Letters From Our Readers: Spring 2026

In the Literary Spotlight

Just a short note to thank you for including my new books in your winter issue [“The Year in Books,” winter ’25]. It is very much appreciated. Have a great winter and a Merry Christmas.

— Lawrence Ayliffe, Caledon 

I am really enjoying my read of the In The Hills winter issue and this one, as a writer, makes the sunrise coffee more robust. Thank you so much, particularly for arranging to have La Casa di Riposo and Stumblebum Waytes in “The Year in Books.” 

I am not sure if Emily Dickson or Peter Yan reviewed my writing, but would you send them my thanks? The reviews were a gift of amplification and affirmation, for I never really know how my work is received. It made me laugh (and humbled) to be likened to W.B. Yeats as a poet, and to be called “the prolific Glenn Carley”… and I love how both tales were captured in a perfect nutshell in your reviews.

Aside from the “Yeats of Bolton” and my allegorical leadership of Stumblebum Waytes, I think you and your artistic staff do so much to cover art and artists of so many stripes in the hills. We note library budgets are under some financial “gun”; Nancy Frater of BookLore in Orangeville is among the last of the independent booksellers (I was also fond of Forster’s Book Garden in my hometown of Bolton.) 

Thank you for your creative-literate leadership, supporting “us” and supporting Stumblebum Yeats … guffaw here. It is so wonderful how many writers are in these hills, and I am particularly enjoying reading each book review!

— Glenn Carley, Bolton

Upon receiving my copy of In The Hills magazine I felt compelled to extend a hearty (if figurative) pat on the back to Peter Yan and to Emily Dickson for their terrific work on “The Year In Books.” The amount of time and effort required to complete such a task – and with such elegance – almost defies comprehension (mine, anyway), so kudos to you both.

I also wanted to express my gratitude for your generous treatment of my book, both with your mention of it in the introduction (I was absolutely floored and delighted to see that) and within the review itself. Your comments are pure gold: “… An amusing must-read … laced with witty dialogue and clever references … will keep readers, Leaf fans or not, turning the pages.” 

If nothing else, your article reveals how much creative talent exists in our “little” neck of the woods. It certainly motivates me to get serious about my next project. Who knows, maybe it will be published in time for the winter 2027 issue of In The Hills? (I won’t pretend to be able to match Glenn Carley’s output – I mean, the guy’s a machine!)

Once again, thanks for the review and congrats on producing a wonderfully comprehensive and engaging article.

— Slavko Ray, Erin

Editor’s note: A special thanks to associate editor Dyanne Rivers who handled and edited all of the reviews with her trademark care and attention to detail.

A Tribute to “Mister Fix-It”

I laughed and choked up at Dan Needles’ tribute to Leland Powell [“The Appliance Guy,” winter ’25]. People like Mr. Powell are a breed apart and very rare!

I can identify as I have a similar wizard who has been servicing my old tractor for 32 years. I can text him about some strange sound or behaviour that the tractor is doing, and he arrives with the necessary parts and knows exactly how to fix it!

He’s quite a bit younger than Mr. Powell, so here’s hoping that he’s around a long time yet. I’d be lost without him. 

— Joanne Ison, Amaranth

The Heroes Among Us

When I saw the faces of the palliative care nurses [“Local Heroes 2025,” winter ’25], it brought a smile to my face. These wonderful, caring angels provided physical and emotional support to my husband, Mike Dennett, and our family during his final months of life as he struggled with brain cancer. 

Our primary care nurse, Mervia Scott, and all the other nurses were compassionate, caring and willing to take time to answer any questions we had. With their support and that of our sons, extended family, neighbours, friends and doctors, Mike was able to remain in our home. Thank you to Mathilde [Struck] for nominating them and sincere thanks to these wonderful health care workers. 

They are most certainly heroes.

— Carla Watson, Mono Centre

A Note from a Neighbour

I really like your publication! Although I live in Brampton, I have a subscription to Theatre Orangeville and enjoy lunch at one of the many fine restaurants before each play. I also love to walk the trails in Caledon.

— Billee Sale, Brampton