SD&G Scoop – Your Local Lowdown for Feb 26 - Mar 5, 2025!

Hey there, Cornwall & SD&G crew!  👋

Well… you spoke and we listened. 👀

In last week’s poll, a whopping 91% of you said YES to exploring places just outside our little SD&G corner, so we’re making it official.

Introducing: Neighbourhoods Beyond 🌎

Our brand-new travel section kicks off this week with a look at The Eastern Townships , just over three hours away and already climbing our summer getaway list. Rolling hills, lakes, vineyards… honestly, it felt like the right time to dream about somewhere green.

Which brings us to…

Is anyone else officially done with winter? Or is it just us?

Between the never-ending snowbanks and those tough Olympic hockey losses (we’re still recovering), morale has been… tested. And speaking of being tested - a sharp-eyed reader kindly pointed out that we slipped up last week with a “neighbor” instead of our proper Canadian “neighbour.”

Could it have come at a more sensitive time? Probably not.
Olympic heartbreak and American spelling? That one stung. 🇨🇦

But hey - that’s why we love this community. You keep us honest, you vote in the polls, and now you’ve officially expanded The Scoop beyond our borders.

There’s a lot of good stuff in this week’s issue - local wins, fun events, throwbacks, and now a little travel inspiration to warm us up.

Let’s get into it.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK
🎉  What’s Happening This Week (Feb 26 - Mar 5, 2025)

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

🔸  Local Author Showcase at Bubba & Bugs Coffee Bar
📅  Saturday, February 28 | 🕖 7 PM – 9 PM | 📍  Bubba & Bugs Coffee Bar, Cornwall
Looking for a cozy, creative night out? ☕🍷 This Saturday, Bubba & Bugs is hosting a mix-and-mingle evening with four incredible local authors: Kate Heartfield, Beth Granger, Kevin Hearn, and Scott Godwin. Sip on a little wine (or a latte!), enjoy live readings throughout the evening, and get your books signed while connecting with fellow book lovers and creatives. 📖🎶 Plus, there’s live music by Jarek Anderson to round out the vibe. It’s the perfect blend of stories, conversation, and cozy coffee shop energy. Spots are limited - email bubbaandbugs@outlook.com or call 613-258-2782 to hold yours.

🔸  Martintown Fire Station #2 – 21st Annual Breakfast
📅  Sunday, March 1 | 🕗 8 AM – 12 PM
📍  Martintown Community Centre, 4852 County Rd 20, Martintown
Nothing says small-town Sunday like a hearty breakfast served by your local firefighters. Martintown Fire Station #2 is hosting their 21st Annual Breakfast , and you’re invited to come hungry. On the menu? Eggs, bacon, ham, sausage, home fries, toast, beans, pancakes, coffee, tea, juice - basically everything you need to start your day the right way. Best part? It’s free (with donations gratefully accepted at the door), and all proceeds support your local fire station. Bring the family, bring your appetite, and let the firefighters do the cooking this Sunday morning. It’s good food for a great cause.
💲 Free – Donations Accepted

🔸  5th Annual Seed Exchange – Akwesasne
📅  Saturday, February 28 | 🕙 10 AM – 1 PM
📍  Akwesasne Seed Hub, 1636 NY-37, Akwesasne, NY
Calling all gardeners, growers, and green thumbs. The 5th Annual Seed Exchange is bringing the community together to swap seeds, share knowledge, and strengthen our local food systems. Whether you’re an experienced grower or just dreaming about your spring garden, this is the perfect place to connect and learn.
🌽 Featured guest speakers include:
- Tayohserontye – Corn Pollination
- Steve McComber – Planting by the Moon
Bring seeds to share if you can, bring your questions, and bring your appetite - food will be provided. Organizers are encouraging a low-waste event, so think reusable containers and community-minded vibes.It’s more than a seed swap - it’s about growing community together. 🌾

🎵  Where’s That Music Coming From (Feb 26 - Mar 5, 2025) )

🔸  Open Mic & Karaoke Night at the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 297)
📅  Friday, February 27 | 🎶  Music: 7 PM – 10 PM |📍  Royal Canadian Legion Branch 297, Cornwall
This Friday night, the mic is yours. Yes, yours . 🎶 Join host Dan White for a fun evening of Open Mic and Karaoke at the Royal Canadian Legion. You don’t need to play an instrument to be the star of the show - just bring your voice, your courage, and maybe your go-to power ballad. And before the music kicks off, fuel up with classic fish and chips served from 4:30 to 6:30 PM . Nothing like a little comfort food before you take the stage.

🔸  Tribute to Aerosmith – Performed by Aeroforce
📅  Saturday, February 28 | 🚪  Doors Open: 7 PM | 🎤  Show Starts: 8 PM
📍  The Port Theatre, 132 Montreal Rd., Cornwall
Dream On, Cornwall… because Aerosmith is coming to town (well, almost 😉). Get ready for a night of pure rock ‘n’ roll energy as Aeroforce brings the iconic sound of Aerosmith to life at The Port Theatre. From powerhouse vocals to guitar riffs that’ll have you air-jamming in your seat, this tribute show promises all the swagger, sound, and stage presence you’d expect. If you’ve been craving a loud, fun, sing-at-the-top-of-your-lungs kind of night - this might be your sign. Grab your crew, dust off the leather jacket, and get ready to rock. 🎶
🎟 Early Bird: $30 | Advance: $40 | Door: $45

NEIGHBOURHOODS BEYOND
🌎 The Eastern Townships, Quebec

Photo cred: Philippe Renault, Corbis

(Just over 3 hours from Cornwall — aka very doable for a long weekend 👀 )

If you’ve been craving rolling hills, vineyard views, charming little villages, and serious European summer energy without hopping on a plane… let us introduce (or re-introduce) you to The Eastern Townships .

Located just southeast of Montreal, this region is basically Quebec’s countryside playground, and it’s only a little over a 3-hour drive from Cornwall . Which means: road trip playlist, coffee stop, and you’re there.

Wine Country, But Make It Quebec

The Eastern Townships are known for their wine route , with vineyards scattered across the hills serving up local reds, whites, ciders, and sparkling wines. It’s the kind of place where you can bike between wineries… or responsibly sample your way through a tasting menu with mountain views.

Lakes, Mountains & All the Outdoors

Lake Memphrémagog, Mont Sutton, Owl’s Head - whether you’re into hiking, paddleboarding, cycling, or simply sitting by the water pretending you’re in a travel magazine, this region delivers. In the summer, it’s lush and green. In the fall? Absolutely unreal.

Storybook Villages

Towns like Knowlton, Magog, North Hatley, and Sutton are filled with:

• Boutique shops

• Cozy cafés

• Historic inns

• Farm-to-table restaurants

It’s giving “slow morning, patio brunch, wander with no agenda” energy, which we fully support.

Arts, Culture & Food

The Townships are big on local makers, art galleries, food markets, and culinary experiences. Think cheese producers, bakeries, craft breweries, and countryside restaurants that make you want to linger just a little longer.

We’re already eyeing it for a summer escape - maybe a mix of hiking, lake time, and a vineyard or two (purely for research purposes, of course).

Would you be interested in more Neighbourhoods Beyond features like this? Hidden gems within a few hours of SD&G that make for perfect weekend getaways?

Because if a European-feeling countryside is only three hours away… we feel like that’s information we should all have. 🚗🌿🍷

SUPPORT THE SCOOP
☕ Keep the Good News Brewing

The SDG Scoop is a free, independent local newsletter built right here in SD&G - by locals, for locals. Each issue takes time, coffee, and a whole lot of love to put together.

If you enjoy reading the Scoop and want to help keep it going strong, you can buy us a coffee (or two!). Every little bit helps us share more good news, highlight local stories, and celebrate the best of our community.

Thanks for the support, friends!

THROWBACK CORNER
📸  The Old Hotel Cornwallis – Second Street

This week we’re stepping back in time thanks to Vintage Cornwall Archives, who shared three old postcards featuring the Hotel Cornwallis on Second Street.

Just look at that brick façade. The bold “HOTEL CORNWALLIS” signage. The Union Jack flying proudly above the roofline. It’s the kind of building that immediately makes you wonder: who walked through those doors? Travellers arriving by train? Salesmen with sample cases? Wedding parties? Late-night storytellers gathered in the lounge?

The street scenes in the postcards are just as captivating - vintage cars lining the roads, storefronts you may remember (or heard your parents talk about), and a downtown core that feels both familiar and wonderfully different.

Second Street has always been a heartbeat of Cornwall, and the Hotel Cornwallis clearly played its part in the city’s social life. Hotels back then weren’t just places to sleep - they were gathering spots, event spaces, business hubs, and sometimes the centre of all the action.

If you have memories of the old hotel - stories from grandparents, photos tucked away in an album, or tales of what it was “back in the day” - we’d love to hear them.

There’s something special about seeing our streets through a vintage lens. It reminds us that while storefronts change and cars evolve, community is what truly stands the test of time.

PET OF THE WEEK
🐶  Big Hearts for Four-Legged Family Members

This week’s Pet of the Week is a two-part feature - one heartwarming, one community call-out. 💛

🚒🐶 Part 1: Saving Pets When Seconds Count

Photo cred: South Glengarry Fire Services

South Glengarry Fire Services recently received a generous donation of three pet oxygen mask kits from the Cornwall District Kennel Club and we LOVE to see this.

These specialized WAG’N O2 Fur Life masks will now be carried on frontline fire apparatus to provide oxygen to pets experiencing smoke inhalation or respiratory distress during emergencies. Each kit includes multiple mask sizes so firefighters can respond quickly and effectively - whether it’s a tiny pup or a big golden retriever.

It’s a powerful reminder that when first responders show up, they’re there for every member of your family - including the four-legged ones. 🐕🐾

Huge shoutout to the Cornwall District Kennel Club for making this happen.

🐕📍 Part 2: Can We Help These Two Find Home?

Two female dogs were recently found near Concession 2 / Highway 34 in Lancaster , and we’re using The Scoop to help spread the word.

One appears to be a brown, long-haired pup with bright eyes and a happy, friendly expression. The other is a black and tan dog who looks a little unsure (understandably!) but safe.

If you recognize either of these dogs — or know someone in that area missing a pet — please help share the info. The Scoop community has reunited pets before, and we’d love to see it happen again. 💛

Because around here, pets aren’t “just dogs.”
They’re family.

COMMUNITY WINS
🏆 Big Momentum for a Multi-Sport Dome in North Grenville

Photo cred: Mayor Nancy Peckford

Now this is the kind of breakfast meeting we love to see. ☕🥓

More than 40 community “Champions” recently gathered in Kemptville to talk about the future of sport and recreation in North Grenville — specifically, plans for a Multi-Sport Indoor Dome that would feature turf fields, hard courts, and a walking track.

The energy? Strong.
The momentum? Growing.
The funding conversations? Underway.

The proposed dome would create year-round space for soccer, lacrosse, court sports, community walking, and more — a major boost for athletes, families, and active living in the region. And with provincial funding opportunities in the mix, there’s real optimism building around making this vision a reality.

It’s always encouraging to see residents step up as Champions for projects that invest in health, youth, and long-term community growth.

We love spotlighting wins like this — because strong communities don’t just happen. They’re built by people who show up (sometimes over eggs and coffee) and push big ideas forward. 💪

LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
🛒 Small Businesses - We See You!

Want to get your local business in front of thousands of engaged Cornwall & SD&G readers who love supporting local?

We feature standout businesses, shops, and services that help make our community shine - and we’d love to spotlight you next!

👉 Interested? Reach out to us at https://www.sdgscoop.ca/contact or jared@sdgscoop.ca and let’s chat!

JUST FOR FUN
🎯 Games Corner – Just for Fun!

Here’s a bright piece of local trivia for you - Cornwall holds a shocking place in Canadian history! 🔌

Back in April 1883 , the Weave Shed at the Canada Mill became the first factory in Canada to use Thomas Edison’s incandescent electric lights . That’s right, our city helped light the way for industrial innovation across the country!

Even cooler? Edison himself traveled to Cornwall to oversee the installation and famously flipped the switch, plunging the factory into darkness before illuminating it with his brand-new electric bulbs. Imagine the awe on everyone’s faces that night!

So next time you flip a light switch, give a little nod to Cornwall - where Canada’s electric story began. 💡

ESTATE & NEIGHBOURHOOD BUZZ
🏡 Retro River Retreat in South Glengarry

This week’s feature takes us just east of Williamson on County Road 17 — and we’re kind of loving the throwback charm. 👀✨

Listed at $519,900 , this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on just over 2 acres along the Raisin River , offering peaceful country living with room to breathe (and grow). But let’s talk about the vibe…

From the moment you scroll the photos, you’re greeted with warm natural wood trim, classic stair rails, and yes — that wallpaper. And honestly? We’re into it. There’s something about that cozy, retro aesthetic mixed with a refreshed kitchen and updated appliances that feels equal parts nostalgic and functional.

The kitchen has been updated (2020), the furnace and A/C were replaced in 2020, and there’s R80 attic insulation — so while the style nods to the past, the big-ticket items are reassuringly modern.

Other highlights:

• 🛏 3 bedrooms

• 🛁 2 bathrooms

• 🏡 1,500–2,000 sq ft

• 🚗 Two spacious garages (hello workshop dreams)

• 🌊 River-side setting with country views

It’s a rare mix of charm, space, and practicality — perfect for someone who appreciates character and isn’t afraid of a little retro flair. Or maybe you lean into it fully and make wallpaper cool again. We support it.

Country living, workshop potential, and a touch of vintage personality — South Glengarry is serving up options this week.

📌 View the listing: https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/29387529/19864-county-rd-17-road-south-glengarry-723-south-glengarry-charlottenburgh-twp?view=imagelist

👉 Got a property for sale or rent in SD&G? Let us feature it in next week’s Scoop - the most-clicked section of the newsletter!

JOBS AND CLASSIFIEDS
📢  Who is Hiring?

BOOK KEEPER/ ADMIN COORDINATOR - Emard Lumber
📍 Cornwall
Emard Lumber is looking for a detailed book keeper/ admin coordinator to join their team!
📧 Apply online: apply@emardlumber.ca

LEGAL ASSISTANT - Dube Law
📍 Cornwall
The successful candidate will assist the lawyer and staff with client intake, file management, document preparation, searches, closing procedures, and post-closing reporting.
📧 Apply online: eric@rdube.ca

👉 Have a business and looking to hire help? Let us feature your job/ business in next week’s Scoop!

CLOSING CALL
That’s a wrap for this week, friends! 👋

And just like that… another week in the books.

From local gems and community wins to retro throwbacks and now a little travel dreaming beyond our borders - The Scoop keeps growing because of you.

Thanks for voting in the polls.
Thanks for catching our spelling slip-ups.
Thanks for reading, sharing, and showing up for this little corner of the internet.

If you’re officially over winter, hang in there. Patio season, road trips, and green grass are coming. 🌱

Until next week - support local, check in on your neighbours (spelled correctly 😉), and if you need us, we’ll be mentally wandering the Eastern Townships.

📬 Not subscribed yet? Join the Scoop fam here: www.sdgscoop.ca

With gratitude,
The SD&G Scoop Team