Publisher’s Letter August 2016

I am determined to get everything I possibly can out of this glorious summer we are having. Whether attending a craft show, swimming laps at the local pool, taking an outdoor exercise class, getting to a farmer’s market or festival, the possibilities are endless.

Last week, I visited The Chautauqua Institution, where admission is free on Sundays. This non-profit adult education center and summer resort on 750 acres was founded in 1874 as a teaching camp for Sunday school teachers. Today, Chautauqua is buzzing with programs and activities in the arts, education, and religion. There are private cottages, beautiful gardens, a library, movie theater, bookstore, cafes, shops. hotels, condominiums, inns, and rooming houses. With 400 year-round residents and up to 10,000 daily visitors, Chautauqua is a very special place, and its philosophy is one of inclusion.

Speaking of inclusion, I wonder what that means to people living in this divided world. A truly inclusive society would be one in which children can become all that they can be, child poverty would be eliminated, and public policy would address inequality. It would not be a society that bans a particular group of people, or tolerates health disparities based on race, ethnicity, economics or religion. Despite what I see on television, I am encouraged by local heroes who are working toward these goals every day, and I look forward to telling you more about them in future issues of Buffalo Healthy Living. One way you can help now is by responding to a survey at http://bit.ly/1T7lDti.

In the meantime, get out and enjoy the summer. It really is breathtaking, and there is so much to do that is free.

Sincerely,

Annette Pinder