This month Natural Awakenings Tampa Bay highlights the ways and means of maintaining balanced wellness and nature in the male of our species, with special recognition of the dear dads and dad-like others in our lives. See this month’s healthy kids department (page 40) for “Dad Matters: How to Be the Father Kids Need.” This insightful article by author Armin Brott is an enlightened look at the role of fatherhood in America, pointing to ways it has evolved in the last 50 years. 
    A bit of Dad Day trivia: Sonora Smart Dodd, often referred to as “the Mother of Father’s Day”, is credited with initiating this annual celebration, the first of which was held June 19, 1910. After that, it took a while for official recognition. In 1924 President Coolidge urged nationwide recognition of Father’s Day. In 1966, President Johnson signed a proclamation calling for its annual celebration on the third Sunday in June. President Nixon signed a proclamation in 1972 permanently observing Father’s Day each June. The celebration this year is on June 19.
    With this issue we welcome the Summer Solstice on June 20 along with the perfect beach weather and tropical storm fronts typical of our West Coast paradise at this time of year. Hurricane season is June 1 to November 30, so remember to stock up… just in case (Hurricaneville.com/safety.html offers wide-ranging tips).
    As always, open your mind and read on.