SD&G Scoop – Your Local Lowdown for January 22-29, 2026!

Hey there, Cornwall & SD&G crew - quick question to kick things off!   👋

Where do you go to order top-quality local meats ? 🥩
Your go-to farm? A trusted butcher? A hidden gem worth sharing? We’re on the hunt (pun fully intended) and would love to hear who you swear by so we can spotlight more local goodness.

Before we dive in, we also have to say how much we love featuring photos from our community - especially jaw-droppers like this chilly-but-magical Northern Lights shot captured by Rob Lepage and Diane Lepage   ✨ ❄️
A perfect reminder that even on the coldest nights, there’s some pretty incredible beauty right outside our doors.

Photo cred: Rob and Diane Lepage

Now… tell us — who’s your favourite local farm or butcher?   👀

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK
🎉   What’s Happening This Week (January 22-29, 2026)

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

🔸   Photo Club with Milo Smith
📅   Thursday, January 22 | ⏰   12:30 – 2:30 PM | 📍   Glengarry Encore Education Centre , Alexandria
Calling all shutterbugs and creative minds! Whether you’re just getting comfortable with your camera or looking to level up your digital photography skills, Photo Club with Milo Smith is the perfect mid-week creative break. Hosted at the Glengarry Encore Education Centre , this welcoming weekly club is all about learning, sharing, and seeing the world a little differently - one photo at a time. Led by local photographer Milo Smith , sessions mix technical tips with artistic insight, group discussions, optional critiques, and fun weekly challenges to help you grow your skills. From composition and editing to creative perspective, there’s something here for photographers of all levels and occasionally, even photo outings to inspiring local spots.
📷 Cost: $30
🧠   Perfect for: Curious beginners, passionate hobbyists, and anyone who loves capturing moments
Bring your curiosity (and your camera!) and join a group that loves learning through creativity.

🔸   Aultsville FilmFest is Back!
📅   Friday, January 23 – Sunday, January 25 | 📍   Aultsville Theatre, Cornwall
Lights, camera… Cornwall! 🍿 Aultsville FilmFest - Cornwall’s independent film festival - is taking over the Aultsville Theatre this weekend , kicking things off with an Opening Night Celebration on Friday, January 23 . Expect a grand opening ceremony, a reception, and the first screening of the festival before rolling into a full weekend of powerful, thought-provoking storytelling. The lineup features a mix of compelling films from across Canada and beyond, including Meadowlarks , We Lend a Hand , Urchin , and Peak Everything , with screenings spread across Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday. Whether you’re a film buff, a casual moviegoer, or just looking for something a little different to do this weekend, FilmFest offers a chance to experience meaningful cinema right here in our community. Grab your tickets, support independent film, and enjoy a weekend of stories that spark conversation long after the credits roll 🎥✨

🔸   Dinner Lounge Music at Nakhon Thai (Brockville)
📅   Saturday, January 24 | ⏰   From 7 PM | 📍   Nakhon Thai – 28 King St W, Brockville
Looking for the perfect excuse to pair great food with live music? 🎶🍜 Nakhon Thai in Brockville is hosting a cozy Dinner Lounge Music Night featuring the talented Margaret Whisselle , serving up smooth vocals and relaxed vibes to complement an already incredible meal. Expect authentic Thai flavours, handcrafted cocktails, and an intimate live music experience that’s perfect for date night, catching up with friends, or just treating yourself to something a little special. There’s a $10 cover per person , and tables are limited, so reservations are strongly encouraged. Come for dinner, stay for the music, and enjoy a night where great food and great tunes go hand in hand ✨

🔸   New Year’s Euchre Tournament – Shuffle Up & Deal!
📅   Saturday, January 24 | ⏰   10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Doors open at 9:15 AM) | 📍   St. Matthew’s Presbyterian Church Hall, Ingleside
Kick off the new year with a little friendly competition and a whole lot of fun! ♠️♥️♣️♦️ The New Year’s Euchre Tournament is back and ready to bring card players together for a full day of laughs, strategy, and community spirit. Grab a partner, round up some friends, and settle in for a classic Euchre showdown. Expect lots of prizes and draws , plus free coffee, tea, and bottled water to keep you going. Feeling hungry? You’re covered—there will be a variety of snacks and excellent hot lunch items for sale throughout the day. Best of all, proceeds go toward local charities , so every hand played helps support the community.
💵   Entry: $25 non-members | $20 members
📞   Register: Betty (613-984-1431) or Debra (613-448-2617)
Whether you’re in it to win it or just there for the fun, this is a great way to spend a winter Saturday and celebrate the new year together.

🔸   Community Workout at Caveman Strong – All Are Welcome!
📅   Saturday, January 24 | ⏰   11:15 AM | 📍   Caveman Strong
Winter weather changing the plans? No problem 💪 The community run (led by Cody Taylor) is heading indoors this week as the gym at Caveman Strong has been rented out for a high-energy, all-are-welcome workout session. Instead of hitting the pavement, everyone’s invited to bring that community spirit into the gym for a fun, supportive sweat together. Whether you’re a regular runner, a gym-goer, or just looking to try something new, this is a great chance to move, connect, and start your weekend feeling strong. No pressure, no expectations… just good vibes, movement, and community energy. Show up, bring a friend, and get ready to sweat together 💥

🔸   Birding 4-H Club Launch — A New Club Takes Flight!   🌿
📅   Sunday, January 25 | 10 AM – 12 PM
Calling all curious kids (and nature-loving families)! Glengarry County 4-H is launching a brand-new Birding 4-H Club , and the first meeting takes place this Sunday. 🐤✨ Led by Jen Fraser and Abbey MacKinnon , this monthly club is all about discovering the birds right in your own backyard - learning how to identify them, understanding their habits, and exploring their life cycles in a fun, hands-on way. Perfect for young nature enthusiasts who love being outdoors and asking great questions.
💰 $25 club fee | 🗓️ Meets once per month
📧   Register:   abbey.macgillivray@gmail.com
If you’ve got a budding birder at home, this is a great way to spread their wings and learn something new!

🎵   Where’s That Music Coming From (January 22-29, 2026)

🔸   Live Music Night at Rurban Brewing   🍕🍺
📅   Saturday, January 24 | 7–10 PM | 📍   Rurban Brewing, Cornwall
Say goodbye to the January blues and hello to a great night out! This Saturday, Rurban Brewing is serving up the perfect combo: fantastic live music , Cornwall pizza , and plenty of Rurban beer to go around. 🍻🔥 Grab a friend, make a night of it, and soak up the good vibes with an energetic, feel-good live performance that pairs perfectly with a pint in hand. Tickets are required, so be sure to message Rurban Brewing for details and lock in your spot. Local tunes, local brews, local eats - this is one you won’t want to miss. 🎸✨

🔸   A Dancer’s Ear for Music with Tom Manley
📅   Monday, January 26 | ⏰   10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 📍   Mike Depratto Hall , Alexandria | 💵   $15
Ever wondered why certain songs make you want to waltz, swing, or salsa? This fun and interactive session hosted by Glengarry Encore Education Centre is all about connecting the dots between music and movement. Led by Tom Manley, A Dancer’s Ear for Music explores the different music styles and beat patterns that ballroom dancers listen for, and how those rhythms guide the way we move. You’ll learn how to recognize common beats, match them to the right dance style, and even try out some basic movements yourself. No pressure, no experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to move a little. Whether you’re a dancer, a music lover, or just looking for something different to try this week - this one’s sure to get you tapping your toes.

WHERE TO GRAB A BITE
🥕   Eat Local, Feel Good!

If eating local, seasonal food is your thing (it’s definitely ours 🙌 ), this is a very cool initiative to know about. The Rutabaga Ranch has officially opened their Harvest Box memberships , and it’s basically a love letter to fresh, local produce.

Here’s how it works: you sign up now (with flexible payment options), and then for 20 weeks you pick up the freshest vegetables the farm has to offer - often more than what you paid for. Each week’s haul is thoughtfully curated by the farmers themselves, and there’s even an unlimited swap box so you can trade what you don’t love for more of what you do. 🥬 ➡️ 🥕

We especially love that there’s a Kemptville pickup location every Wednesday from 4–6 PM , making it super easy for locals to grab their veggies mid-week. It’s convenient, customizable, and supports local farmers doing great work.

Eating local produce isn’t just about great flavour (though that’s a big bonus), it’s about supporting our regional food system, reducing food miles, and knowing exactly where your food comes from. This Harvest Box checks all those boxes and then some. 🌱

If you’ve been looking for a simple way to eat better, support local, and feel good about what’s on your plate… this might be it.

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
📸   Pitt Street Then & Now

Photo cred: Cornwall Community Museum

Take a stroll down Pitt Street - Cornwall-style, circa way back when . From the vintage cars lining the curb to the bold storefront signs shouting for your attention, this snapshot is pure downtown nostalgia. One detail that really jumps out? Jack Lee’s proudly holding its spot on the strip. Decades later… and it’s still here . Now that’s staying power. 👏

It’s a reminder of how much Pitt Street has changed, and how much heart has stayed the same. The signage, the fashion, the cars… all clues pointing to what feels like the late 1960s or early 1970s . But we’ll let you be the judge.

So we’ll throw it to you:

• 👀   Any other businesses you recognize that are still around today?

• 📅   What year do you think this photo was taken?

Drop us a note and let’s see who knows their Cornwall history best. One thing’s for sure… downtown has always had character, and this photo proves it.

PET OF THE WEEK
🐶   Love at First Sniff!

Photo cred: Triple B Ranch

This week’s Pet of the Week is extra special because we’re featuring not one… not two… but three adorable hearts that met in the most wholesome way possible.

Meet Bailey and Beau , who recently had their very first introduction to Copper over at Triple B Ranch and judging by the photo, it was love at first sniff . With curious noses pressed together and tails (we assume) wagging, this sweet moment perfectly captures the magic of unexpected friendships and the gentle charm of farm life.

It’s these small, joyful interactions that remind us why animals have such a special way of bringing warmth into our lives. We’re already smiling thinking about what future farm adventures (and farm tours 👀 ) might be coming next.

Check out Triple B Ranch and thanks to them for reminding us that sometimes, the best connections happen without saying a word.

COMMUNITY WINS
🏆 North Grenville Showing Up in a Big Way!

Photo cred: Mayor Nancy Peckford (we also love the apron)

This is the kind of feel-good story we love to see. This week’s FREE Community Dinner hosted by the North Grenville Community Meals Association welcomed 101 attendees —and the momentum just keeps growing! More volunteers, more meals, more neighbours around the table… and yes, a delicious cod chowder that turned a once-frozen banquet fish into something truly special. 🐟 🥣

Held every Tuesday from 4–7 PM at the Armory building next to Riverside Park in downtown Kemptville , this open-door dinner is exactly what community looks like in action. No RSVPs, no barriers—just friendly faces, warm food, live music, and a reminder that everyone belongs. Families, seniors, youth, first-timers, regulars… come once or come every week.

Huge kudos to the chefs, helpers, musicians, and volunteers who make this happen, and to everyone who keeps showing up. 💛 If you’re looking for a reason to feel proud of your community, this is it.

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!

ESTATE & NEIGHBOURHOOD BUZZ
🏡 Country Living, Upgraded

If you’ve ever said “we just want a little more space” … this one might stop you in your tracks. This Martintown country retreat truly checks every box, and then adds a few you didn’t even know were on your wishlist.

Set on a picturesque 8-acre property with winding trails and mature hardwood bush, this home offers over 2,000 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space , complete with 3+1 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms . Inside, you’ll find vaulted ceilings, a cozy knotty-pine family room, and a stunning two-sided wood-burning fireplace that makes winter evenings feel extra special. 🔥

The renovated kitchen is a showstopper—large island, quartz countertops, farmhouse sink, and it flows perfectly into everyday living and entertaining. There’s even a charming laundry room that doubles as a coffee bar (yes please ☕). Downstairs, the semi-finished basement offers flexible space for teens, hobbies, or a casual hangout zone.

Outside is where this property really flexes: composite and stone decking , an inground pool , and roughly one acre of fenced space around the house and pool, perfect for pets, kids, or both. Add in an attached 2-car garage with EV charging and a massive insulated 24×80 workshop with multiple bays and a dedicated work area, and you’ve got a dream setup for trades, storage, or creative projects.

Private, scenic, and packed with lifestyle features that are rarely found all in one place - this is the definition of “what more can you want?” Country living has never looked so good.

📌 View the listing: https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/29268925/18723-county-18-road-south-glengarry-723-south-glengarry-charlottenburgh-twp

👉 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?

CAMP COORDINATOR - The Learning Centre
📍 Cornwall
The Learning Centre is hiring a Camp Coordinator for its Summer Camps located in Cornwall, Long Sault, Iroquois and Winchester.
📧 Apply online: https://www.giag.ca/en/employment-services/job-board-job-posting-form/?jobId=ddb4683a-e5e4-42d1-a424-b3d0f106896e

PROGRAMMING CLERK - Cornwall Public Library
📍 Cornwall
Cornwall Public Library is seeking an energetic, creative, and tech-savvy “Programming Clerk” (not computer programming) enthusiastic about interacting with the community.
📧 Apply online: https://www.library.cornwall.on.ca/about/careers

RESIDENTIAL CARE WORKER FT - Maison Interlude House
📍 Hawkesbury
As a shelter worker, most of your job will involve welcoming and supporting women who are victims of violence, as well as their dependents, with compassion and empathy.
📧 Apply online: https://www.minterludeh.ca/carrieres/postes-disponibles/

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

As always, thank you for taking a few minutes to catch up on what’s happening across our community. Whether you’re heading out to an event, supporting a local business, or just soaking in the small moments that make SDG such a special place, we’re grateful to share it all with you.

If you’ve got something coming up, a photo you’d love to see featured, or a local win worth celebrating, our inbox is always open - this newsletter is better because of you .

Until next week, stay warm, stay curious, and keep supporting local. ❤️

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

With gratitude,
The SD&G Scoop Team