The Sarnia Historical Society is doing their part to preserve local history. First established forty years ago, the volunteer-run organization sat in limbo for a number of years before the newest group of community leaders stepped forward. Ron RealeSmith, Laura Greaves and Phil Egan were appointed to the Lambton Historical Society in 2014 and used that opportunity to discuss the status of the Sarnia group. "We didn’t know each other beforehand, but we decided to explore this opportunity knowing the diverse skillset that we brought to the table," says RealeSmith. Since then, Emily Potter and Stefany Jamieson have joined the board.
Prior to 2014, the Historical Society had operated a museum on Davis Street. When the museum closed, all of the artifacts were sent to the Lambton Heritage Museum in Grand Bend. "We tracked down the two remaining board members and we reached out to them." RealeSmith, Greaves and Egan met with Robert Mathers and Ron Deacon to discuss the status of the society. "Phil’s wife Laurie made everyone cucumber and salmon sandwiches, which they loved. When the meeting was over, they handed the organization to us and then stepped down," explains RealeSmith. "They were happy to see someone revitalize it."
The new board members decided their best approach would be to focus their initial efforts on creating a website, www.sarniahistoricalsociety.com. "The idea was to take historical artifacts, including old newspaper stories, and present them on the website. The local papers jumped on board and allowed us to reproduce them." For a period of six months, the group gathered the materials needed for the website. They also helped produce the Then & Now edition in conjunction with the Sarnia Journal. "We received a lot of positive press when we launched the website. It helped that it was at the same time that the Journal piece came out." There are currently more than four-hundred stories on the website. "We’ve now scanned Dave Burrell’s postcard collection, which has been a huge hit." The best way to keep in touch is to sign up for their email newsletter on the website.
In January 2016, the trio were named to the Mayor’s Honour List. "We had launched in September and the recipients were announced in February. It showed us that people in Sarnia are interested in and appreciate local history." This local support is evident at the monthly meetings. Greaves organizes the speakers each month. "Laura has found some diamonds in the rough. We’ve had some really amazing presentations and discussions around different aspects of our local history." The group currently hosts their meetings at the Royal Canadian Legion on Front Street. "We have built a strong relationship with Legion Branch 62. This culminated in the first annual TurnerMoore Vimy Dinner." The event brought together 200 people to celebrate one of the most important battles of the First World War. "We look forward to hosting many more events. This was our way of highlighting an important piece of history and of honouring our local heros."
Jason Winter, an experienced nightclub owner, and his wife Margo, a culinary arts graduate from Lambton College, felt their talents and experience complimented each other, and would be a perfect fit for the restaurant business. “W...
What started off as a simple school project has expanded nicely into a profitable business for 13-year-old Byron Chu of Sarnia. Byron, with his mom Denise by his side, has developed Do Good Candles which he donates 50 percent of his profits to local charities. It started during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Arkona Appliances, located at 7333 Arkona Road in Arkona, has been an independently owned and operated business for over 40 years. Bob Mitchell purchased the business 15 years ago. "I had been managing Arkona Appliances for a year...
As a computer programmer, Tyler Yates was always working to help his IT clients. His friend Nick L'Ecuyer owned The Mortgage Wellness Group. I was living in Barrie and my friend Nick met with me about the mortgage for our first home. I was really interested in understanding the numbers. He answ
Laura Greaves has a warm place in her heart for Great Lakes Refill Co. (GLRC). At home, we've always tried to do our part for the environment and GLRC made that a lot easier. I always liked that you could buy as little or as much as you need. That helps save money and cut down on food waste, wh
Big Brothers of Sarnia-Lambton was established in June of 1967 and almost 51 years later is still serving the needs of children in Lambton County. "I’ve been with the agency for over forty years now," explains Executive Director M...
When Sierra Hart found herself in a bind after an injury in her life long trade she needed to find herself a new career in a hurry. "I was a bartender at the same Irish Pub for 20 years. It was all I knew until that point. I was good at it and I loved it," Sierra explains. "This time around though..."
The 100 Women Who Care movement started in 2006. Initially, a local philanthropist from Cleveland, Ohio, Karen Dunigan, decided she wanted to raise $10,000 to purchase cribs for young women who could not afford them. She knew she could ask ten friends for $1,000, but decided to try to find 100 women