Ralph’s Meat Market, which experienced a devastating fire in April, is finally approaching re-opening. Owner April Bickell reports that there have been setbacks and delays; the shop has been re-done from the rafters to the basement, but, as of press time, they hope to be open by Friday 25 August. “It’s had a huge impact on the family and the community. We really rely on our summertime business to float us through the winter. Our customers have offered great support and promise to be lined up around the block when we reopen.”

Gordon Chan’s Taste Your World, which closed its Picton Main Street location in June, has reopened at 6 Mountain Rd. (just off County Rd. 7, near the Glenora Ferry), six days a week. It seems Mr. Chan could not stay retired for very long. “People were disappointed that we had closed,” he said. “And, with the world burning up the way it is, where do you travel to?” The new shop has a familiar feel: the shelves and the layout were brought over from Main Street. Mr. Chan welcomes back his regular customers and newcomers too. All the best spices, noodles, oils and coffees are available.

Cressy cyclist Rob Legge has reported in on his success in the 87-kilometre UCI World Medio Fondo Championships, held in Perth Scotland, August 5th. Racing with 1878 riders of various age groups, from 68 countries, he placed 13^th in his category (Men’s 75-79). Mr. Legge rides in the 100-kilometre County Gran Fondo on September 9^th.

On a stormy August evening, D. Jeremy Smith’s final Bard’s Bus Tour was moved from the Eddie Pavilion into the shelter of the Red Barn. This made for an intimate, unamplified production of his Living With Shakespeare, an autobiographical monologue (with musical accompaniment, including a few well-harmonized settings of Shakespeare songs) that was both moving and funny. As one of our nine-year-old apprentice reviewers said about one memorable moment: “It was a good thing he was wearing underwear!”