A new year is about to start. Yes, the last days of December are traditionally the time to take stock of the year that has passed. During those dark, cold days, we set new goals and resolutions and may even manage to make good on them for a while. But, it makes a lot more sense to start now, on August 31, and regard September as the real fresh start.
There are many reasons for this, and back to school is high on the list. For many, this September will mark change in academic careers. Whether it be the first day of kindergarten or the first year of university, it’s a major shift in not only the student’s life, but a huge milestone for parents, grandparents and greater families.
For those of us with our school days long gone, we are still hardwired to perceive September as the time momentum builds again. Fall just somehow denotes buckling down. After a few months of dressing in the perpetual casual Friday of summer clothes, it’s time to put the flip flops and cut offs away in favour of fall attire, which literally carries more weight, for the crisper days and longer nights to come.
As school goes back in session, there are many ways to engage with the community, from volunteering for a deserving organization, to joining a club, band, choir or sports team, to learning a new skill. Take a look at Powell River Public Library’s website, the Powell River Active Living Guide, Powell River Academy of Music or Vancouver Island University’s community courses to get a sense of just some of the cool things on offer this fall.
Powell River Villa Soccer Club and Powell River Kings begin their seasons as well, giving people the chance to get out and support their home teams. And on October 20 our community will be heading to the polls, electing a City of Powell River mayor and council, School District 47 school board and qathet Regional District directors. Here’s your chance to help shape the future of this town and exercise your civic duty.
Finally, if your goals are health and fitness related, September is just a kinder, gentler season to start than the bleak midwinter that is January. Many activity programs begin in the fall.
Just as we don’t actually turn a year older on our birthdays, big changes don’t often happen overnight. They take place gradually, day after day and a year is made up of 365 of them. On September 1 there will still be 122 days to go. If 2018 were a movie, September would be the start of the third act: the juiciest, most unmissable part of the story.
