Have you recently had a sheep thrown at you? Been superpoked by one of your friends? Or joined a new group like “People who went to Camp Mack in the ’80s?” Maybe you’ve just gotten 100 percent on the “One Hit Wonders of the ’70s” quiz.
    If any of this is familiar, you are obviously one of millions of people caught up in the Facebook craze that’s sweeping the nation, including Elkhart County. Facebook user Melissa Troyer gives an overview of what Facebook is and who is using it in this issue’s center spread.
    For people interested in getting a little closer to nature this season, a local naturalist gives a variety of tips, starting on page 12, for attracting birds to your backyard. Information on what type of seed attracts which birds and the proper bird feeders to install will give even a novice a good start on creating a haven for feathered friends.
    While there hasn’t been a lot of good news lately on the state of the county’s economy, there are still people out there willing to roll up their sleeves — and rev up their throttles — to help their neighbors.
    An article on the May 23 McKee’s Ride for Charity is featured on pages 6 and 7. Last year about 180 motorcycles took off from McKee’s Irish Pub to raise money for the Marian Hoogenboom CARE House, a home away from home for people being treated at The Center for Cancer Care at Goshen Health System. This year, along with the CARE House, proceeds will benefit United Cancer Services, which provides emotional and financial support to patients right here in Elkhart County.
    In honor of the recent changing of the seasons, Angela Gingerich, the regular restaurant reviewer, decided to take a little different angle in this issue. Instead of a restaurant, she is featuring a local venue where you can stuff yourself with goodies of all kinds while enjoying great music and social interaction.
    Ronda Decaire’s Living Green column is all about enjoying the great outdoors, especially about the benefits of getting children involved with nature. A photo collage from a group of children playing at Tommy’s Kids Castle at Shanklin Park accompanies the article.
    Spring is also the season for proms and weddings and Elkhart County Living has a photo feature for anyone looking for a special hairstyle. Check out the latest updos on pages 8 and 9.
    From all of us at ECL Magazine, we hope that you enjoy the April/May issue as much as you enjoy the mild (we hope) spring weather.
   
    ~ Elkhart County Living editor Monica Joseph