Corona Beer Takes Huge Hit From Pandemic Hysteria
Ontario / Smiths Falls / The Wedge

Corona Beer Takes Huge Hit From Pandemic Hysteria

By Phil Anders for theWedge.LIVE The progressive corporation that dominates in alcohol beverages, Constellation Brands, is suffering from irrational behavior. It’s bestselling Corona beer is a popular, much loved brand, especially by yours truly. 38% of Americans surveyed (by CNN)  “would not under any circumstances,” buy the beer because of the corona virus. I wonder … Continue reading

Bruce Linton 2.0
Ontario / Smiths Falls / The Wedge

Bruce Linton 2.0

By MAGGIE M, Editor, Publisher, Wedgee-in-Chief, theWedge.LIVE “Hey Maggie! your lights are still on,” Bruce Linton noticed as I unloaded my equipment from my ol’ clunker to capture his latest building project. It’s pure Linton. He notices small things. He spoke of small details many times as I visited Canopy for media events, the light … Continue reading

Our Sweetest Couple : Thankful and Giving in Smiths Falls
Food / Ontario / Smiths Falls / The Wedge

Our Sweetest Couple : Thankful and Giving in Smiths Falls

By MAGGIE M, Editor, Publisher, Wedgee-in-Chief, theWedge.LIVE We huddled near the Thanksgiving end-aisle, our voices down to a low pitch, Wanita  Andress, Dan Andress, and this writer. We dug into our collective treasury of heartfelt expressions for the days coming. It was not easy in a sea of cheezy options. How can you transmit profound … Continue reading

First Bus Stop On First School Day In Smiths Falls
Food / Ontario / Smiths Falls / The Wedge

First Bus Stop On First School Day In Smiths Falls

By MAGGIE M, Editor, Wedgee-in-Chief, theWedge.LIVE It’s that romantic time of the year again–that time when children leave the nest each day to progress in life. It’s back-to-school time. For many parents, parting is sweet sorrow. Sniff. Sniff. The moment is well-captured by Wanita and Dan Andress now grandparents and empty-nesters. They stocked the yellow … Continue reading

Smarmy Tomato And A Few Fruits On The Cutting Board
Food / Smiths Falls / The Wedge

Smarmy Tomato And A Few Fruits On The Cutting Board

By MAGGIE M, Editor, Wedgee-in-Chief, theWedge.LIVE “It looks like my own hands!,” blurted Wanita Andress. It’s indeed a “slight of hands,” the ones cutting strawberries in the image above. More accurately, they appear attached to the gaseous, smarmy tomato on the couple’s left. Either way, this is a classic photo-fail. Hysterically, the Andress’ seem to … Continue reading

Come Together, Right Now, Over Meat
Food / Smiths Falls / The Wedge

Come Together, Right Now, Over Meat

By MAGGIE M, Editor, Wedgee-in-Chief, theWedge.LIVE “You’re gonna sing with Joe,” I directed. “No way!,” the Andress couple answered in chorus. “Don’t worry there’s no sound in a photo,” I replied without eye-rolling. In no time flat they joined Joe Murphy, Manager of SAP, full-bore. They clearly enjoyed their karaoke moment, long after the camera … Continue reading

Two Bunnies, a Basket of Chicks and a Pig of Doubtful Character
Food / Smiths Falls / The Wedge

Two Bunnies, a Basket of Chicks and a Pig of Doubtful Character

By MAGGIE M, Editor, Wedgee-in-Chief, theWedge.LIVE The Andress team at YIG Smiths Falls crouched like bunnies among blooming hydrangeas for the wedge. We opted to leave the floppy ears out lest they add unintended meaning. So the romance endures. Dan offered his bunny-ette, Wanita, a basket spilling over with artificial grass, furry chicks that wind … Continue reading

The End of Driving in Ontario : What’s Behind Road Planning
BIG NEWS / Smiths Falls / Technology / The Wedge

The End of Driving in Ontario : What’s Behind Road Planning

By MAGGIE M, Editor, Wedgee-in-Chief, theWedge.LIVE The years 2019 up to 2030 will be remembered less as “disruptive”–the mot-du-jour among silicon seers–than as destructive. We are on the eve of an accelerated, deliberate collapse of the automotive and oil industries–and almost countless ancillary manufacturing and auto services that feed off of these industries. “By 2030 … Continue reading

Andress Hits Italian and Irish High Notes
Food / Smiths Falls / The Wedge

Andress Hits Italian and Irish High Notes

By MAGGIE M, Editor, Wedgee-in-Chief, theWedge.LIVE ❤️ TO SHARE click icons at story’s end. “It’s Dino,” Steve Akeson identified the Italian crooner on his little radio. It added to the mood for this “Cheese Wheel Pasta” event. “The highlight of my career,” he adds. Akeson has been the tasting event “Maestro” for some time at … Continue reading

“The War Of The Roads” rages in Smiths Falls while revelations emerge.
Smiths Falls / Technology / The Wedge

“The War Of The Roads” rages in Smiths Falls while revelations emerge.

By MAGGIE M, Editor, Wedgee-in-Chief, theWedge.LIVE Late Monday afternoons in downtown Smiths Falls are no longer peaceful. Locals, citizens and business owners, flank both sides of Beckwith Street with placards, bullhorns and shouts mere feet from municipal buildings at the onset of council meetings. Cars honk their horns almost without cease passing through in a … Continue reading

First Snoop, Now Martha : It’s A Canopy Thing
Better Health / Smiths Falls / The Wedge

First Snoop, Now Martha : It’s A Canopy Thing

by MAGGIE M, Editor, Wedgee-in-Chief, theWedge.LIVE The working partnership between Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart dating back  a few years was to put it mildly, counter-intuitive. It came as no surprise that one of Canopy Growth’s most renown shareholders would become the bridge in a deal with Martha. The style impresario brings her excellence to … Continue reading

Canopy Zigzags Toward Big Growth
Better Health / Business / Good News / Smiths Falls / The Wedge

Canopy Zigzags Toward Big Growth

By MAGGIE M, Editor, Wedgee-in-Chief, theWedge.LIVE It was moments before midnight on Valentine’s Day when the widely awaited earnings missive from Canopy Growth arrived in our mailboxes–all sixteen pages. I read the good news. Top line revenues were impressive with the lion’s share coming from domestic recreational buyers. Canopy’s third quarter sales exceeded expectations–by 282%. … Continue reading

Water Tower Angst : Can We Save Ours From Extinction?
Pembroke / Smiths Falls / The Wedge

Water Tower Angst : Can We Save Ours From Extinction?

By MAGGIE M, Wedgee-in-Chief, Editor, theWedge.LIVE 💙 TO SHARE click icons at story’s end “At twilight they all almost look like they landed from Mars, aliens comin’ down,” renown astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson quips, “Sharing the broadcast of War of the Worlds, there were people thinking it was real. People were shooting at water towers.” … Continue reading

Maggie’s Picks: Constellation Necklaces, Little Black Dress, Space Age Pipe
Christmas / Maggie's Picks / Merrickville / Shops / Smiths Falls / The Wedge

Maggie’s Picks: Constellation Necklaces, Little Black Dress, Space Age Pipe

By MAGGIE M, Wedgee-in-Chief, Editor, theWedge.LIVE 🎄 TO SHARE click icons at story’s end The wedge launches “Maggie’s Picks” today–just in time for Christmas 2018. I visited three shops in Merrickville and Smiths Falls and found some catnip. Meow Meow! Do you like our mascot? Her name is Mya (after Maggie’s cat.) WHERE AM I … Continue reading

Wanita and Dan Andress in Christmas “Cookie Operation or Die”
Christmas / Food / Smiths Falls / The Wedge

Wanita and Dan Andress in Christmas “Cookie Operation or Die”

By MAGGIE M, Wedgee-in-Chief, Editor, theWedge.LIVE 💚 TO SHARE click icons at at story’s end, TO SUBSCRIBE go to upper-right column. TO COMMENT go yo upper-right of story It was Friday afternoon at Andress’ Your Independent Grocer. Always a fun place to be. The jokes and stories poured out of customers around the Tasting Hut. … Continue reading

Maggie M Up Close with Bruce Linton
Better Health / Business / Farming / Smiths Falls / The Wedge

Maggie M Up Close with Bruce Linton

By Maggie M, Wedgee-in-Chief, Editor, theWedge.LIVE 💚 TO SHARE click icons at story’s end. TO SUBSCRIBE go to upper-right column. TO COMMENT click upper-right of story. One man is on an amazing journey that brings him to the doorstep of most nations. He is Bruce Linton, Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of Canopy Growth and Tweed … Continue reading

More Bragging Rights For Smiths Falls : le boat First Year Report
Business / Smiths Falls / The Wedge / Tourism

More Bragging Rights For Smiths Falls : le boat First Year Report

By MAGGIE M, Wedgee-in-Chief, Editor, theWedge.LIVE 💙 TO SHARE click icons at story’s end. TO SUBSCRIBE go to upper-right column. TO COMMENT go to upper-right of story There was a calm and congenial atmosphere in Smiths Falls’ sparkling Welcome Centre last night. The town has been reveling in its good fortune of late. This evening … Continue reading

It’s Holiday Food Time : “Bang Bang Shrimp” at the Tasting Hut
Christmas / Food / Smiths Falls / The Wedge

It’s Holiday Food Time : “Bang Bang Shrimp” at the Tasting Hut

By MAGGIE M, Wedgee-in-Chief, Editor, theWedge.LIVE 🎄TO SHARE click icons at story’s end. TO SUBSCRIBE go to upper right column. “What are you serving today Steve?,” almost all visitors asked. I was clearly in the presence of a local celebrity. There was no blue-haired lady serving at this tasting event. Steve Akeson is Andress’ Your … Continue reading

Visionary Retailers in Smiths Falls and Perth Who Will Survive
Business / Perth / Shops / Smiths Falls / Technology / The Wedge

Visionary Retailers in Smiths Falls and Perth Who Will Survive

By MAGGIE M, Wedgee-in-Chief, Editor, theWedge.LIVE 👗 TO SHARE click icons at story’s end. TO SUBSCRIBE go to upper-right column. TO COMMENT go to upper-right text link I am thrilled by the success of this 31 year-old retail store in Smiths Falls, Marianne Style! I asked owner, John Wakim today, “Can you handle any more … Continue reading

Two Downsize For Growth : Dawn Quinn and Lindsey McFadden
Business / Shops / Smiths Falls / The Wedge

Two Downsize For Growth : Dawn Quinn and Lindsey McFadden

By MAGGIE M, Wedgee-in-Chief, Editor, theWedge.LIVE 🧡 TO SHARE click icons at story’s end. TO SUBSCRIBE go to upper-right column. TO COMMENT click text upper-right of story I know my headline sounds like a “jumbo shrimp” oxymoron. Humor this writer. Two established women are unwittingly making the same moves. Uncannily, they are neighbors at Davidson … Continue reading

KACHING! First Main Street Sales Receipt for Cannabis in Canada
Better Health / Business / Smiths Falls / The Wedge

KACHING! First Main Street Sales Receipt for Cannabis in Canada

By MAGGIE M, Wedgee-in-Chief, Editor, theWedge.LIVE ☀️ TO SHARE click icons at story’s end. TO SUBSCRIBE go to upper-right column. TO COMMENT go to upper-right of story. The Tweed shop swung its doors open at one minute past midnight, October 17th, 2018–in St. John’s, Newfoundland. This moment ushered in the first main street sale of … Continue reading

These 25 Photos Lured Our Readers to Lust For More
Almonte / Arnprior / Brockville / Cornwall / Elgin / Gananoque / Kemptville / Kingston / Pembroke / Perth / Portland / Prescott / Renfrew / Rideau Ferry / Smiths Falls / The Wedge / Tourism / Westport

These 25 Photos Lured Our Readers to Lust For More

By theWedge.LIVE ❤️ TO SHARE click icons at story’s end. To comment click text at story’s upper right. TO SUBSCRIBE go to upper right column–it’s free and confidential. We continue to celebrate our two years completed and the start of our third with this “photorial,” images that elicited oohs and aahs from our readers. Maggie’s … Continue reading

Best Waterfront Experiences : Editor’s Picks for Summer’s End
BEST OF / Brockville / Pembroke / Smiths Falls / The Wedge / Tourism / What To Do

Best Waterfront Experiences : Editor’s Picks for Summer’s End

By theWedge.LIVE 💙 TO SHARE click icons at story’s end This review presented this writer with tough choices. There are so many wonderful waterfronts in East Ontario–no two are identical. All present unique experiences. The wedge Editor, Maggie M, picked three locations based on three factors : size, variety of activities and water access. The … Continue reading

Smiths Falls Hits Another Milestone With Welcome Venue
Rideau Canal / Smiths Falls / The Wedge / Tourism

Smiths Falls Hits Another Milestone With Welcome Venue

By MAGGIE M, Wedgee-in-Chief, Editor, theWedge.LIVE 💙 TO SHARE click icons at story’s end Smiths Falls is open for business as never before. At 5:00pm yesterday, Mayor Shawn Pankow cut ribbon, opening the town’s doors to a brand new, expanded and bright Visitor Centre. This was not a moment too soon for the booming town. … Continue reading

Talk Show Launches : “PATIO TALKS and pineapples” Episode 1 : Mayor Shawn Pankow on Boom-Town
Entertainment / Smiths Falls / The Wedge / Tourism

Talk Show Launches : “PATIO TALKS and pineapples” Episode 1 : Mayor Shawn Pankow on Boom-Town

By theWedge.LIVE ❤️ TO SHARE click on icon’s at story’s end Today we launched our live summer talk show, “PATIO TALKS and pineapples.” The idea is to be authentic, off-the-cuff, and our locations, favorite patios where life bristles–and some occasional noise and wind gusts for the ride. We’ll feature diverse people–it’s not political. We don’t … Continue reading

Thunderous ! VIPs join Smiths Falls in le boat celebration
Kingston / Ottawa / Perth / Rideau Canal / Smiths Falls / The Wedge / Tourism

Thunderous ! VIPs join Smiths Falls in le boat celebration

By MAGGIE M, Wedgee-in-Chief, Editor, thewedge.LIVE 🖤 TO SHARE click buttons at story’s end It was December 2016 when we first wrote about the imminent arrival of le boat. Leases were not yet signed; but, all was on-track. On June 13, 2018, le boat gathered VIPs from the region to celebrate a partnership with business … Continue reading

Rooftop Beekeeping Trending in Smiths Falls and Kanata
Better Health / Kanata / Smiths Falls

Rooftop Beekeeping Trending in Smiths Falls and Kanata

By MAGGIE M, Wedgee-in-Chief, Editor, the wedge.LIVE 🖤 TO SHARE click icons at story’s end Something remarkable is evolving quietly in our region thanks to “out-of-the-hive” thinkers. Urban farming is not new. Initiatives have been showing up in the oddest places in urban centres, Toronto, Paris, London and New York. A recent development, mostly in … Continue reading

Three Collaborate in Celebrating Van Gogh in Smiths Falls
Entertainment / Restaurants / Smiths Falls / The Wedge / Where to eat

Three Collaborate in Celebrating Van Gogh in Smiths Falls

By MAGGIE W, Editor, the wedge.LIVE NOAL Pantry, Smiths Falls Library and The Station Theatre collaborate in creating an exceptional daytime event, celebrating the life and works of Artist, Vincent Van Gogh. This is a first of its kind in the greater region. Chef Laurie Anne Brennan, Founder of NOAL Pantry, is creating a “Van … Continue reading

The Wedge’s 9 Best of 2017 – Part 4 “NINE MOST BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE”
10 Best of 2017 / Arnprior / BEST OF / Cobden / Kanata / Merrickville / People / Renfrew / Smiths Falls / Westport

The Wedge’s 9 Best of 2017 – Part 4 “NINE MOST BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE”

By MAGGIE M, Editor, Wedgee-in-Chief, the wedge.LIVE ❤️ Share by clicking icons at story’s end. NINE MOST BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE IN THE WEDGE This is our final “10 Best of 2017.” We held this segment back until everyone returned from extended Christmas holidays. Below you will find individuals the wedge and this writer have met personally … Continue reading

The Wedge’s 10 Best 2017 – Part 2
10 Best of 2017 / BEST OF / Perth / Prescott / Smiths Falls / The Wedge

The Wedge’s 10 Best 2017 – Part 2

By MAGGIE M, Editor, the wedge.LIVE ❤️ TO SHARE you can click the buttons at story’s end THE WEDGE’s 10 BEST OF 2017 Continued 4- Favorite Photos Our first, most favorited photo by our readers is of a young couple showing the hallmarks of early-stage courting, smitten with each other. Surprisingly, they are a long-established, … Continue reading

Food Hub potentiates vibrant health in the region : Two Rivers
Better Health / Business / Food / Smiths Falls

Food Hub potentiates vibrant health in the region : Two Rivers

By MAGGIE M, Editor, http://thewedge.LIVE I just signed up as a customer at the Two Rivers Food Hub . Until today, it was just getting too hard to find foods that have necessary nutrients and to maintain what health I have left. I seek foods that are “unfooled around with”–foods that are not genetically altered … Continue reading

Our Surprising Local Megastars – Case for a Walk-of-Fame?
Almonte / Brockville / Entertainment / Kingston / Music / Ottawa / Pembroke / Smiths Falls / The Wedge

Our Surprising Local Megastars – Case for a Walk-of-Fame?

By MAGGIE M, Editor, the wedge.LIVE We had a cursory look into the wedge (Pembroke to Hawkesbury to Kingston and all cities, towns, places within) and found the riches of fame. Some of the world’s most renown were born here and many remain–and return. This is a glimpse–we barely scrape the topic here. We’ve not … Continue reading

Smiths Falls On Economic Fast-Track
Business / Smiths Falls

Smiths Falls On Economic Fast-Track

By MAGGIE M, Editor, thewedge.LIVE (video below) The Town’s engagement in economic development is at full-throttle in Smiths Falls. The Town has just re-launched its brand and website. Its council and executives are putting revitalization on a fast-track, accelerating business growth. Local magnates are investing in rebuilding. The Hotel Rideau is returning to its former … Continue reading

Visitors Smitten at Smiths Falls Trainfest
Attractions / History / Lanark County / Smiths Falls / What To Do

Visitors Smitten at Smiths Falls Trainfest

By MAGGIE M, Editor, the wedge.LIVE This writer was an accidental tourist at Trainfest, August 26th. I immediately realized this event offered far more than met my eyes from the road. I stood on the platform as a black 1912 steam locomotive barreled toward me, whistling, coming to a full stop. The engine weighs 77 … Continue reading

Smiths Falls’ NIKNAKs Paddle Shack launched !
Rideau Canal / Smiths Falls / Sports / The Wedge

Smiths Falls’ NIKNAKs Paddle Shack launched !

By MAGGIE M, Editor, thewedge.LIVE An exciting, new feature was added to beautiful Murphy Park & Centennial Park, Smiths Falls, this weekend. Nicola Thomson, the town’s former DBA Coordinator, got the idea early in 2017. The 29-year-old outdoor enthusiast recently left her desk job to launch her first business with husband, Chris, on water’s edge.  … Continue reading

Street Beauty : it’s a thing and it’s not going away
Almonte / Arnprior / Brockville / Business / Carleton Place / Cornwall / Elgin / Entertainment / Gananoque / Hawkesbury / Kanata / Kingston / Lanark County / Merrickville / Mississipi Mills / Montague / Orleans / Ottawa / Pembroke / Perth / Portland / Prescott / Renfrew / Rideau Valley / Shops / Smiths Falls / Stittsville / The Wedge / Westport

Street Beauty : it’s a thing and it’s not going away

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

Historic shift hits Nepean, Kanata North, Kingston and Smiths Falls
Business / Kanata / Kingston / Lanark County / Merrickville / Orleans / Ottawa / Perth / Portland / Rideau Valley / Smiths Falls / Stittsville / The Wedge / Westport

Historic shift hits Nepean, Kanata North, Kingston and Smiths Falls

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

“You have a second brain,” Dr. Bernicky
Better Health / Lanark County / Smiths Falls / The Wedge

“You have a second brain,” Dr. Bernicky

By Dr. Natalie Bernicky, Health Columnist, http://thewedge.LIVE Within the past few years we have seen the grocery market explode with products adding beneficial bacteria, commonly known as probiotics to our food. Yogurt, cereal, kefir, kombucha drinks, and baby food are being marketed at an increased cost, promising increased health benefits compared to their probiotic-free alternatives. … Continue reading

Smiths Falls Lures World to Rideau Canal with Key Partner
Rideau Canal / Smiths Falls / The Wedge / What To Do / Where to stay

Smiths Falls Lures World to Rideau Canal with Key Partner

By MAGGIE M, Editor, http://thewedge.LIVE There are a few Lockmasters’ Houses in Smiths Falls; however, one has been unoccupied for years–until now. This historic building visible from the bridge connecting Beckwith with Brockville Street, Smiths Falls, will soon house the offices of European corporation, le Boat. In fact, it is to be its North American … Continue reading

New! Cafe Whim Caters to Sudden Epicure Impulses
Lanark County / Restaurants / Rideau Valley / Smiths Falls / The Wedge / Where to eat

New! Cafe Whim Caters to Sudden Epicure Impulses

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

Resurrection of the Rideau Moving Quickly
History / Rideau Canal / Rideau Valley / Smiths Falls / The Wedge

Resurrection of the Rideau Moving Quickly

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

INSIDER VIDEO : East Meets West, Perth
Perth / Restaurants / Rideau Canal / Rideau Valley / Smiths Falls / The Wedge / Where to eat

INSIDER VIDEO : East Meets West, Perth

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

Secret Solaces : Escapes minutes from the noise
Almonte / Carleton Place / Elgin / Kingston / Lanark County / Mississipi Mills / Portland / Rideau Canal / Rideau Valley / Smiths Falls / The Wedge / Westport / What To Do

Secret Solaces : Escapes minutes from the noise

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

Ottawa declared, “No. 1 place to visit in the world,” New York Times
Almonte / Brockville / Business / Carleton Place / Gananoque / Kingston / Merrickville / Mississipi Mills / Ottawa / Perth / Portland / Renfrew / Restaurants / Rideau Canal / Rideau Valley / Shops / Smiths Falls / Stittsville / The Wedge / Thousand Islands / Westport

Ottawa declared, “No. 1 place to visit in the world,” New York Times

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

Restaurant REVIEW : “NOAL” Natural Organic Artisan Local
Restaurants / Rideau Canal / Rideau Valley / Smiths Falls

Restaurant REVIEW : “NOAL” Natural Organic Artisan Local

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

Smiths Falls Growth is Set : Tweed on fast-track
Business / Smiths Falls / The Wedge

Smiths Falls Growth is Set : Tweed on fast-track

By MAGGIE M, Editor, http://thewedge.LIVE You can’t walk into the Tweed ‘campus’, Smiths Falls, unannounced. There are no public tours and for good reason. This writer climbed the front steps and pressed a buzzer. That’s what happens when you shift a building from chocolate to cannabis. Let this be your public tour. I entered the … Continue reading

ENDORPHIN HIGH : Our comedic videos begin !
Almonte / Arnprior / Brockville / Carleton Place / Comedy / Cornwall / Entertainment / Gananoque / Hawkesbury / Kanata / Kingston / Lanark County / Merrickville / Mississipi Mills / Montague / Orleans / Ottawa / Pembroke / Perth / Portland / Prescott / Renfrew / Rideau Canal / Rideau Valley / Smiths Falls / Stittsville / The Wedge / Thousand Islands / Westport

ENDORPHIN HIGH : Our comedic videos begin !

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

MIRACLE ENZYME : lungs, pain, scars, fibroids, Alzheimer’s, arteries…
Better Health / Carleton Place / Ottawa / Smiths Falls / The Wedge

MIRACLE ENZYME : lungs, pain, scars, fibroids, Alzheimer’s, arteries…

By The Health Nut This is a word which should be in everyone’s daily lexicon : serrapeptase. And in everyone’s medicine cabinet or pantry. It’s natural. It’s an enzyme first discovered in the 1960s. Our bodies produce a lot of different enzymes. For instance, amylase is in our saliva and it breaks down food like … Continue reading

Smiths Falls gives key to citizens for Canada 150
Attractions / Entertainment / Lanark County / Rideau Canal / Rideau Valley / Smiths Falls / Sports / The Wedge / What To Do

Smiths Falls gives key to citizens for Canada 150

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

“Russell Street is special,” locals say.
Better Health / Restaurants / Rideau Canal / Rideau Valley / Shops / Smiths Falls / The Wedge

“Russell Street is special,” locals say.

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

Our Hunger Heroes : it’s no game!
Almonte / Carleton Place / Lanark County / Merrickville / Perth / Rideau Valley / Smiths Falls / The Wedge / Westport

Our Hunger Heroes : it’s no game!

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

Pop-up Christmas Fun Yields Mountain of Food
Almonte / Carleton Place / Lanark County / Merrickville / Perth / Rideau Valley / Smiths Falls / The Wedge / Westport

Pop-up Christmas Fun Yields Mountain of Food

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

Smiths Falls Boom story gets 10,200 views in 3 days!
Lanark County / Rideau Canal / Smiths Falls / The Wedge

Smiths Falls Boom story gets 10,200 views in 3 days!

We wrote a happy story about growth in Smiths Falls, December 2016. It was a story of hope. We at the wedge know that the established media ostensibly repeats Police reports, writes stories of health struggles and health failures. They know as we do this drives traffic; but, the wedge won’t touch these subjects with … Continue reading

the wedge 150 : a rural conquest, takes-off!
Almonte / Arnprior / Brockville / Carleton Place / Cornwall / Gananoque / Hawkesbury / Kanata / Kingston / Lanark County / Merrickville / Montague / Orleans / Ottawa / Pembroke / Perth / Prescott / Renfrew / Rideau Canal / Rideau Valley / Smiths Falls / Stittsville / The Wedge / Thousand Islands / Westport / What To Do

the wedge 150 : a rural conquest, takes-off!

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

Former Chocolate Capital of Canada is sweet again
Lanark County / Rideau Canal / Smiths Falls / The Wedge / Where to stay

Former Chocolate Capital of Canada is sweet again

by Maggie M, Host of “Where in the wedge is Maggie M?” The departure of Hershey’s, Smiths Falls, is still raw in many hearts. “It was a great place to work,” a former employee shares. “People arrived in droves by bus daily,” another opines. ‘Tis true, Hershey’s put Smiths Falls on the map as a … Continue reading

WHERE IN the wedge IS MAGGIE M?
Almonte / Arnprior / Brockville / Carleton Place / Cobden / Cornwall / Elgin / Gananoque / Hawkesbury / Kanata / Kemptville / Kingston / Lanark County / Leeds Grenville / Merrickville / Mississipi Mills / Montague / Orleans / Ottawa / Ottawa Valley / Pembroke / Perth / Portland / Prescott / Renfrew / Renfrew County / Rideau Ferry / Smiths Falls / Stittsville / Stormont Dundas & Glengarry / The Wedge / Thousand Islands / Westport

WHERE IN the wedge IS MAGGIE M?

And now…we started this! Action! Unchartered, fresh, real. “It’s a bird! It’s plane!” No, it’s Maggie M with a film camera. Shooting everything and anything in The Wedge! Foodies and treasure hunters (everybody) will love it. Continue reading

Beautification By Brushstrokes
Almonte / Carleton Place / Kingston / Perth / Smiths Falls / The Wedge

Beautification By Brushstrokes

Smart towns and cities encourage beautifying of downtown walls and windows by local creatives. Walls become canvases awaiting a brush, an artist and surprising iterations. They are a delight to the eyes, covering up weather-worn, ignored and dull surfaces. In Perth, a plain brick wall on the ‘main drag’ is covered-over with a touching painting … Continue reading