CONNECTING
I’m sure there are serious environmental implications for the planet,
but I must say - this is more my kind of winter! Here I sit on February 1,
sans hat and mittens, enjoying walking outdoors without having to slog
down icy, snow-covered sidewalks. Yes, we’ve had a bit of seasonal weather,
but it’s been generally mild - mild enough that I’ve even managed a trip to
Charles Clark Square without freezing my toes off. And while a white
Christmas might have been nice, being able to make plans without
worrying about weather cancellations was a pleasant change.
It bodes well for the month ahead - February, while short, is
notorious for its characteristic cabin fever, the need, whatever the weather,
to get out and DO something, anything, to avoid being cooped up one day
longer. If the weather patterns hold, I foresee a very active, enjoyable
February ahead.
And Windsor-Essex is certainly the place to get out and do
something. From ice rinks to museums, from small towns to natural
spaces, we’ve got the perfect blend of activities and destinations right here
in our own backyard. As you’ll see in this issue, small town Essex and its
environs offer plenty for residents and visitors, and our area’s museums
are waiting to welcome us all. And then there’s our February calendar there’s definitely never a dull moment in Windsor-Essex.
February also offers those who have something to give the
opportunity to do so. Many in our community - too many - have much
more elemental concerns that coping with cabin fever. They lack jobs, good
health, stability or even homes. By bringing their story to you, we hope
you’ll consider what role you might be able to play in lending a hand.
Whether it’s participating in the Coldest Night Walk, attending one of
various fundraisers or simply volunteering your time with one of our
social service organizations, remember that even the smallest effort can
make a difference.
One of the best things about Windsor-Essex is how we come together
and help each other. It’s all about connecting - reach out to someone today.
You’ll be glad you did.
Depending on your feelings about winter, we're either happily in the
thick of it or slowly but surely progressing toward spring. In this
household, the feelings are mixed. This family is just as divided as any
group of people usually are. Having said that, this winter has been a bit of
an anomaly and all the usual reasons to love it or hate it, have gone out the
window. Regardless, you get what you get and some of us are happier than
others.
Luckily, winters like these, are a blessing for those who don't have the
option of hibernating indoors. As you'll read about in On Their Own, an
astounding number of people in our community call the streets their
home. As sad and upsetting this situation is, it's also surprising how many
agencies work toward eliminating this possibility. As well as providing
shelter and food, a number of them also offer services intended to provide
long term solutions.
We take a look at the often overlooked town of Essex. Who knew it
has such a storied past? Again, luckily we have community museums to
make sure our past is not forgotten.
Our calendar of events remains bursting at the seams, and no
amount of blaming the weather for our malaise this time of year, justifies
staying cooped up at home. Whether indoors or out, there are a multitude
of reasons to venture out the door. Check it out on page 18 and mark your
calendars. There's a lot packed into this short month so explore, discover
and enjoy!
Eva
Shelley
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subscription inquiries to
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Managing Editors
Eva Antonel
Shelley Divnich Haggert
Contributors
Alex Antonel, Rabiul Biplob,
Christian Bouchard, David Dyck,
Angelica Haggert,
Windsor Essex County Health Unit
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@TheHubWE
4 The HUB - February 2016
Copyright 2016
The Write Side Up Inc. &
Audacity Design Group Inc.
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