By MAGGIE M, Editor, the wedge.LIVE đź–¤ TO SHARE scroll to story’s end and click icons. “I discovered boating when I was five years-old.” “I’ll never forget the first fish my son speared.” “We’ve never had a bad day on a boat.” Such are emotional quotes from people living life more fully on our waterways. … Continue reading
By MAGGIE M, Editor, http://thewedge.LIVE A village, town or city that gives its residents a sense of place is in good stead. It will stave off migration of talent and stimulate growth. This sense of belonging to something special is not achieved by spaghetti nights at the local hall. It requires far more. Where we … Continue reading
By MAGGIE M, Editor, http://thewedge.LIVE A global shift has now arrived here in the wedge, East Ontario, and it’s all good. Global data confirming this shift has been rolling in for several years. It is now evident, the world is leaving the trading of their labour for diminishing wages and benefits at such velocity that … Continue reading
By MAGGIE M, Editor, http://thewedge.LIVE On yet another overcast, damp day, I visited the uber-sweet village of Westport. Everywhere I looked, a photo beckoned. The harbour on the North side, Upper Rideau Lake, is always beautiful; but, its island seems to be nearly swallowed up by rising water levels. It seems the island is only … Continue reading
By MAGGIE M, Editor, thewedge.LIVE The tiniest beach in North America is in our neck of the woods, in the Village of Portland. Last year, I held a conversation with a traveler across the beach without raising my voice. You could cross it in three or four leaps. This miniature treasure with a grand view … Continue reading
By MAGGIE M, Editor, http://thewedge.LIVE I was the first to arrive at a “top-secret”, invitation-only, pre-opening celebration of Smiths Falls’ newest, “Cafe Whim,” on trendy Russell Street. As I settled in, Amber Hall, Co-Founder, Equator Coffee, walked in delivering coffee in person to Cafe Whim owner, Brian Paquette. I trust she drove all the way … Continue reading
Hotel Rideau, the former jewel and focal point of Beckwith Street, Smiths Falls, is coming to life again. There was a previous thwarted attempt to restore her; however, that effort failed. Now, under the ownership and watchful eyes of the Cinnamon brothers, Andrew and Tim, also Founders of Parkview Homes, the Rideau is buzzing with … Continue reading
Everyone raves about Chef Ram in these parts. He is the consummate friend to all and a great business leader. Mogandas owns East Meets West, a restaurant which serves a fusion of Eastern and Western fare, in beautiful Perth. He also co-owns and operates, Chuckles Jack, in booming Smiths Falls. As many business owners in … Continue reading
By MAGGIE M, Editor, http://thewedge.LIVE At times everyone feels the tug of tranquility, an escape from mobile ringtones, tedious routines and gnawing responsibility. We forget to breathe deeply, to commune with the earth from whence we came. Our region is covered in secret places that heal, places of solace. This writer frequents a few spots … Continue reading
By MAGGIE M, Editor, http://thewedge.LIVE This writer sat with six friends at Michael’s Table last Saturday night. I was the stranger in their midst; so, I brought a new perspective. Reportedly, Princess Di sat to my left; this disclosure came from Charlton Heston’s doppelganger on my right. The couple, Bev and Dale, had long ago … Continue reading
Businesses in the wedge are you ready for tourism this 2017? Here is one of the chief reasons why tourists are flocking to the region. Watch MAGGIE M’s interview of Guy Laflamme and how he is changing Ottawa, for ever. Be ready. Paint your awnings, shine your windows, and practice, “Hello” and “Thank you,” in … Continue reading
By MAGGIE M, Editor, thewedge.LIVE T’was merry mayhem on the evenin’ of St. Patrick’s Day. The Green Mile Beer Run (or walk, crawl) was over. The Winners were declared. Brett McKimm, a tall lanky 29 year-old from Carleton Place, ran 400 metres, 8 times, with two 4 Degrees beers in him–in 7:57 minutes!! Then John … Continue reading
By MAGGIE M , Editor http://thewedge.LIVE Laurie Anne Brennan founded the NOAL Pantry and Local Eatery, a name that stands for, Natural Organic Artisan Local, in August 2016. She hails from a large, close-knit family in Lombardy. She sharpened her culinary skills in Toronto to bring them back to Smiths Falls and build her dream … Continue reading
We are jacking up our promise to be positive at thewedge.LIVE ! Now we are getting positively silly. We want you to giggle, cackle and howl with laughter. Let’s get endorphins coarsing through your body! (No, it’s not an aquatic mammal, it’s a happy brain hormone.) I, MAGGIE M, will be holding the mic and … Continue reading
By MAGGIE M, Editor, http://thewedge.LIVE and Host of “WHERE IN the wedge is MAGGIE M?” On February 1st, all ‘SmithFallians’ where invited to participate in a long list of events, 150 to be exact, for the duration of 2017, Canada’s 150th birthday. At the core, it is volunteering; but, truly it is an opportunity to … Continue reading
By MAGGIE M Host of “Where in the Wedge is Maggie M?”, Editor thewedge.LIVE Portland was the ‘buzz’ today. Skaters of every age group and those bootin’ it like me were spread out over the lake and the grounds. Some skated aimlessly, some did some serious speed-skating around the oval, some curled, while others slurped … Continue reading
By MAGGIE M, Editor and Host of “Where in the wedge is Maggie M?” Many cities around the world have within them a street of renown. Some names roll off travelers’ lips frequently, “Fifth Avenue” (NYC), “Via Monte Napoleone” (Milan). Their draw could be shopping, historic meaning or they could be the heart and soul … Continue reading
By MaggieM, Host of WHERE IN the wedge IS MAGGIE M? “I love to watch people enjoying the event,” glows Portland Outdoors President, John Bongers. How he finds the time to oversee the 2017 Skate The Lake, Portland, beats me. Bongers is a sophisticated cattle farmer who rises at 4:30 am. Portland is a quaint … Continue reading
By Maggie M This writer was one of the last guests to arrive on-time at a unique event organized by Hugh Colton of Host, Town and Country Chrysler. The Perth venue was packed–even my chair was snuffed from me when I sneaked to the buffet. You see, I arrived hungry, and how fitting that was. … Continue reading
By Maggie M I kick myself when I run into special moments without my digital film camera, sound boom and spotlight; but, one does not expect a grocery trip to become an impromptu party. As I exited the car at Andress’ Your Independent Grocer, I almost forgot my purpose. Elvis Presley singing Christmas songs blasted … Continue reading
Canada kicks-off its 150th birthday celebrations on January 1, 2017! And the wedge is getting knee-deep into the fun of it. thewedge.LIVE is launching the wedge 150 : a rural conquest for every town and city in the wedge (East Ontario). Everyone in the wedge can participate: individuals (18+), businesses, schools, groups. Ottawa is doing … Continue reading
It was late August, only one month ago, that I rolled up my slacks and tread through the water in Westport to cool off. I picked up shells which I loved to do as a child. One mussel was still alive, so I returned it to the depths. Before this jaunt, we had been sitting … Continue reading
We could write endlessly about Rideau Valley; but, pictures are worth a thousands poems. On the West edge of The Wedge is this jewel that spreads out with endless vistas and quaint corners. We ventured into key hot-spots; but, many treasures await us still. You could spend a summer experiencing the Rideau, suspending European landmarks … Continue reading
The Wedge 
You must be logged in to post a comment.