CONNECTING
Considering it’s the ninth month of the calendar year, it’s a little odd
that September’s always been more about beginnings for me. Perhaps it’s
because my birthday is in September – it is the start of a brand new year
for me. Couple that with the excitement in the air around the start of
school and the return to familiar routines, and this month is just like
January for me, albeit with better weather.
This year, the fall heralds more than just the usual feeling of starting
something new. As the municipal election draws closer, the entire
community is abuzz with the changes guaranteed to take place on our city
and town councils. Several incumbents are retiring, making new faces and
voices a certainty among those who shape our communities’ futures. I’m
looking forward to hearing the conversations that are bound to take place
in the next six weeks as the voting public discusses the issues surrounding
this election.
There are also new stages beginning on a more personal level. By the
time you’re reading this, I’ll have delivered my youngest child to university
in another city, and the nest, as they say, will be “empty.” (but somehow
my basement is still full of stuff) There will only be two of us at the dinner
table, and our calendars will no longer include things like cross country
meets and parent-teacher interviews. It’s all a little bittersweet, watching
your “chicks” take flight, but we’re excited for what’s to come.
The changes associated with this time of year aren’t always easy for
everyone. I wasn’t surprised to learn that seasonal mood issues often arise
at this time of year, and I hope you’ll appreciate the article we’ve included
in this issue of The Hub to address that. I also hope you’ll finish this issue
feeling a bit inspired – we’ve included articles about those whose
professions are dedicated to serving the public good, and the importance
of participating in the democratic process. And our columns offer some
different ideas about embracing new routines, hobbies or past-times.
And if all that doesn’t leave you feeling good about all the “new”
September has to offer, check out our calendar – it’s filled with new and
repeat events to help you make the most of living in Windsor-Essex. It’s
shaping up to be a busy month – enjoy!
Ahh September. Just the sound of the word conjures up memories of
anticipation tinged with loss. Anticipation of new teachers, pencils and
unopened stacks of lined paper marred by feelings of loss for
chlorine-laden pools, towels laid out on hot sidewalks after a swim and
smells of bonfires and wood cabins after a rain storm. It's been more years
than I want to count since any of those things have taken place but the
mere mention of September brings me right back there.
This September, like all others, welcomes us with emptier streets,
quieter malls and restaurants while the sources of rambunctious shouts
and squeals sit with heads bent over desks. Something new this particular
September is the sight of countless election signs dotting lawns in every
neighbourhood. Hopeful candidates walk from door to door and visit our
churches and service clubs. Considering that several long serving
municipal representatives are not going to be on the ballot, you would
expect that most of us would be anxiously keeping tabs on the race.
Apparently, we all like to complain more than we like to have our voice
heard. Less than half of us take the time to make our way to the voting
booth. On page 28 we examine why.
And while we're at it, we have a look at the what it is that calls some
of us to a life of service. As a community, we are fortunate to have many
who devote their careers or countless hours of spare time to make things
happen. Whether organizing the Corn Fest, or making sure our visits to
the Cancer Clinic are as stress-free and comfortable as possible, it is those
whose faces and names are often unseen, that make our experience
positive. Are you one of those people? Bless you!
Finally, even though September can be temperate with a promise of
new, positive beginnings, some of us find it to be an emotional challenge.
Maybe you will recognize yourself or someone you know in this scenario.
The good news is, you are not alone. Many treatments are available to
counteract SAD and there are so many reasons to give them a try. Least of
which is a calendar jam packed with events happening this month. See
you out there.
Shelley
Eva
Managing Editors
Please direct advertising or
subscription inquiries to
[email protected]
Eva Antonel
Shelley Divnich Haggert
Contributors
Judy Acton, Alex Antonel,
Angelica Haggert, Michael Haggert,
Sean Previl, Dani Taylor
Windsor Es ͕