One of our Pandemic Heroes nominations came from Cynthia Rand, who nominated Heidi Johnson from Willow Cakes & Pastries.

“She is always there when I go, with a smile and a greeting by name,” Rand said in a note to The Lake Report.

Johnson said it “made her day” to find out she was nominated — and to receive a bottle of sparkling wine from Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery.

Willow owner Sean O'Donnell said Johnson, a longtime employee, has become a “staple and a face of the business.”

“Being a longtime local and a past business owner, she knows almost all the local clientele that comes in and has a rapport with them that is closer to that of a neighbour and friend than someone serving you pastries and fine goods,” he said.

“We honestly don't know what we'd do without Heidi. She's the reason you'll see new product on the shelves, fresh coffee in your cup and why you walk away with a smile, feeling like you just saw an old friend who baked you up something incredible.”

The award is “much deserved,” O'Donnell said.