SD&G Scoop – Your Local Lowdown for April 9-16, 2026!

Hey there, Cornwall & SD&G crew! 👋

Some of you might’ve noticed things were a little quiet around here last week… no Scoop! First off—thank you to everyone who checked in, that meant a lot (thank you)! I was down with the sickness for a few days, but happy to report we’re back up and running (and fully caffeinated ☕).

And honestly, what better time to be back - spring is definitely in the air. You can feel it everywhere right now. Farmers markets are starting to pop up again, live music events are filling up the calendar, and folks are getting back outside. That photo from the Kemptville Community Gardens this week? Yep… that’s the vibe.

We’ve also brought back a reader favourite - Neighbourhoods Beyond! This week we’re heading out on a little daydream to one of our go-to spots: Wakefield, QC. If you’ve been, you know… and if you haven’t, you might be adding it to your list after this.

Alright, let’s get into it - here’s what’s happening around SD&G this week 👇

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK
🎉 What’s Happening This Week (April 9-16, 2026)

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

🔶 Maxville Lions Club – Sunday Breakfast Buffet!
📅 Sunday, April 12 | 🕘 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 📍 Maxville Sports Complex
If you’ve been craving a good old-fashioned Sunday breakfast (the kind that actually fills you up 😄), this is your sign! The Maxville & District Lions Club is serving up a classic breakfast buffet featuring all your favourites - scrambled eggs, home fried potatoes, bacon, sausage, and ham. It’s simple, hearty, and exactly what a Sunday morning should taste like. Bring the family, meet up with friends, or just come enjoy a relaxed morning out in the community.
💲 Adults: $15
💲 Children (7–10): $10
💲 Under 6: Free
Come hungry, stay a while, and enjoy one of those feel-good local gatherings that just hits the spot.

🔶 Williamsburg Country Market – Sunday Stroll & Shop
📅 Sunday, April 12 | 🕙 10 AM – 2 PM | 📍 Jay’s Tire & Repair, 4358 Cty Rd #31, Williamsburg
Looking for a relaxed Sunday outing with a little bit of everything? This one’s got that classic small-town charm written all over it. The Williamsburg Country Market is back and welcoming folks every Sunday with a great mix of fresh produce, homemade preserves, handcrafted goods, woodwork, and tasty bites to enjoy while you browse. It’s the kind of place where you can take your time, chat with local vendors, and maybe discover something you didn’t know you needed (we’ve all been there 😄). Whether you’re stocking up on goodies, supporting local makers, or just enjoying a nice Sunday wander, this is a great way to spend a few hours.

🔶 Lunch & Learn – Goats vs. Phragmites!
📅 Wednesday, April 15 | 🕛 12 PM – 1 PM (EST) | 💻 Virtual (MS Teams)
Ever wondered what those tall grasses taking over our shorelines are… and how to stop them? Here’s a cool (and surprisingly fun) way to find out! Join the St. Lawrence River Institute for a free virtual Lunch & Learn exploring how goat grazing is being used right here in Ontario to control invasive phragmites. Yes… goats doing environmental work - we love it. You’ll hear from experts Nancy Laser and Meredith Crouch (OPG) as they share real-world results and practical insights on managing invasive species in our region.
👉 Grab your lunch, log in, and learn something new (with a side of goats 🐐).
💲 Free event (registration required)

🔶 Science + Nature On Tap: Beneath the Waves 🌊
📅 Thursday, April 16 | 🕖 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 📍 Schnitzels European Flavours (Back Room), Cornwall
Curious about what’s happening beneath the surface of the St. Lawrence River? Here’s your chance to dive in - no gear required! Join local diver Patricia O’Hara from the Great River Network as she shares fascinating insights from her underwater explorations and the important work being done to protect this vital ecosystem right in our backyard. Whether you’re a nature lover, a lifelong learner, or just looking for something a little different to do, this is a great way to spend an evening.
💻 Can’t make it in person? You can also catch it live on Facebook!
🎟️ Free event – all ages welcome

🎵 Where’s That Music Coming From (April 9-16, 2026)

🔶 The Plowboys – This is Country Music! 🤠🎶
📅 April 14 – 19 | 📍 Upper Canada Playhouse, Morrisburg
Dust off your boots, SD&G… The Plowboys are rolling into town! The Upper Canada Playhouse is bringing a full week of classic country vibes with “This is Country Music!”—a live concert-style show packed with the sounds you know and love. Think timeless hits, smooth harmonies, and that toe-tapping, sing-along energy that makes country music so special. With both evening and matinee performances, it’s easy to find a time that works - whether you’re planning a night out or a relaxed afternoon show.
👉 If you’re a fan of classic country (or just love a good live performance close to home), this is one worth checking out.

🔶 Elvis Live 1972 – A Night with The King
📅 Thursday, April 16 | 📍 Aultsville Theatre, Cornwall
Alright Elvis fans… this one’s for you. Get ready to step back in time as Thane Dunn brings his “Elvis Live 1972” experience to Cornwall - a high-energy tribute to the King of Rock & Roll at the peak of his career. From the iconic jumpsuits to the unforgettable voice, this show is all about capturing that electric Elvis magic. Expect to hear classics like “Burning Love,” “Suspicious Minds,” and more, all backed by a full band for that true concert feel. It’s not just a performance—it’s a full-on throwback to one of music’s most legendary eras. Even better? The show is also supporting the Agape Centre, with special photo proceeds going toward the local food bank and community kitchen.

NEIGHBOURHOODS BEYOND
🌄 A Little Escape to Wakefield, QC

If you’ve been itching for a charming little getaway that feels just far enough from home, let us introduce (or reintroduce!) you to Wakefield, Quebec—a postcard-perfect village tucked along the Gatineau River.

About a 2-hour drive from SD&G, Wakefield has that laid-back, artsy vibe that makes you instantly slow down a bit (in the best way possible). Think cozy cafés, local shops, and a strong creative community - you’ll find everything from handmade goods to live music and galleries sprinkled throughout the village.

One of the big highlights? The iconic Wakefield Covered Bridge - a beautiful spot for a stroll, photos, or just soaking in the river views. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, the nearby Gatineau Park offers endless trails, scenic lookouts, and nature that’s hard to beat any time of year.

And when it’s time to refuel, Wakefield delivers. From riverside patios to comfort food spots, it’s the kind of place where lunch easily turns into an afternoon… and maybe even dinner too 😄

It’s peaceful, a little artsy, and full of character—basically the perfect day trip (or weekend escape) when you want something different without going too far.

👉 Have you been to Wakefield before? Any must-stop spots we should add to the list?

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOUR
👋 Good People Doing Good Things: Meet Alicia

Let’s give a warm SD&G welcome to one of the newest faces making a real difference in our community - Alicia Niewiatowska!

Alicia has joined the SD&G Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT)—a pretty incredible program that pairs mental health clinicians with OPP officers to respond to mental health-related calls. In simple terms? It’s about showing up with compassion, understanding, and the right kind of support when people need it most.

With two MCRT units serving our region, these teams are helping folks across SD&G in real time - offering assessments, de-escalation, and connecting people to the resources they need. And now, Alicia is part of that effort

From everything we’ve heard, Alicia brings a ton of experience, dedication, and heart to the role - exactly the kind of person you want helping strengthen community wellness.

So if you see Alicia out and about (or hear about the amazing work she’s doing), give her a big local welcome 👋

👉 Know someone else in SD&G doing great things behind the scenes? Send them our way—we love shining a light on our neighbours!

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
📸 Quinn’s Inn, St. Andrew’s

This week’s throwback takes us to a true local landmark - Quinn’s Inn in St. Andrew’s West, a building that’s been part of our community story for over 150 years.

Originally built in 1865 by John Sandfield Macdonald (Ontario’s very first Premier!), Quinn’s Inn started as a stagecoach stop and hotel - imagine horses out front and travellers stopping in for a warm meal after a long journey. Over the years, it wore many hats, serving as a general store, barber shop, and even a post office. Basically the original “one-stop shop” of the village.

Like many historic buildings, it’s seen its share of ups and downs. After a fire in 1879, it was rebuilt and continued to evolve with the community. The Quinn family took ownership in the early 1900s, running it for decades and turning it into a true local staple.

One of the more unique pieces of history? After Macdonald’s passing, part of the building was even used by the community for gatherings like wakes and funerals - showing just how central this place has always been to local life.

Today, Quinn’s Inn has been lovingly restored and continues to welcome guests as a cozy pub and restaurant - still bringing people together, just like it did all those years ago.

It’s amazing to think that the same stone walls and floors have seen generations come and go… and somehow, it still feels like the heart of the community.

Have you been to Quinn’s Inn over the years? We’d love to hear your memories or see your photos!

👉 Recognize anyone or have a story about Quinn’s Inn? We’d love to hear it—send it our way…also would love a recent review of their prime rib (if that is still a thing!).

LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
🤝 Local businesses — quick question…

If your online presence could use a little love (think website updates, more Google reviews, faster follow-ups with customers, or just looking more polished online), we can help. These small things go a long way in building trust and turning local searches into real customers.

👉 Click reply to this email and tell us about your business, and let’s make it easy for people to choose you.

PET OF THE WEEK
🐶 Meet Whimper!

We couldn’t help but smile when we saw this photo… just look at that happy face! 😊

Say hello to Whimper, a sweet girl who’s more than ready to find a home of her own. At just over a year old and around 37 lbs, she’s the perfect smaller-sized companion - big enough for adventures, but still just right for cozy couch time.

Whimper has been described as quiet, gentle, and incredibly easy to be around. She’s got that calm, loving energy that makes you instantly feel at ease—the kind of pup who doesn’t ask for much… just a comfy spot, a few kind words, and someone to love her right back.

If you’re looking for a loyal, low-key companion who will quietly steal your heart (and maybe your favourite chair too 😉), Whimper might just be your perfect match.

📍 You can meet her at the Cornwall & Region Animal Centre (550 Boundary Rd)
📞 613-936-0072

Let’s help this sweet girl find the loving home she deserves.

COMMUNITY WINS
🍿 That’s a LOT of Popcorn!

Big shoutout to the students at Tagwi Secondary School for absolutely crushing their recent fundraiser! 💪

They sold over 540 bags of popcorn (yes… FIVE HUNDRED!) and raised more than $1,600 toward their leadership retreat. Not too shabby for a snack that disappears in about 5 minutes flat 😄

Even better? This fundraiser with The Happy Popcorn Co. is a win-win - supporting local youth and creating meaningful employment opportunities for neurodiverse individuals and those with disabilities. Now that’s the kind of community impact we love to see.

Way to go, Tagwi Warriors—SD&G is proud of you!

👉 Got a local win we should feature? Send it our way - we love celebrating the good stuff happening around here!

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 [email protected] and let’s chat!

JUST FOR FUN
🎯 Games Corner – Just for Fun!

Think you know Cornwall? Here’s one for you…

🔥 Fun Fact: The City of Cornwall maintains over 1,300 fire hydrants across the community! That’s a lot of bright red lifelines keeping our neighbourhoods safe.

And here’s something most of us probably never think about—each hydrant gets flushed at least once a year to keep water quality high and ensure everything is ready to go when it’s needed most.

Next time you spot one on your walk, just remember… there are over a thousand of them quietly doing their job behind the scenes!

ESTATE & NEIGHBOURHOOD BUZZ
🏡 Hilltop Views in Summerstown

If you’ve ever dreamed of a peaceful country retreat with a view… this one might just stop your scroll 👀

📍 18833 Paragon Rd, Summerstown
💰 Asking $949,900

Perched on a picturesque 3-acre hilltop, this stunning home offers the kind of panoramic views and privacy that are getting harder and harder to find around here. It’s one of those properties where you can just imagine your morning coffee tasting a little better ☕🌄

Inside, the home blends comfort and style beautifully - think wide plank flooring, a custom kitchen with quartz countertops, and a cozy breakfast nook that feels straight out of a magazine. The real showstopper though? A four-season sunroom with wall-to-wall windows and a fireplace… basically your new favourite room all year long.

You’ve got plenty of space too:
✔️ 2 bedrooms upstairs + additional space in the finished basement
✔️ A spacious rec room + extra bedroom downstairs
✔️ 2-car heated garage plus another 1-car garage (toys, tools, and hobbies all welcome here)

And outside… it’s just as impressive. Beautiful landscaping, perennial gardens, and tiered stonework create a setting that feels peaceful, private, and just a little bit like a hidden gem.

This one isn’t just a house—it’s the kind of place where you slow down a bit and enjoy the good stuff.

📌 View the listing: https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/29559694/18833-paragon-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?

BOOK KEEPER/ ADMIN COORDINATOR - Emard Lumber
📍 Cornwall
Emard Lumber is looking for a detailed book keeper/ admin coordinator to join their team!
📧 Apply online: [email protected]

EXPERIENCED COOK - Shawarma Depot
📍 Cornwall
Shawarma Depot is looking for an experienced cook to join the team.
📧 Apply online: [email protected]

MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS - Municipality of North Grenville
📍 North Grenville
Lead the Municipality’s strategic communications strategy.
📧 Apply online: www.northgrenville.ca/careers

JUNIOR CARPENTERS - Menard & Robertson
📍 Cornwall
Looking for someone that is passionate about carpentry and willing to grow.
📧 Apply online: [email protected]

👉 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! 👋

If you made it this far—thanks for spending a few minutes with us (maybe with a coffee in hand). Spring is finally starting to show up around here, and honestly, it feels like the whole community is waking back up with it.

As always, if you’ve got an event, a local win, a great photo, or just something you think your neighbours should know about - send it our way. This little newsletter is way better when it’s powered by all of you.

Have a great week, enjoy the fresh air, and we’ll catch you in the next one 🌿

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

With gratitude,
The SD&G Scoop Team