Andrew Hawlitzky, Author at Niagara Now

Thwaites farm stand launches season with asparagus and extended hours

The Thwaites family-run farm stand at 1984 Townline Rd. began its summer season this week, offering locally grown asparagus, peaches and other crops daily.

St. Davids Lioness Club rallies community with spring market success

Rainy skies couldn’t put a stop to the St. Davids Lioness Club’s annual spring market on Saturday, which drew steady crowds despite having to move indoors to avoid the weather.

Traffic turmoil tests TASC tulip farm’s blooming popularity

Heavy rain flooded the tulip farm’s 20-acre grass parking lot, stranding over 50 vehicles in mud and forcing it to close the parking lot completely. Cars sat bumper-to-bumper from Concession 2 to Four Mile Creek Road after the farm closed its waterlogged lot at 2:30 p.m., despite forecasts predicting rain would stop by 11 a.m.

Yellow Door celebrates 10 years with an all-star performance

“Being seen matters. Belonging matters. Safe spaces and strong mentors matter. That’s what Yellow Door creates,” said donor Jordie Burton, who spoke about his own experience as a teenager finding joy and purpose in theatre.

Pastorals in pastel captivate art lovers at Queenston Pottery show

Niagara-on-the-Lake artist Kathy Cullis brought her luminous pastel landscapes to life at Queenston Pottery’s “Meet the Artist” event last Saturday, attracting visitors with scenes inspired by the NOTL countryside.

Grace United spreads sweet success with jam sale

The annual spring jam sale raised funds through preserves crafted by volunteers David Greaves and Heinz Probst, with proceeds going to a “berry” good cause: A new roof and boiler. “It’s a 170-year-old building. Things wear out,” said Pauline Miller, Grace United’s council chair.

80 Empire’s beats and optimisim echo beyond Niagara Music Awards

NOTL-based hip-hop duo 80 Empire didn’t take home a trophy at Sunday’s Niagara Music Awards, but they are still winning fans across the globe with their new album, guided by local collaborations, community engagement and an ethos of uplifting others.

Baba Williams teaches drumming and storytelling at NOTL library

“I believe that being Canadian — part of the mosaic, the many tribes and cultures around — means to share mine with them. To bring another world to their doorstep, to educate, inspire, and also inform,” said Baba Williams.

Sunny skies, family traditions and 10,000 eggs: Kids hop to Bunny Trail Easter weekend

“They’ve had decades to perfect this — it shows in the details,” said Geoff Quigley, who attended this weekend’s Bunny Trail with his wife and daughter.

Niagara Lions Club feeds Newark Neighbours with Easter food drive

The Lions Club hosted its annual Easter weekend food drive outside Hendrik’s and Phil’s Independent stores, collecting non-perishables and cash for Newark Neighbours, which supports food-insecure residents.

Animal lovers flock to NOTL fundraiser to support rescue pets

Proceeds from the event will be split evenly between Angel’s Rest Dog Rescue and the Heart and Hope Lost and Found Pets of Niagara.

Complaint against NOTL councillor tossed by integrity commissioner

A Virgil resident alleged Coun. Erwin Wiens violated conflict-of-interest rules through private meetings arranged at the property Wiens’ cousin Rainer Hummel and potential agricultural benefits from the province.

Easter egg fundraiser raises $5,000 for Ukrainian orphans

Local organizer Christyna Prokipchuk hosted 16 people at her Old Town home on April 13 for STEPPE UP for Ukraine to support the “Easter Gifts for the Children of Ukraine” campaign through Help Us Help.

Smooth sailing amid border concerns for Sailing Club’s season opener

Concerns about Canada-U.S. relations were raised during the series, as for most races, the Sailing Club conducts use markers in U.S. waters near Lake Ontario’s entrance, near Old Fort Niagara.

Niagara Community Foundation gave $110K last year to NOTL non-profits

As the foundation approaches its 25th anniversary, its $91.5 million endowment fund continues to support local charities through investment revenue, prioritizing long-term community impact.

Rotary Club helps local Air Cadets soar with $1,000 donation

When it comes to helping young people achieve their full potential, developing their leadership skills is crucial to the Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake, says Chris Hatch, its director of community service.

Niagara artist Geoff Farnsworth depicts Canada-U.S. tensions in new exhibition

Political undercurrents found their way into the local art gallery on Sunday, as artist Geoff Farnsworth unveiled his newest abstract paintings at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre while sharing some of his techniques and inspirations.

Clare’s Harley-Davidson celebrates 70 years — and contends with U.S. tariffs

A 25 per cent tariff on imported automobiles, including motorcycles, came into effect on April 3, which owner Randy Clare says has created a great deal of uncertainty in the market.

Kaiser launches Liberal bid for Niagara Falls—NOTL as U.S. tariffs mark ‘attack on our country’

Liberal candidate Andrea Kaiser has thrown her hat into the ring for the title of MP of her riding and used her campaign launch open house last Sunday to speak out against “illegal” U.S. tariffs on Canada and express her trust in Prime Minister Mark Carney.

NOTL figure skating champions preform with pre-junior skaters

The Pre-Junior Challenge and Star Showcase celebrated the work and talent of Ophelia Xie and Samantha Frydryk, giving younger skaters a glimpse of what competition looks like.

Agri-businesses have low hopes for future as U.S.-Canada trade war ramps up: CFIB

The confidence small businesses have in Canadian agriculture took a nosedive in March to the lowest level ever recorded by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business — below the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2008 financial crisis lows.

Firefighters skate and educate the public on fire prevention

The new public education team at NOTL Fire & Emergency Services wants to normalize proactive safety concerns and ensure people feel comfortable with their firefighters: “”If people see us during emergencies, it’s already a bad day. We want to meet them here, answer questions and prevent crises,” said Todd Foley.

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