As the popular March Springwater Maple Syrup Festival draws to a close, the staff at Catfish Creek Conservation Authority will be looking forward to some exciting trail upgrades at the Springwater Forest. These will be possible thanks to a  significant donation, announced Friday, from the Estate of Dorothy Fay Palmer. The improvements will also be popular with the many people who frequent the area for relaxation and recreation.

The funds, totaling $57,500, are destined to pay for the replacement of the Springwater Forest Boardwalk and the repair and resurfacing of 2.4 kilometres of forest trails with limestone screenings. In addition, more than 30 laminated interpretive signs will be updated and replaced. Andrew Gunn, Trustee of the Dorothy Palmer Estate, has advised that the contribution be made in memory of Mrs. Palmer’s husband, John W.F. Palmer, a former member of the Board of Directors of the Authority who passed away in 2009.

The feeling was celebratory as people gathered in the new (and quite unrecognizable) Carnegie Room on the lower level of the St. Thomas Public Library on Thursday (March 29, 2012). It was the official re-opening of the revitalized St. Thomas Public Library.

Master of Ceremonies and library board chair Greg Grondin noted that hundreds of people had worked tirelessly to bring the library revitalization to a successful conclusion.

It’s twenty years since Pat and Mary Muscat opened Sparta Country Candles & Anything Used. Pat remembers the day they took possession of their store, “Mary looked at me and said 'what if nobody ever comes'?” He is able to look back now and laugh because people did indeed come - many to return regularly to the popular Sparta shop.

Visitors to the store love to ramble about the treasures found throughout two floors of the historic 1838 building, and to pick up their favourite Sparta Country Candles, from refreshing “April Showers” to rich “Spartaberry” (their signature candle scent). Adding to the charm, visitors are always greeted warmly at the front door, with the best kind of welcome – a sample of creamy fudge.

An appreciative audience packed the St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre Saturday (March 24) for an evening of music with Deni Gauthier. 

Deni’s performance was set against a multi-layered backdrop consisting of the Great Beginnings art show; Jon Jeffery’s opening act; his new cd “i (am) hope” and the Deni Gauthier Band. All of these elements came together to create a truly memorable show.

Canadale Nursery was bursting this past weekend (March 23 -26) with products, information and gardening tips galore. The nursery hosted several local landscaping services, artisans, and other organizations to present a weekend of displays, seminars and activities for gardeners, kids and those just interested in learning about some interesting community organizations.

Mark Girdauskas photgraphed the vibrant colours of Canadale's new stock, and some of the many participating organizations and businesses (check out the slide show below).

The St. Thomas-Elgin Local Immigration Partnership Council hosted a Settlement Strategy Launch event Tuesday March 20. The celebration of the work of many individuals and institutions who contributed to the strategy’s creation brought a great turn-out to the CASO station, including Mark Girdauskas who was on hand for photos.

The West Elgin Dramatics Society presentation of  the comedy,  A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody, opens Wednesday March 21.

A salute to the screwball comedies of the 30s and 40s, the play by Ron Burnas was a Community Theatre Association of Michigan New Plays Competition Winner. The WEDS production is directed by Jenny Phillips.


  

Springwater Conservation Area bustles in March with the activity of maple syrup production, education and family-centred activities. Crowds came out this past Sunday (March 11, 2012) to enjoy a sunny day, ride through the forest on horse-drawn wagons, learn about old and newer methods of turning the sap into sweet syrup and possibly try some on pancake breakfast.

Visitors flocked to the Aylmer Wildlife Management Area this past Sunday (March 11th, 2012) to view the Tundra Swan migration. Elgin Stewardship Council volunteer Keith Malcolm was on hand to answer questions about the swans. 

He noted that the Sunday count was 4,166, while Saturday’s had been 4,500. The stopovers started this year on February 27th  and  last year they lasted 28 days.