John Tschirhart is the 2015 Elgin County Ambassador of the Year!

Elgin County is pleased to announce that John Tschirhart, owner of Tschirhart’s Fine Custom Furniture in Vienna, is Elgin County’s Ambassador of the Year for 2015.

Elgin County Ambassadors are people who volunteer their time to help promote business throughout Elgin County and actively participate in the growth and development of the County. The Ambassador of the Year is awarded based on points that are given to ambassadors for a variety of items including attendance at quarterly meetings, recruiting new members, promoting Elgin County at events, and informing the County’s Economic Development staff about new businesses and those looking to relocate within the area.

Tschirhart has over 30 years of experience in the billiard industry which he used to expand into designing and producing quality home furnishings. Tschirhart provides his customers with fine furnishings of timeless design and classic craftsmanship and has developed a reputation for high quality and dedicated service.

In 2015, Tschirhart worked to bring new Ambassadors into the fold from within our community. He also helped spread the word about Elgin County across Canada and internationally as well. Whether it is taking Elgin County Visitor’s Guides with him to international trade shows, attracting the attention of the CBC to the village of Vienna, or working with international investors to get them to invest in our community, Tschirhart has been a dedicated member of the program.

"Although relatively new to the Ambassador Program, Tschirhart has taken on the role with enthusiasm and is a prime example of what it means to be an Elgin County Ambassador," said Economic Development General Manager Alan Smith. "The County would like to thank him for his continuing efforts to fuel tourism and economic development in the region."

The Elgin County Ambassador program is open to entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders. For more information on the program please call 519-631-1460 ext. 168 or email jedebackere@elgin.ca.

Alan Smith, General Manager Economic Development, John Tschirhart, Tschirhart's Fine Custom Furniture

Santa Claus Parades and Festive Events in Elgin County!

2015 HOLIDAY PARADES

         Dutton - Sat Nov 21, 3pm                        Rodney - Sat Dec 5, 5:30pm      

         Port Stanley - Fri Nov 27, 7pm                Port Burwell - Sat Dec 5, 6:00pm

         West Lorne - Fri Nov 27, 7pm                 Fingal - Sun Dec 6, 2pm

         Aylmer - Sat Nov 28, 2pm                        Belmont - Sun Dec 6, 6:00pm

         Springfield - Sat Dec 5, 1pm                   Straffordville - Sat Dec 12, 10:30am

OTHER SEASONAL EVENTS

Canadale Christmas Open Houses - Sat & Sun from Nov 7 - Nov 29

Village Collective Sparta Christmas Open House - Nov 13 - Sun 15 

Family Flowers Parade of Poinsettias - Nov 19 - Nov 21

Sparta Country Christmas - Nov 21 - Nov 22

Arts & Cookery Bank 12 Days of Christmas - Nov 20 - Dec 3 

Western Elgin Home for Christmas Shopping Event - Nov 20 - Dec 5 

Steed & Co. Lavender Christmas - Nov 28 & Nov 29

Seasons Greetings at Longwoods Conservation Area - Nov 29 

Christmas Spirit Walk at Springwater Conservation Area - Dec 5

Port Stanley Terminal Rail Santa Treats Train Rides - Sat & Sun from Dec 5 - Dec 20 

Home for the Holidays at Backus-Page House - Dec 7 to Dec 11 

Enterprise Elgin Finale!

You are Invited!
 

The County of Elgin and the Elgin Business Resource Centre (EBRC) are pleased to invite you to the Enterprise Elgin Business Plan Competition Finale on October 22, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. at the New Sarum Diner.

Join us as the top six finalists pitch their business plans to our panel of judges in a "Dragon's Den" style competition.  Grand Prize Winner takes all - over $10,000 in cash & services awarded. Networking and light refreshments will follow the competition.

We are pleased to announce that the following businesses have been selected as our finalists:

•    Astute Studios – Curtis Van Kasteren
•    Groovy Moon – Jill Bond
•    Head Case Hair Co. – Jami Jacklyn
•    Metamorphosis – Denise Lauzon
•    Smart Dental Hygiene – Sarah Foshay
•    Tubee Fit – Vera Needham

Finalists will have a 15 minute presentation then Judges have five minutes to ask questions.

Please RSVP at the following link by October 19, 2015:

http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/enterprise-elgin-grand-finale-business-plan-competition-tickets-18102779902 

Artastic Elgin Continues Celebration of Local Arts and Culture

Elgin County is pleased to announce the return of the Artastic Elgin Studio Tour for 2015. The event that is now in its third year, will run from September 26 – 27 at participating Elgin Arts Trail members. 

“We are really excited to give visitors and residents alike the opportunity to witness first hand the incredible wealth of artistic talent in our area,” said Lindsey Duncan, Tourism Services Coordinator.

The artists of the Elgin Arts Trail invite you to take part in a two-day interactive event throughout Elgin County that will provide you with an experiential adventure like no other. With workshops, studio tours, speakers and other gallery events, each stop will leave your creative side wanting more. 

New this year is a passport that will allow visitors to get a stamp at each location they visit. After collecting at least four stamps, visitors will be eligible to enter into a draw to win dinner for four in Elgin County. 

The event is held in conjunction with Culture Days a national celebration each September where artists and cultural organizations across the country come together to promote awareness, participation and engagement in arts and culture activities. 

Artastic Elgin will be held at participating Elgin Arts Trail member locations on Saturday September 26 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday September 27 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Passports that include maps of the route can be picked up at each member location or downloaded from the Elgin Arts Trail website. Search the hashtag #ArtasticElgin on Twitter and Facebook to follow the activities of venues and participants. 

For more information about the Artastic Elgin event call (519) 631-1460 ext.168, e-mail lduncan@elgin.ca or visit www.elginartstrail.ca. 

Artastic Elgin Studio Tour Locations/Activities

Portside Gallery, 187 ½ Main St., Port Stanley
Artists will be on-site with live painting demonstrations. The “Portside Goes Big” exhibit will be on display during this time. 

Peter Robson Gallery, 46340 Main St., Sparta
The Peter Robson Gallery will be offering computerized mat cuttings. Bring a 4x6 picture and have it created on an 8 x 10 mat free of charge! While in Sparta, visit the Sparta Scarecrow Festival on Saturday September 26 from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

The Art Emporium, 177 Main St., Port Stanley 
Using various materials and techniques, participants will have the opportunity to create a mixed media collage of their own. Materials are supplied but participants are encouraged to bring papers, fabric, mementos and photos to incorporate into their work.

Concreations, 7579 Yarmouth Centre Rd., St. Thomas
See how Andy casts concrete and uses stains and varnishes to create delightful garden ornaments with an antique, weathered look. Goodies and refreshments available. Live demonstrations on the hour. 

Village Crier Gallery, 194 Currie Rd., Dutton 
Meet Dutton Artist Jenny Phillips and her husband Town Crier Dave at Village Crier Gallery. Enjoy refreshments while you browse their gallery or observe Jenny begin a new major acrylic on canvas “Previewing Quilts”. Saturday: Jenny painting 10 – 11 a.m. & 2-4 p.m. Sunday Jenny painting noon – 4 p.m. 

Rubyeyes Kraftwerks, 235 Colborne St., Port Stanley
Experience the art of fusing glass by creating a 4” suncatcher/coaster or a glass trading card. 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Saturday & Sunday. 

Port Stanley Festival Theatre, 6-302 Bridge St., Port Stanley
Join the Port Stanley Festival Theatre for TWO FREE public readings followed by open discussion of “Quebec Cowboy” by Grant Tilly and “The Birds and The Bees” by Mark Crawford as part of the 4th Annual Playwright’s Festival. 8:00 p.m. Tickets must be reserved in advance.

St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre, 301 Talbot St., St. Thomas
The Art Centre will be offering a full-day event on Saturday September 26 called the “West End Arts Mingle” FREE Children’s art activities. Poetry Slam at 7:00 p.m. DRINK & DRAW, an event designed to rally the creative “spirits”. Finish the evening with live music from “Regal Reeb”. For Ticket info please contact the Art Centre. 


Pinecroft Ceramic Art Studio, 8122 Rogers Rd., South, Aylmer
Visit the pottery studio for ongoing demonstrations 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Stop at the gift shop for a selection of finished pottery for purchase or relax and dine in the Tearoom . Reservations recommended but not necessary for lunch.

Minerva Art Gallery & Custom Framing, 11078 Springwater Rd. North, Aylmer 
Minerva Art Gallery presents Art Restoration, and Preserving Your Piece of Art. On display and being framed are: Pieces of Roman Chariot 200 A.D., Horse bridle and Bits 1400 AD., First Nations Head Dress 1900 AD.