SD&G Scoop – Your Local Lowdown for Oct 30-Nov 6, 2025!

Hey there, Cornwall & SD&G crew!   👋

Before we dive into all the good stuff happening across the region, we just want to take a moment to say thank you . 🙏 We’re blown away that over 62% of you open and read The Scoop every single week - that’s an incredible number in the newsletter world! It’s proof that our little corner of Eastern Ontario is full of people who genuinely care about their community.

A huge shoutout as well to everyone who writes in each week - sharing stories, events, photos, and kind words. We’ve even had a few local businesses reach out to say thank you for being featured and honestly, that’s what it’s all about: neighbours supporting neighbours . 🏘️

And speaking of community spirit… we’ve been loving the Go Jays Go signs lighting up Cornwall Transit buses! ⚾ Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or just happy to see a bit of blue pride on the streets, it’s the kind of small-town energy that makes us smile. 💙

Photo courtesy of The City of Cornwall

Now, let’s get into this week’s lineup of local stories, events, and highlights that keep SDG buzzing!

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK
🎉   What’s Happening This Week (Oct 30-Nov 6, 2025)

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

🔸   Pumpkinferno @ Upper Canada Village
📅 October 30 – November 1 | 🕕 Evenings (select nights) | 📍 Upper Canada Village, 13740 County Road 2, Morrisburg
The magic of fall comes to life at Pumpkinferno , Upper Canada Village’s award-winning nighttime experience! 🍂✨ Stroll through the historic village paths as thousands of hand-carved pumpkins glow under the night sky, transforming the streets into a breathtaking display of artistry and imagination. Perfect for all ages, this one-of-a-kind event features new exhibits every year , so even if you’ve been before, there’s always something fresh (and a little spooky!) to discover. From whimsical scenes to intricate designs that seem too detailed to be real, Pumpkinferno is pure autumn enchantment.
👉 Tickets must be purchased online in advance (they sell fast!). Grab yours early, bundle up, and get ready for an unforgettable evening walk through the magic. 🎃🌙

🔸   Traditional Goose Cooking Workshop @ A’nowara’ko:wa Arena
📅 November 1–2, 2025 | 🕙 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | 📍 Cornwall Island | 🎟️ Free & open to all
Here’s a feast you won’t want to miss! 🍲 The Thompson Island Cultural Camp (TICC) invites you to a special two-day Traditional Goose Cooking Workshop - a hands-on experience celebrating Indigenous culinary traditions and community. Led by Gerald and Wynona Chum from Moose Cree First Nation , you’ll learn three traditional methods for preparing goose: smoked, fire-roasted, and Geeshtabon . The best part? On Sunday, everyone comes together for a shared goose feast to cap off the weekend! 🔥 The workshop takes place outdoors by the yurt at A’nowara’ko:wa Arena on Cornwall Island. No registration is required - just dress warmly, come hungry, and be ready to learn, taste, and celebrate! Lunch is provided both days for the first 40 attendees.
📧 Questions? Reach out to ticc@akwesasne.ca .

🔸   Table Tennis & Ping Pong Night @ The Benson Centre
📅 Sunday, November 2 | 🕡 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | 📍 Benson Centre (Automotive Room, main floor) | 💰 $2 drop-in
Looking for a fun and easy way to end your weekend? 🏓 Swing by the Benson Centre on Sunday evening for a few friendly rounds of table tennis - no experience required! Whether you’re a seasoned ping pong pro or just in it for some lighthearted fun, this drop-in session is open to everyone. Bring your best serve (and maybe your competitive spirit 😉 ) for just $2 per person . The group meets in the automotive room , first door on the left from the main entrance. For more info or to get in touch, you can contact Karen at karen.cambridge@hotmail.com or text 705-760-0115 .

🔸   Canadian Premiere: Out of Nowhere @ The Benson Centre
📅 Tuesday, November 4 | 📍 The Benson Centre, Cornwall | 🎥 Youth Climate Action Summit
Something groundbreaking (literally) is coming to Cornwall! 🌍 The Canadian premiere of Out of Nowhere - an award-nominated virtual reality eco-docu-fiction - will debut at the Youth Climate Action Summit this November. This 10-minute immersive experience takes you inside the fragile beauty of wetlands, marshes, and floodplains through the eyes of Anna, a lifelong resident of Austria, who reflects on how reconnecting with nature may be the key to protecting our planet’s future. 🌿 Created by Poptronic VR , the film has been showcased at top international festivals and now lands right here in Cornwall thanks to a partnership between the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network , The River Institute , and the City of Cornwall . This screening is part of a full-day youth-led event exploring climate action and while it’s geared toward registered summit attendees, it’s a big win for Cornwall’s growing presence in the environmental innovation scene! 🌎 ✨

🔸   FREE Heart Valve Screening for Adults 65+ @ Seaway Valley Community Health Centre
📅 Tuesday, November 4 | 📍 1302 Second St. West, Cornwall (Cardiac Rehabilitation Office) | 💓 By appointment only
Here’s something straight from the heart ❤️ - the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and Seaway Valley Community Health Centre are teaming up to offer free heart valve screenings for adults 65+ who haven’t been diagnosed or treated for a heart condition. Did you know? Valvular heart disease affects the tiny “doors” inside your heart that keep blood flowing properly and it often goes unnoticed until it becomes serious. This quick 30–60 minute appointment could be a lifesaver! Each session includes a mini ultrasound , finger-poke blood test , and a consultation with a cardiologist - all at no cost. Early detection makes all the difference, so don’t wait to show your heart some love.
👉 To book, call (613) 696-7412 or email cvhd-msp@ottawaheart.ca .

🎵   Where’s That Music Coming From (Oct 30-Nov 6, 2025)

🔸   Halloween Event @ Essential Kitchen featuring Andy Cook
📅   Thursday, October 30 | 🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM   | 📍 Essential Kitchen, 109 Pitt St, Cornwall
Get into the Halloween spirit a little early with a cozy evening of live music, delicious drinks, and festive vibes at Essential Kitchen ! 🎃🎶 Enjoy the smooth sounds of Andy Cook , a talented local guitarist and singer, while sipping from a spook-tacular $7 Halloween drink menu - featuring creative cocktails like the Poison Apple Sour , Dracula’s Daiquiri , and Rosemary’s Hex . 🍸 It’s the perfect weekday outing: relaxed, social, and wrapped up by 8 PM. Bring some friends, enjoy the great food and atmosphere, and toast to Halloween with a little local flavour. 👻
👉 Space is limited - reservations are recommended at 343-585-2520 .

🔸   Diamond’s Edge Band Fundraiser @ The Morrisburg Legion
📅 Saturday, November 1 | 🕖 7:00 PM – 11:30 PM | 📍 10 Legion St, Morrisburg | 🎟️ $17 advance | $20 at the door
Get ready to dance the night away for a great cause! 💃🕺 The Morrisburg Legion is hosting a lively fundraiser featuring the always-rockin’ Diamond’s Edge Band . Expect an evening full of good tunes, good friends, and plenty of hometown energy - all in support of your local Legion. 🎶 Costumes are optional (but encouraged — who doesn’t love an excuse to dress up?), and every ticket sold helps keep this cherished community space thriving. Grab your friends, your dancing shoes, and join the fun, this is one night you won’t want to miss!

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOUR
👋   The Young Artists of PumpkinInferno! 🎨🎃

This week, we’re celebrating some of the most creative neighbours around - our local students! 🧡

As PumpkinInferno at Upper Canada Village enters its final week, the annual Painted Pumpkin Art Gallery is stealing the show. Each fall, students from across SD&G put their artistic talents on display, transforming pumpkins into mini masterpieces that line the village barns in a stunning splash of colour and imagination.

From spooky faces to playful designs, these creations come from classrooms at Cambridge, St. Mary, Maxville, Morrisburg, Winchester, and many more - proving that creativity is alive and glowing in our community. 🌟

So if you’re heading to PumpkinInferno this week, be sure to take a moment to admire the incredible student artwork. It’s a reminder that our next generation of artists is already lighting up the region - one pumpkin at a time! 🍂✨

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
📸   Auberge Chesley’s Inn – A Cornwall Treasure Since 1814

Illustration by Nathan Gowsell Creative

This week’s throwback takes us to one of Cornwall’s oldest and most storied landmarks - Auberge Chesley’s Inn , built in 1814 by Alsaint Chesley. 🏡

Located on the traditional lands of the Akwesasne community, the inn has seen more than two centuries of Canadian history unfold right outside its doors. Alsaint, originally from New York, made his way north after the American Revolution and in a twist of family fate, fought for Canada during the War of 1812 while his brothers fought on the U.S. side! Talk about sibling rivalry with historical stakes. 🇨🇦🇺🇸

The inn quickly became a social hub for travelers, writers, and dignitaries. Literary legends Catherine Parr Traill and Susanna Moodie stopped by (though not everyone was impressed - Traill famously complained about the curtains!), and it’s even rumored that Charles Dickens stayed a night during his 1840s tour of North America.

Over time, as railways rerouted travelers, the inn transformed into a private home and later a lively social spot known as Dr. Taylor’s House , where winter blues were cured with themed parties - including one that featured an indoor sand beach! 🏖️

Today, Auberge Chesley’s Inn stands proudly restored, welcoming guests once again as a cozy inn filled with history, charm, and a touch of literary legend. ✨

🎨 The beautiful illustration of the inn was created by Nathan Gowsell , whose family ties trace back to Alsaint Chesley himself - talk about keeping history in the family!

PET OF THE WEEK
🐶 🕷️ PSA: It’s Tick Season, Folks!

This week’s “pet spotlight” comes with a friendly ruff-minder for all the dog parents out there - tick season is in full swing! 🍂

After just a short walk, our own furry friend came home with nearly 20 hitchhikers (yes, you read that right 😳 ). These pesky little critters are sneaky, fast, and love this cool, damp fall weather as much as our pups love jumping in the leaves.

So before you settle in for post-walk cuddles, take a few extra minutes to give your pet a good once-over - especially around the ears, neck, armpits, and paws. A quick check could save a big headache (and an even bigger vet bill) later! 🩺

👉 Bonus tip: keep up with your tick prevention treatments and consider carrying a tick remover in your walking bag.

Stay safe, stay cozy, and give those pups an extra treat - they’ve earned it after tick inspection time! 🐕 🍁

COMMUNITY WINS
🏆 St. Andrews Firefighters Spread the (Peanut Butter) Love! 🥜

The St. Andrew’s Fire Department is once again proving that heroism comes in all forms - including jars of peanut butter! Their annual Peanut Butter Drive is back, supporting the Agape Food Bank and helping local families in need, with a friendly community competition hosted by Royal LePage Performance Realty .

This year, they’re calling on student volunteers to lend a hand on Saturday, November 8 , helping firefighters distribute flyers across St. Andrews West. It’s a great way for students to earn community service hours, get involved, and make a real difference - one jar at a time. ❤️

If you or someone you know wants to help out, reach out to Karley Kuzevski (President) or Fraser Lance (Treasurer) of the St. Andrews Firefighters Association.

A big thank you to our local firefighters and volunteers for keeping both our community and our pantries… full! 👏

JUST FOR FUN
🎯 Games Corner – Just for Fun!

We stumbled across a CBC article claiming that Moncton, NB, is the Tim Hortons Capital of Canada with 26 locations serving about 100,000 people.
But… hold your double-double — because Cornwall might just have them beat .

With at least 12 Tim Hortons locations (and some say more on the way!) serving a population of roughly 47,000 , Cornwall has one Tims for every ~3,900 people - compared to Moncton’s one per ~3,850 .

If you ask us, those numbers are close enough to say:
👉 Move over, Moncton - Cornwall LOVES its Timmies, too! ❤️☕ 🍩

☕ Got a favourite Timmies order or local Tims story? We’d love to hear it - send it in and we might feature it next week!

📝   P.S. If anyone’s keeping a Timbit tally - let us know how many locations Cornwall really has. We’re ready to update the scoreboard!

ESTATE & NEIGHBOURHOOD BUZZ
🏡 A Timeless Gem on Sydney Street

Now this is what character looks like! ✨ Nestled right in the heart of Cornwall, 345 Sydney Street is one of those rare homes that perfectly balances historic charm with modern comfort and we can’t get enough of it.

Listed at $635,000 , this 6-bedroom, 4-bath beauty (including an in-law suite!) is full of personality think hardwood floors, exposed brick, and all the warm, inviting textures that give older homes their soul. Add in a cozy fireplace, a fenced yard, a hot tub and deck for relaxing evenings, and a two-car detached garage and you’ve got a dream home that feels equal parts elegant and comfortable.

We love that it’s just steps from downtown Cornwall’s shops and cafés, but still feels like its own retreat. And with that versatile layout, it’s perfect for multi-generational living or a little bonus rental income.

💬 In a city where classic homes like this are becoming few and far between, this Sydney Street stunner is truly one of a kind.

📌 View the listing: https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/28602578/345-sydney-street-cornwall-717-cornwall

JOBS AND CLASSIFIEDS
📢   Who is Hiring?

PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS - South Dundas
📍 South Dundas
Firefighters are essential to the emergency response network and play a key role in protecting our people. There is no experience required. We provide the training.
📧 Apply online: https://www.southdundas.com/municipal-centre/job-opportunities

CUSTOMER SERVICE REP - MacEwen
📍 Hawkesbury
We’re seeking a highly organized, service-oriented individual to join our Hawkesbury team as a Customer Service Representative.
📧 Apply online: https://www.macewen.ca/careers

VOLUNTEER - Dundas County Hospice
📍 Dundas
Did you know you can make a real difference in someone’s life - no special skills required.
📧 Apply online: https://dundascountyhospice.ca/

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

As always, thank you for spending a little part of your week with us - it means more than you know. Every story shared, photo sent, and kind word from our readers keeps this community-powered newsletter rolling along.

If you’ve enjoyed this week’s Scoop , why not spread the love? 📨 Share it with a friend, neighbour, or family member who could use a little dose of local joy in their inbox. The more the merrier, and who knows, you might just make their week a little brighter. ☀️

Until next time, stay cozy, stay curious, and we’ll Scoop you again next week! 🗞️

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

With gratitude,
The SD&G Scoop Team