Finch “Irruption” Brings Rarely Seen Birds to the Area

Local bird watchers may have noticed different kinds of birds in greater numbers at bird feeders this year. 2020 marks the biggest “irruption”, or rapid population growth, of northern finches in recent history.

The National Audubon Society reports that this year is a “superflight” year in which every species of finch is moving southward in search of food. The boreal forests, which are in the northernmost parts of the world, do not have enough food, so these birds who are not often seen in the Blue Water Area, as well as much of the United States, are making a rare winter appearance this year.

Forest feast and famine cycles are natural, but COVID-19 plays a role in the irruption as well. The virus prevented spring treatment for invasive “budworms” in Quebec, which hurt the trees of the forest but contributed to a baby boom for finches, as there was a huge food supply.

When backyard bird watchers in the Blue Water Area see new and unusual birds this winter, they are seeing the results of a rare and complex ecological “perfect storm”.

More information about the “finch irruption” is available at:

https://www.audubon.org/news/this-winter-marks-incredible-superflight-hungry-winter-finches

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

MI COVID Alert App is Up and Running

The MI COVID Alert app has reached nearly a half million downloads. The app is used to alert users of possible exposure to the highly contagious virus.

Oxford University studies have shown that when just 15% of the population uses exposure notification apps, infections and deaths can be potentially reduced. Michigan is at about 9% of the population having downloaded the app.

The app uses tracking data to give a push notification to let users know they may have been exposed and the number of days since the possible exposure took place. No personal information is shared with other users.

According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the app uses randomly generated phone codes and low-energy Bluetooth technology to gauge proximity between phones without tracking exact location.

Robert Gordon, director of MDHHS, said, “If we hit even a million downloads by January 2021, we’ll be safer until a vaccine is available to the broader population.”

The app is called MI COVID Alert and is available in the Apple Store and on Google Play.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Sherman Woods Hosts Red Kettle for Salvation Army

The Salvation Army got some help from the Sherman Woods Neighborhood Association for the 5th year in a row this December. The lakeside neighborhood in Port Huron’s North End is known as a destination for viewing Christmas lights, and also for philanthropy.

Taking advantage of the consistent traffic during the holiday season, the neighborhood volunteered to host a Salvation Army Red Kettle to collect donations for the local charity. The response this year was “phenomenal”, according to Fred Kemp of the neighborhood association.

Kemp said that people showed up with donations prepared ahead of time and were as generous this year as in previous years. He said it was heartwarming to see not only the response from the visitors to the neighborhood but also from the residents of Sherman Woods. Kemp said that he continues to be amazed by everyone’s generosity.

The whole neighborhood participates in the over-the-top winter wonderland, with homemade light balls hanging from the trees giving a magical glow to the whole area. Kemp said that neighbors work together to make it happen, with all the lights being handmade, with no commercial help.

While you can still take a drive through Sherman Woods to see the lights, you will need to go to salvationarmy.org if you want to donate to the Salvation Army’s year-round efforts.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Ontario Provincewide Shutdown Begins Today

As declared by the Province of Ontario, the Province will move to a Provincewide Shutdown effective at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, December 26, 2020. The Shutdown will remain in effect for 28 days, set to expire January 23, in Southern Ontario regions, including the City of Sarnia.

Measures include, but are not limited to:

  • Restricting indoor organized public events and social gatherings, except with members of the same household (the people you live with). Individuals who live alone may consider having exclusive close contact with one other household.
  • Prohibiting in-person shopping in most retail settings – curbside pickup and delivery can continue. Discount and big box retailers selling groceries will be limited to 25 per cent capacity for in-store shopping. Supermarkets, grocery stores and similar stores that primarily sell food, as well as pharmacies, will continue to operate at 50 per cent capacity for in-store shopping.
  • Restricting indoor access to shopping malls – patrons may only go to a designated indoor pickup area (by appointment only), essential retail stores that are permitted to be open (e.g. pharmacy, grocery store), or, subject to physical distancing and face covering requirements. Shopping malls may also establish outdoor designated pickup areas.
  • Prohibiting indoor and outdoor dining. Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments will be permitted to operate by take out, drive-through, and delivery only.

What does this mean for Sarnia residents? The following framework outlines the City services affected as part of the shutdown:

City Hall
The City Hall building is closed to the public. Email Customer Service at customerservice@sarnia.ca, or use the online form: https://www.sarnia.ca/comment/ to connect with City Staff. Staff will be monitoring and responding during business hours.

Citizens who call City Hall during business hours will be required to leave a voicemail with contact name and phone number, and staff will return messages in a timely manner. Many online services are available: https://www.sarnia.ca/online-services/online-services-and-donations/   

 
A secure drop box is located at the Christina Street doors at City Hall is available for residents wishing to drop off letters, applications, payments, etc. Additional information is available online: https://www.sarnia.ca/covid-19/ 

 

Sarnia Transit
Sarnia Transit bus routes are in full operation. We encourage riders to use our services for essential trips only and continue to operate with a reduced fare rate of $1.50. Transit continues to operate under the health and safety measures outlined by Lambton Public Health, practicing physical distancing and requiring passengers to wear face coverings.

Sarnia Fire
All fire stations are closed to the public and are not accepting food donations at the door.  However, donation drop offs can be made to our donation barrels located at each Fire Hall.

Status of Community Services During the Shutdown:

Planning / Building / By-law Services

No disruptions. All services will continue to be offered to the community.

Parks

All parks remain open for use.

Arenas

Upon completion of final programming on Thursday, December 24, 2020, Sarnia arenas will be closed until January 23, 2021. Refunds will be made available for those who paid for ice time during this time.  

Strangway Community Centre

Strangway will be closed after programming ends on Thursday December 24, 2020, and all winter programming is cancelled. 

The Lawrence House Centre for the Arts

The Lawrence House will be closed to the public effective December 24, 2020. The online gift shop is still in operation. Preparations will be made to provide curb-side pick-up for the Floyd Gibson intake on January 30, 2021 should the lockdown extend past January 23, 2021.   

Residents are reminded that these general health and safety measures remain in effect for the City of Sarnia:

  • As the festive season continues, follow the limits on close contacts, social gatherings and events to protect you, your family, friends, and coworkers from COVID-19 this holiday season. Virtual gatherings or events are the safest way to visit or recognize occasions with people outside your household.
  • People should only have close contact with their direct household.
  • Workplace screening must take place.
  • Face coverings are required in all indoor public spaces, at workplaces, and recommended in places when physical distancing is not possible.
  • Restrict all non-essential travel and outings.
  • Monitor for symptoms and stay home if you are sick. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, get tested.

The City of Sarnia remains committed to delivering high quality, critical services to the citizens of Sarnia and thank you for your patience through these ongoing challenging times.

Submitted by the City of Sarnia

Money on the Way for Struggling Individuals and Businesses

Another round of government assistance is on the way for struggling Michigan families, and it is coming from a few different places. The Michigan Legislature, the U.S. Congress, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services have finalized plans for government assistance.

MDHHS is extending food assistance benefits for December. Additional money will be loaded on to bridge cards for about half of Michigan’s 1.2 million recipients, bringing all users up to the maximum monthly amount, with the final amount depending on family size. The money is expected to be loaded onto the cards by December 30th.

The state legislature passed a stimulus bill which includes $55 million to help small businesses. It includes $3.5 million for grants to music and entertainment venues, which have been largely shuttered since March. $45 million is allocated for direct payments to laid off workers, with a direct focus on restaurant and hospitality workers.

The U.S. Congress passed a $900 billion stimulus package which includes a $600 direct payment to most Americans and increased unemployment benefits. Both the state and federal bills fund vaccine distribution as well. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

High School Sports to Wrap Up Fall Season; Winter Season Starts Mid-January

High School sports are scheduled to continue, but with some new protocols. With the “pause” in high school athletics mandated by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, fall sports were left in limbo.

According to the Michigan High School Athletic Association, a plan is now in place to finish out the seasons for those teams that made it to the state finals.

The latest statement from the Michigan High School Athletic Association says, “With high schools now reopened, the MDHHS has announced a pilot testing program that will allow the three unfinished fall sport tournaments to resume under these new testing requirements.” The test requirements include antigen testing to try to ensure safe completion of football, volleyball, and swimming and diving finals.

Winter sports like wrestling and basketball are not to have any practices until after the current order expires January 15th. When they finally get started, spectators will be prohibited.

Spring sports are expected to start as scheduled. Updated schedules and latest information can be found at mhsaa.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland