The Sarnia Journal - Thursday, March 24th 2022 by The Sarnia Journal

Vol. 9, Issue 6

FREE OF CHARGE

Thursday, March 24, 2022

Straight up

Ukraine

Hamming it up

Community support for war-ravaged country

A $245M Crown Royal

whisky distillery to rise near Mooretown

continues to grow

TARA JEFFREY THE JOURNAL

usiness and community leaders are abuzz over word global beverage company Diageo is building a Crown Royal Canadian Whisky distillery in St. Clair Township. “This is the type of investment for people to be excited about,” said Matthew Slotwinski, senior development officer with the Sarnia Lambton Economic Partnership. “It’s an international company carrying a brand name — which is going to draw attention to the area, and with that, is going to come a significant amount of investment and jobs as well.” Diageo, one of the world’s largest producers of spirits and beers, plans to build the $245-million facility on 400 acres at the southwest corner of Highway 40 and Moore Line, across from Nova Chemicals’ Moore site. The company said it will be its first Canadian carbon-neutral distillery. Slotwinski said years of planning went into the deal. “It was important for the company — not only the size of the land that was available — but mostly the location of Sarnia-Lambton for their access to potential export markets, access to the necessary infrastructure that’s required for such a facility to be built, and the community as a whole,” he said. The facility will produce up to 20 million LAA’s (litres of absolute alcohol) annually. Construction is set to begin later this year on the distillery as well as blending and warehousing operations, with opening set for 2025. “This new facility will provide dozens of jobs in the local community, furthering Crown Royal’s commitment to generosity and giving back,” the company said in a release. Continued on 3

CATHY DOBSON THE JOURNAL

or Joanna Kazanecki, the war in Ukraine is personal. The Sarnia woman was working in her church kitchen preparing pierogies to raise money for Ukrainian refugees when her sister called from Warsaw. “My husband’s cousin and her husband had just walked in the door from Kyiv,” said Kazanecki. “I can’t imagine what they are going through.” The cousins, travelling by train, were late and the wait was nerve-wracking. “I never thought we’d see this in our lifetime,” said Kazanecki. “Of course we studied history when I was growing up in Poland and we know what happened during the Second World War but to see them bombing the hospital, killing innocent people now. “I don’t know how (Putin) can sleep at night knowing he has killed so many.” Kazanecki, who immigrated to Sarnia from Poland in 1979, is one of 17 members of the Catholic Women’s League at Queen of Peace Church, which held the pierogi fundraiser on March 12. They had sold the stuffed dumplings before, of course, but what happened that day was stunning. The 2,500 pierogies sold out in a flash. Many people arrived simply to give. One man placed $500 on the table and said he just wanted to help Ukraine, said Kazanecki. The lineup of would-be customers stretched out the door and into the parking lot. Continued on 3

DEAR READERS:

The Journal is not publishing on March 31, but will return to weekly printing again starting on April 7. For more, see page 13. For the latest local news, visit the website at www.thesarniajournal.ca or on Facebook.

ELLIE MAY PIGGLESHITS, seen here with owner Dan Durand, is home safe and sound after causing a stir by opening a gate and running loose in Sarnia. For more on Ellie May's big adventure, please see page 4. CATHY DOBSON The Journal

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The Sarnia Journal

Thursday, March 24, 2022

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Thursday, March 24, 2022

Ukraine:

Continued from 1 Not wanting to disappoint, the team started taking orders. This past week, the women have been busy filling back orders at the church. The total an astonishing 11,520 pierogies. Knights of Columbus groups and individuals from Queen of Peace donated the ingredients. “We never dreamed we’d have this response,” said Kazanecki. “We are so thankful for the people in Sarnia.” She’s met many generous folk since moving here, she said, but the outpouring for Ukraine has been different. “It’s a sign that there is still a lot of good in our world.” Kazanecki grew up in Hrubieszow, Poland near the Ukrainian border, and still has

Straight:

Continued from 1 “We have the workforce,” said St. Clair Township Steve Arnold. “The tradespeople, engineering firms, vendors and materials, and the raw materials to run through the facility.” Company officials would not confirm what feedstock it intends to use for its whisky or

The Sarnia Journal

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family there. “I’m scared because you don’t know what (Putin) will do next,” she said. “We can just hope that it will be over soon.” The pierogi sales have raised $7,000 to $10,000 for refugee centres in Poland. At St. George’s Ukrainian Church, Sarnia’s Father Bohdan Winnicki said more than $14,000 has been donated to the church’s effort to help Ukraine’s refugees. All funds e-transferred to saveukraine@stgeorgessarnia. ca will be distributed to refugees coming Canada, probably in the next few months. The money will be given to any who settle in Sarnia, but it’s not known if refugees will arrive here or remain at larger centres with Ukrainian schools and community centres, said Father Winnicki. He is receiving emails from

Sarnians offering free housing to any Ukrainians who find their way here, he said. “I have a couple dozen names, some offering housing for six months, some saying it is for as long as needed. I am amazed by

the people of Sarnia.” If no refugees come the donations will be sent elsewhere in Canada for resettlement, said Father Winnicki. Another fundraiser to benefit Ukrainian Humanitarian Relief

Efforts is planned for April 22 and 23 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at DeGroot’s Nurseries. The garden centre is teaming up with the three Rotary Clubs of Sarnia and selling potting mix for $25 per bale.

any potential benefits to local grain farmers. “We are in a planning stage, however, once completed we will be able to share more details in that front,” said spokesperson Luis Rabago. Spirits Canada says whisky brands like Crown Royal are produced from locally grown cereal grains that can include barley, corn, rye and wheat. Arnold said the distillery

would be similar in operation to Suncor’s St. Clair Ethanol Plant, which uses 40 million bushels of corn to produce 400 million litres of ethanol each year. The ethanol is blended into Petro-Canada gasoline. Once the sugars and starches are extracted from corn to make ethanol, the remaining elements are used to make premium cattle feed. Ad Size:10.375" “It’s just a Safety:9.875" different distillery

process,” Arnold said. “And I think it’s good because you’ve got that circle of materials… there could be a spinoff here for new animal producers, or the actual growing of the grains. “They’ve pledged to us that they are going to try and source locally as much as they can.” Diageo currently has three Canadian manufacturing oper-

ations, in Amherstburg, Ont., Gimli, Manitoba and Valleyfield, Quebec. Arnold said there is talk of opening a retail store at the site, which could become a ‘tourism tasting’ destination. “And this one will be designed from the ground-up as a zero-contributor to any type of carbon footprint, so that’s really positive.”

ELIZABETH KULINSKA, CENTRE, waves with her rolling pin during a pierogi-making day for CWL members at Queen of Peace Church in Sarnia. CATHY DOBSON The Journal

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The Sarnia Journal

Thursday, March 24, 2022

Local

Ellie May Piggleshits home safe after big adventure CATHY DOBSON THE JOURNAL

an Durand laughs when he talks about his two pet

pigs. “Pigs literally smile when they’re happy and their tails wag. They are crazy smart and really loyal,” he says. “They aren’t for everyone though. They shred everything to make their nest and they are clumsy. They don’t do well on hardwood floors, but pigs are mostly fun.” Until they run away, that is. Durand wasn’t laughing March 13 when a friend called at 6:30 a.m. to say a pig loose near downtown Sarnia was Durand’s. He checked a porch camera trained on the insulated winter home of Ellie May and Mavis

Piggleshits, saw nothing concerning, and went back to sleep. But his buddy called 15 minutes later and insisted Ellie May, a 150-pound Juliana pig, was on the lam. “That’s when I saw she had figured out how to open the gate,” said Durand. “I don’t know how she got her chubby little butt under it.” He jumped in a car with his son to search for Ellie May and soon learned from the Facebook group ‘Sarnia Lambton Lost & Found Pets’ she was at the local animal shelter. “I was very concerned because not everyone thinks about pigs the way I do,” he said. “I’m very attached to them, and I actually struggle when I’m eating pork.” At the shelter, Ellie May

squealed with happiness to see him. “I was told the police picked her up at Christina and Maxwell,” he said. “I wish there was a photo of her in the cruiser.” Durand didn’t plan on keeping pet pigs, but has happily forfeited a backyard lawn for the pleasure of their company. “I’m allergic to dogs and my ex-wife really wanted a pig so I did my research and got Mavis for her as a present,” he explained. Mavis Piggleshits is a 250-pound, six-yearold pot-bellied. “Mavis was only a year old when she figured out how to open the fridge and devoured an entire lasagna,” he said with a laugh. “And when my exwife left, I kept the pig.” He later bought Ellie May for a girlfriend, and when they broke up he had a pair.

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MAVIS, LEFT, AND Ellie May Piggleshits, with Dan Durand, Jon Durand, 13, and Alex Baars, 17. CATHY DOBSON The Journal

“Pigs can’t be re-homed very well. They suffer

weeks when my ex-wife left.”

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arnia’s Easter in the Park is back! Marking its 52nd year, the live festivities will be held in Canatara Park on Saturday, April 16, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, near the Animal Farm. Henry Plater

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The Sarnia Journal

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Page 6

The Sarnia Journal

Thursday, March 24, 2022

Local

SCITS building could see return of students: developer CATHY DOBSON THE JOURNAL

he west wing of the former SCITS high school could become a daycare centre as early as this summer, and other ideas are in the works, says the property’s new owner. Rakesh Gupta, a Toronto-area developer, is a director of a holding company that purchased the 9.2-acre property on Wellington Street last September. The 100-year-old school site is ideal for mixed uses, he said. “It’s a beautiful, wellbuilt building. Nowadays they don’t build them this strong.” The intention is to retain the exterior appearance of the three-storey school building, though additions to the north

and south could involve structural change, said Gupta. Sarnia has a need for additional daycare spaces, so the plan is to start a Collegiate Kids Day Care in the next three to four months. Eight or nine classrooms on the ground floor of the building’s west side can accommodate up to 85 children ages 1 to 5, said Gupta. Approvals are still required from the Ministry of Education and the City of Sarnia, he said. But once they are in hand, renovations will be minimal and the daycare will start accepting children. More than 50 are already on a waiting list,

according to Gupta. His company is also exploring the potential for a private high school in the building, with a residential component.

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“We know people would love it to be a school again, so we are looking at a boarding school, possibly for international students. “Many people would like to send their kids to Canada for a better education,” Gupta said. It’s possible as many as 250 students could occupy the building and make use of the existing gym, cafeteria and shops.

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This is the first time he’s been involved in redeveloping a large building of this sort, Gupta added. “It’s unique and I believe it can be profitable.” Other possibilities for at least part of the building include housing, doctor offices, a walk-in clinic, physiotherapy services and other health-related business-

es, he said. A rezoning application to allow mixed use has been submitted to City Hall. Checking In is a regular feature that updates ongoing news stories. Send your update ideas to cathy.dobson@thesarniajournal.ca

Harbour dock construction to begin

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Gupta said it’s unclear whether the 850-seat auditorium will be used again. “We’re not focused on that right now. It’s very nice and we would like to use it for whatever we can, but first we are concentrating on occupying the building,” he said. Sarnia Collegiate Institute and Technical School (SCITS) has been empty since it closed in 2019. Gupta said he personally canvassed the neighbours and some were worried about vandalism and vagrants. “So we have engaged a security company and cleared the bushes on the property,” he said. The neighbours also said they are supportive of Gupta’s plans, he said. “We’re very excited about the project and are giving it our full attention.”

JOURNAL STAFF

onstruction will begin this summer on the Cestar Dock, the last big and most important piece in Sarnia-Lambton’s Oversize Load Corridor. Council recently accepted the winning tender bid of $6 million from Bronte Construction.

When complete, the dock will allow large industrial components to be rolledon and rolled-off specially equipped cargo ships at Sarnia Harbour, linking local manufacturers to world markets. Sheet steel piles will be driven into the seabed and backfilled to create a 4,800-square-metre dock extending out into the North Slip.

Sarnia Cement Services

City staff said the contract is within the overall Corridor project budget of $16.9 million. “The dock construction does contain some risk, but the contract includes contingency to deal with any minor unknowns,” a staff report states. Cestar College provided $4 million for the dock, which is expected to be largely complete early in 2023.

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Page 8

The Sarnia Journal

Thursday, March 24, 2022

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

Remembering the dark days of our last nuclear scare

was 15 when the phone call came from my best friend, James O’Rourke. “Turn on the TV,” he urged. “It sounds like there’s gonna’ be a war!” Like most families in 1962 we had a single small black and white television. It brought in three Detroit channels so finding a sombre-looking John F. Kennedy, the U.S. president, wasn’t hard. It was Oct. 22nd – the first public disclosure of a panic known as the Cuban Missile Crisis. On the previous Tuesday, at 8:45 a.m., Kennedy had learned from U-2 spy planes flying over Cuba that six Soviet medium-range ballistic missile sites and twenty-one IL-28 bombers were now stationed just 90 minutes from the U.S. heartland. The people who had threatened to “bury” the

PHIL

EGAN

West were now knocking at the door. The U.S. military began plans to bomb the missile sites followed by a fullscale invasion of Cuba, and Kennedy went on air to warn the Soviets and to announce a naval “quarantine” of Cuba. Russian ships, currently steaming towards Cuba, possibly with nuclear warheads, would be turned back or sunk if they defied the blockade. Even now, 60 years later, I can recall how the president’s words sent a chill down my spine. “It shall be the policy of this nation,” Kennedy said, “to regard any nuclear missile launched

from Cuba, against any nation in this hemisphere, as an attack by the Soviet Union against the United States, calling for a full retaliatory response against the Soviet Union.” In schools across Sarnia over the following days, teachers who had yet to fathom the destructive power of a nuclear explosion, drilled students in escaping classrooms, hiding under desks, and huddling in window-less corridors. At St. Patrick’s High School, which I attended, the nuns chose to deal with the threat in a different way. “We need you to pray for our president,” Sister Maureen told us. That raised some eyebrows. “What do you mean, OUR president?” someone ventured. Sister Maureen didn’t

seem to understand the question. An Irish Catholic president, to a Catholic school named for the patron saint of Ireland and the home of the Fighting Irish – why, of course, in her eyes, Kennedy was “our president.” The Russians eventually backed down, but those were scary days. Schoolboys in the ‘50s had grown up with rumours of Communist bombers targeting Sarnia to take out the Chemical Valley and St. Clair Tunnel. We already considered ourselves a target. So those of us who lived through them will never forget those last days of October 1962. Phil Egan is editor-in-chief of the Sarnia Historical Society. Got an interesting tale? Contact him at philegan@cogeco. ca

U.S. PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY signs the Cuba quarantine proclmation at the White House on Oct. 23, 1962, setting the stage for a nuclear showdown between the U.S. and Soviet Union. Photo courtesy, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston

Sarnia needs a leash-free beach – for the love of dog SUSAN MACFARLANE

hen I was a kid, we had a dog called Lucky. My mom would say, “Lucky to be alive.” Lucky was a black lab mix and I don’t remember how he came into our lives. He was an interesting sort of dog, one that would get loose and jump up on people as they walked by our house, and had the really irritating habit of chewing on my leather penny loafer shoes. From my point of view, he was more irritating than not. My dad, however, had a different relationship with Lucky, which involved the two of them hanging together downstairs for hours on end while my dad worked on his coin collection or other hobbies. To me and my sister, Lucky was a fixture we had to chase after now and again after he escaped from the backyard.

When Lucky passed away at a ripe old age my dad had tears in his eyes, and would often remiSusan nisce on what MacFarlane a great dog he was in the years following. I have to admit I didn’t understand. Fast forward to me as an adult and our youngest, newly turned teenager begging us for a dog. Into our house came Rosie, a Havanese poodle mix, who turned into a 13-pound bundle of energy. She’s a clown who runs in circles when meeting other dogs. Her antics seem to always bring out smiles in others when we’re out walking in our Bright’s Grove neighborhood. I often joke that I can’t get another job because Rosie is

so used to having me home to keep her company. “Princess” Rosie rules the roost at our house. She loves to take walks and sniffs - on the Howard Watson Nature Trail and along the Nick Malik Walkway near our local beach. When we go for beach walks, it always makes me smile to watch other dogs frolic in the sand or swim in the water, fetching a stick their owner might throw. Their joy becomes my joy. Rosie is not a swimmer, so I don’t take her there for that. But if she was a swimmer, you bet I’d be looking for a suitable beach. Which is why I don’t understand how Sarnia, with its abundance of beachfront, has decided it can’t find a slice of space somewhere for an official dog beach. Right now, we have an equity issue that I find sad for all of the community’s dogs.

IN THIS FILE PHOTO, Oscar the dachshund tests out his new life jacket while fetching sticks at the Bright's Grove beach. Journal file photo

Owners who can afford to risk paying a fine continue to use the city’s beaches, while less advantaged owners don’t get to see the smiles of pure bliss on their pets taking a swim or frolicking in the surf. Sarnia needs a dog beach –

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Thursday, March 24, 2022

The Sarnia Journal

Page 9

Letters

Mike Weir Park has room for all, including cricket club

Sir: Regarding the Feb. 24 sports story, “Cricket club ponders future after pitch opened to others. I would like to question why Sarnia council is more or less bumping this club from its home field? They have been there for over 35 years, and I believe the location isn’t hindering any neighbor-

hoods. I will give a little lay of the land, in case some are thinking there isn’t

enough room for a cricket pitch. Mike Weir Park has five acres. To the north is a beautiful beach that compares with Canatara Beach. Parking is well laid out with a good-sized play area for kids. A paved circle around the park is used for joggers and dog walkers, as

well as traffic. To the northeast is a fenced-in old bridge we all know will never be used again. It once spanned the Cull Drain on Old Lakeshore Road. Only us retired people know what it is. As a retired metal inspector, this bridge is good for scrap, as it would be very expensive

to repair. Putting in a new bridge and expanding Old Lakeshore would be great, but this city council will not get it done. The area in question has only the cricket pitch and a worn down baseball back screen with trees grown in around it. In other words, not used by any groups.

There is plenty of room in this park to leave the pitch alone and offer any of the other land to other groups. To prove my point, why do you think a young Mike Weir used to hit golf balls there? Lots of space!

Sir: Recently I met with a group of friends for our monthly luncheon at a local restaurant. Shortly after placing our order, a waitress tapped me on the shoulder and told me the owner/cook had suggested I exchange my chair for a metal chair. Then it dawn on me what she meant. Yes, I am a big girl, but by no stretch of the imagination big enough to break a restaurant chair.

I told her I would absolutely NOT be changing chairs. My lovely friends didn’t skip a beat, and immediately said, “We're out of here.” I requested to speak to the owner/cook but he wouldn’t come out (cowards rarely do), so I stepped into the kitchen and gave him a piece of my mind. When I reached the parking lot, I was surrounded by my loving friends and hugged by each. If he was trying to

humiliate me, he failed miserably, but I was hurt and angry that I had been targeted. Why? Was he having a bad day and decided to share the wealth? My friends and I went to another restaurant. Needless to say, none of us will be returning to that establishment. You would think during a pandemic when many restaurants are struggling the owner would have been more than happy to have us there. I won’t go on because

I refuse to give him the power to cause pain. There are two types of people in this world, those like my beautiful friends who surrounded me with love, and those like the owner/cook who are toxic and feel its acceptable to bring others down to make themselves feel bigger and better. That’s pathetic, and he should be ashamed.

— Jamie Cockerham Sarnia

Will history repeat itself? Restaurant owner needs a lesson in kindness Sir: An old adage states: what’s now surfacing

“Past actions and behaviours reflect those of the future.” During the 2018 Sarnia municipal election many people I spoke to had two issues on their mind —the millions of dollars poured into Centennial Park, and the politics playing out at City Hall. With the 2022 election coming in October, people are already talking about the proposed millions to be spent on Sarnia’s Master Plan initiatives, and the ongoing bickering among certain council members. And let us not forget

about council’s diversity training fiasco. In the 2018 municipal election the two politicians most vocal about the cost of Centennial Park - one being the subject of much political attack - were re- elected with the most votes, while four of the five seeking re-election lost their seats. Those who represent voters should realize their past actions may very well reflect their future political demise.

Sir: On Feb 1 Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliot stated that independent health facilities would be allowed to operate private hospitals, to help with the backlog of medical procedures and surgeries built up during COVID. “Independent health facilities” is another way of saying private, for-profit clinics. She was saying they would be allowed to encroach on the work of public hospitals. After the Ontario Health Coalition held press conferences, the Minister and Premier Doug Ford quickly back-

tracked, saying that it wasn’t true. We disagree. According to the Fiscal Accountability Oﬃce, the government has calculated it would cut $17.8 billion from public programs over the next eight years. This would mean service cuts, as the health care system has been living under austerity budgets for over 25 years. What would be cut in Sarnia-Lambton? The Ford government is half way through awarding 15,000 new long-term care beds to private, for-profit businesses, in spite of their terrible records during the pandem-

— Phil Nelson Sarnia

Health Coalition fighting health care privatization ic. More than 4,000 LTC residents died, many from lack of care. Home-care is almost totally privatized, yet only 60% of home care requests can be filled. Most of us have seen first-hand the shortages of staﬀ, of hospital beds, of LTC beds and homecare services. At the Sarnia Lambton Health Coalition we are battling back against any privatization of health services. We are beginning a huge campaign to keep our public health care system viable and with access for all. We need volunteers and

we need donations to pay for advertising. We want to ensure everyone in Sarnia-Lambton has the true facts about health care. Contact me at goddess@bell.net and check the Ontario Health Coalition-Sarnia Lambton Facebook page for more or register for the Local Emergency Summit against privatization of Health Services, scheduled for April 7 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Together we can win this fight. — Shirley Roebuck Sarnia Lambton Health Coalition

— Cathie Fergusson Sarnia

Nothing sticks to Justin Trudeau, the Teflon man

Sir: The way the British people are up in arms over Prime Minister Boris Johnson attending parties that he (no doubt) shouldn’t have is over the wall. They are out for blood. Meanwhile, Johnson is no match for the multiple scandals and blunders of our sunny days prime minister, Justin Trudeau.

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The Sarnia Journal

Thursday, March 24, 2022

Local

Young pilot gets second shot at meeting Chris Hadfield

TARA JEFFREY THE JOURNAL

than Nauta is getting a second chance to meet his idol, after a generous local donor offered tickets to see hometown hero Chris Hadfield at this year’s Bluewater Health Foundation gala. “I am absolutely shocked,” said the 15-year-old pilot, who was recently featured in a Sarnia Journal article after earning his solo flying licence. The story prompted a shoutout from the renowned Canadian astronaut himself, who commended Nauta’s achievement to thousands of followers on social media. “A solo pilot at 15,” Hadfield posted, along with a link to the story. “Congratulations Ethan, you’re making your dreams take flight!” Nauta had a chance last summer to meet Hadfield in person during an event but was too star-struck to speak up. That

caught the eye of Bluewater Health Foundation executive director Kathy Alexander. “We recognize our gala is quite expensive, and when I read the article, I just thought — how can we make this happen? It’s his dream to meet a hometown hero of ours.” She reached out to local couple Greg and Betty Bond, who are flight enthusiasts and longtime Foundation supporters. They were happy to cover the cost for Ethan, mom Lisa, and stepdad Matt to attend the gala, where Hadfield is keynote speaker. Bond went a step further and arranged for Ethan to take a flight with his brother Bruce Bond this spring — aboard his 1941 open cockpit Stearman biplane. “It’s just all these little things coming together, and it’s just so wonderful,” said Alexander. Ethan and his family will be seated at the Foundation table, and are also invited to the VIP reception with Hadfield.

“They’re kind of going to be our special guests for the night.” The May 19 event, held at the Badger Hangar behind Sarnia Chris Hadfield Airport, also features emcee Emm Gryner — who collaborated with Hadfield on a 2013 the cover of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity,” which helped make him world-famous. Hadfield, who first headlined the hospital’s gala event nine years ago, was booked again back in 2020, but the event was postponed by COVID-19. “He really is a remarkable speaker,” said Alexander, noting his positive messaging through the pandemic, especially to health care workers. “He’s been so wonderful… sending messages of hope and optimism, not only to Bluewater Health staff through videos and messaging, but through his social media as well.” Proceeds from this year’s gala will support a $2.5-million redevelopment of the hospital lab, which was installed more than a decade ago. The aging equipment increasingly needs repairs, slowing down the delivery of test results used for patient treatment plans, the hospital said.

PILOT ETHAN NAUTA, 15, has been flying solo since January. Submitted Photo

As for Nauta, he’s working toward his recreational and private licences, while coming up with questions to ask his favourite pilot. “I don’t know exactly what I’ll say but I did generate a couple of questions for him,”

he said. “It’s just really, really cool to be able to experience all this stuff. All of this has been super inspiring.” Gala tickets are $250 each and available by calling the Foundation at 519-464-4439.

Sarnia Suncor plant begins upgrade

JOURNAL STAFF

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employees and contractors is underway at Suncor’s Sarnia refinery. The work at the St. Clair Parkway refinery is expected to take about seven

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Thursday, March 24, 2022

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Page 11

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Page 12

The Sarnia Journal

Thursday, March 24, 2022

Local

Group to keep pushing for permanent rehab centre

munity need, a local advocacy group says. The 24-bed facility will focus on early-stage recovery but it he $12-million anwon’t create the rehab centre nounced for an ‘Addicsome had hoped for - like tions Hub’ in Sarnia was Westover Treatment Centre a great start, but still doesn’t in Thamesville or Brentwood address an important comRecovery Home in Windsor which focus on longer-term DR. JOHNNY CLUBB HAS recovery. “We as a community MOVED HIS PRACTICE TO LAMBTON MALL WITH should be very happy about DR. DON GUERETTE. the funding that was reCLUBB CHIROPRACTIC ceived — no question,” said 1380 London Rd., Sarnia Margaret Capes, a retired 519 . 3 3 2 . 18 47 lawyer who heads the Community Law School’s Social Justice Advocacy Group. “But that should be a start, not an end.” Fast, Reliable Since last month’s announcement, residents have Repair Service asked the Advocacy Group Including New & whether the funding will Vintage Rolex, create a permanent resiOmega, TAG, & dential rehab centre for the Pocket Watches community. It will not, the group said in a release. Battery Replacements “People who pass through All Work Guaranteed the withdrawal management phase will still be required to leave our area if they need such services." Serving Sarnia For 22 Years The 24-bed facility com149 Davis St. Sarnia • 519-332-1066 ing to Bluewater Health Keep it Local. Like us on ` will include five new beds

TARA JEFFREY THE JOURNAL

WATCH REPAIRS

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and consolidate what’s already in the community — seven existing withdrawal management beds at the hospital and 12 stabilization and transition beds at Ryan’s House. “The planning was always for a residential withdrawal management centre,” said Paula Reaume-Zimmer, the hospital’s integrated vice president of mental health and addiction services. “It isn’t a permanent rehab centre like Westover, and that wasn’t the ask in the initial submission. “Unless you’ve experienced the system, the community at large may not understand the differences,” she added. “It’s an addictions hub with 24 beds — so that means residential. If someone wants to go on to a rehab facility such as Westover, we work very closely with them and our ideal situation is, they go from our door, directly to Westover.” But that’s not always the case, said Capes. “If you go through detox in Sarnia — for seven days or 30 days, whatever it might be — you’re probably still waiting to go to Westover. People fall through the cracks during that time,” she said. “There’s a lot of

THE 24-BED 'ADDICTIONS HUB' will be located in an unused wing at the northwest corner of Bluewater Health. Journal Photo

people in our community who have left to go to rehab and for some of them it’s worked; for some of them it hasn’t, because being extracted from their supports locally, has not worked.” Reaume-Zimmer said most folks seeking treatment locally want outpatient services. “They want to live at home, they want to attend their work, but they need assistance with substance use disorders,” she said. “I think we have to take one step at a time and know that this is a substantial investment,” she added. “Our com-

munity is so behind mental health and addictions; we’re very fortunate that we have such a vocal community and supportive one.” The Social Justice Advocacy Group intends to keep pushing for a permanent rehabilitation centre, Capes said. That means meeting with local and elected officials to ensure addiction stays top of mind in this, an election year, she said. “This is just the beginning — not an ending — to this conversation.”

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Thursday, March 24, 2022 N EWS

The Sarnia Journal

Page 13

WHY LOCAL MATTERS

Journal to begin publishing SPEED four editions each month UP YOUR A BUSINESS RECOVERY! JOURNAL STAFF

fter publishing irregularly for the past two years, The Sarnia Journal has some good news to share. Starting April 7th, the paper will be coming out four times a month. The pandemic has been hard on everyone, in many ways, and The Journal is no exception. Like many local businesses, we were forced to make significant changes to the way we operate. The paper has been published every second week, for the most part. But the restructuring, combined with a reviving economy, is allowing us to return to more normal

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production. Two things have not changed. The Journal throughout the pandemic has continued to provide award-winning local news coverage, and it remains free of charge. Now available at more than 50 locations in Sarnia and 15 more in Lambton County, the paper is readily accessible to anyone who wants a copy. And for those who prefer home delivery, a paid option via Canada Post is available. This month, The Journal began its ninth year of operation. Revenue has come solely from advertising over the years, and during the pandemic we also accessed various

government support programs, for which we are very grateful. But the time has now come to be self-supporting again, and we are eager to ramp up production. At the same time, we believe we can help other businesses regain and attract new customers by using The Journal to promote themselves and their products. Readership has never wavered, and promoting local goods and services is the best way to counteract the shift to online

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businesses not located in Sarnia-Lambton. Your hometown paper is a truly local endeavour. It’s locally owned and operated, and every member of the team lives and works here. We would encourage readers to consider spending their hardearned dollars within this community, to help keep Sarnia-Lambton’s social and economic fabric strong. Buying local benefits everyone who calls this our home.

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Page 14

The Sarnia Journal

Thursday, March 24, 2022

CANCER AWARENESS MONTH APRIL 2022

HELP HOPE BLOOM

ail Davis is no stranger to cancer. Throughout her life, she has stood by the sides of several loved ones as they faced their cancer journey; they never had to walk alone. It was in 1971, when she was 18 years old, that she had her first brush with cancer. And it hit close to home. Her father was diagnosed and she

says when it happened, she never wanted to leave his side. “I wanted to spend as much time with him as I could,” Gail says. “Talking, watching baseball and hockey games and having ice cream… I have wonderful memories.” Just a few years later, Gail’s mother, a 36 year cancer survivor, would

Gail’s Story

have a mastectomy. Gail says that while her mother was private person, she was always open to speak about her cancer journey. “She instilled in me endless strength, determination and love,” she says. “She was my strength.” Life went on it seemed. Gail became a mother and then a grandmother. “I was living the

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dream,” she says. In 2003, everything changed when her daughter Lisa was diagnosed with breast cancer. Married with two small children, Gail says she knew Lisa needed her more than ever, and she was completely dedicated to being Lisa’s rock throughout. “I moved in and helped in every way I could,” she says. “We made going to treatments an adventure.” Gail says that when Lisa’s husband took her to treatments, she would take their children to the babysitter before heading to the hospital herself, where she sat and waited patiently, knitting and sipping tea. Once her chemo treatment was complete, they would drive off to scoop up the little ones. “We’d go for a drive, sometimes stopping for ice cream,” Gail says. “They back to the house for Lisa to rest and maybe watch a movie.” Gail, Lisa and their family took part in Relay

For Life, and Lisa took part as a survivor. “It was a beautiful experience for both her and me,” Gail recalls. “But in 2004, we lost her. She was truly an inspiration to all.” Gail founded a Relay For Life team in Lisa’s honour, going by the name of “Lisa’s Angels”. She continued to advocate and raise money for cancer research. Gail says she believes she has been put in people’s lives for a reason, and that reason

is to help them through their cancer journey. These people include her sister and several dear friends, who over the years have been touched by cancer. A nurturing and caring individual, Gail will do anything she can to make her loved one’s lives easier, while always encouraging some laughter in between those difficult moments.

Continued on 15

We canʼt cure it yet but we can ease your pain

Thursday, March 24, 2022

The Sarnia Journal

Page 15

CANCER AWARENESS MONTH Continued from 14

says. Today, Gail has completely recovered. She says she feels beyond blessed and grateful for this life she’s been given. And in 2022, Gail is Sarnia Relay For Life’s Face of Hope, a champion for every individual who has ever had to face cancer.

A long-time volunteer and participant of Relay For Life, Gail says she feels so honoured and grateful to be given this title. You can join Gail and her Relay family in making a difference for survivors just like her, this Saturday June, 11 at Valley Axe Sarnia.

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Then, in 2018, after years of helping others through their cancer journey, Gail says it was her turn. “I developed a small pimple in the centre of my nose. After three attempts to remove it, I was sent to London,” she says. “I had a hard time hearing the doctor say, ‘You will be okay, I will get all the cancer.’” She says her heart sank in that moment. She thought, ‘this is happening… to me?’ She had surgery to remove the cancer before undergoing reconstructive surgery. Throughout it all, she says she thought about all of the incredible people in her life who had gone through similar experiences before her. “They gave me the strength to go forward. To embrace it and to be someone else’s strength,” she

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Page 16

The Sarnia Journal

Thursday, March 24, 2022

CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

APRIL 2022 HELP

HOPE BLOOM

Lung Cancer in Canada in 2020 1 LUNG CANCER ST

is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in males and females combined in Canada

- SINCE 1947 -

Tobacco Occupational exposures Physical inactivity Low fruit

About

86%

Residential radon

of lung cancer cases can be prevented

Outdoor air pollution Low vegetables Second-hand smoke

To address the burden of lung cancer in Canada, the cancer control community needs to:

PROUD SUPPORTER

of Canadian Cancer Awareness Month

enhance lung cancer prevention efforts improve treatment

532 Christina Street North • Sarnia, ON • (519) 344-8855 • carpetone.ca

implement organized screening

increase equitable access to support and treatment

reduce lung cancer stigma

A 2020 special report on lung cancer. Toronto, ON: Canadian Cancer Society; 2020. .

In Support of Cancer Awareness Month

MARILYN

GLADU MP Sarnia-Lambton 1000 Finch Dr. 519-383-6600

www.mpmarilyngladu.ca marilyn.gladu@parl.gc.ca

HELP HOPE BLOOM DONATE TODAY

Thursday, March 24, 2022

The Sarnia Journal

Sarnia Construction Association

http://www.sarniaconstructionassociation.ca 954 Upper Canada Drive, Sarnia, Ontario N7T 7J4

Page 17

Page 18

The Sarnia Journal

Thursday, March 24, 2022

CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

We proudly support the Sarnia Lambton chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society. Together we can all be part of the solution in the challenge to find a cure.

SUPPORTING CANCER AWARENESS MONTH IN SARNIA/ LAMBTON 322 Christina St. N., Sarnia, ON N7S 6J4 www.thesarniajournal.ca Office: 519-491-5532

APRIL 2022 HELP

HOPE BLOOM

Christina’s Story

t was just like any other day when Christina stepped out of the shower to dry off. It was then that she found the loonie sized lump in the lower outer side of her right breast. She says at the time, self-examinations weren’t a part of her regular routine. This chance discovery alerted her that something was off. On April 21, 2021, just two weeks after her 39th birthday, Christina received a call from her doctor that would change everything. She was diagnosed with stage two grade three Invasive Ductal Carcinoma breast cancer. “In that moment, everything after those words was a blur,” she says. “Until hearing those words, I truly thought the lump was just a cyst… I thought, ‘I am too young to have cancer.” The days that followed were a rollercoaster of emotions; sadness, frustration, confusion, fear and overwhelm. Running a home daycare at the time, Christina had to call families to let them know she would be closing for an undetermined amount of time. She says she worried about how would this financially affect her family, and how would they would tell their kids. “Our children Tatum, 9, and Dallas, 8, could tell something was off,” Christina says. “We very much followed their lead, and had an open dialogue. We explained

things in a way that was relatable to them. I explained my cancer as an “Imposter” like from the video game Among Us.” Christina says by including their kids in everything made the process less scary for them. “They knew of every appointment, surgery, and they helped cut off my long hair during chemo,” she says. In June of 2021, after many ultrasounds, biopsies, tests and scans, Christina underwent a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. “I am so thankful I pushed for a bilateral mastectomy because suspicious cells were found in my non-cancerous breast which could have been problematic in the future,” she says. In September 2021 she started 16 rounds of chemotherapy. “It was important for me to see the lessons that cancer can teach us. It has sparked many meaningful conversations about beauty, body image and confidence,” she says. “Beauty is not makeup,

hair, body shape, or the clothing you wear. True beauty is within.” Christina says navigating cancer during a pandemic has been challenging. With new medical protocols, procedures, and rules, she had to face many appointments and chemotherapy sessions alone, without any family by her side. Despite all of this, she says she’s learned she has so much to be grateful for, including the doctors and nurses who cared for her and her support system who continuously helped her family throughout their toughest days. Cancer is scary, she says, but allowing herself to feel every emotion without getting stuck in those feelings got her through it. Christina says she remained positive and tried to live life as normally as she could. “Mindset and having a positive outlook is huge as you navigate these waters,” she says. “We have to talk about cancer. Everyone has been touched by cancer in some way, and it needs to be talked about more. Keep fighting!”

Thursday, March 24, 2022

The Sarnia Journal

Page 19

APRIL IS CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

JOIN THE

FIGHT Proud supporters of

cancer.ca/daffodil 100 Business Park Drive Sarnia, Ontario 519-344-2352

Page 20

The Sarnia Journal

Lives Lived

Death N Death Notices otices Recent Passings Up To March 14, 2022 D.J. ROBB FUNERAL HOME • • • •

Christianson, Edward (Mar 14, 2022) Slim, David (Mar 11, 2022) Xuereb, Chad (Mar 7, 2022) Shakespeare, Alice (Mar 4, 2022)

McCORMACK FUNERAL HOME • Havers, Patricia (Mar 14, 2022) • Nilson, Violet (Mar 9, 2022) • Kampstra, Donald (Mar 2, 2022) McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME • • •

White, Rick (Mar 7, 2022) Madery, Mary (Mar 6, 2022) Richmond, Pauline (Mar 5, 2022)

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

Fowler, Kelly (Mar 14, 2022) Hutchinson, Arleen (Mar 13, 2022) Pole, Ernest (Mar 13, 2022) Lafond, Michael (Mar 13, 2022) George, Marion (Mar 10, 2022) Robson, George (Mar 9, 2022) Allston, Greta (Mar 8, 2022) Rogers, Sherry (Mar 7, 2022) DeCiantis, Angela (Mar 6, 2022) Van Kesteren, John (Mar 5, 2022) Saunders, Robert (Mar 4, 2022) Baines, Heather (Mar 4, 2022) Havill, Thomas (Mar 4, 2022) Batson, Kathleen (Mar 3, 2022) Stover, Sarah (Mar 3, 2022) Gark, Gordon (Mar 2, 2022)

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

Your Feelings. Our Flowers.

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Thursday, March 24, 2022

Obituary

Greta ALLSTON (HORNBLOWER) (Nee Smyth)

Saddened by her loss, but deeply grateful for her long life, well lived, Rick, Don and Mark Hornblower announce the passing of their mother Margaret (Greta) on March 8th 2022. Mom was born in Belfast, North Ireland, on September 22nd 1920. Together with her parents John and Elizabeth Smyth, brothers Jack and Wilson and sister Meta, all of whom predeceased her, they arrived in Canada on April 8th 1928 aboard the CP ship Montcalm. After arriving in Saint John New Brunswick they traveled to Sarnia to be with other family members who had come out from Ireland several years earlier. Mom never forgot her Irish roots but Sarnia quickly became her home. Like others of her generation, mom experienced the hardships of the Depression and the Second World War. In spite of those hardships, she always believed that she had lived a good life. For a number of years our mom worked at Prestolite. In 1949 she married our father James Hornblower, and together they were the parents of three sons Richard (Sharon), Donald, and Mark (Kathy). Life has its ups and downs, and following our parents’ divorce, mom returned to the workforce. She was employed by Bill and Emily Angove, and spent many years working at The Emily Shoppe with Bill and Emily, with whom she became close friends. Whatever life threw at her, mom drew strength through family and the many friends she made. She lived life to the fullest, enjoyed good friends, good company and

ASCROFT, Keith

On Saturday, February 26, 2022, Keith Ascroft passed away peacefully with his daughter Nicky by his side. Born with scarlet fever on January 10, 1939, in Manchester – Keith wasn’t expected to survive. He beat the odds and continued the fight throughout his entire life. After completing his Masters in Chemistry (a first in his family) he left the UK in 1970 for Sarnia to start his career as an executive for Polysar. It was there he met his future wife, Janis, on a blind date and they married shortly thereafter. Keith and Janis then moved to Tokyo for 3.5 years and then to Mexico City for two additional years for work. Upon returning to Sarnia, Keith was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 40. Despite the immense pain, he persevered, continuing to travel around the world for his work. Those who had the privilege of truly knowing him were able to enjoy his dry wit, intelligence, curiosity, loyalty and his fierce sense of justice. Keith is cherished by his wife Janis, children Nicky and Jason, granddaughter Eloise, sister Delia, in-laws Jane, Steven and Arn and his many nieces and nephews and friends. We wish to thank Helder, Don and Gary from the Care Partners for providing excellent care the last 4.5 years while he was home, and to the incredible staff at MGM for making a comfortable landing place for the remaining months of his life. A celebration of life will be held later this year. Cards and condolences can be shared with Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia (www. smithfuneralhome.ca). A serious lover of music and film. A friend to the animals. His happiest moments were as he relaxed under the sun, with a beer in his hand on the pier in Garden City, South Carolina with his wife and kids by his side. In Keith’s memory, donations may be made to the Sarnia Humane Society or the Arthritis Society (cheques only at the funeral home please). We miss you, Daddy.

LOCAL Journal EVENTS SUBMIT YOUR EVENT HERE: info@thesarniajournal.ca The Sarnia

Your Local Independent Newspaper

looked forward to sharing an evening cocktail with those who were important in her life, particularly her late husband Perc Allston. Mom and Perc spent many happy years together until his passing on September 20th,1995. Our Mom was the loving grandmother of James, David, Tanya, Matthew, Beth, and Greg, and the loving great grandmother of Gordon, Mallory, TJ, Ryker, Jaxon, Grace, Kaitlyn, Xander, and Abaigeal. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Our mom was also predeceased by three half sisters Louie Smyth, Eileen Smyth, and Dorothy Scott all of Belfast North Ireland. Mom was fortunate to be able to live independently in her own home until age 97, when declining health led to her move to the Vision Nursing Home. While not particularly happy that she had to live in a nursing home, the staff quickly made her feel welcome and at home, and she came to consider Vision as her home. She developed many friendships with the staff and other residents. We are grateful for the care that she received from the staff at Vision, particularly over the last two years when covid often required isolation from those outside the nursing home. As an expression of sympathy, please consider donations to the Inn of the Good Shepherd, or Pathways Health Centre for Children (cheques only at the funeral home please). Cremation has taken has taken place, to be followed by a private family internment. A reception to celebrate Greta’s life will be held under later date. Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia. Memories and condolences may be sent online at smithfuneralhome.ca

Memoriam

In Loving Memrory JOHN FRANCIS CORKUM

January 17, 1943 - March 26, 2021 It has been one year since that day. The day I had to say goodbye and you went away. Three hundred and sixty-five days of missing you, My John. Tears fall and memories are recalled. You are in our thoughts and heart every day. Loving you forever. Bev, Don, Julie & John John Corkum’s Sister

ELAINE BERNADETTE FLEMMING

April 27, 1946 - January 27, 2022 Missing our phone calls, laughter and even tears “Dear Sister”. Love you forever. Bev & Family

Prayer PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN:

(Never known to fail): Oh most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me you are my Mother, Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (three times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (three times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you must publish it and it will be granted to you. Grateful thanks. C.M.

PRAYER TO ST. JUDE: May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved, throughout the world, now & forever. O Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pray for us, St. Jude Worker of Miracles, Pray for us, St. Jude Helper of the Hopeless, Pray for us, Amen. Say prayer 9 times a day, by the 8th day, the prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publishing must be promised. A.M.T

Thursday, March 24, 2022

Lives Lived Memoriam

Tim Richardson

In Loving Memory of a Dear Son and Brother of Scott who passed away 15 long years ago November 12, 2007. Those we love, can never be more than a thought apart, For as long as there is memory, They live on forever in the heart. Til we meet again.

Lovingly Remembered and Dearly Missed by Mom & Brother Scott

In Memory of a Dear Husband

Bert Richardson March 30, 2021

Been missing you for one year. Since then the sun doesn’t shine the same. I am in the dark and my heart is still in sorrow. Until we meet again some sunny day. Forever in my heart Forever in my mind.

Love Wife Pat and Son Scott & Late Tim

In Loving Memory

Patsy Cuthbert

June 27, 1946 March 15, 2021

In fond and loving memory of our dear and loving wife, mother and grandmother, who left us a year ago today. We remember you lovingly and fondly and you will remain in our hearts always.

Bill, Stephanie, Jeff and Melissa and grandchildren.

hat’s happening events must be open to the public or virtual, of general interest, 60 words or less, and received at least two weeks prior to the event. Please include ticket prices, if any, and a phone number or website where readers can obtain more information. Email notices to info@thesarniajournal.ca. THURSDAY, MARCH 24

Self-Compassion Twin Bridges NPLC offering an interactive series to help practice self-compassion and strengthen resilience. Thursdays until March 31. Held on Zoom. 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. To register,

visit www.tbnplc.com FRIDAY, MARCH 25 CANstruction The Inn of the Good Shepherd annouces the return of CANstruction, a competition at the Lambton Mall to raise awareness of Sarnia-Lambton’s hunger crisis. Teams move in March 25, start building March 26 at 8:30 a.m. Awards presentation March 27 at 1 p.m., and deCANstruction on April 12. For more, visit www. theinnsarnia.ca Frozen Dinners Last day to pre-order for United Way of Sarnia-Lambton’s frozen dinner fundraiser. Offering lasagna, mac & cheese, and beef or chicken pot pie. Prepared by the Dante Club. Pick up March 31 at the Dante Club, 1330 London Rd., 3 p.m.

The Sarnia Journal

What’s Happening to 6 p.m. Order at www. theunitedway.on.ca. For more, call 519-336-5452 Used Book Sale Rotary Club of Sarnia-Bluewaterland holding a two-day pop-up used book sale at Lambton Mall, entrance 4, beside Marshall’s. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cash sales only. For more, visit www.rotarysarniabwl.org SATURDAY, MARCH 26 Mudmen Show The Celtic rock band the Mudmen performing at the Sarnia Library Theatre, at 8 p.m., 124 Christina St. S. For more, call 519-337-3291 SUNDAY, MARCH 27 Stamp Club Sarnia Stamp Club meeting featuring dealers, silent auction and reference library. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Grace United Church, 900 Cathcart Blvd. Meeetings held 4th Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., except July and August. Proof of vaccination and masking currently required. Call 519-337-9960 or visit sarniastampclub.ca. MONDAY, MARCH 28 Genealogy The Lambton County Branch of Ontario Ancestors is holding a virtual drop-in meeting to discuss genealogy resources and research. 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. For the Zoom link or more information,

Page 21

Community

email lambton@ogs.on.ca THURSDAY, MARCH 31 Support Group St. Joseph's Hospice hosting a caregiver support group for those supporting a loved one with a life-limiting illness, at 1 p.m. To register contact co-ordinator at 519-3370537, ext. 126 or supportiveservices@sjhospice.ca. All services offered free of charge. FRIDAY, APRIL 1 Kids Cooking West Lambton Community Health Centre offering a virtual kids cooking class this month. For info and to register, contact adinell@nlchc. com or 519-344-3017 ext. 237 Breastfeeding Support To learn about West Lambton Community Health Centre’s free and virtual breastfeeding support program, contact adinell@nlchc.com Stress Management Rapids Family Health Team presenting a 2-hour workshop with tips and tricks to effectively manage stress. 1150 Pontiac Dr., 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. First Friday of each month. To register, call 519-339-8949 Gentle Yoga Twin Bridges offering a slow, gentle yoga program suitable for most abilities. Yoga mat and strap recommended. Fridays until April 29. Held on Zoom. 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. To register, visit www.tbnplc. com

one interested in guided mindfulness practice in a group format. Fridays until April 29. Held on Zoom. 11 am. to 11:45 a.m. To register, visit www.tbnplc.com TUESDAY, APRIL 5

to 3 p.m. To register, call Brenda at 519-786-4545 ext. 265 or Lorie at 519491-2123, ext. 227 Chair Yoga Twin Bridges offering a yoga program with seated and standing positions and the support of a chair to help with balance, strength, and flexibility. Tuesdays until April 26. Held on Zoom. 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. To register, visit www.tbnplc.com

Yoga West Lambton Community Health Centre offering in-person low impact yoga. Sarnia Evangelical Missionary Church, 707 Talfourd St., 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. To register, contact Supporting Relay for Life 519-3443017 ext. Saturday April 2, 2022 237 or adiat the Royal Canadian Navy Club nell@nlchc. 1420 Lougar Ave, Sarnia. ON com

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Birthday WARNER FRENCH

Happy 85th Birthday

Meditation Group Twin Bridges NPLC offering a meditation program suitable for any-

March 23, 2022

To my beloved husband, a loving father & grandfather, a man of honour, integrity, and intelligence. May God grant you long life & good health. With all our love, Rosemary, Tim, Terry, & Sarina

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Bluewater Outreach Caring and sharing with Elders in the community. A non-profit self supporting organization. No membership fee.

LUNCH-BINGO-EUCHRE RESUMING MARCH 29, 2022 An afternoon of fun and friendship

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Page 22

The Sarnia Journal

Fun Stuff

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Thursday, March 24, 2022

The Sarnia Journal

Page 23

Sports

Despite pandemic, teen athlete wins Game of Throwns

University, where his academics will be just as important as athletics, he noted. “I think it’s a great way to get into school, and focus on my academic career as well,” he said. He added that he’s grateful he was exposed to various sports and

TARA JEFFREY THE JOURNAL

lake Foster is eager to get back to doing what he loves — throwing heavy objects as far as possible. “I haven’t had a real track-and-field season in a couple of years because of COVID-19,” said the Northern Collegiate grad, who has landed an athletics scholarship at Michigan’s Oakland University. “So I’m really looking forward to getting over there, and being consistent and competing, really.” The 18-year-old — recently named to Athletics Ontario’s 2021 All-Ontarians — competes in four of the five throwing events (hammer throw, discus, shot put, and weight throw) and expects to continue all four into his first year as a ‘Golden Grizzly.’ “I’d say my favourite is provably weight throw,” he said. “I’ve just done well at it, and I find it

GET THE

BLAKE FOSTER, 18, celebrates his commitment to a track and field scholarship at Oakland University with coach Maggie Mullen, of the Sarnia Athletics Southwest Track & Field Club. Submitted Photo

fun.” Foster, who attended Rosedale Public School in Sarnia, didn’t start his track and field career until Grade 9 at Northern. “I was mostly a sprinter but then I got put into a couple of the throwing events, and started doing well, so that summer I joined the club team (Sarnia Athletics Southwest Track & Field) and that’s when I started taking it

serious.” In 2019 he was a double gold medalist at the OFSAA West Regional Track & Field Championships, winning both the junior boys’ shot put and junior boys’ discus in Grade 10. “I definitely missed my Grade 11 and Grade 12 high school track seasons, and that’s something I was really looking forward to,” said Foster.

But he was able to represent the local club at the Ontario U20 Track & Field Championships in Toronto last summer — winning gold in discus, silver in shot put, and bronze in hammer throw. “That made up for it a little bit. “We made the most of it.” Foster will specialize in Marketing at Oakland

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Indoor track results

ocal athletes did well at the 2022 Athletics Ontario Indoor Track Championships held in Toronto this month. Ryan Davies won gold in the U-18 boys’ 3,000-metre race, while Gabby Jones took silver in the U-18 girls’ 3,000-metres, and fourth in the 1,500-metres. Cole Reinders took bronze in the Open Men’s 800-metre race. Rebecca Haney was 28th in both the U18 girls’ 1,500-metre and 800-metre races. Jones, Reinders and Haney are members

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activities as a kid. “I played football and hockey growing up, too,” he said. “It definitely helps in a lot of aspects — not just the athletics part — I think it helps with the mental and psychological side of the sport as well.”

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Page 24

The Sarnia Journal

Thursday, March 24, 2022

Local

Seaplane returning The Journal’s weekly trivia challenge completes ation for potential off. In 1867, the Marflags that flew over what to Sarnia Bay this year 1.theWhattitleword 7 quess of Queensbury of Elizabeth leash dog parks? U.S. state throughout its Rules were introduced to history? Gilbert’s memoir, Eat, students.

JOURNAL STAFF

arnia waterfront visitors can expect to see a seaplane flying in and out of Sarnia Bay this summer. City council has approved the request from Huron Flight Services to dock the two-seater plane at the Andrew S. Brandt Marina. The iconic Piper J-3 cub will be used to provide flight training for aviation

The 80-horsepower pontoon plane requires little room for takeoff and landing, and is smaller and quieter than most seaplanes, the centre noted. The aircraft could be operating by mid-April between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. The company did run a seaplane out of Sarnia Bay in the past. It was in service from 2001 to 2008.

Chamber finds new boss

arrie McEachran has been hired as the new CEO of the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce, starting May 6. McEachran is currently executive director of Sarnia-Lambton Rebound, and chair of the Social Services Network of Sarnia-Lambton. She is also a former president of the Rotary Club of Sarnia, and former board member for the Physician Recruitment Taskforce Board and North Lambton Community Health Centre. McEachran has lived in

Sarnia-Lambton the past 25 years, and together with husband Matt has five children. She said she looks forward to working with the local business community. “While the last two years have provided more challenges than anyone could have imagined, it has also left us with great hope and opportunities to reimagine and rebuild,” said McEachran, who holds a Master’s degree in Leadership. She will take over for former Chamber boss Allan Calvert, who retired March 1.

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Pray, _____?

. City council approved building a new fire hall on the site of what nearly 70-year-old fire hall?

. James Bond’s boss 3letter? is referred to by what

. What two city parks are under consider-

In the world of enter5earns.tainment, if a person an “EGOT”, he or she has won what four awards?

. Which type of danc6Olympic ing will debut as an sport in Paris in 2024? Breakdancing Clogging Highland Dancing

regulate which combat sport?

has 8.howA pentadecagon many sides? “LV” appears on the 9of a.luggage and watches company founded by what French designer?

. The Six Flags 10 amusement parks were named after the six

— Tom St. Amand (Column #348) ANSWERS: 1 – Love; 2 - Colborne Road Station; 3 – M; 4 - Heritage and Tecumseh parks; 5 - Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and a Tony; 6 – Breakdancing; 7 – Boxing; 8 – 15; 9 - Louis Vuitton; 10 – Texas.