Winter seemed loathe to loosen its grip this year. Warm days didn’t happen until mid-May, but then, how quickly green leaves unfolded and Spring flowering bulbs displayed their beautiful flowers. Yellow and red tulips were especially bright and eye-catching.
June 21 is officially the first day of summer. It also happens to be National Aboriginal Day; a day recognizing and celebrating the cultures and contributions of the First Nations. This is a special day to celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples in Canada. These three groups are recognized by the Constitution and each has its own distinct history, culture and traditions. The day was first celebrated in 1996. It is a time to acknowledge the valuable contribution of Aboriginal Peoples to the healthy development of our communities, territories and country.
Many seniors were involved with Heritage Week. The main events, the Ball, Oldtimer’s Tea, Parade and Rodeo had seniors either as workers or participants. There’s no shortage of jobs if such an ambitious week is to be successful.
June brings a much-needed rest for many and following a Potluck lunch and regular General meeting on June 19, members will adjourn for the summer.
Before the members can relax however, they will have to get through July 1. July 1 is Canada Day with festivities in Reg Conn Park. It is the day of choice for the annual Yard Sale, Book and Bake Sale. The popular Peel ‘n’ Pay Raffle will be featured. the Clinton Seniors Centre is the site from 10 am until 2 pm. Please come out and support the Clinton Seniors Association endeavour.
Canadian Environment week is celebrated from June 1–7 with the 5th singled out as World Environment Day. The following week, Rivers to Oceans week, kicks off on the 8th, designated both World Oceans Day and Canadian Rivers Day. Canada claims one-fifth of the world’s fresh water in about two million lakes, countless streams, rivers, marshes, swamps, etc. Three mighty oceans offer us more than 200,000 km of coastline, the longest in the world. Oceans Day, June 8, was declared in 1992. Canadian Rivers Day, celebrated on the second Sunday of June since 2003, gives Canadians a chance to honour our rivers for the prominent place they occupy at the head of our history and natural heritage. Since 2007, the two significant days have been celebrated together during Rivers to Oceans week, which honours themes central to Canada’s watersheds. It reminds us that safeguarding the health of all water - local springs, creeks, streams, lakes, rivers, wetlands and even groundwater - flowing through our watersheds also improves the quality of Canadian oceans. Everyone may play a role regardless of where they live. When you think about it, improvements start in your own backyard. Taking care of our water is a shared responsibility. We must be ever mindful and alert to the threats to Canada’s waterways and the life they sustain.
Many of these nationally designated days are relatively new, but Father’s day has been celebrated officially for over a hundred years. The duration of the observance of Father’s day isn’t important. What is important is that fatherhood be recognized in a positive way. Honour your father in a special way on June 15.
“Sometimes the poorest man leaves his children the richest inheritance.” - Ruth E. Renkel
Happy Birthday in June to Yvette May on the 18th and to Eleanor Pigeon on the 26th.
Clinton Seniors Association General meetings will resume Sept. 18. Mark the date on your calendar! Plan to join us! Everyone is welcome. Annual fee is $15.
Zee Chevalier