Issue 7
Volume 14
July 2021
T H E T O W N S H I P O F S T . C L A I R
Training is an important part of the work St. Clair Township volunteer firefighters do to keep their emergency skills tuned up. Mike Coen of Bluewater Drone Pix submitted this action shot of a training exercise he and his drone witnessed near Courtright on June 7. One of the township’s two mighty “T-Rex” trucks is shown in action, pumping a powerful spray of water through its 100-foot long boom. The boom can also be used to apply a variety of fire-fighting chemicals in the event of industrial fires.
Protectfamily/pets Lambton Public Health reminds all area residents to protect themselves and their pets against
againsttickbites
Lyme disease-carrying black-legged ticks when outdoors. For more information, see page 22, and go online to: Lambton Public Health.ca or visit ontario.ca/lyme .
The Beacon of St. Clair Township July 2021 Page 2
Vehicle/RV parking by-law reminder
Property/home owners are reminded to adhere to the township by-law (Number 33 of 2017) regarding the parking of derelict vehicles and recreational vehicles on public streets at certain times and in certain locations in the interest of public safety and traffic flow. This by- law can be found online at the St. Clair Township web- site in its entirety, and fines are issued for parking in- fractions. A complaint must be made to the St. Clair Township Clerk before an enforcement officer can in- vestigate an infraction.
Here are a few excerpts applicable to the summer season.
• Trailers and boats are permitted to be parked in the property owners’ private lanes, but not be- yond their property lines.
• A derelict vehicle (inoperable or with an improper or expired vehicle license) cannot be parked on any road or street at any time of year.
• No marine vehicles, camping trailers, commercial trailers, or other recreational trailers can park on any Township or County road at any time, when not attached to a legally parked, licensed motor vehicle.
• Between the third Monday of October (any year) and April 1, recreational trailers or boats cannot park in any private driveway unless it is beyond the minimum front yard setback from the proper- ty line according to the current Township Zoning By-law.
• “…upon discovery of a vehicle parked or left in contravention of this by-law, it may be moved or taken to a place or stored in a suitable place, and ALL COSTS AND CHARGES for removing, care and storage of the vehicle…are payable by the owner before the vehicle may be released…”
Speed patrol on parkway yields uncertain results
In a report to council, OPP Inspector Chris Avery stat- ed a focused patrol along the St. Clair Parkway did not find traffic travelling “in notable excess of the posted speed limit on an ongoing basis.” During a focused pa- trol, officers did 9.5 hours of radar/speed enforcement
in the area which resulted in six e-tickets being issued.
One officer, using hand-held radar, measured the actual speed of on-coming traffic while a neighbourhood resident guessed the speed of the same vehicles. When the officer compared the radar speed with the resident’s guesses, re-
See page 3
From page 2
July 2021 Page 3
allowed on the camp roster can then be filled by the children of non-residents.
Fee increases will be necessary to pay for the extra staff required to supervise the summer camper groups
sults revealed the actual speed was consistently lower than the resident’s perceived speed. However, the fo- cused patrol has continued to gather data along the park- way. Inspector Avery stated in his report that he is not sure lowering the speed along the parkway is the answer to the problem.
He suggested the use of extra or over-sized signage, or a speed trailer (shows the speed of oncoming vehicles to remind motorists to stay within the posted speed limit) might be employed to reinforce compliance.
Work in park stirs up controversy
The township’s work to improve public parks is some- times a messy business and it can stir up a lot of dust as well as bad feelings; the Macdonald Park ball diamond pro- ject is a case in point. Washington mix, a special type of soil, was recently installed at the two MacDonald Park ball diamonds over a period of days with the goal of reducing the amount of dust that is kicked up during the games.
During the project, which put more dust into the air than normal, windy weather carried the dust onto several properties surrounding the park. Ensuing complaints to council by local residents noted the work had put dust on a boat, in a pool, and in the interior of a house, which had windows open at the time. The affected residents de- manded the township rectify the situation.
At the June 21 council meeting, Kendall Lindsay, Direc- tor of Community Services, explained some dust was inevi- table with the work that was done and he asked for coun- cil’s direction.
During council’s discussion, it was pointed out that the public ball park has been used by the community for about
30 years, long before the complainants moved into the area, so the dust situation could not have been unknown to them. Further, councillors who live in rural or park- adjacent areas commented they and their neighbours rou- tinely cope with heavy dust as a normal part of their occu- pancy, and they are aware of the conditions that generate these conditions in their area. Council is hopeful the resi- dents adjacent to MacDonald Park will gain awareness of the conditions in their area and respond accordingly to prevent further complaints.
As a good will gesture to resolve the immediate matter, council passed a motion for a one-time payment of up to a maximum of $750 for interior, boat, and pool cleaning, and the replacement of a pool pump if required.
Paving for Branton-Cundick Park parking lot
While approving the paving of the Branton-Cundick Park parking lot, Mayor Arnold commented the paving of park parking lots, as well as the diligent upkeep of park wash- rooms, helps make a good impression with the many peo- ple who frequent and enjoy township parks each season.
MSC summer camp opening/operation
In anticipation of the provincial government moving to its COVID-19 Step 2 reopening protocol (see page 11), council considered a proposed plan to open and operate summer camp at the Moore Sports Complex.
Of special importance is the need for safety in light of the fact that COVID-19 and its latest more transmissible Delta variant (see information on page 4) are still present in Lambton County. Council agreed that all staff, and oth- ers associated with and attending the summer camp, will be strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated. The virus will still be present in the community and it is important to take every precaution to ensure the safety of everyone at the camp.
Council approved a motion to give preference to the children of township residents, since the summer camp is partially subsidized by the township. The remaining spaces
and to keep the facility thoroughly cleaned at all times as required by COVID-19 protocol.
Concerns were raised about the risk involved with opening the summer camp. Issues raised were: the possi- bility it would be difficult to find sufficient people to staff the camp and summer campers to make opening the facility worthwhile. A minimum of 15 campers per day would be needed to make the camp financially- feasible.
See More Municipal Notes, page 4
Second doses of COVID-19 Vaccine can be interchangeable
From Lambton Public Health media release
Recent vaccine shipment delays reinforce the need for individ- uals to get the first vaccine available for their first or second dose. The approved mRNA vaccines, Moderna and Pfizer brands, are interchangeable and are presently being used, and will continue to be used, at mass immunization clinics.
This direction is in keeping with NACI (National Advisory Com- mittee on Immunization) scientific guidance which states that all COVID-19 vaccines available in the province have been deter- mined to be safe and effective by Health Canada, and have been shown to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death associ- ated with COVID-19.
If you had Moderna or Pfizer for your first dose, you can safely take either Moderna or Pfizer for your second dose for strong pro- tection. Both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are authorized for use in Canada and use a similar mRNA technology, so the vaccines are interchangeable and safe to mix.
If you had AstraZeneca for your first dose, you can safely take either AstraZeneca, Moderna or Pfizer for your second dose for strong protection. However, NACI now recommends an mRNA vaccine be administered as a second dose for those who received Astra Zeneca as a first dose.
To ensure maximum protection against COVID-19 and the Del- ta variant, Ontarians should get vaccinated as soon as possible and book their second dose as soon as they are eligible.
The only exception to this are 12-17 year olds, for whom
From page 3
After much discussion, council passed a motion to al- low the camp to operate if the Community Services and Community Programs staff were reasonably confident the summer camp would be safe and if enough summer camp- ers registered and attended.
The MSC staff will be observing provincial Ministry of Health guidelines specifically developed for day camps. Campers and camp staff will be screened every day for symptoms. Daily admissions and associated fees will not be offered because consistent separate cohorts will be required to attend full Monday-Friday sessions only. These cohorts will be divided by age and will not be al- lowed to interact (i.e. kindergarten, primary/junior school, junior school, and secondary school). They will not share equipment and it will be kept clean and disin- fected between uses. The MSC pool will not be used until its use is in compliance with the provincial reopening strategy. Before and after school programs will follow the policies and guidelines observed by school boards for the 2020-2021 year.
Safety concerns surround Brander Park
Council received several emails and videos from local Port Lambton residents regarding safety issues in the vi- cinity of Brander Park. A video of a group of unsupervised underage youths driving carelessly in a golf cart was among the emails of concern. Other residents reported witnessing near-misses of golf carts, ATVs, and dirt bikes driven by both underage youth and adults narrowly avoid- ing collision with vehicles driving along the parkway. And vehicles parked along the road were said to be a hazard for pedestrians trying to cross the road from between the parked vehicles.
A subsequent report from the township Coordinator of Operations led council to approve the installation of an enhanced Level 2 pedestrian crossing at 4538 St. Clair Parkway. Parents are urged to provide adequate instruc- tion and supervision when allowing their underage chil- dren to operate any type of powered vehicles.
Pfizer is the only approved vaccine. People in this age group will receive Pfizer for both their first and second dose.
Lambton Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sudit Ranade said, “What’s most important is that as many Lambton County resi- dents receive both first and second doses as soon as possible. We know that having two doses provides the strongest possible pro- tection against the *Delta variant. We have enough vaccine com- ing in the next 2-4 weeks to increase our local vaccination rates significantly, and doing so will allow us to safely return to the ac- tivities and gatherings we have missed so much. I strongly encour- age all Lambton residents to take the first available dose they can, whether they are coming for their first or second dose.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*The COVID-19 Delta variant of the coronavirus is of great concern because of the way it has mutated from the original COVID-19 virus. This means as the virus spreads, it discovers more ways to defeat the human immune system. So far, the Delta vari- ant has found a way to spread more easily from person to person (transmissibility). Since it was first identified in India in October, 2020, it has now spread to 80 countries. The sooner the popula- tion is fully vaccinated, presenting fewer hosts to accommodate viral mutation, the better will be our chances of freeing ourselves from COVID-19. –from World Health Organization (W.H.O)
If you haven’t already done so, please be vaccinated as soon as possible.
More COIVID-19 information on page 24
Malicious vandalism at CAP costs taxpayers
A malicious and extensive bout of vandalism at the Co- runna Athletic Park washrooms at the end of May has re- sulted in an unnecessary cost to the taxpayers. Sinks were clogged with clothing and garbage, and water was turned on to overflow the sinks and waste water. All dispensers were torn from the walls and destroyed. And when the re- pairs were finished, it was necessary to have a township staff member attend the building each night to close and lock the washrooms. From the wasted water and clean up, to the cost of staff time, this required the use of tax mon- ey that could have been put to good use in the community. All residents are asked to stay vigilant and report all suspi- cious activity in their vicinity.
The theft of plants and garden decorations from town- ship gardens have also been reported by township horticul- tural teams, who say these thefts are becoming an annual occurrence. Corunna and Brander Park have been hit the hardest. These thefts also cost taxpayer dollars.
Waterfront property repairs
Some waterfront properties require repairs due to high water levels over the past two years. Council has been as- sured that damage to township boardwalks and docks are being repaired. Jobs township staff cannot handle will be done by contractors.
Sandbag program discontinued
The township sandbag program has been discontinued as water levels have receded by 18 inches below the record 2019/2020 levels. Council was told the program cost
$16,300, with 25,000 bags and 400 tonnes of sand provided to property owners during this time.
Some St. Clair Township Services suspended
St. Clair Township complies with provincially-enacted COVID-19 protocols
The reopening of the municipal office may align with Provincial re-opening plan Phase 3.
(Please see page 11 for details of the three-phase Provincial reopening plan.)
Some of the Township of St. Clair’s services may be suspended.
Those services still being offered can be expected to have a delay.
Several employees are working from home but will have access to their email.
Please email or leave a voicemail and the employee will get back to you as promptly as possible.
The following services have resumed but significant delays can be expected:
a) Issuance of Marriage Licenses
b) Issuance of Lottery Licenses
c) Processing of all Planning Act Applications
The following Township buildings are closed until further notice:
a) Moore and Sombra Museums
b) St. Clair Township Civic Centre
c) Emergency Services Building (Fire Department)
The Township thanks you for your continued patience throughout these
difficult times and it remains our priority to offer professional and courteous service when we’re able.
All Planning Applications can be accepted at the Civic Centre by appointment.
Employees will continue to occupy these buildings and can be reached their email or by phone at:
a) Moore Sports Complex 519-867-2651
b) Public Works 519-867-2993
c) Finance/Drains/Clerks/Building/Planning 519-867-2021
d) Fire Department 519-481-0111
SLEP offers free services to small businesses and entrepreneurs
The Sarnia Lambton Economic Partnership now offers local business owners free access to specialized services provided by professional advisors through its Business Enterprise Cen- tre. Services include: human resources, legis- lative compliance, operations management, marketing, brand development, and sales strategies.
One hour consultation services are now available through video platforms. Confiden- tial consultations are provided by highly- qualified experts in their fields, from a certi- fied Human Resource Professional with 15 years experience to a successful Sales and Marketing innovator who has pitched ideas to the television business pros on Dragons Den and Shark Tank.
The SLEP Business Enterprise Centre focuses on supporting entrepreneurs who are function- ing within the new small business economy. The centre will assist: those who are in start- up mode; purchasing a new business for the
first time; or looking for support to add a new revenue stream as they pivot to meet the evolving needs of their customers.
The Virtual Service Advisor initiative is part of Small Business Centres (SBC) Ontario, launched in February, 2021. It is functioning as the Ontario Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Network. Funding for this network connects 54 Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBEC) loca- tions that have been in operation for 30 years through support from the Ontario Government, as well as local and regional governments.
The formalized network offers local ser- vices, events, locations, and e-learning in one web portal- www.sbcontario.ca – to increase awareness and access to supports available for small businesses as they recover from the eco- nomic impact of the pandemic.
Don’t try to struggle through your small business challenges alone.
To learn more about this program, contact SLEP at 519-332-1820, email: smallbusi- ness@sarnialambton.on.ca, or go online to: sarnialambton.on.ca/BEC
This enhanced program will be available until Sept. 30, 2021.
Water/Wastewater Operation Dept. staff Ryan Nap and Aaron Jardine prepare a water main to allow a new service installation.
Sanitary backup prevention
The Beacon of St. Clair Township June 2021 Page 8
2021 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events
The County of Lambton and its partner Clean Harbors Canada Inc. will be holding the next Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program on Saturday, Sept. 25. These popular events offer Lambton County residents an opportunity to dispose of household hazardous waste at no cost.
The final opportunity for residents to safely dispose of their household hazardous waste will be held on Saturday, Oct. 30. All events are held at the Clean Harbors Lambton Facility (4090 Telfer Road, St. Clair Township) from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Additionally, in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, event attendees are asked to follow physical distancing and safety protocols, including the following:
> Package materials in disposable containers (i.e. cardboard boxes) as they will not be returned;
> Place materials in the trunk or back of their vehicle to maximize distancing for event staff when collecting items; and
> Remain in their vehicle at all times, as event staff will be removing materials from the vehicle.
“Corrosive, toxic, reactive and flammable materials will be collected at these events,” says Matt De- line, Public Works Manager, County of Lambton. “These items should never be placed in a regular landfill because they have the potential to injure workers and damage the environment.”
Examples of these types of accepted materials include:
Items NOT accepted include: PCBs, commercial, industrial, radioactive wastes, electronics,
and explosives (flares and ammunition).
For more information visit the County of Lambton’s website at:
lambtononline.ca/hhw or call 519-845-0801.
BASES puts focus on community Safety, Environment, and Sustainability
The launch of the Bluewater Association for Safety, Environment, and Sustainability (BASES) has created a collaboration between Community Awareness Emergency Response (CAER), the Industrial Educational Cooperative (IEC), and Sarnia-Lambton Environmental Association (SLEA). BASES will work collaboratively with all communities in Lambton County, all levels of government, First Nations, local contractors, building and construction trades, and Lambton College. All information about CAER, IEC, and SLEA can now be found online at www.lambtonbases.ca as a central hub for the interactive exchange of information pertaining to the protection of workers, the community, and the environment.
Applications being accepted for renovation and homeownership programs
The County of Lambton is accepting applications for the Lambton Reno- vates and Homeownership Down- Payment Assistance Programs.
The Lambton Renovates program provides one-time financial assis- tance for home repairs, and the Homeownership Down-Payment pro-
gram offers one-time financial assistance in the form of a 20-year forgivable loan for a 10% down payment to be used towards the purchase of a new or resale home.
Applications can be downloaded at lamb- tononline.ca/lambtonrenovates and lamb- tononline.ca/homeownership. Interested appli- cants can also call the Housing Services Depart- ment at 519-344-2062 to request a paper applica- tion via mail.
The Lambton Renovates program offers finan- cial assistance to eligible households in one of two ways:
One-time assistance in the form of a 10 -year forgivable loan, secured by registration on title, for home repairs to a maximum of $20,000 per household.
One-time assistance in the form of a grant, which does not require repayment, for accessibil- ity improvements to a maximum of $5,000 per household.
Eligible repairs under the Lambton Renovates program may include major repairs and rehabilita-
tion required to make your home safe while improving energy effi- ciency, or modifications to increase accessibility.
The Homeownership Down Pay- ment Assistance program offers fi- nancial assistance to eligible households living in rental accom- modations. The program offers one-
time assistance in the form of a 20 -year forgivable loan, secured by registration on title, for a 10% down payment to be used towards the purchase of a new or resale affordable home.
“Both the Lambton Renovates and Homeownership Down-Payment Assistance programs offer unique funding opportunities to eligible Lambton County residents,” says Mackenzie Kada, Project Coordina- tor. “We encourage all residents to review the eli- gibility requirements and, if eligible, apply to the program that best suits their needs.
Applicants for these programs must meet a number of qualifications related to residency, in- come, asset level and home value, which can be found online at lambtononline.ca/ lambtonrenovates and lambtononline.ca/ homeownership.
Applicants are asked to review the Lambton Renovates Information Sheet and the Homeowner- ship Down Payment Assistance Information Sheet prior to completing an application.
S-L Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Business Achievement Awards: Nominate deserving businesses in your community
Do you know a business, service, store, or individual in St. Clair Township that de- serves recognition? Here’s your chance to see them recognized for customer service or for being a cool place to work.
The Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce is now looking for nominations for its annual Outstanding Business Achievement Awards (OBAAs). There are 11 categories open for nomination.
Recognition Awards include:
• Customer Service – Individual: Individuals who go above and beyond to deliver great customer service.
• Customer Service – Business: Organizations that provide outstanding customer service and drive value throughout the community; a place we send our family, friends, and colleagues.
• Cool Place to Work: Organizations that demonstrate a healthy, positive, productive work environment.
Technical Awards include:
• Agri-Business: Organizations that drive value through agri- business, celebrating both the success and passion for growth and excellence in the agricultural sector.
• Tech-Novation: Organizations that incorporate new or improve existing technology in the development of new products, services, or business processes.
• Inclusivity: Forward-thinking champions of inclusive values and principles.
• HSE Leadership: Organizations that demonstrate leading health, safety, and environmental excellence and sustaina- bility.
“…Of-The-Year” Awards
• Non-Profit: Non-profit organizations that have shone even brighter in the past year to support those in the communi- ty.
• Entrepreneur: Individuals who introduced a new product or idea to meet changing and consumer demands.
• Member of the Year: Individuals who work with the Cham- ber of Commerce to innovate and lead the way in our com- munity.
• Business of the Year: Celebrating excellence across the board.
The entire nomination process had been moved online. Visit www.slchamber.ca/OBAAs to nominate a business/individual for an award or to self-nominate your own business.
Applications close Sunday, July 11 at 11:59 p.m.
The Beacon of St. Clair Township July 2021 Page 10
The Ontario reopening continues with Step Two in most areas of the province on June 30. (Exceptions are hot spots in and around the GTA as well as Waterloo, where municipal officials have chosen to stay in Stage One due to the prevalence of the fast-spreading Delta variant in the community.
The Roadmap to Reopen is the latest provincial strategy aimed at getting our daily lives back to the cuddly, maskless days we used to enjoy. It’s also a necessary guide to rehabili- tating the economy and to restoring our ability to move freely through the world.
Tourism Sarnia-Lambton has supplied the Beacon with this outline of the three-step plan which we hope everyone will read and follow. The list of restrictions listed here is not com- plete but it answers many common questions about what each step will allow.
As 2021 unfolds, we have a choice. Do we ignore this pro- vincial strategy and carry on as if nothing is wrong? Or do we take to heart the instructions laid out in this ‘roadmap’ and slay the unseen monster that has sickened and murdered too many of our loved ones?
The choice is ours and we must make the right one. Our alternative is to be trapped in a constant cycle of shut downs, missed family milestones, threatened jobs, and interrupted lives.
Please get vaccinated as soon as you have the op- portunity to do so. A bright future can only rise be- yond this pandemic if we become the fuel that pow- ers our community’s recovery.
Regardless of your belief, COVID-19 has a very real grip on our community. It will take real action and real commitment by everyone to set us free.
Editor’s note: In the April 2021 Beacon, we were introduced to life in the hamlet of Duthil by author
G. Wayne Brown, who spent the first 22 years of his life there. We soon discovered the hamlet wasn’t always the sleepy little dot on the map we expected it to be.
This fourth and final installment of Duthil Days: Memories of My Hometown offers a bittersweet farewell to life less complex and more mysterious – less hectic and more precious.
Cuckoo
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a well known Duthil resident who’s nickname was ” Cuckoo “. He was from Belgium and, when referring to him by his real name, its spelling and pronunciation sounded very much like his nickname.
Cuckoo was a very intelligent man who spoke sev- eral languages and had studied to become a priest. However, after serving as a soldier in World War II, he suffered from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Cuckoo lived in poverty in a one-room shack lo- cated on the 100-acre farm owned by John Fraser, directly across the road from the Tulloch farm. He had no steady job aside from helping his neighbours from time to time. Cuckoo remained a bachelor all his life.
~ ~ ~
One of the “strange things” done in Duthil
I want to include one last tidbit of information about an event that took place quite a few years ago in downtown Duthil, or at least it started out there.
Those who recall the poem The Cremation of Sam McGee by Robert Service will remember that the first line reads, “There are strange things done under the midnight sun by the men who moil for gold”. We could paraphrase this poem to describe the “…strange things done by young teenage girls who want to drive before they earn a driver’s license.”
This young girl just happens to be my sister, Bon- nie, who, at the time, was 14 or 15 years old. Her dad told her she could drive the old ’52 International half-ton truck over to visit her cousin and good friend, Janet Tulloch, on the condition that she drive no further than the short distance over the bridge to the Tulloch driveway.
He also warned her he would check the truck’s odometer when she got home. However, after arriv- ing at Duthil, the two girls decided to drive all the way to West Becher to buy a particular kind of can- dy. Now, how does one resolve the odometer prob- lem? If you’re my sister, you drive the 3.5 miles to West Becher backwards so that the odometer reveals nothing!
The Darcy McKeough Floodway Project
I had moved away from the area and by the time I came back, the Darcy McKeough Dam was built. However, I was kept informed about it due to its close proximity to the Brown farm, where con- struction of the diversion channel eliminated several acres of our land on north side of Holt Line.
The dam is located immediately north (upstream) of the Holt Line bridge. It was completed in 1984 at a cost in the order of $20 million with the purpose of providing flood relief to the community of Wallace- burg. It is capable of diverting approximately 37% of the Sydenham River’s water through the seven kilo- metre long channel.
I recall many times before the floodway project was finished when, during spring melt, the high wa- ter and accompanying ice flows missed the under- girding of the bridge by only a few feet. The dam also allows an excellent view of the Duthil bridge for those who might be interested, especially in the fall of the year.
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The Duthil Reunion
Late in 1986 a committee was struck to plan a reunion for anyone associated with the Duthil com- munity. I was joined by Ed Hay and David Bucking- ham (sorry if I missed any other members) to put things in place.
During the summer of 1987 a large, enthusiastic group assembled at the Wilkesport Community Cen- ter to renew old friendships and enjoy the nostalgia of Duthil’s past.
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Conclusion
There are so many more things I could have touched upon but we’ll call the ones in this narrative the highlights. Several resources were used to verify historical events, including the World Wide Web, The London Free Press, and The Sombra Museum Cul- tural Centre.
Special thanks to Lois Tulloch and her son, Gor- don, for the use of their numerous photos and news- paper clippings, as well as their verification of local history. I couldn’t have put this article together without them.
Feedback from readers of The Beacon indicate they have enjoyed this candid glimpse of life in one of St. Clair Township’s many early hamlet communities. Author G. Wayne Brown invites anyone who has read this series, and has comments or questions about it,
~ ~ ~ to contact him by email at: brownw@sympatico.ca
Brigden Fair falls victim to COVID-19 for second year: see you in 2022
Lambton County Library annual summer reading program underway
Lambton County Library cardholders are invited to en- joy the 2021 Summer Reading Program, a six-week initi- ative promoting reading and the maintenance of literacy skills for children during summer break. It
may also encourage reading as a hobby among adults.
The theme for 2021 is Every Hero Has A Story. “The library encourages heroes of all ages from around Lambton County to read stories, participate in activities, and discover online programs,” said Greer Macdonell, Community Library Supervisor. “The more registrants read and partici- pate, the more chances they have to win amazing prizes.”
The Summer Reading Program is free and available for Lambton County Library cardholders, who can register now by vis- iting a curbside pickup location during opening hours. Kids ages 0 -12 will receive an age-specific registration package (0-4 years, 5-8 years or 9-12 years) in French
or English which will include: a passport, program in- structions, stickers, supplies for three DIY activities, ac- tivity sheets and recommended reading list. For every five books read, kids will earn one free book prize to a maximum of three book prizes.
Through July and August participants can take part in online activities, games, challenges and set reading goals for themselves. Books can be borrowed through the library’s curbside pickup service, and
eBooks are available through digital plat- forms found at: www.lclibrary.ca. Online activities, games and challenges will open on July 5, 2021 at www.lclibrary.ca/srp. They include: Herovision; Secret Code Word Scavenger Hunt; Superhero Weekly Online Photo Challenge; and Story Walk.
Prizes to be won include: a bike and hel- met (Herovision); one of five $50 Amazon gift cards (Secret Code Word Scavenger Hunt); a movie night prize package (Superhero Weekly Online Photo Chal- lenge); $50 Discover Sarnia-Lambton gift cards; food prizes; and puzzle prize pack- ages.
This is just a sample of what awaits the summer program readers. For a complete look at the program’s activities and special
events, visit www.lclibrary.ca/srp and follow @LCLibrary on Facebook and Twitter.
If you don’t have a library card, just visit www.lclibrary.ca/apply and watch the Lambton County Library heroes make one magically appear.
United Way of Sarnia-Lambton serves the community 24/7
Mental health services for children/youth expanded
The Ontario government will provide funding totalling $200,100 to organizations in Sarnia- Lambton that address the mental health needs of children and youth. The funding is part of the province’s Roadmap to Wellness plan. Organiza- tions receiving this funding include: St. Clair Child and Youth; Youth Services of Lambton
County Inc.; Social Services Bureau of Sarnia- Lambton Inc.; Community Living Sarnia-Lambton; and Sarnia-Lambton Rebound.
This funding acknowledges the pandemic’s negative effect on children and youth, and will help ensure timely care and improved outcomes when problems arise.
The Lambton County agricultural community recently honoured three of its most worthy people. Sid Fraleigh, Dona Stewardson, and Kevin Marriott were inducted into the Lambton Agricultural Hall of Fame during a well- attended virtual Zoom ceremony.
Hall of Fame individuals, organizations, and businesses are nominated for having had a positive influence on agri- culture in the rural community within the borders of Lamb- ton County. The chosen inductees have influenced, changed, and contributed to the agricultural industry re- gionally, provincially, and sometimes, internationally. The biographies of all three of the 2021 inductees tick all of those boxes with a life’s work that touches agricultural communities at home and abroad.
During her opening remarks, ceremony spokesperson Joanne Sanderson acknowledged the reasons the three hon-
Her numerous other achievements included: becoming the only woman on the board of direc-
tors with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture; chairing the OFA environ- mental committee; serving on the pub- lic advisory committee for Internation- al Joint Commission between the
U.S.A. and Canada; participant and observer for the stable funding resolu- tion that started in Lambton County and evolved into provincial legislation for farm business registration; repre- senting agriculture for 12 years on the board of directors of the Cooperators and became its first female CEO; and being elected as a municipal councillor
ourees deserved to be in the Hall of Fame. “We’re here to honour the success they’ve had,” she said. “It wasn’t an
for Bosanquet Township. Dona is also a founding member of the North Lamb-
Dona Stewardson
accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most importantly, love of what they do.”
Sid Farleigh’s 70 years in agriculture in Lambton County began with his involvement in the swine sector as a pork producer. He brought his experience to the promotion of pork as a provincial representative to the Ontario Pork
Council. He later became the MP for Lambton-Middlesex while still actively farming. As a chair of the Ontario Pork Producers marketing board, he helped develop an export market in Japan that flourished and is still in operation today.
In the community, he has been a 4H Swine Club leader, an army cadet lead- er, a sports coach, an active member of the Anglican Church, and a curling club member. His compassion for others also led to his work as a driver for cancer patients who needed transportation to
ton Community Health Centre; a deacon of Knox Presbyter- ian Church; and a member of several other boards of direc- tor.
As an active member of the agricultural community, Kevin Marriott is involved with pork and beef, and has de- veloped his operation in acreage worked and in cash crops, especially the identity-preserved GMO-free food grade soy beans he grows for the Japanese market. He was one of the first farmers to practice no-till farming in Enniskillen Town- ship starting in 1988. He has been actively involved in vari- ous groups and activities within Lambton County, many in leadership capacities, with membership in Enniskillen and Dawn 4-H beef Club where he mentored the next genera- tion. He went on to be a member of the 4-H Leaders Asso- ciation, member of Enniskillen Township Junior Farmers, eventually becoming a director and then president of that group. Participating in many county and provincial activi- ties, he served with the Lambton County Soy Bean commit- tee, the Grain Farmers of Ontario, Agriculture in the Class-
Sid Fraleigh
their appointments. He was noted for his strong leadership, sense of humour, and
room, Lambton Soil and Crop Improvement Association, and the Bluewater Conservation Club.
commitment to the betterment of agriculture and those who make their livings from it.
Dona Stewardson was born into a farming family and married a farmer, all the while developing a strong love of agriculture and, by extension, the environment. Along with her husband, Don, the couple started their farming opera- tion milking cows, raising hogs, and working 100 acres in Bosanquet Township. Today, their three boys carry on the farming tradition with milking cows, broiler chickens, and cash crops.
From promoting dairy farming as the Lambton County Dairy Princess, to serving her community as an elected board member of the Lambton County Federation of Agri- culture, her lifetime of service blossomed with several wa- tershed moments as the first female to shatter the “glass ceiling”.
As the first female president of the LFA, she took on rural challenges that resulted in the formation of the Lamb-
Provincially, Kevin has been a pro- vincial director of the Ontario Soy Bean growers for over 10 years and is a founding provincial member of the Grain Farmers of Ontario who shared his time, knowledge and expertise as this organization developed their mis- sion statement and set the foundation for future farmers to work from. Inter- nationally, he held a position of direc- tor on the American Soy Bean Associa- tion. Representing Canada, he helped develop government programs that, to this day, are the foundation used in lobbying our Canadian government in the growth of our commodity pro- grams.
Kevin led a delegation to Japan in 2008 to promote Canadian food grade
Kevin Marriott
ton Rural Child Care Program and raised awareness of the importance of agriculture through Agriculture In The Class- room, which was done in partnership with the Women’s Institute and the OMAF staff. Other organizations that ben- efited from Dona’s efforts include: Sarnia Chamber of Com- merce Environment Committee, Rural Lambton Steward- ship Program, and the Remedial Action Committee Advisory Board for Sarnia. Dona represented agriculture in local, provincial, federal, and international appointments, break- ing several gender barriers along the way.
soy beans, served as a Canadian director on the National
Biodiesel Board for five years, and was part of the Canadian farm debt mediation board panel for a three-year term.
Closer to home, he got into politics with his 1994 elec- tion as an Enniskillen Township councillor and is currently the Warden of Lambton County. Over the past 40 years, he has supported the agricultural community and says he plans to continue farming and encouraging other farmers to grow and take an active part in their community.
Sombra Museum seeks information/photos of COVID era
The Sombra Museum is collecting pandemic stories, photos, videos, art work, etc. (family friendly) from St. Clair Township residents to help record and preserve
memories of the COVID experience for future generations.; day-to
-day memories of life in Sombra, Wilkesport, Port Lambton, Mooretown, Lambton County, Canada, and elsewhere in the world.
Information we hope you will share includes:
* Shopping conditions and how they changed over time.
* Adapting to working at home, and any challenges or creative solutions that were needed.
* Financial challenges.
* Feelings caused by the outbreak and thoughts about social distancing.
* Keeping children/adults occupied during self-isolation.
* New or newly rediscovered hobbies or crafts you did
* Stories from workers on the front lines/staffing essential services.
* Struggles of family/friends infected with the virus.
* Stories of everyday heroes, i.e. people helping neighbours/ people accepting
inconveniences for the greater good.
* How daily life and routines have changed.
* For those who lived through the Depression, World War II, etc., are there
similarities to those experiences?
• How social media and technology is impacting life in social isolation (using technology for the first time, using it differently).
Submissions can be sent by email to: sombramuseum@hotmail.com with the subject line “COVID- 19 History Snapshot”.
Please share this request for community life memories with as many people as possible. We encourage everyone to document this time, if not to share publicly, then for yourself and your family to look back and reflect on in years to come.
Take care and be well. ~Kailyn Shepley
Lambton County Library lends passes for Ontario parks
The Lambton County Library has seasonal day-use per- mits valid library cardholders can borrow to take in the natural beauty of provincial parks like Pinery Provincial Park near Grand Bend. The permit will allow unlimited daily entry for one vehicle plus all of its passengers. The permit will come with a $5 day-use coupon for future regular day-use, as well as a park guide.
The permits will be valid until Dec. 31, 2021 and may be borrowed for a period of seven days. The vehicle per- mit must be returned after the lending period but the borrower may keep the coupon and parks guide.
To prepare for your park encounter, the Lambton County Library offers a variety of materials to enhance your visit, including: a collection of wildlife books, trail guides, and children’s nature books. The library collec- tions also include snowshoes, pedometers, and GPS units that can be borrowed.
tion during hours of operation.
The Lambton County Library received the passes from Ontario Parks as a part of its library day-use vehicle lending program. The pro-
gram encourages Ontario residents to enjoy the out- doors and to reap the men- tal and physical health ben- efits offered by outdoor activities.
If you haven’t got a li- brary card, call 519-845- 3324, ext. 5266 or 1-866-
324-6912, ext. 5266, or
email: librarytech- help@county-
lambton.on.ca . For more
Ontario parks passes and other library materials can be reserved for contactless curbside pickup using the online catalogue at lclibrary.ca or the Iguana Library mobile app, or by calling a participating curbside loca-
information on locations, services, and hours of op- eration, go online to: www.lclibrary.ca .
Above: The Ontario Parks pass, park guide and $5 coupon.
Moore Museum seeks information about history of old Moore Township schools
Moore Museum is still accepting information for a virtual exhibit for the museum’s website. It will feature brief histories and photos of the schools in the former Moore Township prior to centralization in 1963. There were 19 school sections in Moore, four of which were union schools – two shared with Sombra Township and two with Sarnia Township. To see the map that indicates where the schools were located, see the March or April 2021 Beacon. It can be accessed, along with further information, by going online the St. Clair Township website home page. Click on The Beacon, top right of the page. ~Laurie Mason, curator, Moore Museum
The Beacon of St. Clair Township July 2021 Page 17
Courtright resident
Conquers Mount everest…
well, virtually anyway..
Courtright resident Will Graham, multi-media artist (including tattoos), business man, and now, mountaineer, recently con- quered Mount Everest, virtually speaking.
The online challenge is the answer to an existential issue Will began to grapple with when the COVID-19 shut downs began.
“I started this because I want to prevent myself from getting old and fat,” he said. “I like food a lot and I love cinema, so sitting around snacking is a bad combination. At the same time, I really like a good challenge,” he said. “I want to be able to walk when I’m 64.”
In his search to discover a way to stay motivated and remain active, he discovered a website that offers virtual challenges that require physical activity. “It’s really unique; it tracks your move- ment and it shows you where you are. They plant a tree every time you reach a benchmark,” he said. “It’s a way to push me to make it to the finish line.”
To represent the mileage and conditions needed to achieve his Mount Everest ‘climb’, Will started running last January, through the snow, sleet, or whatever weather he had to endure, with his phone tracking his progress. The challenge was deemed to be complete when the actual distance from the ground up to the summit was accumulated.
As a participant accumulates mileage/kilometres and the total distance covered increases, the site emails actual photographs of some of the locations that have been reached. Post cards are also sent out and a medal is awarded for the successful completion of the challenge.
Will’s Facebook following was able to share his experiences online and he says most of the response was positive. But predict- ably, when using social media to share positive efforts of any kind, some people will always find something to gripe about. “I thought it would be fun to share my adventures with the greater world out there, so I started posting my challenges”, said Will.
For the Everest Challenge, he posted the Everest location pictures he had received to show viewers the places on the moun- tain he had encountered virtually. “I’d write, ‘Today, I made it 14 kilometres and here are some pictures of where I am on the mountain,’” he explained. “During the pandemic, a number of people jumped on me instantly, like ‘what the h**l are you doing traveling around the world in a pandemic…it’s not safe…you’re part of the problem’…and I thought, guys, it’s virtual, I’m doing this around my neighbourhood by myself.”
Virtual mountaineer Will Graham with his challenge medal
and a few encouraging ‘post cards’
Knowing the pandemic has brought out strong emotions, both good and bad, in most people, Will has taken the criticism in stride. “I know we’re all stressed and we’re all doing our best at a difficult time, but the propensity to immediately jump to the worst case scenario is a reflex we, as a society, need to work on stopping,” he said. “Maybe they don’t know what it means but more than likely, it’s just a reflex. I wasn’t prepared for that.”
In spite of the hostile feedback he received, Will soldiered on, heeding only the positive support he was receiving from the ma- jority of his followers. The challenge provided him with tangible motivation to stay active and maintain a level of fitness during the pandemic. “The challenge is the push for me, it keeps me hon- est,” said Will.
There are a selection of activity challenges for which a small fee is charged. Will is now involved in another challenge that takes the participant along the Route 66. For this challenge, wheels are required, so he rides a bicycle to Sombra and back to simulate driving a car along the famous American highway, which runs from Chicago to Santa Monica, California.
As a forward thinker, Will already has his next challenge in mind. “The next one I want to do after this, probably next year, is swimming the English Channel. I’ll just hop in the river and swim down every day. It’s fun,” he said.
Lambton County Archives introduce virtual appointments
The extensive archival resources at the Lambton County Archives can now be accessed via a virtual service. The service also allows patrons access to the researchers and genealogists who can facilitate family, property, and historical searches.
Virtual appointments must be booked in advance with the Archivist. They will include two 15- minute video or telephone meetings, and one hour of research time. The Archivist will also assist by reviewing research and answering questions. The cost is $20 for members and $40 for non-members, which includes 1.5 hours of research support. Additional research time can be purchased as required.
Those who wish to be introduced to the various online genealogical and local history resources can ask to be introduced to AncestryLibrary, Onland, and other programs.
To book appointments or make a reservation, visit the Lambton County Archives website.
Program information for the Rapids Family Health Team clinic located in the Shell Health Centre, 233 Cameron Street, Corunna, is currently not available. Watch this space for more information as it becomes available. To contact the clinic, go to www.rapidsfhteam.ca or call 519-339-8949 and speak to reception.
LAB OPEN
Just a reminder that our lab is open weekdays for
all residents Monday to Friday –
7:30a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Virtual SCRA spring water awareness program marks three years
Families living within the St. Clair Region Conser- vation Authority watershed benefit every year from an annual SCRCA program that teaches children about the hazards of playing around fast-flowing riv- ers in the spring.
The icy cold, turbulent spring runoff can turn a trickling stream into a rushing torrent in minutes, sweeping a small child into the flow.
For the third year, Plains Midstream Canada has donated $5,000 to fund the program so that it can be presented free of charge. It was offered as a vir- tual live stream workshop this spring.
“Through our annual Spring Water Awareness Pro- gram (SWAP), we talk with students about the po-
tentially dangerous conditions associated with streams and rivers during the spring, and provide them with safety guidelines,” said Melissa Levi, Con- servation Education Coordinator at the SCRCA.
The workshop was a success, allowing the im- portant message to be heard and offering a live ex- periment where children received a cold water ex- posure experience right in front of their computer. They quickly learned that cold water can affect dex- terity and interfere with their ability to move.
Ian Forster, Community Relations Advisor to Plains Midstream Canada says the program is important to the community’s ability to be a strong, safe, healthy place. “It’s fantastic to see the positive impact the program offers by educating kids about water safety
This watery screen shot shows the beginning of the virtual version of the annual SCRCA’s Spring Water Awareness pro- gram, which took place took place in late June.
and safe enjoyment of our region’s watercourses,” he said.
Some safety tips for kids to remember include: tell an adult where you are going; take a friend in case you get into trouble; never play around dams or culverts – they have can have strong currents that are hard to escape; lakes and ice can be dangerous and unstable; if you have permission from an adult to play around water, wear a PFD (personal floata- tion device) and make the adult wear one, too.
Lambton County Archives project features videos by county’s young writers
The Young Canuckstorian Project, a collaborative commu- nity project of the Lambton County Archives, gave young writ- ers an opportunity to write scripts for 20 two-minutes animated videos that celebrate outstanding community leaders from Lambton County’s past. The Young Canuckstorian Project: Hometown Heroes project, spearheaded by local author, illus- trator Mickey Maple, whose alter ego Mike Collier, a recent Premier’s Award Nominee from Lambton College, was a six month effort to acknowledge community leaders such as Sadie Knowles, Roy Caley, Doc Dougall, and Deo Suzuki.
The videos allow historical societies and other institutions
to heighten visibility and public awareness of their work. They also serve as a social studies curriculum resource for the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSC).
Nicole Aszalos, Archivist/Supervisor for Lambton County Ar- chives, said, “The Archives is honoured to support this innovative project which aims to engage youth with local history and inspire future research and learning.”
The videos are available on The Young Canuckstorian YouTube channel and the Lambton County Archives blog. In the coming months, a weekly video will also be highlighted on the Lambton County Archives Face-
book page.
The project was made possi- ble by support from the Creative County Grant Program in collabo- ration with Lambton County Mu- seums and Archives, local histori- cal societies, and LKDSC.
Wanted: Motivated youth seeking adventure
The Royal Canadian “1st Hussars” Army Cadet Corps Pe- trolia invites boys and girls ages 12-18 to learn new skills, marksmanship, orienteering, hiking, leadership, pipes and drum band, and teamwork, participate in many new challeng- es, make new friends and attend great summer camps, all at no cost. Cadets are not required to join the military. Join us today! For more information, call 519-332-6555 or visit: www.petroliacadets.com
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Golf
Follow us on Facebook, or watch our website for any further updates including programming
St. Clair Parkway Golf Club
Email: kgrant@stclairtownship.ca Phone: 579-867-2760
Facebook: @stclairparkwaygolfclub
Website: http://www.stclairparkwaygolf com/
Moore Agricultural Society membership
Interested in becoming a member of the Moore Agricul- tural Society or need to renew your membership? Member- ships can be paid either by dropping off payment and member information (name, telephone number, email address, home address) at the Brigden Fair office or through e-transfer at Finance@brigdenfair.ca . Member- ships are $10 per person until further notice.
For more information on the membership role, contact
info@brigdenfair.ca .
Sacred Heart food bank –
the need continues
The community side effects of the coronavirus have resulted in constant need for supplies at local food banks. Many people have lost their jobs due to shut downs and closures during the pandemic, and the need is still great. Now more than ever, our neighbourhood food banks are called upon to come to the aid of the community. Nourish- ing food and warm clothing are more important than ever. In Ward 2, The Sacred Heart Food Bank has shelves that constantly need restocking. Please keep the Sacred Heart food bank in mind when you shop for your own groceries.
St. Andrew’s foodbank remains open
The food bank at St. Andrew’s Church on Colborne Street in Corunna is open every Wednesday evening from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and every Thursday morning from 9 a.m. to noon. It operates in association with the Inn of the Good Shepherd in Sarnia.
The food bank offers a variety of food products to help people eat healthily, including milk, eggs, bread, and meat. 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.
Donations of non-perishable items are always wel- come. These include not only food, but household sup- plies like laundry soap, household cleaners, and toilet tissue, and personal hygiene items like toothbrushes, soap and shampoo, deodorant, and shaving items.
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Well water safety remains a concern during high water levels
Lambton Public Health (LPH) is encouraging residents with private water wells to test their water supply about three to four times per year, and also in the event of the well being flooded by excessive rainfall or high water levels. Harmful bacteria may enter the drinking water supply making it unsafe for consumption.
If your well is flooded, it should be disinfected and tested as soon as the water recedes and at one-week intervals for three weeks afterwards to ensure the water
is safe for drinking. The test for bacteria (total coliform and E. coli) and water sample kits are free. Water samples must be dropped off within 24 hours of being taken. Local drop-off centres are at Lambton Public Health, 160 Ex- mouth Street, Point Edward, and at Bluewater Health CEE lab, 450 Blanche Street in Petrolia. (Please note there may have been changes to the way samples are received. For a full schedule of access times for these lo- cations, as well as resources on how to take a water sam- ple, visit LambtonPublicHealth.ca
During the COVID-19 pandemic, access restrictions are in place. Please call before visiting the office. Learn more about testing options at Lambtonpubli- chealth.ca/2019-novel-coronavirus/service-changes/
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 assembled to people ages 14-24 who are in need of a healthy meal. Each bag also contains hygiene items and helpful information from community partners. People who qualify for this program can find these bags at the St. Jo- seph Catholic Church Parish office at 346 Beresford Street in Corunna during regular office hours (Monday from 11
a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.). Program organizers say the program will con- tinue into the fall and they hope to continue it as long as there is a need for it.
Please note: The Down River Jr. Optimist group (Sombra) has been disbanded.
New members welcome –
Lambton County Junior Optimist Club
The Lambton County Junior Optimist Club is always on the lookout for youth who want to make a difference in their community. Club members ages 10 through 18 volun- teer in the community and fundraise to put on their own programs and to donate to other youth programs. Hours spent volunteering with the club can be used toward mem- bers’ volunteer hours at school. The club meets the first Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Courtright Com- munity Centre (closed during COVID-19 shutdown). For more information, call Mary Lou at 519-862-3950.
Local TOPS weight control group meetings
Local TOPS weight control groups can be contacted for information as follows: Brigden—519-864-1865; Corunna- 519-381-5584. People of all ages are welcome to attend.
Good listeners wanted –
Family Counselling Centre
Good listeners are needed by the Family Counselling
See More Community Contact, page 22
From page 21
Centre to staff the Distress Line, speaking with individuals who need support and need to feel connected. Volunteers are also needed to staff the Tel-Check program line, placing daily calls to seniors and persons with disabilities who live alone and are feeling isolated. To register or to find out more about this effort, call Donna at the Family Counsel- ling Centre, 519-336-0120, ext. 251.
Scholarship offered by Lambton County W. I.
Lambton County Women’s Insti- tute is offering a $1,000 scholarship for students entering their first or second year of full-time studies at any college or university in Ontario. Studies must lead to the student’s first degree or diploma, and the ap- plicant’s address must be in Lambton
County. Previous winners are not eligible.
Complete a typed application with a cover letter and the most recent official transcript of academic results.
Include your program of studies and the starting date of your courses at the college or university you attend, have ap- plied to, or hope to attend.
Include a list of your community activities while attending high school/college, university over the last two years. List all organizations of which you have been an active member, in- cluding offices held in your high school/college/or university, leadership activities in organizations, special interests, hobbies and accomplishments. State why you chose this course and what you plan to do after graduation.
Include a typed essay of 250-350 words on this subject: If the 2020 pandemic has changed your family’s food choices, give supporting reasons for changing and reasons why those changes will or will not be sustained.
Return your completed application with the above, plus:
1. Present complete mailing and email address.
2. Names of your mother/ grandmother who is/was a W.I. member, if applicable.
3. Names and telephone numbers of three references who could be contacted to support your involve-
ment in the activities you have listed.
Inquiries can be emailed to Anne
Anne McGugan with a past scholarship recipient.
McGugan at amcgugan@hotmail.com. Appli- cations can be emailed in pdf format to the above email ad- dress or mailed to: Anne McGugan, 3842 Old Walnut Road,
R.R. # 7, Alvinston, Ontario, N0N 1A0 .
Pulmonary Rehabilitation: (for existing clients) For people living with lung disease. Learn to self-manage through education and exercise. To register or for more information, call Brenda at 519-786-4545, ext. 265 or Lorie at 519-491-2123,
ext. 227.
BMI (Body, Mind, Inspired): Held every third Thursday, monthly topics focus on nutrition and healthy lifestyle, targeting your best weight. Classes are facilitated by a Registered Dieti- tian. To register, call 519-786-4545, ext. 307 or email: ageorge@nlchc.com
The annual Bluewater Anglers Family Fun Fishing Derby scheduled for Saturday, July 10 has been cancelled and there is no plan to reschedule the derby this year. Cancelation is due to COVID-19 safety restrictions and public health guidelines.
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Drive -inatBrigdenFairgrounds
It’s drive-in movie night at the Brigden Fairgrounds on Friday, Aug. 27. Check out the Brigden Fair Facebook page for additional infor- mation and to vote on the movies you’d like to see. Details and price of admission will be here in the August St. Clair Township Beacon.
SLEP receives gold award for marketing initiative
A marketing initiative in which Sarnia-Lambton was recently showcased has been awarded an the international Hermes Crea- tive Awards gold medal.
The competition, whose past winners have included media conglomerates and Fortune 500 companies, is administered by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (ACMP), one of the largest and oldest third-party evaluators of creative work in the world.
SLEPs marketing initiative went to print early in 2020 follow- ing extensive research, consultation, and development. The re- sult was a brochure for each of the Sarnia-Lambton area’s 11 local municipalities.
The clever strategy used by SLEP revolved around niche op- portunities that existed in Sarnia-Lambton waiting to be filled. To identify them, the group used data analysis and feedback from area municipalities and residents regarding goods and services they would like to be able to find locally. Over 100 one-on-one meetings and 12 public con-
sultations were organized in nine locations across Sarnia- Lambton.
“The creation of the Sarnia-Lambton Community Prospectus Documents show- cases each municipality, what it offers, as well as business opportunities,” said Kevin Marriott, Warden of Lambton County. “Many municipalities have never before had this information consolidated into a profes- sional document to use for resident and business attrac- tion.”
Right: Stephen Thompson, CEO, Sarnia-Lambton E.P. with award-winning brochures
SCRCA camps open for seasonal campers
Seasonal campers with a full-season contract can now access the A. W. Campbell, Lorne C. Henderson, and Warwick Conser- vation Areas. However, seasonal campers are required to either visit for no more than 24 hours for an essential purpose or for a minimum of 14 consecutive days. Transient camping is NOT per- mitted at this time.
For more information, visit the SCRCA website at:
Opening Doors: Healthy lifestyle program for individuals living with mental illness or seeking mental health support. For
See More Around the Township, page 23
