Many of the headlines in the newspapers and the lead stories on television and radio news focus on higher taxes, budget cuts, lay-offs, sluggish job growth…I can go on but you get my point. It’s all very depressing!  Then all of this gets tied into the debate of who is at fault and who has better ideas or candidates to fix the mess, which can also be frustrating for many reasons. 

While all of this is important because it affects how we live individually, as families and as a society, I believe that you can ignore the headlines and lead stories for about a week or two. And when you eventually go back to them you’ll find very little has changed, if anything at all. 

Lately, I still pay some attention to the disheartening parts of the news yet I’ve been spending more time searching out the local sections and stories, especially those that provide information about community events such as concerts, plays, festivals, and art shows. 

Just last night I attended the first show of the “Summer Concert Series” in the North End of Middletown.  This wonderful concert series, free and open to all, is sponsored by Community Health Center (CHC), one of United Way’s good friends and partners. Their outstanding work supports our Health focus area by improving the health of individuals and families.

The group, David Davis & The D-Boyz entertained the audience with some classic jazz, rhythm & blues and soul.  The audience was a diverse group of individuals and families, and all seemed to enjoy themselves (as I did), some even singing and dancing to their favorites (luckily for others, I didn’t)!

Did I mention that this event was free?  There are many other such events throughout Middlesex County.  By searching your local papers (some free like the Advocate) and numerous websites like this one (Patch.com), CT.gov, and your town’s website just to mention a few, you can find enough free and low-cost fun activities for you and your family to attend each and every week throughout the summer and into the fall. 

Some of these events may be in your own community so you won’t have to travel far. Others may be in neighboring communities or interesting towns and cities throughout Middlesex County and CT, providing a nice, inexpensive diversion for those of you who like to explore.

These events are a valuable asset on many levels.  They help individuals and families save money, they help maintain or improve quality of life, and they help to create and strengthen our sense of community. 

It’s also important to remember that your attendance and participation (especially those of you who dance and sing along to the music, so don’t stop!) also show the organizers and sponsors of these events that they are needed and that their efforts to bring them to us are appreciated; it’s the best way you can say “Thank You”!