The time is ripe for Estevan's generosity to shine through.
We aren't asking for finances, but rather a little generosity of spirit, which is something else we have in abundance.
Many local citizens, especially several of our long-time residents, lament the fact the Estevan they once knew is gone. It is being replaced by a new generation of citizens and many of the veteran citizens don't really like what they're seeing. They fear that Estevan is losing its old soul and replacing it with a hard unforgiving soul, one that requires a faster pace of living and working and doesn't have time for casual exchanges.
Well, there are a variety of things that can be done to change our social culture for the better that requires no financial investment and no additional time or talent.
There is one significant thing happening in our city in the near future that should help us take a few steps toward connecting with our new neighbours with the upcoming Culture Collage. What better way to learn about the differences and similarities we share with our new residents who have arrived in Estevan from other countries?
We need to share some time with new arrivals from other provinces as well. They too need indoctrination into some of our quirky characteristics in the Energy City, stuff that sets us apart from others.
But before we get mingling in contrived settings, such as those that will be afforded us at the Collage events could we not explore some simple, no-cost genuine activities that would bring us together in this quickly growing city?
How about a simple smile and a quiet "hi there," to a stranger on the street?
Newcomers from Toronto, New York or New Delhi are taken aback when a complete stranger passes them on the street and issues a simple hello. They have come from colder social climates where it's impossible to greet everyone they passed on the street. But it's still possible here.
Why not a casual comment on weather with the stranger in the lineup at the checkout counter or in the fresh food aisle at the grocery store? What does it cost you? Smile and talk about chicken parts if you wish, but let them know you see them and you're open to a return smile and a quick exchange. Who knows, you might be making their day. Maybe you'll bump into them again in a week or a month.
Too often we see newcomers making the bar scene their only social outing in Estevan, especially if they're only here for a year or less.
If so, why can't we see to it that even though they will be leaving Estevan, it's a city they'd like to return to if the opportunity arose, rather than a city where they only experienced negative vibes and high housing costs.
We could take our warm welcome approaches to other levels.
Many of our new citizens play soccer but what about our version of football or hockey? Do they know much about the game? Do you care that they don't know much about the game? Do you think they might be interested in them? Would they join you at a Bruin game?
We're betting a lot of new residents don't know much about curling or baseball. Maybe they'd be interested if we were interested in teaching them. The same thing could be said about our arts and cultural communities. We have a lot we can teach and a lot we could learn. Estevan can be inclusive, not exclusive.
It can start with a smile and a quiet "hi" at a street crosswalk or checkout line.
