SD&G Scoop – Your Local Lowdown for Mar 26 - Apr 2, 2026!

Hey there, Cornwall & SD&G crew! 👋

Hi and welcome to this week’s SDG Scoop - especially to all of our new readers! We’ve seen a lovely bump in subscribers over the past couple of months, and we’re so glad you’re here.

For anyone new around these parts, The SDG Scoop is all about shining a light on the good stuff happening across Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry and Cornwall. We focus on the positive community stories, local events, hidden gems, and neighbourly wins that make this area such a special place to call home. We happily leave the politics and all that jazz to everyone else.

One of our favourite things to do is feature the work of local artists and photographers, because nobody captures the heart of this region quite like the people who live here. This week’s feature feels like a little wink from spring itself: a beautiful pileated woodpecker captured by Pat English. Between that and the growing list of events popping up, we’re taking it as a sign that brighter days are on the way.

Now grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s get into this week’s Scoop.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK
🎉 What’s Happening This Week (Mar 26 - Apr 2, 2026)

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

🔶 Bingo Night in Chesterville
📅 Thursday, March 26 | 🚪 Doors open 6:30 PM | 🎱 Bingo 7:00–8:30 PM | 📍 Chesterville Legion
If you love a good game of bingo (and maybe a little friendly competition), this might be the perfect midweek outing. North Dundas District High School is hosting a Bingo Night at the Chesterville Legion, with a chance to win gift card prizes - including a $500 grand prize. For $20, players get 3 cards and 10 games, with extra cards available if you’re feeling lucky. There will also be a 50/50 draw supporting the school, and a full canteen stocked with snacks, drinks, coffee, and baked goods to keep you fueled between numbers.
Even better? All proceeds support school initiatives through ND Leads and the NDDHS Student Council, so every dab helps a good cause.

🔶 United We Dine – Free Community Lunch!
📅 Thursday, March 27 | 🕓 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM | 📍 Christ Church United (Chesterville)
If you’re looking for a warm meal and even warmer company - this is one to mark on your calendar. Our friends at Christ Church United are hosting a free community lunch, bringing people together over a delicious Easter-style dinner, and everyone is welcome. On the menu: ham (donated by the Rotary Club of Chesterville), rustic sour cream mashed potatoes, garlic deviled eggs, corn, spring salad, dinner rolls, and lemon tower cake. There’ll also be live music from Scott Hopkins (5:00–6:00 PM) featuring a mix of guitar, gospel, Beatles, and jazz to keep things lively while you dine. Bring a friend, bring your appetite, and come enjoy a great evening together.

🔶 Jeff Leeson – Live in Cornwall!
📅 Saturday, March 28 | 🕗 Show Time: 8 PM | 📍 Aultsville Theatre
International comedian Jeff Leeson is bringing his “Only Gonna Say This Once” Comedy Tour to Cornwall for what’s shaping up to be one of the biggest comedy events we’ve seen in a while. With over 100 million views online and fans across the globe, Jeff is known for his quick wit, sharp humour, and legendary crowd interactions (yes… someone will get roasted 😄). Even Jeff said it himself: “The people, the history, the venue - this is one night I won’t forget!”
🎟️ Tickets & info: https://cornwalltourism.com/

🔶 From Metal to Masterpiece — Intro to Jewelry Making
📅 March 28–29 | 🕘 9 AM – 4 PM | 📍 Montour CPA & Associates, 609 NY-37, Akwesasne
Ever wanted to try your hand at jewelry making? Here’s your chance. Thompson Island Cultural Camp is hosting a hands-on Introduction to Jewelry Making Workshop, where beginners can learn the art of crafting beautiful pieces from copper and brass. Over the two-day workshop, participants will get to learn the fundamentals of metalwork - including sawing, filing, hammering, forming, and soldering - while creating their own handmade jewelry to take home. No experience required, just a willingness to get creative.

🎵 Where’s That Music Coming From (Mar 26 - Apr 2, 2026)

🔶 Live Music + Dinner Night at Tan’s Fusion (Morrisburg)
📅 Saturday, March 28 | 🕖 7 PM | 📍 Tan’s Fusion, Morrisburg
Looking for a fun night out that checks all the boxes - great food, live music, and a cozy local vibe? This one’s got your name all over it. Head over to Tan’s Fusion this Saturday where you’ll be treated to live music from Ben Mullin (The Loveseats) while enjoying a delicious dinner combo that honestly sounds way too good to pass up. Support local, enjoy some live tunes, and treat yourself — sounds like a pretty solid Saturday night to us 👏

🔶 Rock for the Rec – Live Bands Night in Avonmore
📅 Saturday, March 28 | 🕗 8 PM – Midnight | 📍 NSP Hall, Avonmore
If you’re in the mood for a night out with some good old-fashioned rock ‘n roll and a chance to support a great local cause — this one’s calling your name. Head over to North Stormont Place for Rock for the Rec, where two local bands - Decibel Crush and It Is What It Is — will be bringing the energy with a mix of rock covers and originals. Expect a lively crowd, plenty of toe-tapping, and maybe even a little dancing if the mood strikes. This is one of those nights where you can have a blast and feel good about it - every ticket helps support activities and programs right here in the community. We’ll see you there!

WHERE TO GRAB A BITE
🍕 A Little Love for Sam’s Pizza (Kemptville)

A little while back, we asked you where to find the best pizza in SD&G… and let’s just say Sam’s Pizza in Kemptville came up a lot 👀🍕

So when we saw a recent update from the team at Sam’s, we thought it was worth sharing with the Scoop community

Ali from Sam’s posted a heartfelt message thanking customers for their continued support (especially after a few tough moments - hey, we’ve all been there!). If you’ve ever stopped in, you know it’s more than just a pizza spot - it’s a true family-run business that’s been part of the community for over a decade.

Here’s the scoop:

• The restaurant is not closing 🙌

• They are looking for a partner to help support operations

• Moe (the heart behind it all) has been carrying a big load lately, and they’re hoping to find someone to help keep things running smoothly

Through it all, they made one thing very clear — they’re committed to continuing to serve up the same great food and friendly service that made so many of you recommend them in the first place.

We love seeing the community rally around local spots like this. Small businesses are the backbone of towns like ours, and a little extra support can go a long way.

So if it’s been a while… maybe this is your sign to grab a pizza from Sam’s this week.

And we’ll ask again… where’s your go-to pizza spot in SD&G these days? Let us know - we’re always hungry for recommendations!

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
📸 Marching Through Maxville (Mid-80s Edition)

Recognize anyone in this one? 👀

This week’s throwback takes us right into the heart of summer in SDG - the Glengarry Highland Games in Maxville, captured sometime in the mid-1980s. The photo shows the 78th Fraser Highlanders Pipe Band marching off the field, trophy in hand, after what we can only assume was an unforgettable performance.

Just look at that crowd! Packed stands, kilts swaying, bagpipes echoing - you can almost hear the music and feel the energy from here. There’s something special about the Highland Games that hasn’t changed much over the years… it’s still one of those events that brings the whole community (and plenty of visitors!) together.

And let’s be honest - spotting familiar faces in these old photos is half the fun. So… do you recognize anyone? Maybe yourself? A family member? A neighbour?

Send it in if you do - we love hearing the stories behind these snapshots 📸

Big thanks to the folks at the Pipe Band Museum for preserving moments like this. It’s a beautiful reminder of just how deep the roots of tradition and community run here in SDG.

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 Mickey!

Alright dog lovers… this one’s going to steal your heart.

Meet Mickey, a 1-year-old Husky mix who’s been patiently waiting far too long for his forever home. And let us tell you - this guy is PACKED with personality.

Mickey is your classic adventure buddy:

• Loves being outdoors (snow? sunshine? doesn’t matter!)

• Always ready for a game, a walk, or a little “hunt” for fun

• Full of energy, curiosity, and that goofy charm Huskies are known for

Just look at that smile… and the tennis ball?! 🎾 You already know he’s the type who’ll keep you on your toes (in the best way possible).

He’s currently hanging out at the Cornwall & Region Animal Centre (550 Boundary Rd) and would absolutely thrive with a family ready to embrace his playful, spirited nature.

🕐 You can visit Mickey daily from 11 AM – 6 PM

If you’ve been thinking about adding a four-legged friend to your life - this might just be your sign.

And if Mickey’s not the perfect fit for you, sharing his story could help him find his people.

COMMUNITY WINS
🏆 Turning Spring Showers into Something Good

Okay… maybe it doesn’t feel like spring just yet (looking at you, freezing rain 😅), but this is a sure sign it’s on the way - the Rain Barrel Program is back in South Stormont! 

The Township of South Stormont, along with their Environmental Action Committee, is once again helping residents get ready for the growing season with discounted rain barrels — and honestly, it’s one of those simple ideas that just makes sense.

💧 Why it’s a win for the community:

• Helps conserve water

• Reduces runoff and strain on systems

• Keeps your gardens thriving all summer long

• Supports local environmental initiatives

🛒 Here’s how it works:

• Order online by April 17

• Choose home delivery or

• Pick up your barrel at the Long Sault Arena on April 23 (3–7 PM)

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just thinking about growing a few tomatoes this year, this is an easy (and affordable) way to get started.

We love seeing programs like this pop up locally. It’s practical, environmentally friendly, and something that benefits the whole community.

Are any of you already using a rain barrel at home? Worth it? Let us know… we’re always curious what’s working in your gardens.

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!

Did you know the St. Lawrence River is more than just our local gem - it’s a global heavyweight? 🌊 This incredible river system drains a whopping 25% of the world’s freshwater reserves through the Great Lakes basin.

Stretching 1,197 km (744 miles) from Lake Ontario all the way to the Atlantic Ocean, the St. Lawrence isn’t just about size. It’s home to some pretty extraordinary neighbours too — including beluga and humpback whales that call its waters home! 🐋

On top of that, it powers communities through hydropower and fuels major economic activity as part of the St. Lawrence Seaway.

👉 Fun challenge: Next time you’re by the water, imagine everything that river connects - from our backyard here in SDG, all the way out to the Atlantic Ocean. Pretty wild, eh?

ESTATE & NEIGHBOURHOOD BUZZ
🏡 Big Plans for Bell Hall in Kemptville

Here’s a feel-good development that’s all about community.

The Municipality of North Grenville has announced a major project to repurpose Bell Hall on the Kemptville Campus into something really meaningful - 60 new affordable housing units for seniors and veterans.

This isn’t just a quick facelift either - it’s a $29+ million project, backed by over $24 million in federal funding through the National Housing Strategy. The goal? To take a long-standing local building and give it a brand new purpose for the people who need it most.

🏠 What’s coming:

• A mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units

• Affordable and rent-geared-to-income options

• Thoughtfully designed shared spaces to encourage connection and community

• Units tailored to support aging in place (so residents can stay independent longer)

Even better - there’s potential for up to 20 additional deeply affordable units, helping ensure accessibility for seniors with lower incomes.

🛠️ Timeline:

• Construction will continue through 2026–2027

• First residents expected by late 2027

We love seeing projects like this that balance growth with care for the community. It’s not just about building housing - it’s about creating a place where people can stay connected, supported, and at home in their own town.

What do you think about this kind of development in our region? Would you like to see more projects like this pop up across SD&G?

👉 Have 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]

LEGAL ASSISTANT - Dube Law
📍 Cornwall
The successful candidate will assist the lawyer and staff with client intake, file management, document preparation, searches, closing procedures, and post-closing reporting.
📧 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]

👉 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! 👋

Thanks for spending a few minutes with us and for helping this little newsletter keep growing. Every time you read, share, reply, or send us a tip, it helps us keep spotlighting the good news, local gems, and community spirit that make SD&G such a great place to be.

And to our newer readers - we’re glad you found us. We hope The Scoop feels a bit like catching up with neighbours over coffee… just with more events, more local stories, and fewer awkward small-talk pauses.

Until next week, keep an eye out for signs of spring, support a local spot if you can, and send us any events, photos, or community wins you think we should feature.

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

With gratitude,
The SD&G Scoop Team