Irish History & International Women's Day
Flood Watch + Soccer Registration + Upcoming Community Events + Council News
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Happy St. Patrick’s Day! This is intentionally a bi-weekly newsletter, because that’s what I feel confident committing my time too but I wanted to get this one out before a couple events coming up this week and also to celebrate my (our) Irish roots with you!
~ Jen
Flood Watch Issued for Grey Sauble Watershed
Grey Sauble Conservation Authority Issues Flood Watch - Saturday, March 15
Due to the warm temperatures, the rapidly melting snow pack and rain forecast in the coming days, the GSCA has issued a flood watch. The area covered includes Arran-Elderslie and the Township of Chatsworth. This means flooding is possible along local watercourses. Landowners within known flood prone areas should monitor their situation and be prepared in case of flooding.
Grey Sauble Conservation Authority would like to remind everyone that during spring runoff events, potential conditions exist that could pose a risk to personal safety. High flows, unsafe banks, or other factors could be dangerous for residents and pets. Stay back from riverbanks and away from fast moving water.
Grey Sauble staff will continue to monitor the weather and the flows and provide additional flood messages as needed. Watershed residents can access snow, stream flow and rain gauge data through the Watershed Conditions page on the GSCA website.
This Statement expires Tuesday, March 18th, 2025 at 1:00pm unless replaced by further updates.
Saugeen Valley continues to have a Flood Outlook in effect.
Celebrating Irish History Month
Mayor Hammell Proclaims March Irish History Month in Arran-Elderslie
At the March 10 Council Meeting, Mayor Hammell proclaimed March Irish Heritage Month in Arran-Elderslie. The National Flag of Ireland was raised at the community flag pole next to Big Bruce and members from the Celtic Academy Irish Dance Canada performed at the start of the council meeting.
According to Stats Canada, 25% of Bruce County residents trace their roots back to Ireland, including many families in Arran-Elderslie, yours truly included.
Some may not realize the Village of Tara is also named for the Hill of Tara in County Meath, Ireland. The Hill of Tara is considered a sacred place and was the seat of 142 Kings of Ireland. It dates back 6000 years to the Neolithic Ages through the Celtic period. The site consists of earthworks, burying mounds, tombs and the coronation stone. The oldest visible monument is the Mound of Hostages which dates back to 2500 B.C.
From the top of the hill, 16 of Ireland’s 32 counties can be seen and the five ancient roads of Ireland lead to the site. When I visited in 2018, it was expansive and serene.
Here in our village of Tara, the harp-shaped sign at the edges of town is a nod to this history.
Women From Arran-Elderslie Gather for Inaugural International Women’s Day Breakfast
March is also Women’s History Month and annually, events are held across the region in celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8.
This year, it was wonderful to get together with women from throughout Arran-Elderslie in Paisley for a fantastic breakfast, conversation and a chance to meet one another.
The day felt a little raw for me with all that is happening south of the border and some recent conversations leaving me rattled by how easily it becomes to point fingers at others when we have been oppressed by a system that often prioritizes profit over people.
Now, more than ever, we need to support and lean on one another. It’s incredible the talent and experience that exists here in our community, and we don’t even realize because we’re too busy to stop and get to know our neighbours better. This is what I enjoyed most about the morning - getting to learn a little bit more about everyone in attendance.
I’m blessed to have been raised by strong women and surrounded by strong women. Thank you to the Arran-Elderslie Community & Business Association for putting on this wonderful event on & for all the little details that made it special. Learn more about their upcoming events.
Soccer Registration Open in Municipality
Registration Now Open for Tara and Chesley Minor Soccer
Registration is open for summer sports, including soccer in Tara and Chesley! The TMSA is still looking for players for the U18 and Ladies League teams. Learn more here.
Chesley Minor Soccer registration closes March 17 and all information can be found on their new website here.
Council Corner
DYK? The Council meeting agenda is posted online the Friday before the meeting. All meetings can also be viewed by livestream. You can find all information here.
3rd St. SW Chesley Construction Community Meeting Reminder
Just a reminder there will be a community meeting Tuesday, March 18 at 7 PM in the Council Chambers to get public input on the construction of 3rd St. SW between 1st & 4th Ave. SW in Chesley this summer. Learn More
Notice of Motion: Change of Traffic Flow, Paisley
Councillor Penner and I have presented a motion to study the traffic flow on Rowe Street and Mill Drive and consider changing these streets to one-way following the completion of the Paisley Inn. The motion can be viewed here and will be discussed and voted on a the March 24 council meeting.
Upcoming Committee & Public Meetings
3rd St. SW Chesley Construction Community Meeting, Tuesday, March 18 at 7 PM, Council Chambers
Council Meeting, Monday, March 24 at 9 AM, Council Chambers
Community Events
A full list of events can be found on the website. If you have events you’d like to add to this list, you can email them to jshaw@arran-elderslie.ca.
Weekly Events
Mondays
Crokinole & Coffee, 9 AM, Paisley Legion
Learn to crochet or knit, 7 PM, Paisley Legion, $2 / night. Every Monday except holidays.
Euchre, 6:30 PM, Paisley Legion
Pickleball, 7 PM, Paisley Central School gym
Tuesdays
Euchre, 7 PM, Tara Legion
Wednesdays
Game Night, 7 PM, Tara Legion
Thursdays
Brockton & Area Family Heath Team Exercise Class, 9 AM, Paisley Legion
Community Meal, 12 Noon, Chelsey Baptist Church
Live Jammin’, 1 PM, Tara Legion
Fridays
Corn Hole, 4 PM, Paisley Legion
Sundays
Darts for Meat, 1 PM, Paisley Legion, $4 / round with meat prizes
March
Monday, March 17
St. Patrick’s Day - Paisley Legion, 4 - 10 PM
Tuesday, March 18
Community Foundation Grey Bruce Non-Profit Workshop - Harmony Centre Owen Sound, 9 AM - 3 PM, $25 / person
Friday, March 21
Country Line Dancing with Rhonda Laws - Tara Legion, 7 - 9 PM
Saturday, March 22
Live Music featuring Levi Wathke - 8 PM, Wing House Chesley
Drag Bingo, 7 PM, Bonfire on Queen, Paisley, Tickets $36.44 available online
Orchard’s Landing Paisley Market - 10 AM - 5 PM
Karaoke Night - Chesley Community Centre, 8 PM - 12 PM, Hosted by Chesley Agricultural Society
Thursday, March 27
Writing Group at the Treasure Chest Museum, Paisley, 2 - 4 PM, $5 donation to museum
Saturday, March 28
Orchard’s Landing Paisley Market - 10 AM - 5 PM
Sunday, March 30
Silver Spur Saddle Club Fundraiser Breakfast - Tara Legion, 10 AM - 1 PM, $15 Aduls, $8 Kids 5-8 years.
Monday, March 31
Phone & Tablet Basics - Chesley Library, 1 - 2 PM
That’s it for this edition of The Back Porch Brief! You can expect the next newsletter in your inbox in 2-ish weeks!
Great to get some idea of all that is happening and realize how alive this place is, when we make the time to get into the rhythm. Thanks for the newsletter with the historical notes, the events I have missed:) and the pointer to motions at council