A note to NT’s DPW chief Brad Rowles and Mayor Ortt: In case you think drivers don’t feel strongly about the traffic patterns and signals in the city, read the following responses to last week’s column about annoying signals.

Top of the list is the Twin City Memorial Highway.

Ron Wacker pretty much sums up the other suggestions:

“I would very much like to see a left turn arrow at the corner of Erie Avenue and Division Street onto the highway, a problem for years, especially from 6 to 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 to 6 p.m. The state told me they won’t do anything until the city does. The city claims the state has to initiate the work. It will be much worse when Walmart opens. It’s only a turn arrow, we aren’t rebuilding a road.”

Ron even contacted State Sen. George Maziarz about the problem and the senator said he’d look into it.

“I have sent other emails seeking information, but have not received any replies. Maybe I should have stated that a photo-op would exist,” Ron added.

An angry caller said the top of his list is the whole highway from Tremont to Nash.

“You go 45-50, then sit five minutes at the signal at each street. Start up, the next one turns red. To cross the highway, you sit what seems like 10 minutes for the signal to change.”

Another email said: “We can only pray that this happens: Why, after the left signal turns red, can't the signal be just green (no arrow) so one can turn onto the side street if there's no traffic? I love the way the blame is pushed around.”

Here’s the final suggestions.

“Let’s eliminate the signals on Main Street (in North Tonawanda) at Island Street, which isn’t even on my T-NT map, and at Thompson Street. Make it a two-way stop sign for those crossing Main. And for heaven’s sake, shorten the red light where Main comes into River Road.”

Several of the those who wrote or called in did praise the city for starting to work on the Nash Road signals.

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Recently, a 1983 newsletter from the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas that was unearthed when cleaning out a drawer. The Canal Fest started that year, and the events then certainly seemed more exciting than today.

That Fest began with the Richardson Boat Owners Association “Sailing Home” with the boats coming down the canal led by boats from the Antique and Classic Boat Club.

The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performed, a country western street dance featuring Ramblin’ Lou took place on Sweeney Street, the Historical Society of the Tonawandas put displays in store windows depicting the area’s history and the junior members put together an exhibit depicting the time when Tonawanda was the “Sea Lion Training Capital of the World.” The Bed Race became a favorite, the beauty pageant was in Niawanda Park, the triathlon was looking for participants. An antique fire truck parade and show was scheduled as well “the biggest water parade on record.” There was a one-day arts and craft show and organizers were looking for organizations and new ideas ... something lacking in today’s Fest.

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Pizza, pizza and more pizza was featured at last week’s Pizza and Wing Fest. Somehow, my name was selected as one of the pizza judges. The saving grace was that Dave Cohen from Mr. and Mrs. Catering was sitting next to me. Dave looked at the pizza from a chef’s point of view, giving tips on how to judge. By far, my favorite was the TC Wheeler’s Scumdog pizza. Small pieces of hot dogs, a Texas red hot sauce and lots of onions made me think of going to a hot dog stand and ordering a Texas red hot. A great pizza to order at a summer party. Frank Budwey not only had pizza in the contest, but brought in fruit and veggie trays along with desserts. At the end, the judges received a slice of chocolate pizza from Platter’s Chocolates in a small pizza box. Congratulations to Joyce Santiago and her crew for hosting the fun time.

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See you at the Tonawanda Winter Festival today, hosted by Tonawanda’s PTSA.

Contact community editor Barbara Tucker at 693-1000, ext. 4110 or e-mail barbara.tucker@tonawanda-news.com