We live in Clarington. Newcastle, in fact. We work here. We play here. Our kids go to school here. I cannot imagine raising our children any where else.

It is my personal honour to be a part of this wonderful community. Don’t you find things just a little more friendly here in Clarington? A little more caring? Just a little “more”? Thank you for supporting us in reading this magazine and in supporting the businesses who have chosen to support us. Our entire community benefits when we all work together towards a common goal ~ a great place to live, work and play!

It is also my honour to present to you the new and improved Life in Clarington! This issue is bigger, better and bolder! We have added pages and expanded our format with more of the content you have told us you want. We have also added a brand new “Mail Bag” on page 11, so send us your thoughts. You could appear in print next issue!

We hope you will enjoy the articles and ads for local businesses, the recipes, the calendar of events and the expanded Clarington Business Directory. Meet our contributors on page 5 and enter both of the contests, on page 9 and 25. You could win a One Night Getaway at the new Holiday Inn in Bowmanville or a $50 Gift Certificate good for anything in the store at Newcastle Home Décor in Newcastle!

Our “Keys to a Stress Free Move!” article on page 6, is a useful piece when planning your next move, and our look at “The Changing Face of Today’s Older Adult” is both informative and interesting. We give you some helpful tips on “Navigating the Home Care System” on page 14, and we explore Fall’s beauty in the Trails and Conservation areas in the Clarington area in our Trails feature on page 16. Notice the little design twist we implemented in this article!

Find useful information on keeping your Yard Tools and Equipment in tip top shape on page 22, and some yummy but healthful recipes on page 24! Then find a humourous look at today’s grocery shopping experience and a trio of super seasonal fall soup recipes on page 26.

The newly expanded Clarington Business Directory is on pages 28 and 29. Make this your first stop when in need of a product or service, and mention to the business of your choice that you saw them here! And, when planning your outings this season, be sure to refer to the Calendar of Events on page 30, always a great place to start when looking for local fun!

I hope you enjoy the Fall season to the fullest this year, and along with it, this issue of your local neighbourhood magazine. Happy Reading!