Few months are without National holidays and June is no exception. Father’s Day is June 19.
Long before any modern observance, a young Babylonian named Elmesu, using a clay tablet, wished his father good health and a long life. Depending on which account you believe, Father’s Day as we know it, was initiated in the US in West Virginia in 1908 or in Washington in 1910, but it wasn’t made a permanent holiday until President Richard Nixon signed it into law in 1972.
It is celebrated to honour fathers and fatherhood and the influence of fathers in society, but also to honour and commemorate our forefathers and typically involves gift-giving, special dinners to fathers and family-oriented activities; a complement to Mother’s Day in May.
“Any man can be a father, it takes someone special to be a dad.”- Author Unknown Pause a moment to remember the father in your life. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there.
Will it be a good day for a barbecue for your dad?
June 21 is also the first day of summer. It has seemed like a long winter and a non-Spring except that trees have leafed out, grass is growing and birds are nesting. Days are windy and rain has taken over where snow left off. Lakes and creeks are high and fast-flowing and very dirty, particularly in the burn area around Kelly Lake. Residents are mindful of potential flooding. Some lovely, bright, warm days would be welcome.
June 21 is also National Aboriginal Day. It was proclaimed as such on June 13, 1996 by the Governor-General of Canada. That day provides for First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples an excellent opportunity to share their rich diverse cultures with family members, neighbours, friends and visitors allowing everyone to learn more about Aboriginal people and their contributions to Canada. Watch for local events that highlight contemporary and traditional celebrations of dance and song.
Did you enjoy the events of Heritage Week? Seniors regret not having a float in the May Parade this year - next year for sure!
Plans are underway for the July 1 Yard Sale/Book and Bake Sale featuring the ever popular Peel ‘n’ Pay Raffle from 10 am to 2 pm at the Seniors Centre, 217 Smith Ave. Please come out and support the seniors as their goal now is the installation of a new roof.
Happy Birthday to Eleanor Pigeon on June 26.
“Age should not have its face lifted, but it should rather teach the world to admire wrinkles as the etchings of experience and the firm line of character.” - Ralph B. Perry
The next General Meeting of the Clinton Seniors Association is June 16 following a potluck lunch at the Seniors Centre.
Seniors will adjourn for the summer and resume General Meetings on Sept. 20. Come and join us.
Happy summer.
Zee Chevalier
