CONNECTING
I’m fond of repeating the old adage, “You’ve got two ears and one
mouth – ergo, you should be spending twice as much time listening as you
do talking.” The phrase has come to mind repeatedly in the last month or
so, as I’ve seen and heard several different discussions concerning local
matters. Farmers markets, bike lanes, transit, business development –
they’ve all been discussed, dissected and debated in more than one forum
lately. There are ideas out there that have a lot of people talking – but how
many are listening?
The conversations taking place in Windsor-Essex are important, and
it’s just as important to listen to the conversation as it is to contribute to it.
Luckily, our community offers great opportunities to do just that. From
council meetings to roundtables, from before-business breakfasts to
community cafes, residents in Windsor-Essex can take advantage of
numerous chances to hear what our community leaders, boosters and
contributors are talking about. There are also numerous Facebook groups
and Twitter feeds we can follow to stay connected to the conversation.
Here at The Hub, of course, it’s our job to talk – sort of. We write
stories about the things people are talking about, and try to share the ideas
and interests that are bringing people together. But we also listen – to our
readers, our advertisers and our contributors. And we like to think that
we’re listening on behalf of those parties too – we try to hear what people
are saying, and then pass it along to the wider community.
As we approach our two-year anniversary (already!) in July, we hope
you’ll continue to bring these conversations and ideas to our attention.
Remember that you’re always welcome to tell us what you think – about
Windsor-Essex, about your neighbourhoods, and about The Hub itself. Be
sure to get in touch with us via email, Facebook or Twitter. Even if we don’t
immediately talk back, we can promise you – we’re listening!
There are many rewards in being able to participate in the making of
The Hub. The process is creative, collaborative and educational, but most
of all rewarding. It forces us to see our community from a fresh
perspective and with renewed curiosity. It's human nature to become
complacent and take for granted those things and people that we come in
contact with on a regular basis. This job, however, forces us to stay aware,
alert and able to look at our neighbourhoods and landmarks as if for the
first time.
In order to help you experience some of that wonder in a new way, we
have put together a new column which will explore new businesses
popping up around town. Sometimes new shops open with great fanfare
but more often than not, they open quietly , seeming to have sprung up
overnight. Have a look at what they offer, where they're located and make it
a point to check them out. It's small businesses like these that create the
feel of community and add to the flavour of our region. Shop Hop will
appear periodically, as we come in contact with new enterprises in our
travels around town. Be on the lookout for it. The new guy on the block
may just be in your neighbourhood.
We also love our calendar of events. It keeps us in the know of all the
events planned for the duration of the issue. It's always surprising how
many there are, considering the fact that a common mantra around town
is: "there's nothing to do." From fundraisers to festivals, from concerts to
plays, there are many opportunities to enjoy our favourite pastimes or to
try something new. Have a look at this month's calendar and vow never to
utter that old mantra again.
Windsor-Essex is alive and well and it's our pleasure to rediscover it
one issue at a time. We're glad you're coming along for the ride.
Shelley
Managing Editors
Please direct advertising or
subscription inquiries to
[email protected]
Eva Antonel
Shelley Divnich Haggert
Contributors
Alex Antonel, Angelica Haggert,
Michael Haggert, Shelbey Hernandez,
Windsor Essex County Health Unit
Connect With Us!
[email protected]
facebook.com/thehubwindsoressex
@TheHubWE
4 The HUB - May 2015
Eva
Copyright 2015
The Write Side Up Inc. &
Audacity Design Group Inc.
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