Hello Tampa Bay and welcome to Natural Awakenings June 2018. Our special focus this month on natural health and livable communities is sure to spark special interest with many readers hereabouts. Our Bay Area is thriving because of and through continuing passion of grassroots efforts right here at home. 

In “Livable Communities We Love: Good for People and the Planet” (page 26), John D. Ivanko and Lisa Kivirist examine some heartfelt goals many of us strive for. John and Lisa are co-authors of ECOpreneuring. They operate the Inn Serendipity in Browntown, WI, a welcoming establishment wholly powered by renewable energy. Check out the Livability Index of both Pinellas and Hillsborough counties on page 29.

Writer Judith Fertig inspires incentive on an issue many deal with daily. In “Healthy Summer Hydration” (page 46), Judith describes some yummy ideas for drinks that kids (and adults) will take to with joy. With summer on its way, it’s good to hear creative approaches to keep us all well hydrated. 

I am excited to report on my visit to Wisconsin last month, where I spent some warm and loving time with family and friends celebrating my dear Grandpa Harrop’s 101st birthday.  (He was thrilled with the cake and its considerable bouquet of 101 balloons!) Though my dear grandmother passed away at 99 years of age just a month before Grandpa Harrop’s 100th birthday, he carries on with gusto; still living in his house in Middleton, WI; still sharp as a tack. We all had a wonderful time. 

As always, with an open mind and an open heart, read on.