SD&G Scoop – Your Local Lowdown for May 1-8, 2025! 🐢🌷🏓
Hey there, SDG Scoop readers! 👋🐢🌷
We’ve got a bloomin’ good issue for you this week—and no, we’re not just talking about the tulips! With Mother’s Day right around the corner (May 11th, don’t forget!), we’ve tracked down a special way to brighten Mom’s weekend with a Pop-Up Tulip Bar in Finch that’s sure to add a little colour to your calendar. 💐
Plus, in our Meet Your Neighbor spotlight, we’re shell-abrating someone doing turtley awesome work—Nicole Truesdell from SDG Turtles ! From wetland rescue missions to “turtle taxis,” she’s on a mission to protect the slow-and-steady locals of our region. 🐢 You’ll want to read her full interview (and yes, we’re sharing her words exactly as she told them—because authenticity matters here at the Scoop).
So buckle up for another week of events, real estate peeks, community wins, furry friends, and a game or two to test your local smarts. Let’s get into it!
WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK
🎉
What’s Happening This Week (May 8–15, 2025)
📅 Here are a few events you won’t want to miss:
🔸
Moms I’d Like To Funny - Mother’s Day Comedy Night
🗓 Friday, May 9 | 🕗 Doors: 8:00 PM | Show: 9:00 PM
📍 MO Events, 17369 Cornwall Centre Road
Ready to LOL this Mother’s Day? Join
MO Events Cornwall
for a comedy show that’s part sass, part stand-up, and all hilarious.
M.I.L.F. – Moms I’d Like To Funny
is a cheeky celebration of motherhood with wine, wit, and wildly inappropriate jokes.
🍷📲 Grab your tickets online via QR code on the poster or contact MO Events directly.
🔸
Crafting for a Cause – Be Kind to Animals Week
🗓 Thursday, May 8 | 🕕 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
🔸
Pop-Up Tulip Bar – Mother’s Day Weekend
🗓 Saturday, May 10 | 🕙 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM |
📍 Brighter with Blooms, 14835 Concession 1-2 Rd, Finch, ON
Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend surrounded by blooms at
Brighter with Blooms’
charming
Pop-Up Tulip Bar
! Now in their 4th season, this Finch-based flower farm is opening its gates for a special morning of tulip picking and floral joy.
🌷 Learn more:
Facebook Event
🌐 Visit:
www.brighterwithblooms.com
🔸
Classic Seger – Bob Seger Tribute
🗓 Friday, May 10 | 🕖 7:00 PM |
📍 The Port Theatre, 132 Montreal Rd, Cornwall, ON
Get ready for a night of classic rock hits as
Classic Seger
rolls into The Port Theatre for an incredible tribute to
Bob Seger
!
🎸🎤 Expect all your favourites, from "Night Moves" to "Old Time Rock and Roll."
🎟️ Tickets: Early Bird: $30; Regular: $40
Grab your tickets and full details here:
theporttheatre.com/concerts
🔸
Ping Pong Night @ 610 McConnell
🗓 Monday, May 12 | 🕡 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!
MEET YOUR NEIGHBOUR
👋
Nicole from SDG Turtles
SDG Turtles Hard at Work
This week, we’re shell-abrating someone who's making waves for wildlife in SD&G — Nicole Truesdell, founder of SDG Turtles ! 🐢💚
What started with spotting too many turtles hit by cars in the Cornwall area has now turned into a grassroots movement to protect one of Ontario’s oldest and most vulnerable creatures. From nest protection to Turtle Taxi rescues, Nicole and her team are doing incredible work to make sure our shelled neighbours have a fighting chance. You’ll even get a peek into some adorable behind-the-scenes moments — like her daughter scolding baby turtles mid-car ride (“Sir, get off your brother’s head!”).
And here’s the best part — we’re sharing Nicole’s full interview in her own words . We believe in keeping it real and letting our neighbours tell their stories firsthand. It’s heartfelt, educational, and full of practical ways you can help our local turtle population (even if it’s just slowing down near water this spring).
🛑 Spoiler: You’ll learn how one mama snapper would need to live almost 60 years just to replace herself in the population. Talk about a long game!
👉 Dive into Nicole’s story below and maybe even sign up to help SDG Turtles this season. https://www.facebook.com/SDGTurtles
1. What inspired you to start SDG Turtles - and why turtles specifically?
My name is Nicole Truesdell and I was inspired to start Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry (SDG) Turtles in 2024 after seeing so many turtles hit on the road in the Cornwall area. I then learned there was a gap for resources in our area, so I wanted to help fill that gap.
Turtles need our help. Ontario has lost over 70% of it's wetlands, and as a result, all 8 turtles species in Ontario are currently at risk; listed as endangered, threatened or a special concern.
Nicole Truesdell of SDG Turtles
Baby Turtles!
2. Can you tell us a bit more about the “Turtle Taxi”? Any memorable turtle passengers or adventures you'd like to share?
Turtle Taxi is a volunteer program that the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (OTCC) created in 2009. It is designed to transport injured turtles across the province to get the medical care they need. It is also used to help transport rehabilitated turtles back into their natural habitats.
The Turtle Taxi program directly supports the work that I do at SDG Turtles. For example, an injured turtle could be transported for medical care, via the Turtle Taxi from SDG to another location across the province. Then later be returned and released in SDG, once rehabilitated.
A memorable moment for me, happened while I was driving to release some baby Blanding's Turtles last summer in Leeds & Grenville. From the back seat I could hear my daughter talking to the turtles. "Sir, get off of your brother's head! That's not very nice!" They were so eager to get back to their natural wetlands.
Nicole Truesdell of SDG Turtles
No Swamp is Too Swampy
3. What should someone do if they spot a turtle in distress or crossing a road in SD&G?
Crossing a road (that is not 400 series highway): If you spot a turtle actively trying to cross the road, turn on your 4-way lights to alert drivers behind you to slow down. Begin slowing down and pull over to the shoulder and when it is safe to do so, help the turtle to the other side of the road, always in the same direction they are travelling.
400 series highway: If you spot a turtle actively trying to cross a busy four lane highway, such as the 401, the recommendation by the OPP is to pull over only when it is safe to do so, engage emergency 4 way flashers, remain in your vehicle, call the OPP non emergency line at 1-888-310-1122, make note of your location to provide to the operator, do not exit your vehicle – wait for the responding officer to arrive.
Injuries: If you are currently with an injured turtle roadside, please contact Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (OTCC) at 705-741-5000. They will provide you with information on how to keep the turtle safe until they are able to send a Turtle Taxi to your location. It is important that you take the location of where this turtle was found (cross roads, nearest water body, house address, etc) otherwise the turtle cannot be rehabilitated and must be euthanized (required by law).
Nesting: If you see a turtle nesting, stay back AT LEAST 10M (32 feet) to observe. A nesting turtle can easily become startled and she may give up on laying her eggs. This could result in her retaining her eggs (which could result in death) or laying her eggs in the water (where they will not survive). You can report nesting turtles to Turtle Guardians (Call or Text) 705-854-2888 or the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (Call only) 705-741-5000. They will be able to answer your questions and help with any immediate concerns.
If a turtle is nesting on private property, SDG Turtles can provide a nest protector at cost. The price (for materials) is $20 to the property owner. Please contact Nicole (Text or Call) at 343-585-5269 for more information.
4. Have you had a favourite moment or memorable experience since starting SDG Turtles?
My favorite experience happened when I released an adult snapping turtle, rehabilitated at Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, back into the SDG area. Sometimes, when releasing turtles, it takes a minute for them to familiarize themselves with their surroundings before taking off. When releasing this snapper, it felt like I put him into the exact body of water that he was meant to go in. He immediately swam away so calmly. It's like he knew where he was and where to go. That was an amazing feeling!
Nicole Truesdell of SDG Turtles
Turtle nest protectors! Did you know that 90% of turtle nests are predated by foxes, racoons, skunks, etc?
5. What’s one surprising thing most people don’t know about turtles in our area?
A female snapping turtle that lays an average of 34 eggs per year would need to survive 58 to 60 years to replace herself in the population, with another adult snapping turtle.
6. How can people in the community best support SDG Turtles and local turtle populations this season?
--> Volunteer with SDG Turtles which includes, but is not limited to, wetland watching, nest sitting, crossing guard, road research, helping release turtles, creating and managing social media content, etc.
--> Sign up to be a Turtle Taxi through Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre. You only choose the rides that are convenient for you!
--> Those that may not have time to volunteer can help greatly by sharing our social media content and sharing this important information with family and friends who may be interested in learning more about resources for turtles in the SDG area.
7. Any general advice to share with our community?
Wild turtles belong in their natural habitats. They should not be taken home to be kept as pets. It is illegal in Ontario and it damages the wild turtle populations. Habitat loss and road mortalities remain the largest overall threat to Ontario's turtles, however, it is thought that poaching for the pet trade has been devastating to some species, such as Spotted turtles, Wood turtles and Blanding's turtles.
Nicole Truesdell of SDG Turtles
🐢
A Big Thank You to Nicole
We’re incredibly grateful to Nicole for sharing her passion and insight with us — and for the amazing work she’s doing on behalf of the turtles of SD&G. From educating the community to literally driving turtles to safety, she’s proving that one person really can make a difference.
If Nicole’s story inspired you, we hope you’ll consider sharing it with others, volunteering, or simply keeping a closer eye on our shelled friends this season. Whether it’s snapping a quick photo of a nesting turtle (from a distance!) or pulling over safely to help one cross the road, every action counts.
👉 Feel free to check out what The SDG Turtles are up to on here: https://www.facebook.com/SDGTurtles
Stay tuned for more neighbours making waves in our community — and if you know someone quietly doing great things, we’d love to hear about them! 🧡
WHERE TO GRAB A BITE
🍴
Stirring Up Smiles in Akwesasne!
Family Cooking Classes in May
Looking for a meal that warms the heart and fills your belly? Head over to the Family Cooking Class hosted by the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Health Promotion & Prevention Program!
Every Wednesday in May at 5:00 p.m. , families are gathering at the Kanonhkwa’tsheri:io Health & Social Facility (Bear Room) to whip up delicious recipes together. It’s a great way to bond, meet other local families, and walk away with something yummy (and healthy) to enjoy.
🍓 This week’s dish? Overnight oats – perfect for busy mornings and picky eaters alike!
👩🍳 Spots are limited, so if this sounds like your kind of kitchen party, shoot an email to ohentiioa.lahache-deering@akwesasne.ca to register.
THROWBACK CORNER
📸
When Louisa Street Became a River!
Flooding in Cornwall in 1929
Back in the winter of 1929, Cornwall’s Louisa Street looked more like a canal than a road, thanks to a major ice jam on the St. Lawrence River that caused flooding in the area. This vintage photo shows water creeping up to front porches, and community members have chimed in on Facebook with stories of childhood memories, icy rescues, and even horse-drawn sleighs crossing frozen streets.
Claude remembers growing up in one of these homes and swimming in the river, while others recall the river's rise along McConnell and Montreal Road when spring ice breakup hit hard. It wasn’t pretty—but it sure was memorable!
Got a family story from the 1929 flood or another Cornwall throwback? We’d love to hear it for a future edition! 🧊 📬
PET OF THE WEEK (WITH A TWIST)
🚨
Coyote Caution in Fly Creek
Coyote in Fly Creek area!
This week’s Pet of the Week comes with an important heads-up for pet owners in the Fly Creek area. A local resident shared that their dog had a frightening encounter with not one, but two coyotes on the trails—and while their furry friend made it out okay, it’s a stark reminder to stay alert.
If you’re out walking your pups (especially small ones), keep them leashed, stay aware of your surroundings, and avoid dusk or dawn when coyotes are most active. Big thanks to Chris for the warning—and we’re so glad your dog is safe! 🐶 ❤️
Stay safe out there, neighbours—and give those good boys and girls an extra treat tonight. 🦴
COMMUNITY WINS
🏆
Little Hands, Big Impact in South Stormont!
Hats off to the pint-sized powerhouses at Longue Sault Public School who hit the streets last week to help clean up their town as part of Community Clean-Up Week 2025 ! 🧤 🗑️
Armed with gloves, bags, and big smiles (thanks to supplies from the Township of South Stormont), these young “Wolves” showed us all how it’s done—one piece of litter at a time. From parks to sidewalks, they made their community shine a little brighter, and our hearts a little fuller.
Way to go, Longue Sault PS—you’ve set the bar high for community pride and teamwork! 💙 🌎
JUST FOR FUN
🧠 Games Corner – What’s in a Name?
Here’s one to get your brain buzzing this week: Pitt Street is one of the most well-known roads in Cornwall, but have you ever stopped to wonder... why is it called Pitt Street ?
Nope, it’s not a misspelled hole in the ground, and no—Brad Pitt didn’t vacation here (as far as we know). 😄 This street’s name actually dates back to the 1700s and carries a surprising bit of history with it. Over the years, it’s survived explosions, earthquakes, and a dozen fires—including the 2010 blaze that took out Truffles Restaurant on the corner of Pitt and Second.
So, what’s the real origin behind the name Pitt Street?
Take your best guess and scroll to the end of this week’s newsletter to see if you’re right! 🕵️♀️
💭
ESTATE & NEIGHBOURHOOD BUZZ
🏡
Another Waterfront Dream (With a Price Tag to Match!)
16024 LAKESIDE DRIVE
Ever catch yourself daydreaming about living large by the water? Well, dream no further—this stunner on Lakeside Drive in South Stormont is the real deal (with a fantasy-worthy price tag to match 💸 ).
Listed at a cool $3.999 million, this 8,400 sq. ft. mansion is packed with everything you could possibly imagine and then some: a koi pond, manicured gardens, a 30-foot boat lift, two Seadoo lifts, an indoor pool, a gourmet cherry wood kitchen with Italian marble floors, and even an 8-seat home theatre with its own canteen and 12-foot screen! Oh, and did we mention there’s been $1.5 million in upgrades? 😲
Sure, it’s out of budget for most of us... but hey, it’s fun to peek into the real estate stratosphere once in a while, right?
💰 Listed at
$3,999,000
👉 View Listing on
Realtor.ca
JOBS AND CLASSIFIEDS
📢
Who is Hiring?
💼 Current Listings:
CONSERVATION WORKER - Butternut Creek Nature Reserve
📍
The main duties will include assisting with habitat restoration, species monitoring, and public outreach at the Butternut Creek Nature Reserve in Moose Creek, ON
📧 Apply online:
https://www.butternutcreek.ca/2025/04/24/rural-ecologist-summer-job-opening/
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!
We hope you enjoyed meeting Nicole from SDG Turtles, browsing a dreamy (if slightly out-of-budget 😅 ) waterfront listing, and filling your calendars with everything from tulip bars to turtle talks. We love shining a light on the people, places, and paws that make our community shine.
Oh—and if you were racking your brain in the Games Corner , here’s your answer: Pitt Street isn’t named after a pit (thankfully), but after William Pitt , who became Prime Minister of Great Britain in 1784. Quite the fancy namesake for one of our main streets!
As always, we’d love to hear from you. Hit reply to this email to share your thoughts, local tips, or nominate someone for a future spotlight. And if you know a friend, neighbour, or fellow turtle lover who’d enjoy this newsletter—pass it along! 🐢🌷
📬 Subscribe here if you’re new!
Until next time,
The SDG Scoop Team
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