Welcome to The Club Winter 2025

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Must be 55

or older!

THE

CLUB

Sarnia-Lambton

A GUIDE TO FEELING YOUNGER

...Even if we might be getting older.

PHOTO BY DeMoor Photography

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VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4 WINTER 2025/26

Welcome to...

THE Club

Welcome to the Winter issue!

MEALS

on WHEELS

Experience the convenience of

Meals on Wheels—delicious,

nutritious meals delivered right

to your doorstep. Let us take

care of dinner, so you can focus

on what matters most!

info@lambtonelderlyoutreach.org

519-845-1353 or 1-800-265-0203

Community & Home

Support Services

“Alone we can do so little.

Together we can do

so much!”

Helen Keller

Volunteer &

Social Opportunities

Volunteers

Needed

Friendly Visiting Program

Are you looking to make a

meaningful difference in someone’s life?

Help combat loneliness in our community

and experience the joy of connection.

Call today for more information!


519-845-1353 or 1-800-265-0203

“Our support services

enable clients

to live with

Dignity & Respect.”

Respite Services

LEO Caregiver Respite Program

provides relief for family or friends from

their caregiving role. There is a set hourly

fee for this service. Limitations may apply.

To see if you qualify, contact LEO.


519-845-1353 or 1-800-265-0203

519-845-1353 • info@lambtonelderlyoutreach.org • www.lambtonelderlyoutreach.org

Making Access to Community Supports & Health Services Easier!

Expanded local services & supports listings

New community navigator option

Inclusive of all ages & stages

Find. Specific supports you need.

Search.

☎

Community

Navigators listen

and help find local

resources and

supports based

on the needs

of the caller.

Talk. Call to speak with a Community Navigator.

www.agefriendlysarnialambton.ca 519-336-3000

Transportation

Need a Ride?

LEO’s trusted, safe, accessible

transportation service is available

for medical or social

appointments!

LEO Scored 98% Exemplary

Standing for providing

Quality Services

Funded in part by the

United Way of Sarnia-Lambton, Jackpot City, Sarnia,

and the County of Lambton

transportation@lambtonelderlyoutreach.org

519-845-1353 ext. 360

Lambton Elderly Outreach • 1-800-265-0203 • www.lambtonelderlyoutreach.org

P A G E

2

Read along the bottom borders for some common proverbs completed by kids.

Winter 25/26

This FREE magazine is distributed in most of Sarnia-Lambton.

A Madeleine Moment

It’s strange what we recall out of

the countless memorable moments

that must’ve occurred when we were

toddlers or grade schoolers. Hundreds

of things likely happened every day.

Nothing compared to the thousands

that seemingly happen every day now,

but still quite a few. We forget most of

them but a rare few stick for a lifetime,

and some of them for no apparent

reason. But a few stay for a very good

reason... repetition. Ask my nine

siblings about my dad‘s coffee cup and

they’ll recount the sound of the spoon

as it spun around the inner rim of the

cup and tapping the edge 4 times (or

2, 3 or 8, depending who you ask).

A habit of his that he probably never

noticed is engrained in our memories.

It carried no profound meaning but

happened day after day after day, as

reliable as a grandfather clock. For us

to hear that sound and be taken back

to that time and place is what’s known

as a madeleine moment.

There were nine children in my

parents home and the only time you

could guarantee we would all be quiet

around the dinner table was when

“In Memoriam” came on CFCO, the

Chatham radio station at 6:35 p.m.

while we were having dinner. It was

a list of people who had died locally,

with a stoic recognition and no humour

or insight at all — just the facts as I

recall. Even with that many kids, I

don’t remember that we were overly

loud. I was the youngest, born in 1965,

and was probably the loudest. I might

not have known much, but I knew to

shut my mouth when I heard the threenote

chime (G-E-C) that introduced

“In Memoriam.” Mom and Dad knew

many people and Dad had been Reeve

of Sombra Township and Warden of

Lambton County. The news was very

important and the passing of friends

(and constituents) was even more so. I

delivered the Windsor Star newspaper

as a 10 year old but (with my apologies

to my many customers) it wouldn’t

have covered our rural area very well,

not that there was much to cover. CBC

television certainly wouldn’t have

covered our local obituaries. We had

the Wallaceburg News and the Courier

Press and they were local but they were

weekly. Radio was (and still is) instant.

Despite the plethora of more modern

and instant social media platforms, all

of them combined can’t be counted

on to tell you who died the way that

radio could 50 years ago. I believe The

Petrolia-Lambton Independent and

CHOK’s website would be the best

sources these days and CHOK still

announces obituaries during the noon

hour. My sisters told me that CHOK

also broadcast “In Memoriam” years

ago and was also played religiously

in our house during the lunch hour. I

don’t know why I remember one and

not the other, but I was only a kid at the

time so I’m not gonna let inconvenient,

possible facts get in the way of a good

by Mark Moran, Publisher

story.

Anyhow, I remember thinking way

back then, as a 10-year-old, that a day

would come when this “In Memoriam”

stuff would matter more to me. And

now that I’m finally 60, I wanna go

back to being 10. This has been a

year when I’ve seen some very good

friends pass away and some of them

were younger than me. It is completely

logical that this would eventually

happen and 2025, which has sucked

in an unprecedented number of ways,

was also a wake up call in this regard.

Then there’s the long list of celebrities,

whom we don’t know but can’t help but

to relate our own mortality to. We see

them on the big screen at the Academy

Awards as the orchestra plays, and we’ll

read about them in the last weeks of

December as the events of the passing

year are capsulized. But even that’s

going to hit home more this year, for

me anyway. Almost all celebrities used

to be older than me, and I still haven’t

quite adjusted to the fact that they’re

getting younger.

Playing goalie during road hockey

games as a kid I was the embodiment

of Ken Dryden. Oh you should’ve seen

me… shutting out the Philadelphia

Flyers and their goalie, Bernie Parent,

to win the Stanley Cup. Both of these

heroes and legends from my time

passed away two weeks apart in 2025.

Ed Giacomin died shortly after but

he was a bit before my time. Being a

somewhat young senior, Ozzy Osbourne

was the big celebrity bucket kicker of

2025 for me. There are countless more

celebrities to be mentioned but I’ll

leave that to the glossy magazines that

cost far more than this one. They make

good stocking stuffers.

The names of the rich and famous

will come up as the first item on the

national news and be recounted again

and again as the year winds down, but

they won’t be remembered in your

local version of “In Memoriam.” As

amazing as it would’ve been to get a

chance to meet all of them, I’m sure

we’d all rather have five more minutes

with our own friends and family that

we’ve lost.

So I look forward to 2026 with

optimism, but perhaps also with

a bit more realism and a better

understanding that it really is important

to tell and show the people that we love

that we love them, while we have the

chance. I can’t remember where I put

my reading glasses two minutes ago but

I can hear that chime and Dad’s spoon

spinning around his coffee cup clear as

a bell right now. I love you Mom, I love

you Dad and what the heck, I love all of

you reading this too!

P.S. That chime originated as the

identifying sound of NBC. General Electric

Company (G-E-C) was a stakeholder in

NBC’s parent company, RCA.

Thanks for reading.

Shop Locally – Buy Canadian!

Send us articles or ideas too!

Welcome to...

Welcome to ...

THE

CLUB

Event Listings .................... 20-21

Discount List .............................. 15

Where to Find the Club ........ 24

Giving List (Volunteering) ... 29

Snapshots .................................. 22

THE Club

The Club Features

Maryleah ah

Otto, t Helen H l

en

e Bergen, g n

Glynn Leyshon, h

Vivienne

V i

ne e

Mathers, M s Jean Leedale ed

l

Hobson, on, Lisa s

Paddon, don,

Deborah D Jantzi,

i

Eva May M y Lewis, s

Anne Theresa es

a Halsall, all,

l,

Gayle Etherington,

g Norma West Linder, r Jeanette e Paddon, Nadine Wark, k Cathy

t

Dobson, on,

Mike Keenan, n n,

Neil e l

Plumb, b

Margaret g ret

Lever,

r

Kelly-Lynn y n

Musico, o

Chris h Treftlin, n

Mary Lou Tasko, k

o

Ruth

t

Illman, lm

a , Steve e e Loxton, on, David i

C. C Duncan Dekker, er

, Dan a

Makulski, M k

l

k

i

Robert r Walicki, i k , Jayne y e Primeau e u Photography, t

ogra

h

y Wilma m

Watson,

s n

Ronny D'Haene, D e e,

Kai a

Sorensen, e n,

Sean e n Donnelly, e ly, DeMoor

M or

Photography, t

ogra

y Ruth R t

Sharon, Glen C. C Phillips, ips,

Joanne vanDam,

v

D

am

,

Jessica i a Raaymakers, ayma

k Larry Towell

Mark Moran - Publisher, Ad Sales

Carrie Ann Timm - Associate Publisher

Rhonda Long - Advertising Sales

Angela Lyon - Graphics & Editing

Carla Mejia - Graphic Design

Winter 25/26 P A G E 3

(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) Don’t count your chickens... eat them.

VOLUME 5,

ISSUE 4

Winter 2025

YOUR CONTRIBUTORS

CLUB STAFF

From the creators of...

Trivia ....................... 36

Recipes .................... 9

Crossword ........... 6

Word Search ...... 35

Sudoku ................... 4

LOOK FOR the NEXT ISSUE at the end of FEB 2026

P.O. . Box 430 • Brights Grove, ON •N0N N 1C0

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Welcome to The Club is published four times annually by Moran Advertising, Brights Grove, Ontario. The publisher reserves

the right to reject, discontinue or omit any advertisment without notice or penalty to either party. No portion of this

publication can be reproduced in whole or in part without the permission of Moran Advertising. The content of this

publication does not necessarily represent the opinions of the publisher. The content of this publication has not been deemed

by the publisher to be correct and accurate. The advertiser agrees that the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising

directly or indirectly from errors occuring in this publication beyond the amount paid for the space actually occupied by that

portion of the advertisment in which the error occurred, whether such error is due to the negligence of its servants or

otherwise, and there shall be no liablity for non insertion of any advertisment beyond the amount paid for such advertisment.

Use of Material: submitted articles, letters, and other works or materials may be used, published, distributed and stored by

Moran Advertising, Welcome To The Club, and Daytripping Magazine, in whole or in part, in print or by any other means.

Welcome to...

THE Club

You must be 55 or over to read this magazine.

Kern

water

1804 London Line, Sarnia

519-542-4211

kernwater.com

Mon–Fri 9 am–6 pm • Sat 8 am–2 pm

U-Fill

Water

Delivery

Service

Reverse

Osmosis

and Alkaline

Nostalgia

By Gayle Etherington • from Daytripping Nov-Dec 2018

“A twinge in your heart far more powerful

than memory alone; a feeling of a place

where we ache to go again.”

The word Nostalgia really is an

enigma. It can generate feelings

from pure joy to melancholy. It can

encompass memories as fresh as a few

years or a lifetime’s recall. It can be

vivid and sweet or annoyingly elusive,

and because it is the rumination of

one’s mind, tends to be as unique as

the snowflakes that fall this time of year.

For most of us, Christmas is an

accumulation of rituals and traditions.

It stands to reason that the repetition

of these, or their demise over the

years, would make its mark upon our

memory. Pensive or uncomfortable is

in the reminiscence, and perhaps the

realization that visiting is temporary

and not sustainable. With that in mind,

I do believe we naturally embrace our

past and welcome it like a dear friend,

especially during the holidays.

We watch black and white reruns

and get misty eyed when we hear Andy

Williams sing “O Holy Night.” We bake

using recipes that have been written on

scraps of paper by our mother or housed

in ancient cookbooks. We seek out the

yellowed and smudged pages looking

for the puddings and cookies that have

been part of every Christmas, hoping

through flour and sugar to bind the next

generation. I like to think that buried

somewhere in all of us is the taste and

texture of our mother’s shortbread.

We take pleasure in revisiting the

ornaments and vintage bulbs, that in

some cases, have adorned our trees since

youth. They are to me a treasure without

P A G E

4

monetary worth, their value based on

ever-growing history and our wistful

attachment to the past. I can somehow

see the glass and baubles representing

a timeline of sorts, capturing moments

in our lives, each with its own story and

me as the narrator.

Although we revive our senses to

a certain degree during the season,

perhaps the deepest part of nostalgia,

the part that incites gut-wrenching

sadness and homesickness is absence. It

is here where we struggle the most, our

hearts recognizing pain and pleasure

often in the same moment. The missing

of loved ones no longer with us, distance

that may keep us apart and the annual

reminder of our own mortal clocks.

Nostalgia lets me glimpse at an

innocent world when Christmas had

small children and toys. A time when I

believed in world peace and my parents

sat at my dining room table for dinner. I

consider it a precious gift that helps me

hold on to that intangible thing called

Christmas Spirit and the inevitable

process when reality turns to memory

and then to something a little more.

Publisher’s Note: That is so well said.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

THE CLUB

Winter 2025/26

(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) A watched pot never... disappears.

SUDOKU

Sudoku puzzles are formaed as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine

3x3 boxes. To solve a Sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each

row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row,

column and box.

You can figure out

the order in which

the numbers will

appear by using

the numeric clues

already provided

in the boxes. The

more numbers you

name, the easier it

gets to solve the

puzzle!

PUZZLE

SOLUTION

ON

PAGE 37

Winter 25/26

We’re all getting older, we may as well laugh about it!

Welcome to...

THE Club

Aqua Fitness &

Water Therapy Classes

5 DAYS A WEEK

Seniors (60+)

$7 per class

Discounted 60+

Memberships

PLUS ... Yoga, Pilates,

Spin, Guns & Buns,

Stretch & Strengthen

Scan QR code

to register!

1166 Emily Street, Mooretown • 519-867-2651

www.stclairtownshipcommunityservices.ca

NOW AVAILABLE

Seniors (60+)

$7 per day pass!

Courtright Friendship Club

By Neil Plumb

Don’t Ask

Seniors, 55? Who came up with that,

a twelve-year-old? I intend to live until

120. I’m not even halfway there yet and

soon they’ll be calling me a senior. Is this

a plot? If you tell enough people they

are close to the end, the whole thing

with CPP (the Canada Pension Plan)

being under-funded might become less

of an issue?

I was in Shoppers Drug Mart recently.

The name itself evokes a nice blend

of consumerism and trafficking. I

bought a pack of disposable razors.

The cashier looked about 40 and we

chatted about how you could throw a

stone from here and

hit another Shoppers

Drug Mart. Oh, they

will be merged

into a new box

store? Anyway,

the exchange had

seemed cordial.

When I got home I noticed I had

paid less than the ticketed price. What

a lovely surprise, a sale! Then I saw it…

“seniors’ discount,” and it wasn’t even a

Tuesday. I wanted to march back into the

store and confront this harridan. “What

is the meaning of this?” I would shout,

Join us at the Courtright

Friendship Club, founded

in 1968. We play Euchre on

Wednesdays and Pepper on

Fridays both starting at 1 PM.

Members and non-members

pay only $3 for each session.

If you wish you can enjoy the

benefits of membership that is

only $10 per year and entitles

you to discounted events and

voting rights. We are beside the

library in Courtright and are

looking forward to have you

join us for some entertaining

times.

By Vivienne Mathers,

from Daytripping March-April 2013

fanning my receipt at her. I know what

happened here, I have particularly nice

hair and she’s jealous, she just wanted

to get back at me. My work colleagues

reassure me that the Shoppers seniors’

discount is for 55 year olds not 65 year

olds. I narrow my eyes at them.

Seniors’ discounts ought to be

voluntary. If a stylish 90 year old is

offered a seniors’ discount she should

be able to refuse. She may not save 30

cents, but her youthful exuberance is

her own shopping reward.

Ask the 17 year old cashier tasked with

trying to figure out how old everyone

is. He’d tell you that the old ones brag

about it. “You know, I’m 87 and rode

a camel this year,”

is typical. Give the

discount to them

and quit profiling

the rest of us.

Otherwise, where will it end? I worry

about my next receipt…pointy nose

discount?

Assoc. Publisher’s Note: When we

called to ask Shoppers about the Seniors’

Discount for our Discount List, we found

out the age varies from 55-65, depending

on the store.


(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) Too many cooks... so few meals.

Welcome to...

THE Club

SHOP ~ DONATE ~ VOLUNTEER

595 MURPHY ROAD, SARNIA • 519-337-1614

missionthriftstore.com/store/sarnia

Join us by the Lake!

• Authentic Hickory Smoked Ribs

• Genuine ne Broasted Chicken

• Seafood, Sandwiches, Wraps

Reserve for panoramic views

of Lake Huron from our patio!

• Take Out • Lakeside parks & benches nearby

Feel free to send in photos showcasing Sarnia-Lambton.

THE CLUB Winter 2025/26

CROSSWORD

“ICE TIME”

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13

14 15 16

17 18 19

20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31 32

33 34 35

puzzlesbydekker@gmail.com

PRIME RIB

WEEKENDS

2713 Old Lakeshore Road, Brights Grove

519-869-2794 • skeeterbarlows.com

P A G E

6

TUESDAY

WING NIGHT

NIGHTLY

SPECIALS

The Love of a Friend

Halo was a beautiful white mare with

delicate features and huge dark eyes.

That was where the implications to her

name ended. When she was brought to

our stables she was the most miserable

creature I’d met in a long time. Mostly,

she remained aloof and stood facing

the wall, looking at no one. When she

did turn around, it was with her ears

flattened on her head and teeth bared.

She wasn’t just threatening either; I

was warned to watch my fingers and

take great care when handling her. Halo

clearly communicated her anger and

dislike to everyone. I took her cue, and

made wide circles around her.

As I’ve come to know some of the

horses in this particular stable, their

individual personalities often will remind

me of different people I know. Halo has

certainly been no exception. In fact, she

reminded me a lot of who I was a while

ago: reserved, distrustful of people, and

often feeling alone and miserable. There

was a lot of hurt in my life, and I had

developed a shell to protect myself from

being vulnerable to more. My exterior

made it difficult for anyone to get close

and vice-versa.

Over the weeks I watched Halo’s

owner interact with her. She caught on

quickly that underneath Halo’s prickly

exterior was a timid and fearful spirit.

She went about developing a trust

relationship with the horse. Consistent

discipline established an acceptable

code of conduct, and lots of grooming,

patting, oohing and aahing, and regular

treats helped Halo to begin to actually

like a human being as well as feel safe.

I was reminded of a friend who had

by Helen Bergen

From Daytripping

March-April 2006

come into my life about five years earlier.

She was not put off by my reserve,

either, but saw right through it. She

reached out to me in small ways at first.

I began to feel safe with her and found

myself opening up to accept the love she

offered. She was always patient with me

and wisely gave me space when I needed

it. I valued her honesty even though at

times it was painful. I realized it was not

easy for her to say the things she did, but

it was proof that she cared enough for

me to say them. Together, we’ve worked

through a lot of issues, and there has

been a huge release in my life to be at

ease with myself and others, to trust, and

to be loving and open.

One day, I was at the stables again

to clean some stalls. The horses were out

in the pastures and I stood by the barn

before I began my chores, just to watch

them. Halo took notice of me and soon

began to make her way up to where I

was. She put her nose to my cheek and

breathed her ‘hello’ on my face, then

began searching my fingers for any

treats I might have brought along. I gave

her some apple slices and she accepted

a scratch on her face and neck, and I

massaged her soft nuzzle. Eventually,

I had to shoo her away so I could

continue my work. I marveled at the

transformation that love, understanding,

and patience had wrought in Halo’s life

as well as mine.

Halo was sold not long after, and I’ve

lost track of her now, but I won’t easily

forget the lesson she’s taught me: don’t

walk away when a prickly person bares

his teeth; try to offer a little love and

understanding, instead.

ACROSS

1 Wintertime mo.

4 Blu-ray's cuz

7 Birdbrain

11 “Roses ___ red...”

12 Bright's Grove, Ontario

named a park after him

13 It runs through Stratford

14 This obstacle was set at 7’8” when

Derek Drouin of Corunna won the gold!

15 Otherwise

16 Let offsome steam

17 Southwestern OHL team

20 Where __ at

21 Pierre, to Justin Trudeau

22 ___ Sound Attack (Southwestern

OHL team)

25 Male or female

DOWN

(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) A Miss is as good as a... Mister.

26 The __ Party (Rock band

from Windsor, Ontario)


33 Female whitetail

34 Smallest Can. province

35 "Woo-hoo!"

36 Rabbit’s foot

37 EMT skill


44 Chatham-___ (Home to 6-Down)

45 “My bad!”

46 Petrolia "discovery"

48 ___ Otters (One of three

OHL teams from the U.S.)

49 Hit the books

50 Aubrey Graham, __ Drake

51 Sees the point

52 Airer of CFL game

53 Morning moisture

DOWN PUZZLE SOLUTION ON PAGE 37

1 Apply gently

2 Stats for Blue Jays

3 Michael of "Juno"

4 Sandwich shops

5 Travel document

6 Small agricultural town

on the Sydenham River

7 Canadian activist Suzuki

8 Cake maker's baker

9 Bell sound

10 Maple Leafs' home (abbr.)

12 Hit the road

18 Lemon peel

19 Point A-to-point-Bride

22 Neil Young's "__ Man"

23 Wine and dine

24 London-to-T.O. direction

36 37 38

39 40 41 42 43

44 45 46 47

48 49 50

51 52 53

25 Enjoy Blue Mountain, say

26 "__ Tragically Hip"

27 Airport report, for short

28 Hockey stick wood

30 Autumn gemstone

31 Rhode Island resort city

32 Deli sandwich

36 OHL's Peterborough ___

37 D.C.-based TV network

38 War vet’s affliction

39 Richard from "Chicago"

40 Kilometre or kilogram, e.g.

41 Garden tools

42 Sarnia in London?

43 Sarnia Mayor Bradley

44 Beer barrel

47 Judge Judy upholds it

Winter 25/26

Most articles in here have been written by people like you.

Welcome to...

THE Club

Back in the ‘70’s, in Thunder

Bay, Ontario, it wasn’t unusual to

experience minus 40 degrees in winter.

My husband and I lived in a quiet little

mobile home park just outside of town.

We had no money and no children, so

we spent weekends exploring in our

Toyota Land Cruiser, looking for free

adventures.

One bright, cold morning we packed

our snowshoes and headed for Sibley

Park. Sixty kilometres east of Thunder

Bay, this long peninsula stretches

out into Lake Superior. The locals call

it, “The Sleeping Giant”, the great

“Nanibijou” who watches over the

harbour of Thunder Bay. It’s a quiet

place to go, winter or summer, a place

to be alone and at one with nature.

My husband drove. I scraped the

inside windows, flakes of frost flying

back into my face. As we thumped

To Go, Or Not To Go

along on frozen tires, I laughed and

said it reminded me of driving in a Fred

Flintstone car.

Arriving at Sibley, we kept an eye out

for a good place to snowshoe. No worry

about parking lots out there. You just

stopped by the side of the road, and

headed into the bush. We parked, and

started layering on yet more clothes.

Then, prying ourselves out of the truck,

we strapped on the snowshoes and

stepped over the bank into the silent

forest.

“Wait” I said. “I have to go.”

“Well, go then,”

my husband

replied. “There’s

no one around for

Anne Theresa Halsall,

From Daytripping Summer 2008

miles.”

I agreed. Who else but us would be

out on this cold a morning exploring a

forest?

Balancing myself on my snowshoes,

I began the the process of unpeeling

mitts, snowpant straps, snowpant

zipper, snowpants, sweat pants, long

johns and of course, undies. But there

was no choice. It had to be done. Casting

a quick glance up the road, I did a check

for anyone coming. All was quiet and

lonely. And cold. There wasn’t a sound,

except for the squirrel chattering

away at me from up

above. I didn’t care

about him.

Ah….that felt much


(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) Look before you... run into a pole.

Do you want to reach

our age 55+ readers?

advertise

in

the club

Call 519-491-1676

info@welcometotheclub.ca

better. Hearing a faint noise, I turned my

head and to my horror, heard a vehicle

approaching. Oh no! Should I stand up,

should I stay, what should I do?

A green truck came closer, followed

by another, and another and another

and... it was the Canadian Army; out for

a manoeuvre or practice, or whatever it

is they do when travelling in a convoy!

I was squatting just inside the tree line,

but gee, was hard to miss. Our parked

truck was a good marker for one thing,

and then two figures dressed in brightly

coloured ski clothing probably showed

up nicely against the snow too!

I remember khaki-colored mittened

hands hanging out the window throwing

salutes my way, and what the heck, I

waved back, rather weakly.

But I’m sure the thing that gave me

away the most was my brilliant red

cheeks.

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• Chandeliers, Prints & More!

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THE Club

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115 Mitton Street South, Sarnia

He was known as “Big John” by his

friends, a gentle giant measuring in at

well over six feet, with a shoe size to

compare, and a heart made of gold.

I lost him... my dad... years ago.

December 1st would mark his

birthday. December is not as cold

to me as the weather forecasts, as

warm thoughts of him cast a smile

across my face from ear to ear, as

each snowflake falls. Missing him

goes without question. His energy

is vast in so much surrounding me,

especially in nature.

I am blessed to live where at any

given time the backyard will fill with

a dozen or so deer. I can envision

my dad posed by the big picture

window taking in the sight. Observing,

watching intently, filling my head with

knowledge of these majestic creatures,

their importance in life.

Never taking nature for granted,

his watchful eye would point out a

hawk perched on a treetop, and wild

turkey running in fields adjacent to

the stretches of country road he loved

to travel. Sensing you were becoming

restless on a road trip, he would say,

“Open your eyes, take a look around,”

pointing out nature’s secrets that

would have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Remembrance

By Lisa Paddon

from Daytripping Nov-Dec 2014

Sitting down to a dinner of

handpicked wild mushrooms was

not out of the ordinary in my family.

His wisdom guiding him in carefully

choosing just the right ones to indulge,

and delicious they were! Dad’s

excitement was contagious when he

would arrive home with his pick of

puffball for the season. He knew all

the secret places to look. The care he

took in preparing and frying them up

in butter was golden. The crisp edges

would melt in your mouth, I loved

this time of year! My friends were

always amazed, as they had never

Thank you for continuing to shop locally!

experienced this.

In my memory are the days I would

tag along with my dad to seek out

the best elderberry bushes. His long

expert arms would reach the ripest

bunches from the top branches.

Soon we would taste the jelly made

from his very own recipe.

Family pictures capture many a

fishing trip my dad and his buddies

would return home from with a fan

of freshly caught pickerel, soon to

be filleted, and enjoyed by many.

Our feline family member, “Missy”

would also get her catch, as my

dad so thoughtfully put a little

piece aside, especially for her.

Year after year, the same squirrel

would faithfully arrive at the back door,

waiting for my dad to appear, peanuts

in hand. He knew it was the same

squirrel... “Blackie” he was named, his

trademark being the little notch out of

his ear.

As the seasons change, so too does

life around us. I am reminded of how

quickly time passes, as each day ends,

and a new one begins. Echoed through

nature, is the reminder from my dad

to slow down, and take in the beauty

that surrounds us, as we move steadily

forward, and enjoy life to the fullest.

DRINK LOCAL.

Purchase cans at the Downtown

Market (140 Christina St N, Sarnia)

or on our website.

Local delivery with a case minimum.

riverrunbrewco.com

146 Christina St N, Sarnia

info@riverrunbrewco.com

519-333-8868

When it comes to physical

exercise, I know that I should do

it daily, but my body doesn’t want

me to do too much. So I have

worked out this program of

strenuous activities that do not

require physical exercise:

1. Beating around the bush

2. Jumping to conclusions

3. Climbing the walls

4. Swallowing my pride

5. Passing the buck

6. Throwing my weight around

7. Dragging my heels

8. Pushing my luck

9. Making mountains out of molehills

10. Hitting the nail on the head

11. Wading through paperwork

12. Bending over backyards

Phew! What a workout!

I think I’ll exercise caution now,

and sit down.

Sent in by: Mrs. Wilma Watson

Gi

Cerficates

Make Great Christmas

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and Friends!

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our love of food

od

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See you soon,

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Alex, Stacey & Gus

For Lunch, Dinner or a Special Occasion

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1717 LONDON LINE, SARNIA I 519-542-5553

BIGFISHLOUNGE.COM

P A G E

8

(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) As you shall make your bed so shall you... mess it up.

Winter 25/26

Life is short. Smile while you still have teeth.

Welcome to...

THE Club

Stew is one of those comfort foods that

warms both our bellies and our hearts.

There’s so much goodness in sharing a

bowl of rich, savoury, satisfying stew.

Yabba-Dabba-Doo Stew

An enthusiastic student in one of our cooking classes dubbed this stew

Fred Flintstone Stew. We trust Wilma helped as well. Whatever the origin

of this recipe, it’s a stone-age and a modern-day family pleaser.

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1 1/2 lbs. boneless pork (or beef),

cut in 1-inch cubes

1/4 tsp. each salt & pepper

(for seasoning meat pre-browning)

1 lrg. onion, cut in wedges

1 clove garlic, minced

2 lrg. carrots, in 1-inch cubes

1 lrg. potato, peeled-cut in large chunks

1 parsnip, cut in large chunks

1 can (16 oz.) stewed tomatoes, with juice

1/4 cup strong chicken or beef broth

2 Tbsps. molasses

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp. dried oregano, crushed

1/2 tsp. dried thyme, crushed

Dash Tabasco sauce

3/4 cup raisins

(optional but recommended)

2 Tbsps. cornstarch

2 Tbsps. cold water

Add salt & pepper if desired

Nonstick cooking spray

Season meat with salt and pepper; spray 4-qt. saucepan with nonstick spray and

heat over medium-high heat. Brown meat. Add all remaining ingredients, except

raisins, cornstarch and water. Cover and bring to boil. Reduce heat to simmer

and cook for about 1 hour or until meat is tender. Add raisins, if using. With a

fork, mix cornstarch and water in a cup. Add to stew. Allow to cook until liquid

thickens. Makes 6 servings. Good served with applesauce and coleslaw.

SLOW-COOKER METHOD: Prepare as above; except put veggies

in bottom of slow-cooker with browned meat on top. Cook on

LOW 6 to 8 hrs. (or HIGH 4 hrs). Add raisins, if using, and

cornstarch/water mixture about 1 hr. before serving.

Veal & Veggie Stew with Beer

1 lb. stewing veal,

cut into 1 inch chunks

2-3 Portobello mushroom caps,

cut into 1 inch chunks

5 lrg. carrots, cut into 2 inch

chunky style fashion

1 lrg. onion, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 bottle DARK beer

2 Tbsps. oil

2 Tbsps. flour

1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar

1 1/2 tsp. salt (divided)

1 tsp. pepper (divided)

2/3 tsp. dried thyme, crumbled

Season veal with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper. In a large skillet, over high

heat, heat oil. Add veal, working in batches, browning on all sides (approx. 4

minutes per batch). Remove veal to plate and cover. Lowering heat to medium,

add onions and mushrooms. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, until onion is golden. Stir

in flour. Add beer, veal, thyme, vinegar and remaining salt and pepper. Bring to

a boil. Add carrots. Cover and lower heat to simmer. Continue to simmer for 70

or so minutes, until veal is tender. Remove carrots, mushroom and veal to a

casserole-style dish. Boil liquid remaining in skillet to reduce to about 1 1/3

cups. Pour sauce over veal and veggies. The chunky presentation style of this

stew adds to its hearty appeal. Makes 4 delightful, meal-size servings.

Speaking of Stew...

• Many cooks choose to prep their stews a

day ahead and refrigerate overnight. This

extra time allows the flavours to meld and

intensify.

• Full-flavoured beers (such as porters or stouts)

and wines (such as Madeira or sherry), add a

wonderfully flavourful dimension to stews.

• Roasted soup bones that have been baked at 400 degrees F until brown, add a

rich and delightful flavour to stews.

• Instead of stove top cooking, consider cooking stew, covered, in a 350 degree F

oven. That eliminates the pot-watching.

• You can darken pale-coloured stews by stirring in 2 to 3 teaspoons caramelized

sugar or instant coffee powder.

• For a fun presentation, make a large batch of mashed potatoes. Make a mashed

potato nest in a soup bowl and spoon your hearty stew into the indentation.


(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) People in glass houses shouldn’t... run around naked.

Welcome to...

THE Club

COURTNEY

HOME HEALTHCARE SERVICES

courtneyhomecare.ca

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We specialize in non-surgical hair

replacement solutions for any

medical conditions or chemotherapy.

For 60 years we have helped

women find the perfect and

most natural hair loss solution.

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565 Murphy Road, Unit 4

Sarnia • 519-337-3699

SKILLED NURSING

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Consultations

Don’t let old age get you down - it’s too hard to get back up!

The story goes that some time

ago, a man punished his 3-year-old

daughter for wasting a roll of gold

wrapping paper. Money was tight

and he became infuriated when

the child tried to decorate a box

to put under the Christmas tree.

Nevertheless, the little girl brought

the gift to her father the next morning

and said, "This is for

you, Daddy."

He was embarrassed by

his earlier overreaction,

but his anger flared

again when he found

the box was empty.

He yelled at her, "Don't

you know that when

you give someone a

E-Mail

The E-Mail

IN-BOX

Send the good stuff to info@welcometotheclub.ca

A Box Full of Kisses

present, there's supposed to be

something inside it?"

The little girl looked up at him

with tears in her eyes and said, "Oh,

Daddy, it is not empty. I blew kisses

into the box. All for you, Daddy."

The father was crushed. He put

his arms around his little girl, and

he begged for her forgiveness.

It is told that the man

kept that gold box

by his bed for years

and whenever he was

discouraged, he would

take out an imaginary

kiss and remember

the love of the child

who had put it there.

WWII

By

Glynn Leyshon, from Daytripping Nov-Dec 2011

SARNIA

The war had a pervasive influence on

even those of us who were too young to

serve in it. I recall, for example, having

a weekly session in my elementary

school called “current events” wherein

we discussed and were tested on

the progress of the war. At one such

class a new pupil was brought in and

introduced as Betty. She was a refugee

recently arrived from England and we

were to wish her welcome. To do so it

was decided that we would sing The

White Cliffs of Dover. The class had not

reached half way in the song when Betty

began to weep. It was a moment that

touched our hearts, young as we were

and even today should I hear the heartrending

tune I choke up.

There were other songs and recitations

associated with the war. The British

music hall comedian, Stanley Holloway,

who later starred as Alfred P. Doolittle in

the original Broadway production of My

Fair Lady, sang or recited some of them.

One of my favourites was his recitation

of Albert and the Lion. These pieces were

very clever and full of English humour.

There’s a seaside town called Blackpool

What’s noted for fresh air and fun

And Mr. and Mrs. Ramsbottom went there

With young Albert their son

Young lad were soon disappointed

The waves they were piddly and small

No shipwrecks and nobody drowning

In fact, nothing to laugh at all.

This recitation, like the others, tells

a tale that goes on at length. Albert,

incidentally, poked a caged lion with a

stick. The lion retaliated by pulling Albert

through the bars and swallowing him but

the young lad was so unpleasant he was

regurgitated. This upset his distraught

parents who then could not collect the

sixpence insurance on him.

Some of the patriotic songs were

holdovers from WWI such as We’re Going

to Hang Out the Washing on the Seigfreid

Line and Mademoiselle From Armentiers.

Others, such as There’ll Always be an

England, were designed to inflame

patriotism.

Patriotism on the home front included

collecting material for the war effort.

These consisted of things like scrap

metal but also toothpaste tubes and

rendered fat (the purpose was obscure.

What possible use could be made of a

can of bacon fat?)

And in high school we took a class

which involved aircraft spotting among

other things, such as knot tying. The

instructor would flash on a screen for a

few seconds, a silhouette from below and

from the side of a Fokker 88 or a Stuka

dive bomber as well as friendlys such as

a Hawker Hurricane, Spitfire or Lancaster

bomber and we attempted to identify

them in an equally short few seconds. I

often wondered when I might possibly

see a plane streaking along at several

hundred miles per hour and low enough

for me to see it in a side view let alone

tell someone what it was. It seemed even

then to be only the most remote assist to

the war effort but we participated with

enthusiasm if not accuracy, shouting out

in the semi darkness our best guess.

The horrors of the war we missed,

fortunately, but the war did affect us.

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P A G E

10

(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) Better to be safe than... punch a 5th grader.

Winter 25/26

Maybe we should stop it with the elderly jokes. They’re getting old.

Welcome to...

THE Club


(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) Strike while the... bug is close.

Welcome to...

BOOKKEEPING

Rely on Certified Professional

Bookkeeper

Jacqueline Waybrant

to help you out

this year.

CALL

519-312-8560

THE Club

I never

finish

anythi

Thank you, to all the advertisers you see throughout the magazine.

Musical Memories of the Season

P A G E

12

By Nadine Wark, Sarnia

Anytime after November 1st, sounds

of the season return and are heard in

so many places, usually starting with

the radio stations and then all the

stores. Christmas wouldn’t be the same

without the traditional carols as well as

commercial/novelty tunes. There is so

much Christmas music that reconnects

us to our past and memories surface

with the first bars of a favourite song.

Thinking back to the year 1958, my

brother who was just a toddler would beg

me to put a certain 45 on the turntable

while he repeated over and over again,

“play it again…play it again.” It was

David Seville’s “The Chipmunk Song.”

That record got a workout resulting in

plenty of scratches but was still a big

part of our Christmas music for many

years. So when that song gets airplay,

I am transported back to my much

younger days and my brother’s plea.

With the repetition over the years,

there are certain songs that just about

drive me bonkers now and when I am

out shopping I grit my teeth…songs like

“Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer,”

“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”

and others. If loud enough, I am ready

to run out the door and forget

the shopping! It

is noteworthy

that Bing Crosby’s

“White Christmas”

is the biggest selling

Christmas single

of all time. Another

one that never grows

old is Nat King Cole’s,

“The Christmas Song,”

(Chestnuts Roasting, etc.)

My preference is actually the old

carols I grew up with that never go out

of style. Caroling (or wassailing) is one of

the oldest customs in Great Britain going

back to the middle ages when beggars

would wander the streets seeking food,

drink or money. Carols tell the story of

Christmas, with lyrics and melodies

that although written centuries ago, are

timeless. Singing in choirs since I was

a young girl and much of my adult life,

I learned to appreciate the harmonies

taught by a qualified director. There is

something special about attending a

Christmas Eve service in a church with

good acoustics and a polished choir

whose voices soar with the breathtaking

Handel’s “Messiah.” The carol “Silent

Night” written in 1818 is still a staple

and has been translated into over 300

languages and commonly sung on

the battlefields. “Joy to the World” is a

rousing carol that is a finale favourite of

a pageant.

It may be difficult to hear the old

carols on today’s airwaves, but thankfully

with the technology available today, they

are still within reach.

We can also attend

theatre, schools and

churches throughout

our town and enjoy

their seasonal

presentations. I would

strongly recommend

Nightingale Chorus

at Imperial Theatre

and Starbright at

VPP in Petrolia.

THE WHOLE THING

This means you consume life with abandon, you are fun to be

with, exciting, carefree with some hint of recklessness. You are

totally irresponsible.

ONE BITE AT A TIME

You are lucky to be one of the 5.4 billion other people who eat

their Oreos this very same way. Just like them, you lack

imagination, but that's ok, not to worry, you're normal.

SLOW AND METHODICAL

You follow the rules. You're very tidy and orderly. You're very

meticulous in every detail with everything you do, to the point

of being irritating to others. Stay out of the fast lane if you're

only going to go the speed limit.

DUNKED

Every one likes you because you are always upbeat. You like to

sugar-coat unpleasant experiences and rationalize bad

situations into good ones.

TWISTED APART, THE INSIDE, THEN THE COOKIE

You have a highly curious nature. You take pleasure in breaking

things apart to find out how they work, but you're not always

able to put them back together, so you destroy all the evidence of

your activities. You deny your involvement when things go wrong.

TWISTED APART, THE INSIDE, TOSS THE COOKIE

You are good at business and take risks that pay off. You take

what you want and throw the rest away. You are greedy, selfish,

mean, and lack feelings for others. You should be ashamed of

yourself. But that's ok, you don't care, you got yours.

JUST THE COOKIE, NOT THE INSIDE

You enjoy pain.

(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) It’s always darkest before... daylight savings time.

Psychologists have

discovered that the

manner in which people

eat Oreo cookies

provides great insight

into their personalities.

Choose which method

best describes your

favorite method of

eating Oreo Cookies:

Winter 25/26

How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?

Foot Problems?

You might be helped

with foot orthotics,

orthopaedic footwear

or a shoe modification.

FOOT ORTHOTICS

SLIPPERS, SHOES, BOOTS, SANDALS

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At Home Service • On-Site Lab available!

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A Path to Wellness

We Can Seriously Limit/Stop Phone Scams:

Here’s How

By Chris Treftlin, Shine at Home, Sarnia

Welcome to...

Cover of the CLUB

Nancy lives in beautiful Lambton County, where her love for photography

began seven years ago as a simple hobby and has since grown into a

heartfelt passion. Drawn to the wonders of nature, she focuses primarily

on wildlife photography, while also capturing landscapes and lifestyle

moments that reflect the beauty of everyday life. With her camera in

hand, Nancy finds joy and peace in the outdoors and shares her photos to

bring a little brightness and inspiration to everyone’s day.

THE Club

Our local cover

photographer is

Nancy DeMoor

facebook.com/DeMoor.Nature.Photography/ OR instagram.com/demoorphotography/

Inn on the Park

840 Trillium Park, Sarnia

I must confess that I feel a great deal

of passion concerning this topic. You

see I have seen first hand the damage

that these acts of criminal fraud have

wrought. I have seen too many of

my clients get victimized by these

fraudsters. I have seen people, good

people, seniors, lose too much and I am

proud to say I have been able to stop a

few attempts along the way.

Sadly, not enough is being done to

stop this epidemic that turns seniors into

casualties. The damage that is done to

senior victims goes far beyond just the

money. That is bad enough. However,

the real psychological damage that is

done is the tragedy. Unfortunately, I

have seen some seniors completely

withdraw from the world once they

have been targeted.

The numbers tell the story. In Ontario

phone scams alone amounted to $648

million in 2024. However, this number

is probably low as we know that this

crime goes under reported. Shame and

embarrassment are hard for a senior

to overcome especially when a family

learns about a fraud. In many cases

the family immediately takes steps to

reduce the independence of the victim.

Suddenly Mom/Dad can’t be alone.

“They need to go into a home,” or

worse, the family does some horrible

victim blaming.

These are common phone scams:

First, in the Impersonation Scam the

scammer poses as the bank, credit card

company, Canada Revenue Agency,

etc. Who they are impersonating will

determine how they move forward

with the scam. “This is the Credit Card

Company, and we are seeing some

abnormal activity,” or “This is the

Canadian Revenue Agency, and we

are going to seize your accounts,” etc.

The scammer convinces the victim to

give account information, credit card

numbers and then the bank account

is emptied, and the credit cards are

maxed.

The next one that comes around is

the Emergency Scam. The phone rings

and the voice on the other ends says,

“Grandma, it’s me,” and Grandma

says “Matthew, is that you?” Then that

scammer says, “Yes, Grandma, it’s

Matthew. I’m in trouble.” From there the

scammer gets the victim to wire money,

etc. which is untraceable. This scam has

been used for a very long time.

Another common telephone-based

scam is the Unwanted Sales Scam. By

using high pressure sales tactics, limited

time offers and the like, the senior feels

stress and pressure. In some cases,

the senior feels forced in a corner and

agrees to a product or service they do

not need.

What these illegal activities all have

in common is they use the telephone

as the entry point to gain access to the

vulnerable senior. If we stop the scam

calls, then we stop the scams.

There is a way to stop, or at least

severely limit the scam calls. I have

tested it, and it works. Here is how it

works, and it does not take away any

of the conveniences and necessities

of the telephone. The senior does

not lose anything except the threat

of impersonation scams, emergency

scams, or unwanted sales scams.

There are some steps that involve

technology, but don’t worry it is nothing

that you can’t handle. Leveraging

the contact list and call blocking

functionality of a cell phone, the ability

to use a Bluetooth link from a cell phone

to a standard wireless handheld phone

means that individuals can stop the

scams in their tracks. Add to this the

ability to move your land line phone

number to a cell network, and the circle

is complete.

The senior’s phone number does

not change. The family, friends, doctor,

pharmacy gets to call Mom/Dad on the

same number they have had for fifty

years. The senior gets a wireless phone

that they would be used to, and you can

rest just a little bit easier.

There are some steps for sure, and

as a service to our community we

are offering to walk anyone who is

interested through the process, step-bystep.

We have set-up a demonstration

display in our offices if you want to see

the system and process in action. Call

and set-up an appointment and I will

personally walk you through it.

This is a free service we are offering,

and I would not take a penny for it. My

reward is stopping the scammer. Let’s

do this together and save our cherished

and valued seniors from the harm that

this epidemic of fraud has caused.

Starting from $3,500

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Meals, Housekeeping, On Site Emergency Response

RESIDENTIAL

CARE

SERVICES

Provided by

Live at Home - We’ll Make it Easy

519.336.9898

www.shineathome.com


(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) Never underestimate the power of... termites.

Welcome to...

THE Club

Do you remember being 19? Neither do we!

Gifts &

Home Decor

For The

Holiday Season!

GIFTWARE & UNIQUE

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• Tinnitus Evaluation & Treatment

• Hearing Aids & Assistive Listening Devices

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“Cats are smarter

than dogs. You can’t

get eight cats to pull

a sled through snow.”

- Jeff Valdez

TUESDAY-FRIDAY 10-5

SATURDAY 10-2

850 Colborne Street @ Exmouth

Northgate Plaza, Sarnia

519-336-3838

Renowned photojournalist with deep

local roots launches Sarnia show

Boundaries is now showing at the

Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery. Here,

a gelatine silver print depicts a village

region in Afghanistan destroyed in 2008

during a conflict between Russian troops

and the Afghan Mujahadeen.

The multi-media exhibition features

more than 100 photos, a film and a

reading and listening room.

The entire third floor of the Judith &

Norman Alix Art Gallery (JNAAG) offers

an extended exhibition this winter that,

in turns, entertains, informs and disturbs.

Award-winning photojournalist Larry

Towell has spent decades in conflict

zones and covering major global

events. His work has been published

in prominent international magazines

including Life and The Atlantic, and he’s

produced 16 books that feature photos

from Ukraine, El Salvador, Afghanistan,

Palestine and 9/11.

Towell has travelled extensively but

he makes his home in Lambton County

where he and his wife Ann raised four

children in Dawn/Euphemia.

Until now, his many exhibitions have

been in distant galleries and museums

P A G E

14

By Cathy Dobson

around the world.

At age 72, he finally brings it home

with a wide-ranging exhibition of more

than 130 photos at his local public art

gallery in Sarnia.

Boundaries opened in early October

and will remain at the JNAAG until March

14.

Towell calls it a retrospective of his

work as a storyteller, pulling together

new and old prints that deliver an

emotional wallop with their content

and sometimes their considerable size.

The show also features a listening and

reading room where visitors can hear

original music by Towell and read from

some of the books he’s produced over

four decades, including his latest called

The History War.

Towell has made a career of witnessing

and documenting the impact of conflict

on people living in devastated countries,

telling their stories with riveting photos

that have won accolades again and

again.

He’s also used his camera to study the

people who live in his own backyard,

such as the Mennonites he befriended

years ago in Lambton County. Photos of

his own family form one of the feature

areas of the JNAAG show and are the

focus of one of his books called The

World From My Front Porch.

“Towell’s deep local roots…add a

personal dimension to this globally

focused exhibition,” says JNAAG curator

Sonya Blazek. “Featuring timely coverage

of the war in Ukraine and the migrant

crisis at the Mexican border, the show

connects local significance with urgent

global relevance.”

Blazek, whose father attended high

school with Towell, approached him

Larry Towell Self Portrait

(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) You can lead a horse to water but... how?

about a show that could be timed with

the publication of his latest book.

The History War was released in mid-

2025 and reflects his experiences in

Ukraine, starting with his first trip there

in 2014 and every year after than until

2022 when the Russians invaded.

The new book combines black and

white photography with colour and

has an introduction about Ukraine’s

historical evolution as a country.

While foreign audiences have enjoyed

multiple gallery shows by Towell for

decades, here is the first opportunity

for southwestern Ontario audiences to

experience a remarkable

exhibition of his

emotionally-charged brand

of storytelling, journalism

and art.

Boundaries will remain

at the Judith & Norman

Alix Art Gallery (JNAAG)

until March 14, 2026.

Admission is free. The

gallery is located at

147 Lochiel Street in

downtown Sarnia. Call

519-336-8127 for details.

Open Wednesday, Fridays

and Saturdays from 11

a.m. – 4 p.m.; Thursdays

11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Winter 25/26

Cut out this list and tell your friends about it... great deals!

Welcome to ...

The DISCOUNT LIST

A list i of o local discountsi

s or offers that a t

benefit n

efi t

people ple e over e acertain a a i

age.

PLEASE LET US KNOW OF ANY THAT ARE MISSING!

Welcome to...

THE Club

THE

DISCOUNT

LIST

Sponsored By:

TOWN

BUSINESS

SPECIAL OFFER

AGE+

CONTACT

BRIGHTS GROVE Shoppers Drug Mart 20% OFF Thursdays ask 519-869-4224

Anytime Fitness 7% OFF Annual Membership 60+ 519-869-2009

CORUNNA Corunna Foodland 2% OFF Wednesdays 60+ 519-862-5213

Corunna Pharmasave 15% OFF Tuesdays & Fridays 60+ 519-862-2020

Shoppers Drug Mart 20% OFF Thursdays ask 519-862-1451

FOREST CDS Pharmacy 15% OFF Wednesdays 60+ 519-786-2104

Forest Foodland 2% OFF Wednesdays 60+ 519-786-2321

Forest Naturals & Home Health 10% OFF Wednesdays 60+ 226-520-0054

Forest Pharmasave 15% OFF Wednesdays 60+ 519-786-5161

Williamson Farms Country Store Various Wednesdays 55+ 226-520-0144

PETROLIA Bargain Shop 20-30% 1st Wednesday of month 60+ 519-882-0057

Country Yarns 15% OFF See ad in The Club all ages 519-882-8740

Gramma’s Candy Store 5% OFF Tuesdays 60+ 519-882-1212

Heidi’s Your Independent Grocer 10% OFF Tuesdays 60+ 519-882-2211

Hogan Pharmacy 20% OFF Wednesdays 60+ 519-882-1840

Johnny G’s Premium Pizza 15% OFF Tuesdays 55+ 519-882-2000

M&M Food Market 10% OFF Tuesdays 60+ 519-882-4316

McDonald’s 20% OFF* Coffee/Tea daily 55+ 519-882-3678

Subway 25% OFF Mondays 55+ 519-882-4215

SunCoast Natural Health 15% OFF Every day 65+ 226-307-0694

PT EDWARD Twin Bridge Lighting 15% OFF Mondays 55+ 519-344-3535

SARNIA Bulk Barn 10% OFF Wednesdays 65+ 519-542-6668

Custom Plumbing 10% OFF Every day 65+ 519-337-1545

Giant Tiger 10% OFF Ist Monday of month 65+ 519-336-0831

Goodwill 25% OFF 2nd Monday of month 55+ 519-541-9273

Hair Sculptors $10 OFF See ad in The Club all ages 519-383-0909

Lakeshore Artisan Wines 20% OFF See ad in The Club all ages 519-337-0303

Pharmasave London Road 20% OFF Thursdays 60+ 519-491-6778

M&M Food Market 10% OFF Tuesdays 60+ 519-542-8398

McDonald’s 20% OFF* Coffee/Tea daily 55+ 519-336-7096

Michaels 10% OFF Every day 55+ 519-542-3200

Mission Thrift Store 20% OFF Thursdays 65+ 519-337-1614

Olympic Custom Finishes 15% OFF See ad in the Club 55+ 519-466-6966

Petsmart 10% OFF Grooming on Tuesdays 65+ 519-542-2822

Pet Valu 10% OFF Last Thursday of month 60+ 519-541-0468

Ren’s Pets 10% OFF Last Wed. of month 60+ 519-333-6606

Rexall Pharmacy 20% OFF Tuesdays 55+ 519-332-5575

Russell Street Home Hardware 20% OFF See ad in The Club 60+ 519-383-0688

Rona+ 10% OFF 1st Tuesday of month 55+ 519-541-2120

Salvation Army Thrift Store 20% OFF Wednesdays 60+ 519-344-3781

Sarnia Home Respiratory Services 20% OFF Thursdays 65+ 519-332-5889

Sarnia Pharmacy 10% OFF Tuesdays and Fridays 65+ 519-337-3215

Shoppers Drug Mart 20% OFF Thursdays ask 519-337-3727

Value Village 30% OFF Tuesdays 60+ 519-541-0153

Wellwise Home Health 20% OFF Thursdays ask 519-344-9787

STRATHROY M&M Food Market 10% OFF Tuesdays 60+ 519-245-6355

WYOMING Wyoming Tree Service 10% OFF Every day 65+ 519-845-0847

Call 519-491-1676 or email info@welcometotheclub.ca to add one!

Please remember: e

r: These discounts are for reference. eren

en

They may change & may not

apply ply to specific c items. Stores are not obligated to adhere to what we’ve printed.

You may also need to ask in order to get the discount. t Thanks for understanding.

ndin

Get It

Done Right

The First

Time

JOBS BIG OR SMALL:

• Faucet Installation

• Leak Repairs

• Clogged Drains

• Camera Inspection

• Toilet Replacement

& Installation

• Sump Pump

• Frozen Pipes

• Sewer & Waterline

Replacement

Ask for your

Seniors Discount

Family l

Owned e d

& Operated

p and d Proudly Serving

i g

Lambton t n County Since 1991

345 Ontario Street, Unit B

SARNIA • 519-337-1545

CustomPlumbingSarnia.com

Give us a call with

your plumbing questions

or for a free estimate!


(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) Don’t bite the hand that... looks dirty.

Welcome to...

THE Club

Laughter is the best medicine - here’s to your health.

To Help You ‘SEE’ The World More Clearly

Kind, Patient,

Efficient,

Informative

& Caring

Russell Street

120 Russell St. N, Sarnia • 519-383-0688

Family Owned & Operated Since 1989.

Country Songs

20% OFF

ONE REGULAR

PRICED ITEM

when you PURCHASE

TWO or more ITEMS

For Seniors 60+

Flyer & promo items can count

towards purchase, but discount

applies to a regular priced item

only. Not for gift card purchases.

EXPIRES MARCH 31, 2026

TOP 10 1985

Billboard Hits

1 Dire Straits Money for Nothing

2 Mr. Mister Kyrie

3 John Fogerty The Old Man Down The Road

4 Simple Minds Don’t You (Forget About Me)

5 Mike + the Mechanics Silent Running

(On Dangerous Ground)

6 Foreigner I Want To Know What Love Is

7 Sting If You Love Somebody Set Them Free

8 John Cougar Mellencamp Lonely Ol’ Night

Source: playback.fm

9 Pet Shop Boys West End Girls

10 Glenn Frey You Belong to the City

Source: playback.fm

1 Kenny Rogers Morning Desire

2 Ronnie Milsap Lost In The Fifties Tonight

(In The Still Of The Night)

3 Dolly Parton (with Kenny Rogers) Real Love

4 James Taylor Everyday

5 Eddie Rabbitt The Best Year Of My Life

6 Ronnie Milsap She Keeps The Home Fires

Burning

7 Marie Osmond There’s No Stopping Your Heart

8 The Statler Brothers Too Much On My Heart

9 Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Modern Day Romance

10 Steve Wariner Some Fools Never Learn

Movies

Out of Africa

(Oscar for Best Motion Picture

although not in Top Ten)

Back to the Future

After Hours

Rambo: First Blood Part II

Beverly Hills Cop

Rocky IV

Cocoon

The Dream is Alive

The Goonies

Witness

Police Academy 2:

Their First Assignment

Source: wikipedia.org

infopatodiaeye@gmail.com

www.patodiaeyeinstitute.ca

Dr. Murari Patodia

Time to Share

By Margaret Lever, on behalf of the Lambton Seniors’ Advisory Committee

“Welcome to The Club”… an

invitation to become one of the gang…

to become a reader of a magazine for

seniors that I first discovered back in

February. “A guide to feeling younger…

even if we might be getting older.”

That’s for me, for sure. Where have you

been all these years? Where have you

been since I became a “Senior” 15, 20,

25 years ago, depending on where I’m

shopping or eating out or even visiting

an amusement park?

Well, in May I seem to have joined

an ‘elite’ Seniors’ club. That new

“Welcome to The Club” came in the

guise of birthday cards festooned with

butterflies and balloons, and of cheerful

phone calls from friends who were

already members of the 80+ Club.

Who knew that this was a club?

Well, I’m now happy to belong to

the Senior and the Senior elite clubs.

As my sister followed me into senior

years, she noted that the 65 year mark

comes with money, and all levels come

with discounts (many listed in the

magazine)… and you know

that we seniors are very good

at taking advantage. And

there are more advantages!

For me when I turned 70

and for others years earlier,

senior life also comes with

time, retirement from paid

work. We have time! Beyond

discounts, retirement life

comes with wonderful

opportunities, ways to use

that time. Time for travelling,

time for family, time for hobbies,

maybe even some time in the rocking

chair. Time to pursue our passions for

things we love. Some passions are very

social pursuits, some are more solitary

pursuits. But even then, retirement

doesn’t need to be a lonely, isolated

time. We can share whatever we love

with our community in so many ways.

Me, one thing I love is science—

how about you? Do you love science

or technology or agriculture or

engineering? If that’s a YES, do I have a

“job” for you!

My grandchildren live too far away

to have science fun with them very

often. But, I can do that with other

grandchildren all around Lambton

County. How? Well, someone told me

about a special group of seniors who

share my love of science. And so I

joined the Science Discovery Squad

about seven years ago. The Science

Discovery Squad Volunteer Program

matches up elementary school

classrooms with us volunteers who

bring exciting interactive, curriculumlinked

demonstrations on Electricity,

Structures, Light, Coding, Farming and

many more into their school rooms. We

spend an hour or two bringing to life

some of the subjects the school children

are studying in their curriculum. We’re

not all experts, just folks who want to

help young people understand how

the world around us works and have

fun exploring that together. There’s

something special about younger and

older people enjoying an hour or two

of science fun together. It’s good for

the young to see that the old have

enthusiasm and wisdom to share. It’s

good for the old to see that the young

have enthusiasm and wisdom to share

as well. WIN-WIN!

Does this sound like your kind of fun?

Is this a club that you’d like to join?

If you’d like to know more, see

https://www.lkdsb.net/o/lkd/page/

become-a-volunteer

P A G E

16

(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) No news is... impossible.

Winter 25/26

It’s the advertising that makes this magazine possible, and free!

Visit Sarnia’s Best Lile

Shoe Store Today!

Welcome to...

THE Club

Visit our showroom at

1660 London Line, Sarnia

for all your pool & hot tub needs!

565 Murphy Rd • 519-383-0588 • shoeboxsarnia.ca

519-336-3434 • www.washingtonpools.ca

Then & Now

by Steve Loxton

Historical vs. current

Sarnia-Lambton photos

Visit “Lost Lambton, Found!” on Facebook

Photo courtesy

of Evan Abma

Countless memories were made at the Balmoral Tavern in Point

Edward. It was one of the oldest licenced establishments in Canada.

Built in 1865, as Holder’s Hotel, it was one of the village's oldest

extant structures. It was recently demolished on Oct. 14th, 2025.


(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) Home is where... your house is.

Welcome to...

THE Club

This magazine comes with a free, built-in, old fashioned fly swatter!

P A G E

18

(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) You can’t teach an old dog new... math.

Winter 25/26

Many of the articles are from the archives of Daytripping Magazine.

Welcome to...

THE Club

Counting Valentines in the Thirties

By Norma West Linder • from Daytripping Jan-Feb 2007

1975

VS.

2025

Long hair

Longing for hair

8 Tracks Cataracts

KEGs

EKGs

Streaking

Leaking

Acid Rock

Acid Reflux

Seeds and stems

Fiber

Stayin' Alive (the song) Stayin' Alive (the goal)

Hoping for a BMW

Hoping for a BM

Going to a new, hip joint Getting a new hip joint

Rolling Stones

Kidney Stones

Bell bottoms

Big bottoms

Disco

Costco

Whatever

Depends

Rock n' roll all night

Sleep through the night

Think you know everything Think you know your name

Teachers today see to it that every

child in the classroom gets a fair share

of red-hearted cards.

When l went to public school,

Valentine’s Day was a popularity

contest.

My attic is crammed to overflowing with

mementos. I keep everything, ignoring

those words of good advice, “when in

doubt, throw it out.” Recently, I came

across a box of ancient valentines. The

children pictured on them resemble

the legendary Campbell‘s Soup kids.

The verses are coy, imbued with the

innocence of the late thirties. One of

them, featuring a be-ribboned, blackhaired

girl reads:

I like to roll my little hoop

I find it quite consoling

But I am happiest of all

When my eyes at you I’m rolling!

Most of the cards containing

passionate declarations of

love are from girls. One

of them, however, depicts

a bullfighter with capebearing,

moveable arms.

On the bottom it says, “I

love you, and that’s no bull.”

Signed with a question mark,

it undoubtedly gave rise to

hours of ecstatic speculation.

The valentines bring with

them a flood of memories.

I’m back again in my old

schoolroom, under the

surveillance of King George

VI and Queen Elizabeth

II. The air is electric with

anticipation. A huge box decorated with

red and white crepe paper occupies

a place of honour in the centre of the

teacher’s desk. It has a large slot in the

middle where we have been “mailing”

our valentines all week. The longed-for

moment finally arrives. A boy and girl

are chosen to be mail carriers, the first

card is delivered, and our Valentine’s

Day Party officially begins.

“You made your own cards, eh!”

Blushing, I nod to the girl across

from me. My sister and I have spent

hours cutting cards out of our father’s

old wallpaper sample books, but they

aren’t nearly as pretty as the purchased

ones.

“They’re really nice.”

I know she’s lying, but I’m glad she

says it anyway.

At last, all of the cards are given out.

Calculating glances measure each pile

on every desk.

“How many did you get?” the girl

beside me demands.

“Seventeen,” I reply, exaggerating

more than a little.

“I got twenty-eight.”

Consumed with envy, I begin

stuffing my cards into

a big envelope I have

already decorated.

She interrupts me.

“Who’s that big red

heart from?”

“Wouldn’t you like to

know,” I reply, smiling

enigmatically.

“Come on, who’s it

from? If you tell me, I

won’t tell anyone else.”

It’s a great feeling to have

a secret from somebody a

grade ahead of me. I’m

really enjoying myself

when the boy behind me

spoils everything. “It’s

from the teacher,” he says. “I got one

just like it.”

Suddenly, I’m very anxious for the

four o’clock bell to ring.

I should put all these cards into the

blue recycling box. I know, though, that

I’ll keep them here for more trips into

the past at some future date.


(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) If you lie down with dogs, you’ll... stink in the morning.

Welcome to...

Upcoming

THE Club

EVENTS

Our website may have even MORE events! www.welcometotheclub.ca

Welcome to ...

THE

CLUB

Events are listed FREE for

non-profit groups

(space

perming).

WEEKLY EVENTS

Dates/times subjest to change. We recommend that you check ahead.

weekdays Sarnia Weekly adult activities at Strangway Centre, Sarnia sarnia.ca 332-0656

weekdays TV Low Impact Fitness on Your TV, Cogeco, 9am Cogeco Channel 700 or 6

weekdays TV Balanced Yoga on YourTV Cogeco, 9:30am Cogeco Channel 700 or 6

weekdays TV Senior Fit with Marilyn on YourTV Cogeco, 10am Cogeco Channel 700 or 6

weekdays Sarnia Mall Walking, visit Guest Services to sign up www.lambtonmall.com

weekdays Sarnia Day Hospice St. Joseph’s Hospice, Registration required 519-337-0537

weekdays Sarnia Adult Swim Program at Pathways Health Centre aquatics@pathwayscentre.org

weekdays Watford various activites at East Lambton Community Complex www.warwicktownship.ca

weekdays various Wellness Programs by North Lambton CHC. Pre-register www.nlchc.com

weekdays various LEO Forever Fit, Free classes September to May info@lambtonelderlyoutreach.org

monthly Port Franks Craft Classes - Port Franks Seniors (register w Maxine) 519-495-6602

monthly various Book Clubs and events at Lambton County Libraries lclibrary.libnet.info/events

monthly various LEO Diners Club, Hot Lunch, pre-register 519-845-1353 ext 301

For Live Music Listings check out

FB group “Sarnia’s Live Music Hub” or sarniarocks.com

Mon Corunna Pepper, Corunna Legion, 1pm www.corunnalegion.ca

Mon (last) online Drop in & Chat, Lambton Ont Ancestors, (not in Dec) www.lambton.ogs.on.ca

Mon Forest Community Drop In, 10am coffee, 1pm Euchre & more www.forestlegion.ca

Mon (4th) Forest Buddy Check Coffee, Free Support Group, 11am Legion www.forestlegion.ca

Mon Forest Forest Film Series, $10, 7pm, til March 2026 www.kineto.ca

Mon Grand Bend Bingo, 7pm FB The Grand Bend Legion

Mon Petrolia Adult Lunch Time Skate, 12-1pm, $4, Greenwood Rec. Ctr. 519-882-2350

Mon Petrolia Zumba with Lisa & Madison, 7pm, $10, Legion lisakernohan.zumba.com

Mon Port Franks Fun Darts, 12:45pm at Community Centre llattard@gmail.com

Mon Port Franks Pickleball, 1pm at Community Centre FB Port Franks Seniors

Mon Port Franks Euchre, 7pm at Community Centre llattard@gmail.com

Mon Sarnia Scottish Country Dancing, St. Andrew’s Presb. Church, 7-9pm 519-336-1053

Mon (2nd) Sarnia Buddy Check Coffee, Free Support Group, 11am Legion svance505@gmail.com

Mon (2nd & 3rd) Sarnia Open Stage at Lawrence House, 6:45pm, Free www.lawrencehouse.ca

Mon Watford Darts at 7pm, Watford Legion 519-876-2660

Mon Watford Walk with Warwick, ELCC, 9-10am www.warwicktownship.ca

Mon Watford Shuffle Up and Deal Euchre, ELCC, 1-4, $3 www.warwicktownship.ca

Mon Watford Open Play Adult Pickleball, ELCC, 7pm www.warwicktownship.ca

Tues (2nd) online Zoom Genealogy meetings, 7-8:15pm, Free www.lambton.ogs.on.ca

Tues Alvinston Adult Skating, 9-10am, BAICC 519-898-2150

Tues Corunna Pub Darts, 7:30pm at Legion 519-862-1240

Tues Petrolia Shinny Pick Up Hockey, 12-1pm, $4, Greenwood Rec. Ctr. 519-882-2350

Tues Petrolia Meat Raffle - 6:30 at Black Gold Brewery, Kiwanis www.petroliakiwanis.ca

Tues Petrolia Toastmasters Club, 7-8pm, St. Andrews Pres. Ch. 519-882-2264 MaryBeth

Tues Port Franks Euchre, 1pm at Community Centre, 1pm llattard@gmail.com

Tues (4th) Port Franks Pepper 12:30pm, please register, Pt Franks Comm. Ctr. 519-318-7866 Dorothy

Tues (1st) Sarnia Veteran’s Affairs Canada rep at Sarnia Legion, 11:30am www.sarnialegion.com

Tues Sarnia Walking Soccer, Co-ed, 10am at Langtree Controls wkparsley11@start.ca

Tues On TV Bingo Night on Cogeco Your TV, Ch. 7, 7pm FB Seaway Kiwanis

Tues Sarnia Bluewater Chordsmen, 7-9pm, All Saints Anglican Ch. FB Bluewater Chordsmen

Tues Watford Open Play Adult Pickleball, ELCC, 1-2:30pm www.warwicktownship.ca

Tues Watford Euchre - Watford Legion 7pm 519-876-2660

Tues Wyoming Euchre - Wyoming Legion 7pm FB Wyoming Legion

Wed online Hospitables Toastmasters Club hospitable.toastmastersclubs.org/

Wed Corunna Whacky Wednesday at Corunna Legion 519-862-1240 Legion

Wed Courtright Euchre at Friendship Club, 1pm 519 892 3061 or 519 862 2598

Wed (Oct-May) Forest Darts, Forest Legion, 7pm, Public welcome www.forestlegion.ca

NOV 2025

S M T W T F S

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30

DEC 2025

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31

DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Please check ahead if possible.

Wed (1st) Forest Kiwanis Bingo at Legion, 7pm info@forestkiwanis.org

Wed Forest Forest Film Series Lunch at Noon, Film at 1pm, $25 www.kineto.ca

Wed Mooretown Adult Public Skate, 3-4:30pm, $4.50 FB Mooretown Sports Complex

Wed (3rd) Oil Springs Meeting Night at Oil Springs Legion, 7pm FB Oil Springs Legion

Wed (3rd) Petrolia Lunch 12-1pm $10, Jamboree 1-4pm by donation Facebook

Wed Petrolia Euchre, 7pm FB Royal Canadian Legion Br 216 Petrolia

Wed Port Franks Caring Quilters, 10am-2pm at Community Centre llattard@gmail.com

Wed Port Franks Dunes Bridge, 12:30pm at Comm. Ctr. (lessons at 10am) llattard@gmail.com

Wed Port Franks Pickleball, 6:30pm at Community Centre (Not Nov26) FB Port Franks Seniors

Wed (Nov-Apr) Sarnia Indoor Walking Group w. St. Joe’s Hosp., 9am, Lambton Mall Reg. 519-337-0537

Wed Sarnia Triple C Carvers, Royal Canadian Navy Club, 8:30-Noon www.tripleccarvers.ca

Wed (3rd) Sarnia Sarnia Horticultural Society meetings (not July/Aug/Dec) 226-402-2587 David

Wed Sarnia Chair Yoga, 9:15am, Lambton Mall promo court, FREE FB Lambton Mall

Wed (exc. July) Sarnia Seaway Sounds Chorus 6-8:30 - Come Sing with Us! 519-344-8621

Wed Watford Open Play Adult Pickleball - ELCC, 9:30am www.warwicktownship.ca

Wed Watford Walk with Warwick, ELCC, 9-10am www.warwicktownship.ca

Wed (winter) Watford Open Skate, ELCC, 12-1pm www.warwicktownship.ca

Wed (1st) Wyoming Meat Bingo, Wyoming Lions Hall 7pm, October to June FB Wyoming Lions Club

Thurs Alvinston Adult Skating, 9-10am, BAICC 519-898-2150

Thurs (2nd) Alvinston LEO Peer Social, Alvinston Estates, 11:30am-1:30pm Reg. 519-845-1353 ext. 301

Thurs Brigden Catch the Ace, 7pm at Legion FB Branch 635, Royal Canadian Legion, Brigden

Thurs Br Grove Mark Moran and Friends at Huron Oaks www.huronoaks.com

Thurs Br Grove Meat Raffle, BG Optimist Club, Skeeter Barlow’s, 6pm Brightsgroveoptimists.com

Thurs Corunna Cribbage, Corunna Legion 1pm www.corunnalegion.ca

Thurs (thru Apr) Forest Shuffleboard - Ladies 10am, Mixed 1:30pm www.forestlegion.ca

Thurs (2nd/4th) Forest Thirsty Thursdays, 4pm Forest Legion www.forestlegion.ca

Thurs Petrolia Adult Lunch Time Skate, 12-1pm, $4, Greenwood Rec. Ctr. 519-882-2350

Thurs Petrolia Afternoon Pepper, 1pm www.petrolialegion216.ca

Thurs Petrolia Darts, Petrolia Legion 7pm www.petrolialegion216.ca

Thurs Petrolia Meat Raffle, Petrolia Optimist Club, Chuck’s Roadhouse 6pm lcpetroliaoptimist.org

Thurs Port Franks Cornhole, 10:30am at Community Centre llattard@gmail.com

Thurs Port Franks Bid Euchre, 7pm at Community Centre llattard@gmail.com

Thurs Sarnia Catch the Ace, Trivia Night, Sarnia Legion Noon-8pm www.sarnialegion.com

Thurs Watford Thirsty Thursdays, 6-10pm FB Watford Legion Branch 172

Thurs Wyoming Thirsty Thursdays FB Wyoming Legion

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Include locaon, date, name of event,

website or contact number.

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JAN 2026

S M T W T F S

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4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Welcome to ...

THE

CLUB

Fri Corunna Bridge, Corunna Legion 1pm www.corunnalegion.ca

Fri Corunna Fun Meat Darts, 7pm www.corunnalegion.ca

Fri Courtright Pepper at Friendship Club, 1pm 519 892 3061 or 519 862 2598

Fri (Oct - Apr) Forest Walking Fit, 10-11am, The Shores Rec Centre w. NLCHC 519-786-4545 ext. 270

Fri Grand Bend Meat Raffle, 50/50, Karaoke, 5pm at Legion FB Grand Bend Legion

Fri Petrolia Karaoke at the 216 Lounge, Petrolia Legion 8pm www.petrolialegion216.ca

Fri Port Franks Badminton, 10-11:30am at Community Centre llattard@gmail.com

Fri Port Franks Pickleball, 6:30 pm llattard@gmail.com

Fri (2nd/4th) Sarnia Open Dances, 7:30-11pm, $10, Polish Hall Sarnia 337-5708 polishhallsarnia.ca

Fri (1st) Sarnia First Friday, downtown multi-cultural walkabout FB Sarnia First Friday

Fri Sarnia Live Music and Dancing, Sarnia Legion, 7-11pm www.sarnialegion.com

Fri Watford Walk with Warwick, ELCC, 9-10am www.warwicktownship.ca

Fri Watford Meat Raffle and Chase the Ace, 6:30pm FB Watford Legion Branch 172

Fri Watford Open Play Adult Pickleball, ELCC, 7pm www.warwicktownship.ca

Send Events to info@welcometotheclub.ca or Submit online www.welcometotheclub.ca/events

P A G E

20

(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) Love all, trust... me.

Winter 25/26

Feel free to submit events... info@welcometotheclub.ca

Welcome to...

THE Club

WEEKLY EVENTS Continued

Sat (2nd & last) Alvinston Meat Raffle, Alvinston Legion, 3:30pm FB Alvinston Legion, Br. 249

Sat Brigden Meat Raffle, 4:30pm FB Branch 635, Royal Canadian Legion, Brigden

Sat Corunna Meat Draw, Corunna Legion, 4pm www.corunnalegion.ca

Sat Forest Meat Raffle and 50/50, Forest Legion 4pm www.forestlegion.ca

Sat (alt) Oil Springs Meat Raffle, Oil Springs Legion 4pm FB Oil Springs Legion

Sat (4th) Petrolia Progressive Euchre Tourn, $10, 1pm start, Noon Lunch $6 Facebook

Sat Sarnia Meat Raffle, Sarnia Legion 3pm www.sarnialegion.com

Sat Sarnia Live Music and Dancing, Sarnia Legion 7-11pm www.sarnialegion.com

Sat Wyoming Meat Raffle, Wyoming Legion 4pm FB Wyoming Legion

Sun (1st) Forest Caesar Sunday & Entertainment, Forest Legion, 1pm www.forestlegion.ca

Sun (4th) Sarnia Stamp Club meeting, Grace United 2-3:30, Sept-June sarniastampclub@cogeco.ca

Sun Wyoming Caesar Sunday FB Wyoming Legion

Rentals Sarnia RCNA (Navy Club) 1420 Lougar Ave, Licensed sarniarcna@gmail.com

Grand Bend Legion Hall, 20 Municipal Dr, Licensed, seating for 281 519-238-2120

Wyoming Lions Hall, 554 Main St, Licensed, seating for 150 519-466-7806

EXHIBITS

ongoing L Shores Main and Historic Buildings, on site www.heritagemuseum.ca

ongoing online Nnigiiwemin/We are going home exhibit (virtual) www.heritagemuseum.ca

ongoing online Lambton Agricultural Hall of Fame (virtual) www.heritagemuseum.ca

ongoing online Lambton at War (virtual) www.heritagemuseum.ca

ongoing online Shine: Spotlight on Women of Lambton www.heritagemuseum.ca

ongoing online The Farmerettes (virtual) www.heritagemuseum.ca

ongoing Oil Springs Main and Historic Buildings at Oil Museum of Canada www.oilmuseum.ca

ongoing online Black Gold: Canada’s Oil Heritage www.oilmuseum.ca

ongoing online International Drillers www.oilmuseum.ca

ongoing online A Disgraceful Riot www.oilmuseum.ca

ongoing online Legacy Oil and Gas Wells www.oilmuseum.ca

ongoing Wyoming From District to County: Celebrating Lambton 175 www.lambtonarchives.ca

ongoing Wyoming Petrolia 150th Anniversary www.lambtonarchives.ca

ongoing online Historic Tour of Petrolia www.lambtonarchives.ca

ongoing online Sarnia: We Built This City www.lambtonarchives.ca

ongoing online Snowmageddon www.lambtonarchives.ca

ongoing online The Township of Warwick: A Story Through Time www.lambtonarchives.ca

ongoing online History of Comunity Concert Bands in Lambton Cty. www.lambtonarchives.ca

Nov 8-Dec 17 Br Grove Annual Artisan Sale: Gifts of the Season galleryinthegrove.com

Feb7-Mar14 Br Grove Juried Art Exhibit: Oh! My Canada! galleryinthegrove.com

Mar21-Apr25 Br Grove Art Exhibit: Bronze Sculptures by Morris Wazney galleryinthegrove.com

Sept 5-Mar 7 Sarnia Debwewe Giizhik | (sound in the distance) from the sky www.jnaag.ca

Oct 3-Mar 14 Sarnia Larry Towell “Boundaries” www.jnaag.ca

Nov-Dec Sarnia Wrap It Up Holiday Show www.lawrencehouse.ca

NOVEMBER 2025

16 Forest Rockers Room singer Songwriter Showcase at Kineto www.kineto.ca

19 Sarnia Sarnia Horticultural Society AGM, Trivia, Silent Auction 226-402-2587 or Facebook

21 Corunna Mystic Highway at Legion, Show 8pm, adv tkts $30 519-862-1240 Legion

21 Forest Free Family PA Day Movie 1pm, sponsored by Forest UC www.kineto.ca

21-22 Sarnia Christmas Night Market Series, 4-9pm www.degroots.ca

22 Petrolia Christmasfest at St. Paul’s United Ch., 10am-3pm 519-882-1390 or txt 519-312-6505

22 Pt Edward Winter Solstice Market, 12-6pm, Pt Edward Community Hall FB BizBaz Markets

22 Port Franks Holiday Market at Comm. Ctr, 10am-3pm FB Lambton Shores Nature Trails

22 Sarnia Imperial City Holiday Market, 1-5pm www.imperialcitybrew.com

22 Watford Euchre Tournament, $20 per team, 1pm start 519-330-8077 Charlotte (to register)

22-23 Watford Horticultural Soc. Christmas Home Tour, 12-4pm FB Watford/Warwick Horticultural

23 Sarnia Shop the North Pole, Four Points Sheraton, 10am-4pm FB Shop the North Pole

23 Sarnia Wood.Strings.Wind at 2pm www.lawrencehouse.ca

24 online Drop In & Chat, Lambton Br. Ontario Anc. 2-3:30pm www.lambton.ogs.on.ca

25 Port Franks Pepper at Community Centre 519-243-2239

25 Alvinston Optimist Turkey Bingo, BAICC, 7pm FB Alvinston and District Optimist Club

25-Dec14 Petrolia Starbright Christmas at Victoria Playhouse www.thevpp.ca

26 Port Franks North Lambton Quilters Guild, 7-9pm llattard@gmail.com

27 Port Franks Ontario Seniors Games Pepper Tournament at Comm. Ctr. llattard@gmail.com

27 Sombra Sounds of the Season, 6:30-8:30pm, $15 mooremuseum@stclairtownship.ca

27 Wyoming Quarter Auction, $5, 7pm, bring food or toy donation FB Wyoming Legion

28-29 Petrolia Historic Christmas Home Tour, $20, Tickets at local merch. FB Christ Church Petrolia

28-29 Sarnia Christmas Night Market Series, 4-9pm www.degroots.ca

28 Sarnia SoCo Guitar Trio at 7pm www.lawrencehouse.ca

28 Sombra Light Up the Park, 5:15pm, Community dock FB Sombra Sports and Recreation

29 Alvinston Christmas Craft Sale, Brooke Ctrl School, 9am-2pm brookcentralparentscouncil@gmail.com

29 Forest Santa Claus Parade, 7pm info@kineto.ca

29 Oil Springs Christmas Murder Mystery for LCDS basementboss.com/murder-mystery

29 Petrolia Christmas Market, Greenwood Park, Noon-10pm FB Petrolia and Enniskillen Fall Fair

29 Port Franks Cookie Walk, 10am til sold out, Community Centre FB Port Franks Seniors

29 Sombra Euchre Tournament, 12pm, Pre-reg 519-466-3410 FB Sombra Sports and Recreation

29 Wyoming “NDR&C” at the Legion, 7-10pm FB Wyoming Legion

29 to Dec Wyoming Christmas Tree Sales, Wyoming Lions Hall FB Wyoming Lions Club - Wyoming, ON

30 Wyoming Afternoon Dance, 1-4pm “Celtic Hillbillies” FB Wyoming Legion

DECEMBER 2025

2 Petrolia Ladies Night at Hogan Pharmacy 519-882-1840

4 Sarnia Lamb. Young Theatre Players: A Topsy Turvy Fairy Tale! Library Theatre 226-932-7262

5 Sarnia First Friday Arts and Culture Walkabout, Downtown www.sarniafirstfriday.com

5-6 Sarnia Christmas Winter Block Party www.downtownmarketsarnia.ca

6 Brigden Winter Market, 9am-2pm FB Brigden Fair

6 Forest Downtown Jazz - Jazzy Christmas 1-2pm, donations www.kineto.ca

6 Sarnia Gwetaandaawe Market 9am-2pm find us on Facebook

6 Petrolia Christmas Market, 10am-3pm www.town.petrolia.on.ca

6 Petrolia Santa Claus Parade 2pm www.town.petrolia.on.ca

6 Pt Edward Christmas in the Village 11am-3pm www.villageofpointedward.com

6 Sarnia Winter Solstice Market, Lansdowne Pub. School, 9-2 sarahehughes2021@gmail.com

6 Sarnia BW Chordsmen Concert, New Horizons Church 1:30 www.bluewaterchordsmen.com

6 Port Franks Christmas Dinner, 5pm at Community Centre 519-243-2239

9 Petrolia Men’s Night at Hogan Pharmacy 519-882-1840

9 Sarnia Lambton Br. Ont. Ancestors, In-Person Social Time, 7-8:30pm lambton@ogs.on.ca

11 Petrolia Four Hand Pepper at Legion, $8 Lunch Noon. $10; Tourn. 1pm Facebook

11 Watford Moonlight Madness, 5-8pm, throughout Watford FB A-Z Events

12-13 Sarnia Charity Christmas Market, Quality Inn emep2019@gmail.com

12-20 Sarnia “It is a Wonderful Life” at Imperial Theatre www.imperialtheatre.net

13 Alvinston Christmas Celebration find us on Facebook

13 Wyoming Christmas in the Village Vendor Sale, Lions Hall AND Legion FB Event

13 Forest That Cabin Fever Band, 7:30pm, $25 tickets www.kineto.ca

13 Sarnia Kenny vs Spenny at Imperial City Brew House www.eventbrite.ca

14 Port Franks Breakfast with Santa, 9-11am, Community Centre 519-872-0910 for reservations

15 Sarnia Missy Burgess and Phil Smy at 2pm www.lawrencehouse.ca

16 Petrolia Last Minute Christmas Event at Hogan Pharmacy 519-882-1840

19 Sarnia Cynthia Fay at 7pm www.lawrencehouse.ca

19-21 Petrolia The VPP Holiday Jamboree at Victoria Playhouse www.thevpp.ca

20 Petrolia Pop Up Saturday Market, Kerr Building, 8am-Noon www.town.petrolia.on.ca

20 Port Franks Optimist Club Meat Draw at Grog’s, 2-3:30pm www.ausableportfranksoptimist.club

21 Forest Childrens’ Christmas Eve Party, Free Movie 1pm www.kineto.ca

21 Wyoming Christmas Dance, 1-4:30pm, Dinner 5pm “The Pierce Family” FB Wyoming Legion

23 Port Franks Pepper at Community Centre 519-243-2239

28 Forest Free Family Movie 1pm www.kineto.ca

31 Forest Childrens’ NYE Party, Free Movie, 1pm www.kineto.ca

31 Port Franks New Year’s Dinner/Dance, 5:30-11pm 519-243-2239

31 Wyoming NYE Dance w. “The Barnburners” FB Wyoming Legion

JANUARY 2026


10 Sarnia “Full Petty Fever” Tom Petty Tribute show at Imperial www.imperialtheatre.net

16-17 Sarnia Rotary Used Book Sale, DeGroot’s Nursery, 10am-4pm www.RotarySarniabwl.org


17 Port Franks Optimist Club Meat Draw at Grog’s, 2-3:30pm www.ausableportfranksoptimist.club

17 Sarnia Classics Albums Live - Bob Marley www.imperialtheatre.net

19 Forest Forest Film Series, 7pm $10 www.kineto.ca

21 Forest Lunch and a Movie, $25 call 519-466-2287 for tickets www.kineto.ca

24 Forest Three of a Kind, 7:30pm, Concert Series 4/$100 www.kineto.ca

28-Jan1 Sarnia “Tin Woman” at Imperial Theatre www.imperialtheatre.net

29 Forest Free Family Movie, 1pm www.kineto.ca

30-31 Sarnia Rotary Used Book Sale, DeGroot’s Nursery, 10am-4pm www.RotarySarniabwl.org

FEBRUARY 2026

7 Forest Mudmen at Forest Legion www.ticketscene.ca


16 Forest Forest Film Series, 7pm $10 www.kineto.ca

18 Forest Lunch and a Movie, $25 call 519-466-2287 for tickets www.kineto.ca

21 Forest Shane Cook & the Woodchippers, 7:30pm, Concert Series 4/$100 www.kineto.ca


21 Sarnia Tribute to Reba, Dolly and Shania at Imperial www.imperialtheatre.net

28 Sarnia Celebrating the Music of AC/DC - Hells Bells www.imperialtheatre.net


(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) The pen is mightier than the... pigs.

Welcome to...

THE Club

RECEIVE THE CARE YOU NEED IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME...

Customized Services just for you:

226-964-2468 • info@allhourshomecare.ca • www.allhourshomecare.ca

We love showcasing Sarnia-Lambton’s talented photographers!

Snapshots

by Sarnia-Lambton Photographers!

A BIT OF

ADVICE

By Joanne vanDam, from

Daytripping Fall/Winter 2022/23

If your day did not go as you planned,

Don’t let that cause you sorrow.

Pull up your ‘big girl panties’ Dear,

And try again tomorrow.

Don’t be a ‘people pleaser,’

Do what is right for you.

Be a little-wee-bit selfish,

If that helps to get you through.

Not everyone will love you.

That fact, my Dear, is fine.

Just be happy with yourself.

Let no one steal your shine.

Keep your home and self clean,

It’s important that you do.

Throw away the clutter,

You’ll feel better about you.

If your hard work goes unnoticed,

And your feelings get all messed.

Pat your own self on the back,

And know, you’ve done your best.

If someone disappoints you,

As some people often do.

Don’t let that feeling break you,

The one to please is YOU.

If someone makes you doubt yourself,

Don’t let them bring you down.

Take a deep breath.

Throw your shoulders back,

And rearrange your crown.

Dan Makulski

Robert Walicki

If you find you feel frustrated,

And your patience all have flown.

Give yourself permission,

To spend some time alone.

Do the best you can, each day,

Put your worries on a shelf.

And, most importantly my friend,

Be sure to love yourself.

Jayne Primeau Photography

g

Nadine Wark

Ronny D’Haene

Kai Sorensen

Want W

your

photo featured?

519-491-1676 or


Sean Donnelly

P A G E

22

(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) An idle mind is... the best way to relax.

Winter 25/26

I’ve decided: whatever age I am is the new 30!

Welcome to...

THE Club

Sales,

Parts &

Service

Since 2014

Electric Bicycles • Motorcycle Scooters • Mobility Scooters

Step-Thru Scooters • Kick Scooters

Life is

better

on an

e-bike!

154 Mitton St. North • Sarnia sarniaebikes@gmail.com

Finding Energy in the Winter Months:

The Power of Movement and Connection

By Kelly-Lynn Musico, Brights Grove • Registered Physiotherapist, Registered Yoga Teacher

Well, now is the time that the days

grow shorter and the nights longer

and many of us may begin to feel

the natural shift that comes with the

winter season. Cooler temperatures,

fewer daylight hours, and often,

more time spent indoors. Sometimes,

winter can take a toll—not only on our

physical health but also on our mood

and motivation. So, it may be no

surprise that during the late fall and

winter seasons, many people notice

a dip in their energy or experience

what’s known as Seasonal Affective

Disorder (SAD), a mood disorder that

follows the seasonal cycle and is most

common in the darker months of the

year.

One effective way to combat these

seasonal changes is to stay physically

active and socially connected.

Movement has a profound effect on

both our body and mind. And, it can

be a powerful antidote to feelings of

stress and anxiety.

During the winter, it’s easy to

retreat into the comfort of our homes,

but joining community-based or

group activities can make a world of

difference.

Maybe consider, signing up for a

pickleball league, volleyball night,

curling club, progressive euchre night

or an indoor yoga class. These types

of activities, not only keep our body

moving but also provides valuable

social connection, which is vital

for our mental well-being. Sharing

laughter, teamwork, and even friendly

competition can help lift our spirits

and fosters a sense of belonging.

The key is to keep our body and

mind moving regularly and to seek

out activities we genuinely enjoy.

As a physiotherapist and yoga

instructor, I often remind my clients

and students that movement is

medicine. It can help keeps our joints

supple, muscles strong, and minds

grounded. When we move, we not

only help take care of our physical

bodies but also support our emotional

well-being—something we all need

a little more of during the darker

months.

So, this winter, maybe try to find

ways to keep moving and to stay

connected. Perhaps even trying

something new or maybe even

reaching out to a friend to join you.

And, let’s remember that even in

the midst of winter’s stillness, there’s

always room for movement.

*Kelly-Lynn Musico is a Registered

Physiotherapist and Yoga Instructor.

The information shared here is for

general wellness and educational

purposes and is not intended as medical

or psychological advice. If you’re

experiencing symptoms of depression

or Seasonal Affective Disorder, please

reach out to your healthcare provider

for professional support.

H

A wise old owl sat on an oak;

The more he saw the less he spoke;

The less he spoke the more he heard;

Why aren’t we like that wise old bird?

~ Anonymous

1957 Inc.

MOVE better. FEEL better. LIVE better.


(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) Where there’s smoke, there’s... pollution.

Welcome to...

THE Club

We’d like to hear your honest opinions on how you like this magazine.

Head office: 325 West St Suite 202, Branord • TICO # 4136071/CLIA/ACTA/IATA registered

Alison Doxtator

519-331-6110

adoxtator@travelonly.com

Amy Mickalko

519-381-4263

amickalko@travelonly.com

Holly McBean, CTC, ACC

519-899-4933

hmcbean@travelonly.com

The Travel Dream Team with over 60 Years in Combined Experience!

We are local and serve all of Lambton County and Canada from our home offices.

Specialists in Disney, family, group, cruises, desnaon weddings,

honeymoons, all inclusive and luxury. Let us plan your next vacaon!

1. If you went to bed at

eight o’clock in the evening

and wound up your clock

and set the alarm to sound

at nine o’clock in the

morning. How many hours

sleep would you get before

being woken by the alarm?

2. Some months have 30 days,

some have 31 days. How many

months have 28 days?

3. If a doctor gives you 3 pills and

tells you to take one every half

hour. How long would it be

before all the pills are taken?

Common Sense

Part One

4. Is there a 4th of July

in England?

5. How many animals of each species

did Moses bring with him on the ark?

6. If you drove a bus with 43 people on board from Chicago and

stopped at Pittsburgh to pick up 7 more people and drop off 5

passengers and at Cleveland to drop off 8 passengers and pick

up 4 more an eventually arrive at Philadelphia 20 hours later,

what’s the name of the driver?

ANSWERS: 1. One hour. It is a wind up alarm clock which can’t

discriminate between am and pm 2. All of them. Every month has at least

28 days. 3. One hour. If you take a pill at 1 o’clock, then another at 1:30

and the last at 2, they will be taken in 1 hour. 4. Yes, it comes right after

the 3rd. 5. None. It was Noah’s ark, not Moses. 6. YOU are the driver.

Welcome to ...

THE

CLUB

SARNIA

Alzheimer’s Society

Bluewater Hearing & Balance

Bluewater Home Hardware

BOOK KEEPER Copies

Continental Hair ALWAYS

Downtown Market available at

Food Basics Book Keeper

Imperial Theatre

(Northgate)

Lambton Audiology

Local Motif

London Road Diagnostic Clinic

Pharmasave London Road

WHERE to PICK UP The club

M&M Food Markets

Marilyn Gladu, M.P.

Metro - London Rd.

Metro - Northgate

Mission Thrift Store

My Secret Garden

Patodia Eye Institute

Russell St. Home Hardware

Sarnia Library

Shine at Home

Shoppers - Wellwise (Northgate)

Sipkens Nurseries

Sole Decisions

Strangway Community Centre

Sunripe

The Shoebox

Treat Yourself Wellness

United Way

van Goozen Music

VON

BRIGHT’S GROVE

Foodland

Skeeter Barlow’s

CORUNNA

Foodland

Hogan Pharmacy

Rob’s No Frills

Pharmasave

FOREST

Foodland

Pharmasave

Williamson Farms Country Store

GRAND BEND

Lambton Heritage Museum

MOORETOWN

Mooretown Sports Complex

OIL SPRINGS

Oil Museum

PETROLIA

Black Gold Brewery

Central Lamb. Family Health

Country Yarns

Heidi’s Independent Grocer

Hogan Guardian Pharmacy

Lambton Audiology

Lambton Pharmacy

SunCoast Natural Health

WHILE THEY LAST!

*Not a complete list, but these locations

should always receive papers.

POINT EDWARD

Bob Bailey, M.P.P.

Tourism Sarnia-Lambton

Twin Bridge Lighting

PORT FRANKS

Grog’s Restaurant

REECE’S CORNERS

Lambton Elderly Outreach

Marcanda Gifts & Tea Room

Zekveld’s Garden Market

WYOMING

Foodland

Lambton County Archives

Marley IDA Pharmacy

Spa-Cation

ALSO AVAILABLE AT ALL LAMBTON COUNTY LIBRARIES

P A G E

24

(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) Happy is the bride who... gets all the presents!

Winter 25/26

Contact us any time by email - info@welcometotheclub.ca

Welcome to...

THE Club

VULNERABLE PERSONS REGISTRY

Do you know someone living with dementia?

HOW TO DONATE

You can give securely online with a one-time gift, monthly

donation, or through securities and mutual funds. Scan the

QR code or visit noellesgift.ca and click “How You Can Help.”

We also accept e-transfers sent to donations@noellesgift.ca.

(Please include your full name, address, phone number, and

email in the message section so we can issue a tax receipt.)

Cheques may be mailed to P.O. Box 3334 Sarnia Main,

Sarnia, Ontario N7T 8G6

All information is secured and confidential. Registered charity number 828700583RR0001

3 out of 5 people living with

dementia will go missing at some

point, a frightening experience,

and a dangerous one.

That’s why the Alzheimer Society

of Sarnia-Lambton is partnering

with The Sarnia Police Services and

OPP to provide an opportunity for

individuals living with dementia to

be registered as someone at risk of

going missing. Critical information

collected provides searchers with

quick access to key information to

assist in locating the individual and

returning them home safely.

SPELLING BEE

L

F

I

E

N

Y

R

D

FIND AS MANY WORDS AS YOU CAN

USING THE LETTERS ABOVE!

(Use each letter only once per word)

Over 1300

people

follow us on

...You

should too!

May 8, 1945. Each year it’s a day

to reminisce, to reflect on those

unforgettable war years, and to stress

on younger generations how precious is

peace.

In Canada, no bombs hit our homes,

we didn’t sleep in shelters, but we felt

the war. Normal lifestyles changed

dramatically, and we skimped rations to

send to our boys overseas and families

and friends in Britain.

I at least had my wedding day - on

that Labour Day weekend when Canada

declared war - but our honeymoon

was interrupted as my bridegroom

immediately joined the Royal Canadian

Air Force. Shortly afterwards, his

squadron left Hamilton for the west

coast, to guard against submarines

lurking offshore.

As soon as possible, I went out to

join him, four lonely nights and three

days crossing the country. Converted

to a troop train, the coaches were

stripped of all comforts, straight-backed

seats offering little sleep, a sandwich

cart occasionally relieving hunger and

monotony.

I scribbled notes as towns whizzed

by, then doll-size farmhouses houses

and barns dotting the prairie landscape.

Eventually, the majestic Rocky

Mountains changed the scenery as we

chugged, snaked, climbed and dropped

on the precarious tracks, like a toy train

set chugging in a child’s room. After

a long dark tunnel a blue lake might

appear around a bend, and occasionally

mountain goats climbed steep rocky

walls to graze on a scrap of greenery.

Finally - Vancouver! Now, living here

"Aspire to inspire

before you expire."

myself, I often relive that day as I

dropped my luggage and, in tears, raced

down the long station into waiting,

loving arms.

In 1941 the squadron left Vancouver

for duty at a Yarmouth, Nova Scotia

base, and I travelled back to my parents.

Off I went again, with a girlfriend going

to marry her airman fiance as soon as

we arrived. But our train was hours late

and our luggage had

been taken off at the

previous stop! Her

fiance raced off to

beg the minister to

wait up to marry

them. Finally our

suitcases came,

and we frantically

unpacked and

dressed in the old,

furnished house our

boys had found for us

all to share. Later, at

the minister’s house,

we raised mugs

of cocoa to toast

the bridal pair at a

makeshift banquet of

biscuits and cheese.

An unconventional

wedding? Who

cared? Love was in

the air! Time was precious in a makebelieve

world which could tumble

around us at any moment.

Our two children were born during

those years - family life in furnished

rooms at various bases. I washed

diapers in a communal bathroom,

drying them over a hot plate which also

Registration

is easy!

A Wartime Bride Looks Back

heated baby bottles, soup and baked

beans. Our baby’s crib was a blanketlined

dresser drawer, our two-year-old

shared our pull-out sofa bed. But I didn’t

dare moan about my situation. We

were together, trying to ignore the everpresent

question, “What will tomorrow

bring?”

Stationed next in Sydney, we heard of

a furnished house in Glace Bay to share

with another Air

Force couple. Even

with rationing and

few conveniences it

was home. Behind

it stretched a field

of wild blueberry

bushes. We ate berries

raw, stewed, and in

countless sugarless

concoctions. Our

teeth turned blue,

the youngsters’ faces,

hands and clothes

were slathered with

blue juice. And

every morning a

new harvest of

mushrooms meant

suppertime treats

- fried in a skimpy

blob of butter from

the week’s ration.

Each new posting meant an interim

spell with my parents until I could rejoin

my husband; long train trips with the

children were no picnic! In restricted

space, an active toddler needed amusing,

a baby needed feeding and diapering

(no disposables in those days). Sleeping

berths were non-existent. Fortunately


(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) A penny saved is... not much.

Let’s all do our part to help individuals with

dementia live safely in our community.

Simply call Alzheimer Society Sarnia-Lambton

at 519 332 4444 to learn how.

by Jean Leedale Hobson • from Daytripping May-June 2006

other kind moms and grannies helped

out. But our reunions, together again at

a new base, need no words to describe;

we knew we were very fortunate.

I remember November 11, 1941,

standing in the cold wind and rain

in Sydney, Nova Scotia, watching the

military parade, our sixteen-month

old daughter in my arms. When the

Air Force squadron marched by she

recognized her daddy among all the

others in identical uniforms. Almost

jumping from my arms, she shouted,

“Da-da! Da-da!” to the amusement of

everyone nearby - a poignant touch to

lighten that sombre day.

Peacetime came and experiences

could turn into memories. Those of us

who actually lived through that period

think back to the uncertainty of each

day, coping with rationing, knitting

socks for ‘our boys’ in action, clothing

our children with remakes from old

garments (the birth of recycling), and

the heart-wrenching partings.

I recall how strange it was, after

six unsettled years far from home,

unpacking wedding gifts stored with my

parents, trying to remember who gave

us what!

Special days such as the day peace

was declared, we retell the experiences

of that ‘greatest generation,’ a

label worn proudly but humbly. We

remember tragic stories, heroic stories,

heartbreaking stories, touching tales

of the unspeakable joy of reunions

tempered by tears shed for the loved

ones of those who didn’t return.

And, vividly recalling these memories,

we continue to pray for lasting peace.

Welcome to...

THE Club

Retirement: the pay sucks, but the hours are really good!

BOB BAILEY

MPP – Sarnia-Lambton

Building A Better Sarnia-Lambton

It was great to join the Minister of

Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills

Development, for a tour of UA Local 663

to learn how the pipefitters are meeting

the demands for our future workforce.

On the High Dive at the Moore Sports

Complex to celebrate a $1M grant

from the Ontario Government’s

Community Sport and Recreations

Infrastructure Fund.

Construction of the new student

residence at Lambton College is

well underway. It was great to have

the Minister of Municipal Affairs

and Housing pay a visit to see the

progress.

Premier Ford stopped by local contractor

KelGor to visit with the workers and

learn more about how Sarnia-Lambton

businesses play a critical role in building

a stronger Ontario.

Greetings loyal Club Readers! It’s hard to believe the calendar

has already returned to winter. 2025 was a year full of surprises.

For 2026, I hope that our business and political leaders can

continue to successfully navigate the economic headwinds

from south of the border. As we chart a new course for

economic growth and security, our nation must leverage the

tremendous skills and abilities of Sarnia-Lambton residents.

Together, I believe we can build a strong, resilient nation, with

the people of Sarnia-Lambton front and center in the effort.

As part of the Ontario government’s plan to protect Ontario

and strengthen public services, I’m pleased to share that the

Ontario government is investing $1.1 billion over the next three

years to extend home care services and the Hospital to Home

(H2H) program to thousands more patients every year. By

expanding access to convenient care at home for patients who

no longer need to stay in the hospital, these investments will

ease pressures on the health-care system and free up beds for

those who need them most.

As Ontario’s population ages and to ensure the health-care

system can continue to support more patients with

increasingly complex needs, the increase in funding for the

H2H program will connect more patients with services from

nurses, physiotherapists and social workers, so they can avoid

lengthy hospital stays and live in the comfort of their own home

independently.

I believe that with every challenge comes opportunity. I look

forward to the growth, innovation, and positive change that

will come in the year ahead. All the best to the fans of The Club

in 2026!

Visiting the Canadian

Transportation Museum and

Heritage Village with the MPP for

Essex, Anthony Leardi.

Learning about rail car safety at

the TRANSCAER Safety Train

event at the CN Rail Yard in

Sarnia.

Chatting with David Burrows at

the annual Sarnia Seniors Cruise

along the St. Clair River.

Joining the Premier, Minister of

Municipal Affairs and Housing, and

Mayor of Sarnia to announce

funding for Sarnia through the

Building Faster Fund.

CONSTITUENCY !

OFFICE

805 Christina St. North, Suite 102

Point Edward, ON N7V 1X6

Contact Bob Bailey

Tel.: 519-337-0051

Fax: 519-337-3246

E-mail: bob.baileyco@pc.ola.org

Website: bobbaileympp.com

P A G E

26

(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) A rolling stone... plays the guitar.

Winter 25/26

Our next issue will come out around the end of February 2026.

Welcoming

New Patients

SARNIA PHARMACY

Corunna Pharmasave

Glencoe Pharmasave

Welcome to...

THE Club

• Pharmacist 24/7 for our paents • FREE Delivery

• Compounding Centre • FREE Compliance Packs

• $2.00 Co-Pay waived on elegible ODB Prescripons

• 10% discount on otc items every Tuesday & Friday

MEDICATION MANAGEMENT • AWARENESS • COMPLIANCE

OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 9-6, SATURDAY 9-2, SUNDAY CLOSED

SARNIA: 206 Maxwell St, 519-337-3215 • CORUNNA: 409 Lyndoch St, 519-862-2020 • GLENCOE: 235 A Main St, 519-287-3225

A Year Round Garden Centre, Gi Shop & Bouque!

Extraordinary selecon of plants,

home & garden decor and poery

for enhancing your indoor

Family owned & operated for 36 years.

3261 London Line

(Road 22)

East of SARNIA

519-542-8353

Just East of Sarnia on Cty Rd 22

Take Exit 15 off Hwy 402

USA

Lake Huron

Sarnia

22

Bright’s

Grove

From

26

London

402

From

Wallaceburg

It’s been almost eight years since the

Downtown Market opened in an historic

building on Sarnia’s Christina Street.

And its success speaks to the initiative

of owner Jessica Raaymakers.

Her unique retail concept appeals to

both shoppers and vendors. She says

she’s never seen this particular setup

anywhere else and the waitlist of

vendors who want to get in reflects how

well it works.

Five days a week, you’ll find

Raaymakers greeting customers at the

market, manning the check-outs, and

stocking the shelves.

Her presence means the 50 or so

vendors who lease from her don’t

have to physically be there. It also

N

SIPKENS

NURSERIES

By Cathy Dobson

OPEN Monday to Saturday

Downtown Market is a unique

shopping destination

Jessica Raaymakers, owner of the Downtown Market in Sarnia.

C. Dobson Photo

means convenient shopping hours

for customers to enjoy a one-of-a-kind

shopping experience in the first two

storeys of 140 Christina St. North near

Cromwell.

Not only are there more than 50

vendors, there’s another 50 suppliers

filling the spacious aisles with gifts,

treats, fresh flowers, boutique food

items and more.

“I would have loved to be able to

lease space like this when I

started my own business,”

said Raaymakers who

launched Mae Allen

Confections nearly 30

years ago.

Back then, the only

places to sell her handmade

chocolates were craft

sales and church bazaars.

But now the Downtown

Market offers a convenient

alternative Tuesday to

Saturday.

Raaymakers vets each

artisan who applies and

ensures no two are the

same. The result is a

carefully curated array of

toys, jewellery, clothing,

novelties, gift baskets, frozen foods,

thrifted treasures, candles, kombucha,

honey, upcycled furniture and more.

It all started in 2018 when Raaymakers

had the opportunity to lease the first two

floors of the former Taylor’s Furniture

building. She immediately rebranded as

the Downtown Market and

turned it into a collective

with regular promotions

and special events.

Some vendors such

as Kombucha Hound

have been there from the

beginning while others

such as florist Save the

Date and 3-D Toys by

Thomas are new to the

space.

The second level offers

workshops and revolving

photography and art

exhibitions. Camlachie’s Lizz Hubert

of The Elephant’s Trunk currently has

her mixed media work “Rooted &

Rising” on display through to the end of

December.

No question, the Downtown Market

has breathed new life into a 100-yearold

building vacated by retail landmark

Taylor’s Furniture in 2010.

Taylor’s operated at 140 Christina St.

for 78 years. Before that,

the expansive three-storey

building was a grocery and

liquor store and the scene

of the shooting of the

infamous bank robber Red

Ryan in 1936.

“This building means

a lot to me. There’s really

no other place like it,” said

Raaymakers, motioning

upward at the unique

second floor mezzanine.

Apart from bringing in

guest artisans every First

Friday of the month, the

Downtown Market hosts

an annual Christmas

Winter Block Party. This

Canadian Gift Basket

Downtown Market Photo

year’s party is Dec. 5 from

5 p.m. – 10 p.m. and Dec.

6 from 10 p.m. – 4 p.m.

With all that the

Downtown Market has to

offer, gift baskets, boxes

and bags tend to be popular

throughout the holiday

season. Raaymakers notes

that she can accommodate

large corporate orders and

clients can choose products

from all 100 vendors and

suppliers.

The market also has

online ordering for frozen meals,

groceries and gifts. Pickup and delivery

are available.

Open year-round. Tuesday to Thursday

10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Fridays 10 a.m. – 8

p.m.; and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Visit www.downtownmarketsarnia.

ca for more details and email

downtownmarketsarnia@gmail.com

with inquiries.

Unique items from over 100 local artisans, entrepreneurs and

gourmet food suppliers. C. Dobson Photo


(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) Two’s company, three’s... the Musketeers.

Welcome to...

THE Club

ALL AIRPORTS

Growing old is inevitable, but growing up is optional!

THE CLUB

CAN’T FIND A COPY?

Copies always available

at BOOK KEEPER

in Northgate Plaza

If you see that they have run out,

please call us at 519-491-1676

From Sarnia....

Private & Personal... “Door to Door” Chauffeur Service • 24 HRS. Day

Toronto, Detroit, Flint, Hamilton, London, Kitchener/Waterloo Airports

- “New Model” Toyota Sienna Hybrid - 7 Passenger Mini Van

- Experienced, Accident Free, Mature Male Driver

- Have Current Sarnia Police Check, RCMP Check, USA NEXUS Check

- Luggage Service In/Out Vehicle, from Home &Airport Pickups

- Portable “Luggage” Weight Scale, & Small “Step Stool” in Vehicle

- GPS Confirmation of Flights, with Texting Service when Boarding & Landed

- Small Pets are “Welcome,” in an Airline-Approved Pet Carrier

SPECIALIZING IN CANADIAN “SNOWBIRDS”

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR AFAIR PRICE - GRATUITIES ARE APPRECIATED

Scan with Phone

• Prevent Auto Thefts at Airports & Hotels .....

• Airport Flight Schedules are cancelled .....

• Trains are cut back.....

• Buses are cut back.....

• Shuttles are cut back.....

(This is not a “Shuttle Service”)

Please Email or Text for more details.

Also, for other services like Train Stations, Weddings,

Hospital Treatments, coming to the area for a Funeral.

NOTE: 12 Passenger Rental Van also available

FULLY INSURED – DRIVERS ARE VACCINATED – NON SMOKING

Thank You, Joe Szasz Sr.

Joe @ 519-339-6628 ... or joebe1@sympatico.ca

(Text preferred. Please leave a message on voice calls, as I am usually on the road)

Looking for

PRIVATE IN-HOME

PHYSIOTHERAPY?

Mobility Works Physio Yoga

will come to you!

Balance Training, Falls Prevenon,

Funconal Strength, Yoga,

Nordic Pole Walking, and more!

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phy s i o

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MOVE. FEEL. LIVE.

Book IN-HOME

Physiotherapy or Private Yoga

at: www.mwphysioyoga.com

Covered under most

Extended Health Benefits.

Kelly-Lynn

Musico

REGISTERED

PHYSIOTHERAPIST

REGISTERED

YOGA TEACHER

Contact Kelly-Lynn at 519.312.6122

or mwphysioyoga@outlook.com

On a beautiful sunshiny day in May,

I volunteered to stay after school to

help clean the blackboards and brushes

then shuffled home alone. No one was

home which was highly unusual. Great,

I thought. I’ve got the place to myself.

I was eleven and the imperative ruling

was to change into everyday clothes but

I put off that chore until later. I grabbed a

shiny red apple, turned on the radio and

flopped on the couch.

My Dad and I both had a passion for

polka music and what a stroke of luck I

thought as they announced the ‘Polka

Tunes Only’ program was coming up

next. I’d never had a dancing lesson in

my life nor had I ever done the polka, but

suddenly felt a strong compulsive itch

to dance. I placed the radio in the open

kitchen window by the back door, flung

my blazer on a chair, giving no thought

whatsoever to my brightly coloured

P A G E

28

flared skirt with navy bloomers below

and put on my cleated brown oxfords

for enhanced noise effect. With the radio

volume maxed, I stepped out on the back

porch and danced passionately as my

skirt billowed and swelled up in the air. To

my heart’s content, I twirled, spun dizzily

and kicked up my heels to the pulsating

fast polka beat; carefree and thoroughly

enjoying bouncing vigorously to one tune

after another until I was breathless and

exhausted. Knowing I must have a short

rest, I turned the radio down and wilted

on the steps, gasping for air.

Out of the blue, someone started

clapping loudly, slowly at first then faster

and faster. Shocked and horrified I looked

everywhere but seemingly no one was

there. Then a deep male voice called

by Eva May Lewis,

from Daytripping July-Aug 2010

(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) Don’t put off til tomorrow what... you put on to go to bed.

out, “That was the best free

entertainment I’ve seen in a

very long time; kid!”

A C.P.R workman was

perched in a maple tree outside

my dance studio at the back door.

As I tore into the house and just

before the door slammed shut,

I heard him say he had come

to trim branches. I was embarrassed to

the nth degree at my insane behaviour.

I flipped off the radio, hit the couch at

full speed and stuffed a fat pillow in my

flaming hot face, then screamed with

dignity and self-respect crushed, to realize

I had been observed. How sickening; he

even saw my bloomers! Oh, God help me,

what if he tells Dad? Far more unbearable

than that, what if my browbeating bulldog

siblings get hold of this?

As there was no C.P.R.

vehicle in the yard, apparently

this workman had been dropped

off and must have climbed up

the tree about the same time

my dance plan and high volume

music was launched.

Obviously no one found

out and the memory was sharp

and uncomfortable for a very

long period. Later on, I could

appreciate the genuine indisputable

humour of that goofy occurrence. Now

and again, whenever I’m asked to tell one

of life’s most embarrassing moments,

I usually choose this one; providing of

course they haven’t heard it before. Dad

never mentioned a word but we laughed

with gusto years later when I told him

what happened and demonstrated a bit

with foolish flair.

Winter 25/26

Lend a hand to a local organization... see the list below for ideas.

Welcome to...

THE Club

HAIR SCULPTORS

Book your appointment today!

$10 off with this Coupon

FIRST-TIME CUSTOMERS ONLY

EXPIRES FEBRUARY 28, 2026

Seniors

Save

Young

@

Heart

Earn Free

Rewards

on almost

everything you

buy at Pharmasave.

484 East St North, Sarnia

519-383-0909

Save 20%OFF OFF

Every Thursday

Regular Priced

Items In-Store

Every Thursday of every month!

Welcome to ...

The Giving List

ORGANIZATION

R

N

I

Z

ATA

T

IOI

ONO

N

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY O

T

/ D

DONATIONS

ONS

LONDON ROAD PHARMACY

Locally Owned and Operated

www.londonroadpharmacy.com

Many of us have time to give... consider being a volunteer!

Find some ideas in the list below.

These listings are for reference only.

Please contact the organization for details.

Alzheimer Society of S-L Program, Event and Bingo Volunteers 519-332-4444

Tammy Maure

1249 London Rd

519-491-6778

CONTACT

Bluewater Health HELP Volunteers: Daily Visitor, Therapeutic Activities, Meal Assistance and more 519-464-4400 ext. 5406

Canadian Red Cross Meals on Wheels (Sarnia, Bright’s Grove, Pt Edward), Transportation in- and out-of-town www.redcross.ca (volunteer tab)

Christmas for Everyone Food and new/unused toys, assisting most of rural Lambton County. (please check expiry dates) 226-349-8660

Family Counselling Centre Provide support to local older adults through Tel-Check and Distress Line programs. 519-336-0120 ext. 251

Habitat for Humanity Handyman Assistant, ReStore: Sales Floor Support, Cashier 519-339-7957

Inn of the Good Shepherd Clothing, linens & bedding, food items. Volunteer opportunities available. 519-344-1746

LC Long-Term Care Living Various opportunities from Coffee Program to organist/pianist to dining companions lambtoncares.ca/volunteer

Lambton Elderly Outreach Transportation, Friendly Visiting, Meals on Wheels, Diner’s Club, Forever Fitness, Administration 519-845-1353

Literacy Lambton Volunteer opportunities in the Adult or Family Literacy Programs, Special Events, and more literacylambton.org/volunteer/

Mission Thrift Store Volunteer cashiers, salesfloor associates 519-337-1614

Noelle’s Gift to Children Bingo & Event Volunteers: online registration at www.noellesgift.ca under volunteer tab www.noellesgift.ca

Petrolia Comm. Refrigerator Any type of food items, personal items and monetary donations 519-882-1390

Petrolia Food Bank Monetary and food donations to food bank (please check expiry dates) 519-882-3950

P-W Historical Society Plympton-Wyoming Historical Society (positions on the Board) and at Museum (in Camlachie) sueewright53@gmail.com

River City Vineyard Donation of food, extra clothing, valuables, and small household items to foodbank and shelter 519-383-8463(VINE)

Sarnia Humane Society Several volunteer opportunities. Non-clumping cat litter, towels and small fleece blankets, etc. www.sarniahumanesociety.com

Sarnia Lambton Rebound Youth Program & Special Events, Cinderella Project Committee, Rebound Rocks 519-344-2841 ext. 101

St. Joseph’s Hospice S-L Residence Reception, Kitchen, Grocery Shopping, Direct Support, Gardening and more 519-337-0537 stjosephshospice.ca

St. Vincent de Paul S-L Volunteers needed to raise awareness and help end hunger and poverty in our community. stvincefb@gmail.com

United Way of S-L Day of Caring, Bingos, and Thank You Community Volunteers theunitedway.on.ca or 519-336-5452

Victorian Order of Nurses Visitor, Footcare Clinic Assistant, Bingo, Adult Day Program, In-Home Exercise 519-542-2310 ext. 4267

Willing Hands Yarn Club Donations of yarn used for scarves, hats, blankets, etc. distributed locally and nationally. 519-336-8808

Women’s Interval Home New unused items only will be accepted to shelter: hygiene items, clothing, gift cards, etc. kyla@womensintervalhome.com


(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) None are so blind as... Stevie Wonder.

Welcome to...

THE Club

Seaway Kiwanis Sarnia

Join Us For

on Cogeco YourTV

Every Tuesday 7 pm

Ch. 700, stream

with Epico App

All proceeds go

to serving the

children of our

community.

BINGO

CARDS

available at

local vendors

Find a list of vendors & more info at:

SeawayKiwanis.ca/Kiwanis-TV-BINGO

Seaway Kiwanis Sarnia

Don’t put this down! You’ll have to bend over to pick it back up!

12

COMMANDMENTS

for SENIORS

1. Talk to yourself. There are times you need expert advice.

2. "In Style" are the clothes that still fit.

3. You don't need anger management. You need people to stop

pissing you off.

4. Your people skills are just fine. It's your tolerance for idiots that

needs work.

- Author

Unknown

5. The biggest lie you tell yourself is, "I don't need to write that down.

I'll remember it."

6. "On time" is when you get there.

7. Even duct tape can't fix stupid, but it sure does muffle the sound.

8. It would be wonderful if we could put ourselves in the dryer for

ten minutes, then come out wrinkle-free and three sizes smaller?

9. Lately, you've noticed people your age are so much older than you.

10. Growing old should have taken longer.

11. Aging has slowed you down, but it hasn't shut you up.

12. You still haven't learned to act your age and hope you never will.

... And one more:

"One for the road" means peeing before you leave the house!!

TUESDAY IS

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P A G E

30

(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) It’s always darkest before... I open my eyes.

Winter 25/26

Please tell our advertisers that you saw their ad in this magazine!

Welcome to...

THE Club

50+ Local Arsans

Showcased,

including...

Handcraed Chocolates,

Gi Baskets, Flowers,

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TUES/WED/THURS 10-6

FRI 10-8 • SAT 10-4

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of frozen meals,

grocery & gis.

DowntownMarketSarnia.ca

the end. I tell the grandkids that it’s jazz

improvisation.

The

Family gatherings create their

own minefields. The grandkids

Retirement want technology, so I bought what I

Coach © by Mike Keenan thought was a PlayStation. Turned

http://theretirementcoach.libsyn.com/ out to be a “placemat station,” a

tasteful set of napkins. As I get older,

I try to downsize. When I hand out

gifts, they’re usually things I’ve found

around the house. “Here’s a spatula,

Seniors

dear. Very handy for pancakes. And for

in December: you, a crossword book with only the

A Survival Guide hard words left.” The grandkids smile

Listen to Mike’s podcasts (humour, travel and poetry) at: The Retirement Coach:

politely while Googling “how to return

http://theretirementcoach.libsyn.com/ His book, ‘Don’t Ever Quit - a Journal of Coping

with December Crisis & Nourishing the chilly Spirit,’ is month available when in print & electronic gifts from format confused at Amazon: relatives.”

seniors https://amzn.to/2KBdPWQ

discover just how dangerous And let’s talk about holiday food.

“holiday cheer” can be. Forget the Fruitcake isn’t dessert. It’s a dental

blizzards and black ice. The real hazard exam in disguise. If you can chew

is Christmas lights. Every year, some through it, congratulations, you don’t

little voice in one’s head whispers: “You need dentures yet. Eggnog? It’s one

can still do this.” And like fools, we drag part nostalgia, two parts cholesterol,

out the ladder, the box of tangled light three parts regret. After a single holiday

strings, and a plastic reindeer missing buffet, I spend the evening negotiating

an antler. Nothing says “peace on earth” peace terms with my stomach. Forget

quite like balancing on a frozen rung candy canes. The true spirit of Christmas

while shouting at an extension cord that is antacids.

refuses to connect.

There’s always a neighbour watching

the process from the safety of their

driveway, offering helpful advice like,

You can still do this.

“A little to the left!” The only thing that

stops me from throwing a snowball

at them is the certainty I’d fall off the Technology doesn’t help. Every

ladder in the attempt. If that happens,

don’t bother with 911. Just prop me up

in the nativity scene as a wise man who

took a wrong turn.

Shopping isn’t much safer. I went

to the mall to buy socks and came out

three hours later with vertigo, two bags

of things I don’t remember purchasing,

and no idea where my car was parked.

Seniors wandering a December parking

lot look like lost explorers, faces red

from the wind, arms shaking under

shopping bags, muttering, “Row six…

maybe seven… or maybe this is the

wrong mall.”

Online shopping is supposed to

solve this problem. Instead, it raises

the stakes. I tried to order a sweater for

my grandson, clicked the wrong button,

and apparently adopted a goat in Peru.

December, the kids insist we join the

family FaceTime call. No matter how

I hold the phone, the grandkids end

up staring straight up my nostrils. Last

year, I told Alexa to play Bing Crosby.

She cheerfully replied, “Now playing

Cardi B.” The family danced. I went to

lie down.

Finally, there’s New Year’s Eve.

Seniors don’t wait for midnight. We

know our limits. We toast the new year

at 8:30 p.m. with ginger ale and are

asleep before Ryan Seacrest even puts

on his sparkly jacket. My resolution? To

stop buying extended car warranties

over the phone… unless the caller

sounds lonely.

So yes, December is tough on seniors.

But if you can survive tangled lights,

parking-lot amnesia, fruitcake dentistry,

The sweater never arrived, but Enrique and FaceTiming your grandkids’

the goat is thriving, and I get monthly

updates. Perhaps we can use his wool.

Then comes the caroling. I hate to

admit it, but my hearing is faulty. Many

of us tend to mishear everything. At

church service, I belted out, “Deck

the halls with Buddy Holly.” No one

corrected me, probably because it

made more sense than trying to rhyme

“boughs of holly” again. By the second

verse of Silent Night, I usually forget the

words and hum “mmm-mmm” until

nostrils, you’ve done more than make

it through the holidays. You’ve earned

a medal of honour, or at least a seat by

the fire, where the only thing you must

untangle is the remote control.

Listen to Mike’s podcasts (humour,

travel and poetry) at: The Retirement

Coach: http://theretirementcoach.libsyn.

com/ His book, ‘Don’t Ever Quit - a Journal

of Coping with Crisis & Nourishing Spirit,’

is available in print & electronic format at

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2KBdPWQ

We want your

photos, stories

& anecdotes

showcasing

Sarnia-Lambton!

Welcome to ...

THE

CLUB

Send them to


We also welcome your ideas,

comments or questions.

Busy days, any day.

Delicious is always on hand.

Every day, open your freezer to over 200 meals

made especially for seniors, delivered for free*

with no contracts.

Get your

free

menu!

Locally owned

1-877-404-4246

HeartToHomeMeals.ca

*Some conditions may apply.


(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) Children should be seen and not... spanked.

210 Front Street North, Sarnia

in the Sculpt Beauty Lounge

If 'URINE' doubt ... just ask Nurse 2

Nurse Vitality. Sarnia's only B-Pulse

chair for urinary incontinence, organ

prolapse, enlarged prostate, erectile

dysfunction, and so much more.

519-525-2399 • 519-312-7587

nurse2nursevitality.com

Welcome to...

12 New Units coming this winter

at 7977 Railroad Line in ALVINSTON

Contact us for more details

519-868-0459

NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS

THE Club

2 Bed / 2 Bath

with Garage.

Appliances

and ulies

included

www.albanyretirementvillage.com

MORE MUSIC & LAUGHTER

in store for our excing

2026 SEASON

1.800.717.7694

thevpp.ca

- Menon this ad for a 15% discount -

Everything for

your Kning,

Crocheng,

Cross Stch &

Needlepoint

Country Yarns Needs!

2776 LaSalle Line, PETROLIA • 519-882-8740

(BETWEEN MANDAUMIN & WATERWORKS)

Wed.10-5 • Thurs.10-6 • Fri.10-5 • Sat. 10-3

Closed Dec 20-Jan 6 country-yarns.com

Retirement

Village

Downtown Retirement Living

in a Quaint Victorian Town

Call to Book a Tour:

423 Albany Street

Petrolia, ON

519-882-3157

Enjoy Friends | Enjoy Independence | Enjoy Life

How did I get over the hill without getting to the top?

Established in 1978,

Lambton Pharmacy continues to

provide caring, professional pharmacy

services to residents of the beautiful

town of Petrolia and Lambton County.

Welcome to...

THE Club

We donate $25 for each reprinted

Daytripping Magazine article.

$7125 donated since Jan. 2021

THIS ISSUE’S RECIPIENT is...

United Way of Sarnia-Lambton

Kids’ Letters to God

4130 Glenview Rd, Unit 2, Petrolia

519-882-0650

v1.1 Strangway Community Centre

Danielle Edgar, B.Sc., PharmD v1.2 Forest Kineto Theatre

Pharmacist v1.3 Heritage St. Clair

v1.4 Sarnia Blessings

Monday–Friday 9–6

v2.1 Canatara Log Cabin Restoration

Saturday 9–12

Dear God,

In school, they told us

what you do. But who

does it when you are

on a vacation?

v2.2 Sarnia-Lambton Rebound

v2.3 Lambton Shores Nature Trails

River Ferry at v2.4 Becher, nuSarnia Foundation circa 1910

& the Daldean at Sombra, circa 1960

v3.1 Lambton Wildlife Inc.

v3.2 United Way of Sarnia-Lambton

Lambton’s rivers,

v3.3 Miracle Max’s Minions

streams, and creeks

v3.4 Lawrence House Centre for the Arts

stood as formidable

v3.5 Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitati

obstacles to land

V4.1 VPP

travel. For instance,

V4.2 NeighbourLink Sarnia-Lambton

the Sydenham River-

Black Creek water

V4.3 Seaway Kiwanis Animal Farm

system limited the

V4.4 Forest Kineto Kiwanis Theatre ($500 spo

early progress of road building. In V5.1 short, constructing Petrolia Discovery and maintaining Foundation bridges

were relatively expensive undertakings V5.2 at Lambton a time when Young low Theatre population Players levels

prevented townships from raising

V5.3

sufficient

Parkinson

tax revenues

Society

to

Southwestern

pay for such

Ontario

amenities. Indeed, the best way to cross inland waterways that blocked access to

V5.4 United Way of Sarnia-Lambton

urban centres was to avoid them altogether. This is why some of the last settled

parts of the county were those areas effectively cordoned off by watercourses.

This is not to say that our ancestors always conceded victory to the natural

vagaries of geology. As their communities matured, they could afford the luxury

of bridges. And where waterways proved too wide for conventional bridges,

entrepreneurs established ferrying businesses.

Two types of ferries saw service in Lambton. Hand- or animal-powered

craft were used in the county’s interior, where moderate currents and narrow

crossings rendered

motorized power

unnecessary. Above is a

typical example of this

style of ferry. To traverse

the Sydenham, its

operator called upon his

own muscle power to pull

the raft-like boat along a

cable strung across the

river. However, despite

its simple efficiency, the

Becher ferry was not

renowned for comfort. As

the sender of the postcard

view wrote to the addressee: “Just a gentle reminder of wet feet.”

Meanwhile, the powerful flow and the tremendous breadth of the St. Clair River

encouraged most ferry operators to rely on motorized craft that have ranged

from small six-person motor-launches to much larger automobile ferries. The

most famous of this last class of St. Clair ferry is the Daldean. Still going strong, it

has carried millions of vehicles between Sombra

and Marine City, Michigan since its launch in

1951. LHM (Thomas L. Johnston photo), AC

Courtesy of Glen C. Phillips -

Lambton: An Illustrated History of the County

© 1999

- Jane

Publisher’s Note: The ferry dock in Sombra was heavily

damaged in recent years and remains closed.

P A G E

32

(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) If at first you don’t succeed... get new batteries.

Winter 25/26

Ask us about copies for groups, meetings or apartment buildings.

• Fresh Produce

• Fresh Meat

• Party Trays

• Bakery

• Deli

• Bulk Food

• Seasonal

Merchandise

• Flower

Market

Petrolia’s

Welcome to...

Health Food Store & Refillery

4215 Petrolia Line, Petrolia

519-882-4633 • suncoastnaturalhealth.ca

SENIORS SAVE 15% Every Day

THE Club

Every Tuesday is SENIORS DISCOUNT DAY

10% OFF for age 60 and over (must tell cashier)

Doesn’t apply to tobacco, lottery or gift cards

Use our easy

ONLINE

SHOPPING

SERVICE

www.yourindependentgrocer.ca

We’ll bring your groceries to your car!

4136 Petrolia Line, Petrolia • 519-882-2211

www.yourindependentgrocer.ca

HOGAN

P•H•A•R•M•A•C•Y

Beautiful Gift Shop

• Wedding • Birthday

• Baby • Home Decor

Full Service Pharmacy

Full Service Cosmetic Department

Full Service Home Health Care Dept.

Wednesday is Senior’s Day

20% OFF* for Customers 55+

*SOME EXCLUSIONS MAY APPLY, PLEASE SEE STORE FOR DETAILS

Enjoy our Holiday Events! !

Cosmetics s Supreme Sparkle Event: Nov. 25

LADIES NIGHT - All Day/All-Night Event: Dec. 2

MEN'S NIGHT - All Day/All-Night Event: Dec. 9

LastMinute Christmas Event: Dec. 16

4177 Petrolia Line, Petrolia • (519) 882-1840 Mon-Fri 9-9, Sat 9-6, Sun10-5

Cooking for One

I have just finished reading a hilarious

book of short stories submitted by

several different authors, who at one

time or other in their life, while living

alone, attempted to cook meals for

one person only. While some loved the

experience, there were as many who

really struggled with it.

I started cooking and baking in my

early teens. It never ceased to amaze

me how you could get an assortment of

ingredients together, and end up with

a scrumptious meal. My mother had a

few cookbooks that I read from cover to

cover in search of something our family

had never had before. My parents and

brothers bravely ate whatever I made

without complaints, which encouraged

me to keep cooking. Everyone in our

family had a sweet tooth which meant

any new dessert was welcomed. One

summer afternoon, while visiting one

of my married sisters, we were invited

to a friend of hers for coffee. She served

us delicate pastries with a creamy

vanilla filling, which were the best thing

I had ever tasted. I asked what they

were and would she share the recipe?

By Jeanette Paddon,

St. Thomas

The lady was surprised to see a thirteen

year old girl interested in baking, and

happily gave me her recipe for “cream

puffs.” My family never tired of those,

and I whipped them up many times.

After I was on my own and working,

I went through a succession of

roommates who were all happy to let

me take over the kitchen at dinner time,

and praised everything I made. Once

I married and had children I started

collecting cookbooks which I would

go through page by page, while

noting the recipes I wanted to try.

Cooking and baking

was my favorite

hobby for many years.

Then, my husband

retired, and started

getting as interested in

cooking as he was in

eating, but everyone

knows that two

cooks in the kitchen

is one too many—

so I happily stepped

aside. He impressed

me constantly with

recipes I had never even heard of, and

each dinner was artfully plated—worthy

of a chef! I soon discovered he got many

of his recipes online, which is something

I had never thought of doing.

After my husband left this world, I

was now truly alone for the first time

in my life. Food was always the last

thing on my mind. I only ate when I

was starving, then would grab anything

that would fill me up, or else stop at a

fast food restaurant on my way home.

However, there came a time when I

knew I could not keep this up. Eating

“healthy” had always been important to

me, and I knew I had to get back into

good habits. I have never been a big

fan of meat, unlike my husband,

who could have happily eaten a

steak the size of a dinner plate,

and nothing else. During

winter I often make huge

pots of vegetable-based

soup or chili, that could

easily feed six people. I

then freeze individual

sized containers of this

“comfort” food, providing

me with many dinners for

the days ahead. In between

times, I have fish or an

omelet or a stir-fry which

are all quick and easy.


(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) The squeaky wheel gets... annoying.

During summer, I practically live on

salads and a sandwich. I must admit

there are times when I don’t know

what I’m in the mood for, so a bag of

microwave popcorn and a glass of wine

ends up being just fine. During the

summer heat waves on my way home

from golfing in Port Stanley, a delicious

old fashioned milkshake from Shaw’s is

also occasionally called “dinner.”

My table is now only used for folding

laundry. I always eat in the living room

while watching television, reading a

book, or playing games on my laptop.

I have never even considered the idea

of setting out a place mat and napkin

at the table, unless there is someone

to join me. I love going out for lunch

with a friend, and having friends or

family for dinner. However, cooking

for one is certainly not something I

enjoy doing, though it has become

a necessity if I want to eat. There are

times however, when I’m talking to a

friend who is wondering what to make

for dinner for herself and her husband,

when I realize—I’ve adapted well to

eating alone—and don’t even mind

that I only have myself to worry about!

I am, however, still awaiting the great

discovery of a “food pill,” that I could

swallow with a glass of water and have

all my nutritional needs taken care of!

Welcome to...

THE Club

PICK YOUR OWN • Strawberries • Raspberries

• Apples • Pears • Pumpkins (in season)

4622 London Line, Reeces Corners • 519-845-3482

PRODUCE FRESH FROM OUR FIELDS

FARM STORE with fresh produce,

bakery items, preserves, maple syrup,

honey & more. Stop by soon!

www.zekveldgardenmarket.ca

Punchline

OPEN MON-SAT

Children Welcome

A man was tired of being bossed around by his wife, so he went to a

psychiatrist. The psychiatrist said he needed to build his self-esteem and so

he gave him a book to read on assertiveness, which he read on his way home.

The man stormed into the house and walked up to his wife. Pointing a finger

in her face, he said "From now on, I want you to know that I am the man of

this house, and my word is the law! I want you to prepare me a gourmet

meal tonight, and when I'm finished eating my meal, I

expect a sumptuous dessert afterward. Then after

dinner, you're going to draw my bath so I can relax.

And, when I'm finished with my bath, guess who's

going to dress me and comb my hair?" His wife

calmly replied, "The funeral director."

60 might be the new 40, but 9 pm is the new midnight.

DO YOU LOVE THIS MAGAZINE?

Please consider leng your favourite local

business (and our adversers) know that

you read it, keep it and that it should work

well for them. It’s only free (and possible)

because of their adversements.

Welcome to... THE

THECLUB

Kitchen &

Bathroom

Showroom

519-845-3726

www.PlymptonPlumbing.com • 4401 London Line, Wyoming

The Mysteries Of ‘Thrift’ Shops

By Maryleah Otto • from Daytripping March-April 2013

I’ve always been a great fan of

‘thrift’ shops, antique markets and

‘olde curiosity shoppes.’ Each foray

into their dusty, and often musty,

interiors fills me with the excited

anticipation of an explorer about

to trek into uncharted lands. What

wonders am I going to behold? What

treasures lie waiting for my eager

gaze and grasping fingers? Could

that ugly old picture really

be an authentic chef

d’oeuvre by Salvador

Dali? Of course, I’ve

never stumbled upon any

priceless masterpieces but

I have found many, many

lovely little pieces over the years

to fill my home and cottage with

beauty and usefulness. And I like to

think that they in turn are happy to

have found a new home!

How sad they had looked sitting

alone on the shelf amid dozens of other

such items, like old dogs or kittens at

an animal shelter; unloved, unneeded,

unwanted. Whatever had brought

them to this miserable, uncertain

state? What would become of them

if no one offered to rescue them??

These thoughts filled my mind one

evening recently as I poured myself a

cup of tea from a lovely English china

teapot that I’d found that morning at

our local ‘thrift’ store. It had cost me

all of $2. It wasn’t cracked or chipped

or even badly stained. It was fine. But

some set of circumstances had made

it an orphan, a cast-off, a forgettable

piece of ‘junk’ to be cleared out.

As I sat looking at its pretty roses

clambering over a trellis on a cozy

thatched cottage and the small white

dog frisking among the yellow and

white daisies, I mused on the origin

of my newly acquired pot. Had it once

belonged to a proper English matron,

her grey hair neatly pinned in a bun,

her ‘pinky’ daintily outstretched as

she lifted a bone china teacup

carefully to her lips? Had

she moved far across

the sea in her old age,

perhaps to live with a

married daughter who

would care for her? Had

she brought her teapot with

her, along with her precious

memories? Did her weary aging

heart fail her in the night and had

her daughter faced the sad task of

dispersing of her belongings? Was

the pretty teapot redundant? Too oldfashioned?

Just more clutter in the

daughter’s already busy life?

I sipped slowly from a second,

then a third cup. How cleanly the old

pot poured! No drips, no dribbles.

My imagination wandered through

dozens of possible tales that could

have explained the history of my rosecovered

teapot. But I would never

know which one was the real story.

Next time you find yourself

cleaning out a house, or browsing in

a ‘thrift’ shop, pause a moment. You

are in the company of hundreds of

friendly, gentle ghosts. Perhaps you

will take one of them home, to share

your fireside, and your dreams.

P A G E

34

(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) A journey of a thousand miles begins with... a blister.

Winter 25/26

You’re not getting older, you’re just becoming a classic!

MARLEY PHARMACY

60 Y Years of f S Service i t to Wyoming

W i

& The Surrounding Community!

“WHERE GOOD FRIENDS MEET!”

• Compounding Service Offered

607 Broadway Street,

Wyoming 519-845-3341

• hay fever

• oral thrush

• pink eye

• dermatitis

We offer

prescriptions for:

• acid reflux

• hemorrhoids

• cold sores

• impetigo

• insect bites and hives

• urinary tract infections

• menstrual cramps

• sprains & strains

• tick bites

Welcome to...

• Manicures • Pedicures • Waxing

• Massage Therapy • Electrolysis

a getaway from the everyday

635 Broadway Street

WYOMING

226-307-0772

“I’M STAYING HOME TODAY.

I HAVE MOOD POISONING.”

THE Club

Growing

A Greener

Community,

One Tree

At A Time

SENIORS 10% OFF (65+)

Contact Us: 519-845-0847

info@wyomingtreeservice.ca

Green County Ebikes

and

Mobility Scooters

and

The best quality product for the money.

New • Used

Parts • Sales

Service

Financing Available

Batteries for Ebikes & Mobility Scooters

638 Broadway Street, Wyoming • 519.333.8313 • www.greencountyebikes.com

Find these words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally and backwards.


(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) The grass is always greener... when you leave the sprinkler on.

TUES-FRI 10-5

SAT 10-2

“At The Rink” WORD SEARCH Happiness is Homemade

By Deborah Jantzi, from Daytripping Nov-Dec 2021

Who says happiness

can’t be homemade?

It’s been two decades,

but yesterday found

me on the same

snowy riverbank

where I’d spent many

happy youthful hours.

I was accompanied by

an energetic nine year

old. We were at the

mid-morning mark

of our home school

session and in “recess

modea” and I’d dug out my old crazy

carpet for the occasion. It hadn’t seen

“the hill” any more recently than I, and

already sported one crack from poor

storage. Not to be deterred, we trudged

Millbank’s slushy streets in search of

adventure!

Upon reaching the hill, it was

determined that I, as the teacher, should

take the trial run. Well, the slope had

seemingly shrunk (perhaps since I no

longer viewed it through a child’s eye)

but the thrill of the wind in your face

hadn’t diminished! An ice chunk slowed

my descent; I’d stopped in the reeds. Due

to the carpet’s brittle

condition I returned it

to street level with an

additional jagged rip,

vertical this time.

My charge was

now brave enough

to take his turn. To

his delight, he lost a

portion of carpet on

the way down. So it

continued; after every

run I collected more

orange pieces for our

growing garbage pile. Instead of being

disappointed at the short-lived mode

of transportation, my student, instead,

had a great time watching the carpet

disintegrating.

Just when it looked like the final 6”

x 6” piece would barely continue to cut

it, we spotted a heavy duty plastic bag

blown under the bridge. A brand new

“sled!”

It worked surprisingly well. I even

took a few more rides. Who needs

a real, store-bought toboggan when

you’ve an imagination and don’t mind a

few bruises? Happiness IS homemade!

Welcome to...

Forest Physiotherapy

and Rehabilitation

THE Club

CAROLYN MOSIER

S BscP.T. MCPA

Registered

er ed

Physiotherapist

ist

10 Watt Street, et

Forest • 519-786-3336

36

- Lar

Wilde

“Never wor about the

size of your

Christas tee.

In the eyes

of children, they

are all 30 feet tall..”

If this brings back good memories, send us some of your own.

Stop & Shop in

DOWNTOWN

FOREST

Browse our shops or take in a movie

at the historic Kineto Theatre!

Make a day of it in Forest!

Black

Friday

November 28

Christmas

in the Park

& Tree

Lighting

November 28

Santa Claus

Parade

7 pm

November 29

@Shop

Forest

FREE

PARKING

Downtown

Keep up with event & shopping info at shopforest.ca & Facebook.

Driving

TRIVIA

Selected

questions from

After Hours

Annual Trivia Night

1. What war lasted from 1950 until 1953?

2. In the game of backgammon each player is given how

many pieces or checkers? 13 14 15 16

3. According to studies, which fingernail grows the fastest?

thumb pinkie middle finger index finger

4. What is the largest city in terms of population on Lake

Huron?

5. What group sings the theme song to the TV show Big Bang

Theory?

6. What song title, a woman’s name, has the lyrics “She was

more like a beauty queen from a movie scene.”?

7. In science, charcoal is a form of what element?

8. In what movie did you hear the line: “I see dead people”?

9. From which English port did the Titanic set sail on her

maiden voyage?

10. Which film studio logo features a mountain with 22 small

stars around it?

ANSWERS:

1. Korean War; 2. 15; 3. middle finger; 4. Sarnia;

5. Barenaked Ladies; 6. Billie Jean; 7. Carbon;

8. Sixth Sense; 9. Southhampton; 10. Paramount.

Answers Below

P A G E

36

(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) When the blind leadeth the blind... get out of the way.

Winter 25/26

Let’s grow old together. You go first.

foresttravelservice.com

Powered By

We’re here to help you

make travelling easier.

519-786-2319 ESTABLISHED IN 1977

Your TICKET to

First Run Movies,

Concerts,

Film Festivals &

Community Events!

Entertaining audiences since 1917

in the Oldest Modern Theatre

in North America

24 King St W, FOREST • kineto.ca

Discover the Heart of Forest:

The Historic Kineto Theatre

By Ruth Illman, Forest

Nestled in the heart of Forest,

Ontario, the Kineto Theatre is more

than just a movie house—it’s a

cherished community hub with a proud

history and a vibrant future. Owned

and operated by the Kiwanis Club of

Forest since 1977, the Kineto is one

of the oldest continuously operating

movie theatres in Canada, and a

shining example of what a community

can achieve together.

Thanks to decades of local support,

the Kineto has undergone many

renovations and upgrades, including

the installation of new digital projectors

and sound systems to keep pace with

the latest cinema technology. But

it’s the heart behind the screen—the

volunteers, sponsors, and community

members—that make this theatre truly

special.

Today, the Kineto offers four regular

movie screenings each week, plus a

rich variety of special programming:

• Two film festival series: one monthly

fall and winter and film and street

festival weekend last weekend of

May

• Monthly Lunch & Movie events—a

favourite among our 55+ crowd

• Indigenous Film Festival, highlighting

important voices and stories

• Seasonal concerts, from fall through

the holidays, and a sell-out concert

series launching every January

• PA Day and Family Holiday movies—

free for families, courtesy of generous

local sponsors

• Special screenings like “We Lend

a Hand,” and the upcoming “Rez

Cops,” produced by Kettle Point

Productions

• Beyond entertainment, the Kineto

also serves as a community resource.

The theatre hosts birthday parties,

school field trips, and is home to

programming like the Boys & Girls

Club of Sarnia’s daily after school

drop-in and the Lambton Literacy

program

From film festivals and live music,

to education, family fun, and the best

popcorn around, the Kineto Theatre

continues to be a cornerstone of the

Forest community—a place where

generations come together to laugh,

learn, and celebrate.

The Kineto is also the home of the

Kiwanis Club of Forest who meet every

Monday evening at 6:45pm and always

welcome new members and volunteers

willing to give some time to community

service.

Visit kineto.ca or follow us

on Facebook and Instagram (@

kinetotheatre) to see what’s playing and

what’s coming up.

Join us at the Kineto—where history

meets community, and every seat tells

a story.

Welcome to...

Forest Pharmacy

• Flyer & Services @ forestpharmacy.ca

• Unique Gifts & Greeting Cards

• Free Delivery in Lambton Shores*

*SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY

19 King St W, Forest • 519-786-5161

Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-5, Sun & Holidays 10-2

info@forestpharmasave.ca

Puzzle

Solution

For The Club Winter 2025/26

SUDOKU on page 4

THE Club

• Herbal Products & Supplements

• Compression Stockings

• Mobility Aids & Much More!

29 King St W, Forest • 519-851-3331

Open Wed to Fri 10 to 2 & by appointment

forestnaturalremedies@rogers.com

Puzzle

Solution

D E C D V D D O D O

A R E W E I R A V O N

B A R E L S E V E N T

S A R N I A S T I N G

I T S D A D

O W E N S E X T E A

L O N D O N K N I G H T S

D O E P E I Y E A H

P A W C P R

G U E L P H S T O R M

K E N T O O P S O I L

E R I E R E A D A K A

G E T S T S N D E W

For The Club Winter 2025/26

“ICE TIME”

CROSSWORD on page 6

• Collecbles • Giware • Kids Toys, Games & Books • Fudge

• Gi Baskets ~ Available Year Round • Williamson Farms Beef & Pork

• Local Honey • Cheese • Local Cider • Williamson Farms Maple Syrup

Open Monday to Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-5 • Closed Mondays Jan to April

14 King Street West, FOREST • 226-520-0144

www.williamsonfarmscountrystore.ca

williamsonfarmscountrystore ca


(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) There is no fool like... Aunt Edie.

Welcome to...

THE Club

Isn’t it weird being the same age as old people?

Take to the Trails

in Ipperwash

Dunes & Swales

By Mary Lou Tasko, Lambton Shores Nature Trails

www.lsntblazers.com

Looking for a retreat from the

noise and bustle of life? Or perhaps

an opportunity to glimpse waxwings

or spotted turtles? A popular hiking

destination in Lambton Shores is the

Ipperwash Dunes & Swales Trail, located

in a 64-hectare reserve owned by the

Nature Conservancy of Canada and part

of a larger complex of forested dunes

and swales stretching along Lake Huron

from Grand Bend to Kettle Point. This

complex represents one of the largest

relatively undisturbed natural areas

remaining in southwestern Ontario.

Like other trails in Lambton Shores,

the Ipperwash trails exist in Carolinian

Canada, a region in Ontario south of an

imaginary line drawn from Grand Bend

to Toronto and representing only 1% of

Canada’s landmass. The mild climate,

in combination with a varied landscape

molded by glacial action and recession,

supports a diverse range of vegetation

and, in turn, wildlife habitats. Perhaps

the most unique feature of the Carolinian

“life zone” is the number of rare species

found here—more than one-third of the

P A G E

38

10005 Lakeshore Rd • GRAND BEND

rare, threatened

and endangered

species in Canada!

Almost two-thirds of

Ontario’s rare plants

are found here and

40% are found only

here.

As the name

suggests, the

Ipperwash Dunes

& Swales property

is a landform

consisting or sandy

ridges (dunes)

alternating with

marshy depressions

(swales). Nearly 100 of these such

landscape areas exist around the shores

of the Great Lakes. Wind and water

action created the initial dunes; over

time and, as lake levels fluctuated, the

swales filled with wetland plants and

the dunes were stabilized by vegetation.

Eventually forests developed on the

higher ground.

While Ipperwash Dunes and Swales

is highly naturalized, it does offer two

publicly accessible, linked trail loops

Ipperwash Rd

➢

N

Richardson Dr

P

E. Parkway Dr

Ipperwash Dunes

& Swales Trail

Dunesand Swails Trail 4km

Cedar Trail 1.5km

43°12’22.8”N 81°58’15.5”W

that are blazed and maintained by

Lambton Shores Nature Trails. At the

end of Richardson Drive in Ipperwash,

a small gravel parking lot abuts the start

of the trail system. The trail map is

posted a short distance down the path

that leads left (north) from the parking

lot.

Both trails—the Dunes & Swales Trail

and the Cedar Trail—share the same

path for the first 300 metres before they

diverge into two separate loops.

Blazed white, the Dunes & Swales

Trail is 4 kilometres long in total, and

winds through the Carolinian Forest

of sand ridges and wet swales that

are passable on boardwalks. Lambton

Shores Nature Trails is in the midst

of a multi-stage project to replace or

refurbish the existing footbridges and

boardwalks to increase accessibility

year-round.

The Cedar Trail, blazed green, is 2

kilometres long in total and features

several cedar coves, perfect spots for

pausing and listening to nature. Both

trails are considered easy to moderate

in difficulty so provide a relaxing way

for even a novice hiker to spend a

couple of hours in the forest.

Winter in the Dunes & Swales is

particularly beautiful as snow envelopes

the evergreens, creating a tranquil

tunnel in which to walk or snowshoe.

Look up to catch a glimpse of a Pileated

Woodpecker—if you cannot see him,

you will certainly hear him! The Eastern

Screech-Owl is a year-round resident,

but the winter is the perfect time to spot

Snowy Owls who are visiting from the

Arctic.

In the spring, you will definitely see

a myriad of Carolinian wildflowers

and, if you are very lucky, you might

(Proverbs Completed by Kids!) A bird in the hand is... going to poop on you!

Open 7 Days a Week, 10-5

spot lady’s slippers—rare, but hardy

northern orchids that have an unusual

symbiotic relationship with fungus.

Watch the trees from late April through

September for nesting or songbirds on

the move, including warblers, martins

and finches. Ipperwash Dunes & Swales

is located on the Mississippi Flyway, the

thoroughfare for migrating birds!

All year long you’ll witness the

combination of deciduous Carolinian

tree species such as the tulip tree,

shagbark hickory or flowering dogwood

growing a short distance from northern

species such as pine, tamarack and

eastern white cedar.

Hikers who are familiar with

Ipperwash Dunes & Swales are

enamored with the serenity and beauty

of these trails. There’s no doubt that if

you hike them once, you will want to

return in every season—just make sure

you have your bug spray in the summer!

For more information and a map of the

Ipperwash Dunes & Swales Trails, visit

www.LSNTBlazers.com.

Winter 25/26

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