March 2nd, 2026

Good Afternoon, Waterloo Region!

Blue skies everywhere - what a beautiful day to start the week.

Hope you had an awesome weekend, and there's lots going on over the coming days.

Writing the food section highlight has made me sooooo hungry, so keeping this intro short.

Going to get lunch.

In today's email:

• local news updates
• 2 'animal-saving' groups doing amazing things
• the most authentic Mexican food in the region?
• a fruit that tastes like chocolate pudding
• & more

Let's dive in 👇

-Ross at Grand River Buzz

WHAT'S HAPPENING

General

​A Distiller’s Tale: The Art and Legacy of the Seagram Distillery | Conestoga Mall, Waterloo | Tue, Mar. 3rd, Wed, Mar. 4th & Thu, Mar. 5th from 10am-4pm | "Discover the rich history, craftsmanship, and local impact of Waterloo’s iconic whisky industry in a fun, family-friendly environment. This engaging exhibit features hands-on interactives for all ages, making it a perfect outing for curious minds."

Monday, March 2nd

​Skincare Layering Workshop | Nailed It! Aesthetics and Wellness, Wellesley | 6:30pm | "Discover the art of layering products with Eminence Organics Skin Care for both daytime and nighttime routines. Enjoy an expert-led session with Kalie and Raya, followed by hands-on practice using professional products."

​Felt Daffodils Wreath Making Workshop | Ernie's Roadhouse, Cambridge | 7pm | "Join Silver Lining Felt for a fun evening of felt wreath making and drinks! Gather the fam, both related and chosen, or fly solo for some crafts and laughs. In this 2-hour workshop, you’ll dive into the art of creating your very own felt wreath based on the flower of the month: March is Daffodil!"

Tuesday, March 3rd

​T1: Tax Seminar: For Sole Proprietors & Partnerships | Galt Collective, Cambridge | 1pm | "Hosted by Cambridge Economic Development and the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre, presented by a Liaison Officer from The Canada Revenue Agency."

​Self Love Workshop: Level Up for 2026 | Café Clementina, Kitchener | 6pm | "Find out what habits or thoughts have been holding you back, and how you can shift your way of being to show up as your highest self! Join us in person for an uplifting workshop designed to help you level up your confidence and mindset for the new year"

​Paint Night: Jewel of Paris | E.V.O. Kitchen & Bar, Cambridge | 6:30pm | "Our talented artist Elle C. will guide you step-by-step in creating your own beautiful masterpiece. No experience necessary, all skill levels are welcome."

Wednesday, March 4th

​Norm Hardie Wine Tasting Event | The French, Cambridge | 6:30pm | "An intimate evening of wine, storytelling, and shared hospitality as celebrated Prince Edward County winemaker Norm Hardie hosts a special family-style wine tasting experience."

​Speed Networking | Café Clementina, Kitchener | 7pm | "This in-person meetup is all about quick chats and genuine conversations. Whether you're looking to meet new friends, potential partners, or just some cool folks, this is the place to be. Bring your energy, your smile, and a stack of business cards - or just your awesome self."

​Rusty Nail Comedy: PRO AM Night | TWH Social, Kitchener | 7:30pm | "Support local comedy - only $5!"

Thursday, March 5th

​St. Jacob's Market Food Tour | 9:30am | "Join us for a guided journey through Mennonite food, culture and history, tasting the best local vendors at the famous St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market."

​Kinusaiga Craft Night | Covenant Cafe, Waterloo | 6pm | "During this event you will create an 8" x 8" textile artwork using the technique of kinusaiga. This technique is quick and easy to learn, with no sewing or painting skills required. All tools required will be provided, as well as an array of materials for you to choose from to create stunning artwork."

​Irish Real Life: Open Mic(k) | The Registry Theatre, Kitchener | 7pm | "Join us and dazzle us with your talent! Whether it's music (acoustic solo or duo only please), stories, jokes, or dance, we're excited to see it all!"

​Candle Making Workshop | St. Jacob's Farmers Market | 7pm | "Learn about the history of candle-making, and the differences between available waxes on the market & fragrances. You can choose from over 20 scents or custom-blend your signature scent. And you will pour two candles and select a label for your creation."

​Musical Bingo: Mid-Winter Dance Party | E.V.O. Kitchen & Bar, Cambridge | "This week is all about high-energy, feel-good dancing tunes! From the best of today’s hits to fan-favourite throwbacks, we’ve got the ultimate playlist to keep you moving all night long!"

​Next Stop Comedy | The Mule, Cambridge | 7:30pm | Headliner: Scott Faulconbridge - featuring Jason Allen & Levi Mann

​The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark | Centre in the Square, Kitchener | 8pm | "Two of Canada’s foremost dance and theatre creators team up to tackle the tale of one of classical literature’s most emotionally complex protagonists."

Upcoming Events

​2026 Skate Canada Cup | Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex | March 6th-8th | "The 2026 Skate Canada Cup features novice, gold, and open synchronized skating teams as they compete for the title of national champion."

Library Events

Fun, family-friendly and free. Click below to see what's happening at your local branch this week!

• ​​Kitchener Public Library​​
• ​​Waterloo Public Library​​
• ​​Cambridge Public Library​​
• ​Region of Waterloo Library​ (Branches in Ayr, Baden, Bloomingdale, Breslau, Clyde, Elmira, Linwood, New Dundee, New Hamburg, St. Clements, St. Jacobs and Wellesley)

Community Centres

I've been thinking over the past couple of weeks how to best include community centres around the region since they're such a great resource. Going to come out with a more expanded section in the coming newsletters... but for now I wanted to share links for the big three cities in the region.

• ​Kitchener​
• ​Waterloo​
• ​Cambridge​

If you're looking for something to do in your local area - especially if you have kids/teenagers - I'd encourage you to click around and see what could benefit you! (more resources outside of the big three to come)​

* none of these events are sponsored. that will always be made obvious if so.

LOCAL NEWS

The Carpenter’s Crew: Retirees Offering Helping Hands. A dedicated group of retirees in Waterloo Region is making waves for providing low-cost home repairs and renovations to those in need. Known as "The Carpenter’s Crew," these volunteers utilize their lifelong skills to support seniors and low-income residents, ensuring their homes remain safe and accessible. (CTV News)​

Fibreworks 2026: National Call for Artists Opened in Cambridge The Cambridge Art Galleries has officially opened submissions for its prestigious biennial exhibition, inviting textile artists from across Canada to showcase their work locally. (Cambridge Today)​

Waterloo Regional Council Had a Busy Meeting With Decisions Affecting Daily Life. Council approved 34 new hybrid GRT buses, pushed for better winter bus stop maintenance, green lit water infrastructure upgrades across the region, and asked the Province to keep the Regional Chair as an elected position - among several other decisions impacting local residents. (Region of Waterloo)​

University of Waterloo Researchers Outline Framework for "Wise" AI. Local psychologists Dr. Samuel Johnson and Dr. Igor Grossmann led a study on infusing AI with human-like wisdom. The framework focuses on "metacognition" - teaching AI to recognize its own knowledge limits and prioritize ethical, human-centred reasoning. (Education News Canada)​

New Community-Shaped Exhibit Opens at McDougall Cottage in Cambridge. Snapshots in Time: Nostalgia & Memory - built through resident surveys, photo submissions, and input from over 21 local contributors - is now open at the 168-year-old McDougall Cottage Historic Site, celebrating 50 years of Cambridge history through the schools, businesses, and gathering places that shaped the city and the people who call it home. (Region of Waterloo Museums)​

WEATHER

☀️ Mon, Mar. 2nd | HIGH -3° | NIGHT -10° | 10% POP

🌧️ Tue, Mar. 3rd | HIGH 2° | NIGHT -4° | 70% POP | 1mm 💧

⛅️ Wed, Mar. 4th | HIGH 5° | NIGHT -1° | 30% POP

🌧️ Thu, Mar. 5th | HIGH 5° | NIGHT 1° | 80% POP | 10-15mm 💧

SPORTS

🥅 Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

2nd Overall | 1st in Western Conference

• 2/27: Kitchener beat Brampton 8-2 in a high scoring affair | #16 Dylan Edwards led the way with 2 goals and an assist | ​Watch Highlights​
• 3/01: Kitchener beat London 4-1 | #48 Christian Humphreys got the first star of the game with a goal and an assist | ​Watch Highlights​
• Next Game: Wed, Mar. 4th | Kitchener at Sarnia | 7pm
• Next Home Game: Fri, Mar. 6th | Sault Ste. Marie at Kitchener | 7pm | Tickets​​

🏀 KW Titans (BSL)

3rd Overall

• 2/28: KW lost 116-113 to the Sudbury Five | #10 Ty Groce was the leading scorer for the Titans with 23 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks
• Next Game: Wed, Mar. 4th | KW Titans at Windsor Express | 7pm
• Next Home Game: Sun, Mar. 8th | Lake Erie Jackals at KW Titans | 3pm | Tickets​

* what other sports would you like to see included here? reply to let me know what you'd find useful!

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

Their mission: "We try to rescue as many cats and kittens as possible, giving them a chance at finding their forever homes."

They've got a lounge that visitors can check out every weekend. This helps with the cat adoption process - "Our lounge is open to visitors every Saturday and Sunday from 11am - 2:30pm, no appointment needed. Please keep in mind our volunteers give up their free time to help showcase our cats to the public in the hopes to unite potential adopters with their new forever friend. If you are visiting the lounge without the intention of adopting, we ask that you please keep your visit short, and consider leaving a monetary or supply donation to help support the ongoing care of our cats. Children are welcome in our lounge but must be accompanied by an adult."

To learn how you can help, tap here.

They have volunteer opportunities, take monthly or one-time donations, supply donations, and they've also got an Amazon wish list.

Their main goal: "Pet gone missing? Contact us immediately so we can assist you both on foot & word of mouth."

Ground Search & Rescue KW does a wonderful service around the region, helping to locate and secure pets that go missing from their families home.

You may have seen them posting on Facebook, and whenever someone can't find a pet... I usually see people tagging them into the post to help or recommending they call their number.

It seems like the best way to support them is through their Amazon wish list.

You can also visit their Facebook page here.

(For those that don't know what an Amazon wish list is... they essentially put up a bunch of products that would be helpful for them, and you're able to go through and purchase what you'd like to give. This then gets sent directly to them to help stock their supplies)

* do you know of any great causes or organizations doing impactful work throughout our community? make sure to reply & share so I can feature them in an upcoming newsletter!

FOOD & DRINK IN THE REGION

​The Cactus Mexican Restaurant | 465 Phillip St, Waterloo

"The Cactus is a family-owned and operated restaurant serving the best fresh and authentic Mexican food in Waterloo. We're open for Lunch & Dinner."

They serve soups, quesadillas, burritos, tacos, 'traditional plates' and more. Plus.. churros! They are also able to take catering orders - perfect for an upcoming event or family/friend gathering.

Here's a great, 5 star google review from George a few months ago:

"The Cactus Mexican Restaurant has amazing food with bold, authentic flavors. The portions are generous, and everything tastes fresh. The staff are friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. Whether you’re dining in or getting takeout, the service is quick and the prices are reasonable. A great spot for delicious Mexican food—I’ll definitely be back!"

You can check out their menu here - what are you trying first?!

* this is not a sponsored placement, but a highly recommended place. ads will always be made obvious if so.

RANDOM FACTS OF THE DAY

It is illegal to own just one guinea pig in Switzerland. Because they are social animals and can actually die of loneliness, Swiss law requires them to have at least one companion.

The "#" symbol has a fancy name. It isn't just a hashtag or a pound sign; its technical name is an octothorpe.

There’s a fruit that tastes like chocolate pudding. It’s called the Black Sapote. When ripe, the inside is dark brown and has the texture and flavour of a rich chocolate mousse.

THANK YOU!

Hope you have a great week & we'll be back Thursday 🐝

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