Welcome to July!!!

With everything that has recently been going on, it sometimes is easy to over look how great we have it as citizens of the United States. Beyond political indifferences, beyond deficit and recession news lines, beyond pollution and war-time arguments, the United States of America is the greatest country in the world…bar none. Honestly, where would you rather call home or raise your children or grandchildren? No doubt we are in a challenging, interesting, and trying time, but keep in mind that these challenges provide an excellent opportunities for the nation to pull together and once again show the world why we are the best.

Speaking of coming together, July is the month when we celebrate our patriotic pride through community gatherings, backyard BBQs, and of course beautiful firework displays. As residents of the Bryan/College Station area, we are fortunate to have numerous opportunities to spend time with family, neighbors, and friends and we have compiled some of these in our Family Event section. Take advantage of these opportunities and let those around you know how much you appreciate them and their company. Be sure to drink enough water and stay hydrated if outdoors for any extended amount of time. This recent rash of 100+ degree weather can act fast on our bodies, especially the little ones, so please pack some extra H2O when heading out. Sunscreen is also essential this part of the year. Numerous skin problems, some very severe, can be easily avoided with this simple precaution.

Harley-Davidson is a true American Icon. In this issue we take a look at our own Bryan/College Station gateway into the Harley world, Independence Harley-Davidson. Independence HD offers our area much more than you might expect from a motorcycle dealership. Take a minute to read this month’s Local Business Spotlight to learn a little more about this unique company and how they are much more than chrome and steel.

There are news reports cropping up everywhere of the economy finally turning around! Check out the BCS area’s recent housing sales and trends. Sherry Perry of Town and Country Real Estate has done a wonderful job of compiling these facts for inclusion in this month’s Home Sweet Home feature. Moms and Dads, keep Powersports in mind if you need some fun, quality, daytime supervision for your kids during these summer months. The Powersports Summer Day Camp is in full swing and eager to help. Pre-registration is NEVER required! Just come as you please, drop them off in the morning and look forward to your kids telling you about the great time they had later that night. Lastly, the heat is not only rough on us, but also strains our cars. Swing by Sevciks Service Center or Kwik Kar Sevice Center on Rock Prairie and let them reassure you that your vehicle is prepared for the hot months ahead.

As always, we greatly appreciate the readers of Active Youth and Community. Please keep in mind that AYC has been created as your community publication and we always want to hear from you. If you know of an event, article, or anything that should be included in AYC, please drop us an email at ads@aycmag.com. Until then, stay cool, stay hydrated, and remember to water the grass!!

Geoff Spahr Publisher- Active Youth and Community Magazine, College Station