The Hub December 2017/January 2018 | Page 4

CONNECTING Is it really almost time to call it a year? So much has happened in Windsor-Essex in the last 12 months! We’ve seen the successful return of Open Streets - twice this year! More bike lanes have opened and the CWATS continues to expand. Farmers’ markets continue to grow. The revitalization of Ford City moves forward. St. Clair College celebrated 50 years of higher education. Devonshire Mall renovations are well underway. Of course, we’ve dealt with a few stumbling blocks along the way. Another record-breaking rainfall caused more flooded basements. A five-week strike this fall affected thousands of St. Clair students, faculty and staff. The University of Windsor experienced some delays in completing the next piece in its downtown campus. The imminent opening of the Jackson Park holiday light display had us all talking about fiscal responsibility. But even those obstacles can’t keep us down. In Windsor-Essex, we’re nothing if not resilient and determined to keep pushing forward. We encounter the challenges facing all communities in the 21st century and look for ways over, through, around and past them - sometimes with quiet determination, other times with spirited debate. And then, at December holiday time, we really begin to shine. It’s a point of local pride that Windsor-Essex is one of the most giving communities in the country. Whether we’re contributing coats for kids, toys for tots or food for the Goodfellows, we’re committed to helping out neighbours. It’s one of the things I like best about sharing Windsor-Essex with all of you - knowing that you’re all sharing too, whether it’s your time, talent or money, each in your own way. I’m glad I’ve had this past year to encounter so many local ideas and individuals and look forward to the same as we enter 2018. Happy New Year! This morning I wrote "2018" as a date for something I was working on. A few hours later, the 2008 N'Sync jam "Bye Bye Bye" came on the radio. This whole year for me has been this weird middle of the road kind of thing. I'm firmly rooted in yesterday, looking forward to tomorrow and mostly ignoring the responsibilities of today. I was in shock today when I wrote down a deadline for a college assignment and it was the last possible date of my agenda. Do you know how stressful it is to pick out a new one?! As I look at opening the new wall calendar I get every year from my mother-in-law, I think one of the "resolutions" I'll make for 2018 is to enjoy each day as I have it. I can look forward to what's coming next, but I need to focus on appreciating what still remains. In this issue of The Hub, we appreciate communities that come together to help theatres recover from fire and volunteer citizens that shovel safe paths on sidewalks. We take the time to look at holiday lights that twinkle, enjoy meals we may not have tried before, and indulge in a good book. However you're appreciating today, have a happy heart - and a happy holiday season from all of us here at The Hub. Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa (Habari gani?), Happy Hanukkah (Chag Urim Sameach!) ... and a Festivus for the rest of us. Angelica Shelley Please direct advertising or subscription inquiries to [email protected] Managing Editors Shelley Divnich Haggert Angelica Haggert Garrett Fodor, Health Canada, Alyssa Horrobin Torcia Velthuizen, Christina Woods Connect With Us! [email protected] facebook.com/thehubwindsoressex @TheHubWE 4 The HUB -December 2017/January 2018 Copyright 2017 The Hub Windsor Essex No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any way without the written permission of the publishers. The Hub is published 11 times a year. Articles and advertisements in The Hub do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of any product, service or information being advertised. We do not knowingly present any product, idea or statement which is fraudulent or misleading in nature.