According to Recreation and Community commissioner Nicole Forbes, the existing floors were under the vinyl tiles that were removed during the renovations to Victoria Hall in 1998-1999, but were not restored at the time.

Community Events Coordinator Maureen Lafrenière says that one of the biggest challenges for the floors comes from people wearing dirty and salty footwear into the hall. "We hope that the public will respect the new floors by not bringing salt and dirt into the new hall and change into shoes before entering the hall."

In addition, the legs on the chairs and tables used in the hall, which are now being stored in the Prud'homme Hall, are being refelted to ensure they will not scratch the new floors. The main hall is expected to reopen in time for fall programs.

One of the summer highlights of the art scene in Westmount is the annual group exhibition, which will begin July 10. The vernissage will be held Wednesday, July 9 starting at 6 p.m. This year the diverse lineup of Westmount artists includes Mona Agia, David Asch, Peter Boyadjieff, Elizabeth Cameron, Francine Chartrand, Huguette Croteau Corneli, Claude Hazanavicius, Frances Samuels, John Udy and Flora Lee Wagner. Some of the artists will be on hand that evening to discuss their work. The exhibition will continue at the Gallery at Victoria Hall, 4626 Sherbrooke St. W., through Aug. 9. For more information, contact the Westmount Community Events Office at 514-989-5226.

The annual summer concerts series at the lagoon in Westmount Park will begin this Sunday, July 6 at 2 p.m. Once again this year Westmounters are invited to come, perhaps with a picnic lunch, and enjoy the mostly jazz concerts performed by professional musicians. For more information contact the Westmount Community Events Office at 514-989-5226.

In spite of intermittent rain, the residents and day centre participants at St. Margaret's Senior Residence enjoyed a fun celebration of the Fête Nationale and Canada Day last week with a barbeque party. After feasting on a meal that included barbequed chicken and much lively table talk, the participants moved out to the terrace where they enjoyed mounds of strawberry shortcake and a delightful presentation by the Southshore Saints Barbershop singers. The volunteer acappella singers enchanted the audience with favourites and other music they performed with zest.

The Saints are part of an international association of barbershop singers that provides the arrangements for the performances. The Day Centre is open to Anglo seniors who register through the CLSC. Transportation is available. For more information phone Liz at 514-932-3630.

The deadline for the call for artists for Art Westmount 2008 has been extended to July 31. Westmount painters and sculptors are invited to participate in the second edition of Art Westmount, the two-day walking tour of open studios and exhibitions throughout Westmount that will be held on the weekend of October 18 and 19.

The event is designed to showcase and support Westmount artists and their work and give the public an opportunity to experience art in their creative venues. This year, non-artists will be opening their homes and businesses to showcase artists who do not have a local studio. Participation forms are available at Victoria Hall or at www.westmount.org. The deadline is July 31. Phone 514 989-5265 for more info.

—— Marilynn Vanderstaay