Beverage Group Vice President Jeremy Nedelka Tel : 763-383-4413 email : jnedelka @ epgacceleration . com

For many people living in the northern part of this country , the Canadian forest fires have become a pressing topic this summer . As wildfires rage up north at unprecedented levels , unlikely to subside anytime soon , the resultant smoke has drifted down into America . Particulates pollute our air quality . A specter of haze hangs over this season .

We ’ ve certainly seen the smoke here in Connecticut . The sky turns an unnatural color . At times it ’ s difficult to breathe . Our eyes get dry and watery . Even our thoughts are negatively affected , as inhaling the particulates has proven to have a deleterious effect on our mental faculties . ( Incredibly , my neighbors built a pool deck during this worst of the recent contamination .)

For one , this unfortunate event is a reminder to change the HVAC air filter in your house . If you haven ’ t already , go do it . And , of course , we hope for safety for everybody in Canada who must contend directly with the vast flames themselves .

Beyond that , I think of the fires as yet another reminder in recent times of how unexpected events continue to redirect our lives . Covid-19 was the ultimate example of this unfortunate truth . Now , with noxious smoke descending upon northern America , our summer is suddenly dampened by an impossible-to-predict problem .

What can we do ? Keep an eye on the air pollution maps . If you suffer from respiratory issues , perhaps remain inside when the smoke reaches the highest levels . I don ’ t know if it ’ s because I get bad seasonal allergies , but on days when the dry murky smoke envelops my town , I experience dry eyes and bad headaches . Unpleasant , indeed .

Funny how for years there we wore masks inside , and now we see some folks masking up outside . Covid receded and in came the smoke . It ’ s always something . That ’ s the lesson I see in this . Another unforeseen challenge constantly awaits us . Those who plan prudently and remain vigilant will continue to prosper as we navigate through these endlessly tricky times . Stay safe , and well prepared .

Editor , Off-Premise Kyle Swartz Tel : 763-383-4447 email : kswartz @ epgacceleration . com

Contributing Editors Melissa Dowling , Marnie Old , Tom Shay Krystina Skibo

National Account Director Debbie Rittenberg Tel : 763-383-4455 email : drittenberg @ epgacceleration . com

Associate Managing Art Director Nicole Siewert

Senior Product Manager , Data & Insights Marina Velez Tel : 763-383-4453 email : mvelez @ epgacceleration . com

LIST RENTAL Kris Grauer email : kgrauer @ npsmediagroup . com Tel : 203-822-7933

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Kyle Swartz Editor , Off-Premise

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4 Beverage Dynamics • July 2023 www . beveragedynamics . com