Last Sunday afternoon I retrieved the White Lake Beacon from my doorstep and sat down happily with a cup of tea to read it through. I had a slightly different mind-set than usual, however, as I knew my first new column would be published in the next edition. I was a little nervous. Mostly though, I was excited to think of writing again for our community paper. My first foray into newspaper writing had been a monthly environmental column I wrote for the Beacon several years ago. Following that, I had especially enjoyed writing human interest stories about the White Lake area. It enriched my life and expanded my world. I felt gratified to be able to connect with long-time acquaintances, meet new people, and tell their stories. Currently, I am finishing up a column series on White Lake for the White Lake Public Advisory Council.
After about a year’s break from human interest stories, I am happy to be invited back for a similar venue. Welcome to Tanya’s Topics, a new bimonthly column, where I have the opportunity to explore a variety of themes directly related to the White Lake area. I’m eager to write this column and I’m glad for the opportunity. I always have lots of ideas. (Or that’s what I’ve been told.) I’m also interested in many different topics, and it will be fun to have a place to explore them.
I love where I live. I am absolutely passionate about the White Lake area, the people who live here, the people who visit, our history, and just about everything about my hometown. I am also passionate about many other topics, such as nature, White Lake and Lake Michigan, books, dogs, the good things about life, what lies ahead, what makes our corner of the world special, and how we can maintain and improve life in our community.
I believe in the value of a weekly newspaper and I’m grateful for the White Lake Beacon. It’s a place to catch up on local news and events, and it fosters important community connections. Most of us are probably more connected than we want to be, especially with Smart Phones, email and Facebook. Sometimes it seems like too much. Way too much. Even so, I certainly have time to read our small-town newspaper every week and I hope you look forward to it as much as I do.
I hope to add to the feeling of connection that our local weekly paper brings to its readers. My hope is that you will let me know what you like, what you don’t like, and your ideas for new columns. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that this community is blessed with unique people with lots of ideas and many skills. I would love to hear from you.
My approach to topics is generally a positive one. I’m a firm believer in “the glass is half full.” I believe that problems, whether they are just one person’s or shared by our community, are gifts. Our facing up to them as challenges makes us stronger as people and as a community. I believe we have so much for which to be thankful. And most importantly, I believe in what as the beloved late Mayor Henry Roesler Jr. was known to have said in his last hours - that people are inherently good. I am so excited to be able to write for and about the good people of the White Lake area.
Tanya Cabala is a lifelong resident of the White Lake area. A former educator and professional environmental advocate, she is currently the owner of Great Lakes Consulting, which provides project support and grant writing services to environmental and community nonprofit organizations. More information is available at www.tanyacabala.com. Tanya loves her hometown, loves writing, and loves to hear from her readers. Contact her at tcabala@charter.net or (231) 981-0016.
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