The Hub March 2016 | Page 4

CONNECTING It’s pretty much a given that February, in spite of its fewer days, always seems like the longest month. Snow, cold and post-holiday ennui combine to make those 28 or 29 days just drag. So I find myself pleasantly surprised to announce that, for me at least, this February did not drag. Instead, it seemed to fly by, with uncharacteristic verve and vim. For once, the shortest month felt like the shortest month. I can’t chalk it up to any one thing, but I suspect it has something to do with change. We’ve been experiencing some changes on the homefront this year, as well as making some individual changes. They’ve all been driven by a desire for simplicity and serenity - and they’re working. Change is generally a good thing, whether you’re talking about an individual, a family or a community. Here in Windsor, we’ve been seeing some changes to the face of our community - newcomers arriving by the dozens, eagerly anticipating peace and stability. Thankfully, one thing in Windsor that hasn’t changed over the years is our willingness to welcome, with open arms, those in need of our comfort and care. Your neighbourhood bowling alley has been changing too. While it still offers a fun place to hang out with friends, new technologies and approaches have transformed this traditional activity into something that’s gotten popular all over again. Perhaps that’s the secret to seeing the days flow effortlessly by - the juxtaposition of change and tradition side by side. Enough is different to keep things exciting, but enough stays the same to keep us from feeling unsettled. Whatever it is, it’s allowed me to look back at February not with a relieved sigh, but a gentle smile. And I’m looking forward to March, which judging by the weather on the first is coming in like a lion - here we go! Shelley As I sit with the computer screen blinking silently in front of me, I hear that Environment Canada has just downgraded their severe snowstorm warning for Windsor/Essex. Despite it being a non-winter this year, the thought of having to shovel even once before spring arrives is daunting. Looking out the window, the only snow I see is the patch on the neighbour's roof, tucked away from any direct sunlight or rain, that would have washed it away a couple of days ago. So much for weather predictions. Like the weather, our daily lives are full of uncertainty. What starts out as a day full of promise and optimism, often finishes in disappointment. Conversely, days expected to be spent in quiet and solitude, more often than not end up being spent in company of unexpected guests. Rather than try to predict and prepare, I have learned to take things as they come. Whatever comes my way, I know it will be surprising and that something new is just around the corner. No one feels this sentiment more personally than the recently arrived Syrian refugees. Full of hope and enthusiasm, they packed up their belongings to start life anew in a land as far away from everything they knew both figuratively and literally. And, as all things come to be, they are most likely experiencing feelings of overwhelming gratitude and elation, tinged with homesickness and frustration. It will serve us well to remember that all transitions are a process and that the need for assistance does not end once the they have arrived. Their journey so far has taught them much about what to expect when living in Windsor/Essex. Check out the article on page 24 to see what our community has done to show them what we're all about. On page 10 we write about bowling. It seems the pastime has been with us forever. Whether you remember five-pin bowling on Ottawa St. or belong to a league at the present time, you'll be happy to know you're a member of a long-standing tradition. You'd be hard-pressed to find someone between the ages of 10 and 90 who has never set foot inside a bowling alley in Windsor and surrounding communities. That gives me an idea. I'm sure there are some new Windsorites looking to partake in a local pastime and to make a few new friends in the process. Eva Please direct advertising or subscription inquiries to [email protected] Managing Editors Eva Antonel Shelley Divnich Haggert Contributors Alex Antonel, Rabiul Biplob, Christian Bouchard, Mark Brown, David Dyck, Angelica Haggert, Windsor Essex County Health Unit Connect With Us! [email protected] facebook.com/thehubwindsoressex @TheHubWE 4 The HUB - March 2016 Copyright 2016 The Write Side Up Inc. & Audacity Design Group Inc. No