The Creative Hub Issue #35

Spotlighting everything special about Elgin County!

🌟 Planning an event in Elgin County? Let’s help you fill the room.

The Creative Hub is a free weekly newsletter that highlights local events, creators, and everything happening across our community — delivered every Friday by lunchtime.

Share your event, and I’ll help spread the word. No cost. Just community.
📩 [email protected]
✅ Subscribe: creative-hub.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Event Roundup

🎼 Railway City Wind Ensemble Presents: Festa Italiana

Looking for a festive afternoon out? The Railway City Wind Ensemble is kicking off Season 6 with Festa Italiana — a warm, charming, Italian-themed concert led by conductor Richard Frank.

Expect vibrant music, beautiful arrangements, and a fun community atmosphere.

📅 Saturday, December 6th at 2 pm
📍 Knox Presbyterian Church, St. Thomas
🎟️ Tickets $10 (free for elementary students!)
Available at the door or from any band member.

A great way to support local arts and enjoy an afternoon of lively music!

Ugly Sweater Christmas Party – December 5, 2025

Get ready for a fun and festive night at Bass Notez Cocktail Lounge. Doors open at 8pm and live music kicks off at 8:30pm with Colin Coleiro. Wear your most outrageous holiday sweater because the ugliest sweater wins a prize.

The event takes place at
703 Talbot Street, St. Thomas
There’s no cover, just great music, great company, and plenty of holiday cheer.

🏡 Keep A Roof Over Their Heads — YWCA 2025 Campaign

Supporting women, youth & families in St. Thomas–Elgin

The YWCA is working to ensure local women, youth and families have not just shelter — but safety, stability, and a chance to rebuild. As part of this year's Keep A Roof Over Their Heads campaign, they’re aiming to raise $45,000 by December 31st to continue providing deeply affordable housing and support programs.

A major milestone is already here — 16 residents are moving into new tiny homes downtown, including families who have spent years living in temporary or unsafe spaces. A home means security, dignity, a door that locks — and a new beginning.

💛 Ways to Help

A small gift has big impact:

  • $50 → hygiene kit for someone moving in

  • $250 → one month of emergency food

  • $300 → youth program materials

  • $550 → one month of housing for an individual

  • Or, “Adopt a Tiny Home” and help furnish a full unit

Groups, workplaces, service clubs, and individuals are welcome to take part. Sponsorship tiers are also available with recognition at Bronze, Silver, Gold & Platinum levels.

🎁 Holiday Wish List (If you'd rather give items)

The YWCA also welcomes donations such as personal care products, blankets & bedding, winter wear, journal/activity kits, pantry items, and gift cards.

📣 Get Involved

Email ➜ [email protected]
Phone ➜ 519-631-9800
Learn & donate ➜ https://ywcaste.ca/keep-a-roof-over-their-heads/

Let’s continue building a community where everyone has a place to call home.

🏡 Rental Spotlight: Newly Renovated 1-Bedroom Suites at The Elm

Starting from $1499–$1625 | Available Now

The Elm by Koko Moa Living has newly updated 1-bedroom units available on Elm Street, directly across from the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital — an ideal location for hospital staff, professionals, and retirees.

✨ Highlights

  • Freshly renovated 1-bedroom suites

  • In-suite laundry + individually controlled heating and A/C

  • Fibre-optic internet available (no setup fees or equipment rentals)

  • Gas heat included; water and hydro extra

  • Pet-friendly community

  • Secure keyless entry & camera surveillance

  • Raised garden beds, BBQ gazebo, and 1 parking space included

  • Close to shopping, restaurants, schools, and trails

  • Quick access to Pinafore Park, Lake Margaret, and just 10 minutes to Port Stanley Beach

🎁 Current Promotions

  • Hospital & Forensic Hospital Staff Bonus: choice of a $500 IKEA gift card or a big-screen TV

  • Lease Signing Bonus (until Dec 31): receive a free Nespresso machine

🔑 Leasing Contact

For availability, details, or to book a viewing:
Joe Hughey, Sales Representative – ReMax Centre City Realty
📱 519 200 8088 (call, text, or Facebook Messenger)

New Here? Start Here Expo – Vendor Interest Now Open

A new community-focused event is being planned for 2026 to help newcomers settle into St. Thomas with ease and confidence.
The New Here? Start Here Expo will connect new residents with the local services they need most when arriving in a new community.

Vendor expressions of interest are now open for local businesses and professionals offering services such as:

Home and Move-In Support

• Realtors
• Lawyers
• Home inspectors
• Contractors and handymen
• Plumbers, electricians, HVAC
• Movers and junk removal
• Landscaping and snow removal
• Pest control
• Storage solutions

Home Comfort and Setup

• Window and door installers
• Water and filtration systems
• Painters flooring cabinetry
• Smart home and security systems
• Cleaning and accessibility services

Additional Local Services Welcome

Any business or professional that supports newcomers — including financial professional childcare health wellness mobility or other services — is invited to express interest as well.

Businesses interested in vendor information or updates can email:
📩 [email protected]

This event aims to make moving to St. Thomas easier more welcoming and more connected for new residents in 2026.