Shelley Saywell, considered one of Canada’s foremost documentary filmmakers, is the author of a recently published best-selling memoir, "If Only Love: A Memoir of Second Chances."
"Lord Mayor Zalepa has now formally endorsed the move to chop council, dump our elected rep to the region, accept an unelected super-chair and submit to a voting scheme that would mute our voice. Your voice," writes Garth Turner.
"Doug Ford’s government is taking a page out of Trump’s playbook to introduce equally ill-advised legislation with dire future impacts on provincial and local levels," writes Brian Marshall.
"Whoever came up with the design for the hospital gown? Or did it evolve naturally over the years? Seriously, it must have been the brainchild of a highly unqualified committee," writes Ross Robinson.
"Among areas of consensus, there are some important 'universals' shared by virtually all NOTL seniors. It is clear, for instance, that the large majority share a desire to age in their current community and, ideally, within their current neighbourhood," writes Michael Ennamorato.
Two rep hockey teams that competed in last weekend’s provincial championships encountered high-calibre opposition while turning in exciting performances.
From chess and cards to cribbage, Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit, participants can take part in a whole host of board gaming. The sessions will run Monday and Friday afternoons starting April 17.
"Will NOTL’s council ever be ready to consider other options for this public property? Based on what we’ve seen so far, you don’t what you’ve got till it’s gone," writes David Israelson.
"Is this still an artistic enterprise worthy of oodles of tax money, the sympathy of donors and exemption from all heritage rules? Or, has it become a non-tax-paying corporation heavy into real estate development?" writes Garth Turner.
"If you go for a walk in your neighbourhood, look at the houses — what you’ll see on the streetscapes will begin to communicate its architectural language," writes Brian Marshall.
"These days, the nature of consciousness is hotly debated by several competing groups, with no consensus or clarity emerging in the debates between them," writes Dr. William Brown.
"A subtle aspect of planning a trivia night is selecting questions that are challenging, but not too challenging. We paying participants don’t need to be reminded how dumb we are," writes Ross Robinson.
"Do you think that people in Niagara should have less ability to find out what the government is doing on these files behind closed doors? I certainly don’t," writes Wayne Gates.
"Given the level of public support, it would be good to know more about how this web of interests is being run. Is it sustainable? What happens in an economic downturn, with a half-built theatre complex?" writes Garth Turner.
"If you plan to do any work on your contributing property, that undertaking should be informed by the building’s architectural style to ensure that any alterations are compatible and in-keeping with its contributing attributes," writes Brian Marshall.
"Driving everything in my quest for understanding nature have been recuring themes for me," writes Dr. William Brown, citing the universe, human evolution, the rise of AI and more.
The NOTL U13 and U15 Wolves both prevailed against imminent playoff elimination, earning berths in the provincial championships in Halton Hills at the end of March.
An affable, easygoing sort, Michael Bloss, is currently the music director at St. Mark’s Church in Old Town. And, up until this past fall, a full-time pilot for Canada’s leading air service company, Cargojet.
"The irony is that Gale’s resignation leaves Niagara Region better off, but not for the reasons he resigned. These reasons relate to his job, not his peccadillos," writes David Israelson.
"Is this bureaucratic overreach? Abject stupidity? Or a clumsy attempt to tamp down the grassroots rebellion? Let’s see where that vote lands," writes Garth Turner.
"Intrinsic to the plan’s policies and guidelines is the understanding that a property that contributes to the overall integrity of the cultural heritage value of the conservation district," writes Brian Marshall.
"Colonizing Europeans often encountered what they considered primitive peoples," writes Dr. William Brown. "Yet, within a few generations, those so-called 'primitives' mastered European languages, cultures and technologies."
"Henry Paffard accomplished so much, and helped to create our town fire department. This was a busy citizen, and remember, all without modern means of communication," writes Ross Robinson.
Across the park, women spoke about the people who shaped them, often naming mothers, daughters, mentors and colleagues while reflecting on how expectations for women have shifted across generations. “As women we should respect each other and allow every generation to become stronger and better than the last," said Elaine Sonoda.
“Niagara-on-the-Lake has a bedrock of community strength — developed by many women dedicated to its natural beauty, heritage and culture,” said Janice Thomson.
For the first time, women make up half of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s council table — a milestone the town’s four female councillors say is helping bring broader perspectives to decision-making at town hall.
As the sisters continue a way of life for their family that started four decades ago, they hope to encourage a new generation of winemakers and grape-growers, especially fellow women, to forge their own paths.
The town’s 100+ Women Who Care NOTL held its first meeting last October and has raised $33,900 in its first two meetings. A third meeting is planned for next month.
“As a woman and a mom of three, I believe I have a natural ability to nurture, support and encourage others,” said Montanaro, the supervisor of enforcement for the town.
