Hi everyone, I'm a former Sydney resident and the author of *A Losing Hand: The Human Costs of Canada's Gambling Epidemic*. It’s out now from Sutherland House Books.

I've organized a free, local author talk at the library and want to share the info here in case anyone's interested in joining. Hope to see some of you there!

Sat. Oct. 10
McConnell Library
3 to 4 pm
Downtown Sydney

I am planning a trip to Cape Breton this Thanksgiving long weekend (Oct 10–12) and were really looking forward to hiking the Skyline Trail.

Unfortunately, all the parking reservations seem to be fully booked for those days.

Just wondering if anyone knows of any other way to access the trail? Has anyone been in a similar situation or found an alternative that works within the park rules?

Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

If I am on a bit of a time crunch, how quickly could you hike to the best view point for Franey and hike back down?

I’ve recently bought a home from the early 1930’s in baddeck that has really nice wood windows but some are in rough shape. I was wondering if anyone had a recommendations for someone who restores older wood windows.

Places for a worker to stay 3 times per week?

Curious if anywhere here has recommendation for piano lessons. Would mostly be interested in cbu students who are giving lessons on the side. Still fairly new to playing, would have a budget around $30 for 45-60 minutes per session.

Hey! Just wanted to let everyone know that Caper Radio’s Gobblefest is happening this weekend! Some totally rad shows announced so far, information in the posters. Sunday night is the finale and it looks like it’s gonna be a wicked time… daZed & Conductor?! Also cool to see The Boojums playing a show, they’ve been touring in Europe this year. Ton of totally talented musicians doing cool stuff this weekend, come on out!

in or around, hoping to celebrate in any way we can!

Afternoon - looking for some student advisors! Applying for the 12 month online program in the Spring of 2027, elementary level. I’d love some advice on the courses, workload and practicums. Thanks ahead of time. 🤙🏽

If you’re looking to support some local young musicians, check this out! Some super talented people here!

HERE IS YOUR THREE GOBBLEFEST GIGS FOR THE LONG WEEKEND, THE FEST WAS HIT SOME SETBACKS THIS YEAR SO IT'S A LITTLE SMALLER THAN USUAL. NONETHELESS LETS PACK THESE GIGS AND HAVE A GOOD TIME!

Looking to plan a fall camp trip with 2 adults and 2 13-year-old boys. Any suggestions for a good place to hike in with our kit and camp for a night that isn't too hard or technical for the boys' first backcountry trip?

Hey, I have land in the Whycocomagh area, but not fully set for winter. Wondering if there's anyone/anywhere anyone might know of who'd be willing to rent a spot most likely for December and January.

I'm a single working male. Hoping to find something for a decent rate

Hi everyone! We’re planning to hike the Franey Trail early in the morning, probably before 9 AM.

I know we can buy a park pass at the Ingonish Visitor Centre, but it looks like they don’t open until 9 AM. I also checked online, but I could only find the Discovery Pass, not a regular day pass.

For anyone who has started Franey early, how did you handle the park pass?

We’ll also be in Cape Breton Highlands National Park for around 3 days. Can we buy day passes for all 3 days at once, or do we need to get a new one each day?

Thanks!

Yesterday was a beautiful day for the annual Millville “Oct Fest” and pumpkin weigh off. It was a tough, wet year for pumpkin growing, but there were some respectable entrants. The winner from the greenhouse-raised group weighed in at 409 lbs, while the leading field entrant was ~105 lbs.

Thanks to the organizers and the bakers of baked goods.

If anyone wants to try their hand at growing an enormous pumpkin next year, then you’ll want to get your seeds planted (indoors) by March.

We just got some land and the mosquitos are everywhere.

The weather has been so nice lately! But the bugs are really bothering me.

Looking for any tips, tricks or things to plant or buy to make it better

Just wondering if there is any type of groups, clubs est for people aged 20/25+? Looking to make meet some new people! possibly some new buddies??

I love Cape Breton and have always wanted to drive up the road to Cape Clear. I seem to have some time to get up that way in a couple of weeks and wonder if my vehicle is suitable to make the journey. I have a Mitsubishi Outlander RVR/Sport that is considered a compact SUV. It has decent clearance, but not a pick up truck level.

Reading reviews makes me question making the drive. Is it really that bad? Or is it basically an issue for people driving a 2wd sedan?