This Month in Lambton - May 2020

1. Online Resources from Lambton County Library
2. Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery Online Programs
3. Severe Summer Weather
4. Lambton County Connects
5. 25th Anniversary of Lambton County E9-1-1
6. Collecting COVID-19 History at Lambton County Archives
7. Notice to Residents and Property Owners Regarding Noxious Weeds
8. Lambton Circles

Online Resources from Lambton County Library

Get ready to discover whole new worlds from the comfort of your favourite chair at home! Browse Lambton County Library's brand new website at lclibrary.ca to access free eAudiobooks, eBooks, online learning courses, movies, TV shows, music and more!

For technical assistance with Lambton County Library's eServices, please call 519-845-3324 extension 5266, or email librarytechhelp@county-lambton.on.ca.

Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery Online Programs

While the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery remains closed to the public under provincial order, we wanted to make you aware of what we are doing to keep our art community connected.

JNAAG is delighted to bring you at-home art-making activities! Inspired by what you may have around your home, these instructional videos has been designed to help guide you, and whoever wants to join in, down a path of creativity.

Visit https://jnaag.ca/onlineprograms/ to learn more.

Severe Summer Weather

As warm weather approaches, Lambton County residents can expect the seasonal return of severe thunderstorms.

Severe thunderstorms can produce damaging winds, heavy downpours, hail, frequent lightning and the occasional tornado.

If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning, which is why Environment Canada advises "when the sky roars, go indoors". Once sheltered, stay there for at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder.

Be sure you have a plan for when severe weather strikes. Identify a safe location in your home and know your workplace's health and safety plans for severe weather.

For more information on preparing for severe weather this summer, visit EmergenciesLambton.ca.

Lambton County Connects

Lambton County Connects, a virtual social program for seniors in Lambton County, has been experiencing an increase in demand since the onset of COVID-19 and has expanded their program offerings to accommodate this growth.

LCC provides individuals in Lambton County an opportunity to socialize, learn new skills, and stay connected to others from the comfort of their own home, while helping prevent social isolation in the community. All activities are offered free over the telephone or online by video if participants have a tablet or computer with internet access.

The LCC team continues to add additional programs to meet the needs of the community. A variety of programs are held seven days a week, with both English and French options available. You can find a list of programs, frequently asked questions and the event calendar online at lambtoncares.ca.

If you would like more information on the Lambton County Connects program or to register, please visit lambtoncares.ca, call 519-882-1470 ext. 5007 or 1-800-565-3890 ext. 5007, or email lcc@county-lambton.on.ca.

25th Anniversary of Lambton County E9-1-1

On May 1, 1995, Lambton County activated Enhanced 9-1-1 (E911) for its residents. This represented three years of effort, including the establishment of Lambton County Central Fire Dispatch, coordination between 5 telephone companies, co-operation between local municipalities, the implementation of a county-wide municipal addressing system, the installation of over 3,515 street signs at more than 1,512 intersections and over 14,000 property identification signs throughout the rural area.

Prior to that date, emergency response consisted of every fire hall, police detachment and ambulance centre having their own phone numbers. If those numbers were not available, a caller would have to contact the Bell operator for help, a process that could waste valuable minutes in situations where timely responses could mean the difference between life and death.

Since implementation in 1995, the County has maintained continuous quality control to ensure that our 9-1-1 system remains exceptional in order to serve the residents of the county.

Collecting COVID-19 History at Lambton County Archives

As Federal, Provincial and Municipal authorities have taken measures aimed to restrict the spread of COVID-19, we have shifted our daily routines and become accustomed to uncertainty. Many of us have found new ways of working, learning, and communicating during this time. We see the kindness made by caregivers, neighbours, and essential service providers while learning how important social distancing is at this time when friends and family feel even more valuable to us.

Each of us is experiencing history and this global pandemic has had an impact that will be felt by all of us for years to come. As change continues and we adapt, we are in a position to preserve history as it happens. This is powerful evidence of how we, as a society, respond to the challenges we face. 

The Lambton County Archives is inviting you to share your voice and your experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important that these events are documented on a local level. Here's how you can help:

If you live or work in Lambton County, you can participate by documenting your personal experiences and donate these materials to the Lambton County Archives for preservation for future generations. This can be through letters, photos, journal entries, or a simple email telling us about your experiences.

To submit your materials, please contact the Archivist Nicole Aszalos (nicole.aszalos@county-lambton.on.ca) for a donation form. You can then submit your contribution and form via email to nicole.aszalos@county-lambton.on.ca.

Not sure where to start? Here are some things to think about while compiling your thoughts:

• Medical professionals – What innovations have been made in response to the pandemic? What are the ways you prepare for your work? What new challenges has the pandemic created for your team or for patients?

• Essential service providers – How has your work changed or been put at risk? 

• Local business – How has your business adapted its products and services to respond to community needs? 

• Education – What innovations have educators made to continue teaching during isolation? What is the experience of the student? 

• Leisure time and recreation – How are you spending your leisure time while social distancing? How are you maintaining meaningful contact with friends and family? 
• Neighbors and caregivers – How are you finding ways of helping each other? Have you participated in the birthday parades or other unique events that maintain social distancing while sharing positivity? 

Notice To Residents and Property Owners Regarding Noxious Weeds

The main purpose of the Weed Control Act R.S.O. 1990 is to reduce the impact of noxious weeds on the industries of agriculture and horticulture. Primarily this Act applies to agricultural and horticultural lands that generate income or other benefits to agriculture; this excludes lawns, gardens and private areas for personal enjoyment and leisure.

Under the Weed Control Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter W.5 Sections 3, 13, 16 and 23, you are requested to destroy all noxious weeds on your property.

In Urban Areas

Sections 3, 13, 16, and 18 do not apply to noxious weeds or weed seeds that are far enough away from any land used for agricultural or horticultural purposes, as they do not interfere with that use.

All properties within the County of Lambton are hereby requested to be in compliance with the Weed Control Act by the 30th day of June, 2020 and throughout the season.

Lambton Circles

May 11-17, 2020 was National Nurses Week and Lambton Circles expresses their deep appreciation and gratitude for all the Circles participants who are currently working as essential workers during this pandemic. Seen in the photo below are two Circles nursing students and a retired nurse Circles Ally volunteer who have dedicated their lives to taking care of local citizens in need of healthcare supports.

Tania (pictured left) recently completed Lambton College Registered Nursing Program and most recently worked at Bluewater Health screening staff entering the hospital for shifts. Tania is now in self-quarantine preparing to transition her work to a local seniors long-term care facility.

Erin (middle) is a retired nurse and a wonderful Circles Ally mentoring both women as they continue to overcome obstacles moving towards their dream job of nursing.

Robin (pictured right) also just completed the Registered Nursing Program and is currently waiting to complete her practical placement hours to write her nursing board exams.

Lambton Circles applauds their tenacity and dedication on reaching their personal goals of moving out of poverty to starting careers serving others within the healthcare sector and our community! A huge thank you to all the nurses for what they do every day, especially during this difficult time.