Michele Dionne's latest work, Something About Sarnia, blends local history, mindfulness, and playful learning in a format she hopes will inspire residents of all ages. The book, available online and soon at local retailers, is primarily a word search collection featuring topics unique to Sarnia-Lambton, from former mayors and street names to local parks, beaches, […]
Michele Dionne's latest work, Something About Sarnia, blends local history, mindfulness, and playful learning in a format she hopes will inspire residents of all ages.
The book, available online and soon at local retailers, is primarily a word search collection featuring topics unique to Sarnia-Lambton, from former mayors and street names to local parks, beaches, historic tunnels, and well-known landmarks. But unlike a traditional activity book, each puzzle includes educational content drawn from Sarnia’s past and present.
For example, the page dedicated to the St. Clair Tunnel includes a short history lesson, noting that the original tunnel opened in 1891 and remained in use until it was replaced by a larger tunnel in 1994. Another puzzle highlighting Chemical Valley explains that Sarnia is transitioning from a petrochemical hub into clean energy and biochemical industries.
Alongside word searches, readers will find colouring pages, a maze, and “spot-the-difference” photo activities. It is, Michele says, just as much about wellness as it is about local pride. “Mindset matters,” she explained. “The act of colouring is more than just a fun break from the stress of daily life, it can be very beneficial for your mental and emotional health.”
The inspiration for the book emerged from a profound period of change in Michele’s life.
“Two things inspired me: boredom, and the combined desire to promote Sarnia and mindfulness,” she said.
In late 2022, she was hospitalized with severe breathing issues that were ultimately diagnosed as Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a rare genetic condition that severely affects lung function. “After one blood test, my life was forever changed,” she said. “Every cold or toxin I ever inhaled damaged my lungs, and I don’t carry the gene to repair them.”
Today, she receives weekly infusions to help prevent further deterioration. She mentions her lung function currently sits at about 17 per cent.
Yet, her outlook remains determined and optimistic. “Honestly, it is amazing that I am upright and functioning, but I believe my mindset and otherwise healthy lifestyle are saving my life right now,” she said. “I told my pulmonologist that I am going to be the miracle he tells people about.”
Unable to be out in the community as often as before, she turned her focus toward creative projects that could lift others up while giving her a meaningful outlet. “What do I do with all this time?” she said. “I start creating books that can help lift people up and build up Sarnia at the same time.”
Her activity book is intended for all ages, both inside and outside Lambton County. Michele notes that Sarnia’s reputation is wider than many residents realize. Through her Canada-wide wellness coaching, she is often surprised by how many people know the city through past employment, Bayfest memories, travel routes, or its beaches.
Her hope is simple: that the book sparks curiosity.
“I drop nuggets of information throughout the book in the hopes that people dig a little deeper,” she said. “I hope it reminds residents how special and unique our community is, and educates potential tourists on how much we have to offer.”
Early response has been overwhelmingly positive. “Fabulous,” she said, adding that local businesses have already expressed interest. The Nut Bar expects to carry the book, and she hopes to add at least one more local location soon. Many readers, she notes, appreciate the convenience of ordering through Amazon while still supporting a Canadian creator. The books are printed in Bolton, Ontario.
Michele has lived in Sarnia since she was adopted at two years old and grew up immersed in local arts, culture, and community life. Her parents worked in both retail and the Chemical Valley, and her childhood included time spent backstage at SCITS, where her father performed in musical productions.
Her career path took her through the hospitality sector, including five years at the former Canterbury Hotel and Ramada, before she returned to school at Lambton College to study business. She later worked in administration, accounting, and office support roles, including at SPEC Sarnia and Fibrex Insulations, before the Fibrex closure forced another major life change.
That turning point pushed her toward wellness coaching, public speaking, and positivity-focused projects. These interests eventually led to the birth of SarniaRocks.com in the early 2000s.
The idea for Sarnia Rocks began long before the rise of social media community pages. While working in hospitality, Michele often found herself guiding tourists looking for things to see and do. A Lambton County tourism tour opened her eyes to attractions she herself had never known about.
But the defining moment came during an overcrowded Bayfest concert.
“Everyone around me was complaining that ‘Sarnia sucks,’” she recalled. “All I could think was how untrue that was. They had no idea how close they were to great local bands and unique activities.”
That night, she went home and created SarniaRocks.com, a simple calendar of local events that soon became a valued community resource. “Someone once told me, ‘Thank you for making the calendar. Before this I would drive by every bar to read their signage,’” she said. “That really motivated me.”
The Facebook page later expanded into wellness posts, scavenger hunts, newsletters, and daily reminders of the simple joys Sarnia offers. She remains committed to countering the narrative that there is nothing to do in town.
“Every Friday I post a weekend sneak peek, and even I am amazed at how much is happening,” she said. “We rock, we really do.”
For Michele, every project circles back to gratitude and pride.
“Pride in what we have here,” she said. “Gratitude and appreciation for all the free entertainment, the beaches, the parks, the top-tier local bands, the animal farm, the car shows. How lucky are we?”
Her work is often inspired by the outings she relied on while raising her children. Many residents may not realize how much Sarnia offers at little or no cost, she said, and she hopes her projects continue to highlight those opportunities.
The new activity book is her sixth published work, with more on the way. Her next major focus is a book about her Free Hugs Across Canada journey, a cross-country trip she took with her daughter in 2015. They handed out positive message cards, swag bags, and free hugs from Sarnia to Chilliwack, where Michele reunited with several biological siblings.
“It was life-changing,” she said. “How people responded to a hug or a positive post-it note was fascinating. I think people will love the book, and hopefully it inspires more random acts of kindness.”
She is also developing a mindset and wellness book that draws on her experiences as a coach.
For now, she continues focusing on her health while dedicating herself to projects that bring joy to others.
“My passion is uplifting people,” she said. “That will never die.”
Michele adds that her books help fund the operations of Sarnia Rocks, along with hand-dyed motivational T-shirts she creates in partnership with a local business. “Should it matter that I mostly work for free? No, I am following my passion,” she said. “But hydro does not understand when I cannot pay my bill,” she joked.
Her hope is that with every puzzle solved, fact learned, or page coloured, community members feel a little more connected to the city she has spent decades celebrating.
“I hope this book reminds people how special Sarnia is,” she said. “And that it encourages them to explore, to learn, and to appreciate everything we have here.”
