Photos by Mark Girdauskas

The Talbot Teen Centre invited the public to come learn more about the resources they offer to youth, this past Wednesday. It was their first open house, with presentation of youth tours, community partner information, and chances to win tickets to the Diva Delights fashion show fund-raiser. The new TTC manager, Matt Cossette was on hand to meet those who dropped in.

Performances by any one of Dave Gunning, Suzie Vinnick or Ennis (sisters Maureen and Karen) would be capable of filling the Princess Ave Playhouse in St. Thomas with a whole lot of great music. Bringing the three acclaimed, award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter entities to one stage was sure to create an expectation of musical excellence - their show this past Sunday afternoon didn't disappoint. 

Award Photos by Mark Girdauskas

The first annual awards presentation by the ACO St. Thomas-Elgin Branch recognized examples of heritage preservation and those who worked to make them happen, and at the same time provided a virtual tour of the buildings which are located across Elgin County. The presentations took place on April 16th at the St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre.
 
The Architectural Conservancy of Ontario has been around since 1933. The local branch started in 2009, in response to the loss of Alma College through a spiraling process of neglect. Their focus is education and advocacy related to preservation of built heritage.

Elgin County Levees Welcome The New Year
 
Annual New Year’s Levees were held by the Elgin Regiment and Legions across the county, as they invited military and civilian guests to welcome in 2013. Below are photos from a few of the January 1 events.  

There’s a wonderland in Port Stanley again this year. Thousands have seen it, many making repeat visits. For a first-timer, the 291 Selbourne Drive Port Stanley Christmas Lights are truly oooohhh-inspiring. You may find your mouth dropping open as you enter the back yard, and then perhaps you will be able to settle into a smiling sense of wonder.

Home for Christmas

The Western Elgin Home for Christmas Event runs November 23rd to December 7th with more than fifty businesses in Dutton, Wallacetown, Rodney, West Lorne and surrounding areas offering  special "Home for Christmas" draws. Photos below are from four of the participating businesses, The Arts & Cookery Bank and Alley Kat Music in West Lorne, and Country Seat Upholstery and Lavender Sense in Wallacetown.

The Midtown Tavern proved it could morph quite nicely into a Christmas concert venue on Sunday, as Meg McTaggart performed a release concert for her brand new cd, Winter Songs. She covered all of the songs from the album, plus a few more, accompanied by Don Baker during packed 4 and 8pm concerts.

From Larry Jeffery around noon today: This is the progress of Port Burwell’s submarine/museum as of noon today, Wed. It is about 1/4 the way up the hill to it’s final destination. In the 3rd photo, the workers are laying mats in front of the wheels.  They [SPMTs] have 42 axles each with 4 tires per axle.

From Larry Jeffery around noon today as Ojibwa wheels are starting to come off the barge. "This was the scene at Port Burwell as of 12 noon today as the Ojibwa is taken off the barge.  As you can see, the engineers have about 8 wheels off the ramp (about 40 to go).  The wheels will swivel independently as required, and are computerized to remain level. One can see how the next few wheels have risen to allow for the ramp. The ‘Handles’ on the sub were welded on in Hamilton to allow it to be carried by the wheel trains, and (I believe) will be removed later.   Watching was slightly more interesting than seeing paint dry. The operation had to be slow because the barge had to have water added to the rear and removed from the front to allow for the weight shift as the sub is removed.  I think it will take another hour or two to get it completely off the barge. Unfortunately I had to leave at this point. The sub will eventually be rolled about 4 football fields up a slight hill to it’s final museum destination."

Here are some snaps from some recent holiday open houses and events along with and some snippets of holiday gift-giving and entertaining ideas.