Colorful leaves and temperatures fall as the “permacloud” that so often covers west Michigan in the winter months gathers. Tourists and snowbirds have packed up and gone and parking is easy once again. Have you laid up some firewood? Are the snow tires on, or at least scheduled to be?
Ah, winter in Saugatuck. It’s not for wusses.
I’d like to share three ideas that are sure to help you not only survive but thrive this winter (and beyond).
Let’s stay connected. It’s a tiny community in the winter and there are plusses and minuses to that. But cabin fever is a dreadful malady that you can cure if you have regular contact with neighbors and friends. Try to schedule these social occasions deliberately and enjoy the company of others.
Let’s stay interested. Saugatuck and Douglas offer a range of intellectual attractions that lift the spirits and challenge the mind. Book a date at the SCA for the intimate programming it provides over the darker months. Visit galleries that remain open. Find a group that brings in fascinating speakers with information that broadens your perspectives.
Finally, let’s stay as sunny and bright in attitude as if we were taking out-of-town visitors on a mid-July lake cruise. How? I recommend looking around to find the needs in our towns and serving them. The spirit of giving is and always has been the best antidote to “the blues.”
If any or all of these ideas sound attractive to you, I’d like to suggest that you consider Membership in the Rotary Club of Saugatuck-Douglas. We are looking to expand our mighty little band from 35 to 50 over the next two years, and we may need your unique blend of friendliness, talent, and attitude to take our Club and Community to a new level. We meet three times a month—twice for luncheons that feature some of the Midwest’s most fascinating speakers, and for Friends of Rotary Happy Hours at local eateries and watering holes. These are great opportunities to stay happy, connected, interested (and interesting).
The Club is planning a Community Forum on November 10th from 4-5:30pm (with refreshments, of course). if you’d like to hear more about our plans for the Club and vision for the Community, please call me at 614-207-4047 to reserve a spot. No obligations!
Happy Winter!
Jim Sullivan
Rotary Club President
