Memorial Tribute to Christine Lundy and John Rau

It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of Chris. She was a strong supporter of the Sparta Community Society for many years serving as our newsletter editor, secretary and president at various times. She tried to find good uses for the building and encouraged the use of it for a variety of events and brought in new programmes for students and seniors.  She even tried to get a Farmer's Market going. She was instrumental in getting us several Trillium grants to keep the building in good repair. The community owe Chris a great deal.

We were also saddened to hear of John's passing. John donated and installed the new kitchen cupboards and counters  at the Community Hall allowing us to get it certified for food use by the Health Unit. Both of these people believed in our community and we morn their passing.

March Fun Night

On Saturday, March 2 there will be a fun night at the Sparta Church Museum. It will begin at 6:30 with a potluck supper followed by Square Dancing, euchre and crokinole. This is a fun night for all ages so please come our and join your neighbours.

High Tea and Historical Fashion Show

Once again the Sparta & District Historical Society will be hosting a  high tea and historical fashion show on Saturday, May 25 from 2:00 to 4:00.  If you want to reserve tickets call Sally Martyn 518-775-2292 or Eleanor Robson at 519-775-2522.

New Streets and Lights for Sparta

Starting this spring Sparta will have its streets repaved as well as new curbs, storm sewers and sidewalks. New historic styled street lights will also be installed in the core area. Expect some disruptions for awhile but it should created a more attractive streetscape.

 Museums Open

Our Church Museum will be open at the beginning of June. The featured display this year is “Historical Costumes by Elizabeth Brandeau”.  

The Forge and Anvil Museum will open by the first weekend in May. It will exhibit our permanent collection of Sparta memorabilia. 

 Newspaper “The Echo”

Melissa Schneider is publishing a newspaper for Sparta, Union and Port Stanley as well as the Shedden and Fingal area. It covers local news and events.  If you want to advertise or write an article contact Melissa at melissa_e_schneider@hotmail.com.

 Guest Speaker at the Sparta Community Hall

Ben Porchuk will be speaking on March 26th at the hall at 7:30 on the Carolinian Life Zone and the types of plants one should be  planting. Come and learn more about our region and its flora.

 It will also be the meeting of the Sparta Community Society at 7:00 pm for those who would like to become involved. We always need new members.

Scouting News

Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and Venturers are all being offered in our community this year. All groups meet at the Community Hall at 6:30. Beavers and Cubs meet on Wednesdays and Scouts and Venturers on Thursdays. All groups are for both boys and girls. Call Pam Helmer for more information 519-775-2265.

Easter Bunny Visits Sparta

On Saturday, April 20 the Easter Bunny will be in the side room of the Sparta House Tearoom from 12:00 till 3:00. Come have your photo taken with the Easter Bunny and have the photo mounted for free at the Robson Studios. Enjoy draws and specials at the participating businesses as well as an Easter Egg hunt at Sparta Candles. Donations to the St. Thomas Elgin food bank would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You

We would like to thank Rick Curtis for doing all our lawn mowing for free as well as Jay Morris for keeping the community hall lot ploughed and Pam Helmer for shovelling the sidewalks. The dedication of volunteers makes ours a special community.

 Community Newsletter

 We  now publish in January, May and September The newsletter will be available at the Village Market and on our web site. Get your news to Sally Martyn by the end of the previous month if you wish it included.

 Garbage Collection

Central Elgin is looking at garbage collection and if changes are needed. There are 6 options being looked at and they would like your input. We need to reduce the waste going to landfills and are looking at ways to accomplish this as well as improving the service. There are three public open houses where you can have some input: Tuesday, February 5 at the Port Stanley Arena from 5:30 to 7:00, Thursday, February 7 at the Belmont Arena from 6:00 to 7:30 and Wednesday, February 20 at the St. Thomas Memorial Arena from 6:00 to 7:30. Come and see what is offered and make your views known.

Regular Events at the Community Hall

Sparta Stitchers meet every Tuesday from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the hall to quilt, knit, crotchet, tat, smock, embroider, etc. Cost is $5.00 per session which is considered a donation and receives an income tax receipt. Come learn a new skill or just bring whatever you want to work on and have a good time visiting with your fellow stitchers. Call Sally Martyn (519-775-2292) for more information or just show up.  We have really grown in the last year and now have 17 participants.

Venturers, Scouts, Cubs, Beavers

Wednesday: 6:30 to 7:30 Beavers

Wednesday: 6:30 to 8:00 Cubs

Thursday: 6:30 to 8:00 Scouts, Venturers

Sparta Community Society

Please come and join us for our next meeting on Tuesday, March 26 at 7:00.

Community Society Executive

President: Pam Helmer (519-775-2265)

Vice President: Barb Burns

Secretary:

Treasurer: Ron Molyneux

Directors at Large: Dr. Robert Burns,

Less than 3 hours - $150; Less than 3 hours + alcohol - $200; More than 3 hours - $200 / day; More than 3 hours + alcohol - $250; The basement is also available for rent at a lower price for smaller events.  Call Sally Martyn at 519-775-2292 to make your reservation.