The Sarnia Journal - January 28th, 2021 by The Sarnia Journal

Vol. 8, Issue 2

Living in fear

Free of Charge

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Showdown

Human rights

Major new study finds

MP Marilyn Gladu backs

human traffickers recruiting young, vulnerable women

church freedom on

‘conversion therapy’ bill

CATHY DOBSON THE JOURNAL

woman who became a victim of human trafficking wants Sarnians to know it happens here and how to help prevent it. “People are definitely taken aback when they hear my story, said Alicia, 31, who was 20-years-old and when her life spiralled into drugs and trafficking. “If you were to meet me, I’m a well put-together, attractive woman. I don’t look like someone who was involved in a very dark world. “I didn’t know that lifestyle exists in Sarnia. I didn’t even party in high school,” she said. “But when I came home after college I met a fellow who was older than me and had that appealing bad-boy persona. I met the wrong people at the wrong time.” The man introduced her to his friends and to cocaine. “I had no self-esteem. My parents had divorced and I found that traumatic. I responded to anyone who gave me the time of day,” she told The Journal. “He said I was special. I thought I had a boyfriend.” Soon he was giving her expensive gifts and drugs to deal to support her habit. When he delivered other women to johns, Alicia became the driver. “By then, I felt there was no way out. It made me feel needed. I trusted him. I felt I’d do anything for him.” Then one day came a customer who wanted her to turn a trick. “The man I thought was my boyfriend became my trafficker. Behind closed doors he threatened to harm my family,” said Alicia. Continued on 3

A COMPOSITE PHOTO showing an inverted Chemical Valley and the shoreline of Michigan, looking northwest from Canatara Beach. Sarnia's neighbouring state is threatening to shut down a major pipeline that's critical for local industry. For a special report on Line 5, please see pages 12-13. TROY SHANTZ The Journal

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TARA JEFFREY THE JOURNAL

federal bill that would ban the discredited practice of conversion therapy is facing opposition from Sarnia-Lambton MP Marilyn Gladu. A petition launched by the Tory MP calling on the government to amend or withdraw Bill C-6 — legislation aimed at criminalizing conversion therapy — garnered 169 signatures and was presented to the House of Common. “This petition is supported by the majority of the 91 churches in my riding,” Gladu said at the December reading, noting residents and churches in Sarnia-Lambton are “extremely concerned about an attack on our freedom of religion, conscience, expression, belief and our ability to speak it in the public square.” Conversion therapy is defined by the government as ‘any service, practice or treatment designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, gender identity to one that matches the sex assigned at birth, or to repress or reduce non heterosexual sexual attraction or sexual behaviours.’ The practice has been denounced by medical and human rights organizations around the world, citing devastating impacts on its victims, including suicide. Bill C-6, designed to protect the equality rights of LGBTQ2 persons, would make it a criminal offence to: cause a child to undergo conversion therapy; remove a child from Canada to undergo conversion therapy abroad; cause a person to undergo conversion therapy against their will; profit from providing conversion therapy; or advertise an offer to provide conversion therapy. Continued on 5

Page 2

The Sarnia Journal

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Thursday, January 28, 2021

The Sarnia Journal

Local

Fear:

Continued from 1 “I was very confused and very dependent on drugs. I just did what I thought I had to do in order to keep my family safe.” Alicia’s story isn’t unique, said Ruth Geurts, the lead researcher in a groundbreaking new study into human trafficking in Sarnia. She and six others worked two years and interviewed 70 community workers to determine how human trafficking happens here and how to help survivors. “(Among others), we talked to people at the school boards, addiction workers, the CAS, all three Indigenous groups, Lambton College and the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Centre,” said Geurts. “Seventy-five per cent said they were working with victims who they believed were involved in sexual human trafficking,” she said. “It’s a very difficult thing to quantify. Most people being trafficked believe they are in a romance and don’t realize what’s happening until later.” One Lambton OPP member said human trafficking is “like chasing a ghost. It’s such a hidden crime,” said Geurts. Human trafficking is different from the sex trade because the sex trade is voluntary, she stressed. The research team interviewed or surveyed 300 individuals in Sarnia, including 12 survivors. “Human trafficking does not discriminate,” said Geurts. "Anyone can be at risk and end up a victim.” From 2017 to 2019 the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Centre Sarnia-Lambton assisted 35 women who were trafficked. “Most victims are young, predominantly female and have had some kind of trauma

Page 3

Sarnia-Lambton among last to get vaccine

RUTH GEURTS

in their past,” Geurts said. “These men find young, vulnerable girls looking for a friend and they lure them very early. They offer to take them to a party, drug them, rape them and videotape it, then threaten to put it on Facebook. “In order to stop that from happening they are forced to perform tricks, usually at hotels in other communities.” Very few call police. Alicia said she was one of the lucky ones. After a year of being trafficked “something clicked” when her so-called boyfriend abused her dog. “I realized how toxic it all was and I called my mom. My family had done everything they could think of to help and never gave up on me. She picked me up right away.” Despite issuing threats, her trafficker didn’t follow her. He was never charged. Alicia said she was able to overcome her addiction without the help of a rehabilitation centre. “There was a fire in me and I did my best to recover from drug addiction. My family supported me. I was very, very

lucky.” Several months ago, Alicia left Sarnia and moved out west to “get a fresh start.” She is now single, drugfree, and working as an office manager at a drug and alcohol rehab centre. The study was conducted through a partnership of Lambton College and the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Centre Sarnia Lambton. It concluded Sarnians need to be more aware of human trafficking; that it should be

part of the school curriculum; that the community needs a safe house; as well as additional detox and rehab facilities. A Co-ordinated Response to Assess Human Trafficking in Terms of the Problem, Prevention and Empowerment can be found at http://www.sexualassaultsarnia.ca/uploads/anti-human-trafficking-final-report.pdf It was funded by $200,000 from the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

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arnia-Lambton is one of only 11 health regions in Ontario that has not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine. The expected arrival is still the first week of February, Dr. Sudit Ranade told a special meeting of Lambton County council last week. Lambton’s Medical Officer of Health said he doesn’t know why Sarnia-Lambton, which has had one of the highest infection rates in Canada, is among the last in line. Ranade said he suspects allocations were determined late last fall when Sarnia-Lambton still had a low case count. During Phase 1, expected in February and March, residents and staff at long-term and retirement homes will be first in line. Next up are health care workers, others in congregate care settings, First Nation communities, and older adults. In Phases 2 (April) and 3 (late summer) the general population will have access to shots at clinics and from doctors, other primary care providers, and pharmacists.

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Page 4

The Sarnia Journal

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Local

Sarnia Produce likes lay of the land in Point Edward CATHY

DOBSON

Business Journal

in the mid-1980s. For many years, wholesale contracts with institutions, schools and restaurants outstripped sales in the store’s small retail area by a ratio of about 80:20, said Troiani. But in recent years, the retail customer base has grown and planning began for a new and larger store. When an adjacent car wash went up for sale, the brothers purchased it and hired Forest-based Wellington Builders to construct an 11,000-squarefoot single storey retail building. It will offer a wide range of produce, dairy and baked goods with a section called Fresh from Lambton. “I want this to be everyone’s market,” said Troiani. “I’m going to work with other busi-

OWNERS MARK, LEFT, and Dean Troiani at the construction site of the new Sarnia Produce store. CATHY DOBSON The Journal

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new $4-million building for Sarnia Produce is preparing the family-owned business for a third generation, says co-owner Dean Troiani. He and brother Mark are the second generation to run the fruit and vegetable operation, and Dean says their children are showing interest in taking over one day. Albert and Yolanda Troiani started Sarnia Produce 45 years ago and initially intended to locate in Sarnia. But those plans fell through at the last moment and the only warehouse space the couple could find on short notice was in Point Edward. By that time, the name was incorporated and the Troianis didn’t see the sense in spending money to change it, Dean Troiani said. “We get asked all the time why it’s called Sarnia Produce when it’s in Point Edward.” Sarnia Produce began on Kendall Street and moved to its current location on Lite Street

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nesses in the area, not compete with them, so there’s a real community feel about it.” For instance, the new Sarnia Produce story will carry baked goods from Cassie’s Cottage down the road, he said. Troiani had planned all along to offer online retail shopping when the new building opened but it made sense to establish online shopping a year early to accommodate pandemic protocols.

“Sales just exploded and continue to be very strong for retail,” he said. Retail now makes up about half the business. Last year, staffing was increased to 18 and a night shift added to meet demand. Troiani anticipates hiring another 30 to 50 employees when the new store opens seven days a week late this spring. “We love this community and our customers say they are excited too.” The new store will feature a “surprise” he’s not ready to unveil just yet.

“But I will say that it will be an additional service for our customers and it will be very European.” When the new building is complete, all retail will move into it and wholesale will continue out of the existing one. Sarnia Produce at 709 Lite St. offers an online store (https:// www.sarniaproduce.ca), curbside pickup, delivery and in-person shopping. Got a great idea for a business story? Send it to cathy. dobson@thesarniajournal.ca.

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Rights:

Continued from 1 The legislation easily passed second (virtual) reading in October in a 308-7 vote. Gladu’s office noted she was unable to vote because of Internet issues. Gladu said supporters of the petition want the government to narrow the definition of conversion therapy so it doesn’t exclude pastoral care and voluntarily sought counselling and prayer. “This petition came forward from members of the faith community in Sarnia-Lambton who agree that no one should be forced to receive conversion therapy, but were concerned that the overly broad definition of conversion therapy would infringe upon their rights of religious freedom and freedom of speech,” she told The Journal. The Government of Canada website says the bill would not criminal-

The Sarnia Journal

Page 5

Local

ize private conversations involving teachers, faith leaders and school and pastoral counsellors. Gladu wants that included in the legislation. “The Liberals refused to amend the definition of conversion therapy to protect the freedoms of others, and the bill is currently in the Senate for debate,” she said. The MP said she is unsure which local churches were associated with the petition, but added: “I would say I have received calls from members covering most of them.” Nicholas Schiavo, founder of No Conversion Canada, called Gladu’s petition ‘disappointing’ and a distraction from the real issue – “that is, that LGBTQ2+ Canadians continue to experience a form of fraudulent, dangerous abuse for simply existing. “Petitions such as this reinforce systemic homophobia and transphobia and can be re-traumatizing for survivors of conversion therapy,”

“...multiple lawyers have indicated that Bill C-6 as written will be Charter challenged since it would violate rights of freedom of belief and freedom of speech.”

— Marilyn Gladu

Schiavo told The Journal. “Unfortunately, in 2021, conversion therapy is still prevalent in Canadian society, which ranges from aversion therapy, gender coaching, regressive role play,

fasting, and other more extreme forms which include demonic exorcisms.” Simon Harris, a member of the Sarnia Intersectional Feminist Network, called it ‘highly hypocritical’ for an MP to participate in Sarnia Pride and Transgender Association events “and then turn around and choose to present a petition like this on the floor. “You cannot have your cake and eat it too,” he added. “Constituents deserve to know where Ms. Gladu falls on this

issue, as this is a civil rights issue that has taken a serious toll on the lives of the people she represents.” Gladu acknowledged the criticism but said she doesn’t believe the petition is harmful. “The right to put forward a petition is part of every individual's right under the Charter to freedom, opinion, and expression, and so members of the faith community must be free to express their views in private and in the public square,” she said.

“Protecting the rights and freedoms of everyone, not choosing one person's right over another, is essential to our democracy. “Let me restate,” she continued. “All Canadians believe no one should be forced to receive conversion therapy. However, multiple lawyers have indicated that Bill C-6 as written will be Charter challenged since it would violate rights of freedom of belief and freedom of speech.”

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SARNIA-LAMBTON MP Marilyn Gladu wants the Trudeau government to amend or withdraw Bill C-6 because its definition of "conversion therapy" is too broad. Troy Shantz file photo

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The Sarnia Journal

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Local

Bluewater Joint opens Sarnia’s first legal cannabis store

CATHY DOBSON THE JOURNAL

arnia has its first legal recreational cannabis store. After waiting nearly eight months, Bluewater Joint at 940 Murphy Rd. passed a final inspection on Jan. 18 and its first customer placed an order just minutes later, said owner Ellie Plata. Online orders and curbside pickup has been steady ever since, she says. Plata and husband Dennis live in Oakville but have family in Sarnia and say they like the community. Those ties and a sense there’s “a good market” here prompted her to open Bluewater Joint. The store offers 32 kinds of marijuana flower, as well as pre-rolls, vaporizers, concentrates, edibles, topicals, CBD and accessories. Pre-rolls are the most the popular item in early sales and vary in size, price and level of CBD and THC.

For example, a 12-pack of pre-roll Amnesia Haze sells for $26.77, while a one-gram single roll Hawaii Heartbreak costs $12.17. Many customers are curious about edibles, which were legalized in October 2019 in Canada, said Plata. For the first time, Sarnians have legal access to products such as Grape Oasis gummies that cost $8.40 for a four-pack, or a three-pack of CBD lavender chamomile tea selling for $18.59. The store’s recreational cannabis is a safe alternative to the “grey” market, said Plata. “You know what you’re getting when you buy from us,” she said. “The legal market is quality controlled with strict regulations about how it’s produced and packaged.” The top question people ask online is whether they can enter the shop. The answer is no, because of pandemic restrictions. For now, ordering is strictly online with curbside

BLUEWATER JOINT STAFF, from left: Dylan Istead, manager Michelle Rea, Robert Plata, Jess Plata, Melissa Millar and owner Ellie Plata. CATHY DOBSON The Journal

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pickup, usually within about 10 minutes. When COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and customers can enter the store they’ll find it dominated by a large wall mural by Hamilton artist Rich Mace. It depicts the Blue Water Bridge, a train, the Valley, and the old Colborne Hotel Henry Plater

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in downtown Sarnia, which Plata’s relatives owned at one time. Like hundreds of other hopefuls in Ontario, she applied for a licence last year after the province cancelled a controversial lottery system and opened the market up to anyone interested in going through the expensive and lengthy approval process. Sarnia has 12 other appli-

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cants waiting in the queue for consideration by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Bluewater Joint isn’t Plata’s only cannabis store. She opened one in Ancaster last February and plans to open a third in Simcoe next month. She is still hiring full and part-time sales associates for the Sarnia store. Applicants require a police check and CannSell certification. Bluewater Joint is in the Wiltshire Plaza on Murphy Road. It is open 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sundays. Visit www.bluewaterjoint. ca for a full list of products and online ordering, or call 226-89JOINT. “WORKING FROM HOME?”

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Thursday, January 28, 2021

The Sarnia Journal

Page 7

Local

Habitat to get The Journal’s weekly trivia challenge 4 Emma Street lot 1 8

arnia is donating a piece of land to Habitat for Humanity for affordable housing. The vacant and fully serviced lot on Emma Street had been leased at no charge to Bluewater Lighthouse Christian Academy, which for a time had children’s play equipment erected there for community use. The least expired in 2020 and the play equipment was removed in recent years.

. Which European country produces provolone cheese?

In addition to the land, Sarnia council also decided to give Habitat a grant in lieu of development fees. Since 1994, the local agency has assisted at least 56 families and 180 individuals by building or renovating homes with a zero-down, zero-interest, geared-to-income mortgage held by the agency. A staff report on the transaction and fees will come back to council for final approval.

. Early maps of Sarnia-Lambton show that this “colourful” community on Lake Huron used to be called Harris Point?

. A successful fund2allowed raising campaign has the therapeutic swimming pool at what Sarnia facility to stay open?

. In Disney’s “The Little 3creature Mermaid,” what type of is Sebastian?

. What 2014 film depicts the relationship between an ambitious jazz drumming student and an abusive instructor?

What grain is also 5.known . B is the chemical as maize? 9 symbol for which . How often is the FIFA element? 6World Cup held? . The Mobile Phone . From which flower 10 Throwing World 7derive? does the vanilla bean Championships began in 2000 in what country?

Possible uses for SCITS property

arnia is asking Lamb- velopments and potential ton County whether buyers. it might be interested Lambton County using the former SCITS advised Sarnia in December it’s not interested in high school property to pursuing a shared use of build affordable housing. The south side of the 9.2 the site, and Sarnia Fire acres property at 275 Wel- Rescue has no use for it lington St. might be useful either, according to a city as a hub with integrated staff report. public transit and multiVision Nursing & Rest ple stakeholders involved, Home told the school Sarnia CAO Chris Carter board in 2019 it’s interested in the former high told city council. school for possible con“Whether it’s tiny version into as many as 60 homes, whether it’s affordable housing, whether housing units. it’s senior living,” he said. Provincial law requires Coun. Mike Stark said the board to offer surplus the issue should be hanproperty to a variety of dled at the county level. public bodies and government-funded non-profits. “We are in far greater A surplus school does need of affordable housing opportunities, and not go on the open market until after all preferred this certainly will force agencies have passed on the issue.” it. Sarnia expressed interest in the high school property The SarniaJournal a year ago in order to stay LOCAL informed by the NEWS Lambton Kent District School SUBMIT YOUR IDEAS HERE: thesarniajournal.ca Board of any deYour Local Independent Newspaper

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Page 8

The Sarnia Journal

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Editorial

Published by The Sarnia Journal, A division of Sarnia Media Group Inc.

P.O. Box 22045, 322 Christina St N., Sarnia, ON, N7S 6J4

Story of Dad’s ‘Victory Bell’ continues to ring true

y late father was the most difficult man in the world for whom to buy presents. Granted, he loved songstress Dame Vera Lynn, who was the “sweetheart of the forces” in the Second World War. As long as she had a new album out my problem was solved. He couldn’t have cared less about sports. Dad had no discernible hobbies other than reading, but because he bought books by the caseload, you never knew what he’d already read. Then we noticed something miraculous. Dad started buying bells. The first was an old handheld school bell. None of his 10 children knew why. He discovered it in a second hand shop, and it just took his fancy.

PHIL

EGAN

When he followed that by purchasing a large patio garden bell, word rocketed around my brothers and sisters. The Old Man was into bells. Our gift-buying problems were over. My father died in 2009, and my wife recently came across his bell collection stored in our basement. She laid out four dozen bells on the dining room table, and it was the first time I’d ever seen them all together. Many were fascinating, but one particular bell stood out. Not long after the Second World War ended, a dinner was held at a London, England restau-

rant hosted by the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund - a charity that assisted serving and retired RAF personnel. Following the dinner, an auction was held that featured a limited number of a new bell, called the Royal Air Force Victory Bell. Each carried an image of Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin. They were cast from aluminum taken from German aircraft shot down over London during the Blitz. The bidding reached £1,200 for a single bell, or the equivalent in purchasing power of about $29,000 (CN) today. Two of those Victory Bells are included among the vast collection at the Air Force Museum in Comox, B.C. And there’s an R.A.F. Victory Bell in my Dad’s

collection. The “V” on the bell’s handle is a clear reminder of Churchill’s eloquent description of the brave men who took to the air to defend Britain in its hour of mortal peril, saying: “Never have so many owed so much to so few.” Considering the death and destruction that went into their making, the bells are a macabre battlefield relic. But they are also a reminder of a heroic generation and the fearful times in which they lived, and the enormous debt their children owe that can never fully be repaid. Lest we forget.

AN RAF "VICTORY BELL" cast of metal taken from enemy planes shot down over Great Britain.

A compendium of interesting tidbits from Sarnia’s past RANDY EVANS

hen he died in 1960, Bert Lindsay had been living in Sarnia for four years. His obituary correctly pointed out that his son was hockey hall-of-fame great Ted Lindsay. Omitted, however, was the fact Bert was the winning goalie for the Montreal Wanderers in the first-ever NHL game. William Howard Taft was the 27th President of the United States. Seven years after leaving the White House, Taft visited Sarnia on March 4, 1920 and spoke about U.S.-Canadian relations at St. Andrew’s Church. And speaking of U.S visitors, industrialist and assembly line pioneer Henry Ford came to town on April 26, 1929. He bought from James Lucas of Lucas Livery three horse-drawn carriages that had been made in London around 1882. Reportedly, a handsome price was paid – not bad for vehicles that had been dormant more than

15 years. It is a well-known fact that Sarnia and Canada experienced a baby boom following the Second World War. Interestingly, the same did not occur after the First World War. It’s likely the influenza epidemic of 1918-20 20 had something to do with that. Beverage story #1. In 1871 Mr. John Smith (no kidding) introduced Sarnians to soda pop. Beverage story #2. On Dec. 27, 1858, the first train arrived in Sarnia, via London. Aboard were civic and railway dignitaries, as well as several kegs of beer from Carling Breweries. Whatever happened to the funnies? On March 22, 1924, the Sarnia Canadian Observer began to run a weekly comic entitled Boob McNutt. As suggested by his name, Boob was a well meaning but incompetent klutz whose zany adventures normally ended in disaster. The 1938 Irish Sweepstakes was kind to a couple of Sarnians. Mrs. Dora Smith pock-

Journal

The Sarnia

Your Local Independent Newspaper

Published by The Sarnia Journal PO Box 22045, 322 Christina St N. Sarnia, ON N7S 6J4 Telephone: 519-491-5532 • Fax: 519-491-2352

www.thesarniajournal.ca A division of Sarnia Media Group Inc.

Please Recycle

A POSTER FOR a 1959 British crime film starring Sarnia's Ryck Rydon, below, who played a U.S. army major in love with the widowed mother of a boy kidnapped at gunpoint. Submitted Photo

eted a cool $8,000 in winnings. Arthur Eldridge won $2,100 when his horse “Snake Lightening” came in. When Sarnia coal merchant W.B. Clark passed in 1910, his estate included a 12x 20-inch painting that had been in the

Clark family for half a century. Montreal art expert Purvis Carter authenticated it as a 1521 work by German Renaissance painter and printmaker Albrecht Durer. It’s not known what happened to the treasure. For their service and con-

The contents of this newspaper are protected by copyright. No material from this edition may be reproduced without expressed written consent of The Sarnia Journal.

Daryl Smith General Manager Paul Brown Sales Manager George Mathewson Editor Marc Roberts Distribution Manager Admin admin@thesarniajournal.ca Letters info@thesarniajournal.ca

General Manager Editor, Story ideas Graphics Reporter Reporter Reporter Sales Manager Sales Consultant Sales Consultant Distribution

tributions during the Second World War, 10 Sarnians received Royal induction into the Order of the British Empire. After serving in that war with the elite Black Devils commando forces, Sarnia’s Derrick Haney adopted the stage name Ryck Rydon and headed west to seek fame and fortune as an actor. By the end of his career, Rydon had 13 television series and 14 movies to his credit, including an appearance in the Elvis Presley classic movie “Harem Scarum.” Sarnia’s first party store: In a Sept. 5, 1872 Observer advertisement, M. Mausseret boasted that his “Bonded Warehouse“ inventoried “OYSTERS, OYSTERS, OYSTERS...FRESH DAILY“ together with 870 cases of assorted booze. The libations he offered to his thirsty town included Champagne and Guinness Dublin Porter. Randy Evans is a Sarnia resident and regular contributor to The Journal.

daryl.smith@thesarniajournal.ca george.mathewson@thesarniajournal.ca graphics@thesarniajournal.ca cathy.dobson@thesarniajournal.ca tara.jeffrey@thesarniajournal.ca troy.shantz@thesarniajournal.ca paul.brown@thesarniajournal.ca marlene.bain@thesarniajournal.ca brian.waring@thesarniajournal.ca distribution@thesarniajournal.ca

Thursday, January 28, 2021

The Sarnia Journal

Page 9

Comment

Vacant properties Developer responds to woodlot letter an ongoing problem

Sir: I have lived on a beautiful block of Devine Street for three years, and I love my neighbours. The only thing I'd change, if I could, is fix the fact that three out of the 12 homes on our block are vacant. Think about that: 25% of the homes on my block have been vacant for three years. It makes you wonder how many properties are sitting empty across the city – and during a housing crisis. We can do better. And we need to hold vacant property owners accountable. There are steps the city could take to address this problem: 1 - Enforce a vacant properties registration 2 - Tax empty properties, e.g. 1% of the MPAC value annually

3 - Increase fees for consecutive building permits without city inspection/progress These strategies have been employed in other cities, including Vancouver and Hamilton. I'm confident that if Sarnia created a vacant property registry website the community would provide the labour to gather data. Just look at the vigilance of neighbours during this pandemic. Our city is everybody's responsibility, and there are creative ways to address this problem. Everything is interconnected and empty properties are an important piece of the puzzle. I hope our leaders will consider taking action.

Sir: If we’re not allowed to ask meaningful questions how can we expect to find the truth? Thus I ask, with full sincerity, if a pair of jeans can’t stop flatulence from escaping, how can a mask stop a virus?

Please print this letter. I admit there is some lighthearted humor in the question, but when I ask it I genuinely want to know. — Nick Wallace Sarnia

— Joshua Walters Sarnia

Something about the air

Mother shared memories of earlier pandemic

Sir: The current pandemic is often compared to the Spanish flu of 1918. I myself do so. I don’t presume to be an expert and I’m sure many more know more than I, but when I share the stories my mother told of her memories as a child growing up in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, people seem stunned. So I’ll tell you what she told me. The death rate was so high at the time there were several funerals a day. Many times each day the hearse, a black carriage drawn by black horses, travelled to the cemetery. Each body needed to be carried from the hearse to the undertakers, and none of those given the

LOCAL OPINION SUBMIT YOUR LETTER HERE:

job wanted to carry the head end. Businesses were closed, not by regulation, but out of fear. Churches closed too, and there were those who opposed that, condemning the clergy and the elders. As many know, more people were killed by the flu during that pandemic at the end of the First World War than by all the fighting in Europe. My gratitude goes out to those who are issuing and obeying the regulations today. If we didn’t listen, there would be thousands more deaths. — Virginia Anderson Sarnia Journal

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Sir: Regarding the Jan. 14 letter, "Saddened to see another woodlot targeted." As the developer mentioned, I would like to respond. After reading Debbie DeBrita’s comments regarding the "woodlot targeted" I do see her point. However, to build in Ontario, I don't think people realize what is required to ensure the environment is safeguarded. First, it's almost impossible to find land that has already been razed. Before any development can proceed, Ontario requires comprehensive studies be done. Main ones include traffic, archaeological, trees, species at risk, noise, water/flood, along with zoning requirements. This is a very expensive process and takes at least two years. Taking the trees first, per the report, this is mainly a scrub area and the trees will be replaced with trees more natural and sustainable

to the area. The species at risk report shows the area has about 8-12 Butler’s garter snakes that visit to feed and sun. The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks is very strict is how and where these snakes are moved. The new area must be larger and more beneficial, and a two-year plan developed to ensure the continued development/growth of the species, overseen by the ministry. Archaeologically speaking, most

Who was that masked man?

Sir: I was at a gas station in October standing in line. A man and I, both with masks, were waiting to pay. He said something, and I assumed he was asking who was next in line. I have a hearing problem more so with masks - and unfortunately didn’t get him to repeat it. When I went to pay, the clerk told me the man had already paid

Canadian Mental

for my gas. I would like to thank this generous person, who must have thought I acted ungratefully. I’m hoping that he, or people he knows, will read this and accept my thanks, many times over. — Carol DeLong Sarnia

of Point Edward requires a Phase 3 or 4 study be done to preserve any artifacts that would have never been see again without development. Both the species at risk and archaeological work cost over $100,000 each. Point Edward needs the growth, and not every developer thinks of the almighty dollar before the environment. Speaking personally, I want this area to benefit Point Edward and the local community in every way. We are extremely lucky to live in an area where, steps from your home, you can boat, golf, walk/run and visit either downtown Sarnia or the Village of Point Edward. I guess I am an optimist and like progress while respecting other viewpoints. Please stay safe. — Alan Merrington Sarnia-Lambton

The Journal invites guest columnists

he Journal offers a weekly guest space for community columnists. Columns are personal opinion pieces and should focus on Sarnia-area people or issues. No partisan politics or blatant commercialism. Columns must be no longer than 450 words. For more, contact editor George Mathewson, 519-491-5532, or george.mathewson@thesarniajournal.ca

Association canadienne

Canadian Mental Association canadienne Health Association pour la santé mentale Health Association pour la santé mentale

Lambton Kent Kent Filiale de Lambton Lambton Filiale Kent de Lambton Kent Mental health for all forLa pourmentale tous Mental health allsanté mentale La santé pour tous

HELP IS AVAILABLE It has been a really hard year. Dealing with all of the changes brought about by the pandemic has been tough. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. As one of many health and social service organizations in our community, we are here to help you and the people you care about with physical health, mental health and access to programs and services that provide food, shelter, employment and counselling for people of all ages. Reach out to us or learn more about our mental health and addictions partners on the Erie St. Clair Healthline webpage at: www.MHAresources.eriestclairhealthline.ca 24/7 Telephone and Online Resources CMHA Mental Health First Response Sarnia: 1-800-307-4319 Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000 Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 Big White Wall (ages 16+): www.bigwhitewall.com BounceBack (ages 15+): www.bouncebackontario.ca Local Resources, Regular Business Hours CMHA Lambton Kent, Sarnia: 519-337-5411 St. Clair Child & Youth Services: 519-337-3701

Page 10

The Sarnia Journal

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Comment

We can’t trust pandemic leaders who say one thing, do another

Sir: Like many other people I am greatly concerned about the increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases in Sarnia-Lambton, Ontario and across Canada. Laying aside those persons who believe it is all a conspiracy, and those who believe the Charter of Rights and Freedom gives them a right to do as they please, why do people of common sense and intelligence continue to

ignore practices put into place to lessen the spread of this deadly disease? Many innocent people have contacted this disease through no fault of their own, but there are many more who, without thought, have contributed to its spread. My dad was a WWII Veteran who met my mom while stationed in England. They told us many times about the fear of nightly

bombing and of invasion and having to give up certain liberties for the common good. They told us people were united against a common enemy, and of their leader, Winston Churchill, walking among them and encouraging them to be strong and united. To be an effective leader one must have the trust of the followers. People will not willingly follow a leader in which there

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and gasoline, and a bunch of drivers who take chances. I have seen drivers, too impatient to wait for a truck to regain speed from a red light, pass that truck and duck back in front of a transport just feet from oncoming traffic. The last I heard from Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey, an environmental study was underway.

If one of these chemical trucks explodes a real environmental study will be needed. I urge everyone to call Bob Bailey's office and ask that this road widening get started ASAP before we have a real disaster.

Sir: I cannot believe how generous our Sarnia community is when donating to a cause close to our hearts - in this case, the Humane Society. I want to give a shout-out to a pair of seniors who keep busy by helping. Margaret Dee, 87, is an avid knitter who knits small pillows and

Alida Peirone, 93, fills them with donated catnip and their daughters and girlfriends help sew them up. Thank you ladies! A big thank you also to the many businesses that sell them - with all proceeds to the Humane Society. During this difficult time it means so much for the

animal shelter to continue to receive funding. Thank you Sarnia for your support - it's truly amazing. Finally, any donations of yarn to keep these ladies busy are most welcome at the Humane Society.

Sir: Why are our teenagers, yet again, forced to carry the burden of this lockdown? My husband and I paid $800 for our granddaughter to take driving lessons in September 2020. She lives in a rural community with no public transport

and wants to find a job, but with no transportation that is impossible. She applied to take her driving test last September, but the earliest booking date was February 2021. We were told the wait was because of people from out of town coming to Sarnia to take driving tests. Then her test date in February was cancelled by the COVID-19 lockdown. We have been advised that when things reopen she will have to apply for a new driving

test date, but online, and on a first-come first-serve basis. How is that going to work? How are teenagers supposed to get jobs if they can’t drive? Why can't Ontario do what the U.K. does, with approved driving schools testing their own pupils? It would help with the tremendous backlog of tests. When my granddaughter can get a massage five times a week yet can't take a driver’s test, there is something definitely wrong with the system!

— Laura Matthias Sarnia

Young drivers caught in pandemic bind

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Sir: I am very concerned there is so little talk about widening Highway 40 from Wellington Street south to Indian Road. From 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily it’s a miracle there isn’t a disaster on this road. It has a dangerous mixture of traffic, including transport trucks and tanker trucks carrying all kinds of chemicals

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country for Christmas holidays while we were advised to stay home and not travel, even to see our loved ones. If we are going to defeat this enemy then we need leaders who we can trust in, not those who say, “Don't do as I do, but do as I say.”

What’s holding up road widening?

IT’S COLD OUT THERE!! circle the date #cnoy21

is little trust or integrity. Since COVID reared its ugly head and came knocking at our doors, we have received conflicting information from our leaders is such matters as wearing masks, and not travelling at the same time thousands of people flew into Canada, some with symptoms. Recently, we read how politicians and others leaders in their respective fields left the

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Thursday, January 28, 2021

The Sarnia Journal

Page 11

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Page 12

The Sarnia Journal

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Local

Pipeline controversy pits jobs against the environment TROY SHANTZ & GEORGE MATHEWSON THE JOURNAL

f the Line 5 pipeline from Alberta to Sarnia ruptured where it crosses the Straits of Mackinac more than 1,000 kilometres of Great Lakes shoreline could be contaminated with oil. So claims a University of Michigan study that concludes 70% of the spill would never be recovered, resulting in an economic hit of $6.3 billion over five years. “People come to Michigan and Canada because of the Great Lakes, not because of an oil pipeline. And they’re certainly not going to come if there’s a black stain in our Great Lakes, said Liz Kirkwood, executive director of the non-profit organization For Love of Water, which commissioned the study. Line 5 is a major pipeline carrying Western crude to refineries in Sarnia and the

U.S., which in turn produce propane, gasoline, asphalt and feedstock for chemical, plastic and rubber manufacturers. The ageing pipeline is a key piece of Sarnia’s petrochemical economy, and thousands of local jobs rely upon it. But it was environmental concern that prompted Governor Gretchen Whitmer to announce Michigan would revoke a 67-year-old easement allowing the pipeline to operate under the Straits, and ordered Canada’s Enbridge Energy to stop using the pipeline by May. The conflict pitting commerce against the environment is an old one, said Peter Smith, a federal Green Party candidate and retired engineer who worked at Polysar and TransAlta. “Nobody would permit an oil pipeline like this to be built today; it simply wouldn’t be approved,” he said. “So why is it OK to continue operating such a pipeline even though it is now over

THE ENBRIDGE LINE 5 pipeline crossing, which runs beneath the St. Clair River and River Road at Sarnia's southern boundary. Journal Photo

THE IMPERIAL OIL refinery is one of three in Sarnia's Chemical Valley that get crude from Line 5. TROY SHANTZ The Journal

67-years-old? “The only answer, of course, is the economy and jobs.” Michigan’s objections to Line 5 intensified in 2018 when a ship dropped a 12,000-pound anchor in the Straits, slicing cables and dinging the pipeline itself. Kirkwood said the threat isn’t hypothetical —Line 5 has suffered more than 30 spills in its lifetime. “It’s quite remarkable that the Canadian response has really just focused on jobs and the economy related to the fossil fuel industry, rather than talking about the incredible responsibility of protecting the Great Lakes,” she said.

Enbridge has a plan to reroute the pipeline through a new tunnel dug deep into bedrock beneath the Straits, with a new easement and a 99-year lease. But critics at a Michigan Public Service Commission hearing last year urged commissioners to axe that idea and decommission the pipeline. In Sarnia, opposition to Michigan’s plan is mounting thanks to a lobbying effort involving, among others, union leaders, corporations, Lambton Federation of Agriculture, MPP Bob Bailey, MP Marilyn Gladu and Mayor Mike Bradley. Bradley has urged Michi-

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gan to reconsider and asked Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to intervene by upholding an existing international pipeline treaty that protects Line 5. Last week, Bradley invited another 44 Ontario communities to join the effort, pointing out the pipeline’s loss will dramatically increase the price of gasoline and propane, and require less secure trains, trucks and ships to transport fuels. Kirkwood said Line 5 is just one of multiple pipelines servicing Sarnia. Enbridge pipeline Line 78, for example, carries 500,000 barrels of oil daily and could cover the shortfall, she said. Continued on 13

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Pipeline:

The Sarnia Journal

Page 13

Local

Continued from 12 Not so, says Enbridge. Line 78 carries crude but not the natural gas liquids needed to make propane — a major local product for markets in Ontario, Quebec and several U.S. states. In fact, Plains Midstream Canada has said it will close its natural gas liquids fractionation plant on Plank Road in Sarnia if Line 5 is shut down. “There are no pipelines or other alternatives that can readily substitute for Line 5 in transporting the crude oil and natural gas liquids to the refineries and other facilities served by Line 5,” Enbridge spokesperson Tracie Kenyon told The Journal. “That being said, we are always looking at options to ensure volumes on our pipeline system are optimized.” Kenyon said Line 5, which crosses 400 waterways on its 1,038-kilometre route, is operated safely. The company invested $15.7 million in advanced leak detection systems in 2019 and its maritime control centre monitors operations 24 hours a day. “Our specially trained staff can immediately close remotely controlled isolation valves - with full closure occurring within three minutes of activation - to isolate the affected section of the line,” she said. In 2010, alarms sounded at Enbridge’s Edmonton headquarters when a 40-foot length of Line 6B ruptured, emptying 800,000 barrels of diluted bitumen into Michigan’s Kalamazoo River. Control-room staff reportedly didn’t interpret the alarms properly and weren’t aware of the spill until 18 hours had

passed. More than 56 kilometres (35 miles) of waterway were fouled, prompting evacuations and a five-year cleanup for one of the largest inland oil spills in U.S. history. Kenyon said Enbridge learned important lessons from that spill near Marshall, Michigan. “After the Marshall release… we made a promise to the people of south-central Michigan to restore the area, including the Kalamazoo River and Talmadge Creek,” she said. “And through years of cleanup, maintenance, remediation and rehabilitation, we fulfilled that promise – the river is clean.” In the end, the courts will likely decide whether Line 5 remains open or not. Enbridge may force the issue by defying Gov. Whitmer’s orders and refusing to close Line 5 in May. Regardless of the outcome, though, the bigger issue for Sarnia-Lambton is the community’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels, said former provincial Green Party candidate Kevin Shaw. “If the demand (for oil) is not going to be there 10, 15 years down the road, then what is our plan for our economy and our jobs here?” he asked. “It’s not a good feeling to be relying on this product that’s coming from half a continent away.”

LOCAL

ABOVE: A SIGN AT the Shell Canada dock near Corunna warns boaters of oil pipelines on the bottom of the St. Clair River. RIGHT: PIPES AND VALVES near the Shell Canada refinery on St. Clair Parkway. TROY SHANTZ The Journal

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Page 14

The Sarnia Journal

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Community Successful Toy Drive

St. Vincent de Paul

A HOLIDAY TOY drive organized by Point Edward Fire and Rescue gathered 400 toys and stuffed animals as well as $1,600 for the children’s ward at Bluewater Health. Here, hospital Foundation executive director Kathy Alexander, centre, accepts the delivery from, left to right, Lieutenant Claudio Palleschi, Fire Chief Doug MacKenzie, firefighter Chris Reddy and Deputy Chief Rick MacGregor. Submitted Photo

THE ST. VINCENT DE PAUL Society of Sarnia-Lambton has received a donation from The Kinsmen Club of Sarnia. Here, the Society’s Julie Letourneau receives the cheque from Kinsmen members Judy Moffatt and Ace Concordia. Submitted Photo

St. Vincent de Paul

Youth Mental Health

THE CATHOLIC WOMEN’S League and Knights of Columbus at St. Benedict’s in Sarnia joined forces to present $1,500 to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Here, Conference President Lorraine Michieli, centre, receives the cheques from Knights of Columbus Grand Knight Léo Mayer, left, and CWL Spiritual Development Chair Willi Kole. Submitted Photo

Holiday donation

THE HONOURABLE MALCOLM Cameron Chapter IODE has donated $3,500, raised in a raffle, to the new Access Open Minds facility in support of youth mental health. Here, from left, Chapter president Jayne Little, raffle co-ordinators Grace Moore and Marilyn Madery present the cheque to Kathy Alexander, executive director of the Bluewater Health Foundation. Submitted Photo

St. Vincent de Paul supported

THE INN OF the Good Shepherd received a $5,000 donation from the International Brotherhood Of Boilermakers, Local 128. Here, union business agent Dalas Santavy, right, presents the cheque to Inn executive director Myles Vanni. Submitted Photo

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Thursday, January 28, 2021

The Sarnia Journal

Page 15

Local

Pandemic prompts big demand for comfort of a pet

CATHY DOBSON THE JOURNAL

he adoption rate for dogs and cats at the Sarnia animal shelter has soared as residents seek out four-legged companionship during the pandemic. “I hate to put it this way, but COVID-19 may be the best thing that ever happened to a cat,” says Donna Pyette, executive director at the Sarnia & District Humane Society. Cats and dog are adopted out almost as quickly as they arrive, she said. “We barely keep any for any length of time. They are going to single people, couples and families. It’s nice to see a lot are first-time pet owners or people rediscovering how quickly pets become part of the family.” Prior to the pandemic, it was common for un-adopted animals to be transferred to shelters in other jurisdictions after several months. That hasn’t happened since last March, Pyette said. Cat adoptions, in particular, have jumped sharply. The shelter generally takes in about 2,000 a year. While that number has held steady, few stay at the shelter for months as they did before. Of the 1,747 cats that arrived between March and December 2020, 1,581 were adopted. Others were reclaimed by their owners, and some were sick or dead on arrival. Adopting out 10 cats in one day is not uncommon, said Pyette. “That’s definitely high. People want company. Many say they haven’t had a pet before and find taking a cat is easiest. “Cats have a reputation for being loners but we hear back from so many people about how nice a pet a cat makes. “The pandemic has really given cats a whole new lease on life.” Pyette said 623 dogs arrived

at the shelter in the last 10 months of 2020, and 436 were adopted, a 29% increase from the same period of 2019. Most of the rest were reclaimed by owners and a small number were euthanized. “It’s great to see all these adoptions,” Pyette said. “People are giving us feedback and saying their new cat or dog has brought so much love and fun to their home. “We’ve solved our stray problem.” Pyette is concerned about the possible impact on dogs when isolating owners return to workplaces and schools. Shelter staff urges adopting families to consider their schedules, and encourage them to isolate pets for a period each day to help prevent separation anxiety when life returns to normal. “Our biggest fear is that we’ll be swamped with dogs with high anxiety after the pandemic because owners don’t understand what to do,” Pyette said. Currently, about 50 cats and two or three dogs are available for adoption at the Sarnia & District Humane Society. They can be viewed online at www.sarniahumanesociety.com or on the shelter’s Facebook page. The shelter is closed to the public. Appointments are required for adoptions or surrenders during the lockdown.

POSING WITH CATS at the Humane Society's outdoor “catio" are, from left: Tammy Jackson, Donna Pyette and Becky Knight. Submitted Photo

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Page 16

The Sarnia Journal

Lives Lived

Death N Death Notices otices Recent Passings Up To January 19, 2021 D.J. ROBB FUNERAL HOME • • • • • •

Font, Donald (Jan 19, 2021) Fragis, Georgina (Jan 16, 2021) Lamarche, Joseph (Jan 12, 2021) Hernandez, Luis (Jan 9, 2021) Cudmore, Ruby (Jan 9, 2021) Sutherland, Brian (Jan 5, 2021)

MCCORMACK FUNERAL HOME •

Laanstra, Lillian (Jan 15, 2021)

MCKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME • • • • • •

White, William (Jan 14, 2021) Reaume, Lawrence (Jan 13, 2021) Van Delft, Johanna (Jan 12, 2021) Crickard, Gladys (Jan 10, 2021) White, Barbara (Jan 7, 2021) Finch, Rejeanne (Jan 3, 2021)

SMITH FUNERAL HOME • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Palumbo, Nicola Antony (Jan 19, 2021) Mead, Helen (Jan 19, 2021) Lamb, Dennis (Jan 18, 2021) Ferns, Marion (Jan 17, 2021) White, Nicholas (Jan 16, 2021) Fleming, Beverley (Jan 15, 2021) Simcoe, Iva (Jan 15, 2021) Chuck, Bruce (Jan 15, 2021) Jackson, Shelley (Jan 15, 2021) Slater, Oliver (Jan 14, 2021) Tymstra, Simon (Jan 14, 2021) Fowler, Joan (Jan 13, 2021) Craig, Betty (Jan 13, 2021) Morningstar, Shirley (Jan 12, 2021) Leneve, Thomas (Jan 12, 2021) Sills, Hazel (Jan 12, 2021) Meyers, Carol (Jan 11, 2021) Roy, Linda (Jan 11, 2021) Wilkins, Martin (Jan 11, 2021) Filion, Della (Jan 10, 2021) Payne, Floyd (Jan 9, 2021) Smith, Reginald (Jan 9, 2021) Kotanen, Alfred (Jan 8, 2021) Esser, Edie (Jan 7, 2021)

This information is provided as a community service. For detailed information on the lives lived, please refer to the funeral home website listing.

In Loving Memory Dad

On Your Birthday

Joseph Paul Fauteux The day you left and gained your wings, my heart just broke in two. I wish you could have stayed with me, but Heaven needed you. You left me with the memories, and I love you dearly still. No matter how much time goes by, you know I always will. You were a very special person, with kindness in your heart. And the love we had together, grows stronger now we’re apart. I know I cannot bring you back, although I wish it everyday. But a piece of me went with you, the day you went away.

Love & Miss You, Daughter Deborah

Obituary

SLATER, Oliver Kenneth

Oliver (Olly) Slater, age 95, loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2021 at Bluewater Health, Sarnia. Born on Little Black River Reserve, Manitoba, he was the 12th child of George and Caroline (Snider) Slater. After losing his mother before the age of one, he was raised on the Reserve by his father, an Anglican Church teacher and missionary, and in Kenora by his paternal grandmother Susannah. At age 16, Oliver enlisted with the Canadian Army militia. A year later he joined the Navy where, as a member of the RCNVR in World War II, he served his country during the Battle of the Atlantic. It was on his way to war at a crowded train station in Port Arthur that he had a chance encounter with 15-year-old Frances Dubeau. Throughout the war, they exchanged letters and saw each other during Oliver’s occasional shore leaves. After the war and almost five years since they had first met, Oliver and Frances married. Their union lasted for almost 73 years, a testament to their love and commitment. Olly worked with the Ontario Hydro Forestry Department in Thunder Bay for over 34 years. Retirement years were spent in Thunder Bay and Florida before moving to Forest then Sarnia 30 years ago to be closer to his sons and grandchildren. He enjoyed camping, fishing, golfing, traveling, getting together with friends, gathering with family--and he always had a handyman project on the go. His easygoing nature, quiet charm, gentle spirit, and razor-sharp wit brought an endless source of joy to those around him. The heart and soul of the Slater family, he will be forever missed and remembered. Olly is survived by beloved wife Frances, sons Ken and Tom (Jodi), his cherished grandchildren Megan and Ben, his extended family Patricia Dubeau and nephews David, Doug, Tim, Rick and Warren, and his cat companion Clancy. A special thank you to all of the superb staff at Palliative Care for their wonderful care and support. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to Bluewater Health Foundation (Palliative Care) or the Sarnia and District Humane Society (cheques mailed to the funeral home or made online). Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home at www.smithfuneralhome.ca.

VAN DER WAL, Sylvia

Remembered With Love from Gilpin Funeral Chapel on Vimeo

Sylvia (Sytske) Van der Wal a resident at Oneida First Nation LTC, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 10, 2021, at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital in St. Thomas at the age of 73. Born in the Netherlands, Sylvia grew up with her brothers Hylke (Ann), Richard (Helena), Bill (Dianne), Henry (Nilda), and Mark; the only daughter of the late Taeke and Henderike Van der Wal. Sylvia enjoyed the sunshine on the beach and her stuffed baby dolls. She will always be remembered for her value of family and faith. A woman who simply loved loving people. A private funeral service will take place at the Warwick Cemetery on Monday, January 18, 2021 at 1pm with Reverend George Lubbers officiating. The RSVP Service Tab is available to register contact tracing information for the private family service. Sylvia's family would like to sincerely thank the Elgin Pact Team for their personal care with Sylvia. Donations are appreciated in Sylvia's name to the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital. Arrangements are entrusted to Gilpin Funeral Chapel, 123 King Street East in Forest, 519-786-4964. Please leave a memory or condolence online at www. GilpinFuneralChapel.com

PAYNE, Floyd Laurence Wesley

Peacefully on Saturday, January 9, 2021, Floyd Laurence Wesley Payne passed away at Fiddick’s Nursing Home at the age of 92. Beloved husband of the late Mary Payne (2002) for 50 years. Loving father of Susan (David) Carnegie; Rhonda Loomis; and Glen Wright (Wendy) and family. Cherished grandfather of Kelly Carnegie (Mark Weymouth) and Jeffrey Carnegie (Caren), and special great-grandfather of Andrew and Ava Carnegie. Dear brother of Joan (Cliff) English and John Payne and brother-in-law of Fred Jennings (late Sally). Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents William and Mary Payne, his brothers Ross and Roy Payne and Wally Robson, and by his sisters Peggy Slack and Jean Bamdell. Floyd was a member and President of the Safrail Gun Club and was an avid deer and moose hunter. He was also a member of the Sarnia Elks Lodge 503 for 43 years going through all the Chairs to become Exalted Ruler and an honourary life member. As an avid Sting Fan, he was one of the first in line for season tickets for 20 years. As a young boy from the south end, he was one of the River Rats, diving for money when cruise ships would come in to port. Floyd was also a movie enthusiast, and loved Clint Eastwood. He managed Veterans Taxi for 30 years and was a Senior Guard at the Main Gate at Shell. Floyd loved Christmas and hosting big parties on Christmas Eve with all his family and friends. Floyd was loving, caring, kind and well-liked by everyone. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. A special thank you to the Fiddick’s Nursing Home family and staff for their care and compassion, as they had become Floyd’s extended family. Special mention to nurses Chantel, Blake, Anne, and Krista; PSW’s Jodi and Chelsea; and Miranda of Activities. Cremation has taken place. In keeping with Floyd’s wishes, no services will be held. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a celebration of Floyd’s life will be announced at a later date. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to Sarnia Elks Lodge 503 (cheques mailed to the funeral home or made online, please). Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia. Memories and condolences may be sent online at www.smithfuneralhome.ca

CHUCK, Bruce Albert

With mixed emotions, we announce the passing of Bruce Albert Chuck on January 15, 2020 in Sarnia, Ontario. Greatly missed by his beloved spouse Mary Wallis. Pre-deceased by his parents Emma and Albert Chuck, his loving wife Beverly Joan Telford, his eldest daughter Lindis Joan Rumball and grandson Sean Christopher Rumball. Remaining, his cherished children, David Bruce, Jefferey Allan, Eileen Ann and Brian Wayne. Proud grandfather to Jordan McCully, David Leonard Rumball, Phillip Jacob Frappier, Nicholas Justin Frappier. Great Grandpa to Lilly and Travis Rumball. Lastly, his wonderful in-laws Peter Rumball, Marc Frappier, Tammy Chuck and Kim Rumball. Bruce started his career at the bank. He further enhanced his education at night school, and rewarded by accepting a position of controller at Dixon Van Lines Head Office in London, Ontario. A career that lasted 34 years, unheard of in today’s market. A great work ethic that overlapped into his family life. Bruce enjoyed a wonderful life with a passion for sport in younger years, that transcended to bowling, and watching Junior Hockey (especially The London Knights). He loved his workouts at the YMCA and was known as "Chatty Cathy" in the water aerobics class. Always cracking jokes, creating laughter and bringing smiles to others. He thought he was fashionable with the sock and sandal scenario, and prepared for anything with his bulging front pockets carrying everything, but the kitchen sink. A great inspiration to everyone that was so fortunate to cross paths with him in life. A positive force and great role model to all of us. Now, he is in God's Hands. Special mention to staff at Bluewater Health and doctors for the compassion and care. Due to Covid, arrangements forthcoming when circumstances open for future gatherings. Please consider making a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society on his behalf (cheques mailed to the funeral home or made online, please). Arrangements entrusted to SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 1576 London Line, Sarnia. Memories and condolences may be sent online at www. smithfuneralhome.ca

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Lives Lived

The Sarnia Journal

Community Anniversary

Obituary

PALUMBO, Nicola Antony

June 6, 1946 - January 19, 2021 “Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp or what’s a heaven for?”-Robert Browning Suddenly, at University Hospital, London. Survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Angela (Commins), his amazing children Jonathan Palumbo (Kendra), Luciana Palumbo, and Sara Spence (Jeff), and his brilliant grandchildren, Matthew and Marco Tontodonati, Arielle and Spencer Anderson, and Ella and Laura Palumbo. Predeceased by his parents Agostino and Lucia (diToro) Palumbo, and granddaughter Lauren Anderson. Brother of Mary D’Angelo (late Leo), Rosa Brnabic (Ned), Joe Palumbo (Anne), Jesse Palumbo and Finizia Palumbo, plus many dear nieces and nephews and much-loved extended family. Nick immigrated to Canada at the age of 6 from his birthplace of Roccamorice, Pescara, Italy. The family settled in Niagara Falls, Ontario, where he attended both elementary and secondary school, before attending University of Toronto, where he met his beloved wife in a Chaucer class. They moved to Lambton County when Nick was hired by the Lambton Co. Bd. Of Ed. He taught with the board for 30 years, first at Central Collegiate, then Northern and finally, St. Clair SS. Through his love of English Literature and Drama, many students were introduced to the magic of theatre. His took countless bus loads of students to Detroit to visit the Detroit Institute of Art, Greektown and various theatres, Toronto, and both the Stratford and Shaw Festivals. He had a passion for art and once famously pulled up to Toller Cranston’s house in Toronto with a bus load of students. Immediately upon his retirement, Nick became “Palumbo the Pruner.” He renovated old gardens and created new ones in Sarnia and Toronto, specializing in rockery and perennial gardens. Many of his customers became firm friends. Most recently, he was responsible for the landscaping the grounds of McDonalds Head Office in Toronto. His work was featured in two issues of Canadian Gardening, and his horticultural advice was featured in Marjorie Harris’ book Thrifty Gardening from the Ground Up. Nick suffered from lifelong depression that was often severe. He fought his way out of the dark daily through his love of family, gardening, random conversations, reading, cooking, and art. Nick had a knack for seeing the beauty in all things. He would happily hang a dime store print beside an artist original. Fittingly, he spent his last day hunting bargains, propagating a 73 year old geranium, sharing dinner with family, and reading quietly with his wife. The family would like to express sincere thanks to the EMS attendants, Dr Woodcroft and team at Bluewater Health, and Drs Haddara and Madrazo and team at University Hospital ICU for your heroic efforts to save our precious Nick. Cremation has taken place. Due to covid, a Celebration of Nick’s life will be held a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bluewater Health Foundation. Expressions of condolences may be mailed to: c/o of Sara Spence, 42 MacHenry St, Forest, Ontario, N0N 1J0, or emailed to PSARA2736@GMAIL.com Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia. Memories and condolences may be sent online at www.smithfuneralhome.ca

Happy 60thWedding Anniversary Mario and Iole Moscone Married: January 29, 1961 Chiesa Santa Maria delle Rose, Roselli, Casalvieri, Italy Congratulations and Best wishes. Love: your family

Birthday HAPPY 8OTH BIRTHDAY to our Mom

SHIRLEY PRETTY At 23 he married his Best Friend At 50 he fought Cancer At

Here’s to many more years of health and horsin’ around! Love Tricia, Jim and Tammy

80 he has 4 Wonderful Grand-Daughters

Happy Birthday Poppa Love... Taija, McKenna, Michaela & Meghan and Families

KEN CONROY

KENT, Fred

Fred Kent passed away Monday Jan 4th at his residence, Sumac Lodge peacefully in his sleep. Survived by his children, Frederick (Heather) Kent, of Kitchener, Derek Kent of Toronto, Tanya Kent of Kitchener and Margaret Kent of Wyoming. Predeceased by his parents, Frederick Arthur Kent and Audrey Kent of Thunder Bay. In accordance with his wishes, Fred was cremated, and his ashes to be spread. Remembrances and condolences may be expressed to the family online in “Fred’s Guestbook” at mccormackfuneralhomesarnia.com. Thoughts and prayers are accepted along with any donations to Sumac Lodge in his name.

Page 17

July 31, 1928 - Jan 24, 2020

May 8, 1934 - Jan. 27, 2012 He laboured hard for those he loved, Then left us to remember. You still live on in the hearts and minds, Of the loving family you left behind. Love your wife, children and grandchildren.

Dad, it’s been a year now since we said goodbye and you left to be with Mom. How we miss your smile, sense of humour and interesting stories. We could always turn to you for wise advice, a helping hand and an honest opinion. What we would give to sit with you around the table again and chat about current world events! We hope you are now enjoying unlimited coffee and heavenly desserts. How blessed we were to have such a wonderful Dad, Papa and Great Papa!

Love, your family

Page 18

The Sarnia Journal

Fun Stuff

Thursday, January 28, 2021

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Thursday, January 28, 2021

The Sarnia Journal

Sports

Page 19

Marinaro wins another gold, but future events uncertain TROY SHANTZ THE JOURNAL

hen Sarnia’s Michael Marinaro and partner Kirsten Moore-Towers won gold at the Skate Canada Challenge on Jan. 9, they did it with a videotaped routine recorded a month earlier. “It was definitely difficult without having the judges there, the audience there, even the other competitors there,” Marinaro, 29, said of the virtual competition. “It was definitely a weird vibe but Skate Canada did an excellent job organizing all these hubs.” Performing for a competition in an empty arena was a first for the two-time Canadian pairs figure skating champions. The choreography had to be precise, with extra emphasis placed on body movements and facial expressions to convey emotion, Marinaro said. “We had to make a few tweaks to make it more acceptable to a camera as opposed to a live audience and a live judge,” he said. “At this point in our career, and having the experience that we have, skating in a venue with 10,000 people is definitely a benefit to us.

MICHAEL MARINARO AND Kirsten Moore-Towers won gold at the Skate Canada Challenge this month. They're seen here during a practice session prior to the event. Photo credit: Danielle Earl Photography / Skate Canada

It’s 100 times harder to skate it in an arena with five people there.” A high-performance exemption from COVID-19 regulations allowed Marinaro and Moore-Towers to practice regularly through the fall and winter of 2020. But it’s unclear if the exemption will be extended under Ontario’s new stay-at-home orders. In fact, the entire upcoming skating season is in doubt. The Canadian Nationals have been cancelled and the International Skating Union was

expected to decide this week whether the World Championships will proceed. Organizers have discussed the creation of a “bubble” for coaches and skates at the Worlds in Sweden in March, Marinaro said. But four competing countries have travel bans to the Scandinavian country, which is struggling to contain a surge of COVID-19 cases, he noted. And Canadian skating officials aren’t sure if they

Rees signs contract with Hurricanes

Sarnia Sting forward is now a member of the Carolina Hurri-

the 2019 NHL Draft. The 182-pound Hamilton native had 61 points in 39 games during the 2019-20 with the Sting. He tied for fourth in the Ontario Hockey League in shorthanded goals and 11th in points per game last season. He had 113 points in 122 career OHL games with Sarnia.

canes. Jamieson Rees has signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the NHL club. “Jamieson is a skilled center with strong playmaking ability,” said Hurricane’s GM Don Waddell. “He made major strides in his development last season, and we’re looking forward The SarniaJournal to his next steps.” Rees, 19, was LOCAL drafted by the SPORTS Hurricanes in the second round, SUBMIT YOUR 44th overall, of PHOTOS HERE: thesarniajournal.ca Your Local Independent Newspaper

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Rees represented Canada at the 2019 IIHF World Under-18 Championships and had eight points in seven games.

will send skaters, even if the en steadily in the figure skating event does proceed, he added. world since finishing 11th at If the Worlds are cancelled, the 2018 Winter Olympics and Marinaro and Moore-Towsixth at the World Championers will focus on the Beijing ships in Italy that same year. Olympics in 2022, in what he Marinaro began skating at suspects will be their last year the Point Edward Skating Club of competitive skating. at the age of four. By the time “Next season, if the Games he was 10 he’d set his sights on happen, will most likely be our becoming an Olympian. final season, so we’re in the final 12 months of the career. It’s the final push,” he said. “It’s obviously uncertain too, being held in China,” Marinaro added. “But we have to assume they are going to happen so we can Steve John be as prepared as we can Pilkey Financial, Investments and Insurance to take advantage of that 519-542-7779 ext 2218 moment.” If the Olympics are only steve.pilkey@sunlife.com postponed, Marinaro said, john.pilkey@sunlife.com he and Moore-Towers © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2011. would continue competing. But they’re not certain what they’ll do if the Olympics are cancelled altogether. The pairs team has ris-

Page 20

The Sarnia Journal

Local

THURSDAY, JAN. 28 Pub Grub The Point Edward Ex Servicemens’ Clubs offers a “Pub Grub” menu, with wings and fries for $10, chicken fingers and fries $10, shrimp and fries $10, and onion rings for $5. Served with choice of sauce and coleslaw. Cash only. No substitutions. Pre-order starts 3 p.m. To order, call 519-337-9822 Yoga West Lambton Community Health Centre offering virtual yoga classes offered every Thursday until Feb. 18. 10:15 a.m. To register, contact 519-786-4545, ext. 235 or ktieman@nlchc.com Night Light Find hope and wellness while managing mental illness with West Lambton Community Health Centre’s virtual “Night Light” program. Thursdays until March 11, 2 p.m. To register, call 519-344-3017, ext. 223 SUNDAY, JAN. 31 Lambton Centre Shape the future of Lambton Centre at its virtual annual meeting, at 2 p.m. Accepting applications for positions on the Board of Directors prior to the meeting. To register, contact rick@lambtoncentre.com MONDAY, FEB. 1 Low Impact Exercise West Lambton Community Health Centre offering virtual exercise classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m., and Thursdays at 9 a.m. To register, call 519-344-3017, ext. 237 or email adinell@nlchc.com to receive Zoom link Chair Exercise West Lambton Community Health Centre offering a virtual chair exercise class. 1:30 p.m. To register, call 519-344-3017, ext. 237 or email adinell@nlchc.com to receive Zoom link

What’s Happening Meditation West Lambton Community Health Centre offering virtual meditation classes at 11 a.m. Increase self esteem, improve concentration, lower blood pressure and reduce stress and anxiety. To register, call 519-344-3017, ext. 237 or email adinell@nlchc.com to receive Zoom link Heart Health Join a registered dietitian to discuss ways to ensure heart healthy practices. To register, call 519-7864545, ext. 235 TUESDAY, FEB. 2 Seated Yoga West Lambton Community Health Centre offering virtual seated yoga classes. Tuesdays until Feb. 23, 11 a.m. To register, contact 519-344-3017 ext. 237 or adinell@ nlchc.com Chair Yoga Twin Bridges NPLC offering a yoga program that includes seated and standing positions to help with balance, flexibility and strength. Tuesdays until Feb. 23. Held on Zoom, 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. To register, visit www.tbnplc.com

Stop the Spread

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MONDAY, FEB. 8 CNOY21 Start of the virtual version of Coldest Night of the Year, an annual event in support of Sarnia-Lambton NeighbourLink and to help the hungry, homeless and hurting. Walkers can select their own two or five kilometre route and participate between Feb. 8 and Feb. 20. For more, visit https://neighbourlinksarnia.org or call 519-336-5465

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