SD&G Scoop – Your Local Lowdown for April 24-May 1, 2025! 🍝🏠🥪

Hey there, SD&G friends!   👋

We’re kicking off May with sunshine, sass, and stories that’ll make you smile. This week’s edition is stuffed fuller than a Saturday sandwich at Riley’s—think: comedy nights, waterfront homes with private beaches, missing pups to help bring home, and a Ping Pong showdown you won’t want to miss. 🏓🌊🐾

Plus, we’re digging up local history, shouting out student volunteers, and asking the age-old question: What exactly did a little stone church in St. Andrews West do during the War of 1812? (Answer at the end—don’t skip ahead. 😉 )

Let’s dive in and see what’s buzzing across the counties this week!

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK
🎉   What’s Happening This Week (May 1–8, 2025)

📅  Here are a few events you won’t want to miss:

🔸   Steven Page with Special Guest Landon A.R. Coleman
🗓 Saturday, May 3 | 🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Upper Canada Playhouse, Morrisburg, ON
Get ready for an unforgettable evening as Steven Page , co-founder and former lead singer of Barenaked Ladies, takes the stage at the Upper Canada Playhouse! 🎤 With a career spanning over three decades, Steven has penned and performed hits like “Brian Wilson,” “If I Had A Million Dollars,” and “It’s All Been Done.”
🎟️ Tickets: Event Details  

🔸   Ping Pong Night @ 610 McConnell
🗓 Monday, May 5 | 🕡 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | 📍 610 McConnell Ave, Cornwall
Your Monday night just got a whole lot more exciting! 🏓 Join a great group of locals for Ping Pong Night —an epic evening of fun, laughs, and friendly competition. All it takes is $2 and a willingness to give that paddle a whirl.
🔔 Pro tip: There’s a ring doorbell taped to the front door—just give it a ding and someone will let you in!
Bring your best energy (and maybe your reflexes) for a great night with good folks!

🔸   Crafting for a Cause – Be Kind to Animals Week
🗓 Tuesday, May 6 | 🕕 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM |
📍 SDG Library – Winchester Branch, 547 St. Lawrence St, Winchester
Join the SDG Library for a warm-and-fuzzy evening of giving back! 🐾 As part of Be Kind to Animals Week , you’ll be making braided ropes and cozy blankets to donate to a local animal rescue. It’s a fun and meaningful way to get crafty while helping our furry friends feel at home with their new families.
🎨 Registration is required, and spots may fill up fast—don’t miss your chance to do something paws-itively heartwarming!
📧   winchesterlib@sdglibrary.ca

🔸   Heart Healthy Eating – Free Online Workshop
🗓 Thursday, May 8 | 🕐 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | 📍 Online (or join in-person at 353 Pitt St, Cornwall)
Learn how food and nutrition can help prevent and manage heart disease, plus gain insight into common heart medications. This free two-hour workshop , hosted by Seaway Valley Community Health Centre, is a great opportunity to take proactive steps for your health.
💻 Register: seawayvalleychc.ca/program-registration
📞 Or call 1-888-936-0306 ext. 229

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOUR
👋   Lise Oikle – Painting with a Purpose

Art By Lise Oikle

This week, we’re celebrating Lise Oikle , a talented local artist with a heart as big as her creativity! 🎨🐾

Lise has spent the past few years using her passion for art to make a difference for the animals at the Ontario SPCA SD&G Animal Centre . Through her beautiful, custom-designed calendars featuring hand-painted portraits of beloved pets, Lise has raised an incredible $6,880 last year to support veterinary care, adoptions, and animal welfare programs.

Her dedication is truly inspiring—Lise has spent countless evenings and weekends painting, organizing, and selling nearly 300 calendars, all to help animals in need. As she says, “I've had animals all my life and wanted to find a way to help.” And help she has!

The Cornwall community and local businesses rallied behind her project, making it a huge success. Even better? Lise already has plans to continue the tradition, starting again this August for another round of fundraising fun.

👏 Hats off to you, Lise! You’re a true hometown hero in every sense.

If you'd like to learn more about the Ontario SPCA SD&G Animal Centre, visit ontariospca.ca/sdg .

Check out Art By Lise Oikle: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076761554217

WHERE TO GRAB A BITE
🥪   A Cornwall Classic Since 1905

Riley’s by Nathon Gowsell

If you've strolled down Pitt Street, chances are the aroma of fresh bread and sweet pastries has lured you into Riley’s Bakery at 248 Pitt Street. Established in 1905 by the Riley brothers , this beloved bakery has been a cornerstone of Cornwall's downtown for over a century. In 1969, the Riley family passed the torch to Robert Grant , and in 1989, Rob and Ana Curran took over, introducing the now-famous thick sandwiches that quickly became a local lunchtime staple. ​

Today, the tradition continues under the stewardship of Marc and Christine Champagne and their family, who took over in December 2021. They've maintained the bakery's reputation for hearty sandwiches, delectable desserts, and that unmistakable welcoming atmosphere. ​

Whether you're craving a classic meat pie, a sweet tart, or one of those legendary sandwiches, Riley’s offers a taste of home and history in every bite. It's more than just a bakery—it's a cherished part of Cornwall's culinary heritage.​

📍   Visit them at: 248 Pitt Street, Cornwall, ON

THROWBACK CORNER
📸   Remember Jovana's Spaghetti House?

Jovana’s Spaghetti House

Long before thrifting was a treasure hunt at Value Village , Cornwall locals knew this spot as the beloved Jovana’s Spaghetti House . Famous for hearty pasta dishes, memorable date nights, and according to some regulars—“the best poutine in town”—Jovana’s was a true Cornwall classic!

Did you celebrate a special milestone, have a first date, or just enjoy a great plate of spaghetti here? We'd love to hear your memories of Jovana's—send us your stories, photos, or favourite dishes, and they might be featured in a future Scoop!

Bon appétit to delicious memories! 🍽️ ✨

PET OF THE WEEK
🚨   Help Bring Storm Home!

Storm has been missing since April 28th

This week's Pet of the Week is a special call-out to the SD&G community: let's come together to help find Storm , a sweet and nervous two-year-old Husky/Shepherd mix who went missing near Gravel Hill, Robinson’s Corners, and Bender Roads .

Storm broke his lead around 7:20 AM and was last seen heading north on Bender Road towards Robinson’s Corners Road. He's easily startled, so please approach gently if spotted. He’s highly food-motivated, but quick movements may scare him off. Storm is wearing a red collar, likely still attached to the broken lead, and he's microchipped.

Let's reunite Storm with his family—please share, keep an eye out, and contact us immediately if spotted. Thanks, SD&G—let’s bring this pup safely home! 🐶 ❤️

COMMUNITY WINS
🏆 Local Volunteer Honoured

Holy Trinity Students Lend a Hand (and Apron!) at the Agape Centre

A big round of applause to the students from Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School who recently volunteered their time at the Agape Centre’s Community Kitchen ! 👏👨‍🍳👩‍🍳

With warm smiles and helping hands, these amazing young folks jumped into action—serving meals, supporting the kitchen crew, and spreading positive vibes all around. It’s moments like these that remind us just how strong our community spirit is.

Thank you, Holy Trinity, for showing up and showing love. We see you—and we’re grateful! ❤️

JUST FOR FUN
🧠 Games Corner – Did You Know?

Tucked away in St. Andrews West sits one of Ontario’s most historic hidden gems: St. Andrew’s Church , completed around 1801 ! 🏛️ It’s the oldest remaining stone church structure in the entire province—built with help from fur traders and settlers, including the legendary "Spanish" John Macdonell.

This humble stone building has seen it all—from spiritual gatherings to serving as a hospital during the War of 1812 . And just across the road? A graveyard where you’ll find the resting places of explorer Simon Fraser and Ontario’s first premier, Sandfield Macdonald .

🕵️‍♂️ Here’s your trivia teaser:
What war-time role did St. Andrew’s Church serve during the War of 1812?
Check the end of the newsletter for the answer! 💡

ESTATE & NEIGHBOURHOOD BUZZ
🏡   Waterfront Wonder on Moulinette Island

16008 Lakeside Drive

Looking for your slice of paradise? This 2,900 sq. ft. stunner on Moulinette Island might just be it! Tucked along one of the most coveted stretches of the Long Sault Parkway , this waterfront retreat is giving luxury cottage-core—but make it year-round. 🌅

Step into a grand entryway that flows into a sun-soaked sitting room, formal dining space, and a dream kitchen with a cozy gas fireplace . Throw open the patio doors and you’re greeted with deck views made for golden hour cocktails and BBQ season. Need more cozy? There’s a second fireplace in the family room, a full bath, laundry room, and access to a roomy double garage.

Upstairs? Gleaming hardwood, three spacious bedrooms, and a primary suite that feels like a mini boutique hotel.

But let’s be real— the outdoors steal the show : classic brick curb appeal, a charming covered porch, and a backyard that meets the water with a private beach, lower lounging deck, and endless peace-and-quiet potential .

If you've been waiting for a “this is the one” kind of listing—this is it.
💦 Sunsets included.

💰 Listed at $1,175,000
👉 View Listing on Realtor.ca

JOBS AND CLASSIFIEDS
📢   Who is Hiring?

💼 Current Listings:

STUDENT - Road Maintenance
📍 United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (SDG)
The main duties will include traffic control (flag-person), weed trimming using a gas powered ‘weed-eater’, sign repairs, road patrol, hand patching and other duties as required.
📧 Apply online: sdgcounties.bamboohr.com/careers/88

CASUAL SUPPORT ASSISTANT - SDG Library
📍 United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (SDG)
Reporting to the District Supervisor, the Casual Support Assistant provides public service library functions on an as needed basis in the SDG Library branches.
📧 Apply online: sdgcounties.bamboohr.com/careers/8 0

SD&G HISTORIC JAIL COORDINATOR - Historic Jail
📍 Cornwall, ON
The SDG Historic Jail Coordinator will be responsible for uncovering and sharing compelling history of the jail to create engaging and interactive programs and events for diverse audiences.
📧 Apply online here

CLOSING CALL
📬 That’s a Wrap For This week’s Scoop!

Thanks for tuning in and keeping the small-town spirit alive with us! From delicious pasta throwbacks to waterfront dream homes and community kindness in action—there’s never a dull moment in SD&G.

And now, the moment you've been waiting for…
🧠   Trivia Answer: During the War of 1812, St. Andrew’s Church was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers—talk about a sacred space with a side of service.

Have a story to share, an event coming up, or a neighbour doing something awesome? Hit reply—we’d love to feature it in an upcoming edition.

💌 Not subscribed yet? Fix that right here: https://sdgscoop.beehiiv.com/subscribe
📬 And don’t forget to forward this week’s Scoop to someone who still talks about Jovana’s spaghetti.

See you next week,
— The SD&G Scoop Team