4 minute read
Reflections by Bonnie Hutchinson
Favourite things about summer–so far!
Like every year in my memory, I don’t want it to be over. Summer, that is. That wistfulness happens every year in mid-August–but maybe even more intensely this year. What with all the rain in early July, our short summer season has seemed even shorter. Here are some of my favourite summer things so far. As you read them, I hope they remind you of your favourite things about summer.
Being outdoors
Making a point of being outside every day.
Early morning walks in the cool fresh air, catching the tail end of pink and gold sunrises.
Being outside with trees and grass. Hearing and seeing birds. Being in nature.
Puttering with the flowers on my balcony. Yes, that counts as “outdoors”.
Anything near water–lake water, river water, ocean water.
In a canoe or kayak on a peaceful lake–with other people paddling!
Stretched out on a lounge chair on a dock under a canopy of trees, reading fiction and lapping up the sun. Biggest decision of the day: Sit in the sun or sit in the shade?
Long lovely luxurious light well into the evenings.
Beauty
Canola fields in full bloom under a sapphire blue sky.
Gorgeous flower beds with riotously coloured flowers.
Subdued shade gardens with muted colours and interesting shapes and textures.
Feeling peaceful and calm the moment I walk through the gates of a Japanese garden; letting the serenity sink in.
Long leisurely sunsets; exquisitely coloured skies.
Seeing all the phases of the moon in clear night skies. Fresh food
Saskatoons, picked wild and made into an incredible pie.
The wild mint patch–which leads to wild mint juleps.
Fresh raspberries.
Fresh raspberries made into jam that day. Next February, it will still taste like summer.
Fresh garden vegetables, picked and eaten on the same
day.
I no longer have a vegetable garden, but I’m delighted to accept gifts of fresh produce from people who do have a garden. What a treat!
Patio breakfasts, patio lunches, patio dinners.
Barbecues where all I do is eat fabulous food. Other people do the preparation and clean-up.
Music, entertainment
Outdoor music festivals–jazz, roots, blues, rock, reggae, country, folk, symphony.
Fringe festivals, jamborees, rodeos, parades, regattas.
Fairs in tiny communities and big cities.
Family, friends
Post-COVID restrictions (though not post-COVID)–being able to be live-and-in-person with people again–mask free if we choose!
Visiting precious people who I don’t see very often.
People I don’t see very often visiting me.
An entire day without Zoom.
Easy living
No coats, no gloves, no scarves, no boots, no hassle.
Sandals and shorts. Short sleeves or sleeveless. Whatever is coolest.
Easy driving. No ice or snow or minimal visibility.
Leaving the windows open all night.
Our summers are short–especially this year–so it seems important to enjoy these precious last weeks. What are some of your favourite summer pleasures? ***
I’d love to hear from you. If you have comments about this column or suggestions for future topics, send an email to Bonnie@BonnieHutchinson.com. I’ll happily reply within one business day. By Lori Larsen
The Battle River Community Foundation (BRCF) recently awarded a $13,450 grant to the Boys and Girls Club Camrose (BGC Camrose) to support the Club’s after school, mentoring and leadership programs.
The grant is from income from the Dave Jacobsen Memorial Fund, the Anjah Howard Fund, the Tom and Melanie Kuntz Family Fund and the Foundation’s Community Funds.
All three named Funds were started by area residents who wished to provide ongoing support for programs that support youth and youth leadership in the region.
According to the Boys and Girls Club Camrose executive director Rees James, the mission of the BGC Camrose is to provide a safe, supportive place where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop confidence and skills for life.
“We achieve our mission through offering a variety of quality, affordable and accessible social, recreational, educational and leadership programs and services for children and youth in grades 1 to 12,” explained James.
As a charitable notfor-profit organization, BGC Camrose relies on grants, fundraising efforts and donations to finance the programs and services it offers.
One of the parents of a BGC Camrose member commended the work done by the Club. “BGC Camrose goes above and beyond to make every child feel they are a part of something great.”
In thanking BRCF for the continued support, James said, “With the Battle River Community Foundation’s commitment to helping make good things happen, we are also part of something great.”
The Boys and Girls Club Camrose is happy to be able to increase the number of in-person programs they offer as restrictions related to COVID are loosened.
The Battle River Community Foundation exists to support organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club Camrose in East Central Alberta, which benefit local communities and have a positive impact on the future.
Grants from the Battle River Community Foundation are primarily made possible through the generosity of individual donors and organizations that have created endowment funds. The principals of these endowment funds are kept intact and the income is made available annually to support local projects and organizations.
Since it was founded in 1995, the Battle River Community Foundation has granted over $7,900,000 to support charitable activities in the Battle River Region.
Submitted
