Around the newsroom – the weather, or, more specifically, the lack of summer heat and sun – has been a hot topic lately (if you’ll pardon the pun). Now that July is upon us, it should be warmer and sunnier, making all of our days, and the activities which subsequently fill them, a little brighter.

But has it really been that bad? Sure, Canada Day was burdened by drizzle-filled clouds last week, but, as the cliche goes, it did little to dampen the spirits of the surprisingly big crowd that turned out for the city’s traditional Canada Day party.

The proud red and white clothing and accessories worn by so many stood out brilliantly against the dreary sky, complimented moreso by the swell of patriotism that typically accompanies the day. Adding to the feeling of not only national pride, but local, the city again this year recognized a group of individuals who have contributed profoundly to the cultural and social fabric of the city by handing out its bronze stars.

In introducing the four individuals, Mayor Dan Mathieson noted that they were all “outstanding Canadians,” and looking at the achievements of this year’s group it’s hard to argue with the sentiment.

Couple that with the steady stream of war and political unrest (Honduras, Iran, and now, Western China) that feeds the evening newscast and it’s impossible not to feel grateful to live where we do.

And that’s despite all of our perceived troubles. The economy may be in a downspin, but at least our municipalities are finally receiving some of our tax dollars to make improvements. Between this year’s round of upgrades to Ontario Street, the ongoing redevelopment of Stratford General Hospital, and as of Friday, improvements to Dufferin Arena, there’s a lot going on in the city – and these will, at some point in the future, be accompanied by the construction of the new University of Waterloo campus. Free speech and equality – often missing from places of political unrest but abundant in Canada – help make these things happen.

Participation is what makes the difference in life. People have causes – whether it be near (such as our area farmers speaking out against the Highway 7/8 bypass) or far (supporting refugees in Burma) – and devotion brings success.

That being said, Stratford is on the cusp of its second biggest summer festival, Stratford Summer Music, which kicks off on Monday, July 20. Forecasters may predict a mixed bag of weather over the course of the month-long event, but even if skies are grey, there is such a variety of fun things to do, inside and out, that it will feel like summer – so celebrate all that our freedom offers us.                             – A.M.