I wanted to ask you something, do you have a hobby like crochet, painting, pottery, whatever. I'm trying to find and support local creators here and I'd love to hear what you're into or if you know someone who is. Write me back or shoot me a message!

Its going to be 8 degrees today, guys. I'm definitely ordering an iced coffee today.

Let’s get rolling into today’s edition

I've always been fascinated by space. There's something humbling about looking up and realizing we're just a tiny speck floating through an incomprehensibly massive universe. So when I found out there's a guy just outside Guelph photographing supernova remnants 6,500 light-years away from a shed in his backyard he calls "the Dog House," I had to share. Ron’s images have landed in magazines, books, calendars, and on the cover of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada's 2019 Observer's Handbook. The man is not messing around.

He runs a full backyard observatory. Absolute legend behaviour.

Ron’s latest shot is M1, the Crab Nebula - the aftermath of a giant star dying in the most dramatic way possible. Throughout its life, a star is in a constant tug-of-war: gravity pulling inward, nuclear fusion pushing outward. When a massive star burns through its fuel, gravity wins, the core collapses, and the outer layers get launched into space. This particular explosion went off in 1054 AD and was so bright that people could see it during the day for three straight weeks.

At the centre of all that colourful wreckage sits a neutron star with size of a small city but heavier than our sun, spinning 30 times per second, blasting out gamma rays like the universe's angriest lighthouse. That tiny spinning maniac powers the glow of the entire nebula. All captured from a backyard in southern Ontario.

Check out more of Ron's work here

SIGHTING: Blue-winged Teal

Fun fact: They can hit 72 km/h in flight and launch straight into the air from the water without a running start. Most ducks need a runway. These guys just go.

MOON & GARDEN: The moon hits first quarter on Wednesday, and according to the Farmer's Almanac, March 25-27 are excellent days for sowing seedbeds and flower gardens. Best window all month for above-ground crops like peas, beans, cucumbers, and squash. The waxing moon pulls moisture up through the soil, which helps seeds germinate stronger. After the 28th, it flips. The rest of the week is what the almanac calls "a most barren period," best for killing pests, pulling weeds, and doing chores. So if your garden looks rough right now, the moon literally wants you to leave it alone until Wednesday, then go hard for three days.

PETS: Posy the dog, Leo the cat, Neo the rabbit and Birb the bird.

House of the week: Most expensive house

Volunteer: Easter eggs volunteer & Special events Volunteer

What is something that you would like to include or remove from this newsletter? I made this for the community and I would love any feedback to make this better.

Grandriver Digest is 100% free to read, independently owned, and locally operated (written by me).

Your contributions goes towards keeping this newsletter running so we can have more fun and build community.

Thank you for your support.

got an event to share? SUBMIT EVENT

Emotion Dance Company 2026 Competitive Showcase: Fifteen years of dance celebrated with solos, duets, trios, and group performances from their competitive team. 6pm, River Run Centre, Guelph

KW Titans vs Kokomo Bobkats: 7pm, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, Kitchener

The Music of Billy Preston & Booker T. Jones: A soulful piano and Hammond organ summit celebrating two iconic keyboardists. 8pm, The Jazz Room, Waterloo

Blue Jays Home Opener on the Big Screen: Grab your Jays gear and catch the home opener live on the big screen. 7pm, The District Square, Cambridge

Urban Cowboy Line Dancing: Line dancing lessons, country hits, and open dancing till midnight. 7pm, Tapestry Hall, Cambridge

KW Home and Garden Show: Over 150 exhibitors covering home décor, renovations, and landscaping — all under one roof. 12:00pm, The Aud

Signs of Spring Craft Show: (Mar 27& 28) Browse handmade jewellery, pottery, woodcrafts, soaps, food, and more from local artisans. Free admission. 10am to 7pm, University Centre, University of Guelph

Oliver Whitehead's Antler Project: Juno-nominated guitarist leads a seasoned ensemble blending jazz, world music, and original compositions. 8pm, The Jazz Room, Waterloo

Crown Lands: JUNO-winning prog-rock duo from Oshawa bring electrifying multi-instrumental performances fusing classic rock and world music. 8pm, River Run Centre, Guelph

KW Titans Vs Windsor Express: 7pm, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, Kitchener

Hot Cross Buns Workshop: Learn to make this classic spiced-and-raisin Easter treat at Schneider Haus using a recipe from Baking Yesteryear. Mix your dough, take it home, bake it fresh. 1:00pm to 4:00pm, Schneider Haus, Kitchener.

Computer Museum Open House: Explore vintage computers, play retro games, and check out artifacts made in Waterloo. Free, 10am to 4pm, University of Waterloo, Waterloo

Mayor's Soup Sampler: Souper GOATs: Cambridge's beloved soup showdown returns after seven years. Local restaurants battle it out, live music, community voting, proceeds support Meals on Wheels. Noon to 3pm, Cambridge City Hall.

ESMO (Elizabeth Shepherd & Michael Occhipinti): Two Juno-nominated veterans blend soulful vocals, guitar, and genre-bending songwriting. 8pm, The Jazz Room, Waterloo

Sugar Bush Tour: Hop on a bus from St. Jacobs Farmer's Market to a family-run sugar bush for maple syrup demos, treats, and shopping at, St. Jacobs Farmer's Market.

Rusty Nail Comedy Saturday: KW's own Rob Bebenek headlines a night of stand-up from some of Canada's best comedians. 8pm, TWH Social, Kitchener

Meet Maverick the Dinosaur: Meet THEMUSEUM's resident dino and his baby friends Turnip and Pear with a live paleontologist show. 10:30am, THEMUSEUM, Kitchener

Paris Gem & Mineral Show: Browse minerals, crystals, fossils, jewellery, and one-of-a-kind gifts, plus silent auctions and kids activities. 10am to 5pm, Paris Fairgrounds, Paris

Jack de Keyzer: Multiple Juno and Maple Blues Award winner brings his band for a night of world-class blues, up close and intimate. 8:00pm, The Registry Theatre, Kitchener.

The Divines Live in Concert: A powerhouse R&B, soul, and blues trio performing everything from '60s doo-wop to Aretha and Amy Winehouse. 7pm, THEMUSEUM, Kitchener

Baby Goat Playtime and Snuggles: Cuddle and play with adorable baby goats in 30-minute. The perfect reset from winter at Udderly Ridiculous Farm Life, Bright.

Mini Easter Egg Hunt: The Easter Bunny has hidden eggs around the District filled with chocolates and surprise prizes. Free. 9am to 5pm, The District Square, Cambridge

Make Your Own Pizza with Chef Motola: Make your own pizza from scratch with antipasto, a drink, and up to three toppings. Limited to 10 guests. 5pm, Pizzeria Motola, Cambridge

📩 Was this forwarded to you? Sign up to get it

[email protected]