This June newsletter is a little late for June, but right on time for our celebration of Father's Day and the class of 2015. The idea that "June is bustin' out all over" is right on with the mostly beautiful weather for the last 30 days. It is so nice to see the town teeming with people, the parks full of joyful sounds; some athletic grunts, and the harbor springing to life with seemingly shore to shore boats, kayaks and the occasional rowing shell.  

While it is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, I would like to add a cautionary note. We are all not quite used to all this extra activity outside. The streets of Huntington are crowded and traffic sometimes heavy. The other day it took me almost 15 minutes to make a right hand turn from Spring street to Main. Not a left, a right! Please, as a motorist do not let the traffic frustrate you to rush the light or squeeze somewhere that you shouldn't. Pay attention for pedestrians as many aren't paying proper attention to you. As a pedestrian please pay close attention. This means that you shouldn't  be on the phone or texting. When I was a kid there were many public service announcements to look both ways before crossing. They even had a jingle that I can't seem to remember. It is also very important to use the pedestrian cross walks and cross at corners. It is very hard for a driver to see you if you are coming out between two cars, especially if they are high SUVs. Pedestrians always have the right of way, but as the song in Man of La Mancha goes, " Whether the stone hits the pitcher or the pitcher hits the stone; it is bad for the pitcher."  

As a bicyclist remember that you must follow the same rules as a vehicle. You must travel on the right, must follow traffic signals and remember that pedestrians have the right of way. When you are on the water, please follow the water safety rules. Sign up for your water safety class. While jet skis are a ton of fun, please exercise extra caution and always carry your license. The Harbor Police are checking very carefully.

Lastly, but most importantly, as parents you have an the extra responsibility for watching out for yourselves and your children simultaneously. Help educate them on the proper way to act in town. How to cross the street and how to interact with other people. Lead by example. Countless times I have seen a young mother walking in town with their kid next to them, not holding hands, a cellphone to their ear and crossing the street against the "Do Not Walk" sign. Responsibility aside "Whether the stone hits the pitcher or the pitcher hits the stone..." Please, put the cell phone away when your children need you most. Is the conversation or your child more important? Huntington can be a dangerous place but if we all keep our eyes open and try to anticipate others' actions we can avoid hearing news of tragic accidents. Enjoy the outside but please be safe!

Perhaps because I love chocolate and I am a father; I always try to create a a dessert with chocolate for Father's Day. This year's creation is a chocolate dream. Chris Reinwald has taken the chocolate cookie crust added a thin layer of dulce de leche caramel, a thin layer of Nutella and flooded the top with rich, dark chocolate ganache. I took this to a party last week and after the first person tried it, it was gone before I could try a piece. Lucky for me I knew where I could get more.

Another special that we are featuring this month is our hot dog rolls. I figured this the perfect bread item to accompany your Dad's Day BBQ. But these rolls are good for so much more. I'd love to see your ideas for different uses for the rolls, visit our Facebook page and post!

Finally I would like to offer a special congratulations to the class of 2015. This is a momentous event in your life and very worthy of a celebration party. Your parents and family are very proud and while you may feel that the family party is hokey, over time you will appreciate it and even become special to you. I have had adults come to me and thank us for the cakes from Reinwald's that marked their special occasions. Your graduation is definitely one of them!  

Please enjoy your days,