SD&G Scoop – Your Local Lowdown for October 16-23, 2025!

🍁   Hey there, SDG Crew!

You might’ve noticed something a little different this week - your Scoop landed in your evening inbox instead of its usual 6:30am wake-up call! ☕️ 🌅 We’re testing out a later send to see what works best for you because, as always, we want to meet our readers right where (and when ) they like to read. So tell us… do you prefer catching up with the Scoop over your morning coffee or winding down with it after dinner? We’d love to know! 💬

Speaking of things that make our week brighter - how stunning is Kat Hebb’s photo of Maple Lane ? 😍 The fall colours are showing off in full force, and her shot perfectly captures that golden glow that makes SDG autumns so magical. 🍂

Courtesy of Kat Hebb

Now, grab a cozy drink (hot cider, anyone?) and let’s dive into this week’s lineup of local happenings, hidden gems, and heartwarming stories.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK
🎉   What’s Happening This Week (October 16-23, 2025)

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

🔸   Halloween Hikes: Glow Walk @ Akwesasne
📅   Thursday, October 16 | 🕔 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | 📍 AMS Walking Trail (Kawehno:ke)
Get ready to light up the night - it’s time for the Halloween Glow Walk! 👻✨ Hosted by the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne alongside Iakwa’shatste, ACFS, DOH, and the Akwesasne Cultural Center Library, this spooky-fun evening invites families to enjoy a festive walk along the AMS Trail - complete with glowing lights, Halloween cheer, and community spirit. It’s all part of Sober October , encouraging healthy, family-friendly fun for all ages. Registration is required, so be sure to sign up early and don’t forget your glow gear! 🌟
👉 Come for the walk, stay for the laughs - and let your inner ghost (or ghoul!) shine.

🔸   Fall Pop-Up Vendor Market @ Fields of Gold
📅   Saturday, October 18 | 🕙 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | 📍 17650 Strathmore Road, South Stormont
If you love fall markets (and really, who doesn’t? 🍁 ), you won’t want to miss the final Pop-Up Vendor Market of the season at Fields of Gold! This fall favourite is back one last time, bringing together a lineup of amazing local vendors, artisans, and makers. Stroll through the market and shop from businesses like Jolié, The Paper Garden, Urban Flame Candle Co., Busy Elephant Co., Mr. Sew and Sew, and many more. While you’re there, make a day of it - wander through the maze, pick out your perfect pumpkin, and soak up the cozy fall atmosphere. 🎃 It’s the perfect weekend outing for the whole family - a little shopping, a little sunshine, and a whole lot of local love.

🔸   The Season Ender Bender @ Chesterville Fairgrounds
📅   Saturday, October 18 | 🕛 12:30 PM | 📍 153 Queen St., Chesterville | 🎟️ $10 per person | 👧 Kids 5 & under FREE
Get ready for an afternoon of roaring engines, flying metal, and pure adrenaline - The Season Ender Bender is back! 🚗💥 This demolition derby marks the final major derby of 2025, and trust us, you won’t want to miss the action. Hosted by the Chesterville & District Agricultural Society, the event promises family fun, wild crashes, and edge-of-your-seat excitement as drivers battle it out one last time before the season wraps. Whether you’re a diehard derby fan or just love a good old-fashioned community event, this one guarantees loud cheers, a few gasps, and a whole lot of fun.

🔸   Table Tennis Mornings @ Royal Canadian Legion Branch 297
📅   Every Wednesday | 🕤 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM | 📍 415 Second St. W, Cornwall | 💵 $2 Drop-In Fee
Looking for a fun way to stay active and meet new people midweek? 🏓 Head over to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 297 for their weekly table tennis (ping pong!) mornings open to everyone, no membership required! Whether you’re a seasoned player with a killer spin serve or just looking to pick up a paddle for the first time, all skill levels are welcome. It’s a relaxed, social atmosphere that’s perfect for a bit of friendly competition and a lot of laughs.
👉 Drop in this Wednesday for just $2 and start your morning with some fun, fitness, and community connection!

🔸   Pumpkinferno @ Upper Canada Village
📅 October 17 – 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. 🎃🌙

🎵   Where’s That Music Coming From (October 16-23, 2025)

🔸   Séan McCann – Great Big Canadian Road Trip @ Aultsville Theatre
📅   Friday, October 17 | 🕖 7:00 PM | 📍 Aultsville Theatre, Cornwall
Get ready for an evening that’s equal parts heart, humour, and harmony as Séan McCann , founding member of Great Big Sea , brings his Great Big Canadian Road Trip to Cornwall! 🎸🇨🇦 Armed with just his guitar and a lifetime of stories, Séan will take the stage for an unforgettable night of music and storytelling that spans coast to coast. Expect familiar favourites, maritime charm, and moments that remind you why live music feels so good for the soul. Whether you grew up singing along to Great Big Sea or just love an authentic Canadian concert experience, this show promises to hit all the right notes. 🎶
👉 Tickets are on sale now — grab yours before they’re gone: Get Tickets Here

🔸   Moon Motion Live @ Lost Villages Brewery
📅   Saturday, October 18 | 🕕 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 📍 Lost Villages Brewery, 16133 County Road 36, Long Sault
Get ready for an evening of great tunes and cold brews! 🍻 This Saturday, Lost Villages Brewery welcomes Moon Motion , a classic pop/rock band making their debut at LVB. With their high-energy sound and fresh take on familiar favourites, Moon Motion is guaranteed to keep the good vibes flowing all night long. 🎶 There won’t be food vendors this weekend, but you’re more than welcome to bring your own snacks or have food delivered right to the brewery - perfect for pairing with one of LVB’s locally crafted beers.

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOUR
👋   Mortimer the Teaching Turtle!

Photo & story courtesy of SDG Turtles

Say hello to Mortimer , a 30-year-old snapping turtle with a truly inspiring story! 🐢💚

Mortimer wasn’t always destined for the classroom — he was illegally taken from the wild as a hatchling and kept in captivity, which meant he never learned the survival skills needed to live safely in nature. Today, instead of returning to the wild, Mortimer has found a new purpose: he’s now SDG Turtles’ official Teaching Turtle , helping to educate people of all ages about his species, the importance of conservation, and how we can better protect local turtles here in Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry .

From classrooms to community events, Mortimer’s calm presence and big personality make him a favourite wherever he goes. His story serves as a powerful reminder that turtles and all wildlife belong in their natural habitats, not as pets. 🐢🌿

Presentations are always free , but if you’d like to support SDG Turtles’ amazing educational and rescue work, monetary or supply donations are graciously accepted (with absolutely no pressure!) .

👉 Follow SDG Turtles on Facebook to keep up with Mortimer’s adventures and learn how you can help protect local turtles!

WHERE TO GRAB A BITE
🍯   Sweet Treats & Farm Fresh Finds!

For the meat lovers!

We know you love a good farm stand and honestly, who can resist one that smells like maple syrup and autumn sunshine? 🍁 Located in Lancaster, Ontario , Cabane à sucre St-Pierre et famille Maple Sugar Camp is a traditional sugar shack that’s still going strong, and their wagon stand is fully stocked for fall!

You’ll find honey and maple syrup (of course!) alongside a colourful spread of fresh veggies - sweet and hot peppers, garlic, squash, eggplant, kale, and even a few mini pumpkins to round out those cozy harvest vibes. 🥕 🌶️

If you haven’t stocked up on local maple syrup yet (or you’ve already finished the last bottle - we get it), this is your sign to stop by. Everything is produced with care by the St-Pierre family, who have been keeping the sweet tradition of sugaring alive right here in SDG.

👉 Swing by their self-serve wagon up by the house - it’s a little slice of Lancaster charm that tastes as good as it looks!

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!

THROWBACK CORNER
📸   The Picadilly Theatre in Williamsburg

Courtesy of Brian Woodard

Step back in time with us to the golden age of cinema in Williamsburg! 🎞️ ✨

These stunning A.I. colorized photos bring the Picadilly Theatre back to life - neon lights glowing, movie posters on the wall, and the marquee promising matinees at 2 PM and evening shows at 7. It’s easy to imagine locals lining up for popcorn and a double feature, the warm buzz of conversation filling the air on a Friday night.

Sadly, the Picadilly Theatre is no longer standing - today, the site is just an empty parking lot. But for those who remember it, or can picture what it once was, these photos are a beautiful tribute to a time when movie nights were community events and the theatre was the heart of small-town entertainment. 🍿 🎬

Big thanks to those who shared the original photos that helped bring this slice of history back to life and Brian Woodard for sharing on Facebook.

👉 Have memories or stories from the Picadilly Theatre days? We’d love to hear them - reply to this email or drop us a message!

PET OF THE WEEK
🐶   Meet Binky!

Say hello to Binky - a 5-month-old shepherd mix with the biggest heart (and maybe even bigger ears)! 💙 This sweet boy is bursting with curiosity, playfulness, and puppy energy, always ready for his next big adventure. Whether it’s a long walk, a good play session, or curling up for some well-earned snuggles, Binky’s your guy.

He’s smart, affectionate, and eager to please - the kind of companion who’ll grow right alongside you, filling your days with laughter, loyalty, and plenty of tail wags. 🐾

Binky would thrive in an active home that understands the needs of a young, energetic pup; someone ready to give him love, guidance, and maybe the occasional belly rub (or ten).

If you think Binky could be your new best friend, visit the SDG Animal Centre at 550 Boundary Road, Cornwall to meet him in person. Who knows - this floppy-eared cutie might just steal your heart! 💙

JUST FOR FUN
🎯 Games Corner – Just for Fun!

Since we’re all about maple syrup this week (and honestly, when aren’t we?), here’s a little game for you… how well do you really know the mighty sugar maple ? 🍁

Did you know…
🍯 It takes 40 gallons of sap to make just one gallon of maple syrup ? That’s a lot of pancakes!
🌳 A single, healthy tree can produce up to 25 gallons of sap in one spring.
🌲 A forest full of sugar maples is called a “sugarbush.”
🇨🇦 And of course - the sugar maple’s iconic leaf is the same one on our Canadian flag!

These trees can live for centuries , provide valuable timber, and serve as shelter for wildlife - talk about multi-talented!

🧩   This week’s challenge:
How many gallons of sap would you need to make enough syrup for your next family breakfast? (Be honest… how much syrup do you really pour on your pancakes?)

ESTATE & NEIGHBOURHOOD BUZZ
🏡 A Riverside Gem in Historic Williamstown

If homes could tell stories, this one would have a century’s worth to share. ✨ Nestled in the heart of Williamstown , this stunning 1884-built 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom beauty at 19662 John Street sits gracefully along the Raisin River , offering a slice of tranquil country living wrapped in small-town charm.

From the moment you step inside, you’ll fall in love with the rustic character and thoughtful updates - gleaming hardwood floors, a cozy pellet stove, and plenty of natural light that dances across the spacious rooms. The kitchen is generous and welcoming (perfect for Sunday morning pancakes), while the main floor features a family room and even a private office for those work-from-home days. Upstairs, four bright bedrooms and a clawfoot-tub bath bring comfort and old-world charm together beautifully. 🛁

Step outside, and the magic continues: a large deck overlooking the river, a white picket fence, lush perennial gardens, and even a she-shed/workshop for creative projects or quiet escapes. The front porch swing is calling your name - imagine a glass of wine in hand as the sun sets over the village skyline. 🍷🌅

Located just across from the historic fairgrounds, this Williamstown gem (listed at $749,900 ) is more than a house - it’s a piece of local history ready for its next keeper.

JOBS AND CLASSIFIEDS
📢   Who is Hiring?

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

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

PAINTER - Cornwall Painting Plus
📍 Cornwall
Cornwall Painting Plus is looking for an individual with painting experience or a willingness to learn.
📧 Apply online by completing the careers form: https://www.cornwallpainting.ca/careers

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

Whether you’re catching us with your morning coffee or winding down after dinner (we’re still taking votes! ☕️ 🌙 ), we’re so glad you joined us for another week of local stories, fall colours, and community goodness.

A big thank-you again to Kat Hebb for capturing the magic of Maple Lane - her photo reminded us just how lucky we are to call this corner of Ontario home.

Until next time, enjoy the crisp air, the cozy sweaters, and maybe a little too much maple syrup (we won’t judge). 😉

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

With gratitude,
The SD&G Scoop Team