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From the Editor

I admit it. I needed a break. Let me explain. Almost all my trips from the office are work-related. If I’m not planning a full list of activities or attractions to visit while away, I feel I’m not taking a good advantage of the alloted time. What if I miss out on an important event? What if there is a lull in my schedule? What if my time could have been used better elsewhere? I must use those hours wisely!

As soon as an issue is published, I clean my desk, file away items on my laptop and crash for 6-8 hours so I can begin again. Last month, I needed to attend a media marketplace, check in with staff from our original Ohio location, reset past due appointments with customers and get my technical director to work on my computer. I reasoned that was enough to head East for Memorial Day weekend. What I didn’t realize was others wanted to get away for an extended weekend getaway too. So the schedule was tight to get it all done. On my way, a couple radio announcers discussed the travel trends for the upcoming weekend. The conversation led to reminiscing about post-covid and how everybody hurried to get out of the house, do everything everywhere and go, go, go nonstop.

“That’s me,” I thought. They continued to explain how people today are stressed over politics, work loads and astounding prices. All are tired and overworked, they said. They just want to chill. I thought about that and realized our June issue can supply ideas to do just that. Our theme, small town getaways, is a great direction to take when the desire is to just sit and relax. Could I do that? Nah, I’m too busy, I thought.

Norman, my managing editor (also my tech guy) had different ideas. He said I must meet at their campsite if I wanted to get my computer worked on. Once there, it was so peaceful, I actually enjoyed sitting outside, smelling the tempting aromas coming from the grill, catching up on conversation and then watching the fire as it grew dark. I even roasted my own marshmallows for S’mores. I stayed three days - didn’t want to leave. I can honestly say I rested and left feeling refreshed, ready to do it all over again! So here’s to June getaways and I’ll go plan July...

Kathy Barnett, Editor In Chief

Lakeside Chautauqua is a peaceful vacation community located on the shores of Lake Erie. It has been designed as a place to rest, renew and reconnect where values, traditions and family reman the focus. See P104.