CONNECTING
Patio season. Barbecue season. Ice cream season. Baseball season. No
matter what you call it, there’s no denying that June kicks off the season in
Windsor-Essex. Sidewalk cafés and patios pop up like mushrooms, there’s
a game of some sort happening in the neighbourhood park every night of
the week, and backyards are filled with the sounds of people enjoying the
warm weather and the great outdoors.
Summer is when Windsor-Essex really shows off all it has to offer. We
celebrate the diversity of our region all summer long, with a festival or fair
almost every weekend. From the Carrousel villages to the Corn Fest, it’s a
three-month long party and everyone’s invited. Whether you spend your
time cycling, shopping at the markets or just hanging out with friends, it’s
a time to relax, renew and rejuvenate.
Here at The Hub, we’re all about spectacular summer activities and
ideas. Going to the game? We’ve got some reminders about what it means
to be on your best bleacher behaviour. Thinking about cleaning out the
closet? We’ll help you make the most of your cast-offs and show you how
to turn trash into treasure. Friends coming over? We’ve got some ideas
about throwing a great backyard bash. No matter what your summer
brings, we’ve got you covered.
And just in case you’re not sure what your plans are, have a look at
our June calendar of local events – there’s something happening almost
every day, from plays to charity runs to art displays. What more could you
ask for?
So slap on some sunscreen, get yourself a cool drink to sip, and settle
in with this month’s issue of The Hub on your tablet, computer or
smartphone. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all
the things we’ll connect you to between issues – The Hub will be busy all
summer long, right in the middle of things.
Shelley
The saying goes that life is what you make it. True, things happen that
are beyond our control, but there is always a choice how we deal with
whatever's at hand. And, since that choice exists, I try to nix my natural
inclination toward finding the most cynical view and instead force myself
to find the one that calls forth my highest ideals. This is easier said than
done. Our automatic responses are usually born of travelling the path of
least resistance. In many cases, that means allowing reactions that are
ingrained in self-preservation, laziness and often fear. It hasn't been a
walk in the park, practicing those high ideals but the reward is always
(OK, usually) worth the effort, even if I'm the only one that knows.
Take something as ordinary as deciding to walk the extra steps to the
recycling bin instead of throwing something in the trash. Apparently many
of us don't. Whether it's making the decision to do it at all or putting in the
extra effort to sort the stuff that goes into those designated bins, every
small act is rewarded when multiplied by the number of us that bother.
See the article on page 16 and feel inspired to do a better job.
The same can be said of our collective behaviour as observers of
amateur sports, especially when we're the relatives of children who are
participating. We've heard and read numerous stories about embarrassing
acts of anger and defiance by those whose job it is to set an example. Here
we take a hard look at bleacher behaviour just in time for t ball and soccer
season. Do you see yourself in any of the scenarios described?
And what better time to practice my higher calling than summer
entertaining season? Being a guest or a host, brings with it the same
opportunities for polishing our people skills. After all, once the backyard
or patio is decked out and the food and drink at the ready it is the people
who make the party a bomb or a bust.
Dust off those picnic tables, pull out those tank tops and shorts and
polish those higher ideals. Summer is almost here and you'll have plenty of
opportunities to practice them. Until then, light up the BBQ and invite the
neighbour for a cold one. Just don't forget to recycle the empties.
Eva
Managing Editors
Please direct advertising or
subscription inquiries to
[email protected]
Eva Antonel
Shelley Divnich Haggert
Contributors
Alex Antonel, Taylor Busch,
Angelica Haggert, Michael Haggert,
Christina Woods
Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
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4 The HUB - June 2014
Copyright 2014
The Write Side Up Inc. &
Audacity Design Group Inc.
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