SUMMER – VOICE OF THE TOWNSHIP

Summer is, for many of us, that season when we can spend more time with those who are close to us. This has certainly been true for me. Recently I got to relax with some very close family members. We spent time at the Three Rivers Festival enjoying the parade, junk food ally, and just being around the festivities together. Hopefully the heat didn’t keep you away from all of the fun that was offered there!

It is said that spending time with loved ones can help a person get through a personal crisis. Many people who come into our office for assistance are going through hard times, such as loss of a job, loss of a loved one, or loss of a home. I often sense that they are holding in their frustration, anger, and fear. While our office may be able to help them financially, their emotional needs often remain unmet even though we try our best to treat them with respect and kindness. One of my personal rewards as Trustee is being able to share a smile with someone who is having an unusually difficult time. I hope that most people have someone in their lives that they can lean and depend on to help them through troubling times.

Humans are social beings, and we need social interaction. I think a person feels better when someone close to them comforts or reassures them. Close friends and family may be able to help each other with decision making or with getting back on the track of thinking clearly. In times of trouble friends can offer help with preparing meals, answering phone calls, completing chores around the house, or assisting with children or aging parents. Spending time with someone shows them that you care and that they are important enough to share your time with them. Let’s make it a priority to spend time with friends and family.

When was the last time you told a family member or friend that you loved them? When was the last time you opened a door for someone, or thanked them for doing some random act of kindness? Doing things like these would probably make you, as well as the recipient of your gesture, feel better. Send an email to someone you care about, and ask them how they are. Call someone, and really listen to what they are saying. Take time to drop in and see someone you care about. Let them know you enjoy the time you share with them. Let go of your distractions during the time you spend with them.

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It is important that you take care of yourself. Pay attention to diet and exercise, and stay physically active. Taking a walk through one of our scenic city parks doesn’t cost, nor does taking a bike ride on the Fort Wayne trails. Such outings are not just physical exercise but a way to spend time with a friend. Take advantage of preventative health measures, such as annual physicals, mammograms, and colonoscopies, and socialize at community events. Doing such things may result in you being able to weather the difficult times with a little more ease.

We recently received a donation of Fort Wayne TinCaps tickets. The tickets were donated to our clients, giving them the opportunity to share family time at a great outing at Parkview Field. We are always very grateful when individuals or other organizations share with our clients. Our thanks go out to the TinCaps organization for this.

We’ve been experiencing great weather for outdoor activities. Our staff members and volunteers are looking forward to the August 24th Waynedale Picnic at Waynedale Park. There will be free food available and other pastimes for your enjoyment. I hope you will come and take part in the fun activities. Don’t let it be said to you, “You should have been there!”

Richard A. Stevenson, Sr.
Wayne Township Trustee
www.waynetownship.org