Volunteers from Monarch Watch and Hawk Cliff Banders shared the ins and outs of tagging and banding with butterfly- and bird-watchers this past Sunday (Sept 23), the second of two September Hawk Cliff weekends.  

The Municipality of Bayham, the Township of Malahide and the Town of Aylmer got together to present Doors Open East Elgin on Saturday (Sept 22nd), showing off some of their most charming cultural and heritage sites.

The newly opened Sparta Church Museum and Cultural Centre is all decked out in a bevy of wedding attire and this past Saturday (Sept 22nd) the lower level was adorned in it’s finest for High Tea.

A fundraiser for the centre, the tea was an elegant taste of an event which was probably seen regularly in connection with the weddings represented in the upstairs exhibits. The ritual of sipping tea whilst nibbling little sandwiches and decadent sweets was relished by attendees at four sittings throughout the afternoon.

The Midtown in St. Thomas is a friendly, traditional style tavern which underwent a floor to ceiling makeover in 2008. They specialize in hosting group parties, and also present events and periodically, great live music.

The Middy was busy Friday evening (Sept 21st) as patrons were enjoying the powerful voice and engaging stage presence of Sarah Smith. It’s a small venue, and she joked good naturedly – “This is kind of like singing in someone’s living room.”

The Rail City Kings are, according to their facebook page, slated to appear at the Middy on Friday September 28th at 10 pm. Check for future upcoming events and music at the Midtown at www.midtowntavern.ca.  

Sarah and Jeff brought their Tribute to Johnny Cash and June Carter to a sold-out audience at the Princess Ave Theatre in St. Thomas on Friday evening (September 21st). 

The two musicians are known for putting on a show that includes fun and charm along with lots of good music. It’s the combination that won them the 2012 Jack Richardson Music award for Best Country artist and the London Music Award for most popular Country/Bluegrass.

Jeff commented that Friday's show was the second night of their theatre series. The venue is appropriate as the show opens with Jeff slipping quite credibly into the Johnny Cash role. His rich deep voice and mannerisms convincingly bring to mind a slim Johnny Cash. Sarah joins in later in the first set for some more fun in tribute to Johnny & June.

Portside Gallery’s annual “Friends of Portside Gallery Show and Sale” opened Friday (September 1st). An enthusiastic crowd browsed the gallery space and an impressive variety of art from many regional artists in various media filled the walls.  

Algoma University’s in St. Thomas opened officially on Friday (September 21st), marking the successful launch of a project started more than six years ago. The program brings to the area an educational opportunity which many communities would envy, and a teaching format which may make it the best first two years of an undergraduate program anywhere in Canada.

It was the 30th annual edition of Canada’s largest Fire Muster this past Saturday and Sunday (Sept 1st & 2nd). Red trucks of every vintage and description paraded across St. Thomas, then joined up with all the displays and exhibits in Pinafore Park. Kids got their chance to touch and sit in the shiny trucks, as well as bounce through the many activities in the children’s play area. Crowds also took advantage of the fine weather to check out the musical entertainment, food, music, beer tent, fire truck rodeo and displays about several community organizations.