Re-enactors and volunteers from the Backus Page House played host to visitors on Saturday and Sunday (May 26 & 27) to bring to life the sights, sounds and smells of the early 1800s. It was 1812 and the farmers of the Talbot Settlement were being recruited to fight for the British against the Americans. Mark Girdauskas (photos by MG) caught the action Sunday – check out photos in the top three collages and slideshow. Below that are some shots by Relish Elgin taken Saturday.

It was an exciting first show this past weekend (May 26 & 27) for the newly formed Association of Port Stanley Artists (APSA). Mark Girdauskas of Photos by MG was on hand Sunday at the Royal Canadian Legion in Port Stanley to photograph several of the artists and their work in several different media. (Check them out in the slideshow below).

It was an exciting day in Port Burwell Tuesday as representatives of the Elgin Military Museum and local dignitaries took part in the Groundbreaking Ceremony for Project Ojibwa.

The groundbreaking began with a big bang when Project Coordinator Dan McNeil, Rear Admiral ret’d set off his miniature starter’s cannon to signal the start of the construction program. After all the work and struggles, it came down to a simple shout, “Lets get started”, from a happy McNeil. Construction of the foundation will start next week. “From now on you will see a lot of activity here,” said McNeil.  

Chuck Stafford (Chico) performed at the Princess Ave Playhouse in St. Thomas on Saturday evening with his Dealer’s Choice band. It was perhaps a new sound for those who know Chico for his more gritty rock performances with Hogwild.

(Photos by Mark Girdauskas). The support and compassion offered all year long at Serenity House Hospice got a boost from caring community members this past Sunday (May 5) at the eighth annual Hike for Hospice event. Hikers could choose from 2.5, four and ten kilometre routes through Waterworks Park and found the lovely spring morning weather graciously accommodating.

Money raised will help Serenity House in meeting its commitment to supporting, educating and empowering individuals and their families who are living with a progressive life-threatening illness. Those services are provided through dedicated staff, volunteers and community partners.

On  Friday, May 11, 2012 the Canada Southern Railway Station will be holding a Public Auction on the second floor in the east end Alma Suite.  Viewing for the Auction is from 9:00am until 5:30pm and the auction will start at 6:00pm.

“We wanted to bring back the Friday Night Auctions that used to take place in St. Thomas. This is the first one and if all goes well we will be having a few more this year”, says Terry Cook, Chair for the Canada Southern Auction Series Committee. “The Canada Southern Railway Station is a great venue for this inaugural event and we have some fantastic items up for auction. Nobody will be disappointed with the quality.”

The newly formed Association of Port Stanley Artists (APSA) will be exhibiting their members’ works for the first time on the weekend of May 26 & 27 in Port Stanley.  Visitors to Port Stanley will be treated to a show of fresh new art at the village’s Royal Canadian Legion at 310 George Street.