With Willow Cakes & Pastries closing its brick-and-mortar store on Mary Street at the end of this month, Brian Emes shares a poem he wrote in pre-COVID times to the beloved local bakery.

“Residents of NOTL understand that tourism is a contributing factor to life here and support a shared approach — however, tourism has to be well managed and that depends on the town council,” writes Jackie Bonic.

“On behalf of the General Nelles Branch 124 Royal Canadian Legion, entering into 2025, I would like to reflect on, and with the executive committee, thank the many people that made 2024 a very good year for our branch,” writes Allan Howse.

“There has now existed for several years a tinder box of dead trees and undergrowth, just waiting to be ignited by a strong wind and a little spark, random or malevolent,” writes Richard Baker.

“I have always held that political dynasties are dangerous for democracy. The fault was definitely with the Liberal party for flattering Trudeau into believing he would be a good prime minister,” writes Jackie Bonic.

“The magic of the Christmas season brought together our community to brighten up Christmas for the residents at Pleasant Manor and Niagara Long Term Care,” writes Joan King.

Dear editor: I would like to share my story in hopes of celebrating this community’s goodwill. Over two years ago, I was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré shortly after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine. It has

“I’m not sure that council provided appropriate guidance before the budget process began. I don’t think we would be looking at a 14.4 per cent increase had they done so,” writes Jonathan Household.

“We’d also like to thank all the NOTL homeowners who granted us permission to cut boughs and greens from your properties for the planters. Your kindness added to the success of the fundraiser,” writes Carolyn Greenfield.

“I despair when I see the collision of voices regarding the St. Davids proposed roundabout as opposed to simple stop lights,” writes Gail Benjafield.

“Council should appreciate that the official plan, land-use zoning and bylaws were developed by experts and are not an arbitrary set of rules that they can change on a whim,” writes Wayne Murray.

“As a fourth-generation resident of this town, I find it disturbing to see all the changes that are happening,” writes Hope Bradley.

“The corral has been breached, guardrails ignored, and the rustlers are making off with prize stock. And no amount of sunny press releases negate that evidence,” writes Terry Mactaggart.

“I ask the Niagara Region why it feels spending $4 to $10 million on a roundabout in St. Davids is more important … than using that money to repair its water infrastructure,” writes Bob Wheatley.

“I can’t understand why our town is ignoring this population while they own the old hospital property which would be ideal,” writes Karen Gansel.

Dušanka Alimpić, the heart and soul of family-owned bakery Fritters on the Lake, died on Nov. 16, leaving behind her husband Zoran and her family. “She will be missed beyond words but remembered with immense gratitude and affection,” writes friend Stewart Istvan.

“It is neither right nor moral to spend scarce financial resources simply to make a point; it is irresponsible,” writes Jonathan Household.

“In February, I sat through three days of hearing before the tribunal on the 723 King St. project. Council had received many submissions objecting to the project but most of the objections were not raised before the tribunal,” writes Endre Mécs.

“This community must do better.  There is nothing in your life so important that you should endanger the lives of others,” writes Betty Knight.

“The weather was good and we hope we did the veterans proud,” writes Al Howse, president of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 124.

“After discussions with the Bereavement Authority of Ontario and with the support of town staff, we have developed an agreeable plan of action as an alternative to raising the headstones,” writes George Webber.

“The council has told the region it does not want this roundabout, yet you continue to go against them and a significant number of the town’s residents,” writes Kip Voege.

“Town council and staff: I strongly urge you to immediately accelerate the process of determining the future of this important town-owned site,” writes Cindy Grant.

Trisha Romance’s decision to support the NOTL Public Library, “reflects a deep understanding of legacy — the belief that what we nurture today helps build the future we all share,” writes Katie Desharnais.