legion hall on Wednesday, Jan. 15.
SOMBRA: On Tuesday, Jan. 14. Call Della for more information.
Diners To register for either lunch, please contact: Della Croxford, 519-845-1353, ext. 301 or email: dcroxford@lambtonelderlyoutreach.org
Club FOREVER FIT: Corunna classes: Mondays – Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27; Wednesdays – Jan. 8, 22 29; Fridays
– Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31. Held at Thompson Gardens. Facility fee $40 Jan-Dec. Call Della for info.
More Around the Township page 17
From page 20 M O R E A R O U N D T H E T O W N S H I P
Santa Parade brings winter chill
LEFT: The Corunna Optimist Santa Claus Parade on Nov. 30 attracted hundreds
of onlookers in NEW YEARS BEACON BIT
You know you’re too old for wild New Year’s Eve parties when you meet the Old Year on his way out and he looks younger than you do.
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
The Beacon of St. Clair Township JANUARY 2025 Page 20
A R O U N D T H E T O W N S H I P
Corunna Legion Br.447
350 Albert St., Corunna 519-862-1240
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
For December/January Schedule
JANUARY-2025
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
FB: RoyalCanadianLegion, Leslie SutherlandBr447 More information on the above events
is available by calling (519) 862-1240
or on Facebook: The Royal Canadian Legion,
Leslie Sutherland Br.447
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Moore Agricultural Society
For January 2025
MAS Annual General Meeting Set
The Moore Agricultural Society Annual General Meet- ing is set for Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 2 p.m. in the Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall. Registration and Mem- bership renewal will take place from 12:30p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
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2025 is an exciting year as Moore Agricultural Society celebrates “175 years of Home Grown, Home Made, Farm Fresh.” Please stay tuned to our Facebook page and website to take part in all the fun events we have planned for this year.
We hope that everyone was able to make special memo- ries with family and friends during 2024 and we are glad we were able to be a part of it. We appreciate your pat- ronage over the past year at the Brigden Fair, the jambo- rees/ campout weekends, tractor pulls, demolition der- by, brunches, beef dinner, and many other special events.
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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
WILKESPORT UNITED CHURCH
COMING EVENTS-2025
At 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 delicious holiday meal and take-out will be available. The meal in- cludes: pancakes, sausage, tea and coffee.
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SPRING STEW SUPPER: Wilkesport United Church will host a stew supper on Thursday, 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.
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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
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More Around the Township page 19