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2 uw ° =z = Ss = 2 FORWARD - g TOGETHER - TO THE = YEAR AHEAD AND ® WHAT WE CAN F ACCOMPLISH, SAYS JORDAN BITOVE Every day, I tell my fam- ily that I love them. Going out the door. 4 at the end of a phi Closing a text oon ot Thursday, January 6, 2022 | baa on | Oo ao ES it is soi that never be overstated or said often enough. As we get ready to enter another pan- demic year, we know too well that time runs fast. And one of the most impor- tant things we can do dur- ing the time we have is to let the people we care about, know it. JORDAN BITOVE Column So this one's for you. It's been 18 months since Paul Rivett and I had the privilege of becoming own- ers of Torstar, including the Independent and Free Press —a time that, thanks to many, has been an ho- nour, an education and a tremendously rewarding experi I have! had the chance to see the impact of the stories we tell in our communities and the work that goes into bringing them to you. And I've been granted insight into the curiosity, interest caring that drives our readers to turn to the up and theIFP.ca, which, turn, inspires “us to work even| harder. From our very first day, we have received Totton and emails from readers. Whether it be kudos, in- formed critiques, or calls to keep up our small business support, itis evident every- one cares deeply and plac- es great value on trusted - local - journali: What you give as aread- er, and by investing with the businesses that sup- port us, is essential in al- lowing us to help bring our community toget through the stories that re- flect and reveal what mat- ters most to people in Hal- ton. And for that, lam truly teful. I want to thank our jour- A LETTER TO OUR READERS nalists — award-winning writers, reporters and re- searchers — for getting in the trenches and striving to do the right thing, digging the Getails that keep us arthin: the fee ane inspire and entertain us. I have so much respect for what they do every day: challenging _leadership, protecting the vulnerable and championing the peo- ple, actions and events that make such a great differ- ence in our communities. ir advertisers, we know first. hand how chal- lenging things have been and we commit to do every- thing in our power to help you get your business back on its feet. And to the local busi- nesses and flyer advertis- ers who have fared well enough to support us through these difficult times, thank vou. rt 2022, it's im- possible ave tolook back on ae There’ 's no gentle way to baie it it was rougl t times it felt over- whelmin ig with stories of Violence 7 political division or natural disaster. But there — — g00d, up- I "elieve that's where our weekly papers shine — reporting important local news and also ting what's great about our communities; featw the amazing people, places and things that surround us every day. One of our main goals for 2022 will be to help our communities get back on their feet. A strong local economy has never been more im- portant. As such we will ask business and community leaders to lend their voice on how we get things going. We will ask you to sup- port local businesses. We will ask you to support cul- id arts by buying tickets to local events and fundraisers. And we will call on you to aid those in our commu- nity who need our collec- tive help. With your help we can be Vhong for every- that makes Halton ei can chal- lenge ourselves and others to be better, where we need to be. As I said at the start, one of the ost important things wecan dois tolet the people we care about, know it. So please, take care of yourselves and the people close to you, get your boost- er shots, and let's look for- ward — together — to the ir ahead and what we tan vaccomplis sh. Jordan Bitove is pub- lisher of Toronto Star and co-proprietor of Torstar. You can reach him at jor- danbitove@torstar.ca. F ollow us on Facebook and Instagram IEW OPEN KITCHEN Ge congeviouy OPEN KITCHEN RESTAURANT AVAILABLE FOR TAKEOUT, CURBSIDE AND DINE-IN YOU'LL LOVE OUR HOMEMADE BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER. cher We make all of your favourites! ‘New hours Mor: Wed 8:3 « hrs 8-7 » Fri-Sat Sun 1154 Guelph Sireet; Georgetown ((90 A Luciano, Sarah and Staff wish you a New Year a filled with)good cheer;health, ar “% App. Store ‘Waa pecan ig i express x - GNOFRIL 3 188 Queen Street East, Acton GET IT ON ~ Google pl > OWNERS LUCIANO AND _SARAH VECCHIO