Rays of sunshine radiate through the ‘darkness’

It seems like it’s time for some good news. Regardless of the things we disagree upon, or the darkness we’re seeing around the world, there are things being done in our community to laud. Let’s start with the Beaver Freezer Marathon held last weekend at Hiawatha. First, I tip my hat to the person who named the event; it is …

Tips to help book your very own ‘nearly painless’ process

Thursday I received my first vaccination for COVID-19, and I feel like I have joined a secret club; that of those who beat Sault Ste. Marie’s vaccination registration system. It’s frustrating when you know that other regions and provinces aren’t facing the same difficulties, and when you learn that your twin city across the border has vaccines available … if …

Limbing large tree nothing short of ‘treeson’

A large tree across from Sault Ste. Marie resident Mark Menean’s property was limbed in April. One day, it was providing shade as well as habitat for wildlife and it was converting carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the environment. The next day, it was reduced to an eyesore trunk with amputated limbs. Menean believes that the tree was on …

Healthy complement of veterinarians would be the cat’s whiskers

Nadine Robinson and Reese had a “good experience” with the emergency vet on call. “We’re not taking new patients,” is something I’ve heard friends facing when dealing with trying to get a family doctor, but didn’t realize it was a pet issue until this last month. I know that humans are supposed to be a priority, but lately, I like …

Sault could take page out of Buffalo’s book

As Sault Ste. Marie looks to draw more tourists through developing its downtown, I can’t help but think of Buffalo, N.Y., and its redevelopment success story. In terms of similarities, I was dazzled by Buffalo’s waterfront, reclamation of old facilities, architectural gems, and food tourism. Truly, if you haven’t been to Buffalo lately, you haven’t been to Buffalo. The waterfront …

Outdoors is where it’s at in Sault, Algoma

This past week, I was thrilled to be part of the Travel Media Association of Canada’s annual conference hosted by our very own Sault Ste. Marie. Travel writers, bloggers, vloggers, and photographers from across the country enjoyed experience after experience in our community before the association’s annual general meeting. As the only local member of the association in the Sault, I got to play …

Warming up to odd snowman and new splash pad

Driving down Queen Street this morning I thought I was having a nervous breakdown or strange out-of-body experience. There was Christmas decorations. There was a snowman, not to mention snow, on the sidewalk. Granted it has been a particularly long and drawn out spring, making me wonder if Mother Nature has been trying to retire, and her succession plan is …

Canoe tour opens eyes, cements connections

When I was invited to participate in the big canoe tour with Canoes for Conservation, as a friend of the tour operators, I was excited to see for myself what the buzz was about.  The big canoe tours being offered on the St. Mary’s River are the hot, new, tourist/local attraction in the Sault and they’re making waves (literally on …

No use denying spectator sport passion

How do you handle sports stress? To be clear, I’m not referring to when you’re playing sports, but when you’re watching a game/match. I personally realize that I can definitely rule out a career as a professional poker player, as I have too many obvious physical reactions. Take Game 5 of the Soo Greyhounds’ playoff series against Owen Sound, for …